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President John Mahama has promised a swift intervention for residents of Asuokow in the Eastern Region, where pupils risk their lives daily to cross a river to access education.

The President made the pledge in a post on Facebook, sharing a video highlighting the challenges faced by residents.

Mr. Mahama revealed that the community has been identified, with immediate steps underway to provide a lasting solution.

“Earlier today, the MP for Lower West Akim, Owen Kwame Frimpong, visited the Asuokow community and assured them that the Eastern Regional Minister will also visit, as we work to permanently and urgently resolve the challenge the people and the schoolchildren are confronted with,” the President stated.

He added that his Reset Ghana agenda prioritises removing obstacles to education and healthcare, ensuring that every Ghanaian has equal opportunities.

“Our quest to Reset Ghana includes a determination to remove barriers to education and healthcare across the country,” he stated.

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A total of 155 candidates from all 16 regions of Ghana have filed their nominations to contest for positions in the upcoming Council of State elections, scheduled to take place today, February 11.

The highly anticipated elections, which serve as a crucial aspect of Ghana’s governance structure, will determine regional representatives who will advise President John Dramani Mahama on key national matters.

According to the Electoral Commission (EC), the list of aspirants includes 145 males and 10 females, highlighting a significant gender disparity in the contest.

While the number of women candidates remains relatively low, their participation marks a step toward increasing female representation in national decision-making bodies.

The candidates have successfully gone through the nomination process, which required them to meet specific eligibility criteria as set by the EC. This included proving their Ghanaian citizenship, demonstrating good standing in society, and fulfilling all necessary administrative requirements before the nomination deadline.

Unlike parliamentary and presidential elections, the Council of State election is not open to the general public. Instead, the selection process follows an Electoral College system, where voting is carried out by representatives from each district.

Each of Ghana’s 261 District Assemblies nominates two representatives, forming a pool of electors who will cast their votes to determine the final Council of State members.

These selected electors play a crucial role in ensuring a fair and democratic selection process, as they are expected to assess the candidates based on their experience, expertise, and ability to contribute meaningfully to national governance.

The Council of State is a constitutionally mandated advisory body that provides guidance to the President on policy formulation and national governance.

Established under Article 89 of the 1992 Constitution, the Council serves as a key consultative body, offering expert advice on governance-related issues, national security, economic development, and other critical state affairs.

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The government has unveiled plans to revamp GIHOC Distilleries Company Limited to enhance its operational capacity and generate employment in support of the 24-hour economy initiative.

Minister of Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry, Madam Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, announced this during a working visit to the company on Friday. She reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting GIHOC’s growth and sustainability.

The visit aimed to assess the current state of the company and identify ways to increase productivity, create jobs for Ghanaians, and expand exports to generate foreign exchange and curb inflation.

Established in 1958 as a state-owned entity, GIHOC Distilleries specializes in alcoholic beverages. However, the company currently struggles with a GHS 300-million debt burden and outdated machinery, despite having a skilled workforce capable of driving its operations.

She emphasized the need to retool the company to take full advantage of the 24-hour economy, operate in three shifts, and capitalize on international trade agreements such as AfCFTA, as well as the UK and EU markets.

The minister also pledged the Ministry’s support in promoting GIHOC’s products on international platforms while ensuring the availability of raw materials.

Mr. Jones Borteye Applerh, Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GIHOC Distilleries, expressed confidence that revamping the company would play a crucial role in economic transformation.

He highlighted key challenges hindering the company’s full potential, including reliance on machinery installed in 1964, an inability to service debts, and inadequate marketing efforts.

Mr Applerh reaffirmed Management’s commitment to collaborating with the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry to make GIHOC more attractive to investors.

“With the right resources, GIHOC can significantly increase its exports, earning higher foreign exchange to help reduce inflationary pressures,” he added.