TIG Post

Author: Andy Ogbarmey-Tettey

  • ‘There’s no difference between NAM1 and Akufo Addo’ – Ivan Kyei

    ‘There’s no difference between NAM1 and Akufo Addo’ – Ivan Kyei

    Social commentator and youth activist, Ivan Kyei Innocent, is of the assertion that the President of the Republic of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo, and Chief Executive Officer of defunct Menzgold Ghana Limited, Nana Appiah Mensah, popularly called NAM1, share a similar trait.

    According to Ivan, the two personalities have been successful in defrauding Ghanaians at all levels.

    Speaking on Radio XYZ’s Dwaboase, Ivan bemoaned the failure of the Akufo-Addo-led government to tackle corruption.

    He noted that little or no investigation has been carried out by the president, and with regards to those that have commenced, the accused have been exonerated by the president publicly.

    “The attitude of the Akufo-Addo government towards some of these things crime has always been like that. Because you can count the number of scams and corruption that has happened in this country. He has never been willing to investigate any matter. Where state institutions go in, he comes out to clear the accused. He emboldens criminals.”

    For him, with regards to the actions and inactions taken so far, President Akufo-Addo can be equated with NAM1.

    “That is why there is no difference between NAM1 and Akufo-Addo,” he stated.

    He stated that while NAM1 is “running a Ponzi scheme”, the President “is running a grand Ponzi scheme at the national level.”

    A survey conducted by the Center for Democratic Development (CDD) in 2021 revealed that the majority of Ghanaians lack confidence in President Akufo-Addo’s ability to fight corruption.

    62% of 2,400 Ghanaians interviewed in a post-election survey conducted between May 23 and June 3, 2021, say they do not have confidence in the ability of President Akufo-Addo “to protect the country’s financial resources and curb corruption in the next four years.”

    In his resignation letter, Ghana’s first Special Prosecutor, Martin Amidu, described the president as the “mother serpent of corruption.”

    But the president has refuted all these claims.

    NAM 1, being compared to the president, has been in the trends in recent times. He was criticised for demanding GHS650 from aggrived Menzgold clients in a new phase of customer validation in order to expedite the disbursement of funds to customers whose investments have been trapped.

    In an earlier statement released on July 29, 2023, the Defunct gold trading company announced that it had successfully completed the transaction validation process assuring to make payments to its customers soon.

    But in a release on August 18, the company indicated that customers looking to recover their trapped funds would be required to engage in the Menzgold Digital Verification Access Card procedure, aimed at confirming transactions and validating claims.

    According to Menzgold, this has become imperative as their initial assessments identified a substantial number of claims that did not meet the necessary criteria and were therefore considered ineligible.

    Over sixty percent of claims submitted for validation were plagued with several defects including irregularities or inconsistencies of the records on the face of the documents, fake (fraudulent) supporting documents, fake authorized signatures, among others, the company noted.

    As per the announcement, the Menzgold Digital Verification Access Card will be obtainable for GHÂą650 each through authorized Payboy Agents.

    But after a backlash, Menzgold Ghana rescinded its previously initiated paid customer validation process.

  • Video: Sad stories of ‘witch camp’ inmates in Ghana

    Video: Sad stories of ‘witch camp’ inmates in Ghana

    There are several witch camps in Ghana, and the majority of them are situated in the Northern part of the country.

    Some of the very famous witch camps include Bonyasi, Gambaga, Gnani, Kpatinga, and Naabuli.

    Kukuo Witch Camp, located at Bimbilla in the Northern Region, which is the focus of this article, is also among the notable camps.

    It is unknown how long this camp has survived, but reports indicate that it could be over a century.

    In a documentary dubbed “The Face of a Witch; Ghana Witch Camps” by Gbenga Adewoyin, the lives of alleged witches at the camp are laid bare.

    Also, the fetish priest shares a word or two about his role in the gathering of witches. He also indicates that the community where these women find themselves also plays a significant role.

    Currently, Parliament has passed a law that bars the accusation of witchcraft and the operations of witch doctors.

    Find below a heartbreaking documentary that shares the lives of women accused of witchcraft:

  • Group calls for withdrawal of French troops in Niger

    Group calls for withdrawal of French troops in Niger

    A civil society organization in Niger, operating under the banner of M62, has issued a strong demand for the withdrawal of French troops from the country.

    Abdoulaye Seydou, the leader of M62, a coalition of civil society groups, expressed firm opposition to the presence of French military forces in Niger.

    He emphasized that their movement is unwavering in its determination to see French troops depart from the nation. Approximately 1,500 French soldiers have been stationed in Niger since Paris designated the country as the central hub of its Sahel operation last year.

    “We won’t give the French forces one second on our territory once this deadline has expired, as the CNSP itself has made clear. All the villages, all the surrounding communes will descend on the capital and we will get them out. They will leave Niamey. They’re saying they’re in Niger, they’re not going to leave … but they’re going to leave,” Abdoulaye Seydou, M62 national coordinator said.

    On August 3rd, the ruling military authorities in Niamey publicly rejected a set of military agreements with France, some of which stipulated a one-month notice period.

    Over the past few months, there has been a notable surge in anti-French sentiment in several of France’s former West African colonies.

  • How a fetish priest in a Ghanaian village ‘catches’ witches

    How a fetish priest in a Ghanaian village ‘catches’ witches

    In the Ghanaian society, it appears that just two name tags have over the years warranted what is coined ‘instant justice’, where one’s life is taken at the very spot he or she finds himself or herself.

    In no calculated order, the first is a robber. The second is a witch.

    Unlike the first, the second, per reports by the media, is prone to areas in the northern part of the country. There have been several reports of lynchings of old women accused of witchcraft.

    Most often, the manner in which the attackers are able to track the sorcery of their victims is unknown. In some circumstances, the expertise of a fetish priest is pointed out.

    At Kokuo in Bimbilla of the Norther Region, one of the major functions of fetish/ chief priest is to catch witches.

    In a documentary dubbed “The Face of a Witch; Ghana Witch Camps” by Gbenga Adewoyin, a chief priest details how he captures witches.

    The aged man, whose identity was not disclosed and spoke in a local dialect is quoted to have said that he does not determine whether or not one is a witch.

    According to a translator, the community makes the decision.

    “It is not up to me to decide if a person is a witch or not. They bring them here and I do my part. The community decides if you are a witch or not a witch.”

    How the Fetish Priest confirms the ‘witch’s’ status

    At Kokuo, it is believed that the main aim of a witch is to kill her fellow humans.

    So to verify if one is indeed a witch, the accused is taken to a shrine, where some rituals are performed using the blood of a fowl. The ghost of the deceased is summoned, where it is requested to take justice if there is unfair play.

    “We have a shrine here. When they come, we have a traditional way to do it.

    We send them to that place with a fowl, and from there, we just mix some other things. We believe that spiritually, they have killed their fellow human beings.

    Mostly, when they come, we send the fowl along. When we get there, we slaughter the fowl. Before slaughtering the fowl, the woman will tell the ghost that I am pure and clean, what they said I have done. I have nothing to do with it. She will make a promise to the ghost that if what they accuse me of is really my fault, the ghost should deal with me directly,” a man believed to be the apprentice of a fetish priest said.

    After this, the accused is made to drink the potion.

    “So then we slaughter the fowl, take little blood from the fowl, mix it with water and give it to the woman to drink.

    Later, the chief priest will talk to then ghost that whenever the woman tries to do certain things, the ghost should deal with the woman.”

    Following the ritual, the accused is then asked whether she would prefer to stay at the camp or return to her community.

    Due to the threat to their lives, most of the accused decide to stay at the camp.

    “After performing the ritual, the woman would be asked if she is willing to stay or go back to her previous location, majority of them stay here. Because going back to the community may cause mayhem.”

    In Ghana, the activities of witch doctors are illegal.

    On July 27, 2023, Parliament amended the Criminal Offences Act 1960, Act 29, thereby criminalising the declaration, accusation, naming or labelling of another person as a witch in Ghana.

    This prohibits any person from practicing as a witch doctor or witchfinder.

    In 2020, 90-year-old Madam Akua Denteh was lynched in the Savanah region after she was accused of being a witch.

    In a viral video, the deceased was slapped, kicked, and caned at Kafaba near Salaga in the East Gonja Municipality.

    Six people were later arrested, including the Kafaba Chief, Zackaria Yahaya for their roles in the gruesome killing.

    Many Ghanaians, including President Akufo-Addo condemned the killing.

    Three Members of Parliament in 2021 then introduced the Private Members’ Bill aiming to amend the Criminal and Other Offences Act 1960 (Act 29) to prohibit the practices of witch doctors and witchfinders.

    The bill’s sponsors were Francis-Xavier Kojo Sosu, representing Madina constituency, Hajia Laadi Ayii Ayamba, representing Pusiga constituency, and Dr. Godfred Seidu Jasaw, representing Wa East constituency.

    Per report, the president has assented to the amended bill.

  • Migrants stranded at Niger border

    Migrants stranded at Niger border

    After enduring a grueling ten months of homelessness, Sharon Jeeply, a migrant hailing from Liberia, simply yearns to return to her homeland.

    She is just one of approximately 7,000 migrants stranded in Niger, their hopes of repatriation thwarted. The junta in Niger has taken the drastic step of shuttering its airspace, and neighboring countries have imposed harsh travel restrictions and economic sanctions, effectively sealing off land borders.

    Momo Kmulbah, another individual seeking his way back to Liberia, shares this plight. For him, Liberia is the destination of hope and respite. He reveals that many among their ranks have found themselves devoid of any avenues for assistance, although U.N. officials have counseled them to exercise patience.

    This 36-year-old has spent nights sleeping on the streets of Niamey, Niger‘s capital, since June. His wife and two daughters share in this plight, joining him on the pavement as they resort to begging for sustenance.

    “Our children don’t have food to eat. I feel confused when I wake up in the morning,” Kmulbah said.

    COOPI, an Italian humanitarian organization that provides shelter to migrants in the northern town of Assamakka in Niger, near the Algerian border, reports that since the coup, an additional 1,300 individuals have sought refuge in its facilities while attempting to return to their home countries.

    COOPI works closely with the United Nations to accommodate these people but has issued a warning that their supplies of food and water are dwindling rapidly if the borders remain closed.

    Niger holds a crucial position as a transit point for Africans aiming to reach Libya, often as a launching point for their perilous Mediterranean crossings into Europe. It is also a vital route for those returning home with assistance from the United Nations.

    Furthermore, Niger has been a significant partner for the European Union (EU) in efforts to curtail the flow of migrants. Under the leadership of President Mohamed Bazoum, who previously served as the Interior Minister, Niger took substantial steps to dismantle smuggling and trafficking networks operating around Agadez, which facilitated the movement of migrants and refugees to Libya and Algeria.

    In return for its cooperation, Niger received nearly 300 million euros from the EU Trust Fund for Africa, a multi-billion-dollar program aimed at addressing the root causes of migration on the continent.

    However, at the close of July, a mutiny by soldiers led to the overthrow of Niger’s democratically elected president and the closure of its airspace. This has severely restricted access to various regions within the country, creating challenges in reaching vulnerable populations in need of aid.

    The current situation in Niger poses significant risks to international migrants, including migrant workers and refugees, as well as internally displaced persons and victims of trafficking. It also leaves vulnerable communities in even more precarious conditions. It remains uncertain how cooperative the new military leaders will be with the EU, which has suspended its assistance to Niger.

  • Maiden edition of AfroFit competition launched

    Maiden edition of AfroFit competition launched

    On Wednesday, August 23rd, the inaugural edition of AfroFit was officially introduced in Accra.

    This exciting initiative, a collaborative effort between Bensyl Ghana and the AfroFit Global Foundation, was launched with great enthusiasm at the Bukom Boxing Arena.

    The primary goal of the Mr. and Mrs. AfroFit Fitness Sports Competition 2023 is to ignite a fresh wave of passion among fitness enthusiasts while simultaneously championing diversity, inclusion, wellness, and gender equality throughout the African continent.

    This project’s inception signifies the commencement of a remarkable journey, one that will empower individuals to adopt and celebrate healthier lifestyles.

    Speaking at the launch, the vice president of the Ghana Bodybuilding and Fitness Association, George Fausta Baffoe said: “What we seek to achieve has to do with fitness and wellness in the Afro fraternity. We feel this has to do with your endurance and stamina.”

    “We hope that we are going to be able to push forward in terms of our sponsorship drive. We also make corporate Ghana aware that wellness and fitness runs in tandem with productivity.”

    Additionally, the launch was graced by delegates from both the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

    Dr. Hafiz Adams, the Director overseeing External Health Coordination at the Ministry of Health, extended an open invitation to the pioneers of this initiative, encouraging them to engage with the ministry for collaboration whenever needed.

    “Sometimes they start it beautifully and if they disengage, it means we will not have contact with them and it will be difficult to keep being part of it. So what they have to do is to keep the engagement. They should keep in contact. If they are able to bring the Ministry of Sports and Ministry of Education together and their agencies, we can be able to preach it further. ” he said.

    Eric Bonsu, who also acted as a representative for the Sports Ministry, assured the initiative of the ministry’s full backing.

    Additionally, the launch was attended by representatives from Capital O2, the event’s sponsors, and the Ghana Bodybuilding and Fitness Association.

    While the ultimate goal is to expand this initiative across the African continent, the inaugural edition is exclusively targeting Ghanaians. Auditions are scheduled for October 21, with the final show slated for November.

  • 15 trucks belonging to trader locked up in Niger following suspected terrorist attack

    15 trucks belonging to trader locked up in Niger following suspected terrorist attack

    Dambala Enterprise, a transport company, is currently running at a loss owing to attacks by suspected terrorists on the Burkina Faso-Niger border via the Dori route.

    Owner of the company, Masawudu Dambala, says 15 of his trucks are currently non-operational as they have been stuck in Niger.

    He made this known while lamenting a recent attack on a number of his vehicles transporting beans and onions last week.

    The unfortunate incident occurred after his drivers broke security protocol following their inability to secure military escorts to cross the border using the Dori route.

    “After one of the vehicles succeeded in crossing the border without the escort, others decided to follow,” he added.

    “Those jihadist people came out. Our truck was the lead vehicle. The terrorist chased the trucks on motorbikes and ordered them to stop but the driver refused, not knowing there were a lot of them along the route. They started shooting them. Some of them stopped. Others left their cars to escape. The trucks carried beans. Three cars were burnt,” he recounted.

    Masawudu Mmazu, whose onions were being transported by Dambala Enterprise, got destroyed. In his account of the incident, he noted that 330 bags of onions on the truck had been damaged.

    Currently, Masawudu Dambala says business has been adversely affected due to the activities of terrorists.

    “I can’t tell you this is the amount I am losing. I can’t tell. The only thing is that, I can see that the business is running down,” he bemoaned.

    The Dori route has now been abandoned by truck drivers due to the heightened terrorist attacks.

  • Suspected terrorists burn 330 bags of onions bound for Kwadaso Market at Burkina Faso border

    Suspected terrorists burn 330 bags of onions bound for Kwadaso Market at Burkina Faso border

    It has emerged that about 330 bags of onions bound for Kwadaso Market in the Ashanti Region failed to arrive at the desired destination last week.

    According to reports from JoyNews, this was a result of an attack by suspected terrorists at the Doli route on the Burkina Faso-Niger border.

    These onions were being transported by Dambala Enterprise, whose trucks were attacked by a group of armed men.

    According to the owner of Dambala Enterprise, Masawudu Dambala, the incident occurred after his drivers broke security protocol following their inability to secure military escorts to cross the border using the Dori route.

    “After one of the vehicles succeeded in crossing the border without the escort, others decided to follow,” he added.

    Masawudu Mmazu, whose onions were being transported, got destroyed. In his account of the incident, he noted that 330 bags of onions on the truck had been damaged.

    One of the attacked long-distance trucks was transporting onions

    “The leading track was transporting beans, and the second one was transporting onions. Those were the first to be attacked. They called me later to break the news to me. I could even ask them anything,” he stated.

    This means the Kwadaso Market is short of 330 bags of onions. With an increase in demand, the price of onions will shoot up. Also, there would be an issue of shortage.

    According to Dambala Enterprise, 15 of its trucks are stuck in Niger.

    The Dori route has now been abandoned by truck drivers due to the heightened terrorist attacks.

    It is reported that such attacks by unknown assailants have been taking place since the beginning of the year.

  • James Dadzie withdraws from 200m heats at Budapest 2023 over injury

    James Dadzie withdraws from 200m heats at Budapest 2023 over injury

    The record-holder for the men’s 200m in Ghana, James Dadzie, unfortunately had to withdraw from the men’s 200m heats during the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest due to injury.

    Dadzie sustained what appeared to be a hamstring injury while competing in heat 4 of the 200m event, preventing him from finishing the race.

    It is worth noting that Dadzie has been contending with a hamstring injury since he set the national record back in April of this year.

    Following his injury in the race, Dadzie was carried off the track, with the crowd offering their applause in recognition of his efforts.

    In that particular race, the victory was secured by Canada’s Brendon Rodney. Following closely behind were Renan Correa and Shaun Maswanganyi of Brazil and South Africa, respectively, who clinched the second and third positions.

  • 6.6 million registered voters to partake in Zimbabwe elections

    6.6 million registered voters to partake in Zimbabwe elections

    Zimbabweans are heading to the polls today, August 23, in their second election since a military coup in 2017 removed Robert Mugabe, who had been in power since the country’s independence in 1980.

    Here are some key details about the election:

    • There are 6.6 million registered voters in a total population of over 15 million. They will directly elect the president, 210 members of parliament, and 1,970 local elected representatives.
    • The president must secure an absolute majority. If none of the candidates obtains 50% of the votes, a second round of voting will be held.
    • Parliamentary and local council candidates only need to obtain a simple majority.
    • There are eleven presidential candidates, including ten men and one woman. Over 600 candidates are running for parliament.
    • Each presidential candidate paid $20,000 to appear on the ballot, while parliamentary aspirants paid $1,000 each.
    • Polling stations, numbering more than 12,300, will be open from 5:00 AM to 5:00 PM GMT.
    • Except for diplomats and their families, Zimbabweans living and working abroad are unable to vote unless they are physically present in the country.
    • Final election results are expected to be announced within five days after the poll.
  • Ghana’s Joe Paul misses out on 200m semis at Budapest 2023

    Ghana’s Joe Paul misses out on 200m semis at Budapest 2023

    Ghana’s Joseph Paul Amoah faced disappointment as he missed out on a spot in the men’s 200m semifinals at the World Athletics Championships.

    Competing in heat 6, Amoah finished fifth with a time of 20.56 seconds, falling short of qualifying for the semis in Budapest.

    In his heat, Amoah raced alongside strong contenders such as USA’s Erriyon Knighton, Canada’s Andre de Grasse, and South Africa’s Sinesipho Dambile.

    Unfortunately, his performance was only sufficient for fifth place, with Knighton securing the top position.

    This setback also marks the end of Ghana’s representation in the 200m event, as James Dadzie withdrew from the heats due to what appeared to be a hamstring injury.

  • Alexiboam Construction Ltd issued 7-day ultimatum to begin work on Duayaw-Nkwanta-Bomaa road

    Alexiboam Construction Ltd issued 7-day ultimatum to begin work on Duayaw-Nkwanta-Bomaa road

    Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, Dr. Freda Prempeh, has issued a strict ultimatum of seven days to Alexiboam Construction Limited.

    The Member of Parliament for Tano North Constituency in the Ahafo Region, has revealed that Alexiboam Construction Limited are yet to initiate the long-awaited upgrading of the Duayaw-Nkwanta-Bomaa road, which spans 13.71 kilometers.

    This road project, which was contracted by the government at a cost of GHC801,818.64 in 2022, was scheduled to be completed within 18 months.

    However, the contractor has yet to commence work on the site, much to the frustration of the local residents in Bomaa and its surroundings within the Tano North Municipality.

    During her recent inspection visit, Dr. Prempeh empathized with the residents and requested their patience. She also made a commitment to expedite the termination of the contract if the contractor failed to initiate the project by Friday, August 25th, addressing the pressing concerns of the community.

    The MP said the contractor’s actions are “deliberate”, saying “I understand the contractor has now engaged himself in the dirty politics that some of the people are doing here to make me unpopular in the eyes of the constituents.”

    “However, those my political detractors and enemies must also understand their actions and inactions are also making their own government, New Patriotic Party (NPP) detestable in the eyes of the people too”, the visibly upset MP told the Ghana News Agency (GNA).

     “In fact, I will not look unconcerned for the contractor and his mischievous allies to make President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s government unpopular. The government has achieved a lot in Tano North and they can’t derail our gains,” she stated.

    Meanwhile, during this interim period, the Member of Parliament (MP) revealed that she had taken proactive measures. A local contractor has already commenced the process of reshaping sections of the road that had become impassable.

    This initiative aims to provide some relief to the travelers and commuters who have been struggling with the road’s deteriorating condition in the area.

    Local residents and commercial drivers in the vicinity expressed their appreciation for the MP’s swift action in addressing the issue. They acknowledged that with the onset of the rainy season, navigating this road had become exceptionally challenging, making the MP’s efforts even more crucial.

  • NPP Primaries: ‘The Grassroots Movement’ throws weight behind Kennedy Agyapong

    NPP Primaries: ‘The Grassroots Movement’ throws weight behind Kennedy Agyapong

    A group known as “The Grassroots Movement” has announced its endorsement of the Member of Parliament for Assin Central and a contender for the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) flagbearer position, Kennedy Agyapong.

    Representing supporters from diverse political backgrounds, “The Grassroots Movement” gathered in Kumasi, the capital of the Ashanti Region, on August 22, 2023, to convey their stance through the media.

    Their unified message underscored the pressing need for a leader in Ghana who embodies essential qualities such as pragmatism, patriotism, honesty, and discipline. This amalgam of attributes was succinctly referred to as “P. P. H. D” leadership traits.

    Kennedy Agyapong has consistently advocated for discipline, urging Ghanaians to reject indiscipline in favor of authentic patriotism and unwavering honesty.

    Comprising individuals from various walks of life including market women, hawkers, business leaders, masons, and members of different segments of society, “The Grassroots Movement” unveiled their rallying cry, encapsulated in the phrase “No Ken, No Vote 2024.”

    An unnamed leader of the group told the press: “There is no discipline in Ghana, so the reason why I believe we need Kennedy Agyapong is that he is disciplined, and he speaks the truth also.

    “For me also, I believe in Kennedy Agyapong because he is not afraid of anything, he is bold in his decisions.

    “There is nothing going on in Ghana, so I decided not to vote again but as I realized Kennedy Agyapong’s bid for the presidency, I have changed my mind to support him because he even criticizes his own party people.”

    Kennedy Agyapong is set to compete for the flagbearer position alongside nine other aspirants, with prominent figures like former Trade Minister Alan Kyerematen and Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia.

    The New Patriotic Party (NPP) is planning to reduce the pool of 10 candidates who have successfully passed the vetting process down to five through an initial vote scheduled for August. Following this preliminary selection, the main contest is slated for November 2023. This contest will determine the successor to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as the leader of the party.

  • Competence and capabilities cannot be tied to one’s gender – GIJ SRC President

    Competence and capabilities cannot be tied to one’s gender – GIJ SRC President

    The recently elected President of the Students Representative Council (SRC) at the Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ), Fati Ali, has emphasized that her historic election as the first female in the institution’s history to hold this position signifies a shift towards rewarding competence over gender.

    She elaborated that the apparent increase in women breaking through previously male-dominated roles reflects a changing dynamic where individuals are being recognized and acknowledged based on their abilities, regardless of gender.

    In an interview on GhanaWeb TV’s Say it Loud with host, Etsey Atisu, she said: “To me, it’s not about this new wave of women taking over, but I want to believe that people are now coming to realise that capabilities are not gender-specific; competent is not gender-specific; and that leadership roles are not just for men.

    “I’m excited that now, everybody is starting to believe that it is not a thing of being a man or a woman, but a capabilities thing. So, it is about who can do the job best regardless of gender.”

    Furthermore, she expressed optimism that her groundbreaking achievement will enable her to collaborate with her fellow colleagues and the student body to enhance the school’s reputation.

  • Ghanaian driver shot at Burkina Faso border; trucks burnt by suspected terrorists

    Ghanaian driver shot at Burkina Faso border; trucks burnt by suspected terrorists

    A Ghanaian truck driver has been shot following an ambush by a suspected group of terrorists at the Burkina Faso border.

    According to a JoyNews report, the unfortunate incident happened last week following the closure of the Burkina Faso border in August over the Niger coup.

    A number of long-distance trucks were plying the Dori route on the Burkina Faso-Niger border. The lead truck driver transporting beans suffered a gunshot wound during the attack by suspected terrorists.

    Owner of Dambala Enterprise, the transport company managing the affected trucks, Masawudu Dambala, who engaged the media recounted how the incident unfolded.

    According to him, his drivers broke security protocol after failing to secure military escorts to cross the border using the Dori route.

    He noted that a foreign driver, who does not form part of his unit, managed to cross the border successfully without being escorted, prompting his drivers to use the route.

    “After one of the vehicles succeeded in crossing the border without the escort, others decided to follow.”

    Masawudu Dambala spoke to JoyNews

    However, in their attempt, they met a group of suspected terrorists, who upon failure to get the lead Ghanaian driver to stop, started firing their guns.

    “Those jihadist people came out. Our truck was the lead vehicle. The terrorist chased the trucks on motorbikes and ordered them to stop but the driver refused, not knowing there were a lot of them along the route. They started shooting them. Some of them stopped. Others left their cars to escape. The trucks carried beans. Three cars were burnt,” he recounted.

    The lead driver got shot but managed to escape. It is reported that the driver is currently receiving treatment in Niger.

    Masawudu Mmazu is also a victim. One of the affected trucks was transporting his onions. In his account of the incident, he noted that 330 bags of onions on the truck have been damaged.

    “The leading track was transporting beans and the second one was transporting onions. Those were the first to be attacked. They called me later to break the news to me. I could even ask them anything,” he stated.

    According to Dambala Enterprise, 15 of its trucks are stuck in Niger.

    The Dori route has now been abandoned by truck drivers due to the heightened terrorist attacks.

    It is reported that such attacks by unknown assailants have been taking place since the beginning of the year.

  • Importance of super delegates conference to NPP supporters and its history

    Importance of super delegates conference to NPP supporters and its history

    On Saturday, August 26, the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) will hold its Super Delegates Conference ahead of its Primaries slated for November this year.

    This significant day will serve as the initial gauge of their chances in the pursuit of the ultimate prize – the party’s flagbearership.

    Among the ten aspirants are prominent figures, including Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, former Minister of Trade and Industries Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen, former Minister for Energy Boakye Kyeremateng Agyarko, and former NPP General Secretary Kwabena Agyei Agyepong.

    Other candidates include Francis Addai-Nimoh, MP for Assin Central Kennedy Agyapong, Kofi Konadu Apraku, former Minister of Food and Agriculture Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, and former Attorney-General and Minister for Railways Joe Ghartey.

    This crucial event, known as the Special Delegates Congress, is a vital component of the party’s constitutional provisions, outlined in Article 12, which governs the election of the party’s presidential candidate.

    Specifically, Clause 5, subsection b – 12 (5) (b) addresses the scenario when there are more than five contestants for the nomination.

    According to this clause, a Special Electoral College will cast secret ballots to shortlist the first five contestants. The Special Electoral College comprises various party delegates, including the National Council, National Executive Committee, Regional Executive Committees, National Council of Elders, Members of Parliament, representatives of special party organs, past National Officers, representatives from external branches, founding members, and card-bearing Ministers of the New Patriotic Party when the Party is in government. Each delegate has one vote.

    To facilitate this process, regional voting centers have been established across the country. The elections are scheduled for Saturday, August 26, 2023, and this decentralization aims to ensure widespread participation.

    Vice Chairman of the NPP Presidential Elections Committee, Kwabena Abankwah-Yeboah, announced these centers during a press conference in Accra on Monday, August 22, 2022. All aspirants and their teams have been duly informed of these arrangements.

    Below are the regions and their corresponding polling centers as announced by the Committee:

    1. Ashanti – KNUST, Law Faculty, Kumasi

    2. Ahafo – Pastoral Center, Goaso

    3. Bono – Pastoral Centre, Sunyani

    4. Bono East – Kokroko Social Centre, Techiman

    5. Central – Quadrangle, UCC, Cape Coast

    6. Eastern – Koforidua Secondary Technical School

    7. Greater Acera – YMCA, Adabraka, Accra

    8. Northern Region – Tamale College of Education, Tamale

    9. North East – Nalerigu Secondary School

    10. Savannah – Damango Youth Center

    11. Upper East – Bolgatanga Technical University Library Complex

    12. Upper West – Old UDS Campas, WA

    13. Oti – Dambai College of Education

    14. Volta – Catholic Secretariat (Bishop Konings Centre), Ho

    15. Western – Great Hall, Takoradi Technical University, Takoradi

    16. Western North – Pastoral Center, Sefwi-Wiawso

    17. National Headquarters, NPP HQ, Asylum Down

    This is not the first time the party is holding a super delegates conference. The current instance marks the second occurrence in the party’s history.

    Back in August 2014, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) witnessed a similar scenario when seven candidates vied for the coveted flagbearership position ahead of the 2016 general elections.

    Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, a two-time presidential candidate for the party, was among the contenders. His main competitors included Alan Kyerematen, Addai Nimoh, Joe Ghartey, Kofi Osei Ameyaw, Stephen Asamoah Boateng, and Dr. Kofi Konadu Apraku.

    The special election saw the participation of 787 delegates, comprising constituency chairmen, regional executives, members of parliament, national executive committee members, founding members, and members of the Council of Elders.

    In total, 740 votes were cast, with Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo emerging as the dominant frontrunner. He secured 598 votes, amounting to an impressive 80.78% of the total. Alan Kyerematen garnered 59 votes, which accounted for 7.98% of the votes.

    A tie emerged between Addai Nimoh and Joe Ghartey, both garnering 22 votes each, representing 2.98% of the overall votes cast.

    Following closely, Osei Ameyaw secured the fifth position with 16 votes, equivalent to 2.17% of the total.

    Unfortunately, Stephen Asamoah Boateng and Dr. Kofi Konadu Apraku fell short of progressing to the final race in October, as they received the lowest number of votes, with 13 and 10 votes, respectively.

    Subsequently, the NPP held its conclusive congress on October 18th, 2014, to determine the ultimate flagbearer who would lead the party into the 2016 elections.

  • Provisional dates for the 2023 Pilgrimage to Israel released

    Provisional dates for the 2023 Pilgrimage to Israel released

    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has circulated an internal memo, announcing the schedule for the 2023 Christian Pilgrimage to Israel.

    According to the memo, the pilgrimage will be divided into three parts and is slated to take place from September 22nd to November 30th, 2023.

    The tentative dates for the 2023 Pilgrimage are as follows:

    • First Pilgrimage: September 22nd to September 30th, 2023 (Registration forms must be submitted by August 31st, 2023).
    • Second Pilgrimage: October 21st to October 29th, 2023 (Registration forms must be submitted by September 22nd, 2023).
    • Third Pilgrimage: November 22nd to November 30th, 2023 (Registration forms must be submitted by October 20th, 2023).”
  • Organisations cautioned against flouting Data Protection Act

    Organisations cautioned against flouting Data Protection Act

    Ghana’s Data Protection Commission has initiated a robust enforcement campaign for the Data Protection Act 2012 (Act 843) in August 2023.

    This move comes in response to widespread non-compliance by data controllers and business entities within the country, with regards to safeguarding customer information and preventing privacy breaches.

    The Data Protection Act delineates the parameters of lawful and exempt data processing, as well as the responsibilities of data controllers, data processors, the Data Commissioner, and data subjects.

    The legislation strikes a balance between safeguarding privacy rights and upholding the State’s imperative to maintain security, lawfulness, and citizen protection.

    Sylvia Appiah, the Chief Executive Officer of Information Governance Solutions (IGS), has urged data controllers and business establishments to prioritize meeting the requirements of data protection to avert potential financial losses. Appiah stressed that acquiring the necessary skills for managing and securing customer information is paramount for business success.

    In response to this situation, Information Governance Solutions, a certified entity by the Ghana Data Commission, is offering its expertise to organizations.

    They extend an invitation for businesses to engage with their services, which include practitioner training and assistance with data protection registration.

    “In data compliance, the first thing to do is to register and we [Information Governance Solutions] can help you go through the process to ensure the data is secured and transferred in the appropriate manner.

    “I will urge all controllers to contact us and register the information to start the journey of compliance. Data protection agents are in shortage globally. So in conjunction with the data protection commission, we offer certified practitioner training to organizations. We also offer data protection supervisors where we train them with the needed skills for data protection supervision,” she said.

    Sylvia Appiah further stressed the significance of Data protection in organizations and how it contributes to the success of their goals.

    “Data Protection is a law that is meant to protect every individual and therefore cannot be over-stressed that any business or country cannot exist without data protection. Every organization needs information about customers, clients, members, and patients in the hospital, and therefore the information given to the organization is paramount,” Sylvia Appiah added.

  • GNPC-GEGL deal saves Ghana over US$1.4bn

    GNPC-GEGL deal saves Ghana over US$1.4bn

    The gas sale agreement (GSA) between the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) and Genser Energy Ghana Limited (GEGL) is expected to save Ghana $1.462 billion, according to a report by the Parliamentary Select Committee on Mines and Energy.

    The committee, which investigated the agreement after allegations of a $1.5 billion financial loss brought up by policy think tanks, ACEP and IMANI, found that the deal was instead beneficial to the Ghanaian economy and had no record of unfavourable terms.

    The deal allows GNPC to buy gas from GEGL at a lower rate than what is sold on the market and use it for various purposes for economic growth.

    The report stated that the deal would save Ghana $1.462 billion by avoiding paying higher gas prices if GEGL moved to the Weighted Average Cost of Gas (WACoG) net back price. 

    The WACoG is a way of measuring how much it costs to produce and sell natural gas. 

    The report also stated that if Ghana had borrowed money to finance its own pipeline network, it would have cost $1.625 billion. Therefore, by keeping the GNPC-GEGL GSA, Ghana would save $1.462 billion over 16 years, which is the duration of the agreement.

    It also clarified that the $1.5 billion loss claim made by ACEP and IMANI was based on a confusion between the penalties for contract termination and the loss for contract performance. The report explained that GNPC would pay GEGL a gas discount charge only for shortfall payments in case of non-delivery of gas, not for regular gas supply.

    “ACEP-IMANI hypothesis is defeated by reason of the following: The above computation confuses the penalties to GNPC for contract termination (”Liquidated Damages”) under the GSA with the loss to GNPC for performing the contract (“GNPC Revenue Forgone”). The US$ l .5 billion was calculated using GEGL Pipeline Gas Discount Charge which is solely used for Shortfall Payments in the GNPC-GSA leading to this confusion. The reason is that, under current agreement, GNPC avoids payment of GTA Tariffs for 130mmscfd for 25 years (“·GNPC Costs Avoided”). If Genser is moved to 10 WACoG Netback, GNPC will pay Genser a GTA Tariff equal to WAGP or PURC tariff,” the report read.

    The report also outlined other economic benefits of the GSA, such as  a reduction in transmission losses by $480 million once the Ameri thermal plant is relocated to Kumasi and made operational using GEGL’s pipeline network, and an increase in port revenue due to the export of natural gas liquids (NGLs) via the Takoradi Port. 

  • Follow Otumfuo’s steps, sack officials engaged in galamsey – Akufo-Addo told

    Follow Otumfuo’s steps, sack officials engaged in galamsey – Akufo-Addo told

    The Media Coalition Against Galamsey is urging President Akufo-Addo to take a page out of the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s playbook by removing government officials found guilty of participating in illegal mining activities.

    This call comes in the wake of Otumfuo’s decision to dethrone the Chief of Abuontem, Nana Kwaku Duah III, over allegations of his involvement in the illicit sale of lands that rightfully belong to various individuals and families.

    The Chief’s destoolment and subsequent handover to the police occurred during a Kumasi Traditional Council session held at the Manhyia Palace on Monday.

    In response to this development, the convener of the Coalition, Ing Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey, commended Otumfuo for his leadership and encouraged President Akufo-Addo to adopt a similar approach in his governance.

    “This is what we expect of leadership and I completely agree with Otumfuo that if you are a chief, and you have galamsey happening in your community, you are either complicit and are deeply involved in it or you are incompetent and in both cases, you are not worthy of being the chief or leader of the people. And I think this is the Asantehene walking the talk and so it is the same action that we require of the president.”

    Chief of Bekwai Abodom, Nana Saforo Koto, has been destooled by the Asantehene for engaging in illegal mining activities within his jurisdiction.

    Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has waged war engaged any subordinate of his caught to be engaging or promoting illegal mining activities within the Ashanti Kingdom.

  • Osafo Maafo holds traditional leaders partly responsible for galamsey activities

    The Senior Presidential Advisor, Yaw Osafo Maafo, has attributed part of the escalating pollution of rivers in the country due to illegal mining to traditional leaders.

    Osafo Maafo expressed his concern, noting that in some instances, chiefs in regions where illegal mining, commonly referred to as “galamsey,” is prevalent, grant access to miners who subsequently contaminate water bodies to an irreparable extent.

    These remarks were made by Yaw Osafo Maafo during his address at the 23rd General Meeting of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana held in Kwahu Abetifi, Eastern Region.

    “Look at what galamsey is doing to the land, and should we allow monies that a few people want to make to destroy the very base of water that we need to drink? There are areas where you cannot even purify the water and where you can, we are spending more than three times what we used to spend in purification and all this is happening in the direct face of our chiefs that gave the land for the galamsey.”

    Additionally, he voiced his apprehension regarding the increasing issue of corruption, despite the significant Christian population in Ghana.

    “If 72 percent of us are Christians and corruption begins to grow from bad to worse, then there is something wrong with even the message that we give to this 72 percent of the population. We need to do some retrospection and as a country, together with the government, take certain actions to redeem the country from corruption and can’t just keep talking about corruption without doing anything about it.”

  • ‘Trotro’ drivers threaten to increase transport fares by 20%

    ‘Trotro’ drivers threaten to increase transport fares by 20%

    The Coalition of Transport Unions and Associations has issued a warning of a potential 20 percent hike in transport fares unless the government takes steps to eliminate certain taxes from the petroleum price structure.

    The coalition is urging the government to remove the sanitation and pollution levy as well as the energy sector levy in order to alleviate the undue burden on drivers and consumers.

    In a statement to Citi News, David Agboado, the National Public Relations Officer for the Concerned Drivers Association, stated that the association has given the government a two-week ultimatum to address these concerns.

    “We started this some time ago in June 2021 when we wrote to the government, and it sent ministers to us. We deliberated, and we know that the price stabilization and recovery levy is no more working, the energy sector levy is no more working, the sanitation and pollution levy is no more working, and we have issued a statement to that effect, but we are not seeing anything, and we are giving the government two weeks to do something else we will increase fares by 20 percent.”

    Meanwhile, Oil Marketing Companies have increased prices at the pumps.

    Diesel is also going for Âą13.90 per litre from the previous price of GHÂą12.45 per litre.

    Goil has also increased prices petrol to GHÂą3.50 and diesel to GHÂą13.90 per litre.

  • Communications Minister announces plans to set up company to deliver 4G, 5G services

    Communications Minister announces plans to set up company to deliver 4G, 5G services

    Minister of Communication and Digitalization, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, has announced that the government has granted approval for the establishment of a neutral shared infrastructure company aimed at delivering nationwide 4G and 5G services.

    This strategic move is designed to facilitate service providers in expanding their coverage to rural areas and to support the government’s overarching digitalization agenda.

    Minister Owusu-Ekuful made these remarks during her address at the 12th African Peering and Interconnection Forum, which was hosted by MainOne.

    With the rising demand for digital services across Africa, businesses are compelled to innovate and enhance their digital infrastructure to meet the growing needs of consumers. The African Peering and Interconnection Forum, organized by MainOne, served as a platform for exploring the latest trends and developments in the industry.

    In an interview, Mr. Owusu-Ekuful elaborated that the government is committed to providing the necessary infrastructure to enable service providers to extend 4G networks to cover 80 percent of Ghana’s population.

    “We have just been granted approval to have a neutral shared infrastructure along this lines, we’ll be working with network operators and private investors to set up a 4G and 5G network as well, so we are not going to be auctioning 5G, we are giving it to this networks so that all operators can use it and extend it to about 80% of the population”, she mentioned.

    The Minister also emphasized the government’s unwavering commitment to cultivating a robust digital economy, highlighting that substantial investments in connectivity have already laid a strong foundation for a flourishing ecosystem.

    Emmanuel Kwarteng, the Country Manager of MainOne, further underscored the forum’s primary objective, which is to harness the potential of the internet and stimulate innovation to drive economic development.

    During the forum, internet service providers received encouragement to collaborate and collectively address the existing gaps in initiatives aimed at boosting local internet traffic.

    MainOne, an Equinix Company, has successfully developed and managed a network of Tier III data center facilities strategically positioned in Ghana, Nigeria, and CĂŽte d’Ivoire. This infrastructure has facilitated the growth of one of West Africa’s largest and most dynamic digital ecosystems.

  • Video: How Prof Adei ‘fought’ Jubilee House staff who ‘chopped’ GHC100m tax meant for GRA

    Video: How Prof Adei ‘fought’ Jubilee House staff who ‘chopped’ GHC100m tax meant for GRA

    Former Board Chairman for the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Professor Stephen Adei, has made a shocking revelation on how a company belonging to staff of the Jubilee House embezzled funds meant for the GRA.

    The distasteful incident occurred during the period when Professor Adei was Chair of the GRA Board. In September 2019, Professor Adei was appointed Board Chair and was subsequently removed in October 2020.

    In an interview on Asaase Radio’s Town Hall Talk Show in August 2023 shown on Metro TV’s Good Morning Ghana programme, Professor Adei recounted when he had to address the embezzlement of GHS100 million tax to have been paid to the Ghana Revenue Authority.

    He noted that the company (whose name it withheld) was to pay collected taxes worth 100 million (Ghana cedis) to the GRA, however, failed to do so. According to him, he only found out during the point of collection by some GRA staff.

    “When I was Chairman of GRA, one of our factories had collected all the withholding tax and chopped all. But withholding tax has nothing to do with you. In other words, you are only being an agent of GRA to collect it and pay it, they have chopped it and accumulated over 100 million (ghana cedis).

    As a result, the GRA staff locked the company, ceasing it from operating. The action, he said did not sit well with the owner of the company, who then phoned, demanding that his facility be reopened.

    “The boys go and bar it and say if you don’t pay, we won’t allow the factory to be opened. I got a call from Jubilee House. Your boys have gone to lock my factory, ask them to go and open it,” he narrated.

    In response, Prof Adei stated: “I’m not going to open it.” According to the former GRA Board Chair, to resolve the matter, he directed that a plan for payment, which stipulates the period in which the tax squandered be paid, be drawn.

    It was only after this that the company was reopened for work to resume.

    “I said that the Managing Director must negotiate with them as any other manufacturing establishment about how they are going to pay it, put a deposit down and then they will open it. And that is what they did.”

    “Unfortunately, the boys were so generous they accepted only one million and opened it,” he added.

    Prof Adei confirmed that his brief duration as Board Chair stemmed such complexities faced.

    “Of course that’s why I lasted for only 15 months,” he confirmed.

  • Accra is earthquake-prone, your reason is ridiculous – Bernard Mornah to BoG

    Accra is earthquake-prone, your reason is ridiculous – Bernard Mornah to BoG

    A prominent member of the advocacy group AriseGhana, Bernard Mornah, has criticized the Bank of Ghana’s (BoG) rationale for constructing a new headquarters as “absurd.”

    In a press statement, the Bank of Ghana explained that the need to construct a new headquarters stems from the threat of seismic activity.

    According to the Central Bank, its current structure, built in the 1960s, lacks structural integrity, and is therefore incapable of withstanding an earth tremor.

    But according to Mr Mornah, such reasons is not valid, as many areas in the capital are susceptible to earthquakes.

    “If you listen to the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, he said the location of the central bank is earthquake-prone and so it should be removed. Citi FM, Parliament, our Superior Courts, and Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, are all located in an earthquake-prone area. The entire Accra is earthquake-prone.

    “Ghana Commercial Bank is directly opposite the central bank,” he was quoted by citinewsroom.com.

    Bernard Mornah also expanded on the point that there are other buildings in the same area as the current Bank of Ghana headquarters that, according to the central bank’s reasoning, would also be at risk.

    “We have the biggest market in Accra called Makola of which all these institutions are within the central bank enclave. If it’s about an earthquake area, then the suggestion is that let’s evacuate all other buildings. In fact, what it will mean is that we will take our capital from Accra. If you make these arguments, which are flimsy, of which you are spending that money, I think that it doesn’t sit well with anyone,” he noted.

    Arise Ghana has announced its intention to join the Minority in a protest at the Bank of Ghana on September 5, 2023, demanding the resignation of the governor.

    Bernard Mornah emphasized that the government must be aware of the current state of the country and act in a manner that does not worsen its problems.

    “We do what is necessary before we do what is desirable. At this critical moment, when the economy is in such turmoil and the IMF has asked the government to suspend major development programs in order to relieve the burden on the citizens of this country, the BoG is thinking of building an edifice that will make them sit comfortably. I think the governor has lost track of time,” he asserted.

  • One more granted bail in Cecilia Dapaah’s ‘looted’ cash case

    One more granted bail in Cecilia Dapaah’s ‘looted’ cash case

    The Accra Circuit Court has granted bail to the sixth accused person in the case involving the theft of funds belonging to former Sanitation Minister, Cecilia Abena Dapaah.

    During the hearing on Tuesday, August 22, 2023, the counsel for the sixth accused, Job Pomary, who is charged with dishonestly receiving approximately GHC300,000, requested bail, which was not opposed by the prosecution.

    Assistant State Attorney Akosua Agyapomaa Agyemang informed the court that investigations concerning Job Pomary had been completed.

    Presiding Judge Afia Owusua Appiah granted the bail with conditions, including a bail amount of GHC300,000 and three sureties within the court’s jurisdiction. The accused was also required to deposit his passport with the court and report to the police every two weeks until further notice.

    State prosecutors requested a two-week adjournment to conclude investigations in the case, which involves allegations of theft of some $1 million and 300,000 euros from the residence of Cecilia Dapaah.

    The seven accused individuals, including Patience Botwe, Sarah Agyei, Benjamin Sowah, Malik Dauda, Christiana Achab, Job Pomary, and Yahaya Sumaila, face multiple counts of stealing and other charges. Pleas were not taken, and the case was adjourned to September 5.

  • $70m-Tamale International Airport to be commissioned today

    $70m-Tamale International Airport to be commissioned today

    Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia is set to officially commission the Tamale International Airport today, Tuesday, August 22, 2023.

    The Tamale Airport’s Phase 2 project, which had a budget of $70 million, commenced in March 2020. This phase introduces significant upgrades to the airport to align it with international standards.

    The enhancements encompass a new terminal building that reflects the airport’s international status. Additionally, a high-quality 5km road connects the airport to the Tamale-Bolgatanga highway, providing improved access. The project also includes a new car park and commercial vehicle parking facilities.

    Notably, the airport boasts an ultramodern Hajj Terminal dedicated to Hajj operations, consolidating Tamale’s status as Ghana’s primary hub for Hajj-related travel.

    This development is expected to bolster revenue generation for the Ghana Airport Company Limited (GACL), stimulate potential growth in domestic air travel, establish Tamale as a sub-Saharan hub airport, and support initiatives by the Northern Development Authority to enhance accessibility to agricultural products in the region.

  • Neville describes Man Utd’s handling of Greenwood as ‘pretty horrible’

    Neville describes Man Utd’s handling of Greenwood as ‘pretty horrible’

    A former United captain, Gary Neville has expressed his belief that independent panels should be responsible for investigating serious allegations involving footballers, following his criticism of Manchester United’s handling of the Mason Greenwood case.

    Manchester United recently announced that they will part ways with Greenwood by mutual agreement. The forward had been suspended since January 2022 due to allegations involving a young woman, with related images and videos circulating online.

    While charges against the 21-year-old England international, including attempted rape and assault, were dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service in February, United conducted an internal investigation.

    Neville, a former United captain, is of the opinion that although the club eventually reached the right decision, their handling of the situation was severely lacking. He called for such serious cases to be taken out of a club’s jurisdiction and entrusted to independent panels in the future.

    He said on Sky Sports: “They’ve finally got there. It was clear from day one, for me and anybody who saw the evidence that was initially released, that he wouldn’t play for Manchester United again.

    “I would say that the process in getting there has been pretty horrible. When you have significant and difficult situations like this, it requires and authoritative leadership, that comes the very top and Manchester United don’t have that.

    “On an issue like domestic abuse and violence against women, there needs to be independence. It shouldn’t be that Manchester United are the judge and jury on such a significant issue, not just for themselves but also for the game.

    “People talk about the reputation (hit) to Manchester United but it’s the Premier League here as well.

    “My view is on issues of this importance and severity (is) they should be dealt with independently by a panel because it’s been clear that Manchester United have not had the skill and the ability to deal with this situation properly. It’s been well above their grade of experience and ability.”

    Reports emerged last week that the club’s chief executive, Richard Arnold, had informed the executive leadership of United in early August about their intention to reintegrate Mason Greenwood into the team.

    This information, along with additional details, intensified scrutiny on the club’s decision. In response, Arnold released a public letter to United supporters following the conclusion of their internal investigation.

    ormer England midfielder Karen Carney said on Sky Sports: “I empathise with anyone that’s been through or has been triggered by the conversations that we’ve been having.

    “Personally I feel really uneasy with the situation. I think Manchester United, as an institution and a football club and what it stands for, have handled this really, really poorly.”

  • Man reportedly beheads landlord for allegedly sleeping with his daughter

    Man reportedly beheads landlord for allegedly sleeping with his daughter

    A 35-year-old laborer has been arrested by the Ghana Police Service for allegedly killing his landlord, whom he suspected of having a relationship with his daughter.

    The incident occurred on Tuesday morning, August 22, in the village of “YAW ANANE,” near Sefwi Akaatiso in the Bia West District of the Western North Region.

    According to sources, the suspect, whose name remains undisclosed, confronted his landlord, known as Agya Anto, over suspicions of an affair with his daughter. He warned Agya Anto to cease this alleged involvement, cautioning of potential consequences if his demands were ignored.

    The confrontation escalated into a heated argument, leading to the intervention of onlookers who attempted to separate the two men.

    Later on, while Agya Anto was in his bath, the laborer suddenly reappeared and attacked him, ultimately beheading him during the brutal assault.

    The suspect was apprehended by local residents, and the incident was reported to the Akaatiso Police station, who subsequently launched an investigation.

    The lifeless body of Agya Anto was also recovered by the Akaatiso police.

  • Sweet potatoes being used to make a new kind of ‘pink gari’

    Sweet potatoes being used to make a new kind of ‘pink gari’

    In the heart of the Volta Region, specifically in Anlo Tsiame, a remarkable culinary innovation has emerged: the creation of pink gari, achieved through the incorporation of purple potatoes.

    This fusion of traditional African cuisine with modern culinary creativity has been captivating the palates of both locals and visitors.

    This innovative culinary discovery, initially shared on Twitter by @seyramOfficial, not only introduces a vibrant burst of color to the local cuisine but also holds the potential to contribute to the socio-economic development of the community.

    Gari, a beloved West African staple made from fermented cassava, has been a dietary cornerstone for generations.

    However, in Anlo Tsiame, a delightful twist has been added to this everyday dish. The key lies in the use of purple sweet potatoes, a colorful tuber known for its abundance of antioxidants and nutrients.

    This culinary innovation was introduced to the public by @seyramofficials, a local collective dedicated to inspiring young people to engage in agriculture. They use their platform to promote the sale of agricultural products.

    The introduction of pink gari in Anlo Tsiame has brought about significant positive changes to the local community. Through the use of locally available ingredients and traditional methods, this innovation has rekindled interest in traditional foods and opened up new economic opportunities.

    Furthermore, it has garnered attention from both residents and tourists, contributing to tourism and establishing the region as a culinary destination.

    Balancing Tradition with Innovation

    The creation of pink gari from purple sweet potatoes in Anlo Tsiame exemplifies the dynamic nature of culinary evolution. This inventive adaptation of a traditional dish illustrates how traditions can be honored while leaving room for creativity and experimentation.

    Anlo Tsiame’s achievement demonstrates that by merging the past and the present, it is feasible to craft a culinary masterpiece that not only pleases the senses but also supports local communities and heritage.

    The pink gari phenomenon serves as a vivid illustration of how food can serve as a potent vehicle for cultural expression and economic advancement.

  • Chamisa, leader of Zimbabwe’s Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) 

    Chamisa, leader of Zimbabwe’s Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) 

    Zimbabwe’s opposition leader, Nelson Chamisa, is a seasoned politician with decades of activism behind him.

    Despite his experience, many still refer to him as “mukomana” or “the young man,” highlighting the significant age gap between Chamisa, 45 years old, and his main rival, the 80-year-old incumbent, Emmerson Mnangagwa.

    This moniker is not only a reflection of their age difference but also a way to avoid mentioning Chamisa’s name publicly in a country where human rights groups allege a brutal crackdown on dissent by the ruling party.

    Chamisa, a lawyer and church pastor, leads the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), the primary opposition party with a realistic chance of challenging the long-standing rule of the ZANU-PF, which has held power since the country’s independence in 1980.

    However, the odds are heavily stacked against the CCC. Some of its rallies have been obstructed, its members arrested and detained, and concerns about election manipulation are widespread.

    Chamisa has faced such challenges before. He has been arrested multiple times for his political activism. In 2007, he was brutally beaten with truncheons and an iron bar, resulting in a five-day hospitalization. This attack was widely attributed to ruling-party supporters.

    In 2021, he survived what he describes as an assassination attempt when shots were fired at his convoy. A bullet pierced the left rear seat of his car, where he usually sits.

    “I’m lucky to be alive,” he said.

    – Ego, hits and religion –

    Nelson Chamisa’s political journey began when he joined the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) as a student in 1999. He rose through the ranks and assumed leadership after the passing of his mentor, Morgan Tsvangirai, in 2018.

    In that same year, Chamisa came close to defeating Emmerson Mnangagwa in a closely contested election, the first following the removal of long-time ruler Robert Mugabe. He contested the election results but lost in court.

    In 2021, Chamisa made a significant move by breaking away from the MDC and establishing the CCC, driven by his determination to make another bid for the country’s top leadership position.

    His vision for Zimbabwe centers around creating a new nation “for everyone.” He pledges to address corruption, revive the economy, and end the country’s international isolation.

    While many voters, disillusioned by widespread poverty and soaring inflation, are rallying behind him, Chamisa faces criticism, even from within his own political camp.

    “He’s extremely self-confident, I think to a fault,” said Nicole Beardsworth, a political analyst specialising in Zimbabwe at South Africa’s University of the Witwatersrand.

    Chamisa’s centralised leadership style has stripped his party, commonly referred to as “triple C”, of its structures.

    This is rooted in fears it could be infiltrated by the ruling party.

    But critics say it has weakened the CCC, causing confusion and a lack of organisation in the run-up to the vote.

    Some complain Chamisa has not been vocal enough in demanding freedom for popular CCC senior official and lawmaker Job Sikhala, who has spent more than a year behind bars, and has failed to articulate an alternative vision for Zimbabwe.

    Religion is a recurrent topic in Chamisa’s messaging but analysts say this has alienated some in middle-class urban areas, where the party is stronger.

    The word “God” appears more than 40 times in the CCC’s manifesto, which includes among its top priorities “making Zimbabwe a God-loving, God-honouring and a God-fearing nation”.

    “God is in it” is the campaign slogan.

    – Political upbringing –


    Born in Masvingo, located south of the capital Harare, Nelson Chamisa pursued a well-rounded education, studying law, political science, and theology at the University of Zimbabwe.

    His parents’ strong emphasis on education played a pivotal role in shaping his career. During the late 1990s, Chamisa, while leading the Zimbabwe National Students Union, helped organize protests against Robert Mugabe’s government, leading to the closure of colleges and universities.

    Chamisa, who is married with one child, ascended through the ranks of the MDC party, holding various positions, including leader of the youth wing and party spokesman.

    Known for his dynamic oratory skills infused with humor, Chamisa’s speaking style contrasts sharply with the more solemn demeanor of Emmerson Mnangagwa.

    In the tumultuous power-sharing government formed after the 2008 election, Chamisa became the youngest member of the cabinet, serving as the Minister of Information and Communication Technology.

    “Chamisa is a very charismatic figure,” said Zimbabwean scholar Brian Raftopoulos.

    “But his weaknesses are lack of accountability within his own party (and) a lack of a long-term vision.”

  • Herdsman hospitalised after being shot in the genitals by kidnappers

    Herdsman hospitalised after being shot in the genitals by kidnappers

    A nomadic herdsman is currently receiving treatment in Zabzugu District Hospital after a harrowing encounter with possible kidnappers in Larabanga near Nakpali, in Northern Region.

    The incident occurred on Monday night when the victim attempted to escape from his assailants.

    The kidnappers allegedly shot at the herdsman as he tried to flee, causing severe gunshot injuries to his thighs, with damage to his manhood as well.

    An eyewitness described hearing gunshots during the night and later discovered the victim in the bush with these serious injuries.

    This marks the fourth attempted kidnapping in the region, with suspicion pointing towards fellow herdsmen as the likely culprits.

    In the first incident, family members reportedly paid a total of GHÂą140,000 to the kidnappers, but tragically, the victim was later killed.

    A relative of the victim spoke to Citi News recounted: “We were in our rooms last night and heard gunshots. Everyone was scared. After a while, it stopped and people came out and traced the direction the sound was coming from. We got to the herdsman’s residence and saw bloodstains on the ground. We actually didn’t see anybody until when we were about to go when he crawled out of the bush with gunshot wounds to his thighs. Both legs were injured, and his manhood was also injured. We quickly organized a car and took him to Zabzugu Hospital, where he is currently receiving treatment. We call on the security to look into it and bring the perpetrators to justice.”

    Personnel from the Immigration Service stationed at the checkpoint near Larabanga provided assistance by accompanying the victim to the hospital.

    Additionally, the officer in charge, Mr. Kennedy Tengzagh, generously donated blood for the injured individual at the hospital, where he is presently under medical care. Authorities have officially reported the case to the local police in the district.

  • At least 500 children dead over hunger in Sudan

    At least 500 children dead over hunger in Sudan

    Save the Children, an NGO, has reported that at least 498 children have died of starvation in Sudan over the course of four months of war.

    They also noted that there could be hundreds more unaccounted for.

    In Sudan, a country where one in three people were already suffering from hunger prior to the war, this dire situation has led to the tragic deaths of children due to starvation.

    The director of Save the Children in Sudan, Arif Noor, expressed alarm at the fact that these deaths could have been entirely preventable.

    “At least 498 children in Sudan and probably hundreds more have died of starvation” since the start of the war on April 15, he adds. “We never imagined seeing so many children dying of starvation but this is the new reality in Sudan.”

    And the situation could get worse as Save the Children, unable to operate amid the fighting, had to stop treating “31,000 malnourished children”. In May, the factory that produced 60% of nutritional treatments for children was destroyed.

    The war in Sudan, which experts predict could extend for years, has resulted in approximately 5,000 deaths since April 15, according to a report by the NGO Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (Acled). This conflict has also forced over four million people to flee their homes.

    The international community is grappling with the challenge of financing aid for displaced individuals, refugees, the injured, and victims of sexual violence in the face of this horrifying crisis. International justice is also expressing concerns about potential “war crimes.” Humanitarian organizations, hindered by authorities preventing their entry or restricting their movement and facing attacks, have only received 27% of the funding required to address the dire needs of the affected population.

    As of Tuesday, violence continued, primarily in Khartoum and the western region of Darfur, which is roughly the size of France and home to a quarter of Sudan’s approximately 48 million people. The conflict has been particularly intense in Nyala, the capital of South Darfur, where since August 11, there have been reports of “60 dead, 250 injured, and 50,000 displaced,” according to the UN.

    The army reported the murder of its local commander in Nyala on Monday. The ongoing fighting is impeding the delivery of humanitarian aid, and the Turkish hospital, the sole functioning medical facility in Nyala, is struggling to cope with the influx of wounded.

    In recent developments, the conflict has extended to el-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur. According to the humanitarian research laboratory at Yale University, at least 27 localities in Darfur have been set ablaze by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and allied Arab militias.

    “Nobody stops the FSR, they move freely while the army is entrenched in its bases”, assures AFP Nathaniel Raymond, director of this laboratory which collaborates with the Conflict Observatory.

  • Ghanaians to pay more for electricity and water effective Sept. 1

    Ghanaians to pay more for electricity and water effective Sept. 1

    The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC), following its Quarterly Tariff Reviews for the third quarter, has increased tariffs for water and electricity.

    The Commission, after extensive deliberations and analysis has approved a 4.22% increase across board in the average end-user electricity tariff for non-lifeline residential customers. This takes effect on Friday, September 1, 2023.

    In its statement dated August 22, 2022, the PURC noted that there would be no change in “end-user electricity tariffs for lifeline customers, industrial customers, and non- residential customers (hairdressing saloons, barbering shops, chop bars, tailoring and dress-making shops, cold stores, and other small- and medium-scale businesses).”

    With regards to the supply of water, all water customer groups, with the exception of lifeline customers will be hit with a 1.18% increase.

    According to the PURC, the revision was necessitated by the Ghana cedi-US dollar exchange rate, inflation, electricity generation mix and the weighted average cost of natural gas (WACOG).

    The increased tariffs is expected to reduce the cross subsidization between industrial customers and residential customers, which would “address the high electricity cost for industrial customers which has been repeatedly identified in the AGI Business Barometer as a key challenge affecting the competitiveness of Ghanaian businesses in the global market place.”

    Thus, support the growth and competitiveness of industry, and as part of a significant contribution towards Ghana’s industrialization drive, and enhance opportunities for job creation.

    Also, the revised tariffs would ensure utilities are financially viable to sustain supply of services, while reducing the burden on consumers, especially lifeline customers.

    Following its Quarterly Tariff Reviews for the second quarter, the PURC increased the average end-user tariff for electricity by 18.36% across board for all customer groups. This took effect June 1, 2023.

    The PURC stressed that this was necessary to avert the return of intermittent power outages, known in the local parlance as “dumsor.”

    The recent revision is expected to worsen the economic situation of several Ghanaians as they would pay more to access undisrupted supply of water and electricity.

  • AU suspends Niger, plans sanctions

    AU suspends Niger, plans sanctions

    Niger has been suspended by the African Union (AU) from all its activities following the military coup there and told its members to avoid any action that might legitimise the junta.

    Furthermore, the AU has advised its member states to refrain from any actions that might inadvertently legitimize the junta’s authority.

    The recent coup has raised concerns among both Western allies and democratic African nations. They apprehend that this development could potentially empower Islamist groups operating in the Sahel region, as well as provide an opportunity for Russia to enhance its influence.

    In an effort to address the situation, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has engaged in negotiations with the junta. However, ECOWAS has also indicated its readiness to deploy troops to Niger to restore constitutional order if diplomatic efforts prove ineffective.

    In response, the AU’s Peace and Security Council issued a communique on Tuesday acknowledging ECOWAS’ activation of a standby force. The AU Commission has been tasked with evaluating the potential economic, social, and security implications associated with deploying such a force.

    It also said it had asked the AU Commission to compile a list of members of the military junta and their supporters for targeted sanctions and “the application of individual punitive measures”.

    The resolutions mentioned in Tuesday’s statement were initially adopted at a council meeting convened on August 14, as indicated.

    ECOWAS had previously imposed comprehensive sanctions on Niger, a move that received the endorsement of the AU.

    The African Union reiterated its call for the immediate release of President Mohamed Bazoum, who was democratically elected but has been held in detention since the coup. Additionally, the AU urged the coup leaders to return to their barracks.

    Despite considerable pressure, the junta has remained steadfast in its refusal to step down. They have proposed a three-year timeline for organizing elections, a plan that ECOWAS has firmly rejected. ECOWAS Commissioner Abdel-Fatau Musah mentioned on Monday that the bloc might dispatch another mediation mission to Niger.

    It’s worth noting that the ECOWAS Parliament, one of the institutions within the regional bloc, opposes the deployment of troops, as stated by Ali Ndume, a representative from Nigeria.

    “Our stand is informed by the grave implications of a military intervention in Niger. (There is) no alternative to diplomatic solution,” he told journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, following a parliamentary meeting on Niger the night before.

    Regional leaders have taken a tough stance on Niger, underscoring their determination to enforce the principle that coups will no longer be accepted in the region. Niger’s recent coup marks the seventh such occurrence in West and Central Africa since 2020.

    The nation holds substantial strategic importance as it serves as a hub for U.S. and French troops engaged in combating Islamist extremist groups in the region. Additionally, Niger ranks among the world’s largest producers of uranium.

    Algerian state radio reported late on Monday that Algeria had rejected a purported French request to utilize its airspace for a military operation in Niger. France refuted having made such a request, and the nature of the operation alluded to by Algeria remains unclear.

    The African Union (AU) has vehemently opposed any external interference in the situation, whether by external entities or nations beyond the African continent. This includes concerns regarding the involvement of private military companies, an apparent reference to the Russian mercenary group Wagner, known for its activities in neighboring Mali.

    Yevgeny Prigozhin, the head of Wagner, openly embraced the coup and, on Monday, shared a video suggesting his presence in Africa while promoting Wagner’s operations in the region.

  • New BoG headquarters to be completed in 2024

    New BoG headquarters to be completed in 2024

    The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has indicated that its new headquarters, a 21-story structure situated in Ridge, will be completed in September 2024.

    This information was communicated by the Central Bank in a statement published on its website on Monday, August 21, 2023.

    The project consists of three main blocks namely the Tower, Urban and Amenities Blocks including basements, podium and ancillary
    facilities.

    Currently, completed works on the project are; 13th Floor slab casting, Upper Roof slab casting, Upper Ground slab casting.

    Internal blockwork in both Tower and Urban blocks, as well as mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) first fixes, are ongoing at various levels.

    Per the statement, work on the new head office commenced in 2019 after the Board of the Bank at its 662nd Regular Meeting directed the Corporate Management and Services Department (CMSD) of the Bank by a decision dated 18th December 2019 to initiate all proper processes for its development.

    Following the directive, the Bank noted that it went through the required processes to acquire a parcel of land at West Ridge, which was previously owned by State Insurance Company (SIC).

    The land was compulsorily acquired by the Government of Ghana by Executive Instrument, 2020 E.I 304 for the New Bank of Ghana Headquarters, a building of national interest. The compulsory acquisition process started in 2019 and the Executive Instrument was published and gazetted in 2020.

    Approval from Public Procurement Authority

    The Central Bank then wrote to the Public Procurement Authority (PPA) on January 14, 2020, for approval to use the Restricted Tender Method. This procurement method was on the basis of national security considerations.

    The following firms, known to be operating in Ghana, were shortlisted: MAN Enterprise, WBHO Ghana Ltd, De Simone Ltd, Goldkey Properties Ltd., and Ronesans Construction.

    Subsequently, tenders were opened on June 19, 2020, at 11am and were later evaluated between July 6 and 17, 2020.

    After evaluation of tenders were received, the Entity Tender Committee (ETC) of the Bank at its meeting held on August 6, 2020 considered Tender Evaluation Panel’s recommendation and approved the award of contract for the project to Messrs Goldkey Properties Limited at the cost of $121,078,517.94.

    The PPA later revised the initial approved estimated amount from USD81,882,640.00 to USD121,078,517.94.

    Following this, the Central Tender Review Committee (CTRC) on September 4, 2020, granted concurrent approval to the Bank to engage the recommended Tenderer, Messrs. Goldkey Properties Limited, at a contract price of USD121,078,517.94.

    Commencement of work

    The project site was formally handed over to the contractor in March 2021 for commencement of preliminary site works and designs.

    Later on, there was a review of the design, prompting the ETC of the Bank at its meeting held on 19th December 2022 to revise the project cost of USD2,068.00/m2.

    CTRC subsequently granted concurrent approval for the revised scope of works at cost of USD2,068.00/m2 on 17th January 2023.

  • Otumfuo Osei Tutu II strikes again; strips Abuontemhene of title

    Otumfuo Osei Tutu II strikes again; strips Abuontemhene of title

    Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, is going hard on his subordinates who are flouting his directives, which are to ensure the smooth governing of the Ashanti Kingdom.

    Nana Kwaku Duah III, the Chief of Abuontem, is the latest to be hit by the Asantehene’s wrath.

    He was dethroned on Monday, 21st August 2023, for his failure to adhere to the directives of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and his involvement in land transactions.

    The announcement was made during a gathering at the Manhyia Palace on Monday, August 21, where the Kumasi Traditional Council convened to address the matter.

    The subchiefs of the Otumfuo presented a litany of accusations, including claims that he exploited the Otumfuo’s name to gain approval for his actions on the disputed land, despite the ongoing investigation.

    Nana Kwaku Duah III was also accused of encroaching on territories belonging to others and encouraging land sales without proper authorization.

    Nana Kwaku Duah II was destooled on the orders of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II

    Nana Kwaku Duah III denied the specific accusation of using Otumfuo’s name as leverage for his actions, however, he admitted to his presence on the land but noted that he allowed others to work on it with his permission.

    “With all due respect, Nana, I am not feeling well, I’m feeling dizzy now
but I am pleading because, to be honest, and to speak the truth, I have never stood anywhere before to claim that his Lordship has ruled over a matter in my favor, that is the exact truth I have never claimed that before, what I said to Nana Acheamfour is that, I permitted them to work on the land,” he said.

    The Chief of Adumoa in the Afigya Kwabre District, Nana Osei Tiri Ababio, Chief of Bekwai-Abodom, Nana Saforo Koto, both experienced the loss of their chieftaincy titles earlier this month.

    In June, the Asantehene also destooled Nana Nketia Boampong II, the Chief of Kwaso, a town in the Ejisu-Juaben Municipality. In May, Nana Kwame Owusu Agyeman, the Chief of Antoa, a renowned town in Asanteman, faced destoolment for violating customary procedures and engaging in multiple land sales.

    These destoolments have primarily revolved around issues such as the illicit sale of land, transactions with illegal miners, and violations of customary rites.

  • Be tempered in criticising Bank of Ghana – Gideon Boako to Ghanaians

    Be tempered in criticising Bank of Ghana – Gideon Boako to Ghanaians

    Spokesperson for Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, Dr. Gideon Boako, has called for a measured approach in criticizing the Bank of Ghana (BoG).

    Dr. Boako stressed that while citizens have the right to voice their concerns when the government and state institutions fall short, this criticism should not inflict irreparable damage to the institution’s reputation.

    He emphasized that discussions concerning the central bank, if approached with political sensationalism, could have detrimental consequences on the bank’s standing, which, in turn, would impact the economy and the well-being of Ghanaians.

    During a media interview on Tuesday, August 22, Dr. Boako therefore encouraged Ghanaians to exercise caution when criticizing the central bank.

    “Much as I agree that Ghanaians, in general, should show interest in issues at the central bank just as they do with issues of government. We ought to be measured most of the time when we are running commentaries on central bank decisions and certain actions they take because if we are not careful and don’t put issues into proper perspective and have proper appreciation of the matter, we may run commentaries out of political sensationalism and end up putting our central bank which is the lender of last resort to government in a position that creates the image in the minds of people that will become difficult to redeem.”

    The Bank of Ghana, amongst others, accrued a loss of GH¹60 billion. The Central Bank is also putting up a new head office building at Ridge, allegedly costing $250 million. 

    However, aside from the cost, Ghanaians and the Minority in Parliament have criticised the bank about the timing of the project when COVID-19 had just hit and things were tough for the economy.

    But the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr Ernest Addison, at a press conference on Monday, August 21, justified the construction of a new office building. 

    He said the Bank is fully aware of its responsibilities to ensure that the costs do not escalate beyond reasonable levels.

    He noted that many of the original design features to including data centre, currency processing centre, ICT equipment, specialized security features, have been deferred and only grey boxes provided for future use to manage costs.

    “The Bank then began to plan the building of its new Head Office, taking into consideration the need to ensure the building meets all the requirements of a modern central bank of international standards (similar to central bank head office buildings in Abuja and Dakar), and incudes provision for data centers, currency processes, vaults, and other sensitive installation. It is not just a simple ordinary building. Let me re-emphasize that the Bank followed all the necessary public procurement processes in this endeavor. No procurement laws were broken.”

  • Government’s commitment to attaining SDGs remain resolute – Finance Minister

    Government’s commitment to attaining SDGs remain resolute – Finance Minister

    Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta has affirmed government’s unwavering commitment to Agenda 2023, regardless of the present economic circumstances.

    He made this known during the launch of the 2022 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Budget Report, which revealed a significant boost in funds allocated for crucial sectors, underscoring Ghana’s determination to stay on track towards attaining the 2030 agenda.

    In the forward of the 2022 SDGs Budget Report, the Minister of Finance said: “While the road to recovery may be challenging, it also presents us with an opportunity to reimagine our future and build back better. Our commitment to the SDGs remains resolute, and the 2022 Budget and Expenditure Report demonstrates the measures we are taking to counter the effects of the global crisis and accelerate our progress.”

    The 2022 SDGs Budget Report was launched by Minister of State at the Ministry of Finance, Amin Adam, on behalf of Mr Ken Ofori-Atta.

    The fifth annual SDGs Budget Report shed light on the various strategic allocations for some designated sectors.

    Agriculture, for instance, received a shot in the arm with an allocation of about GHÂą514 million, aiming to fortify the sector’s productivity.

    Meanwhile, the industry secured an allocation of about GHÂą216.30 million, reflecting the government’s dedication to revitalizing the sector in the face of global supply chain disruptions.

    Healthcare, gender equality, and education sectors also received increased funding, bolstering efforts to counteract the pandemic’s adverse effects on local economic well-being.

    These allocations were not only indicative of Ghana’s commitment to the SDGs but also its determination to mitigate the far-reaching repercussions of the pandemic on its populace.

    With the year 2022 marking the transition to the 2022-2025 Medium-Term National Development Policy Framework (MTNDPF), Ghana is poised to achieve objectives and targets arising from the SDGs alongside other essential developmental strategies and frameworks.

    Yet in his forward, Mr. Ofori-Atta emphasized that the government’s aim is not only to recover from the pandemic effects but also to “build forward better” through the Ghana CARES Programme.

    The Ghana CARES Programme, designed as a direct response to the pandemic, collaborates with Development Partners to invigorate the economy’s productive sectors while safeguarding the vulnerable through multi-year flagship interventions.

    Mr Ofori-Atta highlighted the importance of this approach, stating, “By fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors, we are leveraging the expertise, innovation, and resources of both to achieve transformative results.”

    As the world grappled with the ongoing impact of COVID-19, including supply shortages leading to elevated costs of living, Ghana demonstrated its resilience against these global challenges. Despite the daunting circumstances, the country’s commitment to the SDGs remained steadfast, and the 2022 Budget and Expenditure Report laid out tangible steps to counteract the crisis and expedite progress.

    The 2022 SDGs Budget Report offered a comprehensive overview of achievements, challenges, and proactive strategies put in place to address them. This document serves as a roadmap for the nation’s journey towards sustainability, solidifying the resolve to create a better future for all Ghanaians, with no one left behind.

    The Minister of State at the Ministry of Finance, Dr. Mohammed Amin Adams, who launched the document on behalf of the Finance Minister, highlighted that the SDGs Budget Report equipped the government and its partners with essential data to monitor progress across the diverse goals. This real-time monitoring allows for an assessment of the efficiency of financial resource utilization over time.

    Chief Director at the Ministry of Finance, Ms. Eva Esselba Mends, implored Ghanaians to consider shared responsibilities and collective actions to attain the SDGs through collaboration, creativity, and positive change.

    According to her, the report “goes beyond being a mere compilation of numbers and figures; it is a testament to our unwavering commitment to realizing the Sustainable Development Goals, demonstrating our nation’s resolve to shape a better future for all”.

    Present at the launch of the report were Officials of the Ministry of Finance, representatives from UNICEF and the media.

  • Piedmont Lithium has no stake in Ewoyaa Lithium project – Minerals Commission

    Piedmont Lithium has no stake in Ewoyaa Lithium project – Minerals Commission

    The Minerals Commission has refuted reports on Piedmont Lithium’s acquisition of a stake in the Ewoyaa Lithium Project.

    In a press statement signed by Chief Executive Officer, Martin Kwaku Ayisi, the Commission clarified that the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, has not approved any contract, transaction, deal, or stake for any person, company or entity in respect of the Ewoyaa Lithium project.

    However, negotiations are ongoing with Atlantic Lithium Limited on the development of the Ewoyaa Lithium deposits in the Mfantseman Municipality of the Central Region.

    “The Commission has not made any such recommendation for the grant of a mining lease to the Minister for the development of the lithium deposits at Ewoyaa. At this stage, Atlantic Lithium Limited still holds a prospecting licence in the name of its local subsidiary Barari Development Ghana Limited,” the Forest Commission stated.

    Chief Executive Officer of Minerals Commission, Martin Kwaku Ayisi

    The Commission is by law mandated to make recommendations to the Minister for the grant of mineral rights including a mining lease.

    On July 27, 2023, Cabinet approved a new policy framework for the exploitation, management and regulation of lithium and other green minerals in Ghana.

    The overarching goal of the new framework is anchored on the principle that the exploitation of green minerals including lithium must benefit Ghanaians.

  • Full Text: BoG’s new headquarters – Cost, timeline, contractors

    Full Text: BoG’s new headquarters – Cost, timeline, contractors

    The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has provided full details on its new headquarters, which has garnered public criticism.

    A document released by the Central Bank provides the nitty-gritty of the project, detailing the cost, when the project was conceived and commenced as well as the contractors in charge of the project.

    Background

    In the 1990s, the Bank of Ghana began the search for adequate and secured land for a new Head Office, given that the Central Business District had caught up with the existing Head Office and the need to expand to meet its growing operations.

    i. In the year 2011, the Board of Directors of the bank agreed that the Bank must consider looking for a suitable land for the new headquarters.

    ii. In 2012 the Bank was allocated an 5.19-acre land at Accra Central by the Lands Commission and a total of GHS 791,580.00 was paid. The Bank however was not given access to the land as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration refused to grant the Bank vacant possession on the grounds that they had never agreed to give up ownership of the land.

    iii. Several offers were made to the Bank between 2012 and 2016 including parcels of land near the Ridge Hospital, Airport City, around 37 Military Hospital, Achimota Forest among others. Due diligence made on these plots indicated that they were either encumbered, had unfavourable terms or that these lands were not suitable for the Bank’s purpose.

    iv. The requirement for land for the new Headquarters became urgent when the structural failure on the existing Head Office became pronounced with more serious cracks showing on the building and portions of the structure falling off. Having been apprised of the nature of the Head Office building on Thorpe Road through a Condition Survey by the Estate Office, the Bank commissioned ESPCo, a third-party Engineering Firm to undertake a Structural Integrity Audit of the facility, which revealed that the current Bank of Ghana Head Office, built by the Nkrumah Government in the late 1950s was no longer fit for purpose and could not withstand any major earth tremors.

    v. The Board of the Bank at its 662nd Regular Meeting directed the Corporate Management and Services Department (CMSD) of the Bank by a decision dated 18th December 2019 to initiate all proper processes for the development of a New Corporate Headquarters for the Bank.

    vi. Subsequently, the Bank went through the required processes to acquire a parcel of land at West Ridge, which was previously owned by the State Insurance Company (SIC). The land was compulsorily acquired by the Government of Ghana by Executive Instrument, 2020 E.I 304 for the New Bank of Ghana Headquarters, a building of national interest. The compulsory acquisition process started in 2019 and the Executive Instrument was published and gazetted in 2020.

    Approval from Public Procurement Authority

    • The need to procure a highly complex Central Bank accommodation meeting national security considerations, as well as the Bank’s highly classified information security needs, informed the selection of the firms. The Bank wrote to the PPA on 14th January 2020, for approval to use the Restricted Tender Method. This procurement method was on the basis of national security considerations. The following firms, known to be operating in Ghana, were shortlisted:
      o MAN Enterprise

    o WBHO Ghana Ltd

    o De Simone Ltd

    o Goldkey Properties Ltd

    o Ronesans Construction

    • Ronesans Construction, though not wholly Ghanaian, had partnered with David Walter Limited a local partner, during the tendering process.
    • The PPA by a letter dated 29th January 2020 conveyed the Board’s approval to the Bank of Ghana. This approval to use the shortlisted contractors for the Restricted Tender, also revised downward the estimated cost of the project from USD100,857,942.48 to USD81,882,640.00 without any justification.

    Solicitation of Tenders

    • Invitation letters to the Tenderers with the Request for Proposal (RFP) documents were issued to shortlisted firms on 21st February 2020.
    • A Pre-Bid Conference for Tenderers was held on 19th March 2020.
    • The RFP was reviewed after the initial pre-bid conference and re-issued on 4th May 2020 to the Tenderers.
    • Tender submission was revised to 5th June 2020 with another pre-bid conference held on 13th May 2020.
    • In view of the COVID-19 restrictions, the Bank by a letter dated 22nd May 2020 issued addenda and revised the deadline for tender submission to 19th June 2020.
    • Tenders were opened on 19th June 2020 at 11am in the presence of all relevant stakeholders and Tenderers who chose to be present.
    • The tenders were evaluated between 6th – 17th July 2020.

    Approvals

    • After evaluation of tenders were received, the Entity Tender Committee (ETC) of the Bank at its meeting held on 6th August 2020 considered Tender Evaluation Panel’s recommendation and approved the award of contract for the project to Messrs. Goldkey Properties Limited at the cost of $121,078,517.94, the least cost evaluated bid, under Turnkey (Design and Build) contract arrangements.
    • The ETC further directed for concurrent approval to be sought from the Central Tender Review Committee (CTRC) of the Ministry of Finance.
    • The PPA in a response to the Bank’s letter dated 31st August 2020 reviewed the initial PPA approved estimated amount from USD81,882,640.00 to USD121,078,517.94.
    • The CTRC on 4th September 2020 granted concurrent approval to the Bank to engage the recommended Tenderer, Messrs. Goldkey Properties Limited at a contract price of USD121,078,517.94 under Turnkey (Design and Build) contract arrangements, which was the least evaluated bid.

    Contract Award

    • After a series of pre-contract meetings on contract agreements, the Bank signed a contract with the Contractor on 26th November 2020 for the Construction of a Corporate Headquarters for the Bank via Turnkey in 30months (6 months for design, 24 months for construction).

    Commencement of Project

    • The project site was formally handed over to the Contractor in March 2021 for commencement of preliminary site works and designs.

    Engagement of Employer’s Representative

    • The Bank’s search on all iconic projects at the time such as the KIA Terminal 3, SU Towers, Ecobank Head Office, Standard Chartered Head Office, Cal Bank Building, MTN Head Office, 335 Place and other emerging projects such as the ABSA Bank Building pointed in the direction of several firms, some of which were not based in Ghana, others which had local representatives and some local experts.
    • The following were invited to express interest in leading the Bank’s project in the area of project management commensurate with the level of complexity of the Bank’s building:
    • Profica
    • GHC Africa
    • Diagonal
    • DAR
    • AECOM
    • MULTICAD

    Following a scrutiny of their profiles, the Bank settled on MULTICAD, a Ghanaian consultancy firm which had partnered other consultants in all the identified projects.

    In July 2021 the Bank invited a proposal from MULTICAD to be considered for single source based on the following:

    • Demonstrable experience and association in managing projects of similar nature; Fidelity Bank Head Office Annex, the Octagon, Standard Chartered Bank Head Office, Accra Mall, Kumasi City Mall, Achimota Mall, SU Tower, 335 Place, Oxford Street Mall, Tulip Inn and others.
    • Technical team of experts in the fields of Engineering, Cost Management, Building Information Modeling (BIM), ICT, Health, Safety & Environmental Impact (HSE).
    • MULTICAD’s profile, which also includes details of its company registration, were scrutinized and same submitted to PPA for review.

    In addition to MULTICAD’s outstanding project portfolio, the main consideration for adopting the single source was hinged on Section 40 (f) of the PPA: “where the procurement entity applies this Act for Procurement that concerns national security and determines that single source procurement is the most appropriate method of procurement.”

    • MULTICAD is numbered in the topmost tier of Architecture and Multi-Disciplinary Consulting Firms in Ghana, in rigorous practice for more than 29 years. MULTICAD’s registration date, boldly cited on its RGD Certificate is 11th July 1994. A re-registration was done on 10th December 2021.
    • MULTICAD’s vast portfolio of diverse projects is primarily focused on the commercial and industrial sectors with a well-known reputation for handling projects other firms are incapable or unwilling to take on. The firm’s portfolio ranges from humble tasks through shopping malls and offices to midtown and peri-urban satellite cities. The firm has been involved in most large commercial retail projects and most notable Grade “A” office buildings executed in the country.
    • MULTICAD was adjudged uniquely qualified in its knowledge of the larger cultural context of the local design and execution environment and its depth of knowledge of the statutory context and having been partners in design and execution of several notable buildings afforded the Bank de-risked fluent Project Design Management and Construction oversight.
    • A consultancy fee of 3.36% of the contract sum (translating into USD3,450,417.00) was negotiated, mindful of the Ministry of Works & Housing’s recommended threshold of 16.5%. MULTICAD, has since their engagement, lived up to expectation by adequately representing the Bank’s interest in delivering the project.

    Design and Cost Reviews

    The initial design proposals projected a gross floor area of 73,000 sq.m with the following details:
     25-storey Tower Block

     4-storey car parking facility,

    The need to reconfigure the spatial requirements in order to meet all relevant statutory requirements and functionality of the building resulted in modification of the initial design concept to the current gross floor area in excess of 100,000sq.m.

    The project consists of three main blocks namely the Tower, Urban and Amenities Blocks including basements, podium and ancillary facilities.

    • Tower Block – 20-Storey Tower Block
    • Urban Block – 8-Storey Urban Block
    • Amenities Block – 6-Storey Amenities Block
    • Podium – Upper Ground
    • Podium –Lower Ground
    • Basements – Three (3) level basement car parking areas
    • Ancillary facilities
    • Energy Farm
    • Treatment plants
    • Security Gate Houses

    Key Design Considerations:

    • In addition to meeting the requirements of all relevant building codes, the building has incorporated Sustainable Design Concepts, such as energy conservation, water conservation, material selection, recycling and reuse of waste (liquid and solid), humane adaptation, etc.
    • The design satisfies the EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies) green standard. Minimum certification shall be EDGE

    Advanced

    • The Design’s innovative damping design approach adopted ensures Seismic and wind loads are to be resisted.
    • The building’s design deploys a Building Management System (BMS) to monitor key energy and utility infrastructure.
    • The ETC of the Bank at its meeting held on 19th December 2022 considered and approved the design review and revised project cost of USD2,068.00/m2. This figure compares favourably with data from the Africa Property & Construction Cost Guide 2021/22 (USD2,658/m2) and 2022/23 (USD2,720.00/m2) as average construction costs for Prestige High Rise Office spaces in Africa.
    • Even though the comparable data from the Africa Property & Construction Cost Guide relates to Prestige High Rise Office spaces, the unique features of a Central Bank (including vaults and security installations) rank higher than the considerations for the former. This makes the figure for the Bank’s building more competitive.
    • CTRC subsequently granted concurrent approval for the revised scope of works at cost of USD2,068.00/m2 on 17th January 2023.
    • The Bank was guided by all legal requirements in going through all the processes from inception to its current state. All internal due diligence protocols were strictly adhered to.

    Current Project Progress Update

    Up to 13th Floor slab casting completed.

    Upper Roof Slab casting completed.

    Upper Ground slab Casting completed.

    Internal blockwork ongoing at various levels in both Tower and Urban blocks.

    Mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) first fixes ongoing at various levels

    The Project is expected to be completed in September 2024.

  • Lewis Hall heads to Newcastle United on loan

    Lewis Hall heads to Newcastle United on loan

    Newcastle United have secured the services of defender Lewis Hall from Chelsea on a season-long loan. This arrangement includes an obligation for the Magpies to permanently sign him next summer, contingent on performance-related criteria.

    A lifelong Newcastle United supporter, Lewis Hall becomes the fifth addition to St. James’ Park during this summer transfer window, and he will be wearing the number 20 shirt.

    At just 18 years old, Hall is considered one of Chelsea’s most promising Academy graduates. He boasts 12 senior appearances for the Blues, which notably include starts in both Premier League encounters against Newcastle United last season.

    In recognition of his achievements, he was named Chelsea’s Academy Player of the Year for the 2022/23 season. It’s worth noting that this honor was also bestowed upon Tino Livramento just two years prior.

    Lewis Hall received the award in a ceremony on the pitch at Stamford Bridge before a 1-1 draw against Newcastle United in May.

    Lewis said: “I’m very proud. Me and my family are Newcastle fans, and for me and my brother growing up, it was drilled into us that we were Newcastle. It’s a big club and I can’t wait to get started.

    “I got a lot of experience last year in some big fixtures and I was really proud of the way I progressed as a player and a person. To now be here at Newcastle, the club that I’ve supported since I was a kid, I’m honoured and very proud to wear this shirt.

    “It’s very exciting. When you look back on last season and the way the team performed – not just the results, but the performances the team were putting in – it was amazing.

    “There’s so many talented players and we’ve got the Champions League now as well so there’s many different competitions that I know the team will be wanting to do well in, and hopefully get a trophy or two as well.”

    Newcastle United head coach, Eddie Howe, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Lewis to Newcastle United.

    “He is a player we have tracked closely, as have a number of clubs, so it’s very pleasing to secure him and to add a player of his quality, versatility and high potential to our squad.

    “I’d like to thank everyone involved for their tireless work to bring in the players we have.

    “A lot of time, effort and resource goes into a transfer window, but we have a real togetherness at all levels here and I appreciate that teamwork and support.”

  • ECOWAS opposes 3-year transition plan by Niger junta

    ECOWAS opposes 3-year transition plan by Niger junta

    The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has rejected a proposal put forth by Niger’s military junta, which suggested holding elections within three years.

    This rejection prolongs a political deadlock that could potentially trigger military intervention if no consensus is reached following the July coup.

    Since the coup on July 26th in Niger, which marks the seventh such incident in West and Central Africa within three years, ECOWAS and other international powers have been working to find diplomatic solutions.

    However, numerous attempts at dialogue were rebuffed. ECOWAS, taking a firmer stance on Niger than its neighboring junta-led nations, activated a regional military force prepared to intervene if negotiations prove fruitless.

    Just one day before the junta eventually agreed to meet an ECOWAS delegation in Niamey, the capital, ECOWAS reaffirmed its commitment to this threat, indicating its readiness to act if talks falter.

    In a televised address to the nation on Saturday, General Abdourahamane Tiani, the leader of the junta, expressed the junta’s ongoing willingness to engage in dialogue.

    Nevertheless, he also mentioned the junta’s intention to consider a transition back to democracy within a three-year timeframe, echoing the extended timelines proposed by other coup leaders in the region.

    ECOWAS Commissioner Abdel-Fatau Musah affirmed on Monday that the bloc’s position remains unchanged.

    “Release Bazoum without preconditions, restore constitutional order without further delay,” he said, referring to Niger’s ousted president, Mohamed Bazoum. He spoke via WhatsApp in response to a query about the proposed elections delay.

    The outcome of the “ongoing informal discussions” will be pivotal in determining whether ECOWAS will dispatch another mediation mission to Niger, as stated by ECOWAS Commissioner Abdel-Fatau Musah.

    The regional bloc’s credibility has been at risk due to a recent series of coups that have undermined democracy in the region. These events have cast doubt on ECOWAS’ influence, especially as junta leaders have clung to power and often requested extended periods of preparation before holding elections.

    Notably, ECOWAS imposed sanctions on Mali last year when interim authorities failed to organize promised elections. These sanctions were lifted only after a new deadline for elections in 2024 was agreed upon.

    Burkina Faso has also committed to reinstating civilian rule next year, while Guinea recently reduced its transition period to 24 months after pressure from ECOWAS.

    Niger has already faced a barrage of international sanctions following the coup, including sanctions from ECOWAS, exacerbating the economic challenges in one of the world’s poorest nations.

  • Suspected human trafficking: Police arrest 2, save 12 and seize 15 laptops at Kpone

    Suspected human trafficking: Police arrest 2, save 12 and seize 15 laptops at Kpone

    The Tema regional police command, in collaboration with military personnel, has uncovered a suspected human trafficking syndicate operating in the Sebrepor community within the Kpone Katamanso Municipality of the Greater Accra region.

    During this operation, which occurred on August 20, 2023, two individuals from West African countries were apprehended.

    These suspects were allegedly holding 12 other nationals in what residents describe as a form of bondage, as reported by Myjoyonline.com.

    Furthermore, the police discovered 15 laptops in a five-bedroom house. This residence was allegedly being used to exploit 12 Nigerians, aged between 18 and 30, who were reportedly coerced into participating in cybercrime activities and subjected to harsh treatment.

    Residents in the area had been dealing with disturbing noise disturbances for a period of time. Their concerns prompted them to alert the police, ultimately leading to the apprehension of 14 individuals.

    During an interview with JoyNews, one resident detailed the events that unfolded in the area, ultimately resulting in the arrests.

    “When the two police motorbikes arrived and forced their way into the house, they discovered twelve individuals who seemed hungry, their complexion almost pale, as though they were held captive. It was a dire situation. They were placed there, hungry. If they didn’t secure clients, hunger awaited. They needed to work and deceive clients online before they could eat.

    “It was undoubtedly against their will. One of the victims mentioned that they were confined there without food,” a resident said according to Myjoyonline.com.

    The Assembly Member representing the Sebrepor Electoral Area, Prince Jacob Adjorvor, confirmed the report and emphasized that it was through the collaborative efforts of both the police and military personnel that the suspected kidnappers were apprehended.

    “A combined team of police and military personnel was called in; we reached an agreement and proceeded. Upon entry, we counted 12 young men, along with their alleged leader, and approximately 15 laptops. These items were seized and subsequently transferred to the Emefs Police Station,” Myjoyonline.com quoted him as having said.

    The Tema regional police command is probing the case to establish the facts of the matter and deal with the suspects if found guilty.

  • NAFCo to revamp abandoned silos, build new warehouses prior to PFJ grain harvest

    NAFCo to revamp abandoned silos, build new warehouses prior to PFJ grain harvest

    The National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCo) has announced a collaboration with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to build additional warehouses throughout the country.

    This partnership is driven by the objective of increasing grain storage capacity to prevent food shortages, particularly in senior high schools.

    Speaking at a press briefing in Accra, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NAFCo, Hanan Abdul-Wahab, emphasized the necessity of constructing more warehouses in anticipation of a substantial grain harvest resulting from the government’s Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ) initiative.

    “We have not just warehouses, but silos for long-term storage. There is currently an ongoing visit to all the abandoned silos, because, with the Food and Jobs (PFJ) phase two, we are going to have a lot of grains to store for Ghana.”

    For over two months now, NAFCO and the National Food Suppliers Association have been embroiled in a dispute regarding unpaid arrears totaling GHÂą200 million.

    These arrears pertain to food supplies made to various senior high schools across the country. It is noteworthy that approximately 85% of this outstanding amount has been settled, with the remaining 15% still pending.

    During the height of this dispute in July, members of the association resorted to picketing at NAFCO’s premises, where unfortunately, two of them fell ill before they received their due payments.

    In a recent interview, the spokesperson for the disgruntled members, Kwaku Amedume, revealed that the government still owes association members over GHÂą300 million for food deliveries made in 2023.

  • ‘Your palace is like a kiosk painted red, gold and green’ – Sub chiefs tell Abuontemhene

    ‘Your palace is like a kiosk painted red, gold and green’ – Sub chiefs tell Abuontemhene

    Destooled Chief of Abuontem, Nana Kwaku Duah II, appeared to have lived in a palace not befitting of his status.

    This emerged on Monday, August 21, 2023, when Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, issued a decree for the removal of Nana Kwaku Duah II, the chief of Abuontem.

    This decision came after Nana Duah failed to provide a defense against charges brought against him during a session of the Asanteman Traditional Council, presided over by Otumfuo.

    The charges against Nana Duah included his defiance of Otumfuo’s directives by accessing a land under litigation despite a court injunction. He was also accused of engaging in indiscriminate land sales and failing to promote development in Abuontem.

    As is customary during proceedings at the Manhyia Palace, various subchiefs were given the opportunity to express their opinions and offer counsel to His Majesty based on the facts presented.

    In the case of Nana Kwaku Duah II, nearly all the chiefs who spoke advocated for his removal, citing his failure to fulfill his duties. Others strongly criticized his behavior, both as a chief and as a servant of Otumfuo.

    “What we the Nifa chiefs have to say is that he has defied the sacred orders of Asantehene. He (Otumfuo) issued an injunction on the land and he defied it. On three occasions, even the developers who are not chiefs dared not to defy Asantehene’s order but for someone who has been given a post by Asantehene you dared to enter the land.

    “When the committee queried you, you claimed that Asantehene has ruled in your favour. Would the Asantehene have set up a committee if he had ruled on the matter?

    “You have been a chief for 37 good years, making you one of the most experienced chiefs in this house, we should be learning from you. But you rather joked with the orders of the Asantehene.

    Aside from that, they spoke with utter disgust the current state of the palace Nana Kwaku Duah II lived in.

    “My lord, if you go and see the palace he lives in you will be marveled. It is worse than a kiosk that is painted in red, gold and green colours. Even schools in his community are not in a good state.

    “He has left the community and resides in Asafo where he rules from. My Lord, he has gone beyond pardon so please sack him,” the spokesperson of the Nifahene group stated.

  • James Dadson bows out as Lands Commission Executive Secretary

    James Dadson bows out as Lands Commission Executive Secretary

    The Executive Secretary of the Lands Commission, Surv. James Ebo Dadson, after 30 years of outstanding service, has officially bowed out and gracefully handed over the baton to Mr. Benjamin Arthur as the new Executive Secretary of the Lands Commission. 

    In a brief handover ceremony that took place at the Commission on Monday, August 21st, 2023, Hon. Benito Owusu-Bio, representing the Lands Minister, Samuel A. Jinapor, extended commendations for the significant accomplishments achieved by the outgoing Executive Secretary.

    Mr Owusu-Bio praised Surv. Dadson’s notable contributions to the advancement of land administration in the nation. Notably, he disclosed that Mr. Dadson would continue his contributions as a Consultant at the Ministry, aiding in the transformation of the land system within the country.

    Mr Owusu-Bio encouraged the Commission’s staff to provide unwavering support to the new Executive Secretary and to collaborate harmoniously to ensure his success.

    Surv. James Dadson, in turn, expressed gratitude to the Lands Minister and the Commission for granting him the opportunity to serve the nation. He highlighted the pivotal role that teamwork and diligent effort played in his achievements, underscoring the importance of these principles across the Commission’s various departments.

    He expressed optimism that the strong bonds forged among colleagues would persist even in his absence, thereby enhancing work output and further instilling public trust.

    On his part, the new Acting Executive Secretary, Mr. Ben Arthur, accepted the responsibility with profound appreciation and assured the gathering of his readiness to achieve even greater accomplishments.

    During the ceremony, the Chairman of the Lands Commission Board, along with Directors and other staff members, took turns offering well wishes to both the departing and incoming Executive Secretaries. Others also shared cherished memories and experiences they had with Mr. James Dadson as he embarked on this new phase.

  • Gambling is affecting our children’s education – NYA

    Gambling is affecting our children’s education – NYA

    Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Youth Authority (NYA), Pius Enam Hadzide, has expressed enthusiasm regarding the government’s recent introduction of a 10% tax on winnings from betting and lotteries.

    He highlighted that this tax serves as a deterrent to gambling, particularly among the youth.

    During an interview on Citi TV’s program, “The Point of View,” on Monday, he emphasized the importance of this tax in discouraging youth engagement in gambling.

    Mr. Hadzide pointed out that it is vital for a nation to steer its youth away from excessive involvement in gambling, as it poses risks to their well-being.

    “We have been concerned about the increasing incidences of gambling that is affecting even the education of children. Our assessment is that when you go to many of these betting sites, you see young people in uniforms betting. We have developed the culture that the Ghanaian is known as one who is hardworking, one who is committed to decent work and honest work. Those are our values. This idea of young people attempting to get rich quick is a dangerous path to chart for any country in the long term.”

    “So we have always advocated that the government should take steps to discourage gambling. We were looking at both legislative and physical measures, such as tax measures, to discourage and disincentivize people from indulging in excessive betting, especially now that our own research has indicated that the vast majority of the youth in our country are drifting into that area. In our view, it is a ticking time bomb. So we applaud the government because we have brought up this matter before past and present officers of state, and we are excited that the government is finally listening to us and implementing measures to disincentivize gambling.”

    In a related development, Mr. Hadzide has taken a strong stance against the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) for their critique of the newly imposed 10% betting tax.

    The government’s introduction of this tax, as part of its revenue generation efforts, has faced significant criticism and raised concerns.

    The NDC’s youth wing, led by National Youth Organizer George Opare Addo, issued a statement outlining a series of actions aimed at pressuring the government to revoke the 10% betting tax.

    The party perceives this taxation policy as onerous, with adverse effects on both the country’s youth and the broader betting industry.

    Speaking on Eyewitness News with Selorm Adonoo, Pius Hadzide stated, “I am pretty much scandalized listening to the NDC, with the impression they are creating. If there is a problem with employment, in the NDC’s view, young people should resort to betting as a means of resolving whatever challenges young people are confronted with. I am scandalized.”

    “Let me just place on record that it is not just the Majority Leader Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, who has issues with betting and what betting can do to the value system of any country. Even the Minority Leader, Ato Forson, has called on the state to ban all forms of betting.”

    The CEO of the NYA lambasted the NDC for instigating the youth to fight the government.

  • Our party politics is not healthy – Archbishop Duncan-Williams

    Founder of Action Chapel International, Archbishop Duncan-Williams, has called upon the government of Ghana to prioritize a national agenda that promotes the continuation of projects initiated by previous administrations.

    In a sermon delivered during a Sunday service at his church, the Archbishop emphasized that individuals should not be appointed to positions of authority solely based on their political loyalty, especially if they lack the required qualifications for the roles.

    “The fact that you are loyal to your party and you help your party to win an election does not mean you have the capacity to govern with your party.

    “If people are not part of your party but they have the capacity to do something to advance the course of the country, you must give them the opportunity for the sake of the good of the country,” he emphasised.

    The statement from the esteemed pastor aims to draw attention to the governance approach employed by former President John Agyekum Kufuor, which, in his view, has not been consistently upheld by the subsequent John Mahama administration and the present Akufo-Addo-led government.

    Regarding the matter of unfinished projects, the Archbishop voiced his concerns about how the absence of continuity in governance has diminished the fundamental principles of democracy on the continent.

    “As a nation, we must have a national agenda that compels every political party in our country to work together so that when any party comes into office, it is not your manifesto or agenda that matters but what matters is a national agenda that allows for continuity because what we are doing now is not sustainable.

    “We are allowing strangers, foreigners to come into this country and to prosper and to do well while the citizens are not doing well because of the way we are managing our democracy. Our party politics is not healthy,” he said.

    On this, the revered man of God said “So we don’t have sustainable wealth because everyone is waiting for an opportunity so that they can come in and when they come in they destroy the other party’s members because they were destroyed.

    “So if you are NDC and NPP comes into office, the members of NPP will have to bankrupt your business, kill your business and you go into exile and you suffer so NDC waits and when they come into the office they go after all the businessman of NPP and finish them.

    “It has become a vicious cycle, what we are doing is not sustainable and we are doing it in the name of democracy, that is not democracy.”

    Archbishop Duncan-Williams also condemned party sympathizers who amass wealth when their parties come to power at the expense of citizens.

    “I am not impressed with what is going on. With this thing where people don’t work or create anything, but they are sitting down only to wait for their party to come so they can get a deal.”

  • Spain’s Olga Carmona got hit by news of father’s death after World Cup final

    Spain’s Olga Carmona got hit by news of father’s death after World Cup final

    Spain defender Olga Carmona received the devastating news of her father’s passing just moments after her goal helped secure victory against England in the Women’s World Cup final on Sunday, August 20, 2023.

    The 23-year-old’s first-half goal proved to be the decider, leading Spain to their maiden Women’s World Cup title.

    After scoring the winning goal, Carmona celebrated by lifting her shirt to reveal the message “Merchi,” paying tribute to a friend who had recently lost her mother.

    However, Carmona, who plays for Real Madrid, received heartbreaking news after the match when she was informed that her father had also passed away.

    According to the Spanish FA, the player’s father had died on Friday, but her family chose not to share this news with her before the final to avoid distracting her from the game.

    Carmona shared a tribute to her late father on Twitter. She wrote “And without knowing it, I had my Star before the game started,” 

    “I know that you have given me the strength to achieve something unique. I know that you have been watching me tonight and that you are proud of me. Rest in peace, dad.”

    The Spanish FA also wrote on the same social media platform: “We send out most sincere hugs to Olga and her family in a moment of deep pain. We love you, Olga, you are the history of Spanish football.”

    Real Madrid added that their “condolences and love” were with Carmona and her family.