On Sunday, September 10, air strikes targeted an open market located south of Sudan’s capital, Khartoum, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 46 lives, according to reports from activists and a medical organization.
The attack, which took place in Khartoum’s May neighborhood, a region heavily occupied by paramilitary forces engaged in conflict with the military, left over 50 individuals wounded, as stated by the Sudan Doctors’ Union in an official statement.
The injured and the deceased were transported to the nearest hospital in Bachaïr.
This facility remains one of the few operational hospitals in Khartoum, where approximately 5 million residents find themselves confined to their homes with sporadic access to electricity and running water.
The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) attributed Sunday’s attack to the military’s air force, while the military denied intentionally targeting civilians, dismissing the RSF’s accusations as “false and misleading claims.”
Sudan has been marred by violence since mid-April, when tensions between the country’s military leader, General Abdel Fattah Burhan, and the paramilitary general, General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, escalated into open conflict. This conflict has since extended to various parts of the nation.
In the Greater Khartoum area, RSF troops have commandeered civilian residences for use as operational bases, prompting military airstrikes on these residential areas, as reported by rights groups and activists.
The number of internally displaced individuals has nearly doubled since mid-April, reaching an alarming figure of at least 7.1 million people, according to the United Nations refugee agency.
Rescue crews have said that dozens are missing while 24 people perished when a boat bringing farmers to their crops in central Nigeria capsized on Sunday.
According to Garba Salihu, the chairman of the Niger State Rescue Management Agency, the boat carrying more than a hundred farmers overturned while crossing the River Niger on their way to their fields on the other side, in Niger State.
“At this stage, 24 bodies have been recovered and 30 people rescued,” he said. “More than 100 people must have been on board when the boat sank,” he added. The causes of the accident were not specified.
He reported that efforts to locate the missing passengers were ongoing.
On Friday, a tragic incident occurred when a boat carrying 23 passengers, including traders en route to a market, capsized on Lake Njuwa in the northern state of Adamawa, Nigeria. According to Amin Suleiman, the local head of the Rescue Management Agency, ten individuals lost their lives in the accident, while three others were reported missing, as confirmed by AFP.
Boat accidents on Nigeria’s bustling rivers are regrettably common and often attributed to factors such as overloading, inadequate maintenance, and safety oversights.
Moroccan rescue teams, along with international assistance, are in a race against time to locate survivors and aid hundreds left homeless by the earthquake that struck over 48 hours ago, claiming more than 2,100 lives.
On Sunday, Morocco announced its acceptance of offers from four countries, including Spain, Great Britain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, to dispatch search and rescue teams. These teams are now coordinating efforts with Moroccan counterparts, as confirmed by the Interior Ministry.
Spain has already sent 86 rescue personnel equipped with specialized search dogs, while a Qatari humanitarian flight departed from the Al-Udeid air base near Doha on Sunday evening.
Additional offers of assistance may be considered in the future, depending on evolving needs, as stated by the ministry.
Numerous countries, including France, the United States, and Israel, had extended offers of support to Morocco in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake, which has left 2,122 people dead and 2,421 injured according to the latest report.
While awaiting the arrival of foreign rescue teams, Moroccan authorities have initiated the setup of tents in the High Atlas region, where entire villages were leveled by the quake.
Apocalyptic landscape
Rescue personnel, volunteers, and military personnel are laboring to locate survivors and recover bodies from the debris, particularly in villages in the Al-Haouz province, the epicenter of the earthquake located south of the tourist city of Marrakech in central Morocco.
In Tikht, a small village near Adassil, a minaret and a few unpainted clay houses remain amidst an eerie and devastated landscape.
The 33-year-old inhabitant Mohssin Aksum complains, “Life is over here.” “The community is extinct.
Nearby, Moroccan security personnel are preparing graves for the deceased while others are erecting yellow tents for the earthquake’s homeless survivors.
The earthquake was the biggest ever recorded in Morocco and occurred late on Friday night. It reached a magnitude of 7 according to the Moroccan Center for Scientific and Technical Research and 6.8 according to the US Seismological Service.
Given the scope of the destruction, Marrakech people have flocked to hospitals to donate blood for the victims, and solidarity efforts are being planned there.
“We’re collecting food to help the areas affected by the earthquake,” Ibrahim Nachit, a member of the Draw Smile association, told AFP. The association is also planning to send a “medical caravan” to the worst-hit areas.
“I think the food supplies collected today should be able to support at least 100 families for a week”, added Abdeltif Razouki, vice-president of the association.
The resolve and commitment of the ECOWAS member nations to the establishment of the one currency, the ECO, has been questioned by economist Professor Godfred Bokpin.
He claims that the member nations of ECOWAS have not shown that they are prepared to implement the necessary fiscal and monetary plans for the introduction of the single currency.
“Prolonged discussions surrounding the ECO, questioning whether member countries are genuinely committed to the requisite fiscal policy discipline and prudent monetary policies are needed to achieve macroeconomic convergence,” the Professor of Finance at the University of Ghana Business School (UGBS) said.
Meanwhile, a recent report from a technical committee has revealed that ECOWAS member states have not met the essential requirements necessary for the implementation of the ECO currency.
These requirements encompass maintaining an annual inflation rate in single digits, reducing the fiscal deficit to no more than 4 percent, and ensuring that Central Bank deficit-financing remains below 10 percent of the previous year’s tax revenue.
In response to this situation, the technical committee has been assigned the responsibility of revisiting and reassessing the roadmap and convergence pact for ECOWAS member states to explore potential solutions.
This decision was made during the ongoing Monetary Zone Conference, currently underway in Accra, Ghana.
Many Ghanaians have left in recent months or even years in quest of greener pastures elsewhere.
This was not crucial until the Ghana Health Service began to make noise about how employees were leaving their jobs in search of the same adventure—greener pastures.
You may have heard of the Schengen countries if you have traveled or intend to travel. In this GhanaWeb post, we highlight the process for obtaining a Schengen visa, the nations that qualify, and all the details you require.
What is Schengen Visa?
Schengen represents the EU’s passport-free zone, encompassing 27 European nations. It stands as the world’s largest unrestricted travel area, serving both tourism and business purposes. Possessing a Schengen Visa grants you access to any Schengen Area country for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day timeframe.
This implies that for every 90 days spent within the Schengen Area, an equal duration must be spent outside of it. If you intend to study, work, or reside in one of these countries for more than 90 days, you’ll need to apply for a national visa from the specific European country instead of relying on the Schengen visa.
While these countries boast open borders without stringent checks, recent security concerns have prompted a need for more precise border control within the EU. This necessity led to the development of the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS).
ETIAS is a fully electronic system designed to monitor visitors from countries not requiring visas for Schengen Zone entry. The system is scheduled to commence operation in January 2024, with full functionality anticipated by November 2023, aiming to enhance border management and security.
What are the Schengen countries?
There are 27 countries which can issue a Schengen Visa, find below the complete list:
Austria Belgium Czech Republic Croatia Denmark Estonia Finland France Germany Greece Hungary Iceland Italy Latvia Lithuania Luxembourg Malta Netherlands Norway Poland Portugal Slovakia Slovenia Spain Sweden Switzerland Liechtenstein
Types of Schengen Visa
You’ll need a Schengen visa if you’re visiting for one of the following reasons:
Business purposes Visiting friends or family Tourism Holidays Cultural or sports events Transit Medical reasons Short-term study Research purposes
Depending on why you’re visiting the Schengen countries, you may be granted a single-entry visa, a double-entry visa, or a multiple-entry visa.
Below is how citizenremote.com explains the types of visas:
Single-Entry Visa
A single-entry visa allows the holder to enter the Schengen Area only once within the given period of time. Once the holder leaves the Schengen Area, they can’t re-enter it using that visa, even if they have not spent the number of days permitted.
Don’t get confused; a single-entry visa does not mean you can only enter one country. You can enter through any country from the Schengen Area and keep moving around the 27 countries.
Double-Entry Visa
The double-entry visa works similarly to the single-entry visa. The difference between them is that, unlike the single-entry visa, the double-entry visa allows you to re-enter the Schengen Area one more time after you have left it.
With this visa, you won’t be allowed to enter a third time when you leave the Schengen Area a second time. So be very mindful of the time you spend in the zone and ensure you don’t exceed the number of days you are permitted to stay.
And again, do not confuse the double-entry visa with the number of countries you’re allowed to visit.
Multiple-Entry Visa
Any holder of a multiple-entry visa can come and go from the Schengen Area as they please, as long as they don’t violate the 90/180 days limit.
This visa is granted depending on how frequently you travel. If you have obtained a double-entry visa more than once and you are a frequent visitor to the Schengen zone, you will most likely be granted a multiple-entry visa.
Depending on how frequently you travel, you may be granted one of these multiple-entry visa types:
1-year multiple-entry visa 3-year multiple-entry visa 5-year multiple-entry visa 1-year Multiple-entry Visa
The 1-year MEV can be obtained if you have obtained and lawfully used three visas within the previous two years. You must show proof of your previous visas when applying for this one.
The 1-year MEV allows you to enter the Schengen zone as often as you want, as long as you do not remain more than 90 days within this period.
3-year Multiple-entry Visa
You can obtain a 3-year MEV if you have used a previous multiple-entry visa valid for one year within the previous two years.
This visa gives you the right to enter the Schengen Area as often as you wish within three years. However, you must not stay for longer than 90 days within a 180-day span.
5-year Multiple-entry Visa
This visa is granted if you have previously obtained and lawfully used a multiple-entry visa valid for at least two years within the previous three years.
Same as the others, the 5-year MEV allows you to enter the Schengen Area as often as you wish within five years, but make sure you do not violate the 90/180 days rule.
Uniform Schengen Visas (USV)
The Uniform Schengen Visa is a permit given by one of the Schengen Area Member Countries that allows you to transit or reside in the desired territory for a certain period of time, up to a maximum of 90 days.
There are two categories of USV, type A and type C.
USV Category “A”
This category stands for “Airport Transit Visa”. This visa allows you to travel through the international zone of the Schengen country Airport without entering the Schengen Area.
Keep in mind that airport transit visas are mandatory for citizens traveling from one non-Schengen state to another non-Schengen state, where they change flights in a Schengen country airport.
USV Category “C”
This category stands for Short-term visa. This visa allows you to reside in the Schengen Area for a certain period of time. Short-term visas can be obtained as single-entry visas, double-entry visas, or multiple-visa entry, which we discussed above.
Limited territorial validity visas (LTV)
An LTV allows you to travel only in the Schengen State that has issued the visa. This means the holder of an LTV cannot enter or transit through any other Schengen country that is not the first and final destination target.
This type of visa is granted only on specific cases, like humanitarian reasons or under international obligation, as an exception to the common USV system.
Schengen Visa Requirements
To qualify for a visa, you must:
Be a national of a non-EU country that requires a visa Have a valid passport Fill up the application form properly Show proof of financial means Show proof of accommodations Round trip reservation or flight itinerary
Schengen Visa Fees
Citizenremote.com explains that the standard Schengen visa fee is €80 ($80).
Children between the ages of six and twelve pay a reduced fee of €40 ($40).
Children under the age of six are entirely exempt from payment.
For three days, businesses and offices in the Greater Accra Region’s Central Business District are anticipated to close to allow for the last funeral rites of HRM Naa Dedei Omaedru III, the late Ga Manye, the Paramount Queen of Ga State.
“From the 27th to the 29th of October, we expect shops and offices in the Central Business District to remain closed,” said Lady Justice Naa-Yarlay Adjei Amoah, Chief of Staff at the office of the Ga Mantse.
Justice Amoah, who doubles as the Secretary to Central Funeral Planning Committee of the late Ga Manye, added “We also expect them to decorate their business premises with black and red drippings”.
The various markets are also to drip all their surroundings in black and red because “we are mourning together, it’s not just the palace so we are respectfully calling on all to cooperate with us in this time of grief.”
During a visit by a delegation from the Jospong Group of Companies, led by Mrs. Adokarley Okpoti-Paulo, who serves as the Group Financial Controller for the Environmental & Sanitation Group and Finance Director of Zoomlion Ghana Limited, Lady Justice Amoah shared this information. The delegation signed the condolence book at the Ga Traditional Council on Friday, September 8, 2023.
As part of their visit, the Group presented a box of schnapps, a box of Castle Bridge gin, bottles of Red Label Whiskey, boxes of soft drinks, mineral water, and refuse bins, alongside an undisclosed cash donation. These contributions were intended to support the preparations for the final funeral rites of the late Ga Manye and to offer condolences to the elders.
Mrs. Okpoti-Paulo conveyed that this gesture was a means of consolation and a demonstration of mourning for the significant loss. She further announced that Zoomlion Ghana Ltd., a subsidiary of the group, would oversee all sanitation-related matters concerning the funeral.
“Zoomlion will help to keep the surroundings clean during and after the funeral ceremony to ensure that the Ga State is clean at all times,” she promised.
After accepting the gifts, Nii Ahene Nunoo III praised the Group for its generosity and wished the Group’s Executive Chairman a long and healthy life.
The late Ga Manye’s last funeral ceremonies are scheduled to take place from October 15 to October 31, 2023. Ga Manye passed away in December of last year.
On June 19, 2023, H.E. Nana Addo Dankwah Akufo-Addo, president of the Republic of Ghana, signed and declared open the book of condolences.
A second explosion in the Western Region was reported on Sunday, September 10, 2023.
Initial accounts of the explosion created a picture of a precarious situation.
And as more accurate information about what had occurred began to emerge, it added weight to the calamity of destructive scope.
However, a statement has been released by the minerals commission below;
MINERALS COMMISSION
PRESS STATEMENT
RE: EXPLOSION AT A QUARRY SITE IN ASSORKO IN THE SHAMA DISTRICT OF THE WESTERN REGION
The Western Regional Head of the Minerals Commission at Takoradi (the “Commission”) was notified by the Assemblyman of the Anto-Abosso area in the Shama District at about 11.50pm on 9th September 2023, regarding an explosion at a quarry site.
A team of Mine Inspectors from the Takoradi Office of the Commission arrived at the site of the explosion at about 6.45 am on 10th September 2023. The area of the explosion is about 1.5 km away from the nearest settlement, Kobenandohkrom. The inspectors were joined by officials from other State institutions comprising NADMO, Environmental Protection Agency, The Ghana Fire Service, Ambulance Service, the Ghana Police Service and officials from the Shama District Assembly to inspect the site.
The Commission, after the preliminary investigations can confirm that the site of the explosion is a subject of an application by a company with the name Sta Addsams Enterprise. The company has applied for a Restricted Mining Lease for granite commonly referred to as a quarry. The recommendation for the company to be considered for the grant of a formal lease was granted on 20th March 2023. At the time of the explosion, the company has not not issued a lease by the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources.
Secondly, the site of the explosion is the residential facilities for the company. This included buildings and containerized structures. The inspectors also found at the site, empty drums believed to have contained diesel, other lubricants, cigarette pieces, oxy-acetylene cylinders were found at the scene.
Additionally, all the facilities including light vehicles and equipment close to the residential structures on site were destroyed and five (5) persons are confirmed dead and some injured persons were sent to various hospitals within Sekondi-Takoradi for treatment.
The administrator of the enterprise informed the inspectors that the company was working at night ostensibly to prevent them from being noticed by the inspectors of the Commission and the local task force comprising the police and members of the sand winners and quarry Association.
A routine monitoring visit by the inspectors from the Takoradi Office to the site revealed that the enterprise was engaged in site cleaning and preparatory works and had conducted run of the machines and equipment on site without the approval of the Commission.
The enterprise was therefore notified by the inspectors that such activities are illegal and was directed to cease any activity on the site until the lease is granted and all other permits and approvals for the storage, transportation and use of any substance to undertake operations are obtained.
In this regard, pending the completion of a full investigation into the cause of the explosion, the enterprise had no lease, approval or permit to undertake any activity or operation at the site.
Consequently, the activity of the enterprise was illegal. The Commission wishes to remind the media and the public that the Inspectorate Division is committed to ensuring that all quarry sites are licensed and all the requisite approvals and permits are obtained before operations are undertaken.
As of September 11, 2023, the Bank of Ghana’s Interbank forex rates indicate that the Ghana Cedi is trading against the US Dollar with a buying price of 11.0461 and a selling price of 11.0571.
In Accra’s forex bureaus, the US Dollar is being purchased at a rate of 11.40 and sold at a rate of 11.65.
Against the Pound Sterling, the Cedi has a buying price of 13.7833 and a selling price of 13.7993.
In Accra’s forex bureaus, the Pound Sterling is being bought at a rate of 14.35 and sold at a rate of 14.85.
The Euro is traded at a buying price of 11.8332 and a selling price of 11.8449.
In Accra’s forex bureaus, the Euro is being purchased at a rate of 12.10 and sold at a rate of 12.60.
The South African Rand has a buying price of 0.5786 and a selling price of 0.5790.
In Accra’s forex bureaus, the South African Rand is being bought at a rate of 0.35 and sold at a rate of 0.95.
The Nigerian Naira is traded with a buying price of 69.7320 and a selling price of 69.7410.
In Accra’s forex bureaus, the Nigerian Naira is purchased at a rate of 11.00 Naira for every 1 Cedi and sold at a rate of 16.00.
As for the CFA, it has a buying price of 55.3789 and a selling price of 55.4336.
In Accra’s forex bureaus, the CFA is being bought at a rate of 16.50 CFA for every 1 Cedi and sold at a rate of 20.50 CFA for every 1 Cedi.
Please take note that these rates could vary at a currency bureau close to you. Afriswap Bureau De Change in Osu, Accra, provides our exchange rates.
Our forex bureau rates are provided by Afriswap Bureau De Change in Osu, Accra.
While President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s announcement of a revised cocoa bag producer price was greeted with enthusiastic celebrations during an event in Tepa on Saturday, a certain faction of farmers has voiced concerns about the government’s decision to set the new price at GH¢1,308.
Johnson Asante, the Secretary of the National Cocoa Farmers Association, expressed in an interview with Oyerepa FM that farmers were anticipating a minimum of GH¢3,000 as the new price.
“We have heard about it but we don’t want to believe in rumours that the cocoa price has been increased to GH¢1,308.
“For myself and my members, we are not happy about it because if cocoa price on the world market is $12.99 per pod, its unfathomable for us to be given that amount. We cultivated the crop on our own lands… If I had my way the price should be increased to GH¢3,000 per bag.”
Speaking at a gathering on September 9, 2023, President Akufo-Addo noted that until recently, cocoa prices on the international market had remained extremely low and had been made worse by COVID-19. He continued by saying that despite this, COCOBOD and the government had been making the extremely difficult decision to raise the producer price of cocoa.
“Cocoa prices have increased from seven thousand, six hundred cedis (GH¢7,600) per tonne in 2016, to twelve thousand, eight hundred cedis (GH¢12,800) per tonne in 2022, a significant increase of sixty-eight percent (68%).
“This has had an adverse impact on COCOBOD’s financial performance,” he said.
Acknowledging that the sustainability of the entire cocoa industry hinges on a well remunerated producer, who is willing to invest in business only with the certainty that Government will pay the appropriate price, the President stated that Government, in keeping with its promise to cocoa farmers has increased the producer price.
According to President Akufo-Addo, Government has “increased cocoa prices from twelve thousand, eight hundred cedis (GH¢12,800) per ton, to twenty thousand, nine hundred and forty-three cedis (GH¢20,943) per ton, or one thousand, three hundred and eight cedis (GH¢1,308) per bag. That price is seventy-point-five percent (70.5%) of the Gross FoB price, and is equivalent to one thousand, eight hundred and twenty-one dollars ($1,821) per ton.”
The president noted that the new price “is the highest price to be paid to cocoa farmers across West Africa in some fifty (50) years. With the predicted stable prices above two thousand, six hundred United States dollars (US$2,600) threshold, Government will continue to honour our famers with good prices in the years ahead. Indeed, better days are ahead.”
But according to Johnson Asante, farmers have been dealt raw deal by the government and thus bemoaned that contribution of the state in making cocoa farming unattractive to the youth.
He emphasized that the GH¢3000 cedis his group was proposing “will be helpful to farmers. These are some of the reasons why farming is no longer attractive to the youth who would prefer to engage in galamsey instead of cocoa farming,” he said.
The Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority is currently investigating two shipping companies and their agents for collaborating in the falsification of trade documents in an attempt to reduce their duty and tax obligations to the government.
This fraudulent process involves misrepresenting the goods in question to expedite clearance and evade the full tax responsibilities.
Alhaji Seidu Iddrisu Iddisah, the Commissioner of the Customs Division, revealed in an interview that the division had received intelligence regarding the actions of these two companies and importers.
Upon investigation, it was discovered that they had altered the details on their bills of lading when clearing goods at the Tema Port.
Consequently, the authorities targeted and intercepted these shipments for a physical examination, which confirmed significant discrepancies between the descriptions on the Bill of Entry (BOE) and the actual contents of the containers.
“The actual description of the consignments were footwear, bags, belts, underwear, galvanized pipes, etc. as against the entered description of Knapsack Sprayer,” he said.
Following the revelation, Alhaji Iddisah reported that the management took action by instructing both the Internal Audit and Post Clearance Audit (PCA) Department to perform an audit on the identified agents and importers. This audit was conducted in accordance with sections 7 and 9 of the Customs Act 2015 (Act 891) and aligned with the guidelines of the World Customs Organization Revised Kyoto Convention.
The audit’s findings revealed that 23 Bills of Entry (BOEs), with 22 of them associated with a single shipping line, had entries that were manipulated. The identified companies were found to have misrepresented, misclassified, and undervalued some of their imports with the intention of reducing their Customs duties and tax obligations.
Alhaji Iddisah noted that a single Bill of Entry audit exposed a tax evasion amounting to 10.15 million cedis. Additionally, the audit exposed that some agents processed customs declarations with inaccurate details, aiming to minimize their Customs duties and taxes. They also provided cloned Customs declarations containing accurate descriptions of the goods, the actual Customs value, and duty rates while collecting the reduced amount payable from the importer.
“So, it means they’re cheating both the importers and the government. So, we went to the importers he will show you a customs declaration that they gave to him but that was not what he submitted to us,” he said.
Alhaji Iddisah stated that, in the course of the investigation, the two companies confessed that their personnel had indeed altered the accurate descriptions of the goods provided to them from the ship. He also mentioned that the investigations were ongoing to determine the extent of cooperation between the shipping companies and the importers.
“We want all those involved and we want to give a warning to everybody that you cannot hide whatever happens it will come up and those who are into that practice can own up,” he added.
It was further uncovered that the local shipping line had tampered with the Bills of Lading from the shipping lines and falsified the invoices submitted to Customs.
Alhaji Iddisah mentioned that, in light of these discrepancies, the management had made the decision to expand the scope of the investigation to cover the past six years in order to identify any other companies involved in such fraudulent practices.
He noted that while the involvement of customs officers couldn’t be ruled out, there was no concrete evidence establishing their complicity, and it was worth mentioning that the initial tip-off had come from customs officers themselves.
Alhaji Iddisah added that demand notices had been issued to recover the lost taxes and penalties owed to the state, and the investigations were ongoing, potentially leading to legal action.
To enhance monitoring procedures, Alhaji Iddisah explained that the Customs Division was shifting its monitoring activities from the ports to the headquarters for more effective supervision. Additionally, while expediting clearance through the green channel, Customs had now introduced a holding area to allow officers to conduct thorough screenings and call for re-examination when necessary.
“In fact, since we reintroduce it a lot of containers which are passed through the green channel have been reexamined at the port and the differences have been critical and we’ve given them penalties,” he added.
Ghanaian rapper Sarkodie issued an apology to his fans for his no-show at a Detriot concert as he heavily lambasts Delta Airline for poorly contributing to the unfortunate incidence.
Taking to Twitter on Sunday, September 10, 2023, Sarkodie explained that the flight was disrupted due to flight-related issues.
He specifically called out Delta Airlines after the plane he was on had to make an emergency landing on a Portuguese island.
“So I missed my event in Detroit due to @Delta doing an emergency landing on an island in Portugal yesterday. It was unfortunate but I know these things happen so I wasn’t trippin even though they communicated poorly and didn’t have the courtesy to update us on exactly what was happening,“ he stated.
As he criticized the airline for their mishandling of the situation, the rapper pointed out the unfortunate frequency with which African passengers on the same airline experience subpar treatment and safety concerns being overlooked.
“Sat at the airport for about 6 hours and from complains from passengers, this isn’t new with that airline especially from this part of the world ( Africa ) they keep sending these weak old flights ( business class almost same as economy ) to pick us up knowing very well they are not safe but still risk lives .
“We almost landed on the ocean but thank God we touched that island safe. No compensation nothing and our bags still on the island. Moving forward I wouldn’t want to tarnish a business but hopefully they see to this problem and resolve it … and to my fans in Detroit I’m very sorry and we working on making it up to you,” he stated
So I missed my event in Detroit due to @Delta doing an emergency landing on an island in Portugal yesterday. It was unfortunate but I know these things happen so I wasn’t trippin even though they communicated poorly and didn’t have the courtesy to update us on exactly what was…
Social commentator Bernard Allotey Jacobs remarked, “Alan Kyerematen‘s nobility doesn’t quite align with the prevailing political dynamics in our country.”
He made this observation while discussing Alan’s decision to withdraw from the NPP presidential race, emphasizing the existence of both virtuous and less commendable aspects in politics.
Allotey Jacobs suggested that if one doesn’t adapt to these diverse aspects, they may perceive the system as ‘unfair.’
Regarding Alan’s performance in the Super Delegates Conference and his diminishing influence in politics, Allotey Jacobs remarked, “He seems to have faded from the political landscape…” as he shared his perspective.
Gabon’s transition agreement, as officially published in the gazette, lacks a clear prohibition against General Brice Oligui Nguema, the individual responsible for ousting President Ali Bongo, from running in elections following the transitional period.
The document, reviewed by the BBC, delineates the roles of five key bodies responsible for overseeing the transition:
President of the transition, National Council of the transition, Government of the transition, Parliament of the transition, Constitutional Court of the transition.
Members of these bodies, including the prime minister and the vice-president, are forbidden from participating in the presidential elections that will mark the conclusion of the transition period. The only exception to this prohibition is the president.
General Nguema has pledged to ensure free elections that will lead to a peaceful transfer of power but has not provided a specific timetable for these elections.
Additionally, the agreement grants amnesty to all military personnel who participated in the removal of President Bongo. According to the charter, “Members of the Committee for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions (CTRI) and all those who took part in the events between August 29, 2023, and the inauguration of the president of the transition, shall enjoy immunity.”
Tanzanian authorities have imposed a ban on the prominent rapper Emmanuel Elibariki, also known as Nay wa Mitego, preventing him from performing in the country due to his recent song that criticizes the government.
The rapper was subjected to lengthy police questioning in Dar es Salaam on Wednesday and was subsequently released on bail, as reported by his lawyer, Jebra Kambole, to the BBC.
The song, titled “Amkeni” in Swahili, which translates to “Wake Up,” contains strong criticism of the country’s leadership. It includes a line that appears to accuse the president of “nurturing thieves” and failing to fulfill her promises. Additionally, it criticizes the government’s agreement with a company from the United Arab Emirates for the development and operation of Tanzania’s port operations.
According to Mr. Kambole, the artist is facing allegations of incitement from both the country’s arts regulator, Basata, and the police. He stated, “Basata has complaints suggesting that the song contains provocative words. Furthermore, they have banned the song and prohibited him from performing in Tanzania.”
The lawyer clarified that they have explained to the police why the song “does not incite,” emphasizing that it addresses issues such as corruption, abuse of power, and the port, among others. He added, “The song does not incite people; its purpose is to highlight the shortcomings of the administration, and the aim of the song was to enlighten people.”
This incident is not the first time that the artist has encountered trouble with authorities. He has been arrested and released multiple times in the past due to his songs critiquing various national issues.
Director of Renewables at Bui Power Authority (BPA), Wisdom Ahiataku-Togobo, has highlighted that a majority of the workforce involved in the installation of the floating solar panels consisted of local engineers.
He emphasized that the technical team primarily comprised Bui Power Authority staff, with additional assistance from community members, particularly experienced fishermen who played a crucial role in securing the floating panels in place.
In an interview with Ernestina Serwaa Asante, the host of BizTech on GhanaWeb TV, Wisdom Ahiataku-Togobo explained, “Let me say that the majority of the technical team are engineers, are staff of Bui Power Authority. We also engage community members, mainly the fishermen who are experts in fishing and can do the swimming. They helped us in doing the tightening of the bolt and because they are good swimmers, we worked alongside.”
He continued, “Of course, we had one or two external consultants to assist us in the installation. But I will say close to 95% of the workforce—95 to 96% of the workforce—were local people, trained by our local universities, University of Energy and Natural Resources, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. These are the staff who were involved, and of course, we have some technicians from our technical universities and technical institutions. They assisted us in getting this job done.”
Wisdom Ahiataku-Togobo also mentioned BPA’s plans to expand its floating solar panels on water, aiming to add 10 more bifacial panels.
He expressed the organization’s intent to gradually scale up the project based on successful testing and experience gained. Bifacial solar panels, known for their higher efficiency in capturing sunlight from both sides, were used in this initiative.
Reportedly, an air strike targeting Islamist militants in central Somalia has resulted in the alleged deaths of seven civilians, including a grandmother and five children.
The Somali government had previously announced the elimination of three senior al-Shabab members in El Garas village through a sophisticated operation, as reported by the Somali National News agency, Sonna.
The three al-Shabab members were tracked by government intelligence when they sought refuge in a civilian residence to evade the strike. However, the government has denied responsibility for the civilian casualties, with Deputy Information Minister of Somalia, Abdirahman Yusuf, telling the BBC that “[Al-Shabab] placed explosive devices in a civilian house, which caused the deaths of innocent people.”
Ahmed Nur Mohamud, the husband of 60-year-old Kaha Warsame, who, along with her grandchildren, reportedly perished in the strike, recounted that he was about 1km (1,100 yards) away from the house when the bombing occurred, accompanied by his second wife and their children. He expressed his anguish, stating, “I tried to call them, and their phones were off… When I tried to reach my family’s house around 03:00, there were government soldiers, and I was afraid to go in. I arrived at the house later and realized that the government had taken the bodies with them.” Ahmed Nur Mohamud also described seeing two bombs hitting his family’s dwelling, one on their hut and another on the goat’s shelter.
Witnesses corroborated that the Somali army had removed deceased individuals from the residence. Furthermore, the deputy information minister confirmed to the BBC that Somali soldiers had arrived at the scene following the bombardment.
In his quest for closure, Ahmed Nur is requesting to view the bodies of his wife and grandchildren, emphasizing, “We have never been involved with al-Shabab; we are civilians. I’m requesting the bodies of my family for burial. I demand compensation for my blood relative.”
In the second quarter of 2023 (Q2’23), Nigeria recorded a trade surplus of N1.3 trillion, marking a 38 percent increase compared to the N927.15 billion surplus in Q1’23. However, in a year-on-year comparison, the trade surplus experienced a 7.6 percent decline when compared to the corresponding period in 2022.
These figures coincide with significant increases in both total imports and exports during this period.
The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) disclosed these findings in its Q1’23 Foreign Trade in Goods Statistics. The total merchandise trade also saw a quarter-on-quarter (QoQ) increase of 5.7 percent, reaching N12.7 trillion in Q2’23, up from N12.04 trillion in Q1’23.
According to the NBS report: “Nigeria’s total merchandise trade in Q2’23 amounted to N12.74 trillion, reflecting a 5.7 percent increase over the value recorded in Q1’23 but a 7.6 percent decline compared to the value recorded in Q2’22.
“Breaking down the total trade into exports and imports, total exports reached N7.02 trillion, an 8.15 percent increase over the preceding quarter and a 5.2 percent decrease compared to the same period in the previous year.
“Exports accounted for 55.06 percent of total trade in Q2’23. Crude oil exports dominated the exports, valued at N5.58 trillion, representing 79.63 percent of total exports, while non-crude oil exports were valued at N1.43 trillion, making up 20.37 percent of total exports, with non-oil products contributing N688.68 billion, or 9.82 percent of total exports.
“On the other hand, total imports amounted to N5.72 trillion in Q2’23, indicating a 2.9 percent increase over the preceding quarter but a 10.37 percent decrease compared to the same period in 2022.
“Imports accounted for 44.94 percent of total trade in Q2’23, resulting in a trade surplus of N1.28 trillion.”
The Bureau reported that the top five partner countries for imports to Nigeria in Q2’23 were China (N1.26 trillion or 22.17 percent), the United States of America (N921.45 billion or 16.09 percent), Belgium (N460.43 billion or 8.04 percent), India (N417.77 billion or 7.3 percent), and The Netherlands (N369.69 billion or 6.46 percent).
External relations manager at the National Insurance Commission (NIC), Charles Ansong Dankyi, has emphasized the significance of car owners notifying their insurers and the Drivers car and License Authority (DVLA) whenever their vehicles’ colors change.
He claims that if something were to happen to the car, the police investigation would be aided by the update in the vehicle information.
Speaking about this on GhanaWeb TV’s Legal Agenda program, Mr. Dankyi said that the information provided by the owner of the car is kept in the motor insurance database, which also aids in insurance claims.
“Let me emphasize on the colour of the vehicle. Usually, when we go to do the insurance you say my vehicle is this type, this is the MID, the colour. The colour is important because even the police use these to do their own investigation as to whether you Ama, the car that you said you owe, the colour red or white as it is on the MID that is the motor insurance database and when that is done, it is a check,” he said.
“Many at times we change the color of our vehicles and we don’t endorse it through the insurance companies and usually when there is a claim, there are other ways that you can also check you can check on the engine number or you can check on the chassis number of the vehicle as another alternative identity of the vehicle,” he added.
The National Insurance Commission’s external relations manager continued, “But frequently, when they go to the insurance hall, they go with the registration number of the vehicle, the MID, and probably the color so sometimes where you could use chassis or the engine number to justify you may not be in the database. I will thus advise you to notify the DVLA and your insurance when you change the color of the vehicle.
Additionally, he pleaded with claimants to notify the NIC whenever legitimate insurance companies fail to handle their claims.
Kenyans and Tanzanians on social media have playfully bantered over recent remarks made by their respective presidents regarding their proficiency in speaking Swahili.
Swahili serves as the primary language in both East African nations, yet Kenyans have often faced jests for their perceived challenges in using standard Swahili, while Tanzanians have similarly endured teasing for their English language skills.
During a recent agriculture and food summit in Tanzania, President Samia Hassan light-heartedly chided her Kenyan counterpart, William Ruto, for not employing proper Swahili greetings. She remarked, “The other day [Mr] Ruto came here and taught us to say ‘jambo,’ but the correct term is ‘habari ya mchana.’ These Kenyans…we should enroll them in Swahili lessons.”
CNN correspondent Larry Madowo, who hails from Kenya and was hosting the forum, came to the defense of his president, saying, “I must stand up for my president… because Kenyans and Tanzanians are like siblings; we converse with Tanzanians in imperfect Swahili, and Tanzanians respond to us in less-than-perfect English. We carry on like that, as if it’s gospel,” he humorously declared in Swahili, evoking laughter from the audience.
This exchange underlines the warm relationship and shared cultural bonds between these neighboring nations.
The nature of the pay that health workers in Ghana get, according to the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA), is another factor contributing to their emigration.
Nurses don’t make enough money, says association president Perpetual Ofori Ampofo, which is a sad reality.
With over 4,000 nurses leaving the country between January and July for Europe, she claimed that the exodus has grown alarming.
She quickly clarified, though, that other nations have the same problems as Ghana.
The reality is that nurses and midwives in Ghana do not receive the highest pay. I am aware that it is not limited to Ghana, though. The problem exists both inside the subregion and throughout all of Africa.
Therefore, the issue of nurses leaving Ghana is not limited to that country; it also affects Nigeria, the Ivory Coast, and other nations. Because of the poor pay and terrible working circumstances, she was quoted by citinewsroom.com as saying, “They are leaving.
Ghana’s sovereign wealth fund is set to make a substantial investmentof nearly $33 million into a local lithium mine and acquire a minority interest in Atlantic Lithium, the company announced on Friday.
The Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF) of Ghana will procure a 6% ownership stake in Atlantic Lithium’s various projects within the country, which notably includes the Ewoyaa mine, expected to become Ghana’s inaugural lithium-producing facility. The investment amounts to $27.9 million, according to Atlantic Lithium’s official statement.
This move underscores the growing trend of heightened interest in companies involved in the production of critical electric vehicle battery materials, driven by the global shift toward clean energy solutions.
Additionally, MIIF will secure a 3.05% ownership stake in Atlantic Lithium for $5 million. This agreement also grants MIIF the opportunity to compete for the supply contract of lithium produced by the Ewoyaa project through a competitive bidding process.
“There is a competitive process (for the offtake) which MIIF will also participate in, but on a commercial level,” said Atlantic Lithium chairman Neil Herbert.
“There is an open field of chemical converters, OEMs and major trading groups,” he said.
Director of Renewable Energy at Bui Power Authority (BPA), Wisdom Ahiataku-Togobo, has emphasized the organization’s commitment to harnessing the full spectrum of hydropower resources within the country. Notably, he highlighted the untapped potential of rivers such as the River Pra and River Ankobra as prime sources for hydropower generation, contributing to the production of clean energy.
During an appearance on GhanaWeb TV’s BizTech program, Wisdom Ahiataku-Togobo articulated that this strategic initiative, when combined with solar energy efforts, would establish a hybrid power generation system for enhanced energy production.
“What Bui Power Authority is doing is that we are investigating to tap on all the potential hydropower resources in the country; River Pra, River Ankobra and all the other potentials that are in the country, we want to tap those hydro potentials because we are committed to generate electricity from renewables and clean power. So having tapped all these hydro potentials then will add solar to them as a hybrid system,” he told host of the show, Ernestina Serwaa Asante.
Mr. Ahiataku-Togobo hinted that BPA has formed Nuclear Power Ghana Limited in collaboration with the Volta River Authority and the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission to help fulfill the rising demand.
He added that they would switch to nuclear power after 2030, when demand would have grown much faster than their aim.
Mr. Ahiataku-Togobo hinted that BPA has formed Nuclear Power Ghana Limited in collaboration with the Volta River Authority and the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission to help fulfill the rising demand.
He added that they would switch to nuclear power after 2030, when demand would have grown much faster than their aim.
“But as our demand grows further, we still need clean energy. So what we are doing is that we have cooperated with the Volta River Authority and the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission to set up Nuclear power Ghana Limited so that in the future, beyond 2030 when demand is growing far more than we can meet, then we’ll transition into nuclear to support the growing demand. So yes, Bui Power has a role to play to contribute to the energy demand. But I will not say that we will solely address all. We have the VRA which is also a state owned agency, we have the independent power producers. All these contribute to generating power to meet the growing demand,” he said on GhanaWeb TV’s BizTech programme.
Security personnel patrolling on the waters to discourage galamsey
He mentioned that security forces were watching and patrolling the rivers to stop galamsey activities upstream and spoke briefly about the activities of illegal mining in the Banda district.
He clarified that the military and naval personnel had been sent out to deter individuals from mining in these waters because it could have an adverse effect on BPA’s hydroelectric plant.
Member of the Communication team of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Owusu Banahene, has extended an invitation to Alan Kyerematen, encouraging him to consider joining the opposition party.
Banahene’s recommendation comes in the aftermath of Mr. John Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen’s withdrawal from the party’s race on September 5, 2023.
In a time of media engagement, the NDC member referred to a situation in which he asserted that a flagbearer of a political party could not resurrect their political aspirations after withdrawing from a race, similar to what Alan Kyeremanteng had done.
With this in mind, he declared, “Alan, the NDC welcomes you. Come and join us as we unite in the fight to rescue our country from the economic challenges that Bawumia and Akufo-Addo have led us into.”
Mr. John Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen, a contender for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer position, has officially withdrawn from the party’s race, citing favoritism and intimidation as the primary reasons for his decision.
Mr. Kyerematen was one of the five candidates selected to compete for the party’s flagbearer position following the Special Delegates elections held on August 26, 2023, with the final contest scheduled for November 4.
In a statement released in Accra on Tuesday, Mr. Kyerematen expressed that the events surrounding the party’s Special Electoral College elections, both before and after, appeared to be “strategically and tactically” biased in favor of a specific aspirant. He further pointed out that statements made by some prominent party members, both prior to and after the elections, added weight to his choice to withdraw from the race.
The former Minister of Trade emphasized that the degree of intimidation, ranging from direct to indirect, imposed upon certain delegates at various voting centers across all sixteen regions, was unparalleled in the party’s history.
Former General Secretary of the People’s National Convention (PNC), Atik Mohammed, has crititicized Bugri Nabu for recording police officers in a conversation.
According to Atik Mohammed, Bugri Nabu’s act of recording and exposing the officers was aimed at causing chaos and not with the intention of assisting the police service in any manner.
“I think its about time we told ourselves the danger this man is posing to the public. He is the one who incited all of these controversies and he did it with malice. He did not record because he want to help the country. He did it out of malice. That is why some people are suggesting that he was hired to record the security officers,” the former General Secretary of the PNC told the media on September 8, 2023.
Former Northern Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bugri Naabu confirmed the clandestine plot to oust the Inspector General of Police, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare in a leaked audio.
The leaked audio making rounds has a Police Commissioner who identified himself as Mensa and a politician, who also describes himself as a former Northern regional chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), plotting the removal of Dr. Dampare because he is too firm and will not allow the 2024 election to be rigged.
An ad-hoc committe was formed by parliament last week to investigate the matter.
It has since emerged that Bugri Nabu cannot be trusted, Ghanaians are also begining to get disappointed in the police service due to shocking revelations unfolding about prominent persons in Ghana’s security service.
Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has strongly criticized the United States’ imposition of sanctions against two of its leaders, denouncing them as “unjust and astonishing.”
On Wednesday, the US enforced financial sanctions on RSF’s deputy leader, Abdel Rahim Dagalo, and imposed a travel ban on the group’s commander in West Darfur state, Gen Abdul Rahman Juma, citing alleged human rights abuses as the reason.
Both Mr. Dagalo and Gen Juma vehemently denied these accusations from the US, describing them as “false and misleading.”
In a statement posted on X (formerly known as Twitter) on Thursday, the RSF expressed its deep dissatisfaction with the US sanctions, characterizing them as “stunning, regrettable, and inequitable.” The RSF argued that these sanctions would not contribute to one of the primary goals, which is to seek a comprehensive solution to the crisis in Sudan.
The group further accused the US of turning a blind eye to “atrocious crimes” committed by Sudan’s regular army, including indiscriminate bombings of civilian areas and the mistreatment of anti-war activists.
The paramilitary organization contended that these sanctions would only complicate the efforts led by the US to establish lasting peace in Sudan. Additionally, it’s worth noting that in June, Washington also imposed sanctions on companies owned by various warring factions within the Sudanese military.
The proposal to allocate 33 million rand ($1.7 million or £1.3 million) to enlist Emmy-winning comedian Trevor Noah for the promotion of South Africa as a tourist hotspot has sparked controversy within the nation.
South Africa’s Tourism Minister, Patricia de Lille, informed parliament about the intention to compensate Noah for his involvement in a five-minute promotional video aimed at showcasing South Africa’s tourism offerings.
Despite facing opposition from numerous Members of Parliament, Minister de Lille clarified that Trevor Noah’s remuneration would not be drawn from public funds. Instead, the funds would be sourced privately from the Tourism Business Council of South Africa, an overarching body that represents the interests of the country’s travel and tourism sector.
Critics of the proposed deal, both on social media and within South Africa, have deemed it unnecessary. Some argue that the timing is inappropriate, given the financial struggles faced by many South Africans.
One Twitter user expressed frustration, stating, “We expect the government not to waste money we don’t have on useless things. We don’t care who he is; the country is in shambles. No electricity, no employment, but they have 33 million to give to Trevor Noah. What has Trevor Noah contributed to the betterment of this country?”
On the other hand, some South Africans believe that Trevor Noah’s prominent status in Hollywood could potentially enhance South Africa’s tourism industry.
In March of the same year, Trevor Noah, alongside tennis legend Roger Federer, both of whom hold dual South African and Swiss nationalities, participated in a campaign aimed at promoting Switzerland as a travel destination.
In Uganda’s capital, Kampala, traffic police have taken measures to close several roads in the city to facilitate the transportation of VIPs to and from President Yoweri Museveni’s 79th birthday celebration scheduled for Friday.
This event has drawn an estimated crowd of 100,000 attendees, including individuals from both Kampala and other regions of Uganda.
Senior Superintendent Godwin Arinaitwe, the Kampala Metropolitan Traffic Police Commander, announced on Thursday that individuals unable to access the closed roads can make use of designated parking areas within Kampala and then cover the remaining distance to the event venue on foot.
He also assured that traffic police would guide those inconvenienced by the road closures to alternative routes.
It’s important to note that President Museveni’s actual birthday falls on September 15th. However, the festivities on Friday have been arranged by the youth belonging to Mr. Museveni’s ruling political party, the National Resistance Movement.
To prepare for this birthday celebration, city leaders initiated a clean-up operation of both Kampala and the Kololo Independence Grounds, the designated event location, on September 2nd.
In response to the coup d’état that occurred on July 26th, the United States government has initiated a repositioning of its troops in Niger.
According to Sabrina Singh, a spokesperson for the US Pentagon, a portion of the personnel currently stationed at Air Base 101 near Niger’s capital, Niamey, will be relocated to Air Base 201 in Agadez, situated further north.
During a media briefing at the Pentagon, Ms. Singh emphasized that there is no immediate threat to American troops and no indication of imminent violence on the ground. She clarified that this repositioning is purely a precautionary measure.
The United States maintains a presence of at least 1,100 troops across its two air bases in Niger. Air Base 201 in Agadez is notably a significant $110-million facility dedicated to drone operations, boasting a length of 1.9 kilometers and located approximately 920 kilometers from Niamey.
These US forces are primarily deployed in Niger to support the country’s efforts in counterterrorism and the enhancement of its military capabilities.
It is worth noting that relations between Niger and its Western partners have deteriorated following the overthrow of democratically-elected President Mohamed Bazoum by the military.
In recent developments, France has initiated negotiations with Niger’s military junta concerning the potential withdrawal of some of its 1,500 troops from the country.
Candidate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flag, Alan Kyerematen, reportedly sought extensive advice before announcing his intention to withdraw from the party’s flagbearer election, according to host of Egyaso Gyaso on Okay FM, Afia Pokuaa , commonly known as, Vim Lady.
She claimed that Mr. Kyerematen had discussions with important people in the nation, including several notable chiefs in the Ashanti Region, which was thought to be his stronghold.
“Last Monday when I came, I questioned why Alan did not attend the Akwasidae like Bawumia who attended. Apparently, Alan was in Kumasi all that while.
“The truth of the matter is, before Alan would come out with his statement yesterday, he had met a number of prominent chiefs in the Ashanti Region which is his base.
“He had consulted extensively asking the leaders whether he should go ahead with the contest or not. Alan had consulted, so when he did not attend the Akwasidae, he was in Kumasi consulting.
“In fact he started the consultation from Accra and ended it throughout the weekend and the Monday in Kumasi,” she stated on the Wednesday, September 6, 2023, edition of her show.
In the late afternoon of September 5, 2023, Alan Kyerematen issued a press release announcing his decision to withdraw from the running to be the NPP’s flagbearer, claiming incidents of threats, intimidation, and assault against his agents during the party’s recently concluded special delegates congress.
Along with highlighting their inaction on the pressing concerns, he also charged the party’s leadership with skewing the election in favor of another candidate.
“After having carefully analysed the results of the said elections, it is absolutely clear to me from events leading to, during and after the elections, that the Special Delegates Conference was strategically and tactically skewed in favour of one particular Aspirant. The pronouncements made by some leading Members of our Party both before and after the elections, also lend weight to my observations.
“The level of intimidation of varying intensity, directly and indirectly unleashed on a significant number of Delegates at various Voting Centers across the sixteen regions, is unprecedented in the history of our Party. In addition, the fact that my Polling Agent in the North East region has suffered severe damage to his eye sight, arising from his bold and courageous effort to ensure compliance with the very rules and regulations for the conduct of the elections as approved by the Presidential Elections Committee, will forever remain a dark spot in the history of internal elections within the Party. This incident and various acts of violence and collusion, reported in other Voting Centers, are appalling, unconscionable, and despicable,” he lamented.
Mr. Kyerematen announced his decision to withdraw from the contest, citing his dedication to the security of his agents and followers. He believes the incident of August 26 will probably recur on November 4 when the party hosts a final delegates congress to nominate a flagbearer.
“Regrettably, I am not convinced that the circumstances I have referred to earlier, will not persist or even be escalated in the next round of elections, for which balloting is scheduled for Wednesday, 6 of September 2023.
“In light of the foregoing, I wish to confirm that I am honourably withdrawing from the process that will lead to the Presidential Primaries to be held on the 4th of November 2023, In the next upcoming weeks, I will provide an indication of the role that I will play in politics in Ghana, after consultations with my family and other well. wishers, various stakeholders and interest groups,” he stated.
On Wednesday, the United States government imposed sanctions on prominent leaders of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), one of the conflicting parties in Sudan, in response to their involvement in atrocities against civilians.
The State Department specifically identified Abdelrahim Hamdan Daglo and Abdul Rahman Juma as individuals responsible for overseeing a range of violations, including assassinations and kidnappings, during Sudan’s five-month-long conflict. This ongoing conflict has resulted in the displacement of nearly 2 million people and the loss of over 2,000 lives.
Abdelrahman serves as the deputy leader of the RSF and is the sibling of the rebel group’s leader, Mohamed Hamdan Daglo. Meanwhile, Juma holds the position of RSF General and West Darfur Sector Commander. The U.S. Treasury has imposed sanctions on him due to his direct involvement in grave human rights violations.
“According to credible sources, on June 15, 2023, RSF forces led by General Juma kidnapped and killed the Governor of West Darfur, Khamis Abbakar, and his brother. This act came just hours after Abbakar’s public statements condemning the actions of the RSF.
“Concurrently, the Department of the Treasury is imposing sanctions on RSF Senior Commander Abdelrahim Hamdan Dagalo for his connection to the RSF, whose members have committed human rights abuses against civilians in Sudan, to include conflict-related sexual violence and killings based on ethnicity,” the State Department said on Wednesday.
After Khamis was fatally shot in broad daylight, the Sudan Armed Forces and RSF both released statements in which they each accused the other of murder.
Yet, the US said members of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Darfur have committed atrocities and other abuses, inducing ethnically motivated killings, “targeted abuses against human rights activists and defenders, conflict-related sexual violence, and looting and burning of communities”.
“We will not hesitate to use the tools at our disposal to hinder the ability of the RSF and Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) to further prolong this war, and we will also use such tools to deter any actor from undermining the Sudanese people’s aspiration for peace and civilian, democratic rule.
“We will act to promote accountability for those responsible for atrocities and to pursue justice for the victims. The parties must comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law to protect civilians, hold accountable those responsible for atrocities or other abuses, allow unhindered humanitarian access, and negotiate an end to the conflict.”
Enhanced air quality monitoring in Accra has unveiled a concerning trend, pinpointing Nima, Makola, Agbogbloshie, Chorkor, and Madina Zongo Junction as the city’s five most severely polluted areas.
These locations have consistently registered subpar air quality standards over an extended period, primarily due to soot generated by open waste burning and vehicular emissions.
Professor Kofi Amegah, the leader of the Breathe Accra Project, emphasized that these pollutants and particulates pose significant health risks to the local population.
Data compiled from over four months of monitoring has revealed that pollution levels in these areas remain elevated throughout the day, surpassing the recommended standards set by the World Health Organization.
According to the Air Quality Index (AQI), optimal or good air quality typically falls within the range of 0 to 50 on the index. AQI levels ranging from 51 to 100 are considered moderate, with potential health concerns for a small subset of individuals, particularly young children under the age of five.
“For instance, AQI for Agbogbloshie on Wednesday 6th September 2023 was between 150 and 200, which is unhealthy for all groups of people,” Prof Amegah said.
He noted that the deployment of over 30 sensors is enhancing the capabilities of the Environmental Protection Agency’s existing monitoring stations. This expansion in monitoring coverage encompasses a larger portion of the city, ensuring continuous surveillance of air quality.
While the monitoring network has yet to reach the international benchmark of having sensors within every five-mile radius, the improved monitoring system provides real-time data on air quality. This data is instrumental in conducting investigations to identify the sources and underlying causes of pollution, enabling prompt remedial actions.
Regarding green spaces, Professor Amegah shared findings from a recent study he conducted, revealing a significant decline in green spaces over the past two decades. These green spaces, including tree cover, grassy areas, and parks, serve as the ‘lungs of the city,’ but their presence has substantially diminished.
“These greens purified the air, but we have removed almost all. We need to act fast by planting trees before it is too late,” he cautioned.
Mr Alex Johnson, the Head of Transport, Accra Metropolitan Assembly, said: “There is a high concentration of pollutants wherever there is high population and high volume of vehicular traffic at the same time.”
“As vehicles move slowly, fuel burning becomes inefficient resulting in high emissions of air pollutants. Also, open burning of waste in these areas is quite common, so I’m not surprised at the results of the monitored data.”
He emphasized that various groups, including market women/traders, “truck pushers,” head porters (kayayei), patrons, drivers, pedestrians, and local residents living in these exposed environments, face a heightened risk of developing heart-related diseases and lung cancer in the medium to long term.
Statistics derived from the Ghana Health Service (GHS) for the first half of 2023 reveal that asthma, primarily caused by poor air quality, ranks as the second most commonly recorded non-communicable disease (NCD). Dr. Efua Commeh, the Acting Programme Manager for Non-Communicable Diseases at GHS, clarified that this data implies a growing number of individuals suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases such as asthma. Pollutants in the air also increase children’s susceptibility to upper respiratory infections like the flu, which can trigger asthma symptoms.
The inhalation of dust and soot particles poses significant health risks, potentially resulting in lung dysfunction, heart diseases, cancer, nerve damage, and harm to vital organs like the brain, kidneys, and liver, ultimately leading to premature deaths.
In terms of the healthcare burden, information obtained by the Ghana News Agency (GNA) indicates that the National Health Insurance expends an annual sum of US$14,976,000 on the treatment of NCD-related conditions among 500 hospitalized patients.
Mr. Desmond Appiah, the Country Lead of Clean Air Fund, reiterated the imperative need for collaboration among leadership, law enforcement agencies, and the public to preserve clean skies. He emphasized that working collectively and making informed decisions based on evidence, along with targeted actions, would help reduce and eventually eliminate waste burning and enhance transportation methods.
A shared objective of ensuring clean air for all can serve as a catalyst for securing financing and investments in sectors that improve air quality measures and yield numerous co-benefits.
A Kenyan hospital employee, Fred Leparan, who was exposed by the BBC for selling a baby on the black market, has been found guilty of child trafficking. Leparan, employed at Nairobi’s Mama Lucy Kibaki hospital, was captured on film accepting $2,050 (£1,600) to facilitate the sale of a baby boy under the hospital’s care. This arrest occurred in 2020 following an investigation by BBC Africa Eye.
Leparan faced charges alongside another hospital employee, Selina Awour, relating to child theft. While Awuor was convicted on three counts of child neglect, she was acquitted of child trafficking. Both individuals are scheduled for sentencing on September 26.
The BBC’s Africa Eye investigative team initiated contact with Leparan, posing as potential buyers after receiving information from a source suggesting his involvement in illegal child trafficking at the government-run hospital. A meeting was arranged at the hospital, during which Leparan showed minimal interest in the undercover reporter’s situation before agreeing to sell the baby boy.
On the day when the baby boy was meant to be transferred from the hospital to a government-run children’s home, along with two other children, Leparan was caught on camera falsifying the transfer paperwork to make it appear that the home should expect only two children instead of three. The BBC ensured that all three children were safely delivered to the children’s home but recorded Leparan altering the paperwork and informing them that the child was now theirs to take away.
Despite overwhelming evidence, the legal proceedings lasted for more than two years. Leparan secured strong legal representation in Kenya, but his testimony during the trial was inconsistent and evasive. He initially denied his involvement, attempting to claim that the voice in the undercover footage belonged to someone else, even though his mouth moved in sync with the words. Later, he admitted that some of the words were indeed his own.
Leparan also claimed not to recognize various parts of the hospital where he had worked for three years, despite the court being presented with footage showing him secretly arranging the theft and transfer of the baby boy.
While the BBC’s investigation exposed the illegal sale of one child from Mama Lucy, a former hospital employee who spoke to Africa Eye anonymously revealed knowledge of 12 missing children under the hospital’s care in just two months.
“So many people are corrupt. Once they are given something small they keep quiet and never talk,” he said, referring to bribes given to staff.
In Kenya, the demand for stolen children remains distressingly high, driven by a combination of cultural stigma surrounding infertility and adoption, along with a cumbersome legal adoption process.
The hospital scam orchestrated by Leparan is just one facet of this multifaceted issue. Africa Eye’s investigations have also captured traffickers organizing the illicit buying and selling of infants in clandestine street clinics. Moreover, the audacious abduction and sale of babies from vulnerable, homeless mothers living on Nairobi’s streets have been documented.
Mary Auma, who operated a clinic where vulnerable mothers gave birth and sold their babies for subsequent resale at a profit, disappeared after being exposed by our undercover team. Upon returning to Nairobi recently, we found no trace of Auma, and her clinic had been shut down.
However, the heartbreaking reality persists: babies continue to be abducted in Nairobi. Near the site of the closed clinic, a woman approached us, clutching a flyer featuring the image of her five-year-old granddaughter, Chelsea Akinye. According to Chelsea’s grandmother, Rosemary, the young girl was abducted from the street a year and six days prior. Rosemary has tirelessly searched for Chelsea every day since her disappearance, distributing flyers throughout the neighborhood and beyond. She described Chelsea as a joyful child with immense potential in her studies.
“When she came from school, she would get anyone close to her to help her with homework before she would go out to play,” Rosemary said.
“I have searched for Chelsea all the way to Busia. Since that day, I leave very early in the morning, sometimes at 4am, to search for her.”
Like other parents or grandparents who have been subjected to the terrible ordeal of having a child being snatched, Rosemary sometimes longs for closure in any form.
“I imagine someone would have abandoned her somewhere, or she has been killed and left somewhere. And I go and bury her, and it leaves my heart,” she said.
Reliable statistics regarding the extent of child trafficking in Kenya are scarce. According to Florence Bore, the Cabinet Secretary for Labour and Social Protection in the country, there were 6,841 reported cases of missing children between July 2022 and May 2023, with only 1,296 successfully reunited with their families.
Mueni Mutisya, representing the Directorate of Criminal Investigations Child Trafficking Unit, informed the BBC that the unit now deals with an average of approximately five new cases of child abduction each week. These cases disproportionately impact families with the lowest incomes, according to Ms. Mueni.
In 2020, the day after our initial investigation was published, Kenya’s then Minister for Labour and Social Protection, Simon Chelugui, made a commitment to take stringent government actions to combat the trade in stolen children. He vowed that those responsible would face the full weight of the law.
While new laws aimed at strengthening child protections came into effect in the past year in Kenya, Ms. Mueni emphasizes that there is still much work to be done. She advocates for new legislation that would mandate members of the public to report any suspicions of child abuse or abduction, further enhancing child protection measures.
“Let us have a common goal of protecting children,” she said.
The most vulnerable children are still those being raised by the poorest families, according to Maryana Munyendo, the head of charity Missing Child Kenya, which operates a toll-free line for people to report abductions.
“Within Nairobi, we still get a lot of cases from the slum areas,” Ms. Munyendo said. She said her phone line still received three missing child reports every day on average.
Holders of Treasury Bills (T-bills) have been reassured by Minister of State for Finance and Economic Planning Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam that their investments won’t be impacted by the debt restructuring plan described in the 2023 budget.
Dr. Amin claims that the government is attempting to put policies into place that would stabilize the economy while protecting the interests of T-bill holders who are already dealing with higher living expenses as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak and the Russia-Ukraine War’s knock-on consequences.
T-bills are not covered by the debt restructuring program, according to Dr. Amin Adam, who made this clear in an interview with Joy News’ PM Express on August 24, 2023.
“Allow me to reiterate that the government remains resolute in its decision not to restructure treasury bills. Treasury bills have been, and will continue to serve as, a dependable source of revenue for the government, supplementing the other revenue streams in place. It is crucial for individuals to remain assured that the government is maintaining its steadfast commitment to this established stance,” he said.
He emphasized that Treasury bills have long been a trusted investment option for both individuals and institutions. This is why the government is fully committed to ensuring the security of these investments, even in the context of broader economic initiatives.
This assurance aligns with Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta’s previous statement in January, where he unequivocally stated that “treasury bills will always remain sacred.”
The comments made by Dr. Amin Adam and the commitment expressed by Ken Ofori-Atta collectively underscore the government’s dedication to safeguarding the stability of T-bill holdings and upholding the confidence of T-bill investors.
In the meantime, the government has successfully fulfilled the initial coupon payment obligations for bonds affected by the Debt and Deficit Management Programme (DDEP). The Ministry of Finance, in an official statement, highlighted that as per the terms of the DDEP, which was launched on December 5, 2022, to complement the government’s fiscal agenda, the first coupon payments for the tendered bonds were due on August 22, 2023.
In accordance with this commitment, the government has fully honored its obligations by making the entire first coupon payment associated with the DDEP, amounting to GH¢2,369,667,190.18.
Furthermore, the Finance Ministry pointed out that the newly issued bonds under the DDEP have now become prominent instruments within the domestic bond market. This settlement of coupons establishes a strong foundation for a rapid economic recovery and underscores the government’s unwavering determination to fulfill all future payment commitments while strictly adhering to the new arrangements and terms.
In the aftermath of the withdrawal of Alan Kyerematen, a senior lecturer at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) Department of History and Political Studies has refuted claims that the NPP primary is a two-horse race between Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and Assin Central legislator Kennedy Agyapong.
Dr. Akwasi Amakye Boateng predicts that Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the vice president, will win the primaries by a wide majority.
In an interview with Asempa FM on September 7, 2023, the academic said these things and added that he would be amazed if Ken finished even remotely close to Dr. Bawumia. The November 4 primaries.
“I think it is a one-horse race. It would be a straight win for Dr Bawumia. I would be surprised if people in the NPP vote for Kennedy Agyapong,” he said.
Kennedy, in his opinion, is unqualified to govern Ghana because he lacks the necessary skills.
Voters must demonstrate that they are concerned about candidates’ moral character, he continued.
“Kennedy Agyapong socially, traditionally, and intellectually is not presidential material and this must show.
“Ghanaians must demonstrate that we care about people who become our presidents. In the first place, for the development of poor countries… leadership matters. And political leaders in such countries should be knowledgeable generally and in economics,” he said.
Click on link below to watch the interview on Facebook:
Today, on September 8, 2023, the Bank of Ghana’s Interbank forex rates reveal various currency exchange rates.
The Ghana Cedi is trading against the dollar at a buying price of 11.0346 and a selling price of 11.0456. At an Accra-based forex bureau, the dollar is being purchased at a rate of 11.40 and sold at a rate of 11.65.
Against the Pound Sterling, the Cedi is trading at a buying price of 13.7701 and a selling price of 13.7860. In Accra’s forex bureaus, the pound sterling is being bought at a rate of 14.35 and sold at a rate of 14.85.
The Euro is trading at a buying price of 11.8167 and a selling price of 11.8294. At Accra’s forex bureaus, the Euro is being acquired at a rate of 12.10 and sold at a rate of 12.60.
The South African Rand is trading at a buying price of 0.5755 and a selling price of 0.5760. In Accra’s forex bureaus, the South African Rand is being bought at a rate of 0.35 and sold at a rate of 0.95.
The Nigerian Naira is trading at a buying price of 69.6570 and a selling price of 70.4414. In Accra’s forex bureaus, the Nigerian Naira is being purchased at a rate of 11.00 Naira for every 1 Cedi and sold at a rate of 16.00.
For the CFA, it is trading at a buying price of 55.4514 and a selling price of 55.5110. In Accra’s forex bureaus, CFA is being acquired at a rate of 16.50 CFA for every 1 Cedi and sold at a rate of 20.50 CFA for every 1 Cedi.
Note that these rates may be different at a forex bureau near you. Our forex bureau rates are provided by Afriswap Bureau De Change in Osu, Accra.
Our forex bureau rates are provided by Afriswap Bureau De Change in Osu, Accra.
International energy expert Dr. Johnstone Chikwanda has estimated that approximately $50 billion will be needed to finance interventions that allow Africa to provide access to inexpensive and clean energy to millions of people who currently lack it. This is in line with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7’s recommendations.
SDG 7 calls on all nations, particularly those in Africa, to pledge to guarantee universal access to cost-effective, dependable, sustainable, and modern energy for everyone by 2030.
In the same period, it is anticipated that technology will advance and infrastructure will be expanded to provide cutting-edge, environmentally friendly energy services to all developing nations, especially the least developed ones.
According to Mr. Chikwanda, a novel finance strategy, such as an Internet connection charge, must be considered in order to make it feasible given the urgency of connecting the African region and bringing millions of people who lack energy on board.
“If the Western world or perhaps Africa could insert a small levy in the Internet connection or in the mobile telephony communication – as proposed by the late Kofi Annan, within one year or so more than US$50billion could be raised to fund this.
“Other monies have to come from grants and green climate funds; and also note that some bonds can be raised to finance the energy transitions, as well as taxes, direct investments and so on. We are also beginning to see individuals using their own savings, and maybe loan borrowings, to connect themselves to clean energy at the household level,” he said.
Energy experts emphasize that Africa is falling short of its global energy commitments, with most countries on the continent having a mere 13 percent rural electrification rate. Dr. Chikwanda, speaking as part of the ‘Africa we want series’ organized by PIED Africa, highlighted the extensive repercussions of failing to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG 7), as it is intertwined with other sustainable development goals.
Dr. Chikwanda pointed out the interdependence of SDGs related to poverty eradication and economic development on electrification. He stressed the importance of adequate energy security for modern economies, the necessity of electricity for quality education services, especially with ICT integration in schools, and the critical role of electricity in achieving the SDG for quality healthcare.
To attain universal connectivity in Africa, Dr. Chikwanda advised following the blueprint adopted by the African Union (AU), which aims to harmonize the numerous regulatory power frameworks existing across the continent, such as the Southern African power pool, East African power pool, North African power pool, Central African power pool, and West African power pool. Harmonizing these frameworks and interconnecting them will facilitate electricity transfer between regions.
The harmonized regulatory framework at both continental and regional levels is expected to pave the way for the creation of an African energy market, encourage private sector involvement in the energy sector, and mobilize the substantial financial and technical resources necessary for providing modern energy access to all.
During a virtual discussion on energy organized by PIED Africa under the theme ‘Africa’s energy transition and how it can be financed,’ Dr. Kelvin Kemm, Chairman of Stratek Global in South Africa, advocated for the exploration and utilization of nuclear power as a means to generate electricity for the African population.
It has emerged that the Ghana Highways Authority has initiated a GH¢1 million project to take down the Accra-Tema Motorway’s tollbooth.
The primary goal of this initiative is to improve road safety and reduce traffic congestion in the area.
As part of this project, the main tollbooths, two on each side of the motorway’s inner lane, will be demolished. However, the auxiliary tollbooths situated outside the main lanes, originally added to alleviate traffic congestion, will remain unaffected.
The concrete slabs supporting the tollbooths will also be dismantled to ensure the complete removal of these structures. Recently, abandoned tollbooths have become safety hazards and witnessed accidents, including a recent fatality.
Concerns raised by the public regarding the visibility of these abandoned tollbooths, especially at night due to the lack of proper lighting or defective reflectors, have prompted this action.
Joseph Atsu Amedzake, the Director of Road Safety and Environment at the GHA, confirmed that preparations are underway for the partial removal of the tollbooths to improve commuting conditions. He also mentioned that resources, equipment, and personnel are being mobilized to expedite the project.
To ensure safety during the removal process, three lanes containing the tollbooths have been cordoned off, with reflective cones placed within the cordoned area to warn motorists about lane closures.
Mr. Amedzake further revealed that solar-powered streetlights will be installed at both the Tema and Accra ends of the tollbooths to address safety concerns during the transitional period, while a permanent lighting solution is being considered for the entire motorway.
Additionally, patching works will commence to address the depressed areas along the motorway, which have been a significant cause of traffic congestion and safety concerns for commuters.
Mr. Amedzake urged motorists and commuters to exercise caution when using the affected sections of the motorway and adhere to speed limits to prevent accidents. This initiative is aimed at enhancing road safety and improving the overall travel experience for commuters.
Founder and head of Prophetic Hill Chapel International, Prophet Nigel Gaisie, has spoken out about how Superintendent George Lysander Asare, a troubled senior police officer, allegedly mistreated him when he was in charge of the Mile 7 Police Command.
Nigel claims that Supt Asare mistreated him and former President John Dramani Mahama after the latter made a forecast that the senior police officer took to heart.
“This said, Superintendent Lysander Asare abused my rights some few years ago just because I have given an inspired prophecy which he deem not to be in his favour, I never had peace when he was the mile 7′ police commander,” he wrote in a Facebook post.
Prophet Nigel claimed that among the mistreatment he had at the hands of the policeman was having his time wasted by repeatedly being requested to report to the police station while being verbally abused.
He continued by saying that John Dramani Mahama, a previous president, was also subjected to the insults.
“He will ask me to report day and night, waste all my productive hours at Mile 7 Police station.
“For all the hours, he will keep me at the station, its verbal abuse upon verbal abuse, the former president of Ghana was the major point of his focus.
“A professional police man in the Ghanaian police uniform in his office will insult me saaa and the former president of Ghana! My ethics and upbringing will not allow me to repeat the harsh, unprovoked draconic and un-printed words he used on the former president of Ghana (JM) and my good self).
“He will leak our private conversation to Oman FM boiling point lies upon lies, they will scandalise me saaa,” he alleged.
Three top police officials were detained by the Ghana Police Service on Thursday, September 7, 2023, as a result of their participation in a recording that was leaked in which a plot to remove the present Inspector General of Police, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, was being discussed.
“The Police Service has interdicted Commissioner of Police (COP) Mr. George Alex Mensah, Superintendent Mr. Emmanuel Eric Gyebi and Superintendent Mr. George Lysander Asare in connection with the audio tape which has become a subject matter of investigation by Parliament.
“The interdiction is to make way for disciplinary proceedings into their conduct in line with Police Service regulations,” the statement said.
According to Prophet Nigel, while he is not happy about the turn of events for the senior police officer, his fate should serve as a lesson to persons abusing their office.
“Am I happy he is interdicted, nope but the lessons of history must teach us thus no condition is permanent and be pleasant towards people…. don’t abuse people wrongly even if you don’t agree with them……some don’t sleep at night. Nigel Gaisie, I have suffered oo (One day, I will write a book n (sic) entitle it… The pains of being a prophet) …. I wish him and all the others who over the years have touched me wrongly……Well,” he wrote.
Host of Egyaso Gyaso on Okay FM, Afia Pokuaa alias Vim Lady, alleges that there was a scheme by some people to incite trouble during a press conference that was meant to be addressed by Alan Kyerematen, a candidate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer position.
Vim Lady claims that the aforementioned event was abruptly canceled after Alan’s campaign staff learned that certain people had been paid to act as his fans during the news conference and cause mayhem.
“Some party members had been hired to mar Alan’s press conference. They were going to pose as Alan’s supporters and cause destruction and Alan said he will no longer go ahead with the press conference, he would rather release a statement,” he stated on the Wednesday, September 6, 2023, edition of her show.
In the late afternoon of September 5, 2023, Alan Kyerematen issued a press release announcing his decision to withdraw from the running to be the NPP’s flagbearer, claiming incidents of threats, intimidation, and assault against his agents during the party’s recently concluded special delegates congress.
Along with highlighting their inaction on the pressing concerns, he also charged the party’s leadership with skewing the election in favor of another candidate.
“After having carefully analysed the results of the said elections, it is absolutely clear to me from events leading to, during and after the elections, that the Special Delegates Conference was strategically and tactically skewed in favour of one particular Aspirant. The pronouncements made by some leading Members of our Party both before and after the elections, also lend weight to my observations.
“The level of intimidation of varying intensity, directly and indirectly unleashed on a significant number of Delegates at various Voting Centers across the sixteen regions, is unprecedented in the history of our Party. In addition, the fact that my Polling Agent in the North East region has suffered severe damage to his eye sight, arising from his bold and courageous effort to ensure compliance with the very rules and regulations for the conduct of the elections as approved by the Presidential Elections Committee, will forever remain a dark spot in the history of internal elections within the Party. This incident and various acts of violence and collusion, reported in other Voting Centers, are appalling, unconscionable, and despicable,” he lamented.
Mr. Kyerematen announced his decision to withdraw from the contest, citing his dedication to the security of his agents and followers. He believes the incident of August 26 will probably recur on November 4 when the party hosts a final delegates congress to nominate a flagbearer.
“Regrettably, I am not convinced that the circumstances I have referred to earlier, will not persist or even be escalated in the next round of elections, for which balloting is scheduled for Wednesday, 6 of September 2023.
“In light of the foregoing, I wish to confirm that I am honourably withdrawing from the process that will lead to the Presidential Primaries to be held on the 4th of November 2023, In the next upcoming weeks, I will provide an indication of the role that I will play in politics in Ghana, after consultations with my family and other well. wishers, various stakeholders and interest groups,” he stated.
A viral social media video features a woman expressing her dismay over what she views as unfair treatment towards Alan Kyerematen, the former Minister of Trade and Industry and a New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer hopeful. Kyerematen recently withdrew from the NPP’s presidential race, citing mistreatment of his campaign agents and an unjust electoral process.
In the video, the woman expressed sadness about the recent NPP super delegates’ election, marked by instances of violence resulting in injury to one of Alan’s campaign agents. She also raised concerns about the silence of both President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) regarding the incident.
Directly addressing President Akufo-Addo, she questioned whether he would have persevered in his own political journey if faced with similar circumstances during his bid for the presidency. Additionally, she speculated that party leaders may be uniting behind Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia as the NPP’s future leader.
“Alan Kyerematen has left your party for you, use it for whatever you want, but he hasn’t said anything. What did Alan do to the NPP, and this is just an internal election?
“You people have hurt Alan’s polling agent’s eye. We have a president in this country, but he hasn’t said anything.
“We have the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) in this country, and he hasn’t said anything. Party leaders are in this town, but they haven’t said anything. Why this silence, especially over internal elections? Give it to Bawumia; it is left with Kennedy.
“Kennedy, the way Alan Kyerematen listened to me and pulled out of the race, you should leave it for Bawumia. So, Akufo-Addo, is that what they did to you in the party?
“Alan, you stopped because of the things that they have said they will do to you. Stop, because all the weapons in the country are with Akufo-Addo. Alan’s sin was to willingly withdraw to allow Akufo-Addo to become president; that is Alan’s sin. For Akufo-Addo to also get the opportunity to become president, that is Alan’s sin.”
On September 5, 2023, Alan Kyerematen declared his intention to drop out of the running.
Kyerematen gave a number of explanations for his choice, including the alleged intimidation of delegates on August 26, 2023, during the just-concluded Super Delegates Conference.
The Peoples Democratic Party’s nominee for president in the election scheduled for February 25, 2023, Atiku Abubakar, has issued a statement retracting a claim that he congratulated President Bola Tinubu on the decision of the election petition tribunal in Abuja.
In response to a supposed statement made by Atiku, Mr. Paul Ibe, the former vice president’s media adviser, claimed the claim was false and was the result of a plan by those who were anxious for confirmation of their theft of Nigerians’ mandate.
Ibe said, “ Atiku couldn’t have validated electoral banditry because doing so would have amounted to a rape on the conscience of Nigerians who have struggled for years to entrench electoral integrity.
“if their conscience is clear and they are convinced that their victory is valid, they don’t have to blackmail their political opponents into congratulating them through fake news.”
“Why should a man be desperate for validation? Does truth require validation? Why should you issue a congratulatory statement and attribute it to Atiku if your conscience is not troubled by the electoral heist you have perpetrated,” he queried.
“Contrary to the fake news being circulated by Tinubu propagandists, Atiku has already asked his lawyers to proceed to the Supreme Court to challenge the judgement of the election petition tribunal.”
To debunk the purported message as both false and trivial, it is worth noting that it was addressed to the “President-elect.” Despite the fact that we recognize it as a hollow victory, it is undeniably ludicrous to continue addressing Bola Tinubu as “President-elect” five months after his inauguration.
Ibe further emphasized, “This struggle transcends Atiku; it is about Nigeria and the future of our democracy. Allowing election manipulators to evade accountability poses a grave threat to our democratic principles. Consent is a fundamental element of a democratic mandate, and governing against the will of the people undermines the very essence of democracy.”
Furthermore, he clarified that the PDP presidential candidate has no intentions of retiring from political engagement and will instead remain an active participant in the effort to fortify democracy in the nation.
Ibe continued, stating, “The Waziri bears no personal grudge against President Tinubu. He harbors no ill feelings toward him. However, it is important to clarify that this struggle is rooted in principles and justice, not personal animosity. He engages in it to ensure that those responsible for election manipulation are held accountable. Injustice and electoral fraud only foster resentment and division. No leader should take pride in leading a populace filled with anger and grievances.”
Five opposition political parties have collectively submitted an injunction aimed at suspending the ongoing limited voters’ registration exercise.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC), Progressive People’s Party (PPP), Convention People’s Party (CPP), People’s National Convention (PNC), and the All People’s Congress (APC) have united to seek legal action against what they perceive as the Electoral Commission’s unlawful and unreasonable decision to confine voter registration centers to their District Offices for the upcoming Limited Voter Registration exercise.
They argue that the Electoral Commission’s choice to limit voter registration centers to district offices could potentially disenfranchise numerous eligible voters, infringing upon their right to register and participate in public elections.
In the parties’ legal submission, they assert, “a declaration that, based on a proper interpretation of articles 45(a) and 42 of the constitution, the Electoral Commission’s decision to conduct the 2023 limited/continuous voter registration at the District offices rather than on the basis of electoral areas, would lead to voter suppression, particularly in rural constituencies of the country. Consequently, it is unconstitutional as it violates the rights of first-time voters to register and vote.”
Minister of marine and blue economy, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola, has stated that the ministry will work with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to clear 6,000 overdue shipments of cargo that have been piling up in the port since 2011.
As part of his tour of agencies under his ministry, the Minister made this disclosure in Lagos while paying a courtesy call to the NSC headquarters.
According to Oyetola, there are around 6,000 extra shipments in the Apapa and TinCan Ports. He also claimed that his administration would make sure that the shipments were cleared within the allotted period.
He stated: “On the port community transport, it is something that needs to be pursued. I have gone round to look at the state of the ports, it is discouraging. I am not blaming anybody. My concept of ports development is more of Public Private Partnership, PPP. Government should not own a port 100 per cent.
“Another thing I noticed is the extent to which cargoes are being abandoned. You need to engage with Customs to see how we can decongest our ports. Tin-can and Apapa have about 6,000 cargo that have been abandoned. You can imagine how much space they are occupying. I am going to engage the Customs management to see what can be done. There must be a time frame for clearing of cargo. To have kept cargo in one place since 2011 is unfortunate. I believe a solution can be created.
“I am charging all of us to be more creative. You have to see yourselves as civil servants in business because the blue economy is purely business. The issue of port rehabilitation is critical, I went there and I saw a lot of cracks.”
In his opening remarks, NSC Executive Secretary Emmanuel Jime asked the Minister to ensure that Nigeria develops into a marine hub in the West Africa subregion.
He said: “You have come with a determination to change the narrative and ensure that when you leave, you will write your name in gold. This is one agency in the industry that would help you on the road to achieving that objective of yours, which is to turn around maritime.
“The objective of everyone here is to make certain that Nigeria becomes a maritime hub in this West Africa sub region. That is our objective and desire.”
Nigeria’s trade balance increased by 38% during the first and second quarters of 2023, from N927.15 billion to N1.28 trillion (Q2’23).
This resulted from the rises in overall imports and exports that were observed during the time.
This information was released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) today in its Foreign Trade in Goods Statistics for Q1’23, along with the additional information that total merchandise trade climbed by 5.7 percent to N12.7 trillion in Q2’23 from N12.04 trillion in Q1’23.
NBS said, “Nigeria’s total merchandise trade stood at ₦12.74 trillion in Q2’23, indicating an increase of 5.7 percent over the value recorded in Q1’23 but it declined by 7.6 percent when compared to the value recorded in Q2’22.
“The disaggregation of total trade into exports and imports shows that total exports stood at ₦7,015.71 billion, showing an increase of 8.15% over the value recorded in the preceding quarter and a decrease of 5.2 percent over the corresponding period in the preceding year.
“In addition, the data reveals that the share of exports in total trade stood at 55.06 percent in Q2’23.
“Exports trade in Q2’23 was dominated by crude oil exports valued at ₦5.58 trillion, which accounted for 79.63 percent of total exports, while non-crude oil exports value stood at ₦1.43 trillion, or 20.37 percent of total exports, of which non-oil products contributed ₦688.68 billion, representing 9.82 percent of total exports.
“On the other hand, total imports stood at ₦5.72 trillion in Q2’23, indicating an increase of 2.9 percent over the value recorded in the preceding quarter.
“The value of imports in the quarter under review fell by 10.37 percent compared to the value recorded in the corresponding period of 2022.
“Imports trade share of total trade in Q2’23 accounted for 44.94 percent of total trade, bringing the trade balance to ₦1.28 trillion.”
According to the bureau’s report, the leading partner countries responsible for imports to Nigeria were as follows: China (₦1.26 trillion, equivalent to 22.17 percent), the United States of America (₦921.45 billion, equivalent to 16.09 percent), Belgium (₦460.43 billion, accounting for 8.04 percent), India (₦417.77 billion, making up 7.3 percent), and the Netherlands (₦369.69 billion, representing 6.46 percent).
The report also noted, “The total import value from these top five countries reached ₦3,438.76 billion, constituting 60.05 percent of the overall imports.”
Furthermore, the commodities with the highest import values were identified as ‘Motor Spirit Ordinary’ (₦1.23 trillion or 21.50 percent), ‘Used Vehicles with diesel or semi-diesel engines, of cylinder capacity >2500cc’ (₦733.92 billion or 12.82 percent), and ‘Gas oil’ (₦230.83 billion or 4.03 percent).
Labour Party’s nominee for president, Peter Obi, vowed on Wednesday to appeal the ruling of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal and to continue seeking justice.
Obi made this statement in response to the five-person panel’s decision, which supported President Bola Tinubu’s victory and was led by Justice Haruna Tsammani, on Thursday during a press conference in Onitsha, Anambra state.
Obi said, “Yesterday, 6 September 2023, the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC) finally delivered its long-awaited judgments on the Petitions challenging the outcome of the presidential election held on 25 February 2023. This judgment was delivered within the statutory time frame under the extant statutes. We acknowledge the Court’s contributions to due process and the seeming attempt to strengthen our democracy.
“As petitioners in this case, we respect the views and rulings of the Court, but we disagree with the Court’s reasoning and conclusions in the judgment it delivered. It is my intention as a presidential candidate and the intention of the Labour Party to challenge this judgment by way of appeal immediately, as allowed by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“The PEPC has rendered its judgment, but that esteemed body is not the final arbiter. The responsibility now falls on the Supreme Court. I do know that judgment is not coterminous with justice. I implore Nigerians to remain focused, steadfast, and peaceful; abide by the rule of law, and understand that this matter has not reached its logical conclusion.
“Our legal team has already received our firm instruction to file an appeal against the decision. I shall not relent in the quest for justice, not necessarily for myself but indeed for our teeming supporters all over the country whose mandate to us at the polls was regrettably truncated by INEC.
“The strength and value of our democracy reside in solid national institutions and our confidence in them. Electoral litigations will be almost unnecessary and nonexistent if the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) discharges its statutory functions creditably, transparently, and with discernible fairness. When that body fails, as it did recently, thus subverting the will of Nigerian voters, the recourse to the judiciary becomes imperative, as is now the case.
“I thank every Nigerian who has supported our cause and campaign for a New Nigeria characterized by fairness, equity, justice, the rule of law, peace, prosperity, inclusiveness, sustainable growth, and development. A New Nigeria is possible and achievable. I especially thank our legal team, the Labour Party and Obidient Family, and all those who showed up daily during the court trials. God bless you all, and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Earlier, in a statement released on Wednesday by the party’s national publicity secretary, Obiora Ifoh, the LP rejected the ruling.
Ifoh said, “The Labour Party watched with dismay and trepidation the dismissal of petitions by the five-man panel of the Presidential Election Petition Court led by Justice Haruna Tsammani today and we reject the outcome of the judgment in its entirety because justice was not served and it did not reflect the law and the desire of the people.
“Nigerians were witnesses to the electoral robbery that took place on February 25, 2023, which was globally condemned but the Tribunal in its wisdom refused to accept the obvious.
“What is at stake is democracy and we will not relent until the people will prevail. We salute the doggedness of our team of lawyers who fearlessly exposed the wrath in our system. We can only weep for democracy in Nigeria but we refuse to give up on Nigeria.”
The narrative of Bless, a fruit vendor who lives in the Accra neighborhood of Madina, illustrates the reality and sensation of things not going your way or as expected.
Bless, who as a little child wanted to be a nurse, grew up with the idea of having to work menial jobs to support herself.
In an interview with Eugenia Diabah on GhanaWeb TV’s Everyday People, Bless disclosed that her family’s financial situation prevented her from pursuing her passion of becoming a nurse.
“I completed JHS but was unable to continue because there was no money at home. No one could help with money or anything. I wanted to become a nurse but here I am today,” she said.
Bless went on to say that she has worked five jobs or more to support herself as an adult. She also mentioned that she used to work at a pub but had to leave due to male harassment.
“I worked at a bar for four months. I quit because the harassment from menwas too much and I couldn’t bear them again,” she added.
Due to persistent sexual harassment by men, she left her employment as a bartender and is now a fruit vendor
Democratic Republic of Congo has eliminated visa requirement for Kenyan travelers.
This decision was announced by DR Congo’s Director General of Migration, Roland Kashwantale Chihoza, in a statement issued on Wednesday.
This reciprocal action comes in response to Kenya’s recent announcement that it would also be waiving visa requirements for Congolese visitors to the country. Kenya’s decision is aimed at reducing barriers to facilitate the free movement of people and promote trade within the East African Community (EAC).
It’s worth noting that the Democratic Republic of Congo joined the East African Community as its seventh member last year.
Health Director for Oti Region, Dr. Osei Kuffour Affreh, has voiced deep concern about the precarious state of healthcare services in the region, primarily due to a shortage of healthcare professionals.
He emphasized that the absence of doctors, physician assistants, midwives, as well as technical and support staff, along with various systemic challenges, are significant obstacles impeding healthcare delivery in Oti.
Dr. Affreh also pointed out the lack of regional medical storage facilities and insufficient residential accommodations for staff as additional factors impacting service provision.
These remarks were made during the 2023 mid-year performance review of the Oti Regional Health Directorate, held in Worawora, Biakoye District, under the theme: “Achieving Universal Health Coverage; The Role of the Health Worker.”
Dr. Affreh expressed heartfelt appreciation to healthcare partners, particularly the Korea Foundation for International Health Care (KOFIH), for their continuous support over the years. He highlighted KOFIH’s contributions, including funding for the construction of two Community-based and Health Planning Services (CHPS) Compounds, renovations, and various infrastructure projects that have enhanced healthcare services in the region.
Additionally, the region received a new Toyota Hilux vehicle and essential office equipment and supplies from the World Health Organization (WHO). WHO’s support extended to surveillance activities and various training programs conducted during the review period.
Dr. Affreh also acknowledged the invaluable assistance from other partners, including USAID Q4H, GAVI, World Vision, Marie Stopes, Impact Malaria, ANESVAD, and UNICEF.
Nana Okoforobour Baffour Kwame Asare II, the Paramount Chief of the Tapa Traditional Council, spoke with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) and praised the commendable efforts of the Oti Regional Health Directorate. He, however, appealed to the Regional Coordinating Council and the government to provide necessary assistance to healthcare professionals grappling with the challenges they face.
Madagascar President Andry Rajoelina has declared his intention to run for re-election in November, despite facing a campaign to disqualify him from the presidential race.
In June of this year, leaked documents revealed that Mr. Rajoelina, along with his wife and children, had obtained French citizenship in 2014. Since this revelation, some Malagasy leaders and citizens have raised concerns about his transparency and loyalty to Madagascar, a former French colony that gained independence in 1960.
Critics argue that Madagascar’s laws do not permit dual citizenship, and individuals who acquire foreign citizenship automatically forfeit their Malagasy citizenship, rendering them ineligible to run for the presidency.
However, Mr. Rajoelina, who won the election in late 2018, disputes this interpretation, asserting that the constitution does not explicitly prohibit individuals with dual citizenship from seeking the presidency.
The upcoming elections, scheduled for November 9 on the Indian Ocean island, will feature over 20 candidates vying for the presidency.
About 80% of her company’s operations have been shuttered, according to Chief Executive of FC Beauty Group of Companies, Dr. Mrs. Grace Amey-Obeng.
“I have closed 80 percent of my businesses, and I have laid off 70 percent of staff. We are now working three days a week. The situation is too stressful.
“We want our Ghana back. This is not the Ghana we want. We cannot be paying people for no work done,” she lamented.
Read the full story originally published on September 30, 2022 by GNA
CEO of FC Beauty Group of Companies, Dr. Mrs. Grace Amey-Obeng, has lamented the heavy toll of the recent economic crisis on her business empire.
As the founder and leader of the nation’s top beauty and cosmetics conglomerate, Dr. Amey-Obeng disclosed that she has been compelled to close a significant percentage of her enterprises, resulting in profound repercussions for many of her employees. These measures were implemented in response to the ongoing global economic challenges.
Dr. Amey-Obeng shared these revelations during her address at a memorial lecture held in Ho to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the passing of President John Evans Atta Mills. The event took place at the Cedi Auditorium of the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS).
“I have closed 80 per cent of my businesses, and I have laid off 70 per cent of staff. We are now working three days a week. The situation is too stressful.
“We want our Ghana back. This is not the Ghana we want. We cannot be paying people for no work done,” she lamented.
The Group CEO, who collaborated with the late President on a number of programs to support women, said he would be remembered for his support for the advancement of gender, which she highlighted was reflected in several high-profile appointments he made while in office.
She argued that a country’s ability—or lack thereof—to honor its heroes had an impact on that growth, and she pushed everyone to imitate Prof. Mills’ all-encompassing kindness.
“In these times, the old President is like Christ,” Dr Amey-Obeng stated.
The memorial lecture was organised by the JEA Mills Memorial Heritage, and was titled “The Man John Evans Atta Mills, Ten Years On.”
Political figures from the past and present, traditional figures, students, and members of the general public all participated.
The University should be renamed in honor of the late President, according to Professor Fred Newton Binka, the Foundation Vice Chancellor of UHAS.
He asserted that President Mills’ unwavering legacy, who passed away while in office in July 2012, should be solidified to help the country realize its aspirations for growth and reform, and that the University he fervently founded would be the best way to honor him.
“The legacy of Professor Mills is so critical and important in today’s Ghana,” he said while eulogising the memory of the late President in layers of praise.
Alex Segbefia, Chairman of the memorial heritage, said it was established as a “nonprofit, non-partisan, independent organisation” aimed at preserving and promoting the ideologies of Prof. Mills.
“We work and incorporate the values and principles that President ills lived for,” he said.
A film documentary showcasing his legacy was shown, along with poetry readings and cultural exhibitions.
At the ceremony, a book called “Atta Mills Speaks” was released and put up for sale. It contains his addresses, including State of the Nation Addresses.
