The intervention comes in response to the growing number of people fleeing tribal disturbances in Nkwanta South and reflects a strong sense of solidarity and commitment to protecting the vulnerable.

The essential relief items—including rice and other necessities—were distributed to help alleviate the hardship faced by the IDPs and to offer them a sense of security and stability in their new environment.

Speaking to the media, the Krachi East Municipal Director of NADMO, Jonathan Dzunu, stressed the urgent need to support the displaced, citing the increasing challenges they face such as limited access to food, water, and shelter.

He called for continued support and encouraged individuals and organizations to collaborate with NADMO in delivering aid to those in need.

“The number of IDPs is increasing daily due to the ongoing conflict,” Dzunu said. “We appeal for more relief items to meet the growing demand and support those fleeing the violence in Nkwanta.”

Dzunu expressed gratitude to the government, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), the Member of Parliament (MP), and charitable organizations for their contributions toward the relief efforts.

Municipal Chief Executive Safo Nketia assured the IDPs of a safe and secure environment in Krachi East, urging them to approach the authorities if they encounter any challenges.

Member of Parliament Nelson Kofi Djabab also pledged his continued support for the displaced persons both within and outside the constituency, affirming his commitment to their welfare.

In a conversation with Adom News, several beneficiaries expressed heartfelt appreciation to NADMO for the timely intervention. Many of them, who fled their homes in Nkwanta South due to the conflict, described the relief items as a lifeline and extended gratitude to the government and supporting organizations for their generosity.

Source: Obrempongba K. Owusu

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In an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen programme, he stated that the current system of funds being paid directly to institutions is not effective.

Therefore, he believes it would be better for funds to be given directly to the association or the patients.

“Whether it’s a bank or a mining company, we need another fund specifically for renal patients. The challenges of receiving financial aid directly through institutions make it harder for patients” he said.

He said many renal patients, especially the youth, are suffering from kidney issues.

“Most of the people suffering from kidney problems are young. It takes four hours per dialysis session, and it’s a huge challenge” he cried.

Mr. Ahenkorah shared his personal struggles, explaining that he often has to raise money to help others pay for their dialysis.

“Sometimes, I have to get money and pay for other people’s dialysis because they can’t afford it,” he noted.

He also mentioned that certain foods are not beneficial for people with kidney conditions and spoke about the harsh realities of living with kidney disease.

“Life with this condition is not good at all. Some people even die on the dialysis machine,” he said.

Having spent nine years at the renal unit and now entering his 10th year on dialysis, Mr. Ahenkorah reflected on the financial toll it has taken on him.

“I’ve spent all my money on dialysis. Being in the banking industry for many years, I’ve now used up everything I had. I have nothing left, and I’m forced to beg people for money.”

Discussing the costs, he explained, “Each dialysis session costs 491 cedis, and this is a serious burden for most of us.”

Mr. Ahenkorah stressed the need for more education on kidney disease, pointing out that its leading causes are hypertension and diabetes.

“The problem is there’s no education on this. People need to get checked every three months. If you detect it early, it makes a big difference.”

In his appeal, he urged the government to step in.

“Our request is simple – we need help. This is a matter of life and death,” he stated.

He called for the establishment of a government committee to seek support from institutions.

He recounted a tragic case where a 21-year-old died because they couldn’t afford dialysis.

“There are so many people suffering just because they can’t afford to pay for their treatment,” he added, emphasizing the urgent need for action.

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Not only has Madam Affo Toffey showered her daughter with lavish gifts, but she has also proudly showcased Francine’s achievements on various social media platforms.

Recently, when Fantana secured a prominent role in Season 2 of the highly acclaimed reality show, Young, Famous & African, her mother publicly congratulated her on the well-deserved win, further highlighting their close bond.

However, Madam Affo Toffey’s journey hasn’t been without challenges.

In the past year, she faced a viral controversy over allegations of dual citizenship, which nearly led to her impeachment as an MP. The accusation of holding American citizenship seemed to contradict the laws governing public officeholders.

Nevertheless, after enduring lengthy and tense court proceedings, Hon. Dorcas Affo Toffey was eventually vindicated and successfully maintained her seat as an MP.

Throughout the ordeal, she remained composed and true to her signature style, with her short hair slicked down to her scalp, while she danced joyfully to the tune of her daughter’s hit song, “Control,” donning stylish yellow and burgundy-coloured sneakers.

Many couldn’t help but admire madam Affo Toffey’s striking features, which she undoubtedly passed down to her talented and successful daughter, Fantana.

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A post shared by HON. DORCAS AFFO TOFFEY (@thedorcasdiary2020)

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Ama Darkowaa had all three of her children out of wedlock; the first at the age of 14. All three – nine, six, and four years – are in school and the 24-year-old says she finds herself compelled to work even harder to provide for them.

“Their father moved out to Accra about four years ago,” she said.

She has been hawking food since she was 13 years old and has come to know the trade well.

She makes just 20 cedis a day which she manages for the upkeep of herself and the children.

“The business isn’t for me. I work for someone and she pays me 20 cedis at the end of the day.”

Ama boards a vehicle at Adankwame, where she resides, and begins her day by hawking the Kenkey, alighting at Abrepo-Junction and then trekking around to sell till she makes GH₵200 worth of sales for the day.

“I take a vehicle from Adankwame to Abrepo Junction at ₵5.50Pesewas and then walk to anywhere I want to sell.”

She attended Adankwame D/A JHS but dropped out in year 2 when she got pregnant and had no one to support her.

“I didn’t have someone to lean on,” she lamented.

On Monday, April 17, 2023, JoyNews’ Mahmud Mohammed-Nurudeen saw Ama at Old Tafo in Kumasi, where she was selling the kenkey to a woman on the main street.

Mahmud told Ama to bring GH₵20 worth of Kenkey to a store where he was resting. Out of curiosity, he sought information about the lady’s profit and where she lives.

Several follow-up inquiries revealed the situation in her life.

Ama has been residing in Adankwame with her maternal aunt since she was three years old. Her parents live at Asanko, in the Amansie area.

She admits that trekking to sell the Kenkey is a difficult task, but she has no other options to cater for her children.

“What else will you do if you get a different opportunity?” she was asked.

Ama wants to stay in the Kenkey business but wants to set up her own business.

“How much money do you need to get started?,” she was asked again, to which she responded, GH₵700.

“Will GH₵700 suffice?” Ama insists this is precisely what she has been searching for.

Ama is just one of the hundreds of young ladies working hard to support themselves and their families in these challenging times.

They would continue to endure terrible conditions and all manner of risks at the hands of reckless people until help arrives.

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According to the Board, though many institutions have shown much love with their contributions, more donations are required to combat the novel infectious disease.

A member of the Board of Trustees, Archbishop Justice Ofei Akrofi, made the appeal when he received some donations on behalf of the Board at the Secretariat, at the Jubilee House.

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Appreciating the donors, Archbishop Ofei Akrofi said with all hands on deck, the country will be able to overcome the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Prudential Bank, Food and Drugs Authority, Pacific Oil Marketing Company and Heleh Africa Foundation were some of the companies that donated.

Others included Endeavor Energy, a Power generation company and Tong Long Company Ltd.

They also commended the government on its relentless efforts so far towards the fight.

Newmont Ghana’s contribution will support two testing centers in Accra and Kumasi, as well as preventive measures in and around its Ahafo and Akyem mines and the Ahafo North Project area.

According to Regional Senior Vice President, Francois Hardy, the health and safety of the people and nearby communities take precedence above all else, hence the need to support.

“We recognise the need to help fortify the capabilities of our public institutions so they can undertake mass testing and other public health measures to minimise the risks and impacts associated with COVID -19.

“In light of the logistical and infrastructure constraints around the country’s public health system – along with the needs of our local health institutions in our host communities – we have set aside a $100,000 package to support the country’s fight against the COVID-19 pandemic,” Mr Hardy added.

A sum of $25,000 each will be handed over to support the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research and the Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine for the procurement of test kits.

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Another $20,000 to the Asutifi North and  Birim North District Assemblies respectively and $10,000 for the Tano North Municipal Assembly.

He added Newmont Ghana has also made substantial donation to the Ghana Chamber of Mines towards the COVID-19 national fund.

That notwithstanding, Newmont Ghana has taken proactive measures to protect its workforce and nearby communities in response to the evolving COVID-19 situation in the country.

Aside initiating robust hygiene practices, social distancing guidelines and other precautionary measures, the company is aligning mine operations to critical operations to reduce the potential for exposure and transmission of COVID-19.

About Newmont Africa

Newmont Africa is a subsidiary of Newmont Corporation, the world’s leading gold business with two gold mining operations in Ghana; the Ahafo and the Akyem Mine.

It’s Ahafo mine was named Mining Company of the Year in 2016 and Ghana’s Corporate Social Responsibility Organisation for 2018, while the Akyem mine was adjudged the Best Company in Ghana for 2015 and 2016.

The Company currently has over 5,500 employees and contractors, and also has greenfield exploration activities in Ethiopia.  

Headmaster of the school, Frank Owusu Amoako, made the appeal on Adom TV, saying the facility lacked basic amenities to accommodate the students comfortably.

“The school needs expansion because we have limited space. No teacher stays here after school hours aside the three house mistresses who ensure total caretaking of the many students.

It is not the best because sometimes you will be home and a call will come through to inform you some of the challenged students are roaming in town and causing havoc,” he explained.

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He explained that the nature of the students demands that every staff stays on the compound to observe the status of the students but lack of finances and infrastructure has made that impossible.

Mr Amoako also revealed that the school appealed to the Nkoranza South District Assembly in the Bono Easy Region but the request was yet to be taken into consideration.

He is therefore appealing to the public and government to donate their quota in the upkeep of the children.

 The amount, which is equivalent to GHc39, 380.50, is to enable NUGS-CHINA procure food supplies and protective items.

In a statement signed by the General Secretary of NUGS, Bernard Boamah and the President Felix Gyawu-Addo, NUGS said the initiative was in response to challenges mentioned by representatives of the chapter at a four-hour meeting on January 29,2020.

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It said 30,000 RMB of the disbursed amount is to be given to the Chapter in Hubei Province which is the epicenter of the outbreak and with the severest lock down.

 Meanwhile, it added the remaining 20,000RMB will be committed to NUGS-CHINA’s Nkwa Na Ehia fund created to support all other chapters of the Hubei Province.

 NUGS-CHINA further expressed appreciation to the Government of Ghana for the kind gesture which they believe will go a long way to help them.

Read the full statement below:

According to them, most of their fellows are now pursuing higher education while others are also into various forms of businesses which make them independent, hence the call for support.

The group revealed the government presented some cash support to a few of their fellows in Accra who are into business to enable them expand and employ others.

The Akyem Abuakwa South Chapter of the Federation of Persons with Disability is, therefore, pleading with the government to extend the gesture to the local levels and give them a quota of job vacancies at the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs).

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Chair and Secretary of the Federation, Mr Asiamah Boateng and Shantel Kyei Mensah respectively, made the disclosure to Adom News at a ceremony organised by the Abuakwa South Municipal Assembly to present some items to Persons with Disability in the area.

Some of the items presented at the ceremony included refrigerators, barbering equipment, mobile money vending machine, toiletries and other edibles for start-up businesses.

Municipal Chief Executive of Abuakwa South, Hon Kwadwo Ofori Sarfo, said the items procured for them based on their own request and needs assessment were funded by the Persons with Disability share of the Common Fund.

The 45-year-old has been named as the new head coach of the Black Stars on a two-year deal.

Many have questioned the appointment of the former Asante Kotoko trainer after the government opposed the FA’s attempt to name an expatriate to take over from Kwesi Appiah.

Dr Aubynn has said CK Akunnor will need the support of the country to deliver as Black Stars coach.

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“Anybody who has been chosen by the FA was chosen through a careful decision by the Executive Council,” he told Asempa FM.

“We need to support him and pray for him because he is doing the job as the head coach of our national team.

“We have all said we don’t need an expatriate coach so we have named a local coach but I will plead that we all support him.

“When we distract him, there is no way he will succeed,” he added.

Apart from the opportunity to create more jobs through its consumption, Mrs Akufo-Addo also emphasised on the nutritional properties of locally produced rice which promotes good health.

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To her, government’s  ‘Planting for Food and Jobs’ policy had led to significant increase in foodstuff on the market and so there was the need to develop creative ways to ensure patronage leading to continuous production.

The second lady promised to support the campaign to consume locally grown rice by ensuring that all rice components of her Office’s donations or domestic consumptions are locally produced.

She expressed her support in a meeting with executives of the Ghana Rice Inter-professional body at her Office in Accra.

READ ON: Buy local rice for Christmas, other festivities – Bawumia urges

President of the Ghana Rice Inter-professional body , Nana Adjei Ayeh II, on behalf of members expressed their appreciation to the First Lady for showing readiness to assist them in their cause.

According to them, high profile Ghanaians such as The First Lady on their side will yield positive results by making significant in-roads in the campaign to consume Ghana rice, by end of the year.

He said farming under the current government had witnessed significant improvement with many tertiary graduates now turning to agriculture as a means of livelihood, instead of white-collar jobs.

This comes after some local rice farmers in the Northern Region of Ghana complained of their produce going waste for non-patronage.

According to the farmers, the influx of foreign rice into the Ghanaian market was to blame for the phenomenon as rice produced locally continues to play second-fiddle on the market.

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Wiyaala, in a video that has hit the internet, was seen touring a rice factory that produces local rice – Avnash Industries.

Avnash Industries are producers and distributors of Royal Farmers Rice who process and package rice for the Ghanaian market.

The singer was taken through the production process from the raw stages to the finished stage.

A worker revealed to Wiyaala that rice farmers in the Northern Region were the company’s main suppliers.

The worker also added that the company had bought $4million worth of rice from the local farmers to process for the Ghanaian market.

Watch the video of the tour below:

Residents of Krobo Odumase in the Eastern Region on Sunday have organised a fund-raising exercise to support victims of police clash that killed one resident and left several others injured.

The victims, who sustained a varied degree of injuries when they embarked on a protest against what they described as over-billing by the now-defunct power company, Power Distribution Service (PDS) have not seen any response from the state in spite of promises of an investigation into the matter.

Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Teye Kwao Kassim, spokesperson for the Krobo United Foundation said the initiative was to put smiles on the faces of the victims.

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An amount of GHc3,300 realised from the fundraising activity, according to him, will help the victims to start petty trading.

“Aside from the one person who was shot dead, we now have about 13 people who have been affected,” he explained.

According to Mr Kassim, the Assembly has demonstrated little or no commitment to helping resolve the matter which has cost a lot of people their lives and happiness.

“The Assembly told us a committee will be formed to look into the matter but as at now, nothing of that sought has happened,” he narrated.

The Krobo residents in May this year, clashed with the police during a mass disconnection exercise by PDS insisting that bills charged them by the now-defunct power company, PDS, were outrageous and demanded the power company investigates the cause of the sudden rise.

However, the clash saw several people injured and hospitalised, as live bullets allegedly fired by the police killed 24-year-old Thomas Partey instantly while injuring several others including Kotey Isaac.

According to Kohwe, as he is popularly known in the Ghanaian Entertainment industry, the plight of old actors who, through their talents, brought laughter and smiles on the faces of Ghanaians some time ago is nothing to write home about.

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“In our days, the movie industry was not rewarding in monetary terms while the movie producers and directors also had their favourite actors so we couldn’t acquire any wealth despite our hard work,” he said.

Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s Work and Happiness, Kohwe said some of his colleagues died as paupers in sorrow because there was no support for them.

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“It is unfortunate that people will wait for you to die before they show love but I am pleading with them to do it for me now while I am still alive,” he said.

 He added: “I will appreciate your kind gesture no matter how small it may be in your eyes. You can send your support through my mobile money number, 0244437963.”

Kohwe is known for the active roles he played in Ghana’s ‘Akan Drama’ series and the popular ‘District Colonial Court.’

Source: Adomonline.com|Gertrude Otchere

The three inventors, Isaac Otu, Jacob Larbi and former personnel of the Ghana Air force, WO Charles Adu-Gyebi (retired) formed GOHFI Air to produce light aircraft.

The name GOHFI was coined from God Has Favoured Isaac.

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In the last few weeks, the team has been conducting ground test at Afienya airfields in the Greater Accra region for its aircraft GOHFI 1601.

They believe ground test permit secured from the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority and Ghana Air force to test GOHFI 1601 is a major step towards achieving their dream.

At the Afienya airfields, GOHFI 1601 did a number of passes to test its technical readiness for the next stage.

The nine-year journey from conception onto the runway has been met with challenges with the biggest one being financing.

However, passion and hope seem to be keeping their dream alive.

Technical Advisor of GOHFI Air, WO Charles Adu-Gyebi (retired) said the country has a lot to gain from their light aircraft.

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“We really need financial support because in future when this aircraft reaches its advanced stage, we could use it in all fields when there is a disaster, sending of relief items, supplying of agrochemicals to farmers in remote areas, for recreational and educational purposes etc”, he indicated.

Meanwhile, Isaac Otu who piloted the light aircraft during the test is asking for more support from GCAA and the Ghana Airforce.

“We are grateful for the tremendous support received from Ghana Civil Aviation Authority and Ghana Air force. Since there are several stages before getting the green light to fly, it is our hope that they continue to assist in every step of the way,” he said.

Meanwhile, the third member of the team, Jacob Larbi sees a bright future despite countless challenges in the last few years.

“Our dream can materialize and impact positively on the future generation. Just as cocoa has become an imported crop to Ghana due to Tetteh Quarshie’s vision, our light aircraft will be very important in the aviation industry should we get the necessary support”, he said.

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It is worthy to note that Jacob who has technical know-how is only a Junior High School (JHS), graduate.

“God has indeed favoured us considering our educational background. I could only manage to complete JHS. As for Isaac, he had to drop out along the line and did not even complete JHS”, Jacob revealed.

Mr Mahama who is not in the country at the moment sent a strong entourage of delegates to make the formal presentation of his letter of intent at the party’s head office in Accra Wednesday morning.

The team was led by Ghana’s former ambassador to the United States Daniel Ohene Agyekum.

Mr Mahama is Ghana’s first one-term president in the 4th Republic and also delivered the NDC its biggest defeat yet when he lost by almost one million votes in the 2016 general elections.

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But that is not a put off for the MPs who say he is the best to deliver the victory the NDC desires in 2020.

The 94 include former Accra Mayor and Ablekuma West MP, Alfred Okoe Vanderpuije, former Sports Minister and Odododiodio MP, Nii Lante Vanderpuye, Akatamanso MP, Nii Laryea Afotey-Agbo and former Deputy Finance Minister and Ajumako Enyan Esiam MP, Cassiel Ato Forson.

Bawku Central MP, Mahama Ayariga, North Tongu MP, Okudzeto Ablakwa, Tamale North MP, Alhassan Suhuyini and Ketu South MP, Fifii Kwetey are among the 94 who have signed their support for the former president.

Former Lands and Natural Resources Minister, Inusah Fuseini who also endorsed Mr Mahama in an interview with Joy News’ Evans Mensah on Joy FM’s Top Story, said the former president represents the party’s best option.

“And that is why we have reposed enormous confidence in him…among them [other presidential candidate aspirants] he stands tall. He has got the pedigree,” the Tamale Central MP said.

ALSO: Meet the 94 MPs supporting Mahama

In a response to why Mr Mahama should be chosen over the remaining aspirants, Mr Fuseini who intends to resign in 2020 said the former president has been the best ever president in the history of the country.

In his view, Mr Mahama’ “delivered the best transformational agenda this country has seen since Nkrumah. The evidence is everywhere…the recent commissioning of the airport, the infrastructure development, roads, schools, hospitals. Nkrumah built 59 secondary schools but he built more.

“Cast your eyes around the country and you’ll see the tremendous infrastructure that was started, some have been completed and some being completed now,” he added.

According to Mr Fuseini Ghanaians only voted for President Akufo-Addo and the New Patriotic Party because they were swayed by the lofty promises they made, promises, he claimed the president and his party are struggling to meet.

He rubbished claims that the NDC’s loss was as a result of the neglect of the party’s grassroot.

“He never neglected the people,” he said adding the failure of the party’s supporters to vote in the 2016 elections was as a result of “a snowballing effect.”

“The period before the demise of President John Evans Atta Mills, indeed we had leading members of the opposition and even some members of the NDC saying that he was going to be a one-term president.

“So you have a buildup of frustrations. John Mahama tried in his own way to meet the legitimate expectations of the people of this country and particularly, members and sympathisers of the NDC. They felt that he had not done enough and coupled with what NPP was promising them, they saw reason to fall for the promises of the NPP,” he explained.

MORE: Watch how Mahama declared his intention to contest NDC Flagbearership

Regardless of this, however, Mr Fuseini is convinced that it is not over for Mr Mahama.

He said a lot of work has been done and steps have been taken to right the wrongs of 2016 and a better NDC will be seen going forward.

“We’ve taken steps to get our members to understand that the transformational agenda of the NDC required time for us to appreciate the fruit of those policies.

“We have taken time to understand that the social democratic principles require that we meet the needs of a majority of the people of this country that social democratic principles required that we put the country first,” he added.

Below is the full list of the 94 NDC MPs

Source: Ghana/Adomonline.com/Dennis Kofi Adu

Alhaji Boniface was speaking during stakeholders’ forum on Monday as part of a nationwide stakeholder consultation to explain the essence of the fund as well as seek support for the successful implementation of the programme.

Alhaji Boniface said the development fund would be used judiciously in support of areas such as education, sanitation, infrastructure, cultural development and employment for inhabitants of Zongo communities throughout the country.

He called for maximum support from the leadership in the various Zongo communities to ensure the successful implementation of the programme.

“We are not saying that the Zongo communities are different from other sectors of the country but we have recognised a lopsided development, which we intend to bridge to improve the living standards of the people”, he said.

He said more emphasis would be placed on education and sanitation because if people were more educated and had clean environment, their economic situation would also improve.

Alhaji Boniface advised the youth in Zongo communities not to allow people to capitalize on their vulnerability and use them to cause mayhem and urged them to rather take advantage of the initiative to improve their lives.

He said the Ministry would collaborate with the Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDA’s) to ensure proper co-ordination and distribution of resources.

Mr Salifu Saeed, the Northern Regional Minister, appealed to the Inter-City and Zongo Development Ministry to take into consideration the size of the region and the untapped capacities in the large number of Zongo communities during the process of distribution of resources.

In an open forum, participants spoke on the need to establish factories to bring development and proper supervision to ensure the continuity of the development initiative.

They suggested that laws be made to prevent the interference of political authorities during the selection of beneficiaries of the fund.

The pledge by the government was carried through the Deputy Health Minister, Kingsley Aboagye-Gyedu.

A sod-cutting ceremony was held Monday to kick start construction works on the multi-storey Mother and Baby Unit.

A collaboration by First Lady and the Multimedia Group has seen about 8 million Ghana cedis mobilized at two fundraisers in Accra and Kumasi
The project which is estimated to cost 10 million Ghana cedis is expected to be complete in four months.

The initiative follows Joy News special documentary by Seth Kwame Boateng who revealed that four babies die daily at the existing Mother and Baby Unit due to limited space.

Speaking on the sidelines of a sod-cutting event, Mr. Aboagye-Gyedu says government will find money, even if it has to squeeze from a stone to supplement whatever is has been generated through the fund-raising to ensure early completion of the project.

“I think we’ve gotten about 75-80 per cent percent finance for it so government will not be irresponsible to sit aloof if that money is not enough to complete it. Definitely, definitely, the government will find money. Even if we have to squeeze money from a stone, we will do that if the money we have raised would not be enough to complete it.

“Whatever is left, I am promising Ghanaians that government will find the balance to pay so that the project doesn’t get delayed at all,” he said.

Mr. Aboagye-Gyedu who is Member of Parliament for Bibiani-Anwiaso-Bekwai, commended the Multimedia Group for mobilizing the citizenry to partner government in healthcare delivery.

He says government will consider the Multimedia Group approach to garner support for critical projects.

“We are hoping that you [Multimedia Group Ltd] having set the pace, it is something that Ghanaians or government will look at and see how efficiently we can run it and make sure that as and when we need Ghanaians, we call on them directly on a project or program then they come and support us,” Mr. Aboagye-Gyedu said.

The actress went on to explain that, she doesn’t share money on social media. Unlike Nicki, she rather empowers her fans.

Government of Ghana is expected to use the funds to support its budget and special social intervention projects.

The $1.2 billion is part of a total amount of $75 billion from the 18th replenishment of the IDA to support poor countries.

Henry Kerali, World Bank Country Director for Ghana, made this known while addressing a press conference at the just-ended World Bank Group/International Monetary Fund (IMF) Spring meetings in Washington.

Even though Ghana is classified as a lower middle-income country, it will receive the allocated amount.

Mr. Kerali explained that a significant proportion of the $1.2 billion (20 to 30 percent) would be provided through budgetary support every year, while the rest would be used for specific projects such as water, transport, education and health.

He said discussions about the allocation to Ghana have been held with representatives of the government, stating “we also discussed the forthcoming allocation to Ghana from the IDA, part of the World Bank. A total of about US$1.2 billion over the three-year period from July 2017 up to June 2020 will be made available to the country through the World Bank,” he said.

Mr. Kerali said the performance of the selected projects would determine the rate of disbursement of the allocation, although the World Bank expects to disburse the total amount between five and seven years.

“The performance of those projects will dictate how fast the funds will be disbursed. For projects that perform well, the disbursement will be fast and for projects that perform slowly, the disbursement will be slow. We hope that overall, the total amount will be disbursed between the period of five to seven years because our projects are usually of that duration,” he said.

Additional Funds

Mr. Kerali said the International Finance Corporation (IFC) is likely to provide additional funding to Ghana, which increase the allocation.

“The amount will, of course, increase because in addition to that amount by IDA, there is also the IFC which provides support to the private sector. IFC will provide additional funds on top of the US$1.2 billion. I am not mentioning the IFC amount because I believe that should come from IFC,” he explained.

Growth Rate

Meanwhile, the World Bank is confident of a rebound in Ghana’s economic growth this year, projecting a six to seven percent growth rate for the economy in 2017.

The growth, he explained, would be largely on the back of improved commodity prices and macro-economic performance.

“We expect that growth in Ghana will be robust. For 2017, we are forecasting a growth of six to seven percent and potentially higher in 2018. The main drivers of growth are the expected better performance of commodity prices. Our forecast of commodity prices are a gradual increase in the medium term, so despite the drop in the last couple of days, we forecast in a medium term a gradual increase.

“Ghana has a significant revenue potential from oil, gas and gold, all of which are expected to increase. We are anticipating an improved macro-economic performance,” Mr. Kerali said.