*Petroleum Hub Development Corporation Seeks GHC300 Million in Compensation for Jomoro Land Acquisition* The Petroleum Hub Development Corporation (PHDC) is appealing to the government for GHC300 million to compensate farmers and property owners for the acquisition of 20,000 acres of land in Jomoro, Western Region. Despite former President Akufo-Addo's directive to release GHC200 million for compensation, the amount wasn't included in the 2024 budget, causing project delays. The Petroleum Hub project, valued at $12 billion, aims to establish Ghana as a key player in Africa's energy sector. The project will include Refineries for processing crude oil into petroleum products Petrochemical Plants Producing petrochemicals for various industries Storage Tanks, Storing petroleum products Jetties and Port Infrastructure Facilitating transportation and trade The project is expected to create approximately 780,000 direct and indirect jobs and increase Ghana's GDP by about 70% It will

ABOUT 15,000 BABIES BORN WITH SICKLE CELL ANNUALLY- WORLD CHILD CANCER. According to World Child Cancer, In Ghana, over 1,200 children under 15 years develop cancer annually, with blood cancers like acute leukemia being the most common type of childhood cancer. According to Prof Cathy Segbefia, paediatric and heam oncologist at the Korle bu Teaching Hospital also the lead project of the strengthening haematology kills in Ghana project by world child cancer, Additionally, approximately 15,000 babies are born with sickle cell disease every year, making it the most common inherited blood disease of clinical significance. She said, unfortunately, both conditions share dismal survival statistics in low-income countries. Outlining the Challenges and Solutions, She mentioned that, availability of Supportive care, including blood transfusions, contributes to poor outcomes. Limited access to treatment and healthcare services exacerbates the situation. Ghana has made progress by inc

DISREGARD MISINFORMATION ABOUT DONATING BLOOD - DR SHIRLEY. The head of Transfusion Medicine Unit at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, also the Head of Transfusion Medicine specialist, has highlighted misinformation as a significant barrier to increasing voluntary blood donation rates in Ghana. Speaking at the world child cancer project closure meeting in Accra, Dr Shirley said misinformation about blood donation can be a significant barrier to increasing voluntary blood donation rates. She mentioned that some misconceptions like blood donated by men can cause impotence is unfounded and lacks scientific justification. The notion that a person's personality traits can be transferred through blood transfusion is also a misconception. Also, claims that blood collected by blood services ends up in occult practices or is used for non-clinical purposes are unfounded. She said every unit of blood can be traced from donation to recipient which ensures accountability and transparency.

LANDS MINISTER ADDRESS PARLIAMENT ON ILLEGAL MINING ACTIVITIES The Minister for Lands, Hon. Emmanuel Kofi Buah, has addressed Parliament on the pressing issue of illegal mining activities. Speaking on the floor of Parliament, Minister Buah expressed deep concern that out of 288 forest reserves, 44 have been destroyed by illegal miners. He revealed that approximately 5,000 hectares of forestland have been degraded, and nine forest reserves have been classified as "red zones" due to the severity of the destruction. According to Minister Buah, illegal miners have deployed armed thugs to intimidate and prevent forest guards from carrying out their official duties. He noted that eight of the red zone forest reserves are currently under the control of armed thugs, while efforts are underway to reclaim the remaining reserve. The Minister commended the collaborative efforts between the Ministry, the Forestry Commission, the Ghana Army, and the Ghana Police Service, which have led to th

MAJORITY LEADER CALLS FOR EFFICIENCY COMMITTEE COMPOSITION The Majority Leader, Hon. Mahama Ayariga, has urged ministers to complete the work on the composition of committees, addressing any errors and ensuring that all committees are fully constituted. He emphasized that the two whips are responsible for facilitating this exercise. Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Friday, Hon. Ayariga stated that he would follow up with the whips to ensure that the ministers complete their work. He explained that the Trade Minister is currently out of jurisdiction, which is why her questions have been rescheduled. The Minister has written to Parliament, indicating that she will respond to all questions upon her return. Hon. Ayariga further noted that Ghana's proliferation of ministers has been a problem, with the number reaching 118 at one point, drawing public disapproval. Both the NPP and NDC have been criticized in the past for appointing too many ministers. However, the NDC has made eff