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Tension at Akwatialine …as wood sellers resist eviction

Portions of the land has been fenced

Tension is mounting at Akwatialine Wood Market in the Ashanti Region as the Wood Sellers Association has threatened to resist every attempt to move them from the place by the Asokore Mampong Municipal Assembly.

The association has accused the assembly of making plans to evict its members from the parcel of land being used as the wood market.

About two weeks ago, one person was hospitalised in a clash between the police and the traders, while dozens were arrested.

The Asokore Mampong Municipal Assembly stormed the area with the Anti-Robbery Unit of the Ghana Police Service to evict them to make way for the construction of stores by a private developer.

A visit to the area by The Spectator during the week saw 300 metres stretch of land fenced with aluminium sheets by the private developer.

According to the Secretary of the Association, Mohammed Umar, it had taken them by surprise to see the place fenced while traders still had their goods within.

He explained that following the clash between the traders and police, the Assembly called for a dialogue to resolve the matter.

He said that while the issue was being discussed, “we came to work today only to see the place fenced, but we will not give in to that”.

“The Assembly is asking us to vacate a place we have lived for over 50 years to pave way for the construction of new stores, and we are demanding that they give us a place to relocate our businesses.

”The assembly is yet to show us where to go, and all of a sudden they brought heavily armed policemen to beat and evict us forcefully… and now the place is fenced.

“Until the Assembly relocates us, we are not moving an inch,” he said, and called on authorities in the region to, as a matter of urgency, resolve the issue and find a place to relocate them.

Efforts to contact the Assembly for comments proved futile.

From Kingsley E.Hope, Kumasi

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Many SOEs have been used as mere instruments for personal wealth accumulation –Pres.Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has expressed concern over the misuse of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) for personal financial gain by individuals in leadership positions.

Speaking during a meeting with Chief Executives of specified entities under the State Interest and Governance Authority (SIGA) on Thursday, March 13, the President directly attributed the dire state of SOEs to their leadership, accusing chief executives, management teams, and governing boards of prioritising personal enrichment over organisational efficiency.

He pointed to bloated budgets, unjustified allowances, and unnecessary expenditures as factors draining public funds while SOEs continue to rely on government bailouts.

“Many SOEs have been used as mere instruments for personal wealth accumulation by appointees. The chief executives, management, and boards of these enterprises are responsible for this situation. Some SOEs have become perennial loss-makers, draining public funds with bloated budgets, unjustified allowances, and unnecessary expenditures while relying on government bailouts as if entitled to them. Many of these entities are at their lowest point in the entire history of the Fourth Republic,” he said.

President Mahama further noted that many SOEs have been plagued by inefficiencies, corruption, and mismanagement, leading to consistent financial losses. He cited the 2023 State Ownership Report by the State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA), which highlighted systemic inefficiencies and wasteful expenditures within these entities.

He therefore reaffirmed his commitment to reforming under-performing SOEs and ensuring they serve national interests.

He warned that loss-making SOEs will no longer be tolerated and will either be merged, privatised, or closed.

“I will assess you based on your performance. If you do not align with the pace of the reset agenda, you may be asked to step aside. If that adds to the horror movie, so be it,” he added.

Source: Myjoyonline.com

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Prophet Courage Heavens set to launch ‘Predestination’ book on March 23

Prophet Courage A. Heavens is set to launch the much-awaited book titled ‘Predestination’ on Sunday, March 23, 2025 at 5:00PM.

The launch, which is expected to impact lives, will take place at Crossgates Ministries, Flattop, off N1 Highway, opposite Angel Hauz.

The book is aimed at addressing the way people struggle to understand how free will and destiny align.

It is also aimed at providing clarity on God’s sovereignty and one’s place in His divine plan.

The various chapters of the book address various issues through scriptures and personal stories.

Committed to impacting society, part of the proceeds from the book will go into Courage Heavens Education Legacy (CHEL), an educational foundation transforming lives.

CHEL is dedicated to providing financial support and mentorship to brilliant but needy students, ensuring they have access to quality education and opportunities for a better future.

Prophet Courage Heavens is a prolific writer and previously authored Eli Eli Lama Sabachthani, a powerful book that encourages unwavering faith in times of trials.

In addition, he has written seven more prophetic and life-changing books that are yet to be published.

He is dedicated to raising the next generation for impactful ministry. As the leader of Crossgates Ministries, he nurtures believers in faith and purpose.