Category News

• goldcoastnewsline@gmail.com
• May 6, 2024
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• 2 minutes Read

Firefighters urged to be professional

The Oti Regional Minister-designate, Daniel Machator, has called on personnel of the Ghana National Fire Service to be professional and disciplined in their discharge of duties, as well as live beyond reproach.

Speaking during the occasion of the International Firefighters’ Day at Dambai, the acting Oti Regional Coordinating Director, Rev. Harry Nii Kwatei Owoo, on behalf of the Minister-designate, said “as officers of the Ghana Fire Service, you are wearing the badge of a very noble profession, and for that matter, your conduct at your various stations should be beyond reproach”.

He urged them live like models and mentors to bring respect to the profession. He acknowledged that though the firefighters continue to serve with valour, there is the need to continue doing more.

He said government was doing everything possible to ensure that fire stations at the sub-regional level were fit for purpose and well resourced.

He called on the fire officers in the municipalities and districts to collaborate well with the Assemblies they find themselves in.

He expressed worry over statistics that suggest that more than 1,000 firefighter lose their lives every year nationwide in line of duty.

“We are, therefore, gathered here to pay tribute to the brave firefighters who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, protecting our communities and our lives in Oti,” he stated.

The Minister-designate stressed  the need for all stakeholders to support firefighters in the region and the country at large in order to remember the sacrifices made, and to work together to ensure the safety of every community.

For his part, the Oti Regional Fire Officer, ACFOI Prince B. Anaglate, noted that Fire Service is the only agency with the expertise and technical know-how to ensure total risk management and property conservation for national development.

He indicated that firefighters have an additional responsibility to protect the public in all forms of emergency situations that involve hazardous materials.

He stressed that the role of firefighters can never be overestimated. He said their responsibility as the nation’s first responders extends to a wider range of emergencies far beyond the traditional role of firefighting.

• goldcoastnewsline@gmail.com
• May 6, 2024
• 0 Comments
• 3 minutes Read

Appiatse community rebuilt

Wild jubilation erupted yesterday in Appiatse, a community in the Western Region, as Government fulfilled its pledge to rebuild the devastated community, bringing hope to its residents.

The community had suffered immense devastation following a tragic explosion. The explosion, which occurred two years ago, left Appiatse in ruins, with homes destroyed, families displaced and livelihoods shattered.

However, the government, led by President Akufo-Addo, swiftly responded to the plight of the community, making a commitment to rebuild and restore Appiatse to its former glory.

That promise became a reality yesterday as the Vice-President and NPP Flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, accompanied by government officials, commissioned 124 housing units for the community.

Dr Bawumia said the swift reconstruction of the community, as promised by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, underlined the government’s commitment to the welfare of those affected and the people.

He recalled with sadness events of January 20, 2022, adding, however, that the commissioning, performed amidst fanfare by the community, marked special blessings from God.

“Today, we gather at this same venue, not just to commemorate the tragic event, but also to celebrate resilience, compassion, and the indomitable spirit of the people of Appiatse. While mourning those who lost their lives through this tragic incident, we stand in solidarity with the survivors who bear both physical and emotional wounds and recognize the heroic efforts of our emergency responders, exemplified in the selflessness that defines our nation,” he added.

Dr. Bawumia stressed that the adversity that hit Appiatse and the entire nation “had a way of revealing our strength to rise, rebuild, and re-imagine.” He added that “from this tragedy emerged resilience. The resilience to rebuild the community. The resilience to bring hope to the suffering, and the unwavering commitment to lift the downtrodden.”

“As we can all attest, Government, through the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, acted swiftly following the incident, and in collaboration with other Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, relief was brought to the victims of the incident through the provision of relief items, the diversion of the road that was blown away, and its eventual fixing, and the provision of temporary accommodation for all those displaced,” he indicated.

For his part, the Minister of Lands Minister and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, expressed gratitude to all those who supported the remarkable achievement, especially the President and Vice President, whose unwavering support enabled this endeavour.

He thanked the several ministries, project consultants, the Appiatse Support Fund members, the Appiatse Reconstruction Implementation Committee, contractors, engineers, traditional leaders and all others who contributed in various ways.

He urged future users of the facility to take good care of it, ensuring it becomes a lasting legacy to bring relief, joy and hope to the community, particularly to the children of Appiatse, and to alleviate the pains of January 20, 2022.

He pledged to rigorously enforce enhanced safety protocols, educate communities, and hold accountable those responsible for explosives and other hazardous materials to prevent similar incidents.

• goldcoastnewsline@gmail.com
• May 6, 2024
• 0 Comments
• 2 minutes Read

Over 8,000 jobs from 25th community mining scheme

As part of efforts to create jobs through responsible and sustainable small-scale mining, the government, through the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, has established a community mining scheme (CMS) concession at Himang Ankobrah, in the Prestea-Huni Valley District of the Western Region.

Speaking during the launching ceremony, the sector Minister, Samuel Abu Jinapor, pointed out that this one brings the total number of opened CMS to 25.

CMS is a community-centred mining module that promotes local participation in responsible harnessing of Ghana’s mineral resources. The 24th CMS was recently launched at Bompieso, also in the Prestea-Huni Valley Municipality.

The Lands Minister stressed that the Himang Ankobrah CSM would provide sustainable and profitable employment opportunities to more than 8,000 people in the area. This, according to him, will directly contribute to the transformation of the economic lives of the inhabitants of the community and residents.

He, therefore, charged the traditional leaders and indigenes in the area to be responsible in protecting the water bodies in the area. He re-emphasised the need to avoid the mistakes of the past, by mining in a manner that would not degrade the landscape, water bodies and the environment.

Mr. Jinapor urged mine workers to prioritize adherence to laws and avoid encroaching on protected areas during their operations.

The emphasised the government’s support for small-scale mining, aiming to foster sectoral growth while safeguarding natural resources. He stressed the importance of protecting rivers and forest reserves while ensuring equitable distribution of benefits among citizens.

He expressed confidence in the positive impact of CMS on the economy of Himang and the Prestea-Huni Valley constituency, labelling it a noble undertaking. He cited successful concessions established across the country as evidence of the scheme’s potential.

• goldcoastnewsline@gmail.com
• May 6, 2024
• 1 Comments
• 2 minutes Read

REAC tasked to launch operations for real estate reform

The Minister of Works and Housing, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, has charged the Real Estate Agency Council (REAC) to swiftly commence operations to sanitize the real estate industry following the official handover of its new headquarters building.

The move follows Mr. Oppong Nkrumah’s earlier directive to REAC’s board and management during his first visit to the Agency in February 2024 upon resumption of duty as sector Minister.

In 2020, Parliament passed the Real Estate Agency Act, 2020 (Act 1047), which established the Real Estate Agency Council (REAC), with the mandate to regulate the real estate sector and ensure fairness and transparency in transactions.

Despite the passage of this legislation aimed at fully establishing and operationalizing the Agency, progress has been slow. Although the Council has been sworn in, its functions have remained dormant with its CEO operating from the Ministry of Works and Housing instead of from REAC’s headquarters.

With the new headquarters established, Mr Oppong Nkrumah stressed the urgency for REAC to begin operations.

“To the staff and the Council, I urge you to continue with the same renewed energy and laser focus. No stories, excuses or explanations. Let us deliver and bring relief to the many of our citizens who need our services. Let us make excellence a habit in this agency. Ghanaians will notice and will be proud of us,” the Minister said.

He said the establishment of REAC and its new headquarters marked a significant development in regulating Ghana’s real estate sector. He emphasised that the lack of full operationalization had led to challenges such as uncontrolled pricing, fraud and high-risk transactions.

• goldcoastnewsline@gmail.com
• May 6, 2024
• 0 Comments
• 2 minutes Read

TVET to distribute 1.2 million textbooks to students

Dr. Asamoah reiterated the government’s dedication to investing in TVET education as a catalyst for societal transformationDr. Fred Kyei Asamoah, the Director-General of the Commission for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (CTVET), has unveiled a comprehensive initiative to elevate Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Ghana.

Addressing a press conference, he disclosed that over 1.2 million TVET textbooks covering 24 programme were set to be distributed to institutions nationwide.

He added that this effort was aimed at bolstering teaching and learning quality in the TVET sector. Dr. Asamoah outlined the adoption of Competency-Based Training (CBT) as a cornerstone of the educational approach.

He explained that CBT ensures that learners’ education aligns with industry standards, fostering individual competence over group performance.

He emphasised the standardization of existing curricula and the training of over 8,000 TVET instructors in the CBT methodology.

He said beyond curriculum development, significant strides had been made in infrastructure expansion.  He announced the completion of a state-of-the-art TVET centre of excellence in Anyinam and Pakyi No. 2, with two additional centres nearing completion in Akumadan and Assin Jakain.

These facilities, he mentioned, are poised to enhance practical learning experiences and equip students with in-demand skills.

On infrastructure development, he said the Commission had undertaken an ambitious curriculum enhancement initiative.

Dr. Asamoah revealed the development of 108 new TVET curricula, with an additional 115 curricula in progress.

He said this initiative, guided by sector skills bodies and industry experts, aims to address skills gaps and ensure relevance to evolving market demands.

• goldcoastnewsline@gmail.com
• May 2, 2024
• 0 Comments
• 2 minutes Read

Benlord Ababio not our personnel- National Security

The Ministry of National Security has stated firmly that Benlord Ababio, a suspect in connection with a murder incident in Kasoa, is not a personnel of the Ministry.

A statement from the Ministry, therefore, urged the public to disregard any claim or comment suggesting same.

“The Ministry of National Security has taken note of a news item in circulation on social media which alleges that a supposed National Security personnel called Benlord Ababio, in an incident that occurred on Tuesday 30th April 2024 at Millennium City, Kasoa, shot and killed a soldier,” it said.

“The Ministry wishes to put on record that the suspect, Benlord Ababio, who is currently under police custody, is not a personnel of the Ministry of National Security. The public is, therefore, urged to disregard any news items that portray the suspect as a personnel of the Ministry of National Security,” it added.

A military officer believed to be in his late 30s was shot dead while two other officers who were in the company of the deceased escaped unhurt.

The incident happened in front of the Millennium City Police Station in the Gomoa East District of the Central Region.

Reports say that a brother to one of the military officers bought a piece of land from some chiefs at Millennium City but anytime they went on the land to develop it, they faced strong resistance from landguards.

The deceased, in the company of two other officers, drove to the area to find a lasting solution to the matter, having already lodged a first complaint at the Millennium City District Police Command.

The officers who were in a Toyota Rav 4 with registration number GR 3591-24, upon reaching the said land, met some individuals working on the land, and ordered them to stop while lodging a second complaint at the Millennium City District Police station. They were met by the Gyasehene of Millennium City, Benlord Ababio, who insisted they should not go to the station to lodge another complaint.

After refusing to adhere to the plea of the chief, he allegedly fired at the vehicle of the officers from behind, when they decided to go to the Divisional Command, leading to the death of one of the officers.

Source: newsworldgh.com

• goldcoastnewsline@gmail.com
• April 29, 2024
• 0 Comments
• 2 minutes Read

EC saves $57.9m from procurement of new verification devices, registration kits

The Electoral Commission (EC) has debunked reports that it spent US$150 million to acquire new Biometric Verification Devices (BVDs) and Biometric Voters Registration Kits (BVRs) in 2020.

The Commission in a statement signed Mr Fred Tetteh, Deputy Director, Research, Monitoring and Evaluation, EC, said it spent US$68,661,912.67 as total cost for 74,500 BVDs, 8,500 BVRs, a new data centre and a data recovery centre.

The EC said with the procurement of 74,500 new BYDs and 8,500 new BYRs, the current administration of the Commission saved an amount of US$57,918,270 compared to the prices at which the previous administration was going to pay for new BVDs and BVRs.

“Please take note that the cost of refurbishing one BVR kit as approved in 2018 was $3,565 while the cost of a new BVR Kit purchased by the current administration in 2020 was $3,423.38. As Ghanaians, would we have preferred to refurbish old BYRs at a unit cost higher than a new one?” the Commission asked.

The EC said the previous administration earmarked US$15 million for the data centre and biometric system upgrade.

It said the current administration spent US$6,161,869.69 for a new data centre, a new data recovery centre and related services, saving the country US$9 million.

The Commission urged the public to ignore reports claiming that it spent $150m to acquire BYDs and BVRs in 2020.

• goldcoastnewsline@gmail.com
• April 29, 2024
• 0 Comments
• 3 minutes Read

Newmont spearheads malaria prevention

In the fight against malaria, a parasitic disease that continues to threaten lives globally, Newmont is leading the charge on its education among its workforce in Ghana through an annual awareness programme for its workforce, host communities, and dependents.

Malaria, transmitted by the female anopheles mosquito, is fatal and a danger to vulnerable populations, including children under the age of five, pregnant women and individuals without previous exposure to the parasite.

Recognizing the impact of this disease, Newmont dedicates March and April each year to heighten awareness and reduce its spread among its workforce, families, and host communities. The programme, introduced in 2021, has achieved remarkable success in reducing infections among employees with an emphasis on awareness creation and engagement.

Through carefully curated health talks led by medical practitioners and nutritionists, extensive interactions are held to provide adequate information focusing on preventive measures. The programme is designed to provide a deep understanding of how malaria is transmitted, prevented, early detection, and effective treatment as well as good nutrition.

One of the most important initiatives in this programme is the ‘Screen and Treat’ exercise, which exemplifies the company’s proactive approach to the holistic well-being of its workforce. Healthcare professionals visit Newmont’s offices through April to conduct scheduled malaria tests on the workforce. Positive cases are referred for immediate treatment, contributing to a significant reduction in morbidity.

These initiatives form part of Newmont’s broader commitment to the health and safety of its workforce and fall in line with World Malaria Day, which is marked on April 25 each year, to commemorate the global fight against malaria.

This year’s theme, ‘Accelerating the fight against malaria for a more equitable world’, calls for more concerted efforts to make quality, timely, and affordable services available to prevent, detect, and treat malaria for all.

Other measures implemented to protect the employees from the disease include the treatment of puddles of water within controlled cones with environmentally friendly chemicals to get rid of the larvae, indoor residual spraying where insecticides are applied on walls across the sites to knock off mosquitoes as well as the allocation of mosquito repellents to the workforce.

Newmont’s infectious disease laboratories at the Abirem Government Hospital in the Eastern Region and the Kenyasi Health Centre in the Ahafo Region continue to support the testing and treatment of such infectious diseases. Through Newmont’s partnership with Project C.U.R.E., health centres within the host communities in Akyem and Ahafo have received medical supplies to support malaria prevention and treatment among others.

Last year, Newmont’s medical services provider refurbished the Yamfo Health Centre’s laboratory in Yamfo in the Ahafo Region and donated essential equipment worth about GHC103,000 to the facility. The donation was to enhance the health centre’s lab functionality and improve health service delivery, especially in diagnosing and treating malaria.

Newmont’s proactive approach towards the campaign against malaria underscores the company’s broader commitment to the safety and well-being of its workforce and the host communities.

• goldcoastnewsline@gmail.com
• April 25, 2024
• 0 Comments
• 3 minutes Read

JGC, Komptech to train 600 stakeholders in solid waste management

Over 600 staff of Zoomlion and other public officials are expected to be trained in integrated solid waste management through the Jospong-Komptech Waste Academy project initiated by the Jospong Group of Companies (JGC).

The Academy is part of a 3-year capacity-building cooperation agreement between the Austrian Development Agency (ADA), JGC, and Komptech, in collaboration with ICEP and the
Technical University of Vienna. It signifies JGC’s collective dedication to advancing sustainable waste management practices in Ghana.

Speaking at the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding to kickstart the training, the Project Lead for the Jospong-Komptech Waste Academy, Brigadier General Mike Akpatsu, explained that the project is a comprehensive three-year renewal agreement that seeks to train, transfer knowledge, and build the capacity of the youth on waste management.

He added that the project is also working with the National Association of Local Authorities of Ghana (NALAG) to create awareness, and also reach out to policymakers to sensitize and advocate waste segregation policy to influence waste management at homes.

Brig-Gen. Akpatsu (Rtd.) further stated that the project would also reach out to young adults and kids through the Zoomkids Foundation to create programmes and projects to sensitize kids on sanitation.

The Chief Human Capital Resources Officer of Jospong Group, Akwelley Bulley-Kwakyi, noted that her outfit was poised to make significant strides towards a more sustainable and efficient waste management ecosystem in Ghana.

“As we embark on this new chapter, we are filled with anticipation for the growth and development opportunities it brings,” she added.

She further noted that over the years, JGC’s collaboration with Komptech had been pivotal in advancing solid waste recycling and composting processes in Accra and Kumasi, and now extending to Sefwi, Damongo, Goaso, Wa, Dambai and several other locations within the borders of Ghana.

“Leveraging Komptech’s expertise, we have already conducted numerous training sessions and are steadfast in our pursuit of further capacity-building initiatives,” Bulley-Kwakyi stated.

For her part, Regina Rosemary Orthner, the Honorary Consul of Austria to Ghana, emphasized that the cooperation agreement is aimed at strengthening ties and fostering capacity building between Austria and its local partners.

She disclosed that the opening of the Austrian Embassy in Ghana later this year would further improve the bilateral relationship between Ghana and Austria which had been intense in recent years.

She was of the view that Ghana’s sanitary challenges persist because the nation had not yet provided citizens, especially children, with tools and adequate knowledge on waste management.

“If we want our kids to manage their waste properly, then we must provide them with the bins, and teach them how to use it. So it starts with education and the provision of the right tools to help solve the sanitation challenges,” she stressed.

She believes that the Jospong-Komptech Waste Academy project will greatly improve the nation’s sanitation knowledge gap.

Funded by Komptech and the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) with funds from Austrian Development Cooperation, the three-year programme provides both technical expertise and financial support to empower Jospong staff and the wider stakeholder community.

• Christian
• April 21, 2024
• 0 Comments
• 3 minutes Read

15-year-old ‘married’ to Gborbu-Wulomo still a virgin

The Minister-designate for Gender, Children, and Social Protection, Darkoa Newman, has indicated that Naa Okromo, the 15-year-old child married to a 63-year-old Ga priest, has not been defiled. This was confirmed following various medical assessments made to ascertain whether the minor has had any carnal knowledge with Gborbu-Wulomo, Nuumo Borketey Laweh XXXIII, whom she was married to.

Speaking during a press conference in Accra, Ms. Newman said, “The Social Welfare Department under the Ministry of Gender had taken the child through counseling with the required medical attention taken.” “We would like you all to know that the medical assessment on the child indicates that she is not pregnant, and she has no immediate health concerns,” she said.

Interim action

The Office of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, in its interim report, advised that Naa be returned to live with her parents and continue her education. The Minister further revealed the girl’s exact age as 15, having been born on 18th July 2008.

“The child will continue to pursue her education, and the Attorney General has issued an interim report and has advised that in the best interest of the child and in accordance with Section 2 and 5 of the Children Act, she should be released to her parents pending their review of the docket,” Ms. Newman disclosed.

Meanwhile, a Deputy Attorney General, Alfred Tuah-Yeboah, has disclosed that the AG office is reviewing the docket to ascertain various issues concerning the matter before deciding on possible prosecution.

“If anything adverse is found in this particular docket, we give you the assurance that we will initiate prosecutions, but if there is nothing adverse about what happened, we will also let you know,” he said.

Background

On March 30, a video on social media, triggered by reports of an alleged marriage of a 12-year-old girl to the Gborbu Wulomo-Shitse in Nungua circulated. In the video, the 63-year-old priest Nuumo Borketey Laweh XXXIII, also known as Gborbu Wulomo, was seen performing the traditional marriage rights of Naa Okromo. Following widespread criticism, the traditional council denied claims and insisted that the ceremony was a betrothal between the young girl and the priest.

According to the office of the Gborbu Wulomo, Naa Okromo is considered one of the special children chosen by the Gborbu deity to dedicate their lives to serving the god. Again, the GaDangme Council clarified that the relationship between the Gborbu priest and the 12-year-old girl is simply a betrothal and not a marriage.

However, in response, CHRAJ and Civil Society Organizations including Occupy Ghana, Amnesty International, FIDA-Ghana, and many others condemned the ceremony citing a violation of the Children’s Act. Shortly after, the Ghana Police Service announced that it had taken Naa Okromo and her mother under police protection. Also, the Office of the Attorney General and Ministry of Justice urged the Ghana Police Service to expedite investigations into the alleged marriage.

By Josephine Duodo