The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has been flooded with numerous reports urging an immediate investigation into the significant sum of money stolen from the former Minister for Sanitation, Madam Cecilia Dapaah.
According to reliable sources from Citi News, prominent individuals have submitted over 200 reports expressing concerns about the source of the stolen funds, allegedly taken by two house helps working for the former Minister.
Madam Cecilia Dapaah tendered her resignation on July 22, 2023, following revelations that her house helps had allegedly stolen substantial amounts of foreign and local currencies from her residence in Accra. The audacious theft sent shockwaves throughout the nation, leaving citizens astonished.
Currently, the two house helps, 18-year-old Patience Botwe and 30-year-old Sarah Agyei, are facing charges before an Accra Circuit Court for their involvement in the theft.
It is alleged that they stole a staggering $1 million, €300,000, and millions of Ghanaian cedis from Madam Dapaah’s residence at Abelenkpe, Accra, between July and October 2022.
As of now, the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has not made any official announcement regarding whether it will open an investigation into the scandal. It is worth noting that the OSP does not necessarily require a formal report or petition to initiate a probe into suspected corruption cases.
The incident has sparked a strong response from Ghanaians on social media, with many calling on the Special Prosecutor to expedite the investigation into the source of the stolen funds.
The lack of a satisfactory explanation from Madam Cecilia Dapaah regarding the origin of the stolen funds, taken from her home that she shares with her husband, has left many Ghanaians eager for answers. The situation has generated significant public interest and concern.
The Sudanese army has reported a tragic plane crash at Port Sudan airport, resulting in the loss of nine lives.
The incident involved a civilian Antonov aircraft, which encountered a technical failure during takeoff.
Among the deceased, four were military personnel. Remarkably, a young girl is reported to have survived the accident.
It’s important to note that the situation in Sudan remains critical, with over three million people displaced since the outbreak of fighting between the army and the RSF militia in mid-April.
Unfortunately, the conflict shows no signs of resolution.
All is set for the historic issuance of National Identification numbers, better known as Ghana Card numbers, to newborn babies in Ghana, Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia has announced.
This follows the successful integration of the databases of the Births and Deaths Registry, the National Identification Authority and the Ghana Health Service.
The Vice President, who made the disclosure on Saturday July 22, 2023 said the first such Ghana Card number was issued to a newborn baby on Friday, July 21, 2023 after a successful test run of the system.
“The work of integrating the databases has been completed, The full test was done yesterday, and i am happy to say that the first Ghana Card number for a baby was issued yesterday.
“So in the next month or two, all babies born in Ghana, once they take them to Weigh In, will be issued the Ghana Card number and also get their Birth Certificate Identification number at the same time, because the two databases are talking to each other. The nationality of the parents will be established as part of the process”.
“This is very transformational,” Dr Bawumia noted, explaining that they will have these numbers from the time they are babies till they pass away.
Officials of the National Identification Authority (NIA) say cards bearing the biometrics and other data will be issued to the children when they are older, after their digits and other features are fully formed.
Speaking in Cape Coast at the 75th Anniversary celebrations of Ghana National College, Dr Bawumia emphasized that the issuance of ID numbers at birth was an integral part of Government’s ongoing digitalization agenda, designed to prepare the nation to fully partake in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
The Ghana Card is increasingly becoming the single source of proof of identity, with the unique number serving several purposes including as the Social Security, Health Insurance and Tax Identification number.
Ghana National College
Hailing the impact Ghana National College has had on Ghana’s pre-and post colonial life, Vice President Bawumia challenged managements, staff and students in educational institutions to embrace the possibilities offered by Artificial Intelligence (AI) to improve teaching, problem solving and critical thinking, noting that it could be deployed meaningfully to bridge the gap between the developed and developing world.
“If we are in agreement that the boys and girls in our schools today are being trained to compete on the global stage, there is every justification for our students to be given exposure to AI.
“Government’s ongoing digitalization agenda is ample testimony of its appreciation of AI and the commitment to ensure that this country is not left behind. We have focused on pursuing digitalisation as part of our economic strategy because the Fourth Industrial Revolution is upon us and we must be part of the modern world…
“Whilst Government will do its part by leading the charting of a pathway to the deployment of meaningful AI in our national life, I expect our educational authorities to devise and deploy innovative teaching strategies that factor in ICT as a key ingredient,” he added.
The Barbie film has achieved remarkable success, emerging as the biggest film of the year so far in the US and Canada, according to distributor Warner Bros.
It raked in an estimated $155 million (£120 million) during its opening weekend.
In the same weekend, another new release, “Oppenheimer,” distributed by Universal Pictures, made $93.7 million (£72 million) in the US.
These film successes are particularly noteworthy as cinemas have been facing challenges due to competition from streaming platforms.
However, in the UK, both films created a surge in cinema attendance, with Vue reporting its busiest weekend in four years.
The cinema chain, which operates in the UK and Ireland, saw a record number of admissions, with around half a million people flocking to Vue screens to catch the movies. “Barbie,” directed by Greta Gerwig, seems to be on track to become the biggest film of 2023 in the region, surpassing “Super Mario Bros.”
Vue experienced 4,000 sold-out viewings for “Barbie” across the UK and Ireland, further highlighting the film’s popularity and success.
On Twitter, one user said that it had been years since she had felt like going to the theatres to re-watch a movie, but Barbie had achieved that for her. She said it would “remain a timeless masterpiece over the years – ideas really are forever”.
Before the films’ release, Odeon in the UK said more than 200,000 advance tickets had been bought and some 10,000 filmgoers were expected to see both the Barbie and Oppenheimer films during the opening weekend.
Meanwhile, Vue cinema in the UK reported on Friday that Barbie’s pre-sale purchases were “higher than any other blockbuster released this year”. Admissions on Friday were the highest for any Friday since the pandemic – and the chain’s third biggest Friday ever.
Oppenheimer, distributed by Universal Pictures, has performed exceptionally well in the UK and Ireland, grossing £8.05 million since its release on Friday.
The film is expected to surpass the opening three-day earnings of Christopher Nolan’s other blockbuster films, including Interstellar, Dunkirk, and Inception.
However, the premiere of Oppenheimer faced some challenges in July when strike action led stars to leave early due to grievances, including concerns about the increasing influence of artificial intelligence in the filmmaking and writing process in Hollywood.
Internationally, Oppenheimer also achieved success, making $93.7 million (£75 million) in other markets, contributing to a global total of $174.2 million (£135 million), according to Universal Pictures’ reports.
At least 12 people have lost their lives, and five others were injured after a building collapsed in Douala, the largest city in Cameroon.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday morning, and the number of people inside the four-storey building at the time of the collapse remains unknown. The building fell onto another residential block, triggering a frantic search for survivors in the rubble.
Distressed neighbors reported hearing screams and rushed to help dig out trapped individuals.
Various rescue teams, including the fire brigade and the Red Cross, are currently on-site and actively involved in rescue operations.
The regional governor, Samuel Dieudonné Ivaha Diboua, has assured the public that the situation is under control, and rescue teams are working diligently to ensure no one is trapped under the debris.
At Laquintinie Hospital, three children and ten adults are receiving emergency medical care. Unfortunately, a three-year-old girl brought to the hospital has succumbed to her injuries.
The cause of the building collapse in the Ange Raphael neighborhood of Douala is yet to be determined, but residents have informed journalists that the building appeared to be in a dilapidated state.
While city authorities have been demolishing homes at risk of flooding or landslides, this specific building was not earmarked for demolition.
Cameroon has experienced building collapses in the past, with one incident in 2016 involving a dilapidated building in Douala that did not adhere to construction regulations, resulting in the death of five people.
Twitter’s CEO unveiled the company’s new logo, a white X on a black background, following the desire expressed by its owner, Elon Musk, to replace the iconic bird logo.
Linda Yaccarino took to Twitter on Monday morning, announcing the arrival of the new logo with enthusiasm, saying, “X is here! Let’s do this.”
Elon Musk quickly followed suit by updating his profile picture to the new logo and incorporating “X.com” into his Twitter bio.
As per reports, Musk is keen on developing a “super app” named “X,” hence the introduction of the new logo to align with this vision.
On Sunday, the billionaire said he was looking to change Twitter’s logo, tweeting: “And soon we shall bid adieu to the Twitter brand and, gradually, all the birds.”
He then said that an interim logo would go live later the same day.
Elon Musk, who has renamed the business to X Corp, expressed that the rebranding should have been done much earlier. He shared an image of a flickering “X” on Twitter, and in a subsequent Twitter Spaces audio chat, confirmed that the Twitter logo will indeed change.
Linda Yaccarino, Twitter’s CEO, expressed excitement about the rebrand, seeing it as a new opportunity for X to further transform the global town square, building upon the massive impression Twitter had made in changing the way we communicate.
The bird in Twitter’s logo, known as Larry, was originally a tribute to basketball star Larry Bird, according to Twitter’s co-founder Biz Stone.
In certain regions like Asia, super-apps like India’s PayTM and Indonesia’s GoJek have become integral to people’s everyday lives, allowing users to pay for services through a single finance system. WeChat, with its broad range of services, has become one of the region’s biggest apps with a vast number of users.
Twitter has long protected its recognizable blue bird logo, but during a temporary change in April, it was replaced with Dogecoin’s Shiba Inu dog, which contributed to a surge in the meme coin’s market value. This move led to accusations of insider trading against Elon Musk by a group of Dogecoin investors.
Recently, Twitter faced criticism for imposing limits on how many tweets per day various account holders can read, leading to the growth of rival service Threads, owned by Meta, which saw over 100 million sign-ups in just five days after its launch.
On top of these challenges, Twitter is now facing a lawsuit claiming that the company owes at least $500 million in severance pay to former employees, stemming from layoffs that occurred after Elon Musk’s acquisition of the company, which resulted in more than half of its workforce being let go.
A tragic incident has occurred in north-east China where the roof of a school gymnasium collapsed while a girls’ volleyball team was using it, resulting in the death of eleven people.
Eyewitnesses have mentioned that many of the victims are children, but official confirmation is still pending.
The incident, which took place in the industrial province of Heilongjiang, has left the local community devastated. At the time of the collapse, there were 19 people inside the gym, and sadly, only eight of them managed to survive.
A preliminary investigation has revealed that the illegal accumulation of perlite, a type of volcanic glass, on the roof had absorbed rainwater, leading to the structural failure at around 15:00 local time.
Rescue teams worked tirelessly to search for survivors amidst the rubble, while anguished parents anxiously gathered at a nearby hospital, seeking updates on their loved ones’ condition.
China National Radio reported that the coach of the middle school’s girls’ volleyball team was present during the rescue efforts, calling out the names of students in the hope of locating them.
As the rescue operation extended into the following day, parents expressed their frustration with the school officials, raising concerns about the lack of proper communication and transparency regarding the ongoing efforts.
“They tell me my daughter is gone but we never got to see the child. All the children had their faces covered with mud and blood when they were sent to the hospital. I pleaded, please let me identify the child. What if, that wasn’t my child?” one man said in a video that has been widely-shared on social media.
“What have [the authorities] been doing four, five, or even six hours after the children were sent to hospital? … Doctors are not communicating with us about how the rescue is going.
“We have elderly people at home, we need to [help them] be mentally prepared. There are doctors, police officers and other government officials here. But we have not heard anything from you,” he said.
Image caption,Lax safety standards and poor enforcement have made industrial accidents common in China
Construction accidents are common in China and have been blamed on lax safety standards and poor enforcement.
In June, an explosion at a barbecue restaurant in north-west China killed at least 31 people. A preliminary investigation found that a restaurant employee was replacing a broken valve on a liquefied gas tank when the blast occurred.
In April, a fire at a Beijing hospital killed 29 and led some desperate survivors flee by jumping out of the windows.
Lewis Hamilton has candidly admitted that his driving performance has not been at its peak for over a year, and this was evident in his poor start at the Hungarian Grand Prix.
Max Verstappen capitalized on the opportunity and secured a record-breaking victory.
Verstappen outmaneuvered pole-sitter Hamilton on the downhill stretch to the opening corner at the Hungaroring, establishing a significant lead and cruising to his seventh consecutive victory in what has been a notably one-sided Formula One season.
Hamilton’s struggles continued as he finished in fourth place, with both McLaren drivers overtaking him in the first two bends of the 70-lap race.
Lando Norris secured the runner-up position, trailing Verstappen by 33.7 seconds, while Sergio Perez showcased an impressive comeback from ninth place to finish third. Oscar Piastri secured the fifth position.
With this win, Verstappen has clinched nine victories out of the 11 rounds so far, extending his lead over Perez by 110 points as they approach the final round before the summer break in Belgium. Red Bull remains unbeaten this season, achieving a new F1 record with their 12th consecutive win.
Hamilton’s struggle for a win continues, as he now faces the longest winless streak of his career with 34 appearances without a victory.
“I have not been at my best for over a year,” said Hamilton who has not won since he was denied a record eighth world title at the concluding round in Abu Dhabi in 2021.
Across the same period, Verstappen – the man who beat him to the title on that controversial night in the desert – has triumphed 24 times.
But the seven-time world champion added: “I am not disappointed. It was obvious that we do not have the quickest car. Max got a better start than me, I got a bit of wheelspin, and I was a bit compromised after that.
“I am really proud of myself and the job we did to get pole and outperform the world champion and the other two McLaren cars that are quicker than us. But today is just a reality check. The reality is that we are not fast enough.
“I was told in the strategy meeting this morning that I would be five tenths a lap slower than the Red Bull so the fight is not with Max but hopefully that we would be able to fight the McLarens. But then the McLaren was also too quick for us.”
Hamilton’s initial reaction to the lights turning green was fine enough, but he lacked traction in the next phase, with Verstappen moving alongside the Mercedes and then ahead under braking for the first corner.
Forced wide by Verstappen, Hamilton then lost two further positions. First to Piastri at the same right-hander, before Norris also muscled his way ahead around the outside of the next bend. Hamilton had a nibble back at his countryman on the long run up to Turn 4 but Norris held firm.
A contrite Hamilton was straight on the radio. “Sorry about that, guys,” he said.
“Don’t sweat about it, Lewis,” came the reassuring response from Hamilton’s ever-upbeat race engineer, Peter Bonnington.
As Verstappen did what Verstappen does and controlled the race to perfection, Hamilton appeared rattled.
He questioned if his Mercedes team had turned down his engine after falling a dozen seconds back from Verstappen by the time he stopped for fresh rubber on lap 16.
He then expressed his exasperation at being cast more than 10 seconds behind third-placed Piastri, the Australian dropping behind Norris at the first round of stops.
“Where am I losing all the time?” he asked, adding: “It is just the car is slow.”
Bonnington then called on Hamilton to pick up the pace. But the despondent 38-year-old replied: “This is as fast as it goes, mate. That is what I have been saying.”
When he finally stopped for rubber for a second time with 20 laps to run, Hamilton dropped to fifth.
He wiped out a six-second deficit to Piastri inside a handful of laps, and at the start of lap 57 he breezed past the McLaren man at the first corner, before taking the chequered flag 39 seconds behind the all-conquering Verstappen.
“The Red Bull car is phenomenal,” added an envious Hamilton.
The Briton’s Mercedes team-mate George Russell started 18th and finished sixth, benefiting from a five-second penalty to Charles Leclerc who sped in the pit lane. Daniel Ricciardo was a commendable 13th on his first race back.
The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has collaborated with security agencies to implement a robust plan to put an end to fuel smuggling activities along the borders in the Upper East Region.
Working together, the NPA and security services have stationed staff and personnel at strategic smuggling hotspots to effectively combat this issue.
During a recent media engagement in Bolgatanga, Bashiru Natogma, the Upper East Regional Manager of NPA, expressed that this initiative has resulted in a significant improvement in the sale of quality fuel supply in the region.
Fuel smuggling has long been a challenge in Ghana’s petroleum downstream supply chain, causing difficulties for both bulk distribution companies and consumers in terms of pricing and availability.
The Upper East Region, being bordered by landlocked countries, has been a prime target for fuel smugglers who exploit unauthorized routes, often under the cover of night, to transport the product illegally.
To address this issue, Dr. Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, the Chief Executive of NPA, took the lead in implementing measures to curb these illicit activities.
As part of the strategy, tracking systems have been installed on vehicles carrying petroleum products to the Bulk Distribution Companies (BDCs) and at the points of discharge to closely monitor the movement of fuel.
In addition, incentives have been introduced for foreign petroleum transporters who supply fuel to neighboring countries like Burkina Faso, Togo, Mali, and Niger, making it easier for the products to reach their destinations legitimately and discouraging middlemen from engaging in smuggling.
Mr. Natogma emphasized that a rapid response mechanism has also been adopted to promptly address any emerging smuggling activities.
“My team, in partnership with the security agencies, has made fuel smuggling very difficult especially at the border towns because that’s where majority of the smuggling takes place.
“We are therefore sending a strong warning to all identified and those yet to be identified in the fuel smuggling business to stop or face the law. We are not leaving any stone unturned in the fight against fuel smuggling in the border towns and some defunct fuel stations,” Mr. Bashiru cautioned.
Pindaa community in the Kassena Nankana Municipality, Nakolo in the Kassena Nankana West District, Kulungugu in the Pusiga District, Nayagnia in the Kassena Nankana Municipality, Bongo Soe in the Bongo District and some other border communities in the region are among the spots where the exercises are being carried out.
Mr. Natogma urged the public to report to the NPA through its toll-free contact numbers, any illegal and unapproved activities at the fuel stations or the LPG refilling points.
He also advised consumers who fall victim to cheating at the pumps to obtain receipts as evidence.
The Head of Planning at the NPA, Dominic Aboagye, briefed journalists on fuel supply and availability in Ghana. He gave the assurance that the NPA would ensure uninterrupted supply of quality petroleum products to Ghanaians and its clients in Burkina Faso, Togo, Mali and Niger.
Management of the National Service Scheme (NSS) has secured government approval for upward adjustment of monthly allowances for National Service Personnel from GHS559.04 to GHS715.57, with effect from January, 2023.
The approval, which was contained in a letter dated 18th July, 2023 and signed by the Deputy Minister for Finance, Hon. Abena Osei-Asare (MP), was as a result of series of engagements between National Service Scheme, Fair Wages and Salaries Commission, and the Ministry of Finance.
The letter also directed the Controller and Accountant-General to give effect to the new levels of the personnel allowances.
In effect, all National Service Personnel who are currently in active service are entitled to arrears for the difference in the upward adjustment from January, 2023, and would be paid accordingly.
Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Mrs. Mavis Hawa Koomson, has announced an impressive 97 per cent level of compliance and cooperation from fishermen during this year’s closed fishing season.
She noted that the fishermen have gradually come to understand the significance of the season and are willingly complying to ensure the success of the initiative.
Speaking at an event in Ga Mashie, Accra, the Minister presented essential items to over a hundred fisherfolk, including 200 bags of perfumed rice, 220 head pans, 73 wire mesh, and 70 cartons of cooking oil.
She highlighted that the fisherfolk are witnessing the benefits of the closed season in their recent catches compared to the period before its introduction.
Despite the significant success, Mrs. Koomson acknowledged that there are still some fishermen who continue to disobey the ban. The Ministry will continue to sensitize and engage with them, emphasizing the importance of adopting the right fishing practices even after the season.
Mrs. Koomson mentioned that they have already reached out to and provided items to fisherfolk in the Central, Volta, and Western Regions, and they aim to do the same in the Greater Accra Region by the end of the week.
Chief Fisherman Nii Ayigbui II from Ga Mashie expressed their support for the closed season but suggested that it should occur in May instead of July and August, as he believes that fishes reproduce during May.
This year’s closed fishing season was set from July 1, 2023, to August 31, 2023. Canoe and inshore fishers observed the season from July 1, 2023, to July 31, 2023, while industrial trawlers adhered to it from July 1, 2023, to August 31, 2023.
The military government in Mali has recently approved a new constitution that grants increased powers to the president and the armed forces.
It also introduces a senate and downgrades French from an official language to a working language.
Since 2020, Mali has been under the rule of a junta. The opposition movement has strongly criticized the constitutional reforms, which were reported to have received 97% support in the recent referendum, with a reported turnout of 38%.
Critics of the changes fear that they may enable the military generals to backtrack on their promise of returning power to civilian leaders after the presidential election scheduled for February 2024.
With the new constitution in place, Interim President Col Assimi Goïta now wields significant authority to shape government policies and dissolve parliament.
An attempt to invalidate the referendum results due to the vote not being conducted in all parts of Mali was rejected by the constitutional court. The opposition movement, consisting of political parties and civil society organizations, also claims that “numerous irregularities” and “violations of the law” occurred during the referendum.
The adoption of the new constitution has sparked concerns about its impact on democracy, and many people fear the implications for civilian governance.
The military junta initially gained popular support when it took control after protests against then-President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta three years ago. However, data indicates limited progress in countering the Islamist insurgency that holds sway in parts of the country.
The Malian government argues that the new constitution will aid in curbing the spread of the 11-year-long jihadist insurgency. The decision to remove all 12,000 UN peacekeepers from the country and the employment of around 1,000 Russian mercenaries from the Wagner group for security support further underscore the complexities of the security situation in Mali.
Relations with former colonial power France have also soured, contributing to the evolving dynamics in West Africa.
A Ghanaian lady named Frimpongmaa faced deportation to Ghana from the United States of America after her friend reported her to the authorities.
According to Freda Afriyie, who narrated the deportee’s ordeal on social media, Frimpongmaa had been working in the States using someone else’s Ghanaian documents, and as a result, her salary was being deposited into the account of the person whose papers she was using.
Over time, Frimpongmaa had earned more than US$70,000, but unfortunately, her hard-earned money was locked up with the individual whose identity she had borrowed. Seeking her rightful earnings, Frimpongmaa visited the person’s house to request her money, but the woman claimed to be ill and requested a 2-month period before she could cash out the funds for Frimpongmaa.
As a consequence of these circumstances, Frimpongmaa’s situation came to the attention of the authorities, leading to her deportation back to Ghana.
“My money is with the sister and I told her to let’s go to the bank to withdraw the money for me. She said she doesn’t have time. She was sick, so I should give her 2 months and that the doctor said she should not go out. So the woman said, I’ll use Uber to pick you up to the bank. This led to an argument,” Frimpongmaa told Freda Afriyie.
After the confrontations between Frimpongmaa and the debtor, the latter called her husband and the police, falsely claiming that she was under attack. Consequently, Frimpongmaa was arrested and subjected to an investigation.
As she lacked the necessary documents to prove her legal stay in the USA, she was processed for court.
Eventually, she faced deportation and was sent back to Ghana. Now back in her home country, Frimpongmaa is making a living as a dishwasher in a local chop bar
On Sunday, Elon Musk, the billionaire owner of Twitter, announced his intention to change the social media platform’s logo.
In a tweet, he stated, “And soon we shall bid adieu to the twitter brand and, gradually, all the birds.” He also mentioned that if a suitable “X” logo is posted on the platform, it will go live worldwide the following day.
Musk shared an image of a flickering “X” as a potential new logo. During a Twitter Spaces audio chat, when asked if the Twitter logo would indeed change, he responded with a definitive “Yes,” expressing his belief that this change should have been implemented much earlier.
Under Musk’s leadership since he acquired Twitter in October, the company has already undergone a name change to X Corp.
The company did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Twitter’s website says its logo, depicting a blue bird, is “our most recognizable asset”. “That’s why we’re so protective of it,” it added.
In April, Twitter temporarily replaced its iconic bird logo with Dogecoin’s Shiba Inu dog, which contributed to a significant surge in the market value of the meme coin.
However, Twitter faced extensive backlash from users and marketing experts when Elon Musk announced a new policy to limit the number of tweets per day that various accounts can read.
As a consequence of these limits, Meta-owned rival service Threads experienced rapid growth, attracting over 100 million sign-ups within just five days of its launch.
Twitter’s most recent complication was a lawsuit filed on Tuesday claiming the firm owes at least $500 million in severance pay to former employees. Since Musk acquired it, the company has laid off more than half its workforce to cut costs.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has expressed deep sorrow over the unexpected passing of one of its dedicated members, Hanny Sherry Ayittey.
In an official statement, the National Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, described her death as a significant loss to the party, leaving them devastated.
According to the party, “The death of the hardworking and selfless Hon. Dr. Sherry Ayittey has robbed the party, the country, and her family, of yet another elder whose sterling contributions to nation-building span well over a generation in the history of Ghana.”
“We in the NDC are particularly devastated by this sudden and unexpected blow, and at the appropriate time, we shall demonstrate our gratitude to her for her love of nation and party,” portions of the statement added.
Sherry’s family announced her passing in a press release issued on Saturday, July 22, but did not give details as to the cause of death. She was aged 75.
The party says they “console themselves and her family and request for strength and fortitude for her family and friends as preparations are made towards her funeral.”
“Auntie Sherry, rest in peace.”
Meanwhile, former President John Dramani Mahama and Minority Leader in Parliament, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson have paid tribute to the late former minister.
Former Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, Cecilia Dapaah, has firmly maintained her innocence amidst the controversy surrounding the alleged theft of $1 million from her home by her house helps.
She has stated her willingness to cooperate fully with any state agencies that are investigating the matter.
On Friday, reports emerged stating that two individuals who had worked for the Sanitation Minister and her husband at their residence were brought before court on charges of stealing significant amounts of money and other valuable items from the house.
The accused individuals are Patience Botwe, 18 years old, and Sarah Agyei, 30 years old. They are alleged to have stolen US$1 million, €300,000, and millions of Ghana cedis between July and October 2022. Additionally, they were reported to have taken clothes, handbags, perfumes, jewelry, kente cloth, and suits belonging to Mrs. Dapaah’s husband, all of which are worth thousands of dollars.
Amidst public outcry over the amount of money that was reported to have been kept at her home, Cecilia Dapaah announced her resignation on Saturday.
She claimed she did not want the matter to become “a hindrance to the work of government at such a crucial time.”
Mrs. Dapaah had released a statement earlier in the day, alleging “noticeable inconsistencies” in the discussions surrounding the case.
Several persons, including Minority Leader, Cassiel Ato Forson and an anti-corruption campaigner, Edem Senanu have called for a probe into the matter.
In her statement, Cecilia Dapaah said she was ready to work with any state agencies to establish the facts of the case and was confident that she would be exonerated.
“I intend to cooperate fully with all state agencies to enable them fully establish the facts,” the statement said.
“I have no doubt whatsoever that at the end of the processes, it will be fully established that I have conducted myself with integrity during my period in public service and I will be fully exonerated from all the allegations that have filled the public domain in the past 24 hours.”
Mrs. Dapaah stood her ground on her complaint that the figures being reported had been exaggerated.
“Whereas I can state emphatically that those figures do not represent correctly what my husband and I reported to the Police, I am very much aware of the import of such stories around someone in my position,” the statement added.
Minister for Trade and Industry, Kobina Tahir Hammond, expressed concerns that the Komenda Sugar Factory has become a burden on the country.
He highlighted that aside from the factory not being adequately established, the company responsible for its initial construction has now come back demanding an additional US$7.5 million, despite the previous government already spending US$34.5 million on the project.
“This Komeda Sugar Factory has been an albatross created by… (he pointed at the minority without saying a word),” KT Hammond said.
During a parliamentary session on Thursday, July 20, 2023, Minister for Trade and Industry, Kobina Tahir Hammond, responded to questions raised by Member of Parliament for Bole/Bamboi, Yussif Sulemana, regarding the Komenda Sugar Factory. The inquiry was made on behalf of Mr. Sulemana by Alhassan Suhuyini, the MP for Tamale North.
The main question posed was about the termination of the agreement with Park Agrotech Ghana Limited, the strategic investor chosen for the factory, which had been approved by Cabinet in June 2019 as the preferred investor for the Komenda Sugar Development Company Limited.
In his response, the minister clarified that there was never an agreement in place to be terminated from the beginning. He explained that certain conditions precedent were set, which the company failed to meet, resulting in the inability to establish a contract with the government. Therefore, the termination was a consequence of the company’s inability to fulfill these conditions, rather than a cancellation.
“Mr. Speaker, there was a long delay in concluding the negotiations between the lawyers of Park Agrotech and the Transaction adviser PWC [Price Water House], in respect of the conditions precedent for the lease agreement, under the agreement between Park Agrotech and Komenda Sugar Development Company to come into force,” KT said.
He said COVID-19 further delayed the company from bringing its partners abroad to access the machine and do the necessary maintenance to restart production.
He added that the ministry, after painstakingly working with the Transaction Adviser on the various conditions precedent, issued a directive that August 31, 2021 would be the final deadline, which the investor could not meet.
According to him, the directive was that if no agreement had been reached at that point, “the transaction process was to be terminated. And the management of the company reverted to the board. By the close of business on August 31, 2021 no agreement had been reached between PWC and Park Agrotech and the transaction process was terminated.”
Pandora’s box
The Minister, after the written answer, had a follow-up from the Bole MP, who, while KT was answering the main question, entered the Chamber.
He asked why the government mobilised the chiefs and introduced the company to “them that these were the people coming to start work,” if there was no agreement.
In his response, the minister said that considering the state of the company, “obviously” the chiefs and the people would be interested to know that the company was coming to work in the factory. He cautioned his colleagues on the other side against the move to blame the ruling government, saying that going on that tangent could only open the Pandora’s Box and “you will get extremely uncomfortable.”
In giving an answer to the follow-up question, the minister gave the history of the factory, saying the then NDC government in an attempt to show the world that the company was operational, “a lot of things were rushed through.”
He cited that “when eventually other engineers went there, it was realised that the structure of the plant was so bad [that] no manufacturing activity could take place.”
Cost incurred
The MP for Bole/Bamboi asked another follow-up question about whether the ruling government had incurred any costs with regards to overhauling, retooling and maintenance, which the minister mentioned, but the minister said he did not have any information about that.
“I do recall that the company that originally undertook the construction of the company has come back to ask for about US$7.5 million. So let me check if some more money has been expended. But I don’t have the information now,” he stated.
The MP then asked about the economic justification for importing semi-processed sugar to be processed by the Komenda sugar factory.
The minister in his response said the company does not import semi-processed sugar, adding that the company is to produce sugar from start to finish to deal with the importation of sugar.
“The company does not import any such material. The Komenda Sugar Manufacturing Company has undergone a comprehensive overhaul, retooling and maintenance to ensure that the factory will have full utilization of its production capacity, in respect of cane milling and refining of raw sugar to substitute imports,” he answered.
On July 22, President Akufo-Addo embarked on a courtesy visit to Pope Francis in Rome, with the primary objective of strengthening diplomatic relations between Ghana and the Vatican.
This visit was a significant part of the President’s official four-day trip to Italy, during which Ghana aimed to reinforce the bonds of friendship with the Holy See.
As part of the visit’s itinerary, the Ghanaian delegation had the opportunity to tour the Pontifical Academies of Sciences at the Vatican, guided by Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson, a respected Catholic priest of Ghanaian origin.
During the meeting, the President expressed Ghana’s solidarity with the Holy See in addressing critical global issues such as the climate crisis, human trafficking, and the promotion of equality for all.
The visit signifies Ghana’s commitment to fostering a strong and constructive relationship with the Vatican, reinforcing their shared aspirations for a better world and a more inclusive society.
In the recent commemoration of the 10th anniversary of Pope Francis’ papacy, which coincided with the National Day of the Holy See, President Nana Akufo-Addo praised the former for his commitment to the cause of humanity.
“Since his pontification in 2013, His Holiness, Pope Francis, has promoted fairness and equality amongst nations, and also preached against discrimination and exploitation,” he noted.
The Vatican has over the years been supportive of Ghana’s development agenda, especially in the area of education, health and youth development.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has accepted the resignation of Cecilia Abena Dapaah, the Sanitation and Water Resources Minister.
However, unlike previous conventions, he has not immediately named a replacement in an acting capacity. Instead, the Chief Director will temporarily lead the ministry until an official announcement is made.
Sources within the corridors of power, according to Ghanaweb suggest that the president is seeking a candidate who can seamlessly fit into the vacant position and avoid parliamentary vetting, which is possible by appointing a serving minister to the role.
Possible replacements for the position include:
Francis Asenso-Boakye, the current Minister of Works and Housing, who might take on the role, potentially leading to the merger of the two portfolios or acting as a temporary replacement.
Freda Prempeh, who previously served as a deputy minister when the ministry was under Works and Housing and is currently working at the Ministry of Works and Housing, is also highly tipped for consideration.
Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, the MP for Suame and Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, is seen as another potential replacement. He has previously acted in a ministerial role at the finance ministry. However, if he is moved, the NPP will have to make adjustments to its leadership in Parliament as he currently serves as the Majority Leader.
Other names circulating as potential acting ministers include Dan Botwe, Samuel Jinapor, and Henry Quartey, with the first two having recent experience in acting ministerial capacities. Only time will reveal the final decision made by President Akufo-Addo in appointing the new Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources.
Medical charity Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has reported a disturbing incident in Sudan’s capital, where armed men attacked a convoy of medics, subjecting them to beatings and whippings.
The attack occurred while the medical team was en route to the Turkish Hospital located in the southern part of Khartoum on Thursday. During the assault, one of their vehicles was stolen.
Amidst the ongoing war that began in mid-April, only two hospitals remain operational in the southern part of the city. These hospitals, crucial for providing medical care to the affected population, are supported by MSF.
However, the violent power struggle between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) over the past three months has wreaked havoc on medical facilities in the city.
This recent attack not only endangers the lives and well-being of the medical staff but also poses a threat to the aid and support provided by MSF to these essential healthcare facilities.
Since April, over three million people across Sudan have been displaced from their homes, leaving them in dire circumstances. While many have fled the country, millions of others are still in Khartoum, facing immense challenges in accessing medical assistance and essential medicines.
In this critical situation, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) stands as one of the few international aid organizations that continue to support hospitals in Khartoum and Omdurman.
These hospitals have been operating under immense strain for decades. Despite the challenges, MSF has treated more than 1,600 patients in these facilities since the conflict began.
However, the charity is now facing the possibility of halting its crucial medical support due to a significant deterioration in security. Recent incidents have seen their staff being targeted, posing serious risks to their ability to continue their life-saving work.
In one such alarming incident on Thursday, armed men engaged in an altercation with an MSF convoy consisting of 18 people and four trucks carrying medical supplies.
During the encounter, the assailants not only assaulted the MSF team but also threatened the life of one of the drivers. Eventually, they made off with one of the vehicles, further complicating the already precarious situation.
The escalating security threats are jeopardizing the healthcare system’s survival in the region, leaving millions vulnerable and in urgent need of assistance.
“If an incident like this happens again, and if our ability to move supplies continues to be obstructed, then, regrettably, our presence in the Turkish Hospital will soon become untenable,” MSF’s Christophe Garnier said in a statement.
The confrontation took place not far from the hospital, where hundreds of patients, including those recently wounded in air strikes, are undergoing treatment.
“On a daily basis, this hospital receives around 15 war wounded patients, carries out lifesaving surgery and keeps patients with chronic diseases alive,” MSF said.
According to the AFP news agency, the hospital is in an area of the city controlled by the RSF.
Aerial bombardments have intensified in residential areas of Khartoum where the paramilitary fighters have their bases, it says.
Official figures put the number of dead in the conflict at around 3,000, but it is thought to be far higher.
Some estimates from the western region of Darfur, which have seen the worst of the violence, say the death toll in one city alone is 11,000.
Officials in Mexico have reported the arrest of a man suspected of causing a deadly fire in a bar, resulting in the tragic death of 11 people.
The incident occurred on Friday night in San Luis Rio Colorado, which is located near the United States border.
The suspect, described as a drunk young man who had been harassing women, allegedly threw a Molotov cocktail at the Beer House bar after being kicked out.
According to a statement from the Sonora state Attorney General’s Office, the fire claimed the lives of seven men and four women, while leaving four others injured.
Some of the injured individuals were rushed to hospitals in the United States for medical treatment. As of now, the identity of the arrested suspect has not been disclosed. The Mayor of San Luis Rio Colorado announced the arrest via a tweet on Saturday afternoon.
“According to versions (from) several witnesses, the person with a young, male appearance was disrespecting women in that bar and was expelled,” the statement said.
It described the object thrown “a kind of ‘Molotov’ cocktail”.
Investigations continue to “clarify the facts” and “bring justice” it said, adding that “in Sonora, no one is above the law”.
It is unclear if the incident is related to organised crime, which has plagued Mexico for years.
Security Analyst, Dr. Adam Bonaa, is firmly advocating for the prosecution of refugees apprehended with weapons and ammunition at the Ghana-Burkina Faso border.
In light of the escalating hostility within the West Africa sub-region, he believes that individuals, even if they are refugees, who are suspected to be involved in terrorism, militancy, or armed conflict, should not be exempted from facing legal consequences under any circumstances.
“Some of them could be terrorists or are combatants fleeing from the conflicts they have started in their country. Prosecute those caught and send them back to their home country to serve whatever sentence given them,” Dr Bonaa said.
Following the arrest of refugees disguised as nursing mothers and found in possession of weapons, the National Security has significantly heightened surveillance measures at the country’s border with Burkina Faso.
In response to this concerning incident, Dr. Bonaa emphasized the importance of the State working closely with neighboring countries, particularly those affected by conflicts, to gather comprehensive profiles of these alleged refugees. He further recommended that their fingerprints be taken before repatriating them.
In an interview with the Ghana News Agency, he said: “The chances are that some of them will go, disguise themselves and come back again. Others too run into Ghana when the heat is on in their country, go back to stoke the fire when everything seemed to have died out.”
Dr Bonaa said though Ghana was a party to the 1951 Refugee Convention, the arrested refugees should face the full rigours of the law without any fear that Ghana could be seen in bad light by the international community.
“The international community should respect our sovereignty. As a member of the Commonwealth Nations and UN, we shall not allow anybody to come and destabilise this country,” he said.
Earlier, the Deputy Defence Minister, Kwaku Amankwah Manu, stated that this recent development has compelled security agencies to strengthen their efforts in screening asylum seekers. He asserted that the government is resolute in not compromising the safety of Ghanaians in favor of protecting the rights of asylum seekers.
“So, we really need to be on the lookout, we have the Ghanaian people to protect, we have properties to protect, we cannot say that because we want to be compassionate, we will not look at the security of our nation,” he said.
Ranking Member on Defence and Interior committee of Parliament, James Agalga, said government had every right to screen the refugees, but must also be mindful of international treaties that protected the rights of the asylum seekers.
“Government clearly has a commitment not to repatriate refugees who are refugees where they may face very serious threats to their lives and fundamental freedoms,” he said.
The passing of Sherry was announced by her family through a press release on Saturday, July 22. However, specific details regarding the cause of her death were not disclosed.
In a Facebook post, Dr Forson said the late Ayittey’s “passing leaves a void in our hearts and a tremendous loss to our party and the nation.”
“It is with a heavy heart and profound sorrow that I eulogise the life and legacy of Hon. Dr. Sherry Hanni Ayittey, Vice Chairperson of our party and a former Minister,” he posted on Saturday.
According to him, the legacy of the former minister will forever remain etched in the hearts of Ghanaians, noting that her contributions to the building of the country will continue to inspire generations to come.
He also expressed his condolences to Madam Ayittey’s family and loved ones on behalf of the Minority Caucus.
“May the memories of her kindness, selflessness, and determination bring them comfort during this difficult time,” he said.
In Assin-Essan, Assin North District, a distressing incident unfolded when 22-year-old seamstress, Ms. Linda Agyiri, found herself fighting for her life at St. Francis Xavier Hospital in Assin Fosu.
The cause of her critical condition was the brutal act of her ex-boyfriend, Paul Tamakloe. He inflicted deep cutlass wounds on her during a confrontation that took place at her father’s house around 2030 hours on Tuesday.
The confrontation arose from unresolved issues that had plagued Linda and Paul’s relationship for the past 12 months. When Paul arrived at Linda’s father’s house to address these matters, he was informed by Mr. Evans Agyiri, Linda’s father, that she was currently asleep and suggested he return later.
However, this response did not sit well with Paul, and it led to a heated altercation, during which he viciously stabbed Linda’s father in the stomach and chest. Hearing the commotion, Linda rushed to the scene in an attempt to calm Paul down.
Tragically, her intervention only escalated the situation, as Paul turned his rage on her, inflicting severe cutlass wounds to her head, back, and hand, before fleeing the scene.
The local authorities have already initiated investigations into this harrowing case, and they are urging the public to come forward with any relevant information that could lead to the swift arrest of the suspect.
Former President John Dramani Mahama says he is grappling with accepting the demise of Hanny Sherry Ayittey, a former Minister for Health, as well as Fisheries and Aquaculture.
The family of Sherry Ayittey, 75, announced her death through a press release issued on Saturday, July 22.
“The head of the family, Nii Kofi Ayittey of Akwetey Nantan, Osu Alata, announce with deep sorrow the death of their beloved daughter and sister, Hon. Hanny Sherry Ayittey, on July 22, 2023.”
In a Facebook post on Sunday, July 23, Mr Mahama described her demise as a “shocking loss.”
In his words, “‘Aunty’ Sherry was an active stalwart of our great party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), and served as Vice Chair of the party. She was also one of the key leaders of the 31st December Women’s Movement.”
He commiserated with the bereaved family, noting that the NDC mourns its “collective loss.”
“Rest In Perfect Peace, Aunty Sherry,” he added.
Further details about Sherry Ayittey’s passing will be provided by the family at a later time.
President Akufo-Addo has welcomed the resignation of Sanitation and Water Resources Minister, Cecilia Abena Dapaah.
This was communicated by the Director of Communications at the Presidency, Eugene Arhin, in a Facebook post on Saturday, July 22.
He wrote: “The President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has accepted the resignation from office of Hon. Cecilia Abena Dapaah as Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources and member of Government.”
According to him, President Akufo-Addo applauded Hon. Cecilia Dapaah’s “loyalty to the image and standing of his Government, and thanked her also for her wholehearted contribution and devotion to the progress of Government and the Nation.”
“He wished her the best in all her endeavours,” Mr Eugene added.
Minister for Sanitation, Cecilia Abena Dapaah, on Saturday stepped down from her position owing to pressure from National Democratic Congress (NDC) Members of Parliament 48 hours after it was revealed that she had lost millions of dollars and cedis in her home.
Five individuals are facing charges for their alleged involvement in stealing millions of dollars and euros from Sanitation MinisterCecilia Dapaah’s house.
At an Accra Circuit Court, Patience and Sarah are charged with one count of conspiracy to commit a crime and five counts of stealing, which include amounts of US$1 million, €300,000, and millions of Ghana Cedis.
Clothes valued at GH¢95,000, handbags, perfumes, and jewelry worth US$95,000 were reportedly stolen as well.
According to the minister, what is being reported in the media regarding the looted cash has some “inconsistencies”. She made this known in a press statement dated July 21, ahead of her resignation on July 22.
In her resignation letter, Madam Dapaah reiterated her earlier position stating that “Whereas I can state emphatically that those figures do not represent correctly what my husband and I reported to the Police, I am very much aware of the import of such stories around someone in my position.”
After news broke that Madam Cecilia Dapaah had millions of dollars in her home, some Ghanaians questioned the means in which she acquired them.
This has prompted Madam Dapaah to resign as she does not “want this matter to become a preoccupation of government and a hindrance to the work of government at such a crucial time.”
She has assured of her willingness to cooperate fully with all state agencies to enable them fully establish the facts.
“I have no doubt whatsoever that at the end of the processes, it will be fully established that I have conducted myself with integrity during my period in public service and I will be fully exonerated from all the allegations that have filled the public domain in the past 24 hours,” she added.
Madam Dapaah also used the opportunity to thank President Akufo-Addo for the opportunity given to serve Ghanaians.
Meanwhile, the President will soon appoint a new Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources.
Hanny Sherry Ayittey, a former Minister for Health, as well as Fisheries and Aquaculture, has passed away at age 75.
The family made the announcement through a press release issued on Saturday, July 22.
“The head of the family, Nii Kofi Ayittey of Akwetey Nantan, Osu Alata, announce with deep sorrow the death of their beloved daughter and sister, Hon. Hanny Sherry Ayittey, on July 22, 2023.”
Further details about her passing will be provided by the family at a later time, according to the family.
Profile
Hanny Ayittey was born on February 8, 1948, in Ghana.
She obtained a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and a Master of Science in Industrial Microbiology from the University of Science and Technology, Kumasi.
In addition to her academic achievements, Ayittey has been recognized by esteemed American universities for her leadership capabilities. She is a fellow of both the Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore and the Kellogg Graduate School of Management.
Beyond her political career, Hanny Ayittey has been actively involved in various non-governmental organization activities in Ghana. She attended a leadership program at Harvard University in February 2013, further enhancing her expertise and skills.
Her notable accomplishments extend internationally as well. Ayittey is a fellow of the Institute of Directors in the United Kingdom. In the past, she held the esteemed position of Chairman of the United Nations Commission on Science and Technology. Currently, she serves as a member of the ECOWAS Board for Renewable Energy and is also affiliated with the Chartered Institute of Marketing.
She sided with the National Democratic Congress (NDC) during her political career.
After the 2008 presidential election, President John Atta Mills appointed her as Minister for Environment, Science and Technology in his government.
She served as the Minister for Health in Ghana during the presidency of John Atta Mills. She held this position from 2009 to 2013.
After her tenure as Minister for Health, she later served as the Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture.
During this time, she was responsible for overseeing policies and initiatives related to the fishing industry and the sustainable management of aquatic resources in Ghana.
She was the Executive Director for MOKAS Women Trust Foundation – GHANA.
Minister for Sanitation, Cecilia Abena Dapaah, has stepped down from her position owing to pressure from National Democratic Congress (NDC) Members of Parliament 48 hours after it was revealed that she had lost millions of dollars and cedis in her home.
Five individuals are facing charges for their alleged involvement in stealing millions of dollars and euros from Sanitation MinisterCecilia Dapaah’s house.
At an Accra Circuit Court, Patience and Sarah are charged with one count of conspiracy to commit a crime and five counts of stealing, which include amounts of US$1 million, €300,000, and millions of Ghana Cedis.
Clothes valued at GH¢95,000, handbags, perfumes, and jewelry worth US$95,000 were reportedly stolen as well.
According to the minister, what is being reported in the media regarding the looted cash has some “inconsistencies”. She made this known in a press statement dated July 21, ahead of her resignation on July 22.
In her resignation letter, Madam Dapaah reiterated her earlier position stating that “Whereas I can state emphatically that those figures do not represent correctly what my husband and I reported to the Police, I am very much aware of the import of such stories around someone in my position.”
After news broke that Madam Cecilia Dapaah had millions of dollars in her home, some Ghanaians questioned the means in which she acquired them.
This has prompted Madam Dapaah to resign as she does not “want this matter to become a preoccupation of government and a hindrance to the work of government at such a crucial time.”
She has assured of her willingness to cooperate fully with all state agencies to enable them fully establish the facts.
“I have no doubt whatsoever that at the end of the processes, it will be fully established that I have conducted myself with integrity during my period in public service and I will be fully exonerated from all the allegations that have filled the public domain in the past 24 hours,” she added.
Madam Dapaah also used the opportunity to thank President Akufo-Addo for the opportunity given to serve Ghanaians.
Other culprits
29-year-old plumber, Benjamin, is also accused of dishonestly receiving GH¢180,000, whereas Kweku Botwe, a 65-year-old trader, has been charged for dishonestly receiving GH¢50,000.
The third, Malik Dauda, 23, who is unemployed, is said to have dishonestly received GH¢1 million.
The charges include “conspiracy to commit a crime to wit: stealing: contrary to sections 23(1) and 124(1) of the criminal offenses act of 1960, Act 29.”
What ‘stolen money’ was allegedly spent on
In Court on Thursday, July 20, it was revealed that Patience, who had a duplicate key to the room of the couple was once caught red-handed by Mr Kuffour.
It has emerged in court the many alleged activities Patience engaged in with the amount of money stolen while in hiding with one Benjamin, her boyfriend, in Tamale.
Per reports, while in Tamale, Patience and Benjamin leased a 3-bedroom apartment at the cost of GH¢105,600 and rented a store at the cost of GH¢120,000.
She is also accused of purchasing 3-bedroom house at a cost of US$70,000 at Amrahia. She later furnished the house with the following items – a double decker refrigerator, water dispenser, a television set, washing machine and a chest cooler among others.
Patience is said to have also gifted her boyfriend a Hyundai Elantra at the cost of GH¢80,000. But he later sold it to purchase a Honda Civic.
After showering gifts on her boyfriend, Patience reciprocated the gesture to her father, whom she gave GH¢50,000, and her former boyfriend, who received an amount of GH¢1 million.
Sarah on the other hand, is said to have purchased a 3-bedroom house at Budumburam.
The court granted Sarah bail in the amount of GH¢1 million, and two sureties are required to deposit their Ghana cards with the court’s registrar.
The bail conditions are however subject to review as Judge Susana Ekuful was serving as a relief judge at the time.
During her briefing, Judge Susana Ekuful disclosed that Patience, along with her alleged boyfriends and father, has been remanded into lawful custody.
The court has adjourned the case to August 2, 2023, to allow for further investigations.
NDC MPs wanted Minister sacked
Certain members of the Minority Members of Parliament expressed their view that Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, Cecilia Dapaah, acted unlawfully by keeping significant amounts of money in her house, which has allegedly been stolen by her house helps.
Member of Parliament for Bole Bamboi, Yussif Sulemana, called on President Akufo-Addo to immediately dismiss the Minister while investigations into the source and legitimacy of the money take place.
He emphasized that such actions would demonstrate a commitment to fighting corruption within the government.
The NDC MP for the Kumbungu constituency, Hamza Adam, also expressed shock at the situation, stating that if proven true, the Minister’s possession of such large sums of money at her residence would be unlawful.
Both MPs have demanded a thorough investigation to ascertain the origin of the funds and appropriate legal actions to be taken.
Economist and Risk Analyst, Dr. Theo Acheampong, has expressed astonishment upon learning about the substantial sums of money reportedly stolen from the residence of Cecilia Abena Dapaah, the Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources, and her husband.
He emphasized that the alleged amount of stolen money by the two house helps should be a matter of concern for Ghanaians.
He insists this should be of concern as the said $1 million stolen among others could be used to construct approximately 14 six-classroom unit blocks in the country.
“One million dollars just for the purposes of our listeners, today the exchange rate is like 11.5 – so that’s 11 million or 11.5 million Ghana Cedis.
“To build a six-unit block classroom in Ghana will cost you roughly about GH₵800 thousand so that one million dollars or 11.5 million dollars can build about 14 six-unit classroom blocks,” he said.
During an appearance on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, the Risk Analyst expressed his surprise at the fact that Madam Cecilia Dapaah and her husband did not initially notice the theft.
Dr. Acheampong emphasized that the couple might have had a significant amount of money stored at their home, leading him to call for an investigation into the source of their wealth.
Dr Theo Acheampong
“Since she became a Minister, we know how much ministers earn in this country, we know what they are paid every month, we should be in a position to then establish whether these monies which she said were her property was actually earned legitimately or not.
“Because what is very clear and what we’ve all been talking about is that Ghana is not poor, and it looks as though it is the national cake that is residing in people’s bedrooms, so we need to interrogate,” he said.
He added that the investigation into the wealth of the Sanitation Minister must go beyond the court.
“The OSP must step in, we need to interrogate the source of wealth, how she came to acquire these monies.”
Although there are suggestions that Madam Abena Dapaah acquired her money from her husband, Dr Acheampong said “It should be possible to prove that indeed; that it was a gift and the source of that money is indeed the husband.
“All these would have to be established in investigations beyond the current processes that are ongoing. That’s why I think the OSP must step in, and we need to interrogate it because however we slice and dice, this is a major scandal that goes to put the government and the so-called fight against corruption and other things in a very bad light,” the Economist said.
An Accra High Court was informed that significant sums of money and various items belonging to the Sanitation Minister, Cecilia Dapaah, and her husband, Daniel Osei Kuffour, were stolen from their home in Abelemkpe.
According to the prosecution, the theft occurred between July and October 2022. The case involves two househelps, Patience Botwe (18 years old) and Sarah Agyei (30 years old), along with three others, who are facing charges of stealing. The alleged stolen amounts include US$1 million, €300,000, and millions of Ghanaian Cedis.
In June of the current year, Madam Dapaah and her husband reported the theft incident to the police after Mr. Kuffour reportedly caught one of the accused, Patience Botwe, red-handed in their room with a duplicate key, leading to her subsequent arrest.
Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram, Sam George, has made allegations against the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), claiming that they are orchestrating an amendment to the charge sheet in the case involving the Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, Cecilia Dapaah.
The minister reported that over a million dollars and 300,000 Euros, as well as millions of cedis were stolen from her residence at Akpelempke.
According to Sam George, an unidentified NPP MP hinted at the party’s intention to engage in a public relations strategy by altering the charge sheet to lower the amounts mentioned in the case.
Speaking on on Newsfile on Joy FM on Saturday, July 22, the legislator said, “yesterday [Friday], in parliament, after this matter broke, a senior member of government and a senior MVP person made it clear to us that they were going to engage in a PR spin and get the charge sheet amended.
“And the attempt to amend it is because of the gravity of the theft; to try and drop down the numbers. So Ghanaians should watch out for that. I mean, you will soon see a new charge sheet that has dropped a number of zeros out of the figures in question,” he said.
According to the prosecution in the case, the thefts occurred between July and October 2022.
The Chronicle newspaper reports that two house helps – Patience Botwe, 18, and Sarah Agyei, 30 – are currently facing one count of conspiracy to commit a crime and five counts of stealing, involving amounts of US$1 million, €300,000, and millions of Ghana Cedis.
Madam Dapaah and her husband reported the theft to the police in June this year, after Mr Daniel Osei Kuffour [husband], caught one of the accused [Patience Botwe] red-handed in their room with a duplicate key, leading to her arrest.
But hours after the news broke out, the Minister issued a statement explaining that the amounts of money purported to have been stolen by the media were inconsistent with the original complaint she filed.
According to Sam Nartey George, he finds it bizarre that Madam Dapaah is now claiming there have been inconsistencies in the charge sheet only after the news came to light.
New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer hopeful and former Minister for Energy, Boakye Agyarko, during an interview on Kumasi-based Asanteman FM, reportedly shared some alleged incidents that occurred during the re-negotiation of the 250 Megawatts Ameri Power Plant.
According to a news report by energynewsafrica.com, Agyarko claimed that Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko, a prominent figure in the NPP, renegotiated the Ameri deal without obtaining consent from the government committee assigned to work on the deal.
Upon confronting Gabby about the matter, Agyarko asserted that he was told to keep quiet because President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo was already informed about the actions taken by Gabby.
Agyarko recounted that he received a call from Gabby while he was on a flight to the United States, during which Gabby expressed frustration at not being able to reach him.
“I told him I was onboard a flight travelling. Then he (Gabby) told me that he was sending me a document via email so I should check.
“When I arrived safely and went to my hotel room, I opened my email address and saw the document. To my surprise, Gabby had, on the blind side of the Committee set up and approved by the President to renegotiate with Ameri Energy Group, contracted a law firm to engage Ameri Energy Group and completed their negotiation and recommended a certain company to operate the Ameri Power Plant and extended the contract to 20 years.
“I sent Gabby a mail and asked him what authority he had to do that. And I told him Cabinet has given specific instructions to follow and his response was what makes me think that my Boss (President Akufo-Addo) doesn’t know about what he has done…so I kept quiet,” he is quoted to have said by energynewsafrica.com.
According to the former energy minister, when he discussed the matter with President Akufo-Addo, the president inquired whether there was anything inappropriate about Gabby’s actions.
Boakye Agyarko said that he told the president that, “the authority to renegotiate the terms of the Ameri Power Plant doesn’t lie in the hands of Gabby and that the proposal the firm he contracted made had violated all the Cabinet instructions and extended the contract to 20 years.”
Agyarko added that Akufo-Addo agreed with his reasoning but went ahead and asked him to forward the deal Gabby had negotiated to the committee that was set up to renegotiate the deal.
Ameri Plant deal
The Ameri Power Plant project was initiated in response to Ghana’s power generation challenges and the need to increase the country’s electricity supply to meet the growing demand for energy.
The project was awarded to Ameri Group, a Dubai-based energy company. Ameri was tasked with supplying and operating the power plant.
The Ameri deal was signed in 2015 under an emergency power agreement to quickly address the power crisis in Ghana. The agreement was signed during the tenure of former President John Dramani Mahama.
After the initial agreement was signed, the Ameri deal became a subject of controversy in Ghana due to concerns over its cost and terms. There were allegations of overpricing and lack of transparency in the agreement.
Following the change of government in 2017, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration, under President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, initiated a renegotiation of the Ameri deal. The government sought to amend the terms of the agreement to reduce costs and make it more favorable to Ghana.
The renegotiation process led to the signing of a novation agreement with a new company called Mytilineos International Trading Company in 2018. Under this agreement, Mytilineos took over the management and operation of the Ameri Power Plant from Ameri Group.
The novation agreement was brought before the Ghanaian Parliament for approval, and after heated debates, it was eventually ratified by Parliament in March 2018.
Ningo-Prampram legislator, Sam Nartey George has alleged that the real estate industry in Ghana is a hoax used to cover up money laundering activities happening in the country.
The Anti-Money Laundering Act defines money laundering as engaging in any transaction that involves proceeds of a crime, with the intent to conceal the illegal origin of such funds or to help a person involved in criminal conduct to evade legal consequences.
The MP made the allegations while contributing a conversation hovering around the millions of dollars and cedis looted from the home of the Sanitation Minister, Cecilia Dapaah on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, July 22.
He based his allegation on the exorbitant prices of houses built by real estate companies. According to Mr Nartey George, he finds it outrageous that a house is sold for half a million dollars in Ghana.
“The real estate business in Ghana is money laundering. The cost of real estate in Ghana is not justifiable by any stretch.
You keep seeing all these new high-rise buildings going up and they are selling them for half a million dollars and they keep buying among themselves,” he said.
Explaining how alleged money laundering works in the real estate business, he stated that several parties in the industry engage in buying and selling in order to convert their “dirty money” into “clean money.”
“So I have dirty money to clean, I put up a real estate property. You also have dirty money, you come and buy the property from me then automatically, your money becomes clean. Then tomorrow you also start building your own then I come back and buy and we are just cleaning the money,” he stated.
According to the Ningo-Prampram MP, much has not been done to halt such activities due to a decision by authorities allow such actions continue.
“If our authorities want to deal with it, they will deal with it,” he noted.
The key legislation governing money laundering in Ghana is the Anti-Money Laundering Act, 2008 (Act 749). Additionally, the Financial Intelligence Centre Act, 2008 (Act 768) and the Narcotics Control Commission Act, 1990 (PNDCL 236) are also relevant in the fight against money laundering.
Per the Anti-Money Laundering Act, a person commits an offence of money laundering if the person knows or ought to have known that property is or forms part of the proceeds of unlawful activity and the person: (a) converts, conceals, disguises or transfers the property, (b) conceals or disguises the unlawful origin of the property, or (c) acquires, uses or takes possession of the property.
A person found culpable and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of not more than five thousand penalty units or to a term of imprisonment of not less than twelve months and not more than ten years or to both.
Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram, Sam Nartey George, has sought to explain the genesis of the unending corrupt practices hovering around politicians in the country.
Per his submission on JoyNews’ Newsfile monitored by The Independent Ghana on July 22, the corrupt practices politicians engage in begins with businessmen with corrupt mindset.
According to him, politicians seek the assistance of businessmen to fund their campaigns due to the cost involved.
And during this period, in his words, “You have corrupt businessmen and corrupt business interest that will corrupt politicians – (to) fund them.”
Providing the financial support to the politician, he said is not the end goal, as the money has to be provided to electorates to get politicians into office.
For him, fighting corruption seems like an impossible task as the aforementioned is “an endless cycle”.
“I’ve said this before. We have a supposed fight against corruption. The electorates feel the electoral cycle is the only time where they can actually get a share of the national cake.Because the political class have created a certain gulf between ourselves and the populace. You have corrupt business men and corrupt business interest that will corrupt politicians – fund them. But that money does not necessarily sit with politicians. It has to trickle down for you to then get office. It is an endless cycle,” he said.
Mr Nartey George cited the just-ended by-election in Assin North to exemplify the truth on the ground.
During the Assin North by-election, viral videos on social media showed members of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) engaging in vote-buying although the party has dismissed this claim.
Already, Director of Advocacy and Policy Engagement at the Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) Dr. Pumpuni Asante in an interview on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show, warned that due to the enormous resources pumped into campaigns, the development of the country is not the priority of politicians.
He noted that the priority of many elected leaders is to recoup their expenses when they get into power.
“We actually risk the democracy that we have established. And we are 30 years into the Fourth Republic and we are putting it at risk. Because increasingly, the people who come into government because they need to recoup their investment, and of course some of them are greedy and they want to amass all the wealth, we don’t get the development and dividends that we are supposed to get.
“And people are beginning to ask themselves ‘why should we continue doing this?’ So we are running out of time and we need to correct these problems,” he said.
According to research, it is estimated that a candidate in a parliamentary contest in Ghana spends around GH₵350,000 ($60,000) on their campaign.
At the presidential level, a candidate is required to spend significantly more, with figures ranging from GH₵5 million ($867,000) to GH₵50 million ($8.67 million) or even more.
These costs are primarily for advertising, transportation, and paying party agents and supporters.
In the first half of 2023, Ghana experienced a trade surplus of $1.77 billion, which accounts for approximately 2.4% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP), per a report from the Central Bank.
This figure is higher than the $1.47 billion trade surplus (2.0% of GDP) recorded during the same period in the previous year.
According to the July 2023 Summary of Economic and Financial Data from the Bank of Ghana, total exports as of June 2023 were estimated at $8.17 billion, while total imports amounted to $6.40 billion.
Gold remained the dominant export, generating $3.45 billion in June 2023, an increase from $3.03 billion in the corresponding period the previous year.
Crude oil exports ranked second, contributing $1.66 billion in June 2023, compared to $2.83 billion during the same month in the previous year.
Cocoa proceeds for the first six months of 2023 stood at $1.48 billion, up from $1.41 billion in the previous year.
Total imports for the first six months of 2023 amounted to $6.40 billion, a decrease from $7.40 billion in the same period last year.
Despite the improvement in trade surplus, the country’s Balance of Payment at the end of June 2023 still showed a deficit of $107.8 million, approximately 0.1% of GDP. However, this deficit is significantly lower than the $2.49 billion recorded during the same period in 2022.
The Capital and Financial Account Balance had a deficit of $897.3 million in June 2023, primarily due to a net portfolio of investments outflow. On the other hand, the current account balance stood at $849.2 million, approximately 1.1% of GDP in April 2023.
Gross International Reserves in June 2023 stood at $5.34 billion, providing approximately 2.5 months of import cover. This figure is lower than the $7.68 billion recorded in June 2022.
A Chinese national, known as Shi Yumeing or Smith, has been remanded by an Accra High Court for allegedly harboring En Huang, the alleged galamsey kingpin, after her repatriation in December 2018.
Shi is accused of renting an accommodation for En Huang, also known as Aisha Huang, in Kumasi when she illegally re-entered Ghana.
Charged with mining without a license and harboring a criminal, Shi pleaded not guilty before Justice Mrs. Lydia Osei Marfo. His next court appearance is scheduled for August 14, 2023.
The prosecution, led by State Attorney Watkins Adamah, stated that Shi was believed to be a former boyfriend of En Huang, who was repatriated from Ghana in 2018 due to her involvement in illegal mining activities. After her repatriation, En Huang was prohibited from entering Ghana without approval from the Comptroller-General of the Ghana Immigration Service.
Investigations revealed that Shi took control of En Huang’s businesses in Kumasi and maintained regular communication with her after her repatriation. Moreover, during the period between October 2021 and January 2022, Shi engaged in mining operations at Nimbreso in the Ashanti Region without a permit. He reportedly paid GHC100,000 for the parcel of land used for mining but neglected to reclaim the concession after his illegal activities.
On September 2, 2022, En Huang and three other Chinese nationals, Huang Lei, Huang Hai Hua, and Jiang Li Hua, were arrested at a house in Ahodwo, Kumasi. Aisha had entered Ghana through an unauthorized route, disregarding the terms of her repatriation and the approval of the Comptroller-General.
The house in which En Huang was arrested was rented by Shi, who allegedly knowingly allowed her to stay there in defiance of the terms of her repatriation and to evade detection and arrest.
The investigation led to the arrest of Aisha, Huang Lei, Huang Hai Hua, Jiang Li Hua, Shi Mei Zhi, and Li Wei Guo. Aisha and her accomplices were arraigned, and the accomplices have been convicted for mining and immigration-related offenses.
“The accused person (Shi) was wanted in connection with other cases, but he remained in hiding until his arrest in June 2023.
“The accused person, through investigations, was found to be instrumental in the acquisition of forged or irregularly obtained immigration permits for the other five nationals,” the prosecution said.
It said Shi’s immigration status was currently being investigated.
In a bid to quell the uproar that emerged after it was revealed that she had lost millions of dollars and cedis in her home, Sanitation Minister Cecilia Abena Dapaah released a statement to address the matter.
The statement dated July 21 does not explicitly confirm whether Mrs Dapaah had stashed huge sums of money in her home.
Rather, Mrs Dapaah makes mention of some “noticeable inconsistencies” with regards to the story being discussed in the public domain and the “thrust of the original complaint on the matter.”
According to Mrs Cecilia Abena Dapaah, she is taking steps to examine and identify the origins of the inconsistencies.
But a careful perusal of the statement shows an inconsistency committed by the minister herself.
Her name is spelt differently in the release. In the letterhead, she spells her name as “Cecelia Abena Dapaah” but in the title of the letter and the subscription, the minister’s name is spelt as “Cecilia Abena Dapaah.”
Lionel Messi made a spectacular start to his Inter Miami career, impressing as he secured a stunning free-kick victory against Cruz Azul in stoppage time during his debut match.
Months after leading Argentina to World Cup glory, all eyes in the footballing world were fixed on Florida, eagerly anticipating the first appearance of the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner.
Messi’s arrival in Miami had been long-awaited and highly anticipated, and he certainly didn’t disappoint. The match saw some thrilling moments, with Robert Taylor scoring an excellent goal to open the scoring, but Cruz Azul’s Uriel Antuna equalized.
In the dying moments of the game, the 36-year-old football magician stepped up and delivered a brilliant strike, sending DRV PNK Stadium into a frenzy and securing an unforgettable 2-1 victory in the Leagues Cup.
The evening was a dream come true for fans of all ages, with many sporting ‘Messi 10’ shirts. The sold-out stadium was packed with expectant supporters, and numerous stars like LeBron James, Serena Williams, Kim Kardashian, and, notably, David Beckham were also present, with the proud Miami co-owner closely watching from a box beside the dugout.
Though the early exchanges were a bit nerve-wracking for Miami, looking like a team struggling at the bottom of the Eastern Conference, Messi’s incredible performance turned the tide and gave Inter Miami a triumphant start to what promises to be an exciting journey with their new star player.
Inter Miami initially faced a challenging start as Cruz Azul launched an early offensive, but they managed to weather the storm. Just before halftime, Robert Taylor’s exceptional low strike found the net off the post, much to Lionel Messi’s delight, as Inter took the lead.
Throughout the match, Messi received cheers and applause from the excited crowd. When he was brought on in the 54th minute, he took the captain’s armband while Sergio Busquets made his debut alongside him. The addition of Jordi Alba to the team, joining their former Barcelona coach Tata Martino in Miami, further strengthened their squad.
However, Cruz Azul fought back and deservedly equalized through Uriel Antuna. As the clock wound down, the Mexicans came close to securing a victory, but it was Messi’s night to shine.
In stoppage time, the 36-year-old maestro won a crucial free-kick, and there was a sense of inevitability as he gracefully curled the ball into the top left-hand corner, lighting up the sky with fireworks. This historic moment marked a significant occasion for Major League Soccer and North American football, reminiscent of Pele’s New York Cosmos debut 48 years earlier and David Beckham’s LA Galaxy debut exactly 16 years ago.
Throughout the match, fans enthusiastically chanted Messi’s name. Despite an initially shaky start from the hosts, Taylor’s goal provided a spark of magic. When Messi was subbed on, the atmosphere reached an electric level, and he demonstrated flashes of brilliance.
Cruz Azul continued to pose a threat, and they eventually found an equalizer through Antuna’s well-placed strike. The game swung from end to end as both teams searched for a winner.
Messi had a few opportunities, but the opposing goalkeeper denied his attempts. Josef Martinez looked to have secured the win, but Messi was ruled offside during the build-up. On the other end, Christian Tabo was brilliantly stopped by Inter Miami’s goalkeeper, Drake Callender.
As the match seemed destined for a penalty shoot-out, Messi had other plans. Fouled by Carlos Salcedo, he seized the chance for a thrilling finish, delivering a memorable free-kick goal to secure an unforgettable debut victory for Inter Miami.
An Accra Circuit Court has granted bail to two individuals in the amount of GHC450,000.00 each, requiring three sureties for each of them.
two individuals are accused of obtaining USD25,000 from a businessman by falsely claiming that they would secure him a BMW saloon car.
As part of the bail conditions, the Court ordered that two of the sureties for each accused should be public officers.
Mubarak Mohammed, also known as Maija Orey, pleaded not guilty to the charge of defrauding Mr. Kwame Osei Sarfo, while Jonathan Bright Mensah, alias JB, denied the accusation of aiding and abetting Mubarak.
The next court date for the case is set for August 21, 2023.
However, their alleged accomplice, a person named Obeng, is currently evading arrest and is considered to be at large.
According to Police Chief Inspector Eric Pobee, who is prosecuting the case, Mr. Sarfo, the complainant, is a businessman residing in Weija, Accra. Jonathan Bright Mensah works as an electronic technician, while Mubarak Mohammed is a businessman. They reside in Accra Newtown and Kotobabi, respectively.
The alleged fraudulent activity began in January 2022 when Mubarak approached the complainant, claiming to be a car dealer with a brother in the United States who was selling a 2022 model BMW X7. Mubarak showed the complainant pictures of the car and convinced him to pay USD$20,000 as the cost of the car and its shipment to Ghana. Later, Mubarak asked for an additional USD$5,000 from the complainant, claiming it was for the shipping fee.
Despite waiting for 16 months, the complainant did not receive the car, and he subsequently reported the matter to the police. Mubarak was arrested on June 13, 2023, and during the investigation, he admitted to the crime, revealing that he gave USD$11,000 to Jonathan and another USD$12,000 to his partner in the United States, keeping the remaining USD$2,000 for himself.
Jonathan was also apprehended and admitted to receiving $11,000 from Mubarak, which he claimed to have passed on to Obeng, who is currently on the run.
In conclusion, both Mubarak and Jonathan have been charged with the offenses and presented before the Court. The police are actively pursuing Obeng to bring him to justice.
Sanitation Minister, Cecilia Abena Dapaah who has been under intense criticism after it emerged that millions of dollars and cedis in her home at Akpelempke had been stolen, has finally broken her silence.
In a public notice dated July 21, the minister noted that there are “noticeable inconsistencies” with regards to the story being discussed in the public domain and the “thrust of the original complaint on the matter.”
According to Mrs Cecilia Abena Dapaah, she is taking steps to examine and identify the origins of the inconsistencies.
She has pledged to provide a detailed report in the coming days.
Background
Five individuals are facing charges for their alleged involvement in stealing millions of dollars and euros from Sanitation MinisterCecilia Dapaah’s house.
At an Accra Circuit Court, Patience and Sarah are charged with one count of conspiracy to commit a crime and five counts of stealing, which include amounts of US$1 million, €300,000, and millions of Ghana Cedis.
Clothes valued at GH¢95,000, handbags, perfumes, and jewelry worth US$95,000 were reportedly stolen as well.
29-year-old plumber, Benjamin, is accused of dishonestly receiving GH¢180,000, whereas Kweku Botwe, a 65-year-old trader, has been charged for dishonestly receiving GH¢50,000.
The third, Malik Dauda, 23, who is unemployed, is said to have dishonestly received GH¢1 million.
The charges include “conspiracy to commit a crime to wit: stealing: contrary to sections 23(1) and 124(1) of the criminal offenses act of 1960, Act 29.”
What ‘stolen money’ was allegedly spent on
In Court on Thursday, July 20, it was revealed that Patience, who had a duplicate key to the room of the couple was once caught red-handed by Mr Kuffour.
It has emerged in court the many alleged activities Patience engaged in with the amount of money stolen while in hiding with one Benjamin, her boyfriend, in Tamale.
Per reports, while in Tamale, Patience and Benjamin leased a 3-bedroom apartment at the cost of GH¢105,600 and rented a store at the cost of GH¢120,000.
She is also accused of purchasing 3-bedroom house at a cost of US$70,000 at Amrahia. She later furnished the house with the following items – a double decker refrigerator, water dispenser, a television set, washing machine and a chest cooler among others.
Patience is said to have also gifted her boyfriend a Hyundai Elantra at the cost of GH¢80,000. But he later sold it to purchase a Honda Civic.
After showering gifts on her boyfriend, Patience reciprocated the gesture to her father, whom she gave GH¢50,000, and her former boyfriend, who received an amount of GH¢1 million.
Sarah on the other hand, is said to have purchased a 3-bedroom house at Budumburam.
The court granted Sarah bail in the amount of GH¢1 million, and two sureties are required to deposit their Ghana cards with the court’s registrar.
The bail conditions are however subject to review as Judge Susana Ekuful was serving as a relief judge at the time.
During her briefing, Judge Susana Ekuful disclosed that Patience, along with her alleged boyfriends and father, has been remanded into lawful custody.
The court has adjourned the case to August 2, 2023, to allow for further investigations.
Reactions
Former President John Dramani Mahama has described as outrageous news regarding some millions of dollars and cedis stolen from the home of Cecilia Dapaah.
the former President in a tweet on Friday, July 21, questioned the Sanitation Minister’s rationale for keeping such huge amounts of money in her home even it was acquired legally.
“$1m + €300k and millions of GHS in a Ghanaian Minister’s home? Scandalous!! Even if genuinely acquired, why keep millions of hard currency at home?” he quizzed.
Owing to this incident, he questioned the leadership of President Akufo-Addo, hinting that the president has failed to set a good example for his public officers.
“Will @NAkufoAddo ever set a good example for public office holders in his administration?” he asked.
NDC MPs want Minister sacked
Certain members of the Minority Members of Parliament have expressed their view that Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, Cecilia Dapaah, acted unlawfully by keeping significant amounts of money in her house, which has allegedly been stolen by her house helps.
Member of Parliament for Bole Bamboi, Yussif Sulemana, called on President Akufo-Addo to immediately dismiss the Minister while investigations into the source and legitimacy of the money take place.
He emphasized that such actions would demonstrate a commitment to fighting corruption within the government.
The NDC MP for the Kumbungu constituency, Hamza Adam, also expressed shock at the situation, stating that if proven true, the Minister’s possession of such large sums of money at her residence would be unlawful.
Both MPs have demanded a thorough investigation to ascertain the origin of the funds and appropriate legal actions to be taken.
Five individuals are facing charges for their alleged involvement in stealing millions of dollars and euros from Sanitation MinisterCecilia Dapaah’s house.
At an Accra Circuit Court, Patience and Sarah are charged with one count of conspiracy to commit a crime and five counts of stealing, which include amounts of US$1 million, €300,000, and millions of Ghana Cedis.
Clothes valued at GH¢95,000, handbags, perfumes, and jewelry worth US$95,000 were reportedly stolen as well.
29-year-old plumber, Benjamin, is accused of dishonestly receiving GH¢180,000, whereas Kweku Botwe, a 65-year-old trader, has been charged for dishonestly receiving GH¢50,000.
The third, Malik Dauda, 23, who is unemployed, is said to have dishonestly received GH¢1 million.
The charges include “conspiracy to commit a crime to wit: stealing: contrary to sections 23(1) and 124(1) of the criminal offenses act of 1960, Act 29.”
Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel A. Jinapor says government has taken drastic, decisive and pre-emptive steps to protect the Black Volta from the destructive activities of illegal miners.
According to the Minister, following recent media reports of illegal mining activities on the Black Volta, the government through the collaborative efforts of the Minerals Commission, the Savannah Regional Coordinating Council and the Ghana Armed Forces embarked on an intelligence-gathering operation to ascertain the situation on the ground.
Mr Jinapor who was speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the presentation of the intelligence report on Friday, 21 July 2023, stated that a number of operations have already taken place by the Military to stop the illegal miners and protect the river body from further destruction.
Providing details of the said operations, the Minister disclosed that 20 changfans which were operating on the Black Volta have been confiscated and destroyed.
He stated that resources and personnel will be committed to ensuring the Black Volta returns to its naturally healthy state sooner than later.
Describing the emergence of illegal mining activities as ‘scandalous and unfortunate’, Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor vowed that Government through the Ministry and allied institutions will activate the necessary and legal measures to protect the Black Volta and other waterbodies from illegal mining activities.
“The need for us to protect the Black Volta is absolutely important and I’m happy to report that following the reports the Ministry received, we are working closely with the Minerals Commission, the Savannah Regional Coordinating Council and the 6th Battalion of Infantry, 6Bn) in collaboration with the Military command of the Savannah Region were able to carry out an intelligence-gathering operation to ascertain the true facts on the ground”, he indicated.
“As I speak to you now, series of operations have been undertaken and the reports I’ve received is that 20 changfans have been destroyed and there is a well-thought-through plan to eradicate illegal mining on the river and other parts of the country”, he stressed.
The Lands Minister disclosed that government will not relent in its effort to eradicate illegal mining activities and ensure that the exploitation of the country’s natural resources are done in accordance with the laws of the country and international standards.
He explained that the government illegal mining battled is modelled on two pillars which are enforcement and reformation.
Mr Jinapor vowed that the government will continue to pursue the two pillars and will not renege in its effort to create a sustainable mining sector through responsible and environment-friendly mining practises.
On 23rd February 2021, Sanitation Minister, Cecilia Dapaah answered questions on the funds Ghana received from the World Bank to support the Greater Accra and Integrated Development initiative.
The Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development project (GARID) is the first in a series of projects designed to build the resilience of the national capital with the intial phase covering a five-year period (2020-2025).
The goal of the project is to improve flood risk and solid waste management in the Odaw River basin of the Greater Accra region and improve access to basic infrastructure and services in the targeted communities within the Odaw River Basin.
In Parliament, an MP asked the Minister to account for the $570 million provided by the World Bank.
In her response, Mrs Cecilia Dapaah revealed that the Ministry of Sanitation received an amount of $43million from the total figure.
She did not provide a very detailed breakdown of how the money was spent, but however, noted that the money was use to “to cap about five feet around Pantang and then the Odaw Basin.”
She also added that money was spent to “clean up the Odaw Basin to make the channels open for water to flow in.”
For some Twitter users, an introspection of the information provided by the Sanitation Minister 2 years ago is relevant as it has been revealed that Mrs Dapaah has lost over millions of dollars and cedi’s kept in her house.
Cecilia Abena Dapaah, and her husband, Daniel Osei Kuffour, are reported to have been robbed by two of their house helps in their home in Abelemkpe, Accra.
The two, 18-year-old Patience Botwe and 30-year-old Sarah Agyei are said to have undertaken their operation between July and October 2022.
At an Accra Circuit Court, Patience and Sarah are charged with one count of conspiracy to commit a crime and five counts of stealing, which include amounts of US$1 million, €300,000, and millions of Ghana Cedis.
Clothes valued at GH¢95,000, handbags, perfumes, and jewelry worth US$95,000 were reportedly stolen as well.
Since news broke, some Twitter users have been asking about how the minister was able to have such an amount of money.
For one Twitter user @AnnanPerry, he/she smells a rat with how money was spent on the Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development project.
Former President Donald Trump is scheduled to stand trial for alleged mishandling of classified documents in the spring of next year, as ruled by Judge Aileen Cannon.
The trial is set for 20 May, although Mr. Trump had sought to have it scheduled after the November 2024 election, while prosecutors wanted it to take place this year.
This high-profile case will unfold amidst a full-swing election campaign. The 77-year-old Mr. Trump is facing serious charges related to the storage of sensitive files at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida after leaving office. Prosecutors accuse him of illegally retaining secret documents and obstructing government efforts to recover them.
Throughout the proceedings, the former president has maintained his innocence, denouncing the case as an attempt to undermine his election campaign.
Judge Cannon, a Trump appointee, announced on Friday that the two-week trial would be held in Fort Pierce, Florida.
In the Mar-a-Lago case, prosecutors must secure a unanimous decision from the jury to obtain a conviction.
Jurors will be selected from the Fort Pierce division, which encompasses several counties that Mr. Trump won in the 2020 election.
During an arraignment in Miami last month, the former president pleaded not guilty to 37 federal counts.
Recently, lawyers from both sides presented arguments in the Fort Pierce court regarding the timing of the trial.
Prosecutors emphasized that the evidence in the Mar-a-Lago case was straightforward and saw no reason to postpone the trial, advocating for a December start date.
On the other hand, Mr. Trump’s legal team argued that the extraordinary nature of the case required more time for preparation, asserting that their client would not receive a fair trial before the November 2024 election.
Opinion polls indicate Mr. Trump is currently the leading candidate to secure the Republican party’s nomination and challenge President Joe Biden, the Democratic nominee, in the upcoming election.
The Mar-a-Lago case is just one of several legal challenges Mr. Trump is facing. In April, he was charged with falsifying business records in New York. He recently stated that he expects to be arrested soon in connection with a federal inquiry into the US Capitol riot from two years ago and his efforts to challenge the 2020 election results.
State prosecutors in Atlanta, Georgia, are also investigating whether the former president violated the law with his attempts to overturn the poll results in that state three years ago.
Jack Smith, a special counsel appointed by the Department of Justice, is leading two separate investigations into the Capitol riot and the Mar-a-Lago files.
As per an indictment from last month, Mr. Trump is alleged to have taken approximately 300 classified documents to his oceanfront home in Palm Beach after leaving office. Prosecutors claim he stored the sensitive files in various spaces, including a ballroom and a bathroom.
Additionally, he reportedly instructed a personal aide, Walt Nauta, to move boxes containing classified files from a storage room at the resort before federal investigators could inspect them. Mr. Nauta, who is also charged in the case, has pleaded not guilty.
Tony Bennett, the iconic pop and jazz singer from New York, has passed away at the age of 96.
Bennett was renowned for his timeless songs, including “The Way You Look Tonight,” “Body and Soul,” and “(I Left My Heart) In San Francisco.” Throughout his illustrious career, he collaborated with celebrated performers such as Lady Gaga, Aretha Franklin, and Frank Sinatra, who famously dubbed him “the best singer in the business.”
Over eight decades, the crooner sold millions of records and earned an impressive 20 Grammy Awards, including a prestigious lifetime achievement award.
His publicist, Sylvia Weiner, confirmed his death in a statement to the Associated Press. Bennett passed away in his hometown of New York, and though no specific cause of death was mentioned, he had been battling Alzheimer’s disease since 2016.
Singer Paul Young was among those paying tribute on Twitter, writing: “Ahhh, RIP Tony Bennett, truly one of the greats. An incredible singer live, saw him many times.
Star Trek actor George Takei posted: “Tony Bennett was the last of his kind, a master of the American songbook.
“He may have left his Heart in San Francisco, but he won all of our hearts, from Sinatra to Lady Gaga. Be at peace, and sing to us now from the stars, Tony.”
Musician Nile Rogers added: “My most heartfelt condolences go out to Tony Bennett’s family and friends.”
Image caption,Bennett (pictured in 2003) won 19 competitive Grammys as well as an additional lifetime achievement award
Born Anthony Dominick Benedetto to a family of Italian immigrants, Bennett faced hardship at a young age when his father passed away, leaving the family in poverty.
As a teenager, he worked as a singing waiter before pursuing studies in music and painting at New York’s School of Industrial Art.
In 1944, during World War Two, he was drafted into the US army and served in France and Germany. He candidly described the experience as “legalized murder” in a 2013 interview with The Guardian.
Upon his return home, Bennett’s singing career flourished, initially under the name Joe Bari. He achieved a breakthrough in 1951 with the song “Because of You,” which became his first number one hit.
Bennett quickly became a teenage sensation, releasing his debut album in 1952. His music continued to top charts in the US during every subsequent decade of his life, with hits such as “Blue Velvet” and “Rags to Riches.”
Throughout his career, the legendary singer garnered a reputation for creating timeless swinging pop hits and later, show tunes, and big band numbers.
IMAGE SOURCE, REUTERS: Image caption, Bennet pictured performing with singer KD Lang in New York in 2002
His 1962 version of a song form the previous decade, I Left My Heart in San Francisco, sent his star into an even bigger orbit, winning him two Grammys.
Bennett was also a supporter of the civil rights movement and took part in the 1965 Selma to Montgomery marches while also refusing to perform in apartheid-era South Africa.
However, with the arrival of the Beatles and the Rolling Stones into the US, as the decade rolled on his relevance faded.
Personal problems followed, including the end of two marriages and drug addiction.
He performed through the pain, recording two records with pianist Bill Evans.
After hiring his son Danny to become his manager and reuniting with his pianist and musical director Ralph Sharon, his fortunes began to change.
He enjoyed a revival in the 1980s and 1990s, when Grammy awards flooded in for the star, then in his sixties.
His 1986 comeback album, The Art of Excellence, got the ball rolling again for the star who had returned to New York from Las Vegas.
Image caption,Bennett was interviews on BBC Breakfast during a visit to the UK in 2010
He followed it with the chart-topping Perfectly Frank, a tribute to his musical hero Sinatra, before 1994’s MTV Unplugged saw Bennett win the Grammy for album of the year.
In an interview with the Independent in 2008, Bennett said he had not been surprised by his renewed success.
“Good music is good music,” he said. “I’m not concerned with whether someone who listens to me is old or young. In fact, in many ways, I’m not interested in the young at all.
“I’m interested in age. People learn to live properly when they get of an age, you know? The late Duke Ellington once said to me that he was really offended by the word category.
“Music has no category; it’s either good or it isn’t, and I sing good songs, great songs, written by the best songwriters. It’s that kind of quality that makes them last. Trust me, people will be singing these songs forever.”
Bennett remained perpetually cool enough to win over new legions of fans.
He collaborated with a host of younger artists – who adored him – including Amy Winehouse, Queen Latifah and Diana Krall; as well as the likes of Paul McCartney, Elton John and George Michael on the 2006 album, Duets: An American Classic.
in 2014, his joint album with Lady Gaga, Cheek to Cheek, made him the oldest living act to reach the top the US charts, breaking his own previous record.
Shortly after his 90th birthday he told the New York Times: “I could have retired 16 years ago, but I just love what I’m doing.”
In 2021, five years after his 2016 Alzheimer’s diagosis, Bennett performed his final shows alongside Gaga, with whom, for younger fans, he became closely associated.
He posted on social media at the time: “Life is a gift – even with Alzheimer’s.”
Away from music, as a keen painter, Bennett had his work displayed in galleries.
He also founded the Frank Sinatra School of the Arts in his hometown Queens.
He is survived by four children: Danny, Dae, Joanna and Antonia, as well as his wife Susan Crow.
Madam Joyce Bawah Mogtari, a Special Aide to former President John Mahama, expressed her concerns on Twitter regarding a minister of state in the Akufo-Addo government reportedly having millions of cedis and other foreign currencies in her house.
An Accra Circuit Court has been told that huge sums of money and other items of Sanitation Minister Cecilia Abena Dapaah and her husband, Daniel Osei Kuffour have been stolen from their Abelemkpe home.
Madam Joyce Bawah Mogtari deemed this act scandalous and inappropriate conduct for public office holders.
Madam Bawah Mogtari raised questions about the distribution of scarce state resources among President Akufo-Addo and his appointees, implying that they might be benefiting unfairly.
Furthermore, she questioned whether President Akufo-Addo would possess the moral authority to dismiss the embattled minister given these circumstances.
“So so much wealth under their beds, millions of dollars and Cedis, a potpourri of currencies, and yes Ghanaians are still suffering, Debt exchanges, hardships and haircuts galore! Pray tell us what is @NAkufoAddo going to do please!!”
Already, former President John Dramani Mahama has questioned how the Sanitation Minister Cecilia Abena Dapaah kept US$1 million, €300,000, and millions of Ghana Cedis at her home.
Mr Mahama said the conduct of the Minister is scandalous and must be probed.
“$1m + €300k and millions of GHS in a Ghanaian Minister’s home? Scandalous!!”
“Even if genuinely acquired, why keep millions of hard currency at home?”
“Will @NAkufoAddo ever set a good example for public office holders in his administration?,” he tweeted on Friday.
Background
The prosecution alleges that the thefts occurred between July and October of the previous year. Two house helps, 18-year-old Patience Botwe and 30-year-old Sarah Agyei, are currently facing charges before the Court in connection with the alleged thefts.
The accused individuals are charged with one count of conspiracy to commit a crime and five counts of stealing, involving significant amounts of US$1 million, €300,000, and millions of Ghana Cedis.
According to The Chronicle newspaper report, during the same period, Patience and Sarah are said to have stolen personal belongings belonging to Cecilia Dapaah, including assorted clothes valued at GH¢95,000, handbags, perfumes, and jewelry worth US$95,000.
Additionally, Patience is accused of acting alone to steal six pieces of Kente cloth worth GH¢90,000 and six sets of men’s suits valued at US$3,000, which belonged to her husband.
Furthermore, three other individuals have been charged in connection with the thefts.
Over 240,000 farmers across 1,400 communities in Ghana’s seven cocoa-producing regions are now benefiting from the Carbon Emission Fund, receiving direct payments and support for community projects.
Under this initiative, carbon emissions were substantially reduced in 2019, amounting to approximately 973,000 tons, equivalent to taking 200 cars off the road.
In 2019, Ghana signed a 5-year Emission Reductions Payment Agreement with the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility Carbon Fund, which is administered by the World Bank. This agreement allowed for performance-based payments of up to $50 million to be awarded for carbon emission reductions in the forest and land use sectors.
Ghana is the third country in Africa, following Mozambique and the Democratic Republic of Congo, to enter into such an agreement, aiming to realize 10 million tons of emissions reductions within six years.
Forest degradation and deforestation, driven mainly by cocoa farm expansion, illegal logging, and illegal mining, have been pressing issues. The Cocoa Board and the Forestry Commission have been collaborating to promote climate-smart cocoa production as part of their efforts to combat this trend.
Although the World Bank released the funds in January 2023 after assessment and verification, the implementation of due diligence measures caused a slight delay in the disbursement.
At a commemorative payment event held on July 20, 2023, in Akyiawkrom, Ashanti region, the World Bank’s Environmental Specialist, Darshani De Silva, praised Ghana for becoming the second African country to receive this payment.
There is a frenzy on social media platform, Twitter, after news broke that Sanitation Minister, Cecilia Dapaah, managed to have over a million dollars in her home, which was subsequently “cleaned up” by her house helps.
It has emerged that two house helps;18-year-old Patience Botwe and 30-year-old Sarah Agyei are currently facing charges before an Accra Circuit Court for their alleged involvement in a series of thefts that occurred at the minister’s home in Abelemkpe, Accra, between July and October 2022.
Patience and Sarah are charged with one count of conspiracy to commit a crime and five counts of stealing, which include amounts of US$1 million, €300,000, and millions of Ghana Cedis per a report from The Chronicle.
The accused are said to have also stolen personal belongings of Madam Cecilia Abena Dapaah, including clothes valued at GH¢95,000, handbags, perfumes, and jewelry worth US$95,000.
Patience has been accused of going solo in stealing six pieces of Kente cloth worth GH¢90,000 and six sets of men’s suits valued at US$3,000, belonging to Daniel Osei Kuffour.
The amounts stolen have left social media users shell-shocked with many now interrogating whether the Sanitation Minister is the only government official who has stashed such amount of money in her home.
The first public officer in the minds of tweeps is Ghana’s very own Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, who not long risked losing his position over the current state of the economy.
Why Ofori-Atta
The Finance Minister has been accused by the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) of unethically and unlawfully benefiting from his position to siphon Ghana’s money.
The opposition Members of Parliament on Tuesday, October 25, 2022 filed the motion to trigger a process to revoke the minister’s appointment citing severe economic challenges.
The MPs cited the following reasons as justification to revoke Ken Ofori-Atta’s appointment:
Despicable conflict of Interest ensuring that he directly benefits from Ghana’s economic woes as his companies receive commissions and other unethical contractual advantage. particularly from Ghana’s debt overhang.
Unconstitutional withdrawals from the Consolidated Fund in blatant contravention of Article 178 of the 1992 Constitution supposedly for the construction of the President’s Cathedral;
Illegal payment of oil revenues into offshore accounts in flagrant violation of Article 176 of the 1992 Constitution;
Deliberate and dishonest misreporting of economic data to Parliament
Fiscal recklessness leading to the crash of the Ghana Cedi which is currently the worst performing currency in the world;
Alarming incompetence and frightening ineptitude resulting in the collapse of the Ghanaian economy and on excruciating cost of living crisis;
Gross mismanagement of the economy which has occasioned untold and unprecedented hardship.
Ofori-Atta stays
The vote of censure motion filed by the Minority against the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta failed.
This is because only 136 legislators on the Minority side voted to demand the removal of Mr Ofori-Atta thus falling short of the two-thirds constitutional requirement for the motion to pass through.
The proponents of the motion needed the votes of 183 legislators to have the motion passed against Mr. Ofori-Atta.
Prior to the vote, the New Patriotic Party MPs staged a walkout and decided not to support the motion of their colleagues from the opposition side of the House.
An Accra Circuit Court has been furnished with details on how two house helps of Sanitation Minister, Cecilia Dapaah and her husband, Daniel Osei Kuffour, robbed the couple of US$1 million, €300,000, and millions of Ghana Cedis, among others.
According to reports from The Chronicle, 18-year-old Patience Botwe and 30-year-old Sarah Agyei engaged in thievery at the minister’s home in Abelemkpe, Accra, between July and October 2022.
The accused are said to have also stolen personal belongings of Cecilia Abena Dapaah, including clothes valued at GH¢95,000, handbags, perfumes, and jewelry worth US$95,000.
In Court on Thursday, July 20, it was revealed that Patience, who had a duplicate key to the room of the couple was once caught red-handed by Mr Kuffour.
It has emerged in court the many alleged activities Patience engaged in with the amount of money stolen while in hiding with one Benjamin, her boyfriend, in Tamale.
Per reports, while in Tamale, Patience and Benjamin leased a 3-bedroom apartment at the cost of GH¢105,600 and rented a store at the cost of GH¢120,000.
She is also accused of purchasing 3-bedroom house at a cost of US$70,000 at Amrahia. She later furnished the house with the following items – a double decker refrigerator, water dispenser, a television set, washing machine and a chest cooler among others.
Patience is said to have also gifted her boyfriend a Hyundai Elantra at the cost of GH¢80,000. But he later sold it to purchase a Honda Civic.
After showering gifts on her boyfriend, Patience reciprocated the gesture to her father, whom she gave GH¢50,000, and her former boyfriend, who received an amount of GH¢1 million.
Sarah on the other hand, is said to have purchased a 3-bedroom house at Budumburam.
The court granted Sarah bail in the amount of GH¢1 million, and two sureties are required to deposit their Ghana cards with the court’s registrar.
The bail conditions are however subject to review as Judge Susana Ekuful was serving as a relief judge at the time.
During her briefing, Judge Susana Ekuful disclosed that Patience, along with her alleged boyfriends and father, has been remanded into lawful custody.
The court has adjourned the case to August 2, 2023, to allow for further investigations.
The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) is actively considering the implementation of a mobile portal for taxpayers to submit their transfer pricing (TP) documentation using their mobile phones.
This move, according to led by Moses Yidana, Head of Transfer Pricing Unit, comes after the GRA successfully introduced an online portal last year, allowing taxpayers to file transfer pricing returns from any location, streamlining the process and eliminating the need for manual submissions at GRA offices.
During a webinar on “Taxing Multinational Enterprises (MNEs) Through Effective Transfer Pricing,” organized by the UK-Ghana Chamber of Commerce (UKGCC) and PwC Ghana, Mr. Yidana emphasized that these measures aim to alleviate the burden on taxpayers and support business growth.
To further reduce the filing burden on taxpayers, the GRA has implemented additional measures, such as No Value-Added transactions. Under this approach, certain documents, such as local and master files, may not be required for submission if the mark-ups on charged fees are within 3 percent. Additionally, if transactional values fall below the Cedi equivalent of USD 200,000.00, local and master files need not be submitted.
Mr. Yidana also disclosed during the webinar that Ghana is making significant progress in its efforts to join the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) multilateral agreement platform for Country-By-Country Reporting (CBCR) data sharing.
As per Kingsley Owusu-Ewli, a Partner in the Tax Line of Service at PwC Ghana and a speaker at the webinar, transfer pricing is not a tax in itself; rather, it serves to ensure a fair and equitable allocation of income to the country or jurisdiction where the economic activities occur.
Each country holds territorial sovereignty and the authority to impose taxes within its territory. Thus, the Ghanaian government, through the GRA, possesses the right to levy taxes on these economic activities.
Transfer pricing encompasses transactions involving the transfer of properties, as well as the provision of goods and services.
“With Globalisation, companies or multinational enterprises trade across countries. Each country has different tax rates, so with these differences in tax rates and tax laws, there is that incentive or motivation to sometimes price arrangements in a way that may distort the true economic activities or contributions of one state or country versus the other. Hence, the introduction of transfer pricing is a means to ensure that whatever trading or dealings that occur between persons who are in controlled relationships, are done at a price using terms that will ordinarily prevail between independent parties.”
Moses Yidana added that so far as Ghana’s transfer pricing regulation is concerned, the rules of transfer pricing is applicable to both cross border and domestic transactions.
According to him, “if you have a Ghanaian company and you have different entities or businesses, once they begin to deal with each other, the requirement of the law is that such transactions ought to comply with the arm’s length principle”, which means pricing should be fair or at the market price.
Complying with TP disclosures
The speakers remarked that the law requires businesses engaged in controlled relationships to disclose to the GRA, the related parties they dealt with in their financial year. The document must also disclose the nature of transactions and the total amount, the pricing method used, and other documentations which include local and master files of transactions, and a country-by-country.
These documents must be submitted on or 4 months before the end of a business’ financial year. In cases where the taxpayer is unable to file within the stipulated time, they are permitted to apply for an extension and if approved, can be given up to 60 days within which to comply.
According to Mr. Yidana, impacts of non-compliance include huge penalties and reputational damage.
For instance, failure to file transfer pricing returns, in general, attracts a GHC 500 penalty on the first day and GHC 10 daily afterwards, in line with the Revenue Administration Act (Act 915).
“For failure to maintain documentations, you may be penalised, say 75 percent of the tax for that period, depending on the situation. Or, it may even go up to 200 percent depending on the circumstance,” under section 72 of the Revenue Administration Act, he added.
Mr. Yidana lamented that documentation has been one of the GRA’s biggest challenges, as businesses usually wait till the last minute to compile their documents. He appealed to taxpayers to “try as much as possible to comply with the law”.
“We are recommending that taxpayers should ensure that they maintain contemporaneous documentation such that when we come for an audit, we do not have a lot of issues.”
He also urged taxpayers to consult tax experts to compile and submit TP documents, and write to the GRA Commissioner should they require clarity on TP-related issues.
The webinar discussed more pertinent issues, such as the Arm’s Length Pricing standard, the transfer pricing methods acceptable to the GRA, how taxpayers can get guidance on transfer pricing, the data sources the GRA uses, and their preference, Thin Capitalisation as a pricing method, and double taxation treaties.
Abeku Gyan-Quansah, a Partner at PwC Ghana, moderated the webinar, the second in UKGCC/PwC Ghana’s Quarterly Tax Dialogue Series 2023.
An anti-corruption advocate, Vitus Azeem, has called on President Akufo-Addo to demonstrate his commitment to fighting corruption by initiating prompt investigations into the Cecilia Dapaah $1 million case.
Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, Cecilia Dapaah, has been in the spotlight due to a case she filed in court against her two house helps, who are accused of stealing substantial sums of money from her residence in Abelemkpe. The alleged theft involves a total of US$1 million, €300,000, and millions of Ghana cedis.
These reports have prompted individuals, including former President John Dramani Mahama, to criticize President Akufo-Addo for what they perceive as weak and corrupt leadership displayed by some of his appointees.
Vitus Azeem, the former Executive Director of the Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII), emphasized the importance of the president taking action to dispel such criticisms by demanding immediate investigations into the matter.
“If he wants to set a good example, he needs to commission an immediate investigation into this matter. And then if the investigations come out with findings that show that the monies were acquired illegally, then the necessary actions must be taken,” he explained.
Vitus Azeem however added that from past experiences, he does not think that anything will be done to the minister.
“But from past experience, we never see these things happen. He’s probably likely to come out wrong and say that the minister has done nothing wrong, then the battle will die,” he added.
Former President John Dramani Mahama has described as outrageous news regarding some millions of dollars and cedis stolen from the home of Water and Sanitation Minister, Cecilia Dapaah.
The former President in a tweet on Friday, July 21, questioned the Sanitation Minister’s rationale for keeping such huge amounts of money in her home even it was acquired legally.
“$1m + €300k and millions of GHS in a Ghanaian Minister’s home? Scandalous!! Even if genuinely acquired, why keep millions of hard currency at home?” he quizzed.
Owing to this incident, he questioned the leadership of President Akufo-Addo, hinting that the president has failed to set a good example for his public officers.
“Will @NAkufoAddo ever set a good example for public office holders in his administration?” he asked.
Millions stolen
Patience and Sarah are charged with one count of conspiracy to commit a crime and five counts of stealing, which include amounts of US$1 million, €300,000, and millions of Ghana Cedis per a report from The Chronicle.
The accused are said to have also stolen personal belongings of Madam Cecilia Abena Dapaah, including clothes valued at GH¢95,000, handbags, perfumes, and jewelry worth US$95,000.
Patience has been accused of going solo in stealing six pieces of Kente cloth worth GH¢90,000 and six sets of men’s suits valued at US$3,000, belonging to Daniel Osei Kuffour.
Three other individuals have also been charged in connection with the theft being investigated.
29-year-old plumber, Benjamin, is accused of dishonestly receiving GH¢180,000, whereas Kweku Botwe, a 65-year-old trader, has been charged for dishonestly receiving GH¢50,000.
The third, Malik Dauda, 23, who is unemployed, is said to have dishonestly received GH¢1 million.
All five accused appeared before an Accra Circuit Court presided over by Judge Susana Ekuful on Thursday, July 20, 2023.
The court granted Sarah bail in the amount of GH¢1 million, and two sureties are required to deposit their Ghana cards with the court’s registrar.
The bail conditions are however subject to review as Judge Susana Ekuful was serving as a relief judge at the time.
During her briefing, Judge Susana Ekuful disclosed that Patience, along with her alleged boyfriends and father, has been remanded into lawful custody. However, Sarah, being a breastfeeding mother, was granted bail.
The prosecution revealed that Patience, also known as Maabena, had previously worked as a house help for the complainants, Daniel Osei Kuffour and his wife, Cecilia Abena Dapaah. Similarly, Sarah had also served as a house help for the couple.
The alleged thefts came to light in June of the current year when the complainants reported the incidents to the police after discovering missing cash and personal belongings.
Patience was caught red-handed as she had used a duplicate key to open and enter the couple’s room. Mr. Kuffour apprehended her upon returning home, having noticed that the room was unlocked and hearing suspicious noises from inside.
Subsequent investigations led to the recovery of the stolen items and money in possession of Patience and her associates.
It is alleged that the accused used the stolen funds to finance various properties and purchases, including renting a 3-bedroom apartment and a store in Tamale, buying vehicles, and funding other personal expenses.
The court has adjourned the case to August 2, 2023, to allow for further investigations.
