Day: June 16, 2023

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I’m ready to lead NPP for victory in 2024 – Bawumia declares after filing nomination for presidential primary

Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia says he has worked very hard and served the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the Government with humility, dedication and honesty and ready to lead the Party as its flagbearer into the 2024 General Election.

‘… And that is why I am offering myself, in all humility, to contest in the primaries of this phenomenal Party, the great New Patriotic Party, to become our flagbearer and Presidential Candidate for election 2024 and Insha Allah, the President of the Republic of Ghana,’ he said.

‘It is possible to break the eight, in order to continue with the transformational policies we have started. It is possible!

‘ I am counting on your support from now through the primaries to the general election in December 2024 and beyond. By the grace of God, Insha Allah, victory will be ours,’ Dr Bawumia said.

Vice President Bawumia made the remarks when addressing teeming supporters of the NPP at the Party’s headquarters in Asylum Down, Accra, after filing his nomination forms to contest in the Party’s Presidential Primaries.

The Vice President was accompanied by his wife, Samira, and some members of Parliament.

The Vice President months ago engaged Majority Caucus in Parliament, Council of Elders of the Party and traditional and religious leaders on his ambition to contest in the Party’s Presidential Primaries.

‘Thank you all for the overwhelming support you have shown me today. I am very humbled by this massive show of support. I would also like to thank my dear wife Samira and all my family for the support you have given me all these years.

‘I have just filed my nomination forms to contest as flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party for the 2024 Presidential Election. I believe this is the first step to our victory in 2024, by the grace of God,’ he said.

‘This is a very important day in my life. From Sakasaka Primary School to Tamale Secondary School, to Oxford University, to Bank of Ghana as Deputy Governor and then to become Vice President of the Republic of Ghana.

‘It has been an amazing journey and I thank God for how far he has brought me,’ he added.

The Vice President said it had taken a lot of hard work, discipline and patience to be at his current position as Vice President of the Republic of Ghana.

‘I have walked to school growing up in Moshie Zongo in Tamale. I have been a by-day worker on farms during holidays in secondary school, I have been a warehouse boy even after finishing university, I have been a minicab driver, I was only able to pay fees for one term during my studies at Oxford University and had to survive for the rest of my studies without paying fees, thanks to my College,’ Dr Bawumia recalled.

He remembered how he settled his fees, which was in arrears after completing his PhD in Canada.

‘I have also been a cleaner of dormitories in my university days in Canada. So, I can say that I have not had it easy at all. But I have always believed that with hard work, honesty, discipline and faith in God, one can fulfill one’s potential,’ he added.

‘I care about the poor, I care about the vulnerable and the excluded.

‘I care about the lepers, I care about the sick, the sickle cell sufferers and cancer patients, I care about the disabled, I care about the Kayayei, I care about street children, and I care about the unemployed amongst others,’ he said.

That, he believed, was the true essence of life to address the problems of the weakest in the society.

‘I am not afraid of hard work. In fact, I enjoy hard work. My experience in life tells me that honesty and hard work pays. I worked hard for H.E. President Kufuor as Deputy Governor at the Bank of Ghana and I have worked hard as Vice President in assisting the President, Nana Akufo-Addo, achieve his vision.

‘Together, we started the process of transforming Ghana into a country ready for the fourth Industrial Revolution.

‘I brought honesty, hard work, dedication and discipline to my role as Vice President,’ Dr Bawumia stated amid clapping of hands by the gathering.

Notwithstanding the current economic challenges, Dr Bawumia said the government had constructed more infrastructure than any other government in the fourth republic.

It had also undertaken many transformational policies, including the mass issuance of the Ghanacard, Digital Address, Mobile Money Interoperability, Delivery of medicines by drones, One-District One-Factory, Planting for Food and Jobs, Zongo Development Fund, Agenda 111, Free TVET and Free SHS.

He said after implementing those transformational policy initiatives, it was important that the nation did not go backwards, adding that Ghana needed to move to the next level by building on the foundations the Akufo-Addo’s Administration had put in place.

‘Together with you, I want to see a Ghana where we leverage technology, data and systems for inclusive economic growth.

‘I want to make Ghana the digital hub of Africa. I want us to bridge the digital divide and apply digital technology and artificial intelligence for the transformation of healthcare, education, and public service delivery amongst others,’ he said.

Source: Ghana News Agency

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Monetisation of Ghana’s elections affecting quality of Parliament – Mock Parliament says

The Upper West Region’s Mock Parliament and Debate session has been held in Wa to mark the first official event to start the 30th Anniversary of Ghana’s Parliament celebrations in Northern Ghana.

Students from the University for Development Studies, (UDS), Tamale, the Bolgatanga Technical University, Bolgatanga and C.K.Tedam University of Technology and Applied Sciences, Navrongo and the Simon Diedong Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies and Dr Hilla Limann Technical University, Wa formed the Mock Parliament.

They mimicked the National Parliament, and went through ‘Correction of Votes and Proceedings, Statements, Motion and Adjournment,’ exhibiting their knowledge and skills on parliamentary proceedings and processes.

The audience was held spellbound throughout the siting that marked the maiden edition of the 30th Anniversary of Ghana’s Parliamentary celebrations in Northern Ghana.

A ‘motion on the introduction of money into Ghana’s elections’ was laid in the House for debate and those in favour, noted that the use of money and other material gifts in Ghana’s electioneering processes, was a factor affecting quality and competence of parliamentarians elected into the House.

The students said the introduction of monetary and material gains into the country’s political system had influenced many voters to sacrifice competence for mediocrity.

The debaters explained that ordinary citizens who had the competence and brilliance to serve were denied the mandate to serve because they had no financial resources to compete in the elections, noting: ‘this is not doing the country any good, and must be discouraged.’

‘If you don’t have the knowledge, if you don’t have the passion, zeal and interest of serving the people, desist from the use of money to buy votes and at the end of it all, decline to do what is expected of you,’ the students cautioned.

However, those against the motion thought money use was not a problem of the electorate but the contestants and their political parties in the elections.

They noted that even though contestants were very much aware of the duties of parliamentarians, some of them made vague promises of bringing development projects to their constituents; knowing very well that ‘It is not our duties and responsibilities to take up development agenda of the central government,’ the students said.

The debaters told those in favour of the motion to try to distinguish between supporting the needy and vote buying during electioneering years.

Dr Abdul-Rashid Hassan Pelpuo, Member of Parliament for Wa Central who represented the Speaker of Parliament, Right Honourable Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin at the forum, said 30 years ago Ghana was under military rule but was now experiencing a survived parliamentary regime, which had brought peace and development to the people.

He said Ghana had come far in her democratic dispensation and that time had come for it to unearth and prepare young students to take over the mantle from the older generation to sustain the democratic governance of the country.

He urged the Mock Parliamentarians do not rest on their oars but should persevere to take up leadership positions in their endeavours to help sustain Ghana’s democracy

Dr Hafiz Bin Salih, the Upper West Regional Minister, who addressed the forum, said the fourth republican parliament had played a vital role in shaping Ghana’s democratic credentials and fostering national development, regional integration and upholding the rule of law and human rights.

He said parliament had also been championing the people’s interest by providing a platform for healthy discussions on issues of national importance; as ‘we witness stable democracy and accountable governance and respect for human rights and dignity.’

Traditional rulers, members of parliament, municipal and district chief executives, heads of government institutions, departments and agencies, the security agencies, religious leaders, civil society organisations, members of political parties, students, women groups, and a cross section of the public attended the forum.

The students took away cup trophies and various amounts of cash as their prize.

Source: Ghana News Agency

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I will build on Akufo-Addo’s digitalisation foundation-Bawumia

Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia says he will build on the solid digitalisation foundation the Akufo-Addo’s Government has laid to accelerate the country’s economic growth.

‘I also have my own vision for Ghana. I believe that it is time to move Ghana to the next level by building on the foundations we have put in place so far.

‘Together with you, I want to see a Ghana where we leverage technology, data and systems for inclusive economic growth,’ Dr Bawumia stated.

Addressing enthusiastic party supporters after filing his nomination forms to contest the NPP Presidential Primaries in Accra, Dr Bawumia said he would make Ghana the digital hub of Africa.

‘I want us to bridge the digital divide and apply digital technology and artificial intelligence for the transformation of healthcare, education, and public service delivery amongst others.

‘Together with you, I want to see a Ghana with an education system tilted towards STEM, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, digital and vocational skills to cope with the demands of the fourth Industrial Revolution,’ Dr Bawumia said.

The presidential hopeful gave the assurance that his administration would ensure that the poor, vulnerable, socially excluded and sick were given much attention and catered for.

‘Together with you, I want to see a Ghana where we attain food security in the shortest possible time through the application of science, data, Artificial Intelligence, Satellite, Internet of Things and irrigation to commercial farming,’ he stated.

His government would complete the ongoing digitalization of data on all farms across the 16 regions.

He pledged to maximize the benefits from the country’s natural resources like gold and lithium through policies like value addition and setting up of an LBMA-certified gold refinery.

It would also enhance the gold for oil policy, and dedication of specific gold concessions to the Bank of Ghana to enhance its accumulation of gold reserves, he assured.

‘Together with you, I want to see Ghana as an industrialized nation. I want to entrench and enhance the current strategy of industrialisation that we have embarked on and introduce new technology like digital manufacturing for the manufacturing of spare parts, syringes, and other equipment,’ he said.

‘I want to see a Ghana with robust fiscal discipline in the management of our public finances to sustainably and significantly reduce interest rates,’ he stated.

Dr Bawumia pledged to empower the local business sector, especially the startups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to drive Ghana’s investment and economic growth.

‘We will transform the SME landscape by providing unique identifiers and using technology to help them access new financing and markets.

‘ I also want to provide incentives to the private sector to replace the government in the provision of a significant amount of infrastructure and many other services,’ he assured.

‘Together with you, I want to see a Ghana with a developed and efficient credit system through credit scoring by credit reference agencies by leveraging integrated databases across banks, DVLA, NIA, Digital Address systems etc. to enable workers to buy furniture, cars, TVs, fridges and homes (mortgages) on credit at lower cost,’ he added.

The Vice President said if Ghana was energy self-sufficient at reduced cost through solar and other renewable, it could apply its market efficiency to the energy market to bolster economic growth.

‘Together with you, I want to see a Ghana with an enhanced focus on private and public investment in tourism, creative arts and sports,’ he added.

Dr Bawumia said in due course he would present a comprehensive manifesto to the citizenry.

Dr Bawumia said over the last 22 years, he had worked with the grassroots base of the Party from President Kufuor’s era as Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana, through to years in opposition and till now in government.

‘During this period, I have sacrificed for the Party, I have defended the Party in good times and in challenging times, I have never wavered nor slacked.

‘Never! And I have built a solid track record of performance as Vice President and unflinching loyalty to our Party and government through rain or shine,’ he said.

‘I have a compelling vision for Ghana’s future. It is possible for Ghana to be like the advanced nations if we put our minds and energies into it,’ he stated.

Source: Ghana News Agency

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Crazy Keys teams up with Germany’s Souly Bird for music masterpiece ‘Dance Fever’

Ghanaian singer and composer Emmanuel Yeboah, known by his stage name ‘Crazy Keys,’ has teamed up with Germany’s songstress ‘Souly Bird’ for an electrifying Afrobeat song titled ‘Dance Fever’.

Mixed by Joe Carrell from Tennessee, USA, the ‘Dance Fever’ song, which is from their upcoming album ‘Showtime,’ is a mixture of melodic Afro-pop and Latin American dance rhythms.

During a release party in Accra on Thursday, Crazy Keys and Souly Bird performed the song for the first time in front of some top entertainment dignitaries and music fans.

Speaking at the release party, Crazy Keys was excited about the combination with Souly Bird as they aim to dominate and reach the pinnacle of global music.

‘We want to take this unique piece of music and art work to the world, and we want to share this amazing passion of ours with the world. I want to let the world know that music serves as a tool with which we can show love, inspire, and encourage people who are down,’ he said.

Souly Bird, whose real name is Franziska Jebens, on her part, was excited about the release of the song as she looks to explore different genres around the world.

‘I met him (Crazy Keys) some time ago, and the idea to do something together came very quickly. So we tried something for the first time, and it was amazing, so we became partners,’ she revealed.

Mr. Daniel Krull, Germany’s Ambassador to Ghana, who graced the occasion, was excited about the collaboration between the two artistes and was hopeful that it would strengthen the music ties between Ghana and Germany.

‘What we strive for as ambassadors is to create the space for people to connect together and I am delighted to be part of this collaboration, and hopefully the song will do well,’ he stated.

He mentioned how music was a global art piece and was looking forward to a very successful combo between the duo as they seek to impact the music world.

The song is available across various streaming platforms, including Boomplay, Google Play, Audiomack, Tidal, and Spotify, among others.

Source: Ghana News Agency

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Kweku Flick chronicles musical journey in upcoming ‘Rastaman’ single

Ghanaian music sensation Kweku Flick is set to take music lovers on another musical journey with his upcoming single titled ‘Rastaman’.

The song, to be released on Friday, June 23, 2023, seeks to unravel societal prejudice against dreadlocks or anyone associated with the ‘rasta culture,’ as well as the personal experiences he encountered.

After dominating the musical streets with his recent ‘High’ song, Kweku Flick has won the hearts of Ghanaian music lovers with his unique music blending Hiplife, Hip-hop and Ghanaian drill to create an exciting rhythm.

The upcoming release has kept social media buzzing, with some netizens highly anticipating the song by Kweku Flick, who always drops astounding tunes.

Produced by Ghanaian Stallion, the song unlocks the real life happening on the streets and has been expertly crafted to create a soothing and uplifting vibe for the soul and mind.

Kweku Flick has in the past few years thrilled Ghanaians with some music masterpieces, including ‘Money,’ ‘No Sleeping,’ ‘Ewiase,’ and ‘Black Stars,’ among others, which have received accolades.

The song will be released on all digital streaming platforms on Friday, June 23, 2023, but can be pre-saved here: http://tieme-music.lnk.to/Rastaman

Source: Ghana News Agency

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Institute inaugurates 12-man Governing Council

The Governing Council of the Chartered Institute of Project Managers of Nigeria (CIPMN) has been inaugurated.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 12-member council, chaired by Chief Emmanuel Olabode-Afolayan, was inaugurated on Friday in Abuja.

Members include Mr Tunji Aritomo as Vice-Chairman, President of CIPMN, Prince Akinnola Babalola, Mr Shanu Ayuba, Vice-President I, and Mr Kingsley Ohia, Vice-President II.

Others are Alhaji Mohammed Danjuma, North West Coordinator, Alhaji Bala Barde, North East, Mr Robo Akpami, North Central, and Dr Sally William-Chinedu, South East coordinator.

The rest are, Dr O.K. Bakinson, South West, Mr Imoh Usoro, South South, and Mr Henry Ifeanyi-Mbadiwe, the Secretary and Registrar of the council.

In his remarks, Babalola, the president of the institute, expressed appreciation to former President Muhammadu Buhari and officials of the Ministry of Trade and Investment for their support.

According to Babalola, there is only one legally constituted leadership of CIPMN recognised by Federal Government and the ministry.

He called on the general public to beware of impostors currently parading as chairman and president of the Institute.

The president urged the newly constituted governing council to immediately start work, “as there is much to be done”.

Babalola noted that for the Institute to function effectively, it has to carry out some reforms in line with the Act establishing it.

He said that a Bill that would separate the membership arm of the institute from its regulatory functions was before the National Assembly for passage into law.

Earlier, the chairman of the council, Olabode-Afolayan, said they would soon commence some projects to fast track economic development of the country.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Act that established CIPMN was signed into law in 2018 by former President Muhammadu Buhari.

The Act empowers the CIPMN to accredit and regulate all projects in the country, both public and private.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

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CSOs, lawyer praise Tinubu over EFCC Chair’s suspension

Some activists have described the indefinite suspension of the Chairman of Economic and Finance Crime Commission (EFCC) Mr Abdulrasheed Bawa as right step aimed at giving the anti-gratf agency the desired credence.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday, suspended Bawa indefinitely to allow for a thorough investigation into his conduct while in office following “weighty allegations ” of abuse of office against him.

The Chairman, Partners for Electoral Reform, a Civil Society Organisation, Organisation, Chief Ezenwa Nwagwu, said the suspension was a brilliant posture by Tinubu

“It is as an inspiring departure from the past where public officials with corruption allegation continue in office without a whimper from the oversight authorities.

“The reputational challenge it foist portray the government as lame and ineffective, indeed subverts its advertised objective of fighting corruption.

`It’s a brilliant posture by President Tinubu. We hope he keeps it up,” he said.

Also, Hamzat Lawal, an activist and Chief Executive, Connected Development (CODE) said the suspension of Bawa was in order.

“President Bola Tinubu’s action is timely. I urge the president to immediately order for a holistic investigation of all the actions carried out under Bawa.

“Under him, the EFCC had become a toothless bulldog running after he so-called ‘Yahoo boys’ and ignoring those who have committed monumental economic sabotage against our nation.

“Of course, tackling cybercrime is commendable but Bawa looked the other way as officials of government raided Nigeria’s treasury with reckless abandon,” the CODE Executive alleged.

A constitutional lawyer, Mr Adeniyi Adegbite, said the President was on sound legal footing in suspending the EFCC chairman upon such weighty allegations of financial improprieties as well as other misconducts and abuse of office.

According to him, his suspension is to allow for thorough and unhindered investigation into the weighty allegations leveled against him.

“For instance, the immediate past governor of Zamfara State, Bello Matawale, alleged that the chairman demanded for two million dollars bribe from him. This allegation cannot be swept under the carpet.

“The suspension has nothing to do with the independence of the Commission.

“Though it is important for the occupants of such sensitive offices as chairman of EFCC to have a secured tenure of office for stability and audacity to do the delicate job.

“However, the President is the ultimate accounting officer to Nigerians and he cannot watch helplessly where there are such weighty allegations of abuse of office,” he said.

Also speaking Prof. Sadiq Isah Radda, a former Executive Secretary, Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption, said it was too early to comment because the issues are based on ‘weighty allegations’.

“ I think the President must have some facts at his disposal. Hence, I have no qualms when public officials are held to account.

“The process should simply be fair and facts-based. Frankly, we should learn to embrace the consequences of our actions or inactions while in office.

“Meanwhile, let us wait for the findings. May the truth and Nigeria succeed,” he said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

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Anti-corruption crusaders berate Senate’s attempt to whittle down ICPC chair’s power

Some anti-corruption crusaders have urged Nigerians to reject the bill passed by the Senate to whittle down the power of the chairman of ICPC.

They also urged President Bola Tinubu to withhold assent on the amended bill.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the senate had on June 4, passed a bill to amend the law establishing the ICPC, which steeply cuts down on the power of the commission’s chairperson.

Speaking in separate interviews, with NAN, they posited that signing the bill into law would undermine the war against corruption in the country.

An anti-corruption crusader, and former Executive Secretary, Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption. Prof Sadiq Radda, said that passage of the bill was an issue of corruption fighting back

“My take is that Nigeria should reject it; it is corruption fighting back, most of these legislators are not happy with ICPC because it is doing an excellent job.

“The implication is that ICPC cannot perform as it is performing and Nigerians should know that is very dangerous.

“It is our duty as academics, anti-corruption agencies, as media to help anti-corruption agencies to be very strong. “

Radda, from the Department of Sociology, Bayero University Kano, said that instead of whittling down the power, efforts should be made to strengthen the office of the chairman to be independent and vibrant

“We have a problem. So we should reject what the National Assembly is doing. We should give protection to all anti-corruption agencies because they are doing a wonderful job,” he said.

Similarly, Prof. Sola Akinrinade, former Vice Chancellor of Osun State University, faulted the procedure of the bill and said that it would not serve a good purpose in the anti-corruption war.

“The only thing I will say is that they did not comply with all the normal processes, there was no public hearing, and when you are doing that kind of amendment there should be a public hearing.

“It doesn’t serve any purpose if you whittle down the power of anti-corruption agencies, particularly the chairperson because they are doing so much risky work.

“What purpose does it serve if we whittle down the power of the ICPC chair; we are actually not helping the fight against corruption

“And, it sends the wrong signal to the international community on the importance attached to the anti-corruption agencies. Instead of strengthening them; we are reducing their power to fight corruption.

“What message does that send to the international community? We need to watch out and guard against such so that we don’t end up shooting ourselves on the foot

“What I would suggest is that when it gets to the president, he should refer it to the Ministry of Justice which will take a holistic look at what is being recommended, whether it serves the purpose of its creation.”

Hamzat Lawal, Chief Executive of CODE, said that ”it would be a shame to water down the powers of the chairman, what we need is an institutional framework to strengthen the operation of the ICPC in the fight against corruption.

“If the lawmakers’ hands are clean they have no reason to be afraid of the operation of the ICPC, the commission has been doing a great job under the present leadership.

“If it has been passed, I call on Mr President to withhold assent to the bill, ” he said

A constitutional lawyer, Adegbite Adeniyi, however, said that the amendment has its positive sides.

”For instance, it will encourage and engender robust discussions by the commission before sensitive and far-reaching decisions are taken. This will prevent or at least reduce hasty and or arbitrary use of power by the chairman.”

He, however, posited that this may slow down the speed of actions expected as the chairman needs consultation with the board of the Commission before taking some sensitive decisions.

He also expressed reservation about the Bill, especially the provision of the new Section 22(3) which alters the seven years jail term and a fine of one million naira hitherto specified for bribery or official corruption.

The section also recommends a lesser fine of five hundred thousand naira without the terms of imprisonment for public officials who inflate prices or the cost of contracts during procurement processes.

He said that the details of the amendment were still sketchy and it might be too early to fully and impartially critique the same.

“ I think the speculation about “whittling” down the powers of the chairman of the Commission is being fueled by the mutual suspicion that exists between the members of parliament and the anti-graft agency,” he said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria