Minority Threatens to Use Unflattering Language Against Majority Leader Over Free SHS Bill
The Minority in Parliament has issued an ultimatum to Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, threatening to use unflattering language against him if he fails to present the proposed bill on the Free Senior High School policy in the House today, Friday, June 28. Apexnewsgh reports The bill seeks to make the Free SHS intervention mandatory for future governments to sustain the policy. Despite the Majority Leader’s claims that the Minority opposes the bill, they have denied this and urged the government to address existing challenges in the education sector. Minority Chief Whip Governs Kwame Agbodza emphasized that the bill must be laid in the house on Friday for further action, warning that failure to do so will result in the use of unflattering language against the Majority Leader. The Majority Leader assured that the bill would be laid, accusing the Minority of opposing the Free SHS Bill. However, the Minority has indicated that they will thoroughly scrutinize the bill to ensure its longevity and effectiveness, pushing for a dedicated funding source for the policy. Ranking Member on the Education Committee of Parliament, Peter Nortsu-Kotoe, emphasized that the Minority will examine the bill to ensure its constitutionality and sustainability, demanding a dedicated funding source for the Free SHS policy. Source: Apexnewsgh.com Thanks for reading from Apexnewsgh as a news publishing website from Ghana. We encourage you to freely share this story via social media platform and follow us on; Facebook on APEXNEWSGH-Tv or Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0248250270/0256336062.
COPEC Predicts Fuel Price Hike in July’s First Pricing Window
The Chamber for Petroleum Consumers (COPEC) has forecasted a rise in fuel prices in the first pricing window of July 2024. Apexnewsgh reports According to COPEC, the retail prices of petrol, diesel, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) are expected to increase at pumps nationwide. The projected price increases are attributed to the depreciation of the cedi against the dollar, with the exchange rate dropping from $1:GH¢14.4788 to $1:GH¢15.2779 (-1.89%). COPEC predicts that petrol prices will rise by 2.17% to GH¢15.20 per litre, while diesel prices are expected to reach GH¢15.21 per litre. LPG prices are projected to range between GH¢13.24 per kg and GH¢14.64 per kg. COPEC has urged the government to reduce taxes on LPG or subsidize its price to promote nationwide accessibility and usage, which would help reduce environmental degradation caused by firewood use. Additionally, COPEC appealed to the government to revive the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) to minimize the importation of finished products and associated fuel contamination. Source: Apexnewsgh.com Thanks for reading from Apexnewsgh as a news publishing website from Ghana. We encourage you to freely share this story via social media platform and follow us on; Facebook on APEXNEWSGH-Tv or Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0248250270/0256336062.
Majority Leader Announces Changes in Parliament–Read More
Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has announced the removal of Obuasi West MP Kwaku Kwarteng as Chairman of the Finance Committee in Parliament. Apexnewsgh reports Mr. Kwarteng, a former Deputy Finance Minister, will now be moved to the newly established Committee on Economy, created under the new standing orders. Afenyo-Markin made the announcement during the presentation of the business statement for the upcoming week, highlighting that Kwarteng will serve as the spokesperson for the majority side on economic matters. He questioned whether the minority side has a similar arrangement in place. The Majority Leader emphasized the significance of the new Committee on Economy, stating that it will be the most important committee in the legislature under the new standing orders. This development comes after Kwarteng, as Finance Committee Chairman, was accused of hindering government efforts to secure $335 million in tax waivers for 1D1F companies. Additionally, he had previously declined a ministerial appointment offered by President Akufo-Addo. Source: Apexnewsgh.com Thanks for reading from Apexnewsgh as a news publishing website from Ghana. We encourage you to freely share this story via social media platform and follow us on; Facebook on APEXNEWSGH-Tv or Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0248250270/0256336062.
NDC Running Mate Calls for Free, Fair, and Transparent Elections
Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) running mate, has urged the Electoral Commission to ensure the upcoming general elections are conducted in a free, fair, and transparent manner. Apexnewsgh reports Addressing concerns about recent violent incidents during the limited registration and voter transfer exercises, she emphasized the need for measures to prevent such occurrences in the future. Apexnewsgh reports Speaking during a courtesy call on the Chief of Akyem Tafo, Osabarima Adusei Peasah IV, in the Abuakwa North Constituency, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang stressed the importance of traditional leaders taking an active interest in the electoral process and voicing their concerns for a peaceful election. She called on the Electoral Commission to act as an unbiased referee and establish procedures for a fair election. Chief Osabarima Adusei Peasah IV echoed these sentiments, hoping for a historic moment if Ghana elects its first female Vice President. He praised Prof. Opoku-Agyemang’s academic background as a strong asset for her potential role. The Chief also stressed the importance of fairness from the Electoral Commission in dealing with all political parties to guarantee free and fair elections. Additionally, he lamented the decline of the agricultural sector in the region, appealing to the NDC to revive the industry if they win the December 7 general elections. Source: Apexnewsgh.com Thanks for reading from Apexnewsgh as a news publishing website from Ghana. We encourage you to freely share this story via social media platform and follow us on; Facebook on APEXNEWSGH-Tv or Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0248250270/0256336062.
PNP Commends Minister for Cement Price Regulation Bill, Urges Extension to Food and Rent Prices
The People’s National Party (PNP) has lauded the Minister for Trade and Industry for introducing a bill to regulate cement prices, making it more affordable for ordinary Ghanaians. Apexnewsgh reports The party believes this legislation will benefit Ghanaian families and accused those who oppose it of seeking to undermine a positive effort. In a statement, the PNP criticized some Members of Parliament for prioritizing the interests of their campaign funders over their constituents, often opposing policies that benefit Ghanaian families. The party urged the Ministries of Trade, Works and Housing, and Agriculture to introduce additional legislative instruments to regulate food and rent prices, addressing the escalating costs affecting many Ghanaian families. The PNP called on Ghanaian families to vote against any political party in the 2024 elections that prioritizes business interests over citizens’ well-being, emphasizing that families deserve leaders who will prioritize their welfare over corporate profits. This move by the PNP highlights the party’s focus on championing the interests of ordinary Ghanaians and promoting affordable living. Source: Apexnewsgh.com Thanks for reading from Apexnewsgh as a news publishing website from Ghana. We encourage you to freely share this story via social media platform and follow us on; Facebook on APEXNEWSGH-Tv or Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0248250270/0256336062.
NPP MP Rejects NAPO as Running Mate, Cites Lack of Connection with Parliamentarians
Asante Akim North MP and leading NPP member, Andy Appiah-Kubi, has expressed his disapproval of Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh (NAPO) as the party’s running mate. Apexnewsgh reports While acknowledging NAPO’s qualifications, Appiah-Kubi stated that he would not choose him as his preferred running mate due to his lack of connection with parliamentarians. In an interview with Joy News, Appiah-Kubi emphasized that he was not speaking for the majority, as the caucus had not been consulted. However, personally, he would opt for someone more acceptable to parliamentarians, who could campaign alongside MPs in their constituencies and foster closer ties between Parliament and the executive. Appiah-Kubi stressed that NAPO lacks the ability to connect with parliamentarians, making him an unsuitable choice. Source: Apexnewsgh.com Thanks for reading from Apexnewsgh as a news publishing website from Ghana. We encourage you to freely share this story via social media platform and follow us on; Facebook on APEXNEWSGH-Tv or Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0248250270/0256336062.
Ambulance case: Why Richard Jakpa was dismissed from Armed Forces
Why the businessman, Richard Jakpa was dismissed from the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) in 2007 for “unsatisfactory conduct” has been entered into evidence as part of the ambulance trial currently ongoing at the High Court, Accra. Jakpa has been accused of causing a financial loss of €2.37 million to the state in an ambulance deal with the Minority Leader, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson. The Deputy Attorney-General, Alfred Tuah-Yeboah, who started his cross-examination of Jakpa on Thursday [June 27, 2024] entered into evidence a letter supposedly written to dismiss Jakpa from the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) in 2007. The letter included allegations of misconduct and breach of military protocols leading to his dismissal. Jakpa’s lawyers had objected to the tendering of the letter and raised an issue of relevance but the presiding judge, Justice Afia Serwah Asare-Botwe admitted the document into evidence. She said the witness had already acknowledged the document being tendered and had already said he could speak to it. She added that the cover letters were official documents and would be admitted to prove credibility or otherwise. The dismissal letter, written and signed on behalf of the Chief of the Army Staff by the late Brigadier General M.K.G. Ahiaglo, the then Commander of the Southern Command of the Ghana Armed Forces had indicated that Richard Jakpa had been released from service for “unsatisfactory conduct.” Jakpa was then a Lieutenant in the Ghana Armed Forces. Below is what is contained in the letter The above-named officer was commissioned into the Armour Corps as a Regular Officer on 21 August 1998. All things being equal, the officer should have made the rank of Captain on 21 August 2002 and a Major on 21 August 2007. He has consistently failed his PROMEX and now lags behind his mates in rank. Also, his service with the Colours has been largely unsatisfactory, marked by consistent fraudulent conduct, abrasiveness and general indiscipline. In addition, Lt R. Jakpa (GH/2899) has incessantly been indebted to various people/institutions during the period. An example was his long indebtedness to Recce Regt PRI to the tune of $300.00, which he was unable to pay till authority was sought for the amount to be deducted from his salary. Throughout his service life, Lt R. Jakpa (GH/2899) has proved consistently that he belongs to a world incompatible with the decent and gentlemanly composure that the Presidential Commission confers on officers of the Ghana Armed Forces. He is a bad example by all standards and his continued retention in the Service is likely to cause more harm to the Service and to himself. Indeed, in May 2004, a special report submitted on him by his Commanding Officer suggested that the officer had reached his ceiling. Three years on, his new Commanding Officer describes his conduct as shameful and regrettable. From the foregoing the continued retention of Lt R. Jakpa is not in the best interest of the Ghana Armed Forces and, indeed, himself. It has accordingly been decided that Lt R. Jakpa be released from the Service forthwith. I am therefore directed to request that Lt R. Jakpa be released from the Service for inefficiency under Article 15 Item 2 (a) (through continued lack of application or interest and Item (2) (c) (unsatisfactory conduct) of the Armed Forces Regulations Volume 1 (Admin). Respectfully submitted Seal Aside from the letter being entered in evidence, the Deputy Attorney-General, Alfred Tuah-Yeboah, who started the cross-examination Thursday, asked Jakpa to identify from the letter the designation of the Minister on the seal. The seal on the letter requesting the establishment of the LCs became a subject matter of cross-examination on Thursday. The Deputy A-G asked, “On the right, the first alphabet after Honorable, reads deputy minister finance. However, Jakpa said the writing was not legible. “In fact what you see there is Hon Deputy Minister of Finance,” Mr Tuah-Yeboah asked. However, Jakpa insisted he could not see adding: “The first alphabet I see is D”. Jakpa on Thursday told the trial court that government breached certain clauses of the contract agreement in the establishment of the letters of credit (LC). Under cross-examination of the Attorney-General, Richard Jakpa explained that the government breached clause 5.1 when it established the LC direct to Big Sea and paid directly to Big Sea instead of his company, Jakpa at Business. As a result, he said, “Jakpa at Business is not responsible for any financial loss caused to the state. It wasn’t the duty of government to have raised LC direct to the principal (Big Sea) in breach of this clause”. Mr Jakpa, who had previously told the court that his company stopped dealing with the government after signing the contract agreement, added that following the breach, he commenced a civil suit leading to the Commercial Division of the High Court ruling that henceforth, “all LCs should be established in the name of Jakpa and the court was surprised how government was able to establish the LC in the name of Big Sea”. Again, answering questions on whether a 28.7 per cent of the amount paid under the transaction went to Jakpa at Business, he said, “I know it’s 28 but I don’t know the nominal figure”. Graphic–
Government Increases Financial Support for LEAP Beneficiaries
The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection has announced a significant increase in financial support for beneficiaries of the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) program. This move demonstrates the government’s commitment to poverty alleviation and improving the quality of life for the nation’s most disadvantaged citizens. According to the ministry, the bi-monthly LEAP grants paid to beneficiary households between 2015 and 2023 were as follows: – One Member Household: GHC64.00 – Two Member Households: GHC76.00 – Three Member Households: GHC88.00 – Four and above Member Households: GHC106.00 The ministry expressed gratitude to its partners, including the World Bank, World Food Programme, and Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office, for their continuous support of the LEAP program. This increase in financial support is a testament to the government’s dedication to ensuring the well-being of its citizens, particularly the most vulnerable. Source: Apexnewsgh.com Thanks for reading from Apexnewsgh as a news publishing website from Ghana. We encourage you to freely share this story via social media platform and follow us on; Facebook on APEXNEWSGH-Tv or Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0248250270/0256336062.
NDC Withdraws Assin Central Parliamentary Candidate Over Immoral Acts and Anti-Party Activities
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has taken decisive action by withdrawing Nurein Shiabu Migyimah as its parliamentary candidate for Assin Central, effective immediately. Apexnewsgh reports This decision follows findings of immoral acts and anti-party activities, which led to complaints filed against him. The Central Regional Functional Executive Committee conducted exhaustive investigations and deliberations, resulting in the withdrawal of his candidature. Additionally, the committee has suspended Nurein Shiabu Migyimah for six months, pending a thorough adjudication of the matter by the Regional Disciplinary Committee. A letter addressed to the Assin Central chairman of the NDC confirmed the decision, highlighting the party’s commitment to upholding discipline and ethical standards. This move demonstrates the NDC’s zero-tolerance approach to indiscipline and its dedication to presenting candidates who embody the party’s values and principles. Read the full statement. The Regional Functional Executive Committee (R-FEC) sends you warm greetings. Following the interrogation and deliberations on the reports of immoral acts and anti-Party conduct received by R-FEC against the Assin Central Parliamentary Candidate (PC), Nurein Shiabu Migyimah, at the R-FEC meeting held on Tuesday 25th June, 2024, the Regional Functional Executive Committee after conducting its preliminary investigation and examining the matter minutely and exhaustively further consulted key stakeholders in the region and the leadership of the Party at the National level resolved that, Nurein Shaibu Migyimah be withdrawn as the 2024 Assin Central Parliamentary Candidate of the NDC with immediate effect. Furthermore, R-FEC has suspended Nurein Shaibu Migyimah forthwith for six months and has referred the matter to the Regional Disciplinary Committee for adjudication. Also, the Party membership of Nurein Shiabu Migyimah stands suspended until the final determination of his case by the Regional Disciplinary Committee. Kindly take note of this decision of R-FEC and communicate it formally to Nurien Shaibu Migyimah, all Constituency, Ward, Branch and the rank and file of the party in the constituency. Please treat as urgent and do the needful immediately. I count on your cooperation to ensure strict compliance to this directive without fail. Thank you.
NPP Flagbearer Bawumia Not Given Freedom to Choose Running Mate, Claims Nyaho-Tamakloe
A senior member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe, has made a shocking claim that the party’s flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, was not allowed to choose his own running mate for the upcoming elections in December. Apexnewsgh reports Dr. Nyaho-Tamakloe alleged that Dr. Bawumia was forced to accept Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the Energy Minister, as his running mate, despite concerns over the Energy Minister’s perceived arrogant demeanor. This claim has sparked intense debate within the party, with many questioning the suitability of Dr. Opoku Prempeh for the role. In an interview with 3FM on Thursday, June 27 monitored by this platform, Dr. Nyaho-Tamakloe reiterated his earlier statement that Dr. Bawumia would not be able to make his own decisions, including choosing his running mate. He questioned why Dr. Bawumia was not given the same discretion as previous NPP leaders, including former President Akufo-Addo, who had the freedom to choose their running mates. Dr. Nyaho-Tamakloe cited examples of former presidents, including Rawlings, Kufuor, Atta Mills, and Mahama, who all picked their own running mates without interference. He wondered why Dr. Bawumia was being treated differently, sparking concerns about the party’s internal dynamics and decision-making processes. This development has added a new layer of intrigue to the NPP’s internal politics, with many watching closely to see how the situation unfolds. Source: Apexnewsgh.com Thanks for reading from Apexnewsgh as a news publishing website from Ghana. We encourage you to freely share this story via social media platform and follow us on; Facebook on APEXNEWSGH-Tv or Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 0248250270/0256336062.