The Eastern Regional Organizer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Hackman Kabore, says that the Office of the Special Prosecutor’s (OSP) ruling on the Airbus case shows that former President John Dramani and flagbearer of the party is a leader to be trusted due to his incorruptible traits.
According to him, members of the NDC always hold John Dramani Mahama in high esteem, with the contention that his innocence in any bribery allegations remains apt.
He indicated further that the development is also vindicative of NDC communicators who strongly argued that the former statesman did not ascend to the presidential seat to amass wealth for himself and his family.
“To God be the Glory, the office of Special Prosecutor was established by President Akufo Addo and appointed Kissi Agyabeng, who has every power to indict Mahama, came out and said that he is clean in the procurement of the two military aircraft for the country,” he said.
Mr. Kabore, who was speaking to Kingdom FM’s KONTIHEN KOFI OBOH, added that he is elated over the ruling to see the NDC leader declared of any wrongdoings.
He seized the opportunity and urged Ghanaians to use the ruling as a case study and vote massively for John Dramani Mahama in the upcoming December 7 polls to become the next President of Ghana.
According to him, the NPP had wanted to use the Airbus scandal to campaign against John Mahama for votes; however, the twist in the event will make their work very difficult.
The Deputy Minister of Education, Rev. Ntim Fordjour has attributed the country’s incredible performance recorded in the 2023 West African Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (WASSCE) to the contributions of its outstanding teachers.
He stated since the inception of the WASSCE, the country has not recorded a 50% pass mark with a score of A1 to C6 in the core subjects, i.e., English Language, Social Studies, Mathematics, and Integrated Science.
The minister, however, noted that jinx was broken in 2020 with the first graduates of the free SHS policy achieving the feat where a minimum of 50% of the students had A1 to C6 in core subjects.
Mr. Ntim Fordjour indicated that the 2023 WASSCE result shows the best the country had recorded in the history of the WASSCE. He explained that 76% of the students had A1 to C4 in Social Studies, 73% obtained A1 to C4 in English Language, 62% secured A1 to C4 in Mathematics, and 63% were also scored in Integrated Science.
Speaking further the Deputy Education Minister, who doubles as the Member of Parliament for Assin South in the Central Region, said the efforts and dedication of the teacher(s) who ensured such achievement was attainable must be recommended rather than undermining the success of these students.
Rev. Fordjour made this known on Thursday, August 8, 2024, at Koforidua during the Eastern Regional Education Directorate’s 2024 Outstanding Achievement Awards for its staff under the theme: INSPIRING CHANGE: RECOVERY BEGINS WITH TEACHERS.
The Regional Education Director, Ivy Asantewa Owusu (PhD), underscores the roles of teachers, adding that ‘teachers were born to inspire, change to embrace, change to create and change to change the world.’
“We believe that the child today is the groundbreaker tomorrow and the mold in which they are incubated and formed is the heart of that great outstanding education worker,” added Ivy Owusu.
AWARD SCHEME
A 40-year-old Economics tutor of the Abuakwa State College (ABUSCO) in Akyim Kyebi, Terkpertey Michael Tetteh, was crowned the ultimate winner of the 2024 Eastern Regional Ghana Education Service (GES) Outstanding Achievement Award.
He walked home with a brand-new Toyota Yaris saloon car as the ultimate prize for the winner.
Michael Tetteh is married with 3 kids and has taught for 15 year.
Expressing his delightfulness, Mr. Terkpertey said “I boarded Trotro to the program, but here I am driving my own car home, and this should tell us that there is a reward in the teaching profession,” he told KONTIHEN KOFI OBOH.
For his part, a former Vice Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast, Professor Emmanuel Adow Obeng, who chaired the program, entreated the government to invest in teachers and provide them with the needed resources coupled with support, and respect that deemed their sacrifices and efforts in pushing them to deliver their core mandate as expected.
The New Patriotic Party’s Parliamentary Candidate for Suhum Constituency in the Eastern Region, Frank Asiedu Bekoe affectionately called ‘Protozoa‘ has shown his heartfelt gratitude to President Nana Addo, Chief of Staff, Akosua Fremah Osei Opare, and the Vice President, Dr. Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia for making him who he is today.
According to him, being nicknamed MPEGYAHENE in the area reflects his massive support from the aforementioned people and dignitaries, hence, his handwriting with developmental projects in the area.
“For Suhumman to see more of these infrastructure projects and continue creating more jobs for the people in the area as well as to save Ghana from moving backward it is important for everybody especially the youth to get involved in the upcoming December 7 polls to vote for Dr. Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia to become the next President,” he pleaded.
Protozoa described former President and the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Mahama, as driver banza ( a bad driver), indicating that Ghanaians have seen his leadership style before and therefore mistakenly handing him the ‘nation’s car’ will be a doom for the people.
Frank Asiedu Bekoe added that looking at the work the NPP government has executed in the last 7 years, they deserve continuation to make the country further better.
“While the visionary leader, Dr. Bawumia is creating more job opportunities for the youth especially, the kayayeis to eliminate them from the streets but the only support former President John Dramani Mahama could offer them was to give them pans to keep on carrying things in the markets without thinking about their future that is why Ghanaians should kick against his second coming because such person doesn’t qualify to lead the country as President,” he noted.
Protozoa made these remarks at the Suhum main lorry station on Friday, August 9, when the flagbearer of NPP, Dr. Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia, visited the constituency as part of his tour of the Eastern Region.
His statement was borne out of contention as to why Ghanaians must overlook John Mahama and vote for Dr. Bawumia come December 7.
The Member of Parliament for Abetifi Constituency in the Eastern Region who doubles as the Minister of Food and Agriculture, Dr. Bryan Acheampong, said although Dr. Bawumia was initially disturbed after Protozoa unseated the incumbent MP, Ɔboafo Kwadjo Asante in the primaries, he had to take immediate action to ensure peace that disunity does not tear the party apart.
“To ensure peace and unity among them, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia went to Ɔboafo Kwadjo Asante’s residence and assured him that if he was elected as President, he wouldn’t forget about him in his government and urged him to let the bygones be bygone and rally behind the party to retain power in 2024.
Again, to set the record straight, Dr. Bryan Acheampong said it is not true that Ɔboafo Kwadjo Asante is planning to contest the Suhum parliamentary seat as an independent candidate, as some people are speculating per the dialogue he had with him on camera.
The Management of the Eastern Regional Education Directorate has announced plans to reward hard-working teachers on Thursday, August 8, 2024.
The initiative that forms part of plans to boost their motivation and contributions towards the growth of the sector in the region will include teaching and non-teaching staff.
Eastern Region has 42,481 staff, which comprise 39,023 teaching staff and 3,458 non-teaching staff, of which management believes their efforts should be recognized because they have discharged their duties to perception.
Speaking to Kingdom FM’s KONTIHEN KOFI OBOH ahead of Thursday’s event, the Eastern Regional Director of Education, Ivy Asantewa Owusu (PhD) said that a nomination form were opened for potential candidates who think they have performed well and deserve the awards to apply, and 407 people applied.
Asantewa Owusu added that teachers play an important role in every country, and as time goes on, they need to be motivated and appreciated for their good work.
“It is not easy to train a naive child to become elite by knowing how to write, speak, and read, and the parents have no idea about what the teachers go through in school before seeing their wards being transformed,” she recounted.
Ivy Owusu then said that the only way they could express their profound gratitude to them was to let them know their efforts are appreciated, hence organizing the Outstanding Achievement Awards scheme.
She further explained that they set up a vetting committee to vet all the 407 applicants, and after everything, 100 people were selected for the Outstanding Achievement Awards. She noted that only one person would be crowned as the ultimate winner.
The Eastern Regional Education Director indicated that they have items such as deep freezers, laptops, flat-screen TVs, and gas cooker burners, among others that would be given to the awardees, but the ultimate winner of the 2024 Outstanding Achievement Awards will go home with a brand-new Toyota Yaris Saloon car.
The Toyota Yaris saloon car, she said was donated to them by Dr. Kingsley Agyemang, the NPP Parliamentary Candidate for Abuakwa South Constituency in the Region.
She used the opportunity to thank all and sundry who have in diverse ways been supportive of the program to ensure its success.
Abena Osei Asare breaking grounds for the project to take off.
The Member of Parliament for Atiwa East Constituency in the Eastern Region, Abena Osei Asare has urged Ghanaians to vote for a humble and intelligent leader in the upcoming December 7 polls.
According to her, the 2024 election would determine the future of the youth; therefore, it is very essential to entrust the country into the hands of a visionary leader like Vice President and Flagbearer of the New Patriot Party (NPP), Dr. Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia.
Abena Osei Asare, who doubles as the Minister of State in charge of Finance, added that the leadership of the NPP made a rightful decision to choose Dr. Bawumia to lead them in the 2024 election.
She was of no doubt that Ghanaian youth would massively vote for him to become the next President for the sake of their future and the generation to come.
The Atiwa East Lawmaker said that among all the Presidential Candidates, Dr. Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia stands tall because the welfare of the youth is dear to him, hence, his promise to create one million jobs for them through digital skills training where one can sit at home and work for a living.
Abena Osei made this known on Monday, August 5, during the sod cutting of the construction of an AstroTurf at Asamang Tamfoe with auxiliary facilities. The project is expected to be completed within 4 months periods.
The project covers the roofing and painting of the Asamang Tamfoe Presbyterian D/A JHS.
She highlighted that the NPP government had constructed over 100 AstroTurfs in the quest to harness talents through football.
For his part, Asamang Tamfoehene, Osaberima Kwame Okoh thanked the MP for ensuring that the area also benefits from the AstroTurf projects.
The traditional ruler was confident that when completed, the AstroTurf would help raise a lot of professional footballers from Asamang Tamfoe.
The flagbearer of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia says he has put in place measures to change the face of the energy sector in the country.
According to him, if elected to become Ghana’s next President, he will add to the country’s energy sector through solar power generation to reduce the cost of electricity usage.
Dr. Bawumia added, that to benefit from the sunshine, he is going to add 2,000 megawatts of solar power to our generation mix to reduce the cost of electricity by 50%.
He contended that such significant development, when implemented, would help ease the burden of Ghanaians especially hairdressers, washing bays, barbers, and dressmakers, among others, to pay less for electricity power to enable them to run their businesses.
The NPP’s flagbearer, who doubles as the country’s Vice President, made the remarks at Akuapem-Mampong on Saturday, August 3, 2024, when addressing the people of Akuapem North Constituency after a mega health walk organized by the Parliamentary Candidate of the Constituency, Sammi Awuku.
He also stated that the transport sector is another area that is milking Ghanaians financially; thus, it requires reform.
“We are changing all the public transport from diesel and petro to electrical vehicles and we are done with the estimate of the electrical buses soon it will land in Ghana to start operations before the December 7 polls to reduce the cost of transportation in the country,” added Dr. Alhaji Bawumia.
Speaking to Kingdom FM’s KONTIHEN KOFI OBOH, the Parliamentary Candidate for the Constituency, Sammi Awuku, mentioned that all the 3 Akuapem Bloc compressing Okere, Akuapem North and South Constituencies are ready to vote for Dr. Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia to enable him win the 2024 elections.
He stressed that a vote for Dr. Bawumia would strengthen the Free SHS policy, warning that failure to maintain the NPP in power has the potential to take the country backward in terms of development.
Furthermore, the Eastern Regional Chairman, Jeff Konadu Addo, commended the Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, for coming out with such bold solutions to address one of the biggest problems confronting Ghanaians.
“Electricity bills and transportation fares are draining many people’s salaries in the country, stating that it is important Ghanaians vote for Dr. Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia in the 2024 general elections to be able to implement all these initiatives to make living conditions moderate for everyone in the country,” he told KONTIHEN KOFI OBOH.
The President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has in a significant move towards bolstering Ghana’s infrastructure launched the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP) and commissioned essential earth-moving equipment at the Black Star Square today.
The event, aimed at enhancing the country’s road networks, marks a pivotal milestone in the government’s ongoing efforts to decentralize development and improve the quality of life for Ghanaians.
In his address, President Akufo-Addo highlighted the critical role of road infrastructure in economic growth and social development. “Roads connect communities, facilitate trade, enable access to education and healthcare, and ultimately improve the quality of life for the citizenry,” he stated.
Despite significant progress in recent years, the President acknowledged that many district roads remain in poor condition, impeding economic activities and development.
The DRIP is designed to empower Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) with the necessary resources and equipment to rehabilitate and maintain roads within their areas. This initiative aligns with the government’s commitment to decentralization, providing local authorities with the tools to effect meaningful change.
The President announced the commissioning of a comprehensive fleet of 2,240 pieces of equipment, including motor graders, backhoes, rollers, wheel loaders, bulldozers, tipper trucks, concrete mixers, water tankers, and low beds. These machines are expected to play a crucial role in the nationwide improvement of road infrastructure.
A four-member committee at each MMDA will oversee the implementation of the programme, ensuring high standards of quality and accountability. The committees will include technical officers from the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development, and the Ministry of Roads and Highways, along with a representative from the 48 Engineer Regiment of the Ghana Armed Forces. The Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) will chair these committees.
President Akufo-Addo emphasized the job creation potential of the DRIP, projecting the creation of 10,000 jobs for mechanics, engineers, and artisans. He described the nation’s road network as the “circulatory system of our economy,” crucial for commerce, education, and healthcare.
Reflecting on past achievements, the President noted that from 2017 to December 2023, his administration completed 12,830 kilometers of roads and added six interchanges, a significant increase compared to the 4,636 kilometers and five interchanges completed during the Mills/Mahama era from 2009 to 2016. Current projects include ten new interchanges, with five expected to be completed by the end of the year and five more by 2025.
The President stressed the importance of maintaining local road networks for economic development. Efficient travel reduces time and costs, boosting local economies and productivity. By empowering local authorities with resources and equipment, the government aims to foster a sense of ownership and responsibility, ensuring that road projects are tailored to meet local needs and conditions.
President Akufo-Addo called for a collaborative approach to the success of the DRIP and urged MMDCEs to adhere to the operational manual issued by supervising ministries and stakeholders, ensuring proper use and maintenance of the equipment. He also called on the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development to establish monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to track progress and ensure accountability.
In closing, the President reiterated the government’s commitment to improving road networks across Ghana, launching a new era of progress and development. “Together, we can build a Ghana where every citizen has the opportunity to thrive, where our communities are connected, and where our nation can continue to grow and prosper,” he concluded.
The launch of the DRIP is a significant step towards transforming Ghana’s road infrastructure, promising enhanced connectivity, economic growth, and improved quality of life for all citizens.
Samuel Baah, Communication Director-Suhum Constituency.
The New Patriotic Communication Director for Suhum Constituency in the Eastern Region Samuel Baah popularly known as Gosh, has promised to sacrifice his position to ensure that NPP wins Suhum in the upcoming general elections come December 7.
Gosh made this statement when he granted an interview with Kyebi-based Susubiribi FM hosted by Odiagoro on Wednesday, July 31, 2024.
The Suhum Communication Director was responding to a petition submitted to the Suhum Member of Parliament, Oboafo Kwadjo Asante by the Constituents of Suhum over the weekend after a mammoth health walk organized by the ‘Friend of Oboafo’.
In the petition, they pleaded with the MP to come and contest in the December 7 parliamentary elections as an independent candidate else they would vote against the NPP.
Samuel Baah in his response whether he supports the content of the petition or not, affirmed his stance on making sure that NPP wins in Suhum.
He clarified that His Excellency Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has to win the general election with fifty percent plus one vote to become the next president of Ghana to be able to implement his good policies for Ghanaians.
According to him, the Suhum Constituents have decided to vote again to maintain NPP in power should Oboafo Kwadjo Asante contest in the parliamentary elections.
He then promised to sacrifice his position as the Constituency Communications director of the party if that was the only way to ensure that the NPP won in Suhum.
“We have a next Government to protect and I’m ready to sacrifice my position in the party to work towards that,” Gosh mentioned.
When asked about the party’s elected parliamentary candidate, he claimed that the decision of the electorates in the December 7 elections must be considered paramount and it is better to go with one eye than to go with two eyes blind. After all the current MP, Oboafo Kwadjo Asante is an MP on the ticket of the NPP.
He therefore admonishes the petitioners to exercise restraint and have faith in the response from the MP.
Baah noted that he is optimistic that the MP will respect their clarion call on him.
The Parliamentary candidate for Akuapem North Constituency in the Eastern Region, Sammi Awuku has noted that if elected to relish his Parliamentarian dream he will set up a scholarship scheme for brilliant but needy okada riders in the area.
According to him, most of the Okada riders are SHS graduates and due to financial constraints facing their parents they could not further their education to greater heights.
He indicated that some who are also graduates of tertiary education have ventured into the Okada business because there are not enough jobs in the country.
Sammi Awuku added that if he wins the seat to become the next Member of Parliament for Akuapem North, his Scholarship Secretariat would support all those who seek to further their education since over-reliance on the Okadar business for survival won’t be helpful to nation-building.
Speaking further Mr. Awuku who doubles as the Director General for the National Lotteries Authority (NLA) said that with his all-inclusive style of leadership, drivers will also benefit from the constituency driving scheme.
To ensure their safety, he promised to provide each person an Insurance and driving licenses to drive their crucial role in Ghana’s transport sector.
He believes that will help reduce the Okadar business in the area and also create job opportunities for Akuapem North.
He made this known when he engaged Okada riders in the constituency and outlined the policies he has for them if elected to become an MP.
Furthermore, Moses Abor, the chairman of the identifiable groups, responsible for the Well-being of the Okada riders in the Greater Accra Region, said the Okada business needed to be regularized to help the youth have peace of mind to do the work because the harassment from the Ghana Police Service is too much.
He also commended Sammi Awuku for his gesture to ensure that the unemployment issues in the area become a thing of the past something he said is likened to transformation and change of destiny.
Some residents in the Suhum Constituency of the Eastern Region have called on the Member of Parliament of the area, Ɔboafo Kwadjo Asante to contest the 2024 parliamentary elections as an independent candidate.
According to the angry residents, the handwriting of Ɔboafo Kwadjo Asante in the past three and half years in terms of infrastructure projects is visible for everyone in the constituency to see, however, they cannot afford to lose him in Parliament.
Reiterating their stance, they described their MP as a development-oriented who prioritizes the well-being of his constituents first before any other thing. They indicated that on several occasions the lawmaker used his common fund to execute lots of projects in the area which has benefited the people.
Ɔboafo Kwadjo Asante was elected into Parliament in 2020 but during the party’s parliamentary primaries some months ago, the Suhum Constituency delegates refused to give him a second bid to represent them in Parliament
For this reason, the residents are making a clarion call on him to consider contesting the upcoming polls as an independent to enable him to continue his good works for the transformation agenda for Suhumman.
The resident expressed this to Kingdom FM’s KONTIHEN KOFI OBOH during a mega health organized by a group calling itself ‘Friends of Ɔboafo Kwadjo Asante’ on Sunday, July 28, 2024, where hundreds of individuals across the breadth and length of the constituency joined the exercise.
They also petitioned Ɔboafo Kwadjo Asante and gave him a 21-day ultimatum to come out and declare his intention of contesting the Suhum parliamentary seat as an independent candidate since failure to do so will compel them to exclude themselves from the December 7 polls.
The petition letter was received by Isaac Asiedu, the secretary to the MP. He acknowledged their concerns and further described the gesture as a step in the right direction.
“If the 400 delegates in Suhum have rejected him the over 76,000 eligible voters who vote in the Constituency are saying they like him because he has performed well likewise the previous MPs we have had and that’s why everybody in the Constituency is rallying behind him to go independent,” he stated.
Isaac Asiedu then urged the residents to remain calm and keep praying for Ɔboafo Kwadjo Asante as all things being equal, the MP will heed their calls and do as they wish amid retaining the seat so he can continue his good works and develop the area further.
Obohnewsonline 