TIG Post

Author: aejay_wp

  • 20,000 pieces of wax prints impounded over tax evasion

    The Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has impounded a truck loaded with about 20,000 pieces of wax prints at Gonnokrom, near Dormaa Ahenkro, for evading duty.

    The owners of the consignment are to pay Gh¢600,000 in addition to the initial duty liability of Gh¢600,000 as penalty.

    Read: Tax stamp on textiles to kick-off Nov. 15

    Three officers of the service (names withheld) have been interdicted for the alleged roles they played in aiding the owners of the consignment to evade the payment of duty.

    The truck carrying the wax prints

    The truck, with registration number AW 6026-11, was intercepted by the Taskforce Unit of the Preventive Unit of the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority on October 30, this year.

    Intelligence

    A source told the Daily Graphic that the taskforce from the Customs Head Office in Accra acted on intelligence it gathered and intercepted the truck that was heading towards Kumasi from Gonnokrom in the Brong Ahafo Region.

    Some of the seized wax prints

    The source said when the truck was impounded, examination was conducted on the items on board to determine how much duty its owners ought to have paid to the state.

    Read: Tax stamp on textiles to kick-off Nov. 15

    “They failed to pay duty on the wax prints and the total duty was GH¢600,000,” it said, adding that the clearing agent, identified as Blessed Yako Ltd, had been invited to assist with investigations.

    Interdicted officers

    It added that the three affected officers had been asked to hand over all Customs property in their possession to the sector commander before proceeding on their interdiction.

    Source: Myjoyonline.com

  • 20,000 pieces of wax prints impounded over tax evasion

    The Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has impounded a truck loaded with about 20,000 pieces of wax prints at Gonnokrom, near Dormaa Ahenkro, for evading duty.

    The owners of the consignment are to pay Gh¢600,000 in addition to the initial duty liability of Gh¢600,000 as penalty.

    Read: Tax stamp on textiles to kick-off Nov. 15

    Three officers of the service (names withheld) have been interdicted for the alleged roles they played in aiding the owners of the consignment to evade the payment of duty.

    The truck carrying the wax prints

    The truck, with registration number AW 6026-11, was intercepted by the Taskforce Unit of the Preventive Unit of the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority on October 30, this year.

    Intelligence

    A source told the Daily Graphic that the taskforce from the Customs Head Office in Accra acted on intelligence it gathered and intercepted the truck that was heading towards Kumasi from Gonnokrom in the Brong Ahafo Region.

    Some of the seized wax prints

    The source said when the truck was impounded, examination was conducted on the items on board to determine how much duty its owners ought to have paid to the state.

    Read: Tax stamp on textiles to kick-off Nov. 15

    “They failed to pay duty on the wax prints and the total duty was GH¢600,000,” it said, adding that the clearing agent, identified as Blessed Yako Ltd, had been invited to assist with investigations.

    Interdicted officers

    It added that the three affected officers had been asked to hand over all Customs property in their possession to the sector commander before proceeding on their interdiction.

    Source: Myjoyonline.com

  • Discuss reproductive health issues with children – Parents advised

    Dr Amanda Odoi of the Centre for Gender Research Advocacy and Documentation (CEGRAD), of the University of Cape Coast has asked parents and guardians to develop the confidence to discuss sexual reproductive health issues with their children so that youngsters would know their responsibilities.

    She said if parents and guardians acquired a good knowledge of issues about sexuality and how to communicate such information to adolescents, it would guide the youth to make the right decisions on their sexual health.

    Read: Reproductive health improving in Ghana Report

    Dr Odoi was speaking at an advocacy meeting with religious leaders at Apam in the Central Region about how to reduce child marriages, teenage pregnancy and gender-based violence.

    The programme, which was organised by the Central Regional Department of Gender with support from the United Nations Fund on Population Activities was to urge religious leaders to appreciate issues facing adolescents on sexuality and guide them in taking good decisions.

    She said it was essential that both parents and guardians learnt more about sexuality themselves so that they could confidently educate their children.

    Read: Doctors worried over rise in unsafe abortions in Ghana

    This, she noted, would save the youth from seeking answers to questions bothering them on sexual health and reproduction from their friends.

    Participants called for skills training for women, especially to help empower them financially.

    A Director at the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Rev. Dr Comfort Asare, advised religious leaders not to settle cases of abuse at home but to report such cases to the appropriate institutions for redress.

    Read: Stop the hypocrisy, talk sex with your children Otiko Djaba urges parents

    The Central Regional Director of the Department of Gender, Mrs Thywill Kpe, said there was the need for stakeholders to join in the fight to end child marriages, teenage pregnancy and sexual and gender-based violence.

    She indicated that children were currently being exposed to rape and pornography through negative peer pressure and social media and called for effective communication and education to prevent adolescents from falling victim to sexual abuse.

    Mrs Kpe also asked religious leaders to support the education against forced and early marriages adding that a lot of young talents were going waste due to that.

    Source: Graphic.com.gh

  • Discuss reproductive health issues with children – Parents advised

    Dr Amanda Odoi of the Centre for Gender Research Advocacy and Documentation (CEGRAD), of the University of Cape Coast has asked parents and guardians to develop the confidence to discuss sexual reproductive health issues with their children so that youngsters would know their responsibilities.

    She said if parents and guardians acquired a good knowledge of issues about sexuality and how to communicate such information to adolescents, it would guide the youth to make the right decisions on their sexual health.

    Read: Reproductive health improving in Ghana Report

    Dr Odoi was speaking at an advocacy meeting with religious leaders at Apam in the Central Region about how to reduce child marriages, teenage pregnancy and gender-based violence.

    The programme, which was organised by the Central Regional Department of Gender with support from the United Nations Fund on Population Activities was to urge religious leaders to appreciate issues facing adolescents on sexuality and guide them in taking good decisions.

    She said it was essential that both parents and guardians learnt more about sexuality themselves so that they could confidently educate their children.

    Read: Doctors worried over rise in unsafe abortions in Ghana

    This, she noted, would save the youth from seeking answers to questions bothering them on sexual health and reproduction from their friends.

    Participants called for skills training for women, especially to help empower them financially.

    A Director at the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Rev. Dr Comfort Asare, advised religious leaders not to settle cases of abuse at home but to report such cases to the appropriate institutions for redress.

    Read: Stop the hypocrisy, talk sex with your children Otiko Djaba urges parents

    The Central Regional Director of the Department of Gender, Mrs Thywill Kpe, said there was the need for stakeholders to join in the fight to end child marriages, teenage pregnancy and sexual and gender-based violence.

    She indicated that children were currently being exposed to rape and pornography through negative peer pressure and social media and called for effective communication and education to prevent adolescents from falling victim to sexual abuse.

    Mrs Kpe also asked religious leaders to support the education against forced and early marriages adding that a lot of young talents were going waste due to that.

    Source: Graphic.com.gh

  • Santiago Solari appointed Real Madrid head coach until 2021

    Real Madrid have appointed Santiago Solari as the club’s permanent manager until June 2021.

    Solari, 42, took over on 29 October on an interim basis after the sacking of former Spain manager Julen Lopetgui.

    He has since led Real to four wins in four games – the best start of any manager in the club’s history.

    Read: Real Madrid driven to disaster by president Perez and scapegoat Lopetegui

    Real had to give Solari – or someone else – the job as Spanish rules prevent an interim coach from staying in charge for longer than two weeks.

    Solari’s wins in his spell in charge have been against Melilla in the Copa del Rey, Viktoria Plzen in the Champions League, and Real Valladolid and Celta Vigo in La Liga.

    Read: Interim boss Solari begins Real Madrid spell with cup victory

    In those games, Real have scored 15 goals and conceded two goals.

    The club, who confirmed Solari’s appointment in a brief statement on their website, were ninth when he assumed control and they are now sixth, four points adrift of leaders Barcelona.

    Source: Wires

  • Santiago Solari appointed Real Madrid head coach until 2021

    Real Madrid have appointed Santiago Solari as the club’s permanent manager until June 2021.

    Solari, 42, took over on 29 October on an interim basis after the sacking of former Spain manager Julen Lopetgui.

    He has since led Real to four wins in four games – the best start of any manager in the club’s history.

    Read: Real Madrid driven to disaster by president Perez and scapegoat Lopetegui

    Real had to give Solari – or someone else – the job as Spanish rules prevent an interim coach from staying in charge for longer than two weeks.

    Solari’s wins in his spell in charge have been against Melilla in the Copa del Rey, Viktoria Plzen in the Champions League, and Real Valladolid and Celta Vigo in La Liga.

    Read: Interim boss Solari begins Real Madrid spell with cup victory

    In those games, Real have scored 15 goals and conceded two goals.

    The club, who confirmed Solari’s appointment in a brief statement on their website, were ninth when he assumed control and they are now sixth, four points adrift of leaders Barcelona.

    Source: Wires

  • Over 300,000 Congolese refugees forced to leave Angola

    The United Nations is warning that the mass eviction of Congolese refugees, over 330,000 of them, from Angola may trigger a humanitarian crisis.

    Last month alone, hundreds of thousands of people who are originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo were forced to leave Angola following an order targeting, what the Angolan government calls, “irregular migrants”.

    Read: Angola refutes allegations of killing Congolese migrants

    Al Jazeera’s Dorsa Jabbari reports.

    Source: Aljazeera

  • Over 300,000 Congolese refugees forced to leave Angola

    The United Nations is warning that the mass eviction of Congolese refugees, over 330,000 of them, from Angola may trigger a humanitarian crisis.

    Last month alone, hundreds of thousands of people who are originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo were forced to leave Angola following an order targeting, what the Angolan government calls, “irregular migrants”.

    Read: Angola refutes allegations of killing Congolese migrants

    Al Jazeera’s Dorsa Jabbari reports.

    Source: Aljazeera

  • Trump finally appoints new ambassador to Saudi Arabia

    US President Donald Trump has named a former army general with long experience in the Middle East as ambassador to Saudi Arabia, a post that has been vacant since Joseph Westphal left in January 2017.

    John Abizaid, a retired four-star army general of Lebanese Christian descent, is prominent for his stint as the longest-chief of US Central Command – of which the Middle East is part – starting shortly after the Iraq war in 2003 all the way through to 2007.

    He graduated from the US Military Academy at West Point, after which he earned a scholarship to go study Arabic in Jordan, a language he did not speak as a child.

    Read: Donald Trump invited people to pay $70,000 to have a PHOTO with him

    Abizaid also attended Harvard University where he obtained a Master of Arts in Middle Eastern Studies. His thesis focused on Saudi Arabia’s weapons procurement policy.

    The 67-year-old’s appointment, which will have to be approved by the Senate, comes at a time when relations between the longstanding allies are being put to the test following the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

    Khashoggi was killed shortly after entering the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2.

    Riyadh had consistently denied responsibility for the famed critic’s disappearance, maintaining that the Washington Post columnist had left its premises. It later admitted to the famed critic’s killing by what it described as a team of “rogue” agents.

    Read: Trump says he always tries to tell the truth when he can

    Trump has been slow to react to evidence increasingly suggesting Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s involvement in the killing of Khashoggi, in large part due to the close ties he forged with the 33-year-old heir apparent, also known as MBS.

    He has gone back and forth between demanding full accountability for the journalist’s murder and emphasising the strategic importance of the US-Saudi alliance, going so far as to say any punishment imposed on Riyadh will not include a halt to US arm sales.

    Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, has acting as de facto US ambassador to Riyadh by forging a bond with Prince Mohammed. In 2017, Kushner took an unannounced trip to Saudi Arabia to pay a visit to MBS

    The two men have since reportedly been exchanging text messages and speaking frequently on the telephone.

    Source: Aljazeera

  • Trump finally appoints new ambassador to Saudi Arabia

    US President Donald Trump has named a former army general with long experience in the Middle East as ambassador to Saudi Arabia, a post that has been vacant since Joseph Westphal left in January 2017.

    John Abizaid, a retired four-star army general of Lebanese Christian descent, is prominent for his stint as the longest-chief of US Central Command – of which the Middle East is part – starting shortly after the Iraq war in 2003 all the way through to 2007.

    He graduated from the US Military Academy at West Point, after which he earned a scholarship to go study Arabic in Jordan, a language he did not speak as a child.

    Read: Donald Trump invited people to pay $70,000 to have a PHOTO with him

    Abizaid also attended Harvard University where he obtained a Master of Arts in Middle Eastern Studies. His thesis focused on Saudi Arabia’s weapons procurement policy.

    The 67-year-old’s appointment, which will have to be approved by the Senate, comes at a time when relations between the longstanding allies are being put to the test following the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

    Khashoggi was killed shortly after entering the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2.

    Riyadh had consistently denied responsibility for the famed critic’s disappearance, maintaining that the Washington Post columnist had left its premises. It later admitted to the famed critic’s killing by what it described as a team of “rogue” agents.

    Read: Trump says he always tries to tell the truth when he can

    Trump has been slow to react to evidence increasingly suggesting Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s involvement in the killing of Khashoggi, in large part due to the close ties he forged with the 33-year-old heir apparent, also known as MBS.

    He has gone back and forth between demanding full accountability for the journalist’s murder and emphasising the strategic importance of the US-Saudi alliance, going so far as to say any punishment imposed on Riyadh will not include a halt to US arm sales.

    Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, has acting as de facto US ambassador to Riyadh by forging a bond with Prince Mohammed. In 2017, Kushner took an unannounced trip to Saudi Arabia to pay a visit to MBS

    The two men have since reportedly been exchanging text messages and speaking frequently on the telephone.

    Source: Aljazeera

  • My naked pictures pay my bills – Jessica Larny (Photos)

    Ghanaian model and actress, Jessica Larny, has received a lot of insults since she revealed that she is a boudoir photography model but says she is not perturbed because that act pays her even more than acting.

    Boudoir photography as a photographic style featuring intimate, romantic, and sometimes erotic images of its subjects in a photographic studio, bedroom or private dressing room environment which means Jessica sometimes models semi-nude.

    This is what has earned her insults, but according to Jessica, what she earned in a shoot was much bigger than what she made from acting in Ghana the whole year.

    Read: Semi-nude shoots pay my bills Jessica Larny

    “See, the truth is that actors in Ghana are not being paid well, we are taken for granted and those who will pay you will even delay the payment.

    “How do they expect us to feed? You work and you virtually have to beg to be paid money that is due you, I mean how? Ever since I came out to talk about the boudoir shoots and posted pictures on my social media handles, people have come out to insult and call me all kinds of names.

    “Those who cannot get to me personally, send me messages in my inbox saying all kinds of things to me but I do not care. I need to fend for myself and my family so instead of selling my body to do that, I engage in something that I have passion for.

    “If going half-naked or doing these shoots will put food on my table which it does anyway, I will do it, it is also a job,” she told Showbiz.

    Read: Princess Shyngle allegedly involved in sex scandal in Nigeria

    Asked how frequently she got offers to do the boudoir shoots, Jessica said, “for this year alone, I have done three jobs and they are huge ones, I did one in Kenya, Ghana and London. For the acting, I have done a number of them which came through recommendations or from producers or directors who watched my work but the bottom line is that, boudoir shoots pay my bills.”

    Jessica, who is also a masseuse, says she will be embarking on a stress-free campaign where she intends to educate people on the need to take massage seriously as a stress reliever.

    “In this part of our world, unfortunately for us, all we know is work and if we want to take time off and de-stress, it has to be taking a vacation to go and drink, eat, dance etc but the stress has to do with the body, the nerves etc. They are the parts that are affected so we have to take massage seriously. Next week, I am starting my first massage session by going to the homes of
    celebrities and giving them massages.”

    A graduate of the Central University College, Jessica Larny is a Miss Teen Ghana. She has featured in movies such as Stalemate, True Lies, I Do and The Table and has also played roles in a number of series which have aired on TV and online.

    Source: newsarena.com.gh

  • My naked pictures pay my bills – Jessica Larny (Photos)

    Ghanaian model and actress, Jessica Larny, has received a lot of insults since she revealed that she is a boudoir photography model but says she is not perturbed because that act pays her even more than acting.

    Boudoir photography as a photographic style featuring intimate, romantic, and sometimes erotic images of its subjects in a photographic studio, bedroom or private dressing room environment which means Jessica sometimes models semi-nude.

    This is what has earned her insults, but according to Jessica, what she earned in a shoot was much bigger than what she made from acting in Ghana the whole year.

    Read: Semi-nude shoots pay my bills Jessica Larny

    “See, the truth is that actors in Ghana are not being paid well, we are taken for granted and those who will pay you will even delay the payment.

    “How do they expect us to feed? You work and you virtually have to beg to be paid money that is due you, I mean how? Ever since I came out to talk about the boudoir shoots and posted pictures on my social media handles, people have come out to insult and call me all kinds of names.

    “Those who cannot get to me personally, send me messages in my inbox saying all kinds of things to me but I do not care. I need to fend for myself and my family so instead of selling my body to do that, I engage in something that I have passion for.

    “If going half-naked or doing these shoots will put food on my table which it does anyway, I will do it, it is also a job,” she told Showbiz.

    Read: Princess Shyngle allegedly involved in sex scandal in Nigeria

    Asked how frequently she got offers to do the boudoir shoots, Jessica said, “for this year alone, I have done three jobs and they are huge ones, I did one in Kenya, Ghana and London. For the acting, I have done a number of them which came through recommendations or from producers or directors who watched my work but the bottom line is that, boudoir shoots pay my bills.”

    Jessica, who is also a masseuse, says she will be embarking on a stress-free campaign where she intends to educate people on the need to take massage seriously as a stress reliever.

    “In this part of our world, unfortunately for us, all we know is work and if we want to take time off and de-stress, it has to be taking a vacation to go and drink, eat, dance etc but the stress has to do with the body, the nerves etc. They are the parts that are affected so we have to take massage seriously. Next week, I am starting my first massage session by going to the homes of
    celebrities and giving them massages.”

    A graduate of the Central University College, Jessica Larny is a Miss Teen Ghana. She has featured in movies such as Stalemate, True Lies, I Do and The Table and has also played roles in a number of series which have aired on TV and online.

    Source: newsarena.com.gh

  • Contact me for location of dams Hawa Koomson to Mahama

    Minister for special initiative Development and Member of Parliament for Awutu Senya East Constituency, Mavis Hawa Koomson has asked Former President John Dramani Mahama to contact her if he wants to know the location of dams constructed in Northern Ghana.

    “I have told him, if he wants to know where the dams are, he should contact me,” she said during an address at the Ministry’s met the press session in Accra.

    Read: 200 hydro dams in 2019 Hawa Koomson

    This comes after the Ex-President accused the Akufo-Addo led administration of having  decieved Ghanaians with regards to the  one village one dam policy.

    Mahama reportedly said during his recent campaign tour in the Region , he did not see any Dam under construction or completeted.

    The one village one dam policy one one of the current administration’s key camaign promise prior to the 2016 general elections.

    Read: 1V1D: Go to Kpandai, Yeji, Yendi to see the dams Koomson to Mahama

    The deputy minister of information and Member of Parliament for Akuapem North constituency, Ama Dokuaa Agyei who was also present at the meet the press session also slammed the ex-president and members of parliament who have constantly propagated falsehood saying that nobody can force them to choose what they decide to see.

    ” Whatever information they need, the information is available. So if the former President chooses not to see or other MPs, they shoose not to see. I am not so sure that an be part if the discussion now. Because we already have a solution to  that,” she said.

    Read: Government transforming lives with $1m per constituency Hawa Koomson

    The minster of Special initiative informed the press that information on work done by her minister will be made available on their website by next week adding that the Ministry is  open and ready to provide further detailed information on the said projects.

    Source: backend.theindependentghana.com

  • Contact me for location of dams Hawa Koomson to Mahama

    Minister for special initiative Development and Member of Parliament for Awutu Senya East Constituency, Mavis Hawa Koomson has asked Former President John Dramani Mahama to contact her if he wants to know the location of dams constructed in Northern Ghana.

    “I have told him, if he wants to know where the dams are, he should contact me,” she said during an address at the Ministry’s met the press session in Accra.

    Read: 200 hydro dams in 2019 Hawa Koomson

    This comes after the Ex-President accused the Akufo-Addo led administration of having  decieved Ghanaians with regards to the  one village one dam policy.

    Mahama reportedly said during his recent campaign tour in the Region , he did not see any Dam under construction or completeted.

    The one village one dam policy one one of the current administration’s key camaign promise prior to the 2016 general elections.

    Read: 1V1D: Go to Kpandai, Yeji, Yendi to see the dams Koomson to Mahama

    The deputy minister of information and Member of Parliament for Akuapem North constituency, Ama Dokuaa Agyei who was also present at the meet the press session also slammed the ex-president and members of parliament who have constantly propagated falsehood saying that nobody can force them to choose what they decide to see.

    ” Whatever information they need, the information is available. So if the former President chooses not to see or other MPs, they shoose not to see. I am not so sure that an be part if the discussion now. Because we already have a solution to  that,” she said.

    Read: Government transforming lives with $1m per constituency Hawa Koomson

    The minster of Special initiative informed the press that information on work done by her minister will be made available on their website by next week adding that the Ministry is  open and ready to provide further detailed information on the said projects.

    Source: backend.theindependentghana.com

  • Dagbon youth protest addition of Chereponi to North East Region

    Some youth in the Dagbon Traditional Area Tuesday went on a demonstration to throw support for the decision by the Dagbon Traditional Council not to allow Chereponi to be added to the yet to be created North East region.

    The youth, clad in red armbands and attires marched through some principal streets in the Tamale metropolis.

    Read: Campaign for creation of North East Region begins in earnest

    They carried placards bearing inscriptions such as “Dagbon is united against the dismembering of Chereponi” and ” Chereponi is Dagbon”.

    The protest march followed October 16, 2018, meeting at the Northern Regional House of Chiefs where the Dagbon Traditional Council rejected a special request by the Overlord of Mamprugu, Naa Bohagu Abdulai Mahama Sheriga for the inclusion of Chereponi to the proposed North East Region.

    Read: Creation of new regions is Ghanaian Agenda — Akufo-Addo

    The Overlord of Mamprugu, Naa Bohagu Abdulai Mahama Sheriga had explained that the addition was only for political administration purposes and that Chereponi would still have to pay homage to Dagbon.

    He argued that the move was ostensibly to boost up the geographical size of the proposed North East Region.

    Some of the protestors who spoke to Graphic Online said they were against the inclusion of Chereponi in the list of the districts to form the proposed North East Region since Chereponi was part of the Dagbon Traditional Area and could not be ceded to be part of the proposed North East region.

    Read: Suit against creation of new regions will fail Government

    Chereponi is part of the Dagbon Traditional Area and located in the north-eastern part of the Northern Region close to the Togo border.

    Some of the protesters were of the view that separating Chereponi from the Northern Region and adding it to the new region, which mainly covers areas in the Mamprugu enclave would mean that Chereponi would have to pay allegiance to the Overlord of Mamprugu.

    The Justice Brobbery Commission has recommended the creation of two regions out of the existing Northern Region – Savannah and North East regions.

    Source: Graphic.com.gh

  • Dagbon youth protest addition of Chereponi to North East Region

    Some youth in the Dagbon Traditional Area Tuesday went on a demonstration to throw support for the decision by the Dagbon Traditional Council not to allow Chereponi to be added to the yet to be created North East region.

    The youth, clad in red armbands and attires marched through some principal streets in the Tamale metropolis.

    Read: Campaign for creation of North East Region begins in earnest

    They carried placards bearing inscriptions such as “Dagbon is united against the dismembering of Chereponi” and ” Chereponi is Dagbon”.

    The protest march followed October 16, 2018, meeting at the Northern Regional House of Chiefs where the Dagbon Traditional Council rejected a special request by the Overlord of Mamprugu, Naa Bohagu Abdulai Mahama Sheriga for the inclusion of Chereponi to the proposed North East Region.

    Read: Creation of new regions is Ghanaian Agenda — Akufo-Addo

    The Overlord of Mamprugu, Naa Bohagu Abdulai Mahama Sheriga had explained that the addition was only for political administration purposes and that Chereponi would still have to pay homage to Dagbon.

    He argued that the move was ostensibly to boost up the geographical size of the proposed North East Region.

    Some of the protestors who spoke to Graphic Online said they were against the inclusion of Chereponi in the list of the districts to form the proposed North East Region since Chereponi was part of the Dagbon Traditional Area and could not be ceded to be part of the proposed North East region.

    Read: Suit against creation of new regions will fail Government

    Chereponi is part of the Dagbon Traditional Area and located in the north-eastern part of the Northern Region close to the Togo border.

    Some of the protesters were of the view that separating Chereponi from the Northern Region and adding it to the new region, which mainly covers areas in the Mamprugu enclave would mean that Chereponi would have to pay allegiance to the Overlord of Mamprugu.

    The Justice Brobbery Commission has recommended the creation of two regions out of the existing Northern Region – Savannah and North East regions.

    Source: Graphic.com.gh

  • 2019 Budget: Dont ignore Sofoline-Abuakwa road again Group

    The Atwimaman Youth Association is calling on the government, through the Roads and Highways Minister, to allocate funds in the 2019 Budget for the completion of the Sofoline-Abuakwa road in the Ashanti Region.

    According to the group, successive governments have failed to allocate resources for the completion of the road since it was started in 2008.

    Read: 2019 Budget: Ghanaians must expect hell Minority

    In an interview with Class 91.3FM on Tuesday, 13 November 2018, President of the Association, Patrick Kwame Atuah, said people waste productive hours in traffic owing to the bad nature of the road and appealed to the president to consider the people of the area in the 2019 Budget statement.

    The budget will be presented in parliament by Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta on Thursday, 15 November 2018.

    Below is a statement issued by the group:

    ATWIMAMAN YOUTH ASSOCIATION, ASHANTI

    2019 BUDGET; SOFOLINE to ABUAKWA ROAD CANNOT BE IGNORED AGAIN BY GOVERNMENT

    We are concerned indigenes of the Atwima land and have come together for the development of our community.

    We are, by this statement, reminding the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and his government that we the natives of the Atwima lands and all users of the above-mentioned road, humbly ask for the inclusion of the continuation of our road project, which is the Sofoline to Abuakwa road that has been under construction for over 10 years now, in the upcoming 2019 budget.

    Read: 2019 Budget: Deal with energy debt IMANI to government

    Mr. President, the discomfort and the agony that our people have been going through due to the total neglect of the road, is very worrying and hindering the development of our land.

    The most disturbing aspect of this is the number of hours our people have to spend in traffic to and from work every day. A distance that is supposed to take 15 minutes to travel takes an average of two hours due to traffic on weekdays and about three to four hours on weekends.

    Read: All set for Finance Minister to present 2019 Budget Statement to Parliament

    As you are aware, the road also serves as the main stretch for people who are traveling to the Western Region and the Brong Ahafo Region. It also serves travelers from Ghana to the Ivory Coast.

    We are, by this release, pleading on you as the president of our country to consider our road in the 2019 budget to end our suffering and also help the development of the Atwima land.

    Thank you.

    Kwame Atuah Patrick

    Osei Victor

    Isaac Mensah

    Cc:

    Minister of Roads and Highways

    Minister of Finance

    Ashanti Regional Minister.

    Source: classfmonline.com

  • 2019 Budget: Dont ignore Sofoline-Abuakwa road again Group

    The Atwimaman Youth Association is calling on the government, through the Roads and Highways Minister, to allocate funds in the 2019 Budget for the completion of the Sofoline-Abuakwa road in the Ashanti Region.

    According to the group, successive governments have failed to allocate resources for the completion of the road since it was started in 2008.

    Read: 2019 Budget: Ghanaians must expect hell Minority

    In an interview with Class 91.3FM on Tuesday, 13 November 2018, President of the Association, Patrick Kwame Atuah, said people waste productive hours in traffic owing to the bad nature of the road and appealed to the president to consider the people of the area in the 2019 Budget statement.

    The budget will be presented in parliament by Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta on Thursday, 15 November 2018.

    Below is a statement issued by the group:

    ATWIMAMAN YOUTH ASSOCIATION, ASHANTI

    2019 BUDGET; SOFOLINE to ABUAKWA ROAD CANNOT BE IGNORED AGAIN BY GOVERNMENT

    We are concerned indigenes of the Atwima land and have come together for the development of our community.

    We are, by this statement, reminding the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and his government that we the natives of the Atwima lands and all users of the above-mentioned road, humbly ask for the inclusion of the continuation of our road project, which is the Sofoline to Abuakwa road that has been under construction for over 10 years now, in the upcoming 2019 budget.

    Read: 2019 Budget: Deal with energy debt IMANI to government

    Mr. President, the discomfort and the agony that our people have been going through due to the total neglect of the road, is very worrying and hindering the development of our land.

    The most disturbing aspect of this is the number of hours our people have to spend in traffic to and from work every day. A distance that is supposed to take 15 minutes to travel takes an average of two hours due to traffic on weekdays and about three to four hours on weekends.

    Read: All set for Finance Minister to present 2019 Budget Statement to Parliament

    As you are aware, the road also serves as the main stretch for people who are traveling to the Western Region and the Brong Ahafo Region. It also serves travelers from Ghana to the Ivory Coast.

    We are, by this release, pleading on you as the president of our country to consider our road in the 2019 budget to end our suffering and also help the development of the Atwima land.

    Thank you.

    Kwame Atuah Patrick

    Osei Victor

    Isaac Mensah

    Cc:

    Minister of Roads and Highways

    Minister of Finance

    Ashanti Regional Minister.

    Source: classfmonline.com

  • Specialized Committees to vet ministers-designate Oquaye

    The Speaker of Parliament, Professor Mike Oquaye has revealed that the House is considering a revised system where specialized committees will vet ministers appointed by the president.

    Under the current system, the Appointments Committee of parliament vets all ministerial nominees.

    Read: LIVESTREAMING: Vetting of Minister for Information designate, Hon. Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah

    Should the proposed new system come into force, sector-specific committees with in-depth knowledge will vet ministers-designate whose portfolio fall within the expertise of members of a particular committee.

    For instance, an Education Minister-designate will be screened by a committee of parliament responsible for education.

    Read: Parliament to vet Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, others today

    This format will apply to all other nominees.

    Addressing some selected journalists in Accra, Prof. Oquaye said: “If you look at the U.S. where we learnt the whole thing from, we have departed. When you are coming to become a Foreign Affairs Minister, then the Foreign Affairs Committee of Parliament will vet you”.

    He said this will make it possible for specialized and knowledgeable people who have careers in the particular sectors, to handle the screening of the appointees.

    Source: classfmonline.com

  • Specialized Committees to vet ministers-designate Oquaye

    The Speaker of Parliament, Professor Mike Oquaye has revealed that the House is considering a revised system where specialized committees will vet ministers appointed by the president.

    Under the current system, the Appointments Committee of parliament vets all ministerial nominees.

    Read: LIVESTREAMING: Vetting of Minister for Information designate, Hon. Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah

    Should the proposed new system come into force, sector-specific committees with in-depth knowledge will vet ministers-designate whose portfolio fall within the expertise of members of a particular committee.

    For instance, an Education Minister-designate will be screened by a committee of parliament responsible for education.

    Read: Parliament to vet Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, others today

    This format will apply to all other nominees.

    Addressing some selected journalists in Accra, Prof. Oquaye said: “If you look at the U.S. where we learnt the whole thing from, we have departed. When you are coming to become a Foreign Affairs Minister, then the Foreign Affairs Committee of Parliament will vet you”.

    He said this will make it possible for specialized and knowledgeable people who have careers in the particular sectors, to handle the screening of the appointees.

    Source: classfmonline.com

  • Kwadwo Asamoah’s absence will affect Black Stars – Medeama coach

    Head coach of Ghana Premier League side Medeama SC, Samuel Boadu believes the Black Stars will struggle without Kwadwo Asamoah in the AFCON qualifier against Ethiopia.

    The Inter Milan star pulled out of the team for the game against the Walias of Ethiopia on Sunday due to a knock he suffered in the game against Atlanta on Sunday.

    According to Medeama coach, Kwesi Appiah has started a project of building the team around Asamoah, therefore his absence will be massively felt.

    Read: Kwadwo Asamoah withdraws from Ghana squad over Ayews phobia amid superstition claims?

    “In recent time, Kwesi Appiah wanted to rely on Kwadwo Asamoah’s quality in his game plan in a bid to qualify Ghana for the tournament so his absence will definitely affect the team,” he told Goal.

    “Now the coach must change his game plan to suit those available and that is not going to be easy. The team will struggle but I trust him to do a decent job in Addis Ababa on Sunday.”

    “This fixture is obviously the biggest game for the country in the qualifiers because of the defeat to Kenya and the ban which has been handed to Sierra Leone by Fifa. It is now a must win regardless of any obstacles, so the players must give their best.”

    Read: Kwadwo Asamoah excited with “memorable” derby win

    “With the return of the Ayew brothers, the technical team can plan something around them together with Asamoah Gyan so that Ghana will avoid a defeat or stalemate but it won’t be that simple,” he added.

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • Kwadwo Asamoah’s absence will affect Black Stars – Medeama coach

    Head coach of Ghana Premier League side Medeama SC, Samuel Boadu believes the Black Stars will struggle without Kwadwo Asamoah in the AFCON qualifier against Ethiopia.

    The Inter Milan star pulled out of the team for the game against the Walias of Ethiopia on Sunday due to a knock he suffered in the game against Atlanta on Sunday.

    According to Medeama coach, Kwesi Appiah has started a project of building the team around Asamoah, therefore his absence will be massively felt.

    Read: Kwadwo Asamoah withdraws from Ghana squad over Ayews phobia amid superstition claims?

    “In recent time, Kwesi Appiah wanted to rely on Kwadwo Asamoah’s quality in his game plan in a bid to qualify Ghana for the tournament so his absence will definitely affect the team,” he told Goal.

    “Now the coach must change his game plan to suit those available and that is not going to be easy. The team will struggle but I trust him to do a decent job in Addis Ababa on Sunday.”

    “This fixture is obviously the biggest game for the country in the qualifiers because of the defeat to Kenya and the ban which has been handed to Sierra Leone by Fifa. It is now a must win regardless of any obstacles, so the players must give their best.”

    Read: Kwadwo Asamoah excited with “memorable” derby win

    “With the return of the Ayew brothers, the technical team can plan something around them together with Asamoah Gyan so that Ghana will avoid a defeat or stalemate but it won’t be that simple,” he added.

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • Isaac Asiamah has brought stability to Sports Ministry Perry Okudzeto

    Deputy Minister for Sports, Perry Okudzeto has stated that Minister for Youth and Sports, Isaac Asiamah has brought stability to the ministry unlike his predecessors.

    According to him, aside politics one other thing Ghanaians are passionate about is sports hence any minister who takes an action that the people do not agree with receives a lot of criticism.

    Read: Perry Okudzeto is new Deputy Sports Minister

    Speaking to Adam Adjei on Dwidwamu Sports which airs on Agoo TV, the deputy minister of youth and sports said the stability the ministry is enjoying under Hon. Asiamah is the reason why there is a lot of work been done.

    “Looking at the last 19 months, there has been stability at the ministry and this stability has driven progress at the ministry. All this boils down to good leadership.”

    He added the minister has been able to bring on board everyone to share in his vision for the ministry.

    Read: Sports Minister Isaac Asiamah holds fruitful discussion with CAF president

    Perry Okudzeto took over from Pius Enam Hadzide as Deputy Minister of Sports in August when there was a reshuffle by the president.

    The ministry of youth and sports has been lauded after they recently won the rights to host the 13th edition of the African Games in 2023 after beating Egypt in the bid process.

    Source: Saltfmonline.com

  • Isaac Asiamah has brought stability to Sports Ministry Perry Okudzeto

    Deputy Minister for Sports, Perry Okudzeto has stated that Minister for Youth and Sports, Isaac Asiamah has brought stability to the ministry unlike his predecessors.

    According to him, aside politics one other thing Ghanaians are passionate about is sports hence any minister who takes an action that the people do not agree with receives a lot of criticism.

    Read: Perry Okudzeto is new Deputy Sports Minister

    Speaking to Adam Adjei on Dwidwamu Sports which airs on Agoo TV, the deputy minister of youth and sports said the stability the ministry is enjoying under Hon. Asiamah is the reason why there is a lot of work been done.

    “Looking at the last 19 months, there has been stability at the ministry and this stability has driven progress at the ministry. All this boils down to good leadership.”

    He added the minister has been able to bring on board everyone to share in his vision for the ministry.

    Read: Sports Minister Isaac Asiamah holds fruitful discussion with CAF president

    Perry Okudzeto took over from Pius Enam Hadzide as Deputy Minister of Sports in August when there was a reshuffle by the president.

    The ministry of youth and sports has been lauded after they recently won the rights to host the 13th edition of the African Games in 2023 after beating Egypt in the bid process.

    Source: Saltfmonline.com

  • Cape Coast Stadium 80% ready for AWCON

    The Cape Coast Stadium, which is venue for nations in group B of the Africa Women’s Cup of Nations is 80 percent complete, according to venue officer Asante Ferkou.

    According to Mr. Asante the pitch is in a very good condition to be used for games in group B. Group B has defending champions Nigeria, Zambia, South Africa and Equatorial Guinea.

    Read: AWCON 2018: Volunteer applications opened

    “So far 80% of the work here is completed. The pitch, media stains, wash room, lighting system, Score board and other facilities in good condition to be used,” he told Sportsnewsgh.com. “Waiting to be officially opened,” he added.

    Meanwhile, the Robert Mensah stadium, which will be one of the training pitches is yet to be completed and according to Asante Ferkou, they might consider other options.

    “Works at the Robert Mensah Stadium is what seems dragging it fit”But there are other alternatives which we are proposing to CAF to consider”Which is Glow Lamp Academy Park”.

    Read: 2018 AWCON: Use legal means to cover tournament- CAF warns journalists

    The Africa Women’s Cup of Nations will begin on November 17th, with Ghana playing Algeria in the opening game.

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • Cape Coast Stadium 80% ready for AWCON

    The Cape Coast Stadium, which is venue for nations in group B of the Africa Women’s Cup of Nations is 80 percent complete, according to venue officer Asante Ferkou.

    According to Mr. Asante the pitch is in a very good condition to be used for games in group B. Group B has defending champions Nigeria, Zambia, South Africa and Equatorial Guinea.

    Read: AWCON 2018: Volunteer applications opened

    “So far 80% of the work here is completed. The pitch, media stains, wash room, lighting system, Score board and other facilities in good condition to be used,” he told Sportsnewsgh.com. “Waiting to be officially opened,” he added.

    Meanwhile, the Robert Mensah stadium, which will be one of the training pitches is yet to be completed and according to Asante Ferkou, they might consider other options.

    “Works at the Robert Mensah Stadium is what seems dragging it fit”But there are other alternatives which we are proposing to CAF to consider”Which is Glow Lamp Academy Park”.

    Read: 2018 AWCON: Use legal means to cover tournament- CAF warns journalists

    The Africa Women’s Cup of Nations will begin on November 17th, with Ghana playing Algeria in the opening game.

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • Democrat Kyrsten Sinema wins Arizona US Senate seat

    Democrat Kyrsten Sinema won Arizona’s open US Senate seat in a race that was among the most closely watched in the nation.

    Sinema beat Republican Martha McSally – a former Air Force pilot who embraced President Donald Trump after opposing him during the 2016 elections – in the battle to replace GOP Senator Jeff Flake.

    The three-term congresswoman won after a slow vote count that dragged on for nearly a week after voters went to the polls on November 6. She becomes Arizona’s first Democratic US senator since 1994.

    Read: Trump bets election on fear and lies

    Her win cemented Arizona as a swing state after years of Republican dominance.

    Sinema portrayed herself as a moderate who works across the aisle to get things done.

    Read: Democrats capture U.S. House majority in rebuke to Trump

    McSally had claimed that Sinema’s anti-war protests 15 years ago disqualified her and said one protest amounted to what she called “treason”.

    But during her six years in Congress, Sinema built one of most centrist records in the Democratic caucus, and she voted for bills backed by Trump more than 60 percent of the time. She backed legislation increasing penalties against people in the country illegally who commit crimes.

    Sinema, 42, has a law degree, worked as a social worker and was a political activist in her 20s, running as an independent Green Party candidate for the Arizona House. She then became a Democrat and served several terms in the state Legislature.

    McSally, 52, was the first female Air Force pilot to fly in combat, flying A-10 attack jets. She also was the first woman to command a fighter squadron.

    Source: BBC

  • Democrat Kyrsten Sinema wins Arizona US Senate seat

    Democrat Kyrsten Sinema won Arizona’s open US Senate seat in a race that was among the most closely watched in the nation.

    Sinema beat Republican Martha McSally – a former Air Force pilot who embraced President Donald Trump after opposing him during the 2016 elections – in the battle to replace GOP Senator Jeff Flake.

    The three-term congresswoman won after a slow vote count that dragged on for nearly a week after voters went to the polls on November 6. She becomes Arizona’s first Democratic US senator since 1994.

    Read: Trump bets election on fear and lies

    Her win cemented Arizona as a swing state after years of Republican dominance.

    Sinema portrayed herself as a moderate who works across the aisle to get things done.

    Read: Democrats capture U.S. House majority in rebuke to Trump

    McSally had claimed that Sinema’s anti-war protests 15 years ago disqualified her and said one protest amounted to what she called “treason”.

    But during her six years in Congress, Sinema built one of most centrist records in the Democratic caucus, and she voted for bills backed by Trump more than 60 percent of the time. She backed legislation increasing penalties against people in the country illegally who commit crimes.

    Sinema, 42, has a law degree, worked as a social worker and was a political activist in her 20s, running as an independent Green Party candidate for the Arizona House. She then became a Democrat and served several terms in the state Legislature.

    McSally, 52, was the first female Air Force pilot to fly in combat, flying A-10 attack jets. She also was the first woman to command a fighter squadron.

    Source: BBC

  • Black Stars to begin camping in Nairobi on Tuesday

    The Black Stars of Ghana will start camping today in Kenya, Nairobi ahead of their 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against the Walias of Ethiopia.

    The West African giants will play as guests to the Walias of Ethiopia at the Addis Ababa Stadium on Sunday, November 18 in the sixth game of Group F.

    Read: Former Black Stars captain, John Eshun, dead

    All 20-invited players called up for the match with exception of Kwadwo Asamoah, who has been excused through injury, will converge in the Eastern African nation before leaving for Addis Ababa for the games on Sunday.

    Coach Kwasi Appiah and his two assistants, Ibrahim Tanko and Maxwell Konadu, as well as technical cordinator Stephen Appiah, Goalkeepers trainer Richard Kingston and the other members, left Accra for Kenya on Monday evening.

    Read: I deserve some accolades for my Black Stars achievements Asamoah Gyan

    Andre Ayew and his younger brother Jordan Ayew are making a return to the team for the first time in over a year.

    Captain Asamoah Gyan is expected to lead the side despite his lack of game time at club side Kayserispor.

    Below is the squad-list;

    Goalkeepers:

    Richard Ofori (Martizburg, South Africa) Lawrence Ati (Sochaux, France)

    Defenders:

    Harrison Afful (Columbus Crew, USA) John Boye (FC Metz, France) Lumor Agbenyenu (Sporting CP, Portugal) Andy Yiadom (Reading Football Club, England) Jonathan Mensah (Columbus Crew, USA) Kassim Nuhu (TSG Hoffenheim, Germany)

    Midfielders:

    Andre Ayew (Fenerbahce, Turkey) Mubarak Wakaso (Alaves, Spain) Kwadwo Asamoah (Inter Milan, Italy) Afriyie Acquah (Empoli,Italy) Christian Atsu (Newcastle, England) Nana Ampomah (Waasland-Beveren, Belgium) Thomas Partey (Atlético Madrid) Majeed Ashimeru (St. Gallen, Switzerland)

    Forwards:

    Jordan Ayew (Crystal Palace, England) Asamoah Gyan (Kayserispor, Turkey) Majeed Waris (FC Nantes, France) Emmanuel Boateng (Levante, Spain)

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • Black Stars to begin camping in Nairobi on Tuesday

    The Black Stars of Ghana will start camping today in Kenya, Nairobi ahead of their 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against the Walias of Ethiopia.

    The West African giants will play as guests to the Walias of Ethiopia at the Addis Ababa Stadium on Sunday, November 18 in the sixth game of Group F.

    Read: Former Black Stars captain, John Eshun, dead

    All 20-invited players called up for the match with exception of Kwadwo Asamoah, who has been excused through injury, will converge in the Eastern African nation before leaving for Addis Ababa for the games on Sunday.

    Coach Kwasi Appiah and his two assistants, Ibrahim Tanko and Maxwell Konadu, as well as technical cordinator Stephen Appiah, Goalkeepers trainer Richard Kingston and the other members, left Accra for Kenya on Monday evening.

    Read: I deserve some accolades for my Black Stars achievements Asamoah Gyan

    Andre Ayew and his younger brother Jordan Ayew are making a return to the team for the first time in over a year.

    Captain Asamoah Gyan is expected to lead the side despite his lack of game time at club side Kayserispor.

    Below is the squad-list;

    Goalkeepers:

    Richard Ofori (Martizburg, South Africa) Lawrence Ati (Sochaux, France)

    Defenders:

    Harrison Afful (Columbus Crew, USA) John Boye (FC Metz, France) Lumor Agbenyenu (Sporting CP, Portugal) Andy Yiadom (Reading Football Club, England) Jonathan Mensah (Columbus Crew, USA) Kassim Nuhu (TSG Hoffenheim, Germany)

    Midfielders:

    Andre Ayew (Fenerbahce, Turkey) Mubarak Wakaso (Alaves, Spain) Kwadwo Asamoah (Inter Milan, Italy) Afriyie Acquah (Empoli,Italy) Christian Atsu (Newcastle, England) Nana Ampomah (Waasland-Beveren, Belgium) Thomas Partey (Atlético Madrid) Majeed Ashimeru (St. Gallen, Switzerland)

    Forwards:

    Jordan Ayew (Crystal Palace, England) Asamoah Gyan (Kayserispor, Turkey) Majeed Waris (FC Nantes, France) Emmanuel Boateng (Levante, Spain)

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • Government to establish Business Resource Centres nationwide to boost 1D1F

    Government is set to establish some 37 Business Resource Centres (BRCs) through the Ministry of Trade and Industry as part of efforts to promote its industrialization drive.

    This was disclosed at a ceremony in Kumasi on Monday, November 12 by Trade and Industry Minister, Alan Kyerematen while presenting some 44 Cross Country Vehicles to managers of Business Resource Centres (BRCs) and the Association of Small Scale Industries to support their operations.

    Read: Work commences on $50m 1D1F agro processing plant at Jasikan

    The vehicles are part of the resources being provided under the Rural Enterprises Programme to enable the units operate effectively and efficiently to contribute to the promotion of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises development.

    The Trade and Industry Ministry, early in 2017, started the implementation of the Industrial Transformation Plan, which is aimed at transforming the industrial sector of Ghana and making the country the manufacturing hub of Africa.

    Read: Old factories can join 1D1F Alan Kyerematen

    It is in line with this that the Ministry is establishing these BRCs.

    They are expected to cost government $8.58 million covering infrastructure and equipment.

    “The Ministry with the support of International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and African Development Bank (AfDB) is establishing 37 new Business Resource Centres in selected Districts and Municipalities, to be housed in specially designed office complexes at an estimated cost of $ 8.58 million,” Mr Kyerematen noted.

    He added that Parliament has also granted approval for additional financing of $40 million by IFAD, part of which will be used for the construction of additional 30 BRCs in 2019 to bring the number to 67 in the country.

    Read: Districts with raw materials to have factories by 2020 1D1F Coordinator

    Some of these centres have reached various stages of construction.

    The BRCs are set to provide strategic support services to projects under the One District One Factory (1D1F) initiative.

    The Centres are also supposed to promote value addition to rapidly boost agro-processing and also develop new and stable markets for Ghanaian products. That is is expected to create additional businesses and job opportunities.

    The Business Resource Centres are being established as vibrant one-stop-shop business development and investment hub, and information repositories, which will provide a full range of business development services to potential and existing entrepreneurs and diverse business organisations.

    Source: 3news.com

  • Government to establish Business Resource Centres nationwide to boost 1D1F

    Government is set to establish some 37 Business Resource Centres (BRCs) through the Ministry of Trade and Industry as part of efforts to promote its industrialization drive.

    This was disclosed at a ceremony in Kumasi on Monday, November 12 by Trade and Industry Minister, Alan Kyerematen while presenting some 44 Cross Country Vehicles to managers of Business Resource Centres (BRCs) and the Association of Small Scale Industries to support their operations.

    Read: Work commences on $50m 1D1F agro processing plant at Jasikan

    The vehicles are part of the resources being provided under the Rural Enterprises Programme to enable the units operate effectively and efficiently to contribute to the promotion of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises development.

    The Trade and Industry Ministry, early in 2017, started the implementation of the Industrial Transformation Plan, which is aimed at transforming the industrial sector of Ghana and making the country the manufacturing hub of Africa.

    Read: Old factories can join 1D1F Alan Kyerematen

    It is in line with this that the Ministry is establishing these BRCs.

    They are expected to cost government $8.58 million covering infrastructure and equipment.

    “The Ministry with the support of International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and African Development Bank (AfDB) is establishing 37 new Business Resource Centres in selected Districts and Municipalities, to be housed in specially designed office complexes at an estimated cost of $ 8.58 million,” Mr Kyerematen noted.

    He added that Parliament has also granted approval for additional financing of $40 million by IFAD, part of which will be used for the construction of additional 30 BRCs in 2019 to bring the number to 67 in the country.

    Read: Districts with raw materials to have factories by 2020 1D1F Coordinator

    Some of these centres have reached various stages of construction.

    The BRCs are set to provide strategic support services to projects under the One District One Factory (1D1F) initiative.

    The Centres are also supposed to promote value addition to rapidly boost agro-processing and also develop new and stable markets for Ghanaian products. That is is expected to create additional businesses and job opportunities.

    The Business Resource Centres are being established as vibrant one-stop-shop business development and investment hub, and information repositories, which will provide a full range of business development services to potential and existing entrepreneurs and diverse business organisations.

    Source: 3news.com

  • Asante Kotoko to exhibit at 2018 Soccerex USA in Miami

    Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko will mount a stand at the 2018 Soccerex which starts on Thursday in Miami.

    The organizers announced confirmed via Twitter: ”Soccerex are happy to announce that @AsanteKotoko_SC will be exhibiting at #SoccerexUSA this week in Miami, November 15-16!.”

    Read: Kotoko gets new bus

    Kotoko wants to take advantage of the exhibition programme to market the club.

    The Porcupine Warriors want to woo the investors and partners as the new management headed by George Amoako is determined to improve the status of the club.

    In 2014, former Kotoko CEO Opoku Nti attended the Soccerex African Forum in South Africa.

    Read: Kotoko lack quality players to win Confederation Cup Owusu Bempah

    Soccerex is a soccer business convention to be held in the state-of-the-art Marlins Park, the home of the Miami Marlins Major League Baseball franchise.

    It will provide two days of unrivalled commercial, networking and learning opportunities for thousands of soccer business professionals.

    Source: Ghanasoccernet.com

  • Asante Kotoko to exhibit at 2018 Soccerex USA in Miami

    Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko will mount a stand at the 2018 Soccerex which starts on Thursday in Miami.

    The organizers announced confirmed via Twitter: ”Soccerex are happy to announce that @AsanteKotoko_SC will be exhibiting at #SoccerexUSA this week in Miami, November 15-16!.”

    Read: Kotoko gets new bus

    Kotoko wants to take advantage of the exhibition programme to market the club.

    The Porcupine Warriors want to woo the investors and partners as the new management headed by George Amoako is determined to improve the status of the club.

    In 2014, former Kotoko CEO Opoku Nti attended the Soccerex African Forum in South Africa.

    Read: Kotoko lack quality players to win Confederation Cup Owusu Bempah

    Soccerex is a soccer business convention to be held in the state-of-the-art Marlins Park, the home of the Miami Marlins Major League Baseball franchise.

    It will provide two days of unrivalled commercial, networking and learning opportunities for thousands of soccer business professionals.

    Source: Ghanasoccernet.com

  • We don’t condone illegality Free Zones

    The Ghana Free Zones Authority has said it does not condone illegality and, so, will support the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) in carrying out its mandate of policing goods entering and exiting all Free Zone areas.

    The Commissioner-General of the GRA had alleged at a press conference that COMET Ghana Limited, a free zones enterprise, had diverted goods from a free zones enclave meant for export to Paga in the Northern Region.

    Read: 2019 Budget: GUTA asks for reduction on duty rates

    However, the Executive Secretary to the Ghana Free Zones Authority, Mr Michael Okyere Baafi, has said in a statement that the Authority “does not condone any illegal acts”.

    The Authority said it has taken some measures and steps including contracting an independent consultancy to audit all licensed duty-free shops and manufacturing companies of household plastic products, found to have violated the Free Zone Act, 1995 (ACT504) and its supporting regulations.

    “The Authority wishes to state unequivocally that Free Zones Enterprises are generally compliant to the Free Zones regulations. The culpability of one Free Zone company in wrongdoing should not provide justification for condemning the entire Free Zone scheme. The implementation of the Free Zones policy has created a significant amount of direct and indirect employment and has contributed immensely to the economy of Ghana,” the statement said.

    Read: Tax exemptions to be further reduced Report

    The Authority has urged all its stakeholders to offer it the needed support to realise its mission.

    GFZA further assured all law-abiding Free Zones enterprises that the Ghana Free Zones Authority and its stakeholders will continue to create the conducive environment for their businesses to thrive.

    Source: classfmonline.com

  • We don’t condone illegality Free Zones

    The Ghana Free Zones Authority has said it does not condone illegality and, so, will support the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) in carrying out its mandate of policing goods entering and exiting all Free Zone areas.

    The Commissioner-General of the GRA had alleged at a press conference that COMET Ghana Limited, a free zones enterprise, had diverted goods from a free zones enclave meant for export to Paga in the Northern Region.

    Read: 2019 Budget: GUTA asks for reduction on duty rates

    However, the Executive Secretary to the Ghana Free Zones Authority, Mr Michael Okyere Baafi, has said in a statement that the Authority “does not condone any illegal acts”.

    The Authority said it has taken some measures and steps including contracting an independent consultancy to audit all licensed duty-free shops and manufacturing companies of household plastic products, found to have violated the Free Zone Act, 1995 (ACT504) and its supporting regulations.

    “The Authority wishes to state unequivocally that Free Zones Enterprises are generally compliant to the Free Zones regulations. The culpability of one Free Zone company in wrongdoing should not provide justification for condemning the entire Free Zone scheme. The implementation of the Free Zones policy has created a significant amount of direct and indirect employment and has contributed immensely to the economy of Ghana,” the statement said.

    Read: Tax exemptions to be further reduced Report

    The Authority has urged all its stakeholders to offer it the needed support to realise its mission.

    GFZA further assured all law-abiding Free Zones enterprises that the Ghana Free Zones Authority and its stakeholders will continue to create the conducive environment for their businesses to thrive.

    Source: classfmonline.com

  • GRA revokes licences of 11 more freight forwarders

    The Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority has stepped up efforts to sanitise the freight forwarding business by revoking the licences of 11 more companies and blocking three others from operating for allegedly engaging in trade malpractices.

    It has also forwarded the names of some of the companies to the Economic and Organised Crimes Office (EOCO) for further investigations and prosecutions.

    According to the Customs Division documents, copies of which were made available to the Daily Graphic, the alleged trade malpractices included rerouting of imports back into the country for home consumption, thereby denying the state the relevant duties.

    Read: GRA apprehends 4 persons for diverting duty free goods

    Affected firms

    The goods involved had a combined value of $4.4 million and the alleged malpractices were perpetrated in 2016 and 2017, according to the documents.

    The documents listed the affected companies as Africdream Limited, Blessed Yako Company, Danaya Transit Limited, SDF Import and Export, Hangola Ghana, SSTTLES Village, Baat Company and Soka Shipping.

    The rest are 2CS Shipping, FEHX Water, SDF Import and Export, Hendrick Shipping Company Limited, Springfield Shipping Co. Ltd and Christerl Shipping Company Limited.

    The documents further alleged that the malpractices by three of the companies Hendrick Shipping Company Limited, Springfield Shipping Co. Ltd and Christerl Shipping Company Limited were valued at $3.5 million.

    Beneficiary importers

    A source at the Customs Division of the GRA told the Daily Graphic that the division “will go after the importers to recover the duties”.

    “The first thing is to block the companies. When we do that, the directors will come forward and they will assist us to recoup the money,” the source said.

    On the companies whose licences were yet to be revoked, the source explained that Customs would take a decision after the EOCO had completed its investigations.

    The documents listed the alleged beneficiary importers as Asebi Boakye, Ama Konadu, Yvonne Opoku, Emmanuel Boakye Yeboah, Badu Agyemang, Joseph Marfo, Kwasi Kyei and Florence Ampofo as individual importers.

    It also listed Charles Agyekum Asbest, Silver Rising Ghana Limited, Jenfex Open Ventures Ghana Limited, Divine Impex Limited, Fampof Enterprise, HE Pan, Punjab Company Limited, Fexdon Company Limited and Jagne Kunda Limited as the institutional importers.

    New crackdown

    The action on the latest 14 freight forwarder companies brings to 20 the number of freight forwarding firms whose licences have either been revoked or blocked in less than a month.

    The actions are part of a new crackdown on trade malpractices aimed at ensuring that all institutions pay the relevant duties to the state.

    In October, the licences of six forwarders were revoked for allegedly engaging in similar malpractices that cost the state some $384,754.83.

    The affected companies Nasowah Enterprise, Abacus Digital Media Limited, Wayglow Enterprise, Fantega Company Limited, Too Smatt Enterprise and Dovis Clearing House Limited were accused of either under-invoicing, under-declaring and/or rerouting imports back to the country for home consumption.

    It is believed that the crackdown will help plug the loopholes around port clearance which lead to the loss of revenue and partly accounts for the inability of the Customs Division to meet its revenue targets.

    In 2016, the Customs Division collected GH¢10.3 billion, about 4.6 per cent lower than its target of GH¢10.8 billion.
    Last year, the division again missed its target by nine per cent, having realised GH¢12.7 billion, compared to the target of GH¢13.9 billion.

    Read: GRA imposes customs duty, taxes on duty-free shops effective December 1

    Genuine business

    The President of the Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders (GIIF), Mr Kwabena Ofosu-Appiah, told the paper in a separate interview that some of the affected companies were not freight forwarders but customs house agents that had been misconstrued as forwarder companies.

    “If this is the course of action that they want to take, then they must be thorough; they must not make it look like they are victimising people or being selective,” Mr Ofosu-Appiah said.

    He explained that contrary to the impression being created, the Customs Division of the GRA was not responsible for licensing freight forwarders and wondered how the division could revoke the licences of some freight forwarders.

    He, however, explained that customs houses agents, which were licensed by the division, sometimes ventured into the forwarding business.

    Source: Graphic.com.gh

  • GRA revokes licences of 11 more freight forwarders

    The Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority has stepped up efforts to sanitise the freight forwarding business by revoking the licences of 11 more companies and blocking three others from operating for allegedly engaging in trade malpractices.

    It has also forwarded the names of some of the companies to the Economic and Organised Crimes Office (EOCO) for further investigations and prosecutions.

    According to the Customs Division documents, copies of which were made available to the Daily Graphic, the alleged trade malpractices included rerouting of imports back into the country for home consumption, thereby denying the state the relevant duties.

    Read: GRA apprehends 4 persons for diverting duty free goods

    Affected firms

    The goods involved had a combined value of $4.4 million and the alleged malpractices were perpetrated in 2016 and 2017, according to the documents.

    The documents listed the affected companies as Africdream Limited, Blessed Yako Company, Danaya Transit Limited, SDF Import and Export, Hangola Ghana, SSTTLES Village, Baat Company and Soka Shipping.

    The rest are 2CS Shipping, FEHX Water, SDF Import and Export, Hendrick Shipping Company Limited, Springfield Shipping Co. Ltd and Christerl Shipping Company Limited.

    The documents further alleged that the malpractices by three of the companies Hendrick Shipping Company Limited, Springfield Shipping Co. Ltd and Christerl Shipping Company Limited were valued at $3.5 million.

    Beneficiary importers

    A source at the Customs Division of the GRA told the Daily Graphic that the division “will go after the importers to recover the duties”.

    “The first thing is to block the companies. When we do that, the directors will come forward and they will assist us to recoup the money,” the source said.

    On the companies whose licences were yet to be revoked, the source explained that Customs would take a decision after the EOCO had completed its investigations.

    The documents listed the alleged beneficiary importers as Asebi Boakye, Ama Konadu, Yvonne Opoku, Emmanuel Boakye Yeboah, Badu Agyemang, Joseph Marfo, Kwasi Kyei and Florence Ampofo as individual importers.

    It also listed Charles Agyekum Asbest, Silver Rising Ghana Limited, Jenfex Open Ventures Ghana Limited, Divine Impex Limited, Fampof Enterprise, HE Pan, Punjab Company Limited, Fexdon Company Limited and Jagne Kunda Limited as the institutional importers.

    New crackdown

    The action on the latest 14 freight forwarder companies brings to 20 the number of freight forwarding firms whose licences have either been revoked or blocked in less than a month.

    The actions are part of a new crackdown on trade malpractices aimed at ensuring that all institutions pay the relevant duties to the state.

    In October, the licences of six forwarders were revoked for allegedly engaging in similar malpractices that cost the state some $384,754.83.

    The affected companies Nasowah Enterprise, Abacus Digital Media Limited, Wayglow Enterprise, Fantega Company Limited, Too Smatt Enterprise and Dovis Clearing House Limited were accused of either under-invoicing, under-declaring and/or rerouting imports back to the country for home consumption.

    It is believed that the crackdown will help plug the loopholes around port clearance which lead to the loss of revenue and partly accounts for the inability of the Customs Division to meet its revenue targets.

    In 2016, the Customs Division collected GH¢10.3 billion, about 4.6 per cent lower than its target of GH¢10.8 billion.
    Last year, the division again missed its target by nine per cent, having realised GH¢12.7 billion, compared to the target of GH¢13.9 billion.

    Read: GRA imposes customs duty, taxes on duty-free shops effective December 1

    Genuine business

    The President of the Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders (GIIF), Mr Kwabena Ofosu-Appiah, told the paper in a separate interview that some of the affected companies were not freight forwarders but customs house agents that had been misconstrued as forwarder companies.

    “If this is the course of action that they want to take, then they must be thorough; they must not make it look like they are victimising people or being selective,” Mr Ofosu-Appiah said.

    He explained that contrary to the impression being created, the Customs Division of the GRA was not responsible for licensing freight forwarders and wondered how the division could revoke the licences of some freight forwarders.

    He, however, explained that customs houses agents, which were licensed by the division, sometimes ventured into the forwarding business.

    Source: Graphic.com.gh

  • IMANI’s 2019 budget expectations

    Think tank IMANI Africa has made key suggestions and recommendations for consideration by the government ahead of the presentation of the 2019 budget to parliament by Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta on Thursday, 15 November.

    Read: 2019 Budget: Deal with energy debt IMANI to government

    IMANI wants reforms in the economic, energy, governance, social and infrastructure sectors.

    Ahead of the presentation, Mr Ofori-Atta has said that the Akufo-Addo government has attained key milestones in the economy within its 22 months in office, despite the global economic downturn.

    Read: 1.5 million out of 30 million paying tax unacceptable; 2019 budget will fix problem Akufo-Addo

    Attached are some recommendations by IMANI.

    Source: classfmonline.com

  • IMANI’s 2019 budget expectations

    Think tank IMANI Africa has made key suggestions and recommendations for consideration by the government ahead of the presentation of the 2019 budget to parliament by Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta on Thursday, 15 November.

    Read: 2019 Budget: Deal with energy debt IMANI to government

    IMANI wants reforms in the economic, energy, governance, social and infrastructure sectors.

    Ahead of the presentation, Mr Ofori-Atta has said that the Akufo-Addo government has attained key milestones in the economy within its 22 months in office, despite the global economic downturn.

    Read: 1.5 million out of 30 million paying tax unacceptable; 2019 budget will fix problem Akufo-Addo

    Attached are some recommendations by IMANI.

    Source: classfmonline.com

  • Position yourself well before you come to me – Delay advises young women

    Television personality, Deloris Frimpong Manso has urged young women who want to be like her to position themselves well before coming to her.

    Given a motivational speech at the woman rising CEO SUMMIT, Delay said she receives lots of messages from young women who wants to be like her, this Delay said, there is the for young women to reposition themselves before coming close to her for advise.

    Read: “…love is when you hit me from behind” Delay tells rapper M.anifest

    “So if you are a young woman and you keep texting me Delay, I want to be like you, you need to reposition yourself before coming close to me, so you can become the brand you want to be in years to come”

    Delay added that, there is also the need for young women to take the necessary risks in achieving their goals.

    She furthered that, for young women to sustain their brands, it is imperative to know the brands you associate yourself with.

    Read: Delay closes down her Dworwulu shoe boutique over poor sales

    “Building and position your brand, it is very important to take into consideration which brands you are associating yourself with” she noted.

    She challenge young women to go outside their comfort zones to attain greatness.

    Source: svtvafrica.com

  • Position yourself well before you come to me – Delay advises young women

    Television personality, Deloris Frimpong Manso has urged young women who want to be like her to position themselves well before coming to her.

    Given a motivational speech at the woman rising CEO SUMMIT, Delay said she receives lots of messages from young women who wants to be like her, this Delay said, there is the for young women to reposition themselves before coming close to her for advise.

    Read: “…love is when you hit me from behind” Delay tells rapper M.anifest

    “So if you are a young woman and you keep texting me Delay, I want to be like you, you need to reposition yourself before coming close to me, so you can become the brand you want to be in years to come”

    Delay added that, there is also the need for young women to take the necessary risks in achieving their goals.

    She furthered that, for young women to sustain their brands, it is imperative to know the brands you associate yourself with.

    Read: Delay closes down her Dworwulu shoe boutique over poor sales

    “Building and position your brand, it is very important to take into consideration which brands you are associating yourself with” she noted.

    She challenge young women to go outside their comfort zones to attain greatness.

    Source: svtvafrica.com

  • Kotoko gets new bus

    Kumasi Asante Kotoko have gotten a new bus ahead of their home game in the CAF Confederations Cup campaign.

    The Kotoko team bus was damaged beyond repairs after a fatal accident at Nkawkaw last year when the team were returning from a league game in Accra against Inter Allies.

    Read: Former Ghana U-20 star Samuel Afful reveals desire to join Kotoko

    Kotoko have been using an improvised bus since then despite various pledges by members of the Porcupine fraternity to donate one to them.

    Footballmadeinghana.com understands than an unnamed ardent fan has handed an already branded bus to the club which they will use.

    Read: Beating Kotoko is one of our objectives Mark Noonan

    The Reds will host the winner of the Cameroonian FA Cup ending of this month in the first leg of the CAF Confederations Cup in Kumasi.

  • Kotoko gets new bus

    Kumasi Asante Kotoko have gotten a new bus ahead of their home game in the CAF Confederations Cup campaign.

    The Kotoko team bus was damaged beyond repairs after a fatal accident at Nkawkaw last year when the team were returning from a league game in Accra against Inter Allies.

    Read: Former Ghana U-20 star Samuel Afful reveals desire to join Kotoko

    Kotoko have been using an improvised bus since then despite various pledges by members of the Porcupine fraternity to donate one to them.

    Footballmadeinghana.com understands than an unnamed ardent fan has handed an already branded bus to the club which they will use.

    Read: Beating Kotoko is one of our objectives Mark Noonan

    The Reds will host the winner of the Cameroonian FA Cup ending of this month in the first leg of the CAF Confederations Cup in Kumasi.

  • How my dead dog connected me to my wife Captain Planet reveals

    Ghanaian hip pop artist Sylvanus Dodji Jeoffrey popularly known as captain planet says his dead dog connected him to his wife.

    Speaking in an interview on Hitz FM, Monday, he said, “the excitement of the dog, whenever I went to her house, was overwhelming, the dog followed me where ever I went, it was very protective of me” he disclosed.

    Read: Captain Planet reveals why 4×4 went solo

    According to him the behavior of the dog around him made it very comfortable for his wife to leave the dog with him whenever she left Ghana.

    Read: Stop asking me questions about Coded Captain Planet tells media

    “Gradually the dog became mine and everything continued from there. Whenever we fought it hide under the bed, when I get childish and resort to a different room it slept with me, it was always with me”, he added.

    Source: Adomonline

  • How my dead dog connected me to my wife Captain Planet reveals

    Ghanaian hip pop artist Sylvanus Dodji Jeoffrey popularly known as captain planet says his dead dog connected him to his wife.

    Speaking in an interview on Hitz FM, Monday, he said, “the excitement of the dog, whenever I went to her house, was overwhelming, the dog followed me where ever I went, it was very protective of me” he disclosed.

    Read: Captain Planet reveals why 4×4 went solo

    According to him the behavior of the dog around him made it very comfortable for his wife to leave the dog with him whenever she left Ghana.

    Read: Stop asking me questions about Coded Captain Planet tells media

    “Gradually the dog became mine and everything continued from there. Whenever we fought it hide under the bed, when I get childish and resort to a different room it slept with me, it was always with me”, he added.

    Source: Adomonline

  • WHO maps dangerous misuse of antibiotics

    The World Health Organization warned Monday that antibiotics consumption is dangerously high in some countries while a shortage in others is spurring risky misuse, driving the emergence of deadly superbug infections.

    In a first, the United Nations health agency said it had collated data on antibiotic use across large parts of the world and had found huge differences in consumption.

    The report, based on 2015 data from 65 countries and regions, showed a significant difference in consumption rates from as low as around four so-called defined daily doses (DDD) per 1,000 inhabitants per day in Burundi to more than 64 in Mongolia.

    “The large difference in antibiotic use worldwide indicates that some countries are probably overusing antibiotics while other countries may not have sufficient access to these life-saving medicines,” WHO warned in a statement.

    Discovered in the 1920s, antibiotics have saved tens of millions of lives by defeating bacterial diseases such as pneumonia, tuberculosis and meningitis.

    But over the decades, bacteria have learned to fight back, building resistance to the same drugs that once reliably vanquished them.

    The WHO has repeatedly warned the world is running out of effective antibiotics, and last year urged governments and big pharma to create a new generation of drugs to fight ultra-resistant supergerms.

    “Overuse and misuse of antibiotics are the leading causes of antimicrobial resistance,” Suzanne Hill, head of WHO’s essential medicines unit, said in a statement.

    “Without effective antibiotics and other antimicrobials, we will lose our ability to treat common infections like pneumonia,” she warned.

    – ‘Urgent action’ –

    Bacteria can become resistant when patients use antibiotics they do not need, or do not finish a course of treatment, giving the half-defeated bug a chance to recover and build immunity.

    Hill insisted that the findings “confirm the need to take urgent action, such as enforcing prescription-only policies, to reduce unnecessary use of antibiotics.”

    While overuse of antibiotics is worrying, WHO said low numbers were also of concern.

    “Resistance can occur when people cannot afford a full course of treatment or only have access to substandard or falsified medicines,” it said.

    WHO’s report showed large differences in antibiotic consumption even within regions.

    In Europe, which provided the most complete data for the report, the average antibiotic consumption was nearly 18 DDD per 1,000 inhabitants per day.

    But within the region, Turkey, which ranked the highest at over 38 DDD, showed nearly five times higher consumption than the lowest consumer-country Azerbaijan, which counted fewer than eight DDD.

    WHO acknowledged the picture of how antibiotics are used around the world remains far from complete.

    Monday’s overview, for instance, includes only four countries in Africa, three in the Middle East and six in the Asia-Pacific region.

    Notably missing from the chart are the United States, China and India.

    WHO stressed that many countries face major challenges in collecting reliable data, including lack of funds and trained staff.

    Since 2016, the UN agency has been supporting data collection in 57 low- and middle-income countries in a bid to set up a standardised system for monitoring antibiotic use.

    “Reliable data on antibiotic consumption is essential to help countries to raise awareness of appropriate antimicrobial use,” WHO said.

    Source: France24

  • WHO maps dangerous misuse of antibiotics

    The World Health Organization warned Monday that antibiotics consumption is dangerously high in some countries while a shortage in others is spurring risky misuse, driving the emergence of deadly superbug infections.

    In a first, the United Nations health agency said it had collated data on antibiotic use across large parts of the world and had found huge differences in consumption.

    The report, based on 2015 data from 65 countries and regions, showed a significant difference in consumption rates from as low as around four so-called defined daily doses (DDD) per 1,000 inhabitants per day in Burundi to more than 64 in Mongolia.

    “The large difference in antibiotic use worldwide indicates that some countries are probably overusing antibiotics while other countries may not have sufficient access to these life-saving medicines,” WHO warned in a statement.

    Discovered in the 1920s, antibiotics have saved tens of millions of lives by defeating bacterial diseases such as pneumonia, tuberculosis and meningitis.

    But over the decades, bacteria have learned to fight back, building resistance to the same drugs that once reliably vanquished them.

    The WHO has repeatedly warned the world is running out of effective antibiotics, and last year urged governments and big pharma to create a new generation of drugs to fight ultra-resistant supergerms.

    “Overuse and misuse of antibiotics are the leading causes of antimicrobial resistance,” Suzanne Hill, head of WHO’s essential medicines unit, said in a statement.

    “Without effective antibiotics and other antimicrobials, we will lose our ability to treat common infections like pneumonia,” she warned.

    – ‘Urgent action’ –

    Bacteria can become resistant when patients use antibiotics they do not need, or do not finish a course of treatment, giving the half-defeated bug a chance to recover and build immunity.

    Hill insisted that the findings “confirm the need to take urgent action, such as enforcing prescription-only policies, to reduce unnecessary use of antibiotics.”

    While overuse of antibiotics is worrying, WHO said low numbers were also of concern.

    “Resistance can occur when people cannot afford a full course of treatment or only have access to substandard or falsified medicines,” it said.

    WHO’s report showed large differences in antibiotic consumption even within regions.

    In Europe, which provided the most complete data for the report, the average antibiotic consumption was nearly 18 DDD per 1,000 inhabitants per day.

    But within the region, Turkey, which ranked the highest at over 38 DDD, showed nearly five times higher consumption than the lowest consumer-country Azerbaijan, which counted fewer than eight DDD.

    WHO acknowledged the picture of how antibiotics are used around the world remains far from complete.

    Monday’s overview, for instance, includes only four countries in Africa, three in the Middle East and six in the Asia-Pacific region.

    Notably missing from the chart are the United States, China and India.

    WHO stressed that many countries face major challenges in collecting reliable data, including lack of funds and trained staff.

    Since 2016, the UN agency has been supporting data collection in 57 low- and middle-income countries in a bid to set up a standardised system for monitoring antibiotic use.

    “Reliable data on antibiotic consumption is essential to help countries to raise awareness of appropriate antimicrobial use,” WHO said.

    Source: France24

  • Deploy Formed Police Unit to Somali – AMISOM

    The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) has appealed to the government of Ghana and the Ghana Police Administration to consider deploying a Formed Police Unit (FPU) contingent to Somalia to advance peace and security efforts in the country.

    The appeal was made by the acting Police Commissioner of the AMISOM, Mrs Christine Alalo, when she interacted with 13 journalists from Ghana and Nigeria on a field visit to Somalia at the invitation of AMISOM.

    Ghana presently has a continent of 37 Individual Police Officers (IPOs) serving with AMISOM but has no FPU contingent in Somalia.

    Read: Ethnic clashes in Somaliland leave over 50 dead

    Mrs Alalo said the AMISOM Police was currently made up of three Formed Police Units (FPU) deployed from Uganda, Nigeria and Sierra Leone.

    The FPUs, Mrs Alalo said, played a crucial role in ensuring improved security in the liberated areas of Somalia which were occupied by members of Al-Shabab and other insurgent groups.

    She said AMISOM, with 718 police personnel, needed 322 more to reach its 1,040 target, saying that such target could be reached with the deployment of two more FPUs from police contributing countries, including Ghana.

    “We need five FPUs but at the moment we have only three and we will be very grateful if Ghana will give us one FPU.

    “AMISOM has no police force. Our police personnel are members of their national police services and are seconded to work with AMISOM, she said.

    Read: Somalia executes man on blast anniversary

    The AMISOM Police component, she said had the mandate to train, mentor, monitor and advise the Somali Police Force (SPF) with the aim of transforming it into a credible and effective organisation adhering to strict international standards.

    It provides mentoring and advisory support to SPF on police duties such as human rights observation, crime prevention strategies, community policing, search procedures and investigations.

    Data available at AMISOM indicate that more than 4,000 Somali police officers have been trained by the mission in different categories of police work with support from AMISOM partners.

    Speaking to the Daily Graphic, the Head of the Ghanaian Police Continent in Somalia, Chief Superintendent of Police Paul Kisi Frimpong said Ghana had offered to provide an FPU to AMISOM following a request.

    Read: Somalia searches international market for a suitable central bank governor

    “The official process has been initiated following an official communication between AMISOM and Ghana, and we are working on getting an FPU deployed,” he said.

    Currently, he said Ghana had a standing FPU “and it will not be difficult to deploy.

    We are waiting for a team to go to Ghana and inspect our equipment and observe training of personnel before deployment.”

    Source: Graphic.com.gh

  • Deploy Formed Police Unit to Somali – AMISOM

    The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) has appealed to the government of Ghana and the Ghana Police Administration to consider deploying a Formed Police Unit (FPU) contingent to Somalia to advance peace and security efforts in the country.

    The appeal was made by the acting Police Commissioner of the AMISOM, Mrs Christine Alalo, when she interacted with 13 journalists from Ghana and Nigeria on a field visit to Somalia at the invitation of AMISOM.

    Ghana presently has a continent of 37 Individual Police Officers (IPOs) serving with AMISOM but has no FPU contingent in Somalia.

    Read: Ethnic clashes in Somaliland leave over 50 dead

    Mrs Alalo said the AMISOM Police was currently made up of three Formed Police Units (FPU) deployed from Uganda, Nigeria and Sierra Leone.

    The FPUs, Mrs Alalo said, played a crucial role in ensuring improved security in the liberated areas of Somalia which were occupied by members of Al-Shabab and other insurgent groups.

    She said AMISOM, with 718 police personnel, needed 322 more to reach its 1,040 target, saying that such target could be reached with the deployment of two more FPUs from police contributing countries, including Ghana.

    “We need five FPUs but at the moment we have only three and we will be very grateful if Ghana will give us one FPU.

    “AMISOM has no police force. Our police personnel are members of their national police services and are seconded to work with AMISOM, she said.

    Read: Somalia executes man on blast anniversary

    The AMISOM Police component, she said had the mandate to train, mentor, monitor and advise the Somali Police Force (SPF) with the aim of transforming it into a credible and effective organisation adhering to strict international standards.

    It provides mentoring and advisory support to SPF on police duties such as human rights observation, crime prevention strategies, community policing, search procedures and investigations.

    Data available at AMISOM indicate that more than 4,000 Somali police officers have been trained by the mission in different categories of police work with support from AMISOM partners.

    Speaking to the Daily Graphic, the Head of the Ghanaian Police Continent in Somalia, Chief Superintendent of Police Paul Kisi Frimpong said Ghana had offered to provide an FPU to AMISOM following a request.

    Read: Somalia searches international market for a suitable central bank governor

    “The official process has been initiated following an official communication between AMISOM and Ghana, and we are working on getting an FPU deployed,” he said.

    Currently, he said Ghana had a standing FPU “and it will not be difficult to deploy.

    We are waiting for a team to go to Ghana and inspect our equipment and observe training of personnel before deployment.”

    Source: Graphic.com.gh