News
Two groups support Moses Bentum…but he still needs help
Following The Spectator’s publication on the plight of six-year-old Moses Bentum who is unable to attend school due to his facial deformity, two groups have moved in to offer some financial support.
They are members of the 2004 Year Group of the Accra Training College (ATRACO) and social group ‘XXVI Planners’ based in Madina who have donated a total amount of GH¢ 2,000 to support his medical bills.
Both donations were to pay for an MRI scan which according to his mother, Ms. Felicia Setuagbe, would among others determine the extent of damage done to his head and how much would be needed for the two surgeries he has to undergo to correct his face.
The rest of the money would also take care of some initial expenses and his upkeep in readiness for the process ahead.
The Group Leader of the 2004 ATRACO year group, Ms Vivian Adegbedu, said as teachers who handled children, they were sad to hear that Moses couldn’t go to school because of his condition hence their decision to support him with their widow’s mite to enable him to join his friends in school and also live a happy life, after surgery.
A Representative of the XXVI Planners, Xorlali Tettey, also said they were touched by the plight of the boy and as parents, they felt the need to do the little they could to support Moses and his mother in such challenging times.
Moses’ mother, Ms. Setuagbe, expressed appreciation to both groups and asked for God’s blessings for them.
She, however, asked that the group should return to support them when the bill for the two surgeries Moses has to undergo is given by the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital so that her son could live a normal life.
She further called on public spirited persons to help her son who was diagnosed of brain tumour months after delivery to smile because his situation had always made him sad, timid and shy.
Moses was diagnosed of a brain tumour in his childhood and has undergone surgery three years ago in India to stop further growth of the the tumour. Currently, he needs two more surgeries to put his face in shape.
From Dzifa Tetteh Tay, Tema
The Ghana National Gas Company has denied allegations of wrongdoing in its recent procurement and insurance contract renewals.
In a press statement issued in Accra on April 13, 2026, the company explained that concerns raised in some media reports were linked to a change in its lead insurer.
It noted that the change followed the expiration of previous insurance contracts at the end of the year.
The company stressed that the new insurance arrangements are lawful and form part of efforts to improve its risk management system to protect its assets.
It further indicated that all contracts awarded so far have gone through the required approval processes by the Public Procurement Authority after receiving financial clearance from the Ministry of Finance.
The statement, signed by the Head of Corporate Affairs, Richard Ernest Kirk-Mensah, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
It added that management remains focused on delivering gas efficiently to meet the country’s energy needs while continuing to strengthen internal systems to ensure good corporate governance and compliance.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana has clarified that it now supports the implementation of the Publican Artificial Intelligence system at the country’s ports, following earlier concerns raised in 2025.
In a press statement issued on April 9, the Association explained that claims suggesting it still opposes the system are misleading and based on outdated information from a December 18, 2025 media publication.
It noted that its earlier concerns were legitimate, pointing to a lack of stakeholder consultation, as well as issues related to data security, transparency, and system integration.
At the time, it called for broader engagement to ensure the system would be credible and beneficial to all stakeholders.
According to the statement, the Government of Ghana, through the Finance Ministry and the Ghana Revenue Authority, has since engaged industry players, including the Association, to address those concerns.
The Association described the engagements as constructive, indicating that they helped resolve key issues and showed government’s commitment to improving the system’s implementation.
As a result, it affirmed its support for the Publican AI system, which has already been rolled out at the ports.
The Association acknowledged that the system is facing some operational challenges but noted that such difficulties are common with major technological reforms.
It added that authorities are taking steps to resolve the issues.
It highlighted the potential benefits of the system, including improved revenue mobilisation, increased transparency, reduced revenue leakages, and a decline in unethical practices at the ports.
The statement cautioned the public against attempts by some individuals and groups to misrepresent its position, stressing that such actions undermine national progress.
It further emphasised that it will not allow itself to be used for propaganda or agendas that do not serve the interests of importers, exporters, and the wider economy.
The Executive Secretary of the Association, Samson Asaki Awingobit, signed the statement, reaffirming the group’s commitment to supporting reforms that improve efficiency at the ports and promote a fair trading environment.
By: Jacob Aggrey
