Patriotic Gents Agenda 200,000 Grassroots for 4,000,000 Votes

The Communication Director, Kwabena Berma Pobi has stated that , the Ghanaian youth and the young at heart have been good to us especially since Patriotic Gents re-strategized in August 2019. We have enjoyed so much patronage and acceptance, especially with our teaming committed Grassroots. It has been one success story, after the other. We say thank you to all who have helped in diverse ways to raise these number making the group the largest in the country currently. We also thank all who have contributed or participated in our uncountable number of philanthropic activities Since August 2019.

“Patriotic GentsAgenda 200,000 Grassroots for 4,000,000 Votes by October 2020 Ending is on course. 200,000 grassroots who pledge to convince 20 voters each would equal 4,000,000(four million) voters for the NPP in the Month of November. 157000 as of Friday 0ctober 2020 is a miles stonebut we are poised to hit the target by close of the month of October 2020. Let us do this together as always. We have done more than this before so we can do it again. We succeeded in disrupting the NDCs grassroots comfortable lead strategy, which has resulted in frustration in their campaign and discouragement in their camps. We will continue to intercept their strategies and reverse it like we have done so far since August 2019. We did 157,000 in our usual silent approach, let us finish hard as always. We are men of courage and achievers at heart by all standards, let us achieve one more time together”,Mr Kwabena Berma Pobi noted.

Below is the full statement

Patriotic Gents Agenda 200,000 Grassroots for 4,000,000 Votes

The Ghanaian youth and the young at heart have been good to us especially since Patriotic Gents re-strategized in August 2019. We have enjoyed so much patronage and acceptance, especially with our teaming committed Grassroots. It has been one success story, after the other. We say thank you to all who have helped in diverse ways to raise these number making the group the largest in the country currently. We also thank all who have contributed or participated in our uncountable number of philanthropic activities Since August 2019.

The NPP Party executives have been phenomenal, especially the executives at the regions and constituencies, since out target was mainly the grassroots in the immediate effect. Some national Executives have also been wonderful, especially from the office of the National Organizers and the Youth Wing. The Vice Presidents office has also been represented any time we called on them, the First ladys office has been our Pride and our invitations for collaboration is been more than appreciated.

The Information Ministers office has also been more than helpful in our course and we cannot forget the Danquah Institute. The General Secretary has always committed to meet up but the demanding nature of his duties and time schedules have not paved the way. Encouragement from his office however has been very soothing. The messages from the Chairmans office have also been very appreciated.

Once again we come before the youth and young at heart, especially the grassroots who have been our main major stakeholders in this success story. The Journey has so far been successful with an over 75% success rate but as determined to meeting every goal, let us all do it together as we have always done.

Patriotic GentsAgenda 200,000 Grassroots for 4,000,000 Votes by October 2020 Ending is on course. 200,000 grassroots who pledge to convince 20 voters each would equal 4,000,000(four million) voters for the NPP in the Month of November. 157000 as of Friday 0ctober 2020 is a miles stonebut we are poised to hit the target by close of the month of October 2020. Let us do this together as always. We have done more than this before so we can do it again. We succeeded in disrupting the NDCs grassroots comfortable lead strategy, which has resulted in frustration in their campaign and discouragement in their camps. We will continue to intercept their strategies and reverse it like we have done so far since August 2019. We did 157,000 in our usual silent approach, let us finish hard as always. We are men of courage and achievers at heart by all standards, let us achieve one more time together.
All hands on deck for Victory 2020!

Maintaining the family to sustain the numbers for Victory 2020.
PG. We say Action Now.

Communication Director
Kwabena Berma Pobi

Story: Sheila Satori Mensa

Vote based on Akufo-Addo’s record – First Lady

The First Lady, Mrs Rebecca Naa Okiakor Akufo-Addo, has asked the public to vote for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) led by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo based on its development record. Mrs Akufo-Addo made the call when she paid an official visit to the Ablekuma South Constituency as part of her campaign tour of the Greater Accra Region.

According to her, the good record that has been set by the NPP, should be the reason the NPP government is retained for another four years.

She noted that the flagship Free SHS, One District, One Factory, Planting for Food and Jobs and NABCO policies of the ruling government is impacting positively on the lives of Ghanaians.

“Right now, Free SHS has helped Ghanaians and a lot of people are benefiting, the government has also established more than factories all over Ghana which are creating jobs for citizens,” she added. “NABCO has also come to address the issue of youth unemployment.”

Addressing the gathering, she said President Akufo-Addo has started a process of moving the country to another level of development which must be supported by all.

“You have all seen how through the leadership of President Akufo-Addo, the country is changing and we need to support him and the NPP government so the change can be permanent,” she urged.

With less than two months to the general elections, Mrs Akufo-Addo urged all to go out peacefully and vote on December 7 for the NPP and the Ablekuma South NPP parliamentary candidate, Bernard Brown.

She said, “We are a peaceful country and we have shown this by holding free, fair and peaceful elections over the years.”

The First Lady also pledged to liaise with the appropriate authorities to address the concerns raised by fishermen and market women in the constituency.

“As soon as I get home, I will talk to the President about the outboard motor and personally see to it that the Tuesday Market is completed on time for you to continue trading,” she assured.

Ablekuma South NPP parliamentary candidate, Bernard Brown, in a brief remark said the NPP is the best option for the continued development of Ghana and called on the constituents to retain the NPP for another four years, to secure the future of the country.

Story: Sheila Satori Mensa

SHAMA: Constituents benefit free renewal of NHIS subscription from NPP PC

The Parliamentary candidate for the New Patriotic Party in the Shama constituency, Hon. Lawyer Samuel Erickson Abakah on Wednesday 21st October as part of his efforts in assisting the Shama constituents in terms of health care delivery organized a free health screening and renewal of National Health Insurance subscription to card bearing members in the Shama District of the western region.

Today’s event was in furtherance of the ruling New Patriotic Party through innovation where they implemented a system that allows National Health Insurance card members to renew their membership using their mobile phones.

The one day health screening program offered medical checkups on various illness as well as a comprehensive on National Health Insurance Service registration and also gave opportunity to Shama constituents to register for the first time and renewal of NHIS subscribers.

The free health screening was aimed at improving the health conditions of the vulnerable, especially the aged, women and children within the Shama constituency.

Speaking to the beneficiaries, Hon. Abakah said the New Patriotic Party government’s led by H.E. Nana Addo Dankwah Akufo-Addo seeks to be committed for the well-being of Shama constituents through the health sector with a view of improving health facilities in Ghana.

Hon. Samuel Erickson Abakah who is confident in retaining the Shama constituency seat for the New Patriotic Party in 2020 December 7th polls, expressed his gratitude to the Shama constituents for gracing and also benefiting from the free health screening, renewal and register of NHIS card.

Over 1,000 Shama constituents benefited from the one day free health screening exercise organized by Hon. Samuel Erickson Abakah in collaboration with the Coastal Development Authority “CODA” in the western region.

Filed By: Benjamin Bray- Vision1 Fm

President Akufo-Addo commissions €14.5 million 60-Bed Hospital in Ketu North

The President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, on Tuesday, 20th October 2020, commissioned the €14.5 million sixty (60) bed Ultra-Modern Hospital for Weta, in the Ketu North District.

The Hospital, according to President Akufo-Addo, is one of six (6) medical installations whose construction commenced three (3) years ago, and was constructed by Vamed Engineering GmbH of Austria at a cost of eighty million euros (€80 million), with funding provided by Raiffesen Bank of Austria.

The other five (5) hospitals are the 80-bed District Hospital at Somanya in the Eastern Region; the 80-bed District Hospital at Buipe, the 60 bed Hospital at Sawla, and the 30-bed Polyclinic at Bamboi, all these three in the Savannah Region; and the 60-bed Hospital at Tolon in the Northern Region.

“All of these facilities are completed, and will be duly commissioned by the end of end November this year,” he said.

The Weta, President Akufo-Addo told the gathering, is fitted with an administration department; outpatient and emergency department; inpatient wards for male, female and paediatrics; obstetrics & gynecology (maternity and child health); surgery including an intensive care unit; physiotherapy unit; pharmacy; diagnostic services including x-ray, laboratory and ultrasound; logistics buildings housing the CSSD, laundry, hospital stores maintenance workshops and power station, and medical gases production unit; mortuary; staff facilities including dining areas, changing facilities and housing units for critical staff.

To ensure that the hospital functions without any major obstacle, the full complement of electro-mechanical systems and medical equipment have been provided.

“To address the issues of maintenance and sustainability, the project scope included a two-year post completion maintenance and training programme. I will entreat the Ghana Health Service to liaise with the Contractor’s maintenance team to maintain effectively the hospital, and ensure that, after this period, maintenance works on this hospital are carried out routinely,” he said.

Reiterating Government’s commitment to providing quality, accessible and affordable healthcare in line with the Sustainable Development Goals, the President was confident that the completion of the projects in Somanya, Tolon, Sawla, Buipe, Bamboi and Weta will improve the stock of Infrastructural facilities, thereby improving equity gaps in geographical access to health services.

“I am delighted and honoured by your presence here, and I assure you that this project is a sign of greater things to come for Weta, Ketu North and, indeed, for the whole nation. Government’s commitment to the total development of Ghana is absolute,” he added.

Story: Sheila Mensa

Launch of Commemorative Stamps for the 60th Anniversary of China-Ghana Relations

Mr. ZHU Jing, Charge d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy to Ghana in his welcome address noted that this year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Ghana. 60 year ago, Chairman Mao Zedong and President Dr. Kwame Nkrumah made the historic decision to establish diplomatic relations, making Ghana the second country in sub-Saharan Africa to do so.

The Chinese Embassy and Ghana Post have successfully co-designed and printed 10,000 sets of commemorative stamps, as one of the serial celebrations for the anniversary. I have the pleasure to reveal and introduce you the design of the stamps.
With the background of a flag of the Republic of Ghana, there’s one big stamp, featuring with a historic picture of the founders of our two countries, President Kwame Nkrumah and Chairman Mao Tse-Tung in the 1960s. It shows the heartfelt delight they share in establishing the bilateral relations. In the past 60 years, the depth of this relationship had become more robust and diverse.

Every year, the Chinese government provides Ghanaians around one thousand fully sponsored training opportunities in China, which we believe will further enhance mutual understanding and deepen our friendship, Mr Zhu noted.

Looking ahead, we will continue to follow and work on the direction pointed out by our leaders, and spare no effort to deepen the diplomatic relations, facilitate the already robust economic and commercial actives, and boost cultural and people to people exchanges. I’m sure the relationship between China and Ghana will continue to thrive for mutual benefit and prosperity.

Some dignitaries who attended the launch are Hon. George Andah, Deputy Minister for Communications, Amb. Kojo Amoo-Gottfried, President of Ghana-China Friendship Association and former Ambassador to China.
Madam Apenteng Magdalne, Chief Director for Communications, Mr. Samuel Boafo Adu, Director of Post from Communications, Mr. George Afedzi Hayford, Board Chairman of Ghana Post, Mr. James Kwofie, Managing Director of Ghana Post, Mr. John Otuteye, Executive Director from the Postal & Courier Regulatory Commission,
Dr. Nana Baah Wiredu, Chairman of the Stamp Advisory Committee.

Below is the full statement

Welcome Remarks by Mr. ZHU Jing, Charge d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy to Ghana at the Launch of Commemorative Stamps for the 60th Anniversary of China-Ghana Relations
(October 20, 2020)

Hon. George Andah, Deputy Minister for Communications,
Amb. Kojo Amoo-Gottfried, President of Ghana-China Friendship Association and former Ambassador to China.
Madam Apenteng Magdalne, Chief Director for Communications, Mr. Samuel Boafo Adu, Director of Post from Communications, Mr. George Afedzi Hayford, Board Chairman of Ghana Post, Mr. James Kwofie, Managing Director of Ghana Post, Mr. John Otuteye, Executive Director from the Postal & Courier Regulatory Commission,
Dr. Nana Baah Wiredu, Chairman of the Stamp Advisory Committee, Distinguished guests,
Friends from media, Good morning! Welcome to the Chinese Embassy.

This year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Ghana. 60 year ago, Chairman Mao Zedong and President Dr. Kwame Nkrumah made the historic decision to establish diplomatic relations, making Ghana the second country in sub-Saharan Africa to do so.

In the past 60 years, China-Ghana relations have grown from strength to strength under the strong leadership of successive leaders of our two countries. We are pleased to see close high-level exchange in recent years, particularly the state visit to China by H.E. President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in September 2018 and the successful visit to Ghana by H.E. Vice Premier Sun Chunlan of China in November 2019.
Our relations are bearing fruits in the areas of trade and investment, technology transfer, infrastructure and people-to-people exchanges. The bilateral trade volume hit 7.46 billion USD in 2019.

China is now Ghana’s largest trading partner, the biggest source of foreign investment and the biggest provider of human resource training. Ghana has become the 7th largest trading partner of China in Africa. Until 2019, more than 6,500 Ghanaian students are studying in China, ranking the 2nd in the sub-Saharan Africa. Nearly 700 Ghanaian students have received Chinese government scholarships in recent two years. Tens of thousands of people traveled between our two countries each year.

Ladies and gentlemen, The Chinese Embassy and Ghana Post have successfully co-designed and printed 10,000 sets of commemorative stamps, as one of the serial celebrations for the anniversary. I have the pleasure to reveal and introduce you the design of the stamps.

With the background of a flag of the Republic of Ghana, there’s one big stamp, featuring with a historic picture of the founders of our two countries, President Kwame Nkrumah and Chairman Mao Tse-Tung in the 1960s. It shows the heartfelt delight they share in establishing the bilateral relations. In the past 60 years, the depth of this relationship had become more robust and diverse.

Beside the big stamp, there are four smaller stamps, each featured with the most symbolic development cooperation projects between China and Ghana in the past decade.
The first one is the Cape Coast Stadium. It used to be the biggest grant project by the Chinese government in Ghana with a contract amount of 33 million US dollars. Completed by January 2016 with facilities of 16,000 seats, 8 runway tracks, and a natural grass football yard, it has become one of the landmarks in Ghana.

The second one for the Bui Hydroelectric Project. It’s one of the largest energy projects in the history of Republic of Ghana, producing 15%-20% of Ghana’s electricity, supported by Chinese preferential loan.

The third one of the four pictures the Kpong Water Supply Expansion Project. Though not as well-known as the stadium, it has been one of the major provider of clean water for the Greater Accra region, also supported by Chinese preferential loan.
The last but not the least, the University of Health and Allied Science (UHAS). It is a grant project with first phase completed in 2015 and the second phase three time scale of the first phase started last year. We aim to build it into one of the most beautiful and modern universities in Ghana.

After my description, you must have a rough picture of how the commemorative stamps look like.

Actually, these are just a small portion of economic and development cooperation between the two countries. Others like the Satellite TV for 300 Ghanaian Villages project is providing thousands villagers free access to satellite TV; the 1,000 Boreholes Project is providing potable drinking water for more than 300,000 people in remote areas; the Jamestown Fishing Port, the Ghana Technical And Vocational Training Centers Upgrading Project are in steady progress despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
All these projects demonstrates China’s sincerity of building up our friendship.

Speaking of COVID-19, China and Ghana have supported each other immensely fighting the pandemic. China has been making great efforts in health cooperation with Ghana. Since 2009, China has dispatched nine batches of medical teams to Ghana. The LEKMA Hospital, a Government Health facility, was built in 2010 as a China-Ghana Friendship Hospital with US$7.28 million assistance from the Chinese Government. With Chinese President Xi Jinping promise African countries priority access to COVID-19 Vaccine, health cooperation is certain to be further strengthened.

China is also devoting a lot in human resource development cooperation with Ghana. Every year, the Chinese government provides Ghanaians around one thousand fully sponsored training opportunities in China, which we believe will further enhance mutual understanding and deepen our friendship.
Looking ahead, we will continue to follow and work on the direction pointed out by our leaders, and spare no effort to deepen the diplomatic relations, facilitate the already robust economic and commercial actives, and boost cultural and people to people exchanges. I’m sure the relationship between China and Ghana will continue to thrive for mutual benefit and prosperity.

Story: Sheila Satori Mensa

Greater Accra: Fisher folks receive Stimulus Package

In a move to deepen stakeholder engagement and enhance eradication of poverty among fisher folk, the Coastal Development Authority (CODA), on Sunday, 18th October, 2020, held a mega stakeholder forum to interact with players in the artisanal fishing industry. Specifically, participants included fishermen, fishmongers, porters and traders in the fisheries value chain. There were also representatives from the National Fish Processors and Traders Association of Ghana (NAFTA), premix fuel committees, landing beach committees among others. More than 4000 participants took part in the forum.

Stimulus Package

The purpose of the event was to engage the fisher folk on initiatives being implemented by government through the Authority to give them a boost in their trades.

Enlightening participants, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CODA, Lawyer Jerry Ahmed Shaib outlined initiatives by the Authority designed to ameliorate the standard of living of fishers and their families. Emphasising government’s commitment to help equip fishers, Lawyer Jerry Ahmed Shaib reiterated that a 40 horsepower engine with a market price of 20,000 Cedis is being offered to fishers at 10,000 Cedis while a 15 horsepower engine which is being sold in the open market for 14,500 Cedis is being offered to fishers at 5,000 Cedis. He added that fishers will also receive flexible financial support from the CODA Credit Union at negligible interest rates to empower their businesses financially.
Regarding transportation of fish from landing beaches to processing sites and markets, the CEO revealed that CODA has been directed by the President to provide tricycles to fishmongers on hire purchase to facilitate smooth and safe movement of fish produce.

Mayor of Accra, Mohammed Adjei Sowah encouraged participants to take advantage of government interventions to improve their lives and that of their families. Referring to government’s flagship Free SHS, the Mayor asked participants to desist from involving children of school-going age in fishing and rather enrol them in school for a better future. Using himself as an example, Hon. Adjei Sowah expressed hope that, “if today a grandson of a fisherman is Mayor of Accra, then President Akufo-Addo is telling you that your child can also become President of the nation”. The Mayor urged participants to eschew limiting beliefs and practices that inhibit their progress and rather focus on taking advantage of opportunities being offered by the government.

CEO of Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation Company Limited (BOST), Mr. Edwin Provencal implored the fisher folk to focus on their individual and family development by availing themselves of the economic and social opportunities available to them through the initiative of central government under President Akufo-Addo as well as other focused interventions by CODA designed to improve their lives.

Story: Sheila Satori Mensa

GJA To Hold Memorial Service For Late Dr Godwin Aikins On Tuesday

The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) will hold a memorial service on Tuesday, October 20, 2020, for the late Dr Isaac Godwin Kweku Aikins, who was the first Ghanaian General Manager of the Ghana News Agency (GNA).

The memorial service will be held at 10am prompt at the Ghana International Press Centre in Accra.

Past and present staff of the GNA, members of the media fraternity, especially retired and senior journalists, are expected to attend the ceremony which will be held under strict COVID-19 safety protocols.

Family members of the late senior colleague will also be present.

The National Executive of the GJA urges all sympathisers to endeavour to attend the ceremony.

The late Dr Aikins, who was formerly known as Dr George Tutu Anim until he changed his name, died on October 2, 2020 at the age of 91.

After joining the GNA in 1958, he was appointed General Manager in 1961.

The late Dr Aikins rendered enormous service to the GJA. From 1962 to 1964, he served as the General Secretary of the Association of Ghanaian Journalists, which preceded the GJA.

Later, after joining UNESCO, he used his influence in the organization to support media development in Ghana. In 2006, he served as Chairman of the GJA Media Awards Committee.

In August 2019, at the celebration of the GJA 70th anniversary at the Movenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra, his family announced in his honour a sponsorship packagen for a GJA Award category on “Ethical Journalism” with a prize worth Ghc9,000 to mark his 90th birthday that year. Indeed, the GJA has lost an illustrious son who deserves a pride of place in the annals of the Association.

SIGNED:
Kofi Yeboah
(General Secretary)

Story: Sheila Satori Mensa

Ghana Statistical Service Rolls Out Pre-Certification Training Programme for Trainers of Censuses

Ghana Statistical Service has launched the maiden Pre-certification Training for National Trainers with the initiation of registration, which does not require the payment of any fees.

The online application for the training programme attracted 3,058 applications from all over the country. A competitive shortlisting, screening and interview process led to the selection of 1,744 applicants who will participate in the programme. The training will combine virtual with in-person trainings.

The virtual training of National Trainers, which is the first of its kind, is one of the innovations of the upcoming digital Population and Housing census. The virtual training allows for a cost-effective sustained engagement and is designed to give participants the flexibility to learn at their own pace and at times most suited for them. The mode of course delivery will be mainly offline with participants required to listen to pre-recorded lectures and complete uploaded assessments. Participants will have the chance to interact live with facilitators once a week as well as post their questions and comments in their group platforms.

The virtual training programme kicks off with an orientation starting from 19th October, 2020 for participants. The orientation will provide an introduction to the training and an overview of the tools needed to train successfully in censuses. The main virtual training will start on 26th October 2020 and is scheduled to run for three months.

The conduct of the Census is in accordance with the objectives of Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) to provide quality, relevant, accurate and timely statistical information for the purpose of national development as stipulated in Clause 3 of the Statistical Service Act, 2019 (Act 1003) and oversight of capacity building in the statistical ecosystem.

Story: Sheila Satori Mensa

“Commit to Peaceful Electoral Process, Forego Violence” – President Akufo-Addo to Political Parties, Citizens

“On the larger issue of the peace of our nation in these sensitive times, let me assure you of the wholehearted efforts that are being made by my Government and I to ensure the peace and stability of the nation, as we enter the home straight of the electioneering campaign. I am calling on all political actors and the citizenry, as a whole, to commit themselves to a peaceful process, and to forego any resort to violence.”

These were the words of the President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, on Tuesday, 13th October 2020, when he commissioned the refurbished Hall of Trade Unions of the Trades Union Congress.

According to President Akufo-Addo, “The Inspector General of Police, and the other heads of the law enforcement agencies, have made abundantly clear their determination to enforce the laws of the land, including the law banning vigilantism, in an impartial, even-handed manner, without recourse to political colour, to secure the peace of the nation. I support fully their attitude, and will give them my maximum backing”.

Recounting his commitment to maintaining the peace and stability of the country on several occasions, the President noted that, in 2008, he accepted the results of a closely fought election, which was won by the slimmest of margins, some forty thousand (40,000) votes, without asking for a recount.

“Again, in the disputed elections of 2012, I protested the outcome in the highest Court of the land, and, after proceedings that lasted eight months, I accepted an unfavourable verdict, called on my followers to respect the decision of the Court, and Ghana came out with her democratic credentials enhanced, and the peace and stability of the nation maintained,” he added.

The New Patriotic Party, the President stressed, has proved to the world “that we were willing and able to submerge our individual and partisan preferences for the common good.”

The Party, he added, demonstrated “that it was not the ambitions of Akufo-Addo, nor the fortunes of the NPP, that we sought to promote. The stability and progress of Ghana, and the enhancement of her democracy, were the paramount considerations that guided our every action in those difficult days,” he added.

Ghana, President Akufo-Addo noted, has rightly earned a reputation as the pacesetter in democratic governance on the African continent, a reputation he is determined to uphold and, indeed, enhance, prior to, during and after the 7th December elections.

“I would need, of course, the full collaboration and co-operation of the entire citizenry, including members of Organised Labour, to help attain this end. We have all to work together to create the environment that will allow the Ghanaian people to make their decision on 7th December in freedom, peace and security. It is their right,” he added.

Story: Sheila Satori Mensa

“Past credit pension payments of 2020 public sector retirees will be paid” – President Akufo-Addo

The President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has assured that public sector workers that Government will resolve the issue of ‘Past Credit’ for public sector workers who retire from January 2020.

According to President Akufo-Addo, “Government, through SSNIT, would pay the difference in the lump sum payments, between beneficiaries of PNDC Law 247 and those of Act 766, for those retiring in 2020, with effect from 1st January 2020 to 31st December 2020.”

The President made this known on Tuesday, 13th October 2020, when he commissioned the refurbished Hall of Trade Unions of the Trades Union Congress in Accra.

He recalled the contents of a letter dated 24th August 2020, sent to him by the Secretary-General, on behalf of the TUC, requesting his intervention to “correct the injustice and unfairness in the implementation of the three-tier pension system”.

President Akufo-Addo told the gathering that he referred this matter to the Senior Minister, Hon. Yaw Osafo Maafo, who, after careful studies and deliberations, has laid out the position of Government in this matter.

Indeed, 2020 marks the transition year where all public sector workers, retiring under the Three-Tier Pension Scheme, are having their pensions paid under the National Pensions Act, 2008, Act 766.

Even though Act 766 clearly offers higher monthly pensions and better lifetime benefits to workers compared to the erstwhile PNDC Law 247, some workers may receive a lower lump sum (made up of the past credit paid by SSNIT and the Tier-2) compared to that paid under PNDCL 247), with the President adding that “a Committee will be established to supervise the implementation of this decision” to ensure that equity prevails and no pensioner is made worse off.

Refurbished Hall
Touching on the refurbishment, President Akufo-Addo stated that in the run-up to the December 2016 elections, as part of several stakeholder engagements he held, he was at the Hall of Trade Unions, where he interacted with the leadership of the TUC, and outlined his vision for the transformation of the country, if he was elected President of the Republic.

“Indeed, the state of the Hall of Trade Unions, at the time of my visit in 2016, and in the early years of my administration, would have made the likes of Pobee Biney, Vidal Quist and their successors very sad,” he said.

Recognising and appreciating the efforts and sacrifices the TUC has made towards the construction of the happy and prosperous Ghana we seek, he stated that “that is why when Government received the request from the leadership of the TUC to assist it refurbish the Hall, we did not hesitate. I have been told by the Minister for Finance that Government’s contribution to this refurbishment was twelve million, seven hundred thousand cedis (GH¢12.7 million)”.

This refurbished Hall, he explained, is a fitting and proper tribute to the memory and work of the leadership of the TUC of yesteryear and today, leaders such as Joe-Fio Meyer, John Tettegah, B.A Bentum, A.M Issifu, A.K. Yankey, Christian Appiah Agyei, Kwasi Adu Amankwah and Kofi Asamoah.

“I am glad to state that the relationship between Government and Organised Labour has been one of cordiality, co-operation and mutual respect. I continue to be reassured by the determination of Organised Labour and its leadership to rally behind Government to create a progressive nation, buoyed on by faster economic growth rates, and driven by the quest for decent jobs,” he said.

President Akufo-Addo continued, “I have been heartened by this, and I am determined, for as long as I remain President of the Republic, to continue even more firmly on this path of co-operation and collaboration on which we have embarked to the benefit of the working people of our country”.

Story: Sheila Satori Mensa

W/R: Shama – “Report Illegalities on Premix Fuel and Outboard Motors” – NPP PC to Apatase Fisher Folks

A native in the Shama District who double as a legislature and Parliamentary candidate for the New Patriotic Party in Shama Constituency of the western region with humility has urged Fisher-folks to report any illegalities on premix fuel and fishing vessel outboard motors that may be executed by landing beach or premix fuel committees.

The New Patriotic Party’s Parliamentary candidate for the upcoming December 7th polls in Shama constituency, Hon. Lawyer Samuel Erickson Abakah made this statement when he led the Chief Executive Officer of State Enterprise Commission, Hon. Stephen Asamoah Boateng to the coastal communities within the Shama District of the western region.

The purpose of the visit was to engaged on healthy discussion and address issues affecting Fisher-folks at the various landing beaches in Shama constituency.

Meanwhile expressing their dissatisfaction to the western regional correspondent for VISION1 FM and GLOBE TV, Benjamin Bray, the Fisher-folks stated, there are numerous instances that they have been treated unfairly on fishing activities as premix fuel and outboard motors supposed to have been given to the genuine fishermen are being diverted to non-fishermen without any fishing vessel in the Shama District.

Hon. Samuel Erickson Abakah expressed his gratitude to the CEO of State Enterprise Commission for honoured their invitation to embarked on such tour in the Shama constituency.

Meanwhile Hon. Asamoah Boateng in his brief address urged Shama constituents to vote massively for Hon. Lawyer Samuel Erickson Abakah and Nana Addo Danqwah Akufo-Addo in the upcoming December 7th polls of which he will support both for development as fishing activities are concerned.

They were accompanied by Shama New Patriotic Party constituency executives and 2020 campaign team members where they visited “Apatase” coastal communities including Aboadze, Abuesi and Shama.

Filed By: Benjamin Bray – Vision1 Fm/Globe TV

W/R: Shama – “Report Illegalities on Premix Fuel and Outboard Motors” – NPP PC to Apatase Fisher Folks

The purpose of the visit was to engaged on healthy discussion and address issues affecting Fisher-folks at the various landing beaches in Shama constituency.

Hon. Samuel Erickson Abakah expressed his gratitude to the CEO of State Enterprise Commission for honoured their invitation to embarked on such tour in the Shama constituency.

They were accompanied by Shama New Patriotic Party constituency executives and 2020 campaign team members where they visited “Apatase” coastal communities including Aboadze, Abuesi and Shama.

Filed By: Benjamin Bray – Vision1 Fm/Globe TV

W/R: Shama – “Report Illegalities on Premix Fuel and Outboard Motors” – NPP PC to Apatase Fisher Folks

The purpose of the visit was to engaged on healthy discussion and address issues affecting Fisher-folks at the various landing beaches in Shama constituency.

Hon. Samuel Erickson Abakah expressed his gratitude to the CEO of State Enterprise Commission for honoured their invitation to embarked on such tour in the Shama constituency.

They were accompanied by Shama New Patriotic Party constituency executives and 2020 campaign team members where they visited “Apatase” coastal communities including Aboadze, Abuesi and Shama.

Filed By: Benjamin Bray – Vision1 Fm/Globe TV

Incessant Rains pushes GADUO Special Awards to next Month

Many would have witnessed the glittering Special Awards night yesterday, October 10, 2020 at the Mcdan La Town Park, by the Ga-Dangme Unity Organization (GADUO), but for the continuous rainfall in Accra which would’ve marred the outdoor Award’s Beauty.

The maiden Awards which according to the organizers has been postponed to Saturday, November 28, at 6pm, has lined up several categories to honor at the event which is aimed at ‘Fostering Peace, Unity & Justice Before, During and After the 2020 General Elections’.

In an Exclusive Interview with Davis, Chairman of the Organization, Edward Coleman, added, that unfulfilled promised by sponsors is a contributing factor to the postponement of the Special Awards Night.

“First of all, the rain disturbed us and knowing it is an open event and also on astro-turf, we can’t go ahead with it as it must dry. Most of the Sponsorship we were expecting also disappointed us. We also felt that we could actually make a lot of impact with our Peace Message as next month is closer to the December 7 Elections.”

Dubbed the ‘Youth and Sports Festival & Tourism Special Awards Night’, the Card Playing Competition resumes from the 25th October through to 8th November at 8am each day from Chorkor, La, Osu, Nungua to Kpone venues.

Other activities that will precede the much-anticipated Awards include Soccer, Basketball and Volleyball. At the La Town Council Line Park, on the 15th and 16th November, Nima-Kanda 441 will play Town Council Line in a soccer Match, while Tudu Lebanon Youth squares it up with Town Council Line Youth. In Volleyball, La Pioneers will face Town Council Line Youth.

A finals in Soccer on Saturday, November 21, will be witnessed at the Mcdan La Town Park at 3pm.

The Awards Night will have in attendance, His Royal Majesty, Dr King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, Ga Mantse (Abiasuma), Africa and World boxing legend, Prof Azumah Nelson, CEO of the biggest shipping firm, Dr Daniel Mckorley, Football greats, Stephen Appiah and Armah Senegal. Dancehall sensation, Charles Nii Armah Mensah, known as Shatta Wale, Ga Highlife Artist, Adane Best among others will be present.

It is the believe of the GADUO that this Awards Night will further strengthen their Unity motivate and improve the individual and organizational contribution to the growth and promotion of the entire Ga-Dangme Communities and Ghana as a whole.

The Ga-Dangme Unity Organization can be reached via their website, http://www.ga-dangmeunity.org or on Facebook, Ga-Dangme GH.

Story: Davis Nii Attuquaye Clottey

US threatens to sanction African countries that engage in electoral violence

The United States Government has warned that it will clamp down on African countries that engage in electoral violence.

A statement on the US official website signed by Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo urged all political party leaders across the continent to hold on to integrity and ensure that peace prevails before, during and after the conduct of their respective elections.

The statement mentioned the imposition of travel restrictions as key among the restrictions the US Federal Government will place on African countries that will engage in violence.

The statement further urged African countries to uphold democratic credentials and avoid acts that undermine freedoms.

“We will watch closely the actions of individuals who interfere in the democratic process and will not hesitate to consider consequences – including visa restrictions – for those responsible for election-related violence,” parts of the US government’s statement read.

Below is the full statement:
The United States is committed to supporting free, fair, inclusive elections. The conduct of elections is important not only for Africans but also for defenders of democracy around the world. We believe all sides should participate peacefully in the democratic process. Repression and intimidation have no place in democracies.

The right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression and association are at the heart of a functioning democracy. Adherence to these democratic norms and to the rule of law allows all citizens to engage in political dialogue and support their choice of candidates, parties, and platforms. We will watch closely the actions of individuals who interfere in the democratic process and will not hesitate to consider consequences – including visa restrictions – for those responsible for election-related violence. As long-time partners to the nations of Africa, we care about the region’s democratic trajectory and are committed to working constructively with international and regional partners.

Donald Trump, Yemeni President, Saudi King and Crown Prince sentenced to death

US President Donald Trump has been sentenced to death for alleged war crimes by a court in Yemen.

The US President was sentenced with nine other defendants including a Saudi King and Prince.

The case against the defendants went ahead in their absence today at Houthi-run Specialised Criminal Court in the Yemeni governorate of Saada, and resulted in the death penalty against the US leader.

The court issued death sentences against Trump, Saudi King Salman, the Saudi Crown Prince, Commander of the Saudi Air Force Turki bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, and Yemeni President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi.

Yemen’s Vice President Ali Mohsin Al-Ahmar, Prime Minister Ahmed bin Dagher, Defence Minister Muhammad Al-Maqdishi, and former US Defence Secretary James Mattis were also sentenced to death.

The court also ruled that the accused should pay $10 billion to the families of those killed in the 2019 airstrike.

The charges related to an airstrike which reportedly hit a school bus, killing 51 people including 40 children.

Yemen’s internationally-recognised government has been battling the Iran-backed Houthi movement, which has seized most of the north of the country and the capital Sana’a, since 2014.

A Saudi-led military coalition joined on the side of the government the following year.

The United Nations has called the Yemeni conflict the world’s worst humanitarian disaster.

More than 100,000 people, mostly civilians, have been killed and millions more displaced

The Yemeni government’s Supreme Judicial Court ruled that the Houthi-run criminal court should be shut down in 2018.

The leader insisted he felt great after his Covid-19 illness, describing it as “a blessing from God”.

In a video message on Wednesday, Mr Trump said all Americans should have access to the experimental treatments he was given.

The 45th President said: “This was a blessing in disguise – I caught it, I heard about this drug, I said let me take it and it was incredible.”

First Lady Courts Tema Voters

First Lady, Mrs. Rebecca Naa Okaikor Akufo-Addo, has urged the people of Tema to rally behind and vote for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) come December 7.

Mrs. Akufo-Addo made the appeal when she visited the Tema Central and West constituencies as part of her campaign tour of the Greater Accra Region.

Addressing a mini-rally at Tema Community 7, after a brief stop at the Tema Community 9 market to interact with traders, Mrs. Akufo-Addo recounted some social intervention initiatives that the NPP government has undertaken in its first term which includes the Free Senior High School, (SHS) NABCO, One District, One Factory and the Planting for Food and Jobs programmes.

“When Nana Addo was seeking power in 2016, they said he could not implement free SHS, today our children are enjoying free SHS because he wants to equip them with knowledge to be productive Ghanaians in future. NABCO and One District, One Factory has also brought jobs for the youth who were jobless,” she noted.

The First Lady said the NPP has proven to be the government that can develop Ghana adding that changing the NPP government will be retrogression for the country.

“We have done a lot and more are yet to come in the next four years. So, I’m pleading with you to look ahead. We are moving forward, we won’t retrogress”, she said.

She cautioned against voter apathy and urged the electorate to go all out and vote adding that every vote counts in the up-coming elections.
“Everyone should go and vote, don’t sit at home; all votes count so let us vote and win with a huge margin,” she added.
Mrs. Akufo-Addo also canvassed for votes for the NPP Parliamentary candidates for Tema Central, Yves Nii Noi Hanson Nortey, Tema East, Titus Glover, and Tema West, Carlos Kingsley Ahenkorah.
She said the NPP will not be able to run the country effectively with a minority in Parliament thus the need to also vote massively for the parliamentary candidates.

During her tour, she cut the sod for the Tema Central Aged Recreational and Health Facility Project being funded by the outgoing Tema Central MP, Kofi Brako.

The First Lady also participated in a breast cancer screening exercise organized by the Tema West MP Carlos Ahenkorah and the Breasted One organization and encouraged women to regularly screen for breast cancer.

The First Lady then met with traders at the Texpo market in the Tema West Constituency where she took time to listen to their request for shelter for the market women and a kindergarten for their children.
Mrs. Akufo-Addo assured them that she will engage the Municipal Chief Executive for a solution to their requests. She again called for a huge turnout on Election Day for the NPP.
She also graced the graduation of 350 women trained in various skills, by the Member of Parliament for Tema West, Carlos Ahenkorah in partnership with the National Board for Small Scale Industry (NBSSI).
Mrs. Akufo-Addo congratulated the graduating class, indicating that the training programme is vested in activities that impact positively on the growth of society.

She therefore urged them to use the skills they have acquired as the starting point to their economic empowerment.
Tema West MP, Carlos Kingsley Ahenkorah, who accompanied the First Lady urged the graduates to make good use of the knowledge and skills they have acquired to improve their economic condition.
“Today you have been armed with skills to make a decent living, so use this as a starting point and move to bigger things,” he said.

Editorial: The Abirem Writer Writes; “My Advice to The NPP Fraternity”

My able elephant fraternity, NPP, is doing marvelously well in terms of development and no political party as at now can be compared to especially NDC. If you compare NDC to NPP, is like comparing “NURSERY STUDENT TO A MASTERS DEGREE HOLDER/GRADUATE”. This means, there is a wide gap between these two political parties.

But NDC knows how to “WIN” elections but do not know how to “MANAGE THE ECONOMY”.

NPP knows how to “MANAGE THE ECONOMY VERY WELL” but do not know how to “SUSTAIN A POLITICAL WIN”.

If the NPP learn how to sustain a political win, it will take NDC over 50 years before they can rescue power from the NPP. If NPP do their things very well they will be able to make GHANA, “A ONE PARTY STATE”.

The NPP should TRY everything possible to ensure that in every POLLING STATION across the country, they will empower at least “THREE” people so that they can “ADOPT” that Polling Station when the party is in crisis to prevent future financial burden on some few people when the party is in opposition.

The behaviour of some appointees of government is causing a lot of apathy in the party. Something “MUST” be done about it with immediate effect.

What pains me most is that, H.E NANA ADDO DANKWAH AKUFO-ADDO KWAKU WILLIAMS had performed better in the history of the country’s political regime but the behaviour of some appointees is bringing him done.

One policy that had already secured victory for NPP is the ALMIGHTY “FREE SHS POLICY.” He deserves not less than 65% massive votes in the 2020 general elections of which I am very sure that “INSHA ALLAHU” he will get it because JOHN MAHAMA, himself knows that he will not and never win election 2020 but where they should be looking at is the MP seats.

Are we sure that we can maintain the difference of 63 seats(169-106=63seats)?.

We should be thinking of if nothing at all, we should maintain the 63 seats but the question we should ask ourselves is that, “ARE OUR BEHAVIOUR AND HUMAN RELATIONS ATTRACT PEOPLE TO FOLLOW US AND VOTE MASSIVELY FOR OUR PARLIAMENTARY CANDIDATES”?

We should crosscheck our behaviour and attitude towards others whether it is “PULLING CROWD OR NOT”.

We should not forget that “POLITICS IS ABOUT NUMBERS”. Let your behaviour attract people to the party but not to drive away people from the party. Remember that the party is for all of us but “NOT THE BONIFIED PROPERTY OF ANYONE”.

I am pleading with all those that because of some people’s parochial interest and behaviour had led to apathy to let things go for the seek of the party and H.E NANA ADDO DANKWAH AKUFO-ADDO KWAKU WILLIAMS, so that we can maintain power because Ex-President John Agyekum Kofi Kuffour, once said that, “IT IS BETTER TO BE A MESSENGER IN A RULING PARTY THAN TO BE A GENERAL SECRETARY IN AN OPPOSITION PARTY”.

I AM ADVISING THAT ALL THOSE IN THE HELM OF AFFAIRS SHOULD TRY EVERYTHING POSSIBLE WITHIN THEIR MEANS TO SOLVE ALL ISSUES AMICABLY SO THAT WE CAN CONTINUE TO MAINTAIN POWER FOR A VERY LONG PERIOD OF TIME.

TOGETHER WE STAND, DIVIDED WE SHALL FALL

MAINTAIN GOOD HUMAN RELATIONS SO THAT IN YOUR OLD AGE YOU SHALL REAP WHAT YOU SOW

THE FUTURE IS UNCERTAIN

NO ONE KNOWS TOMORROW EXCEPT GOD ALMIGHTY

PAE MU KA MA AHOMEKA

ROUND 2 IS FULLY ASSURED

ONE GOOD TERM DESERVES ANOTHER

#4MORE4NANA2DOMORE

LONG LIVE MR. PRESIDENT!

LONG LIVE NPP!!

LONG LIVE GHANA!!!

THANK YOU

From the corridors of The ABIREM WRITER

First Lady takes Health Outreach to Tema

The First Lady, Mrs. Rebecca Naa Okaikor Akufo-Addo, yesterday took her health outreach to the Tema vicinity where she presented medical logistics to the Tema General Hospital and joined a free breast cancer screening exercise.

The hospital, which is the largest public referral health facility in Tema, received items including bed sheets, diapers, blankets, nose masks and sanitizers to enhance the delivery of healthcare.

Mrs. Akufo-Addo, in a brief statement before handing over the items to the hospital management, said the donation was made possible through the generosity of partners of ‘The Rebecca Foundation’.

She said the foundation, founded in 2017, to support the wellbeing of women and children in the areas of health, education and women’s economic empowerment, has recorded significant impact in the lives of Ghanaian women and children.
“Our footprints in health have been seen in all 16 regions of Ghana. Today is another opportunity for me to thank our remarkable partners and donors. They have made it possible for me, even in this COVID-19 times, to support our health sector,” she said.

She assured the hospital of the foundation’s support adding, “I am hopeful that these items will go to improve the quality of care here and make your work easier.”

Medical Director of the Tema General Hospital, Dr. Richard Anthony, said the impact of ‘The Rebecca Foundation’ in the country’s health sector can be felt by all especially, mothers and children. “Your Excellency, we can attest to your love for maternal and child health issues among several others, of particular mention are your campaign for the prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV, promotion of exclusive breast feeding, voluntary blood donation, and breast cancer awareness ,” he said.

Dr. Anthony also noted that the hospital staff benefited from the several interventions put in place by the government for frontline health workers in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We were one of the hospitals who received tremendous support from government also through the COVID-19 national trust fund. We pray for God’s enormous blessings for this kind gesture and appeal for more such benevolent act from your office,” he added.

He said through the effort of the First Lady and other stakeholders the hospital has been earmarked for an upgrade which will move it from a general hospital to regional hospital status.
“In 2016, during your visit to Tema General Hospital, a humble plea was made to you for the construction of a new hospital complex. Her Excellency a mother who has a listening ear worked assiduously behind the scene together with our MP for Tema Central, Kofi Brako, and others and we are anticipating the sod cutting for the state of the art hospital complex by President Akufo-Addo. The NPP Parliamentary Candidate for Tema Central, Yves Nii Noi Hanson, indicated that under the leadership of the NPP, the hospital has benefited from a new ante natal ward, a blood analyzer among others. “I want to assure both workers of Tema General Hospital and the people of Tema Central that we shall work and make sure that it is built in the next term of President Akufo-Addo.

Beyond that, we need your mandate to continue with the good works that we have begun and I can assure you that I, Nii Noi, together with the President when given the mandate we shall work and make sure your request for a new regional hospital is fulfilled,” he said.

At the free breast screening exercise in Tema West, organized by the Tema West MP, Carlos Ahenkorah and the Breasted One Foundation, Mrs. Akufo-Addo encouraged the women to take advantage of the free breast screening to have their breast examined.

She said it was important for the disease to be detected early as early detection helps in better treatment outcomes.

Story: Sheila Satori Mensa

SHAMA DISTRICT: Covid-19 vacation was unbearable – Students hinted

According to Junior High School students that recently resumed back to school in the Shama District of the western region, the long novel coronavirus vacation was unbearable as majority couldn’t study effectively due to household duties.

Meanwhile we are glad and happy that the president of the republic of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwah Akufo-Addo has in consultation with the Ghana Education Service have paved way for them to continue their academic year, they said.

The statement by the Junior High “2” students made to the Vision1 Fm western regional correspondent Benjamin Bray when the Parliamentary candidate for Shama constituency on the ticket of the New Patriotic Party, Hon. Samuel Erickson Abakah visited the Junior High Schools after the long vacation break during the novel COVID-19 pandemic.

Interacting with the students, the legislature, Hon. Abakah urged Junior High School students in the Shama District to study hard to have access and enjoy the Free Senior High School Programme which was effectively implemented by the ruling New Patriotic Party administration.

Again Hon. Abakah told students at the various Junior and Senior High Schools in the Shama District strictly observe the safety precautions on the novel coronavirus including wearing of nose masks, social distancing and regular hand washing as the government led by H. E. Nana Addo Dankwah and his able leadership are putting measures in place as the pandemic still in existence.

In response to Hon. Samuel Erickson Abakah’s statement on Free Senior High School Programme, the students indicated that, they are ever ready to continue their lessons that they were unable to complete when the global pandemic that hit country Ghana.

Moreover the students added that they will study hard and concentrate on their studies at all times so that after successful Basic Education Certificate Examination that will commence next academic year, they can enjoy the Free Senior High School Programme by the New Patriotic Party.

Meanwhile the students speaking to Vision1 Fm western regional correspondent, Benjamin Bray, pledged to adhere to the advise from Hon. Samuel Erickson Abakah to observe the COVID-19 safety precautions and also teachers instructions as they have resumed to continue their studies.

The lawyer and former teacher who is seeking the Shama constituents mandate to become the Member of Parliament is hopeful to retain the Shama constituency seat for the New Patriotic Party.

Filed By: Benjamin Bray – Vision1 FM / Globe TV

W/R: Shama District – Study hard to enjoy Free Senior High School programme – NPP PC to JHS students

The New Patriotic Party 2020 parliamentary candidate for the upcoming December 7th polls in the Shama constituency, Hon. Samuel Erickson Abakah has urged Junior High School students in the Shama District to study hard to have access and enjoy the Free Senior High School Programme which was effectively implemented by the ruling New Patriotic Party administration.

Hon. Erickson Abakah made this known to the students when he officially welcomed Junior High School Form “2” students back to school some days ago, after the president of the Republic of Ghana, H. E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo during his 17th State of the Nation addressed update on Ghana’s Enhanced Response to the Coronavirus Pandemic, On Sunday, 20th September 2020, lifted the ban and directed both the Junior and Senior High School Form “2” students to resume back to school.

He visited basic Junior High Schools in the Shama District and also Shama Senior High School where the legislature and former teacher distributed branded nose masks to students.

The announcement for both Junior and Senior High School Form “2” students to return back to school was declared by the president of the Republic of Ghana, H. E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo during his 17th State of the Nation addressed update on Ghana’s Enhanced Response to the Coronavirus Pandemic, On Sunday, 20th September 2020.

The New Patriotic Party Parliamentary candidate again said that, parents of these students are making an effort for their wards education whiles the government of Ghana has put in greater part of the burden on its shoulders to allow the Junior and Senior High Form “2” students back to school.

Hon. Erickson Abakah urged the students at the various Junior and Senior High Schools in the Shama District to strictly observe the safety precautions on the novel coronavirus including wearing of nose masks, social distancing and regular hand washing as the government led by H. E. Nana Addo Dankwah and his able leadership are putting measures in place as the pandemic still in existence.

Moreover the students hinted that they will study hard and concentrate on their studies at all times so that after successful Basic Education Certificate Examination that will commence next academic year so that they together enjoy the Free Senior High School Programme by the New Patriotic Party.

Speaking to Vision1 Fm western regional correspondent, Benjamin Bray, pledged to observe the COVID-19 safety precautions and also obey their teachers as they have resumed to continue their studies.

Filed By: Benjamin Bray – Vision1 FM / Globe TV

President Akufo-Addo inspects completed Namoligo 1-Village-1-Dam Project

The President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has inspected the completed “One-Village-One-Dam” project constructed in Namoligo in the Talensi constituency of the Upper East Region.

Accompanied by the Upper East Regional Minister, Paulina Abayage, and the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Hon. Dr. Owusu Afriyie-Akoto, President Akufo-Addo was told that the construction, in fulfilment of the 2016 manifesto pledge of the New Patriotic Party, was undertaken by the Ghana Irrigation Development Authority (GIDA).

The Namoligo Dam is one of ten (10) small dams which have been completed by government through GIDA/Ministry of Food and Agriculture. The contract for the construction of the Dam was awarded in May 2019 and has been substantially completed.

With the project costing GH¢2.5 million, the Namoligo dam has a water storage capacity of 145,300 cubic meters, and has a minimum dam life of forty (40) years.

The President was told that, for occasional (supplementary) irrigation, the cropping area for vegetables can increase to some fifty (50) hectares, with optimum yields assured, since crops will always get the needed water required for healthy growth throughout the growth stages.

To facilitate water access for irrigation, two outlets, controlled by sluice valves, have been provided at vantage points to allow free flow of water on either side of the valley.

Indeed, GIDA has constructed ten (10) similar small dams with irrigation outlets in Upper West Region, and the Northern Region, all in support of “One Village One Dam” programme.

The President urged members of the community to take very good care of the dam, and hoped that the Namoligo community and the other 10 communities, that are beneficiaries of the dams, will use them for their own benefit.

Since 2017, the Government of President Akufo-Addo, in its bid to fulfil the 1-village-1-dam policy, has constructed a number of small-earth dams for water storage, irrigation, and for use by livestock. This is the largest stock of such small earth dams provided since independence.

Thus far, 439 small-earth dams are under construction, and 375 have been completed, and 64 are between 90-100% complete. Each dam provides water for up to five (5) hectares of farmland.

Under the Akufo-Addo Government the Tono irrigation dam has been rehabilitated and rehabilitation projects on both the left and right banks of Kpong are also in progress.

Story: Sheila Satori Mensa

Let’s win Greater Accra for NPP – First Lady

First Lady, Mrs.Rebecca Naa Okaikor Akufo-Addo, has paid a working visit to the Okaikoi South Constituency of the Greater Accra Region to garner votes for the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

During her visit, Mrs. Akufo-Addo called on the traditional leaders at the Ga Mantse Palace.

She asked for their blessing and prayers for the NPP to win the December 7 polls.
“This is an election year and the time is getting closer so I am here to ask for your blessing, prayers and votes for the NPP to continue to stay in power,” she said.

She urged the electorates to renew the mandate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) as the country prepares to go to the polls on December 7.
Mrs. Akufo-Addo said the Greater Accra Region plays a critical role in the outcome of every election and therefore asked the electorates to keep faith with the NPP by not only voting for President Akufo-Addo but also the NPP Parliamentary candidates in the region.

“Let us not think that we have won the elections, we need to come out and vote massively on December 7, because we know we can win the Greater Accra Region for the NPP,” she said.

Addressing a crowd of party supporters at the Bubuiashie Cluster of Schools in the constituency she said the NPP deserves another four years to continue with the developments that are currently ongoing in the region.

“I want you to know that the Greater Accra Region has benefited from infrastructure developments under the NPP and we want to make sure the development is sustained,” she added. The First Lady also visited the Kaneshie Polyclinic where her Foundation – The Rebecca Foundation – presented assorted medical equipment and consumables to the health facility. She also toured the facility and interacted with some patients who were receiving medical care. Mrs. Akufo-Addo said good health is critical for every nation’s development adding that in the past few years, the NPP government has invested heavily in the country’s health sector. “Health facilities have been up-graded and new ones built all over the country with many more under construction. Ambulances have been provided for all constituencies to enhance emergency healthcare delivery. We have seen increased recruitment of health personnel and the restoration of nurse’s allowance. We have also seen the support and incentives given to health workers during the Covid-19 pandemic,” she touted.

Taking a cue from the government’s investment in the health sector, she said the Rebecca Foundation has focused its activities on the health sector by promoting the health of women and children since 2017.
“We have build world class facilities, renovated and refurbished facilities, carried out medical outreaches and provided ambulances to some health facilities and supplied hospital equipment and consumables to facilities all over Ghana,” she added. She expressed satisfaction at the partnership the Foundation has had with the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service to improve the health of Ghanaians especially women and children. “It is deeply satisfying for me to look back on the many ways we have worked together,” she said.
The First Lady also commended the staff of the health facility for the fantastic work they are dong amidst the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Ayekoo to you all, because of your contribution to the fight against the spread of Covid-19, Ghana is in a relatively better position than even more endowed countries,” she stated.

Aspiring NPP MP for Okaikoi South, Dakoa Newman, who accompanied the First Lady on her tour, said with the NPP in power the Polyclinic which has began to see a facelift of its maternity unit will see greater transformation in the coming years.

“The government has started with the construction of a two storey building for the health facility so let’s give President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo four more years so he can complete the maternity block for our mothers,” she said.

Story: Sheila Satori Mensa

“Okyeman says ‘Nana Toaso’, you need four more to do more” – Okyenhene

The Okyenhene, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin, says Okyenman is solidly united behind the President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, in his bid to win the December 2020 general elections.

At a durbar held in honour of President Akufo-Addo, on Friday, 2nd October 2020, on the second day of the President’s 3-day tour of the Eastern Region, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin noted that the President has demonstrated that he is, indeed, “a President for all Ghanaians”.

According to the Okyenhene, “all of his (President Akufo-Addo) policies have affected every part of Ghana, and have been of immense benefit to every Ghanaian. This is because he has an ancestry where greed and the love of money is eschewed. Service to the Ghanaian people is what he, President Akufo-Addo, is all about.”

The Chief continued, “The President could have easily been someone whose only motivation in office iss to amass wealth for himself. But, no, he has not done that at all. On the contrary, he has implemented policies that have benefitted us all, and improved our living standards.”

Touching on President Akufo-Addo’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin applauded the seventeen (17) addresses made by the President, which have so far outlined the measures being taken by Government to defeat the pandemic, as well as the steps to ease safely the restrictions.

“He has taught us the importance of observing and adhering to the COVID-19 protocols. We should thank God that, at this stage of our national life, he has given us a leader like him. At the height of the pandemic, he provided us with free water and free electricity. He also gave allowances to frontline health workers. This shows the large generosity of his heart,” he added.

The effective management of the economy over the last three and a half years by the Akufo-Addo Government, he stressed, has ensured that the pandemic, which has wreaked havoc on all economies around the world, did not bring untold hardships to the Ghanaian people.

On Free SHS, the Okyenhene indicated that this policy has ensured that money, or the lack of it, has not denied any Ghanaian child access to education, adding that other policies being initiated by the President such as 1-District-1-Dam, 1-Village-1-Dam, NABCO, the development of road infrastructure, and the Zipline drone delivery service are all bearing fruit.

“He was born into a good home. He begun to believe in the public values of equity, equality, freedom and the pursuit of justice. All these are virtues Nana Addo possesses. It is said that, by their fruits, you shall know them. If his policies are bearing fruit, we, in Okyeman, say ‘Nana toaso,” he added.

To residents of Okyeman, who have been beneficiaries of the President’s policies, the Okyenhene had a word of advice for them.

“If you are from Okyenman or a Ghanaian, and your child is a beneficiary of Free SHS and all the other policies of Government, and you believe there is a new wind of development blowing, and you don’t vote well on December 7…”, he retorted, eliciting a rapturous applause from the gathering.

Vote on my record
On his part, President Akufo-Addo thanked the Okyenhene and Okyeman for the warm welcome accorded to him and his delegation.

He told the gathering that “my Government did not come to do lazy work. All aspects of our national life have benefitted from our policies, be they in health, roads, industrialization, or agriculture. My Government has worked for the benefit of all Ghanaians.”

“I have proven that I did not come to lie to Ghanaians, but to work for the progress and development of Ghana and for all Ghanaians. I am asking the people of Ghana to assess me on the basis of my record, and, if they were satisfied with it, they should give me an opportunity to do more for them by voting for me”.

The President told the gathering further that “I am a man of my word. I did not come to deceive to anyone, and that is what has given me the courage to seek your support in the upcoming elections. This is what will strengthen me to consolidate the gains chalked in my first term.”

Story: Sheila Satori Mensa

President Akufo-Addo inspects construction work on new Abomosu model SHS

The Minister for Education, Hon. Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, has assured the President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, that the Abomoso Model Senior High School, which is one of the nine new model schools being constructed by Government, will be completed by the end of the year.

According to Hon. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the establishment of these new senior high schools comprises the construction of seven (7) new Senior High Schools and the upgrading of two (2) existing schools into model schools, making a total of nine (9) schools.

The Education Minister made this known on Thursday, 1st October 2020, when President Akufo-Addo visited the site of the construction of the Abomoso Model Senior High School located in the Atiwa West constituency of the Eastern Region.

The seven new schools are located at Kwadaso, Dabaa, Awaso, Abomosu, Akrodie, Weija and Kpasenkpe. Seven (7) out of the nine (9) schools are proposed science focused schools, with the other two being the first ever Creative Arts School, Kwadaso, in Kumasi, and a Senior High Technical School at Dabaa, named after former President J. A. Kufour.

It will be recalled that contracts for the construction of these schools were awarded in October 2019, and the sites were handed over to the contractors by the consultants a month later.

The Abomoso Model Senior High School is fitted with the full complement of amenities such as playing fields, administrative buildings, libraries, and dormitories. Additionally, the V-Block in the school has a total of 24 classrooms, as opposed to 12 classrooms in the E-Blocks constructed by the former administration.

Hon. Matthew Opoku Prempeh told the President that plans are in the pipeline for the construction of thirty-five (35) more of such model schools around the country.

Creative Arts School
The first ever Creative Arts School in Ghana, located at Kwadaso, shall equip students for the Arts, through powerful learning experiences, embrace and excel in the arts and academics, whilst working towards their visions of the future.

The Project has been designed to include the following 2-storey administration block; library block; auditorium / theatre (1,300 designed capacity); 4-storey 16-unit creative arts block with ancillary facilities; 4-storey 20-unit classroom block with 4 dedicated laboratory rooms; 3-storey dormitory block; 2-storey dormitory block; dining hall with kitchen; principal’s residence; 2 vice principals’ residence, 2 no. staff flats; sports area; maintenance shed; waste treatment/holding bay; access roads and paved walkways; and gate house.

Senior High & Technical School
This School, in honour of the former president of Ghana, J. A. Kufour, shall equip students for the Arts, Science and Technical disciplines through interactive experiences using state of the art methods.

The School shall strive to educate students through theoretical and practical training in technical disciplines, creative production and processes for technical education, and to provide a backbone for the industry under the One District One Factory (1D1F) programme.

To create an environment that supports the implementation of a rich, rigorous technical curriculum and encourage a culture of technical and entrepreneurial thinking, learning, creative production and achievement of excellence.

Story: Sheila Satori Mensa

President Akufo-Addo commissions 60-Bed Tepa Hospital

The President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, on Wednesday, 30th September 2020, commissioned the sixty-bed Ahafo Ano Municipal Hospital, located in Tepa, in the Ashanti Region.

This hospital, initiated by former President John Agyekum Kufuor in 2008 as part of the ‘Ghana Hospitals Project’, is the third such Hospital commissioned by President Akufo-Addo following the opening of the Upper West Regional Hospital, in Wa, and the Ga East Municipal Hospital, in Accra, which is now one of the country’s foremost COVID19 Treatment Centres.

This Hospital, according to the President, has been long awaited in Tepa, and it is good that, today, the demand for a Municipal Hospital of quality has been realized, as residents and surrounding health facilities will now gain access to improved healthcare from the Ahafo Ano Municipal Hospital.

The “Ghana Hospital Project” involves the design, construction and equipping of one (1) Military Hospital, two (2) Regional Hospitals, and six (6) District Hospitals in Ghana, at a project cost of US$339 million. It falls under the broader objective of providing infrastructure for the delivery of effective healthcare to the citizenry.

Other hospitals being constructed under this Project are the two hundred and fifty (250) bed Regional Hospital in Sewua, Kumasi, in the Ashanti Region; the sixty (6) bed District Hospital in Twifo Praso, in the Central Region; the sixty (60) bed District Hospital at Nsawkaw, in the Bono East Region; the sixty (60) bed District Hospital in Salaga, in the Savannah Region; the sixty (60) bed District Hospital in Konongo, in the Ashanti Region; and the five hundred (500) bed Military Hospital at Afari, again, in the Ashanti Region.

All of these projects, the President stressed, all expected to be commissioned before the end of this year.

The Ahafo Ano Municipal Hospital has been constructed at a cost of thirty-six million United States dollars (US$36 million), and has been designed with several departments including administration; outpatient department (OPD); physiotherapy unit; pharmacy; radiology; laboratory; surgical suite (operation dep.); emergency & casualty; and obstetrics & gynecology (maternity and child health).

The rest are central sterile supply department; ambulance station; inpatient wards – 100 bed capacity; staff dining; kitchen & outdoor cooking area; medical gases production unit; laundry; mortuary; medical waste department; general stores; maintenance department; power station; relatives’ hostel; 20 staff housing units; and a mini market.

Additionally, the Hospital has been equipped with modern medical equipment, such as x-ray machines, ultrasound machines, fully equipped operating theatre, medical gases, and patient monitors. It also has a medical waste treatment plant, a power station, a water treatment plant, a central air conditioning system and an anaerobic sewerage treatment plant.

To the Chiefs and people of Tepa, President Akufo-Addo reiterated his commitment to improving access to essential and quality health services through the provision of the necessary health infrastructure, equipment and logistics, including the deployment of appropriate technology, as part of our drive to attaining Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

He urged administrators of the to embrace and strengthen the culture of maintenance.

“This edifice has been put at great cost to our nation, and we should be in the position, some ten years down the line, to see it still in good condition. It should not fall in the ways in which several institutions like this in Ghana have gone. The leadership of this facility must set the example for its periodic and constant maintenance, and will be held accountable for this,” he added.

Story: Sheila Satori Mensa

President Akufo-Addo cuts sod for construction of Kumasi-Obuasi railway line

The President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has cut the sod for work to commence on the 83.5-kilometre standard gauge railway line from Kumasi to Obuasi, as part of the new Western Line being constructed.

Performing the sod cutting ceremony, on Wednesday, 30th September 2020, President Akufo-Addo noted that, by January 2017, out of the 947 kilometres of colonial narrow-gauge rail network bequeathed to the country by the colonialists, barely 10% was operational.

He stated that, apart from the 15 kilometre narrow gauge railway line, built between 2012 and 2017, from Sekondi to Takoradi via Kojokrom, no kilometre of railway line had been added.

“Upon my assumption of office, I was determined to change this statistic, because I believed that the presence of an efficient, effective railway system was critical to the progress, prosperity and development of our nation. This led me to the decision to establish the Ministry of Railways Development, with the dynamic Hon. Joe Ghartey, Member of Parliament for Essikadu Ketan at the helm of affairs. By all accounts, this has started yielding fruits,” the President said.

He continued, “Today’s event, the cutting of the sod for the construction of the 83.5km Kumasi to Obuasi line, is a clear manifestation of the Akufo-Addo Government’s policy to grow and develop the country’s railway sector.”

It will be recalled that, earlier this year, Cabinet and Parliament both approved a €500 million agreement for the construction of a new standard gauge line from Takoradi Harbour to Kojokrom, and also from Manso to Huni Valley.

Once this is completed, one hundred and two kilometres (102km) of new standard-gauge railway lines would have been constructed, as part of the development of a new standard-gauge Western Line.

President Akufo-Addo explained that the Western Line is critical to the successful establishment of the new bauxite and aluminum industry being promoted by Government.

The Sheini and Oppon Manso iron ore deposits, which will form the basis of the imminent iron and steel industry, according to the President, require a modern railway network to transport the ore and the processed raw material.

Additionally, President Akufo-Addo told the gathering that work is also progressing steadily on the Tema to Mpakadan Line, which is the first phase of the Tema to Paga section of the Ghana-Burkina Railway Interconnectivity Project.

“This railway line has branch lines to Sheini and Oppon Manso. The exploitation of the bauxite deposits at Atiwa, as part of the nascent bauxite and aluminum industry, will also benefit from the construction of a new railway line,” he added.

With the imminent commencement of construction of the Boankra Inland Port, following the approval by Parliament of a $300 million concession facility, the President stated that, since 1995, the country has been been grappling with the development of the inland port.

The economic viability of the Boankra Inland Project, he stressed, will be greatly enhanced by the presence of a railway line, adding that “a new standard gauge railway line from Accra to Tema to Kumasi is a must, and I expect contracts to be signed for the commencement of the construction of a line from Accra to Tema towards Kumasi before the December elections.”

With the country’s railway network having never gone beyond Kumasi, the President announced that a feasibility study and the preliminary design of a new standard gauge line, from Eduabin to Paga through Bechem, Sunyani, Techiman and Tamale, has been completed.

“Next week, final stakeholder holder consultations will commence, after which the processes for land acquisition will begin. Let me take the opportunity to appeal to the chiefs, who are the custodians of our land, to give their full support to this project. The economic value of all lands, where there is development of the railway line, will be greatly enhanced,” he added.

In the first four years of his administration, President Akufo-Addo noted that more construction activity in the railway sector has gone on than in any period of the country’s history since independence.

“Over the last three years and ten months we have laid a solid foundation, which will receive an even greater impetus when Nana and the NPP get four more years to do more for you. My commitment to the development of a new modern standard railway network is unwavering,” he assured.

Story: Sheila Satori Mensa

President Akufo-Addo inaugurates Tree Crop Development Authority Headquarters in Kumasi

The President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has inaugurated the Tree Crops Development Authority, whose focus will be on the development of tree crops and the consequential benefits to be accrued to the country.

Inaugurating the Authority on Tuesday, 29th September 2020, at the Golden Bean Hotel in Kumasi, President Akufo-Addo explained that Government’s strategy is to promote the development of tree crops, other than cocoa, with equal or even higher economic potential.

“The Tree Crops Development Authority, which is the legal and institutional outcome of PERD, will lead the agenda for the diversification of Ghana’s agriculture by developing the tree crops sector,” he said.

The President continued, “To kick start the implementation of PERD, seven tree crops namely mango, cashew, shea, rubber, cocoa, oil palm and coffee have been identified and selected for promotion under the programme, six (6) of which are directly under the supervision of the Authority. I am hopeful that, sooner than later, coffee will also be brought under the direct supervision of the Authority.”

With its headquarters, here, in Kumasi, the Authority will operate like COCOBOD, and put in place policies and programmes to guide research, production, pricing and marketing of the six (6) tree crops.

He told the gathering that if the economic potential of the six (6) selected tree crops are properly harnessed, Ghana could soon increase exponentially her agricultural export earnings.

Thus far, 220,257 farmers have enrolled onto the PERD programme, whilst 235,850 hectares of land have been cultivated, with a total of thirty million seedlings of the various crops produced and to be distributed to farmers and interested persons.

“At full implementation, the PERD programme will link agriculture to industry through the provision of a solid raw material base for industrialisation, develop our rural economies, and assist in the structural transformation of the national economy. All these will propel growth, create employment, particularly for the youth, and the creation of wealth,” the President added.

The 29-member Board of Directors of the Authority is chaired by Mr. Stephen Sekyere-Abankwa, with a very proactive management team consisting of Chief Executive, William Quaitoo, and his two (2) Deputies, Yaw Osei Oteng, in charge of Finance and Administration, and Foster Boateng, in charge of Operations.

President Akufo-Addo assured the Members of the Authority of the systematic efforts being made by Government to secure funding for the upgrading of the relevant research institutions to assist in the effective development of the sector.

The President was confident that, in the fullness of time, Government’s approach will be wholly vindicated when all these initiatives are vigorously implemented.

“The over-arching vision of a Ghana Beyond Aid is neither rhetoric nor gimmickry. We are determined, through action, to achieve this vision, and today’s programme is a clear indication of our total commitment. With God on our side, we shall surely succeed,” he added.

Story: Sheila Satori Mensa

“Asanteman will remember your good works on 7th December” – Otumfuo to Prez Akufo-Addo

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has assured the President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, that, going into the 7th December presidential and parliamentary elections, his record in office “will speak for him”.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II made this known on Monday, 28th September 2020, when President Akufo-Addo paid a courtesy call on the Asantehene at the Manhyia Palace, at the commencement of a 3-day working visit of the Ashanti Region.

Addressing a durbar held in honour of the President, the Asantehene thanked the President for his continuous visit to Manhyia, both as leader of the opposition before the 2016 elections and as President of the Republic.

To this end, he stated that “Your good works in office will speak for you going forward into the election. We, in Asanteman, remember, we do not forget. Asanteman will, therefore, remember your good works on election day. All I can offer you is prayers and blessings.”

Even though Chiefs and traditional rulers are not to engage in partisan politics vote, the Asante noted that “we vote. We will vote based on the good works of the candidate.”

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, thus, urged President Akufo-Addo to direct his communicators and information dissemination machinery to “tell Ghanaians exactly what his Government has done and what is being done” in their respective communities, in the run-up to the December elections.

1,824 projects in Asanteman
On his part, President Akufo-Addo thanked the Asantehene and Asanteman for the warm accorded him and his delegation on their arrival at Manhyia.

He explained that the purpose of his visit is officially to introduce himself, once again, to Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, as the New Patriotic Party’s presidential candidate ahead of the December elections, and to seek his blessings for the contest.

The President also used the opportunity to introduce all of the party’s forty-seven (47) parliamentary candidates from the Ashanti Region, and appealed for the support of the Asantehene and Asanteman so the party can annex the three remaining constituencies, Asawase, Ejura Sekyedumase, and Sekyere Afram Plains, which eluded the party in the December 2016 polls.

Touching on his record in office, President Akufo-Addo told the Asantehene that development, under his tenure of office, has been distributed equitably to all parts of the country.

In the Ashanti Region, for example, the President indicated that a total of 1,824 projects are being undertaken, out of which 774 have been completed and 1,050 are still ongoing.

He told the Asantehene that there are 604 projects in the education sector, 92 in health, 151 road projects, 606 in the water and sanitation sector, 1 in aviation and 1 in the ports sector.

The Boankra inland Port Project, which has been on the drawing board for several decades, according to President Akufo-Addo, is set to receive parliamentary approval in November, with the $330 million funding needed for its construction already secured by Government.

Story: Sheila Satori Mensa

SHAMA: Unfair and Illegal diversion of Premix Fuel and outboard Motors- Fisher-Folks lament

Fisher-folks at the various Landing Beaches along the coastal belt in the Shama District of the western region have lamented over illegalities in fishing activities as premix fuel and outboard motors supposed to have been given to the rightful fishermen is being diverted to non-fishermen without any fishing vessel in the Shama District.

According to them they travel distance outside the Shama District to Sekondi in search of premix fuel. Moreover the premix fuel they may get in Sekondi will be on high purchase in what they termed as “Connection”.

They expressed their dissatisfaction to the western regional correspondent for VISION1 FM and GLOBE TV, Benjamin Bray, when the Chief Executive Officer of Commission, Hon. Stephen Asamoah Boateng together with the incumbent Member of Parliament for Shama constituency, Hon. Ato Panford and New Patriotic Party’s Parliamentary Candidate Hon. Samuel Erickson Abakah visited them in the district.

The Fisher-folks in the Shama District continued that it long over due for them to discuss issues surrounding the distribution of premix fuel and diversion outboard motors with authorities so that their voices may be heard.

They therefore appealed to the former Member of Parliament for Mfantseman Constituency, Hon. Stephen Asamoah Boateng to FasTrack and assist them get more premix fuel and outboard motors to boost their activities in the fishing industry.

Meanwhile the Legislature, Hon. Samuel Erickson Abakah who seeking the mandate from the Shama constituents in December 7th polls, addressing the Fisher folks in the coastal areas within the Shama District said the fishing work is a major concern to the governing New Patriotic Party.

Again he added as the president of the 4th Republic of Ghana, H.E. Nana Addo Danqwah Akufo-Addo’s Governance has greater interest in the needs of fishermen to the extent of reduction on Outboard Motor from One Hundred and Ninety Thousand Ghana Cedis “190,000.00” to One Hundred Thousand Ghana Cedis “100,000.00”.

Meanwhile the first time New Patriotic Party’s Parliamentary Candidate in the Shama constituency urged Fisher-folks to report any illegalities on premix fuel and outboard motors for fishing vessel that may be executed by landing beach or premix fuel committees.

Filed By: Benjamin Bray-Vision1 Fm/Globe TV.

W/R-SHAMA: Incumbent MP pledges to support Parliamentary Candidate

Aftermath of the New Patriotic Party’s internal parliamentary elections that was held on 20th June 2020, there has been numerous misconception among constituents most especially opposition parties that there is an internal party misunderstanding between the incumbent Member of Parliament Hon. Ato Panford and the New Patriotic Party’s 2020 Parliamentary Candidate, Hon. Samuel Erickson Abakah.

This alleged misconception was conceived on the table of discussion when a legislature within and outside Shama constituency when, Mr. Samuel Erickson Abakah defeated the incumbent Member of Parliament for the constituency with 263 against 209 in an accumulated votes.

Meanwhile the incumbent Member of Parliament Hon. Ato Panford has disputed such misconception among Shama constituents as he has thrown out his support for the party’s Parliamentary Candidate, Hon. Lawyer Samuel Erickson Abakah in the 2020 December 7th polls.

He emphasize that there is absolute mutual communication between him and lawyer Abakah and he will be supporting the new parliamentary candidate so that the governing New Patriotic Party retains the seat in the Shama constituency.

The Member of Parliament made this statement to the media when the Chief Executive Officer of State Enterprise Commission, Hon. Stephen Asamoah Boateng honored a courtesy call on the Fisher folks in the Shama constituency.

The visit by the former Member of Parliament for Mfantseman Constituency was to interact with Fisher-folks at the various Landing Beaches along the coastal belt in the Shama District and to address fishing issues affecting them in their daily activities.

Fisher-folks at the various Landing Beaches along the coastal belt in the Shama District of the western region laments over illegalities in fishing activities as premix fuel and outboard motors supposed to have been given to the rightful fishermen is being diverted to non-fishermen without any fishing vessel in the Shama District.

The Fisher-folks in the Shama District continued that it long over due for them to discuss issues surrounding the distribution of premix fuel and diversion outboard motors authorities so that their voices may be heard.

They then appealed to the former Member of Parliament for Mfantseman Constituency, Hon. Stephen Asamoah Boateng to FasTrack and assist them get more premix fuel and outboard motors to boost their activities in the fishing industry.

Hon. Stephen Asamoah Boateng in response to questions urged the Shama District Fisher-folks to remain calm as their grievances would be forwarded to the president of the republic of Ghana and and Fisheries Ministry address the menace
surrounding fishing activities as in terms of premix fuel and outboard motors.

The first time Parliamentary Candidate on the ticket of the governing New Patriotic Party seeking the mandate to lead Shama Constituents in the western region, Hon. Samuel Erickson Abakah addressing the Fisher folks said fishing activities in Ghana and within the Shama District is a major concern to the governing New Patriotic Party.

Again he added as the president of the 4th Republic of Ghana, H.E. Nana Addo Danqwah Akufo-Addo’s Governance having much interest in the needs of fishermen reduced the purchase on Outboard Motor from One Hundred and Ninety Thousand Ghana Cedis “190,000.00” to One Hundred Thousand Ghana Cedis “100,000.00”.

The Legislature and also an indigene in the Shama District enclave “Aboadze” to be precise, with humility urged Fisher-folks to report any illegalities on premix fuel and fishing vessel outboard motors that may be executed by landing beach or premix fuel committees.

Filed By: Benjamin Bray-Vision1 Fm/Globe TV.

IGP visits Western Regional Police Command ahead of election 2020

Ahead of the 2020 December polls and preparedness of the key security agencie’s, the Inspector General of Police James Oppong Boanuh on a working visit toured the western regional police command yesterday 24th September, 2020.

The purpose of visit was to assess the operational capability of the Ghana Police Service in the western region ahead of the task before them.

He was welcomed with election 2020 scenarios demonstrated by the western regional police command operational team led by Rapid Deployment Force “RBF” commander, Superintendent Bismark Achaab.

The scenarios that Inspector General of Police witnessed at the Takoradi Central Police Department was preparedness of the western regional police to salvage any situation that may occur during December polls.

Speaking to the media in the western region, Mr. Boanuh reserved his comments on the election scenarios which was executed by police operational team and discussed it with the top hierarchy of the western regional command at close door meeting.

The Inspector General of Police emphasize that the Ghana Police Service will be impartial and prepared to defend Ghanaians who may cast their votes at polling stations during December 7th polls.

He continued that citizens should make up their minds so that they don’t involve themselves in any form of violence at the election day.

“The Ghana Police Service will not be only engage in election duties on December 7th but will extend the activities to protect the communities”, IGP added.

Meanwhile the Inspector General of Police therefore urged the media as election 2020 approaches to assist and cooperate with the police to educate the Ghanaians with a tag “Violence Does Not Pay”

Filed By: Benjamin Bray – Vision1 Fm/Globe TV.

China has released a white paper on the participation of the country’s armed forces in the United Nations (UN) peacekeeping operations

The Ministry of Defense of China has released a white paper on the participation of the country’s armed forces in the United Nations (UN) peacekeeping operations.

The white paper, titled “China’s Armed Forces: 30 Years of UN Peacekeeping Operations,” was released by the State Council Information Office. Serving on the UN missions for world peace, China’s armed forces have become a key force in UN peacekeeping operations over the past three decades, says the document.

Chinese peacekeepers have left their footprints in over 20 countries and regions including Cambodia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Liberia, Sudan, Lebanon, Cyprus, South Sudan, Mali and the Central African Republic.

They have made a tremendous contribution to facilitating the peaceful settlement of disputes, safeguarding regional security and stability, and promoting economic and social development in host nations, the document says. China has faithfully implemented the pledges it announced at a UN Summit to support UN peacekeeping through actions including setting up a peacekeeping standby force, sending more enabler troops to UN peacekeeping operations, helping train foreign peacekeepers and providing military aid gratis to the African Union, it says. China’s armed forces have also cooperated on peacekeeping with over 90 countries and 10 international and regional organizations, it says.

Contributing to building a community with a shared future for humanity, China will continue to play its part as a permanent member of the UN Security Council and firmly support and participate in the UN peacekeeping operations, according to the white paper.

China’s armed forces are committed to strengthening bilateral and multilateral communication for better understanding and mutual trust. They have carried out active peacekeeping cooperation with the militaries of countries including Russia, Pakistan, Cambodia, Indonesia, Vietnam, France, Germany, the UK, and the US. Through reciprocal visits, China’s armed forces and their foreign counterparts have strengthened communication on policies, made cooperation
plans, and advanced friendly state-to-state and military-to-military relations.

In May 2010, the first China-US consultation on the UNPKOs was held in Beijing.

In April 2015, the defense ministers of China and Vietnam signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on peacekeeping cooperation between the two ministries in Beijing. That same year, China conducted the first BRICS consultation on the UNPKOs with Brazil, Russia, India and South Africa. In February 2017, the first China-UK dialogue on peacekeeping operations was
held in the UK. In April 2018, military advisers of Russia, France, the UK and the US to the UN Military Staff Committee visited China and exchanged extensive views on the UNPKOs with the Chinese side. In May, the defense ministries of China and Pakistan signed a protocol on policy collaboration with regard to the UNPKOs. In October, the German defense minister visited the Training Base of the Peacekeeping Affairs Center of the Chinese Ministry of National Defense (MND), and a peacekeeping delegation from the Chinese MND visited the German Armed Forces United Nations Training Centre.

The document also includes a timeline of Chinese armed forces’ activities in the UN peacekeeping operations.

Story: Sheila Satori Mensa

First Lady cautions supporters against voter apathy

The First Lady Mrs Rebecca Naa Okaikor Akufo-Addo, has cautioned supporters of the NPP in the Anyaa Sowutuom Constituency in the Greater Accra Region, against voter complacency and apathy when she met with market women at Chantan and Anyaa and participated in a durbar of Chiefs and people in the constituency.

In her meeting with market women in Chantan and Anyaa, the First Lady entreated them to turn out massively on December 7, to return the NPP, to power to continue with the good work, saying “President Akufo-Addo continues to work to fulfill all his promises to the people of Ghana, through the many social intervention policies he has implemented including Free SHS, 1 Constituency 1 Ambulance, 1D1F and strengthening of the NHIS, all of which have largely benefited women and deserves another four years to work for Ghanaian women”.

At a durbar held in her honour by the traditional leaders in the constituency, the First lady outlined some initiatives she has undertaken to complement government’s effort to enhance the lives of women and children. She said through the Rebecca Foundation, a Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) and Mother and Baby Care Unit have been constructed at the Korle Bu teaching Hospital and the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, respectively.

Mrs. Akufo-Addo said The Rebecca Foundation through its Learning to Read Reading to Learn initiative is putting up libraries across the country and has also partnered with the National Board for Small Scale Industries (NBSSI) through its “Because I want to Be” Initiative to train young girls and mothers to acquire skills to enhance their livelihood. She said The Rebecca Foundation will continue to help in the empowering of women and children.

At the Anyaa Sowutuom Municipal Clinic, the First Lady presented some medical items including blankets, thermometer guns, bedsheets, nose masks and sanitizers to the health facility to assist them in the discharge of their duties and congratulated health personnel for standing firm in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic.

She was accompanied by MCE for Anyaa Sowutuom Dr. Emmanuel Lamptey, NPP Parliamentary candidate for Anyaa Sowutuom, Dr. Adomako Kissi as well as Regional and Constituency executives.

Story: Sheila Satori Mensa