TIG Post

Author: Andy Ogbarmey-Tettey

  • How do you prove John Kumah was poisoned? – Kwame Sefa Kayi quizzes Captain Smart

    How do you prove John Kumah was poisoned? – Kwame Sefa Kayi quizzes Captain Smart

    Kwame Sefa Kayi, a respected journalist and media personality, has challenged broadcaster Captain Smart’s assertion that John Kumah, the Deputy Finance Minister, was poisoned.

    Sefa Kayi questioned the basis for such a claim, emphasizing the need for concrete evidence before making such serious allegations.

    “Now we are asking, you that said he died due to poisoning, bring the evidence. Where will you bring it,” he said on the Kokrokoo show.

    The Ejisu Member of Parliament, Dr John Kumah, passed away on Thursday, March 7, 2024. Since news broke, there have been contradictory reports on the cause of his death.

    However, the widow of John Kumah, Apostle Lilian Kumah, has stated that her husband did not pass away from food poisoning as alleged by Blessed Godsbrain Smart, commonly known as Captain Smart, a journalist working with Onua TV and FM.

    Instead, she clarified that he bravely fought a severe illness for over a year. Apostle Lilian Kumah explained that her late husband had been struggling with a terminal disease for almost a year since it was diagnosed by his doctors in Germany.

    She emphasized that this illness is what ultimately led to her husband’s passing on Thursday, March 7, 2024, and not food poisoning.

    Throughout the banter on what exactly killed Dr John Kumah, the National Media Commission, Media Foundation for West Africa, Ghana Journalist Association have all remained silent.

    He strongly criticized what he perceives as unprofessional reporting regarding the tragic passing of John Kumah, the Deputy Finance Minister.

    He expressed concern that the family of the deceased has not been afforded the necessary privacy to mourn their loss, describing the media’s approach as intrusive.

    Sefa Kayi highlighted that journalists have assumed the role of pathologists, delving into details beyond what is necessary and failing to uphold expected standards of sensitivity and professionalism.

    “It’s not even been a week, we have not thought of his family, six children but we have turned radio into a pathologist. Journalists have become pathologists. Some have even become prophets. Now as I am condemning what is happening, you’d see the insults that will be hurled at me. We have lost ethics as humans. Someone is dead and in no time people are on radio and TV speculating what killed him.

    While hosting the Kokrokoo show, Kwame Sefa Kayi also called out three reputable media institutions over their defeaning silence over reports on the cause of Deputy Finance Minister, John Kumah’s death.

    The three are the National Media Commission (NMC), Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) and the Ghana Journalist Association (GJA).

    He implored these institutions to come out and condemn the unprofessional actions by some journalists.

    “It is quite interesting that the National Media Commission, Media Foundation for West Africa, Ghana Journalist Association, these three institutions have said nothing. These are organizations I am aligned with. It is quite interesting. I don’t listen to the comments. We Ghanaians like some of these things.

    “National Media Commission, GJA, media foundation for West Africa, I’m begging you, say something. We are journalists working, we should be able to look at ourselves and say these are low low dirty standards,” he said.

    On the other hand, Captain Smart has responded to the Apostle’s recent remarks made during an interview on Asaase radio.

    In one of his Maakye shows on Onua TV, the journalist asked the widow about the period in which John Kumah contracted the said illness.

    He sought to find out whether the late Deputy Finance Minister and Ejisu Member of Parliament contracted the said ailment before or after his marriage to Apostle Lilian.

    “You said a terminal illness killed John Kumah. This terminal illness, was it present before you married him or he contracted this terminal illness after your marriage.

    “Did he already have this illness or a bad food he ate brought this about? You are very person who said you cooked for him. Dear widow, when you were going to marry John Kumah, did he have the terminal illness? Go for another interview,” he said.

    Meanwhile, Apostle Lilian Kumah has urged the authorities to swiftly take action against individuals such as Blessed Godsbrain Smart, commonly known as Captain Smart, who has publicly asserted that her late husband was poisoned.

    “Why is it that someone (referring to Captain Smart) has been this bold to claim that he knows for a fact that a person like John Kumah who has served his country virtually all his life, was poisoned, while he was working for his country and party (New Patriotic Party, NPP), why should we sit down and not bring that person to book.

    “If it is true that a person who is not dead but alive claims that he knows how my husband (John Kumah) died and that he was poisoned, and that person is still moving around for the past three weeks, it hurts me, it saddens me and I do not know how best to express my frustrations about these false claims by Captain Smart,” Apostle Lilian Kumah said.

  • Say something! I beg you – Kwame Sefa Kayi calls out NMC, MFWA, GJA for silence over reports on John Kumah’s death

    Say something! I beg you – Kwame Sefa Kayi calls out NMC, MFWA, GJA for silence over reports on John Kumah’s death

    Renowned journalist and host of Peace FM’s Kokrokoo Show, Kwame Sefa Kayi, has called out three reputable media institutions over their defeaning silence over reports on the cause of Deputy Finance Minister, John Kumah’s death.

    The three are the National Media Commission (NMC), Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) and the Ghana Journalist Association (GJA).

    The Ejisu Member of Parliament, Dr John Kumah, passed away on Thursday, March 7, 2024. Since news broke, there have been contradictory reports on the cause of his death.

    However, the widow of John Kumah, Apostle Lilian Kumah, has stated that her husband did not pass away from food poisoning as alleged by Blessed Godsbrain Smart, commonly known as Captain Smart, a journalist working with Onua TV and FM.

    Instead, she clarified that he bravely fought a severe illness for over a year. Apostle Lilian Kumah explained that her late husband had been struggling with a terminal disease for almost a year since it was diagnosed by his doctors in Germany.

    She emphasized that this illness is what ultimately led to her husband’s passing on Thursday, March 7, 2024, and not food poisoning.

    Throughout the banter on what exactly killed Dr John Kumah, the National Media Commission, Media Foundation for West Africa, Ghana Journalist Association have all remained silent.

    While hosting the Kokrokoo show, Kwame Sefa Kayi implored these institutions to come out and condemn the unprofessional actions by some journalists.

    He noted that the bereaved family has been ambushed and not given the privacy to mourn their loss. According to him, journalists have taken the role of pathologists and failed to live up to standards as expected.

    “It is quite interesting that the National Media Commission, Media Foundation for West Africa, Ghana Journalist Association, these three institutions have said nothing. These are organizations I am aligned with. It is quite interesting. I don’t listen to the comments. We Ghanaians like some of these things.

    “It’s not even been a week, we have not thought of his family, six children but we have turned radio into a pathologist. Journalists have become pathologist. Some have even become prophets. Now as I am condemning what is happening, you’d see the insults that will be hurled at me. We have lost ethics as humans. Someone is dead and in no time people are on radio and TV speculating what killed him.

    “Now we are asking, you that said he died due to poisoning, bring the evidence. Where will you bring it. National Media Commission, GJA, media foundation for West Africa, I’m begging you, say something. We are journalists working, we should be able to look at ourselves and say these are low low dirty standards,” he said.

    On the other hand, Captain Smart has responded to the Apostle’s recent remarks made during an interview on Asaase radio.

    In one of his Maakye shows on Onua TV, the journalist asked the widow about the period in which John Kumah contracted the said illness.

    He sought to find out whether the late Deputy Finance Minister and Ejisu Member of Parliament contracted the said ailment before or after his marriage to Apostle Lilian.

    “You said a terminal illness killed John Kumah. This terminal illness, was it present before you married him or he contracted this terminal illness after your marriage.

    “Did he already have this illness or a bad food he ate brought this about? You are very person who said you cooked for him. Dear widow, when you were going to marry John Kumah, did he have the terminal illness? Go for another interview,” he said.

    Meanwhile, Apostle Lilian Kumah has urged the authorities to swiftly take action against individuals such as Blessed Godsbrain Smart, commonly known as Captain Smart, who has publicly asserted that her late husband was poisoned.

    “Why is it that someone (referring to Captain Smart) has been this bold to claim that he knows for a fact that a person like John Kumah who has served his country virtually all his life, was poisoned, while he was working for his country and party (New Patriotic Party, NPP), why should we sit down and not bring that person to book.

    “If it is true that a person who is not dead but alive claims that he knows how my husband (John Kumah) died and that he was poisoned, and that person is still moving around for the past three weeks, it hurts me, it saddens me and I do not know how best to express my frustrations about these false claims by Captain Smart,” Apostle Lilian Kumah said.

  • Journalists have become pathologists – Kwame Sefa Kayi condemns ‘unprofessional’ reports on John Kumah’s death

    Journalists have become pathologists – Kwame Sefa Kayi condemns ‘unprofessional’ reports on John Kumah’s death

    Renowned journalist and media personality, Kwame Sefa Kayi, has criticized what he describes as unprofessional reporting surrounding the tragic death of John Kumah, the Deputy Finance Minister.

    He noted that the bereaved family has been ambushed and has not been given the privacy to mourn their loss.

    According to him, journalists have taken on the role of pathologists and failed to live up to standards as expected.

    “It’s not even been a week, we have not thought of his family, six children but we have turned radio into a pathologist. Journalists have become pathologists. Some have even become prophets. Now as I am condemning what is happening, you’d see the insults that will be hurled at me. We have lost ethics as humans. Someone is dead and in no time people are on radio and TV speculating what killed him.

    “Now we are asking, you that said he died due to poisoning, bring the evidence. Where will you bring it,” he said on the Kokrokoo show.

    The Ejisu Member of Parliament, Dr John Kumah, passed away on Thursday, March 7, 2024. Since news broke, there have been contradictory reports on the cause of his death.

    However, the widow of John Kumah, Apostle Lilian Kumah, has stated that her husband did not pass away from food poisoning as alleged by Blessed Godsbrain Smart, commonly known as Captain Smart, a journalist working with Onua TV and FM.

    Instead, she clarified that he bravely fought a severe illness for over a year. Apostle Lilian Kumah explained that her late husband had been struggling with a terminal disease for almost a year since it was diagnosed by his doctors in Germany.

    She emphasized that this illness is what ultimately led to her husband’s passing on Thursday, March 7, 2024, and not food poisoning.

    Throughout the banter on what exactly killed Dr John Kumah, the National Media Commission, Media Foundation for West Africa, Ghana Journalist Association have all remained silent.

    While hosting the Kokrokoo show, Kwame Sefa Kayi also called out three reputable media institutions over their defeaning silence over reports on the cause of Deputy Finance Minister, John Kumah’s death.

    The three are the National Media Commission (NMC), Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) and the Ghana Journalist Association (GJA).

    He implored these institutions to come out and condemn the unprofessional actions by some journalists.

    “It is quite interesting that the National Media Commission, Media Foundation for West Africa, Ghana Journalist Association, these three institutions have said nothing. These are organizations I am aligned with. It is quite interesting. I don’t listen to the comments. We Ghanaians like some of these things.

    “National Media Commission, GJA, media foundation for West Africa, I’m begging you, say something. We are journalists working, we should be able to look at ourselves and say these are low low dirty standards,” he said.

    On the other hand, Captain Smart has responded to the Apostle’s recent remarks made during an interview on Asaase radio.

    In one of his Maakye shows on Onua TV, the journalist asked the widow about the period in which John Kumah contracted the said illness.

    He sought to find out whether the late Deputy Finance Minister and Ejisu Member of Parliament contracted the said ailment before or after his marriage to Apostle Lilian.

    “You said a terminal illness killed John Kumah. This terminal illness, was it present before you married him or he contracted this terminal illness after your marriage.

    “Did he already have this illness or a bad food he ate brought this about? You are very person who said you cooked for him. Dear widow, when you were going to marry John Kumah, did he have the terminal illness? Go for another interview,” he said.

    Meanwhile, Apostle Lilian Kumah has urged the authorities to swiftly take action against individuals such as Blessed Godsbrain Smart, commonly known as Captain Smart, who has publicly asserted that her late husband was poisoned.

    “Why is it that someone (referring to Captain Smart) has been this bold to claim that he knows for a fact that a person like John Kumah who has served his country virtually all his life, was poisoned, while he was working for his country and party (New Patriotic Party, NPP), why should we sit down and not bring that person to book.

    “If it is true that a person who is not dead but alive claims that he knows how my husband (John Kumah) died and that he was poisoned, and that person is still moving around for the past three weeks, it hurts me, it saddens me and I do not know how best to express my frustrations about these false claims by Captain Smart,” Apostle Lilian Kumah said.

  • We have lost ethics, the standards are low – Kwame Sefa Kayi on ‘inappropriate’ reports on John Kumah’s death

    We have lost ethics, the standards are low – Kwame Sefa Kayi on ‘inappropriate’ reports on John Kumah’s death

    Kwame Sefa Kayi, a respected journalist and media personality, has strongly criticized what he perceives as unprofessional reporting regarding the tragic passing of John Kumah, the Deputy Finance Minister.

    He expressed concern that the family of the deceased has not been afforded the necessary privacy to mourn their loss, describing the media’s approach as intrusive.

    Sefa Kayi highlighted that journalists have assumed the role of pathologists, delving into details beyond what is necessary and failing to uphold expected standards of sensitivity and professionalism.

    “It’s not even been a week, we have not thought of his family, six children but we have turned radio into a pathologist. Journalists have become pathologists. Some have even become prophets. Now as I am condemning what is happening, you’d see the insults that will be hurled at me. We have lost ethics as humans. Someone is dead and in no time people are on radio and TV speculating what killed him.

    “Now we are asking, you that said he died due to poisoning, bring the evidence. Where will you bring it,” he said on the Kokrokoo show.

    The Ejisu Member of Parliament, Dr John Kumah, passed away on Thursday, March 7, 2024. Since news broke, there have been contradictory reports on the cause of his death.

    However, the widow of John Kumah, Apostle Lilian Kumah, has stated that her husband did not pass away from food poisoning as alleged by Blessed Godsbrain Smart, commonly known as Captain Smart, a journalist working with Onua TV and FM.

    Instead, she clarified that he bravely fought a severe illness for over a year. Apostle Lilian Kumah explained that her late husband had been struggling with a terminal disease for almost a year since it was diagnosed by his doctors in Germany.

    She emphasized that this illness is what ultimately led to her husband’s passing on Thursday, March 7, 2024, and not food poisoning.

    Throughout the banter on what exactly killed Dr John Kumah, the National Media Commission, Media Foundation for West Africa, Ghana Journalist Association have all remained silent.

    While hosting the Kokrokoo show, Kwame Sefa Kayi also called out three reputable media institutions over their defeaning silence over reports on the cause of Deputy Finance Minister, John Kumah’s death.

    The three are the National Media Commission (NMC), Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) and the Ghana Journalist Association (GJA).

    He implored these institutions to come out and condemn the unprofessional actions by some journalists.

    “It is quite interesting that the National Media Commission, Media Foundation for West Africa, Ghana Journalist Association, these three institutions have said nothing. These are organizations I am aligned with. It is quite interesting. I don’t listen to the comments. We Ghanaians like some of these things.

    “National Media Commission, GJA, media foundation for West Africa, I’m begging you, say something. We are journalists working, we should be able to look at ourselves and say these are low low dirty standards,” he said.

    On the other hand, Captain Smart has responded to the Apostle’s recent remarks made during an interview on Asaase radio.

    In one of his Maakye shows on Onua TV, the journalist asked the widow about the period in which John Kumah contracted the said illness.

    He sought to find out whether the late Deputy Finance Minister and Ejisu Member of Parliament contracted the said ailment before or after his marriage to Apostle Lilian.

    “You said a terminal illness killed John Kumah. This terminal illness, was it present before you married him or he contracted this terminal illness after your marriage.

    “Did he already have this illness or a bad food he ate brought this about? You are very person who said you cooked for him. Dear widow, when you were going to marry John Kumah, did he have the terminal illness? Go for another interview,” he said.

    Meanwhile, Apostle Lilian Kumah has urged the authorities to swiftly take action against individuals such as Blessed Godsbrain Smart, commonly known as Captain Smart, who has publicly asserted that her late husband was poisoned.

    “Why is it that someone (referring to Captain Smart) has been this bold to claim that he knows for a fact that a person like John Kumah who has served his country virtually all his life, was poisoned, while he was working for his country and party (New Patriotic Party, NPP), why should we sit down and not bring that person to book.

    “If it is true that a person who is not dead but alive claims that he knows how my husband (John Kumah) died and that he was poisoned, and that person is still moving around for the past three weeks, it hurts me, it saddens me and I do not know how best to express my frustrations about these false claims by Captain Smart,” Apostle Lilian Kumah said.

  • Nsawam Chinese prisoner and wife escaped after giving police ‘accomplices’ KFC rice, drink for alone time – Court told

    Nsawam Chinese prisoner and wife escaped after giving police ‘accomplices’ KFC rice, drink for alone time – Court told

    Two prison officers, Joseph Oteng and Sergeant Isaac Boateng Bonsu, have been brought before an Accra Circuit Court on charges of aiding the escape of Wang Xiao, a Chinese convict at Nsawam Medium Prison.

    The officers are facing charges of conspiracy and aiding escape. It was alleged that they initially claimed to their superiors that after escorting Wang Xiao to the hospital, they were approached by a Toyota Vitz car, which then drove away with the convict.

    However, CCTV footage from a hotel exposed their deceit. The footage showed that the accused officers took Wang Xiao to a hotel to meet his wife in a room.

    The convict and his wife allegedly escaped over the room’s balcony while the officers waited in the hotel reception area.

    The prosecution said that on February 7, 2024, at around 0700 hours, the two officers were detailed to escort Wang Xiao, a Chinese national serving a one-year sentence at Nsawam Medium Security Prisons, to Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital for treatment.

    The prosecutor said that after the convict was treated by a medical officer at the hospital’s Dental Department, the two accused agreed to accompany him to the Oceans Hotel in Korle Gonno to meet his wife for a discussion in exchange for a reward of GHC1,000, which they agreed to split.

    According to Chief Inspector Alorwu, the accused removed the convict’s handcuffs and took him to the hotel reception. The second accused, Bonsu, informed the receptionist that they were there to see someone in one of the rooms.

    The prosecution said the two accused sent the convict to the room, where they met his alleged wife, who offered them KFC rice and drink while she “spends some time with the husband alone.”

    Upon returning to the hotel room to contact the convict, the accused discovered that both the convict and his alleged wife had fled through the balcony.

    The prosecutor said that after the convict fled, the accused proceeded to Tema Station Hockey to hide the handcuffs with a witness in the case.

    They immediately called their superiors in Nsawam and informed them that when escorting the convict from the hospital, they were unexpectedly stopped by a yellow and black unregistered Toyota Vitz taxi, and the inmate leapt into the taxi and fled with it.

    The prosecutor said the accused were interrogated by their superiors at the Prisons National headquarters, who then submitted a formal complaint to the Police on February 13, 2024.

    During investigations, the accused led the police to the hotel. A review of CCTV footage revealed that the convict and his wife jumped from the balcony of the first-floor building and fled while the accused were relaxing in the reception area after receiving meals from the convict’s wife.

    The prosecutor said that it was only when the hotel staff alerted them to check on the prisoner that they realized he had escaped.

    The accused have pleaded not guilty, and the court, presided over by Mrs. Afia Owusua Appiah, has granted them bail in the sum of GhC100,000 each, with two sureties to be justified.

    They are scheduled to reappear on April 9, 2024. The prosecution, led by Chief Inspector Wisdom Alorwu, stated that the complainant was the third in command at the Nsawam Medium Security Prisons, and the accused were serving under his supervision.

  • Meet Akufo-Addo’s appointee, Alexander Akwasi Acquah, who owns 5 hospitals, 3 mortuaries

    Meet Akufo-Addo’s appointee, Alexander Akwasi Acquah, who owns 5 hospitals, 3 mortuaries

    Deputy Health Minister-designate, Alexander Akwasi Acquah, who has expressed his eagerness to oversee the Mortuaries and Funeral Facilities Agency (MoFFA) if approved for the position, is a man not new to the health sector.

    Alexander Akwasi Acquah who is the chief executive officer of the Community Hospitals Group, promised to roll out “a one district, one community hospital” programme in an effort to improve access to quality healthcare for the masses and at affordable prices in 2017.

    As of 2017, Graphic Online reports that The Community Hospitals Group (conglomerate), owned by Alexander Akwasi Acquah comprises eight health institutions.

    He has five hospitals operating in the Ashongman Estates, Kaneshie and Ashaiman, all in the Greater Accra Region and at Akyem Oda and Kukurantumi in the Eastern Region.

    Beside providing quality health care, the Community Hospitals Group is also at the forefront of dignifying departed ones by establishing modern mortuaries to enable family members preserve their bodies well enough before preparing a befitting burial for them.

    So far, three of such mortuaries have been established at Akyem Oda, Nkwanta and Kukurantumi in the Eastern Region, as well as Ashiaman in the Greater Accra Region.

    There is the likelihood that within the past seven years, more health institutions have been built by the Community Hospitals Group as promised by Mr Akwasi Acquah in 2017.

    It therefore comes as no surprise his interest to see to the development of mortuaries in the country.

    During his vetting by Parliament’s Appointment Committee in Accra, Mr. Acquah appealed to the Health Minister to entrust him with the responsibility of managing MoFFA.

    In response to a question from the Minority Leader, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, regarding his interest in managing MoFFA, Mr. Acquah affirmed his willingness, stating, “I will gladly take up that responsibility.”

    He further explained, “The Ministry is very vast, and as I understand, it has always had two deputy ministers, so the various agencies are assigned to the deputy ministers. Of all the responsibilities my minister will assign to me, I am appealing for the opportunity to handle the mortuaries.”

    Alexander Akwasi Acquah is currently the Member of Parliament for Akim Oda Constituency in the Eastern Region of Ghana.

  • ECG owes IPPs $1.5 billion – John Jinapor claims

    ECG owes IPPs $1.5 billion – John Jinapor claims

    Ranking Member of the Energy Committee of Parliament, John Jinapor, has revealed that the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) is facing a substantial debt of $1.5 billion.

    This debt, according to Mr. Jinapor, is largely a result of ECG’s failure to meet its financial obligations to Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and its inability to fully pay for purchased electricity.

    In a media interview, Mr. Jinapor called on ECG to provide transparent explanations for the recent power outages experienced by Ghanaians.

    “ECG owes $1.5 billion, when they take the money from Ghanaians, they fail to pay the IPPs and use the funds to do whatever they want with it and they fail to pay the full price of the power they purchase and PURC has brought a report that when ECG comes in possession of a substantial amount of money they refuse to pay the debt they owe, they spend the money recklessly, and this is an official report from the PURC.

    “Some of the things they buy, they don’t even need it, and now they want to be buying fuel, which is not even their core duty, all these are a reason the finances aren’t adding up,” he said.

    Mr. Jinapor also criticized ECG for what he perceives as wasteful spending, citing examples such as excessive spending on cables, malfunctioning meters, and what he deems unnecessary contracts.

    Referring to a report from the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC), Mr. Jinapor highlighted instances where he alleges ECG mismanaged funds, diverting significant amounts away from debt repayment to other expenditures.

  • Profile of Deputy Health Minister-designate, Alexander Akwasi Acquah

    Profile of Deputy Health Minister-designate, Alexander Akwasi Acquah

    Deputy Health Minister-designate, Alexander Akwasi Acquah, has expressed his eagerness to oversee the Mortuaries and Funeral Facilities Agency (MoFFA) if approved for the position.

    During his vetting by Parliament’s Appointment Committee in Accra, Mr. Acquah appealed to the Health Minister to entrust him with the responsibility of managing MoFFA.

    In response to a question from the Minority Leader, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, regarding his interest in managing MoFFA, Mr. Acquah affirmed his willingness, stating, “I will gladly take up that responsibility.”

    He further explained, “The Ministry is very vast, and as I understand, it has always had two deputy ministers, so the various agencies are assigned to the deputy ministers. Of all the responsibilities my minister will assign to me, I am appealing for the opportunity to handle the mortuaries.”

    Profile

    Alexander Akwasi Acquah was born on December 8, 1974, and hails from Akim Oda. He holds a Master’s Degree in Peace and Security as well as a Diploma in Political Reporting, both in 2020.

    Alexander Akwasi Acquah is the chief executive officer of the Community Hospitals Group which promised to roll out “a one district, one community hospital” programme in an effort to improve access to quality healthcare for the masses and at affordable prices in 2017.

    As of 2017, Graphic Online reports that The Community Hospitals Group (conglomerate), owned by Alexander Akwasi Acquah comprises eight health institutions.

    He has five hospitals operating in the Ashongman Estates, Kaneshie and Ashaiman, all in the Greater Accra Region and at Akyem Oda and Kukurantumi in the Eastern Region.

    Beside providing quality health care, the Community Hospitals Group is also at the forefront of dignifying departed ones by establishing modern mortuaries to enable family members preserve their bodies well enough before preparing a befitting burial for them.

    So far, three of such mortuaries have been established at Akyem Oda, Nkwanta and Kukurantumi in the Eastern Region, as well as Ashiaman in the Greater Accra Region.

    There is the likelihood that within the past seven years, more health institutions have been built by the Community Hospitals Group as promised by Mr Akwasi Acquah in 2017.

    Alexander Akwasi Acquah, the entrepreneur and business analyst, is also a member of the New Patriotic Party. He is currently the Member of Parliament for Akim Oda Constituency in the Eastern Region of Ghana.

    In the 2020 Ghanaian general elections, Alexander Akwasi Acquah won the parliament seat with 25,380 votes making 79.45% of the total votes cast.

    Alexander Akwasi Acquah is the Vice Chairperson of the Trade, Industry and Tourism Committee; a member of the Government Assurance Committee and also a member of Health Committee.

    In April 2022, he gave pieces of GTP wax prints to about 180 elderly men and women in his constituency during the Easter celebrations. In October 2022, Alexander Akwasi Acquah presented medical equipment to four health facilities in the Akim Oda Constituency.

    In November 2022, he presented 100,000 cedis to aid in the renovation of the Akyem Oda Municipal park. He also donated mathematical sets to JHS students in his constituency.

    In January 2023, Alexander Akwasi Acquah honored 31 workers and 17 ‘professionals’ in the Akim Oda Constituency.

  • Prioritise reforms for homosexuals, do away with punishment – Ekow Assafuah tells Parliament

    Prioritise reforms for homosexuals, do away with punishment – Ekow Assafuah tells Parliament

    Deputy Minister-designate for the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, has urged Parliament to focus more on the reformation process of homosexuals rather than solely on punishment.

    He emphasized that it is Parliament’s responsibility to ensure the reformation and integration of homosexuals back into society. While expressing support for the passage of the anti-LGBTQ+ bill, he stated that simply ostracising homosexuals from society is not the solution.

    Speaking during his vetting by Parliament’s Appointments Committee in Accra on Monday, March 11, 2024, Mr. Assafuah mentioned that his Catholic background aligns with the bill, and he pledged his support for it.

    “In principle, the LGBTQ bill that has been passed or approved by Parliament is one that I support wholeheartedly because it is in consonance with my tradition and culture. It is in consonance with my formation as a catholic person or practising catholic,” he stated. 

    The anti-LGBTQ bill, which prohibits lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) activities and criminalizes their promotion, advocacy, and funding, was unanimously passed by Parliament on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, after three years since its introduction.

    If assented to by the President, the bill will impose sanctions on those promoting or engaging in LGBTQ activities in the country. It prescribes a minimum sentence of six months and a maximum of three years for individuals caught in same-sex activities. Additionally, those found guilty of promoting, advocating, or funding LGBTQ activities could face a minimum of three years and a maximum of five years imprisonment.

    Despite supporting the bill, Mr. Assafuah expressed opposition to the punishment prescribed for individuals who violate the anti-LGBTQ law.

    “There are reasons for punishment to be meted out to people. There is a principle behind punishment and one of the principles is to ensure that a person is being reformed out of a criminal activity. And so, if we have to reform persons, do we have to mete out punishment that seems to ostracise the person from society? It seems that as a society, we are bringing out our failures in the sense that we are showing our inability or incapacity to be able to reform people or if you like put people through sessions that reintroduce such persons into society. If we are not able to do so. That is where I see the failure,” he explained. 

    “It seems we are throwing our hands in despair. I am making a strong point that as a Parliament, we should be very interested in reforming our people. That is our responsibility as a people. We cannot say that there is a supposed anticipation of gay persons being lynched if they are given community service and so because of that as the people’s representatives we are throwing our hands in despair to allow such persons just to go astray.

    “That cannot be our course. Let’s have a proper forum, let’s have proper engagements to see how best we can deal with such persons. It is our responsibility to do so,” Mr Assafuah stated.

  • Meet Florence Abena Dolphyne, first Ghanaian woman to be appointed a Professor

    Meet Florence Abena Dolphyne, first Ghanaian woman to be appointed a Professor

    During Ghana Month, we shine a spotlight on one of Ghana’s greats.

    Florence Abena Dolphyne’s journey from selling bread and kenkey after school to becoming Ghana’s first female professor is a testament to her resilience and determination.

    Born and raised in Achinakrom in the Ejisu Municipal, Dolphyne was raised in a Methodist home, with her father being a Methodist minister.

    Her educational path began at Wenchi Methodist Primary School and Mmofraturo Girls’ Boarding School in Kumasi. She later attended Wesley Girls’ High School in Cape Coast and Mfantsipim School for her sixth form education, which was then a boys’ school with a mixed sixth-form section.

    University of Ghana (UG)

    Dolphyne’s academic pursuits led her to the University of Ghana in 1958, where she began her journey in higher education. She furthered her studies at the University of London School of Oriental and African Studies in the UK.

    Her career in academia started as a teacher at Labone Senior High School in Accra. However, her passion for linguistics and education led her to join the academic staff at the University of Ghana in September 1965.

    Over the years, she rose through the ranks, serving as the Head of the Linguistics Department on two separate occasions and as the Senior Tutor and Warden of Volta Hall, the university’s only female hall of residence at the time.

    In 1996, Florence Abena Dolphyne made history as the first woman to be appointed a professor in Ghana. Her contributions to academia and her leadership were further recognized when she became the first female pro-vice chancellor of the University of Ghana.

    Through her dedication and hard work, Professor Dolphyne has not only shattered glass ceilings but has also paved the way for future generations of women in academia. Her story is a true inspiration and a testament to the power of perseverance and education.

  • Did John Kumah contract the terminal illness before or after your marriage? – Captain Smart quizzes Lilian Kumah

    Did John Kumah contract the terminal illness before or after your marriage? – Captain Smart quizzes Lilian Kumah

    Blessed Godsbrain Smart, commonly known as Captain Smart, a journalist working with Onua TV and FM, has reacted to claims by Apostle Lilian Kumah, the widow of the late John Kumah, that her husband died from a terminal illness.

    Contrary to circulating reports, the widow of John Kumah has stated that her husband did not pass away from food poisoning.

    Instead, she clarified that he bravely fought a severe illness for over a year. Apostle Lilian Kumah explained that her late husband had been struggling with a terminal disease for almost a year since it was diagnosed by his doctors in Germany.

    She emphasized that this illness is what ultimately led to her husband’s passing on Thursday, March 7, 2024, and not food poisoning.

    Mrs Lilian Kumah

    Captain Smart has responded to the Apostle’s recent remarks made during an interview on Asaase radio.

    In one of his Maakye shows on Onua TV, the journalist asked the widow about the period in which John Kumah contracted the said illness.

    He sought to find out whether the late Deputy Finance Minister and Ejisu Member of Parliament contracted the said ailment before or after his marriage to Apostle Lilian.

    “You said a terminal illness killed John Kumah. This terminal illness, was it present before you married him or he contracted this terminal illness after your marriage.

    “Did he already have this illness or a bad food he ate brought this about? You are very person who said you cooked for him. Dear widow, when you were going to marry John Kumah, did he have the terminal illness? Go for another interview,” he said.

    Meanwhile, Apostle Lilian Kumah has urged the authorities to swiftly take action against individuals such as Blessed Godsbrain Smart, commonly known as Captain Smart, who has publicly asserted that her late husband was poisoned.

    “Why is it that someone (referring to Captain Smart) has been this bold to claim that he knows for a fact that a person like John Kumah who has served his country virtually all his life, was poisoned, while he was working for his country and party (New Patriotic Party, NPP), why should we sit down and not bring that person to book.

    “If it is true that a person who is not dead but alive claims that he knows how my husband (John Kumah) died and that he was poisoned, and that person is still moving around for the past three weeks, it hurts me, it saddens me and I do not know how best to express my frustrations about these false claims by Captain Smart,” Apostle Lilian Kumah said.

  • You are starving NSS personnel, how wicked can you be – Citizen fires NSS boss over delayed allowance payment

    You are starving NSS personnel, how wicked can you be – Citizen fires NSS boss over delayed allowance payment

    The Executive Director of the National Secretariat Service (NSS), Osei Assibey Antwi, has been chastised for his failure to ensure that the 2023/24 NSS personnel receive their allowances as scheduled.

    In a post on the X platform, a citizen, Joel Kofi, expressed concern that NSS personnel working with government institutions have not been paid their allowances since they started their mandatory service in November 2023.

    He questioned how Osei Assibey Antwi could sleep comfortably at night while many Ghanaian graduates suffer from hunger in their efforts to serve their nation patriotically.

    “This is Mr. Osei Assibey, the National service boss. Papa, do you sleep comfortably at night, knowing fully well that you are starving young people? From November 2023 to March 2024, not even a penny. How wicked can a man be?” he quizzed.

    On the issue of delayed allowance payment, the National Service Secretariat in January of this year called for calm as agitation among 2023/2024 service personnel grows following the Secretariat’s inability to pay their monthly allowances.

    Speaking to Citi News, the Acting Head of Corporate Affairs for the National Service Scheme, Ambrose Entsiwah Junior, indicated that the Secretariat is waiting on Parliament for the approval of their budget.

    He said, “It depends on the money that we receive at any point in time. Let’s not forget that we have submitted our budget to parliament like every other institution for appropriation to be done. And so once those things have been completed and funds have been released into our account, which includes salaries and payment of allowances and all that, we will pay the service personnel.”

    Two months later, it appears Parliament is yet to approve the budget for the NSS for payment to be made.

  • How do you sleep despite knowing NSS personnel haven’t been paid for 5 months? – Netizen slams NSS boss

    How do you sleep despite knowing NSS personnel haven’t been paid for 5 months? – Netizen slams NSS boss

    A Ghanaian, Joel Kofi, has condemned the Executive Director of the National Secretariat Service (NSS), Osei Assibey Antwi, for failing to ensure that the 2023/24 service personnel are paid their allowance as outlined.

    In a post on the X platform, Joel Kofi noted that NSS personnel with government institutions have not been paid the allowance due them since they commenced their mandatory service to the country in November 2023.

    For him, he wonders how Osei Assibey Antwi is able to sleep comfortably at night when many Ghanaian graduates continue to starve in their quest to be patriotic for their nation.

    “This is Mr. Osei Assibey, the National service boss. Papa, do you sleep comfortably at night, knowing fully well that you are starving young people? From November 2023 to March 2024, not even a penny. How wicked can a man be?” he quizzed.

    On the issue of delayed allowance payment, the National Service Secretariat in January of this year called for calm as agitation among 2023/2024 service personnel grows following the Secretariat’s inability to pay their monthly allowances.

    Speaking to Citi News, the Acting Head of Corporate Affairs for the National Service Scheme, Ambrose Entsiwah Junior, indicated that the Secretariat is waiting on Parliament for the approval of their budget.

    He said, “It depends on the money that we receive at any point in time. Let’s not forget that we have submitted our budget to parliament like every other institution for appropriation to be done. And so once those things have been completed and funds have been released into our account, which includes salaries and payment of allowances and all that, we will pay the service personnel.”

    Two months later, it appears Parliament is yet to approve the budget for the NSS for payment to be made.

  • Nsawam Prison officers helped Chinese prisoner escape – Court told

    Nsawam Prison officers helped Chinese prisoner escape – Court told

    Two prison officers, Joseph Oteng and Sergeant Isaac Boateng Bonsu, have been brought before an Accra Circuit Court on charges of aiding the escape of Wang Xiao, a Chinese convict at Nsawam Medium Prison.

    The officers are facing charges of conspiracy and aiding escape. It was alleged that they initially claimed to their superiors that after escorting Wang Xiao to the hospital, they were approached by a Toyota Vitz car, which then drove away with the convict.

    However, CCTV footage from a hotel exposed their deceit. The footage showed that the accused officers took Wang Xiao to a hotel to meet his wife in a room.

    The convict and his wife allegedly escaped over the room’s balcony while the officers waited in the hotel reception area.

    The prosecution said that on February 7, 2024, at around 0700 hours, the two officers were detailed to escort Wang Xiao, a Chinese national serving a one-year sentence at Nsawam Medium Security Prisons, to Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital for treatment.

    The prosecutor said that after the convict was treated by a medical officer at the hospital’s Dental Department, the two accused agreed to accompany him to the Oceans Hotel in Korle Gonno to meet his wife for a discussion in exchange for a reward of GHC1,000, which they agreed to split.

    According to Chief Inspector Alorwu, the accused removed the convict’s handcuffs and took him to the hotel reception. The second accused, Bonsu, informed the receptionist that they were there to see someone in one of the rooms.

    The prosecution said the two accused sent the convict to the room, where they met his alleged wife, who offered them KFC rice and drink while she “spends some time with the husband alone.”

    Upon returning to the hotel room to contact the convict, the accused discovered that both the convict and his alleged wife had fled through the balcony.

    The prosecutor said that after the convict fled, the accused proceeded to Tema Station Hockey to hide the handcuffs with a witness in the case.

    They immediately called their superiors in Nsawam and informed them that when escorting the convict from the hospital, they were unexpectedly stopped by a yellow and black unregistered Toyota Vitz taxi, and the inmate leapt into the taxi and fled with it.

    The prosecutor said the accused were interrogated by their superiors at the Prisons National headquarters, who then submitted a formal complaint to the Police on February 13, 2024.

    During investigations, the accused led the police to the hotel. A review of CCTV footage revealed that the convict and his wife jumped from the balcony of the first-floor building and fled while the accused were relaxing in the reception area after receiving meals from the convict’s wife.

    The prosecutor said that it was only when the hotel staff alerted them to check on the prisoner that they realized he had escaped.

    The accused have pleaded not guilty, and the court, presided over by Mrs. Afia Owusua Appiah, has granted them bail in the sum of GhC100,000 each, with two sureties to be justified.

    They are scheduled to reappear on April 9, 2024. The prosecution, led by Chief Inspector Wisdom Alorwu, stated that the complainant was the third in command at the Nsawam Medium Security Prisons, and the accused were serving under his supervision.

  • “It is the most painful thing in life” – Teen in need of financial support for dialysis cries out

    “It is the most painful thing in life” – Teen in need of financial support for dialysis cries out

    Dialysis, the treatment for kidney failure, continues to take a toll on many Ghanaian households.

    A yet-to be aired documentary by GHOne TV tells the story of a teen girl who is struggling in her dialysis journey.

    Ama (her pseudonym) and her family are no longer able to fund the treatment of their child. The financial and psychological burden has taken a toll on the family.

    Interacting with the media, Ama broke down several times, with tears falling from her checks, as she shared her struggles in receiving treatment.

    On finances, Ama noted that she most often takes in no food when her family struggles to raise funds for her treatment.

    “If the day for our dialysis approaches and we lack the funds, with nothing in the house to eat, I lose my appetite entirely,” she said.

    The treatment takes a toll on one’s body, and for Ama, sleep evades her whenever she visits the hospital.

    “At first when I started the dialysis, whenever I go for dialysis and come back, I will not sleep.”

    Although Ama remains hopeful of a better future for herself and others like her, her present situation presents the most painful part of her young life.

    “It is the most painful thing in life, what I go through, I don’t want the young ones who are coming to go through that,” she tearfully said.

    To aid Ama, kindly send all donations to…

    MTN MOMO: 0557933570

    NAME: EIB NETWORK REFERENCE: DIALYSIS

    ECOBANK ACCOUNT: 1441002387517

    NAME: EIB NETWORK BRANCH: RING ROAD CENTRAL

    Ghana’s struggle with dialysis

    Recent fee hikes for dialysis treatment at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital and Korle Bu Teaching Hospital raised concerns about the affordability of care for patients. Some patients have tragically died due to financial constraints.

    On the matter, Health Minister designate, Dr. Bernard Okoe-Boye, is advocating for the removal of taxes on dialysis consumables to ease the financial burden on renal patients in Ghana.

    Aside from the financial constraint, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) is facing a critical shortage of dialysis machines, with the hospital’s Chief Executive Officer, Professor Dr. Otchere Addai-Mensah, revealing that they have no more than two machines available.

    During a meeting with Finance Minister-designate, Mohammed Amin Adams, KATH’s Chief Executive Officer, Professor Dr. Otchere Addai-Mensah, emphasized that the hospital’s two dialysis machines are insufficient to meet patient demand.

    Insufficient dialysis equipment at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) has led to the redirection of some patients to private facilities.

    The hospital, known for its role as a referral center, is struggling to meet the needs of its dialysis patients due to a shortage of equipment.

    Dr. Addai pointed out that due to the lengthy duration of each dialysis session, patients may experience extended wait times if there is a large queue.

    Furthermore, he highlighted that the hospital has been without a mammography machine for the past 18 years.

  • We are fed up with NDC, NPP; we need a third force – Manklalo Togbe Brentuo Asafo IV

    We are fed up with NDC, NPP; we need a third force – Manklalo Togbe Brentuo Asafo IV

    Manklalo of the Mafi Traditional Area, Togbe Brentuo Asafo IV, has expressed the need for a third political force in Ghana.

    In Mafi, during a political tour of the Volta Region by founder and leader of the Movement for Change, Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen, he noted that Ghanaians have not seen sufficient development from the two major political parties; the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).

    He noted that Ghana would see the needed change if Mr Kyerematen is given the nod to lead the country.

    “We want to have a third force. We are fed up with the NDC and NPP. I am not condemning them, they have done what they could. They have too much time in power. We pray God makes him [Alan Kyerematen] the third force to govern us. The chiefs and people of Mafi are behind him”, he said.

    Mr. Kyerematen affirmed this sentiment, stating that Ghanaians are calling for a change and a new leader to guide the country’s affairs.

    “The majority of Ghanaians are looking for change. They are asking for a government of national unity, a union government which will not only be composed of people who are politicians. But all our stakeholders, including chiefs, religious men, and various people”, he said.

    He also announced that the Volta Region would receive a significant portion of development projects under his administration to boost the region’s status. He highlighted the region’s potential in agriculture, oil and gas, tourism, and other sectors.

    Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen, has promised to transform Juapong into an economic hub by reviving the Volta Star Textile factory, enhancing the market, and establishing a trader’s bank in the area.

    Mr. Kyerematen made this announcement during his Market Tour of the Volta Region, starting at the Juapong Market in the Central Tongu District. His tour is part of his campaign efforts ahead of the December 7 general elections.

    Local Textile manufacturers expressed worry in January last year that, after a series of interventions by Volta Star Textile Limited (VSTL), the company is still not able to produce to meet the demand of local producers.

    Volta Star is the only state-owned local processor of cotton for fabric manufacturers in the country established under the Ministry of Trade and Industry.

    Mr Kyerematen also announced plans to establish the largest skills development center in the entire West Africa sub-region, with a focus on the Volta Region.

    This initiative is part of his regional development agenda, where each region would have a specific project aimed at improving the country’s economic status.

    Continuing to the Ho Central Market, Mr. Kyerematen urged traders to support him to make the region a hub for skills development.

    The Movement for Change team concluded their tour at the Sogakofe Market, reiterating their commitment to the region’s development.

  • Why do you want to be president? – NPP bigwig asks Bawumia

    Why do you want to be president? – NPP bigwig asks Bawumia

    A prominent member of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kwame Pianim, has questioned the political philosophy of the party’s 2024 presidential flagbearer, Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.

    The respected economist stated in an interview on TV3 that he would seek to understand Mahamudu Bawumia’s political philosophy to assess why the vice president is aspiring to become president.

    Asked whether he would accept to join the Bawumia campaign ahead of the 2024 elections, he responded: “I will ask him, first of all, why do you want to become president of Ghana and he has to tell me, because I don’t know his political philosophy.

    “I know him as an economist, I don’t know what he believes in. You know, the NPP, we believe in certain basic principles and I find out that even some of my cherished members pay lip service to private entrepreneurship and giving Ghanaians control of this economy and yet they are jealous of businessmen making money,” he submitted.

    He emphasized that businessmen should be viewed as performing national service by creating jobs, stating that it was “time to support them with sovereign guarantees.”

    During the same interview, he refuted reports that he had been appointed as an economic advisor to the Bawumia campaign manifesto team, dismissing them as “fake news.”

  • “Leave me alone!”: How suspected drunk driver reacted after crashing into a shop at Kokomlemle

    “Leave me alone!”: How suspected drunk driver reacted after crashing into a shop at Kokomlemle

    A driver suspected to be under the influence of alcohol slammed into a shop at Kokomlemle in Accra.

    Per reports, no casualties were recorded, although the driver hit another vehicle.

    After the incident, the driver was approached by a journalist with Adom News, who sought to obtain information as to how the accident unfolded.

    “How did this happen?” the male journalist asked.

    The driver, who did not look well-sound, replied, “Where my thoughts are right now, I will not be able to answer. Where is the driver, he should do what pleases him to me. I have nothing to say.”

    The journalist then asked if indeed he was intoxicated, and he repeatedly said, “I have nothing else to say.”

    “Why would you drink and drive,” the journalist further asked.

    “Who told you I have taken in alcohol? After getting wet, do you expect me to respond?” he asked.

    “You don’t drink and drive,” the journalist said.

    The furious driver replied, “take your questions away and leave my presence. Go away, go away. When you came here, was I holding the steer?”

  • Arsenal reach first Champions League quarter-final stage in 14 years

    Arsenal reach first Champions League quarter-final stage in 14 years

    David Raya’s heroics in goal saved two penalties as Arsenal edged past Porto 4-2 in a shootout, securing their first Champions League quarter-final in 14 years.

    Despite Leandro Trossard’s first-half equalizer erasing the first-leg deficit, Mikel Arteta’s side struggled to create chances, with the tie finishing 1-1 on aggregate.

    Arsenal’s penalty takers were flawless, while Raya denied Wendell and Galeno from the spot, marking the Premier League leaders’ first appearance in the quarter-finals since 2010.

    Arteta, who experienced four straight defeats at this stage as a player, has now guided Arsenal into the final eight, ending their seven-year Champions League absence.

    The match threatened to boil over at times, with both Arteta and Porto’s coach, Sergio Conceicao, receiving cautions in what was also Arteta’s first knockout win at the Emirates Stadium.

    The game saw a mix of chances, with Ben White’s header and Bukayo Saka’s strike testing Porto’s goalkeeper, Diogo Costa, while Evanilson and Francisco Conceicao threatened on the counter-attack for Porto.

    Arsenal broke the deadlock before halftime, with Martin Odegaard’s exquisite pass setting up Trossard’s goal. The goal injected energy into Arsenal’s play in the second half, but the tie remained deadlocked.

    Porto had a goal disallowed for a foul, and both managers were booked for their protests. Despite late chances for both sides, including a smart save by Costa from Gabriel Jesus, the game went to extra time.

    In extra time, Porto’s Mehdi Taremi missed a good opportunity, and tempers flared on the touchline between Sergio Conceicao and Kai Havertz.

    With the game still level after extra time, the match went to penalties. Odegaard, Pepe, Havertz, and Rice scored for Arsenal, while Raya’s save from Galeno secured their place in the quarter-finals, erasing memories of past knockout disappointments.

  • Alan aims to revive ‘dying’ Volta Star Textile factory

    Alan aims to revive ‘dying’ Volta Star Textile factory

    Founder and Leader of the Movement for Change, Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen, has promised to transform Juapong into an economic hub by reviving the Volta Star Textile factory, enhancing the market, and establishing a trader’s bank in the area.

    Mr. Kyerematen made this announcement during his Market Tour of the Volta Region, starting at the Juapong Market in the Central Tongu District. His tour is part of his campaign efforts ahead of the December 7 general elections.

    Local Textile Manufacturers in January last year expressed worry that after series of interventions to the Volta Star Textile Limited (VSTL), the company is still not able to produce to meet the demand of local producers.

    Volta Star is the only state-owned local processor of cotton for fabric manufacturers in the country established under the Ministry of Trade and Industry.

    According to Text Styles Ghana Limited, producers of GTP, Woodin and Vlisco fabrics, processing raw materials from Volta Star has become more difficult as compared to the imported ones.

    The VSTL, located at Juapong in the North Tongu District of the Volta Region of Ghana, was established in the late 1960s and incorporated in November 2007 as an agro-processing business involved in the processing of cotton into yarn and grey baft for local consumption and export. The mission of VSTL is to stand out as the preferred textiles products supplier in Africa and beyond and to be recognized as a world class company through its “total quality” and people driven spirit.

    Government of Ghana acting through the Ministry of Trade and Industry in 2015 appointed PwC to assist with the revitalization of VSTL as part of efforts to enhance the status of VSTL as a leading textile processing company in West Africa and to improve the economic prospects of Juapong and its surrounding communities.

    Mr Kyerematen also announced plans to establish the largest skills development center in the entire West Africa sub-region, with a focus on the Volta Region.

    This initiative is part of his regional development agenda, where each region would have a specific project aimed at improving the country’s economic status.

    Continuing to the Ho Central Market, Mr. Kyerematen urged traders to support him to make the region a hub for skills development.

    In Mafi, he and his team met with Manklalo Togbe Brentuo Asafo IV, who expressed the need for a third political force in Ghana.

    “We want to have a third force. We are fed up with the NDC and NPP. I am not condemning them, they have done what they could. They have too much time in power. We pray God makes him [Alan Kyerematen] the third force to govern us. The chiefs and people of Mafi are behind him”, he said.

    Mr. Kyerematen affirmed this sentiment, stating that Ghanaians are calling for a change and a new leader to guide the country’s affairs.

    “The majority of Ghanaians are looking for change. They are asking for a government of national unity, a union government which will not only be composed of people who are politicians. But all our stakeholders, including chiefs, religious men, and various people”, he said.

    He also announced that the Volta Region would receive a significant portion of development projects under his administration to boost the region’s status. He highlighted the region’s potential in agriculture, oil and gas, tourism, and other sectors.

    The Movement for Change team concluded their tour at the Sogakofe Market, reiterating their commitment to the region’s development.

  • VIDEO: Afenyo-Markin withdraws ‘age-card attack’ on NDC’s Prof Naana Jane after pressure from Minority

    VIDEO: Afenyo-Markin withdraws ‘age-card attack’ on NDC’s Prof Naana Jane after pressure from Minority

    Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has retracted controversial age-related comments he made on the floor of Parliament on March 11, 2024, against Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, the running mate of National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer, John Mahama.

    During his final submissions on the State of the Nation (SONA) debate, Afenyo-Markin criticized the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), accusing them of lacking plans for Ghana’s future.

    He cited the party’s selection of septuagenarian Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang as running mate to former President John Mahama as evidence for his claim, adding that the former education minister failed in that role.

    “Even if you look at his choice of running mate, he could not get somebody that one could say that they are planning for the future. The person is over 70 years old.

    “There is no succession plan. Mr. Speaker, from day one, the government will be in crisis. Mr Speaker, they went to pick a very old person who could not perform at the Education Ministry,” Afenyo-Markin said before the Deputy Minority Chief Whip, Ahmed Ibrahim, rose to issue a spirited rebuttal to the Majority Leader.

    Following the comments, sitting was suspended after NDC MPs demanded a withdrawal and apology from the Majority Leader. Afenyo-Markin has since rendered an apology for his remarks.

    When the House resumed, he issued the said withdrawal, stating: “When we went into conclave, colleagues expressed concern about the issue of age, so Mr. Speaker, the submission was to the effect that our opponents don’t have a succession plan for the future, not to denigrate their running mate on the basis of age.

    “So, I withdraw that aspect of the submission that referred to her age as the basis of my contention,” he added before continuing with his concluding remarks on the SONA debate.

  • We only know you as an economist, what is your political philosophy? – Kwame Pianim quizzes Bawumia

    We only know you as an economist, what is your political philosophy? – Kwame Pianim quizzes Bawumia

    Kwame Pianim, a prominent member of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), has raised questions about the political philosophy of the party’s 2024 presidential flagbearer.

    The respected economist expressed his curiosity about Mahamudu Bawumia’s political philosophy during an interview on TV3.

    Mr Pianim indicated that understanding the vice president’s political philosophy is crucial in assessing his motivations for seeking the presidency.

    “I will ask him, first of all, why do you want to become president of Ghana and he has to tell me, because I don’t know his political philosophy.

    “I know him as an economist, I don’t know what he believes in. You know, the NPP, we believe in certain basic principles and I find out that even some of my cherished members pay lip service to private entrepreneurship and giving Ghanaians control of this economy and yet they are jealous of businessmen making money,” he submitted.

    He emphasized that businessmen should be viewed as contributing to national service by creating jobs, advocating for their support through sovereign guarantees.

    During the same interview, Kwame Pianim refuted reports labeling him as an economic advisor to the Bawumia campaign manifesto team, dismissing them as “fake news.”

  • John Kumah died of natural causes, no trace of poison – Alleged autopsy report

    John Kumah died of natural causes, no trace of poison – Alleged autopsy report

    A report by a pathologist on the late Member of Parliament for Ejisu, John Ampontuah Kumah, has confirmed that he died of natural causes, Ghanaweb reports in an article.

    Following the death of the Deputy Minister for Finance on Thursday, March 7, 2024, multiple reports attributed his death to poisoning.

    The autopsy, which Ghanaweb says it has intercepted and was conducted at the Police Hospital in Accra, also ruled out the presence of any harmful chemicals, such as poison, in his system.

    “Blood and urine samples tested for alcohol, common drugs, and poisons were negative,” Ghanaweb quoted a part of the toxicology section of the report to have said.

    It was earlier reported that the late Ejisu MP suffered from multiple myeloma, which is a type of blood cancer for which he was undergoing treatment.

    Details of the autopsy addressed to the Coroner at the Kaneshie District Magistrate Court and dated Monday, March 11, 2024, determined the cause of his death to be due to “congestive heart failure,” “severe anaemia,” and “underlying multiple myeloma.”

    According to a family source, the report was officially presented to the family on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, and they are studying it while arrangements are being made to obtain the death certificate.

    GhanaWeb reports that the late John Kumah was undergoing treatment at the University Hospital of Erlangen in Germany for his condition, which at one point led to a fracture in his left arm.

    According to the source, the MP was scheduled to begin active treatment in Germany on March 12, 2024, but was discharged against the doctor’s advice so he could attend the Independence Day celebrations on March 6, 2024, before returning for treatment.

    Following a deterioration in his condition, the MP was being transported from Kumasi to Accra when he died en route.

    The said report, cited by Ghanaweb, is yet to be made available to the public.

  • Alan Kyerematen promises Volta Region a skills development centre

    Alan Kyerematen promises Volta Region a skills development centre

    Founder and Leader of the Movement for Change, Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen, has announced plans to establish the largest skills development center in the entire West Africa sub-region, with a focus on the Volta Region.

    This initiative is part of his regional development agenda, where each region would have a specific project aimed at improving the country’s economic status.

    Mr. Kyerematen made this announcement during his Market Tour of the Volta Region, starting at the Juapong Market in the Central Tongu District. His tour is part of his campaign efforts ahead of the December 7 general elections.

    During his visit, he promised to transform Juapong into an economic hub by reviving the Volta Star Textile factory, enhancing the market, and establishing a trader’s bank in the area.

    Continuing to the Ho Central Market, Mr. Kyerematen urged traders to support him to make the region a hub for skills development.

    In Mafi, he and his team met with Manklalo Togbe Brentuo Asafo IV, who expressed the need for a third political force in Ghana.

    “We want to have a third force. We are fed up with the NDC and NPP. I am not condemning them, they have done what they could. They have too much time in power. We pray God makes him [Alan Kyerematen] the third force to govern us. The chiefs and people of Mafi are behind him”, he said.

    Mr. Kyerematen affirmed this sentiment, stating that Ghanaians are calling for a change and a new leader to guide the country’s affairs.

    “The majority of Ghanaians are looking for change. They are asking for a government of national unity, a union government which will not only be composed of people who are politicians. But all our stakeholders, including chiefs, religious men, and various people”, he said.

    He also announced that the Volta Region would receive a significant portion of development projects under his administration to boost the region’s status. He highlighted the region’s potential in agriculture, oil and gas, tourism, and other sectors.

    The Movement for Change team concluded their tour at the Sogakofe Market, reiterating their commitment to the region’s development.

  • Black Princesses secure slot in knockout stage of 13th African Games

    Black Princesses secure slot in knockout stage of 13th African Games

    Ghana’s Black Princesses have advanced to the knockout stage of the women’s football tournament at the 13th African Games after securing two consecutive wins in the group stage.

    In their first match, the Black Princesses fought hard to secure a narrow victory over Ethiopia. Today, at the Cape Coast Stadium, they faced the Tanzania U20 Women’s national team in their second Group A game.

    Although Tanzania took the lead with a goal from Hasnath Ubamba in the 23rd minute, the Black Princesses responded determinedly. Just before halftime, Tracey Twum scored a fantastic goal to equalize.

    In the second half, Mukarama Abdulai scored in the 64th minute, giving Ghana the lead. The Black Princesses defended well and controlled the game, ultimately securing a 2-1 victory.

    With this win, the Ghana U20 women’s national team has qualified for the knockout stage of the football tournament. They will now focus on their final Group A match against Uganda.

  • KATH suspends new admissions as doctors strike today over accommodation problems

    KATH suspends new admissions as doctors strike today over accommodation problems

    Doctors at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) and other medical workers will today lay down their tools to search for new accommodation following the alleged takeover of their current residences by private developers.

    The decision was made public in a statement following an emergency meeting on Tuesday, where the doctors unanimously agreed to strike in support of 20 of their colleagues who have received eviction notice.

    The Ghana Medical Association has endorsed the strike, which will only impact new admissions, as all doctors have agreed to comply with the Association’s directive.

    This means that patients who would have been admitted for treatment or care at KATH may need to seek medical attention elsewhere or face delays in receiving care.

    The medical workers, particularly those affiliated with the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, claim they have been given a week’s ultimatum by the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council to vacate their existing residences. They allege that their bungalows have been sold to private developers.

    Ashanti Regional President of the Ghana Medical Association, Dr. Paa Kwasi Baidoo, expressed dismay at the sudden displacement of hospital staff from their homes, highlighting the agreement made with Manhyia Palace for new accommodations before the handover of the land. 

    However, this agreement, he said, has allegedly been disregarded.

    “You will notice that a lot of our staff live 15 to 20 minutes away from the hospital and all of a sudden, people will come and ask you to move from your place because it has been sold to them and we took that issue up and we met with Manhyia on it and it was agreed that a new place be prepared to move us there before you can take possession of the land, they have disregarded that with impunity and so we are meeting this morning.

    “We will all leave the hospital to go and look for accommodation because we don’t have a place to sleep.”

  • We will not infringe on voters’ privacy by using drones – NDC tells EC

    We will not infringe on voters’ privacy by using drones – NDC tells EC

    Deputy General Secretary of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mustapha Gbande, has reassured the Electoral Commission (EC) that the drones the party plans to use for monitoring the upcoming general election will not violate voters’ privacy.

    The Electoral Commission has expressed concern, stating that the use of drones would infringe on voters’ electoral privacy and breach security protocols.

    However, Gbande emphasized that the party would strictly adhere to all electoral rules by flying the drones outside the voting perimeter. He emphasized that this measure is aimed at contributing to a free and fair election process.

    Gbande made these remarks during an interview on JoyNews’ Election Brief on March 12.

    “My assurance to the Electoral Commission is that the drone strategy in the Greater Accra region will not include the voting and polling station perimeters, where nobody is supposed to walk or move within.

    “When you go to a voting centre or a polling station, there is a certain perimeter that is cordoned that no one is supposed to move.

    “The purposes of having that perimeter is for the safety of the voter and then the assurance of secrecy of the voting process. They can be rest assured that it will not affect the perimeter of voting,” he said.

    Mr. Gbande emphasized that the party’s preparations are based on lessons learned from the 2020 elections. He stated that in the upcoming polls, the drones will be used to detect any electoral misconduct.

    “Beyond that, we can even monitor when people are using election materials. We were in this country in 2020 when they printed excess ballot papers. We knew that. So if we intend to monitor even the EC’s activity going into 2024 to ensure that nobody moves fake materials into any area for the purposes of rigging an election, we believe it is our strategy and it does not flout any law,” he added.

    The Deputy General Secretary of the NDC added that the drone will only be deployed in the Greater Accra region.

  • Nigel Gaisie reveals what happened between him and “Lily” Kumah at Mövenpick

    Nigel Gaisie reveals what happened between him and “Lily” Kumah at Mövenpick

    Prophet Nigel Gaisie, the General Overseer of the Prophetic Hill Chapel, has revealed details of a meeting he had with Apostle Mrs. Lilian Kumah, the wife of the late Deputy Finance Minister, Dr. John Kumah, at Mövenpick in September of the previous year.

    In a live social media broadcast on Monday, March 11, Prophet Nigel Gaisie responded to recent criticisms from Apostle Mrs. Lilian Kumah regarding comments he made about her late husband.

    The death of Dr. Kumah on March 7, 2024, has sparked speculation about the cause, with a prophecy from Prophet Nigel Gaisie being among the viral videos circulating after the incident.

    However, in a recorded interview played on Accra-based Asaase Radio on Monday, March 11, 2024, Apostle Kumah expressed her disappointment with Prophet Nigel Gaisie, accusing him of exploiting their personal information for his own gain and to enhance his popularity, despite their close relationship.

    “We know him very well and have been aware since November 2023 that the late John Kumah was seriously sick. My husband had a lot of respect for men of God in this country and that included Nigel Gaisie when my husband and I thought he was a genuine man of God,” she explained. 

    In response to Apostle Kumah’s accusations, Prophet Nigel Gaisie noted that he is no mere stranger to the Kumah family, as he used to pray for Apostle Lilian and for that reason, she used to call him Papa.

    He recounted an instance at Mövenpick hotel in Accrra where the Apostle allegedly called him “Man of God” instead of Papa, as she normally does, reportedly.

    “I called her Apostle and she called me Man of God. I told her today you are calling me Man of God. You used to call me Papa and I am your Papa. I know I don’t impose Papa on anybody but you’ve never called me Man of God,” he said.

    According to him, he was surprised since he anointed her. Prophet Nigel Gaisie noted that it was during their brief encounter at Mövenpick in September that he informed her that he wanted to speak to the late John Kumah since he had a revelation about him.

    “Because Man of God is someone you don’t really know but you are somebody who has knelt down before me and I have poured oil on you several times. So I realized that she was trying to be rude with her gestures. She was still on the phone. If Apostle Lilian really has the Holy Ghost and she reads the Bible I read, which is the Bible of Jacob, Isaac she cannot tell me she didn’t meet me at Mövenpick,” he added.

    “I told her at Mövenpick that I have a revelation about her husband and so she should let her husband call me or she should tell when I should call. You, that I thought you how to pray, tell me when I should call so that I give the revelation to your husband that was in September, I was going to renew your UK visa.

    “Now Lily is telling people that they should ignore the prophesy and that they were my friends and I heard about it,” he noted.

    He suggested that Apostle Kumah’s interview was an attempt to discredit his prophetic work, influenced by politicians who are not supportive of his ministry.

  • Nigel Gaisie details Mövenpick meeting with Lilian Kumah

    Nigel Gaisie details Mövenpick meeting with Lilian Kumah

    The General Overseer of the Prophetic Hill Chapel, Prophet Nigel Gaisie, has shared details of the meeting he had with the wife of the late Deputy Finance Minister, Dr. John Kumah, Apostle Mrs. Lilian Kumah at Mövenpick in September last year.

    In a live social media recording on Monday, March 11, Prophet Nigel Gaisie reacted to Apostle Mrs. Lilian Kumah’s recent attacks against him over comments he made regarding her late husband.

    Following Dr. Kumah’s death on March 7, 2024, there has been speculation about the cause, with Prophet Nigel Gaisie’s prophecy being one of the videos that went viral after the incident.

    However, in a recorded interview played on Accra-based Asaase Radio on Monday, March 11, 2024, Apostle Kumah reacted to the prophecy, stating that Prophet Nigel Gaisie exploited their personal information for his own gain, just to gain popularity, despite being close to the family.

    “We know him very well and have been aware since November 2023 that the late John Kumah was seriously sick. My husband had a lot of respect for men of God in this country and that included Nigel Gaisie when my husband and I thought he was a genuine man of God,” she explained. 

    In response to Apostle Kumah’s accusations, Prophet Nigel Gaisie noted that he is no mere stranger to the Kumah family, as he used to pray for Apostle Lilian and for that reason, she used to call him Papa.

    He recounted an instance where the Apostle allegedly called him “Man of God” instead of Papa as she normally did.

    “I called her Apostle and she called me Man of God. I told her today you are calling me Man of God. You used to call me Papa and I am your Papa. I know I don’t impose Papa on anybody but you’ve never called me Man of God,” he said.

    According to him, he was surprised since he anointed her. Prophet Nigel Gaisie noted that it was during their brief encounter at Mövenpick in September that he informed her that he wanted to speak to the late John Kumah since he had a revelation about him.

    “Because Man of God is someone you don’t really know but you are somebody who has knelt down before me and I have poured oil on you several times. So I realized that she was trying to be rude with her gestures. She was still on the phone. If Apostle Lilian really has the Holy Ghost and she reads the Bible I read, which is the Bible of Jacob, Isaac she cannot tell me she didn’t meet me at Mövenpick,” he added.

    “I told her at Mövenpick that I have a revelation about her husband and so she should let her husband call me or she should tell when I should call. You, that I thought you how to pray, tell me when I should call so that I give the revelation to your husband that was in September, I was going to renew your UK visa.

    “Now Lily is telling people that they should ignore the prophesy and that they were my friends and I heard about it,” he noted.

    He suggested that Apostle Kumah’s interview was an attempt to discredit his prophetic work, influenced by politicians who are not supportive of his ministry.

  • NDC is a peaceful party and we will play by the rules – Mahama on 2024 elections

    NDC is a peaceful party and we will play by the rules – Mahama on 2024 elections

    Flagbearer for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has reassured that his party will not engage in any actions that could disrupt the 2024 elections.

    Speaking during his Building Ghana Tour in Accra, Mahama emphasized the importance of peace in the electoral process. He stated that peace would prevail if the elections are conducted transparently, freely, and fairly.

    Mahama said, “I am assuring you that NDC is a peaceful party and we will play by the rules. If everything is transparent, free, and fair, we are capable of winning the elections, so we are not going to do anything to disturb the elections.”

    He called on traditional leaders and other stakeholders to ensure that justice prevails during the electoral process.

    Mahama stressed that peace is maintained when there is justice, and it is important to address any wrongdoing to prevent disturbances.

    “We want peace, but there must be justice. If you say you want peace and somebody is rigging the elections, you are not going to sit down and watch the person rig it,” he added.

  • Speak up when you see something wrong with plans for 2024 elections – Mahama tells traditional leaders

    Speak up when you see something wrong with plans for 2024 elections – Mahama tells traditional leaders

    Flagbearer for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has called on traditional leaders and other stakeholders to ensure that justice prevails during the electoral process.

    Speaking during his Building Ghana Tour in Accra, he said, “we expect you as custodians of the land and respectable traditional leaders, to also be observers and make sure that if somebody is doing the wrong thing, you are able to speak up and correct them before they disturb the peace.

    “It is the lack of justice that destroys the peace,” he stressed.

    He has reassured that his party will not engage in any actions that could disrupt the 2024 elections.

    Mahama emphasized the importance of peace in the electoral process. He stated that peace would prevail if the elections are conducted transparently, freely, and fairly.

    Mahama said, “I am assuring you that NDC is a peaceful party and we will play by the rules. If everything is transparent, free, and fair, we are capable of winning the elections, so we are not going to do anything to disturb the elections.”

    He stressed that peace is maintained when there is justice, and it is important to address any wrongdoing to prevent disturbances.

    “We want peace, but there must be justice. If you say you want peace and somebody is rigging the elections, you are not going to sit down and watch the person rig it,” he added.

  • Gov’t should also benefit from exodus of nurses – Deputy Health Minister-designate

    Gov’t should also benefit from exodus of nurses – Deputy Health Minister-designate

    Deputy Minister-designate for Health, Alexander Akwasi Acquah, is advocating for a strategy to tackle the significant exodus of Ghanaian nurses and healthcare workers from the country.

    During his appearance before Parliament’s Appointments Committee, Acquah expressed concern about the high rate at which personnel, particularly nurses, are leaving Ghana for better opportunities abroad.

    He stressed the importance of government intervention to address this issue and suggested that Ghana could benefit from this trend by developing a strategic approach.

    Mr Acquah highlighted that while the exodus is alarming, it also presents an opportunity for the government to capitalize on the situation and derive benefits.

    “It is a worry to a lot of us. But I am on record to have said that if these nurses think that there is greener pasture somewhere and they would want to go for it, it will be better that we organise it well for the government to have a benefit therefrom,” Mr Acquah stated during the committee hearing on Tuesday, March 12, 2024.

    Acquah’s comments are timely, given the increasing concerns about the shortage of healthcare professionals in Ghana, especially nurses.

    Healthcare facilities across the country have been facing staffing challenges, impacting the quality of healthcare services provided to the public.

    President Akufo-Addo’s recent ministerial reshuffle on Wednesday, February 14, is significant as it marks the first major overhaul since he assumed office in January 2017.

  • KATH to suspend new admissions as doctors strike on Wednesday over accommodation challenges

    KATH to suspend new admissions as doctors strike on Wednesday over accommodation challenges

    Doctors at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) have announced plans to strike on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, due to accommodation challenges.

    The Ghana Medical Association has endorsed the strike, which will only impact new admissions, as all doctors have agreed to comply with the Association’s directive.

    This means that patients who would have been admitted for treatment or care at KATH may need to seek medical attention elsewhere or face delays in receiving care.

    The decision to strike came after more than 20 doctors received eviction notices from their current residences, reportedly sold to private developers.

    Following an emergency meeting, the doctors unanimously agreed to strike in solidarity with their colleagues facing eviction.

    According to Dr. Paa Kwasi Baidoo, the Ashanti Regional President of the Ghana Medical Association, the doctors were given a one-week ultimatum by the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council to vacate their homes.

    Dr. Baidoo expressed disappointment at the sudden displacement of hospital staff, highlighting an agreement with Manhyia Palace for new accommodations before the land handover, which has allegedly been ignored.

  • There will be peace when there is justice – Mahama

    There will be peace when there is justice – Mahama

    Flagbearer for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has emphasized the importance of peace in the electoral process.

    Speaking during his Building Ghana Tour in Accra, he stated that peace would prevail if the elections are conducted transparently, freely, and fairly.

    “We want peace, but there must be justice. If you say you want peace and somebody is rigging the elections, you are not going to sit down and watch the person rig it,” he said.

    He reassured that his party will not engage in any actions that could disrupt the 2024 elections.

    Mahama said, “I am assuring you that NDC is a peaceful party and we will play by the rules. If everything is transparent, free, and fair, we are capable of winning the elections, so we are not going to do anything to disturb the elections.”

    He called on traditional leaders and other stakeholders to ensure that justice prevails during the electoral process.

    Mahama stressed that peace is maintained when there is justice, and it is important to address any wrongdoing to prevent disturbances.

  • Borteyman Sports Complex is “a world-class facility” – NFL Super Bowl champion Boye-Doe

    Borteyman Sports Complex is “a world-class facility” – NFL Super Bowl champion Boye-Doe

    Ekow Boye-Doe, an NFL Super Bowl champion, has praised the high standard of the Borteyman Sports Complex during his short trip to Ghana.

    Boye-Doe toured the facility with Sports Minister Mustapha Ussif, describing it as “world-class” and believing it will greatly contribute to developing sporting talent in the country.

    “This is a world-class facility, and it doesn’t get much better than this,” he said. “Ghana is one of the first to have such a facility in Africa, and it’s beautiful.”

    In February 2024, President Akufo-Addo commissioned the Borteyman Sports Complex, a newly constructed multipurpose sports facility, ahead of the 13th All-African Games. The facility can accommodate seven competitive sports, including table tennis, handball, tennis, volleyball, swimming, badminton, and the triathlon.

    The Borteyman facilities include a 1,000-seater capacity swimming pool with a 10-lane competition pool and an eight-lane warm-up pool. There’s also a multipurpose Sports Hall seating 1,000 spectators for events like basketball, badminton, netball, table tennis, and weightlifting.

    Additionally, there’s a 500-seater temporary dome for handball, volleyball, judo, karate, taekwondo, fencing, and arm-wrestling, as well as a five-court tennis complex with a 1,000-seater Centre Court.

    Boye-Doe, born in Accra, Ghana, in 1999, relocated to Lawrence, Kansas, in the United States, at a young age. He played six games in his debut season for Kansas City and went on to win the Super Bowl Championship in 2024.

  • I will see to the effective running of the Mortuaries and Funeral Facilities Agency – Deputy Health Minister-designate

    I will see to the effective running of the Mortuaries and Funeral Facilities Agency – Deputy Health Minister-designate

    The Deputy Health Minister-designate, Alexander Akwasi Acquah, has expressed his eagerness to oversee the Mortuaries and Funeral Facilities Agency (MoFFA) if approved for the position.

    During his vetting by Parliament’s Appointment Committee in Accra, Mr. Acquah appealed to the Health Minister to entrust him with the responsibility of managing MoFFA.

    In response to a question from the Minority Leader, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, regarding his interest in managing MoFFA, Mr. Acquah affirmed his willingness, stating, “I will gladly take up that responsibility.”

    He further explained, “The Ministry is very vast, and as I understand, it has always had two deputy ministers, so the various agencies are assigned to the deputy ministers. Of all the responsibilities my minister will assign to me, I am appealing for the opportunity to handle the mortuaries.”

    The Mortuaries and Funeral Facilities Agency as established by the Health Institutions and Facilities ACT 829 on December 31st, 2011  is responsible for licensing, controlling and regulation of facilities connected with the storage, transportation and disposal of human remains (the body of a deceased person or still born child and any part of the body removed in the course of surgical operation)

  • Cost of sanitary pads for needy girls should be absorbed by GETFund – Gender advocates tell gov’t

    Cost of sanitary pads for needy girls should be absorbed by GETFund – Gender advocates tell gov’t

    Some gender advocates are proposing that the government seek alternative funding to cover the costs of sanitary pads for young girls who cannot afford them.

    One advocate, business consultant Dr. Nana Esi Amos Abanyin, recommends that the government allocate funds to provide free sanitary towels for young females.

    She suggests that the Ghanaian Education Trust Fund allocate a portion of its funds for the procurement of sanitary products to support girl child education.

    “The girls are home and not in school due to common factors, sanitary pads they cannot afford. The Get-Fund can at least allocate 0.1% or 1% specifically to support the girls. Although its sole focus is on building schools, it is only the males that will have access to it if the girls aren’t also catered for,” she said.

    There are demands on the government to lower the cost of sanitary pads, which are considered expensive due to high taxes.

    This issue is hindering the academic advancement of many young girls, forcing them to miss school to manage their menstrual needs.

    Dr. Abenyin emphasizes the importance of the government investing in educating young girls to empower them and promote a more equitable society.

    “If the girls are not educated well the government should forget it,” she stated.

    “We can still look within possibly the NHIS because that is health, to support the aspect of sanitary pad. We’re hoping the government can help support the distribution of sanitary pads, promote local production, and reduce the price to make sanitary pads affordable for everyone,” he said.

    They made these remarks during a gender advocacy symposium organized by Send Ghana in collaboration with I Believe Global and Kumasi Technical University. The event brought together students, market women, and other gender advocates to discuss Ghana’s efforts towards gender equity.

    The 2022 United Nations Voluntary National Review for the Sustainable Development Goals indicates that Ghana’s progress towards gender parity is steadily improving. The goal of gender parity seems achievable as parliament considers the Affirmative Action Bill, which was introduced 13 years ago but has not yet become law.

    Dr. Abenyin emphasizes the need for the country to focus deliberately on implementing measures for gender parity, stressing that women must vigorously pursue this cause.

    “If no action is taken and there is no way we can make progress. It’s apparent that external assistance for women may not be forthcoming. Hence, they must take the initiative to stand on their own and transform discussions into definitive actions,” she added.

    Director of I Believe Global, Professor Smile Dzisi, urged the public to challenge gender stereotypes. She argues that these stereotypes undermine women’s contributions and hinder their ability to assume leadership positions.

    “There is this perception that females cannot occupy certain positions very well. They think feminity is timidity, you can’t take bold decisions and that is a problem because we have great female leaders performing well,“ she said.

  • Prove financial support by publishing names of beneficiaries of National Rental Assistance Scheme – NATUG

    Prove financial support by publishing names of beneficiaries of National Rental Assistance Scheme – NATUG

    The National Tenants’ Union of Ghana has demanded the immediate publication of the names of beneficiaries under the National Rental Assistance Scheme (NRAS), organized by regions and communities.

    This request follows former Minister of Works and Housing Francis Asenso Boakye‘s announcement that 1,492 citizens received a total disbursement of GH¢19 million through the NRAS.

    Launched on January 31, 2023, by the Ministry of Works and Housing, the NRAS aimed to alleviate issues related to rent advance payments in Ghana.

    However, the National Tenants’ Union of Ghana expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of specific details regarding the beneficiaries in the report presented to the House.

    To address this transparency gap, the Union is demanding the immediate publication of beneficiary names, organized by regions and communities.

    They argue that this step will allow stakeholders to evaluate and contribute to shaping the policy for more effective implementation and impact.

    Additionally, the Union is urging the Ministry of Housing to initiate a stakeholder engagement process and temporarily suspend the NRAS.

    This pause would enable a comprehensive review to address identified anomalies that could potentially hinder the scheme’s success.

    Among the issues raised are the high 24% interest rate on the rent loan, non-refundable loan processing fees of GH¢100.00, and the duration for which rent advance payments are made to beneficiaries.

  • You can’t sign anti-LGBTQ bill because ‘self-reliant’ Ghana keeps begging – Mahama tells Akufo-Addo

    You can’t sign anti-LGBTQ bill because ‘self-reliant’ Ghana keeps begging – Mahama tells Akufo-Addo

    Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has linked President Akufo-Addo’s alleged hesitance to sign the anti-LGBTQ+ bill to Ghana’s heavy reliance on foreign aid.

    During his Building Ghana Tour in Accra, where he discussed plans with clergy to establish a self-reliant economy, reducing Ghana’s dependence on foreign donors, Mr Mahama said, “Indications we are getting is that he [Akufo-Addo] says he won’t sign it because somebody has filed a suit with the Supreme Court so he has become entangled with some legal issues.

    “This is just the reason for being self-reliant. If you are not self-reliant that is when people can dictate to you. If we were self-reliant nobody would come ask us to do this or do that and so one of the key economic policies we must pursue is one of self-reliance,” he said.

    President Akufo-Addo, in a meeting with the diplomatic community, stated that he would wait for the Supreme Court’s ruling on the bill before making a decision.

    Earlier, the Finance Ministry advised against the bill, warning of potential repercussions on international financial support.

    The bill, aiming to penalize LGBTQ+ individuals and supporters, has sparked significant debate.

  • You won’t lie about our Mövenpick meeting, if you have the Holy Ghost in you! – Prophet Nigel tells John Kumah’s wife

    You won’t lie about our Mövenpick meeting, if you have the Holy Ghost in you! – Prophet Nigel tells John Kumah’s wife

    The General Overseer of the Prophetic Hill Chapel, Prophet Nigel Gaisie, has dared the wife of the late Deputy Finance Minister, Dr. John Kumah, Apostle Mrs. Lilian Kumah to deny the brief encounter they had at Mövenpick in September when he informed her that he wanted to speak to the late John Kumah about a revelation he had of him.

    In a live social media recording on Monday, March 11, Prophet Nigel Gaisie reacted to Apostle Mrs. Lilian Kumah’s recent attacks against him over comments he made regarding her late husband.

    Following Dr. Kumah’s death on March 7, 2024, there has been speculation about the cause, with Prophet Nigel Gaisie’s prophecy being one of the videos that went viral after the incident.

    However, in a recorded interview played on Accra-based Asaase Radio on Monday, March 11, 2024, Apostle Kumah reacted to the prophecy, stating that Prophet Nigel Gaisie exploited their personal information for his own gain, just to gain popularity, despite being close to the family.

    “We know him very well and have been aware since November 2023 that the late John Kumah was seriously sick. My husband had a lot of respect for men of God in this country and that included Nigel Gaisie when my husband and I thought he was a genuine man of God,” she explained. 

    In response to Apostle Kumah’s accusations, Prophet Nigel Gaisie noted that he is no mere stranger to the Kumah family, as he used to pray for Apostle Lilian and for that reason, she used to call him Papa.

    He recounted an instance where the Apostle allegedly called him “Man of God” instead of Papa as she normally did.

    “I called her Apostle and she called me Man of God. I told her today you are calling me Man of God. You used to call me Papa and I am your Papa. I know I don’t impose Papa on anybody but you’ve never called me Man of God,” he said.

    According to him, he was surprised since he anointed her.

    “Because Man of God is someone you don’t really know but you are somebody who has knelt down before me and I have poured oil on you several times. So I realized that she was trying to be rude with her gestures. She was still on the phone. If Apostle Lilian really has the Holy Ghost and she reads the Bible I read, which is the Bible of Jacob, Isaac she cannot tell me she didn’t meet me at Mövenpick,” he added.

    Prophet Nigel Gaisie noted that it was during their brief encounter at Mövenpick in September that he informed her that he wanted to speak to the late John Kumah since he had a revelation about him.

    “I told her at Mövenpick that I have a revelation about her husband and so she should let her husband call me or she should tell when I should call. You, that I thought you how to pray, tell me when I should call so that I give the revelation to your husband that was in September, I was going to renew your UK visa.

    “Now Lily is telling people that they should ignore the prophesy and that they were my friends and I heard about it,” he noted.

    He suggested that Apostle Kumah’s interview was an attempt to discredit his prophetic work, influenced by politicians who are not supportive of his ministry.

  • I anointed you! You used to call me papa! – Prophet Nigel tells Lilian Kumah

    I anointed you! You used to call me papa! – Prophet Nigel tells Lilian Kumah

    The General Overseer of the Prophetic Hill Chapel, Prophet Nigel Gaisie, has reacted to Apostle Mrs. Lilian Kumah, the wife of the late Deputy Finance Minister, Dr. John Kumah, over her recent attacks against him over comments he made regarding her late husband.

    Following Dr. Kumah’s death on March 7, 2024, there has been speculation about the cause, with Prophet Nigel Gaisie’s prophecy being one of the videos that went viral after the incident.

    However, in a recorded interview played on Accra-based Asaase Radio on Monday, March 11, 2024, Apostle Kumah reacted to the prophecy, stating that Prophet Nigel Gaisie exploited their personal information for his own gain, just to gain popularity, despite being close to the family.

    “We know him very well and have been aware since November 2023 that the late John Kumah was seriously sick. My husband had a lot of respect for men of God in this country and that included Nigel Gaisie when my husband and I thought he was a genuine man of God,” she explained. 

    In response to Apostle Kumah’s accusations, Prophet Nigel Gaisie addressed the issue in a live social media recording on Monday, March 11, 2024.

    Prophet Nigel Gaisie noted that he is no mere stranger to the Kumah family as he used to pray for Apostle Lilian and for that reason, she used to call him Papa.

    He recounted an instance where the Apostle allegedly called him “Man of God” instead of Papa as she normally did.

    “I called her Apostle and she called me Man of God. I told her today you are calling me Man of God. You used to call me Papa and I am your Papa. I know I don’t impose Papa on anybody but you’ve never called me Man of God,” he said.

    According to him, he was surprised since he anointed her.

    “Because Man of God is someone you don’t really know but you are somebody who has knelt down before me and I have poured oil on you several times. So I realized that she was trying to be rude with her gestures. She was still on the phone. If Apostle Lilian really has the Holy Ghost and she reads the Bible I read, which is the Bible of Jacob, Isaac she cannot tell me she didn’t meet me at Mövenpick,” he added.

    Prophet Nigel Gaisie noted that it was during their brief encounter at Mövenpick in September that he informed her that he wanted to speak to the late John Kumah since he had a revelation about him.

    “I told her at Mövenpick that I have a revelation about her husband and so she should let her husband call me or she should tell when I should call. You, that I thought you how to pray, tell me when I should call so that I give the revelation to your husband that was in September, I was going to renew your UK visa.

    “Now Lily is telling people that they should ignore the prophesy and that they were my friends and I heard about it,” he noted.

    He suggested that Apostle Kumah’s interview was an attempt to discredit his prophetic work, influenced by politicians who are not supportive of his ministry.

  • KATH doctors are being relocated, not forcefully evicted – Ashanti Regional Minister

    KATH doctors are being relocated, not forcefully evicted – Ashanti Regional Minister

    Ashanti Regional Minister Simon Osei Mensah has dismissed claims suggesting that doctors of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) are being forced out of their bungalows at Danyame by private developers.

    Simon Osei Mensah revealed that the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council is relocating all government workers within an enclave of state lands around Danyame and Nhyiaeso, which have been ceded to the Manhyia Palace.

    He clarified that new facilities are being constructed for the affected government workers, refuting claims of forceful eviction. He assured that the relocation is aimed at improving working conditions for the employees.

    “A portion of state lands within Danyame and Nhyiaeso have been ceded to Manhyia and as a result, we have to relocate all government workers that live within that area.

    “Some of the structures are sited on maybe an acre plot of land and in such instances, we demolish it and build more buildings to enable us to have enough places for the workers.”

    Doctors at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) and other medical workers are considering abandoning their duties to search for new accommodation following the alleged takeover of their current residencies by private developers.

    A crucial meeting is currently underway among the health workers to address the accommodation challenges they are facing.

    The medical workers, particularly those affiliated with the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, claim they have been given a week’s ultimatum by the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council to vacate their existing residences. They allege that their bungalows have been sold to private developers.

    Ashanti Regional President of the Ghana Medical Association, Dr. Paa Kwasi Baidoo, emphasized in an interview with Citi News that the outcomes of the meeting will determine their next course of action.

    He expressed dismay at the sudden displacement of hospital staff from their homes, highlighting the agreement made with Manhyia Palace for new accommodations before the handover of the land. However, this agreement has allegedly been disregarded.

    “You will notice that a lot of our staff live 15 to 20 minutes away from the hospital and all of a sudden, people will come and ask you to move from your place because it has been sold to them and we took that issue up and we met with Manhyia on it and it was agreed that a new place be prepared to move us there before you can take possession of the land, they have disregarded that with impunity and so we are meeting this morning.

    “We will all leave the hospital to go and look for accommodation because we don’t have a place to sleep.”

  • Tax exemptions are being used to attract investments – Afenyo-Markin defends $449m tax waiver request

    Tax exemptions are being used to attract investments – Afenyo-Markin defends $449m tax waiver request

    Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has responded to the Minority’s criticisms regarding the government’s tax waiver requests for businesses participating in the One District One Factory (1D1F) initiative.

    Despite objections from the Minority, who raised concerns about potential corruption and misuse of public funds over the proposed $449 million tax exemptions, Afenyo-Markin defended the initiative during his debate on the State of the Nation Address on Monday, March 11, 2024.

    He stressed that tax waivers are aimed at stimulating economic growth rather than causing losses to the state.

    Afenyo-Markin explained that tax exemptions are incentives designed to attract investments, which ultimately lead to tax credits benefiting the state in the long term.

    “Tax exemptions are used to attract investments, but the NDC is looking at them with a very myopic eye. Let me explain to you that when a government introduces tax exemptions, it is aimed at driving economic growth, and in effect, these tax exemptions become tax credits. It is not for free, so the NDC should not mislead Ghanaians.”

    “When a company is investing in our country and we say you are not going to pay taxes for imports of materials and equipment, what it means is that when that is given, it eventually becomes a tax credit, and the state will gain, and this is what the NDC could not do and does not understand.”

  • Expand congested maternity ward – Manhyia Hosptial management to govt

    Manhyia Government Hospital in the Ashanti Region is calling on the government to urgently renovate its maternity ward.

    The hospital’s management revealed that the ward, designed for 23 beds, now handles about 80 deliveries every week.

    Medical Superintendent, Dr. Kamarudeen Korku Hussein, highlighted that due to the overcrowding, some pregnant women are forced to give birth on the floor, posing serious health risks.

    “Currently the maternity unit that we have, has 23 beds. That’s the capacity we have which is woefully inadequate looking at the number of deliveries that we do.”

    “There was a day that the king himself came here. There were a lot of people lying on the floor, so nobody was happy to see a mother delivered on the floor, so it was a very dire situation for us,” he told JoyNews.

    He added, “Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that we talk about, quality of care is part of it, the person who is delivering the care, himself or herself must be healthy, so if we have mothers on the floor, it means that the health worker will have to bend down and be attending to the client on the floor, within a couple of months, you will start having low back pain, so you the healthcare worker yourself you are not healthy.”

    The Ranking Member on the Health Committee of Parliament, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has stressed the need for the government to take additional steps to tackle the challenges facing the health sector.

    “It is the responsibility of the government to invest in the health sector,” he said.

    During his speech on the State of the Nation Address (SONA), Kwabena Mintah Akandoh cited instances of “ailing hospitals” in Parliament.

    “That is the way we can get them to do the right thing. These are people who don’t really care, if you are really responsible government in place, even after hearing this news, somebody must be answering some questions, the President or the Vice President or the Minister must quickly find out what is

  • Don’t let politicians use you to destroy God’s work – Nigel Gaisie tells John Kumah’s wife 

    Don’t let politicians use you to destroy God’s work – Nigel Gaisie tells John Kumah’s wife 

    Prophet Nigel Gaisie, the General Overseer of the Prophetic Hill Chapel, has advised Apostle Mrs. Lilian Kumah, the wife of the late Deputy Finance Minister, Dr. John Kumah, not to allow herself to be manipulated by politicians to undermine the credibility of prophetic work.

    Following Dr. Kumah’s death on March 7, 2024, there has been speculation about the cause, with Prophet Nigel Gaisie’s prophecy being one of the videos that went viral after the incident.

    However, in a recorded interview played on Accra-based Asaase Radio on Monday, March 11, 2024, Apostle Kumah reacted to the prophecy, stating that Prophet Nigel Gaisie exploited their personal information for his own gain, just to gain popularity, despite being close to the family.

    “Nigel Gaisie was like a brother. He knows my late husband, lawyer John Kumah personally, one-on-one. We have sat in this house and eaten together several times.

    “That is how far we go. When he came from abroad to start a church in Ghana, he came to my church, Disciples of Christ Ministries and I did a programme with him dubbed ‘Let the Prophet Speak.”

    “We know him very well and have been aware since November 2023 that the late John Kumah was seriously sick. My husband had a lot of respect for men of God in this country and that included Nigel Gaisie when my husband and I thought he was a genuine man of God,” she explained. 

    In response to Apostle Kumah’s accusations, Prophet Nigel Gaisie addressed the issue in a live social media recording on Monday, March 11, 2024. He stated that when he received the revelation about Dr. Kumah’s death, he tried to reach out to him but was denied access.

    Prophet Nigel Gaisie claimed that Apostle Kumah did not make any effort to facilitate a meeting between him and her husband to discuss other aspects of the prophecy.

    He suggested that Apostle Kumah’s interview was an attempt to discredit his prophetic work, influenced by politicians who are not supportive of his ministry.

  • KATH doctors threaten to leave post over accommodation problems

    KATH doctors threaten to leave post over accommodation problems

    Doctors at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) and other medical workers are considering abandoning their duties to search for new accommodation following the alleged takeover of their current residences by private developers.

    A crucial meeting is currently underway among the health workers to address the accommodation challenges they are facing.

    The medical workers, particularly those affiliated with the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, claim they have been given a week’s ultimatum by the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council to vacate their existing residences. They allege that their bungalows have been sold to private developers.

    Ashanti Regional President of the Ghana Medical Association, Dr. Paa Kwasi Baidoo, emphasized in an interview with Citi News that the outcomes of the meeting will determine their next course of action.

    He expressed dismay at the sudden displacement of hospital staff from their homes, highlighting the agreement made with Manhyia Palace for new accommodations before the handover of the land. However, this agreement has allegedly been disregarded.

    “You will notice that a lot of our staff live 15 to 20 minutes away from the hospital and all of a sudden, people will come and ask you to move from your place because it has been sold to them and we took that issue up and we met with Manhyia on it and it was agreed that a new place be prepared to move us there before you can take possession of the land, they have disregarded that with impunity and so we are meeting this morning.

    “We will all leave the hospital to go and look for accommodation because we don’t have a place to sleep.”

    The Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council is relocating all government workers within an enclave of state lands around Danyame and Nhyiaeso, which have been ceded to the Manhyia Palace.

    Ashanti Regional Minister Simon Osei Mensah stated that the relocation is a planned effort to move all government workers within a specified enclave of state lands around Danyame and Nhyiaeso, ceded to the Manhyia Palace.

    He clarified that new facilities are being constructed for the affected government workers, refuting claims of forceful eviction. He assured that the relocation is aimed at improving working conditions for the employees.

    “A portion of state lands within Danyame and Nhyiaeso have been ceded to Manhyia and as a result, we have to relocate all government workers that live within that area.

    “Some of the structures are sited on maybe an acre plot of land and in such instances, we demolish it and build more buildings to enable us to have enough places for the workers.”

  • Ken Agyapong has apologised for lies told during my absence from Parliament – Adwoa Safo

    Ken Agyapong has apologised for lies told during my absence from Parliament – Adwoa Safo

    Member of Parliament for Dome Kwabenya, Sarah Adwoa Safo, has revealed that Assin Central MP, Kennedy Agyapong, has apologised to her over some claims he made during her long hiatus from Parliament to resolve personal issues.

    According to her, Mr Agyapong alleged that a private jet flew her from the United States to Ghana. She noted that the claim is false and to set the record straight, Mr Agyapong apologized to her and invited journalists to Parliament to interview him about the matter.

    In an interview on Onua FM on March 11, 2024, Adwoa Safo said, “Of course, and he has apologised to me. If you like, come to Parliament and interview him; it is not true. Some of the things are just hearsay, and if people hear things, they do not have that patience to investigate.”

    One of the allegations she addressed was Agyapong’s claim that Chief of Staff Akosua Frema Osei-Opare provided her with GH¢120,000, and that she demanded to be appointed deputy majority leader before attending Parliament during her absence from the chamber.

    She discredited these claims and urged Ghanaians to verify information before spreading it. She emphasized the importance of caution and diligence in discerning the truth.

    “Nana, all those things aren’t true,” she said.

    Sarah Adwoa Safo had been in the United States for over a year (since November 2021), looking after her children, especially one who, according to her, required particular care due to medical concerns.

    Due to this, she was not able to fulfill her mandate as a Member of Parliament and a Minister of State.

    Due to her prolonged absence, Adwoa Safo was referred to the Privileges Committee with two other MPs, Henry Quartey of Ayawaso Central and Kennedy Agyapong of Assin North for violating Standing Order 17(1) of Parliament and Article 97(1)(c) of the Constitution for being absent for 15 sittings.

    Several attempts to meet the MP failed due to a lack of receipts. On the matter, Majority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu described Adwoa Safo’s absence as concerning in an interview with Okay FM, urging that she leave her position if she has no information about her return to parliament.

    On May 22, 2022, Adwoa Safo engaged the press to explain the reason behind her absence.

    She cited the well being of her son as the primary reason for her stay in the United States.

    “As you know, my son is unwell and has to transition to school, so I have to ensure that all that is settled before I can resume my duties and that is exactly what I am doing.”

    “I have been doing a lot to take care of my children which the law requires and as you know here in the foreign land, I have to comply with whatever I am directed to do and until all that is sorted out, I have to do what I have to do, and then I will return to my duties.”

    “I will be returning definitely to serve my people. I lead and serve the people of Dome-Kwabenya and I have done that for the past 12 years and I know exactly what my responsibilities are, and I am definitely going to do that,” she told JoyNews.

    According to her, she had informed the President of her predicament.

    On Thursday, July 28, 2022, President Akufo-Addo relieved Sarah Adwoa Safo of her duties as the Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection in accordance with Article 81(a) of the constitution.

    In response, she thanked the President for the honour given her to serve her country.

    In September 2023, Sarah Adwoa Safo rendered an apology to the Ghanaian populace for her absence and inactivity during her tenure as a lawmaker and minister.

  • I didn’t demand GHC120k, deputy majority leader role and was not flown to US in a private jet – Adwoa Safo

    I didn’t demand GHC120k, deputy majority leader role and was not flown to US in a private jet – Adwoa Safo

    Member of Parliament for Dome Kwabenya, Sarah Adwoa Safo, has refuted several allegations made by fellow MP Kennedy Agyapong during her long hiatus from Parliament to resolve personal issues.

    According to her, Mr Agyapong alleged that a private jet flew her from the United States to Ghana. She noted the claim is false.

    In an interview on Onua FM on March 11, 2024, Adwoa Safo revealed that Mr Agyapong had apologized to her and invited journalists to Parliament to interview him about the matter. She also denied other accusations by Agyapong, labeling them as false.

    “Of course, and he has apologised to me. If you like, come to Parliament and interview him; it is not true. Some of the things are just hearsay, and if people hear things, they do not have that patience to investigate,” she said.

    One of the allegations she addressed was Agyapong’s claim that Chief of Staff Akosua Frema Osei-Opare provided her with GH¢120,000, and that she demanded to be appointed deputy majority leader before attending Parliament during her absence from the chamber.

    She discredited these claims and urged Ghanaians to verify information before spreading it. She emphasized the importance of caution and diligence in discerning the truth.

    “Nana, all those things aren’t true,” she said.

    Sarah Adwoa Safo had been in the United States for over a year (since November 2021), looking after her children, especially one who, according to her, required particular care due to medical concerns.

    Due to this, she was not able to fulfill her mandate as a Member of Parliament and a Minister of State.

    Due to her prolonged absence, Adwoa Safo was referred to the Privileges Committee with two other MPs, Henry Quartey of Ayawaso Central and Kennedy Agyapong of Assin North for violating Standing Order 17(1) of Parliament and Article 97(1)(c) of the Constitution for being absent for 15 sittings.

    Several attempts to meet the MP failed due to a lack of receipts. On the matter, Majority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu described Adwoa Safo’s absence as concerning in an interview with Okay FM, urging that she leave her position if she has no information about her return to parliament.

    On May 22, 2022, Adwoa Safo engaged the press to explain the reason behind her absence.

    She cited the well being of her son as the primary reason for her stay in the United States.

    “As you know, my son is unwell and has to transition to school, so I have to ensure that all that is settled before I can resume my duties and that is exactly what I am doing.”

    “I have been doing a lot to take care of my children which the law requires and as you know here in the foreign land, I have to comply with whatever I am directed to do and until all that is sorted out, I have to do what I have to do, and then I will return to my duties.”

    “I will be returning definitely to serve my people. I lead and serve the people of Dome-Kwabenya and I have done that for the past 12 years and I know exactly what my responsibilities are, and I am definitely going to do that,” she told JoyNews.

    According to her, she had informed the President of her predicament.

    On Thursday, July 28, 2022, President Akufo-Addo relieved Sarah Adwoa Safo of her duties as the Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection in accordance with Article 81(a) of the constitution.

    In response, she thanked the President for the honour given her to serve her country.

    In September 2023, Sarah Adwoa Safo rendered an apology to the Ghanaian populace for her absence and inactivity during her tenure as a lawmaker and minister.

  • “He’s in a bit of pain but it’s not looking too good” – Howe on Gordon’s injury

    “He’s in a bit of pain but it’s not looking too good” – Howe on Gordon’s injury

    Eddie Howe expressed his concern after Anthony Gordon sustained a knee injury during Newcastle’s 3-2 defeat at Chelsea.

    Gordon, who has contributed 10 goals and five assists across all competitions this season, has been one of Newcastle’s standout performers and is being considered for an England call-up ahead of Euro 2024.

    With Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate present at Stamford Bridge, Gordon was forced off the pitch after just 36 minutes. Howe appeared downbeat when asked about the 23-year-old’s condition and did not provide much optimism regarding his injury.

    He said: “It was strange. There was no mechanism or moment when he felt it, it was just there in the game.

    “According to Anthony at half-time, he was in quite a bit of pain. We don’t quite know how bad that is yet.

    “I think it was quite early in the game but there was no moment where he felt the injury, just a pain was there.

    “So we sent someone over because he didn’t look like he was moving right. And then eventually he succumbed to the injury.

    “He’s in a bit of pain but it’s not looking too good. We’ll wait and see.

    “It was a huge moment to lose him, given what he has done this season. It was a psychological blow.”

    After Alexander Isak cancelled out Nicolas Jackson’s early strike just before half-time to level the score, the Blues began to dominate proceedings in the second half. Goals from Cole Palmer and Mykhailo Mudryk sealed the three points for Chelsea, despite Jacob Murphy’s spectacular consolation goal.

    Newcastle manager Eddie Howe, 46, accepted that his side could have no complaints about their seventh loss in nine Premier League away outings, conceding 24 goals in that run.

    He added: “It’s a similar feeling over the last few months on the road.

    “We know with the quality of players to defend better than that. It was not a bad performance, just inconsistent at times.

    “There’s promise that we can hit the heights but we’re not doing it enough.”

  • Minority goes after BoG for ‘illegally’ writing off GH¢48bn state debt

    Minority goes after BoG for ‘illegally’ writing off GH¢48bn state debt

    The Minority in Parliament has accused the management of the Bank of Ghana (BoG) of engaging in illegal activities related to the write-off of approximately GH¢48 billion in government debt.

    The caucus alleges that these actions have resulted in the insolvency of the central bank.

    During the final debate on the State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, March 11, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the Minority Leader, stressed the importance of holding the BoG’s management accountable.

    “The Bank of Ghana is now bankrupt and exists merely in name. In 2022, the Central Bank recorded a colossal loss of over GHȼ60.8 billion and a negative equity of over GHȼ55 billion.

    “The Governor of the Bank of Ghana and his two deputies illegally and excessively printed money to finance the government’s over-bloated expenditures. Mr Speaker, the Governor of the Bank of Ghana and his two deputies, without recourse to Parliament, wrote off about GHȼ48.4 billion of government debt.”

    The Minority leader urged Ghanaians not to overlook it, and called for accountability from the leadership of the Bank of Ghana.

    “These are the cardinal sins for which the Governor and his two deputies must be held accountable, however long it takes,” he asserted.

    In 2023, banks in Ghana recorded a significant improvement in their bad debt situation, with GH¢4.33 billion being written off, marking a substantial 79.2% reduction compared to the previous year.

    This bad debt, categorized as loan losses, depreciation, and other factors, contributed to a total estimated bad debt of GH¢20.8 billion for the year.

    The Bank of Ghana reports that banks reported lower impairments on financial assets in 2023. Total provisions and impairments decreased by 79.2% in December 2023, following a sharp increase in December 2022 due to significant impairments on restructured bonds.