Former President Kufuor calls for the abolishment of Council of State
Former President John Agyekum Kufuor has said, it is time Council of State is abolished According to the former President, the Council has outlived its usefulness in the current democratic dispensation. “I have had a chance to express my views on the Council of State, very honourable distinguished institution, well-meaning. But, I can say I don’t think it is fit for purpose given the state of development of our country and given the fact that the nation is committed to practicing democratic governance.” The former President said this at a seminar organised by the Professor Mike Oquaye Centre for Constitutional Studies at the Institute for Economic Affairs (IEA), in Aburi, Eastern Region, on Tuesday. The seminar formed part of a series of engagements the Institute is undertaking to solicit input toward a possible review of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution. The former President proposed that, instead of the Council of State, the country should set up a second chamber of Parliament to play the advisory role to the government. He said in recent times, the relevance of the Council of State has been questioned with some political commentators, academia and civil society organisations suggesting that the body has outlived its usefulness, thus should be abolished. Former President Kufuor explained that though the framers of the Constitution thought it wise to set up such a body to advise the President, the Council is no longer useful. He said: “… We limit the uses of Council of State to advising just the President,” and that often, the President decided whether or not to take the advice. “So, I have gone through all these periods and I have come to a conclusion, perhaps, what our Constitution should have to temper the extremes of democracy is not a Council of State, but a second chamber. A second chamber well composed not on basis of democracy so much. Democracy should always be implied in there though, but not entirely democratically but more on experience, prove in public spiritedness, prudence, maturity, care for the nation, inclusive. “If we do that, and allow this second chamber to operate openly, in the full glare of publicity, then the wisdom that would be issued from their deliberations would impact not only the President… ,” he added. The former President added that the term of the second chamber must not be tied to the tenure of any government to ensure that there is continuity in the provision of development for the people. On limiting the appointing powers of the President, the former President said the country must practice the checks and balances in its pure form, especially among the lead organs of State. He called for the amendment of sections of the Constitution that empowered presidents to appoint about 50 percent of Ministers from Parliament. “The legislature should be apart, people being elected there should be encouraged to professionalise themselves as legislators so they will play the guard dogs or watchdogs on the executive,” he said. The former President also urged that political parties should be allowed to participate in elections at the local level. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana For publication please kindly contact us on 0256336062 or Email apexnewsgh@gmail.com
Akufo-Addo will go down in history as the president who mostly disrespected public appeal–Haruna Iddrisu
Members of the minority caucus in parliament have said they feels betrayed by the majority caucus vis-à-vis the pending censure motion against Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, who is billed to present the 2023 budget on Thursday, 24 November 2022 despite an earlier-but-twice-U-turned demand by some 98 government MPs that a new face other than Mr Ofori-Atta read the budget. Minority Leader Haruna Iddrisu said this whiles addressing the media on Wednesday, 23 November 2022. According to Mr. Iddrisu, “President Akufo-Addo will go down in history as the president who mostly disrespected public appeal because, as far as we are concerned, public opinion is not supportive and favourable to the continuous stay in office of this failing, beleaguered lame-duck Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta.” “We feel let down and we feel betrayed by the majority caucus, who have shown no wits in supporting us with our impeachment process”, Mr Iddrisu added. Despite the jolt suffered, Mr Iddrisu said: “We are not abandoning our censorship motion”, adding: “We are in it for the long haul”. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana For publication please kindly contact us on 0256336062 or Email apexnewsgh@gmail.com
MTN Ghana launches Science Analytics training to bridge data analytics skills gap
MTN Ghana along with seven other MTN operations earlier today, launched the Data Science Analytics training program. The program forms part of the MTN Skills Academy’s work to promote digital skills for digital jobs, in turn supporting MTN Group’s strategic intent of providing digital solutions for Africa’s progress. To address Africa’s digital skills gap, MTN Group through some of its operating companies is partnering with SAS Training, Courses & Classes to train up to 200 young people in data analytics. Polaris Market Research puts the 2021 value of the global data science platform market at $95 billion and expects it to expand at a compound annual growth rate of more than 27% through to 2030, driven by the increasing data volumes being generated by organisations. “For Africa to realise its full potential, we need to address the lack of skills funding,” says MTN Group Senior Vice President for Markets Ebenezer Asante, adding that eight MTN operating companies had assigned learners to participate in the training that the Group is providing through its partnership with SAS. “Africa has the largest and fastest-growing youth population in the world. While this holds tremendous development promise, youth unemployment statistics remain a cause for major concern. It is only by investing in developing the right skills that we are going to overcome this challenge,” Asante adds. In Ghana, 10 participants who are due for National Service have been selected to benefit from this training program. Each of them has received working tools including monthly data and airtime for the training program. Five out of the 10 participants are MTN scholarship beneficiaries and the other half are national service personnel. To achieve gender balance, five of the participants are females. Essie Mokgonyana, SAS Country Manager & Sales Director for South Africa, says: “We are committed to supporting public and private organisations across Africa to adopt cloud platforms to tap into the full potential of their analytic capabilities and resources to accelerate innovation and higher operational efficiencies. The training initiative consists of a six-week programme, the first part of which is self-paced and the second contains live instructor-led courses. “During this programme, all participants will have full access to SAS® Skill Builder for Students, which includes a repository of resources to help participants learn SAS Data Science skills; from free online courses for certification purposes to exam preparation materials, and practical case studies where participants can learn more about how SAS software solutions are used in the industries they’re interested in and for their career advancement,” says Adesh Nathalal, Education Manager at SAS in South Africa. After the initial six-week programme, half the participants will undergo further training with MTN’s in-house data analytics academy. “This initiative is part of the work of the broader MTN Skills Academy to equip young people with the skills that are in high demand, in turn making them more employable,” says Asante, adding that MTN is committed to closing the skills gap and contributing to youth empowerment wherever we operate. Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana For publication please kindly contact us on 0256336062 or Email apexnewsgh@gmail.com
Glazer family: Owners of Man Utd consider selling club
Manchester United’s owners the Glazer family say they are considering selling the club as they “explore strategic alternatives”. The Americansbought the Old Trafford outfit for £790m ($1.34bn)in 2005. It comes after years of protest from fans against their ownership. A statement from the club said the board will “consider all strategic alternatives, including new investment into the club, a sale, or other transactions involving the company”. It added that the process “will include an assessment of several initiatives to strengthen the club, including stadium and infrastructure redevelopment, and expansion of the club’s commercial operations on a global scale” to enhance “the long-term success of the club’s men’s, women’s and academy teams, and bringing benefits to fans and other stakeholders”. In 2012,the Glazers sold 10% of their holdingvia a stock listing and have sold further shares in the following years. “As we seek to continue building on the club’s history of success, the board has authorised a thorough evaluation of strategic alternatives,” said executive co-chairmen and directors Avram Glazer and Joel Glazer. “We will evaluate all options to ensure that we best serve our fans and that Manchester United maximizes the significant growth opportunities available to the club today and in the future. “Throughout this process we will remain fully focused on serving the best interests of our fans, shareholders, and various stakeholders.” The Glazer family have owned NFL side Tampa Bay Buccaneers since 1995 and Avram Glazer bought a team in the new United Arab Emirates Twenty20 cricket league in 2021. Joel and Avram took over the day-to-day running of United after their father Malcolm suffered a stroke in April 2006. Billionaire Malcolm died aged 85 in 2014. American investment firm Raine Group,who handled Chelsea’s £4.25bn sale in May,is acting as United’s exclusive financial advisor. The statement from the clubadded: “There can be no assurance that the review being undertaken will result in any transaction involving the company. “Manchester United does not intend to make further announcements regarding the review unless and until the board has approved a specific transaction or another course of action requiring a formal announcement.” United, who are fifth in the Premier League, have not won the title since 2013 and have not won a trophy since claiming the Europa League and EFL Cup in 2017. There have been multiple protests against the Glazers’ ownership in recent years,including one in May 2021which caused United’s home league match against Liverpool to be postponed. Thousands of supporters marched to Old Trafford in protest before the same fixture this season, in August. United were part of the failed European Super League project which rapidly collapsed in April 2021. Manchester United co-chairman Joel Glazerlater apologisedfor the unrest caused. He has since attended fans’ forums in the wake of supporter unrest and pledged to make shares available to the club’s followers. According to Transfermarkt,United have a net spend of 1.36bn euros (£1.18bn) on transfers under the Glazers, with only Manchester City having a higher figure in that period. Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo, wholeft Manchester United with immediate effecton Tuesday,criticised the club ownershipin a controversial interview last week saying the Glazer family “don’t care about the club” on the sporting side. The move to sell United comes after Liverpool chairman Tom Werner saidFenway Sports Group were “exploring a sale”of the Anfield club. A Bloomberg reportin August 2022 said the Glazer family were willing to sell a minority stake in the club. British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffesaid he would be interestedin buying Unitedbefore he statedin October that the Glazer family had told him they did not want to sell. Source: BBC
Together, we can come out of current socio-economic predicament – Mahama to CSOs
A collaborative partnership of mutual respect among the government, civil society organisations, labour unions, the private sector and key stakeholders can help Ghana out of her current economic challenges, former President John Mahama has said. At an engagement with CSOs in Accra on Tuesday, 22 November 2022, Mr Mahama said: “I daresay that together, we are in a better place to help our country out of its current socio-economic predicament”. “What is required is a partnership, collaboration, mutual respect and an understanding that governance and efforts at meeting the needs of the ordinary Ghanaian are a shared responsibility between particularly, government, civil society, the private sector, labour and other key stakeholders”, he noted. Mr Mahama lauded CSOs for transitioning from a fighting posture to now being conversational.https://googleads.g.doubleclick.net/pagead/ads?client=ca-pub-4549410436183225&output=html&h=250&slotname=4705176708&adk=1921530005&adf=3178325335&pi=t.ma~as.4705176708&w=300&lmt=1669201828&format=300×250&url=https%3A%2F%2Fmobile.classfmonline.com%2Fnews%2Fpolitics%2FTogether-we-can-come-out-of-current-socio-economic-predicament-Mahama-to-CSOs-37329&wgl=1&uach=WyJBbmRyb2lkIiwiMTEuMC4wIiwiIiwiVEVDTk8gQkU2aiIsIjEwNS4wLjUxOTUuMTM2IixbXSx0cnVlLG51bGwsIiIsW1siR29vZ2xlIENocm9tZSIsIjEwNS4wLjUxOTUuMTM2Il0sWyJOb3QpQTtCcmFuZCIsIjguMC4wLjAiXSxbIkNocm9taXVtIiwiMTA1LjAuNTE5NS4xMzYiXV0sZmFsc2Vd&dt=1669201826073&bpp=9&bdt=1692&idt=2225&shv=r20221110&mjsv=m202211150101&ptt=9&saldr=aa&abxe=1&cookie=ID%3D783012ba28970225-22c6d30de8d50033%3AT%3D1664308948%3ART%3D1664308948%3AS%3DALNI_MY9MgCyTHbcpNXKWNapqQ_5SI5U4Q&gpic=UID%3D00000aed89dc1df6%3AT%3D1664308948%3ART%3D1669194173%3AS%3DALNI_MaPA-GQfzF7WolX-6u_IbfUT_iQzA&prev_fmts=0x0%2C300x250&nras=1&correlator=2626487023407&frm=20&pv=1&ga_vid=1612813038.1664308948&ga_sid=1669201827&ga_hid=1420257593&ga_fc=1&u_tz=0&u_his=27&u_h=640&u_w=320&u_ah=640&u_aw=320&u_cd=24&u_sd=1.5&dmc=2&adx=15&ady=1555&biw=320&bih=512&scr_x=0&scr_y=0&eid=44759876%2C44759927%2C44759842%2C42531706%2C44778780%2C31070762%2C31070969&oid=2&pvsid=2525540079635782&tmod=1014817994&uas=3&nvt=1&ref=https%3A%2F%2Fmobile.classfmonline.com%2F&eae=0&fc=1920&brdim=0%2C0%2C0%2C0%2C320%2C0%2C320%2C512%2C515%2C825&vis=1&rsz=%7C%7CeEbr%7C&abl=CS&pfx=0&fu=1024&bc=31&ifi=3&uci=a!3&btvi=2&fsb=1&xpc=cg7q815Ceg&p=https%3A//mobile.classfmonline.com&dtd=2292 “There is, currently, a shift away from aggressive confrontations to constructive, civil conversations”, Mr Mahama observed, pointing out: “Normally, the engagements were confrontational with the government but now, it is more of a civil conversation, and they have also enhanced their relevance with new capacities in terms of research and data analysis, thereby serving as storehouses for alternative policy ideas”. A few days ahead of his meeting with the CSOs, Mr Mahama had urged Ghanaians to pray for his return to save the country from the current hardships. He said the hard economic times are now being reflected by the dwindling offerings in the church, and urged Christians to pray for the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) and him to “rescue” Ghana from the current “suffering”. At the 175th-anniversary thanksgiving service of the E.P Church in Ho, Volta Region, Mr Mahama urged Christians to be generous with the little they have since times are hard.https://googleads.g.doubleclick.net/pagead/ads?client=ca-pub-4549410436183225&output=html&h=250&slotname=4705176708&adk=1921530005&adf=3555028469&pi=t.ma~as.4705176708&w=300&lmt=1669201828&format=300×250&url=https%3A%2F%2Fmobile.classfmonline.com%2Fnews%2Fpolitics%2FTogether-we-can-come-out-of-current-socio-economic-predicament-Mahama-to-CSOs-37329&wgl=1&uach=WyJBbmRyb2lkIiwiMTEuMC4wIiwiIiwiVEVDTk8gQkU2aiIsIjEwNS4wLjUxOTUuMTM2IixbXSx0cnVlLG51bGwsIiIsW1siR29vZ2xlIENocm9tZSIsIjEwNS4wLjUxOTUuMTM2Il0sWyJOb3QpQTtCcmFuZCIsIjguMC4wLjAiXSxbIkNocm9taXVtIiwiMTA1LjAuNTE5NS4xMzYiXV0sZmFsc2Vd&dt=1669201826082&bpp=8&bdt=1702&idt=2493&shv=r20221110&mjsv=m202211150101&ptt=9&saldr=aa&abxe=1&cookie=ID%3D783012ba28970225-22c6d30de8d50033%3AT%3D1664308948%3ART%3D1664308948%3AS%3DALNI_MY9MgCyTHbcpNXKWNapqQ_5SI5U4Q&gpic=UID%3D00000aed89dc1df6%3AT%3D1664308948%3ART%3D1669194173%3AS%3DALNI_MaPA-GQfzF7WolX-6u_IbfUT_iQzA&prev_fmts=0x0%2C300x250%2C300x250&nras=1&correlator=2626487023407&frm=20&pv=1&ga_vid=1612813038.1664308948&ga_sid=1669201827&ga_hid=1420257593&ga_fc=1&u_tz=0&u_his=27&u_h=640&u_w=320&u_ah=640&u_aw=320&u_cd=24&u_sd=1.5&dmc=2&adx=15&ady=2742&biw=320&bih=512&scr_x=0&scr_y=0&eid=44759876%2C44759927%2C44759842%2C42531706%2C44778780%2C31070762%2C31070969&oid=2&pvsid=2525540079635782&tmod=1014817994&uas=3&nvt=1&ref=https%3A%2F%2Fmobile.classfmonline.com%2F&eae=0&fc=1920&brdim=0%2C0%2C0%2C0%2C320%2C0%2C320%2C512%2C515%2C825&vis=1&rsz=%7C%7CeEbr%7C&abl=CS&pfx=0&fu=1024&bc=31&ifi=4&uci=a!4&btvi=3&fsb=1&xpc=rd2rssuueY&p=https%3A//mobile.classfmonline.com&dtd=2652 “We must always spread Christian love, especially in this time, when money doesn’t like noise”, he told the church, stressing: “Especially, at this time when we all agree that times are hard”. “This is the time we must show our Christian charity by loving our neighbours as ourselves”, Mr Mahama urged. “And, so, whatever little you have to share, you should share with your neighbour”, he told Christians. Using an appeal for funds event at the church as the litmus test of the economic hardships, Mr Mahama pointed out: “I mean, we could tell the hardship in the system from the appeal for funds”.https://googleads.g.doubleclick.net/pagead/ads?client=ca-pub-4549410436183225&output=html&h=250&slotname=4705176708&adk=1921530005&adf=3839672949&pi=t.ma~as.4705176708&w=300&lmt=1669201830&format=300×250&url=https%3A%2F%2Fmobile.classfmonline.com%2Fnews%2Fpolitics%2FTogether-we-can-come-out-of-current-socio-economic-predicament-Mahama-to-CSOs-37329&wgl=1&adsid=ChEIgKb3mwYQp7W6jMqFgImvARI5ALtvipII_0XMf1f5-U5rReCs_KBvRuZphcOI9L9p13qIWyhudyP46IiJ-8z0gcNoyCY1Ahp8EopD&uach=WyJBbmRyb2lkIiwiMTEuMC4wIiwiIiwiVEVDTk8gQkU2aiIsIjEwNS4wLjUxOTUuMTM2IixbXSx0cnVlLG51bGwsIiIsW1siR29vZ2xlIENocm9tZSIsIjEwNS4wLjUxOTUuMTM2Il0sWyJOb3QpQTtCcmFuZCIsIjguMC4wLjAiXSxbIkNocm9taXVtIiwiMTA1LjAuNTE5NS4xMzYiXV0sZmFsc2Vd&dt=1669201826090&bpp=8&bdt=1709&idt=3273&shv=r20221110&mjsv=m202211150101&ptt=9&saldr=aa&abxe=1&cookie=ID%3D783012ba28970225-22c6d30de8d50033%3AT%3D1664308948%3ART%3D1664308948%3AS%3DALNI_MY9MgCyTHbcpNXKWNapqQ_5SI5U4Q&gpic=UID%3D00000aed89dc1df6%3AT%3D1664308948%3ART%3D1669194173%3AS%3DALNI_MaPA-GQfzF7WolX-6u_IbfUT_iQzA&prev_fmts=0x0%2C300x250%2C300x250%2C300x250%2C300x250&nras=1&correlator=2626487023407&frm=20&pv=1&ga_vid=1612813038.1664308948&ga_sid=1669201827&ga_hid=1420257593&ga_fc=1&u_tz=0&u_his=27&u_h=640&u_w=320&u_ah=640&u_aw=320&u_cd=24&u_sd=1.5&dmc=2&adx=15&ady=3375&biw=320&bih=512&scr_x=0&scr_y=2176&eid=44759876%2C44759927%2C44759842%2C42531706%2C44778780%2C31070762%2C31070969&oid=2&pvsid=2525540079635782&tmod=1014817994&uas=3&nvt=1&ref=https%3A%2F%2Fmobile.classfmonline.com%2F&eae=0&fc=1920&brdim=0%2C0%2C0%2C0%2C320%2C0%2C320%2C512%2C515%2C825&vis=1&rsz=%7C%7CeEbr%7C&abl=CS&pfx=0&fu=1024&bc=31&jar=2022-11-23-11&ifi=5&uci=a!5&btvi=5&fsb=1&xpc=82HNlEhLBM&p=https%3A//mobile.classfmonline.com&dtd=4108 “When it was GH¢2,000, madam chair and a few people came and donated. Then it came down to ¢1,000, then to ¢500, then to ¢200 and ¢100”. “And when it got to the silver collection, ¢1, ¢2, the place was full, it shows that the pocket was not too good”, he observed. https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fweb.facebook.com%2FJDMahama%2Fposts%2F683109999837402&show_text=true&width=500 He then told the church, which had on its schedule, a prayer session for Christians in Pakistan: “After we pray for Pakistan, Moderator should also say a special prayer for me and for the NDC so that, in some year that is just coming, luck will smile on us, God will smile on us and give us the power to come and rescue this country from the suffering we are going through”. Ghana is currently experiencing an economic crisis which President Nana Akufo-Addo has acknowledged, forcing him to address the nation on Sunday, 30 October 2022 about measures being put in place by his administration to fix the problem. Read the president’s full speech below: ADDRESS TO THE NATION BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC, NANA ADDO DANKWA AKUFO-ADDO, ON THE ECONOMY, ON SUNDAY, 30TH OCTOBER 2022. Fellow Ghanaians, good evening. Back in 2020, at the outbreak of the Coronavirus pandemic, I started a regular conversation with you that came to be popularly known as Fellow Ghanaians. It was a time of great fear of the unknown, and the entire world felt at risk. I came into your homes regularly to tell you what the experts were discovering about the virus, and what we should do. Now that we have seen the worst of the COVID-19, I can tell you that there were moments during those times when I was distraught, there were moments when I was in despair about the apparent inadequacy of our health facilities, and there were moments when I wondered if the dire predictions made about dead bodies on our streets would truly happen. But I knew that I owed it to all of us that, as your president, I had to hold my nerve, show leadership and take us out of the crisis. With your help and support, and the great mercies of the Almighty, we can say that we emerged from the ravages of the pandemic with one of the lowest mortality rates globally. In fact, Ghana’s handling of the pandemic won universal acclaim. We could all see in real time the devastation that was being wreaked on economies during the pandemic, but I doubt that anyone imagined the extent of the damage. Our economy, here in Ghana, like many, many others around the globe, was thrown into turmoil. When I said, at the height of the COVID pandemic, that we knew what to do to bring the economy back to life, but not how to bring people back to life, it was not said in jest. We had done it before, and we were on course to doing it again. Ghana’s economy grew by a remarkable 5.4% in 2021, signifying a strong recovery from the 0.5% growth recorded the previous year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, in the last quarter of 2021, our economy grew at seven percent (7%), only for the Russian invasion of Ukraine in the first quarter of this year to aggravate the effects of COVID-19, and plunge the global economy into even greater turmoil from which it has not yet recovered. The whole world has been taken aback by the speed with which inflation has eaten away people’s incomes. Economies, big and small, have experienced, over this year alone, the highest rise in cost of living over a generation; the highest rise in government borrowing in over fifty
Okyenhene destools Benkumhene over Galamsey
The OkyenheneOkyenhene Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin has ordered for the destoolment of Benkumhene of Asamang Tamfoe Nana Boakye Darkwa over illegal mining. This was after some residents in the community calling itself Concerned Citizens of Asamang Tamfoe petitioned the Akyem Abuakwa judicial council on November 9,2022 accusing the chief of engaging in illegal mining polluting rivers, and degrading farmlands threatening food security and livelihood of small holder farmers. The petition was submitted weeks after some illegal miners in Asamang Tamfoe clashed with Okyeman Environmental Taskforce on anti-galamsey operation in the community leading to exchange of gunshots on the streets. Subsequently, the Benkumhene held a press conference on October 6,2022 calling the bluff of Okyeman Environmental taskforce led by Chief of Akyem Apapam, Osabarima Apagya Ofori IV and dared to violently clash with them should they return to the community. Acting on the petition, the Akyem Abuakwa Judicial Council summoned the Chief of Asamang-Tamfoe Osabarima Kwame Koh II and the Benkumhene Nana Boakye Darkwa to appear before it on 21st November, 2022 for hearing which they complied. During the court proceedings, the Benkumhene of Asamang-Tamfoe Nana Boakye Darkwa was asked by the Akyem Abuakwa judicial council that on whose authority did he act to organize the press conference on 6th October, 2022 since the Chief of Asamang-Tamfoe Osabarima Kwame Koh II was in Kumasi on the said date. Secondly, he was confronted with a daily graphic’s publication which he threatened the Okyeman Environmental Taskforce. The Benkumhene admitted guilt and lied prostrate to apologize to Okyenhene and Akyem Abuakwa traditional council. Okyenhene Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin who chaired the Akyem Abuakwa Judicial Council made consequential orders for the removal of the Benkumhene. “I order that the Benkumhene should not remain as the Benkumhene because he has defied the orders that I instructed the taskforce to protect the Akyem lands from all illegal mining activities”. “The destruction of lands and water bodies going on at Asamang-Tamfoe, are you happy ? You did something wrong and Okyenhene called you and you refused to come, because of galamsey all our water bodies are destroyed in even Kyebi here, the same as Tamfoe, I am not interested in mining , I hate it” Okyenhene fumed. Secretary of Concerned Citizens of Asamang-Tamfoe , Ernest Osae Botah expressed his satisfaction with the decision made by the Akyem Abuakwa Judicial Council led by the Okyenhene and was hopeful that their concerns will be addressed after the substantive case is heard next week to end illegal mining in the community. In the substantive case, the petitioners allege that Osabarima Kwame Koh II ,the Benkumhene and his sub chiefs have all been engaging in illegal mining using foreigners under the guise of community mining. “People of Foreign descent have been allowed and in conjunction with chief of the town and sub-chiefs are dangerously engaging in illegal mining so close to the only portable source of good drinking water-the Tamfoe river . In face ,some of the mining sites almost end within the river bed causing so much discomfort and damages to the residents”. “It is rumoured that the chief Nana Kwame Koh II ,himself is part of the illegal miners and indeed on 19 October 2022, 5 excavators were sized under an operation mounted by over 25 soldiers and carried away.One of the excavators is alleged to belong to the chief”.Portions of the petition stated. The petitioners want Okyenhene to call the chief and other accomplices to order to stop mining activities in the community. “Whilst we make this appeal for the intervention of Ofori Panin Fie ,we are ready to join hands to look at other means by which this menace can be thwarted legally”. The petitioners also implicated some political figures in the illegal mining activities. “We have tried to defend and occasionally defended the allegation that ,the Member of Parliament for Atiwa East Abena Osei Asare and deputy Minister of Finance ,the District Chief Executive, Mr.Kwabena Panin Nkansah, the immediate past constituency Chairman Mr.Albert Antwi, with support of the Regional Executives of the NPP in Koforidua are behind this illegal act”. —Starrfm— For publication please kindly contact us on 0256336062 or Email apexnewsgh@gmail.com
NPP MPs changes decision to boycott 2023 budget
The governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) Members of Parliament have changed from their earlier stance to boycott the 2023 budget presentation if it will be delivered by Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta. The Majority have also resolved to support Mr Ofori-Atta in the passage of the 2023 budget. The Majority came to this conclusion after an intervention by the leadership and Council of Elders of the NPP on Tuesday night. Some 98 NPP MPs had insisted President Nana Akufo-Addo sack his cousin for messing up the economy or they would have nothing to do with him as far as government business on the floor of parliament is concerned. However, after a crunch meeting with the party’s leadership and council of elders, the party released a statement dated November 22, 2022, jointly signed by the Majority Chief Whip, Annoh-Dompreh, and the General Secretary of the NPP, Justin Kodua Frimpong saying “ithas been agreed by all to refocus and recline to the earlier position requested by President Akufo-Addo.” The statement added that it was agreed that the 98 MPs “demand be stood down until the conclusion of the round of negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) which would feed into the 2023 Budget”. RESOLUTION OF IMPASSE IN THE NPP PARLIAMENTARY GROUP Over the past two weeks, especially, after the President had engaged the Majority Caucus over calls for the ouster of the Minister of Finance as well as the Minister of State at the Ministry of Finance and a statement on the engagement had been issued, the country has witnessed a heightened public/media discussion on same subject matter. There have been occasional individual interventions some of which have not helped the resolution of the issue in contention. On the other hand, some of these interventions have contributed to escalate tensions and suspicions. At a meeting this evening, the 22nd of November 2022, involving the Majority Caucus, the Leadership of the Party and the Council of Elders, it has been agreed by all to refocus and recline to the earlier position requested by the President,to wit: 1. The demand be stood down until the conclusion of the round of negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) which would feed into the 2023 Budget; 2. The presentation of the 2023 Budget Statement and Economic Policy on the 24thNovember 2022 by the Finance Minister on behalf of the President; and 3. The subsequent presentation and passage of the Appropriation Bill The meeting agreed that the President would act upon the initial request of the NPP Parliamentary Caucus after the conclusion of these matters. In the meantime, the Leadership of the Parliamentary group and the Leadership of the Party counselled the Honourable Members of the Parliamentary Party to resort to the Caucus communication channels and, to the largest extent possible, work together as one Caucus unit. Leadership and the Party in this regard call upon the Members of Parliament to attend to all Government Businesses in the House /including, in particular, the 2023 Budget Statement and Economic Policy and all connected matters. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana For publication please kindly contact us on 0256336062 or Email apexnewsgh@gmail.com