The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has insisted that the house will not cease and desist from transmitting the anti-gay bill to the presidency.
On 19 March 2024, the Executive Secretary to the President, Nana Asante Bediatuo, wrote to the Clerk to Parliament demanding that it ceases and desists from attempting to transmit the Human Sexual Values Bill, 2021 to the President for necessary action in accordance with the Constitution.
The Executive Secretary argued that the Office of the President was aware of two pending suits challenging the bill. The letter further added that the Attorney General had advised the President not to take any steps in relation to the Bill until the matters raised by the suit are determined by the Supreme Court.
But Alban Bagbin argues that the President’s actions are unconstitutional.
“The President’s refusal to accept the transmission of the bill is, by all accounts, not supported by the constitutional and statutory provisions that guide our legislative process. The Constitution clearly delineates the steps to be followed once a bill has been passed by Parliament, mandating the transmission of the bill to the President for assent or rejection,” he addressed Parliament.
Alban Bagbin urged the President to follow through with Article 106(7) if he had any issues with the bill.
“Article 106(7) says, ‘Where a bill passed by Parliament is presented to the President for assent, he shall signify within seven days after the presentation to the Speaker that he assents to the bill or that he refuses to assent to the bill, unless the bill has been referred by the President to the Council of State under Article 90 of this Constitution,’ ” he reminded the President.
“Therefore, the refusal to even accept the bill for consideration falls outside the legal bounds established by our constitutional framework. It is incumbent upon the President to accept the bill and take the necessary action within the prescribed constitutional limits, whether that action is assent, refusal, or referral to the Council of State for advice,” Speaker Bagbin added.
“The Parliament of Ghana will comply with the existing legal framework and reject the attempts by the Executive Secretary of the President, through his contemptuous letter, to instruct the Clerk to Parliament, an Officer of Parliament whose position is recognizably under the Constitution. We shall not cease and desist!” he concluded.
Parliament shall not cease and desist from transmitting the anti-gay bill – Bagbin replies Presidency
Parliament unable to approve your nominated ministers – Bagbin to Akufo-Addo
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin, has indicated that the house will not be able to continue the consideration processes of the ministers recently nominated by President Akufo-Addo.
The Executive Secretary to the President, Nana Asante Bediatuo, earlier this week, on behalf of the President, wrote to the clerk of parliament directing parliament to desist from transmitting the recently passed Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill 2021 to the presidency for assent, citing ongoing injunctions on the bill.
But the Speaker of Parliament has described the posture by the presidency as one that undermines mutual respect for the arms of government.
“The behavior exhibited by the Presidency in refusing to accept the transmission of this bill not only deviates from established democratic practices but also undermines the spirit of cooperative governance and mutual respect for the arms of government,” he told parliamentarians in the house.
Alban Bagbin has further described as contemptuous Nana Asante Bediatuo’s letter on the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill to parliament, adding that although the house will work with existing legal frameworks, parliament, in the same light, will be unable to approve nominated ministers as the house had been notified of an injunction application by South Dayi MP, Rockson Nelson Defeamekpor.
“The Parliament of Ghana will comply with the existing legal framework and reject the attempts by the Executive Secretary of the President, through his contemptuous letter, to instruct the Clerk to Parliament, an Officer of Parliament whose position is recognizably under the Constitution. We shall not cease and desist!” he assured.
“Be that as it may, Hon Members, I also bring to your attention the receipt of a process from the Courts titled Rockson-Nelson Etse K. Dafeamekpor vrs. The Speaker of Parliament and the Attorney-General (Suit no. J1/12/2024), which process was served on the 19th of March 2024, and an injunction motion on notice seeking to restrain the Speaker from proceeding with the vetting and approval of the names of the persons submitted by His Excellency the President until the provisions of the constitution are satisfied… In the light of this process, the House is unable to continue to consider the nominations of His Excellency the President in the “spirit of upholding the rule of law” until after the determination of the application for interlocutory injunction by the Supreme Court,” he finally declared.
IWD 2024: Breaking the Silence, Investing in Women’s Mental Health
In a world that’s constantly in motion, women balance a variety of duties, including career, family, and societal expectations. As we mark International Women’s Day 2024 with the theme “Invest in Her, Accelerate Progress,” it’s critical that we focus on a silent yet pervasive issue: women’s mental health. This article aims to shed light on the unique mental health challenges that women face and the value of investing in their well-being.
The World Health Organization (WHO, 2023, March 31) reports that women experience depression 50% more frequently than males do. The truth is that women face a variety of stressors, ranging from workplace pressures and cultural expectations to the underlying costs of care giving and achieving a work-life balance. Lan and Jain asserted in 2022 that the mental health-related risk factors that disproportionately affect women are pressures created by their multiple roles; gender discrimination and associated pay disparities; and increased rates of poverty, hunger, malnutrition, domestic violence, and sexual abuse.
These variables, together with hormonal swings, contribute to a higher incidence of mental health issues among women, yet only a minor percent of women seek help due to stigmatization. According to the Women’s Health Research Institute at Northwestern University, women are more likely than males to feel stigmatized when seeking help for a mental health problem. This may be due to the fact that most women rely heavily on the opinions of the outside world. Unfortunately, the outside world thinks less of people with mental health issues.The YouGov survey, which was commissioned by the suicide prevention charity Campaign Against Living Miserably (Calm), also unveiled that, one in five young women who sought help for their mental health say they were told they were being “dramatic”. The stigma connected with mental health exacerbates the problem as it prohibits many women from getting assistance.
Ignoring the mental health of women is not just a personal concern; it has far-reaching consequences for society and the economy. Mental health challenges can impede women’s professional growth, hinder their contribution to the workforce, and create a ripple effect on overall productivity. Investing in women’s mental health is, therefore, an investment in the resilience and efficiency of the entire community.
Fortunately, there is a rising recognition of the significance of addressing women’s mental health. Organizations, both public and private, are launching creative support initiatives. These programs, ranging from on-site counseling services in the workplace to mental health awareness campaigns specialized for women, seek to create safe spaces and eradicate the stigma associated with mental health talks.
READ ALSO: IWD 2024: Becoming a Powerhouse Trailblazer for Inclusion
The Role of Workplaces
Workplaces play a pivotal role in shaping the mental health landscape for women. Companies that prioritize employee well-being by offering mental health resources, flexible work arrangements, and supportive environments contribute to the overall empowerment of women. Moreover, the media can support by highlighting success stories of businesses that have prioritized mental health can serve as inspiration for others to follow suit.
Community and Peer Support
Investing in women’s mental health goes beyond corporate responsibility; Research have shown that young women tend to prefer and respond well to supports that are peer-driven. Also, feeling a sense of belonging makes it easier for women to seek for help. Investing in women’s mental health this involves creating a culture of support within communities. Peer support networks, community workshops, and accessible mental health resources can empower women to prioritize their well-being. Acknowledging and addressing mental health challenges openly fosters an environment where seeking help is encouraged rather than stigmatized.
As we rally behind the call to “Invest in Her, Accelerate Progress,” let us not forget the profound impact that mental health has on women’s lives. By breaking the silence surrounding women’s mental health challenges and investing in supportive initiatives, we not only enhance the well-being of individuals, but also contribute to a society where women can thrive personally and professionally. The time to prioritize and invest in women’s mental health is now, for the benefit of current and future generations.
Happy International Women’s Day to All Women!
Published on International Women’s Day 2024, this article issues a call to action, inspiring individuals and communities to actively invest in women and accelerate progress.
Ghana at 67: Reflections on Progress, Challenges, and the Uncharted Road Ahead
As the vivid hues of red, yellow, and green cascade over the streets of Accra and beyond, Ghana is at a crossroads in its 67th Independence Day celebration. Beyond the facade of joyous parades and national flags taking place in Koforidua, Eastern Region, it is critical to reflect on the transition from colonialism to the vibrancy of an independent nation. Exploring the country’s journey, admitting recurring obstacles, and reflecting on the complex route ahead is necessary for informed advancement.
Facing Historical Realities
To map a course forward, a thorough assessment of the historical environment is essential. Ghana has been dubbed Africa’s bright star since it was the first country south of the Sahara to decolonize. Although they were worth writing home about due to some notable developments and achievements, the early years of independence were also chaotic, with economic difficulties and political turmoil.
Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s first President, was deposed nine years after independence. For the next 25 years, Ghana was ruled by military dictators, with diverse economic consequences. In 1992, the country reverted to democratic governance, and it has since established itself as a stable, liberal economy.
The transition to democracy prompted additional aid from the West, and Ghana’s economic recovery accelerated throughout President Rawlings’ eight-year presidency. In 2000, the ultimate test of Ghana’s fourth republic arrived. Term constraints prevented him from running for President a third time. The opposition party’s nominee, John A. Kufour, won the presidential election.
President Kufour spent the most of his presidency striving to improve Ghana’s economy and international reputation. He was reelected in 2004. In 2008, John Atta Mills was elected Ghana’s next President. He died in office in 2012 and was succeeded temporarily by his Vice President, John Dramani Mahama, who won the subsequent elections required by the constitution.
Nana Akufo-Addo, the primary opposition leader in Ghana, defeated President John Mahama in the 2016 general election. His win was due to his persuasiveness, as well as the support of his campaign mate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, and his track record in advocating for citizens and opposing unpopular policies and taxes.
Ghanaians believed in him and expected him to elevate Ghana’s economic standing. However, after being sworn into power for the second time after the 2020 elections, Ghanaians started singing a different song. The issues have been overwhelming and many have migrated to the other side of the bridge, wondering what has changed about the current President. As we approach the 2024 elections in December, many questions arise, but the answers are limited. Will it get better?
Recognizing these realities is not an exercise in wallowing on the past, but rather a practical step toward making informed decisions. How have past challenges affected our present, and what lessons can we draw from them as we navigate a constantly changing global landscape?
Celebrating hievements
Ghana’s economic development, characterized by expansion and diversity, is a model for the West African region. By positioning itself as an economic powerhouse, the country has been able to draw in foreign investment and promote stability. Despite occasional difficulties, the political environment is very resilient, illustrating the development of democratic institutions. However, these successes need to be examined closely. For example, how inclusive is the economic growth, and is political stability resulting in real benefits for all Ghanaians?
As we celebrate economic growth, we also need to examine the systems that enable it. While the focus on entrepreneurship is praiseworthy, considerable thought should also be given to the growth’s inclusivity and sustainability. Are policies creating an environment that allows all Ghanaians to actively engage in and profit from the country’s economic landscape, regardless of their background? The equitable distribution of opportunities and resources is a key indicator of true economic empowerment, rather than GDP levels alone.
Advancements in healthcare, education, and gender equality showcase commendable progress. However, the persistence of disparities, especially in rural and marginalized communities, requires a recalibration of our social development strategies. How can we ensure that the benefits of progress reach every corner of the nation, leaving no one marginalized or excluded? The true measure of social progress lies not just in statistical improvements but in the tangible impact on the lives of ordinary Ghanaians.
The Road Ahead
Can we fix our eyes on the road ahead without evaluating our position? How can we even define where we are? What do we label the place we are in? I’ll sort it out later, but the point is that Ghanaians are complaining. Wait! That is an understatement. Ghanaians are wailing, but the administration led by President Nana Akuffo-Addo is not listening.
Many things are dragging us down, but the main ones are the massive public debt, the rapidly rising rate of inflation and devaluation of the Ghana Cedi relative to major international currencies, the rising rate of poverty and unemployment among young people, the threat of galamsey, corruption, electricity hurdles, and the imposition of numerous taxes. Who would have imagined that money in our pockets would be taxed in name of E-Levy? That’s where we’ve arrived, then.
Ghana’s future is at a crossroads. The road ahead is complicated, demanding a collective resolve to address multifaceted challenges and seize untapped opportunities. It requires a recalibration of our national compass, one that aligns economic goals with social justice and inclusivity.
The path forward demands a more nuanced approach to economic development, one that goes beyond GDP growth and permeates the local level. Economic development is important, but it should only be a means to a more equitable allocation of opportunities and resources. Policies must not only foster entrepreneurship but also dismantle barriers that hinder the full participation of all citizens. A recalibration of economic structures is imperative, with a focus on creating an ecosystem where every Ghanaian, regardless of socio-economic background, can contribute meaningfully to and benefit from the nation’s prosperity.
Particular emphasis should be placed on empowering local communities, moving on. Sustainable progress is rooted in community development, acknowledging the unique challenges faced by different regions. This involves targeted investments in infrastructure, education, and healthcare, ensuring that the benefits of progress are not concentrated in urban centers alone. The road ahead is one where rural communities thrive, bridging the urban-rural development gap and fostering a more balanced and resilient nation.
Education is a cornerstone on the road ahead. A strong educational system not only conveys knowledge but also fosters critical thinking, innovation, and a feeling of community duty. As we face the challenges of the future, investing in quality education becomes critical. This investment extends beyond formal classrooms to vocational training and skill development, preparing the youth for a rapidly changing job market and fostering a culture of lifelong learning.
In an era of fast technological innovations, the future requires a strategic embrace of technology. Beyond urban areas, technology can act as a bridge, linking isolated populations, providing access to information, and accelerating economic growth. The digitalization of critical services, together with investments in digital infrastructure, has the potential to democratize access and foster a more inclusive digital economy.
The success of the journey ahead lies not solely in the hands of policymakers but equally in the engagement of active citizens. Informed, engaged, and empowered citizens play a pivotal role in holding leaders accountable, shaping policies, and fostering a sense of collective responsibility. Civic participation extends beyond periodic elections; it involves ongoing dialogue, community involvement, and a commitment to the common good. The road ahead is paved by the footsteps of an active and vigilant citizenry.
Finally, as Ghana embarks on its next chapter, the path ahead requires a comprehensive and strategic approach. It is a path where economic prosperity intersects with social justice, local communities thrive, education becomes a source of empowerment, technology serves as an equalizer, and citizens actively shape their own destiny. The destination is not fixed; it arises from the collective decisions we make today on this winding path to a more affluent, inclusive, and resilient Ghana.
Happy Independence Day!
Beige Bank case: Defense Witness justifies projects undertaken to transition BCSL to Beige Bank
Fourth Defense Witness in the case in which Michael Nyinaku, the founder of the defunct Beige Bank has been charged has justified the expansion of projects rolled out leading to Beige Capital Savings and Loans (BCSL) transitioning to become the Beige Bank.
The Witness, Okbell Majdoub, the former Head of Service Quality of The Beige Group, says the bank undertook projects like refurbishments of all the previously existing branches to reflect the institution’s newly acquired status and the construction of completely new offices.
Mr. Nyinaku, the founder and Chief Executive Officer of the defunct bank, has been accused of allegedly siphoning customer’s funds and has been charged with stealing GH¢2.1 billion of depositors’ money from the bank.
He has pleaded not guilty to 43 charges including stealing, fraudulent breach of trust, and money laundering, and has been granted bail.
State Prosecutors led by Mrs. Evelyn Keelson, a Chief State Attorney had suggested to the Witness that, there was no evidence in the court to show a requisition form, purchase order, or service order form originating from the Bank.
But, the Witness while pointing to a portion of her Witness Statement which had been adopted, said the bank undertook a lot of branch expansion across the country.
“As part of preparations towards the transition of BCSL into universal banking, the bank undertook a lot of branch expansion projects all over the country,” the Witness who was facing cross-examination from the Prosecution insisted.
Mr. Okbell Majdoub, the former Head of Service Quality also told the Court that, one will not have the service order with the Service Quality Department because it is supposed to be a request from the Beige Bank to the Chief Executive Officer.
While disagreeing again with the Prosecution’s suggestion that, she had no records to show to the court because such services were not rendered to the Beige Bank by the Beige Group, the Witness pointed to Exhibit 82H to buttress her point.
“Here we have the Beige Capital Bank and this is a picture that describes the Beige Capital Bank transitioning the branch from the Savings and Loans to a universal bank.
“We changed the look and feel from Alucobonds so we needed a new architectural structure so this is the first we did.
“I would take you through a second branch which we called the Osu Branch,” the Witness stated.
She also, said “I disagree that nothing was done at the Osu branch which was a premium branch.
“Here, before we start anything to do with a work, this is approved by a team so we pick up an architectural drawing that gives us an impression of the branch and how the service flow would operate in the branch.
In relation to that work, she said, “There is always a process we go through which starts with the first requisition from the Beige Bank to the CEO informing them how they want a branch and where they want the branch.
“Based on that, a structure is put together by Babbel and handed over to the project team.
“The project team comprises of us which is the service team which looks out to the fit out of a branch and these I would explain which is funded by the Beige Group for the Beige Bank and these items include the ceilings lamination with the branch which is light, flooring surfaces, teller cubicles which are cladded either in wood or cladded across with brick tiles,” the Witness Stated.
Security measures
For security measures, she said, “all teller cubicles are measured at a distance to keep the teller away for security measures.
“To ensure standardization of the look across all the Beige Banks, the back of the tellers is kept in the color Beige with a standard color which was painted Beige’.
“The signage which was supposed to be facial signage was always fixed behind the tellers,” she explained.
With addition, “to ensure our branches are kept in a tidy order, the front of our tellers was always carpeted and you can see the image of the Osu branch.”
The 4th Defense Witness also said, “in order to keep consistency again for all our branches, the chairs are purchased by the Procurement Department in bulk and placed in front of our tellers and each branch has a minimum of 8 single tap chairs in front of the tellers.
“As part of service requisitions from the BOG, every branch was supposed to have a minimum of 2 client service advisors.
“As part of consumer requisite reporting and hence you would see two tables and chairs in front of the Client Service Officer,” the defense Witness explained.
“We were also tasked by the bank to ensure at all times for the consumer reporting section of the BOG to have in place at the teller point feedback boxes and all other third-party services offered by the bank and these are in place per the picture we have here.
“Prior to all these fit out of a branch from the Beige Group to the Beige Bank, there was a memo raised to the office of the CEO with a list of items to be done to be used for the interior fit-out and the fittings of the branch,” she stated.
Service orders
In order to follow with the works, there is a service order that is done for every vendor that has to work and that is done and filed by the finance department of the Beige Group.
She said, there are several other branches that were done by the Beige Group for the Beige Bank including the Airport West Branch and that is Exhibit 83G.
“In 2017, evolving from Beige Capital and Savings Loans to the Beige Bank, the Airport West Branch was also allocated as a premium branch which was a requisite from the Beige Bank to the CEO of the Beige Group to have more premium branches to credit their new status of a bank and hence the Beige Group acquired a bigger space and a more premium place for them,” she stated.
Sequel to the process from the bank, “service quality was tasked to create a first-class branch for the Beige Bank.”
“This was a task from the Beige Group to the Beige Bank and evidence proves an empty nutshell of a building that had to be put together to serve the bank, not just operational services but to be able to host a few other departments that were supposed to serve the bank.
Teamwork
“As part of a team to serve from The Beige Group to the Beige Bank, we had to undergo a few service checks with the BOG operational team projects team from the Beige Group, Operations team from the Beige Bank and a projecting property team to ensure the authenticity of a branch in that location,” the DW4 stated.
The Defense Witness added that this was done and “was approved by the team and hence the project took a team of about three months and to put together the branch which hosted the various units of the bank because it served as their head office.”
There is evidence of works that were carried which is evidenced in the works of the branch that is in existence today which we can see the building and works included having themes and themes included of the interior and exterior look of the branch.
“Because the business was seated in a highly residential area, we picked a theme for the exterior of the branch and this was done from the Beige Group to the Beige Bank and one of the exterior looks which is a large space was a large coal pot with a big saucepan and the other was a mortar and a pistol and a fufu pot and a spoon and so we had to go into the bush to get wood to mold that picture you see there,” she explained.
Find attached the Cross-Examination of DW4 by the Prosecution
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/Murtala Inusah
Martin Amidu’s six-point case to remove special prosecutor
Starr News has exclusively obtained a copy of a petition filed by former Special Prosecutor Martin Amidu, calling for the dismissal of the current Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng.
The petition, submitted to President Nana Akufo-Addo on April 30, 2024, and forwarded to Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo on May 6, 2024, outlines six major allegations against Agyebeng, including various misconduct such as the abuse of citizens’ rights through arrests and detention, and refusal to comply with RTI requests, among four other points.
In a move that has the country talking, the Former Special Prosecutor Martin Amidu alleges that the current Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng, has recruited staff from sister law enforcement agencies, particularly the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) and the Ghana Police Service, by offering them higher salaries and elevated ranks. Mr. Amidu has attached resignation letters, which he officially obtained from EOCO, of staff members who are now employed at the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP). Additionally, he included Right to Information (RTI) requests he submitted to the Ghana Police Service, seeking the names and ranks of officers who have resigned to join the OSP. While the Police Service did not provide official resignation letters, they did supply a written summary in response to his request.
Mr. Martin Amidu’s petition states that the president should have appointed staff to the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), and not the Special Prosecutor himself. Amidu alleges that the SP exceeded his powers by hiring three directors without a board in place. Amidu explained that when he was in power, he sought secondment of staff to his office with the president’s approval, even without a board. However, Mr. Kissi Agyebeng did not seek the president’s approval.
He also accused Kissi Agyebeng of violating the rights of citizens, such as Former Sanitation Minister Cecilia Dapaah, Professor Frimpong Boateng, Joseph Adu Kyei, and others, in terms of how their cases were handled by the office. Mr. Amidu also included the entire set of documents related to the Cecilia Dapaah case filed at the High Court to support this claim.
Martin Amidu also alleged that the OSP dismisses judicial decisions, which he argues is tantamount to an abuse of the judiciary. Consequently, Amidu believes that this provides sufficient grounds for his dismissal.
The former prosecutor called for the dismissal of Kissi Agyebeng on grounds that the S.P. had breached procurement rules in refurbishing the new office complex and procuring vehicles.
The last point of the petition highlights the OSP’s refusal to grant him information though he had filed several Right To Information requests.
For now, there has been no official response from Kissi Agyebeng or his office regarding the allegations.
Martin Amidu, who held the office of the Special Prosecutor from January 2018 to November 2020, filed the petition per Article 146 of the Constitution.
By section 15 of the Special Prosecutor’s Act, Mr. Martin Amidu’s petition was sent to the president and has subsequently been directed to the Chief Justice, who has asked the current S.P. to comment on the petition.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM
EC debunks rigging claims by NDC
Deputy Chairperson of the Electoral Commission in charge of operations Samuel Tettey has debunked claims made by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) that the government is in bed with the Electoral Commission to rig the 2024 elections.
The NDC, while criticizing President Akufo-Addo over his comments about not relinquishing power to someone he once defeated, argued that he had been emboldened by the Electoral Management body.
During a press conference on Thursday, May 16, the NDC warned the EC against rigging the elections in favor of the NPP.
But addressing the media in Accra on Friday, May 17, Deputy Electoral Commissioner Samuel Tettey indicated that the electoral process makes rigging impossible.
The deputy commissioner insisted that the EC cannot be blamed for the outcome of electoral results, urging political parties to adequately train agents to actively observe the polls.
He added that elections are won at the polling stations and not at the EC headquarters.
“The Electoral Commission is in no position to rig the 2024 general election for any political party, the electoral process is transparent, and contains all the necessary checks and participation of all stakeholders, especially the political parties, such that rigging an election in Ghana is impossible.”
The Electoral Commission (EC) also announced during the press conference that the commencement of voter ID card replacement for victims of the Akosombo dam spillage starting on Thursday, May 30 will be free of charge.
On the issue of the total number of new registrants, the EC said 391,111 new voters have been registered so far in the ongoing limited voter registration exercise.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM/Obed King Gaglo
Minority stages a walkout over approval of Ministers
Minority in Parliament has staged a walkout over approval of 24 ministerial and deputy ministerial nominees.
According to the Minority, they cannot be part of any process to increase the size of President Akufo-Addo’s government
Speaking on the floor of the house Minority leader, Ato Forson stated that it will be on record that the Majority took such decision solely.
“Let the people of Ghana know that you took this decision alone,” he added.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM
Expand voter registration access – Cheddar to EC
The Founder and Leader of The New Force, Nana Kwame Bediako also known as Cheddar has called on the Electoral Commission of Ghana (EC) to reconsider its approach and take immediate steps to expand voter registration access across the country.
In a statement, he indicated that they are compelled to question the rationale behind restrictive measures in the ongoing voter registration exercise to only the District Offices of the EC.
“The Electoral Commission of Ghana plays a pivotal role in ensuring the integrity and inclusivity of the electoral process, and it is essential that decisions regarding voter registration access are made transparently and with due consideration to the democratic rights of the people.
“On behalf of The New Force and the citizens of Ghana, we urge the Electoral Commission to reconsider its approach and take immediate steps to expand voter registration access. Our counterparts in other nations across many continents uphold the principles of democracy by providing open and accessible voter registration until just weeks before elections. We implore the Electoral Commission to follow this example and prioritize the rights of Ghanaian citizens to participate in the electoral process freely and fairly.
“We trust that the Electoral Commission will give due consideration to our concerns and take immediate action to address the pressing issue of voter registration access. The future of our democracy depends on the integrity and inclusivity of our electoral process.”
Attached below is the full statement
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM
Musician Jay Wilder – Orijin Untamed winner; tours Guinness’ Kasse Brewery
It was an immersive experience for Young Musician Jay Wilder, winner of the maiden Orijin Untamed, when he was led together with the media to experience firsthand; the very machines, intricate processes, coordinated sounds, unique ingredients and creative expertise that blend together to produce the well sought after alcoholic beverage – Orijin.
Jay together with his mother and staff of the company were taken through the value chain at the Kaase Brewery of Guinness Ghana Brewery Plc as they visited the various production floors, functional and operational departments of the integrated production facility.
Jay Wilder who stopped seven other contestants in the hotly contested Orijin Untamed battle of the music and arts; has released two tracks with music videos making the best of the grooming and financial rewards he garnered at the nationwide talent hunt.
He told Reporters, the Jay Wilder finesse, character and flair for originality and dexterity mirrors the Orijin Brand’s exceptionality of presenting its wide array of diverse local and global lovers with unique indigenous ingredients.
“I want to be the biggest Super Star that Ghana has ever seen. I am original and authentic and I am Jay Wilder.
Jay Wilder is also calm, unique and responsible. Orijin is a very good product and as a responsible person I will urge everyone to drink responsibly, know your limits and enjoy the remarkable goodness it presents,” he beckoned.
Guinness Orijin Sales
Orijin provides Ready to Drink and Brewed variants with a distinctive base mixture of home grown herb and fruit extracts to produce a bitter – sweet taste which continues to receive plaudits from the drinks and beverages market.
Acting Supply Manager, Guinness Ghana Sam Markin who welcomed the Jay Wilder Team and the media to the Brewery Tour was elated beyond offering an amazing taste to revelers, Orijin has created a platform to unearth and refine raw talents into burgeoning giants for Ghana’s entertainment industry.
“Orijin Untamed is our commitment to uncovering and nurturing original talents like Jay. It’s about providing a platform for new voices to be heard and celebrated, much like how we infuse our products with unexpected yet delightful flavors,” he commended.
Sam challenged up and coming musicians and acts to be intentional about taking advantage of such springboards that ultimately become turning points for their entertainment careers.
“Jay Wilder, among many gifted contestants, stood out for his exceptional talent and has since become a symbol of what young, aspiring talents can achieve with the right platform,” he stated.
Orijin Untamed Prospects
The Marketing Manager of International Spirits and Ready to Drink brands at Guinness Ghana Breweries PLC, Nana Yaa Amoah-Owusu; reiterated the commitment of Guinness Ghana and Origin to unearthing and celebrating Ghana’s youthful creative talents whose potential remain largely untapped.
“As a brand, one of the things we are committed to is to ensure that we support arts and music by young people between the ages of 15 and 35. We want to assure them that Orijin is a go to brand that enables them to unearth their talents,” she emphasized.
She commended the brand for incorporating a boot camp which afforded contestants of Orijin Untamed, the opportunity to maximize their capacities in building strong brands of commercial value that could be effectively monetized to sustain their careers.
“We told ourselves Orijin Untamed is not one of the initiatives contestants pass through and leave. We want to pass through you and by that we want to build in you the capability. It was one of the things we worked with our partners to really invest in these young people,” she explained.
She told Ultimate News’ Ivan Heathcote – Fumador, the company was excited about supporting the Jay Wilder brand blossom and reach challenging heights as Jay assumes the brand ambassadorial role over a two-year period by which time another edition of Orijin Untamed would be launched.
Nana Yaa Amoah-Owusu gave assurances that the talent hunt which heralded Orijin’s Eighth Year anniversary with the aim of celebrating originality; will be bigger and encompass more regions than the premier edition which turned out a huge success.
Jay Wilder
The graduate of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Okyere Fred Acheamfo who goes by the showbiz name Jay Wilder was awarded 80,000 cedis for winning the Orijin Untamed talent hunt.
He emerged one of the two talents who made it from the Ashanti Region to join six other champions drawn from the Greater Accra and Upper East Regions.
To maximize the returns on his award, he gets to take 40,000 cedis in cash while GGBL invests 40,000 cedis in his music career.
Jay Wilder beat seven other contestants after three rounds of rap battle to win the coveted title.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM/Ivan Heathcote – Fumador
Ablakwa petitions CHRAJ over the sale of SSNIT Hotels to Bryan Acheampong
The Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Okudzeto Ablakwa has petitioned the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) to halt the sale of six Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) hotels to the Minister for Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong.
In a social media post, Okudzeto Ablakwa disclosed that he possesses documents indicating SSNIT’s advanced plans to sell a controlling 60% stake in the hotels to Rock City Hotel Limited, owned by the minister who doubles as the MP for Abetifi
The hotels mentioned in the transaction are Labadi Beach Hotel, La Palm Royal Beach Resort, Elmina Beach Resort, Ridge Royal Hotel, Busua Beach Resort, and Trust Lodge Hotel.
Mr. Acheampong is reported to be the Director and the owner of Rock City Hotel Limited.
In his petition to CHRAJ, Mr. Okudzeto cited serious concerns including conflict of interest, abuse of power, lack of due process, procurement breaches, cronyism, and graft.
He emphasized violations of Articles 78(3) and 98(2) of the 1992 Constitution, highlighting that Mr. Acheampong has not received the necessary permission from the Speaker of Parliament to hold an office of profit, as confirmed by Parliament’s Committee on Office of Profit.
“Again, it is questionable how SSNIT arrived at its decision to divest 60% of its stake in the hotels within its investment portfolio when some of these hotels are extremely profitable.
“Labadi Beach Hotel, for instance, presented an impressive dividend of GHS25 million to SSNIT in 2023 for the 2022 fiscal year and GHS10 million to SSNIT in 2022 for the 2021 fiscal year.”
The petitioner also drew parallels to a 2008 case involving the late Hon. Jake Obetsebi Lamptey, emphasizing the ethical implications of public officials acquiring state assets.
He questioned the rationale behind selling profitable SSNIT hotels and raised concerns about potential job losses should the sale proceed.
“The Petitioner has been consistent in drawing attention to the apparent conflict of interest. abuse of office and unethical conduct when Ministers of State elect to participate in the purchase of state assets being sold by their colleagues in the same government. This is the position canvassed by the petitioner when he and Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah took on Hon. Jake Obetsebi Lamptey in the courts when Hon. Obetsebi Lamptey applied to purchase his official bungalow some 16 years ago”
Okudzeto appealed to CHRAJ’s intervention to prevent what he described as an opaque and unethical transaction, urging Ghanaians to prioritize national interest over state capture.
“That CHRAJ launches a full-scale, impartial investigation into the imminent prospective sale to Hon. Bryan Acheampong of 60% shares of hotels within SNIT’s investment portfolio which raise fundamental concerns bothering on conflict of interest and abuse of power;
“That CHRAJ investigates SSNIT’s conduct and procurement processes regarding this matter, particularly with the view to unraveling what led to the numerous violations of due process and unfair treatment. Investigates the appropriateness and ethical concerns of Hon. Bryan Acheampong who is a director and the sole beneficial owner of Rock City Hotel Limited, to be selected as the sole prospective buyer of 60% of SSNIT’s stake in the hotels within its investment portfolio, albeit under opaque circumstances, by his colleagues in government who were all appointed by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.”
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM/Awisi Dede
Bagbin donates public address system to Ghana Law School
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has donated a state-of-the-art public address system to the Ghana School of Law.
This follows a personal promise he made to the school in February this year when the school held its matriculation ceremony to induct newly admitted students into the two year professional law degree programme.
The gesture is to enhance educational infrastructure in legal institutions.
In a remark, Speaker Bagbin bemoaned the poor nature of infrastructure in the school.
According to him, it is was sad to observe that governments over the years have not done much to improve the infrastructure needs of the school especially when one considers the great products the institution continues to produce and their contribution to national development.
He called on old students of the school to focus some attention to the school to extend support in whatever form.
The Director of the School Barima Yaw Kodei Oppong who led a delegation of the school’s management for the formal presentation of the equipment expressed profound gratitude to the Speaker for the gesture.
He added that the donation will significantly improve improve standards by providing the necessary tools for future legal practice to thrive.
He called on other old students to also support the institution in whatever way possible.
The public address system, which includes advanced speakers, and an integrated control system, is expected to significantly enhance the auditory quality in lecture halls and during important events at the school.
This donation is part of Speaker Bagbin’s broader initiative to support educational institutions across the country. Over the past year, he has made several contributions to schools and other institutions of higher learning emphasizing his belief in the transformative power of education.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM
Alhassan Suhuyini accuses Akufo-Addo of bias in handling petitions sent to him
The Member of Parliament for Tamale North, Alhassan Suhuyini has accused President Akufo-Addo of selectivity in handling petitions brought to his office.
The Lady Chief Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo has directed to Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyabeng to “provide” his “comments to the matters raised” in a petition to her seeking an impeachment process against him.
Per information, as required by Article 146 of the Constitution, the Chief Justice is in the process of deciding if there is prima facie evidence to establish a committee for Mr. Agyabeng’s impeachment.
In the letter sighted dated May 16, 2024, the Chief Justice said, the SP’s comments on the issues raised will “enable the Honourable Chief Justice to determine if a prima facie case has been made out.”
Speaking to Starr News, the lawmaker stated that the President who is a lawyer should not be openly biased and selective in dealing with issues of national concern.
“The bad blood that existed between them ever since Mr. Martin Amidu exited from that place. But, my issue has to do with the selectivity with which the President forwards petitions of that nature to the Chief Justice. I am very well aware that after he did the same involving a petition against Madam Charlotte Osei, two other petitions were sent to him against Madam Jean Mensah to date. The petitioners have not even received acknowledgment or receipt of that petition.
“Again, I know that another petition was sent to him against the former Chief Justice, Sophia Akuffo but the President did nothing about that petition. Yet, his handlers want us to believe that the constitution uses the article shall, and that he has nothing to do with the petition when it comes to his table beyond forwarding or transmitting them straight to the Chief Justice,” Mr. Suhuyini stated.
He continued: “So the President as we discuss this will have to explain to all of us why he does the automatic transmission of some of these petitions to the Chief Justice but withholds some. Is it the case that when the petition coincides with his interest, he is already interested in removing the Special Prosecutor so quickly with alacrity before the seven days he transmits it to the Chief Justice just like he did in the case of Charlotte Osei? But has decided not to respond to the petition against Jean Mensah and the former Chief Justice because in their cases it was not in his interest.”
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM
Kissi Agyabeng was frustrated handling some high-profile cases – Jantuah
The Chairman of the Political Affairs Committee of the Convention People’s Party (CPP), Kwame Jantuah says the Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyabeng was frustrated handling certain high-profile cases in the country.
The Lady Chief Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo has directed to Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyabeng to “provide” his “comments to the matters raised” in a petition to her seeking an impeachment process against him.
Per information, as required by Article 146 of the Constitution, the Chief Justice is in the process of deciding if there is prima facie evidence to establish a committee for Mr. Agyabeng’s impeachment.
In the letter dated May 16, 2024, the Chief Justice said, the SP’s comments on the issues raised will “enable the Honourable Chief Justice to determine if a prima facie case has been made out.”
Commenting on the development during the Weekly Review Show on Starr FM, Mr. Jantauh stated that the Special Prosecutor needed some form of solace in handling some of the political cases.
“If you hear some of the things that he said, you could see that he was frustrated by the so-called interruption that he was facing with the case. That was where he indicated that he would be handing over the case to EOCO.
“Now, the challenge is if the Special Prosecutor is going through certain frustration. Who does he go to seek some kind of redress, does he go to the appointing person to try and discuss it? Does he go to the Attorney General, who does he go to air out his frustrations?” he asked.
He continued: “Or does he come back to the public as he has done in the past for the public to judge whether the things he is saying are hampering his work? I would have thought that the Special Prosecutor place when President Nana Addo formed was sacrosanct in terms of the work he does.”
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM