SolarAfrica Energy and Starsight Energy have successfully completed their merger to form a pan-African clean energy platform.
This platform aims to provide both on-site and off-site renewable energy solutions to commercial and industrial clients across the continent.
According to a statement from Mr. Paul van Zijl, Group CEO, the merged entity is well-positioned to offer a comprehensive range of cost-effective solutions that ensure power security and carbon reduction for a diverse range of customers.
The merger was supported by Helios Investment Partners and African Infrastructure Investment Managers, both renowned for their long-standing commitment to fostering African innovation through investment.
The combined solutions portfolio will facilitate simplified and sustainable access to power for customers throughout Africa.
This portfolio encompasses solar energy, battery storage, energy management, and wheeling services, all of which will be operated and maintained on the customer’s behalf.
The newly merged Group’s overarching mission is to enhance access to affordable power.
By capitalizing on the efficiencies gained from this merger, the Group intends to expand its customer base and lead them towards a greener energy journey, fulfilling their power needs while contributing to a sustainable future.
Mr Paul van Zijl, Group CEO, said, “The supply of renewable energy in Sub-Saharan Africa is relatively fragmented with several suppliers in the market. This merger is a substantial step for us and will provide a true pan-African platform to deliver clean renewable energy in key economies.”
The merged Group now boasts an aggregated portfolio of both installed and contracted solar power generation, totaling 520 MW, along with 60 MWh of battery storage. Additionally, the Group holds an extensive energy pipeline that surpasses 2 GW.
This impressive portfolio has already resulted in a noteworthy carbon offset, effectively reducing CO2 emissions by over 360,000 tonnes up to the present.
“This merger will enhance our current capabilities and allow us to deploy Energy and Cooling as a Service on a much larger scale. This is therefore a story of growth. Not only for Starsight Energy and SolarAfrica but also for the renewable energy landscape in Africa,” Mr Van Zijl added.
Apart from its established presence in significant markets such as Ghana, Kenya, Namibia, Nigeria, and South Africa, the Group is in the process of extending its reach to Tanzania and Uganda.
The Group brings an array of renewable energy solutions to the forefront, prioritizing solar energy, battery storage, and cooling technologies.
“We do not believe in a fly-in fly-out model and will have ‘boots on the ground’ in our geographies. Our country teams consist of dedicated in-country management as well as sales and technical teams who represent our ethos, whilst being supported by the wider group management,” said Mr Van Zijl.
Mr Charl Alheit, Group Chief Investment Officer, said, “We are excited about making a meaningful contribution to power supply on the continent through our on- and off-site solutions. This will help take pressure off national grids which have been under significant strain in many of the core African markets.”
He mentioned that extending these solutions to a wider range of businesses could significantly contribute to the development of distributed renewable energy frameworks in each of these regions.
The merged entity will maintain a robust presence in the individual countries, bolstering its influence across the African continent.
The group will also uphold its regional management setups, with David McDonald overseeing Southern Africa, Emmanuel Ayifa Baah heading Ghana, Ladi Sanni leading Nigeria, and Rupesh Hindocha guiding East Africa.
According to Mr Dodoo, the pensions for the deceased pensioners had already been halted upon notification of their passing, even before the audit was conducted.
In an interview with the Ghana News Agency, Dodoo addressed the Department’s response to the allegations in the Auditor-General’s Report, which implicated CAGD in unauthorized payments to deceased pensioners.
He explained that the referenced report mentioned a section of management’s communication regarding military pensioners who had passed away. However, information about their deaths had not been promptly conveyed to the Department for the necessary removal of their names.
Dodoo emphasized that while the widows of the deceased military personnel were eligible for widows’ pension, the Department took steps to eliminate the names of the deceased individuals.
Additionally, a recovery process was initiated to recoup any overpayments by adjusting the monthly benefits payable to the widows.
“The process of recovery from the widows was in progress,” Mr Dodoo added.
Mr Dodoo said the business process for pension payroll administration required CAP 30 institutions to provide inputs to CAGD for the payments of benefits to pensioners.
“When a pensioner dies the institution or families of the deceased equally have the responsibility of informing CAGD, unfortunately, information about the death of the 59 pensioners were delayed,” he added.
Mr Dodoo said even though the management letter on the subject matter acknowledged the difficulty of CAGD to stop the payments of benefits because of late reporting of the deceased, the publication failed to highlight this fact together with CAGD responses to the observation.
He indicated that, “it is our hope that the Birth and Death Registry will soon complete their digitalisation process and be integrated with the Pension Payroll System, which would enable deletion of pensioners as soon as death certificates were issued.”
Mr Dodoo stressed that CAGD had since July 2023, embarked on CAP 30 Pensioners Biometiric Data verification exercise which would enable them to link the NIA numbers to the pension database as part of many internal control interventions to enhance payroll integrity.
Hope Osaze, the third accused individual in the Ablekuma bullion van robbery case, was not presented in court on Thursday as scheduled.
He reportedly fainted in his cell earlier that morning and was swiftly taken to the Police Hospital for medical attention.
Meanwhile, the police have initiated “fresh investigations” into the bullion van attack, during which a police officer lost his life at Ablekuma Fanmilk in Accra. Four individuals have been apprehended for their involvement in the incident.
At the Kaneshie District Court, Chief Inspector Apewah Archana led the prosecution and stated that new suspects, Hope Osazae and Blessing Ijoma, were arrested in recent weeks, prompting the need for further investigation.
Previously, Benjamin Ojogbe and Rashid Abdul had been arraigned by the police after their arrests shortly after the incident.
The prosecution requested an extension of remand for the four accused individuals to enable the police to conclude their investigations and send the case file to the Office of the Attorney-General for legal advice.
The court, presided over by Nana Abena Asor Owusu Amenyo, adjourned the case to September 27, 2023.
Background
The accused, along with their accomplices, are alleged to have made away with GH¢145,163.08 following the robbery. They were apprehended by the police at Circle Railways in the act of enjoying themselves around 1:30 am.
Charges of conspiracy to commit murder and murder of Lance Corporal Calystus Amoah have been brought against them, though their pleas have not yet been taken.
The police officer was fatally shot multiple times in an apparent robbery attempt on the occupants of the bullion van at a fuel station in Ablekuma.
The Ghana Police Service indicated that the suspects trailed the van to a fuel station, where the deadly encounter transpired. The officer, situated in the front passenger seat for security purposes, was shot at close range.
Emma Raducanu has taken a significant stride in her recuperation from wrist and ankle surgeries, as she made her return to the practice court for the first time.
The 20-year-old had to skip both the French Open and Wimbledon tournaments due to surgeries on both of her wrists and one ankle, which were conducted in early May.
Although she has been undergoing rehabilitation in recent weeks, Raducanu achieved a significant milestone by resuming hitting practice at the National Tennis Centre in Roehampton on Wednesday.
Raducanu shared her practice session on Instagram, where she was seen hitting the ball gently with a practice partner. She captioned the post with, “August 2nd, THE FUN PART. 1st time back on court.”
Due to persistent injuries that have followed her remarkable victory at the 2021 US Open, Raducanu will not be able to participate in the upcoming tournament at Flushing Meadows. Instead, her return is anticipated during the autumn period, potentially in the Asia or European indoor swing.
Students from Nakpanduri Business Senior High School, Nakpanduri Presbyterian Senior High School, Bimbagu Senior High School, Kingdom Stars Academy, and University of Ghana students embarked on an educational visit to Parliament.
The engagement in a circular shared on Parliament’s Facebook page on Friday, August 4, aimed to enhance the students’ understanding of Parliamentary Proceedings and governance in Ghana.
The visit proved to be a fruitful experience, fostering meaningful conversations and promoting civic awareness among the participants.
Speaker Alban Bagbin commended the students for their wonderful performance and urged them to remain steadfast in all their endeavors.
He pledged his support to the students and assured them that he would advocate for the construction of better roads in their constituency.
Furthermore, he advised the students to embrace determination as it determines their destiny and encouraged them to stand out in all their endeavours.
Their visit follows, a viral video footage on social media showcasing the students’ practice of parliamentary proceedings.
In attendance were, Hon. Abednego Azumah, MP for Bunkrugu, Bandim, Hon. Zuweira Ibrahimah, the Member of Parliament for Salaga South, Hon. Oscar Liwaal, the Member of Parliament for Yunyoo, and Hon. Lamisi Lydia, the Member of Parliament for Timpani.
Hon. Abednego Azumah took the floor to acknowledge the various divisions within the parliament, specifically highlighting the pivotal role played by the Director of Public Engagement in ensuring the success of the event.
He emphasized the pressing need for improved road infrastructure in the constituency.
Andy Murray secured victory in his first match since his early exit from Wimbledon last month, allowing him to confront past challenges in Washington.
Following his defeat in the Wimbledon second round on July 6 against Stefanos Tsitispas, Murray returned to the court just four weeks later. This time, he aimed to enhance his readiness for the upcoming US Open and succeeded in defeating Brandon Nakashima in a straight-sets victory.
Ranked 44th in the world, Murray competed at a venue he is familiar with and managed to achieve his first win at the Citi Open since his emotional appearance there in 2018.
Five years ago, following a win against Marius Copil, a tearful Andy Murray limped off the court and was forced to withdraw from a scheduled quarter-final match against Alex de Minaur due to exhaustion.
In 2018, Murray’s persistent hip injury troubled him during his time in Washington, ultimately leading to hip resurfacing surgery that revitalized his career a few months later.
Last year, the two-time Wimbledon champion faced a first-round defeat to Mikael Ymer at the Citi Open. However, he managed to break his losing streak at the tournament by securing a 7-6 (5), 6-4 victory over Brandon Nakashima in the round of 32.
Fellow British player Dan Evans also achieved a victory in Washington, joining his compatriot in the winning column.
— Mubadala Citi DC Open (@mubadalacitidc) August 2, 2023
Dan Evans displayed a resilient performance as he rallied from a set down to defeat Gregoire Barrere, securing his spot in the next round. The 33-year-old managed to secure a hard-fought victory with a scoreline of 2-6, 6-0, 6-3, breaking his streak of three consecutive defeats in the first rounds of Queen’s Club, Wimbledon, and Atlanta over the past two months.
However, Liam Broady was unable to replicate the success of Murray and Evans as he faced a defeat at the hands of Tallon Griekspoor, with a final score of 6-4, 6-2.
The Death Penalty Project UK has commended the Rt. Hon. Speaker, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin and Parliament for their roles in the repeal of the death penalty from Ghana’s statute books.
It will be recalled that the Parliament of Ghana on Tuesday, July 25 2023, and Thursday, July 27 2023, passed the Criminal and Other Offenses (Amendment) Bill, 2022, and Armed Forces (Amendment) Bill, 2022, to substitute life imprisonment for the death Penalty.
These amendments which has been described globally by Human Rights watchers as historic were proposed by a private member who is a Human Rights and Public Interest Lawyer and Member of Parliament for Madina Constituency, Hon. Francis-Xavier Kojo Sosu.
Prior to the amendments, the proposal had received widespread support from key stakeholders including the President of the Republic of Ghana, the Chief Justice and Justices of the Supreme Court, The Ghana Armed Forces, the Police and Prison Services, Religious Organisations, Civil Society Organisations, Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, and the Diplomatic Community.
During a visit to Parliament, Executive Director of the Death Penalty Project UK, Saul Lehrfreund, said “As a Project, we will like to thank the Parliament of Ghana and especially Rt. Hon. Speaker for his historic leadership and guidance without which Parliament may not have been able to take these bold steps.”
The passage of the Bills form part of efforts by the 8th Parliament to ensure the realization of a free, open, prosperous, inclusive and secure society, where individual rights and freedoms and the dignity of All persons are truly respected and guaranteed as enshrined in Article 15 of the 1992 Constitution.
Following passage of the Bills, Ghana has now become the 29th African country to abolish the death Penalty from its statute books for ordinary offenses following neighbours including Sierra Leone, Zambia, Benin, Ivory Coast, Senegal, Togo, Burkina Faso, Chad and Equatorial Guinea, among others.
Andrew Tate, a controversial influencer, has been released from house arrest in Romania while awaiting trial on charges of rape and human trafficking.
In March, Andrew and his brother Tristan were arrested and subsequently charged in June with these offenses, which they both deny.
Under the current arrangement, the siblings are permitted to move freely within the city of Bucharest and the adjacent Ilfov district where they reside.
However, they are required to adhere to certain conditions, including reporting to the police as directed and informing them about any changes in their address.
Additionally, the brothers are prohibited from contacting their two Romanian associates who are also implicated in the case, as well as the witnesses, alleged victims, or their families.
Non-compliance with these stipulations could result in a return to house arrest or preventative detention.
For the next 60 days, a judge will monitor their adherence to these conditions.
“We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the Romanian judicial system for their fair consideration,” a spokesperson for the brothers said in a statement after the ruling.
“This positive outcome gives us confidence that more favourable developments are on the horizon.”
Tate, a Muslim convert, also tweeted in response to the ruling, condemning charges that were “based on nothing” and which a judge had deemed “weak and circumstantial”.
The brothers were initially taken into custody at their residence in December and then placed under house arrest after three months.
According to the indictment, Andrew and Tristan, along with two female Romanian associates, allegedly formed an organized criminal group in 2021 with the intent to engage in human trafficking activities within Romania and other nations, including the United States and the United Kingdom.
The indictment specifies seven purported victims who were allegedly recruited by the Tate brothers under false pretenses of love and marriage.
In 2016, Andrew Tate, a British-American former kickboxer, was removed from the British TV show Big Brother due to a video that appeared to depict him assaulting a woman.
He later gained notoriety online and faced Twitter suspension for making controversial statements suggesting that women should share responsibility for instances of sexual assault. His Twitter account has since been reinstated.
The National Labour Commission (NLC) has instructed the College of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG) to halt its strike and appear before the Commission for a scheduled hearing.
This directive came about as the leadership of CETAG failed to attend the NLC hearing on Wednesday, August 02, 2023, regarding their ongoing industrial action.
The NLC has further mandated CETAG to present themselves before the Commission on the upcoming Wednesday, August 09, 2023.
Emphasizing the ongoing engagements, the Commission emphasized that CETAG should terminate its industrial action.
According to the NLC, prior to the scheduled hearing, CETAG’s leadership communicated to the Commission that they had no issues with the NLC and therefore wouldn’t be appearing before it.
Beginning August 1, 2023, the Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana initiated an indefinite industrial strike due to the government’s failure to implement the “negotiated” conditions of service for their members.
In 2021, CETAG and the Government, facilitated by the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC), engaged in prolonged negotiations over fresh terms of service for CETAG members.
This compelled the National Labour Commission (NLC) to step in with Compulsory Arbitration following CETAG’s strike in January 2023.
At the culmination of the Compulsory Arbitration, the NLC issued an Arbitral Award Order on May 2, 2023, granting CETAG members new conditions of service effective from January 1, 2023.
The Association affirmed that after the NLC’s Compulsory Arbitral Award, the parties officially endorsed the negotiation agreement, which the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) conveyed to the Ministry of Finance (MoF) on May 26, 2023, for approval and implementation.
They asserted that despite their letters to the Ministry requesting immediate implementation of the negotiated terms, the Ministry of Finance (MoF) did not act on the FWSC’s letter along with the NLC’s Arbitral Orders.
In response to the apparent inaction, the Association’s members chose to withdraw their services from all 46 Colleges of Education, effective Monday, July 31, 2023, if the government did not honor the mutually agreed-upon negotiations.
In its mid-year 2023 earnings report, MTN Ghana, the prominent telecommunications company in Ghana, revealed that it allocated more than GHS2 billion towards improving its network and IT infrastructure during the initial half of 2023.
The investment was aimed at enhancing network quality.
CEO of MTN Ghana, Selorm Adadevoh, in his comments contained in the report said “Enhancements to the network and IT systems were made possible through an investment of GHS2.2 billion in total capex.”
He noted that MTN grew its 4G coverage to 99.3% of the population and rolled out 156 2G, 159 3G and 156 4G sites in the first half of 2023.
“Capex growth of 97.4% Year-on-Year was driven by acquisition of spectrum licenses, accelerated infrastructure deployment as well as an increase in International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS16) lease costs which was driven by inflation-induced escalations on tower lease agreements,” he added.
In line with its obligations to the Government and its agencies, MTN Ghana disclosed that it paid taxes, levies, and governmental agency fees amounting to 48% of its revenue.
Mr Selorm Adadevoh, reiterating the company’s commitment, emphasized that MTN Ghana is a compliant taxpayer and plays a significant role in Ghana’s fiscal and socioeconomic progress. In the first half of 2023, the company contributed GHS2.7 billion in direct and indirect taxes, along with GHS228 million in fees and levies to Governmental agencies.
Selorm Adadevoh assured stakeholders that MTN Ghana will continue investing in platform development, network enhancement, and service improvement to generate value in alignment with its Ambition 2025 strategy.
Regarding potential macroeconomic challenges, he expressed that the company will adopt efficiency measures, ensure liquidity, and exercise disciplined spending to mitigate business impact amid prevailing macroeconomic uncertainties.
Remaining committed to creating shared value, MTN Ghana advanced its social intervention initiatives and achieved significant progress in key projects. The CEO noted the company’s dedication to enhancing the lives of Ghanaians through sustainable socioeconomic interventions.
Notably, MTN Ghana made substantial strides in constructing a 60-bed maternity and neonatal center for the Keta Municipal Hospital and establishing a STEM robotics lab for the Mamfe Girls’ School. Completion and handover of these projects to appropriate authorities are anticipated in the second half of 2023.
MTN Ghana also announced adjustments in its market guidance on business performance over the medium term.
Selorm Adadevoh said “Going into the second half of 2023, we do take cognisance of the possible dampening effect on Ghana’s economy from upward inflationary pressures, risks from Ghana’s debt sustainability and currency volatility. However, based on the effective execution of our business strategy, MTN Ghana has revised its medium-term guidance upwards from low-twenties to high-twenties (in percentage terms) growth in service revenue.”
During the first half of 2023, MTN Ghana achieved a notable 27.9% rise in its profit after tax, amounting to GHS1.77 billion. Additionally, the company witnessed a 29.4% growth in earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA), totaling GHS3.5 billion. However, there was a slight 1.3 percentage points (pp) decrease in the EBITDA margin, settling at 56.1%.
Selorm Adadevoh attributed this commendable performance to the effective execution of commercial strategies, the pursuit of operational efficiencies, and the creation of shared value for various stakeholders.
These accomplishments were attained even in the face of a challenging macroeconomic landscape experienced in the first half of 2023.
Disturbing reports indicate that the daughter of the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of Bekwai, Hon Kwaku Kyei Baffour, has fallen victim to a fatal shooting by unidentified assailants.
The victim, identified as Akua Serwaa and believed to be around 30 years old, was tragically shot dead by unknown gunmen under circumstances that remain unclear.
This tragic incident unfolded at Bebu, near Kumasi in the Ashanti Region, on the evening of Thursday, August 3, 203, at approximately 8 pm.
While the police have confirmed the occurrence of this heartrending event, they have emphasized that ongoing investigations are aimed at uncovering the motives behind the attack.
As a somber development, the deceased’s body has been conveyed to the Bekwai Municipal Hospital morgue, awaiting the completion of an autopsy.
The bereaved family has yet to publicly address this grievous incident.
Formula One pundit Martin Brundle says Lewis Hamilton‘s Mercedes team is currently grappling with feelings of frustration and confusion, operating in what he termed “survival mode.”
In the recent Belgian Grand Prix, Hamilton secured a fourth-place finish, with his teammate George Russell coming in two places behind. Meanwhile, Max Verstappen of Red Bull clinched his eighth consecutive victory.
Despite holding the second position in the constructors’ championship as they head into the sport’s summer break, Mercedes is struggling to address the challenge of Hamilton’s 35-race losing streak.
This situation has left the team searching for answers and navigating a complex phase of uncertainty.
— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) July 30, 2023
In Spa-Francorchamps, the seven-time world champion faced another significant setback when a new upgrade for his car, featuring revised sidepods and a modified floor, seemingly led to the reemergence of porpoising – a bouncing motion of the car.
Following the race, Hamilton expressed his frustration, noting that his Mercedes was bouncing uncontrollably and likening the sensation to that experienced with last year’s car. This vehicle had resulted in his lowest championship finishing position in his career.
“Mercedes will be very frustrated,” said Brundle, 64. “Their car is on a knife edge to set up, to understand and to drive.
“They are surviving the season, as they did last year, and making the best of a bad situation because they are a great team.
“But I would imagine they are confused with this car. They promise a great result, get something special, then go to the next race with upgrades and fall off the pace.”
Over the last 19 months, Mercedes has only managed to secure a single victory, a stark contrast to their previous dominant performance that led to an unprecedented eight consecutive constructors’ titles. Russell disclosed that the team has been seeking inspiration from their previously triumphant machines.
Solid result to end a tough run of races. We know where we need to improve and will be back stronger in the second half of the season. For now, though, it's time for a break over summer. Thanks to the whole team for their hard work so far this year. Enjoy some well-earned rest.✌️ pic.twitter.com/kcrsytDBg6
“We are working really hard on the characteristics for next yea, and we are looking a lot at how the previous generation of cars were for Mercedes, the glory years, and using that as inspiration,” said Russell.
“Clearly they were some of the best cars in history. So that is giving us some pointers of where we need to aim for.
“I am sure we will be strong in the second half of the season. We have some little things coming after the break and I am confident we will secure second in the team championship and close the gap to Red Bull.”
In 2021, the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) experienced a significant decline in its financial performance, recording a loss of ¢1.913 billion, compared to a profit of ¢822.549 million in the previous year.
This signifies a substantial deterioration of 332.7% in the company’s financial standing.
Based on the 2022 Auditor General Report, the company’s total income saw a reduction of 13.7%, reaching ¢12.104 billion in 2021.
This decline in total income was primarily due to a decrease in government grants, which were payments made by the government to power generating entities on behalf of the Electricity Company of Ghana.
Additionally, the company incurred a direct cost of ¢12.104 billion in 2021, a decrease from the ¢14.03 billion recorded in 2020. However, the total expenditure witnessed a 6.1% increase, rising from ¢13.210 billion in 2020 to ¢14.018 billion in 2021.
This rise was largely attributed to higher expenses related to power purchases and transmission costs during the reviewed year.
Regarding its balance sheet, the company witnessed a 9.7% surge in Non-Current Assets, climbing from ¢20.468 billion in 2020 to ¢22.461 billion in 2021. This elevation was attributed to gains recognized through asset revaluation and the acquisition of additional property, plant, and equipment throughout the year.
Furthermore, there was a 2.2% uptick in current Assets, ascending from ¢8.064 billion in 2020 to ¢8.241 billion in 2021, primarily due to an increase in trade and other receivables.
Conversely, Current Liabilities experienced a notable 21.5% rise, advancing from ¢14.566 billion in 2020 to ¢17.698 billion in 2021, driven by an upsurge in trade and other payables.
The current ratio witnessed a decline from 0.6:1 in 2020 to 0.5:1 in 2021, indicating the company’s challenge in meeting its short-term financial obligations.
Fishermen at Teshie’s Sango Landing Beach are encountering a delay in resuming their fishing activities due to the absence of premix fuel supply after the conclusion of the closed fishing season.
This fuel scarcity has hindered their ability to set out on fishing expeditions, leaving them unable to operate for three days following the end of the closed season.
Nii Adjei Wawadzan, the Chief Fisherman at the beach, revealed that out of the 180 canoes present, only ten have managed to embark on fishing expeditions by purchasing fuel from alternative sources.
Despite the high costs associated with procuring fuel externally, the ten canoes that managed to secure fuel have encountered limitations in their fishing efforts as they are restricted by the fuel’s capacity for longer voyages.
The delayed arrival of premix fuel at Sango Landing Beach has adversely affected the local fishing community, impacting their ability to resume operations effectively.
Nii Wawadzan, who bemoaned the negative impact of the development on their livelihood, said they were unable to cater for their families because, “we have exhausted all we saved during the closed season” .
“Buying fuel other than the premix that is supplied to us is not sustainable,” he said.
“We have gone a whole month without fishing and any further delay in supplying us premix fuel will further exacerbate our situation,” he added.
A similar situation is observed in Jamestown and Chorkor, where fishermen are facing comparable challenges.
Fisherfolk in these areas have urgently called for swift action, emphasizing that their livelihoods are intricately linked to their fishing activities.
Due to the depletion of fish stocks in the sea, the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, following the regulations outlined in Section 84 of the Fisheries Act, 2002 (Act 625), established a closed fishing season.
This initiative, which is part of a broader strategy to rejuvenate fish stocks, also aims to ensure the sustainable management of fisheries resources.
During this period, canoe and inshore fishermen adhered to the closed season from July 1 to 31, while industrial trawlers are scheduled to observe it from July 1 to August 31.
FIFA has launched an investigation into a formal complaint alleging that Zambia’s head coach, Bruce Mwape, sexually assaulted a player during the Women’s World Cup.
The accusation claims that Mwape touched the chest of a player during a training session in New Zealand on July 29th.
“A complaint has been received,” a Fifa spokesperson said.
But the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) said “it has not received any such complaint” and it was a “surprise”.
The reported incident is said to have occurred during a training session just two days before Zambia’s last group match against Costa Rica. Zambia emerged victorious with a 3-1 score, marking their first-ever win at a World Cup.
Zambia have returned home, having been eliminated after finishing third in Group C.
“All the training sessions for the Copper Queens [Zambia] were filmed by the FAZ media team and offers no such footage,” the FAZ said.
“Additionally, a Fifa film crew attached to the Zambian team at the World Cup was present at all training sessions.
“We, however, wish to reassure the public that FAZ maintains the highest standards of integrity and transparency and always demands unwavering ethical conduct of the players and officials on and off the field of play.
“We therefore would not hesitate to take disciplinary measures and act on any misconduct once we are in receipt of an official complaint or when presented with evidence pertaining to an alleged incident.”
A New Zealand police spokesperson said: “We were made aware of an alleged incident and after making initial enquiries, no further action was required to be taken.”
Sexual abuse allegations against Mwape, who took charge in 2018, also emerged last year on social media. The FAZ said at the time that it had received no official complaint, but had opened an investigation, adding that “we consider these allegations very serious”.
Mwape was repeatedly asked about those allegations at the World Cup but he denied any wrongdoing and insisted they were “fake”.
Ethiopia’s cabinet has reached a consensus to declare a state of emergency in Amhara after days of clashes between local militias and the army in the restive area.
This decision comes shortly after Yilkal Kefale, the head of the Amhara region, urged the federal government to step in, citing the challenge of maintaining security through regular law enforcement methods.
Local militias, known as the Fano, reportedly have gained control over various towns, villages, and even some larger cities within the region.
Flights have been halted to at least two cities in the affected area, and mobile data services have been suspended.
The prime minister’s office released a statement stating that the region’s constitutional order was at risk, justifying the need for the declaration of a state of emergency.
However, the decision is pending approval by the parliament in order to become effective.
Marcus Rashford has shared that Wayne Rooney is actively encouraging him to surpass his record for the most goals scored at Manchester United.
Wayne Rooney currently holds the top spot as the all-time leading scorer at Old Trafford with a remarkable 253 goals. However, with Marcus Rashford having recently inked a new five-year contract, the 25-year-old forward seems poised to eventually surpass that milestone.
Rashford’s exceptional performance last season, during which he netted 30 goals – his most prolific season yet – propelled his total to 123 goals.
With manager Erik ten Hag seemingly helping Rashford reach his peak potential, it appears more goals are on the horizon for the talented player.
After such a prolific season last term, Rashford believes he could hit 40 goals if he can stay fit in the forthcoming season.
“Before last season, I always said let’s get to 20 – for a winger a good benchmark,” he added. “But this season, I’ve hit 30 so we have to try and push it now and go above and beyond.
“Towards the end of the season, I was struggling with a few injuries, and I probably wasn’t quite at it – that’s when the goals started to dry up a little bit.
“If I can keep that side of it under taps, I feel like I can go on and get 35 or 40.”
Under the firm leadership of Erik ten Hag, Manchester United appears to be in a favorable position to rekindle their competitive spirit.
Rashford experienced the firm discipline of Ten Hag during the previous season when he was excluded from the starting lineup for a match against Wolves due to arriving late for a team meeting.
Although he later came on as a substitute and scored the decisive goal in a 1-0 win, Rashford disclosed that his tardiness amounted to just one minute.
“I learned from pre-season, a couple of the lads were late and it was important to implement his rules there and then,” said Rashford, who also “100 per cent” agreed with Ten Hag’s decision.
“I wasn’t even that late – I don’t think he was being harsh, late is late – but it was probably about 45 seconds, a minute late.
“I already knew what was going to happen because of the rules he implemented in pre-season.
“I am not going to sit and argue about it, because we’ve got a game to win. There is a time and place to speak to him, but if we win the game nobody really cares.”
Las Vegas Police have closed their criminal battery investigation into an incident involving rapper Cardi B, in which she threw a microphone at an individual in the crowd.
The incident took place over the past weekend when a member of the audience seemingly splashed water at the artist.
A video of the incident, showing the WAP star responding to the situation at Drai’s Beachclub, garnered significant attention on social media.
However, police have now announced that Cardi B will not be facing any charges due to “insufficient evidence” related to the case.
“After a thorough review of this case and with the consultation from the Clark County District Attorney’s Office, this case has been closed as having insufficient evidence,” the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department said in a statement shared the PA news agency.
“No charges will be filed in relation to this case.”
The incident was captured from various viewpoints by numerous fans in the crowd, revealing security personnel gathering around the individual responsible for the act at the front of the audience, as they retrieved the rapper’s microphone.
Earlier footage from the concert depicted Cardi B requesting a different audience member to spray water on her from behind while she turned away from the crowd.
Cardi B throws microphone at someone in the crowd who threw a drink at her. No chills 😂 pic.twitter.com/pa1ZNMq9Mp
During a later segment of the performance, the 30-year-old artist clarified that the previous water spray had been initiated by her and directed at her back. In contrast, she objected to the other individual unexpectedly throwing water that struck her face.
Las Vegas police later confirmed that a show attendee had come forward to “report a battery”, but have now concluded that no crime was committed.
The microphone in question is now reportedly being auctioned off on eBay – reaching more than $99,000 so far – by the owner of an audio company.
Cardi B is widely recognized for her chart-topping tracks including “I Like It,” “Up,” “Bodak Yellow,” and the provocative bass-driven rap collaboration “WAP” with Megan Thee Stallion.
She joins a growing list of performers who have experienced items being thrown onto the stage during their shows in recent months. This trend includes incidents involving Harry Styles, Pink, and Bebe Rexha.
During a performance, Bebe Rexha was hit by a phone thrown by an individual who claimed to find it humorous. The impact resulted in Rexha being taken to the hospital.
Harry Styles faced a similar situation when he was hit in the eye by a piece of candy during a concert in November. More recently, Pink was visibly surprised when a bag containing human ashes was hurled onto the stage.
Ava Max, known for her song “Sweet but Psycho,” was also slapped while performing, and country singer Kelsea Ballerini had a bracelet thrown at her.
Even Adele got in on the conversation, joking with her Las Vegas audience that she would “kill” anyone attempting to throw something at her during her performance.
The Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII) and the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC) have issued a collective appeal for the swift approval of the Conduct of Public Officers Bill, aimed at enhancing Ghana’s asset declaration system.
The proposed bill encompasses amendments to the current Asset Declaration Act, with the intention of establishing a comprehensive asset declaration framework.
In a shared press release conveyed to the Ghana News Agency, GII and GACC highlighted that the Conduct of Public Officers Bill has been under cabinet review for over a year without a definitive commitment to its presentation in parliament for deliberation and enactment.
“We are also calling for strengthening the Criminal Code (Amendment) Act, 2003 (Act 646) to provide for the reverse burden of proof in addressing illicit enrichment.”
GII and GACC emphasized that the current legal proceedings involving the former Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources have underscored the necessity for the government to enact legislation that enhances the Criminal Offences Act 1960 (Act 29) and other anti-corruption statutes to incorporate provisions for the presumption of guilt in addressing instances of illicit enrichment.
“We strongly urge the President to take decisive action in addressing alleged corruption cases and back his rhetoric on fighting corruption in Ghana by expelling the popular perception of interference in corruption investigations involving persons in his government,” the statement read.
Despite the ongoing speculation surrounding Harry Kane’s future, James Maddison hopes that Kane will remain at Tottenham, emphasizing that the rumors have not diverted the focus of his new teammates.
Maddison recently became one of the initial signings during Ange Postecoglou’s tenure at Spurs, completing a £40 million transfer from Leicester last month.
However, the uncertainty surrounding Kane’s potential departure to Bayern Munich remains a prominent topic. The German club is reportedly eager to secure the England international and is preparing a new bid for the 30-year-old striker.
Amidst ongoing discussions about Kane’s future, which even included a Bayern shirt with “Kane 9” presented to Postecoglou during a media event on the club’s recent Asia-Pacific tour, Maddison affirmed that Kane’s professionalism has ensured that the matter has not disrupted the team’s focus.
Speaking at the TNT Sports start-of-season event in London, Maddison stated, “It hasn’t been a distraction; Harry is super professional.”
“I won’t go into details because I don’t know anything and let’s be respectful about Harry’s situation.
“Everyone knows what Harry Kane is like, he’s a super professional guy and whatever club he is at, whenever he goes into training he gives 100% and it’s the same as all the lads so not [a distraction] at all really.
“We were friends before I joined Tottenham from the England squad, we have similar interests and get on well anyway away from football.
“I would love Harry Kane to stay. He’s the best No9 in the world in my opinion but what will be, will be and Harry is super professional.”
This comes in response to the Ghana Union of Traders Association’s (GUTA) opposition to the recent hike in port charges.
The GPHA clarified that the decision to raise port tariffs stems from a meticulous assessment and consideration of diverse factors influencing port operations.
The authority also pointed out that the adjustments in this year’s tariff increase were guided by the findings of a comparative study on port tariffs conducted in neighboring ports such as Lome and Abidjan. This measure aims to ensure that Ghana’s ports maintain competitiveness in terms of both pricing and service quality.
The statement added that the GPHA, akin to any other business, is subject to the impacts of rising costs in areas such as water, electricity, fuel, machinery, and equipment.
“GPHA was compelled to implement the revised tariff due to the current global economic challenges including inflation and currency depreciation which have increased our operational cost”, the statement said.
The authority added that it engaged in multiple discussions with key stakeholders such as the Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA), Ship Owners and Agents Association of Ghana (SOAAG), Freight Forwarding Associations, Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA), and the Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana before implementing the new tariffs.
Highlighting its substantial investments in upgrading port infrastructure and maintaining an efficient port system, the GPHA emphasized that these measures would lead to reduced operational costs for businesses, improved productivity, and smoother trade operations.
Furthermore, the authority emphasized that the growing concerns raised by stakeholders cannot compel them to operate at a financial loss.
“Our investigation revealed that the decline in cargo volumes cannot be attributed to GPHA’s service charges. GPHA’s charges as a component of the total cost of cargo clearance in the port is about 6%. We are currently conducting a study on the individual contributors and their share to total cost of cargo clearance in our ports, so that together, we can engage and find possible solutions”, the pointed out.
Axel Disasi is eagerly anticipating showcasing his skills at Stamford Bridge following his transfer from Monaco for an undisclosed sum.
Despite having two years left on his contract with Ligue 1 side, the 25-year-old has chosen to depart from Monaco to join Mauricio Pochettino’s team at Chelsea.
After signing a six-year agreement, Disasi expressed his admiration for the vibrant ambiance at his new club’s stadium.
He told Chelsea’s website: “I can’t wait to feel the energy of the fans.
“This is a very good stadium, one where you have a beautiful proximity to the fans. A typical English stadium, I think.
“The fervour of the fans in the Premier League, the atmosphere, the intensity of the games — it is something that excites me.
“I am so happy to be here, at this big club. I am really proud to be able to be a part of this great family and I hope to achieve very big things here, to win titles.
“I will do everything I can to achieve those objectives. I am very ambitious.”
His addition is expected to provide some solace amid Wesley Fofana’s ACL injury setback, which might keep the promising Chelsea player sidelined for a significant portion of the 2023-24 season.
Disasi made the move to Monaco from Reims in August 2020, and his impressive performances at the Stade Louis II led to his selection as Presnel Kimpembe’s replacement in France’s 2022 World Cup squad.
Playing as a right-sided center-back, he participated in three matches in Qatar, including one appearance off the bench in the final against Argentina. This made him the first French player to debut at a World Cup since 1966.
Chelsea’s co-sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley said: “Axel has showcased his quality over several seasons in France and that has deservedly led to recognition on the international stage.
“He is ready to take the next step in his career and we are delighted that will be with Chelsea. We welcome him to the club and look forward to him joining up with Mauricio Pochettino and his new team-mates in the days ahead.”
Disasi will play alongside a familiar face at the Blues in Benoit Badisahile, who joined the West London outfit from Monaco last January.
Jill Ellis, the coach who has won the World Cup twice, openly admits that even she is taken aback by the complete unpredictability of the 2023 tournament, which has witnessed the elimination of six top-20 teams during the group stage.
The most astounding among these upsets occurred on Thursday night, as Germany, ranked second in the world, were eliminated from Group H.
This was a surprising turn of events considering Germany had always advanced to the quarter-finals in their eight previous tournament appearances.
In contrast to the disappointed expressions of the two-time champions, the debutant Moroccan team, ranked 72nd globally, exuded joy. In a viral video clip, they gathered around a phone on the field before erupting into celebration upon discovering that they had secured a spot in the knockout stage.
“It’s been a doozy so far,” said Ellis, who guided the USA to back-to-back titles in 2015 and 2019 and now heads the tournament’s technical study group.
“I think we all feel this. Gone are the days of total predictability. Progress sits very clearly at the core and certainly the competitiveness can be felt [with] giants in the game getting knocked out.
“We see debutants advance to the next round, which I think lends itself to this being just one of the most unpredictable and arguably exciting World Cups we’ve seen to date.
“If I’m candid, I really am surprised. I think when you suddenly see a Germany or a Brazil get knocked out of a World Cup in group stage.
“I don’t think any of us could have predicted that. I’m excited by the development, of course, for sure.
“But I think I was thinking that one more iteration of the World Cup before we started to see even more parity that we’re starting to see right now.”
In addition to Germany, Olympic champions Canada (ranked seventh) and Brazil (ranked eighth) also faced an early exit from the tournament following the group stage. They were accompanied by other top-10 teams such as China (ranked 14th), Italy (ranked 16th), and South Korea (ranked 17th), forming a notable list of high-ranking teams that were eliminated.
This World Cup has witnessed a remarkable first, as three African nations – Morocco, Nigeria, and South Africa – all successfully advanced to the knockout stage. Meanwhile, Jamaica achieved a historic feat by reaching the last-16 for the first time.
This accomplishment is particularly noteworthy considering the ongoing dispute between Jamaican players and their federation regarding pay, resources, and working conditions. The players expressed their concerns openly through a letter shared on social media before the World Cup.
Similar disputes with their respective federations were faced by other qualifying nations, including Nigeria, South Africa, and England. Despite these challenges, the focus remains on their performance in the tournament.
England, for instance, has committed to concentrating on securing their first World Cup victory before revisiting discussions with the Football Association regarding bonus payments and commercial arrangements.
To facilitate preparations, each participating nation in this World Cup received an exclusive fund of £753,830.
As the tournament unfolds, patterns are emerging that suggest a direct connection between investment, resources, and performance.
Notably, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation implemented a comprehensive overhaul in 2009, significantly investing in girls’ and women’s football. In an important move, they established a women’s football academy six years ago, affording players the same facilities as the men’s national team.
Ellis said: “I was blown away by the facility. It’s one of the nicest I’ve ever seen, and it just kind of made me realise that yes, there are federations that are taking this very seriously.”
FIFA’s post-group stage data reveals a heightened level of competition in the tournament. The percentage of goals scored during the first half of matches has risen by nine percent since the 2019 tournament. Additionally, the percentage of goals scored during the first half by teams that did not progress further has increased by 18 percent, transitioning from 5 percent in 2019 to 23 percent in 2023.
Furthermore, a noticeable improvement in goalkeeping quality has been observed by Ellis’ team. The average save percentage has escalated from 70 percent during the previous tournament in France to 77 percent in the current 2023 edition.
Simultaneously, the proportion of matches ending in a draw has surged from eight percent to 21 percent.
Moreover, the influx of players joining clubs in leagues with enhanced resources, coupled with national teams refining their tactical identities based on their unique strengths and weaknesses, adds to the evolving landscape.
These factors combined contribute to making the present Women’s World Cup potentially the most fiercely contested one yet.
Ellis added: “We hear this constant comment about gaps and where are the gaps. We can arguably say that there aren’t gaps. That on any given day, a team can come out here and be competitive against another team.
“And so it’s going to be incredibly exciting to see how this plays out.”
Assin South Member of Parliament, John Ntim Fordjour, has called upon individuals of African descent in the diaspora to return to their roots and invest in the industrial and tourism potential of Assinman.
Highlighting the significant tourism prospects of Assinman, Ntim Fordjour emphasized the need for investments to foster its development.
During the 25th Anniversary commemoration of the Emancipation celebration on Tuesday, August 1 in Assin Manso, Ntim Fordjour underscored the importance of Africans contributing to the advancement of their nations.
In a subsequent tweet, the legislator, who also serves as the Deputy Minister of Education, reflected on the anguish brought about by slavery for Africans.
President Akufo-Addo served as the Keynote Speaker at this year’s event.
The festivities were presided over by Barima Kwame Nkyi XIII, the Paramount Chief of Assin Apimanim Traditional Area.
A ride-hailing service driver has been accused of displaying disruptive and unprofessional behavior towards a group of female passengers.
In a video that has gone viral and was observed by GhanaWeb, the driver of a Kia Morning car is alleged to have discarded a cake owned by the passengers following a dispute over fares.
Recounting the incident in the circulated video, one of the passengers claimed that they had gone out to celebrate a birthday and had requested the services of the driver.
As they approached their destination, the driver declined to continue the journey, citing the poor condition of the road.
According to her account, her group refused to pay the driver in response, insisting that he complete the trip.
However, the driver, angered by their demand, reportedly destroyed their birthday cake on the road.
“Sorry to say but I didn’t know that Bolt drivers in Kumasi are that uncivilised. We took a friend out for her birthday and our return he refused to finish the journey after we got here and insisted that our road is bad. He won’t continue so we should get down. We refused to get down because he had even added extra charge to the amount we ordered the ride. Now he is rather saying he won’t go again and because we refused to pay, he has thrown our cake on the ground,” the lady narrated.
Portions of the video shows the angry driver engaged in a heated confrontation with the passengers, while one of them lamented that the driver had bargained for GHC70 as the fare while the app had charged GHC42.
Celine Dion‘s sister, Claudette Dion, has revealed that the renowned singer has been facing challenges in her quest for treatment following her diagnosis of stiff person syndrome.
In an interview with Le Journal de Montreal, Claudette disclosed that despite collaborating with leading experts in the relevant field, Celine Dion, who is 55 years old, has experienced limited progress in her health condition.
“We can’t find any medicine that works, but having hope is important,” Claudette said.
As stated by the National Institutes of Health, stiff person syndrome is categorized as a “rare, progressive neurological disorder” that can lead to muscle stiffness in the torso, arms, and legs. This condition affects approximately one in a million individuals.
After receiving the diagnosis, Celine had to cancel her Courage World Tour, a step that Claudette emphasized was crucial for her potential recovery.
“I honestly think that she mostly needs to rest. She always goes above and beyond, she always tries to be the best and top of her game,” she said. “At one point, your heart and your body are trying to tell you something. It’s important to listen to it.”
Their sibling Linda has taken up residence in Celine’s Las Vegas residence to fulfill the role of caregiver for the acclaimed artist.
“When I call her and she’s busy, I speak to my sister Linda who lives with her and tells me that she’s working hard,” Claudette explained. “She’s listening to the top researchers in the field of this rare disease as much as possible.”
NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images
Despite the lack of improvement in Celine’s condition, the family still has “trust” that things will get better.
In May, the renowned singer of “My Heart Will Go On” shared her “profound disappointment” as she had to cancel more than 40 tour dates due to the incapacitating disorder.
“I’m so sorry to disappoint all of you once again. I’m working really hard to build back my strength, but touring can be very difficult even when you’re 100%,” she wrote via Instagram.
“It’s not fair to you to keep postponing the shows, and even though it breaks my heart, it’s best that we cancel everything now until I’m really ready to be back on stage again,” she continued.
“I want you all to know, I’m not giving up… and I can’t wait to see you again!”
While she was revealed her diagnosis with the disease in December 2022, the singer said at the time that she had been “dealing with problems with [her] health for a long time.”
The “Because You Love Me” artist previously had to delay her Las Vegas residency in October 2021 after experiencing “severe and persistent muscle spasms.”
While she was eventually able to return to the stage, it’s unclear when — or if — Celine will be able to perform again.
Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has instructed Ken Ofori-Atta to provide comprehensive details to Parliament via its Finance Committee.
The committee will then review the program and decide whether to endorse or reject it.
During the motion’s presentation in the House, Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson contended that the Finance Minister should obtain Parliament’s consent before proceeding with debt restructuring.
However, the Minister failed to go by it, according to Dr Ato Forson. He added that the Minister “decided to organise a press conference at the Ministry of Information and informed the nation without coming to Parliament.”
He continued “If the Minister for any reason has decided to write off the debt that government owes to the central bank, it is only right for the Minister responsible for Finance to bring the document before us and to inform us that we are going to write off a certain debt.
“The Minister cannot unilaterally write off debt owed to the central bank. It is for that reason that I request the Minister of Finance to present to us the details of government’s debt restructuring programme.”
According to him, Parliament must be made to scrutinise and assess the impact of the programme.
“Mr Speaker, it is not right for the Minister to take this major single policy initiative without parliamentary approval. Mr Speaker, I urge you to write to the Minister responsible for finance to direct him to present the entire debt restructuring programme,” he said.
In reply, the Majority Chief Whip, Frank Annoh Dompreh, stated that the Majority faction does not object to the motion.
He acknowledged it as a reasonable request from the initiators of the private member’s motion to call for the Finance Minister’s presentation of the DDEP details.
Nevertheless, he highlighted that existing parliamentary procedures could address this matter. He suggested that the Finance Committee could deliberate on the issue and then present a suitable report to the plenary for discussion and approval.
“When the Minority Leader was moving the motion, I turned to look at order 155. Mr Speaker, we have a Finance Committee of Parliament clothed with legal powers so for me, this matter should not have taken members to move a private member motion,” he said.
The motion was then put to a vote by the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin and was approved.
“The motion is accordingly adopted, Honourable members, what we’ve just done is to call upon the Minister to present the government debt restructuring programme for consideration by the House,” the Speaker said.
He directed for the presentation to be done by the Finance Minister before Parliament’s Finance Committee, adding that the Committee will subsequently report a comprehensive detail to the House for consideration.
“Chairman, Ranking member of the Committee of Finance should take up this matter. Get the Minister to appear before the Committee to present the government’s debt restructuring programme. The Committee together with the Ministry will deliberate over it, then the Committee will then submit what they have in the form of a report to the House for consideration either for adoption or rejection; I so direct.”
Deposed leader of Niger, Mohammed Bazoum has called upon the United States and the “entire international community” to aid in the “restoration of constitutional order” following last week’s coup.
In an op-ed published in the Washington Post, President Mohamed Bazoum, who described himself as a “hostage,” emphasized the urgency of the situation.
President Bazoum also expressed concerns about the potential expansion of Russian influence in the region through entities like the Wagner Group, which is already active in neighboring nations.
Niger’s neighboring West African countries have issued warnings of possible military intervention.
In a significant move, the coup leaders declared the withdrawal of Niger’s ambassadors from France, the United States, Nigeria, and Togo. Their decision was conveyed in a statement broadcasted on national television, citing the termination of the ambassadors’ roles.
Only hours before, Niger’s ambassador to the US, Kiari Liman-Tinguiri, told AFP news agency that the junta “should come to reason” and “realise that this affair cannot succeed”.
Niger is a significant uranium producer – a fuel that is vital for nuclear power – and under Mr Bazoum was a key Western ally in the fight against Islamist militants in West Africa’s Sahel region.
In his newspaper article, Mr Bazoum warned the coup, if it succeeded, would have “devastating consequences for our country, our region and the entire world”.
“Fighting for our shared values, including democratic pluralism and respect for the rule of law, is the only way to make sustainable progress against poverty and terrorism,” Mr Bazoum wrote.
“The Nigerien people will never forget your support at this pivotal moment in our history.”
President Bazoum further raised concerns about the connections between the coup leaders and the Russian mercenary group Wagner, which is active in neighboring regions. Wagner’s presence has been perceived negatively by many due to its perceived negative impact on Niger.
“The entire central Sahel region could fall to Russian influence via the Wagner group, whose brutal terrorism has been on full display in Ukraine,” wrote Mr Bazoum.
Many supporters of the Nigerien coup have been chanting pro-Russian slogans and displaying the colors of the Russian flag.
On Thursday, a peaceful demonstration took place in Niger’s capital, Niamey, where thousands of people showed their support for the coup while criticizing other West African nations for imposing sanctions on Niger.
Although there is no evidence of Wagner’s involvement in President Bazoum’s ousting according to the US, the leader of Wagner has reportedly hailed the coup’s success. The Russian government, on the other hand, has called for the reinstatement of the deposed president.
The international community, including the EU, UN, and the US, has strongly condemned the military takeover.
Earlier this week, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken had a phone call with President Bazoum, during which the US reaffirmed its commitment to restoring Niger’s democratically elected government.
President Bazoum, who succeeded another democratically elected president, was detained by his own guards in the recent coup. The coup leader, Gen Abdourahmane Tchiani, has taken over as head of state.
Niger plays a crucial role in the Sahel region, a troubled area plagued by jihadist activity and military regimes. While neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso experienced military coups, Niger had maintained relative stability in recent years. The country hosts military bases operated by France and the US, which are involved in counterinsurgency efforts against Islamist militants.
President Bazoum’s administration has collaborated with European nations to curb the migration flow across the Mediterranean Sea, agreeing to repatriate numerous migrants from Libyan detention centers. Additionally, his government has been actively combating human trafficking.
Aaron Ramsdale has courageously shared the story of his wife Georgina experiencing a miscarriage while on a flight back to London in the weeks following last year’s World Cup.
Despite the heartbreak, the Arsenal goalkeeper remarkably played in the North London derby just three days after the tragic event, managing to maintain a clean sheet in a 2-0 victory against Tottenham.
Mikel Arteta extended compassionate leave to Ramsdale during this difficult time. In an interview with The Players’ Tribune, the 25-year-old goalkeeper explained how the Arsenal manager played a supportive role in ensuring the well-being of him and his family.
The England international said: “After the high of climbing to the top of the Premier League table and going off to my first World Cup, my wife and I found out that we were expecting our first child.
“Mikel gave me a few extra days off after the World Cup, so we went on a brief holiday. It was genuinely the happiest time of our lives.
“There’s no easy way to say this but I feel like it’s important that people know. On the flight home, my wife had a miscarriage.
“There’s really no way that I can describe the pain of that six-hour flight back to London, even now.
“I just want people out there to know that they’re not alone if they’re going through it themselves.”
Ramsdale added: “When we got back, I didn’t tell many people what happened. Only my family, my team-mates and of course Mikel.
“He was fantastic about everything. Even in the middle of the title race, with so much pressure on the club, he asked me if I needed some time off to deal with everything.
“Mikel went above and beyond to make sure me and my family were OK. For me, that’s a manager.
“He cares so much about his players and he forever has my respect for how he handled our grief.”
Former US President Donald Trump has entered a plea of not guilty in a Washington DC court, where he faces charges of conspiring to overturn his defeat in the 2020 election.
In a brief arraignment, he spoke softly to confirm his not-guilty plea, his name and age, and that he was not under the influence of any substances.
Speaking to reporters later, he characterized the case as a “persecution of a political opponent”.
This appearance marks the third time in four months that the former president has appeared as a criminal defendant.
On Thursday afternoon, Mr. Trump arrived at the courthouse through a rear entrance in the heart of the nation’s capital, situated just steps away from the location of the US Capitol riot, a pivotal event in the prosecution’s case.
Approximately 1,000 defendants charged in connection with the January 6, 2021 storming of Congress have also appeared in the same courthouse building.
The former president seemed to exchange glances across the court with Jack Smith, the special counsel leading the investigation.
Mr Trump was seen twiddling his thumbs as he sat waiting for the hearing to begin, and he shook his head as the clerk read out the case number.
His not-guilty plea covered the four charges in this latest indictment:
conspiracy to defraud the US
conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding
obstruction of an official proceeding
conspiracy against the rights of citizens
The judge issued a directive to the former president, advising him against discussing the specifics of the case.
She cautioned that non-compliance might lead to consequences such as an arrest warrant, withdrawal of release conditions, and potential charges of contempt of court.
During the hearing, prosecutors emphasized the advantages of expediting the trial process.
Image caption,Mr Trump spoke to reporters at Reagan airport standing near his aide Walt Nauta (left), his co-defendant in a separate case
But Trump defence attorney John Lauro said they would need more time to prepare. He said the prosecution’s timeline was “somewhat absurd” given that the investigation itself had taken three years.
The allegations laid out on Tuesday in an indictment, or charge sheet, include a count of “conspiracy to impair, obstruct, and defeat the federal government function through dishonesty, fraud and deceit”.
Mr Trump lost the 2020 election to his Democratic challenger, Joe Biden, but he refused to concede and mounted weeks of challenges across several US states.
He is currently the frontrunner for the 2024 Republican White House nomination and may face a rematch with Mr Biden.
Speaking to reporters before flying home to New Jersey in his private plane, Mr Trump said his arraignment was a “very sad day for America”.
He told reporters he was sad to see “the filth and the decay and all of the broken buildings and walls and the graffiti” in Washington DC.
Outside court, one of his lawyers previewed a possible defence strategy.
Alina Habba argued that the former president had been given bad guidance by his team in the aftermath of the election.
“I think that everybody was made aware that he lost the election, but that doesn’t mean that that was the only advice he was given,” said Ms Habba.
She added: “He may not agree with Mike Pence. He may not agree with one of his lawyers.
“But that doesn’t mean there weren’t other people advising him exactly the opposite. And the president has a right, as every one of us do, to listen to several opinions and make a decision.”
The indictment lists six unnamed co-conspirators who allegedly helped Mr Trump plot to quash his election loss.
During Thursday’s court hearing, three police officers who testified before Congress about their experiences during the US Capitol riot were in attendance. Alongside them were several off-duty judges.
Outside the courtroom, a gathering of supporters bearing Trump campaign flags congregated, while counter-protesters against Trump also made their presence known.
The next scheduled hearing on August 28th is anticipated to be procedural in nature. However, it’s possible that the judge may decide on a trial date.
This marks the Republican’s involvement in two other legal cases: one involving mishandling classified files and the other related to falsifying business records to conceal a payment to a porn star.
Mr. Trump is now facing a total of five upcoming trials. Three of these trials will take place in New York, focusing on the hush-money payment and civil matters related to business practices and accusations of defamation by a woman who alleged rape. The fourth trial will occur in Florida and revolves around allegations of mishandling classified documents.
Ghana, in the event of a strained relationship with Burkina Faso, risks losing majority of tomato in its market space.
According to GhStat on Twitter, Ghana imports about 84 per cent of its tomato from Burkina Faso.
In October 2022, trade data from the Ghana Vegetable Producers and Exporters Association (Ghana Vegetables) indicated that annual tomato import from neighbouring Burkina Faso has hit a staggering US$400million from an estimated US$99.5million in 2018.
As of then, Ghana imported 90 percent of its fresh tomato from Burkina Faso.
But recent happenings in the West African sub- region threatens the trade deal between Ghana and Burkina Faso. The ongoing coup in Niger could affect how Ghana and Burkina Faso relate.
ECOWAS, comprising 15-member states of which Ghana and Burkina Faso belong on Sunday imposed sanctions including travel ban and a blockade on Niger pending the reinstatement of President Mohamed Bazoum who was ousted by the military on 26 July.
It also threatened the use of force and summoned defense chiefs of the sub-region.
But the transitional governments of Burkina Faso and Mali have expressed their solidarity with the people of Niger.
Both Burkina Faso and Mali have condemned the persistent imposition of sanctions by regional organizations, expressing their concerns that these measures could exacerbate the suffering of their populations and undermine the spirit of pan-Africanism.
The governments have firmly rejected the application of these deemed illegal and inhumane sanctions against Niger and have issued strong warnings that any military intervention against Niger would be construed as a declaration of war against Burkina Faso and Mali.
Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel OUEDRAOGO, the Minister of State, Minister of Territorial Administration and Decentralization, Government Spokesperson, and Knight of the Order of Merit, Arts, Letters, and Communication, issued the communique on behalf of Mali. Colonel Abdoulaye MAIGA, the Minister of Communication, Culture, Arts, and Tourism, Government Spokesperson, and Knight of the National Order, delivered the statement on behalf of Burkina Faso.
Stressing the potentially dire ramifications of a military intervention in Niger, the governments drew parallels with the aftermath of NATO’s unilateral action in Libya, which ultimately led to the proliferation of terrorism in the Sahel and West Africa.
The Transitional Governments of Burkina Faso and Mali expressed their dismay at the divergence between certain political leaders’ eagerness to resort to armed forces to restore order in Niger and the lack of action from organizations and political figures in supporting states and populations that have been victims of terrorism for years.
In an appeal for solidarity, the governments called upon the united forces to stand prepared and mobilized to provide support to the people of Niger during these challenging times for the cause of Pan-Africanism.
Should ECOWAS go by its words, there is the possibility that Burkina Faso led by Interim President Capt. Ibrahim Traoré, could revoke its deal with Ghana as a response.
The Auditor General in its 2022 report has cited the Ministry Of Justice & Attorney General’s Department Judicial Service for ineligible payment of housing allowance.
In its report Of The Auditor-General On The Public Accounts Of Ghana – Ministries, Departments And Other Agencies For The Year Ended 31 December 2022 noted that a tune of GH¢1,054,232.47 was paid to some 32 judges.
These 32 Judges and Magistrates of the Judiciary were paid 20% rent allowance totalling GH¢1,054,232.47 even though they were allocated with fully furnished Government accommodation during the period under review.
During its investigations, the Auditor General discovered that out of the total allowance granted, a total of GH¢133,000.00 had been recovered leaving a difference of GH¢921,232.47 outstanding.
The Auditor-General has therefore recommended that the Judicial Secretary should ensure the recovery of the outstanding amount of GH¢921,232.47 from the Judges and Magistrates involved.
President Akufo-Addo has affirmed his dedication to supporting any potential flagbearer candidate within the New Patriotic Party (NPP) who can successfully unify the party and achieve triumph in the forthcoming presidential elections next year.
In a tweet shared on Wednesday, August 2, the president revealed that he shares the same privilege as all polling station executives across the country, allowing him to cast a single vote for an aspirant. This declaration transpired during his interaction with NPP communicators at the Jubilee House.
President Akufo-Addo noted that he will cast his vote for an aspirant who he believes can “inflict a third successive defeat on the perennial NDC Presidential Candidate, John Dramani Mahama.”
Furthermore, he highlighted the historical precedent of the ruling NPP, emphasizing that the party’s tradition has consistently rejected the notion of a president imposing a candidate. He underlined that the NPP has always steered clear of cultivating a cult of personality.
“The history of the NPP tells us that no President can foist a candidate on the party against its wishes. The NPP is not that kind of party. We have never subscribed to a cult of personality,” he said on Wednesday, August 2, when he met NPP communicators who called on him at Jubilee House.
“Indeed, our highly-respected former President, the first NPP President, John Agyekum Kufuor, in the aftermath of my election as NPP Presidential Candidate, by the 2007 National Congress, told the Congress that ‘the party has its spirit’, a spirit that cannot be ignored.”
I have just one vote, the same as any polling station executive anywhere in the country, and I will cast that vote for an aspirant who, I believe, can best unite the Party, and, above all, who can win the presidential election of 7th December 2024, and inflict a third successive… pic.twitter.com/vbLXXyUxSi
The president’s announcement over the NPP’s superdelegates conference and upcoming primaries did not sit well with some Ghanaians.
On social media, they criticized the president for failing to have his complete focus on the running of the economy. They noted that it is unpardonable for the president to have his attention on political propaganda as the country is yet to fully recover.
Ghana’s inflation is currently above 40 per cent and the country’s cedi depreciation is gradually stabilizing.
NPP super delegates conference
The ruling party is expected to hold its super delegates conference to select five aspirants to contest in the presidential race during the primaries in November on August 26, 2023.
The governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) has completed the balloting for its ten presidential aspirants for the super delegates conference slated for August 26.
On Wednesday, July 26, the NPP completed the balloting for its ten presidential aspirants for the super delegates conference.
On the ballot, Member of Parliament for Assin Central, Kennedy Agyapong appears first, followed by former Trade Minister Alan Kyerematen.
Essikado-Ketan MP Joe Ghartey comes in at number three, Energy Expert Kwadwo Poku at number four, while Dr Afriyie Akoto, former Minister for Food and Agriculture will take the fifth position.
Also, former NPP General Secretary Kwabena Agyei Agyepong will be sixth on the ballot, former member of Parliament for Mampong Constituency Addai Nimo takes the seventh slot followed by former Trade Minister Dr. Kofi Konadu Apraku at number eight.
Mr. Boakye Agyarko, a former Energy Minister is at number nine and lastly, the Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia is at number 10.
A total of 117 newly qualified Medical and Dental practitioners have been officially inducted by the Medical and Dental Council.
However, these inductees are currently placed on a provisional register, subject to the completion of their mandatory one-year internship at accredited health facilities.
These medical practitioners will have the authority to diagnose, treat both physical and mental illnesses, various diseases, infections, and to prescribe medications. Meanwhile, dental practitioners will be equipped to diagnose and treat a range of conditions affecting teeth and gums, including diseases, injuries, and abnormalities.
In a speech on behalf of the Health Minister, Alhaji Mahama Asei Seini, the Deputy Minister of Health, extended his congratulations to the newly inducted professionals for their remarkable achievement.
He emphasized that their addition will contribute to the current workforce, which consists of around 6000 assistants serving in diverse regions of the country.
He encouraged healthcare professionals to maintain elevated professional standards in order to gain the trust of the public.
Alhaji Seini acknowledged recent media coverage highlighting instances of professional negligence, improper behavior, and ethical misconduct among doctors, dentists, physician assistants, nurses, and pharmacists. He deemed these reports regrettable and urged these professionals to shift this narrative.
Chairperson of the 10th Board of the Medical and Dental Council, Professor P.K Nyame, conveyed his message to the inductees, reassuring them of the Council’s unwavering support in accomplishing their goals.
He highlighted the advantages of utilizing social media while cautioning against sharing confidential patient information through these platforms.
Prof Nyame provided guidance to the inductees, encouraging them to stay updated with medical advancements, nurture positive interpersonal relationships, recognize their boundaries, and seek assistance when necessary to ensure they deliver their responsibilities effectively.
In 2021, the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) achieved a profit of $10.681 million, marking a significant improvement of 106.5% compared to the $163.391 million loss recorded in 2020.
The 2022 Auditor General Report reveals a noteworthy 23.5% surge in total income, rising from $781.105 million in 2020 to $964.738 million in 2021.
This increase is primarily attributed to a substantial 23.6% growth in revenue, which escalated from $758.537 million in 2020 to $937.689 million in 2021.
The revenue boost was primarily propelled by a remarkable 47.5% increase, amounting to $94.286 million, in the net share of gas sales.
Total expenditure registered a modest $9.559 million rise or 1.0%, ascending from $944.497 million in 2020 to $954.057 million in 2021. The uptick can be attributed mainly to a 5.9% expansion in the cost of sales, reaching $800.853 million in 2021 from $756.239 million in 2020.
In terms of the balance sheet, Non-Current Assets witnessed a 1.4% upswing from $1.123 billion in 2020 to $1.139 billion in 2021. This growth primarily stemmed from a $165.594 million increase in investments in subsidiaries, notably Jubilee Oil Holding Company Limited.
Current Assets experienced a substantial surge of 39.4%, escalating to $1.152 billion in 2021 from $826.830 million. This surge can be attributed to a significant 152.1% increase, equivalent to $567.622 million, in prepayments.
Current Liabilities depicted a notable 43.4% reduction from the 2020 figure of $941.315 million to $533.057 million in 2021. This reduction was chiefly due to a substantial $341.449 million decrease, reflecting a 54.8% decline, in trade and other creditors.
The current ratio displayed a positive shift, increasing to 2.2:1 in 2021 from 0.9:1. This signifies that GNPC is well-positioned to fulfill its short-term obligations as they come due.
The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) Kadjebi District Office has officially declared the Dodo-Amanfrom D/A Islamic Junior High School (JHS) as unfit for habitation.
The school building, which exhibited widespread cracks, was included in a list of 300 structures identified by NADMO for demolition within the Dodo-Amanfrom community.
Mr. Godwin Gracious Fia, the Headteacher of the School, recounted that in October 2021, the Kadjebi District Planning Officer and the District Engineer visited the school premises and extensively documented the deteriorated state of the structure.
During their visit, they assured the school of a new building. However, no further communication or progress has been forthcoming since then.
Established in 2009, the school currently accommodates 9 teachers and 114 students, comprising 53 girls and 61 boys, all studying within the compromised environment.
Mr. Fia highlighted that despite the dilapidated state of their learning facility, the school managed to achieve remarkable results in the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).
The school’s BECE results for 2022 showcased an impressive 93 percent pass rate among the 48 candidates presented, with the best aggregate being 20 and the lowest being 37.
Similarly, the 2021 BECE results demonstrated a range between the best grade of 23 and the lowest at 39 out of 26 candidates presented.
“Our academic achievements outshine those of Dodo-Amanfrom E.P JHS and R.C JHS despite the inadequacy of our building,” he pointed out.
Mr. Fia highlighted that parents often preferred enrolling their children in E.P JHS and R.C JHS due to their superior infrastructure. He emphasized that those parents who truly cared about the school’s welfare chose to send their children there.
In light of this, he made an earnest plea to charitable individuals and organizations to assist them in constructing a new school facility.
When GNA reached out to Mr. Seth Seyram Deh, the Kadjebi District Director of Education, regarding the issue, he acknowledged his awareness of the situation and assured that appropriate actions would be taken.
He mentioned plans to convene meetings with the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) and the School Management Committee (SMC) to explore interim solutions, potentially including a temporary structure for the students.
Mr. Sulemana Zulkalneine, the Kadjebi District Planning Officer, acknowledged their awareness of the issue but admitted the constraints stemming from the current lack of funds.
NADMO’s Kadjebi District Office has identified approximately 590 structures for potential demolition across various communities. This includes 300 structures within the Dodo-Amanfrom area, 150 in the Kadjebi township, 80 structures in Pampawie community, and 60 in Ahamansu community.
The Volta and Oti regions of the country are grappling with significant losses of valuable moist cocoa beans due to the operations of smugglers who transport them across the border to the neighboring Republic of Togo.
This situation has been exacerbated by the deteriorated condition of cocoa warehouses, many of which have perforated roofing sheets and have not been renovated after being damaged by rainstorms.
The structures in Jinijiso, Teteman, Guaman, Lolobi Kumasi, as well as Hlefi, Saviefe, and Dodome, which served as crucial purchasing points, are currently inadequate and unfit for their purpose.
Cocoa farmers, in conversations with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), have expressed their concerns about the structural conditions of these warehouses, which do not provide assurance for the safety of their cocoa beans prior to sale.
GNA’s intelligence findings have revealed that farmers find it more convenient to sell their cocoa beans to buyers from Togo, as they offer a ready market and immediate cash. This choice is often prompted by the fact that the Produce Buying Company, which is designated to purchase the commodity for the government, is sometimes unavailable for procurement.
Compounding the issue, buyers from Togo are known to purchase moist cocoa beans, relieving farmers from the burden of ensuring their beans are sufficiently dried. In contrast, buyers from Ghana only pay for dried cocoa beans.
In October 2022, the Government of Ghana elevated the price of a 64 kg bag of dried cocoa beans from GH¢660 to GH¢800.
Nana Kwame Abass, the former Volta/Oti Regional Chief Cocoa Farmer, expressed that farmers within the two regions had welcomed the government’s announcement of the new cocoa price. He acknowledged that while farmers had initially hoped for GH¢1,000 per bag, they recognized the value of interventions like the supply of plantain suckers, cocoa nursery support, mass spraying, provision of wellington boots, fungicides, and other assistance by the government. These interventions justified the acceptance of the GH¢800 price.
However, during the period between January and March 2023, cocoa buyers from Togo were purchasing a bag of moist cocoa beans at GH¢1,600, which later decreased to GH¢1,360. This pricing still remains higher than the prevailing Ghanaian price.
In this context, the activity of the Produce Buying Company (PBC) could potentially reflect a lower tonnage of cocoa purchased, possibly one of the lowest recorded in years.
A forest dweller known as Akpakpatsi, who navigates the forest areas around Lolobi and Likpe, shared with the GNA his numerous encounters with cocoa smugglers transporting the commodity under the cover of night to undisclosed destinations.
Although efforts by the GNA to access information regarding cocoa purchases in the Volta and Oti regions were unfruitful, it is believed that tens of thousands of tonnes of cocoa are lost annually due to smuggling in and through these regions.
A seasoned cocoa farmer divulged to the Ghana News Agency that the absence of proper warehouses should not serve as a justification for farmers to resort to smuggling, be it moist or dried cocoa beans. She emphasized the importance of the government fulfilling its promises to farmers and ensuring that every farmer benefits from government incentives.
This veteran farmer recommended that security measures at the various borders be consistently reinforced.
Mr. Gabriel Nukunu, the Volta/Oti Regional Manager of the PBC, confirmed his receipt of complaints regarding the condition of the warehouses and conveyed that he had forwarded these concerns to the appropriate authorities for resolution. However, he refrained from discussing the issues related to smuggling and cocoa bean purchasing due to the absence of media clearance.
During a visit to the Lolobi Kumasi warehouse, Mr. Boniface Addae, who identified himself as a Chief Carpenter, was observed working on a part of the warehouse that housed equipment and the officer responsible for purchasing cocoa beans.
In October 2022, Mr. Wilson Kwami Agbanyo, the Kadjebi District Chief Executive (DCE), called on Assembly members to collaborate in combating the smuggling of cocoa to the neighboring Republic of Togo. He emphasized the urgency to address this growing menace within the district.
TV personality Afia Pokua, commonly known as Vim Lady, has voiced her criticism towards the Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, for his assertion that Ghana has fully overcome its economic challenges.
Addressing Parliament on the 2023 Mid Year Budget Review on Monday, July 31, Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta indicated that the “investments and sacrifices government made during this difficult period since March, 2020, are “turning the corner.”
He further gave an assertive statement that “we have turned the corner” from the dire period of economic uncertainties and despondency Ghana faced.
In response, Vim Lady expressed her dissenting viewpoint, contending that Ghana’s economy is, at most, in a state of stabilization, and the difficulties are far from resolved.
She believes that the observed stability is primarily attributed to the oversight of Ghana’s affairs by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), rather than the actions solely taken by Ken Ofori-Atta.
During her Egyaso Gyaso show on Okay FM, Vim Lady referenced a recent survey conducted by the Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), which revealed that nearly 70% of Ghanaians hold the belief that the nation’s economy is moving in an unfavorable direction.
Vim Lady is not the only media personality criticising the Finance Minister.
General Manager of Citi FM & Citi TV, Bernard Koku Avle, disagrees with the Finance Minister’s assertion that government has been able to turn the corner with respect to the management of the economy.
The conclusion that government has turned the corner, according to Mr Avle is a hasty decision taken by the government.
He argued that the macro economic indicators remain troubling from their worsened state a year ago.
According to him, July 2022 was when Ghana’s economic mess came to light with the cedi depreciating further and inflation skyrocketing.
“In July, you had the dollar being bought for GH6, went to GH8 and by November it was around GH15.
“Inflation moved from the 20s to the 50s. Reserves eroded. The major economic indicators all went south.
“So if on 31st July 2023, the Minister of Finance comes and says we have turned the corner. Is he saying that from the context of the Economic managers or from economic agents,” he said.
He argued that the macro figures themselves “don’t point in my view to a serious corner being turned.”
“Inflation eased from January but it has started picking up slightly again. Currency depreciation has stabilized but some people say the reason for that is because we are not making payments. We have accumulated 20 percent in our debt from end of last year to now,” he added.
It appears flagbearer hopeful for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Alan Kyerematen may not be welcomed by all during his constituency delegates durbar in the Ashanti Region.
On Tuesday, July 28, 2023, the former Trade Minister announced his decision to return “home” to engage the over 35,000 cherished kingmakers of the NPP from July 28 to August 2, 2023.
The week-long campaign has however been pushed forward to start on August 7 and end on August 12.
Alan Kyerematen is expecting a rousing welcome but that may not the case.
On July 30, a Tweep criticised the aspirant for failing to remember the Ashanti Region during his time as a government official.
You never did anything for asanteman Always thinking of Accra
— The Untold African Story (@ourafricanst) July 30, 2023
According to the user, @ourafricanst, Alan Kyerematen “never did anything for Asanteman” as he was “always thinking of Accra.”
It is unknown if more others hold the same assertion.
But is the concern raised substantive? In October 2022, when Alan Kyerematen held the position of Trade Minister, the Ashanti Region was a beneficiary of 21 out of the 125 factories under the One District One Factory (1D1F) initiative.
Ashanti Regional Minister, Simon Osei-Mensah, noted that about 30 more factories were at various stages of completion.
Alan confident about Ashanti Region
During an interview on Angel FM on Tuesday, January 31, 2023, Mr. Kyerematen expressed the viewpoint that the party necessitates a candidate capable of securing no less than 80 percent of the votes in the Ashanti Region.
The ex-Trade Minister further stated that he possesses the capability not only to secure the party’s support by over 80 percent of votes in the Ashanti Region but also to amass a substantial number of votes from the strongholds of the major opposition party, the NDC.
“We are not just looking for a flagbearer, we are looking for someone who can help the NPP retain power… Everybody knows that the Ashanti Region is the backbone of the NPP… And so for a difficult election, which I perceive is going to happen in 2024, you need a candidate that is going to win at least 80 percent of the votes in the Ashanti Region to guarantee us victory.
“You need a candidate who can do two things, consolidate your base and reduce the strength of your opponent. We all know that the base of the NDC is the Volta Region but many people have been asking why Voltarians like me so much.
“Everybody in Ghana knows that the people of the Volta Region have taken me to be one of them. I believe that I am the candidate who can win 80 percent of the votes in the Ashanti Region and also compete with the NDC in the Volta Region for their votes to be reduced,” he said in Twi.
The Western North Region has received two newly constructed National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) offices from the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA).
Chief Executive of the NHIA, Dr. Bernard Okoe-Boye inaugurated the projects comprising the Western North Regional and Sefwi Wiawso NHIS projects on Wednesday, August 2, 2023.
During the inauguration of the Western North Regional office, Dr. Okoe Boye expressed his gratitude to the NHIS staff in the region for attaining 80% of their set targets for the active membership of the Scheme.
He urged them to push further and achieve 100%, aligning with the national objective of Universal Health Coverage. He highlighted that the expansion of NHIS infrastructure reflects the government’s commitment to making the Scheme accessible to all.
The NHIA Chief Executive lauded the support of the Regional Coordinating Council and traditional leaders in the government’s efforts to improve people’s lives.
Dr. Okoe Boye emphasized that the government’s performance across various sectors, particularly healthcare, is exceptional.
He also encouraged individuals to enroll in the NHIS to benefit from the expanded Benefit Package, which now includes coverage for the four most common childhood cancers and free healthcare for individuals aged 70 and above.
Western North Regional Minister, Joojo Rocky Obeng, praised the “new NHIS” and emphasized the importance of sustaining it.
On his part, former Minister of Health, Dr. Kwaku Afriyie, who was instrumental in the initiation of the NHIS, expressed concern over the politicization of health matters, including the NHIS.
He criticized the adverse effects of capping the National Health Insurance Fund, asserting that it hinders the NHIA’s necessary funding.
Dr. Afriyie stressed that the state of healthcare demands adequate financing and criticized the decision to underfund the NHIS as a misguided priority.
During a staff gathering, Dr. Okoe Boye engaged with drivers and district managers, promising to address issues affecting their operations to enhance service delivery. He acknowledged the staff’s dedication to their duties and urged them to remain committed and industrious in increasing the NHIS’s active membership.
This occasion provided frontline staff with the opportunity to directly interact with their Chief Executive, who is genuinely concerned about their well-being. Dr. Okoe Boye also met with Paul Andoh, the Municipal Chief Executive for the Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai Municipal Assembly, and addressed NHIS staff in the district.
The Chief Executive’s visit to the Western North Region marked the conclusion of his working visits to all 16 regions.
Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has slammed Metro TV broadcaster broadcaster Paul Adom-Otchere over his derogatory remarks regarding the recently released “Kitchen Scandal“.
In a recent publication titled “Kitchen Scandal on August 1,” Mr Ablakwa claimed that Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko, a leading member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) is exerting influence on Ministry of Finance officials to release GHS 187.3 million to one of his clients, West Blue Company Limited.
He also accused the Attorney-General of issuing “three pro-Gabby legal opinions on this matter.”
“The duo have also questioned the post value-for-money contract downward revisions and are insisting that the colossal West Blue demands are met.
These Gabby-Godfred positions run contrary to what the Finance Ministry had earlier communicated to West Blue through former Deputy Minister of Finance, Mr. Kwaku Kwarteng on January 25, 2018 which the latter accepted in writing,” Mr Ablakwa added.
In response, Mr Paul Adom-Otchere chastised the MP for being dramatic over a matter that cannot be considered a scandal looking at the details involved.
“The ‘Kitchen Scandal’ drops at 5 am, a Member of Parliament, former minister, you can you do that… You know that this letter that you have received, you have received it in the privileged position as a Member of Parliament because somebody has given it to you.
“Let’s get serious in this country… This one is a no, no, because there’s no scandal anywhere anyway. And if you were to look at it, the people who have really created a scandal are his colleagues whose names we don’t want to mention tonight, because they did their work for government and we assume that they did their work faithfully,” he said.
According to Mr Adom-Otchere, the Attorney-General cannot be considered to be “bad” as he is “resolving the problem.”
In a sharp rebuttal, Mr Ablakwa described Mr Adom-Otchere’s remarks as pathetic.
The North Tongu MP noted that he found it worrying that Mr Adom-Otchere was not concerned by the fact that the Attorney General failed to receive input from the Ministry of Finance and the Ghana Revenue Authority but “is only worried that I put same in the public domain.”
He slammed the broadcaster for feeding Ghanaians stories that have no substance or basis.
“Ghanaians have really had enough of Paul’s cock-and-bull stories — so Paul actually expects Ghanaians to believe that Gabby didn’t know about the AG’s legal opinion but for my publication?” he quizzed.
Mr Ablakwa is of the opinion that Mr Adom-Otchere did not peruse the documents he presented to confirm his assertions.
“Had Paul read the documents I put out, he would have observed how Gabby’s law firm could state categorically in their 3rd May, 2023 letter to the Board Chair of GRA that they know that the Attorney-General hasn’t received the written arguments of GRA and the MoF after their 1st November, 2022 meeting.
If Gabby can know on authority what letters the Attorney-General hasn’t received on this matter, how can any reasonable person believe that Gabby didn’t know about the AG’s opinion long before my publications?” he further quizzed.
Meanwhile, Mr Ablakwa has raised the GHS187.3million “Kitchen Scandal” on the floor of Parliament for formal notification and further legislative action.
These are the findings of Mr Ablakwa:
On 4th August, 2015, the National Single Window System and an Integrated Risk Management System contract was awarded to West Blue Ghana Limited.
The MP for Effutu, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, went to court in a spirited effort to stop the contract.
His Lordship Justice K.A. Okwabi on August 31, 2015, dismissed Mr Afenyo-Markin’s injunction application but the NPP continued with further legal actions in a bid to scuttle the West Blue Contract.
In August 2017, the Akufo-Addo led government got Crown Agents to complete the value-for-money audit. The outcome was that the contract did not guarantee value for money. Crown Agents recommended either a cancellation or a termination.
On 21st September 2017, Ports and Customs World Ghana, with links in Dubai, wrote to the Ministry of Finance that it had taken over West Blue and expressed readiness to renegotiate the West Blue contract.
On October 2, 2017, West Blue also wrote to the Ministry of Finance indicating that they had been taken over by Ports and Customs World.
The Government of Ghana wrote to Ports and Customs World on 25th January, 2018 on the basis of Crown Agent’s value-for-money audit, revising the fees under the contract downwards from 0.35% FoB to 0.28% FoB and bringing forward the termination date from December 2020 to December 2018.
Ports and Customs World/West Blue, per a letter dated January 30, 2018 accepted these reduced terms and new contract termination date.
On March 14, 2019, government entered into a mutual understanding with West Blue to hold the fort by delivering services on the reduced terms until government replaces them.
Director General of the Ghana Aids Commission, Dr. Kyeremeh Atuahene, has announced a shift in the modus operandi of sex workers in the country.
In times and event presently, sex workers line up the streets of cities in search of clients.
But according to Dr. Kyeremeh Atuahene, this system is gradually fading out as many have found other alternatives to give sexual favours in a discrete manner.
Engaging JoyNews this week, Dr Atuahene noted that some sex workers have evolved to ‘high-class’ where they now host their clients in luxury apartments. He indicated that others who view their bodies as a source of income also run such business in their homes.
“Now when you go out there you see young people, even some at the tender age of 10 on the street. Now many of them don’t solicit on the street. They do it on the internet. So you have hookup where a young lady and young men will go to a client at an agreed place.
“We have some who also operate from a home-based kind of setting. We have highclass sex workers who live in luxury apartments and their clients are people of substance in society who actually patronize their services. So we have all these things happening in Ghana,” he added.
According to him, data up to 2015 shows an increase in the sex worker population size.
“In 2011, the sex worker population size estimate stood at about 50,000. The last time we did it, it was almost 70,000. That is 4 years after,” he said.
The conversation on sex workers erupted amid talks on the spread of HIV/AIDS in the country.
There is the likelihood of a mass spread of the Human Immune Virus (HIV) in the country, according to the Ghana AIDS Commission, as over 100,000 individuals are oblivious to contracting the virus.
Director General of the Commission, Dr. Kyeremeh Atuahene, noted that the figure represents over 28% of HIV patients in the country.
“More than 28% of people living with HIV still do not know their HIV status because they have not tested. That represents about 100,000 people. They are spreading it unknowingly and that is not the best.”
He expressed concern over the trend of multiple partners by both men and women.
“Today, it is a common place to talk about young women having multiple sexual partners.
We are having women not having just multiple sex partners which is a major risk in the first place, if they are not protecting themselves, but we have more and more young women going into sex work,” he noted.
In the past three years, the West African sub-region has witnessed a total of six successful coups, raising concerns due to their shared characteristics.
Mali experienced two coups, the first in August 2020 and the second in May 2021. Guinea faced a military takeover in 2021, while Burkina Faso encountered two coups in January and September 2022.
In Mali’s case, President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta was ousted from power by a military coalition in August. Subsequently, Mali’s former Defense Minister, Bah Ndaw, assumed the presidency of the new transitional government, with Colonel Assimi Goita appointed as vice president. However, they were both removed from power a year later in May by Colonel Assimi Goita.
Colonel Assimi Goita
On September 5, 2021, Guinea experienced a coup d’état as the armed forces captured President Alpha Condé, who had extended his stay in power through a constitutional amendment.
In Burkina Faso, President Roch Kabore was ousted from power on January 24, 2022, following a coup led by Colonel Paul-Henri Damiba. However, eight months later, military rule was reestablished, led by Captain Ibrahim Traoré.
Captain Ibrahim Traoré
The most recent incident is the military takeover in Niger, where General Abdourahamane Tchiani orchestrated a coup on July 26, 2023, overthrowing President Mohamed Bazoum.
So who is next?
Experts are troubled by the similarities underlying these coups. In many cases, corruption, political instability, and deteriorating security have been the driving factors.
Guinea’s situation stemmed from President Condé’s alteration of the constitution to extend his term beyond the mandated two terms. He secured a controversial third term in an election marred by violence and alleged irregularities in October 2020.
In Burkina Faso, the escalation of a jihadist insurgency contributed to the leadership change, which was also the reason behind Colonel Assimi Goita’s removal from power.
A recurring theme across these incidents is leaders’ failure to safeguard their citizens. This pattern persists in Niger, as President Bazoum’s administration has faced criticism for inadequately addressing the region’s entrenched violent Islamist extremism over the past decade.
President Mohammed Bazoum
The United Nations Security Council reported that West Africa endured over 1,800 attacks in the first half of 2023, resulting in nearly 4,600 fatalities and grave humanitarian repercussions. Due to these terrorist activities, approximately half a million individuals in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) are refugees, with nearly 6.2 million internally displaced.
Experts are concerned that this trend of military takeover is far from over.
Engaging JoyNews on the issue of coups in the West African Sub-region on Wednesday, August 2, 2023, security expert Dr Vladimir Antwi-Danso noted that the subject matter of human security has been trivialised by governments.
Dr Vladimir Antwi-Danso
He argued that there has been a misplaced priority as the leaders are more interested in maintaining power and conforming to a democratic structure seeking to please global leaders.
“The point is that we have similar specificities within the West African sub Region. Regime security should have been a thing of the past and human security assures the people of a collective way of moving forward.
“Unfortunately, government upon government of the sub region are thinking about the next election, satisfying global norm that there is democracy – frequent elections, institutions of state etc,” he said.
With the issue of political instability in mind, he made a projection on which country in the sub-region is likely to face the same fate as Niger and the others.
Senegal, Mr Antwi-Danso, is currently prone to a dissolution of democratic governance.
“Look at what is happening in Senegal. What is ECOWAS waiting for before they trigger the Panel of the wise to be able to at least, cool things down. And they have a problem with Casamance already. And then the population, a lot of them, it is about 18-20 percent unemployment rate in Senegal, and yet what is happening is so bad.
And when it goes so bad what happens is what I talk about as Systemic Coup. The military will just see that let us intervene before there is an implosion. So I will not be surprised that in future, you will see something like that in Senegal also,” he explained.
Why Senegal?
Senegal is a West African country that has been widely regarded as a model of democracy and stability in the region. However, in recent months, the country has been rocked by protests and violence over the government’s alleged attempts to stifle the opposition and manipulate the electoral process.
The protests were sparked by the decision of the constitutional council, the highest judicial body in Senegal, to invalidate the list of candidates submitted by the main opposition coalition, Pastef-Les Patriotes, for the upcoming legislative elections on July 31.
The council said the list did not meet the legal requirements, such as having a minimum number of female candidates and paying a deposit fee. The opposition denounced the decision as a political maneuver to exclude its leader, Ousmane Sonko, and other prominent opponents from running.
Ousmane Sonko
Sonko is a popular and outspoken critic of President Macky Sall, who has been in power since 2012. Sonko came third in the 2019 presidential election and is seen as a potential contender for the 2024 election.
He has accused Sall of corruption, nepotism, and authoritarianism. He has also faced legal troubles, such as being arrested in March on rape charges that he claims were fabricated to eliminate him from politics. His arrest triggered a wave of violent protests that left at least 14 people dead.
On June 18, thousands of Sonko’s supporters took to the streets in Dakar and other cities to demand his reinstatement on the ballot and to denounce Sall’s rule. The protests turned violent as protesters clashed with security forces, who used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse them.
According to Amnesty International, at least three people were killed and dozens were injured in the unrest. Several opposition figures were also arrested and charged with inciting violence and insurrection.
The protests have exposed the deepening political crisis and social discontent in Senegal, which is facing economic challenges, rising poverty, and high unemployment, especially among the youth.
They have also raised concerns about the state of democracy and human rights in Senegal. Some observers have warned that Senegal’s democratic credentials are at risk of eroding under Sall’s administration, which has been accused of using the judiciary and security forces to silence dissent and consolidate power.
The international community, including regional bodies such as ECOWAS and the AU, have called for dialogue and restraint from all parties to preserve peace and stability in Senegal. They have also urged the government to respect the rights of citizens to protest peacefully and to participate in free and fair elections.
The opposition, meanwhile, has vowed to continue its mobilization until its demands are met. The outcome of the legislative elections, which will determine the composition of the 165-seat National Assembly, will have significant implications for Senegal’s political future and its role in West Africa.
Casamance
Casamance is a region in southern Senegal that has been the site of a separatist rebellion since 1982. The rebels, known as the Movement of Democratic Forces of Casamance (MFDC), claim that the region has been neglected and exploited by the central government in Dakar. The conflict has claimed thousands of lives and displaced tens of thousands of people. It has also hampered the development of the region, which is rich in natural resources and tourism potential.
The situation in Casamance has been affected by the recent political crisis and protests in Senegal over the government’s alleged attempts to sideline the opposition and manipulate the electoral process. Some observers have suggested that the government may be using the Casamance issue as a diversion from its domestic problems, or as a bargaining chip with the opposition.
In March 2022, the Senegalese army launched a military offensive against one of the factions of the MFDC, led by Salif Sadio, who is considered to be the most radical and violent among the rebel leaders. The offensive came after four Senegalese soldiers were killed and seven others captured by Sadio’s fighters in a border area with Gambia in January. The army said it aimed to dismantle Sadio’s bases and restore security in the area.
The offensive has put pressure on Sadio’s faction, which has been weakened by internal divisions, defections, and lack of external support. Some of his fighters have surrendered or fled to neighbouring countries. However, Sadio himself remains at large and has vowed to continue his struggle until independence is achieved.
Meanwhile, another faction of the MFDC, led by Cesar Atoute Badiate, who is seen as more moderate and pragmatic than Sadio, has expressed its willingness to engage in dialogue with the government and end the conflict peacefully. In May 2023, Badiate’s faction signed a peace agreement with a local civil society group, known as Diakaye Platform for Peace, which has been mediating between the rebels and the authorities. The agreement calls for a ceasefire, disarmament, demining, and development projects in Casamance.
The government has welcomed the agreement as a positive step towards resolving the Casamance issue, but has also stressed that any dialogue with the rebels must be based on respect for Senegal’s territorial integrity and national sovereignty. The government has also called on Sadio’s faction to join the peace process and renounce violence.
The prospects for peace in Casamance depend largely on the political will and commitment of both sides to find a lasting solution that addresses the root causes and grievances of the conflict.
It also requires the involvement and support of other actors, such as civil society groups, religious leaders, traditional authorities, neighbouring countries, and regional and international organisations. Peace in Casamance would not only benefit the people of the region, but also contribute to stability and development in Senegal and West Africa.
Senegal's interior minister said it had dissolved the party of opposition leader Ousmane Sonko for rallying supporters into stoking violence during protests last month, prompting more calls for resistance as demonstrators clashed with police https://t.co/4JLXdqO0Hupic.twitter.com/qGBIiaZHR1
Meanwhile, the Dr Antwi-Danso warns that Ghana, despite being tagged as a respecter of democracy could be hit by the unexpected.
Dr Antwi-Danso indicated that the indiscipline in the country puts the nation at risk of a military taker.
“With Ghana, we should be very careful. Let’s not play the ostrich that everybody sees Ghana as a serious Democratic country.
“The level of indiscipline in the country, the lack of human security is such that when there is anything untoward, we will see some explosion in Ghana.
“There is hardly any country in the West African sub region that does not have the ingredient for implosion and that is what we should be thinking about,” he explained.
Vice President of IMANI Ghana, Bright Simons, has accused the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) of spending a colossal amount of $150 million of meters without a tender.
In a Twitter post on August 2, 2023, he noted that the company is “aggressively pushing for exemption from all procurement laws.”
Mr Bright Simons based his assertion on a letter dated April 17, 2023, from the ECG in response to his request for documentation on the company’s position on the Public Procurement Act on February 21, 2023.
According to the ECG, the Company, in accordance with its legal status as a private incorporated company, has as a matter corporate policy been operating without strict adherence to the provisions of the Public Procurement Act 2003 (Act 663) although the principles underpinning Act 663 have been incorporated in the Procurement Policy of ECG to ensure a judicious, economic and efficient use of the financial resources of ECG.
“We further agree to have our legal team hold themselves in readiness to engage with your team to better understand the position of the Company, should this be deemed necessary. Your cooperation in this regard is much appreciated,” the letter added.
Mr Simons has been questioning the efficiency of the new ECG management under the leadership of Managing Director, Samuel Dubik Mahama, in recent times.
Meanwhile, former Power Minister, Dr. Kwabena Donkor has advised the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) to increase its efficiency if it wants to prevent financial losses.
According to him, ECG usually incurred losses due to technical and commercial mishaps during power distribution. This, he says, negatively impacts profit.
“The way out is first ECG has to improve its efficiency. ECG losses about 30% of power they buy either in technical loses or commercialise loses and their margin is not 30%,” he said.
On Wednesday, Sadio Mané participated in his inaugural training session with his new teammates at Al Nassr.
During his address, Sadio expressed his contentment with joining the team and conveyed his determination to contribute to the club’s success by securing victories in all of its matches.
“I am really happy to be part of your guys. Our target is to win. I’m sure everybody is ready for it,” he said.
The transfer involves a fee of approximately £34 million, surpassing the sum Bayern Munich had paid to Liverpool less than a year ago under Jurgen Klopp’s management.
Sadio has received a warm welcome from his teammates, who have greeted him with great enthusiasm.
The Sagnarigu branch of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) has experienced an episode of vandalism at the hands of young party members.
This occurrence marks the second attack within a few months.
Reportedly, the aggrieved members who perpetrated the attack expressed their dissatisfaction with the local leadership of the party.
Insights from the Sagnarigu constituency suggest that this act of vandalism is a result of allegations concerning the diversion of fertilizers by the constituency executives.
These fertilizers, initially intended for distribution among the party’s supporters, are believed to have been misused, fueling internal tensions.
Furthermore, the report discloses that on Friday, July 21, the NPP’s local office in the area also fell victim to vandalism by irate party supporters.
The underlying unrest stems from an alleged denial of access to nomination forms for Dr. Wahab Alhassan.
The youth reportedly accused the constituency executives of favoring the 2020 candidate, Felicia Tettey, by seemingly allowing her to run uncontested in the party’s upcoming parliamentary primaries.
The 17-year-old student at the heart of the Adisadel College assault case has refuted the charges brought against him by the state.
Facing accusations of assault and causing harm, he did not acknowledge the charges during his second court appearance on Wednesday.
Initially, his legal representative, Tsiquaye Grant, requested the court to postpone his plea until after completing the WASSCE examination.
However, the three-member panel, led by Mr. Eric Oheneba Antwi Boasiako, rejected the plea following opposition from Chief Inspector Jonathan Bediako, the prosecutor. The panel includes a representative from the Oguaa Traditional Council and the Department of Social Welfare.
Consequently, the case has been adjourned until Wednesday, September 27, 2023, allowing the accused to complete his final examination.
Earlier, on Friday, July 28, the juvenile had been granted bail by Cape Coast District Court II, which handles juvenile cases. The court couldn’t assemble the requisite three-member panel to adjudicate the case.
It has since come to light that the altercation between the two friends involved in the incident stemmed from a dispute over an MTN SIM card. The altercation culminated in one individual smashing the other’s face onto a metal bed frame, as shown in a graphic video that went viral.
The incident, which triggered public outrage concerning bullying in schools, garnered the attention of the Ministry of Education and the Attorney General, resulting in legal action being taken.
The United States has issued an order for the partial evacuation of its embassy in Niger in response to last week’s coup.
Numerous foreign nationals have already been evacuated from the country, and just recently, protesters targeted the French embassy on Sunday.
Gen Abdourahamane Tchiani, the leader of the coup, has cautioned against any interference in Niger’s internal affairs.
Despite an official prohibition on demonstrations, protests in support of the coup are anticipated on Thursday to coincide with Niger’s independence day.
France, the former colonial ruler of Niger, has requested assurances from the military junta now in control of the nation regarding the security of their embassy.
The attack on the French diplomatic facility led to the organization of evacuation flights.
There is an observed military presence around several embassies, ministry offices, and the presidential palace, as reported by Sadissou, who is located in Maradi, Niger’s second-largest city.
However, despite the apparent calm, he noted that the situation remains fragile.
“The situation has changed and so people are very anxious. They’re anxious about the future, about what’s going to happen.”
Niger holds notable status as a major uranium producer and is strategically positioned along a vital migratory path to North Africa and the Mediterranean.
According to the state department, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken engaged in a conversation with the deposed President, Mohamed Bazoum, on Wednesday. The state department emphasized the United States’ dedication to reinstating Niger’s democratically elected government.
Matthew Miller, a spokesperson, affirmed that despite the partial evacuation, the US embassy in the capital city of Niamey would continue to operate.
“We remain committed to the people of Niger and our relationship with the people of Niger and we remain diplomatically engaged at the highest levels,” he said.
The United States is a significant contributor of both humanitarian and security assistance to Niger, and it has previously cautioned that the coup could result in the suspension of all collaborative efforts.
The British embassy in Niamey, the capital of Niger, has also revealed its decision to decrease staff numbers due to the prevailing security circumstances.
France and the European Union have already suspended financial and developmental support.
The Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas), a trade bloc encompassing 15 West African nations, has imposed sanctions that encompass a cessation of all commercial dealings with Niger and the freezing of the country’s assets within the regional central bank.
In addition, Niger’s power company has indicated that Nigeria, its neighboring country, has reduced electricity supplies, leading to extensive power outages. However, this claim has yet to be officially confirmed by Nigeria.
The coup has sparked significant demonstrations against France, a substantial partner, and has seen a surge in support for Russia, whose influence has grown in the west and central African regions in recent years.
On Sunday, a substantial gathering of protesters congregated outside the French embassy in Niamey. Among their chants were “Long live Russia,” “Long live Putin,” and “Down with France.” Additionally, there were instances of setting fire to parts of the embassy compound.
During evacuation efforts organized by the French government, a total of 262 individuals arrived in Paris on Wednesday. Italy also conducted an evacuation flight, landing in Rome with 87 individuals on board.
In his address, Gen Tchiani stated that French citizens in Niger had not encountered “the slightest threat.”
Niger, housing military bases for both France and the US, has played a pivotal role as a Western ally in the battle against jihadist extremism in the Sahel region.
After the military leadership in neighboring Mali chose to collaborate with the Russian Wagner mercenary group in 2021, France shifted the focal point of its regional counter-terrorism operations to Niger.
The State Housing Company (SHC) has announced that it will enforce a policy limiting individuals to the purchase of only one house within the Pokuase Housing Project.
In an interview on Starr Midday News, the Managing Director of SHC, Kwabena Ampofo Appiah, said one of the developers engaged in the project, explained that the decision to limit one individual’s purchase of multiple houses aims to deter scenarios where investors acquire properties, renovate them, and subsequently resell them to individual buyers.
“What we are trying to do is to avoid a situation where investors buy the houses and sell to the people who actually need these homes. We want people who are buying to be owners who are buying to live in there, that’s the goal.”
According to Kwabena Ampofo Appiah, the State Housing Company is targeting the Teacher Unions, Nurses and other trade unions to buy the houses as research shows that about 60% of Ghanaians cannot afford homes without government’s intervention.
President Akufo-Addo inaugurated the beginning of the 8,000 housing unit initiative on a 203-acre plot in Pokuase, Greater Accra Region, as part of the Revised National Affordable Housing Programme on August 1, 2023.
Named “My Home, My Peace,” the programme will involve government subsidizing housing units with land and infrastructure to alleviate a significant portion of the construction expenses.
The private sector will also contribute by raising funds to construct apartments on a cost-recovery basis.
The project will be executed in two phases: the initial phase, encompassing 4,000 units, will be finalized in 18 months, followed by the completion of the remaining 4,000 units in the subsequent 18 months.
At a court hearing on Thursday, former US President Donald Trump will be formally indicted on charges related to an alleged plot to overturn his defeat in the 2020 election.
Scheduled for Thursday at 4:00 PM EDT (8:00 PM GMT), 77-year-old Mr. Trump is set to make an appearance at a federal courthouse in Washington DC.
It is anticipated that he will enter a plea of not guilty. Despite having the possibility of opting for a remote video appearance, it is reported that he plans to attend in person.
Since his departure from the White House, Mr. Trump has visited the city on just one occasion. In a scene that unfolded on Wednesday evening, a queue had already begun forming outside the courthouse building.
In anticipation of the arraignment, Trump criticized the case as evidence of the “corruption, scandal, & failure” characterizing Joe Biden’s presidency.
Image Source – Reuters; Image caption, News trucks are parked around the courthouse
Concurrently, Mr. Trump is already confronting two additional criminal cases as he embarks on his White House campaign for the upcoming year.
In Washington DC, security measures are being escalated in preparation for the scheduled hearing. Metal barricades have been erected outside the federal courthouse where the charges against Trump will be officially presented. Similar structures have also been established around the US Capitol buildings, the site of the January 2021 riots incited by Trump supporters in response to the election outcome.
The Secret Service, responsible for safeguarding presidents and former presidents, issued a statement alerting the public to potential traffic disruptions in central Washington DC.
Amidst these developments, a purported hoax 911 call concerning an active shooting at the Capitol led to a lockdown in three Senate office buildings and prompted a significant police emergency response on Wednesday.
Addressing reporters during the incident, US Capitol Police Chief Tom Manger affirmed the preparedness of the police force that confronted the rioters two and a half years ago, noting their proficiency in active-shooter drills.
Reportedly, security for the judges involved in the case has also been heightened.
In an all-capital-letters post on his Truth Social platform on Wednesday, the former president, who was at his Bedminster, New Jersey, golf club, thanked his followers and said: “I never had so much support on anything before.”
🇺🇸 Donald #Trump is expected to appear in court on Thursday to answer charges of conspiring to overturn the 2020 election.
🗳️ The case will cast a dark cloud over the 2024 White House race for which he remains the presumptive Republican nominee. @ClemenceWaller has the details. pic.twitter.com/X3jREJbIDB
In previous social media posts, he launched critiques against his Republican rivals in the presidential race, which includes his former Vice-President, Mike Pence, and the Governor of Florida, Ron DeSantis.
He reiterated his assertion that Mr. Pence had possessed the legal authority to halt the certification of Mr. Biden’s election triumph on January 6, 2021—a session that was marred by the disruption caused by Trump supporters at the US Capitol.
The indictment lists four charges against Mr. Trump, encompassing conspiracy to defraud the US, witness tampering, and conspiracy against citizens’ rights. Among these, the “deprivation of rights” charge, instituted following the US Civil War to safeguard freed slaves integrating into society, stands out.
This charge played a pivotal role in the 1967 trial of Ku Klux Klan members, which subsequently inspired the 1988 film “Mississippi Burning.” Legal analysts suggest its inclusion in the case against Mr. Trump stems from allegations that his attempts to undermine the electoral process targeted urban regions with significant African-American voter populations.
Mr. Trump’s legal team has hinted at their defense strategy. Attorney John Lauro made an appearance on NBC’s Today show on Wednesday, outlining their intention to argue that Mr. Trump’s actions are shielded by the First Amendment’s protection of free speech enshrined in the US Constitution.
Mr. Trump’s legal team is also pushing back against the prosecutors’ request for an expedited trial, citing the need for ample time to prepare a robust defense for their client.
A spokesperson from the US Marshals Service, a federal law enforcement agency responsible for courthouse security, informed Reuters news agency that Mr. Trump will undergo fingerprinting and provide essential information like his birthdate and Social Security ID number.
Numerous other individuals accused of involvement in the US Capitol riot have had their Thursday hearings rescheduled.
Presently, Mr. Trump maintains a prominent lead in the Republican Party’s competition to designate its forthcoming presidential nominee.
Congressional Republicans have rallied in support of him, contending that the recent indictment underscores a perception of the US devolving into a “banana republic.” They echo the former president’s assertion that these prosecutions amount to interference in elections.
The 45-page election-related indictment against Mr Trump is based partly on contemporaneous notes that Mr Pence kept of their conversations in the days leading up to US Capitol riot.
Mr Trump has already been charged in two other cases: with mishandling classified files and falsifying business records to cover up a hush-money payment to a porn star.
Prosecutors in Georgia may bring a criminal case against Mr Trump this month over alleged efforts to subvert the 2020 election result in that state.
