The Privileges Committee of Parliament has decided to leave the determination of the fate of the Member of Parliament for Dome Kwabenya, Adwoa Safo to the entire plenary. The Committee took the decision following the MP’s failure to appear before the committee to justify her absence from Parliament without permission for more than 15 sitting days. The committee however by 15-12 majority decision determined that the excuse from Assin Central MP, Kennedy Agyapong and Ayawaso Central MP, Henry Quartey is tenable and thus, they should not lose their seats. The report of the committee, however, will be presented to the plenary for consideration and approval or otherwise. A member of the committee and MP for Akwatia, Henry Boakye-Yiadom, spoke to Citi News after the meeting held behind closed doors. “With Kennedy Agyapong, there were 15 votes against 12, likewise Henry Quartey. In Awoa Safo’s case, the Chair of the committee said since she had never appeared before us, we did not vote. We have thus decided to hand her over to Parliament to determine her fate.” Credit: Citinewsroom

The Minister for Energy, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh says he is hopeful that Parliament will take keen interest in the draft Energy Transition policy document. The Minister made these known at a stakeholder engagement with colleague Members of Parliament (MPs) organised by the National Energy Transition Committee in Accra on Wednesday. The Energy MInister said "I am hopeful that Parliament will take keen interest in the key policy document" Dr. Prempeh also appealed to his fellow MPs to also disseminate the information to citizens in their various constituencies for better understanding. Explaining further, he said "The reason for the extensive collaboration, extensive stakeholder consultation is simple. Energy Transition affects everybody in the country and it affects our activities and our daily living that is why it is so essential to consult everybody. When we consult everybody. From the market woman to the person with the suit and the tie" The Minister also said "It has the potential of dramatically changing our way of life so everybody should be involved. We will be meeting the judiciary tomorrow after meeting the parliamentarians today. The committee of Lands and Natural Resources, Water and Sanitation, Environment and Finance are all Committees that we have engaged with on this" He revealed that since the advent of the Paris Climate Conference in 2015, Ghana under His Excellency, John Mahama made some commitments towards the Energy Climate agenda called the Nationally Determined Contributions. Napo noted that it warranted Ghana to take certain actions on the energy transition agenda. He hinted that Ghana gave the commitment that by 2030, 10% of its energy mix be renewable or clean energy. "10% of our energy mix should be renewable or clean meanwhile we already have 40% of our energy being renewable or clean because of our hydro but of course, because we have a huge amount of that energy, the Paris Climate Agenda decided that we call that Legacy generation so we are starting from zero and between 2015 and now, we have put in place a lot of work to ensure that we embark on the clean energy agenda" "The clean agenda led us to go to parliament in 2020 to renew the renewable energy act to ensure that from individuals to corporate citizens to industry, everybody contributes to this agenda of clean energy" "In Ghana, over 60% of our energy use is from wood fuel, which means cutting down on our forests and committing them into charcoal and using them directly in feeding ourselves" "Let us not think that this energy transition has an agenda that we should not think about. I dont think any secondary school in this country should use wood fuel or charcoal, because the effects it has on the vulnerable. We need to change that agenda" "Apart from cooking, we come to cars. Now we have cars everywhere. Once the dollar is out of control, our citizens are going to suffer. We should not think that one's activities is going to affect the other" Dr. Prempeh stressed that Ghana has to quickly find a way of transiting from diesel and petrol to a more cheaper fuel like gas or solar. "We are trying to get into E-Vehicles. So energy transition, we have to understand is not something that is far away from us. They developing the E-Vehicles such that me and you will enjoy the cars and also allow those who want to drive at high speeds also do so" He reminded colleague MPs that the Energy Transition is to ensure that the citizenry is aware of what is happening. "All the cars in Europe are switching to electric but we are getting there and by 20 or 39 years time, all these diesel/petrol will be out. We have to embrace the technology as quickly as possible to enable us play an economic role" "We have solar in the country to put on in our houses and this year when the PURC catches up with the tariffs, it is bringing what we call the net zero charges. We have to engage ourselves, our communities and the citizens to accept that it is here with us and what are we doing to take advantage of it" "In a developing country like ours where we desperately need to create jobs through industrialization, we should not use that agenda to increase our carbon footprint but challenge ourselves and use clean renewable energy in minimizing our footprint" The Minister for Energy commended his Deputy, Dr. Amin Adam and the Deputy Transport Minister, Hon. Obeng for touring all 16 regions and explaining to Ghanaians the need for the Energy Transition Plan. On his part, the Deputy Minister for Transport, Frederick Obeng Adom said "We all know what transport does in the energy sector and you will all agree with me that the transport set is very vital to the functioning of our economy and also ensures social protection" He added that depending on what technology is being adopted, there could be direct and indirect impact on the natural environment. He revealed that per the data available to the Transport Ministry from DVLA indicates that as 2021, out of the 2.8 million registered vehicles, 72% are powered by petrol, 27% by diesel engines and less than 1% by LPG and other energy sources. "The results of this high dependency on fossil fuel coupled with a number of factors including the traffic congestion has made the transport sector a net emitter of greenhouse cars" Hon. Adom noted that achieving a net zero future requires a coordinated approach. "It also means that we also need to work on the way we use and generate energy to power the various sectors of the economy" he stressed. "Globally, countries are responding to the call for a net zero emission future. The United Nations has set a target to achieve a net zero future by 2050." The MPs pledged their support to ensuring that they take keen interest in the draft Energy Transition policy document. Below are some pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The main opposition party, National Democratic Congress (NDC) has released its certified timetable for its 2022 branch elections. The timetable was released by the General Secretary of the party, Johnson Asiedu Nketia during a press briefing at the party’s headquarters in Accra. Mr. Asiedu Nketia said "The elections procedures will officially commence on 20th July, 2022 to 3rd September, 2022" He also explained that the sixteen regions have been grouped into four zones. He said "The four major zones are Northern (zone 1), Middle (Zone 2), Southern (Zone 3) and Ashanti and Eastern regions (Zone 4). The General Secretary hinted that the exercise will have exhibition, nomination, vetting, appeal, and elections. He appealed to members of the NDC to pay their dues in order to support the party. Mr. Asiedu Nketia noted that effective mechanisms have been put in place to ensure free, credible and fair processes by making the forms available to all without going hoarding it with particular persons. On his part, the Deputy General Secretary of the part, Peter Otukonor hinted that the NDC has introduced the www.ndcghana.com where party members can access, follow the procedures and pay thei Below is the timetable for the NDC branch level elections: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Vice President, Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia has described as sad, the death of the Municipal Chief Executive for Bibiani Anwiaso Bekwai, Alfred Amoah and his driver on Tuesday night. The Vice President in a Facebook post described the MCE and his driver, Samuel Gyasi as dedicated patriots. “Sad to hear the death of Hon. Alfred Amoah, MCE for Bibiani Anwiaso Bekwai Municipal Assembly and his driver Samuel Gyasi. Both Alfred and Samuel have been dedicated patriots who served with dignity and passion. “May the souls of our dear brothers rest in perfect peace,” the vice president wrote. The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai Mr. Alfred Amoah and his driver, died in a ghastly road accident on Tuesday, July 12, 2022. According to information available to GhanaWeb, the incident happened at Sefwi Akaasu along the Accra-Kumasi Highway. An eyewitness who spoke to GhanaWeb said the accident involved a trailer with a registration number AS 4229 X and the Toyota Landcruiser in which the MCE was travelling. The trailer, coming from Kumasi to Accra is said to have lost control a few meters from the Birim river on the Accra-Kumasi highway after its axle broke in the middle of the road. It subsequently crashed into the MCE's car, with registration number GC 2060-18, crashing the engine and the driver's part along with the seating area of the front passenger. The MCE was reported to be on his way back to Kumasi from Accra where he and other appointees had met with the President earlier in the day. The deceased Alfred Amoah and his driver, yet to be identified, died instantly at the time of filing this report. Their bodies were still trapped in the car but the Police and Fire Service were at the scene trying to restore vehicular order and retrieve the remains. The state-owned Daily Graphic's account states that the accident said to involve multiple vehicles, reportedly occurred at Apedwa near Tafo in the Eastern Region. It also quoted the Western North Regional Minister, Richard Rocky Joojo Obeng as having confirmed the incident. Watch screenshot below: Credit: Ghanaweb

The Senior Staff Association of the Universities of Ghana (SSAUoG) has expressed its intention to embark on an indefinite strike, effective today, July 13. Speaking to Accra-based 3FM on Wednesday, a trustee of the Association, James Maluna Banoeng said the Association will formally announce its strike at a press conference later today. The press conference will take place at the main gate of the University of Ghana, Legon. “We will be declaring the strike at 10 am today at the University of Ghana main gate, and we are extending invitation to all media houses. I don’t want to let the cat out of the bucket. There is a national chairman who will be giving the announcement”, Mr. Benoeng said. The notification by the Association adds to the prevailing unrest on the labour front. Currently, the Teachers and Education Workers Union (TEWU), the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) and the Coalition of Concerned Teachers (CCT) have laid down their tools, over the failure of government to pay them 20% of their basic salaries as Cost of Living Allowance (COLA). Regarding this development, representatives of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) and the National Graduate Association of Teachers (NAGRAT) walked out of the negotiation with the government over their demand for COLA. The two associations accused government of betrayal of trust for asking them to call off their strike before negotiations. “By indicating and asking us to call off our strike before negotiations begin, what it means is that the government side is not ready to continue negotiations unless the teacher unions call off the strike. They have held all organised labour hostage, this is a betrayal of trust. “Right now since we are undesirable, before they even walk us out of the meeting, we are walking out of the meeting ourselves”, NAGRAT President, Angel Carbonu told the media on Tuesday. Meanwhile, the said meeting has been adjourned indefinitely. According to the Deputy Minister of Employment and Labour Relations, Bright Wereko-Brobbey, the adjournment was due to the refusal of some labour unions to call off their strike before negotiations commence. “We have had to adjourn the meeting because both parties; labour and government think that we cannot do this while a party is on strike, so the agreement is that we are going off to talk to each other. They call off the strike and we come again to meet”, he told Joy News. The Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta and the Deputy Minister of Employment and Labour Relations, Bright Wereko-Brobbey together with other government officials were present at the meeting. He noted that the meeting will be reconvened in the course of the week for negotiations to continue. This is the second time negotiations between the teacher unions and the government have ended inconclusively. The teachers have been on strike since last Tuesday. Credit: Myjoyonline.com

Information reaching Thinknewsonline.com indicates that Veteran Highlife Musician, Alfred Benjamin Crenstil has been reported dead. The Legend passed on at the age of 79. The news of his death was announced on facebook by sound engineer, Fred Kyei Mensah. Information gathered reveals that the Veteran Musician had been unwell. The Facebook post read "Farewell A. B. Crenstil. The original composer and singer of the famous and controversial songs, ‘Moses and Aba AB Crenstil, has died!" Late A.B Crenstil had a stint with a lot of bands before joining the Sweet Talks Band with Smart Nkansah and then his own band, Ahenfo. His hit songs, ‘Juliana and Obi ba wiase cannot be forgotten. Music lovers across the world have began pouring in their tributes. Below are some pictures Story by: Think News Desk Report

The Deputy Minister for Energy says Ghana needs to strategically plan in order to overcome the challenges imposed by the energy transition agenda. According to him, the move will help Ghana to be on the same level with the rest of the world towards cleaner energy. Speaking at a stakeholder engagement on National Transition Plan by the National Energy Transition Committee, he said "The global advocacy for energy transition and decarbonisation has left many countries especially hydrocarbon dependent countries in limbo. So is our country Ghana and therefore we need to strategically plan to overcome the challenges imposed by the energy transition agenda and to move with the rest of the world towards cleaner energy" The Deputy Minister added that although Ghana seek to tow that line, it will do so at a pace cognizant of the fact that it is not as resourced as the developed countries. "Ghana is a signatory to the Paris Agreement as well as other international protocols which require us to achieve net zero carbon emission by 2050. This is why it has become imperative for us to plan and strategise to steer our country towards a low carbon economy while ensuring economic growth" Dr. Amin Adam told the gathering that the Ministry of Energy is developing a National Energy Transition Plan to guide the country as it transitions to cleaner energy. He noted that being a national plan, it is expedient that the views of stakeholders are incorporated to ensure a holistic approach and successful implementation of the plan. "Public dialogues and stakeholder engagement like this, will enable us garner public support, incorporate local perspectives, and receive innovative ideas to formulate a transition plan that is sustainable, locally appropriate, and feasible to implement" The Deputy Minister added that it is anticipated that fossil fuels particularly natural gas will continue to be part of Ghana’s energy mix. He revealed that strategies will be put in place to increase the share of renewable energy in the mix in the medium to long term. Dr. Amin Adam hinted that currently, about 70% of Ghana’s installed power generation capacity of 5,231MW is from thermal plants that use natural gas as their primary fuel. This proportion is projected to increase to meet the growing energy demand commensurable to the national economic growth, he explained. "We will however aggressively develop and utilise cleaner energy resources such as solar, wind, hydro and nuclear among others" The Deputy Minister also mentioned that transitioning to cleaner energy over the next few years would require substantial resources adding that the paucity of such resources in this part of the world could notably affect implementation of the transition plan. "We could therefore leverage on revenues from our indigenous oil and gas resources to develop the renewable or cleaner energy the world advocates for. We acknowledge that gas, to a large extent, is clean and has a huge potential to drive industrialization and still meet the energy transition goals" "Therefore, as part of the plan for Ghana’s transition process, we will continue to explore for and produce oil and gas but in a more environmentally friendly manner. We will enforce the zero flaring policy and institute Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage techniques to ensure that petroleum activities do not adversely impact the environment. Afforestation programmes and carbon credits will also be introduced as measures to avoid further pollution of the environment by oil and gas activities" "As we commit to continue the production of oil and gas, the reality we are confronted with is the increasingly unavailable funds to invest in these projects, increasing the threat to the exploitation of our resources" He stressed that whilst Ghana recognizes the need to decarbonize its economy, the cost of stranded assets will be too huge to bear. "We cannot just abandon our natural resources in the ground, our fuel stations and our combustible engine cars in the short to medium term. Government therefore desires to initiate policies that will attract private capital into our oil and gas industry" "That an African Energy Bank must be established to continue to fund oil and gas projects to ensure that our natural resources do not become stranded. This is in line with the call for a just, equitable and fair transition" "The government should establish an Energy Transition Fund to support investments in transition projects" "Green Banks must be established in our country or existing Banks should use public seed money to leverage private investment for projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, such as energy efficiency retrofits or rooftop solar arrays, etc" These, he outlined, are measures being considered to address the decline in financing oil and gas projects by public owned financial institutions across the World; and to support the deployment of renewable energy products. He stressed that it is therefore important that bankers explore these opportunities and contribute to the realization of these financing measures. "We will also work to revitalize the Tema Oil Refinery to meet our domestic demand for fuel products and reduce our dependence on imported products; thereby guaranteeing fuel security in the country" "We have also established the Ghana Petroleum Hub Corporation to develop the petrochemical industry to produce materials required to manufacture solar panels, wind blades and battery cells. This will contribute to our net zero agenda without compromising the benefits of the petroleum industry" He reminded the banks that as financial institutions, they should be interested in energy transition because it affords huge investment opportunities which they can take advantage of. "We expect you to mobilize green and transition funds to help businesses change the way they operate. You must assist the country’s transition through your creative financing. Therefore, this forum is not only to apprise you of what government is doing about energy transition but also to let you know there are opportunities you must look out for" On his part, the Deputy Minister for Transport, Frederick Obeng Adom said "We all know what transport does in the energy sector and you will all agree with me that the transport set is very vital to the functioning of our economy and also ensures social protection" He added that depending on what technology is being adopted, there could be direct and indirect impact on the natural environment. He revealed that per the data available to the Transport Ministry from DVLA indicates that as 2021, out of the 2.8 million registered vehicles, 72% are powered by petrol, 27% by diesel engines and less than 1% by LPG and other energy sources. "The results of this high dependency on fossil fuel coupled with a number of factors including the traffic congestion has made the transport sector a net emitter of greenhouse cars" Hon. Adom noted that achieving a net zero future requires a coordinated approach. "It also means that we also need to work on the way we use and generate energy to power the various sectors of the economy" he stressed. "Globally, countries are responding to the call for a net zero emission future. The United Nations has set a target to achieve a net zero future by 2050." The bankers were taken through a presentation by the National Energy Transition Committee. The bankers pledged their support to ensuring that they mobilize green and transition funds to help businesses change the way they operate. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Manchester United earlier today drowned bitter rivals, Liverpool in a pre-season friendly game played at the Bangkok stadium inThailand. The victory left Manchester United fans in a meltdown as they watched the new era of Erik Ten Hag disgrace Liverpool. Manchester United found the back of the net in the 12th minute after Sancho coolly slotted the ball beating the Liverpool goal keeper. Bruno Fernandes picked up the ball on the edge of the Liverpool box. The playmaker floated a ball towards the back post that Liverpool debutant Isaac Mabaya made a mess of clearing. Fred made it two after he attempted an audacious lob beating the Liverpool keeper. His gorgeous finish brought lots of smiles on the faces of the Manchester United fans at the Bangkok stadium in Thailand. The uncharacteristic Liverpool defence were lost in their thoughts leaving Anthony Martial to pounce on a lose ball and made it three for the Red Devils. The French man capitalised on the lose ball from the centre half and had no mercy on goalkeeper, A. Becker. Pellistri finished off a lightning counter to slot home United's fourth after a stunning counterattack involving Eric Bailly and Amad Diallo, leaving the young lad to finish in style. Manager Erik Ten Hag praised his men for their efforts. He said "Our team played brave, we played proactive but we have to work really hard." Manchester United will be playing different matches on its pre-season tour without Cristiano Ronaldo. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The striking pre-tertiary teachers are requesting better negotiations from government before backing down on their strike action. Rebecca Ocran Abaidoo, NAGRAT's Gender Coordinator says President Akufo-Addo must give them something tangible in exchange for what government is requesting before they call off their strike. “We are hopeful that we would have something tangible to send to our rank and file so that we would call off the strike. (But) We are still on strike and we have not called off the strike,” she said. The ongoing strike action started on Monday, July 4, 2022, when four teacher unions declared a nationwide strike in response to the government's failure to meet their demand for a 20 per cent Cost of Living Allowance (COLA). Meanwhile, during this year's Ed-Ul-Adha national prayers, President Akufo-Addo pleaded with teacher unions to call off their strike pending the outcome of ongoing negotiations. According to Akufo-Addo, the state is in a difficult position as a result of the country's current economic catastrophe. But Rebecca Ocran Abaidoo, the Gender Coordinator for NAGRAT in reaction to the President's statement in an interview on JoyNews further stated that they admire government's invitation to the negotiation table. According to her, they are not going back to the classroom until they get tangible reasons. “We have heard His Excellency but we need to consult our rank and file,” she emphasised. Credit: Modern Ghana

The Main Opposition Party, National Democratic Congress (NDC) says it will be laying a 'special wreath' on July 24 in memory of the Late John Evans Fiifi Atta Mills who passed away ten (10) years ago. In a release signed by the Chairman of the party, Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, he said "To commemorate 10 years of His passing, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), will have a special wreath laying ceremony on the 24th of July 2022 at Ipm at the Asomdwee Park at Osu in Accra" The statement also reminded the public on how the Late Former Head of State passed while in office as the sitting President. It said "On the 24th of July 2012, at 1.40pm our father, brother, leader, husband, friend and former President of the Republic of Ghana, Professor John Evans Atta Mills was called by His Maker" Mr. Ampofo is calling all to make it in their numbers to celebrate the Fallen her The Chairman further asked for the gentle soul of the Late President to rest in perfect peace. Below is a copy of the release: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Benito Owusu-Bio has strongly condemned encroachment activities on a government-owned land at Mphuasem, a suburb of Accra and declared government’s determination to win back the acres of land. Addressing a press conference on Tuesday, July, 12, 2022, Hon. Benito Owusu-Bio said government is concerned with the encroachment on state lands and has embarked on mission to avert the illegality. He defended the demolition of some walls and temporal structures on a parcel of land at Mphehuasem, stressing that the Ministry’s contractor had the legitimacy to protect the said Lands from encroachment. “In recent times, there have been disturbances at Mphehuasem relating to government’s attempt to recover State Lands which have been encroached upon by unauthorised persons. It must be stated that the Land Act, 2020 (Act 1036), section 236 frowns on encroachment on state lands and criminalises such acts. “The Lands Commission as the managers of public/state lands under the 1992 constitution under section 258 is performing its statutory functions to recover the encroached state lands,” he said. He further disclosed that, government is aware of the activities of encroachers and has established a Public Lands Protection Team to regularly survey and monitor public lands to ensure that they are free from encroachment. The team, according to Hon. Owusu-Bio is composed of A representative of the MLNR, A representative of Lands Commission, A representative of National Security, Two (2) representatives from Ghana Police Service, one of whom should be from the Property Fraud Unit, A representative of Land Use and Spatial Planning Authority, a representative from the Attorney General’s Department, A representative from AYNOK Holdings and A representative of the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council. Speaking at the same press briefing, the Executive-Secretary of Lands Commission, Mr. Ebenzer Kobina Dadson sought to clear all doubts and mischief surrounding the public-owned land at Mphehuasem following a clash between students of Ideal College and some men suspected to be contractor protecting the said land. Mr.Ebenezer Kobina Dadson espoused that the land in question is a public land which has been encroached upon by Ideal College and others. Mr Dadson explained that the Commission has in various ways informed the encroachers which include Ideal College and the University Professional Studies, Accra as well as other religious institutions on its plans to regularize the “illegal” structures where possible and to reclaim others. Touching on the specific case of the Ideal College, Mr Dadson disclosed since 2018, the Commission has taken steps to engage the education institution on the regional to have them regularization of its operational sites within the enclave. He stated that the owner of Ideal College is laying claim to some 20plots of land some of which he has sold to third parties on the blind side of the commission. Dealing with the demolishing exercises, Mr Dadson insisted that the Commission through its contractor acted within the confines of the law as notices were served prior to the exercise. He maintained that it has become necessary for the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to take firm steps towards retrieving all state lands which have been encroached on by persons, organization and institutions. “The Commission has given several notices since 2010 to persons engaged in these encroachments including Ideal College, the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) hostel and several churches. The last being a Press Release on 16th April, 2022 and Public Notice of demolition posted within the area in April, 2022. “By letter dated 12th April, 2022, the Ghana Police Service has been engaged to provide security to the Commission’s Contractor in protecting the land. The same letter was copied to the Greater Accra Regional Police Command, the East Legon Police Command and the Legon Police Command. “To ensure developments are done in accordance with the approved local plan, the Greater Accra Regional Lands Commission would regularize the interests of UPSA in the hostel and other educational institutions. In the case of Ideal College, the Proprietor, Dr Joseph Kobina Essibu had been advised to formerly apply for regularization on two (2) separate parcels of land within the enclave. It is noteworthy that engagement with Dr Essibu dates back to 2018.” He said that the Commission will use the law and join forces with the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council in protecting the land. “The Commission is acting under Section 236 of the Land Act, 2020 (Act 1036) to recover these lands. This impunity of occupation of state lands must be mitigated. “The Lands Commission released a press statement on 21st April 2022 debunking the claim of ownership by the Mpehuasem Mantse, Nii Torgbor Obodai Ampao VI on 16th April 2022”, he concluded. Story by: Nadia Aidoo

Energy Minister, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh on Sunday joined the Chiefs and People of Akwamuman as they celebrated the ‘Kitawonsa Akwasidae Kese’ festival at the Bogyawe palace in Akwamufie. Dr. Prempeh who was the Guest of Honour for the occasion said he was delighted to be a part of the celebration as traditional festivals serve as a focal point for homecoming, bringing together citizens of the relevant traditional area. He said given the modern exigences of urbanization, inter-marriages and other factors, there are many citizens from various traditional areas who rely on festivals to touch base with their roots, reunite with their extended families, resolve any family disputes that may be outstanding, and jaw-jaw on how to help their community in its developmental agenda. The Minister who is also the Member of Parliament for Manhyia South said the theme for the festival ‘Let us unite and build Akwamuman’. was a clear testament of the value placed on unity and a collective sense of purpose through a shared bond of history. “Without unity, there will be no peace. Without peace, there will be no progress. I commend you for selecting this theme and I am confident that it will reflect all that you do as you seek to build a united, peaceful and prosperous Akwamuman” he said He continued “Akwamuman has a proud history, with men like Nana Ansa Saskraku and Asomaning among several others, contributing immensely to establishing Akwamuman as a force to reckon with centuries ago. That collective pride that you no doubt share as a people, must be the catalyst of your determination to come together and build Akwamuman in every aspect” Dr. Prempeh emphasised the need to reach out each other to build together a healthy, prosperous and peaceful Ghana ready and able to address the opportunities and challenges of the 21st century. "There is so much that unites us than divides us, and we must continue to build on our positives as a people” he added." Below are some pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith