Upper East Regional NPP Director Dismisses NDC’s Claims on GSFP, Describes Statement as False
In a recent statement, the Upper East Regional Director of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Peter Ayinbisa, vehemently criticized the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for propagating false information about the Ghana School Feeding Program (GSFP) in the Upper East Region. Ayinbisa further described the NDC’s claims as malicious and rooted in their desperate pursuit of political power. He clarified that the School Feeding Program was initially introduced by the John Agyekum Kuffour government in 2005. The program’s objective was to enhance food security and reduce hunger, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goal 2. Over the years, the program has witnessed significant growth in terms of the number of children served and the financial commitment from the government. The budget allocation for the GSFP has increased, with the feeding cost per child rising from GH¢ 0.80 in 2016 to GH¢ 1.20 and GH¢ 3.20 in subsequent years. The number of children benefiting from the program has also increased from around 1.6 million in 2016 to over 3.3 million currently. This expansion demonstrates the government’s dedication to achieving 100% coverage in the Upper East Region. Ayinbisa acknowledged that there are outstanding payments to caterers, a standard practice within the program. However, he assured caterers that efforts were underway to settle these arrears. The NPP government remains committed to the continuity of the program, despite the economic challenges faced by the country. Furthermore, Ayinbisa refuted the NDC’s claim that caterers have not fulfilled their contractual obligations since the reopening of schools. According to investigations, the majority of caterers are diligently providing meals for school children, with any delays being isolated incidents and not indicative of government negligence. According to Peter Ayinbisa, in an attempt to deflect attention from their lack of constructive criticism, the NDC included unrelated issues such as capitation grants and dual desks in the North East region. He dismissed these claims as baseless, citing the NPP government’s increased budgetary allocations for education, including a significant rise in capitation grants. Ayinbisa challenged the NDC to substantiate their allegations of caterers being owed for three terms and a desk deficit in the North East region. He emphasized the government’s commitment to Ghana’s development, particularly in education, hunger reduction, and sustainable development. Ayinbisa urged the public to disregard the NDC’s statement and have confidence in the proven track record of the NPP administration. Source: Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0256336062
Bank of Ghana Receives Second Tranche of Funds from IMF
The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has received the second tranche of funds from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The disbursement of $600 million to the BoG’s account took place on January 23, 2024. This comes after the completion of the first review of the $3 billion, 36-month Extended Credit Facility (ECF) Arrangement. The IMF stated that Ghana has experienced significant economic volatility over the years, with periods of strong growth undermined by rising inflation, exchange rate depreciation, and loss of external buffers. In 2022, severe external shocks exacerbated existing fiscal and debt vulnerabilities, leading to economic and financial pressures. The IMF commended Ghana’s reform program, which aims to restore macroeconomic stability and debt sustainability, address vulnerabilities, and create a resilient and prosperous economy. The ECF arrangement has provided a framework for implementing policy and reform strategies. Ghana has shown strong performance under the program, meeting most quantitative performance criteria for the first review and achieving almost all indicative targets and structural benchmarks. The country is on track to lower the fiscal primary deficit by about 4% of GDP in 2023, while spending remains within program limits. In addition, Ghana has expanded social protection programs to mitigate the impact of the crisis on vulnerable populations and has met its non-oil revenue mobilization target. The authorities in Ghana have made progress on their debt restructuring strategy, completing domestic debt restructuring in the summer. They have also reached an agreement with the Official Creditor Committee under the G20’s Common Framework on a debt treatment that aligns with the Fund program parameters. The IMF pointed out that ambitious structural fiscal reforms are improving domestic revenues, enhancing spending efficiency, strengthening public financial and debt management, preserving financial sector stability, increasing governance and transparency, and creating a more conducive environment for private sector investment. Ghana’s economic stabilization efforts have shown positive results, with resilient growth, declining inflation, and improved fiscal and external positions. However, the IMF emphasized the need for steadfast policy and reform implementation to fully restore macroeconomic stability and debt sustainability, achieve higher and more inclusive growth, and reduce poverty. The government’s plans to reduce deficits through additional domestic revenue mobilization and expenditure streamlining, as well as finalizing comprehensive debt restructuring, are crucial. Efforts to protect vulnerable groups and create space for social and development spending are also important. Reforms to improve tax administration, strengthen expenditure control, enhance fiscal rules and institutions, and improve state-owned enterprise management are necessary for lasting adjustment. The IMF called for an appropriately tight monetary stance and enhanced exchange rate flexibility to achieve program objectives. The Bank of Ghana has deployed tools to mitigate the impact of domestic debt restructuring on financial institutions, while the authorities’ strategy aims to maintain a sound financial sector through new resources and bank recapitalization. To enhance the economy’s potential and promote sustainable job creation, reforms to create a favorable environment for private investment are needed. Given Ghana’s exposure to climate shocks, a green recovery with advances in adaptation and mitigation should remain a priority. Source: Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0256336062
Ghanaian Muslim Pilgrims Maintain Affordable Hajj Fees for Mecca
At a news conference held at the Hajj Village in Accra, Ghana, the chairman of the Hajj Board, Mr Ben Abdallah Banda, announced that Muslim pilgrims from Ghana will be paying GH¢75,000 for this year’s Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia. It is worth noting that the fee remains unchanged compared to last year. Mr Banda emphasized that the cost of the package would remain the same, regardless of any potential fluctuations in the cedi’s value against the dollar. He expressed satisfaction in fulfilling the promise made to the pilgrims, stating that no additional expenses would be passed on to them due to unforeseen discrepancies in the overall costs. To facilitate the necessary preparations for Hajj, including the presentation of passports, visa issuance, and flight arrangements, the payment deadline for the Hajj fare has been set for mid-March 2024. It is crucial for potential pilgrims to adhere to this timeline to ensure a smooth and timely process. By maintaining an affordable fee structure and prioritizing the convenience of the pilgrims, the Hajj Board aims to facilitate a successful and spiritually enriching Hajj pilgrimage experience for Ghanaian Muslims in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Source: Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0256336062
Accused in Senzo Meyiwa Murder Trial Implicate Kelly Khumalo as Ordering the Hit
In a shocking twist of events, accused individuals 1 and 2, Muzi Sibiya and Bongani Ntanzi, have alleged that Kelly Khumalo, the girlfriend of the late Senzo Meyiwa, was the one who ordered the killing of the former soccer star. This revelation was made by the lead investigator, Brigadier Bongani Gininda, during the ongoing Meyiwa murder case at the Pretoria High Court. Eyewitnesses present at the night of the incident, which happened at Kelly’s Vosloorus home, claim that two intruders entered the house and demanded cellphones and money. A struggle ensued, resulting in the fatal shooting of Meyiwa. Gininda stated during the trial that their investigation revealed Ntanzi as the taller intruder who entered the house after accused individual 3, Mthobisi Mncube. Gininda informed the court that Ntanzi made confessions on June 19 and June 24, the latter in the presence of his attorney and a magistrate in Boksburg Magistrate’s Court. Through the confession, it became apparent that Ntanzi matched the description of the taller and slender suspect who entered the house. Furthermore, Ntanzi implicated Kelly Khumalo as the person who gave the order for Senzo Meyiwa’s murder. This is not the first time Kelly’s name has been mentioned during the trial. Cellphone expert Colonel Lambertus Steyn had previously revealed that cellphone records indicated calls between the number used by accused individual 5, Fisojuhle Ntuli, and a number registered under Kelly’s name. These calls took place on two occasions prior to Meyiwa’s murder. The contents of these conversations remain unknown to investigators. Meanwhile, Gininda shared that Sibiya, accused individual 1, claimed to be outside the house at the time of Meyiwa’s shooting, but he named Marco Buthelezi as the one who killed the soccer star. However, their investigation revealed that Mncube, accused individual 3, was actually the one who pulled the trigger. Gininda also revealed that the photos downloaded from Mncube’s phone depicted him wearing clothes matching the description of the suspect who entered the house with a gun and had dreadlocks. Furthermore, all the accused individuals in the case are Zulu-speaking and familiar with each other. Photos of the murder weapon were also discovered on Mncube’s phone. The trial continues as more evidence is presented, shedding light on the events surrounding the tragic murder of Senzo Meyiwa. Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0256336062
Joseph Yobo Not Convinced With Super Eagles win Over Guinea-Bissau
Former Nigerian international Joseph Yobo has expressed reservations about the Super Eagles’ recent victory over Guinea-Bissau in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. During the game, Nigeria took the lead in the 37th minute when Opa Sangante inadvertently scored an own goal while defending against Victor Osimhen. Yobo, who was a guest on Afrosports AFCON Coverage, acknowledged the team’s triumph but admitted that he was not entirely convinced by their performance. Yobo highlighted the lack of cohesion in the midfield as one of the areas that needs improvement, stating that the team has yet to find the right balance in that area of the pitch. He noted that the team has more attacking players than midfielders, but expressed confidence that once Alex Iwobi is fully integrated into the squad, the Super Eagles will create more goal-scoring opportunities. Despite his concerns, Yobo praised the team for their ability to keep a clean sheet in the match. He commented that this positive result demonstrated that the defense is performing well and doing something right. meanwhile, Yobo acknowledged Nigeria’s victory, he emphasized the need for the team to work on their midfield cohesion and maximize their attacking potential in order to secure more convincing victories in the future. Source: Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0256336062
Nigerian Football Star Victor Osimhen Expresses Admiration for Drogba
In an exclusive interview with the Confederation of African Football’s official website monitored by ApexnewsGh, Nigerian football star Victor Osimhen opened up about his deep admiration for Chelsea legend Didier Drogba. Osimhen revealed that he had never missed a match featuring the Ivorian striker during his younger days. During the interview, Osimhen reminisced about his childhood and how he used to avidly watch Drogba in action. “I imitated each of his gestures,” he said. “I did his celebration when I scored against my friends.” Osimhen’s admiration for Drogba runs so deep that participating in the CAF AFCON tournament, set to take place in Drogba’s native land, is an immense honor for him. For Osimhen, being connected in some way to the dreams he had as a young boy growing up in Olusosun is a surreal experience. “I have the impression of being reconnected in a certain way with the kid from Olusosun that I was and who had a lot of dreams, including that of one day being Africa champion,” he shared. Through his devotion to the game and his idol, Osimhen hopes to keep pushing forward and one day make his dreams come true. As he prepares to represent Nigeria in the upcoming AFCON tournament, Osimhen’s journey as a professional footballer serves as an inspiration to aspiring young players across Africa. Source: Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0256336062
National Democratic Congress Opposes Proposed Change of Voting Date by Electoral Commission
The National Democratic Congress (NDC), the main opposition party in Ghana, has expressed its opposition to the proposed change of the voting date from 7 December to 7 November. The Electoral Commission announced that the political parties themselves had brought up the date change during an Inter-Party Advisory Committee meeting on 22 January 2024. However, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, the NDC’s Director of Elections and IT, took to Facebook to clarify the party’s position. He stated that the NDC does not support the November date for elections and instead called for a comprehensive review of the electoral process through inclusive and proper dialogue. He further mentioned that the party had already submitted their proposals to the Electoral Commission. Dr. Omane Boamah also highlighted the NDC’s openness to discussing voting on prayer or worship days, referring to the demand by the Seventh-day Adventist Church to change the voting day from Saturday, which they consider their Sabbath. To support his argument, Dr. Omane Boamah provided voting turnout statistics for previous election years under his Facebook post. The figures showed the percentage of voter turnout on different days since 1992, with the highest turnout recorded on Saturday in 1996 (78.20%) and Tuesday in 2004 (85.12%). As the debate surrounding the proposed change of the voting date continues, the NDC remains firm in its stance against the November date, advocating for a comprehensive review of the electoral process and the inclusion of all relevant stakeholders in the decision-making process. Source: Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0256336062
Former President Mahama Calls for Vigilance on Bank of Ghana’s Use of IMF Funds
Former President John Mahama has urged the minority caucus to closely monitor the Bank of Ghana’s handling of the recent disbursement of $600 million by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). This disbursement is part of a $3 billion three-year extended credit facility approved in May 2023. Mahama expressed concerns about the Bank of Ghana’s role in exacerbating Ghana’s economic challenges by flooding the market with newly-printed currency. In a Facebook post, Mahama emphasized the need for responsible and judicious use of the IMF funds by the government. He called on the outgoing NPP government to exercise caution and urged other development partners like the World Bank to closely monitor the utilization of funds. Mahama assured the public that his party would closely scrutinize the government’s actions concerning the funds. The minority caucus, led by Cassiel Ato Forson, previously marched to demand the resignation of the Bank of Ghana’s Governor, Dr. Ernest Addison, and his deputies. They accused the Bank of printing GHS80 billion ($14.4 billion) illegally between 2021 and 2022, contributing to a hyperinflation rate of 54.1% in December 2022. The caucus alleged that GHS22.04 billion ($3.98 billion) of the printed money was used to support the government’s budget without parliamentary approval, leading to an increase in poverty levels. The Bank of Ghana denied these allegations, explaining that the referenced GHS22.04 billion was part of the total financing captured in the Mid-Year Fiscal Policy Review document. The central bank clarified that the losses and negative equity recorded were technical and related to accounting standards and expected credit losses from government debt. Governor Addison reminded Ghanaians that historical financial statements showed previous episodes of negative equity, which were resolved successfully. Governor Addison affirmed that the Bank of Ghana had enough income to cover operational costs and maintained sufficient capital. He highlighted that the Bank had complied with applicable laws and vehemently denied claims of annual financing of the government. He explained that financing had only occurred during the pandemic in 2020 and the crisis year of 2022, both within the boundaries of the Bank of Ghana Act. The Bank of Ghana stressed its commitment to managing operational costs and continued adherence to legal requirements. It reassured the public that its financial position would not negatively impact its operations. The Bank promised to reduce costs further and reassess the capital position in the year 2027. Former President Mahama’s calls for vigilance on the use of IMF funds reflects the ongoing scrutiny of the Bank of Ghana’s actions, as allegations of printing money without proper authorization contribute to concerns about the country’s economic stability. Source: Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0256336062
Julius Malema Urges Ghana to Tackle Corruption and Avoid Entrenching Leaders in Power
In a public dialogue organized by Ghanaian socialist pressure group AriseGhana, South Africa’s Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) President and Commander-In-Chief, Julius Malema, emphasized the detrimental impact of corruption on Ghana’s democracy. Malema warned Ghanaians against celebrating corrupt officials and stressed the need to hold individuals accountable regardless of political affiliation. Malema highlighted how corruption in Ghana has hindered the country’s ability to pay its international debt, thereby compromising its autonomy. As a result, institutions like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank exert undue influence over Ghana. He warned that corruption erodes the moral fabric of a democratic society and called for unwavering opposition to corrupt practices. Addressing the youth, Malema emphasized that future generations would bear the consequences of their ancestors’ corruption. He urged young Africans to take a stand against corruption and fight against it fearlessly, regardless of potential repercussions. Malema argued that speaking truth to power is crucial for the progress and development of the continent. Malema emphasized the importance of African leaders voluntarily relinquishing power instead of resorting to undemocratic tactics to prolong their tenure. He called on leaders to avoid clinging to power by employing the military force and stressed that political office should not be treated as a traditional leadership position. Malema suggested that leaders who step down peacefully will still receive state funerals, pensions, and protection, as long as they respect their successors. By addressing corruption and promoting peaceful transitions of power, Malema believes that African countries can safeguard their democracies and create a brighter future for the continent. Source: Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0256336062
Binduri: NPP Aspirant Disqualified Shares Interesting Evidence As He Seeks Injunction Against Abanga
In a blow to the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Upper East Region, a disqualified parliamentary aspirant is seeking an injunction against the acclamation of the sitting Member of Parliament (MP) for Binduri constituency. ApexnewsGh reports The NPP is set to conduct parliamentary primaries on January 27, 2024 in constituencies with sitting MPs. Abdulai Abanga, the only individual who showed up to contest the MP position in Binduri, is facing legal action from Alex Amolbogri Avoka. Avoka, through his counsel Richard Abaaduko Adazabra, is seeking an order of interlocutory injunction to prevent the NPP from holding the upcoming Binduri NPP parliamentary primaries and from acclaiming Abanga as its parliamentary candidate. The application was filed at the High Court in Bolgatanga on Tuesday, January 23. The court is scheduled to review the case on January 25, 2024 at 9:00am. The outcome of this legal action will determine the course of the parliamentary primaries in the Binduri constituency. In a surprising turn of events, a disqualified parliamentary aspirant in the Upper East Region is seeking an injunction against the acclamation of the sitting Member of Parliament (MP) for Binduri constituency. The New Patriotic Party (NPP) is set to hold parliamentary primaries in constituencies with sitting MPs on January 27, 2024. The disqualified aspirant, Alex Amolbogri Avoka, has taken legal action against the NPP through his counsel, Richard Abaaduko Adazabra. Avoka is requesting an order of interlocutory injunction to halt the forthcoming Binduri NPP parliamentary primaries and prevent the party from acclaiming their chosen candidate, Abdulai Abanga. Avoka’s disqualification stems from a letter sent by the Regional Party executive, signed by Regional Secretary Elvis Figo. The letter states that they were instructed by the National Party leadership to disqualify Avoka due to alleged forgery of signatures and thumbprints on his nomination forms. Meanwhile, Avoka is accused of reducing his date of birth to qualify for a reduced filing fee and falsely claiming to have a Bachelor of Business Administration (Human Resources) from the Christian Service University College in Kumasi. When contacted about the allegations, Avoka dismissed them as false and stated that he had been on the party’s ballot in 2019 without any issues being raised. He believes that his disqualification is a result of the incumbent MP, Abdulai Abanga, fearing potential divisions within the party after the election. Below are some of the evidence produced by embattled NPP Binduri aspirant: Source: Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0256336062