Citi News has reported about the infrastructure challenges facing some Senior High Schools across the country since the introduction of the policy.

[contextly_sidebar id=”NLnmd4YBEV9nIsQghet4iCsw2EzymkIc”]In an interaction with the Bawku Chief who paid a courtesy call on him, the President reiterated the commitment of his administration to ensure the policy is sustained for the benefit of Ghana.

“We have to speak the truth to each other as Ghanaians. In today’s world, Junior High School Education is not enough. We have to make sure that everybody gets to Secondary School and that’s why I am determined that the policy of free SHS will continue and continue so that all our children always have the opportunity to go to school. It is not being done for politics, it is not being done for votes. It is being done for the development of our country” he stated.

“This year, to show you the impact of the policy, 90,000 more students are in Senior High School this year than they were last year, because of the promise, and we want to make sure everybody who is eligible can find their place in the high school. There are difficulties with the programme, there are difficulties with logistics and infrastructure in the schools, classrooms, dormitories, and science labs, but everything new when it starts has problems. If you do not start, you cannot progress.”

The free SHS policy has been fraught with a number of challenges since its launch.

A large number of students who had gained admission to various schools, had challenges with their placements after the policy was launched.

Also, some school heads had not received full funding for first year students who were expected to benefit from the programme.

Free SHS challenges due to poor planning – Spio Garbrah 

A former Trade Minister, Dr. Ekwow Spio Garbrah, had indicated that the hitches that have marred the implementation of the policy are due to the lack of planning.

In an interview with Citi News, he said this was evidenced by the fact the government is yet to clearly declare the cost and funding for the policy.

“Today that Free SHS has started, even the total cost is still not known and where the money is going to come from is still not known,” Dr. Spio Garbrah stated.

Despite concerns raised by skeptics, President Nana Addo is optimistic his administration will surely find ways of sustaining the programme.

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By: Marian Ansah/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Free SHS will work despite challenges – Nana Addo appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

He said he could not understand why political vigilante groups will rise under President Akufo-Addo who prides himself in upholding the rule of law as a distinguished lawyer.

[contextly_sidebar id=”FTQ2cqhp9OCaAR3Juz23UC9m5EnPpO85″]Speaking on Good Evening Ghana on Metro TV on Thursday, Dr. Spio Garbrah urged the President to demonstrate his commitment to the rule of law by taking action to stop the lawless actions of political party vigilante groups.

“The idea of having Delta force and Invisible Forces at the time when the NPP is in power is a thing nobody understands. The international community is worried about it. Why does any country need private militias.? Have you heard the president disbanding Delta Force and Invisible Forces? Did they not raid the court and they were fined GH¢1,800?,” he quizzed.

“[all these] vigilantism, machoism, civil disobedience and disorder, the practice of impunity and failure to uphold the rule of law…this is a government being led by a distinguished legal practitioner who has prided himself in promoting the rule of law. So we would like to see some examples of his willingness to prevent the kind of chaos and anarchy that has occurred in neighboring countries,” he said.

Dr. Spio Garbrah’s comment comes in the wake of heightened acts of lawlessness by some vigilante groups affiliated to the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP).

After the NPP won the December 2016 elections, nearly 20 illegal actions including violent attacks have been carried out by these groups, despite verbal warnings from various security agencies in the country against the act.

Recently, some 13 Members of the Delta Force, one of the vigilante groups affiliated to the governing party, were sentenced to a fine of GH¢1,800 each for vandalizing property at the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council and manhandling the Regional Security Coordinator.

Many have described the sentence as overly lenient and a recipe for more lawless acts.

Meanwhile, a Security Analyst, Kwesi Anning, has suggested that the military is used to fight political party vigilante group.

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By: citifmonline.com/Ghana

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“There can never be free education because parents must have some responsibility for their children’s education. Total freedom is not desirable and that explains the NDC, the NPP and the CPP past government’s inability to provide free education.”

He sarcastically admonished government to include “One student-one guinea fowl” to complete the concept if it is achievable.

Dr. Spio Garbrah was addressing the 17^th Annual Delegates Congress of the University Students Association of Ghana on the theme, “Exploring alternative avenues for funding university education: the role of stakeholders,” held at the University for Development Studies Tamale City campus, Dungu.

He nonetheless proffered alternative sources for funding university education by admonishing government to plug tax loopholes and use a chunk of the revenue to fund education.

According to him, universities Internally Generated Funds alone are woefully inadequate for funding projects and thus challenged the authorities to be business oriented.

He tasked university authorities to build stadia, more conference halls and provide catering services to organizations.

He also called on university authorities to form joint ventures with the private sector through agribusiness and entreated traditional rulers to establish education endowment funds to support needy but brilliant students.

He further appreciated the role of religious bodies in the education sector and urged them to do more.

Pro Vice Chancellor of the University for Development Studies, Professor Seidu Alhassan bemoaned universities inadequate resources making it impossible for expansion of structures and students intake.

“Dwindling nature of the 60% funding from government is so worrisome and we don’t even get what we ask for in our budgets presented to government.”

“Alternative sources of revenue mobilization for university education funding is very paramount because the GETfund allocation is minimal.”

He described as a daunting task government’s request for 3.4% of universities IGF to be paid into the national kitty.

Professor Seidu Alhassan called for transparency and accountability in the process of Parliamentary approval of university fees.”

Deputy Northern Regional Minister, Solomon Boar reiterated government’s free SHS policy implementation by September.

He said government was determined to improve educational standards as means of augmenting the human resource base.

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By: Abdul Karim Naatogmah/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post NPP’s Free SHS policy is impossible – Spio Garbrah appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

This contradicts earlier claims by a member of the Spio Garbrah Fan Club , Kwaku Tawiah that Mr. Garbrah had declared his intentions to join the flagbearership race in 2018.

[contextly_sidebar id=”qbnAyQOs3YHmzmMzSj2d6RpkKSw9Fibo”]Speaking in an exclusive interview with Citi News’ Karim Nagtomah, Mr. Garbrah said he is yet to make a decision about contesting the party’s presidential primaries.

Mr. Garbrah explained that those pushing for him to contest were members of his fan club.

“What has been said so far came from members of my fan club who are hoping that I consider becoming a candidate but that is different from me myself saying I am a candidate. If I am declaring my candidacy for anything, I will not do so through alliances. I will speak for myself,” Mr. Garbrah clarified.

He pointed out that he will make a decision on the “role” to vie for after extensive consultations with his supporters and key stakeholders.

“When the party invites those who are interested in becoming leaders of the party, at that point, in consultation with my supporters and fans and other party leaders, I will decide the role I will play.”

Mr. Garbrah also advised the party to focus on reuniting its ranks and rebuilding after the humiliating defeat it suffered in the 2016 elections before deciding on persons to represent it in the 2020 elections.

The party has within two years to elect a flagbearer who will lead the party in the 2020 elections.

About 5 names including former Accra Metropolitan Assembly boss, Oko Vanderpuje and Stephen Atubiga have so far popped up as persons likely to contest the flagbearership position when the party opens nomination.

It is unclear whether former President John Mahama will exercise his right to a second term in office after the defeat.

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By: Marian Ansah/citifmonline.com/Ghana
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According to his spokesperson, Kwaku Tawiah Ampah, reports saying he has abandoned his desire to lead the party in the 2020 elections, are false and must be disregarded.

[contextly_sidebar id=”Jm7Sp3bPTReBFhK4nFDEBzX7i3hXh6gA”]Speaking to Citi News, Ampah said his boss will contest even if former president Mahama decides to make a comeback.

“I can assure you that come 2018, Dr. Ekow Spio Garbrah will run,” he said.

Despite the assurance, Dr. Garbrah’s spokespersons said the party will give former President John Mahama the opportunity to decide whether or not to run for the president slot in 2018.

“…Even if he decides to run he should know that he will be contested, that is what is stated. What it means is that we should give the former president a courtesy of either refusing or deciding to run as a respect for his presidency and the fact that he was the leader of the NDC… But this doesn’t mean that Dr. Spio Garbrah will not run,” he added.

Ahead of election 2020

There is currently some seeming tension in the NDC on who will lead the party in the general elections in 2020.

Whereas some members argue that John Mahama under whose regime the party went to opposition should be given the chance to lead the NDC again, others think otherwise.

Meanwhile, there are rumours that a number of personalities including Professor Joshua Alabi, MP for Nadowli/Kaleo, Alban Bagbin are all lacing their boots to take up the challenge.

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Godwin A. Allotey & Fred Djabanor/citifmonline.com/Ghana
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The event which will be held on November 14, 2016  will be hosted at the British Council Hall at 5pm.

National Dialogue on Entrepreneurship will bring together policy movers, entrepreneurs, aspiring entrepreneurs, private sector leaders, entrepreneurship ecosystem actors,  the Academia, the civil society and the international development agencies in Ghana to dialogue on issues and solution to advance the development of entrepreneurship in Ghana.

The conversation will dive into, entrepreneurship education, fostering a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem, mentoring, financing for  start-ups, skills  and support for entrepreneurs. Panel Speakers include Hon. Dr Ekwow Spio-Gabrah (Minister of Trade & Industry), Mrs Elizebeth Elango Bintlif (CEO of Junior Achiverment Africa),Dr. Gordon Kwesi Adomdza, Senior Assistant Professor of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Ashesi University, and a Visiting Professor at CEIBS Africa, Ghana and Mr. Joe Takie , CEO of the National Medium-Term Private Sector Development Strategy ( PSDS II).

 Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW), the world’s largest celebration and promotion of Entrepreneurship, that unleashes innovators and job creators who launch startups that bring ideas to life, drive economic growth and expand human welfare.

GEW-Ghana will connect entrepreneurs, students, educators, aspiring entrepreneurs, NGOs, non-profit organisations, development agencies, government officials, etc. to participate in a range of activities which will be conducted by partner buy celexa organizations to harness the spirit of entrepreneurship culture in Ghana.

From 14^th-20^th Nov, 2016 Global Entrepreneurship Week will be celebrated in 160 countries with over 20, 000 partner organization are planning more than 30, 000 entrepreneurial activities that directly engage more than 7 million people worldwide. Global Entrepreneurship Network –Ghana (Host of GEW-Ghana) invites Government Organizations, Non-profit Organizations, Private sector companies, Business Associations, senior and junior Schools, tertiary institutions, Youth Organisations, media organisations, religious organizations and entrepreneurship development organisations to get involved by signing up to become an official partner of Global Entrepreneurship week -Ghana.

As a partner, all you need to do is to organize at least one activity around entrepreneurship or alien your upcoming entrepreneurial activity as part of GEW –Ghana celebration. It does not cost any fee to become a partner of Global Entrepreneurship Week.

Your activity can be big or small, a workshop or seminar, competition, debates, TV and radio discussions on various aspect of entrepreneurship etc. It is only limited by your imagination! Register your event at www.gew.co so your event can be officially part of Global Entrepreneurship Week.

As an official partner you have opportunity to be a part of global movement connection millions of people from all backgrounds with a common agenda –making a difference through the power of entrepreneurship.

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

The post Spio Garbrah to speak at entrepreneurship dialogue appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

The local manufactures say, Dr. Spio Garbrah acted illegally when he deliberately signed and issued a permit to Fujian from Korea, to import five hundred thousand tonnes of the product.

Members of the association argue that, the minister is virtually pushing them out of business with the decision.

Speaking on the  Citi Breakfast  Show today [Wednesday], the spokesperson for the  Cement Manufacturers, Dr. Dawson Amoah said the minister  breached the legislative Instrument( LI)  that regulates imports  and exports of the product.

“…The solution to stop all these press conferences and our petitions is for the Minister to say I am sorry. We are talking about good image, compliance, adherence to law. This is a legal issue; once there is a law it must be adhered to.”

He explained that their position is not against competition from foreign cement manufacturers, saying “we are fighting on fair trade; we are fighting illegality so far as importation in concerned.”

“Cement importation has been on the market for a long time, but we are competing. Our issue here is that, let us make sure that we actually erase unfair trade practices and this is one of them. That is unfairness, absolutely unfair,” Dr. Amoah added.

We’ve not been given any permit

Meanwhile, the Chief of Gomoa-Desuom, and the Manager of SOL Cement in Ghana, Nana Obokomata IX, has dismissed claims that his firm has been granted an import license by the Trades Minister.

“We should have been given the license first; but we are not casting any insinuation at anybody. What we are saying is that, we have tendered in our documents to the Ministry of Trade and as we speak, SOL cement has come to stay, we have a land and we have started building a cement factory in Ghana. Anybody who is interested, I will march him to Tema, just behind TOR, there is a vast land which has been acquired by SOL and we are going to put up an ultra-modern cement manufacturing machine, which is on the sea coming so we are here to supplement the cement production in the country,” he said.

Manufacturers fume over ‘illegal’ importation of cement

CMAG at a press conference on Tuesday expressed dismay at Spio-Garbrah over the issue, which they claimed was without the approval of the Cement Monitoring Committee established by government.

Dr. Amoah while addressing the press, complained that the move if not checked could trigger job losses.

“The continuous up swelling of cement imports will compel local manufacturers to scale down operations and the negative economic consequences are so obvious to mention. It is therefore mind-boggling to see the ascendancy of cement imports from China by SOL and Fujian, and from Korea and Nigeria by Dangote cement, despite persistent petitions that manufacturers have installed capacities to meet local demand.”

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

The post Apologise for ‘unfair’ trade practices – Cement Manufacturers to Spio appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

Stone, the elder of the award-winning Hiplife group says his decision to go solo on The Gifted is borne out of a need for him to express himself and give music lovers a hundred percent appreciation of his talent.

“The Gifted album is about giving all of me. When you are in a group like I am, you get to deliver half way – like my brother would do a verse and I do another. But when you do a solo album, you get to do all. You choose to sing a chorus, a hook, put in your verses and skill and you get to go all out,” he told Citifmonline.

“When you get to do a solo album, it’s easier, you get to pour yourself out full time. I feel I’ve been gifted with a lot of things like singing, rapping, metaphors, punchlines and a whole lot of things. Apart from that I do reggae, dancehall, afropop and I can attack any genre of music and still fit in right. I feel all these are gifts I have been given to share with my fans, that is why I’ve decided to release a solo album titled The Gifted,” he added.

Stone explained that working with Kuntakinte is fun but unable to give 100% when they work together since his brother would have to add on to what he does. However, he’s assured fans that his solo project would not affect the Bradez in any way and that they are working on their next album as a duo titled Conquer The World.

“Together with my brother I’m able to do a part of me but not the whole me. I can say that I usually do 80%. One thing people must know is that Bradez is not just a musical group, Bradez is family, it’s a lifelong thing. Like R2Bees, you might see Paedae or Mugeez but deep down it’s a movement. Bradez is like Black Eyed Peas where Will.I.Am can do a solo project one year and do a group project the following year. Same with Outkast where Andre3000 does solo stuff one moment and does a group thing the other. It is a solo project within the same camp,” he explained.

Video: Bradez – Conquer the world ft. Jai Amore

Stone’s upcoming solo album has about eighteen songs recorded. He plans to release them strategically to make the right impact in the industry. The first two in a series of five singles will be released on August 1 and the rest released on the first of the following months till they are all released.

The album features Kuntakinte, Stay Jay, M.anifest, Episode, Reggie Rockstone, Cabum, Okyeame Kwame, Dampoo, Lil Shaker, Ryan (Vodafone Icons) and has producers like Magnom, Garzy, Mike Mills, Peewezel, Ray (of Cash 2 and Ray) and other world class producers.

According to Stone, fans should “expect versatility, the best flows pregnant with proper punchlines and sensible songs. My aim is to bring joy and motivation to the world so I expect fans to be happy when they listen to my album and at the same time be motivated by it.”

Stone, born Kwaku Nsiah-Boamah, released a special freestyle eulogizing missing musician Castro on his birthday, Sunday July 13 2014.

Video: Stone – Birthday Castro Freestyle

By: Kojo Akoto Boateng/citifmonline.com/Ghana

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