Politics

Renowned morning show host, Dr. Randy Abbey, has strongly criticized the CEO of COCOBOD, Hon. Joseph Boahen Aidoo, for his handling of the cocoa sector.

On his show, Good Morning Ghana on Metro TV, Dr. Abbey lambasted Hon. Aidoo for failing to provide clear answers on the true state of COCOBOD.

The criticism comes after Hon. Aidoo’s recent press conference where he announced that COCOBOD would no longer rely on foreign syndicated loans to purchase cocoa for the next season, instead opting for a local loan arrangement.

However, he failed to provide details on how this would be secured, sparking concerns among journalists and Ghanaians.

Dr. Abbey accused Hon. Aidoo of treating Ghanaians like children, saying “We are not children” and demanding transparency on the COCOBOD’s financial dealings.

He alleged that the reason for seeking a local loan was due to COCOBOD’s foreign partners refusing to grant loans due to Ghana’s domestic exchange problems and COCOBOD’s financial mismanagement.

Dr. Abbey questioned why investors would return to COCOBOD after suffering losses, implying that the CEO’s explanation was not convincing. The criticism has sparked a heated debate on the management of COCOBOD and the cocoa sector in Ghana.

by Kwame Asare

Konongo, Ashanti – A raging controversy has erupted in Konongo, a gold and manganese mining community in the Ashanti region, over allegations of illegal mining activities in the heart of the township, close to the Kumasi-Accra highway.

According to sources, the illegal mining has been ongoing for several weeks, with reports indicating that the activities are causing significant environmental degradation and posing a risk to the safety of residents.

In a shocking revelation, Mr. Martin Kwaku Ayisi, CEO of the Minerals Commission of Ghana, has accused Hon. Robert Yaw Kwakye, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of Asante Akim Central, of being aware of the illegal mining activities.

During an interview on Metro TV’s Good Morning Show with Dr. Randy Abbey, Mr. Ayisi stated that the MCE has been informed of the illegal mining but has failed to take action.

“We have officially informed the MCE of the ongoing menace, but it seems no action has been taken,” Mr. Ayisi said.

The Mineral Commission is limited in handling such cases, and we can only report to the District or Municipal Assembly for further action.

The accusation has sparked outrage among residents, who are demanding immediate action from the MCE to address the situation.

We are shocked and disappointed that the MCE is aware of this illegal activity and has done nothing to stop it, said a resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

The Asante Akim Central Municipal Assembly has yet to comment on the matter, fueling speculation about the MCE’s involvement in the illegal mining activities.

The illegal mining activities have also raised concerns among environmentalists, who fear the long-term impact on the environment and the community.

The controversy has highlighted the need for greater transparency and accountability in the management of natural resources in Ghana.

By Kwame Asare

DR. MAHAMADU Bawumia and Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh’s hope of leading the New Patriotic Party (NPP) as presidential candidate and running mate respectively, to retain political power on December 7, has been given a massive boost.

The King of the great Asante Kingdom, the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has publicly blessed Dr. Prempeh nicknamed as ‘Napo’ in political circles, ahead of the impending presidential and parliamentary polls.

This was after Napo had passionately appealed to the Asante King, who is the 16th occupant of the revered Golden Stool, to bless him and his boss, Dr. Bawumia, the NPP presidential candidate.

Napo, who is a grandson of the Asantehene, had attended an ‘Akwasidae’ festival organized by Otumfuo in London, the United Kingdom (UK) last Sunday, August 4th, 2024.

The NPP Vice Presidential Candidate took advantage and publicly appealed to his grandfather, the Asantehene, to bless him and his Boss (Bawumia) as they seek to lead the NPP to electoral victory.

The Asantehene, who was beaming with broad smiles then called Napo to kneel before him at the durbar grounds. Otumfuo then placed his right hand on Napo’s forehead and murmured some words to bless him.

There was spontaneous applause from the gathering, who clearly were delighted to see the Asantehene blessing his own grandson, ahead of a crucial national election.

BY I.F. Joe Awuah Jnr

Hon. Kennedy Agyapong, Member of Parliament for Assin Central, has made a bold call for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to apologize to Ghanaians for its economic mismanagement.

Speaking at the launch of the Ablekuma South constituency campaign, Hon. Agyapong emphasized the need for humility and accountability in the NPP’s campaign message.

Hon. Kennedy Agyapong stressed that acknowledging the party’s role in Ghana’s economic challenges is crucial for winning the 2024 elections.

“We must apologize to Ghanaians and admit our mistakes. Only then can we convince them to vote for us,” he said.

The outspoken MP urged party members to recognize the hardships faced by Ghanaians and take responsibility for their decisions.

“Let’s give NPP another chance, and I know we have all learned our lessons,” Hon. Agyapong added.

Agyapong pledged to actively support Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the NPP flagbearer, in the campaign.

He expressed confidence that Ghanaians recognize the NPP as the better option and that with the right messaging and tactics, the party will emerge victorious.

This unexpected move by Hon. Agyapong has sparked debate within the party and among Ghanaians. Some see it as a genuine attempt to take responsibility, while others view it as a political tactic.

As the 2024 elections approach, the NPP’s ability to convince Ghanaians of their commitment to change will be put to the test.

By Kwame Asare

Nana Agyenim Boateng, the flag-bearer of the United Front Party (UFP), has stated that the NDC’s 24-hour economy policy is not intellectually appealing.

The National Democratic Congress (NDC), heading into the 2024 election, has again promised Ghanaians a 24-hour economy policy aimed at creating more jobs and sustaining already established ones.

However, Gyataba, as he is popularly known in political circles, claims that the 24-hour economy is already in existence and functioning perfectly in Ghana.

In an exclusive interview with (Sikkafmonline.com), Gyataba said that the Ghanaian economy has been running on a 24-hour schedule, with sectors like healthcare (doctors and nurses), security, and others already operating around the clock.

He argued that any intellectual would not be swayed by the NDC’s policy, emphasizing that there are many untapped areas of the economy that no political party is addressing.

Gyataba suggested that the NDC should focus on highlighting these neglected areas instead of promoting a policy that already exists.

Furthermore, Gyataba criticized the NDC for lacking effective policies ahead of the 2024 election, stating that they need a policy and message that resonates with the populace, similar to the free SHS policy, despite its imperfect implementation.

By Kwame Asare

As Ghana year mark 4th August to celebrates its Founders’ Day, attention is focused on the key players who contributed to the country’s liberation from British colonial rule.

While Dr. Kwame Nkrumah is widely regarded as the leading figure in Ghana’s independence struggle, historians are shedding light on the roles of other individuals who, albeit reluctantly, played crucial parts in shaping the nation’s future.

Dubbed the ‘Reluctant Founders,’ these individuals, including Joseph W.S. de Graft-Johnson, Ebenezer Ako-Adjei, Edward Akufo-Addo, and William Ofori-Atta, among others, were not always in agreement with Nkrumah’s vision or methods.

Yet, their contributions, however indirect or reluctant, helped pave the way for Ghana’s independence on March 6, 1957.

While Nkrumah was the driving force, others played important roles, sometimes begrudgingly.

Their stories offer a nuanced understanding of Ghana’s journey to independence.”

The ‘Reluctant Founders’ include politicians, lawyers, and activists who, despite reservations, worked together to achieve a common goal.

Their legacies serve as a reminder that Ghana’s independence was a collective effort, born from diverse perspectives and contributions.

As Ghanaians celebrate their independence, acknowledging the ‘Reluctant Founders’ provides a richer understanding of the country’s complex history and the collaborative spirit that shaped its future.

By Kwame Asare

The NPP parliamentary candidate for Aowin constituency, Abanga Yakubu Fuseini, has made a passionate appeal to the Aowin constituents as he vows to deliver if voted to power.

He said this during the visit of the Second Lady, Mrs. Samira Bawumia, as the NPP parliamentary candidate for Aowin constituency, Abanga Yakubu Fuseini, seeks to lead the constituency.

He emphasized that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has consistently developed Aowin whenever they are in power, citing examples such as road infrastructure.

He urged the people to vote for the NPP this time around, promising that with Dr. Bawumia as President and himself as MP, Aowin will experience fair representation and development.

Abanga Fuseini also highlighted his personal contributions to the community, despite not holding any official position.

He claimed to have helped numerous individuals secure jobs in the health sector, security, local government, and other fields, thereby improving their lives.

Furthermore, he criticized the incumbent MP, Hon. Oscar Ofori Larbi, for allegedly neglecting the needs and challenges of the Aowin people.

Mrs. Samira Bawumia also addressed the gathering, urging the people to “change their hands” and vote for Dr. Bawumia as President and Abanga Yakubu Fuseini, affectionately known as Obiara bɛdidi, for comprehensive development in Aowin.

by Kofi Adanse Annin Thomas

In a surprise move, Dr. Hassan Ayariga, leader of the All People’s Congress (APC) party, has sparked a national debate by calling for a constitutional instrument (CI) to mandate the resignation of a sitting Vice President who seeks to run for president.

Dr. Ayariga’s proposal, made in a statement released yesterday, argues that a Vice President’s dual role would compromise their position and create an unfair advantage in the electoral process.

The APC leader specifically cited Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who is rumored to be eyeing the presidency, as an example of why this reform is necessary.

“The current situation creates a conflict of interest, where the Vice President can utilize government resources and state funds to further their presidential ambitions,” Dr. Ayariga explained.

This undermines the integrity of our electoral process and creates an uneven playing field for other candidates.

Dr. Ayariga’s call for reform has sparked a heated debate among political analysts, legal experts, and citizens.

While some argue that the proposal is necessary to prevent abuse of power, others claim it is an attempt to discredit Vice President Bawumia’s potential presidential bid.

The APC leader’s proposal has also raised questions about the feasibility of implementing such a reform. Constitutional experts argue that amending the constitution to include this provision would require a broad consensus among political parties and stakeholders.

As the debate rages on, Ghanaians are left wondering about the implications of Dr. Ayariga’s proposal on the country’s political landscape.

Will this call for reform spark meaningful change, or is it a mere political maneuver? Only time will tell.

By Kwame Asare

In a surprise move, Rock City Hotel has announced its withdrawal from a lucrative hotel investment deal with the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), citing unforeseen circumstances.

The proposed investment, had been met with widespread criticism and opposition from various stakeholders, including workers’ unions and civil society organizations. The deal had been hailed as a strategic partnership to develop a 5-star hotel in Accra, but opponents argued it was a misallocation of SSNIT’s resources.

According to sources close to the negotiations, Rock City Hotel cited “unresolved issues” and “unfavorable market conditions” as reasons for its withdrawal. The company’s management expressed disappointment but emphasized the need to prioritize its interests.

SSNIT officials have yet to comment on the development, but insiders suggest the trust is exploring alternative investment opportunities.

The collapse of the deal is seen as a victory for critics who had raised concerns about the investment’s viability and potential risks to SSNIT’s financial stability. The development also raises questions about the future of hotel investments in Ghana and the role of state-owned institutions in driving economic growth.

Stay tuned for further updates as this story continues to unfold.

source: kwame Asare