An 18-year-old driver’s mate has been remanded by a District Court in Awutu Bereku in the Central Region for claiming that his penis shrunk after a mason touched his shoulders.
Emmanuel Arhinful, the driver’s mate, was remanded after a medical examination revealed that his penis was “intact and functioning normally without any deformity.”
Arhinful has been charged with publication of false news and deceiving a public officer, Corporal Mercy Nyarko Boatemaa, by alleging that his penis shrunk after being touched by the complainant, Prince Zo Brimo.
Despite denying the charges, Arhinful was remanded into police custody to reappear on April 17, 2024.
Prosecutors, led by Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Thomas Sarfo and Chief Inspector Bernice Wie Kpuusuu, told the court that the complainant, Prince Zo Brimo, a mason residing at Liberia Camp, was followed by Arhinful while he was on his way to Ofaakor.
Brimo became alarmed when he noticed Arhinful following him and sought assistance from the Kasoa New Market Police Station.
During interrogation, Arhinful alleged that his manhood had shrunk after Brimo touched his shoulders at the Kasoa MTN office. He was then issued a Police medical report form for examination.
The medical report confirmed that Arhinful’s penis was “intact and functioning normally without any deformity.”
A member of the public, Tabitha, has expressed her displeasure over a piece of music by musician turned politician, Obour, amidst investigations into the alleged marriage between 63-year-old Ga priest, Nuumo Borketey Laweh XXXIII, and Naa Yoomo Ayemuede.
Obour, who is a former President of the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA), about a decade ago dominated the airwaves, topped the charts, and bagged awards, including the Ghana Music Awards for “Aboa Konkontiba”, one of his biggest career hits.
But now, just like some five years ago, the track has been scrutinized, with a citizen sharing distaste over the claim that it supports older men going in for young girls who are not legally adults to get married.
Tabitha noted that such artwork supports the idea that paedophilia has been ongoing with many individuals embracing it.
“This particular behaviour is deep in our people. We need to bring it out today and talk about it. At times you even hear people saying that when the mangoes are not ripped but you can only eat it with a pinch of salt.
“Then you have people singing songs like Aboa Konkontiba. You’ll find people dancing. You can find many songs telling you that there is deep-rooted paedophilia in our people.
“We have cases where parents, men take advantage of their children and the women are keeping quiet,” she said while citing divorce as reason most women keep mute.
Aboa Konkontiba talks about a tadpole that would grow eventually into a frog. Just at the beginning of the song, Obour says although the individual in the song is young, his mind is settled on him or her.
In 2019, Ghanaian hiplife musician M3nsa slammed Bice Osei Kuffour ‘Obour’ over his song “Aboa Konkontiba”.
“Some of us knew it wasn’t ok back then, it’s not about this era biaaa.. the song is, and has always been disgusting,” the FOKN Bois and RedRed member tweeted.
Basically about ‘catching them (girls) young before they grow up and begin to know too much.’ There’s also a line that says “I know she’s too young, but that’s how I like it” ….. fuck chale.
Presently, the Ghana Police are investigating the alleged marriage between 63-year-old Ga priest, Nuumo Borketey Laweh XXXIII, and Naa Yoomo Ayemuede.
The Chieftaincy Minister has however clarified that it was a traditional rite and not a marriage ceremony.
Also, Rev Dr Daniel Nii Gyasi Ankrah, the Director of Administration, Office of the Gborbu Wulomo-Shitse at a presser in Accra last week Tuesday said “We would like to emphasise that there is no carnal relationship or marriage involved as perceived by many. Naa Yoomo attends one of the best private schools in Nungua. She has a chauffeur that takes her to school and brings her home. She’s been attended to.”
Five months ago, Deputy Director of the National Service Secretariat (NSS), Gifty Oware-Mensah, who has been implicated in a recent exposé by The Fourth Estate, on affluent individuals who allegedly obtained scholarships meant for academically gifted but financially disadvantaged Ghanaians, was made a member of the Ghana Football Association’s (GFA) Executive Council.
The Ghana Football Association broke the news about the swearing-in ceremony of its new Executive Council on Monday, October 9, 2023.
Members of the newly elected Executive Council were sworn into office for a four-year mandate.
Present at the meeting were President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, Mark Addo, Dr. Ransford Abbey, Kingsley Osei Bonsu, Frederick Acheampong, Nana Sarfo Oduro, Dr. Gifty Oware-Mensah, Eugene Nobel Amon Noel and Gideon Fosu.
The Members signed the Oath of Office and the Oath of Confidentially. James Kwesi Appiah was absent with permission of the GFA President.
Gifty Oware-Mensah, aside from working at the NSS, owns Berry Ladies FC, a female football formerly known as Halifax Ladies FC, which is currently playing in Ghana’s women premier league.
Per reports, Gifty who has denied receiving any scholarship, “obtained a government scholarship of GBP18,450 (GBP means Great British Pound) to study at the University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom in 2020 to pursue an MSc in Development Policy and Politics.”
It is said that she received the scholarship three years after she started working for the Secretariat.
According to the Fourth Estate, they reached out to her on January 19, 2024, and her response was “From 2019, my name has been Gifty Oware-Mensah. Let me call Kingsley [Agyemang] and get back. I don’t know what you’re talking about. Let me speak to them and get back to you.”
The Fourth Estate further reported that “She later sent a text message that she was driving to Sunyani and would revert. Subsequent calls to her did not yield result.”
Domelevo stressed that the report, which was commissioned using state funds, belongs to the Ghanaian people and should be made public without delay.
He urged the President to prioritize accountability to the people of Ghana over any attempts to shield wrongdoing within his government.
Speaking on JoyNews’ AM Show on Monday, April 8, Domelevo urged President Akufo-Addo to release the report to the public without any attempts to cover up its findings.
He warned that further delays in releasing the report could lead to negative perceptions about the Presidency among the public.
“What I expected was that immediately the report was ready, it should be made public because the accountability is not to the President but to the people of Ghana. The money is people’s funds. So anytime those reports are ready, they must be put in the public.”
On January 2 of this year, President Nana Akufo-Addo commissioned KPMG to investigate the contract between SML and GRA following an exposé by the Fourth Estate.
President Akufo-Addo has since received the KPMG audit report regarding the revenue mobilisation contract between GRA and SML. The report was delivered to him on Wednesday, March 27, as announced in a Facebook post by Eugene Arhin, the Director of Communications at the Presidency, on Wednesday, April 3.
Mr. Arhin further mentioned that President Akufo-Addo is currently reviewing the findings of the audit report and will communicate his decisions to the Ghanaian public in due course.
Subsequently, some Ghanaians have demanded the immediate release of the report. However, Private Legal Practitioner, Mr. Martin Kpebu, has urged Ghanaians to grant the Presidency ample time to release the KPMG report, emphasizing that this approach would ensure that all individuals mentioned in the report have the opportunity to respond appropriately.
The National Service Scheme (NSS) has confirmed the distribution of service personnel allowances for January 2024. The NSS stated that these payments have been specifically disbursed to eligible personnel.
In a press release dated Friday, April 5, and signed by Armstrong Essah, the Director of Corporate Affairs, the Secretariat highlighted that eligible personnel will receive their allowances through E-Zwich at their respective banks nationwide.
The NSS expressed appreciation to service personnel for their understanding during the delay in payments.
Additionally, the Secretariat assured all personnel that the allowances for February and March 2024 have been processed and are anticipated to be disbursed promptly.
“Furthermore, management would like to assure all service personnel that their allowance for February and March 2024 have been processed.”
A 67-year-old Ghanaian man, who had reportedly been blind for 22 years and living as a beggar on the streets, experienced a miraculous healing at an Easter Sunday service hosted by The Church of Pentecost in Kasoa.
The man, whose identity has not been disclosed, had attended the convention seeking divine intervention.
The church, known for its healing services, witnessed the remarkable moment when the man regained his sight, causing a stir among attendees. The news of his healing quickly spread, with many celebrating the supposed miracle.
In a recent development, the Ghana Police Service is said to have arrested a Ghanaian man for allegedly misleading attendees at the convention.
It is reported that he deceived the church and attendees by pretending to be blind and then falsely claiming to have regained his sight during the service.
The incident has sparked a debate about the authenticity of miracles and the need for caution in verifying such claims.
The Church of Pentecost has not commented on the arrest or the incident, but sources indicate that they had promised to provide housing and support to the man who had genuinely been blind, as he and his family were reportedly homeless.
The Ghana Police have arrested this man for misleading attendees at an Easter Convention hosted by The Church of Pentecost in Kasoa by falsely claiming he was a blind man who had received healing at the church convention. https://t.co/MbkTkBYxRs
Police have reported the arrest of one individual and the pursuit of three others in connection with a robbery on the Juaso-Nkawkaw highway.
The incident, which occurred on Sunday, 7th April 2024, saw patrol teams swiftly respond, resulting in the arrest. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
A statement from the police indicated that there is an ongoing intelligence-led operation to apprehend the remaining suspects, expressing confidence in their ability to do so.
This article looks at comments made by actor cum politician, John Dumelo, 14 years ago after his appearance in a Nigerian gay movie titled “Men in Love.”
This is so because accusations have arisen against the aspiring parliamentarian from some X users, alleging a lack of clear convictions regarding the anti-LGBTQ bill.
These criticisms surfaced following Dumelo’s remarks on the controversial Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, commonly known as the “anti-gay bill”.
During an interview with Starr FM’s Bola Ray, Dumelo stated that he aligns with the position of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) on the bill.
He emphasized the NDC’s support for the bill, citing its aim to protect “family values” in Ghana.
While he declined to state a personal stance, Dumelo added that he respects the privacy of individuals.
However, his recent comments have sparked backlash, with X users pointing out his past role in the movie “Men in Love,” where he portrayed a gay character.
“He wants to be a politician but he also wants to be progressive. Tell him to choose a struggle,” a user wrote.
The 2010 Nigerian movie “Men In Love” portrays a couple experiencing marital challenges, which are exacerbated by the arrival of a gay friend who is under a curse. John Dumelo and Muna Obiekwe played the gay roles in the film.
After the release of “Men In Love,” Dumelo publicly denied being gay. In a 2010 interview, he clarified that the film aimed to depict homosexuality as a consequence of demonic influence. He stressed that homosexuality was not promoted.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gjOEjfu20Jc
He told GhanaCelebrities that; “Yes I did a movie in Lagos. It was a gay movie. In that movie, I was under a spell. My best friend put me under a demonic spell. He then abused me to satisfy his gay pleasures. When you watch that movie, it actually doesn’t promote homosexuality”.
“It regards homosexuality as an evil thing. At the end of the movie, I prayed and the demon just came out of me, then I apologised to my wife and family, so it doesn’t mean I am gay. It was just to create awareness that people who are actually gay most likely are under demonic spells”, he is quoted to have continued.
Parliament on Wednesday, February 28, passed the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill also known as the anti-LGBTQ bill after three years following its introduction.
The Anti-LGBTQ+ bill aims to criminalize LGBTQ+ activities in Ghana. It proposes strict penalties, including imprisonment, for individuals engaged in activities related to homosexuality and LGBTQ+ advocacy.
Additionally, the bill seeks to prohibit the promotion of LGBTQ+ rights, organizations, and events in Ghana.
Prior to its passage, there had been several amendments to the bill. After deliberation, Parliament decided that the minimum custodial sentence has been set at three years, with a maximum of five years for promoters and sympathisers.
Additionally, individuals caught directly engaging in these activities will face a minimum sentence of six months, extendable to a maximum of three years.
Some international organisations and individuals in the country have called on the government not to assent to the bill. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has described the passage of bill as “profoundly disturbing.”
Currently, President Akufo-Addo has withheld his assent to the bill after one Richard Sky headed to the Supreme Court, challenging the constitutionality of the Bill.
The President’s decision has not sat with members of the opposition National Democratic Congress.
Heavy rainfall on Monday, April 8, caused chaos on the Accra-Kumasi highway as parts of Accra were submerged in floodwater.
The downpour, lasting over an hour, led to a massive traffic jam, leaving motorists stranded and commuters struggling to reach their destinations.
Ofankor Barrier, a particularly flood-prone area, was severely affected, with floodwaters inundating major parts of the road. Vehicles found it challenging to navigate through the flooded areas, exacerbating the already congested traffic situation.
Workers and students relying on public transportation were among the most affected, as they were left stranded due to the impassable roads.
The situation highlights the recurring issue of flooding in Accra and the need for effective drainage systems to mitigate the impact of heavy rainfall.
Accusations have arisen against actor and aspiring parliamentarian John Dumelo from some X users, alleging a lack of clear convictions regarding the anti-LGBTQ bill.
These criticisms surfaced following Dumelo’s remarks on the controversial Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, commonly known as the “anti-gay bill”.
During an interview with Starr FM’s Bola Ray, Dumelo stated that he aligns with the position of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) on the bill.
He emphasized the NDC’s support for the bill, citing its aim to protect “family values” in Ghana.
While he declined to state a personal stance, Dumelo added that he respects the privacy of individuals.
However, his recent comments have sparked backlash, with X users pointing out his past role in the movie “Men in Love,” where he portrayed a gay character.
“He wants to be a politician but he also wants to be progressive. Tell him to choose a struggle,” a user wrote.
The 2010 Nigerian movie “Men In Love” portrays a couple experiencing marital challenges, which are exacerbated by the arrival of a gay friend who is under a curse. John Dumelo and Muna Obiekwe played the gay roles in the film.
After the release of “Men In Love,” Dumelo publicly denied being gay. In a 2010 interview, he clarified that the film aimed to depict homosexuality as a consequence of demonic influence.
He told GhanaCelebrities that; “Yes I did a movie in Lagos. It was a gay movie. In that movie, I was under a spell. My best friend put me under a demonic spell. He then abused me to satisfy his gay pleasures. When you watch that movie, it actually doesn’t promote homosexuality”.
“It regards homosexuality as an evil thing. At the end of the movie, I prayed and the demon just came out of me, then I apologised to my wife and family, so it doesn’t mean am gay. It was just to create awareness that people who are actually gay most likely are under demonic spells”, he is quoted to have continued.
Parliament on Wednesday, February 28, passed the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill also known as the anti-LGBTQ bill after three years following its introduction.
The Anti-LGBTQ+ bill aims to criminalize LGBTQ+ activities in Ghana. It proposes strict penalties, including imprisonment, for individuals engaged in activities related to homosexuality and LGBTQ+ advocacy.
Additionally, the bill seeks to prohibit the promotion of LGBTQ+ rights, organizations, and events in Ghana.
Prior to its passage, there had been several amendments to the bill. After deliberation, Parliament decided that the minimum custodial sentence has been set at three years, with a maximum of five years for promoters and sympathisers.
Additionally, individuals caught directly engaging in these activities will face a minimum sentence of six months, extendable to a maximum of three years.
Some international organisations and individuals in the country have called on the government not to assent to the bill. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has described the passage of bill as “profoundly disturbing.”
Currently, President Akufo-Addo has withheld his assent to the bill after one Richard Sky headed to the Supreme Court, challenging the constitutionality of the Bill.
The President’s decision has not sat with members of the opposition National Democratic Congress.
Some cocoa farmers in Ghana are disappointed with the government over the recent increase in the cocoa farmgate or producer price for the 2023/24 season.
The announcement of a 58.26% increase from GH¢20,928 per tonne to GH¢33,120.00 per tonne for the remainder of the season has left some farmers feeling shortchanged.
According to members of the Ghana National Cocoa Farmers Association, they deserve more, especially considering the current global surge in cocoa prices.
The association’s President, Stephenson Anane Boateng, expressed this sentiment in a media interview, describing the increment as inadequate and an insult to the hard work of cocoa farmers.
Boateng urged the government to reconsider and provide a more equitable price for cocoa farmers. He also criticized COCOBOD, accusing them of withholding farmers’ money without valid reasons.
“Cocoa has been raised globally to $10,000 per metric ton. So if you compare and you convert to our currency, it is running over GH¢9,000. We totally disagree with them. We pay our labor, we buy inputs for the farm, and then we also pay ourselves.
“So in a nutshell, we get only GH¢600 for that while COCOBOD also gets GH¢7,000. So what work did COCOBOD do that they give us that money. It’s an insult!”
The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) recently announced a substantial 58.26 percent increase in cocoa prices, setting the rate at GH¢33,120 cedis per ton for the 2023/2024 crop season. This adjustment took effect on April 5, 2024.
COCOBOD explained that the decision was made to ensure that cocoa farmers benefit from the high global cocoa prices and to discourage the smuggling of cocoa beans.
Despite COCOBOD’s rationale, the Minority in Parliament has criticized the new price, arguing that it is insufficient and fails to adequately compensate cocoa farmers.
The Ghana Police Service has arrested nine individuals for spreading false information about the alleged disappearance of their genitals.
This misinformation caused widespread fear, panic, and even attacks on innocent citizens.
Following thorough investigations, including medical examinations, it was revealed that all claims of missing genitals were untrue.
Six of the suspects were apprehended in Kasoa, Central Region, while two were arrested in Ashaiman, Greater Accra Region, and one in Nkawkaw, Eastern Region, for their involvement in disseminating these false claims.
Currently, five of the suspects have been presented in court. Three of them have been remanded into police custody, while the other two have been granted bail. The remaining individuals are currently on police inquiry bail and are expected to be brought before the court soon.
The Ghana Police Service in a statement said, “it notes with concern this increasing trend of persons making false claims of the disappearance of their genitals and blaming innocent bystanders that sometimes lead to mob attacks. We wish to caution the public against such criminal conduct that is likely to harm innocent people as well as disturb the public peace.”
Residents of Dagomba Line, a suburb of the Asokore Mampong Municipality in the Ashanti region, are gripped with fear following the tragic discovery of the lifeless body of three-year-old Taslima Labaran in an uncompleted building.
Taslima had been missing since Thursday, April 4, 2024, sparking a frantic search by both the police and her parents.
The heartbreaking discovery was made by children playing football nearby, who found her body on the top floor of the building. The building, which was undergoing refurbishment after a recent fire incident, is said to be occupied by some police officers.
Initial reports suggested that Taslima’s body was found without her tongue, but an official autopsy later confirmed that her tongue was intact.
Taslima, a twin born to Rukaya Muntari, was dearly loved by her family, and her mother is devastated by her tragic death, holding onto hope until the very end that her daughter would be found alive.
The deceased’s body has been taken to the morgue for autopsy and preservation, as investigations into her murder continue. The perpetrator of this heinous crime is still at large, heightening fear among residents who have never experienced such a tragedy before.
Nasara Ibrahim Muheeb, who usually entertained the dead girl, with a worrying look, said “We always hear of people’s children missing but within some few minutes they are discovered after we’ve lodged a complaint at the mosque. But this is quite strange and makes us feel uneasy living here.”
Renowned Seventh-Day Adventist composer and singer, Akuamoah Osei Boateng, has passed away after a brief illness.
With a musical career spanning over 50 years, Osei Boateng was known for composing hits such as ‘Yesu Ka Woho’ and ‘Ɔkwantufo’, ‘Gyatabruwa’ among others.
The prolific musician, who also mentored and trained numerous talents within and outside the SDA Church, died at the Accident and Emergency Centre of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital on Saturday, April 6, 2024. He had been admitted for about a week prior to his passing.
His brother, Mark Kwabena Adu Agyei, who heads the Aduana family of Oguaa, confirmed his death to Myjoyonline.com. News of his passing has deeply affected members of the SDA Church, his fans, and his immediate family.
Born to Madam Adwoa Oforiwaa and Opanin Akwasi Kwayie of Senkyi and Oguaa, respectively, near Effiduase in the Ashanti region, Osei Boateng was originally born into a Muslim family but converted to the Seventh-Day Adventist Church in his youth. He effectively balanced his career as a trained teacher with his passion for music during the early stages of his life.
Minister of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Stephen Amoah Boateng, has addressed the controversy surrounding the reported child marriage event in Nungua last weekend.
During an interview on JoyNews’ The Probe, Mr. Boateng clarified that the video circulated on social media depicted a traditional rite, not a marriage ceremony.
According to him, “during the event a lot of things were said and the information came out as if they were marrying the girl to the Wulomo [Gborbu Wulomo Nuumo Borketey Laweh XXXIII].”
He stated that in response to the public outcry, his Ministry, along with the Gender Ministry and the Attorney General’s office, promptly intervened by meeting with the traditional authorities of Nungua and the Ga priest implicated in the incident.
“Through these discussions, it became evident that there were no intentions of carnal relations with the young girl,” he said on Sunday.
Highlighting the utmost importance of the child’s welfare, Mr. Boateng and his team collaborated closely with the police to safely remove the minor from the Nungua Community.
The Minister’s prompt actions underscore the government’s dedication to protecting the rights and well-being of minors in the country.
As investigations progress, Mr. Asamoah Boateng has committed to collaborating with law enforcement agencies and local communities to uphold justice and accountability.
Mr. Asamoah Boateng previously stated that the girl in question is 16 years old, not 12 as initially reported.
Popular crossdresser, Bobrisky, has reportedly pleaded guilty to charges related to the abuse of the Naira before a Federal High Court in Lagos.
The charges were brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), consisting of six counts, with four pertaining to abusing the Naira and two to money laundering. However, two of the charges on money laundering were dropped during the proceedings.
Bobrisky’s arrest followed a video surfacing showing him spraying wads of cash at the premiere of Eniola Ajao’s ‘Beasts of Two Worlds’ movie on March 24, 2024.
In his defense, he stated that he was unaware that tampering with the Naira note or coin is an offense punishable by law. He expressed remorse to the court, promising to educate his followers against such actions if given a second chance. Additionally, he pledged to upload a video on the subject matter and vowed never to repeat the mistake.
Justice Abimbola Awogboro convicted Bobrisky after reviewing the facts of the case. The EFCC’s investigation found that aside from the March 24 incident, Bobrisky had tampered with the Naira on several occasions in 2023.
Additionally, he was charged with two counts of money laundering for allegedly failing to report the activities of his company, Bob Express, to appropriate institutions. The EFCC stated that significant amounts of money were deposited into the company’s account on different occasions, raising suspicions.
“In count five, Bobrisky, while trading under the name and style of Bob Express between 1 September 2021 and 4 April 2024 in Lagos, failed to submit to the Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering a declaration of the activities of the said company, (Bob Express), within which period the total sum of N127.7m was paid into the company account domiciled with Ecobank.”
“In count six, Bobrisky is also accused of failing to submit a declaration of the activities of the company within the same period when another N53 million was paid into the company’s account, thereby committing an offence contrary to Section 6(1)(a), and Section 19(1) (f) of the Money Laundering (Prevention And Prohibition) Act and punishable under Section 19 (2) (b) of the same Act.”
However, in court on Friday, the money laundering charges were struck out by Justice Abimbola Awogboro.
This was after the EFCC’s prosecution counsel, Suleiman Suleiman, prayed to the court to strike out counts five and six (money laundering charges) and arraign him on counts one to four.
Honorary Vice President at IMANI Africa, Bright Simons, has urged Fidelity Bank and the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), to desist from what he terms as a coordinated public relations campaign to discredit him.
Fidelity Bank has dragged Bright Simons, the Vice President of IMANI Africa, to court over his allegation that the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), the government-controlled electricity utility, is “dishing out” approximately GHC80 million to the financial institution in sweetheart exchange rate deals.
In a rejoinder, media consultants for Bright Simons noted that if it was the intention of Fidelity to engage in a public debate with our client, the ethical and professional thing to do would have been to withdraw their pending libel lawsuit against him so that all sides can speak freely and robustly about the issues in the press.
“Promoting one-sided commentary in the press is not the professional and ethical approach in this circumstance.
“Our client has been careful and diligent in his public commentary till date to avoid prejudicing the case, but the ongoing attempt to foist a one-sided perspective compels us to respond to specific factual mischaracterizations,” a portion of the rejoinder read.
The media consultants argued that the context in which their client publicly questioned ECG about its foreign exchange (FX) dealings is key to appreciating the situation.
“ECG had been reported by auditors appointed by its regulators, the PURC, to be hiding information and refusing to cooperate with them to unravel its financial dealings. The organisation had furthermore been charged with procurement irregularities by the Auditor General.”
There're some "Ghana things" I will never understand. You say someone has tarnished your corporate reputation, so you've sued for libel. The matter will be heard in court. What is the point of blasting the writ all over & pushing 1 side in the media? 🤔https://t.co/UFABgl5nTp
Re: Fidelity lawsuit against Bright Simons – Dumsor will not be solved by PR
We serve as media consultants for Bright Simons, a honorary Vice President at IMANI Africa and a frequent collaborator of ACEP, both think tanks, in which capacity we issue this public statement.
We have observed with dismay what appears to be a coordinated public relations campaign to discredit our client by Fidelity Bank Ghana Limited (“Fidelity”) and the Electricity Corporation of Ghana (“ECG”).
If it was the intention of Fidelity to engage in a public debate with our client, the ethical and professional thing to do would have been to withdraw their pending libel lawsuit against him so that all sides can speak freely and robustly about the issues in the press. Promoting one-sided commentary in the press is not the professional and ethical approach in this circumstance.
Our client has been careful and diligent in his public commentary till date to avoid prejudicing the case, but the ongoing attempt to foist a one-sided perspective compels us to respond to specific factual mischaracterisations.
The context in which our client publicly questioned ECG about its foreign exchange (FX) dealings is key to appreciating the situation. ECG had been reported by auditors appointed by its regulators, the PURC, to be hiding information and refusing to cooperate with them to unravel its financial dealings. The organisation had furthermore been charged with procurement irregularities by the Auditor General.
These developments, and the recurrent energy crises that keep engulfing the nation, a situation that many analysts believe can be partly attributed to challenges at ECG, prompted civil society activists and energy analysts at IMANI and ACEP to keep a steady spotlight on ECG, examine its finances, and monitor its procurement activities. It was during this work that ECG’s submissions to the Cash Waterfall Committee came to light showing that the organisation priced each dollar procured for a certain transaction at ~GHS13.95.
We have noted ECG’s misrepresentation of facts in its recent statement, a portion of which we reproduce below.
The suggestion that the “circulating cash waterfall spreadsheet” (“spreadsheet”) contains an “estimation” rather than the “actuals” implies that our client was either not diligent or attempted to misinform the public. This characterisation is totally false and misleading.
1. The Excel Workbook from which the information was found is an official document of the Cash Waterfall Mechanism Committee.
2. The spreadsheet in question was prepared from information supplied by the Finance Directorate of ECG.
3. The spreadsheet contains multiple entries. The spreadsheet is titled CWM Actual Payment (emphasis on “actual”). For transparency, we reproduce the relevant section of the document below.
4. It is clearly indicated in the highlighted page that ECG’s unit procurement cost for 600 million GHS was ~GHS13.953/$1.
5. The billing month is indicated clearly as October 2023.
7. Fidelity is the acknowledged single account operator of ECG and has been the main FX broker for ECG at various times.
8. Nothing in the spreadsheet suggests that the figures and other entries are merely hypothetical. On the contrary, the document was in use as late as February 2024 as part of reconciliation exercises relating to past payments already made by ECG.
Our client did not pluck these numbers from the air. He did not concoct them. As an analyst he was entitled to draw fair and analytically sound conclusions from official, public, documents, which he did.
Whilst ECG and Fidelity have made various claims about what happened, their claims clearly contradict the official CWM records. Only a deep forensic audit by a reputable team of auditors can effectively resolve these contradictions.
What is before the court however is a libel lawsuit that alleges that our client knowingly made false and misleading claims to tarnish the reputation of Fidelity. Lawyers of our client intend to contest this allegation vigorously.
Our client has explained his motive for questioning whether the ECG – Fidelity transactions were arm’s length or tainted by insider dealing, as hinted in his post on X (formerly known as Twitter). Further expatiation is strictly a matter for trial.
For the sake of completeness, we are providing a link to our client’s article detailing this conflict of interest, which is highly germane to his motive for questioning the financial soundness of ECG – Fidelity transactions.
Our client disclosed that a close relative/associate of the Chief of Staff of Ghana’s President serves as the Head of Legal at Fidelity Bank. In that role, she negotiates and/or clears some legal transactions involving the two corporate entities on both ends. This “politically exposed person” undertakes activities at ECG, including corporate initiatives, that go beyond her board remit. ECG’s statements on this affair therefore lack candour and evade the issues of insider dealing.
In deference to the court, we hope that Fidelity Bank and ECG shall not provide our client with occasion to publicly defend his professional integrity in this manner again while this suit is still pending.
Given the serious public interest dimension of this case, it is our hope that all parties will cooperate in good faith to ensure a smooth and civil trial. In the meantime, we urge all editors to give this statement the same level of prominence being given to the circulating ECG and Fidelity documents.
The Tema Metropolitan Health Directorate reports that approximately 86 percent of adolescent pregnancies in Tema are attributed to men aged between 20 and 39 years old.
Doris Ocansey, the Adolescent Health Advocate for the Tema Metropolitan Health Directorate, shared this information during an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA). She explained that this conclusion was drawn from research conducted on the backgrounds of the men responsible for impregnating these girls, particularly in areas like Tema Manhean.
Ms. Ocansey said, “We collected the data so that we can also focus on the adults since they are impregnating the girls.”
Ms. Ocansey highlighted that due to the age gap between adolescent girls and their partners, it is challenging for the girls to insist on condom use to prevent pregnancies. The data also revealed that most of the pregnant girls were junior high school graduates.
She urged men to refrain from engaging with adolescent girls to allow them to focus on their education and careers instead of becoming pregnant at a young age.
Ms. Ocansey noted that between January and December 2023, a total of 355 pregnant adolescents between the ages of 10 and 14, and 331 between the ages of 15 and 19, were enrolled in the safety net programme in the municipality. This programme helps health officials monitor and support the pregnant adolescents until delivery.
“For some of the girls, this was not their first pregnancy, but their second or third. We want to stop that, so if you make the mistake of getting pregnant, you won’t have to fall back into it again,” she said.
Ms. Ocansey further explained that the safety net program aimed to reduce repeated pregnancies among adolescents, lower maternal mortality and morbidity rates, and increase postpartum family planning practices.
Out of the total enrolled in the program, 42 of the pregnant adolescents were attending school before becoming pregnant. Specifically, four were in primary school, 26 in junior high school, and 12 in senior high school.
To prevent the girls from engaging in risky behaviors like transactional sex after delivery, they assist them in deciding whether to return to school or pursue a trade.
As of December 2023, 108 of the girls had chosen to return to school after giving birth, 146 had opted for vocational training, 30 intended to enter into trading, and 37 were undecided about their future plans after delivery.
Flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has reiterated his commitment to improving the business environment at ports by introducing fixed exchange rates.
This measure is aimed at easing forex pressure on traders and reducing the risk of losing port traffic to neighboring countries.
Speaking at a town hall meeting with the Pharmaceutical Society and other pharmaceutical groups, the Vice President emphasized the importance of businesses, including those in the pharmacy industry, developing a competitive edge to drive economic growth.
“We’re going to change the duty structure and go into more of a flat specific duty. If you have a 40-footer container, you know how much you are paying in cedis. So, you take the exchange rate out of the matter and deal with it.
“We are also going to make sure that our duties in ports by policy cannot be higher than in Lome, which is our competitor. And right now, there’s a lot of diversion of containers to Lome because ours are higher.”
During a conversation on the sidelines of the meeting, Dr. Kow Donkor, President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana, expressed confidence that the issues raised by society members would be tackled, offering relief to its members.
“We know the oil industry; the Bank of Ghana makes available the US dollars for their imports, pharmaceutical industry and medicines are also special items. When you have a shortage of medicines, that becomes a national security issue.
“If the central bank is going to make funding available at a special rate for the pharmaceutical importers and manufacturers, it will also go a long way to stabilize the prices.”
The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Krachi East in the Oti region, Bernard Aborkugya Mensah, has passed away.
The unfortunate incident occurred on Friday afternoon during a matriculation program at Dambai College of Education, where he fell unconscious and later died on the way to the Worawora Government Hospital, as reported by Adom News.
This sad event comes less than two years after Mr. Mensah replaced Francis Kofi Okesu, who also passed away under mysterious circumstances in Kumasi.
The late Francis Kofi Okesu
Mr. Okesu’s body was discovered on Sunday, September 4, 2022, in a hotel room where he had checked in for the weekend.
Despite being seen moving and interacting with people on Saturday, he was found deceased the following day, lying naked on the bed with traces of a whitish substance suspected to be semen on his thighs.
Francis Kofi Okesu was laid to rest at his residence in Dambai Community One in the Oti Region in November 2022.
In a bid to shake up Ghana’s political landscape, independent presidential candidate-hopeful, Alan Kyerematen, has formed a strategic alliance with the National Interest Movement (NIM), led by former Convention People’s Party (CPP) flagbearer, Dr. Michael Abu Sakara Foster.
This alliance, known as the Alliance for Revolutionary Change (ARC), aims to unite Ghanaians from all walks of life behind the goal of electing what could be the nation’s first independent president.
Profile
Dr. Michael Abu Sakara Foster, born on August 15, 1958, in Damongo, Savannah Region (formerly Northern Region), is the former presidential candidate for the CPP and the Chairman of NIM Ghana.
He began his education at Kpembe Primary School, East Gonja, and later attended Sawla Primary School before moving to Salaga until 1966. He then studied at Yendi Secondary School, entering as a pioneer in 1972.
Dr. Sakara pursued higher education in the United Kingdom, earning his first degree in soil science from the University of Reading in 1982. He obtained his MSc. in Applied Plant Sciences from Wye College, University of London, in 1984, and his PhD in Applied Agricultural Botany from the University of Reading in 1987.
Dr. Sakara‘s work is rooted in the belief that Ghana’s democracy will benefit from depolarizing the political landscape to produce a more mature, constructive opposition as an alternative third force in government.
He has supported parliamentarians in four constituencies in northern Ghana since 1996 and participated in two election campaigns. In 2007, Dr. Sakara won the position of First National Vice Chairperson of the CPP in a congress.
Dr. Sakara has a diverse professional background, with experience in technical, managerial, and policy roles over a twenty-five-year career, including postings to Central America (Mexico), Southern Africa (Zambia), Eastern Africa (Tanzania, Uganda), and West Africa (Nigeria).
He speaks six languages, including Gonja, Hausa, Swahili, Twi, English, and Spanish. He is married to Mary-Lily Kafela (MBA), an economist and business administrator, and they have four children.
In 2008, Dr. Sakara was the running mate to Dr. Paa Kwasi Nduom on the CPP ticket, and he later represented the CPP in the December 2012 general elections, driven by his love for the nation and belief in Dr. Kwame Nkrumah’s ideals.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has appointed Joseph Abuabu Dadzie as the acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), effective Thursday, May 2, 2024, following the resignation of Opoku-Ahweneeh Danquah.
Joseph Abuabu Dadzie previously served as the Deputy Chief Executive (DCE) of GNPC, where he managed key areas such as commerce, strategy, and business development.
Joseph Dadzie brings a wealth of expertise in banking, energy, and communications to his new role. He holds an MBA in Finance and an MSc in General Management from Nyenrode Business Universiteit in the Netherlands, along with a BSc in Chemical Engineering from KNUST, Ghana.
His banking experience includes serving as Director of Commodity Corporate, Head of Large Local Corporate & Parastatals, and Senior Manager of Financial Institutions at Standard Chartered Bank. In communications, he served as the Chief Operating/Finance Officer for Surfline Communication Limited.
In the energy sector, Dadzie has worked as an Assistant Operations Officer with Tema Oil Refinery (TOR), a Market Research Analyst with GNPC, and Chief Financial Officer with Woodfields Energy Resources.
Former Information Minister Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah has assumed the role of Works and Housing Minister, which is yet to be approved by Parliament, leaving behind a legacy of unresolved government scandals.
During his tenure as Information Minister, several scandals tarnished the government of Ghana’s reputation, with Oppong-Nkrumah often remaining silent as these issues persisted. His selective engagement with media houses also drew criticism.
Succeeding Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah, Fatima Abubakar has been vetted but is yet to be approved to start her duties.
One of the scandals that rocked the government before Oppong Nkrumah’s exit involved former Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources Cecilia Dapaah, who was reported to have hoarded millions at home.
The Information Ministry appeared powerless as the scandal unfolded over several weeks.
In another scandal, a woman named Serwaa Broni claimed that President Nana Addo had been making advances towards her since 2019, which she rejected. The Information Ministry was unavailable for comment during this period.
Additionally, there was a scandal involving illegal small-scale mining (galamsey) linked to Oppong Nkrumah. Former Minister of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Prof Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, shared a video of an illegal mining site allegedly connected to Oppong Nkrumah, causing embarrassment to the government.
The video, received from a constituent of Oppong Nkrumah, alleged that the galamsey site belonged to the Minister of Information, who had supposedly hired Chinese workers to operate there.
These scandals have left a stain on the government’s reputation, and Oppong Nkrumah’s tenure as Information Minister has been marked by controversy and criticism.
“He (Oppong Nkrumah) has brought the Chinese here to work for him. This is what they have done to the Pra River,” the man said as he was taking a shot of the river.
“This place is called Akyem Brenasi, along the Pra River, there are about 15 excavators here,” the narrator added in Twi.
The National Peace Council (NPC) has reiterated its commitment to ensuring peaceful processes leading up to and following the 2024 general elections.
Rev. Dr. Ernest Adu-Gyamfi, Chairman of the NPC, affirmed the council’s dedication to preventing any disruptions to the country’s peace during the electoral period and beyond. He disclosed during an interview on JoyNews’ AM Show on Friday, April 5, that preparations for this year’s election began as early as 2021.
This proactive approach, Dr. Adu-Gyamfi explained, was driven by the lessons learned from the 2020 general elections and the importance of a peaceful electoral process in 2024.
Additionally, Dr. Adu-Gyamfi highlighted that all regional chairpersons of the NPC have been assigned specific responsibilities to contribute to the council’s efforts in ensuring peace during the electoral period.
“Our preparation for this year’s election began in 2021 and after the last election, the peace council conveyed a high-level meeting in Ada to evaluate whatever happened in the 2020 elections and out of that, a dialogue for four days, we were given a road map as to some of the things we needed to put in place before this election.”
Additionally, he mentioned that the NPC has appointed peace ambassadors for various communities and is collaborating with opinion leaders to achieve its goals.
Meanwhile, the Peace Council has urged Ghanaians not to allow religion to interfere with the nation’s politics. According to the NPC, Ghanaians are one people regardless of their religion, and it is crucial to maintain unity and harmony in the political landscape.
In addition to visiting temples and viewing cherry blossoms, tourists in Tokyo can now explore a curated tour of the city’s modern wonders: its public toilets.
Penelope Panczuk, inspired by the Oscar-nominated film “Perfect Days,” which portrays a toilet cleaner in Tokyo’s Shibuya district, decided to join the Tokyo Toilet Shuttle. This two-hour tour showcases artistically enhanced public conveniences across the city.
“In the U.S. or in France where I originally come from, you just don’t go,” Panczuk said of using public facilities.
“Here in Tokyo you’re really happy to go because they’re extremely clean, they’re very safe and each one is so different it feels like it’s a new discovery each time,” she added.
The Tokyo Toilet Shuttle, launched in March, has attracted visitors to Japan at a record pace. The slide in the yen’s value has made it more affordable for many superfans of Japanese culture to explore its sights and quirks for the first time.
In recent years, Japan’s toilets, manufactured by companies like TOTO and LIXIL, have become highly revered technological exports.
These toilets boast features such as cleansing sprays, heated seats, music, and more.
They have gained international attention, with the animated comedy “South Park” dedicating an entire episode to them, and DJ Khaled expressing excitement on Instagram about receiving four TOTO bowls as a gift from rapper Drake.
The Tokyo Toilet Project, initiated in 2020 by The Nippon Foundation non-profit, enlisted creators including Pritzker Prize-winning architect Tadao Ando to enhance accessibility and artistry in 17 public toilets in the Shibuya district.
While the project was not initially intended as a tourist attraction, the Shibuya government seized the opportunity to enhance the area’s appeal to visitors, diverting attention from its famously chaotic Scramble crossing.
The National Peace Council (NPC) has issued a caution to Ghanaians, especially politicians, urging them to prevent religion from infiltrating the country’s political sphere.
Stressing that Ghanaians are a united people regardless of their religious beliefs, the NPC emphasizes the importance of maintaining unity and harmony in the political landscape.
National Chairman of the NPC, Rev. Dr. Ernest Adu-Gyamfi, emphasizes that division along religious lines cannot be tolerated in Ghana’s political discourse.
In an interview on JoyNews’ AM Show on Friday, April 5, Dr. Adu-Gyamfi urged politicians to be cautious in their statements and interactions with followers, highlighting the potentially harmful consequences such actions could have on the nation.
He asserts that politics should focus on national development for all citizens, rather than serving the interests of specific groups within the nation.
“We want to remind the public that we have already issued a press release cautioning the whole public let’s avoid religion coming into our politics. I went to school initially with Muslim friends and I used to tell my colleagues on the peace council that I used to live in Asafo very close to the Alhamdiya Mosque and my mother’s landlord at the time was a Muslim and played with the kids and sometimes after playing we went to the mosque even though I didn’t know what they were doing. So we are friends and we have lived together.”
“So why are now creating this conflict amongst ourselves?,” he asked.
Independent presidential aspirant Alan Kyerematen recently sparked controversy with his statement advocating for the election of a Christian leader. Speaking at the Church of Pentecost Dr. Wyatt Assembly, he stated, “As a predominantly Christian nation, it is our responsibility as Christians to elect a Christian leader, who embodies Christ-like qualities.”
This statement has drawn criticism from both the NDC and NPP, with critics arguing that it undermines the principles of religious freedom and inclusivity in governance.
Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has initiated legal action against Idris Okuneye, widely known as Bobrisky, on charges related to naira mutilation and money laundering.
Bobrisky’s arrest followed a video capturing him spraying bundles of cash at the premiere of Eniola Ajao’s ‘Beasts of Two Worlds’ movie on March 24, 2024.
Under Nigerian law, tampering with the Naira note or coin constitutes an offence punishable by law.
In a press release detailing the charges, the EFCC disclosed that their investigation revealed multiple instances of Bobrisky tampering with the Naira in 2023, in addition to the March 24 incident.
“Bobrisky, in the first count, is alleged to have tampered with the sum of N400,000 by spraying the same while dancing at a social event at the IMAX Circle Mall, Lekki, Lagos. In count two, Bobrisky, between July and August 2023 at Aja Junction, Ikorodu, also tampered with another sum of N50,000 by spraying the same at a social event while dancing,” the statement read.
The EFCC added that “in count three, Bobrisky, in December 2023 at White Steve Event Hall, Ikeja also sprayed and tampered with another sum of N20,000 while dancing.”
Count four also alleges that Bobrisky sprayed and tampered with a sum of N20,000 while dancing at another event in Oniru, Victoria Island.
While Bobrisky was initially arrested on suspicion of tampering with the naira, the EFCC has now added additional charges of money laundering.
The agency stated that Bobrisky failed to report the activities of a company he established called the Bob Express to the appropriate institutions.
EFCC further revealed that large sums of money were deposited into the accounts of the company on different occasions, raising suspicions.
“In count five, Bobrisky, while trading under the name and style of Bob Express between 1 September 2021 and 4 April 2024 in Lagos, failed to submit to the Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering a declaration of the activities of the said company, (Bob Express), within which period the total sum of N127.7m was paid into the company account domiciled with Ecobank.”
“In count six, Bobrisky is also accused of failing to submit a declaration of the activities of the company within the same period when another N53 million was paid into the company’s account, thereby committing an offence contrary to Section 6(1)(a), and Section 19(1) (f) of the Money Laundering (Prevention And Prohibition) Act and punishable under Section 19 (2) (b) of the same Act.”
In an earlier press statement announcing the arrest, Dele Oyewale, the spokesperson for the EFCC said “Bobrisky is with us. He was arrested last night in Lagos, and he is at our Lagos command.”
“We arrested him for alleged abuse of naira notes, spraying of naira notes, and currency mutilation, among others. We are very serious about restoring the dignity of the naira. Though our investigation is still ongoing, he will definitely be charged to court soon,” Mr Oyewale added.
This, however, occurs only two months after Oluwadarasimi Omoseyin, a Nigerian actress, was found guilty of trampling on and spray-painting fresh naira notes during an event.
On February 1, 2024, she was placed under custody following the viral social media footage of her dousing some fresh Naira notes.
According to a statement made by Mr. Oyewale, the EFCC spokesperson, the trial judge, Chukwujekwu Aneke, sentenced her to six months in prison on February 2, 2024, with the possibility of a N300,000 fine.
A landmark new study has found that, in the last decade, the African continent has started emitting more carbon than it stores. When the total amount of carbon that is sequestered by natural ecosystems (such as the soil and plants in grasslands, savannas and forests) exceeds the amount of total carbon emissions within a system, it’s referred to as a net sink of carbon.
But, the study found, as natural ecosystems are converted for agricultural purposes, the carbon storage capacity is decreasing – while the rate of emissions is increasing.
Yolandi Ernst of the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) in South Africa led the international research team that calculated the flows of carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide through Africa’s terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. She and one of the study co-authors, Sally Archibald – also from Wits and the lead of the Future Ecosystems for Africa Programme – unpacked their findings for The Conversation Africa.
What did you set out to calculate, how did you do it, and why?
We wanted to know both the amount of greenhouse gases being produced by the African continent and the amount being taken up. This helped us to develop a greenhouse gas budget, quantifying the net amount of outgoing and incoming greenhouse gases. In this way we’re better able to understand how the continent is contributing to global climate change (by releasing greenhouse gases) and how, through taking up greenhouse gases, it’s helping to mitigate global climate change.
This study formed part of a global effort by the Regional Carbon Cycle Assessment and Processes Phase 2 (RECCAP2) project. It aims to establish improved greenhouse gas budgets for large regions covering the entire globe at the scale of continents (or large countries) and large ocean basins.
We collated data from a variety of sources and created models to calculate the amount of carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide (collectively called greenhouse gases) being released into the atmosphere from several different sources. Some are human sources, like agriculture and fossil fuel emissions. Other sources, like wildfires and termites, are natural.
Then we calculated the amount of carbon that’s drawn down from the atmosphere and stored in what are called carbon sinks: the soils and plants in grassland, savanna and forest ecosystems.
The net budget estimate was the result of adding all the sources and sinks, just like balancing a household budget, where you don’t want to be spending more than you are earning.
This information is crucial for policy making. If scientists, land managers and NGOs know which activities produce the most greenhouse gases they can work with governments and policymakers to minimise this. And knowing which parts of Africa best help to store carbon means funding and policy efforts can be directed to protecting and increasing this carbon “land sink”.
What are the biggest sources of carbon emissions on the African continent?
It’s important to distinguish between anthropogenic and natural emissions here. Fossil fuel burning and agriculture are the biggest sources of carbon emissions; both are anthropogenic (caused by humans). Other emissions are part of the ecosystem functioning but they can also be affected by human activities. Examples include fire, methane emissions from herbivores, and inland and coastal water bodies. These all represent quite large emissions, but they’re only somewhat affected by human activities.
In Africa’s case, our budget shows that when people transform natural landscapes for agricultural and other purposes, the emissions from fire decrease, but emissions from herbivores increase.
There are also some important natural processes that draw carbon and greenhouse gases back into the land surface. These include the growth of vegetation and soil carbon storage, as well as weathering of rocks (which turns atmospheric CO₂ into carbonate minerals), and burial of carbon in the ocean.
The previous African carbon budget (1985-2009) showed the processes drawing carbon into Africa were higher than the natural emissions and the anthropogenic emissions. The continent was a carbon sink even though it emitted some anthropogenic greenhouse gases: Africa was providing a climate service to the globe.
The continent’s forests, like this Ugandan rain forest, are crucial carbon sinks. Camille Delbos/Art In All of Us/Corbis via Getty Images
Now, although the sink capacity hasn’t decreased – Africa is still taking up just as many greenhouse gases as it did in the past – the amount of anthropogenic sources has increased so much that the net effect is to be releasing greenhouse gases. In short, the continent has become as much of a carbon source as it is a carbon sink over the study period (2010-2019).
What can be done to reverse the trend you’ve identified?
Finding ways for Africa to develop in a way that is carbon neutral is a big challenge. Investment in carbon-neutral energy sources and reducing reliance on fossil fuels would be a start.
But this has never been done – all developed countries have grown their economies on the back of massive fossil fuel use. If African countries are to become carbon-neutral and also grow their economies, global support and funding will be required.
However, fossil fuels are only part of the problem in Africa as less than half the continent’s greenhouse gases currently come from fossil fuels; land use change and agricultural expansion are the leading cause of its emissions. There are many innovative approaches to producing food in ways that emit fewer greenhouse gases – again, the challenge is to find ways to roll these out at scale.
Protecting, managing and restoring the landscapes that are helping to take up the excess carbon dioxide can also help a lot. But there are challenges here, too. Making carbon storage the main goal of conservation can conflict with biodiversity and water provision.
Mixed cattle-wildlife systems and novel livestock management methods show promise for reducing climate impacts and improving landscape functioning.
The Executive Director of the Institute for Energy Security (IES), Nana Amoasi VII, has forecasted a significant rise in fuel prices in the coming weeks.
In a directive dated April 3, 2024, and distributed to various stakeholders in the oil marketing and distribution sector, the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) instructed the application of additional charges: 16 pesewas per litre for petrol, 14 pesewas per litre for diesel, and 14 pesewas for every kilogram of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).
This decision followed the NPA’s suspension of the Price Stabilization and Recovery Levy on petroleum products.
As a result, the state-owned Oil Marketing Company, GOIL, has adjusted its prices, with petrol and diesel now retailing at GH¢14.15 per litre and GH¢14.74 per litre, respectively. These adjustments by GOIL took effect on April 4, 2024.
This recent spike in fuel prices represents the highest increase since February 2023, when a litre of fuel sold for GH¢15.40 and GH¢15.50 for diesel.
During an interview on the Citi Breakfast Show (CBS) on Citi FM on Friday, Nana Amoasi VII criticized the suspension, stating that it was implemented without thorough deliberation.
He highlighted that the levy had not achieved its goal of stabilizing fuel prices, citing instances where prices reached GH¢18 per litre in 2022.
Nana Amoasi VII warned of an imminent surge in fuel prices, suggesting that prices could potentially reach around GH¢14.05 per litre, leading to a double increase.
“The suspension of the levy was not well-thought through because it was clear in the statement that it was intended to relieve consumers of intending price hikes which are necessitated by happenings on the world market and also our own forex market. Then the OMCs increase fuel prices in response to the domestic foreign market and the international fuel market. Unfortunately, a day or two, the NPA comes to say we are reversing the suspension of that levy which is meant to cushion consumers and this time around, the NPA fails to give the reasons for the suspension.”
“We have not seen any impact of this levy on fuel prices over the years because it has not been able to stabilise prices and prices shot up as high as GH¢18 per litre somewhere in 2022 and we are seeing the same thing now. What is going to happen is that fuel is going to increase again. Few have done it already and others are yet to do it and prices will roughly rise GH¢14.05 and so fuel prices will soon see a double increase,” stated.
Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, the Majority Leader of Ghana’s Parliament, has been appointed as the 3rd Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, a position that highlights his extensive involvement in both national and regional parliamentary activities.
The inauguration ceremony of the 6th ECOWAS Parliament on April 4, 2024, was significant, with Guinea’s readmission symbolizing progress towards regional stability following its political challenges.
However, the absence of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso at the ceremony underscored a gap in the community’s unity.
Despite Togo’s responsibility to nominate the Speaker for the 6th Parliament, no candidates have been announced yet, leading to the temporary appointment of Sidie Mohamed Tunis as the ceremonial Speaker, especially since Togo’s parliamentary elections have been postponed.
The lineup of Deputy Speakers includes Nigeria’s Barau Jibrin, Ivory Coast’s Adjaratou Coulibaly, and the Gambia’s Billay G. Tunkara, holding the 1st, 2nd, and 4th positions, respectively.
The selection of Deputy Speakers was marked by intense lobbying, and Cabo Verde’s bid fell short due to unmet financial commitments to the ECOWAS, reminiscent of challenges it faced during the 5th ECOWAS Parliament.
This situation has raised concerns among member states regarding financial participation and its impact on governance.
As the 6th ECOWAS Parliament begins its term, the newly elected representatives must address regional issues and promote the shared goals of member nations, amidst complex political and economic dynamics across the region.
Ghana’s men’s 4x100m relay team has secured qualification for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris following their impressive performance at the 13th African Games in Accra.
The team, consisting of Solomon Hammond, Benjamin Azamati, Edwin Gadayi, and Joe Paul Amoah, clinched the silver medal with a time of 38.43 seconds, finishing behind Nigeria.
This achievement elevated Ghana’s relay team to the 15th position globally, guaranteeing their spot at the Paris Olympics. Notably, this marks the first time Ghana has qualified on merit for the Olympics in this event.
The upcoming Paris Olympics will be the team’s second consecutive appearance, following their participation in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where they placed seventh but were later disqualified due to a lane violation.
Kenyan President William Ruto, accompanied by First Lady Mama Rachel Ruto and Prime Cabinet Secretary for Diaspora and Foreign Affairs CS Musalia Mudavadi, visited the Kwame Nkrumah Museum and Mausoleum in Accra on Thursday, marking the final day of President Ruto’s State Visit to Ghana.
Also present were Deputy Chief of Staff and Deputy Head of Public Service Josphat Nanok and Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, who were part of the President’s entourage.
President William Ruto lays a wreath at the Kwame Nkrumah Museum and Mausoleum in Accra on the final day of his State Visit to Ghana, April 4, 2024. Image: PCS
During the visit, President Ruto laid a wreath at the Mausoleum as a gesture of respect to Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s first President.
President William Ruto pays respects at the Kwame Nkrumah Museum and Mausoleum in Accra on the final day of his State Visit to Ghana, April 4, 2024. Image: PCSPresident William Ruto accompanied by First Lady Mama Rachel Ruto is taken through by a guide at the Kwame Nkrumah Museum and Mausoleum in Accra on the final day of his State Visit to Ghana, April 4, 2024. Image: PCS
In December 2016, President Akufo-Addo promised to collaborate closely with the Yagbonwura, Tuntumba Boresa I, the overlord of Gonjaland, to advance progress and prosperity for the people of Gonjaland throughout his tenure.
He made this commitment during a courtesy visit to the Yagbonwura and chiefs of Gonjaland at the Jakpa Palace in Damongo.
Nana Akufo-Addo, who is on a 3-day ‘Thank You Tour’ of the 3 Northern Regions and the Brong Ahafo Region, told the Yagbonwura that “we came here today to thank you, and to reassure you and to let you know that we are going to work very closely with you to improve governance in the country. I am going to need your constant advice and guidance.”
During the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) campaign trail, Nana Akufo-Addo visited the Yagbonwura at the Jakpa Palace on August 30, 2016, seeking his support and prayers for himself and the NPP leading up to the December 7 elections.
“God listened to your prayers and on the 9th of December, the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Charlotte Osei, declared me winner in the presidential election, and the NPP victors in the parliamentary elections. I came here today to thank you much,” the President-Elect said.
Nana Akufo-Addo told the Yagbonwura that, even though he has lost one son, in the person of President Mahama, “you have another in his place. So you have lost nothing, as some of your children are going to be working closely with me – Otiko Afisa Djaba, Samuel Abu Jinapor and Clifford Braimah, amongst others – so you will have your grandchildren all around me.”
He assured the Yagbonwura that, “My doors will always be open to you. Where I am going, I will need your support and continuing prayers, and to assure you that all the commitments I made to the Ghanaian people during my campaign, with the help of the Almighty, I am going to fulfil all of them.”
Akufo-Addo also expressed gratitude to the Kpembewura, Babanye Ndefosu II, who was in attendance at the Jakpa Palace, for his prediction on September 2, 2016. The Kpembewura had forecasted that Akufo-Addo would win the 2016 election with a 53 percent margin.
“He (Kpembewura) was like a soothsayer, the one who was able to see into the future and he is the one who predicted that I would get 53 point something percent of the vote. So I want to thank you for the Kpembewura, my old friend Bismark,” Akufo-Addo said, to a rapturous applause from the gathering at the Jakpa Palace.
Nana Akufo-Addo, in concluding, noted that before the conduct of this year’s election, “we had no seats in Gonjaland. But today we have one in Salaga South, and everywhere in Gonjaland, my vote went up. So I came to thank you for that as well.”
On behalf of the Yagbonwura, the Kpembewura, Babanye Ndefosu II, assured President-Elect Akufo-Addo that “we are going to give you the necessary support.
“You told us you are not going to turn your back on Gonjas, and, for that matter all Gonja’s sitting here and elsewhere are going to give you their full support. We hope you will deliver for the people of Ghana, and in the first 4 years (of your tenure) the people of Ghana will see that we have a good government in place,” Kpembewura Babanye Ndefosu said.
NDC serial caller, Frank Kwaku Appiah popularly known as Appiah Stadium, has announced his intentions to make a pass at media personality, Serwaa Amihere.
His comments come at a time when an alleged bedroom video supposedly featuring Ghanaian media personality Serwaa Amihere has sparked significant online attention.
Reports suggest that the individual featured in the video is Serwaa Amihere‘s ex-boyfriend, identified as Henry, said to be a businessman.
Reacting to this, Appiah Stadium expressed surprise as to why Serwaa would hang out with the said man in the video. According to Appiah Stadium, he is better looking than the man in question, hence would not hesitate to make a pass at Serwaa.
“Today, just take a look at the man she slept with. If I had proposed to her, she would not even look at me twice. But this guy in the video does not surpass me. I will take my shot,” he said.
Currently, Serwaa Amihere has not commented on the allegations levelled against her.
NDC serial caller, Frank Kwaku Appiah popularly known as Appiah Stadium, has taken a swipe at media personality, Serwaa Amihere, who is currently in the spotlight over a controversial video associated with her.
According to Appiah Stadium, Serwaa Amihere, some 4 years ago, was disrespectful to former President John Dramani Mahama during an interview on GHOne TV.
He noted that the presenter lacked courtesy for crossing her legs while speaking to an elderly man. For this reason, Appiah Stadium said he harboured resentment against Serwaa.
“I remember. There was a period, last 4 years, we were about to vote. John Mahama was interviewed by Serwaa Amihere. She made some gestures that were so disrespectful. She crossed her legs and pointing her left hand at him.
“Since that day, I’ve never liked her. If you see how beautiful she is, but she is unfriendly,” he said in a video spotted on X platform.
His comments come at a time when an alleged bedroom video supposedly featuring Ghanaian media personality Serwaa Amihere has sparked significant online attention.
Reports suggest that the individual featured in the video is Serwaa Amihere’s ex-boyfriend, identified as Henry.
Reacting to this, Appiah Stadium expressed surprised as to why Serwaa would hang out with the said man in the video. According to Appiah Stadium, he is better looking than the man in question, hence would not hesitate to make a pass at Serwaa.
“Today, just take a look at the man she slept with. If I had proposed to her, she would not even look at me twice. But this guy in the video does not surpass me. I will take my shot,” he said.
Currently, Serwaa Amihere has not commented on the allegations levelled against her.
Police inspector, Ahmed Twumasi, who is accused of using a service rifle to kill his girlfriend in Adum, Kumasi, is alive and in good health, according to the Public Relations Officer of the Kumasi Central Prisons.
Social media reports had falsely claimed the death of Inspector Ahmed Twumasi, also known as Tycoon, who has been on prison remand since his arrest last year.
Inspector Twumasi was apprehended in May 2023 after a specialized police operation led to his arrest at his hideout in Sekyere near Effiduase in the Ashanti region.
He stands accused of fatally shooting 26-year-old Victoria Dapaah, also known as Maadwoa, multiple times in the abdomen and chest on April 20, 2023, around 9:50 p.m.
Despite facing an upcoming court appearance on April 15, 2024, rumors of his demise had circulated on social media.
Authorities at the Kumasi Central Prisons allowed Luv FM’s Ohemeng Tawiah access to the cells where the remanded officer is held. Inspector Ahmed Twumasi, clad in a white T-shirt and khaki shorts, confirmed to prison officers that he was in good health and aware of the rumors surrounding his supposed death.
Superintendent Richard Bukari, Public Relations Officer of the Kumasi Central Prisons, described the rumors of Twumasi’s death as regrettable in an interview with JoyNews.
“I emphatically say it is not true. Ahmed Twumasi is hail and hearty in custody. Nothing has happened to him and I promise nothing will happen to him.
“Looking at him, he’s not even sick and I wonder under what circumstances Twumasi would be declared dead,” he said.
“Taking note that he’s a state property, we would not do anything that would compromise his health, his security and his well-being in the prisons.
“So I say on authority that Twumasi is not dead; he is alive, healthy and undergoing his trial processes”. Superintendent Bukari is quoted by MyJoyOnline to have said.
Prison authorities have initiated investigations into the circulation of fake news, aiming to uncover the truth and take disciplinary action against those responsible.
“We are not leaving it just there. We are going further to investigate the source of that info. Whoever would have generated such false information that is causing this upheaval in the general public would have to be dealt with according to the laws of Ghana.”
Meanwhile, Inspector Twumasi is expected to appear at the Kumasi High Court on April 15, 2024.
Public Relations Officer at the Ministry of Education, Kwasi Kwarteng, has revealed the government’s intention to expand the Smart School initiative to include basic schools.
He emphasized that the Smart Schools project is not limited to Senior High Schools (SHS) and that the Ministry intends to introduce a new initiative focusing on STEM classrooms.
During an interview on Pulse on Thursday, April 4, Mr. Kwarteng refuted claims made by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer, John Mahama, suggesting that the government launched the Smart School project to garner votes in the upcoming general elections.
Mr. Kwarteng pointed to a newly-built kindergarten in Kwabenya by the government, highlighting that the school is equipped with smart facilities despite the fact that the students are not of voting age.
He encouraged the public to consider the long-term benefits of government policies rather than rushing to judgment based on political affiliations.
“We need to have a strong and clear balance and try to distinguish the politics of the day from very sensitive national issues,” he said.
Mr Kwarteng stated that the NDC must understand the changing trends in education in the global dynamics.
“We are not training students just to read and write alone. We are not training students to memorize and chew and pour. We are training students who are assertive, who are critical thinkers, who are problem-solvers and who at the end of the day, the kind of education that they will have will have an impact on the socioeconomic transformation.”
The Ministry of Education’s PRO stressed that the effectiveness of a government initiative does not automatically result in votes for the ruling party.
He cited the digitalization of the port as an example, highlighting that although the initiative has been successful, it does not imply that all port workers will vote for the NPP.
Likewise, he mentioned the extensive use of the Ghana Card, stating that its widespread adoption does not ensure that all Ghanaians will vote for the NPP.
“So, we need to elevate the conversation. We need to benchmark the conversation in a way that is very holistic and not necessarily play politics with everything
Ghana has been recognized as the 5th best-governed country in Africa and the top-performing nation in West Africa by World Economics, a research organization based in the United Kingdom.
The ranking is based on four key indexes: corruption perception, rule of law, press freedom, and political rights, each carrying equal weight in the assessment.
According to World Economics’ ranking data, Mauritius secured the top spot in Africa with a grade of B and an index of 69.3.
Ghana, also graded B, secured 5th place with an index of 61.7, surpassing Senegal, which ranked 6th with a grade of C and an index of 53.6.
Namibia ranked 2nd with a grade of B and an index of 69.1, while South Africa came 3rd with a grade of B and an index score of 65.5. Botswana followed closely in 4th place with a grade of B and an index of 65.1.
In the global rankings, Denmark, Norway, Finland, New Zealand, and Sweden secured the top five positions. Ghana ranked 48th globally, surpassing countries such as Argentina, Bulgaria, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Brazil.
The country also outperformed several African nations including Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Egypt, among others.
After over ten years of dedicated research, World Economics has developed a new series of databases that offer a significantly different perspective on global economic growth in over 150 countries. These databases are highly relevant and useful for investors.
For the past 30 years, World Economics and its parent company Information Sciences have been experts in creating economic data series that are integral to the financial industry.
Their services are subscribed to by nearly all major banks, financial institutions, major corporations, and governments around the world.
Executive Director of the National Commission on Culture and Arts under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Nana Otuo Owoahene Acheampong, has emphasized the importance of safeguarding Ghanaian culture, literature, and heritage in the age of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
He highlighted that preserving the country’s culture and traditional heritage is crucial for national development and transformation.
Speaking at the launch of the 21st Ghana International Book Fair 2024, themed “Books and Culture in the era of Artificial Intelligence (AI),” Nana Owoahene emphasized that AI is revolutionizing various aspects of life, leading to both excitement and apprehension about the future.
He noted that while AI offers opportunities for advancement, it should not replace human intellect. Instead, he encouraged creativity and innovation to enhance our capabilities and unlock our true creative potential as individuals and as a nation.
Interior Minister-designate, Henry Quartey, has issued a stern warning to immigration officials at Kotoka International Airport (KIA), stating that any staff caught assisting visitors will be immediately suspended from duty.
He emphasized the gravity of such misconduct, labeling it as unprofessional, and urged officers to abstain from such actions.
“Men and women wear uniforms only to go and see off their friends at the Airport. They pull their bags right from the car, and walk through checking, walk them through immigration and even security points all the way.
“When you disembark you see them lined up waiting for their friends, they take their bags. I have told the CG to send a message to them that it has to stop with immediate effect, and I mean immediate effect.”
“We will send plain clothes to go there, if an immigration officer is found around the arrival hall, or departure hall, engaging passengers please consider that you will be at home for a long time and that will be coming from me, not the CG. So, tell them,” he stated.
Furthermore, Mr. Quartey urged GIS officers to maintain professionalism, especially with the upcoming 2024 general elections in mind.
He emphasized the crucial role of the GIS in ensuring impartiality and conducting free and fair elections.
“We are seriously relying on you and please don’t misquote me; we are relying on you to perform your professional duty as GIS before, during and after the elections.
“We must ensure free, fair and transparent elections. That is why I am saying if you want to do politics let us know so we can make an application for you to join a political party. So please all of you mind your uniform and work for Ghana our motherland,” the Interior Minister stated.
Former Ghana Football Association (GFA) President, Kwasi Nyantakyi, has expressed his desire to replace the late Member of Parliament (MP) for Ejisu and Deputy Finance Minister, John Kumah.
His bid to contest the seat has been met with public outcry due to his alleged involvement in corruption, as revealed in the famous Number 12 expose.
Despite this, Nyantakyi believes he is the best candidate for the job, likening himself to Cristiano Ronaldo who must replace Lionel Messi, referring to John Kumah.
“If Lionel Messi plays a game and gets injured, will you go and take anybody at all to replace him? You need Cristiano Ronaldo or Mbappe or Haaland…I am the Ronaldo that should be brought to replace Lionel Messi [John Kumah],” he stated.
Nyantakyi is one of nine aspirants who have picked up nominations to contest the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) parliamentary primary for Ejisu.
Drivers, who are already feeling the impact of the price hikes, after the suspension of the Price Stabilisation and Recovery Levy on petroleum products was reversed, have accused the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) of being insensitive.
In a letter dated April 3, the NPA instructed all Oil Marketing Companies and other stakeholders to implement a levy of 16 pesewas per litre on Petrol, 14 pesewas per litre on Diesel, and 14 pesewas per kilogram on Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) starting from April 4, 2024.
While the reasons for the NPA’s decision to reinstate the Price Stabilisation and Recovery Levy are unclear, some drivers claim they are unaware of the new tariff adjustments.
Speaking to JoyNews on April 4, a driver said “I came here to get fuel and I realised that they’ve increased the fuel by 17 pesewas which is absurd. We didn’t hear anything, we got up, no announcement, nothing and we woke up today to buy fuel and it’s all increased. Now in this country, they don’t tell us anything, they just do anything they want.
“Now it is GH₵13.79, before it was like GH₵13.20. Now they’ve increased everything. We are dying.”
Another driver questioned whether the government intentionally aimed to hinder their ability to make ends meet.
He noted that the same liter of fuel they previously purchased for GH₵5 is now more expensive, causing frustration among the few Ghanaians who own vehicles.
“The fuel is too high. At first, we buy one litre, GH₵5. Now, a litre is more than GH₵5, it’s too bad. This thing is trying to weaken us.
“How many people can drive? How can the country develop? If the fuel price is good, all other things will come down,” he said.
He also mentioned the challenge of finding passengers daily, and even when they do, there is often a need for more bargaining to reduce the fare.
The flagbearer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has announced his intention to dissolve the Sanitation Ministry if he wins the upcoming December elections and becomes president.
Mr Mahama criticized the ministry’s performance, stating that it has failed to fulfil its responsibilities and has led to the wastage of scarce resources.
Mahama expressed disappointment at the current unsanitary conditions in the country, asserting that they have worsened since the establishment of the ministry, which he deemed to be ineffective.
“We will close down the Ministry of Sanitation, one, to reduce expenditure and two, I don’t see any use. The country is dirtier than when there was no Ministry of Sanitation.”
“Indeed, this country was cleaner when sanitation was under Local Government than as a standalone ministry and we will close that ministry and we will take the Sanitation schedule back to Local Government because we want to reduce government expenditure.”
Also, he announced plans to merge the Transport, Aviation, and Railways ministries into a single ministry.
“It is not only the Sanitation Ministry, in Transport, Aviation and Railways, we are going to close them down and send them back to the Transport Ministry. We are going to combine Communications and Information again. So we want to reduce the number of ministries,” he announced.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has called on the Electoral Commission (EC) to promptly convene an emergency Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) meeting to address concerns regarding the reported ‘disappearance’ of Biometric Verification Devices (BVDs) and related issues.
The party stressed the importance of such a meeting for the EC to provide explanations and reassurances to political parties and their supporters.
In a petition submitted to the Commission on Wednesday, March 27, the NDC expressed concern over these issues, fearing that they could potentially undermine the fairness and integrity of the upcoming December 2024 elections.
The petition, signed by the party’s General Secretary, Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, urged the EC to give serious consideration to the concerns to maintain public trust in its operations.
“Leadership, members and sympathisers of the NDC are worried about the situation and believe that these unfortunate incidents pose a serious threat to free, fair and transparent elections in the upcoming 2024 general elections.”
“The NDC therefore wishes to request for an emergency IPAC meeting to enable all political parties to discuss these crucial issues and come to a consensus on how to promote free, fair and transparent elections,” an excerpt of the petition said.
“Additionally, per your calendar, you were supposed to call an IPAC meeting to enable all political parties to discuss these issues and come to a consensus on how to promote free, fair and transparent elections,” it added.
Additionally, the party pointed out that the Electoral Commission (EC) was slated to convene an IPAC meeting on March 27, as per its calendar for the year. However, this meeting did not occur as scheduled.
The flagbearer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has announced plans to merge the Transport, Aviation, and Railways ministries into a single ministry if he wins the upcoming December elections and assumes the presidency.
“It is not only the Sanitation Ministry, in Transport, Aviation and Railways, we are going to close them down and send them back to the Transport Ministry. We are going to combine Communications and Information again. So we want to reduce the number of ministries,” he announced.
He also announced his intention to dissolve the Sanitation Ministry. Mr Mahama criticized the ministry’s performance, stating that it has failed to fulfil its responsibilities and has led to the wastage of scarce resources.
Mahama expressed disappointment at the current unsanitary conditions in the country, asserting that they have worsened since the establishment of the ministry, which he deemed to be ineffective.
“We will close down the Ministry of Sanitation, one, to reduce expenditure and two, I don’t see any use. The country is dirtier than when there was no Ministry of Sanitation.”
“Indeed, this country was cleaner when sanitation was under Local Government than as a standalone ministry and we will close that ministry and we will take the Sanitation schedule back to Local Government because we want to reduce government expenditure.”
Former General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and current member of the Alan Kyerematen campaign team, Nana Ohene Ntow, has refuted claims that the independent presidential candidate is promoting divisiveness.
This follows Mr. Kyerematen’s recent statement urging Ghanaians to vote for a Christian leader in the upcoming general election.
Ntow clarified that Kyerematen’s call for Christians to vote for a ‘Christian-like’ president is merely political rhetoric and not about religion.
He argued that it is hypocritical for political opponents, who have advocated for Muslims to vote for Muslim candidates, to criticize Kyerematen for stating his Christian faith.
Speaking on JoyNews’ Upfront on Wednesday, April 3, Ntow emphasized that Kyerematen’s statement should not be misconstrued as religious divisiveness but rather as part of the political discourse in the lead-up to the December 2024 election.
“This talk, very obviously for anybody who will be honest, is political and has nothing to do with religion. If it has anything to do with religion, it is the advantage that both Bawumia and Alan and others see that they can take of the religious lobby that they are also getting closer, endearing themselves to that.”
“So if anybody turns around and says all these, basically insulting Alan, I see it as political manners,” he said.
While addressing congregants of the Church of Pentecost, Dr Wyatt Assembly over the weekend, Mr Kyerematen said, “As a predominantly Christian nation, as Christians, it is our responsibility that we elect a Christian leader, who is also a Christ-like leader.
“We want a leader who has the vision to bring hope to the hopeless, but we also want a leader who will be a servant leader to serve the people and not to lord over them.
“We also want a leader who has integrity. These were the characteristics of our Lord Jesus who today is risen.”
In response, the former NPP General Secretary argued that every savvy politician aiming to win an election will seek support from religious groups.
“If you have a majority social segment, a demographic segment, a religious segment and it gets into politics, every smart, sensible politician like Dr Bawumia who is a Muslim candidate and realizes that the numbers for the voters, they are the churches, why is he dancing around churches?
“Has he suddenly become a Christian? Has he confessed? So I’m saying Dr Bawumia going to church, a Muslim, and he’s asking Christians to vote for him, and a Christian going to Church asks Christians to vote for him, and people are telling him he’s creating tension.”
Ntow stated that Kyerematen had declared his intention to form a government of national unity, emphasizing that this did not imply the formation of a religious party or government.
He argued that Kyerematen’s appeal to Christians for votes was part of his campaign strategy, noting that the candidate had visited a predominantly Christian area to make this statement.
In a rare display of unity, the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has joined the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in criticizing Kyerematen’s remarks.
Richard Ahiagbah, the Director of Communications for the NPP, expressed concern that such comments could harm national unity. He argued that Kyerematen’s statement was divisive and ran counter to the spirit of religious inclusivity in Ghanaian politics.
The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has issued a warning to banks, urging them to adhere to its monthly report on fraud cases.
This measure is intended to assist the regulator in consolidating efforts to track fraudulent activities within the financial sector.
Head of Financial Stability at the BoG, Dr. Kwasi Osei Yeboah, emphasized the bank’s commitment to collaborating with all financial sector players to cleanse the sector of fraudulent activities.
He made these remarks at a workshop on Committee for Cooperation between Law Enforcement Agencies and the Banking Community.
Dr. Yeboah stressed the importance of a collaborative effort from all stakeholders in addressing the issue of fraud in the financial sector.
“This may be a hindrance to promote financial soundness and integrity because without that, people will not feel free to participate in product and services within the financial space”, he said.
“Banks are supposed to report all the fraud case to the Bank of Ghana even when nothing happens. They still have to do it. For us, even if one fraud occurs, it is important to us because it speaks to the concerns that the consumer will have for the financial sector”, he added.
The Bank of Ghana’s fraud report for 2023 revealed that the total loss value recorded by Banks and Specialised Deposit-Taking Institutions (SDIs) in 2022 was approximately GH¢56 million, compared to approximately GH¢61 million in 2021, indicating a 7.88% decrease from 2021.
The report also indicated that there were 2,998 attempted fraud cases in the banking and SDI sectors in 2022, compared to 2,347 cases in 2021, representing a 27.74% increase.
On his part, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Association of Banks, John Awuah, has advocated for a clear-cut approach to addressing fraud-related cases within the financial sector.
“As we are moving a number of our operations to those platforms, confidence is very key in such cases on the part of our customers. As an association, we need a clear cut mechanism to get fraudsters apprehended because even one fraud is dangerous to the sector”, he stated.
A recent exposé by The Fourth Estate, spearheaded by investigative journalist Manasseh Azure, has unveiled the identities of affluent individuals who allegedly obtained scholarships meant for academically gifted but financially disadvantaged Ghanaians.
According to the report, several individuals who are well-known for their roles in the governing New Patriotic Party manged to secure some government scholarships due to their association.
Among the beneficiaries is Celestina Amoako Atta, who was granted a GBP27,980 scholarship to study for an MSc in Information Business Management and Digital Business at Coventry University in the UK in 2019.
This how The Fourth Estate introduced her, “If social media posts extolling the virtues of the NPP and some of its big wigs count for anything, then they certainly did for Celestina Amoako Atta.”
Per reports, Ms Amoako Atta, who is currently an Assistant Administrative Officer at the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), did not respond to subsequent calls by The Fourth Estate after the reason for the call was made known to her.
Also, a leading member of the NPP, Nana Poku Frefre was awarded a GBP28,080 scholarship to study for an MSc in Strategic Studies and Energy Security at the University of Aberdeen, United Kingdom in 2019.
The Fourth Estate reports that Mr Frefre, who is a founding member of the NPP branch in Scotland, noted that although he got the Scholarship Secretariat award, he opted for a much better one from GETFund.
As it stands now, Mr Frefre, is the Head of New Media for the Ashanti Regional NPP Communication team and an aide to the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the NPP, Bernard Antwi-Bosiako, alias Chairman Wontumi.
Kelvin Ofori Gyimah, who is the current president of the NPP’s student wing (TESCON) in the UK, is said to have benefited from a state-sponsored students in the UK in 2020 for a Master of laws (LLM) degree in International Human Rights Law at Brunel University at a cost of GBP17,355.
President Akufo-Addo and his cousin, former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, have found their names in a recent exposé by The Fourth Estate, spearheaded by investigative journalist Manasseh Azure.
The investigation has unveiled the identities of affluent individuals who allegedly obtained scholarships meant for academically gifted but financially disadvantaged Ghanaians.
Per reports, Michael Ofori-Atta Jr, who is a relative of Ken Ofori-Atta and the president managed to secure a government scholarship for the needy through the Scholarship Secretariat.
According to The Fourth Estate, the Scholarship Secretariat in 2020 paid the University of Birmingham GBP16,740 for Michael to enrol in a programme called the Foundation Pathways – Social Sciences, Business and Law.
“The university describes the course as a “pathway that will lead its students into a number of possible undergraduate degrees” within its College of Arts and Law or College of Social Sciences,” The Fourth Estate reported.
In its report, The Fourth Estate noted that its personnel were unable to reach Michael Ofori-Atta Jr for a response.
The Ashanti South Regional Police Command has detained a police officer following an alleged fatal shooting incident in Manso Adubia, Ashanti Region, on Thursday, April 4, 2024.
Details regarding the circumstances of the shooting are currently unclear. However, a statement from the Ghana Police Service revealed that Inspector-General of Police, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, has contacted the wife and family of the deceased.
Dr. Dampare has also dispatched a high-powered police delegation to offer condolences to the family. Investigations into the incident are ongoing.
