Author: aejay_wp

Ghanaian midfielder Alhassan Wakaso will be suspended if he attracts a card in their next league game in the Portuguese Primeira Liga.

Wakaso received four accumulated yellow cards and will be suspended for a match if he receives another in Saturday’s game against Boavista.

He has been impressive for the side in the league and his hard tackles saw him receive cards in their games against Benfica, FC Porto, Tondela and Portimonense.

Wakaso has scored once in eight appearances since joining the side at the start of the season.

Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

Ghanaian midfielder Alhassan Wakaso will be suspended if he attracts a card in their next league game in the Portuguese Primeira Liga.

Wakaso received four accumulated yellow cards and will be suspended for a match if he receives another in Saturday’s game against Boavista.

He has been impressive for the side in the league and his hard tackles saw him receive cards in their games against Benfica, FC Porto, Tondela and Portimonense.

Wakaso has scored once in eight appearances since joining the side at the start of the season.

Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

Ex-staff of Capital and UT Banks are yet to receive the requisite psychological support months after the sudden collapse of the two banks rendered majority of them jobless.

Challenges with securing their severance package, family pressure, and difficulty in getting new jobs, have all conspired to create an unfavourable state of mind for the former bankers.

Many of the ex-workers are also struggling financially and are unable to pay medical bills, school fees of their immediate dependents and to also support their extended family members who relied on them for occasional support.

Read: Ex UT, Capital banks staff press for exit package payments

The workers, in a statement, said: “One issue we have not highlighted strongly is the need for psychologists for staff to help cope with the effects of the liquidation. Like all human beings, various individuals handle issues differently and many of our colleagues are struggling to deal with the effect of the shock associated with the liquidation of our respective banks. What made it more shocking was the fact that, withdrawal of banking license though prescribed by law, it was an unexpected phenomenon in the industry at the time.”

They added that: “After our banks were put into receivership, we suffered anxieties on daily basis with no form of counselling whatsoever. This is obviously symptomatic of the attention Ghana as a country and organizations in general pay to mental health issues.

See Also: MTN donates to Chief Imam towards Eid celebration
It has been 14 agonizing months and some staff are still traumatized by the takeover of our respective banks and the sudden change in our living circumstances. After several months we have not been able to shake that feeling of shock, despair, anxieties, low self-esteem amongst others.”

They further asked that government negotiates with psychologists, make the list available to their leadership so affected staff across the country can visit these psychologists for free

Read: UT Bank collapse affecting my other businesses Kofi Amoabeng

“We also call on the Ghana Psychology Council to be more proactive with advocacy efforts to promote the use of psychologists in corporate organizations. We will also encourage them to take up this discussion with government on the way forward.

Finally, we will also like to reiterate the need for our Exit Pay to be paid to help alleviate our financial distress. As we stated in our press release on the 17th of October 2018, over Exit Pay of GHS40M is only about 10% of the GHS400M recovered as per the Joint Receivers statement dated 9th October, 2018.”

Background

On the 14th of August, 2017, the licenses of UT and Capital Banks were withdrawn by the Bank of Ghana due to severe impairment of capital in line with section 123 of the Banks and Specialized Deposit-Taking Institutions Act, 2016 (Act 930).

See Also: Maintain high safety standards in mining – GMWU
Messrs Vish Ashiagbor and Eric Nana Nipah both Directors of PricewaterhouseCoopers (Ghana) Limited were appointed as Joint Receivers for the purpose of winding down the affairs of the two Banks.

Read: Otabil cannot be exonerated in Capital Bank collapse IDEG boss

As a result of the receivership, the Joint Receivers terminated the contracts of staff numbering about 1,200 and an Exit Pay for staff was agreed with Union of Commerce, Industry and Finance (UNICOF) who acted on behalf of staff.

Despite this agreement, the Exit Pay has not been paid, necessitating a submission of a petition to the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo- Addo on 20th of May, 2018.

Source: thebftonline.com

Ex-staff of Capital and UT Banks are yet to receive the requisite psychological support months after the sudden collapse of the two banks rendered majority of them jobless.

Challenges with securing their severance package, family pressure, and difficulty in getting new jobs, have all conspired to create an unfavourable state of mind for the former bankers.

Many of the ex-workers are also struggling financially and are unable to pay medical bills, school fees of their immediate dependents and to also support their extended family members who relied on them for occasional support.

Read: Ex UT, Capital banks staff press for exit package payments

The workers, in a statement, said: “One issue we have not highlighted strongly is the need for psychologists for staff to help cope with the effects of the liquidation. Like all human beings, various individuals handle issues differently and many of our colleagues are struggling to deal with the effect of the shock associated with the liquidation of our respective banks. What made it more shocking was the fact that, withdrawal of banking license though prescribed by law, it was an unexpected phenomenon in the industry at the time.”

They added that: “After our banks were put into receivership, we suffered anxieties on daily basis with no form of counselling whatsoever. This is obviously symptomatic of the attention Ghana as a country and organizations in general pay to mental health issues.

See Also: MTN donates to Chief Imam towards Eid celebration
It has been 14 agonizing months and some staff are still traumatized by the takeover of our respective banks and the sudden change in our living circumstances. After several months we have not been able to shake that feeling of shock, despair, anxieties, low self-esteem amongst others.”

They further asked that government negotiates with psychologists, make the list available to their leadership so affected staff across the country can visit these psychologists for free

Read: UT Bank collapse affecting my other businesses Kofi Amoabeng

“We also call on the Ghana Psychology Council to be more proactive with advocacy efforts to promote the use of psychologists in corporate organizations. We will also encourage them to take up this discussion with government on the way forward.

Finally, we will also like to reiterate the need for our Exit Pay to be paid to help alleviate our financial distress. As we stated in our press release on the 17th of October 2018, over Exit Pay of GHS40M is only about 10% of the GHS400M recovered as per the Joint Receivers statement dated 9th October, 2018.”

Background

On the 14th of August, 2017, the licenses of UT and Capital Banks were withdrawn by the Bank of Ghana due to severe impairment of capital in line with section 123 of the Banks and Specialized Deposit-Taking Institutions Act, 2016 (Act 930).

See Also: Maintain high safety standards in mining – GMWU
Messrs Vish Ashiagbor and Eric Nana Nipah both Directors of PricewaterhouseCoopers (Ghana) Limited were appointed as Joint Receivers for the purpose of winding down the affairs of the two Banks.

Read: Otabil cannot be exonerated in Capital Bank collapse IDEG boss

As a result of the receivership, the Joint Receivers terminated the contracts of staff numbering about 1,200 and an Exit Pay for staff was agreed with Union of Commerce, Industry and Finance (UNICOF) who acted on behalf of staff.

Despite this agreement, the Exit Pay has not been paid, necessitating a submission of a petition to the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo- Addo on 20th of May, 2018.

Source: thebftonline.com

Member of Parliament for Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai Constituency in the Western region, Kingsley Aboagye Gyedu has inaugurated five Community-based Health Planning and Service (CHPS) compounds in the Bibiani Municipality.

The MP, who is also Deputy Health Minister, indicated that the projects were financed through his share of the National Health Insurance Scheme funds allocated for members of parliament and also with the support from the $1million per each constituency initiative.

Read: Tano North MP inaugurates three mechanised boreholes

According to him, it is the vision of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government to provide health facilities closer to every individual to boost access to health care.

This he said, is to meet the Millennium Development Goals (MDG5) which focuses on universal health coverage which challenges countries to ensure that access to quality health care is universal and equitable for all, irrespective of location, economic status, age and gender.

Read: Minister inaugurates GHC43 million dam for Komokli Community

Mr. Gyedu said government is determined to provide a CHPS Compounds to at least one electoral area within the country to ensure the well-being of the people.

The beneficiary communities were Lineso, Chine, Ntakam, Akaasu and Sefwi Apenkrom, all suburbs of Bibiani.

He tasked the health workers posted to the various CHPS compounds to be respectful, committed, patience and desist from rude attitude to the people.

Read: Kejetia Redevelopment: KMA inaugurates 11 member committee to validate traders

Mr Gyedu also advised the constituents to renew their insurance cards to guarantee them access to health care.

On his part, the chief of Sefwi Ntakam, who doubles as Abakomahene of Sefwi Anhwiaso Traditional area, Nana Kwadwo Somiah ll, who spoke on behalf of the beneficiary communities, commended the government and the MP for their tremendous performance within their short period in power.

Mr Gyedu also advised the constituents to renew their insurance cards to guarantee them access to health care.

He pledged to ensure regular maintenance of the facilities to preserve it for future use

Source: Myjoyonline.com

Member of Parliament for Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai Constituency in the Western region, Kingsley Aboagye Gyedu has inaugurated five Community-based Health Planning and Service (CHPS) compounds in the Bibiani Municipality.

The MP, who is also Deputy Health Minister, indicated that the projects were financed through his share of the National Health Insurance Scheme funds allocated for members of parliament and also with the support from the $1million per each constituency initiative.

Read: Tano North MP inaugurates three mechanised boreholes

According to him, it is the vision of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government to provide health facilities closer to every individual to boost access to health care.

This he said, is to meet the Millennium Development Goals (MDG5) which focuses on universal health coverage which challenges countries to ensure that access to quality health care is universal and equitable for all, irrespective of location, economic status, age and gender.

Read: Minister inaugurates GHC43 million dam for Komokli Community

Mr. Gyedu said government is determined to provide a CHPS Compounds to at least one electoral area within the country to ensure the well-being of the people.

The beneficiary communities were Lineso, Chine, Ntakam, Akaasu and Sefwi Apenkrom, all suburbs of Bibiani.

He tasked the health workers posted to the various CHPS compounds to be respectful, committed, patience and desist from rude attitude to the people.

Read: Kejetia Redevelopment: KMA inaugurates 11 member committee to validate traders

Mr Gyedu also advised the constituents to renew their insurance cards to guarantee them access to health care.

On his part, the chief of Sefwi Ntakam, who doubles as Abakomahene of Sefwi Anhwiaso Traditional area, Nana Kwadwo Somiah ll, who spoke on behalf of the beneficiary communities, commended the government and the MP for their tremendous performance within their short period in power.

Mr Gyedu also advised the constituents to renew their insurance cards to guarantee them access to health care.

He pledged to ensure regular maintenance of the facilities to preserve it for future use

Source: Myjoyonline.com

The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has blamed government for delaying the inauguration of a new council for the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).

Read: Government, UTAG clash over reps for KNUST Council

According to UTAG, it has gathered that government was not happy with the fact that all the unions who have representation on the university council have decided to maintain their representatives with the explanation that they were elected to serve a fixed term and cannot be changed until their various terms in office were over.

Read: KNUST UTAG condemns Governing Council dissolution; cautions government

The KNUST Council is made up of 15 members of four government representatives, the Vice Chancellor and 10 institutional representation.

This is the membership of the old council:

The four (4) government representatives are

– Prof Emeritus Kwame Sarpong, Chairman Govt rep
– Dr O.K. Kankam Govt rep
– Dr C.K. Boadu Govt rep
– Mrs Abena Antwi Govt rep
– Others (11)

– Vice Chancellor – Prof Kwasi Obiri Danso – Vice Chancellor
– Convocation (Professorial) – Prof J Ayarkwa
– Convocation (Non professorial) – Dr I. Dadzie
– NCTE (National Council for Tertiary Education) -Dr E. Baffoe Bonnie
– UTAG (University Teachers Association of Ghana) – Prof E.K. Fokuo
– Alumni – Ms Eunice Akosua Amoako
– CHASS – Conference of Heads of Assisted Senior High Schools – Alhaji Y.A.B. Abbubakar
– TEWU – Tertiary and Education Workers Union – Mr Charles Arthur
– GRASSAG – Graduate Students Association of Ghana – Mr A. Poku-Adu
– SRC – Students Representative Council – Kevin Sah
– Registrar [Secretary to the Council] – A.K. Boateng

The new council was expected to be inaugurated Friday morning but as of late afternoon, there was no show.

Source: Graphic.com.gh

The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has blamed government for delaying the inauguration of a new council for the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).

Read: Government, UTAG clash over reps for KNUST Council

According to UTAG, it has gathered that government was not happy with the fact that all the unions who have representation on the university council have decided to maintain their representatives with the explanation that they were elected to serve a fixed term and cannot be changed until their various terms in office were over.

Read: KNUST UTAG condemns Governing Council dissolution; cautions government

The KNUST Council is made up of 15 members of four government representatives, the Vice Chancellor and 10 institutional representation.

This is the membership of the old council:

The four (4) government representatives are

– Prof Emeritus Kwame Sarpong, Chairman Govt rep
– Dr O.K. Kankam Govt rep
– Dr C.K. Boadu Govt rep
– Mrs Abena Antwi Govt rep
– Others (11)

– Vice Chancellor – Prof Kwasi Obiri Danso – Vice Chancellor
– Convocation (Professorial) – Prof J Ayarkwa
– Convocation (Non professorial) – Dr I. Dadzie
– NCTE (National Council for Tertiary Education) -Dr E. Baffoe Bonnie
– UTAG (University Teachers Association of Ghana) – Prof E.K. Fokuo
– Alumni – Ms Eunice Akosua Amoako
– CHASS – Conference of Heads of Assisted Senior High Schools – Alhaji Y.A.B. Abbubakar
– TEWU – Tertiary and Education Workers Union – Mr Charles Arthur
– GRASSAG – Graduate Students Association of Ghana – Mr A. Poku-Adu
– SRC – Students Representative Council – Kevin Sah
– Registrar [Secretary to the Council] – A.K. Boateng

The new council was expected to be inaugurated Friday morning but as of late afternoon, there was no show.

Source: Graphic.com.gh

The leadership of the Teacher Trainee Association of Ghana (TTAG) has petitioned President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo over a decision by the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service (GES) to post them for national service.

The petition, dated 1 November 2018 and signed by Anthony Dadzie and Nketia Ibrahim, President and Secretary, respectively for TTAG, said:

“The leadership of the Association would like to inform your high office that over sixteen thousand newly-trained teachers have not been employed by the Ghana Education Service (GES).”

Read: NSS arrests 5 middlemen cashing in on re-postings

“The National Service Scheme is directing the unemployed trained teachers to register for a one-year National Service instead of the direct employment by GES. The directive stands to contradict agreements, conventions and practices among the TTAG leadership, Ministry of Education, Ghana Education Service, teacher unions, and the National Teaching Council (NTC).”

“On Tuesday, 30 October 2018, the Ministry of Education invited relevant stakeholders to a meeting to discuss the way forward to this impasse between TTAG and the relevant stakeholders.”

“It is rather unfortunate the Ministry of Education has issued a press statement claiming TTAG has agreed for newly-trained teachers to be posted by the National Service Scheme instead of the Ghana Education Service.”

Read: Scam rocks NSS after registration of teachers on study leave

It added: “We see this as an imposition, breach of the agreement, and deviation from the status quo as well as a ploy to deny over sixteen thousand newly-trained teachers employment.

“Newly-trained teachers are not happy with the directive and humbly call on you to intervene by calling on the Ghana Education Service to post newly-trained teachers to fill the vacant Ghanaian classrooms.”

“We would be glad if you could give us the opportunity to meet with you to narrate our side of the story.”

Source: classfmonline.com

The leadership of the Teacher Trainee Association of Ghana (TTAG) has petitioned President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo over a decision by the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service (GES) to post them for national service.

The petition, dated 1 November 2018 and signed by Anthony Dadzie and Nketia Ibrahim, President and Secretary, respectively for TTAG, said:

“The leadership of the Association would like to inform your high office that over sixteen thousand newly-trained teachers have not been employed by the Ghana Education Service (GES).”

Read: NSS arrests 5 middlemen cashing in on re-postings

“The National Service Scheme is directing the unemployed trained teachers to register for a one-year National Service instead of the direct employment by GES. The directive stands to contradict agreements, conventions and practices among the TTAG leadership, Ministry of Education, Ghana Education Service, teacher unions, and the National Teaching Council (NTC).”

“On Tuesday, 30 October 2018, the Ministry of Education invited relevant stakeholders to a meeting to discuss the way forward to this impasse between TTAG and the relevant stakeholders.”

“It is rather unfortunate the Ministry of Education has issued a press statement claiming TTAG has agreed for newly-trained teachers to be posted by the National Service Scheme instead of the Ghana Education Service.”

Read: Scam rocks NSS after registration of teachers on study leave

It added: “We see this as an imposition, breach of the agreement, and deviation from the status quo as well as a ploy to deny over sixteen thousand newly-trained teachers employment.

“Newly-trained teachers are not happy with the directive and humbly call on you to intervene by calling on the Ghana Education Service to post newly-trained teachers to fill the vacant Ghanaian classrooms.”

“We would be glad if you could give us the opportunity to meet with you to narrate our side of the story.”

Source: classfmonline.com

The CEO of Menzgold Ghana Limited, Nana Appiah Mensah, says although the gold dealership firm is not financial institution, the company “is here is stay”.

The business mogul said Menzgold has always been law-abiding and assured customers that the company will soon be back on its feet.

Read: Menzgold will not fold up, it is here to stay Nana Appiah Mensah assures

In recent weeks, Menzgold, which offers very high returns to customers, has come under the spotlight following several inconclusive tussles with the Bank of Ghana (BoG), the Minerals Commission and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

The Central Bank and Minerals Commission maintain that the company has been taking deposits and locally selling gold despite not having the requisite licence to do.

However, the seriousness of the issue was confirmed in September when SEC directed Menzgold to shut down its gold trading activities.

Currently, the operations of company remain closed to the public, with several customers agitating for a refund of their investments.

But speaking for the first time in a long while, Menzgold CEO Nana Appiah Mensah said the company will soon overcome the tumult.

Read: Nothing prevents Menzgold from paying customers Adu Boahen

In a Twitter post, he said the gold dealership firm is a vibrant promising African brand that is here to stay.

“Menzgold is NOT a financial institution. Menzgold is a vibrant promising African brand, that is here to stay. Menzgold is law abiding. Great is thy faithfulness, O! God. Hail!” NAM1 wrote.

This comes after the Deputy Minister of Finance, Charles Adu Boahen, reportedly hinted that Menzgold will soon be out of business for good.

Speaking at a business forum in Accra, Mr. Adu Boahen is quoted as saying: “With the Menzgold issue, I think it is clear that the end is here. He is done.”

Source: pulse.com.gh

The CEO of Menzgold Ghana Limited, Nana Appiah Mensah, says although the gold dealership firm is not financial institution, the company “is here is stay”.

The business mogul said Menzgold has always been law-abiding and assured customers that the company will soon be back on its feet.

Read: Menzgold will not fold up, it is here to stay Nana Appiah Mensah assures

In recent weeks, Menzgold, which offers very high returns to customers, has come under the spotlight following several inconclusive tussles with the Bank of Ghana (BoG), the Minerals Commission and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

The Central Bank and Minerals Commission maintain that the company has been taking deposits and locally selling gold despite not having the requisite licence to do.

However, the seriousness of the issue was confirmed in September when SEC directed Menzgold to shut down its gold trading activities.

Currently, the operations of company remain closed to the public, with several customers agitating for a refund of their investments.

But speaking for the first time in a long while, Menzgold CEO Nana Appiah Mensah said the company will soon overcome the tumult.

Read: Nothing prevents Menzgold from paying customers Adu Boahen

In a Twitter post, he said the gold dealership firm is a vibrant promising African brand that is here to stay.

“Menzgold is NOT a financial institution. Menzgold is a vibrant promising African brand, that is here to stay. Menzgold is law abiding. Great is thy faithfulness, O! God. Hail!” NAM1 wrote.

This comes after the Deputy Minister of Finance, Charles Adu Boahen, reportedly hinted that Menzgold will soon be out of business for good.

Speaking at a business forum in Accra, Mr. Adu Boahen is quoted as saying: “With the Menzgold issue, I think it is clear that the end is here. He is done.”

Source: pulse.com.gh

A man alleged to have defrauded 27 companies up to the tune of GHC675,000 is in the grips of the East Legon District Police in Accra.

Identified as Rockson Aduboahene, the suspect allegedly faked the signature of the Chief Executive Officer of Ghana First Company, an NGO in Accra and also paraded himself as an agent of the company to swindle unsuspecting people.

Ghana First Company limited is a non-governmental organization engaged in the provision of modern sanitation facilities across 254 districts across the country.

Read: 63 suspected thugs arrested in police swoop

The suspect took advantage of a nationwide sanitation and hygiene project by the company to defraud several contractors, especially in the Brong Ahafo and Eastern regions.

Mr. Aduboahene is said to have been going about awarding contracts to the unsuspecting contractors in the name of the company.

Read: Man killed in cold blood at Adaklu

The attention of the company was drawn to the activities of the imposter when contractors began demanding payment for work done, supposedly executed in various communities.

Several complaints were lodged with the East Legon police following which he was arrested at his hideout on Saturday, October 27.

Source: 3News.com

A man alleged to have defrauded 27 companies up to the tune of GHC675,000 is in the grips of the East Legon District Police in Accra.

Identified as Rockson Aduboahene, the suspect allegedly faked the signature of the Chief Executive Officer of Ghana First Company, an NGO in Accra and also paraded himself as an agent of the company to swindle unsuspecting people.

Ghana First Company limited is a non-governmental organization engaged in the provision of modern sanitation facilities across 254 districts across the country.

Read: 63 suspected thugs arrested in police swoop

The suspect took advantage of a nationwide sanitation and hygiene project by the company to defraud several contractors, especially in the Brong Ahafo and Eastern regions.

Mr. Aduboahene is said to have been going about awarding contracts to the unsuspecting contractors in the name of the company.

Read: Man killed in cold blood at Adaklu

The attention of the company was drawn to the activities of the imposter when contractors began demanding payment for work done, supposedly executed in various communities.

Several complaints were lodged with the East Legon police following which he was arrested at his hideout on Saturday, October 27.

Source: 3News.com

The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has banned the storage of some selected items imported and kept in Warehouses as it begins the implementation of a new warehousing regime.

The items include canned tomatoes, alcohol, lead acid batteries, cooking oil, canned drinks, canned fish, cement, Lime, paints and chalk.

This means that importers of the banned products can no longer keep these goods in customs bounded warehouses.

Read: Local manufacturing firms agree to tax stamp policy after weeks of stiff opposition

Implementation of the new warehousing regime began November 1, 2018.

The old warehousing policy gives importers who do not have funds readily available to clear their goods from the ports, the opportunity to raise funds while their products are kept in government warehouses.

However, the new regime will mean importers of the said products would have to pay duties and taxes on their goods upfront.

Commissioner General of the GRA, Emmanuel Kofi Nti, told Citi Business News that the latest decision is as a result of abuse of the system and the delays in the payment of taxes.

Read: Tax coalition urges scrapping of tax incentives for foreign companies

He said “to forestall some of the challenges we have in that area, and to allow for level playing field for importers, going forward we are not going to allow some products to be warehoused. There have been lot of abuse in that area.”

He said the move is to ensure proper accountability and discipline in that area.

“The products listed are those we have problems with and going forward we want to minimize the challenge we face from that area. Importers of the above mentioned products would now have to pay upfront the duties on their goods.”

“The customs bounded warehouses belong to private individuals but they are used by government as part of implementation of the policy,” he said.

Source: Citibusinessnews.com

The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has banned the storage of some selected items imported and kept in Warehouses as it begins the implementation of a new warehousing regime.

The items include canned tomatoes, alcohol, lead acid batteries, cooking oil, canned drinks, canned fish, cement, Lime, paints and chalk.

This means that importers of the banned products can no longer keep these goods in customs bounded warehouses.

Read: Local manufacturing firms agree to tax stamp policy after weeks of stiff opposition

Implementation of the new warehousing regime began November 1, 2018.

The old warehousing policy gives importers who do not have funds readily available to clear their goods from the ports, the opportunity to raise funds while their products are kept in government warehouses.

However, the new regime will mean importers of the said products would have to pay duties and taxes on their goods upfront.

Commissioner General of the GRA, Emmanuel Kofi Nti, told Citi Business News that the latest decision is as a result of abuse of the system and the delays in the payment of taxes.

Read: Tax coalition urges scrapping of tax incentives for foreign companies

He said “to forestall some of the challenges we have in that area, and to allow for level playing field for importers, going forward we are not going to allow some products to be warehoused. There have been lot of abuse in that area.”

He said the move is to ensure proper accountability and discipline in that area.

“The products listed are those we have problems with and going forward we want to minimize the challenge we face from that area. Importers of the above mentioned products would now have to pay upfront the duties on their goods.”

“The customs bounded warehouses belong to private individuals but they are used by government as part of implementation of the policy,” he said.

Source: Citibusinessnews.com

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Professor Ebenezer Oduro Owusu, has cautioned lecturers of the university to show respect to students after violent protests at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).

Speaking at the official launch of 4th College of Humanities International Research Conference, the Vice chancellor said both the Otumfuo and all persons who toured the KNUST campus Wednesday were left in shock.

Read: “Check what students are saying”; security analyst tells UG, others

“Going to KNUST yesterday was a great lesson for me…to be honest we were shocked at the extent of damage. So we picked great lessons and one of them being the fact that those of us in management and those of us teaching the students should try and look for innovative ways of engaging these students.

“If you are a lecturer and you are teaching these students in the classroom, or in the laboratory, courtesy demands that you must show enormous respect to the students…we do not want what happened at KNUST to happen here at the University of Ghana…I will not sit for things to escalate.”

Prof. Owusu, however, charged students to use the appropriate means to address their grievances and not resort to violence.

Read: University administrators condemn vandalism on KNUST campus

“For you the students, the advice is that you use all possible means, all the internal mechanisms to address your grievances, you have no business going violent and destroying properties. Immediately we get the hint, I get the intelligence report that you are going, the university will be closed before you start your demonstration,” Prof. Owusu said.

The comments by the VC of the University of Legon comes days after students at the KNUST went on rampage and destroyed properties in excess of GHC1.6 million.

The students were protesting what they described as brutalities meted out to them by campus security and a lack of respect by the universities authorities.

Source: starrfmonline.com

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Professor Ebenezer Oduro Owusu, has cautioned lecturers of the university to show respect to students after violent protests at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).

Speaking at the official launch of 4th College of Humanities International Research Conference, the Vice chancellor said both the Otumfuo and all persons who toured the KNUST campus Wednesday were left in shock.

Read: “Check what students are saying”; security analyst tells UG, others

“Going to KNUST yesterday was a great lesson for me…to be honest we were shocked at the extent of damage. So we picked great lessons and one of them being the fact that those of us in management and those of us teaching the students should try and look for innovative ways of engaging these students.

“If you are a lecturer and you are teaching these students in the classroom, or in the laboratory, courtesy demands that you must show enormous respect to the students…we do not want what happened at KNUST to happen here at the University of Ghana…I will not sit for things to escalate.”

Prof. Owusu, however, charged students to use the appropriate means to address their grievances and not resort to violence.

Read: University administrators condemn vandalism on KNUST campus

“For you the students, the advice is that you use all possible means, all the internal mechanisms to address your grievances, you have no business going violent and destroying properties. Immediately we get the hint, I get the intelligence report that you are going, the university will be closed before you start your demonstration,” Prof. Owusu said.

The comments by the VC of the University of Legon comes days after students at the KNUST went on rampage and destroyed properties in excess of GHC1.6 million.

The students were protesting what they described as brutalities meted out to them by campus security and a lack of respect by the universities authorities.

Source: starrfmonline.com

The National Media Commission (NMC), has warned radio and television preachers against the use of indecent languages which often characterizes their sermon.

According to the NMC, in a 12 rule document to guide all religious broadcasts on television, radio and social media, preachers must refine their messages, devoid of languages which is alien for broadcast purposes.

Read: Pastors make money by selling “hope” to church members KSM

The NMC again prohibits religious groups from broadcasting materials that cause fear and panic among the citizenry.

The 12 rule document released by the NMC, comes at a time when the media space in the country has been taken over by religious bodies and so called “men of God” who are exploiting the vulnerable through “fake prophesies.”

The document is expected to “strengthen the peaceful co-existence of all religious faiths.”

Read: Pastors using TV and radio to destroy Ghana Kennedy Agyapong

According to the document, “Religious broadcasts that contain manifestations within the healing, deliverance and prophetic ministry should be done with discretion, circumspection and respect for human dignity. This should be especially so in the case of children.”

The document added that “Religious broadcasts should not be used for promotion of extremism, religious violence and recruitment of people into religious militancy.”

Source: Starrfmonline.com

The National Media Commission (NMC), has warned radio and television preachers against the use of indecent languages which often characterizes their sermon.

According to the NMC, in a 12 rule document to guide all religious broadcasts on television, radio and social media, preachers must refine their messages, devoid of languages which is alien for broadcast purposes.

Read: Pastors make money by selling “hope” to church members KSM

The NMC again prohibits religious groups from broadcasting materials that cause fear and panic among the citizenry.

The 12 rule document released by the NMC, comes at a time when the media space in the country has been taken over by religious bodies and so called “men of God” who are exploiting the vulnerable through “fake prophesies.”

The document is expected to “strengthen the peaceful co-existence of all religious faiths.”

Read: Pastors using TV and radio to destroy Ghana Kennedy Agyapong

According to the document, “Religious broadcasts that contain manifestations within the healing, deliverance and prophetic ministry should be done with discretion, circumspection and respect for human dignity. This should be especially so in the case of children.”

The document added that “Religious broadcasts should not be used for promotion of extremism, religious violence and recruitment of people into religious militancy.”

Source: Starrfmonline.com

Santiago Solari began his interim spell in charge of Real Madrid with a comfortable 4-0 Copa del Rey last-32, first-leg victory over UD Melilla.

Former winger Solari was appointed to replaced Julen Lopetegui, who was sacked on Monday after only 14 games.

Karim Benzema, Marco Asensio, Alvaro Odriozola and Cristo Gonzalez were on the scoresheet for the La Liga side.

Melilla is a tiny Spanish enclave of about 4.7 square miles on the north coast of Morocco.

Read: Italy World Cup winner given two-year sentence in mafia trial

It has a population of 86,000, with the game taking place at a packed Alvarez Claro Stadium which has a capacity of 10,000.

The second leg will be 460 miles away at Real’s Santiago Bernabeu on 5 December.

Former Argentina international Solari “provisionally” stepped up from Real’s Castilla B team, although Spanish regulations state an interim coach can be at the helm for a fortnight – but must be appointed officially after 15 days, or not at all.

Read: Benin players & ex-FA boss imprisoned for age cheating

During that period, the 52-year-old has games against Valladolid – sixth in La Liga – on Saturday, Group G’s bottom side Viktoria Plzen in the Champions League on 7 November, and mid-table Celta Vigo the following Sunday.

Real have earned 14 out of a possible 30 league points this season and have taken only one from their past five matches – their worst run since they were pointless in the final five games of 2008-09 under Juande Ramos.

Source: Wires

Santiago Solari began his interim spell in charge of Real Madrid with a comfortable 4-0 Copa del Rey last-32, first-leg victory over UD Melilla.

Former winger Solari was appointed to replaced Julen Lopetegui, who was sacked on Monday after only 14 games.

Karim Benzema, Marco Asensio, Alvaro Odriozola and Cristo Gonzalez were on the scoresheet for the La Liga side.

Melilla is a tiny Spanish enclave of about 4.7 square miles on the north coast of Morocco.

Read: Italy World Cup winner given two-year sentence in mafia trial

It has a population of 86,000, with the game taking place at a packed Alvarez Claro Stadium which has a capacity of 10,000.

The second leg will be 460 miles away at Real’s Santiago Bernabeu on 5 December.

Former Argentina international Solari “provisionally” stepped up from Real’s Castilla B team, although Spanish regulations state an interim coach can be at the helm for a fortnight – but must be appointed officially after 15 days, or not at all.

Read: Benin players & ex-FA boss imprisoned for age cheating

During that period, the 52-year-old has games against Valladolid – sixth in La Liga – on Saturday, Group G’s bottom side Viktoria Plzen in the Champions League on 7 November, and mid-table Celta Vigo the following Sunday.

Real have earned 14 out of a possible 30 league points this season and have taken only one from their past five matches – their worst run since they were pointless in the final five games of 2008-09 under Juande Ramos.

Source: Wires

Former Juventus and Italy footballer Vincenzo Iaquinta has been sentenced to two years for firearms offences as part of a large mafia trial.

The 38-year-old, who was part of Italy’s winning World Cup team in 2006, was one of 148 people standing trial for alleged links to the ‘Ndrangheta, a major southern Italian mafia network.

The judge dismissed those charges against him, but his father was found guilty and jailed for 19 years.

Read: Deportivo Alaves sweat over Wakaso injury ahead Girona Copa Del Rey clash

More than 120 others were found guilty.

The court ruled that Iaquinta illegally passed two guns to his father – who at the time was under a court order banning him from keeping firearms.

“Ridiculous, shame,” Iaquinta and his father shouted as their sentences were announced.

Under Italian law, defendants are allowed to appeal twice before a sentence is confirmed and even if that were to happen, it is unlikely that Iaquinta would have to serve jail time, Reuters reports.

The trial was the largest of its kind to take place in northern Italy.

Read: Benin players & ex-FA boss imprisoned for age cheating

The ‘Ndrangheta has around 6,000 members, according to FBI estimates, and is active in Calabria – one of Italy’s poorest regions.

The mafia is believed to control up to 80% of Europe’s cocaine trade.

Source: BBC

Former Juventus and Italy footballer Vincenzo Iaquinta has been sentenced to two years for firearms offences as part of a large mafia trial.

The 38-year-old, who was part of Italy’s winning World Cup team in 2006, was one of 148 people standing trial for alleged links to the ‘Ndrangheta, a major southern Italian mafia network.

The judge dismissed those charges against him, but his father was found guilty and jailed for 19 years.

Read: Deportivo Alaves sweat over Wakaso injury ahead Girona Copa Del Rey clash

More than 120 others were found guilty.

The court ruled that Iaquinta illegally passed two guns to his father – who at the time was under a court order banning him from keeping firearms.

“Ridiculous, shame,” Iaquinta and his father shouted as their sentences were announced.

Under Italian law, defendants are allowed to appeal twice before a sentence is confirmed and even if that were to happen, it is unlikely that Iaquinta would have to serve jail time, Reuters reports.

The trial was the largest of its kind to take place in northern Italy.

Read: Benin players & ex-FA boss imprisoned for age cheating

The ‘Ndrangheta has around 6,000 members, according to FBI estimates, and is active in Calabria – one of Italy’s poorest regions.

The mafia is believed to control up to 80% of Europe’s cocaine trade.

Source: BBC

Former Commander of the Formed Police Unit of the Ghana Police Service, Naa Hamza Yakubu has blamed undue political interference as the greatest threat to the effectiveness of the Service.

According to him, the manner in which political actors use their influence to push unqualified people into the police service has contributed to police misconduct.

Read: Recruitment: Police begin notifying applicants of medical results

This follows reports of massive public mistrust in the service leading to advocacy for an independent body to probe police misconduct.

Speaking to Benjamin Akakpo on Total Recall on Class91.3FM on Wednesday, 31 October 2018, Mr Yakubu said undue political interference is largely to be blamed.

Read: Police to make first degree minimum qualification for recruitment

He said: “If anything has changed in the police service over the past two decades, it is the undue interference by outside authorities, that is to say the powers that be. They are to take the blame for anything that has changed in the direction of indiscipline because of the manner in which they try to push people into the police service and, so, that is the major thing that has changed over some previous years now”.

Source: classfmonline.com

Former Commander of the Formed Police Unit of the Ghana Police Service, Naa Hamza Yakubu has blamed undue political interference as the greatest threat to the effectiveness of the Service.

According to him, the manner in which political actors use their influence to push unqualified people into the police service has contributed to police misconduct.

Read: Recruitment: Police begin notifying applicants of medical results

This follows reports of massive public mistrust in the service leading to advocacy for an independent body to probe police misconduct.

Speaking to Benjamin Akakpo on Total Recall on Class91.3FM on Wednesday, 31 October 2018, Mr Yakubu said undue political interference is largely to be blamed.

Read: Police to make first degree minimum qualification for recruitment

He said: “If anything has changed in the police service over the past two decades, it is the undue interference by outside authorities, that is to say the powers that be. They are to take the blame for anything that has changed in the direction of indiscipline because of the manner in which they try to push people into the police service and, so, that is the major thing that has changed over some previous years now”.

Source: classfmonline.com

Olluboi Commodore, General Manager of Accra Great Olympics, has said, Mr Kwesi Nyantakyi, former president Ghana Football Association (GFA), deserves the life ban imposed on him by the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA).

In an interview with the GNA Sports, Mr Commodore said, “I was not surprised about the verdict from FIFA, because the Anas expose video showed vividly the unworthy things that he made, so he deserves the life ban”.

He said Ghanaians needs to stop corruption, violence in football and also change the attitude towards the game in order to get Ghana football back to its glory days.

Read: Nyantakyi ban: Akufo-Addo must subject himself to credible investigations NDC

Mr Oluboi urged the Normalisation Committee and all stakeholders to take useful lessons from the calamity that had befallen the former GFA president.

He said stakeholders in football should behave well and operate within the laws of Ghana football and the nation as well.

FIFA on Tuesday, banned Kwesi Nyantakye from all football-related activities at both national and international level with additional fine of CHF 500,000, after he was found guilty of having violated art. 19(conflict of interest), art.21 (bribery and corruption ) and art.22 (commission) of the FIFA code of ethics, follow the Anas video expose on July 2018.

source: ghananewsagency.org

Olluboi Commodore, General Manager of Accra Great Olympics, has said, Mr Kwesi Nyantakyi, former president Ghana Football Association (GFA), deserves the life ban imposed on him by the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA).

In an interview with the GNA Sports, Mr Commodore said, “I was not surprised about the verdict from FIFA, because the Anas expose video showed vividly the unworthy things that he made, so he deserves the life ban”.

He said Ghanaians needs to stop corruption, violence in football and also change the attitude towards the game in order to get Ghana football back to its glory days.

Read: Nyantakyi ban: Akufo-Addo must subject himself to credible investigations NDC

Mr Oluboi urged the Normalisation Committee and all stakeholders to take useful lessons from the calamity that had befallen the former GFA president.

He said stakeholders in football should behave well and operate within the laws of Ghana football and the nation as well.

FIFA on Tuesday, banned Kwesi Nyantakye from all football-related activities at both national and international level with additional fine of CHF 500,000, after he was found guilty of having violated art. 19(conflict of interest), art.21 (bribery and corruption ) and art.22 (commission) of the FIFA code of ethics, follow the Anas video expose on July 2018.

source: ghananewsagency.org

Togbe Afede XIV, Agbogbomefia of Asogli has reiterated calls on government to stay true to constitutional demands on regional reorganisation and consider region-wide polls on the creation of new regions.

He said the call for due diligence on the demand for new regions was in the interest of the people to ensure that they were not exploited or alienated.

Togbe Afede was addressing some chiefs and youth groups from across the region who paid a courtesy call on him at the Asogli Palace in Ho.

Togbe Afede who is also the President of the National House of Chiefs, expressed worry over the silence of prominent voices from the Region on the creation of the proposed Oti Region.

Read: Asogli youth attack journalists over Oti Region

“Our Parliamentarians are silent on the subject. Staunch Voltarians are also silent. They all must make their voices heard and I believe that your presence here today would encourage them,” he said.

Togbe Afede said all he sought was peace and development, saying, “we are one people”.

“I want our brothers from Oti to know that we have not declared war against them. We are one people. Peace, unity and coexistence is all we seek, and peace would always prevail in Volta”.

Read: Obed Asamoah takes on Togbe Afede over Oti Region

The Agbogbomefia was flanked by chiefs from Anlo, Mafi, Kpando, Alavanyo, Adaklu, Akpafu with some from the northern parts of the Region.

There were also representations of identifiable groups from the Region, including the “One Volta Forum” whose members had petitioned the Supreme Court on the process of the creation of Oti Region.

Source: ghananewsagency.org

Togbe Afede XIV, Agbogbomefia of Asogli has reiterated calls on government to stay true to constitutional demands on regional reorganisation and consider region-wide polls on the creation of new regions.

He said the call for due diligence on the demand for new regions was in the interest of the people to ensure that they were not exploited or alienated.

Togbe Afede was addressing some chiefs and youth groups from across the region who paid a courtesy call on him at the Asogli Palace in Ho.

Togbe Afede who is also the President of the National House of Chiefs, expressed worry over the silence of prominent voices from the Region on the creation of the proposed Oti Region.

Read: Asogli youth attack journalists over Oti Region

“Our Parliamentarians are silent on the subject. Staunch Voltarians are also silent. They all must make their voices heard and I believe that your presence here today would encourage them,” he said.

Togbe Afede said all he sought was peace and development, saying, “we are one people”.

“I want our brothers from Oti to know that we have not declared war against them. We are one people. Peace, unity and coexistence is all we seek, and peace would always prevail in Volta”.

Read: Obed Asamoah takes on Togbe Afede over Oti Region

The Agbogbomefia was flanked by chiefs from Anlo, Mafi, Kpando, Alavanyo, Adaklu, Akpafu with some from the northern parts of the Region.

There were also representations of identifiable groups from the Region, including the “One Volta Forum” whose members had petitioned the Supreme Court on the process of the creation of Oti Region.

Source: ghananewsagency.org