Author: aejay_wp

  • I go on tours with Amoako-Atta for him to see the bad roads – Akufo-Addo

    President Nana Addo Dnakwa Akufo-Addo has said he always goes on national tours with his Roads and Highways Minister, Kwesi Amoako Atta for him to see the bad roads in the country.

    The President was speaking at a ceremony at Sedom in the Asuogyaman District of the Eastern Region where he inspected the removal of timber from Volta Lake by Kete Karachi Timber Recovery Limited (KKTR) under the One District, One Factory (1D1F) policy.

    Read: Anyaa-Sowutuom residents cry over bad roads

    The president passed these comments when the Paramount Chief of Akwamufie Traditional Council, Odeneho Kwafo Akoto II, who was at the ceremony called on the government to construct the roads at Sedom.

    President Akufo-Addo then replied: “That is the main reason the Minister of Roads and Transport, Amoako Atta, is with me. I take him wherever I go so that he can have a fair idea about roads in the country. So I am sure he will work on it. We all saw the bad nature of the road.” He said.

    Read: Bad roads: Nsakina residents burn tyres, block roads

    Source: mynewsgh

  • I go on tours with Amoako-Atta for him to see the bad roads – Akufo-Addo

    President Nana Addo Dnakwa Akufo-Addo has said he always goes on national tours with his Roads and Highways Minister, Kwesi Amoako Atta for him to see the bad roads in the country.

    The President was speaking at a ceremony at Sedom in the Asuogyaman District of the Eastern Region where he inspected the removal of timber from Volta Lake by Kete Karachi Timber Recovery Limited (KKTR) under the One District, One Factory (1D1F) policy.

    Read: Anyaa-Sowutuom residents cry over bad roads

    The president passed these comments when the Paramount Chief of Akwamufie Traditional Council, Odeneho Kwafo Akoto II, who was at the ceremony called on the government to construct the roads at Sedom.

    President Akufo-Addo then replied: “That is the main reason the Minister of Roads and Transport, Amoako Atta, is with me. I take him wherever I go so that he can have a fair idea about roads in the country. So I am sure he will work on it. We all saw the bad nature of the road.” He said.

    Read: Bad roads: Nsakina residents burn tyres, block roads

    Source: mynewsgh

  • SMEs and Young CEOs Summit 18: Entrepreneurs urged to adopt digitization and develop integrity

    The 2nd edition of the Ghana Small and Medium-sized Enterprises and Young CEOs summit has been held under the theme “Corporate Leadership Governance and Technology: Strong Pillars for Business Economic Growth.”

    The purpose of the summit is to enable global and local innovative business owners to integrate and interact on issues regarding corporate governance, the future of the economy and viable ways to equip young entrepreneurs in advancing their startup businesses.

    In his welcome address, the CEO of Network Ghana, Mr Ernest De-Graft Egyir, called for the need for effective corporate leadership and the adaptation of digital technologies in Ghanaian businesses to redefine the economy and also ensure that minimum standards are met by companies.

    He disclosed that there has been low compliance to rules established by the Corporate Governance Code and stressed on the relevance of business owners in adhering to governance practices set in accordance with widely recognized international standards.

    According to Mr. De-Graft Egyir, failure of individual shareholders to adapt policies that protect wider stakeholder interest is largely caused by the laissez-faire attitudes and a lack of proper engagement.

    In addition to calling for an increased involvement of institutional investors towards shaping governance culture of local economies, the founder of Ghana CEO Summit suggested a 10-year SME Master Plan to “trigger major paradigm and structural shift towards an entrepreneurial economy.”

    The major objectives of the plan include tackling key areas of sustainable SME development (e.g. infrastructure, regulation, improving SME competitiveness and growth, foster high growth potential as well as upgrade skills and job opportunities. The plan will also aim at improving design and value addition by supporting research.

    “The Master Plan will be a gam echanger as it will enable the SME sector to make a quantum leap an dbecome a backbone to the economy. We seek through this platform to initiate and enhance existing transformation to grow our economy in a space of dialogue.”

    Banking reforms leading to positive outcomes – BOG

    Speaking on the growth of the economy at the summit, head of researcher at the Bank of Ghana, Mr Philip Abradu-Otoo emphasized the role of banks in national economic development, stating their primary function of mobilizing savings for investment purposes is critical and subsequently leads to growth and employment.

    He said these roles are fundamental in ensuring a sound banking system through practice reforms. He added that the central bank occupies an inclusive supervisory role to tackle the complexities of financial transactions in the country.

    In explaining the factors leading to the recent reforms in the banking sector, Mr. Abradu-Otoo said that the reforms are to meet the pace of expansion of the economy to provide for new opportunities.

    “The reforms have been necessitated to strengthen the banking sector and place them in a position to support economic activity with the ultimate goal of competing with global players in fostering international trade activities.

    He added that the recent state of some weak banks and their dissolution underscores the need for regular reforms in the sector.

    “The reforms have also been necessitated to restore confidence and inject more sanity in the banking sector.”

    According to Mr. Abradu-Otoo, the review of the gaps that led to the shutting down of the seven banks highlighted issues of weak corporate governance structures in banks, insufficient disclosure and transparency, the existence of critical gaps in the regulatory framework, outmoded regulations and poor supervision, as well as weak enforcement.

    He disclosed that the Bank of Ghana is developing new directives to ensure that transparency and public disclosure requirements of transactions are advanced.

    Speaking on the impact of the banking reforms, he announced that the banks in the country are bracing themselves to adapt best practices of corporate governance and risk management.

    He urged banks and other financial institutions to embrace the digitization revolution to affect their business models.

    “Digitization offers an opportunity for both banks and SMEs to exploit to the fullest maximum for economic gains. As digitization takes hold, the traditional ways of doing business is slowly giving way to digital trading and this is shifting the conduct of businesses into new territories.”

    Source: backend.theindependentghana.com

  • SMEs and Young CEOs Summit 18: Entrepreneurs urged to adopt digitization and develop integrity

    The 2nd edition of the Ghana Small and Medium-sized Enterprises and Young CEOs summit has been held under the theme “Corporate Leadership Governance and Technology: Strong Pillars for Business Economic Growth.”

    The purpose of the summit is to enable global and local innovative business owners to integrate and interact on issues regarding corporate governance, the future of the economy and viable ways to equip young entrepreneurs in advancing their startup businesses.

    In his welcome address, the CEO of Network Ghana, Mr Ernest De-Graft Egyir, called for the need for effective corporate leadership and the adaptation of digital technologies in Ghanaian businesses to redefine the economy and also ensure that minimum standards are met by companies.

    He disclosed that there has been low compliance to rules established by the Corporate Governance Code and stressed on the relevance of business owners in adhering to governance practices set in accordance with widely recognized international standards.

    According to Mr. De-Graft Egyir, failure of individual shareholders to adapt policies that protect wider stakeholder interest is largely caused by the laissez-faire attitudes and a lack of proper engagement.

    In addition to calling for an increased involvement of institutional investors towards shaping governance culture of local economies, the founder of Ghana CEO Summit suggested a 10-year SME Master Plan to “trigger major paradigm and structural shift towards an entrepreneurial economy.”

    The major objectives of the plan include tackling key areas of sustainable SME development (e.g. infrastructure, regulation, improving SME competitiveness and growth, foster high growth potential as well as upgrade skills and job opportunities. The plan will also aim at improving design and value addition by supporting research.

    “The Master Plan will be a gam echanger as it will enable the SME sector to make a quantum leap an dbecome a backbone to the economy. We seek through this platform to initiate and enhance existing transformation to grow our economy in a space of dialogue.”

    Banking reforms leading to positive outcomes – BOG

    Speaking on the growth of the economy at the summit, head of researcher at the Bank of Ghana, Mr Philip Abradu-Otoo emphasized the role of banks in national economic development, stating their primary function of mobilizing savings for investment purposes is critical and subsequently leads to growth and employment.

    He said these roles are fundamental in ensuring a sound banking system through practice reforms. He added that the central bank occupies an inclusive supervisory role to tackle the complexities of financial transactions in the country.

    In explaining the factors leading to the recent reforms in the banking sector, Mr. Abradu-Otoo said that the reforms are to meet the pace of expansion of the economy to provide for new opportunities.

    “The reforms have been necessitated to strengthen the banking sector and place them in a position to support economic activity with the ultimate goal of competing with global players in fostering international trade activities.

    He added that the recent state of some weak banks and their dissolution underscores the need for regular reforms in the sector.

    “The reforms have also been necessitated to restore confidence and inject more sanity in the banking sector.”

    According to Mr. Abradu-Otoo, the review of the gaps that led to the shutting down of the seven banks highlighted issues of weak corporate governance structures in banks, insufficient disclosure and transparency, the existence of critical gaps in the regulatory framework, outmoded regulations and poor supervision, as well as weak enforcement.

    He disclosed that the Bank of Ghana is developing new directives to ensure that transparency and public disclosure requirements of transactions are advanced.

    Speaking on the impact of the banking reforms, he announced that the banks in the country are bracing themselves to adapt best practices of corporate governance and risk management.

    He urged banks and other financial institutions to embrace the digitization revolution to affect their business models.

    “Digitization offers an opportunity for both banks and SMEs to exploit to the fullest maximum for economic gains. As digitization takes hold, the traditional ways of doing business is slowly giving way to digital trading and this is shifting the conduct of businesses into new territories.”

    Source: backend.theindependentghana.com

  • Jackie Chan’s daughter confirms marriage to Canadian girlfriend

    Etta Ng, the estranged teenage daughter of movie star Jackie Chan, has announced that she has married her 31-year-old Canadian girlfriend.

    The happy couple shared a picture of Ms Ng, 19, and social media personality Andi Autumn with their apparent marriage certificate, dated 8 November.

    Media reports said the pair registered their marriage in Canada, and are now in Ms Ng’s native Hong Kong.

    The news was celebrated online, and trended on Chinese platform Weibo.

    Ms Ng is martial arts star Chan’s only child with actor and former beauty queen Elaine Ng Yi Lei following an affair the couple had in 1999.

    She was raised by her mother but local media reports suggest their relationship was fraught with tension in recent years.

    “We have all been hurt but if you can dream of love, you can find it,” the couple wrote in their photo caption. “Love is kind, it does not judge. Love is both strength and weakness. Love can make change. Love wins!”

    Ms Ng and Ms Autumn are said to have begun dating in late 2017 and Ms Ng moved to Canada shortly thereafter.

    In April, the couple made a public plea for help on YouTube, claiming they were homeless for a month “due to homophobic parents”.

    This was disputed by Ms Ng’s mother, who told the Asian news site Coconuts the couple “should go find work” and not rely on Ms Ng’s father’s fame to get money.

    Gay Star news reported that Jackie Chan said he was fine with his daughter’s sexuality, but according to media reports he has never had a relationship with her.

    In 2015 Chan told the BBC of his shame and shock following the news his older son Jaycee Chan had been jailed for six months in China for drug offences.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Jackie Chan’s daughter confirms marriage to Canadian girlfriend

    Etta Ng, the estranged teenage daughter of movie star Jackie Chan, has announced that she has married her 31-year-old Canadian girlfriend.

    The happy couple shared a picture of Ms Ng, 19, and social media personality Andi Autumn with their apparent marriage certificate, dated 8 November.

    Media reports said the pair registered their marriage in Canada, and are now in Ms Ng’s native Hong Kong.

    The news was celebrated online, and trended on Chinese platform Weibo.

    Ms Ng is martial arts star Chan’s only child with actor and former beauty queen Elaine Ng Yi Lei following an affair the couple had in 1999.

    She was raised by her mother but local media reports suggest their relationship was fraught with tension in recent years.

    “We have all been hurt but if you can dream of love, you can find it,” the couple wrote in their photo caption. “Love is kind, it does not judge. Love is both strength and weakness. Love can make change. Love wins!”

    Ms Ng and Ms Autumn are said to have begun dating in late 2017 and Ms Ng moved to Canada shortly thereafter.

    In April, the couple made a public plea for help on YouTube, claiming they were homeless for a month “due to homophobic parents”.

    This was disputed by Ms Ng’s mother, who told the Asian news site Coconuts the couple “should go find work” and not rely on Ms Ng’s father’s fame to get money.

    Gay Star news reported that Jackie Chan said he was fine with his daughter’s sexuality, but according to media reports he has never had a relationship with her.

    In 2015 Chan told the BBC of his shame and shock following the news his older son Jaycee Chan had been jailed for six months in China for drug offences.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Tuface Idibia makes interesting comparison between Ghana and Nigeria airports

    Legendary musician Tuface Idibia has taken a swipe at Nigerian leaders over the state of the nation, especially its airport.

    Tuface in a viral video on social media slammed Nigerian leaders over the state of the nation as he landed in Accra, Ghana for a visit.

    Read: Tuface Idibia makes interesting comparison between Ghana and Nigeria airports

    In the video at Kotoka airport, Tuface impressed by the outlook of the airport said, “You dey see levels for here, shame no dey catch some people for our side?”

    Recall that Tuface had sometimes blasted President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration over the state of the economy and his inability to secure lives of Nigerians.

    Source: asemapanews.com

  • Tuface Idibia makes interesting comparison between Ghana and Nigeria airports

    Legendary musician Tuface Idibia has taken a swipe at Nigerian leaders over the state of the nation, especially its airport.

    Tuface in a viral video on social media slammed Nigerian leaders over the state of the nation as he landed in Accra, Ghana for a visit.

    Read: Tuface Idibia makes interesting comparison between Ghana and Nigeria airports

    In the video at Kotoka airport, Tuface impressed by the outlook of the airport said, “You dey see levels for here, shame no dey catch some people for our side?”

    Recall that Tuface had sometimes blasted President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration over the state of the economy and his inability to secure lives of Nigerians.

    Source: asemapanews.com

  • Minority chides government for misapplying US$650 million cocoa loan

    The Minority in Parliament has accused the government of diverting the first tranche of the US$1.3 billion cocoa syndicated loan for the 2018/19 crop year. They claim the loan has been diverted into areas that will not directly benefit farmers and serve the purpose for which the loan was taken.

    According to the Minority, the first tranche of the loan, US$650 million, has been released and received by the Bank of Ghana on October 6, this year.

    The Minority in a statement signed by its Ranking Member on the Finance Committee and a former Deputy Minister of Finance, Mr Cassiel Ato Forson, said although the loan was contracted to ensure that Licensed Buying Companies (LBCs) have adequate funds to promptly pay cocoa farmers, COCOBOD had not released the monies to the LBCs, hence resulting in delayed payments to cocoa farmers.

    Read: Government engages cocoa farmers across the country to strengthen ties

    The Minority is of the view that the first tranche may be sitting in secured investments in a couple of banks, earning interest whilst the ordinary cocoa farmer is suffering.

    It noted that the action by the government amounts to “a grievous misapplication of the funds and constitute an unacceptable breach of financial regulations.”

    Below is the statement The Minority in Parliament has noted with concern that the first tranche of the US$1.3 billion cocoa syndicated loan for the 2018/19 crop year has not been used for the intended purpose. The first tranche of $650m cocoa loan syndication has been released and was received by the Bank of Ghana on the 6th October 2018.

    As part of measures to ensure that Licensed Buying Companies (LBCs) have adequate funds to promptly pay cocoa farmers, part of the first tranche of $650m of the US$1.3 billion facility was supposed to be used to finance the smooth operations of Licensed Buying Companies (LBCs), especially, Produce Buying Company (PBC). The rationale for this policy direction is to ensure that the ordinary cocoa farmer is paid on time.

    The Minority is however very disappointed that the funds have not been used for the intended purpose but rather diverted into areas that will not benefit the cocoa farmer in anyway. A statement issued by PBC Limited on the 22nd November 2018 indicated that about GHC104 million of cocoa taken-over receivables (CTORs) due LBCs has not been paid.

    Read: Child labour on the rise in fishing, oil palm sector despite decrease in cocoa sector ICI

    The recent findings from the work of the Center for Socioeconomic Studies (CSS) has revealed that COCOBOD has either refused, neglected or failed to allocate funds to the Licensed Buying Companies (LBCs), especially, Produce Buying Company (PBC) as mandated for cocoa purchases which has resulted in delayed payments to our hardworking cocoa farmers, hence undermining the well-being of the farmer.

    The Minority has noted reports that the proceeds from the first tranche may be sitting in secured investments in a couple of Banks earning interest whilst the ordinary cocoa farmer is suffering. This would amount to a grievous misapplication of the funds and constitute an unacceptable breach of financial regulations.

    We demand that the Hon. Minister responsible for cocoa immediately end the misapplication of the syndicated loan and revert to the original purpose for its acquisition. The CEO of COCOBOD must also be compelled to do the right thing. All allocations due Licensed Buying Companies (LBCs), especially, Produce Buying Company (PBC), must be released as soon as possible to ensure that our loyal cocoa farmers are paid on time.

    The Minority in Parliament will not relent in our efforts in ensuring that the welfare of the cocoa farmer comes first.

    Thank you.

    Source: Graphic.com.gh

  • Minority chides government for misapplying US$650 million cocoa loan

    The Minority in Parliament has accused the government of diverting the first tranche of the US$1.3 billion cocoa syndicated loan for the 2018/19 crop year. They claim the loan has been diverted into areas that will not directly benefit farmers and serve the purpose for which the loan was taken.

    According to the Minority, the first tranche of the loan, US$650 million, has been released and received by the Bank of Ghana on October 6, this year.

    The Minority in a statement signed by its Ranking Member on the Finance Committee and a former Deputy Minister of Finance, Mr Cassiel Ato Forson, said although the loan was contracted to ensure that Licensed Buying Companies (LBCs) have adequate funds to promptly pay cocoa farmers, COCOBOD had not released the monies to the LBCs, hence resulting in delayed payments to cocoa farmers.

    Read: Government engages cocoa farmers across the country to strengthen ties

    The Minority is of the view that the first tranche may be sitting in secured investments in a couple of banks, earning interest whilst the ordinary cocoa farmer is suffering.

    It noted that the action by the government amounts to “a grievous misapplication of the funds and constitute an unacceptable breach of financial regulations.”

    Below is the statement The Minority in Parliament has noted with concern that the first tranche of the US$1.3 billion cocoa syndicated loan for the 2018/19 crop year has not been used for the intended purpose. The first tranche of $650m cocoa loan syndication has been released and was received by the Bank of Ghana on the 6th October 2018.

    As part of measures to ensure that Licensed Buying Companies (LBCs) have adequate funds to promptly pay cocoa farmers, part of the first tranche of $650m of the US$1.3 billion facility was supposed to be used to finance the smooth operations of Licensed Buying Companies (LBCs), especially, Produce Buying Company (PBC). The rationale for this policy direction is to ensure that the ordinary cocoa farmer is paid on time.

    The Minority is however very disappointed that the funds have not been used for the intended purpose but rather diverted into areas that will not benefit the cocoa farmer in anyway. A statement issued by PBC Limited on the 22nd November 2018 indicated that about GHC104 million of cocoa taken-over receivables (CTORs) due LBCs has not been paid.

    Read: Child labour on the rise in fishing, oil palm sector despite decrease in cocoa sector ICI

    The recent findings from the work of the Center for Socioeconomic Studies (CSS) has revealed that COCOBOD has either refused, neglected or failed to allocate funds to the Licensed Buying Companies (LBCs), especially, Produce Buying Company (PBC) as mandated for cocoa purchases which has resulted in delayed payments to our hardworking cocoa farmers, hence undermining the well-being of the farmer.

    The Minority has noted reports that the proceeds from the first tranche may be sitting in secured investments in a couple of Banks earning interest whilst the ordinary cocoa farmer is suffering. This would amount to a grievous misapplication of the funds and constitute an unacceptable breach of financial regulations.

    We demand that the Hon. Minister responsible for cocoa immediately end the misapplication of the syndicated loan and revert to the original purpose for its acquisition. The CEO of COCOBOD must also be compelled to do the right thing. All allocations due Licensed Buying Companies (LBCs), especially, Produce Buying Company (PBC), must be released as soon as possible to ensure that our loyal cocoa farmers are paid on time.

    The Minority in Parliament will not relent in our efforts in ensuring that the welfare of the cocoa farmer comes first.

    Thank you.

    Source: Graphic.com.gh

  • Rapist absconds from HMP North Sea Camp open prison

    A rapist serving a life sentence has absconded from an open prison.

    Police have warned people not to approach Wayne Jones, who is an inmate at HMP North Sea Camp near Boston in Lincolnshire.

    The 39-year-old absconded from the Category D open prison on Sunday evening.

    Lincolnshire Police described Jones as 5ft 7in tall and said he had a scar under his left eye and a tattoo on his left wrist.

    Read: Turkey: Police search Yalova villa in Khashoggi murder case

    The force said Jones was “of small build, with brown hair and brown eyes”.

    “We are warning the public not to approach a man who has absconded from prison,” a spokesperson added.

    The force has asked anyone who sees Jones to contact them by calling 999 or to report their sightings by email.

    Read: Brexit: Back my deal or risk more division, May to tell MPs

    In July, HMP North Sea Camp was criticised for referring to its inmates as “residents” rather than prisoners.

    An Independent Monitoring Board report said the name change “seemed to be working well with a polite and calm atmosphere being created”.

     

    Source: BBC 

  • Rapist absconds from HMP North Sea Camp open prison

    A rapist serving a life sentence has absconded from an open prison.

    Police have warned people not to approach Wayne Jones, who is an inmate at HMP North Sea Camp near Boston in Lincolnshire.

    The 39-year-old absconded from the Category D open prison on Sunday evening.

    Lincolnshire Police described Jones as 5ft 7in tall and said he had a scar under his left eye and a tattoo on his left wrist.

    Read: Turkey: Police search Yalova villa in Khashoggi murder case

    The force said Jones was “of small build, with brown hair and brown eyes”.

    “We are warning the public not to approach a man who has absconded from prison,” a spokesperson added.

    The force has asked anyone who sees Jones to contact them by calling 999 or to report their sightings by email.

    Read: Brexit: Back my deal or risk more division, May to tell MPs

    In July, HMP North Sea Camp was criticised for referring to its inmates as “residents” rather than prisoners.

    An Independent Monitoring Board report said the name change “seemed to be working well with a polite and calm atmosphere being created”.

     

    Source: BBC 

  • TUTAG demands removal of NCTE Boss

    The Technical University Teachers Association (TUTAG) has threatened to resume its sit-down strike if “the proposed meeting of stakeholders does not come off and no steps are take to migrate its members”.

    This was made known in a press conference addressed Monday by the Chairman of the Koforidua Technical University branch of TUTAG, Dr. Anthony Ayakwa.

    According to TUTAG, the National Council for Tertiary Education, NCTE, is taking clandestine steps “to unnecessarily delay the migration of its members onto the payment structure of Public Universities as demanded by the law that established the Technical Universities.”

    Read: Government signs MoU to end strikes by 2 bodies

    He added that TUTAG on “20th September 2018 communique said that the National Council for Tertiary Education was going to have a nationwide staff audit and stakeholders were going to meet by 30th November 2018, to discuss the Report thereof.”

    “The staff audit was completed ahead of schedule but what is puzzling is that as of today 26th November, no report has been made available to the stakeholders before the 30th November meeting and neither have we received any invitation to the said meeting. This casts doubt on the adherence to the timelines agreed.”

    TUTAG stated that the Executive Secretary of the NCTE, Prof. Mohammed Salifu, has shown too much bad faith and therefore calling on the government to relieve him of his position “before he throws sand into the achievements of the government in the education sector”.

    TUTAG suspended its 2-weeks sit down strike on September 27, 2018 after the NCTE met one of the conditions of providing the association with the scheme schedule for the staff audit to migrate them onto the public university salary scale.

    The Audit was to verify staff appointment letters, original copies of certificates and curriculum vitae at the time of appointment.

    Below is the statement;

    PRESS BRIEFING

    GOOD MORNING Ghana, Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations, National Council for Tertiary Education, National Labour commission, and Technical University Teachers Association of Ghana (TUTAG), Media men and women, Ladies and Gentlemen,TUTAG Koforidua Technical University Chapter is learning of the clandestine steps the National Council for Tertiary Education (NCTE) is taking to unnecessarily delay the migration of its members onto the payment structure of Public Universities as demanded by the law that established the Technical Universities.

    This surreptitious delay of the NCTE is causing a lot of tension and agitations on not only Koforidua Technical University campus but also, all the seven Technical University campuses.

    We wish to state without any equivocation that if there is any disruption in the academic calendar of the Technical Universities in Ghana, the good people of Ghana should put the blame on the National Council for Tertiary Education and its Executive Secretary.

    Ladies and Gentlemen, you all are witnesses to the 20th September 2018 communique signed between the Technical University Teachers Association of Ghana and TUWAG on the one hand and the Honourable Minister of State-in-charge of Tertiary and the Honourable Deputy Minister for Employment and Labour Relations on the other hand.

    The 20th September 2018 communique said that the National Council for Tertiary Education was going to have a nationwide staff audit and stakeholders were going to meet by 30th November 2018, to discuss the Report thereof.

    Read: Gold track Teachers were posted at request of headmasters MoE

    The staff audit was completed ahead of schedule but what is puzzling is that as of today 26th November, no report has been made available to the stakeholders before the 30th November meeting and neither have we received any invitation to the said meeting.

    This casts doubt on the adherence to the timelines agreed.

    TUTAG is aware of the feet-dragging altitude of the NCTE towards the legitimate demand for the migration of TUTAG members.

    The Executive Secretary of the NCTE has shown too much bad faith and therefore we call on the government to relieve him of his position before he throws sand into the achievements of the government in the education sector.
    It is the right of members of TUTAG to be migrated and paid like any Public University for academic work to run smoothly.

    TUTAG Koforidua Technical University Chapter wishes to state and do hereby state that if by 30th November 2018, the proposed meeting of stakeholders does not come off and no steps are taken to migrate its members, the suspended sit-down strike will be reactivated.

    Thank you.

    Source: Starrfmonline
  • TUTAG demands removal of NCTE Boss

    The Technical University Teachers Association (TUTAG) has threatened to resume its sit-down strike if “the proposed meeting of stakeholders does not come off and no steps are take to migrate its members”.

    This was made known in a press conference addressed Monday by the Chairman of the Koforidua Technical University branch of TUTAG, Dr. Anthony Ayakwa.

    According to TUTAG, the National Council for Tertiary Education, NCTE, is taking clandestine steps “to unnecessarily delay the migration of its members onto the payment structure of Public Universities as demanded by the law that established the Technical Universities.”

    Read: Government signs MoU to end strikes by 2 bodies

    He added that TUTAG on “20th September 2018 communique said that the National Council for Tertiary Education was going to have a nationwide staff audit and stakeholders were going to meet by 30th November 2018, to discuss the Report thereof.”

    “The staff audit was completed ahead of schedule but what is puzzling is that as of today 26th November, no report has been made available to the stakeholders before the 30th November meeting and neither have we received any invitation to the said meeting. This casts doubt on the adherence to the timelines agreed.”

    TUTAG stated that the Executive Secretary of the NCTE, Prof. Mohammed Salifu, has shown too much bad faith and therefore calling on the government to relieve him of his position “before he throws sand into the achievements of the government in the education sector”.

    TUTAG suspended its 2-weeks sit down strike on September 27, 2018 after the NCTE met one of the conditions of providing the association with the scheme schedule for the staff audit to migrate them onto the public university salary scale.

    The Audit was to verify staff appointment letters, original copies of certificates and curriculum vitae at the time of appointment.

    Below is the statement;

    PRESS BRIEFING

    GOOD MORNING Ghana, Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations, National Council for Tertiary Education, National Labour commission, and Technical University Teachers Association of Ghana (TUTAG), Media men and women, Ladies and Gentlemen,TUTAG Koforidua Technical University Chapter is learning of the clandestine steps the National Council for Tertiary Education (NCTE) is taking to unnecessarily delay the migration of its members onto the payment structure of Public Universities as demanded by the law that established the Technical Universities.

    This surreptitious delay of the NCTE is causing a lot of tension and agitations on not only Koforidua Technical University campus but also, all the seven Technical University campuses.

    We wish to state without any equivocation that if there is any disruption in the academic calendar of the Technical Universities in Ghana, the good people of Ghana should put the blame on the National Council for Tertiary Education and its Executive Secretary.

    Ladies and Gentlemen, you all are witnesses to the 20th September 2018 communique signed between the Technical University Teachers Association of Ghana and TUWAG on the one hand and the Honourable Minister of State-in-charge of Tertiary and the Honourable Deputy Minister for Employment and Labour Relations on the other hand.

    The 20th September 2018 communique said that the National Council for Tertiary Education was going to have a nationwide staff audit and stakeholders were going to meet by 30th November 2018, to discuss the Report thereof.

    Read: Gold track Teachers were posted at request of headmasters MoE

    The staff audit was completed ahead of schedule but what is puzzling is that as of today 26th November, no report has been made available to the stakeholders before the 30th November meeting and neither have we received any invitation to the said meeting.

    This casts doubt on the adherence to the timelines agreed.

    TUTAG is aware of the feet-dragging altitude of the NCTE towards the legitimate demand for the migration of TUTAG members.

    The Executive Secretary of the NCTE has shown too much bad faith and therefore we call on the government to relieve him of his position before he throws sand into the achievements of the government in the education sector.
    It is the right of members of TUTAG to be migrated and paid like any Public University for academic work to run smoothly.

    TUTAG Koforidua Technical University Chapter wishes to state and do hereby state that if by 30th November 2018, the proposed meeting of stakeholders does not come off and no steps are taken to migrate its members, the suspended sit-down strike will be reactivated.

    Thank you.

    Source: Starrfmonline
  • $97m lost to cybercrime as of August 2018 Kwaku Kwarteng

    Government has revealed it will launch a cybersecurity fund in 2019 to ensure there is enough funds to fight the menace.

    This comes on the back of the rollout of the Cyber Security Guidelines for the financial sector by the Central Bank.

    Read: Most banks not equipped to block cybercrime Analyst

    Statistics from the cybercrime unit of the CID revealed that the country has lost about 25milllion dollars in 2016 increasing to some 69 million dollars in 2017.

    This was disclosed by the Deputy Finance Minister Kwaku Kwarteng at the Ghana Club 100 Awards.

    He further revealed that as at August this year, the loss to cybercrime was as high as 97 million dollars.

    The Deputy Minister said “with increased mobile money transactions across the country and various e-commerce platforms both nationally and internationally, it is essential to protect patrons from fraud. To curb this canker, therefore, Government of Ghana has launched and will in 2019 introduce the cyber security fund to ensure that there is enough funding for safe ecological ecosystem”.

    Read: Cyber crime rises but industry recovers GH¢160m in 2017

    He added, “the evidence of the work that government has done over the past 22 months, will continue to manage an economy that has recovered from government overspending and physical indiscipline, and the shocks associated with them as well as the financial sector unsoundness.”

     

    Source: starrfmonline 

  • $97m lost to cybercrime as of August 2018 Kwaku Kwarteng

    Government has revealed it will launch a cybersecurity fund in 2019 to ensure there is enough funds to fight the menace.

    This comes on the back of the rollout of the Cyber Security Guidelines for the financial sector by the Central Bank.

    Read: Most banks not equipped to block cybercrime Analyst

    Statistics from the cybercrime unit of the CID revealed that the country has lost about 25milllion dollars in 2016 increasing to some 69 million dollars in 2017.

    This was disclosed by the Deputy Finance Minister Kwaku Kwarteng at the Ghana Club 100 Awards.

    He further revealed that as at August this year, the loss to cybercrime was as high as 97 million dollars.

    The Deputy Minister said “with increased mobile money transactions across the country and various e-commerce platforms both nationally and internationally, it is essential to protect patrons from fraud. To curb this canker, therefore, Government of Ghana has launched and will in 2019 introduce the cyber security fund to ensure that there is enough funding for safe ecological ecosystem”.

    Read: Cyber crime rises but industry recovers GH¢160m in 2017

    He added, “the evidence of the work that government has done over the past 22 months, will continue to manage an economy that has recovered from government overspending and physical indiscipline, and the shocks associated with them as well as the financial sector unsoundness.”

     

    Source: starrfmonline 

  • 9 trek court 311 times without trial, judge begs Akufo-Addo to grant pardon to decongest prisons

    Nine murder suspects who have been held at the Ho Central Prisons after making a combined 302 appearances in court without trial have been granted bail under the Justice for All Programme.

    The five comprised Kwame Gbeve, who made 80 appearances, Dotse Abegeveda, 94 appearances, Gideon Abotsi, 89 appearances, Abraham Amevornyeke, 17 appearances and Lawson Zaforyi and Awudi Kwao who appeared 11 times each.

    Justice Clemence Ankrah Honyenugah, a Court of Appeal judge and chairman of the national review remand taskforce, who led the Justice for All Programme, bemoaned the rate at which accused persons were kept in custody beyond the statutory period.

    Read: ADR will decongest prisons Justice Irene Charity Larbi

    The rest are SeiduTahiru, Mawuko Agbenyegah five appearances in five years, 66-year-old Etse Kwami, four appearances in five years and Mawuko Agbenye, John Affizie and Hunua Kweku, five appearances each.

    32 cases considered

    In all, a total of 32 applications were brought up for consideration and after the sitting, 17 remand prisoners were granted bail, nine were refused bail, three cases each were struck out and referred for psychiatric treatment and two persons were discharged.

    The 32 remand prisoners were out of a total of 91 who are currently in the Ho Central Prisons.

    The inmates, appearing before the court, have been in remand custody for periods ranging from six days to eight years and the offences committed by them were murder, rape, stealing, causing unlawful damage, conspiracy to commit crime, to wit, possessing narcotic drug without authority, conspiracy to commit crime, to wit, defilement and being in possession of arms and ammunition without lawful excuse, among others.

    President urged to grant presidential pardon

    Justice Honyenugah, a Court of Appeal bemoaned the rate at which murder cases had contributed to the congestion of the prisons.

    He appealed to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to exercise his prerogative power of mercy and grant pardon to those who deserve it, as a means of decongesting the prisons.

    “Among the lot, murder cases topped the list and it looks like it is becoming a norm in every region we visited and I think that something must be done about it and everybody must be on the lookout because murder as we know has contributed so much to the remand population and once a person is charged with murder, the person cannot be easily granted bail by the court.

    Read: Pay more attention to prisons in the country Crime Check Foundation charges government

    “It takes a lot of time for a murder case to be investigated; therefore it contributed to the increase number of remand inmates at the prisons. It is partly the cause of the congestion in the prisons.”

    About Justice for All Programme

    The Justice For All Programme is an initiative of the Judicial Service of Ghana aimed at alleviating prison overcrowding through setting up of special courts to adjudicate remand prisoner cases in prisons throughout the country.

    POS Foundation, a non-profit organisation, plays a pivotal role in ensuring that the cases of remand prisoners are properly aggregated for hearing by the Justice For All Court.

     

    Source:  dailyheritage.com.gh

  • 9 trek court 311 times without trial, judge begs Akufo-Addo to grant pardon to decongest prisons

    Nine murder suspects who have been held at the Ho Central Prisons after making a combined 302 appearances in court without trial have been granted bail under the Justice for All Programme.

    The five comprised Kwame Gbeve, who made 80 appearances, Dotse Abegeveda, 94 appearances, Gideon Abotsi, 89 appearances, Abraham Amevornyeke, 17 appearances and Lawson Zaforyi and Awudi Kwao who appeared 11 times each.

    Justice Clemence Ankrah Honyenugah, a Court of Appeal judge and chairman of the national review remand taskforce, who led the Justice for All Programme, bemoaned the rate at which accused persons were kept in custody beyond the statutory period.

    Read: ADR will decongest prisons Justice Irene Charity Larbi

    The rest are SeiduTahiru, Mawuko Agbenyegah five appearances in five years, 66-year-old Etse Kwami, four appearances in five years and Mawuko Agbenye, John Affizie and Hunua Kweku, five appearances each.

    32 cases considered

    In all, a total of 32 applications were brought up for consideration and after the sitting, 17 remand prisoners were granted bail, nine were refused bail, three cases each were struck out and referred for psychiatric treatment and two persons were discharged.

    The 32 remand prisoners were out of a total of 91 who are currently in the Ho Central Prisons.

    The inmates, appearing before the court, have been in remand custody for periods ranging from six days to eight years and the offences committed by them were murder, rape, stealing, causing unlawful damage, conspiracy to commit crime, to wit, possessing narcotic drug without authority, conspiracy to commit crime, to wit, defilement and being in possession of arms and ammunition without lawful excuse, among others.

    President urged to grant presidential pardon

    Justice Honyenugah, a Court of Appeal bemoaned the rate at which murder cases had contributed to the congestion of the prisons.

    He appealed to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to exercise his prerogative power of mercy and grant pardon to those who deserve it, as a means of decongesting the prisons.

    “Among the lot, murder cases topped the list and it looks like it is becoming a norm in every region we visited and I think that something must be done about it and everybody must be on the lookout because murder as we know has contributed so much to the remand population and once a person is charged with murder, the person cannot be easily granted bail by the court.

    Read: Pay more attention to prisons in the country Crime Check Foundation charges government

    “It takes a lot of time for a murder case to be investigated; therefore it contributed to the increase number of remand inmates at the prisons. It is partly the cause of the congestion in the prisons.”

    About Justice for All Programme

    The Justice For All Programme is an initiative of the Judicial Service of Ghana aimed at alleviating prison overcrowding through setting up of special courts to adjudicate remand prisoner cases in prisons throughout the country.

    POS Foundation, a non-profit organisation, plays a pivotal role in ensuring that the cases of remand prisoners are properly aggregated for hearing by the Justice For All Court.

     

    Source:  dailyheritage.com.gh

  • Brexit: Back my deal or risk more division, May to tell MPs

    Rejecting the Brexit deal will be risky and lead to “division and uncertainty”, Prime Minister Theresa May will say to MPs who oppose her plan.

    Her Commons speech comes after the 27 other EU leaders approved the terms of the UK’s exit at a summit on Sunday.

    Mrs May now has to persuade politicians in the UK Parliament to back the deal.

    But cabinet ministers admit she faces an uphill struggle, with Labour, the Lib Dems, the SNP, the DUP and many Tory MPs set to vote against it.

    Read: Brexit: Theresa May writes letter asking British public to back deal

    Northern Ireland’s Democratic Unionist Party has said it will review its parliamentary pact with the Conservatives – which props up Mrs May’s government – if the deal is approved by MPs.

    Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has said his party will oppose the deal, calling it “the worst of all worlds”.

    The prime minister has pledged to put her “heart and soul” into a two-week push to convince MPs to back the terms of the UK’s withdrawal from the EU and its future relations with the bloc.

    Parliament will decide whether to accept or reject the package next month, in a vote which is likely to be on 12 December.

    Her campaign – which saw her appeal to the public in a “letter to the nation” at the weekend – could also include a TV debate with Mr Corbyn, the Daily Telegraph has reported.

    The newspaper said Mrs May – who refused to take part in a head-to-head debate with the Labour leader before the 2017 general election – will challenge Mr Corbyn. Labour says he would “relish” a debate.

    In her Commons statement on Monday, expected to begin at about 15:30 GMT, Mrs May will say that backing the deal would bring an end to the uncertainty surrounding Brexit.

    “Our duty as a Parliament over these coming weeks is to examine this deal in detail, to debate it respectfully, to listen to our constituents and decide what is in our national interest,” she will say.

    She will tell MPs to choose whether they want to back the deal and “move on to building a brighter future of opportunity” or reject it and “go back to square one”.

    The prime minister, who will chair a meeting of her cabinet on Monday morning, will say she is “absolutely” sure there is no better deal on offer.

    Her fellow EU leaders made it “very clear” there would be no further negotiations if the deal is rejected, she is expected to add.

    On Sunday, Jean-Claude Juncker, the head of the European Commission, said anyone in Britain who thought the EU might offer better terms would be “disappointed” because this was the “only” deal.

    But critics dispute that argument, saying the PM has capitulated on key issues and the EU would be willing to give ground to avoid a no-deal exit.

    They are especially unhappy with deal around the issue of the Irish backstop – described as an insurance policy by Mrs May – which aims to avoid a hard border on the island of Ireland in the event the UK cannot secure a future trade deal with the EU.

    The plan involves a temporary single customs territory, effectively keeping the whole of the UK in the EU customs union until both the EU and UK agree that it is no longer necessary. It would also see Northern Ireland staying aligned to some rules of the EU single market if another solution cannot be found by the end of the transition period in December 2020.

    Read: Brexit: Draft agreement on future relationship right for UK May

    Opponents fear these proposals mean the UK would continue to follow EU rules for an indefinite time without having any say over them. The DUP accuse her of breaking her promise to them that Northern Ireland would never be treated any differently from the rest of the UK.

    Analysis: ‘No 10’s carefully designed script’ By BBC political editor Laura Kuenssberg

    No 10 is all too aware it is waging this campaign for its compromise against a wall of resistance.

    There are doubts about elements of the deal inside cabinet, and the Tory backbenches are riddled with concerns.

    The opposition parties and her supposed partners in government – the DUP – are all, so far, set against.

    But the prime minister’s chosen – and perhaps only realistic – political option at this moment is to keep pushing on with a deal that she believes allows us to leave the European Union without hurting the economy while putting the UK in charge of its own immigration policy.

    There’s irritation in government about the French president’s warning over the long-term control of fishing rights.

    Noises off from other EU leaders who tried in the main to show a helpful face in Brussels yesterday are not part of Number 10’s carefully designed script.

    The leaders of the remaining 27 EU countries have made clear they still hope to negotiate fishing access in UK waters based on existing rights.

    At the EU summit, French President Emmanuel Macron warned that if, in future talks, the UK is unwilling to make compromises over fishing, the negotiations for a wider trade deal could be slowed down, which could potentially lead to the last-resort backstop plan coming into force.

    Writing in Monday’s Daily Mail, Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay urged his colleagues who are considering opposing the deal to “think again”, adding the public “might not forgive us”.

    But in the Daily Telegraph, deputy DUP leader Nigel Dodds said the deal was “Brexit in name only” and the government must return to negotiations “rather than waste any more time”.

    Meanwhile, ex-Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson – who quit his job over Mrs May’s Brexit plan – called her deal a “humiliation” for the UK in his Daily Telegraph column.

    Analysis commissioned by the People’s Vote campaign – which wants another referendum on Brexit – claimed the deal would leave the UK £100bn a year worse off by 2030.

     

    Source: BBC 

  • Brexit: Back my deal or risk more division, May to tell MPs

    Rejecting the Brexit deal will be risky and lead to “division and uncertainty”, Prime Minister Theresa May will say to MPs who oppose her plan.

    Her Commons speech comes after the 27 other EU leaders approved the terms of the UK’s exit at a summit on Sunday.

    Mrs May now has to persuade politicians in the UK Parliament to back the deal.

    But cabinet ministers admit she faces an uphill struggle, with Labour, the Lib Dems, the SNP, the DUP and many Tory MPs set to vote against it.

    Read: Brexit: Theresa May writes letter asking British public to back deal

    Northern Ireland’s Democratic Unionist Party has said it will review its parliamentary pact with the Conservatives – which props up Mrs May’s government – if the deal is approved by MPs.

    Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has said his party will oppose the deal, calling it “the worst of all worlds”.

    The prime minister has pledged to put her “heart and soul” into a two-week push to convince MPs to back the terms of the UK’s withdrawal from the EU and its future relations with the bloc.

    Parliament will decide whether to accept or reject the package next month, in a vote which is likely to be on 12 December.

    Her campaign – which saw her appeal to the public in a “letter to the nation” at the weekend – could also include a TV debate with Mr Corbyn, the Daily Telegraph has reported.

    The newspaper said Mrs May – who refused to take part in a head-to-head debate with the Labour leader before the 2017 general election – will challenge Mr Corbyn. Labour says he would “relish” a debate.

    In her Commons statement on Monday, expected to begin at about 15:30 GMT, Mrs May will say that backing the deal would bring an end to the uncertainty surrounding Brexit.

    “Our duty as a Parliament over these coming weeks is to examine this deal in detail, to debate it respectfully, to listen to our constituents and decide what is in our national interest,” she will say.

    She will tell MPs to choose whether they want to back the deal and “move on to building a brighter future of opportunity” or reject it and “go back to square one”.

    The prime minister, who will chair a meeting of her cabinet on Monday morning, will say she is “absolutely” sure there is no better deal on offer.

    Her fellow EU leaders made it “very clear” there would be no further negotiations if the deal is rejected, she is expected to add.

    On Sunday, Jean-Claude Juncker, the head of the European Commission, said anyone in Britain who thought the EU might offer better terms would be “disappointed” because this was the “only” deal.

    But critics dispute that argument, saying the PM has capitulated on key issues and the EU would be willing to give ground to avoid a no-deal exit.

    They are especially unhappy with deal around the issue of the Irish backstop – described as an insurance policy by Mrs May – which aims to avoid a hard border on the island of Ireland in the event the UK cannot secure a future trade deal with the EU.

    The plan involves a temporary single customs territory, effectively keeping the whole of the UK in the EU customs union until both the EU and UK agree that it is no longer necessary. It would also see Northern Ireland staying aligned to some rules of the EU single market if another solution cannot be found by the end of the transition period in December 2020.

    Read: Brexit: Draft agreement on future relationship right for UK May

    Opponents fear these proposals mean the UK would continue to follow EU rules for an indefinite time without having any say over them. The DUP accuse her of breaking her promise to them that Northern Ireland would never be treated any differently from the rest of the UK.

    Analysis: ‘No 10’s carefully designed script’ By BBC political editor Laura Kuenssberg

    No 10 is all too aware it is waging this campaign for its compromise against a wall of resistance.

    There are doubts about elements of the deal inside cabinet, and the Tory backbenches are riddled with concerns.

    The opposition parties and her supposed partners in government – the DUP – are all, so far, set against.

    But the prime minister’s chosen – and perhaps only realistic – political option at this moment is to keep pushing on with a deal that she believes allows us to leave the European Union without hurting the economy while putting the UK in charge of its own immigration policy.

    There’s irritation in government about the French president’s warning over the long-term control of fishing rights.

    Noises off from other EU leaders who tried in the main to show a helpful face in Brussels yesterday are not part of Number 10’s carefully designed script.

    The leaders of the remaining 27 EU countries have made clear they still hope to negotiate fishing access in UK waters based on existing rights.

    At the EU summit, French President Emmanuel Macron warned that if, in future talks, the UK is unwilling to make compromises over fishing, the negotiations for a wider trade deal could be slowed down, which could potentially lead to the last-resort backstop plan coming into force.

    Writing in Monday’s Daily Mail, Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay urged his colleagues who are considering opposing the deal to “think again”, adding the public “might not forgive us”.

    But in the Daily Telegraph, deputy DUP leader Nigel Dodds said the deal was “Brexit in name only” and the government must return to negotiations “rather than waste any more time”.

    Meanwhile, ex-Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson – who quit his job over Mrs May’s Brexit plan – called her deal a “humiliation” for the UK in his Daily Telegraph column.

    Analysis commissioned by the People’s Vote campaign – which wants another referendum on Brexit – claimed the deal would leave the UK £100bn a year worse off by 2030.

     

    Source: BBC 

  • Albert Adomah facing lengthy layoff after serious injury in Birmingham City win

    Winger Albert Adomah is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering a foot injury in Aston Villa’s sweet 4-2 win over Birmingham in the Championship on Sunday in the second city derby, GHANASoccernet.com can report.

    The Ghana international was at the receiving end of the cynical tackle from Harding which earned him a booking.

    Afterwards, Adomah could not continue walking as the injury was so bad.

    Read: The fall and rise of Aston Villa winger Albert Adomah

    He had to jump on the back of the Villa Physio who piggybacked him down the tunnel.

    Adomah was replaced by Yannick Bolaise in the 65th minute when Villa were leading 3-2 at home.

    Alan Hutton nailed home the fourth in the 76th minute.

    source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • Albert Adomah facing lengthy layoff after serious injury in Birmingham City win

    Winger Albert Adomah is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering a foot injury in Aston Villa’s sweet 4-2 win over Birmingham in the Championship on Sunday in the second city derby, GHANASoccernet.com can report.

    The Ghana international was at the receiving end of the cynical tackle from Harding which earned him a booking.

    Afterwards, Adomah could not continue walking as the injury was so bad.

    Read: The fall and rise of Aston Villa winger Albert Adomah

    He had to jump on the back of the Villa Physio who piggybacked him down the tunnel.

    Adomah was replaced by Yannick Bolaise in the 65th minute when Villa were leading 3-2 at home.

    Alan Hutton nailed home the fourth in the 76th minute.

    source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • Joe Osei-Owusu recommends punishment for MPs who abuse sirens

    First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Joseph Osei-Owusu, has directed the Ministry of Transport to ensure that drivers do not abuse the use of sirens.

    Mr. Osei-Owusu said those who used sirens but without an authority to do so must be arrested and prosecuted.

    According to him, the impunity with which people in authority, including parliamentarians, abuse the use of sirens on the road was emboldening members of the public to follow suit.

    He, therefore, advised the Ministry to strengthen the Police Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) to arrest those in authority just as they would to ordinary citizens who breach the law.

    Mr Osei-Owusu made the observations after Mr Kwaku Ofori Asiamah, the Minister of Transport, had apprised Parliament of the policies and programmes the Ministry was instituting to address recent road crashes in the country.

    He said despite the Ministry’s directive to the National Road Safety Commission (NRSC) to intensify its advocacy on road safety, non-enforcement of road traffic regulations would make the effort null-void.

    Mr Asiamah said statistics on road traffic crashes and casualties as at 30th October 2018 indicate that 11,159 crashes had so far been recorded nationwide.

    This involved 18,063 vehicles including 3,156 motorcycles, which had resulted in 1,921 lives lost and 11,130 persons injured.

    He noted that 2,602 pedestrians were knocked down out of which 626 were killed.

    These statistics show an increase in all the parameters, with the exception of pedestrian knockdowns, which shows a decrease of 5.48 per cent over the same period last year.

    ‘Our worry is that many families have had to grief over the painful demise of their relatives and loved ones in such unpleasant situations,’ Mr Asiamah said.

    ‘While we discuss the road safety situations, we must recognise that the road safety challenge is one largely borne out of our own failures to act proactively and responsibly as Public Agencies in responding to road safety issues quickly with policy and real interventions.’

    Mr Asiamah said most of the crashes could have been prevented if road-users had been disciplined and demonstrated responsibility for safe road use practices and compliance with existing road traffic regulations.

    He said road safety had become a public health issue and increasingly gaining attention locally and globally due to the rising trends in the loss of lives and injuries through road traffic crashes and the resultant social and economic burden on individuals, families and societies.

    Mr Asiamah said the Ministry, in collaboration with the Ministry of the Interior and Roads and Highways, had instructed its responsible agencies comprising the NRSC, MTTD, Ghana Highway Authority, and Department of Urban and Feeder Roads to scale up their activities regarding sensitisation, enforcement, and provision of the appropriate road furniture.

    He announced that funds have been released from the Road Fund to the NRSC to set up educational and sensitisation programmes.

    Currently, six contractors are on site on the Adenta Madina Highway working on the footbridges, lane markings as well as traffic calming installations. The contractors are expected to complete the projects in four months.

    Mr Asiamah further told the House that Cabinet had granted approval to the proposal for the NRSC to be transformed into an Authority.

    As an Authority, it would have the mandate to regulate or enforce institutional standards for road safety related activities and issue appropriate sanctions for non-compliance.

    He said this would be in addition to its current functions of promoting road safety through education, recommendations, advice, collaboration, coordination and liaison.

    Under this new mandate, the Authority would be able to exact obedience and sanction breaches of road safety standards.

    Mr Samuel George, Member of Parliament for Ningo-Pampram, commended the Government on the Cabinet decision to upgrade the NRSC into an Authority.

    He said the transformation would provide the Commission more powers to be able to enforce standards for road safety and sanction organisations that breached the law.

    He said the new Authority needed to be well resourced to fight the carnage on the roads.

    Mr Samuel Ayeh-Paye, the Chairman of the Roads and Transport Committee, in his contribution, stressed the need for the introduction of other modes of transport since there is pressure on the road transport sector.

    He explained that in Ghana the road sector takes about 95 per cent of the transport system, leading to many road crashes.

    He said pressure must be offloaded on road transport to other forms of transportation such as railways and aviation to reduce the crashes in the country.

     

    Source: GNA 

  • Joe Osei-Owusu recommends punishment for MPs who abuse sirens

    First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Joseph Osei-Owusu, has directed the Ministry of Transport to ensure that drivers do not abuse the use of sirens.

    Mr. Osei-Owusu said those who used sirens but without an authority to do so must be arrested and prosecuted.

    According to him, the impunity with which people in authority, including parliamentarians, abuse the use of sirens on the road was emboldening members of the public to follow suit.

    He, therefore, advised the Ministry to strengthen the Police Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) to arrest those in authority just as they would to ordinary citizens who breach the law.

    Mr Osei-Owusu made the observations after Mr Kwaku Ofori Asiamah, the Minister of Transport, had apprised Parliament of the policies and programmes the Ministry was instituting to address recent road crashes in the country.

    He said despite the Ministry’s directive to the National Road Safety Commission (NRSC) to intensify its advocacy on road safety, non-enforcement of road traffic regulations would make the effort null-void.

    Mr Asiamah said statistics on road traffic crashes and casualties as at 30th October 2018 indicate that 11,159 crashes had so far been recorded nationwide.

    This involved 18,063 vehicles including 3,156 motorcycles, which had resulted in 1,921 lives lost and 11,130 persons injured.

    He noted that 2,602 pedestrians were knocked down out of which 626 were killed.

    These statistics show an increase in all the parameters, with the exception of pedestrian knockdowns, which shows a decrease of 5.48 per cent over the same period last year.

    ‘Our worry is that many families have had to grief over the painful demise of their relatives and loved ones in such unpleasant situations,’ Mr Asiamah said.

    ‘While we discuss the road safety situations, we must recognise that the road safety challenge is one largely borne out of our own failures to act proactively and responsibly as Public Agencies in responding to road safety issues quickly with policy and real interventions.’

    Mr Asiamah said most of the crashes could have been prevented if road-users had been disciplined and demonstrated responsibility for safe road use practices and compliance with existing road traffic regulations.

    He said road safety had become a public health issue and increasingly gaining attention locally and globally due to the rising trends in the loss of lives and injuries through road traffic crashes and the resultant social and economic burden on individuals, families and societies.

    Mr Asiamah said the Ministry, in collaboration with the Ministry of the Interior and Roads and Highways, had instructed its responsible agencies comprising the NRSC, MTTD, Ghana Highway Authority, and Department of Urban and Feeder Roads to scale up their activities regarding sensitisation, enforcement, and provision of the appropriate road furniture.

    He announced that funds have been released from the Road Fund to the NRSC to set up educational and sensitisation programmes.

    Currently, six contractors are on site on the Adenta Madina Highway working on the footbridges, lane markings as well as traffic calming installations. The contractors are expected to complete the projects in four months.

    Mr Asiamah further told the House that Cabinet had granted approval to the proposal for the NRSC to be transformed into an Authority.

    As an Authority, it would have the mandate to regulate or enforce institutional standards for road safety related activities and issue appropriate sanctions for non-compliance.

    He said this would be in addition to its current functions of promoting road safety through education, recommendations, advice, collaboration, coordination and liaison.

    Under this new mandate, the Authority would be able to exact obedience and sanction breaches of road safety standards.

    Mr Samuel George, Member of Parliament for Ningo-Pampram, commended the Government on the Cabinet decision to upgrade the NRSC into an Authority.

    He said the transformation would provide the Commission more powers to be able to enforce standards for road safety and sanction organisations that breached the law.

    He said the new Authority needed to be well resourced to fight the carnage on the roads.

    Mr Samuel Ayeh-Paye, the Chairman of the Roads and Transport Committee, in his contribution, stressed the need for the introduction of other modes of transport since there is pressure on the road transport sector.

    He explained that in Ghana the road sector takes about 95 per cent of the transport system, leading to many road crashes.

    He said pressure must be offloaded on road transport to other forms of transportation such as railways and aviation to reduce the crashes in the country.

     

    Source: GNA 

  • ‘My ass looks better than your destiny’ Afia Schwarzenegger tells fan

    Controversial Television personality, Afia Schwarzenegger has slammed back at her fan telling him “her ass looks better than his destiny”.

    The host of Political Police on TV Africa posted a picture of herself in bikini showing the lower part of her buttocks on her Instagram page asking her follows to give it a caption.

    She wrote “the best caption wins 100ghc, please add your mobile money number”

    Read: Afia Schwarzenegger replies Benedicta Gafah over brutality saga

    Unfortunately, one of her follows with the handle name @k.debrah who did not fancy the picture posted “Wrinkled asss. Abrewa to paaaaa nie. Eih. This one dier more than @wendyshayofficial ohhh”

    The hate comments which did not sit well with Afia had her respond “@k.debrah my ass looks better than ur mums hungry project face and it certainly look better than ur destiny, good day”

    See below the post

    source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • ‘My ass looks better than your destiny’ Afia Schwarzenegger tells fan

    Controversial Television personality, Afia Schwarzenegger has slammed back at her fan telling him “her ass looks better than his destiny”.

    The host of Political Police on TV Africa posted a picture of herself in bikini showing the lower part of her buttocks on her Instagram page asking her follows to give it a caption.

    She wrote “the best caption wins 100ghc, please add your mobile money number”

    Read: Afia Schwarzenegger replies Benedicta Gafah over brutality saga

    Unfortunately, one of her follows with the handle name @k.debrah who did not fancy the picture posted “Wrinkled asss. Abrewa to paaaaa nie. Eih. This one dier more than @wendyshayofficial ohhh”

    The hate comments which did not sit well with Afia had her respond “@k.debrah my ass looks better than ur mums hungry project face and it certainly look better than ur destiny, good day”

    See below the post

    source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Ghana coach Adotey blames goalkeeper Buoadu for U17 Women’s World Cup exit

    Ghana coach Evans Adotey says blunders from goalkeeper Grace Banwa Buoadu amounted to their elimination from the 2018 Fifa Women’s U-17 World Cup in Uruguay on Sunday.

    The Black Maidens shared the spoils 2-2 with Mexico in the quarterfinals within regulations time but lost 4-2 on penalties to the South Americans.

    Mukarama Abdulai gave Ghana the lead by the 46th minute — her seventh goal of the tournament — after she met a cross from Mavis Owusu before Nicole Perez equalised from the spot for Mexico on the hour mark.

    Substitute Susan Teye restored Ghana’s lead on 75th minute but a goalkeeping howler from Boadu late in the game helped Perez to score her second goal of the day, which dragged the encounter into penalty shootouts. Justice Tweneboah and Elizabeth Oppong missed their kicks for Ghana.

    Read: U-17 WWC: Ghana fails to progress to semi-finals after penalty shootout

    “We played very well in this game and in the tournament as a whole but our goalkeeper let us down,” Adotey said.
    “We scored first and they had the equaliser, we came again and took the lead. Instead of having the composure and concentrate on the game, I didn’t know what actually happened.

    “Look at the foul and goal we conceded, how wiill I even describe it? The goalkeeper let us down at the crucial stage,” he added.

    Ghana’s elimination means that there will be no African representatives at the semis since South Africa and Cameroon were booted out in the group stage.

    source: Goal.com

  • Ghana coach Adotey blames goalkeeper Buoadu for U17 Women’s World Cup exit

    Ghana coach Evans Adotey says blunders from goalkeeper Grace Banwa Buoadu amounted to their elimination from the 2018 Fifa Women’s U-17 World Cup in Uruguay on Sunday.

    The Black Maidens shared the spoils 2-2 with Mexico in the quarterfinals within regulations time but lost 4-2 on penalties to the South Americans.

    Mukarama Abdulai gave Ghana the lead by the 46th minute — her seventh goal of the tournament — after she met a cross from Mavis Owusu before Nicole Perez equalised from the spot for Mexico on the hour mark.

    Substitute Susan Teye restored Ghana’s lead on 75th minute but a goalkeeping howler from Boadu late in the game helped Perez to score her second goal of the day, which dragged the encounter into penalty shootouts. Justice Tweneboah and Elizabeth Oppong missed their kicks for Ghana.

    Read: U-17 WWC: Ghana fails to progress to semi-finals after penalty shootout

    “We played very well in this game and in the tournament as a whole but our goalkeeper let us down,” Adotey said.
    “We scored first and they had the equaliser, we came again and took the lead. Instead of having the composure and concentrate on the game, I didn’t know what actually happened.

    “Look at the foul and goal we conceded, how wiill I even describe it? The goalkeeper let us down at the crucial stage,” he added.

    Ghana’s elimination means that there will be no African representatives at the semis since South Africa and Cameroon were booted out in the group stage.

    source: Goal.com

  • U-17 WWC: Ghana fails to progress to semi-finals after penalty shootout

    Mexico advanced to their first-ever FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup semi-final, defeating Ghana 4-2 on penalties as the match finished 2-2 at the end of the 90 minutes.

    Mexico were able to find more of a passing rhythm in the first half and their defence, led by Nicole Soto and Tanna Carreto, limited current tournament top scorer Mukarama Abdulai to one half-chance. Neither side was able to create a clear goalscoring opportunity in the first half.

    That all changed almost immediately once referee Maria Carvajal blew the second half whistle as Ghana winger Mavis Owusu created space on the right wing before sending in a cross for Abdulai, who guided in a shot with her head to the far corner from about ten yards out, just out of the grasp of a leaping Jaidy Gutierrez, for her tournament-leading seventh goal.

    Read: 2018 WWC: Milot Pokuaa credits Black Maidens success to teamwork

    Abdulai’s header represented a milestone for her country. She became Ghana’s all-time top scorer (7) at the U-17 Women’s World Cup, surpassing Jane Ayieyam (6).

    Mexico equalised 15 minutes later after Elizabeth Oppong was adjudged to have tripped Mexico substitute Nayeli Diaz in the penalty area. El Tri captain Nicole Perez converted the resulting spot-kick to bring her side level.

    Ghana then retook the lead when substitute Suzzy Teye received a long pass from Abdulai on the right wing and beat her defender before finishing at the near post past Gutierrez.

    It was then a case of déjà vu as Perez equalised with another spot-kick; this time in more spectacular fashion. From about 30 yards out, Perez drove a free-kick over the Ghana wall and beyond the reach of Ghana keeper Grace Buoadu.

    There was to be no winning goal during the 90 minutes and the third consecutive quarter-final at Uruguay 2018 went to penalties.

    Mexico’s Gutierrez saved spot-kicks from Justice Tweneboaa and Elizabeth Oppong to lead El Tri to the historic victory.
    Player of the match: Nicole Perez (MEX)

    source: footballghana.com

  • U-17 WWC: Ghana fails to progress to semi-finals after penalty shootout

    Mexico advanced to their first-ever FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup semi-final, defeating Ghana 4-2 on penalties as the match finished 2-2 at the end of the 90 minutes.

    Mexico were able to find more of a passing rhythm in the first half and their defence, led by Nicole Soto and Tanna Carreto, limited current tournament top scorer Mukarama Abdulai to one half-chance. Neither side was able to create a clear goalscoring opportunity in the first half.

    That all changed almost immediately once referee Maria Carvajal blew the second half whistle as Ghana winger Mavis Owusu created space on the right wing before sending in a cross for Abdulai, who guided in a shot with her head to the far corner from about ten yards out, just out of the grasp of a leaping Jaidy Gutierrez, for her tournament-leading seventh goal.

    Read: 2018 WWC: Milot Pokuaa credits Black Maidens success to teamwork

    Abdulai’s header represented a milestone for her country. She became Ghana’s all-time top scorer (7) at the U-17 Women’s World Cup, surpassing Jane Ayieyam (6).

    Mexico equalised 15 minutes later after Elizabeth Oppong was adjudged to have tripped Mexico substitute Nayeli Diaz in the penalty area. El Tri captain Nicole Perez converted the resulting spot-kick to bring her side level.

    Ghana then retook the lead when substitute Suzzy Teye received a long pass from Abdulai on the right wing and beat her defender before finishing at the near post past Gutierrez.

    It was then a case of déjà vu as Perez equalised with another spot-kick; this time in more spectacular fashion. From about 30 yards out, Perez drove a free-kick over the Ghana wall and beyond the reach of Ghana keeper Grace Buoadu.

    There was to be no winning goal during the 90 minutes and the third consecutive quarter-final at Uruguay 2018 went to penalties.

    Mexico’s Gutierrez saved spot-kicks from Justice Tweneboaa and Elizabeth Oppong to lead El Tri to the historic victory.
    Player of the match: Nicole Perez (MEX)

    source: footballghana.com

  • Alban Bagbin 2020 campaign driver kills two

    Two men have died after they were knocked down by a driver of the campaign team for 2020 NDC flagbearer aspirant Alban Bagbin.

    The police say the accident occurred Sunday morning while the driver of the Nissan Pickup, Charles Owusu, was heading to Accra from Cape Coast in the Central region.

    Read: Six killed in Metro Mass accident on Sunyani-Techiman road

    The deceased was riding a motorbike when they were jettisoned off the road between Apam junction and Winneba roundabout on the Accra-Cape Coast highway.

    campaign Accident

    Photo: The two men were riding an unregistered motorbike 

    The police came in to convey the bodies to the morgue at the Trauma and Specialist hospital at Winneba in the Central region.

    Charles Owusu was handed over to the police at the Winneba police station while the Nissan Hardbody Pickup with registration number: GT 8265 16 is also being checked by the police.

    Read: Two drivers die in Akyem Asafo accident

    Fire officers from Winneba were called in to wash off a pool of blood from the highway.

     

    Source: myjoyonline

  • Alban Bagbin 2020 campaign driver kills two

    Two men have died after they were knocked down by a driver of the campaign team for 2020 NDC flagbearer aspirant Alban Bagbin.

    The police say the accident occurred Sunday morning while the driver of the Nissan Pickup, Charles Owusu, was heading to Accra from Cape Coast in the Central region.

    Read: Six killed in Metro Mass accident on Sunyani-Techiman road

    The deceased was riding a motorbike when they were jettisoned off the road between Apam junction and Winneba roundabout on the Accra-Cape Coast highway.

    campaign Accident

    Photo: The two men were riding an unregistered motorbike 

    The police came in to convey the bodies to the morgue at the Trauma and Specialist hospital at Winneba in the Central region.

    Charles Owusu was handed over to the police at the Winneba police station while the Nissan Hardbody Pickup with registration number: GT 8265 16 is also being checked by the police.

    Read: Two drivers die in Akyem Asafo accident

    Fire officers from Winneba were called in to wash off a pool of blood from the highway.

     

    Source: myjoyonline

  • Its dangerous to board tricycles NRSC advises commuters

    The National Road Safety Commission (NRSC) has called on commuters to desist from boarding tricycles, as it was very dangerous to use such vehicles for commercial purposes.

    Aside the danger, the Commission said it is an offence to use the machines for commercial purposes the country and appealed to the police to help arrest and prosecute offenders.

    Mr Kwasi Agyenim Boateng, the Brong-Ahafo Regional Head of the NRSC, passengers who board such vehicles did so at their own peril as most of the riders were minors who did not have basic knowledge in safety.

    Read: Accra launches Road Safety Strategy

    Speaking at separate road safety sensitization fora at Yeji, Kwame-Danso, Atebubu, Banda-Ahenkro, Nsawkaw and Techiman in the Brong-Ahafo Region, Mr Boateng said the use of tricycles for commercial purposes was a breach of the Road Traffic Regulation LI 2180.

    He expressed regret that many of the drivers of such vehicle were minors who had no riding license and knowledge in road signs and regulations, thereby contributing to road crashes.

    Mr Boateng said called for effective collaboration between the Commission, Police Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) and the Driver Vehicle and Licensing Authority (DVLA) and transport unions to intensify enforcement exercises and bring the situation under control.

    Read: Okada fatalities hit 21% from 2.7% in 15years

    He said road crashes and fatalities were recording high figures in the region basically due to carelessness of commercial drivers and advised passengers to be bold and check drivers against wrongful overtaking, speeding and overloading.

    Available statics reveal that road accidents killed 204 people in Brong-Ahafo from January to October this year, he said, adding that the NRSC and its major partners intends to intensify road enforcement exercises as Christmas approached.

    Mr Boateng cautioned drivers whose licenses and road worthy and insurances have expired to renew them because culprits would be prosecuted.

    He expressed appreciation to the police MTTD and the DVLA for their support towards bringing sanity on the road, and advised passengers to remember and wear their seat belts when they board commercial and private vehicles.

    Read: Road accidents: Drivers and pedestrians share their opinions

    Seat belts, he said, would reduce fatalities in-case of any unforeseen contingency on the road, and advised drivers who have not fixed seat belts in their vehicles to do so to avoid sanctions.

    At Kwame-Danso, the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Badu Poku, the Sene West District Police Commander, said the police intends to undertake an exercise to impound all unregistered motorbikes in the district.
    He warned that motor riders who do not wear crash helmets would also be arrested and prosecuted.

    DSP Andrews Okonengye, the Techiman Municipal MTTD Commander, advised drivers to be law-abiding, and desist from packing at unauthorized places as well as adhere to road signs and regulations.

    Source: ghananewsagency.org

  • Its dangerous to board tricycles NRSC advises commuters

    The National Road Safety Commission (NRSC) has called on commuters to desist from boarding tricycles, as it was very dangerous to use such vehicles for commercial purposes.

    Aside the danger, the Commission said it is an offence to use the machines for commercial purposes the country and appealed to the police to help arrest and prosecute offenders.

    Mr Kwasi Agyenim Boateng, the Brong-Ahafo Regional Head of the NRSC, passengers who board such vehicles did so at their own peril as most of the riders were minors who did not have basic knowledge in safety.

    Read: Accra launches Road Safety Strategy

    Speaking at separate road safety sensitization fora at Yeji, Kwame-Danso, Atebubu, Banda-Ahenkro, Nsawkaw and Techiman in the Brong-Ahafo Region, Mr Boateng said the use of tricycles for commercial purposes was a breach of the Road Traffic Regulation LI 2180.

    He expressed regret that many of the drivers of such vehicle were minors who had no riding license and knowledge in road signs and regulations, thereby contributing to road crashes.

    Mr Boateng said called for effective collaboration between the Commission, Police Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) and the Driver Vehicle and Licensing Authority (DVLA) and transport unions to intensify enforcement exercises and bring the situation under control.

    Read: Okada fatalities hit 21% from 2.7% in 15years

    He said road crashes and fatalities were recording high figures in the region basically due to carelessness of commercial drivers and advised passengers to be bold and check drivers against wrongful overtaking, speeding and overloading.

    Available statics reveal that road accidents killed 204 people in Brong-Ahafo from January to October this year, he said, adding that the NRSC and its major partners intends to intensify road enforcement exercises as Christmas approached.

    Mr Boateng cautioned drivers whose licenses and road worthy and insurances have expired to renew them because culprits would be prosecuted.

    He expressed appreciation to the police MTTD and the DVLA for their support towards bringing sanity on the road, and advised passengers to remember and wear their seat belts when they board commercial and private vehicles.

    Read: Road accidents: Drivers and pedestrians share their opinions

    Seat belts, he said, would reduce fatalities in-case of any unforeseen contingency on the road, and advised drivers who have not fixed seat belts in their vehicles to do so to avoid sanctions.

    At Kwame-Danso, the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Badu Poku, the Sene West District Police Commander, said the police intends to undertake an exercise to impound all unregistered motorbikes in the district.
    He warned that motor riders who do not wear crash helmets would also be arrested and prosecuted.

    DSP Andrews Okonengye, the Techiman Municipal MTTD Commander, advised drivers to be law-abiding, and desist from packing at unauthorized places as well as adhere to road signs and regulations.

    Source: ghananewsagency.org

  • Miley Cyrus’ brother Braison Cyrus is engaged

    This holiday season is bittersweet for the Cyrus family, as they encounter happy news following a recent tragedy: Miley Cyrus’ brother Braison Cyrus’ engaged to girlfriend Stella McBride.The 24-year-old musician, actor and model announced the news on Instagram on Friday, alongside a photo of him kissing his new fiancée in Nashville and a shot of her oval opal engagement ring.”She said yes,” he wrote. “My life has changed in so many amazing ways this year but the most amazing has been meeting and falling in love with you. I love you with all my heart and I cannot wait to marry you @stylesofstella.”

    Read: Noah Cyrus selling tears after Lil Xan breakup for $12,000

    “Love of my life – nothing has ever made me happier than saying yes to forever with you,” Stella wrote on her own page. “You are the sweetest soul and I cannot wait to be your wife.”

    “She said YES congratulations @braisonccyrus @stylesofstella #love #shesaidyes #family,” wrote Braison and Miley’s mom, Tish Cyrus.

    Read: Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth are still doing fine, Liam confirms

    The two announced their engagement a day after Miley celebrated Thanksgiving and her 26th birthday with her beau Liam
    Hemsworth and her family, including Tish, dad Billy Ray Cyrus and her and Braison’s sister Noah Cyrus, 18.

    Tish Cyrus, Braison Cyrus, Noah Cyrus, Billy Ray Cyrus, Brandi Glenn Cyrus, Miley Cyrus
    Two weeks ago, Miley and Liam lost their Malibu home in one of California’s devastating wildfires. The couple later announced they are donating $500,000 to the Malibu fire relief efforts.

    Source: www.eonline.com

  • Miley Cyrus’ brother Braison Cyrus is engaged

    This holiday season is bittersweet for the Cyrus family, as they encounter happy news following a recent tragedy: Miley Cyrus’ brother Braison Cyrus’ engaged to girlfriend Stella McBride.The 24-year-old musician, actor and model announced the news on Instagram on Friday, alongside a photo of him kissing his new fiancée in Nashville and a shot of her oval opal engagement ring.”She said yes,” he wrote. “My life has changed in so many amazing ways this year but the most amazing has been meeting and falling in love with you. I love you with all my heart and I cannot wait to marry you @stylesofstella.”

    Read: Noah Cyrus selling tears after Lil Xan breakup for $12,000

    “Love of my life – nothing has ever made me happier than saying yes to forever with you,” Stella wrote on her own page. “You are the sweetest soul and I cannot wait to be your wife.”

    “She said YES congratulations @braisonccyrus @stylesofstella #love #shesaidyes #family,” wrote Braison and Miley’s mom, Tish Cyrus.

    Read: Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth are still doing fine, Liam confirms

    The two announced their engagement a day after Miley celebrated Thanksgiving and her 26th birthday with her beau Liam
    Hemsworth and her family, including Tish, dad Billy Ray Cyrus and her and Braison’s sister Noah Cyrus, 18.

    Tish Cyrus, Braison Cyrus, Noah Cyrus, Billy Ray Cyrus, Brandi Glenn Cyrus, Miley Cyrus
    Two weeks ago, Miley and Liam lost their Malibu home in one of California’s devastating wildfires. The couple later announced they are donating $500,000 to the Malibu fire relief efforts.

    Source: www.eonline.com

  • France shrugs off Saudi prince’s presence at G20

    WASHINGTON (AP) — The Latest on the fallout from the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi (all times local):

    9:50 a.m.

    France appears to be shrugging off concerns about the Saudi crown prince’s presence at a Group of 20 summit next week, despite global concern over the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

    France has joined Germany in imposing travel sanctions against 18 Saudi nationals suspected of links with the death in Istanbul last month. A senior French official on Friday reiterated France’s demands for a thorough investigation.

    He wouldn’t comment on U.S. President Donald Trump’s defense of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, accused by U.S. intelligence officials of ordering the writer’s killing.

    Read: Trump backs Saudi Arabia despite murder

    The crown prince has denied involvement. Critics accuse Trump of turning a blind eye to Saudi Arabia’s abuses because of its influence on the world oil market.

    The French official deflected questions about the optics of Macron, Trump and other leaders around the same table with the prince at the G-20 meetings in Argentina Nov. 30-Dec. 1. The official said it’s unclear whether Macron will meet with bin Salman privately.

    4:10 a.m.

    Turkey’s foreign minister has criticized President Donald Trump, saying the U.S. leader appears to want to turn a blind eye to the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi by Saudi agents at the kingdom’s consulate in Istanbul.

    Mevlut Cavusoglu also described many European nations’ response to Khashoggi’s killing as “artificial” and “cosmetic.” Cavusoglu was referring to bans imposed by some countries on the Saudi citizens detained in Saudi Arabia over the killing, from entering European nations.

    Cavusoglu spoke to Turkey’s CNN-Turk television on Friday.

    Trump on Thursday disputed that U.S. intelligence officials had concluded that Saudi crown prince had ordered the killing of Khashoggi — a U.S.-based journalist who was critical of his rule.

    Cavusoglu says “Trump’s statements amount to him saying ‘I’ll turn a blind eye no matter what.’”

    He added: “Money isn’t everything. We must not move away from human values.”

    4 a.m.

    Turkey’s top diplomat says Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has requested to meet Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on the sidelines of the upcoming Group of 20 summit in Buenos Aires.

    Mevlut Cavusoglu told Turkey’s CNN-Turk television on Friday that Turkey sees no “obstacle” for a meeting between the two but added that Erdogan would make the final decision on whether to meet the prince at the two-day G-20 summit that starts on Nov. 30.

    It would be the first official contact between the prince and Erdogan, who has kept international pressure mounting on Saudi Arabia over the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi at the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul last month.

    Cavusoglu wouldn’t confirm a Turkish media report claiming the CIA has an audio recording of a telephone conversation in which the crown prince gave instructions to silence Khashoggi.

    Read: Brexit: Theresa May writes letter asking British public to back deal

    He says: “If they have … they did not share it with us.”

    ___

    1 a.m.

    President Donald Trump has disputed that U.S. intelligence officials concluded that the de facto leader of American ally Saudi Arabia ordered the killing of a U.S.-based journalist critical of the kingdom’s royal family.

    Citing vehement denials by the crown prince and king that they were involved, Trump said on Thursday that “maybe the world should be held accountable because the world is a vicious place. The world is a very, very vicious place.”

    Critics in Congress and high-ranking officials in other countries are accusing Trump of ignoring human rights and giving Saudi Arabia a pass for economic reasons, including its influence on the world oil market.

    Trump said this week he would not impose harsher penalties on Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman over the death and dismemberment of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi inside the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul last month.

     

    Source: Associated Press

  • France shrugs off Saudi prince’s presence at G20

    WASHINGTON (AP) — The Latest on the fallout from the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi (all times local):

    9:50 a.m.

    France appears to be shrugging off concerns about the Saudi crown prince’s presence at a Group of 20 summit next week, despite global concern over the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

    France has joined Germany in imposing travel sanctions against 18 Saudi nationals suspected of links with the death in Istanbul last month. A senior French official on Friday reiterated France’s demands for a thorough investigation.

    He wouldn’t comment on U.S. President Donald Trump’s defense of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, accused by U.S. intelligence officials of ordering the writer’s killing.

    Read: Trump backs Saudi Arabia despite murder

    The crown prince has denied involvement. Critics accuse Trump of turning a blind eye to Saudi Arabia’s abuses because of its influence on the world oil market.

    The French official deflected questions about the optics of Macron, Trump and other leaders around the same table with the prince at the G-20 meetings in Argentina Nov. 30-Dec. 1. The official said it’s unclear whether Macron will meet with bin Salman privately.

    4:10 a.m.

    Turkey’s foreign minister has criticized President Donald Trump, saying the U.S. leader appears to want to turn a blind eye to the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi by Saudi agents at the kingdom’s consulate in Istanbul.

    Mevlut Cavusoglu also described many European nations’ response to Khashoggi’s killing as “artificial” and “cosmetic.” Cavusoglu was referring to bans imposed by some countries on the Saudi citizens detained in Saudi Arabia over the killing, from entering European nations.

    Cavusoglu spoke to Turkey’s CNN-Turk television on Friday.

    Trump on Thursday disputed that U.S. intelligence officials had concluded that Saudi crown prince had ordered the killing of Khashoggi — a U.S.-based journalist who was critical of his rule.

    Cavusoglu says “Trump’s statements amount to him saying ‘I’ll turn a blind eye no matter what.’”

    He added: “Money isn’t everything. We must not move away from human values.”

    4 a.m.

    Turkey’s top diplomat says Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has requested to meet Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on the sidelines of the upcoming Group of 20 summit in Buenos Aires.

    Mevlut Cavusoglu told Turkey’s CNN-Turk television on Friday that Turkey sees no “obstacle” for a meeting between the two but added that Erdogan would make the final decision on whether to meet the prince at the two-day G-20 summit that starts on Nov. 30.

    It would be the first official contact between the prince and Erdogan, who has kept international pressure mounting on Saudi Arabia over the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi at the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul last month.

    Cavusoglu wouldn’t confirm a Turkish media report claiming the CIA has an audio recording of a telephone conversation in which the crown prince gave instructions to silence Khashoggi.

    Read: Brexit: Theresa May writes letter asking British public to back deal

    He says: “If they have … they did not share it with us.”

    ___

    1 a.m.

    President Donald Trump has disputed that U.S. intelligence officials concluded that the de facto leader of American ally Saudi Arabia ordered the killing of a U.S.-based journalist critical of the kingdom’s royal family.

    Citing vehement denials by the crown prince and king that they were involved, Trump said on Thursday that “maybe the world should be held accountable because the world is a vicious place. The world is a very, very vicious place.”

    Critics in Congress and high-ranking officials in other countries are accusing Trump of ignoring human rights and giving Saudi Arabia a pass for economic reasons, including its influence on the world oil market.

    Trump said this week he would not impose harsher penalties on Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman over the death and dismemberment of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi inside the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul last month.

     

    Source: Associated Press

  • Taiwan voters reject same-sex marriage in referendum

    Taiwan has rejected same-sex marriages, in a blow to the island’s reputation as a rights trailblazer in Asia.

    The results in referendums come despite a high court ruling in March 2017 in favour of such unions.

    The court also gave parliament two years to amend laws or pass new ones. It is unclear how Saturday’s voting will affect legislation.

    Meanwhile, President Tsai Ing-wen quit as leader of Taiwan’s governing party after defeats in local elections.

    Her pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) is set to lose more than half of the 13 cities and counties it won in 2014, Taiwanese media report.

    Taiwan’s relations with China have deteriorated since Ms Tsai came to power in 2016.

    Beijing has refused to deal with her because she does not recognise an agreement reached between the two sides in 1992 that both sides are part of one China.

    Read: Costa Rica Supreme Court rules against same-sex marriage ban

    What were voters asked about same-sex marriage?

    The marriage issue was actually the subject of three separate referendums on Saturday, which were put forward by rival camps.

    Conservative groups asked whether the legislation, defining marriage as a union between a man and a woman in Taiwan’s Civil Code should remain unchanged, while LGBT activists demanded equal marriage rights.

    Initial results suggest the conservatives received overwhelming support, while gay rights activists failed.

    The government earlier said Saturday’s referendums would not affect it bringing in the changes required by the court ruling. The authorities are now expected to pass a special law, without amending the Civil Code.

    But campaigners fear the eventual legislation will be weaker.

    One possible outcome could be that gay couples are given legal protection – but not allowed to get married, correspondents say.

    What about President Tsai’s move?

    At a news conference, she admitted that the DPP suffered a series of defeats in key local elections.

    “Our efforts weren’t enough and we let down all our supporters,” the president said.

    Meanwhile the China-friendly former ruling party KMT made a dramatic comeback, winning 15 of the 22 cities and counties in Taiwan.

    Nearly 21,000 candidates were vying for 11,000 elected positions, from mayors to city councillors and township chiefs.

    Read: Nigerian police arrests 57 homosexuals

    A simple question of good relations

    During campaigning, President Tsai and her administration accused China of meddling in the elections without providing hard evidence, often using the term fake news and promoting her party as protecting Taiwan’s democracy. As in previous elections it also tried to fuel fears about China.

    In the end voters expressed dissatisfaction with her and her party, not only for the sluggish economy, continuing low wages and a wealth gap, but also the worsening of relations with China since she came into power in 2016.

    The DPP’s core supporters are the 30% of Taiwanese who are adamant about independence and want it immediately.

    But the majority of voters want to maintain the status quo neither independence nor unification. They simply want good relations with China and peace and prosperity for Taiwan. If President Tsai and her party refuse to change course on China, they risk losing the Presidency and their majority rule in parliament in the 2020 election.

     

    Source: BBC 

  • Taiwan voters reject same-sex marriage in referendum

    Taiwan has rejected same-sex marriages, in a blow to the island’s reputation as a rights trailblazer in Asia.

    The results in referendums come despite a high court ruling in March 2017 in favour of such unions.

    The court also gave parliament two years to amend laws or pass new ones. It is unclear how Saturday’s voting will affect legislation.

    Meanwhile, President Tsai Ing-wen quit as leader of Taiwan’s governing party after defeats in local elections.

    Her pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) is set to lose more than half of the 13 cities and counties it won in 2014, Taiwanese media report.

    Taiwan’s relations with China have deteriorated since Ms Tsai came to power in 2016.

    Beijing has refused to deal with her because she does not recognise an agreement reached between the two sides in 1992 that both sides are part of one China.

    Read: Costa Rica Supreme Court rules against same-sex marriage ban

    What were voters asked about same-sex marriage?

    The marriage issue was actually the subject of three separate referendums on Saturday, which were put forward by rival camps.

    Conservative groups asked whether the legislation, defining marriage as a union between a man and a woman in Taiwan’s Civil Code should remain unchanged, while LGBT activists demanded equal marriage rights.

    Initial results suggest the conservatives received overwhelming support, while gay rights activists failed.

    The government earlier said Saturday’s referendums would not affect it bringing in the changes required by the court ruling. The authorities are now expected to pass a special law, without amending the Civil Code.

    But campaigners fear the eventual legislation will be weaker.

    One possible outcome could be that gay couples are given legal protection – but not allowed to get married, correspondents say.

    What about President Tsai’s move?

    At a news conference, she admitted that the DPP suffered a series of defeats in key local elections.

    “Our efforts weren’t enough and we let down all our supporters,” the president said.

    Meanwhile the China-friendly former ruling party KMT made a dramatic comeback, winning 15 of the 22 cities and counties in Taiwan.

    Nearly 21,000 candidates were vying for 11,000 elected positions, from mayors to city councillors and township chiefs.

    Read: Nigerian police arrests 57 homosexuals

    A simple question of good relations

    During campaigning, President Tsai and her administration accused China of meddling in the elections without providing hard evidence, often using the term fake news and promoting her party as protecting Taiwan’s democracy. As in previous elections it also tried to fuel fears about China.

    In the end voters expressed dissatisfaction with her and her party, not only for the sluggish economy, continuing low wages and a wealth gap, but also the worsening of relations with China since she came into power in 2016.

    The DPP’s core supporters are the 30% of Taiwanese who are adamant about independence and want it immediately.

    But the majority of voters want to maintain the status quo neither independence nor unification. They simply want good relations with China and peace and prosperity for Taiwan. If President Tsai and her party refuse to change course on China, they risk losing the Presidency and their majority rule in parliament in the 2020 election.

     

    Source: BBC 

  • Ghana superstar Thomas Partey is Spanish La Liga long-range scoring king

    Atletico Madrid midfielder Thomas Partey has scored more goals from long-range than any other player in the La Liga this term.

    His club has also scored six goals in the league from beyond the 16 meters to share that record with Celta Vigo.

    And Partey has two of such goals with the rest coming from Griezmann, Koke, Koke and Thomas Lemar.

    Read: Thomas Partey will have his chances at Atletico Madrid Ibrahim Tanko

    The Ghana international grabbed the headlines when he unleashed a thunderbolt in the 3-2 win over Athletic Bilbao before the international break.

    Partey, 25, has scored two goals in ten league appearances this season.

    On Saturday, he was an unused substitute in Rojiblancos 1-1 draw with Barcelona at the Metropolitano.

     

    Source: Ghanasoccernet.com 

  • Ghana superstar Thomas Partey is Spanish La Liga long-range scoring king

    Atletico Madrid midfielder Thomas Partey has scored more goals from long-range than any other player in the La Liga this term.

    His club has also scored six goals in the league from beyond the 16 meters to share that record with Celta Vigo.

    And Partey has two of such goals with the rest coming from Griezmann, Koke, Koke and Thomas Lemar.

    Read: Thomas Partey will have his chances at Atletico Madrid Ibrahim Tanko

    The Ghana international grabbed the headlines when he unleashed a thunderbolt in the 3-2 win over Athletic Bilbao before the international break.

    Partey, 25, has scored two goals in ten league appearances this season.

    On Saturday, he was an unused substitute in Rojiblancos 1-1 draw with Barcelona at the Metropolitano.

     

    Source: Ghanasoccernet.com 

  • Baby Jet Airlines to begin operations in December

    Black Stars captain Asamoah Gyan has revealed that the much awaited Baby Jet airlines would begin its operations in December should all things go as planned.

    The footballer cum businessman in an interview on Okay FM disclosed that 95% of work to get the Baby Jet airlines started has been done.

    Read: Why Ghana needs a national airline

    According to him, he is expecting that his airline will start operating from December or latest January next year.

    ” I can confirm 95% of work has been done and hopefully between December and latest by January next year, the airlines will fully be operational” he said

    President Akufo-Addo announced at the 2017 African Airshow held at the Kotoka international Airport last year that Black Stars captain Asamoah Gyan had acquired a license to operate an airline but since then very little has been heard about when the airline will start operating.

    Read: Government urged to fast-track establishment of local airline

    Asamoah Gyan also urged ghanaians to patronize the airline when it starts its operations.

    Source: primenewsghana.com

  • Baby Jet Airlines to begin operations in December

    Black Stars captain Asamoah Gyan has revealed that the much awaited Baby Jet airlines would begin its operations in December should all things go as planned.

    The footballer cum businessman in an interview on Okay FM disclosed that 95% of work to get the Baby Jet airlines started has been done.

    Read: Why Ghana needs a national airline

    According to him, he is expecting that his airline will start operating from December or latest January next year.

    ” I can confirm 95% of work has been done and hopefully between December and latest by January next year, the airlines will fully be operational” he said

    President Akufo-Addo announced at the 2017 African Airshow held at the Kotoka international Airport last year that Black Stars captain Asamoah Gyan had acquired a license to operate an airline but since then very little has been heard about when the airline will start operating.

    Read: Government urged to fast-track establishment of local airline

    Asamoah Gyan also urged ghanaians to patronize the airline when it starts its operations.

    Source: primenewsghana.com

  • GCB funded 1D1F commissioned

    The first of the GCB Bank-sponsored factories under the One District One Factory (1D1F) policy of the government has been commissioned by President Nana Akufo-Addo at Sedorm in the Asuogyaman District of the Eastern Region.

    The factory, Kete-Krachie Timber Recovery operated by Dedeso Holdings Incorporated (DHI) harvests tree stumps in the Volta reservoir and processes into building materials; chipboard, plywood and flooring and for export.

    Through the provision of funds from GCB, the company is expected to employ more than 1000 workers, expand aquaculture, increase fish production, and contribute two per cent of national energy production and environmentally-friendly charcoal from waste wood.

    Read: GCB supports Korle-Bu with medical items

    President Akufo-Addo and the Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr Allan Kyerematen praised GCB for providing funding for the project.

    The President said the government would continue to create the enabling environment for the attraction of capital and the revival of industries.

    The Managing Director of GCB Bank, Mr Anselm Ray Sowah, earlier told journalists, investors and businesses that the Bank had set up a special department with seed fund of GH¢1.0 billion to kick start projects under 1D1F.

    Read: GCB Bank investigates unapproved withdrawal of customers monies

    He said GCB identified with the project because of its potential to protect the environment, enhance livelihoods, offer employment, facilitate safe travel and a potential foreign exchange earner.

    Mr Sowah said the 1D1F Policy of the government could create jobs and open the country for development while enhancing international trade through export which directly impacts the national economy.

    Source: Emmanuel Kojo Kwarteng

  • GCB funded 1D1F commissioned

    The first of the GCB Bank-sponsored factories under the One District One Factory (1D1F) policy of the government has been commissioned by President Nana Akufo-Addo at Sedorm in the Asuogyaman District of the Eastern Region.

    The factory, Kete-Krachie Timber Recovery operated by Dedeso Holdings Incorporated (DHI) harvests tree stumps in the Volta reservoir and processes into building materials; chipboard, plywood and flooring and for export.

    Through the provision of funds from GCB, the company is expected to employ more than 1000 workers, expand aquaculture, increase fish production, and contribute two per cent of national energy production and environmentally-friendly charcoal from waste wood.

    Read: GCB supports Korle-Bu with medical items

    President Akufo-Addo and the Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr Allan Kyerematen praised GCB for providing funding for the project.

    The President said the government would continue to create the enabling environment for the attraction of capital and the revival of industries.

    The Managing Director of GCB Bank, Mr Anselm Ray Sowah, earlier told journalists, investors and businesses that the Bank had set up a special department with seed fund of GH¢1.0 billion to kick start projects under 1D1F.

    Read: GCB Bank investigates unapproved withdrawal of customers monies

    He said GCB identified with the project because of its potential to protect the environment, enhance livelihoods, offer employment, facilitate safe travel and a potential foreign exchange earner.

    Mr Sowah said the 1D1F Policy of the government could create jobs and open the country for development while enhancing international trade through export which directly impacts the national economy.

    Source: Emmanuel Kojo Kwarteng

  • Veteran FIFA Instructor applauds Books and Boots education policy

    Veteran FIFA Instructor for nearly two decades, Fran Yilton Smith has applauded the exploits of the Books & Boots Foundation for the “remarkable” work it’s been doing in Ghanaian communities and schools over the past ten years.

    Speaking at the maiden “Football Educators” workshop in Accra, Madam Yilton Smith said it was fitting that such a gathering had participants with hands – on practical experience that engages children in schools and communities.

    The workshop coincides with a new CAF department set up to develop and promote women’s football with special emphasis on the game at the grassroots.

    “I’m particularly pleased that here in Ghana, you (participants) have already set into motion practical ways to develop and promote the game at the base level. This is what we also want to see with women’s football across Africa”.

    Read: FIFA U-17 WWC: Black Maidens thrash Finland to reach quarter finals

    Although the policy of CAF and FIFA is to operate through national associations, the Educators workshop is a departure from the status quo but still linked with the works and policies of football associations affiliated with the African Football Confederation.

    The connection that CAF seeks to create with these workshops and practical engagement is meant to help foster closer and sustainable working relationships from grassroots upwards.

    43 coaches, educators, juvenile club owners and sports media practitioners took part in the workshop.

    Thus was followed by a 90 minutes afternoon session at the Ajax Park situated on the University of Ghana- Legon campus.

    Read: FIFA U-17 WWC: Black Maidens thrash Finland to reach quarter finals

    The Books and Boots event was supported by CAF with presentations by the Football Development Director Raul Chipenda and Madam Hilton Smith.

    Books & Boots Ghana Navigator Yaw Ampofo Ankrah has also confirmed an all girls gala featuring 8 teams slated for the Legon campus on Sunday 25th November which is expected to be graced by the CAF President Ahmad Ahmad.

    Source: myoxygenworld.com

  • Veteran FIFA Instructor applauds Books and Boots education policy

    Veteran FIFA Instructor for nearly two decades, Fran Yilton Smith has applauded the exploits of the Books & Boots Foundation for the “remarkable” work it’s been doing in Ghanaian communities and schools over the past ten years.

    Speaking at the maiden “Football Educators” workshop in Accra, Madam Yilton Smith said it was fitting that such a gathering had participants with hands – on practical experience that engages children in schools and communities.

    The workshop coincides with a new CAF department set up to develop and promote women’s football with special emphasis on the game at the grassroots.

    “I’m particularly pleased that here in Ghana, you (participants) have already set into motion practical ways to develop and promote the game at the base level. This is what we also want to see with women’s football across Africa”.

    Read: FIFA U-17 WWC: Black Maidens thrash Finland to reach quarter finals

    Although the policy of CAF and FIFA is to operate through national associations, the Educators workshop is a departure from the status quo but still linked with the works and policies of football associations affiliated with the African Football Confederation.

    The connection that CAF seeks to create with these workshops and practical engagement is meant to help foster closer and sustainable working relationships from grassroots upwards.

    43 coaches, educators, juvenile club owners and sports media practitioners took part in the workshop.

    Thus was followed by a 90 minutes afternoon session at the Ajax Park situated on the University of Ghana- Legon campus.

    Read: FIFA U-17 WWC: Black Maidens thrash Finland to reach quarter finals

    The Books and Boots event was supported by CAF with presentations by the Football Development Director Raul Chipenda and Madam Hilton Smith.

    Books & Boots Ghana Navigator Yaw Ampofo Ankrah has also confirmed an all girls gala featuring 8 teams slated for the Legon campus on Sunday 25th November which is expected to be graced by the CAF President Ahmad Ahmad.

    Source: myoxygenworld.com

  • BoG opens probe into staff conduct

    The Office of Ethics and Internal Investigations of the Bank of Ghana (BoG) has initiated investigations into the collapse of seven banks between 2017 and 2018.

    Second Deputy Governor of the central bank, Elsie Awadzie, said the investigations were started at the request of the Management and will seek to probe the roles played by the staff of the central bank in the collapse of the banks.

    “This Office will be coming out with a report we hope soon that will let us all know whether any of our staff members, past or present, were complicit in the failure of these banks. We think that is an important part of the correction process,” she said Thursday.

    Read: BoG to publish names of staff involved in collapse of 7 banks

    Mrs Awadzie was speaking on the sidelines of the Capital Market Conference organised by the Security and Exchanges Commission (SEC) as part of its 20 years anniversary celebrations.

    The Conference was held on November 21 and 22 at the Academy of Arts and Sciences in Accra.

    The Bank of Ghana in August this year merged five banks into the Consolidated Bank of Ghana Limited following insolvency and breaches of banking regulations.

    The consolidation of BEIGE, Sovereign, Construction, UniBank and Royal Bank in August follows a similar action last year.

    In 2017, UT Bank and Capital Bank also had their licences revoked by the Bank of Ghana over liquidity challenges. The two banks were later taken over by state-owned GCB Bank.

    These challenges in the banking sector caused chaos in the financial system and forced the central bank to institute sweeping measures to salvage the sector.

    Read: Nduom grateful to BoG, other stakeholders

    Some commentators also blamed staff of the BoG, suspecting them of culpability in the crisis.

    Speaking to Joy Business at the Capital Market Conference, Mrs Awadzi said the Institute of Chartered Accountants, the professional body for auditors, will soon publish a report on the role its members may have played in the crisis.

    She disclosed that the central bank is coming out with directives to clarify the roles and the expectations of external auditors of banks “so that when all of us read the financial statements that published we can be sure that the right things have been done.”

     

    Source: myjoyonline 

  • BoG opens probe into staff conduct

    The Office of Ethics and Internal Investigations of the Bank of Ghana (BoG) has initiated investigations into the collapse of seven banks between 2017 and 2018.

    Second Deputy Governor of the central bank, Elsie Awadzie, said the investigations were started at the request of the Management and will seek to probe the roles played by the staff of the central bank in the collapse of the banks.

    “This Office will be coming out with a report we hope soon that will let us all know whether any of our staff members, past or present, were complicit in the failure of these banks. We think that is an important part of the correction process,” she said Thursday.

    Read: BoG to publish names of staff involved in collapse of 7 banks

    Mrs Awadzie was speaking on the sidelines of the Capital Market Conference organised by the Security and Exchanges Commission (SEC) as part of its 20 years anniversary celebrations.

    The Conference was held on November 21 and 22 at the Academy of Arts and Sciences in Accra.

    The Bank of Ghana in August this year merged five banks into the Consolidated Bank of Ghana Limited following insolvency and breaches of banking regulations.

    The consolidation of BEIGE, Sovereign, Construction, UniBank and Royal Bank in August follows a similar action last year.

    In 2017, UT Bank and Capital Bank also had their licences revoked by the Bank of Ghana over liquidity challenges. The two banks were later taken over by state-owned GCB Bank.

    These challenges in the banking sector caused chaos in the financial system and forced the central bank to institute sweeping measures to salvage the sector.

    Read: Nduom grateful to BoG, other stakeholders

    Some commentators also blamed staff of the BoG, suspecting them of culpability in the crisis.

    Speaking to Joy Business at the Capital Market Conference, Mrs Awadzi said the Institute of Chartered Accountants, the professional body for auditors, will soon publish a report on the role its members may have played in the crisis.

    She disclosed that the central bank is coming out with directives to clarify the roles and the expectations of external auditors of banks “so that when all of us read the financial statements that published we can be sure that the right things have been done.”

     

    Source: myjoyonlineÂ