Mr Samuel Aggrey, the Executive Secretary of the Food and Beverages Association of Ghana, has called out the president for doing little to save the fortunes of the beverage manufacturers in the country after using ‘Kalpo’ to enhance his campaign to win power in 2016. According to Mr Aggrey, when the president in opposition used the product of a local manufacturing company to push his ambition of becoming the president, many of the members were of the view that the president was coming for the local manufacturing companies. He said this action on the part of the president in opposition emboldened members to help his campaign to win power, only for the president to assume office and slap all manner of taxes on the local beverage industry. He bemoaned the high levels of taxes on the industry under the current administration He said when the president was campaigning in 2016 ‘Kalpo’ was sold at GHS1.20 pesewas. ”Today the same product is being sold for GHS6 all because of taxes slapped on the operations of manufacturers as well as tax on the final product,” he said. Mr Aggrey expressed the association’s frustration with the system while speaking on the Citizen’s show hosted by Nana Kwabena Bobie Ansah on Accra 100.5 FM on Monday, October 16, 2023 He was quick to add that many of the leaders in the country’s beverage front are expatriates who are unable to voice out their frustrations with the system for fear of being haunted by operatives of the state. He noted that what is worrying is some manufacturers are producing in the face of the rising taxes but customers are not buying. He said many of these manufacturers are producing for the dustbin because the purchasing power of Ghanaians has dwindled. According to him, the 100 percent total recovery of the benchmark values takes a toll on the operations of beverage manufacturers. He mentioned the increasing taxes on the production of fruit juice and import duties as the bane of the industry. Source: Classfmonline

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has emphasized his commitment to all Ghanaians, acknowledging that his responsibility extends even to communities that may not have supported him politically. Numerous communities situated near the Volta Lake have been submerged in water, resulting in the displacement of numerous residents. The flooding, caused by spillage from the dams, has compelled people in the North, South, and Central Tongu districts of the Volta Region to evacuate, leaving them with no choice but to salvage whatever belongings they can. Experts have expressed concerns about the unsanitary conditions resulting from the spillage, warning that immediate action must be taken to prevent a potential public health crisis. Some Ghanaians have criticized the government for its perceived lack of concern towards the flood victims. President Akufo-Addo took the initiative to visit Mepe and other affected areas on October 16, 2023, in order to witness firsthand the impact of the spillage on these communities. Regardless of their political affiliations, the President emphasized his commitment to all residents and expressed his determination to address their needs. During the visit, President Akufo-Addo stated that he is there to support the residents, irrespective of whether they voted for him or not. “When I took the oath of office as President, I took the oath of office as President for every single individual in Ghana, for all the people in Ghana, all districts, whether they voted for me or not. Once I have taken the oath office, I am the President for all the people. “Togbe, I want the people here, beginning with you, and the elders to understand that when something like this happens and the government acts, the government is acting for Ghanaians, for all Ghanaians. I came here because Ghanaians are having difficulties and are suffering, and it is my responsibility to try and help. Because, if it is a question of counting who votes for me and who doesn’t vote for me, then I shouldn’t be here, because you don’t vote for me. But that is not my concern. And, in any event, one day you will vote for me and my party,” he stressed. The President Akufo-Addo further assured that he will ensure that all affected communities are given the needed support. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana For publication please kindly contact us on 0256336062 or Email: apexnewsgh@gmail.com

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has urged global superpowers to stop advocating for democracy at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) level while their actions contradict democratic principles and harm the rest of the world. Apexnewsgh.com reported Delivering Ghana’s message at the 78th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York City on Wednesday, September 20, 2023, President Akufo-Addo emphasized the need for consistency in promoting democracy worldwide. “Ghana is currently serving out the second of its two-year term on the security council as a non-permanent member.” “This is the fourth time in the 66 years since we joined the UN, the first post colonial African country to do so that we have the privilege to serve on the council”. “It has been a sad and disappointing experience for us. We have witnessed at first hand, over and over again, that the bug powers of the United Nations might be preaching democracy, fairness, and justice around the world but are happy to practice the opposite here at the United Nations, prioritizing parochial interest over those of humanity”. In order to address this pressing issue, President Akufo-Addo emphasized the necessity of urgent reform within the UN Security Council. He stressed that without reforming the current structure of the council, the global community and its future would be at risk. “The time is long overdue to correct the long-standing injustice that the current structure and composition of the United Nations Security Council represents for the nation’s of Africa. “After serving on the council at this difficult time in the world, our views on the need for reforms have been even more strongly reasserted,” Akufo-Addo noted. “We cannot continue to preach democracy, equality and good governance around the global, we cannot insist on peace and justice in the world when our global organization is seen by the majority of its members and the people of the world as hampered by an unjust and unfair structure” President Akufo-Addo stressed Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana For publication please kindly contact us on 0256336062 or Email: apexnewsgh@gmail.com

In developing their own technology, President Nana Akufo-Addo has underlined the importance of countries in the global south seeking inspiration from the global north. Apexnewsgh.com report During the G77 + China Summit of The Heads of State and Government Summit held in Havana, Cuba, President Nana Akufo-Addo underscored the importance for countries in the global south to seek inspiration from the global north in their own technological development. The theme of the summit, “Current Development Challenges: The Role of Science, Technology And Innovation,” allowed President Akufo-Addo to draw attention to the historical correlation between development stages, human civilization, and innovation. President Akufo-Addo highlighted that throughout history, innovation propelled by scientific advancements and supported by technology has played a vital role in various stages of development and the progression of civilization. He further stressed that the introduction of new inventions, innovations, and creative tools and processes has often been intertwined with measures of human progress. Nevertheless, President Akufo-Addo also acknowledged the potential risks associated with innovation, such as devastating wars, climate change, and environmental degradation. President Akufo-Addo expressed concern about the lack of tools and capacity in many countries in the global south, especially those in the G77+China. He highlighted the limited transfer of technology and innovation, as well as the lack of funding for science infrastructure in developing nations by countries in the global north, which hinders their access to the benefits of science, technology, and innovation. However, President Akufo-Addo encouraged nations in the global south not to lose hope in the face of these challenges. He urged them to find ways to develop their own technology, pointing out that other countries have successfully achieved this. With determination and effort, he emphasized that these countries too can pave their own path towards technological advancement and overall development. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana For publication please kindly contact us on 0256336062 or Email: apexnewsgh@gmail.com

President Nana Akufo-Addo has acknowledged the insufficiency of current legislation regarding the accountability of public officers. Apexnewsgh.com reported In response, he has unveiled intentions to create a comprehensive set of regulations that align with Chapter 24 of the Constitution on Conduct of Public Officers. The president made this announcement during his speech at the Ghana Bar Conference, held on Monday, September 11, 2023, at the University of Cape Coast. He revealed that the Attorney-General, acting on behalf of the Government, will head the initiative to draft a law specifically addressing the conduct of public officers. The Attorney General has conducted extensive consultations with various stakeholders, including public sector organizations, civil society, and other interest groups, regarding the proposed Conduct of Public Officers Act. The Act, once enacted, will be influenced by similar legislations in countries such as the United States, with its Ethics in Government Act of 1978, Kenya’s Public Officers Ethics Act of 2003, and the U.K.’s Constitutional and Governance Act of 2010. This legislation aims to tackle a broad range of issues relating to the conduct of public officers. These issues include requirements surrounding their financial holdings prior to assuming public office, potential conflicts of interest with family businesses, prevention of undue enrichment, responsible use and care of public property, adherence to professional practices, transparency in property ownership and investments, prohibition of self-dealing, and addressing any biases or partiality in the performance of duties. Furthermore, the Act will also address the misuse of public or confidential information for personal gain. Details of full speech below: I am grateful to the Bar Council for the invitation and opportunity to address this year’s Bar Conference, my seventh time of doing so as President of the Republic. I am aware that it is a privilege, which I will continue not to abuse. Before I touch on the theme of this year’s conference, “Ensuring High Standards and Integrity in Public Life; The Role of the Legal Profession”, I want to place on record my appreciation, once again, to the Council for making me a member in permanent good-standing, i.e., one who does not have to pay dues. It is an enviable status, one which I cherish. I am also very grateful to the President and members of the Council for re-arranging today’s programme in a manner that allows me to fulfil other important engagements of the day. It means, unfortunately, that I will not be able to enjoy the fellowship of the traditional lunch after this ceremony, which allows us all to break bread together. God willing, next year, we will resume the fellowship, as I continue to be extremely proud of my membership of this Association, which has been and continues to be, so devoted to advancing the public interest of our nation. Learned friends, I come from a background where public service is considered a duty, and where privilege and good fortune demand even greater commitment to the common good. Generations of my forebears and relations established this rich tradition of public service, to which I am greatly indebted, as it is a source of constant inspiration. Indeed, Kofi Abrefa Busia, Prime Minister of the Progress Party government of the 2nd Republic, and one of the great Ghanaians, said in these pregnant words: “We regard politics as an avenue of service to our fellow men. We hold that political power is to be exercised to make life nobler and happier.” I am fully aware of the responsibility the job of President of the Republic brings, as I am fortunate enough to carry a sense of the history and struggles that made that job possible, as well as being apprised of the challenges and opportunities of the future. Crucial to the progressive and prosperous future I seek to help create for the Ghanaian people is how to sustain their confidence in the democratic journey on which we have embarked. We celebrated, this year, thirty (30) years of multiparty democracy under the Constitution of the 4th Republic, which has provided the framework for the longest period of uninterrupted, stable, constitutional governance in our otherwise turbulent history. Next year, we will be going to the polls, for the ninth time in the 4th Republic, to elect a new President and new Members of Parliament. We will, in the results of those polls, witness either the changing of power from one political party to another, as we have done on three (3) separate occasions in the 4th Republic, or the breaking of the eight, something that has never happened before in the 4th Republic. I am sure I do not need to tell you what my preference is. It is public knowledge. What is important, however, is that the Ghanaian people have demonstrated that they are fully conversant with the process of peaceful democratic transitions, and need no lessons in the exercise of their democratic rights Maintaining high standards and integrity in public life is key to extending our association with multiparty democracy. As one writer put it, and I quote, “Standards in public life help to maintain the health of the democratic system and uphold public confidence in it. They help prevent politicians and officials from being swayed by outside interests in their decision-making and help to maintain a political culture that fosters open and constructive debate. They, thereby, contribute to a political system that is fair, inclusive, stable, and effective.” The Ghanaian people are expectant that Parliament, the legislative arm of government, will continue to grow into its proper role as an effective machinery for accountability and oversight of the Executive, and not be its junior partner. Parliament must stand out as an institution that represents all the values that we hold dear and in which citizens can take pride. Our Judiciary must inspire confidence in the citizenry, so we can all see the courts as the ultimate arbiters when disputes arise. A Ghanaian judge must be a reassuring presence and the epitome of fairness. Ensuring High Standards and Integrity in public