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  • 2 years ago
A full discussion of Morning News and other matters arising in Ghana.

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Transcript
00:00:00 It's a new week. Welcome to Monday on the AM show. As we start this week, what can I
00:00:05 do? I can only wish you the very best of today and the rest of the week. I know times are
00:00:11 difficult, but it is difficult times that bring out the very best in us. My name is
00:00:16 Benjamin Akaku and I wish you a wonderful week. On that note, we kickstart the show
00:00:21 and right after the news, which will be presented shortly, we'll be serving you the news review.
00:00:26 Guess who joins us? Well, we're going to have Suleyman Abraham. It's been a while. He's
00:00:30 going to join the conversation this morning after that sports. And then we get into our
00:00:34 big stories. Now, number one on the chopping board, the main thing we're focusing on today.
00:00:39 Some military officers stormed Gowri in the upper East region on Sunday to subject civilians,
00:00:44 particularly men. They had to basically flee to corporal punishment and physical assault
00:00:50 resulting in many injuries. You should see some of the photos, the videos. Now it is
00:00:55 unclear what exactly triggered the incident, but the members of parliament for Gowri and
00:01:00 Tempani have condemned the attack. This morning, we're going to be throwing the spotlight on
00:01:06 that issue. Also, bibibo bibibo bibi aba. Erastus Asaridonko, our very own, has been crowned
00:01:14 the PAV Ansa journalist of the year at the just ended Ghana journalist awards. We're
00:01:19 telling you a lot more about that, but there were other winners on the night for team multimedia
00:01:24 and we'll be interacting with them on the show. But guess what? We'd also hear from
00:01:28 the university of professional studies at Crag. They are celebrating their alumni. We'll
00:01:33 be telling you about activities lined up for this event. And then court issues here and
00:01:41 there. We lost. We won. Tinchiniyaa Yempini. Well, today we climax the 2023 national science
00:01:49 and math quiz. Three former champions are competing for the gold, the ultimate prize
00:01:54 for SEC is seeking to defend its title against the school and action. What a school we've
00:01:59 got in depth coverage analysis and more for you as we head to all the campuses as well
00:02:05 as the main event for the main event later in the day. The special guest of honor, President
00:02:12 and President and there have been some interesting messages on social media. You
00:02:18 can read those yourself, but that's what the show looks like this morning. Coming up next,
00:02:23 the news. Thank you for staying. Let's settle for the news now. And our first story, residents
00:02:50 of Ventura, a farming community in the winching municipality of the region, are asking government
00:02:56 to provide clean, potable water to their community. They lament how they have been drinking from
00:03:02 a polluted stream for years. Correspondent and I said it was in the community and filed
00:03:08 this report. Safe and readily available water is important for public health, whether it
00:03:14 is used for drinking, domestic use, food production or recreational purposes and the Sustainable
00:03:22 Development Goal 6 calls for universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking
00:03:28 water. This basic human right as defined in a UN 2010 General Assembly document is sadly
00:03:36 out of reach for the people of Ventura here in the winching municipality of the Bono region.
00:03:41 Boy Matthew is a farmer and resident here. He tells me that the only source of drinking
00:03:48 water for the people here is untreated and posed as a health threat to the people.
00:03:53 So you know, there is a number of people living along the river do a lot of activities that
00:04:07 can lead to contamination and we go about drinking it without treatment. Also, the animals
00:04:16 find their way into the river and it is not hygienic at all.
00:04:24 Most of the women in the area express concern at the fact that children in the area usually
00:04:29 get to school late as a result of the distance from the river source to their homes. School
00:04:44 children who have to either fetch water or bath at the riverside get late to school because
00:05:02 we have no water source here.
00:05:07 Another resident of Mile 2, Sister Gifty, says the unhygienic nature of the water they
00:05:13 drink is leading to the outbreak of diseases, a situation health authorities in the area
00:05:18 are taking steps to get it averted.
00:05:27 Health authorities recently raised concerns about a possible outbreak of waterborne diseases
00:05:32 in this community and have given us some preventive medicines to cure that.
00:05:46 The organisms in the water and the health of fish and meat are given some medicines
00:05:51 to prevent a possible outbreak of waterborne diseases.
00:05:58 Assembly member for Ntira, Jumo, Ntema Electoral Area, Isaac Nyametia also shares his frustrations
00:06:04 with the current situation, adding that the situation is affecting education in the area.
00:06:10 We are going through a lot, especially school children. They have to wake up very early
00:06:23 to fetch water from the river so they get to school early but still most of them miss
00:06:28 out on the first lessons by the time they get to school.
00:06:36 The people here however are appealing to authorities for support.
00:06:40 We are appealing to the authorities to help us.
00:06:58 Anna Sabit, Joy News, Ntira.
00:07:04 Now Dean of the School of Education and Lifelong Learning, Professor Mohamed Hadib Balaji has
00:07:09 described political interference as one of the principal challenges confronting quality
00:07:14 delivery in the country.
00:07:17 Delivering a lecture at the 30th annual conference of district directors of education, Professor
00:07:21 Balaji said this had led to frequent changes in vital areas like curricula, assessment
00:07:28 and teacher training.
00:07:29 Rafiq Salam reports.
00:07:32 The Foundation Dean, School of Education, Lifelong Learning, Simon Diodon Domba University
00:07:39 of Business and Integrated Development Studies, Professor Mohamed Hadib Abdul Ghani Balaji,
00:07:45 speaking on the theme "Resourcing of Basic Education in Ghana for Quality Education Delivery"
00:07:52 first gave an overview of progress made so far in basic education in the country starting
00:07:58 with the implementation of the free compulsory universal basic education 27 years ago.
00:08:05 Learning outcomes, especially in proficiency in reading, increased from 35% in 2011 to
00:08:15 45% in 2008.
00:08:20 Learning outcomes are still low with 14% of pupils reaching minimum proficiency in mathematics
00:08:29 in 2008.
00:08:30 Literacy rates and education in certain subjects have improved as enrollment rates at the basic
00:08:40 level have significantly increased.
00:08:43 With the introduction of the new standard-based curriculum in 2019, which targets the development
00:08:52 of key competencies and skills for the 21st century, the quality of education and the
00:08:59 relevance of basic education curriculum have been boosted.
00:09:03 Professor Mohamed Hadib Balaji, however, pointed out some challenges that are affront to quality
00:09:08 education delivery in the country, such as resource constraints, infrastructural deficit,
00:09:15 access, equity, and inclusion issues, unsatisfactory learning outcomes, low teacher motivation
00:09:27 and retention, student retention, and policy instability due to politicization.
00:09:36 I emphasize that.
00:09:38 He then zeroed in on what he called budgetary quagmire or predicament, which he said has
00:09:45 resulted in the decline of budgetary allocation of the Ministry of Education in real and nominal
00:09:52 terms.
00:09:57 Now the founder of the Seven A's College of Science and Technology, Nathaniel Adams, Jr.
00:10:02 says his outfit will continue to work to promote science education up north.
00:10:07 The school has for the past 10 years been working to ensure students are given practical
00:10:11 science lessons to keep them on track.
00:10:13 Mr. Adams, Jr. spoke at the celebration of its 10th anniversary, where the school was
00:10:18 renamed Northern College of Science and Technology.
00:10:21 Martina Bouguere now reports.
00:10:22 The Seven A's College of Science and Technology, now Northern College of Science and Technology,
00:10:33 which was established in 2013, is to offer science to rural children who cannot afford
00:10:39 to travel to big towns and cities to acquire better science education.
00:10:45 With their focus on science, the founder said it was to create a platform for these children
00:10:51 who have lived all their lives in rural communities to return and serve in their communities after
00:10:56 graduation.
00:10:57 Speaking at the 10th anniversary celebration, the founder, Nathaniel Adams, Jr., said the
00:11:03 only solution to shortage of health staff in rural Ghana is to raise the staff from
00:11:09 the area.
00:11:10 The problem is that the health system in rural Ghana is not well-suited for the health of
00:11:35 the people.
00:11:40 The health system in rural Ghana is not well-suited for the health of the people.
00:12:07 The guest speaker, the Vice Chancellor of the University for Development Studies, Professor
00:12:21 Seyedu Alahassan, on his part, said the school's vision is relevant to the development of Ghana.
00:12:28 I have raised the vision of this school, this very relevant one, and I have warned you the
00:12:40 mission of this school, which has to do with how we can create people with life skills
00:12:47 by using science and technology to transform rural communities of this country.
00:12:54 This is very, very important.
00:12:58 From teaching the three of these small young girls in the world how to do things on their
00:13:09 own.
00:13:10 Education is not just only done in the classroom.
00:13:11 We have learned opportunities outside the classroom.
00:13:12 This is very, very important.
00:13:13 They have been able to promote academic excellence.
00:13:33 They have produced over 100 students for me, contributed to balance developments.
00:13:34 The Overlord of Dagba, Yana Abukari II, whose speech was read on his behalf, commended the
00:13:40 school for the transformational role it's playing in Djendi and the northern region
00:13:45 at large.
00:13:46 Considering the area of education, various successive governments and philanthropies
00:13:53 in collaboration with the chiefs and the people have contributed enormously towards the quality
00:14:00 of education in this community.
00:14:03 It is however worth it to note that the great impact of 78th College of Sciences and Technology
00:14:10 is making in the area of education is incomparable among the philanthropic contributions we've
00:14:18 experienced in this part of the country.
00:14:22 The college has greatly helped in addressing the challenges of education in the whole of
00:14:28 the northern Angolta region, which requires our support, commendation and celebration.
00:14:36 The municipal chief executive for Djendi, Zakaria Abubakari Sadiq, said the school had
00:14:42 raised the bar when it comes to education in the area.
00:14:46 We already have brought to this school seven donations very well.
00:15:10 The president of the alumni, Ruby Mayela, said the school has groomed them to fit in
00:15:16 all spheres of life.
00:15:17 Our school holds the memories of countless experiences that have shaped us to the individuality
00:15:18 that we are today.
00:15:19 As alumni, we are living testament to the transformative power of education.
00:15:20 We stand on the shoulders of the people who have contributed so much to the transformation
00:15:21 of our community.
00:15:22 We are proud to be part of this community.
00:15:23 We are proud to be part of this community.
00:15:24 We are proud to be part of this community.
00:15:25 We are proud to be part of this community.
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00:16:22 We are proud to be part of this community.
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00:18:57 We are proud to be part of this community.
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00:29:58 We are proud to be part of this community.
00:30:22 We are proud to be part of this community.
00:30:48 We are proud to be part of this community.
00:30:52 We are proud to be part of this community.
00:30:53 We are proud to be part of this community.
00:30:54 We are proud to be part of this community.
00:30:55 We are proud to be part of this community.
00:30:56 We are proud to be part of this community.
00:30:57 We are proud to be part of this community.
00:30:58 We are proud to be part of this community.
00:30:59 We are proud to be part of this community.
00:31:00 We are proud to be part of this community.
00:31:01 We are proud to be part of this community.
00:31:02 We are proud to be part of this community.
00:31:03 We are proud to be part of this community.
00:31:04 We are proud to be part of this community.
00:31:05 We are proud to be part of this community.
00:31:06 We are proud to be part of this community.
00:31:07 We are proud to be part of this community.
00:31:08 We are proud to be part of this community.
00:31:09 We are proud to be part of this community.
00:31:33 >> I think we need to condemn the action.
00:31:40 In terms of extrajudicial methods and handling suspects, it is unacceptable.
00:31:46 It should be condemned in all terms.
00:31:48 I want to express condolences and sympathies to the families that have been caught in the way.
00:31:57 I want to express condolences and sympathies to the families that have been caught in the way.
00:32:04 I want to express condolences and sympathies to the families that have been caught in the way.
00:32:05 I want to express condolences and sympathies to the families that have been caught in the way.
00:32:06 I want to express condolences and sympathies to the families that have been caught in the way.
00:32:07 I want to express condolences and sympathies to the families that have been caught in the way.
00:32:08 I want to express condolences and sympathies to the families that have been caught in the way.
00:32:09 I want to express condolences and sympathies to the families that have been caught in the way.
00:32:10 I want to express condolences and sympathies to the families that have been caught in the way.
00:32:11 I want to express condolences and sympathies to the families that have been caught in the way.
00:32:12 I want to express condolences and sympathies to the families that have been caught in the way.
00:32:40 authorities. We also know that there have been rife rumors, some of whom some of
00:32:44 which have not been investigated. Allegations of state security getting
00:32:51 neck-deep into the conflict in Boko and other areas that have seen conflict over
00:32:58 time. So, largely, if you look at the situation, there is a pattern. There's a
00:33:03 pattern where a police officer was shot. There's a pattern where immigration
00:33:07 officers were shot. There's a pattern where an intelligence vehicle belonging
00:33:11 to the security authorities was set ablaze with ammunitions. There was an
00:33:16 incident where a police was escorting quite recently some market people,
00:33:21 vehicles, and they were accosted and attacked and shot at by no less than 10
00:33:26 gunmen within just a few kilometers from the Garu area, even though it's in a
00:33:31 distracting district. So, there's a trend and a pattern building from lack of
00:33:36 trust for the national security, building from lack of sweet response from the
00:33:40 national security operatives. Because, like Bob Marley said, when you give
00:33:44 somebody an inch, the person may take a yard. So, the bandits who have been
00:33:49 causing this mayhem has started from small actions like burning wares in
00:33:53 markets, costing vehicles, and attacking them. And when these things happen and
00:33:58 perpetrators are not brought to book, then they become emboldened to be able to
00:34:03 commit other more serious offenses. And as we speak, we have seen a letter from
00:34:09 the national security about narrating the ordeal of the situation. But you see,
00:34:14 the issue about military intervention in some of these things is that the
00:34:18 bad nuts who actually will create this will find a way to hide. They will
00:34:23 generally run away knowing that they have committed an offense. At the end of
00:34:26 the day, when they go to the community, I mean, every able-bodied body is a suspect,
00:34:31 every able-bodied person is a suspect. So, in the end, they may end up harming innocent people.
00:34:36 But that also goes to speak to the narrative that if you are a community
00:34:40 leader or a youth in a particular area, you should speak up against wrong. Okay,
00:34:46 you see people, citizens who are not in the mainstream security forces, having
00:34:51 weapons when there is a ban on all persons carrying weapons in the
00:34:56 geographical area. What have you done on your own? So, we have a responsibility to
00:35:01 report some of the people we see around. And you see, people are questioning that,
00:35:06 well, the young people have been vigilant and they have intercepted this. Yes,
00:35:10 citizens are being called to be vigilant and to report instances like this. But
00:35:14 your ability and your right to report, and as long as you get the matter to the
00:35:18 police station, lead the appropriate authorities to lead. And I must say that
00:35:23 young people in Boko and other places must be careful with the viral inciting
00:35:29 and hate speech that come as a result of the various WhatsApp audio messages
00:35:35 that come about. I am privy to at least two WhatsApp audio messages
00:35:43 inciting that people should not just hand over these vehicles to their
00:35:47 authorities, but they should rather have burned the vehicles and killed the occupants.
00:35:52 And in fact, it was a timely intervention of the military from Boko that has
00:35:58 solved the situation. We would have been talking about a different matter. And you
00:36:01 know, this country, sometimes we question a lot the legitimacy, the responsiveness,
00:36:07 the swift action of some of the state authorities in terms of investigating
00:36:11 matters and bringing finality to them. When you look at the case of the
00:36:15 immigration officers, it's still pending, okay? Nobody has been, I mean, arrested and
00:36:20 prosecuted for that matter. And so when things like this happen, it goes to
00:36:24 fester. One side of that is that it's on boldness whoever is committing that
00:36:27 crime to continue to perpetrate that crime. The other option is that it
00:36:31 intimidates the security authorities to the extent that they are not able to be
00:36:36 professional, they are not able to speak up their mind, they are not able to do what
00:36:39 they are required to do. So if the situation in Garu is unfortunate, under
00:36:43 no basis should the citizens be paraded and be treated with a dignity that is an
00:36:48 affront of constitution. But coming events, they say, cast their shadows. And
00:36:53 if you look at the trend, you will see the pattern. So the military, I think, felt
00:36:57 that they have been pushed to some extent and they unfortunately, and when
00:37:02 you are angry, the action that you take might be... And so Awal, I feel that is, it's
00:37:09 spot-on what you've said. When you're angry, of course, you may do certain
00:37:13 things in a certain way which may not exactly augur well for the masses, if I
00:37:23 may put it that way. But even in bringing security to bear or restoring
00:37:28 calm, this has to be done. They have to temper whatever anger with the
00:37:34 right motives and the right actions. But I do get the point you're making as
00:37:38 well, because in parts of the Northern Belt, we have seen instances where,
00:37:44 especially the youth, have taken the law into their own hands and they do certain
00:37:50 things, commit certain actions. It cannot be thought that these will just be let
00:37:56 slide, you know. And like you said, you cannot attack security officials. You
00:38:01 cannot, on these WhatsApp pages, and that's becoming another issue, these
00:38:04 WhatsApp pages with people putting all kinds of information there, sometimes
00:38:08 information that is baseless, information that is not true, and then ordinary
00:38:13 citizens arise and go and, you know, perpetrate actions that ought not to be
00:38:19 perpetrated. So I do not know, but I think a lot of sensitization, a lot of
00:38:24 education has to go into, you know, getting people aware that it's not
00:38:31 everything you hear that you react to. And even when you think you have the
00:38:35 right, the security officials are those mandated to resolve these problems. And
00:38:39 the final thing I will say, it's an issue we've discussed before, the
00:38:43 proliferation of arms, especially in the Northern Belt of the country, it is by
00:38:48 and by becoming a problem, a grave problem, and I do not know what you think
00:38:53 that that means or what it bodes in terms of the insurgency all around us.
00:38:59 Maybe just some very brief thoughts on that and then we shall move into the
00:39:02 papers. Yes, I think that the issue of small arms in terms of the parts of
00:39:15 northern Ghana, and in fact by extension some of the border communities across
00:39:19 Ghana, I mean there are weapons that are being smuggled from Burkina Faso, from
00:39:24 Cote d'Ivoire and others, and if you check you realize that some of the
00:39:30 ordinary citizens, look I have listed just back to the audios that we spoke
00:39:36 about in the WhatsApp, ordinary citizens saying that they basically do not fear
00:39:40 the security, they only respect their uniform because what they have in terms
00:39:44 of the accoutrements they are carrying, the weapons and others, they have similar.
00:39:48 Okay, so for citizens to openly dare and you see there are already grievances in
00:39:55 our various communities that have not been addressed. So for us, some of us
00:39:59 think that it's just a matter of time that somebody feeds on these grievances
00:40:03 to be able to recruit people and we have a looming insurgency in our hand. So the
00:40:10 propagation of small arms and light weapons is a very scary situation.
00:40:14 Unfortunately, the citizens seem to be able to evade the security forces each
00:40:21 time because there is always a search and retrieve exercise. If you look at also
00:40:25 the statement from the National Security Task Force, that they went there to retrieve weapons. And I'll be
00:40:30 surprised if they are able to retrieve weapons there because they seem to be
00:40:34 always doing this and they don't seem to be succeeding. There was a time a certain
00:40:38 DCE of Boko Municipal asked that there should be an amnesty for people to
00:40:42 return their weapons. But nobody turned up. I think a few people turned up with weapons, but then
00:40:47 majority of the weapons are still at large and we need to have a dedicated
00:40:52 strategic program to be able to take up the arms, not just silence them. The
00:40:56 ministry has been talking about silencing the guns. We need to take the guns out of
00:40:59 the people who don't belong to using guns. All right, let's get into the papers
00:41:04 now. Interesting, you know, dynamics you've brought to the Garruk-Tempane
00:41:09 conversation and of course the members of Parliament for those areas have also
00:41:12 you know shared their thoughts on the matter. But the Ghanaian publisher
00:41:17 newspaper this morning, it talks about the Garruk incident. National Security
00:41:21 restores calm in Garruk. There's also a free aqua to calls for fairness in
00:41:25 Saturday's MPP presidential primary. Baumea cruising to landslide victory,
00:41:30 latest survey indicates. And the Ghanaian publisher also bringing us the story.
00:41:33 Djenapo defends Atlantic lithium deal, says it's best for Ghana.
00:41:38 According to him, Samuel Abujenapo, he has praised the transaction
00:41:44 between the government of Ghana and the Barare Dv Limited, a subsidiary of
00:41:49 Atlantic Lithium Limited, as one of the finest mineral resource exploitation
00:41:53 deals in Africa and beyond. The minister explained that the government made a
00:41:57 deliberate choice to treat lithium and other green minerals differently from
00:42:01 already mined minerals. As such, an agreement was reached with enhanced
00:42:06 benefits, enhanced benefits for Ghana, as he says it. But then let's get into that
00:42:11 other story. A recent poll conducted by the Center for Sustainable African
00:42:16 Development Initiatives, this is new, UK and Outcomes International Ghana have
00:42:22 projected Vice President Mohamedou Baumea to secure a landslide victory in
00:42:25 the new patriotic party presidential primary scheduled for Saturday November
00:42:29 4, 2023. The poll carried out from October 10 to 20, 2023, surveyed 9,300
00:42:36 polling station executives across all 16 regions. According to the findings,
00:42:39 Vice President Baumea was anticipated to Ghana an impressive 80.8% of the
00:42:44 total votes. His closest competitor, Central Member of Parliament,
00:42:48 Kennedy Ajapong, is trailing far behind with 10.4%, while Honorable Dr.
00:42:52 Ouswefri Akwetou secured 1.1% and Honorable Francis Adenimo
00:42:57 received 0.4%. Notably, 7.3% of the delegates remained undecided.
00:43:03 But let's do this. There has also been the Global Info Analytics survey which
00:43:08 pointed to findings that it wouldn't be that easy for the Vice President. That
00:43:14 pointed to the fact that Kennedy Ajapong was secure some 20 plus percent, with the
00:43:20 Vice President not getting up to 80%. But in the end, it is November 4, D-Day,
00:43:25 that we'll see how the cookie crumbles. So those are the stories there that I'd
00:43:30 like to highlight. Let me also bring in the FIND newspaper and then I'll bring
00:43:33 you back in. So there's that story as well, poll predicting strong lead
00:43:37 for Dr. Baumea. And then the bit about the lithium, as has been mentioned.
00:43:42 Gamaye laid to rest in a solemn and culturally rich ceremony that was over
00:43:48 the weekend. Attackers of national security officers arrested and NADMO
00:43:52 assures relief for every affected home in flooding disaster. Let me bring you
00:43:58 just a snippet of that story. So there will be three stories to react to. The
00:44:02 National Disaster Management Organization has provided strong
00:44:05 assurances that every home affected by the recent flooding in the Volta and
00:44:09 parts of the eastern regions will receive the relief and support they need
00:44:13 to recover from the disaster. This pledge came during an inspection of relief
00:44:18 items intended to assist those impacted or impacted by the controlled spillage
00:44:23 from the Akosombo Dam. So three issues to reflect on. Baumea supposedly
00:44:29 cruising to a landslide victory. Then there's also that other story,
00:44:36 Jinapo defending the lithium deal and then NADMO. Any quick reactions Awal?
00:44:43 Yes, so thank you very much. I think that let me start with the NADMO flooding and
00:44:48 to commiserate with the affected families in the Volta Basin and the
00:44:53 Angkle. We are happy that now that the waters have started receding, people
00:44:59 are picking their pieces and then getting back to their lives. It's an
00:45:02 unfortunate situation that has happened and going forward this should be a
00:45:07 learning point for the Volta River Authority as well as the National
00:45:13 Disaster Management Organization and our country in terms of our resilience
00:45:17 planning to prevent some of these things from happening. And then I think that
00:45:22 some of the communities are asking for compensation and others and I think that
00:45:27 some of the things they are saying should be looked into and where there is merit
00:45:31 the appropriate compensation should be given. And then also we need to also look
00:45:35 at the citizenry in terms of whilst we're asking the state to be accountable, we
00:45:40 as citizens also need to be accountable and responsive. I mean there are sitting
00:45:45 places where have been demarcated as an area that should not be habitable. We
00:45:50 have found people are inhabiting these places. We have found that people have
00:45:55 been notified to evacuate in some places and they didn't evacuate. So some of
00:46:01 these things need to be taken into account so that we have a strategic
00:46:05 program in place to be able to evacuate people and ensure that whatever plans
00:46:11 for spilling the dam is taken into consideration with the human face and
00:46:16 using a rights-based approach to ensure that lives and livelihoods are protected
00:46:21 so that people's dreams and aspirations are in check and then ensure that they
00:46:26 are able to exercise this basic right to have a shelter, to live in dignity and
00:46:33 to live without any fear because the trauma that this flood has brought is
00:46:39 quite serious. And talking about the, you also mentioned about the lithium deal. I
00:46:46 think that natural resources that are invested in a particular country, the
00:46:53 government of the day as well as the citizenry have a legal and moral
00:46:57 obligation to ensure that whatever arrangement and projects or programs
00:47:05 that we are going to have around extraction as well as imports of some of
00:47:09 these natural resources from other jurisdictions and for national interest
00:47:13 should be based on value for money, should be based on a sustainability and
00:47:19 equal opportunities and equal benefits for both actors. But we have sadly
00:47:25 observed over time some of the arrangements where, I mean if you look at
00:47:30 other jurisdictions, the arrangement for some of these natural resources in terms
00:47:35 of their purchase agreement, in terms of their export agreement and others, leave
00:47:39 so much to be desired with Western countries taking majority of the chunk
00:47:44 in terms of benefits and leaving us with peanuts. I am not a fan of military
00:47:50 interventions and military junta sense and things like that but I have followed
00:47:57 recently that the fact that in terms of uranium at the global market the price
00:48:02 was 200 euros and then the Republic of Niger was selling it or being asked to
00:48:09 sell it at 0.8 cents to France and then in that accord France intend sell it at
00:48:18 the global market and we have followed news recently that the military junta is
00:48:21 saying that they are setting the price at 200 euros from their own jurisdiction.
00:48:26 So going forward my brief take on this lithium issue is whatever discussions,
00:48:32 whatever arrangement that we are having, we should have value for money, we should
00:48:37 have, we should read a fine print very well and ensure that whatever agreement
00:48:41 that we are doing in the end, Ghana does not only benefit today but Ghana benefits
00:48:47 now and in generations to come. I agree with, we're limited, we're pressed for time
00:48:55 Awal. So on the next point just make it brief so we move on. Yes so on the polls
00:49:00 I think that we have polls that have worked, we have polls that have not worked. It's an exciting
00:49:06 following my good friend Albert Soris' exposé on FIIA delegates. We wait till
00:49:12 November 4th to see and we wish whoever emerges as the victor the very best of luck.
00:49:16 FIIA delegates, well we'll see whether Sir John will still have a say in this
00:49:24 primary. But the Daily Guide newspaper, two stories, it regurgitates stories
00:49:29 we've already seen but I'll focus on Frontiers Healthcare Services debunking
00:49:33 allegations of corruption and this one, Nana commissions 105 EU military
00:49:38 vehicles and number one, so let me start from here, the Economic and Financial
00:49:42 Court in Accra has told embattled businessman Nana Piamensa, alias number one,
00:49:48 that it will never again adjourn his trial as a result of his lawyer not
00:49:52 showing up in court. Number one, who together with two of his companies have
00:49:55 been charged for fraud and other financial crimes, told the court last
00:49:59 Friday that his counsel had an emergency and have requested the court to adjourn
00:50:03 the case. So that is the latest tale of the tape, lawyer never showing up. Nana
00:50:08 commissions 105 EU military vehicles and they were donated by the European Union
00:50:14 as part of efforts to enhance the nation's security and to counter
00:50:17 terrorism. The vehicles include 13 Land Cruiser pickups, 10 GM Sierra Toyota
00:50:22 Land Cruisers, Toyota single cabins and Chevrolet Silverado Sierra pickups. But
00:50:28 let me quickly go to page 14 for that reflection. You know Frontiers Healthcare
00:50:33 Services has been in the news a lot when it comes to corruption and we've also
00:50:37 sought as a media entity some information from the Ghana Airports
00:50:41 Company Limited and they have not been forthcoming to the to the point where
00:50:45 the RTI Commission had to fine them over 200,000 Ghana cities. Well following the
00:50:51 recent media publication of spurious, what's Frontiers Healthcare is saying,
00:50:57 spurious, mischievous and false allegations of wrongdoing said to have
00:51:01 been raised by one Okudjatoa Blakwa against Frontiers Healthcare Services
00:51:05 for its emblemist valuable and enriching administration of the airport COVID-19
00:51:11 testing project FHS by this rejoinder hereby debunks and rejects those
00:51:16 allegations. You can read it on page 14 of the Daily Guide newspaper but I
00:51:20 always say if there's nothing to hide why don't you just bring everything to
00:51:25 light. We know of certain things from the Caribbean and what has happened in Ghana.
00:51:29 Why is all of this shrouded in secrecy? You don't hide what must not be hidden.
00:51:36 Adwoa Safo, the Today newspaper, Adwoa Safo suffers humiliation during visit to
00:51:41 Domi market and we want peace in Boko groups in Aparist appeal. Those are the
00:51:46 final bits. Any quick reflections as we go? Yes so I think that you know Boko and Aparist
00:51:52 is very dear to my heart so I'll pick it from the bottom. I want to commend...
00:51:56 We have one minute, we have one minute for all your reflections. Yes I
00:52:00 think that we need to commend the youth for calling for peace in Boko and then
00:52:04 whatever public contract that we have I think we have an obligation to make sure
00:52:08 that all the dealings are made public and we have a right to seek information
00:52:13 and to demand the best. I think that our court processes need to be able to have
00:52:18 a cap as to how long lawyers can present themselves or be available in terms of
00:52:22 the technical difficulties they deliberately put in place so that we can
00:52:26 put finality to this number one case and then we want to congratulate the EU also
00:52:30 for the investment into our counter-terrorism issue because it's a
00:52:34 very serious matter. Ghana on its own may not be able to get help and if you look
00:52:41 at it other jurisdictions have to go to private to contract private mercenary
00:52:45 groups to be able to help them deal with the situation. So if the European Union
00:52:48 is coming to support Ghana in this regard I think we must commend the
00:52:53 Ministry of National Security as well as the President and the European Union for
00:52:58 this and then also Adjoa Safo I think that some of these things can be staged
00:53:03 as well as also they can be a feedback so politicians need to pay attention and
00:53:08 put their ears on the ground and be available because you always come back
00:53:11 to the people to seek their mandate and then also you need to also deliberately
00:53:16 balance this to see whether your detractors are planting people to do
00:53:20 this or really is the voice of the people. When you say the voice of the people is the masses
00:53:24 so we need to try to balance and she should put her ears on the ground to
00:53:27 pick up things and use it to inform her strategies. Brilliant submissions thank
00:53:32 you so much Awal for joining the conversation. Awal Ahmed Karayama.
00:53:36 Let me congratulate the award winners of the... I was just about to do that but you go ahead.
00:53:40 And anyone who wants to single out? Oh yes of course we have our very own
00:53:47 Antonio Apobio from the GNA in Upper East and then Edward Adeti of the Four
00:53:55 Face States. I congratulate them. Thank you. And all the others. Of course Erastus from your end.
00:53:59 All right and I'll add my voice to that. Congratulations to Team Multimedia
00:54:04 especially Erastus Asaridonko. You've made us so proud and you took that gong
00:54:09 journalist of the year. We're proud of you for all the work you do. And that's
00:54:13 the note on which we cap off the news review this morning. This segment brought
00:54:16 to you by Endpoint Homeopathic Clinic. They are offering you free prostate
00:54:20 screening, free female fertility screening. Here's where you can locate
00:54:23 them across the country. In Accra, Spintex opposite the Shell signboard. Kumasi,
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00:54:40 or 0274 234 321. Endpoint Homeopathic Clinic. The end to chronic disease.
00:54:49 But just the start of the news review. My very own Red Devils succumbing to the
00:54:54 blue end of Manchester. But there was also El Clasico and Barcelona lost. Two
00:55:00 goals from Jude Bellingham. That and more coming your way in sports up next.
00:55:06 [Music]
00:55:25 Welcome back on the AM show. We delve into our big stories now starting with
00:55:29 the very first. And some military officers stormed Garu in the Upper East
00:55:34 Region on Sunday to subject civilians, particularly men, to corporal punishment
00:55:39 and physical assault resulting in many injuries. It remains unclear still what
00:55:46 exactly triggered the incident. But the members of Parliament for Garu and
00:55:49 Tempani have condemned the attack. We'll be talking about this on the show as we
00:55:55 engage our guests. Adib Sani joins the conversation. He's a security analyst.
00:56:02 Adib a very good morning to you sir. Good morning Benjamin. How are you? I am well.
00:56:08 It's a pleasure to have you join this conversation. I would just like to
00:56:14 find out for you. I mean this wouldn't be the first time we've heard of a similar
00:56:18 incident. I was speaking this morning with Rai's Ganes Awal Ahmed Kariyama and
00:56:26 he spoke about some of the antecedents. He spoke about youth with WhatsApp groups
00:56:32 and putting things on there that sometimes stoke these tensions. He spoke
00:56:37 about attacks on national security or threats of saying and he spoke about
00:56:43 munitions which these young people have. All of these thrown in the fray creates
00:56:50 the escalating situations we are seeing. But for you from where you sit, what
00:56:55 could have triggered such an incident? Well thank you so much. Thank you to your
00:57:02 producers. I think there is a bit of a gap, a disconnect between state security
00:57:11 on one hand and the people on the other hand. And it is further exacerbated by
00:57:20 this page of misinformation and disinformation that is coming up from
00:57:26 that area. Look, we have Facebook pages belonging to the two sides of the
00:57:33 conflict where pictures of certain individuals are posted and threats made
00:57:38 to the effect that we know who you are, we have your picture and we are going to
00:57:43 come after you. And Benjamin, believe it or not, such people are in the end killed.
00:57:50 In some cases there are some individuals on the ground who are able to
00:57:58 disseminate false information about the movements of certain persons they think
00:58:04 are working closely with the other side. And within minutes they are able to
00:58:14 galvanize people to engage in some of these acts of lawlessness. And I do agree
00:58:20 with Awa. The level of proliferation of small arms and light weapons, especially
00:58:28 military-grade rifles including AR-15s, M16s, AK-47s in the area is quite worrying.
00:58:37 In some cases the weapons they hold, the civilians, is even more potent than that
00:58:45 of the military. And there has been a consistent pattern. I'm not in any way,
00:58:50 Benjamin, let me be clear about this, I'm not in any way justifying the use of
00:58:59 violence against civilians by security services. But there has been a consistent
00:59:07 pattern of violence that included death of security services or agents
00:59:16 perpetrated by civilians. And I have quite a number of cases I could mention.
00:59:21 For example, on the 23rd of January this year, a police constable, her name is
00:59:28 Regina Angelo, was shot at Habitat at Kingandi, around the Boku area. Then on the
00:59:39 3rd of April 2023, an immigration officer, which became National News, was also
00:59:45 shot at the Boku Municipal Assembly opposite the ambitious killing station.
00:59:51 Then on 16th March 2022, military men also came under attack at Baribari, Wahula.
01:00:01 Then on 7th December 2021, according to my sources on the ground, a defence
01:00:08 intelligence vehicle was set ablaze at Sabun Gari police checkpoint. Then on the
01:00:14 21st September 2023, a police escort was attacked at Biwa College of Education
01:00:21 Binduri. No, rather, Pusigang. Then on 13th May 2022, an ambulance was attacked at
01:00:29 Baswa, Binduri. Other attacks against military, police personnel and even personnel from
01:00:37 the intelligence agencies has been well documented. And it is perpetrated by
01:00:45 certain motivated individuals on the ground who feel they have more firepower
01:00:50 and I think it is something we really need to start talking about and to see
01:00:55 how we can progressively harness the relationship between the people and of
01:01:02 course the security services. And mind you, these acts of violence perpetrated
01:01:08 by these armed youth is not only against the security services. In some cases it's
01:01:13 against their own people. And I always say that these security officers you see
01:01:19 there, most of them are not from that area. They have families in other parts
01:01:23 of the country but they are there to ensure your safety. Okay, and government
01:01:28 spends a whole lot of money that could have been used to develop the area and
01:01:35 to create jobs for young people. But because people are hell-bent on killing
01:01:40 people, we have these officers come in to stop it. So now if you are attacking them
01:01:46 it creates a very difficult situation for them. Violence against innocent people is not the answer.
01:01:55 Let me come in with a sequence of some of these attacks because as we see in
01:02:03 the Ghanaian publisher today, they have an increasing report of attacks on
01:02:07 security officials which makes it even more worrying, doubly or triply worrying
01:02:12 in the Upper East Region. On January 23, 2023, a police constable was shot dead in
01:02:18 Ghandi and on April 3, 2023, an immigration officer was killed in Boku.
01:02:24 On September 21, 2023, a police escort was shot at Bewa College of Education,
01:02:30 Pusiga, while five national security operatives were attacked in Garu, like
01:02:34 we're talking about now, on October the 24th, which led to this latest, you know,
01:02:40 apprehension of some of them and unfortunately beating assault in there.
01:02:45 But you also look at the sequence of events, you've also mentioned some of
01:02:48 what has happened. Why do you think this continues unabated? Because they followed
01:02:56 these national security personnel who are there for counterterrorism activity
01:03:01 all the way even to the police station and even there they were shooting. They
01:03:05 wanted to kill them. Special arrangements had to be made to be able to retrieve
01:03:09 these five personnel, the team. That tells you that these people are simply not
01:03:14 afraid and they are not willing to comply with the security officials. Now
01:03:18 the question is what could lead them to come to such a state, you know, a
01:03:25 mental state where they are not even apprehensive of the presence of security
01:03:29 officials? Benjamin, I understand when they confronted the national security
01:03:37 agents, they introduced themselves, they identified themselves, they were taken to
01:03:43 the police station and I have seen videos that nobody has seen. I have seen
01:03:48 videos that are not out there. So what do the videos reveal? A very, very bad
01:03:58 situation in which shots were fired directly into the police station to kill.
01:04:04 Those are the videos I've seen. Directly to kill. These were not warning shots. These were not
01:04:11 shots that were fired into the sky. They were fired directly into the police
01:04:16 station whilst people were taking cover and guess what? One of the officers there
01:04:21 belongs to the tribal group. I wouldn't want to mention, I hate mentioning the
01:04:27 ethnic groups in that area, okay? And so... When you say he belongs to the ethnic
01:04:34 group, the ethnic group that was conducting the assault or the ethnic
01:04:37 group that, I mean, you don't have to mention but you didn't complete your
01:04:41 sentence. It's difficult for me to tell which ethnic group was conducting the
01:04:45 assaults but rather what I'm saying is the ethnic group that is in that area,
01:04:51 okay, that is the most dominant in that area. So the thing is, a lot of this has
01:05:00 to do with impunity and I've always said that over and over again. It looks like
01:05:05 we've given up on the coronavirus, okay? A lot of these killings happen and nobody is
01:05:13 held to account because the area somewhat is vast. So people staged all
01:05:17 manner of attacks and they dissipate into thin air. Nobody knows where they
01:05:23 are going to. Secondly, the issue of proliferation of small arms and light
01:05:29 weapons gives them that sense of invisibility, that rumble feeling. That makes them think they can confront even the military head-on and wouldn't fear anything.
01:05:42 I am told, I am told they are able to do this because they are wielding, you know,
01:05:47 munitions that is very similar to what the National Security and other
01:05:51 operatives are wielding. So in some instances you hear that it is only
01:05:55 respect for the uniform but that they don't respect them that much because
01:05:59 what they are wielding they also have. In some cases they have more potent rifles
01:06:05 than even that of the security agents, okay? Gives them that sense of invisibility.
01:06:11 That is why they are able to confront them head-on without fearing anything, okay?
01:06:18 So going forward, I think we need to do more and I've always indicated the Small
01:06:23 Arms Commission. Look, it is an opportunity for us to use the Small Arms
01:06:28 Commission to stop these weapons from coming in. Our actions have been
01:06:35 superficial. You know, what we do is swoops the military going in and seizing
01:06:40 weapons. But guess what, Benji? Definitely more would come in. So we make that
01:06:46 deliberate conscious attempt to prevent these weapons from coming in. We would always
01:06:51 go for the swoops and the weapons would keep coming. Adib, so you're basically
01:06:56 saying that our plan of action as of this point is not working because like
01:07:01 you're saying, we keep seeing stashes, caches of munitions in these parts of
01:07:10 the country and likely in other parts of the country. You mentioned the small
01:07:14 arms group. Over the years, they've even profited amnesty for
01:07:21 people with arms. Practically nobody goes. And I was going to ask about the how
01:07:26 these people lay their hands on munitions. But you've already started
01:07:30 talking about it. They get it from different parts of the sub-region
01:07:35 and we already know about the insurgency in here, the insurgent threat. How
01:07:41 else can we tackle it? Through intelligence, through and for the first
01:07:48 time in the history of the country, the small arms commission and in fact, Ghana is the
01:07:54 only country that has done this in sub-Saharan, in West Africa. Deploying
01:08:00 small arms officials to the various border crossings. Elubu, Hamile, they have
01:08:06 offices in Thamaly, Kolga and so many other areas, volatile areas, particularly
01:08:14 between Ghana and its neighbors. So we are able to prevent these arms from
01:08:20 coming in. On the other hand, I think we need to build trust because one of the
01:08:25 major issues is the lack of trust. And now we have seen something say something.
01:08:29 How do we harness that trust so people would be willing to give out more
01:08:34 information to the security services? Or in case you see, you know, persons engaged
01:08:40 in the trafficking of these weapons, you will be willing enough to report it to
01:08:45 the appropriate authorities. Because the thing is, a lot of these trafficking is
01:08:49 done by a sophisticated network of arms traffickers. And you know, we have
01:08:55 criminal organizations in that area who are taking advantage of the insecurity to
01:09:00 engage in all manner of criminality, including human trafficking. Pardon the
01:09:04 intervention one more time. You talk about sophisticated networks. I agree.
01:09:09 Terrorist cells and all of that use those. But we also have what is supposed
01:09:13 to be, if it is not, a sophisticated security operation. In recent times, we've
01:09:18 had talk about the police being given this and that. In fact, I have just been
01:09:22 looking at that story where our president has commissioned a hundred and
01:09:27 five EU military vehicles, everything from 13 Land Cruiser pickups, 10 GM Sierra
01:09:34 Toyota Land Cruisers, Toyota single cabins and Chevrolet Silverado Sierra
01:09:38 pickups, among others that have been given to us. So are you saying that our
01:09:43 security officials are not sophisticated enough, both in terms of munitions and in
01:09:50 terms of the practice, general policing and security, to be able to tackle this
01:09:55 menace. I think if they were not doing their work well, you and I wouldn't have been able to have this interview. We would have been in a state of insecurity in the country.
01:10:07 A lot has been done, I must say. I mean, I am a fierce critic of the security services when they do the wrong things. I'm a fierce critic of the security managers themselves,
01:10:18 but let's give them what they are due. A lot of work has been done. However, a lot more still needs to be done. There's been a lot of work, especially with respect to intelligence gathering.
01:10:31 Like you rightly mentioned at the beginning of the interview, those national security officers who were nearly killed had it not been for the timely intervention of the military,
01:10:40 which we were on counter-terrorism activities. So they were actually there to help the people. And for the people to turn their back against them in this fashion is something I find really unfortunate.
01:10:54 And one more thing, the security service cannot do it alone. I mean, the fact that you and I are having this discourse this morning means you and I are doing our bit so we get stakeholders to understand the harsh realities.
01:11:09 And we proffer ways to deal with it as well. The ordinary citizen has a role to play because the threat we are facing, you know, it's not everything we see because we wouldn't want to create mass hysteria.
01:11:22 We wouldn't want to get Ghanaians agitated as it would have rippling repercussions on our economy, etc. But the threat is real. And the security services cannot do it alone.
01:11:33 A lot of the intelligence they get are from civilian sources. So if the civilians don't cooperate with the security services, then it becomes a bit of a problem.
01:11:43 So that is why I think going forward, the security services would have to collaborate with civil society and other stakeholders so we would find ways and means to get the people to understand that we are representing your interests.
01:11:56 We've left our families at home and we are here because we care about you. So if you turn your back against us, it really hurts. And that shouldn't be the case. I think a lot more still needs to be done.
01:12:10 Now, I will keep I will stay on that matter because the Garo area, then you have, you know, Boku on the other end, we seem not to have been able to clip the wings of nefarious characters.
01:12:23 Now, I do understand. And I'm using my words carefully. There are the good people of these areas who want peace. And then there also are some of the young people who want to, you know, perpetrate.
01:12:37 So the seed of discord and will not tolerate the other side. How do we deal with such instances? Because, look, there are groupings and sometimes you see them on social media, Facebook.
01:12:49 There are the WhatsApp groupings. And then there are those who have other channels of operating. Why do I bring this to the fore? If we're not careful, that is what insurgents take advantage of.
01:13:01 There's a spark before you can say, Jack, there's a bonfire. All of these points to the fact that we must do more.
01:13:09 But how do we deal with the situation? Because it appears, like you said, at some point with Boku and the others, it appears to us to a certain extent, even our security operatives have thrown that in the towel saying, you know what?
01:13:23 There's nothing we can do. Well, when a farmer wants to get rid of weeds on his farm, what does he do?
01:13:33 He sprays it so it kills the very DNA, so to speak, of the weeds. If you superficially cut or trim the surface and leave the roots, what happens?
01:13:45 It will definitely grow back. For years on end, I think our approach to us addressing the main crux of the matter, getting into the belly of the beast, is surely the conflict situation in Boku between the Pusasis and the Mabrusis.
01:14:02 We've always deployed security personnel. We've always imposed curfews and all of that. But it has failed all these years to deal with it.
01:14:13 The main issue there is about the chief fencing. I understand, as we speak, that Otonfuwa has been asked to take it up, just as he did with Tangbo, which finally brought peace to the area.
01:14:28 But the Boku is much more complex than Tangbo. Tangbo was more about the same ethnic group but with different gates.
01:14:38 But this, we are talking about two different ethnic groups that have taken hard-line positions so far as this issue is concerned.
01:14:47 So I think government would have to bite the bullet and get things straightened out. But you see, when you try to please two masters at the same time, you end up pleasing none.
01:15:00 And that is the problem. Because the thing is, if government doesn't take a hard stance so we know who is really in charge of the place and who is supposed to perform his traditional mandate there, it becomes a problem.
01:15:18 Because currently the area is divided. And it is even more complex considering the nature of the place. We have one ethnic group around another ethnic group which is cut up in the middle.
01:15:33 So it is really an issue that needs to be looked at. The issue of the chief fencing in Boku.
01:15:43 Then, like we mentioned earlier, small arms, light weapons. There is this issue of trust between the people and the security services.
01:15:56 We need to address, in the midst of all of this, I think this is the most important of it all. In 1994, the UNDP put together a document called the Human Development Report.
01:16:16 That centers the most important aspects of security on the individual, on the human being. Health security, water security, environmental security, political security, economic security, food security.
01:16:31 And by food security, what I mean is, it's not bumper harvest. But people should be able to have access to the food. There can be bumper harvest, but if you don't have the economic security, you wouldn't have the purchasing power to access that food.
01:16:48 So government needs to do more to address the human insecurities in the area. Because, believe it or not, there are some who fight without really understanding why they are fighting.
01:17:02 You ask them, "Oh, my father told me this time they killed my grandfather." "Oh, they killed my uncle before, so I need to take revenge." We have young people, before age 18, are able to disassemble and assemble rifles.
01:17:19 And are able to, in some cases, engage the military in a firefight. Education is very poor. Because a lot of people have left school, a lot of people have left the area.
01:17:32 So I think that government must do more through the Human Security Directorate or the National Security Ministry to address those structural issues. And I must say, Benji, a lot of work has been done, especially by the Human Security Directorate.
01:17:50 They wouldn't be able to come out and say, "Oh, we did this. We sank this borehole. We collaborated with this ministry to fix this road." No, they wouldn't be able to.
01:18:01 A lot has been done. However, a lot needs to be done to address this structural, socioeconomic, and geopolitical deficits in the area that is creating that catalyst. That is creating that enabling environment for people to think that the only way to survive is through violence.
01:18:20 Now, the mantra, "See something, say something." If you see something, say something, has been with us for quite a while now. From time to time, you'll get messages even on that.
01:18:31 But for our brothers and sisters in these parts of the country that are seemingly conflict-prone and prone to some of these happenings, with arms proliferation really high, what then would you say such people in such catchment areas should do?
01:18:48 I pose that question because this person knows that person. And sometimes, when you go and inform or speak up, later on, you'll be the same person to be attacked.
01:19:00 Somehow, the perpetrators of these actions will get to know that it is Yaro XYZ who went and spoke to the security operatives.
01:19:09 And then they come and assault that person, for which reason a lot of such people don't want to talk. How do we circumvent that situation?
01:19:17 I was one of the ardent admirers of that initiative, I must say. However, these communities, they are different from Accra or Kumasi. These are tightly knit communities. Everybody knows everybody.
01:19:33 And I've said this before. You enter a community, they look at your face, and they are able to tell whether you are from here or not, and which family house you come from.
01:19:42 I come from, for example, a big family in Tamale, a large Saanich family with about 25 children. Sometimes you're walking in the street somewhere, someone will see you and say, "Ah, large Saanich children, there's no way anyone can steal you."
01:19:58 So it does happen. That is why I think we need to create certain structures to make it safe for people to give out information.
01:20:10 Our witness protection regime in the country is quite poor. People are scared to give information because they fear for their safety.
01:20:19 So if you are able to come out with a solid policy, that would guarantee the safety of persons who give out information and encourage them to do so. It would help.
01:20:33 Secondly, there's this number that has been widely put out there, 999. If you see something and you want to say, you dial that number.
01:20:44 But the question is, what is it exactly we have to say to save? And this is exactly what we did in the past.
01:20:51 The Center for Human Security and Peace was opened. We put together a survey. We went out there. We asked the Amiens, "Have you heard about C-SAMTU?"
01:21:02 Those who said yes, they have heard. We asked them, "What is it that you have to say?"
01:21:09 Most of them didn't know. In fact, one of them said they were looking for persons who were bearded like Osama Bin Laden.
01:21:19 So you can imagine the level of ignorance. That is why the National Security Ministry is a great initiative by us and us, because it's been tried and tested in other jurisdictions and it's worked.
01:21:32 That is why National Security would have to collaborate with civil society. So we get enough experts on the ground to take the people through and make them understand what really the nuances are, how they can help, and what benefit will it bring to them.
01:21:49 Alright. And the final question. In one minute, I want you to address this. There's also the security operatives sometimes being too happy to unleash mayhem.
01:22:03 I'm choosing my words carefully. Now, we've seen the military go again. Peace must be restored. The right things must be done.
01:22:09 But the assault on some of our brothers and sisters, I saw some of the faces, some of the backs beaten, some of the effects of what our military officers did.
01:22:20 I know it is all in the national interest. But at the same time, some innocent people will be caught in all of this. How can we do better in that regard?
01:22:29 I think the operation should have been surgical. I've read the statement by the Ministry of National Security in which they said it was an operation to retrieve certain weapons.
01:22:41 Okay, I understand some have been arrested. I've even seen pictures of those. I think next time we have to be surgical and base our operation on the right intelligence.
01:22:56 Because when you go from dogs and beating people in the end, you would end up punishing people for offenses they have not done.
01:23:07 So we need to be very careful because that further widens the gap and it has the potential of getting people not to operate with the security services.
01:23:15 Especially now we are talking about see something, say something. So I think it's an unfortunate event and I'm hoping they look into it.
01:23:22 The right lessons will be learned and going forward we'll do it much more clinically.
01:23:27 I think we're so grateful that he took the time to join us this morning and we wish you the very best. So I think Sani, a security analyst joining us for this conversation.
01:23:38 Now, on the next belt of our conversation coming down from Garo and Tempani, well, we'll be talking about the Ecobank Joy News Habitat Fair.
01:23:50 There's a lot more coming your way on that up next on the show.
01:24:15 Welcome back. Warm welcome back on the AM show. Now we're preparing you for an exhilarating experience at the grand fair of the 2023 Ecobank Joy News Habitat Fair.
01:24:26 We'd like you to join us at the Accra International Conference Center from Thursday, November the 23rd to Sunday, November the 26th, 2023 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day.
01:24:37 Come engage with experts who will guide you through the home ownership process. And the 2023 Ecobank Joy News Habitat Fair is more than an exhibition.
01:24:46 It's the gateway to your dream home. Now, the Ecobank Joy News Habitat Fair is in partnership with Ecobank, the Pan-African Bank, and powered by the Plan City Extension Project from Cities and Habitats Rent to Own.
01:24:58 It's also sponsored by Elegant Homes and General Constructions Limited, where quality meets value. Ecobank, the Pan-African Bank, Plan City Extension Project, Cities and Habitats, Elegant Homes, where quality meets value.
01:25:12 Global Lighting, your solution to quality lighting. Syntex Tank, a strong, a tough, gold key properties limited. Building Prestige since 1997.
01:25:21 Springfield Estates, where dreams are built. Virtual Security Africa, complete security solutions. DBS, your roofing experts. Virtual InfoSec Africa, security solutions by design.
01:25:32 Saint-Gobain, making the world a better place. And Clifton Homes, beautiful homes, wise investments.
01:25:38 Of course, we also have on board the Kensington Heights Airport City Commercy by HDG Homes Limited.
01:25:45 And we now have joining us from Ecobank, the head of personal banking, Godwin Yankie.
01:25:52 He's here because they have quite the package for you, regardless of what you're planning, whether you want to build, buy, continue with your land purchase or continue with a project.
01:26:01 And that's why he's here. Mr. Yankie, a very good morning to you. Good morning, Benjamin. Good morning. Happy to have you here.
01:26:07 So we're talking building or buying, and we're also looking at comfort, luxury, affordability. It depends on where you sit on the financial chain.
01:26:18 And then you would go for your options. But that is where Ecobank comes into the fray, because you need the hard you need the mullah to get things rolling.
01:26:27 Now, I know that you have some packages on board, but let's tell listeners about what exactly Ecobank is offering by way of home building or home purchase.
01:26:38 So thank you very much. Good morning to your viewers. Good morning, Benjamin.
01:26:42 So Ecobank, as you are aware, we've been partners with this is a fourth edition.
01:26:49 This year's first attempt somewhere in July. Between July to date, we've had about four mini-fests.
01:26:56 In fact, for the first time, we've even gone to Thelma.
01:26:59 So two in Accra, one in Thelma, and I think the last one is in Thakradie.
01:27:03 For all these fests, Ecobank was fully represented. And just as we've done over the last 14 years, we've helped a couple of families,
01:27:11 not that many, a couple of families get onto the property ladder, become homeowners, largely through our various financial solutions offering.
01:27:20 So whether it is, as you say, whether it is to buy a home outright, or whether you have an existing home that you want to complete at your own pace,
01:27:29 or whether you have an existing home but you want to renovate or upgrade the property.
01:27:34 And lastly, whether you even just, you are not a homeowner actually, but you just want to buy a home appliance or furniture, we have various solutions to meet that.
01:27:45 And these are some of the solutions that we'll be engaging Petros, who will be visiting our stand, come the 23rd of November to 26th of November this year.
01:27:54 So you're saying that even for those who may not want to make a purchase of a building or something of the sort, and it's just the interior design, furniture and stuff, you have packages for that as well?
01:28:05 Packages for those ones. So those ones will come under what we call the Consumer Finance, the Buy Now, Pay Later.
01:28:11 So what we've done, Benjamin, is that we have an arrangement with vendor partners who are prepared to let go or provide you those items.
01:28:21 And then we pay those items and then you pick it from the shop.
01:28:26 It's a short-term loan, payable over 12 months, and because these are cash sales to the vendors, we get discounted prices for those items.
01:28:36 Let me mention some of the partner vendors. So one item is home furniture, we have Oka Deco, we have Elfabu.
01:28:44 In terms of home appliances, we have Melcom, we have Novotec, dealers in Bosch home appliances.
01:28:51 And then even this year we got dealers in Solar Systems, solar panels for the home.
01:28:58 So we have Translight and then Windstorm.
01:29:01 So these are partners that we can, assuming that you don't want to go into any home ownership,
01:29:06 but you just want to refurbish your hall, your sitting room, pick up, you can easily walk to these dealers, pick a proof of mind,
01:29:13 come to us, we'll pay, and then you have 12 months to pay back.
01:29:16 Now how can those watching us, how can some of those who would want to be active in the Joy News, Aquabank, Habitat Fair, how can they access all of these goodies?
01:29:25 Okay, so the first one is for persons who want to buy a home outright.
01:29:32 For such persons, the mortgage facility helps. There are certain requirements that come with it.
01:29:38 One is that you need to have 20% down payment, and the Aquabank finances the 80%.
01:29:44 So these are people who want to have the least.
01:29:46 So if we're looking at a property of about 200,000, you could pay about...
01:29:49 Let's say a property of, say, let's say about a million.
01:29:53 These days, $80,000 two-bedroom home would be very affordable.
01:29:57 So you pay 200,000?
01:29:58 You pay 200,000, Ghana City, and then we, Aquabank, will finance the 800,000 over 20 years.
01:30:04 Imagine over 20 years. So it means that the younger you are, the more years you have to repay, pay back the loan.
01:30:10 So these are ones for one group of category of clients.
01:30:14 There are some, 80% of us, who want to say, "Look, I don't have the 200,000 to pay.
01:30:19 I have my land. I've gotten it to the rental level. I just need funds to complete my dream home."
01:30:24 In that case, we have the personal loan up to five years that you can assess and then complete.
01:30:29 And then I did mention about the buy now, pay later.
01:30:32 We have also arrangement with Buildmasters. They are the leads in building materials, water, cement, roofing sheets.
01:30:38 So you can go and pick those items. We'll pay back over 12 months.
01:30:43 But the idea is that you can gradually become a homeowner over time.
01:30:47 Even with the home mortgage, we have clients who say, "Look, I have my own home.
01:30:53 There is space around the land. I just want to do an upgrade.
01:30:57 Maybe I'll expand it from a two-bedroom to a three-bedroom." That's also possible.
01:31:01 The last one is where, for example, you have your own home.
01:31:04 You've fully paid off, but you want to extract equity.
01:31:08 So, for example, you've paid off a $100,000 home.
01:31:14 So you're sitting on $100 worth of value.
01:31:17 So you can say, "Look, Ecobank just gave me 50% of the value of my home.
01:31:22 I want to acquire a second property for rental purposes, for inventory purposes, or even finance a child's education."
01:31:29 So that's what we call the equity release. So that is also done.
01:31:32 So, in a nutshell, we have our mortgage loans, we have our personal loans, and then we have the buy now, pay later that you can ask us to gradually complete your existing.
01:31:42 How about those who even now want to purchase land to start a project, whether they are continuing a project or they want to start a new project?
01:31:49 In terms of land, what are the dynamics?
01:31:52 For land, then our personal loan, five-year loan, personal loan will fit in.
01:31:57 Five years?
01:31:58 Five years, up to five years.
01:31:59 So, depending on how much you earn, you could say, I sense, between $100,000, $200,000, $300,000, can actually reach about five years.
01:32:07 And that should qualify you to get a very good land in a good location.
01:32:12 And then, once the lands are acquired, you could do the regular top-ups or the buy now, pay later, getting the materials from Bold Masters and Co. to gradually complete your home without any stress.
01:32:26 So, the personal loan for land is also a product that is not allowed for those in that category, because it's not all of us that can qualify for the mortgage facility.
01:32:36 Let me also talk about the fact that at the end of, well, sometime in November, we'll have the main event of the fair.
01:32:43 What are some of the key benefits that those who participate in that fair or those who are now contemplating putting up something can look forward to from ECOBank?
01:32:54 So, as I mentioned in the earlier part of my presentation, we have, over the last 40 years, helped families, individuals become homeowners.
01:33:03 And I think that no one should exempt him or herself out of this dream of owning your home.
01:33:09 Much has been said about home ownership, the fact that it serves as financial security.
01:33:14 It does even have a big gain raising your children.
01:33:17 So, for come the 20th of November, what we'll be engaging our patrons is to let them know the financial opportunities.
01:33:26 Benjamin, that's one thing identifying a home or having a dream, and the other thing having the financial support or financial resources to do that.
01:33:36 So, that's where we're coming.
01:33:37 So, what we want to engage your viewers and patrons who become, come and at least have an idea about what ECOBank offers in terms of financial support,
01:33:46 so that your dream of becoming a homeowner becomes a reality.
01:33:50 There's also, maybe before your final words, there's the issue of affordable housing, and that is always in the free.
01:33:58 There are also, since you've spoken about building materials, materials for eco-friendly building in Ghana,
01:34:05 are there any projections on that as far as ECOBank is concerned moving into the future?
01:34:10 You're talking solar, but how about that end as well?
01:34:12 So, you're right. So, the consumer finance under which all these patron vendors fall and continues to grow, day in day out we're getting partners come on board.
01:34:22 So, I'm not surprised that I mean probably by a year by this time we should have eco-friendly clients or companies that are into eco-friendly building materials will come on board.
01:34:35 As I said, for now, beyond the home appliances and furniture, we also have the solar systems for our homes, and then who knows.
01:34:41 Probably three or four months down the line we'll have this category of eco-friendly dealers in building materials joining us.
01:34:50 Well, that's a possibility.
01:34:51 Any final words?
01:34:52 So, my final words would be that come visit us at the ECOBank stand at the Accra International Center,
01:34:59 and then let's help you achieve your dream of becoming a homeowner.
01:35:03 Home ownership is also a means of building wealth,
01:35:07 and as they say, it lays the foundation for a happiness-stable family, which translates to a happiness-stable society.
01:35:14 So, come and meet us up at the Accra International Center.
01:35:17 Thank you so much, Mr. Yankee, for joining the conversation.
01:35:20 That is Godwin Yankee, Head of Personal Banking with ECOBank.
01:35:24 He joined us for that conversation.
01:35:26 Stay with us because we have a lot more coming your way, and come November, the main event of the Joynews ECOBank Habitat Fair, 14 years running.
01:35:36 We'll be right back with more on The AM Show.
01:35:38 [Music]
01:35:59 Welcome back, and I am happy to bring you the University for Professional Studies, Accra.
01:36:04 It's all about their alumni homecoming, and joining us in the studio for a conversation, Francis Dadsey.
01:36:10 He is UPSA Global Alumni President, and we also have Seth John-Jommer, Homecoming Planning Committee Chair.
01:36:20 He joins the conversation as well. Gentlemen, a very good morning to you.
01:36:24 Good morning.
01:36:25 I just noticed, is it planned? Because there's something…
01:36:29 Exactly. The greys and everything, and the glasses.
01:36:34 How far we've come.
01:36:36 How far you've come.
01:36:37 From campus life into industry.
01:36:39 I see.
01:36:40 That's the way it is for us, and we have people behind us. They are aspiring also to get this far.
01:36:47 The grey tells you that you will stay long if you get into UPSA.
01:36:51 The two of you are rocking it beautifully, though.
01:36:55 I had a brief stint with the UPSA. I think this must have been 2014, 2015.
01:37:01 Fantastic.
01:37:02 I got a certificate in forensic and investigative psychology.
01:37:06 My goodness.
01:37:07 You belong.
01:37:08 You belong.
01:37:09 So you've got to come out of the house.
01:37:11 You've got to get back onto it.
01:37:13 I think the Faculty of Law, the School of Law at Ligon will claim me more, because I've done three, three, three, you know, I've had three episodes of education.
01:37:22 We accept, but professionally, we don't.
01:37:24 That's a foundation.
01:37:25 No, it's not a foundation. Forensic is not the in thing now.
01:37:28 Yeah.
01:37:29 Forensic, yeah. It's not what it's in on.
01:37:31 But let's get into this alumni homecoming. And Francis, I'll start with you. You are global president. What's it all about?
01:37:38 Well, it's about, like, reconnecting with our alumni. They are all over the world, in the UK, in the US, what country, wherever I am, playing very strategic roles.
01:37:48 And we think that the current generation, with all that has been going on around, if we don't reconnect with the current generation and try to inspire them and mentor them and let them know that, look, you have people you can look up to who are disciplined, who are ethically doing the right things.
01:38:03 You can also make it, because now the trend is that, I mean, you have to cut corners all the time.
01:38:09 But we need to come back and let them know it's not always like that.
01:38:12 And so you can also make it if you are ethical and focused. And we want to also reconnect with ourselves.
01:38:18 Look, there's somebody I've not met since 1989 when I left. She came to buy souvenirs. We have souvenirs and things. And that was the first I was meeting her.
01:38:26 Wow.
01:38:27 Since 1989. So that is the reconnection.
01:38:30 And you see, our children and other people go, if we don't keep together, when we are all eight, that is when we can always keep longer.
01:38:37 Whilst we remain innocent and help each other. And those are the things that we want to achieve.
01:38:42 And especially in these times when things are so hard and people are cutting corners left, right and centre, you interact with a lot of young people who tell you that even the ideas they have for the future, they are not anything you would want to repeat.
01:38:56 And so I think this is nothing but apt.
01:38:59 And frankly speaking, that's something we have redesigned as part of the celebration.
01:39:04 I see.
01:39:05 We've decided that tomorrow we have a session with alumni. And then we've recorded the Chartered Institute of Human Resource Management Practitioners, TEMAP chapter, to get involved with the students.
01:39:20 We are going to have some engagements on various issues, as he was mentioning. Things to bring out diversity inclusion. Things to talk about how to be authentic, to be creative.
01:39:31 This concept of AI, one needs to carefully monitor what is going on because you've got to think carefully to not kill out creativity.
01:39:42 I think if you look at applications currently, what I notice is that everybody goes onto the system and picks up a format and brings to you.
01:39:51 Frankly, when I look at that, I shudder and I say that this person is not being creative enough because you are not telling about yourself.
01:39:58 You are telling us what you think should be dead, not what you think you know of yourself.
01:40:04 It's a gap.
01:40:06 A gap that ought to be filled.
01:40:08 But coming back to you, Francis, what is the theme for this alumni homecoming?
01:40:12 And what, if I may, are some of the objectives you seek to bring home?
01:40:18 Thank you. So quite as set as set. So it's from campus to industry, the role of professionals.
01:40:26 From campus to industry, the role of professionals.
01:40:28 In the business professionals. And like I said, if you look at, even a local scenario, the internal audit agency, the controller and accountant generals, GRE,
01:40:42 you know, all those places have key elements of professionals from the IPS, UPSA brand, playing key roles.
01:40:51 And if the director general of the internal audit agency says they have saved Ghana, 94 million Ghana CDs out of their internal controls and internal audit function,
01:41:01 then you should know that majority of these people are products from UPSA.
01:41:07 And so we are playing very crucial roles. Because we are professionals, we are always quiet.
01:41:11 But now we say, look, we also want to acknowledge the trailblazers.
01:41:15 There are some professionals who have blazed a trail and get into certain positions in the public service, in the civil service, in business.
01:41:23 We want to acknowledge them. Then as a key, one of the takeaways is that we don't just want to come around and have a celebration and things like that.
01:41:31 We want to also undertake a legacy project. And this legacy project is that when you went there, you realize the student participation is now about 20,000.
01:41:41 Security is of concern. They do not have any police station security on their own.
01:41:48 So we need to, out of this celebration, we want to support the construction of a modern, fully furnished police station with all the other auxiliaries
01:42:00 to cater for the university community and the surrounding community businesses and residential properties around.
01:42:09 We want to create a conducive atmosphere for them because honestly, there are a lot of attacks and things going around in that area.
01:42:16 We do hear of these from time to time. And I think that's a brilliant idea on the security front.
01:42:22 But then, speaking of the activities planned, coming to you, Seth, what do you have planned for this celebration or this homecoming?
01:42:30 Very well. We've already had two events on Friday. Exciting. We did a real start of the program with a homecoming.
01:42:39 And we had a bonfire night. There was brass band music. There was choral music and definitely the jama session.
01:42:45 And what I loved most was the alumni of the 2000, from the 2000 generation.
01:42:52 I mean, in terms of the new millennials and the way they took over the stage, it was great.
01:42:57 But by and large, it made us have an interaction with the students and we held it on campus.
01:43:04 Friday was exciting. Then Saturday, we decided to further go ahead with a fun day games project.
01:43:11 And we played soccer. And alumni won against the students.
01:43:17 Oh, you did? You beat them? We beat them. Man past man.
01:43:22 That's right. And then we had indoor games, including cards play, we tried to relax the atmosphere.
01:43:32 And we kept people in from about, let's say, nine o'clock. We most of us left after three, four, five.
01:43:40 I left first. I mean, with the team, we left about seven o'clock.
01:43:45 Yes, we had an exciting time. And then what was interesting was the networking, the interaction.
01:43:50 The reminder that, look, we were one student, you were once on campus.
01:43:54 And wherever you find yourself, in whatever level, just come back and do something more.
01:43:59 So Tuesday, which is tomorrow, we are looking at having an interaction with the students just to make them understand that, look, you are students today.
01:44:07 Tomorrow you'll be like us. And you've got to also give back to the institute.
01:44:11 Now, for those of us who are already in business, currently, we are looking at Friday where we have the climax of the event.
01:44:19 We have an annual dinner, fundraising dinner. Sorry, annual fundraising dinner.
01:44:25 And the idea is that, yes, you benefited from campus activities.
01:44:28 You've seen the way IPS has grown in terms of infrastructure, in terms of the kind of facilities that are in there, the course content and things like that.
01:44:38 We have the opinion that we should be able to give back to the campus, to the institute, to the university, such that in 20 years time, we should be able to also say that we did something.
01:44:51 Right.
01:44:54 Seth has kept talking about giving back, giving back. How can we contribute? How can how can people contribute?
01:45:01 That's the greatest question of all. Fantastic. So we have created a short code.
01:45:08 OK. Is that seven, seven, one star, 10 hash seven, seven, one star, 10 hash and UPSC one eight five zero.
01:45:23 OK. UPSC one eight five zero. I want you to repeat both. OK. OK. And take your time with it, please.
01:45:30 OK. So it's star seven, seven, one star, 10 hash. OK.
01:45:38 And the code is UPSC one eight five zero. OK. One eight five zero.
01:45:46 So people can send contributions. Contributions, contributions, 100 Ghana CDs, whatever contributions.
01:45:53 If you also want to get a ticket because you want to come and join the others, music live band and other things, then you need to pay.
01:46:01 It's 500 CDs. OK. OK. So they are all there. So when you get into the code, it gives you an option.
01:46:07 So they'll be given prompts, options to follow. So you want to the 100 CDs, that's fine.
01:46:12 If you want to, you know, come to the dinner itself. I mean, fantastic.
01:46:17 And I like to add to that. We are looking at the Institute of Professional Studies of old,
01:46:24 which has been converted into the University for Professional Studies.
01:46:28 And I think that all of us to get all of us together must be there, must do something about it.
01:46:33 If you're not able to make a presence on Friday during the annual fundraising dinner,
01:46:40 make an effort to make the contribution as he gave the code. I think that we should as old, old, old,
01:46:46 old students, for that matter, alumni of the UPSC IPS fraternity, we must be able to say, look,
01:46:53 we are doing this because we've benefited from the system. And I think that's that's key to me.
01:46:58 You took from the system and now it's time to give back. I agree. Absolutely. Any acknowledgements? Yes.
01:47:04 I mean, I want to acknowledge the first of all, the vice chancellor of UPSC, Professor Amate.
01:47:09 He's doing a wonderful work and he is giving us an opportunity to come back and use the facility.
01:47:14 Those facilities are phenomenal. But he has given us an opportunity.
01:47:17 And then the management of Multimedia Group. I mean, Ken Ansari is also an alumna, your CEO.
01:47:23 I know. And he's been very phenomenal in support. The PURC, Public Utilities and Regulatory Commission,
01:47:29 the executive secretary, they've also contributed to this project. And it's wonderful.
01:47:34 The vice chancellor is Ghana. You can imagine. They've also contributed. And then that's interesting.
01:47:38 Yes. Very, very interesting. Very, very interesting because they are in the catchment area.
01:47:43 So when we send a proposal, they show that almost. Yes. Right. That's right.
01:47:46 So consolidated by Ghana Trinity Theological College, the seminary. Yeah.
01:47:51 The seminary. Fantastic. They promised to finish the whole police station when we're done.
01:47:56 And so we also want to look at the planning committee.
01:47:59 And then the Institute of Challenge to Human Resource Management.
01:48:02 Those who are coming to engage our students and then the planning committee.
01:48:05 And then we are appealing to all the businesses, the banks in the catchment area.
01:48:10 We've written to all of them that we're hoping that is an ongoing project that you can come and support and let this happen.
01:48:16 We want to say that this is our time. We have been out there in the quiet.
01:48:22 Let's come out and give back to our society. And I want to also appeal to parents who and whose words are there in the university.
01:48:29 Look, we are taking the lead. We think that your words are there. It is for their protection.
01:48:34 I mean, guardians, all of you, grandfathers and parents, let us come together and support this project for the next generation.
01:48:42 It's a legacy. It's generational project. Thank you very much.
01:48:46 Thank you for joining the conversation, gentlemen. We've had Francis D'Azi, UPSA Global Alumni President,
01:48:54 and also Seth Jojombe, Homecoming Planning Committee. Thank you. Yes.
01:48:59 That is the name. You've given me a good laugh.
01:49:06 Someday we aspire not just to the heights you've attained, but to the gray hairs.
01:49:12 That's a good way. But interestingly, on Saturday, I'll be 60, you know.
01:49:16 Oh, congratulations in advance. I've done 24 years with Advertising Association of Ghana.
01:49:22 Interesting. Well, kudos to you on your exploits.
01:49:27 Finally, drum it up for us. We want the alumni to get involved in this, especially the dinner.
01:49:33 That's it's been exciting so far. So we don't want anybody left out.
01:49:36 That's right. Those especially out of our cram make time.
01:49:39 If you need a hotel accommodation, just give us a call in the sector.
01:49:43 We should be able to fix that up. But we are keen about seeing ourselves.
01:49:47 Networking is critical in this matter. Networking, inclusion of everything we want to do.
01:49:54 Come interact with the students to then build some kind of future for them to.
01:50:01 Thank you so much. Thank you, Francis. Thank you, Seth, for joining the conversation.
01:50:06 And this is where we cap it off for this conversation. But stay with us.
01:50:10 There's a lot more action coming your way on the AM show.
01:50:12 And, of course, today is the day of the grand finale of the National Science and Math Quiz.
01:50:17 We'll be bringing you that warm up still here on the AM show.
01:50:21 You don't want to miss a beat. We'll be right back.
01:50:24 And on the night at the Ghana Journalists Association Awards.
01:50:49 Well, it started in the day for the first time that went deep into the day.
01:50:54 The Multimedia Group Limited bagged a number of awards, eight of them.
01:50:58 And, of course, the coveted prize journalist of the year.
01:51:03 And even beyond that, we had in some interesting categories wins in there.
01:51:08 We'll be walking you through some of them. But we have joining us in the studio, our very own Emma Davies.
01:51:14 And she won the award for business and economics reporting.
01:51:19 And you see that beautiful award displayed right there.
01:51:22 I even wanted to lay my hands on them. And she's like, yeah, to when you are what? Relax and let me enjoy this.
01:51:28 Emma, good morning. I see with the smiles and everything that you are, you are just basking in the glory of winning this award.
01:51:35 How did it feel, you know, getting this this prize?
01:51:41 Who knows me personally knows that I have worked hard.
01:51:45 We have worked hard to get here. And it's all by the grace of God, really, by the grace of God.
01:51:51 I think also I have a number of amazing people who helped me come up with ideas and help me shape it.
01:52:00 And, of course, the amazing cameraman who also helped me shoot it.
01:52:03 Well, sometimes I may not have the concept, but then they do help me shape the story.
01:52:09 Yeah. So it feels good to be recognized. It's been quite a journey. Did you expect this?
01:52:16 You've worked hard. Yes. But there are so many people every year who work hard for the different categories,
01:52:21 right from the topmost award journalist of the year to all the others in there.
01:52:26 People are working hard every year to get them. Did you expect this?
01:52:30 Honestly, I didn't. I was just hoping I would win.
01:52:34 Yes. So, yeah, it is actually something for two categories.
01:52:39 They are Greek and business. And turns out the business was worth it.
01:52:44 And here we are. So we won many other awards on the night.
01:52:49 It was quite a lot of excitement for the team.
01:52:53 But in this sphere, business and economics.
01:52:59 How hard has it been this this journey? Because like I mentioned, there are many competitors.
01:53:05 What are some of the things I want you to share with us? What are some of the things you've had to do?
01:53:09 Joy business, ambush shows you've had to bring to bear just to even get recognition like this.
01:53:17 So I do not have a business background to start with. And you don't.
01:53:22 I don't. Wow. I went to G.I.G. in secondary school. I did general arts.
01:53:27 So I did. I did. I felt like I needed a niche space where you do not find many women.
01:53:37 And I thought first I thought sports. But I realized, you know, the interest wasn't there.
01:53:43 And then I went to business and over the years I had to learn.
01:53:48 I had to learn on the job. I had to read. I had to research.
01:53:53 And I had good leaders or good senior colleagues like George, Nixon, Darrell, always chipping in, telling me, you know, this or that.
01:54:03 Lawrence, sometimes I do not understand something. I don't Google or anything.
01:54:07 I just go to them. Oh, what is this? What does this mean? How does this pan out?
01:54:12 Then. Yeah, I read. I researched. I learned from my colleagues. And here we are.
01:54:18 So if I asked you, do you have any lessons to share with other people who may be contemplating coming into the media?
01:54:26 Because there are some spaces, indeed, that women would say, oh, this is a male dominated area and all of that.
01:54:31 But this is a prime example of the fact that with the will you can get there.
01:54:37 What would you say to some people? I would say you should believe in yourself first.
01:54:43 I mean, at some point I didn't really believe in myself.
01:54:48 Thankfully, I had people around me who believed in me and helped me to believe in myself again.
01:54:54 So first, believe in yourself. You know, keep praying. Keep researching. Do not give up.
01:55:03 I mean, it takes consistency to get to wherever you are.
01:55:07 It takes consistency to get to wherever you are, to do what you have to do.
01:55:13 You also have to ensure that you you keep the people around you happy, not necessarily happy, but then you keep the people around you educated.
01:55:23 I mean, you keep the people around you. Yeah.
01:55:28 You listen to the people around you. You let them teach you, guide you and you'll be fine.
01:55:36 OK. So Emma Davies, they're winning the gong for business and economics reporting.
01:55:42 Congratulations to you. And the smile says it all.
01:55:47 We're so happy. But we're also joined by the big fish himself.
01:55:52 I need to reserve some special promotional for the man himself.
01:55:57 In fact, he's so big that he can even afford to cross the camera.
01:56:02 Erastus Asare Donko is in the building.
01:56:08 And of course, he is the Ghana journalist of the year, the GGA journalist of the year.
01:56:15 He joins the conversation. And here we are. We have him seated.
01:56:21 Erastus, you deserve the handshake and what he has here.
01:56:28 Yes. But that one will be for. No, I'm expecting that. You're expecting that.
01:56:32 But at this stage in Kabul, when I guess you are a big man, so it should come from you.
01:56:37 The one I saw in the morning, the one I commented in the morning, I'll not talk about it.
01:56:43 Erastus Asare Donko. Now we've been we've been waiting with bated breath for this to happen.
01:56:51 And I was saying this morning while introducing the show, Bibi Bo, Bibi Bo, Bibi Aire, Anyaba, Ejebo, Ejebo, Ejeh Anyaba.
01:56:58 Congratulations, first of all. Thank you. Mining. You took that.
01:57:03 Yes. And then illegal mining. And then there was the much sought after.
01:57:10 Award journalist of the year. Now, some of us have prayed for you. We fasted for you.
01:57:15 We've hoped for you. And finally, this has come through sometime last year. There was a lot of talk about this and that.
01:57:21 But this year it has happened. How did you feel on the day?
01:57:26 How did you feel? Super excited. Wow. Super excited.
01:57:31 And knowing that we've been doing this for a while since 2014.
01:57:37 And there's the time that it got recognized by the journalism fraternity.
01:57:44 There's been many awards this year. So if I add this one, it will be the seventh.
01:57:50 Wow. But I was on it. Seriously on it. And I think that there should be a cue from this.
01:58:02 I always say wherever I go that government officials and duty bearers have been tight lipped on what we do and the evidence we put out there.
01:58:12 It shouldn't be. So the GJ has blazed the trail. Let's hear from those who are supposed to help us fight this canker.
01:58:21 Please acknowledge the works we do and tell us what we want to do about it.
01:58:26 We need to know that. The people deserve to know that we shouldn't continue to be tightly silent on what journalists have done with regards to illegal mining.
01:58:37 It's an existential threat. So please, let's hear from you what you want to do about it.
01:58:42 Acknowledge the work we do and let's hear from you what you want to do about it.
01:58:46 Today, we've been talking about the Garu area and the latest happening there.
01:58:50 This, what you've been touching on, is a national security issue as serious, if not even more serious, than that threat.
01:58:59 And you know, that brings it into perspective. 2014 till now, nine years you've been harping on illegal mining and the negatives going on.
01:59:08 We know for a fact, even before the Professor Frompom-Watim report and all of that,
01:59:14 there have been officials in governments that have engaged in illegal mining and all of that.
01:59:20 Now we have poison for gold, the second part. But how do you feel about the fact that you've reported on all of these things for these nine years
01:59:28 and there's practically little from the powers that be that is done? And in fact, the situation is getting, it has become far worse.
01:59:36 How does that make you feel? Award, yes, but...
01:59:39 It vindicates the point that I've been hammering on for a very long time. People don't like it when I say it that way, but I have to say it as it is.
01:59:48 Duty bearers, government officials who are supposed to handle this, have deliberately been silent on what we bring out.
01:59:57 And there is a constant narrative which is being spewed out there that, oh, government is committed to be doing this,
02:00:04 government is committed to be doing that, government is committed to...
02:00:07 They are committed, and we never see the commitment.
02:00:09 Without acknowledging the evidence put out through these documentaries,
02:00:15 and the beginning of wisdom is to start calling things by their real names.
02:00:20 It is time to start acknowledging what we do. We do not do it to spite anybody.
02:00:27 We do it because it's an existential threat. It affects all of us. All of us.
02:00:34 In fact, if you watch the Poison for Gold, the second part which is showing this evening on the Joy News Channel,
02:00:40 you'll realize that we are not just talking, we've done tests on the samples we fetched.
02:00:46 People have done works on soil where they grow cassava, plantain, and other things.
02:00:52 They found traces of poisonous metals in them. This is not hearsay. This is fact.
02:01:01 So, yes, people are dying secretly. They don't even know what hit them.
02:01:06 So why should we continue to be silent on this?
02:01:11 I think by now, the last minister and other people should have come forward and acknowledged the documentary and say,
02:01:19 "We have seen it. We want to do A, B, C."
02:01:23 Instead of government officials saying there is no evidence, they should look for the evidence.
02:01:29 Some of us are there. We've been on the field. We have files stashed somewhere.
02:01:33 In fact, there are times when you were going with some of these officials at the start of the work of the Inter-Ministerial Committee,
02:01:38 at a point you had to step aside because of things that were happening.
02:01:41 Yes.
02:01:42 So it clearly shows where this is headed.
02:01:45 If you Google my works today, you'll find out that in some of my works I mentioned names and I gave evidence.
02:01:52 Some of them were bribing tax forces and government tax forces and all that with money. I showed it.
02:01:58 So the names that we are mentioning today, some of them are still in the forest mining.
02:02:04 If they really want to get to the bottom of it, they would.
02:02:09 It's not rocket science.
02:02:12 The devastation is there.
02:02:14 The people who live there, they are still there. They are not dead.
02:02:17 Some of whom have been affected.
02:02:19 They know who mines where.
02:02:21 They can tell you.
02:02:23 The Minerals Commission has a database of areas they demarcated for mining.
02:02:29 Some of them along water bodies.
02:02:32 So they know who is working where with geographical maps and all that.
02:02:37 So it's not rocket science to say you are fishing for evidence to prosecute somebody if you really want to prosecute somebody.
02:02:45 That's a conversation we're going to have to leave for another day.
02:02:49 Today we're rather going to celebrate you.
02:02:53 I see you are in white. I think it's a book of Markle's that I might be careful.
02:02:58 I'll let you back to white shirt.
02:03:01 Because you are careful.
02:03:02 But even as we celebrate you, what more can we look forward to?
02:03:06 There's poison for gold.
02:03:08 But the fight, I would say, has only just begun.
02:03:12 Yes.
02:03:13 Now I am a fish person.
02:03:15 You know, some of what you've done has really scared me.
02:03:18 I still do the fish.
02:03:19 I follow the EPA bosses.
02:03:23 The head, no.
02:03:25 The bones, no.
02:03:26 The head is tasty.
02:03:27 Really?
02:03:29 Who made this tasty?
02:03:31 My sister here, she loves the head.
02:03:34 Especially the tilapia.
02:03:35 Emma Davies, we need you alive.
02:03:38 The way the thing makes, unless I can guarantee that it's been brought from some other part.
02:03:42 It's a very serious issue.
02:03:44 Even with fish from the sea, go to Anglo Beach.
02:03:50 And you can fly a drone, it goes for miles.
02:03:53 And you see how the pra is polluting the sea.
02:03:59 Go to Ancubra town, at the estuary, where the Ancubra joins the sea.
02:04:04 And look at how the Ancubra is polluting the sea, as far as your eye can see.
02:04:10 What is this sending across?
02:04:11 We have done tests.
02:04:12 We found chromium arsenic lead.
02:04:17 In all the samples.
02:04:18 Mercury and all of it.
02:04:19 Yes.
02:04:20 And so the river that is polluting the sea is sending this contamination across.
02:04:28 And we get our fish from the sea.
02:04:30 Now even the Ivorians are complaining because our activities are polluting the air.
02:04:34 The beer.
02:04:36 They came here this year.
02:04:38 They are not happy.
02:04:40 Even in times of war, when people poison our enemies' waters, it's a crime.
02:04:47 But today, we sit aloof and allow people to use champagne machines on a major river like Ancubra
02:04:54 and turn the sediments upside down, polluting the river with some of this contaminant.
02:05:00 And then we have people growing plantain, cassava, along it.
02:05:04 Where do you think the water is going?
02:05:07 It's penetrating the sediments and you never know what is in your cassava.
02:05:12 And you'll be eating across board and you'll be getting ailments where they'll be testing
02:05:17 and they are not finding anything.
02:05:18 Meanwhile, you are dying.
02:05:20 Kidney-related ailments all over.
02:05:23 Tuberculosis with silicosis.
02:05:26 Young men coming in with hardened lungs at Konfonochi.
02:05:30 It's all over.
02:05:32 So already, we are dying silently.
02:05:35 And so let nobody deceive themselves and tickle themselves and laugh and say, "Oh, we are fighting.
02:05:41 The government is committed to doing this."
02:05:43 Go to the ground and see what is happening over there.
02:05:47 Along roads, now major roads, just by the roadside.
02:05:53 The tailings spilling across the roadside.
02:05:57 Duty-bearers pass there, they see it.
02:05:59 So why are we poisoning ourselves this way?
02:06:04 We are poisoning ourselves for gold.
02:06:06 Maybe we've already got the title for the next installment, "Dying Silently."
02:06:11 Because I'm sure if you go in there too and then you start investigating, you see communities.
02:06:17 And we've seen some of the research, these catchment areas and what it is doing to the health.
02:06:22 I never knew until when I started this thing that this research we are talking about existed, some of them way back.
02:06:29 They've been published in journals.
02:06:32 They are there. They've been sitting there all this while.
02:06:35 The deformations linked to illegal mining, they've been there.
02:06:38 You can cite many of them.
02:06:40 People have done soil tests.
02:06:42 Dr. Kobunamensa, Professor Ahin, Professor Sampini, they've done these works.
02:06:47 Long time. And they are sitting on the shelves.
02:06:50 So if we know the devastation, we know the danger involved, why have we waited all this while?
02:06:56 Well, this will happen because we all know why.
02:06:59 But congratulations.
02:07:01 Thank you, Mwende Ojumayo.
02:07:03 Emma, put it there.
02:07:05 They have made us proud.
02:07:07 Eight awards, News File, among others, also walking away.
02:07:10 News File was Radio Program of the Year.
02:07:13 And, of course, we had our very own PAV and journalist of the year, Erastus Asaridonko.
02:07:18 Francesca Enchel was Female Journalist of the Year.
02:07:21 Then we had Emmanuel Givenou reporting on disability.
02:07:27 We also had Erastus, of course, that's the other award he has here, on illegal mining.
02:07:31 Emma Davies, Business and Economics reporting, among others.
02:07:36 We celebrate all our prize winners.
02:07:39 Erastus, Emma, thank you so much.
02:07:42 If I don't say thank you to some people, they're going to kill me.
02:07:46 Okay, so say it before they take you to the slaughterhouse.
02:07:50 So, to my team members in Kumasi, the Said Ali Yaakub newsroom, Say newsroom, headed by Kofi Adudunfe,
02:07:58 Mr. Jim Agla, and the entire management in Kumasi, I say thank you so much.
02:08:03 Kofi Asarid is my camera technician, and he edits the videos.
02:08:08 He's done a fantastic job.
02:08:10 All the drivers who've been moving with us, I cannot mention all your names, I say thank you very much.
02:08:17 And those who have used their works and have been bold to voice out,
02:08:23 Professor Sampeni, Professor Aheng, Dr. Kobunamensa, Dr. Kunsen,
02:08:28 and all those people who spoke to us in the documentary, we say I echo to you.
02:08:32 Thank you.
02:08:33 Kofi Abudio, in TN Passing, we've mentioned your name.
02:08:37 I think I need to thank Irama, because she has taught me to follow the award.
02:08:43 Always asking me, "Follow the award."
02:08:45 She and KOP.
02:08:47 You need to take care of her meals for one day.
02:08:49 Breakfast, lunch, supper, you need to take care of.
02:08:52 In Kumasi, Jimmy is the one who has been doing that to me.
02:08:55 He calls me to the office, "Have you filed for the award? You've been doing so well.
02:08:59 Why are you not getting the awards? File for it."
02:09:02 So we say thank you to you.
02:09:04 And they fail to thank me for putting them on air.
02:09:07 Oh, thank you.
02:09:08 That's just by the by. Congratulations to both of you.
02:09:11 Thank you.
02:09:12 And keep rising higher.
02:09:13 That's on the AM show, NSNQ, and more still to come.
02:09:16 We'll be right back.
02:09:38 Hello there. The day we've been waiting for. It's here.
02:09:41 It's the grand finale of NSNQ 2023.
02:09:46 What an exciting day.
02:09:48 It's going to be much later in the day when we bring you that live contest here on the Joy News channel.
02:09:55 This is the AM show.
02:09:56 Let me say thank you for staying with us.
02:09:58 We appreciate your company.
02:10:00 And as we always do, we're attaching bays with the schools that are in the final, Prasek, Achaimota, and Opokuwari.
02:10:08 We start off in Prasek where Latif Idris is standing by for us.
02:10:13 Hello, Latif.
02:10:14 I can imagine the level of excitement.
02:10:16 The Prasekans are hoping to make this what, number eight?
02:10:20 Hello, Latif.
02:10:29 I'm sorry if you heard me.
02:10:30 I just wanted to tell us what's happening.
02:10:32 Can you repeat the question?
02:10:33 Yes, I was just asking you to tell us what's happening on the Prasek, Megon campus.
02:10:37 The Prasekans are hoping to make this a number eight.
02:10:40 Yeah, Benis.
02:10:48 As you see in the shot right now, the students, these are going to be the support bays for the contestants at the National Theater.
02:11:02 They are just having what we want to call the warm-up session before they join the bus that will convey them to the National Theater.
02:11:11 This is part of the rituals that Prasekans do on a yearly basis before they move into all the finals that they've participated in over the years.
02:11:25 That is what you are currently seeing here underway on the compound of Prasek.
02:11:32 Now, we know the contest starts later in the afternoon.
02:11:36 The contestants are getting ready, and then they will move together with the ten leaders that you find in the background.
02:11:45 The morale on campus, you would say, listening on the ground with what people have been saying, that the contestants of Prasek this year, compared to those they've had in the past,
02:11:59 these ones are not at par with their previous competitors, but the teachers, the trainers, are telling us a different story.
02:12:09 Their concern is that that has been the case. They started from somewhere. They've made it to the finals.
02:12:15 And so people can have their opinions, but here in the school, among the contestants, among the trainers,
02:12:23 they know what caliber of students they are dealing with, and they are very confident.
02:12:29 I want to acknowledge a couple of the trainers here on campus.
02:12:37 If you want to join us quickly for a brief one on what you make about the contestants for this year,
02:12:45 and the talk in town, that they are not at par with previous contestants, and so the morale on the ground isn't that strong.
02:12:55 You are going to have... What is the tagline for this year?
02:13:00 Last year, you said you were serving a living God.
02:13:06 God is great.
02:13:08 So, the concern is that God wouldn't be that great for you.
02:13:12 God is always great. I will serve a living God.
02:13:15 And this year, we are...
02:13:16 You give us your name first. Sorry about that.
02:13:18 I'm Isaac Lee. I'm a... I'm a master of academics.
02:13:21 Okay. So, go ahead.
02:13:23 Last year, we served a living God. And we've seen that God has done so much for us.
02:13:28 So, we are saying that our God is a great God. So, this year, we are going for the 8. That's all.
02:13:33 How do you address the concerns, the talk of town, that your contestants this year are not at par with the winners of the past?
02:13:42 The horse is prepared for battle, but victory is of the Lord.
02:13:45 For our boys, they are all the same.
02:13:47 Human tempo and human behaviors are different.
02:13:51 So, last year, we showed them to be very... to be sweet at it.
02:13:54 This year, we are careful with our answers, and we come out on point.
02:13:57 Look at it all so far. We are doing our best.
02:14:00 And we know we are going to win.
02:14:02 How has Precec addressed the controversy that has come with regards to you finally making it to the finals?
02:14:09 I don't want to belabor the point, but what do you make about the controversy?
02:14:13 There's no controversy. There's no controversy. What controversy are you referring to?
02:14:16 Can't tell me the controversy you are referring to. There's no controversy.
02:14:18 We are obvious winners. All the controversy in town.
02:14:21 And you can see our performance. That's from the semifinals, from the quarterfinals to semifinals.
02:14:27 Our scores stood out to be the best of all. We are the highest.
02:14:32 In this time round, we are doing the same. So, what's the controversy in town?
02:14:35 I'll come back to you. So, Precec has become the Real Madrid of the National Seven.
02:14:41 What do you make about that? You've won it seven times. No school comes close.
02:14:46 What then is the motivation for you to go on and make the lot great?
02:14:50 We always want to be the best. That is all.
02:14:54 We are not aiming at being the best in Ghana, but being the best in the world.
02:14:59 That is our aim. So, multiple winnings does not discourage us from going forward.
02:15:05 Our aim is to continue to win. And nobody takes second as an achievement in Precec.
02:15:10 All the old students, they don't take second as an achievement. They will judge you.
02:15:15 So, we just want to go for the first as our motivation for ourselves and for the boys.
02:15:21 So, let's come to the school. What is the school telling these contestants?
02:15:27 So that they go in there at the back of their minds that we are going in for the kill.
02:15:32 The school always tells them to relax. And we always pray for them. Back then, we prayed.
02:15:37 That is all. And our boys are very confident in achieving the best all the time.
02:15:42 They are very confident. And what you asked my brother concerning opinion in town.
02:15:48 That is their opinion. The opinion of our boys and God is different.
02:15:53 That is their personal opinion. And your enemies will always want to put you down.
02:15:57 But you will never succumb to their pulling down. You will always rise up to the occasion.
02:16:02 Tell us about the training for this year. How grueling was it for these contestants?
02:16:09 You know, you introduce yourself to us.
02:16:14 I am James. I am James. James Dutchey.
02:16:18 And like you know already, we have a culture.
02:16:23 And the culture, once you get here, you must go through that culture.
02:16:26 And that is what makes us stronger and stronger each year.
02:16:29 You mean sharing what culture you are talking about?
02:16:31 It is a culture of discipline. Everything.
02:16:35 And the winning mentality. When you get here, you are told that you are a winner.
02:16:40 And that alone tells you that you cannot be lazy in this environment.
02:16:43 And that makes us stronger. And we are the shining star.
02:16:46 Not only in Ghana, but also the whole of Africa.
02:16:49 So the question I ask again, how different would you say this year's training has been compared to the trainings you have had for the contestants in the past?
02:17:00 Like I said earlier, you know, each year we know the competition gets tougher and tougher.
02:17:06 So for this year, the training, the culture is what I really want you to get.
02:17:11 That we have a system here. Once you get here, you must follow that system.
02:17:15 So the training is alright. They have gone through grueling training.
02:17:19 Not sleeping, learning all the time. And the coaches are with them.
02:17:23 And that is what we do here.
02:17:26 So we are consistent with our behavior. We are consistent with our performance.
02:17:31 That is what we are seeing today, through this final.
02:17:33 The Precec culture you mean?
02:17:36 The culture that is said in Precec. In Precec, we believe in two things.
02:17:40 That is competition. You competed yourself.
02:17:43 [Audio cut out]
02:17:59 Sincere apologies for the loss in transmission there from Precec-Lagun.
02:18:03 We will try and work on those lines and hear clearly and see better pictures from Precec.
02:18:09 But let me take you to the campus of Opoku Wari Senior High School.
02:18:14 Where Emmanuel Brightquake, who is standing by for us.
02:18:17 As you can see, the boys are already in the mood, supporting their team here in Accra.
02:18:22 Hello Emmanuel. Tell me what it is like where you are.
02:18:26 And how poised are students of the school for the grand finale today?
02:18:31 [Chanting]
02:18:41 So, as you can rightly see in your shorts, these are some students from Opoku Wari School.
02:18:48 And it is excitement for them. They have just started.
02:18:52 And they tell me this is just a prelims of what is going to happen here on campus.
02:18:58 That is if they are going to win the trophy.
02:19:01 So, it is excitement for the boys from Opoku Wari School.
02:19:05 They are so happy. And you know, Opoku Wari, it has been 21 years since they won the trophy.
02:19:12 The last one was in 2002.
02:19:15 And this year, they are hoping that they will clinch their third trophy.
02:19:20 And they tell me that it is a trinity for them.
02:19:23 So, it is just excitement for the boys.
02:19:25 Let me find out from you. How do you feel?
02:19:28 Let me, let me. How do you feel?
02:19:30 I feel excited. Today we are winning the trophy.
02:19:33 Master, the trophy is coming to us. It is coming to us.
02:19:37 I can't take it. I can't take it.
02:19:40 So, are you in any way scared of Presang? They have won it seven times.
02:19:44 It doesn't matter. It doesn't matter. It doesn't matter.
02:19:47 The school is the school. Opoku Wari School is the school.
02:19:50 Today we are coming. We are blessed to go.
02:19:52 The only two schools together. Owaas and the others.
02:19:56 So, today the trophy is ours.
02:19:59 But why do you feel so confident that you are going to win?
02:20:03 Why do you feel confident that you are going to win?
02:20:06 Because we have one CB boy. We have one CB boy.
02:20:11 We trust in that boy. That boy is... I don't know what to say.
02:20:14 You know something? You know something? It's a massive win.
02:20:17 It's a massive win. It's a massive win.
02:20:20 We are blessed to go. We are blessed to go.
02:20:22 Those are some students from Opoku Wari School.
02:20:26 And the excitement, the heat from the boys is so much.
02:20:30 And they are hoping that... But I will quickly engage with some of the students.
02:20:35 So, let's enjoy some of the morale.
02:20:37 [Singing]
02:20:44 [Singing]
02:20:49 [Singing]
02:20:54 [Singing]
02:20:59 [Singing]
02:21:04 [Singing]
02:21:09 [Singing]
02:21:14 [Singing]
02:21:19 [Singing]
02:21:22 Alright. So, that is them from Opoku Wari School.
02:21:26 But I have some teachers from the school to have a short interaction with them.
02:21:31 I have the chaplain for the school and also the academic headmaster for the school.
02:21:37 Sir, welcome to join you.
02:21:39 Thank you.
02:21:40 Sir, your boys are excited.
02:21:42 I must say that if you should win today, the school might be on blazing fire.
02:21:48 We will turn the city upside down because this is history.
02:21:51 And we are determined to make it.
02:21:53 Okay, sure. So, sir, how did it feel when you qualified to the grand finale?
02:21:58 It was very marvelous because people rated us down thinking even quarterfinals we cannot make it.
02:22:05 But we knew what we were doing and with the hope that we are going to the final and to clinch the cup.
02:22:10 So, that is what we want to do and make Ossekrum a happy place for Opoku Wari and Asante Mai.
02:22:16 Interestingly, I know you were once the headmaster of Pempe College and today you are here.
02:22:21 Sure. As a professional, I was with them during the regionals.
02:22:25 But now I'm here during the grand finale.
02:22:27 And this is where I belong now. And we have to make the history. That is it.
02:22:32 I will engage you later on the Pempe bit.
02:22:35 But, sir, you are the chaplain for school and also the chairman or the committee chairman for the National Science and Math Quiz.
02:22:42 How do you feel your boys qualifying to the grand finale?
02:22:46 In fact, it was the law's own making.
02:22:49 And we are very excited because just as the assistant academic said, people rated us down.
02:22:56 And they least expected we would have gotten to where we are today.
02:22:59 So, it was very exciting. And I remember very well when we qualified beating Pempe,
02:23:05 our boys gathered themselves, started moving towards Pempe, and they said they were going to teach them so that they can qualify next time.
02:23:12 So, as you can see, the happiness is still on. And it is going to be on until we bring the trophy.
02:23:18 You tell me this is just a prelims of what is going to happen.
02:23:22 It is just a prelims. I'm telling you, we are only warming up.
02:23:25 We have not got into the field yet.
02:23:27 Once we get to the field, and you see our men, the Latins will say, "Veni, Viti, Vinci."
02:23:32 We came, we saw, we are going to conquer. And that's what is going to happen today.
02:23:36 We are bringing the trophy here today.
02:23:38 But what is really informing this confidence? I know you have a Formula One boy student there.
02:23:43 How did you start with the recruitment of him?
02:23:45 Alright, last year, when they were done with their Brain Battle competition, it is also a Science and Math Quiz for junior high.
02:23:52 When they were done, we went for a management meeting, and it came up that we needed to bring some of these boys on board.
02:23:59 So quickly we informed the old boys. They went and brought him.
02:24:02 We gave them special treats by teaching them the advanced science.
02:24:06 And he is with his teammate, Bright. He is also there with them.
02:24:10 And they are doing very well. So we began from that place.
02:24:13 But previously, we were using our own students that were given to us by the government.
02:24:19 So we do quizzes and exams to bring them together.
02:24:23 Then as they move on, more of trials will come on.
02:24:27 Then we pick the best out, then we contest.
02:24:30 But now, we are also poaching from those who already have the background.
02:24:33 You mean you are starting the recruits right from JHS?
02:24:35 Yes, right from JHS. Those who just completed this year, we have contacted them already.
02:24:40 And you know what? They didn't choose Opokuare.
02:24:43 Because they least expected we were going to get to this far.
02:24:46 So they were trying to ask us what we were also bringing on board.
02:24:49 And then they have chosen Presec. They have chosen Premp already.
02:24:52 But the very day we beat Premp, less than two minutes, the boys started calling me.
02:24:56 "Father, you are not coming to us. You won't come to us."
02:24:59 So they should come. We are giving them protocol.
02:25:01 And they are coming to Opokuare.
02:25:03 So meaning that the National Science and Maths Quiz is actually making people come to schools?
02:25:07 Oh yes. Because now, you see, a lot of schools have the men.
02:25:12 But because they are not making it in the Science and Maths Quiz, that's why we are not even hearing about them.
02:25:18 But it has come to stay. And we are going to make sure, after taking it today, for the next 10 years, it will be Opokuare School.
02:25:26 Now, I want to understand. What would it mean for you to win this trophy? It's been 21 years.
02:25:31 Yes. No, 21 years. It's only 20. This year is not bad because we are taking this year.
02:25:36 So it's only 20 years. And 20 years of exile. After exile, you know what happens.
02:25:41 We are now going to make sure everybody here is going to Opokuare School.
02:25:44 So what is going to happen if you win?
02:25:46 If we win, we have already made arrangements. Those who are in Accra will have to come down to Kubasi.
02:25:52 We have already made arrangements. We will meet them at Ejoso.
02:25:56 And our first point of call will be St. Louis. Just to tell our ladies we have gone and we've won.
02:26:01 They couldn't make it. We've made it for them because we are their men.
02:26:05 But Prisek, it won't be easy. You've met them four times at the grand finale. And you always win.
02:26:10 Are you sure? Is it going to be a repeat of history or are you going to revenge them this time round?
02:26:15 In fact, we are not even going to revenge. There's always a first time.
02:26:18 They could have taken it a hundred times. We don't mind.
02:26:21 Today, we are going to break every yoke that was on us because we are bringing the trophy here.
02:26:26 We don't care about Prisek. The only thing we are looking for is the trophy.
02:26:31 And that's what we are eyeing. We are not eyeing Prisek. We are not eyeing Achimota.
02:26:34 They are part, but they are not those we are concentrating on.
02:26:37 That's what we are going to know. It's the trophy we are going for. And that's it.
02:26:40 But on our side, we are going to bring it. It's favour.
02:26:43 Favour is going to carry us through, I'm telling you. Yes.
02:26:46 I have been interacting with Reverend Father Clement.
02:26:50 He is the chaplain and also the committee chairman for the National Science and Maths course here at Opoku Warwick School.
02:26:57 I also have a former headmaster of Prempe College.
02:27:00 Sir, you tell me, 2021, when you won it, and it was fun at Prempe College.
02:27:06 In case you win this time round, Assistant Headmaster Academics Opoku Warwick, what is going to happen?
02:27:11 That will be history. It means I'm doing the double.
02:27:14 You know, Prempe, I did the 21. We brought the cup home, and it was joy all over.
02:27:20 So if I'm to repeat that here, now I'm in charge of academics, that will be clear history.
02:27:25 And that is what we are looking forward to do this time.
02:27:28 So I have been interacting with some of the management of Opoku Warwick School.
02:27:32 And just so you know, Prasek Legon and Opoku Warwick have met some four times at the National Science and Maths course.
02:27:40 In 1995, they met. In 2003, they met. In 2008, they met. In 2020, they met.
02:27:47 And in all these competitions or contests, Prasek Legon have triumphed over Prempe College.
02:27:53 But the students and teachers over here are confident that this time round, it's going to be a revenge.
02:27:58 And definitely, they are going to triumph over Opoku Warwick this time.
02:28:01 So let's enjoy some more of the drama happening.
02:28:04 So I also have a teacher from Opoku Warwick School.
02:28:24 So how do you feel? You see your boys, they are singing, dancing. It's a lot more joy.
02:28:30 Oh, I'm very excited. I'm very excited. You know, today we are going to score there.
02:28:34 We are going to score there. You get that?
02:28:36 So I'm very excited for us. We are very excited.
02:28:40 And then today, we are going to score there.
02:28:43 It's coming home. It's coming home. It's coming home. Believe us.
02:28:47 Katachiye, it's coming home.
02:28:49 Are you all students from this? Yes, please.
02:28:51 How did you feel? Which year?
02:28:52 2019.
02:28:53 2019.
02:28:54 Yes, BVC 4-5. That's my number.
02:28:56 Okay.
02:28:57 Come on, make noise.
02:28:58 Make noise. Make noise.
02:29:00 Make noise. It's coming home.
02:29:02 What would it mean if it wins? How would you feel when it wins?
02:29:05 It won't be that flabbergasting to win because we are Katachiye. We are warriors, right?
02:29:11 No, no, no. I'll be very excited. We are winning it. It's coming home, as I said.
02:29:16 So watch us. Watch us. We are winning it.
02:29:19 We believe in opportunity. We believe in opportunity.
02:29:22 This year, Owas is winning the contest tonight.
02:29:25 Heat! Heat! Owas is winning.
02:29:28 We are taking the trophy. We believe in the trinity.
02:29:31 Stephen, the man of God, is coming to perform.
02:29:34 Owas, Owas, Owas.
02:29:36 We are a lot of students. We are a lot of students.
02:29:39 Those are some of the students from Okopukwari School and it's excitement for them.
02:29:46 Owas, Owas, Owas.
02:29:57 Okay, so their teachers are trying to come.
02:30:01 I can imagine what a man will...
02:30:04 Excitement on the campus of Okopukwari School.
02:30:07 They are hoping to clinch their third trophy and make history.
02:30:11 Definitely, they are hoping to get their form one boy, Stephen, to win this year's trophy for them
02:30:17 and make a historic win at the National Science and Maths Prize.
02:30:22 So these are the students from Okopukwari School having some fun here.
02:30:27 And then we'll be bringing you up to speed on what happens on campus.
02:30:31 So, Bernice, tell us what is currently happening at the Okopukwari Campus here in Kumasi.
02:30:35 Thank you so much, Emmanuel and Bright Kuku.
02:30:38 They are bringing us some sounds and sights from Okopukwari School.
02:30:44 He will be stationed there from now till the competition ends
02:30:48 and we'll be bringing you updates as and when we are able to do so.
02:30:52 Let me just inform you that unfortunately we are having some difficulties in bringing you our live feed from the Achemoto School.
02:31:00 We are working frantically to get that to you.
02:31:03 But let me take you now to the National Theatre where the grand finale will be happening.
02:31:10 Jacqueline and Sumayya Bua is there for us.
02:31:13 Hello, Jacqueline. I can imagine that the place is already prepared.
02:31:17 We are totally expecting the president and some other dignitaries.
02:31:20 Tell us more about it.
02:31:22 Well, good morning to you too, Bernice and our lovely viewers.
02:31:30 Currently, I am here at the National Theatre.
02:31:33 And of course, we are at the highly anticipated stage of the National Science and Maths Quiz, which is the grand finale.
02:31:41 Just as you can see behind me, we have the backdrops of the contesting schools right now.
02:31:46 We have Achemoto School and we also have Okopukwari School right here, as you can see behind me.
02:31:53 And we also have PRESEC.
02:31:55 I have some old students here that I would like to speak to.
02:31:59 But currently, preparations are still ongoing at the National Theatre.
02:32:03 So, let me let all the old students here. Kindly join me here.
02:32:08 Okay, so which year did you complete?
02:32:11 2020.
02:32:12 That was just recently.
02:32:14 But what are the expectations from your boys this morning?
02:32:17 I mean, we are optimistic about our winning because, I mean, watching from the beginning, you see how prepared their boys are.
02:32:23 And so, we are sure that we are taking the 8th trophy.
02:32:26 We are very, very optimistic. No two ways.
02:32:28 So, just relax and we will take the next today.
02:32:31 Yeah, we are very optimistic. That's all I can say.
02:32:33 Very, very optimistic.
02:32:35 Alright, now what about you? Let me stand in between you two.
02:32:38 What about you? How are you feeling this morning?
02:32:41 We are normal. We know we are going to win this quiz by his grace.
02:32:46 As our motto says, "Illuminate all the devil muslim men."
02:32:49 Which means, "In the light you shall see light."
02:32:51 So, we are surely going to win this quiz by his grace.
02:32:54 You know, you seem very confident. What is informing your decision right now?
02:32:58 I mean, Motown and Owads, they are not any school like that.
02:33:02 They are just like our kids above.
02:33:04 So, we are going to win this quiz, surely, surely.
02:33:07 We are going to win.
02:33:08 That's all I have to say now.
02:33:11 Alright, now you know all the schools meeting right here are champions.
02:33:16 Just like your school is a seven-time champion.
02:33:18 Owads is a two-time champion and Achimota is also a two-time champion.
02:33:22 But don't you see them as threats?
02:33:24 Because they all did incredibly great during the semis.
02:33:27 We have your school coming in with 44.
02:33:30 Achimota coming in with some 41 points.
02:33:32 And also, Opoku are coming in with some 38 points.
02:33:35 Don't you see them as a formidable force for your school?
02:33:39 I think the rest of the schools are all potential winners.
02:33:41 But if you check records, if you check the stats and everything,
02:33:45 that's what I said earlier that we are very, very optimistic.
02:33:48 We are taking the eighth trophy.
02:33:50 I mean, I'm sure you know that we are taking the eighth trophy.
02:33:52 For me, I don't know.
02:33:54 But you see, we are supposed to.
02:33:56 You can't just give us the points.
02:33:58 We are supposed to prove the reason why we are champions.
02:34:00 And so, everyone should just relax and watch greatness today.
02:34:04 That's all I can say.
02:34:05 We don't talk much.
02:34:06 This is Praseck, of course, who just witnessed greatness today.
02:34:09 That's all I can say.
02:34:10 Just witnessed greatness today?
02:34:11 Of course, of course.
02:34:12 You have to.
02:34:13 We are too sure.
02:34:14 I mean, you know the guys.
02:34:15 Have you followed the contest this year?
02:34:17 Oh, yeah, yeah.
02:34:18 I was there with them during the national contest, right through.
02:34:20 So, exactly.
02:34:21 You know what I'm talking about.
02:34:22 The guys are really prepared.
02:34:23 So, we are waiting for you to see our eighth trophy.
02:34:26 You are waiting for your eighth?
02:34:27 Yes, we are dominating today.
02:34:29 Alright.
02:34:30 Now, let me ask you this question.
02:34:32 Assuming Praseck wasn't here today, which school would you have been supporting?
02:34:37 Oh, if Praseck wasn't here, I would still be supporting Praseck.
02:34:41 Because I know Praseck would still be in the finals.
02:34:44 Because Praseck is always in the finals.
02:34:47 You can't say Praseck will be…
02:34:49 It's not always.
02:34:50 It's not always.
02:34:51 But then, last two years, we were here.
02:34:53 Last year, we were here.
02:34:54 And then, this year, we are here.
02:34:56 So, it's something normal for us Praseckans.
02:34:59 Okay, alright.
02:35:00 So, these are all students of Praseck.
02:35:03 Now, I have other students here who are also joining me.
02:35:07 Kindly join me here.
02:35:08 Praseck, all students.
02:35:09 Let me move over to them.
02:35:11 Now, kindly join me here.
02:35:14 How are you also feeling right now?
02:35:17 The feeling is great right now.
02:35:19 I'm very optimistic about my school.
02:35:21 I trust my school.
02:35:22 This is no competition for us, actually.
02:35:25 It's no competition for you?
02:35:27 No, no, no.
02:35:28 This is no competition for us.
02:35:29 Hey, what's informing your decision?
02:35:30 You seem to be very confident this morning.
02:35:32 I believe my boys, you know.
02:35:34 I trust my boys.
02:35:36 I believe my boys.
02:35:37 You know, we are very good in it.
02:35:39 This is our game.
02:35:40 So, we are very relaxed.
02:35:42 We are just waiting for the boys.
02:35:44 We know we will win this.
02:35:45 We will win this.
02:35:46 What points are you seeking to move our way today?
02:35:50 At least 50 points.
02:35:51 At least 50 points.
02:35:52 Okay, alright.
02:35:53 So, we wish them all the best.
02:35:55 So, we are still right here at the National Theatre.
02:35:57 Just as I said, preparation is still underway.
02:36:00 Set up is still ongoing at the National Theatre.
02:36:03 And behind me, all the backdrops for the schools are ready.
02:36:06 Opokuware School, Prasek and also Achimota School.
02:36:11 We have all these schools right here.
02:36:13 But before I go, the 2023 National Science and Maths Quiz is produced by Primetime Limited
02:36:20 and sponsored by Ghana Education Service in partnership with Girl PLC
02:36:24 and supported by AT, Prudential Life Insurance Ghana and Pepsodent.
02:36:29 And also the broadcast of the National Science and Maths Quiz on Joy News and Joy Prime
02:36:33 is supported by Vitamilk, NASCO, German Ozone Medical Center, Royal Foam, Jama Soup,
02:36:41 Heritage Christian College, Virtual Security Africa, ACE Medical Insurance,
02:36:46 Chubos Technologies, Sintestank, DBS, New Crystal Health Services, Invescorp,
02:36:53 Bales Financial Technologies, Betamalt, Bright SHS Cochrane to me and Family Health University College.
02:37:00 So we are still right here at the National Theatre.
02:37:03 And just in case there's more, we'll bring you up to speed details of the contest right now.
02:37:08 I am Jacqueline Ansuma Iyebua. Over to you back in the studio.
02:37:13 So much, Jackie, there joining us from the National Theatre where the grand finale of the NSMQ 2023
02:37:22 will be happening later today. We start our build up exactly at one o'clock on this channel.
02:37:28 So you want to stay with us and apologies once again.
02:37:31 We had some difficulties in bringing you our feed from Achaemoto School,
02:37:34 but subsequently we will definitely bring you all the sights and sounds from the three finalists.
02:37:41 I'm Bernice Abubey Dulamsa. Thanks for your company.
02:37:44 And if you're not able to catch the quiz live here on the channel, or you have to step out,
02:37:48 you can do so on social media. We are Joy News on TV.
02:37:51 You'll also be on Joy Prime on Facebook.
02:37:54 From Benjamin and I, it's goodbye on this edition of the AM Show.
02:37:57 Thank you for staying with us. Up next, it's Newsdesk with Aisha Ibrahim.
02:38:01 Newsdesk theme music
02:38:21 Newsdesk theme music
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