FULL STATEMENT: John Jinapor on the recent fuel hike.
STATEMENT READ BY HON. JOHN ABDULAI JINAPOR ON THE RECENT FUEL HIKES UNDER THE AKUFO ADDO/BAWUMIA-LED GOVERNMENT. Good morning, Ladies and Gentlemen of the press. We welcome you to this Press Conference by the NDC parliamentary caucus and wish to begin by expressing our gratitude to the media for your continuous support in the professional discharge of your duties. The Minority has followed with keen interest the persistent and rampant increment in fuel prices which appears to be worsening in recent times with no hope in sight. The recent astronomical increases in fuel prices at the pumps and its attendant high cost of living to the ordinary Ghanaian cannot be glossed over. Ladies and gentlemen, it may interest you to know that within a spate of just one year fuel prices have risen from 4.77 cedis per litre to 6.8 cedis per litre representing a whopping 43% increment under this insensitive government. These astronomical increases has resulted in untold hardship which is threatening lives of ordinary Ghanaians. The Minority has equally taken notice of the lame and flimsy excuse from government and its communicators that they cannot do much to cushion Ghanaians because in their own words “they do not control the world market price of crude”. What they have failed to inform Ghanaian is that the devaluation of the cedi is a major contributor to these astronomical increases. We wish to state emphatically that we completely and flatly reject these lame excuses from government; the question we seek an answer to is “since when did the current NPP government led by President Akufo Addo and Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia realise that government had no control over world market prices? Ladies and gentlemen, is it not these same people who promised the people of Ghana prior to assuming office that they will abolish the energy sector levies describing them as obnoxious and further promised to move the country from taxation to production? On the contrary, what Ghanaians are witnessing under this government is a complete display of incompetence, arrogance, and deception as far as the Energy sector is concerned. Not only have they retained the so-called obnoxious taxes, they have gone a step further to increase the existing taxes and in some instance introduced new draconian taxes which continues to worsen the living conditions of the already impoverished citizens of this country. Ladies and Gentlemen of the press, it will be recalled that the Akufo-Addo government during the course of the year announced a paltry 4% increase in wages for public sector workers for the 2021 financial year, by comparing this wage increment against the current inflation of about 10.6% (Bank of Ghana), one can only come to the conclusion that the ordinary worker is already worse off and therefore cannot be burdened further with such astronomical increases in fuel prices as this negatively impacts on the cost of living. In short, the income of workers are really not increasing but the steep rise in prices of essential commodities is making it so unbearable for the citizenry to cope under the economy. As a result of bad leadership under Akufo Addo and Bawumia, the level of frustration and discontent are fast spreading among the populace with increasing loss of confidence in the current administration. Members of the press gathered here, despite the announcement of a so-called 100 billion cedis “Obatampa Cares Programme” in the 2021 budget, the ordinary Ghanaian is today faced with unprecedented hardship, suffering and excruciating poverty with no hope in sight. The current state of the Ghanaian economy clearly signals complete despair, characterized by a mounting unsustainable debt level which threatens the very foundation of the economy. Is this what we were promised prior to the December 2020 elections. Rather than taking the necessary and pragmatic steps towards ameliorating the suffering of the citizenry from their harsh policies, the NPP government has resorted to their usual sloganeering by claiming to suspend the Price Stabilization and Recovery Levy for just two months. This is a complete insult to Ghanaians as it demonstrates government’s lack of sincerity and seriousness towards mitigating the suffering of the citizenry. Ladies and gentlemen, a critical look at the price buildup of petroleum products at the pump reveals that taxes, levies and margins alone account for almost 40% of the final ex-pump price. Today Ghanaians and businesses cannot even plan properly due to the unbridled and unpredictable fuel price increments which is fast becoming the order of the day. Ladies and Gentlemen, the attempt by government to blame world market prices of crude for this high fuel cost is untenable. Following the additional increment of the Energy Sector Recovery Levy of 20 Pesewas, and introduction of the Sanitation and Pollution Levy of 10 Pesewas in the 2021 budget as well as increment in margins fuels prices jumped by about 12.48% between the last pricing window of April to the 1st window of May. The almost 13% increment in fuel prices arising from these aforementioned tax handles cannot be attributed to world crude prices. At this juncture let me set the records straight! For the record, Ghana is a net exporter of crude oil and must rather benefit from any price increment at the world market and not the contrary. It is therefore untenable to punish Ghanaians with such an astronomical fuel hikes on the back of world crude price increments. This irony and contradiction cannot be tolerated. Distinguished Members of the press, the minority taking cognisance of the worsening situation and the incompetence being exhibited by this government has taken the pain to proffer some concrete and cogent suggestion as part of our responsibility to ensure that the consumer is cushioned and have some respite, proposes the following: The Special Petroleum Tax imposed on petroleum products must be suspended in the 2022 budget to provide some respite for Ghanaians from the agonizing high cost of fuel at the pump. We make this demand because crude prices which was pegged at a bench-mark price of $54.75
If NPP wants to retain power, let’s treat one another with respect – Ofosu Nkansah
Managing Director of the Accra Digital Center Kofi Ofosu Nkansah has complained bitterly about the selfishness in the New Patriotic Party (NPP). According to him, if the party cared for each other 10% as they take their issues seriously, the opposition National Democratic Congress will not even think of coming back to power. However, that cannot be said about the NPP as members of the party especially those opportune to be in positions of influence think of only themselves and not the collective good of all members. “Internally, we need to reassess ourselves in NPP. Most people are only focused on their interests. If we even care about each other just 10% of how we take our own issues seriously, nka NDC will have it very difficult to get close to us in terms of getting Political Power. But alas, selfishness takes the better part of us most of the time.” He said since the party wants to hold on to power, it’s imperative that the party and its members are kind to each other. “If we are serious about Political Power, then we need to treat each other with kindness and dignity. The plain truth.” —mynewsgh Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 05555568093
Supreme Court rules Honyenugah can hear Opuni case in new 4-3 ruling
The Supreme Court has departed from its earlier 3-2 majority ruling to recuse Justice Clemence Honyenugah from continuing to hear a case involving Dr. Stephen Opuni, a former appointee of the erstwhile John Mahama administration. A new seven-member Supreme Court Panel delivered its 4-3 ruling today in a review application filed by Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame. Mr Dame asked the Apex court to set aside its July 2021 close call 3-2 decision that barred Justice Clemence Honyenuga from continuing as Judge in the trial of former COCOBOD CEO, Dr Stephen Opuni. The Apex Court, after hearing oral arguments on Tuesday, October 12, adjourned proceedings to October 26 to deliver its ruling. Mr. Opuni had averred that Justice Clemence Honyenuga passed comments that presupposes that he will not be fair in the trial, an averrment the Supreme Court agreed with in its earlier 3-2 ruling. The new panel had two extra judges, Justices GertrudeTorkonoo and Ashie Kotey who ruled in favour of the AG. Originally, Justice Jones Dotse and Lovelace Johnson dissented. Justices Yussif Tanko, Gabriel Pwamang and Dordzie maintained their earlier position. —mynewsgh Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 05555568093
Scrap taxes on petroleum products – Minority demands
The Minority in Parliament has demanded the immediate review and scrapping of taxes on petroleum products which they argue constitutes about 40% of the price build-up in the 2022 budget. According to the NDC MPs, such a move will cushion Ghanaians who have had to endure about 43% increment in prices of petroleum products this year alone. Addressing the media moments ago, minority spokesperson on mines and energy John Jinapor accused the Nana Addo administration of compounding problems of Ghanaians by increasing taxes on petroleum products. Mr Jinapor said the excuse from the government that a litre of fuel is selling at almost Ghc7.0 cedis as a result of prices on the world market is untenable. “Ladies and gentlemen, it may interest you to know that within a spate of just one-year fuel prices have risen from 4.77 cedis per litre to 6.8 cedis per litre representing a whopping 43% increment under this insensitive government. These astronomical increases has resulted in untold hardship which is threatening lives of ordinary Ghanaians. “The Minority has equally taken notice of the lame and flimsy excuse from government and its communicators that they cannot do much to cushion Ghanaians because in their own words “they do not control the world market price of crude”. What they have failed to inform Ghanaian is that the devaluation of the cedi is a major contributor to these astronomical increases. “We wish to state emphatically that we completely and flatly reject these lame excuses from government; the question we seek an answer to is “since when did the current NPP government led by President Akufo Addo and Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia realise that government had no control over world market prices? “Ladies and gentlemen, is it not these same people who promised the people of Ghana prior to assuming office that they will abolish the energy sector levies describing them as obnoxious and further promising to move the country from taxation to production? “On the contrary, what Ghanaians are witnessing under this government is a complete display of incompetence, arrogance, and deception as far as the Energy sector is concerned.” Below is the full statement by the Minority STATEMENT READ BY HON. JOHN ABDULAI JINAPOR ON THE RECENT FUEL HIKES UNDER THE AKUFO ADDO/BAWUMIA-LED GOVERNMENT. Good morning, Ladies and Gentlemen of the press. We welcome you to this Press Conference by the NDC parliamentary caucus and wish to begin by expressing our gratitude to the media for your continuous support in the professional discharge of your duties. The Minority has followed with keen interest the persistent and rampant increment in fuel prices which appears to be worsening in recent times with no hope in sight. The recent astronomical increases in fuel prices at the pumps and its attendant high cost of living to the ordinary Ghanaian cannot be glossed over. Ladies and gentlemen, it may interest you to know that within a spate of just one year fuel prices have risen from 4.77 cedis per litre to 6.8 cedis per litre representing a whopping 43% increment under this insensitive government. These astronomical increases has resulted in untold hardship which is threatening lives of ordinary Ghanaians. The Minority has equally taken notice of the lame and flimsy excuse from government and its communicators that they cannot do much to cushion Ghanaians because in their own words “they do not control the world market price of crude”. What they have failed to inform Ghanaian is that the devaluation of the cedi is a major contributor to these astronomical increases. We wish to state emphatically that we completely and flatly reject these lame excuses from government; the question we seek an answer to is “since when did the current NPP government led by President Akufo Addo and Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia realise that government had no control over world market prices? Ladies and gentlemen, is it not these same people who promised the people of Ghana prior to assuming office that they will abolish the energy sector levies describing them as obnoxious and further promised to move the country from taxation to production? On the contrary, what Ghanaians are witnessing under this government is a complete display of incompetence, arrogance, and deception as far as the Energy sector is concerned. Not only have they retained the so-called obnoxious taxes, they have gone a step further to increase the existing taxes and in some instance introduced new draconian taxes which continues to worsen the living conditions of the already impoverished citizens of this country. Ladies and Gentlemen of the press, it will be recalled that the Akufo-Addo government during the course of the year announced a paltry 4% increase in wages for public sector workers for the 2021 financial year, by comparing this wage increment against the current inflation of about 10.6% (Bank of Ghana), one can only come to the conclusion that the ordinary worker is already worse off and therefore cannot be burdened further with such astronomical increases in fuel prices as this negatively impacts on the cost of living. In short, the income of workers are really not increasing but the steep rise in prices of essential commodities is making it so unbearable for the citizenry to cope under the economy. As a result of bad leadership under Akufo Addo and Bawumia, the level of frustration and discontent are fast spreading among the populace with increasing loss of confidence in the current administration. Members of the press gathered here, despite the announcement of a so-called 100 billion cedis “Obatampa Cares Programme” in the 2021 budget, the ordinary Ghanaian is today faced with unprecedented hardship, suffering and excruciating poverty with no hope in sight. The current state of the Ghanaian economy clearly signals complete despair, characterized by a mounting unsustainable debt level which threatens the very foundation of the economy. Is this what we were promised prior to the December 2020 elections. Rather than taking the necessary and pragmatic steps towards ameliorating the suffering of the citizenry from their harsh policies, the NPP government
All set for Ashanti regional NPP Delegates’ Conference on Wednesday
All is set for the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Ashanti Region to organise its annual delegates’ conference. Scheduled for Wednesday, October 27 and Thursday, October 28, the conference is expected to bring together over 799 delegates from all 47 constituencies. Regional executives as well as members of the Regional Council of Elders will also be present to deliberate on matters of the party and look forward to the future. The Regional Organiser for the party, Francis Adomako, speaking on Akoma FM‘s current affairs and political show GhanAkoma on Monday, October 25, assured that plans are underway to ensure attendees observe the Covid-19 protocols. Mr Adomako further explained that “this is an annual ritual our party has been observing. We meet and discuss issues affecting our party, plan ahead and correct errors to ensure we forge ahead with a united front to either capture or sustain power.” The NPP in Ashanti Region had originally scheduled the date for the Conference for Saturday, October 9 and Sunday, October 10 but had to be rescheduled. The venue for this year’s Conference is the premises of the Forestry Research Institute of Ghana (FORIG) at Ejisu in the Ashanti Region. 3news Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 05555568093
Shatta Wale granted bail
• Musician Shatta Wale was arrested on October 19, 2021 • 3 of his friends were also arrested • All 4 persons have been granted bail Dancehall artiste Shatta Wale has been granted bail by an Accra Circuit Court. The musician was granted bail after his lawyers pleaded for same, citing their client’s personality and reputation as reason. According to them, their client is not flight risk and will not escape. His 3 accomplices, Kojo Owusu Koranteng, Idris Yusif, and Eric Venator, were also granted bail on grounds that they had been counseled, are not flight risk, and will not escape. They have since been granted a bail of 100 thousand cedis. Shatta Wale was granted a self-recognizance bail whilst each of the other accomplices was granted bail with a surety each. The case has been adjourned to November 9, 2021. Background Shatta Wale was arrested on October 19, 2021, together with his three friends after faking a gunshot attack. The Shatta Movement boss was charged with the publication of false news and causing fear and panic. His cohorts, Kojo Owusu Koranteng, Idris Yusif, and Eric Venator have also been charged with abetment of crime. Rapper, Medikal is also in court today, after five days on remand. He was remanded by a Circuit Court judge in Accra on October 22, 2021, for brandishing a weapon in a video found on social media. Medikal has been charged with the display of arms and ammunition. —ghanaweb Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 05555568093
‘I won’t take excuses’ – Akufo-Addo warns MMDCEs
President Nana Akufo-Addo has sent a clear and unambiguous warning to all Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) in his government. He says he would not take any lame excuses for non-performance and failures on the part of any of his appointees. Speaking at an orientation put together for MMDCEs in Accra this morning, he said “the argument that you are not aware of or are not responsible for government initiatives in your localities will not wash with me.” That, he said was because “all government initiatives at the local level come within your purview whether you initiated them or not.” He has therefore asked all appointees especially MMDCEs to familiarise themselves with every programme and policy initiative whether of their own making or not, insisting that “a Chief Executive who is indifferent or unaware of government activities in his or her area is not a suitable Chief Executive.” The challenge all MMDCEs to take advantage of the various programs and projects of the government to develop their localities, saying “ones a lot of funds continue to flow in the localities, every attempt will be made to get the Common Fund Allocations to you regularly and on time”, to thunderous applause from the gathering. That notwithstanding, the President encouraged all MMDCEs to as it were “work to increase internally generated funds” “You will not make the progress you should if your development programs are fully dependent on the relatively modest sums you get from the Common Fund allocations.” He equally had cause to warn them against getting involved in what he described as ‘unnecessary conflicts’ that would dent the image of the Assembly and by extension government. Rather, he charged “work with your staff, deepen transparency and promote popular participation and accountability at the local level.” Those, he said are the hallmarks for successful leadership and the attainment of results. “If you are fruitful in this, then we will be making good progress towards strengthening the structure of our governance system and bringing democracy and progress to local government” he emphasized. He however had cause to reminded all his appointees especially MMDCEs that “I won’t hesitate to disappoint any DCE who does not live up to expectation.” Whilst he admitted that the Minister for Local Government, Decentralization Rural Development has oversight responsibility for decentralization, implementation and local government, he charged Regional Ministers to monitor and evaluate the performance of MMDCEs in their regions and submit periodic reports to him. “I therefore expect you to accord the regional ministers the due respect as they are the President’s representatives in the region”, he advised. The MMDCEs as political and administrative heads are expected to provide leadership at the district level. In their leadership roles, MMDECs represent the Central Government at the local level and are required to implement national and local policies. They are obliged to preside at meetings of the Executive Committee, be responsible for the day-to-day performance of the executive and administrative functions of the District Assembly, and be responsible for the supervision of the departments of the District Assembly. These responsibilities require some specific competencies including leadership and managerial skills. MMDCEs are also required to deliver the sessional address to the District Assemblies on policy matters determined by the President; present periodic reports on the performance of the Executive Committees as well as the state of the districts, and submit recommendations of the District Assemblies through the Regional Coordinating Councils (RCCs), to the Minister responsible for Local Government on matters of national concern, at the end of each session. The MMDCES serve as chairpersons of the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Security Committees and also represents the Districts on the Regional Coordinating Councils (RCCs). The orientation and training programme has been designed to be implemented in thre phases including a general orientation for all appointed MMDCEs on 26 and 27 October, 2021 at the Accra International Conference Center (AICC); an Orientation for only first-time appointed MMDCEs on 28 and 29 October, 2021 at the Institute of Local Government Studies (ILGS), Ogbojo and a nationwide zonal refresher course for all MMDCEs at designated training centres across the country shortly following the completion of the orientation. By Charles Takyi-Boadu, Presidential Correspondent Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 05555568093
Amazing Mahama should report EC ballot stuffing claim to police if he’s sincere – Kofi Akpaloo
The Founder and Leader of the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG) has called on former President John Dramani Mahama to present his evidence of ballot stuffing in the 2020 general elections to the police administration if he (Mahama) has genuine concerns. According to Kofi Akpaloo, the acts of ballot stuffing is a criminal offence and such action on the part of the Electoral Commission as alleged by Mr. Mahama must not be taken kindly. Mr. Akpalu said this in an interview with Kwame Appiah Kubi, host of ‘Ghana Yensom’ morning show on Accra 100.5 FM. “Former President Mahama as a leader of the largest opposition political party must as a matter of urgency report his claims to the police administration for action to be taken,” he said. He reminded the former president to without hesitation report the details of his findings on the EC engaging in ballot stuffing to the police for the needed actions to be taken on the matter. “He (Mahama) must report the matter to the police for the security agencies to take it up from there if as a leader he is so sincere about his claims about the EC,” Mr. Akpaloo stressed. He reminded the former president that if his claims are true then there ought to have been excess ballot after collation of the ballots but “the ballots the EC chairperson, Jean Mensah, declared tallied after collation,” he said. “There were no excess ballots after the EC’s declaration…It was before elections 2012 that people could vote more than once but post-2012, it is impossible for people to vote more than once in any elections in the country,” he argued. Mr Akpaloo said, “it is amazing how the former president was privy to all these claims about the EC but was not able to present all these to the Supreme Court during the 2020 Election Petition hearing.” “It is high time the NDC stops deceiving its supporters and show them some respect with all these claims that elections were rigged in favour of the governing New Patriotic Party,” he added. Meanwhile, the EC has asked the Ghana Police Service to also investigate Mr. Mahama’s claim. Deputy Chairman of the EC in charge of Corporate Affairs, Dr. Eric Bossman Asare, told journalists at a press conference on Monday, 25 October 2021 that: “The former president has said that the EC thumb-printed one million ballot papers in favour of the President of the Republic. This is untrue”. “This is not a matter that should be ignored, and we call on the Ghana Police Service to investigate it,” Dr Bossman Asare added. “This is a great matter that undermines the credibility of the electoral process and should not be ignored. We call on him to provide evidence to support this claim,” he challenged. —Classfmonline Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 05555568093
More Trouble For KK Sarpong’s US$1.6 Billion Aker/AGM Transaction -As Italians Denies His Claims While Energy Experts Punch Holes In His Arguments
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), Dr. Kofi Koduah Sarpong, continues to push his luck by courting support for the questionable acquisition of Aker Energy’s stakes in the Deepwater Tano Cape Three Points (DWT/CTP) and South Deepwater Tano (SDWT) blocks offshore Ghana. He had claimed that, the Italian energy giant was leaving Ghana, but this has turned out to be untrue as Eni is not going anywhere. Rather the company plans to make more investment here in Ghana the same way it is doing in Côte d’Ivoire. They insisted that his claim was false. In his latest attempt to court their support, Dr. Sarpong and his team, met selected Civil Society Organization (CSOs), alongside pro-government media and students of University of Ghana to further the government agenda. Experts have observed that what he is failing to mention to the CSOs and the others is that globally, and especially in Ghana, majors are not the only key players in exploration. Kosmos Energy, Tullow and Anadarko, the trailblazers in Ghana’s major field, are all independents. Some top tier companies may be shifting focus, however, mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity in the oil and gas sector is still boisterous for quality assets. In fact one needs not look far for evidence of this. Kosmos Energy right here has just acquired Anadarko’s stakes in Ghana’s Jubilee and TEN fields. Eni ain’t going nowhere It is surprising that Dr. Sarpong and his team, would include Eni among his list of “majors shifting away from oil and gas,” since facts available to them make it clear that the Italian oil giant ‘ain’t going nowhere,’ as the Americans would put it. Eni, the Sankofa-GyeNyame field operator, is bent on developing their recent Ghana Block 4 discovery and also negotiating for another block in Ghana, to increase their Ghana assets to three. It is therefore a lie for anybody, especially Dr. Sarpong, with the facts available to him to suggest that Eni was shifting away from oil and gas in the sub-region. Again, right across Ghana’s western border, the President of Côte d’Ivoire Alassane Ouattara and Eni CEO Claudio Descalzi met at the beginning of this month to discuss the progress of Eni’s activities in the country, following the giant offshore discovery of Baleine 1-X. When contacted on GNPC’s claim that the company plans to exit West Africa, Eni stated that its decarbonisation strategy is a public document and nowhere does it state it wants to exit or create a subsidiary to manage its assets. “We are an established E&P company with technology and record. We have no plans to downplay that even as we push for net zero”, a source at Eni told The Herald. Indeed, a release by Eni on October 2, said Eni CEO and President Ouattara discussed Baleine’s appraisal and fast-track development plans. This is information that must be available to the GNPC boss and his team, as their roles require they are abreast with developments in the sub-region as well.. “Baleine’s potential is estimated in excess of 2 billion barrels of oil in place and about 2.4 trillion cubic feet (TCF) of associated gas. Its significant gas volumes will contribute to power generation in Côte d’Ivoire, strengthening the country’s role as a regional energy hub,” the release stated. The negotiations also covered critical areas for knowledge and skills transfer to ensure value retention by the Ivorian resource owners, including a collaboration between Eni Corporate University (ECU) and Ecole Supérieure du Pétrole et de l’Energie to develop competencies and human capital. These clear examples of practical steps towards capacity building are conspicuously missing from ongoing discussions around the operatorship aspiration by GNPC. Baleine-1x is the first operated exploration well drilled by Eni in Côte d’Ivoire in the CI-101 block, with the Ivorian national oil company (NOC) Petroci Holding. In addition to the CI-101 block, Eni owns a stake in four other blocks in the Ivorian deepwater: CI-205, CI-501, CI-504 and CI-802, all with the same partner Petroci Holding. In the case of British Petroleum (BP), it has committed to transitioning from an oil and gas company to an energy company by 2050, but targeted reducing oil and gas production by up to 40% by 2030. CEO Bernard Looney has made it clear in a webcast Q and A session on presenting BP’s first quarter report that, “the key thing going forward around divestments is we are not in a hurry. We are just not in a rush.” Critical questions remain unanswered In his presentation to CSOs, Dr. Sarpong states 40,000 bopd as projected production by 2024 from Pecan Phase 1A, 40,000 bopd by 2027 from Pecan 1B, 60, 000 bopd by 2027 from Nyankom and 60,000 bopd from Pecan Phase 2 by 2030. Industry watchers believe that the projection of 40,000 bopd in 2024 is unimpressive, while the other additions to grow production to 200,000 are suspiciously unsustainable. Reserved volumes are not conjured. Reserves certification or audit is carried out by globally recognised entities like DeGolyer, MacNaughton, Gaffney Kline, and Ryder Scott. Therefore for us the critical, yet unanswered questions remain: How were the contingent resources of 717 million barrels confirmed? How were “Substantial prospects in the two blocks, especially SDWT”, arrived at? Can Dr. Sarpong and his team produce the technical audit or certification from a reputable entity on the above? When were the valuations carried out? The Herald, had earlier reported on surreptitious lobbying by Mr Sarpong and his agents, of some key CSO leaders, especially in oil and gas and government policy sectors, ahead of presenting the proposal to Parliament, either to buy their support or silence their opposition. —theheraldgh Disclaimer: “The views/contents expressed in this article are the sole responsibility of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of ApexnewsGhana. ApexnewsGhana will not be responsible or liable for any inaccurate or incorrect statements contained in this article.”
Youth of Mamprusi and Kusasi in fresh press releases fight over Bawku Skin
Apexnewsgh.com has sighted press releases and counter-press releases emanating from both the Mamprusi Youth group and the Kusasi Youth Group, which should be of great interest to the Ghana National Security Department due to the content from two sides. The cordial and peaceful coexistence enjoyed so far in the Bawku Municipality after some years of terrible experience, if care is not taken, is trying to resurface again and this time through the issuance of press releases threats and counter-threats between the Youth of Mamprusi and Kusasi in the area over the issue of renaming of the Bawku Traditional Council and Bawku skin. However, the press releases banter started after a video interview in which one Professor, Prof George Akeya Agbango who believes to come from Kusasi’s side allegedly made false historical claims as considered by the Mamprusi Youth leading their press release to clear the air. Below is Prof. George Akeya Agbango interview which triggered the press releases: Meanwhile, it was after the above interview by Prof. George Akeya Agbango that triggered the Youth of Mamprusi to come out with a press release titled: BAWKU HAS NO CHIEF AND THERE IS NOTHING LIKE KUSAUG TRADITIONAL AREA:A REACTION TO PROF AGBANGO’S CLAIMS AND MATTARS ARISING-MAMPRUGU KAYA NI TA’DA YOUTH GROUP. However, after the above the press conference by the MAMPRUGU KAYA NI TA’DA YOUTH GROUP, the CONCERNED KUSAUG YOUTH responded by coming up with the press release below. CONCERNED KUSAUG YOUTH Press Release Monday, 25th October, 2021, Bawku. RE: BAWKU HAS NO CHIEF, AND THERE IS NOTHING LIKE KUSAUG TRADITIONAL AREA: A REACTION TO PROF AGBANGO’S CLAIMS AND MATTERS ARISING- MAMPRUGU KAYA NI TA’DA YOUTH GROUP. Our attention has been drawn to a provocative press conference organized in the North-East Region by a disgruntled, blood thirsty Mamprusi group calling itself MAMPRUGU KAYA NI TA’DA YOUTH GROUP as a response to an interview granted by the renowned Professor George Akeya Agbango. In the said video, the celebrated academic chronicled the in-depth history and struggles of Kusaas in the Kusaug traditional Area. We would have treated their distortions and invitation to violence with the contempt it deserves, but for the unsuspecting public who might not have been informed of their distorted claims. The good people of Kusaug and Kusaas see this immaterial presser as a piece emanating from some evil-minded persons using these hired trigger-happy youth to attempt to disrupt the peaceful tribal coexistence in the Kusaug kingdom. Therefore, this brief response seeks to educate the mickey mouse group and their surrogates on their queasy and pathetic write up. To make it brief and easy for them to appreciate, we sought to itemize the most outlandish portions of their mendacious claims that threatened the peace in Kusaug and Ghana as a whole, and which might sway the unsuspecting majority into believing their gibberish and vanished facts. THE CLAIM THAT BAWKU HAS NO CHIEF: One of the claims of the disgruntled Mamprusi group in their presser was that Bawku has no Chief. To set the records straight; Per Local Government Bulletin No. 26, dated 05 September 1986, Zugraan (Overlord), Naba Asigri Abugrago Azoka II was enskinned on 24 April 1984, as the Paramount Chief of Bawku. Per Chieftaincy (Membership of Regional Houses of Chiefs) Instrument, (L.I. 2409, 2020), Naba Asigri Abugrago Azoka II was gazette as the Paramount Chief of Kusaug (Bawku) The Zugraan, Naba Asigri Abugrago Azoka II is not just a permanent member of the Upper East Regional House of Chiefs but has served as President of the Upper East Regional House of Chiefs.4. The Zugraan, Naba Asigri Abugrago Azoka II has been and is a member of the National House of Chiefs. Are these disgruntled evil-minded group of Mampusis questioning the competency of the Upper East Regional House of Chiefs and National House of Chiefs to determine who are the legitimate Chiefs in Ghana and their membership? To further assist these hooligans to cure their ignorance, the legality of the Zugraan remains incontestable. Previous attempts at challenging the legitimacy and authority of the Zugraan failed miserably in the light of common sense, truth and justice. The most recent attempt is evidenced in the Supreme Court of Ghana decision in the case of Alhaji Ibrahim Adam Zangbeog v. Anincheema Abugrago & Anor, 2003. In this case, some Mamprusis brought a case challenging the legitimacy of the Zugraan as the Paramount Chief of the then Bawku Traditional Area. So bad, shallow and hollow was the Mamprusis argument against the daunting weight of evidence adduced by the Kusaas that, the Mamprusis sought to retreat. On 29 April 2003, ACQUAH JSC (Presiding Judge then) granted their application to discontinue the case but without liberty to apply under PNDCL 75 and articles 270 and 277 of the 1992 Constitution. This literally means that the Supreme Court shut the doors on the disgruntled Mamprusi group never to come again challenging the legitimacy of the Bawku Skin. The Supreme Court slapped the Mamprusis (led by Alhaji Ibrahim Adam Zangbeogo) a fine of ten million (¢10,000,000) old Ghana cedis. Besides, if the overwhelming evidence adduced above is still difficult for these hoodlums to comprehend that there is a legitimate Chief in Bawku against their bilge water notion, we remind them of the remarks of recognition by past presidents. Evidently, in the two separate visits of the President of the republic of Ghana and Commander in Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces, H.E NANA ADDO DANKWA AKUFFO-ADDO to Bawku, He never minced words in re-affirming on both occasions that, there is only one Bawku Naba in the person of Zugraan, Naba ASIGRI ABUGRAGO AZOKA II. This remark by the first gentleman of the land in his chiefdom visits is not a funfair but to equally blacklist the minds of sycophants and whirlwind chasers to rather invest their energies into profitable ventures and forget daydreaming for chieftaincy titles in Kusaug. Perhaps we need to avert their minds also to the fact that, His Excellency the Vice president (Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia)