TIG Post

Author: Andy Ogbarmey-Tettey

  • You are creating confusion between commuters and drivers – Passengers Association tells transport operators

    You are creating confusion between commuters and drivers – Passengers Association tells transport operators

    The Association of Passengers Ghana has expressed dissatisfaction with what they perceive as a lack of clear communication from transport operators regarding proposed increases in transport fares nationwide.

    In a press statement released on Monday, April 15, the Association’s convener, Afia Kwarteng Asamani, highlighted the negative impact of this miscommunication, which has caused confusion among commuters and drivers.

    Madam Asamani emphasized the urgent need to resolve this issue, warning that failure to do so promptly could escalate into a situation not in the best interest of Ghanaians.

    The association is concerned that the ambiguity surrounding the approved fares could potentially worsen tensions between passengers and transport operators.

    The Association of Passengers Ghana has called on transport operators to take immediate action by engaging their members on the approved fares and ensuring transparent communication with the public.

    They emphasized the importance of disseminating accurate information to avoid further confusion and to protect the interests of both commuters and drivers.

    “While we acknowledge the recent increment in the price of petrol and other products, leading to the need for increased transport fares, we emphasize the importance of clear communication to avoid confusion.

    “Whether the increase is 20% or 30%, it should be explicitly stated to prevent misunderstandings between bus conductors and commuters, given the prevailing economic difficulties and other factors exacerbating the living conditions of commuters.”

    “Through this statement, we encourage all our members to remain calm while awaiting the approval of the final proposed 20% increase in transport fares by the recognized union, GPRTU, as well as GRTCC.”

    The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC) have issued a joint advisory urging commuters not to pay any new transport fares that have not been officially approved.

    This advisory follows an announcement by the Transport Operators Union and the Concerned Drivers Association of Ghana regarding a proposed 30% increase in transport fares, scheduled to take effect on Saturday, April 13.

    In their joint press release, the GPRTU and the GRTCC attributed the decision to raise fares to the government’s perceived failure to adequately address lingering grievances within the transport sector.

    However, the directive has led to some confusion and disagreement between commuters and drivers regarding the implementation of the new fare adjustments.

  • 16-year-old battles for his life after assault over alleged missing manhood

    16-year-old battles for his life after assault over alleged missing manhood

    A 16-year-old boy is fighting for his life after being attacked and severely beaten for allegedly stealing someone’s manhood in Dansoman Shaibu, located in the Ablekuma West Municipality of the Greater Accra region.

    The incident reportedly took place on Friday, April 5, 2024.

    The victim, identified as Bright Lartey, is a special needs child. According to his mother, Linda Yeboah, she usually leaves Bright in the care of her younger sister when she goes to work. However, when she returned home on Friday evening, Bright was not at home. Upon inquiry, she was informed that he had gone to play with friends.

    Despite this not being the first time Bright had left the house alone, Linda expressed hope that her son would return home safely.

    “Shockingly, I was home when I had a notification on my phone. I opened and saw a video which captured my son being severely beaten. I rushed out to find out what the problem was and was told he stole someone’s manhood after asking for money to buy water. He had already been taken to the Police station when I got to the scene,” she narrated amidst tears.

    The distressed mother described how Bright sustained a head injury from the assault, leaving him struggling to walk and in intense pain.

    “He can’t even eat, drink water or do anything by himself. He was rushed to the Dansoman Polyclinic for treatment, where a lot of cost has been incurred,” she added.

    The victim’s father, Ebenezer Lartey who spoke in the same interview revealed they were asked to do an and X-ray and CT scan due to the physical injuries to ascertain if there were any internal injuries too.

    “We went to Medilife for the scan and upon return to the polyclinic, the doctor told us two of his fingers are fractured and also has internal bleeding in his head,” he stated.

    According to his father, Bright has been referred to Korle Bu Hospital for a head surgery, but the family is unsure how to finance the procedure. Bright’s case adds to the rising number of mob actions triggered by false accusations of missing manhood in various parts of the country.

  • The happiest day of my life was when I left Nana People’s Party – Former Comm. Team member

    The happiest day of my life was when I left Nana People’s Party – Former Comm. Team member

    A former Communication Team member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Solomon Owusu, has indicated that he relishes the day he decided to exit the New Patriotic Party.

    On 25th September 2023, at 2:30 pm, Mr Owusu bowed out from the ruling party, and according to him, “I remember that day vividly because aside from the day I was born, that is the happiest day of my life.”

    He likened his stay in the NPP to a slavery system.

    “It’s like being in slavery. Sometimes it’s like being in a party to appease your father and mother,” he said.

    According to Mr Owusu, he could no longer remember the party for what it stood for and hence had to leave. He renamed the party as “Nana People Party” suggesting that the cronies and family members of President Akufo-Addo have taken over the party.

    “So when I realised that it is Nana People’s Party and not New Patriotic Party (NPP), I left. I am so happy that I left,” he said.

  • Gov’t increases number of TOR Board of Directors from 9 to 11

    Gov’t increases number of TOR Board of Directors from 9 to 11

    The Director-General of the State Interest and Governance Authority (SIGA), John Boadu, has announced the formation of a new 11-member board to oversee the management of the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR).

    This move is part of the government’s efforts to restore TOR to its former success.

    Mr Boadu stated on JoyNews’ The Probe on April 14 that “Government has put in place a new board. I was there on Friday to take them through a resolution to increase the number of their directors from nine to eleven.”  

    “Because their regulation requires that the maximum should be nine but ordinary resolution can give the mandate for them to increase the number to eleven.

    “I have asked them that within a week, they should let me know what their plans and programmes are, and which areas we can also help,” he said.

    The decision comes after a 2021 State Ownership Report highlighted TOR as one of 10 State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) experiencing losses, with an average loss of GH₵260.7 million from 2017 to 2021.

    The former General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) acknowledged that the government shares some responsibility for TOR’s debt situation. He criticized the government for politicizing issues instead of ensuring proper management.

    “One thing that sometimes it is difficult discussing, but it is something that we must discuss as a country is that, you have a government having 100% shares in TOR. Prices of products increase in the international market, for the sake of politics [they say] that if they pass it on to the consumer there would be noise, there would be this.”

    “The government says to keep it, I am going to support you. The government never pays. So some of these accumulated debt that you see are the results of our own inaction,” he added.

    “While dismissing the speculations that TOR was up for sale, he said, “I knew that there were attempts for some arrangements that did not go through.”

  • Gov’t sets up new TOR board to oversee day-to-day management

    Gov’t sets up new TOR board to oversee day-to-day management

    Director-General of the State Interest and Governance Authority (SIGA), John Boadu, has announced the formation of a new board to oversee the management of the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR).

    This move is part of the government’s efforts to restore TOR to its former success.

    The decision comes after a 2021 State Ownership Report highlighted TOR as one of 10 State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) experiencing losses, with an average loss of GH₵260.7 million from 2017 to 2021.

    Mr Boadu stated on JoyNews’ The Probe on April 14 that the government is aware of the issue and is taking decisive actions to address it.

    “Government has put in place a new board. I was there on Friday to take them through a resolution to increase the number of their directors from nine to eleven.  

    “Because their regulation requires that the maximum should be nine but ordinary resolution can give the mandate for them to increase the number to eleven.

    “I have asked them that within a week, they should let me know what their plans and programmes are, and which areas we can also help,” he said.

    The former General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) acknowledged that the government shares some responsibility for TOR’s debt situation. He criticized the government for politicizing issues instead of ensuring proper management.

    “One thing that sometimes it is difficult discussing, but it is something that we must discuss as a country is that, you have a government having 100% shares in TOR. Prices of products increase in the international market, for the sake of politics [they say] that if they pass it on to the consumer there would be noise, there would be this.”

    “The government says to keep it, I am going to support you. The government never pays. So some of these accumulated debt that you see are the results of our own inaction,” he added.

    “While dismissing the speculations that TOR was up for sale, he said, “I knew that there were attempts for some arrangements that did not go through.”

  • Mahama honoured at Africa Heritage Awards in Lagos for stellar leadership

    Mahama honoured at Africa Heritage Awards in Lagos for stellar leadership

    Former President John Dramani Mahama was honoured with the African Advancement Award for Exemplary Leadership at the 2024 African Heritage Awards Ceremony in Lagos, Nigeria.

    The event, organized by the Heritage Times of Nigeria, celebrates influential African innovators, entrepreneurs, and organizations working to propel the continent forward.

    Chaired by former Botswana President Dr. Seretse Khama Ian Khama, the 2024 ceremony marked the second edition of the awards, with the first held in Kigali, Rwanda in 2024.

    In his recognition as an Exemplary African Leader, Mr. Mahama, currently leading the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Ghana’s 2024 elections, was praised for implementing strategic economic initiatives and massive infrastructure projects across critical sectors.

    His efforts aimed to address economic challenges and improve livelihoods, including initiatives to alleviate power shortages and boost job creation through agricultural expansion.

    During his tenure, Mahama’s administration prioritized strategic economic initiatives and implemented large-scale infrastructure projects in transportation, healthcare, education, power, and housing, enhancing the quality of life for Ghanaians.

    Other award recipients at the ceremony included the African Rising Movement, recognised for Social Justice and Advocacy, and Dr Jayne Obioma Onwumere, CEO of the Property World Africa Network, recognised for her work in Women’s Emancipation and Empowerment.

  • Stop giving the impression that I sleep with you whenever you have an episode – Criss Wale tells Abena Korkor

    Stop giving the impression that I sleep with you whenever you have an episode – Criss Wale tells Abena Korkor

    Ghanaian musician, Criss Waddle, has clarified his past relationship with media personality, Abena Korkor, stating that they had an affair during her student days when she was not diagnosed with any disease.

    Addressing the issue in a tweet on X, Criss Waddle urged Abena Korkor to stop giving the impression that they are constantly intimate during her episodes, emphasizing that it has been years since they last met.

    “Chale you and I be back in school days stop giving people the impression that we’ve been having sex every time you have an episode, It’s been years since you even saw me,” he wrote.

    Abena Korkor, diagnosed with bipolar disorder, has previously mentioned Criss Waddle as one of the men she has enjoyed good times with, but his name has consistently come up whenever she discusses past relationships she cherishes.

    He expressed respect for Abena Korkor and women in general, while also highlighting the importance of respecting his space and acknowledging that he has a family.

    He emphasized the misconception that he only engages with her during her troubled times.

    “My respect for you and women in general makes it difficult for me to address a lot of things,but you also must respect my space and the fact that I have family. People actually believe that I waited for u to go crazy before sleeping with you,” he wrote.

  • Bridget Otoo ‘insults’ GTV journalists over Twitter post ‘attacking’ Nana Aba

    Bridget Otoo ‘insults’ GTV journalists over Twitter post ‘attacking’ Nana Aba

    Prominent media personality, Bridget Otoo, has criticized GTV broadcasters, referring to them as “sign language interpreters,” in what appears to be a jab at their professionalism.

    This comment comes amidst speculation of a jab directed at media personality, Nana Aba Anamoah, after allegations made by one businessman Henry Fitz who is said to have had an extramarital affair with a friend of hers, Serwaa Amihere.

    The controversy began after GTV Ghana, on April 13, decided to celebrate one of its female journalists, Akushika Acquaye, who joined GBC in 1995 and through hard work, rose through the ranks to become the Acting Director of Television.

    In the post, the state media company wrote “She’s a true definition of a ‘Woman of Valour’ in competence and in character, worth emulating by all young journalists and other young women.”

    Reacting to this, an X user @enyonvm expressed concern. He asserted that the post was to indirectly attack another journalist.

    Although the X user did not indicate the exact journalist he believed was being attacked, some other users believe the post was targeted at Nana Aba Anamoah.

    They noted that the use of “Woman of Valour” could not be coincidental since ‘Women of Valour’ is a programme Nana Aba Anomoah holds to inspire hundreds of women.

    Bridget Otoo waded into the conversation, sharing a similar view as that of the aforementioned X user. According to her, it appears that GTV presenters “taking shots at other presenters” stem from personal problems with them.

    She later noted that it is not other journalists’ fault that “you (GTV presenters) act and look like sign language interpreters.”

    An X user chastised Bridget for her comment. @Setho noted that “GTV presenters live within their means hence they act and look like sign language interpreters.”

    Later, Bridget provided an ‘insincere’ apology while stressing that it is not worth it to be a sign language presenter as “you are not memorable cos majority of the people watching news are watching the main anchor.”

    Following Henry Fitz’s allegations against Nana Aba, such as trying to link him and Sandra Ankobea for a fridge, several users on Twitter have questioned the morals of Nana Aba and her source of wealth.

  • Foreign income tax of resident Ghanaians to replace VAT on electricity – GRA

    Foreign income tax of resident Ghanaians to replace VAT on electricity – GRA

    The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), under the leadership of Commissioner-General Julie Essiam, has introduced a new compliance measure focusing on the foreign income of resident Ghanaians.

    This initiative is intended to replace the suspended Value Added Tax (VAT) on electricity and is aimed at generating sustainable revenue beyond 2024.

    Commissioner-General Essiam stated that while this measure is not new and has been part of the law for some time, it has not been effectively implemented until now.

    “We [GRA] will specifically speak to the measure that is replacing the VAT on electricity. So, the measure that we put in place is a compliance measure on foreign income of resident Ghanaians.

    “This measure is already in the law, as the minister said, so it is not a new measure. The difference is that its implementation and application have not been implemented effectively,” the GRA Commissioner-General said in her brief remarks at the joint IMF, BoG and Ministry of Finance presser held in Accra on April 13, 2024.

    Essiam added that “The GRA, with support from the Organization for African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACD), has refined the processes and structures to ensure effective implementation.”

    “So for us to implement this measure, we have, with the aid and assistance of the OACD, gone through sustainable processes and structures to ensure that when we implement this measure, the sustainability of this measure is going to go beyond 2024 in our revenue numbers.

    “So this is the measure that, together with the Government of Ghana and our mother ministry, the Ministry of Finance, is going to take place or is going to replace the VAT on electricity,” she added.

    This initiative is part of the Ghanaian government’s collaborative efforts with the Ministry of Finance to address the country’s fiscal needs, particularly in revenue mobilization.

    Julie Essiam expressed confidence that this measure will not only be sustainable but will also effectively replace the projected revenue target of GH¢1.8 billion, signifying a significant change in the nation’s tax policy.

  • Man jailed 4 months for leading assault against student over alleged missing genital

    Man jailed 4 months for leading assault against student over alleged missing genital

    A man who conspired with two others to assault a student falsely accused of causing a tricycle rider’s penis to shrink has been sentenced to four months in prison by the Awutu Breku District Court.

    The three convicts, Zakaria Zulkani, Seidu Abdul Nasir, and Innusah Musah, all tricycle riders and residents of Walantu, Kasoa, were sentenced by Mrs. Naomi A. A. Kuntour.

    The prosecution, led by Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Thomas Sarfo and Chief Inspector Bernice Wie Kpuusuu, stated that the complainant, Abdul Suleman, was a student and resident of Kojo-Oku, a suburb of Gomoa Nyanyano.

    According to the prosecution, on March 31, 2024, at 11:00 am, the complainant boarded Zulkani’s tricycle from Kasoa to Millennium City junction.

    After one person alighted at Kakraba near KFC, the complainant was left alone with Zulkani. When they reached the Ghana Revenue Office, Zulkani accused the complainant of causing his penis to shrink. He then called Nasir and Musah, who arrived and assaulted the complainant.

    Fortunately, the Central East Police Patrol Team arrived at the scene and rescued the complainant, bringing both parties to the Millennium City Police station where a complaint was lodged.

    Zulkani was examined at the Kasoa Polyclinic, where it was determined that his penis was normal and stable, contrary to his assertion. The complainant was issued with a Police medical report form for treatment.

    In sentencing, the court ordered Zakaria Zulkani to pay a fine of GH₵2,400 or serve six months for the charge of publication of false news.

    He was also ordered to pay a fine of GH₵1,200 or serve two months for deceiving a public officer, as well as serve a four-month jail term. Additionally, he must sign a bond to be of good behavior for 12 months, with the sentences to run consecutively.

    Seidu Abdul Nasir pleaded guilty with an explanation for the charge of conspiracy to commit a crime. He was cautioned and discharged for showing remorse in court. He was ordered to pay a fine of GH₵1,800 or serve three months for assault, and must also sign a bond to be of good behavior for 12 months and compensate the victim with GH₵2,400.

    Innusah Musah, another accomplice, was cautioned and discharged for assault, but ordered to pay a fine of GH₵1,800 or serve three months for conspiracy to commit a crime. He must also sign a bond to be of good behavior for 12 months and compensate the victim with GH₵2,400.

  • Akufo-Addo rebranding Mahama’s AMERI power plant to recommission on April 17 – Jinapor alleges

    Akufo-Addo rebranding Mahama’s AMERI power plant to recommission on April 17 – Jinapor alleges

    Ranking Member of the Mines and Energy Committee of Parliament, John Abdulai Jinapor, has stated that the NDC will not tolerate any attempts by the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia government to rename projects commissioned under former President John Dramani Mahama.

    The Yapei-Kusawgu MP’s comments come in response to reports that the government is planning to commission the Kumasi 1 Thermal Power Plant (K1TPP), which is believed to be six units of the 10-unit Ameri power plants procured during the Mahama administration between 2013 and 2015.

    According to the Yapei-Kusawgu lawmaker, the government, having failed to achieve anything meaningful in the Energy sector, has “done the unthinkable by rebranding the Ameri plant procured under the able leadership of former President John Dramani Mahama under a new name called Kumasi 1 Thermal Plant (K1TPP).”

    “All in a desperate attempt to deceive Ghanaians,” he stated.

    Mr. Jinapor further explained, “The Ameri Power Plants, made up of 10 units, each with a total capacity of 250 megawatts, is a modular and versatile plant allowing for flexibility to generate power even with limited gas supply.”

    “The only thing the Akufo-Addo administration has done is to relocate the units to Kumasi in Ashanti, and as if this is not enough, they have gone a step further by deciding to recommission the same plants 17th April 2024, interestingly, this same plant was commissioned under President Mahama.”

    “This attempt to appropriate achievements of President Mahama and present them as that of this non-performing government will no longer be countenanced,” he wrote.

    Meanwhile, the government is yet to comment on the development.

  • I no longer see the love you have for Ghana – Rev Owusu Bempah tells Akufo-Addo

    I no longer see the love you have for Ghana – Rev Owusu Bempah tells Akufo-Addo

    Reverend Owusu-Bempah, the founder and leader of Glorious Word Power Ministries, has remarked on what he perceives as a change in President Akufo-Addo’s attitude.

    During a recent sermon, the Reverend observed that the President’s love for the country does not appear to be as strong as it was during his first term in office.

    “Very soon your tenure will be over so I will be candid with you, you’ve veered off the path you started on. From where I sit, I no longer see the love you used to have for the country. I want you to know that you’ve changed. After your first four years, Ghanaians hailed you so what has changed now?

    He expressed concern that President Akufo-Addo‘s heart has hardened and strayed from the path that previously found favour in God’s sight.

    Drawing a parallel to the biblical King Saul, Reverend Owusu-Bempah suggested that the country’s current hardships may stem from the president deviating from God’s guidance.

    While Reverend Owusu-Bempah, while delivering a sermon, initially intended to convey his message privately, he felt compelled to make it public after finding his pathway to the Jubilee House closed. He believes this is a divine directive to address the nation’s situation and guide it towards improvement.

    “The heart he had before becoming president has changed. He is now like Saul. God saw the kindheartedness of Saul and made him a ruler of Israel but at some point, Saul deviated and was not obeying the prophets and God’s words. God then pulled away from him which led to Israel suffering some challenges,” he said.

    With only eight months remaining in President Akufo-Addo‘s final term, Reverend Owusu-Bempah encouraged him to use this time to improve his legacy as president.

    Addressing rumors about the influence of some relatives of President Akufo-Addo in key decisions, Reverend Owusu-Bempah reminded the president of the importance of serving the interests of all Ghanaians who voted for him, rather than prioritizing the interests of specific family members.

    “It is alleged that Ken Ofori-Atta and Gabby Otchere-Darko are the ones controlling the country now but Ghanaians did not vote for Ken Ofori-Atta and Gabby Otchere-Darko. You’ve let us down and allowed people to question the prophecies we gave prior to your arrival. You’ve changed. You no longer have love for the country. But it is not too late, you can still turn things around and ensure that you bow out on the high,” he said.

    Reverend Owusu-Bempah, once a close ally of President Akufo-Addo, has had a falling out with the president, repeatedly accusing him of being ungrateful.

    During a recent interview on Okay FM, Reverend Owusu-Bempah stated that he would never forgive President Akufo-Addo for undisclosed reasons. He also revealed that he no longer visits the first family, attributing this decision to the First Lady, Rebecca Akufo-Addo.

  • Akufo-Addo is now like Saul; he no longer obeys God’s words – Rev. Owusu Bempah

    Akufo-Addo is now like Saul; he no longer obeys God’s words – Rev. Owusu Bempah

    Founder and leader of Glorious Word Power Ministries, Reverend Owusu-Bempah, has expressed concern that President Akufo-Addo‘s heart has hardened and strayed from the path that previously found favour in God’s sight.

    Drawing a parallel to the biblical King Saul, Reverend Owusu-Bempah suggested that the country’s current hardships may stem from the president deviating from God’s guidance.

    While Reverend Owusu-Bempah, while delivering a sermon, initially intended to convey his message privately, he felt compelled to make it public after finding his pathway to the Jubilee House closed. He believes this is a divine directive to address the nation’s situation and guide it towards improvement.

    “The heart he had before becoming president has changed. He is now like Saul. God saw the kindheartedness of Saul and made him a ruler of Israel but at some point, Saul deviated and was not obeying the prophets and God’s words. God then pulled away from him which led to Israel suffering some challenges,” he said.

    With only eight months remaining in President Akufo-Addo‘s final term, Reverend Owusu-Bempah encouraged him to use this time to improve his legacy as president.

    Addressing rumors about the influence of some relatives of President Akufo-Addo in key decisions, Reverend Owusu-Bempah reminded the president of the importance of serving the interests of all Ghanaians who voted for him, rather than prioritizing the interests of specific family members.

    “Very soon your tenure will be over so I will be candid with you, you’ve veered off the path you started on. From where I sit, I no longer see the love you used to have for the country. I want you to know that you’ve changed. After your first four years, Ghanaians hailed you so what has changed now?

    “It is alleged that Ken Ofori-Atta and Gabby Otchere-Darko are the ones controlling the country now but Ghanaians did not vote for Ken Ofori-Atta and Gabby Otchere-Darko. You’ve let us down and allowed people to question the prophecies we gave prior to your arrival. You’ve changed. You no longer have love for the country. But it is not too late, you can still turn things around and ensure that you bow out on the high,” he said.

    Reverend Owusu-Bempah, once a close ally of President Akufo-Addo, has had a falling out with the president, repeatedly accusing him of being ungrateful.

    During a recent interview on Okay FM, Reverend Owusu-Bempah stated that he would never forgive President Akufo-Addo for undisclosed reasons. He also revealed that he no longer visits the first family, attributing this decision to the First Lady, Rebecca Akufo-Addo.

  • Ghana is democratically poorer because of Akufo-Addo, Bawumia – Mahama

    Ghana is democratically poorer because of Akufo-Addo, Bawumia – Mahama

    Former President John Mahama has criticized the Akufo-Addo-led New Patriotic Party (NPP) government for allegedly failing to uphold Ghana’s democratic principles in the 4th Republic.

    The NDC flagbearer expressed concern, stating that the current administration has not taken sufficient measures to strengthen the country’s democratic foundations.

    In a tweet posted on X on Monday, April 15, Mr. Mahama accused the government of prioritizing political expediency over other concerns, which he believes has had detrimental effects on the nation.

    He lamented that Ghana has suffered as a result of these alleged actions by the government.

    “The Nana Akufo Addo and Bawumia-led administration has crossed many red lines in our democratic practice.

    “Their deliberate acts of putting political convenience ahead of democratic consolidation have left Ghana’s 4th Republic the poorer for it,” he posted.

    The former President reiterated his stance that significant efforts are required to reverse the current trend and ensure the protection and advancement of Ghana’s democratic values.

  • Aston Villa beat Arsenal to shatter title hopes

    Aston Villa beat Arsenal to shatter title hopes

    Aston Villa delivered a remarkable performance to stun Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, shifting the Premier League title race in favor of Manchester City.

    The match began with heightened expectations for the Gunners following Liverpool’s surprising home defeat by Crystal Palace. However, Arsenal failed to meet expectations and were convincingly defeated as Villa manager Unai Emery enjoyed a triumphant return to his former club.

    Despite Arsenal‘s struggles, they managed to hold off Villa’s impressive attacks for much of the game. However, Villa eventually secured a well-deserved victory, moving three points ahead of Tottenham in fourth place, albeit having played one more game.

    It was not until six minutes from the end of regular time that Villa broke the deadlock, with Leon Bailey scoring a decisive goal with a low finish at the far post. Although Arsenal had their chances, including a stunning save by Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez from Leandro Trossard in the first half, they were unable to find the back of the net.

    Villa sealed their victory in the 87th minute when Ollie Watkins raced clear and calmly lofted the ball over David Raya. This result capped off a perfect weekend for reigning champions Manchester City, who now sit two points clear of Arsenal at the top of the table, with Liverpool in third place on goal difference.

  • Delayed payment of stipends leaves Ghanaian students on scholarship in Serbia in misery

    Delayed payment of stipends leaves Ghanaian students on scholarship in Serbia in misery

    Ghanaian students studying in Serbia are reportedly encountering considerable challenges due to delayed stipends from the Scholarship Secretariat.

    These stipends, intended to support their academic pursuits, have remained unchanged for over a year, leading to significant disruptions in their studies and affecting their mental well-being as they cope with life in a foreign country.

    Students interviewed by Citi News highlighted that their financial stability largely depends on loans or jobs with low wages.

    Abdul Salam Mohammed, a Ghanaian Student in Serbia said, “We came in May [2023] and we haven’t received our stipends since last year, so it’s almost been 11 months. Even though we’ve had constant engagement with the Secretariat, nothing has been done about it and this has been a challenge for us. Many of us are adapting by doing a lot of menial jobs here and there which is also affecting our academics.

    Another student who spoke on anonymity stated, “I arrived in Serbia last year and the main challenge here is with finances. We struggle to cater for many of our needs here and this affects our studies which is the main reason why we’re in this country. We borrow money from our country mates and people from other African countries to feed ourselves. Even moving to the main campus for lectures is by bus and if we don’t have money to do that, how do we learn.”

    Discussions surrounding scholarships have heightened following an investigative report by The Fourth Estate, which uncovered instances of influential individuals and associates of powerful figures receiving scholarships. This revelation deviates from the Scholarship Secretariat’s intended purpose of aiding academically gifted but financially needy students, both locally and internationally.

    The report has sparked public outrage, particularly as students abroad continue to face challenges with delayed stipends, impeding their academic progress. Ghanaian students studying in Hungary have expressed similar concerns.

    Dr. Peter Anti Partey, Executive Secretary of the Institute for Education Studies, has described the situation as ‘unfortunate’ and has called for Presidential intervention to address the issue.

    “It is a bit strange because while these huge sums of money are being given to people, others are out there complaining that monies supposed to be paid them haven’t been received. It’s a messy situation, and that’s why we think that it shouldn’t be limited to the Office of the Special Prosecutor but also the President must make an intervention, and set up a commission of enquiry and at the end of the day we can have far-reaching recommendations that would reform the scholarship secretariat.”

  • Price of petroleum products to surge by over 4% – IES

    Price of petroleum products to surge by over 4% – IES

    Petrol and diesel prices are expected to rise by approximately 5% and 4% per liter, respectively, in the coming days due to international market trends and the weakening of the local currency.

    However, the Institute for Energy Security predicts that Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) users may experience a reduction in prices by about 8% in the same period.

    “Following the international market changes resulting from geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, OPEC+ decisions on production cuts among other factors have caused a hike in crude oil prices which influences refined product price. Liquid fuel prices have continued rising in a row over the past two pricing windows with April [2024] first pricing window recording 7.27% and 0.69% respectively. Ghana’s economic turmoil continues to put pressure on the local currency leading to its persistent depreciation since February 2024 with the latest being 2.43% in the April first pricing window”, it mentioned.

    According to the Institute for Energy Security (IES), recent national policy changes and directives from the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) have had a notable impact on the local fuel market, with further effects expected in the second half of April 2024 as some Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) work to implement these changes into their operations.

    Monitoring by Global Standard & Poor (S&P) Platts of refined petroleum products showed closing prices for the first pricing window of April 2024 as follows: petrol at $937.68, diesel at $841.38, and LPG at $517.38 per metric tonne.

    This represented a 7.27% increase in petrol price, a 0.69% increment in diesel price, and a significant 17.52% decrease in LPG price compared to the previous pricing period.

    During this period, the domestic fuel market faced challenges stemming from regulatory directives and international market dynamics. The NPA’s decision to reinstate the price stabilisation levy as a component of the price build-up for refined petroleum products prompted OMCs to adjust prices upwards, following an initial increase due to international market movements and currency depreciation.

    The average price increase for diesel during this period was GH¢0.25 per litre, while petrol saw an increase of GH¢0.30 per litre. However, the price of LPG remained unchanged.

  • John Boadu reveals why SOEs are inefficient and making losses

    John Boadu reveals why SOEs are inefficient and making losses

    The Director-General of the State Interest and Governance Authority (SIGA), John Boadu, has recently addressed the issue of State Owned Enterprises (SOEs) in Ghana that incur losses, explaining that not all SOEs are run as businesses.

    Some are primarily focused on providing essential services to the citizens of Ghana.

    Mr Boadu emphasized that SIGA’s role is to ensure these entities adhere to regulations, meet their targets, and consider the social context in which they operate.

    “As we speak, it’s 175 (companies). That’s the number of enterprises we have. Let me give you the details of the breakdown. SOEs were 53, JVCs (Joint Venture Companies) were 47, and other specified entities were 75.”

    “Even with the 175 that we’ve had, if you check those that have signed performance contracts, you realise that there’s much improvement, but we need to do a lot more. One thing you must notice is that most of these organisations are not necessarily set up to make profit. Some of them are for the provision of social good for the citizens of this country,” Mr Boadu said.

    To enhance transparency and accountability, SIGA is working to ensure that all SOEs participate in the State Ownership Report (SOR) initiative. This initiative requires SOEs to provide detailed financial assessments, highlighting achievements, challenges, and areas for improvement.

    John Boadu highlighted that a significant challenge in improving certain State Owned Enterprises (SOEs) is the shift in their original objectives and market conditions.

    Despite this challenge, SIGA has successfully transformed some of these institutions into more business-oriented entities.

    “Let’s take VRA for instance. They are into helping in the distribution of electricity. They will be into transport, real estate, provision of health, provision of education and all that. It was good at that time, because at that time, we had then established with people’s resources from the places that they give it out for free. So, that service is there, and all those services add to the losses they are making.”

    “So now what they’ve been able to do is that, they’ve started hiving off some of these important institutions and running them as business. So for instance, if you go to VRA now, their hospitals run as a business, although there’s a social component part of it, to reduce their losses.”

    Mr Boadu also cited the Ghana Consolidated Diamond Company as an example, noting that the institution has extensive unused land and operates a hospital that provides free healthcare services to residents of Akwatia.

    But “now it’s [The hospital] just running on its own as a business entity and not making losses anymore. They have a school that they are running now as a business entity and they are doing so well. We have empowered them to, so we have a new status and board specifically for them, for them to run as an entity,” Mr Boadu added.

    The Director-General of SIGA believes that these institutions, among others, have significant profit potential for the country. Consequently, SIGA is working diligently to ensure they are managed effectively.

  • Carlos Alcaraz withdraws from the Barcelona Open over injury

    Carlos Alcaraz withdraws from the Barcelona Open over injury

    Carlos Alcaraz has pulled out of the Barcelona Open due to an injury. The 20-year-old, who is the Wimbledon champion and world number three, has been dealing with a right forearm issue.

    This withdrawal follows his decision to also pull out of the Monte Carlo Masters earlier in the week, where he was scheduled to face Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime.

    The Barcelona Open commenced with qualifying rounds on Saturday and marks Rafael Nadal‘s return to the tournament.

    Alcaraz was the defending champion at the Barcelona Open, having won the title in both 2022 and 2023.

    A statement from the tournament posted on social media said: “The player has suffered from the injury sustained in Monte Carlo, and did not have a good feeling in his training on Sunday. Wishing you a speedy recovery, we hope to see you next year.”

    Rafael Nadal, the 22-time Grand Slam champion, is set to make his comeback at the Barcelona Open after withdrawing from Monte Carlo. Nadal, who has been sidelined since January due to a hip injury, is scheduled to face Italy’s Flavio Cobolli on Monday.

    The Spaniard, who has won the Barcelona Open 12 times, is aiming to secure his 13th title at the tournament.

  • Prof. Adei’s corrupt road contract claims against Roads Ministry unsubstantiated – EOCO

    Prof. Adei’s corrupt road contract claims against Roads Ministry unsubstantiated – EOCO

    The Ministry of Roads and Highways has announced that the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has completed its investigations into alleged bribery and corruption within the ministry.

    This development follows a petition from the Ministry to EOCO regarding claims made by former Rector of the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), Prof. Stephen Adei. Prof. Adei had alleged that bribes determined who was awarded road contracts.

    In a press release dated April 12, 2024, the Roads and Highways Ministry stated that the investigations had cleared it of any wrongdoing. The Ministry also noted that the allegations were a broad generalization of perceived corruption in the country.

    “EOCO has determined that ‘from the totality of the available information to the office, Prof. Stephen Adei’s comments were found to be unfortunate and general within the context of perceived corruption in the country’. 

    “EOCO, therefore, concludes that the matter is disposed of as unsubstantiated and highly presumptuous,” the statement read.

    In October 2023, Prof. Adei expressed concern about corruption in the awarding of road contracts, claiming that individuals seeking contracts were told they must pay 1 million upfront to secure them.

    The Ministry of Roads and Highways responded to these allegations by calling them surprising and asserting that the process for awarding road contracts is transparent, competitive, and adheres to legal procedures. They requested an investigation by EOCO into the matter.

    In support of the Ministry’s position, a group of road contractors in Ghana denied Prof. Adei’s claims, stating that they had never encountered such a demand for an upfront payment of GH¢1 million. They emphasized that the awarding of contracts is well-documented and transparent, making it difficult for corrupt practices to occur.

    The Roads and Highways Ministry expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the investigation. They reassured the public of their commitment to transparency and due process in awarding contracts.

    The Ministry assured the public of its commitment to transparency and due process in the award of contracts.

  • You will be banned if caught using middlemen to secure European visa – Anne Sophie

    You will be banned if caught using middlemen to secure European visa – Anne Sophie

    Former French Ambassador to Ghana, Anne Sophie Ave, has warned against using middlemen to obtain travel visas, especially for parts of Europe.

    She stated that some individuals are still paying these middlemen significant amounts of money in the hope of securing a Schengen visa, in particular.

    In a post shared via X on April 13, Ave advised individuals to be cautious when dealing with such individuals who promise to secure their visas for them.

    She urged unsuspecting individuals to report such incidents or persons engaging in this illegal activity to the police, as they are nothing but “crooks.”

    “I hear some people still pay crooks to get visas. Anyone asking for money and pretending he can help you get a visa is a crook. Do not reply. Report to the police,” Anne Sophie Ave warned.

    She added; “Do not use their services, you will be denied 100 percent and possibly banned from all 27 countries.”

    A middleman is someone who claims to have connections or influence with embassy officials and offers to assist with the visa application process for a fee.

    However, using a middleman to secure a visa is not only risky but also considered visa fraud. This could negatively impact one’s chances of obtaining a valid visa in the future.

  • John Jinapor denies applying for scholarship from GNPC

    John Jinapor denies applying for scholarship from GNPC

    Member of Parliament for Yapei Kusawgu, John Jinapor, has strongly denied allegations that he applied for a scholarship from the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC).

    Social media rumors suggested that Jinapor was among the beneficiaries of the GNPC Foundation Scholarship.

    However, in a Facebook post on Saturday, April 13, the MP categorically stated that he has never applied for or received any scholarship from the GNPC.

    He urged the public to disregard these “baseless” allegations.

    “Let me put on record that I have never applied for nor received any scholarship from the GNPC, Scholarship secretariat or GETFUND for any studies abroad.

    “I will appeal to the general public to disregard such baseless, concocted, and contrived statements,” Jinapor wrote on his Facebook page.

  • Netizens make mockery of ‘Kantanka missile’ amidst Israel-Iran war

    Netizens make mockery of ‘Kantanka missile’ amidst Israel-Iran war

    After Israel said more than 300 drones and missiles launched at it from Iran, Iraq and Yemen, adding that the vast majority of them have been intercepted, Ghanaians have been reacting to a video that seeks to make mockery of Ghana’s arsenal.

    A video of a Kantanka missile being worked on in a water body is being ridiculed. Some users say while detonable and sophisticated weapons are being used by Iran and Israel, much cannot be said about Ghana.

    Some users have compared the Kantanka missile to a school project.

    “”Looks like high school science experiment,” a user wrote.

    Iran says it carried out the attack in response to an Israeli raid on the Iranian consulate in Syria on April 1 and says the matter can now “be deemed concluded”.

    In Gaza, at least 19 Palestinians were killed and more than 200 wounded in six major Israeli attacks, while in the occupied West Bank, Israeli settlers continued attacks on Palestinians and their homes, wounding at least 19 people.

    At least 33,729 Palestinians have been killed and 76,371 wounded in Israeli attacks on Gaza since October 7. \

    The death toll in Israel from Hamas’s October 7 attacks stands at 1,139, with dozens of people still held captive.

  • Mahama is coming for revenge – Nicholas Omane Acheampong alleges

    Mahama is coming for revenge – Nicholas Omane Acheampong alleges

    Award winning gospel act, Nicholas Omane Acheampong, has entreated Ghanaian electorates not to vote for former President John Mahama in the country’s upcoming elections.

    According to him, the former President is out to get Ghanaians over their decision to pick the New Patriotic Party’s presidential candidate, Nana Akufo-Addo, both in 2016 and 2020 over him.

    He believes that Mahama has nothing to offer Ghanaians since he has nothing to lose as, per law, he would only be allowed to govern for just four years.

    “Mahama is coming for revenge,” he said.

    https://backend.theindependentghana.com/mahama-has-only-one-more-term-to-be-president-here-is-why

    The musicians assertions have been criticised by netizens who believe the comments made are illogical. A netizen noted that should the assumption of a presidential candidate being unworthy due to the fact that he or she just has a 4-year term to govern be upheld, then President Akufo-Addo should not have been given the nod in the 2020 elections.

  • Performance Tracker is not a misplaced priority; we need to be accountable – NPP 

    Performance Tracker is not a misplaced priority; we need to be accountable – NPP 

    The governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) has defended the newly launched Performance Tracker, which was unveiled by the government on Wednesday, April 10, 2024.

    The tool is intended to enhance transparency and accountability in the implementation of infrastructure projects across the country.

    Responding to criticisms suggesting that the Performance Tracker is not a priority, Asiedu Kokuro, the Deputy National Communications Director of the NPP, refuted these claims in an interview on The Big Issue on Citi TV.

    He argued that it is essential to keep Ghana’s bilateral creditors, including the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF), informed about the projects the government is undertaking.

    “You cannot use one or two errors to rubbish this powerful project. It’s not a misplaced priority, we need to account to the Ghanaian people. We are talking about accountability. We need to let the World Bank, IMF, World Health Organization our donor partners and other bilateral agencies who have been funding us know what we have done.

    “People want to do political mischief, but if people want to do a proper critique of the project, based on critical analysis, not on conjectures or to score cheap political points, but stay focused and let us do a fair judgment analysis, I think this is a game changer for our democracy,” he said.

    During the official launch of the tracker at the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), Oppong Nkrumah, the Minister of Works and Housing, announced that the tracker currently includes over 13,000 projects across the nation.

    He emphasized that the tracker will address long-standing concerns about the accuracy and reliability of project presentations, particularly regarding the use of artist’s impressions to depict outcomes.

    Subsequent to the launch of the Performance Tracker, the government admitted that 67 entries were mistakenly included in the list of projects featured on the tracker.

  • Manchester City thrashes Luton Town in 5-1 game

    Manchester City thrashes Luton Town in 5-1 game

    In what could be seen as Manchester City’s ideal preparation between two Champions League clashes against Real Madrid, they secured a commanding 5-1 victory over Luton at home.

    The match began with an early own goal, followed by goals from Mateo Kovacic, Erling Haaland, Jeremy Doku, and Josko Gvardiol, propelling City to the top of the Premier League table, at least temporarily.

    In the post-match news conference, Pep Guardiola highlighted another significant achievement – moving 13 points clear of fifth-placed Tottenham.

    “We’re close to qualifying for the Champions League,” he said. “People say Pep… [but] no, you have to qualify for the Champions League.

    “With Tottenham [losing 4-0 to Newcastle] today, we are closer. The biggest target every season is to qualify for the Champions League next season. We’re closer today.”

    Guardiola appeared to be in high spirits after Manchester City secured the top spot in the Premier League table for the first time since November.

    He playfully winked at a reporter while claiming to have had a tactical discussion with defender and goalscorer Gvardiol a year ago, even though Gvardiol had not yet joined the club at that time. Guardiola then jokingly stated that he was planning to rest Rodri again for the second leg against Real Madrid, asking, “Do you believe me?”

    Rodri had requested a break following Tuesday’s 3-3 draw in the Champions League quarter-final first leg in Madrid. Despite being on the bench in this match, he is expected to start against Real on Wednesday.

    John Stones was omitted from the squad, and Phil Foden was among the substitutes, but both are likely to be available for the upcoming game. Ederson returned to the goal after a month out, and captain Kyle Walker was on the bench after a similar period of absence.

    City registered 37 shots in the match, their highest in a Premier League game since March 2015 against West Bromwich Albion. Despite their dominance, there was a brief concern that they might not add to their early lead, which came in the second minute. They had 26 shots compared to Luton’s zero before Kovacic scored his first Premier League goal for the team.

    “How many times have you seen in world football the team who are better, better, better don’t win the game. Many times,” said Guardiola, who was almost on the pitch shouting instructions to his players at that stage.

    “After the second and third [goals], it was OK.”

    Despite a slow start and some early misfires, Haaland remained on the pitch long enough to score his 20th Premier League goal of the season from the spot. However, this goal marked only his third in his last eight games for club and country.

    Both Haaland and Kevin de Bruyne, who returned from illness, received standing ovations as they left the pitch, just seconds before Ross Barkley scored for Luton.

    Manchester City faces another crucial week, with the possibility of losing their top spot if Arsenal or Liverpool win their matches on Sunday. They are set to host Real Madrid on Wednesday and then face Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-finals on Saturday. Another treble is still within reach, a feat that has never been achieved two seasons in a row.

    “We spoke to the players about how incredible it is to be here again,” said the Catalan. “What a privilege. After what we’ve done in previous seasons, we’re still fighting for the Premier League.

    “Against Real Madrid we have the chance to qualify for the Champions League semi-final and all the energy our fans will bring – and the FA Cup next Saturday against Chelsea to again reach the final.

    “What a privilege. Imagine having no chance of the Premier League or other competitions. Try saying ‘one more week, one more week, one more week’.”

    Despite their efforts, Luton remains in the relegation zone after their defeat, with the highlight of their performance being Barkley’s goal, which briefly made it 3-1 for six minutes.

    Manager Rob Edwards admitted that his side was “suffocated” by City.

    “Today was never going to derail us,” he said. “Nobody likes losing 5-1 but let’s be realistic, they’re way ahead of us. Our back four had one centre-back, one full-back and two wingers.”

    He could not pick a title favourite when asked to.

    “After we played Arsenal, I thought they were good. City today were good. Liverpool weren’t bad at Anfield either,” he said.

    “Today was the hardest game we’ve had all season. It felt like the game was in our third the whole time.

    “All three of the teams are so strong. All three of their managers have been respectful and kind. Three amazing teams.”

  • Conor McGregor v Michael Chandler bout set for June 29

    Conor McGregor v Michael Chandler bout set for June 29

    Conor McGregor of Ireland will make his return to the UFC after nearly three years, facing off against Michael Chandler at UFC 303 in Las Vegas on June 29.

    The former two-weight champion, McGregor, aged 35, has been absent from the octagon since July 2021 and has faced defeat in his last two fights. The UFC officially announced the welterweight bout with American Chandler following UFC 300 in Las Vegas last Saturday.

    McGregor boasts a record of 22 wins and six defeats in his MMA career, while his opponent, 37-year-old Chandler, holds a record of 23 wins and eight losses.

    In his most recent fight in July 2021, McGregor suffered a leg injury in a loss to Poirier. Prior to that, he was defeated by Poirier via second-round stoppage six months earlier. McGregor has secured only one victory since becoming the UFC’s first simultaneous two-weight champion in 2016, clinching titles in both lightweight and featherweight categories.

    Chandler, who transitioned from Bellator to the UFC in 2021, has been involved in several captivating bouts, despite facing three losses out of his five UFC fights. He was defeated by then-champion Charles Oliveira in his second UFC appearance, followed by losses to Justin Gaethje and Poirier.

    The match-up between McGregor and Chandler was confirmed early last year when they served as opposing coaches in the UFC’s Ultimate Fighter reality TV series, although no specific date was set at that time.

  • Cynthia Morrison loses Agona West NPP Parliamentary Primary to Christopher Arthur

    Cynthia Morrison loses Agona West NPP Parliamentary Primary to Christopher Arthur

    In the New Patriotic Party (NPP)’s parliamentary primary held on Saturday, April 13, the incumbent Member of Parliament for Agona West, Cynthia Morrison, was defeated.

    Madam Morrison received 152 votes, while Christopher Arthur emerged victorious with 240 votes, securing the nomination as the NPP’s Parliamentary Candidate.

    Christopher Arthur

    Ben Yamoah polled 221 votes, Yawson Otoo received 168, and Joseph Afrankwa grabbed 155 votes.

    Supporters of Christopher Arthur were seen jubilating following the announcement of the election results. The primary took place at a single voting center at Otabilkrom Astroturf, Agona Swedru.

    Cynthia Morrison won the seat during the 2016 general elections. In the 2020 elections, she contested as the NPP parliamentary candidate and was elected for a second four-year term, garnering 30,513 votes out of a total of 59,193 valid votes cast.

    However, her defeat in the recent primary marks a significant shift in the political landscape of the Agona West constituency.

  • FLASHBACK: Ablakwa’s sister arrested in US over forgery after securing gov’t scholarship

    FLASHBACK: Ablakwa’s sister arrested in US over forgery after securing gov’t scholarship

    In 2012, Mercy Ablakwa, the younger sister of Deputy Minister of Information Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, was arrested in the United States of America (USA) for forgery.

    Mercy, who was 22-years-old at the time, faced criminal prosecution. Documents available to the Daily Guide newspaper indicated that Mercy, a student of Charleston University in West Virginia, was arrested on October 7, 2011, in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, and was subsequently charged with the offense of Forgery-Uttering under section 943.38 of the statutes of the State of Wisconsin.

    A criminal case was filed against Mercy in court on October 9, 2011, two days after her arrest, where the charge of forgery-uttering was preferred against her.

    Daily Guide gathered that the charge of forgery-uttering is classified as a felony under the laws of Wisconsin and that a guilty verdict could have seen Mercy receiving a fine of up to $10,000 or an imprisonment of up to 6 years or both.

    Checks by the paper also established that Mercy Ablakwa got admission into Charleston University in West Virginia in the immediate aftermath of the assumption of office of the Mills/Mahama-led NDC administration and was still a student in the University at the time of her arrest.

    Mercy, who turned 23 that year, had the same mother as the Deputy Minister but the two had different fathers. Attempts to reach Samuel Okudzeto-Ablakwa for his comments proved unsuccessful since he failed to answer his phone, sources said he was well aware of his sister’s arrest as he was put in the know hours after she was busted.

    North Tongu MP, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa

    He was said to have expressed concern that it may dent his image as a government official, especially considering the fact that he was contesting the North Tongu constituency primaries of the NDC. Sources around the Ministry of Information and friends of the Deputy Minister indicated that Mr. Ablakwa was conscious of the fact that this case could be a huge arsenal for his opponents in the race, including the sitting Member of Parliament, Charles Hodogbey, who had been fighting him for the party’s parliamentary ticket for the area.

    It was alleged that since traveling to the United States, Mercy Ablakwa had maintained a close relationship with her brother, the Deputy Minister, who was said to have facilitated the trip. Daily Guide’s sources in Wisconsin said top lawyers in the state were defending the sister of the deputy minister.

    Mercy was scheduled to reappear in court on February 1, 2012.

  • GAF commiserates with families of 2 civilians killed in clash between Tema Youth and Navy personnel

    The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has commiserates with the bereaved families of the two victims who lost their lives in a recent clash between personnel of the Ghana Navy and the youth of Tema.

    The GAF has urged for calm to be maintained by all parties while the incident is being investigated.

    A vehicle belonging to the Eastern Naval Command of the Ghana Navy was attacked by a crowd participating in a festival in Tema Newtown around 7:53 pm on Friday, April 12, 2024, resulting in damage to the vehicle.

    “Three of the Naval personnel onboard the vehicle also sustained severe injuries and were sent to the Tema Naval Base Medical Centre for treatment. In the course of the confrontation, three suspects were arrested by the naval personnel.

    “They were subsequently handed over to the Tema Newtown District Police for further investigations,”  a press release signed by E. Aggrey-Quarshie on Saturday, April 13, read.

    Col Aggrey reported that the mob, believed to be among the festival participants, later assaulted the Tema Naval Base with stones and other objects in an attempt to free their colleagues.

    At a stage, the security of the Base was threatened, and to protect the sensitive installations in the Base, warning shots were fired to repel the attack.

    He later reported that the Police confirmed that two civilians were brought dead to the Tema General Hospital. The cause of death is still under investigation.

    According to E. Aggrey-Quarshie, the Ghana Police Service in collaboration with the Ghana Armed Forces have commenced investigations into the incident of attack by some Tema youths.

    “Findings of the investigations will be made available in due course.”

    Meanwhile, the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has issued a stern warning to the youth of Tema, stating that any future attacks on installations or personnel will be met with a suitable response.

  • Tema Youth attack Ghana Navy personnel, installations; 2 civilians killed

    Tema Youth attack Ghana Navy personnel, installations; 2 civilians killed

    A vehicle belonging to the Eastern Naval Command of the Ghana Navy was attacked by a crowd participating in a festival in Tema Newtown around 7:53 pm on Friday, April 12, 2024, resulting in damage to the vehicle.

    “Three of the Naval personnel onboard the vehicle also sustained severe injuries and were sent to the Tema Naval Base Medical Centre for treatment. In the course of the confrontation, three suspects were arrested by the naval personnel.

    “They were subsequently handed over to the Tema Newtown District Police for further investigations,”  a press release signed by E. Aggrey-Quarshie on Saturday, April 13, read.

    Col Aggrey reported that the mob, believed to be among the festival participants, later assaulted the Tema Naval Base with stones and other objects in an attempt to free their colleagues.

    At a stage, the security of the Base was threatened, and to protect the sensitive installations in the Base, warning shots were fired to repel the attack.

    He later reported that the Police confirmed that two civilians were brought dead to the Tema General Hospital. The cause of death is still under investigation.

    According to E. Aggrey-Quarshie, the Ghana Police Service in collaboration with the Ghana Armed Forces have commenced investigations into the incident of attack by some Tema youths.

    “Findings of the investigations will be made available in due course. The GAF commiserates with the bereaved families and urges calm to be maintained by all parties while the incident is being investigated.”

    Meanwhile, the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has issued a stern warning to the youth of Tema, stating that any future attacks on installations or personnel will be met with a suitable response.

  • GAF warns Tema youth over recent attack on installations and personnel

    GAF warns Tema youth over recent attack on installations and personnel

    The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has issued a stern warning to the youth of Tema, stating that any future attacks on installations or personnel will be met with a suitable response.

    This caution comes after a vehicle belonging to the Eastern Naval Command of the Ghana Navy was attacked by a crowd participating in a festival in Tema Newtown around 7:53 pm on Friday, April 12, 2024, resulting in damage to the vehicle.

    “Three of the Naval personnel onboard the vehicle also sustained severe injuries and were sent to the Tema Naval Base Medical Centre for treatment. In the course of the confrontation, three suspects were arrested by the naval personnel.

    “They were subsequently handed over to the Tema Newtown District Police for further investigations,”  a press release signed by E. Aggrey-Quarshie on Saturday, April 13, read.

    Col Aggrey reported that the mob, believed to be among the festival participants, later assaulted the Tema Naval Base with stones and other objects in an attempt to free their colleagues.

    At a stage, the security of the Base was threatened, and to protect the sensitive installations in the Base, warning shots were fired to repel the attack.

    He later reported that the Police confirmed that two civilians were brought dead to the Tema General Hospital. The cause of death is still under investigation.

    According to E. Aggrey-Quarshie, the Ghana Police Service in collaboration with the Ghana Armed Forces have commenced investigations into the incident of attack by some Tema youths.

    “Findings of the investigations will be made available in due course. The GAF commiserates with the bereaved families and urges calm to be maintained by all parties while the incident is being investigated.”

  • “The green book was better lah” – Hopeson Adorye ‘rejects’ NPP’s Performance Tracker

    “The green book was better lah” – Hopeson Adorye ‘rejects’ NPP’s Performance Tracker

    Former deputy national security coordinator, Hopeson Adorye, has weighed in on the effectiveness of the National Democratic Congress’s (NDC) green book compared to the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) performance tracker.

    His comments follow the government’s acknowledgment of inaccuracies in the performance tracker.

    Adorye’s remarks were prompted by a social media post revealing that the government had admitted to mistakenly including 67 entries on the list of projects featured on the performance tracker.

    In response, Adorye expressed a preference for the NDC’s green book, which documented developmental projects undertaken during the NDC’s tenure. He argued that the green book offered a more reliable record compared to the NPP’s Performance Tracker.

    “The green book was better lah,” Adorye remarked in a Facebook post on April 12, 2024.

    The Ghanaian government has revealed that 67 entries were mistakenly included in its performance tracker within 48 hours of its launch. In a tweet, the government also expressed satisfaction with the level of interest shown by citizens in the tracker.

    “Following the successful launch of the Performance Tracker, the government expresses gratitude for the remarkable interest and scrutiny from citizens.

    “This level of engagement demonstrates the public’s commitment to ensuring the accuracy and integrity of the information provided.

    “Within 48 hours following the launch, our attention has been drawn to 67 entries which were erroneously included,” the tweet concluded.

    The Performance Tracker platform has been created to provide Ghanaian citizens with convenient access to important information regarding the performance of the Government of Ghana since 2017. The platform collects government records from 30 ministries, presenting data on projects undertaken, outcomes, impacts, and beneficiaries of government interventions. This allows users to evaluate the effectiveness of these interventions.

    The government aims to enhance transparency and accountability by showcasing its achievements through this platform, thereby building public trust in its capacity to fulfill its commitments.

  • Police arrest suspected EC officials involved in BVD theft

    Police arrest suspected EC officials involved in BVD theft

    The Electoral Commission (EC) has reported that individuals suspected of being involved in the alleged theft of five Biometric Verification Devices (BVD) have been handed over to the police.

    Dr. Serebour Quaicoe, the Director of Electoral Services at the EC, stated that this action was taken to ensure that those responsible, if found guilty, are held accountable for stealing state property.

    Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on April 13, Dr. Quaicoe mentioned that the police commenced their investigation approximately a month ago when the EC officially discovered that the BVDs were missing.

    “That is why we said that we have lost this [BVDs] and these are the suspects. So investigate and let them go through the legal regime, whatever has to be done, should be done.

    “So they have been interdicted and they are now going through the security investigation. I am told that they will be arraigned before court soon. If they are found guilty, the law should deal with them,” he said.

    The Director of Electoral Services clarified that there is no cause for alarm regarding the missing Biometric Verification Devices (BVDs) as they have not been activated.

    However, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, the Director of Elections and IT for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), argued on the same show that the BVD had been missing for more than a month. He credited NDC legislators for bringing attention to the issue, suggesting that without their efforts, the missing BVDs might not have gained public attention.

    On March 20, the Minority in Parliament urged the police to take urgent action following the alleged disappearance of seven biometric devices. They expressed concern about the potential impact on the upcoming December elections.

  • GIS confiscates cocoa beans being smuggled to Togo at Kpando Torkor

    GIS confiscates cocoa beans being smuggled to Togo at Kpando Torkor

    The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has intercepted three trucks suspected of smuggling cocoa beans at Kpando Torkor in the Volta Region.

    The vehicles, registered as GE 1782-U, AS 7907-22, and GT 5932-12, were intercepted at dawn on Friday, April 12.

    Head of Public Affairs at GIS, Superintendent Michael Amoako-Atta, stated that the Officer-in-Charge of the GIS in the Kpando Municipal Command, Deputy Superintendent of Immigration (DSI) Peter Austin Hall, and a team of officers were deployed based on intelligence to Kpando Torkor.

    They observed a boat suspected to be from the Afram Plains unloading bags of cocoa beans into the trucks, parked near the landing site, apparently for smuggling through an unapproved route at Wli to Togo.

    The suspects, Wahab Abdulai, Nicholas Agbesi, and Fodume, all aged 42, were arrested, and the trucks were handed over to the Kpando Police for further action.

    Superintendent Amoako-Atta emphasized GIS’s commitment to border protection and prevention of cross-border crimes.

    He commended border residents and the public for their continuous collaboration through information-sharing and urged citizens to report suspicious persons and activities to GIS and other security agencies as part of the “See Something, Say Something” campaign.

  • Kwabena Boateng beats Nyantakyi, 7 others to win NPP Ejisu primary

    Kwabena Boateng beats Nyantakyi, 7 others to win NPP Ejisu primary

    Private legal practitioner Kwabena Boateng emerged victorious in the New Patriotic Party (NPP) primaries held in the Ejisu constituency of the Ashanti Region on April 13.

    Mr Boateng defeated eight other candidates, including former Ghana Football Association (GFA) boss Kwesi Nyantakyi, to become the NPP’s parliamentary candidate for the upcoming by-election.

    The other candidates in the primaries were Dr. Evans Duah, Klinsman Karikari Mensah, Helena Mensah, Jacqueline Abena Pokua Amoah-Boaitey, Portia Baffoe Abronye, Aaron Prince Duah, and Yaa Gyamera Aboagye.

    Mr Boateng secured 394 votes out of a total of 1033 valid votes cast, with his closest competitor, Madam Helena Mensah, receiving 302 votes. Yaa Gyamera Aboagye garnered 229 votes, while Kwesi Nyantakyi managed only 35 votes.

    Initially, it was thought that the remaining votes would be split between Dr. Evans Duah and Kwabena Boateng, potentially reducing Boateng’s chances of winning.

    However, Dr. Evans Duah received only 63 votes, allowing Boateng to secure victory over him and the other contenders.

    In his address to the media, Boateng thanked the delegates for their trust and support, promising to be a dedicated representative for the people of Ejisu if elected as MP.

    He dedicated his victory to the late MP, Dr. John Kumah, and pledged to continue his legacy.

    The by-election in Ejisu was necessitated by the passing of Dr. John Kumah, who was also a Deputy Finance Minister, on Thursday, March 7, at the age of 45. The Electoral Commission has scheduled the by-election for Tuesday, April 30.

  • 104 beneficiaries of gov’t scholarships are still abroad despite signing bond – Fourth Estate editor

    A senior reporter at The Fourth Estate, Seth Bokpe, has revealed that approximately 104 beneficiaries of the Scholarship Secretariat who studied abroad have not yet returned to Ghana.

    This disclosure comes after an investigation into the operations of the Ghana Scholarship Secretariat by the media outlet.

    During an appearance on Newsfile on JoyNews, Bokpe emphasized that these beneficiaries had signed agreements with the Secretariat, committing to return to Ghana upon completing their programs.

    “Majority of these courses we spend money on outside are in Ghanaian universities. We also found that at least 104 beneficiaries are yet to return to Ghana although they have signed bonds to do so.”

    “At least three of these beneficiaries have been living abroad in the last five years, and it will be interesting to find out how they even signed their bonds before being given the scholarship,” Mr Bokpe added.

    A recent investigation by The Fourth Estate exposed discrepancies in the distribution of scholarships by the Scholarship Secretariat. The probe revealed instances where scholarships were granted to individuals from affluent backgrounds, contrary to the mandate of providing aid to deserving but underprivileged students.

    Notable beneficiaries highlighted in the investigation include the daughters of prominent figures such as Ghanaian lawyer and politician Freddie Blay and former Inspector General of Police David Asante-Apeatu. These findings suggest a departure from the Secretariat’s intended focus on supporting financially disadvantaged yet academically gifted students.

    Furthermore, the report uncovered cases where some recipients received multiple scholarships, while others struggled to receive their stipends from the government, if they were awarded scholarships at all.

    Speaking on these revelations, Seth Bokpe stated that approximately 30 individuals, including politicians, their relatives, diplomats, and individuals linked to social elites, were identified as scholarship recipients. He also highlighted the absence of clear selection guidelines beyond basic criteria such as Ghanaian nationality and possessing a university degree.

    “Contrary to the claims that the award has been decentralised to the extent that if you go to the district level you will get a scholarship, there is no evidence that those who went abroad were actually awarded at the district level,” Mr Bokpe said.

    He added “The registrar told us that because of the courses involved, they do not award the foreign scholarships at the local level, so you have to apply in Accra. Now how do you apply in Accra if there is no call for application? There is no publication of even the list of beneficiaries to make the process transparent.”

    During their investigation, Mr. Bokpe mentioned that an interview with Dr. Clement Apaak revealed that the Scholarship Secretariat cannot be held accountable as it falls under the Office of the President.

    “When you hear the number of allegations that come against the Secretariat including people saying they paid so much to get it but then you have a situation where they are virtually shielded, it becomes problematic,” he said.

  • “I started feeling dizzy; I thank God I am still alive” – Nyantakyi breaks down in front of Ejisu electorates

    “I started feeling dizzy; I thank God I am still alive” – Nyantakyi breaks down in front of Ejisu electorates

    Former GFA president and candidate of the Ejisu NPP primaries, Kwesi Nyantakyi, has broken his silence after being discharged from Asokore Mampong Hospital, where he received treatment since Friday night.

    It was earlier reported that Nyantakyi fell ill for failing to eat anything on Friday due to campaign activities he was involved in.

    Addressing NPP Ejisu voters at the voting center on Saturday, Nyantakyi, in a video on social media, noted that he began to feel dizzy and had to be rushed to the hospital.

    He further recounted that “at the hospital, they placed drips on me”.

    “I thank God I am still alive,” a sobbing Nyantakyi said.

    He arrived at the voting centre to cast his ballot in a race featuring nine aspirants.

    As polling began, Nyantakyi was still in the hospital under observation. Upon arrival, Nyantakyi appeared weak and was assisted by a member of his team to walk.

    Nine aspirants are competing to be elected as parliamentary candidates of the NPP for the upcoming by-election in Ejisu, following the death of the MP, John Kumah, in March after a brief illness.

  • I divorced Kaka because he was “too perfect” – Ex-wife

    I divorced Kaka because he was “too perfect” – Ex-wife

    Kaka‘s ex-wife, Caroline Celico, has revealed that she split with the superstar because he was “too perfect.”

    The former Brazil and Real Madrid star married his childhood sweetheart, Caroline Celico, in 2005. However, they were married for just under ten years before divorcing in 2015.

    Despite having two children together, Caroline was not happy and has now disclosed that she felt something was missing.

    She said: “Kaka never betrayed me, he treated me well, he gave me a wonderful family, but I was not happy, something was missing.

    “The problem was, he was too perfect for me.”

    Kaka and his ex-wife Caroline Celico split in 2015 Credit: Getty – Contributor

    After marrying Kaka, the Brazilian socialite joined his church and later became an Evangelical pastor, though she left the role in 2010. She then founded the charity Horizontal Love, which supports Brazilian NGOs with supplies for food, hygiene, construction, and education.

    Caroline, 36, tied the knot with Eduardo Scarpa Julião in 2021, and the couple is now expecting their first child.

    She is now married to Eduardo Scarpa JuliãoCredit: instagram @cacelico

    Meanwhile, Kaka found love again with Carolina Dias, whom he began dating in 2017.

    The couple got engaged earlier this year, with the former Ballon d’Or winner expressing his happiness at this next step in their relationship.

    He announced the news on social media saying: “You made me the happiest man on earth!

    “I promise to give you back and make you the happiest woman in the world. I love you.”

    Additionally, the couple welcomed a daughter named Sarah, who is now one year old.

    Kaka had a decorated career, winning nine major trophies, including the World Cup with Brazil in 2002. He also achieved success in club football, winning Serie A and the Champions League with AC Milan, as well as La Liga with Real Madrid.

  • “Apart from God, everybody can make a mistake” – Dep. Sanitation Minister on 67 projects mistakenly added onto Performance Tracker

    “Apart from God, everybody can make a mistake” – Dep. Sanitation Minister on 67 projects mistakenly added onto Performance Tracker

    Deputy Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, Amidu Issahaku Chinnia, has offered an explanation for the inadvertent inclusion of 67 projects in the recently launched government performance tracker.

    He attributed this to human error and suggested that criticism should be tempered, as only God is without error.

    “Apart from God, everybody can make a mistake. This is human error. Some of the people you put in charge of things like this can disappoint you. 67 out of over 10,000 projects should not mean the performance tracker is not credible,” Mr Chinnia said on TV3’s Key Points, April 13, 2024.

    On April 10, the government launched a performance tracker at the GIMPA campus. The tracker, presented by the Minister of Works and Housing, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, provides details of all government projects, their progress, and their locations since the government came into power.

    However, seventy-two hours later, the government, through the Information Ministry, admitted and corrected 67 wrong entries on the Performance Tracker platform. The errors were reported by citizens within 48 hours after the launch.

    The Information Ministry, in a post on X with the handle (@PerfTrackergh), expressed appreciation to the public for their scrutiny and interest in the platform.

    “After the successful rollout of the Performance Tracker, the government appreciates the significant interest and scrutiny from citizens.

    “This level of engagement reflects the public’s dedication to ensuring the accuracy and integrity of the information presented.

    “Within 48 hours of the launch, we have identified 67 entries that were mistakenly included,” the post read.

  • How many millions of pounds Chelsea spent in 2022-23 season

    How many millions of pounds Chelsea spent in 2022-23 season

    According to accounts published by Companies House, Chelsea spent £747 million on transfers last season.

    The wage bill increased by 18% to £404 million, making it the second highest in the Premier League.

    Players costing £592 million were sold for £203 million, resulting in a profit of £63 million due to accounting rules.

    As of June 30, 2023 – after the first full year under the ownership of Todd Boehly’s Clearlake Capital consortium – the total cost of the squad exceeded £1 billion.

    An additional £450 million has been spent on transfers since June 30, but this will be included in the 2023-24 accounts.

    It was revealed on Friday that Chelsea spent over £75 million on agents and intermediaries over the 12-month period to February 2024, the most of any Premier League side.

    In March, they reported a pre-tax loss of £90 million, compared to a loss of £121 million the previous year.

    Under Premier League profit and sustainability (PSR) regulations, clubs can lose a maximum of £105 million over three seasons before facing sanctions.

    Certain costs, such as investment in youth and women’s teams, can be deducted, but Chelsea may need to sell more players by June 30 to comply with the rules.

    New signings in the 2022-23 accounts included Enzo Fernandez from Benfica for a then British record £105 million, Mykhailo Mudryk from Shakhtar Donetsk for £89 million, and Benoit Badiashile from Monaco for £35 million.

    Sales included Kai Havertz to Arsenal for £65 million, Mateo Kovacic to Manchester City for £25 million, and Timo Werner to RB Leipzig in a deal worth about £25 million.

    The £55 million sale of Mason Mount to Manchester United will be reflected in the 2023-24 accounts, as will the signing of Moises Caicedo from Brighton in a deal that could rise to a British record £115 million.

    In a “restructure” of Chelsea’s property portfolio, the hotel at Stamford Bridge was sold to a subsidiary of the club’s holding company Blueco, generating a profit of £77 million.

    Chelsea’s turnover increased from £481 million in 2021-22 to £513 million last season, but broadcasting revenue dropped by £9 million to £256 million after they failed to qualify for Europe.

    The Premier League is investigating potential financial rule breaches that occurred during previous owner Roman Abramovich’s tenure, which were reported by the new ownership group following their takeover in May 2022.

    This season, Everton have been deducted eight points for two breaches of PSR rules, while Nottingham Forest have been deducted four points.

  • NPP Primary: Nyantakyi spotted at Ejisu polling station after being hospitalised

    NPP Primary: Nyantakyi spotted at Ejisu polling station after being hospitalised

    Former GFA president and candidate in the Ejisu NPP primaries, Kwesi Nyantakyi, has arrived at the voting center after being discharged from Asokore Mampong Hospital where he was receiving treatment since Friday night.

    A source from his camp attributed his condition to stress after Ramadan. Nyantakyi appeared weak and was assisted by a member of his team to walk.

    Earlier, Nyantakyi’s team stated that despite falling ill shortly before the primary, he intended to be at the polling station before voting concluded.

    Kwesi Nyantakyi is said to have suffered a medical emergecny on Friday evening

    Members of the election committee also visited Nyantakyi in the hospital where he was admitted.

    Nine aspirants are competing to be elected as parliamentary candidates of the NPP for the upcoming by-election in Ejisu, following the death of MP John Kumah in March after a brief illness.

  • Nyantakyi will be at the polling station before polls end after he is discharged – Campaign team

    Nyantakyi will be at the polling station before polls end after he is discharged – Campaign team

    Former president of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kwasi Nyantakyi’s team has stated that despite falling ill shortly before the Ejisu NPP parliamentary primary, he intends to be at the polling station before voting concludes.

    Nyantakyi was hospitalized on Friday night after experiencing dizziness, reportedly falling ill after visiting electoral areas as part of his campaign activities.

    As polling began, Nyantakyi was still in the hospital under observation. However, his team has indicated that health professionals have conducted checks and he is expected to be discharged before the end of the election.

    Members of the election committee also visited Nyantakyi in the hospital where he was admitted.

    Nine aspirants are competing to be elected as parliamentary candidates of the NPP for the upcoming by-election in Ejisu, following the death of the MP in March after a brief illness.

  • 2 shot dead in Tema, 3 others battling for their lives

    2 shot dead in Tema, 3 others battling for their lives

    A shooting incident in Tema New Town on Friday night has reportedly resulted in the deaths of two individuals, with three others currently receiving medical attention at the Tema General Hospital.

    According to sources, the incident occurred on the final night of the Kplejoo celebration when a group of jubilant youth blocked a vehicle carrying officers of the Eastern Command of the Ghana Navy.

    In response, the officers allegedly fired gunshots to disperse the crowd.

    The Ghana Navy has not yet commented on the incident. The police have taken up the case and initiated investigations, according to reports from MyJoyOnline.

  • Erik ten Hag in search of new striker in summer transfer window

    Erik ten Hag in search of new striker in summer transfer window

    Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is keen on signing a striker in the upcoming summer transfer window.

    The Dutchman initially believed that his team’s goalscoring options for this season “should have been enough.”

    However, with just seven games remaining in the Premier League, United have scored only 45 goals, the lowest among the top 10 teams.

    Asked at a news conference how vital it will be to bring a proven scorer to Old Trafford this summer, Ten Hag said: “I think it would help.”

    Ideally, he wants more than one strong contender for each position on the team.

    Ten Hag added: “You need more options. You need double positioning in every position.

    “Some positions we didn’t have the choices this season – the striker position, the left-back position – and that has a negative impact on the results.”

    Ahead of their clash with Bournemouth on Saturday, United secured Denmark forward Rasmus Hojlund from Atalanta last August in a £72 million deal, signing him on a five-year contract.

    The 21-year-old has proven to be a significant asset, emerging as the club’s top scorer in his debut season with 13 goals in 34 appearances across all competitions.

    England striker Marcus Rashford has found the net eight times in 38 games, while France international Anthony Martial, sidelined since undergoing groin surgery in January, has scored twice in 19 appearances.

    “In this plan we constructed we should have had enough goals,” Ten Hag said.

    “You count on goals from Rashford – last season he scored 30. You count on goals from Martial – in my first season he played very well, and also in very important games he had a high impact on our performances.

    “And then bringing a goalscorer like Rasmus Hojlund in, it should have been enough goals.”

  • IMF set to release $360M to Ghana under extended credit facility

    IMF set to release $360M to Ghana under extended credit facility

    Ghana has secured $360 million from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), pending approval by the Fund’s Board.

    This follows the country’s successful negotiation of a Staff-Level agreement for the second review of the extended credit facility.

    An IMF staff team, led by Stéphane Roudet, Mission Chief for Ghana, conducted meetings in Accra from April 2-12. The purpose of these meetings was to assess progress on reforms and discuss the authorities’ policy priorities within the framework of Ghana’s three-year program under the Extended Credit Facility.

    The IMF Executive Board had approved the arrangement for Ghana, totaling $3 billion, on May 17, 2023.

    At the end of the mission, Mr. Roudet who made the announcement said, “This staff-level agreement is subject to IMF Management approval and Executive Board consideration once the necessary financing assurances have been received.

    “An agreement between the Ghanaian authorities and their official creditors on an MoU for a debt treatment in line with program parameters would provide the needed financing assurances.

    “Upon completion of the Executive Board review, Ghana would have access to about $360 million, bringing the total IMF financial support disbursed under the arrangement since May 2023 to about $1,560 million.”

    The Mission Chief for Ghana added “Performance under the IMF-supported program has been generally strong, with most quantitative targets met. Good progress has also been made on the key structural reform milestones.

    “The authorities’ policies and reforms to restore macroeconomic stability and debt sustainability while laying the foundations for stronger and more inclusive growth are already generating positive results.”

    According to Mr Roudet, “Economic activity in 2023 was more robust than initially envisaged, and growth projections for 2024 will be revised upward. Monetary policy has remained appropriately tight, allowing for inflation to decline rapidly.”

    On the fiscal front, he said, “Consistent with the authorities’ commitments under the IMF-supported program, the fiscal primary balance on a commitment basis improved by over 4 percentage points of GDP in 2023 and is on track to achieve a fiscal primary surplus of ½ per cent of GDP in 2024.

    “Spending has remained within budget limits, while the authorities have significantly expanded social protection programs to help mitigate the impact of the crisis on the most vulnerable.

    “Ghana has met its non-oil revenue mobilisation target while making progress in implementing ambitious structural fiscal reforms to bolster domestic revenues, strengthen public financial and debt management, and enhance transparency.

    “The external sector has improved significantly, with international reserve accumulation ahead of program objectives. Financial stability has been preserved, with banks posting solid profits in 2023.

    The Mission Chief for Ghana stated that, “Given Ghana’s strong progress under the IMF-supported program, the next key step for the country is to reach an agreement with its official bilateral creditors on an MoU consistent with the terms agreed in January 2024.

    “We look forward to the authorities’ continued efforts to reach an agreement with all creditors in line with program parameters.”

    During their visit, the IMF staff held meetings with Finance Minister Dr. Amin Adam, Bank of Ghana Governor Dr. Ernest Addison, and their respective teams, as well as representatives from various government agencies. The team also engaged with other stakeholders.

    The IMF staff team expressed gratitude to the Ghanaian authorities and other counterparts for their ongoing open and constructive engagement.

  • Sign co-financing letter with Global Fund, stop the delay – Gov’t told

    Sign co-financing letter with Global Fund, stop the delay – Gov’t told

    The government is facing scrutiny for its handling of the co-financing agreement with the Global Fund, and the Ghana HIV and AIDS network is one of the organisations mounting pressure according to its president, rnest Amoabeng Ortsin.

    This issue has been brought to the forefront following the Ministry of Health’s clearance of 14 containers of anti-retroviral drugs and TB medications at the Tema port.

    In response to this development, Mr. Amoabeng Ortsin has expressed concerns about the government’s delay in signing the co-financing letter, a crucial document that outlines the country’s financial commitment to the Global Fund’s grant.

    He noted that the co-financing letter was supposed to be signed in May of the previous year but remains unsigned, leading to discontent with the Global Fund.

    This agreement is vital for the government to procure additional health commodities and support the nation’s health system.

    “There is also a co-financing letter that we have to sign… what happens is that each time Global Funds gives drugs to any country, there is a request that you make. They take up a certain percentage and then ask the government to also contribute a certain percentage. That percentage doesn’t go to them, but the government is supposed to use it to buy commodities.

    “For example, the current grant that we are operating is from 2024 up to 2026, worth over $240 million and Ghana is supposed to make about 15% of that capital funding. The government is supposed to commit that over three years plus other additional commodities in support of our health system but that letter was supposed to be signed by May last year, the thing is, the letter has not been signed and Global Fund is not happy about that,” he stated.

  • VIDEO: Abronye accuses NPP Ejisu Chair of conniving with EC to rig primary

    The Bono Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kwame Baffoe Abronye, has voiced serious concerns about the ongoing voting process in the Ejisu Constituency, where his wife is a contestant in the party’s parliamentary primary.

    Abronye alleges collusion between the Electoral Commission and the constituency chairman, who is also part of the election committee, to unfairly influence support in favor of a specific candidate among the nine contenders.

    In a video sighted on social media, Abronye said, “When it comes to elections, nobody knows elections like me. Every election starts with zonal areas. When you start with one electoral area, you must finish and go to the next electoral area. But they tilted the thing.

    “This arrangement is bad, the constituency chairman who is part of the election committee, is following a particular candidate, he is the one who did the list with the EC. He has connived with the EC.”

    The governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) is currently conducting a parliamentary primary to select a candidate for the upcoming by-election in the Ejisu Constituency. This by-election was prompted by the unfortunate passing of the Member of Parliament for the constituency, John Kumah, on March 7, 2024.

    All nine aspirants for the internal poll on April 13, 2024, were cleared by the vetting committee on April 6. They had submitted their forms to contest the NPP parliamentary primary for the Ejisu constituency when nominations opened on April 2, 2024.

    The Electoral Commission (EC) has scheduled the by-election for April 30, 2024.

  • Relegation-threatened Plymouth beat Leicester

    Relegation-threatened Plymouth beat Leicester

    Leicester missed an opportunity to pull ahead at the top of the Championship table as they suffered a surprising 1-0 defeat to relegation-threatened Plymouth, courtesy of Mustapha Bundu’s 21st-minute winner.

    Ipswich, in second place, remain level on points with Leicester, while Leeds are one point behind, with all three clubs having four matches left.

    Despite being managerless, Plymouth climbed to 16th place after securing their first home win in seven matches, under the caretaker management team of director of football Neil Dewsnip and first-team coach Kevin Nancekivell. They now sit five points clear of the relegation zone.

    Leicester tested Plymouth goalkeeper Michael Cooper early in the match, with Abdul Fatawu and Ricardo Pereira forcing saves in the opening minutes. Stephy Mavididi also went close with a curling shot.

    However, Plymouth took the lead against the run of play in the 21st minute when Mustapha Bundu scored a fierce angled drive after being released by Adam Forshaw.

    Leicester continued to push for an equalizer, with Harry Winks and Dan Scarr going close, and Patson Daka and Jamie Vardy also had chances, but Plymouth held on for a vital victory.

  • Remaining 168 containers containing medical supplies to be cleared next week – Health Ministry

    Remaining 168 containers containing medical supplies to be cleared next week – Health Ministry

    Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Ministry of Health (MoH), Isaac Offei Baah, has announced that the Ministry plans to clear the remaining 168 containers of essential medical supplies stuck at the Tema Port by next week.

    On Friday, April 12, the MoH received 14 out of the 182 containers at the Tema Port. These containers hold essential medicines for antiretroviral, tuberculosis (TB), and malaria treatments, donated by the Global Fund (GF).

    The essential medical commodities, including antiretroviral drugs for HIV patients, have been stuck at the Tema port for almost a year due to the government’s inability to pay third-party fees.

    In an interview with Selorm Adonoo on Citi FM’s Eyewitness News on Friday, Mr. Baah clarified that the 182 containers do not contain any antiretroviral drugs and that the remaining 168 containers only hold mosquito nets.

    “The 182, today, we cleared 14 containers hoping to get the rest released by next week. Of the 182 containers that we have at the port, we must say that there had not been any antiretroviral drugs among the 182. But as a ministry, we don’t have preferences as to which commodity is more essential than the other. And so when it is 182, our target is to clear 182 containers from the port.”

    “We are fortunate that today we have been able to clear the 14 containers out and then the remaining 167 [168] containers will be cleared hopefully next week and that has to do with the mosquito nets,” he stated.

    In a separate statement in Accra, Alhaji Hafiz Adam, the Chief Director of the Ministry of Health (MoH), revealed that the 168 containers, estimated to cost around GHC17 million, contain non-medicine commodities such as bed nets and Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs).