Firefighters urged to be professional

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May 6, 2024
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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.

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March 11, 2025
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1 minute Read

Government to formalise export of Ghanaian labour

Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the Minister of Finance, announced Tuesday that beginning this year, the Government would formalise the export of Ghanaian labour to other countries.

He explained that this move would ensure a structured and beneficial system for Ghanaian workers seeking employment abroad, creating safer, legal pathways for them to work in foreign countries while protecting their rights and welfare.

The Finance Minister made this known when he presented the 2025 Budget Statement and Economic Policy to Parliament. The budget was on the theme “Resetting the economy for the Ghana we want.”

The minister said the formalisation would also reduce illegal migration, prevent worker exploitation, maximise the economic benefits of remittances, and boost foreign exchange earnings.

Commenting on sectoral performance, he stated that sector ministers would present a detailed performance and outlook for their sectors, along with specific policy interventions to address challenges within various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.

“This is a departure from the norm where Ministers for Finance present detailed sectoral performance as part of the budget speech,” he said.

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March 11, 2025
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2 minutes Read

Minority caucus labels gov’t job creation promises as “Sakawa Jobs”

The Minority in Parliament has sharply criticized the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government’s 2025 budget, particularly targeting the government’s job creation promises, which they have dismissed as “sakawa jobs,” implying that these positions are unrealistic or potentially fraudulent.

In a media interaction following the presentation of the budget by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson on Tuesday, March 11, the Minority expressed their dissatisfaction with several aspects of the budget, with job creation being a key point of contention.

The Minority raised concerns about what they perceived as contradictory statements from Dr. Forson. While the Finance Minister called on investors to come to Ghana, he simultaneously acknowledged that the country’s economy is facing significant challenges. The Minority argued that such mixed messages could potentially undermine investor confidence. One member remarked, “Is he driving away investment? This is not the way to govern a country.”

Another major issue highlighted was the government’s ambitious US$10 billion “Big Push” initiative. Despite frequent references to the US$10 billion target, the budget allocated only US$800 million for the project. The Minority questioned the feasibility of the initiative, with one member asking, “How can they claim to spend US$10 billion when only US$800 million has been allocated?” They further noted that even if the government spent US$1 billion per year, it would not reach the US$10 billion target by the end of its term.

The Minority also criticized the government’s job creation plans, which they described as unrealistic, stressing, “The jobs they are promising Ghanaians are sakawa jobs.”

In conclusion, the Minority accused the government of failing to deliver on its promises, particularly with regard to the “Big Push” initiative. “They are already failing in their promise as far as the Big Push is concerned,” they stated.