General/ Social

The Ashanti Regional Director of the Electoral Commission of Ghana, Francis Osei-Nsiah, has urged media practitioners to refrain from providing platforms to political figures whose statements could compromise national peace and security.

He made this call during a media training organized by the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) in Kumasi.

The training, themed “Enhancing Media Capacity for Fact-based Reportage and Countering Elections-Related Mis/Disinformation,” aimed to boost media understanding of electoral processes for accurate reporting.

Osei-Nsiah also assured of the Ashanti Regional Electoral Commission’s readiness for the December 7 general elections.

Daniel Kwame Ampofo Adjei, MFWA’s Institutional Development Manager, outlined the foundation’s criteria for media engagement and collaborative efforts to ensure a violence-free election.

by Adwo Nyarko

The Member of Parliament for Manhyia North Constituency and Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Akwasi Konadu, has donated over 300 dual desks to public schools within his constituency.

During the handover ceremony, Hon. Konadu assured teachers of his continued support for both pupils and teachers in the constituency.

He urged headteachers to properly maintain the furniture, emphasizing that this donation will significantly alleviate the burden on parents and teachers.

Madam Judith Panford, representing the Metro Director, received the desks and expressed gratitude to the MP for his kind gesture.

She acknowledged the MP’s previous support for schools in the constituency and encouraged him to continue prioritizing education.

Garu, Oct. 3, 2024 – Fishermen in Garu and surrounding areas revealed the harsh impact of insufficient rainfall on their livelihoods, citing significant declines in fish sales and scarcity of popular fish species.

During a visit to inspect the One-Village One-Dam project in Garu and Tempane, fishermen expressed concerns about the dam’s unusually low water level.

“The devastating rainfall shortage has prevented the dam from filling up as usual,” said Mr. Kofi Atiga, a local fisherman.

The low water level and lack of freshwater have resulted in a drastic reduction of fish types, including mudfish and redfish. This scarcity has severely affected fishermen’s income.

Mr. Abugri Williams, a seasoned fisherman, shared his struggles. “Last year, between September and October, I sold GH100.00 Cedis worth of fish daily, excluding my family’s consumption.

This year, I haven’t even reached GH50.00 Cedis daily.” Today, his sales stood at a meager GH25.00 Cedis, barely enough for his family’s supper.

The Zulen Dam, which existed before the government’s One-Village One-Dam project expanded it, has historically supported the local fishing industry.

Fishermen are eager for relief, hoping the coming rainy season will replenish the dam and restore their livelihoods.

by Abugri Amos

The ongoing sand mining operation at the Garu-Abilatega Dam has brought a sense of relief and excitement to the local residents.

According to an exclusive house-to-house interview conducted on October 2, 2024, the majority of the community members expressed their delight with the project .

The dam, constructed in the 1970s by a foreign investor for irrigation purposes, has been a vital source of water and livelihood for the community. Initially used for vegetable farming, the dam became a community asset after the investor left the country.

Over time, the dam’s water level would overflow during heavy rainfall seasons due to sand accumulation, causing concerns among residents.

However, with the sand mining operation underway, residents like Asare Alice see an opportunity to restore the dam to its former state. “We have benefited a lot from this dam, and the sand has almost filled up the pit, so this operation is a chance for us to get the dam back as it was,” Alice said.

While the community initially relied on the dam for water, they later shifted to fishing after the government provided a better water source.

The sand mining operation is expected to revitalize the dam’s ecosystem and potentially create new economic opportunities.

It’s worth noting that sand mining has become a significant environmental concern globally, with estimates suggesting that between 32 billion and 50 billion tonnes of sand and gravel are extracted annually.

The World Economic Forum has highlighted the need for sustainable sand resource management to avoid a sand crisis.

In Garu-Abilatega, however, the sand mining operation is seen as a welcome development, bringing hope for a renewed community asset and improved livelihoods.

Renowned Ghanaian preacher, Prophet Kofi Oduro, has issued a stern warning to individuals engaging in illegal mining, also known as galamsey, urging them to cease their destructive activities.

Prophet Oduro, founder of Alabaster International Ministry, condemned the practice, highlighting its devastating environmental and social consequences.

“Galamseyers, be warned! God will hold you accountable for your actions,” Prophet Oduro declared during a recent sermon, emphasizing that God’s judgment will befall those who continue to engage in galamsey.

Prophet Oduro, known for his dynamic and prolific preaching, urged government officials and traditional leaders to collaborate in combating the illicit activity, protecting Ghana’s natural resources.

His warning comes amidst growing concerns over galamsey’s impact on Ghana’s environment, water bodies, and communities.

Prophet Kofi Oduro warned that galamseyers will face God’s judgment for their actions. He condemned the destructive environmental and social consequences of galamsey, emphasizing the need for collective action to address the issue.

Prophet Oduro stressed the importance of protecting Ghana’s natural resources for future generations.

As a respected spiritual leader, Prophet Oduro’s words carry significant weight.

His ministry, Alabaster International, has been instrumental in spreading the word of God with power, clarity, and deep insights. With a strong presence in Ghana, Prophet Oduro’s message is likely to resonate with many.

By Kwame Asare

The Civil and Local Government Staff Association of Ghana (CLOGSAG) has temporarily called off its nationwide strike, originally set to begin on September 25, 2024.

This decision follows an invitation from the National Labour Commission (NLC) to discuss CLOGSAG’s concerns, as outlined in their September 17, 2024, notice of intent to strike.

CLOGSAG has instructed regional secretariats to halt strike preparations until further notice. Members are advised to await updates following the NLC meeting.

Executive Secretary Isaac Bampoe Addo signed the notice, urging members to comply and remain patient.

By Kwame Asare

A devastating fire ravaged an 8-bedroom house in Buokrom, in the Manhyia North Constituency, Ashanti Region, on September 15, 2024.

The blaze, which started around 8 pm and lasted 40 minutes, destroyed all belongings and properties worth millions of cedis.

The house, occupied by Amos Mensah, a popular NPP serial caller, and his family, including children and a pregnant woman, was left in ruins.

The Ghana Fire Service’s delayed response left the occupants homeless and devastated.

Despite efforts to secure relief from the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO), the occupants received no assistance.

However, International Diamond Ladies, a Germany-based NGO with a Ghanaian branch, donated numerous relief items worth thousands of cedis and GH¢10,000 cash to the fire victims.

The NGO’s founder, Nana Akua Acheampomaa Pokua Akudie I and also the Kyidomhemaa of the Banko traditional area, presented essential items including clothing such as original printed wax, women’s expensive lace, bags, domestic clothing, and kids’ footwear.

They also received food and water, including non-perishable items and bottled water, as well as bedding comprising bedspreads and blankets.

A special package was also presented to the pregnant woman and mother of twins.

Nana Akudie I emphasized Mr. Mensah’s contributions to the NGO and urged the public to support the devastated victims.

She also called on well-meaning Ghanaians to support their NGO to enable them to do more in times of need.

Mr. Mensah expressed gratitude to the NGO and appealed for continued support.

This gesture highlights the importance of community support and philanthropic efforts in times of crisis.

Organizations like International Diamond Ladies play a vital role in providing relief and hope to those affected by disasters.

photos of the devastated House

By Kwame Asare

Kumasi, Ashanti Region – Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has destooled three chiefs from the Sabronum community for their involvement in illegal mining activities.

The affected chiefs are Nana Gyau Baffour Atuonin, Gyasehene of Sabronum, Nana Osei Kwadwo, Akyeamehene, and Nana Tabiri Gyansah, Baamuhene.

The decision follows a petition by the youth and residents of Sabronum to the Asanteman Traditional Council, complaining about the destruction of farmlands and water bodies due to galamsey activities.

The Asantehene subsequently ordered an investigation into the matter, which led to the summoning of the three chiefs to the Manhyia Palace on Monday.

According to sources, the Asantehene referred to a report by the National Bureau of Investigation, which implicated the chiefs in illegal mining activities. He warned them to desist from such activities or face arrest.

This action is part of the Asantehene’s efforts to crack down on traditional rulers who aid or engage in illegal mining activities within the Asante Kingdom. A new chief has been nominated and selected to take over the affairs of the Sabronum community.

The destoolment of the three chiefs serves as a warning to others who may be involved in similar activities, and demonstrates the Asantehene’s commitment to protecting the environment and upholding the rule of law.

A recent sermon by Pastor Mensa Otabil, Founder and General Overseer of the International Central Gospel Church (ICGC), has sparked a debate among single men in Ghana.

Pastor Otabil advised singles not to delay marriage in pursuit of wealth, citing his own experience of starting life with little and encouraging boldness in taking the leap into marriage.

However, some single men have countered Pastor Otabil’s views by referencing 1 Corinthians 7:27-28, which states, “Are you bound to a wife? Do not seek to be free. Are you free from a wife? Do not seek a wife.”

This biblical verse encourages believers to be content with their current marital status and focus on their relationship with God rather than seeking a change.

In essence, the single men are arguing that one’s marital status is not a barrier to serving God, and that they should trust in God’s plan for their lives rather than feeling pressured to get married.

This response highlights a differing perspective on marriage and singleness, sparking a scriptural showdown with Pastor Otabil’s views.

by Kwame Asare

A shocking incident occurred in the early hours of today in Denkyira Kyekyewere, Upper Denkyira East Municipality, Central Region, where Honorable Kwabena Boateng, the assembly member for the area, shot and killed two suspected thieves.

According to eyewitnesses, the deceased, identified as Razack and Agyaku, both in their twenties, were notorious thieves in the community.

They had allegedly stolen from Hon. Boateng’s property on multiple occasions, prompting him to lodge several complaints with the local police.

Tragedy struck when the duo attempted to break into Hon. Boateng’s cocoa shed at dawn.

The assembly member, who was apparently on high alert, opened fire on the suspects, resulting in their fatal injuries.

Agyaku died instantly, while Razack succumbed to his wounds later on the outskirts of Dunkwa-Kyekyewere road.

The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, with residents expressing mixed reactions.

While some have praised Hon. Boateng for taking drastic action against the suspected thieves, others have raised concerns about the use of lethal force.

The police have commenced investigations into the incident, and Hon. Boateng is expected to assist with the inquiry. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggles with crime and security in the region.

by Kwabena Buju