Hot!
GIS, others urged to uphold dignity, sanctity of country
Mr Seth Kwame Acheampong
The Eastern Regional Minister, Mr Seth Kwame Acheampong has called on the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) and other sister security services to show a sense of nationalism for peace to prevail as the country approaches this year’s General Election.
He indicated that security officers, including personnel of the GIS would be at the forefront performing duties to ensure peace, law and order before, during and after the elections.
“In that line of duty, it is important for them to think Ghana first and perform their duties fairly when given the opportunity to serve the state in such stewardship.”
Mr Seth Kwame Acheampong made the comment during the maiden edition of the Eastern Regional Command West African Security Services Association (WASSA) to celebrate officers who have been working throughout the year to ensure the mandate of the service, maintaining security in the region and foster good working relationship among officers.
Mr Acheampong stated that there was the need for the security personnel to uphold the dignity of the country and be committed to serving and protect the sanctity of the country.
“Ghana is a blessed country and there is the need for all of us to protect its peace to enable us to benefit from it,” he said and urged the security officers not to follow politicians into wrong doing.
By that, he expressed the belief that Ghanaians can build a peaceful state, and urged all to do their best to for the development of the region.
For his part, the Eastern Regional Commander of the Ghana Immigration Service, Deputy Commissioner of Immigration (DCOI) FaiselDisu disclosed that the Command has generated a revenue of GH¢742,722.50 this year from 1, 075 passport applications.
The amount represents an increase of 80.4 percent in revenue as compared to the GH¢411,687.50 generated in 2023.
He attributed that to the increase in applications being processed by the Command within the period, adding that the region has been known to be one of the fastest in delivering quality services.
He said the region was one of the inland Command with a total staff strength of 961 personnel, indicating that the regional office in Koforidua has a staff strength of 282 personnel.
However, he indicated that these 282 personnel were unfortunately operating from only five room office accommodation at the regional office, two rooms office space at the Regional Coordinating Council as an Enforcement Unit, and three rooms office space at Effiduase.
He revealed that the Comptroller General in pursuant of Regulation 1(4) of the Immigration Service Regulation 2016 L.I.2245 in consultation with the Ghana Immigration Governing Council has elevated some sections and units of the GIS to the status of Departments which needed to be headed by Commissioners of the Service.
That, he said was intended to lead to expansion and operational effectiveness.
“Hence, more personnel would be posted to the region to operationalise the departments but we do not have adequate office accommodation to host them,” DCOI Disu revealed.
He said the inadequate infrastructure and furniture was real challenge as the Command has seen a tremendous increase in the number of personnel, causing overcrowding in the already limited office spaces.
He thanked the Comptroller General of GIS, Mr Kwame AsuahTakyi (Esq), Eastern Regional Minister, Mr Seth Kwame Acheampong, and Regional Commander of the Ghana Fire Service, ACFOI Jenifer NaaYarleyQuaye for their support.
He was also grateful to Akromah Gold Limited, E&H Quarry Limited, Denker Industries, Quality Quarry Limited, Malaika Fisheries, China Fujian Fisheries, King Aquatic Fisheries and West African Fisheries for sponsoring the event.
From AmaTekyiwaa Ampadu Agyeman, Koforidua
The spokesperson for Dr. Bawumia, Dennis Miracles Aboagye, has criticised the implementation of the NDC government’s No Fee Stress policy, arguing that the programme has failed to deliver on its core promise.
According to him on Starr fm, the policy, which was introduced to ensure stress free payment of fees for level 100 tertiary students, has rather turned into what he described as post stress support.
He explained that students are required to pay their fees first before applying for reimbursement, a situation he believes defeats the purpose of the policy.
He questioned claims by government officials that the policy has been successful and that citizens are happy.
In his view, such claims do not reflect the lived realities of many Ghanaians. He stressed that while some people may appear satisfied, many others continue to struggle.
Dennis Miracles Aboagye pointed to the situation of trained teachers and nurses who have been picketing for nearly six months, demanding employment.
He noted that government responses suggesting it cannot accommodate all of them contradict claims of economic stability.
He further argued that economic indicators such as a stable currency mean little to people who are unable to secure jobs or access promised support.
He observed that telling an unemployed teacher or a struggling student that the cedi has strengthened does not address their immediate challenges.
On the issue of tertiary education, he maintained that no level 100 student benefited from stress free fees in 2025, despite the policy being announced.
He added that in 2026, students have already reported to school without receiving the promised support.
He insisted that asking students to pay fees first and seek reimbursement later amounts to support after hardship, not stress free education.
According to him, this approach goes against what was promised during the policy announcement.
Dennis Miracles Aboagye questioned why a government that presents the economy as strong is unable to fulfil what he described as simple and clear promises.
He added that there is a fundamental problem with the way the economy is being managed and indicated that he is prepared to explain his position further.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Dancehall musician Shatta Wale has issued a strong public statement calling for an end to what he describes as continuous attacks on his brand, following an apology from media commentator Awal Mohammed.
In the statement, Shatta Wale acknowledged the apology but stressed that persistent criticism and what he sees as deliberate attempts to damage his image must stop.
He noted that for many years, he has spoken for the streets, the youth, and people who feel ignored by society, while also promoting Ghana on the global stage and creating jobs through his work.
He expressed concern that some media personalities, commentators, and influential figures continue to target his name unfairly.
According to him, the issue goes beyond music and touches on respect, fairness, and national maturity.
The musician warned that continued disrespect toward voices that represent ordinary people could have wider consequences.
He emphasised that the Shatta Movement remains strong and organized, and that the patience of the masses should not be taken for granted.
He added that if systems continue to fail the people, they have the ability to organize politically through numbers and truth, not violence or hate.
Shatta Wale clarified that his message was not a threat but a reminder of reality, stressing that attacking a symbol that represents millions of people can have social, cultural, and democratic effects.
He called for respect, fairness, and unity, saying the voice of the people will always rise.
The statement comes after Awal Mohammed recently described Shatta Wale fans during a public discussion as junkies.
The comments triggered backlash from fans of the musician, prompting Awal to later issue an apology.
By: Jacob Aggrey
