OSP gets 249 permanent staff, retrofitted 3-bedroom office to 10-storey building
A total of 249 people are set to start working as permanent staff of the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) effective September 2023. “The development is a significant milestone as the office operated without permanent staff since its establishment in 2018,” a report issued by the Special Prosecutor, Mr Kissi Agyebeng and copied the Ghanaian Times has stated. The report titled, “Two Years on, Gains So Far!” said in addition to retrofitting its three-bedroom office to 10-storey structure, it has also recruited 249 permanent staff. Mr Agyebeng enumerated a number of ongoing investigations including the Electricity Company of Ghana Limited, illegal mining, National Sports Authority, Ghana Water Company, Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority, Airbus SE, Bank of Ghana, Ghana Police Service and the estate of Kwadwo Owusu-Afriyie alias Sir John. He said the OSP had improved citizens’ engagement through a functioning website and social media handles. According to Mr Agyebeng, ongoing trials in five cases in three regions were at various stages. The cases were the Republic v. Adjenim Boateng and another, the Republic V. Issah Seidu, the Republic v. Alexander Kwabena Sarfo-Kantanka, the Republic v. Sumaila Abdul Seidu and Andrew Kuundaari, OSP v. Charles Owusu and another (Estate of Kwadwo Owusu-Afriyie), and OSP v. Cecilia Abena Dapaah. Mr Agyebeng said his office completed investigations into the case of Charles Adu Boahen, former Deputy Minister of Finance, Gaming Commission, and Charles Bissue, former Presidential and awaiting consequential orders. He said the OSP stopped payment of Northern Development Authority (NDA) contract sum in excess of GH¢5m. Investigating issuance of customs advance rulings and markdowns, investigating irregular auction of sales of vehicles, and recovery of a little over GH¢1 million. The OSP said the European Union (EU) was funding cybersecurity lab including forensic laboratory, operational vehicles and vehicles for senior staff. To ensure good governance, Mr Agyebeng said the OSP had intensified public education on corruption- issued two major special corruption reports; Customs-Labianca report, NDA report, public education on role and functions of the OSP, compliance of prevention of corruption directive to Ghana Revenue Authority (production of Integrity plans) and publication of up-to-date Statutory Half Yearly report and a toll free line for filing of complaints. Source: Ghanaian Times
NPP: Sagnarigu polling station Chairman suspended indefinitely–Here are the reasons
The governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) has issued a directive to Mohammed Osman, Chairman of Polling Station Darul-Salem Islamic School in Wurishie, Sagnarigu Constituency in the Northern Region, not to hold himself as such. This step has been taken following Mr. Osman’s indefinite suspension from the party. The reasons behind Mr. Osman’s suspension was stated in the letter. It is clear that his suspension is a result of some form of misconduct or violation of party regulations or code of conduct. The directive from the NPP to Mr. Osman not to identify himself or act as the Chairman of Polling Station Darul-Salem Islamic School implies that his role within the party has been revoked or nullified for the time being. “We received a report and videos concerning an act of property destruction at the Sagnarigu Constituency office on Friday July 21st 2023. The incident was an attempt to vent frustration towards certain candidates vying for positions in the upcoming parliamentary primaries within the Constituency,” the party said. “Everyone has the right to express their disagreement within the party, but there are specific procedures for doing so.” “Unfortunately you did not follow these procedures and instead took matters into your own hands by vandalizing party property. “This kind of behavior is unacceptable and goes against Article 4 sub-section 8, (1 and 2) in the Party Constitution.” “You are hereby directed not to hold yourself or represent the party in any capacity during the suspension period,” the letter captured. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana For publication please kindly contact us on 0256336062 or Email: apexnewsgh@gmail.com
Bolga hospital drug thefts: Key witness dies mysteriously; close associates suspect foul play
A middle-aged woman seen as a possible key witness against three members of the Upper East Regional Hospital’s staff, who are standing a criminal trial regarding exposed thefts of government drugs, has died in mysterious circumstances. Media Without Borders learns Mercy Alagpulinsa became ill suddenly and died around 10:00 pm on Tuesday, 15 August 2023, at the Upper East Regional Hospital. She went to the facility around 9:00 pm, complaining of a strange stomachache, and died about an hour later while on admission. A source at the hospital revealed that the potential witness, a few days before her passing, had mentioned that the husband of one of the accused persons had proposed to meet her to persuade her to rather testify in support of his wife. “She told me the man said he had got a lawyer for his wife and wanted to meet her so that he would coach her what to tell the lawyer. That was the last thing I heard from her. I don’t know if she met him or not. But I know she knew some serious secrets about one of the suspects in relation to the drug theft case. “I think she would have no choice but to meet him because the man I am talking about is an authority in the Ghana Health Service whose wife is in involved. But she maintained that she would not be comfortable doing what the man wanted her to go and do in court against the truth. Maybe, she met him and still declined the man’s request, nobody knows,” the source told Media Without Borders. She added: “We, her close associates, suspect foul play. She wasn’t sick. She was only 16 weeks pregnant. And if it was a pregnancy-related problem, she would have been bleeding before dying. But she did not bleed. I’m a health professional. She tried to vomit at the hospital but couldn’t. She was in a serious pain. She just lay on the hospital bed and died. Just like that. We suspect she has died for trying to defend the truth and not a lie.” Background Three members of the hospital’s staff were arrested by the Ghana Police Service in the first week of August, 2023, following an exposé by Media Without Borders’ Edward Adeti into thefts of government drugs at the hospital. Adeti’s investigation on the thefts started in 2022 after residents of the Upper East Region complained about questionable drug shortages at the hospital’s pharmacy despite the Ministry of Health’s constant supply of drugs to the facility. A warning is boldly written on the wrappings of the medicines that the drugs are not for sale. But a cartel steals the drugs from the hospital’s stores at night, hides them inside a solitary building outside the hospital’s premises and transports them before dawn to Tamale, capital of the Northern Region, for resale. Thirty-four boxes containing various medicines were retrieved from that building when Adeti led a team of police personnel from the Divisional Police Headquarters in Bolgatanga on Friday, 4 August, 2023, to effect the arrests of the culprits. Several people died and the conditions of some sick people grew worse in the region as a result of chronic drug shortages caused by the cartel. Those arrested so far are Bridget Banoeyelle, an assistant dispensary officer at the hospital’s pharmacy, Fasilat Raheem, the hospital’s storekeeper, and Raymond Asoke, a driver at the hospital. Police say the accused persons have refused to mention the businesspersons who buy the stolen government drugs from them. The accused hospital staff made their maiden appearance at the Circuit Court in Bolgatanga on Monday, 7 August 2023. They pleaded not guilty after the police read out charges of stealing, conspiracy and abetment of stealing against them. The court, presided over by His Honour Sumaila Amadu, remanded them into police custody for two weeks and adjourned the case to Tuesday, 22 August 2023. Media Without Borders also learns that the body of the late possible witness was buried at Chuchuliga, a community in the Builsa North Municipality, hours after her demise. She was a petty trader. “She used to sell porridge. Even though she had formal education and a certificate in education, she couldn’t land a job in teaching,” another source told Media Without Borders. Source: Media Without Borders/mwbonline.org.
Arise-Ghana expresses interest to join NDC’s occupy BoG demo
The leadership of Arise – Ghana has expressed their willingness to join the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) in organizing the planned occupy Bank of Ghana (BoG) demonstration. They state that their decision to join the NDC is based on the alarming revelations they have found in the 2022 Report and financial statements of the Bank of Ghana. The specific details of the damning revelations mentioned by Arise – Ghana have not been specified in the given statement. However, it can be assumed that these revelations have spurred the group’s decision to align themselves with the NDC and participate in the occupy BoG demonstration. The participation of Arise – Ghana is likely to add further momentum to the planned demonstration and potentially increase the impact and visibility of the event. This collaboration between Arise – Ghana and the NDC could potentially lead to amplified public attention and scrutiny on the Bank of Ghana and its operations. “After painstakingly studying the damning revelations contained in the 2022 Report and financial statements of the Bank of Ghana, we have come to the conclusion that the Central Bank is in the unprecedented mess it presently finds itself because of crass mismanagement by the Addison-led Board and management. “We hold the view that the illegal printing of money by BOG in the year 2021 and 2022 to the tune of GHS77 billion to finance the recklessness of the corrupt Akufo-Addo/Bawumia/NPP government, in flagrant disregard of section 30 of the BOG Act (as amended) is the height of irresponsibility and must be condemned by all well-meaning Ghanaians,” the Convener of the group, Comrade Rex Omar stated. He continued: “Even more bizarre and condemnable, is the illegal writing of about GHS32 billion of this amount without recourse to Parliament in breach of section 53 of the Public Financial Management Act.” Kindly read the full statement PRESS STATEMENT For Immediate Release 21st August, 2023 ARISE-GHANA TO JOIN #OCCUPYBOG DEMO IF BOG GOVERNOR, DEPUTIES AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS DO NOT RESIGN OVER THEIR GROSS MISMANAGEMENT AriseGhana has followed keenly the recent public discourse on the dire state of the Bank of Ghana emanating from the 2022 audit Report and Financial Statements of the bank. After painstakingly studying the damning revelations contained in the 2022 Report and financial statements of the Bank of Ghana, we have come to the conclusion that the Central Bank is in the unprecedented mess it presently finds itself because of crass mismanagement by the Addison-led Board and management. We hold the view that the illegal printing of money by BOG in the year 2021 and 2022 to the tune of GHS77 billion to finance the recklessness of the corrupt Akufo-Addo/Bawumia/NPP government, in flagrant disregard of section 30 of the BOG Act (as amended) is the height of irresponsibility and must be condemned by all well-meaning Ghanaians. Even more bizarre and condemnable, is the illegal writing of about GHS32 billion of this amount without recourse to Parliament in breach of section 53 of the Public Financial Management Act. In fact, these irresponsible and criminal acts of the BOG Governor, ably supported by his deputies and useless Board of Directors, is what has plunged the once profitable BOG bank into unprecedented losses to the tune of GHS60.8 billion and a negative equity of GHS55.1 billion in 2022 alone. It is sad to note, that despite the huge sums of monies (over GHS77 billion) that BOG has illegally printed for the corrupt Akufo-Addo/Bawumia/NPP government, the vast majority of suffering Ghanaians have not seen any improvements in their livelihoods. As a matter of fact, due to this singular reckless act of BOG, the rate of inflation continues to soar and currently stands at 43.1% thereby depleting the purchasing power of the ordinary Ghanaians who have not seen any commensurate improvement in their disposable incomes. Sadly, while Ghanaians continue to suffer as a result of the mismanagement of BOG and the Bawumia-chaired Economic Management Team, greedy and corrupt officials of the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia/NPP government continue to stash their homes with millions of dollars which they have amassed in government, as we witnessed in the latest scandal involving the former Minister of Sanitation, Cecilia Abena Dapaah. Additionally, we have taken note of and are totally disgusted by the outrageous operational expenses that the Addison-led BOG engaged in last year as captured in the 2022 Report and Financial statements of the Bank. It is unconscionable that at a time the economy has virtually been collapsed and Ghanaians are experiencing excruciating hardships including a punitive debt restructuring policy, BOG will spend a whopping GHS131.6 million on vehicle maintenance; GHS67.9 million on computer-related expenses; GHS97.4 million on foreign and domestic travels; GHS32 million on communication expenses; and a staggering GHS357.9 million on banking supervision among others. Again, it is totally irresponsible, that the BOG has chosen to embark on an ill-timed and hyper-inflated new office complex project at a cost of a staggering $250,000,000.00 at a time it has incurred such gargantuan losses and negative equity due to mismanagement and financial imprudence. We share the view, that the decision by BOG to build a new $250 million office complex at this time is a misplaced priority and the height of insensitivity which must not be countenanced by Ghanaians. It is against this backdrop, that AriseGhana has decided to join and hereby joins the call by the Minority Caucus in Parliament for the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, his deputies and Board of Directors to resign with immediate effect to save the central bank from further mismanagement and deterioration. We hereby serve notice, that should the aforementioned officials of BOG refuse to resign within the 21-day ultimatum given them, AriseGhana and its allies will join forces with the Minority and other progressive forces to demand their resignation through a series of public protests. ……signed…. Comrade Rex Omar Convener (0262157777) Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana For publication please kindly contact us on 0256336062 or Email: apexnewsgh@gmail.com
Read 6 reasons why NPP Bono East Chairman will not be part of NPP special delegates congress
Kwame Baffoe Abronye, the Bono Regional Chairman of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), has announced that he will not be participating in the party’s upcoming special delegates congress. Abronye stated that he made this decision after engaging in extensive consultations.He further gave reasons for his decisions.However, party folks told Apenewsgh.com that the absence of a prominent figure like Abronye in the special delegates congress could potentially impact the dynamics and outcomes of the event.Read the statement below: Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana For publication please kindly contact us on 0256336062 or Email: apexnewsgh@gmail.com
Osafo Maafo laments over country’s unemployment rate- says government and churches must find a lasting solution
According to Yaw Osafo Maafo, the Senior Presidential Advisor to President Akufo-Addo in Ghana, the high rate of graduate unemployment in the country is becoming a national security threat. Maafo attributes this issue to the education system, which he believes has shifted from hands-on skills training to a focus on theory-based learning. During his tenure as Minister of Education, Maafo states that there were only a few universities, both public and private. However, the number has significantly increased, with Ghana now having 95 universities. Despite this growth, Maafo argues that very few graduates possess practical skills, which is concerning for the future. Maafo emphasizes the need for serious reflection on the education system in order to address this problem. Without a shift towards more hands-on training, he fears that the situation will continue to worsen, leading to potential social and economic instability in the country. In addition to the concerns about the lack of hands-on skills training, the Senior Presidential Advisor also highlighted his discomfort with the fact that universities in Ghana predominantly offer humanities courses rather than technical programs. He suggests that this further exacerbates the issue of graduate unemployment, as there is a mismatch between the skills being taught and the needs of the job market. By focusing more on technical programs and providing practical training, Maafo believes that universities can better equip students with the skills required for employment. This shift in focus would not only contribute to reducing graduate unemployment but also help to meet the demands of various industries in Ghana. Maafo’s comments reveal his belief that a balanced education system, incorporating both theoretical and practical learning, is essential for addressing the challenges of graduate unemployment and ensuring the overall development and security of the nation. “I am very uncomfortable about what I am seeing from tertiary education system and the outcome on the unemployment arising out of the educational system .You can’t go from five to about 100 universities in about 15 years and none of the universities is technical “ “We’ve converted all our Polytechnics into universities the reasons I don’t understand.We had Polytechnics which were doing far more humanity subjects than even technical subjects and as Minister for Education I invited all the Polytechnics and wanted to question why they were doing certain courses , when I went through the exercise with them I withdrew my complain because this was what was happening , all those who have done very well in maths and science want to do Engineering and other Science and Medicine so at the end of the A level of O level you hardly have any very good maths or science students left , they’ve all gone to other places so if you want people with maths background you won’t get “. He therefore lauded initiative by Education Minister Dr.Yaw Osei Adutwum to introduce students with no science background to pre-enginering programs . Yaw Osafo Maafo suggested that stakeholders particularly churches and government need to meet over the situation to find solutions through a paradigm shift of the education system. ” the government and the churches need to sit down on the drawing board and think again we can’t continue like this, because unemployment is a serious problem and it is becoming a security problem we need to resolve it”. The former Finance, and Education Minister Yaw Osafo Maafo said this Saturday August 19, 2023 during the 23 General Meeting of Presbyterian church of Ghana at Kwahu Abetifi. He said Presbyterian Church of Ghana having established about 2,500 basic schools, 36 senior high schools and two universities has the locus standi to sit with government address challenges making Ghana Education system counter productive. “We need the church and the government because of your experience both in and out of Ghana to sit with government to look at education the Presbyterians are good at this because you have been the middle of good education systems in this country so when we are in difficulty in our education and we need to fall on one Christian unit it is going to be the Presbyterian Church, you have the know how you have the experience we need to sit and think again we can’t continue like this otherwise we will create a security problem for ourselves.” Meanwhile, the projected unemployment rate of 5.00 percent by the end of 2023 indicates a concerning level of joblessness. While the long-term projections suggest a gradual decrease in the unemployment rate to 4.50 percent by 2025, it is important to note that these figures are based on econometric models and analysts’ expectations. Actual outcomes may vary, depending on various socio-economic factors and government initiatives to address unemployment. Considering the concerns raised by the Senior Presidential Advisor regarding the focus on humanities courses in universities, it becomes crucial for policymakers and educational institutions to align their programs with the needs of the job market. By emphasizing technical programs and practical skills training, it may be possible to bridge the gap between the skills possessed by graduates and the demands of industries in Ghana. Efforts to enhance job creation, entrepreneurship, and vocational training can also contribute to reducing the unemployment rate and fostering economic growth in the country. It is essential for stakeholders to collaborate and develop effective strategies to tackle unemployment, ensuring a prosperous future for the Ghanaian workforce. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana For publication please kindly contact us on 0256336062 or Email: apexnewsgh@gmail.com
Day 29 – 21 Aug: A night of surprises – BBNaija
Kiddwaya’s shocking exit and Ebuka’s parting words to the All Stars; left the house in disarray, with most housemates pondering on their next moves and what the public might think of them; little did they know that Biggie was about to stun them even more. Day 28: Ceec and Tolanibaj argue – BBNaija Ceec and Tolanibaj argue Tolanibaj and Ceec got into a war of words, with both parties hurling insults at each other. The root cause of their argument was Neoenergy, who, alongside Seyi, played the role of mediator as they begged Tolanibaj to calm down. Ceec eventually removed herself from the situation, and in a conversation with Doyin and Mercy Eke, she stated that the house was about to get real, and she sure was correct. Day 28: Biggie’s new house guests arrive – BBNaija Housemates bond with house guests Like Biggie knew the housemates needed to see new faces, he brought four former Big Brother Naija housemates back as house guests, although this fact is only known to the audience; the All Stars, however, believe the house guests, Kim Oprah, Lucy, Prince Nelson, and Sholzy are also in the running to win the grand prize. Most housemates received the guests warmly; however, bold housemates like Doyin said they didn’t want Sholzy to be on All Stars because of his loud personality. Sholzy said while he appreciated Biggie’s gesture, he felt like an evicted housemate watching from outside the house. Neoenergy and Tolanibaj have a heartfelt conversation After her fight with Ceec, Tolanibaj expressed hurt to Neoenergy for disrespecting her and not setting clear boundaries with several female housemates. Neoenergy responded by saying he had no intention to cause her any fuss and planned to improve the situation. With new house guests come new dynamics and exciting alliances. What are you hoping to see from the newbies? Source: Big brother Naija
Live Show 5-20 Aug: Bye Kiddwaya, hello Biggie’s guests– BBNaija
In a dramatic twist that shocked fans and housemates, Kiddwaya was evicted from the BBNaija All Stars house. This decision was made when all three jury members unanimously voted him out – Saskay, Elozonam, and Vee. Live show 5 – 20 Aug: Kiddwaya evicted – BBNaija A Kiss or not? While the housemates gathered in the living room with bated breath wondering whose journey in the house would be cut short, Ebuka, the king of breaking tables, crossed into the house to ask Kiddwaya about the kiss he and Mercy Eke shared. Mercy Eke responded, “I can’t remember sharing a kiss with Kiddwaya.” Similarly, Kiddwaya said that he doesn’t remember. With both parties denying the kiss, the jury is still out on this matter. Live show 5 – 20 Aug: Ebuka shines the spotlight – BBNaija A Wave of Fresh Faces The All Stars housemates were caught off guard tonight as Biggie delivered a surprise. With the departure of Kiddwaya, the house was not empty for long as the doors swung open to unveil the arrival of not one but four new house guests – Lockdown season’s Lucy and Prince Nelson and Kim Oprah and Sholzy from the Pepper Dem season. Their entrance into the All Stars house was greeted with shock, confusion, and excitement. Lucy is back! – BBNaija Sholzy returns to the Biggyverse – BBNaija In his welcome address, Biggie urged the new housemates to use their time wisely, as he had invited them because of their uniqueness. He also announced that the new guests will enjoy immunity in the first week of their stay. Additionally, they will not be eligible to participate in this week’s Head of house games, Black envelope challenge, and Pardon me please nomination twist. Kim Oprah is back with the spice – BBNaija Prince Nelson is back and better – BBNaija What Lies Ahead In his parting words, Ebuka told the housemates that they were all called back for a reason, and it’s time to be accountable for their actions, letting them know that alcohol will not always be an excuse. As the dust settles from tonight’s dramatic live show, one thing is sure – the Big Brother Naija house remains an unpredictable and thrilling environment. The departure of Kiddwaya and the introduction of new house guests have no doubt reshaped the show’s dynamics, setting the stage for new alliances, rivalries, and unforgettable moments. With weeks of drama, laughter, and emotional connections ahead, one can only guess what the following weeks will bring. Source: Big brother naija