Parliament has approved an amount of GHC149 million for the activities of the Office of the Special Prosecutor in the 2024 fiscal year.
Speaking during the approval, Ranking Member for Committee on Constitutional Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Bernard Ahiafor questioned the low budgetary allocations to the office and the seeming lack of institutional support.
Mr. Ahiafor referenced the recent press briefing by the Special Prosecutor to ground his argument saying the Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng is a frustrated man.
The Akatsi South MP cautioned against actions that will get the SP to resign just like his predecessor Martin Amidu.
His reference to the Mother serpent tag against President Akufo-Addo however ruffled the Second Deputy Speaker Andrew Asiamah who demanded a withdrawal.
MP for Ablekuma West and Minister for Communications Ursula Owusu-Ekuful however refuted the inadequate funding argument.
According to her no Ministry, Department or Agency gets all that is required for its activities.
Deputy Minority Whip, Ibrahim Ahmed on his part emphasized the need to assist the OSP to function in fighting graft.
Deputy Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin tasked the Special Prosecutor to device means of getting its mandate delivered just as he did as a private legal practitioner relative to the allegations of judicial bias.
Roots Global Agency (RGA), a New York-based creative agency transforming the Caribbean and West Africa through music, the arts, and education, is set to present its first-ever residency program dubbed ‘Roots Residency’ in Accra.
The RGA in partnership with Cloud9nine, an open-air venue in the heart of Osu, is scheduled to kick off the inaugural event from December 30- January 11 at Cloud9nine Lounge.
According to the team at RGA, Roots Residency is a global experience that highlights and brings culture shapers and leaders across the diaspora together. It will be two action-filled weeks, that will allow residents (attendees) to get their work done in a creative labs co-working space @ Cloud9ine, enjoy live performances, lectures, workshops, and networking mixers.
Launched on the heels of Detty December festivities, the Roots Residency will serve as an opportunity for diasporans to connect with like-minded peers and be immersed in culture. Recharge, co-create, learn, or tap in, “We have enjoyment, collaboration, and information.”
By providing a space for artists and creatives from diverse disciplines, the Residency aims to break down artistic silos and create a dynamic environment for the exchange of ideas and the cultivation of innovation. The event will also amplify the interconnectedness of global artistic expression to create a lasting impact on the way we perceive and engage with art.
The inaugural event is poised to be transformative, reshaping the Afro-Caribbean creative landscape and bringing together a diverse community of artists, creators, and cultural enthusiasts. It is meticulously crafted to offer participants a unique and immersive experience led by industry experts and seasoned artists.
Roots Residency is dedicated to fostering collaboration, exploration, and innovation in the arts. And also promotes cultural exchange and dialogue among participants from diverse backgrounds.
Roots Residency invites artists, creatives, and cultural enthusiasts to join this transformative journey. Sign up here to become a part of our community. Full membership details will be provided on the ticket.
Ralph Poku-Adusei, a parliamentary candidate aspirant on the ticket of New Patriotic Party (NPP) for the Bekwai Constituency in the Ashanti Region, has in response to a request by the chiefs, elders and people of Aboaso, Dotom, Asokore, Gyasikrom and Koniyaw, all of which are suburbs in the Bekwai constituency, offered to finance the reshaping of their deplorable roads.
Lawyer Ralph’s decision is in response to an appeal made to him by Nananom and residents of the beneficiary communities (Aboaso, Dotom, Asokore, Gyasikrom, and Koniyaw) during the inauguration of a 12-bedroom teachers’ quarters and computer laboratory which has been built in the community at Koniyaw on 30 November 2023.
The reshaping of roads is to ensure that the residents in these communities are not cut off from the Municipal capital and adjoining towns due to the bad nature of their roads which become inaccessible when it rains in the constituency.
A necessary duty
Speaking to local journalists at the start of the reshaping works, Ralph Poku Adusei said he decided to mobilize resources to give the selected roads a phase lift because it had become extremely necessary to keep economic activity going in those parts of the Bekwai constituency to safeguard the livelihoods of the indigenes of the communities who must of a necessity, use the roads for their farming business and sale of their goods.
“When the chiefs and elders of Koniyaw, Gyasikrom, Dotom, Asokore, Aboaso, among others, lamented about their roads, I immediately considered it a necessary duty to intervene and get some contractors to move to the various towns and reshape the roads for my fellow constituents,” lawyer Ralph said.
“The reshaping of the roads should be the first step. I believe that these areas in the Bekwai constituency contribute greatly to economic activity in the Bekwai Municipality and going forward, the reshaped roads should be given a further phase lift,” Poku Adusei added.
Odikro of Koniyaw
The “Odikro” of Koniyaw, one of the beneficiary towns of the reshaping of roads initiative by Ralph Poku Adusei reacting to the development in his town said he is looking out for anyone who will bring tangible development to his people.
Ralph, he said has demonstrated to him (the “Odikro”) that he has the wellbeing of his people at heart, and to that end, he has no reason not to commend him for reshaping their roads and to offer his support to him in all his future endeavors, particularly, as he contests to become the NPP parliamentary candidate for the Bekwai Constituency for election 2024.
“I have a strong population of three thousand (3,000) people in Koniyaw alone and none of the other communities can boast of similar numbers. If Ralph has today decided to come and give a phase life to our roads, we can only say a big thank you to him for heeding our call for help” the Odikro of Koniyaw said.
“I have been accused of doing politics and or campaigning for a particular candidate. That cannot be true. I am only commending the one who has responded to our cry for help. Development is my overarching focus and desire for my people and anyone who supports this vision of mine, will also have my unwavering support,” he added.
Ralph to contest in Bekwai
Ralph Poku-Adusei, officially announced his intention to vie for the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) candidacy in the Bekwai Constituency parliamentary seat in the Ashanti Region during the upcoming December 2024 presidential and parliamentary elections.
The Bekwai seat is currently held by the NPP, and the incumbent Member of Parliament (MP), Joseph Osei Owusu (Joe Wise), has decided not to seek re-election after representing the constituency for sixteen years across four different parliamentary terms (2008 to 2024).
NPP’s Primaries
The National Executive Committee of the NPP, in a statement issued on Friday, 10 November 2023, has set the date for the party’s Parliamentary Primaries in constituencies with sitting MPs. The primaries are scheduled for 27 January 2024, with nominations opening on 20 December and closing on 22 December 2023.
Vision for Amansie
Ralph Poku-Adusei, who is a British-trained lawyer with thirteen years of experience in corporate and commercial practice, land acquisition, and criminal law, aims to leverage his extensive experience to represent Bekwai in Parliament.
Having spent his formative years in the constituency, he is committed to transforming the municipality. As an indigene of Bekwai, Poku-Adusei has undertaken several socially impactful projects in the area, demonstrating his dedication to the well-being of its residents.
His vision for Amansie revolves around key thematic areas, including job creation, poverty alleviation, agriculture, infrastructure development, youth employment, education, and pensions.
Education and Livelihood
Poku-Adusei places a strong emphasis on education to break the cycle of poverty, proposing improvements in infrastructure, scholarships, and programs to enhance educational outcomes.
Additionally, he aims to create sustainable livelihoods by fostering entrepreneurship, skill development, and job creation, offering vocational training facilities and support to local enterprises.
Infrastructure Development
Infrastructure development is a top priority for Poku-Adusei, focusing on transportation, water and energy supply, toilet facilities, and sustainable housing programmes.
He envisions attracting local and foreign investors to establish recreational centers, shopping malls, manufacturing companies, and tertiary institutions, ultimately addressing youth unemployment.
Advocacy and Policy Reform
As a lawyer, Poku-Adusei plans to use advocacy and policy reform to address structural issues contributing to poverty. He aims to collaborate with governmental institutions, civil society groups, and local authorities to establish laws and policies promoting social justice and reducing inequality in the Bekwai Municipality.
Healthcare and Social Welfare
Recognizing the importance of a strong social welfare system and accessible healthcare, Poku-Adusei plans to improve social protection programs, healthcare infrastructure, and preventative healthcare practices. He intends to build healthcare facilities closer to constituents, reducing the strain on Bekwai Hospital.
The new Eastern Regional Hospital project in Koforidua is facing a setback as contractors, Ellipse Projects and Trillium, have abandoned the construction site due to nonpayment by the government.
Financial challenges, including delayed payments for work and other agenda 111 projects, is the cause of the financial predicament of the construction company.
Subcontractors such as Lambert Electricals and Glow Engineering, responsible for electrical installations and plastering, respectively, have ceased their activities at the site
Workers have been laid off until work resumes.
The first phase of 285 out of 600-bed capacity new Eastern Regional Hospital project’s completion, initially set for the end of December this year, is at a standstill.
The Medical Director of Eastern Regional Hospital,Dr. Arko Akoto Ampaw recently appealed for government intervention to ensure timely completion of the new hospital project for improved healthcare delivery.
“I want to remind the regional minister, the minister of health, and the director-general of the stalled project of the Eastern Regional Hospital that is under construction, we were expecting that by the end of the year, we would have moved into that new structure, but work has stalled,” he said.
“We ask that work begins so that we can deliver quality healthcare, as a mark of what we have always had in the Eastern Regional Hospital,” he noted
President Akufo-Addo, who initiated the project in July 2020, highlighted secured funding of €70 million from Standard Chartered Bank, UK, with €7,920,000.00 credit guarantee support from the United Kingdom Export Financing (UKEF).
The first phase of the project was expected to be completed in 36 months.
According to President Akufo-Addo, “Phase one of this new hospital project will involve the construction of a two hundred and eighty-five (285) bed facility, out of the total capacity of six hundred (600) beds. Once fully completed, it will be fitted with the requisite teaching and learning facilities, and will position the Eastern Region on the right side of the healthcare map of our country.”
The presiding judge in the case in which Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of defunct Menzgold Ghana Limited, Nana Appiah Mensah also known as NAM1 is standing trial for allegedly defrauding his customers has hoped to deliver judgement in the case by March, 2024, next year,
Justice Ernest Owusu-Dapaa, a Justice of the Court of Appeal sitting as an Additional High Court judge gave the assurance after a successful completion of Case Management Conference (CMC).
The trial judge, who is presiding over the Financial and Economic Division of the High Court in Accra has also fixed December 20, 2023 to commence the trial.
In court on Tuesday, December 12, during CMC, prosecution led by the Director of Public Prosecution said, they will be calling 11 witnesses to prove their case.
NAM1 had on Friday December 8, pleaded not guilty to 39 counts on an amended Charged Sheet filed by the Prosecution on November 16.
They include a count each of selling gold contrary to section, operating deposit-taking business without license and inducement to invest.
The others are – 22 counts of defrauding by false pretenses, seven counts of fraudulent breach of trust and seven counts of Money Laundering.
The latest Charged Sheet though similar to the previous one, the GHc1.6 billion total sums in the previous charged sheet has reduced to GHc340 millions.
EIB Network’s Legal Affairs Correspondent, Murtala Inusah, who was in court reports that, Justice Owusu-Dapaa said his Court is open the option of Plea Bargaining if the parties with to explore that option.
The testimonie of all 11 witnesses for the Prosecution are expected to last for 35 hours.
Case adjourned to December 20, for trial to Commence.
Odefille, a pioneer in executive fashion and maker of stylish C-suite wear, will unveil its elegant collection at the upcoming Accra Fashion Week (AFWK23) scheduled to take place from December 13 to 17, 2023.
During the five-day event, the distinguished C-suite fashion brand – which has been synonymous with sophistication and grace since its inception – will give patrons a glimpse into its rich past, exciting present, and innovative future via a booth and a runway show on Saturday, December 16, at 1.30pm as part of the main show at the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum.
Nadia Asantewaa Nkandobi, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Founder, ahead of the event said fashion enthusiasts and industry insiders will have the exclusive opportunity to explore the diverse offerings of Odefille, showcasing innovative craftsmanship and a range of creative collaborations.
She expressed excitement about participating in Accra Fashion Week, highlighting the chance to connect with a broader audience and share the C-suite wear brand’s commitment to artistry and refinement.
“We are thrilled to be a part of Accra Fashion Week and have the opportunity to showcase our collections to a wider audience. This event allows us to connect with fashion enthusiasts, industry insiders, and potential customers who appreciate the artistry and refinement that goes into each Odefille piece,” the fashion executive said.
Renowned for meticulous attention to detail and timeless designs, critics have praised Odefille as the brand continues to redefine the boundaries of executive fashion, attracting a devoted following of individuals who value the craftsmanship evident in its offerings.
Ms. Nkandobi believes AFWK23 represents the ideal platform for showcasing Odefille’s range as she aims to inspire and empower individuals through its designs, reflecting the brand’s confidence and refinement. “The event is not only an opportunity for us to exhibit our latest collections but also to connect with our audience on a deeper level. We hope to inspire and empower individuals through our C-suite designs, showcasing the confidence and refinement that Odefille represents,” the CEO added.
The Accra Fashion Week has evolved to become the foremost gathering of style enthusiasts in the country. The 10th edition of the event is scheduled to host designers from Brazil, Columbia, USA, Tanzania, Seychelles, Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea, France, Canada, SA & the very best from Ghana.
Accra Fashion Week serves as Odefille’s prime stage for showcasing its latest collections, seamlessly blending classic styles with contemporary flair. The brand’s presentation promises an array of exquisite garments radiating confidence, power, and refinement, the fashion leader added.
Odefille not only unveils its own creations but also collaborates with talented designers, emphasizing its dedication to fostering creativity and supporting emerging talents. This participation solidifies Odefille’s position as a leading force in C-suite fashion, continually setting new standards of style and elegance.
While fashion shows once served as a platform for brands in the US$1.5 trillion global apparel market to unveil their new collections, it has now evolved far beyond its initial scope. Fashion shows have transformed into global media phenomena.
The overlord of the Ashanti Kingdom, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has finally destooled Nana Baffour Adugyemfuo Kumani, the Chief of Kwapra Suame Municipality of the Ashanti.
The Asantehene ordered for Baffour Adugyemfuo Kumani’s destoolment was issued in the Manhyia Palace on Monday, December 11, 2023, during a sitting of the Asantemen Traditional Council.
In October, the Otumfuo summoned Kwaprahene after threatening to bring Baffour Adugyemfuo Kumani’s reign to an end on accusations of engaging in the double sale of lands and violating the Great Ashanti Oath (Ntamkese) invoke against him on a land which was under development for estate project which he falsely took from a lady he first sold to and later sold to a different persons without refunding the amount he early took from the lady.
“Kwaprahene knows why I’m looking for him. He knows I am looking for him because of the land issues. That’s why he is dodging me with the excuse of sickness. And he thinks he is smarter than me,” the Asantehene declared.
He stressed, “I won’t take any excuse from him. When he was young, he sold my land without bringing me my money. I forgave him, and you see the issue has returned to me,” Otumfuo Osei Tutu II recalled.
The Asantehene also took a swipe at the kingmakers of Kwapra for failing to give Baffour Adugyemfuo Kumani wise counsel.
“And you to the elders, I have always cautioned you against his excesses and that you should caution him to change his ways,” he reprimanded.
According to reports, Baffour Adugyemfuo Kumani failed to honour Asantehene’s invitation.
While ordering for rites to be performed for the removal of Kwaprahene, Otumfuo further ordered the destoolment of a number of sub-chiefs to Kwaprahene citing their inability to give the chief wise counsel.
The Asantehene also ordered persons with land issues in Kwapra to bring their matters before him and promised to resolve any such matter as soon as possible.
Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II is expected to celebrate Asante Odwura festival next year before his 25 anniversary on the Asanteman Golden stool.
Before the celebration of the “clean” festival associated with other rituals, Otumfuo is expected to resolve all outstanding Chieftaincy disputes while chiefs with questionable attitudes will be destooled before the celebration of the all-important Asante festival.
The Valley View University campus in the Ashanti Region is blazing green trails with its ecologically responsive and climate friendly built environment; a renewable energy powered campus and integration of its natural environment into an ambient campus paradise.
The Oduom Campus stands out in a composition of natural elements blending in a river side experience with the greenery of flowers, trees and lawns.
Speaking to Ultimate News at its Oduom Ambience Rector, Prof Winfred Ofoe Larkotey disclosed that the River Bebre which runs through the 12 acre campus would be fully dredged to widen its capacity for leisure boating and river bank relaxation.
“We will dredge The Bebre River fully and then we will create some kind of an ambience where our students can relax around it. May be we will get some geese and have a small boat for people to have a riding experience.”
Solar Energy
To complement its ecological inspiration, the campus boasts of a solar farm providing clean electricity for the institution with minimal use of the national grid only limited to few hours of the entire day.
In line with climate mitigation measures, the university is only permitted to use air conditioners within a short window when the campus temporarily switches to the national grid between 2:30 PM and 5:00 PM.
“This helps us with clean energy. As you can see, we are not dissipating anything. Energy is just being transformed from the solar into electricity,” Prof Ofoe Larkotey commended.
Green Culture
As part of its ambiance vision, the university foresees a fully natural setting with its therapeutic milieu reflecting in the soundness of academic work.
Prof Ofoe Larkotey indicated that “We are championing having responsible green activities around. We are even becoming more intentional because we want to grow this campus to a point where everything here is natural.
“People can come here and have a serene environment, breathe fresh air; sit by our River Bebre. Even when students come with some major issues; you will leave refreshed,” Prof Ofoe Larkotey added.
Green House Farming
Further marrying green into its environmental culture; the university has blocked out a hundred and fifty nine acres of land for farming.
Half of its 100 acre land at derma in the Tano South District is to be generated into a greenhouse vegetable farming hub with plans to transfer knowledge of the technology to youth in the local communities.
“We have already written our proposals to use 50 acres for green house farming to grow vegetables and then train the youth in Derma in Green House Farming. We have applied for some grants and local development partners are also welcome to join us on this project,” he indicated.
A 59 acre land at Fayiase earmarked for its medical school, will also be used for farming in the Bosomtwe District while the university pools resources for project take off.
Abetifi MP and Minister of Food and Agriculture, Dr. Bryan Acheampong has urged African governments to invest in peace building research and capacity building of its security forces.
He made this known at the 12th joint graduation of the Masters of Arts in Conflicts, Peace and Security and Master of Arts in Gender Peace and Security of the Kofi Annan International peace Keeping Training Centre (KAIPTC).
The former Minister of State at the Interior and National Security Ministries added that the emerging emphasis on the localization of peace building strategies impresses upon agencies to embrace partnerships to develop African centered research that solve African problems.
“While liberal peace has dominated peacebuilding policy and practice in Africa, Institutions or stakeholders differ in their approaches to peacebuilding policy and practice in Africa. Regional actors due to their proximity usually have a more intimate understanding of the country in crisis and greater knowledge of local conflict dynamics, context, and actors. They are also better at understanding the cultural sensitivities and culturally effective and acceptable ways of managing crises both in conflict situations and post-conflict phases,” Bryan Acheampong asserted.
“Emerging peacebuilding approaches place emphasis on localization necessitating that peacebuilding academia embraces new partnerships which enforce Global South cooperation in developing African research agendas. To this end, African governments and the private sector must consider investing in peacebuilding research, institutional development, and capacity building. Peacebuilding is a collective responsibility of state and non-state actors,” he charged.
Meanwhile, Commandant of the Kofi Annan International peace Keeping Training Centre, Major General Richard Addo Gyane admonished the graduates to be critical in their comments around conflicts in order not escalate situation.
The 12th Joint Graduation had 37 graduates comprising six Graduates With A Master Of Arts Degree In Gender, Peace And Security (MGPC), one graduating with a Master Of Arts Degree In Conflict, Peace And Security (MCPS), one Executive Master Of Arts Degree In Conflict, Peace And Security (EMCPS), 5 with a Weekend Master Of Arts Degree In Conflict, Peace And Security (WMGPS) and 24 graduates with a Weekend Master Of Arts Degree In Gender, Peace And Security (WMCPS).
The Global InfoAnalytics has predicted an overwhelming win for the former President John Mahama over Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia in the upcoming 2024 election in the Zongo communities.
Speaking on Morning Starr with Francis Abban Tuesday, the Chief Executive Officer of Global InfoAnalytics, Mussa Dankwah stated that the Zongos are very clear in their minds on who they will vote for in the 2024 election.
“The Zongos are very clear in their minds as to who they want to vote for, they are clearly for Mahama. Even the Christians among the Zongos are overwhelmingly for Mahama. So the Zongo at this time is no go area for Dr. Bawumia when you look at the data,” Mr. Massa indicated.
He stated that the Muslims do not vote based on religion and “what we saw in the Northern region is a confirmation of what I always believe in among the northerners and zongos.”
“The Christians are more likely to use religion as a basis of voting than the Muslims from the polls that we have seen so far.
“The religion and other ethnic religions are, I will say, minors with election issues. The biggest issue facing everybody in this country is the economy, job creation, education and corruption. When any of these numbers begin to improve in favor of the government then we might see some shift in the numbers. But for now and where we are that is why the poll numbers are what they are today,” Mr. Dankwah stated.
