Hundreds of people from the Akyem Tafo and its surrounding communities in the Eastern Region are targeted to benefit from the free medical outreach programme to be organised by the Mamfe Foundation, a non-governmental organisation (NGO).

The medical experts including doctors, nurses, laboratory scientists, CNA, therapists, medical assistance and other health workers, will be drawn from the USA and Ghana by the Mamfe Foundation to treat all forms of illness including breast cancer, oral health, blood pressure, malaria, diabetes, eye problems, among others.

The Mamfe Foundation’s programme dubbed: “Ghana Medical Mission,” is scheduled to take off from January 17 to 28, 2019 at exactly 9:00 am.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Today, the facilitator of the programme, Mr. Christ Kwadwo Hlorlewu, stated that the programme was part of the foundation’s medical outreach programme which is aimed at giving back to society.

He pointed out that the Head of the Foundation, Mr. Michael Banning Mamfe, a Ghanaian based in USA, was tracing his roots and bringing back to society, hence his decision to organise such health-screening programme at Akyem Tafo which is his hometown.

Mr. Hlorlewu called on medical experts as well as corporate organisations to initiate programmes that would provide subsidised healthcare services for rural dwellers in the face of daunting financial and economic challenges in the country.

According to him, such medical initiatives from the Foundation for people of Akyem Tafo and the surrounding communities would help reduce deaths among rural inhabitants.

Some of the sicknesses killing people, he noted, could be treated if there was medical attention, especially for the poor, who mainly live in the rural areas of the country.

According to the facilitator, the number of people who were calling to participate to get treatment for various ailments was a testimony to the fact that more people were in need of help.

He said: “It is just getting bigger by the year. The last time I checked, we have received telephone calls from over 2,000 people from all areas in Akyem who said that they are even ready to be treated of various ailments.”

He was of the view that “This programme will surely bring health benefits to thousands of people around Akyem Tafo and its satellite communities.”

Story: Freeman KORYEKPOR AWLESU

Writer’s email: Freeman.koryekpor@todaygh.com

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has spoken for the first time on the banking scandal, refuting claims that there is a government-led effort to collapse indigenous banks.

“We cannot have a situation where the dominant banks in our country are all foreign banks. It is very dangerous for our future if we allow that to happen. But if our own indigenous banks are performing poorly, at the end of the day, we do not take care, one by one, they will all go under.

“We are trying to make sure that the banking sector of our country has strong indigenous banks which can compete successfully with these foreign-owned banks. It is not a process to eliminate indigenous banks. It will not make sense to do that at all…I am a politician, I want the votes, but I think that I’m required first of all to do what I consider right for our people than worry myself about the impact of it on my political support,” the President said.

President Akufo-Addo made the comments when he addressed the Ghanaian community in Rwanda’s capital, Kigali last Thursday.

There have been allegations that the collapse of some seven banks between last year and this year is part of a deliberate effort to boot out local banks and make way for vested interests of some persons in government.

Opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) Legislator for Bolgatanga Central, Isaac Adongo, for instance, had accused Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta of working together with the Bank of Ghana (BoG)  and the Security and Exchange Commission to collapse banks that were  competing with Databank in the financial sector.

Defending the decision by the Bank of Ghana to consolidate five of the banks into Consolidated Bank of Ghana (CBG), and authorising the GCB to take over two other banks, Mr Akufo-Addo said if such actions and other measures put in place by the central bank were not taken, other indigenous banks would also collapse.

The banking sector is reeling under a major challenge following the collapse of the seven banks.

UT Band and Capital Bank were taken over by the state-owned GCB Bank last year over liquidity challenges and breaches of banking regulations.

This year, Beige Bank, Sovereign Bank, Construction Bank, uniBank, and Royal Bank were merged into the state-owned Consolidated Bank of Ghana.

The five banks, according to the central, had become highly insolvent.

Story: Gottlieb BAAKO

Writer’s email: gottlieb.baako@todaygh.com

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has been awarded by the Africa Leadership University with the Nelson Mandela Africa Leadership University award, for the implementation of the ‘Free Senior High School (SHS) policy.

The founder of the University, Fred Swanika, identified four reasons for which the academic institution decided to award the President.

Speaking at the award dinner to present the citation, he stated that, “education is the most powerful weapon that can be used to change the world.”

President Akufo-Addo he said was an embodiment of the statement above by virtue of his policy of free SHS which is currently underway in Ghana.

The second reason for the award, he said, was because of the President’s belief in the youth of Ghana and those of the African continent as a whole.

The third rationale behind the award was the persistence of the President in that he did not give up after running for office twice and losing on both attempts.

Rather he said, he (Akufo-Addo) still took the step and gave it a third try that eventually succeeded. The last reason behind the award, according to Swanika, was the President’s belief in African self-reliance.

Graca Machel, wife of the late South African president, Nelson Mandela, read the citation.

The citation stated as follows; “In recognition of his extraordinary commitment to education by implementing free universal education in Ghana, African Leadership University recognise the President of the Republic of Ghana, His Excellency, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo, for his exemplary leadership.”

In his response, Mr. Akufo-Addo said he was delighted to receive the Nelson Mandela African Leadership University award.

He reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that the education of the children of Ghana and Africa’s self-reliance remains at the forefront of his vision as President.

Mr. Akufo-Addo noted that Nelson Mandela was a leader who before he became the icon that “we all recognize”, said certain things about the world, and when he had the opportunity of leadership, his deeds matched hundred percent all his thoughts he expressed before he became a leader.

The President said he was looking forward to following after the Mandela example as he leads Ghana, “So that one day Ghanaians may be able to say in a small little drop that I was that kind of a leader, someone who matched his words to his deeds.”

African Leadership University (ALU) is pioneering a fresh approach to higher education in the 21st century; offering accredited undergraduate, postgraduate and executive education programmes in a unique and imaginative way.

By integrating students’ learning with the real world, empowering students to take ownership of their own learning, equipping each student to think entrepreneurially, and employing the most engaging and inspiring teaching methods, ALU is pioneering a new take on higher education and leadership development.

ALU develops skills in its graduates to ensure they will remain relevant even as the world changes.

It also develops its students intellectually, provides them with work experience, and develops their “whole” being.

ALU is opening campuses around Africa that will ultimately train 3 million entrepreneurial, ethical leaders for Africa and the world by 2060. Although based in Africa, ALU welcomes students from all around the world to its campuses.

One campus is currently open on the Indian Ocean island of Mauritius (known as the African Leadership College) and a second one is in Rwanda.

ALU was founded in 2013 by renowned Ghanaian educationalist Fred Swaniker. Mrs. Graça Machel, serves as Chancellor of the University.

Story: News DESK

The Public Procurement Authority (PPA) has hauled some eight government agencies to the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) and the Attorney General for possible prosecution after they allegedly flouted the procurement laws.

The eight include National Petroleum Authority, Ghana Airport Company Limited, Ghana Water Company Limited and National Lotteries Authority.

The rest are BOST, National Communications Authority, Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development and the Electoral Commission.

A ninth agency, the Electricity Company of Ghana, is also under investigation.

The Chief Executive Officer of the PPA, Agyenim Boateng Adjei, said the report on the eight had been lodged with the two bodies for further investigations and possible prosecution.

A few months ago, the State launched investigations into how millions were lost through procurement made by institutions involved.

The Head of Corporate Affairs and Administration at the PPA, Mrs. Rhoda Awurabena Appiah had earlier indicated that personnel of some of the institutions in some instances tried skewing contracts through various dubious means during the bidding process.

EOCO is also investigating a number of corruption cases against former officials of the John Mahama government including the former CEO of COCOBOD.

It is investigating reports of alleged rot at the public pension fund, Social Security and Insurance Trust (SSNIT).

Story: Franklin ASARE-DONKOH

Writer’s email: franklin.asare-donkor@todaygh.com

Experts want the government to come out with a clear policy detailing the strategy guide to its dealings with China.

Making various submissions Saturday on Newsfile on Joy News TV/Joy FM regarding Ghana’s recent relations with China, the experts wanted the country to tread cautiously in order not to hurt its relations with the West.

Ghana, as many African countries, has for decades depended largely on Europe and America for economic partnership agreements.

The pendulum, however, appears to have swung towards the East and China in particular, which is currently said to be the largest manufacturing economy and exporter of goods.

The Chinese economy is also the world’s second largest by nominal GDP and the world’s largest economy by purchasing power parity.

On a recent visit to China, Ghanaian President, Nana Akufo-Addo and his host, Xi Jinping, signed eight (8) Co-operation Agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), in different sectors of their respective economies. The agreements also aimed at deepening the ties of co-operation and the bonds of friendship that exist between the two countries.

But commenting on the recent partnership agreements between the two countries, immediate past Head of the University of Ghana Business School, Prof. Godfred Bokpin cautioned the government against falling hook, line, and sinker to China’s trade agreements.

“We can’t trust them [China] at certain points,” Prof. Bokpin advised.

China, he said, was using its financial resources to win the love of the rest of the world especially Africa because the latter is abound with natural resources needed by the Asian country to fuel its development agenda.

He therefore, wanted Ghana to adopt the principle of comparative advantage to capitalise on its dealings with China.

Labour expert, John Esiape, also said Ghana should be mindful of apparent trade wars between nations considered as economic powerhouses so that it does not find itself being hit with adverse decisions due to its affiliations with countries considered foes.

“When you look at the international scene now, there’s a full fledge or almost a trade war…so as our leaders are getting involved in the deal we should be mindful of our relationship with the rest of the world,” Mr. Esiape warned.

The Council Member of Labour Policy International further wanted a strong local content policy on the side of the Ghanaian government so that its teeming unemployed youth can have access to jobs when the agreements are executed.

“We should be mindful of the unemployment situation in this country and the local content [policy] should be key. How we create jobs for the youth of this country is very important,” Esiape advocated.

Joining the discussion via telephone, renowned International Relations expert, Dr. Vladimir Antwi Danso urged government to focus more attention on enticing the Chinese to set up manufacturing plants in Ghana rather than the exporting finished goods into Ghana.

Dr. Antwi Danso, who is also the Dean of the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College, noted that China was reaching out to world on all fronts and said, Ghana’s interest would be served better when it puts its investment opportunities into proper use.

“We need sustainability of the projects we are going to have with China, and that is the only way we will benefit from the Chinese,” he argued, stating that the “cautious commentary” must be the antenna for Ghana’s relationship with China.

Story: Edward BLAGOGEE

Writer’s email: edwardblagogee@gmail.com

Ghana Education Service (GES) has said it will organise extra classes to augment the regular double track system so that students on vacation can be engaged while they wait their turn to go to school.

Deputy Public Relations Officer of GES, Isaac Asiedu Odei disclosed to TV3 that the extra classes will be held in church halls, community centers and private schools across the country for students on vacation.

He explained that some church halls and community centres were already being used for extra classes as such the ministry will take advantage of the situation.

“You know we have a lot of church halls or community centres…it’s a temporary kind of structure and you know people are organising classes in some of these structures already and we can even take advantage of some private schools, when they close we can also go in there,” he explained.

Mr. Odei also disclosed that government was going to place about four teachers in “every district or circuit” to do the classes.

He noted all stakeholders had been duly consulted and were in the know of what is going to happen.

The government announced that its Free Senior High School policy would run on a double-track system from September 11 this year to create room for more students to be admitted, using the available educational facilities.

The policy, which takes effect with a first batch labeled ‘Track Green’, is expected to convert the senior high school calendar into a semester system.

With the new system, the first year students will be split into two groups: Green Track and Gold Track, and attend the first phase of the first semesters in 41 alternating days.

This means that while the Green Track is in school for 41 days, the Gold Track will stay at home.

President Akufo-Addo had said that the double track system is not an invention but an adoption, which has worked in other countries including the United States.

But many including some educationists and key members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) had raised concerns about the new system, which they said, will bring the country back to a shift system.

Story: Kofi OWUSU TAWIAH

Writer’s email: kofi.tawiah@todaygh.com

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has hinted of the setting up of a GHc500 million fund to support farmers through loans at reasonable rates to sustain their farming activities.

The fund is to be set up by the Bank of Ghana.

This will be part of policies the President said his government had properly aligned to ensure success in the agricultural sector.

He was speaking at a panel discussion on African Green Revolution Forum in Kigali, Rwanda.

President Akufo-Addo was particularly worried about the lack of attention given to agriculture across the continent.

“We are devising financial instruments that will enable farmers to have access to credit. The Bank of Ghana is establishing a fund, some GHc500 million, which is roughly over $100 million which is going to act as some form of insurance for the commercial banks to give out loans at reasonable rates to the farmers”, he said.

Aside from the financial constraints, President Akufo-Addo said, “the attitude to farming in Ghana also needs to change”.

“That attitudinal change is something that we need to work systematically,” he noted.

“People still continue to look upon agriculture as something that people who don’t have anything else to do engage in; something to escape from and not something that will provide a good life which will make an important contribution to the development of society,” he said.

Story: News Desk

Social commentator, Sydney Casely-Hayford, feels the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) is proving to be on the wrong side of history when it comes to the implementation of the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy.

Speaking on The Big Issue on Citi FM he said the NDC did not foresee the impact of the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) Free SHS policy.

Politically, I can only say that I think the NDC gambled wrongly because they didn’t see that Free SHS could be a game changer.”

The NDC, he claimed was yet to warm up to the policy as it enters its second year.

The opposition party has criticized the policy as being unsustainable from the very beginning.

But Mr. Casely-Hayford said this was costing the opposition party in the public eye.

“In the public discussion that we are having, it seems like the NDC is trying to discredit everything that is being done and the opportunity, and I think by doing that, they are losing marks as we go forward”, he said.

Bearing in mind the infrastructure deficit that is preventing the smooth implementation of the policy, Mr. Casely-Hayford said “it would be better if they [NDC and NPP] came together to work on the quality.”

In his view, education is such “an important part of our lives that they should at least put aside their adversarial politics just for once and come up with a system that will fix this education problem once and for all.”

“In the interest of our children, they should just come together and sort it out. You don’t lose any marks by coming together and cooperating with your adversary or your opposition.”

Former President John Mahama held that widely reported problems with the Akufo-Addo government’s Free SHS bore down to a lack of preparation and consultation.

“For the National Health Insurance Scheme, we underwent a long period of consultations before Kufuor established National Health Insurance. So when you are bringing something like Free SHS what do you do? You do broad consultations,” Mr. Mahama said in 2017.

“They needed to do some broad consultations [on the Free SHS]. They need a stakeholder’s conference where they bring people with experience within the education sector for input so all Ghanaians can decide on the way to implement the free SHS.”

The Akufo-Addo government wasted no time in implementing the Free SHS programme after winning power in the 2016 elections.

The policy was a promise the party had trumpeted as far back as 2008.

It took only seven months for Free SHS education to begin, with the first years, numbering about 400,000 starting school in the 2017/18 academic year.

The policy saw the government absorb the full cost of public secondary education, with beneficiaries not having to pay admission fees, examination fees, and utility fees, among others.

A year down the line, the infrastructure problems that were predicted prompted the implementation of the double-track system for secondary schools.

In the NPP’s time in opposition, the Mahama administration in 2014, started what it called the progressive introduction of free secondary education after consultations with stakeholders, and this brand of free education was to start with only day students.

Story: Edward BLAGOGEE

Writer’s email: edwardblagogee@gmail.com

A corporate governance expert has called on the Bank of Ghana (BoG) to cause the termination of appointment of Alex Bernasko as Board chair of Agricultural Development Bank (adb).

Richmond Atuahene said in the bid to clean the financial sector of the current crisis, the law stating that no director or senior official of banks, which have collapsed, should take up managerial roles in different banks should be implemented strictly.

Speaking on Joy FM last Saturday, Mr Atuahene noted that Alex Bernasko’s role at the defunct UT bank should disqualify him from occupying his current role.

“The regulator should make sure they are kicked out to set as an example for the good corporate governance the central bank seeks to implement,” he said.

“The central bank should quickly get rid of those people and replace them with new directors,” he added.

Mr Atuahene noted that if Bank of Ghana decides to make exceptions to this rule, then the sector cannot be taken to the pedestal they seek.

“…we would not get to where we want,” he said. He added that in order to achieve the vision of a clean banking sector “we [Ghana] should start on a good note”.

“Is he the only qualified person in this country? There are lots of competent and honest people there,” he argued.

Mr Atuahene added that the rest of the reforms in the banking sector should be carried out to the maximum by BoG and “people opposing the reforms should keep their mouths shut”.

“Let us begin to enforce the law and do the right thing,” he said.

His comments come in the wake of the recent banking crisis that has caused BoG to collapse seven indigenous banks; five of which were merged   to form the Consolidated Bank Ghana (CBG).

Capital bank and UT bank went down in August 2017 and their assets and liabilities were taken over by state owned GCB.

Beige bank, Construction Bank, Sovereign bank, uniBank, Royal Bank is now CBG Limited.

Hundreds of employees of these banks have been laid off.

Story: Kofi OWUSU TAWIAH

Writer’s email: kofi.tawiagh@todaygh.com

Leading telecommunication company, MTN Ghana Limited, last week listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE) to pave way for trading of its shares in the country.

The shares, according to the company, will trade under the symbol ‘MTNGH.’

The listing makes MTN Ghana the first telecommunication company to list on the GSE, and has enabled many Ghanaians across the country and from all walks of life to participate in the Initial Public Offer (IPO).

“It is common knowledge that MTN has a lot of “first evers” to talk about. Starting from 1996, when Scancom Ghana Limited now MTN made history by being the first company to introduce GSM technology in Ghana. We are proud to be the first to have launched all the generations of technology, talking about 2G, 3G, 3G and 4G LTE mobile.

“We were also the first to launch mobile money. Our business touches many lives and we estimate that directly and indirectly we are responsible for about half a million sustainable jobs in Ghana,” the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr Selorm Adadevoh, revealed

“Today, we are adding more to the firsts. We are indeed the first telecom in Ghana to list on the Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE) and is the first Initial Public Offer (IPO) in the country’s history to be launched in all 10 regions with the largest amount to be raised in the IPO on the GSE also with the largest subscription,” the CEO of MTN continued.

Mr Adadevoh made the observation during the official launch of MTN shares listing on the Ghana Stock Exchange last week.

The IPO, according to the CEO, has doubled the previous equity IPOs on the GSE put together. He alluded to the fact that MTN would represent about 14% of the market capitalisation on the GSE with the largest shareholder base.

The MTN Ghana boss said the company’s story had always been a story of great accomplishments due to the collaboration it has been enjoying from all the people with interest in the business.

He said the company was successful in exceeding the threshold and the SEC approved the final allotment on August 29, 2018 adding that “We at MTN are very excited at the successful completion of this IPO and we celebrate all the records we have set.”

He gave the assurance that the company would continue to work hard to implement strategies to ensure best customer service.

The Deputy Managing Director of the GSE, Mr Ekow Afedzie, said the offer was the largest IPO to be raised in the history of the GSE.

It was also the first time subscribers paid for shares via a mobile application during an IPO.

MTN realised over GH¢1.1 billion from its initial public offering, which ran from May 29 to July 31, 2018.

Mr Afedzi said MTN Ghana had shown that it was possible to make Ghana a financial hub in Africa and had set the pace for other telecom industries to follow.

He commended MTN for offloading portions of its shares to the public and urged management to abide by the rules of the exchange and stick to its dividend policy.

The Deputy Minister of Communications, Mr Vincent Sowah Odotei, commended MTN Ghana for blazing the trail for mobile telecommunications trading on the stock exchange.

He said: “Most laudable is MTN’s decision to use the Mobile Money platform as a subscription channel to reach all Ghanaians everywhere. The innovation is commendable.”

Mr Odotei said the listing of the giant telecommunications network company was a major boost for the Ghanaian economy, especially as the country pushed for a Ghana beyond Aid.

Story: Prosper A. KWAKU SALASS

Writer’s email: psalassy83@gmail.com

His Excellency, the Vice President of the Republic of Ghana, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has cut sod for the commencement of the construction of the US$42 million Western Corridor Fibre Optic project.

The Western Corridor Fibre Optic Project involves the development, finance, construction, and operation of an ultra-modern backhaul/broadband communication infrastructure, covering the Western Corridor of Ghana to enhance service provision, education and other e-services required under the national ICT for accelerated development policy.

The project involves the laying of around 881 km in-land fibre optic cables for an extensive broadband network along the western corridor passing through major towns such as Takoradi, Atuabo, Elubo, Enchi, Amoya, Asawinso, Wiawso, Awaso and Bibiani.

It will further connect some major towns in the Brong Ahafo Region such as Goaso, Berekum, Sunyani and complete the loop in Kumasi in the Ashanti Region.

The Western Corridor Fibre Optic project is a private sector led solution and initiative by Spectrum Fibre Company, a wholly Ghanaian owned Special Purpose Vehicle (“SPV”) set up to execute the Project.

The completion of the project would ensure that local communities, government, business and key sectors operating within the western corridor of the country get access to fast, reliable and affordable broadband network services.

It would also provide easy access to broadband services, which would provide new opportunities to businesses, schools, homes and the nation.

The project is expected to create over 12,000 direct and indirect jobs during the construction phase.

Dr Bawumia, commented: “I am also very pleased with the role that the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF) has played in this project.

“The Government of Ghana established GIIF to help Ghana develop commercially viable infrastructure projects through private sector participation and PPPs and support private sector solutions and private financing.

“It is very gratifying to see them respond to this challenge by working with the local Ghanaian sponsors to provide this critical communications infrastructure. This is a homegrown solution and I look forward to seeing many more GIIF led examples of this going forward’’.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GIIF, Solomon Asamoah, further noted that: ‘’ ICT is a principle source of growth and job creation and this project will therefore contribute to the country’s transformation thanks to the various anticipated project outcomes’.’

Spectrum Fibre Company on their part reiterated their commitment to this course “Spectrum Fibre aims to contribute its quota in this regard through continuous innovation and investment in critical ICT infrastructure that provides a bedrock for active commercial participation and improvement in ways of working for businesses and the citizenry”

The GIIF is a body corporate wholly owned by the Republic of Ghana and established pursuant to the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund Act, 2014, (Act 877).

The objective of the Fund is to mobilise, manage, coordinate and provide financial resources to: (a) catalyse the development of critical infrastructure in Ghana; and (b) generate a financial return for its shareholders.

Story: From Simon AHENSAH, TAKORADI, WESTERN REGION

Pix: Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia

The dictates of the third jungle boom (third gold rush) resulted in a technological change of the operations of mining in Ghana from underground mining to surface mining where large tracts of agricultural lands were ceded to mining concessions with the use of cyanide in the Heap Leach method of gold extraction.

Unlike the underground mining which permitted other land use activities such as farming, the surface mining operations were associated with land use conflicts especially in agrarian communities. Many farmers lost their livelihoods and were paid compensations that did not restore their livelihoods. Many mining communities were deprived of access to clean water because their rivers were polluted through cyanide spillages, seepages, diversion of rivers for mining operations and the establishment of mining pits at the headwaters of rivers that were for the communities. Surface mining operations were carried out in areas considered sacred by indigenous people including forest reserves and cemeteries.  The social, economic, environmental and cultural problems associated with surface mining operations worsened the poverty, led to loss of human dignity and perpetuated the vulnerability of the host mining communities.

Responses to the problems of the third gold rush

The Wassa Association of Communities Affected by Mining (WACAM) now known as Wacam started as a small community-based mining advocacy organisation in the Tarkwa mining area and was officially launched at the Fiase Cinema Hall of Tarkwa on 5^th September, 1998. The community mobilisation work which laid the foundation for the development of Wacam begun around 1992 when the third gold rush attracted about eight (8) multinational mining companies to locate in the Wassa West District for surface mining operations. The launching of Wacam on September 5^th 1998 was to outdoor an organisation that had been founded on the vision of building capacities of host mining communities to protect their rights and harness the collective efforts of mining communities in the Wassa area through organisation, rights education, community empowerment, community-based advocacy and national sensitisation to reform the mining laws and policies to hold multinational mining companies accountable on responsible mining principles.

At the onset of the third gold rush, the mining communities were organised around traditional structures which became targets of co-optation by the mining companies. As the mining communities searched for a new organisation to become the vehicle to articulate their concerns, Wacam provided the desired responses to the myriad problems confronting the mining communities.

In the period of the third gold rush, we were working as agriculturalists who had contacts with the peasant farmers affected by surface mining operations and our awareness on mining issues in the transition from underground mining to surface placed us in a unique position to be actively involved in supporting the struggles of the vulnerable farmers to protect their rights. As the coverage of the activities of Wacam expanded to other regions of the country, it became necessary to change the name of the organisation in 2008 from the Wassa Association of Communities Affected by Mining to simply Wacam which is close to the Akan translation of being “bitten” or “disturbed”.

Historically, the Late Ibrahim Issahaku, Baba Umaru Tsalhatu, Prof. Ralph Asabere, Ralph Agbaleneyo, Mike Bugri, Daniel Owusu-Koranteng, Hannah Owusu-Koranteng (Mrs) and Daniel Amoah were part of the original foundation builders of Wacam who made a proposal to bring together some members of the mining communities that had been organised by Wacam to a Christmas party in 1996 to tell their story to a number of guests at the party as a way of raising funds to support the work of Wacam. An amount of 63,000 Cedis (about GHS 7) which was raised at the party was the first external funding which supported Wacam’s community work.

The first core of community activists of Wacam includes the late Peter Yeboah, Ahmed Pelpuo, J. A Osei, Agnes Ackon, Mathew Quacoe, Mr Gavor, Sophia Ayensu, Kwasi Aduakwah and Kwadwo Amponsah. These people defied all odds and intimidation to work in the mining communities to establish Wacam as an organisation of mining communities that could lead the struggle to protect the rights of people in host communities. Later, the efforts of Wacam to empower community people to protect their rights created many conscious community leaders including but not limited to the late Emelia Amoateng, Joana, Manu, Afua Sarpong, Aba Amoaful, Adusah Yakubu, Gyeatuo, Abdalla Salifu, Mary Margaret Eshun now Mrs Mary Margaret Owusu.

Achievements and challenges

Wacam’s achievements must be measured against the strength of the forces opposed to the work of the organisation. The mining lobby is a very strong one with national and international connections to advance the interest of the multinational mining companies. Wacam activists have experienced intimidation and threats from state security operatives and security personnel of the mining companies. In some cases, Wacam activists have suffered unjustifiable arrest and detention in the course of their work. A case in point is the arrest and detention of six (6) Wacam activists who were having community meeting in Yamfo on 27^th November 2006. They were arrested and remanded in prison custody for almost two weeks for organising a meeting with Oxfam America staff from Senegal. Personally, the writers have experienced intimidations including death threats in the course of their mining advocacy work.

The intimidations and threats notwithstanding, Wacam activists have worked very hard to sensitise community people, NGOs, Journalists, Faith-based organisations, Trades Union Congress (Ghana), Traditional rulers, Public institutions, Students in tertiary institutions, Parliamentarians on mining issues. Wacam has gained tremendous mining advocacy experience which had been shared with the broad spectrum of the Ghanaian society and other countries in the sub region and at the global level. Over 5,000 people have benefited from the training of Wacam to date and this has contributed to the diffusion of knowledge on mining issues in our society. The work of Wacam has contributed to the level of awareness on mining issues in Ghana which had helped to improve the fiscal regime of the mining sector.

Wacam has been at the forefront of holding the mining companies to the principles of responsible mining practices and promoted the Free Prior and Informed Consent (PFIC) as an acceptable decision-making tool that would help mining communities to define their development options as to their objection or preference for mining.

At the launch of Wacam on 5^th September, 1998, Wacam was working with 17 communities in the Wassa area. On the 20^th anniversary of Wacam, the number has increased to over 120 communities in Eastern, Western, Ashanti, Brong Ahafo and Northern Regions of Ghana.

The community-based mining advocacy model of Wacam has empowered community people especially women to protect their rights based on the knowledge of the mining laws and conventions ratified by the government of Ghana. Based on Wacam’s empowerment programme for its Women activists, some members of the Wacam Women’s Committee were encouraged to contest in the District Assembly elections. Currently, about 10 women activists are Assembly and Unit Committee members in their communities and influencing decisions at the district assembly level.   The campaigns of Wacam and other NGOs on human rights abuses in the mining communities have contributed to the reduction of cases of human rights abuses in mining communities.  Under the Victims Support programme of Wacam, some community people who were victims of human rights abuses of mining companies were provided support for medical care and education. Wacam has been able to negotiate adequate compensation for many victims of human rights abuses of AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi mine.  The early warning training of Wacam for community activists equipped them to identify cyanide spillages early enough to prevent community people from drinking water or eating dead fishes in cases of cyanide spillages. Wacam has been able to hold mining companies responsible for cyanide spillages. There are examples of such campaigns on cyanide spillages of Goldfields Ghana Limited, Newmont Ahafo Mine, Golden Star Resources (Bogoso Mine) among others.

We are proud of the achievements of Wacam but we are quick to accept that the achievements that Wacam has chalked in the past twenty years have been made possible by the support of many individuals, community people, NGOs, Funding partners, Faith-based organisation, and the media among others. We are grateful to organisations such as Oxfam America, OSIWA, Ford Foundation, DKA-Austria, FIAN International, CARE Ghana, TWN, CEPIL, CEIA, GJA, and Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, State agencies among others.

By Daniel OWUSU-KORANTENG

About the Writers

Daniel Owusu-Koranteng is the General Secretary of the Maritime and Dockworkers’ Union and the Executive Director of Wacam (Part Time). He is a Human Resource Development (HRD) Specialist and an ADR Practitioner.

Hannah Owusu-Koranteng is an Associate Executive Director of Wacam and an Environmentalist/Human rights activist. 

Late veteran actor, Mac Jordan Amartey, who passed on July 5, 2018 at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra, has been laid to rest.

The forecourt of the Statehouse in Accra on Saturday, September 8, 2018 saw family, friends, industry players et al pay their last respects to the fallen hero.

Popularly known as Sugar Daddy, his funeral as veteran actors gathered were not happy with the overall attendance of the celebrated actor.

For instance, actress, Gloria Sarfo, was shocked at the attendance after she came to pay her farewell to the late actor.

President Of Ghana’s Actors Guild, Sam Fiscian, was equally shocked as he tasked actors and actresses to support each other in times of this and also encouraged them to love each other.

“How will the family feel with this low turnout for our brother?” he asked.

Present at the burial were Grace Omaboe, Fred Amugi, Gloria Sarfo, Ghana Actor’s Guild Executives and President, Sam Fiscian, Louis Saah among others.

Mac Jordan Amartey died at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital on Thursday, 5 July, 2018 while on admission.

He acted in the 90s hit TV series “Idikoko” and other TV theatre productions.

He was also known for Black Star 2 (2006), The Returnee (1995) and Victim of Love 2 (1998)

‘Rep Ur Hood’ edition of Vodafone Icons saw Dansoman a suburb of Accra at the West Hills Mall car park welcome contestants as they entertained judges and patrons.

The night saw thrilling and energetic performances from eight contestants who battled it out.

The contestants included Verony, Eijay, BoiJake, Agona swedru based Remedy DisandDat, Kissi, Alibaba, Evance and Nazah.

Verony opened the stage with her dazzling performance as the judges applauded her.

For their part, [Eijay, BoiJake, Agona swedru based Remedy DisandDat, Kissi, Alibaba, Evance, Nazah] took the judges comment as they promised to work harder on where they fell short during their performance.

Best actor at the just ended Africa Magic Viewers Choice Award [AMVCA] winner Adjetey Anang popularly known as Pusher the emcee for this year’s Vodafone icons urged fans to vote for their favourite candidates to win the GHS100,000 recording contract at stake using the *4353#  Vodafone code.

The Vodafone Icons “Rep Ur Hood” edition airs on Saturdays at 5:30 pm on TV3 and on GhOne at 8 pm. It also features on Adom TV on Sundays at 5 pm.

Contestants selected in their locations during the auditions (Tamale, Kumasi, Takoradi, Dansoman) get to perform in their localities with final winners from each locality proceeding to be on the final show where the winner will be announced.

This year’s format aims at discovering talents from communities and neighborhoods whilst grooming them to exhibit their talents to be screened on television.

Vodafone has introduced a unique offer dubbed Icons Offer to enable Vodafone-X customers connect to various platforms for all the action, gossip and relevant information from this year’s edition.

The product offers 1.2GB of browsing data and an additional 800MB for Whatsapp, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Customers can also make free calls to all Vodafone X numbers and send SMS to all Vodafone numbers with a100% bonus on all recharges for 7-days at GHS10.

Young Afro-beats sensation, Kojo Talr, has released his highly-anticipated debut single, “Obaa Hemaa,” to the delight of the many patiently waiting fans last Thursday, September 6, 2018 at the studios of YFM, Accra.

Kojo, the multi-talented younger brother of British musician of Ghanaian descent, Fuse ODG, has been working behind the scenes on some tracks for some years now.

“Obaa Hemaa” is a Twi word, which is literally translated as “Queen”, and is used in this context as a pet-name for a woman of his heart.

The title with its accompanying deep and romantic lyrics will strongly resonate with all lovers even including both the young and old and can bring or rekindle that untold joy needed to nourish relationships and marriages.

The song featured beautifully-arranged countermelody by a sax along with the vocal melody which provokes goose bumps on the body of the listener.

Mr. Midstrike produced the song.

Kenya’s Harambee Stars revived their hopes of making it to next year’s finals after beating Ghana’s Black Stars by a solitary goal at the Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi on Saturday in Group F.

A Nicholas Opoku own goal made all the difference as 10-man Kenya held on for a nervy win. They had to play the final half hour of the match a player down after defender, Joash Onyango, was shown a straight red card for a tackle on Ghana’s Majeed Warris at the edge of the box.

Kenya started brighter with winger Ovellah Ochieng doing most of the runs on the right wing and on one such foray, he tested Ghana keeper, Richard Ofori, with a stinging shot which the shot stopper parried away.

Ghana controlled possession and had a chance after 13 minutes when Edwin Gyasi sent Majeed Waris through, but the latter’s shot whistled across the face of goal.

Atsu who had tried to exert his authority on either wing with minimal success had a chance in the 27th minute when he ran off Philemon Otieno on the left but his shot was well collected by an alert Patrick Matasi.

Kenya striker Michael Olunga who had been closely guarded for most of the match had his first sniff at goal on the half hour mark when he turned away from his marker at the edge of the box, but his shot with the weaker right foot went wide.

Kenya’s early persistence paid off four minutes to the break when under pressure from Olunga, Opoku turned the ball into his own net as he tried to defend a low cross with pace and power from Eric Johannah.

At the start of the second half, Ghana made changes, Gyasi making way for Raphael Dwamenah while Kenya was pushed to change personnel, right back Otieno coming off for Jockins Atudo after picking an ankle injury in the first half.

Ghana had started on the front foot and after eight minutes, Afriyeh Aquah had a chance off a Daniel Opare corner, but he headed it across the face of goal from the back-post.

Things went south for the hosts on the hour mark when Onyango was shown a straight red after a tackle on Warris as the last man in defense.

In response, coach Migne pulled out forward Johannah for defender David ‘Cheche’ Ochieng who slotted straight into centre back.

With numerical advantage, Ghana piled pressure looking for the equalizer and a probable winner. Harrison Afful who had come created a dangerous chance, cutting back for Warris, but his shot was well gathered by keeper matasi.

With 15 minutes left, Ghana came close when Thomas Partey sent Dwawena through but his shot took a deflection off Musa Mohammed, taking the sting off the shot for an easy gather for Matasi.

“I am very proud of my players; I like so much the spirit of the team. With only four days it was not easy to build a good spirit and with this kind of opponent it is difficult but in terms of spirit my boys gave something incredible,” Kenya’s coach Sebastien Migne said after the win.

Stand-in captain Musa Mohammed stepping in the place of Victor Wanyama was also elated after the final whistle.

“I don’t even have words to explain what we feel as a team. We went into this game with belief that we can do it. The players gave it their all on the pitch and now we have victory. Our dream of qualifying to the Africa Cup of Nations is back on track,” the defender noted.

Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah was not impressed with the result but holds that the Black Stars will still qualify.

“Football is all about taking your chances and today, we didn’t take our chances, and Kenya did. I don’t think we played to the level that I expected from the players but all hope is not lost,” the tactician said.

Winger Christian Atsu noted; “It is a disappointing loss because we had chances that we couldn’t score. Congratulations to Kenya they won, but we have to rise from this and improve in the next game”.

Stephane Bahoken netted an 80th-minute equaliser to save Cameroon from a humiliating defeat in the Comoros on Saturday, as Clarence Seedorf marked his Indomitable Lions managerial debut with an uninspired 1-1 draw.

The reigning African champions, who are currently set to host next year’s Africa Cup of Nations, fell behind in the 15th minute when El-Fardou Ben Mohamed opened the scoring.

The Red Star Belgrade forward put the hosts into an unlikely lead following some excellent work out wide from Lorient’s Faiz Selemani, who evaded his marker with some fine footwork before swinging in a cross for Ben Mohamed to slam a left-footed effort past Andre Onana at his near post.

On a synthetic pitch, in front of a buoyant home support at the Stade Said Mohamed Cheikh in Mitsamiouli, Cameroon laboured for an equaliser against opponents ranked 149th in the world.

However, Angers striker Bahoken netted an equaliser 10 minutes from time after Comoran captain Nadjim Abdou misjudged his clearing header, allowing the 26-year-old to net his first international goal from close range.

The win leaves Cameroon, who have automatically qualified for the AFCON but still compete in qualifying Group B, atop the pool with four points from their opening two fixtures.

Ex-AC Milan and Deportivo La Coruna, coach Seedorf, was appointed as Hugo Broos’s long-term successor on August 6.

Since winning the AFCON title in February 2017, Cameroon struggled at the Confederations Cup and then failed to reach the 2018 World Cup.

Ninety young footballers selected from the northern and southern trials of the second edition of the Betway Talent Search showed up on the 8th September, 2018 at the Lizzy’s Sports Complex at East Legon, Accra, to battle it out for a spot in the Betway Talent Search Camp.

 The Betway talent search technical team, which is led, by its Brand Ambassador and icon, Stephen Appiah, visited Tamale, Sunyani, Kumasi, Cape Coast and Accra to scout for young unsigned footballers within the age range of 18 – 25.

Other members of the scouting team include Maxwell Konadu, Eric Antwi Ofori, Mohammed Gargo, Sam Johnson, Godfred Aduobe, Seth Pearson, Kamaal Sait and Godfrey Malambule.

The 24-man squad selected will be in camp from Saturday 8th September 2018 to Friday 14th September 2018. The players will be taken through extensive fitness and training sessions. They will also be taken through educational seminars on footballer’s do’s and don’ts, self-introspection, cardiopulmonary resuscitation(CPR) and first aid.

The selected players are Kwaku Duah, Issahku Muntari, Amo Mensah Isaac, Aziz Muta, John Amoah, Ibrahim Abdulai, Dankwa Stephen, Julius Twum Ampofo, Djabatey Kofi Sumaila, Clement Boahen, Nerrick Ofori Tonaldo, Adam Musah, Jacob Kingston, Holyfield Djanie, Richard Osei, Abdallah Amadu, Simba Sylvester and Ishmael Alhassan.

The rest are Sadat Mohammed, Mark Kwesi Anim, Dodzi Mensah, Shadrack Owusu Mensah, Tettey Emmanuel and Robert Gyamfi.

Whilst in camp, the Betway Select Team is expected to play against two top Ghana Premier League Clubs, namely, Dansoman based Liberty Professionals Football Club and Tarkwa based Medeama Sporting Club at the Lizzy’s Sports Complex.

Eight winners from this year’s edition of the Betway Talent Search will be drafted into the Betway Ghana sponsored clubs; Ashgold Sporting Club, Medeama Sporting Club, Liberty Professionals Football Club and Aduana Stars Football Club.

The Betway Talent Search was introduced in 2017 by the sports betting firm as part of its continuous efforts to develop sports in Ghana.

Psychiatrist, Dr Akwasi Osei, has warned that suicide cases could rise as the country progresses into a middle-income economy.
Dr Osei who is also the Chief Executive at the Mental Health Authority, said attention should, therefore, be paid to some of the psychological issues associated with countries whose economies have attained middle-income status.
Suicide “is going to happen more…because there is so much pressure. As we advance to a middle-income country, we should expect it,” he said this yesterday on Accra-based Joy FM.
He blamed the development on the lack of support, especially from extended families, to relatives in dire need “because the attention has now shifted to providing the needs of the nuclear family.”
“Now the extended family system has broken down so the traditional support by the extended family system has [also] broken down,” he acknowledged.
Suicide is the act of intentionally causing one’s own death. Depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, personality disorders, and substance abuse — including alcoholism and the use of benzodiazepines — are risk factors.

Preventing suicide requires the efforts of many. It takes family, friends, co-workers, community members, educators, religious leaders, healthcare professionals, political officials and governments.
As the country joined the rest of the world to mark the World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) yesterday, the former chief psychiatrist expressed worry at the increasing number of cases of suicide among teenagers.
This year is the first WSPD with the theme: “Working Together to Prevent Suicide.” This theme is however, expected to be retained for WSPD in 2019 and 2020.

Story: Franklin ASARE-DONKOH

The body of the late United Nations (UN) Secretary General, Busumuru Kofi Annan, yesterday arrived in Accra, Ghana.

Hundreds of sympathisers including family members and government officials converged at the Kotoka International Airport where the mortal remains of the late global icon arrived.

The body was accompanied by his wife, children and some UN officials, and was received by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

The Nobel Laureate died at age 80 in Bern, Switzerland, on Saturday, August 18, surrounded by his wife, Nane Maria, and their children Ama, Kojo and Nina.

He was reported to have fallen ill on his return trip from South Africa after he had attended the centenary celebration of the birth of a former South African President, Nelson Mandela.

He was hospitalised in Geneva, Switzerland, and later airlifted to the Swiss capital, Bern, where he died peacefully.

Annan will be accorded a state burial and his body interred at the new Military Cemetery in Accra on September 13, 2018 after burial service at the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC) on Wednesday, September 12., 2018

An outline of the programme issued by a member of the Kofi Annan Funeral Planning Committee, Mr Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, who is also the Minister of Information-designate, said the general public would be given the opportunity to file past the remains on Tuesday, September 11, 2018.

It said dignitaries, including chiefs, Members of Parliament (MPs), ministers of state, and members of the diplomatic corps would file past the body on Wednesday, September 12, 2018.

Born in Kumasi on April 8, 1938, the Ghanaian diplomatic icon served as the 7th Secretary-General of the UN from January 1997 to December 2006.

He was the co-recipient of the 2001 Nobel Peace Prize with the UN.

After his death, following a short illness, world leaders continued to celebrate Kofi Annan’s contribution to humanity.

All the comments had something to say about the contribution of the former UN secretary general to global peace and human development.

President Akufo-Addo, former Presidents John Dramani Mahama and Jerry John Rawlings, the UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres; the British Prime Minister, Theresa May; the Russian President, Vladimir Putin; the French President, Emmanuel Macron, and the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, had all paid glowing tributes to Kofi Annan’s memory.

Other leaders who had expressed their condolences were the Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu; the South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa; Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari; German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, and former US Presidents Barrack Obama and Bill Clinton.

In recognition of Annan’s stature and to mourn him, President Akufo-Addo directed that Ghana’s national flag fly at half-mast across the country and in all the country’s diplomatic missions across the world for one-week in honour of the celebrated statesman.

Kofi Annan joined the UN system in 1962 as an administrative and budget officer with the World Health Organisation (WHO) in Geneva.

Story: Freeman KORYEKPOR AWLESU