Government Urges CLOGSAG to Reconsider Strike Action
The Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) has appealed to the Civil and Local Governance Staff Association of Ghana (CLOGSAG) to reconsider its decision to go on strike, scheduled for Thursday, November 7, 2024. Apexnewsgh reports CLOGSAG, representing civil and local government workers nationwide, announced the strike to protest the government’s delay in implementing a new salary structure agreed upon over 18 months ago. The association’s members are frustrated, feeling they’ve been left with “no choice but to take action” due to the government’s continued delay. However, the FWSC is urging CLOGSAG to return to negotiations, emphasizing the government’s commitment to addressing their longstanding salary concerns. “We wish to emphasize that the government is prepared to engage CLOGSAG in finding lasting solutions to its demands without undermining the principles underpinning the Single Spine Pay Policy,” an FWSC representative stated. The commission believes open dialogue can create a conducive environment for addressing grievances. CLOGSAG initially declared a nationwide strike in July 2024 over the same issue, with the Executive Secretary, Isaac Bampoe Addo, asking all staff to stay away from work until further notice. Now, the FWSC is calling for a reversal of the strike decision, seeking a timely resolution through dialogue. The FWSC’s plea comes at a critical moment, as the strike could significantly impact public services. By returning to negotiations, CLOGSAG and the government can work together to find a lasting solution to the salary structure concerns. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen Contact: +233248250270/+233256336062 for your publications
Elon Musk can keep giving $1m to voters, judge rules
Elon Musk’s political group can keep awarding $1m (£722,000) to voters in swing states, a judge has ruled. The giveaway by Mr Musk’s America PAC is set to end on Tuesday, and the final recipient has already been determined, a lawyer for the billionaire said in a court hearing on Monday. In a surprising turn, the lawyer revealed that people receiving the money had not been chosen randomly in a lottery-style contest, as many believed, but were selected by the group. Philadelphia District Attorney Lawrence Krasner had sued to stop what he called an “illegal lottery” after Musk announced he would give the money to one voter in a swing state each day until Election Day. Pennsylvania Judge Angelo Foglietta did not immediately give a reason for the ruling, made a few hours after the hearing, according to the Associated Press. “The $1 million recipients are not chosen by chance,” the lawyer, Chris Gober, said during the hearing, according to the Associated Press. “We know exactly who will be announced as the $1 million recipient today and tomorrow.” Mr Gober told the court that America PAC has already determined the final recipient will be a voter from Michigan, US media reported. On Monday, America PAC announced a man named Joshua in Arizona had been awarded the day’s sum. In a post on X, formerly Twitter, which Mr Musk owns, the group added: “Every day until Election Day, a person who signs will be selected to earn $1m as a spokesperson for America PAC.” But when the world’s richest man unveiled the giveaway last month, many believed it was a random drawing for registered voters who signed a petition supporting the First and Second Amendments of the US Constitution. “We are going to be awarding $1m randomly to people who have signed the petition, every day, from now until the election,” Musk told a campaign event. A few days later, the US justice department warned that the group could be breaking election laws, which forbid paying people to register to vote. Krasner’s office sued to stop it. Mr Musk has been aggressively campaigning for Republican White House candidate Donald Trump in swing states across the country, and his committee has been pushing hard in Pennsylvania, where polls suggest Trump is in a tie with his Democratic rival, Vice-President Kamala Harris. A lawyer in Krasner’s office told Reuters that Mr Gober’s comments in court were “a complete admission of liability”. During the hearing, prosecutors played a video where Mr Musk, who is also the chief executive of SpaceX, said that “all we ask” is that the winners serve as spokespeople for the group, Reuters reported. But Chris Young, the director of America PAC, said in court that the recipients are screened and must have values aligned with the group, US media reported. Those who receive the money sign non-disclosure agreements that block them from publicly discussing the terms of their contracts, according to Reuters. Mr Musk did not attend Monday’s hearing. Also on Monday, Joe Rogan released an episode of his podcast featuring a nearly three-hour interview with Mr Musk. In a post promoting the podcast on X, he said he would be endorsing former President Donald Trump. “He [Musk] makes what I think is the most compelling case for Trump you’ll hear, and I agree with him every step of the way,” Rogan wrote. Source: BBC
AG Urges GBA to Safeguard Judiciary’s Independence
Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame has sounded a warning to the Ghana Bar Association (GBA) to be vigilant against any illegal pressure on the judiciary. Apexnewsgh reports Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony of the GBA’s new president and executives in Accra on November 4, 2024, Dame emphasized the importance of safeguarding judicial independence, a cornerstone of the rule of law. “The Bar must prevent and condemn each and every act of illegal pressure on the Judiciary,” he stressed, highlighting the crucial role legal practitioners play in maintaining the integrity of the judicial system. Dame also cautioned against the influence of unscrupulous individuals who undermine the judiciary’s independence by unjustly tarnishing its image. As the current Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Dame’s experience in defending the government in high-profile lawsuits and international arbitration makes him well-aware of the challenges facing the judiciary ². His message to the GBA underscores the need for collective responsibility in preserving the integrity of the judiciary, essential for upholding the “purity, dignity, and majesty of our courts.” With his background in teaching law and serving on various committees, including the Ghana Bar Association’s legal team and the Disciplinary Committee of the Ghana Football Association, Dame’s call to action carries weight. As the 25th Attorney General and Minister for Justice, he brings a deep understanding of the legal landscape and the importance of judicial independence. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen Contact: +233248250270/+233256336062 for your publications
Mahama Slams NPP for Regional Disparities in Development Projects
John Dramani Mahama, flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has accused the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) of prioritizing development projects in regions that supported them in past elections, while neglecting others. Apexnewsgh reports Mahama contends that this approach undermines fair development across the country, vowing to address the imbalance if elected. During his tour of the Oti Region on November 4, 2024, Mahama criticized the “regional disparities” in resource allocation under President Nana Akufo-Addo’s administration. He promised the people of Oti that, under his leadership, development would be distributed more equitably, including investment in critical infrastructure that has long been lacking in the region. Mahama specifically highlighted the government’s decision not to establish a regional hospital in Krachi East, despite urgent healthcare needs. “NPP failed to build the regional hospitals because Krachi East indigenes didn’t vote for them. NDC will uphold its promise to Krachi East in terms of infrastructure,” he stated. The former president’s visit to Dambai in Krachi East brought together chiefs and supporters, including the Chief of Dambai, Nana Mprah Besemuna III. Nana Besemuna commended Mahama for his past investments in the region’s education and healthcare but stressed the need for more significant healthcare infrastructure, particularly a regional hospital. “We are very grateful for the educational infrastructure you developed, which has helped us all these years. We also know you built smaller hospitals in Krachi, but the people are yearning for a regional hospital. We want you to prioritize the regional hospital when voted into power,” Nana Besemuna appealed. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen Contact: +233248250270/+233256336062 for your publications
Renewed Conflict in Bawku: BONABOTO Calls for Presidential Intervention
In the Upper East Region of Ghana, the town of Bawku has been thrust back into turmoil, casting a shadow over what had been a growing sense of peace. Apexnewsgh reports The recent resurgence of conflict has claimed 21 lives, prompting urgent calls for intervention from community leaders. The Association of Bolgatanga, Telensi-Nabdam, Bongo, and Tongo districts, collectively known as BONABOTO, issued a press release on November 4, 2024, pleading for President Akufo-Addo to take immediate action to address the escalating violence. The release expressed grave concern over the establishment of roadblocks by rival factions on key routes, including the Bolgatanga-Tamale and Bolgatanga-Bawku roads. These roadblocks have turned deadly, with unsuspecting travelers falling victim to attacks and vehicles being set ablaze in the chaos. BONABOTO condemned these acts of violence, declaring that such indiscriminate killings have no place in the 21st century. With a heavy heart, the association reflected on how the renewed clashes have shattered the fragile peace the residents of Bawku had begun to cherish. In a unified response to the growing crisis, the Upper East Regional House of Chiefs joined forces with youth leaders and queen mothers to call for peace to reign once more in Bawku. This collective effort highlighted the region’s determination to find a resolution and restore stability to the area, demonstrating a shared commitment to healing the wounds of conflict. The Upper East Regional House of Chiefs, one of the 16 regional houses established to foster peace, understanding, and development, emphasized the importance of collaboration in times of strife. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs echoed these sentiments, underscoring the critical need for peaceful coexistence as essential for national development. As tensions remain palpable in Bawku, the urgent pleas for presidential intervention and the call for peace from community leaders reflect a deep yearning for a lasting solution to the conflict, marking a pivotal moment in the region’s quest for stability. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen Contact: +233248250270/+233256336062 for your publications