Sky Bet League One leaders Portsmouth had to settle for a point in a goalless draw at struggling Exeter.
Despite creating chances, including attempts from Jack Sparkes and Dion Rankine, Portsmouth couldn’t find the back of the net.
Exeter’s Ilmari Niskanen had a close effort, hitting the post, while both goalkeepers, Vili Sinisalo for Exeter and Will Norris for Portsmouth, made crucial saves.
The draw added to Portsmouth’s recent run of disappointing results during the festive period.
The Lebanese Embassy in Ghana has clarified media reports that incorrectly identified the Lebanese Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Mr. Maher Kheir, as Sunil Waghmare, the Indian Guinness World Record holder.
H.E. Mr. Maher Kheir had visited the Akwaaba Village to offer significant support to Ghanaian entrepreneur Afua Asantewaa Aduonum during her record-breaking attempt.
The embassy emphasized the need for accurate reporting and clarified the misrepresentation in some media outlets.
In a statement issued on Friday, December 29, 2023, the Embassy said “Recent reports have mistakenly identified H.E Mr. Maher Kheir, the Lebanese Ambassador to Ghana, as Mr. Sunil Waghmare, the Indian Guinness World Record holder. We would like to correct this error and confirm that Ambassador Kheir, due to the friendly relationship between the people of Lebanon and people of Ghana, attended the event at Akwaaba Village on Thursday, December 28th, 2023, in a gesture of support for Mrs. Afua Asantewaa O. Aduonum’s recordbreaking attempt.”
His Excellency Mr. Maher Kheir also celebrated Afua Asantewaa for the successful completion of her attempt, describing it as a show of “dedication and perseverance”.
“His Excellency Mr. Maher Kheir extends his congratulations to Mrs. Aduonum on her official attempt of the current record. Her achievement serves as an inspiration, demonstrating the power of dedication and perseverance,” the Embassy added.
The Lebanese Embassy in Ghana has urged Ghanaian media houses to take notice of the correction and make the necessary rectifications regarding the misidentification of the Lebanese Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Mr. Maher Kheir, in media reports.
“We appreciate all Ghanaian media houses’ attention to this correction and look forward to continuing the strong relationship between Lebanon and Ghana,” the statement concluded.
Electrochem Ghana Limited, Africa’s largest industrial salt production mine, is set to employ an additional 2,500 workers for manual mining as it expands its operations in Ada Songoor next year.
The company has already started the process of hiring this workforce, with 372 people employed last week.
Electrochem Ghana Limited has reserved part of its developed pans for manual mining to address unemployment issues in the Ada traditional area and create additional jobs.
The company aims to employ over 7,000 Ghanaian youth by next year, with 3,000 already employed in the first phase of the project.
Electrochem Ghana Limited, with its $88-million Electrochem Salt Washing Plant, is producing 650,000 metric tons of industrial salt per annum from a 41,000-acre field in Ada Songhor Salt site.
The plant, the largest in Africa, is expected to reach production of around two million tonnes per annum by 2027.
The company has initiated the process of employing an additional 2,500 workers for manual mining, contributing to job creation and economic development in the region.
Electrochem Ghana Limited aims to become a significant player in the industrialization drive of Ghana by supplying salt to local, regional, and global markets.
Northampton secured a 2-1 victory over Lincoln in a League One match at Sincil Bank.
Jon Guthrie opened the scoring for Northampton after half an hour, heading into an empty net from a Marc Leonard cross.
Kieron Bowie doubled the visitors’ lead with a left-footed shot from the edge of the area in the 58th minute.
Lincoln responded quickly with Timothy Eyoma’s close-range header from an Ethan Hamilton corner, setting up a thrilling finish.
However, any hope of a comeback was dashed when Paudie O’Connor received a straight red card for a deliberate elbow, and Northampton held on for all three points.
The non-governmental organization Green for Change Ghana, based in the Savannah Region, has advised cashew farmers, particularly the younger ones in the region, to refrain from working in isolation and competing among themselves.
The organization highlighted that 88% of smallholder farmers in Ghana are involved in cashew farming but are marginalized within the value chain.
To address this, Green for Change Ghana, in partnership with Nathan Associates, initiated a project called “Empowering Small Holder Cashew Farmers for a Sustainable Future.”
The project involved training 300 smallholder cashew farmers to enhance their knowledge and skills in producing quality cashew nuts and preventing post-harvest losses.
Mr. John Balankoo Sumbo in an interview with Myjoyonline said their focus is, “that, if farmers produce or harvest their nuts to meet these qualities, they can get premier prices for their Cashew nuts”.
The project, implemented in collaboration with the Ghana Trade and Investment Program, was funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) under the Feed the Future program.
The initiative aimed to empower smallholder cashew farmers for a sustainable future by providing them with the necessary training and knowledge to improve the quality of their cashew production and enhance their participation in the value chain.
The Executive Director added that the project evaluation served as a potent platform for beneficiaries and stakeholders to share their success, the outcome of the implementation, the lesson learned, challenges encountered, and the way forward.
The project was implemented in six communities in the West Gonja Municipality.
They include Bonyanto, Soalepe, and Tarlorpe. The rest are Achebunyor, Businu and Jonokponto.
The Executive Director indicated that before the implementation of the project, surveillance was carried out with stakeholder consultation, engagement of key actors within the cashew value-chain, so as to “introduce to them what they are doing to also prevent duplication of efforts by having several Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) doing the same thing in the value chain”.
“We engaged them in the project intervention and we got their buy-in and cooperation after the six-month and after the implementation period, we needed to share with them the outcome of the implementation”.
One of the beneficiaries, Alidu Shahadu, expressed gratitude on behalf of his colleagues to Green for Change Ghana for the training. He promised to make good use of the knowledge acquired, emphasizing the positive impact it would have on their households and the cashew industry.
“In fact, during the training, it was interesting to know our weaknesses and things we were not doing right. But now, we have put them behind us and to work together, to support ourselves by putting into use the knowledge we acquired from the six months training”, Alidu Shahadu explained.
An officer from the West Gonja Municipal Agriculture Department, Ezekiel Akwasi Gariba lauded the intervention describing it as an eye-opener to the farmers who have suffered at the hands of middlemen.
“And I know that from now on, these farmers would not allow any middlemen to cheat them with their low prices again”, he stressed.
The NGO in partnership with the forest division and World Vision Ghana, distributed a total of 2,645 seedlings of Kapok, mango, and baobab for reforestation and environmental preservation.
Leeds United’s hopes of automatic promotion from the Championship suffered a setback as they were defeated 1-0 by West Brom at The Hawthorns.
Grady Diangana’s 37th-minute goal proved decisive, giving former Leeds coach Carlos Corberan back-to-back home wins.
Leeds, managed by Daniel Farke, failed to mount a significant challenge, and their hopes of securing automatic promotion took another blow with this defeat.
West Brom’s opening goal in the 37th minute came from Diangana’s second attempt after his initial shot was blocked by Joe Rodon.
Despite West Brom’s dominance, Leeds had claims for a penalty turned down earlier in the match.
The defeat adds pressure on Leeds United in their pursuit of automatic promotion, and they will need to regroup in the remaining fixtures to boost their chances.
Two armed men on a motorbike reportedly robbed a Forex Bureau of approximately GH¢400,000.
The incident occurred around Amanfro Top Town in the Ga South Municipality of the Greater Accra Region, according to sources from Citi News.
Alhaji Mumuni, the owner of the Forex Bureau and a gold dealer, mentioned that the suspects had been monitoring their movements from Kasoa Zongo before robbing them at Amanfro Top Town, where the business operates.
Alhaji Mumuni recounted how the entire incident took place.
“We received a call from a client in Amanfro, so we decided to meet them. While we were on our way, we noticed two people on motorbikes, but we didn’t pay much attention.”
“As we approached our destination, the two men on the motorbike attacked us and demanded the money in the bag. My other brother resisted, but one of the robbers insisted and pulled out a gun, firing a warning shot.”
“With no other choice, my brother handed over the bag to the robbers. In the bag, we had about four hundred thousand cedis, including some foreign currency,” he narrated.
According to him, they have reported the case to the Ngleshie Amanfro Police, and they have visited the scene to commence the investigation.
Eyewitness Jonathan Essel stated that, although they initially considered intervening, the armed robbers were carrying guns, which deterred them from taking any action.
“After the robbers took the bags, one of them claimed to be a police officer, and they were armed, making it difficult for us to confront them. There were two guys on a motorbike, and it had no number plate,” Jonathan Essel added.
President of the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), Angel Carbonu, has refuted former President John Mahama’s recent allegations of widespread cheating among senior high school graduates.
Mr Carbonu emphasized the uniqueness of each examination, stating that “no two examinations can be the same.”
Former President Mahama had expressed concerns about the authenticity of the recent West African Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (WASSCE) results, pointing to the high pass rates.
He alleged instances of invigilators and teachers aiding students in cheating, cautioning about potential consequences for the country’s educational system.
In response, Carbonu challenged Mahama to provide statistical evidence supporting his claims, suggesting that there might be information not known to the public.
“The information the former President has will help all of us to resolve the matter,” he added.
Angel Carbonu clarified that it is incorrect to make sweeping statements about teachers’ performance, stating that not every teacher engages in cheating.
While acknowledging that there have been instances where a few teachers were implicated in cheating, he emphasized that this does not reflect the broader teaching community.
The NAGRAT President urged politicians to refrain from meddling in the country’s education system and instead focus on addressing the challenges confronting teachers.
“We beg you politicians, stop playing political football with our exams. Let us maintain our standards. Every examination is different every year” he stated.
In a match against Stoke, Watford secured a 1-1 draw despite being reduced to 10 men early in the second half.
Jake Livermore’s first goal for Watford was equalized by Ryan Mmaee before halftime. Vakoun Bayo was sent off with a straight red card in the 52nd minute for an altercation with Luke McNally. Despite being a man down, Stoke couldn’t find a winner.
Watford’s head coach, Valerian Ismael, made six changes to the team that lost 4-1 to Bristol City on Boxing Day, including giving Giorgi Chakvetadze his first start. Stoke made changes as well, bringing in Ben Pearson and Sead Haksabanovic after their 3-1 win against Birmingham.
Livermore opened the scoring for Watford in the 15th minute, converting from Chakvetadze’s corner. Mmaee equalized for Stoke in the 34th minute after a run from Haksabanovic.
The second half saw Watford reduced to 10 men after Bayo’s red card, but Stoke couldn’t capitalize. Despite chances on both ends, including a fine block by Hamer and missed opportunities for Watford, the game ended in a 1-1 draw.
An Adentan Circuit Court has issued a restraining order against three individuals—Francis Ayenu, Dennis Tawiah, and Michael Ayenu—preventing them from organizing an “All-white or All Black attire party” scheduled for January 1, 2024.
The court’s decision came in response to concerns raised by the police, seeking to prevent potential clashes and disturbances of peace in Adenta, Accra.
The court said: “In the interest of upholding and ensuring public peace and order, and in the interest of protecting lives and property, the respondents, Francis Ayenu, Dennis Tawiah and Michael Ayenu; their agents, assigns, workmen, servants and any other person or group claiming through or under them are hereby restrained and or prohibited from organising, holding, carrying-on, executing, throwing or proceeding with the planned “All white/ All black” event/ party or other event name of description they may give it, and as planned for the 1st day of January 2024.”
The Adentan Circuit Court issued a restraining/prohibition order, directing the owners and operators of any event center, location, or premises associated with the planned “All-white or All Black attire party” to cooperate with the Ghana Police Service in executing the order. The directive was part of the court’s response to an ex-parte motion filed by Chief Inspector Maxwell Lanyo of the Ghana Police Service on December 29, 2023.
The police received intelligence on December 19, 2023, indicating that two factions, led by Francis Ayenu on one side and Dennis Tawiah with Michael Ayenu on the other, were planning events titled “All Black Attire wear or All White attire” on December 28, 2023, and January 1, 2024. The police reported that Francis Ayenu filed an injunction against the other partners in the Adenta High Court to prevent them from organizing any event on the specified dates.
The Police said, however, “even though the processes had been served on the defendant, they went ahead to hold the event on December 28, 2023, in flagrant disregard to the powers and authority of the High Court, Adenta and they are again planning to hold the second event on January 1, 2024, despite the pending injunction.”
It said Police intelligence revealed that Francis Ayenu and his group were also planning to organise the same event at the same venue on January 1, 2024, and use “land guards” to disrupt the event of Dennis Tawiah and Michael Ayenu.
The Police argued that “if the planned action is executed, there would be a total breach of peace”.
The Police, therefore, prayed the court to restrain Francis Ayenu and Dennis Tawiah together with Michael Ayenu and their agents as well as any other person associated with the organisers of the event from carrying out the planned event on January 1, 2024.
Leicester City continued their dominant run in the Championship with a convincing 2-0 win against Cardiff.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and James Justin scored in a display of total command, marking Leicester’s 20th win from 25 league games. The team is steadily closing in on Reading’s record Championship points total of 106 from the 2005-06 season.
Leicester’s possession game demonstrated its effectiveness, with Dewsbury-Hall breaking through Cardiff’s defense after 14 minutes to score the opening goal. James Justin extended the lead with a spectacular 25-yard strike after 54 minutes.
Cardiff struggled to make an impact, with Leicester’s high press causing problems. Despite Cardiff’s improved performance in the latter part of the first half, Leicester’s well-drilled approach and possession dominance secured another victory.
The win reaffirms Leicester’s position at the top of the Championship table, highlighting their strong form and ambitions for promotion.
A political analyst, Dr. Jonathan Asante Okyere, is urging President Akufo-Addo and Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia to address what he perceives as the Accountant General’s disregard for the Constitution.
According to Dr. Okyere, the continued stay of Kwasi Kwaning-Bosompem in office is in violation of the Constitution and the Code of Conduct governing the Civil Service in Ghana.
Kwaning-Bosompem has expressed his intention to run for political office and has submitted nomination forms to contest the New Patriotic Party’s parliamentary primaries in the Akyem Swedru Constituency in the Eastern Region.
The analyst’s remarks come in the wake of confirmation by the Akyem Swedru Constituency Chairman of the New Patriotic Party, Prof. Dominic Fobih, to Angel News.
“Kwasi Kwaning-Bosompem is one of three persons contesting in the primaries in the area on the ticket of the governing party.
“He is one of three aspirants which also include the incumbent MP and I was the one who took their nomination forms to the party’s Regional office in Koforidua,” he told Angel News on Friday, December 29, 2023.
In response to inquiries about whether he is aware of the constitutional implications of Kwasi Kwaning-Bosompem, the current Controller and Accountant General, participating in political activities, Prof. Dominic Fobih, the Akyem Swedru Constituency Chairman of the New Patriotic Party, stated that it is not within his authority as Constituency Chairman to make that determination.
“The courts are there to do that determination so if anyone feels the aspirant has breached the laws of the country, he or she can seek redress at the courts,” the chairman said.
The Supreme Court ruled that “a member of the Civil Service/Local Government Service, does not have the right to remain a member of the Civil Service or Local Government Service after being sworn in as a member of a District Assembly.”
The continued dual role of Kwasi Kwaning-Bosompem, who is concurrently holding office as the Controller and Accountant General while actively campaigning for a political position, is raising concerns among many. The potential conflict of interest and the apparent disregard for constitutional and ethical standards in this situation have become a matter of public concern and scrutiny.
Tyrone Marhguy, the young Rastafarian initially denied admission to Achimota School due to his dreadlocks but later admitted following a court order, has received two prestigious awards from the American Mathematics Olympiad 2023 for his exceptional accomplishments in Grade 12.
Marhguy secured the title of the 2023 overall national top scorer, earning the Gold medal after competing with over 150,000 students worldwide.
Additionally, he was honored with the Vanda Science International Olympiad in the Silver category, surpassing 38,000 test-takers.
In recognition of his academic excellence, Marhguy has been officially inducted into the International Junior Honour Society, 2023.
On December 19, Marhguy achieved remarkable success in the West African Senior Secondary School Examinations (WASSCE), securing an impressive 8 As.
He has also achieved a remarkable feat by attaining the 99th percentile globally in the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT).
The SAT is a widely recognized and competitive examination used by many universities in the United States to assess students’ abilities before they enroll in university.
Marhguy scored an impressive 1500 out of a maximum 1600, ranking in the 99th percentile. This means he performed better than 99% of all the candidates who took the examination in the year 2022. Such a high score is particularly noteworthy as only 1 out of every 100 candidates typically attains this level of achievement.
Smallholder farmers in the Bono region have been encouraged to leverage emerging digital agribusiness solutions to increase their yields and improve their livelihoods.
The digital agribusiness platforms include various applications and solutions designed to address challenges faced by players within the agricultural sector. Victor Yao-Dablu, the Jaman North District Director of the Department of Agriculture, offered this advice at Sampa in the Jaman North District of the Bono region.
Yao-Dablu highlighted that these digital agribusiness platforms play a crucial role in establishing connections between farmers and input or output market services. He emphasized the importance of smallholder farmers in the Bono region embracing these platforms to enhance their agricultural practices and ultimately improve their economic outcomes.
“A recent study conducted by the USAID-funded ADVANCE programme reveals that only 7 per cent of farmers in northern Ghana use certified seeds, whilst 37.53 per cent use improved but not certified seeds, so the digital agribusiness platforms will be the game-changer if smallholder farmers get hooked on to the services,” he stated.
Mr. Yao-Dablu highlighted the opportunity presented by mobile phone technologies to integrate dispersed smallholder farmers into structured input and output markets. He pointed out that mobile phone-based Information Technology (ICT) can play a crucial role in facilitating timely access to information and promoting the exchange of information among various actors along the agricultural value chain.
The use of mobile technology can help manage transactions, organize logistics, and ensure that smallholder farmers adhere to quality standards. By harnessing mobile-based ICT solutions, farmers can access valuable information that can enhance their decision-making processes, improve productivity, and contribute to the overall efficiency of the agricultural value chain in the Bono region.
“Most digital agribusiness solutions are often integrated and customised ICT platforms designed to help stakeholders in the agricultural value chain, communicate with others efficiently, establish and maintain business relationships and manage the flow of goods and services amongst them,” he added.
Mr. Yao-Dablu emphasized that smallholder farmers in the Bono region stand to gain numerous benefits from embracing digital platforms. These advantages include increased yields and incomes, securing markets before production, obtaining information about improved seed and fertilizer application, and accessing other valuable insights.
By leveraging digital agribusiness solutions, farmers can enhance their overall productivity, make informed decisions about agricultural practices, and strengthen their economic viability.
“These platforms also provide virtual marketplaces that allow smallholder farmers to save and borrow towards the purchase of discounted agricultural inputs through a mobile wallet for increased productivity and reduce food insecurity as well as poverty,” he pointed out.
WH Holding Ltd on December 29, announced its financial results for the year ending 31 May 2023.
Following a significant and record-breaking investment of £183.9m in the men’s playing squad in the summer of 2022, which ultimately led to a hugely successful and memorable 2022/23 campaign, the Club reports a net loss before tax of £18.3m.
With the acquisition of international stars including Lucas Paquetá, Emerson Palmieri, Nayef Aguerd and Alphonse Areola, the Club secured its first major trophy in 43 years and a record third consecutive season in European competition with victory in the UEFA Europa Conference League Final in June.*
The success of the men’s senior team was replicated by the Club’s world-famous Academy, with our Under-18 squad winning both the U18 Premier League South title and the FA Youth Cup, and three players from that squad making their senior first team debuts during the course of the campaign.
West Ham United’s women’s team successfully maintained their Barclays Women’s Super League status and will look to build upon this in 2023/24 with the appointment of a new Board of Directors and a new highly experienced manager in Rehanne Skinner, who joined in July 2023.
Off the field, West Ham United continued to make tremendous progress and positive growth in all areas throughout 2022/23. As one of the fastest growing brands in world football, the Club is now focused on continuing to grow its stature both domestically and internationally, maximising the presence, reach and exposure of the Club by championing our values in key targeted territories.
The loyalty displayed by the Club’s fanbase, indicated by the exceptionally high level of Season Ticket renewals even following the increase in capacity to 62,500, gives us one of the highest number of Season Ticket holders in London and the Premier League, putting the Club in a strong position as we move forward.
Our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion remains unwavering. We became the first Premier League club to receive the Menopause Friendly Accreditation, joined the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Scheme and are a member of the Valuable 500 Partnership of organisations dedicated to ending disability exclusion.
A successful year on and off the pitch meant turnover was again incredibly positive in 2022/23 at £236.7m, driven once again by strong matchday, commercial and retail income. The Club also paid off the MSD Holdings Limited loan during this financial term, replacing it with a more favourable Barclays overdraft facility.
Reflecting on a positive period for the Club, Joint-Chair and largest shareholder David Sullivan said: “For everyone at West Ham United, 2022/23 was an extraordinary, unforgettable and emotional season.
“In January, we experienced great sadness with the passing of our Joint-Chairman and great friend, David Gold, followed so tragically by his daughter Jacqueline soon after. I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to David and his devotion to West Ham United. He would have been so proud to see the success the Club has enjoyed this year, and he and Jacqueline are both sorely missed by all of us.
“On a more positive note, we have continued to make tremendous progress as a football club, both on and off the pitch. No one will ever forget the scenes in Prague in June as we lifted a first European trophy in 58 years, nor the magnificent scenes at the parade in east London the following day. An incredible reward for our loyal, passionate supporters, who continue to back us every step of the way, both domestically and in Europe.
“Since the start of 2023, we have seen a big improvement in on-field results, with many of our new signings really beginning to settle in and play a key role in our positive upward trajectory. We remain on track for a successful Premier League season in 2023/24, as well as having the excitement of the latter stages of the UEFA Europa League to look forward to in the New Year.
“The future continues to look extremely bright for West Ham United. We have enjoyed an unprecedented level of success over the course of the past three years – but I believe there is even more to come.”
Source: West Ham
A principal community health nurse at Bonkro in the Afram Plains South district, Eastern Region, Yunbow Michael Jordan, went above and beyond when he assisted in delivering a pregnant woman in a tricycle due to the absence of a delivery bed at the CHPs compound facility.
On December 29, 2023, Justina Kwame, 32, arrived at the health facility with the intention of delivering her child. However, the lack of a delivery bed necessitated a decision to transport her to Maame Krobo clinic. Unexpectedly, labor commenced around 10:00 am during their journey.
Undeterred by the challenging circumstances, Nurse Yunbow Michael Jordan displayed exceptional dedication and skill, successfully delivering the baby boy in the tricycle. Following the delivery, both mother and newborn were promptly transferred to Maame Krobo clinic for further medical attention.
Nurse Jordan recounted the challenging situation, stating, “they came to Bonkro to deliver, but we don’t have a delivery bed, so we were taking her to Krobo when labor set in, and I had to deliver her in the tricycle. We didn’t have water and other delivery items with us, but we managed. When we reached the next community, we requested water to keep both mother and baby clean.”
The incident highlights the healthcare challenges faced by communities in the Afram Plains South Area, characterized by poor road conditions and inadequate access to health facilities and midwives.
Nurse Yunbow Michael Jordan, who is also a BSc. Public Health student nurse at Wisconsin International University College, has a history of intervening in such delivery situations. In 2018, he assisted a pregnant woman in labor while en route to Dome, a remote community in the area, underscoring the persistent challenges in the region’s healthcare infrastructure.
The healthcare challenges are further underscored by statistics from the Eastern Regional Health Directorate, revealing alarming figures of maternal deaths. In 2021, 89 institutional maternal mortalities were recorded, and between January and September 2022, 62 cases were reported.
Expressing deep concern over the high number of maternal mortality in the region, Dr. Winfred Ofosu, the Eastern Regional Health Director, emphasized the significant social implications of every maternal death on families and communities. He highlighted the ripple effect on orphaned children, husbands losing their wives, and the broader societal impact.
Dr. Ofosu stressed the link between maternal deaths and high disability rates among women. Each maternal death, he noted, is associated with approximately 15 more women experiencing various forms of disabilities resulting from pregnancy or childbirth complications.
To address this pressing concern, the Eastern Regional Health Directorate of the Ghana Health Service launched the “Zero Tolerance for Maternal Deaths” initiative in 2022 under the theme “Stop Preventable Maternal Deaths and Disability.”
Dr. Ofosu emphasized that many maternal deaths are preventable, pointing to issues such as blood shortages in health facilities, delays in transporting and referring pregnant women due to poor road networks, and inadequate ambulances. The initiatives seek to address these issues and contribute to the reduction of maternal mortality in the region.
Minister for Information, Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah, has conveyed profound disappointment with former President John Dramani Mahama’s recent remarks that downplayed the success of the Free Senior High School (SHS) programme, deeming them “woefully disheartening.”
Addressing journalists during the Christmas festivities in Akim Anyinase, Minister Oppong-Nkrumah criticized Mahama for his attempt to undermine the accomplishments of SHS graduates.
“It is disheartening to observe how Former President Mahama will go all lengths to belittle the Free SHS programme and its results simply because it didn’t emanate from him,” stated Minister Oppong-Nkrumah.
The recently disclosed 2023 WASSCE results, lauded as the best since 2015, are being credited to the positive influence of the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy.
However, former President Mahama, during his country tour, cast doubt on the integrity of the examination results, citing malpractices and alleging collusion between students and teachers to cheat.
In response to Mr. Mahama’s assertions, the legislator for Ofoase Ayirebi expressed shock and disappointment at the accusations of malpractices and cheating.
The legislator emphasized that such comments undermine the hard work and achievements of the students who have benefited from the Free SHS initiative.
“While he may not like the entire SHS program, he shouldn’t try so hard to denigrate the beneficiaries. Yes, the program may have some challenges, but to say that even the exceptional success of the students is fake is just amazing,” the Minister added.
Minister Oppong-Nkrumah recalled the strong opposition from Mahama and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to the Free Senior High School (SHS) program, highlighting that the recent comments from the former President are a continuation of that stance.
He urged for constructive discussions aimed at improving the Free SHS initiative and enhancing the education sector. Minister Oppong-Nkrumah emphasized that Ghana would benefit more from collaborative ideas rather than attempts to undermine the efforts and achievements of the beneficiaries of the Free SHS policy.
The stage is set at the Modern City Hotel in Tamale for Failatu Abdul-Razak’s ambitious attempt to break the Guinness World Record (GWR) for the longest cooking period by an individual.
A specially designed kitchen, featuring transparent glass, takes center stage at the hotel’s forecourt. The kitchen is adorned with an array of canned food, a diverse selection of spices, utensils, and an informative label detailing the record attempt.
To maintain a safe distance from the audience, a barricade has been established with ribbons a few meters away from the kitchen.
Failatu is scheduled to officially commence her cooking marathon from January 1st to January 5th, aiming to complete 120 hours to surpass the existing world cooking record.
The current record is held by Alan Fisher, an Irish chef, who cooked for an impressive 119 hours, 57 minutes, and 16 seconds to take over from Nigeria’s Hilda Baci, who held the record for less than 3 months.
The anticipation is high as Failatu Abdul-Razak embarks on this culinary challenge, hoping to make history and etch her name in the prestigious Guinness World Records.
The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has issued a reminder to the public that a 10% tax will be deducted from all gross winnings derived from lotteries, betting, gaming, and other games of chance, effective January 1st, 2024.
This taxation measure applies to both the National Lottery Authority (NLA) and private lotto operators (PLOs).
While the tax was initially introduced in August 2023, the NLA and PLOs were granted a six-month grace period for preparation.
With the expiration of this grace period as of December 28th, 2023, the tax is now fully implemented from the start of the new year.
Despite facing criticism from punters who argue that the tax diminishes their winnings, the GRA underscores the significance of this taxation for revenue generation and its contribution to national development.
The authority stresses that compliance with the new tax is obligatory, and failure to withhold and remit the tax may result in penalties under Section 78 of the Revenue Administration Act, 2016 (Act 915).
The Ghana Bar Association (GBA) has affirmed that the joint declaration issued by the Office of the Special Prosecutor and the Judicial Service reflects a profound commitment to combating corruption.
In an interview, the Public Relations Officer of the GBA, Saviour Kudze, expressed satisfaction with the collaborative effort, emphasizing that it signals a positive and reinvigorated commitment to the ongoing fight against corruption and associated activities.
“I’m using the word renewed because all along, they’ve been collaborating, they’ve been committed to the course of fighting corruption and corruption-related activities. This is the way we think we should go,” he said.
He added, “we should collaborate, we should learn to engage each other rather than go in the way we normally do. But this is also to stress the point that this doesn’t take away the fact that court rules and procedures must be observed.”
On Wednesday, the Judicial Service of Ghana and the Office of the Special Prosecutor officially pledged to jointly combat corruption through collaborative law enforcement and ensuring equitable hearings for all participants in the criminal justice system.
This commitment emerged in response to concerns raised by Ghana’s Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyabeng, regarding perceived unfair rulings on cases related to corruption. Agyebeng expressed unease about what he saw as the court’s disregard for the powers of his office, particularly with what he deemed as swift dismissals of its cases.
Agyebeng argued that judges hindering the successful prosecution of politically exposed cases could have detrimental consequences for the country. However, after engaging with various stakeholders, including the Ghana Bar Association, the Judicial Service, and the Office of the Special Prosecutor, underscored the crucial roles of the Judiciary and the OSP in tackling corruption and related activities.
In response to the joint declaration, former MP for Tamale Central, Inusah Fuseini, who served on the Constitutional and Legal Affairs Committee, emphasized the significance of this collaborative effort in the nation’s ongoing fight against corruption.
On the part of the judiciary, he said, “They are concerned, clearly noting certain things that ought to be done, and then affirming their position to collaborate to fight this canker through established institutions, through established procedures.”
“So clearly, they are setting the signal…they note efforts being made in that direction. They note the impact of that on development, and they are saying that well, all of us ought to work together to fight corruption and fight with the seriousness and attention that it deserves,” Mr Fuseini said.
In a momentous twist of fate, Afua Asantewaa has been appointed as the new Tourism Ambassador for Ghana.
This announcement, made on December 29, 2023, signifies a pivotal chapter in Afua’s journey and holds the promise of making a substantial contribution to the promotion of Ghana’s vibrant tourism industry.
Afua Asantewaa’s remarkable sing-a-thon attempt to break the Guinness World Record concluded in a breathtaking five-day spectacle, creating eager anticipation for the official verification from Guinness World Records. Afua, fueled by incredible determination, not only achieved her record-breaking feat but also captured the hearts of every Ghanaian.
The event received overwhelming support, attracting a constellation of celebrities who stood behind Afua throughout her musical journey. The presence of Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia added an extra layer of significance, highlighting the unity and national pride associated with this extraordinary accomplishment.
As the nation eagerly awaits the official confirmation from Guinness World Records, Afua Asantewaa’s narrative unfolds, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of Ghanaians and setting the stage for a brighter, stronger future for Ghana.
An Accra Circuit Court has granted bail to five security operatives and two others accused of robbing a Deputy Director of Operations of a firm in Accra.
The accused individuals include Alex Anim, a 42-year-old National Security Operative stationed at Jubilee House, Ernest Amankwah, a 40-year-old police officer, and James Awinimari Adocta, a 42-year-old police officer who has been interdicted.
The others are Edwin Ansah, a 27-year-old military officer, Kelvin Prince Boakye, a 49-year-old National Security operative, Stephen Adu, a 44-year-old businessman, and one John, aka Na Today, who is currently at large.
Six out of the seven accused persons have been granted bail in the sum of GHC200,000 with three sureties, one to be justified.
The court ordered the accused persons to report once a week to the police and adjourned the matter to February 5, 2024. The charges include conspiracy to commit robbery, robbery, extortion, and possession of forged $100 bills.
The accused individuals had pleaded not guilty to the charges. The prosecution alleges that the accused, posing as security operatives, robbed the complainants of money during a foreign exchange deal.
A forex bureau operator, who also trades in gold, was robbed of GH₵250,000 in cash and gold valued at GH₵150,000 by two armed robbers on a motorbike.
The robbery occurred at approximately 11:00 am on Thursday, December 28, in Amanfrom, Ga South Municipality, Greater Accra Region.
The victim, Alhaji Mumuni, recounted that he was with his brother when the robbery took place, suggesting that the suspects might have followed them from Kasoa Zongo.
The armed robbers, riding a motorbike, intercepted them, brandished pistols, and fired shots into the air.
When the victims hesitated to hand over their bag, the suspects fired directly at them.
Onlookers refrained from intervening, as the armed robbers claimed to be police officers.
The Ministry of Education has criticized former President John Dramani Mahama for his recent comments regarding the 2023 WASSCE results.
The NDC Presidential candidate had raised concerns about the authenticity of the results, alleging that some invigilators are lax, allowing teachers to assist students in answering questions.
In response, the Ministry of Education accused Mahama of making disparaging comments as a calculated attempt to undermine the significant progress achieved by the ministry in improving learning outcomes in the country.
In a press statement sighted by JoyNews, the MoE stated that “we have made monumental progress in core subjects from an average 40.93 percent score (A1 –C6) in 2015 to a highly improved average of 69.73 percent score (A1 – C6) in 2023.”
The ministry described the former President’s assertion as a false misrepresentation of the facts which only seeks to malign “the integrity of the vast majority of our hard-working teachers and students.”
The Ministry of Education urged all well-meaning Ghanaians to condemn the former President’s statement and expressed its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of education in the country.
“The Ministry reiterates our commitment that the quality of education and examinations at all levels, including the WASSCE will not be compromised,” the statement added.
Reigning Ghana Premier League club, Medeama, announced the departure of two players on Friday, December 29, 2023, through the club’s official social media channels.
The Yellow and Mauve are initiating changes to their squad in preparation for the upcoming transfer window.
Moses Parker, the club’s bankroller, stated that Medeama is planning to acquire four or five new players to enhance the team’s capabilities for the ongoing CAF Champions League and the upcoming 2023/24 Ghana Premier League season.
The club’s official statement reads: “Departures!!. We have mutually parted ways with midfielder Agyei Boakye and defender Richard Akrofi. We thank Agyei and Richard for their contributions to the club. We wish them well!”
Midfielder Richard Akrofi, aged 31, featured in only one league appearance, while 24-year-old midfielder Agyei Boakye did not make any appearances during their time at Medeama SC.
The club is gearing up for a clash against Karela United scheduled for Saturday, December 30, at the Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium in Tamale.
The Oti Regional Minister, Joshua Makubu, has urged the youth of Yadzo community to remain calm as authorities work to address the disturbances related to the death of two footballers.
The two young individuals lost their lives on December 25 in a collision with a National Security COCOBOD taskforce vehicle. In response, enraged youth took control of the residence of the District Chief Executive, demanding his resignation.
An emergency District Security Council (DISEC) meeting was convened to address the situation and ensure peace.
The Regional Minister assured the youth that the incident was accidental and appealed for calm, emphasizing that an investigation is underway.
“We appealed to the Paramount chief to tell the youth in the town that it was not deliberate, it was purely an accident. They should be aware that we know it was an accident and for that matter, they should calm down,” he said.
He emphasized that justice is paramount for the two deceased individuals, and efforts will be made to pursue the matter accordingly.
“We will follow up to the conclusion stage of the investigation and whatever is relevant for prosecution, we will do,” he assured.
According to him, a postmortem will be conducted on the bodies of the two deceased individuals by the police. He added that after the postmortem, “we will sit down with the family and arrange the burial.”
Mr Makubu further assured that appropriate steps would be taken for compensation to be made.
Local miners in the Ada East sector of the Songor lagoon concession, facing eviction to make way for Electrochem Ghana’s mining operations, have stated their refusal to comply with the directive from the Ada East District Assembly.
They express confidence that the decision will be reversed and are determined to remain in the area despite the Assembly’s request for them to vacate.
“To this end, you are hereby informed to vacate the land with all your machines to allow the company to start its operations,” the assembly notified the local miners in a statement.
The statement further indicated that “you are given up to December 31, 2023, to finally leave the concession.”
Abraham Ahumah, the PRO and organizer for the Ada Songor Association, has openly challenged the Ada East District Assembly, daring them to evict the local miners.
He boldly stated that the residents are willing to resist eviction, emphasizing that they would have to be killed before they vacate the area.
Ahumah expressed concerns about the potential homelessness of residents if eviction were to occur, highlighting the area’s role as a residential facility for people in the community.
“We cannot vacate from the land because the land we are talking about covers our various villages and towns. The District Assembly is asking us to vacate the land, then they should find a place where they can carry our buildings, farms, animals, and other properties; they should go and put them there for us, and then we will leave. Aside from that, we are not moving anywhere.
We are expecting the District Assembly to reverse the decision because the letter they issued cannot happen. So automatically, we cannot move. We have nowhere else to go. We have nowhere to go, and this is the reason why you heard us taking and organising demonstrations. We have petitioned the President, Parliament, IGP, CHRAJ, the Police, and the Regional Minister that the licence that was granted to Electrochem was unfortunate and ought to be reversed.”
Ahumah emphasized that the license granted to Electrochem Ghana for the 41,000 concessions did not bring peace, and despite their petitions, there has been no response. He urged the government to reconsider the situation, as the residents remain steadfast and unwilling to relocate.
The Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the 2023 Africa Games has urged Ghanaians to embrace and actively participate in the event to ensure its success.
Dr. Ofosu-Asare, the Committee Chairman, emphasized the significance of the event, describing it as the largest festival on the continent, and encouraged Ghanaians to contribute to its success.
“The African Games is the biggest sports festival on the continent and there is the need for Ghanaians to get themselves ready.
“The people of Ghana must be ready to host rest of the continent. Businesses must be ready to embrace the opportunities that comes with the hosting and organisation of the games,” he said.
The LOC, in collaboration with around 30 masquerade groups, paraded through the main streets of Takoradi during the Christmas season.
This initiative aimed to enhance awareness and generate interest in the upcoming African Games 2023, scheduled to commence on March 8, 2024.
Health Minister and Member of Parliament (MP) for Dormaa Central Constituency under the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kwaku Agyemang-Manu, has officially submitted his nomination to participate in the upcoming parliamentary primaries.
The submission was made by Clement Obeng, the MP’s Personal Assistant and spokesperson, along with a group of supporters at the Party’s office in Dormaa-Ahenkro, Dormaa Central Municipality of the Bono Region.
A sum of GHC38,000.00, the required fee for a sitting MP entering the parliamentary primaries, was paid during the submission.
In a post-submission press interaction, Obeng refuted speculations circulating in certain quarters of the constituency that Agyemang-Manu had no intentions of seeking re-election for the Dormaa Central seat.
He conveyed the MP’s resolve to persist in the various development initiatives he has initiated in the region, pledging to advance the improvements on the Dormaa-Ahenkro-Aboabo road if reelected.
Nana Dwomo Benson, the NPP Constituency Secretary, accepted the form and urged the team to conduct a campaign marked by respect, avoiding insults, gossip, and discord.
Yao Yeboah, the Board Chairman of the Ghana Health Service, had previously submitted his nomination to compete in the primaries.
The chiefs and residents of the Ketu South Municipality have honored Divine Kporha, recognized as the 2023 National Best Nurse and Midwife.
Acknowledged for his volunteerism and philanthropy, Kporha’s efforts notably improved neonatal health services at the Ketu South Hospital.
Over the past four years, he dedicated himself to various humanitarian projects, including the construction of a neonatal intensive care unit, providing potable water for communities, and enhancing sanitation in specific areas.
His contributions earned him the 2023 District Best Nurse/Midwife, 2023 Regional Best Nurse/Midwife, and the ultimate 2023 National Best Nurse/Midwife awards.
The recognition included a Nissan Ameri Saloon car, an undisclosed sum of money, and a citation.
Mr. Kporha said, “I was granted 42,000 Australian Dollars to establish a well-equipped neonatal intensive care unit that will include modern technologies that support neonates’ health. As a young nurse, I have dedicated myself to community service and volunteerism, and the association that I belong to identified that and decided to honor me with a brand-new car and some other awards.”
He conveyed his gratitude to the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) for recognizing his contributions to humanity and bestowing the honor upon him.
“And I want to say a very big thank you to the GRNMA and all the nurses and midwives across Ghana. This can only be the doing of the Lord and I can only do more for my people and my community”, he said.
During a tour of the Volta Region, Divine Kporha was celebrated for his unwavering commitment to serving humanity, and he received accolades for achieving such a remarkable feat within the initial four years of his nursing career.
Dr. Kwasi Asare-Bediako, the Chief Executive Officer of Kings Hand Hospital, who played a pivotal role in Mr. Kporha’s development, praised him as a diligent and dedicated individual who consistently delivers tasks with perfection.
Togbui Adzongaga Amenya Fiti V, the Paramount Chief of the Aflao Traditional Area, acknowledged Mr. Kporha’s potential and advised him to stay dedicated to his nursing profession.
He also recognized the significant contribution of Mr. Asare-Bediako to Mr. Kporha’s nursing journey and encouraged others to build networks that would bring merit and positive impact to their lives.
“After identifying his potential, I told him to concentrate on his career and quit politics. You have to build a career first, then politics will reward you. But if you don’t have a career, politics will sink you”, he said.
Mr. Kporha was honored by the Aflao Traditional Council with a Kente cloth, recognizing his exemplary lifestyle and dedicated service as a nurse in the area.
Residents in Santrokofi, Akpafu, and Bowri in the Volta Region are mobilizing to resist iron ore mining plans in their communities, expressing worries about potential adverse effects on their livelihoods and well-being.
They are particularly concerned about the potential damage to their farms and contamination of water sources, which could pose health risks.
“When the crops produce food for us and we eat, the nutrition that we are supposed to get from them, we will not get it. So we are strongly against mining in this community,” a concerned resident told JoyNews.
Residents in Santrokofi, Akpafu, and Bowri are intensifying their resistance efforts by erecting signposts in their communities, clearly indicating the area as a no-go zone for iron ore mining investors.
The Kyidomhene of Santrokofi, Nana Kofi Ollator IV, expressed his strong opposition to the mining project and issued a stern warning to anyone attempting to proceed with it against the community’s objections.
“If they say at your own risk, it’s a very big warning. If you come here and you don’t go back home, that is the risk that you are facing. Yes, because we don’t want these beautiful mountains to be destroyed.”
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has refrained from blaming a lack of VAR intervention for his team’s 2-0 home loss to West Ham.
West Ham took the lead in the first half with Tomas Soucek’s goal from a Jarrod Bowen cutback, which was closely scrutinized for a potential out-of-play scenario.
Despite the uncertainty, the goal stood, and Konstantinos Mavropanos’ second-half header secured an unexpected away victory. Arteta, previously under FA investigation for VAR-related comments, took a more measured stance following this defeat.
He said: “They are saying it’s not conclusive.
“It’s a shame that with the technology that we have that it’s not that clear, so that we cannot say whether it’s out or in.
“But it’s done. It’s gone. There’s nothing we can do about it now.
“If the technology we have at the moment is not good enough to give us that answer, what we have to do is without that, win the game.
“With the number of situations we generated in the game, that should have been more than enough.”
He added: “I congratulate West Ham and praise my players.
“This is football. When you look at how much we generated in the game, to see the result is very disappointing.
“But they were better than us in both boxes. They had two shots, with the penalty three. We had 30.
“If we don’t score with 30 shots, then we have to do 50 or 60 to try to score. That’s the only thing.
“I can’t imagine a game where we have more touches in the box, more dominance and less situations for the opponent against a really good West Ham side.
“Today though, it wasn’t enough to win the game.”
Renovation efforts are now underway at the Old Blocks of Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), aiming to provide a comprehensive upgrade befitting its status as the second-largest Teaching Hospital in the country.
The initiative was prompted by an appeal from Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu, in celebration of his 25 years of enstoolment. Notably, repairs to address long-standing roof leaks have already commenced.
During the Hospital’s 2023 Thanksgiving Service and Best Staff Awards ceremony, Prof Otchere Addai-Mensah, the Chief Executive, reflected on the achievements and challenges encountered in his almost year-long administration.
He acknowledged the tremendous support received from the Board, management, staff, and stakeholders as the hospital embarked on a transformational journey to tackle attitudinal, infrastructural, and operational challenges.
Prof Addai-Mensah expressed gratitude for the positive response to the launch of the 10-million-dollar rehabilitation fund initiated by Asantehene.
Initiatives such as the introduction of MoMo payment platforms for bill payments at patients’ bedsides have contributed to reducing corruption.
Additionally, the introduction of courier services for refill medicines and drugs across the hospital’s catchment area is a pioneering effort contributing to rational drug administration and usage.
Acknowledging the need for disciplinary measures to restore efficiency, Prof Addai-Mensah apologized to staff who may have been affected.
The occasion also celebrated 39 outstanding staff members at the Best Staff Awards ceremony, with each awardee receiving a flat-screen television, citation, and cash prizes. Dr Barnabas Asamoah was recognized as the overall Best Worker for the year, receiving a cheque for GHC20,000 and a citation.
Tottenham’s bid for a Premier League comeback was abruptly halted as injury-plagued Brighton secured a resounding 4-2 victory, featuring two Joao Pedro penalties and a spectacular strike from Pervis Estupinan.
Spurs, aiming for a fourth consecutive top-flight win to reclaim fourth place from Manchester City, faltered against Brighton’s offensive onslaught.
Despite late goals from Alejo Veliz and Ben Davies, Tottenham faced the possibility of a more significant defeat, with Brighton hitting the woodwork twice and having a Facundo Buonanotte effort disallowed.
This loss raises doubts about Tottenham’s Champions League qualification aspirations under manager Ange Postecoglou.
On December 27, 2023, a tragic incident occurred as a 28-year-old man lost his life while crossing a section of the road at Gomoa Bewaadze, near the Winneba Junction. The accident happened around 11:00 hours.
According to information gathered from the town by the Ghana News Agency, the victim, identified as Simon Tawiah, was walking with family members along the roadside. However, he went ahead of them and attempted to cross the road.
Tawiah was struck by a Hyundai SantaFe vehicle with registration Number GX 46-19, traveling from Tema to Takoradi. The vehicle was being driven by a chauffeur with two Chinese Nationals on board.
Upon the collision, the police were immediately called, and the victim, who was bleeding profusely, was rushed to the Winneba Trauma and Specialist Hospital.
Unfortunately, he was pronounced dead upon arrival. The body has been deposited at the hospital’s morgue for preservation and autopsy.
Arsenal missed an opportunity to reclaim the top spot in the Premier League, suffering a disappointing defeat to West Ham amidst further VAR controversy.
The Gunners aimed for victory to surpass Liverpool at the summit but lost 2-0, with Hammers manager David Moyes securing a rare victory at the Emirates Stadium.
Despite losing Kurt Zouma and Lucas Paqueta to injuries, West Ham took the lead through Tomas Soucek’s strike. The goal was awarded after VAR could not definitively determine whether the entire ball had gone out of play in the build-up.
A second-half header from former Arsenal defender Konstantinos Mavropanos secured the points for West Ham, and the visitors could have extended their lead further if not for David Raya saving Said Benrahma’s last-minute penalty.
David Moyes secured a long-awaited victory in his 73rd Premier League away game at Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, or Manchester United as West Ham defeated Arsenal 2-0. The win denied Arsenal the chance to return to the top of the table.
Arsenal struggled to continue their recent winning streak in London derbies, with only captain Martin Odegaard standing out. Despite a strong start from Arsenal, defensive lapses allowed West Ham’s Tomas Soucek to score, with VAR unable to conclusively determine if the ball had gone out of play in the build-up.
Arsenal’s efforts to equalize were in vain, with Gabriel Jesus missing key chances. Konstantinos Mavropanos, a former Arsenal player, extended West Ham’s lead with a second-half header. Despite a late penalty opportunity for West Ham, Arsenal’s David Raya saved Said Benrahma’s spot-kick.
The defeat marked a forgettable night for Arsenal, while Moyes celebrated a significant away win.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has indicated that it will officially know by Friday, December 29, how many of its parliamentarians will not seek re-election.
A notable number of NPP MPs, including some considered heavyweights in both the party and national politics, are stepping down from Parliament. This development has raised concerns among political observers regarding the impact on the NPP’s prospects in the 2024 general elections.
Haruna Mohammed, the Deputy General Secretary of the NPP, has reassured that the party has a substantial number of capable individuals to succeed the experienced but retiring legislators.
Notable figures such as Majority Leader Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, 1st Deputy Speaker Joe Osei-Wusu, and former Ministers like Joe Ghartey, Samuel Atta Akyea, Dan Botwe, and Kwasi Amoako-Atta have decided not to seek re-election.
Haruna Mohammed, speaking to JoyNews over the phone, reassured that it is typical for the NPP to mentor leaders, and the party has adequately mentored individuals capable of taking over.
He emphasized that there is no cause for alarm regarding the departure of experienced figures, as the NPP has a succession plan in place to ensure a smooth transition of leadership.
“… By tomorrow we’ll have a formal report of those who will not be going. However, the New Patriotic Party has always positioned themselves well when it comes to parliamentary representation.
“We encourage the use of mentorship and also to make sure that we get the right persons to fill those particular positions. Even though parliament will be losing experienced hands in terms of contribution, in terms of procedure, and what have you, if you look at the likes of JH Mensah, the likes of Hackman Owusu Agyeman, the likes of Papa Owusu-Ankoma, and co, when Parliament was so very interesting in those days, you could see that we have been able to bring up new persons in the form of the current Majority Leader who was in that Parliament. But you are seeing more from him, you have seen Afenyo Markin, you see Habib Iddrisu. So new upcoming politicians and members of parliament or representatives from the NPP have always contributed their quota and the exit of these experienced ones as you are mentioning, I believe that we will get more and more experienced ones…” he said.
The list so far
The Member of Parliament for Ejisu, Dr. John Kumah, is set to run unopposed in the New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary primaries.
As of the close of nominations on Monday, December 25,
Dr. Kumah was the sole candidate who had submitted the necessary candidacy forms. These forms were collected on his behalf by Electoral Area Coordinators and Polling Station Executives of the Ejisu constituency.
The decision to support Dr. Kumah was based on his notable contributions, particularly in the running mate contention, and a shared confidence in his ability to bring significant development to the constituency.
Expressing their endorsement, they emphasized his unique role in fostering socioeconomic progress in the area and pledged their full support.
As Afua Asantewaa wrapped up her sing-a-thon Guinness World Record attempt, news surfaced that Sunil Waghmare, the current Guinness World Record holder for the longest singing marathon, touched down in Ghana to support and congratulate Afua Asantewaa for unofficially breaking his record.
But reports and information from credible sources indicate that such a report is false. A video shows a man in glasses who has been misidentified as Sunil Waghmare.
The man in the video in question is the Lebanese ambassador to Ghana, Maher Kheir and not Sunil Waghmare, the current Guinness World record holder of Singa-thong.
Also, the former France Ambassador to Ghana, Anne-Sophie Avé, confirmed that the individual in the photo is indeed Maher Kheir.
We therefore advise that you ignore such publications.
Meanwhile, Afua Asantewaa has completed her endeavor to break the Guinness World Record for the longest individual singing marathon.
Her impressive feat involved singing continuously for five days, six hours, and 55 minutes. Throughout this period, numerous Ghanaians showed their support by gathering at the Akwaaba Village Park.
On Friday morning, many more individuals expressed their admiration and congratulations for her successful completion of the singing marathon, taking to their social media pages to applaud her accomplishment.
Afua Asantewaa has completed her endeavor to break the Guinness World Record for the longest individual singing marathon.
Her impressive feat involved singing continuously for five days, six hours, and 55 minutes. Throughout this period, numerous Ghanaians showed their support by gathering at the Akwaaba Village Park.
On Friday morning, many more individuals expressed their admiration and congratulations for her successful completion of the singing marathon, taking to their social media pages to applaud her accomplishment.
Here are some comments from social media users.
Public Relations Officer of Electrochem Ghana Limited, Bernard Martei Korley, has announced the company’s plans to establish a community salt mine for local miners in the Ada East District before initiating its commercial salt mining operations.
This decision follows the Ada East District Assembly’s directive, setting a December 31st deadline for existing miners to vacate Electrochem’s concession to facilitate the company’s commencement.
In an interview with Citi News, Mr. Korley underscored the company’s dedication to responsible development and infrastructure enhancements for the benefit of the Ada community.
He emphasized Electrochem’s policy of prioritizing community salt mines as a precursor to launching commercial ventures, drawing attention to their past practices in the Western corridor.
“As a company, we decided to first and foremost create a community plant for the locals to start mining before we start with our commercial plants and that has been the policy of the company.”
To execute this initiative, Mr. Korley elucidated the necessity for a thorough topographical survey of the area. This survey aims to pinpoint appropriate sites for the community salt mine, water reservoirs, and prospective commercial plants.
He emphasized the significance of temporarily relocating existing miners to facilitate this essential topographical assessment.
The Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council has counseled its members and religious leaders against making political prophecies concerning the winner of the upcoming 2024 general election.
The election is anticipated to be a two-horse race between John Dramani Mahama of the National Democratic Congress and Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia of the New Patriotic Party, according to political observers.
Apostle Immanuel Nii Okuley Tettey, the Secretary of the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council, emphasized in an interview with Citi News the importance of religious leaders prioritizing peace over making predictions that could potentially endanger the nation.
He urged these leaders to focus on promoting peace rather than predicting the election outcome, emphasizing the need to refrain from seeking favor from any specific political party and instead engage in actions that contribute to sustaining peace in the country.
“If God reveals to you, keep it up in prayers. If God reveals to you, keep the person up in prayer, and let’s see God fulfil His prophecies. Don’t try to put it in a public place and we’ve seen it severally in times past that so-called men of God have prophecized that his person is going to win and it didn’t happen”.
Acting on intelligence, the Upper West Regional Office of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has apprehended a suspected drug peddler in Tumu within the Sissala East Municipality.
The individual, identified as Abdul-Razak Kudus, was taken into custody for vending unregistered herbal drugs in Tumu and its surroundings to unsuspecting consumers.
Mr. Kelvin Dafaari, the Acting Upper West Regional Head of the FDA, disclosed this information to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Wa.
The suspect, who operated Sawab Herbal in Wa, had registered Sawab capsules and Sawab ointment with the FDA. However, he was found to be selling about eight different unregistered products under the guise of the two registered items.
These unregistered products included Men Enlargement Tonic, Sawab Power Bitters, Sawab Koo Tonic, and Sawab T-Mala Mix, among others.
The suspect is currently in police custody and will face legal consequences under the Public Health Act.
“The most interesting thing is that all these medicines that he is selling are from one ingredient but with different labels that are kept on the products to sell.
“The herbal medicines are kept in different bottles, very dirty and not registered, and if you look at the expiring date on the drugs too, some of them have two varying expiring dates, one product with different expiring dates,” Mr Dafaari explained.
According to Mr. Kelvin Dafaari, the Acting Upper West Regional Head of the FDA, the suspect, Abdul-Razak Kudus, produced the unregistered herbal products in Wa but chose to sell them in Tumu to avoid routine inspections by the FDA. Kudus’ arrest brings the total number of people apprehended for drug peddling in the region this year to two.
Mr. Dafaari noted that the issue of drug peddling had reduced since the FDA began its operations in the region in 2011. While a few individuals had registered their herbal medicines, he emphasized that the FDA had streamlined the registration process, making it accessible for anyone wishing to manufacture and sell herbal medicine legally.
He cautioned residents against engaging in drug peddling, as violators of the Public Health Act would face severe sanctions when caught. Mr. Dafaari assured that although FDA staff might not be present in every part of the region, they were actively gathering intelligence and monitoring activities, and those apprehended would be subject to legal sanctions.
Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has once again criticized President Akufo-Addo’s position on the Criminal Offences Amendment Bill 2023, 1 and 2, and the Ghana Armed Forces Amendment Bill 2023.
Bagbin contends that the President’s stance not only contradicts constitutional procedure but also raises concerns about the future of Private Members’ Bills.
President Akufo-Addo, in a letter to Parliament, cited financial implications on the state’s consolidated fund and potential breaches of Article 108 of the Constitution as reasons for refusing to assent to the bills, which had already been passed by Parliament.
The President specifically pointed out the financial burdens associated with the Ghana Armed Forces Amendment Bill, sponsored by MP Francis-Xavier Sosu, which seeks to replace the death penalty with life imprisonment.
In response, Bagbin expressed in an official statement that the President’s position implies an unrealistic standard where every bill would be considered to have financial implications on the state.
“Article 106(8) clearly outlines the protocol for presidential refusal to assent, which involves specifying objections for Parliamentary reconsideration, not a blanket rejection of the bill.”
“This approach, as taken by the President, not only contradicts the constitutional procedure but also poses serious implications for the future of Private Members’ Bills, as it implies an unrealistic standard where virtually every bill could be construed as having financial implications,” the Speaker’s statement issued on Friday, December 29, stated.
Hearts of Oak’s Executive Board Chairman, Togbe Afede XIV, has expressed disappointment with the National Sports Authority’s (NSA) decision to suspend football activities at the Accra Sports Stadium in December to accommodate concerts.
The directive led clubs such as Hearts of Oak, Accra Lions, and Great Olympics to temporarily relocate from the Accra Sports Stadium.
Togbe Afede XIV voiced his dissatisfaction with the decision, questioning the rationale behind such an initiative.
“Somebody wakes up and suddenly closes up a sports stadium for a concert. What kind of reasoning is this?” Togbe Afede quizzed.
“When you raise the money to maintain the stadium for what event? Sports or more concerts. What is the logic here? But we sit down and not complain. Why are we afraid of the truth?
“Personally, it stinks and makes me ashamed that a stadium can be closed in favor of a concert while the Ghana Premier League is in action.”
As a result of the closure, both Hearts and Olympics have shifted their home games to the Baba Yara Stadium, while Accra Lions have chosen the WAFA Park in Sogakope as their temporary home venue.
The Church of Pentecost has appealed for the ‘utmost respect for the privacy of the family’ of Apostle Dr. Michael Kwabena Ntumy, who passed away on Wednesday, December 27.
In a statement signed by Apostle Samuel Gyau Obuobi, the General Secretary of The Church of Pentecost, the church acknowledged the challenging time and requested prayers for the widow and the bereaved family as they navigate through their grief.
The statement also commended Apostle Dr. Ntumy for his unparalleled dedication to the things of God and his inspirational leadership.
“It is with deep sorrow that I announce the news of the passing of our beloved former Chairman, Apostle Dr. Michael Kwabena Ntumy (Rtd).
“Apostle Dr. Ntumy peacefully went to be with the Lord in the early hours of today, 27th December, 2023.
“Apostle Dr. Ntumy was not only a revered man of God but also an inspirational leader. His commitment to the things of God was unparalleled, and his contributions to our church and community were significant. He left an indelible mark on everyone who had the good fortune of crossing paths with him. We are deeply indebted to him for his selfless service, leadership, and tireless dedication to spreading God’s Word,” the statement said.
Afua Asantewaa has successfully completed her Guinness World Record attempt to break the record for the longest individual singing marathon.
To surpass the existing record of 105 hours set by an Indian in 2012, Asantewaa endured a five-day singing marathon, starting at midnight on Sunday, December 24, and concluding at 7:00 am on December 29.
Upon finishing her record attempt on Friday morning, Asantewaa had sung continuously for five days, six hours, and 55 minutes. In her address to the public after this remarkable feat, she expressed gratitude to everyone who supported her, whether they showed up at Akwaaba Village or not.
“At a point, I kept asking which day it was, and I finally got to know that today is Friday. On behalf of my family, team, volunteers, the media, and Ghana Tourism Authority, I would like to say thank you to everyone who participated in this attempt; it has been a smooth journey and a very successful one,” she noted.
Afua Asantewaa expressed her hope that her remarkable achievement will have a positive impact on Ghana’s music industry and serve as an inspiration for the youth to embrace challenges. She emphasized the message that “there are a lot of things you can try,” encouraging others to pursue their goals and aspirations.
“Thank you to the Vice President and every person; the list is endless…I am thankful to everyone and hope to see you this evening as we celebrate.”
Residents of Loagri village in the North East Region of Ghana are demanding the immediate removal of police officers stationed in their community, citing accusations of unprofessional conduct and excessive use of force.
The call for removal follows a recent incident where police officers allegedly attacked residents who were preventing them from apprehending an alleged motorbike thief taking refuge in a local home.
The altercation resulted in several injuries, triggering outrage and renewing concerns about police brutality.
Seidu Damba Abdullai Keita, the Public Relations Officer of the Kubori Millennium Club, a local community group, labeled the attack as “unprofessional” and appealed to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), George Akuffo Dampare, to intervene.
Keita emphasized that the police, having undergone training, should uphold professionalism in their conduct.
“I’m describing it as unprofessional because you cannot tell me that when an angry resident pelts a stone at a police officer, it is required of the police officer to fire a gun at an individual who in actual sense the police officer should be protecting.
“We are not trained. we are just residents and we are not trained on this thing but the police have been trained by our resources. We want to see a stop to this kind of nasty situation. We want a complete stop”.
He added, “If the police officers IGP has brought to our areas are not professional enough, then we demand an immediate removal of their services”.
In addition to their call for the immediate removal of police officers, the residents are also demanding a thorough investigation into the actions of the police during the recent incident.
Self-proclaimed prophet Eric Boahen Uche has boldly stated that Kennedy Agyapong, a politician and businessman, will eventually assume the presidency of Ghana.
During a recent interview on Joy Prime’s Prime Morning show with Roselyn Felli, the prophet asserted that the destiny of the Assin North Member of Parliament includes leading the country.
“Kennedy Agyapong would definitely become president of Ghana; there is no two ways about it. He’s destined to become president,” he reiterated.
Prophet Uche also highlighted certain noteworthy qualities of Mr. Agyapong that, in his opinion, will bolster his likelihood of becoming president. He emphasized that Kennedy Agyapong’s respectfulness and overall character make him a strong candidate for an exceptional presidency.
Recounting his encounter with the Assin North MP’, the prophet said, “When he and Kweku Annan fired shots at men of God, I had to go to him on behalf of a fellow pastor they had decided to criticize. On my arrival at his place, he came by himself to escort me from my car to his office.”
As Kennedy’s name increasingly becomes linked with presidential aspirations, the prophet’s pronouncements have introduced a new layer of complexity and intrigue into the country’s political narrative.
While some may approach these predictions with skepticism, Prophet Uche’s words have sparked curiosity and speculation regarding Kennedy Agyapong’s political trajectory among those who place belief in prophetic insights.
Kennedy Agyapong surprised political analysts by garnering over 71,000 votes in the presidential primaries of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), securing the second position after Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who received just over 118,000 votes to become the NPP’s flagbearer for the 2024 elections.
Even more surprising to many was Agyapong’s ability to secure the second position after Bawumia in the party’s super delegates conference, challenging initial expectations that the primary contest was primarily between former Trade Minister Alan Kyerematen and Dr. Bawumia.
The Ghana Football Association has revealed a change in plans for the Black Stars‘ pre-2023 Africa Cup of Nations camp, following a review meeting with the Management & Technical Team.
Originally set for South Africa starting December 31, 2023, the ten-day training camp will now take place in Kumasi from January 2, 2023.
The scheduled international friendly against Botswana in Johannesburg on January 8, 2023, is canceled, with efforts underway to secure a new opponent for the team in preparation for the tournament in Abidjan.
Acknowledging the Black Stars Technical Team’s request for a tranquil camp atmosphere, the Association ensures the camp’s strict inaccessibility to the public and the media.
Training sessions will be held behind closed doors, with an exception for a designated media session. The friendly match will be open to the public, followed by a post-match press conference.
The Association appeals for public understanding and support to achieve the objectives of the Technical Team during the camp in Kumasi. Ghana, placed in Group B with Egypt, Cape Verde, and Mozambique, will commence their campaign against Cape Verde on January 14, followed by matches against Egypt on January 18 and Mozambique on January 22.