L' Observateur Burundi

Considered a special day reserved for workers, to brandish their plights and demand solutions, and not just dive into celebrations, some Cameroonians prefer to ignore and move on with their usual business activities.

Many struggling workers with difficult jobs in the economic capital, Douala do not see how celebration will put food on their table. ‘It is Labor Day, so we are out to work and generate income for ourselves. Carolle, a hairdresser said.

‘If I decide to go and match or celebrate, how will I settle my bills and pay my house rent? I have four children who need to eat. So, I must work to have money. Things are very expressive, making life very difficult ‘. Elvis Nintcheu, a Mechanic revealed.

Those who celebrate yearly according to this set of workers like mechanics, goods distributors, and hairdressers whose jobs are regarded as inferior by many, do not bear the same challenges as them.

‘Our five fingers are not equal. So, our problems are not of the same magnitude. My family first before pleasu
re.’ A distributor of sachet water stressed.

For such a class of workers to take part in labor day celebration of any form, the standard of living must be improved upon by state authorities and support or consideration from municipal authorities.

Source: Cameroon News Agency

Employees of a Chinese fishing company in Youpwe Douala have staged an indefinite strike that began on May 1, 2024, against poor working conditions.

‘We insist on being bearers of a work contract. Our miserable salaries should be increased. They should start by paying salaries of the months owed to us’.

‘None of us here is affiliated to the National Social Insurance Fund. We need that affiliation. Our health conditions should also be ameliorated, through health insurance. When you are sick they contemplate whether or not to assist you,’ some of the striking workers disclosed.

The fishing vessels workers of Cameroonian origin also revealed enduring maltreatment from their Chinese employers at sea.

‘We cohabitate with rats and cockroaches. They are unable to come and disinfect the fishing vessels, whereas at the port they have technicians for that,’ another worker revealed.

Such maltreatment has reportedly led to the demise of two workers recently. According to the protesters, ‘ their colleagues died of ch
olera since they were consuming unhealthy water’.

Attempts have been made by CNA to get a statement from the management of the Chinese fishing company but they have been futile so far.

Source: Cameroon News Agency

By Charity Nginyu

Abdoulaye Yerima Bakari, Lamido of Maroua has issued a communique urging the public to take heed of necessary precautions in the face of scorching heat waves currently gripping Maroua.

With temperatures soaring, Lamido Bakari emphasizes the importance of safeguarding against the sweltering sun. ‘It is imperative for everyone to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun,’ he stated in a communique.

In the said statement to the populace, Lamido Bakari highlighted key steps to mitigate the effects of the heatwave.

‘Drink plenty of water,’ he advised, stressing the importance of staying hydrated amidst the blistering conditions.

Furthermore, he urged citizens to venture outdoors only when necessary to prioritize their well-being in the face of the intense heat.

Acknowledging the potential health implications of the soaring temperatures, Lamido Bakari went further to urge individuals to seek medical attention promptly if they experience any discomfort.

‘I urge you to seek assistance from the nea
rest healthcare facility if you feel unwell,’ he emphasized.

Source: Cameroon News Agency

The National African Peer Review Mechanism (NAPRM), in collaboration with the Commission for Civic Education, has engaged the district oversight committees in the Upper East Region, on corporate governance to take advantage of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The stakeholders, including business associations, community and faith-based organisations, were drawn from 10 municipal and district and assemblies in the region.

At the workshop held in Bolgatanga, they were taken through an overview of the NAPRM activities, the role of the district oversight committees (DOCs), and corporate governance in enhancing Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises readiness for the AfCFTA market.

It aimed at equipping them with the requisite knowledge and skills to fully utilise the opportunities the AfCFTA offers, while empowering them for a better implementation,?being the local structures the APRM works with through the NCCE.

Mr Samuel Asare Akuamoah, a member of the Governing Council, NAPRM, and Deputy Cha
irman of NCCE, touched on the necessity of the workshop following a targeted review it undertook in 2023.

The review examined key corporate governance and intra-African trade challenges that must be addressed to facilitate the AfCFTA implementation in Ghana.

It was carried out on the theme: ‘Corporate Governance as a Catalyst for the Implementation of the AfCFTA in the Republic of Ghana’.

Findings of the Targeted Review were that most citizens had inadequate knowledge of the United Nations Agenda 2030, the Sustainable Development Goals, and African Union Agenda 2063 aspirations, including the AfCFTA.?

Those were likely to affect citizens ownership and participation in the implementation of the global development frameworks at the community level and undermine the private sector’s ability to take advantage of the business opportunities, hence the need for the sensitisation, he said.

Madam Winnifred Asare, the Acting Executive Secretary, NAPRM-Governing Council, indicated that the district oversight commit
tees, having been educated, were expected to sensitise the business community at the local level.

That, she said, would also enable them to identify opportunities in the AfCFTA and benefit from it.?

‘AfCFTA is a very big market for everybody, and the understanding of the business community at the local level is key to us, so we are hoping that the committees will be a mouthpiece of the African Peer Review Mechanism to build the capacities of the business community at the local level,’ she stated.

Alhaji Osman Alhassan Suhuyini, Member, Institute of Directors, reiterated that good corporate governance was essential to the success of every business and called on the DOCs to abide by the laid-down rules and regulations in their organisations.

Mr Evans Adeba, a participant, said the workshop had been insightful, giving him valuable information to guide him and the business community in utilizing the opportunities of the AFCFTA.

‘I will endeavor to sensitise my colleagues back home,’ he added.

Source: Ghana
News Agency

The Municipal Chief Executive of Tarkwa Nsuaem (MCE), Mr Benjamin Kessie has stated that they will not release the Tarkwa and Aboso stadium to the National Sports Authority (NSA) when completed.

He said, ‘The history about the Sports Authority is not the best, they have not been able to manage the state stadiums, and moreover, this is not a state stadium. NSA does not have the exclusive right to be managing every stadium, it is not in the Act’

According to Mr Kessie, through series of engagements the Municipal Assembly, Apinto Divisional Council and other stakeholders have put together a comprehensive management plan for the edifice.

‘The Tarkwa and Aboso stadium is for the residents of Tarkwa Nsuaem, and solely funded by the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation (GFGF) for a community. We think it is appropriate to involve people within the same community to manage it’ he pointed out.

Mr Kessie revealed this to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) when the GFGF had the final stakeholders meeting and site inspection at th
e Tarkwa and Aboso stadium.

The MCE said, ‘We must meet at the board room to resolve certain differences.’ Our traditional leaders have raised concerns about naming the facility and others which l think is laudable, so we will meet and see how to go about those important issues.

In fact, I am impressed with what I have seen and satisfied with the work done. We are only asking that whatever observations we have made even at this final stage should be considered before the commissioning’

The Gyaasehene of the Apinto Divisional Council, Nana Adarkwa Bediako III, reiterated that ‘the maintenance culture in NSA has not been encouraging, the records are visible, and we do not want this beautiful facility to go into their hands

At best they can advise, we have the competence and together with the municipal assembly we will be able to put together a solid team to manage this facility.’

The Executive Secretary of the GFGF, Mr Abdel-Razak Yakubu, on his part said, they have a lot of stakeholders on this project, l
ike the Ghana National Ambulance Service, National Disaster Management Organization, Ghana National Fire Service, Ghana Police Service, Ghana Health Service, Electricity Company of Ghana, Ghana Water Company Limited, traditional authorities, media, among others.

He said the services of all these institutions would be required for the smooth and safe running of the stadium when the Foundation hands over, ‘so we invited them to come around, take a tour and give us feedback. They have pointed out a few things that need to be corrected.’

Most of the stakeholders who interacted with the GNA after the meeting were amazed with the kind of work done so far and lauded the GFGF.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Security in Ghana is currently facing significant challenges, portraying a state of vulnerability and fragility rather than strength and assurance. The recent incident where a soldier was shot dead at Kasoa Millennium City in the presence of the Police highlights the alarming state of security in the country, reflecting widespread indiscipline.

One striking issue contributing to this security dilemma is the restriction imposed on security personnel, trained in firearm handling, from possessing personal firearms. This contradicts not only the constitutional rights enshrined in the 1992 Constitution of Ghana but also fundamental rights recognized globally for self-defence and preservation.

The irony deepens as civilians are allowed to carry firearms while trained security personnel are deprived of even personal basic self-defence tools like pepper sprays. The situation worsens as soldiers are cautioned against acquiring personal safety tools like stun guns, despite the increasing proliferation of firearms am
ong civilians.

The Executive Director of the Bureau of Public Safety, Nana Yaw Akwada, in 2021 disclosed a concerning statistic of more than 2.4 million firearms in private hands in Ghana, indicating a rise in weapons circulation. This poses a critical question on how security forces can effectively protect citizens when their access to necessary tools is restricted to duty-bound issuance only.

The recent surge in attacks on soldiers underscores the urgent need for a re-evaluation of security protocols. The tragic killing of Private Sherif Imoro in Ashaiman exemplifies how a personal firearm could have potentially averted such a loss of life.

Soldiers, who symbolise authority and protection, find themselves in a paradoxical situation where their ability to defend themselves and others is severely compromised. The lack of personal firearms and essential defence accessories further exacerbates their vulnerability in the face of escalating security threats.

In light of these challenges, it is imperative for
security authorities to revisit policies that hinder the effective protection of security personnel and, by extension, the general populace. Ensuring that those entrusted with safeguarding the nation have the necessary tools and resources for self-defence is paramount to enhancing overall security in Ghana.

Source: Ghana News Agency