WAEC Seeks Cooperation in Ongoing Investigation into 2024 WASSCE Malpractices
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has urged candidates whose 2024 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) results are being withheld, along with their parents and guardians, to cooperate with ongoing investigations into alleged examination malpractices. Apexnewsgh reports WAEC’s investigation, which is now in its final phase, was prompted by reports of cheating involving some candidates. The Council initially withheld the subject results of certain candidates when the provisional results were released on December 30, 2024, following the approval of the Ghana Examinations Committee during its 37th meeting. With the scrutiny of affected scripts now concluded, WAEC has invited concerned candidates to meet with selected officials, accompanied by their parents or guardians. These meetings aim to provide candidates with a fair hearing, allowing them to respond to allegations and provide written statements in the presence of their guardians. WAEC emphasizes that these interactions are transparent and fair, dismissing claims of coercion or intimidation. To ensure a swift resolution, WAEC appeals to all affected candidates and their guardians to cooperate with the ongoing process. This development affects over 215,000 candidates, representing 11.92% of the 1,805,216 who sat for the exam, whose results were withheld due to alleged malpractice. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Minister-Designate Dr. Rashid Pelpuo Supports Review of Ghana’s Retirement Age
Dr. Rashid Pelpuo, the Minister-Designate for Labour, Jobs, and Employment, has thrown his weight behind calls to review Ghana’s retirement age, currently set at 60 years. Apexnewsgh reports Speaking during his vetting before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on January 30, Dr. Pelpuo emphasized that any decision to adjust the retirement age would require a national consensus. Dr. Pelpuo noted that there’s been a lot of talk about increasing the retirement age, with some suggesting it should be raised to 65 or even 70 years. He argued that many people at 60 are still strong and capable, asking rhetorically, “Why should they retire?” Instead, he believes that any decision to change the retirement age should be made through a harmonious and inclusive process. The Minister-Designate stressed the importance of broad national consensus before making such a significant policy change. He highlighted the need for inclusive dialogue in shaping the future of Ghana’s workforce, saying, “I will go along with the many who will pose a view that there’s a need for a review, given our economy and our capacity to deal with it”. Dr. Pelpuo’s support for reviewing the retirement age is seen as a significant development, as it acknowledges the need to adapt to changing economic and social circumstances. As the Minister-Designate for Labour, Jobs, and Employment, his views on this matter are likely to carry significant weight in shaping the future of Ghana’s retirement policy. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Professor Kobby Mensah Takes the Helm at Ghana Tourism Development Company
Professor Kobby Mensah, a renowned Associate Professor at the University of Ghana Business School (UGBS), has been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Tourism Development Company Limited (GTDC). Apexnewsgh reports This strategic move is expected to drive innovation and investment in Ghana’s tourism sector, leveraging Prof. Mensah’s extensive expertise in marketing and strategic leadership. As CEO of GTDC, Prof. Mensah will oversee the promotion and attraction of investment in Ghana’s tourism sector, supporting small businesses, and enhancing the country’s tourism infrastructure. The company also collaborates with local and foreign partners to drive industry growth. A native of Takoradi in the Western Region, Prof. Mensah’s impressive academic background includes studies at St. Peter’s Primary School, St. Augustine’s College in Cape Coast, the Institute of Professional Studies (now UPSA), Sheffield Hallam University, UK, and the University of Sheffield, UK. His career seamlessly blends academia and industry, with experience as a marketing manager at the Student and Youth Travel Organization (SYTO) and as a Senior Lecturer at UGBS. As a Chartered Marketer (CIM, UK) and recognized researcher and author, Prof. Mensah edited the book Political Marketing and Management in Ghana: A New Architecture, published by Palgrave MacMillan, UK. His expertise in tourism marketing, corporate communications, social media deployment, and political marketing will undoubtedly be invaluable in his new role. With President John Dramani Mahama’s appointment, Prof. Mensah is poised to revitalize the Ghana Tourism Development Company, ensuring a strategic approach to tourism that aligns with global trends while leveraging the nation’s unique assets. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Gifty Klenam Ditches NPP for NDC, Citing Shared Values and Vision for Ghana
In a shocking move, Gifty Klenam, a former two-term Member of Parliament for Lower West Akim, has defected from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC). Apexnewsgh reports Klenam made the announcement on Thursday morning, January 30, 2025, after obtaining her NDC membership card in the Anlo Constituency of the Volta Region. The former MP revealed that she made the switch after consulting with her family, stating that the NDC’s values and vision align with her own. “Upon consultation with my family, I decided to join the NDC because it aligns with my values and vision for mother Ghana,” she emphasized. Klenam also expressed confidence in the NDC’s 2024 manifesto, believing it provides the best blueprint for Ghana’s development. She praised John Dramani Mahama’s leadership, asserting that it will transform the country and deliver prosperity to Ghanaians. Although her exact role in the NDC is unclear, Klenam has signaled her willingness to serve in any capacity. Her immediate focus is to connect with the NDC grassroots, empower them, and ensure they find opportunities within the country rather than seeking greener pastures abroad. Klenam’s defection has sparked discussions within Ghana’s political landscape, given her prominent status in the NPP. She served in the Fourth and Fifth Parliaments of the Fourth Republic and later as CEO of the Ghana Export Promotion Centre (GEPC) in 2017 under the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia administration. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Honourable Rashid Pelpuo Champions Fair Compensation to Resolve Labour Strikes in Ghana
In the bustling landscape of Ghana’s public sector, the shadows of recurring labour strikes have loomed large, disrupting services and affecting the lives of many. Apexnewsgh reports However, a ray of hope has emerged with Honourable Rashid Pelpuo stepping forward to tackle these challenges head-on. With a comprehensive plan in hand, Pelpuo aims to promote fair compensation, reduce disputes, and enhance the efficiency of public sector operations. Honourable Pelpuo understands that the key to a successful resolution lies not just in policies, but in the hearts and minds of the workers themselves. He emphasizes the importance of listening to their concerns, empathizing with their struggles, and recognizing the complex realities they face every day. By fostering an environment of open communication and trust, Pelpuo believes that the root causes of labour strikes can be effectively addressed. One of the cornerstone strategies of Pelpuo’s plan is the rebranding of the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission into a more dynamic entity: the Bureau of Productivity and Enumeration. This innovative shift places an emphasis on productivity-linked pay, ensuring that workers’ earnings truly reflect their contributions to their respective roles. The aim is to cultivate a fair and performance-based compensation system that resonates with the aspirations of the workforce. To ground his approach in practicality, Pelpuo has outlined several key strategies. He intends to navigate the existing legal framework to address labour issues, ensuring that all actions taken are compliant with established regulations. Collaborating closely with seasoned labour experts, he seeks to demystify the complexities of disputes and create effective resolutions. Central to Pelpuo’s vision is the concept of production-linked pay. With the new Bureau of Productivity and Enumeration, workers’ earnings will be directly tied to their productivity levels. Additionally, salary negotiations will be transformed to be data-driven, allowing production data to inform discussions and ensuring that pay increments are justified by performance metrics. Through the implementation of these strategies, Honourable Rashid Pelpuo aspires to not only reduce labour disputes but also to create a fairer compensation system that uplifts the public sector in Ghana. His commitment to understanding and addressing the concerns of workers paves the way for a more harmonious relationship between employees and employers, setting a promising tone for the future of public service in the country. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Honorable Rashid Pelpuo Vows to Combat Child Labor in Ghana
Honorable Rashid Pelpuo has taken a strong stance against child labor, emphasizing that children should not be engaged in adult work. Apexnewsgh reports He acknowledged that the labor law prohibits child labor and pledged to combat it if approved as Labor Minister. Ghana has been grappling with the issue of child labor, with alarming statistics highlighting the need for continued action. Nearly 28% of children aged 5-17 are engaged in child labor, with around 21% in hazardous working conditions. Children are subjected to the worst forms of child labor in cocoa, fishing, and gold mining, among other sectors. To address this issue, Ghana has launched the Ghana Accelerated Action Plan Against Child Labour 2023-2027. This five-year plan aims to prevent and respond to all forms of child labor, promoting the well-being of children in Ghana. However, despite these efforts, challenges persist. Factors like shortage of classrooms, administrative fees, and poor educational infrastructure limit access to education, making children vulnerable to child labor. Enforcement of laws and regulations also remains a challenge due to resource constraints and limited funding. Pelpuo’s commitment to combating child labor is a step in the right direction. With his leadership, Ghana can work towards ensuring that children are protected from exploitation and have access to quality education. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Honourable Rashid Pelpuo Champions Fair Compensation for Ghanaian Workers
Honourable Rashid Papo has taken a strong stance on enforcing the minimum wage in Ghana. Apexnewsgh reports Pelpuo emphasized that it’s unfair for any establishment to pay workers less than the mandated 18.5 Ghana cedis, expressing frustration with employers who fail to meet this standard. Pelpuo’s commitment to tackling the issue of minimum wage is a step in the right direction, aiming to promote fair labor practices and protect the rights of workers. This move is also in line with global efforts to address income inequality and ensure that workers receive a living wage. Ghana’s minimum wage has seen significant adjustments in recent years. Effective January 1, 2024, the national daily minimum wage increased by 22% to GHS 18.15. This change reflects the government’s efforts to cushion workers from inflation and promote fair compensation. In Ghana, the minimum wage is calculated based on a daily rate, unlike other countries where it’s calculated per hour. As Pelpuo continues to advocate for fair compensation, Ghanaian workers can expect a stronger emphasis on enforcing minimum wage laws. This move is expected to promote better working conditions, reduce income inequality, and ensure that workers receive a living wage. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Hon. Rashid Pelpuo Clarifies Controversial Statement
Honorable Rashid Pelpuo, a Ghanaian politician and Member of Parliament for Wa Central constituency, has addressed a controversial statement he allegedly made in 2016. Apexnewsgh reports It’s reported that Pelpuo had suggested that unemployed youth could gather stones and sell them at construction sites or cut grasses where animals are bred to sell. Pelpuo emphasized that his statement was misinterpreted and that he was trying to encourage young people to be entrepreneurial and identify opportunities to make a living. He shared examples of two unemployed individuals who approached him for advice and went on to start successful businesses selling food and furniture. As a seasoned politician, Pelpuo has held various positions, including Minister of State at the Office of the President and Minister for Youth and Sports. He has been a strong advocate for youth development and employment, and his statement was likely intended to promote self-empowerment and resourcefulness among young people. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Mahama Appoints Prof. Ransford Gyampo as Acting CEO of Ghana Shippers Authority
John Dramani Mahama-led government has appointed Prof. Ransford Edward Van Gyampo as the Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Shippers Authority (GSA). Apexnewsgh reports This appointment marks a new chapter for the GSA, as Prof. Gyampo takes over from Kwesi Baffour Sarpong, who was appointed by the Akufo-Addo administration in December 2023. Prof. Gyampo, a renowned academic from the University of Ghana’s Political Science Department, brings a wealth of experience to his new role. With over two decades in academia, he has established himself as a leading expert in governance, leadership, and democratic development. His appointment was formally confirmed in a letter delivered by Dr. Calistus Mahama, Executive Secretary to the President. As the new Acting CEO of GSA, Prof. Gyampo is expected to leverage his expertise to enhance the efficiency and competitiveness of Ghana’s shipping industry. His vision for the GSA is likely to focus on promoting transparency, accountability, and sustainability in the maritime sector. Prof. Gyampo’s impressive academic background and research experience make him an ideal candidate for this role. Born on March 31, 1977, in Accra, he has risen through the ranks to become a Professor of Political Science and the Founding Director of the Centre for European Studies at the University of Ghana. As he assumes his new position, Prof. Gyampo is expected to work closely with stakeholders to address the challenges facing the shipping industry in Ghana. His appointment has been welcomed by many, who see him as a breath of fresh air in the maritime sector. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
EPA Vows to Arrest and Prosecute Illegal Miners
Professor Nana Ama Browne Klutse, the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), has issued a stern warning to individuals and entities engaging in illegal mining activities within and around Ghana’s water bodies. Apexnewsgh reports In an exclusive interview, Prof. Klutse emphasized that mining around water bodies is strictly prohibited and that her outfit will arrest and prosecute anyone found violating this law. The EPA’s concerns stem from the alarming increase in mining activities within and around water bodies across the country, which poses significant risks to the environment, public health, and Ghana’s natural resources. Prof. Klutse stressed that all mining activities must comply with Ghana’s environmental laws, including obtaining necessary permits and implementing sustainable mining practices. In a bid to enforce this directive, the EPA is collaborating with relevant authorities, including the Ministry of Environment, Science, and Technology, the Minerals Commission, the Water Resources Commission, and security agencies. Measures to be implemented include seizing equipment used in illegal mining operations, increasing surveillance and conducting regular site inspections, and prosecuting individuals and organizations found violating environmental laws. Prof. Klutse reassured the public that no one is above the law, regardless of their social status or political affiliation. She urged all Ghanaians and the media to report any illegal mining activities to the authorities or call the EPA’s hotlines at 0506699466/0506694760. Source: Apexnewsgh.com