TIG Post

Author: aejay_wp

  • 6 crash to death, 12 injured in a gory accident

    Six persons died on the spot and 12 others injured Tuesday when a mini passenger vehicle rammed into a broken down tipper truck at Beahu near Apowa in the Ahanta West District of the Western Region.

    According to the Police, the shaft of the truck fell off from its position onto the road but the driver managed to control the steering and parked by the side of the road to pick up the broken shaft.

    However, the mini bus, which was said to be speeding, drove straight into the shaft before it could be removed from the road. This caused the bus to ram into the rear of the tipper truck registered GT 6620 B.

    Police say six persons three women and a child plus two men onboard the mini bus registered 1607-18, died on the spot while six others including the bus driver were rushed to the Effia Nkwanta Government Hospital.

    Another set of six passengers, which the Police say included a baby who were also rushed to the Hospital for various injuries, are responding to treatment.

    Youth from the communities near where the accident occurred at about 3:00pm, assisted the police in removing the injured and the dead.

    The accident caused gridlock on the road but the police managed to clear it for vehicular movement.

    Source: 3news.com

  • Child kidnapper jailed 7 years

    A 41-year-old man, Samuel Offei, has been sentenced to seven years in prison for kidnapping a four-year-old son of his ex-lover at Okorase near Koforidua in the Eastern Region.

    The convict pleaded guilty to the charge.

    Late Last year, Starr News reported about the kidnapping of the victim at Okorase shortly after closing from school Royal Academy on November 8, 2018.

    Mother of the victim, Theresa Ansah told Starr News, her son did not return home after school on the fateful day which compelled her to storm the School but several searches for his whereabouts proved futile.

    She said the school authorities accompanied her to lodge an official complaint at the Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit (DOVVSU).

    The convict later admitted to kidnapping the victim and demanded Ghc2,400 as ransom before releasing the boy.

    After holding the victim captive in a hidden place for about two months Offei was trailed and arrested by police investigators on January 3, 2019, at Koforidua Asokore.

    He was arrested when his ex-girl pretended to have consented to his compromised demand for sexual intercourse.

    Source: Starrfmonline.com

  • Termites eat widow’s GHC2,000 life savings

    A 65-year-old woman has lost her entire life savings after some termites managed to get into the hole which she buried the money.

    Fatima Nyande is reported to have buried her life savings of Gh¢2,000 in a hole under some firewood in her compound.

    The incident is reported to have happened in Kpasa in the Nkwanta North district of the Volta Region.

    According to the widow, she hid her daily sales in a hole because she did not trust the banks to keep it safe.

    However, she was not lucky, as termites raided the said hole to destroy all the cash she saved” there.

    She explained that she has had an experience where one financial company made away with her Gh¢4,000.

    This, she said, is the reason why she opted to bury her money in a hole.

    “I started saving the money in the dug hole at home after dubious financial companies absconded with my Gh¢4,000.00,” she said.

    Madam Nyande urged the public to save in banks, so as not to repeat the same mistake she committed.

    Source: yen.com.gh

  • Ex-Asante Kotoko chairman Simms Kofi Mensah passes on

    Former Asante Kotoko chairman and founder of Fawoade Yasore Secondary/Commercial College, Simms Kofi Mensah has passed on after a short illness.

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  • Man stabs and kills brother over goat, dog meat

    A disagreement between two brothers over the carcasses of a dog and goat sacrificed for their late father has cost the life of one while the survivor is in police custody.

    Nwenle Takia, 52, and elder of the two brothers is said to have stabbed his brother Bignani Takia, 50, on his left armpit, top of his left breast and in his testis while they fought over the cooked goat and dog meat at Piabuni, a village near Gbingbani in the Bunkpurugu-Yunyoo district of the Northern Region on Monday.

    Bignani Takia died instantly.

    The police at Bunkpurugu say at about 7:45pm on the fateful day, they received a distress call from the assemblyman at Gbingbani electoral area, Dawuni Richard to the effect that the two brothers were fighting over a small goat and dog cooked meat at Piabuni after a sacrifice both performed to their late father.

    It is unclear how the fighting started or what caused it, but the police were told that in the course of the fight Nwenle Takia pulled a knife and stabbed Bignani Takia repeatedly, killing him instantly.

    The body of deceased was sent to the Faith Community Hospital at Nakpanduri where a post-mortem examination was performed before the body was released to the family for burial.

    D/Sgt Justice Ackah in charge of the case said the suspect Nwenle Takia in police custody.

    Source: Graphic.com.gh

  • Black Satellites complete first training in Niger

    Ghana’s national U-20 team, the Black Satellites completed their first training session in Niger on Tuesday after arriving in the country on Monday.

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  • Kevin-Prince Boateng initiated into the Barcelona family by his new teammates

    Kevin-Prince Boateng was initiated into the Barcelona family on Tuesday evening during his first training with his new teammates.

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  • Kotoko coach confirms plans to beef up squad for CAF Confederation Cup

    Asante Kotoko coach C.K Akunnor has revealed plans to bolster his squad with new players ahead of the CAF Confederation Cup group stage.

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  • Both NPP, NDC MPs agree Kennedy Agyapong must be tamed Muntaka

    Minority Chief Whip in Parliament Hon Alhaji Muntaka Mubarak, Member of Parliament for Asawase has said there is unanimity among lawmakers of both sides of the house to have their colleague MP from Assin Central Kennedy Agyapong punished.

    Mr Muntaka was speaking on Ekosii Sen on Asempa FM following a press statement from the minority over the killing of Ahmed Hussein Suale, a protegé of ace investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas.

    The minority said they are convinced Kennedy Agyapong must be arrested immediately over his utterances which they believe led to the death of one Ahmed Hussein Suale, a member of Tiger Eye PI.

    “Ken Agyapong needs to be punished for instigating violence against Tiger Eye PI Members… Majority of NPP MPs agree with us that the conducts of Ken Agyapong are unbecoming of an MP and Parliament needs to check him”, Muntaka told Ekosii Sen.\

    “Excessive partisanship in Parliament and our governance life is destroying Ghana. We must work to fight it wholly”.

    “I cannot say that Ken Agyapong is guilty for the murder of Ahmed but his actions not good as MP. Any lawful Country should questioning Ken Agyapong over the murder of Ahmed. His comments and actions uncalled for” Muntaka added.

    “The comments & actions of Hon. Ken Agyapong are unbecoming of an MP and Parliament needs to bring him to book” he opined.

    Source: mynewsgh.com

  • Ghana Bar Association alarmed at spate of murders in Ghana

    The Ghana Bar Association has added its voice to the barrage of condemnations trailing recent blatant murders in Ghana and is demanding action from institutions entrusted with security and safety.

    The GBA recalls the murder of “the Head Pastor of the Assemblies of God Church, and the employee of the Ghana Water Company Limited, Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority and the Tiger Eye Private Investigative Team respectively who have unfortunately lost their lives over the past couple of weeks gruesomely”, and says it “finds the brazen nature of some of the murders and the blatant disregard for human life by the perpetrators very disquieting and frightening.”

    The association voiced its condemnation in a statement it issued Tuesday, in which t extended its condolences to the bereaved families and called for action on the part of the state in safeguarding the lives Ghanaians and all in the country.

    -Rev Dr David Nabegmado was stabbed to death in the morning of Sunday, 30th December, 2018 at the church premises while preparing for a sermon by his nephew.

    -Mrs Josephine Asante, Marketing and Public Relations Manager of Tema Port, was stabbed to death in her bedroom in the night of Saturday, January 12, 2019.

    -Joseph Migal Jinjer, an Engineer of the Ghana Water Company Limited was travelling with some members of his family to Bunkpurugu on New Year’s eve when he was shot and killed by armed men at Langbinsi, in the East Mamprusi Municipality in the Northern Region.

    -Hussein-Suale, an investigative journalist and member of the Tiger Eye PI, was shot three times by yet to be identified gunmen at Madina on Wednesday, January 16, 2019.

    “The right to life is a fundamental human right, which is guaranteed by the 1992 Constitution of Ghana. The lives of Ghanaians and that of persons residing in Ghana must be protected and nobody should be subjected to violence of any form except as is permitted by law. The state is therefore under a duty to ensure the safety and security of its citizens and residents at all times. The recent spate of murders and the resultant heightened sense of insecurity is a threat to Ghana’s democracy. Safety and security are essential components of the rule of law and must be protected and guarded by the State.

    “The Ghana Bar Association consequently calls upon the Minister of Interior, and the Inspector General of Police to put in place, without delay, measures that will guarantee the safety and security of Ghanaians. The GBA further calls upon the Government to ensure that the Ghana Police Service is well resourced to enable it maintain law and order.?

    “The Bar further calls upon the security and law enforcement agencies to ensure a swift and thorough investigation of all the murder cases, the arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators. The perpetrators must not escape from justice.

    “The GBA also finds it worrying the spectre of lawyers appointed to defend persons in such cases. It is totally unacceptable for a lawyer giving the best representation to his or her client in any case to be harassed or harangued in any manner as this is the bedrock of the rule of law which we as a people have accepted as our way of life.

    “We hereby reiterate our previous calls for respect for the rule of law, freedom of the Press, the right to free speech and the peace and security of our country to be guarded jealously”, said the statement signed by Anthony Forson, Jnr. and Yaw Acheampong Boafo, National President and National Secretary respectively.

    Source: Graphic.com.gh

  • US Supreme Court allows Trump military transgender ban

    The United States Supreme Court has allowed President Donald Trump to enforce his policy of banning certain transgender people from the military.

    The court voted 5-4 to grant a Trump administration request to lift injunctions blocking the policy while challenges continue in lower courts.

    The four liberal judges on the court opposed the ruling.

    The policy prohibits “transgender persons who require or have undergone gender transition” from serving.

    Read:Nancy Pelosi asks President Trump to reschedule state of the union address as shutdown grinds on

    The Trump administration had also appealed for an expedited ruling on the case, which the Supreme Court declined to take up.
    What is the transgender policy?

    The president announced on Twitter in 2017 that the country would no longer “accept or allow” transgender Americans to serve in the military, citing “tremendous medical costs and disruption”.

    Read: Trump orders ‘300 burgers’ to White House amid shutdown

    The then defence secretary Jim Mattis refined the policy to limit it to transgender individuals with a history of gender dysphoria, or when a person’s biological sex and identity does not match.

    He said the new policy would make exceptions for several hundred transgender people already serving openly or willing to serve “in their biological sex”.

    There are currently some 8,980 active duty transgender troops, according to Department of Defence data analysed by the Palm Center, a public policy nonprofit.

    Gen Mattis in his memo argued that “by its very nature, military service requires sacrifice,” and that those who serve “voluntarily accept limitations on their personal liberties”.

    The move is a reversal of an Obama administration policy that ruled transgender Americans could serve openly in the military as well as obtain funding for gender re-assignment surgery.

    This is just one Supreme Court action – and it’s a procedural move, not a formal court opinion – but it may be a sign that a conservative majority sympathetic to presidential powers and prerogatives is flexing its muscles.

    The Trump administration, frustrated that lower-court judges had again blocked implementation of one of its policy decisions, asked the justices to step in and clear the path.

    The White House wanted a quick ruling because, it said, allowing transgender individuals to serve in the military presented “too great a risk to military effectiveness”.

    By a bare majority, the court complied.

    Although the justices did not entirely bypass the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, which the president has tried to paint as a bastion of liberal judges, they did the next best thing for the president.

    They permitted the transgender ban to go into effect while the legal fight, which could last years, grinds on.

    For the past two years, the president’s opponents – locked out of national power until recently – have looked to the judicial system as a last line of defence.

    As Tuesday clearly showed, however, those defences are only as strong as a majority of the Supreme Court says they are.

    What are the legal challenges?

    Several trial judges around the country had issued injunctions blocking the ban.

    One injunction was reversed in a federal appeals court earlier this month, with a three-judge panel ruling the policy was not a “blanket ban” on transgender troops, and so the courts should defer to the executive branch’s military decisions.

    While Mr Trump’s rationale for banning transgender troops was financial, according to estimates by the RAND Corporation, a policy think tank working with the US Armed Forces, transition-related healthcare costs are between $2.4m (£1.8m) and $8.4m per year.

    In 2017, defence data viewed by the Palm Center indicates that cost was in fact lower, at $2.2m.

    Solicitor General Noel Francisco had described the transgender ban in his fast-track appeal as “an issue of imperative public importance” regarding the military’s authority “to determine who may serve”.

    Mr Franscisco acknowledged the RAND figures in the appeal, but argued “the realities associated with service by transgender individuals are more complicated than the prior administration or RAND had assumed”.

    Source: bbc

  • Huawei chairman warns of end to global ‘partnerships’

    The chairman of Chinese tech giant Huawei has warned that his company could shift away from Western countries if it continues to face restrictions.

    Huawei has been under scrutiny by Western governments, which fear its products could be used for spying.

    Speaking at the World Economic Forum, in Davos, Mr Liang Hua said his firm might transfer technology to countries “where we are welcomed”.

    Read: Huawei confirms termination of contract with Teacher Kwadwo

    He also stressed that Huawei follows regulations wherever it operates.

    Huawei makes smartphones but is also a world leader in telecoms infrastructure, in particular the next generation of mobile phone networks, known as 5G.

    But concern about the security of its technology has been growing, particularly in the US, UK, Canada, Australia and Germany.
    Security concerns

    The company is banned from bidding for government contracts in the US, where intelligence services have raised questions about Huawei founder Ren Zhengfei’s links to China’s ruling Communist Party.

    Read: China summons US ambassador over Huawei executive’s arrest

    Last month, BT confirmed that Huawei equipment was being removed from a communication system being developed for the UK’s emergency services.

    Meanwhile, Germany is considering blocking the firm from its next generation mobile phone network.

    Huawei has always maintained that it is a private company, owned by its employees, with no ties to the Chinese government.

    The company says it remains committed to its £3bn investment in Britain.

    The company’s top executives rarely give interviews, but a number of journalists were invited to ask questions of Mr Liang on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos. 

    Mr Liang told them that if the company faced further hurdles to doing business in some countries, “we would transfer the technology partnership to countries where we are welcomed and where we can have collaboration with”.

    While he would not be drawn on whether Huawei could leave the UK, Mr Liang stressed that it would be up to British consumers to decide if they wanted to use the company’s technology, before adding, that the “UK is the market that advocates openness and also free trade”.

    Mr Liang said anyone concerned would be “welcome” to inspect the firm’s laboratories in China.

    Even as the the storm surrounding Huawei continues to rage, Mr Liang’s message was simple – the company’s products would speak for themselves.

    “We will focus on providing value by offering the high bandwidth ultra low latency and high connectivity [products] to out customers,” he said.

    In December, Meng Wanzhou, the daughter of the founder of Huawei, was arrested in Canada and faces extradition to the United States over accusations the company flouted US sanctions against Iran.

    Mr Liang called for a “quick conclusion” to the case, so that Ms Meng could regain “her personal freedom”.

    He also reiterated the company’s claim that the detention of two Canadian nationals in China, seen by many as retaliation for the arrest of Ms Meng, “has no relation with Huawei”.

    Source: bbc

  • May the consequences of my daughters death fall on whoever said I killed her Abeiku Santana

    Abeiku Santana has further spoken on circulating reports about an ex-boyfriend of Afia Schwarzenegger claiming that his ex has told him that the Radio Presenter used his daughter for rituals.

    The Okay Fm Presenter who has already released a press statement explaining how his daughter died through surgery at the Korle-Bu Teaching hospital has now expressed how the said news breaks his heart.

    Read: My daughter died whilst undergoing surgery at Korle Bu – Abeiku Santana

    Speaking out of pain and tears on his show on Okay FM, Monday evening, Abeiku said he wishes the consequence of his daughter’s death to fall on whoever is making such allegation just so they can feel how painful it is.

    Pulse.com.gh also heard the Tourism enthusiast adding that it is for such silly talks and disappointments that he has for some time now stopped his children from starring in Tv ads.

    Read: I never killed my daughter for rituals Abeiku Santana

    Speaking about his lost child, he reiterated that his daughter died from a hole in heart surgery. Recounting his sad story, he said the money he paid for the surgery was even refunded to him but he never touched it and ordered his wife to direct it into some charity project.

    He ended his resentment at the issue with apologies of ever talking about people’s private life on Radio and added that he is also open to receiving apologies from whoever made room for such negative and sensitive things to be said about him on Radio.

    Source: Pulse.com.gh

  • Kevin-Prince Boateng content with bench role at Barcelona

    Kevin-Prince Boateng says he’s unfazed by his bench role at Barcelona after being signed as a cover for Luis Suarez.

    The 31-year-old has joins the Catalan giants on a six-month deal from Italian side Sassuolo.

    The former AC Milan star passed a mandatory medical on Tuesday to complete his dream move to the Spanish giants.

    Read: Kevin-Prince Boateng to use experience to help Barcelona

    However, despite the funfair that has greeted his surprised return to Spain, the Ghanaian will have to remain content with a potential bench role as he has only been signed as an attacking cover for Luis Suarez.

    But he says he has joined to help with his experience.

    “I do not know at the moment, but I understand that I will not be a regular starter because there are incredible players in the team, I’m here to help with my experience,” he said at his unveiling on Tuesday.

    Barcelona’s decision to sign the attacking midfielder has shocked the world as it was not anticipated in a remote manner.

    Read: Kevin-Prince Boateng to use experience to help Barcelona

    But the agent of the Ghana star has pulled a massive transfer coup by agreeing a deal with the Spanish giants.

    Although born in Germany, he made 15 appearances for Ghana while his half-brother – Bayern Munich defender Jerome Boateng – plays for Germany.

    Barca were short of attacking options after the La Liga leaders sold Paco Alcacer and Munir El Haddadi this month.

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • Kevin-Prince Boateng to use experience to help Barcelona

    Newly-signed Barcelona attacker Kevin-Prince Boateng hopes that past experience in Spain will prove a key factor in succeeding at the club.

    The Catalan giants paid the Sassuolo £1.8 million to take Boateng on loan for the rest of the season. They can make the move permanent by paying a further £7 million at the end of the campaign.

    Read: Barcelona unveil shock signing Kevin-Prince Boateng

    Boateng’s arrival at the Nou Camp marks his return to La Liga, after featuring for Las Palmas in the 2016/17 season where he scored 10 goals in 28 appearances.

    The Ghanaian was all smiling on Tuesday as he pulled on the famous home strip for the first time and posed for the cameras at the Nou Camp and claimed that he is counting on his past experience in the league to become successful at the club.

    Read: Kevin Prince Boateng gets a shot on a final grand stage

    “My time in Las Palmas will help me A league change is always difficult, but for me Spain is like my homeland and I’m looking forward to new experiences in LaLiga.”

    He will be available for the first leg of Barcelona’s Copa del Rey quarter-final clash against Sevilla on Wednesday night.

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • Messi is the best in the world Kevin Boateng denies Ronaldo allegiance

    New Barcelona signing Kevin-Prince Boateng dismissed suggestions of a past allegiance to Real Madrid and Cristiano Ronaldo by lauding Lionel Messi as the best player “in this world and every world” during his official presentation.

    Boateng completed a shock move to Barca on Monday, with the Catalan club bringing him in from Sassuolo on a loan deal until the end of the season which includes an €8million purchase option.

    The 31-year-old represents a left-field option for Barca. Before Sassuolo, Boateng played for Las Palmas and then Eintracht Frankfurt, never quite living up to the early expectations of him after impressing as a teenager with Hertha Berlin.

    Read: Barcelona unveil shock signing Kevin-Prince Boateng

    After rumours of his move began to circulate, past quotes from Boateng declaring himself a Madrid fan and praising Ronaldo as the world’s best player began to resurface, but he had a concise response on Tuesday.

    “I am a Barcelona player and Lionel Messi is the best player in this world and every world,” the Germany-born former Ghana international told reporters.

    “Why are you laughing? That’s the truth, he has shown that with all that he has won in the last 10 years.

    Read: Kevin Prince Boateng gets a shot on a final grand stage

    “It’s a great honour [to be at Barcelona] because Messi is the best player in the world, and Luis Suarez the best striker in the world.

    “They play amazingly and being able to play by their side is a great gift.”

    Boateng is fully aware that he has not been brought in to slot straight into the starting XI, but believes his versatility will serve him well, as he is able to play in midfield and further forward.

    “At my age, the number nine role is perfect for me, but for a coach, I think a player like me is a plus because I can play in different positions, but I feel very good as a number nine,” the former AC Milan man said.

    “I have not talked to the coach [Ernesto Valverde], but I know I have not come to play in the starting line because there are incredible players in this team.

    “I’m here because of my experience and to help. I’m here to play well and sign on for more years here, that’s my goal.”

    Source: Myjoyonline.com

  • Ashantigold midfielder James Akaminko issues come-and-get-me plea to Kotoko

    Ashantigold midfielder James Akaminko has put Asante Kotoko on Red alert after revealing he will ‘grab the opportunity’ to join the Ghanaian giants. 

    The former Medeama midfielder has been linked with a move to Porcupine Warriors after an improved form.

    Akaminko, who is the junior brother of Ghana defender Jerry Akaminko, has been a key cog of the miners since he joined.

    Read: Kotoko keen to sign Ashantigold trio – Mumuni, Akaminko and Djodi

    He has been identified as one of three players of Ashantigold being courted by Kotoko.

    And the former Tema Youth star has revealed he will grab the opportunity to join the Kumasi-based side once his club can reach an agreement.

    “If management of AshantiGold agrees to allow me join Kotoko, I will grab the opportunity,” he told Kumasi-based Oyerepa FM.

    Read: J.A Kufuor Cup: Bizarre end mars Kotoko vs Ashantigold clash

    “It doesn’t lie in my mouth to decide whether to leave or not but won’t hesitate to play for Kotoko if given the green light.

    “I believe I can contribute my quota for Kotoko to qualify to the next stage in their Africa campaign.

    “They have the final say,if the two clubs are able to agree on a deal,i will gladly join Kotoko.”

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • ‘Signposts defaced with posters are losing its purpose’ – Department of Urban Roads

    A number of Signposts in Accra have been defaced with all manner of posters, as a result of this, they are losing their relevance according to the Department of Urban Roads

    Signposts are meant to inform, warn and regulate the flow of vehicular and human traffic, including motorcycles, vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians and other road users.

    About 20 streets in Accra pointed to covering more than 100 signposts in Accra, a situation which has resulted in road accidents.

    Read: Remove parked trucks along Accra-Tema Motorway Minister orders

    There are also cases where billboards have been positioned to block some signposts.

    Some of the affected roads in Accra are the Independence Avenue, the Kanda Highway, the Independence Avenue, John Evans Atta Mills High Street, Kojo Thompson Road, Dr Busia Highway, N1 Highway and the Graphic Road.

    Posters, ranging from very small stickers to large ones, includes political, events publicity posters, vacancy announcements, selling products and posters showing direction.

    Read: Ghana Post trains MTTD officials on use of App

    According to the Head of Engineering at the Road Safety Unit at the Department of Urban Roads, Ms Patricia Onny, she said the implication was huge and could be deadly to all road users.

    Ms Patricia Onny said, “For instance, if there is a speed hump and the sign is covered, the person driving may run into it and that could result in injury, death or damage to those in the vehicle as well as the vehicle itself.

    Again, if there is a zebra crossing and the sign is covered, the driver would not know and would just zoom in and the outcome is clear,” she added

    Ms Onny said road safety was a collective responsibility and that the situation fell within the jurisdiction of the enforcement agencies.

    “At the Department of Urban Roads, everyone has their duty. We cannot go enforcing. The assembly and the police are there to assist Urban Roads with the enforcement issues,” she noted

    “I think it will be good if you also approach the mayor on the matter. There should be bye-laws for everything if you are managing a city and I know there are”. Head of Engineering at the Road Safety Unit at the Department of Urban Roads highlighted.

    ”That is why I want you to go to the assembly and find out; because this is an issue that the assembly should be able to handle,” she concluded.

    Meanwhile, the Deputy Head of Public Affairs at the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), Mr Esmond Ahiadekey, stated that the issue had to be dealt with by the Department of Urban Roads.

    The Head of Communication at the National Road Safety Commission (NRSC), Mr Kwame Koduah Atuahene, says that the development was as a result of the general indiscipline among the public.

    “If drivers are denied the benefit of these signs, as far as their use of the roads are concerned, then the consequence is obvious. So it is not a practice that ought to be encouraged,” he said.

    Mr Atuahene argued that because it was a problem of indiscipline, the law enforcement agency responsible needed to deal with those behind the practice, according to the law.

    The Motor Transport and Traffic Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service said the development had not come to its attention.

    The Commanding Officer of the Accra Central MTTD, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Mr Anderson Fosu-Ackaah, pledged to take up the matter.

    “It is against the rules; we’ll have a team to go round and apprehend those responsible,” he said.

    Source: primenewsghana.com

  • GNFS appeal over dismissal of two pregnant women

    The Human Rights Division of the Accra High Court has dismissed an application for stay of execution pending appeal in the case in which the Ghana National Fire Service has been ordered to reinstate two of its staff who were sacked for getting pregnant in the first three years of the employment.

    The High Court last year ordered the GNFS to pay each of the victims GHc50, 000 as compensation.

    Read: Cause of Odawna market fire unknown Fire service

    In a landmark judgment, the court declared as unlawful Regulation 33 (6) of the Conditions of Service of the GNFS that debars servicewomen from getting pregnant within the first three years of their employment.

    Daily Heritage Court Correspondent Muntalla Inusah who was in court reported that the state according to the court did not demonstrate what it will lose if the stay of execution was granted.

    Read: Two fire service directors trade blows over transfers; one bites the other

    In his ruling after Jasmine Armah, a state Attorney had moved for the orders made by a different judge be set aside pending appeal, the court said, the orders of the High Court must stand.

    Court Orders

    The Human Rights Division of the Accra High Court ordered the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) to pay GH¢50,000 each as compensation to two Fire Servicewomen who were dismissed for getting pregnant within the first three years of their employment.

    The court also ordered the GNFS to reinstate Ms. Grace Fosu and Ms. Thelma Hammond, the two women, and also pay them all their salaries and benefits that had accrued during the period of their dismissal.

    It further awarded costs of GH¢10,000 against the GNFS.

    But, the fire service has since April last year failed to carry out the orders of the court and later filed an application for stay of execution.

    The Court in its ruling today dismissed the application on grounds that, it failed to show the difficulty the fire service would have reinstating them.

    Source: Starrfmonline.com

  • What the wealthy and ultra-wealthy spend their money on

    What grabs the attention of the wealthiest people in the world? Who are they? And where did all that money come from?

    Both the number of wealthy individuals and their collective wealth increased by about 2% last year, according to a new report from Wealth-X, a company that tracks global wealth. There were 23 million high-net-worth individuals globally in 2018, with a combined net worth of $62 trillion.

    The majority are self-made and live in the United States, which claims 40% of the world’s wealthy population.

    Read: Amazon boss Jeff Bezos and wife MacKenzie divorce

    Even among the rich, there are categories of wealth: There’s the high-net-worth and then the ultra-high-net-worth. Wealth-X tracks high-net-worth individuals, or people who have net assets between $1 million and $30 million. The majority are clustered at the bottom, with nearly 90% of high-net-worth individuals’ worth between $1 million and $5 million.

    Ultra-high-net worth individuals are considered to be those who are worth more than $30 million.

    What do they spend their money on?

    The world’s richest people give a lot of their money away.

    Philanthropic giving is one of the primary pursuits of the wealthy, particularly among the ultra wealthy, with 36% of the rich, and 57% of the super rich pointing to charitable giving as one of their top interests.

    Read: How billionaire philanthropists Bill and Melinda Gates settle disagreements

    For most high-net-worth individuals giving is a priority. After a dip in the wake of the global financial crisis, philanthropic giving has recovered. Still, as a proportion of net worth, the wealthy give far less than people of more limited means, according to the report.

    Last year the ultra wealthy made several high-profile mega-gifts. For example, Jeff and MacKenzie Bezos donated $2 billion to the Day One Fund to help the homeless, and Michael Bloomberg gave $1.8 billion to his alma malter, Johns Hopkins University, for financial aid.

    For America’s wealthiest, giving may be slowing due to economic concerns and the impact of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The legislation increased the standard deduction. This, in turn, is expected to reduce the number of tax returns itemizing deductions for charitable gifts from about 37 million before the law went into effect to about 16 million in 2018, according to the Tax Policy Center.

    The most popular charitable causes among the wealthy last year included those supporting education, social services, arts and culture, and health.

    But giving comes second to business among the passions, interests and hobbies of the world’s wealthiest. After philanthropic giving, the wealthy are interested in finance, followed by sports and the outdoors, according to Wealth-X.

    Looking more in depth at which sports and activities the wealthy enjoy, the overwhelming favorite is golf, followed by football, skiing, basketball and baseball. The researchers noted that these sports reflect the impact the US has over the world’s high-net-worth population.

    Interest in family, politics, animals and languages are at the bottom of the top 20.

    Who are the wealthiest people?

    Overwhelmingly, the wealthy are still men. Only 16% of high-net-worth individuals are women. Of ultra-high-net-worth individuals, only 14% are women.

    Just over 40% of them live in North America, while a quarter live in Europe and another quarter are in Asia. The United States has the most high-net-worth individuals, followed by China, Japan, Germany and the United Kingdom. The top 10 countries accounted for three quarters of the global high-net-worth population, and just under three quarters of total high-net-worth wealth in 2018.

    Read: Africa’s ‘youngest billionaire’ abducted in Tanzania

    New York City has the most high-net-worth people of any city in the world, although the number shrunk by about half a percent in 2018. Still, with just under a million high-net-worth individuals, New York’s wealthy population is 65% larger than the city with the second most, Tokyo.

    Hong Kong has the largest population of ultra-wealthy residents, becoming the first city to have more than 10,000 ultra wealthy individuals after overtaking New York last year.

    But the high-net-worth population in Hong Kong dropped by more than 11% in 2018, partly as a result of markets in Hong Kong and China reacting negatively to trade uncertainty between the US and China.

    Countries with the largest expected growth in high-net-worth individuals in the next five years include Nigeria, Egypt, Bangladesh and Vietnam.

    How did they make their money?

    Only a small percentage of the world’s richest people inherited all of their money. The majority are responsible for self creating some or all of their fortune, according to the report.

    Nearly 84% of high-net-worth-individuals made their own fortunes. Only about 5% completely inherited their money and about 12% have a fortune that combines inherited and self-made wealth.

    A higher proportion of the ultra wealthy have inherited their wealth, with about 30% receiving some or all of their fortune from inheritance, and 70% creating their own wealth.

    The report points out that that while inequality has increased in recent decades, over the past few centuries inherited wealth has declined and the proportion of wealthy individuals whose fortunes are predominantly self-made continues to increase.

    Among industries that the wealthy work in, finance, business and investing came first; followed by manufacturing; technology; business services; and construction.

    Source: www.graphic.com.gh

  • FDA releases list of harmful cosmetic products

    The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has warned the public against using some 41 cosmetic products which contain harmful substances including mercury, hydroquinone and steroids.

    The FDA has also directed the producers of the harmful products to recall them from the market.

    The directive issued by the FDA after investigations on the Ghanaian market revealed that the cosmetic products contain some harmful substances which violate the Standards Authority Act, 1973 (N.R.C.D.1 173) as well as sections 111 (c) and 113 (b) of the Public Health Act, 2012, Act 851.

    Read: FDA destroys expired products worth over GHC40,000

    “The companies whose products contain these substances (mercury, hydroquinone and steroids) have been directed to initiate an immediate recall of their products from the market as they pose a potential health risk,” the FDA said in a statement signed by its Head Communications and Public Education Department, James Lartey.

    “These substances are not permitted in cosmetic products due to their adverse side effects over prolonged use. The adverse health effects associated with these substances include but not limited to the following: permanent neurological damage in children (pre—natal and neo-natal, kidney toxicity, fertility problems, birth defects, gastrointestinal toxicity, liver toxicity, skin infections, skin cancer and hyperpigmentation/Ochronosis”.

    The products include Perfect White Beauty Lotion (Clobetasol, Hydroquinone) and Day By Day Men Perfect Body Lotion (Betamethasone) produced by DIMD Limited as well as Ahoofs Foundation Body Cream (Mercury, Hydroquinone) produced by Banare Limited and Fair & White So White Skin Perfector Brightening and Moisturizing Body Milk (Hydroquinone) produced by France Mod Limited.

    Read: Police, FDA arrest seven for misbranding rice

    The list of companies and products that contain the substances that are not permitted in cosmetic products are:

    DIMD Limited

    1. Perfect White Beauty Lotion (Clobetasol, Hydroquinone)

    2. Day By Day Men Perfect Body Lotion (Betamethasone)

    Banare Limited

    1. Ahoofs Foundation Body Cream (Mercury, Hydroquinone)

    France Mod Limited

    1. Fair & White So White Skin Perfector Brightening and Moisturizing Body Milk (Hydroquinone)

    IVO Ghana Limited

    1. Zoe Peau Sublime Beauty Lotion (BN:AF50.04000002.09:15) (Mercury, Betamethasone, Hydroquinone)

    2. Zoe Peau Sublime Beauty Lotion (BN: not stated) (Mercury, Betamethasone, Hydroquinone) Body Clear Lightening Lotion (BN: not stated) (Mercury, Hydroquinone)

    4. Zoe Peau Sublime Face Corrective Cream (BN: not stated) (Mercury, Clobetasol, Betamethasone)

    Read: FDA caution public ahead festive sales

    5. Body Fashion Body Milk (BN: not stated) (Mercury, Hydroquinone)

    6. HT7 Hyprogel Body Lotion (BN: not stated) (Betamethasone)

    7. Beauty Clinic Whitening Lotion (BN: AF51.0500 0001) (Mercury, Hydroquinone)

    Magic Dodo Ltd

    1. Dodo Beauty Lightening Lotion (BN: 006114) (Mercury, Hydroquinone)

    2. Marie France Skin Care (BN: 006045) (Mercury, Betamethasone, Hydroquinone

    Nouvelle Parfumrie Gandour Ghana Limited

    1. Tiatio Concentrated Serum (Betamethasone, Clobetasol, Hydroquinone)

    2. Bravia Unifying Body Cream (BN: 1006618) (Hydroquinone)

    3. Bronze Tone Cocoa Butter and Honey Extracts (Hydroquinone)

    4. Passionella Complexion Unifying Serum (Hydroquinone)

    5. Passionella Brightening Cream (BN2241540) (Hydroquinone)

    6. Fluo Pommade a Huile de Ricin (Betamethasone)

    7. Bravia Lotion (Mercury, Clobetasol, Hydroquinone)

    8. Doctoress Creme (Clobetasol)

    9. Pure Skin Vanishing Care Body Cream (Clobetasol, Hydroquinone)

    10. Senophine Creme (Clobetasol)

    11.Abana Facial Creme (Mercury, Clobetasol, Hydroquinone)

    12.Bronze Tone Maxi Tone Cocoa Butter & Honey Extract Lotion (Hydroquinone)

    13.Maxilight Lightening & Purifying Body Lotion (Clobetasol, Hydroquinone)

    14.G&G Body Cream (Mercury, Clobetasol, Hydroquinone)

    Paradise Cosmetics Limited

    1. Bioskin Lightening Body Lotion (BN: 750) (Hydroquinone, Clobetasol)

    2. Bioskin Lightening Body Lotion (BN: 847) (Clobetasol, Hydroquinone)

    3. Clair—Liss Genial Lightening Body Cream (BN: 39834) (Clobetasol, Hydroquinone)

    4. Clair—Liss Genial Lightening Body Cream (9816) (Clobetasol, Hydroquinone)

    5. Sivoclair Lightening Body Lotion (BN-3560) (Clobetasol, Hydroquinone)

    6. Goldskin Clarifying Body Lotion with Argan Oil (BN: 740) (Clobetasol, Hydroquinone)

    7. Goldskin Fast Action Cream with Argan Oil (BN: 607025) (Clobetasol)

    8. Peau Claire Lightening Body Cream (BN: 3926) (Clobetasol, Hydroquinone)

    9. Biocarrot Lightening Body Lotion (BN: 167) (Clobetasol, Hydroquinone)

    Stopover JRA Enterprise

    1. RA Foundation Body Cream (Mercury, Hydroquinone)

    Universal Basic Company Limited

    1. Tendrina Special Hand and Body Complexion Lotion (BN: 139) (Betamethasone)

    2. Tendrina Complexion Cream (BN: CT 4003) (Betamethasone)

    3. Tendrina Hand and Body Complexion Lotion (BN: not legible) (Betamethasone)

    4. TC 35 Clear Complexion Milk (BN: 14352) (Betamethasone)

    Source: Graphic.com.gh

  • Thank you for the massive support; Ayawaso West Wuogon is grateful Nana B

    The National Youth Organizer of the ruling New Patriotic Party, Henry Nana Boakye has expressed his profound gratitude to the Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the teaming youth of NPP and residents at Ayawaso West Wuogon for their unflinching support for the wife of the late MP Emmanuel Kyeremateng Agyarko, Maa Lydia in the health Walk and Football Gala competition in the constituency last Saturday.

    Nana Boakye, in a statement, urged the constituents to vote massively for the wife of the late MP to retain the Ayawaso West Wuogon seat in memory of her late husband.

    Read: John Dumelo, Oye Lithur campaign for Ayawaso West Wuogon upcoming by-election

    “Let’s keep the momentum as we retain the Ayawaso West Wuogon seat in memory of the late Hon. Emmanuel Kyeremanteng Agyarko”.

    Read the full statement below:

    THANK YOU FOR THE MASSIVE SHOW OF SUPPORT

    The National Youth Wing expresses deep gratitude to the teeming youth of our party who joined our Vice President H.E Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and Madam Lydia Seyram Alhassan in the Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency for the health Walk and Football Gala competition.

    Read: Ayawaso West Wuogon elections: Our 106 parliamentary seats will be up by one – Bagbin

    It was refreshing to see many stalwarts of our party join the Veep and our Parliamentary Candidate on this exercise. Let’s keep the momentum as we retain the Ayawaso West Wuogon seat in memory of the late Hon. Emmanuel Kyeremanteng Agyarko.

    God bless us all!

    Source: Peacefmonline.com

  • NDC sets February 23 as final date for Presidential primaries

    The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has concluded on 23rd February 2019 for its presidential primaries.

    The primary was originally scheduled to have come off on Friday, December 7, 2018, in accordance with the constitution of the party to elect a flagbearer exactly two years to the presidential elections, if it is in opposition.

    Read: NDC wants court to set aside injunction against presidential primaries

    But misunderstanding over the nomination and filing fees for the flagbearer aspirants forced a change in the scheduled January 26, 2019.

    But an injunction filed by two members of the party nearly forced an indefinite suspension of the primary, but for an out-of-court agreement reached in court.

    But addressing the press after a Functional Executive Committee meeting, National Chairman of the party, Samuel Ofosu Ampofo explained the leadership of the party has met with all seven (7) aspirants and the council of elders to arrive at the new date.

    Read: John Mahama will win NDC primaries massively; his competitors must withdraw – Prophet Nigel Gaisie

    So far, seven party bigwigs including former President John Dramani Mahama have submitted forms to contest the primary.

    He added that the electoral commission is responsible for the elections, adding all security arrangements have been made with the police to ensure smooth elections in all 275 constituencies in the country.

    Below Is A Time Table For The Presidential Primaries

    1. Vetting- Tuesday 22nd – 23rd January, 2019

    2. Presentation of Voter Roll to Candidates – Wednesday 23rd January, 2019

    3. Appeals- Wednesday 23rd – 25th January, 2019

    4. Notice of Poll (Sample) – Saturday, 26th January, 2019

    5. Final Print of Notice of Poll – Monday, 28th January, 2019.

    6. Printing of Ballot Papers – Sunday, 3rd-17th February, 2019

    7. Distribution of Ballot papers – Monday, 18th February, 2019.

    8. Election – Saturday 23rd Febuary, 2019.

    Source: peacefmonline.com

  • Ronaldo accepts €18.8m deal over tax evasion

    Football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has cut a deal with a court in Madrid over tax evasion charges, accepting an €18.8m (£16.6m) fine.

    A huge media presence met the player outside the court, after a judge refused his request to appear by video or to enter the building by car to avoid the spotlight.

    The deal, agreed in advance, includes a 23-month jail sentence.

    But in Spain, convicts do not usually do time for sentences under two years.

    The non-violent nature of Ronaldo’s offence means he is unlikely to spend any time at all in jail, serving it on probation instead.

    The court appearance lasted mere minutes as Ronaldo accepted the deal offered by prosecutors.

    The current Juventus player, who played for the club in Italy the night before, arrived at the provincial court with his fiancee Georgina Rodriguez. Smiling and giving a thumbs-up, he was apparently unfazed by the media presence. 

    His lawyers had argued that given his fame, avoiding the main entrance was needed for the player’s security.

     

    What are the allegations against Ronaldo?

    Ronaldo, five-time winner of Europe’s Ballon d’Or and often titled one of the world’s best players, was accused of avoiding paying tax in Spain between 2010 and 2014, when he was playing for Real Madrid and based in the Spanish capital.

    Forbes lists the 33-year-old as the third-wealthiest athlete in the world, with estimated earnings of $108m (€95m) a year.

     

    The case centres around lucrative image rights deals. Prosecutors say the proceeds were funnelled through low-tax companies in foreign nations to avoid paying the required tax. 

    In court, as part of his deal, Ronaldo acknowledged four incidents amounting to €5.7m owed, according to Spanish-language news agency EFE.

    In 2017, when the allegations first emerged, prosecutors said it was a “voluntary and conscious breach of his fiscal obligations in Spain”.

    But Ronaldo’s lawyers said it is all down to a misunderstanding over what was and was not required under Spanish law, and deny any deliberate attempt to evade tax.

    The deal, struck in June last year, had to be agreed with Spain’s tax authorities. 

    Xabi Alonso also facing trial

    Ronaldo is not the only high-profile player to face the wrath of Spain’s tax system. 

    His former Real Madrid team-mate Xabi Alonso also appeared in court on Tuesday in connection with similar offences amounting to about €2m.

    Alonso was appearing before the court for the first time, facing a potential sentence of up to five years. Unlike Ronaldo, he has not yet struck any deal with authorities and has maintained his innocence.

    Shortly after Alonso’s trial began, the court suspended proceedings to consider whether it was competent to hear the case, or if it should be referred to another criminal court, EFE reports.

    The longer sentence prosecutors are seeking means that Alonso could, unlike Ronaldo, face jail time.

    There are several other examples of footballers facing Spain’s courts in recent years:

    – Barcelona star Lionel Messi avoided a jail sentence for a similar scheme involving image rights, paying several million in a “corrective payment” in back taxes and fines

    – Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior was at the centre of a row when Barcelona was fined millions after being charged with tax fraud over Neymar’s signing – but avoided admitting the offence

    – Real Madrid’s Marcelo Vieira admitted to tax fraud and accepted a four-month suspended jail sentence over his use of foreign firms to handle almost half a million euros in earnings

    The recent crackdown on high-profile footballers follows the removal of a tax exemption in 2010. Known as the “Beckham law”, it had allowed footballers to curb their taxes.

    Ronaldo also faces another ongoing legal battle: the football superstar is accused of rape in Las Vegas in 2009, a charge which he denies.

     

    Source: BBC 

  • As many as 100 Afghan security forces killed in Taliban attack

    Dozens of Afghan security forces were killed when armed Taliban fighters attacked a military base about 44 km southwest of Kabul on Monday.

    Afghan officials say the death toll is at least 45 according to the Associated Press news agency, others put it higher. 

    Provincial council member Nafisa Selai Wardak said at least 126 members were killed in the attack that began Monday morning when a suicide bomber detonated his explosive laden-vehicle outside the base in Maidan Shahr, the capital of Wardak province.

    Another provincial council member, Khawanin Sultani, told The Associated Press on Tuesday that the attack also left more than 70 wounded.

    Initially, the government had said 12 people were killed and about 30 were wounded.

    Read: Zimbabwe President defends fuel hike, slams two-way chaos

    Some of the injured were in provincial hospitals, while the more serious cases were being treated in Kabul, said Salem Asgherkhail, head of the area’s public health department.

    The New York Times reported the base was a training center for the country’s national intelligence service, the NDS.

    If true, this would be the intelligence agency’s largest single loss of life in the 17-year war. 

    The Taliban claimed responsibility for the coordinated attack, which began with a car bomb that detonated at the gate of the base in Maidan Shahr, according to Nasrat Rahimi, the deputy spokesman for the Interior Ministry.

    Armed Taliban fighters then moved in, a tactic the group has used in many previous attacks.

    The attack came a day after a Taliban assault in the neighbouring Logar province killed eight security forces.

    Read: Turkey readies international probe into Jamal Khashoggi killing

    The Taliban has been on the offensive in recent months, attacking targets around the country in an apparent effort to expand their influence and perhaps to gain more leverage in any future peace talks. 

    According to data from the US Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR), the Taliban controls or contests nearly half of Afghanistan.

    Since July, the US has tried to restart a peace process with the Taliban. US officials have met Taliban representatives in a number of countries. The Taliban has refused to meet Afghan government officials, calling them “puppets”.

    US Senator Lindsey Graham said in Pakistan on Sunday President Donald Trump should meet Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan as soon as possible to reset long-difficult US relations and push for a peaceful settlement in Afghanistan.

    US relations with Pakistan have been strained by suspicions that elements in the Pakistani establishment were aiding the Taliban, a charge Islamabad strongly denies. However, relations have appeared to improve in recent months amid efforts to push the armed group towards a peace deal.

     

    Source: BBC 

  • GRA bans two clearing agents

    The Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), has banned two clearing agents from transacting business with the authority.

    They are alleged to have engaged in some malpractices that cost the state huge sums in tax revenue in August, last year.

    The two, Vida Deganus, a freelance clearing agent and Nii Adjei Sowah, an employee of Fantegah Co. Ltd, falsified the port of loading document from India to other countries and under-declared the values.

    It follows investigations into the activities of the Fantegah Co. Ltd, a freight forwarder company after it was accused with other freight forwarder companies that they had under-declared the values that cost the state some $384,754.83 in revenue.

    The affected companies — Nasowah Enterprise, Abacus Digital Media Limited, Wayglow Enterprise, Too Smatt Enterprise and Dovis Clearing House Limited.

    The Customs Division of GRA revoked the licences of the firms after it had established that they “falsified the port of loading document from India to other countries and under-declared the values”.

    The falsified values were then presented to GRA for duty and tax purposes, resulting in loss of revenue.

    This was revealed in an internal memo that required the revocation of licences and which was made available to the GRAPHIC BUSINESS.

    The memo explained that the alleged illegalities of the companies benefited themselves and their clients, who are companies and individual importers.

    The companies are Tobinco, Wimped Co. Limited, Open Heaven Manufacturing & Co. Ltd and Royal Gold.

    The individual importers include Kwame Okyere, Faustina Osei Opoku and Justina Kuma.

    Further investigations

    Further investigations, however, into the activities of the company in question has established that Vida Deganus and Nii Adjei Sowah, initiated the deal without the authority of Fantegah Co. Ltd.

    On three separate occasions, the two persons cleared safety matches for two different importers Kwesi Poku and Kwame Okyere and declared that the goods, on one occasion, were from India and the rest were from China.

    The GRA, memo, however, indicated that the ICEGATE platform showed that the port of loading for the goods was India. They consequently paid $26,000 as duties on the matches instead of $94,013.6.

    GRA has banned the two persons involved from entering any Customs Division of the GRA office to transact business.

    The licence of the company in question has subsequently been ratified and it has since started operating the freight business.

    Source: Graphic.com.gh

  • This alleged mad man torched 5 vehicles at mechanic shop

    A man suspected to be suffering from a mental ailment caused an upset Tuesday when he torched a vehicle into ashes at a mechanic shop at the Pokuase ACP Estate junction in the Ga North Municipality of Accra.

    Four other vehicles at the shop had various parts damaged by the fire, which the suspected mental case identified only as Ofori, was said to have started at dawn.

    The timely arrival of fire personnel from Amasaman saved the other vehicles as well as nearby property belonging to the Electricity Company of Ghana from being burnt totally.

    Read: Man walks with head after taking tramadol

    Eyewitnesses say Ofori, who has been lurking within the vicinity, was spotted attempting to open an Opel Agila taxi cab brought to the shop Monday evening for repairs.

    Pokuase madman fire

    He then reportedly lit a match in the car and when it caught fire, he stood at a distance to watch the vehicle burn completely while the fire was extending to the other cars. A passerby alerted neigbours in a nearby house who called the fire personnel to quench the fire.

    At the time the fire was brought under control, four other vehicles parked at the shop had also been affected leaving some of them with damaged headlights, tail lights and bumpers.

    Workers at the shop who were outraged by the conduct of the man, attempted to find out from him why committed the act but he was adamant.

    Fire personnel have launched further probe into the incident in order to calculate the damages caused.

    Source: Myjoyonline.com

  • Fuel spillage causes accidents on Accra-Tema Motorway

    Four persons sustained injuries when the vehicles they were travelling on got involved in an accident on the Accra-Tema motorway on Tuesday, January 22, 2019.

    Although no death was recorded as at the time of filing this report, the injured were conveyed to the Tema General Hospital for medical attention.

    The accident happened at abount 7:50 am around the Kasapreko area on the Tema bound section of the motorway.

    Read: Oil spillage causes 8 accidents on Accra-Tema motorway

    According to the Second-in-Command of the Tema office of the Ghana National Fire Service, Divisional Officer 1, (DO1) Mr Timothy Osafo Afum, the accident occurred after a Toyota Corolla with registration number GE 1640-15 skidded off the road and spilled its fuel content on portions of the road.

    DO1 Afum said because of the fuel spillage, the road became slippery which resulted in a second accident involving a Nissan Navarra Pick-up with registration number GN 9099-16 which also skidded off the road injuring the driver on board.

    Read: Why should helicopters be available to lift politicians during accidents but not citizens? A-Plus

    He said the personnel of the GNFS had to use a foam compound to wash off the fuel on the road to prevent further slippages.

    Source: Graphic.com.gh

  • Paul Whelan: US spy suspect to remain in custody in Russia

    A former US marine accused of spying in Russia must remain in custody while he awaits trial, a court has ruled.

    Paul Whelan, 48, appeared in court in Moscow on Tuesday to appeal against a decision to deny him bail.

    He was detained in the city last month and Russian security officials say that he was “caught spying”.

    Mr Whelan insists that he is innocent and his family have told the BBC that he was simply visiting Russia to attend a wedding.

    He is awaiting trial on espionage charges and, if found guilty, could face up to 20 years in jail.

    Few details of the case against him have been made public, but his lawyer has told the BBC that Mr Whelan is in good spirits and is determined to prove his innocence.

    Read: France summons Italian envoy over Africa remarks

    Vladimir Zherebenkov added that he has seen no evidence from investigators that shows his client is a spy.

    “I saw him last week… he feels well, he has a sense of dignity,” he told reporters outside the court on Tuesday.

    A spokeswoman for the US embassy in Moscow told Russian media it was “closely following” the case and called for a “fair and transparent trial”.

    What was Paul Whelan doing in Russia?

    Mr Whelan arrived in Russia on 22 December to attend a wedding and had planned to visit Russia’s second city, St Petersburg, in addition to Moscow before flying home on 6 January, his brother told the BBC.

    He was arrested on 28 December, having taken a group of wedding guests on a tour of the Kremlin museums in the morning. He was last heard from in the early evening and failed to show up for the wedding, David Whelan said.

    Read: Turkey readies international probe into Jamal Khashoggi killing

    Russia’s FSB state security agency has given few details, saying only that he was detained “during an act of espionage”, a wording which implies that he was caught red-handed, the BBC’s Sarah Rainsford reports.

    His family say he has been visiting Russia for business and pleasure since 2007.

    Who is Paul Whelan?

    Mr Whelan was born in Canada to British parents but moved to the US as a child. He is currently director of global security for Michigan-based automotive components supplier BorgWarner.

    He is a citizen of four countries – the US, the UK, Canada, and the Irish Republic.

    Mr Whelan joined the Marine Reserves in 1994 and rose to the rank of staff sergeant in 2004. He served in Iraq for several months in 2004 and 2006.

    He was convicted in a 2008 court martial on charges related to larceny and received a bad-conduct discharge. Details of the charges have not been made public.

     

    Source: BBC 

  • Two brothers fight over dog meat; one stabbed to death in Bunkpurugu

    A younger of two very old brothers based in the Bunkpurugu-Yunyoo District of the Northern Region has been stabbed to death by his brother over a disagreement during a dog meat ritual for their late father, MyNewsGh.com has filed.

    The incident happened about 7:45 pm yesterday when police Bunkpurugu had a distressed call from assemblyman at Gbingbani electoral area Hon Dawuni Richard.

    Read: Thai child fighting culture sparks debate after 13-year-old’s death

    While the exact cause of the fight is unknown, the two brothers namely Nwenle Takia age 52 years and Bignani Takia age 50 years began the fight over a small goat and cooked dog meat at Piabuni a village near Gbingbani after a sacrifice both performed to their late father.

    In the process Nwenle Takia, the elder pulled a knife and stabbed Bignani Takia on his left armpit, upper top of his left breast and his testis.

    Read: Four arrested over alleged ‘rape to death’ of plantain chips seller

    Bignani died instantly, MyNewsGh.com learnt.

    His body was sent to the Faith Community hospital- Nakpanduri where post- mortem examination was performed.

    The body has since been released to the family for burial while the Nwenle Takia is in police custody.

    Source: mynewsgh.com

  • Al Hilal are better than Kotoko Abednego Tetteh warns

    Former Bechem United striker Abednego Tetteh has stated that Al Hilal of Sudan are better than Asante Kotoko after both teams were pitched in Group C of the CAF Confederation Cup.

    Zesco United and Nkana from Zambia are the other group opponents.

    Abednego Tetteh who had a short stint at the Sudanese club has warned that his former club is better than Kotoko and it will take a great performance for Kotoko to overcome them.

    Read: Asamoah Gyan’s manager Sammy Anim Addo hails Kotoko over CAF Confederation Cup heroics

    “Having played for Al Hilal, I can say they are better than Asante Kotoko in terms of recent performances in Africa. Though I want Kotoko to triumph over them it is not going to be easy,” he told Sikka FM Sports in Kumasi.

    “They have a bigger stadium than Baba Yara and rely on the ferocity and numbers of their fans”

    Abednego Tetteh also called on Kotoko to be wary of the Brazilian attacker in the Al Hilal team.

    Read: Kwadwo Asamoah names his favourite African football players

    “The defenders of Kotoko should be careful with their Brazilian striker Geovane Maranhao. He is very dangerous and clever too. He knows how to convince referees to get penalties,” he added.

    Kotoko will open their group C game against Al Hilal in Sudan on the February 3rd 2019.

     

    Source:  footballmadeinghana.com

  • Jimmy Cobblah names 24-man squad for AFCON U-20 tournament

    Head coach of the Black Satellites of Ghana, Jimmy Cobblah has named his 24-am squad for the upcoming U-20 AFCON in Niger.

    Footballghana.com can confirm that the Satellites will depart Ghana this week to Niger ahead of the tournament.

    Coach Jimmy Cobblah’s side was engaged in a series of friendly matches to shape them ahead of the tournament slated between February 2 and February 17 2017.

    Coach Cobblah is set to include Konda Mohammed Kudus and Menaf Abdul when they commence intensive training in Niamey.

    Read: Coach Jimmy Cobblah drops the hammer on angry parents and managers over snubbed players

    Ghana will face Mali, Senegal and Burkina Faso in Group B.

    Below are the 24-man squad:

    Frank Arhin

    Samuel Nii Armah

    Gabriel Leveh

    Ibrahim Sulley

    Saliw Babawo

    Isaac Atanga

    Frederick Asare

    Nathaniel Adjei

    Emmanuel Kumah

    Fard Ibrahim

    Gideon Mensah

    Amankwah Yeboah

    Prosper Ahiabu

    Emmanuel Toku

    Daniel Lomotey

    Ibrahim Sadiq

    Enock Atta Agyei

    Read: James Akaminko issues come-and-get-me plea to Kotoko

    Maxwell Arthur

    Danlad Ibrahim

    Yakubu Najeed

    Montari Kamahini

     

    Source: footballghana 

  • Kotoko declares GH639,000 as gate proceeds from Coton Sport game

    Asante Kotoko SC has officially declared an amount of GHC 639,000 as the gross gate proceeds from their CAF Confederations Cup second leg tie with Coton Sport at the Baba Yara Stadium on Sunday.

    Asante Kotoko took home a net amount of GHC 438,000 after various deductions were made.

    Read: Zesco United’s Ghanaian forward excited to face Kotoko in CAF Confederation Cup

    This is one of the highest amounts the Porcupine Warriors have made in gate proceeds at the Baba Yara Stadium in recent years.

    The previous highest gross gate proceeds recorded in Ghana football was when Ghana played Egypt in Kumasi (6-1) GHs 420,000 was the gross gate proceeds that day.

    Asante Kotoko won the game by two goals to one and qualified on a 5-3 aggregate.

     
    Source:  primenewsghana.com

  • Barcelona unveil shock signing Kevin-Prince Boateng

    Spanish powerhouse Barcelona unveiled new signing Kevin-Prince Boateng on Tuesday.

    The 31-year-old has signed a six-month loan deal after completing formalities.

    The Ghanaian has joined as an attacking cover for Luis Suarez from Italian side Sassuolo.

    Read: Boateng becomes first Ghanaian, 14th African to join Barcelona

    The former AC Milan, Schalke and Tottenham midfielder could be signed permanently by the Spanish giants in the summer if he impresses.

     

     

    Barcelona’s decision to sign the attacking midfielder has shocked the world as it was not anticipated in a remotely manner.

    But the agent of the Ghana star has pulled a massive transfer coup by agreeing a deal with the Spanish giants.

    Read: Kevin Prince Boateng gets a shot on a final grand stage

    Although born in Germany, he made 15 appearances for Ghana while his half-brother – Bayern Munich defender Jerome Boateng – plays for Germany.

    Barca were short of attacking options after the La Liga leaders sold Paco Alcacer and Munir El Haddadi this month.

     

    Source: Ghanasoccernet.com 

  • Chieftaincy bloodbath looms in Bole Group warns

    The Secretary to the Bole Youth for Peace and Development, Abdulai Haruna Obey, has appealed to the Minister for the Interior, Mr Ambrose Dery to intervene in a festering chieftaincy feud which portends bloody consequences if officialdom fails to act.

    Tension is simmering in Bole following an order by the Yagbonwura, Tutumba Boresa I, against the enskinment of sub-chiefs by Mandariwura Abdalai Issahaku Kant, since the Overlord says he does not recognize the latter as the Bolewura.

    The directive, according to the youth of the area, risks sparking another chieftaincy conflict if Mr Dery and the Minister of Chieftaincy and Traditional Affairs do not intervene.

    Read: Help us end chieftaincy disputes Ga Traditional Council pleads with Akufo-Addo

    A chieftaincy clash between two factions who laid claim to the Bole Skin in December last year, claimed two lives. Several people were also injured while some houses were torched, forcing the locals to flee.

    A curfew was imposed on the town and a joint police-military force was deployed there to deal with the situation.

    Mr Obey told Class News that things are getting to a head and urgent action on the part of the government is needed to avert a conflagration à la Dagbon.

    Read: Government imposes curfew on Bole

    “We the youth in Bole want peace. The Minister of Chieftaincy Affairs, the Minister for the Interior and the authorities must look into the matter because this one is beyond our control and can become a Dagbon case looking at the way it is going,” Mr Obey stated.

    Background

    Abdalai Issahaku Kant and his brother, Abubakari Abutu, all from the Safope gate, laid claim to the Mandari skin after the chief, Bolewura Awuladese Pontomprong Mahama (II), passed away.

    The conflict dragged for a prolonged period until the Judicial Council of the Northern Regional House of Chiefs ruled in favour of Abdalai Issahaku Kant.

    Read:

    Kant was allegedly nominated by the late chief of Bole as the rightful heir to the Mandari skin, but the Yagbonwura, Overlord of the entire traditional area, prefers Abubakari Abutu.

    The Yagbonwura has subsequently asked leaders of all ethnic groups in the Bole Traditional Area not to recognise Abdalai Issahaku Kant as chief.

    He insists that it is illegal to have Abdalai Issahaku Kant as Bolewura as it breaches the customs and traditions of the Gonja Kingdom.

    Source: classfmonline.com

  • James Akaminko issues come-and-get-me plea to Kotoko

    Ashantigold midfielder James Akaminko has put Asante Kotoko on Red alert after revealing he will ‘grab the opportunity’ to join the Ghanaian giants. 

    The former Medeama midfielder has been linked with a move to Porcupine Warriors after an improved form.

    Akaminko, who is the junior brother of Ghana defender Jerry Akaminko, has been a key cog of the miners since he joined.

    Read: Kotoko keen to sign Ashantigold trio – Mumuni, Akaminko and Djodi

    He has been identified as one of three players of Ashantigold being courted by Kotoko.

    And the former Tema Youth star has revealed he will grab the opportunity to join the Kumasi-based side once his club can reach an agreement.

    “If management of AshantiGold agrees to allow me join Kotoko, I will grab the opportunity,” he told Kumasi-based Oyerepa FM

    “It doesn’t lie in my mouth to decide whether to leave or not but won’t hesitate to play for Kotoko if given the green light.

    Read: Kotoko coach CK Akunnor backs misfiring Songne Yacouba

    “I believe I can contribute my quota for Kotoko to qualify to the next stage in their Africa campaign.

    “They have the final say,if the two clubs are able to agree on a deal,i will gladly join Kotoko.”

     

    Source: Patrick Akoto

  • Both NPP, NDC MPs agree Ken Agyapong must be tamed Muntaka

    Minority Chief Whip in Parliament Hon Alhaji Muntaka Mubarak, Member of Parliament for Asawase has said there is unanimity among lawmakers of both sides of the house to have their colleague MP from Assin Central Kennedy Agyapong punished.

    Mr Muntaka was speaking on Ekosii Sen on Asempa FM following a press statement from the minority over the killing of Ahmed Hussein Suale, a protegé of ace investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas.

    Read: CID probes Kennedy Agyapong, Nyantakyi over murder of Anas’ boy

    The minority said they are convinced Kennedy Agyapong must be arrested immediately over his utterances which they believe led to the death of one Ahmed Hussein Suale, a member of Tiger Eye PI.

    “Ken Agyapong needs to be punished for instigating violence against Tiger Eye PI Members… Majority of NPP MPs agree with us that the conducts of Ken Agyapong are unbecoming of an MP and Parliament needs to check him”, Muntaka told Ekosii Sen.

    “Excessive partisanship in Parliament and our governance life is destroying Ghana. We must work to fight it wholly”.

    Read: Arrest Kennedy Agyapong now! – Minority charge

    “I cannot say that Ken Agyapong is guilty of the murder of Ahmed but his actions not as good as MP. Any lawful Country should questioning Ken Agyapong over the murder of Ahmed. His comments and actions uncalled for” Muntaka added.

    “The comments & actions of Hon. Ken Agyapong is unbecoming of an MP and Parliament needs to bring him to book” he opined.

    Source: mynewsgh.com

  • Kwesi Appiah hits back at NC boss Kofi Amoah over contract claims

    Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah says he’s in the dark over contract renewal claims by Normalisation Committee president Dr Kofi Amoah, insisting he is yet to sign a new deal.

    Dr Kofi Amoah says the caretaker committee has inserted the clause in the new contract of the Black Stars trainer revealing the former international defender will be shown the exit door if he fails to win the tournament to be held in Egypt in June.

    Read: Kofi Amoah must resign – Ex-Kotoko board member demands

    Appiah’s contract with the Black Stars is set to expire in April – two months before Africa’s flagship competition is staged in the north African country.

    Keen on the technical stability of the side, the Normalisation Committee has decided to give coach Appiah an extension that would end at the of the tournament to be held in Egypt.

    But the Black Stars gaffer says he is not aware of any contract extension.

    Read: Ghana will sack coach Kwesi Appiah if he fails to win 2019 AFCON – Kofi Amoah

    “Its a surprise to me. I have not signed any contract extension and so I don’t know where this is coming from,”he told reporters in Kumasi on Sunday

    “There is nothing like sack in my contract. Honestly I don’t know where this is coming from.”

    Ghana secured their place at the AFCON last month after Sierra Leone were booted out of the qualifiers because of government interference in the sport.

     

    Source: Ghanasoccernet.com 

  • Coffin makers in Kumasi cry over poor sales; call for government support

    Coffin makers in the Ashanti Regional capital of Kumasi, have complained that their businesses are grinding to the halt as a result of poor sales coupled with their inability to access wood to construct them.

    According to them, Burkinabes are buying all the wood used in producing their coffins at mouth-watering prices from their Ghanaians counterparts who are no longer willing to sell to them a situation they complain is gradually pushing them out of business, calling on the government for support.

    Read: Egyptians open coffin revealing 3,000-year-old mummified woman

    “Access to the wood is a major factor affecting the progress of our business. When you go to Sokoban Wood Village you can see piled wood all bought by Burkinabes because they have money and buy the lumber at higher prices,” he stated.

    Chairman of the Coffin Makers Association Samuel Sarpong in an interview he granted 3news.com, indicate that most of them have relocated to other parts of the city primarily because they are unable to purchase the wood cashed on by the locals in view of the high demand by the Burkinabes

    “The wood sellers are always eager to sell to them to the Burkinabes and this is affecting us. As for the coffins we sell them from 400 to 4000 cedis. When you want a coffin we ask the type of wood and design so that will determine the price but at least with 400 cedis you will get a coffin from us,” he stated.

    Read: Apau Wawase: The community where corpse are sent to mortuary on motorbikes

    He appealed to the government for support in order to train more persons in coffin manufacturing just like it did for woodworkers at Anloga Junction in Kumasi

    “Where we are currently working is not conducive for us to even train more youth because of lack of space. If the government can assist us like it assisted the woodworkers at Anloga Junction and relocated all of them to Sokoban Wood Village we will be grateful,” Mr Sarpong appealed.

    Source: mynewsgh.com

  • Fake Doctor busted at Anyinam

    The Medical and Dental Council has arrested a suspected quack Doctor at Anyinam in the Eastern Region.

    The suspect, Kankam Nkrumah, was caught red-handed at the consulting room of Yesukrom Medical Center Practicing Medicine without a license.

    Read: Fake doctor grabbed in Accra

    Information gathered by Starr News indicates that, the Investigative Unit of the Medical and Dental Council led by the Administrative Manager, Bright Atsu Fuglo and Desmond Asamoah, on January 21, 2019, stormed the community to undertake its routine headcount of licensed practitioners medical Doctors, Physician Assistants, and certified registered Anaesthetists at Anyinam but during the exercise they noticed the suspect Nkrumah Kankam sitting in the consulting room allegedly practicing medicine without License.

    He was questioned and subsequently arrested and handed over to the Anyinam Police.

    Read: Stay away from self-medication, quack doctors – Hajia Damata Sulemana

    The Public Relations Officer of the Eastern Regional Police Command, DSP Ebenezer Tetteh, confirmed the arrest to Starr News when contacted.

    He said the Police retrieved 15 patient folders and one stethoscope as exhibits while investigations continue.

    Source: Starrfmonline.com

  • TV3 poaches co-host of Starr Drive & Duvet, Giovani Caleb from EIB Network

    Co-host of Starr Drive on Starr 103.5 FM and Duvet on GhOne TV Giovani Caleb has left the EIB set for 3FM, a radio brand of Media General- owners of TV3, MyNewsGh.com has confirmed.

    Giovani Caleb confirmed the move on his Instagram and Facebook page moments ago. He expressed appreciation to viewers and listeners of Duvet and the Drivetime for making him. He also thanked the EIB network and its CEO Bola Ray for the opportunity.

    Read: Efia Odo joins Okay FM to begin her Radio career

    It is unclear the reasons for the sudden move but sources say Giovani, who has seen his career blossomed since joining the Bola Ray-led EIB Network some three years ago, has been offered a mouth-watering deal by Media General to help build their radio station brand in addition to the heavyweights already there including Kwakye Afreh Nuamah, Johnny Hughes, Winston Amoah, Grace Asare, Komla Klutse among others.

    The versatile radio-cum- TV personality left Starr FM today. Sources say he has already informed management of EIB of his decision to move on.

    Giovani upon joining EIB network has become a household name attracting regular Emceeing gigs and other related endeavours.

    He also co-hosts the popular television sex education show Duvet on GHOne television with Miss Nancy.

    Giovani had previously been with YFM in Accra.

    Read: Kafui Dey leaves EIB Network

     

     

    Source: mynewsgh 

  • Asamoah Gyan’s manager Sammy Anim Addo hails Kotoko over CAF Confederation Cup heroics

    Asamoah Gyan’s manager Samuel Anim Addo has heaped praise on Kotoko for securing passage to the group stage of the 2019 CAF Confederation Cup.

    The Porcupine Warriors qualified to the group stage for the first time in 11-years after a 5-3 aggregate win over Coton Sport.

    The Ghanaian giants recorded a 2-1 win over the Cameroonian side on Sunday at home to complete the remarkable return to African football.

    And Gyan’s long-time business manager, Samuel Anim, who was in Kumasi to watch the game, has lavished praises on the team.

    Read: CAF Confed Cup: Kotoko handed tricky draw

    “I want to congratulate Asante Kotoko football club, the team led by Dr Kwame Kyei, CEO George Amoako a very good friend of mine and all the management members. Mr Sarpong, Nana Kwame Dankwah, Edmund Ackah and co have done a wonderful job.

    “I would also like to congratulate the Premier League clubs for their massive show of solidarity and support. It was really refreshing seeing all the top brass of the other clubs in attendance. This is what we need in Ghana football.

    “We need to bring back our game. If the game has to grow, we need to stay united and focus. There is a lot of potential in football and we must work collectively.

    Kotoko is sponsored by Paradise Pac Mineral water – a company owned by Black Stars captain Asamoah Gyan and his manager has insisted the water company will continue to support the Porcupine Warriors.

    “It was a great atmosphere, lovely and Paradise Pac mineral water is delighted to be part of the Kotoko history.

    Read: Kotoko Chairman content with group in Confederations Cup draw

    “Paradise Pac will continue to support Kotoko. The fans love it and they should keep enjoying it. Water is life and we’ll be behind them.

    “We will continue to increase the package as we journey on. Asamoah Gyan has insisted he will continue to support this great club in which ever way he can. He is committed to his promise to the club.”

    Ghana Premier League sides Dreams FC and Liberty Professionals are also sponsored by the water company.

    Kotoko have drawn Zambian sides Zesco United and Nkana as well as Sudanese side Al Hilal in group C.

     

    Source: Ghanasoccernet.com 

  • Kotoko keen to sign Ashantigold trio – Mumuni, Akaminko and Djodi

    Asante Kotoko are keen to sign Ashantigold trio Shafiu Mumuni, James Akaminko and Richard Djodi, according to multiple reports. 

    The Porcupine Warriors want to augment their squad after qualifying to the group stage of the CAF Confederation Cup for the first time in 11-years.

    Coach C.K Akunnor has identified the trio as the men he needs to strengthen his squad ahead of their involvement in the group phase of Africa inter-club competition.

    Read: Kotoko coach CK Akunnor backs misfiring Songne Yacouba

    Akunnor transformed Shafiu Mumuni during his spell at the club and believed to be a huge admirer of Ivorian Richard Djodi as well as former Medeama midfielder Jerry Akaminko.

    Talks are believed to be at an advanced stage for the services of the trio as the club aim to win their third African crown.

    Kotoko have drawn Zambia sides Zesco United and Nkana as well as Sudanese side Al Hilal in group C of the CAF Confederation Cup.

     

    Source: Ghanasoccernet.com 

  • Oil spillage causes 8 accidents on Accra-Tema motorway

    A string of accidents occurred on the Accra-Tema motorway Tuesday morning as a result of oil spillage close to Kasapreko Junction.

    An oil tanker spilt its content on the road leaving it slippery, thus, making it difficult for drivers to manoeuvre on that route.

    Read: Two dead, others severely injured in gory accident

    The cars kept skidding and careering off the road due to the lack of friction on it.

    An eyewitness, Patrick N. Y. Sarfo, who recorded the event live on Facebook, said eight accidents had occurred just before 9 a.m. on Tuesday.

    The road users are, therefore, calling on the Ghana National Fire Service and the police to rush to the scene to help with rescue efforts and to prevent further harm.

    Source: classfmonline.com

  • Kwabena Owusu’s brilliant strike for CF Salmantino in victory over SD Ponferradina

    Ghanaian forward Kwabena Owusu netted the only goal for CF Salmantino as they defeated SD Ponferradina in the Spanish Segunda Disivion B.

    The Salamanca-based side went in the match with the hope of returning to winning ways following their 2-1 home loss against league leaders Fuenlabrada.

    Antonio Calderon’s side were handed a dream start to game after Ghanaian striker Kwabena Owusu put them ahead on the 10th minute mark.

    Read: Kevin-Prince Boateng reveals joining Barcelona is a ‘big dream come true’

    The hosts came back strongly in the strongly in the second stanza of the game but could not find the equalizer as Salmantino run away with the maximum points.

    Owusu, who is the 4th best striker in the league with nine goals, was substituted in the 48th minute due to injury.

     

     

    The win moved Salmantino to 13th on the log with 25 points after 21 games.

     

    Source: Ghanasoccernet.com 

  • LIVESTREAMING: Kevin-Prince Boateng’s official presentation as Barcelona player

    Ghana star Kevin-Prince Boateng’s official presentation as Barcelona player is underway in Spain. 

    The 31-year-old completed the shock transfer from Sassuolo to the Spanish champions on Monday night, becoming the first Ghanaian and 14th African in the Catalan club’s rich history.

    Boateng has been recruited on loan for the remainder of the season.

    Watch Kevin-Prince Boateng’s presentation

     

    Source: Ghanasoccernet.com 

  • Sex abuse scandal hits South Korea’s elite skating scene

    The prized elite world of South Korean speed skating has been mired in scandal following a wave of allegations from female skaters who say that they were were sexually abused by their coaches and that it was covered up.

    For a country that is a world leader in speed skating, having won 24 Olympic gold medals, this is a serious development. Other sporting federations say they are also now investigating claims of inappropriate behaviour.

    Read: North Korea’s Kim Jong-un visits China’s Xi Jinping

    Many see this as South Korea’s #MeToo movement finally being taken seriously, even if only through the prism of elite sport.

    A pressure group making headlines
    In the latest development, five unnamed female skaters have come forward accusing their coaches of abuse. One skater alleged that a coach forcibly kissed her and then verbally abused her when she rejected his advances.

    The women, represented by a group called Solidarity for Young Skaters (SYS), made their allegations public in a news conference held at South Korea’s parliament on Monday alongside a South Korean lawmaker Sohn Hye-won who has also taken up this cause.

    The group said the women chose to remain anonymous because they fear retaliation from those who support their coaches and the wider skating community.

    Read: Interpol presidency vote: Russia in surprise loss to South Korea

    “They are very much afraid of potential retaliation and possible rejection from the community,” Park Ji-hoon, a lawyer for Solidarity for Young Skaters, told the BBC.

    Ms Sohn and the pressure group also called for an investigation into Jun Myung-kyu, the former national team coach and a hugely influential figure in South Korean speed skating, who they accused of concealing misconduct.

    Mr Park said Mr Jun’s actions had gone undetected for years because he had “influence over the Korean ice skating community… because [the] community and some politicians have protected him.”

    Mr Jun has denied having any prior knowledge of the allegations or that he had knowledge of the abuse that led to one of his coaches being jailed for assault.

    “I wasn’t in a position to know everything about alleged sexual assaults,” he told a press conference on Monday.

    The SYS group has urged the government to carry out a survey of all athletes in an attempt to root out sexual violence in South Korea’s sporting community.

    How it began

    It all started in January 2018 when Olympic short-track speed skating gold-medallist Shim Suk-hee accused her former coach of repeatedly assaulting her since her teenage years.

    Last September Cho Jae-beom was convicted of beating and abusing Ms Shim and other skaters. She said he had been beating her since she was seven – and had even broken her fingers with an ice hockey stick.

    “He kicked and punched me so hard, especially on my head, that I even thought ‘I could die here’”, she said speaking at a court hearing last year.

    Other athletes later came forward and Cho was last September sentenced to 10 months in jail for assaulting Ms Shim and three other skaters.

    But in a complaint filed last month, the 21-year-old came out to accuse Cho of sexual assault.

    She says the sexual assault started in 2014 when she was still a student and continued until shortly before the Pyeongchang Olympic games. His lawyers have denied this allegation.

    Her fresh charge of sexual abuse led almost 250,000 in South Korea to sign a petition demanding a longer jail term for Cho.

    Skating and beyond

    But the problem is not limited to South Korean skating.

    Former tennis star Kim Eun-hee revealed last year that her tennis coach had been sexually assaulting her since the age of 10.

    She remained silent until she ran into him at a tournament two years ago, and realised he was still coaching young tennis players.

    Ms Kim filed a criminal complaint against him, and in October, he was convicted of rape with injury and sentenced to 10 years in jail.

    Former judo athlete Shin Yu-yong has also accused her former high school coach of repeatedly raping her over a period of four years.

    He denied the allegations, saying instead that he was romantically involved with her.

    Despite this, the Korea Judo Association later said they had placed a lifetime ban on him, saying it was a “serious problem” that he had “inappropriate relations with a minor… whether or not [he] is found guilty.”

    South Korea’s Human Rights Committee on Tuesday said it would establish an investigation team to look into the treatment of athletes.

    “We consider the seriousness of violence and sexual abuse in the sports field cannot be overlooked any longer,” Choi Young-ae, the Chairwoman of the National Human Rights Commission of Korea said at a press conference.

    Source: bbc.com

  • EasyJet takes £15m hit from Gatwick drone chaos

    EasyJet says the disruption to flights caused by the drone sightings at Gatwick airport in December has cost it about £15m.

    It paid out £10m in “customer welfare costs” and said it had lost £5m of revenues due to flight cancellations.

    EasyJet said the incident affected around 82,000 customers and led to more than 400 flights being cancelled.

    However, the carrier also said it had made a good start to the financial year and was “well prepared” for Brexit.

    Passenger numbers rose by 15% to 21.6 million for the last three months of 2018.

    ‘Encouraging’

    Last week, rival carrier Ryanair cut its profit forecast blaming lower-than-expected air fares.

    In contrast, Easyjet said that it had seen “robust” demand from customers.

    EasyJet chief executive Johan Lundgren said: “For the first half of 2019, booking levels currently remain encouraging despite the lack of certainty around Brexit for our customers.

    “Second half bookings continue to be ahead of last year and our expectations for the full year headline profit before tax are broadly in line with current market expectations.”

    He also said he was “proud” of the way staff worked around the clock to look after customers affected by the drone incident.

    Easyjet’s Brexit planning includes registering 130 aircraft in Austria and building up a pool of spare parts in the EU.

    It added that both the EU and the UK have committed to ensure that flights between the UK and EU will continue in the event of a no-deal Brexit.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Ronaldo in court for tax evasion charge

    Football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has arrived in court in Madrid amid a huge media presence to face tax evasion charges which could result in an €18.8m (£16.6m) fine.

    A judge refused the player’s request to appear by video or to enter the building by car to avoid the spotlight.

    He is widely expected to plead guilty in a pre-agreed deal that would hand him a 23-month jail sentence.

    Read: Ronaldo case lawyer to meet Lennard

    In Spain, convicts are usually not sent to jail for sentences under two years.

    The non-violent nature of Ronaldo’s offence means it is unlikely he would face any time at all in jail under the deal.

    The current Juventus player, who made an appearance for the club in Italy the night before, arrived smiling and giving a thumbs-up despite his previous request to enter the courthouse by car.

    Read: Police request Ronaldo DNA sample following rape allegation

    His lawyers had argued that given his fame, avoiding the main entrance was needed for the player’s security.

    Journalist Ruben Canizares posted a video of the footballer arriving at the provincial court with his fiancee Georgina Rodriguez.

    What are the allegations against Ronaldo?

    Ronaldo, five-time winner of Europe’s Ballon d’Or and often titled one of the world’s best players, is accused of avoiding paying tax in Spain between 2011 and 2014, when he was playing for Real Madrid and based in the Spanish capital.

    The case centres around lucrative image rights deals. Prosecutors say the proceeds were funnelled through low-tax companies in foreign nations to avoid paying the required tax.

    The amount was reported to be in the region of €14.8m.

    In 2017, when the allegations first emerged, prosecutors said it was a “voluntary and conscious breach of his fiscal obligations in Spain”.

    But Ronaldo’s lawyers said it is all down to a misunderstanding over what was and was not required under Spanish law, and deny any deliberate attempt to evade tax.

    The deal, struck in June last year, had to be agreed with Spain’s tax authorities. It will be presented to the judge on Tuesday at a short court session. The judge will announce his verdict in the coming days.

    Ronaldo is not the only high-profile player to face the wrath of Spain’s tax system.

    His former Real Madrid team-mate Xabi Alonso is expected to appear in court on the same day for the first time, charged with similar image rights offences amounting to about €2m.

    In recent years:

    1. Barcelona star Lionel Messi avoided a jail sentence for a similar scheme involving image rights, paying several million in a “corrective payment” in back taxes and fines

    2. Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior was at the centre of a row when Barcelona was fined millions after being charged with tax fraud over Neymar’s signing – but avoided admitting the offence

    3. Real Madrid’s Marcelo Vieira admitted to tax fraud and accepted a four-month suspended jail sentence over his use of foreign firms to handle almost half a million euros in earnings

    The recent crackdown on high-profile footballers follows the removal of a tax exemption in 2010. Known as the “Beckham law”, it had allowed footballers to curb their taxes.

    Ronaldo also faces another ongoing legal battle: the football superstar is accused of rape in Las Vegas in 2009, a charge which he denies.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Emiliano Sala: Fears Cardiff player on missing plane

    There is “genuine concern” Premier League footballer Emiliano Sala was on a flight which disappeared between France and Cardiff.

    It is feared the Argentine striker was one of two people on board the Piper Malibu, which disappeared off Alderney on Monday night.

    Cardiff City, which signed the 28-year-old from French club Nantes on Saturday, said it was “seeking clarification” as to what happened.

    A search is under way.

    Read: Premier League clubs in Kumasi to support Kotoko ahead of Coton Sport showdown

    Cardiff Airport confirmed the aircraft was due to arrive from Nantes but a spokeswoman said there were no further details.

    HM Coastguard said the disappearance was not in the UK search and rescue area, but it had sent two helicopters to help.

    A spokeswoman said they were assisting Guernsey Coastguard with a search for a light aircraft off Alderney: “HM Coastguard helicopters from Solent and Newquay have been helping to search overnight with nothing found.”

    The search and rescue operation had to deal with worsening conditions as they scoured the area on Monday night.

    Read: Premier League clubs confirm withdrawal from special competition

    The Met Office said at the time the aircraft went missing “there were some showers around, but nothing too intense”.

    “Wind speeds were not too bad – average speeds were around 15 to 20mph,” it added.

    As the search continued into the evening though, it became wetter and windier.

    ‘Get down to work’

    Cardiff signed Sala for a club record £15m after protracted negotiations with Nantes.

    He was the third-top scorer in Ligue 1, with 13 league and cup goals for his former team.

    When his signing was announced, he said: “It gives me great pleasure and I can’t wait to start training, meet my new teammates and get down to work.”

    Cardiff City’s chief executive Ken Choo said: “I’m sure all Cardiff City fans will join me in that and we can look forward to seeing our record signing in a Bluebirds shirt.”

    The most recent tweet from Sala’s account was a picture of him and his former team-mates, captioned “ciao”.

    The flight disappeared off radar near the Casquets lighthouse, infamous among mariners as the site of many shipwrecks, 13km north-west of Alderney in 1724.

    HM Coastguard said the helicopter from Newquay had now returned to base to refuel and rest the crew

    Source: bbc.com