Our infrastructure projects provide value for money – Bawumia

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Our infrastructure projects provide value for money – Bawumia

The Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia says the Akufo-Addo government, has, apart from its pursuit of an inclusive infrastructure development for all, has also focused on delivering the best value for money for all of its projects.

During his presentation of the Akufo-Addo government’s infrastructure record on Tuesday, Dr. Bawumia revealed staggering disparities in the value of similar projects undertaken by the erstwhile John Mahama government and current projects by the Akufo-Addo government.

In Dr. Bawumia’s comparative value for money analysis, the cost of projects undertaken by the Mahama government appear to be quiet outrageous.

For instance, the Vice President said while the NPP government is constructing four major interchanges; Tema, Pokuase, Tamale and Obetsebi Lamptey interchanges at a cost of $289m, the Mahama administration built the Kwame Nkrumah interchange alone at a cost of a staggering $260m.

For the Pokuase interchange, which is 75% complete, Dr. Bawumia explained that the loan agreement for the project was signed in November 2016 for a three-tier interchange, but the Akufo-Addo government renegotiated for a four-tier interchange without any increase in cost.

Another major interchange, which is part of the interchanges the NPP government is building in its first term, is the Tamale interchange.

The Tamale interchange, the first ever interchange in the Northern Sector of the country, is 44% complete and is expected to be completed by the middle of 2021.

Last week, Vice President Bawumia cut the sod for the construction of another three-tier interchange at Nungua barrier as part of the construction of the Accra-Tema beach road.

The Vice President has also announced that next month, a sod will be cut for the construction of an interchange at PTC in Takoradi.

Apart from the value for money comparison in the road sector, analysts have also raised eyebrows on disparities in the cost of hospitals the current government is building and those built under Mahama.

While the Akufo-Addo government recently cut sod for a 600-bed Eastern Regional hospital at a cost of €70m Euro, the Mahama government rehabilitated the Ridge at a cost of $220m.

During his presentation of the Akufo-Addo government’s infrastructure record on Tuesday, Dr. Bawumia revealed staggering disparities in the value of similar projects undertaken by the erstwhile John Mahama government and current projects by the Akufo-Addo government.

In Dr. Bawumia’s comparative value for money analysis, the cost of projects undertaken by the Mahama government appear to be quiet outrageous.

For instance, the Vice President said while the NPP government is constructing four major interchanges; Tema, Pokuase, Tamale and Obetsebi Lamptey interchanges at a cost of $289m, the Mahama administration built the Kwame Nkrumah interchange alone at a cost of a staggering $260m.

For the Pokuase interchange, which is 75% complete, Dr. Bawumia explained that the loan agreement for the project was signed in November 2016 for a three-tier interchange, but the Akufo-Addo government renegotiated for a four-tier interchange without any increase in cost.

Another major interchange, which is part of the interchanges the NPP government is building in its first term, is the Tamale interchange.

The Tamale interchange, the first ever interchange in the Northern Sector of the country, is 44% complete and is expected to be completed by the middle of 2021.

Last week, Vice President Bawumia cut the sod for the construction of another three-tier interchange at Nungua barrier as part of the construction of the Accra-Tema beach road.

The Vice President has also announced that next month, a sod will be cut for the construction of an interchange at PTC in Takoradi.

Apart from the value for money comparison in the road sector, analysts have also raised eyebrows on disparities in the cost of hospitals the current government is building and those built under Mahama.

While the Akufo-Addo government recently cut sod for a 600-bed Eastern Regional hospital at a cost of €70m Euro, the Mahama government rehabilitated the Ridge at a cost of $220m.

Joseph Osei-Owusu supports hairdressers, dressmakers in Bekwai again

Daniel Opare
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The Member of Parliament (MP) for Bekwai Hon. Joseph Osei-Owusu, has in what has become a biannual ritual presented assorted set of items to Hairdressing and Dressmaking artisans in the Bekwai Constituency.     

For the Hairdressers, the set of items, estimated at about GHC 24,000 each includes 20-Wall-Mounted Dryers and Standing Dryers, Steamers, Tonging sets, Hand Dryers, Hair Straighteners, Sterilisers and Integrated Ceramic Sinks with Chairs.  

Valued at a similar cost, Dressmakers in Bekwai also received 20- Industrial Sewing Machines, Steam Irons, Knitting Machines, Button Making Machines, Over-Locking Machines as well as Cutting Machines.   

This year’s presentations received an additional boost from COTVET with 15 sets of Industrial machines for 15 groups of Shop and Salon Masters.        

Structured under the visionary, “MPs Artisan Support Program”, the equipment presented will ensure that members of the Hairdressers and Dressmakers Association in Bekwai who are apprentices will have the needed tools to learn the required primary and contemporary skills in their chosen fields of trade. 

According to the Hon. Osei-Owusu, Masters, Mentors and Trainers who were presented with the equipment can now benefit from the use of the equipment in service of training these apprentices on every aspect of their dressmaking and hairdressing craft. 

Additionally, it will also provide the needed start-up for all who have completed and acquired training in hairdressing and dressmaking in the constituency to start their trade without the prevalent hindrances of lack of start-up items. 

Director of COTVET, Dr. Fred Kyei Asamoah, indicated that Bekwai is part of the few selected districts to benefit massively from this because Hon. Joe Osei-Owusu had already led the way through the provision of annual support for constituents of Bekwai. 

Key to ensuring sustainability and maximum utilization of the equipment, Hon. Osei-Owusu is in addition ensuring that the regular fees and bills and auxiliary expenses of beneficiary apprentices will be paid in full by him and stated that a second tranche of items will be donated in September. 

On their part, the beneficiaries commended Hon, Joe Osei Owusu for what they described as “consistent support” from him. 

They claimed that interactions they have had with others members of their association in other regions and districts have shown that no other place had benefitted as much as they have received from Hon. Joe Osei-Owusu in Bekwai over the years and assured him of their continued and overwhelming support.

CIPA announces Independent Presidential Candidate

Daniel Opare
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The Coalition of Independent Political Aspirants (CIPA) has announced Kofi Koranteng, an investment banker, mechanical engineer and entrepreneur, as the leader of the Independent Presidential Aspirants (IPAs)

The IPAs included Messrs Marricke Kofi Gane, Carl Ebo Morgan, Samuel Ofori    Ampofo and Onipayede Ossom Teye.

The vision and mission of CIPA has been to create a global platform that supports a younger generation of political aspirants who do not subscribe to the current corruption mindset and club mentality of winner-takes-all politics.

“Our global base of independently minded supporters wish to break the monopoly of powers wielded by the NPP/NDC who cannot even declare their source of wealth as they illegally dish out monies and gifts to buy party delegates, and have corrupted our electoral system, broke down most government service functions, and made politics into a den of self-serving bureaucrats”, according to a press release issued by the Chairman/ CIPA Steering Committee, Dr.Kwaku A. Danso.

CIPA is extremely proud of being the first organisation to effectively pull together a collection of independent presidential aspirants to work together as one team, and CIPA wholeheartedly endorses the leadership of Mr Kofi Koranteng as primus inter pares, the first among equals.

The character and integrity of all aspirants is very critical to this selection process and it is our mission to usher in an era where government will act as a facilitator to attract investment capital as well as Ghanaian Diaspora global talent to rebuild Ghana as the black star of Africa and source of black pride in the world!

It is imperative that CIPA makes a statement to counter some of the narrative put out by Mr Marricke Kofi Gane, a former member of the coalition.

Kofi Koranteng

As far back as April 2020, it was clear to CIPA that both Mr Kofi Koranteng and Mr Marricke Kofi Gane were the two strongest candidates among the IPA’s, but with CoVID 19 raging and with Mr Koranteng “stuck” in the USA, CIPA suggested that Mr Gane lead the coalition.

This decision was based on social media presence, physical presence in Ghana, and with the agreement of the other IPA’s.

The only proviso was that Mr Marricke Kofi Gane appoint Mr Kofi Koranteng as his running mate.

Mr Gane asked for some time to consider the proposal, especially as he already had a potential running mate in mind.

To ease Mr Gane’s dilemma, Mr Koranteng spoke directly with him and made it clear that he would be willing to step aside and allow Mr Gane to choose his own running mate.

Mr Gane expressed gratitude to him for this gesture. To all intents and purposes Mr Gane was now the de facto leader of the coalition.

For the next six weeks, there was no attempt by Mr Marricke Kofi Gane to work with, or attempt to consolidate the coalition.

He missed completely, or was late to or left early on ELEVEN (11) occasions out of the TWENTY ONE (21) meetings held, and he basically failed to show any sense of the leadership commitment needed.

CIPA then withdrew the proposal, but continued to work with the 5 candidates including Mr Marricke Kofi Gane in the process of selecting a leader of the IPA’s.

Before the IMANI/JOY News Debate, the IPAs and CIPA had agreed to some criteria that would help choose a leader.

Inter alia, performance at the debate as measured by two specific polls (Joy News Facebook and Joy News Twitter) would be counted as part of the selection criteria.  Based on these criteria Mr Kofi Koranteng was selected.

CIPA has worked extremely hard over the past 21 weeks with committee members from Australia, Ghana, UK and USA attempting to keep a united front with the IPAs, but if one wishes to go his own way there is nothing more that CIPA can do.

This part of CIPA’s work is now done.  Going forward the IPAs under the Chairmanship of Mr Ofori Ampofo will be making its own statements and will launch in due course.

Call for support

CIPA therefore invites all Ghanaians both home and abroad to donate from their hearts and help it retire the NPP and NDC and attract the youth of Ghana to believe again in ourselves as black people in a second wave of Ghana’s Independence.

“The Youth of Ghana should never be deceived again with slogans. With the cooperation of all Ghanaians and our African Diaspora, we can put Ghana back on the right track; stop the massive borrowing that has reached GHC 258 Billion; stop the reckless spending habits; punish corruption; and manage our economy.

We can demonstrate the needed skills to create a modern society; design a more equitable taxation policy; create an open atmosphere for entrepreneurial capital formation, and create jobs for the millions that are not even counted and seem forgotten by the NPP and NDC”.

Ghana | Atinkaonline.com | Madugu Ebenezer

2020 : NPP inaugurates Savannah Regional Campaign Team

Daniel Opare
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The ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Savannah Region has launched it’s Campaign Team ahead of the 7th December elections.

The event was held Monday in Damango, the regional capital of the Savannah region.

The Minister for Zongo Development, Dr Mustapha Abdul Hamid after inaugurating the committee on behalf of the National executives, encouraged the rank and file of the party to ensure President  Akufo Addo retains power in the general elections.

He said, the Akufo Addo government deserves four more years to continue with its development projects and flagship programmes

He further tasked members of the party in the region to carry out issue based campaign, devoid of insults as the election day draws closer.

The campaign team was inaugurated by the Minister, and Madam Rita Asobayiri, executive member of the national officer’s.

In attendance were the Regional and Constituency executives of the party, Deputy Regional Minister of the Region, Hon Samuel Tika Yeyu, Muhazu Saeed, and representatives of some MDCEs in the region.

Some party members in Damongo also graced the occasion.

Check out the full list of the campaign team below.

1. Chairman of the Campaign Team

Alhaji Sulemana Iddrisu Kalamonia

2. Members of the Campaign Team

Dr. Musah Amadu Abudu

Hajia Zulfawu Amadu

Haruna Iddrisu

Mahama M. Akotia

Mohammed Tohir

Hajia Mohammed Safia

Losina Barkisu

Alhaji Nasiru

Abonjua Felix

Sulemana Aminu

Madam Rita Asibi

Gbolo Toma

Kofi Yaka

Mohammed Issah

Hon. Salifu Adam Braimah

Hon. Samuel Tika Yeyu

4. A Rep of the MDCEs in the Region.

Hon. Saeed Muhazu

5. Coordinator for the under listed special groups.

Hon Akati Rafael Mahama

6. Cordinator In charge of  Media.

Iddi Zakaria

7. Head of the Regional Legal Committee.

Lawyer Abass Kalimba Amankwa

8. I.T. Coordinator.

Seidu Ayatollah

9. Coordinator for Security and Intelligence.

W.O Kwame Abudu

10.  V-20 Coordinator

Fredrick Tahiru

11. Resourceful and Influential Persons.

Dr. Clifford Braimah

Dr. Sulemana Achanso

Madam Lawratu Saaka Musah

Madam Abiba Aposori

Alhassan Eliasu

Ghana | Atinkaonline.com | Ibrahim Nurudeen

"Picketing School of Hygiene students were not attacked" – ACP Kwesi Ofori

Daniel Opare
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The Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations at the Greater Accra Regional Police Command, Kwesi Ofori, has denied inciting his officers against picketing students of the Ghana School of Hygiene.

The Students of the Ghana School of Hygiene on Monday, August 17, 2020 stormed the Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources to demand their three-year outstanding allowance after embarking on a similar exercise about two weeks ago.

According to the students, their allowances have been completely scrapped without reason despite the government restoring allowances for other nursing students.

The picketing, however, turned violent after the students were allegedly attacked by the police.

The students accused the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of operations at the Greater Accra Regional Police Command, Kwesi Ofori, for inciting the attack.

Freeheart Owusu Ampomah, SRC President, for the Korle-Bu School of Hygiene said ACP Kwesi Ofori instructed his men to attack the students.

Reacting to the allegations on Atinka FM’s AM Drive, ACP Kwesi Ofori said, although the students were sacked from the premises, the students were not attacked and beaten as they are alleging.

According to the The Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of operations at the Greater Accra Regional Police Command, Kwesi Ofori, the students refused to leave the premises of the Ministry of sanitation where they were being a nuisance to the environment.

“ No one attacked them, the police were not even armed. In the interest of public security, in the interest of public decency and in line with covid-19 executive interest, we only sacked them from the premises. We have video clips to that effect and I can confidently say that no one was attacked. There are witnesses to that effect”, he said.

Ghana | Atinkaonline.com | Vivian Adu Boatemaa  

80 different road projects currently ongoing in Western Region – Amoako Atta

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The Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwasi Amoako Atta has indicated that there are 80 different road projects currently ongoing to improve road network in the region.

In addition, the Minister said another 25 new road projects are at the stages of procurement to be awarded to the existing works making 205.

Mr. Kwasi Amoako Atta made the announcement in Takoradi on Tuesday.

The minister’s address was part of activities marking the president visit to the region.

He said currently, the Western Region has a total of 5, 289.7 kilometre road networks and this comprises road being supervised by Ghana Highways Authority, Department of Feeder Roads and Department of Urban Roads.

According to the Minister, out of the total number of road network in the Western Region, about 24 per cent representing 1,280 of the road construction works ongoing in the western region has been paid.

31 per cent of the road projects in the region are considered to be good amounting to 1,641 kilometres whilst 1,623 kilometre roads are rated fair. And 2,000 of the remaining roads are considered to be poor.

Mr. Amoako Atta further indicated that there are currently 80 different road projects being undertaken by the government to improve the road network the region.

Source: Ghana | Atinkaonline.com | Matthew Dadzie

Di Asa: Bolgatanga audition comes off today

Daniel Opare
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The audition of Atinka TV’s flagship reality show, Savana Paint Di Asa season four will be held today, August 18th 2020, at the Catholic Social Centre, Bolgatanga in the Upper East Region.

So far, two auditions have been held in the Eastern Region, ie Akim Oda and Koforidua.

In all, four plus size women have been selected to participate in the main competition after all auditions are done.

This year’s theme is, “Staying Safe Through Entertainment”.

All Plus size women who wish to participate in the award winning reality show are encouraged to follow the Di Asa season four train or contact 0244754131 for more details.

The show will however, be live on Atinka TV and live on Atinka TV Ghana Facebook at 8.30 p.m. right after Chandra Nandini, Atinka TV’s new telenovela.

Ghana| Atinkaonline.com| Porcia Oforiwaa Ofori

Journalists directed to send details to GJA for special voting

Daniel Opare
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The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has urged all media personnel who wish to take part in the special voting exercise for the upcoming elections to send their details to the association.

The Association has directed all journalists to present their details to the Ghana International Press Centre by the 10th of October, 2020.

“The Ghana Journalists Association ( GJA) requests all journalists whose duties may not allow them to vote on Election Day at the polling stations they registered but wish to take advantage of the Special or Early Voting to send the following details to the Ghana International Press Centre by the 10th of October, 2020,” GJA said in a statement signed by the President, Rolland Affail Monney.

The details, GJA noted includes name, voter ID, number code on ID card and Polling Station.

Gja stated that,”Regulation 23, sub-regulation 2(a) of C. I. 94 states that the application for Special Voting shall be made no later than 42 days before polling day in the constituency of the applicant.”

It added that,”Journalists who want to benefit from this provision should, therefore, send their particulars to the GJA before the October 10 deadline to enable the EC to process their applications for Special Voting.”

Ghana| Atinkaonline.com| Porcia Oforiwaa Ofori

Ignore planted 'skirt and blouse' posters – Dr. Ibrahim Anyars

Daniel Opare
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The NPP Parliamentary Candidate for Tamale Central, Dr. Ibrahim Anyars has distanced himself from some political skirt and blouse posters planted by some unidentified groups which suggest campaign for John Mahama in one breadth and for himself on another.

According to Dr. Anyars, these photos are fake and should be treated with all the contempt they deserve.

On the background, Dr. Anyars noted that these posters are rather from the 2016 campaign when the NDC kicked against the Candidature of Murtala Mohammed and called for the retention of President Mahama but a change in the parliamentary.

“My 2020 posters are out and they are definitely not the same and to make matters clear, the John Mahama 2020 campaign posters are not using the same photos. I want to place it on record that a similar banner with Murtala and President Akufo-Addo has emerged indicating yet another skirt and blouse and these are the works of some faceless groups setting the stage for some agenda,” Dr. Anyars cleared.

Dr. Anyars Ibrahim who leads the Nation Builders Corps Programme (NABCO) further stated:

“With the rare privilege of serving as the CEO of one of the biggest social interventions and investment in the youth of Ghana, the track record of the Visionary President that President Akufo-Addo represents is unparalleled. What is the record of the former President to court the affection or sympathy of any youth?” He quizzed

He also assured NPP party members and loyalists of his unflinching support for Nana Akufo-Addo and the NPP.

“I remain committed to the NPP and Nana Akufo-Addo’s course for victory and I would like to use this opportunity to reassure party members that these are fake images and they should be ignored.”

Ghana| Atinkaonline.com

COVID-19: Public share views on adhering to safety protocols

Daniel Opare
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Ghana’s Covid-19 cases has reached 42,653, after recording 121 new cases, the Ghana Health Service has confirmed.

Out of the number, 40,567 have recovered whiles the number of deaths remain at 239.

During his 15th update on measures taken so far on the fight against coronavirus, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo revealed that Ghana’s active cases has reduced drastically to 1,847. 

He noted that a survey revealed that about 82 percent of Ghanaians were seen in masks.

However, he said out of the 82, only 44.3 percent were wearing it well.

Today, the news team went to town to see if people were still adhering to safety protocols or had forgotten about it.

Surprisingly, whiles some had their masks on, others kept theirs in their pockets whiles most of them did not wear it at all.

Below is a video:

Ghana| Atinkaonline.com| Porcia Oforiwaa Ofori

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