Mumuni Rufai, the Personal Aide of NPP’s Executive Secretary of Hajj Board, Alhaji Hamza Faruk has been busted at Aningazanga JSS Polling Station in the Bolgatanga Central Constituency with over 100 thumb-printed ballot papers.
He was in a queue to cast his vote when the NDC Polling Agents detected that he had Foreign materials hidden in the “jallabia” he was wearing, whereupon they asked the Police to search him. Over 100 ballot papers, already thumb-printed for Bawumia were found on him. He was then arrested by the Police and taken to the regional Police Headquarters.
Busted NPP guys holding electoral materials and machines
At least, four NPP thugs have been busted at Royal N Hotel at Pokuase in possession with BVD machines, Cash and other election materials.
The four have been handed over to the police for further investigation.
Citizens vigilance in today’s election have been very high indicating the preparedness of Ghanaians to stand against electoral malpractice and rigging.
BREAKING NEWS:
FOUR NPP GUYS BUSTED AT ROYAL N HOTEL BY YOUTH OF POKUASE WITH CASH, BALLOT PAPERS, BVD MACHINES, A PRINTER AND OTHER ELECTORAL MATERIALS.
These miscreants had in their possession thumb-printed ballot papers for Bawumia, the NPP candidate for Amasaman, Yahaya Kassim and NPP candidate for Trobu, Gloria Owusu. They have been arrested and detained at the Pokuase Police station.
This is not an isolated case. All NDC supporters, especially Polling agents should be EXTRA-VIGILANT.
John Mahama speaks at the NDC final rally at Madina
Adnan Adams Mohammed
The flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has promised to slash annual hajj fares by $1000 to $3500 as it was in 2016.
John Mahama speaking at the final rally in Madina today, recounted how significant the hajj journey is to the Muslims and the national cohesion.
The former president enumerated several other initiatives the NDC will introduce to cushion for Ghanaians while promoting businesses to create jobs.
Jeorge Wilson Kingson, PRINPAG Executive Secretary
The National Leadership of the Private Newspapers and Online News Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG) wishes to remind all members of their critical role in promoting credible, peaceful, and transparent elections.
This comes as Ghana approaches a significant milestone in its democratic journey with the 2024 General Elections scheduled for this weekend, December 7.
PRINPAG acknowledges that, the media serves as a powerful instrument for information dissemination and nation-building.
“As journalists and publishers, we are entrusted with the responsibility of informing the public accurately, fairly, and without bias”, PRINPAG stated in a press statement signed by the Executive Secretary, Jeorge Wilson.
Read Full Press Statement Below:
Accra, December 3, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PRINPAG CAUTIONS MEMBERS TO UPHOLD PROFESSIONALISM AND PROMOTE PEACE DURING THE 2024 GENERAL ELECTIONS
As Ghana approaches a significant milestone in its democratic journey with the 2024 General Elections scheduled for this weekend, the National Leadership of the Private Newspapers and Online News Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG) wishes to remind all members of their critical role in promoting credible, peaceful, and transparent elections.
The media serves as a powerful instrument for information dissemination and nation-building. As journalists and publishers, we are entrusted with the responsibility of informing the public accurately, fairly, and without bias. In this regard, we urge all PRINPAG members to:
1. *Adhere to Professional Standards:* Uphold the highest standards of journalism by verifying facts before publication. Refrain from spreading misinformation, sensational headlines, or unverified claims that may inflame tensions.
2. *Prioritize Peace and National Cohesion:* Avoid publishing contents that could exacerbate divisions, incite violence, or undermine the peace and stability of the nation. Instead, focus on promoting messages that foster unity and understanding.
3. *Steer Clear of Extreme Partisanship:* As watchdogs of democracy, journalists must maintain neutrality and objectivity. Avoid allowing political affiliations or biases to cloud your judgment or influence your reportage.
4. *Promote Civic Responsibility:* Educate the public on the importance of peaceful participation in the electoral process. Encourage citizens to exercise their franchise responsibly and to respect the outcome of the elections.
5. *Exercise Ethical Judgment:* Let the PRINPAG Code of Ethics guide your actions and decisions during this critical period. Remember that your work impacts not only your audience but also the reputation of the media profession as a whole.
6. *Personal Security:* We also urge our members to prioritize their personal security and promptly report any threats, intimidation, or attacks to both state security agencies and the national leadership of PRINPAG.
PRINPAG stands resolute in its commitment to supporting free, fair, and credible elections in Ghana. We will not hesitate to call out or sanction members who breach ethical guidelines or engage in unprofessional conduct during this election period.
We commend the efforts of all our members who have worked diligently to inform the public in the lead-up to the elections. Let us continue to do so responsibly, keeping Ghana’s peace and democracy at the forefront of our priorities.
We would like to take this opportunity to inform all members of the Association that the PRINPAG Secretariat will remain open throughout the election period, providing administrative support and any other assistance members may require.
Together, we can make history as a media fraternity that contributes positively to Ghana’s democratic success.
Signed:
*Jeorge Wilson Kingson*
*Executive Secretary*
*0244822034*
Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, is set to construct an intra-city rail network to connect Maiduguri and its environs. This is the first of such project by any of Nigeria’s 19 northern state governments.
The first phase of the project will commence with 12 designated terminals within Maiduguri, to connect major markets, schools, other public places and economically viable locations.
The project, which could be expanded to cover local government areas in the future, will facilitate the seamless movement of passengers and goods, and open up economic activities and corridors across the state.
Inspecting the proposed take-off rail terminals and routes with the implementation partner, Eighteenth Engineering Company (EEC), Borno’s Commissioner for Transport and Energy, Aliyu Mohammed Bamanga, noted that feasibility studies, environmental risk assessment (ERA) and community consultations are underway to ensure the successful implementation of the novel project.
The commissioner further stated that when completed, the project will ease transportation, revitalise the economy, create jobs and re-engineer the city’s transportation network.
Zulum’s innovative intra-city rail project will not only be an alternative cost-effective means of transport for the people, it will be energy efficient and environmentally friendly and will support other ongoing transport infrastructural projects, including the 113-kilometre Maiduguri East, West and South ring roads expansion, which will link Auno, Molai, Polo and Shagari low-cost communities.
Zulum’s administration has previously commissioned electric and gas powered taxis and buses, at subsidised rates for residents of Maiduguri to cushion the ripple effects from the rise in transportation and living costs, following the fuel subsidy removal.
He has also embarked on various urban and rural infrastructure projects across the state. Zulum’s commitment to infrastructural development in Borno is part of a larger strategy to restore peace and prosperity to the state after the effects of the over one decade long Boko Haram insurgency.@BornoGovt @ProfZulum
NDC Council of Elders urge EC to ensure free, fair and peaceful elections… As they canvass votes for John Mahama
John Mahama and Prof. Jane Nana Opoku Agyrmang
Read Full Press Statement Below:
Statement by the Council of Elders of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) read by its Chairman, Alhaji Mahama Iddrisu on the December 7, 2024, election.
3rd December 2024
Ladies and gentlemen of the media,
On behalf of the Council of Elders of the NDC, I thank you for responding to our invitation at such short notice.
Earlier today we met to discuss pertinent issues relating to the December 7 elections which is only a few days away.
As party elders, we deem it appropriate to add our voices to the calls for peaceful elections. A few days ago, our presidential candidate, former President John Mahama, joined other contestants in signing a pact to work in the interest of peace.
The antecedents of the NPP government where elections are concerned are nothing to write home about. The recent signing of a peace accord was a step in the right direction. However, it remains to be seen whether the government is genuinely committed to it. We keep reading and hearing of plans to cause mayhem and carry out atrocities similar to what happened in Ayawaso and Techiman in 2019 and 2020 respectively. The NPP does not play by the rules.
The current dismal state of affairs in Ghana and the clarion call for change throughout the country have heightened interest in the election and its likely outcome.
The government is desperate; it knows its days are numbered, but it is doing everything to cling to power. While the demand for change is nationwide, there are concerns about the commitment of the Akufo Addo NPP government to ensure a clean and fair election, free from intimidation and flagrant abuse of incumbency.
For almost eight years, the NPP government has fleeced and impoverished Ghanaians, stolen from the pensions of the aged, destroyed businesses, kept our roads in a deplorable state, and paid workers poorly with the excuse that the country is broke.
Suddenly, we see the NPP government repairing roads on the eve of the elections and found money to distribute to voters whom they have kept hungry and deprived for years.
These are all an insult to the intelligence of Ghanaians and a flagrant abuse of the democratic process. We are sure Ghanaians will teach them a lesson on December 7th. None of us in politics should take Ghanaians for granted.
The National Elections Task Force, under the leadership of the Ghana Police Service, has laid out plans to ensure a peaceful election. The NDC will abide by it because we are promoters of peace.
We demand the government to desist from using vigilante groups and NPP party foot soldiers in the guise of National security to foment trouble on the blind side of the election security task force.
We urge the electorate to consider itself guardian or protector of the ballot they cast. We should remain alert, be on the lookout for troublemakers, and, wherever possible, put them on record.
We also urge the media to stay alert and assist the election security task force in implementing its plans for peaceful elections.
We urge the Electoral Commission to get its act together if they are to ensure free, fair, and credible elections. It isn’t easy for the public to accept its assurance for robust and transparent elections when, day in and day out, you hear and read of stories suggesting poor management on its part, the latest being the last-minute decision to reprint ballot papers for Special voting in the Western and Eastern regions of Ghana.
The mantra of the EC is that elections are won at the polling stations. While that is true, the EC must ensure the accuracy of the figures it totals and avoid what happened in the 2020 elections when percentages kept changing.
The Council applauds the diligent work done by the party leadership in safeguarding the interest of the party and Ghanaian voters. Dealing with an Electoral Commission packed with known NPP stalwarts is daunting. We urge our team to continue to exercise vigilance as we approach the D-day.
We reassure party membership that all information received from them across the country is being taken seriously because we are taking no chances.
We remind all polling agents representing the party at the polling stations on December 7 to demonstrate loyalty and commitment. We appreciate the time they have spent on training and preparation. They should feel proud of being part of the historic movement to oust this government that has inflicted much pain and hardship on Ghanaians. Their assignment as polling agents is a call to national duty to secure the future of the Ghanaian youth and usher in a new government that cares and has the interest of all its citizens at heart.
The NDC party’s 2024 campaign has been one like never before. The enthusiasm, personal initiatives, volunteerism, and sacrifice spirit have been overwhelming. The Council salutes the rank and file for championing the party’s cause and propagating the policies outlined in our unbeatable Manifesto. What remains now is a total mobilization to ensure a high voter turnout. Let us not be complacent and think it is a done deal.
Let us use the remaining days before voting day to intensify voter education, especially regarding how to thumbprint in the space provided on the ballot paper. We must stick to the strategies outlined by the Election Directorate to protect the vote and ensure speedy collation of results.
We urge our members and supporters to remember that the price of success is eternal vigilance. We must all be foot soldiers on December 7. We must all be out on the field, supporting and encouraging one another. Those who plan mischief should encounter our presence and resolve.
Let us win the election for Ghana together.
The 2024 election is indeed a battle for democracy and the rescue of our public institutions from the brink.
This is a peculiar moment in our history.
This is a call to save our Republic.
Enough of the 8 years of impunity, corruption, greed, arrogance and nepotism.
No force can stand against the people’s might when they decide enough is enough.
We urge Ghanaians to vote for a President who will restore honesty and service in our body politic.
John Mahama is a reassuring personality with a passion for what works in the broader national interest.
With John, success means lifting every Ghanaian.
We salute our party’s Members, supporters, men, women, and youth. The energy and passion exhibited in the campaign have been very inspiring.
Let us finish hard.
We call on Ghanaians to get out early on December 7 to vote. Vote for President John Dramani Mahama and your NDC Parliamentary candidate.
Let us usher in a new Ghana.
It is time to reset Ghana.
Thank you.
Vice President of the National Fisheries and Processing Trade Association (NAFPTA),
Madam Theresa Freeman, a certified fish processor and Vice President of the National Fisheries and Processing Trade Association (NAFPTA), has highlighted the importance of the Safe Fish Certificate.
She warned fellow fishmongers against buying low-quality fish, emphasizing that this practice jeopardizes consumer health and damages their professional reputation.
Madam Freeman urged fellow fish processors to enroll in safe certification programs, which can enhance the marketability of their products to high-profile companies and establishments. By obtaining these certifications, fish processors can demonstrate their commitment to quality and safety, gaining a competitive edge in the market and boosting consumer confidence.
Madam Theresa Freeman emphasized the significance of the Safe Fish Certificate.
“Let’s prioritize quality and safety in our business,” she urged. “By doing so, we can protect public health, maintain customer trust, and contribute to a more sustainable fishing industry.”
“Having this certification opens up lucrative opportunities for us to supply our fish to high-profile companies and institutions. This not only increases our revenue potential but also enhances our reputation as reliable and quality-driven fish suppliers,” she stressed.
As part of a market campaign promoting safe fish handling practices, Media General’s Takoradi-based Connect FM, in collaboration with the Western Regional Chapter of the Ghana Journalists Association, has organized a sensitization program at Sekondi Market.
This initiative, supported by USAID through Feed the Future, aims to educate fish sellers on proper handling and storage techniques to ensure consumer safety.
The program brought together key stakeholders, including the Fisheries Commission, STMA Environmental Health and Department, and Sekondi Market Queens, to promote a unified approach to improving fish handling practices in the region. By working together, these organizations hope to create a safer and more sustainable food supply chain for consumers.
Patrick Tawiah, an officer from the Fisheries Commission, took the opportunity to educate the fishmongers on the Safe Fish Licensing Scheme, also known as the Safe Fish Certificate.
He emphasized that. “The Safe Fish Certificate aims to ensure that the fish we consume are safe and free from health risks. To achieve this, the primary focus is on educating fishermen and fishmongers in coastal communities on the importance of cleanliness in their fishing and business practices.”
“Notably, this certification program is free for all participants, and it includes comprehensive training on best practices for fish handling, storage, and marketing. Specifically, the training covers essential topics such as: Maintaining cleanliness in fish shelters and preparation areas, Preparing and handling fish in a secure and sanitary manner and Effective marketing strategies for fish products among others,” he said.
By empowering fishmongers with this knowledge, the Safe Fish Certificate program seeks to promote a culture of food safety and quality in the fishing industry.
Bernard, a representative from the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly’s Environmental Health and Safety Department, emphasized the importance of cleanliness in the fish selling business. He urged fish sellers to prioritize hygiene to ensure the safety and quality of their products.
“I’ve noticed that many of you fish sellers have a bad habit of not washing the fish after buying them from the shore. Instead, you directly smoke them, which is unacceptable. When you bring the fish home, please ensure you wash them with clean water, not seawater, at least two to three times to make them cleaner.”
“As you’re aware, fish attract houseflies, so it’s essential to cover them to prevent contamination. Additionally, please regularly change your smoke nets or clean them frequently.”
“We’re also appealing to you fishmongers to maintain good personal hygiene. Keep your fingernails clean and short, wear aprons, and use hair covers or nets to prevent hair from getting into the fish. Remove cobwebs from your kitchen or shed, and at the market, take steps to prevent cockroaches. By following these simple practices, you’ll significantly improve the quality and safety of your fish products,” he advised.
Fish sellers at Sekondi Market commended Connect FM and the Western Regional Chapter of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) for organizing such an educative program on safe fish practices. The vendors have pledged to implement the knowledge gained from the program to improve their daily operations.
A report by Deloitte Ghana has said that the African insurance market still offers immense opportunities for insurance players, fuelled by the emergence of insurtech and fintech start-ups coupled with strong population growth and low insurance penetration levels.
Although the COVID-19 pandemic may have delayed the anticipated boom in the African insurance market, it has also highlighted the industry’s resilience and potential for growth.
The report indicated that innovative insurance players are addressing low insurance penetration, leveraging technology to offer tailored products and enhancing customer experiences.
Players without an insurance license are increasingly moving into the insurance space, competing with existing insurers and providing new ways of servicing and reaching customers, it said.
“Regulators are creating supportive environments that promote innovation and financial inclusion, which could ultimately lead to increased insurance penetration,” the report said.
