TIG Post

Author: aejay_wp

  • Caf Confederation Cup: Coton Sport can cause havoc in return leg – Amos Frimpong

    The Porcupine warriors skipper has warned his teammates and supporters against camplacency as they host the Cottoners on Sunday.

    (more…)

  • 53 soldiers sue Menzgold over locked up GH¢2.5m investment

    Fifty-three soldiers have dragged Menzgold Ghana Limited, a gold dealership firm, to the High Court for failing to pay back their total investment of GH¢2.5 million.

    The plaintiffs — from the Ghana Navy, the Ghana Air Force and the Ghana Army — are praying the High Court to order a refund of their money. According to the plaintiffs, all efforts to retrieve the money had been unsuccessful.

    They are, per the writ of summons issued on December 12, 2018, accordingly praying the court to order a refund of their money, ranging between GH¢18,000 and GH¢244,000.

    The amounts quoted on the filed court documents represent the plaintiffs’ principal.

    Plaintiffs are arguing that even if the defendant claims that it cannot pay their interest, they are entitled to their principals.

    Plaintiffs’ case

    A statement of claim accompanying the writ of summons stated, inter alia, that the defendant, through advertisements and its agents, reached out to the Ghanaian public to subscribe to its services.

    It said the plaintiffs took advantage of the advertisements and subscribed to the defendant’s services by investing various sums of money in 2018.

    According to the statement, the agreement between the plaintiffs and the company entitled them to 10 per cent returns on their investment for those who invested GH¢24,000 and above and a minimum of seven per cent for those who witnessed below GH¢24,000.

    It said the government was for 12 months, after which investors were permitted to terminate or to reactivate their investments.

    According to the statement of claim, the defendant company paid the interest, popularly known as extra value, but stopped sometime in August 2018 and had since failed to either pay the interest or refund their principal. The plaintiffs, according to the statement, on several occasions attempted to retrieve their money but they hit a snag. “Plaintiffs have approached the defendant countless times but they are always met with excuses and postponement,” it said.

    Sweat and tears

    Describing themselves as hardworking men and women of the Ghana Armed Forces, the plaintiffs contended that they had invested their “sweat and tears” in the defendant company.

    They said they were worried that their hard-earned money from what they termed as “sleepless treks and peacekeeping missions” was what they had invested in Menzgold.

    The plaintiffs, therefore, prayed the court to direct the defendant company to refund their investments.

    Substituted service

    The plaintiffs have since the issuance of the writ of summons been unsuccessful in serving it on the gold trading company.

    Following from that, their counsel, Mr Yaw Owusu Anane-Asante, on January 8, 2019, filed an application for substituted service.

    Source: Graphic.com.gh

  • Halt the reckless victimization of our businesses GLiPGOA tells NPA

    Members of the Ghana Liquefied Petroleum Gas Operators Association (GLiPGOA) have asked the National Petroleum Authority to halt the reckless victimization of their businesses.

    According to a press statement issued by the group, the NPA has been sabotaging their activities in the interest of some multinational companies.

    “The National Petroleum Authority’s apparent agenda to consciously sabotage and collapse our businesses for the giant multinational companies and themselves and their cronies to set up liquefied petroleum gas bottling plants across the country has been activated in full force” the statement reads.

    The group said, the NPA, instead of focusing on helping them to solve the many hazards in the industry, is rather using the introduction of a Cylinder Recirculation Model to sabotage them.

    “We have noted with deep concern what appears to be an emerging pattern of closing down stations on the mere whimsies and caprices of so called ‘petitioners’ whose chief complaint has been that gas stations have been sited close to their facilities whether schools or homes contrary to the grounds on which an applicant may be denied a license under the NPA act” its read.

    READ FULL STATEMENT BELOW

    HALT THE RECKLESS VICTIMISATION OF OUR BUSINESSES IMMEDIATELY
    Good morning ladies and gentlemen of the press and thank you for honouring our invitation to today’s press conference at such short notice.

    The Ghana LPG Operators Association (GLiPGOA) which is the umbrella union of LPG Operators across the country have today invited you here to put on record our utmost displeasure at the vile attempts by politicians and people in authority to simply collapse our businesses and render our investments and employees jobless in the next few months if the grand agenda set in motion by assigns of the National Petroleum Authority is not immediately curtailed forthwith.

    The National Petroleum Authority’s apparent agenda to consciously sabotage and collapse our businesses for the giant multinational companies and themselves and their cronies to set up liquefied petroleum gas bottling plants across the country has been activated in full force.

    The National Petroleum Authority activated this agenda when instead of helping find a lasting solution to some of the hazards of handling LPG rather shockingly decided on collapsing all our stations across the country with the introduction of a Cylinder Recirculation Model although this has been known to be a rather more dangerous policy whose effects in several countries across the world has been disastrous and is there for all to see.

    This recirculation policy obviously is not a new thing to our Ghanaian system as it has been practised in this country in the late 80s but had to be eventually abandoned because of a myriad of factors.

    We have noted with deep concern what appears to be an emerging pattern of closing down stations on the mere whimsies and caprices of so called ‘petitioners’ whose chief complaint has been that gas stations have been sited close to their facilities whether schools or homes contrary to the grounds on which an applicant may be denied a license under the NPA act.

    Ladies and gentlemen you will be surprised these are stations that have existed for years, and had the licenses renewed year on year until the surfacing of these so calledpetitioners .One such station is Goby Gas Station, located 300 meters from the ACP junction off the Accra Kumasi Highway, which came into existence in 2006, fulfilled all documentations and started its retail activities in October 2008 till 12 January 2017 when a so called high profile personality said the station was close to his house so NPA should shut it down.

    The NPA did, and till this day that station remains shut down. This very act itself smacks of incompetence on the part of a regulator who is supposed to know what they are doing.

    The NPA in December of last year also for no good reason other than a supposed report filed by one of its hirelings put out a report suggesting it has decided to close down one of the very modern and very safe LPG refill outlets around the Afariwa area called T-Tekpor Gas Station (said to be a category A station, ie highest standards of safety) because according to the authority, the said station is sited close to a school and other public places.

    These LPG refilling stations for the records were there way back before these other facilities were erected but is being treated as though the reverse was the case.
    We all know this principle that is being pushed by the NPA if should be applied will mean that virtually 80-90% of all LPG stations across the length and breadth of the country will have to be demolished or non-renewal of their licenses as the authority is suggesting.

    It is clear, that the NPA is only intending on using all manner of funny, ridiculous and untenable excuses to push us all and our investments out of business and to further render our employees jobless with the shutting down of our stations for no good reason other than to satisfy the whims and caprices of those in charge in order to make way for their money induced cylinder recirculation model programme to take off.

    We will want to put on record that this deliberate attempt to tag all our stations and operations as unsafe simply because of one or two incidents cannot be allowed to continue whilst we all sit and watch some politicians who hitherto to coming into office had no clue what stresses it takes for ordinary Ghanaians to put these stations together only for them to come and collapse and go home to enjoy whatever they make from delivering the system to some foreigners and their cronies in the name of some model.

    SAFETY PROPOSALS TO CURB GAS FIRE INCIDENTS

    In the light of the challenges faced by the LPG industry on fire incidence, GLiPGOA has put together `Safety Proposals` and submitted same to the Ministry of Energy and NPA to curb the fire incidents, we hope the Ministry and NPA will
    incorporate these `Safety Proposals` in the LPG Operations. This will ensure that the nation does not experience incidents like the Atomic gas explosion.

    Ladies and gentlemen of the press, we will like to use this opportunity to warn the NPA to immediately, shelve whatever ridiculous plans they have kicked in motion to destroy our investments across the country and to also immediately do the right thing by reinstating those targeted whose licenses the NPA is revoking for no just reason other than to make way for their money baby….
    We are advising NPA to reopen with immediate effect and automatic alacrity T-Tekpor Gas Station and Goby Gas and any other station they have closed down within one week otherwise we shall advise ourselves.

    We are ready to resist with our blood to safeguard Public Safety and our Businesses.

    We further call on the President of the republic of Ghana to as a matter of urgency call to order some of his appointees who are simply destroying and collapsing businesses instead of helping build and empower same.

    Thank you

    Signed

    Torgbi Adaku V

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Don Little reveals how his parents left him to his fate

    Popular diminutive actor, Don Little, has shared a shocking revelation of how he was left by his parents to probably die in a hinterland because of his very short physique.

    (more…)

  • Anas’ partner Ahmed Hussein-Suale shot dead

    Undercover investigator and a key member of Anas Aremeyaw Anas’ Tiger Eye Private Investigatons team, Ahmed Hussein-Suale has been shot dead.

    Ahmed was shot three times, twice in the chest and another in the neck late Wednesday night at Madina in Accra while driving home by unidentified men riding motorbike

    A disheveled Anas confirmed the sad development and loss of a core team member and a brother, to Graphic Online, hardly able to compose himself.

    Ahmed was one of Tiger Eye journalists whose photographs the member of parliament for Assign South, Kennedy Agyapong circulated in his ‘who watches the watchman’ anti-Anas video documentary and called on the public to deal with for a handsome reward.

    “He was just shot and killed, nothing was taken from him”, said another devastated member of the Anas team, who added that the body has been taken to the Police Hospital Morgue and that he could be buried as soon as possible in keeping with Islamic rites.

    Source: Graphic.com.gh

  • Things that are making it hard for you to move on after a breakup

    Getting over a breakup can be hard, especially when there are added factors making it more difficult to move on. Oftentimes, however, there are things you can avoid that will make getting over your ex a lot easier.

    INSIDER spoke with relationship expert Rori Sassoon to find out what’s making it harder for you to move on after a breakup.

     

    Getting over a breakup can be hard, especially when there are added factors making it more difficult to move on. Oftentimes, however, there are things you can avoid that will make getting over your ex a lot easier.

    INSIDER spoke with relationship expert Rori Sassoon to find out what’s making it harder for you to move on after a breakup.

    You keep seeing their posts on social media.

    “Social media in today’s day and age is also a nightmare when you’re trying to heal from a breakup,” Sassoon said. “Because you don’t want to see that stuff.” Most of the time it’s better to unfollow your ex on social media or take a break, so you can take the time to really get away from them.

    You’re getting stuck in your own insecurity.

    “It depends on who broke up with who,” Sassoon said. She said oftentimes if you were the one broken up with, you’re thinking, “‘Am I ever gonna find someone who’s gonna treat me like that [again]?’”

     

    “If you didn’t end the relationship,” Sassoon said, it can be easy to doubt yourself, whereas the person who did the breaking up is thinking, “‘I really have to do this for my own sanity, because I don’t like the person I’m becoming with this person.’” It’s important to remember your self-worth, and that sometimes two people just don’t work out.

    You’re still talking to your ex.

    “Continuing to text them and meet up with them,” Sassoon said, is definitely going to make it harder to move on. Because then there’s also what Sassoon calls “the sex factor.”

    “What are you supposed to do? Do you actually want to know about the person? That’s just unhealthy unless you’ve both moved on and really feel like you can be friends,” Sassoon explained. If you haven’t fully moved on, there’s always going to be the tension of “the sex factor,” or the possibility of hooking up again because you still have an attachment to each other.

    You’re refusing to date or see anyone else.

    “It always takes someone to get over someone else,” Sassoon said. “Yes we all need to look inside ourselves and see what we could do better, but I think that when you’re really fixated on someone, the last person is automatically the one you think about.”

     

    “When you find a new person, you’re not thinking about that [previous] person anymore. It really does take another person to get over your ex,” she added.

    You’re keeping the gifts your ex gave you.

    If you keep mementos of your relationship around, you’re just going to be reminded of the good times you had together. It’s almost always better to throw away (or sell) everything your ex gave you, so you have less that reminds you of them, and are also able to have a fresh start completely apart from them.

    You’re refusing to get better.

    “It’s not a problem to take time for yourself, as long as you surround yourself with people that make you feel good about yourself,” Sassoon said. “Sometimes you need comfort and to be surrounded by your own people, and it’s going to take time to heal and trust another person.”

    But, Sassoon said, you need to “look inside yourself to say, ‘Was I my best self?’ Unless you’re introspective, you’re not going to grow or get better … Don’t get fixated or obsessed, but why not be the best version of you for the next relationship.” 

     

    Source: MSN 

  • Is there a right age to lose your virginity?

    Having sex too soon is the biggest regret of young people losing their virginity, a survey of British sexual behaviour suggests.

    More than a third of women and a quarter of men in their teens and early 20s admitted it had not been “the right time” when they first had sex.

    People must be 16 or over to legally consent to sex.

    The latest National Survey of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles poll says many people may not be ready at that age.

    The Natsal survey, carried out every decade or so, gives a detailed picture of sexual behaviour in the UK.

    Read: 8 questions to ask before having sex with him

    For this latest work, published in BMJ Sexual & Reproductive Health, researchers at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine looked at the responses of nearly 3,000 young people who had completed the survey between 2010 and 2012.

    The findings

    The responses showed that nearly 40% of young women and 26% of young men did not feel that their first sexual experience had happened “at the right time”.

    When asked in more depth, most said they wished they had waited longer to lose their virginity. Few said they should have done it sooner.

     

    Most had had sex by the time they were 18 half had done it by the time they were turning 17.

    Nearly a third had sex before turning 16.

    Equally willing

    The survey also looked at sexual competence or readiness whether a person could reasonably make an informed decision about whether to have sex for the first time. For example, they had to be sober enough to have consented and should not have been acting on peer pressure.

    Around half of the young women and four in 10 of the young men who responded failed this measure.

    And almost one in five women and one in 10 men said they and their partner had not been equally willing to have sex at the time, suggesting some felt pressured to have intercourse.

    Founder of the Natsal survey, Prof Kaye Wellings, said the age of consent was not an indicator that someone might be ready to become sexually active. “Every young person is different some 15-year-olds may be ready while some 18-year-olds are not.”

    Read: 8 actually helpful pieces of breakup advice you need to hear

    Co-researcher Dr Melissa Palmer said: “Our findings seem to support the idea that young women are more likely than young men to be under pressure from their partners to have sex.

    “Although the survey results yielded some positive outcomes, such as nearly nine in 10 young people using a reliable method of contraception at first sex, further efforts are required to ensure that the broader wellbeing of young people is protected as they become sexually active.”

    She said sex education in schools should equip young people with the right negotiating skills to enable them to have safe and positive first sexual experiences.

    When is the right time?

    If you think you might have sex, ask yourself:

    • Does it feel right?
    • Do I love my partner?
    • Does he/she love me just as much?
    • Have we talked about using condoms to prevent STIs and HIV, and was the talk OK?
    • Have we got contraception organised to protect against pregnancy?
    • Do I feel able to say “no” at any point if I change my mind, and will we both be OK with that?

    If you answer yes to all these questions, the time may be right. But if you answer yes to any of the following questions, it might not be:

    • Do I feel under pressure from anyone, such as my partner or friends?
    • Could I have any regrets afterwards?
    • Am I thinking about having sex just to impress my friends or keep up with them?
    • Am I thinking about having sex just to keep my partner?

    Isabel Inman from the sexual health charity Brook said: “We firmly believe that age and stage appropriate relationships and sex education (RSE) should start early in order to empower young people to make positive decisions that are right for them. We hope the introduction of mandatory RSE will provide this opportunity.”

     

    Source: BBC

  • Nana Kobina Nketsiah V calls on Judiciary to uphold truth

    Nana Kobina Nketsiah V, Omanhene of the Essikado Traditional Area has called for a transformation of the justice systems to reflect the Ghanaian heritage.

    He said reforming and making the laws in the justice delivery system to match the cultural norms and value could advance development and ensure more peace and security in the society.

    Nana Kobina Nketsiah V, said this when the Chief Justice, Justice Sophia Akuffo paid a courtesy call on him at his Palace to mark the beginning of a five-day working tour of courts facilities in the Western Region. 

    Read: KNUST violence: Blame the Judiciary Lawyer Wayo

    The visit would enable the Chief Justice to gather information in her bid to reform the judicial service during her tenure.

    He said over concentration on foreign laws and practices to govern the country continued to destroy the moral fibre of the Ghanaian society.

    The Paramount Chief reminded Ghanaians, particularly the judiciary, on the need to uphold truth, do away with corrupt practices and rather act as stewards appointed by God to give earthily judgement.”You need to desist from anything that does not glorify God”, he added.

    Her Ladyship Justice Sophia Akuffo said the court by court assessment being undertaken by her outfit was to gather information to aid in planning and improving both infrastructure and human resources of the judicial system.

    Read: Under-funding of Judiciary undermines output S. C. Judge

    She admitted that the courts facilities around the country must undergo structural transformation to befit their work as “God’s delegate to uphold and administer Justice”.

    Justice Sophia Akuffo said the local government system, though made provisions for the assemblies to provide district courts infrastructures, little had been done in that regard over the years, which had contributed to the deplorable court rooms and infrastructure and prayed that the relationship would be strengthened and each play its expected role to improve upon the sector.

    “Already, the Director of Estate has written to almost all the assemblies to remind them of this duty and I trust that going forward they would help us in creating the model court structure I am dreaming to live as a legacy”, she added.

    “Currently, we are evaluating most of the Regional courts, particularly the magistrate and the circuit courts, and by April, a proposal would be sent to the judicial council on the need to merge the two to improve justice delivery at the district level”.

    The Chief Justice would tour selected facilities within the Daboase, Shama, Takoradi, Axim, Tarkwa, Sefwi-Wiawso Bibiani and the northern part of the Region.

    She would also meet with the Ghana Bar Association, MMDCEs and Service Commanders.

    Source: ghananewsagency.org

  • Brexit and no-confidence vote: Corbyn targets ‘zombie government’

    Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has called Theresa May’s administration a “zombie government” that “cannot govern” as he called for a general election.

    Opening a debate on a no-confidence motion, Mr Corbyn said the government “should do the right thing and resign” after Tuesday night’s record-breaking defeat on its Brexit legislation.

    Read: Pound rises after ‘meaningful’ Brexit vote

    The prime minister said an election was “simply not in the national interest”.

    The no-confidence vote is expected to be held at about 19:00 GMT.

    Mr Corbyn’s motion is backed by MPs from the SNP, Lib Dems, Plaid Cymru and Green Party.

    Read: UK readies for historic Brexit deal vote

    But senior Labour figures accept it is not likely to succeed, as she has the backing of Tory rebels and the DUP’s 10 MPs, who less than 24 hours ago helped inflict a humiliating defeat on her.

    Labour says further no-confidence votes could follow if this one fails.

    Mr Corbyn told MPs: “The prime minister has consistently claimed that her deal, which has been decisively rejected, was good for Britain workers and business… she should have nothing to fear by going to the people.”

    He added that 2011’s Fixed-term Parliaments Act “was never intended to prop up a zombie government”, saying that the prime minister had “lost control” and suffered an “historic and humiliating defeat”.
    How did Theresa May respond?

    Read: Brexit: MPs to resume debate on PM’s plan

    Mrs May told MPs it was Parliament that decided to put the question of European Union membership to the people, “and now Parliament must finish the job”.

    She said extending Article 50, the legal mechanism taking the UK out of the EU on 29 March, to allow time for an election would mean “delaying Brexit for who knows how long”.

    She repeated her offer of cross-party talks to find a way forward on Brexit, but has not so far invited the Labour leader to take part in them.

    A general election would “deepen divisions when we need unity, it would bring chaos when we need certainty,” Mrs May said.
    What do other MPs think?

    Tory MP for Croydon South, Chris Philip, accused Mr Corbyn of “shameless political opportunism”, which put “party interests ahead of national interests”.

    James Morris, Tory MP for Halesowen and Rowley Regis, said the motion was “merely a tactical device by the opposition to cause chaos”.

    And Conservative ex-minister Anna Soubry, who wants Mr Corbyn to back another EU referendum, questioned why her party were six points ahead of Labour in a weekend opinion poll, adding: “Could it be because he’s the most hopeless Leader of the Opposition that we’ve ever had?”

    But other MPs backed Mr Corbyn, with Labour’s Stephen Doughty saying his leader was “absolutely right” to call for a general election “because it is not just the government’s record on Brexit which is at stake tonight”.

    Labour frontbencher Liam Byrne, MP for Birmingham, Hodge Hill, accused Mrs May of building “a cage of red lines” over Brexit.

    “We rejected the deal because we rejected the cage,” he said. “If she is not prepared to change, how on earth can we in this House continue to place a shred of confidence in her?”

    SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford accused the government of “seeking to run down the clock” over Brexit and warned that the UK could “crash out” of the EU with no deal.

    “The risk of a no deal is something that is unthinkable,” he said. “If the government and the prime minister want to drive the bus over the cliff, we will not be in the passenger seat.”

    Lib Dem leader Sir Vince Cable said 48% of the population who voted to remain in the EU had been “totally disregarded” by the government and Mrs May had an “unwillingness to listen”.

    He said a general election provided “another route and a welcome one” that could resolve the issue, and he also called for a “people’s vote”.

    DUP Westminster Leader Nigel Dodds said his party will be supporting the government in the vote, as it was in the “national interest”.

    But, he said, the backstop in Mrs May’s Brexit deal had been “fatal” and “that needs to be dealt with”.

    Source: bbc

  • Mario Balotelli set to join Marseille from Nice

    Former Manchester City and Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli is set to join Marseille from Nice.

    The Italy international, 28, has been at Ligue 1 side Nice since leaving Liverpool on a free transfer in 2016.

    Balotelli helped City win the Premier League in 2011-12 and had one season at Liverpool before spending a year on loan at AC Milan.

    Read: Balotelli set for incredible Premier League return

    He has not played since 4 December following a disagreement with coach Patrick Vieira.

    Balotelli’s contract with Nice expires at the end of the season.

    Read: I am proud to be a Ghanaian – Mario Balotelli

    Balotelli, who has also played for Inter Milan in a 12-year career, scored 42 goals in 64 games in his first two seasons in France.

    But he was dropped by Italy in September 2018 and has not scored in 10 games for Nice this season.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Napoli join race to sign Sassuolo midfielder Alfred Duncan

    Italian Serie A side SS Napoli have joined the race to sign midfielder Alfred Duncan from US Sassuolo in the ongoing winter transfer window.

    The Ghanaian enforcer has become one of the most sought-after players in the ongoing winter transfer window following his impressive first half of the season performance for the Neroverdi.

    The 25-year-old was heavily linked with a return to Inter Milan in the January window before city rivals AC Milan tried to hijack the move but the Rossoneri’s initial loan offer was rebuffed by the Mapei Stadium outfit.

    But according to reports from Corriere dello Sport, Napoli are looking to take advantage of the situation by signing the Ghanaian as they aim to bolster their midfielder following imminent departure of Marko Rog and Amadou Diawara.

    The renowned portal claimed that the Partenopei conducted a scouted the player during their last week’s Coppa Italian win against Roberto De Zerbi’s side at the San Paolo.

    Duncan has registered 2 assists and netted 3 goals from 12 games.

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • Bel-Aqua educates consumers on healthy ways to transport, store bottled water

    Management of Blow Chem Industries Limited, supplier of Bel-Aqua Mineral Water, has identified some healthy ways of transporting and storing bottled water to avoid contamination.

    These healthy tips come on the back of a video circulating on social media which is alleging algae growth in a bottle of Bel-Aqua purchased by an alleged customer.

    According to the management, though Bel-Aqua is “produced under the strictest hygiene and health conditions supervised by the Food and Drugs Authority, just like any other bottled water, and by extension, any manufactured product, may be compromised if not handled properly during transportation and storage leading to post-factory contamination like the current case in point”.

    In a statement intended to educate the general public on possible ways to avoid contamination, the management of the water bottling company advised the general public against exposing bottle water to sunlight.

    To ensure that the water produced is kept whole and fresh until consumption, Bel-Aqua also stressed the need to avoid storing close to chemicals or strong fragrances.

    See healthy tips below

    Do not expose to sunlight

    Bottled water exposed to the sun during transportation or storage is unhealthy for the consumer as it exposes the water to the BPA material used in manufacturing the bottle. 

    Another possible manifestation of over-exposure of bottled water to sunlight is the presence of algae. According to the International Bottle Water Association (IBWA), “When water (Bottled Water) is exposed to extended periods of direct sunlight or heat sources, algae or mold may infrequently develop. Although this is not a general concern, the bottled water industry wants you to enjoy the freshest, cleanest water possible, and storing water in a cool place out of direct sunlight helps assure that.”

    Prolonged exposure of bottled water to sunlight may also lead to sedimentation of minerals in the water, causing them to appear in the water as crystalized particles. This is not harmful to the consumer, though it may seem alarming.

    Do not store close to chemicals or strong fragrances

    Bottled-water is generally stored in plastic bottles that have pores which allow thoroughfare for chemical particles in the environment they are stored in. Therefore, bottled water must be stored in places rid of chemicals and poisonous substances that can compromise the quality of the water.

    Report all cases of suspected unwholesome products to the FDA 

    We encourage members of the general public to report all suspected cases of unwholesome water products to the Food and Drugs Authority, as it is the right thing to do. This will help the authority investigate the underlying cause of the alleged defects. 

    Concerning Video In Circulation

    We entreat our cherished customers and members of the general public to disregard the impression being created that water from our factory is unwholesome, and rather encourage you to purchase your favorite Bel-Aqua from vendors who uphold the right storage and transportation standards. 

    Finally, we encourage any individual who comes into contact with any product suspected to be unwholesome to report to the Food and Drugs Authority or call theBel- Aqua hotlines on 0544335800 or 0544355900 for appropriate action to be taken.

    wishes to educate members of the general public on healthy ways to transport and store bottled-water in order to avoid contamination in the wake of a video in circulation which is alleging algae growth in a bottle of Bel-Aqua purchased by an alleged customer. 

    We wish to emphasize that Bel-Aqua is produced under the strictest hygiene and health conditionssupervised by the Food and Drugs Authority, which ensures that the water produced is kept whole and fresh until consumption.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • NAM 1 returns home tomorrow – Report

    Information available to Adomonline.com indicates that, embattled businessman, Nana Appiah Mensah popularly known as NAM 1 will be brought back to Ghana on Thursday, January 17, 2019.

    According to sources, the government delegation in Dubai have reached an agreement with the Emirati authorities for his release.

    Read: Arrest of NAM1 in Dubai: Prez Akufo-Addo calls emergency cabinet meeting

    A high powered government delegation went to Dubai to press for the extradition of Chief Executive Officer of Menzgold, NAM 1.

    The delegation includes Deputy Attorney General, Joseph Dindiok Kpemka, a representative from the Economic Organised Crime Office (EOCO), the Bureau of National Investigation (BNI) and National Security.

    Read: Dubai Police may not release NAM 1 Obiri Boahen

    This was after it emerged that, he has already been arrested in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) capital on December 7 after “a gold deal gone wrong.”

    Nana Appiah Mensah is also wanted for defrauding by false pretense and an allegation of money laundering after his company failed to pay customers investments.

    Therefore, aggrieved customers can now heave a sigh of relief after the source in Dubai told Ekosii Sen host, Osei Bonsu government has been able to strike a deal with the government of the Emirates to bring NAM 1 to Ghana to face justice.

    Source: adomonline.com

  • Gifty Adorye and husband Hopeson Adorye having fun after wedding

    The latest celebrity couple Mr Hopeson Adorye Empress Gifty Adorye and have been spotted having fun after their classic wedding in December 2018.

    Attractivemustapha.com has sighted the images of the couple in a party mood inside a jet ski at a location suspected to be Aqua Safari.

    Read: I dated Gifty Osei for 3 months NPP’s Hopeson Adorye

    Among the couple were the songstress’ mother popularly known as ‘Maame Fante’ in showbiz circles who has obviously been of immense support towards Empress Gifty Adorye’s life and career as a musician, her manager and some others.

     

     

    Source: Attractivemustapha.com

  • Establish Commission of Enquiry to probe Ga Mantse issues Ga chiefs to Akufo-Addo

    The GA Traditional Council through its spokesperson, Nii Oto Blafo III, the Otublohum Seitse, have requested the President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo, based on the power vested in him by Article 278 of the 1992 Constitution, to establish a Commission of Enquiry to look into the challenge the Ga Traditional Council is faced with as far as succession to the Ga Mantse stool is concerned.

    Addressing the President at the Jubilee House when they paid a courtesy call on him, the Traditional Council conceded that since the death of the late Ga Mantse, Nii Amugi in 2005, the Ga State had not been able to appoint a substantive replacement due to multiple conflicts, law suits and family disputes over which house or family is the legitimate entity to occupy the stool.

    Read: Inclusion of women in House of Chiefs requires dialogue – President

    “The Ga State is threatened because for thirteen years, this is the fourteen year since the death of Boni Nii Amugi and we have no substantive Ga Mantse,” Nii Oto Blafo III, said. To that end, the spokesman further stated that the traditional council, “believes that through the emergence of a Commission of Enquiry, the problem of the Ga state will come to a close, the truth will be told and we know which houses are ruling houses and whose turn it is to emerge as Ga Mantse. We will be so grateful to the President if this is done” the spokesperson of the Ga Traditional Council added.

    Additional Concerns

    The Traditional Council further articulated two other concerns that they have, namely the recent elevation of five (5) out of the twelve (12) existing divisional stools to paramountcy status at the expense of the remaining seven (7) by the National House of Chiefs. They requested the President to step into the issue to get the remaining seven divisional chiefs to be elevated to paramouncies as well.

    Read: Yendi violence: Abudu Royal family demands arrest of Sangnarigu, Nyankpala chiefs

    The last of their request had to do with the takeover of the Accra Community Centre as part of the upcoming Marine Drive Project by an Executive Instrument passed in April 2016 by the John Mahama administration which compulsorily acquired a 243 acres of land stretching from the Osu enclave to the Mensah Guinea beach. The Traditional Council requested the President to reverse the the takeover and return that portion of land to the Ga Traditional Council.

    President Akufo-Addo

    President Akufo-Addo in his response to the requests by the Ga Traditional Council indicated he and his team of lawyers will give consideration to the constitutional implications of appointing a Commission of Enquiry as compared to
    the powers of the Judicial Committee of the Greater Accra Regional Houses of Chiefs which is the arrangement in the laws of the land. On the issue of the elevation of the some seven divisional stools to the level of paramouncies, President Akufo Addo indicated that his administration will write to the Regional House of Chiefs to seek clarification to bring closure to same. Through the intervention of the Mayor of Accra, Mohammed Adjei Sowah, it became clear that the Minister for Tourism, Catherine Afeku, is aware of the issue to do the the land that has been acquired compulsorily and a solution to the problem is being worked out.

    Members of the Delegation

    Members of the delegation who visited with the President included, Nii Dodoo Nsaki II- Acting President of the Ga Traditional Council & Otublohum Mantse,; Nii Ayi-Bonte II, Gbese Mantse & Adontenhene of the Ga State, Nii Ayikai III, Akumanjay Mantse; Nii Ahele Nunoo III, Abola Mantse; Nii Adote Otintor II, Sempe Mantse, and Numo Akwaa Mensah III, Nae Wulomo. The remaining are Nii Oto Blafo III, Otublohum Seitse; Nii Oko Berimah I, Glefe Mantse; Nii Afutu Aflagadza I, Nefu Jorbu We Mankralo and Nii Ayaa Akoto Fai III, Chief Linguist of Ga state. The delegation also included Naa Adoley Owaaman I, Nmenmete Manye; Naa Ahema Okropong I, Noyaa manye and Mercy Asante, the Registrar of the GA Traditional Counsel.

    Source: Starrfmonline.com

  • Cabinet meeting not an emergency, not on NAM1 -Eugene Arhin

    The Director of Communications at the Presidency, Eugene Arhin, says a cabinet meeting scheduled for Wednesday, January 16, is not an emergency one.

    It is a normal cabinet meeting to deal with cabinet matters, he says, explaining that it is also not about the arrest in Dubai of Nana Appiah Mensah, the Chief Executive Officer of Menzgold, contrary to an earlier Graphic Online report.

    Read: Jailing NAM1 useless Close associate

    Nana Appiah Mensah, the embattled Menzgold CEO, is currently in the custody of the Emirati authorities following his arrest in Dubai in connection with a fraudulent gold business deal.

    Thousands of customers of the company have been calling for government’s intervention to retrieve their locked up investments with the company.

    Why NAM1 was arrested in Dubai

    It will be difficult to get NAM1 extradited from Dubai- Law Lecturer
    ‘I was told NAM1 had room full of money to pay us’ Menzgold client

    Read: Mahama never gave NAM1 diplomatic passport Mogtari

    A delegation of government officials and Nana Appiah Mensah’s father was expected to travel to the Persian Gulf country to negotiate his release, however government sources say arrangements for the trip are yet to be consumated.

    Graphic Online has also learnt authorities in Dubai are insisting on a firm commitment on the part of Ghanaian security authorities to investigate, and bring to book persons involved in the swindling of the Dubai based company of a whopping $51 million, as well as their refund of the money.

    “Now they are holding him as a bargaining chip and the government itself to ransom, insisting that the security apparatus hasn’t showed much interest in looking for the swindlers. They want their money, that is all they are demanding,” the source said.

    Source: Graphic.com.gh

  • ‘Sex-for-judgeships’ scandal rocks Israel

    Police in Israel have arrested a top lawyer as part of an investigation into claims that judicial appointments were traded for sexual favours.

    The lawyer has not been named and a gag order covers most details of the case.

     
     But police said it concerned the appointment of a female magistrates’ court judge and an attempt to promote a male judge to a district court.

    Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit has reportedly recused himself because he is a friend of the main suspect.

    Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked and Supreme Court Chief Justice Esther Hayut, who are members of the Judicial Appointments Committee, are meanwhile expected to be summoned to give testimony.

    Israeli police said in a statement that the force’s Lahav 433 anti-corruption unit had launched an investigation two weeks ago after receiving information about judicial appointments.

    On Wednesday morning, one male lawyer was arrested as part of the inquiry.

    Two other suspects – a female magistrates’ court judge and a female lawyer – had already been questioned, the police added.

     

    Officers have also conducted searches and seized documents.

    The Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper reports that the Jerusalem office of the Israel Bar Association was raided on Wednesday.

    Ms Shaked and Justice Hayut later issued a joint statement saying they felt “confident that the law enforcement system will complete the investigation and reach the truth”. They also rejected any allegations of widespread corruption in the judicial appointment system.

     

    Source: BBC 

     

  • Hotel attackers killed by Kenyan forces

    Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta has said a siege by suspected militants in Nairobi is over and all the attackers have been “eliminated”.

    Gunmen attacked the compound in the Westlands district of Kenya’s capital on Tuesday, killing at least 14 people.

     
     Officials originally announced the end of the siege hours after it began, but gunfire and explosions were heard again early on Wednesday.

    The Somalia-based militant group al-Shabab said it was behind the attack.

    It is not clear how many attackers there were.

    The complex houses the DusitD2 hotel as well as offices.

    In a TV address to the nation, Mr Kenyatta said 14 people had been killed but 700 others were safely evacuated from the complex.

     

    However, the Kenyan Red Cross put the number of dead at 24.

    A US citizen is among the dead, the US state department said. He has been named as Jason Spindler.

    A British citizen with dual South African nationality was also killed and another Briton was wounded, the UK Foreign Office said.

     

    Skip Twitter post by @UKinKenya

    End of Twitter post by @UKinKenya

    “I can now confirm that… the security operation at Dusit is over and all terrorists have been eliminated,” the Kenyan president said.

     

    “We will seek out every person that was involved in the funding, planning and execution of this heinous act,” he added, vowing to pursue them “relentlessly”.

    “We are a country governed by laws, rules and regulations – a country that embraces peaceful coexistence… I must also state that we are also a nation that never forgets those who hurt our children.”

    Map

    A stark reminder of al-Shabab

    By Andrew Harding, BBC News, Nairobi

    After 19 hours of terror, gunfire, bloodshed and inevitable confusion, the siege at an upmarket hotel and business complex in the hills west of Nairobi’s central business district ended abruptly on Wednesday morning.

    Throughout the night, cowering groups of civilians – many had spent hours hiding in their offices or in bathrooms – were escorted to safety by security forces amid sporadic bursts of gunfire and the boom of explosions that continued well beyond dawn.

    Read: Kenyan President vows to avenge Nairobi terror attack

    On the crowded street outside the large, upmarket complex, friends and relatives embraced those who emerged and thanked Kenyan security forces. A fleet of ambulances stood ready to take the wounded to hospital.

    Kenya’s vital but precarious tourism industry has been badly damaged by past terrorist attacks – not least Westgate and the 2015 attack on a university campus in Garissa – and by negative travel advice issued by foreign governments. Today President Kenyatta was quick to “assure every Kenyan and foreign visitor that you are safe”.

    But this attack is a stark reminder that al-Shabab remains a powerful force, with the capacity to launch a sophisticated attack on a well-guarded target in a neighbouring country.

    Presentational grey line

    How did the attack unfold?

    The attack began at about 15:00 local time (12:00 GMT) when four gunmen threw bombs at vehicles in the car park before entering the lobby, where one blew himself up, police say.

    Still of two of the attackers caught on CCTV

    The attackers, two of which are shown here, were caught on CCTV as they entered the complex

    A woman working in a neighbouring building told Reuters news agency: “I just started hearing gunshots, and then started seeing people running away raising their hands up and some were entering the bank to hide for their lives.”

    Security camera footage showed at least four heavily armed men walking in and opening fire. There are reports they had been seen visiting the compound in recent days.

    Skip Twitter post by @Nairobi_News

    End of Twitter post by @Nairobi_News

    At 23:00, Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i said all the buildings in the complex had been secured by security forces.

    “The situation is under control and the country is safe,” he told reporters. “Terrorism will never defeat us.”

    But just an hour later gunfire and sporadic explosions were reported in the area. There was more heavy gunfire at about 07:00.

    Security forces combed their way through the building where frightened workers had barricaded themselves inside.

    In the early hours of Wednesday, more than 100 people were rescued. About 30 people are being treated at Nairobi hospitals, media reports say.

    The five-star DusitD2 hotel has 101 rooms. Located in the Westlands suburb, minutes from the capital’s business district, it has its own spa and several restaurants.

    Kenya has seen a number of terror attacks in recent years – most notably in areas close to the Somali border and in the country’s capital.

    How did those caught inside fare?

    When the gunmen first entered the complex there was confusion, as people first tried to escape to freedom and then retreated into the building as they came under fire.

    One eyewitness, Faith Chepchirchir, told Reuters: “People were trying to run towards the gate, but then I saw everyone who was running towards the gate was coming back from the gate, now heading to this opposite direction.

    Kenyan woman caught up in the attack (L) led away by relative - 16 January

    Many civilians were trapped in the complex for several hours

    “So for me we just closed the doors and then gunshots were just being sprayed all over. From the top, I think [the gunmen] went to the top floor and then started spraying bullets.”

    Many civilians remained holed up in the complex for several hours, as they hid from the attackers in bathrooms, and even under tables and chairs.

    Some were able to keep in contact with loved ones by text.

    They included Zinzi Khalwale, daughter of a former senator Boni Khalwale. Her father told The Daily Nation she had hidden in one of the rooms of her office until her rescue.

    By the evening, all but the seventh floor of the complex had been cleared, but some civilians remained there, apparently in close proximity to the surviving attackers.

    Who are al-Shabab?

    They are a militant Islamist group that opposes the Somali government but has also carried out attacks throughout East Africa.

     

    Source: BBC 

     

     

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

    The Ga Traditional Council wants President Akufo-Addo to establish a commission to decide the most suitable person for the Ga Mantse stool.

    They say the current situation where there are three claimants to the stool only threatens the peace and stability of the Ga state.

    Nii Otu Blafo, the spokesperson for the Council said since the death of Manste Nii Amugi, they have struggled to find a replacement.

    Read: Peace in sight; Andanis and Abudus agree to road map

    “There have been several violent clashes because of the absence of a Ga Mantse,” he said highlighting several failed attempts by the various judicial bodies of houses of chiefs to resolve it.

    At the Jubilee House Tuesday, he bemoaned the never-ending call claim to the stool by several people which have so far affected the successful staging of the annual Homowo festival.

    The Council made a passionate request to President Akufo-Addo to set up a commission of enquiry to determine the most suitable person for the stool.

    Read: Chief, 3 others slaughtered in B/A

    “We believe that with the emergence of a commission of inquiry, the problems of the Ga state will end. The truth will be told and we will know which houses are ruling houses and whose turn it is to emerge as Ga Mantse,” Nii Otu Blafo said.

    The spokesperson also called for the elevation of some chiefs in the Ga state to their rightful positions.

    “…the Ga state is disintegrating gradually by virtue of the fact that five out of the 12 Divisional Councils have been elevated to paramount stools and they have virtually succeeded because they owe no allegiance to the Ga Traditional Council,” he said.

    He said the way out is to go by the late Manste Nii Amugi who recommended for all the Divisional stools to be made paramountcies with the Ga Mantse being their overlord.

    “Let it be put into action by the promulgation of a law to back that action he said.

    For his part, President Akufo Addo indicated he will be guided by the constitutional provision on resolving chieftaincy matters in his consideration of the request to have a commission determine who occupies the Ga stool.

    He said per the present set-up when there is a chieftaincy dispute it is handled by the judicial committee of the various traditional councils.

    “I am surprised that up till now, the Judicial Committee of the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs has not been able to settle this matter,” he said.

    However, the President was emphatic that “the commission of inquiry will not have the power to declare royalty in a way in which the Judicial Committee can.”

    He said he will consult his legal team for advice and act accordingly.

    Source: Myjoyonline.com

  • Over 70 AK47 assault rifles illegally stashed at Alvanyo – Police

    Police in the Volta Regional Police say they have discovered a stockpile of ammunition in the Alavanyo area in the Hohoe Municipality.

    DCOP Francis Doku, Regional Police Commander said over 70 AK47 assault rifles are being kept in a location in the conflict-prone area, where guns are being manufactured.

     
     He fears community members would employ all means available to restrict the security services from impounding the said ammunition due to their personal interests.

    “…when it comes to the manufacture of gun, Alavanyo is leading across the country and even in West Africa…as we speak there are people who go there on duty to guard the manufacturing base.

    “So as weapons are being exported into Alvanyo, they themselves are manufacturing weapons. What are they manufacturing them for? To go and kill grasscutters?” he quizzed journalists at a press conference Wednesday.

    Four people died last Monday following a shootout between youth in Alavanyo Dzogbedze and security officials.

    The police said victims were caught up in a crossfire between the military and some unknown assailants

     â€œKnowing the area to be conflict-prone, the local SWAT organised themselves and moved in to search for the arms about 3: 00 pm on Sunday,” the police commander told Joy News.
     

    He said the assailants might have gotten wind of the police operation because as the SWAT team entered the town, they were attacked by some youth who successfully wrestled an AK-47 rifle from the outnumbered police.

    According to his narration, the police informed the military in the area who decided to retrieve the AK-47 rifle.

     The military went to the traditional ruler in Alavanyo Dzogbedze to inform him about their intended operation with the hope that he will prevail on his subjects to surrender the arms.

    “The chief promised the military that he will personally bring the rifle to the barracks at 10 am on Monday,” DCOP narrated.

    But this has not happened.

     

    DCOP Doku said the interested parties will go all out to defend their position.

    When asked what has prevented the police from going in to pick up those in charge of it and confiscating the guns, he said, “so if we begin picking them one by one are we not reducing the numbers?…and will they allow us to do that?”

     

    Source: myjoyonline 

  • Callum Hudson-Odoi: Who is the Chelsea youngster and how good can he be?

    When Chelsea’s teenage winger Callum Hudson-Odoi first took to the school field as an 11-year-old, he caused quite a stir with one of the coaches, a former player himself.

    “Andy Martin, who used to play for Crystal Palace, came running back into the office and said: ‘You’ve got to come and see this lad play football – it’s remarkable,’” says former Whitgift School director of sport Alistair Osborne.

     
     The youngster clearly continues to turn heads. Seven years later and after starting only five games for Chelsea, Hudson-Odoi is the subject of a £35m bid from German giants Bayern Munich.

    Like Borussia Dortmund, who signed Manchester City winger Jadon Sancho in August 2017, Bayern are hoping that young English players struggling for first-team action in the Premier League will be happy to take a chance overseas.

     

    So can the 18-year-old, an Under-17 World Cup winner and prospectively the most expensive English teenager ever, live up to the hype?

    Read: Callum Hudson-Odoi & Bayern Munich: Why quitting Chelsea would be career mistake

    ‘His name makes me smile’ – an early hit at school

    “We know what extreme talent looks like and Callum falls into that category,” says Osborne, who has also coached Chelsea wing-back Victor Moses and England rugby union centre Danny Cipriani at Whitgift, a fee-paying school in south London which offers bursaries to many of its students.

    Hudson-Odoi, who joined Chelsea at the age of eight, made his club debut last January. He has made only 12 appearances since, but recently started successive games for the first time, and manager Maurizio Sarri has said he is starting to reach the “same level” as rivals in his position.

     

    He comes from a footballing family: his father, Bismark Odoi, played for top Ghanaian side Hearts of Oak before becoming his son’s agent and older brother Bradley, who was at Fulham’s academy and now plays with non-league Wealdstone, also advises him.

    Hudson-Odoi helped Whitgift, where he studied from the age of 11 to 14, to two Independent School National titles and still visits the Croydon school to catch up with friends.

    “The sky’s the limit for him because of his talent but he’s a likeable person and great for team morale,” Osborne says. “If you say his name to me, it makes me smile.

     

    “But there are other factors which are arguably more important such as his personality and his determination, and a lot of that comes from the support he gets from his parents.”

    Callum Hudson-Odoi

    Photo: Hudson-Odoi still visits Whitgift School, where he is a popular figure with pupils and teachers

     

    ‘All he wants is a chance to compete’ – a dad’s wish

    “Callum thrives on a challenge,” says his father, explaining that he enjoyed playing with older age groups at Whitgift and Chelsea.

    As an under-15 player at Chelsea, he was good enough to play in the under-16 team and scored more than 40 goals.

    That led to his first taste of international football with England U16s. He scored on his debut and, with support from Chelsea coaches such as Jim Fraser and former England U16 coach Dan Micciche, rose to the challenge in a group that also included Manchester City’s Phil Foden and Manchester United’s Angel Gomes.

    “It’s his mission to make it in football,” his father says. “All he wants is a fair chance to play, a chance to compete.

    “He’s always been passionate about the game. When he was younger, there were occasions where I couldn’t take him training because of work and he was crying when I got back so I had to take him down the park later to satisfy him. He eats, drinks and sleeps football.”

    He has won two FA Youth Cups and the Under-18 Premier League title with Chelsea but it was as part of England’s U17 World Cup winning team in 2017 that he caught Bayern’s eye, providing two assists in the 5-2 win over Spain in the final.

    As with Dortmund’s Sancho, now a full England international, Hudson-Odoi and his family are said to be single-minded about getting first-team action and know his value.

    Championship moves have been offered before, but the preference is to play at one of Europe’s elite teams, even if it means permanent departure from a club that has been his home for 11 years.

    Callum Hudson-Odoi

    Photo: Hudson-Odoi (second left) won the U17 World Cup in 2017 alongside the likes of Rhian Brewster and Phil Foden

    So how good is he?

    As exciting as his progress has been, Hudson-Odoi is not the first talent to emerge from Chelsea’s youth ranks and receive rave reviews.

    As former Blues winger Pat Nevin tells BBC Sport: “What we’re saying now about Callum is exactly what everyone was saying about Dominic Solanke two years ago.”

    The 21-year-old striker left Chelsea in 2017, and joined Bournemouth for £19m this month after failing to break into the Liverpool team.

    The difference with Hudson-Odoi, however, is that the biggest club in German football is knocking at his door.

    Nevin thinks this is partly to do with Bundesliga clubs recognising that the World Cup winning England U17 team is one of the best groups of emerging youngsters in football.

    “The Bayern offer is extraordinary,” the former Scotland international says. “You don’t spend that money on a kid if you think there’s a chance of failure.”

    Nevin adds: “There is no doubt he has all the things you want in terms of pace, skills and vision. But more importantly, he has a willingness to learn and an ability to work things out for himself on the pitch.

    “He has one cracker of a trick, too, which is unusual. Unlike most players, he doesn’t need to touch the ball wide first before striking it with more power, he has this very direct way of shooting with the ball almost straight in front of him.”

    There is research that suggests young players’ brains do not stop developing until they are in their mid-20s, so trying to assess how far an 18-year-old will travel is close to impossible.

    Read: Ghana’s Hudson-Odoi has been asking me about Germany – Rudiger

    And for every Hudson-Odoi, there is a Solanke, or a Carlton Cole – players who don’t quite reach their early potential. As former Chelsea left-back Graeme le Saux says: “He still has a huge amount to learn and he’d be the first to admit that.”

    Nevin adds: “It’s not about what he brings to the team now, it’s about the potential he brings, and there is plenty there.”

    Is he better off at Chelsea or Bayern?

    The question now is whether that potential is more likely to be fulfilled in west London or Bavaria.

    Like Manchester City with Sancho, Chelsea now know what it’s like to have a promising youngster demanding first-team football rather being content to pick up a healthy wage in the reserves.

    As one of Hudson Odoi’s former coaches says, that is no crime. Some might say it is refreshing.

    Le Saux says Bayern’s £35m bid has “put pressure on Chelsea to demonstrate there is a pathway for Callum – if that can be done, then I would still think he would rather develop at Chelsea.”

    But consider the established wide players Hudson-Odoi must usurp: Eden Hazard, Willian, Pedro and the £58m Christian Pulisic, who will join from Dortmund next season.

    Nevertheless, with Willian now 30 and Pedro 31, Nevin believes a patient approach could pay off for the Englishman.

    “You don’t get a special brief because you are born in a certain country and, clearly, he’s not good enough to walk into Bayern’s first team just now because he can’t get into Chelsea’s,” he says.

    “But if you think you’re good enough to get a game at Chelsea next year, it wouldn’t be a bad thing to stay and have a go at that. Right now, he might be dithering [about a decision]. He’ll know the answer by next season and that won’t be too late.”

    — 

     

    Source: BBC 

  • Callum Hudson-Odoi & Bayern Munich: Why quitting Chelsea would be career mistake

    A move to Bayern Munich? In January 2019? Well, for Callum Hudson-Odoi, that would be a career mistake.

    Fresh from a first Cup semifinal. A first Wembley appearance. For all that at just 18 years of age. Hudson-Odoi still appears to be leaning towards jumping ship and quitting Chelsea for Bayern.

    Even the most cynical inside his camp must acknowledge, Chelsea – to a man – are doing all they can to convince the kid to stay. The manager is playing him. The coaching staff are praising him. His senior teammates – those who boast league winner’s medals – are telling him to stick with them and stay. Even an 18 year-old Wayne Rooney, before skipping out on Everton, never was afforded such treatment.

    Yet with Bayern now reaching the threshold set: £40m – a fourth offer inside ten days. The Germans have also shown Hudson-Odoi how much he is wanted in Bavaria.

    And having seen the success of good friend Jadon Sancho at Borussia Dortmund. Having been charmed by Hasan Salihamidzic, Bayern’s sporting director. And excited by the career path Bayern have mapped out. The good money is on Hudson-Odoi quitting Chelsea and ‘re-launching’ his first team career in Germany.

    Read: Callum Hudson-Odoi: Chelsea boss criticises Bayern Munich conduct

    For this column, such a decision would be a mistake. Not a career killer. But definitely one to set the winger’s progress back.

    The word is Salihamidzic has convinced Hudson-Odoi with assurances he’ll arrive to replace the departing Arjen Robben. He can even have the Dutchman’s No10 shirt if wants it.

    Dortmund did something similar when convincing Sancho about leaving Manchester City. The England starlet, at the time still yet to make his first team debut, handed the coveted No7 shirt vacated by Ousmane Dembele after his bitter split to Barcelona.

    And having watched from afar as Sancho has lit up the Bundesliga this past year, you can understand the attraction. Growing up with Sancho. Regarding him as a friend and a peer. Of course Hudson-Odoi is going to want the same – and fancy himself to achieve just that.

    But Bayern and BVB are two very different clubs. Two clubs with different demands of their players. And very different expectations. At Dortmund a title challenge is a bonus. At Bayern, it’s a must. The simple argument to be made (and yeah, we’ll throw it in here for the sake of it) is if James Rodriguez, of Real Madrid, the captain of Colombia… if he can’t get a game at Bayern, then just what is going on between Hudson-Odoi’s ears to believe he can?

    But to be fair, Bayern are undergoing a phase of major transition. Robben will leave in the summer. As will Franck Ribery. And emerging to take their places are the rapidly improving Serge Gnabry and Kingsley Coman. Youth. Pace. Excitement. Indeed, those in Hudson-Odoi’s corner would cite former Arsenal winger Gnabry as a clear indicator that Bayern will back young players in the mode of both attackers.

    Read: Lampard urges Hudson-Odoi to snub Bayern Munich

    But Gnabry’s success has been a slow burn. As he even stated before Christmas, “I’ve always had to take two steps back for one step forward”. Five years Hudson-Odoi’s senior, the impact made by Gnabry this season has only come after serving a two season apprenticeship at Werder Bremen and Hoffenheim. And of course before that, there were his problems with Tony Pulis at West Brom…

    Gnabry has been through the wringer and come out the other side. All that went before has prepared him for the demands of Bayern. For Hudson-Odoi, to leave everything he’s established at Chelsea, to just start again from scratch makes little sense.

    A foreign country. A foreign language. Where no time is granted a young player to make and learn from his mistakes. Hudson-Odoi would be taking a huge – and unnecessary – gamble.

    He’ll be leaving a career at Chelsea which is suddenly in motion. A locker room where he has the respect – even admiration – of senior players. Title winners. Leaders of nations. At 18 and at a club the size of Chelsea, Hudson-Odoi is the envy of his peers.

    Is he really going throw all that away at the risk of becoming the next Renato Sanches…?

     

    Source: Tribalfootball.com

  • Arrest of NAM1 in Dubai: Prez Akufo-Addo calls emergency cabinet meeting

    President Nana Akufo-Addo has summoned an emergency cabinet meeting over the ongoing Menzgold dealership saga.

    Graphic Online sources indicate that the meeting will focus on all options available to government for getting Menzgold CEO, Nana Appiah Mensah, currently in the custody of UAE authorities on suspicion he may have played a role in a botched gold deal involving a Dubai based company, back to Ghana.

    Read: Menzgold saga: Nana Addo summons cabinet over NAM1’s extradition

    Thousands of stranded customers of the troubled gold dealing company have been calling for government intervention to retrieve their  locked up investments with the company.

    A delegation of government officials and Nana Appiah Mensah’s father was expected to travel to the Persian Gulf country to negotiate his release, however government sources say arrangements for the trip are yet to be consumated.

    Read: NAM1 charged with fraud over $23million deal?

    Graphic Online has also learnt authorities in Dubai are insisting on a firm commitment on the part of Ghanaian security authorities to investigate, and bring to book persons involved in the swindling of the Dubai based company of a whopping $51 million, as well as their refund of the money.

    For today’s latest Ghana news, visit Graphic Online headlines page Ghana news headlines.

    “Now they are holding him as a bargaining chip and the government itself to ransom, insisting that the security apparatus hasn’t showed much interest in looking for the swindlers. They want their money, that is all they are demanding.

     

    Source: Graphic.com.gh 

  • Mahama’s diabolic schemes exposed

    An attempt by former President John Dramani Mahama and his cohorts to twist a statement by Okyenhene Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin in their favour has been foiled.

    After a fraternal visit by former President Mahama to the Okyenhene Palace yesterday, the Eastern Regional Communications Director of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Dallas Williams, in a Facebook post, quoted the Okyenhene as saying, “If JM wronged anybody, let us forgive him and give him another chance.”

    Read: Governance is about planning and common sense Mahama

    But Ofori Panin Fie, in a release signed by D.M. Ofori-Atta, State Secretary, debunked the purported comments, saying “Ofori Panin Fie has learnt with utter shock the deliberate and disrespectful misrepresentation of comments of the Okyenhene, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin a few hours ago today.

    “The fact rather is the Okyenhene condemned the politics of insults and acrimony in the country, making reference to the conduct of Mr. Stan Dogbe, who last year made unworthy comments on his person with regard to his statement on the demise of the former Vice President, H.E. Amissah Arthur.”

    The statement further explained that the Okyenhene added that just as Christ in the midst of agony and pain forgave His enemies, he found it worthy to forgive Stan Dogbe.

    Read: Former President Mahama says Ghanaians have missed him and the NDC

    It said Okyenhene urged politicians to forgive one another in the spirit of the season just as Christ did even on the cross, stressing that the remarks were made in the spirit of the New Year.

    “May it be noted that the Okyenhene is not an interested party in the internal leadership contest of the NDC. The publication is irresponsible and provocative; thus we demand an immediate retraction. Ofori Panin Fie does not want to believe that the mischievous publication of Mr. Dallas Williams has the sanction of the highest leadership of the NDC,” the statement added.

     

     

    Source: dailyguideafrica 

  • Pound rises after ‘meaningful’ Brexit vote

    The pound has risen after MPs voted to reject Theresa May’s Brexit deal by 230 votes.

    The vote opens up a range of outcomes, including no deal, a renegotiation of Mrs May’s deal, or a second referendum.

    Sterling rose 0.05% to $1.287 after declines of more than 1% earlier in the day.

    The currency slumped 7% in 2018 reflecting uncertainty about the terms of the UK’s exit from the European Union.

    MPs voted by 432 votes to 202 to reject the deal, the heaviest defeat for a sitting government in history.

    “A defeat has been broadly anticipated in markets since the agreement with the EU was closed in November 2018 and caused several members of the government to resign,” said Richard Falkenhall, senior FX strategist at SEB.

    But business groups said their members’ patience was wearing thin.

    “There are no more words to describe the frustration, impatience, and growing anger amongst business after two and a half years on a high-stakes political rollercoaster ride that shows no sign of stopping,” said Adam Marshall, director general of the British Chambers of Commerce.

    He implored MPs to come to an agreement, and was joined in this plea by business groups including the Federation of Small Businesses, the Institute of Directors and the Confederation of British Industry.

    Some investors see the chances of a no-deal Brexit diminishing as parliament exerts more authority over the process.

    “The probability of a no deal has diminished while the chances of a delay in Article 50, a second referendum or even, at the margin, no Brexit at all, have all increased. The consequence of those scenarios has encouraged sterling to rally despite the PM suffering the worst parliamentary result in a century,” said Jeremy Stretch of CIBC Capital Markets.

    On Friday, hedge fund manager Crispin Odey, a major donor to the Brexit campaign, said he now expected the project to be abandoned altogether and that he is positioning for the pound to strengthen.

    Analysis: Simon Jack

    The markets were prepared for her to lose – but the scale of her defeat took most by surprise.

    But more surprising still was the fact that the pound – the first financial responder to political events – gained in value after the vote – despite many, most, confidently predicting a crushing defeat would send it down.

    So what to make of it? Using the benefit of hindsight, some are saying that the recent display of animosity in the House of Commons to the idea of a no-deal Brexit, something markets are most wary of – has convinced them that outcome is very unlikely.

    The other new line is that this crushing defeat for her Brexit deal, makes no Brexit – at least not on 29 March – a growing possibility. That’s financial markets, which respond in seconds.

    Real businesses are not so sure. With 72 days to go before the UK is due to leave the EU another milestone has come and gone with the future no clearer and planning for no deal more urgent.

    But others are concerned the rejection of Mrs May’s plan makes a no-deal Brexit more likely as other options become fewer in number.

    “A no-deal Brexit means the public will face higher prices and less choice on the shelves,” said Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium.

    “British businesses desperately need certainty about the UK’s future trading relationship with the EU and will be severely disadvantaged by a no deal. The time for Parliamentary games is over.”

    While there is speculation that Britain’s exit from the EU must now be suspended as the most-developed plan has been scrapped, businesses may not be counting on this, particularly complicated ones like banks.

    “Firms in the finance industry have put contingency plans in place to minimise disruption for their customers in a ‘no deal’ scenario but critical cliff-edge risks remain, including on the transfer of personal data and the operation of cross-border contracts,” said Stephen Jones, chief executive of UK Finance.

    Omar Ali, UK financial services leader at accountants EY, added: “Firms have no choice but to fully implement their no-deal plans.”

    Source: bbc.com

  • One-third of UN workers say they’ve been sexually harassed in past two years

    One-third of United Nations staff and contractors say they experienced sexual harassment over the past two years, according to a new report released by the organisation.

    The online survey, carried out by Deloitte in November and published on Tuesday, was completed by 30,364 people from the UN and its agencies – just 17 percent of those eligible.

    In a letter to staff, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described the response rate as “moderately low”.

    “This tells me two things: first – that we still have a long way to go before we are able to fully and openly discuss sexual harassment; and second – that there may also be an ongoing sense of mistrust, perceptions of inaction and lack of accountability,” Guterres wrote, according to Reuters.

    The survey comes amid the wider “Me Too” movement around the world against sexual harassment and assault.

    It also follows UN efforts to increase transparency and strengthen how it deals with such accusations over the past few years after a string of sexual exploitation and abuse accusations against the world body’s peacekeepers in Africa.

    The head of the UN Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) is also stepping down in June, six months before his term ends, after an independent panel said that his “defective leadership” tolerated “a culture of harassment, including sexual harassment, bullying, and abuse of power.”

    ‘Sobering statistics’

    According to the report, 21.7 percent of respondents said they were subjected to sexual stories or offensive jokes, 14.2 percent received offensive remarks about their appearance, body or sexual activities and 13 percent were targeted by unwelcome attempts to draw them into a discussion on sexual matters.

    Some 10.9 percent said they endured gestures or the use of body language of a sexual nature, which embarrassed or offended them, and 10.1 percent were touched in a way that made them feel uncomfortable.

    More than half of those who said they had experienced sexual harassment said it happened in an office environment, while 17.1 percent said it happened at a work-related social event. Two out of three harassers were male, according to the survey.

    Only one in three people said they took action after experiencing sexual harassment.

    Guterres said the report contained “some sobering statistics and evidence of what needs to change to make a harassment-free workplace real for all of us.”

    “As an organisation founded on equality, dignity and human rights, we must lead by example and set the standard,” he said.

    Source: aljazeera.com

  • Australian side Wellington Phoenix to sign Michael Essien

    Former Ghana midfielder Michael Essien is reported to be on the verge of joining Australian top-flight side Wellington Phoenix.

    According to reports, the Yellow and Black lads are close to announcing one of the biggest coups in the history of the A-League as the two parties are in advance stage of negotiations.

    Read: Dunav Russe complete signing of Inkoom in a short term deal

    The 36-year-old has been without a club since leaving Indonesian side Persib Bandung last year.

    Essien, a former African Player of the Year, began his professional career in France with Bastia and Lyon but it was his move to EPL giants Chelsea that shot him to superstardom.

    Read: Ghanaian midfielder Emmanuel Boateng extends contract with MLS side LA Galaxy

    In a nine-year career at Stamford Bridge, the tough-tackling midfielder claimed two Premier League titles, four FA Cups, a League Cup and, in 2012, the crowning glory, the Champions League.

    He has also had stints with Real Madrid, AC Milan and lately in Greece with Panathinaikos.

     

    Source: Ghanasoccernet.com 

  • Extreme poverty rises again in Latin America

    Extreme poverty in Latin America hit its highest level for nine years in 2017, according to a report by the UN’s Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) published on Tuesday.

    Poverty remained stable at 30.2 percent of the population — 184 million people — but extreme poverty increased from 9.9 percent in 2016 to 10.2 percent, or 62 million people, it said.

    “The proportion of people living in extreme poverty continues to increase, continuing the trend begun in 2015,” ECLAC said while presenting its annual report in Santiago.

    “While the region made great progress during the previous decade and the middle of the current one, since 2015 things have regressed, in particular when it comes to extreme poverty,” added ECLAC executive secretary Alicia Barcena, during a press conference.

    According to ECLAC, a United Nations body based in the Chilean capital, poverty should decrease to 29.6 percent (182 million people) in 2018 while extreme poverty will remain stable at 10.2 percent.

    It noted that inequality has reduced in Latin America since the early 2000s, pointing in particular to “important” social security measures taken in recent years to contain unfair distribution of wealth.

    However, “Latin America and the Caribbean remains the most unequal region in the world with significant levels of poverty including many sectors, even if they have risen out of poverty and extreme poverty, that are still vulnerable to economic cycles,” the report said.

    ECLAC considers people in extreme poverty to be those who cannot afford basic foodstuffs.

    Source: France24

  • Nairobi hotel: DusitD2 siege over – Uhuru Kenyatta

    Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta has said that a siege by suspected militants in Nairobi is over and all the attackers have been “eliminated”.

    Gunmen attacked the compound in the Westlands district of Kenya’s capital on Tuesday, killing at least 14 people.

    Officials originally announced the end of the siege hours after it began, but gunfire and explosions were heard again early on Wednesday.

    The Somalia-based militant group al-Shabab said it was behind the attack.

    The complex houses the DusitD2 hotel as well as offices.

    Mr Kenyatta said 14 people had been killed.

    A US citizen is among the dead, the US State Department said, and unconfirmed reports say a British citizen was also killed.

    How did the attack unfold?

    The attack began at about 15:00 local time (12:00 GMT) when four gunmen threw bombs at vehicles in the car park before entering the lobby, where one blew himself up, police say.

    A woman working in a neighbouring building told Reuters news agency: “I just started hearing gunshots, and then started seeing people running away raising their hands up and some were entering the bank to hide for their lives.”

    Security camera footage showed at least four heavily armed men walking in and opening fire. There are reports they had been seen visiting the compound in recent days.

    How did the attack unfold?

    The attack began at about 15:00 local time (12:00 GMT) when four gunmen threw bombs at vehicles in the car park before entering the lobby, where one blew himself up, police say.

    A woman working in a neighbouring building told Reuters news agency: “I just started hearing gunshots, and then started seeing people running away raising their hands up and some were entering the bank to hide for their lives.”

    Security camera footage showed at least four heavily armed men walking in and opening fire. There are reports they had been seen visiting the compound in recent days.

    At 23:00, Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i said all the buildings in the complex had been secured by security forces.

    “The situation is under control and the country is safe,” he told reporters. “Terrorism will never defeat us.”

    But just an hour later gunfire and sporadic explosions were reported in the area. There was more heavy gunfire at about 07:00.

    Security forces combed their way through the building where frightened workers had barricaded themselves inside. hiding under tables and chairs and in bathrooms.

    In the early hours of Wednesday, more than 100 people were rescued. About 30 people are being treated at Nairobi hospitals, media reports say.

    The attackers were reported to have retreated to the seventh floor, where more civilians were also thought to be hiding.

    The five-star DusitD2 hotel has 101 rooms. Located in the Westlands suburb, minutes from the capital’s business district, it has its own spa and several restaurants.

    Kenya has seen a number of terror attacks in recent years – most notably in areas close to the Somali border and in the country’s capital.

    Who are al-Shabab?

    They are a militant Islamist group that opposes the Somali government but has also carried out attacks throughout East Africa.

    Kenya is part of a regional peacekeeping operation that supports the Somali government in its battle against al-Shabab.

    In September 2013, al-Shabab gunmen entered the Westgate shopping mall in Nairobi and targeted shoppers.

    During an 80-hour siege at the upscale centre, 67 people were killed.

    Two years later, the group carried out its deadliest ever assault in Kenya, shooting dead almost 150 people at Garissa University.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Cook jailed seven years for kidnapping

    Samuel Offei, a 41 year old cook has been sentenced to seven years imprisonment in hard labour for kidnapping the four year old son of his ex-girlfriend.

    He pleaded guilty and prayed for mercy.

    Offei explained to the court that he kidnapped the child without any bad intention but to get back the love of the mother who was his ex-girlfriend Ms Theresa Ansah, a 33 year old trader.

    He said Theresa broke up their relationship without any reason.

    Ms Zennaira Adum-Atta, an Assistant State Attorney prosecuting, told the court presided over by Ms Marian Affoh that, Offei kidnapped the child for about two months before he was found and arrested by the police.

    She said the child suffered no physical injury upon physical examination but however suffered muscle pain which was as a result of too much sitting and sleeping.

    The court advised that a laboratory test should be conducted on the child to find out whether his vital organs are in good condition since the child is not grown enough to narrate what he went through during the period of the ordeal.

    Source: ghananewsagency.org

  • Dunav Russe complete signing of Inkoom in a short term deal

    Ghana defender Samuel Inkoom has joined Bulgarian First League side Dunav Russe until end of the season, the club has confirmed.

    (more…)

  • Michel camp fire: Your homes are safe; return Fire service to residents

    The Fire Service has given assurance to residents of Michel Camp, who were evacuated from their homes, over the Tuesday night explosion at the military laboratory, to return because their homes are safe now.

    Some residents of the area had in an interview with Morning Starr expressed fears over returning to their homes.

    However, spokesperson of the Fire Service Ernest Robertson Okoh told Morning Starr that his men on the grounds have given clearance to the safety of the area and resident should be rest assured of their safety.

    “Around 4:30 am, we successfully put out the fire. There were no casualties. If the Michel Camp is not safe, our men on the ground would have returned. I can assure all that the place is safe,” he told Francis Abban on the Morning Starr.

    He, however, said the cause of the explosion is yet to be ascertained.

    Huge fireball explosions reached hundreds of meters into the skies over Michel Camp during the wee hours of Wednesday after the weapon cache caught fire.

    Residents say the explosions were at the Base Ammunition Depot of the Ghana Armed Forces and multiple blasts could be heard for over an hour.

    Most of the residents, who were fast asleep, had to run for their lives moments after the explosions at midnight amidst power outage.

    “Residents in the bordering communities have to evacuate to safer grounds. People were heading towards Aflao, Tema, Afienya and Apollonia.

    “The explosion occurred at a laboratory where small arms are kept and the Fire Service managed to prevent it from spreading to where the highly explosive weapons are kept,” a journalist, Moses Dautey, told Starrfmonline.com.

    A military source said one of the heavy explosives “fused out” towards Gulf City a densely populated community.

    Source: Starrfmonline.com

  • Josephine Asante’s killers did not trail her to the house – Estate owners

    The management of EMEFS Construction Limited, owners of the estate in which Mrs Josephine Asante, Marketing and Public Affairs Manager of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) in charge of the Tema Port, was stabbed to death, says it is untrue that her assassin(s) trailed her to the estate.

    According to managers of the Community 25 estate in Tema, “All Emefs Estates, namely: Lagoon View, Hill View, Palace and Gardens are walled and well protected by very watchful and resilient security personnel and there was no way an assassin or group of assassins could have followed the victim into the estate without being noticed and accosted.”

    In a statement issued by EMEFS Construction Tuesday, January 15, 2019, the company urged all residents, business partners and other stakeholders to remain calm and go about their normal activities as investigations of the heinous crime continue.

    It said it will work with the police to unravel the mystery.

    Below is the statement

    We regret the ill-fated incident that occurred on Sunday, the 13th of January 2019 at our Mataheko (Hillview-Palace) Estate in which one of our residents, Mrs. Josephine Asante, the wife of a homeowner was gruesomely murdered in her bedroom.

    Our deepest sympathy goes to the entire Asante and allied families during this very difficult time of their lives.

    Contrary to speculations that an assassin or group of assassins might have followed the deceased home through the gates to commit the dastardly act, we wish to state clearly that it was not so.

    All Emefs Estates, namely: Lagoon View, Hill View, Palace and Gardens are walled and well protected by very watchful and resilient security personnel and there was no way an assassin or group of assassins could have followed the victim into the estate without being noticed and accosted.

    As we continue to work closely with the Police to unravel the mystery, we urge all residents, business partners, and other stakeholders to remain calm and go about their normal activities as investigations of the heinous crime continue. At least a suspect has been arrested.

    We shall come out with further communiqué as and when we have further insights.

    Thank you for bearing with us during these challenging times.

    Emefs Estates continues to build your dream homes and your maximum security remains our top priority.

    SGD

    EMEFS MANAGEMENT

    Source: Graphic.com.gh

  • Unemployed convicted for stealing cocoa beans

    A twenty-year old motor rider, Eric Cobbina has been sentenced to 16 months imprisonment by the Enchi District Magistrate court for stealing 20 bags and 45 kilograms of dried cocoa beans valued GHC9,842.00.

    He pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit crime, causing unlawful damage, unlawful entry and stealing.

    Cobbina was recently jailed by the same court for committing a similar offence.

    Police Detective Sergeant Joseph Kwadwo Agyare, told the court presided over by Mr. Eric Baah Boateng, that the complainant, Abdul Rasheed is a purchasing clerk and a farmer.

    He said the complainant together with the convict and his accomplice, Isaac Kwame Annor, 24 year-old unemployed live in the same area at Jema, a suburb of Enchi, in the Aowin Municipality.

    Detective Sgt Agyare said on October 25, 2018 at about 0130 hours, Cobbina and Annor, who is at large broke into the complainant’s cocoa shed with a metal bar and stole 20 bags and 45 kilograms of dried cocoa beans.

    The prosecution said the complainant noticed the theft in the morning and informed the Jema Police accordingly.

    He told the court that Cobbina who was already in their custody on a stealing case during investigation indicated that he and Annor stole the 20 bags and 45 kilograms of dried cocoa from the complainant’s cocoa shed.

    Detective Sgt Agyare said the convict revealed that after the theft they conveyed the beans to Assemkrom, a town near Jema and deposited it with Annor’s friend who later sold it on their behalf.

    Source: ghananewsagency.org

  • Prof. Mike Ocquaye urges government to reserve 30% of appointment for women

    The Speaker of Parliament Professor Michael Aaron Ocquaye has urged government to reserve 30% of its appointment into local assemblies for women.

    He made this known at the opening of the 2019 edition annual new year school and conference at the University of Ghana, Legon yesterday (January 14 2019).

    The speaker called for more efforts and affirmative action in order to maximize the political influence of women in the country.

    He advocates that political parties reserve it quotas for women in their strong areas.

    According to Prof Mike Ocquaye” Today by global standards, Ghana is in the last fifth category of women representation in parliament. We cannot compare ourselves in any way with Rwanda for example and even as the affirmative action law is before parliament now, I think it is good enough for us to examine carefully and come out with ideas as to maximize the political influence of women in our dear nation.

    The Speaker of Parliament noted that ”It is my wish that we should have special seats created for women to contest alone so as to give them an opportunity to come to parliament.

    ”It is my suggestion that the political parties must also have quotas for women in this regard and as for the district assemblies the one-third of its members reserved for the presidents at any given time should now be reserved for women only”.he added.

    Source: primenewsghana.com

  • Australian side Wellington Phoenix reportedly on the verge of signing Michael Essien

    Former Ghana midfielder Michael Essien is reported to be on the verge of joining Australian top-flight side Wellington Phoenix.

    (more…)

  • Kwame Ntow Fianko rejects Normalisation Committee adhoc group appointment

    Former Division One League Board chairman, Kwame Ntow Fianko has rejected an appointment to serve on an adhoc committee of the Ghana Football Association’s Normalisation Committee (NC, revealing he was ‘not consulted’.

    (more…)

  • Databank denies dealing in gold

    Databank Financial Services has said claims that it has started dealing in gold collectibles following the collapse of Menzgold Ghana Limited are false.

    According to the investment bank, it is not into gold collectibles and does not intend going into such business.

    “It has come to our attention that pronouncements have been recently made in the press claiming that Databank is dealing in gold collectibles.

    “We would like to assure our customers and the Ghanaian public that this claim is FALSE. We are not licensed to deal in gold collectibles, have never done so, and do not intend to deal in gold collectibles”, a statement released by the firm clarified.

    The statement, signed by Databank Chief Marketing Officer, Gillian Hammah, said it remains focused on its investment operations which include selling shares, treasury bills and bonds, as well as managing mutual funds, pensions and institutional funds.

    “Databank is a professional investment bank that is licensed by the Securities and Exchange Commission, Ghana (SEC) to sell shares, treasury bills and bonds, as well as manage mutual funds, pension and institutional funds.

    “We remain committed to our core mandate of managing the funds of our investors in prudent ways that are sustainable over the long term, as well as providing ¬financial education to all Ghanaians.

    “We want to assure all clients and the general public that we have not and will not engage in any practices that compromise our commitment.”

    Databank

    Founded in April 1990, Databank seeks to empower its customers to achieve ¬financial independence by providing financial education and offering a diverse range of investment products.

    Investors can access fixed-income investments (including treasury bills), trade shares listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange and enjoy corporate governance advisory services through our brokerage wing.

    Through our asset management wing, investors can access mutual funds such as Epack, MFund, BFund, ArkFund and EdIFund, institutional fund management for corporate, benefit¬t and endowment funds, pension fund management and private wealth management services.

    Databank also has its headquarters in Accra and other branches in Ho, Koforidua, Kumasi, Takoradi, Tamale, Tema and Sunyani.

    Source: Myjoyonline.com

  • 7 Celebrities offered appointment under President Akufo-Addo

    When President Nana Addo Danquah Akufo-Addo won power after the 2016 general elections, he offered appointment to certain celebrities who campaigned for him during the elections.

    YEN.com.gh brings to you seven of those celebrities who received political appointments under Akufo-Addo.

    1. Agya Koo

    Real name Kofi Adu, Agya Koo is a poular Kumawood actor who for over the years, thrilled Ghanaian with roles he played in movies. For almost a decade, Agya Koo was the most popular face in Ghanaian movies.

    Before the general elections in 2016, Agya Koo made known his political affiliation thus supported then aspirant and now president, Nana Addo Danquah Akufo-Addo.

    After winning, President Akufo-Addo appointed Agya Koo as tourism ambassador. His role is to use his talent to showcase Ghana so as to draw tourists into the country. Tourism is known to be one of the most promising cash-ins for Ghana’s economy.

    2. Socrates Sarfo,/b>

    Known as a movie producer and a pioneer in the Ghana movie industry, Socrates Sarfo got appointed as Director of Creative Arts at the National Commission on Culture soon after President Akufo-Addo got into office.

    Before the elections in 2016, Socrates Sarfo, as a guest on many showbiz programs on radio publicly, threw his support behind Nana Akufo-Addo and the NPP. Many at the time speculated that Socrates could be handed the deputy minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture position but that did not happen.

    Even though he missed out on that deputy ministerial position, Socrates was appointed into a national agency; a position he is still keeping till date.

    3. Kwame A Plus

    When Nana Akufo-Addo won the 2016 elections and got into office, one person who got early appointment was popular musician A-Plus.

    Known in real life as Kwame Asare-Obeng, A-Plus was instrumental during the pre-election era where he often lambasted former President Mahama and his NDC. A-Plus often posted hard-hitting words on Facebook directed at the NDC and how he thought they were incompetent.

    While doing so, A-Plus revealed his support for Nana Akufo-Addo and how he is hopeful Nana Addo will do better.

    Upon winning the 2016 general elections, President Akufo-Addo appointed Kwame A-Plus as secretary to the CEO of Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital.

    Not long after the appointment, A Plus took to Facebook and lambasted the two deputy Chiefs of Staff, accusing them of corruption. That rant led to many other issues and consequently caused A-Plus to lose his job.

    4. Lucky Mensah

    Many Ghanaians remember Lucky Mensah for the popular song ‘Nkratuo’ which he released in 2011 to allegedly mock the then President Atta Mills of the NDC.

    NPP in opposition at the time capitalized on the song and got it played at their party rallies prior to the 2012 general election.

    Real name Alex Mensah, many Ghanaians were amazed because Lucky Mensah in 2006, campaigned for the NDC. Since the release of ‘Nkratuo’ in 2011, Lucky Mensah publicly announced that he is a supporter of the NPP. Prior to the 2016 elections, he was seen actively campaigning for the NPP thus upon winning, President Akufo-Addo appointed Lucky Mensah as a tourism ambassador.

    5. Mark Okraku Mante

    Currently the head of Creative Arts Council, Mark got appointed when Akufo-Addo came into power after winning the 2016 general elections. Mark Okraku-Mante who doubles as Programmes Manager of Hitz FM, is a household name in the Ghanaian music industry.

    He is known for producing music in the 90s and early 2000s before shifting full time to radio management.

    Okraku-Mante on many platforms confessed about his support for the ruling NPP government thus was not surprising to see him get an appointment.

    6. Praye

    The music trio have been appointed by President Akufo-Addo as tourism ambassadors under his government.

    Even though Praye as a group was not together during the pre-election era of 2016, two of the three musicians threw massive support behind the then aspirant Nana Akufo-Addo.

    Praye performed on many NPP party rallies during the 2016 election campaign period. On winning, President Akufo-Addo rewarded the now reunited music group with the position of tourism ambassadors.

    7. Diana Asamoah

    Even though many people like to disassociate politics from religion, gospel musician, Diana Asamoah, did not hide her support and love for the then aspirant Nana Akufo-Addo and his NPP.

    Diana Asamoah on some occasions, performed at NPP rallies during the election campaign prior to the 2016 elections. Diana Asamoah was handed the position of tourism ambassador after President Akufo-Addo took over office.

    source: yen.com

  • GFA Normalisation Committee outdoors ad-hoc committees

    The Normalization Committee of the Ghana Football Association has inaugurated six ad-hoc committees to aid the Normalization Committee execute its mandate.

    The committees are Domestic Leagues, Communications, National Teams, Technical and Development, Referees Committee, Marketing and Sponsorship Committee.

     
     Speaking during the inauguration, President of the GFA Normalization Committee Dr Kofi Amoah, described members of the ad hoc committees as “experienced people with a wide range of experience”.
     

    Dr Amoah was confident members of the committees would bring their rich experiences to bear by making incisive inputs which would help reform Ghana football.

    The Normalization Committee has identified series of defects in Ghana football after engaging with various stakeholders, and the main task of the various ad hoc committees is to make proposals to address some of these issues identified in their respective areas.

    Below is the full list of members of the ad hoc committee.

    REFEREES

    1. KUDJOE FIANOO-CHAIRMAN 2. ALEX KOTEY-MEMBER 3. VIVIAN AGGOR-MEMBER 4. CARL ASHIE-MEMBER 5. ADAM MUNKAILA-MEMBER 6. EMMANUEL DASOBERI-SECRETARY

     

    B. TECHNICAL

    1. DR. OWUSU ANSAH-CHAIRMAN 2. PROFESSOR JOSEPH MINTAH-VICE CHAIRMAN 3. FRANCIS OTI-AKENTENG-MEMBER 4. MARK NOONAN-MEMBER 5. FREDERICK PAPPOE-MEMBER 6. STEPHEN APPIAH-MEMBER 7. JOE DEBRAH (RAG)-MEMBER 8. MARK ADDO-SECRETARY

    C. DOMESTIC LEAGUE

     

    1. DR. BAAH-NUAKOH-CHAIRMAN 2. JONES ALHASSAN ABU-VICE CHAIRMAN 3. KWAME NTOW FIAKO-MEMBER 4. FRANK TODD-MEMBER 5. MIKE BONSU-MEMBER 6. DR. KWAKU OFOSU ASARE-MEMBER 7. MERCY TAGOE-MEMBER 8. SENA AKOTO AMPAW-SECRETARY

    D. MARKETING AND SPONSORSHIP

    1. GADDY LARYEA-CHAIRMAN 2. YAW AMPOFO ANKRAH-VICE CHAIRMAN 3. YAW ADDO LARBI-MEMBER 4. NANA AMANPENE BOATENG TWUM-MEMBER 5. FREDERICK FRIMPONG-MEMBER 6. RICHARD AHIAGBLE-MEMBER 7. T. T. OWUSU NORTEY-MEMBER 8. AFIA KORAKYEWA NTIM-MEMBER 9. WILLIAM BOSSMAN-SECRETARY

     

    E. NATIONAL TEAMS

    1. DR. PATRICK OFORI-CHAIRMAN 2. SAMUEL OSEI KUFUOR-VICE CHAIRMAN 3. MRS. SOPHIA KORKOR-MEMBER 4. FRANK ADU JUNIOR-MEMBER 5. EBO KWAITOO-MEMBER 6. GIFTY APPIAH-MEMBER 7. CHARLES KWADWO NTIM-MEMBER 8. FRANCIS ESSAH ADU-SECRETARY

    F. COMMUNICATION AND PROMOTION

    1. PAUL ADOM OTCHERE-CHAIRMAN 2. EKOW ASMAH-VICE CHAIRMAN 3. ALBERT SAM-MEMBER 4. KWAMI SEFA KAYI-MEMBER 5. OHENE BRENYA-MEMBER 6. EBO QUANSAH-MEMBER 7. TAMIMU ISSAH

    Source: Ghanafa.org

  • Houston Rockets: James Harden sets new NBA scoring record

    Houston Rockets star James Harden hit a season-high 57 points for his side on Monday to set a modern-era NBA record of scoring at least 30 points in 17 consecutive games.

    It saw him pass Kobe Bryant’s record of 16 which he managed with the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2002-03 season.

    Read: Novak Djokovic starts Australian Open with straight-set win

     
     Harden achieved the feat by half-time against the Memphis Grizzlies, thanks to 36 first-half points.

    It was the 29-year-old’s third 50-point game this season.

     He made 17/33 shots from the floor, including 6/15 from three-point range, plus 17 of his 18 free throws and left the court to a standing ovation.
     

    “The win was important,” he said afterwards. “I’ve got to get some rest tomorrow and be ready to go Wednesday. Same thing.”

    His 17-game run is the longest streak since the legendary Wilt Chamberlain had 20 straight games of 30 or more points in 1964 – before the American Basketball Association merged with the National Basketball Association in 1967.

     

    Source: BBC 

     

  • Novak Djokovic starts Australian Open with straight-set win

    Top seed Novak Djokovic started his bid for a record seventh Australian Open title with a straight-set win over American qualifier Mitchell Krueger.

    The 31-year-old Serb, chasing a 15th Grand Slam title and third in a row, won 6-3 6-2 6-2 on Rod Laver Arena.

     
     Krueger broke Djokovic in the third game but the world number one dominated from there to seal victory in two hours and three minutes.

    He will face French wildcard Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the second round.

    Djokovic’s victory was in stark contrast to the way he lost a year ago to South Korea’s Chung Hyeon in the last 16.

    He struggled with an elbow injury which would later require surgery and endured a string of poor results before hitting top form again to win Wimbledon and the US Open and regain the world number one ranking.

    “It feels great to be healthy and back on this court again,” said Djokovic, who was appearing in his 300th Grand Slam match.

    “Twelve months ago it was quite a different sensation on the court with the elbow injury. Twelve months forward, obviously things are quite different.”

     Tsonga was on the losing side in the 2008 Australian Open final as Djokovic won his first of 14 Grand Slams.

    Former world number four Tsonga missed seven months of 2018 after knee surgery and needed a wildcard to get into the tournament after his ranking dropped outside the top 200.

    Read: Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech to retire at the end of the season

    But the 33-year-old will be a dangerous opponent, having reached the semi-finals in his comeback tournament in Brisbane and beaten Martin Klizan of Slovakia in straight sets in the first round in Melbourne.

     “It’s funny, 11 years after our first Grand Slam final here – it feels like a lot has happened for both of us,” Djokovic added.

     

    Source: BBC 

  • Kim Kardashian West confirms she’s having a baby boy

    Kim Kardashian West confirmed on “Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen” that she and Kanye West will be having a baby boy.

    She appeared on the show Monday night with sisters Kourtney and Khloe. Cohen wasted no time asking whether it was true that the Wests were preparing for the birth of their fourth child.

    When Cohen asked if they have a due date, Kim responded “um, we do. It’s sometime soon.”

    He then asked, “you know if it’s a boy or girl?”

    Read: Rastafarian girl banned from Kenyan high school

    “We do. It’s a boy,” she said. “It’s out there. I got drunk at our Christmas Eve party, and I told some people, but I can’t remember who I told.”

    Earlier this month, a source close to the Wests told CNN that the couple were expecting their fourth child via surrogate this year. But the couple never made any official announcements.

    The couple welcomed their daughter Chicago West via surrogate last January. The couple also have daughter North, 5, and 3-year-old son Saint. Us Magazine was the first to report the news.

    Kardashian West was very private when it came to the news she was expecting her third child and did not confirm that the baby was on the way until well into the pregnancy. She opted to reveal the news on her E! reality show, “Keeping Up With the Kardashians.”

    She has been open over the years about her struggles to get pregnant and documented the process on the show. While pregnant with North, Kardashian West suffered from pre-eclampsia, a complication characterized by high blood pressure. She also had placenta accreta in both pregnancies, which occurs when the placenta attaches too deeply in the uterine wall.

    Read: Canadian’s death sentence in China ‘horrific’, family says

    She said she was prepared to have her uterus removed following the birth of Saint. But she did not have to undergo the surgery and later opted to expand her family via surrogate.

    Kardashian West has been open in the past about her desire to have a fourth child.

    “I would,” she told “Live with Kelly and Ryan” in May. “I would maybe try for one more.”

    But she made sure to add she would have to go the surrogacy route once again, as it is not medically safe for her to deliver a baby.

    “I enjoyed the surrogacy process. When it came time to breastfeed, I realized it was the best decision I have made — it’s a game changer,” she said. “I can spend so much more time with the older kids, getting them used to the new baby.”

     

    Source: CNN 

  • UK readies for historic Brexit deal vote

    MPs are preparing to vote on whether to back Theresa May’s deal for leaving the European Union.

    The so-called “meaningful vote” will take place later as five days of debate on Brexit come to an end.

    Mrs May has called for politicians to back her deal or risk “letting the British people down”.

    But with many of her own MPs expected to join opposition parties to vote against the deal, it is widely expected to be defeated.

    Attorney General Geoffrey Cox will open the last day of debate at about 12:50 GMT, with Mrs May due to close the debate with a speech from about 18:30 GMT.

    Voting will start at about 19:00 GMT, starting with backbench amendments that could reshape the deal and then the vote on the withdrawal agreement itself.

    Chart showing schedule of Commons Brexit events

    The prime minister is addressing her cabinet on Tuesday morning, after she attempted on Monday evening to win Tory MPs’ support for her deal – which includes both the withdrawal agreement on the terms on which the UK leaves the EU and a political declaration for the future relationship.

     

    In the Commons, she said: “It is not perfect but when the history books are written, people will look at the decision of this House and ask, ‘Did we deliver on the country’s vote to leave the EU, did we safeguard our economy, security or union, or did we let the British people down?’”

    Read: Brexit: PM says critics of her deal are risking democracy

    Mrs May also tried to reassure MPs over the controversial Northern Irish “backstop” – the fallback plan to avoid any return to physical border checks between the country and Ireland.

    She pointed to new written assurances from the EU that the contingency customs arrangement being proposed would be temporary and, if triggered, would last for “the shortest possible period”.

     

    Environment Secretary Michael Gove told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that rejecting Mrs May’s deal would lead to a no-deal Brexit with short term economic damage “or worse, no Brexit at all”.

    He said with this deal “we’ve picked a whole bowl of glistening cherries”, despite the fact the EU had said at the beginning of negotiations that there would be no “cherry picking”.

    “If we don’t vote for this agreement then we risk playing into the hands of those who do not want Brexit to go ahead,” he said.

     

    But many Tory MPs and the Democratic Unionists remain opposed to the deal.

    About 100 Conservative MPs – and the Democratic Unionist Party’s 10 MPs – could join Labour and the other opposition parties to vote it down.

    Former Brexit secretary Dominic Raab said that Brexiteers like him could back a deal if aspects such as the backstop were dealt with.

    He told the Today programme the EU had played “a smart game of hard ball” and said it was time for the UK to do the same.

    Democratic Unionist leader Arlene Foster said the backstop “was something that we could not accept” and her party’s MPs will be voting against the deal.

    “It (the backstop) does violence to the union – it separates us from the rest of the United Kingdom in a very very obvious way,” she said, calling for Mrs May to “get rid” of the backstop.

    When asked by the BBC for a message to MPs ahead of the vote, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said: “I would like them to behave in a responsible way.”

    The deal suffered a heavy defeat in the House of Lords on Monday night, as peers backed a Labour motion by 321 votes to 152.

    While the vote carries no real weight, as peers accepted MPs should have the final say, the motion – which also rejected a “no deal” scenario – expressed “regret” that Mrs May’s deal would “damage the future economic prosperity, internal security and global influence” of the UK.

    However, five Conservative Brexiteer MPs who have been critics of the withdrawal agreement have now said they will support the government, along with three Labour backbenchers and independent Frank Field.

    Brexit Secretary Steve Barclay said it showed there had been “progress” but admitted to the BBC’s Politics Live that gaining support was “challenging”.

    Speaking to his own backbenchers on Monday night, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn again condemned the deal and reiterated his call for a general election if it is voted down by Parliament. He also promised Labour would call a no-confidence vote in the government “soon”.

    And when asked what the margin of defeat could be for Mrs May, former Downing Street director of legislative affairs Nikki da Costa told Today she expected it to be within the “50 to 80 mark”.

    A number of amendments to Mrs May’s deal have been put forward – including proposals to give MPs a vote on whether to implement the backstop and putting a time limit on it.

    The Commons Speaker, John Bercow, will decide which amendments will be voted on just before the vote on the deal itself.

    Chart showing 47 working days in parliament until Brexit

     

    Source: BBC 

  • Policeman, two others busted for robbery

    Three suspected robbers, including a policeman, were arrested last Saturday at Okpoi Gonno, near the Spintex Road in Accra while fleeing after robbing their victim who had withdrawn money from the bank.

    The suspects — Lance Corporal Nathaniel Akomea, Francis Amoako and Richard Boateng — had robbed their victim of GH¢5,640 and were getting away in a car.

    Read: 150 suspected criminals busted

    However, the Director-General of Special Duties of the Ghana Police Service, Commissioner of Police (COP) Rev. David Nenyi Ampah-Bennin, who was in the company of his driver and bodyguard, pursued and arrested the robbers when he got to the scene of the robbery.

    A yet-to-be-identified fourth member of the gang is still at large.

    Amoako and Boateng claimed to be National Security operatives.

    Briefing

    Briefing newsmen on the incident, a police source said the Hollywood-style robbery started around the Palace Mall on the Spintex Road and ended near the Coca Cola Roundabout about 1 p.m.

    Read: Policeman Lance Corporal Akomea, two accomplices arrested for robbery

    According to the source, three suspects out of the four-member gang were apprehended and handed over to the Okpoi Gonno Police for further investigations.

    It said the police commissioner was on his way from the direction of the Palace Mall and going towards Nungua when some occupants of a taxi persistently signaled him to stop.

    The source said when the COP stopped, the victim of the robbery, Mr. Emmanuel David, told him that the people on board a red Toyota Corolla, with registration number GE 340-18, had robbed him of GH¢5,640.

    Read: Ashanti Region residents cry over rising robbery, murder cases

    The victim indicated that he had withdrawn the money at the Ring Road Central branch of the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB).

    Chase

    Rev. Ampah-Bennin and his assistants on board his official vehicle gave the robbers a hot chase and cornered them at a spot close to the Coca Cola Roundabout, the source said.

    It said the robbers were over-powered, handcuffed and taken to the Okpoi Gonno Police Station for further investigations.

    It said Rev. Ampah-Bennin and his assistants retrieved one Suer pistol and the stolen amount in full from the robbers.

    Their Toyota Corolla is also in the custody of the Okpoi Gonno Police.

    Source: Graphic.com.gh

  • Dagbon ‘Warrior bees’ unveiled ahead of Yaa Naa Yakubu Andani’s funeral

    The warrior beehive of Dagbon was unveiled on Monday following the official declaration of the Chief of Kumbungu to attend the final funeral rites of the late Overlord of Dagbon Yaa Naa Yakubu Andani (II).

    The Chief of Kumbungu, who is traditionally the army commander of Dagbon, has customary duties to perform during the funeral and one of the customs, according to Dagbon tradition is to unveil the beehive for an onward journey to Yendi.

    Read: Dagbon clash: Government, Otumfuo committee silence ‘deepening suspicion’

    Consequently, the Chief of Kumbungu Traditional Area, Alhaji Naa Abu Iddrisu (II) performed the first task of commanding the beehive contained in the traditional regalia called (Logu) with an anointed cow tail to respond to the customary duties, which they did to the admiration of elders, subchiefs and opinion leaders in the locality.

    Following that, he began a four-day journey to the Dagbon traditional capital of Yendi on Monday (January 14, 2019) for the final funeral rites of the Late Overlord of Dagbon Ya- Na Yakubu Andani (II).

    As custom and tradition demands, the Kumbungu chief (Kumbung-Naa), moved with the traditional bees (Logu) and a high powered delegation to Tamale as the first stop.

    Read: Dagbon Forum condemns Yendi unrest over Yaa-Na Yakubu Andani funeral

    “Pregnant women must not be cited along the road when the Kumbung-Naa approaches” an elder abreast with the traditional values said prior to the journey.

    He cautioned also cautioned that “all businesses along the Tamale-Kumbungu must remain closed…businesses on the ADB/ Commercial Bank road through to MTN office all the way to Kalpohini must be closed until the Kumbung-Naa and his warrior team passes” the warning notice served by traditional authorities had indicated.

    This traditional exercise, according to many indigenes of the ancient town known for its conquering history only occurs when Dagbon is on its way to the final funeral rites of a Yaa Naa upon his demise. Aside that, the warrior bees located in Mba Naa Yili, the community housing the beehive, also guide the chiefs and people of Dagbon, led by the Kumbung Naa when they are going to war.

    Read: Dagbon crisis: More violence could be imminent – Andanis hint

    On Monday, the tumultuous journey of the warrior bees from Kumbungu, twelve miles away from Tamale got underway, and did not only bring social and commercial activities in the Tamale metropolis to an absolute halt, but compelled over thirty communities along the route of the journey to line up the principal streets to catch a glimpse of the entourage led by the chief warrior Kumbung Naa Abu Iddirisu.

    Reports indicate that between the hours of 10 am and Midday Monday, the main route designated for the journey was awash with a crowd.

    On Tuesday (Today) the same exercise will be repeated from Kalpohini estate where the warrior bees stopped on the previous day (Monday) to “Sara Junction” along the Nim Avenue road, from Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH) through Vitting Barrier as the entourage continued the journey to Mion, another important town where most kings of Dagbon (Yaa Naa’s) often occupy before ascending to the ultimate skin at Yendi.

    The chief and his entourage, in the company of the warrior bees, will be based at Mion for two days before finally setting off to Yendi on Thursday, January 17, 2019.

    “This tradition has not happened in over 40 years, according to the aged in the Dagbon traditional area. It only occurred after the performance of the final funeral rites of the last Yaa Naa who died on the throne”

    Read: Andanis unhappy about media reportage on Dagbon conflict

    Historically, Kumbungu paramountcy has been identified as one of the most peaceful traditional areas in Dagbon where the excesses of Abudu and Andani differences has been contained. The people in the community have maintained a healthy relationship existing between the two gates.

    The farming area, many indigenes say, has enjoyed peaceful coexistence and continues to embrace peace and tranquility as a result of housing the most powerful deities in Dagbon such as the warrior bees known as Logu, the traditionally ordained peaceful snake known as Salim, and the humble lion known as Walima.

    Dagombas, particularly the people of Kumbungu believe so much in these powerful deities that they often call on them to rescue them wherever they find themselves in danger and in terms of trouble, famine, or anxiety.

    Under the circumstance, the traditional area will be playing an instrumental role before, during and after the installation of the new Yaa Naa for Dagbon.

    Source: Zambaga Rufai Saminu

  • GBA President Tony Forson vows to prove innocence after rape allegations by female lawyer

    A Canada-based Ghanaian lawyer, Kuukuwa Andam, has accused the President of the Ghana Bar Association (GBA), Mr Anthony Forson Jnr., of rape.

    Ms Andam, who said she has filed a criminal complaint against Mr Forson in Washington D.C., U.S.A., noted that the incident happened in 2012.

    According to her, she has decided to come public now not because she wants money, but because she wants to ensure that other female lawyers do not suffer what she went through.

    Read: I will be vindicated Ghana Bar Association President denies rape allegations

    “I want to be clear just as I stated in my post on Selasi that I DO NOT want or need a pesewa from Tony. I have my own money. Not to boast but I teach several courses at a top-notch university in Canada & just finished managing a major research project. I am a published author & I am regularly invited to participate in paid speaking opportunities due to my activist work. So this is not about money. This is about justice & trying to ensure that the next generation of Gh. female lawyers will never suffer the way that I have suffered,” Ms Andam wrote on Facebook.

    Below is her full statement on Facebook;

    How I was raped by Anthony Forson Jnr. (Ghana Bar Association President) & have filed a criminal complaint against him in Washington D.C.

    Yesterday, I filed a criminal complaint with the Washington DC Police Department against the current President of the Ghana Bar Association for a rape that occurred in the US in December 2012 and the perpetrator was Anthony Forson Jnr who is currently the President of the Ghana Bar Association. The investigation is pending & if the case is cleared, charges will be filed against him.

    Read: Female lawyer accuses GBA president of rape

    I want to be clear just as I stated in my post on Selasi that I DO NOT want or need a pesewa from Tony. I have my own money. Not to boast but I teach several courses at a top-notch university in Canada & just finished managing a major research project. I am a published author & I am regularly invited to participate in paid speaking opportunities due to my activist work. So this is not about money. This is about justice & trying to ensure that the next generation of Gh. female lawyers will never suffer the way that I have suffered.

    I met Tony at the last Ghana Bar Association event I attended before travelling to study for my masters at Cornell University. This was almost a year after being raped by Selasi & my heart had hardened. After my bitter experience, I had decided that most married male lawyers in Ghana were going to take advantage of you anyway so it was better to just date them for money. 

    At that time, I needed money for Cornell as my funding only covered my tuition. So when Tony told me he wanted to date me, I agreed. He would send me many messages telling me he loved me. I used to call him ‘T-baby.’ He knows all these things & can admit them if only he will be honest.

    We never had actual sex in Ghana although we were physically intimate (would kiss & touch & do other stuff) and then I left for Cornell. I did any job I could find in Cornell just to survive. I asked a relative for rent & he told me if he gave me the money I wouldn’t pay back. That was the day I realized I was on my own. I worked as a cook in a cafeteria & would stand for hours. I worked as a cleaner. I would be so tired I would sleep during lectures. Eventually, I decided to contact Tony for money.

    He told me to meet him at a hotel in Washington DC for the rent money. It was close to school exams but I went anyway. Remember that at this time we hadn’t actually had sex but I told myself that I would just close my eyes & do it with a condom (because I knew he was sleeping with many women) & then at least I wouldn’t have to drop out of school. He told me he would arrange transportation for me.

    Read: Four arrested in connection with rape and death of plantain chips seller

    I lost my laptop in the taxi & arrived at the hotel crying my eyes out. All my lecture notes were on that laptop and losing it meant I would fail the exams. Tony didn’t care. By this time, I knew the drill with dating married men. I knew that they claimed to love you but of course, they didn’t. You were just a piece of meat so I wasn’t shocked at his reaction.

    As soon as I settled in, he asked for sex. I had already psyched myself up and so I asked him whether he had a condom. When he said no, I pleaded with him to allow me to at least go get a condom but he pinned me down & raped me. 

    I still remember how it felt to be forcefully penetrated by him. How I felt as if I had left my body & was watching everything happening form the ceiling. I have heard from other rape survivors that this is a common occurrence. At one point I began to wince from pain because I wasn’t ready & he had forced himself on me but that didn’t stop him. 

    Not even the tears that began to fall out of the corners of my eyes stopped him. Then it was over. And I felt so broken and dirty and ashamed. But it got worse.

    After raping me, he refused to talk to me. It was as if he had been filled with some new hatred for me. He told me with disdain that I could take the $400 on the table if I wanted. I almost went mad. I couldn’t believe that he had forced himself on me & was not even talking to me. 

    And the money he had given me was even less than the price of the laptop I had lost just to see him. So I had been raped & ended up in debt too. I began to cry my eyes out & text a friend of mine about what had happened. God bless you, dear friend, she knows herself. She advised me to quickly return to Cornell and that she would help me through this. I booked a bus & left & he didn’t care what happened to me either way.

    As soon as I arrived in my room at the University, I cut off all my hair with a piece of scissors & threw away my nice clothes. I was so tired of being raped & mistreated by men & I wanted to be ugly so that no man would even want to have sex with me again or rape me again. 

    I swallowed several sleeping pills that I had been prescribed by a therapist I had been seeing to deal with the other rape I had suffered previously. Then I called an African professor who was like a father to all of us African students at Cornell to tell him that I had overdosed on sleeping pills and he contacted the Deputy Dean of Cornell Law and some hospital staff to assist me.

    For the next few weeks, I would be hospitalized in a mental ward as I broke down. This also began my struggle with binge eating because I would just binge on food anytime memories of my rape by Tony & Selasi came up. I put on so much weight & developed health-related problems because of it. 

    Source: classfmonline.com

  • GPL clubs to play in Special Competition after NC meeting

    Ghana Premier League clubs have made a u-turn and will play in the Special Competition after a meeting with the Normalisation Committee on Tuesday. 

    The 16 clubs, last week, announced their decision to boycott the competition proposed by the Normalisation Committee. 

    The clubs kicked against the decision by the interim football governing body to directly pay match bonuses to players. 

    Read: Premier League clubs cannot dictate for us Mickey Charles

    They also rejected the decision to hold a 64-team tournament, including second and third-tier clubs, with the winner and runners-up will represent the country in the Caf inter-club competitions next season.

     However, following the meeting, the Normalisation Committee have backed down on their format and will not pay players directly. 

    A new format will be revealed soon with the competition expected to start in February. 

     
     
    Source: JoySports 

  • Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech to retire at the end of the season

    Arsenal keeper Petr Cech says he will retire at the end of the season.

    The 36-year-old joined Arsenal in June 2015 from the club’s London rivals Chelsea, where he spent 11 years.

     
    “Having played 15 years in the Premier League and won every single trophy possible, I feel like I have achieved everything I set out to achieve,” said the ex-Czech Republic international.
     

    “I will continue to work hard at Arsenal to hopefully win one more trophy this season.”

     

    He added: “This is my 20th season as a professional player and it has been 20 years since I signed my first professional contract, so it feels like the right time to announce that I will retire.

    “I am looking forward to seeing what life holds for me off the pitch.”

    Read: Ebenezer Ackon drafted by MLS side Chicago Fire

    Cech arrived in England when he was signed by Chelsea from French club Rennes in July 2004.

    He went on to win 13 trophies with the Stamford Bridge club, including one Champions League and four Premier League titles.

     He also set a club record of 228 clean sheets in all competitions, beating the previous mark of 208 set by former England international Peter Bonetti between 1960 and 1979.

    Cech eventually lost his place to Belgian Thibaut Courtois before joining Arsenal and helping the Gunners win the FA Cup in 2017.

     

    Source: BBC 

  • Use it for library – Chief Justice rejects refurbished court building

    Chief Justice Sofia Akuffo has rejected a newly refurbished magistrate court in the Wassa East district assembly in the Western Region.

    She explained to the District Chief Executive Wilson Arthur, the facility is below the requisite standard of the Judicial Service and lacks the confidentiality that a court needs.

    Read: Remove Sophia Akuffo as Chief Justice for ‘incompetence’ – Mensah Thompson

    “This is not the court we want and so you should already be thinking of another relocation or it can be anywhere near here and then you do it the way we want it , as it is places that has to be confidential the offices are too exposed to the public,” she said.

    She emphasized on the easy access to the office of the registrar.

    The CJ made the observations, after she commissioned the court on Monday as part of her six-day tour of the Western Region to acquaint herself with challenges facing the judicial system in the region.

    Read: Sophia Akuffo hints at closure of six courts in Central Region

    She also added that the judicial service wants standardize courts across the country so that any stranger who comes to any community can easily identify the court.

    Akuffo has therefore gave the Wassa East district assembly by the end of February to give her feedback on the reconstruction of a new magistrate.

    “I will give you up to February ending to come and tell me your plans on the reconstruction of a new court.”

    Arthur has expressed disappointment at the building, which has failed to impress the Chief Justice.

    He said he was expecting some accolade after using scare assembly funds to renovate the building.

    “This one was built quite recently when we inherited it. When we came it was in a bad state but we renovated it and furnished it and we thought it was one of the best court houses in Ghana. So when she came I was expecting her to say that your place is better than a high courts.”

    The disappointed DCE said the Assembly will use the building for a police station and later think of how to mobilize funds to build a befitting court.

    Source: Myjoyonline.com