A 1-1 tie with host nation Côte d’Ivoire in their final Group A encounter at the Champroux Stadium has shown Ghana the exit.
Ghana’s U-20 national football team, the Black Satellites, was eliminated from the group stages of the 2023 WAFU Zone B Boys U-20 Cup of Nations today.
The team of Samuel Baodu needed to win in order to advance to the semifinals, but they were unable to do so.
Their campaign got off to a difficult start as they conceded an early lead and settled for a 1-1 draw against Niger in their opening game.
Ghana’s hopes of moving on were made more difficult with a 2-0 loss to Burkina Faso in their second game.
Ghana failed to achieve the desired outcome in the pivotal Group A match against Côte d’Ivoire, ultimately settling for a 1-1 draw. They failed to go to the semifinals as a result, and the tournament eliminated them.
Burkina Faso defeated Niger 2-0 in the other Group A match, taking first place in the division with a total of 9 points.
In the other Group A encounter, Burkina Faso triumphed over Niger with a 2-0 victory, finishing atop the group with a total of 9 points.
Côte d’Ivoire secured the second spot with 4 points, while Ghana settled for third place with 2 points.
Niger ended their campaign at the bottom of the group, earning a single point.
Five customers of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), including PrinMoss Pharmacy in Sefwi Asawinso in the Sefwi Wiawso Municipality of the Western North Region, have been turned over to the police to be investigated and prosecuted for unauthorized electricity reconnection.
The Sefwi Wiawso branch of ECG undertook a disconnection exercise at Asawinso on Tuesday, July 11, 2023 to make sure that all owed meters are turned off.
This was done as part of the company’s efforts to guarantee that consumers pay for the services provided to them for a smooth running of their operations.
Five home users and PrinMoss Pharmacy were discovered to have rejoined again but illegally during a follow-up exercise on Thursday by the firm to verify complete compliance by consumers.
The western regional Communications officer for ECG, Benjamin Quarcoo speaking in an interview with Citi News said: “We were here yesterday to ensure our customers were not owing the ECG and those who owe the company were disconnected. We decided to revisit this place to ensure the customers who were disconnected yesterday had not reconnected themselves illegally.”
“When we came, we realised some of them had reconnected themselves illegal so we had to disconnect them and hand them over to the Asawinso police. We expect the police to process them for court.”
Mr Quarcoo educated the public that should they be disconnected by the ECG for nonpayment of bills, they cannot reconnect themselves on their own accord as it is unlawful.
Black Stars will compete in the African World Cup qualifying matches under the direction of head coach Chris Hughton.
In an effort to win one of Africa’s 10 tickets to the tournament in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, the Black Stars will be led by the former manager of Brighton and Hove Albion, who was appointed in March 2023.
Ghana was placed in Group I of the nine groups in the draw, which was held on Thursday in the Ivory Coast.
Mali, Chad, Central African Republic, Madagascar, and the Black Stars will compete against each other.
Since then, Hughton has overseen three matches as the four-time African champions’ head coach; he has won one and drawn the other two.
He served as the technical director for the Black Stars’ technical squad during the Qatar 2022 World Cup.
In order to get the chance to coach at the largest football tournament in the world, the 64-year-old would now be aiming to lead Ghana to qualify for the next competition.
Son of the late former Paramount Chief of the Somey Traditional Area, Courage Kwame Azumah, claims that IGP Dr. George Akuffo Dampare has particularly let him down.
When the elders of his hometown attempted to remove him and his siblings from their father’s home, Courage Kwame Azumah expressed his disgust in the police chief, claiming that the IGP had not bothered to step in.
He claims that since 1971, when their late father, Togbui Hor II, assumed the position of chief, this residence has served as the paramount palace.
In an interview on GhanawebTV, he stated that the positive feeling he had about the IGP when he first took over is no longer there.
“Even our Inspector General of Police is aware but he’s not done anything; he’s not replied any of my messages. Yes, Dr. Dampare. He knows everything that’s happening, even the Agbozume police, people have threatened to kill my brother there but even the Agbozume police cannot arrest the people there because they are afraid to go to Nogokpo, because the people they are supposed to arrest come from Nogokpo.
“… actually, I’ve lost faith in the IGP. I liked him very much when he started working. I even had a letter for him – about a four-page letter, to send to him personally, or to deliver to him but I just tore the letter into pieces and forgot about contributing to help the nation,” he lamented.
Further explaining that Agbozume residents insist that their father’s house, which is also the palace, must remain the palace, Courage Kwame Azumah advised them to leave immediately.
But he asserts that despite their efforts, they have not yet been successful in getting the community’s kinsmen to accept their reasons that the house cannot continue to be a palace.
He emphasized that while it would have been simple for them to cause trouble in the area, they have instead refrained from doing so in the hopes that a day will come when both sides of the dispute will reach a resolution that benefits them.
“One brother called me recently that I should find money and come so that they will enstool me as the chief because we have the palace already. And if I’d wanted to create a chieftaincy problem, I could get money from anywhere and start causing that chieftaincy problem,” he explained.
The Narcotics Control Commission Bill, 2023 has merely obtained parliamentary approval and has not yet been enacted into law, according to the NACOC’s deputy regional commander, Rees Hakeem Oduro.
In a recent interview, Mr. Oduro emphasized that although the bill, which permits the cultivation of cannabis for industrial and medical purposes, has received approval from Parliament, Ghanaians must wait until the passage of the Legislative Instrument (LI) before regulations governing cannabis production are put into effect.
He said: “The LI hasn’t been passed yet because it’s only been through the agreement of Parliament. It will have to go to the President for final approval before the guidelines surrounding the cannabis production will be passed.”
He entreated citizens not to panic or become overly excited about the news of Parliament passing the bill, as the recreational use of cannabis and unlawful possession of the plant remain illegal under Ghanaian law.
“Without the license from the right authorities, you will be arrested for planting,” he cautioned.
Ghana has passed a new law that allows the cultivation of cannabis for industrial and medicinal purposes, under the supervision of the Ministry of Interior.
The Narcotics Control Commission Bill, 2023, was passed by Parliament on Wednesday, July 12, 2023, after a Supreme Court ruling in August 2022 struck out section 43 of the previous law as unconstitutional.
Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, voiced his dissatisfaction with the Supreme Court’s ruling and referred the Narcotics Control Commission Act bill to the Parliamentary Committee of Defense and Interior for consideration..
The new bill, which consists of a single clause, empowers the Minister for Interior to grant licenses for the cultivation of cannabis with a THC content not exceeding 0.3% on a dry weight basis.
The continuous deplorable state of many traffic lights in the country stems from the belief that the lives of citizens are not worth millions of Ghana cedis needed to resolve the problem, according to an angry citizen.
A concerned citizen poured out his frustration on radio via Happy Morning Show, where he called out the country’s leadership for prioritising their lives over that of the average Ghanaian.
Link-Hospital road, where a nonfunctioning traffic light poses a significant danger to motorists and pedestrians alike, according to the anonymous citizen.
“It hasn’t been fixed and the time an MP’s life was in danger in Ghana, all the MPs were assigned security. But we, the citizens, our lives don’t matter,” he lamented.
In his rant, he shared a personal encounter where he nearly lost a family member due to the broken traffic light earlier this week.
Providing details of the accident, the man said, “She was in a taxi and getting to the T-junction on the stretch and their car was hit by a lady who didn’t seem to be paying attention because she was just in a hurry to get her pass. If the traffic light was working, someone stops the other drives through. She was then at the back seat and the car hit the passenger side. The unfortunate situation is, she allowed the taxi driver pick up a child she lived in a household with as she was trying to be a good Samaritan. As we speak the boy ended up at the general hospital.”
Traffic lights at the Lapaz-Nii Boi intersection on the N1 are said to be in a similar situation.
Troubled by the current food crisis facing Binduri Community Day Senior High School in the Upper East Region, the Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS) has called on the government to intervene.
Upper East Regional Secretary of CHASS, Bukari Abdul, warns that students in other schools may, as a form of solidarity, join the demonstration organised by the affected students of Binduri Community Day Senior High School.
“What has happened in Bunduri is likely to influence other students in other schools to also agitate,” he said.
Presently, Binduri Community Day SHS does not have the complete set of students in school owing to shortage of food.
Approximately 320 first and second-year students out of a total of 560 have been instructed to stay home due to challenges with food supply.
However, classes are continuing as usual for the third-year students, comprising 240 students who are preparing for their upcoming West Africa Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
Aggrieved students on Wednesday, July 12, protested against the current situation which they say has lasted for over a month.
A female student recounted: “they stopped cooking for us from 29th May up till date [July 12, 2023] they haven’t started cooking for us (again).”
Revealing more concerning circumstances, Mr Adbul said “Groundnut has become a problem and from January till now we have not had milk, bread flour too has become a challenge so we do without it.”
According to the disgruntled students, measures put in place, including submitting a petition to the relevant authorities to address the matter have proven futile.
Corroborating the students’ statement, Mr Bukari Abdul noted that a complaint has been filed. He did not reveal why little or nothing has been done.
However, he entreated the students to channel their report to their immediate authority, that is the district or regional directors to deal with the issue.
On Wednesday, July 12, 2023, tensions in the Ghanaian Parliament rose in the wake of a leaked recording on which senior police officers were purportedly heard plotting to unseat the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr George Akuffo Dampare.
Per portions of the leaked tape gone viral on social media, some anonymous individuals expressed concern over the ability of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) to break the 8 should Dr Akuffo Dampare remain in office.
MP for Nandom and Minister of the Interior for the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Ambrose Dery, and other lawmakers were making an effort to dismiss the allegation made in the tape by asserting that President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo had no plans to fire IGP Dr. George Akuffo Dampare.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) MPs, however, asserted that the claims stated on the recording are grave and require more investigation.
One of the MPs who argued in favor of the NDC MPs was Haruna Iddrisu, the MP for Tamale South and former minority leader. She claimed that the security implications in the leaked audio are too serious to ignore.
He claimed that the problems raised in the audio are problematic for both Ghana’s democracy and the safety and security of its citizens.
“We collectively want to preserve this democracy. So, what the deputy leader is seeking is that… this house must take interest in conducting a thorough forensic audit into the leaked tape; Mr Speaker, in other to establish the veracity or otherwise of what is contained in that tape.
“And more importantly Mr Speaker to preserve the professional integrity of the Inspector General of Police (Dr George Akuffo Dampare) and to protect him thereon,” he said.
“The word free and fair has constitutional meaning. When the constitution says that elections shall be conducted in a manner which is free. Free from what?
“Free from fear, free intimidation, free from influence – it has a meaning… So, Mr Speaker to preserve our democracy and protect the professional integrity of the Inspector General of Police and to appreciate what Dampare is doing in preserving this, we are requesting for parliamentary enquire into the leaked tape,” he concluded.
Minister for Interior, Ambrose Dery, has dismissed claims that the government seeks to remove from office, Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr George Akuffo Dampare, as part of its measures to retain power come 2024 elections.
Interacting with the press in Parliament on Tuesday, July 12, Mr Ambrose Dery indicated that the government has been impressed with the work of the current Police administration.
According to the minister, the mantra ‘law is a respecter of no persons’ has been personified under the leadership of Dr George Akuffo Dampare, who was sworn in as the 23rd Inspector General of the Ghana Police Service in October 2021.
Also, Mr Dery maintained that President Akufo-Addo remains committed to providing Ghanaians a security system that treats all equal before the law.
He concluded by emphasising that “this government is not going to tamper with the 2024 elections.”
Well-known mixed martial arts (MMA) champion Israel Adesanya, who was born in Nigeria, recently posted images on Twitter showing him working out American tech millionaire Mark Zuckerberg.
This development took place amid rumors of a probable duel between Elon Musk, the rival businessman who currently runs Twitter and is originally from South Africa, and Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Meta, the organization that owns Facebook and Instagram.
The 33-year-old fighter, who was born in New Zealand but relocated there as a child, will compete in an Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) middleweight match against South African Dricus du Plessis in September.
Adesanya reportedly arrived at Mr. Zuckerberg’s house in northern California on Saturday to start their training sessions, according to news reports.
Last month, Mr. Musk, 52, and Mr. Zuckerberg, 39, agreed to compete in a cage match on social media.
Although a specific date has not yet been set for the fight, the two have already started another argument over Meta’s recent launch of a Twitter substitute.
The Threads app has been downloaded by more than 70 million people so far.
A Basic School teacher at Asante Akyem Agogo in the Ashanti Region has met his untimely demise for reportedly making passes at another man’s girlfriend.
Maxwell Opoku is said to have been attacked by a man in a mask on Tuesday night, July 11 after having an encounter with a 22-year-old seamstress close to the Saint Augustin R/C Junior High School.
Per reports, the victim while being attacked called out for help but it was too late when helpers arrived. Maxwell is said to have been covered in a pool of blood.
He was found with inflicted multiple machete wounds on his head, hands, and other parts of his body.
Assembly member for Agogo Obuase Electoral Area, Enock Asiedu, is said to have confirmed the incident to the media.
According to him, the police have initiated an investigation into the matter, a crime of passion. He further mentioned that the seamstress involved has been apprehended to aid in the investigation.
A monetary policy report released by the Bank of Ghana (BoG) reveals that lending to the private sector experienced a notable rise in February 2023, reaching GH¢65.50 billion.
This marks a substantial increase from the previous year, where lending stood at GH¢50.59 billion in February 2022.
‘’Outstanding credit to the private sector at the end of February 2023 was GH¢65.50 billion, compared with GH¢50.59 billion recorded in February 2022. In real terms, private sector credit contracted by 15.3 percent compared with 1.2 percent contraction recorded over the same comparative period,’’ the report said.
In line with the observations made by the Central Bank, lending to the private sector in February 2023 exhibited several factors contributing to its growth. The increase was attributed to portfolio reallocation by banks and the revaluation of foreign currency denominated credit due to exchange rate fluctuations.
The service sector, which experienced significant growth of 10.1 percent in the first quarter, received the highest share of credit at 30 percent among various sub-sectors within the private sector. The Central Bank highlighted that credit allocation remained concentrated in sectors such as services, import trade, manufacturing, mining and quarrying, and agriculture, forestry, and fisheries.
Compared to the same period in 2022, private sector credit constituted a larger proportion, accounting for 86.4 percent of the overall credit flow to both private and public institutions in February 2023, compared to 84.9 percent previously.
Fitch Solutions, in its assessment of the Ghanaian banking sector, echoed the Central Bank’s findings and predicted that banks would focus more on lending to the private sector rather than the public sector due to the fiscal consolidation program under the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
The rating agency further anticipated that banks would adopt a more selective approach, particularly regarding sub-sectors with high non-performing loan ratios.
It agreed with the Central Bank’s findings on lending to households and firms as demand for loans by firms and households experienced a net decline in the same month.
While the Central Bank blamed the decline in lending to households to a net decline in the demand for mortgages, the rating agency blamed it on rising interest rates.
Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet) is pleased with its general daily weather forecast accuracy, noting that the precision of its projection can now be rated about 90 per cent.
The Agency’s channels of weather daily forecast dissemination have increased making it accessible to the public to plan and make critical decisions, according to Acting Director-General of the GMet, Mr Eric Asuman.
He made the submission in Accra while at a sub-regional workshop jointly organized by African Centre for Meteorological Applications for Development (ACMAD), the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) and the African Union Commission funded by EU’s funded ClimSA programme.
Mr Asuman said the improved forecast service in recent times had been occasioned by technology and increased in trained meteorologists.
The Acting Director said a recent review of the aeronautical service showed that the accuracy had improved to nearly 90 per cent which satisfied the ICAO standards.
“There are people who still are not aware or still have some doubt but they should try our service and see. Those who patronize our service can testify,” he said.
He noted that with the support of government and non-state actors the Agency had been retooled to discharge their duty.
“At first our staff had to parodically visit weather stations to record data before analyzing to generate the forecast. Human error associated with this practice could not be ruled out, however, the automatic weather stations generate and transmit the forecast,” he said.
Dr Ernest Afiesimama, an official of the Africa Regional Office of WMO, said climate change was already happening around the world and in Africa.
He said in the coming years and decades, the effects of climate change were expected to be felt more severely in Africa given the high exposure, fragility, and low adaptive capacity of people, infrastructure and ecosystems.
Climate change impact, he said, posed significant risks to people’s health, peace, prosperity, infrastructure, and other economic activities across many sectors in Africa.
Dr Andre Kamga Foamouhoue, the Acting Director-General ACMAD, in a zoom telecast said better monitoring and understanding of climate threats and related losses and damage costs were needed to gauge priority areas for climate action.
The sub-regional workshop sought to share and review products available in Africa’s State of Climate (SoC) report, and identify additional Essential Climate Variables (ECVs) and actionable indicators for future SoC.
Participants were drawn from Uganda, Kenya, Cameroon, Mauritius, Angola, Burkina Faso and Seychelles) in Africa, Regional Centres, ACMAD, WMO, Global Climate Centres, and selected Universities.
President Akufo-Addo has hailed the late Ghanaian playwright, Professor Ama Ata Aidoo, for contributing her quota to liberate Africa from a mentality that fosters inferiority complex and total dependence of the West.
The president made this profound statement on Thursday during the funeral ceremony of Professor Ama Ata Aidoo at the forecourt of the State House.
In his tribute, the president noted that the late playwright and former Education Minister contributed immensely to the emancipation of mental slavery despite not lifting a gun to fight.
“Even though she never took up a gun in Africa’s struggles for independence, her pen did the fighting in helping to ensure the liberation of the political and social consciousness of the African,” he said.
Her life’s work, he said was the classic example of the off sighted adage “the pen is mightier than the sword”.
Prof. Ama Ata Aidoo passed on at the age of 81 in the early hours Wednesday, May 31, 2023, after a short illness.
The octogenarian who received international recognition as one of the most prominent African writers of the 20th and 21st centuries wrote her first play, The Dilemma of a Ghost, in 1964.
For more than fifty years she has produced top-notch plays including Anowa, Pittsburgh, Our Sister KillJoy, her first novel published in 1977.
In 2000, Aidoo founded the Mbaasem Foundation, a non-governmental organization based in Ghana with a mission “to support the development and sustainability of African women writers and their artistic output”.
The academician who studied at the University of Ghana, Legon and held a fellowship in creative writing at Stanford University in California, was appointed Minister of Education under the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC) in 1982.
She resigned after 18 months, realising that she would be unable to achieve her aim of making education in Ghana freely accessible to all.
Businessman Richard Jakpa has submitted a petition to Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo, urging her to remove Justice Afia Serwaa Asare Botwe from presiding over the faulty ambulance trial.
Minority leader, Dr Ato Forson, Mr Richard Jakpa and former Chief Director at the Ministry of Health, Seth Anemana are standing trial for their alleged roles in the purchase of ambulances which the state contends resulted in a more than €2m loss.
Justice Botwe, who is a Court of Appeal judge, is assigned to handle the proceedings as an additional High Court Judge.
The specific concerns raised by Mr. Jakpa in his petition remain unclear, apart from alleging bias on the part of Justice Botwe.
It should be noted that a clash between Mr. Jakpa and the judge took place on June 20, 2023.
During that incident, Justice Botwe characterized Mr. Jakpa’s behavior as disrespectful and made it clear that she would not tolerate any such disrespect.
The judge has, therefore, put the trial on hold to await the decision of the Chief Justice on the petition.
Joynews is learning the Minority leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has also filed a motion at the court asking that the judge recuses herself.
Sources say this is related to a warning the judge had issued during the trial about closing the case of the accused persons or causing the arrest of their witnesses who fail to show up.
The judge on June 22 issued a summons for various witnesses identified by the minority leader.
Government through the Ministry of Food and Agriculture has suspended the ban on movements of ruminants, as well as the slaughtering, sale and consumption of their meat and meat products in the Upper East Region.
The ban which took effect May 31, 2023, was in response to the confirmation of cases of anthrax, an acute bacteria disease transferable from animals to humans.
Subsequently, a mass vaccination exercise was carried out across the 15 Municipal and District Assemblies (MDAs) in Upper East in a bid to contain the spread of the disease.
But on July 12, the Ministry of Food and Agriculture announced that the situation has since been contained with no record of the anthrax disease since June 14, 2023.
“In view of the above and based on expert advice, the ban on the movement of ruminants and donkeys is hereby lifted,” the statement signed by the Minister of Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong read.
Nonetheless, the Agric Ministry cautioned that the slaughtering of all animals should be under close supervision of the veterinary and environmental health officers at designated abattoirs and slaughter slabs.
Those found flouting such a directive will be arrested and prosecuted, the Ministry added.
Reacting to the recent development, the Bolgatanga Butchers Association expressed relief that they would be able to return to their businesses.
“With the lifting of the ban, our members can return to business to earn income to better their living standards”, the Secretary of the Bolgatanga Butchers Association, Timothy Tembil said.
Government through the Ministry of Interior on Wednesday, July 12, launched the national entrepreneurship training programme for prison inmates.
Speaking at the launch of the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP) for Prison Inmates at the Ghana Prisons Service Headquarters, the Minister for the Interior, Hon. Ambrose Dery, stated that the programme will give a significant boost to efforts already being made by the Prison Service to provide rehabilitation programmes for inmates when they are discharged.
He explained that the programme, which is a partnership between the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP) and the Ghana Prisons Service is aimed at providing training and employment options for beneficiaries which will ultimately reduce their chances of re-offending.
The training modules under the programme include soap and detergent making, juice processing, grain and cereal packaging, preparation of yoghurt and making of cosmetic and edible oils.
According to the Minister, the inmates who would benefit from the training will also be contributing towards Ghana’s long term strategic vision of consolidating her middle-income status and further building an industry-driven economy.
Hon. Ambrose Dery added that it is gratifying that 860 inmates from five (5) prisons establishments will be initially enrolled onto the programme. He expressed hope that the programme will be extended to cover more inmates and prison establishments in the near future.
Member of Parliament for Assin Central, Kennedy Agyapong, has defended his decision to describe members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in unprintable words over some actions they take.
In 2015, Mr Agyapong went ballistic after discovering a leaked tape where former Senior Minister Yaw Osafo Marfo, was making comparisons to the achievements of the Akyem and the Asantes. Per reports, the audio was leaked by an NPP member to the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Eight years later, Mr Agyapong says he still stands by his comments.
“They are saying I have said that NPP members are foolish. Let me explain what happened. Honourable Osafo-Maafo met members of the party at Koforidua and he was talking to them about the history of the NPP, particularly the role the Akyem people played in the establishment of the party.
“During his remarks, he at a point stated that the people of Akyem played a more important role than the Ashantis. They recorded him and sent the audio to NDC radio stations and newspapers and the following day the issue blew up.
“I went on a programme on Adom FM and the tape was played. After hearing it, I said NPP members are foolish and that I don’t know why I belong to the party. What was the mindset of those who recorded Osafo-Maafo and gave it to NDC radio stations?,” he asked.
Mr Agyapong made the reiteration while speaking to members of the NPP at the Berekum East Constituency in the Bono Region this week as part of his campaign to become the party’s flagbearer.
According to him, should a similar instance occur, he would not restrain himself from making such comments.
Flagbarer hopeful for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kennedy Agyapong, has invoked curses on individuals in the party whom he claims have stabbed him in the back.
During a recent campaign event in the Berekum constituency, Kennedy Agyapong claimed that some individuals in the party he had hoped to receive their support in his pursuit for the flagbearership position have turned their back him, offering their assistance to other contenders.
Describing them as “ungrateful human beings”, he said their ingratitude will one day catch up with them.
“Very very ungrateful human beings because when you look at the young boys a certain candidate has deployed and the things they go saying about me; they are people I’ve helped too. People I’ve helped in this world. I campaigned for some and bought pickups for some to become ministers, I even lobbied positions for some of them but today they are saying I should never mention that I’ve helped them. But as God lives, everybody will get their reward,” he stated.
Mr Kennedy Agyapong further revealed a situation of ingratitude meted out to a party faithful who financially assisted the NPP, but had been abandoned by the very individuals she assisted and has been left for ruins.
“There is an ex-police officer in Berekum here whose wife operates a cold store at Tema. It was the woman who paid duty for the clearance of 80 pickup cars… But do you know something, if you if you don’t vote well in the NPP, today is her turn but tomorrow may be your turn.”
“The woman after all the money she spent on NPP has had her business collapse under an NPP government. There is one minister who has to go and beg the woman; he thinks he has seen everything in this life. A young minister from Ashanti Region and I am not saying this to disgrace the woman but whenever the woman mentions his name, she goes on to say ‘Ken let me visit the loo and come.’ I swear to God. You can hear her pain for all the financing she did for the party and how NPP has repaid her; very ungrateful human beings,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) on Wednesday, July 12, 2023, approved all ten candidates who filed to contest the flagbearership race.
They are former Trade Minister, Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen, Kwadwo Poku an energy expert, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, former Energy Minister Boakye Kyerematen Agyarko, former General Secretary of the NPP, Kwabena Agyei Agyapong.
The others are Assin Central MP, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, Dr. Kofi Konadu Apraku, a former Offinso North MP, former Agric Minister, Dr. Owusu Akoto Afriyie, a former Attorney General Joe Ghartey and Francis Addai-Nimoh, former MP for Asante Mampong.
A team of dedicated health professionals at Ghana’s renowned Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) has accomplished the country’s very first kidney transplants.
Led by a team of specialized doctors, nurses, and anesthetists, the remarkable procedures took place on July 4 and 5, 2023, marking a significant milestone in Ghana’s healthcare landscape.
The successful kidney transplants have offered newfound hope and a chance at renewed health for two male recipients, who are currently in the process of recovery under the diligent care of the hospital.
Equally uplifting is the news that the female donors, who selflessly provided the gift of life, have been discharged and are progressing well in their own recuperation.
In an effort to ensure the utmost confidence in the local medical team, the surgeries were carried out with the invaluable presence and guidance of two foreign experts—a skilled theatre technician and an experienced transplant surgeon. Their collaboration and knowledge-sharing have undoubtedly contributed to the achievement of this medical breakthrough.
The estimated cost of each procedure, amounting to $21,000, was made possible through the generous sponsorship of First Sky Group, a prominent Ghanaian private company. By extending their support, First Sky Group aims to make these life-saving procedures more accessible and affordable for patients who previously had to seek treatment abroad, often incurring exorbitant costs exceeding $250,000.
During a media briefing, Professor Mathew Kyei, a respected urologist at KBTH, shared that the hospital’s capacity assessment has determined its capability to perform up to three kidney transplant surgeries per month. With this in mind, although six individuals had been prepared for surgery, it has been decided that three of them will undergo the transformative procedures in the coming month.
Currently, there are approximately 1,000 individuals in Ghana who depend on dialysis for their medical needs across various hospitals. Recognizing the pressing need for assistance, the First Sky Group has been generously sponsoring dialysis treatments for 250 patients at KBTH, ensuring they receive this life-sustaining care three times a week.
In an encouraging update on the two patients who underwent the recent kidney transplants, Professor James Edward Mensah, Head of the Department of Surgery at KBTH, expressed his satisfaction with their progress. He noted that both patients have shown positive responses to the transplants, with their bodies accepting the new kidneys remarkably well.
A significant sign of success was observed as the first patient began producing urine within 24 hours of the surgery, indicating the successful integration of the transplanted kidney.
To uphold ethical practices and prevent any legal complications, KBTH has established an ethical committee comprising surgeons, lawyers, and professionals. This committee will work diligently to develop comprehensive guidelines for counseling potential donors, ensuring that their decisions are made freely and without any financial coercion.
Eric Seddy Kutortse, the Executive Chairman of the First Sky Group, emphasized the company’s unwavering commitment to supporting kidney patients. Since 2016, the group has been sponsoring dialysis treatments at KBTH, investing a substantial amount of approximately GH¢30 million towards this cause.
In the past, the group sponsored three patients to undergo kidney transplants in India, each procedure costing $250,000 for the patient and their respective donors.
However, due to the immense financial burden associated with overseas treatments, the First Sky Group made the strategic decision to collaborate with KBTH to establish local kidney transplant capabilities.
This initiative aims to significantly reduce costs and expand access to free kidney transplants within Ghana.
Mr. Kutortse further assured the public that the First Sky Group will continue providing free dialysis treatments to beneficiaries at KBTH and offer free kidney transplants to eligible individuals who meet the hospital’s criteria. Additionally, the group, in partnership with KBTH, has initiated plans to establish an ultra-modern kidney transplant center, fully funded by the company, further improving the capacity for local kidney transplants.
Highlighting the advantages of renal transplantation, Professor Vincent Boima, Head of Nephrology at KBTH, emphasized that Ghana carries a significant burden of kidney diseases within sub-Saharan Africa, particularly affecting individuals between the ages of 20 and 50.
Prof. Boima stressed that kidney failure is largely preventable and often linked to lifestyle and environmental factors.
Renal transplantation offers a cost-effective solution, allowing patients to regain normalcy in their lives. Currently, the unavailability of the procedure within Ghana has led patients to incur substantial expenses in seeking treatment abroad with their donors.
KBTH’s ultimate goal is to ensure that no patient needs to travel outside the country for kidney or any other transplants. Dr. Opoku Ware Ampomah, CEO of KBTH, acknowledged the hospital’s highly qualified human resources but recognized the resource constraints that have prompted many professionals to seek opportunities abroad.
Dr. Ampomah advocated for the development of a robust legal framework for organ donation and harvesting, which would provide a solid foundation for transplantation services. Currently, KBTH imports corneas for transplantation, and a legislative framework would effectively address this issue.
Dr. Ampomah expressed heartfelt appreciation to the First Sky Group for their unwavering support in assisting kidney patients, highlighting the unfortunate reality that only a few patients can afford the surgery independently.
The collaboration between KBTH and the First Sky Group signifies a significant stride towards accessible and affordable kidney transplant services in Ghana, fostering hope for patients in need.
A state burial for renowned Ghanaian playwright, Professor Ama Ata Aidoo, is currently taking place at the fore court of the State House.
Professor Ama Atta Aidoo passed on at the age of 81, on Wednesday, May 31, 2023, after a short illness.
Several dignitaries including President Akufo-Addo and other government officials, as well as family, friends and sympathisers are expected to pay their last respects.
For more than fifty years, Professor Ama Ata Aidoo produced top-notch plays including Anowa, Pittsburgh, Our Sister KillJoy, her first novel published in 1977.
In 2000, Aidoo founded the Mbaasem Foundation, a non-governmental organization based in Ghana with a mission “to support the development and sustainability of African women writers and their artistic output”.
The various difficulties and obstacles with the housing situation in Ghana is not faced by just the average Ghanaian but even yet-to-be political leaders, who ordinarily are believed to have some influence due to their social capital in the political sphere.
Member of Parliament for Ayensuano Constituency in the Eastern Region, Teddy Safori Addi has been a victim and in an interview on Ahotor FM, he recounts the heart-wrenching experience of his family’s eviction from their cherished home.
The unfortunate incident happened six months away from the country’s 2020 general elections. At the time, Mr Safori Addi was involved in campaigning to win the Ayensuano Constituency seat for the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
While on the job, Mr Addi said he received a phone call from his wife and to his surprise, was greeted with tears. His landlord had arrived to eject his wife from their abode.
“Six months before the election, my landlord ejected my wife and children in 2020. While I was campaigning, my wife called me in tears, informing me that the landlord had arrived to evict us,” he narrated.
Mr Addi’s eyes watered as he shared this poignant memory.
According to the MP for Ayensuano, he quickly directed his manager to go pick up his wife and children and transport them to a safe location. He joined his family after completing his campaign commitments,
And upon reuniting with his family, he shared a consoling message saying “Don’t worry, God knows best.”
Renowned Ghanaian playwright, Professor Ama Ata Aidoo, will be laid to rest today, July 13, 2023.
A state burial will be held in honour of the former Education Minister at the fore court of the State House.
Professor Ama Atta Aidoo passed on at the age of 81.The family of the late author revealed that she passed away on Wednesday, May 31, 2023, after a short illness.
Prof Ama Ata Aidoo who received international recognition as one of the most prominent African writers of the 20th and 21st centuries wrote her first play, The Dilemma of a Ghost, in 1964.
For more than fifty years she has produced top-notch plays including Anowa, Pittsburgh, Our Sister KillJoy, her first novel published in 1977.
In 2000, Aidoo founded the Mbaasem Foundation, a non-governmental organization based in Ghana with a mission “to support the development and sustainability of African women writers and their artistic output”.
The academician who studied at the University of Ghana, Legon and held a fellowship in creative writing at Stanford University in California, was appointed Minister of Education under the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC) in 1982.
She resigned after 18 months, realising that she would be unable to achieve her aim of making education in Ghana freely accessible to all.
Founder and leader of the Heaven Way Champion International Ministry, Nana Agradaa, has been rearrested in connection with a case involving the publication of nude pictures of prophet Emmanuel Appiah Ennin.
These explicit photos were reportedly shared on Agradaa’s TV station, Thunder TV, in 2022.
In February 2023, Agradaa was initially charged with the non-consensual sharing of intimate images, a violation of Sections 67(1) of the Cybersecurity Act (Act 1038).
During her arraignment before Circuit Court 10, presided over by Her Honour Mrs Evelyn Asamoah, Agradaa pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The exact reason for Agradaa’s recent rearrest, which occurred on July 12, 2023, remains unclear.
Per reports from UTV , alongside Agradaa, four other accomplices were also arrested: Enock Owusu Kissi, Charles Omane (alias One Gig), Emmanuel Kofi Gyasi, and an individual named Andy who is currently at large.
All five individuals faced charges of abetment of a crime, specifically non-consensual sharing of intimate images.
Following their arrest, Agradaa and her accomplices were granted bail in the amount of GHc100,000.00, with each required to provide three sureties. The case continues to unfold, and further developments are expected in due course.
Brief facts
The brief facts of the case as presented to the court by the Prosecutor, ASP Emmanuel Haligah, were that the Complainant, Emmanuel Appiah Fomum, is a Prophet and resides at Teshie, Accra.
He said the 1st Accused Patricia Asiedua is a lady Pastor residing at Weija and the 2nd accused Enoch Owusu Kissi is a media Practitioner residing at Weija.
The Prosecutor told the court also that the 3rd accused Charles Omane alias One Gig is a businessman residing at Nungua and 4th accused Emmanuel Kofi Gyasi is a Television (TV) Presenter residing at Nungua while the 5th accused person Andy is at large.
ASP Haligah said, sometime in 2020 the 1st accused Patricia Asieduwaa who was the owner of a TV station called ‘Thunder TV’ hosted a programme on her TV station and intentionally showed the naked pictures of the complainant on live TV.
The prosecutor said, Nana Agradaa made mockery of him with all the other accused persons who were panelist on the said programme encouraging her on the course.
He said the said programme was also streamed live on Youtube and Facebook where a witness, in this case, saw it and informed the complainant about it.
The Prosecutor told the court that the 1st accused also intentionally distributed intimate images of the complainant to a witness in this case via WhatsApp.
He said the complainant reported the matter to Police for assistance and during investigation all the accused persons with the exception of the 5th accused who is at large were arrested for investigation.
He said the Police retrieved the intimate images of the complainant which were shared or distributed by 1st accused Patricia Asieduwaa.
ASP Haligah said in the course of investigation, the programme on which the intimate images were shown was retrieved by Police and played back to all the accused persons who identified themselves in the video of the programme hosted by 1st accused.
He said after investigation the accused persons were charged with the offences and arraigned.
The expiration of a midnight negotiation deadline without reaching an agreement, has prompted the union representing Hollywood actors, the Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), to consider strike action.
This development raises the potential for the first simultaneous strike by Hollywood writers and actors in over 60 years.
In an official statement, SAG-AFTRA announced that its negotiating committee, representing 160,000 actors, has unanimously voted to recommend a strike. The final decision will be made by the national board on Thursday morning.
It said: “After more than four weeks of bargaining, the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) – the entity that represents major studios and streamers, including Amazon, Apple, Disney, NBCUniversal, Netflix, Paramount, Sony and Warner Bros. Discovery – remains unwilling to offer a fair deal on the key issues that are essential to Sag-Aftra members.”
The Sag-Aftra president, Fran Drescher, said: “The companies have refused to meaningfully engage on some topics and on others completely stonewalled us. Until they do negotiate in good faith, we cannot begin to reach a deal. We have no choice but to move forward in unity, and on behalf of our membership, with a strike recommendation to our national board. The board will discuss the issue this morning and will make its decision.”
Prior to commencing negotiations with studios earlier this year, both the actors’ and writers’ unions conducted membership votes that resulted in overwhelming support to authorize a potential strike over the deep frustrations felt by Hollywood’s creative workforce regarding diminishing shares of studio profits, growing job instability, and anxieties about potential displacement by emerging artificial intelligence technologies.
The anticipated strike by both writers and actors is set to have an immediate impact on publicity efforts for several high-profile films this summer.
As a result, adjustments have already been made, such as moving up the premiere time for Oppenheimer in London to accommodate the cast’s attendance regardless of the strike’s outcome.
While movies like Barbie and Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One have already held their world premieres, their stars will be restricted from further promotional events.
Reports suggest that the strike could potentially lead to a delay in the Emmy awards until late autumn or even the following year. The industry is bracing for these disruptions.
Despite the strike, Disney has announced that the premiere of Haunted Mansion will proceed as planned on July 15 at Disneyland, although the film’s actors, including LaKeith Stanfield, Tiffany Haddish, and Jamie Lee Curtis, will not be present.
The San Diego Comic-Con, scheduled to begin on July 20, will also be affected by the strike.
Leading Hollywood actors had already expressed their willingness to strike before the vote took place.
In late June, a letter signed by A-listers such as Meryl Streep and Jennifer Lawrence urged union leaders not to settle for a subpar deal, recognizing the historical significance of the contract negotiation.
The simultaneous strike of writers and actors is expected to create significant disruptions throughout the industry, affecting various other industry workers and having broader economic implications for the Los Angeles region.
LeBron James has announced his decision to continue playing for the Los Angeles Lakers in the upcoming NBA season.
The 38-year-old basketball superstar, during the ESPYs, confirmed that he will be entering his 21st NBA season and his sixth season with the Lakers.
His announcement came as he accepted the ESPY award for Best Record-Breaking Performance, acknowledging his achievement of surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar on the NBA’s all-time scoring list in the previous season.
“I don’t care how many more points I can score or what I can or can’t do on the floor,” James said. “The real question for me, can I play without cheating the game? The day I can’t play without giving everything on the floor is the day I’ll be done. Lucky for you guys, that day is not today.”
After the Los Angeles Lakers’ defeat to the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference finals at the end of the previous season, LeBron James expressed uncertainty about his return to the team.
This sentiment differed significantly from his previous statements, in which he expressed a desire to play alongside his eldest son, Bronny, in the NBA.
Despite the initial uncertainty, James, the basketball superstar, has now confirmed his decision to continue playing.
In the 2022-23 season, he delivered another outstanding performance, maintaining an impressive average of 28.9 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 6.8 assists across 55 games.
Fitch Ratings has maintained the African Development Bank (AfDB)’s Long-Term Issuer Default Rating (IDR) at the highest level of ‘AAA’, with a Stable Outlook.
The rating agency attributes AfDB’s ‘AAA’ rating to the exceptional support it receives from its non-regional shareholders, which Fitch assesses as ‘aaa’.
“The shareholders’ ‘strong’ propensity to support the bank translates into a zero-notch adjustment to our assessment of the capacity to support (aaa). The rating is also supported by the bank’s Standalone Credit Profile (SCP), reflecting the lower of its assessments of ‘aa’ for solvency and ‘aaa’ for liquidity”, it explained.
Fitch Ratings has placed the United States’ ‘AAA’ Long-Term Issuer Default Rating (IDR) on Rating Watch Negative (RWN).
The United States is the second-largest shareholder of the African Development Bank (AfDB), accounting for 6.3% of total capital and 38% of the callable capital rated ‘AAA’ as of the end of 2022.
This rating action creates pressure on the coverage of net debt by ‘AAA’ rated callable capital, which is a crucial metric for assessing support according to Fitch’s criteria.
However, the coverage of net debt by ‘AAA’ rated callable capital improved from 189% at the end of 2021 to 217% at the end of 2022, reflecting new capital subscriptions resulting from the bank’s seventh general capital increase (GCI).
Fitch anticipates that the net debt of the bank will continue to be fully covered by callable capital from ‘AAA’ rated member states throughout the forecast period, even in the event of a downgrade of the United States’ rating.
This expectation assumes that AfDB will receive additional support from its remaining ‘AAA’ rated shareholders, as it did in 2021 when the Outlook on the US rating was Negative and other shareholders subscribed to temporary callable capital.
Strengthening capitalisation
In 2022, AfDB’s capitalisation metrics markedly improved owing to capital payments under the seventh GCI plan.
This contributed to the improved equity to assets (E/A) ratio of 26% at end-2022, up from 24% at end-2021.
Fitch’s usable capital-to-risk-weighted assets (FRA) ratio also improved to 52% at end-2022 from 49% at end-2021.
High Credit Risks Mitigated:
The weighted average rating of loans and guarantees before any adjustments for preferred credit status (PCS) was estimated at ‘B+’ at end-2022, unchanged from the previous year.
AfDB implemented a risk transfer mechanism (“Room2Run”) to cover UA1.5 billion of sovereign loans in 2022.
The transaction is with Lloyd’s of London for UA300 million (on a first loss basis) and UK’s Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office for UA1.2 billion (second loss).
Nasa unveiled an “unprecedented” close-up image of the nearest star-forming region to Earth to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the James Webb space telescope’s operation.
The image showcases the Rho Ophiuchi cloud complex, located 390 light years away, and provides researchers with a detailed view of “sun-like” stars within the region, devoid of any foreground star interference.
Accompanying the release of the image, Nasa issued a statement describing it as a “dynamic image” that defies the apparent tranquility of the region and ignites curiosity about its composition. The image invites further exploration and inquiry into understanding the enigmatic elements captured within.
“Webb’s image of Rho Ophiuchi allows us to witness a very brief period in the stellar lifecycle with new clarity,” said Klaus Pontoppidan, a Webb project scientist at the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore, Maryland. “Our own sun experienced a phase like this, long ago, and now we have the technology to see the beginning of another star’s story.”
Some stars in the image displayed “tell-tale shadows indicating protoplanetary discs”, potential future planetary systems in the making, Nasa said.
Within the region depicted in the image, there exists a collection of approximately 50 youthful stars, sharing similarities in mass with the sun or being even smaller.
Notably, the image highlights the presence of immense red bipolar jets composed of molecular hydrogen. These jets manifest when a star emerges from its original dust-filled cocoon, propelling a pair of opposing jets into the surrounding space.
The launch of the £6.8bn James Webb telescope, a collaborative effort between Nasa, the European Space Agency, and the Canadian Space Agency, took place on Christmas Day 2021.
Despite its substantial budget and prolonged development timeline, the telescope has impressively surpassed expectations, captivating skeptics with a series of groundbreaking images captured from the depths of the cosmos.
By enabling us to peer further back into the origins of the universe, the Webb telescope has offered mesmerizing high-resolution photographs of distant worlds and the enigmatic structures encircling them.
It has facilitated the observation of stars in a fleeting stage just before their demise, unveiled the formation of early galaxies a mere 350 million years after the big bang, and provided evidence of “universe breaker galaxies” of unprecedented size that have the potential to challenge current cosmological theories.
Last week Nasa revealed that Webb had discovered the most distant active supermassive black hole to date, Ceers 1019, which existed just over 570m years from the big bang.
“In just one year, the James Webb space telescope has transformed humanity’s view of the cosmos, peering into dust clouds and seeing light from faraway corners of the universe for the very first time,” Nasa’s administrator, Bill Nelson, said in a statement. “Every new image is a new discovery, empowering scientists around the globe to ask and answer questions they once could never dream of.
“Webb is an investment in American innovation but also a scientific feat made possible with Nasa’s international partners that share a can-do spirit to push the boundaries of what is known to be possible.
“Thousands of engineers, scientists and leaders poured their life’s passion into this mission, and their efforts will continue to improve our understanding of the origins of the universe and our place in it.”
The space agency has arranged a week-long “celebration” of the anniversary of Webb’s first images, including a livestream event on Wednesday night with scientists to discuss the telescope’s impact on exploration and human understanding of the solar system.
On Tuesday, a US jury concluded that a handwritten will discovered in Aretha Franklin’s sofa accurately reflects the final wishes of the late Queen of Soul.
This development marked a significant development in a lengthy family dispute that emerged following Franklin’s passing from pancreatic cancer in 2018 at the age of 76, without a formally typed will.
During a court session in Detroit on Monday, Ted White II, Franklin’s 60-year-old son and a guitarist in her performances, argued that a document from 2010, discovered in a locked desk drawer at her residence, should be legally acknowledged as her will.
Mr White told a six-person jury: “With all the time I spent working with her administratively, every other document that she ever signed was something that was done conventionally and legally.”
The document had been notarised and repeatedly signed by Franklin, and Mr White said she always used a lawyer for anything official.
Franklin’s wills both awarded income from music and copyright jointly to her sons, but each named a different son executor CREDIT: Fred A. Sabine/NBC/NBCU
In the ongoing court proceedings, Kecalf Franklin, the youngest son of Aretha Franklin, presented a 2014 document and argued that it should be recognized as her will in accordance with Michigan law.
The document had been discovered in a spiral notebook under a cushion on a sofa after her passing.
During the probate court hearing, Kecalf Franklin explained that it did not seem unusual for his mother’s documents to be found on the sofa. He stated that she would often read her mail, sign documents, and even sleep on the couch. According to him, the area surrounding the sofa would frequently be cluttered with numerous papers.
Craig Smith, a lawyer representing Edward, another of Aretha Franklin’s sons, also expressed support for the 2014 document as her will.
Mr Smith told the court: “Edward believes this 2014 document represents her most current wishes and thus should be honoured.”
A page from Franklin’s handwritten 2014 will
The 2014 document, discovered in the spiral notebook on the sofa, featured a dated and signed entry by “A. Franklin,” accompanied by a characteristic smiley face inside the initial.
This signature style was consistent with how the singer typically signed her name. The jury was presented with a similar signature made by Aretha Franklin in concrete at a museum in Detroit as evidence.
During the court proceedings, four large posters displaying pages from the 2014 document were showcased to the jury. Additionally, the spiral notebook contained doodles alongside the written entries.
Both the 2010 and 2014 documents indicated that Franklin’s four sons would share in the income from her music and copyrights.
However, the 2014 version had crossed out the name of Ted White II as the executor of the estate and appointed another son, whose identity was not specified in the information provided.
According to the document, this son and his three children were designated to receive Franklin’s primary residence, which was valued at $1.1 million at the time of her passing.
A lawyer examines one of the wills CREDIT: Mike Householder
Franklin’s estate was valued at $18 million shortly after her death.
A lawyer for Mr White said the 2010 document had been signed on all 11 pages, and the 2014 document only once.
Both documents were found at the same time by a niece, Sabrina Owens, who initially managed the estate.
Ms Owens did not appear in court but her testimony from a formal interview was read aloud.
She explained how she searched the singer’s house for records.
Ms Owens said: “She would use the kitchen and living room, that was about it.
“So when I got to the sofa, I lifted up that far right cushion and there was notebooks there.”
Probate court judge Jennifer Callaghan said the only task for the six jurors was to decide whether the 2014 document should be accepted as a valid will.
The singer’s three grandchildren were also in court. They are the children of Mr Franklin.
The jury found that the handwritten will found on the sofa was valid on Tuesday.
Queen Camilla shared an interesting detail about her past, revealing that she once worked as a ball girl during her attendance at the Wimbledon quarter-finals.
The 75-year-old monarch had the opportunity to meet three young participants, including a ball boy named Sean, and two ball girls named Larissa and Cassie.
Inquiring about their experience, the Queen asked if they had previously been involved in the tournament and if they were enjoying their roles.
She said: “You have to be very agile. I remember doing it one hundred years ago at Queen’s (Club). It is quite difficult.”
Her Majesty looked like she was having fun as she waited for Wednesday’s quarter-finals to start CREDIT: Victoria Jones/PA
The Queen asked Sean if he was working across all of the courts during the Grand Slam, adding: “You must be feeling very fit.”
One of the ball girls, Cassie, mentioned that she had worked at a previous championship. In response, Camilla made a lighthearted remark, jokingly saying, “So you are a bit of an expert?”
The Queen was accompanied by her younger sister, Annabel Elliot, for the outing, which took place during the second week of the Championships.
The Queen made friends with search dog Flo CREDIT: Victoria Jones/PA
Prior to occupying her seat in the royal box, Queen Camilla had the opportunity to meet several individuals at Wimbledon.
Among them were former British number one Johanna Konta, detection dog handler Mark Mills, and his search dog, Flo. Additionally, she had a meeting with Teresa Harris, the founder of Learn to Love to Read, a literary charity that was established in 2014 and receives support from The Wimbledon Foundation.
The Queen has been a regular attendee of the tennis championships and is frequently photographed there, often accompanied by her friends or her sister, Ms. Elliot.
The Queen was joined by her sister Annabel Elliot CREDIT: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
During a visit in 2013, the then Duchess of Cornwall said she feared she was “too old” to play tennis herself.
Asked by former world number one John McEnroe if she played, Camilla, then 65, replied: “Oh, very badly … I would love to start again but maybe I’m too old.”
The Queen looks up to the sky as grey clouds threaten the match CREDIT: Karwai Tang/WireImage
The three-times Wimbledon champion reassured her: “Never too old, never too old!”
During the same visit, the then Duchess told former British number one Virginia Wade: “I have got my sister here today. We used to come to watch you year after year. And if we can’t see you, we watch you on the telly.”
Meanwhile, Tim Henman raised eyebrows as he was recorded greeting the royal visitor with the words: “Y’all right Your Highness?”
Zara and Mike Tindall also attended day 10 of the Championships CREDIT: Karwai Tang/WireImage
The Queen’s latest visit comes after the Princess of Wales, patron of the All England Club, paid a visit last Tuesday.
Zara and Mike Tindall were also spotted at the event on Wednesday.
According to school authorities, the caterer ceased cooking for the students on May 29, 2023, as she had not been paid and did not have the funds to purchase food. This situation left the students disappointed and dissatisfied.
On Tuesday, July 11, 2023, the first- and second-year students expressed their displeasure by boycotting classes and bringing their concerns to the attention of the school authorities and the government.
They made it clear that they would not return to the classrooms unless the caterer could resume cooking for them.
Mr. John Soka, the Binduri District Director of the Ghana Education Service (GES), confirmed the incident and stated that the decision to allow the students to stay home was made in consultation with the Regional Directorate of the GES, the school’s board and management, and the Parents and Teachers Association.
This decision was taken to prevent any potential unrest or disruptions in the school.
He said the status of the school as a Day School meant that students were entitled to one hot meal (lunch) a day, however, the students had not been fed since May 29, 2023, because the caterer did not have money to cook for them.
According to the District Director, the caterer said she had depleted her funds and had not been paid but informed him that she was mobilising to resume cooking for the students on Monday, July 17, 2023.
“We appealed to students to exercise patience and that cooking will resume on Monday, but they were not ready to go back to the classroom, saying if the cooking does not start today, they will not go back to the classroom.
“Now that they were not ready to attend classes there was no point keeping them in the school because they themselves said they were going home, so we asked them to go home and return on Monday when the caterer is able to come and cook for them,” he added.
Iconic screen star, Morgan Freeman, will be unable to participate in the entire press tour for Special Ops: Lioness UK due to contracting a “contagious infection.”
As per medical advice, the 86-year-old actor has remained in the United States while his co-stars, Zoe Saldana and Nicole Kidman, promote their new spy thriller in the United Kingdom.
Freeman’s absence was noticeable during a series of press events in London on Tuesday, including a screening of their Paramount+ show at the Tate Britain. Saldana and Kidman attended the event without him.
During their appearance on The One Show, hosted by Alex Jones on the BBC, Jones expressed her disappointment that Freeman couldn’t be there, mentioning that she was “gutted” about his absence.
Of his absence, his representative told The Standard: “Morgan had an infection which was contagious so he was not able to travel. He is fine now. Infection has gone, and he is no longer contagious.”
Nicole Kidman and Zoe Saldana attend the launch event for ‘Special Ops: Lioness’ hosted by Paramount+ and Vanity Fair on July 11, 2023 in London, England. (Dave Benett)
Morgan Freeman and his co-stars are in the midst of preparations for the upcoming release of their Paramount+ series, Special Ops: Lioness.
Drawing inspiration from a real-life US military program, the series delves into the life of Joe (played by Zoe Saldana) as she navigates the challenges of balancing her personal and professional life while serving as a key operative for the CIA in the war on terror.
Under the guidance of Kaitlyn Meade (portrayed by Nicole Kidman), the Lioness Program brings together an assertive Marine Raider to work undercover alongside Joe, infiltrating the circles of state terrorism in the CIA’s mission to prevent another catastrophic event like 9/11.
peaking about her role in the espionage series, Kidman told US outlet Entertainment Tonight: “As an actor we live on our emotions – that’s what we use, that’s what we need.
“And a lot of times we have to keep them completely available and sometimes not in check.
“Whereas in this situation, where you’re working undercover in the CIA… you have to keep your emotions in check, you have to be able to compartmentalise.
“[You can’t] think back and deliberate and emotionally respond.”
Kidman also praised the work of show creator Taylor Sheridan, known for his work on projects including Sicario and hit US drama series Yellowstone.
The National Planning Committee (NPC) is currently making preparations for the upcoming official launch of HIV Self Testing (HIVST) in the country, scheduled to take place on July 19.
The event will be held at the Omanye Aba Hall of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) and marks a significant step in introducing innovative strategies to promote HIV testing and encourage individuals to be aware of their HIV status.
It will be under the theme: “Test Yourself: Know Your Status”, and expected to atteact Members of Parliament, Traditional Leaders, Religious Leaders, Development Partners, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and the Media.
Mr. Ernest Amoabeng Oteng, the Lead Coordinator of the HIV Self-Testing (HIVST) program at the Ghana Health Service, has released a statement regarding the upcoming launch of HIVST.
The statement, which was also shared with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), highlights the global challenge of low awareness of HIV status, with only around 70 percent of persons living with HIV (PLHIV) being aware of their condition worldwide.
This lack of awareness poses a significant obstacle to achieving the global goal of ending AIDS by 2030.
In Ghana, the AIDS Commission reports that there are over 350,000 people living with HIV, but only approximately 71 percent of them are aware of their HIV status.
The remaining 29 percent who are unaware of their status represent a concerning issue as they may unknowingly transmit the virus.
“For this reason, it is sometimes difficult for individuals to voluntarily walk into health facilities to get tested. Also, due to stigmatisation, some individuals refuse to go on treatment when they are diagnosed with HIV. It is, therefore, unsurprising that, on the average, more than 10,000 Ghanaians die every year, with complications linked to HIV and AIDS.”
” Presently, some public health experts have cautioned that, given the trend of surges in new HIV infections, the country risks not achieving the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets by 2030”, the statement read.
It said the introduction of HIVST had been welcomed by experts as a potential game changer in scaling up HIV testing services.
Among the various HIV self-testing (HIVST) methods, one type is the oral HIVST known as OraQuick. This involves swabbing the upper and lower gums with an oral swab test stick and placing the stick in a test tube solution. After waiting for 20 minutes, the results can be read.
If a single line appears on the test stick, it indicates a negative result. However, if two lines appear, it indicates a reactive result, which requires confirmation through a test at a health facility.
Before taking the test, users should refrain from eating, drinking, or using oral products such as mouthwash or toothpaste for thirty minutes.
The statement highlighted that the oral HIVST method, such as OraQuick, has been successfully implemented in several Sub-Saharan African countries, including South Africa, Lesotho, Eswatini, Nigeria, Senegal, Cote d’Ivoire, and Cameroon. These experiences have shown that HIVST is widely accepted, particularly among hard-to-reach populations.
HIVST is gaining popularity due to its privacy and confidentiality, attracting many first-time testers. The statement noted that in preparation for the official launch, SH:24, a UK-based online sexual and reproductive health service organization, and Ghana HIV and AIDS Network (GHANET) have been commissioned by the Ghana Health Service to pilot the HIVST method in the country.
Preliminary results from the pilot phase, which involved the use of the SH:24 virtual platform and courier service for distributing HIVST kits in Accra, as well as community-based distribution by GHANET in 50 districts across Ghana, have indicated a widespread acceptance of the method in the country.
The documentary series “Harry & Meghan,” produced by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex as part of their Netflix deal, has been nominated for the best streaming non-fiction series category at the Hollywood Critics Awards (HCA).
The six-part series, which premiered in December, is the couple’s first production under their multi-year agreement with Netflix, rumored to be valued at £77 million ($100 million), signed in September 2020.
This nomination will likely be received as positive news by the Sussexes, particularly after the recent announcement that their Spotify deal, reportedly worth $20 million, concluded prematurely with only one season of Meghan’s “Archetypes” podcast and a holiday special.
This development sparked speculation regarding the sustainability of their Netflix deal and raised questions about their ability to create successful content beyond personal narratives.
The show proved a success for Netflix, which announced in January that it had become its second-highest-ranked documentary ever CREDIT: Netflix
According to a source close to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, the couple has been facing challenges in progressing with their Netflix projects due to a Hollywood writers’ strike that has disrupted film and television production in the United States.
Nonetheless, their documentary series “Harry & Meghan” proved to be a significant success. In January, Netflix announced that the explosive series had become the streaming platform’s second-highest-ranked documentary ever.
The series, released on December 8, coincided with the publication of Prince Harry’s controversial memoir “Spare.” It featured several damaging allegations made against the royal family.
Prince Harry claimed in the series that his father, the Prince of Wales, had left him in a state of fear after shouting and screaming at him during the Sandringham summit—a meeting held to discuss the future of the Sussexes within the royal family.
He also accused Prince Charles of dishonesty during the tense crisis meeting in January 2020.
In addition, Prince Harry alleged on camera that Kensington Palace had lied to protect his brother, Prince William, when it denied accusations of bullying.
He drew comparisons between his wife, Meghan, and his late mother, Princess Diana, suggesting that Meghan’s popularity and media coverage had caused jealousy within the family and contributed to the rift with his brother and father.
These claims were met with rebuttals from royal sources who stated that the Sussexes had misunderstood the institution’s understanding of media dynamics.
In the UK, the Netflix series became the most-watched subscription television series of the year, according to figures released in December.
The first episode attracted an average of 4.5 million viewers within seven days of its release, surpassing the equivalent figure for the first episode of the new season of “The Crown,” which was launched a few weeks earlier on November 9.
Harry & Megan has been shortlisted for the HCA alongside Prehistoric Planet 2, Rainn Wilson and the Geography of Bliss, Rennervations, The 1619 Project and The Reluctant Traveller with Eugene Levy.
The 2023 HCA TV Awards Ceremony for Streaming will be held on Sunday, Aug 13, the day after the awards for broadcast and cable television.
Last year, The Beatles: Get Back won the prize for the best streaming docuseries or non-fiction series.
Lionel Messi, the captain of the Argentina national team and a World Cup winner, has openly acknowledged that he is uncertain about when he will ultimately retire from international football.
“Even I don’t know when. It’ll happen when it happens,” the 36-year-old said in an interview broadcast on Argentine television on Wednesday.
“After winning everything I want to enjoy the moment and wait for time to tell me when it’s the moment,” said the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner.
“Logically, given my age, one would expect it to be soon, but I don’t know for sure.
“Now that we are American champions (Argentina won the 2021 Copa America) and world champions we have to enjoy that.”
Messi restated his previous statements that it was unlikely for him to be part of Argentina’s squad in their defense of the World Cup title in 2026.
The interview took place in China last month, where Messi achieved the fastest goal of his career, scoring within 79 seconds during a friendly match against Australia in Beijing.
Recently, Messi arrived in Florida to finalize his transfer to the US Major League Soccer club, Inter Miami, from Paris Saint-Germain.
The signing of a two-and-a-half year contract, reportedly valued at $60 million per year, is anticipated, and he is set to be officially presented to fans during a stadium event on Sunday.
The Keta Municipal Health Directorate in the Volta Region has initiated a deworming drug application program for primary school pupils in the Keta zone.
The objective of this initiative, as stated by health officials, is to address the impact of worm infections in children.
Madam Dora Kugbonu, the Keta Health Promotion Officer, informed the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that the prevalence of worm infections in the area has been increasing and requires attention.
Since 2020, the Keta Municipal Hospital alone has diagnosed approximately 3,915 individuals with worm infections.
Thus, the Health Directorate has specifically targeted basic school children aged two years and above to receive deworming treatment, considering their vulnerability to worms.
Madam Kugbonu further explained that the one-day exercise has been extended until Friday, July 14, to accommodate the participation of all students.
“Deworming is the act of giving an anthelmintic drug to human or animal to get rid of helminth parasites such as roundworms, flukes and tapeworms.”
She lamented that some parents, individuals and some private schools remained reluctant in encouraging the use of drugs.
She said the effect of worms have similar symptoms such as body itch, anus itch, and fever as compared to other sicknesses, and one must be tested first to know their health status.
Madam Kugbonu also urged all to take the drugs four times a year or at least twice a year.
“We are giving the students 500 milligrams of Mebendazole drugs, and each student must eat well before taking a dose” she added.
Prosecutors in the Canary Islands have filed a lawsuit suggesting that the negligence of Spanish authorities could have resulted in the tragic deaths of 36 migrants who attempted to reach the territory in an inflatable boat last month.
The boat sank after waiting for 10 hours without receiving assistance.
The prosecutors have alleged that crimes, including failure to provide assistance, may have been committed in this case.
Spain’s coastal rescue service has faced accusations of negligence after reports emerged that one of its boats was reportedly only an hour away from the distressed migrant vessel.
Fortunately, a Moroccan boat rescued the 24 survivors from the incident.
The lawsuit serves as an attempt to investigate and potentially hold accountable those responsible for any negligence or misconduct that may have contributed to the loss of lives during the tragic event.
Reverend Joseph Botchwey, a 73-year-old evangelist, has been granted bail by an Accra Circuit Court after allegedly defrauding a businessman of GH₵15,000.
The Reverend promised to sell a Hyundai Accent Saloon car to the businessman but failed to deliver. Additionally, he is accused of issuing a Cal Bank cheque of GH₵13,000 despite knowing that there were insufficient funds in the account.
During the court proceedings, Reverend Botchwey pleaded not guilty to charges of defrauding by false pretense and issuing a false cheque.
The presiding judge, Mr. Joojo Amoah Hagan, granted the accused bail in the amount of GH₵50,000 with two sureties. One of the sureties is required to provide proof of ownership of landed property. The case has been adjourned until August 8, 2023.
According to the prosecution, the complainant, Mr. Yaw Agyare Danquah, is a businessman residing in Kwabenya, while Reverend Botchwey lives in Lartebiokorshie.
In May 2022, the accused offered his Hyundai Accent Saloon car for sale, and the complainant expressed interest. On May 4, 2022, the accused requested a payment of GH₵15,500 from the complainant, which was duly paid.
The accused then instructed the complainant to return at 4:00 PM on the same day to collect the vehicle.
It said the complainant later came to take the vehicle and the accused person started playing hide and seek with him.
The prosecution said the complainant became fed up and asked for a refund of his money which the accused person then issued two Cal Bank cheques with face value GH₵13,000.00 to be cash out on his said bank on November 28, 2022.
“However, when the cheques were presented to the bank, they were dishonored as the accused person had no money with the bank,” the prosecution added.
It said a report was made to the Police and the accused person was arrested.
A Cameroonian comedian, popularly known as 237 Towncryer, has undertaken a unique world record attempt for the longest continuous crying.
As of Monday, July 10, 2023, he embarked on a crying marathon, which he has dubbed a cry-a-thon, with the goal of setting a new record of non-stop crying for 100 hours.
“I am going in to break the Guinness World Records for the longest time crying,” he wrote on Instagram.
Videos shared on his official Facebook page shows him seated on a chair, visibly distraught, while a laptop placed on another chair displays a timer to track the duration of his crying session. He is based in Lagos, Nigeria.
Meanwhile, the Guinness World Records has entreated individuals to limit their desires to break or set world records.
Zanzibar authorities have implemented a prohibition on men wearing braided hairstyles, stating that it violates both local customs and the law while posing a potential threat to societal morals.
This move aims to enforce adherence to traditional norms and uphold the cultural values of the region.
We find it dangerous to our future generations”, says Zanzibar’s Culture Executive Secretary Omar Adam. “This is one form of immorality in Zanzibar, it is a culture which is adopted from outside Zanzibar.”
Authorities have dismissed concerns that the recent enforcement of the ban on men wearing braided hairstyles in Zanzibar is specifically targeting the LGBTQ community. In Zanzibar, where same-sex relationships are illegal, the law against men braiding their hair has been in existence since 2015 but has only been actively enforced now.
Individuals, regardless of whether they are residents or visitors to Zanzibar, who are found with braided hair can face penalties such as fines exceeding $400 or up to six months of imprisonment, or both.
Despite being a popular tourist destination, the authorities emphasize that the enforcement of this ban will be applied uniformly.
It is worth noting that the Zanzibar government had recently banned 16 book titles and the use of rainbow colors in schools, citing that they promoted LGBTQ rights.
The trial of former CEO of Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), Stephen Opuni, has been adjourned to July 25th following the assignment of a new judge to the case.
His Lordship Justice Aboagye Tandoh is now the third judge to preside over the case.
This development occurred after the Court of Appeal overturned the decision of Justice Anokye Gyimah, who had recently taken over the case but refused to adopt proceedings from the initial judge, Justice Hornyenugah.
Justice Anokye Gyimah was subsequently reassigned, leading to the case being handed over to the new judge, Justice Aboagye Tandoh.
During their first appearance before Justice Aboagye Tandoh, the parties informed him about the Court of Appeal’s decision.
Opuni’s lawyers have indicated their intention to further appeal to the Supreme Court. In light of this, the judge adjourned the case to July 25th, allowing the parties to request the records of the ruling and paving the way for the trial to continue.
The former COCOBOD CEO Dr. Stephen Opuni has been charged with willfully causing financial loss to the state to the tune of 2.1billion cedis in three separate contracts for the supply of fertilisers from Germany.
Celebrated movie star Adjetey Anang, who has played many roles on screen, seems to have faced some tough choices in real life, according to his memoir ‘Adjetey Anang: A Story of Faith, Imperfection and Resilience’.
One of these challenging decisions was whether or not to endorse a political party’s flagbearer when he was broke and in need of money.
In his memoir, Adjetey Anang reveals how he was approached by a political party that offered him a juicy reward for a few minutes of endorsement. He says he was tempted by the offer, and he even discussed it with his wife, Elom, who saw the prospect of an escape from their financial difficulties.
Adjetey Anang and his wife Elom Anang
But he decided to turn down the offer and stick to his hustle. He says he did so because he valued his integrity and his influence as a public figure. He says he wanted to remain true to himself and his fans, and not compromise his standards for a quick fix.
“Integrity is key in this profession. For a public figure with a large following, many ways of making money will crop up but the surest way to stay afloat is to maintain integrity as your hallmark.
“Every career development comes with diverse challenges and tempting opportunities. But what makes you stand tall is remaining who you are, irrespective of what comes your way.
“Your ability to remain unfazed in the face of difficult moments will inevitably win you a lot more admirers. It’s pretty easy to compromise your standards because the industry creates an enabling environment for it.
“It is easy to convince yourself that it is okay to do certain things because after all that’s your work. But integrity should guide you in everything you do. My life has had tough challenges but I am grateful for the good choices that have guided me forward,” he writes.
Deputy Ranking Member on the Finance Committee of Parliament, Isaac Adongo, has strongly criticized the Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), Dr. Ernest Addison, for failing to file the financial statements of the central bank in due time.
Mr Adongo argues that the law mandates the Bank of Ghana to publish its assets and liabilities every 15 days and submit the financial statements by the end of each month. However, the Bank of Ghana has failed to comply with this requirement.
In a media address, the MP for Bolgatanga Central expressed his intention to take steps to summon Dr. Ernest Addison, citing perceived mismanagement of the economy.
“There’s a very sad development in our country today. We are all aware that our economy is in a mess, and part of the reason we are in this mess is that Dr. Addison of the Bank of Ghana has mismanaged the Bank of Ghana. As we speak today, the BoG under the leadership of Dr. Addsion is always quick to revoke the licences of financial institutions that are not complying with the BoG Act. But the BoG itself is not complying with its own Act.
Deputy Ranking Member of Parliament’s Finance Committee, Isaac Adongo
“And it raises serious red flags for our country, the BoG printed and pumped a lot of money to fund the government activities last year and the year before. Leading to very high levels of inflation, interest rates and an unprecedented depreciation of the cedi.
“We have been waiting for the gazetting and publication of the BoG’s own financial statements, which, by law, should have been published by the end of April of the year. We are now half a year through the year, and all the banks have complied with the filing of their returns to the Bank of Ghana.
“Those reports include what we call long-form reports, which are very detailed audited reports of the banks. Breaking down every single item of the balance sheets of the banks. The Bank of Ghana is not able to comply with its own law to do the very things the other banks are doing”.
He said they will ensure that the Governor of BoG accounts for his deeds.
“And at the end of the month, they are supposed to file. It’s been almost six months now, and the Bank of Ghana is in clear violation of these provisions. I want to serve a warning to Dr. Addison that he should remember that he had dragged people to court over violations of the BoG Act. He should know that the same level of accountability will be served him,” Mr Adongo cautioned.
A brilliant Secondary School graduate, Benjamin Darko, whose impressive 2021 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) result went viral online has been offered a full educational scholarship by the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) to pursue Chemical Engineering at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology (KNUST).
Announcing the scholarship package during a meeting with Darko and his family today at the office of the Vice Chancellor (VC) of KNUST, the Executive Director of the GNPC Foundation, Dr. Dominic Eduah, said the Education & Training unit of the Foundation is offering the support to restore young Darko’s hopes and has, in collaboration with its educational partners, initiated steps to facilitate his successful admission in the University’s next enrolment window.
Despite scoring 5A’s and 3Bs, the intelligent 21-year-old former Science student at Presbyterian Senior Secondary School (PRESEC) – Legon has had his desire to pursue a Medical-Science related course at the University hindered by the lack of financial support.
In keeping himself busy and to give his dreams a chance, the boy from Bepowase, a farming community in Akuapim North Municipality of the Eastern Region, has since 2021 taken to several menial jobs in a rather daunting bid to save for his education.
Currently working as a fuel attendant at a GOIL station in Kumasi, Darko’s predicament gained national attention after his story was highlighted in a GHOne news report that went viral on social.
“At GNPC Foundation, we understand the challenges of many parents and students seeking advancements in education amidst tight financial constraints and we are happy to play the role of facilitating the realization of many dreams through our scholarships and other educational intervention programmes,” Dr. Eduah commented.
Professor Rita Akosua Dickson, VC of KNUST, expressed delight in the opportunity to contribute to the molding of Benjamin Darko when he begins his KNUST journey. She congratulated him and advised him to stay disciplined.
Excited about the prospects of finally getting his education back on track, Benjamin thanked GNPC for contributing to supporting his future and assured to do his best.
Afrobeat singer, Kelvyn Boy, is of the view that the dreams of many unsung-artistes have been killed due to teachings of the Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) Church.
As a guest on the McBrown programme on Onua TV, Kelvyn Boy describes the church’s regulations as excessive, while lamenting the retribution one faces for going contrary to them.
“The SDA doctrines and training have curbed numerous talents. The church’s regulations are excessive. Any slight deviation is seen as contamination, and so on,” he said.
Kelvyn Boy was once an Adventist. During his childhood days, he used to sing in church. He believes that he got his ‘music gene’ from his father, who was also a singer.
“My father was a singer, so I inherited my singing prowess from him. I remember a particular instance when I was permitted to minister in the church. I was so young that they had to place me on a table so that everyone could see me sing,” he recounted.
But according to him, that opportunity was revoked, which left him “devastated.”
For now, he hopes the church would be able to take a look at its teachings to ensure it does not derail the growth of creativity.
The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has suspended the activities of Samdoe Enterprise, a water-producing company located at Community 18, Spintex Road.
The premises of Samdoe Enterprise was closed down as the company has been engaged in the production and distribution of unregistered brands of water products in an unlicensed, unhygienic manufacturing facility, the FDA noted in a statement dated July 12.
The unregistered water products are as follows:
(i) Perfect Ice Drinking Water; (ii) Aqua Link Drinking Water; and (iii) Leaders Drinking Water.
The Authority’s Inspection Team uncovered major safety and quality issues, including operation in an unsuitable wooden structure, presence of open drains with algae and fungi growth, dirty filters, and no pest control regime.
FDA suspends the operations of 'SAMDOE ENTERPRISE', manufacturer of unregistered water products pic.twitter.com/SGZkFeoD2k
The public has therefore been cautioned not to consume the unregistered brands listed above. Consumers who have already purchased these products are urged to immediately halt their use and properly dispose of them immediately.
Retailers and distributors are also requested to withdraw all these brands from the market.
“It is imperative that consumers exercise caution when selecting water products and opt for products that have been duly registered by the FDA, with an FDA number on the label.
“The public is once again reminded to check the registration status of regulated products from the FDA website- http://fdaghana.gov.gh or through the ProPer platform https://bit.ly/ProPerFDA before purchase,” the statement signed by the Authority’s Chief Executive Officer read.
Local media reports indicate that a man was fatally shot during protests in Emali, a town located approximately 100km (62 miles) from Nairobi, Kenya‘s capital.
According to sources, police fired upon demonstrators who allegedly set a police vehicle on fire and pelted stones at a local bank.
Emali is situated along the Nairobi-to-Mombasa highway, and as reported by K24 website, hundreds of protesters barricaded the road on Wednesday morning, causing a complete halt in traffic.
Instead of burning police vehicles (in Emali) and increasing the cost of living (as another vehicle will be bought and or leased anyway), I wish Azimio arsonists cum anarchists (no longer peaceful demonstrators) would borrow a leaf from striking PSV crew busy playing children… pic.twitter.com/OdhcMt5yFp
The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) is actively promoting domestic tourism in Ghana through its “Experience Ghana, Share Ghana” Campaign.
As part of their regional tour, the GTA recently visited the redeveloped Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park and three other tourist sites in Accra.
Prior to the Accra tour, the GTA had already toured more than 50 sites across various regions in Ghana, including Ashanti, Bono, Savannah, Eastern, Volta, Western, Upper East, and Central Regions.
The campaign aims to showcase both popular and lesser-known sites in Ghana. Some of the notable locations explored so far include Mole National Park, Larabanga Mosque, Mognori Eco Village, Tongo Hills and Tengzug Shrines, Paga Crocodile Ponds, Pikworo Slave Camp, Kumasi Zoo, Cultural Centre, Okomfo Anokye, Ghana Arm Forces Museum, Buabeng Fiema Monkey Sanctuary, Kintampo Waterfall, and Canopy Walk.
Additionally, the campaign has covered other areas such as the Centre of Ghana, Fuller Falls, Aburi Gardens, Bunso Eco Park, Akwamu Fie in the Eastern region, Shai Hills Resource Reserve, Amedzofe Walkway, Mount Geme, Tafi Monkey Sanctuary, Wli Waterfall, Kakum National Park, Cape Coast Castle, Elmina Castle, Nzulezu, Bisa Abrewa Museum, and Ankasa Resource Reserve, among others.
Commenting on the tour wrap-up, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), Mr. Akwasi Agyeman said his outfit will continue to intensify efforts in promoting domestic tourism.
“In line with the Domestic Tourism campaign ‘Experience Ghana, Share Ghana’, we decided to highlight Ghana’s unique features and encourage Ghanaians and visitors to experience and share Ghana. We are elated to have visited over 50 tourist sites, and working towards putting the necessary measures in place to develop tourism facilities and services in Ghana”.
“As we know, we have been very aggressive in promoting domestic tourism over the last few years and we are committed to intensifying our efforts to stimulate Ghanaians to travel within Ghana’s own borders and also invite neighbouring ECOWAS countries to visit Ghana’s tourist sites”, he added.
Mr Agyeman encouraged Ghanaians to visit the redeveloped Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park Museum. “The historic site dedicated to honouring the legacy of Ghana’s first president has been beautifully renovated.
“The park offers a profound and enlightening experience, allowing visitors to appreciate Ghana’s history and Dr Kwame Nkrumah’s contributions. It celebrates independence, African unity, and the enduring legacy of a visionary leader.
“Whether local or international, the park invites visitors to reflect upon Dr Kwame Nkrumah’s ideals and the unfinished work ahead. Therefore, I urge all Ghanaians to visit”.
During their tour in Accra, the GTA team also explored the National Theatre, which serves as the home to the National Dance Company, National Drama Company, and the National Symphony Orchestra. These entities play a crucial role in promoting Ghanaian talent and artistic expression. The National Theatre’s main hall, with a seating capacity of 1500, serves as a vibrant venue for a variety of performances, including music, drama, and comedy.
Another stop on the tour was Independence Square, comprising the Black Star Square, the Freedom and Justice Arch, and the Nationalism Park. This iconic location symbolizes Ghana’s struggle for independence and its commitment to freedom and justice.
The final destination in Accra was the National Museum, a significant site that showcases Ghana’s rich history, diverse culture, and remarkable heritage. With a theme of unity in diversity, the museum features a wide range of Ghanaian art, artifacts, and exhibits, providing visitors with an immersive experience into the country’s cultural tapestry.
The Domestic Tourism campaign is part of the Ghana Tourism Development Project (GTDP), which is carried out under the supervision of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture.
There has been an increase in record-a-thon attempts in Nigeria, which has prompted Guinness World Records to issue a warning.
In a response to a record-a-thon initiative by one user on Instagram, Ọláwùnmí Àjọkẹ́ (Livingwithajoke), Guinness World Records wrote: “Please enough with the record-a-thons”.
Ọláwùnmí Àjọkẹ́ announced her decision to break the Idea-a-thon and puff puff-a-thon titles. “Get ready,” she added.
Guinness World Records tired of record-a-thons
Another user interested in this initiative and the response from Guinness World Records asked the international institution whether it was not fed up with the numerous attempts made by Nigerians to break current world records.
Guinness World Records replied saying: “We welcome applications from all over the globe, we can all be friends.”
Nigerians have gained the appetite to break world records after their very own Hilda Baci officially broke the record for the longest cooking marathon (individual), with a time of 93 hours 11 minutes.
The previous record of 87 hours 45 minutes was set by Lata Tondon (India) in 2019.
The 26-year-old Nigerian chef began on Thursday 11 May and continued through to Monday 15 May, cooking over 100 pots of food during her four-day kitchen stint.
Hilda attempted to set a record of 100 hours, however, almost seven hours were deducted from her final total because she mistakenly took extra minutes for one of her rest breaks early on in the attempt.
Since then, Nigerians have gone bananas to continue to put their country on the map.
Chef Damilola Adeparusi has attempted a 120-hour cooking marathon in Oye Local Government Area in Ekiti State with the intention of breaking Chef Hilda’s record.
Another chef who tried to surpass Hilda Baci’s record was Oluwaseun Oyedele, who cooked for 105 hours in June 2023, but his attempt was disqualified due to rule violations.
Away from cooking, Sugartee, a musician from Nigeria, announced that he will be hosting the proposed 72-hour kissing marathon intended to break the current Guinness World from Friday, July 7 to Sunday, July 10.
On its website, the Guinness World Records notes that due to the volume of applications it receives, the standard application process currently takes up to 12 weeks.
“Sometimes the 12 weeks waiting time is extended during high demand,” it adds.
However, there is the Priority application which provides a speedy reply.
If you choose the Priority service, Guinness World Records will respond to you within five working days (as opposed to the usual 12 weeks).
The Priority Application service for existing titles costs £500 / $800 US / €630 (plus VAT where applicable), while the cost for new titles is £650 / $1,000 US / €820.
Source: The Independent Ghana | Andy Ogbarmey-Tettey
Deputy Minister of Information, Hajia Fatima Abubakar, has emphasized the importance of the Muslim community embracing secular and modern trends of education to achieve greater success.
She highlighted that education is a fundamental right for Muslims and that it holds the power to overcome barriers.
During a three-day seminar on developing Islamic Studies curricula for the Muslim community in Ghana, the Deputy Minister revealed that many people, including some Muslims, are unaware that Muslim scholars were instrumental in establishing various modern disciplines such as optometry, algebra, geometry, and astrology.
Hajia Fatima reminded everyone that the first set of Qur’anic verses revealed commanded Muslims to read, establishing Islam’s tradition of learning.
“Fortunately for us in Ghana, we do not suffer such extremist teachings. Even so, we ought to re-examine our methods of teaching, both in our English and Arabic schools and in our Makaranta schools. We need to reform our teaching methods and bring them in tune with modern methods of teaching, if we are to churn out products who will fit into the modern system of work and commerce”.
“As Deputy Minister for Information, and a government representative, I am interested in the peace of our country, so that government can proceed with its agenda of development for the nation. As far as government is concerned, we know of a Muslim community in Ghana. Government is not interested in the theological divisions of the ummah,” she added.
She also emphasized the significant contributions of Muslim philosophers like Ibn Sina and Al-Farabi, who introduced the works of Aristotle and Socrates to the Western world.
The seminar, organized by T’alim Ghana, a Ghanaian Islamic Non-Governmental Organization in collaboration with The World Muslim Community Council from Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, and Education without Borders, attracted 30 participants who were eager to explore ways to enhance Islamic education in Ghana.
The Seminar also attracted resource persons from the Islamic Religious and Academic Scholars from Ghana, Nigeria and Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates.
Two people on a motorcycle died instantly after a head-on collision with a Toyota Camry vehicle on the Awoshie-Pokuase highway in Accra on Wednesday dawn.
The accident occurred around 1:15 am on July 12, 2023, according to eyewitnesses and media reports.
The Toyota Camry, with registration number ER 290-20, crashed into the motorbike, with registration number M-13-GR 393, which was reportedly riding on the wrong side of the road.
The impact of the collision damaged the front of the car and flung the motorcyclists off their bike. The identities of the deceased have not been disclosed yet.
This tragic incident sheds light on the pressing issue of road accidents in Ghana, particularly those involving motorcycles. Disturbingly, the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) reports that motorcycle crashes accounted for approximately 40% of all recorded road accidents between January and October 2021.
Out of a total of 2,126 accidents during that period, nearly half were directly attributed to motorcycle-related incidents. These figures demonstrate a concerning surge from the first quarter of 2021, when the NRSA recorded over 2,000 crashes involving motorcycles.
In response to these alarming statistics, the NRSA has issued a call to action, urging motorcyclists to prioritize safety by strictly adhering to regulations and refraining from reckless driving. It is hoped that such efforts will help reduce the frequency of tragic accidents and protect the lives of road users across the country.
