NPP Constituency Treasurer and Teacher Arrested for Registering Minor
Frank Nkrumah, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) constituency treasurer for Mpohor and a teacher at Mpohor Senior High School in the Western region, has been arrested by the police for allegedly registering a minor. He was taken into custody on Friday morning following a criminal complaint filed by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Constituency Executives for Mpohor on Thursday. According to reports, Nkrumah is currently being held at the police station, where he is facing charges related to the registration of a minor. The incident has sparked controversy in the region, with many calling for swift action to be taken against those involved in the alleged illegal activity. The NDC Constituency Executives for Mpohor have been vocal in their condemnation of the incident, stating that they will not tolerate any form of electoral malfeasance in the region. The police have assured the public that they are investigating the matter and will take appropriate action against anyone found to have broken the law. This incident highlights the need for vigilance and accountability in the electoral process, and the importance of upholding the law to ensure the integrity of democratic processes.
Minister Jinapor Calls for Increased Financing for Forest Action to Combat Triple Planetary Crisis
The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel A. Jinapor, has urged world leaders to boost financing for forest action to address the triple planetary crisis of climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss. Apexnewsgh reports Speaking at the 19th Session of the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF19) in New York, Minister Jinapor emphasized the critical role of forests in combating these crises and the need for urgent action to stimulate investment efforts. The UNFF, established in 2000, promotes sustainable forest management, conservation, and development. The 19th session, which began on May 6, 2024, is conducting a mid-term review of the International Arrangements on Forests. The High-Level Ministerial Segment and forest partnership dialogue focused on “Forest-based solutions to the triple planetary crises: A focus on people, science, and technology.” Minister Jinapor lamented the continued destruction of global forests, despite growing knowledge of environmental challenges and the potential of forests to address them. He cited statistics from the World Resources Institute, including the loss of 3.7 million hectares of tropical primary forest in 2023, resulting in 2.4 gigatonnes of carbon dioxide emissions. He emphasized that saving the world’s forests requires urgent, collaborative action and estimated annual funding of $393 billion. Ghana, under President Akufo-Addo’s leadership, has initiated several forest protection and conservation projects, including the Ghana Forest Plantation Strategy, Green Ghana Project, and Ghana REDD+ Strategy. However, developing countries hosting 45% of global forests face significant financial challenges in protection and conservation. Minister Jinapor criticized developed countries for defaulting on their pledges to support sustainable forest management in developing countries and called for consistent carbon pricing globally. The Minister also advocated for a comprehensive program to incentivize local communities to preserve forests, recognizing that the world benefits more from forest conservation than these communities. The Forum will adopt a Declaration and resolutions promoting sustainable forest management when it concludes on May 11, 2024. Source: Apexnewsgh.com Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0256336062/0248250270.
Ghana’s Demographic Landscape Revealed in 2022 Statistical Report on Birth Registration
The 2022 Statistical Report on birth registration has shed light on several key aspects of Ghana’s demographic landscape. The report, launched by the Births and Deaths Registry, provides valuable insights into the country’s birth and death patterns, shedding light on trends and disparities across regions. Doubtful Paternity One of the report’s key findings reveals that 0.3% of registered births (2,099 cases) presented doubtful paternity, indicating situations where the father’s identity was uncertain. The Upper East Region showed the highest percentage (0.8%) of such cases, followed by the Central Region (0.7%), and other regions. Paternity and Education Nearly all registered births (99.9%) in the Upper West, Bono East, Ashanti, Savannah, Northern, and North East regions had known paternity, with fathers identified. Additionally, the report highlights that almost all mothers (99.96%) registering their infants’ births had some level of formal education. Notably, 52% of all registered births were by mothers with secondary, vocational, or technical education, while 14% attended only primary school, and 9.7% attended tertiary institutions. The Greater Accra Region stood out with the highest percentage (20.1%) of mothers having tertiary education. Age Distribution Regarding age distribution, approximately 27.0% of registered infants were born to mothers aged 25-29, followed by those aged 30-34 (23.3%), and 20-24 (22%). Mothers below 15 years recorded the least births (0.1%), while those aged 40 and above accounted for 5.4% of births. Registered Deaths The report also covered registered deaths, totalling 50,992. A significant majority of deaths occurred in the Greater Accra, Ashanti, or Eastern regions, with males accounting for six out of every ten registered deaths. Greater Accra, Eastern, Ashanti, and Bono regions exceeded the national average of registered deaths, indicating disproportionately higher figures. Importance of the Report At the launch of the report, the Acting Registrar of the Births and Deaths Registry, Ms Henrietta Lamptey, emphasized its importance in providing reliable information for public policy development and socio-economic planning. The report reflects the registry’s commitment to universal coverage of birth and death registration, with initiatives such as the Community Population Register and digitization of registration processes. Government’s Commitment Deputy Minister of the Ministry for Local Government and Rural Development, Osei-Bonsu Amoah, highlighted the report’s relevance to Ghana’s socio-economic development. He commended the substantial increase in birth registration rates, attributing it to government efforts towards achieving universal birth registration and sustainable development goals. This progress signifies Ghana’s commitment to ensuring every child is registered and accounted for. Source: Apexnewsgh.com Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0256336062/0248250270.
NDC Constituency Secretary Arrested for Registering Minors in Voter Registration Exercise
Police in the Western Region have arrested Bernard Afful, the Mpohor Constituency Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), and Rojer Miller, the proprietor of Voice of Christ Preparatory School, for allegedly registering individuals under the age of 18 in the ongoing limited voter registration exercise. Apexnewsgh reports According to reports, the Mpohor Police received information that the school proprietor had registered his 16-year-old son and other minors during the voter registration exercise, and upon investigation, discovered five voter ID cards belonging to students of the school. Both suspects have confessed to sending the minors to the registration center and have been detained for further investigation. Efforts are underway to summon the five students and obtain their birth certificates to verify their ages. The arrest of the NDC Constituency Secretary raises concerns about the party’s commitment to electoral integrity and the credibility of the Electoral Commission (EC). The NDC has been at odds with the EC since the 2016 general elections, challenging election results and boycotting the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC). The incident also highlights the controversy surrounding the guarantor system, which the NDC leadership has vehemently opposed abolishing. The EC’s attempts to prioritize the Ghana Card for voter registration have been met with resistance from the NDC minority, who have prevented the passage of amendments to election laws. The arrest and prosecution of the NDC Constituency Secretary and the school proprietor serve as a warning against electoral malfeasance and highlight the need for transparency and integrity in the electoral process. Source: Apexnewsgh.com Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0256336062/0248250270.
BECE 2024: JHS Students to Write Three New Subjects, Examination Duration Extended
Final-year junior high school (JHS) students in Ghana will write three new subjects in this year’s Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) for school candidates. Apexnewsgh reports The new subjects are Career Technology, Creative Art and Design, and Arabic. According to the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), Career Technology and Creative Art and Design, which were previously part of Basic Design and Technology (BDT), will be written by all candidates, while Arabic will be optional for candidates in Islamic basic schools. The introduction of the new subjects has led to an extension of the examination duration from five to six days. The examination will start on Monday, July 8, 2024, and end on Monday, July 15, 2024. WAEC’s Head of Public Affairs, John Kapi, explained that the council has completed the registration of candidates and is now working on the breakdown of candidates writing the various subjects. He assured that WAEC is ready for the examination, as all necessary meetings have been concluded, and sample questions have been sent to schools and posted on the council’s website. Kapi noted that Arabic is being examined at the BECE level for the first time and can be described as an elective subject. Candidates who believe they are proficient in Arabic can also write the examination to obtain a certificate. The official timetable released by WAEC indicates that candidates will write English Language and Religious and Moral Education on Monday, July 8, 2024. On Tuesday, July 9, 2024, candidates will write Science and Computing (previously ICT), followed by Social Studies and Creative Art and Design on Wednesday, July 10, 2024. Source: Apexnewsgh.com Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0256336062/0248250270.
Transport Minister Sues “The Law Platform” for Defamation, Seeks GHS 5 Million in Damages
Transport Minister Kwaku Ofori Asiamah has filed a GHS 5 million defamation suit against “The Law Platform” and its editor over an article published on May 7, 2024, with the headline “Transport Minister and his wife dragged to court for ‘land grabbing’ using state security.” The article alleged that the Minister and his wife were due in court for unlawfully entering and trespassing on land at the Tse Addo residential enclave. The Minister’s lawyers, Addo and Addo Legal Attorneys, had earlier served a demand notice on the media outlet, requesting a retraction and apology within 24 hours. However, the outlet failed to comply, leading to the filing of the lawsuit. According to the statement of claim, the Minister’s reputational value is worth more than GHS 5 million due to his professional and public service. The publication is deemed defamatory and has caused significant harm to his personal and professional standing. The Minister is seeking seven reliefs from the court, including a declaration that the statement is defamatory, an order for retraction and apology, general damages, aggravated damages, punitive damages, compensatory damages, and costs. The Law Platform, an online law magazine founded in 2021, aims to provide scholarly and non-scholarly content related to law. Its founder and lead editor, Jonathan Owusu Asare, is a lawyer specializing in financial markets law and regulation. The case highlights the importance of responsible journalism and the need for media outlets to verify information before publication to avoid causing harm to individuals’ reputations. Source: Apexnewsgh.com Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0256336062/0248250270.
Dr. Bawumia Unveils E-Cedi Agenda to Combat Corruption and Money Laundering
Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has announced the government’s plans to introduce the E-cedi, a digital equivalent of the local currency, to combat money laundering and corruption. Apexnewsgh reports The E-Cedi, conceptualized by the Bank of Ghana (BOG) in 2021, has completed its trial phase but faced delays due to economic disruptions. Addressing the 14th Commonwealth Regional Conference for Heads of Anti-Corruption Agencies in Africa, Dr. Bawumia emphasized the importance of leveraging digital technologies in the fight against corruption. He highlighted the E-Cedi’s potential to track money and suspicious activity, providing high-level transparency and reducing the risk of fraud, tax avoidance, and money laundering. The Vice President stated, “The CBDC (Central Bank Digital Currency) will be the ultimate weapon in our fight against corruption. The E-Cedi will make it easy to track the movement of money and identify suspicious activity.” He also outlined the government’s initiatives to safeguard financial integrity through the National Identification System. The introduction of the E-Cedi is expected to revolutionize Ghana’s financial landscape, promoting transparency and accountability. The government’s commitment to harnessing digital technologies to combat corruption is a significant step towards a more secure and prosperous future for the nation. Source: Apexnewsgh.com Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0256336062/0248250270.
Former TOR MD Asante Berko Fights Extradition to US Over Bribery Allegations
Asante Berko, a former managing director of the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR), is appealing a UK decision to extradite him to the US, where he faces accusations of bribing Ghanaian officials during his time at Goldman Sachs Group Inc. Apexnewsgh reports According to prosecution filings, Berko conspired with Ghanaian officials and others in a bribery scheme that benefited him, the bank, and a Turkish energy company seeking to build a power plant in Ghana. Berko’s lawyers argued at a London hearing that the extradition order should be overturned, citing that the charges are not extradition offenses and most of the alleged acts took place in London. However, US government lawyers countered that the extradition should proceed, alleging that Berko and co-conspirators bribed Ghanaian officials with over $700,000, which was then reimbursed through fraudulent invoices and transferred from Turkey, through US bank accounts, to Ghana. Berko had previously settled a lawsuit with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in 2020, agreeing to pay over $329,000 without admitting or denying the allegations. He was arrested at London Heathrow Airport in 2022. The case has sparked interest in the oil and gas industry, with many following the developments closely. Berko’s legal team is determined to fight the extradition, while US authorities are pushing for him to face trial in the US. The outcome of this appeal will have significant implications for international corruption cases and extradition laws. Source: Apexnewsgh.com Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0256336062/0248250270.
Nigeria’s Senate Proposes Death Penalty for Drug Traffickers
In a bold move to combat the growing drug abuse and trafficking crisis, Nigeria’s Senate has proposed a significant amendment to the country’s drug laws, introducing the death penalty as the maximum sentence for drug trafficking. Apexnewsgh reports This amendment, which is yet to become law, replaces life imprisonment, previously the harshest punishment. Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country with over 200 million people, has transformed from a transit point for illegal drugs to a major producer, consumer, and distributor. The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has reported widespread opioid abuse, particularly with tramadol and codeine-containing cough syrups. While cannabis is locally cultivated, other narcotics like cocaine and methamphetamine are trafficked through the country, fueling a growing addiction problem. The proposed legislation stems from a report by the Senate committees on judiciary, human rights, and legal matters, and drugs and narcotics. Supporters argue that the threat of execution will serve as a stronger deterrent to drug traffickers than life imprisonment. However, opponents express concerns about the irreversible nature of the death penalty and the risk of wrongful convictions. The bill has already been passed by the House of Representatives without the death penalty provision. A joint committee of five members from both the Senate and House will need to harmonize the two versions before it is sent to the President for signing into law. If enacted, this amendment will significantly toughen Nigeria’s stance on drug trafficking, aiming to curb the growing drug abuse and trafficking crisis. The proposed amendment has sparked a national debate on the effectiveness of the death penalty as a deterrent and the need for a comprehensive approach to address drug abuse and trafficking. As the country grapples with the growing addiction problem, the Senate’s proposal has ignited a crucial conversation on the best strategies to combat this menace and protect the lives of millions of Nigerians. Source: Apexnewsgh.com Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0256336062/0248250270.
John Mahama Vows to Probe PDS $190 Million Loss
Former President John Dramani Mahama, the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has expressed deep dismay over the reported loss of $190 million earmarked for private sector involvement in electricity distribution under the US Millennium Compact. Apexnewsgh reports He attributed this loss to the “corrupt, ‘yenkyendi’, and cronyistic governance practices” of the Nana Akufo-Addo and Bawumia administration. Mahama stressed the gravity of the situation, labeling it as “unacceptable” and emphasizing that Ghanaians deserve better. He pledged that if elected President in January 2025, his administration would prioritize enhancing private sector efficiency within the electricity distribution system, focusing on areas such as metering, revenue management, and fault response. Furthermore, Mahama committed to ensuring accountability by promising a thorough investigation into the PDS scandal, aiming to hold all involved parties accountable for their actions. Encouraging unity and collaboration, the former President called on Ghanaians to work together towards a brighter future for the nation’s power sector, one that benefits both citizens and businesses alike. Mahama’s statement highlights the need for transparency and accountability in governance, and his commitment to prioritizing the nation’s interests over political considerations. As the 2024 elections approach, his message of change and accountability is likely to resonate with many Ghanaians eager for a better future for their country. Source: Apexnewsgh.com Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0256336062/0248250270.