NSS Scandal: Court strikes out injunction application, fines NSA GH₵6,000

A High Court in Accra has struck out an application for injunction filed by the National Service Authority (NSA) against the publication of an investigative report by The Fourth Estate, the investigative journalism project of the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA).

Lawyers for the MFWA, led by Mr. Samson Anyenini, were in court today, December 19, 2024, to file processes to challenge the case as being frivolous and abuse of the court process, and thus, to ask the court to throw out the case.

But even before the MFWA’s lawyers could mount their defense, the NSA’s lawyers from Sam Okudzeto and Associates, beat a hasty retreat. They announced to the court that they had filed a notice of discontinuance of their case.

Lawyers for the MFWA then told the court that the NSA knew very well that they had no cause of action and no capacity to sue, and thus, the discontinuance notice was a preemptive action.

Counsel for the MFWA further told the court that the NSA’s action was a SLAPP suit only for the purpose of the ex-parte injunction to serve their interest.

The case was accordingly struck out by the court. The court then awarded a cost of GHC6,000 in favour of the MFWA. The court also prohibited the NSA from coming back to court to refile the case.

The decision of the court paves the way for the publication of the story as had advertised. The story will, therefore, be released to the public soon.

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Background

On December 2, 2024, the NSA ran to court on the blind side of the MFWA, to secure a 10-day Ex Parte injunction to prevent The Fourth Estate from publishing a series of investigative stories on acts of corruption that were due to be released from December 3, 2024.

Angela Ohene-Boateng, the head of Research, Monitoring and Evaluation at the NSA
The court had indicated that the Ex Patre injunction order was based on an affidavit deposed to on behalf of the NSA by Angela Ohene-Boateng, the head of Research, Monitoring and Evaluation at the NSA, as well as arguments by Dominic Brenya Otchere, of Sam Okudzeto and Associates, who is lawyer for the NSA.

Upon the expiration of the Ex Parte injunction on December 12, the NSA and its lawyers went back to court to seek a further injunction to prevent The Fourth Estate from publishing its story.

The NSA argued that if The Fourth Estate was allowed to publish the story into the NSA’s activities without hearing its side of the story, it would suffer “irreparable harm.”

“That the reputations of the applicant (NSA) and its management will be soiled if the respondents (MFWA and others) are allowed to proceed with their threatened publication and if it later turns out to be a false story, the injury and reputational damage occasioned cannot be reversed,” the NSA prayed the court.

Meanwhile, prior the court case and ahead of the announcement of the intended publication, The Fourth Estate had offered the leadership of the NSA the opportunity to respond to the issues being investigated. The efforts made to get their side of the story included an official letter requesting for an interview.

source; NSS Scandal: Court strikes out injunction application, fines NSA GH₵6,000 – The Fourth Estate

Release of 2024 GES Teaching Staff Promotion Results

The results for the 2024 GES teaching staff promotion have been released. Follow the steps below to check your results.

Steps to Check Your Results

1. Log in to the Portal
   • Visit gesmis.org.
   • Your username is your staff ID.
   • Your password is the code provided by your school’s IT or administration.
2. Troubleshooting Login Issues
   • If your password doesn’t work, it may be due to high traffic on the site. Please wait and try again.
   • Contact your school’s IT or administrator for assistance if you do not have the correct password.
3. View Your Results
   • Once logged in, click on “Promotion Results” to view your status.

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For Candidates Without Results

If you have not received your results, you can send your queries via email to management at:
📧 hrsecretariate@ges.gov.gh

🎉 Congratulations to all successful candidates on your promotion!

Clarification for Newly Graduated Teachers

Many graduates are inquiring about the release of postings. Further updates on postings will be announced by GES management in due time.

Stay tuned for more information!

The Mortuaries and Funeral Facility Agency (MOFFA), the regulatory body for Ghana’s “death care industry,” is set to conduct its first-ever practical licensure examination by the end of the year.

The exams will determine which operators qualify for an “operational licence” to commence business in the industry legally.

Currently, no funeral home—whether private or government-owned—in Ghana holds a licence to operate in the death care industry. This concerning situation has prompted MOFFA to establish a training school at Pentecost University in Accra to equip operators with the necessary knowledge and skills. Discussions are also ongoing with other universities to expand the scope of training. Graduates from the programme will be required to demonstrate practical knowledge of industry operations, complemented by a minimal academic presentation.

A law to regulate the industry was enacted in 2011 but only became operational in 2019. The agency, established under the Health Institutions and Facilities Act (Act 829) on December 31, 2011, is responsible for licensing, controlling and regulating facilities connected with the storage, transportation and disposal of human remains. This includes the bodies of deceased persons, stillborn children, and parts of bodies removed during surgical operations.

MOFFA is empowered by law to issue licences exclusively to qualified members. However, the enforcement of these regulations has been weak, leading to the introduction of reforms such as the upcoming licensure exams to streamline activities within the industry.

Speaking at a dissemination event for inspection tools for death care operators in Accra on Tuesday, the Registrar of MOFFA, Dr Yaw Twerefour, revealed that as of 2022, only 17 facilities had been captured in MOFFA’s records. This number increased to 125 in 2023, but Dr Twerefour noted that that figure did not reflect the actual number of existing facilities.

In response, a team of experts, including pathologists, doctors and industry stakeholders, have developed globally accepted tools to standardise operations in the death care industry. About 40 certified MOFFA officers have visited several funeral homes to share these tools, which are now mandatory for operation.

Dr Twerefour explained the inspection process, saying, “The inspection is where a facility, having successfully gone through the registration process, submits itself for assessors from the Agency or its representatives to visit and check if the facility can be judged as ready to operate or can continue to operate if it is a pre-existing facility.” Facilities that fail to meet the requirements will be given two months to address deficiencies or agree on a timeline with the regulator. Failure to comply may result in a shutdown.

Dr Twerefour emphasised, “Because of the long period of compliance absence, we are prepared to give adequate time for all to come on board, after which we will begin to bite.”

The policy is part of a broader initiative to train specialists—mainly pathologists—and eliminate charlatans from the industry. MOFFA is also in talks with the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital to construct a 1,000-capacity mortuary under a build-operate-transfer agreement with a private entity.

During the event, MOFFA’s Lead Investigator, Emmanuel Okyere, outlined the basic requirements for facilities to be sanctioned. These include establishing advisory boards, strategic and annual plans, and performance audit reports. Facilities must implement policies for training and appraisal systems, demonstrate waste disposal programmes, ensure workers are vaccinated against diseases such as COVID-19, and adopt protocols for managing the spread of diseases.

MOFFA’s efforts signal a major step forward in regulating Ghana’s death care industry and ensuring professionalism and safety for operators and the public alike.

source;First licensure exams for death care operators to begin next month – Graphic Online

President-elect John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his commitment to the continuation of Ghana’s Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy, dismissing claims that his administration would abolish it.

In an interview with Voice of America (VOA), Mahama emphasized that these assertions, primarily propagated by New Patriotic Party (NPP) officials during the election campaign, were unfounded political propaganda.

“Free SHS has come to stay, and it is not going anywhere,” Mahama stated. “Nobody is going to scrap Free SHS. What was said was political talk and gimmickry. We are going to maintain it, What we are going to do is get dedicated funding for it.”

He also assured the Basic school that has been left, with less attention would now receive the attention it needs.

The Free SHS Policy

Introduced in 2017 under the Akufo-Addo administration, the Free SHS programme provides free tuition, boarding, and meals for students in public senior high schools. It has enabled hundreds of thousands of Ghanaian youth, especially from underprivileged backgrounds, to access secondary education.

However, the policy has faced challenges, including overcrowded classrooms, inadequate infrastructure, and delayed release of funds, which have affected its quality and implementation.

Mahama’s stance is to preserve the core benefits of the programme while addressing these challenges. His vision includes securing a reliable funding mechanism to alleviate financial constraints and improve the quality of education under the scheme.

Mahama’s Resounding Victory

John Mahama’s commitment to Free SHS was a key part of his campaign message, resonating with many Ghanaians concerned about education access and equity. His victory in the December 7 elections was decisive.

The Electoral Commission declared him the winner with 6,328,397 votes, representing 56.55% of the valid votes cast. He defeated his closest rival, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia of the NPP, who garnered 4,657,304 votes (41.61%).

This victory marks a return to the presidency for Mahama, who previously served as Ghana’s leader from 2012 to 2017. His campaign focused on themes of economic restoration, addressing corruption, and improving social programmes like education and healthcare.

The Free SHS policy was a contentious issue during the elections, with the NPP warning that Mahama would dismantle it if elected. Mahama’s firm rebuttal seeks to reassure Ghanaians, especially parents and students who have benefited from the programme.

The President-elect has pledged to work with education stakeholders to review and refine the policy, ensuring sustainable and efficient implementation.

credit;citinewsroom.com/VOA

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How a 30-Year-Old ‘Trophy Wife’ Secured Her $1,000 Weekly Allowance from a 59-Year-Old Millionaire Husband”

At 30 years old, Alyssa Armoogam proudly calls herself a “trophy wife.” Married to Mark, a wealthy 59-year-old businessman, Alyssa lives a life of luxury fueled by a $1,000 weekly allowance for beauty treatments—a deal she crafted herself. Here’s how she made it happen.

Meeting Her Match

Alyssa, a mother of two, had her sights set on dating older, financially stable men. She met Mark through a dating app and was immediately impressed by his persistence and willingness to meet her demands. Early in their relationship, Mark agreed to cover her babysitter’s $300 fee to ensure she could spend time with him.

“Mark proved he was serious about me from the start,” Alyssa said. “I told him, ‘Here are my terms—I need someone to pay for my nails, hair, and waxing. I want a $1,000 weekly allowance to feel secure, and I want exclusivity.’ Without hesitation, he sent me $2,000 and said I wasn’t going on another date with anyone else.”

For Alyssa, this grand gesture was all the confirmation she needed. “I felt 100% sure of how he felt about me. He wasn’t just rich—he was kind and genuine, which mattered even more.”

The Road to Marriage

The couple’s relationship blossomed quickly. They struck an arrangement in 2020, got legally married in April 2022, and welcomed their son, Keanu, shortly after. For Alyssa, Mark wasn’t just a wealthy partner but someone who shared her dreams and encouraged her personal growth.

“We really bring out the best in each other,” she shared. “People assume I’m only with him for the money, but it’s so much deeper. While financial security was important, I wouldn’t have married him for that alone. Our connection runs much deeper.”

Life as a Trophy Wife

Alyssa embraces her role as Mark’s trophy wife unapologetically. She highlights how he spoils her with shopping trips and thoughtful gestures like buying her Louis Vuitton bags. “That’s just his way of romancing me,” she said with a smile.

Critics may judge their age gap and her youthful appearance, but Alyssa pays no mind. “People think they know who I am because of my looks or our age difference, but when they talk to me, they see how much love and energy I pour into my family.”

She continued, “It’s not like he’s some unattractive, out-of-shape guy. Mark is handsome, and we’re deeply aligned. Age doesn’t matter when your souls connect.”

A Love Beyond Stereotypes

For Alyssa, her relationship with Mark is built on mutual support, trust, and shared dreams. “Anything I want to pursue, I can do. Any dream I have is shared, and every desire is met. I’m his biggest cheerleader, and he’s mine.”

Their unconventional love story serves as a reminder that relationships come in all forms, often challenging societal norms. As Alyssa puts it, “Why question something when it works perfectly for both of us?”

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Top 12 African Countries Offering the Highest Salaries

In many African nations, employees, particularly those in salaried roles, enjoy competitive wages driven by robust economic growth and a rising demand for specialized skills across various industries.

This article highlights the top 12 African countries where workers earn the highest average salaries, reflecting their strong economies and thriving industries.

1. Morocco

Leading the list is Morocco, with an impressive average salary of $2,031. This success is tied to its diversified economy, supported by flourishing sectors such as tourism, textiles, and mining. Since gaining independence in 1956, Morocco has focused on improving infrastructure and fostering an investment-friendly environment, which has driven wages higher in key industries.

2. South Africa

South Africa follows closely with an average salary of $2,026. Its well-established financial sector, combined with strong mining and manufacturing industries, drives higher wages. Since achieving independence in 1910, South Africa has become one of the continent’s most industrialized nations, offering competitive salaries across multiple sectors.

3. Tunisia

Tunisia ranks third with an average salary of $1,348. The country benefits from robust healthcare, education, and manufacturing sectors, as well as its strategic proximity to Europe. Independent since 1956, Tunisia has embraced technology and tourism, creating lucrative opportunities for skilled professionals.

4. Kenya

Kenya, with an average salary of $1,291, is a rising star in Africa. Its rapidly expanding economy is fueled by agriculture, telecommunications, and fintech. Nairobi, the capital, has gained recognition as a tech hub. Since gaining independence in 1963, Kenya’s economic growth reflects its competitive salary offerings.

5. Algeria

Algeria boasts an average salary of $1,273, thanks to its oil and gas exports, which are central to its economy. Since achieving independence in 1962, Algeria’s natural resources have fueled economic growth and higher wages in sectors such as energy and manufacturing.

6. Namibia

Namibia offers an average salary of $1,168, supported by its flourishing mining industry, particularly in diamonds and uranium, alongside a strong agriculture sector. Since gaining independence in 1990, the country’s abundant resources and low population density contribute to a stable salary structure.

7. Botswana

Botswana, with an average salary of $1,000, thrives on diamond mining, political stability, and continued improvements in education and healthcare. Since achieving independence in 1966, Botswana has maintained competitive salaries by focusing on sustained economic development.

8. Nigeria

Nigeria, Africa’s largest oil producer, offers an average salary of $814. Banking and telecommunications also significantly influence its salary structure. Since gaining independence in 1960, Nigeria’s rapidly expanding economy has created lucrative opportunities for skilled professionals in finance and technology.

9. Ghana

Ghana provides an average salary of $748, driven by its oil industry, gold mining, and cocoa exports. Independent since 1957, the country’s ongoing industrialization and emerging tech industry promise further wage growth in the future.

10. Uganda

At the bottom of the top 10 is Uganda, with an average salary of $738. The country’s services and agricultural sectors drive its economy. Since gaining independence in 1962, Uganda has been working to expand its energy and industrial sectors, although economic disparities remain a challenge.

11. Egypt

Egypt joins the list with an average salary of $725. The country’s diversified economy includes robust sectors such as tourism, construction, and technology. Since gaining independence in 1922, Egypt’s strategic location and focus on education have helped create numerous high-paying opportunities, particularly in urban areas like Cairo and Alexandria.

12. Angola

Angola rounds out the list with an average salary of $680. Its economy is largely driven by oil exports, which contribute significantly to national revenue. Gaining independence in 1975, Angola has been investing in rebuilding infrastructure and diversifying its economy, resulting in better salaries for professionals in energy, construction, and agriculture.

Average Salary of workers in top 10 countries