Sonnie Badu wasn’t awarded degrees in four months – TIUA
Trinity International University of Ambassadors (TIUA) has denied awarding Degrees to the renowned Ghanaian UK-based musician, Sonnie Badu in a four-month period. “Our institution prides itself in the quality of education tailored for each of our students i.e. including their extensive body of work in ministry. Therefore, no student can obtain any major degrees including a PhD in four months. “TIUA did not issue any earned degrees to a student in a four-month period. Every earned degree acquired, must be obtained through hard work and with the time prescribed by the University.” “Therefore, any degree that has been earned by our students (Including Dr. Sonnie Badu), are in alignment with the State of Georgia religious exemption authority to receive degrees from associates to doctoral degrees. Our institution prides itself in the quality of education tailored for each of our students i.e. including their extensive body of work in ministry. Therefore, no student cannot obtain any major degrees including a PhD in four months. TIUA did not issue any earned degrees to a student in a four-month period. Every earned degree acquired, must be obtained through hard work and with the time prescribed by the University,” the statement stressed. The statement by the TIUA comes on the back of the backlash Sonnie Badu received after he claimed that he has been awarded three degrees in a space of four months. Senior Lecturer at the University of Ghana’s Political Science Department, Prof. Ransford Gyampo described as an absurdity Sonnie Badu’s claim of acquiring three separate degrees in four months. “PhD enterprise has no room for miracles; God does miracles but not PhD miracles,” Prof. Gyampo said on Starr Chat on Wednesday. The celebrated musician had said that apart from his two honorary doctorate degrees, he also has a Ph.D., a master’s degree, and a bachelor’s degree. Starrfm Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0555568093
Mutawakilu kicks against proposed tariff increment
A former ranking Member of Parliament’s Mines and Energy Committee, Adam Mutawakilu has rubbished proposals by the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) for tariff increment. He says the ECG has not demonstrated its capacity to effectively manage its resources hence there is no justification for an increment in tariffis. Speaking on Eyewitness News, the former Damongo legislator said ECG is undeserving of an increment if it is unable to prove how it is tackling the about 25% losses it suffers to technical and commercial issues. “How much of our monies is being lost? If that is not tackled, then we are wasting our time on this. They are just taking money from Ghanaians and wasting it. Technical and commercial losses alone is over 25% and that means that for every 100 million that ECG is expected to collect, they can’t account for 25 million of it. So if we only concentrate on increasing tariff without reducing technical and commercial losses, we will come back to square one,” he said. Adam Mutawakilu said the government had a good chance to tackle the inefficiencies leading to losses the ECG suffered through the PDS deal but it “messed it up.” He said the deal would have to ensure that the ECG’s infrastructure is improved and service delivery made better, but that did not happen. He said it was unfair to make consumers pay more for power when they do not enjoy improved service. “Should the consumer always be the punching bag? I have not seen how previous increments have helped reduce the technical and commercial losses,” he noted. The Managing Director of the company, Kwame Agyeman-Budu at a public forum on Thursday, April 8, 2021, said ECG needs more resources to improve its service. He said while he is aware that the proposal will only materialize after approval from the Public Utilities and Regulatory Commission (PURC), he believes that it is critical for ECG to have access to more funds to enable it to operate efficiently. “We need money to do it [improve]. If we get the increase we will love it [but] that will be up to the PURC because, no matter what we propose, they will ultimately decide,” he said. “In terms of distribution, we need support, because we have to do upgrades to make sure the system is sustainable. We don’t wait till something is broken before we fix it. We need additional funds to upgrade our systems at all times,” he added. Citinewsroom Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0555568093
We need money – ECG
The Managing Director of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Kwame Agyeman-Budu has said the company needs money to carry out its operation duties. He said this at a public forum in Accra on Thursday, April 8, 2021. “We need money to do it [improve]. If we get the increase we will love it [but] that will be up to the PURC because, no matter what we propose, they will ultimately decide,” he said. He added “In terms of distribution, we need support, because we have to do upgrades to make sure the system is sustainable. We don’t wait till something is broken before we fix it. We need additional funds to upgrade our systems at all times.” Energy Minister Dr Mathew Opoku Prempeh for his part revealed that there is going to be systematic power outgases in in the country in May this year. “Just two days ago, I received a letter from Millennium Development Authority (MiDA), [the company which is helping with the upgrade of the Pokuase and Kasoa substations] informing me in the month of May, there is going to be systematic power outages. “So we have invited ECG [Electricity Company of Ghana] and GRIDCo [Ghana Grid Company Limited] that in the light of this information we sit and plan and communicate to the people who will be affected way before it happens,” he said. He added “In all of these instances it is only appropriate that managers of the power sector communicate such reasons timeously to the public in order for people to plan their lives accordingly.” He had earlier assured the country that the technical issues that have resulted in power cuts to some areas especially in the capital city will be fully resolved by end of the year. Dr Prempeh told journalists on Tuesday April 6 when he paid a working visit to the Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo) that “We are working feverishly to resolve the challenges which have arisen as a result of technical difficulties with our transmission lines and it is our hope that, that issue will be resolved by the end of the year,” He further said that most of the transmission lines are old and haven’t seen any changes. “These our lines that we have just been informed about, were strung in the 50s and some in the 60s. The power it was supposed to transmit to Accra has increased tremendously due to the expansion of Accra yet the lines have remained the same. “They are now giving us lines that can improve the power situation in Accra,” he said. He stated that the country is not back to the ‘dumsor’ era. “We should all be sincere and truthful in our communication. In 2016, the whole country was given periods when we are to receive power and when to be off. In 2016, the government of the day told us it was a generation problem. “Even the opposition then said government did not have money to buy fuel to power the generators. This is not a generation problem, this is not about fuel so how can we call it “Dumsor”?” he queried. 3news Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0555568093
Akufo-Addo issues directives on Ghana’s earthquake preparedness and response
President Nana Akufo-Addo has issued a number of directives to Ministries, Departments and Agencies in response to a report compiled by a committee of experts tasked to assess the country’s state of preparedness for the occurrence of earthquakes. Speaking at a stakeholders’ conference organised by the Ministry for the Interior on Thursday, 8th April 2021 at Tang Palace, President Akufo-Addo noted that the series of earth tremors experienced by the country in recent times, coupled with the confirmation that Ghana is susceptible to earthquakes along the southern belt and the Akwapim-Togo range, resulted in the establishment of a Technical Committee to prepare “A Framework for Refocusing Ghana’s Earthquake Preparedness and Response”. Endorsing the report and recommendations of the Committee, together with its action plan, the President noted that it is the collapse of structures during earthquakes that is responsible for human and economic losses.“This means that to avoid or reduce these losses, we need to ensure that buildings, including dwellings, dams and bridges, are structurally competent and resilient to earthquakes of a higher magnitude,” he said. President Akufo-Addo continued, “Constructing well-engineered structures, including dams and roads, and retrofitting important lifeline buildings, such as hospitals, schools, churches, and mosques, cannot be compromised. That is why I urge the Engineering Council of the Ministry of Works and Housing to ensure that a comprehensive integrity audit of all public buildings and structures is conducted, and Government appropriately advised.” The President also urged the Ghana Geological Survey Authority to advise the government on the logistical needs and equipment required by the Authority to undertake round the clock monitoring of seismic activities for urgent action. Knowing what to do, he said, in the event of an earthquake, is crucial to survival, adding that it is important that all Ghanaians know what to do to remain safe and alive should such an unfortunate event occur in future. “I have already instructed the leadership of NADMO to liaise with the Ghana Education Service to help incorporate learning themes on protection against earthquakes and other disasters in the curricula at the pre-tertiary education level. Again, I have encouraged NADMO to embark on a sustained education campaign for the entire population, in this regard. I have requested regular updates from the Director-General of NADMO on progress made,” President Akufo-Addo noted. To the Ministries of Works and Housing and Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development, the President urged them to collaborate with the Ghana Institution of Engineers to develop a scheme that will entail home-owners retrofitting their homes to make them resistant to earthquakes, and compelling prospective home-owners to build in accordance with defined standards. “I want to reiterate my total commitment as President to ensuring that Government protects the entire citizenry from the effects of earthquakes and other disasters that might ravage any part of the nation,” he said. Government, according to President Akufo-Addo, has sufficiently demonstrated its determination to make the nation resilient to the effects of disasters, adding that “we will continue to equip NADMO and, indeed, all response agencies, to enhance their operational effectiveness”. To the stakeholders gathered, he indicated that “the only option is to work collaboratively, devoid of turf wars and other counter-productive tendencies. Disaster preparedness and mitigation are a shared and collective responsibility. Let us put our shoulders to the wheels and safeguard Mother Ghana.” Classfm Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0555568093
Salifu Zida appointed Chairman of Black Starlets c’ttee
Executive Council Member of the Ghana Football Association, Alhaji Shaibu Salifu Zida has been appointed as Chairman of the Black Starlets Management Committee. This decision was taken by the Executive Council on Thursday, April 8, 2021. The Upper East Regional Football Association Chairman replaces Vice President Mark Addo who has been in charge of the national male U-17 team since 2019. Vice Chairman of the Committee John Ansah has been retained. The two, are joined by Eric Delali Senaye, CEO of Inter Allies, Odeneho Appiah and Abubakar Nallah. Black Starlets Management Committee: Alhaji Shaibu Salifu Zida – Chairman John Ansah – Vice Chairman Odeneho Appiah – Member Eric Delali Senaye – Member Abubakar Nallah – Member Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0555568093
I haven’t made any demand on gov’t – Mahama to Daily Guide
The Office of former President John Mahama has dismissed claims by the Daily Guide Newspaper that Mr Mahama has asked government to restore the Nyinahin bauxite concession to his brother Ibrahim Mahama. The paper on Thursday reported that Mr Mahama has made the demand a precondition for engagement with the Akufo-Addo government. But in a statement, Mr Mahama said “A report in the Thursday, April 08, 2021 edition of the Daily Guide Newspaper, which claims that former President John Dramani Mahama is demanding the return of a bauxite concession to his brother before he will ‘gel’ with the sitting president, is nothing but a figment of the imagination of the editor and his so-called sources. “President Mahama in the aftermath of the Supreme Court judgment on his petition indicated that even though he disagrees with the Court, he was nonetheless bound by the verdict”. It added: “What form of ‘gel’ does the government want with President Mahama, and for which reason, he will even consider making any demands? “President Mahama has remained the statesman that he is and has remained true to his commitments to multiparty democracy. “He continues to have respect for the constitutional structures and has at no time made any request, nor suggested any conditions, let alone ask for the return of bauxite concessions by any person or entity as precondition for cooperation with the President”. Starrfm Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0555568093
District Coordinator And RTCs of NABCO For Birim Central In The Eastern Region Appreciated
The District Coordinator and RTCs for Birim Central in the Eastern Region were honored by the appreciative hands of some trainees on the 5th of April, 2021. This marks about the fourth time such commendable act has been displayed by trainees who have acknowledged the effort of their District Coordinators and RTCs on the NABCO journey. A set of four (4) beautifully crafted citations were respectively presented to the Birim Central District Coordinator in the person of Dennis Obeng Agyei and the RTCs; Enoch Nana Yaw Antwi, Agnes Asante, and Kelvin Timitey. We have been signalled that trainees in other Districts have commenced processes to follow the appreciation trend. *NABTAG deems these voluntary exercises plausible on the back of the need to recognize the hard work of all who have relentlessly coordinated in the affairs of NABCO. The National President of NABTAG, Dennis Opoku Katakyie, and some other officials were invited to grace the occasion. Let me take this opportunity to reassure NABCO trainees that the government has not relented in its effort in investing in the youth through job creation. Consequently, the ongoing Career Pathway exercise will soon bring forth the expected result. Disregard rumours being broadcasted from an unknown source that the three-year contract will be renewed this year, and that the CPTP is only a camouflage. Stakeholders have genuine concern to see to it that the ultimate goal of sustainable jobs is arrived at. Let us keep being patient and follow subsequent directives in line with the CPTP procedures. “Be proud Nation Builders”. Akwasi Botchway, National Communication Team Lead (NABTAG). Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0555568093