Cantonments Road to face Traffic delay from May 26th to July 29th

 

The Ministry of Roads and Highways' Department of Urban Roads has declared a significant traffic disruption on Cantonments Road, Accra.

Starting Sunday, May26th, until Monday, July 29th, 2024, traffic will experience disturbances. The interruption is necessary for drainage and traffic management operations along the Cantonments Road stretch from the Police Station to Danquah Circle.

This project is part of a larger effort to improve the drainage system and enhance pedestrian safety in front of the Police Hospital.

The initiative which was a collaboration between International Hospitals Group Ltd (IHG) and the Ministry of the Interior aims to upgrade infrastructure and safety around the Police Hospital, ensuring a safer environment for pedestrians and motorists on Cantonments Road.

Motorists and other road users planning to use Cantonments road during this period are urged to follow traffic signs for guidance during this period.

The Police Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) will be strategically positioned to assist motorists.

The Department of Urban Roads deeply regrets any inconvenience caused by this necessary development work.

Ing. James Amoo-Gottfried, the Director of the Department of Urban Roads, assures the public that these improvements will benefit the community in the long run.

Read full press release below:

INTERRUPTION TO VEHICULAR TRAFFIC DEVELOPMENT OF THE POLICE HOSPITAL, CANTONMENTS ROAD, ACCRA

THE DEPARTMENT OF URBAN ROADS under the ministry of roads and highways wishes to announce to the public the drainage and traffic management works on the section of the cantonment road between the police station and Danquah circle starting on Sunday 26th may to Monday 29th July 2024.

This is to help international hospitals group ltd (IHG) and the ministry of the interior improve the drainage system and safe pedestrian access in front of the police hospital.

Motorists and all other road users wishing to use cantonment road are kindly requested to observe the traffic management signs placed on the road for guidance.

The police MTTD will be at the vantage points to guide all motorists. Any inconvenience is deeply regretted.

 

ING. JAMES AMOO-GOTTFRIED DIRECTOR,

DEPARTMENT OF URBAN ROADS

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Ending Child Labor Requires Stronger Enforcement and Support

 

Despite ongoing efforts by government officials and prominent members of society, the battle against child labor seems never-ending.

 According to The Head of United Nations' labor body, somewhere last year, told BBC that the future of millions of children is at risk as growing numbers are pulled out of school and into work.

 

Children as young as five years old roam the streets of Accra, shabbily dressed, interrupting the daily activities of citizens in haste, pleading for money, only to give it to their so-called caregivers or parents.

 

Due to lack of modernization in some part of the country, children's voices in rural areas are in the shadows. The rate at which child labor has dominated the rural areas is heartbreaking.

Despite the government's efforts to introduce the schooling system in most rural areas, some parents or caregivers refuse to allow these children to enjoy their full fundamental human rights.

As a result, access to education remains a challenge for many children in these areas. Even when they gain access to formal education, many children in rural areas struggle to concentrate fully.

This global canker now needs to be addressed with extensive force. The Child Rights Act in Ghana which aims at safeguarding the rights and welfare of children in the country.

 Its purpose is to review, revise, and update laws pertaining to child rights, justice, and welfare in Ghana. The Act covers various aspects of children's rights, including protection from exploitation, access to education, healthcare, and justice. It also outlines measures for promoting the holistic development and well-being of children in Ghana.

Although the Child Rights Act exist in Ghana, its effectiveness is questionable as no penalties are enforced against perpetrators of child labor. It is imperative that we advocate for the rights of these children. Parents and caregivers must assume full responsibility for their children or be subject to legal consequences. It is time to prioritize the protection and well-being of children and hold accountable those who exploit them.

Poverty, limited access to education, and weak support systems are key factors to child labor. To combat this, Ghana needs stronger efforts from the government, NGOs, and international partners. Only then can we truly protect and support the country's vulnerable children.

 

 

COCOBOD ends scholarships due to Free SHS

 The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has announced the cessation of its longstanding scholarship initiative due to the introduction of the Free Senior High School (SHS) programme by the government.

In response to this shift, COCOBOD has established the Cocoa Board Education Trust, which aims to enhance primary school facilities in neglected cocoa-producing regions.

The Chairman of COCOBOD, Peter Mac Manu, explained that the termination of the scholarship scheme was a necessary adaptation to the new educational landscape created by the Free SHS initiative.

He remarked, "With the advent of the Free SHS by the Akufo-Addo administration, it’s time for us to adapt and evolve. Although the COCOBOD Scholarship Scheme has been recognized as valuable and significant, it has gradually deviated from its original purpose."

For many years, the COCOBOD Scholarship Scheme provided crucial financial assistance to students from cocoa-producing communities, helping them pursue secondary education.

However, the implementation of the Free SHS initiative, which eliminates tuition fees and other educational costs for high school students, has rendered the scholarship scheme less critical.

As a result, COCOBOD has decided to reallocate its resources towards improving primary education infrastructure in underserved cocoa-growing areas.

The newly founded Cocoa Board Education Trust is central to this new direction. This trust is dedicated to establishing exemplary primary schools in cocoa-producing communities, ensuring that children in these regions receive a solid educational foundation.

Peter Mac Manu emphasized that this initiative underscores COCOBOD's ongoing commitment to the welfare and prosperity of cocoa farmers and their families.

He stated, "As we bid farewell to the Scholarship Scheme, we must look forward and prioritize the continued educational advancement of the cocoa farming community. It’s with this vision that the board of directors has decided to establish the Ghana Cocoa Board Education Trust."

The primary objective of the Education Trust is to provide essential primary school infrastructure in areas that have been historically underserved. This includes building new schools, upgrading existing facilities, and ensuring that these schools are well-equipped to offer quality education.

By focusing on primary education, the trust aims to lay a strong educational foundation for children in cocoa-growing regions, preparing them for future academic and professional success.

Peter Mac Manu highlighted that the creation of the Education Trust reflects COCOBOD's steadfast dedication to supporting cocoa farmers and their children.

He noted, "This trust is a testament to our unwavering commitment to the prosperity and well-being of cocoa farmers and their children. By improving primary education infrastructure, we aim to create better opportunities for the next generation and contribute to the overall development of cocoa-producing communities."

While the end of the COCOBOD Scholarship Scheme marks the end of an era, the establishment of the Cocoa Board Education Trust represents a forward-looking approach to educational support in Ghana's cocoa-producing regions. This initiative ensures that the resources are used to provide significant benefits where they are most needed, fostering a brighter future for the children of cocoa farmers.

 

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Two Children Dead, 14 Injured in Explosion

 

A tragedy has befallen the community of Egyiresia near Sekondi, where two out of the 16 individuals injured in an explosion have passed away due to their injuries.

The explosion, which happened on Saturday, May 18, around 4 pm, was triggered by leaking premix fuel coming into contact with fire from a nearby fish smoking facility.

The two deceased were among thirteen other victims sent to the EFfia -Nkwanta Regional Hospital due to the severity of their condition. The remaining three were sent to the Benedict Hospital.

The Assembly Member for Ngyiresia-Mpasem Gabriel Ato Mensah disclosed to Citi News that the two deceased victims, Joseph Adom, aged 15, and Justice Dadzie, aged 7, were receiving medical care at Effia-Nkwanta Hospital in Sekondi.

He further stated that two more injured individuals are being transferred to Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital for advanced treatment.

“We recorded 16 victims with 11 being males and five females. We brought 13 of them to Effia-Nkwanta where treatment started, and we took the three to Saint Benedict Hospital at Inchaban. I personally took them to the hospital and later had to join the chief.

“When I came, two of the victims had been taken to the theatre, thus Joseph Adom, 15 years and Isaac Blankson, 55 years. The other 11 were also receiving treatment at the emergency ward.”

“This morning when we came, we realized that Joseph Adom had passed on. So we went to the morgue to see the lifeless body. Since morning, I’ve been here with the chief and around 3 pm, we lost another one by the name Justice Dadzie, a seven-year-old.

“Currently the ambulance has taken one patient, Isaac Blankson who was at the theatre [on Saturday] to Korle Bu and we are preparing another ambulance for one patient to Korle Bu for further treatment.”

Joseph Adom was resting in a wooden structure meters away when he was caught by the raging flames. The seven-year-old was also reportedly playing in the vicinity.

Dr. Grace Ayensu Danquah, the National Democratic Congress Parliamentary Candidate for Essikado-Ketan, has joined fellow surgeons at the hospital in a race against time to save the remaining victims of the explosion.

“We are doing everything medically possible to ensure that we can save the lives of the remaining victims,” she stated

In addition to her medical assistance, she has also donated surgical supplies to aid the victims.

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Never Pardon Voter Fraud - EC tells police

 

In a resolute stance against electoral malpractice, the Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana has urged law enforcement to take decisive action against individuals involved in registering minors in the ongoing Limited Voter Registration exercise.

Deputy Commissioner, Dr. Eric Bossman Asare emphasized the need for strict punishment for those found guilty, underscoring the EC's commitment to upholding electoral integrity.

“We urge the Police to apply the laws on those who have been apprehended to serve as a deterrent to others in the enterprise of facilitating the registration of minors and foreigners”, Dr. Eric Bossman spoke boldly.

Despite the commencement of the Limited Voter Registration on May 7, 2024, reports of minors being improperly registered persist, prompting the EC to sound the alarm.

Dr. Asare condemned the illicit facilitation of minors' registration, citing instances in the Western Region where police apprehended individuals accused of enrolling underage voters.

“We continue to receive reports that minors and non-Ghanaians are being encouraged by certain persons who are members of political parties to register as voters”, he emphasized.

The Commission has seen a report from the Western Region specifically in Mpohor where some two persons who allegedly facilitated the registration of five minors have been apprehended by the Police.

Dr. Asare issued a heartfelt plea to parents, urging them to dissuade their underage children from participating in the electoral process.

“We wish to use this opportunity to urge parents especially to dissuade their children who are less than 18 years from registering as voters”, he said.

Holding political parties accountable, Dr. Asare implored national party leadership to discourage their regional executives from orchestrating the transportation of minors and non-citizens to registration centers. The EC views such actions as detrimental to the credibility of the electoral process and calls for collective commitment to fostering a credible voter register.

“Similarly, we beseech the national leadership of the political parties to discourage their executives in the regions and the constituencies from transporting minors and foreigners to the registration centers. The objective of the Commission as always has been to have a credible register for the 2024 elections.” He stated.

With a firm stance against electoral malpractice, the EC urges law enforcement agencies to enforce existing laws with strictness.Dr. Asare highlighted that the potential legal consequences resulting from breaking the law will discourage people from trying to manipulate the electoral process in the future.

Addressing underage individuals directly, Dr. Asare emphasized the illegality of voter registration for those below 18 years old, urging them not to succumb to illicit pressures to register.

“We want to urge the children who are not 18 years that it is against the law for them to register as voters. Children, don’t allow anyone to tell you to go and register and vote in the December 2024 elections if you are not 18 years.”

Acknowledging challenges in verifying applicants' ages, the EC highlights the importance of the Ghana Card as a reliable means of identification.

The Commission advocates for the abolition of the Guarantor system, stating that it's easily taken advantage of and causes confusion at registration centers.

Providing insights into the registration process, the EC outlines regional breakdowns of registration figures, including gender distribution and first-time voters. Additionally, the registration of persons with disabilities underscores efforts to promote inclusivity within the electoral process.

Expressing gratitude to the media for their coverage of the registration exercise, the EC urges balanced reporting.

While acknowledging challenges, the Commission calls on media outlets to denounce attempts to register ineligible voters and uphold the integrity of the electoral process.

 

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Violent Clash at Voter Registration Center, 2 injured

 

Amidst tensions at a voter registration center in Adu Gyama, Ashanti region, two individuals have been injured in clashes between rival parties.

According to an eyewitness, two ladies were allegedly brought to the center for registration by an agent of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP).

The conflict erupted when some political party agents and some residents who were present at the center declined their registration, claiming they were not residents of the area.

 Despite an initial attempt to resolve the issue peacefully, armed individuals intervened, sparking a violent confrontation resulting in injuries.

The armed group forcefully entered the center, brandishing clubs, machetes, and other weapons, in an attempt to pressure the EC officials into permitting the registration of the students.

However, political party agents and other residents opposed their efforts, resulting in a physical altercation that caused injuries to two individuals' necks and arms.

The injured parties are currently receiving medical treatment at St. Mankraso Hospital, while the Electoral Commission (EC) works to address the situation and ensure the safety of all involved.

 This incident has prompted concerns about the security and integrity of the voter registration process, especially as the EC prepares to commence a nationwide voter registration exercise.

The ongoing voters registration exercise, began on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, with the aim of enrolling approximately 623,000 new voters across the country.

According to Madam Jean Mensa, Chairperson of the EC, the exercise will run for 21 days until May 27, 2024, at 268 district offices nationwide. The 21-day exercise 7:00 AM and concluded at 6:00 PM each day throughout the scheduled duration.

Additionally, mobile registration teams will be deployed to 785 polling stations and 25 public universities to reach voters in remote areas.

Addressing the press, Madam Mensa assured the public that all necessary logistical arrangements had been made to ensure a smooth registration process.

 She emphasized the importance of the exercise in facilitating democratic participation, particularly for those who were unable to register during the previous cycle in September 2023.

The EC has trained and deployed over 3,000 electoral officers to oversee the ongoing registration process, including mobile teams tasked with reaching voters in hard-to-access areas.

 Movement plans for these teams have been published on the EC's website and shared with political parties to facilitate monitoring and access.

However, concerns remain about the potential for further conflicts during the registration period, especially in areas where tensions are high.

 The recent violence at the registration center in Adu Gyama underscores the need for robust security measures and effective conflict resolution mechanisms to safeguard the electoral process.

 

 

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All Children, Our Future: Disabilities or Not

 

Civilization has done the world good than damage and one of its benefit is the emergence of human rights. The world we live in today; everyone is entitled to certain rights. However, there are individuals whose struggles often go unnoticed. These are the voices of children with disabilities, who often find themselves navigating a world often ill-suited to their needs.

In 2006, Parliament passed the Persons with Disability Act 2006 (Act 715), marking a significant milestone in advancing disability rights in Ghana. This legislation guarantees various rights, including unrestricted access to public places and buildings, free healthcare, employment opportunities, access to education, and transportation services.

The question remains: to what extent are these rights actively enforced, and are there effective measures in place to punish those who violate these rights?

From a documentary dubbed “Disable Children in Ghana”, Sophie Morgan disclosed some private disable institutes do not get any assistance or little support from government as they struggle to cater for some disable children in their localities.

Meeting Mr. Barima, Director of the Physically Challenged Action Foundation, Offinso, in Ghana to learn about the work that he does to support children with disabilities, Morgan asserted, “In the 25 years since Mr. Barima school reopened, 15 hundred disable children have graduated. All of which was done without any government assistances.

Unfortunately, not only the government but also some members of society have turned a blind eye to these alarming issues. Some parents neglect their disabled children, leaving them to suffer without any parental assistance or even disposing them off to die as if they are some piece of thrash. They justify their actions by claiming these children are burdens or liabilities.

One of the top students at the institute shared a heartbreaking story of neglect by his father. 17year-old Charles narrated, “I was born in a village and my dad told my mom that I am a disable soul, he hates me and I am cursed. He said I am a river son. My daddy left us. Fortunately, a man saw me and promised to bring me here”. He said I hope I get a better future and I agreed.”

Charles wishes for God to send helpers to disabled children like himself. He aspires to become a doctor and help other disabled children achieve their dreams.

Exploring the healthcare services available for disabled children, what steps is the government, particularly the Department of Social Welfare and Development, which falls under the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, taking to alleviate the financial burden of their healthcare expenses?

Is there any insurance currently available that provides coverage for disabled children in the country?

I urge the government to not only make efforts in providing just laws, policies or facilities for disabled children but also ensure that these laws and policies are effectively enforced, guaranteeing the rights and welfare of disabled children across the country in terms of health, education and security.

All children, whether disabled or not, are our responsibility. They are the future of this country and should be our top priority.

 

No Noise, No Funerals From Today Ahead of Ga Mashi Homowo

 

The bustling streets of Accra will go hush for one month as the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), has announced this year’s ban on drumming and noise-making will begin from today  Monday  May 6, 2024 to Thursday June 6,  2024 in preparation of the upcoming Homowo festival.

According to the press statement released on Friday, May 3, 2024, the AMA outlined several guidelines for residents to follow during this period in order to ensure peace, harmony as well as national security.

The release stated that churches are instructed to conduct their activities within their premises without the use of musical instruments.

Loudspeakers outside churches, mosques, and pubs are prohibited, while roadside evangelists are required to suspend their activities temporarily.

Additionally, religious bodies and Traditional Authorities are urged to show mutual respect and refrain from making derogatory or inflammatory remarks about each other's beliefs and practices.

The Ga Traditional Council has also imposed a ban on funeral rites and related activities.

Also, enforcement of the ban will be overseen by an identifiable task force comprising personnel from the AMA, the Ghana Police Service, and representatives from the Traditional Councils.

Only individuals with official tags are authorized to enforce noise abatement measures within the metropolis.

In urging cooperation and compliance from all residents, towns, and villages within the Ga Traditional Area, the AMA emphasizes the importance of adhering to the directives outlined in the press release.

Accra residents are urged to abide by these guidelines to ensure a peaceful and incident-free Nmaa Dumo period.

As the city prepares for the Homowo festival, the AMA encourages all to "live in, love it!!!"

 

Read full press release below:

BAN ON DRUMMING AND NOISE MAKING

The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) wishes to inform all residents in its jurisdiction that, this year's ban on drumming and noise-making commences from Monday 6th May to Thursday 6th June 2024. It has therefore set the following guidelines in the interest of peace, harmony and national security:

1. During the period of the ban, churches are expected to carry out their activities within their premises and refrain from the use of musical instruments.

2. The positioning of loudspeakers outside the premises of churches, mosques and pubs are banned. Roadside evangelists are to cease their activities during this period.

3. Religious bodies and the Traditional Authorities must show respect for one another and restrain their followers from making derogatory and inflammatory remarks about the beliefs and practices of one another.

4. Other guidelines by the Ga Traditional Council (GTC) include a ban on funeral rites and their related activities.

5. Apart from an identifiable task force that consists of AMA personnel, the Ghana Police Service and Representatives from the Traditional Councils with tags, no other person or group of persons should be seen or found enforcing the abatement of noise in the metropolis.

By this notice, we entreat all persons, towns and villages within the Ga Traditional Area to cooperate and comply with the directive accordingly during this period.

For further clarification relating to the ban on drumming and noise-making, please call the following hotlines:

a. 0243211345 (GILBERT NII ANKRAH, AMA)

b. 0244699095 (NII KLAN)

c. 0549855811 (ASAFOATSE MANKATTAH)

d.0243338908 (NII ABOSE ASROKOJA)

All are enjoined to abide by these guidelines for an incident-free Nmaa Dumo period. Accra, live in, love it!!!

SIGNED.

GILBERT NII ANKRAH

HEAD OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS

FOR: METRO CHIEF EXECUTIVE

P. 0. Box GP385, Accra +233 243 211 345 email:publicrelation@ama.gov.gh

AGS

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