Latest Education & GES Updates - Ghana Education News

How herbal doctor Grace Boadu was found dead: Detailed Account

January 31, 2024 by Mr. No-Body

The circumstances surrounding the sudden death of 46-year-old Grace Boadu, a herbal doctor and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Grace Gift Herbal Clinic and Laboratory Services, with branches in Kumasi, Accra, and other areas, have generated public discussion. Grace Boadu was a herbal doctor who was well-known in social media circles because of her public … Read more

PAC Hearing: CAGD Western Regional Director ordered to refund GH¢32,620 with interest

January 31, 2024 by Ghana Education News Editorial Team

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament has ordered the Western Regional Director of the Controller and Accountant General’s Department (CAGD) to refund GH¢32,620 with interest to the state.

This is due to his failure to recover the said amount after overpaying pension gratuity to a retired fire officer.

In 2017, Elijah Ankrah, a Station Officer 1 of the Fire Service, was paid GH¢66,337 instead of GH¢33,716 following his voluntary retirement.

The PAC began its public hearing on Monday, January 29, 2024, to consider a report of the Auditor-General on the Public Accounts of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) for the year ended December 31, 2022.

It would also evaluate a report of the Auditor-General on the Public Accounts of boards, corporations and other statutory institutions for the period ended December 31, 2022.

Mr James Klutse Avedzi, the Chairman of the PAC, said: “If you read the recommendation, paragraph 113 of the report, the auditors…recommended that the Controller and Accountant General should ensure that the regional director recovers the amount with interest at the Bank of Ghana (BoG) prevailing rates from Mr Elijah Ankrah, failing which the amount should be recovered from the regional director.”

“Now the regional director has failed to recover the money from Mr. Elijah Ankrah.”

READ:Over 50 per cent of pregnant women are anaemic- GSS

The PAC Chairman gave the order in his remarks during public hearing at the Parliament House, in Accra on Monday.

“…So, this committee is upholding the recommendation of the Auditor General…” he said.

The PAC is expected to end its proceedings on Friday, February 23, 2024.

GNA

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Over 50 per cent of pregnant women are anaemic- GSS

March 10, 2024January 31, 2024 by Ghana Education News Editorial Team

A survey conducted by the Ghana Statistical Service has shown that over 50 per cent of pregnant women in the country are anaemic compared to 40 per cent of them who are not pregnant.

The report, dubbed “The 2022 Demographic and Health Survey, “showed that children aged 6-59 months in households were eligible for anaemia testing.

It revealed that anaemia prevalence is highest in the Northern region with 69 per cent and 35 per cent in Ahafo.

The Survey showed that anaemia prevalence among children had declined from a high of 78 percent in 2008.

The 50% pregnant women are anaemic findings also indicated that Anaemia among adults has several negative health consequences, such as fatigue and lethargy.

Touching on caesarean operations, the Survey revealed that deliveries were more common in urban areas, representing 27 per cent compared to 15 per cent in rural areas.

The report said over one in five, representing 21 per cent of live births in the two years preceding the Survey, were delivered through a caesarean operation.

On HIV knowledge, the report revealed that two per cent of women aged 15–49 had sex with more than one partner in the 12 months before the Survey.

Of these women, 12 per cent reported using a condom during their last sexual intercourse.

The report also showed that 15 per cent of men aged 15–49 had sex with more than one partner in the 12 months before the Survey.

The Survey stated that of the men, 18 per cent used a condom during their last sexual intercourse.

Dr Chris Opoku Fofie, Deputy Director in Charge of Reproductive and Child Health at Ghana Health Service, said the Survey would provide timely information to the authorities and develop comprehensive policies to address any anomalies in the report.

READ: Global Health Corps. Africa Fellowship Programme for African Youths: Apply Here

He said anaemia among pregnant women was the major concern because it could lead to increased maternal mortality and poor birth outcomes.

He called on the government to invest in health education for the public to be abreast with preventive measures.

Dr Kyeremeh Atuahene, Director-General of Ghana Aids Commission, urged the government to create an enabling legal policy to address the HIV/AIDS menace.

The Survey is the 7th report conducted in the country since 1988, designed to provide data for monitoring the population and health situation in the country.

The Survey was conducted by the GSS with funding from USAID, UNICEF, UNFPA, the World Bank, the Global Fund, KOICA, the World Health Organisation, and the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office.

A nationally representative sample of 15,014 women aged 15–49 in 17,933 households and 7,044 men aged 15–49 in half of the selected households were interviewed.

The Survey represents a response rate of 98 per cent of women and 97 per cent of men.

GNA

15 per cent VAT on electricity: Government to engage Organised Labour

March 10, 2024January 31, 2024 by Ghana Education News Editorial Team

The government will in the coming weeks hold “extensive dialogue” with Organised Labour and other key stakeholders to ensure buy-in for the introduction of 15 per cent Value Added Tax (VAT) on electricity.

This followed agitation by stakeholder groups including the labour unions over the policy that seeks to tax the consumption of electricity by residential customers.

The government’s decision to tax electricity purchases will only add an additional burden to Ghanaians, who are already suffering as a result of bad economic management and several taxes that have been introduced by the government. Incomes paid to workers have already been depleted by the countless taxes imposed on them.

The 15 per cent Value Added Tax (VAT) on consumption of electricity by residential customers will further over burden the already over-taxed Ghanaian.

A statement from the Ministry of Finance appealed to Organised Labour and all stakeholders, including ECG and NEDCO, to exercise restraint to facilitate a constructive dialogue towards a quick resolution of the impasse.

The statement noted that government was committed to working with all stakeholders to sustain economic gains and engender macroeconomic stability and inclusive growth in the country.

“We note the progress the country is making in the implementation of the Post Covid 19 Programme for Economic Growth (PC-PEG), including posting higher than programmed growth targets, declining inflation, improvement in fiscal and external positions, a more stable exchange rate, and the declining Monetary Policy Rate,” the statement said.

The Ministry of Finance in letter dated December 12, 2023 instructed the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCO) to in January this year apply the VAT to residential customers exceeding the maximum consumption level for lifeline units.

READ: The GHS137794.80 monthly salary of the GRA Boss and other benefits he enjoys

In its response, the Organised Labour through the Trade Union Congress, on January 23, gave government a seven-day ultimatum to withdraw the policy.

It critcised the timing for the policy which it said would worsen the economic conditions of Ghanaians.

GNA

GHS137794.80 monthly salary of the GRA Boss and other CRAZY benefits he enjoys

March 10, 2024January 30, 2024 by Ghana Education News Editorial Team

The GHS137,794.80 monthly salary of the GRA Boss and other benefits he enjoys Hon. Sam George explains why he ask the GRA boss of his age: The entire country is shocked by the reasons

The benefits that come with being the GRA boss are beyond the imagination of many Ghanaians. According to information sighted by Ghanaeducation.org and published on Twitter by BongoIdea, Rev. Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah, who is the GRA boss, bags a monthly pay of GHS137,794.80. This was as of the end of December 2023.

He is supposed to enjoy a 20% annual increase in his salary. This means that before the end of 2024, if he is still at post, his income will increase by (20% of 137,794.80 is) 27,558.96. This will bring his monthly salary to GHS165353.76. His monthly earnings make him the second-highest-paid appointee of the government. Currently, the governor of the Bank of Ghana is the highest-paid appointee.

Below is the full list of benefits being enjoyed by Rev. Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah. When you compare this monthly income to that of many Ghanaian workers, it will take many their whole working lives to earn.

If you think the GHS137794.80 monthly salary of the GRA boss is too much, take alook at the other benefits as well.

Rev. Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah’s monthly income.

– he’s the 2nd highest paid govt appointee after BOG governor
– in 2023, he was being paid a monthly salary of GHS137,794.80
– housing allowance of ghc6000
– home enhancement allowance of ghc2000
– travel per diem of $1500
– clothing allowance ghc10,000
– Free medical care for spouses & kids
– Yearly mandatory medical examination
– Ghc2000 for yearly replacement of lenses
– Inconvenience allowance ghc500/day
– responsibility allowance ghc1500/month
– monthly entertainment allowance ghc1500
– DSTV Premium Service ghc700
– official vehicle with monthly fuel coupons
– Private car plus car loan
– vehicle maintenance allowance ghc1000/month
– 3 personal security guards
– salary increase by 20% per annum

Calculating Total Compensation and Converting to Cedis and Dollars

Based on the information provided, we can calculate the total compensation for this individual in 2023 and then convert it to cedis and dollars:

Monthly Income:

Salary: GHS 137,794.80
Housing Allowance: GHS 6,000
Home Enhancement Allowance: GHS 2,000
Travel per diem ($1,500): Assuming an average exchange rate of 1 USD = 10 GHS, this converts to GHS 15,000
Clothing Allowance: GHS 10,000
Inconvenience Allowance: GHS 500/day * 30 days = GHS 15,000
Responsibility Allowance: GHS 1,500
Entertainment Allowance: GHS 1,500
DSTV Premium Service: GHS 700

Total Monthly Income: GHS 137,794.80 + 6,000 + 2,000 + 15,000 + 10,000 + 15,000 + 1,500 + 1,500 + 700 = GHS 201,494.80

Additional Benefits:

Free medical care for spouses & kids
Yearly mandatory medical examination
GHS 2,000 for yearly replacement of lenses
Official vehicle with monthly fuel coupons
Private car plus car loan
Vehicle maintenance allowance GHS 1,000/month
3 personal security guards

Calculating Annual Income:

Multiply the monthly income by 12: GHS 201,494.80 * 12 = GHS 2,417,937.60

Salary Increase:

The information states a 20% annual salary increase. However, as we already calculated the annual income without considering the increase, adding the increase would result in double-counting.

Conversion to Cedis:

As the monthly and annual income were already calculated in cedis, no conversion is needed.

Conversion to Dollars at

Therefore, at the given exchange rate, the individual’s annual income of GHS 2,417,937.60 translates to approximately USD 201,494.80 a year.

READ: Oh God! Hon. Okudzeto Ablakwa reveals damming details of $8.5 million BLACK STARS budget by Ken Ofori Atta

Meanwhile, he’s 60 and should have retired but still enjoying these perks and more for 2 years!

‘This is not the Ghana I handed over to Akufo-Addo’ – Mahama

March 3, 2024January 30, 2024 by Sheriff Willy

‘Mahama criticises government for ‘oppressing’ teachers Mahama slams LGBTQ+ people.

John Dramani Mahama, the flag bearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has criticized President Nana Akufo-Addo for mismanaging the affairs of the country and neglecting the Asuogyaman Constituency.

Mahama expressed his concern about the current state of Ghana during his Building Ghana Tour in the Eastern Region, stating, “My brothers, when I look at the state of Ghana today, this isn’t the country I handed over to Nana Akufo-Addo on January 7, 2017.” The nation has collapsed.

The country has been sucked into debt. No developmental project has been done since they came into power, taking your community as an example.

The current government’s leadership is accused of denying the people of Asuogyaman and other regions access to development projects.

The issue of premix and outboard motor distribution to fishermen at landing beaches was brought up by Mahama, who accused the government of politicizing the process.

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If he’s re-elected, he’s going to put in place the right stuff to make sure the premix gets distributed to the folks who catch fish.

When the NDC was in power, proper measures were taken to assist fishermen in establishing landing beach committees, where Premix was given to the committee to distribute to the fishermen. Now, the narrative has changed. Politicians are now in charge of the premix, which affects the works of fishermen. When we were elected into power, we promised to change it.

Furthermore, Mahama committed to redeveloping the Juapong textiles plant to combat youth unemployment. He recalled the efficiency of the plant during his previous tenure and pledged to restart its operations.

We’ve been in power before, so you can see how things went when the NDC was in power. We’re in an election year, and we’re running again. Likewise, we all know that if you get power, you’re supposed to serve the people, and you have to know what the people want to do about it.

Mahama ended by promising to revive the Juapong textiles and other industries to provide employment opportunities for the youth when elected to power.

Communities and the NDC’s vision for addressing developmental challenges in various sectors were emphasized during the Eastern Region tour.

15 Common Drugs Ghanaians Abuse, Their Side Effects

March 10, 2024January 30, 2024 by Sheriff Willy

15 Common Drugs Ghanaians Abuse and Their Side Effects and Dangers

Drug use goes beyond the realm of street drugs. The most commonly used drugs in the Ghana are legal medicines, which can be found in stores and on prescription. But some can get really addictive and even deadly if they’re not used properly.

Drugs are well packaged, crafted marked made Indonesia, China, etc. and sold in our pharmacies, but the right origin is someone’s uncertified, unverified pharmaceutics drugs producer.

Make sure your loved ones are safe. after a medicine has been prescribe and bought thinking of saving the person, but still pass on. because it was just a well packaged powder not the right medicine.

This guide will assist you in identifying some frequently misapplied medications. All pills and tablets aren’t shown because they come in different forms. The scale of the drug pictures is off.

1. DICLOFENAC

A lot of people pop these pills for pains, menstrual pains, and bone pains, the so-called “RHEUMATISM”

Dangers

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In the long run, Diclofenac use can cause:
Ulcers
Internal bleeding
Heart attack
Stroke in the Brain
Liver damage
Kidney damage

2. POSTINOR

This is now like TomTom in people’s purses and bags.
A common oral contraceptive used by sexually active women to prevent pregnancy

When misused, it can cause:

Abnormal menstruation
Painful menses
Bleeding
Hair loss
Headache
Increased chances of breast cancer.

3. FELVIN

The drug is Piroxicam. It belongs to a class called NSAIDs (just like Diclofenac)
It is used during menstruation for menstrual pains by a lot of women

️ Misuse can cause
– Ulcer
-Hypertension
-Hearing problem
-Kidney damage
Problems with the Pancreas
-Liver damage.

4. COUGH SYRUP

You will wonder why cough syrups are a bestseller in pharmacies, especially the ones with Codeine.
Has various constituents, but a lot of people take it like Fanta & mix in drinks

Some dangers:

Psychiatry problems like hallucinations and delusions
-Addiction
– sudden death

5. IBUPROFEN

Common pain meds are taken by a lot of people.
This is among the Common drugs elderly use when they say they have “Rheumatism”

Misuse can cause

-Internal bleeding
-Hypertension
-Heart attack
It can trigger an asthmatic attack
-Kidney failure
Increases your risk of Abortion (controversial)

6. COFFEE

Coffee contains caffeine. It has become like daily water for some people.
Executives, students & anyone who wants to stay alert have experimented

Long-term use can cause:

– hypertension
– sleep problems
Anxiety
Headache
Abnormal beating of the heart
Not safe in pregnancy

READ: Free SHS is expensive – Parents bemoan as over 137,000 students fail to report to school due to lack of funds

7. TETRACYCLINE

Common drugs, this one is Doxycycline, a lot of people admitted to using it for ‘toilet infection'(so called) and abortion

Misuse can cause:

-Liver damage
-Skin problems
-Hearing problem
It crosses the Placenta and damages the baby’s bone and teeth
A No No if you’re pregnant.

8. VITAMIN C

It might look like that small orange pill or sweet white pills. It is like chewing gum for some people

Some dangers:

Excess and overdose of it can increase your chances of having a kidney stone, which can damage the kidneys.
Especially when one has a background kidney problem.

9. PARACETAMOL

One of the most available painkillers, with Ghc1, you can get it.
Some people even use it in cooking meat to make meat tender. So wrong. those common drugs are made in non appropriate environment, and have been mix with the recommended ones.

When Paracetamol is overused, it can cause:

Liver damage
Kidney damage.
Careful with paracetamol in children

10. FLAGYL

This common drug is one of the most abused antibiotics. People pop it like candy bars. Any small diarrhea

Some side effects if abused

– can reduce the blood cells count
– can damage the brain and nerves
Not the best safe early in pregnancy
controversial link to Cancer in Animals.

11. ALABUKUN

Powder contains aspirin and caffeine. This type of common drugs, a lot of people use it for pain relief, especially bricklayers and heavy-duty workers

Some Dangers if abused

-Ulcers
-Bleeding
-Liver damage
-Kidney damage
Heart attack
Hypertension.
Abusing these common drugs could even cause bleed to death

12. AMPICLOX

It contains ampicillin and Cloxacillin. It is now a drug people run to ‘flush’ their system after sex, abortion, or treating so-called Toilet infections

Dangers

Dangerous in people with penicillin allergy.(Bad reactions)
– Seizures
Damage the muscles
Kidney problems.

13. CYPROHEPTADINE

Common brand is Cypri Gold. People have abused it because it can stimulate appetite in a bid to gain weight.

Dangers

Can affect blood cells
Damage the liver
Cause poor sleep
Abnormal hand shaking
Ringing in ears
Mess your menses up
Low blood pressure.

14. LEXOTHAN

One of the most abused drugs by Nigerians in a bid to get good sleep. It sedates

Dangers of abuse

It can be addictive
Dizziness and memory problem,
Reduce libido,
Liver damage,
Stopping it suddenly after long abuse is also dangerous. (See a Doctor to guide you)

15. TRAMADOL Drug

Tramadol is a common dug that meants to be a tightly regulated drug, but sadly, in Nigeria, even with 50 naira, you can get it on the streets

Dangers

Addiction can cut off your breathing
Seizures
Seeing things not there, Headache, Anxiety.

Kindly take note, please, leave a comment. Let’s know if you have any additional information. Let’s all help !

New Patriotic Party Constituency Vice Chairman Abirem constituency Foster Oteng resigns

March 3, 2024January 30, 2024 by Ghana Education News Editorial Team

The 2nd Vice Chairman of the New Patriotic Party Constituency in the Abirem Constituency, Foster Oteng, has resigned from his position.

The reasons for his decision were not disclosed.

In a letter available to the political desk of Ghana Education News, he stated “After much reflection and consideration I have come to this difficult decision to resign from my position as the constituency executive due to one or two personal reasons.”

He expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the governing party for the “opportunities” and “experiences” during his time with the party at the constituency level.

“I would like to thank all the constituency executives, electoral area coordinators, polling executives, and the party faithful for the support and guidance provided during my tenure. I am appreciative of the relationships I have built and the knowledge I have acquired,” Mr. Oteng added.

According to him, he is still a true member of the NPP and wishes the constituency executives continued success in their future endeavors.

He added, “I hope that my decision is received with understanding.”

READ: What is are Today’s Dollar to Cedi Exchange Rates From BoG, Banks, Bureaus and FinTech?

New Patriotic Party Constituency Vice Chairman Abirem constituency Foster Oteng resigns -LETTER

FOSTER OTENG
P.O. Box 82
NEW ABIREM.
29th JANUARY,2024.

THE CONSTITUENCY CHAIRMAN,
NEW PATRIOTIC PARTY,
ABIREM CONSTITUENCY,
NEW ABIREM.

Dear Sir,

RESIGNATION

I write to officially tender in my resignation as the constituency 2nd Vice Chairman of our party effective immediately. After much reflection and consideration, I have come to this difficult decision to resign from my position as a constituency executive due to one or two personal reasons.

I am grateful for the opportunities and experiences I have gained during my time with the party at the constituency level. I would like to thank all the constituency executives, electoral area coordinators, polling executives and party faithful for the support and guidance provided me during my tenure. I am appreciative of the relationships I have built and the knowledge I have acquired. I wish to state however
that I am still a true member of our great party.

I wish the constituency executives a continued success in their future endeavours and I hope that my decision is received with understanding.

Yours Sincerely,
………………………
Foster Oteng
(2ND VICE CHAIRMAN)

Hon. Sam George explains why he asked the GRA boss of his age, gives shocked by the reasons for the question

March 3, 2024January 30, 2024 by Ghana Education News Editorial Team

Hon. Sam George has explained very worrying reasons why he asked the GRA boss of his age. The reasons for which he asked the question have been outlined below by him and the entire country is shocked.

Below is the full explanation from Hon. Sam George

Yesterday, at the public hearings of the Public Accounts Committee of Parliament, I asked a very simple Public Interest Question of the Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority, Reverend Amishaddai Owusu-Amoah.

My very simple question was which year did he attain the age of 60. Boom! Drama began. My Colleagues on the NPP side got upset with my question and a 90 minute stand off ensued including a mysterious ‘fault’ with the PA system .

After the 90 minute break, I manage to get a response from him and I am allowed only one follow up question by the Chairman. That question was if the Commissioner-General had a valid contract to remain at post. He answered that for the past twenty seven (27) months, he has occupied the position without a contract.

Now for those wondering why I asked these questions, here are the issues;

1. Rev. Dr. Ammishaddai turned 60 years in October 2021, twenty seven (27) months ago.

2. Per the Public Service Commission of Ghana regulations, anyone above the age of 60 can be maintained with a 1/2-year contract with the possibility of an extension of another year.

READ: Reject change of election date suggestion by EC – Kelvin Taylor to NDC

3. Since October 2021, Rev. Dr. Ammishaddai has been at post and carried out functions as the Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority without a contract. He has signed contracts like the dubious $100 million SML sweetheart deal with the approval and support of Ken Ofori-Atta.

4. Rev. Dr. Ammishaddai replaced Mr. Kofi Nti as Commissioner-General when the later still had 18 months of his four (4) year contract outstanding. The reason his contract was terminated was that he had turned 60 years.

5. The question we need answers to is why Ken Ofori-Atta has kept his darling Rev. Dr. Ammishaddai at post for another twenty seven (27) months without a contract?

6. The same Ken Ofori-Atta told Parliament that President Akufo-Addo had given instructions that contract extensions beyond the age of 60 would cease except in exceptional cases where the skill of the individual in question is unique and not readily available. What skill does Rev. Dr. Ammishaddai have that is unique and for which reason the laws of the country have been broken?

READ: Ghana is a corruption scene, ranked 70th on Corruption Perception Index for fourth year: Full report here

7. Rev. Dr. Ammishaddai cannot and should not be allowed to continue his stay in office even one day longer. There must be a forensic audit of his actions in the past 27 months to ascertain what damage his illegal stay has caused the tax payer.

I would pursue this matter to its logical conclusion. For God and Country.

Ghana is a corruption scene, ranked 70th on Corruption Perception Index for fourth year: Full report here

January 30, 2024 by Ghana Education News Editorial Team

Ghana is a corruption scene; 70th on Corruption Perception Index

Ghana has been ranked 70th on the Corruption Perception Index for 2023, as released today.

Per the newly released 2023 Corruption Perception Index, Ghana remains a volatile corruption crime scene, as the country scores the lowest again in the last four years’ published global index.

On the Corruption Perception Index (CPI), which Transparency International (TI) released for 2023, Ghana continues to score a worrying 43 out of 100.

Those new data question the efforts by the government to fight corruption and whether the Nana Addo-Bawumia-led government is interested in fighting corruption within the government.

Per this new report, Ghana has solidified its position as a corruption haven for politicians. The Cecilia Dapaa case and others that have raised their ugly heads in recent times and how the government is going about dealing with them and the suspected culprits are enough evidence for any serious person seeking to help fight corruption to bury his or her head in shock.

The 2023 Corruption Perception Index (CPI), released on January 30, 2024, placed Ghana 70th (with the likes of Benin, Oman, Senegal, Timor-Leste, and the Solomon Islands) out of 180 countries. Being ranked 70th on the Corruption Perception Index is an indication that, as a country, we are doing nothing to fight the canker.

Let the truth be told: Ghana does not currently fight corruption in any serious way. It encourages it and, at best, makes it look as though she is against it, but that is not the case.

In 2014, Ghana scored 48, which was the highest. The Corruption Index is based on expert and business leader surveys. It helps rank countries based on perceived levels of public sector corruption, with a scale of 0 (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean).

Africa’s CPI for this year shows mixed results, with some nations making improvements while the continent as a whole continues to face difficulties. Ghana was one of the majority of African countries that saw stagnation, which kept the region’s average score low at 33 out of 100. Remarkably, 90% of sub-Saharan African nations received a score lower than 50.

The TI research claims that although corruption is recognized as a serious issue, African countries continue to confront formidable obstacles in their efforts to combat it. Corruption and illegal money flows, together with years of underfunding the public sector, have crippled essential services, disproportionately harming vulnerable groups like the impoverished, women, children, and individuals with disabilities.

Denmark continues to be the country with the lowest level of corruption in the world for the fifth consecutive year. Close behind are Germany, Ireland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Finland, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, Sweden, and Switzerland. With a score of 73, the UK and Japan are tied for 18th position, followed by France in 72 and the US in 69 (24th).