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Author: aejay_wp

  • Michelle Obama tops Hillary Clinton as America’s most admired woman

    Former First Lady Hillary Clinton’s 17-year run as the woman Americans admire most is over.

    Another former First Lady, Michelle Obama, has deposed Clinton as America’s most admired woman, according to a Gallup poll published on Thursday.

    Former president Barack Obama was named the man Americans admire most for the 11th year in a row, Gallup said.

    President Donald Trump finished second in the poll for the fourth year in a row. Gallup has conducted the annual poll every year since 1946 with the exception of 1976.

    Fifteen percent of the 1,025 Americans polled said the woman they admire most is Michelle Obama, who is currently on a tour promoting her book “Becoming.”

    Talk show host Oprah Winfrey was second with five percent followed by Hillary Clinton and First Lady Melania Trump with four percent.

    Hillary Clinton, the 2016 Democratic presidential nominee and a former US senator and secretary of state, has topped the list 22 times including the past 17 years in a row. Nineteen percent of those polled said Barack Obama was the man they admired most. Trump was second with 13 percent followed by former president George W. Bush and Pope Francis, who were tied with two percent. Gallup said the survey conducted December 3-12 had a margin of error of plus or minus four percentage points.

    Source: France24

  • Couple slammed for ignoring maid while enjoying ice cream and pizza at a restaurant

    It’s the festive season and generally it is assumed that during this period, all forms of evil, ills and wrong attitudes towards others are meant to disappear.

    But then, it has been proven over time that even during the period of funfair and love, hatred can still reign supreme.

    In line with this thought, a video that recently went viral has shown just how the yuletide period is never quite an excuse for anyone to not do something wrong. In the viral footage captured by a woman, a young girl was supposedly maltreated.

    Based on what the clip showed, the said girl who is still likely in her childhood years, had accompanied a family to a popular restaurant located in Abule Egba, Lagos.

    The couple looked well-dressed in matching outfits just as their children looked good in their ready made attires.

    Apparently, they had come into the eatery to celebrate the festive season, and to this effect, they ordered for several assorted meals – pizza, ice-cream, chicken wings.

    Without hesitation, they dug into the food. But they forgot the little girl they had brought along, or better put, they ignored her.

    This young girl who was wearing a casual black dress was made to sit at another table while the family was enjoying their feast.

    She stared at them hungrily but they paid no attention to her. Even the young kids of the couple were so caught up in their meal that they totally forgot about the girl.

    In the video, the woman who had captured the footage could be heard talking.

    She could not help but assume that the young, neglected kid was the family’s housemaid, and clearly, she was very pissed that they had abandoned the lady in such way.

    Source: yen.com.gh

  • DRC’s Kabila insists vote will go ahead on December 30

    Joseph Kabila, the outgoing president of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), has said long-delayed polls will happen on Sunday – even as uncertainty remains over how prepared the vast country is to hold the vote.

    The presidential elections, which were first scheduled to take place in 2016, have been repeatedly postponed over the past two years, angering opposition supporters and, at times, sparking violent anti-government rallies during which security forces killed dozens of protesters.

    Last week, the country’s electoral commission (CENI) pushed back the planned December 23 vote by a week following a fire at one of its main warehouses in the capital, Kinshasa, as well as the ongoing Ebola outbreak in eastern DRC.

    “The date has now been fixed, the 30th of December,” Kabila told Al Jazeera on Thursday, in an interview at the presidential palace in Kinshasa. “I believe that elections will take place on that particular date.”

    “The date has now been fixed, the 30th of December,” Kabila told Al Jazeera on Thursday, in an interview at the presidential palace in Kinshasa. “I believe that elections will take place on that particular date.”

    In August, the president’s ruling coalition named Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary, a die-hard Kabila loyalist and former interior minister currently under sanctions by the European Union, as its candidate in the upcoming presidential election.

    Kabila, who has ruled the vast mineral-rich country for more than 17 years, denied claims by the opposition that polls have been delayed to extend his stay in office.

    “The composition of the electoral commission does not give any advantages to any one component – meaning you have the majority [ruling party], you have the opposition which is represented in the commission, and of course the civil society,” he said.

    “The issue (that) the electoral commission been biased is nonsense,” added Kabila, 47.

    Elections have previously been delayed because the registration of the more than 46 million voters took two years to complete, the president added.

    His comments came a day after CENI said voting would not take place until March next year in at least three cities, citing the Ebola outbreak and ethnic violence.

    In the eastern city of Beni, in North Kivu province, protesters angry with the latest postponement burned tyres, ransacked an Ebola centre and blocked the main road.

    Voting has also been delayed in Butembo, in the same province, due to the ongoing Ebola outbreak, which is the second deadliest in the country’s history and has claimed the lives of more than 320 people.

    Voting has also been delayed in the western city of Yumbi in Bandundu province due to ethnic violence that has left more than 100 dead people in the last month.

    Despite the violence, Kabila said campaigning has been largely peaceful.

    “An electoral process is always a sensitive issue. During an electoral process you have tensions, the most important thing is to have the necessary police force that is well equipped in order to deal with that. At one given time we did not have that capacity but we have been building that capacity,” he said.

    Kabila succeeded his father – a former rebel leader – who was assassinated in 2001 by one of his bodyguards.

    As many as 21 candidates are competing for the country’s top job.

    The electoral commission said official results of the presidential poll will be announced on January 15.

    The DRC, a country of more than 80 million people, has not seen a peaceful transition of power since it gained independence from Belgium in 1960.

    Meanwhile on Thursday, the central African country said it would expel EU Ambassador Bart Ouvry after the bloc renewed sanctions against government officials.

    Earlier this month, the EU renewed sanctions against 14 officials, including Shadary.

    Sanctions were first placed two years ago after a violent crackdown on street protests and repeated delays to the elections.

    Kinshasa has refused to accredit election observers from the European bloc.

    Source: aljazeera.com

  • EC sets Jan 10 for nominations for Ayawaso West Wuogon bye-election

    The Electoral Commission (EC) has set Thursday, January 10 to Saturday, January 12, 2019 to receive nominations for the Ayawaso West Wuogon constitueuncy bye-election.

    Aspirants are also expected to pay a filing fee of GH₵10,000.

    A statement issued on Thursday and signed by the Chairperson of the Commission, Mrs Jean Mensa said, the nominations will be received at the Ayawaso District of the Commission between the hours of 9:00am to 12 noon and 2:00pm to 5:00pm on each day.

    The bye-election, which comes on the back of the death of the Member of Parliament for the constituency, Emmanuel Kyeremanten Agyarko, is scheduled to take place on Thursday, January 31, 2019.

    Source: graphic.com.gh

  • Oti Region records 98.65 per cent YES votes; 88.31 per cent turn out

    The results of the referendum for the creation of Oti region has been overwhelming as it exceeded the minimum 80 per cent threshold of YES votes.

    A total of 98.64 per cent voted in favour of the creation of the Oti region out of the Volta region.

    Graphic Online’s Volta Regional Correspondent Tim Dzamboe reports that it also exceeded the minimum 50 per cent threshold of turn out as 88.31 per cent out of the total voter population voted.

    The Volta Regional returning officer of Electoral Commission, Mr Joseph Kodua broke the news to a jubilant crowd at the collation centre at the Bueman Senior High School on Friday morning.

    A total of 323,708 voted out of the total registered voter population of 366,545.

    The YES votes were 319,296 as against 2,878 NO votes.

    A total of 1,534 votes were rejected.  

    Breakdown

    The returning officer, Mr Joseph Kodua gave the breakdown as follows Jasikan District with 39,360 votes cast with 38,915 YES votes and 310 NO votes.

    135 votes were rejected out of a total of 40,566 registered voters in the district.

    Biakoye District had a total 43,571 registered voters but 36,883 cast the vote with 36,351 YES votes and 434 NO votes.

    98 ballots were rejected.

    Kadjebi District had 43,586 registered voters.

    Source: graphic.com.gh

  • Pastor Walter Masocha steps down after being accused of sleeping with daughter

    A UK-based Zimbabwean pastor, Walter Masocha, has stepped down from his position as the leader of Agape For All Nations Church following allegations that he has slept with his married daughter.

    The controversial pastor who was once in the news for allegations of sexually molesting his members seems to have taken his act home.

    According to UK-based writer Jean Gasho, Walter Masocha was exposed after his son-in-law allegedly discovered explicit messages and nude pictures that his wife had been allegedly sending to her own father. He then took this incriminating evidence to his mother-in-law, Judith.

    Judith is reported to have confronted the pastor and he allegedly confessed to having had an incestuous relationship with his daughter. Judith is now reported to be divorcing her pastor husband for having sex with his child.

    In a statement, one of the leaders of the church, Francis Aturia said that Masocha was stepping down due to a “serious moral fall”.

    “Sadly, as a result, we would like to inform you all that Dr.Walter Masocha has with immediate effect taken leave of absence in order to deal with a serious moral fall which he has informed his family, the Board of Trustees and the Commissioners.

    “He is brokenhearted and distraught at the result of the misdemeanours and feels that he is not fit to continue as Spiritual Leader of Agape.

    “This has come as a significant shock and blow to Dr Judith and the family, and no doubt to many Agape children and other people worldwide. A full investigation will be conducted in due time, and the appropriate disciplinary action shall be taken.

    “Many on hearing this will be deeply shocked and disturbed by such a disappointing revelation. We implore you to remember most especially, his gracious wife, Dr Judith and consider a Christ-like response to all who are involved at every level of the church family.

    “We would like to kindly ask you to remember him and his family in your prayers. In view of the fact that he is on leave from his official role, we would like to ask you all at this time to avoid contacting him. We also urge you to avoid contacting Dr Judith and the family in respect of their privacy at this difficult time.

    At this time, we encourage prayer fuelled with loving action to support one another and keep our focus on our Lord Jesus Christ who by His Holy Spirit is the only one that will enable the current tragedy to be worked out ultimately for His own glory somehow, sometime,” the statement as sighted by YEN.com.gh on Jeangasho.com read.

    Meanwhile, another top pastor, Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams has come in the news for allegedly sending thugs to the Tema Community 10 branch of his Action Chapel International (ACI) to retrieve a 10% commission from the branch for the use of the ACI name.

    The thugs, reportedly led by Bishop James Saah, the administrative bishop of the Action Chapel International (ACI), allegedly stormed the church to halt service and drag out the branch pastor over his refusal to pay. The incident has led the branch pastor and his leaders to decide to break away from the mother church.

    Source: yen.com.gh

  • Mubarak Wakaso sings Shatta Wale’s ‘my level’

    It’s Christmas! So you’re likely to see a lot of things you usually will not see at any other time of the year.

    One of those is Mubarak Wakaso performing Shatta Wale’s hit song ‘My level’ to a room of Deportivo Alaves fans.

    In the video, which has surfaced on social media, the Ghana international is seen delivering an emotional Spanish song to a group of fans, before switching to ‘My level’, a song originally recorded by renowned Ghanaian musician Shatta Wale.

    “I know my level, I know my level oo, I know my level…,” the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations joint-top scorer sang in passionate spirit.

    Shatta will definitely be pleased to see his banger taken internationally by Wakaso – like Stonebwoy recently was watching Thomas Partey walk under the glory of his ‘Tomorrow’ hit at Atletico Madrid’s Wanda Metropolitano Stadium.

    What we’re not so sure about, though, is if the Dancehall King will be proud of the quality of the performance. What do you think?

    Source: Goal.com

  • Real Madrid women’s forward Beckmann Celebrates Christmas with the needy

    Madrid CFF forward Eunice Beckmann celebrated her Christmas with the homeless and needy.

    The 26-year-old who touched down in her native country for a charity work on the eve of Christmas day where she fed street Children and also made a donation to support at least three of the children in school continued her kind gesture by putting smiles on the faces of the homeless during Christmas day.

    Beckmann, who is born to Ghanaian parents has represented Germany at junior level hence eligible to play for the Black Queens.

    The player is expected to depart to her base in Spain next week.

    Source: ghanasportsonline.com

  • Albert Adomah returns from injury to help Aston Villa win

    Ghanaian winger Albert Adomah finally returned from injury to help Aston Villa to manage a slender 1-0 win over Swansea City in the English Championship on Wednesday.

    The 31-year-old attacker climbed off the bench in the 76th minute to replace Yannick Bolasie at the Liberty Stadium in Wales as Irish midfielder Conor Hourihane netted the solitary goal of the game.

    Adomah had not played for the former Premier League side since the last week of November after suffering an ankle injury while in action against Birmingham City.

    The 2014 FIFA World Cup Ghana star will be hoping to recapture his starting place at Villa as he has returned to action.

    Source: ghanasportsonline.com

  • Patrick Twumasi, wife renew marriage vows

    Patrick Twumasi and wife Lydia Mould Twumasi sparked light into their marriage by visiting the alter one more time.

    The two who got married in 2013 marked their fifth anniversary with a blessing ceremony.

    Twumasi,24, and his wife tightened the bond in their relationship as they seek to keep their vows.

    The Ghanaian international arrived in the country after the Spanish La Liga went on break.

    He is expected to rejoin his Club Deportivo Alaves who are aiming for a top 4 finish after a decent display so far in the Spanish top flight.

  • ‘Broke’ Asamoah Gyan hasn’t spoken to his wife, kids for months

    Black Stars skipper Asamoah Gyan claims he is broke and has just £600 in his bank account.

    Gyan, who made 37 appearances for Sunderland after making a £13million move to England, currently plays for Kayserispor in Turkey.

    However, the 33-year-old insists he is not being paid and claims he has spent the millions of pounds he’s earned throughout his career.

    “My front and back, up and down is that money (£600) you see there.”

    The former Sunderland frontman left the Black Cats to join UAE club Al Ain in 2012 after impressing on loan.

    He smashed 123 goals in 120 games before a lucrative move to Shanghai SIPG of the Chinese Super League.

    Gyan joined Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai but he returned to Turkey last year where his fortunes have nosedived.

    It is claimed the forward hasn’t had contact with his wife Gifty or three children since August and is not returning their phone calls.

    Gyan met his wife of six years back in 2002 but it is understood he has requested an annulment in order to marry socialite Nina Atalah.

    His three children are due to travel to Ghana from England for a DNA test, requested by the player’s older brother, Baffuor.

    Source: primenewsghana.com

  • Asamoah’s Inter Milan given two-match stadium closure after Koulibaly monkey chants

    Kwadwo Asamoah’s Inter Milan will play two home league games behind closed doors following the alleged racist abuse of Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly on Wednesday.

    The Italian side will also play a third match at the San Siro without opening the ‘curva’ section of the ground, popular with fans known as ‘ultras’.

    Napoli boss Carlo Ancelotti said he asked for the match to be suspended three times and that Koulibaly was targeted in the 1-0 defeat.

    Inter are deciding whether to appeal. A supporter who was with a group of Inter Milan fans died after being knocked down by a van amid violence before the match in Milan.

    Four Napoli fans were hurt and one of them was stabbed, police said.

    Inter’s next three home league games are against Sassuolo on 19 January, Bologna on 3 February and Sampdoria on 17 February.

    In addition to the punishment for Inter, Serie A have given Koulibaly a two-match ban after the Senegal international was sent off.

    The 27-year-old received two yellow cards in a matter of seconds in the 80th minute. The first was for a foul on Matteo Politano, the second for sarcastically applauding the referee’s decision.

    Inter posted a statement on social media on Thursday with the caption ‘Inter against racism’.

    “Since 1908, Inter has represented integration, innovation and progressiveness,” it said.

    “The history of Milan is a welcoming one and together we are fighting to build a future without discrimination. Those who do not understand this history do not stand with us.

    “From that night 110 years ago when our founders set us on our journey, we have always said no to any form of discrimination.”

    Italian football federation president Gabriele Gravina said the racist chants and violence outside the stadium were “no longer tolerable”.

    “Football is the heritage of true supporters and as such should be defended from all those who use it as a tool to create tension,” he said.

    “We condemn all forms of both physical and verbal violence, with the aggravating circumstance of racial discrimination. We do not tolerate such behaviour ruining football.”

    Anti-discrimination organisation Fare commended former Chelsea boss Ancelotti for pledging to take his team off the field if such abuse happens again.

    “Under Ancelotti’s leadership the position of Napoli on racism and discriminatory abuse is clear, we note that the club previously threatened to take their players off the pitch before a match against Atalanta on 3 December,” it said.

    “Kalidou Koulibaly has consistently been the target of an alarming level of racist abuse while playing against clubs across Italy, including Atlanta, Juventus, Lazio and now Inter Milan.

    “Too often, the punishments handed out by Italian football authorities are weak and ineffective.”

    After the match Koulibaly posted on Twitter: “I’m sorry about the defeat and especially to have let my brothers down.

    “But I’m proud of the colour of my skin. To be French, Senegalese, Neapolitan, and a man.”

    The mayor of Milan, Guiseppe Sala, apologised to Koulibaly on his Facebook page, calling the abuse “a shameful act against a respected athlete”.

    Source: footballghana.com

  • Landlord arrested by ‘Operation Calm Life’ with over 100 parcels of ‘wee’

    A joint Military/Police Team has arrested one Seth Owusu at Kotobabi/Baatsona, a suburb of Accra for allegedly possessing 100 parcels of substances suspected to be Indian hemp.

    Owusu, alias ‘Keepercampus,’ 31, the landlord of the place, where the items were seized was arrested to assist in Police investigations.

    Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Afia Tenge, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Ghana Police Service told the Ghana News Agency in an interview in Accra.

    She said it was based on intelligence gathered by the Baatsona Police.

    Ms Tenge said during a snap check by the patrol team, the substances were retrieved from a kiosk on the compound of an uncompleted house at Kotobabi/Baatsona owned by Owusu.

    She urged the public to continue to assist police in curbing the sale and use of drugs which invariably leads to perpetuation of crime.

    Ms Tenge gave an assurance that such informants would be protected.

    Source: ghananewsagency.org

  • Collation of referendum results enters day two

    Several hours after voting in a referendum for the creation of six new regions in the country, the Electoral Commission is yet to finish collating the results from the various polling centres.

    Voting ended at 5:00 pm on Thursday.

    As at 5:00 am early Friday morning, most of the collation centres had not finished putting together the results from the various centres.

    The referendum was held for the creation of Bono East, Ahafo, North East, Savanna, Western North and Oti as new regions.

    Voters within the districts and traditional areas earmarked for the new regions were to vote either YES or No.

    Per the constitutional instrument governing the referendum, at least 50% of the voter population in those areas have to take part in the referendum, and the YES votes must be 80% or more before a region is created.

    The campaigners for the news had complained about neglect in the allocation of the national cake hence their demand for administrative regions to help better their lots.

    The government has promised to give each of the six yet to be created new regions a GHC20 million see capital if they can sail through the referendum successfully.

    Oti

    Provisional results from the collation centre of the Oti Region show that five constituencies have had their results collated living eight constituencies and four electoral areas to go.

    Results from the five constituencies show a resounding YES vote.

    Savannah

    At the collation centre for the proposed Savannah Region, results from two districts out of seven have so far been collated. Figures from the two districts show about a 99 per cent YES vote.

    Source: citinewsroom.com

  • Government to redevelop Axim Victoria Park into Ceremonial Grounds

    Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Mrs. Catherine Abelema Afeku on behalf of President Akufo-Addo has cut the sod for redevelopment of the Axim Victoria Park into a Ceremonial Grounds to boost tourism activities in the area.

    The Victoria Park is in front of Fort Saint Antonio, where national and local programmes are mostly held and serves as the venue where the Chiefs and people of Lower and Upper Axim Traditional Council celebrate their annual Kundum festival.

    Historically, it was developed as part of Fort Saint Antonio in 1515 by the Portuguese government as a tourist site but since that time, the park has been deteriorating and can’t attract any tourists.

    It would be recalled that during the 2018 Kundum festival celebration by the Chiefs and people of Axim, President Akufo-Addo who was the special guest of honour promised to redevelop the park into a Ceremonial Park to attract more tourists into the area.

    It also comes as a result of the promise the then Flag-bearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), President Akufo-Addo made during the round up to the 2016 election when he met the Chiefs and people of the area.

    The modernised facility, which is being executed by Freidoug Construction Ltd will comprise a VIP Parking, Pre-Event Lounge, Restaurant, Multi-Purpose entertainment, Administration, Preservation of Shrine, Ground Control Barries, VIP Access, One way traffic, paved or grassed.

    Others include, Subsidiary seating for 40 people, Guest seating for 225 people, Processing entrance or exit, and Seating for 60 Chiefs.

    The facility is part of Axim Tourism Development Enclave project being executed by the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) and Ghana Museums and Monuments Board (GMMB) to develop tourist places into standard ones.

    Speaking at the sod-cutting ceremony on Monday, December 24, 2018 at Axim, Mrs. Catherine Afeku who performed the sod-cutting ceremony on behalf of President Akufo-Addo, expressed her profound gratitude to the Chiefs and people of Evalue Ajomoro-Gwira Constituency for the overwhelming support given to the NPP government for this facility to see the light of day.

    She said the facility, among others, was to create jobs for the local people in the area.

    She added that the facility when completed will attract more tourists and improve the local economy of the people.

    Mrs. Afeku who is also the MP for the area said Axim is one of the tourist destinations in the country but bemoaned how tourism was going down.

    She added that this is the time for the government to develop the tourist sites in the area to attract tourists and fetch the country money.

    According to her , the facility begins immediately and is expected to be completed in nine (9) months.

    She disclosed that the project is going to create job opportunities for the skilled and unskilled youth in the area before and after construction.

    She therefore, charged the teeming unemployed youth not to be lazy when given the opportunity.

    The Minister charged the contractor to ensure that quality work was done to ensure value for money and urged the people to embrace the project and support the contractor to complete the work on schedule.

    She revealed that since 1957 no government had developed the area than the NPP government and that the project when completed will face-lift the image of the late Paa Grant who was the founder of the UGCC/UP traditions.

    Madam Catherine Afeku said election must inure to development to better the living conditions of the people.

    She mentioned a sea-defence project, a sports stadium, DVLA office, construction of Axim township roads as some of the achievements she had chalked so far and asked the people to rally behind Nana Akufo Addo to continue with developmental projects in the area.

    She also announced to the gathering that early next year, government will cut the sod for the construction of Axim Landing Beach and also the Gwira roads adding that more projects are in the pipeline.

    “This facility is the Christmas gift for the people of Axim given by the NPP government led by President Akufo-Addo and Axim is now becoming a sod-cutting ceremony constituency in Ghana”, she excited.

    She, therefore, seized the opportunity to advise the people to refrain from partisan politics and rally for development, “partisan politics is killing us and it should be the thing of the past”.

    On his part, the Chief Executive Director of Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), Dr. Akwasi Agyemang thanked President Akufo-Addo for honouring his 2016 campaign promise of redeveloping the Axim Victoria Park.

    “In fact, President Akufo-Addo is a promise and deliver man because during this year’s Kundum festival celebration, he promised to honour his 2016 campaign promise and we are here today to execute his promise”, he said.

    He revealed to the gathering that, the tourism sector is the number three Gross Domestic Product (GDP) contributor in the country and said this facility will boost the tourism industry in the country.

    He said the facility will create direct and indirect employment opportunities for the people and appealed to the people to embrace the project.

    He commended the chiefs and people of Nsein Traditional Council for throwing their support behind Hon Catherine Afeku for her to bring this important project in the area.

    He, therefore, used the opportunity to appeal to the people to vote massively for Hon. Catherine Afeku in 2020 to continue with the good works she has started.

    He predicted “Very soon, Axim will look like Abroad that’s USA”.

    The Deputy Director in charge of projects of Ghana Museums and Monuments Board (GMMB), Mr. Kingsley Ofosu Ntiamoah said God has blessed the good people of Nzema East Municipality for giving Hon. Catherine Afeku as their Cabinet Minister and appealed to them to vote for her again in 2020 to bring more developments into the area.

    He said Ghana Museums and Monuments Board is under the Tourism Ministry is in charge of Castles, Forts and Museums in the country and added, “We thank God that today we and the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) have collaborated to develop Axim Victoria Park into Ceremonial Ground”.

    He revealed that government is in consultation with the Italian government to renovate the Fort St. Antonio as part Axim Tourism Development Enclave project.

    He said if the redevelopment of Axim Victoria Park facility completed it will help tourists who will visit the Fort for relaxation.

    He announced at the gathering that from today going, government was going to give 5% of money earn from the Fort to the family whose land the Fort has been used.

    He also promised to upgrade the tomb of late George Paa Grant who was a founder of UGCC into a national monument.

    On his part, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of the area, Hon. Frank Okpenyen alias Franko also expressed profound appreciation to the NPP government for bringing this great facility to Axim which will help develop the area.

    He used the occasion to thank the chiefs and people of the area for releasing land for the construction this facility.

    He pledged his total commitment to liaise with the contractor to complete the project on time as expected.

    He urged the people to embrace the project and support the contractor to complete the work on schedule.

    The MCE thanked the Tourism Minister for the facility and pledged the Assembly’s readiness for the facility.

    “We are happy about this project, we are ready for development, we will help the Ministry to develop this area”, he expressed joy.

    He appealed to the contractor to employ some of the youth in the area to assist in the construction work.

    He, therefore, called on the youth to take advantage of the opportunity given.

    He called on the youth of the area to rally behind His Excellency President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and pray for him as he has started implementing his flagship programs.

    “President Nana Addo has the youth of this country at heart and he needs your total support to execute his flagship programs”, he said.

    The MCE admitted that the spate of development springing up in the municipality in the last two years was unprecedented.

    He would, therefore, continue to team up with the MP to redouble their efforts to accelerate development and boost the local economy.

    He revealed that 95 per cent of the DVLA office in the area is complete and expected to be commissioned in 2019.

    He added that the construction of the Sea Defence Wall is steadily ongoing and said the project has given jobs to the local people in the area.

    He seized the occasion to express his profound gratitude to President Akufo-Addo for always thinking about his area and called on his people to rally behind the NPP government.

    “Let us rally behind President Akufo-Addo and his government and also pray hard for President Akufo-Addo for wisdom and long life and develop our area”, he pleaded.

    He also urged them to vote massively for Hon Catherine Afeku to continue her good works that she started in 2020.

    Mr. George Kofi Anderson, the project manager of Freidoug Ltd, disclosed to the media that all construction works would be given to local artisans.

    He said about 70% temporal workers in the Municipality will be engaged during the construction as part of the local content policy.

    Source: Daniel Kaku

  • FOCOS Hospital to host Boris Kodjoe and 40 other Hollywood celebrities

    US-based Ghanaian Hollywood star Boris Ofuatey Kodjoe together with 40 other celebrities from the US, will visit the FOCOS Orthopaedic Hospital near Pantang on Monday, January 31, 2018.

    The visit forms part of efforts by Boris to mobilize support for the FOCOS Hospital which is on a mission to bring quality orthopaedic care to deprived populations in Africa and around the world.

    Boris Kodjoe, who is an ambassador for the non-profit specialist Orthopedic hospital, wants his friends to have a first-hand experience of the facility that has treated over 55,000 patients from 45 countries and conducted 3,000 complex spine surgeries since its inception.

    Earlier this year, Boris and his wife Nicole, visited the hospital and interacted with staff and paediatric patients. In May this year, Boris was also a Special Guest at the second FOCOS annual fundraising dinner.

    Boris announced his visit to Ghana and the FOCOS Hospital on social media a couple of weeks ago. He and his friends will be visiting Ghana to meet the people, feel the culture, connect with the energetic heritage, relax on the beaches, tour the castles and share their experience the with millions of their followers around the world.

    Source: FOCOS Orthopedic Hospital

  • Mahamas YES vote Ballot paper for Savannah Region leaks

    The YES vote of former President John Dramani Mahama in the just-ended referendum for the proposed Savannah Region has leaked, MyNewsGh.com can confirm.

    The picture confirms Mr Mahama voted for the creation of the proposed Savannah Region in Bole in the Northern Region this morning.

    The ex-president who voted YES to endorse the decision to carve the Savannah Region from the current Northern Region, has been one of the major contributors to the course of the project by donating a total of GH¢50,000.

    Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has also been on the grounds with the people and is believed to have also voted YES in line with the wish of majority of the people.

    It is unclear how the supposedly “secret” ballot of Mr Mahama leaked. However, from the image obtained by MyNewsGh.com, it appears the former President displayed the stamped ballot.

    Mr Mahama cast his ballot in the referendum this morning Thursday 27th December 2018 and has since left for to Accra soon after casting his ballot.

    MyNewsGh.com reported earlier how Former President John Dramani Mahama first donated an amount of GH¢30,000 to be distributed to the various districts across the proposed Savanna Region in the heat of community campaigns and sensitization.

    In addition to the GH¢30,000, the member of Parliament for Bole -Bamboi, Hon Yussif Sulemana on behalf of the former President donated GH¢ 10,000 to the Bole District referendum campaign team on Tuesday December 25, 2018.

    The amount was received by the DCE for the area Hon. Veronica Alele on behalf of the district and thanked the former President for his support.

    Mr Mahama during the public hearing across Gonjaland by the commission of enquiry donated an amount of GH¢10,000 to the coordinating committee of the Gonja Traditional Council making him the highest financial contributor for the course of the Savanna Region.

    The Districts which form part of the proposed Savanah Region are: Sawla- Tuna- Kalba, Bole, West Gonja, North Gonja, Central Gonja, East Gonja and Kpandai districts.

    Source: Mynewsgh.com

  • Scores turn up at GRA auctioning of confiscated goods

    Scores of people besieged the State Warehouse at the Tema Port where a public auction of general goods was underway on Thursday.

    The Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) undertook the public auction as part of a move to decongest its warehouse and also recoup revenues lost on such imports.

    Items ranging from spare parts, computers and food items which had been confiscated to the state following the inability of the owners (importers) to clear them were on sale.

    The move, according to the Head of Auction Unit at Customs, Mr Prince Akwaboah was in line with the Customs Act 891, section 93 which states that goods may be auctioned under the direction of the Commissioner General.

    The Customs Division of the GRA had targeted to raise a revenue of GHc4 billion for the month of November and December, 2018 but Graphic Online gathers a drop in revenue is likely to prevent that target from being achieved.

    In an unusual fashion, bidders gathered at the frontage of the State Warehouse where a Customs official called out an item and the auctioneer asked for bids.

    The bidders screamed out their offers in a move to outbid each other.

    Successful bidders were issued with a payment chit which mandated them to make payments within two days as against previous arrangements where successful bidders made payments within 14 days.

    Some bidders complained about the auction process and described it as unfair since they were not able to win any bids.

    Mr Akwaboah however suggested that Customs may have to adopt an electronic means of auctioning the goods in future so that the entire processes could be decentralised to make sure people in other regions also benefit from such future auctions.

    Source: Graphic.com.gh

  • Festus Tettey is new Promasidor Ghana Limited CEO

    Promasidor Ghana Limited has announced the appointment of Mr Festus Tettey as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the company effective January 1, 2019.

    Mr Tettey succeeds Mr Dirk Laeremans who has been CEO of Promasidor Ghana since 2014.

    According to a statement issued by Promasidor, Mr Tettey previously served as a Commercial Director of Promasidor Nigeria Limited. He joined Promasidor Nigeria as Marketing Director in 2014 and later took on the role of Commercial Director.

    Prior to his tenure in Promasidor Nigeria, Tettey was a pioneer member of Promasidor Ghana Commercial team and rose through the ranks to attain the role of Head of Commercial.

    Tettey, a Ghanaian, holds a Master of Business Administration from Cardiff University in Wales.

    He also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Food Science from the University of Ghana and is an alumnus of the London Business School Executive Training Programme.

    Other changes made within the organization include Mr Samuel Lefebvre, who assumes the role of Financial Director and Mr Samir Sadoui who has been named Commercial Director. Mr Lefebvre and Sadoui until their appointments worked at Promasidor Algeria.

    “Promasidor is confident that these changes will further position it as a market leader delivering quality food products to the Ghanaian people,” the statement said.

    Source: Graphic.com.gh

  • 7 business ‘villains’ of the year 2018

    2018 has been a good business year for some. It has also been a bad business year for others.

    Not every business person in Ghana will recognise 2018 as a good business year.

    Below are some of the Ghanaians who did not have a good business year as they expected.

    Nana Appiah Mensah

    Nana Appiah Mensah who is popularly referred to as NAM1 is the Chief Executive Officer the embattled Ghanaian gold firm, Menzgold Ghana.

    Earlier in the year, the Bank of Ghana (BoG) warned citizens against depositing cash with Menzgold but the firm responded saying they do not take cash. The BoG said their business was illegal since they were not licensed by any regulatory authority. Menzgold responded saying their business does not fall under any regulatory authority in Ghana.

    A few months later, the Securities and Exchange Commission asked directed the firm to stop taking deposits. This was after the SEC has started an investigation into their activities. Customers of the firm started besieging the branches of the company but did not receive their interests or principals.

    Currently, the offices of Menzgold have been closed down in order to avoid any attacks on their workers.

    Dr Kwabena Duffuor II

    Duffuor II was the CEO of uniBank when the BoG revoked the licence of the bank and consolidated it with 4 others.

    Duffuor II replaced Felix Nyarko-Pong as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of uniBank on June 1, 2017. Until that elevation, he served as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the bank a position he had held since June 2013.

    Mike Nyinaku

    Mike Nyinaku found The BEIGE Group (TBG) in 2008 after he worked for 10 years as an accountant. His investment bank was performing well and a choice of many until it was licenced to operate as a commercial bank.

    He was the CEO when the bank collapsed. This left many disappointed since he had become a mentor to many young people.

    Osei Asafo-Adjei

    Mr Asafo-Adjei was CEO of The Royal Bank when it collapsed in August 2018.

    He started his banking career as a credit officer of the Agricultural Development Bank (adb) in 1993. He worked with the Trust Bank as General Manager, Business Development, Head of Corporate Banking and Head of Corporate and Commercial Banking from 2004 to 2012. Until June 2016, he was the executive director of the Corporate Banking Division of HFC Bank Ltd.

    With all this experience it came as a shock to many that it was during his tenure as MD that The Royal Bank collapsed.

    Stephen Kprodzi

    Stephen Kpordzih has over 30 years industry experience in credit risk, corporate finance, treasury, and debt structuring.

    He worked as the CEO of Agricultural Development Bank (adb) before his appointment as head of the Construction Bank. He has also worked at Stanbic Bank, GCB Bank, Barclays Bank Ghana mostly in managerial positions.

    When the Construction Bank collapsed under his watch many were surprised especially because of the positions and works he has done in other banks before accepting the role as CEO of the bank.

    Johan Rheeder

    Prior to his appointment at the Sovereign Bank, he was the CEO of Charter One Bank, Juba, South Sudan. He joined that institution from the Barclays African Group in Johannesburg where he was the head of Branchless Banking Delivery.

    The Sovereign bank collapsed under his watch.

    William Ato Essien

    An internal report of the now-defunct Capital Bank showed that the founder of Capital Bank, William Ato Essien and two others owed the bank GHC 79.9 million at the time if the bank collapse.

    This represented about 60 per cent of the total Third Party Funds. According to the report William Ato Essien owed the highest among the three.

    The report indicated that of the GHC 79.9 million that was debited to William Ato Essien and the two other shareholders; Mr Essien is indebted to the tune of GHC77 million.

    The other two shareholders Dr Stephen Enchill and Isaac Osah Thompson-Mensah.are indebted to the tune of GHC1.2 million and GHC1.5 million respectively.

    Source: Pulse.com.gh

  • Brussels Airlines commits to Ghana operations

    Brussels Airlines has announced its commitment to expand and improve its services in the country following high demand resulting from growth in the economy.

    Ghana Country Manager for Brussels Airlines, Rita Macedo said Brussels airlines had already increased its frequencies from four to six flights in June this year; and now decided to continue operating six weekly frequencies year-round to offer customers high flexibility.

    Brussels Airlines has welcomed about to 70, 000 passengers on board its flights from Accra to European capitals this year alone, positioning Ghana among the five most important markets within the Brussels Airlines Africa Network.

    “This market clearly works with a lot of frequencies despite being a competitive market. However, it shows that clearly the economy is growing and we are all benefiting from it,” Rita Macedo said.

    In response to the increasing demand Brussels Airlines will this upcoming winter continue offering season six weekly frequencies between Accra and Brussels.

    Brussels Airlines will be investing significantly in its long-haul products and overall onboard experience by gradually renewing the cabins of its ten Airbus A330 aircraft, launching a brand new Business class, a renewed Economy class and for the first time a premium Economy Class in a separate cabin.

    Brussels Operations Within Africa

    Brussels Airlines continues to invest in its position on the African market, by further reinforcing its flight offer to and from the continent.

    As of next year, the airline adds 3 extra flights per week to Banjul (Gambia) and will operate 3 out of the 7 weekly frequencies to Dakar (Senegal) as a direct flight, without a stop in another African airport.

    At the same time, the airline ceases its operations to and from Mumbai, but continues to offer its customers smooth travel options via Frankfurt, Munich and Zurich with Lufthansa Group partners Lufthansa and SWISS.

    After a network expansion of 26 short- and medium-haul destinations this summer, Brussels Airlines invests further in its African long-haul network in winter.

    The airline will service Banjul (The Gambia) daily instead of 4 times a week.

    From the 7 weekly flights to and from Dakar, 3 flights will become direct flights, without a stop in another African airport from 7 January onwards, creating more capacity on the flights on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday.

    Source: citibusinessnews.com

  • Referendum: 99.52 per cent supports creation of Western North region

    The proposal to create a Western North region out of the Western Region, has received a massive endorsement with 99.52 per cent of the people in the area voting YES in the referendum in support of the proposal.

    Graphic Online’s Dotsey Koblah Aklorbortu reports from the Western Region that, out of the 501,306 registered voters, a total of 322,048 voted YES representing 99.52 per cent, while 751 voted NO.

    A total of 789 votes were rejected.

    This brought the total registered votes cast to 323,588 representing the total votes in percentage terms to 65 per cent.

    There are nine districts in the Western North area. 

    In Aowin District, out of 75,687 registered voters, 66,187 voted YES, 191 voted NO.

    With a voter population of 23,857 in the Suaman District, a total of 20,860 voted YES while 22 voted NO.   

    At the Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai District, out of the voter population of 83,730, 59,421 voted YES and 125 voted NO.

    Sefwi Wiawso with a total of 80,716 registered voters, saw 63,340 voting YES as against 123 No votes. 

    Sefwi Akontombra with 42,352 registered voters saw 27,982 voting YES with 115 NO votes.

    Out of the 55,588 voters in Juaboso, 46,212 voted YES with 137 NO votes.

    At Bodi, out of 39,024 registered voters, 32,760 voted YES as against 70 NO votes. 

    Bia West with 69,738 voter population, saw 47,076 voting YES and 88 voting NO.

    In Bia East with 30,614 voter population, a total of 24,349 voted YES for the creation while 71 voted NO.

    Source: graphic.com.gh

  • North East gets 99.8 per cent YES votes for creation of new region

    Residents in the North East area of the Northern Region have voted massively in support of the creation of the new North East region.

    The YES votes in favour of the new region represented 99.8 per cent of the valid votes cast, reports Graphic Online’s Samuel Duodu.

    A total of 205,121 voted YES in favour of the new North East region while 447 voted NO.

    Out of the total votes of 205,804, 236 votes were rejected and 205,568 were valid votes.

    More follow soon…

    Source: graphic.com.gh

  • Bono East votes 99.5 per cent in support of new region

    The Chiefs and people of the Bono East enclave of the Brong Ahafo Region have voted overwhelmingly to endorse the proposal for the creation of a new region.

    At the end of the collation of the entire results from the 11 districts and municipalities forming the proposed region, 450,812 representing 85.82 per cent of the 525,275 registered voters turned out for the exercise, reports Graphic Online’s Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah.

    In all 448,545 people representing 99.5 per cent of the total votes cast voted YES while 1,384 people, representing 0.3 per cent voted NO.

    A total of 883 votes representing 0.2 per cent were rejected.

    The residents waited throughout the night for the outcome of the referendum.

    The Electoral Commission’s Returning Officer, Mr James Yeboah Arthur declared the results at about 6.05 am Friday.

    It was therefore not surprising that the election results were declared in the presence of only few media personnel and some campaigners for the creation of the region.

    Detailed Results

    Techiman South

    YES – 100,066
    NO – 273
    Rejected – 204
    Total – 100,543

    Techiman North

    YES – 40,653
    No – 83
    Rejected- 67
    Total – 40,803

    Nkoranza North

    YES – 27,711
    NO -51
    Rejected-34
    Total- 27,796

    Nkoranza South

    YES – 57,166
    NO – 56
    Rejected- 60
    Total – 57,882

    Kintampo North

    YES – 45,227
    NO – 158
    Rejected- 62
    Total-45,447

    Kintampo South

    YES – 32,497
    NO – 126
    Rejected- 64
    Total- 32,687

    Atebubu-Amantin

    YES – 46,668
    NO – 152
    Rejected- 72
    Total- 46,829

    Pru East

    YES – 33,828
    NO – 160
    Rejected- 107
    Total- 34,095

    Pru West

    YES – 24,133
    NO – 121
    Rejected- 88
    Total- 24,342

    Sene East

    YES -18,318
    NO – 69
    Rejected- 59
    Total – 18,446

    Sene West

    Yes – 22,278
    No -135
    Rejected- 66
    Total- 22,479

    Source: graphic.com.gh

  • Savanna secures 99.7 per cent YES votes for new region

    People in the Savanna area of the Northern Region have voted massively in support of the creation of the new region.

    There were a total of 206,350 YES votes representing 99.7 per cent and 647 NO votes representing 0.3 per cent out of the total votes cast of 207,343.

    A total of 346 votes were rejected.

    More to follow…

    Source:graphic.com.gh

  • Fire guts 7 shops and 7 bedrooms at Bompata on Boxing Day

    Seven (7) shops including and 7 bedrooms at Bompata in Kumasi have been razed down by fire on Boxing Day MyNewGh.com can confirmed.

    The inferno destroyed properties running into several thousands of cedis of Ghana cedis according to the account of the victims.

    The fire according to some of the affected traders started from one of the seven living rooms at the top floor and spread to the other rooms and the shops on the ground floor reducing everything into ashes.

    Items destroyed include; electrical appliances, furniture, foodstuffs and a huge amount of money they kept in saves.

    It took the intervention of the traders and people around including the fire service personnel to bring the fire under control.

    The cause of the fire outbreak is yet to be known.

    Source:mynewsgh.com

  • Wendy Shay’s ‘tonga’ exposed as she suffers another wardrobe malfunction on stage

    RuffTown Records artiste Wendy Shay was in the news last week for very good reasons after she launched her first album, ‘Shay On You’, at the Golden Tulip Hotel in Accra.

    (more…)

  • UTV journalist Mavis Anima Yeboah dead

    News reaching MyNewsGh.com indicate that a journalist with UTV a subsidiary of the Despite Group of Companies, Mavis Animah Yeboah is dead.

    According to Isaac Justice Bediako who is a close friend of the deceased, she died on Thursday December 27, 2018 morning at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi where she was on admission receiving treatment.

    Cause of death is not immediately known, but sources indicate she has been indisposed for some time now but her condition was said to have deteriorated for which reason she was taken to the hospital but never survived the ailment.

    Close family members have confirmed the unfortunate passing of the former Ashanti Regional Correspondent of Metro TV until her death was the Brong Ahafo Regional Report of UTV.

    She left behind two kids with the youngest being six months old.

    Source: Mynewsgh.com

  • Ahafo gets 99.67 per cent YES votes for creation of new region

    The people of the Ahafo enclave in the Brong-Ahafo Region have voted massively in support of the creation of proposed Ahafo Region.

    Out of a total of 307,108 eligible voters in the area, 227,663 representing 90.4 per cent turned out to participate in the referendum, reports Graphic Online’s Biiya Mukusah Ali.

    In all a total of 276,763 representing 99.67 per cent of the total votes cast, voted YES, while 675 representing 0.24 per cent voted NO.

    A total of 225 representing 0.08 per cent votes were rejected.

    Municipals/Districts breakdown

    At Asutifi South District, out of a total of 38,719 total registered voters, 35,293 cast their votes, representing 91.15 per cent turn out, while 35,179 voted yes and 66 voted No representing 99.81 per cent and 0.19 per cent respectively.

    From Asutifi North District, out of a total of 39,810 registered voters, a total of 36, 437 cast their votes representing 91.15 per cent of total turn out, while 36, 394 voted Yes and 30 voted No representing 99.92 per cent and 0.08 per cent respectively.

    AHAFO RESULTS

    At Tano South Municipality, out of a total of 53,201 registered voters, a total of 49,581 cast their votes representing 93.20 per cent of total turn out, whilst 49,371 voters voted Yes and 144 voted No representing 99.58 per cent and 0.29 per cent respectively.

    From Tano North, out of a total of 46.314 registered voters, a total of 42,407 cast their votes representing 91.56 per cent of total turn out, while 42,129 voted Yes and 253 voted No representing 99.34 per cent and 0.55 per cent respectively.

    At Asunafo South, out of a total of 53,658 registered voters, a total of 48,998 cast their votes with 93.18 per cent of total turn out, while 48,859 voted Yes and 103 voted No representing 97.72 per cent and 0.21 per cent respectively.

    At Asunafo North Municipality, out of a total of 75,639 registered voters, a total of 64,989 cast their votes representing 85.92 per cent of total turn out, while 64,875 voters voted yes and 95 voted No representing 99.82 per cent and 0.15 per cent respectively.

    Collation

    The referendum exercise which was conducted at 688 polling centres in six distincts was collated and declare at Nana Kofi Abiri Social Centre at Kenyasi No.1 in the Asutifi North District.

    The Ahafo area is made up of six districts such as Asunafo South, Asunafo North, Asutifi North, Asutifi South, Tano North and Tano South.

    A former Brong-Ahafo Regional Director of the Electoral Commission (EC), Mr George Gyabaah supervised and declared the results.

    Atmosphere

    After the declaration of the results, residents and interested parties celebrated the victory as they were signing and dancing praising their leaders for working hard for the outcome.

    The young people carried some of their leaders who had worked hard or supported the creation of the region.

    Source: Graphic.com.gh

  • President Akufo-Addo meets Andani family

    A high powered delegation from the Andani family in the Dagbon Traditional Area today (Thursday) left Tamale to meet with President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo at the Jubilee House in Accra.

    Vo-Naa Alhaji M. B Bawa, Lawyer Ibrahima Mahama and some prominent chiefs from the Andani family as well as the children of the late Yaa-Naa Yakubu Andani II formed part of the delegation.

    Convener of the meeting, Salifu Sae-ed in an exclusive interview explained that the delegation went to reaffirm their commitment to perform the final funeral rites of the late Yaa-Naa Yakubu Andani II scheduled for January 4 to 18, 2019.

    According to the Northern Regional Minister, the delegation will later meet the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi.

    As the chief architect of the performance of funerals of the late two Yaa-Naas of Dagbon, Salifu Sae-ed commended Dagombas for their support towards the restoration of absolute peace and genuine reconciliation in the area.

    He reiterated government’s neutrality in handling the age-long and protracted chieftaincy impasse between the Abudus and the Andanis overtime.

    He said government in collaboration with the Eminent Kings mediating the chieftaincy impasse is on course to permanently solve the problem for peace and tranquillity to triumph in Dagbon.

    The Regional Security Council (REGSEC) Chairman, Salifu Sae-ed re-echoed the need for the media to be circumspect in their reportage.

    Meanwhile, the Abudu Royals have begun the major phase of the late Yaa-Naa Mahamadu Abdulai IV funeral at the Old Gbewaa Palace in Yendi.

    Hundreds of people from all walks of life are in Yendi Township to participate in the event.

    The funeral is to climax on December 28, 2018, with Quranic recitation.

    Asantehene’s delegation

    A large number of Chiefs from the Manhyia Palace arrived in Tamale on Wednesday, December 26 to participate in the funeral.

    They were joined by leaders of the Asante community in Tamale to Yendi.

    Escorted by a motorcade, they arrived at the forecourt of the reconstructed Old Gbewaa Palace and displayed their cultural heritage.

    Source: Abdul Karim Naatogmah

  • Support the attainment of SDGs 4 and 8 – Abla Gomashie

    Ms Abla Dzifa Gomashie, the Chief Executive Officer of Values For Life (VFL-Ghana), a Non Governmental Organisation, has said all hands ought to be on board in the attainment of the Sustainable Development
    Goals 4 and 8.

    She called on stakeholders in both the public and private sectors to support the fulfilment of the provision of decent work for all citizens.

    Ms Gomashie was speaking at the Skills Development and Reading Clinic event organised by VFL-Ghana for 250 participants at Agbozume in the Keta South Municipality of the Volta Region.

    She said the programme is a strategic event to help men, women, youth and children to acquire for themselves decent work, to earn a living and become responsible citizens.

    The Former Tourism Minister said SDG 4; pertaining to provision of quality education encompasses both formal and informal sectors, hence the two-part events, skill development and the reading clinic.

    She urged participants to pay attention to these areas and help provide support for both.

    Ms Gomashie, who is also Mama Dzramedo of Aflao, said she was in pursuit to fulfil the mission of VFL-Ghana.

    She said it is essential for the current generation to understand the complexities of the modern world and the increasing need to acquire critical skills that would enable them to survive in a competitive environment.

    The CEO said it is also important to prepare today’s children for tomorrow’s daunting task.

    She said VFL-Ghana has worked assiduously partnering with key agencies, institutions to create programmes aimed at improving the lives of the youth and children.

    She said some of the partners for these social interventions were the American Embassy in Accra and the Ghana Culture Forum.

    “The tentacle of our programmes are spread wide, it embraces as mentioned, the children and the youth and women and men,” Ms Gomashie said.

    On the reading clinic, he said the three-day event involved in e-reading programmes and learning from their teachers, thereby sharpening their reading skills aimed at better preparing them for the competitive world.

    She said in the area of skill development, the participants had training in Batik, Tie and Dye, Basket Weaving and Soap Making and in Bead Making, where they prepared jewellery, ornaments.

    Since its inception, VFL-Ghana has been holding these interventions annually but this year it was held twice due to the high demand. The first one was in Avoeme in August and the second one in Agbozume in October.

    Source: Morkporkpor Anku

  • Pastor dies days after rival issued death threat on radio

    The death of a pastor of Cross of Calvary Healing and Deliverance Ministry in Teleku-Bokazo in the Ellembelle District of the Western Region has left many in wonder after they heard death threats issued on radio by a man he was fighting over land with.

    Reverend Anthony Kwame Nyame died exactly five days after one Samuel Erzoah was heard on radio spuing a death threat.

    The two were said to be fighting over a land at Teleku-Bokazo.

    But there was a heated exchange between them on West End Radio on October 7, 2018, when they were hosted on air over the matter.

    Checks by 3news.com indicated that during the exchanges, Mr. Erzoah, who is a worker at Ghana Gas Company in Atuabo, threatened that if the pastor does not kill him, he will do it.

    On October 12, 2018, Rev Kwame Nyame lost his life.

    This has led to many pointing accusing fingers at Mr. Erzoah.

    But the matter is said to be under investigation by the District Police Command.

    Rev. Nyame will be buried on January 12, 2019, at Teleku-Bokazo.

    Source: 3news.com

  • US orders medical checks after migrant children die in custody

    US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has ordered medical checks on every child in its custody after an eight-year-old boy from Guatemala died, marking the second death of a child in the agency’s care this month.

    The death came during an ongoing dispute over border security and with a partial government shutdown under way over President Donald Trump’s request for border wall funding.

    The boy, identified by Guatemalan authorities as Felipe Gomez Alonzo, had been in CBP’s custody with his father, Agustin Gomez, since December 18. CBP said in a statement late Tuesday that an agent first noticed the boy had a cough and “glossy eyes” at about 9am Monday. He was eventually hospitalised twice and died just before midnight, the agency said.

    CBP said in the statement that it needs the help of other government agencies to provide healthcare. The agency “is considering options for surge medical assistance” from the Coast Guard and may request help from the US Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Defense, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

    A CBP spokesman could not immediately answer how many children are currently in the agency’s custody. But with border crossings surging, CBP processes thousands of children – both alone and with their parents – every month.

    ‘Stop policies before more children are harmed’

    Immigration advocates and human rights groups sharply criticised CBP in the wake of Felipe’s death. The body of seven-year-old Jakelin Caal, who died earlier this month, was buried in her home village in Guatemala’s San Antonio Secortez on Tuesday.

    Margaret Huang, executive director of Amnesty International USA, said the Trump administration’s “policies of cruelty toward migrants and asylum-seekers at the border must cease immediately before any more children are harmed.”

    US Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Kevin McAleenan said Wednesday that the agency has more than 1,500 emergency medical technicians on staff and that officers are taking dozens of sick children to hospitals every day.

    “This is an extraordinarily rare occurrence,” McAleenan said to CBS This Morning of the recent child deaths. “It’s been more than a decade since we’ve had a child pass away anywhere in a CBP process, so this is just devastating for us.”

    The White House referred questions about the latest case to the US Department of Homeland Security, CBP’s parent agency. CBP officers and the Border Patrol remain on the job despite the shutdown.

    CBP Commissioner Kevin McAleenan said in a statement that the child’s death was a “tragic loss.” The agency said it has notified the DHS inspector general.

    Felipe and his father were detained by CBP for about a week, an unusually long time that the agency did not fully explain Tuesday.

    CBP typically detains immigrants for no more than a few days when they cross the border before either releasing them or turning them over to US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for longer-term detention.

    Agency guidelines say immigrants generally shouldn’t be detained for more than 72 hours in CBP holding facilities, which are usually smaller and have fewer services than ICE detention centres.

    CBP said it apprehended Felipe and his father on December 18 about five kilometres away from an official port of entry, the Paso del Norte bridge connecting El Paso and Juarez, Mexico. They were held at a processing centre for almost two days then taken to the El Paso Border Patrol station on Thursday.

    Oscar Padilla, the Guatemalan consul in Phoenix, said he was told by the boy’s father in a telephone interview that the two had been travelling from their home in Nenton, a village about 450km from Guatemala City. They were planning to go to Johnson City, Tennessee.

    CBP promised “an independent and thorough review of the circumstances,” and the Guatemalan foreign ministry called for an investigation “in accordance with due process.”

    ‘Inexcusable’

    Democratic members of Congress and immigration advocates sharply criticised CBP’s handling of Jakelin Caal’s death and questioned whether border agents could have prevented it by spotting symptoms of distress or calling for an evacuation by air ambulance sooner.

    CBP has said that it took several hours to transport Jakelin and her father from a remote Border Patrol facility to a larger station, where her temperature was measured at 105.7 degrees Fahrenheit (40.9 degrees Celsius). Emergency medical technicians had to revive her twice. She was ultimately flown to an El Paso hospital, where she died the next day.

    Xochitl Torres Small, a Democrat who will represent the district starting in January, called for a thorough and transparent investigation into the children’s deaths and more medical resources along the border.

    “This is inexcusable,” Torres Small said in a statement on Tuesday. “Instead of immediately acting to keep children and all of us safe along our border, this administration forced a government shutdown over a wall.”

    Key parts of the US government shut down last week after Trump refused to back down on his request for more than five billion dollars in funding for his border wall, a demand Democrats fiercely oppose.

    Since then, Trump and Democrats have traded blame over the shutdown. Negotiations are expected to continue this week, but Trump has said the partial closure could last a “very long time”.

    The border wall was a key campaign promise of Trump, who was elected in 2016. He has implemented a “zero tolerance” policy at the border. Following public outcry earlier this year, Trump was forced to end his administration’s practice of separating children from their families at the border.

    Source: aljazeera.com

  • Boy rescued after 40 minutes buried under avalanche

    A 12-year-old boy has been found alive after being buried under an avalanche in the French Alps for 40 minutes.

    The child, who has not been named, was skiing with his family in La Plagne and was hit by the avalanche after leaving a supervised run.

    He was later found with help from a sniffer dog brought in by local police.

    “It’s a miracle because [the boy] had no victim-detection device,” one of the rescuers told AFP.

    “The chances of survival are minuscule after 15 minutes under the snow.”

    The boy, who suffered only a broken leg, is being treated at a local hospital.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Majeed Waris blasts ‘disrespectful’ Sarkodie for Rapperholic concert

    Sarkodie’s Christmas Day Rapperholic concert garnered as much praise for The Rap King’s electrifying performance as it generated flak for a shambolic show organisation.

    An annual musical event by the renowned rapper – arguably the biggest musician in Ghana and without a doubt one of the finest on the continent – the 2018 edition brought together a host of celebrities and public figures including international stars like British actor of Ghanaian descent Idris Elba and Togo striker Emmanuel Adebayor.

    Ghana forward Abdul Majeed Waris was among the audience. And like many, the Nantes attacker was least impressed by the level of organisation of the event.

    From ticket over-sale, the struggle for seats, to the furnace that the Accra International Conference Centre literally was on the day, the organisational lapse certainly did take something away from what was otherwise a great night of entertainment.

    “Expensive tickets but no seat numbers, no seats. Very disrespectful to fans and followers. Highly disappointed last night. Couldn’t even watch a single show. The fans deserve better organisation for the rapperholic show,” Waris tweeted away his frustration.

    FC Porto loanee Waris, like many, will be assessing.

    Source: Goal.com

  • Michael Essien expects Chelsea star Eden Hazard to push for Real Madrid move

    Chelsea legend Michael Essien admits Eden Hazard is likely to be tempted by Real Madrid despite his huge prize tag.

    The Blues are quoting something in excess of £150m and that could be a put off.

    Essien expects the Belgium captain to push for a move to the La Liga to prove his mettle.

    The former Ghana international told the Daily Express: ”Hazard is one of the best players in the world.

    ”He’s been playing in the Premier League very well and looks fantastic at the moment.

    ”The interest of Real Madrid, I only hear from people in the media.

    ”But I mean when Real Madrid come calling… every player would love to play for them.

    ”He’s happy at Chelsea though and hopefully we can keep him.”

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • Kotoko make GH¢235,000 from Sharks match

    Kumasi Asante Kotoko is reported to have grossed GH¢391,900 from gate proceeds from their CAF Confederation Cup game against Kariobangi Sharks of Kenya on Saturday.

    The Porcupine Warriors won the game on 2-1 aggregate after the first leg ended goalless in Nairobi on December 15.

    Out of the 30,300 tickets that were printed, the club sold 17,897 with the popular stand selling the highest number of tickets (16,821), 1,020 tickets for the VIP stand and 56 tickets for the VVIP stand.

    Sources close to the club say proceeds from the popular stands yielded GH¢336,420 after the price was hiked to GH¢20 each. The VIP tickets racked in GH¢51,000 at GH¢50 each while the VVIP stand brought in GH¢4,480 at a price of GH¢80 each.

    The club paid GH¢16,000 out of the amount to the National Sports Authority (NSA), representing five per cent of the value before Value Added Tax (VAT) and this is for development and maintenance of the stadium.

    An amount of GH¢26,000, which represents five per cent after VAT was also deducted for the Kumasi NSA, while a total of GHc56,000 was paid as VAT to the state, with CAF benefitting per cent of the proceeds after VAT deductions.

    In all, the Porcupine Warriors got GH¢235,000 as their share after all the deductions were made.

    Source: Graphic.com.gh

  • Nicholas Opoku stars as Udinese hold SPAL in serie A

    Ghana defender Nicholas Opoku played arguably his best game in a Udinese shirt as he helped his side secure a vital away point against SPAL in the serie A on Boxing Day.

    Opoku, who started the game in place of Dutch defender Hidde Ter Avest lasted the entire duration and made some crucial interventions at the heart of defence.

    SPAL forward Andrea Petagna hit the crossbar in a frenzy opening 15 minutes.

    The home side were dominant in the early stages of the game with Manuel Larzarri’s 19-minute effort countered by Opoku.

    The busy Opoku was again at the rescue of Udinese following a battle with Mattia Valoti five minutes to the break.

    Opoku joined Udinese from Tunisian giants Club Africain in the summer and despite a difficult start to life in Italy, the ex-Berekum Chelsea star is beginning to settle at the club.

    Source: ghananewsagency.org

  • University of Ghana SRC supports Maa Lydia

    The entire student body of the university of Ghana has declared its full support for Madam Lydia Alhassan, affectionately called Maa Lydia as their preferred candidate to occupy the parliamentary seat of the Ayawaso West Wuogon constituency.

    This was made known to the public in a powerful speech delivered by the president of the Student Representative Council of the University of Ghana to all the NPP delegates from the eleven electoral areas who will participate in the primaries to elect their parliamentary candidate.

    According to the president, Madam Lydia Alhassan has a special connection with the students. She has over the years demonstrated that she is a mother for all and a pillar of hope for the students through her consistent support towards student activities- both academic and non-academic- on campus. Her kind and selfless nature in ensuring that the welfare of students remains paramount at all times has won the hearts of many students on campus.

    The president also conveyed a special message from the entire student body to the delegates reminding them of the importance of electing a candidate who the students know. According to the students, it is Madam Lydia Alhassan they know and if the NPP wants to retain the Ayawaso West Wuogon parliamentary seat, Madam Lydia is their best choice.

    He also intimated that over the years, students from the University of Ghana have played a critical role in deciding who wins the parliamentary seat in the constituency. It is therefore important for the NPP to consider the preference of students when electing their parliamentary candidate.

    The students have therefore assured the delegates that should they elect Madam Lydia as their parliamentary candidate, they will come out in their numbers to vote overwhelmingly for her to win the bye-elections slated for the 31st of January 2019.

    Source: Sylvester Amoako

  • Mahama makes highest donation towards creation of Savannah Region

    The former President of the republic of Ghana, Mr John Dramani Mahama has contributed a total amount of GHc 50,000 towards the creation of the proposed Savanna region from the present Northern Region.

    He first donated an amount of 30,000 Ghana cedis to be distributed to the various districts across the proposed Savanna Region catchment area.

    In addition to the GHc 30,000, the Member of Parliament for Bole -Bamboi, Hon Yussif Sulemana on behalf of the former President donated GHc 10,000 to the Bole District referendum campaign team yesterday. The amount was received by the DCE for the area Hon. Veronica Alele on behalf of the district and thanked the former President for his support.

    Mr Mahama during the public hearings across Gonjaland by the commission of enquiry donated an amount of GHC 10,000 to the coordinating committee of the Gonja Traditional Council. His Excellency thus stands out as one the single highest financial contributor for the course of the Savanna Region.

    Meanwhile, the former President is expected to cast his ballot in the referendum tomorrow Thursday 27th December 2018 in his hometown of Bole in the Northern region. Mr Mahama will leave back to Accra on the same day after casting his ballot.

    Source: Nkiligi FM

  • Amartey’s Leicester City hand Manchester City shock 2-1 defeat in Premier League

    Daniel Amartey’s Leicester City handed Manchester City their second successive defeat as Ricardo Pereira’s spectacular late strike gave the Foxes a 2-1 shock win and dropped Pep Guardiola’s side down to third.

    (more…)

  • Ayawaso West Wuogon: Kufuor’s son withdraws from MP race

     

    (more…)

  • Atsu absent as Liverpool trash Newcastle

    Ghana international Christian Atsu was conspicuously missing as Newcastle United faced Liverpool in the English Premier League on Wednesday.

    (more…)

  • Michael Essien praises Chelsea manager Sarri

    Former Chelsea star Michael Essien believes manager Maurizio Sarri is making a huge impact at the club.

    (more…)

  • Fire guts 7 shops and 7 bedrooms at Bompata on Boxing Day

    Seven (7) shops including 7 bedrooms at Bompata in Kumasi have been razed down by fire on Boxing Day MyNewGh.com can confirmed.

    The inferno destroyed properties running into several thousands of cedis of Ghana cedis according to the account of the victims.

    The fire according to some of the affected traders started from one of the seven living rooms at the top floor and spread to the other rooms and the shops on the ground floor reducing everything into ashes.

    Items destroyed include; electrical appliances, furniture, foodstuffs and a huge amount of money they kept in saves.

    It took the intervention of the traders and people around including the fire service personnel to bring the fire under control.

    The cause of the fire outbreak is yet to be known.

     

    Source: mynewsgh.com

  • Joseph Paintsil named among ten most expensive top talents in Belgian top-flight league

    Ghanaian attacker Joseph Paintsil has been included in the ten most expensive top talents in the Belgian Jupilar Pro League.

    (more…)

  • LIVESTREAMING Referendum: 2 million Ghanaians vote for six new regions

    A referendum is underway in some parts of Ghana today aimed at creating six new regions.

    The proposed regions are Western North, Bono East, Ahafo, Savannah, North East, and Oti Regions.

    A total of 2,260,724 voters are expected to vote at 4,798 polling stations of the proposed areas. Voting is expected to start at 7:00 am and end at 5:00 pm at all the 4,978 polling stations in the proposed enclaves.

     

     

    Source: backend.theindependentghana.com

  • Police officer caught on camera demanding GHC100 bribe

    A uniformed police officer with the Ghana Police Service has been captured in a video that has gone viral on social media demanding GHC100 from traffic offenders at a police station.

    YEN.com.gh do not readily have the video, although we are in possession of screenshots allegedly, from the video.

    But in the report that was first Mynewsgh.com, the officer is identified as a member of the Motor Transport and Traffic Directorate (MTTD).

    He is reported to have been heard and seen negotiating with the drivers he had earlier accosted for an offence.

    The officer, whose name reportedly came up in the video only as ‘E. Adjetey’, mentioned how much he would receive before he allows them to go free.

    The report continued that Officer Adjetey insisted he was not taking anything less than the GHC 100 as the suspects claim they had only GHC20 to spare.

    In an attempt by one of his accosted to move close in order to convince him, the officer warned that it was a security zone, maintaining that they should go and bring exactly what he demanded.

    We cannot confirm if authorities have had access to video. As such, it would be difficult to say if investigations are being done.

    Source: yen.com.gh

  • Mahama makes highest donation towards creation of Savannah Region

    The former President of the republic of Ghana, Mr John Dramani Mahama has contributed a total amount of GHc 50,000 towards the creation of the proposed Savanna region from the present Northern Region.

    Read: New regions: EC holds special voting today

    He first donated an amount of 30,000 Ghana cedis to be distributed to the various districts across the proposed Savanna Region catchment area.

    In addition to the GHc 30,000, the Member of Parliament for Bole -Bamboi, Hon Yussif Sulemana on behalf of the former President donated GHc 10,000 to the Bole District referendum campaign team yesterday. The amount was received by the DCE for the area Hon. Veronica Alele on behalf of the district and thanked the former President for his support.

    Read: New regions: Government publishes Justice Brobbey report

    Mr Mahama during the public hearings across Gonjaland by the commission of enquiry donated an amount of GHC 10,000 to the coordinating committee of the Gonja Traditional Council. His Excellency thus stands out as one the single highest financial contributor for the course of the Savanna Region.

    Meanwhile, the former President is expected to cast his ballot in the referendum tomorrow Thursday 27th December 2018 in his hometown of Bole in the Northern region. Mr Mahama will leave back to Accra on the same day after casting his ballot.

    Source: Nkiligi FM

  • We wont back off, expect real pressure in 2019 – RTI coalition replies Speaker

    The media coalition on the Right to Information bill is unmoved by comments from the Speaker of Parliament, asking Civil Society Organisations to cease mounting pressure on the House concerning the two-decade-old bill.

    The Speaker, Prof. Mike Oquaye in his closing remarks as the House was going on Christmas break said, the impression being created that the MPs are not committed to passing the bill is wrong.

    “This is fallacious and I will be glad if the media will seriously correct this misimpression,” he said.

    He added that the CSOs should “leave parliament alone” to work on the RTII bill which he hopes will be passed by February 2019.

    But in a spirited reply to the third in command of the nation, Sulemana Braimah who is a leader of the RTI coalition and also the Executive Director of the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), noted that the House will face more pressure from them in 2019.

    “So far…what has happened is an overt diplomacy…what we can call pressure, will start in 20019 when Parliament resumes. What I want to assure is that we are not going to back off of getting the RTI bill passed…,” he said.

    Source: Myjoyonline.com