News
Ghana National Service takes bold steps to protect markets from fires

The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), in line with its commitment to safeguarding lives and property, has issued new directives aimed at enhancing fire safety in the
country’s major markets.
The country, in recent times has experienced some market fires, a situation that prompted leaders to take swift steps.
Against this backdrop, the Chief Fire Officer, Julius A. Kuunuor, has instructed that “Personnel and fire appliances be deployed at various markets across the country from
1800 hours to 0600 hours daily to provide round-the-clock fire cover.”
“A dedicated task force will patrol the markets daily to ensure swift action in case of any fire outbreaks and to provide constant vigilance,” the directive added.
It added that the GNFS will establish fire units/posts in key markets across the country to intensify fire safety education, conduct inspections, and ensure compliance with fire safety protocols.
“All GNFS personnel assigned to market protection duties will submit daily Situation Reports (SITREPS) to the National Heacquarters Operations (NHQ OPS INFO) platform
at 0900 hours for further review and action,” the directive added.
“The GNFS will work closely with market authorities, the Ghana Police Service and National Security to ensure effective surveillance, protection, and quick response to any fire-related incidents,” it concluded.
News
Mahama scales down celebration of independence anniversary

President John Dramani Mahama has suspended the rotational celebration of the Independence Anniversary across various regions to save cost.
The president has also directed the National Planning Committee to revise the programme of activities for the national celebration in Accra to scale down the scope of the celebration and reduce the amount of money spent annually.
Addressing a press conference, Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, said the government in 2024 spent almost fifteen million Ghana Cedis (GH¢ 15,000,000) on the celebration in Koforidua.
“For that reason, he has decided that this year’s celebration will not take on the spectacular form that we have been used to over the years. Rather than a major event at the Independence Square, where there are contingents of men from the various security agencies and hundreds of schoolchildren, there will be a scaled-down commemoration at the forecourt of the Presidency,” the Minister said.
PRESIDENTIAL DIRECTIVE ON 68TH INDEPENDENCE DAY COMMEMORATION
1. There’ll be a scaled-down commemoration of this year’s commemoration at the National & District Levels ONLY.
2. There’ll be no commemoration at the Regional Level.
3. The scaled-down National Celebration will take place at the forecourt of the Presidency.
4. There will be no parade or match past of security agencies and school children during the National Celebration.
5. The Regional Ministers are to ensure that MMDAs scale down the commemoration in their Districts.
6. Other activities approved by the President are the 28th February Crossroads Shooting Incident and the President’s Special Awards for Children.
REVISED ACTIVITIES FOR THE NATIONAL CELEBRATION
1. Mounting of a Guard of Honour by the Security Agencies
2. Cultural Performances & Recitals
3. National Address by the President and Commander in Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces.
News
EC to re-run Council of State Elections in North East and Ashanti Regions

The Electoral Commission (EC) is set to re-run Council of State Elections in North East and Ashanti Regions.
In a press statement issued yesterday, they stated that “The Electoral Commission wishes to inform the General Public that, the Council
ofState Elections in two regions, namely North East and Ashanti, willbe re-run on
Monday, 17th of February, 2025.”
According to them, this is because there was a tie in the Election in the North East Region.
The top two candidates each had six (6) votes. As such, the Election has to be re-run.
However, in the Ashanti Region, the Election was disrupted by thugs and could therefore not be concluded.
The Commission has therefore written to the Ghana Police Service and copied the National Election Security Taskforce to heighten security at the venues of the elections to prevent any disruptions.

By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme