President Akufo-Addo Extends Auditor-General’s Appointment for Two Years
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has extended the appointment of Auditor-General Johnson Akuamoah Asiedu for an additional two years. Apexnewsgh reports This extension was announced in a notice from the Audit Service dated July 19, addressed to all staff. Mr. Asiedu, who was originally due for statutory retirement on August 1, 2024, will now continue to serve as Auditor-General for two more years. The Audit Service congratulated the Auditor-General on the extension of his appointment, highlighting his continued service to the nation. Johnson Akuamoah Asiedu has been serving as Auditor-General since August 27, 2021, when he took over from Daniel Yao Domelevo. Prior to his appointment, he served as Acting Auditor-General and held various roles within the Audit Service, including Deputy Auditor-General in charge of Commercial Audit Department, Finance, Administration, and Human Resource, and Performance Audits Department. The extension of Mr. Asiedu’s appointment is a testament to his dedication and commitment to serving the nation. During his tenure, he has undertaken many special assignments, including the audit of international organizations and facilitated workshops in Ghana and other countries. He is a Chartered Accountant and a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants (Ghana) and the Institute of Internal Auditors. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Sheikh Aremeyaw Shuaib Defends Bawumia’s Church Visit, Says It’s Symbolic of Friendship
Sheikh Aremeyaw Shuaib, spokesperson for the National Chief Imam, has come out in defense of Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s recent visit to a church, where pastors prayed for him. Apexnewsgh reports Sheikh Shuaib believes there is nothing wrong with Bawumia’s actions, contrary to criticisms of religious duplicity. On GHOne TV’s State of Affairs show, Shuaib explained that visiting a church or receiving prayers from pastors doesn’t compromise one’s faith. He shared personal experiences of accompanying the Chief Imam to Christian events, like a Catholic Church anniversary, and giving lectures at Presbyterian churches. These actions, he says, are symbolic of friendship and empathy, not a betrayal of one’s beliefs. Shuaib views Bawumia’s actions as political tactics to connect with diverse groups, noting that the Vice President needs support from various corners to win an election. He emphasized that all politicians engage in similar outreach efforts, seeking blessings and support from religious leaders across faiths. The Chief Imam’s spokesperson encourages understanding and bracketing of personal beliefs to appreciate the phenomenological study of religions. He believes Bawumia’s visit and acceptance of prayers are empathetic engagements, not a compromise of his Muslim faith. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Putin Seeks to Boost Geopolitical Clout with Vietnam Visit
Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to embark on a two-day visit to Vietnam, a strategic move aimed at showcasing Russia’s influence in the East despite being ostracized by the West. Apexnewsgh reports The visit comes on the heels of a trip to North Korea, where Putin met with leader Kim Jong Un, and is seen as a calculated effort to demonstrate Russia’s ability to maintain meaningful relationships in the region. The timing of the visit is significant, coming as it does after the United States imposed fresh sanctions on Moscow and Western nations reaffirmed their support for Ukraine with a $50 billion loan. The Ukraine peace summit in Switzerland last weekend further highlights the geopolitical tensions at play. Vietnam, a rising economic power and key exporter of garments, has emerged as a crucial partner for major nations, including the United States, Western countries, and India. Its unique position in Southeast Asia, balancing economic ties with China while pushing back against perceived military threats, makes it an attractive destination for Putin. According to Prashanth Parameswaran, a fellow at the Wilson Center, “Putin will hope his Vietnam visit signals that Russia is far from isolated in Asia amid its recent Ukraine war inroads.” Despite Moscow’s limited list of regional friends, the visit is seen as a significant gesture of Russia’s enduring influence in the East. As Putin navigates the complex geopolitical landscape, his visit to Vietnam is a clear indication of Russia’s determination to maintain its status as a major player on the world stage. Source: Apexnewsgh reports
At Least 108 Journalists and Media Workers Killed in Ongoing Israel-Gaza War
The ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict has claimed the lives of at least 108 journalists and media workers, according to preliminary investigations by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). This number is part of the over 38,000 individuals who have lost their lives since the war began, making it the deadliest period for journalists since CPJ started gathering data in 1992. The CPJ reports that the majority of the journalists and media workers killed were Palestinians, with at least 103 confirmed deaths. Two Israeli and three Lebanese journalists and media workers have also lost their lives in the conflict. The Gaza Strip has been particularly dangerous for journalists, with many facing numerous challenges, including Israeli airstrikes, disrupted communications, supply shortages, and extensive power outages. Despite these risks, journalists continue to work, often without protection, equipment, or international support. The CPJ has called for an end to the impunity in cases of journalists killed by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). The organization has also expressed concern over the deliberate targeting of journalists, which constitutes a war crime under international law. The International Criminal Court has announced that it is seeking arrest warrant applications for Hamas and Israeli leaders for war crimes and crimes against humanity. The CPJ continues to investigate numerous unconfirmed reports of journalists being killed, missing, detained, hurt, or threatened, as well as damage to media offices and journalists’ homes. The ongoing conflict in Israel-Gaza has resulted in one of the highest numbers of journalist casualties in recent history, with many more still under investigation. The CPJ’s list of journalist casualties is regularly updated as more information becomes available.
Mahama Vows to Tackle Corruption Head-On, Won’t Be “Clearing Agent” for Looters
John Dramani Mahama, the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has reaffirmed his commitment to combating corruption, pledging to prosecute and imprison individuals found guilty of embezzling state resources. Apexnewsgh reports Speaking at the Christian Service University’s 50th Anniversary public lecture, Mahama emphasized that he will not act as a “clearing agent” for corruption if elected in the upcoming December polls. Addressing the audience on the theme “Sustainability of Democracy in Africa: The Ghanaian Experience,” the former President underscored his dedication to ensuring transparency in government operations and allowing anti-corruption agencies to function independently, free from political interference. “I am committed to ensuring greater transparency in government operations and allowing our anti-corruption agencies to function without any political meddling,” Mahama stated. “Those who loot state resources will face the full force of the law.” Mahama’s strong stance on anti-corruption aims to reassure voters of his dedication to good governance and accountability as Ghana approaches the crucial December elections. His promise to tackle corruption head-on and ensure accountability has resonated with many, and his commitment to independence for anti-corruption institutions is seen as a vital step in tackling the pervasive issue. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Abossey Okai Spares Dealers Association Warns Politicians: “This is a Business Center, Not a Political Arena”
The Abossey Okai Spares Dealers Association in the Greater Accra Region has issued a stern warning to political actors, emphasizing that the area is primarily a business center and not a political arena. Apexnewsgh reports The Association is urging politicians to seek permission before engaging in political activities in the area, following recent incidents where politicians used the area as a campaign ground without notification. According to Mr. Takyi Addo, Head of Communications for the Association, “We urge all political parties and their representatives to seek permission from the Association before engaging with our members or using the area for political activities.” This protocol is necessary to ensure the leadership is informed and prepared to manage any issues that may arise. The Association emphasized that Abossey Okai should not be monopolized by any political party, and its primary purpose as a business center must be maintained. The leadership called on all political actors to respect this directive and seek permission before conducting any political activities in the area. The statement concluded with a clear message: “Abossey Okai is a business center, not a political arena. We expect all political parties to adhere to these guidelines.” This warning aims to preserve the integrity and primary function of Abossey Okai as a business hub, ensuring political activities do not disrupt daily operations and commerce in the area. Source: Apexnewsgh.com