Doreen Sasu

 In a groundbreaking moment for Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Yvonne Osei Adobea has carved her name in the annals of history as the institution's first female Student Representative Council (SRC) president. With an astounding 8,282 votes, Yvonne's resounding victory in the recent SRC election marks a significant step forward in promoting gender equality and empowering women in academic leadership roles. This article delves into Yvonne's inspiring journey, from her days as a determined student activist to her triumphant win as the leader of KNUST's student body. Yvonne Osei Adobea's path to the presidency was not without challenges. In the previous year's election, she narrowly missed the top spot, securing a commendable second place. Undeterred by the setback, Yvonne used her experience as a stepping stone, honing her leadership skills and galvanizing support for her vision of positive change on campus. With determination and dedication, Yvonne continued to work tirelessly as a student activist, championing causes close to her heart, including the preservation of the University's Junior Common Room system. Her commitment to fostering a harmonious and inclusive campus environment struck a chord with students, earning her widespread admiration and support. When the time came for the 2023 SRC election, Yvonne was well-prepared and eager to make history. Armed with her unwavering determination and a compelling vision for the university's future, she embarked on an energetic campaign that resonated with the student body. Her remarkable efforts were not in vain, as Yvonne's campaign gathered immense momentum, attracting a staggering 8,282 votes – a testament to her popularity and the trust students had placed in her leadership abilities. 

In a landmark decision that reflects the evolving values of justice and compassion, the Ghanaian Parliament has taken a significant step by passing the Criminal Offences Amendment Act, 2022. This progressive legislation seeks to replace the death penalty with a sentence of life imprisonment. This historic move not only signifies a shift in the country's approach to criminal justice but also underscores Ghana's commitment to upholding human rights and embracing a more humane and rehabilitative approach toward offenders. The passage of the Criminal Offences Amendment Act is a testament to the growing acknowledgment that capital punishment may not align with the principles of restorative justice. Instead of permanently ending the life of an offender, the focus now shifts toward providing opportunities for rehabilitation and eventual reintegration into society. This shift acknowledges the potential for redemption and transformation, emphasizing the belief in second chances and the possibility of personal growth, even for those who have committed heinous crimes. By replacing the death penalty with a life imprisonment sentence, Ghana reaffirms its commitment to upholding fundamental human rights. The act acknowledges the right to life, which is a cornerstone of international human rights law. It also aligns with the global trend towards abolition or restriction of the death penalty, as more countries recognize the value of preserving life and promoting dignity, even in the face of grave crimes. One of the most debated aspects of capital punishment has been its efficacy as a deterrent against crime. With the enactment of the Criminal Offences Amendment Act, the focus shifts from retribution to the potential for reformation. The legislation embraces the idea that a life sentence, coupled with access to rehabilitation programs, can address the root causes of criminal behavior and offer a chance for offenders to rebuild their lives. Under the amended act, the emphasis on rehabilitation

The government has raised the monthly cash for National Service Allowance from GH¢559 to GH¢715. Photo source: UCC Choicism

The National Service Scheme plays a crucial role in shaping the country's future by nurturing a sense of responsibility and civic duty among the youth. With the increased allowance, more young individuals are encouraged to participate in the program, leading to a more significant impact on various sectors of the economy. To support and empower the nation's youth, the Ghanaian government has taken a significant step by raising the monthly cash allowance for National Service personnel. Effective January 2023, the National Service Allowance increased from GH¢559 to GH¢715. This substantial rise marks a positive change for thousands of young individuals serving their country through the National Service Scheme. The decision to increase the National Service Allowance showcases the government's commitment to fostering a more robust and sustainable future for the country. By offering a higher allowance, the government aims to acknowledge the valuable contribution made by National Service personnel and to provide them with better support during their service year. The increase in the monthly cash allowance is expected to have a direct and positive impact on the livelihoods of National Service personnel. With the rising costs of living and other expenses, the raise will provide much-needed relief and enable

Socialist Movement of Ghana and Two Other Groups Go Red to Petition Parliament to Scrap Taxes on Sanitary Pads

Source:Twitter

In a significant move towards gender equality and improved access to menstrual hygiene products, the Socialist Movement of Ghana, along with two other advocacy groups, recently took a united stand to petition the Parliament of Ghana. Their objective? Eliminate taxes imposed on sanitary pads, a crucial step in addressing the financial burden faced by women and girls in accessing these essential products. This bold initiative underscores the growing momentum of social activism in Ghana and highlights the urgent need for equitable policies to support menstrual health. Menstruation is a natural biological process that affects half of the world's population. However, in many countries, including Ghana, the lack of access to affordable and hygienic menstrual products poses significant challenges to women and girls. One of the barriers to menstrual hygiene is the taxation imposed on sanitary pads, which further exacerbates the financial burden faced by those already struggling to afford these necessities. The Ghana Revenue Authority currently classifies sanitary pads as non-essential luxury items, subjecting them to a 20% Value Added Tax (VAT). This regressive

Ghanaian Government Imposes Hefty Taxes on Sanitary Pads.

Photo Credit: GhanaNewsOnline                                                                                                           

In an unfortunate move that has sparked widespread criticism, the government of Ghana has implemented a luxury tax of 20% and an additional 12.5% value-added tax (VAT) on sanitary pads. This decision has raised concerns among advocates for women's health and equality, as it places an unfair burden on women and jeopardizes their access to essential menstrual hygiene products.The implementation of a 20% luxury tax and a 12.5% VAT on sanitary pads is a regressive move that disproportionately affects women in Ghana. Menstruation is a natural and unavoidable process for women, and sanitary pads are a basic necessity for maintaining menstrual hygiene. By taxing these essential products at such high rates, the Ghanaian government is placing an unnecessary financial burden on women, particularly those in lower-income brackets

May Inflation Rate Climbs to 42.2%. Photo Credit: fastloans.ph  

Source: Goggle

The latest data from the Ghana Statistical Services shows an upward trend in inflation for May 2023. The report indicates that inflation has reached 42.2% The rise in inflation can be attributed to a minor uptick in the prices of food commodities. The inflation rate increase highlights the challenges Ghana's economy faced in recent months. Rising food prices have significantly impacted the overall cost of living for Ghanaians, leading to concerns about affordability and financial stability. The Ghana Statistical Services' report sheds light on the specific factors contributing to this inflationary pressure. One of the major drivers of the inflation rate hike is the rise in food prices. Food commodities play a crucial role in Ghanaian households, and any fluctuations in their prices have a direct impact on consumers' budgets. The marginal surge in food prices has caused a ripple effect across various sectors of the economy, leading to an overall increase in the inflation rate. Factors such as supply chain disruptions, unfavorable weather conditions, and increased transportation costs have contributed to the rise in food prices. These challenges have affected the availability and accessibility of essential food

The National School Feeding Caterers Association has raised concerns and vehemently proposed ¢3.50 allocation per meal for school pupils under the School Feeding Programme in Ghana. This comes after the government announced an increment in the cost per meal, per child from 98 pesewas to ¢1.20. The caterers argue that the proposed increment is woefully inadequate to provide sufficient meals for the children, prompting a call for a more substantial allocation to ensure adequate nutrition for the beneficiaries. The Minister for Gender and Social Protection, Lariba Zuweira Abudu, recently announced the government's decision to increase the cost per meal, per child from 98 pesewas to ¢1.20 under the School Feeding Programme. The move aimed to address rising costs and improve the quality and nutritional value of meals provided to school pupils. However, the National School Feeding Caterers Association has vehemently rejected the proposed increment, citing its inadequacy to adequately feed the children. The caterers argue that the proposed ¢1.20 allocation per meal is insufficient to meet the nutritional needs of the school pupils. They believe that a more substantial allocation, such as the previously proposed ¢3.50 per meal, is necessary to provide balanced and nutritious meals. The inadequate allocation poses a significant challenge to caterers, as they strive to deliver quality meals that meet the dietary requirements of the children. Insufficient funding may compromise the overall effectiveness of the School Feeding Programme and negatively impact the health and well-being of the beneficiaries.Recognizing the concerns raised by the National School Feeding Caterers Association, the Minister for Gender and Social Protection has acknowledged the need to review the proposed allocation. The ministry is currently engaged in discussions with the Ministry of Finance to find a suitable resolution that addresses the caterers' concerns. The aim is to arrive at an allocation that

Camidoh  

Photo credit: ameyawdebrah.com    

Multiple award-winning Ghanaian Afrobeats musician Camidoh has been nominated for the 2023 BET Award in the Viewers’ Choice: Best New International Act category. Multiple award-winning Ghanaian Afrobeats musician Camidoh has received a nomination for the highly coveted 2023 BET Award in the Viewers' Choice: Best New International Act category. The talented artist, known for his hit track "Sugarcane," will be competing against other exceptional talents and great musicians such as Asake, Libianca, a

In a collaborative effort to strengthen regulatory compliance and enhance security within Ghana's mobile money industry, the National Communications Authority (NCA) and the Minister of Communication and Digitalization, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, have issued a one-month ultimatum for mobile money merchants to register SIM cards. This article explores the joint initiative, highlighting the reasons behind the ultimatum, the significance of SIM card registration, and the implications for mobile money merchants in Ghana.

The NCA and Minister Ursula Owusu-Ekuful's collaboration signifies a unified commitment to improving security and compliance within Ghana's mobile money ecosystem. Jointly issuing the request emphasizes

In recent news, MTN Ghana, one of the leading telecommunications providers in the country, has recently undertaken a significant initiative thus the disconnecting unregistered SIM cards in Ghana. This proactive measure is aimed at strengthening compliance with regulatory requirements and safeguarding the interests of telecommunications users. In this article, we explore the reasons behind MTN Ghana's disconnection of unregistered sim cards, the impact on customer safety and security, and the broader implications for the telecommunications industry in the country. The disconnection of unregistered SIM cards by MTN Ghana aligns with the directives issued by the National Communications Authority (NCA) and other regulatory bodies in the country. These regulations mandated that all SIM cards in use must be registered and linked to their Ghana Ecowas Card. By enforcing compliance, MTN Ghana demonstrates its commitment to upholding industry standards and contributing to a responsible and accountable telecommunications sector in Ghana. Unregistered SIM cards pose a significant risk to user safety and network security. Without proper registration, it becomes difficult to trace the ownership and usage of these cards, which can lead to various illegal activities such as fraud, identity theft, and unauthorized communications. By disconnecting unregistered SIM cards, MTN Ghana takes a proactive stance in protecting its customers from potential harm, ensuring their safety and privacy. The disconnection of unregistered SIM cards serves as a deterrent to criminals who may exploit these cards for illicit purposes. It becomes more challenging for fraudsters, scammers, and other individuals engaged in illegal activities to operate when SIM cards are properly registered and linked to their  Ghana Ecowas Card. By taking this measure, MTN Ghana contributes to the prevention of criminal activities, creating a safer telecommunications environment for all users. The disconnection of unregistered