Teacher Unions in Eastern Region Protest Over Unpaid Allowances
On Wednesday, the pre-tertiary teacher unions of the Eastern Region took to the streets of Koforidua to demand the immediate disbursement of their allowances. Apexnewsgh reports The demonstration, part of a series of labor activities, aimed to express dissatisfaction with the government’s failure to implement the allowances agreed upon in their Collective Agreement since 2009 and after the 2020 agreement. The unions, comprising members of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), and Coalition of Concerned Teachers Ghana, are demanding the payment of four allowances: deprived area allowance, extra assessment allowance, book/data/online teaching support allowance, and upward adjustment of the continuous professional development (CPD) allowance. After marching through the principal streets of Koforidua, the unions presented a petition to the Eastern Regional Minister, Seth Kwame Acheampong, which was received on his behalf by the Regional Coordinating Director, Samuel Donkor. The petition highlighted the challenges faced by teachers due to harsh economic conditions and the government’s inaction. The teachers have given the government an ultimatum of May 31, 2024, to address their grievances, else they will escalate their industrial actions. They also urged the government to deliver the laptops under the “one teacher one laptop” program to many teachers yet to receive them, since they have already been deducted. The Regional Coordinating Director assured the teachers that their concerns will be addressed, ensuring that their industrial actions do not disrupt academic activities. The Eastern Regional Director of Education, Dr. Mrs. Ivy Asantewaa Owusu, also assured the teachers that their concerns will be addressed. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0248250270/0256336062.
Farmers Warned to Avoid Cultivating Along River Banks to Avert Food Insecurity
The Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) has issued a warning to farmers to refrain from cultivating along river banks, as the World Food Programme (WFP) projects that over a million people in Ghana may face difficulties accessing food between June and August this year. Apexnewsgh reports Engaging a media platform, Bagbara Tanko, the head of public relations at MoFA, emphasized the ministry’s proactive measures to ensure food security but stressed the crucial role of farmers in preventing potential crises. “We have already implemented measures to safeguard food security,” Tanko stated. “However, it is imperative for farmers to exercise caution in determining when and where to sow their crops, particularly avoiding cultivation along river banks during the rainy season.” Flooding, which exacerbates food insecurity by disrupting agricultural activities and driving up prices, makes prudent agricultural practices paramount. By avoiding cultivation along river banks, farmers can play a vital role in mitigating the risk of food insecurity and ensuring a stable food supply for the country. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0248250270/0256336062.
Confrontation Erupts Between GPHA Security and GIS Officials at Tema Port
A tense confrontation between security personnel from the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) and officials from the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) at the Tema port ended in a physical altercation, with video footage capturing the intense exchange. Apexnewsgh reports According to reports, the incident occurred when approximately 12 GPHA security members stationed at the Meridian Port Services (MPS) entered the GIS office at MPS to apprehend two officers following a dispute during routine vessel checks on the MSC DYMPHNA at the Tema Port. The disagreement stemmed from GPHA security personnel’s insistence on conducting searches on the immigration officers after they had completed their inspection duties at the Tema Port. However, a GIS inspector objected, asserting that while bag searches were permissible, body searches of the officers, particularly by male security personnel, were not acceptable. The objection led to a verbal confrontation between the two groups, escalating into physical altercations and resulting in the uniform of one officer, identified as AICO II Boadu, being torn. The incident highlights the need for improved communication and understanding between security agencies to prevent such confrontations in the future. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0248250270/0256336062.
Africa Caught in the Middle as Global Powers Shift
Africa, despite its large population, remains a small player in the global economy, with a combined economy of less than 3% of the world economy. Apexnewsgh reports The continent’s political heterogeneity makes it difficult to stand united on contentious issues, and most African countries are not part of global value chains. However, external economic challenges and tensions affect them deeply. A new era of competition between the US and China does not augur well for the continent, given the experience of proxy wars in the Horn of Africa and Angola during the Cold War. China’s growing economic influence in Africa, already the world’s factory and largest trader, is unmatched by the US. China’s engagement in Africa is broad and deep, and the US should find ways to collaborate rather than compete with China to maintain its influence on the continent. The African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa) trade model, with its low levels of trade reciprocity, is well-suited to Africa’s needs. The US should use Agoa to boost Africa’s exports, not as a stick for economic coercion to achieve political objectives. Africa’s ruling elites are looking towards China’s autocratic development model as a means to reduce poverty, as democracy and the free market haven’t delivered development. The youth bulge is expanding, with limited prospects for formal employment, a healthy life, or meaningful education. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0248250270/0256336062.
Husband of Former Sanitation Minister Testifies in Court, Accuses Former House Help of Masterminding Theft
Daniel Osei Kuffuor, the husband of former Sanitation Minister Cecilia Abena Dapaah, has testified in court, accusing their former house help, Sarah Agyei, of masterminding the theft of money and valuables from their home. Apexnewsgh reports Mr. Osei Kuffuor, an 85-year-old professional architect, expressed surprise and shock at discovering Sarah Agyei’s involvement, as she had been a faithful employee for five years. During cross-examination, Mr. Osei Kuffuor revealed that investigations uncovered Sarah Agyei’s link to the other accused persons, which he found surprising. He stated, “I was very surprised to find out that they were linked up. Because for the five years, I never suspected anything, so I was shocked when I found out that she was linked up in this matter.” The court case involves Patience Botwe, Sarah Agyei, and five others accused of conspiracy to steal, stealing, dishonestly receiving, and money laundering. The accused persons allegedly stole $210,000, $200,000, £300,000, GHc300,000, and GHc50,000, as well as valuables, from the Osei Kuffuor’s storeroom. Despite being granted bail, the accused persons are still in lawful custody due to their inability to meet their bail conditions. The case continues with further cross-examination. Source: Apexnewsgh.com Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0248250270/0256336062.
Former Gender Minister Sues Ex-Husband for $1.5 Million in Libel Case
Nana Oye Bampoe Addo, the former Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, has taken legal action against her ex-husband, Tony Lithur, for libel, seeking damages totaling $1.5 million. In the lawsuit filed on April 24, 2024, Nana Oye alleges that her reputation was injured by Tony Lithur’s false statements in a divorce petition filed on May 2, 2018. The couple was customarily married in 1991 and converted their marriage to an ordinance marriage in 1998. Nana Oye is seeking the following relief: – General damages of $500,000 for libel contained in the divorce petition and subsequent pleadings. – Exemplary damages of $1,000,000 for libel. – A perpetual injunction restraining Tony Lithur from further making defamatory statements or publishing similar words. – A retraction and apology to be published on social media, including Tony Lithur’s Facebook wall, website, Twitter, Instagram, and other handles, as well as on Ghanaweb, Joyfm, Peacefm, and Citi FM websites. The case is a significant development in the ongoing divorce proceedings between the two, with Nana Oye seeking to protect her reputation and hold Tony Lithur accountable for alleged libelous statements. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0248250270/0256336062.
Nurse and Midwife Trainees Demand Payment of 27 Months Allowance Arrears
The Coalition of Concerned Nurses and Midwives has expressed frustration over unpaid allowance arrears, contradicting Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia’s recent announcement of a payment transfer. Apexnewsgh report While the Vice President claimed that GHS177 million would be transferred to the Ministry of Health to pay nursing training allowances, the coalition revealed that some batches are owed up to 27 months in arrears. According to the coalition, the arrears owed to different batches are: – 2017 Batch: One month – 2018 Batch: Three months – 2019 Batch: Four months – 2020 Batch: Fifteen months – 2021 Batch: Twenty-seven months (third-year students) and seventeen months (second-year students) – 2022 Batch: Sixteen months (estimated) – 2023 Batch: Nine months The coalition emphasized that approximately 30% of trainees have never received any allowances, and many have completed their training without receiving their arrears. They described the situation as “untenable and unacceptable,” highlighting the significant financial hardships faced by trainees. The coalition urged the government to prioritize the payment of arrears and ensure that such delays do not occur in the future, emphasizing that the education and well-being of nurses and midwives should never be compromised. They demanded swift action to address this issue and fulfill the government’s promises by paying all arrears owed to trainees. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0248250270/0256336062.
Bawumia Promises to Empower Chiefs, Review Chieftaincy Act
Presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has pledged to review the Chieftaincy Act to give more power to chiefs if elected as president. Addressing the Bono East Regional House of Chiefs in Techiman, Bawumia expressed concern about the limited jurisdiction of traditional authorities in the country. “For far too long, we have sidelined chiefs in our government system since independence. The powers of chiefs in governance have dwindled, and I aim to rectify this by reviewing Section 63(D) of the Chieftaincy Act to grant more powers to chiefs,” Bawumia declared. He noted that many cases currently backlogged in courts could have been resolved by chiefs if they had the necessary authority. Bawumia promised to empower chiefs with the required financial resources, saying, “When I become president, I will give you the powers and equip you with the needed financial resources.” This pledge aligns with Bawumia’s campaign focus on strengthening traditional institutions and recognizing the vital role chiefs play in Ghana’s governance and development. By reviewing the Chieftaincy Act, Bawumia aims to revitalize the influence of chiefs and promote more effective and efficient dispute resolution mechanisms. source: Apexnewsgh.com Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0248250270/0256336062.
I will not Tax Churches-Bawumia Pledges to Strengthen Government-Church Relationship
Vice-President and NPP presidential candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has made a significant commitment to bolster the relationship between the government and the church. Apexnewsgh reports During a meeting with clergy in the North East Region, he emphasized the pivotal role of the church in driving national development forward, referring to it as the “golden age relationship.” Bawumia underscored the indispensable contributions of churches and faith-based organizations to Ghana’s societal progress, highlighting their role in establishing schools, universities, and hospitals. He questioned what Ghana would be like without these institutions, emphasizing their importance. Central to his campaign platform is his stance on taxing churches. Bawumia believes taxing churches is not the way forward and instead advocates for incentivization to encourage greater contributions from religious organizations. He argued that churches and faith-based organizations should benefit from tax exemptions, especially when importing goods for essential projects. Bawumia also emphasized the critical role of the church in instilling moral values within society, cautioning against neglecting this essential aspect. He highlighted the need for discussions on the role of religious institutions in managing educational facilities, recognizing the broader implications of moral decay and the imperative to uphold ethical standards. Dr. Bawumia’s pledge to nurture a golden-age relationship with the church signifies an acknowledgment of the invaluable contributions of religious institutions. By advocating for mutually beneficial policies, Bawumia aims to cultivate a harmonious partnership transcending political divides, ultimately fostering sustainable development. His promise resonates with religious communities across Ghana, signaling a potential shift towards a more collaborative and supportive relationship between the government and the church. Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0248250270/0256336062.