Category: General

Dozens of car keys were seized from a suspected car thief in the Village neighborhood of Douala, by an anti-crime unit at the GMI 2.

These are keys he used to force-start vehicles poorly stationed or parked at unsecured places.

‘He has been in this criminal activity for a long time. Stealing of vehicles not well parked and found at unsecured places. He used Toyota keys to start the Toyota vehicle and where the key did not correspond with the mark of the vehicle, he forced it to start. That is how your vehicle disappears.’ Head of the anti-crime unit of the GMI 2, Awa Christian, said.

The suspected car thief fell into the dragnet of the security forces following a complaint deposited at the GMI 2 by a mechanic about a stolen Toyota vehicle at his garage in the Village neighborhood on February 28, 2024.

‘That fateful day while at the garage, a customer brought his vehicle for me to resolve a mechanical problem. Since I was exhausted I couldn’t do it that evening and decided to do it the next day. Upon my a
rrival at the garage, I could not find the car. Since then I never had peace of mind. I decided to file a complaint. Narrated the mechanic.

The suspect was whisked to the Judicial police to answer charges.

Source: Cameroon News Agency

Imam Abdul Rakib Nasiru, the Imam for Ashaiman Newtown Junction Mosque, has urged Muslims to prepare for the upcoming sacred month of Ramadan, which will commence on March 11, 2024.

Imam Nasiru emphasised the importance of spiritual readiness as the holy month approaches.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and is considered the holiest month for Muslims, in which they observe fasting from dawn until sunset, abstaining from food, drink, smoking, and other physical needs as a form of spiritual discipline.

Preaching to Muslims during prayers, he said the sacredness of Ramadan was a time of deep reflection, prayer, and purification for Muslims around the globe.

He said it was important to embrace the spiritual journey that Ramadan offers, urging individuals to strengthen their faith, seek forgiveness, and cultivate acts of charity and kindness.

He further stated that Ramadan was not just a month of abstaining from food and drinks but also a time of inner renewal, self-discipline, drawi
ng closer to Allah, and a time to cleanse the heart and nourish the soul.

He reminded Muslims of the teachings of Prophet Muhammad, regarding the virtues of Ramadan and encouraged them to engage in increased acts of worship, including additional prayers, recitation of the Holy Quran, and supplication.

Imam Nasiru emphasised the importance of physical preparation for the fasting period, advising Muslims to maintain a balanced diet and ensure adequate hydration during non-fasting hours.

He also urged communities to come together in solidarity, supporting one another through acts of kindness and compassion.

He encouraged Muslims to take advantage of the opportunity presented by Ramadan to strengthen their connection with Allah, deepen their understanding of Islam, and foster a spirit of unity and compassion within their communities.

He added that they must approach the month with sincerity, devotion, and a genuine desire for spiritual growth.

He said Muslims must express gratitude to Allah for the gift of
life, as some who celebrated Ramadan in 2023 had passed away.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Mr Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah, the Western Regional Minister, says the region is receiving its fair share of national transformative and development interventions that are shaping the landscape of communities in the area.

He said the government’s commitment to infrastructure projects, economic empowerment, and social interventions was unwavering, and new initiatives were unfolding, laying the groundwork for the region to thrive in all facets of the economy.

He was giving updates on the state of the region, when he addressed the 67th Independence Day parade, held at Sekondi.

The day was celebrated on the theme: ‘Our Democracy Our Pride’.

According to Mr Darko-Mensah, the government had implemented a number of projects that had positively impacted all the sectors of the local economy.

Speaking on education, he stated that since 2017, the government had expanded educational facilities like dining halls, dormitories, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) centres, classroom blocks and libraries in
across the various schools in the region.

He said: ‘Notable are the 300 capacity girls dormitory block for Huni Valley Senior High School (SHS) funded by Goldfields Foundation, and 400 capacity girl’s dormitory block at Annor Adjaye SHS funded by Tullow Ghana.

‘There is an ongoing boys dormitory block for Takoradi SHS and girls dormitory block for Methodist SHS, and boys and girls dormitory at Bompeh Secondary Technical School all funded by Tullow Ghana.’

The Regional Minister, however, indicated that there were a number of uncompleted school projects which the government had put measures in place to complete them by end of this year.

In terms of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Education, Mr Darko-Mensah noted that the Western Region had benefitted from programmes, where STEM centres had been built in Fijai SHS and Ghana Secondary Technical School.

He said plans were advanced to resource the centres with computers, smart boards and other necessary equipment to facilitate the STEM
programme in the Region.

On the Free SHS, he indicated that the policy increased SHS enrolment from 57, 596 in 2017 to a cumulative figure of 467, 905 in 2023.

The Western Regional Minister said despite the increase in enrolment, the implementation of the Free SHS/ Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) had also improved upon the quality of

education, and that, the government was determined to strengthen the programme to benefit more students.

Touching on local economic development, Mr Darko-Mensah noted that the region had made significant strides in achieving more with regards to the government’s flagship One-District One-Factory (1D1F) policy, saying it was progressively generating income for the people.

According to him, six companies were currently in full operation giving employment to the teeming youth in the region.

They are; KEDA Ceramics Company in Shama, NARUBIZ Company at Dompim, GREL Company in Agona-Nkwanta, GKV Investment Company in Eshiem, Amenfi Farms Limited and Fatala Ghan
a Limited.

On transportation and other infrastructure projects, the Western Regional Minister mentioned the Takoradi Habour Expansion, Western Railway Line Rehabilitation, Western Corridor Gas Infrastructure Development, Western Region Water Supply, Paa Grant Dualization of Sekondi-Takoradi link road, Agona Nkwanta to Tarkwa Road, Takoradi Market Circle and GNPC Operation Headquarters as some of the projects the government had invested in.

Mr Darko-Mensah gave the assurance that the government was committed to completing the Takoradi Market Circle Redevelopment project and other abandoned projects in the region.

‘In the same vein, we are in contact with the Ministry of Roads and Highways to consider the completion of the following priority roads in the region: Takoradi (PTC) Interchange; Takoradi-Agona Nkwanta dual carriage, Apowa-Mpohor, Bawdie-Asankragwa, Bogoso-Prestea, Gwira-Samenyi-Half-Assini, Shama Junction-Shama to Aboadze, Asankragwa to Sefwi-Bekwai and Asankragwa to Sameraboi as well as Watrem to
Adjakamanso,’ he indicated.

Touching on health, he mentioned that pursuant to the Zero Malaria agenda, the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service had unveiled the National Malaria Elimination Plan (NMESP) 2024-2028 with the aim of completely eradicating malaria in Ghana.

On agriculture, he said, the Regional Department of Agriculture was currently implementing the E-Extension, Rearing for Food and Jobs, and the Planting for Food and Jobs Phase Two as part of efforts to improve food security in the country, while creating jobs in the agricultural value chain.

The region would continue to work hard to safeguard agriculture production through the government’s flagship programmes, the Regional Minister said.

On issues of security, Mr Darko-Mensah noted that the region was peaceful and commended the security services for their alertness and professionalism in ensuring the relative serenity the region was enjoying.

He also applauded the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) and other
partners for supporting the government to implement sustainable policies meant to bring development in the region.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Association of Women in the Media (ASWIM) has endorsed the candidature of Madam Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey for the Secretary-General position of the Commonwealth of Nations.

It also congratulated Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang for her re-nomination as Running Mate for the Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress, John Dramani Mahama.

Ms Botchwey, who is Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, was earlier this year, nominated by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as the country’s candidate for the position.

This follows end of the current Secretary-General, Baroness Patricia Scotland’s, a dual Dominican-British citizen, tenure later this year.

ASWIM, in a statement signed and issued by Mrs Mavis Kitcher, President, on Friday to commemorate the 2024 International Women’s Day, the Association had firm confidence in her ability to make Ghana proud when elected to the high international office.

‘ASWIM wishes her success in this noble endeavour,’ she said.

She, however,
expressed concern about the continuous low women representation at the highest decision-making levels of the country.

‘It is unfortunate that in the current 275-member Parliament, where important decisions and laws are made to advance our nation’s progress, we are represented by only 40 women.

‘The story is similar regarding the leadership representation at the executive, local government, public boards and other relevant levels of decision-making,’ she said.

According to the United Nations Women, the world is facing many crises – ranging from geopolitical conflicts to soaring poverty levels and the escalating impacts of climate change.

These challenges, it points out, can only be addressed by solutions that empower women.

Should the trend continue, it warns that 320 million women and girls could be living in extreme poverty by 2030.

It also notes that an additional $360 billion is needed per year to achieve gender equality.

However, closing gender gaps in employment could boost GDP per capita by 20 pe
r cent.

‘By investing in women, we can spark change and speed the transition towards a healthier, safer, and more equal world for all,’ the world body underlines.

Mrs Kitcher said it was, therefore, imperative that Ghana accelerated actions that would effectively remove the barriers and stereotypes that continued to prevent women from reaching the important decision-making levels in our country.

She warned that, if this was not urgently done, Ghana would continue to lose the unique perspectives, experiences, innovation, and contributions that women could share and implement for maximising the attainment of our sustainable development goals.

‘The ASWIM believes that the 2024 General Election presents us with another good opportunity to elect more competent women to the largest decision-making body of our nation, the Legislature,’ she said.

She added that: ‘The Association is, therefore, encouraging media organisations and women’s groups to identify and adopt competent and patriotic female Parliamentary Ca
ndidates across political parties and support their campaigns to success.’

Mrs Kitcher also reiterated calls for the passage of the Affirmative Action Bill by Parliament, indicating that, such an action ‘will no doubt, propel the attainment of gender equality to make our society more inclusive and our development successes truly sustainable.’

International Women’s Day (IWD) is a global celebration of the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women.

The day has been observed for over a century, with the first IWD gathering in 1911.

The day serves as a powerful reminder of the progress made towards gender equality and highlights the work that still needs to be done.

The United Nations’ (UN) theme for this year’s celebration is: ‘Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress.’

Source: Ghana News Agency

Mrs Dorothy Opoku, General Manager of Agricultural Manufacturing Group Limited (AMG Fertilizers), a local manufacturer and distributor of fertilizers, has pledged commitment to support women and promote agribusiness enterprises.

She acknowledged the pivotal role of women in agriculture and stressed her Organisation’s dedication to driving agricultural innovation and excellence.

Mrs Opoku saod this at the 6th Gathering of the Royals organised by the Agrihouse Foundation on Thursday, February 29, 2024, under the theme ‘Seeds of Change: Cultivating Gender Equality in Agriculture and Honouring Women’s Advancement.’

The gathering hosted political leaders, civil society leaders, queen mothers, women farmers and agri-processors, among others.

She said AMG believed in harnessing the full potential of every individual, particularly women, and recognised their significant impact on the future of farming.

‘By empowering communities and championing gender equality initiatives, we aim to foster inclusive growth and
sustainable development in the agricultural landscape,’ she added.

Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation, expressed appreciation to her sponsors and supporters for helping to put up the gathering.

‘I am honoured to extend my sincerest appreciation to our esteemed sponsors for their invaluable support and unwavering commitment to our cause.’

‘Through their generous contributions, we have witnessed remarkable strides in empowering women in agribusiness and fostering gender equality within the agricultural sector,’ she said.

The Queen Mothers at the gathering said they faced limited access to land, lack of financial support, difficulties in accessing market linkages, absence of modern mechanised equipment for farming, bad road networks, lack of extension services, and absence of pension schemes for farmers.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Every year, Ghana celebrates the month of March as Heritage Month.

The initiative is to promote Ghanaian culture, and commemorated in the same month the country gained its independence from the British in 1957.

This article looks at one historical antecedent -The battle of Nsamanko- during the independence struggle.

The ‘Battle of Nsamanko’ was between the Ashantis and the British with its allies mainly the Fantes in 1824.

The facts

According to Mr Kweku Darko Ankrah, a Historian and Genealogist at the Institute of African Studies, University of Ghana, the Battle of Nsamankow was one of the battles the Ashantis fought against the Fantes.

The battle arose from the quest of the Ashantis to have direct trade with the Europeans, particularly the British at the coast.

The Fantes were seen as an impediment in the trade and so the Ashantis wanted to eliminate them.

‘The war actually was between the Ashantis and the Fantes. When the Ashantis were coming to fight in the coast, their intention was not to fight
with the British. They were coming to fight the Fantes who were rebelling.

‘The Governor, Sir Charles McCarthy, decided to give support to the Fantes and led them because the Fantes lacked the ammunition,’ Mr Ankrah says.

The Ashantis, however, defeated the British soldiers and the allied forces.

Governor McCarthy was killed and beheaded by the Ashantis, who took the head back to their territory as a trophy of war.

Many Ghanaians erroneously believe that the battle was fought in a town called Nsamankow.

Mr Ankrah explains that there is no town with that name.

He says the name came about due to circumstances surrounding the war.

The Historian explains that when the Ashantis were shooting from a thick bush and the Southerners could not see who they were fighting with, they said ‘we are fighting with ghosts’.

The Southerners thus claimed they were fighting a ghost war, which translates in Akan as ‘Nsamanko’.

Impact on political landscape

Mr Ankrah notes that the Nsamanko war gave the Ashantis free acce
ss to the coast because they had defeated the Fantes.

Before the Battle, there used to be a barricade immediately after Assin and the Ashantis had to pay road tolls to the Fantes on the way and also pay tributes to the Fante chiefs in the local communities.

‘All these stopped. Everything went back to the Asantehene. He was getting access to the collection of all these tributes,’ he says.

Mr Ankrah adds that after the war, the Asantehene made some Fante chiefs very powerful, citing the Asikuma and Ajumako chiefs who were being paid tributes and as a result had become so powerful that their neighbouring Fante States were scared of them.

The Battle of Nsamanko also changed the nature of the trading system along the coast, as the Ashantis now had direct access to the British trade.

‘After the war, we saw the Southern States coming together with the support of the British to go and fight the Battle of Katamanso in 1826.

‘This created an alliance among other coastal communities against the Asante Kingdom,’ he
says.

Lessons from the Battle

Mr Ankrah notes that the Battle of Nsamanko shows the resilience of Ghanaians and their ability to come together irrespective of their past.

‘In some countries, some of these wars could not be celebrated because it opens the wounds of the past leading to ethnic differences and anger.

‘For us we are able to move beyond that and know that these are things of the past. We are now friends and we will continue to live together for a very long time,’ he says.

Mr Ankrah says the Battle also shows that the African is capable of standing against both internal and external forces for a common good.

Source: Ghana News Agency