President Akufo Addo has appointed the Minister for Employment and Labour Relations, Ignatius Baffour Awuah as the Minister in charge of Pensions. The appointment which is in accordance with section 211 of the National Pensions Act 2008 (ACT 766) will see the minister steering the affairs of the National Pensions Regulatory Authority (NPRA) and the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) effective January 30, 2023. Mr Baffour Awuah made this known when he appeared before the Public Accounts Committee on Wednesday, February 1. The new ministerial appointment which takes immediate effect comes after the Minority warned that any new ministerial appointment will not be tolerated as the country embarks on a domestic debt restructuring to revive the ailing economy. Credit: Tellusghana.com

Ghanaian priest cum politician and the founder of the Ghana Union Movement, Rev. Christian Andrew Awuni, popularly known as Osofo Kyiriabosom, has disclosed that he will impose a ban on the usage of condoms if he becomes the President of Ghana. The leader and founder of the Ghana Movement Union, made the comments when he appeared on Atinka TV’s “Agenda Show” hosted by Speaker Nana Yaw Fianko on Tuesday. According to the pastor turned politician, the use of condoms promotes promiscuity and immorality. He added that the resources could be channelled into more beneficial ventures. Watch video below: Credit: Atinkaonline.com

President Akufo-Addo has commissioned a 300-bed accommodation facility for young soldiers at the 37 Military Hospital. The facility, christened Joseph Siaw Agyepong Young Soldiers Block was financed and built by the Jospong Group of Companies (JGC). Commissioning the facility at a colorful ceremony on Wednesday, February 1, 2023, President Akufo-Addo reiterated his government's commitment to provide decent accommodation facilities for the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF). For that reason, he stated that the edifice is named the Joseph Siaw Agyepong Young Soldiers Block, after the Executive Chairman and Founder of the Jospong Group of Companies, Dr Joseph Siaw Agyepong. According to the President, the project formed part of the Phase 1 and 2 of the Barracks Regeneration and the Military Housing Projects in 2020 and 2021 respectively all of which are aimed at providing decent accommodation for the military. The Defense Minister, Ambrose Dery, said one of the major challenges facing GAF wss accommodation, and therefore appealed for assistance. "Mr. President, since you assumed office, you have paid much attention to our accommodation issues. You started with the cutting of a sod in May 2017, for the Barrack Regeneration Project which saw the construction of 112 units of 2-bedroom flats at the Daula Barracks and 6 Garrison in Tamale, " he stated. "Furthermore, you initiated the Military Housing Project which saw a monumental increase to the accommodation stock," said Mr Dery. Earlier, in a brief remark, the Executive Chairman of the JGC, Dr. Joseph Siaw Agyepong, expressed his profound gratitude to the Military High Command for the opportunity to support a worthy cause. He indicated that the Group sees the gesture as an opportunity to contribute their quota through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to an institution as important as the Ghana Army. “The contribution of the military to the socio-economic development of Ghana cannot be overemphasised and so is any institution that is linked to their health and wellbeing. This is why any contribution to support the smooth running of their major health facility-- 37 Military Hospital will not be overlooked by the JOSPONG GROUP OF COMPANIES," he averred. The JGC in a bid to give back to society, he explained, supports institutions whose mission resonates with the corporate mission of JGC as the company's corporate mission is contributing to saving lives in the society. According to Dr Siaw Agyepong, his outfit has enjoyed a good collaboration with the Armed Forces as their drivers and Ecozoil staff members have benefitted from the rich expertise from various outlets of the GAF. "This is indeed my personal admiration for the military for the mark of discipline, professionalism and excellence", he underscored. "I am inspired by what I am witnessing here today and this has further reinforced the company's resolve to continue to contribute our widow's might to the 37 Military Hospital in other areas of interest which they wish to embark on," Dr Siaw Agyepong assured. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Presidential Hopeful and Member of Parliament (MP) for Assin Central Constituency, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong says he will find the killers of an Investigative Journalist, Mr. Ahmed Suale, and a former MP for Abuakwa North Constituency in the Eastern region, Mr. Joseph Kwame Kyeretwie Boakye Danquah, if he wins the presidential primaries of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and subsequently becomes the President of Ghana. Speaking in an interview on Good Evening Ghana, on Tuesday (January 31, 2023), Mr. Agyapong said that he will find the killers of the two men if he becomes president to exonerate himself. “What I will do if I’m elected president is I will encourage the police to investigate the case to the bottom to uncover everything… I wanted to tell you that if I’m elected today, whether the case is dead or not I will bring it back again to investigate" “The problem is if the president shows interest, the police will work and I will show interest. I will show interest because it is me who has been accused, it is important to exonerate myself,” he said. Ken Agyapong, the MP for Assin Central, also stated that he was once detained by the US government over the murder of Ahmed Saule but he was released after investigations. Ahmed Hussein-Saule was assassinated in Madina on Wednesday, January 16, 2019, by two unknown assailants. The assailants shot him twice in his chest and once in his neck after breaking into his car. The Ghana Police Service is still investigating his murder, but no one has been arrested yet. JB Danquah was murdered on February 9, 2016 at his home in Shiashi Legon, a suburb of Accra. One suspect, Daniel Asiedu, has been charged with murder over the death of the former MP and he has pleaded guilty. Watch the interview below: Story by: Thinknewsonline.com

National Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Sammy Gyamfi Esq. has called on President Akufo-Addo to immediately fire all officials cited in the Auditor-General’s report. According to Sammy Gyamfi, those officials have violated the laws of the country in their expenditure of COVID-19 funds. Addressing Journalists in Accra on the mismanagement of covid-19 funds and matters arising, he said "President Akufo-Addo must immediately fire the Minister of Finance, his Health Minister, Kweku Agyemang Menu, the Minister of Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, the CEO of the National Food Buffer Stock Company and all other officials who have been cited in the report for violating the laws of the country in their expenditure of COVID-19 funds." Mr. Gyamfi added that the NDC is calling on the Public Accounts Committee of Parliament (PAC) to expedite its public hearings on this Special Audit Report into COVID-19 expenditures. This hearing, he noted, should be televised live for the Ghanaian public to follow and be apprised of how their government expended COVID-19 funds. Mr. Gyamfi further urged Parliament to compel the Auditor-General to exercise his power of surcharge and disallowance to retrieve all COVID-19 funds that have been misapplied or misused through various infractions and veritable acts of criminality. "While at it, ladies and gentlemen, we call on the Special Prosecutor to investigate all Ministers and public officials who have been cited in the report for wrongdoing and bring them to book" "The report nonetheless reveals jaw-dropping details of how various officials and assigns of this government misapplied, misused and in some cases, wilfully looted the unprecedented resource envelope that accrued to the NPP-Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government for the management of the COVID-19 pandemic" "The Auditor-General’s report reveals that, by the kind courtesy of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ghana benefitted immensely from unprecedented inflow of funds from various sources, such as the World Bank, the International Monitory Fund, the Africa Development Bank, the European Union, the Contingency Fund and the sale of BOG-COVID-19 Bonds among others. These funds, the report estimates to amount to a total of Twenty-One Billion, Eight-hundred and forty-four million, One-hundred and eighty-nine thousand, one-hundred and eighty-five Ghana Cedis, twenty-four pesewas (GHS 21,844,189,185.24)" "We must emphasize here, that this amount excludes other COVID-related funds such as the $1 Billion facility from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), being Ghana’s share of the IMF’s Special Drawing Rights (SDR) to boost post-COVID economic recovery of member countries. The Auditor-General’s estimate also excludes the over GHS62 million that accrued to the COVID-19 Trust Fund which was established by an Act of Parliament to help mobilize funds to complement government’s fight against the pandemic." "These notwithstanding, the report observed that out of the total amount of GHS21.8 billion that accrued to the Government of Ghana, only GHS11, 750,683,059.11 was spent on COVID-19 activities, while the rest of the money (precisely GHS10, 093,506,126.13) was spent on so-called “budget support”. "he animal call “budget support” as we would later realize, was the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government’s euphemism for their reckless and wasteful election-driven expenses which resulted in an unprecedented budget deficit of 15.7% in the year 2020" Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Bui Power Authority (BPA) has inaugurated a new Audit Committee for 2023. The inauguration was held as mandated by Government under the Section 86 (1) of the Public Financial Management Act 2016, (Act 921). The short ceremony on 24th January 2023, was chaired by the BPA Chief Executive Officer, Hon. Samuel Kofi Dzamesi. A Deputy Director of the Internal Audit Agency (IAA) conducted the swearing-in, on behalf of Dr. E. O. Osae, the Internal Audit Agency Director-General. Welcoming all attendees to the meeting, Hon. Samuel Kofi Dzamesi reiterated the importance of the Internal Audit Unit and how impactful it has been in the efficient operation of the Authority. The Deputy Director, Mr. Senanu Mensah, in a speech read on behalf of the Director General of the Internal Audit Agency, emphasized that the Audit Committee is paramount in public accountability and management of public resources. He went on to categorise the Audit Committee’s role in three parts, Mandatory, Advisory/Consulting and Support to BPA’S Internal Audit Committee. He further explained that the mandatory function is to ensure that all necessary Audit Reports are endorsed and submitted as stipulated by the Agency. As an advisory, the Audit Committee will focus on areas such as Financial Management, Internal Control, Government Processes, Regulation Laws, Policies and Risk Management. The Committee is also to support the Internal Audit Unit of the Authority to ensure that it delivers on its mandate. He ended by stating that, although the Agency operates as a stand-alone, it expects a seamless synergy between the Audit Committee and BPA, as this will ensure that the mandate is carried out efficiently. The newly sworn-in members of the Audit Committee include; Dr. Mrs. Rebecca Atswei Lomo, IAA - Chairperson; Mr. Steven Perdison, IAA - Member; Emmanuel Quarshie, ICAG - Member; Dr. Mrs. Rebecca Acquaah-Arhin BPA Board - Member; Hon. Paul Twum-Barimah, BPA Board - Member and Ms. Beatrice Dadson BPA Legal -Secretary - Member Congratulating the members, Hon. Samuel Kofi Dzamesi stressed the need for the sharing of information as this is the hallmark of any successful team. He also re-assured the team of his unrelenting support. Below are some pictures: Story by: Bui Power Authority

Suzuki, a very well known player in the Automotive Industry, has commissioned its first locally assembled swift vehicle, right here in Ghana. The vehicle was commissioned by caretaker Minister for Trade and Industry, Samuel A. Jinapor. Addressing the gathering, the caretaker Minister said "Government is working with its development partners and industry players to develop and introduce vehicle financing schemes to make locally assembled vehicles affordable" The newly inaugurated Ghana Automotive Industry Development Council, made up of stakeholders in the industry, is expected to sustain the long-term development of the industry. The Automotive Development Centre, which serves as the Secretariat of the Council, will provide Policy Support, Vehicle Financing, Investment and Customs Facilitation, Training and Skills Development, Vehicle Testing and Certification as well as a Showroom for exhibiting locally assembled vehicles. Below are some pictures: Credit: Communications and Advocacy Team, MOTI

The Government of Ghana says it has extended the deadline of the much-talked about Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP) from January 31 to February 7, 2023. According to Government, it is encouraging all stakeholders to participate in the DDEP, an essential step towards meeting the debt sustainability targets and restoring macroeconomic stability and economic growth. In a release sighted by Thinknewsonline.com, it said "These developments have necessitated the final extension of the deadline from 31st January, 2023, to Tuesday 7th February, 2023, and a new settlement date of Tuesday 14th February, 2023 that will be confirmed via the new Exchange Memorandum" The Government of Ghana further added that it appreciates the cordial engagements with the various stakeholders since the beginning of the DDEP, that have made such remarkable progress possible. "All bondholders are hereby encouraged to commence all administrative processes towards their participation in the Exchange, in line with the agreements reached" The release also mentioned that government has made significant progress with all stakeholders, including financial sector industry associations and representative groups of individual bondholders, with respect to their participation in the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP). "That based on the agreement reached with the Ghana Association of Banks (GAB), Ghana Insurers Association (GIA), and the Ghana Securities Industry Association (GSIA), the new terms of the exchange have been accepted. A revised and final Exchange Memorandum will be released by Thursday 2nd February 2023" "That based on the engagements with the representative groups of individual bondholders, the following has been offered and will form part of the new Exchange Memorandum: An affirmation that all individual bondholders are free not to participate. However, upon a successful DDEP there will be very few of the ‘old bonds’ in circulation, and likely limit its tradability. In this regard, the Government is pleased to make available the following alternative offer to encourage all individual bondholders to participate in the Exchange" All individual bondholders who are below the age of 59 years according to the release will be offered instruments with a maximum maturity of 5 years, instead of 15 years, and a 10% coupon rate. All retirees (including those retiring in 2023) will be offered instruments with a maximum maturity of 5 years, instead of 15 years, and a 15% coupon rate. "Additionally, discussions are being finalised with Organized Labour and Pension Fund Trustees, on a separate arrangement in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding signed with Organized Labour on 22nd December 2022, and in line with government’s debt management Programme" Below is a copy of the release: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

One of the topmost Israeli-owned technology firms in the world, Gulf Technology Systems (GTS), and the Upper West Regional Manager for Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC), Abdul Aziz Moniesson Suleman, are set to spearhead a number of Economic Growth projects in the Upper West Region. The collaboration between GTS and businessman Hon. Abdul Aziz Moniesson which is to be carried out in partnership with the Upper West Regional Coordinating Council shall focus on various projects in sectors such as energy, agriculture education, energy and industrialization. The economic growth projects are to be undertaken within a number of communities in the region which is one of the breadbaskets of Ghana. Abdul Aziz Moniesson Suleman agreed to collaborate with Gulf Technology Systems on agricultural and industrial projects in the upper West Region of Ghana. A full economic growth program was signed by Hon. Abdul Aziz Moniesson Suleman and Gulf Technology Systems and renowned Israeli businessman, Samuel Shay. Among other things, which is set begin in due course, seeks to take agricultural production in the Upper West Region into a new phase, maximize the yield and the use of existing crops and industrialize the agricultural sector to process the crops for added value with full renewable energy program and education and training plan. The partnership is to begin with initial two projects which shall focus on Moringa , Casava, Ginger, and other existing crops in the region follow with full educational and training program. Each project under the partnership will work to increase the yield, mechanize the farm work and expand growing area. Under the partnership, factories and processing plants are to be built for manufacturing the raw crops into products. The aim of the collaboration is not only to improve agricultural production in the Upper West Region, but also to keep as much of the processing stages locally, thus keeping most of the value and work opportunities in the region. As part of its mandate under the partnership, the region will be responsible to facilitate the allocation of the land needed for factories, field plantations, transportation and handling as needed. The Upper West Region of Ghana is well-known for its local resources and ability to support major economic growth. About Gulf Technology Systems GTS (Global Technology System) is an Israeli company that specializes in integrating Israeli high-tech technologies, countries and government bodies in the GCC's, in light of the new peace agreement and the normalization of relations between the countries. The founder of GTS, Samuel Shay, also heads the Israel-United Arab Emirates Business Forum, whose main goal is to turn the warm political relations between the countries into business ties between GCC's and Israelis. GTS provides the creative ideas, the most advanced technologies in the world, and the best minds that have conceived them. The leading technology company also provides training to locals who can operate the projects, while reducing dependence on foreign workers. GTS, currently operate on full scale cooperation between Israel, GCC's and African countries for full tripartite activity between the countries. Credit: African Entertainment

Leading UAE-based Israeli technology company, Gulf Technology Systems (GTS) and the Government of Ghana through the Western Regional Coordinating Council are set to collaborate on agricultural and industrial projects. The Western Regional Coordinating Council on January 18, 2023, agreed to collaborate with Gulf Technology Systems on agricultural and industrial projects in the Western Region of Ghana. A letter signed by the Western Regional Minister, Hon. Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah (MP) and addressed to the President of Gulf Technology Systems and renowned Israeli businessman, Samuel Shay, announced the collaboration. Among other things, the collaboration seeks to take agricultural production in the Western Region into a new phase, maximize the yield and the use of existing crops and industrialize the agricultural sector to process the crops for added value. The partnership is to begin with initial three projects which shall focus on rice, coconut and bamboo. Each project under the partnership will work to increase the yield, mechanize the farm work and expand growing area. Under the partnership, factories and processing plants are to be built for manufacturing the raw crops into products. The aim of the collaboration is not only to improve agricultural production in the Western Region, but also to keep as much of the processing stages locally, thus keeping most of the value and work opportunities in the region. As part of its mandate under the partnership, the region will be responsible to facilitate the allocation of the land needed for factories, field plantations, transportation and handling as needed. The Western Region of Ghana is well-known for its agriculture production, and is responsible for a good number of Ghana's food crops. It is considered the number one contributor to Ghana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). About Gulf Technology Systems GTS (Global Technology System) is an Israeli company that specializes in integrating Israeli high-tech technologies, countries and government bodies in the GCC's, in light of the new peace agreement and the normalization of relations between the countries. The founder of GTS, Samuel Shay, also heads the Israel-United Arab Emirates Business Forum, whose main goal is to turn the warm political relations between the countries into business ties between GCC's and Israelis. GTS provides the creative ideas, the most advanced technologies in the world, and the best minds that have conceived them. The leading technology company also provides training to locals who can operate the projects, while reducing dependence on foreign workers. GTS, currently operate on full scale cooperation between Israel, GCC's and African countries for full tripartite activity between the countries. Credit: African Entertainment

Ghanaian Comedian SDK Dele officially known as Sadik Sulley has disclosed the passing of his mother, two years after he lost his father. In a Facebook post on Tuesday, January 31, the Comedian announced that his mother Rebecca Opong had passed away. He posted, “Lost my lovely mom….Rest in peace Mama” His mother was a popular figure who used to feature in his funny skits. In the comedian’s first feature film, Blue Film, his parents starred alongside him, playing parents to his character. SDK Dele’s mother had not been well for some time now. The comedian in an interview with Delay indicated that his mother was battling with stroke and was grateful that his father gave up the ghost because both parents couldn’t have been sick at the same time. SDK Dele’s mother has been in the spotlight for some time now featuring in skits produced by her son. Following the announcement from the Comedian, fans and friends on social media shared their condolences with him. Source: Tellusghana.com

In 1992, you began your political career when your late uncle Joe Kanchi signed a membership card of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for you under the ebony tree in Mirigu-Gonum. You have since participated in all political activities representing the NDC at all levels. It all began in the Kassalingo Community in Mirigu of the Upper East Region of Ghana. You started as a party agent, PRO and slightly missed the position of Chairmanship at the Constituency level in 2014. We knew you would have been a good Chairman but maybe God had just asked you to wait for the ultimate time which is now. Since that election, you have become a household name in the Constituency and the Region particularly among the NDC family. You have turned down proposals by constituents for you to put yourself up for the parliamentary primaries for obvious reasons. You have earned many accolades to your name; unifier, humble, affable, peaceful, friendly, team leader, people centered, passionate, compassionate and development oriented they say you are. You're truly a unifier and reconciliatory in nature. Once you tried in 2014 and weren't successful, you put it behind you and worked hard for the party in various capacities at various levels. You supported all NDC candidates in cash, material and human skills over the years. You have consistently dedicated your time, shredded energy and committed your rather scarce resources to work for the party in all subsequent elections. Little wonder therefore that, a delegate had this to say about you. "People and the NDC party are the reason why Abirigo is not so rich". This may sound as a comic relief and qualifies as a funny meme. Yet that is the level people know your selfless sacrifices to humankind. Holy scripture also captures it in a manner so unequivocal when it stated, “service to mankind is service to God”. I guess it’s time to serve God to the service to mankind. Another delegate said, "As for Hon. Abirigo, he can give his last one cedi to people and go hungry". This is how well you are known for, because when you worked as Public Relations Officer for the Kassena-Nankana Mutual Health Insurance Scheme as the key publicity and registration officer, they said you spent all your money registering for the aged and the needy for the over four years. You have persisted in caring for people and the NDC party over the years and they have good records of you in their hearts. You have shown consistency and drive to lead the NDC in the Constituency all this while and this is your time. The calls for you to lead your party, in the constituency, is now resoundingly louder. But unlike the calls to Pontious Pilate that sounded “CRUCIFY HIM! CRUCIFY HIM!!’ Yours is sounding “CROWN HIM! CROWN HIM!!.. It echoes from the East, to the West and to the North and south, echoes with a resounding and unanimous magnitude. It resonates through the vicissitudes of time sending signals into the ears of innocent children, the youth, women, the aged, able and the disable of our constituency. For it is written that, ‘’I the Lord have spoken! and you must remember that, the tide in the affairs of man is not static’’. It moves. Also, remember what happened to Jonah may repeat itself when you try to run away from these calls. And do not be afraid. Just like it happened to Moses, I have good news for you: Selflessness and peaceful From the East to the West, delegates have concluded that you deserve their votes. They talk about your selflessness and crave for peace, unity and development in the constituency. Your contributions, efforts and commitments to see a lasting peace particularly in the Doba- Kandiga area specifically is highly commendable. Delegates have the firm belief that you would be a developmental Member of Parliament and therefore, you deserve the votes this time around. Team player You have proven beyond reasonable doubt you are a team player and relate well with every community and section in the constituency without being discriminatory against people due to their political or community belongingness. The name Abirigo resonates in every nook and cranny of the constituency. In Chiana, Nakong, Kayoro, Paga, Nakolo, Navio, Sirigu, Kandiga and many others, the name Abirigo is a household name. A young man met us for the first time in Accra and this was what he said “ohh so this is the popular Abirigo?” In many occasions, you have worked with constituents in the East, West and North for your party the NDC. The delegates remember every bit of your sacrifices for your party. They see how you easily relate with them. They see your positive party working relationships and they are determined to reward your leadership should you put yourself up. Your humility and respect to all manner of persons. Your humility and respect towards for both young and old is widely talked about and delegates really appreciate your strong spirit and sense of humility. In fairness, you have no match in this race to lead the party in Chiana-Paga Constituency. The delegates have been communicating that the race is between Hon. Abirigo and all the rest put together. Yes that is what they about you. Abirigo brings fresh, firm, decisive, trustworthy and reliable leadership. Grassroots party membership are yearning for your strong and top notch leadership to reinvigorate party activities in the constituency. Your courage and strong leadership and your likeability identity is required to ensure the party’s victory of 2024 in the constituency. The delegates are waiting to endorse you in May 13, 2023. Bilingualist and Universal . Given the dynamics of the constituency, you come as a universal and unique person that attracts more votes for party come 2024 because you speak both Kasem and Gurene fluently. The Peoples' Project Everyone is already talking about the Peoples' Project that you intend to unveil. They have no doubt that Project when implemented will create employment for the youth in the constituency and uplift them out of poverty as it is focused on the people. Delegates are anxiously waiting to endorse the Peoples' Project come May 13, 2023. Delegates are delighted to know you are leading in the race to become the Member of Parliament for the Paga-Chiana Constituency for their interest and they believe what you have done on your own you can do greater things when you become their MP. Indeed, Hon Abirigo THIS IS YOUR TIME, I HEAR THE VOICE OF THE LORD CALL YOUR NAME TO STEP FORWARD FOR IT IS YOUR TIME. It is not debatable. All other candidates are just trying. But your is a call to divine duty. “Go ye therefore and subdue the votes and commit ye therefore to the service of the people”. It’s well with you. Your name, Atayure is no mere coincidence. You have the name indeed. You have the greatest of name. Go make the numbers. Credit: David Adumbire, a Researcher, PhD Candidate, University of Ghana, (UG)