TIG Post

Author: Abigail Ampofo

  • After a “brain-dead” newborn starts breathing, NHS workers are instructed to exercise “extreme caution” when removing organs

    The boy’s father told Sky News: “They said it’s a miracle. It’s not a miracle, this is faulty medical science.”

    The safety alert sent to staff at NHS Blood and Transport, seen by Sky News, advised them to pay “particular attention to pre-conditions and red flags” in children after the boy began breathing independently.

    The child’s father has told Sky News that “extra caution” is not good enough.

    “They did four brain stem tests on him and certified his death. When I asked whether there was an alternative test they said no. If there’s just one test to prove someone is alive or dead it should be 100 percent accurate.

    “They said it’s a miracle. It’s not a miracle, this is faulty medical science.”

    Doctors treating the child at a London hospital conducted two sets of brain stem tests before seeking a second opinion to confirm their diagnosis.

    Two weeks later, a nurse at the hospital noticed the boy, then four months was breathing.

    The Academy of Royal Medical Colleges (ARMC), which sets the test, said in August it would rewrite the code of practice on brain stem testing after the child’s case came to light.

    This week it told Sky News it has sped up the process with a report due to be ready in months.

    It has not offered parents or hospitals advice on what to do in the meantime.

    David Jones, a professor of bioethics at St Mary’s University, warned there was a risk of organs being extracted from living children if clinicians got diagnoses wrong.

    “The doctors could’ve said ‘This child is dead and they could’ve taken his organs,” Professor Jones said.

    “But they didn’t because of an ongoing legal issue, and because they didn’t, they later found out that he wasn’t dead.”

    More and more clinicians are now expressing concern about brain stem testing, according to Professor Jones.

    “If the test is a matter of life and death, and if death means you can take organs, you want certainty. I think some of that certainty has been taken away by this case,” he told Sky News.

    “Rather than people who were skeptics being a minority, I think there are a lot more people who have become skeptical of the test, at least in relation to children.”

    The baby began breathing two weeks after he was declared brain dead
    Image:The baby began breathing two weeks after he was declared brain-dead

    The interim safety alert sent to NHSBT staff calls for “extra caution in any infant when diagnosing death using neurological criteria – paying particular attention to pre-conditions and red flags”.

    An NHSBT spokesperson said: “There are strict criteria in place in the UK to provide safe, timely, and consistent criteria for the diagnosis of death, provided by the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges.

    “As medicine advances, new treatments and clinical practice mean that protocols must be updated accordingly, and any new learnings shared. Clinicians pay particularly close attention to any rare or unusual cases, to ensure that the highest standards for patient and donor care and safety continue to be upheld.”

    NHSBT refused to comment on whether a moratorium should be in place until the ARMC’s expert group review is published.

    Professor Jones said: “I think that if there isn’t a moratorium then at the very least all parents ought to be informed that this has happened and that this is a risk.

    “But in the meantime, I think that it shouldn’t be used on young children.”

    Parental consent in such cases is not straightforward.

    In June, the High Court ruled against the parents of 12-year-old Archie Battersbee after Barts Health NHS Trust took them to court to brain stem test him on the recommendation of doctors who said he was brain-dead.

    After a legal battle lasting weeks, Archie’s life support machine was switched off and he died on 6 August.

  • 80-year-old man gets life in prison for killing his lover and her son more than 45 years ago

    Police are now urging William MacDowell to tell them what he did with the bodies of Renee and Andrew MacRae after they disappeared in 1976.

    A married man who murdered his lover and her young son more than 45 years ago will likely die behind bars.

    William MacDowell, 80, was sentenced to life in prison with a recommendation that he serves a minimum of 30 years for killing Renee and Andrew MacRae in November 1976.

    MacDowell, of Penrith, Cumbria, killed the mother and son at a layby near Dalmagarry on the A9, about 12 miles south of Inverness.

    Mrs MacRae’s BMW car was discovered on fire in the layby but the bodies have never been found.

    This is despite a huge police investigation after the disappearances and further investigations in 1986, 2004, and 2018.

    The double disappearance was one of the longest unsolved murder cases in Scottish criminal history.

    Officers are now urging MacDowell to disclose what he did with Mrs MacRae and her son so they can be “provided with the dignity they deserve”.

    William MacDowell has been sentenced to life in prison for the murders more than 45 years ago
    Image:William MacDowell has been sentenced to life in prison for the murders more than 45 years ago

    Murderer ‘wanted to hide affair’

    MacDowell, who was married while having a relationship with Mrs MacRae, who was separated from her husband, had been trying to keep their four-year affair secret.

    Alex Prentice KC said during the trial that MacDowell was the only man with a motive for killing the pair, as his concern grew that news of his affair would be revealed and what that would mean for his finances and lifestyle.

    “Life for Bill MacDowell would change dramatically if it all came out in the open. He would lose his job, his family, and his home,” Mr Prentice said.

    MacDowell, who was brought into court each day in a wheelchair by his wife Rosemary, claimed the murders were committed by Mrs MacRae’s estranged husband Gordon MacRae and others unknown.

    William MacDowell and Renee MacRae are pictured together in an undated photo
    Image:William MacDowell and Renee MacRae are pictured together in an undated photo

    Murders were carried out in ‘most calculated way’

    Mrs MacRae’s sister, Morag Steventon, said after the conviction: “Almost 46 years on, the pain of losing Renee and Andrew in such a cruel and brutal fashion never fades.

    “Today there is finally justice for them. It’s a day we feared would never come.

    “They were both so precious to us and a day never passes without them both in our thoughts.”

    Passing sentence after MacDowell was found guilty of the murders at the High Court at Inverness, judge Lord Armstrong told him: “These murders appear to have been premeditated, planned, and carried out in the most calculated way – not a spontaneous event or spur of the moment.”

    He added: “These appear, in effect, to have been executions.

    “You murdered your victims and then disposed of their bodies and personal effects, including the boy’s pushchair.”

    Mrs MacRae's burnt out BMW was found at the time of the disappearances
    Image:Mrs MacRae’s burnt out BMW was found at the time of the disappearances

    Police ‘sympathise with the frustrations of those who wanted the case solved sooner

    MacDowell was also found guilty of attempting to defeat the ends of justice by disposing of the bodies and personal effects.

    Operation Abermule, the latest investigation into the murders, was set up to find the killer and to discover the resting place of the pair’s bodies almost 46 years after they were killed.

    So far, it has only achieved one of its aims – the conviction of MacDowell following his arrest in 2019.

    It has involved more than 1,500 witnesses, many of them either deceased or no longer able to give evidence in court.

    “There is no doubt that the team that we had from 2018 onwards uncovered evidence that hadn’t been focused on before,” said Detective Chief Inspector Brian Geddes, of Police Scotland.

    “We have certainly improved the known circumstances around Friday, November 12 and beyond.”

    The police officer said he could “sympathise with lots of frustrations why it’s taken so long” for a conviction.

    But he stressed: “We have now achieved what we set out to achieve in 2018.

    “And that’s in no small measure to what was carried out in 1976, 1987, 2004 onwards. That all helped us get to this point.”

  • Germany: Explosion in a public restroom linked to deodorant spray

    Tuesday night, an explosion shook a building in the eastern city of Halle and caused evacuations. According to the police, three people were hospitalized with serious injuries.

    According to authorities, burning deodorant spray bottles may have caused an explosion in a public lavatory in Halle, in eastern Germany.

    After police found several bottles of deodorant spray at the scene, a spokesperson said: “There is a suspicion that these are tied to the incident.”

    Specialists from the city of Magdeburg were on the ground Wednesday to assist Halle police in the investigation.

    The explosion seriously injured three people late Tuesday: two girls aged 12 and 13 and a woman aged 51.

    Witness to Halle explosion: ‘The walls were really shaking’

    The area immediately surrounding the restrooms in Halle’s late-Renaissance Market Palace, a patrician home in the historic city center, was rocked by the blast, which occurred at about 6 p.m local time.

    A woman employed at a nail salon next door reported hearing a loud explosion, saying: “The walls were really shaking.”

    The sight of the building’s rear exterior wall gives evidence of the power of the explosion. The roof above it was torn off its anchors and the wall itself was cleaved away from the rest of the building, though remains standing.

    Following the blast, police evacuated buildings within a 100-meter (330-foot) radius, halted all traffic, and searched the area for gas leaks.

    After firefighters, emergency services, and police finished their work, they lifted the evacuation, and traffic was allowed to resume.

    Halle police: ‘A tragic accident’

    In the end, police characterized the incident as “a tragic accident.”

    Damage from the Halle explosion on the rear facade of the building

    Damage from the explosion caused extensive damage to the rear facade of the building

    On Wednesday, businesses near the scene also resumed normal operations. The public restrooms, however, remain closed.

    No financial estimate was given for the damage.

    Nor was further information given on the state of the three individuals who were hospitalized.

  • Japanese, Chinese leaders emphasise importance of relations

    To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Chinese President Xi Jinping had a phone conversation. Relations between the two nations have historically been tense.

    Both nations have strong trading connections.

    China and Japan’s respective presidents emphasized the need to move relations in a constructive direction on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of established diplomatic relations between the two countries.

    Chinese President Xi Jinping and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida spoke on the phone on Thursday.

    Xi told Kishida that he attached “great importance” to the development of China-Japan ties and that he was willing to expand the relationship, reported China’s state channel CCTV.

    “Japan and China share a great responsibility to achieve peace and prosperity in the region and world. In view of the next 50 years … I hope to work with you to build constructive and stable Japan-China relations” Kishida told Xi.

    There was no formal event to celebrate the occasion. However, messages from both leaders were read out at an event in Tokyo backed by the government and the Chinese embassy.

    What have China-Japan ties been like?

    China and Japan have had strained relations due to multiple issues, including disputed islands and regional influence.

    Japan is concerned by Chinese activity around the disputed Tokyo-controlled Senkaku Islands, which Beijing claims and calls the Diaoyus.

    After US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan, Beijing launched missiles near Taiwan into Japan’s exclusive economic zone, heightening tensions.

    The war in Ukraine also has Japan and China on opposing sides.

    However, the world’s second and third largest economies are key trade partners. China is Japan’s largest trading partner and Japan is China’s second-largest partner, after the United States.

    “I believe what we decided 50 years ago is that Japan and China do not fight and that we cooperate with each other to build relations of peace and stability,” former Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda said at the Tokyo event with 850 business executives and politicians.

    “We need to recollect the ties that were agreed upon 50 years ago and pour our full energy into maintaining those relations for another 50, 100 years. There just can be no other way,” he said.

  • After Hurricane Ian: Joe Biden to visit Florida

    Following one of the “deadliest” hurricanes to ever hit Florida, the US president has plans to travel there. As the storm travels north, further warnings have been issued.

    In the wake of Hurricane Ian, US President Joe Biden announced on Thursday that he is arranging a trip to Florida.

    “When the conditions allow it, I’m going to be going to Florida,” the president said.

    Biden was speaking at FEMA emergency management headquarters in Washington, which has been organizing the federal response to the disaster that has laid waste to swathes of the southern peninsula state.

    “This could be the deadliest hurricane in Florida history,” he said, adding that “The numbers… are still unclear, but we’re hearing reports of what may be a substantial loss of life.”

    At least six deaths have been reported, but this number is expected to climb as rescue workers spread across the affected areas.

    More than 2.5 million homes and businesses had been left without power by Thursday.

    The National Hurricane Centre (NHC) issued a hurricane warning for the coastline of South Carolina, as Ian headed further north with maximum sustained winds of 70 mph (110 km/h).

    Damaged homes and debris are shown in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian

    Hurricane Ian has left vast amounts of damage and destruction in its wake

  • All women have the right to abortion, the highest court in India has ruled

    In India, women are permitted to have abortions up until the 24th week of their pregnancies.

    India’s Supreme Court on Thursday removed restrictions on people who seek to terminate pregnancies outside of marriage.

    “The decision to have or not to have an abortion is borne out of complicated life circumstances, which only the woman can choose on her own terms without external interference or influence,” the court ruling said.

    The top court asserted that women should have the “reproductive autonomy” to seek abortions without consulting a third party.

    Thursday’s decision was an extension of a ruling in a case in which an unmarried woman in a consensual relationship complained that she was denied an abortion.

    The 25-year-old plaintiff was past 20 weeks in her pregnancy. The Supreme Court allowed her to terminate the pregnancy up to her 24th week.

    Abortion in India 

    Since 1971, India’s Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act had limited abortion rights to married women, divorcees, widows, minors, “disabled and mentally ill women,” and survivors of sexual assault or rape.

    Spousal rape had not been considered legal grounds for termination until Thursday’s ruling.

    According to a 2017 study by the Ipas Development Foundation, about 6.4 million abortions are carried out annually in India.

    Over half of this number is believed to be unsafe abortions as poverty forces women to resort to illicit back-street operators or self-medication.

  • German inflation in September reaches a record 10%

    In September, the inflation rate in Germany reached a new high of 10%. The announcement follows economic forecasts that the GDP will contract in 2019.

    High energy and food prices pushed inflation in Germany to 10% in September. In August, the figure was 7.9%.

    Rising energy costs, which have skyrocketed since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, were fueling inflation.

    According to the federal statistical office, Destatis, energy prices were 43.9% higher in September 2022 this year than in the same month last year.

    Destatis said the end of a fuel subsidy and the €9 public transport ticket “presumably had an impact on the inflation rate in September.”

    German Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced on Thursday plans for an energy relief package worth €150-200 billion ($145-194 billion).

    “The German government will do everything so that prices sink,” Scholz said in a press conference.

    Germany expected to enter a recession

    The inflation announcement follows a forecast by a leading group of think tanks earlier on Thursday that painted a bleak picture for Germany’s future economic prospects.

    According to the think tanks’ projections, the crisis in the gas markets, spiraling energy prices, and a massive drop in purchasing power would push the German economy into recession.

    The high cost of energy was the leading factor “driving Germany toward recession,” said Torsten Schmidt, head of economic research at the RWI think tank.

    Schmidt told a media briefing that Europe’s largest economy would shrink over the second half of 2022.

    Incomplete recovery from the global pandemic was among the factors contributing to Germany’s economic future.

    Munich’s ifo Institute said in a statement earlier on Thursday that inflation would likely average at 8.8% in the coming year.

    Inflation is expected to settle down in 2024 — “to be only slightly above the ECB’s target rate of 2%.”

    German GDP is also expected to shrink by 0.4% in 2023, down from April’s estimate of 3.1% growth, before rebounding back to a state of growth in 2024.

    The forecasts came Thursday as part of the so-called Joint Economic Forecast, which is prepared twice a year by the Ifo Institute in Munich, the Kiel Institute for the World Economy, the Halle Institute for Economic Research (IWH), and the RWI — Leibniz Institute for Economic Research.

    Germany is not alone in the economic challenges it is facing. According to the joint statement, the global economy is in a downturn, with Russia’s war against Ukraine and subsequent Western sanctions against Moscow fueling the level of inflation for energy commodities.

    The high levels of inflation have prompted the US Federal Reserve, along with many other central banks, to tighten monetary policy.

    The joint report also pointed to China’s zero-COVID strategy, which prohibits economic activity during periods of lockdown, and a bubbling real estate crisis as having impacts on the economy.

     

     

  • Mexico: The most dangerous country in the world for environmental advocates

    According to a report released on Wednesday by the advocacy group Global Witness, Latin America saw the highest number of environmentalist deaths worldwide in 2017.

    Up to 200 environmentalists were killed worldwide in 2021, with 75 percent of the deaths taking place in Latin America. The entire number was 227 in 2020.

    Mexico had the most deaths at 54 and jumped from its number of 30 reported in 2020. Colombia and Brazil came next, with 33 and 26 cases respectively.

    Mexico, Brazil, Nicaragua, and Peru together accounted for over half the total deaths. Indigenous people were the recipients of more than 40% of the attacks, said the report.

    In Mexico, officials believe local authorities are implicated in about 40% of the killings based on preliminary investigations.

    Land conflicts biggest cause

    “These lethal attacks continue to take place in the context of a wider range of threats against defenders who are being targeted by the government, business and other non-state actors with violence, intimidation, smear campaigns, and criminalization,” the organization said in its report.

    “This figure is likely to be higher as the reasons behind attacks on land and environmental defenders are often not properly investigated nor reported,” it added.

    Global Witness said land conflicts such as resource exploitation, logging, mining, and large-scale agriculture were behind many attacks.

    Killings related to mining and extraction activities were highest with 27 cases. Mexico, the Philippines, and Venezuela had 14, 6, and 4 cases respectively.

  • ‘The worst storm surge I’ve ever seen’ – Hurricane Ian devastates Fort Myers

    Less than 24 hours after the hurricane made landfall, I’m standing with Pastor James Macon from the city’s River Church, assessing the devastation. Fort Myers was directly in the line of the hurricane.

    Boats are piled on top of one another at the marina, pieces of the floating harbour have been forced inland, and the area is covered with muck and trash.

    “I’ve never seen anything like this in all my years in Florida. I’ve been here since 1982 and I’m lost for word right now,” he tells me.

    “This is, wow.”

    Pastor James says he’s been driving around looking for people in need of help and he’s particularly worried about homeless people who might have been out last night.

    But while he’s aware that much of the damage here in the marina is likely to impact a different end of society, he says everyone needs help.

    “This neighbourhood, of course, they’re pretty well off, but we’re here to help them out.”

    Lee county, the area that surrounds Fort Myers took the brunt of the storm surge.

    There’s been suggestions from the local sheriff, Carmine Marceno, that – in outlying island communities – particularly where they’re hard to access as a result of at least one destroyed bridge and a damaged causeway – the authorities fear they could yet find a significant loss of life.

    But so far, there’s been no official confirmation of that claim and, in a later interview, Mr Marceno was more cautious.

    “I don’t know the exact numbers, it’s very preliminary,” he told CNN.

    The hurricane quickly lost power as it barrelled into the gulf side of the Florida peninsular and though heavy rain continued to pose a risk of flooding, the wind speed quickly dropped.

    Fort Myers in particular though will be counting the cost for some time.

    Patrick Hallquist was at home when the hurricane struck and says he’s never seen anything this bad.

    Patrick Hallquist in St Myers, Florida

    “I’ve been in quite a few hurricanes and this is the worst storm surge I’ve ever seen”, he tells me.

    “It was a little bit anxiety-ridden,” he adds.

    Despite the devastation, many here feel they’ve had a lucky escape from a hurricane that fits a pattern of increasingly powerful storms, thought to be fuelled in part by man-made global warming.

    Pastor James says he’s so far seen no evidence of a large number of casualties.

    “I have a lot of friends around here, I’ve visited their houses and so far, so good,” he tells me.

    “By the grace of God, we did endure this thing.”

  • Zimbabwean author Tsitsi Dangarembga was convicted over placard protest

    A celebrated author from Zimbabwe, Tsitsi Dangarembga, was found guilty of inciting violence by toting a sign that demanded political reform.

    The magistrate argued that by encouraging others to join, the protest may have disturbed the peace.

    In exchange for avoiding a three-month jail sentence, Ms. Dangarembga consented to pay a fine of approximately $220 (£200).

    In a trial that critics claim is the most recent example of a government crackdown on dissent, she had entered a not guilty plea.

    This is despite the fact that President Emmerson Mnangagwa took power in 2017 with a promise to introduce reforms after the decades-long repressive rule of his predecessor, Robert Mugabe.

    Ms Dangarembga is one of Zimbabwe’s most famous authors. Her novel, This Mournable Body, was shortlisted for the Booker Prize, in 2020.

    She was convicted along with a friend Julie Barnes.

    The pair had walked along a road in the capital, Harare, two years ago, holding placards that called for political reform and the release of two government critics.

    The courtroom gasped and the two women stood motionless as the verdict was pronounced.

    “Guilty of inciting public violence and breaching the peace,” came the judgment.

    The magistrate said that as they protested on a public road and pictures were shared on social media, others could have been provoked to protest.

    The two have until Tuesday to pay the fine. If they re-offend within the next five years they will be jailed for six months.

  • Eastern Region: Six persons trapped in galamsey pit

    The six are still missing after becoming caught during the town’s Wednesday (September 28) torrential rainstorm.

    According to eyewitness accounts, at least six people are trapped in a galamsey hole in Twepiase near Kibi in the Abuakwa South Municipality of the Eastern Region.

    The six got trapped as a result of a heavy rainstorm that hit the town on Wednesday (28 September) and is yet to be retrieved.

    Unconfirmed reports say one of the alleged illegal miners was retrieved dead and deposited at the Kyebi government hospital morgue by a joint rescue team of police and residents.

    The police have been at the scene Wednesday to assess the situation. The police are yet to comment on the situation.

    Although Ghana requires permits to mine on a small scale, it is estimated that about 70% of small-scale miners are unregistered and operate illegally.

    They are known locally as galamsey, meaning to “gather and sell”. While illegal mining supports livelihoods, it has caused severe damage to the environment, especially water bodies across the country.

  • SIM Card Re-Registration Case: 9 applicants withdraw lawsuit after  NIA disclosure

    All nine applicants for Ghana Cards had submitted applications, according to the NIA answer, however, none of the applicants picked up their printed cards from the locations where they were instructed to do so.

    Nine Ghanaian persons who filed a lawsuit seeking an interlocutory injunction to stop the Attorney General (AG) and the National Communication Authority (NCA) from enforcing the 30 September 2022 deadline for SIM Card re-registration in Ghana have withdrawn their case.

    The application was premised on the argument that they had applied for their Ghana cards at varying dates but were yet to receive the same. To that end, should the Court allow the State and the NCA to go ahead with the re-registration deadline, they risked losing their SIM cards through no fault of theirs.

    NCA request letter

    Their decision to discontinue the case followed the response of the National Identification Authority (NIA) to a search letter written to the NIA by the lawyer for the NCA, Gary Nimako Marfo, requesting the NIA to furnish the NCA with detailed information on the status of the Ghana Card application of all the nine applicants.

    The NIA response to the NCA dated 28 September 2022 and signed by the Executive Director of the NIA, Professor Kenneth Agyemang Attafuah, and copied to the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame, revealed that all the nine applicants had indeed applied for their Ghana Cards, but all had however failed to pick up their cards which had been printed from the locations they had been asked to do so.

    Page one of the NIA response to the NCA

    NCA deposition

    Following the NIA’s response to the letter of the NCA lawyer, an affidavit deposed to by one Kofi Ntim Yeboah-Kordieh, Principal Manager at the Regulatory Administration Division of the NCA, among others, is quoted as saying, “From the response given in Exhibit NCA 2 (NIA’s response), it is clear that the substantive action including the present application for an injunction is frivolous, bereft of merit and same is merely intended to vex the Respondents”.

    “That again, it is clear that the Applicants have been indolent and have not taken any positive steps to collect their Ghana Cards from National Identification Authority. That this is a proper case where this Honourable Court ought to dismiss this application with punitive cost,” Mr Yeboah-Kordieh stated in his deposition.

    Applicants’ reliefs sought 

    The applicants; Belynda Naa Odey Hammond, Jennifer Elorm Dzikunu, Charisty Mansah Afua N. Ackotia, Nsor Sabasi, Josephine Annor Prempeh, Vida Delacy Kemevor, Regina Elkplim Dagadu, Irene Ayariga, and Tracy Ashong, today 29 September 2022, told an Accra High Court (General Jurisdiction 10) that they do not intend to proceed any further with the case.

    Page two of the NIA response to the NCA

    The applicants were seeking seven reliefs in their application filed on 22 September 2022. First, a declaration that the impugned directive of the Respondents requiring the Applicants to re-register their Mobile Phone SIM with the Ghana Card as the only identity document at a time when the National Identification Authority has not been able to issue Ghana Cards to Applicants is in breach of articles 21, 23 and 296 of the 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana, the National Communications Authority Act 2008 (Act 769), the Subscriber Identity Module Registration Regulation, 2011 (L.I 2006), and the National Identity Register Regulation, 2012 (L.I 2111) and to that extent, null and void.

    Second, a declaration that the impugned directives of the Respondents imposing punitive measures/sanctions commencing from the 5th day of September 2022 on the use of the Applicants’ Mobile Phone SIM Cards and Network Services breach articles 21, 23, and 296 of the 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana, the National Communications Authority Act 2008 (Act 769), the Subscriber Identity Module Registration Regulation, 2011(L.I 2006), and the National Identity Register Regulation, 2012 (L.I 2111) and to that extent, are null and void.

     

     

    Third, a declaration that the impugned directives of the Respondents to Applicants’ Mobile Telecommunication Companies to block, disconnect, deactivate, churn and/or in any other way or manner limit the use of the Applicants’ Mobile Phone SIM Cards and Network Services by 30th September 2022, at a time when there is no reasonable possibility of Applicants receiving their Ghana Cards from the National Identification Authority on or before 30th September 2022 for the purpose of using same to register their SIM Cards is unfair, unreasonable, contrary to law and to that extent, unenforceable.

    Page three of the NIA response to the NCA

    Fourth, an order of this Honourable Court in the nature of certiorari directed at Respondents to bring before this Honourable Court for the purpose of being quashed, any order, decision, policy, and/or directive issued to Mobile Telecommunication Companies operating in Ghana to block, disconnect, deactivate, restrict, and/or in any other way or manner limit the use of the Applicants’ Mobile Phone SIM Cards and Network Services unless Applicants register or re-register the said SIM Cards on or before 30th September 2022.

    Fifth, an order of this Honourable Court in the nature of certiorari directed at Respondents to bring before this Honourable Court for the purpose of being quashed any order, decision, policy, and/or directive issued to Mobile Telecommunication Companies operating in Ghana to impose punitive measures/sanctions against Applicants’ Mobile Phone SIM Cards and Network Services during the period commencing from the 5th day of September 2022.

     

     

    Sixth, an order of perpetual injunction restraining the Respondents herein, either acting by themselves, their agents, workmen, contractors and sub-contractors, associates, and any and all such person(S) claiming and/or deriving authority through and/or under any and/or all of the Respondents herein from imposing punitive measures/sanctions including blocking, deactivating, restricting, churning and/or in any other way or manner limiting the Applicants’ use of their Mobile Phone SIM Cards and Network Services until such time that the National Identification Authority shall make available to Applicants their Ghana Cards, and lastly, any such further or other relief(s) as to this Honourable Court may seem just.

    Following the decision to discontinue, the Court did not sit on the matter at all.

  • Alban Bagbin presents the Wa Regional Hospital with a citizen-funded ambulance

    The Wa Regional Hospital has received a completely furnished ambulance that was sponsored by the Upper West Region residents and presented by the speaker of parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Bagbin.

    Even though the speaker gave the elephant side contributions, he thanked all participants who thought the initiative was excellent and urged them to keep up the fight for the region’s speedy development, which has been regarded as one of Ghana’s poorest regions.

    Presenting the ambulance, Rt. Hon. Sumana said the donation was a demonstration of the power and impact of commitment and community involvement in improving living conditions, and in achieving what once was thought of as a distant possibility

    “…Today’s event is a manifestation of what we can do as individuals and as members of the community to improve upon our livelihoods”, he said.

    Rt. Hon Sumana Bagbin said the provision of this ambulance goes to augment the existing health delivery systems within the community.

    He added that even though the ambulance alone cannot meet all the pre-hospital healthcare needs of the community, it responds to a very critical need.

    He continued that “We must ensure that measures are implemented to integrate the ambulance services into the community healthcare processes…I also recommend to managers of the ambulance service to ensure the judicious use of the ambulance.

    The Speaker entreated the hospital to maintain the ambulance while he proposed that there should be a policy or guidelines for the use of the ambulance, and adequate training of personnel to operate the ambulance to ensure quality standards and improvement.

    He further added that fortunately, there exist several known state and private institutions to provide the hospital with the needed guidance, the National Ambulance Service, the Wa Teaching Hospital, and the private ambulance services are about a few of these institutions that, with good collaboration, could offer significant benefits for managing the ambulance.

  • ASCVD hike in Ghana; collective efforts needed to tackle dyslipidemia

    Global statistics on Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) infection continue to dominate discussions on public health.

    Today nearly 41 million people around the world [i] die from NCDs (conditions that are not mainly caused by an acute infection but result in long-term health consequences and often create a need for long-term treatment and care.)

    The study also indicates that three-quarters of these deaths are to a large extent, endemic in low and middle-income countries. It is in light of this that the United Nations (UN) initiated plans to reduce NCD by 25% by 2025 to assuage the impact. [ii]

    In Ghana, NCDs like Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs), cancer, diabetes, Arthritis, etc, are significant contributors to Ghana’s disease burden. In Ghana, CVDs are responsible for 18,000 deaths annually[iii].

    Even more alarming yet with very little attention, is the upsurge of dyslipidemia; a chronic risk factor of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease (ASCVD), caused by abnormal cholesterol or lipids in the blood.

    Increased levels of bad cholesterol (LDL-C), lead to them becoming deposited in the walls of blood vessels where they can slowly begin to block blood flow through the arteries to the vital organs such as the heart and brain. If this happens, one is said to have ASCVD. [iv] Dyslipidemia (high levels of lipids) does not show symptoms.

    Such that more people are dying silently, leaving many households socio-economically affected by the high cost of healthcare treatment, loss of breadwinners, and daily livelihood.

    A recently held summit organized by Novartis had health professionals highlighting the need for a comprehensive approach to tackle dyslipidemia in Ghana. Specialists at the meeting warned that the total rate of NCDs is set to topple other diseases as the leading cause of mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa by 2030.

    Dr. Philip Amoo, a Public Health Physician Specialist, indicated that apart from its health risks, ASCVD impacts families emotionally and financially, affecting economic productivity.

    “75% of all human deaths annually are linked to Non-Communicable Diseases of which cardiovascular disease remains a major contributor. Other than the economic burdens on families, productivity at work is halted leading to loss of manhours.”

    The experts further advised that people who check their cholesterol levels can lower the risk of developing ASCVD and ultimately strokes and heart attacks by knowing their lipid level and taking steps to control it if elevated.

    Novartis Ghana is engaging stakeholders in the cardiovascular health community to chart a way forward for CVD screening, monitoring, and treatment in Ghana.

    The focus of Novartis is to motivate key players to act to secure better health outcomes for people living with ASCVD, including redefining how stakeholders in the health sector can work together to reverse the devastating health and financial consequences of this silent but deadly disease.

    A major fallout from the panel discussion focused on how stakeholders, including the public sector, can leverage strategies to drive treatment access by increasing advocacy to target patients suffering from dyslipidemia.

    Data collection, health system strengthening, and awareness programs are ways to curb the toll the condition has on the country’s economic growth.

    A panelist at the summit, Dr. Abdul-Samed Tanko, a Cardiologist, stressed that advocacy is necessary to achieve this. “The country is not experiencing a type of Dyslipidemia whose risk factor is genetically induced largely because not much-targeted screening is being done. If that is resolved, we can get more data to feed into a registry localized for health interventions to cover all these groups.”

    Patients like Patience Binim, an educationist, have joined calls for strengthened efforts towards how ASCVD is approached, and patients supported. “There should be more organizations educating patients on prevention and advocacy, going to communities, and targeting people. I have heard the name (Dyslipidemia) but I didn’t know much about it until the doctors told me”.

    Collaborative partnerships are important to lessen the burden of ASCVD. It is why stakeholders like Novartis and other leading agencies are investing in solutions that reduce morbidity, and mortality by advocating for solutions to drive innovative access to treatments.

    The Global Health company aspires to be the partner of choice for governments and NGOs to strengthen healthcare systems across Africa.

    “We are deeply committed to improving access to health care and medicines for patients not only in West Africa but across SSA. Already, our ongoing collaborative efforts with like-minded organizations have seen us delivering on our ambitions which we hope will bring real impact to a significant number of patients.”

    This, the Country Head Mr. Philip Tagboto says, has led to discussions with key experts.

    This is just one example of how Novartis is working with thought leaders, medical societies, health authorities, and NGOs across SSA to highlight the urgency and address this silent killer. The time for action is now and committed multi-sectoral collaboration on awareness, screenings, and treatment is key.

  • Debt Restructuring: Government faced with difficult decisions – IMANI

    IMANI-Africa says that the government must make difficult decisions on the impending restructuring of its public debt.

    Leadership, in the opinion of the policy think tank, would be essential in fostering confidence along this route.

    “Like all burdens, this one too will become lighter if it is shared collectively by those it affects, the people of Ghana. No time is better than now for the government to show its mettle in dispelling mounting skepticism and cynicism about its commitment and capability to get the debt crisis response right.

    “Failure will have consequences too dire to contemplate,” IMANI said in its preliminary findings from an analysis of a potential sovereign debt restructuring in Ghana.

    Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has indicated the government is poised to tie down an IMF-supported arrangement before November ahead of the 2023 budget.

    Mr Ofori Atta told reporters in the capital, Accra, on Wednesday that the 2023 budget will be presented in November, leaving the government with less than two months to wrap up an agreement with the Washington-based lender.

    “We simply have not reached any agreement with the Fund on the parameters of any debt operations as we are in the process of completing the debt-sustainability analysis,” he noted.

    Ghana will start to engage with local and foreign investors to help fast-track negotiations with the IMF for as much as $3 billion to support its economic program.

    The government will announce the names of five members of a committee put together to lead talks for national consensus building in the coming days, the minister said.

    Meanwhile, the government is racing against time as key aspects of the IMF program are billed to reflect in next year’s budget.

  • Mahama’s aide challenges K.T. Hammond over his “insults” to youth

    Kobina Tahir Hammond, a member of parliament for Adansi Asokwa, has been called to awaken to the dawn of a new era for the youth by Joyce Bawah Mogtari, an aide to former president John Dramani Mahama.

    Her remarks follow the MP’s viral video, in which he is seen engaging with media and criticising young people for booing President Akufo-Addo over the weekend at the Global Citizen Festival.

    In a Twitter post on September 28, the aide said the youth were now more at the center stage of affairs and had a huge voice – a deviation from the past status quo of silence.

    She mentioned that as a result, they have become influential and cannot be overlooked by the world all over.

    “Hon K.T Hammond should please wake up and smell the roses! All over the World, young people have taken center stage! They have a huge voice, are a huge constituency and should not be overlooked or described in such disparaging terms,” Bawah Mogtari tweeted.

    What K. T Hammond said

    In an interview with journalists earlier this week, the legislator expressed his disgust at the booing of President Akufo-Addo while arguing that it was not right for the youth to disrespect the president and by extension elders in the society, especially for political reasons.

    He urged the youth to at all times remain humble and accord the necessary respect to people who are advanced in age.

    K. T Hammond added that the platform on which the president spoke was not a political one to warrant the reaction he had from some patrons of the event.

    “We don’t live in a country and do that. Let’s be humble. Whatever we do, the president is the executive head of this country. When he came, he didn’t say anything. It wasn’t even a political platform,” he stated.

  • He knew the consequences would come – Kwamena Duncan to Akufo-Addo

    President of the Republic Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo ‘prophesied’ the economic woes that have befallen Ghanaians, according to former Central Regional Minister Kwamena Duncan.

    Kwamena Duncan claims that the President made steps to save lives during the Coronavirus outbreak while well aware that the nation would eventually confront these crises.

    He stated that the President made a hard choice when the deadly viral disease swept the country.

    “It is by his efforts that we all have lived today to go up and down, that today it’s impossible that thousands and thousands of our Ghanaian youth could gather at the Independence Square. He chose to protect, to save lives. That’s what the President did; so he must continue to hold his head high . . . If you save lives, it will be at the expense of some other thing. Akufo-Addo was prophetic when he made the hard choice and which was the best choice. So, he knew the consequences would come,” he said.

    But the former Minister was however confident that the President will not let down the citizenry.

    He assured Ghanaians that the President and his government is set on the right course to salvage the economy, therefore called on them to rally behind the Akufo-Addo administration.

    “This country, we need to stay together. What has happened now is a major hurdle but I trust the leadership, we will go over this hurdle and we get back on course,” he stated.

    Kwamena Duncan made these submissions on Peace FM’s “Kokrokoo” morning show while discussing the Government of Ghana’s resort to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a bailout.

  • Government’s sheer inability and total unpreparedness to enforce laws cause of galamsey – OccupyGhana

    According to the pressure group OccupyGhana (OG), the government’s incapacity, complete unpreparedness, or open reluctance to execute the law is the cause of the growing problem in galamsey.

    The group claimed it is perplexed and surprised by the government’s complete helplessness in the face of the willful devastation of the nation’s lands and water supplies.

    According to the group, every law and every government agency required to regulate the mining industry exists.

    In an open letter to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on the galamsey menace, OG emphasised that every district, municipality, and metropolis in which galamsey takes place has a fully-paid Chief Executive supported by an Authority and Assembly. There are also chiefs in all of those towns and villages where the plunder happens.

    These people, OG says, cannot feign ignorance and pretend to be innocent in this matter.

    “What is going on defies reason and only gives support and credence to the popular rumour or belief that the very persons who should be fighting this crime are rather those involved in and benefitting from it,” the letter said.

    For their part, OG noted that they will remind the President every Monday of his promise to fight galamsey until they see a firm action to stamp this crime out.

    They have also threatened to go to court to compel the government to sit up and do its job.

  • ‘It must be paid promptly,we’re entitled to it’ – Judges and Magistrates decry delay in payment of allowances

    The prompt payment of allowances due to union members is demanded by the Association of Magistrates and Judges of Ghana.

    The association laments that, despite the rise in petroleum product prices, Judges and Magistrates just recently received their fuel allowances for the first quarter of the year.

    President of the Association of Magistrates and Judges, Henry Kwofie complained about the delay in the payment of their allowances at the 2022 Annual General Meeting (AGM).

    “Fuel allowance for the first quarter of this year was released only last week to the Judicial Service. Allowances are part of our remuneration – we are entitled to it and it must be paid promptly, especially taking into consideration the recent increases in prices of petroleum products.  We wish that the authorities take this matter very seriously”, he lamented.

    The AGM affords members of the Magistrates and Judges the opportunity to deliberate on activities within the year and strategize for the new legal year in terms of justice delivery.

    Chief Justice, Kwasi Anin-Yeboah urged judges and magistrates not to be influenced by public criticisms in discharging their duty.

    “Yours is to dispense justice and to uphold the rule of law irrespective of public clamour,” the Chief Justice said.

    The judiciary has come under criticism in recent times, with President Akufo-Addo describing it as unwarranted attacks which must be condemned.

    Justice Anin-Yeboah also said criticism of the judiciary must be constructive.

  • Bawumia: Ghana’s energy transition will take decades

    Vice president, Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia,  has acknowledged that it will take some time for Ghanaians to accept the Cylinder Recirculation Model.

    According to Dr. Bawumia, everyone needs time to come to terms with leaving the current condition of cylinder recirculation.

    Under the Cylinder Recirculation Model, no consumer will own a gas cylinder, but goes for a filled one at the certified points and leaves an empty one for refilling.

    The Vice President was speaking at the official opening of the 5th Edition of the Ghana International Petroleum Conference.

    “Let me add that Ghana has set a target of 2070 to fully transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy. So, even though as a government, we are fully committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2070, we also have to take steps to accelerate the production and utilization of our oil and gas reserves”, Dr. Bawumia added.

  • Budget agreement with the IMF before 2023 is feasible – Richmond Atuahene

    The government could be successful in including significant provisions of its agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in the budget statement for 2023, according to economist and banking expert Richmond Atuahene.

    He says, if the government puts in enough effort and is timely in its public negotiations, it will be possible to conclude negotiations before the budget is presented in November 2022 as said by the Finance Minister.

    The formal negotiations for a Fund-supported programme have begun, with the IMF team currently meeting government officials for a period of ten days.

    Talks have begun on a comprehensive debt sustainability analysis with the IMF for a US$3 billion support programme.

    “If we can get the whole program together, it will be possible. Normally, it takes an average of about six months to get these things sorthe ted out. So if government gets serious and is able to get the public consultations, it will be able to get it done before the November budget he [Finance Minister] is talking about”, he said.

    Minority spokesperson on Finance, Cassiel Ato Forson, has however cast doubts on the government’s intent to secure a deal with the IMF before the 2023 budget is prepared.

    “I doubt in the next six weeks we are going to have a programme. That will be a magic of a lifetime,” he said on Eyewitness News.

    In his view, any deal before the 2023 budget will not be in Ghana’s interests.

    The government says it is committed to ensuring that a comprehensive package is negotiated with the International Monetary Fund with the aim of restoring and sustaining macroeconomic stability, ensuring durable and inclusive growth, and promoting social protection.

  • We’ll investigate accusations against salt mining company in Ketu South – Regional Minister

    The regional minister for the Volta region, Dr. Archibald Letsa,  has guaranteed that the allegations made against the Seven Sees salt mining company in the region will be thoroughly looked into.

    This comes after a demonstration by locals who demand the corporation be shut down because they believe it is to blame for the deaths of four people.

    The company has however denied these allegations and blamed the death of the four on the activities of the residents.

    Speaking to Citi News after a meeting by Volta Regional Security Council, the Chairman, Dr. Archibald Letsa called for calm amongst the residents.

    “In the next couple of days, we should be able to get to the bottom of this issue and see if the company has concessions that extend to where the incident happened or not. This will be on record and if they do not have the concession there, we will advise ourselves on what to do. There will be sanctions, but now we do not know the facts, so we will advise all to calm down and allow the authorities to do their work.”

    The residents on Tuesday took to the streets of Denu and Tokor in the Ketu South Municipality to express their grievances, as they noted that, the operations of the company have not been beneficial to them, but rather caused lives to be lost.

    The company has been under fire since a mother and her three children, drowned on September 17, after they fell into a pit that the residents say was dug by the mining company.

  • IMF agreement before the 2023 budget would be detrimental to Ghana, says Ato Forson

    The minority party’s spokesperson on finance, Cassiel Ato Forson, has questioned the government’s motivation to reach an agreement with the IMF prior to the preparation of the 2023 budget.

    “I doubt in the next six weeks we are going to have a programme. That will be a magic of a lifetime,” he said on Eyewitness News.

    In his view, any deal before the 2023 budget will not be in Ghana’s interest.

    “It will mean we are just going to be yes men and accept everything they say,” said Mr. Forson.

    The Director of Strategy and Business Operations at Dalex Finance, Joe Jackson, however, said he was willing to give the Finance Minister some benefit of the doubt.

    He added that the targets are aggressive, but both parties are operating with an awareness of the urgency of the situation.

    “Unless somebody shows me any reason that the team is not going to work day and night to achieve that target, I will be cautiously optimistic,” Mr. Jackson said.

    An IMF team is in Ghana until October 7 to continue discussions with the government on policies and reforms that could be supported by a lending arrangement.

    The Ministry of Finance and the Bank of Ghana have commenced a comprehensive debt sustainability analysis with the IMF for a $3 billion support programme.

    The meeting with the IMF comes amid concerns that Ghana is about to start talks with domestic bondholders on a restructuring of its local-currency debt.

  • Ghana must give priority to restructuring bilateral partner debt – Economist

    An economist, Dr. Adu Sarkodie, hopes the government will consider bilateral partners first when working on the country’s debt restructuring.

    “Left to me alone, I think the first people we should deal with are the bilateral loans because it is quite easy,” Dr. Sarkodie said on The Point of View on Citi TV.

    “They understand issues. That is why it was easy for us to get the HIPC [Highly Indebted Poor Country] relief because once you talk to them, these countries are likely to forgive our debt or give us a haircut or understand our situation.”

    He estimates that favourable negotiations with bilateral partners could see Ghana deal with 30 percent of its debt.

    Though Dr. Sarkodie said there could be mixed results, he believes the backing of the IMF gives Ghana an advantage.

    “As a whole, I think the government will be able [to restructure our debts], especially with the backing of the IMF.”

    Dr. Sarkodie stressed further that Ghana needed the buy-in of bilateral partners “other than that we are doomed.”

    An IMF team is in Ghana until October 7 to continue discussions with the government on policies and reforms that could be supported by a lending arrangement.

    The Ministry of Finance and the Bank of Ghana have commenced a comprehensive debt sustainability analysis with the IMF for a $3 billion support programme.

  • Elections in NDC constituencies: Charles Amoako-Brobbey submits his nomination

    Candidate for the National Democratic Constituency Tema East Constituency Treasurer position, Charles Amoako-Brobbey, has turned in his nomination papers to run in the next NDC Constituency elections.

    Freshers Charles Amoako-Brobbey offered to follow the roadmap and instructions provided by the party to achieve a peaceful and successful election. He also pledged to help implement programmes and policies that will advance the welfare of his constituents in a statement made shortly after the filing.

    “This marks the birth of a new dawn in my long-time ambition of serving the welfare and interest of my fellow constituents at a higher level. As a party member, I have faithfully served my party to the best of my individual ability and learned a lot of valuable lessons which I carry along into mainstream politics,” he said. “It’s my determination, most of all, to help promote monetary discipline and policies that will promote the general welfare of my fellow Tema East constituents,” he added.

    The NDC will hold its Constituency elections on October 22, 2022.

    This follows a successful branch election of party executives across all branches of the party some weeks ago.

    The party subsequently opened nominations for the Constituency elections on September 20, 2022, and closed the process on September 24, 2022.

    A member of Amoako-Brobbey’s team, Jonathan Darah Mandela, branch Secretary, also urged all NDC members in Tema East to take conscious notice of Mr Amoako-Brobbey’s industriousness as a private businessman, his generosity as a renowned philanthropist, especially to party members, and his commitment in keeping faith with the NDC both at the national level and at the Constituency level over the years.

    He said, “no matter where one’s allegiances lie, these are the most crucial things that any well-meaning party member should look out for in a leader, especially one who seeks to hold the sensitive office of a party Treasurer.”

    In a goodwill message, Mr. Amoako-Brobbey wished his fellow aspirants well in the upcoming contest.

    “I wish all aspirants the very best as we keenly contest each other in a healthy manner that will inure to our collective benefit,” he noted.

  • Agric minister: Sack him, he has run out of ideas – Kofi Akpaloo to Akufo-Addo

     Founder and leader of the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG)Percival Kofi Akpaloo, has expressed doubts about the leadership skills of Agriculture Minister Owusu Afriyie Akoto in charge of the nation’s flagship Planting for Food and Jobs program.

    He argued the sector minister has run out of ideas to add any progress to the development of the agricultural sector.

    “There was a major problem with the prices of the raw materials, especially maize and soybean. Maize, for instance, went up by 100%, and then wheat and soybean all went up,” he said.

    “Why must we import frozen chicken and maize while we can grow some in Ghana? President Akufo-Addo has to relieve him of his post, “Kofi Akpaloo exclusively told Accra-based Angel FM.

    He further revealed that the Minister for Agriculture had disobeyed the president’s directives to save the local poultry industry.

    President Akufo-Addo has often touted the progress of the planting for food and jobs programme, alluding to the feat it has achieved.

    This, he said, is a complete misapplication of the subsidies.

    He believes it would only be proper if the sector minister is relieved of his position.

  • Dr Amoako Baah says Akufo-Addo begged Ofori-Atta not to resign as Finance Minister

    Leading member of the ruling New Patriotic Party, Dr Amoako Baah, says  President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo begged Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, to reconsider a decision to resign from office.

    Dr Amoako Baah, speaking in an interview with Joy FM, noted that President Akufo-Addo is insisting on the finance minister keeping his job because they were relatives.

    “If the finance minister was not a relative of the president, he himself would have resigned. I hear he tried to resign actually; the president begged him not to. All because the president needs him. Whatever it is he was doing, he is the one who understood what he was doing. He was the one who made it work, and so the president needs him no matter what. This situation we are in is not like other times. This is a peculiar situation of family and friends,” he stated.

    There are calls for Mr Ofori-Atta to be relieved of his position, with some critics citing the current economic challenges facing the country.

    The decision by the government to enter an International Monetary Fund programme despite its earlier position against the IMF has also been cited by several critics of the finance minister.

    Dr Amoako Baah, in the interview, described Mr Ofori-Atta leading Ghana’s IMF negotiations as counterfeit logic.

    “How is it possible that the very person that is trumpeting the idea that we are not going to the IMF, we have the means to make it work, we don’t need to go to the IMF, we are a proud nation and all of that. Then we end up at the IMF and suddenly this same person is the one who has become the champion of dealing with the IMF. How is that possible?” he questioned.

    Dr Amoako Baah, who is a senior political science lecturer, called the minister’s integrity into question, saying, “This is what is called counterfeit logic; it has no integrity nor whatsoever.”

  • After the Kirani Ayat’s video theft charges, another charge hits Akufo-Addo’s camp

    Another musician, Fuse ODG, has issued a statement saying his legal team is in contact with the authority for using his video for the promotional video in question without his approval. While the mystery surrounding the Ghana Tourism Authority’s use of Kirani Ayat’s video without the musician’s consent has yet to be clarified.

    “As a company, we feel that the last few days have exposed an issue in Ghana that goes beyond the office of the President: The lack of respect and understanding of intellectual property.

    “We have sanctioned works in the past for government use, most notably, our 2018 record “Bra Fie” ft Damian Marley, which was used as the theme song for the Year of Return; which we launched via our TINA festival alongside the President,” parts of the statement issued on September 29, 2022, read.

    While sympathising with Kirani Ayat, Fuse ODG and his New Africa Nation in the press statement said the government has made mistakes “in this situation, but hopefully, they can simply hold their hand up and take corrective action to compensate accordingly.

    “Going forward, the solution must be to invest in more education around intellectual property. This is something the ministry can do both internally and for the creative sector as a whole. Ghana has always been an influential voice in music globally and a lot more can be done to support artists from an early stage.

    “In the meantime, our legal teams are in discussion with the ministry and their legal team in order to resolve this issue.”

    The last few days have exposed an issue in Ghana that goes beyond the Office of the President, Ghana ???????? …@ghanatourismGTA @NakufoAddo pic.twitter.com/PSBpah3g2i

    — Fuse ODG (@FuseODG) September 29, 2022

    Kirani Ayat fights Akufo-Addo, GTA

    Kirani Ayat in a tweet accused President Akufo-Addo of using excerpts of his music video ‘GUDA’ for a promotional ad.

    “The president of Ghana has used my video ‘GUDA’ in this ad to promote Ghana. I was actively reaching out to the Ministry of Tourism in 2018/19 to use this video to push tourism in the North and got NO reply, yet today it’s in an ad and no one reached out to me for permission,” he shared on September 28, 2022.

    The Ghana Tourism Authority in response said contrary to the claim by the musician, the footage was acquired legitimately through an agency and has been using it since 2019.

    “For the record, the footage in question was acquired legitimately from a bespoke creative agency as part of a project in 2019.

    “This video has thus been played severally locally and internationally without any issue. The content was used in accordance with the terms agreed with the agency and not as being alleged,” the GTA statement read.

    Agency responds

    The agency at the center of Kirani Ayat and the Ghana Tourism Authority, GTA, feud, Samsal, has denied ever granting permission to the Authority to use the promotional video it produced with some part of the musician’s video.

    In a September 28, 2022 statement, the agency explained that it entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with GTA to promote Digital Wrist Band – a wrist band that granted access to highly sought-after events slated for the Christmas season – to tourists and foreigners.

    Per the MoU, the agency said GTA was to give it the needed support in terms of finances and logistics in order to produce video content to market Ghana to the world in that regard.

    Consequently, Samsal said it put together a video reel (mood board) for the GTA that included parts of Ayat’s ‘GUDA’ video to demonstrate the vision it had for videos it intended to subsequently create for the campaign.

    It stated emphatically that it did grant GTA the permission to share the mood board whiles also categorically denying that the video put out by the Authority and president was not the very one it had created.

  • UTAG: Threatens strike action over conditions of service allowance

    In the event that the government does not reinstate their working conditions, the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has vowed to withdraw its service.

    Professor Solomon Nunoo, the president of UTAG, says that the government’s refusal to meet their needs, such as the Book and Research allowance, has a continuing impact on how they carry out their responsibilities.

    UTAG together with the Ghana Association of University Administrators (GAUA), Tertiary Education Workers Union of Ghana (TEWU–GH), and the Senior Staff Association of Universities of Ghana (SSA–UoG) at a press conference said;

    “This continued delay is causing unnecessary apprehension on the various campuses.

    “The employer should remember that we are in the new academic year, for which reason continuous delay in the payment is unacceptable.”

    They said the failure of the government to address this issue will compel them to withdraw their services.

    “We wish to state that the Ministry of Finance, through GTEC, should ensure that the conditions subsequent to the support of staff welfare in extricating them from economic hostilities will not disadvantage them relative to the Conditions of Service of members of Labour Unions in Public Universities.

    “We are by this Press Conference registering our displeasure on the directive and requesting that under no circumstance should Vice–Chancellors, through their Finance Directors, implement such by applying the Gh¢10.99 ex–pump approved rate ONLY to Fuel Allowance without considering Vehicle Maintenance and Off–Campus Allowances.

    “Failure to address these essential concerns will result in the possible total withdrawal of our services across all Public Universities in Ghana,” the statement read.

  • Chinese national shot and killed in Pakistani attack at Karachi dental facility

    At a clinic in Karachi, Pakistan’s southern port city, an armed assailant posing as a dental patient killed one guy and hurt two more.

    They had run the local dentistry practise for 40 years and were all dual citizens of Pakistan and China.

    The attacker, who was in his early 30s, “didn’t hurt Pakistanis” in the assault on Wednesday, according to detectives.

    The suspect managed to escape with the help of an accomplice on a motorbike.

    Police have identified the victims as Ronald Chow, who worked as an assistant to dentist Richard Hu, 74, and his wife Margaret, 72.

    According to local media, the couple were wounded in the shooting and are being treated in hospital.

    No one has claimed responsibility for the attack, and the motive is not known.

    However, it is not the first attack on Chinese citizens in the south Asian country.

    In the most recently last April, three Chinese language teachers, and their Pakistani driver were killed in an alleged suicide bombing in Karachi, near the city’s Confucius Institute.

    The separatist Baloch Liberation Army – which opposes Chinese investment in Pakistan for not benefiting locals – said it attacked the vehicle.

    China is heavily involved in large infrastructure projects across Pakistan, including in resource-rich Balochistan province – the country’s poorest region, and home to a long-running insurgency.

    The province – which neighbours Karachi – is being transformed by major Chinese infrastructure projects on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, a network of roads, railways, and pipelines between the two countries which forms part of Beijing’s ambitious Belt and Road initiative.

    Wednesday’s attack has been condemned by Pakistan’s Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah, who said such incidents were “intolerable”.

    “The security of Chinese residents should be ensured in every way,” he tweeted.

  • Ofori-Atta says Ghana’s economy is gradually improving despite shocks

    In spite of recent devastating shocks, the economy of Ghana, according to Minister of Finance Ken Ofori-Atta, is growing only a little.

    “Overall, our growth outturn of 3.4% and 4.8% in Q1 and Q2 of 2022 respectively, coupled with modest improvements in our fiscal position, suggests our economy is gradually on the upswing despite the numerous shocks we have faced over the past two years,” he said at a press briefing on Wednesday.

    “These figures demonstrate that in spite of recent challenges, there has been economic growth, modest as the gains so far may be,” the Finance Minister added.

    Mr. Ofori-Atta said this progress gives Ghana a solid foundation to confront its economic challenges head-on.

    “Undoubtedly, global risks remain on the horizon, including a strengthening US dollar and higher interest rates which negatively affect external borrowing. This development is exerting enormous pressure on our Balance of Payment position, and thus the need for us to expedite our engagement with the IMF.”

    Ghana is currently seeking a $3 billion bailout programme from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

    Ghana was compelled to seek IMF support because of the worsening debt stock, fiscal challenges, depreciation of the cedi, upsurge in inflation, as well as shocks from COVID-19 and the Russia-Ukraine war.

    Mr. Ofori-Atta told the press that the Ghana Revenue Authority has intensified its efforts to shore up domestic revenue mobilization, particularly in relation to the enforcement of compliance measures, in a bid to resolve the country’s fiscal challenges.

    “The increased visibility of GRA officials at shopping malls and various commercial establishments and at our borders across the country is in pursuit of meeting our revenue objectives.”

    Cedi depreciation

    With regard to the cedi which has depreciated by 37.1% against the US Dollar as of Tuesday, September 27, 2022, Ofori-Atta said the government has put efforts in place to arrest the free fall of the currency.

    He further indicated that the Bank of Ghana has introduced enhanced measures such as a Special Foreign exchange auction for bulk distribution companies and a Gold Purchase Programme to contain the depreciation of the cedi.

    “As part of measures to shore up our reserves, improve exchange rate stability and address some of the funding needs, the Ministry successfully worked on a US$750 million Afreximbank loan facility which was received in August 2022. The traditional Cocoa Syndication Loan, expected in the last quarter of 2022 which will promote the cocoa sector, will further help us build our FX reserves and provide a strong buffer for the cedi in the last quarter of the year.”

    “Additionally, the Bank of Ghana has introduced enhanced measures such as a Special Foreign exchange auction for bulk distribution companies and a Gold Purchase Programme to contain the depreciation of the cedi, which is now slowing down,” he added.

  • Government’s efforts to limit cedi devaluation are paying well

     

    Efforts put in place by the government and the Bank of Ghana to arrest the free fall of the cedi against major trading currencies, especially the US dollar, are paying off.

    This was disclosed by the Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, when he briefed the press on Wednesday, September 28, 2022.

    Recent data from the Finance Ministry show that the cedi has depreciated by 37.1% against the US dollar as of September 27, 2022.

    The cedi is currently struggling on the forex market as it is selling close to 10 cedis per dollar.

    Ofori-Atta was hopeful the cedi will experience an appreciation in the coming days following the several measures introduced.

    He further indicated that the Bank of Ghana has also introduced enhanced measures such as a Special Foreign exchange auction for bulk distribution companies and a Gold Purchase Programme to contain the depreciation of the cedi.

    “As part of measures to shore up our reserves, improve exchange rate stability and address some of the funding needs, the Ministry successfully worked on a US$750 million Afreximbank loan facility which was received in August 2022. The traditional Cocoa Syndication Loan, expected in the last quarter of 2022 which will promote the cocoa sector, will further help us build our FX reserves and provide a strong buffer for the cedi in the last quarter of the year.”

    “Additionally, the Bank of Ghana has introduced enhanced measures such as a Special Foreign exchange auction for bulk distribution companies and a Gold Purchase Programme to contain the depreciation of the cedi, which is now slowing down,” he added.

    The economy is on a gradual upswing despite numerous shocks 

    Mr. Ofori-Atta also said Ghana’s economy is recording some marginal growth despite recent ravaging shocks.

    “Overall, our growth outturn of 3.4% and 4.8% in Q1 and Q2 of 2022 respectively, coupled with modest improvements in our fiscal position, suggests our economy is gradually on the upswing despite the numerous shocks we have faced over the past two years,” he said at a press briefing on Wednesday.

    “These figures demonstrate that in spite of recent challenges, there has been economic growth, modest as the gains so far may be,” the Finance Minister added.

    Mr. Ofori-Atta said this progress gives Ghana a solid foundation to confront its economic challenges head-on.

     

     

  • BoG: ‘Pay up your MoMo loans or risk losing creditworthiness’

    The Bank of Ghana has provided advice to those who have obtained loans using mobile money platforms but have consciously chosen not to register their SIM cards as part of the ongoing national SIM Card registration drive in an effort to avoid making loan repayments.

    The Central Bank in a statement indicated that data of all mobile money loan customers are domiciled in the databases of credit bureaus.

    BoG cautioned that failure to repay such loans will attract “negative repercussions on borrowers’ credit reports/history and could subsequently adversely affect any chance of obtaining loan facilities from other financial institutions and credit providers in the future.”

     

    The Central Bank advised all borrowers who have discarded their SIM cards to contact their telecommunication service providers or respective lenders, to discuss repayment arrangements to avoid adverse information on their credit reports, that could deny them access to future credit facilities.

  • We’ll expedite the IMF agreement so it can be included in the 2023 budget – Ofori-Atta

    In order to ensure that major elements of the programme are included in the 2023 budget statement, finance minister Ken Ofori-Atta said the government will expedite negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

    The Finance Minister at a press briefing on Wednesday said negotiations have been smooth so far.

    “In line with the President’s dialogue with the IMF Managing Director, Kristalina Georgieva, negotiations will be fast-tracked to ensure that key aspects of the programme are reflected in the 2023 Annual Budget Statement in November 2022,” he added.

    He said the government is committed to ensuring that a comprehensive package is negotiated with the International Monetary Fund with the aim of restoring and sustaining macroeconomic stability, ensuring durable and inclusive growth, and promoting social protection.”

    “In addition, the IMF and Government Team are working to update the medium-term macro-fiscal framework to inform IMF programme design.”

    The Finance Minister said no agreement has been reached with the fund on the parameters of debt operations, as the government is still in the process of completing the debt sustainability analysis.

    Mr. Ofori-Atta stressed that everything will be done, to protect the financial sector; and there must be room for a win-win conversation through extensive stakeholder engagement with both the domestic and external investors.

    He also indicated that the Development Bank Ghana (DBG), is supporting the private sector to invest in areas that will stabilize the economy over the medium to long-term, with positive knock-on effects on job creation and economic growth.

    “I am extremely confident about where we will land on this journey. We have survived a 142 percent inflation, yellow-corn hysteria, mass exodus from our country, and more recently a successful exit from the 2015 Extended Credit Facility. So let us go for the spirit of courage for the LORD is with this Nation. Let us not fear, for He who is with us is greater than all.”

  • Don’t be influenced by critics – Chief Justice urges judges, magistrates

    Judges and magistrates are being urged not to let public criticism affect how they carry out their responsibilities by Chief Justice Kwasi Anin-Yeboah.

    “Yours is to dispense justice and to uphold the rule of law irrespective of public clamour,” the Chief Justice said.

    The judiciary has come under criticism in recent times, with President Akufo-Addo describing it as unwarranted attacks which must be condemned.

    At the 2022 General Meeting of the Association of Magistrates and Judges, Justice Anin-Yeboah also said criticism of the judiciary must be constructive.

    “As the saying goes, you will not value what you have unless you lose it. On this line, the consequence of losing what you have, in terms of our justice system, will be unthinkable.”

    Deputy Attorney General, Alfred Tuah-Yeboah who attended the event attributed the recent attacks on the Judiciary to what he describes as a distorted coverage of court proceedings by some media firms.

    He thus urged the media to collaborate with the judiciary to ensure fair reportage.

    “This collaboration will undoubtedly ensure that accurate and fair information is made available to the consuming public.”

    “Public perceptions of the judiciary are often coloured by misunderstandings of decisions and judgments of the court,” Mr. Tuah-Yeboah said.

  • Hurricane Ian :Roof tearing off and flying away

    Before the hurricane even made landfall, powerful winds have been causing destruction in Florida.

    Watch this from Cape Coral…

  • What is a storm surge?

    We’ve been talking lots about storm surges today, but not everyone will be familiar with the term.

    As a hurricane approaches a coast, the swirling winds force ocean water up onto the land. Atmospheric pressure from the storm will also help squeeze the water ashore.

    The National Hurricane Center has said these surges are “often the greatest threat to life and property from a hurricane.”

    Water is able to move fast in a surge, sweeping people away, throwing about boats and vehicles, and destroying structures.

    It takes six inches of fast-moving water to knock over an adult.

    Storm surges can become even more dangerous if they coincide with high tide, and a powerful storm surge can sweep away roads, erode beaches and contaminate land with salt water.

    The waters may take a couple of days to fully subside.

    Many of the 1,500 people killed during Hurricane Katrina in 2005 lost their lives directly or indirectly due to storm surges.

    The terrifying footage below shows the storm surge caused by Hurricane Ian…

    DISCLAIMER: Independentghana.com will not be liable for any inaccuracies contained in this article. The views expressed in the article are solely those of the author’s, and do not reflect those of The Independent Ghana

    Source: Skynews

  • Ian approaches Cat 5 Strength as Floridians Run Away from “Catastrophic Flooding, Life-Threatening Storm Surge”

    With maximum winds of 155 mph and as it approaches Florida’s west coast, Hurricane Ian is a devastating Category 4 storm, just shy of the most deadly Category 5 status. Early on Wednesday, the state already began to experience high winds and rain.

    Residents made last-minute preparations to board up their homes and businesses.  And miles of cars packed the roads as residents sought to escape ahead of the monster storm.

    “We have about 2.5 million Floridians that are currently under some type of an evacuation order,” said Gov. Ron DeSantis.

    Saint Petersburg’s mayor issued a warning for those staying behind. “After a certain time when tropical force winds are here, we will not be sending out first responders,” said Mayor Ken Welch.

     

    The storm is forecast to make landfall Wednesday afternoon in the Fort Myers area. Life-threatening conditions are expected, including several feet of storm surge and more than 20 inches of rain in some areas.

    “In some areas, there will be catastrophic flooding and life-threatening storm surge,” said DeSantis.

    The state is bracing for millions of power outages. Thirty thousand workers are on standby to restore electricity after the storm passes.

     

    Seven thousand National Guard members have been activated under the state of emergency.

    “We could be everything from security, to transportation,” said Major General Eifert, head of Florida’s National Guard. “Aviation is a big part if we end up in search and rescue scenarios. So, we’re kind of the Swiss army knife of operations. We can be used for whatever the Dept. of Emergency Management needs us to do.”

    CBN’s Operation Blessing team has been pre-staging disaster relief supplies in Ocala, Florida so they can jump into action with aid once the storm passes.

    “This is going to be a nasty nasty day, two days,” Gov. DeSantis said early Wednesday. “Do what you need to do to stay safe. If you are where that storm is approaching, you’re already in hazardous conditions. It’s going to get a lot worse very quickly. So please hunker down.”

    An odd precursor to Ian’s landfall is signaling just how powerful the storm is – strong enough to suck the water out of Tampa Bay. Meteorologist Greg Dee with WTFS-TV in Tampa shared a video of the phenomenon on Facebook.

    Meanwhile, parts of Georgia and South Carolina are preparing for the storm too. Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp has declared a state of emergency, with 500 National Guard troops on standby if needed.

     

     

  • The recent footage from the ground

    With just over an hour until Hurricane Ian is set to make landfall, terrifying footage is emerging from across Florida. 

    In Fort Meyers, news footage captured a dangerous storm surge rushing past.

    Similar scenes were caught on camera at Sanibel Island.

    And in Punta Gorda, trees struggle as the wind howls.

     

     

  • John Chilembwe of Malawi is honoured with a statue in London’s Trafalgar Square

    In the storied Trafalgar Square in the heart of London, a new statue has been unveiled.

    But this time, it is neither a memorial to a British monarch nor a war hero. Instead, a massive statue of John Chilembwe, a pan-Africanist and Malawian Baptist preacher who campaigned against British colonial control, would be placed there.

    The sculpture, named Antelope, will be the square‘s newest Fourth Plinth – which is regarded as one of the world’s most famous public art commissions.

    Since 2003, the Fourth Plinth has been showcasing different pieces of artwork every two years. While it was originally intended to display a statue of King William IV, it remained empty due to insufficient funds and now exhibits temporary art, selected through public consultation and the commissioning group.

    Chilembwe’s five-meter statue will mark the first of an African in Trafalgar Square.

    Cast in bronze, Antelope restages a famous photograph taken in 1914 of Chilembwe standing next to British missionary John Chorley, outside his church in Mbombwe village in southern Malawi.

    In the picture, Chilembwe is wearing a wide-brimmed hat, despite an unwritten rule that Africans should not wear hats in front of white people.

    John Chilembwe and John Chorley
    IMAGE SOURCE, WIKIMEDIA COMMONS Image caption, John Chilembwe, seen with John Chorley, led an uprising against colonial rule
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    While the two stand together in the photo, when it comes to the statue the sculptor has added a twist that means that the image of the Malawian catches people’s eye.

    Malawian-born artist Samson Kambalu designed the piece to make Chilembwe much larger than Chorley. His statue stands at five metres towering over that of Chorley’s.

    “By increasing his scale, the artist elevates Chilembwe and his story, revealing the hidden narratives of underrepresented peoples in the history of the British Empire in Africa, and beyond,” says the Mayor of London’s website.

    Although the monument takes centre stage in London, Chilembwe remains an unknown figure to many.

    “Many people may not know who John Chilembwe is. And that is the whole point,” says Kambalu, an associate professor of fine art at the University of Oxford in England.

    Chilembwe is widely acknowledged as one of the first Africans to fight against colonial injustices in the 20th Century, staging an uprising against the British in Malawi (formerly Nyasaland) in 1915.

    Although the uprising was short-lived, his actions reverberated across the continent and beyond.

    Chilembwe is considered to have influenced several figures of black liberation, including Jamaican political activist Marcus Garvey, and John Langalibalele Dube, the founding president of what went on to become the African National Congress (ANC) in South Africa.

    A view of Antelope at the National Gallery on May 24, 2021 in London, England
    IMAGE SOURCE, GETTY IMAGES Image caption, The sculptor has played with the scale of the photograph and increased the size of Chilembwe
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    Chilembwe was born in the early 1870s and grew up in southern Malawi’s Chiradzulu District.

    He was one of four children, with his father originating from the Yao people and his mother from the Mang’anja community.

    Growing up in Chiradzulu, Chilembwe was heavily influenced by Scottish missionaries who went to Malawi following in the footsteps of explorer David Livingstone.

    It was here that Chilembwe first met a radical missionary, Joseph Booth, whose famous dictum was “Africa for Africans”.

    Chilembwe became one of Booth’s early protégés, and the two eventually travelled to the US, where he studied theology in Virginia.

    During his time in the US, Chilembwe witnessed the struggles of African Americans during the reconstruction period after the abolition of slavery.

    Several years later, he left the US emboldened to tackle the colonial injustices he saw in his own country.

    Once back in Malawi, an ordained Chilembwe worked to establish a mission in Chiradzulu.

    He built a brick church, and several schools, and planted crops of cotton, tea, and coffee, with financial backing from the US.

    Anti-colonial resistance

    He returned to find fast-growing resistance against the British regime, derived from new laws which pushed Malawians off their land, while many were also forced to work on white-owned plantations under poor conditions.

    Chilembwe had further grievances with the colonialists after the outbreak of World War One, where Malawian soldiers were taken to fight against the German army in what is now Tanzania.

    Publicising his discontent, he wrote a letter to the only newspaper in circulation at the time. It is thought that shortly after his letter he began planning his rebellion, which began in January 1915.

    However, Chilembwe’s attempt to attack white settlers was quickly foiled and British forces raised the alarm early on.

    His uprising claimed only a few casualties, and the British army put out a reward for Chilembwe and his supporters.

    A few days later, he was shot dead by African soldiers while trying to cross into what is now Mozambique.

    Although his rebellion was unsuccessful, historians say that Chilembwe’s attempt created the groundwork for Africa’s independence movements. Malawi became independent in 1964.

    Today, Chilembwe’s legacy can be seen across Malawi. Several roads have been named after him, while his photo appears on the country’s currency, the kwacha, as well as stamps.

    Malawi money
    IMAGE SOURCE,PETER JEGWA/BBC Image caption, Chilembwe’s image appears on Malawian bank notes

    John Chilembwe Day is also celebrated every year on 15 January.

    However, historians say there is an ongoing debate about his relevance.

    “Every year on Chilembwe Day, the newspapers and online publications will write essays to debate his legacy,” says Malawian historian Muti Michael Phoya.

    “While most agree that he is very important in Malawi’s history, some say he staged his uprising too early,” continued Mr Phoya. “But Kambalu’s sculpture may rekindle this dialogue and we may see renewed interest in his story.”

    Kambalu agrees saying he hopes the statue “will start a conversation in Britain that is still coming to reckoning with their colonial past.

    “The sculpture brings to light the forgotten histories of the empire, and society is looking for that recognition.”

  • Lesotho has a dangerous trend of abuse, says Amnesty

    A rights organization has revealed that the Lesotho security forces have a “dangerous pattern” of mistreatment that includes torturing and illegal killings.

    Police allegedly killed and injured students at a protest in June, according to Amnesty International.

    A man died in suspicious circumstances while in detention last year.

    The security forces have been accused of torturing suspects by beating them with spades and repeatedly pouring cold water on their faces while their limbs are bound.

    The police have blamed “rogue elements” for the abuse. One legal firm in the capital Maseru is pursuing 58 cases of alleged police brutality recorded in the past four years.

    Amnesty has tweeted its report:

     

  • Kenya aiming a “great dream” at the world volleyball championships

    It will be a “huge dream,” according to top scorer Sharon “Chumba” Chepchumba, if Kenya becomes the first African team to advance to the second round of the Women’s World Volleyball Championship.

    Chepchumba was overjoyed when her team increased their prospects by defeating Cameroon 3-0 on Tuesday in Arnhem.

    Victory in one of their final two group games should be enough to secure history for the Kenyans.

    “That will be a big dream for some of us, so we have to push harder to qualify, which would be a dream come true,” she told BBC Sport Africa.

    Kenya faces Italy, one of the favorites and the current Volleyball Nations League champions, on Thursday before meeting Puerto Rico, a match the East Africans are targeting, on Saturday.

    The team’s victory against Cameroon, with whom Kenya has swapped continental titles over the years, leaves coach Luizomar de Moura’s side fourth in their six-team pool, with the top four making the quarter-finals.

    “I believe in my teammates and the effort they showed [against Cameroon] was magical,” Chepchumba said after the game.

    “I’m really proud of my teammates because what we discussed and agreed is what they delivered.”

    Kenya and Cameroon are fierce African rivals – having swapped continental titles over many years – with Chepchumba saying the win meant even more because it came against the team that beat them in the last three African championships’ finals.

    “I don’t like it when Cameroon is beating us, so I just had to put up my efforts and make sure we won and get the respects,” she said.

    “We’ve been training hard for this, so I didn’t want to lose this match because it will determine so many things in my life and my teammates’ lives.”

    Kenya’s victory was vindication for Brazil’s De Moura, who has returned to take charge as part of a project backed by volleyball’s world governing body, the FIVB.

    “The victory means more than just the three points in the pool,” de Moura said.

    “It also gives Kenya the chance to move ahead in the FIVB rankings. In the African championships, Cameroon beat Kenya and passed us in the rankings so this victory shows we can be the greatest in Africa and compete at a high level.”

    Cameroonian regret

    Cameroon's Emelda Piatta Zissi
    Emelda Piatta Zissi still believes that Cameroon can turn their fortunes around

    For Cameroon, Tuesday night’s defeat was bitterly disappointing given they are the higher-ranked team and had hoped to give themselves a chance of taking the next step on the global stage.

    “It’s always hard to lose a match, especially when you know you are able to win it – so it’s really hard to take,” Cameroon’s Emelda Piatta Zissi told the BBC.

    “I think we lost concentration and [made] a lot of errors. This was one of the matches we were trying to focus on to win and we lost it.”

    Cameroon also has two matches remaining, against Puerto Rico and Belgium, with Piatta saying the team will need to return to a positive mindset.

    “It’s not over – we need to forget about this match and think about the next one. As a team, we always win together and lose together so we will be trying to fix what happened and correct it for the next game.”

    The body language at the end made it clear which team will take more confidence into their next outing – as Kenya danced on the court in celebration, while Cameroon traipsed off looking deflated.

  • Minister in S. Leone responds to first lady’s coup remark

    The first lady of Sierra Leone reportedly claimed that her husband has a Ph.D. in orchestrating military coups, but Information Minister Mohamed Rahman Swarray has downplayed the claim.

    Fatima Bio said at a fundraising event in the US over the weekend that President Julius Maada Bio was a teacher of coups and therefore nobody could overthrow him.

    Her comments were a reference to protests held on 10 August in opposition strongholds over the rising cost of living and to the fact that her husband had been a part of two coups in the 1990s.

    “I am not aware of any university where they offer coup studies,” Mr Swarray told the BBC

    In 1992 Mr Bio and other junior military officers overthrew the civilian government of Joseph Saidu Momoh. In January 1996 he staged a palace coup and succeeded Captain Valentine Strasser as head of state.

    Two months later he held elections and handed over to civilian rule.

    Mr Swaray said the 1992 coup “was the most popular in the history of this country… because several attempts at a democratic change of government had failed”.

    He said the palace coup happened “because President Bio wanted to ensure that they kept to their commitment to the people to deliver a return to multiparty democracy as laid out in their original plan”.

    The information minister fell short of condemning the first lady’s statement, saying instead that he was only “putting it into context”.

    He said the president was one of the morale guarantors in West Africa to return Guinea and Mali – where the military has seized power – to democratic civilian rule.

    The first lady has still not clarified her statement.

  • The loneliest chimpanzee in Guinea passes away

    The environment ministry has announced that the oldest chimpanzee in Guinea passed away at the age of roughly 71.

    Fana had been living alone as she became less mobile following a severe fall that paralyzed her left upper limb about 25 years ago, according to the AFP news agency.

    She lived in a forest around the village of Bossou in the far south-eastern corner of Guinea.

    Her death brings the number of Bossou chimpanzees down to six or seven, AFP reports.

    The chimpanzees drew international attention in 2009 after researchers found they used stone hammers and anvils to crack open nuts – something that they were not known to do.

    Fana was found dead on 19 September and she was buried the next day in the presence of local villagers, the ministry said.

    She had been showing signs of exhaustion in recent months, it added.

  • Nigeria makes largest cocaine seizure in history

     Nigerian drug enforcement agency says it appears to have made the largest cocaine seizure in the nation’s history.

    1.8 tonnes of cocaine, estimated to be valued at over $278 million (£243 million), were found in a warehouse in the Ikorodu neighborhood, northeast of Lagos’ commercial center.

    The drugs were stored in 10 travel bags and 13 drums, said the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

    Four Nigerian men aged 69, 65, and two 53-year-olds were arrested in different parts of Lagos.

    A foreign national was also detailed, in what the agency said was a “well coordinated and intelligence-led operation” conducted over two days.

    NDLEA says the men were planning to sell the drugs to buyers in Europe, Asia, and other parts of the world.

    The agency’s head, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), praised his officers, who worked with their US counterparts in the operation.

    “The bust is a historical blow to the drug cartels and a strong warning that they’ll all go down if they fail to realize that the game has changed,” a statement from the agency quoted him as saying.

  • Opinion: NDC members’ highest level of insanity: Their thirst for power

    It is often said that the highest level of insanity is to keep on repeating a particular thing while expecting different results but in the case of the high-ranking members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), their thirst for political power is rather the case.

    Without being abusive, it is accurate to observe that a considerable number of the members of the NDC have allowed their piggish thirst for power to influence them to either act or talk in a lunatic manner, a situation that is becoming deplorable.

    This insanity is expressed in several forms. Well, I don’t think it is sane for a social democratic party to oppose a policy like free Senior High School as the members of the NDC did when it was first introduced in 2017.

    For lack of a better word, it is simply lunatic for a political party that is grounded on the social democratic philosophy to oppose a policy that seeks to give the poor free access to secondary education. Nonetheless, that is exactly what all the high-ranking members of the NDC did.

    The power-thirsty inspired lunacy of the NDC is also expressed in how their 2020 Presidential candidate, Mr John Dramani Mahama, has been contradicting himself on the causes of the country’s economic crises.

    What other than a craving for power would have caused Mr Mahama to vehemently oppose the position that Ghana’s economic woes are caused by the coronavirus pandemic and the Russian-Ukraine war but propagate the same message on the international scene? This self-contradiction cannot be described as sane behavior.

    It is equally not normal behavior to suggest to the government to go to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), arguing that they have the solution to the country’s problems and turn around to say the Fund has wrongly diagnosed the problem. That is exactly what former President John Dramani Mahama did.

    The highest peak of this insanity is the attack on all leaders of state institutions that disagree with the position of the NDC on important national issues. Judges are being insulted. Selected Chairpersons of the Electoral Commission (EC) are getting their share of the NDC’s attacks.

    The worst happened recently when Mr Mahama attacked the competence and integrity of the Managing director of the IMF, Kristalina Georgieva, just because she did not side with his partisan position on the country’s economic crises.

    This insanity also finds expression in their recent press conference against the EC. The NDC thinks the Electoral Management Body cannot instruct the National Identification Authority (NIA) to do its work, but they are right to hold a press conference to tell the EC what to do.

    I don’t know what other than insanity would have caused these power-thirsty fellows to carry themselves in this manner.

    So much lunacy was also displayed in this press conference as the largest opposition party told the public that they had boycotted the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) meetings, the only mutually beneficial forum they can advance their grievances though they have a lot to complain about.

    Since everybody in the party is misconducting themselves, their most acerbic sharp teethed baby, Mr Sammy Gyamfi, sat in the studious of a national television station like the TV3 to literarily insult the symbolic figure of the land, President Akufo-Addo.

    As shameless as they are, no elder in the party has condemned this lunatic act. Power is indeed sweet, but it is unacceptable to act lunatically in one’s quest for it because no right-thinking citizen would want to entrust power to the hands of such people.

    DISCLAIMER: Independentghana.com will not be liable for any inaccuracies contained in this article. The views expressed in the article are solely those of the author’s, and do not reflect those of The Independent Ghana

    The writer is Bala Ali, a political activist

  • Bustling nightlife in Accra may be young people cry for help

    Recreation is important for physical and psychological health, building inclusive communities, and ensuring general life satisfaction.

    Nightlife in Accra has promised and delivered delirium for close to 100 years. It is lost on many people that this cherished aspect of living in Ghana’s capital would not have happened at all or at least at its current effervescence if the capital of the Gold Coast had remained Cape Coast. Becoming the center of political power brought Accra unassailable preeminence in spheres of multicultural and economics. But while Accra’s glory may have been orchestrated in colonialism, its nocturnal gaiety has been anything but controlled.

    If the African entertainment listicles online and my well-traveled non-Ghanaian friends are to be believed, Accra presents one of the continent’s premium options in nightlife. My Twitter feed agrees and so do most of my friends in Ghana. In the course of the last few years, I have barely indulged in the thrill, probably because it has also gotten costlier.

    But the nightly buzz is not simply taking our money; it may be taking our minds as well. While recreation is a necessary part of psychological growth, I have often wondered what we are hiding from when we constantly turn up where the music is loudest, the drugs drag you higher and the alcohol overflows. Of course, all recreation is not equal and my concerns are a result of what is more popular as a choice for young Ghanaians who wish to celebrate their leisure. One can find in the city centre – an area with a roughly 1,200-metre radius – a saturation of pubs, nightclubs, and other such places. Interestingly, this area also contains Accra’s central business district, a situation that gives some credence to the counsel “work hard, play hard”.

    However, most commercial capitals across the world are no different. In these major cities, there tends to be a mutually-sustaining relationship between producers and consumers in the nightlife entertainment industry. The free market is most prominent in the entertainment industry where the symbiosis between producers and consumers shapes each party’s destinies and desires.

    The interaction goes on ad nauseam and the general public can lose sight of the adverse effects it creates. For instance, a 2010 experts’ report that analysed and suggested recommendations for tourism and nightlife culture in the European Union submitted that overseers of clubs and pubs often have very little sympathy for the health of consumers and the sanity of entertainment culture. In these spots, alcohol is sold and alcohol is bought. Music is played and the dance floor is occupied.

    Whoever is reeling under the effects of alcoholism or has a health condition triggered by the magnitude of activity can only count on themselves or their immediate company.

    Two of the recommendations made by the report were for nightclub staff to be trained in administering first aid and to significantly enforce “restrictions on opening hours for discotheques, and especially for after-hours parties”. I am willing to believe there are set times proposed by local governments for the operation of nightclubs in Ghana but if this will be enforced, along with the training for club employees, your guess is as good as mine.

    Apart from the unwanted emergent spurred by alcohol and drugs, women would have to look out for themselves in these spaces where sexual misbehaviour is almost certain to be unleashed by men.

    But that’s exactly what frustrates me about the nightlife and recreation in Accra for young people. We place so much emphasis on the young person’s individual responsibility even though the options and conditions of recreation are, to put it kindly, poisonous. Healthier outdoor recreational options in the city are next to non-existent. Also, you are not guaranteed a lot of protection – as the EU report recommended to European countries – when you check yourself into any of the more popular options we have in Accra.

    My friend Earl who lives in the inner-city of Accra Central often expresses fears about the future of young people’s relationship with alcohol and drugs as a result of the above. But if there is little protection for young people who frequent higher-end joints in agreeable parts of the city, there is even less for their counterparts in the inner city. And when you add the fact poorer youth have virtually no space or means to seek therapy and rehabilitation, we face the risk of recreating Victorian England where the instruments of the state placed the vicious cycles of poverty on some deficiency in the moral characters of poor people. This is even more intriguing when you consider the fact that the popular drug-peddling inner-city spot, Ayaata Corner, in the Ashiedu-Keteke sub-metro area, receives nearly as many orders from (upper)-middle-class Accra dwellers as it receives from struggling youth.

    Picture the futures that could be possible for a young person growing up in Cantonments and another in Kantamanto even if they are both abusing substances as teenagers today.

    Recreation is important for physical and psychological health, building inclusive communities, and ensuring general life satisfaction. Nothing should diminish the centrality of recreation in molding a well-adjusted society. In a way, my case could have been made about the basic poverty of recreational options in the city. But reviewing the principal fundament which is nightlife will translate into attention for everything else. Outdoor recreation for young adults in Accra is ostensibly nightlife.

    I am statistics-shy of confidently claiming that we are building the momentum for catastrophe. Nightlife has become synonymous with unfettered exposure to alcohol, drugs, and noise pollution, and all that they bring. A researcher at the University of Ghana 2016 indicated that alcohol consumption on the university’s Legon Campus was nearly 60% among undergraduate students with most students drinking as part of recreation at parties and on outings. To add to that, I personally know a few women and have read the accounts of many more who have to go out in groups due to fear of sexual assault and harassment. For some of them, the precaution they take is so that they do not become repeat victims.

    In April of 2021, a nonprofit called Heal and Chill Foundation partnered with more than five of the biggest night entertainment providers including the famous Bloombar and Zen Gardens for awareness creation on sexual consent. This was effectively a non-governmental organization’s intervention in the conversation on sex and gender-based violence, specifically identifying the arena of Ghanaian life that happens to be grounds for so much of such violence.

    If there is any scintilla of puritanism in the case I’m making, that is unintended but I sincerely do not even care. Mine is an argument towards prudence – what burdens can we shoulder as a society where some 7 in every 10 Ghanaians are under the age of 40? More than 35% of Ghanaians to are under 15. To put both of these into better context, about 70% of Ghanaians today were not alive or barely remember when the coup of 1981 was made and about 4 out of 10 Ghanaians today were not alive when we redenominated the cedi in 2007.
    That is a frighteningly young population for us to throw caution to the wind and maintain a permanent withdrawal of public protections. If we do not reconsider how we urge young people to spend recreation, repercussions for doing nothing will be sternly felt in health, security, employment, and other aspects of our economy.

    In many countries where policymaking is chiefly driven by corporate interests, mentioning a dent in the economy often prompts a spirited political response. That is where, if you are lucky, other businesses are given the carte blanche to raise healthier avenues of recreation to compete with the existing ones. Or businesses suffer some kind of ‘sin tax’ to alleviate the disaster they serve the public. Human needs are necessitated and negotiated through the grips of the free market and all society’s problems are seen as economic opportunities. Each rational actor to themselves, the market for us all.

    Nevertheless, I am not too sure neoliberalism is entirely at home in Ghana as it is in many other countries. Make no mistake, it is noticeable but over here, neoliberalism is yet premature. Political party considerations – and not business interests – are still the major controllers of institutions, laws, and policies even if you speak of state capture through businesses owned by partisans.

    Still, as Ghanaians, we have been trained to see the boom in nightlife adventures as an outgrowth of a steadily growing middle-class.

    Classically, a boom in the services sector is read as a sign that a lot of money is going around. So in this case, more hotels, restaurants, nightclubs, event centers (they say there’s even a ‘wedding industry’ in Ghana) etc. spring up and all people can think about is that folks got money to spend. I guess it’s because the services sector is largely viewed through the spectacle of consumption. We do not even ask why people spend money so much on the nightlife. That is the sort of close-mindedness that blinds us to the population abuse committed through Ghana’s nightlife attractions.

     

    Another publication by a researcher at the University of Ghana in 2020 strongly connected depressive states to alcohol use among working Ghanaians. So, are young Ghanaians reaching for the bottle anywhere they can find it because they cannot find other means of dealing with fragile mental health? What if, instead of simply perceiving the dizzying lights of the night, we also spare some concern for dreary lives? Are we forcing young people to drink, dance and drug away a mental health crisis? These are not exaggerated queries.

    Many people with whom I have conversed happen to understand the gentrification and economic challenge to locals that come with President Akufo-Addo’s campaign to make Ghana the tourism capital of the Global Black Experience. All I have been saying is that the boon of the nightlife scene has also come with a bane, and there is no way to dodge it.

    I know how attractive the retort to my argument is – that I could let people live as they please. Or that people are responsible for their own safety. The invalidity of such thinking lies in the fact that the state constitutionally owes protection to individuals. The Ghana Non-Communicable Disease Alliance already tells us Ghana is averaging above the WHO Africa Region figure for alcohol dependence. The dangers of sexual kind posed to women have never gone out of fashion and we do not seem ready to have a good-faith conversation about drugs in Ghana. But lives are at stake.

    Hopefully, we can come to generate the perspectives and sympathies to prioritise young people.

    DISCLAIMER: Independentghana.com will not be liable for any inaccuracies contained in this article. The views expressed in the article are solely those of the author’s, and do not reflect those of The Independent Ghana

    Source: Nii Sarpei Hornsby

  • Guinea’s former military leader, Moussa Dadis Camara, is accused of murdering stadium spectators

    An investigation of one of Guinea’s deadliest killings is being conducted by Moussa Dadis Camara, a former military leader.

    Following a 12-year exile, Capt. Camara returned to “clean his name which has been dragged through the dirt,” according to his attorney, who spoke to the BBC.

    More than 150 people were killed, and women and girls were raped at a 2009 protest against military rule.

    “I was raped, assaulted, floored by a soldier who even asked me if he could cut off my arms,” one woman said.

    “I can no longer lift my arm”, 63-year-old Anissa, not her real name, told the BBC. She is a former member of an opposition party.

    “I had the shoulder blade broken, the foot split, they had to sew that up. My hips were split.”

    Ten other former officials are going on trial alongside Capt Camara, who is charged with having command responsibility over the soldiers who carried out the alleged crimes.

    The International Criminal Court (ICC) chief prosecutor Karim Khan welcomed the start of the trial: “On this important day I applaud the people of Guinea, the survivors, and those who lost loved ones”.

    “The start of this trial is only the beginning. My Office will be watching very closely. The presumption of innocence is critical,” Mr Khan said.

    It has also been welcomed by the UN’s Acting High Commissioner for Human Rights, Nada Al-Nashif: “Victims and relatives have been waiting for 13 years for truth, justice, and reparations. Today’s opening of this long-awaited judicial process is a crucial step for Guinea in its fight against impunity.”

    The trial should be carried out in “in a victim-sensitive manner, and in accordance with international standards”, Ms Al-Nashif added.

    On the day of the killings, on 28 September 2009, security forces tried to stop the rally going ahead and allegedly blocked off the exits to a stadium in the capital, Conakry, before opening fire. Some protesters were shot dead or attacked with knives, while others were trampled on.

    The long-delayed trial will be the first involving human rights violations on this scale in Guinea, says rights group Human Rights Watch.

    ‘We demand justice’

    The many years of waiting have been difficult for the victims but they say that they are pleased the trial is finally going ahead.

    “We demand justice, nothing else but justice,” said Anissa.

    She said she was still emotionally scarred from what happened to her and does not like returning to the stadium where she was assaulted.

    “Even today it scares me. It’s the scars that come back. It is the trauma that comes back. So I can’t, I really can’t.”

    Victims of rape are often stigmatized in Guinea and it is believed that many victims of sexual assault in the stadium have not come forward because of this.

    Military men who look like they are arresting someone
    IMAGE SOURCE,AFP Image caption, The violence meted out at Conakry stadium still haunts victims years later

    Capt Camara, 58, seized power in 2008 when long-time President Lansana Conté died, but he was ousted and fled the country not long after the Conakry killings and following an assassination attempt. He had been living in Burkina Faso before returning to Guinea on Sunday.

    He was detained ahead of the trial, according to his lawyer, Pépé Antoine Lamah, who said this was a violation of the law.

    After Capt Camara left Guinea, an investigation was set up to establish the facts surrounding the tragedy – it sat from 2010 to 2017. During that time some alleged perpetrators were charged, including Capt Camara.

    In 2018, a committee was set up to organize the trial, but concerns were raised about the lack of progress because it was not meeting regularly.

    It was the current military junta head – Col Mamady Doumbouya – who came to power after a coup in 2021, who ordered the trial to be held.

  • Museveni: Some EU legislators are insufferable

    Two weeks ago, EU legislators approved a resolution alerting the public to the project’s potential for social and environmental harm as well as violations of human rights.

    President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda has criticized the EU parliament for urging his administration to cancel a crucial oil pipeline project with Tanzania’s neighbour.

    Two weeks ago EU lawmakers passed a resolution warning of human rights abuses and the social and environmental risk posed by the project.

    “Some of these EU MPs are insufferable and so wrong that they think they know everything but should calm down,” Museveni said at the annual Uganda International oil & gas summit on Tuesday.

    He added: “This is the wrong battleground for them. I hope our partners join us firmly and advise them. For us, we’re moving forward with our programme.”

    Mr Museveni has touted the oil pipeline project as one that would boost the country’s economic development.

    Rights groups say some 100,000 people risk being displaced and have urged the contractors, France’s Total Energies and the China National Offshore Oil Corporation, to pause the US $10 billion (£8bn) project until they find an alternative route.

    The East African Crude Oil Pipeline project will stretch 1,443km (896 miles) from Lake Albert in western Uganda to the Tanzanian port of Tanga on the Indian Ocean.

     

  • Rice shortage in Liberia prompts frantic buying

    Liberian President, George Weah, says  importers assured him there would be enough rice to last into the following year, thus he does not think there is a shortage.

    The lack of rice in Liberia is creating panic purchases and unease.

    The country’s staple started disappearing from shops and marketplaces several weeks ago, prompting hundreds of desperate rice retailers and consumers in the capital, Monrovia, to spend days and nights in queues to scoop small quantities of the commodity from the warehouse of a foreign company that still has a small consignment.

    Some of them have gone on to profiteer, reselling the commodity at skyrocketing prices.

    Police have been deployed to assist the company’s security, as crowds of anxious people try to force their way into its premises.

    As the crisis continues, large-scale buyers say they are being compelled by the company to also buy unrelated goods they do not need.

    The shortage seems the worst in recent years and the tales of the visibly frustrated buyers in queues are similar.

    Many told the BBC they had spent days sleeping around the company’s premises and had had their money stolen by thieves infiltrating the crowd.

    Some people have fainted while others sustained injuries in a stampede to the warehouse.

    A spokesman for the company, Fouani Brothers Corporation, said a worse shortage was on the horizon.