The Government of Ghana has vehemently condemned the government of Russia for their attacks and killing of people of Ukraine. The Government is of the view that, the attacks from the Russian government on Ukraine is unfortunate and a bad blood in this era of peace the entire world is enjoying. The Russian government and its troops have for the past days attacked people of Ukraine for their decision to join NATO. The attack has seen the killing of hundreds and properties worth millions being destroyed. The unfortunate attack has also left citizens and foreigners stranded. Addressing the press at the Information Ministry's Meet the Press Series, the Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration Minister, Shirley Ayorkor Botcwey stressed that, the government was stunned by the attack from the Russian government as she said, Ghana did not anticipate any form of attack from the Russia on Ukraine. She added that, the Ghana government appealed to the Russian government to dialogue with the Ukrainians and they believed the dialogue was going to work as she says the attack was really unexpected. Madam Ayorkor Botcwey noted that, Ghana is very concerned about the attack on Ukraine due to the close tie and relationship between both governments which she says the attack has direct effect on Ghana thus the country's condemning the attack. In other developments, the government of Ghana has debunked a report which alleged that a train carrying Ghanaian students in Ukraine was attacked by Russians. Madam Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, urged Ghanaians to stay away from such sensationalism and unconfirmed reports. She stressed that such reports serve to exacerbate tensions because the situation in Ukraine now is a sensitive matter. It is alleged that the Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has revealed that a train that was carrying some Ghanaian students was attacked by the Russians in Ukraine. Reacting to the report, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, said such reports are untrue. The Minister also revealed that, over 220 Ghanaians have moved from Ukraine and they are expected to be in soon. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Appiatse Support Fund Committee paid a courtesy call on the Chairman and members of the Council of State who intend donated a sum of 50,000 Ghana Cedis cash as their contribution towards the reconstruction of the Appiatse community. The visit was at the behest of the council to brief them on what the committee have been up to since their inauguration. In response to this request, the Chairperson of the Committe, Rev. Dr. Joyce Aryee shortly before the donation gave a short presentation on the operations of the committee since their inauguration. In her presentation she gave details on how the explosion occurred, why it occurred, the need for setting up the fund and outlined in succession the number of individuals and institutions who have donated towards the fund, reiterating the President's instructions to use the monies accumulated to build a Green, sustainable and model community for the people of Appiatse. On behalf of the Council the, the Chairman, Nana Otuo Siriboe who doubles as Paramount Chief of Asante-Juaben Traditional Area, presented an envelope with the cash of GHC50,000 to Rev. Joyce Aryee saying " this money from our own resources, not from government funds, individual members of the council culminated this as our contribution to support the Appiatse Support fund". Rev. Dr. Joyce Aryee who received the cash donation on behalf of her Committee gave a short but hearty appreciation message to the Council, describing them as the fragrance of good in a smelly society. She said " What you have shown here is a kind of leadership that is so extraordinary. A lot of times people behave in Ghana as if things are so bad and because evil smells badly, you get the smell of evil overpowering the fragrance of Good." "I would like us to remember that the fragrance of good will always permeate through the stench of evil and for us from the Appiatse Support Fund, you are the fragrance of good, you are the fragrance of eminence of states men and women in our country who can provide us with the leadership we need and we are very grateful" she concluded. Below are some pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Minister for Energy, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, has opened a 3-day work retreat at the Aqua Safari Resort in Ada for CEOs and Board Chairpersons of the energy sector agencies, as well as other stakeholders. In his opening remarks, Dr. Prempeh, who is also the MP for Manhyia South, stated that the retreat was a valuable opportunity to openly and frankly discuss issues that concern all in the sector, take stock and strategize for 2022 and the years ahead. Setting out the enery sector medium term objectives, Dr. Prempeh charged the gathering to ensure loyalty to this mandate. “We must at all times endeavour to keep our eye on the ball by focusing on these objectives as the centerpiece of all the work that we do. I do not need to remind us of the important role of our sector in the economic development of this country and most importantly ensuring comfortable lives for the citizenry in the pursuit of their livelihoods”, he declared. He noted further that the past year has seen a number of positive outcomes in the energy sector and commended agency heads for the efforts in the progress made in their various agencies. However he noted that there are still issues to pay attention to and improve upon, and which the team would be discussing during the various presentations. Setting out his expectations for the weekend, the Minister declared, “As we engage with your agencies to discuss your work output in 2021 and your work plan in 2022, I expect frank, healthy exchanges with only one goal in mind, which is how to improve the lives of Ghanaians through the work we do.” Below are some pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Deputy Minister of Energy, Hon. Dr. Mohammed Amin, has stated that whilst Ghana remains committed to the global conversation on energy transition, she must be able to do so at a pace favourable to her particular circumstances. Dr. Amin made this statement when he addressed the first regional town hall forum on the Ghana Energy Transition Plan at Ho in the Volta Regional Capital, Ho recently. He acknowledged that it has become imperative that we reduce emissions from production and the use of energy by replacing high emitting fuels, particularly fossils with sustainable fuels, such as renewables. The end goal of such an effort, he said, is to achieve net-zero carbon emissions. He noted that this effort of changing or moving away from energy produced from fossils to energy produced from renewables and other clean and high-efficiency sources is what we term energy transition. However, Dr Amin, who is also the MP for Karaga, insisted that in as much as Ghana wants to contribute to reducing emissions, a balance must be struck and maintained among our social, economic and environmental requirements. “We will move with the rest of the world towards cleaner energy. However, we will do this at our pace cognizant of the fact that we are not as resourced as the developed countries. We simply cannot allow our God-given oil resources to become stranded when they are key to our industrialization agenda”, he declared. The event, which was attended by Ghanaians from all walks of life, centred around the issues confronting the country in the context of energy transition and how the country can confront its challenges and opportunities in a rapidly evolving global society. Key amongst the participants were the Volta Regional Minister, Hon. Archibald Yao Letsa, the president of the Volta Regional House of Chiefs, Togbe Tepre Hodo IV and other dignitaries from key institutions and CSOs within the region. Further town hall engagements will be taking place in various regional capitals in the ensuing weeks. The Honorable Minister for Energy, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh on 21st December 2021, inaugurated the National Energy Transition Committee to prepare a plan that will guide Ghana’s process. As part of its activities, the Committee is conducting nationwide stakeholder consultations to solicit inputs from Ghanaians. The Vice President, H.E. Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, recently launched the National Energy Transition Forum in Accra to mark the beginning of the town hall engagements nationwide. Below are some pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The UK Prime Minister's Trade Envoy to Ghana, Her Excellency Baroness, Catherine Hoey on Friday, 25th February 2022 called on the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor in Accra. Speaking at a brief meeting with the Envoy and her team including UK’s High Commissioner to Ghana, Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor said relations between Ghana and UK is growing stronger and the Ghana government is determined to further strengthen the bilateral ties. He said the President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo is fully committed to ensuring the sustainability of Ghana’s forest cover whiles embarking on aggressive afforestation. According to him, initiatives such as the Green Ghana Project, robust afforestation towards the restoration of degraded lands forms part of government’s aggressive afforestation steps in contributing towards global action to mitigate the effect of climate change adding that Ghana is on also course to begin the issuance of FLEGT licenses. The Minister further mentioned that the President of the Republic will on Tuesday, 1st March launch the 2022 Green Ghana project with an ambitious target of 20 million trees. He mentioned that the President's vision of creating jobs across the country, culminated into initiating the one District one factory program to help create jobs nationwide. There are several areas in the Ministry that we can work together to boost trade and investment and “your appointment will further push relations between Ghana and the Uk”, he said. The Hon. Minister also congratulated the government and the people of UK for organizing what he described as “a spectacular COP 26 “ held last year and in particular the fact dialogue. H. E Baroness Catherine Hoey said in her next visit she will tour the Northern part of Ghana in an effort to push investment to that part of the country. She again called for closer collaboration between Ghana and the UK in the area of gold trade, where UK companies can purchase the precious mineral directly from Ghana rather than buying from Dubai and Russia this she said will enable Ghana make some direct revenue inflows to soar up her economy. On her part, the UK High Commissioner to Ghana, H. E Harriet Thompson described the Lands Minister as “a very visible Minister “ and commended him highly for improving the Lands and Natural Resources sector of the country. Below are some pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Youth Wing of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) is calling on government to prioritize evacuating Ghanaians especially students caught up in the crossfire in Ukraine. According to the Youth Wing, stories and videos coming out of Ukraine are cringing and they cannot afford to lose any Ghanaian in the skirmishes. In a statement signed by its National Youth Organiser, George Opare Addo, it said "This follows similar actions taken by other countries who prioritize lives of its citizens. The fact that government has remained silent on this issue for nearly three (3) days is very telling" The statement further mentioned that as a matter of urgency, it is calling on government to put in place measures to relocate Ghanaian students to a safer zone in the region or bring them back home. "The ongoing stand off between Ukraine and Russia, and it’s attendant military actions must not be taken for granted more-so when Ghanaian lives are at stake" "The National Democratic Congress joins similar calls made by the National Union of Ghanaian Students (NUGS) and it’s sister body in Ukraine, urging government to quickly evacuate students studying in the country" The NDC Youth Wing reminded the ruling Akufo-Addo government that this is not a time for political indecisiveness and passiveness. "Government must fully use its diplomatic contacts and resources to ensure our students are safe and kept away from harm’s way. Government must announce a plan on it intends to execute this very critical assignment" added that while it urges government to do all that is necessary to bring our countrymen home, they are calling on Ghana's Consulate in Ukraine to start mobilizing students and offering them shelter in the midst of ongoing developments. Below is a copy of the release: Story by: Joshua Kwaben Smith

The Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Dr. Kwaku Afriyie, MP has today paid a one-day working visit to three (3) plastic recyclers at Tema and Ashaiman respectively. According to the Minister, the tour will offer him an opportunity to be updated with both progress and challenges associated with plastic production. The Minister on his tour on Friday made the first stop at Nelplast Eco Plasticsat Ashaiman where he was briefed on how plastics are been used in manufacturing building materials among others. The Minister said "We have to ensure that we don't litter with plastics. It is even an eye saw. Even in Ashaiman as we were coming, look at our environment, quality has been degraded and this has led to so many health issues" The Minister revealed that although plastics take time to degrade, they also tend to remain micro-plastics when poses as harmful to human health. "We want to stop that. From my perspective, that is even the most dangerous aspect which is hidden from Ghanaians and then also quality issues. Nobody wants to see plastics littered all over the place. Tourists will certainly not come to Ashaiman. I m working with all sectors to ensure that we tackle this issue" The Chief Executive Officer of Nelplast Eco Plastics, Nelson Boateng said "Nelplastics also started by purchasing only HDB plastics and later we moved to the polybag manufacturing but we found out that most of our collectors do not bring back the black to us so in June 2015, when we had that disaster, most of the problems were attributed to plastics choking gutters, so I felt bad that I am one of the problems" He hinted that he later manufactured a product that did not go out there to pollute but rather save the environment. "We shifted from producing the polybags although we have some of the machines there. We are gradually taking them off so we give more space to the production of the Eco bricks from the polybag. Hammering on challenges facing his company, Mr, Boateng said "First, I will hit on our electricity bill and that is what is killing us. We need grants or soft loans to expand our operations because we have more plastics coming in than what we can recycle. Now, we are doing 3,000 kilos whiles our collectors have the ability to collect about 20,000 kilos, so we need to expand to be able to recycle all the plastics they bring to us on daily basis" At the SRG Industries Ghana Limited, the Sector Minister pledged to carry the plastic industry to a higher height since it produces valuable materials for the populace. "Ultimately, the hazardous effects of plastics tend to have cumulative compound effects especially, on human health through the pollution of air and marine freshwater among others" He stressed that his tour will also call for a strong partnership to help industries. He charged the leadership of SRG Industries to do their best by sharing ideas among others for the betterment of plastic production. The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Ghana Group of Industries, Bipin Sanghavi thanked the Minister for paying a working visit to his outfit. He charged the Ministry to walk the talk and help build a better plastic industry. "The way to engage the different segments is good. The first is education. If we give better education, it will help. I have been here fr the past 20 years and there have been changes. I think when we pay attention there, it will help" The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Lele Ghana, Hussein Jaber called for the revision of policies governing plastic production in Ghana. The sector Minister said "We want to avoid government setting up structures to compete with them. We don't want to do that. The efforts they have made are efforts that they have read the external environment" "The discipline should come. You should not sit in trotro and throw away plastics on the side of the road or highway. Who should go from here to Asiakwa to go and pick those plastic bottles?" he added. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Deputy Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin has indicated that the tension between Ukraine and Russia is the more reason why the government should be supported to mobilise more revenue. According to the Effutu Constituency Member of Parliament (MP), the situation in Ukraine will impact Ghana’s economy in so many ways and for that matter, the e-levy is needed to cushion Ghanaians. Mr. Afenyo-Markin during an address in Parliament on Thursday, February 24, 2022, told the Minority side of the house that it is crucial the Electronic Transaction Levy (E-Levy) is approved to help the government to rake in additional revenue to support the economy in such difficult times. “As a businessman, I am worried. I am concerned knowing that the value chain is going to be affected, imports will cost, duties will cost and if you look at what is happening to the cedi, now dollar is moving around a certain figure" “There is going to be pressure on the limited resources that we have and as a nation, Ghanaian businesses who are supposed to do well to pay taxes they are going to suffer, their businesses will not do well the way they expect, their projections will be affected, that is the reality and I must bring this to the attention of all of us so that any policy that will be brought will be seen in that light,” Afenyo-Markin said on the floor of Parliament. The Deputy Majority Leader continued, “Of course Honourable Deputy Minority leader, you have not spoken into the mic but if you are talking about the E-levy, this is the more important reason why we need it. If you are talking about the E-levy, that was the next point I was getting to, that we should congregate around it and find a way of generating revenue as a country to save the situation because we are not in normal times. Haruna Iddrisu couldn’t have raised this matter at a better time than now.” The E-Levy, announced by Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta in November last year is still without consensus. While the Majority members are determined to have it approved, the Minority side of the hung Parliament have mounted a spirited resistance. Story by: Eric Nana Yaw Kwafo

The Coastal Development Authority (CODA), on Wednesday 23rd of February 2022, met Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives in the Greater Region at the Accra Metropolitan Assembly auditorium. The encounter forms part of CODA's public engagement which seeks to strengthen ties between the Authority and key relevant stakeholders and development partners in the Greater Accra Region. It also gave CODA the opportunity to update the MMDCEs on the progress of Infrastructure for Poverty Eradication Programme (IPEP) projects in the region. The Chief Executive Officer of CODA, Lawyer Jerry Ahmed Shaib in his welcome address appealed to the MMDCEs on the need for them to collaborate with the Authority since their role as partners is crucial in the implementation of developmental projects and programs in the region. Mr. Victor Mensah, the Head of Projects and Works of the Authority in his presentation highlighted several projects that have been completed in the region with others at various stages of completion. According to him, a total number of one hundred and seventy-six (176) projects are being constructed in all thirty- four (34) constituencies in Greater Accra in the areas of economic development, education, bridges, roads, drainage, sanitation, sports among others. Aside from the infrastructure projects are some social interventions such as the CODA Credit Union, CODA Drive, CODA Health Train, CODA Fishers Support, Porters Empowerment, and the CODA Farmers Support. CODA Clean Beach Campaign According to Ing. Michael Konadu, the Greater Accra Regional Director of CODA, in order to improve solid waste management and clean environmental conditions at the coastal communities, CODA in partnership with the Centre for Coastal Management (CCM) at the University of Cape Coast and the Coastal Conservancy Organization (CCO) is piloting the CODA Clean Beach Campaign. As part of the pilot implementation, DESMI Litter trap equipment has been installed at the estuary of the Korle lagoon to prevent floating plastics from directly entering the sea. The MMDCEs pledged their continuous support and collaboration with CODA since they are all development partners and will as a matter of urgency link the Clean Beach Campaign to the Operation Clean Your Frontage Initiative being championed by the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Honourable Henry Quartey to ensure that coastal communities are kept clean. Present at the meeting were the Authority's Deputy CEO, Finance, Mr. Kingsley Kofi Karikari-Bondzie; and Deputy CEO, Works, Mr. Bob Charles Agbontor, and some members of the Authority's manage. Below are some pictures: Story by: News Desk Report

Several thousand Ukrainians have crossed into neighboring countries, mainly Moldova and Romania, while an estimated 100,000 have fled their homes and are uprooted in the country after Russia's invasion, the U.N. refugee agency said on Thursday. Spokesperson of the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Shabia Mantoo, said the figures were compiled from reports from national authorities and its staff and partner agencies. "It's a ballpark figure," Shabia told Reuters. Credit: Reuters

Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has criticized the government for asking Ghanaian students in Ukraine to seek their own shelter following the Russia-Ukraine crisis. In a tweet, he said “With escalating hostilities and indications that a catastrophic deterioration appears inevitable, it is now expedient for the Government of Ghana to quickly intervene to save Ghanaian lives. Asking our students to seek their own shelter in these petrifying circumstances cannot be considered helpful by any stretch of the imagination.” “I urge the government to expeditiously explore bilateral partnerships with countries already on the ground with superior logistics and advanced escape mechanisms, considering that Ghana does not have a resident diplomatic mission in Ukraine and our oversight embassy in Berne, Switzerland has practical challenges, so as to ensure that our Ghanaian compatriots in harm’s way are whisked to safety.” The Government of Ghana has expressed concerns about the safety of Ghanaian students in Ukraine following the crisis with Russia. In a series of tweets, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration said “The Government of Ghana is gravely concerned about the security and safety of our over 1000 students and other Ghanaians in Ukraine and has asked them to shelter in place in their homes or in government places of shelter, as we engage the authorities, our relevant diplomatic missions and our honorary consul on further measures.” Meanwhile, Ghana’s Honorary Consul to Ukraine, Dr. Albert Kitcher has said it is not possible to evacuate Ghanaian students and Ghanaians in general from Ukraine at the moment following the Russia-Ukraine crisis. He said the airspace of Ukraine has been shut hence, air travels are not possible. Alternatively, he said, Ghanaians living close to the Russian borders will need to relocate to safer locations in Ukraine. Speaking on the mid-day news on TV3 Thursday, February 24, Dr. Kitcher said “The Ghanaian community is safe despite the early morning issue we all woke up to. As of last night, there was a state of emergency that was declared and because of that, I sent messages to them. “So, I will say that our people are safe and I have spoken with some even this morning.” He added “Where we are now if we have everything we cannot evacuate because the Airspace of Ukraine is currently shut. What can be done is, if we identify any areas that prove to be problematic or people will be vulnerable there, to relocate them or evacuate them to a safer place. We had all these in plan knowing this will develop, so already, the Mission and the Ministry were working on the modalities to get the students out. “If there will be any evacuation it will be an evacuation to a safer place. We ourselves are looking at the situation, as it is now, if a place is so close to the Russian border we will want people to move from there. I had a communication also from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Ukraine and they advise that people stay calm.” Although Ghanaian students in Ukraine have said they are safe in the interim, they have asked the Government of Ghana to prioritize evacuating them from that country due to the crisis with Russia. President of the Ukraine Chapter of the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS), Dr. Phillip Bobie Ansah also told TV3’s Komla Adom on the Midday News on Thursday, February 24 that “absolutely, we are all safe as we speak now.” Regarding the plea for them to be evacuated, he said “we have heard responses from the embassies.” Below is the tweet: Story by: Laud Nartey

Roman Abramovich's ownership of Chelsea has been questioned by an MP after Vladimir Putin sanctioned several missile strikes on Ukraine and invaded the sovereign nation. Labour MP Chris Bryant has called for Roman Abramovich to be banned from owning Chelsea following Russia's decision to invade neighbouring Ukraine. Bryant has also questioned whether Abramovich's "£152million home" should be seized. The billionaire owns other assets in the UK. Mirror Football have contacted Abramovich's representatives for comment. Russian dictator Vladimir Putin has sanctioned several missile strikes on Ukraine - a sovereign European state - and tanks have crossed the border. Abramovich has owned Chelsea since 2003 and overseen the most successful period in the clubs history, winning countless trophies - including the Champions League twice - but is rarely seen at Stamford Bridge nowadays. There is no suggestion Abramovich is connected to terrorism or involved in any wrongdoing. Prime minister Boris Johnson confirmed Abramovich "has not been the subject of targeted measures" after mistakenly telling the House of Commons he'd been sanctioned by the government. On reading this report, Bryant told the Commons on Thursday: "Following some of the reports in The Sun and other newspapers today, I've got hold of a leaked document from 2019 from the Home Office. "Which says, in relation to Mr Abramovich, as part of HMGs [Her Majesty's Government] Russia strategy, aimed at targeting illicit finance and malign activity, Abramovich remains of interests to HMG due to his links to the Russian state and his public association with corrupt activity and practices. Credit: Mirror.co.uk