News
UMA supports AngloGold Ashanti Health Foundation
IN a significant boost to local healthcare delivery, Underground Mining Alliance (UMA) has presented three modern vein finders to the AngloGold Ashanti Health Foundation (AGAHF) in Obuasi. The donation forms part of UMA’s ongoing commitment to supporting the health and wellbeing of the communities in which it operates.
A vein finder is a high-tech medical device that uses infrared technology to map peripheral veins on the skin’s surface, significantly improving the accuracy of blood draws and IV insertions—particularly for children, the elderly, and patients requiring frequent intravenous access, such as those at the sickle cell unit.
Mr Oscar Van Ehen, UMA’s Operations Manager for Ghana, speaking at the presentation, said the company views its presence in Ghana not merely as a business venture, but as a partnership with the people.
“Supporting the AGA Health Foundation allows us to touch lives beyond the mine. We are proud to provide equipment that enhances the comfort and care of patients,” he stated.
Dr Bernice Kyerewaa Karikari Apawu, a Paediatric Specialist at AGA Health Foundation, who received the items, expressed appreciation, describing the donation as timely. She said the devices would significantly reduce the distress often associated with “difficult sticks” during clinical procedures, thereby improving the overall patient experience at the facility.
This gesture reinforces the collaborative spirit between UMA and healthcare providers in Obuasi. By equipping the AGA Health Foundation with advanced medical technology, UMA is helping to ensure that the community continues to access modern, efficient, and patient-centred healthcare services.
The total cost involved in the procurement of the three vein finders is Fifty Thousand Ghana Cedis (GH¢50,000.00).
-GNA
Minister for Government Communications, Felix Ofosu Kwakye, has dismissed claims that staff salaries at the Presidency have increased under the current administration, describing the allegation as a “flat lie”.
In a response to a post on Facebook, Ofosu Kwakye said the current staff at the Presidency inherited the same salaries and conditions approved for their predecessors.
He argued that once arrears owed to former Article 71 office holders are paid, the total wage bill for the current administration will actually be lower due to a reduction in staff numbers.
“It is in fact a mathematical certainty that the total amount paid in salaries to the current staff will be smaller compared to yours once your arrears are paid because of the reduction in numbers,” he stated.
The Minister noted that delays in paying arrears to past Article 71 office holders are not new.
“Arrears owed to past Article 71 office holders is nothing new or unheard of. Many others before you have suffered same,” he said.
Ofosu Kwakye also stressed that the salaries and conditions in question were approved by Parliament on 6th January 2025, under the previous government.
He pointed out that the Constitution bars any changes to those salaries until a new committee is set up to determine emoluments for Article 71 office holders under the new administration.
“No such committee has been set up by President Mahama and no alteration has been made,” he clarified.
“So on what basis, apart from pure lies and mischief, can a claim of ballooning be made?” he concluded.
The response follows public debate over the size and cost of the presidential staff, with critics alleging a spike in the wage bill.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi and the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party, has initiated plea negotiations with the Attorney General’s office in the GH₵30 million Exim Bank fraud case.
Information available to ghanaiantimes.com.gh indicates that lawyers for Bernard Antwi Boasiako aka Chairman Wontumi & 2 other accused have formally written to the Attorney General to enter into plea negotiations on the charges of defrauding by false pretenses, money laundering, and intentionally causing financial loss to a public body.
A plea bargain, under Section 162C of the Criminal and Other Offences (Procedure) (Amendment) Act, 2022 (Act 1079), allows an accused person to plead guilty to lesser charges in exchange for a reduced sentence.
The agreement must be approved by the court after the Attorney General assesses factors such as the strength of evidence, recovery of state funds, and public interest.
Wontumi is facing four counts after his arrest by the Economic and Organised Crime Office in May 2025.
Prosecutors allege he used forged documents to secure a GH₵30 million facility from the Ghana Export-Import Bank to finance equipment for his mining company, Akonta Mining Ltd.
The state further charges him with money laundering and causing financial loss to the state.
He has pleaded not guilty to all charges and was granted GH₵50 million bail with two sureties. The case is currently before the Accra High Court.
The Attorney General’s office is yet to confirm whether negotiations will proceed.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
