From its humble beginnings as a tertiary students wing of the NPP, TESCON has steadily evolved into a powerful political machinery, occupying an important place within the structure of the NPP. Since its inauguration on January 8, 2000 by the venerable John Agyekum Kufuor, the distinguished former president of the Republic, TESCON has been at the forefront of student and political activism, and grass root mobilisation.

It has produced a wealth of talented individuals, whose skills and drive have been aptly utilised by the NPP to build capacity and enhance its stock as a demonstrable political guild, not only in Ghana, but Africa. I must take this opportunity, yet again, to commend the founding members who gave birth to the Confederacy and the Patriots whose Herculean sacrifices, over the years, have nurtured it into the formidable political force it is today.

The 2016 elections, like that of year 2000, was a defining moment, not only for TESCON and the NPP, but Ghanaians at large. Eight years of economic mismanagement, flagrant abuse of power, unbridled corruption and incompetent stewardship was threatening to bring Ghana yet again to the brink of economic and social degradation.

Indeed, we were at the abyss and only an undiluted resolve of the citizenry could savage this precipitous decline.

While the task ahead remained enormous, it did not seem to daunt hardworking party members or sympathisers who were disillusioned by the poor level of governance the NDC had bequeathed Ghanaians. Lacing boots and girding up their loins, the presidential candidate of the NPP and his running mate traveled extensively across country, rallying the base and bringing the message of hope.

We were to discover on those worthwhile journeys the true state of the country. Despite the song and dance about transforming Ghana, which the NDC claimed was “unprecedented”, we witnessed unfathomable hardship of many who were wallowing in abject poverty and social exclusion. We also saw at first hand, the deplorable state of our road infrastructure. It seemed the die was cast, win to competently steer the affairs of State or perish into political oblivion. It was a stark reality that confronted us as a party and we were determined to rise to the occasion.

Ghana Beyond Aid

TESCON was to play a critical role in complementing the efforts of the presidential candidate and his campaign team. With determination and incomparable vigilance, from polling stations to collation centres, TESCON members joined fellow patriots to deliver a crushing blow to the faint hopes of an incumbent which had resolved to conduct a divisive and tribalistic campaign, devoid of substance that addressed the legitimate needs and concerns of the Ghanaian people.

The resounding electoral victory of the NPP, unprecedented in the history of Ghana, was a clear rejection of the myopic policies of the NDC but more importantly, a decision by the people of Ghana to embrace the new vision that the NPP was seeking the mandate to implement. This vision has been reiterated by President Nana Akufo-Addo on many occasions, but none more fortuitous than during the visit of the President of France to Ghana: A Ghana Beyond Aid!

The battle for electoral victory having been comprehensively won, the newly sworn in government on January 7, 2017, has set about to reverse the decline of our economic competitiveness and swiftly laid an impermeable foundation for the new industrialisation agenda to take off.

The challenges have been many and the tasks arduous, but this government would be unrelenting in its pursuit of building a more just, equitable and progressive society, where all have equal opportunities to realise their dreams and fulfil their potentials, irrespective of social status.

Pledges

The implementation of our flagship campaign pledge, the Free Senior High School remains a radical but necessary step toward the socio-economic transformation of Ghana.

The One District One Factory programme has begun in earnest and gathering steam. Restoration of nurses and teachers allowance, payment of accrued arrears to road contractors and other government suppliers have been done with minimal fiscal implications to the economy.

Revamping of the National Health Insurance Scheme and the School Feeding Programme are but a few of the social interventions that government is committed to as part of efforts to broaden the social safety net.

Without a doubt, job creation remains a key priority for the NPP government. Commendable efforts have been made, through the dynamism of the Vice-President, to create a formal and digital economy, evidenced by the National Digital Address System, E-registration of businesses at the Registrar General office and the Paperless Ports Project.

While enhancing efficiency and reducing cost of business, the digital economy will undoubtedly create opportunities for new businesses to mushroom, not least e-commerce. It will also help government raise the needed revenue to meet its obligations to the people.

Aside the digital economy, government continues to adequately resource the Youth Employment Authority to perform its duty of developing feasible policies to engage the the youth.

As eloquently stated by the President, ‘it is people who build nations. It is not gold, cocoa, diamonds, timber or oil that is going to build nations. It is Ghanaians, especially the youth of today, who are going to build Ghana’. Maximising the demographic dividend requires a new mindset coupled with the creation of an ecosystem that stimulates new thinking, fosters innovation, creativity and unleashes the entrepreneurial spirit of the youth.

Government has set up the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP), a flagship initiative, aimed at stimulating investment and providing timely support and advise to budding entrepreneurs.

Contribution from TESCON

TESCON, as a youth platform with dynamic minds can contribute meaningfully to the realisation of this ecosystem. The seeds for growth and jobs have already been sowed. Now is the time for it to be watered by honing skill sets to take advantage of the opportunities that a buoyant economy will present.

We must inject the same levels of energy, drive and zeal that characterised our collective efforts in winning the elections into discovering new pathways for success and prosperity. Not everyone would welcome our success as a government and party nor seek the collective interest of Ghanaians with genuine intention.

To such, the response must be to strengthen our resolve to deliver on the promises made and to build the capacity of the youth to navigate this brave new world driven by technology and innovation.

As we mark a year into office and also celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Fourth Republic, my appeal to TESCON is to remain united, resolute, focused and diligent in helping government implement its laudable initiatives. The accelerated development of Ghana is a shared responsibility of both a purposeful government and a dutiful citizenry.

The flame of hope has been lit and all productive forces, including TESCON, must put their shoulders to the wheel in driving the transformation agenda forward. Being Ghanaian must mean something. It must mean living a life of dignity, self respect, discipline and personal responsibility. It must mean a dedication to our cherished values of fearless honesty, commitment to service and a desire to see each other strive for excellence. Ghana will rise again as the Lord continues to bless us with good leadership and patriotic citizens.

Happy New Year 2018!

–

By: Francis Asenso-Boakye (Founding president of TESCON, and currently Deputy Chief of Staff and Political Assistant to the President)

The post 18 years of TESCON; 25 years of 4th Republic – Ghana will rise again [ Article] appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

In a post on Facebook, the MP said Dr. Anyah was using Kwame Asare Obeng, also known as A-Plus, in a “cowardly attempt” to besmirch the two presidential staffers, Francis Asenso-Boakye and Abu Jinapor, who were accused, and later cleared of corruption allegations.

[contextly_sidebar id=”Lt6AZxrirDXsXxGsVTzTUFB15qQHSoRh”]In a further warning to the two, Mr. Afenyo-Markin said: “A- plus and Dr. Anyaa of Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital should know that they are walking on a slippery ice.”

The Korle Bu Teaching Hospital management’s decision to terminate a contract it had with UniBank for onsite banking services was followed by some intervention from the two staffers after a petition from UniBank.

The Hospital’s management has explained that there were compatibility issues with the End-to-End Hospital Revenue Collection Software being used and UniBank, hence the termination which was later rescinded.

The involvement of the two staffers prompted A-Plus’ corruption allegations, which were later deemed to be baseless by the Police CID.

But Mr. Afenyo-Markin in his post held that “Dr. Anyaa is using A-plus to destroy the very government that has given both of them space in public life. What is “corruption” in a situation where a government official calls another official to express a concern on matters involving a fellow Ghanaian/a Ghanaian business entity? Why should Assenso and Jinapor be the target?”

He intimated further that some NPP youth were complicit in the saga.

“For those NPP youth who think they are so powerful, untouchable and indispensable, quietly using A-plus to destroy their fellow youth or watching passively unconcerned whiles one of their own is being destroyed, I leave them to posterity…..Time will tell…..its not by might….the battle is the Lord’s,” the post concluded.

Mr. Afenyo-Marking offered some words of encouragement to Francis Asenso-Boakye and Abu Jinapor saying: “courage brothers, do not stumble, though your trials may be as dark as night, but there is always a star to guide the innocent…trust in God and he will deliver you.”

Find below the full post

What A-Plus and Dr Anyaa have forgotten is that we are of the same stock and sharers in the same hope. Dr. Anyaa is using A-plus to destroy the very government that has given both of them space in public life. What is “corruption” in a situation where a government official calls another  official to express a concern on matters involving a fellow Ghanaian/a Ghanaian business  entity? Why should Assenso and Jinapor be the target? Where did they go wrong? Why will A-Plus record a senior police officer in an attempt to bring down the entire police administration? What is this whole business about recording! recording! recording and contents being blown out of context? For those Npp youth who think they are so powerful, untouchable and indispensable, quietly using A-plus to destroy their fellow youth or watching passively unconcerned whiles one of their own is being destroyed, I leave them to posterity…..Time will tell…..its not by might….the battle is the lord’s…..In any event why is Unibank quiet? Why are media houses affiliated (kasapa fm, kasapafm online, starr fm, gh one tv,etc)  to Unibank making matters worse by carrying stories on this controversy when same is without merit? Why will kasapafm online host the so called leaked tape on its website? What is really going on? Its time for men of conscience in society to speak up against all forms of blackmail and character assassination. A cowardly attempt to deflate the ego of Assenso and Jinapor and to denigrate the honour of their high office…. Courage brothers, do not stumble though your trials may be as dark as night but there is always a star to guide the innocent…trust in God and he will deliver you.A- plus and Dr. Anyaa of Korle-bu teaching hospital should know that they are walking on a slippery ice.

He who seeks to destroy others for no just cause opens himself up for destruction…I rest my case

–

By: Delali Adogla-Bessa/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Korle Bu CEO using A-Plus against gov’t officials – Afenyo-Markin appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

A statement from the CID said: “the allegation of corruption was found to be baseless, unsubstantiated and without credibility.”

A-Plus, real name Kwame Asare Obeng, had taken to Facebook to accuse President Akufo-Addo’s two Deputy Chiefs of Staff, Francis Asenso-Boakye and Abu Jinapor of being corrupt, without giving details to back his claim.

He also described the two Deputy Chiefs of Staff as thieves, although he retracted this particular allegation.

The CID revealed that A-Plus’ corruption allegations stemmed from Francis Asenso-Boakye and Abu Jinapor’s involvement in the management of the Korle-Bu Teaching hospital.

He held that their involvement amounted to corruption, according to the CID statement.

Francis Asenso-Boakye subsequently rejected the unsubstantiated corruption claims made against him and Abu Jinapor.

The statement indicated that, the allegations had to do with a petition by Unibank Ghana Limited to the effect that the management of Korle-Bu had abrogated an existing MoU with them without any reason, and that Korle-Bu had treated them unfairly.

The two deputy Chiefs of Staff, among others, got involved to seek clarity from the hospital’s management regarding the said petition, according to the CID.

“Their [Francis Asenso-Boakye, and Abu Jinapor’s] intervention was transparent, borne out of the protection of the public interest and consistent with their duties as chiefs of staff,” the CID’s investigations concluded.

The CID took up the allegations because of President Nana Akufo-Addo’s directive to security agencies to invite anyone who makes allegations of corruption against his officials to provide evidence for the necessary investigations.

The other high-profile corruption allegations before the CID is from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament for Assin Central, Kennedy Agyapong, who is accusing the Communications Minister, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, of malfeasance in relation to a contract for the production of national identification cards.

Mrs.Owusu-Ekuful has denied the claims and challenged Kennedy Agyapong to provide evidence.

Kennedy Agyapong had claimed the minister disregarded a bid he had interest in for a contract to print NIA cards in favour of more expensive bidders who had paid her money.

–

By: Delali Adogla-Bessa/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post A-Plus’ corruption allegations baseless – CID appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

A-Plus, who had made corruption allegations against two presidential staffers, failed to appear before the CID because his lawyers were not available to accompany him.

[contextly_sidebar id=”GQN6nqOOyES7Kba1DsPOQe14BEqUrmZz”]According to him, although he wanted to honour the invitation without his lawyers, they insisted it would be appropriate he had legal representation at the meeting with the security officials.

Meanwhile, a new invitation letter the CID wrote to the musician and sighted by citifmonline.com said “it would greatly be appreciated if you could report to the Director-General/CID at the CID headquarters on Tuesday 5^th September 2017 at 10:00 am to assist in investigations.”

“The Financial Forensics Unit of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service is investigating an allegation of corruption you made against the Deputy Chiefs of Staff, Francis Asenso-Boakye and Mr. Samuel Abu Jinapor on your Facebook page on 27^th August 2017,” the statement added.

A-Plus is being investigated for accusing two Deputy Chiefs of Staff, Francis Asenso-Boakye, and Abu Jinapor of being corrupt, without giving reasons for the accusation.

But Francis Asenso-Boakye subsequently rejected the claims describing it as baseless.

–

By: Godwin Akweiteh Allotey/citifmonline.com/Ghana
Follow @AlloteyGodwin

The post A-Plus to face CID on Tuesday after ‘swerving’ them appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

Speaking to Citi News, Mr. Arhin said it was only fair the two be allowed to state their case, per the laws of natural justice.

[contextly_sidebar id=”lKiGOo7FWZqv3ngSa49bjI4CjR8Zpx2O”]“Definitely, the CID will obviously get in touch with them because I don’t think they can settle the matter based on one side’s story. Definitely, you need to find out what the other side’s story is all about and as state investigative bodies, they are in the best position to draw a conclusion and bring the recommendations…”

“You can’t prosecute a case based on what one side presents. You need to listen to the other side as well and from there, we can form our own conclusions,” he added.

These allegations of corruption came in the wake of President Nana Akufo-Addo’s directive to security agencies to investigate any corruption allegation against his officials.

The allegations came from Kwame Asare Obeng, also known as Kwame A-Plus, who himself has been invited for questioning by the CID.

A-Plus took to Facebook to describe the two Deputy Chiefs of Staff as thieves and called them stupid though he did not substantiate his claims.

The CID also invited the NPP Member of Parliament for Assin Central, Kennedy Agyapong, who had also made similar corruption allegations.

Francis Asenso-Boakye has already rejected the claims made against him and Abu Jinapor.

CID probe will settle case

At the end of these investigations, Mr. Arhin said he expected closure to be brought to the matter, one way or the other, and if the “claims of corruption are valid, then certainly, I am sure something will take place, i.e. prosecution or whatever the President will deem fit.”

“Whatever be the case, the President has made it clear that no allegation of corruption will be swept under the carpet. I am sure that everybody wants to find out the truth and get to get to the bottom of the situation. That is what this investigation is all about.”

Accused could sue

Mr. Arhin also indicated that, the accused parties could sue for defamation if the corruption claims were found to be baseless.

“If at the end of the day it is found that all these allegations were just completely baseless, I believe the people who have been accused of being corrupt have the right to take legal action against whoever it is that made those allegations because obviously, it is bordering on the lines of defamation.”

–

By: Sammi Wiafe/Delali Adogla-Bessa/citifmonoline.com/Ghana

The post Asenso, Jinapor must be given fair hearing – Eugene Arhin appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

A-Plus, who claimed his contract had existed since May this year [2017] in a Citi News interview, said “as I speak, I’ve sent somebody who is on his way to deliver a letter to BOST to terminate the contract that we have to transport fuel around Ghana.”

[contextly_sidebar id=”Ns7FaPySZVjo9PWXb7shECNE60pr7yRb”]He said his decision to abrogate the contract was because of accusations that BOST has given him over GHc3 million for transporting fuel.

A-Plus, who insisted that BOST has not given him a pesewa, said some people are also slandering the president over the issue, adding that such claims are “not good for the President.”

“I want to put on record that BOST has not paid me any money, not even one Ghana cedis. It is not only that, but people want to bring the President’s name in saying that the President is giving huge monies to his friends and supporters and it is not good for the president. It is just wild allegations that A-plus is making three million cedis at BOST. It is laughable; it is not something that we should even go into,” he added.

The musician further defended his contract with BOST, saying that over 300 Ghanaian companies transact such businesses with BOST.

“There are over 300 transporters. I’m not sure that any of them were given the contract because of their relationship. I’m a Ghanaian, I am entitled to do business in this country,” he added.

CID invites A-Plus, Kennedy Agyapong over corruption claims

A-Plus’s action follows his invitation to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), to answer questions on his claim that the two Deputy Chief of Staff, Francis Asenso-Boakye and Abu Jinapor are corrupt.

In a post on Facebook, he described the two as being “stupid” although he failed to explain their crime.

The Member of Parliament for Assin Central, Kennedy Agyapong has also been invited over the same issue after he on public radio said there are more corrupt officials in the Akufo-Addo government.

A-Plus has however apologized to the President for the method he used in attacking the presidential staffers.

“The approach was very wrong. I have apologized to the President especially,” he said in an earlier Citi News interview.

–

By: Godwin Akweiteh Allotey/citifmonline.com/Ghana
Follow @AlloteyGodwin

The post I’ll end my oil contract with BOST – A-Plus appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

Nana Akufo-Addo made this announcement during an address at his residence today [Wednesday] where he also announced Francis Asenso-Boakye and Samuel Abu Jinapor will be the two deputies to the Chief of Staff.

Mrs. Osei-Opare becomes the first female Chief of Staff.

The Chief of Staff is primarily known as the coordinator of the supporting staff at the Presidency and the primary aide-de-camp of the President.

Mrs. Osei-Opare, a former Ayawaso West Wuogon Member of Parliament, is currently serving as a representative of the President-elect’s side on the transition team as the head of the Staff of the office of the President-elect Nana Akufo-Addo.

Mrs. Osei-Opare is a former lecturer and Head of the Department of Home Science at the University of Ghana and she has also served as the Country Director of Action Aid Ghana.

Ahead of the announcement, speculation was already rife that the President-elect’s choice would be Mrs. Osei-Opare whilst Abu Jinapor and Francis Asenso-Boakye had been projected to be her deputies.

Some NPP youth activists had kicked against the prospective appointment of Mr. Jinapor saying he was not deserving of the job because they claim he did not show enough commitment to the party after their defeat in the 2012 elections.

But some prominent personalities in the NPP including Nana Akomea and Gabby Asare Otchere Darko said the prospective choice of Mr. Jinapor as a deputy Chief of Staff was laudable.

Mr. Jinapor was called to the Bar in 2012 and is solicitor of the Supreme Court. As a newly enrolled lawyer, he had his pupillage with a reputable commercial and corporate law firm, Messrs. Kulendi at Law from October 2012 to August 2013.

He became a Campaign Aide to Nana Akufo-Addo in the 2007 NPP Presidential Primaries and held this position for both the 2008 and 2012 General Elections.

Francis Asenso-Boakye activity in the NPP goes back to his tertiary education days where he was among the founders of the Tertiary Students Confederacy (TESCON) at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. He has been Political Assistant to Nana Akufo-Addo since 2008.

He is a development planning, project management, and policy specialist with over 15 years of wide-ranging professional experience in his field.

Prior to joining the staff and campaign of Nana Akufo-Addo, he held positions at the Ministry of Employment and Social Welfare (MESW), Global Media Alliance (GMA), Delta Acquisitions and Development, Delaware, USA, Michigan House of Representatives, Michigan, USA, Ghana Free Zones Board (GFZB), and Ghana Investment Promotion Center (GIPC).

–

By: Delali Adogla-Bessa/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Official: Nana Addo names Frema Osei-Opare as Chief of Staff appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

The Citi FM Foundation is calling for support for this year’s Easter Orphan Project. The Easter Orphan Project is an annual Corporate Social Responsibility project which raises funds to support some orphanages around the country.

Over the years, 97.3 Citi FM has supported the Baptist School Complex and Orphanage in Trotor (a hamlet near Suhum), the Jehovah Raffa orphanage – Suhum, Handivangelism at Haatso and Mama Ladi Orphanage in Bolgatanga with cash donations, stationary , food items and more.

In 2013, the station and its donors built a vocational training center for the Suhum Baptist School Complex. The main aim this year is to equip the training center with the tools and equipment needed to facilitate proper training of the orphans in the fields of carpentry, plumbing, electricals and hairdressing.  In addition, the Easter Orphan Project 2014 would also donate to Mama Ladi Orphanage – Bolga, Raffa Orphanage and Handivangelism.

Individuals and organizations can support the Easter Orphan Project by donating cash or items such as toiletries, bags of rice, canned food, drinks, biscuits, detergents, stationery and other non-perishables at the front desk of Citi FM, behind the Adabraka police station. All cheque donations should be addressed to The Citi FM Foundation, Merchant Bank – Accra main branch, with the account number 00001/01/012295/40.

Donations can also be made via Airtel money.

For more details, please call 0302226013.

God loves a cheerful giver. Donate today. Spread the love.

VIDEO: Easter Orphanage Project: The story of BASCO

Kojo Akoto Boateng/citifmonline/Ghana

The post Citi FM launches Easter Orphan Project 2014 appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.