TIG Post

Author: Andy Ogbarmey-Tettey

  • Medeama now first Ghanaian team to reach group stage in CAF CL in 11 years

    Medeama has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first Ghanaian team to reach the group stage of the CAF Champions League in 11 years.

    They secured their spot in the group stage for the 2023/24 edition after defeating Horoya with a 4-3 aggregate score over the two legs in the second round of the preliminary qualifiers.

    The last Ghanaian club to reach the group phase of this premier African club football competition was Berekum Chelsea, accomplishing the feat in 2012.

    Despite a 2-1 loss to the Guinean team in the reverse fixture in Conakry, Medeama advanced thanks to their convincing 3-1 victory in the first leg at the Cape Coast Sports Stadium two weeks earlier.

    Medeama took the lead 24 minutes into the game with a Jonathan Sowah penalty, but Horoya quickly equalized two minutes later through Ocansey Mandela.

    Horoya scored again in the 70th minute, courtesy of Mohammed Keita, winning the game 2-1. However, their efforts were insufficient to overturn the 3-1 deficit from the first leg.

  • How Kofi Amoabeng nearly lost his life while trying to beat curfew in 1982

    Captain Prince Kofi Amoabeng (retired) recounted a harrowing incident that occurred shortly after his departure from the Ghana Armed Forces in May 1982 (officially discharged in May 1983).

    He described it as a near-murder attempt on his life. In his book, Captain Amoabeng explained that he left the Army due to his strong disagreement with the coup that had taken place in the country, led by Flight Lieutenant Jerry John Rawlings, an officer with whom he had some casual acquaintance.

    He expressed his inability to continue serving in the military because he felt that the Army had become unclear in its purpose and objectives.

    There was an incident that took place after his departure from the Army that further reinforced his concerns. During that period, Ghana was under a curfew, and one day, in an attempt to make it home before the curfew took effect, Captain Kofi Amoabeng had to accelerate his journey.

    “Unfortunately, the excesses of the coup were more ubiquitous than I had imagined. There were curfews from 6pm to 6am. It was revised to from 8pm to Gam, and then 10pm to 6am. Then it reverted to 6pm to 6am.

    “The PNDC did whatever they wanted with our lives. Like school children in a boarding school, we stayed indoors when they told us to, and came out only when they told us we could. If you dared disobey, you incurred the wrath of trigger-happy soldiers who prowled the streets in the night in search of hapless victims on whom they visited all kinds of unspeakable atrocities.

    “It was on one of those curfew nights, I was driving at breakneck speed trying to beat the curfew. I sped from the Kwame Nkrumah Circle through the Ring Road towards my residence at Nungua. I was overtaking and weaving in-between cars in my BMW 3 series vehicle,” he wrote in Volume 1 of his book, The UT Story: Humble Beginnings.

    During that tense moment, Captain Prince Kofi Amoabeng noticed a vehicle closely following him. As the situation unfolded, he decided to pull over and confront the occupants of the trailing car. To his initial relief, he recognized a familiar face among them, which put him at ease.

    However, what initially seemed like a chance encounter and possibly a brief reunion turned into a life-threatening situation that nearly cost him his life.

    “Suddenly I realized that a vehicle behind me was flashing its headlights desperately at me. I could not make out who it was. And because I did not want to risk an unruly coup maker shooting at me, I pulled over to the side of the road in front of Caesar’s Palace around the Danquah Roundabout.

    “No sooner had I stopped than the vehicle, a white Peugeot 504, carelessly screeched to a halt in front of me. Who is this crazy dude? I thought.

    “WO Agyei Boadi, of the GAF Fire Service Department stepped out of the vehicle. We knew each other well. My mess, Signal Mess, was located just across the street from the fire station where he was stationed. So, once I realized it was him, I became relaxed. ’Commander, it’s me,’ I said in deference to him, well aware that he was a prominent member of the PNDC. ‘Is there a problem?’

    “’You people want to kill me, but before I die some of you will die!’ he yelled at me. Thinking he was mistaking me for someone else, I looked him straight in the eye and said, ‘It’s me, Captain Amoabeng.’

    “’Yes, I know it’s you!’ he yelled. ‘Some of the enemies are in the Armed Forces!’ Then I realized he was brandishing a pistol at me. His erratic behaviour confounded me. Why was he talking to me in that manner? And why was he brandishing a weapon at me?

    “I quickly raised my hands in surrender, ‘I’m unarmed. What’s wrong with you?’ And then he fired the pistol POW! Just then, some officious bystanders rushed quickly and shielded me from him. Even his personal body guard also stepped between him and me. The bystanders bungled me into my car and urged, ‘Drive! Go! Go!’ I drove off hurriedly. I was totally confused.

    “When I got to The Advent Press junction and slowed down to negotiate the bend, I realized a vehicle behind me was flashing its lights at me. I pulled over and waited in my car.

    “It was the bystanders who had intervened between me and WO Agyei Boadi. They stepped out of their vehicle and walked towards me. They informed me that after I left, WO Agyei Boadi slapped them a couple of times for rescuing me. ”’Rescuing me?’

    “’Yes Captain, he almost killed you. You were lucky he missed.’

    But Agyei Boadi only fired a warning shot for whatever reason I cannot fathom. So, what are these guys talking about? I wondered.

    “’Please step out of the car,’ they said, when they realized my confusion. I obliged. They pointed at the driver’s side of the door where apparently the bullet had entered. It was close to where I was standing when Agyei Boadi fired the gun. My mind began to wander: was Agyei Boadi really trying to kill me? Why? And how did he miss from such close range? Suddenly I began to tremble. He could’ve killed me! It took me a while to calm down and regain my composure.”

  • PGMOL reveals ‘significant human error’ over disallowed Luis Diaz goal in Liverpool-Tottenham match

    The referees’ organization PGMOL has acknowledged that the ruling to disallow Luis Diaz’s goal in Liverpool’s 2-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, where Liverpool played with nine men, was “a significant human error.”

    At 0-0 and with the Reds a man down, Diaz’s goal was ruled out following an unusually quick VAR check by Darren England, in which the customary offside line graphic was not shown, PGMOL stated.

    “PGMOL acknowledge a significant human error occurred,” the statement read.

    “PGMOL will conduct a full review.”

    The goal scored by Luiz Diaz was disallowed for an offside infraction by the on-field team of match officials. This decision constituted a glaring and unmistakable factual mistake, warranting the awarding of the goal through VAR intervention.

    Unfortunately, the VAR did not intervene.

    In addition to the disallowed goal, the Reds also suffered setbacks with the red card dismissals of Curtis Jones and Diogo Jota. Despite their determined efforts to keep Spurs at bay, Liverpool ultimately succumbed to a stoppage-time Joel Matip own goal, resulting in their defeat.

    Speaking after the match, Jurgen Klopp said his side’s defeat came in “the most unfair circumstances” with “crazy decisions”.

    “That is not offside when you see it,” he told Sky Sports.

    “The ball is between Mo [Salah]’s legs, they drew the line wrong and didn’t judge the moment when Mo passed the ball right.”

    Klopp said the statement “doesn’t help” and referenced the apology Wolves received for the decision not to award a penalty at Manchester United earlier in the season.

    “I don’t think we should talk too much about that because it doesn’t help at all,” said Klopp.

    “Wolves got a similar statement, or apology. They didn’t get a point out of United and we won’t get a point today so it doesn’t help.

    “I am pretty sure no one is making mistakes on purpose but it still happened and at this moment I don’t know why. [We] scored a fantastic goal – would it have changed the game? I don’t know. But probably, because goals help.”

    Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk said he is “losing faith” in VAR after the referees’ incorrect decision to disallow Diaz’s goal without any intervention from Stockley Park.

    “I’m losing faith, [which] is difficult to say,” he said.

    “The VAR should be absolutely clear and obvious with everything they’re deciding on. I’ve seen the still back – on live TV there were no lines being shown. It’s all a bit strange, I don’t know who was in the VAR room and making that decision. It’s not a good thing, it doesn’t look well either. It is what it is, we lost.”

    Gary Neville told Sky Sports the decision was “horrendous” and said it was “clear for everyone” to see that Diaz was onside.

    “That is unbelievable! It is very significant. I have defended VAR and offsides being a matter of fact, but there have been a few which I thought were wrong in recent weeks,” the former Manchester United defender said.

    “It was all too quick. That is a horrendous one. It is clearly onside, clear for everyone. Something hasn’t been right the last few weeks. They are picking the wrong cameras to draw the lines on. It is weird.”

    Jamie Redknapp added: “Everyone will agree, this is onside and makes you wonder how many other decisions they got wrong. It looks like they got that wrong by a yard. It is not a good look. For me they got that so badly wrong. We are making things so complicated.”

    “Curtis steps on the ball and goes over. Not a bad tackle. It looks different in slow motion. He steps full throttle on the ball and goes over the ball. That is unlucky,” Klopp said.

    Neville added: “It looks bad but his foot just slips off the top of the ball – that is not a red card for me. He has gone in genuinely. My initial reaction as an ex-player is that isn’t a player looking to do the opposition player. If you see the end part in slow motion, you will think red card, but you have to look at the whole thing.”

    Former Liverpool and England defender Stephen Warnock agreed, telling BBC Radio 5 Live: “I think it is very harsh. The big thing is that VAR are slowing the incident down as opposed to the initial challenge.

    “He gets the top of the ball and then his foot goes over the ball into the ankle of Bissouma. You can see both sides to the argument, though. I understand why the Spurs fans are disappointed with the tackle but everything looks worse slowed down.”

    In a previous incident this season, Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister received a red card against Bournemouth. However, after an appeal, the red card was rescinded, even though the referee’s on-field decision had initially been upheld by VAR.

    This incident is not an isolated case of VAR making incorrect decisions or failing to intervene when necessary.

    In February, referee Lee Mason departed from the PGMOL after an incident where he failed to draw VAR’s offside lines correctly, resulting in the approval of a Brentford goal against Arsenal.

    In that same month, during Brighton’s 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace, an offside line was incorrectly drawn, leading to the wrongful disallowance of Pervis Estupinan’s goal. The offside line was mistakenly drawn parallel to Palace defender James Tomkins instead of his teammate Marc Guehi, who was positioned behind him.

    Furthermore, PGMOL admitted that Brighton should have been awarded a penalty in their April match against Tottenham. Despite initial appeals being rejected by referee Stuart Attwell, VAR did not recommend a reversal of the decision or a review of the footage on the TV monitor. Subsequently, VAR official Michael Salisbury was excluded from the following round of Premier League fixtures.

    In December of the previous year, an independent panel found that video assistant referees had made six incorrect interventions by that point in the 2022-23 season and had overlooked another six situations where their intervention was warranted.

  • SHS Headmistress, teachers chased into a bush by suspected soldiers for seizing students’ phones

    The Headmistress of Brakwa Senior High Technical School (BRASTECH), Mrs. Juliana Azazu, along with several school authorities, were forced to seek refuge in nearby bushes for safety when a group of men, dressed in military uniforms, attempted to attack them in the Asikuma Odoben Brakwa District.

    Mrs. Azazu recounted her harrowing experience to GhanaWeb, explaining that she had ordered the confiscation of students’ mobile phones as part of an effort to combat exam cheating and instill discipline among the students on campus.

    One of the students who disagreed with the school’s decision informed his brothers at home.

    Subsequently, four imposing individuals, two of whom were wearing military attire and all of whom were wearing face masks, recklessly drove two sedan cars onto the campus. They demanded the return of the phones and issued severe threats if their demands were not met.

    In fear of the intimidating presence and authority of these men, the headmistress and some school authorities fled from the scene.

    Although they reported the incident to the police, they are now living in fear because all the suspects apprehended by the Asikuma Odoben Brakwa District Police Command have been released on bail without being processed through the court, leaving the case in limbo.

    Mrs. Azazu appealed to the local police command to expedite the investigation and ensure that the suspects face the full consequences of the law.

    The presence of these suspects in the community has heightened insecurity in the area, and residents are unable to carry out their daily activities in peace, leading to significant distress among the community members.

  • Floating voters will ensure NPP’s victory come 2024 – Suame MP

    Member of Parliament for Suame, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, has acknowledged that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) will require more than just its dedicated supporters to secure victory in the upcoming election.

    In an interview on Oyerepa TV in Kumasi on September 27, the Majority Leader made this know when he expressed regret over the recent resignation of former trade minister Alan Kyerematen, which occurred two days prior.

    He believed that Alan’s departure was premature and that had he remained, it could have potentially garnered greater support for his presidential aspirations.

    “So, in my view, if Alan had exercised some more patience, time would have conspired to reposition him, that’s why I consider his resignation very unfortunate and maybe he did not think of the repercussions properly,” he submitted.

    “NPP alone with all our numbers cannot cross the Red Sea, we still need floating voters, and so if someone goes and returns, like a prodigal son, he has to be accepted, so on that, I have no premonitions,” he added.

    Kennedy Agyapong, the Member of Parliament for Assin Central, is set to compete for the NPP’s flagbearer position. He will be joined by three other contenders, including Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, and Francis Addai-Nimoh.

    The NPP has scheduled November 4, 2023, as the date for selecting a new leader for the party, who will succeed President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

  • Make a mistake and you will see men in the country – Ken Agyapong dares Wontumi

    Member of Parliament for Assin Central and a presidential hopeful in the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) November 4 presidential primaries, Kennedy Agyapong, has made three significant revelations regarding the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the NPP, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi.

    Agyapong, during his showdown walk in the Ashanti Regional capital of Kumasi on September 30, 2023, accused Chairman Wontumi of employing questionable tactics in politics. He expressed his concern about instances in which Wontumi has used his media platforms or allowed them to be used to criticize prominent party officials, particularly former trade minister Alan Kyerematen, who recently resigned from the NPP.

    “I dare Wontumi to make a mistake and he will see men in this country, he will see men in Ghana. You operate a radio and TV station to insult elderly people,” Agyapong warned.

    Kennedy further revealed that traditionally, Chairman Wontumi was aligned with the faction supporting Alan Kyerematen. He claimed that it was his own efforts that led to Wontumi switching allegiance and becoming a staunch supporter of Nana Akufo-Addo.

    “I dare Wontumi to come here and deny, he was a full-blooded Alan supporter and I convinced him to switch to the side of President Akufo-Addo. You can support Akufo-Addo or Vice President Bawumia but don’t insult,” Agyapong told the mammoth crowd.

    Regarding the criticism directed at Alan Kyerematen, Agyapong asserted that Chairman Wontumi, along with certain regional chairmen, had taken control of the National Council of the NPP and were openly and aggressively disparaging Alan Kyerematen.

    “Alan is being insulted on Wontumi’s station. Wontumi is just a small boy, he is a small boy.

    “It is sad that Wontumi and five chairmen – four from the northern regions and the Volta Region – have turned the National Council into a hooliganism group,” he added.

    “You should see Wontumi with his dirty anger displaying at the National Council meeting, the highest decision-making organ of the party. It is sad.

    “I dare him, I am going to dare him, let him try November 4, I will give them a showdown. We won’t let our sacrifices from 1992 go waste because of boys who did not know how the party was formed,” he charged.

    Agyapong will vie for the NPP’s flagbearer position alongside three other contenders: Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, and Francis Addai-Nimoh.

    The NPP has scheduled November 4, 2023, as the date for selecting a successor to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as the party’s leader.

  • Late own goal by nine-man Liverpool guarantees win for Tottenham

    Tottenham Hotspur secured a dramatic and contentious victory over a nine-man Liverpool in a Premier League clash that had its fair share of controversy and drama.

    Liverpool found themselves in a tough spot due to two highly disputed red cards. The first, given to Curtis Jones, came after just 26 minutes following a VAR review, following a foul on Yves Bissouma. Then, shortly after halftime, Diogo Jota, who had come on as a substitute, received two quick bookings and was sent off, leaving Liverpool with a significant numerical disadvantage for over 20 minutes.

    In a match marked by Liverpool’s palpable sense of injustice, they had a goal by Luis Diaz disallowed due to yet another contentious VAR decision. The officials swiftly deemed the Colombian to be offside, despite not displaying the customary offside line graphics.

    PGMOL has since issued a statement admitting that a “significant human error” took place, calling the decision to rule out Diaz’s goal “a clear and obvious factual error”.

    They say VAR should have intervened, and failed to do so, adding that a “full review” will be conducted to find out why it did not.

    Captain Son Heung-min then put Spurs ahead, nine minutes before halftime, receiving a pass from Richarlison after a well-executed play by the summer signing James Maddison.

    However, the visitors responded with an equalizer during first-half stoppage time when Cody Gakpo scored while turning from Virgil van Dijk’s header, although the Dutch forward sustained an injury during the goal celebration and did not return for the second half.

    In the second half, Spurs had the better chances, with Liverpool’s goalkeeper Alisson making outstanding saves to deny Maddison and Son. It appeared that Liverpool’s resolute defense would secure them a hard-fought draw until the dramatic final seconds.

    As Spurs launched one final attack, Matip inadvertently turned Pedro Porro’s cross high into the net, leaving the helpless Alisson with no chance. This late goal sparked scenes of jubilation and relief among the home supporters, handing Liverpool their first defeat of the season and preserving manager Ange Postecoglou’s unbeaten Premier League record.

    The climax of the match ignited jubilant celebrations throughout the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, where the atmosphere has undergone a significant transformation since the arrival of manager Ange Postecoglou.

    James Maddison continued to orchestrate the game, playing a pivotal role in Son’s opening goal. The team’s intensity and determination have garnered resounding approval from Spurs fans who had endured more conservative styles of play under previous managers such as Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte.

    While this late victory against nine-man opponents may involve an element of fortune, it represents a significant three-point swing against the increasingly formidable Liverpool side, bolstering confidence at Spurs.

    For Liverpool, the game was marked by frustration and a sense of injustice. Manager Jurgen Klopp and his players were aggrieved by the red cards given to Curtis Jones and Diogo Jota, and the decision to disallow Luis Diaz’s first-half goal for offside was clearly a glaring error.

    Liverpool organized themselves in a resilient 5-3-0 formation, with goalkeeper Alisson serving as an outstanding last line of defense, frustrating Spurs once they were reduced to nine men. While Liverpool has demonstrated their ability to secure results with reduced numbers this season, as seen in wins against Bournemouth and Newcastle United despite being down to ten men, this time it proved too challenging.

    Nevertheless, Klopp can take pride in the way Liverpool regrouped and came within seconds of earning a valuable point. Their attacking prowess is well-known, but this match showcased their quality and character at the defensive end, only for their hard work to be in vain due to Matip’s inadvertent late intervention.

  • We have not approached Ken Agyapong for running mate position – Bawumia campaign team

    We have not approached Ken Agyapong for running mate position – Bawumia campaign team

    The campaign team for presidential aspirant for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has refuted claims that it has engaged another aspirant, Kennedy Agyapong, on the possibility of him being the running mate of the Vice President if elected flagbearer come November 2024.

    In a press statement, the Bawumia campaign team noted that it “has noticed with grave concern news report by Citinewsroom.com and other media outlets in which the Hon. Kennedy Agyapong is alleged to have indicated that some members of the Bawumia Campaign team attempted to bribe him to step down and be made the running mate to Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.”

    According to the Vice President’s camp, the “team has not approached Kennedy Agyapong for such a running mate offer” and neither “have we assigned any member of the team to approach him for the same.”

    The camp also used the opportunity to shoot down claims suggesting that the Vice President is collapsing the ruling party through intimidation.

    “The unity of our party has been of great concern to candidate Dr. Bawumia,” the statement issued by Gideon Boako, the spokesperson for the Vice President, read.

    The statement continued: “It is in light of such concern that he refrains from responding to unwarranted attacks by others in the contest and has cautioned his supporters against responding to such provocative attacks. His strategy has been to persuade delegates to support his bid. This he does, by laying his vision for the party and country.”

    “As we have always maintained, the contest for flagbearer in the NPP is an internal one, and all actors, particularly the aspirants must be guided by the core values of the NPP, which include but are not limited to truth, decorum, and respect for one another,” it concluded.

  • Minority to receive security from Police for #OccupyBoG demo

    The Accra Regional Police Command has given its approval to provide security for the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) and several Civil Society Organizations as they plan to carry out a demonstration against the Bank of Ghana (BoG).

    In an official statement released by the police, the provision of security on Tuesday, October 3, is in accordance with the provisions of the Public Order Act 1994 (ACT 491).

    Additionally, the Command has issued a reminder to the demonstrators to strictly adhere to the planned route, which was outlined in their letter dated September 11. The designated route is as follows: starting from Obra Spot, proceeding through Adabraka, Ridge Roundabout, National Theatre Traffic Light, High Court Complex Traffic Light, Atta Mills Highway, and concluding with a U-Turn to Independence Square.

    The police also warned that leaders of the protest should ensure that there is no breach of peace adding that “demonstrators conduct themselves in a peaceful manner before, during and after.”

    The Command has provided assurance to the protest organizers of its ongoing cooperation and dedication to maintaining law and order during the planned public demonstration, in accordance with the responsibilities of the Ghana Police Service.

    This agreement follows a series of discussions and engagements between the Ghana Police Service and the protest organizers.

    Originally scheduled for September 5, the initial protest aimed to address various economic inconsistencies under the current administration of the Bank of Ghana.

    During a meeting held with the leadership of the Accra Police on August 23, the protest organizers revealed the proposed routes for their event.

    These routes included starting near Parliament House, proceeding through Osu Cemetery traffic light, High Court Complex, Ministry of Finance, Kinbu, Makola – Rawlings Park, Opera Square, and concluding at the premises of the Bank of Ghana Head Office.

    The Police expressed their readiness to provide security for the demonstrators on the initially scheduled protest day. However, after conducting a comprehensive assessment of public order and security concerns, the protest leaders were kindly urged to reconsider the proposed routes.

    In light of these considerations, the protest has been postponed and rescheduled for Tuesday, October 3rd.

  • Partner govt to combat nature crimes – Lands Minister

    The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel A. Jinapor, has called upon the media to collaborate with the government and the Ministry of Lands in raising awareness about nature crimes in the country and beyond.

    He emphasized the importance of informing the public about the urgency of the situation and the negative impacts of these crimes. Minister Jinapor passionately stated that educating the general public on the significance of natural resources and biodiversity, as well as the harmful consequences of these crimes on both human lives and the planet, can have a lasting impact on people’s awareness and lead to behavioral changes.

    Minister Jinapor highlighted the extensive and varied effects of these crimes and emphasized the need to eradicate them as soon as possible.

    “Nature crimes are diverse, and cut across various sectors of our economy, including Land, Forestry, Mining, Environment, Fisheries, Maritime, and Waste Management. Crimes such as illegal fishing, illegal mining, illegal logging, illegal overland export, under-declaration of products, mislabelling of products, poaching, wildlife trafficking, illicit wildlife trading, and land degradation, continue to threaten our environment, biodiversity, and the lives and livelihoods of millions of people across the world, while robbing us of the resources needed for development.”

    He detailed a comprehensive array of measures that the government, through the Ministry, has undertaken to combat nature crimes in the country. He highlighted the ban on rosewood harvesting in the forestry sector, the temporary cessation of mining operations, and the introduction of the New Land Act 2020 (Act 1036).

    In addition to these individual measures, Mr. Jinapor emphasized that under the leadership of President Akufo-Addo, the Ministry has adopted a holistic and coordinated approach to addressing crimes related to logging, mining, wildlife, and land conversion.

    “They include law enforcement measures, policy, legislative, regulatory and operational reforms, stakeholder engagements, as well as the use of technology to prevent, detect, investigate, prosecute, and punish these crimes”

    He was however quick to add that, these gamut of measures will not yield the needed results without the collaboration of other stakeholders, including the media; the Fourth Estate in whom he belived that with the power to engage and inform, a lot can be transformed.

    To also deal with this crimes Mr Jinapor was of the view that, Ghana requires a muti-sectoral and multidimensional approach, as well as the collaboration and cooperation of all, including Governments, the private sector, civil society organisations, academia, research institutions, traditional leaders, and multinational organisations.

    The Minister called for an all-inclusive approach to fighting this challenge saying “preventing these crimes is within our reach. But how soon we succeed in this venture, depends on the level of commitment and cooperation of all of us. We can make a difference by spreading the message, and educating our people. Let us roll up our sleeves, and join forces together to save our peoples, our future and our planet”, he concluded.

    Mr Samuel Jinapor commended the Government of the United States, for their leadership in combating nature crimes, which culminated in the launch of the Nature Crime Alliance, last month.

    He appreciated the US Agency for Global Media for their continuous education on this crucial subject of global importance, and for the invitation to speak at the closing session of the workshop.

  • Cash prize for winner of African Football League $4m

    The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) has unveiled the prize money for the inaugural African Football League (AFL) competition, which will showcase the highest-ranked and most successful football clubs on the African continent.

    Scheduled to commence on Friday, October 20, 2023, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, the AFL will highlight the participation of Simba SC (Tanzania) and Al Ahly SC (Egypt).

    The Prize Money for the AFL is as follows:

    $4 000 000 for the Winner
    $3 000 000 for the Runner-up
    $1 700 000 for each of the Semi-finalists
    $1 000 000 for each of the Quarter-finalists

    The prize money for the AFL is both attractive and competitive, with the winning club having to play only six matches to claim the substantial prize of $4,000,000.

    Other renowned and top-ranked football clubs participating in the inaugural AFL include Enyimba FC (Nigeria), Wydad AC (Morocco), Mamelodi Sundowns FC (South Africa), TP Mazembe (DR Congo), Espérance Sportive de Tunis (Tunisia), and Atlético Petróleos de Luanda (Angola).

    The AFL is a collaboration between CAF and FIFA, established with several key objectives in mind. One primary goal is to elevate the quality of African club football to a global standard and ensure the commercial viability of African football clubs. Additionally, the AFL aims to contribute to the development and growth of youth football talent across the African continent.

    CAF’s vision is that all 54 CAF Member Associations, including countries without clubs in the AFL, should benefit from the commercial success and financial contributions generated by the AFL.

  • ‘We have lost a great personality’ – JFK on Alan’s exit

    The General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Justin Frimpong Kodua, widely known as JFK, has expressed his deep disappointment upon learning about the resignation of prominent NPP member Alan Kyeremateng.

    JFK revealed that the news of Alan’s resignation was heartbreaking for him. He mentioned that if Alan had informed the party about his decision to resign before making it public, he would have attempted to intervene.

    Alan Kyerematen, a founding member of the NPP and a flagbearer aspirant, announced his resignation from the party earlier in the week, citing “unfair treatment” in the party’s presidential candidate race.

    During an interview on Otec FM’s political talk show, “Dwabrem,” hosted by Prince Nii Ade (Dr. Cash), Mr. Kodua emphasized that Mr. Kyerematen had been a stalwart of the party and had played a significant role for many members, including himself.

    “Cash, the man (Alan) has been a key player in our party and no one can dispute that. Honestly, he was one of the key ministers who held and supported me in the quest for the General Secretary position and it is not only me he has helped but a lot”. “So for such a person to resign from the party should tell you we have lost a great personality,” he said.

    JFK clarified that the press conference held by the party was not intended to retaliate against Alan Kyerematen’s earlier press conference.

    Instead, it aimed to provide clarification on certain allegations made against the party by the former member.

  • GAF receives barracks from Bono East Minister

    The Bono East Regional Minister and Chair of the Regional Security Council, Mr. Kwasi Adu-Gyan, has affirmed the council’s dedication to upholding security in the region to enhance socio-economic activities and empower the livelihoods of the residents.

    He noted that areas prone to conflicts and insecure communities, particularly in the eastern corridor, are receiving the necessary security attention. This effort aims to enable people to carry out their daily activities without fear of attacks.

    Mr. Adu-Gyan provided this assurance during an inspection visit where he handed over a building facility in Atebubu, Atebubu-Amantin Municipality, to be used as barracks by a detached Army Unit of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF). This unit has been deployed to ensure the necessary security for peaceful coexistence in that part of the region.

    The eastern corridor section of the region includes four other districts: Pru East, Pru West, Sene East, and Sene West, with Yeji, Prang, Kajeji, and Kwame-Danso as their respective capital towns. When combined with the Atebubu-Amantin Municipality, these areas make up the eastern corridor portion of the region.

    The Regional Minister pointed out that the region has experienced numerous incidents of robbery and conflicts over the years, leading to insecurity in the area. Given that farming is the predominant occupation of the people, the presence of the Army is expected to promote peace and security, allowing socio-economic activities to flourish.

    Mr Adu-Gyan added the provision of adequate security for the citizenry to attend to their daily socio-economic activities in an enabling environment had been one of the government’s top-most priorities, hence the creation and stationing of the detached Army Unit.

    He mentioned that the Ministry of Defence is in the process of opening another Army Barracks in Kintampo to cater to the central and northern regions of the area. He encouraged the soldiers to uphold good maintenance practices to ensure the building remains in a decent condition to serve its intended purpose.

    Nana Owusu Gyimah, the ‘Adontenhene’ of the Atebubu Traditional area, pledged the support of the traditional authority in maintaining the Barracks. He assured that the residents would cooperate for peaceful coexistence with the security personnel in Atebubu and its surroundings.

    The building was provided by World Vision Ghana, a Christian non-governmental organization committed to improving the livelihoods of people in underserved communities.

  • Returning to NPP will damage Alan’s reputation – Dr Theo Acheampong

    Economist and political analyst, Dr. Theo Acheampong, has expressed doubts about the likelihood of former Trade Minister, Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen, reversing his decision to rejoin the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

    Dr. Acheampong believes that if Mr. Kyerematen were to return to the NPP, it could significantly harm his credibility.

    He clarified that Mr. Kyerematen’s decision to resign from the party was not rooted in issues of trust or credibility among potential voters.

    During an appearance on JoyNews’ Newsfile program on a Saturday, Dr. Acheampong questioned Mr. Kyerematen’s motivations for remaining with the party and in government during a period of economic underperformance, only to later break away from the NPP to establish his own movement.

    “If he had won the nomination to lead the NPP, would he have broken away to form a new party,” he quizzes.

    Dr. Acheampong stressed that there are concerns about the timing of Mr. Kyerematen’s decision and whether it truly reflects his intent to bring about positive changes for the country.

    “The message is not the issue, what he wants to do, economy restructuring – at least everyone of the parties in Ghana has spoken about similar things in the past so it comes down to whether or not he would be able to win the election.

    “At the moment, if you look at the history, the trends, and even the people he’s trying to target – the youth and the middle-class group, I doubt that he would be able to push and win the election,” he said.

    These remarks were made in reaction to comments from the Managing Director of the State Transport Corporation (STC), Nana Akomea, who holds the view that it would be a rational step for the NPP to initiate discussions with Mr. Kyerematen to consider the prospect of his return to the party.

    Nana Akomea speaking on the show said “I hope that we keep talking to him, point out to him that this your course of action will not benefit you, it is not going to benefit the NPP, we are better off together.”

    One of the rationales offered by the former Trade and Industry Minister for his resignation was his suspicion that the party had shown preferential treatment to a specific candidate during the NPP’s Super Delegates Conference.

    Nevertheless, Nana Akomea contended that this justification lacked merit, particularly in light of the extensive participation of party members in the nomination process.

  • Heung-Min Son doing wonders at Tottenham

    Heung-Min Son is capturing the hearts of Tottenham fans and diverting their attention from Harry Kane, as the new club captain continues to shine under Ange Postecoglou’s leadership.

    Son displayed his brilliance with a brace at the Emirates during last weekend’s North London derby, accompanied by a passionate celebration in front of the traveling supporters. This has cemented Spurs’ No7 as the team’s new star player this season.

    Son has impressively netted five goals in six Premier League games, thriving in what is referred to as “Ange-ball,” a fresh attacking philosophy introduced by the former Celtic head coach.

    As they approach today’s match against Liverpool, let’s take a closer look at Son’s outstanding form in the 2023-24 season.

    The previous season posed challenges for Son, which ultimately affected Spurs’ overall performance. He managed to score only 10 Premier League goals, marking his lowest tally in the division since his debut campaign in 2015-16.

    The 31-year-old had been playing through physical discomfort and openly admitted at the end of the campaign that he had struggled with a sports hernia.

    Following the departure of Antonio Conte and the sale of Harry Kane, there was a prevailing sense of negativity surrounding Tottenham’s prospects, including those of Son.

    However, thanks to a summer surgery and a fresh managerial approach in North London, the outlook is much brighter for all involved in N17.

    Postecoglou’s appointment has revitalized Spurs, shaking them out of their passive state. Son is one of the primary beneficiaries of the Australian manager’s positive tactics, looking rejuvenated and thriving in a more central attacking role.

    With Kane’s departure, rather than feeling pressured, Son has embraced the opportunity to become the team’s leading figure, a role he is clearly relishing.

    In the Premier League this season, Son has surpassed his expected goals (xG) of 2.36, scoring five goals from just seven attempts on target.

    Leading the way

    Postecoglou has been quick to praise Son’s performances this season.

    He said: “He [Son] has been outstanding as a leader and as a player. 

    “I’ve put him in that nine position now and he just works so hard. His first thought is what’s best for the team.

    “And he puts himself into that position and then he has the quality to finish. I’m so happy for him.

    “When I talk about that great environment with the players, Sonny is leading that with Madders [James Maddison] and [Cristian] Romero.”

    Son’s versatility provides Tottenham with a great deal of attacking fluidity.

    The former Bayer Leverkusen player is not only a prolific goalscorer but also a skilled playmaker. He ranks second at Spurs, trailing only Maddison, in terms of big chances created, with three to his name.

    In terms of total expected assists, Son is just behind Maddison, recording 1.71 expected assists after six games.

    In addition to the tactical adjustments made to optimize player performance, the arrival of Postecoglou has notably lifted the overall morale within the squad.

    Son said: “In the changing room, the club and the stadium, the vibes are really, really positive.”

  • ‘It is never too late to secure peace’ – Nana Akomea to EC on voter registration exercise in Bawku

    Managing Director of the State Transport Corporation (STC), Nana Akomea, has offered advice to the Electoral Commission (EC), suggesting that they should not entirely dismiss the possibility of conducting the limited voters’ registration exercise in Bawku.

    The NPP member has emphasized that there is still potential for peace to be restored in the community. Therefore, the EC should remain prepared to proceed with the registration if the security situation improves.

    “It is never too late to secure peace so if some provision has to be made for a few extra days [it must be done],” he said.

    “Because you don’t want to go and force something through and it will create security problems, then you would have regretted.”

    He made these remarks during an appearance on Newsfile on Saturday, September 30, 2023.

    “Let’s urge all the parties to come to an agreement particularly because of the volatile security situation.”

    His remarks come in light of the Electoral Commission (EC) suspending the limited voter registration exercise due to escalating tensions in the area.

    Reports suggest that this suspension stems from disputes between the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

    Williams Obeng Darkwa, the Upper East Regional Director of the Commission, has confirmed this incident to JoyNews. However, he attributed the suspension to security concerns and refrained from elaborating on the specific issues.

    Deputy EC Chairman Eric Asare Bossman has indicated that no alternative solution is available at the moment. He emphasized that their current priority is safeguarding the lives of EC officials.

  • Many kidney patients losing their lives due to high cost of dialysis – KATH Nephrologist

    The exorbitant cost of dialysis treatment has been identified as a major contributor to the high mortality rate among kidney patients at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi.

    One out of every three patients seeking medical assistance for kidney-related issues at KATH succumbs to their condition due to the inability to cover the steep expenses associated with continuous dialysis treatment.

    Dr. Elliot Koranteng Tannor, a nephrologist at KATH, expressed concern about the alarming rate of premature deaths among kidney patients who cannot afford dialysis treatment.

    In an interview with the Ghana News Agency in Kumasi, Dr. Tannor, a specialist in kidney-related ailments, highlighted the growing cases of kidney failure and the resulting high mortality rates in the country.

    He emphasized the urgent need for government intervention to make the cost of treatment more affordable.

    Ideally, patients undergoing dialysis should receive treatment three times a week until a transplant becomes feasible. However, due to the high cost of dialysis, many patients can only afford to undergo the procedure twice or even once a week instead of the recommended three times.

    Dr. Tannor expressed concern that a proposed increase in the cost of dialysis, such as the one mentioned at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra, could further exacerbate the financial burden on patients.

    If approved, this increase could render dialysis treatment unaffordable for many patients, potentially leading to more premature deaths.

    He stressed that the majority of patients already struggle to cover the existing costs, and any further increases would have disastrous consequences for patients and their families.

    “It is really sad to gape at people die on dialysis on daily basis,” he said sadly.

  • ‘It’s my worst start to a season as a coach’ – Mourinho on Roma’s losing streak

    Roma manager Jose Mourinho is of the opinion that he is currently facing one of his most challenging starts to a season.

    After a 4-1 defeat against Genoa on Thursday night, Roma finds themselves in 16th place in Serie A after six matches.

    Mourinho, the former Chelsea manager, considers this poor performance in the opening weeks as a low point in his career.

    He said: “It’s my worst start to a season as a coach.

    “However, I don’t think that Roma had ever appeared in two consecutive European finals [before last season].

    “I might show my feelings behind the scenes because it really affects me emotionally, especially given my relationship with the fans.”

    Roma’s upcoming fixture is a home match against Frosinone on Sunday evening, and Mourinho is urging his team to maintain composure as they earnestly seek to regain their form.

    He added: “This is the squad we have, for better and worse. 

    “We have to move forward — there’s no time to lament.

    “We’ll be working hard from tomorrow ahead of our next game. 

    “Three points will be at stake — it’s not like we’re in six-pointer territory already — but it’s a huge game for us now.”

    The team that reached the Europa League final last season has managed to secure just two victories in all competitions this season, with a solitary clean sheet to their name.

    Following Sunday’s league match, they will have a home fixture against Swiss side Servette in the Europa League, followed by an away trip to face Claudio Ranieri’s Cagliari just before the international break.

    An encouraging aspect has been the performance of loanee Romelu Lukaku, who has found the net three times in his last four outings.

  • Isaac Adongo likely to face lawsuit over NIB Boss Zoom management comment

    The Managing Director of the National Investment Bank (NIB), Samuel Sarpong, has threatened legal action against JoyFM, a subsidiary of the Multimedia Group, as well as Member of Parliament for Bolgatanga Central, Isaac Adongo.

    This comes in response to statements made by the MP during a radio interview on September 28, 2023, where he claimed that he had been remotely overseeing the management of NIB from Canada for more than a year.

    A communication sent by lawyers representing the NIB boss, described the comment “misleading, malicious, scandalous, demeaning, and without any truth.”

    The communication emphasized that these statements were made with the intention of advancing a misleading narrative that portrayed Sarpong as the cause of the financial challenges experienced by the bank.

    “Our client says that on 28th of September, 2023 you were interviewed on Top Story; a radio broadcast program hosted by Evans Mensah of Joy FM to discuss a press conference you addressed earlier that day on the management of the National Investment Bank (NIB).

    “Our client says during your appearance and interview on the radio show you stated the following words “We haven’t given NIB the kind of attention that it deserves given that it has been in crisis… the Managing Director sat in Canada and zoom-managed NIB for almost a year. How can we be serious with that

    “… It is our reasoned opinion that your statements are misleading, malicious, scandalous, demeaning, and without any truth. The statements you made on Top Story, which was subsequently published on JoyOnline sought to promote the malicious narrative that our client was responsible for the financial troubles and mismanagement of the Bank. This narrative seeks to mean to the ordinary person, the general public, and all persons in our clients’ line of work that our client is irresponsible, incompetent, failed in his fiduciary duty to the bank and not a credible person to deal with.

    “Our client instructs us to say that your statements are clearly untrue and the statements and subsequent publication on JoyOn1ine is an attempt to destroy his hard-earned reputation and to bring his image and record before the international world into disrepute,” it stated.

    The legal representatives further conveyed that the dissemination of these remarks on MyJoyOnline has had adverse repercussions on Samuel Sarpong’s personal and professional standing, both domestically and internationally. Consequently, he is now seeking specific remedies from both the Multimedia Group and the Member of Parliament for Bolgatanga Central.

    “It is our view, that your statements were made with the sole aim of tarnishing the image of our client without considering the damage it places on him in the international business and finance community.

    “We have the instruction of our client to give you notice, which we hereby do, to apologise and retract the malicious, baseless, and destructive statements made about him on the Top Story radio broadcast show which was subsequently published on JoyOn1ine dated the 28th day of September 2023 within forty-eight hours (48) of receipt of this letter by undertaking the following:

    “Issue a Statement of Retraction to our Client and the staff and management of the National Investment Bank.

    “Cause an apology to be sent to our client and same published on the various platforms on which the defamatory matter was published.”

    The letter, issued by Richmond Numbo Sakaa, the Managing Partner of S & S Legal, threatened legal action if the demands were not met.

    “Be advised that our client intends to exercise his full rights under law, should you fail, refuse and/or neglect to act or perform as requested.”

  • How African-American artiste portrayed Akufo-Addo in painting for African presidential exhibition

    Kehinde Wiley, the renowned African-American artist known for officially painting former US President Barack Obama in 2018, has recently unveiled a series of paintings featuring several sitting and former African heads of state.

    Notably, one of his subjects was Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the President of Ghana at the time.

    In President Akufo-Addo’s portrait, he is depicted wearing colorful kente cloth, seated on a chair adorned with the national coat of arms. His posture is contemplative, with his right hand resting on his knee and his left hand grasping a gold-plated walking stick.

    Among the other African presidents included in this collection are Ethiopia’s President Sahle-Work Zewde, Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Denis Sassou Nguesso of the Republic of Congo, Macky Sall of Senegal, and Faure Gnassingbe of Togo. Former presidents featured in the paintings include Nigeria’s Olusegun Obasanjo and Alpha Conde of Guinea.

    This remarkable exhibition, titled “A Maze of Power,” is currently on display at the Musée du Quai Branly – Jacques Chirac in Paris, France, and is set to run until January 2024.

    The artist spent a decade working on these portraits, during which he traveled extensively throughout Africa, engaging with various leaders.

    These interactions and discussions focused on themes such as the history of aristocratic, royal, and military portraiture in 17th to 19th Century Europe.

    Wiley used these conversations to inform his artwork, creating compositions that capture each leader’s unique perspective on contemporary African leadership.

    “This is a look at the presidency itself. This is an invitation for the viewer to expand the possibilities of what it means to look at art in Africa, about Africa, and about power.”

  • Man arrested for reportedly poisoning 17-year-old pregnant JHS graduate

    The Suhum Divisional Police Command has apprehended a 22-year-old man named Akoko from Suhum in the Eastern Region. He is suspected of poisoning his 17-year-old pregnant girlfriend, Matilda Dankwa.

    Matilda Dankwa had recently completed her Junior High School (JHS) education and was awaiting her Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) results.

    According to reports, Akoko, who works as a motorcycle taxi (okada) rider in the same village, was in a romantic relationship with Matilda and was also the father of her unborn child.

    Their relationship took a troubling turn when Akoko allegedly pressured Matilda to terminate her pregnancy, but she refused to do so.

    Jesse Amankwah, a reporter for Despite Media in the Eastern Region, provided details of the incident during an interview on Okay FM on September 27, 2023.

    Amankwah explained that Matilda declined Akoko’s request to have an abortion, informing him that if he did not wish to take responsibility for the child, her parents would offer support instead.

    He recounted how Akoko allegedly lured Matilda to his place with the help of a friend before supposedly giving her food that was believed to have caused her to lose her baby and ultimately led to her demise.

    “Matilda was pregnant while taking her BECE exams, and it was during this period that Akoko confronted her about terminating the pregnancy.

    When the said friend brought her to his place, “it is alleged that Akoko, who wanted to terminate the pregnancy, poisoned Matilda’s food. So, as I speak Matilda is dead.

    “The Suhum police commander has informed me that the guy was on a run but he has been arrested this morning and is assisting with investigations,” he added.

  • Terms on unification bout between Fury and Usyk finally reached

    Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk have reached an agreement for a historic undisputed heavyweight showdown, scheduled to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

    While the exact date has yet to be officially announced, representatives from Fury’s camp, Queensbury Promotions, managed by Frank Warren, have confirmed the signing of necessary documents. December or January are the most likely timeframes for the highly anticipated bout.

    Fury, the reigning lineal champion at 35 years old, currently holds the WBC belt. His Ukrainian opponent, Usyk, aged 36, boasts the titles of WBA (Super), WBO, and IBF champion. This showdown will mark the first time in the four-belt era that all these prestigious titles will be on the line.

    Promoter Warren, 71, said: “Delighted to finally get this fight signed. This is the biggest fight that could possibly be made in our sport.

    “The heavyweights always spark the imagination of the fans and I have no doubt this will be the biggest boxing event of the century.

    “I look forward to Tyson reclaiming the three belts that he never lost in the ring. Huge thanks to His Excellency [Turki Alalshikh] and the GEA [General Entertainment Authority].”

    Oleksandr Usyk will finally get his shot at Tyson Fury
    Oleksandr Usyk will finally get his shot at Tyson Fury

    The surprise announcement comes after several previous attempts to square the undefeated duo against each other had drawn dead.

    Before facing Oleksandr Usyk in the undisputed heavyweight bout, Tyson Fury is scheduled for a non-title fight against MMA star Francis Ngannou on October 28, which will also be held in the Saudi Arabian capital.

    On the other hand, Usyk’s most recent fight took place five weeks ago when he defeated another British boxer, Daniel Dubois, in the ninth round. This fight was marked by a controversial low blow earlier in the contest.

    His Excellency Turki Alalshikh said: “This is the fight that everyone has wanted to see for some time and now it is finally happening — the world’s two heavyweight champions going into the ring against one another. 

    “It is the biggest fight in boxing, the world will be watching and we are so proud to be the hosts for this spectacle.”

    Alexander Krassyuk, Usyk’s promoter, added: “I can’t believe that it’s happening but it is.

    “Difficult to express my admiration for being part of the biggest heavyweight fight of the century.”

  • It is still possible for Alan to return to NPP – Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu

    Member of Parliament representing Suame Constituency, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, has issued a plea to Alan Kyerematen, urging him to reconsider his resignation from the party and his intention to run as an independent candidate in the 2024 elections.

    Mr Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu believes that the concerns expressed by Alan Kyerematen can be addressed within the party. He has called for transparent and constructive discussions to be conducted with the aim of exploring the possibility of Kyerematen rejoining the NPP.

    “I was surprised because during the superdelegates’ elections, he withdrew from the race. I engaged in discussions with some of the party leaders to address the issues raised by Alan.

    “Although I personally disagreed with some of his points, we decided to let the party investigate them. There was, therefore, an ongoing investigation into the concerns he had raised when, all of a sudden, he declared his resignation from the party,” he said.

    During an interview on Okay FM on September 29, 2023, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu revealed that he had been in discussions with party leaders to initiate a dialogue with Kyerematen and work towards resolving the concerns he had raised.

    He said, “I firmly believe that it is still possible to engage with Alan and convince him to return.

    “As the elders say, ‘It is only a mad man who cannot change his mind.’ Perhaps certain interpersonal issues contributed to his decision to resign.

    “It’s important to recognize that decisions made by human beings are not eternally sacrosanct; people can change their minds. The party should continue communicating with him. Therefore, I am of the opinion that we should not cease our discussions with him,” he said.

    Alan Kyerematen’s choice to run as an independent candidate was made public on September 25 when he formally departed from the NPP.

    This decision followed his withdrawal from the NPP’s flagbearer contest due to difficulties faced during the Super Delegates Conference held within the party in August 2023.

  • MPs cannot be Ministers – Ken Agyapong pledges to review Constitution

    Contender for the flagbearer position within the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kennedy Agyapong, has added his voice to the growing demands for a revision of the constitutional requirement mandating the majority of ministers to be drawn from Parliament.

    The Member of Parliament for Assin Central argues that this particular provision has consistently undermined the strength of the parliamentary body, resulting in a limited capacity for scrutinizing the actions of the executive branch of government.

    “No Member of Parliament should be a minister, it weakens parliament. Per the Constitution, about 70% of ministers must be MPs, I totally disagree, we have to change it,” he submitted on US-based Kings Radio on September 24.

    “If 70% of the legislature is part of the executive, it amounts to self-scrutiny. Parliament should be an independent body… we are humans, if my colleague MP is a minister, they get passes but those who are not get drilled,” he explained.

    Mr Agyapong said he was well aware of a big pushback on his position, adding: “but that is why I want a referendum. MPs also want to be ministers to sign contracts.”

    He expressed frustration over the challenges faced by Members of Parliament, highlighting that MPs encounter difficulties such as car loans and immediate salary deductions from the beginning of their terms. This is in contrast to CEOs of government departments and agencies who receive official cars, some of which they can purchase at a significantly reduced price upon completing their tenures.

    Kennedy Agyapong, who has served in parliament for over two decades, is eyeing the NPP flagbearer position as his next political endeavor.

    Agyapong will be competing for the flagbearer position alongside three other contenders, including Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, and Francis Addai-Nimoh.

    The NPP has scheduled November 4, 2023, as the date to elect a successor to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as the leader of the party.

  • Ken Agyapong won’t leave NPP even if he loses; he will support Bawumia – Palgrave 

    Ken Agyapong won’t leave NPP even if he loses; he will support Bawumia – Palgrave 

    The Government spokesperson on governance and security, Palgrave Boakye-Danquah, expressed confidence that flagbearer aspirant Kennedy Agyapong would remain loyal to the New Patriotic Party (NPP) even if he doesn’t win the primaries.

    In contrast to Alan Kyerematen, Boakye-Danquah stated that Agyapong would throw his support behind Dr. Bawumia to ensure the party’s success in the 2024 elections.

    When discussing Alan Kyerematen’s resignation from the party on Joy Prime’s Prime Morning, the government spokesperson emphasized Agyapong’s strong commitment to the NPP, underlining his belief that Agyapong would not depart from the party.

    “Should Dr Mahamudu Bawumia become the flagbearer of the NPP, I believe that my senior Kennedy Agyapong will support him. I believe this very well because Kennedy Agyapong is a proper NPP man. I don’t see that he would leave the party,” he said.

    Mr. Boakye Danquah is also confident that Mr. Agyapong will accept the outcome of the party’s presidential primaries in November, even if he doesn’t emerge as the winner.

    Government spokesperson on governance and security, Palgrave Boakye-Danquah,

    The NPP presidential race currently features five prominent figures, including Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, Ken Ohene Agyapong, Francis Addai Nimoh, and Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.

    The government spokesperson on security emphasized that all these contenders have made significant contributions to the party and possess the capability to lead the party into the general elections.

    He further encouraged all candidates to pledge their support to the delegate-elected presidential candidate of the party, regardless of the election outcome.

    “When the delegates make the decision and you don’t become the winning candidate, you should thank the delegates for voting for you to lose honourably and support whoever wins the election,” he entreated all aspirants.

    Nevertheless, Mr. Boakye Danquah holds strong confidence that Dr. Bawumia will secure the NPP’s flagbearer position, particularly in light of his significant victory during the national super delegates’ conference.

    On another note, the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) has scheduled November 4, 2023, as the date for its presidential primary to select the flagbearer for the upcoming 2024 general elections.

    In recent statements, Mr. Kennedy Agyapong has made remarks that cast doubt on his endorsement of Dr. Bawumia as a viable candidate for the NPP in the 2024 elections.

    Furthermore, his contentious statements during the NPP’s super delegates conference, where he implied a potential showdown with President Nana Akufo-Addo, have been interpreted as signaling his lack of support for the Vice President, who many perceive as the establishment’s preferred candidate.

  • Ramos seals victory for Barca with own goal

    Sergio Ramos inadvertently netted an own goal, resulting in a narrow 1-0 victory for his former rivals, Barcelona.

    The 37-year-old defender, now back in Spain following his stint with Paris Saint-Germain, unfortunately redirected Lamine Yamal’s header into his own team’s net.

    Barcelona’s victory was well-deserved, given their numerous goal-scoring opportunities against a resilient Sevilla side. In the first half, Joao Felix struck a powerful shot that rattled the crossbar.

    Despite the triumph that propelled Blaugrana back to the top of LaLiga, there was a setback as Raphinha suffered a hamstring injury during the match.

    Looking ahead, Xavi’s team will shift their focus to the upcoming Champions League clash against Porto, scheduled for Wednesday.

    Sevilla abstained from sending any delegates to the VIP box as a form of protest in light of the corruption case engulfing Barcelona. Blaugrana is currently facing allegations related to financial transactions made to influence favorable decisions from referees, particularly involving Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira.

    The Spanish Civil Guard conducted a search at the headquarters of the Spanish Technical Committee of Referees on Thursday as part of the ongoing investigation.

    A Sevilla statement said: “We express our complete outrage and condemnation of the actions carried out by the former officials of FC Barcelona who are indicted in the Negreira case, actions that are allegedly considered criminal by the Court of Instruction of Barcelona, as stated in the court order disseminated in the media.”

    Barcelona issued a statement in reply, stating Sevilla’s actions were  “an attack against the Catalan institution and an unacceptable offence.”

  • Opticians-in-training worried over shortage of training equipment

    President of the Opticians Association of Ghana, Mr. Isaac Donkor, has urged the government to furnish optician trainees with essential tools to enhance their professional capabilities.

    During his address at the 10th anniversary and annual general meeting of the Opticians Association of Ghana in Kumasi, he outlined various challenges encountered by opticians in their field of practice.

    “This ten years journey is not without challenges, and one of the greatest challenges we are crying out for Ghana and the authorities to help us with is this; the School of Dispensing Optics is the first of its kind in sub-Saharan Africa and this school trains a lot of products in medical services.

    “When you go to the various facilities you have 5 or even ten of them without the right tools to work with. This is our major headache.”

    He also expressed apprehensions regarding the School of Dispensing Optics’ high admission rate.

    “The number of students that are trained from the School of Dispensing Optics yearly is very dangerous and very bad for the sector.

    “The number should be cut down,” he said.

    Head of the Optometry and Visual Science Department at KNUST, Dr. Kwadwo Owusu Akuffo, outlined the association’s plans to enhance its educational programs.

    “There are plans of expanding educational programmes and also expanding all the way to the BSc level as well as developing specialties for opticians to look at specific areas and also provide other specialties in health care service,” he said.

    The two-day event revolves around the theme: “A Decade of Achievements and Hurdles: Charting a Course for 2023 Vision Targets.”

    The Opticians Association of Ghana serves as a unifying body for healthcare professionals dedicated to eye care in the country. Established with the aim of uniting optometry experts in Ghana, the association works collectively to advance comprehensive eye care services for all citizens.

    In commemoration of its ten-year milestone, the association organized a complimentary eye screening program in Dadease, offering free eye care services to all community members.

  • Extend limited voter registration for peace to prevail in Bawku – CODEO to EC

    The National Coordinator of the Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO), Albert Arhin, has made an appeal to the Electoral Commission (EC) to consider extending the limited voter registration exercise in the Bawku Municipality, located in the Upper East Region.

    Mr Arhin emphasized that such an extension could contribute to the stabilization of the tense situation in Bawku.

    In an interview conducted on Joy FM’s Top Story on Friday, September 29, Albert Arhin suggested that during the extension period, the Electoral Commission should ensure an adequate supply of registration machines.

    This, he explained, would allow for the establishment of additional registration centers, facilitating the participation of eligible voters and enabling them to exercise their democratic rights.

    “I will advise that since the registration ends on October 2, the EC can extend it for peace to prevail,” he suggested.

    These remarks from Albert Arhin come in response to the Electoral Commission’s decision to halt the limited voter registration exercise in the area, which was prompted by escalating tensions. Reports suggest that the suspension is a result of disputes between the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

    JoyNews received confirmation of this incident from Williams Obeng Darkwa, the Upper East Regional Director of the Electoral Commission. Although Darkwa acknowledged the suspension, he cited security concerns as the primary factor behind the decision and refrained from elaborating on the specific issues that led to the suspension.

    “On point of service, we had little misunderstanding among active political players and therefore in the name of peace, we thought it was unsafe for our personnel and equipment to be exposed. Therefore, we had to put it on hold,” he told JoyNews.

    According to Williams Obeng Darkwa, despite the current state of calm in the area, he is still awaiting approval from higher authorities in Accra to proceed with the voter registration process. However, the Electoral Commission (EC) has declined to resume the process because the two political parties could not come to an agreement on a roadmap for the continuation of voter registration.

    Specifically, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) did not sign the agreement document.

    Mr Albert Arhin, in response, suggests that given the discontent among Bawku constituents due to the suspension of the exercise, the EC should consider extending it and registering people in additional centers as a means of appeasement.

  • More than 16,000 heart cases, 21 deaths recorded by Korle-Bu Hospital in 2022

    The Cardiothoracic Centre at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) in 2022 registered 16,946 patients in the Outpatient Department (OPD) with various heart conditions, resulting in 21 deaths attributed to heart failure.

    This patient pool comprised 8,965 females and 7,981 males, while the total number of admissions for heart-related conditions during the same period reached 904.

    Professor Mark Tettey, serving as the Acting Director at the National Cardiothoracic Centre within KBTH, conveyed to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that hypertension, diabetes, and cholesterol issues were the primary culprits behind the heart problems presented at the center.

    He also noted that untreated bacterial infections causing common colds could contribute to heart complications, as the unchecked progression of such infections could damage the heart valve.

    Globally, heart disease and cardiac strokes are leading causes of death, accounting for approximately 18.6 million fatalities annually.

    In Ghana, these conditions rank as the top cause of death. Prof. Tettey urged individuals aged 25 and above to regularly monitor their blood pressure as a preventive measure.

    “Nurture your heart, make sure you are not overweight, engage in exercises that nurtures the heart and adopt healthy eating habit, do not eat too much fat and sugar as it can predispose you to diabetes and cholesterol issues,” he said.

    He emphasized that the heart stands as the body’s most vital organ, being the most intricate, potent, and indispensable component.

    Human activities have inflicted substantial harm on the environment through pollution. Air pollution alone is responsible for 25 percent of cardiovascular-related deaths. Globally, approximately 7 million people succumb to heart diseases linked to air pollution each year.

    The Professor pointed out that in Ghana, the improper disposal of mercury was significantly linked to conditions such as hypertension, heart attacks, strokes, and cardiac arrhythmias.

    “It is time to use our efforts for preserving nature to reduce and restrict the air pollution entering nature and other damaging practices that are ultimately killing us, the healthier the planet earth is, the better the heart of its inhabitants would be,” he said.

    Prof. Tettey advocated for the establishment of a National Heart Institute, which would serve as a comprehensive center equipped with facilities and diagnostic tools for heart disease diagnosis, treatment, post-treatment care, and research.

    World Heart Day serves as an educational platform for the public to enhance their understanding of the heart and adopt lifestyles conducive to heart health. The theme for this year’s World Heart Day is “Use Heart, Know Heart.”

    Heart diseases encompass a range of conditions, including heart attacks, heart failure, irregular heart rhythms, valve disorders, high blood pressure, and congenital heart conditions.

    Symptoms associated with heart disease encompass chest pain, tightness, pressure, and discomfort, along with shortness of breath and pain in areas such as the neck, jaw, throat, upper abdomen, or back.

  • Eastern Regional Hospital receives oxygen generation plant

    The Ministry of Health (MoH) has taken action to enhance the healthcare infrastructure at the Eastern Regional Hospital in Koforidua, Ghana.

    As a crucial step in this initiative, the MoH has approved the allocation of an oxygen generation plant to the facility.

    This cutting-edge plant, often referred to as a giant pressure swing absorption plant, boasts an impressive capacity to generate 80 normal meter cubes of medical-grade oxygen per hour.

    The deployment of this plant is a proactive measure aimed at preventing a recurrence of the tragic oxygen cylinder explosion that tragically occurred just last week at the hospital, resulting in the untimely demise of a dedicated security officer.

    In a bid to swiftly implement this life-saving solution, a contracted construction team has already conducted a thorough assessment of the hospital’s premises.

    Their visit was a critical step in ensuring the optimal placement and setup of the oxygen generation plant. It is anticipated that the construction and installation process will commence in the coming month.

    During the ceremony marking the official commissioning and transfer of a versatile Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and a mother’s hostel to the management of the Eastern Regional Hospital, a significant announcement was made.

    Nana Owiredu Wadie I, the Nkosuohene of Kwahu – Nkwatia, presided over the event, and representing the Minister of Health, Dr. Ebo Hammond, the Director of HASS – GHS, delivered a speech.

    Dr. Ebo Hammond emphasized that the introduction of the oxygen plant would comprehensively address the hospital’s oxygen requirements. This essential addition ensures that the Eastern Regional Hospital can provide vital oxygen support, reinforcing its commitment to the well-being of patients and enhancing healthcare services.

    “Respiratory care for newborns with health challenges will mostly require oxygen therapy,” he said. “And so this is why I am happy to announce that the honourable minister of health working in consent with the director general of the Ghana Health Service has allocated a giant pressure swing absorption plant popularly called oxygen generating plant with the capacity of producing 80 normal meter cube per hour of medical grid oxygen.”

    “And I am happy to inform you that the contractor just visited the hospital today and hopefully by next month they will start the construction and installation,” he stated.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6qS3uAnFwYk

  • Young entrepreneurs cannot thrive in Ghana – Mawuli Gavor

    Actor and CEO of Play Club Ghana, Mawuli Gavor, has expressed his concerns about what he perceives as an unfavorable business environment in Ghana.

    He noted that the country currently lacks the conditions necessary for businesses to flourish, particularly for young entrepreneurs.

    During an upcoming episode of Joy Prime’s “Celeb Biz,” hosted by Amelley Djosu, Gavor highlighted that this situation is negatively impacting the willingness of young individuals to embark on entrepreneurial ventures.

    “Ghana doesn’t provide the kind of fertile ground that you’ll need to come in and flourish as a business owner. I won’t lie. Ghana is not hospitable in that way. However, if you can find a way to persevere through those obstacles, then the business opportunities are immense, and they’re great,” he said.

    Mr. Gavor further highlighted the detrimental impact of the volatile exchange rate on businesses, especially those reliant on imported raw materials.

    He noted that the exchange rate fluctuation has posed significant challenges to businesses’ ability to plan and innovate effectively.

    To illustrate this, he mentioned that when he commenced the construction of Play Club Ghana, the exchange rate was at six Ghana cedis per dollar.

    However, within a few months, the exchange rate more than doubled.

    Despite the challenges posed by this currency instability, Mr. Gavor emphasized that strategic partnerships with dependable companies played a crucial role in enabling his business to persevere.

  • The NPP UK executives behind anti-OccupyJulorBiHouse demo in London

    Ghanaian residents in the United Kingdom (UK) have staged their own rendition of the #OccupyJulorBiHouse protest, using this platform to express their concerns and grievances regarding the economic crisis and challenges faced by their fellow citizens back in Ghana.

    Taking place on September 29, 2023, the protest featured numerous Ghanaian expatriates residing in the UK who held placards bearing messages outlining the specific issues they urgently want the government to address.

    Interestingly, amidst the protest, two individuals holding leadership positions within the NPP UK branch were observed holding placards that appeared to commend the government for its accomplishments.

    Here is a profile of the two individuals who were carrying out a counter-protest in the UK while some aggrieved Ghanaians were voicing out their grievances in the UK edition of the #OccupyJulorbiHouse protest.

    1. Felix Hilton Kwamena Hamilton

    Felix Hilton currently serves as the Assistant Branch Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in East London. In addition to his political role, he is an international expert in Security and Global Governance.

    Felix holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice from the University of London at Birkbeck, showcasing his commitment to academic excellence.

    With a background in non-profit organization management, Felix Hamilton is a seasoned Inspector with extensive experience in various fields, including private investigations, customer service, criminal profiling, project planning, and project management.

    2. Alex Mensah Appiah

    Alex Mensah Appiah holds the esteemed position of 1st Vice Chairman for the United Kingdom Branch of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). His unwavering commitment to the party has earned him the role of an executive member entrusted with the responsibility of guiding and managing the party’s affairs alongside fellow members.

  • Condemn extension of term limits by some African leaders – Akufo-Addo to ECOWAS

    President Akufo-Addo has urged the members of the ECOWAS Parliament to vocalize their opposition to the practice of leaders extending presidential term limits as a means to consolidate their authority.

    According to President Akufo-Addo, “these actions tend to result in discontent amongst the populace, which create fertile grounds on which military interventions disingenuously feed.”

    Adherence to this, he said, will ensure that we don’t “give up when it comes to guaranteeing the democratic integrity of our respective countries, where we should have governance systems based on the separation of powers, which are free from corruption and are respectful of the rule of law, individual liberties, human rights, the principles of democratic accountability and social justice.”

    President Akufo-Addo delivered his speech at the 2nd ECOWAS Parliamentary Seminar held in Winneba on Friday, September 29, 2023. The seminar revolved around the theme, “Challenges Relating to Unconstitutional Changes of Government and Presidential Term Limits in West Africa – Role of the ECOWAS Parliament.”

    Based on the theme, the President charged them to “propose measures to ensure the anchoring of democratic and republican values, both at the level of political elites and citizens of the Community. This would help towards preserving the peace and stability of the region.”

    He suggested that “any attempt at the manipulation of opinion and of the rules of the democratic game for partisan political ends always leads to a loss of legitimacy, which is reflected in the social tensions it creates.”

    Continuing, he stated that, “the attempted confiscation of democracy by elites, who engage, through legal antics, in the manipulation of constitutional rules and the subjugation of the institutions of the Republic with the sole aim of remaining in power.”

    He opined further that, “it is also important to remind us that democracy is not, as some would have us believe, a western concept, but, rather, a universal concept of general application.”

    He asked the August house to ensure there is “no backsliding in support for democratic values anchored on the promotion of the rule of law and respect for human rights.

    “And when the coups do happen, we must insist on the shortest period of the transition process, especially in the Sahel, where the military, having tasted power, appear reluctant to restore democratic rule.”

    “The history of the world, including that of Africa, testifies that the process of electing and installing leaders in democratic circumstances provides the best form of governance.

    “The great British wartime leader, Winston Spencer Churchill, it was who said “democracy is the worst form of governance, except for all the others”.

    “Modern history has taught us that tyranny, oppression, and totalitarian government do not last long. No matter how a people apparently reject democracy and civil liberty, circumstances would always force them back to embrace them,” he added.

    Concluding, he said, “Out of duty towards our children and grandchildren, we must not give up when it comes to guaranteeing the democratic integrity of our respective countries, where we should have governance systems based on the separation of powers, which are free from corruption and are respectful of the rule of law, individual liberties, human rights, the principles of democratic accountability and social justice.”

  • #OccupyJulorbiHouse protestors snubbed by Ghana’s High Commissioner to UK

    Ghana’s High Commissioner to the UK, Papa Owusu-Ankomah, did not address the #OccupyJulorbiHouse protestors during the London edition on Friday, September 29.

    The Ghanaian expatriates living in the United Kingdom had organized their own version of the demonstration that had taken place in Ghana about a week earlier. Their protest aimed to express their dissatisfaction with the state of affairs back in Ghana.

    In a video widely shared on social media, the group assembled with megaphones to amplify their concerns. They also prominently displayed placards to reinforce their positions. Some of the placards bore messages such as ‘Arise Ghana Youth,’ ‘Corruption is undermining Ghana,’ and ‘Resist oppressive rule,’ among others.

    Dozens of protestors chanted on the pavement in front of the government building to draw attention to their grievances.

    Several hours later, High Commissioner Papa Owusu-Ankomah was observed exiting his office and heading towards his vehicle. A few of the protestors attempted to engage him in conversation, but their efforts were met with no response.

    https://twitter.com/M4manuel_/status/1707766618179138047?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1707766618179138047%7Ctwgr%5E652c62b0da5b427cd8a3f7246b224250072f2bd0%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.myjoyonline.com%2Fghanas-high-commissioner-to-uk-snubs-occupyjulorbihouse-protestors-in-london%2F

    “We came to meet you. Sir talk to us before you leave,” one of them demanded.

    Another angry protestor was heard saying “you should be ashamed of yourself,” while the official was shepherded into his car by London police.

    The protest initially occurred in Accra, spanning from September 21 to 23, during which several individuals were apprehended on the first day.

    Over the course of the three-day continuous demonstration, protesters came close to reaching the seat of government, the Jubilee House, but were deterred by a police barricade.

    Approximately 50 individuals who had been arrested on the first day were subsequently charged and released to rejoin the protest. This move came in response to widespread criticism from citizens who accused the police of using excessive force against some of the demonstrators.

    The police, however, refuted allegations of mistreatment, maintaining that their actions were aimed at upholding law and order. According to their injunction suit, which had been served on the organizers, the protest was not authorized to proceed.

    The focal point of the demonstration was the protesters’ dissatisfaction with the government’s economic management and the resulting hardships experienced by the Ghanaian populace.

  • FIFA delegation to fly to Ghana for GFA Congress

    FIFA, the global governing body for football, is set to closely monitor the upcoming elective congress of the Ghana Football Association (GFA).

    To oversee this, FIFA has assembled a formidable delegation for the 2023 GFA Elective Congress.

    The FIFA Delegation, as officially announced by the GFA, includes Gelson Fernandes, Director of FIFA Member Associations Africa; Silmara Sousa, Development Program Coordinator for FIFA Member Associations Africa; and Ahmed Harraz, Senior Manager of MA Governance Services at FIFA.

    This FIFA Delegation, which has been providing support to the GFA Elections Committee, is anticipated to engage further with the GFA Elections Committee during their visit to Ghana before the Congress takes place.

    In addition to the FIFA delegation, FIFA Executive Council Member Amaju Melvin Pinnick will also be arriving in Ghana in the coming week for the elective Congress to be held in the Northern Region on Thursday, October 5, 2023, in Tamale.

  • West Africa’s democracy in danger – Akufo-Addo tells ECOWAS Parliament

    President Akufo-Addo has called upon members of the Parliament of ECOWAS to address the concerning trend of re-militarization within governance.

    Additionally, he has urged the regional community to collectively tackle the attempted erosion of democracy by elite groups and the alarming threats posed to democracy by terrorist organizations and armed criminal gangs operating within the region.

    Stating what he described as three serious threats to democracy in the region, President Akufo-Addo said, “Democracy in West Africa is in danger”.

    He therefore said the regional fraternity “must work even harder to entrench the principles of democratic accountability in the citizenry.”

    According to President Akufo-Addo, democracy in the region has been seriously subverted by “the attempted confiscation of democracy by elites, who engage, through legal antics, in the manipulation of constitutional rules and the subjugation of the institutions of the Republic with the sole aim of remaining in power.”

    He added that another key threat is “the emerging re-militarisation of governance with the intrusion, once again, of the military on the political scene, who have neither consulted nor received any mandate from, the people on whose behalf they purport to act.”

    The President did not hesitate to also mention “the wanton desire to destroy democracy by terrorist groups and armed criminal gangs, who seek to establish zones of lawlessness and the absence of freedom” as another deliberate threat to the democratic stability of the region.

    Referring to the great British wartime leader, Winston Spencer Churchill’s statement that “democracy is the worst form of governance, except for all the others”, he stated that “modern history has taught us that tyranny, oppression, and totalitarian government do not last long.

    “No matter how a people apparently reject democracy and civil liberty, circumstances would always force them back to embrace them.”

    President Akufo-Addo told the gathering that “we cannot run away from the fact that our Region is confronted with a difficult economic, political, social and security situation.

    “As all of us know, despite the considerable progress made by the Community, in the areas of democracy, good governance and the rule of law since the early 1990s, which meant that, four years ago, all 15 leaders of ECOWAS States were democratically elected, we are, at the moment, witnessing a decline in our democratic credentials.”

    President Akufo-Addo was addressing the 2nd Ecowas Parliamentary Seminar, in Winneba, on Friday, September 29, 2023, under the theme, “Challenges Relating to Unconstitutional Changes of Government and Presidential Term Limits in West Africa – Role of the ECOWAS Parliament.”

    Describing the prevalent situation as bitter and implacable, he said, “Today, four ECOWAS Member States are led by military governments as a result of coups d’états.

    “This sad and unfortunate development has created a state of palpable anxiety and tension in every corner of the region, raising the spectre of regional instability, which we thought had been banished forever.

    “Equally abhorrent is the culture of violence and disputes that characterise the periods of electing some of our leaders.

    Mentioning the election of Mohammed Bazoum in Niger as a recognition of the common will of the people, he said “That is why the coup against him is particularly tragic for the consolidation of democracy in our region.”

    He that, “the only legitimacy for any leader is through a mandate that is given freely by the people in a fair, peaceful and transparent election.

    “This is the most tangible and objective way to know and recognize the common will, which is the will of the people.”

    That is why, he continued, “any attempt at the manipulation of opinion and of the rules of the democratic game for partisan political ends always leads to a loss of legitimacy, which is reflected in the social tensions it creates.

    “We must distinguish between legality and legitimacy because our region will only experience genuine stability if our powers are imbued with both legality and legitimacy.”

    “The true purpose of democratic governance is to obtain the objective of free government, shared prosperity and progress, equitable and accessible justice and lasting peace for the wellbeing of the citizenry, he added.

    He called on the ECOWAS legislators to ensure that one of the expected outcomes is to help “us understand even better the root causes of democratic regression and political instability in the region in order the better to address them and speak against the extension of presidential term limits by some leaders to strengthen their grip on power.

    “These actions tend to result in discontent amongst the populace, which create fertile grounds on which military interventions disingenuously feed,” he observed.

    Credit: Jubilee House Communication

  • MoMo: ‘We apologise for the intermittent challenges’ – MTN to customers

    The telecommunications company MTN has issued an apology for the intermittent difficulties users have encountered when attempting to access mobile money services.

    In a post on Twitter on September 29, the company acknowledged that these issues have arisen due to technical challenges.

    “We apologise for the intermittent challenges you are experiencing in accessing Momo services. This is because of a technical challenge,” it said.

    It assured customers that its “engineers are working to resolve the issue. We will update you when the issue is resolved”.

  • Atwima Kwanwoma MP, LDS Church to build classrooms for deprived schools

    The Member of Parliament representing Atwima Kwanwoma, Kofi Amankwa-Manu, has joined forces with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS Church) to initiate the construction of a 26-unit classroom block and a 10-seater toilet facility for several carefully selected schools.

    These beneficiary schools encompass Kotwi, Atwima Kokoben, and Foase D/A Primary Schools within the Atwima Kwanwoma District. In a conversation with JoyNews, the MP for the region, who also holds the position of Deputy Minister of Defence, emphasized that the collaborative effort with the LDS Church aims to provide a secure and conducive learning environment for schoolchildren.

    He further elucidated that the current lack of adequate infrastructure has led to overcrowded classrooms, adversely affecting the quality of teaching and learning.

    Member of Parliament representing Atwima Kwanwoma, Kofi Amankwa-Manu in white

    “Atwima Kwanwoma has a lot of problems and one person cannot do it alone. So, it became necessary for me to approach the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints with our problems. We sat down, they listened to me and did a follow-up to the district.

    “This is not the first time they have done this for us. They have done a few projects in this district, and it’s mind-boggling. One would have thought that only church members would be the ones to benefit from all this. But that wasn’t the case. I am so grateful,” he said.

    On his part, the Headmaster of Kokoben D/A Basic school, Richmond Swanzy said, “Kokoben has a lot of challenges and the notable ones are the lack of classrooms, library, and toilet facilities and because of this, some students have stopped school and are attending schools elsewhere. With this intervention, we will be able to accommodate all of them.”

    During the groundbreaking ceremony, Joyce Ofori, the District Director of Education for Atwima Kwanwoma, emphasized that these projects are a direct response to a request made by her directorate.

    “Three to four teachers occupy dual desks and teachers couldn’t find a place to teach. So the directorate wrote to the MP to help the district.

    “With the help of the Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, they came to inspect the situation and realised we needed the classrooms,” she said. 

    Meanwhile, the project is expected to be completed in six months.

  • NLA’s new draw machines to hit Akuapem Odwira

    The National Lottery Authority (NLA) is set to make a significant presence felt at the 2023 Akuapem Odwira festival this upcoming weekend, showcasing its state-of-the-art new machines.

    Anticipation is building among hundreds of festival-goers and local residents in the Akropong community and surrounding areas, as they prepare to gather at the forecourt of the Okuapehene’s Palace for a special event – the National Weekly Lotto draw, which is one of NLA’s flagship daily draws. This exciting event is scheduled for Saturday, September 30th, 2023.

    This participation in the festival follows a courtesy visit made by the Director-General of NLA, Sammi Awuku, and his management team in September 2023.

    During their visit, they had the privilege of officially informing Okuapehene HRM Oseadeeyo Kwasi Akuffo III about NLA’s Akuapem Odwira Community Draw, reinforcing the NLA’s commitment to engaging with and enriching local communities.

    “This is the first time NLA is holding a community draw in Akropong in its 61 years of existence.  NLA’s new ultra-modern Draw machines, christened money-making machines that draw the golden eggs, is also making its first stop in Akropong since its launch on August 1, 2023,” Mr. Awuku said.

    The Okuapehene’s Palace erupted in excitement following Mr. Awuku’s announcement, as everyone eagerly anticipated the live draw event in the Akropong community. 

    To facilitate this special occasion, NLA’s cutting-edge new draw machines will be carefully transported from the renowned Brennan Hall, where the Authority typically conducts its draws, to Akropong. 

    This operation will take place at dawn on Saturday and will be under the vigilant protection of a combined security detail comprising both military and police personnel.

    The draw promises to be a thrilling spectacle for patrons and the general public alike, with the hosting duties entrusted to well-known figures such as the popular actor Akrobeto, comedian Kalybos, actress Jessica Williams, and NLA’s own presenter, Beryl Adom.

    The Director-General highlighted that NLA’s introduction of Community Draws is a part of their broader efforts to demystify their games and draws. 

    This initiative also aims to educate the public about the transparency and integrity of the draw process, particularly in countering the activities of fraudsters who falsely claim to provide leaked winning numbers on social media platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook.

    “Many people believe the falsehood peddled by some unscrupulous persons that NLA’s draws are manipulated because they have not witnessed one.  Holding Community Draws, therefore, allows NLA to bring the Draw closer to the people, to help them appreciate the process from start to finish”.

    Mr. Awuku said Community Draws are held in partnership with the Chiefs and Traditional Councils to fulfil the Arts and Culture Pillar under the NLA’s Good Causes Foundation.

    NLA has so far held Community Draws in Obomeng-Kwaku during the Easter festivities, Cape Coast during the Fetu Afahye, Anlo during the Hogbetsotso Za, West Hills Mall in partnership with the Ghana Trade Fair Company Limited and Nsawam Adoagyiri.

    NLA is expecting a good show on Saturday, September 30, 2023, at the forecourt of the Okuapehene’s Palace for the live draw of the National Weekly Lotto. 

  • Ghana High Commission sees London edition of #OccupyJulorBiHouse demo

    Ghanaian expatriates residing in the United Kingdom have brought their #OccupyJulorBiHouse protest to the doorstep of the Ghanaian High Commission in London.

    A video circulating on Twitter captures the scene, featuring a group of Ghanaians gathered in front of the High Commission.

    Among them, some proudly brandish Ghanaian flags, while others passionately sing patriotic Ghanaian tunes, amplifying their voices through megaphones and portable sound systems.

    The assembly consists of individuals spanning various age groups, demonstrating a diverse and unified representation of the Ghanaian diaspora in the UK.

    But another group of individuals emerged in a counter-protest against the #OccupyJulorBiHouse demonstrators. Leading this counter-protest is Felix Hamilton, a prominent figure identified as the Branch Assistant Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in East London.

    This development comes precisely one week after the #OccupyJulorBiHouse demonstration in Accra entered its second day, following a tumultuous first day marked by police arrests, physical altercations, and a chaotic atmosphere that garnered international attention.

    Remarkably, some journalists, including those affiliated with foreign media outlets, found themselves apprehended by the police without clear explanations.

  • NORINCO pays courtesy call on Chief of Defence Staff

    A three-member delegation representing the Chinese North Industrial Corporation (NORINCO) on September 27, paid a courtesy visit to the Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS), Vice Admiral Seth Amoama at the General Headquarters.

    The purpose of the visit was to strengthen the bilateral relations between NORINCO and the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) and explore opportunities for mutual collaboration.

    Mr. Jerry Tian Bei is the Deputy General Manager of Africa-America Department at NORINCO

    Deputy General Manager of Africa-America Department at NORINCO, Mr. Jerry Tian Bei, led the delegation.

    He expressed NORINCO’s eagerness to establish a working relationship with GAF, recognizing it as one of the reputable Armed Forces in Africa.

    Vice Admiral Seth Amoama expressed gratitude to NORINCO for their interest in Ghana’s defense establishment. He referred to previous discussions between the Defence Industry Holding Company (DIHOC) and NORINCO regarding the development of an advanced hospital for GAF.

    CDS also mentioned the visit by the Minister for Defence, Dominic Nitiwul, and senior officers to NORINCO’s facility in connection with collaborations between the two entities during the China-Africa Peace and Security Forum.

    He expressed hope that these discussions and visits would lead to a fruitful collaboration.

  • Every Ghanaian owes GHC19,000 as debt stock hits GHC575.5bn

    The average Ghanaian is currently indebted to the tune of GHC19,000 as the country’s debt stock deteriorates at an increasing rate.

    Ghana’s debt has reached GHS 575.5 billion, which is equivalent to 71.9% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), according to the Bank of Ghana (BoG) as of the first half of 2023.

    This represents an increase of GHS 27.7 billion compared to the GHS 547.8 billion debt recorded in January 2023, making it the highest level since January 2023.

    The external portion of the debt, which was GHS 315.8 billion in January (equivalent to 39.4% of GDP), has risen to GHS 328.6 billion in June, constituting 41% of GDP.

    Meanwhile, the domestic component, which stood at GHS 232.0 billion in January (29% of GDP), has increased to GHS 246.9 billion in June, accounting for 30.8% of GDP.

    It’s noteworthy that Ghana’s debt is increasing while the government is implementing a three-year US$3 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan-support program aimed at ensuring the sustainability of the country’s debt.

    “The recent increment in our debt stock is mainly as a result of the weak performance of the cedi against the dollar, Dr Daniel Anim Prempeh, Chief Economist, Policy Initiative for Economic Development (PIED), said.

    “The high debt we’re incurring is because the cedi is not performing well, so, once you convert your debt to the prevailing dollar rate, you should expect increases in the value. Therefore, once the cedi depreciates, you expect the value of most of the dollar denominated debts to increase,” he explained.

    The domestic debt decreased from GHS 247.9 billion in April 2023 to GHS 246.9 billion in June, primarily due to the implementation of the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP), as pointed out by economists.

    “We’re hoping that our external creditors will agree for the kind of restructuring that the Government wants to do, and if that’s done, there will be room for us to be able to sustain the high debt that we’re incurring,” Dr Anim-Prempeh said.

    “The impact of the IMF first tranche will not be immediate. It’s until the end of the fiscal year when the analysis is done before we’ll be able to see any significant impact that it might have had within the domestic economy,” he said.

    He urged the Government to reduce its appetite for both domestic and external debt to balance the credibility and investor confidence associated with the implementation of the IMF programme.

    He added that: “Even if all the US$3bn is released, it will not bring about any immediate growth and stability within the macroeconomic environment, it will take a certain time to actually feel the impact.”

    Dr Anim-Prempeh urged government to “focus on policies that will bring about macroeconomic stability by being fiscally disciplined as we enter into an election year in 2024.”

  • IMF pushes govt to seek debt relief from foreign creditors before next bailout tranche

    The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is nudging the Ghanaian government to reach an agreement on external debt restructuring with the Official Creditor Committee.

    Director of Communications at the IMF, Julie Kozack, noted during a press conference that the agreement must be done within the shortest possible time as discussions are ongoing.

    “The next steps on debt restructuring are for the Official Creditor Committee to agree with the authorities on the specific modalities of debt relief and for the authorities to continue to engage with their external private creditors for relief on their external debt. These discussions are ongoing, and we hope that the OCC, the Official Creditor Committee, and the Ghanaian authorities will find an agreement soon. The government has recently finalized the restructuring of its domestic debt”, Julie Kozack said.

    Ghana’s total debt, which amounts to $52.3 billion, has over half of it owned by external creditors, including Eurobond holders and certain banks. Consequently, a substantial reduction from external creditors is seen as crucial for the country’s efforts to significantly reduce its debt burden.

    Both UK-based Fitch Solutions and the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) share the belief that Ghana will reach an agreement with the Official Creditor Committee by the end of the year, paving the way for the commencement of external debt restructuring.

    An IMF Mission is presently in Accra, Ghana, to evaluate performance and engage in discussions regarding policies for the first review of the program. The objective is to present this review to the Executive Board in November 2023.

    Ghana’s program encompasses three key goals: restoring macroeconomic stability, ensuring the sustainability of debt, and establishing the groundwork for increased and more inclusive economic growth. The program includes a comprehensive set of reforms aimed at enhancing resilience while safeguarding the most vulnerable segments of the population.

    Regarding the sub-Saharan Africa region, Julie Kozack mentioned that the Fund will be publishing its regional economic outlook in the forthcoming weeks.

    “We will be releasing that outlook and that will contain detailed information on the region. I think it’s fair to say that the region is still undergoing what we called in April [2023] the big funding squeeze. The region has been very much affected by the succession of shocks, the pandemic, the cost of living crisis, food insecurity. And in addition, the region has been affected, of course, by tightening global financial conditions, and that has led to what we’re calling the funding squeeze”.

    “All of that has happened in a situation where the region is facing also, in some countries, high debt. So the challenges, of course, are very significant in Africa. But I would be remiss if I don’t also mention the opportunities in the sense that Africa is a continent with a youthful population, which presents tremendous opportunities for the region as well”.

  • “Really!” – Kasoa resident in shock as thieves break into room via ceiling to steal TV, others

    A recent robbery incident in Kasoa has left victims and sympathisers in shock.

    Most often, robbers break through one’s door or window to steal items they believe have a claim over.

    But in a latest robbery, the robbers craftily carved a hole in the ceiling of a room to make away with items including a TV set.

    It is believed that the robbers came in through the ceiling and exited through a window.

    In a video circulating on social media, a disarrayed room with clothes scattered everywhere can be sighted.

    Shell-shocked by the incident, a lady believed to be a sympathiser screamed “Really!”. She was surprised as to how well robbery has metamorphosed in Kasoa.

    “Herh! Look at what they have done. Kasoa. These people are wicked oh!

  • iMullar Sound System paving way for good music, fashion in the entertainment space

    iMullar Sound System is a DJ-powered event created by The iMullar Network, and it features good music, good energy, sunshine, old and newly formed friendships, plus a round of drinks.

    Since its first edition in April 2022, iMullar Sound System (IMSS), has grown immensely.

    IMSS’s anniversary event boasted a crowd of close to 3,000 ravers at Ghana’s first skatepark.

    iMullar Sound System: A Needed Safe Space

    iMullar Sound System has seen a lot of success because it has carved a niche for itself in an entertainment space where only nightlife lifestyle and mainstream music could thrive.

    At iMullar Sound System events, diversity is celebrated, and the crowds love it.

    “People are listening widely, exploring different genres while partying in their best outfits free of judgment,” says Maxwell Adjavon, the Founder of The iMullar Networks.

    Here are our top three musical DJs we think you’ll like:

    Afrolektra

    Blending African traditional rhythms and sounds with today’s modern Electronic Dance Music (EDM), Ghanaian Music Producer & DJ AFROLEKTRA combines these two worlds distinctively to create a sound that has garnered mass appeal. His choice of sound spans variations of African Music, both old and contemporary – from highlife to afrobeat and Afropop, blending these with various forms of Electronic Dance Music – house to new trap sounds and moombahton.

    Watch here:

    TMSKD DJ

    THE MASKED DJ (TMSKD DJ) born Michelle Nana Adwoa Agyakomah Yeboah is an electronic/African dance music DJ based in Accra, Ghana. TMSKD pronounced as THE MASKED is one of the few disc jockeys in Ghana breaking the status quo of disc jockeying with her versatile skill set of introducing and fusing alternative sounds in her live performances.

    Watch here:

    Guilty Beatz

    Ronald Banful, popularly known as GuiltyBeatz, is a Ghanaian record producer. He is best known for producing 3 songs on Beyoncé‘s album ‘ The Lion King: The Gift ‘ as well as other hits. Known for the genres dance-pop, electro house and afrobeats, he is on a mission to bridge the gap and elevate African music in the process.

    Watch here:

    Platoon and Its Squad

    Founded by C.E.O. Denzyl Feigelson in 2016, boutique artist services company Platoon identifies and shepherds exciting musical talent from around the world, arming them with innovative tools and a platform to build their careers. Platoon landed its first success in 2016 when they signed yet-unknown Billie Eilish, helping lay the groundwork for her ascent to global stardom.

    Following that it was BRIT Award winner Jorja Smith’s Blue Lights, before guiding Nigeria’s Mr. Eazi to worldwide attention. Platoon’s team of employees has expanded across the globe, from London to New York, Los Angeles, Berlin, and Cape Town’s “Creative Lab”.

    Platoon’s creative spaces in London and Africa boast 24-hour recording studios and double as inspiring ecosystems for artists to openly collaborate, with Platoon also offering educational classes across music and marketing.Platoon’s event with IMSS featured a variety of African djs, and an artist who was part of Platoon’s Billboard Live At-Home in 2020:

    KWESI ARTHUR

    Kwesi Arthur, is a Ghanaian rapper, singer and songwriter from Tema, who rose to fame in 2017 with the hit single “Grind day” which received widespread acclaim and a co-sign from rap heavyweights Sarkodie and Medikal.

    Arthur has won several accolades, including Rapper of the year and Hip Hop Song of the year at the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards as well as a Viewer’s Choice Best International Act nomination at the 2018 BET Awards. He became the second Ghanaian rapper to be nominated for BET Hip Hop Awards Cypher after Sarkodie’s nomination in 2019.

    iMULLAR SOUND SYSTEM X PLATOON EVENT

    Welcome to the highlights section of the unforgettable day party brought together by the creative energy of Platoon and IMSS with support from Culture Curations. This extraordinary event featured incredibly talented DJs like TMSKDJ, Afrolektra, Guilty Beatz, DJ Baaba, and many more. The event, held on January 1, 2023 at Front/Back Accra, is one etched in music history and events.

    iMullar Sound System, in partnership with Platoon, is redefining the cultural landscape by promoting African sounds and talent in mainstream culture.

    Through the convergence of music, fashion, and dance, This immersive experience transcends boundaries and captivates audiences around the world. IMSS and Platoon’s collaboration is a relevant force in showcasing the boundless creativity and ingenuity emerging from the African music scene.

  • IMF wants external debt restructuring agreement between Ghana and OCC done ‘soon’

    The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has reiterated its optimism regarding the possibility of the Official Creditor Committee and the Ghanaian government reaching an agreement on external debt restructuring in the near future.

    Ghana’s total debt, which amounts to $52.3 billion, has over half of it owned by external creditors, including Eurobond holders and certain banks. Consequently, a substantial reduction from external creditors is seen as crucial for the country’s efforts to significantly reduce its debt burden.

    During a press conference, Julie Kozack, Director of Communications at the IMF, emphasized the importance of the Ghanaian government finalizing the restructuring of its domestic debt.

    Both UK-based Fitch Solutions and the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) share the belief that Ghana will reach an agreement with the Official Creditor Committee by the end of the year, paving the way for the commencement of external debt restructuring.

    However, IMF wants the agreement done soon.

    “The next steps on debt restructuring are for the Official Creditor Committee to agree with the authorities on the specific modalities of debt relief and for the authorities to continue to engage with their external private creditors for relief on their external debt. These discussions are ongoing, and we hope that the OCC, the Official Creditor Committee, and the Ghanaian authorities will find an agreement soon. The government has recently finalized the restructuring of its domestic debt”, Julie Kozack said.

    Madam Kozack also mentioned that an IMF Mission is presently in Accra, Ghana, to evaluate performance and engage in discussions regarding policies for the first review of the program. The objective is to present this review to the Executive Board in November 2023.

    Ghana’s program encompasses three key goals: restoring macroeconomic stability, ensuring the sustainability of debt, and establishing the groundwork for increased and more inclusive economic growth. The program includes a comprehensive set of reforms aimed at enhancing resilience while safeguarding the most vulnerable segments of the population.

    Regarding the sub-Saharan Africa region, Julie Kozack mentioned that the Fund will be publishing its regional economic outlook in the forthcoming weeks.

    “We will be releasing that outlook and that will contain detailed information on the region. I think it’s fair to say that the region is still undergoing what we called in April [2023] the big funding squeeze. The region has been very much affected by the succession of shocks, the pandemic, the cost of living crisis, food insecurity. And in addition, the region has been affected, of course, by tightening global financial conditions, and that has led to what we’re calling the funding squeeze”.

    “All of that has happened in a situation where the region is facing also, in some countries, high debt. So the challenges, of course, are very significant in Africa. But I would be remiss if I don’t also mention the opportunities in the sense that Africa is a continent with a youthful population, which presents tremendous opportunities for the region as well”.

  • Your silence is ‘unfortunate’ – CHRAJ to Kan Dapaah, others on assault against #OccupyJulorbiHouse protestors

    The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) has criticised the ministers responsible for the country’s security for their silence regarding the alleged brutality inflicted on protesters during the #OccupyJulorbiHouse demonstration.

    Joseph Whittal, the Commissioner of CHRAJ, pointed out that the Ministers of Defence, National Security, and the Interior have not issued any statements regarding the events of the protest.

    He emphasized that this lack of communication does not foster public trust and consensus.

    During the past week, hundreds of demonstrators gathered in Accra for a three-day anti-government protest, expressing their concerns about the current economic difficulties and alleging corruption within the government. The protesters, who were unarmed, were met with excessive police force on Thursday, September 21, resulting in the arrest of nearly 50 protesters, including journalists.

    The incident generated outrage among some Ghanaians who accused the police of using disproportionate force against unarmed civilians.

    Mr Whittal therefore said in an interview that the police misconducted themselves, stating that “the security agencies [must] get to know that the power to protect the citizens has been given by the citizens. Communicating with them on matters of even national security is even possible; there is nothing wrong with it.”

    “But for the Minister for the Interior, Minister of Defence, and Minister of National Security, we have not heard from them in respect of what has gone on. It is a bit unfortunate,” he stated.

    The Police Management Board (POMAB) has summoned the Accra Regional Police Commander, COP Sayibu Gariba, to provide explanations regarding the police’s use of force during the #OccupyJulorbiHouse demonstration, where protesters were brutalized.

    Sources within the Police Service have indicated that the Police Service is treating the matter seriously and has initiated an inquiry into the incident. A comprehensive investigation will be conducted.

    The Police Service has also issued an apology to the public for any inconvenience caused during the three-day protests.

  • Mobile money transfers across networks to come at a cost from October 3 – Vodafone

    Vodafone Ghana has notified its customers that starting from October 3, 2023, it will introduce a fee for cross-network mobile money transfers.

    However, the company has not disclosed the specific rate for this fee in its broadcast message on Friday, September 29, 2023.

    Until this upcoming change, Vodafone customers were able to make transfers to other networks free of charge.

    Vodafone was the sole telecommunications company in the country that did not impose fees for cross-network mobile money transfers.

    This decision is likely to have an impact on Vodafone’s customer base.

    Nevertheless, it’s important to note that transfers between Vodafone numbers will continue to be free of charge.

  • Ghana launches StEPS project to aid in Non-Communicable Diseases fight

    The Ministry of Health, in partnership with the University of Bergen in Norway and the University of Ghana, has launched the Support to Evidence-informed Priority Setting (StEPS) Project for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in Ghana.

    The project’s objective is to improve prudent management of health resources through effective priority setting, with a focus on enhancing efficiency, equity, and financial risk protection for essential NCDs.

    Minister for Health, Kwaku Agyeman- Manu, in a speech read on his behalf by Dr Hafez Adams Taher, Director for External Health Cooperation at the Ministry emphasized that the goal of the project is to navigate the complexities of NCDs, identify the most effective interventions, and allocate resources judiciously. 

    Dr Hafez Adams Taher, Director for External Health Cooperation at the Ministry

    This initiative according to the minister is a crucial step toward reducing the burden of NCDs on our healthcare system and on society as a whole.

    He also noted that tobacco use and harmful alcohol consumption are significant risk factors for NCDs and emphasized the importance of raising awareness about these behaviors while providing support for individuals seeking to quit smoking or reduce alcohol consumption.

    The StEPS Project Coordinator, Professor Lumbwe Chola from Norway, explained that the project would enhance capacity in health economics and priority setting related to NCDs in Ghana.

    The expected outcomes include training experts in health economics and priority setting to strengthen the Ministry of Health’s capacity.

    Dr. Mrs. Martha Gyansa-Lutterodt, Chairperson for the occasion, emphasized the need for a comprehensive and targeted approach to address the burden of NCDs in Ghana.

    She highlighted the importance of addressing risk factors to effectively reduce the impact of NCDs and improve the overall health and well-being of the population.

  • EC optimistic of achieving its limited voter registration target

    The Electoral Commission (EC) announced on Thursday that it is making progress toward achieving its limited voter registration goal. 

    The Commission’s objective is to register approximately 1,350,000 individuals on the electoral roll.

    However, the EC had previously indicated that it did not anticipate registering all 1,350,000 targeted individuals within the 21-day registration period. They revised their target to approximately 700,000, which accounts for 52 percent of the original goal.

    During a press conference held in Accra to provide an update on the ongoing registration process, Dr. Eric Bossman Asare, Deputy Chairman in charge of Corporate Services at the EC, stated that the Commission is making steady progress towards achieving its revised 52 percent target. As of the 16th day of the registration exercise, the Commission had registered 673,276 new voters.

    “The Commission is within a striking distance of the targeted 700,000 persons to be registered in this exercise,” he said.

    Dr. Asare provided regional breakdowns of the registration figures, with the Ashanti Region recording the highest number at 111,593 (16.6 percent), while the Savannah Region reported the lowest figure of 16,045 (2.4 percent). Other regional statistics include:

    – Western Region: 42,269 (6.3 percent)

    – Western North Region: 22,386 (3.3 percent)

    – Central Region: 63,228 (9.4 percent)

    – Greater Accra Region: 90,099 (13.4 percent)

    – Volta Region: 43,099 (6.4 percent)

    – Oti Region: 18,468 (2.7 percent)

    – Eastern Region: 69,597 (10.3 percent)

    – Bono Region: 23,365 (3.5 percent)

    – Ahafo Region: 17,210 (2.6 percent)

    – Bono East Region: 28,687 (4.3 percent)

    – Northern Region: 52,410 (7.8 percent)

    – North-East Region: 17,692 (2.6 percent)

    – Upper East Region: 33,778 (5 percent)

    – Upper West Region: 23,350 (3.5 percent)

    Dr. Asare emphasized the Commission’s commitment to registering all eligible Ghanaians and mentioned that they have increased the number of registration stations within their district offices to accommodate the high turnout and expedite the process. 

    Furthermore, the Commission plans to conduct a continuous registration exercise at all district offices in 2024 to enable individuals who were unable to register during this year’s exercise to do so.

    “We will roll out another round of limited continuous registration in 2024 in our district offices and register people in the difficult-to-reach communities and selected electoral areas. 

    “We reiterate that it is not our intention to disenfranchise anyone,” he said.

    Dr Asare also said that the commission had set October 3, 2023, for the replacement of misplaced voter ID cards at a fee of GH¢10 across its district offices. 

    “The payment is through a short code that will be made available to the public very, very soon,” he said, adding that, this was to make it easier for the public. 

    Individuals who wish to transfer their voting registration to different districts will have the opportunity to do so between October 3 and October 9, 2023, at all Electoral Commission (EC) district offices.

    Dr. Asare provided assurance that the EC would persist in enhancing its systems to prevent the registration of ineligible voters, including minors and foreigners.

    “As a Commission, we are focused on ensuring and maintaining the credibility of the voters’ register. This is the reason behind the proposed new Constitutional Instrument (C.I) which will define the Ghana Card as the sole means of identification for new applicants to register as voters,” he said.