Vice President Bawumia to Launch Tap & Go Transport Initiative
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has officially launched the Tap & Go Transport Initiative at the head of Metro Mass Transit Limited, marking a significant milestone in Ghana’s digitalization journey. The launch took place in Accra this morning, showcasing a multi-functional digital platform for the country’s transport ecosystem. The Tap & Go platform is an all-inclusive app offering services in intra and inter-city bus services, trotro, parcel delivery and tracking, loading taxi service, trains, and call-on-demand uber-like service. With a focus on improving efficiency in the public transport sector, the initiative seeks to address persistent challenges such as delays at stations, identification of passengers in case of accidents, corruption among drivers, monitoring of vehicle activities and financial performance, lack of access to credit due to revenue verification issues, and difficulties in payment and change. Dr. Bawumia highlighted the success of the Tap & Go system in reducing revenue leakages at Metro Mass Transit Limited, with the company now earning more revenue from 200 buses than it did from 500 buses previously. The initiative, developed by young Ghanaian talent, is distinct from the contactless closed-loop payment card designed for Ayalolo, offering a comprehensive solution for the entire transport sector. Encouraging widespread adoption of the Tap & Go platform, Dr. Bawumia emphasized the importance of embracing this opportunity for safe, efficient, transparent, and accessible journeys for all. The initiative represents a step forward in enhancing the public transport experience in Ghana, showcasing the potential of digital solutions in driving progress and development in the country. Source: Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0256336062
Electoral Commission Reverses Decision on Indelible Ink Use in Ghana Elections
In response to widespread objections from Ghanaians and various political parties, the Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana has reversed its decision to eliminate the use of indelible ink in the upcoming elections. Dr. Eric Asare Bossman, the Deputy Electoral Commissioner in charge of Corporate Services, highlighted the importance of building trust and consensus ahead of the December polls. He expressed the EC’s commitment to addressing concerns raised by the public and political stakeholders. Speaking at the launch of the Multimedia Group’s 2024 Election Coverage, Dr. Bossman acknowledged the feedback received from the general public, parliamentarians, the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), and civil society members. He emphasized the need to prioritize trust in the electoral process. The decision to maintain the use of indelible ink comes after the EC faced criticism from the Minority caucus in Parliament, who accused the commission of violating the constitution by considering the elimination of indelible ink. The reversal aims to address concerns and uphold the integrity of the electoral process in the upcoming elections. By listening to feedback and engaging with stakeholders, the EC is working towards ensuring transparency and credibility in the electoral process, reflecting a commitment to fair and democratic elections in Ghana. Source: Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0256336062
NDC promises to investigate $12 million “Agyapa” scam
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has pledged to investigate the “stinky” $12 million “Agyapa” scam and ensure that all perpetrators are prosecuted. This announcement was made by the National Communications Officer of the NDC, Sammy Gyamfi, during a press conference in Accra. The revelation of the $12 million expenditure on the failed “Agyapa” deal came during a Public Accounts Committee hearing where the Chief Executive Officer of MIIF, Edward Nana Yaw Koranteng, disclosed the amount spent. Gyamfi warned that the day of accountability is approaching and that the next NDC/Mahama government will not hesitate to hold those responsible for the scam accountable. He urged the Ghanaian electorate not to allow President Akufo-Addo to install his chosen successor, Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia, who he claimed was a puppet meant to cover up the corruption of the current administration. Gyamfi expressed confidence that the people of Ghana would reject corruption, nepotism, and economic mismanagement in the upcoming elections. He called for an end to the misuse of public funds and urged for a government that would prioritize the well-being of the nation. With promises to investigate and bring perpetrators to justice, the NDC is positioning itself as a party dedicated to fighting corruption and ensuring transparency in government operations. Below are details of the Press conference: A MOMENT OF TRUTH PRESS CONFERENCE ADDRESSED BY THE NATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER OF THE NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC CONGRESS (NDC), ON THE LATEST REVELATION ABOUT A $12 MILLION DOLLAR EXPENDITURE ON THE BOTCHED “AGYAPA” DEAL. Monday, 19th February, 2024. Good afternoon distinguished friends from the media. On behalf of the leadership of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), I would like to thank you for honoring our invitation at such short notice. You are warmly welcome to our headquarters for this all-important press conference. In recent weeks, we have keenly followed ongoing proceedings of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament, on the report of the Auditor-General on Public Boards, Corporations and other Statutory Bodies for the period ended 31 December, 2022. The ongoing PAC hearings, have brought to the fore, some very disturbing issues that border on corruption and abuse of public funds by certain state institutions. Of particular interest to us, is the latest revelation about the colossal expenditure made by the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF) on the botched “Agyapa” Royalties deal. Ladies and gentlemen, during the Committee’s consideration of the report of the AuditorGeneral on the accounts of the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF) for the period ended 31 December 2022, the Chief Executive Officer of MIIF, Edward Nana Yaw Koranteng disclosed that a humongous amount of USD$12 million was spent on the botched “Agyapa” Royalties deal. When the matter was probed further, the CEO of MIIF stated that, this colossal amount was spent on the setting up of the stinky “Agyapa” Royalties vehicle, the payment of consultancy fees, the rental of office space and the processes leading to the Initial Public Offering towards the listing of “Agyapa” Royalties on the London Stock Exchange. The Ghanaian public was taken aback by these disclosures, which add to the never-ending list of corruption scandals that continue to plague the nation under the watch of President AkufoAddo and his corrupt protégé, Alhaji Bawumia. For us in the National Democratic Congress, this disclosure did not come as a surprise. We are on record to have stated that the “Agyapa” Royalties deal was yet another phoney scheme cooked by the corrupt and nepotistic Akufo-Addo/Bawumia NPP government, for the sole purpose of appropriating the mineral royalties of the country for themselves in perpetuity. Ghanaians would recall, that during the intense public debate on the infamous “Agyapa” deal, the NDC took a principled position to stand with the people of Ghana. We kicked against the whole “Agyapa” arrangement on grounds that, the country’s mineral royalties had been grossly undervalued under the opaque deal and that same was going to deny future governments and generations mineral revenues that are critical to the development of the country. Consequently, the NDC Minority Caucus in Parliament staged a walkout when the “Agyapa” deal was presented to Parliament for approval. Sadly but unsurprisingly, the corrupt ruling New Patriotic Party used their numbers to approve the sleazy deal, in spite of the huge public outcry over the lack of value for money that the deal presented. The Flag-bearer of the NDC, and God willing the next President of the Republic of Ghana, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, vowed to cancel the fraudulent Agyapa Royalties deal if he won the 2020 General Elections, a position that has not changed. Several Civil Society Organisations, including IMANI, ISODEC, the Public Interest and Accountability Committee (PIAC), Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII), IDEG, ASEPA, ACEP, among others, kicked against this rip-off called Agyapa, based on sound arguments and alternative proposals. As you are all aware, all the constructive suggestions of these groups were ignored by the corrupt AkufoAddo/Bawumia NPP government who were hellbent on stealing our mineral royalties. Subsequently, the Office of Special Prosecutor established in its Corruption Risk Assessment Report that, the “Agyapa” deal was fraught with procurement rigging, statutory breaches, potential money laundering and inimical to the interest of the nation. Eventually, the chilling details of the OSP’s report coupled with sustained pressure from the NDC and civil society, compelled the President to shamefully beat a retreat and refer the deal he had already granted Executive approval for, back to Parliament for reconsideration, pending the the 2020 General Election. My brothers and sisters, throughout our struggle against the “Agyapa” heist, we never knew and never imagined, that the ruling NPP government had spent a whopping $12 million on the deal. With each passing day, and as the clock ticks to 7th December, 2024 for Ghanaians to kick this irredeemably corrupt government out of office, the countless skeletons in their closet of corruption keep unfolding before our very eyes. We in the NDC are completely appalled by the decision of the corrupt Akufo-Addo/Bawumia NPP government, to spend this colossal amount of money on
Electoral Commission Proposes Postponing General Elections to November
The Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana has recently announced that its proposal to change the date of general elections from December 7 to November may not be implemented this year. Deputy EC Chairman in charge of Corporate Services, Mr Eric Asare Bossman, revealed that the necessary legislation for this change will be presented to Parliament soon. Dr Bossman clarified that the proposed change is not expected to impact the upcoming polls, and the Commission plans to implement it in 2028. The proposal to change the election date and designate election days as national holidays was put forth during the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) meeting held in January. The Commission argued that making election days national holidays could boost civic engagement and foster a more robust democratic culture. While the majority of political parties supported the idea, some Ghanaians, including the National Democratic Congress (NDC), opposed it, suggesting that major electoral reforms be implemented starting in November 2028. Dr Asare Bossman stressed that when the change in the election date is eventually put into effect, it will be a selected day in November, not necessarily November 7, allowing for flexibility in scheduling. The EC remains committed to working on this proposal with all stakeholders to enhance the electoral process in Ghana. Source: Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0256336062
President Akufo-Addo Defends Ministerial Reshuffle
President Akufo-Addo recently made headlines with his decision to reshuffle several ministers in his cabinet, breaking from his usual tendency to maintain continuity in ministerial positions. The President’s move came in response to pressure from various political parties, civil society groups, and even members of his own party, resulting in the replacement of 12 current ministers, including 10 cabinet members and two regional ministers. Despite surviving previous calls for dismissal, Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta found himself replaced in the reshuffle. The decision was met with criticism from the opposition National Democratic Congress and its Minority Members of Parliament, who viewed the move as belated and lacking in inspiration. The party’s General Secretary, Mr Fifi Kwetey, expressed disappointment, noting that the reshuffle failed to bring about the desired change for Ghanaians. President Akufo-Addo defended his decision, stating that the reshuffle was made with the best interests of the citizens in mind, rather than personal preferences. Speaking from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where he was attending the 37th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly, the President stressed the importance of prioritizing the welfare of the people in government decisions, stating, “It is for the people of Ghana, not for me.” As Ghana prepares for the upcoming elections later this year, President Akufo-Addo urged citizens to have faith in the country’s democratic process and participate in the electoral process responsibly. Emphasizing the importance of upholding democratic principles, he called on all Ghanaians to exercise their right to vote and play an active role in shaping the country’s future. Source: Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0256336062
Unpaid Buffer Stock Supplier cries out, says all they want is their money
Madam Phyllis Laryea, one of the aggrieved suppliers of Buffer Stock, has spoken out about the delayed payments they are facing. Laryea stated that they had made supplies to schools under the Buffer Stock program with the promise of payment within 60 days. However, over a year has passed, and they are yet to receive the money owe them. Madam Laryea expressed concerns about the financial implications of the delayed payments, stating that they owe money to farmers, debtors, and others. She emphasized that all they are asking for is the return of their money, which the government has failed to provide. Despite promises from the Buffer Stock CEO Alhaji Hanan Abdul-Wahab, payments have not been made for supplies made from March 2023 till date. The initial agreement with the government was for suppliers to submit waybills and receive payment after 60 days. However, this timeline has been exceeded, causing frustration among the suppliers. Laryea mentioned a meeting held in November 2023, where the CEO claimed that Ghana Commodity Exchange (GCX) had been paid but Buffer Stock suppliers had not received their dues. The Buffer Stock CEO presented documents indicating that the Education Ministry had not allocated the necessary funds for payments to be made. He proposed a meeting involving the Education Minister, GCX, suppliers, and himself to address the issue. Despite efforts to schedule the meeting in December 2023, it was postponed due to the suppliers’ insistence on payment. Madam Laryea, who supplied maize, beans, Garri, and other food items, revealed that she was owed over Ghc3 billion. The suppliers are calling on the government to fulfill its payment obligations and provide the funds owed to them. Asking whether she is still in the food supply business, she responded “No”, explaining that she can’t stand the pressure from farmers and others she collected things from on credit. Meanwhile, the Concerned Women in the Suppliers Association have brought attention to the ongoing payment challenges they are facing, especially with outstanding dues from January. The association, made up of dedicated suppliers who have faithfully delivered services throughout 2023, had expected to receive payments on a promised 3-month cycle. However, Buffer Stock is now only remitting 30% of the February payment, citing pending funds from the ministry as the reason for the delay. Source: Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0256336062
GES posting requirements
The Ghana Education Service (GES) is gearing up for the 2024 posting of trained teachers, and it is essential for all interested candidates to be aware of the requirements and necessary documents for this process. Apexnewsgh.com is here to provide all the key information for trained teachers with a Bachelor of Education certificate. First and foremost, candidates must have completed and passed the final-year College of Education Examination, possess a bachelor’s degree certificate from a recognized institution, and have successfully passed the Teacher Licensure Examination. Additionally, all candidates must have completed the mandatory National Service and be willing to work wherever they are posted by the GES. In terms of documents needed for GES postings 2024, candidates must ensure they have their Birth Certificate, Senior High Certificate (WASSCE), Junior High School Certificate (BECE), SSNIT Number/TIN/Ghana Card, and NTC Certificate among other important documents. It is crucial that all documents are readily available to prevent any delays or inconveniences during the posting process. Meanwhile, candidates who qualify for GES postings 2024 are required to verify if their credentials have been sent to GES by the National Teaching Council (NTC). This verification process is essential to ensure a smooth and successful posting experience for all trained teachers. Stay informed and prepared for the upcoming GES postings to kickstart your teaching career in Ghana. Source: Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0256336062
Tamale Mayor in trouble as GEHOA demands his removal—Read details
The Ghana Environmental Health Officers Association (GEHOA) has expressed outrage over the physical assault on Mr. Sulemana Yakubu Tikumah, the Regional Environmental Health Officer for the Northern Region. Apexnewsgh reports The association strongly condemns the unprofessional conduct of Mrs. Baba Adam Memunatu, who they claimed sought partisan political favors instead of seeking redress through proper channels. In a statement signed by Abdul- Hamid Zakaria and sighted by Apexnewsgh.com, It says the attack on Mr. Tikumah by Tamale Mayor Sule Salifu has raised concerns about the hostile working environment faced by environmental health officers nationwide. The association is disappointed in the Northern Regional Coordinating Council’s handling of the incident. Meanwhile, in response, the Executive Committee of GEHOA has demanded the immediate removal of Mayor Sule Salifu from office and threatens to stage a demonstration if this demand is not met by March 1st. Mr. Tikumah has been directed to report the crime to the Ghana Police Service, and the association expects the Regional Minister for the Northern Region to sanction the mayor for criminal prosecution. GEHOA has instructed its members to wear red bands to work in solidarity with Mr. Tikumah and has urged them to remain calm as they navigate this challenging situation together. Read full statement below: PHYSICAL ASSAULT ON MR. SULEMANA YAKUBU TIKUMAH -THE NORTHERN REGIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH OFFICER (REHO) The Ghana Environmental Health Officers Association (GEHOA) has received with a shock the report of a physical assault on our member, Mr. Sulemana Yakubu Tikumah, the Regional Environmental Health Officer (REHO) for the Northern Region. With the factual briefing so far we first of all condemn the unprofessional conduct of our colleague Mrs. Baba Adam Memunatu who instead of seeking redress under civil service rules over her transfer rather resorted to partisan political favors that resulted in the ongoing controversy. We further condemn the unprovoked attack on our member by the Tamale Mayor (Hon. Sule Salifu). We also note with grave concerns the increasing hostile working environment of our members across the country. We further felt highly much disappointed in the Northern Regional Coordinating Council for their handling of the crime so far. The Executive Committee(EC) of GEHOA after its emergency meeting on Saturday 17th February 2024 have classified the high level of impunity characterized by this physical assault as a tipping point and therefore demand as follows; That the President of the Republic of Ghana remove the Tamale Mayor Hon. Sule Salifu from office with immediate effect. This has become more urgent because all our members in the region especially those under the Mayor’s Metropolitan Assembly (Tamale) felt threatened, insecure and intimidated by his continues presence thereby affecting their productivity. We further expect that if by 1st of March 2024 the mayor is not removed from office to promote congenial atmosphere our members shall stage a demonstration at the forecourt of the crime scene (RCC) Tamale to press home our demand. Since the management of Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) failed to report the crime, GEHOA has directed Mr. Sulemana Yakubu Tikumah, the victim to officially report the crime to the Ghana Police Service for further action. We further demand that the Hon. Regional Minister for the Northern Region, at whose premises the Mayor physically assaulted our member to use his executive office to sanction the Mayor to face criminal prosecution. We’re watching. We direct also that all our members nationwide should wear red bands to work effective Tuesday 20th February, 2024 until further notice in solidarity of our member and just cause. We finally appeal to all our members across the country to stay calm as we negotiate this curve of solidarity together. Thank you. Long Live GEHOA: Touch One Touch ALL …………………………….. Abdul- Hamid Zakaria Source: Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0256336062
Government Increases Public Sector Workers’ Salary by 23%
The government of Ghana has announced an adjustment in the salary of public sector workers by 23 per cent as a result of successful negotiations on the 2024 base pay. The Controller and Accountant General, Kwasi Kwaning-Bosompem, confirmed that the 23 per cent adjustment took effect from January 1 of this year following approval from the government. According to Mr Kwaning-Bosompem, the government has been dedicated to ensuring that public sector workers receive their salaries in the right amount and on time. He stated that even during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the government did not cut salaries or lay off workers, showing its commitment to upholding workers’ interests. Members of Organised Labour, such as the Teachers and Educational Workers Union (TEWU), have confirmed the receipt of the 23 per cent salary adjustment by their members. The General Secretary of TEWU, Mark Dankyira Korankye, emphasized that their members had not raised any complaints regarding the payment. This 23 per cent increase comes after a 30 per cent increment in the base pay on the Single Spine Salary Structure (SSSS) introduced by the government last year, ending the cost-of-living allowance (COLA) previously paid to public sector workers. This significant increment reflects the government’s commitment to workers and aims to stabilize the economy while ensuring workers are fairly compensated. Source: Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0256336062