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A token spot fine, results in “magical” Compliance with COVID-19 protocols
A token spot fine of buying a packet of marker as punishment, has resulted in total compliance with COVID-19 protocols at the Koforidua Taxi Station.
Recalcitrant drivers and passengers who refuse to wear their nose masks at the Koforidua Taxi Branch Number One station are made to buy a packet of marker for use by the whole station . this serves as punishment to those who breach the safety protocols.
It has been working “magic” for the members of the taxi union.
A Driver who also refuses to ensure that a passenger in the taxi wears his or her nose masks, would buy additional packets of the marker.
The order instituted by the Chairman of the Station, Mr George Nana Kwodwo Boateng also known as cooli cooli, was to ensure that both drivers and passengers at the station wore the nose masks to avoid the contraction of COVID-19 .
In an exclusive interview with “The Spectator,” Mr Boateng stated that, there was the need to enforce such orders since some drivers had become recalcitrant in observing the COVID-19 protocols put in place to curb the spread of the virus.
He noted that the virus was real but, there was still the need to observe all protocols including wearing of the nose masks to prevent the spread.
“Wearing of the nose mask is compulsory in this country and for that reason the disciplinary team wants to ensure that all drivers and passengers comply with the directive.
“If you are a driver and you refuse to wear it,you should get ready to buy a packet of marker. Even if you the driver wear but you fail to ensure your passengers wear theirs, you will have to again buy packet of marker for each passenger who does not wear it.”
He revealed that the order coupled with sanctions had made a lot of the drivers to be very careful and vigilant in ensuring that they and their passengers wore the masks to help stop the spread of the virus.
“Most recalcitrant drivers at this taxi station are changing because of the this order,” he said, adding that drivers who failed to comply would have to leave the station to go and work somewhere else.
The Chairman of the Taxi Rank observed that there were some ladies who also came to the station in their lipstick and refused to wear the nose masks for fear it would clean their lipstick and make up.
“If we do not force them to obey the protocols and someone tests positive here, people will start stigmatising us and would not even want to patronise our services. By that we may lose our job,” he said.
From Ama Tekyiwaa Ampadu Agyeman, Koforidua
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President John Dramani Mahama to kick off 2025/26 Premier League season in Accra
The 2025/26 Premier League will officially kick off on Friday, September 12, 2025, at the Accra Sports Stadium, with the President of the Republic, John Dramani Mahama, performing the ceremonial kick-off ahead of the season opener between Accra Hearts of Oak and league debutants Hohoe United.
President Mahama will be joined by Football Association President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, members of the Executive Council and football fans from across the capital as the curtain rises on what promises to be one of the most exciting campaigns in recent years.
Giants Hearts of Oak will open their quest for a league title when they take on newly promoted Hohoe United under the floodlights of the Accra Sports Stadium. Kick-off is scheduled for 7:00 pm local time (19:00 GMT).
The Phobians, bolstered by new signings and a strong pre-season campaign, are eager to end a four-year run without an opening-day victory, while United will be aiming to make a statement in their first-ever top-flight match.
Before the main fixture, there will be a curtain-raiser between the Black Starlets (Ghana U-17) and Auroras FC, the youth side of Hearts of Oak, at 4:00 pm local time.
Adding to the celebratory atmosphere, top Afro-dancehall and reggae musician Stonebwoy (Livingstone Etse Satekla) will deliver a live performance at the venue, ensuring fans enjoy not only football but also top-class entertainment on opening night.
This season is expected to be one of the most competitive in recent memory, with traditional heavyweights, ambitious newcomers and revitalized clubs all targeting glory. From title races to survival battles, fans are set for months of excitement, drama and unforgettable moments.
News
GES opens promotion applications for teaching staff
The Ghana Education Service (GES) has invited applications from qualified teachers and officers for promotion to higher ranks within the service.
In a notice signed by the Acting Deputy Director-General for Management Services, Prof. Smile Dzisi, the GES said the ranks available are Deputy Director, Assistant Director I, Assistant Director II and Principal Superintendent.
According to the statement, applicants must meet the minimum years of service required for each position.
Teachers seeking promotion to Deputy Director must have been promoted to Assistant Director I in or before 2021.
Similarly, those applying for Assistant Director I should have held the rank of Assistant Director II since 2021 or earlier.
Applicants for Assistant Director II must have been Principal Superintendents from 2021 or earlier, while those applying for Principal Superintendent must have been Senior Superintendent I since 2021 or before.
The GES stated that teachers with approved Master’s or PhD degrees may use their certificates to apply for promotion out of turn if the qualifications meet set conditions.
These include completing an approved course of study and obtaining the certificate after their previous promotion but not later than 2023.
Applicants are to complete the online application form and upload all required documents in PDF format, except for the passport-size photograph.
The application window runs from Thursday, September 11, to Thursday, October 2, 2025. The GES urged all applicants who had applied earlier to re-apply.
By: Jacob Aggrey
