The statue will be erected at Tetteh Quarshie Roundabout in Accra.

According to the President, the move is to recognise the enormous contribution of Tetteh Quarshie to Ghana’s development. Speaking at a meeting with family members of the late Tetteh Quashie who called on him at the Flagstaff House, President Akufo-Addo said the country must always seek to honour its heroes as an encouragement to the younger generation.

“A statue of him there will be very appropriate. If people like him are honoured, they are an example for the young and future generation of Ghanaians. And it is important that we have a history where we have heroes,” he said.

About Tetteh Quarshie

Tetteh Quarshie was a pre-independence Ghanaian agriculturalist and the person directly responsible for the introduction of cocoa crops to Ghana, which today constitute one of the major export crops of the Ghanaian economy.

Born in 1842 at Teshie in Accra, Tetteh Quarshie died on Christmas day in 1892.

In 1870, Tetteh Quarshie undertook a voyage to the Spanish colony Fernando Po (now Bioko in Equatorial Guinea). About six years later he returned to Ghana with several cocoa beans and made history.

In 1879 Tetteh Quarshie planted the seeds at Mampong with some success. Friends and relatives also undertook the planting of cocoa when pods were distributed to them. Soon other farmers followed suit.

–

By: Jonas Nyabor/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Gov’t to honour Tetteh Quarshie with statue appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

His attendance at the ISA Summit was at the invitation of the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, and the President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron.

The Summit, attended by 25 other Heads of State and Government, provided a dedicated platform for co-operation amongst solar resource rich countries, aimed at realizing “the common goals of increasing the use of solar energy in meeting the energy needs of ISA member countries in a safe, convenient, affordable, equitable and sustainable manner.”

President Akufo-Addo told the Summit that Ghana was committed and determined to increasing solar energy in the country’s energy mix.

He further assured that in keeping with Ghana’s commitments under the Paris Agreement, his government would take the needed steps to ensure that the country attains utility-scale solar electricity from about 22.5 megawatts to 250 megawatts by 2030.

President Akufo-Addo informed the Summit that a major strategy to achieving those targets in Ghana, was to build the relevant domestic capacity in the manufacture and assembling of solar energy systems and accessories within Ghana.

“This will also help create job opportunities for our vibrant and hardworking youth. Ghana is a haven of peace and security. My government is keen on building the most business-friendly environment for investment, especially investment in the renewable energy sector.”

“Our country is endowed with great potential, where security and the rule of law are upheld, where investments are secure, and by the end of the year, we are projected to be the fastest growing economy in the world.”

The President was met on arrival at the Jubilee Lounge of the Kotoka International Airport by Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, Chief of Staff, Akosua Frema Osei Opare, the Chief of Defence Staff, Lt. Gen. Obed Akwa and some Ministers of state and Senior Government Officials.

–

Source: GNA

The post Akufo-Addo back home from India appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

In a bid to successfully achieve this objective, the President indicated that government is in the process of developing projects aimed at increasing production and distribution of solar energy across the country.

“On the basis of my country’s specific needs, Government is keen on developing utility-scale solar energy projects, as well as accelerating the development of mini-grid solutions in off-grid and island communities for lighting, irrigation and other economic activities,” President Akufo-Addo said.

In keeping with Ghana’s commitments under the Paris Agreement, the President outlined some solar energy programmes for implementation by 2030, which include “the attainment of utility-scale solar electricity from about 22.5 megawatts to 250 megawatts.”

Additionally, the President stated that 200,000 solar systems for households, commercial and government facilities in urban and selected non-electrified rural communities will be installed, as well as the establishment of 55 mini-grid electrification systems with an average capacity of 100 kilowatts.

These systems, he stressed, will be based on solar PV technology, which will be hybridized with other generation options to serve islands and off-grid communities.

The deployment of two million solar lanterns to replace kerosene lanterns, currently being used by our rural non-electrified households, the President assured, will be done.

President Akufo-Addo made this known on Sunday, March 11, 2018, at the Founding Conference of the International Solar Alliance, held in New Delhi, the capital of India.

A major strategy to achieving these targets in Ghana, the President told the gathering, is to build the relevant domestic capacity in the manufacture and assembling of solar energy systems and accessories within Ghana.

“This will also help create job opportunities for our vibrant and hardworking youth. Ghana is a haven of peace and security. My government is keen on building the most business-friendly environment for investment, especially for investment in the renewable energy sector,” the President said.

He continued, “Our country is endowed with great potential, where security and the rule of law are upheld, where investments are secure, and, by the end of the year, we are projected to be the fastest growing economy in the world.”

Establishment of ISA

President Akufo-Addo attended the International Solar Alliance Summit at the invitation of the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, and the President of the France, Emmanuel Macron.

The Summit, which was attended by 25 Heads of State and Government, provided a dedicated platform for co-operation amongst solar resource-rich countries, aimed at realising “the common goals of increasing the use of solar energy in meeting the energy needs of ISA member countries in a safe, convenient, affordable, equitable and sustainable manner.”

In his remarks, President Akufo-Addo noted that “the establishment of the International Solar Alliance, in our view, is very appropriate in today’s circumstances. That is why Ghana did not hesitate in ratifying the framework agreement of this noteworthy Alliance.”

He was confident that “together, we can ensure the satisfactory performance of the ISA Framework Agreement, and, thereby, make the laudable objectives of the International Solar Alliance reality.”

–

By: citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post ‘Gov’t will prioritize solar energy’ – Nana Addo appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

The President cut short his trip to the United States following public concerns in Ghana, over the seeming rise in armed robbery cases.

This meeting comes on the back of a similar one held by the Vice President with security heads last week.

[contextly_sidebar id=”QLf3olWfsR2qOjVwXMUpqQinsbZPgso7″]The President is expected to make some demands from the Interior Minister and the IGP on the state of the country’s security.

Over the weekend, Minister of State in charge of National Security, Bryan Acheampong, told Citi News government is working to intensify security.

He reiterated government’s commitment to ensuring that the Police Service is resourced enough to tackle the recent upsurge in armed robbery cases and general crime in the country.

According to him, despite the significant spike in robbery attacks across the country in the first two months of the year, the government had put measures in place to ensure that the menace is curbed.

“Going forward from March to the end of the year, at least we would experience a sharp drop, in armed robbery. We would not be experiencing these incidents. I am just trying to explain that the government has control. Currently, the Police Service has control.We are going to put in enough resources to sustain it, which will fit nicely into our general security plans for the year to drop the crime rate from 200,000 to under 150,000, so we have control of the situation,” he said.

Wave of robbery

There appears to be a heightened wave of robbery attacks in the country with the past week recording some of the worst cases.

A number of incidents have involved brazen attacks by robbers on individuals and organisations in broad daylight.

A Lebanese was shot and killed at Tema Industrial Area last week with the assailants making away with GHS 200,000 he had withdrawn from the bank.

Recent arrests

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), David Asante Apeatu, announced earlier last week that the police arrested a group of suspected robbers believed to be behind attacks on about 20 forex bureaux around the Spintex road area in just 2018.

The attacks on these Forex Bureaux were growing number of robberies and high-profile criminal activity in the region.

Mobile money transfer points have also been targeted by robbers in recent times.

Police shake-up

These incidents have prompted members of the public and  some MPs to call for some of the heads of the security agencies, including the Inspector General of Police, David Asante-Apeatu.

The IGP has responded with a major reshuffle in the Service, with several officers given new assignments.

Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, Director General of Police Operations, was reassigned to head the Research and Planning Department.

He was replaced immediately by the Eastern Regional Police Commander, DCOP Simon Afeku.

Nine others were also reassigned to take up various positions across the country.

–

By: Marian Ansah & Sammy Wiafe/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Nana Addo to meet security heads over ‘upsurge’ in crime appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

These measures according to government include greater collaboration between the security agencies in order to aid intelligence gathering and crime prevention, while manpower challenges are being addressed.

Ghanaians have therefore been urged to play a watchdog role and report any suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities for the necessary actions to be taken.

Vice President, Alhaji Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, gave the assurance when he joined Muslim faithful for Jumah prayers on Friday March 2, 2018 at the Central Mosque, Abbosey Okai, Accra, as part of activities marking Ghana’s 61st Independence Anniversary, which falls on Tuesday March 6, 2018.

The past week has seen a rash of brazen armed robberies, with two lives lost and a number of injuries recorded.

After an emergency National Security Council meeting on Thursday March 1, the Inspector General of Police announced a reshuffle in the top hierarchy of the Police administration to put a sharper edge to their operations.

Speaking to the media after the meeting, the Minister for Information, Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, also announced a number of crime prevention measures including increased Police cum Military patrols, installation of more CCTV Cameras and street lights in crime-prone areas.

In brief remarks after the Friday prayers, Dr. Bawumia indicated that President Akufo-Addo is receiving up to the minute briefings on the situation and government would provide the necessary logistics and resources to the security agencies to ensure there is peace and stability.

“I want to assure the general public that the President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo is fully apprised of developments and what is going on. I’m in constant contact with him and the recent spate of armed robberies, which are of concern to everybody is of concern to him, and this is why we are taking the measures that we are taking to restore the stability and security of this nation.”

“We ask for the cooperation of the general public as we and the security forces undertake these operations and Insha Allah they will be successful. We will make sure that every resource is provided for successful operations. Ghana, we are known for our peace and stability and we are going to make sure we maintain that. We pray to Allah to continue to give us peace and stability in Ghana and allow the country to move forward,” he added.

–

By: citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post ‘We’ll strengthen Ghana’s security’ – Bawumia appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

His comment comes in the wake of calls for the special committee, set up six months ago to investigate the deal, to present its report to Parliament.

[contextly_sidebar id=”q2EmoRHO16pJlVfoUt0rv5zlFgSAj3Q4″]Mr. Mutawakilu, claimed that the  Committee has delayed in presenting its report to Parliament because it has not found any substantial reason to abrogate the contract.

“What has happened to the final report I do not know. I believe that they have not found anything to abrogate the contract and they are finding it difficult to bring that report on the floor of Parliament… If the AMERI deal is abrogated we might face a significant judgement debt because the company has been discharging its duties.”

Mr. Mutawakilu wondered on Eyewitness News why it had taken the Committee so long to present its report when the draft report was prepared about four months ago.

“When the draft report is written, the final report should be ready ..I do not know why they are failing to put it before Parliament.”

‘AMERI deal delicate’

In a rebuttal to Mr. Mutakailu’s claims, the Chairman of the Committee, Emmanuel Kwasi Gyamfi, indicated that the delays in presenting its report to the House are justified, given how delicate the deal is.

“The committee report is not ready. This is not just a simple issue… We cannot just present the report without doing due diligence,” he explained.

Mr. Gyamfi, who is also the Chairman of Mines and Energy Committee in Parliament, further indicated that although they had already interrogated the key players in the deal, those persons might have to be brought back to provide clarification on some issues.

“We are still thinking of bringing some of the key players back to meet the committee because as I said there were issues by the key players that we have to consider. Let me assure you and our cherished listeners that the referral that was made in relation to the motion by K.T Hammond, has been deliberated on several times by the committee. What is left is the committee’s final report which will be submitted soon.”

Background

The John Mahama-led administration in 2015 agreed to rent 300MW of emergency power from AMERI at the peak of the country’s power crisis.

As part of the deal, AMERI was to build the power plants and operate them for 5 years before transferring it to the government.

The cost of the deal was $510m and received parliamentary approval on 20th March, 2015.

The approval of the deal was met with stiff opposition but eventually received endorsement by the legislative body.

It later emerged that the government had been shortchanged by AMERI as they presented an overpriced budget.

The reports said the government had paid an excess of $150m but state officials of the Mahama government disagreed.

The New Patriotic Party government which assumed office said it would look into the matter.

The Energy Minister, Boakye Agyarko later constituted a committee led by lawyer Philip Addison to investigate the matter that that ended in controversy as it emerged that the committee had seemingly entangled itself in a conflict of interest position by accepting sponsorship from AMERI to travel and stay in Dubai for some days as it investigates them [AMERI].

The Adansi Asokwa Member of Parliament, K. T Hammond subsequently filed an urgent motion calling for a cancellation of the deal.

–

By: Marian Ansah/citifmonline.com/Ghana
Follow @EfeAnsah

The post Cancelling AMERI deal could cause judgement debt – Mutawakilu appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

Our sources say the luxury cars arrived on a Global African Airlines cargo plane. The presidential fleet contract was awarded by the John Mahama administration barely a week before they left office.

[contextly_sidebar id=”vv0ok4poaBfOEmy9prN5py0QOSoKJmtz”]The original number of cars ordered was Forty Three [43]. The New Patriotic Party administration, which had attempted to cancel the entire contract but failed due to certain clauses in the contract, managed to reduce the number to 34.

According to government sources, the reduction in the number of vehicles to 34, consequently reduced the initial cost of 9 million dollars by about 3 million dollars, as they have also avoided incurring a judgement debt, by deciding not to cancel the contract.

Background

Back in June 2017, some NDC officials accused the NPP administration of playing double-standards, after news about the presidential fleet emerged, despite an order by President Nana Akufo-Addo, halting the purchase of new vehicles.

The government then explained that it could not be blamed for the presidential fleet because the order had already been placed by John Dramani Mahama administration before they exited office after the elections in 2016.

43 new cars were purchased on NPP’s request – Apaak

Former NDC appointees including Dr. Clement Apaak, who worked at the presidency, suggested that the cars were ordered upon the request of the NPP government during the transition period, a claim the government vehemently denied.

Dr. Apaak noted that, the Mahama administration agreed to the request by Nana Akufo-Addo’s side of the transition team because they had raised concerns about the incoming President’s security.

Contract was signed before transition team was formed

As the back and forth went on between the two parties, Citi News sighted a letter signed by the then Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, authorizing the purchase.

This letter was signed two days before then President; John Mahama, inaugurated the Presidential transition team, which he co-chaired with then President-elect, Nana Akufo Addo.

This revelation appears to have defeated the NDC’s claims that the NPP made the request during the transition period.

Earlier documents sighted by Citi News revealed that, the contract for the new cars for the Presidency was specifically awarded by the Mahama government on the 3rd of January, 2017, to Amalgamated Security Services LTD.

The two-paragraph letter authorizing the purchase was dated December 9, 2016, whereas the transition team was officially inaugurated on December 11, 2016.

Deal authorized by Terkper

The letter noted that, the deal was authorized by the outgoing Finance Minister, Seth Terkper, to take note of the decision to purchase the 43 vehicles “for necessary action accordingly.”

The letter also clearly stated that, the outgoing government had “decided to acquire some vehicles for the incoming administration”.
–
By: Ebenezer Afanyi Dadzie/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Gov’t takes delivery of 34 ‘Mahama luxury cars’ appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

Mr. Kinna made this known when he was queried by Eyewitness News Host, Umaru Sanda Amadu on measures government had taken to avert a similar disaster from recurring.

[contextly_sidebar id=”QR3JcDtXpuZjJ1SabyAXPaLmPGyxPmEa”]It’s been three years since the flooding and fire disaster which claimed about 150 lives occurred.

Following the incident, the then Metropolitan Chief Executive of Accra, Alfred Okoe Vanderpuijie, had assured residents that such a disaster will never occur again as the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) will complete the desilting of the Korle lagoon and create more drainage systems within Accra.

However, almost three years down the line, Mr. Kinna said most of these promises had not been realized, adding that enough was not done to forestall similar incidents in the future.

Residents’ safety not guaranteed

Mr. Kinna further pointed out that, the safety of residents cannot be guaranteed during the rainy season, despite previous assurances from the government at the time, saying “I cannot tell whether they will be safe because we do not know the amount of rain that will come in.”

He indicated that, although a subsidiary of Jospong Group , Dredge Masters was subsequently contracted to desilt the Odaw River , it failed to complete its work, thus leaving most of the drainage systems around the Odawna area still choked.

He therefore called for the swift intervention of Local government authorities, saying “We are still waiting for the Local government to get Dredge Masters to desilt the filth in the Odaw- the Dredge masters were doing this so they have to continue their work.”

A GOIL fuel station near the GCB Bank towers at Circle in Accra was gutted by fire when a fuel tanker exploded amidst severe floods.

Over 150 bodies of persons who were seeking shelter at the fuel station and others stuck in vehicles due to the heavy rain and flooding, were burnt to death.

–

By: Marian Ansah/citifmonline.com/Ghana
Follow @EfeAnsah

The post June 3 disaster could happen again – Assemblyman warns appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

[contextly_sidebar id=”LDKKmunC91xkhJ2QErJ2UiYDs1DR192b”]Sources closely involved with the project had early on revealed to Citi News that an agreement was signed between the Ministry of Health and the University of Ghana in 2015, which gave ownership of the $217 million facility to the university.

Following this agreement, the university established a company, the University of Ghana Medical Center (UGMC) Limited to serve as a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) that will oversee the operations of the facility.

But the Ministry of Health in recent times, is laying claim to the facility, leading to uncertainty over who has the responsibility to manage the centre.

Mr. Casely Hayford on Citi FM’s News Analysis Programme, The Big Issue, said a decision to sell the facility to a private entity will resolve the impasse between the two parties.

“Sell the facility to a private institution and let them brand it. They [UG] have set up a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV). The SPV is suppose to take over and run it as a private company but it will not work because government still wants a part of the pie,” he suggested.

He also wondered why the Public Services Commission and Parliament had not yet summoned the University of Ghana and the Ministry over the issue.

“The Public Services Commission should call government and the University of Ghana and sort the issue. This thing has been raging from time to time but who is responsible? Which institution or body is responsible? If it is Public Services Commission, what are they sitting down doing when we have a facility that is going to waste? Exactly what is Parliament doing?

“Isn’t there a sub committee in Parliament responsible for healthcare so why have they not been called to book? Why has Parliament not summoned the University of Ghana people and the government and sat them down and said; you must solve this problem, we are giving you 30 days. “

Mr. Hayford’s suggestion comes a day after the Ghana Medical Association [GMA] called on President Nana Akufo-Addo to bring an end to what it described as the “unhealthy tussle” over the facility.

Background

The UG Medical Centre, which has its first phase completed and ready to commence operations, was inaugurated by former President John Mahama in 2016.

Whereas the University believes processes leading to the construction of the facility gives it a direct oversight role of the Medical Centre, the current Ministry of Health under the Akufo-Addo government thinks otherwise.

A Deputy Minister of Health, Kingsley Aboagye Gyedu, had earlier said government currently needs about $6 million to make the facility operational, and an additional $50 million to complete the phase two of the project.

Fight for UG Medical centre

The immediate past Vice Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Professor Ernest Aryeetey, has also charged the current university administration to fight to ensure that they have overall control of the Medical Centre.

“The University needs to stand up and fight for what is rightfully its property,” he noted in a Citi News interview.

1,400 staff were shortlisted

A former Deputy Health Minister, Rojo Mettle Nunoo recently said about 1,400 personnel had already been shortlisted and ready to be recruited as staff of the Medical Centre before the John Mahama administration was kicked out of office.

According to him, a total of 28,000 applied to work for the Centre, out of which 1,400 were selected.

Mr. Nunoo said the previous government had an adequate plan in place on the way forward for the Centre, adding that all was set for the facility to be operational before the NDC left office.

“Government will pay salaries so we got the Public Service Commission to agree to the establishment of the hospital and 28,000 people applied to be staff of the hospital. We did interviews and the first round of over 1,400 or so people were identified and appointment letters were going to be given. The Fair Wages Commission had also agreed with the salary structure of the hospital and given approval,” he said in a Citi News interview last week.

Citi News has in the last few days also exposed a number of health projects undertaken by successive governments which cost the taxpayer several millions of dollars but have been abandoned.

–

By: Marian Ansah/citifmonline.com/Ghana
Follow @EfeAnsah

The post Sell UG Medical Centre to private entity – Casely-Hayford appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

[contextly_sidebar id=”x2Un4wvKNaIAAbmdilKzb0jgDGPT0Stt”]His suggestion comes on the back of Foreign Affairs Minister, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey’s assertion that the government has limited options because of the refugee status conferred on them under the Mahama administration in July 2016.

The Minister had stated that, the agreement signed between the government of Ghana and United States of America, indicated that, while the US has no obligation to the detainees after the initial two-year agreement, Ghana has the responsibility to integrate the two into the Ghanaian society.

However, speaking to Citi News’ Duke Mensah Opoku, Mr. Ayine said the refugee status conferred on the two does not necessarily make their return impossible.

“Under our refugee law, as quoted by the Minority Leader, the refugee status can be withdrawn, so it is left with this government to take that step if they so think that the presence of the two persons on Ghanaian soil is inimical to the interest of the people of this country.”

He further pointed out that, government has two options of either renegotiating its agreement with the US or resorting to possible exit arrangements.

“One option is to take steps to renew the agreement. To renegotiate terms that will inure to the benefit of the people of this country. The other option is to look at the exit arrangement necessary for the two persons that we admitted into the country to be taken out of the country,” he said.

Background

The move to host the two in the country was criticized by many observers including the then-in-opposition New Patriotic Party, who described the two as a security threat despite assurances to the contrary by the US.

Two citizens; Margaret Bamful and Henry Nana Boakye, further sued the former Attorney General and the Minister of Interior contending that the two were being hosted illegally.

The two were justified by the Supreme Court, which declared as unconstitutional the agreement between the Mahama government and the United States.

The apex court ordered the government to send the agreement to Parliament for ratification or have the two detainees sent back to the US.

According to the judgment, the government needed the approval of Parliament before entering into any international agreement, just as in the case of the two detainees.

When the matter came up for discussion in Parliament, the House was informed that the agreement was reached under a note verbale and Memorandum of Understanding.

A note verbale is a piece of diplomatic correspondence prepared in the third person and unsigned. Parliament subsequently ratified the agreement for the two for detainees to be in the country.

Return GITMO 2 now – Antwi Danso to gov’t

An International relations analyst, Dr. Vladimir Antwi Danso had earlier asked government to take immediate steps to return the two detainees.

“They were given two years to stay in Ghana, and the two years have elapsed, what next. And for me they have to leave the country. They must be made to leave by the tenets of the agreement. And agreement tells how its termination can be. So I don’t see why this thing cannot be done, because if they are not made to leave, the security implications are dire,” Antwi Danso earlier stated.

–

By: Marian Ansah/citifmonline.com/Ghana
Follow @EfeAnsah

The post Gov’t could return Gitmo 2 by withdrawing refugee status – Ayine appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.