Afrique

Ghana’s VP Bawumia Poised to replace Nana Akufo-Addo

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3 weeks ago

November 6, 2023

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Accra, Ghana – Ghana’s governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) has selected Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia as its presidential candidate for the upcoming national election, slated for December 2024. He is hoping to replace President Nana Akufo-Addo, a member of the NPP, who is set to step down after serving two terms in office.

Mr. Bawumia’s nomination carries significant weight as he becomes the first northerner and Muslim to contest the presidency under the NPP’s banner since the restoration of multi-party democracy in 1992.

The announcement was met with anticipation and excitement by party members and political observers across the nation. Mr. Bawumia secured a resounding victory in the NPP primaries, clinching a remarkable 61.47% of the vote. His closest contender, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, graciously accepted defeat, solidifying party unity and the transition of leadership.

In his victory speech, Mr. Bawumia pledged to lead a “united and energised” NPP into the upcoming election, emphasising the party’s commitment to transforming the nation.

This election is poised to become a two-horse race, with Mr. Bawumia facing off against former President John Mahama, the flagbearer of the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC). Notably, both candidates hail from the northern regions of Ghana, marking the first time that both major parties have fielded northerners as their presidential contenders. The NPP traditionally holds strong support in southern Ghana, while the north remains a formidable base for the NDC. By selecting Mr. Bawumia, the NPP hopes to make inroads in the north while maintaining its influence in the south.

Mr. Bawumia is widely recognised for his role as the head of the government’s economic management team, and his candidature comes at a critical juncture. Ghana is grappling with its most severe economic crisis in decades, characterized by soaring government debt. To address the economic challenges, the country recently secured a $3 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Inflation had reached a record high of 54% in December of the previous year, though it has since fallen to approximately 38%. The government implemented measures such as increased utility tariffs and introduced new taxes, actions that sparked widespread public dissatisfaction and prompted protests organized by opposition parties and youth groups.

However, Mr. Bawumia exuded confidence in his nomination acceptance speech, emphasising the NPP’s capability to transform Ghana. “We know that the NPP is the only party that can transform Ghana. The NPP will enter 2024 united and energised,” he declared as he embarked on his campaign journey with high hopes for the future.

As Ghana approaches the 2024 elections, all eyes are on the contest between Mr. Bawumia and his opponent, Mr. Mahama. The outcome will undoubtedly shape the nation’s political and economic trajectory in the years to come.

Mimi Mefo Info

Afrique

Canada Boosts Cameroon’s Health Information Management with Equipment Donation

Published

2 hours ago

November 29, 2023

Thomas Mbida

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The Canadian government has provided a valuable consignment of medical equipment in a move aimed at enhancing health information management in Cameroon. The Canadian High Commissioner to Cameroon, Her Excellency Lorraine Anderson, delivered the equipment on November 22 during an audience with the Minister of Public Health, Dr. Manaouda Malachie.

The donation, part of the Canadian Global Initiative and Vaccine Equity (CanGive) project, includes 1,900 electronic blood pressure monitors, 1,900 glucometers, 150 boxes of 50 strips, 270 tablets, and 310 smartphones. The equipment, estimated to be worth hundreds of millions of FCFA, is specifically aimed at strengthening health information management and improving decision-making in health districts.

Her Excellency Lorraine Anderson emphasised that the equipment would play a crucial role in supporting the delivery of COVID-19 vaccine services, particularly for at-risk groups in the East, Far North, North West, and South West regions of Cameroon. Canada is actively partnering to enhance routine immunisation, focusing on zero-dose and undervaccinated children and unreached communities.

“As part of the #CanGIVE project, Canada is proud to have contributed $3 million, and to deliver medical and monitoring equipment, in collaboration with #WHO, to Cameroon’s Minister of Health public,” a tweet from the High Commission read.

The donation also addresses the need to reinforce immunisation services’ quality in the targeted regions, along with enhanced screening for chronic Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes and hypertension.

Expressing gratitude, Minister Manaouda Malachie thanked the Canadian government and the World Health Organization (WHO) for their continuous support in Cameroon’s health challenges. The minister highlighted that the provided equipment, including vaccination monitoring and prevention tools, aligns with the country’s new epidemiological monitoring tool.

While acknowledging Cameroon’s satisfactory response to the COVID-19 health crisis, Dr. Manaouda stressed the ongoing need for vigilance. The collaborative efforts between Canada and Cameroon aim to fortify the healthcare system and contribute to the nation’s public health goals.

Mimi Mefo Info

Afrique

Tubah Mayor Urges Calm Amidst Bambili-Nkwen Land Dispute

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6 hours ago

November 28, 2023

Thomas Mbida

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In the wake of heightened tension and street protests in Bambili, Mayor Tanjong Martin of Tubah Council has appealed for calm among the residents. The unrest stems from a longstanding land dispute between Bambili and Nkwen villages.

Speaking on Thursday, November 23, in Bambili, Mayor Tanjong addressed a crowd of agitated women and youth, urging restraint and emphasising the need to await the intervention of the state to address the complex land issue.

“I have called for calm. We cannot sacrifice life for land. In the 21st century, we are still fighting, killing, and destroying properties for land. I have called on my people to be calm. Let’s follow the law; we in Tubah believe in law and not aggression,” Mayor Tanjong stated.

Accompanied by the Divisional Officer (DO) of Tubah, Massango Metouge Narcisse, the Mayor stressed the importance of a final solution from the state to enable people to live peacefully. He appealed for swift action to bring an end to the conflict so that residents could resume their daily lives.

Mayor Tanjong also called for a halt to the burning of houses and the destruction of properties at the scene, addressing those involved in these activities. “If it is non-Bambili people burning these houses, we are calling for an immediate stop to this ill activity,” he asserted.

The recent unrest saw houses in Bambili reportedly set ablaze at the borderland with Nkwen on Thursday, November 23. In response, angered residents of Bambili mobilized, attributing the act to individuals hired to commit atrocities. Some accused the people of Nkwen of pushing them out to sell their lands.

The disputed land is situated around the Bamenda industrial zone, bordering Bambili, Bambui, and Nkwen. The conflict, with roots stretching back several years, has yet to receive comments from other authorities at the time of this report.

Mimi Mefo Info

Afrique

Car crash leaves 8 dead, 11 injured in West Region

Published

10 hours ago

November 28, 2023

Thomas Mbida

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By Tata Mbunwe

Eight people have died and 11 others sustained injuries in a ghastly car accident that occurred 10am today along the Bafoussam-Foumbot road in the West Region.

The tragic collision involved a heavy-duty truck and a Hiace bus belonging to the Avenir du Noun travel agency.

According to a press release from the West Regional Governor, Awa Fonka Augustine, the accident unfolded around Banefo in Bafoussam I Subdivision.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the collision was the result of “a bad overtaking”.

The vehicles involved were identified as a truck transporting goods, registered SW 013 AA, traveling from Bafoussam to Foumbot, and a Hiace car from the Avenir du Noun travel agency, registered LT 768 LN, en route from Foumbot to Bafoussam.

The force of the impact left a trail of destruction, claiming the lives of eight individuals and causing injuries to 11 others.

“The Governor of the West Region extends his sincere condolences to the families of the deceased and wishes a speedy recovery to the injured,” Govenor Awa Fonka wrote in the release.

The aftermath of the accident saw emergency response teams rushing to the scene to provide assistance and transport the injured to the Kouékong Regional Hospital.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of adhering to traffic regulations and exercising caution on the roads to prevent such tragic accidents.

Mimi Mefo Info