A member of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and Member of Parliament for Buem, Kofi Adams, has stated that the committee was unaware of the government’s $12 million expenditure on the suspended Agyapa royalties deal.
The CEO of the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF), Edward Nana Yaw Koranteng, disclosed this expenditure during a PAC sitting on Tuesday, February 13.
The Agyapa royalties deal was proposed by the government to raise funds through mineral royalties for infrastructure projects but was suspended following opposition from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and civil society organizations.
According to the MIIF CEO, the $12 million was spent on the processes to issue the initial public offering on the London Stock Exchange before the suspension.
Mr. Adams mentioned in an interview on Eyewitness News on Citi FM that the committee was unaware of this expenditure, and it was only revealed due to a public interest question. He also noted that the Auditor General’s report had not captured this expenditure.
“This is the very first time that we all are being provided with this information that the country actually wasted $12 million of its money at the time we have been told that the country was faced with a number of challenges in chasing after a ghost. And that the president and all those who considered this whole deal never informed all of us that $12 million of our money had already been funded into a project that didn’t have the permission of appropriate bodies,” he stated.
He further said that “According to the CEO of MIIF, the Ministry of Finance gave them the go-ahead to go into such an investment and that in taking a decision to stop, they were not involved. And that he could not even provide us with the reasons why the decision to stop was taken. And according to him, the letter to stop was sent to the Attorney General, who looked at it and advised. They as MIIF were not involved in any way in terms of stoppage. And truly speaking this was the first time. And this was not even in the Auditor General’s report but this was out of a public interest question…A member wanted to know about the Agyapa deal and the recent investment in the lithium found in the central region.”
Lance Corporal Paul Badu, a 40-year-old prison officer, according to reports, has passed away after falling ill during the 6th March rehearsal parade in Koforidua.
He sought permission on February 8, 2024, to seek medical attention at the Prison Clinic and was later referred to the Koforidua Central Hospital for emergency care. Unfortunately, he passed away on February 10.
DSP Ezekiel Korletey, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Koforidua Prisons, is said to have confirmed the sad news of Lance Corporal Badu’s death.
“He left the line on Thursday during the rehearsals. He was examined at the prison clinic, and they quickly rushed him to the Koforidua Central Hospital when they realised his situation wasn’t stable,” the PRO narrated, according to a report by Adom Onlince citing Accra-based TV3.
DSP Ezekiel Korletey mentioned that they are yet to receive an autopsy report but suspect that Lance Corporal Paul Badu died as a result of high blood pressure. Lance Corporal Badu is survived by his wife and two children.
The demonstration against the Ghana Football Association (GFA), led by Countryman Songo and joined by influential journalists like Saddick Adams and Nana Yaw Kesse, is set to take place today, February 14, 2024.
This protest, known as #SaveGhanaFootball, aims to demand accountability from the GFA and the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
Prophet Nigel Gaisie from the Prophetic Hill Chapel is also expected to join the march. The protesters will gather at the Obra Spot at Nkrumah Circle at 9 am and march through the streets of Accra, ending at the Independence Square.
The participation of these influential figures underscores the importance of the protest and reflects the determination of Ghanaians to bring about change in the football landscape of the country.
The Minority Leader, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has announced that the controversial Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill is expected to be passed by Friday, February 16.
This bill seeks to prohibit LGBTQ+ activities in Ghana. Dr. Forson explained on JoyNews’ PM Express that the bill has undergone thorough consideration and is currently being reviewed to ensure that all proposed amendments approved by Parliament have been correctly incorporated.
He further stated that this review process is expected to be completed by Wednesday, with the Speaker scheduled to put the question for Members of Parliament (MPs) to cast their votes after the third reading on Thursday.
“By weekend Ghana should have a bill called Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill,” he said on Tuesday.
Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson stated that the people of Ghana support the passage of the bill and that there has been surprising unanimity among Members of Parliament, with no one opposing the bill during the Speaker’s inquiry.
He also highlighted the longstanding nature of the debate, indicating that the bill’s details have been before Parliament since 2021. Despite the extended deliberations, Dr. Forson remains confident in the overwhelming support for the bill.
“It has been here for three years and we’re still debating it. We’ve finished the consideration, what is left is the third reading and after that the speaker will put the question and those in favour will say ‘yes’ and those against will say ‘no’ but in the end, I’ve not seen any MP against this bill and the people of Ghana are strongly in favour of this bill. The Afrobarometer shows that 90% of Ghanaians are in favour,” he said.
Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson expressed confidence that the bill would become law. He noted that while President Akufo-Addo has the discretion not to approve the bill, Parliament will ensure that he signs it into law.
“Even if the President fails to sign it, the bill would have to come back to Parliament, where MPs will use a two-thirds majority to have it signed.
“So as it stands now, I think the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill will become law even if the President fails to [willingly] sign it,” he added.
Enzo Fernandez, the 23-year-old Argentine midfielder, has unequivocally expressed his contentment with his current situation at Chelsea and has dismissed any notions of departing from the club in the foreseeable future.
Following his contribution to Chelsea’s 3-1 victory over Crystal Palace, where he scored the third goal of the match, Fernandez addressed the exit rumors swirling around him and firmly put them to rest.
He conveyed his gratitude for the positive treatment he has received at the club, indicating a strong commitment to his continued presence and contribution to Chelsea’s success.
He said: “I don’t want to leave Chelsea. I’m feeling very good here with my team-mates and the coaching staff and have done since the day I arrived.
“The people at the club are treating me very well and I’m grateful for that. I will continue here for as long as they want me to.”
Minister for Information Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah has clarified that the Akufo-Addo government is still working to address the many challenges facing the Ghanaian people.
According to him, the ruling party did not promise to create a perfect Ghana but rather pledged to improve the country’s fortunes.
He emphasized that the concept of perfection was not part of the NPP’s manifesto. Despite the ongoing challenges, he highlighted the government’s progress in stabilizing the economy compared to the previous administration.
In an interview with Umaru Sanda Amadu on Face to Face on Citi TV, Mr. Oppong-Nkrumah is said to have acknowledged that while significant progress has been made, many Ghanaians still face difficulties.
“We are not in a perfect place, but we have made significant progress from where we started in January 2017. We have also made significant progress on the promises and commitments that we made. And we have made significant progress as compared to our peers [NDC].
“If inflation drops from 50-something per cent to 20-something per cent. What it means is that year to date, the prices of goods and services in the inflationary basket are going up to about 20 per cent, which is still difficult for a lot of people.
He continued, “If you look at the trend and where we have come from, then you can then make the point that we are making progress. Yes, we are not in a perfect place, but we are making progress. We must consolidate and grow on this path. I didn’t see perfection in the NPP manifesto, perfection was not in the manifesto. Perfection, I’m not sure, that was promised.”
The Minister for Information also assured that the government would build upon unfulfilled promises.
“There were some specific promises that were made, a good number of them have been achieved, but some of them have not been achieved. Life is continual, and we will build on those,” Oppong-Nkrumah assured.
The outgoing Member of Parliament for the Bekwai Constituency, Joseph Osei Owusu also known as Joe Wise, has stirred controversy with recent remarks about the management of community toilets, sparking strong reactions from constituents.
In interviews with various TV networks, Joe Wise claimed to have faced threats from constituents demanding action to address overflowing public toilets, citing this pressure as a reason for not contesting in the recent NPP Parliamentary Primaries.
These comments have been widely criticized by constituents, who see them as unfortunate and indicative of Wise’s detachment from community needs.
Many view his tenure as a failure marked by mismanagement and neglect of public resources, describing his administration as a “monumental waste” of time and resources. Critics accuse Wise of self-centeredness and indifference, believing he has left Bekwai worse off than when he took office.
Constituents are also concerned about the erosion of democratic values, emphasizing the importance of integrity and accountability in public service.
They condemn Wise’s alleged self-enrichment at the community’s expense and call for a renewed commitment to transparency and ethical governance.
“So Joe Wise is telling us that the demands from the public toilet operators were a recipe for his withdrawal from the NPP Primaries after 16 years of disastrous years.”
“Truth be told honestly, Joe Wise’s administration has been an unmitigated failure; a monumental waste of time, resources, and of the hopes and aspirations of a nation and his constituents.
“Tell you what, true stewardship is leaving a place better than one found it. Without a doubt, he’s the worst MP Bekwai has ever produced!”No previous MP for Bekwai exhibited such high-level aloofness, such indifference, such arrogance, such self-centeredness and such utter lack of competence,” some of his constituents expressed.
Another person also said: “Despite his abysmal failure, Joe Wise continues to crave praise-singing, basking in dishonest adulation.
The outgoing Member of Parliament for the Bekwai Constituency, Joseph Osei Owusu also known as Joe Wise, has stirred controversy with recent remarks about the management of community toilets, sparking strong reactions from constituents.
In interviews with various TV networks, Joe Wise claimed to have faced threats from constituents demanding action to address overflowing public toilets, citing this pressure as a reason for not contesting in the recent NPP Parliamentary Primaries.
“‘What is worse is, and that is the worst part. Indeed I will confess to you. One of the reasons that made me think it is enough, I’m not going to seek any public office again was some communities demanding that their public toilet is full, and if I don’t have those drained then they won’t vote. I kept asking myself, was it all worth it?” he said.
These comments have been widely criticized by constituents, who see them as unfortunate and indicative of Wise’s detachment from community needs.
Many view his tenure as a failure marked by mismanagement and neglect of public resources, describing his administration as a “monumental waste” of time and resources. Critics accuse Wise of self-centeredness and indifference, believing he has left Bekwai worse off than when he took office.
Constituents are also concerned about the erosion of democratic values, emphasizing the importance of integrity and accountability in public service.
They condemn Wise’s alleged self-enrichment at the community’s expense and call for a renewed commitment to transparency and ethical governance.
“So Joe Wise is telling us that the demands from the public toilet operators were a recipe for his withdrawal from the NPP Primaries after 16 years of disastrous years.”
“Truth be told honestly, Joe Wise’s administration has been an unmitigated failure; a monumental waste of time, resources, and of the hopes and aspirations of a nation and his constituents.
“Tell you what, true stewardship is leaving a place better than one found it. Without a doubt, he’s the worst MP Bekwai has ever produced!”No previous MP for Bekwai exhibited such high-level aloofness, such indifference, such arrogance, such self-centeredness and such utter lack of competence,” some of his constituents expressed.
Another person also said: “Despite his abysmal failure, Joe Wise continues to crave praise-singing, basking in dishonest adulation.
Minister for Information Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah has clarified that the Akufo-Addo government did not promise to create a perfect Ghana but rather pledged to improve the country’s fortunes.
He emphasized that the concept of perfection was not part of the NPP’s manifesto. Despite the ongoing challenges, he highlighted the government’s progress in stabilizing the economy compared to the previous administration.
In an interview with Umaru Sanda Amadu on Face to Face on Citi TV, Mr. Oppong-Nkrumah is said to have acknowledged that while significant progress has been made, many Ghanaians still face difficulties.
“We are not in a perfect place, but we have made significant progress from where we started in January 2017. We have also made significant progress on the promises and commitments that we made. And we have made significant progress as compared to our peers [NDC].
“If inflation drops from 50-something per cent to 20-something per cent. What it means is that year to date, the prices of goods and services in the inflationary basket are going up to about 20 per cent, which is still difficult for a lot of people.
He continued, “If you look at the trend and where we have come from, then you can then make the point that we are making progress. Yes, we are not in a perfect place, but we are making progress. We must consolidate and grow on this path. I didn’t see perfection in the NPP manifesto, perfection was not in the manifesto. Perfection, I’m not sure, that was promised.”
The Minister for Information also assured that the government would build upon unfulfilled promises.
“There were some specific promises that were made, a good number of them have been achieved, but some of them have not been achieved. Life is continual, and we will build on those,” Oppong-Nkrumah assured.
Former National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party, Freddy Blay, has characterized the upcoming ministerial reshuffle as belated.
He believes that should President Akufo-Addo have carried out the reshuffle two years ago when it was being strongly advocated for, it could have brought about significant changes for the country.
In an interview with Starrfm.com.gh, Mr Blay is quoted to have said, “it was two years or a year ago that he needed to do the reshuffle. If you recall some members of the majority caucus in parliament insisted under some circumstances that there ought to be some changes but the President requested for one minister to conclude the IMF negotiations before he could do that”.
“The circumstances might not be the same today and people may have a change of opinion but to me it is getting a bit too late to effect any meaningful changes in terms of a reshuffle of the government”, he added.
Nonetheless, Mr. Blay acknowledged that it is within the president’s authority to reshuffle his ministers.
Despite calls from the NPP leadership and some Civil Society Organizations for a reshuffle, President Akufo-Addo has consistently defended his appointees’ performance.
However, reports suggest that a major reshuffle is imminent on February 14, 2024, with some current ministers expected to be replaced by new faces.
The news of the tragic helicopter crash involving Herbert Wigwe, the CEO of Access Bank, Herbert Wigwe, and five others, including his wife, son, and prominent Nigerian figures, on February 9, has sent shockwaves throughout Nigeria.
It has come to light that Nigerian Pastor Dammy Paul had prophesied about the helicopter crash just days before it occurred. His Facebook post, urging people to share the prophecy, has since gained attention in the wake of the accident.
“The Lord showed me a vision. This week, I want us to pray so we don’t lose a very powerful and influential man in Nigeria. I saw that vision overnight and God told me that I should talk to everybody about it.
Access Bank CEO, Herbert Wigwe died last Friday
“I saw something like helicopter crash. That is what I saw. It happens around USA and I saw a very wealthy man. This person is like, he has a bank and he is not from Yoruba. I saw him dark, tall a little bit. Just pray for him. I saw about 4 to 5 people lose their lives,” he shared.
He shared this video on February 12, noting that the earlier video had been pulled down.
Nigerian leaders, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, have expressed deep sorrow over the loss of Herbert Wigwe and the other victims.
“Their passing is an overwhelming tragedy that is shocking beyond comprehension,” he wrote. “I pray for the peaceful repose of the departed and ask God Almighty to comfort the multitude of Nigerians who are grieving and the families of the deceased at this deeply agonizing moment.”
The CEO’s contributions to the banking sector and his prominence in Nigerian business circles have left a significant void, and his sudden demise has left the nation mourning.
Bernard Oduro Takyi, a businessman, is currently in police custody on allegations of defrauding two individuals of $27,000 under the pretense of facilitating USA visas for them.
The victims, Gabriel Kwame Ntim and Prince Kofi Osei, entrusted Takyi with $13,000 and $14,000, respectively, with the hope of securing US visas. However, Takyi allegedly resorted to fraudulent means, including forging stamps from countries like Singapore and South Africa on their passports, as well as fabricating official letters purportedly from the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly.
In a bid to enhance their visa applications, Takyi reportedly inserted fake stamps and letters into the victims’ passports without their knowledge.
These fraudulent stamps purportedly originated from countries such as Singapore, South Africa, Mauritius, and Turkey. Subsequently, Takyi submitted these falsified documents to the US Embassy in Madagascar, resulting in the issuance of visas to the victims.
Furthermore, one of the victims, Gabriel Kwame Ntim, was provided with a counterfeit letter from the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly, falsely identifying him as a strategic partner for potential investors under Ghana’s Industrial Development and Investment Fund (IDIF) policy.
Similarly, Takyi is accused of fabricating another KMA letter, presenting the second complainant, Prince Kofi Osei, as a “Metro Climate Management officer.”
Following the discovery that the documents submitted for the visas were falsified, the embassy promptly revoked the visas granted to the victims.
Bernard Oduro Takyi, the accused, has been formally charged with two counts of defrauding by false pretenses and three counts of forgery related to official documentation. Despite the charges, Oduro Takyi pleaded not guilty to all accusations.
During the court proceedings overseen by Justice Samuel Acquah, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Maxwell Oppong, representing the prosecution, strongly objected to the granting of bail for the accused.
Education think tank Eduwatch has called for explicit guidelines on health case management in Senior High Schools nationwide.
In a statement, Eduwatch noted that this addresses the gap where school authorities act with discretion in determining whether a sick student should be either treated in school and discharged, sent home for treatment, taken to hospital by school authorities for treatment or handed to their parents for treatment in a hospital
This is in response to the tragic death of an Aburi Girls student who passed away after not receiving the needed medical attention. The organization has described the incident where school management instructed parents to retrieve their sick children from the hospital as regrettable.
Eduwatch strongly opposed the practice of SHSs (Senior High Schools) requiring parents to travel to hospitals to collect their unwell children when no guardians are nearby. This approach they deemed unacceptable, especially given the circumstances.
According to Eduwatch, the conditions of sick bays in some SHSs are deplorable, with reports indicating that even with NHIS (National Health Insurance Scheme) coverage, many sick bays continue to sell medications.
To address this concerning issue, Eduwatch has called upon the Ghana Education Service (GES) to collaborate with the Ghana Health Service (GHS) in formulating a comprehensive case management protocol for sick students within school premises.
Furthermore, Eduwatch emphasizes the importance of monitoring the implementation of these protocols, suggesting that such oversight should be integrated into the supervision indicators for school inspectors and the key performance indicators for school administrators.
Additionally, Eduwatch has urged the GES and GHS to ensure that sick bays are adequately equipped with essential medications, competent medical personnel, and basic facilities to operate effectively under the NHIS.
“GHS and GES must make NHIS work in SHS by providing needed drugs. Parent associations and older students must be interested in the state and functioning of health facilities in their schools,” the statement added.
The case involving a hunter mistaking his fellow hunter for prey at Timtimhwe, a community along the Tarkwa-Bogoso Highway in the Western Region, has reached its conclusion.
In a final ruling, the Tarkwa Circuit Court, presided over by Mrs. Hathia Ama Manu, decreed that Isaac Donkor, the 55-year-old hunter, would serve a three-year jail term and pay an amount of GH¢600 for fatally shooting and killing Aziz Abukbil, 37, also a hunter.
Mr Donkor faced charges of murder, negligently causing harm, and possessing a firearm without authority. He pleaded guilty to all counts after voluntarily reporting himself to the police following the tragic shooting incident.
According to Donkor’s account, he had been hunting around 3 p.m. when he spotted what appeared to be a rat (Odompo). Believing it to be his target, he fired his weapon, only to realize afterward that he had shot a human being. Overcome with shock and fear, he fled the scene before eventually surrendering himself to the authorities.
Superintendent Juliana Essel-Dadzie, who led the prosecution, revealed that Osman Awuni, a farmer and the brother of the deceased, Abukbil, had reported his brother missing after he failed to return from his hunting expedition.
Subsequently, a search party discovered Abukbil’s lifeless body in the bush at Timtimhwe, bearing gunshot wounds to his face and arms.
Following the discovery, Donkor confessed to the police that he had accidentally killed Abukbil with his unregistered CBC single-barrel shotgun during a hunting excursion.
The police promptly launched an investigation, and Donkor was subsequently charged and brought to trial.
Access Holdings Plc, following the tragic passing of the Group’s CEO, Herbert Wigwe, has named Bolaji Agbede as the Acting Group Chief Executive Officer.
“Further to its announcement dated February 11, 2024, the Board of Directors of Access Holdings Plc (‘the Company’) has today announced the appointment of Ms Bolaji Agbede as the Acting Group CEO of the Company following the unfortunate demise of its former Group CEO, Dr Herbert Wigwe, on February 9, 2024,” the company said in a statement Monday.
Profile
Ms. Agbede is a versatile professional with over 27 years’ experience in Human Resources management, customer relationship management and banking operations.
She has a proven record of successful people integration during mergers and acquisitions, culture transformation and execution of corporate strategies.
She commenced her professional career in Guaranty Trust Bank and served in various capacities including Relationship Manager and Vault Custodian.
She diligently distinguished herself and swiftly rose from the grade of Executive Trainee in 1992 to Manager in 2001. Ms. Agbede subsequently served as the Chief Executive Officer of JKG limited in 2003 a business consulting outfit.
Ms. Agbede joined Access Bank in 2003 as an Assistant General Manager and was responsible for managing the Bank’s portfolio of chemical trading companies.
She has occupied the role of Head, HR for the Access Bank Group since 2010 wherein she oversees the human capital development of the Group.
Ms. Agbede holds a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Statistics from the University of Lagos (1990) and subsequently obtained a Master of Business Administration degree from Cranfield University in 2002. She is a member of the Chartered Institute of Management UK and Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria.
She has attended several renowned leadership and professional development programs including the High-Performance Leadership Programme organised by the IMD and the Strategic Talent Management Programme organised by the London Business School.
She has also a role in the fight for gender equality. She has championed policies such as paternity leave, six months’ maternity leave, and the establishment of the Bank’s Crèche, all aimed at fostering a more inclusive workplace environment. Additionally, she has played a key role in advancing the Access Women Network, which aims to empower and support women within the organization.
In addition to her corporate responsibilities, Agbede actively engages with non-governmental organizations dedicated to women’s empowerment, capacity building, and leadership development. She generously lends her expertise by serving on the boards of such organizations, where she contributes to strategic decision-making and the implementation of initiatives aimed at advancing the status of women in society.
Surrogacy, once shrouded in stigma and relegated to secrecy, has now gained acceptance as a viable option for both prospective parents longing for children and women seeking financial stability.
This arrangement entails a surrogate mother carrying and giving birth to a child on behalf of intended parents who are unable to conceive or carry a pregnancy themselves.
In Ghana, surrogacy is not prohibited by law. Act 1027 of the 1992 Constitution recognizes surrogacy as a legal arrangement, allowing individuals to engage the services of a surrogate mother to assist with childbirth.
(a) an arrangement where an embryo formed from the egg and sperm of persons other than that of a surrogate mother and her partner or husband is implanted into the surrogate mother; or
(b) where a gamete is introduced into a surrogate mother to fertilise the egg of the surrogate mother, for the purpose of enabling the surrogate mother carry the foetus and give birth on behalf of the Intended Parents[1] (i.e. the person who desires to be a parent through surrogacy or any other assisted reproductive birth arrangement).
An intended parent may engage the services of a person to give the intended parent a child through surrogacy, however, there are some requirements one must meet.
Section 22 of Act 1027 dictates that:
(2) The intended parent may, within twelve weeks after introducing an embryo or gamete into the surrogate mother, apply to the High Court for a pre-birth parental order to allow (a) either the intended parent or surrogate mother, or (b) both parents of a child, to be named as the parent of a child born through surrogacy or any other assisted reproductive birth if the birth occurs within twenty-eight weeks of the order of the High Court.
(3) Where the High Court is convinced of the evidence of parentage and the existence of a surrogacy, the High Court shall issue a pre-birth parental order naming the legal parent of the unborn child and a copy of the order shall be issued to (a) the District Registrar of the district in which the child will be born; (b) the intended parent; (c) the surrogate mother; and (d) the hospital where the child is born, if the birth occurs at a hospital facility.
What more does the law say?
A woman who gives birth to a child shall, in the absence of an order of the High Court naming another person as the mother, be registered as the mother of the child.
(5) Subject to subsection (2), a woman who gives birth to a child shall (a) have the right to register the child; and (b) inform the Registration Officer in the district, in which the child is born, of (i) the name of the child; (ii) the name of the father of the child; and (iii) any other information required for the purposes of the registration.
(6) The Registration Officer shall, on receipt of the information required under paragraph (b) of subsection (5), proceed to register the birth of the child in accordance with the information provided.
(7) The District Registrar and where appropriate, the hospital where the child is born, shall (a) register or cause to be registered in the district office of the Registry, the birth arising from the surrogacy or other assisted reproductive birth in accordance with the pre-birth parental order; and (b) enter or cause to be entered in the register of births, the name of the child provided by either the intended parent or surrogate mother, or both in accordance with subsection (2).
(8) Where a child is already born, an intended parent or surrogate mother may apply to the High Court for a post-birth parental order or substitute parentage order.
(9) Where the High Court approves an application made under subsection (8), the High Court shall issue a post-birth parental order or substitute parentage order naming the intended parent or surrogate mother as the legal parent of the child, and a copy of the order shall be immediately served on the District Registrar.
(10) A post-birth parental order or substitute parentage order issued under subsection (9) shall, in substance, be in the form of an adoption proceeding and shall be lodged at the High Court at least twenty-eight days after the birth of the child but not later than six months after the birth of the child.
(11) The District Registrar shall, on receipt of a sealed substitute parentage order from the High Court, strike out or cause to be struck out the original birth record, and open or cause to be opened a new birth record with the intended parent or surrogate mother named as the parent of the child, in accordance with the order of the High Court.
(12) The District Registrar shall keep the original birth record struck out under subsection (11) in a confidential place, and that birth record shall be made accessible to the child whose birth entry was made only when that child attains the age of twenty-one years.
(13) A new birth record opened under this section shall supersede any other birth record made earlier.
Surrogacy, once stigmatized and hidden from public discussion, has now emerged as a legitimate option for both aspiring parents and women seeking financial stability.
This practice involves a third party, known as a surrogate mother, carrying and delivering a child on behalf of intended parents who are unable to conceive or carry a pregnancy themselves.
One such surrogate mother, who chose the pseudonym Adjoa, shared her experience in a TV3 news report.
Having relocated from Kumasi to Accra in search of better opportunities, Adjoa explained that she is aware of the arrangement and is comfortable carrying a child for another family, even if she may not have the chance to see the child after birth.
The compensation for surrogate mothers in Ghana varies, with factors such as medical expenses, living costs, and compensation for the surrogate’s time and effort taken into account. While the financial aspect may provide stability for surrogate mothers, the emotional and ethical considerations of carrying a child for another family are significant.
Overall, the legalization of surrogacy in Ghana has opened up new possibilities for individuals struggling with infertility, while also presenting surrogate mothers with an opportunity to support themselves financially. However, navigating the complexities of surrogacy requires careful consideration of both the benefits and challenges involved for all parties concerned.
“I don’t have a problem. At least there is a family out there who needs a baby and they are ready to have this baby because they are in need. I never really grew up with a family and so if there is someone out there and is ready to spend a lot of money to have a baby and I have the power to make that possible for them, I don’t have a problem with that,” she stated.
Adjoa, the surrogate mother, revealed that she expects to receive compensation ranging from GH¢30,000 to GH¢50,000 for carrying a couple’s child. However, this amount does not include the costs associated with her accommodation and feeding throughout the duration of the pregnancy.
“I think for me, it is an opportunity. I don’t have to follow men, or sleep with them for money. The money aspect of it is very important. At least at the end of the pregnancy, I can get some capital to start something” she added.
In Ghana, surrogacy is not prohibited by law. Act 1027 of the 1992 constitution recognizes surrogacy as a legal arrangement, allowing individuals to engage the services of a surrogate mother to assist with childbirth.
(a) an arrangement where an embryo formed from the egg and sperm of persons other than that of a surrogate mother and her partner or husband is implanted into the surrogate mother; or
(b) where a gamete is introduced into a surrogate mother to fertilise the egg of the surrogate mother, for the purpose of enabling the surrogate mother carry the foetus and give birth on behalf of the Intended Parents[1] (i.e. the person who desires to be a parent through surrogacy or any other assisted reproductive birth arrangement).
Did you know some surrogates in Ghana can earn over GHC 50,000 for each pregnancy they carry?
A leaked audio of the late Dr Grace Boadu, CEO of Gift Herbal Hospital, has given the indication that, at a point when she was going through health issues, Prophet Kingsley Gyamfi, a Kumasi-based pastor, was ready to shut down his church.
In the said audio, the late herbal doctor recounted the challenges she faced after conceiving her twins through in vitro fertilization (IVF).
She revealed that her fiancé, Pastor Kingsley, was not the biological father of her twins, but he was willing to make sacrifices for her well-being.
Among the sacrifices where his life and the church, just to ensure she was healthy.
“The pastor put his life on the line that he will do whatever it takes to save my life. Because we were told that if he saves me and he dies, he would use his soul to save me. The pastor did not focus on his position or fame. He doesn’t know me.
“The pastor did something that only family does. You see. Now the pastor says he will close down the church. Grace Gift, I’m also going to shut down Grace Gift. If God says the pastor will continue to run his church, not even pethidine can stop it,” she said.
Pastor Kingsley Gyamfi, was among the many suitors the family of Dr Boadu disapproved of due to her affluence. It is reported that the late Dr Boadu’s family got him arrested after their daughter suffered a mental breakdown after injecting herself with pethidine at the Kotoka International Airport.
Dr Boadu died on January 29, 2024, after it was alleged she slipped in her bathroom and hit her head on the ground. She died at her residence at Tantra Hills in Accra.
The world of central banking is surprisingly replete with accusations of plagiarism.
The governor of Turkey’s central bank between 2019 and 2020 (and vice governor before then), Murat Uysal, was pilloried by local academics for plagiarising large portions of his Master’s thesis and two published works. He did not get fired for it. After the Turkish Lira lost 30% of its value, however, he was shown the door and replaced with Naci Agbal. Four months later, Naci was summarily dismissed and the job was given to Şahap Kavcıoğlu. No sooner had Sahap settled in than his Alma Mater confirmed an investigation into his PhD thesis. The verdict: large tracts of the text had been lifted from Turkish central bank annual reports. He survived the scandal and stayed in office until the Turkish President tired of him last year.
Around the same time that Sahap was defending his academic integrity, accusations started to fly that the Icelandic central bank governor, Ásgeir Jónsson, was guilty of a similar sin. A Norse Philologist, Bergsveinn Birgisson, with a deep expertise in mythical fiction, was the accuser. The strange intersection of their interests was on the subject of the first settlement of Iceland, on which both had published books. Birgisson says Jonsson stole important hypotheses from his work without attribution. Jónsson denied. Not much came of the dispute.
Much closer to home is the better-known case of the United States–based academic, Victor Dike, and his campaign to bring then governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Lamido Sanusi, to justice for copying from three pages of Dike’s academic paper without giving him the slightest bit of credit. The CBN responded with the most uproarious of excuses: the governor didn’t write the speech, didn’t deliver it on his behalf, and was merely a ventriloquist for the CBN itself in his public speaking appearances! Professor Dike insisted that he will see the governor in Court, and the CBN could follow him there if they so wished. The matter seems lost in the maze that is the Nigerian justice system.
This is the somewhat checkered background against which Ghanaian entrepreneur and development finance specialist, Kofi Arkaah, brings his charge against the Bank of Ghana. Except, perhaps luckily, he is not accusing any official there of lifting verbatim from his published work for their own speeches, theses or academic papers. In some ways, though, his allegation is just as concerning. He is accusing the Bank of Ghana of basing a major policy initiative on a technical model he developed and shared with one of their most senior officials, but doing so sneakily and dishonestly to avoid acknowledging his contributions.
Mr. Arkaah has shown a trail of correspondence to this author which establishes clearly that he did share with a very senior official at the central bank a draft model, and underlying data, on how to develop an optimal gold reserves policy for Ghana. One that would complement the country’s inflation-targeting regime and bolster the national currency by carefully managing the ratio between gold reserves and overall gross international reserves. The trail of correspondence shows the senior official initially expressing a willingness to help Arkaah refine the model before abruptly terminating the engagement.
Arkaah’s need for research support to benchmark the model with data from the Eurozone and WAEMU is what had initially driven the aborted collaboration in 2017. Not much happened in the ensuing years.
Central bank gold reserves as a relative measure. Chart Source: Refinitiv GFMS, World Gold Council & James Steel/Centralbanking.com (2023)
It would seem, however, that some time after the senior Bank of Ghana official terminated the engagement, an army of research assistants were detailed to dig into Arkaah’s data and initial model. In 2021, the Bank of Ghana announced the Gold Purchase Program.
Central bank gold reserves as an absolute measure. Chart Source: IMF (2023)
In his speech heralding the start of the program, the governor gave credit for the idea of developing a gold-backed reserves optimisation policy solely to the sitting Vice President:
“Ladies and Gentlemen, before I conclude, let me acknowledge the support of His Excellency the Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia who got this programme started.”
Attentive observers would have noted similar content in the recent UPSA speech of the Vice President. To be clear, Arkaah does not accuse the Vice President of any complicity in these matters.
It is generally the case that intellectual property (IP) infringement cases brought against central banks usually involve technology applications, and are rarely successful. Examples being the lawsuit brought against the European Central Bank by Rochester-based Document Security Systems and Technocrat Consult & IT Limited’s legal action against the Central Bank of Nigeria. However such technology-related IP disputes normally involve patents, not copyrights, and not all disputes are meant for the courts. Reputational consequences also matter.
Indeed, many of the lawsuits currently underway against Artificial Intelligence (AI) companies worldwide involve the uncredited incorporation of copyrighted work into complex, dynamic, models, and the reputational blowback against tech companies for being perceived as ripping off poor creatives. IP lawsuits involving financial models and research are, actually, also not all that unheard of, a case in point being the famous Barclays Capital vs theflyonthewall.com litigation (where the American courts did make a finding of copyright violation).
In bringing this matter to the public’s attention, Arkaah says he is not looking for cheap fame or monetary compensation. To his mind, the policy ecosystem of any serious country is a community of practice. In such a community, it is critical that ideas are properly sourced and attributed to encourage innovative thinking, a sound competition of ideas, and professional integrity.
He does not mind at all that the technical mechanics of aligning central bank gold purchases with other macroeconomic variables were, to his mind, clearly extracted from his model by the Bank of Ghana. He wants many African countries looking to back their currency with gold to do similar statistical heavy-lifting and not fall into the same trap that the likes of Zimbabwe did when they went down that road without a well-calibrated model.
He is peeved however that rather than seeing an opportunity to engender dialogue with the policy community so that the model could be refined for Ghana’s benefit, the Bank of Ghana stealthily appropriated his ideas, and that its officials are busily making unnecessary partisan political capital out of it. To Arkaah’s mind, that kind of conduct does not become a technical organisation that must stay above politics, guard its institutional independence jealously, and nurture the sharpest technocratic thinking and practice. Moreover, the documented allegations of appropriation of intellectual property, without even the basic trivial courtesy of acknowledgement, reinforce a pattern of impunity, which the Ghanaian central bank has been oft accused of perpetrating.
Readers will note that, to date, the Bank of Ghana (BoG) has failed to publish any serious position papers on either the so-called Gold for Oil program or the program referenced in this essay, the Gold Purchase Program. Consequently, the policy and academic communities have been unable to provide robust feedback and subject the BoG’s thinking to the necessary intellectual scrutiny. And, now, we see clear evidence in this Arkaah affair of the BoG’s undue wariness in engaging with professionals desirous of contributing ideas to enhance monetary policymaking in Ghana.
This author’s consistent complaints about the shifty conduct of central banking in the current dispensation finds at least partial vindication in the Arkaah claims. Whether it is concerning the contentiousrecapitalisation program, the botched bailout funds recovery effort, or the BoG’s very murky approach to procurement, the usual style has been one weighed down by a total lack of candour, transparency, openness to scrutiny, and good-faith dealings with public stakeholders.
Mr. Kofi Arkaah tells this author that his intellectual campaign about optimal gold reserves and ideal ratio will not be curtailed by this setback. It is an idea, he says, destined for continental relevance. And he is only getting started.
Source: Bright Simons is the vice-president, in charge of research at IMANI Centre for Policy and Education.
DISCLAIMER: TIGPost.co will not be liable for any inaccuracies contained in this article. The views expressed in the article are solely those of the author’s, and do not reflect those of The Independent Ghana.
Presidential aspirant and leader of the Movement for Change, Alan Kyerematen, has unveiled a bold plan to streamline Ghana’s government by reducing the number of ministers to just 40 if elected in the 2024 general elections.
As a former Minister of Trade, Mr Kyerematen is prioritizing cost-saving measures and efficiency to drive development across various sectors of the economy.
In his pledge, Mr Kyerematen emphasized the importance of focusing resources on key areas of national development rather than maintaining an extensive cabinet. He cited Switzerland as a model, where a smaller number of ministers effectively govern the country.
Highlighting constitutional provisions, Mr Kyerematen noted that Ghana requires only 19 cabinet ministers, questioning the rationale behind the current larger cabinet size.
He drew comparisons with other countries, such as the United States, to underscore the disproportionality of Ghana’s parliamentary representation.
Mr Kyerematen’s vision for governance extends beyond mere structural changes. Under his leadership, the Movement for Change seeks to foster a political landscape free from partisanship, where every Ghanaian can actively contribute to the nation’s progress.
“The Movement emphasises the need for talent harnessing for progress,” Mr Kyerematen noted.
Mr Kyerematen delivered a scathing critique of both the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC), asserting that their governance has left Ghana grappling with the challenges imposed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
According to Mr Kyerematen, the country’s experience under IMF programs has resulted in only marginal development due to constraints on economic management.
“Ghana’s debt to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) stands at 105 per cent, and the IMF is advocating for a reduction to 55 per cent,” he revealed.
He further argued that the perceived economic recovery touted by some is merely a reflection of the country’s release from the constraints imposed by IMF programs.
“The 16 years of the NDC and the NPP have landed the country at the IMF because as a country we continue to do things the same way,” he lamented.
“How do we expect results doing things the same way,” he queried.
In urging Ghanaians to vote for change in the upcoming elections, Mr Kyerematen emphasized the significance of scrutinizing candidates’ visions and track records.
Central to Mr Kyerematen’s vision is the establishment of a robust revenue base, with a particular focus on transitioning from indirect to direct taxes.
GCB Bank PLC (GCB) has officially appointed Mr. Daniel Kwaku Tweneboah Asirifi as its new Board Chairman, succeeding Mr. Jude Kofi Arthur after the completion of his tenure. Mr. Asirifi’s appointment has been confirmed following the necessary regulatory approvals.
Mr. Asirifi’s appointment coincides with a significant milestone for GCB Bank as it commemorates its 70th anniversary as Ghana’s leading indigenous bank.
During this period, the bank has demonstrated its dedication to providing unparalleled financial solutions aimed at fostering the socio-economic development of Ghana.
Commenting on his appointment, Mr. Asirifi said: “My appointment to the position of Board Chairman of GCB Bank PLC places greater responsibility on me, especially considering that the bank has reached the significant milestone of seventy years and is looking forward to a future of strengthened operations, performance and relationships. Under my watch GCB Bank will continue on the trajectory of success, with even greater momentum by working closely with my colleagues and management. We will continue to deliver on the strategic objectives in our four-year plan with keen focus on governance and sustainability”.
On his part, GCB’s Managing Director, Mr. John Kofi Adomakoh, said: “On behalf of the management team, and indeed all GCB staff, I congratulate Mr. Asirifi on his appointment as Board Chairman. We look forward eagerly to working with him in his new role to deliver on our key objectives, which include providing a lifetime of value to our stakeholders, particularly our shareholders and customers as our brand promises. On this occasion, we take the opportunity to thank our immediate past Board Chairman, Mr. Jude Arthur, for his immense support, guidance and commitment. As Board Chairman, Mr. Arthur was instrumental in successfully steering the affairs of the bank’s Board to offer guidance to management through a period of strong headwinds; we, therefore, remain forever indebted to him”.
Mr. Asirifi is an alumnus of the University of Ghana Business School, where he obtained both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. Additionally, he attended the Ghana Law School and was called to the Bar over two decades ago.
His comprehensive education also includes specialized courses in the operations of the Ghana Stock Exchange, enhancing his expertise in capital markets.
Having joined the GCB Board on February 24, 2022, Mr. Asirifi has brought valuable insights and expertise to the board’s proceedings. His profound understanding of the legal landscape and intricate knowledge of corporate governance within the financial services sector have been instrumental in shaping the board’s decisions.
Previously, he served as the Chairman of the Board’s Ethics, Governance, Compliance, and Nominations Committee. Additionally, he contributed as a member of various other board committees, including the Credit Committee, Human Resource & Remuneration Committee, and G-Money & Electronic Payments Committee.
Throughout his tenure, Mr. Asirifi, alongside his fellow board members, has utilized his extensive experience to the advantage of GCB Bank.
GCB Bank PLC stands as a prominent figure in Ghana’s banking landscape, boasting 185 branches, 340 ATMs, and a network of banking agents spanning across the nation. Established in 1953, GCB has evolved into Ghana’s premier indigenous bank, recognized as a systemic important institution contributing significantly to the country’s growth across various sectors such as oil and gas, agriculture, commerce, and more.
Over the years, GCB has undergone a remarkable transformation, emerging as one of Ghana’s most modern banks with robust financial intermediation capabilities, including advanced digital payment platforms. This evolution has bolstered the bank’s corporate reputation both domestically and internationally.
Alhaji Abdul Karim Grunsah, the Owner and President of King Faisal Babes, has dropped a bombshell accusation during an interview on Angel TV.
Grunsah alleges that following his receipt of a substantial $100,000 appearance fee after the Qatar World Cup, a member of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) approached him with a shocking request.
According to Grunsah’s account, the GFA member demanded that he transfer 50% of the appearance fee into a specific account, despite it being rightfully his. Despite feeling compelled to comply, Grunsah now claims to have bank evidence to support his claims.
This revelation has sent shockwaves through the sporting community, prompting widespread speculation about the motives behind such a request.
Sports journalist Saddick Adams has raised pertinent questions about whether this was a kickback scheme or related to the coefficient, a practice banned by a government white paper with the authority of a high court.
“Who could that be? What was the money for? Kickback or coefficient. Remember coefficient is banned by a government white paper which has the powers of a high court. Black Stars, a money-making machine,” he said.
Former Black Stars Mgt Member, Alhaji Grunsah has made a damning allegation on Angel TV that, after he was paid $100,000 as appearance fee after Qatar World Cup, one GFA member called him to pay back 50% of the money into a certain account which he obliged. Even though he signed… pic.twitter.com/gzfGTyqSuM
A leaked audio of the late Dr Grace Boadu, CEO of Gift Herbal Hospital, has suggested that her untimely death could have been prevented.
In the audio recording, the late herbal doctor recounted the challenges she faced after conceiving her twins through in vitro fertilization (IVF). She revealed that her fiancé, Pastor Kingsley, was not the biological father of her twins, but he was willing to make sacrifices for her well-being.
The late Dr. Grace Boadu shared that her partner, who was a soldier (Lieutenant), subjected her to severe mistreatment that endangered her life.
Unfortunately, she suffered a miscarriage during the 7th month of her pregnancy due to the alleged physical abuse. Her twins passed away in her womb, and she developed a blood clot, further complicating her health.
She described her condition as life-threatening and recounted having to bid farewell to her employees while undergoing treatment, indicating the severity of her situation and the emotional toll it took on her.
“My tummy became like tar. The doctors warned me that I risk losing my life due to how severe the issue is. I had 3 months for the release.
“So when the soldier was disturbing me, the children could not grow. I had complications so my mum had to call Prophet Kingsley Gyamfi to come help me.
The soldier had eloped after hearing that I was going to die. Before I was sent to the theatre, Boakye came there and everyone can to say their goodbyes in case I wouldn’t make it. But do you know the soldier didn’t tell Boakye that I am going to die,” she said.
Reports have it that some young girls in the coastal community of Half Assini in the Jomoro district are offering their bodies to unscrupulous men in exchange for fish.
In a report by JoyNews sighted by The Independent Ghana, girls from poor backgrounds who try to support their families financially reach out to fishermen who make significant catch for some fish. There, some men are said to propose sex for fish and due to the current status of their families, the girls accept the terms and conditions.
According to indigenes, this practice is termed as “fish for sex”.
As such, teenage pregnancy and single-parenting are prevalent in the Jomoro District
Deputy Manager of the Jomoro Fisheries Commission, Irene Obeng, confirmed the practice in the district.
“The girls are young so the fishermen take advantage 9f the situation and have sex with them. Fish for sex happens here a lot,” she said.
Semenyo Maxwell, a fisherman with over a decade experience told JoyNews “everybody will be struggling for the fish so if you can assist the one who is there and you add something, he will also give. The batter system. Give me fish, I give you sex.”
‘Fish For Sex’: Some girls in the coastal community of Half Assini in the Jomoro district beg for fish and return the favour with sex. #JoyNewspic.twitter.com/zIwAR62WSd
Drama unfolded in Parliament on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, as tension between Member of Parliament for Assin Central, Kennedy Agyapong, and his New Patriotic Party (NPP) colleague from Ngleshie-Amanfrom, Sylvester Tetteh, nearly escalated into a physical confrontation.
The cause of the disagreement remains unclear, but a viral video circulating on social media captured Kennedy Agyapong expressing his displeasure with Sylvester Tetteh’s proximity to him on the floor of Parliament.
Sly Tetteh attempted to walk away, but a comment he made seemed to further provoke Ken Agyapong, prompting him to pursue Sly Tetteh, audibly calling him a “foolish boy.”
Deputy Majority Leader and MP for Efutu, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, intervened swiftly, escorting Sylvester Tetteh out of the chamber to defuse the tense situation.
Ken Agyapong, still visibly upset, returned to his seat, with MP for Okaikoi South, Patrick Yaw Boamah, later approaching him in an attempt to calm the situation.
Reports suggest that the altercation was sparked when Sylvester Tetteh attempted to exchange pleasantries with Kennedy Agyapong.
In a dramatic turn of events in Parliament, Ken Agyapong and Sly Tetteh engaged in a heated dispute over an alleged unpaid personal loan.
The underlying cause of the clash revolves around the claim that Sly Tetteh owes Mr. Agyapong a substantial amount. pic.twitter.com/NcwcaIhvmm
The Ankobeahene of the Begoro Stool, Bafour Owiredu Agyarko Minta II, has been summoned before the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council following allegations of endorsing the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, ahead of the country’s upcoming elections.
This comes after Otweresohene, Daasebre Ofosu Kwabi Ayebiahwe and Okyeame Owusu, filed a petition accusing Nana Owiredu Agyarko of engaging in partisan politics, which they believe tarnishes the reputation of the Begoro Stool.
According to the petitioners, the Ankobeahene brought disrepute to the Begoro Stool by involving himself in partisan politics during Mahama’s recent campaign tour of the Eastern Region, where he endorsed the former President.
The petitioners further claim that during Mahama’s engagement with traditional leadership, the chief mentioned that Nananom had invoked the gods to counter the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government’s “breaking the 8” mantra, and cautioned against alleged vote-rigging tactics by the current government.
Former President John Dramani Mahama embarked on a two-day ‘Building Ghana’ tour of the Eastern Region, starting on January 30, 2024.
Engaging his subjects, Balfour Owiredu Agyarko Minta II said, “We are looking for the day that we will use our hands to vote for JDM (John Dramani Mahama) for him to lead us. The 24-hour economy, he said, is coming to help all of us. Let us do well to open our eyes properly. Breaking the 8 will not happen, we have done the necessary tradition.”
Confirming the summons, Abuakwa Traditional State Secretary Dan Marfo Ofori Attah stated that the petitioners seek various remedies, including destoolment as Ankobeahene of Begoro, nullification of the respondent’s conduct, a public apology, and punitive customary sanctions if found guilty.
The hearing on this matter has been rescheduled to take place on February 19, 2024, following its initial date of February 12, 2024.
The Ghana Prisons Service is in search of a Chinese inmate at the Nsawam Maximum Security Prison, Wang Xiao, who is currently at large.
According to the Public Relations Officer of the Ghana Prisons Service, Superintendent Abdul Latif Adamu, Wang Xiao, escaped during a dental medical assessment at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra on Wednesday, February 7, 2024.
Wang Xiao is serving a one-year jail term for theft at the Nsawam Maximum Security Prison.
Engaging the media on February 12, 2024, Superintendent Abdul Latif Adamu, said, “as it stands now, the issue is seriously under investigation, and we have mounted a strategy to search for and, if possible, recapture him.”
“That is why investigations are very necessaryto establish how it happened and the factors that actually caused it. We have gotten a lot of leads that have proven to be successful in what we are doing,” he added.
Meanwhile, a photo of Wang Xiao, who is currently at large, has emerged.
In the image titled “Wanted Person”, Wang Xiao is described as 5 feet, 6 inches tall, and averagely built. Anyone who comes into contact with him is advised to report to the nearest police station or call 0205959016 or 0291914307.
The inmate, Wang Xiao, was at the Nsawam Prison and was serving a one-year jail term for stealing. He is reported to have reported sick and needed dental care outside the prison walls. He was escorted to the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra and escaped. https://t.co/c9NOOfzOWfpic.twitter.com/BvQNqC03bc
A video of a lady admitting to stealing the boyfriend of her best friend and now showing remorse has surfaced on social media.
The ladies involved, Akosua Foreigner and Jennifer Lopez, are said to have gained popularity in November 2023 after a video of them having fun popped up.
At the time, Akosua Foreigner was dating one Odogu Father Wale. But shortly after, he dumped Akosua and went in for her best friend, Jennifer.
At the said time, it was reported that Jennifer left her boyfriend to be with Odogu Father Wale.
Odogu, in a video announced his intentions never to leave Jennifer. During their time together, Jennifer received an iPhone from Father Wale and they both made a video to reportedly spite Akosua Foreigner.
But recent reports have it that Odogu has broken up with Jennifer, and this forced Jennifer to go back to Akosua and ask for forgiveness.
“Even if the boy reaches out to me, I won’t even listen to him. I promise you. I won’t live with him again. Odogu has sinned against the two of us,” Jennifer told Akosua as we wept bitterly.
In the photo shared by Graphic Online, Xiao is 5 feet 6 inches tall and is averagely built.
The inmate, Wang Xiao, was at the Nsawam Prison and was serving a one-year jail term for stealing. He is reported to have reported sick and needed dental care outside the prison walls. He was escorted to the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra and escaped. https://t.co/c9NOOfzOWfpic.twitter.com/BvQNqC03bc
Wang Xiao was serving a one-year jail term for theft at the Nsawam Maximum Security Prison but escaped during a medical assessment at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra on Wednesday, February 7, 2024.
Superintendent Abdul Latif Adamu, the Public Relations Officer of the Ghana Prisons Service, confirmed the escape and revealed that the inmate was undergoing medical examination at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital at the time of the incident.
During an interview on Citi FM on February 12, 2024, he elaborated that despite being escorted by prison officers, Xiao managed to escape.
“It is indeed true that an incident like that has come to the attention of the service, and we can confirm that, yes, an escape has happened at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital where an inmate, a Chinese to be specific who was sent there for assessment for medical care, unfortunately, escaped,” he said.
Continued demand pressures for the dollar are expected to exert further downward pressure on the cedi’s performance this week, according to reports.
Last week saw a slight depreciation of the local currency, resulting in a year-to-date loss of approximately 3.0%.
Persistently high demand for the dollar hindered the cedi’s performance across major trading currencies.
Despite the Central Bank’s injection of $3 million into the market, the local currency struggled, depreciating by 0.60% against the American dollar to close the week at GH¢12.80 in the retail market. While it depreciated by 0.16% against the pound, it managed to gain 0.19% against the euro.
Meanwhile, global creditors and rating agencies held discussions last week regarding their impact on debt-distressed nations like Ghana. The meeting focused on how rating agencies’ actions have exacerbated borrowing costs post-debt restructuring.
Analysts suggest that a positive revision to the rating method for such countries could bolster investor confidence in Ghana and potentially improve the cedi’s outlook in the medium term.
However, despite these potential developments, pressure on the cedi is expected to persist in the near future.
The 2023 Old Mutual Financial Services Monitor has revealed insightful trends regarding the financial behaviors of Ghanaians.
Forty-three percent of Ghanaians exhibit a low-risk inclination, preferring not to take any financial risks.
This cautious approach may be influenced by the impact of the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme on the financial sector.
In contrast, 24% are willing to take substantial financial risks in pursuit of potentially large returns, while approximately 19% are willing to take above-average risks with expectations of above-average returns.
Surprisingly, seven out of 10 working Ghanaians do not seek guidance from a financial adviser, indicating a lack of professional financial planning.
This may leave individuals vulnerable to making uninformed decisions about their finances. Additionally, forty-six percent of respondents admitted uncertainty about whom to consult regarding their finances, reflecting a need for accessible and reliable financial advice.
Regarding business ownership, slightly over half of working Ghanaians are involved in small or micro-sized businesses.
These businesses primarily rely on self-funding through profits or personal savings. Limited access to credit may hinder business growth, leading to a preference for self-reliance.
Only 11% of business owners receive funding from financial services providers, suggesting a reliance on self-funding and limited external financing options. This reliance on self-funding may be a barrier to business expansion and development in Ghana’s economy.
The luxurious residence of the late Dr. Herbert Wigwe, co-founder of Access Bank, and his family has recently surfaced online, drawing attention to the opulent lifestyle they enjoyed.
Tragically, Dr. Wigwe, his wife, their son, and three others lost their lives in a helicopter crash on Friday night, February 9, 2024, while en route to watch the Super Bowl game in Las Vegas, California-USA.
On Sunday, February 11, business magnate Femi Otedola shared his condolences on social media, recalling his last encounter with Dr. Wigwe just two weeks prior to the accident. In the shared image, Otedola and Nigerian industrialist Aliko Dangote were seen dining at the Wigwes’ newly constructed home in Lagos.
Access Bank CEO, Herbert Wigwe died last Friday
The video footage of the late banking icon’s residence has since gone viral on various platforms. The residence, situated on Queens Drive in Lagos, exudes elegance, precision, and attention to detail. Spanning a vast acreage, the property boasts indoor and outdoor parking facilities, modern luxury interiors, spacious rooms, a gym, a spa, and a swimming pool, among other lavish amenities.
Dr. Wigwe and his family reportedly moved into the residence just last December, adding to the tragedy of their untimely passing.
In the Women’s FA Cup quarter-finals, Chelsea will face Everton as they seek to defend their title. With Emma Hayes’s side currently sitting atop the Women’s Super League and having recently secured a 3-0 victory against Everton, they will be confident heading into the matchup.
Tottenham will host Manchester City in what promises to be a competitive encounter between two ambitious teams aiming for success at the top level of women’s football. Manchester City’s narrow 1-0 win over Arsenal in the previous round demonstrates their determination, while Spurs will be buoyed by their victory over Charlton.
Liverpool will take on Leicester, with both teams eager to advance further in the tournament. Leicester, sitting two places below Liverpool in the WSL table, will see this as an opportunity to cause an upset, while Liverpool will look to build on their recent win against London City Lionesses.
Manchester United, led by Marc Skinner, will travel to the South Coast to face Brighton. With their hopes of success in other competitions dwindling, the FA Cup represents a significant opportunity for Manchester United to claim silverware this season.
The quarter-final ties are scheduled to take place on the weekend of March 9-10.
Access Holdings Plc has named Bolaji Agbede as the Acting Group Chief Executive Officer following the tragic passing of the Group’s CEO, Herbert Wigwe.
“Further to its announcement dated February 11, 2024, the Board of Directors of Access Holdings Plc (‘the Company’) has today announced the appointment of Ms Bolaji Agbede as the Acting Group CEO of the Company following the unfortunate demise of its former Group CEO, Dr Herbert Wigwe, on February 9, 2024,” the company said in a statement Monday.
Mr Wigwe, along with his wife, son, and former chairman of the Nigeria Exchange Group, Abimbola Ogunbanjo, lost their lives in a helicopter crash in the United States on Friday, February 9, 2024.
Ms. Agbede’s career at Access Bank began in 2003 as an Assistant General, bringing nearly three decades of professional experience spanning banking and business consultancy services.
During her tenure at the bank, she held various roles, including Head of Group Human Resources from 2010 to 2022. In 2022, she was appointed as the company’s founding Executive Director of Business Support, a position she held until her recent appointment as Acting Group Chief Executive Officer.
Ms. Agbede holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics and Statistics from the University of Lagos and a Master of Business Administration Degree from Cranfield University, UK, obtained in 2002.
Furthermore, she is a member of both the Chartered Institute of Management in the UK and the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria.
Her appointment is subject to the approval of the Central Bank of Nigeria.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has advised Erling Haaland to maintain patience and trust in his abilities as he prepares for their Champions League encounter with FC Copenhagen.
The 23-year-old recently scored a brace against Everton, marking his return from a foot injury. However, he had failed to find the net in previous matches against Burnley and Brentford.
Guardiola emphasized the importance for Haaland to stay positive and not become overly fixated on scoring goals. Instead, he encouraged the striker to focus on his performance and allow the goals to naturally follow.
He said: “Erling is young, playing in the most difficult position on the pitch surrounded by four or five players with minor space.
“In the first half maybe we didn’t have the special delivery players, like Kevin [De Bruyne] for example, who can find him.
“In that moment he has to be positive. When he scored a goal, he reacted but he doesn’t need to score because he helps us with many things.
“He is defined by goals but it is not just scoring a goal. It’s how he is clapping, encouraging his mates and the first intense press. This is what we need from Erling.”
Despite Erling Haaland’s remarkable record of 40 goals in 35 Champions League games, with 17 of those goals scored while wearing a Manchester City shirt, Pep Guardiola emphasized the need for patience and understanding regarding the striker’s recent absence from first-team football.
He said: “But we cannot forget he has been two months out, which is a lot of time for a guy who is so tall.
“Back to the dynamic is not easy. He’s a huge competitor who wants to score goals. OK, we know that, so relax.
“If we don’t score today, or if he doesn’t score in 10 minutes, it’s OK. In the process, he has to try because the team always wins when they overcome bad moments.”
PEP 💬 He [Erling Haaland] adapted really well coming here – we have incredible players here who embrace the new ones… We don't put pressure and say you have to score goals, no. We say get involved with what we do and the rest will come naturally. pic.twitter.com/jBEJoW9Wlu
Ghana Prisons Service has broken its silence regarding the reported escape of a Chinese national who was serving a one-year jail term for theft at the Nsawam Maximum Security Prison.
The incident took place during the individual’s medical assessment at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra on Wednesday, February 7, 2024.
Superintendent Abdul Latif Adamu, the Public Relations Officer of the Ghana Prisons Service, confirmed the escape and revealed that the inmate, Wang Xiao, was undergoing medical examination at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital at the time of the incident.
During an interview on Citi FM on February 12, 2024, he elaborated that despite being escorted by prison officers, Xiao managed to escape.
“It is indeed true that an incident like that has come to the attention of the service, and we can confirm that, yes, an escape has happened at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital where an inmate, a Chinese to be specific who was sent there for assessment for medical care, unfortunately, escaped.
“As it stands now, the issue is seriously under investigation, and we have mounted a strategy to search for and, if possible, recapture him. he was a convict serving a one-year jail term. the inmate in question was on transfer to Korle-Bu Hospital; it was a dental problem,” he said.
Superintendent Abdul Latif Adamu continued, “Officers were deployed to supervise him to ensure that he was escorted to the hospital and then back to the facility but unfortunately, this happened.
“That is why investigations are very necessaryto establish how it happened and the factors that actually caused it. We have gotten a lot of leads that have proven to be successful in what we are doing,” he added.
In a separate report by the state-owned graphiconline.com, DSP Irene Pokuah Wiredu, Head of Media Relations for the service, disclosed that a wanted person notice has been issued, urging the public to assist in re-arresting Wang Xiao.
This move comes as a result of these companies failing to file their annual returns, along with the required fees and financial statements, for a period exceeding two years.
The deregistration process is anticipated to conclude by May 2024.
The ORC clarified that it had to take this step following two years of extensive awareness campaigns and numerous publications regarding these non-compliant companies in the media and on its official website, as mandated by the Companies Act, 2019 (Act 992).
“Despite all the efforts by the Office of the Registrar of Companies to encourage stakeholders to file their returns, some companies have still not complied with this directive”.
The ORC emphasized that the affected companies still have the opportunity to rectify their status by submitting their annual returns along with their audited financial statements to the office by the end of May 2024, before the process of striking off companies is finalized.
Furthermore, the ORC stated that companies whose names are removed from the register will be prohibited from conducting business under that name for a period of 12 years. Restoration of these companies can only occur if a court finds sufficient cause and issues an order directing the Registrar of Companies to restore the delisted name.
Additionally, the registrar cautioned these companies against making any payments to Mobile Money Accounts in the name of the Office of Registrar of Companies or the Registrar-General Department under any circumstance.
“The Office does not operate or have a ‘Momo’ Account neither has the Office authoris.ed any person to act on its behalf in striking off names of Companies in default”.
The Office of the Registrar of Companies has additionally announced that it will commence the implementation of an administrative penalty of GH¢1,000 against companies in default, starting from May 1, 2024. This measure aligns with the provisions outlined in the Companies Act of 2019.
Aston Villa midfielder Boubacar Kamara is facing a devastating blow, as he is expected to miss the remainder of the season due to a significant knee injury sustained in the match against Manchester United.
The 24-year-old influential midfielder was forced off the pitch in the 65th minute during the 2-1 defeat at Villa Park, and journalist David Ornstein has confirmed that he suffered an ACL injury.
Following a scan conducted today, it has been revealed that the France international is now set for an extended period of absence from the field.
This news comes as a massive setback for Unai Emery’s squad, as Kamara has been a key player, featuring in 30 games across all competitions.
Aston Villa has already experienced setbacks with injuries to key players like Tyrone Mings and Emiliano Buendia at the beginning of the season, and there are concerns regarding defender Ezri Konsa potentially facing a similar fate.
The Treasury market continues to show strong momentum, with investors demonstrating heightened interest in T-bills during the latest money market auction.
Bids totaled GH¢6.96 billion against a GH¢4.59 billion target, resulting in an impressive oversubscription of 52 percent, the highest weekly offer this year. This robust demand underscores investors’ appetite for higher returns, particularly in anticipation of an imminent decline in rates.
Demand for the 364-day yield reached an unprecedented high of GH¢2.29 billion, highlighting investors’ eagerness to capitalize on potentially lucrative returns offered by the 364-day yield.
Last week’s auction saw a bid-to-cover ratio of 1.02x, with GH¢117.78 million rejected while GH¢6.85 billion in bids were accepted, surpassing both the auction target and maturities.
Yields continued to decrease for the seventh consecutive week, with the 91-day T-bill experiencing a 30 basis points drop to 28 percent. The 182-day and 364-day yields also contracted by 36 bps and 40 bps, settling at 30.44 percent and 31 percent respectively.
Looking ahead, the Treasury aims to raise GH¢4.87 billion in the next auction scheduled for Friday, February 16, 2024, to refinance maturing Face Value (FV) of GH¢4.15 billion falling between the 91- and 182-day bills.
Market analysts anticipate continued downward pressure on yields in the near-term, with expectations of a receding inflation rate. However, there is a potential upside risk due to the relatively high auction target, which may be mitigated by investors’ steadfast demand for T-bills.
In contrast, the secondary bond market for government papers witnessed a slowdown, with a 16.25 percent week-on-week decline in total volume traded amounting to GH¢1.33 billion. The Feb-28 and Feb-29 papers jointly accounted for approximately 76 percent of the aggregate market turnover.
The LCY yield curve experienced a downward reversal, with the average yield to maturity (YTM) on the 2027-2030 papers decreasing to 19.13 percent and the 2035-2038 papers retreating to 17.07 percent.
Analysts attribute the sluggish performance in bond market activity to strong demand for T-bills among investors seeking higher returns amidst declining T-bill yields.
As market participants await the release of the Jan-2024 inflation figure, analysts anticipate market activity to stabilize, with investors shifting their attention to the forthcoming economic indicator.
Scott McTominay emerged as the hero for Manchester United, clinching a hard-fought 2-1 victory over fellow Champions League contenders Aston Villa with a powerful header late in the game.
The match was crucial for sixth-placed United, who couldn’t afford to lose ground to Unai Emery’s Villa, positioned just above them in the standings with a potential eight-point lead extending to an intimidating 11.
Rasmus Hojlund, in exceptional form, gave United an early lead with his fifth consecutive Premier League goal, but Villa fought back strongly, equalizing through Douglas Luiz in the second half.
With the match finely balanced, McTominay, known for his impact off the bench, rose to the occasion once again, netting his fourth goal as a substitute just minutes before the final whistle, securing a crucial win for United at Villa Park.
Emery’s Villa side may feel unlucky not to have earned at least a point, while Erik ten Hag celebrates his first Premier League away victory as United manager against a top-eight opponent.
This win also marks the first time this season that United have won four consecutive matches across all competitions.
Despite an injury to Lisandro Martinez, Raphael Varane replaced him in the starting lineup, with the rest of the team remaining unchanged from their confidence-boosting win against West Ham.
No player has more goals from the bench than Scott McTominay in the Premier League this season ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/3WY3LMGaRC
United started the game confidently, with Marcus Rashford making a dynamic run from his own half early on. Hojlund capitalized on Maguire’s header from Fernandes’ set-piece to put United ahead in front of the Villa faithful.
Villa responded strongly, with Ramsey and Bailey having attempts on goal, while McGinn’s thunderous strike was saved by United goalkeeper Andre Onana. Despite Watkins’ efforts, Villa couldn’t breach United’s defense until Luiz’s equalizer in the second half.
The match swung both ways in the latter stages, with both teams having opportunities to score. However, it was McTominay who ultimately settled the contest with his late winner, ensuring United’s victory on the road.
Watkins and Cash made late attempts for Villa, but United held firm to claim all three points in a hard-fought encounter.
Activity in the secondary bond market for Government of Ghana papers slowed down, with the total volume traded declining by 16.25% week-on-week to GH¢1.33 billion.
Most notably, trades from the February 2028 (coupon: 8.50%) and February 2029 (coupon: 8.65%) papers collectively accounted for approximately 76% of the overall market turnover.
The local currency (LCY) yield curve experienced a downward reversal, with the average Yield-To-Maturity on the 2027-2030 papers decreasing to 19.13% (a decline of 198 basis points). Similarly, the 2035-2038 papers retreated to 17.07% (a decrease of 14 basis points).
Analysts anticipate that the sluggish trend in bond market activity will persist as investors continue to prioritize treasury bills to maximize investment returns, particularly amidst declining T-bill yields.
Meanwhile, the government intends to raise GH¢4.87 billion through 91-day to 364-day bills to refinance maturing bills worth GH¢4.15 billion.
Analysts suggest that the relatively high auction target (+6.06% week-on-week) could potentially exert upward pressure on yields.
Chelsea delivered a strong finish to secure a 3-1 victory over Crystal Palace, with Conor Gallagher making his mark against his former team at Selhurst Park.
Despite missing key players like Michael Olise, Eberechi Eze, and Marc Guehi due to injuries, the depleted hosts took the lead with a stunning goal from Jefferson Lerma, marking his first for the Eagles.
Gallagher quickly responded with an equalizer early in the second half, netting his first Premier League goal of the season in the 47th minute. As the relegation-threatened Palace seemed to be holding on for a draw, Gallagher struck again in stoppage time, securing his brace just before Enzo Fernandez sealed Chelsea’s victory.
Before the match, there were uncertainties about the reception Palace would receive from fans, especially after their recent loss to rivals Brighton and the display of protest banners. However, despite some raised banners expressing discontent, the atmosphere seemed less sour than expected, with the majority of fans rallying behind their team.
Palace started with promise, taking the lead through Lerma’s impressive strike, but Chelsea gradually asserted control, dominating possession and creating opportunities. Gallagher’s goals turned the tide in Chelsea’s favor, leading to a jubilant celebration from the away supporters.
Despite Palace’s efforts to respond, Chelsea’s persistence paid off, with Fernandez sealing the victory in added time. The win propelled Chelsea into the top half of the table, while Palace was left to rue missed opportunities as they continue to battle relegation.
Presidential Candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2024 election, John Dramani Mahama, is advocating for stakeholders in the electoral process to be granted access to monitor the operations of the National Identification Authority (NIA).
He asserts that this measure would establish effective checks and balances, crucial for preventing fraud and exploitation of the system, especially amid discussions proposing the Ghana Card as the sole identification document for general elections.
Mr. Mahama conveyed this stance during a workshop for the minority caucus in parliament held at the Volta Serene Hotel in Ho, the capital of the Volta Region.
“We demand that the process must necessarily include a system that enables all political parties and relevant stakeholders to possess the capacity to monitor to avoid fraud and exploitation to the undue advantage of any of the political stakeholders,” he said.
He reiterated the NDC’s opposition to the proposed utilization of the Ghana Card in the forthcoming general election, citing concerns that the National Identification Authority (NIA) is not adequately prepared to handle such a significant responsibility.
The former president elucidated that the Authority has not completed the registration of all eligible individuals, and furthermore, a considerable number of the cards issued have not been distributed to applicants nationwide.
“The Ghana card is a relatively new feature of our national life and its merit in the scheme of things. At the moment, it is being blemished more as a political tool around in all manners fashioned towards elections.”
“There is a need to allow sufficient time for its full integration into our way of life before this kind of doubtful excuses of all other legitimately acquired credible and time-tested forms of identification are implemented.”
“Until full and nearly total coverage is achieved in the rollout of the Ghana Card, room must be made for those who are yet to be served to exercise their democratic right of voting. They cannot be excused from the voter’s register due to no fault of theirs”, Mr Mahama argued.
Officers of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) had to discontinue their efforts to battle a fierce blaze at Pra Junction over the weekend when a group of individuals attacked them.
On Saturday, February 10, 2024, the Konongo-Odumasi Fire Station received a distress fire call reporting another outbreak near Stellex Pharmacy in Konongo.
Rushing to the scene after containing the initial fire at Pra Junction, the crew faced hostility from the public upon arrival, resulting in damage to their borrowed fire engine.
According to the GNFS, the irate crowd never allowed its officers to perform their lawful duty at the fire scene.
To protect their lives, the duty officer in charge directed the rescue team to return to base.
Meanwhile, a formal complaint has been lodged with the Konongo Police Department for investigation and action.
This follows a disturbing incident at the O.A. Travel and Tours terminal at the Kwame Nkrumah Circle (Avenor) where unidentified individuals, incensed by the alleged delay in the Fire Service’s response to a fire emergency, resorted to pelting the fire tenders with stones.
It took the intervention of the police service to restore calm and allow the firefighters to get to work.
A Senegalese individual has expressed admiration for the “bond” between Ghana and Nigeria, as observed through the banter and camaraderie exhibited by citizens of both nations during the 2023 AFCON tournament.
This sentiment arose from the playful teasing exchanged between Ghanaians and Nigerians following their respective performances in the tournament. Ghana faced an early elimination in the group stages, leading to Nigerians poking fun at their misfortune.
However, Nigeria’s journey to the final stage ended in defeat against Ivory Coast, prompting Ghanaians to reciprocate with jests directed at their neighbors.
This dynamic exchange of banter on social media has caught the attention of other Africans, who find themselves impressed by the mix of friendly rivalry and mutual respect displayed between Ghana and Nigeria.
Many are intrigued by the origins of this unique relationship between the two countries, which oscillates between playful teasing and solidarity during sporting events.
“As a Senegalese. I want to ask. How did the vibe between Ghana and Nigeria start. U make us and other countries jealous of the bond. You guys make it look like Africa is made up of only Ghana and Nigeria. Why?” one @bontiyaka asked.
The Abossey Okai Spare Parts Dealers Association has thrown its weight behind Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s proposition to introduce a simplified flat tax system should he assume the presidency.
In a released statement, the association urged its members to support the initiative, believing it would greatly benefit spare parts businesses across the nation.
They highlighted that the proposed flat tax structure could lead to reduced costs for spare parts, offering relief to commercial drivers who frequently factor these expenses into their transportation fares.
Dr. Bawumia unveiled this proposal during a speech at the University of Professional Studies in Accra on Wednesday, February 7, as part of his presidential agenda.
The NPP flagbearer made this known when he announced that if elected president in the 2024 elections, he would introduce a flat tax regime for the collection of taxes.
According to him, the flat tax of percent of income for individuals and SMEs (which constitute 98% of all businesses in Ghana) will have appropriate exemption thresholds set to protect the poor.
“With the new tax regime, the tax return should be able to be completed in minutes! We will also simplify our complicated corporate tax system and VAT regime,” he said.
Addressing the nation on his vision for Ghana while speaking at the University of Professional Studies (UPSA) in Accra today, he stressed that there is a need to reform and refocus the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) towards broadening the tax base.
The Association views this initiative as commendable and crucial for the welfare of spare parts dealers nationwide.
A Ghanaian bus conductor, Gideon, got himself tangled up with the law for inflicting cutlass wounds on a man who accused him of having a relationship with his girlfriend.
He denied the claim about searching for the girlfriend in question. According to Gideon, he is only acquainted with the young lady and has never had any romantic interest in her.
The man got physical with Gideon because he had been informed that Gideon was interested in his girlfriend.
In a video shared by Crime Check Foundation, Gideon earlier engaged in combat on Saturday at Donyina station in Ejisu district and after intervention from elders, calm was temporarily restored, but on Sunday, he was attacked while on the pitch. He reciprocated.
“He brought a knife to attack me at Donyina station but those around intervened, and we all left for home. The following morning, I was on the park when he came accompanied by four others to beat me. That day, the park had been dug and I chanced upon someone’s knife and so I got hold of it to protect myself. It was four of them against me.
“They came with canes and knives. They managed to strike the knife against my head and I reciprocated,” he said.
He continued: “So I eloped for safety at my girlfriend’s house. She went to report to the police that some people wanted to kill me, so they should rescue me. Instead of rescuing me, they arrested me. They said the wound I inflicted on my attacker was larger than mine, so they would arrest me.”
A prison officer, on his part, noted that Gideon may have been arrested and fined due to other factors such as the individual who initiated the attack, drew the first weapon or struck first.
According to Gideon, his attacker was not charged or jailed. He was fined GHS3,000, but due to the kind gesture of Dr. Kofi Danso, Gideon is now a free man after settling the fine.
On Sunday, February 11, the Wa Municipal Fire Station’s firefighters, led by STNO II Kwaku, demonstrated exceptional teamwork and swift action in containing a fire outbreak at a two-bedroom apartment owned by a Superintendent of the Ghana Prisons Service in Wa, Upper West Region.
Their prompt response not only prevented the fire from spreading to adjacent rooms but also highlighted the dedication of both the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) and the Regional Command of Prisons to protecting lives and property.
As investigations into the cause of the fire continue, Upper West Regional Minister Hon. Dr. Hafiz Bin Salih visited the scene to show governmental support and the significance of collaboration in ensuring community safety and resilience.
Teaching and learning at the school came to a halt following the strike initiated by the Senior Staff Association of Public Universities in Ghana (SSA-UoG), the Tertiary Education Workers Union of Ghana (TEWUG), and the Federation of Universities Senior Staff (FUSSAG) on February 1.
The unions decided to suspend the strike on Friday, February 9, 2024, after holding discussions with the government and the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) regarding the conditions of service of their members.
However, despite the suspension of the strike, members of the labour unions have made it clear that they retain the option to reinstate the strike if the employer fails to fulfill its obligations as agreed upon.
Josephine Philicity Apenyo Adom, the KNUST local Women’s Commissioner of the Senior Staff Association of Universities of Ghana, emphasized that the strike has only been temporarily suspended and can be reinstated at any time.
She urged the government to expedite the resolution of members’ demands to prevent a recurrence of the strike.
“We have only suspended the strike, which means we can go back at any time, and the government has promised that we should give it some time to have everything resolved, and we are urging the government to do the needful.”
Socialite and mental health advocate, Abena Korkor, has attributed her encounters with wealthy individuals to the grace and blessings bestowed upon her by God.
When asked by host, Zion Felix, about the secret behind her successes in meeting prominent figures, she said “It is God’s blessings.”
Abena Korkor also pointed out that due to her humility, man influential men love to approach her.
“Also, my mother raised me well. I am a respectful person. By God’s blessings and grace, I meet big men everyday. I am not even a fan of some of them. Please if you want a sugar daddy, I can find one for you,” she stated.
Abena Korkor has, almost all the time, mostly been in the news for controversial issues. She has admitted to sleeping with 100 influential men.
Some men she points fingers at sometimes come out to deny the claims and this results in a banter on social media.
In 2022, Abena shared a naked photo of herself posing with a guitar to advertise to her followers to sign up for her Onlyfans.
