Declare your Stance on Anti-Gay Bill- Bolga Zongo Caucus Secretary told Dr. Bawumia
Bawa Zakaria Abdullah, popularly known as (Prof. Zak),the Zongo Caucus Secretary for Bolgatanga Central under the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), has called on Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia to declare his stance on the current controversial LGBTQ++ issue. The demand comes in light of the ongoing discussions surrounding the passage of the GHANAIAN FAMILY AND PROPER SEXUAL VALUES BILL (ANTI GAY BILL) 2021. According to the Bolgatanga Zongo Caucus Secretary, various religious leaders, traditional leaders, civil societies, and political figures, including former President John Dramani Mahama, have already expressed their support for the bill. However, Dr. Bawumia, who is expected to lead the NPP in the 2024 presidential election, has yet to clarify his position on the controversial matter. “As a Muslim Vice President, Dr. Bawumia’s silence on the LGBTQ++ issue has caused concern among the Muslim community and Ghanaians in general”. He believes, It is important for the Vice President Dr. Mahamudu to make his stance known, especially as he has previously emphasized the need for religious diversity in leadership. The Bolgatanga Central Zongo Secretary and others are urging Dr. Bawumia to publicly state his position on the LGBTQ++ issue to address the uncertainties among Muslims and the larger Ghanaian population. Such move he said would also align with President Nana Akufo-Addo’s call for the bill to be approved. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh Tipped as Most Suitable Running Mate for Dr. Bawumia in 2024 Elections
In what could be a game-changing move for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) ahead of the 2024 elections, Senior Political Science lecturer at the University of Ghana, Dr. Kwame Asah-Asante, has proposed Energy Minister Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh as the most suitable choice for Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s running mate. Dr. Asah-Asante highlighted Dr. Opoku Prempeh’s exceptional competence in various roles as a key factor in his endorsement. He expressed confidence that Dr. Opoku Prempeh’s inclusion on the ticket would enhance Dr. Bawumia’s electoral prospects. The endorsement comes following Vice President Dr. Bawumia’s successful clinching of the NPP’s flagbearer position on November 4, 2023, ahead of the upcoming December polls. While the Vice President has yet to officially announce his running mate, analysts have been speculating on potential candidates. Alongside Dr. Opoku Prempeh, other names frequently mentioned as potential running mates for Dr. Bawumia include Dr. John Kumah, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, Joseph Osei Owusu, Prof. Opoku Onyinah, Chief of Staff Frema Osei Opare, and Communications Minister Ursula Owusu Ekulful. Dr. Asah-Asante emphasized Dr. Opoku Prempeh’s leadership qualities and track record, suggesting that his selection would be a prudent decision for Dr. Bawumia. The move could potentially solidify the NPP’s position and pave the way for a successful campaign in the upcoming elections. Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0256336062.
National Peace Council Maintains Neutrality on Anti-LGBTQI Bill
The National Peace Council has declared that as mediators, they do not have a stance on the recently approved anti-LGBTQI bill by parliament. In an interview with TV3 monitored by Apexnewsgh, the Council’s Chairman, Rev Dr Eric Adu-Gyamfi, emphasized that it is crucial for them to remain neutral in such matters in order to effectively mediate between conflicting parties. “We don’t have a position on the passage of the anti-LGBTQ+ bill because we are mediators, we don’t take sides on issues like this,” Rev Dr Eric Adu-Gyamfi stated. The bill, officially titled the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values bill, was passed by Ghana’s legislature last week, criminalizing LGBT activities and banning their promotion, advocacy, and funding. Individuals found engaging in such activities could face jail terms ranging from six months to three years, while promoters and sponsors could be sentenced to three to five years. Prior to its approval, amendments were proposed to certain clauses of the bill, with one successful amendment aligning the editorial policies of media organizations with the constitutional right to freedom of the media. Although a motion to subject another clause regarding the funding of LGBT activities to the constitution was rejected by the House, the bill ultimately passed without this amendment. The National Peace Council is closely monitoring the situation and is prepared to intervene in the event of any conflicts arising from the implementation of the bill. Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0256336062.
Ghana at Risk of Losing $3.8 Billion in World Bank Financing Over Anti-LGBTQI Bill
The Ministry of Finance in Ghana has issued a warning that the country could potentially lose out on $3.8 billion in financial support if President Nana Akufo-Addo signs the recently passed anti-LGBTQI bill into law. The bill, known as the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values bill, criminalizes activities related to the LGBTQ community and prohibits their promotion, advocacy, and funding. Individuals engaged in LGBTQ activities could face jail terms ranging from six months to three years, while sponsors and promoters could be sentenced to three to five years. Before the bill was passed, amendments were made to align certain clauses with Ghana’s constitution, particularly relating to the media’s editorial policies. The Ministry of Finance expressed concerns over the potential repercussions of the bill, highlighting that Ghana could miss out on significant financial support from the World Bank. This includes pending financing of $300 million from the First Ghana Resilient Recovery Development Policy, ongoing negotiations for the Second Ghana Resilient Recovery Development Policy amounting to $300 million, and support for the Ghana Financial Stability Fund. The US Ambassador to Ghana, Virginia Evelyn Palmer, also warned of dire economic consequences if the bill is enacted. She emphasized that the bill not only takes away the basic human rights of individuals but also undermines constitutional rights to freedom of speech, assembly, and press. Palmer stressed the importance of inclusivity for Ghana’s stability and economic development. The potential loss of $3.8 billion in World Bank financing over the next five to six years could have severe implications for Ghana’s foreign exchange reserves and exchange rate stability. The decision to move forward with the anti-LGBTQI bill could impact Ghana’s international reputation and attractiveness for investments. As discussions continue, the implications of the bill on both human rights and economic stability remain at the forefront of the debate in Ghana. The decision on whether President Nana Akufo-Addo will sign the bill into law will have far-reaching consequences for the country’s future. Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0256336062.
Transport Operators Union and Concerned Drivers Association of Ghana Mull Fare Increment
Regional Chairmen of both the Transport Operators Union and the Concerned Drivers Association of Ghana have announced their intention to consider a fare increment in response to the recent hike in fuel prices across the country. In a statement issued on Monday, the groups expressed disappointment in the leadership for failing to address their concerns and implement fare adjustments to counterbalance the increased operational costs. The continuous rise in fuel prices has had a significant impact on the livelihoods of drivers, leading to financial strains and hardships in maintaining their operations. Despite the escalating costs of fuel, the leadership has not taken proactive measures to increase fares in line with the market conditions, according to the groups. The regional executives emphasized that fare adjustments are essential to ensure the financial viability of the transportation sector and to maintain the quality of service provided to the public. They argued that the government’s failure to address this critical issue has left them with no choice but to consider fare increments as a means of coping with the escalating operational costs. The groups are calling on the government and relevant authorities to engage in constructive dialogue with their leaders to address the challenges faced by the sector and to implement fare adjustments that reflect the current economic realities. They warned that failure to address these concerns by March 6, 2024, will leave them with no choice but to increase fares. Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0256336062.
MTN Ghana Blocks 4.8 Million Subscribers for Failure to Re-Register SIMs with Ghana Card
In compliance with the National Communications Authority’s directive, MTN Ghana has taken action against 4.8 million subscribers who failed to re-register their SIM cards with the Ghana card. This move has resulted in a significant 6.3% decrease in the telecom giant’s subscriber base, which now stands at 26.8 million as of the end of 2023. Earlier this year, MTN Ghana had already blocked 5.4 million SIM cards that were not registered with the Ghana card as of May 31, 2023. However, out of those blocked, 600,000 were successfully re-registered by the subscribers. The nationwide re-registration of all SIM cards, using the Ghana National ID card, was carried out by the NCA and telecom operators, with the exercise being completed by May 2023. This initiative aims to enhance security and ensure that all mobile phone users in the country are properly identified and registered. The move by MTN Ghana to block subscribers who have not re-registered their SIM cards underscores the importance of complying with regulatory requirements and maintaining accurate subscriber information. It also serves as a reminder to telecom users across the country to ensure that their SIM cards are properly registered to avoid any inconvenience in the future. Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0256336062