TIG Post

Author: Andy Ogbarmey-Tettey

  • Two jailed 6 months, fine for selling reproduced version of Apostle Kwadwo Safo’s agro-chemicals

    Two jailed 6 months, fine for selling reproduced version of Apostle Kwadwo Safo’s agro-chemicals

    The Juaso Circuit Court has handed down a sentence of a GHS 6,000.00 fine and six months imprisonment to two individuals for illegally reproducing and selling Apostle Kwadwo Safo’s agro-chemicals without authorization.

    Kwadwo Effah, a trader, and Emmanuel Ayivi, a driver, have been sentenced to two years in prison each if they fail to pay the fine. They pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy to sell someone’s product and unauthorized reproduction of someone’s product.

    The prosecution, led by Police Chief Inspector Dela Amenuvor, informed the court, presided over by Nana Asantewaa Atakorah, that the complainant, James Nsiah, was the Chief Security Officer of the Kristo Asafo Church in the Ashanti Region.

    It was revealed that the Founder and Leader of the church had produced agro-chemicals that were yet to be officially launched. However, certain individuals were unlawfully selling these products under the label “Akate Suro Africa Star.”

    To combat this illegal activity, members of the church nationwide were alerted to be vigilant in identifying the culprits, according to the prosecution’s statement.

    Chief Inspector Amenuvor explained that on June 22, at approximately 07:30 hours, one Kwame Agyei Asamoah, a witness in the case, was approached by Ayivi, who had in his possession agro-chemicals labeled under Apostle Kwadwo Safo’s name.

    When he enquired about where the source of the chemicals, he mentioned the name of Effah, prompting him to call the Chief Security of the church who arranged for the arrest of the Ayivi.

    Ayivi assisted the police to arrest Effah and a taxicab with registration number GS 9159 which was used to convey the chemicals to farmers.

    The police retrieved 87 insecticide powder, 24 labelled bottles of agro- chemicals as well as 13 unlabelled chemicals from the cab.

    Effah in his caution statement admitted reproducing the products and acted together with Ayivi to sell same to farmers without authorisation from the original manufacturers.

  • I knew I was not in Chelsea’s plans ‘several months ago’ – Mason Mount

    I knew I was not in Chelsea’s plans ‘several months ago’ – Mason Mount

    Mason Mount, the newly signed Manchester United player, has revealed that he departed Chelsea as it became evident “several months ago” that he did not feature in the club’s long-term plans.

    Mount told MUTV: “Several months ago I think it became clear that I wasn’t in Chelsea’s plans moving forward and once I knew that United were involved, my decision was made.

    “It’s a massive club, huge, iconic players have played here, and I wanted to be a part of that from the beginning. Getting in early, ready for pre-season to start, was a main objective of mine as well.”

    The English midfielder finalized his transfer from Chelsea to Manchester United this week, securing a contract until 2028, with a potential extension of one more year. The initial transfer fee is believed to be £55 million.

    At 24 years of age, Mason Mount, who had been associated with Chelsea for 18 years, accumulated 195 appearances for the club, scoring 33 goals. His contributions played a crucial role in Chelsea’s triumph in the 2021 Champions League.

    Reflecting on his playing style, Mount expressed his self-perception as a midfielder, specifically as a dynamic number eight. He emphasized his ability to contribute offensively by scoring and creating goals while also highlighting his commitment to defensive duties and supporting the team during challenging moments.

    This balanced approach is a significant aspect of his focus as a player.

    Mount, set to wear the number seven shirt in Erik ten Hag’s United team, cut short a family holiday in Disneyland to finalise the deal.

    He said: “We had a little trip to Disneyland, for the niece mainly – I enjoyed it as well, of course!

    “We came back a bit early just to make our way up here, drive up here, see what the trip’s like and everything. But it was well worth it, and it’s great to be up here now.

    “It’s been an amazing couple of days, coming here, seeing everyone, meeting everyone at the training ground, such a warm welcome. I feel very much at home already.”

  • Outstanding Cape Coast Teaching Hospital health workers awarded for COVID-19 fight

    Outstanding Cape Coast Teaching Hospital health workers awarded for COVID-19 fight

    President Akufo-Addo has honored 400 frontline healthcare professionals at the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital (CCTH) for their exceptional dedication and hard work during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ghana.

    The awards serve as a token of appreciation for their tireless efforts in battling the outbreak. Among the recipients were healthcare workers from different departments of the hospital, including non-medical staff.

    They received a certificate each with citations signed by President Akufo-Addo which read in part, “Your fervent and remarkable sacrifices will always be remembered.”  

    At a short ceremony to award the workers, the Medical Director of CCTH, Dr Stephen Laryea applauded the health workers for the good job done and encouraged them to do more to improve healthcare delivery.  

    He underscored the challenges, lessons and successes chalked as a teaching hospital during the pandemic and congratulated all awardees for their commitment.  

    Dr Laryea urged all health workers to put in their best in executing their duties and ensure that patients’ wellbeing was their priority. 

    Despite the emergence of COVID-19 as a significant public health issue, the hospital was fortunate to have a newly constructed infectious disease center, which is currently at approximately 85 percent completion.

    Dr. Salifu Bawa, the District Director of Health for Twifo Hemang Lower Denkyira (THLD), who was among the awardees, expressed deep gratitude to President Nana Akufo-Addo for acknowledging and appreciating their collective efforts during these challenging times.

    He appreciated the management of CCTH for their support towards improving healthcare in Central Region and beyond. 

    Dr Bawa advised young and vibrant health workers to be motivated by the awards and work hard to fulfill their mandate to the Ghana Health Service and humanity. 

    All awardees expressed gratitude to the President and pledged their commitment to ensuring quality healthcare delivery in the country. 

  • Suspected gas leak kills 17 in South Africa

    Suspected gas leak kills 17 in South Africa

    Seventeen people have tragically lost their lives due to a suspected nitrate oxide gas leak in South Africa, according to local authorities.

    The victims, including women and children, succumbed to gas inhalation in an informal settlement located in Boksburg, east of Johannesburg.

    The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, is believed to be connected to illegal gold mining activities in the area.

    Illegal gold miners, known as “zama zamas,” often utilize nitrate oxide gas to extract gold from soil obtained from abandoned mine shafts.

    Authorities discovered a leaking gas cylinder in the densely populated Angelo shanty town of Boksburg.

    The victims were found within a 100-meter radius of the leak site.

    Rescue teams continue their search, and there are concerns that additional bodies may be discovered.

    Fifteen individuals are currently receiving medical treatment, with three in critical condition.

    A devastated woman from Mozambique, residing in South Africa, shared with the BBC that her husband lost his life in the gas leak. She received a distressing call from a neighbor informing her of her husband’s collapse.

    Tearfully, she expressed worries about repatriating her husband’s body to Mozambique since she is unemployed, and her husband worked part-time as a handyman.

    This tragedy occurred only six months after a gas tanker explosion claimed 41 lives in the same town on Christmas Eve.

  • Pre-burial service for slain police officer in Ablekuma bullion van attack slated for July 14

    Pre-burial service for slain police officer in Ablekuma bullion van attack slated for July 14

    Funeral arrangements of 28-year-old cop, G/L/CPL Amoah Callistus, who was shot dead by unknown assailants at Ablekuma Star Oil filling station in Accra on Thursday, June 22 have been announced.

    In a viral photo, the pre-burial service for the late officer will take place on Friday, July 14, 2023, at the St. George Catholic Church, Police Depot, Tesano, Accra.

    The funeral rites will take place on July 15, at his family house. A short burial mass will be held on that very day at Kologu, Navrongo, in the Upper East Region.

    Meanwhile, two of the four men who orchestrated the attack have been arrested and arraigned. Benjamin Ojogbe and Rashid Abdul were charged with murder and conspiracy to commit murder on July 3 by the Kansehie District Court.

    The Police are however on a manhunt for the remaining perpetrators.

    How the unfortunate incident unfolded

    A viral CCTV footage shows a group of four men trailing what appears to be a white bullion van.

    One of the armed men after arriving at the filling station just as the van had parked opened the door where the officer was seated and opened fire.

    The officer attempted to attack but his efforts were unsuccessful. Witnesses at the scene including the driver of the van eloped to save their lives.

    G/L/CPL Amoah Callistus is survived by his wife and son.

  • Gyakye Quayson appeals Supreme Court’s order for Parliament to expunge his name from its records

    Gyakye Quayson appeals Supreme Court’s order for Parliament to expunge his name from its records

    Member of Parliament for Assin North, James Gyakye Quayson, has filed an application for a review of the Supreme Court’s directive to have his name struck off the Parliamentary records.

    The apex court on Wednesday, May 17, 2023, instructed Parliament to expunge Mr Quayson’s name from the House’s records.

    Quayson’s legal team contends that the Supreme Court’s decision undermines Ghana’s constitutional and legal structure.

    The objective of the review is to challenge the justices’ interpretation of the nomination deadline and raise concerns regarding the absence of proper procedural fairness in removing Quayson’s name from Parliament without a hearing.

    It also said the Supreme Court judgement was fundamentally erroneous in ordering Parliament to expunge the name of Gyakye Quayson without giving him a hearing “and with no consideration as to the constitutionality of such a direction having regard to the constitutional structure and procedure of Parliament”.

    The Supreme Court on June 22, 2023, granted James Gyakye Quayson seven more days to file a review, challenging the declaration of his election as the MP for Assin North as unconstitutional by the court.

    But per the writ, Mr Quayson’s lawyers filed the application for review on July 5, 2023.

    The writ noted that the seven-day period was rather “short, given the number of fundamental and basic errors of law that we wished to make submissions on.”

    Mr Quayson’s lawyers filed a Statement of Case within the aforementioned period and later indicated that at the end of that Statement of Case, it would seek leave to add the further submissions by July 4, 2023.

    Background

    Following the 2020 presidential and parliamentary elections, one Michael Ankomah Nimfah dragged Mr Quayson to a High Court for contesting the Assin North seat while in possession of Canadian and Ghanaian citizenship.

    The Cape Coast High Court after hearing both the petitioner and respondent in July 2021, nullified the Assin North election on the basis that Mr Quayson had dual citizenship.

    However, Mr Quayson continued to parade himself as a legislator. This prompted the petitioner to take his case to the Supreme Court for interpretation of Article 94 (2) (a).

    In April 2022, the apex court instructed the now former NDC MP to stop holding himself as an elected MP until the determination of the suit challenging his election.

    The court also ordered him to abstain from any Parliamentary business and also refrain from engaging in activities pertaining to an MP.

    Mr Quayson’s lawyers filed an appeal but the Supreme Court dismissed it.

    In its ruling the Supreme Court noted that it would not ignore the submissions on the continued disregard of the orders of the High Court which have not been suspended or overturned.

    According to the court, allowing Mr Quayson to remain in the capacity as MP “will be an indictment of the administration of justice.”

    Meanwhile, Mr Gyakye Quayson has been re-elected as Assin North MP and sworn-in following a by-election on June 27.

    Mr Gyakye Quayson on Tuesday, June 27, beat his closest contender, Charles Opoku of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Assin North by-election by obtaining 17,245 votes out of the total valid votes of 29,962, representing 57.56 per cent.

    Mr Charles Opoku, on the other hand, garnered 12,630 of the votes cast, representing 42.17 per cent while Bernice Enyonam Sefenu of the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG) secured 87 votes.

    But Mr Quayson’s position as MP hangs on a thread following allegations of forgery and perjury levelled against him by the Attorney-General in his involvement in the 2020 parliamentary elections.

  • Anti-LGBTQ bill: Why run away from Saudi Arabia – Muntaka quizzes the West

    Anti-LGBTQ bill: Why run away from Saudi Arabia – Muntaka quizzes the West

    Member of Parliament for Asawase Constituency, Mubarak Muntaka, has dared pro-LGBTQ advocates in the West to engage Saudi Arabia government to accept the LGBTQ community should they be committed to protecting human rights.

    Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Wednesday with regards to the anti-LGBTQ bill, Mr Muntaka accused the West of being selective in their advocacy for the acceptance of the LGBTQ community.

    According to him, the West has targetted Africa due to the disunity and the vulnerable state of most countries in the continent, and has turned a blind eye to the likes of Saudi Arabia due to the benefits they derive from such countries.

    He noted that in Saudi Arabia, the sanctions meted out to members of the LGBTQ community are dire compared to those of some African countires, yet the West has remained silence due to the oil deal, among others it engages with the country.

    “I don’t understand why the Europeans and Americans are on the Africans. Saudi Arabia… Why are they running away from Saudi Arabia. Because of the oil? Because of their interest there they are running away from there. For them, they do not only imprison them (LGBTQ members). They kill them and use crane to lift the body for the whole crowd to see.

    With the lack of better words in terms of treating human being, what is more barbaric than this? Yet they are quiet because as for that place their bread will be battered,” he said.

    The Asawase MP asserted that “because we (Africans) are disunited and they can exploit our resources, they can even be threatening us that of you pass this thing, your country will suffer a loss of these millions.

    Mr Muntaka stressed that despite the intervention, threats and advocacy, Ghana will remain opposed to the activities of the LGBTQ community.

    “Mr Speaker, we are happy to eat grass. We are happy to starve to death but we will keep our values and culture,” he emphasised.

    Several African countries such as Uganda has passed laws that criminalises the activities of the LGBTQ community.

    The United States in response has imposed visa restrictions on Uganda officials. But the country remains unwavering to implement the law.

     

    Source: The Independent Ghana | Andy Ogbarmey-Tettey

  • Ursula Owusu-Ekuful clashes with Murtala after being tagged ‘LGBTQ practitioner’

    Ursula Owusu-Ekuful clashes with Murtala after being tagged ‘LGBTQ practitioner’

    Ablekuma West MP, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful and Tamale Central MP, Murtala Mohammed on Wednesday engaged in a heated exchange of words when Parliament sat to resume discussions on the Promotion of Proper Sexual Human Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill 2021, popularly referred to as the anti-LGBTQ bill.

    While Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor of the South Dayi constituency in his speech was entreating the House to swiftly approve the bill, there was a brief interruption as the microphones picked up a whisper.

    “LGBTQ practitioner”, an MP voiced out.

    The Second Deputy Speaker, Andrew Asiamah, who was in the chair, called out Tamale Central MP, Murtala Mohammed to withdraw an unparliamentary comment passed.

    The MP denied making such comment, asking the Speaker to clarify the specific statement passed.

    Amidst the denial, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful accused Mr Murtala Mohammed of making such pronouncement against her.

    She burst out and called out all other legislators who she believes heard the comment but turned deaf ears to it.

    Mr Owusu-Ekuful then flared up at Mr Murtala describing him as a “mad man”.

    “I sat here and repeatedly heard Hon Murtala refer to me as a practitioner of LGBT to the hearing of everyone in this house… and in response to that if I say he is mad, it is only a mad man who will refer to his colleague in this house as a practitioner of LGBTQ,” she said.

    She also asked the Tamale Central MP whether he had “seen me having sexual intercourse with your wife or your daughter or your mother.”

    At the request of the Second Deputy Speaker, both individuals retracted their comments, and the proceedings continued without further disruption.

    Ultimately, all Members of Parliament (MPs) unanimously agreed to support the recommendation of the report, leading to the passage of the bill.

    This significant outcome follows several months of intense public debate and thorough scrutiny by legislators and other stakeholders since its introduction in 2021.

    Despite facing numerous legal challenges, including the most recent lawsuit announced on Tuesday, July 4, 2023, the controversial bill has successfully progressed through the required stages.

    Emphasizing the widespread support for the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, 2021, Speaker Alban Bagbin affirmed that no legislator expressed opposition to its passage.

  • Expand tax net instead of introducing new ones – GNCCI to govt

    Expand tax net instead of introducing new ones – GNCCI to govt

    The Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GNCCI) has urged the government to find innovative ways of increasing the efficiency of the tax administration and expanding the tax net instead of introducing new taxes and increasing tax rate.

    It emphasised that the tax reforms are driving up the cost of production and stifling the growth of the private sector.

    “Immediate measures are necessary to safeguard and promote domestic businesses and the private sector. This is crucial to prevent any adverse effects on the government’s efforts to accelerate industrialization, boost exports, generate employment, and achieve sustainable growth”.

    “As previously mentioned, the government should utilize the mid-year budget review as an opportunity to provide relief to domestic businesses”, it stated.

    The Chamber also entreated the government to collaborate with the Bank of Ghana (BoG) to urgently explore innovative strategies for tackling the high inflation prevailing in the economy.

    These recommendations form part of the Chamber’s proposals to be considered during the 2023 Mid-Year Budget Review.

    The GNCCI emphasizes that addressing the high inflation rate is crucial for businesses to obtain necessary funding for expansion and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact.

    The Chamber further highlights that the consistent rise in the policy rate and subsequent lending rates have had adverse effects on key productive sectors and overall growth within the industrial and service sectors.

    Again, it pointed out that, “Supply-side constraint should be explored as the current inflation trend shows clearly that the problem is not solely a monetary issue”.

  • Sir Adjaye resigns as architectural adviser to Mayor of London after sexual assault claims

    Sir Adjaye resigns as architectural adviser to Mayor of London after sexual assault claims

    Renowned architect known for designing the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C., Sir David Adjaye, has decided to step back from several positions following allegations of sexual harassment and misconduct made by three former employees, as reported by The Financial Times.

    In response to the accusations, Mr. Adjaye resigned from his role as an architectural adviser to the mayor of London. Additionally, his involvement in a project related to a British Holocaust memorial has been suspended. The Financial Times reported that three women had accused him of various offenses, including sexual assault.

    They “accused him and his firm of different forms of exploitation — from alleged sexual assault and sexual harassment by him to a toxic work culture — that have gone unchecked for years.”

    In 2012, Sadiq Khan, the mayor of London, appointed Mr. Adjaye to a panel of 42 design advocates who advise the mayor on how to ensure “new buildings and public spaces will benefit all Londoners,” according to a news release. He has stepped down from the panel.

    “Sir David Adjaye has stepped away from his role as a Design Advocate,” a spokesman for the mayor said in an email.

    A spokesman for the British ministry that is overseeing the U.K. Holocaust Memorial and Learning Center, in London, said in an email that the government was “aware of the allegations” and had spoken with Mr. Adjaye’s architecture firm. “They have confirmed that Sir David will not be involved in the U.K. Holocaust Memorial Foundation project until the issues raised have been addressed,” the spokesman said.

    These allegations have had significant implications on Mr. Adjaye’s professional engagements, with actions being taken to address the situation and ensure a thorough investigation into the claims.

    In a statement on Tuesday, Mr. Adjaye denied the accusations. “I absolutely reject any claims of sexual misconduct, abuse or criminal wrongdoing,” he said in the statement, which was released by Kendal Advisory, a communications and crisis management firm. “These allegations are untrue, distressing for me and my family and run counter to everything I stand for.”

    Mr. Adjaye added that he was “ashamed to say that I entered into relationships which though entirely consensual, blurred the boundaries between my professional and personal lives.” He was “deeply sorry” for that, he said, and “will be immediately seeking professional help in order to learn from these mistakes to ensure that they never happen again.”

    A spokesperson for Kendal Advisory, representing David Adjaye, declined to provide specific details regarding the professional help he would be seeking, citing it as a personal matter.

    David Adjaye, renowned for his design of the esteemed National Museum of African American History and Culture located on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., has been widely sought after as an architect. His notable commissions include projects such as Ghana’s national cathedral, a museum in Nigeria dedicated to showcasing African art, and a multi-faith center in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

    In a statement, Mr. Adjaye acknowledged the allegations made against him and announced his decision to step down from ceremonial roles and trusteeships, aiming to prevent the allegations from becoming a distraction.

  • This is what Sarkodie’s wife said about her father last year

    This is what Sarkodie’s wife said about her father last year

    Many children dream of growing up with the love and support of their parents, but not everyone gets to enjoy that privilege.

    Some circumstances may separate them from one or both of their parents, leaving them with a void that is hard to fill.

    This is the story of Tracy Owusu Addo, popularly known as Tracy Sarkcess, the wife of renowned Ghanaian rapper, Michael Owusu Addo, aka Sarkodie.

    Sarkodie’s wife, Tracy Sarkcess

    Tracy, in a heartfelt revelation, some eight months ago on Tv3’s ‘The Day Show’, shared her experiences growing up without the presence of both her parents. Like many with the same experience, Tracy understands the profound longing for parental love and guidance.

    Tracy revealed that her mum left Ghana when she was only three years old, and her dad followed suit two years later.

    “My mum actually left Ghana when I was three, and my dad left when I was five so all my life I grew up with my aunties. I lived with one of my aunties for a while and later on before I moved to Germany I lived with my grandmother,” she said.

    This meant that she didn’t have the privilege of growing up with both parents by her side during her formative years.

    At age thirteen, Tracy joined her mother in Germany while her father was still away in another country. Her stay in Germany afforded her several great experiences including the ability to speak the language fluently.

    According to her, she moved on to study in the United Kingdom (UK) and subsequently in the United States of America (USA).

    Tracy, who has lived the majority of her teenage years and early to mid twenties in Europe and America, decided to relocate back to Ghana after she gave birth to her first child, Adalyn Owusu Addo, affectionately known as Titi. She quit her job abroad and settled in Ghana to create a family unit with her husband and kids. She explained that her dad’s absence in her life motivated this decision.

    Tracy, who spoke little of her father’s involvement in upbringing, said she made the decision to come back to Ghana, because she did not want to continue the pattern of a child having both parents living in separate locations.

    Thus, she and her husband made a conscious choice to create a loving and stable family unit for their children by living together.

    They wanted to break the cycle and create a united family, where both parents are actively present.

    “I came to Ghana after I had my daughter Titi. I had intentions of coming but I think for us, it was more about finding the right time and also making sure that the situation that we are in is conducive for taking care of a child, setting up our own home, all of those things,” Tracy explained.

    “I was working so I came during my maternity leave and then I was here and I think we just decided that it’s best to stay instead of going back again because we wanted to create that family unit. He [Sarkodie] didn’t think it was the right thing to do to have the parents separated and then the kids, because I didn’t grow up having my dad around. So I wanted to do something different and my husband also wanted to do something because he also didn’t grow up with his dad around.”

    Tracy’s courageous decision to prioritise family and create a loving environment demonstrates her determination to give her children the upbringing she longed for.

    Behind the glitz and glamour of the music industry, Tracy Sarkcess’s story is a testament to the power of resilience and the strength of family bonds. She continues to embrace her role as a wife and mother, rewriting the narrative and leaving a lasting impact on her children’s lives.

    Source: The Independent Ghana

  • K.T. Hammond accuses Dormaahene of dining with the NDC

    K.T. Hammond accuses Dormaahene of dining with the NDC

    Adansi-Asokwa Member of Parliament, Kobina Tahir Hammond, has claimed that the Dormaahene, Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyemang Badu II, is a member of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).

    The Trade Minister mentioned that while the constitution discourages chiefs from participating in partisan politics, the Dormaahene is actively involved in political activities.

    In an interview with Oyerepa TV in Kumasi, he advised the Dormaahene to exercise caution in his behavior and remarks, as they could have consequences. He made the comments following a request by the Dormaahene with regards to the criminal trial against the Assin North MP, James Gyakye Quayson.

    “Just listen to all that he has been saying. Just one person. Listen to what he has been saying about the Supreme Court. So it’s not like someone wants him to be punished. Why? Doesn’t he know what is doing could bring him trouble?”

    “Apparently, he is an NDC member. So he has breached the entire constitution. He is an NDC person. He eats and dines with them. Tell him K. T. Hammond says you are an NDC person.”

    The Dormaahene who doubles as President of the Bono Regional House of Chiefs urged the Attorney-General to discontinue the criminal case against Mr Gyakye Quayson.

    “As a matter of urgency, I am appealing to the president of the republic that if he has any role to play in that trial should be aborted. The Attorney General should as a matter of urgency file a nolle prosequi to end that particular decision…You I love you (Akufo-Addo), discontinue the case” he stated.

    He argued that it would be unfair to the people of Assin North should they experience no development for several months over the criminal charges against their MP.

    Oseadeoyo Agyeman Badu II noted that despite the residents being aware of the possibility of Mr Quayson being found guilty, they still voted for him.

    According to him, government must listen to the needs of the people and provide them what they want.

    “Honestly, I don’t see the benefits this prosecution will bring Ghanaians. If he is in court, he can’t fulfil his mandate so the president and the Attorney General should do something urgently to end this matter, so we move on as Ghanaians,” he added in the local parlance.

    He made these comments during the Professor John Evans Atta Mills Commemorative Lecture in Sunyani on Saturday, July 1.

  • My memoir is focused on me and not to blame other individuals – Adjetey Anang

    Popular Ghanaian actor Adjetey Anang is set to launch a book about his life this July 2023 to mark his 50th birthday.

    As he approaches his 50th birthday on July 8, he plans to share his life and professional experience while growing up in a memoir.

    During a discussion on United Showbiz, he revealed that his memoir is focused on him and not shifting the blame on other individuals.

    This comes after his fellow actress, Yvonne Nelson recently launched her memoir, causing a stir on social media.

    Speaking to Mzz Gee he said, “my book is not focused on individuals per say, I threw the spotlight on me’.

    According to the actor, women threw themselves at him, he handled the situation appropriately.

    “There is no excuse that women are throwing themselves at me, that can cause you to fall, but how are you allowing that to impact you. Therefore, compromising on your standard or your principles” he said

    Reiterating that the focus of the memoir is more on ‘what he did, than what he didn’t do’.

    He added that, the book talks about the decisions he took and the consequences.

    The actor, however, said he is hopeful that the book makes an impact.

  • Report men who force you to have anal sex, use sex toys – Communications Minister charges women

    Report men who force you to have anal sex, use sex toys – Communications Minister charges women

    Member of Parliament for Ablekuma West, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, has called on Ghanaian women who are coerced by their partners into engaging in oral and anal sex, and using sex toys to make a complaint to the police.

    During the parliamentary discussion on the Promotion of Proper Sexual Human Rights and Ghanaian Family Values bill on Wednesday, she emphasized that such acts, regardless of the genders involved, are illegal under the anti-LGBTQ bill and will be treated as criminal offenses.

    Expressing concern over reports of wives facing divorce threats from their husbands for refusing to participate in these sexual activities, the lawmaker emphasized the importance of women knowing their rights and seeking legal assistance when faced with such coercive situations.

    “For the avoidance of doubt and the information of all Ghanaians, oral sex, anal regardless of whether it is between woman and man, man and man or woman and woman is illegal under our law and so if there is anybody who is practising oral sex or anal sex please note that what you are doing is against the existing law of this country.

    Addressing her colleagues on July 5, she insisted underscored the significance of the proposed bill in addressing such issues.

    “And so I will urge any woman or young girl being subjected to any of such practice under the guise of heterosexual sex to know that what they are being asked to do is against and law and must seek help from the police. Anal sex is unnatural carnal knowledge, use of sex toys is unnatural carnal knowledge.”

    Per Section 104 of the Criminal Code of Ghana “unnatural carnal knowledge is sexual intercourse with a person in an unnatural manner or with an animal.”

    The second reading of the bill hit a snug as two lawsuits have been filed against it —one at the High Court and the other at the Supreme Court.

    As a result, Parliament has decided to take a cautious approach and slow down the decision-making process regarding the bill.

    But today, the second reading of the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, popularly known as the anti-LGBTQ bill went through, and the consideration stage will follow before a third reading to signal passage.

    The proposed anti-LGBTQ bill presented to Parliament in 2021 as a private bill by some MPs has been a subject of intense debate in Ghana, sparking discussions both domestically and internationally.

    The bill seeks to criminalise activities related to homosexuality and increase penalties for those involved.

  • More than 540,000 engaged in gay sex in 2017 – Chair of Parliament’s Legal Committee

    More than 540,000 engaged in gay sex in 2017 – Chair of Parliament’s Legal Committee

    Chairman of Parliament’s Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affair Committee, Kwame Anyimadu-Antwi, has provided staggering statistics with regards to the activities of the LGBTQ+ community in the country.

    On Wednesday, July 5, Mr Anyimadu-Antwi informed the house of a report by the Ghana AIDS Commission which captured the sexual activities of gay men over a lustrum ago.

    Per the said report, 54,759 men living in Ghana engaged in same-sex sexual intercourse in 2017.

    “Out of this number, 9,857 representing 18.1 per cent were found to live with HIV. According to the Commission, although the number represents only 2% of the HIV population in the country, the 18% prevalence rate is enough for disease to grow exponentially,” he said while citing the report.

    Mr Anyimadu-Antwi capitalised on the report to highlight the health dangers the activities of the LGBTQ+ community he said pose to the society at large.

    Proponents of the anti-LGBTQ+ bill, officially known as the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill 2021 have argued that the legislation is necessary to protect public health and promote Ghanaian family values.

    However, opponents of the bill highlight the importance of human rights, equality, and non-discrimination in addressing these concerns.

    Meanwhile, the Constitutional, Legal, and Parliamentary Affair committee has presented a report on the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill 2021, commonly known as the anti-LGBTQ+ bill to the plenary.

  • Iran faces class action over downing of Ukrainian plane in 2020

    Iran faces class action over downing of Ukrainian plane in 2020

    Iran is currently facing legal action at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in relation to the tragic shooting down of Ukraine International Airlines flight PS752 in January 2020.

    Four countries—Canada, Sweden, Ukraine, and the UK—are pursuing legal recourse to seek damages on behalf of the families of the 176 individuals who lost their lives in the incident.

    The plane was struck by two missiles fired by an air defense unit of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards shortly after taking off from Tehran. Three days later, Iran acknowledged that it had mistakenly shot down the aircraft.

    The Revolutionary Guards’ Aerospace Force stated that an air defense unit had misidentified the Boeing 737-800 as a US missile.

    In April, an Iranian court sentenced ten members of the armed forces to prison terms. However, the verdicts were rejected by the families of the victims, who deemed them “meaningless and unacceptable.”

    The four nations – whose citizens or residents were killed in the incident – say in the application to the International Court of Justice that Iran “violated a series of obligations” under a convention on civil aviation by shooting down the jet.

    They accuse Iran of failing to take all practicable measures to prevent the downing of the plane, which happened during a time of high tension between Iran and the US.

    Iran however failed to conduct an impartial, transparent and fair criminal investigation and prosecution, the group says.

    The countries want the court to order that Iran publicly acknowledges its “internationally wrongful acts”, apologise to the families and provide assurances that it will not happen again.

    The application also asks the court to “order full reparation for all injury caused”, calling on Iran to return the missing belongings of the victims and to provide “full compensation” to the families.

    Lord Ahmad, the UK’s Middle East minister, said they were “committed to pursuing justice for the victims and their families”.

    In December 2022, the group jointly requested that Iran submit to binding arbitration, arguing the missiles that hit the flight were launched “unlawfully and intentionally”.

    At the time a spokesperson for Canada’s foreign affairs ministry told the BBC the Iranian government had six months to respond. This deadline has now passed, prompting the countries to move towards legal action.

  • Parliament discusses anti-LGBTQ bill

    Parliament discusses anti-LGBTQ bill

    Parliament has resumed its discussions on the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, popularly known as the anti-LGBTQ bill.

    The second reading of the bill hit a snug as two lawsuits have been filed against it —one at the High Court and the other at the Supreme Court.

    As a result, Parliament has decided to take a cautious approach and slow down the decision-making process regarding the bill.

    The proposed anti-LGBTQ bill presented to Parliament in 2021 as a private bill by some MPs has been a subject of intense debate in Ghana, sparking discussions both domestically and internationally.

    The bill seeks to criminalise activities related to homosexuality and increase penalties for those involved.

  • Seek early medical assistance to save your breast from cancer – BCI to women

    Seek early medical assistance to save your breast from cancer – BCI to women

    President of Breast Care International (BCI), Dr. Beatrice Wiafe-Addai, has urged women to seek early medical attention to prevent the loss of their breasts.

    Dr. Wiafe-Addai holds the assertion that many women avoid hospitals due to their fear of undergoing procedures that may result in the removal of their breasts. This situation, she finds deeply troubling.

    “A lot of women run away from the hospital because of Mastectomy, they don’t want to lose the breast we understand, so if you don’t want to lose the breast you have to come early to the hospital,” she urged.

    At a breast cancer screening programme at the Assemblies of God Church, Dr. Wiafe-Addai encouraged women to take self-breast examination seriously since the death rate is high.

    Dr. Beatrice Wiafe-Addai charged the media, religious leaders, among others to help lessen the high level of stigma in Ghanaian communities in order to encourage women to visit the hospital.

    “I’m appealing to the media, you need to help us to reduce the stigma surrounding the disease, the more we speak about it, the more we showcase survivorship,” she noted.

    Breast cancer remains a significant cause of mortality among women worldwide, including in Ghana. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that breast cancer accounted for approximately 16% of all cancer-related deaths in 2020.

    The delay in detecting the disease is one of the primary factors contributing to the rise in breast cancer cases. Dr. Wiafe-Addai emphasizes the importance of early detection, as it significantly increases the chances of survival.

    Martha Drohobyczer, a nurse practitioner and midwife in Las Vegas, Nevada, highlights the significance of regular breast cancer screening in reducing the disease’s prevalence. She urges women to undergo screening on a frequent basis and visit healthcare facilities for this purpose, aiming to effectively combat breast cancer in Ghana. In the United States, volunteer screening has led to a decline in breast cancer cases, according to Drohobyczer.

    She advises women not to hesitate in seeking medical attention if they notice any unusual changes or shapes in their breasts.

    Rev. Adu Gyamfi Yeboah, the Head Pastor of the Assemblies of God, Upper Room Revival, commends Breast Care International (BCI) for its passionate dedication to fighting breast cancer in Ghana.

  • 10 jailed for lynching Muslim man in India

    10 jailed for lynching Muslim man in India

    Ten men in India have been sentenced to 10 years in prison by a court for the brutal killing of Tabrez Ansari, a 24-year-old Muslim man.

    The incident occurred four years ago in the state of Jharkhand when Ansari was accused of stealing a motorcycle. A viral video showed Ansari being forced to chant praises to Hindu gods while pleading for his life, sparking widespread outrage in the country.

    Despite his injuries, Ansari’s family alleged that the police denied him medical treatment. However, the state police denied any wrongdoing in the matter.

    The disturbing video footage from the night of June 19, 2019, depicted a terrified Ansari tied to an electricity pole, being assaulted by a mob, and blood and tears streaming down his face.

    The recent court ruling has resulted in the conviction of the ten men involved in the attack, sentencing them to a 10-year jail term.

    Four years ago in the eastern state of Jharkhand, India, 24-year-old Tabrez Ansari was brutally beaten to death by a group of men who accused him of stealing a motorcycle.

    Recently, a court in India sentenced 10 men involved in the attack to 10-year jail terms. The incident had sparked massive outrage across the country after a video went viral showing Ansari being forced to chant praises to Hindu gods while pleading for his life.

    The heart-wrenching video footage from the night of 19th June 2019 depicted a terrified Ansari tied to an electricity pole, enduring the merciless assault by the mob.

    Blood and tears streamed down his face as he suffered inhumanity at the hands of his attackers. Adding to the tragedy, Ansari’s family alleged that the police had denied him proper medical treatment despite his severe injuries, while the state police maintained their denial of any wrongdoing.

    The case had received significant attention and raised concerns about communal tensions and the need for better protection of minority communities in India.

    The court’s verdict, though a step towards justice, highlights the importance of addressing issues related to religious and communal violence and ensuring that all citizens are treated equally under the law.

  • Netherlands to ban phone in schools to halt disruption

    Netherlands to ban phone in schools to halt disruption

    The Dutch government has announced a new initiative to ban devices such as mobile phones from classrooms in order to prevent disruptions to learning.

    This collaborative effort with schools is set to be implemented at the beginning of the upcoming year. While there will be exceptions for students with medical requirements or disabilities, as well as for classes specifically focused on digital skills, the general aim is to restrict the presence of devices during regular classroom activities.

    Although the ban does not currently carry legal enforcement, there is a possibility that it may become legally binding in the future.

    “Even though mobile phones are almost intertwined with our lives, they do not belong in the classroom,” said Education Minister Robbert Dijkgraaf.

    “Students must be able to concentrate there and be given every opportunity to learn well. We know from scientific research that mobile phones disrupt this.”

    Multiple studies have demonstrated a correlation between limiting children’s screen time and improvements in cognition and concentration. To further support this notion, the Dutch government has announced a ban on various tech devices, including mobile phones, tablets, and smartwatches, in classrooms.

    Under this new policy, individual schools will have the flexibility to establish specific rules in consultation with teachers, parents, and students. While some schools may choose to completely prohibit devices on their premises, others may adopt different approaches.

    The ban is the result of a collaborative effort between the ministry, educational institutions, and related organizations. Its effectiveness will be assessed at the end of the 2024/2025 school year to determine whether a legal ban should be implemented.

    This decision by the Dutch government follows a similar move by Finland, where the law will be amended to facilitate the restriction of phone usage in schools. Other countries, including England and France, have also proposed banning mobile phones in educational settings to enhance the learning environment.

  • Japan’s nuclear waste water plan causes anxiety and anger

    Japan’s nuclear waste water plan causes anxiety and anger

    Japan’s proposal to release treated wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear plant has generated anxiety and anger both domestically and internationally.

    Following the devastating 2011 tsunami that severely damaged the plant, over a million tonnes of treated wastewater has accumulated there. Japan now plans to discharge this water into the Pacific Ocean.

    The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the UN nuclear watchdog, has recently published a report endorsing Japan’s plan. However, since its announcement two years ago, the proposal has faced significant controversy within Japan, with local communities expressing concerns about potential contamination.

    The fishing and seafood industries in Japan and the surrounding region have also raised apprehensions about the potential impact on their livelihoods, fearing consumer reluctance to purchase seafood products.

    Furthermore, Japan’s neighboring countries, particularly China, have strongly opposed the plan, accusing Japan of disregarding the ocean as a mere “private sewer.” China criticized the IAEA report on Tuesday, claiming that its conclusions were biased and one-sided.

    Since the Fukushima disaster, the power plant operator Tepco has been using water to cool down the fuel rods in the nuclear reactors. As a result, contaminated water is produced daily and stored in large tanks.

    Over 1,000 tanks have been filled with this water, and Japan recognizes that this is not a sustainable long-term solution. Therefore, it intends to gradually release the treated water into the Pacific Ocean over a period of 30 years, asserting its safety for discharge.

    While releasing treated wastewater into the ocean is a common practice for nuclear plants, this situation involves the by-products of an accident, making it distinct from regular nuclear waste.

    Tepco employs the Advanced Liquid Processing System (ALPS) to filter the Fukushima water, effectively reducing most radioactive substances to acceptable safety standards, except for tritium and carbon-14.

    Tritium and carbon-14 are radioactive forms of hydrogen and carbon, respectively, and are challenging to separate from water. They naturally occur in the environment, water sources, and even within human bodies, as they are produced in the Earth’s atmosphere and become part of the water cycle.

    While both emit low levels of radiation, consuming them in large quantities can pose risks.

    After filtration, the water undergoes further treatment and is diluted with seawater to lower the concentrations of remaining substances before being discharged into the ocean. Tepco has implemented valve systems to ensure there are no accidental releases of undiluted wastewater.

    According to the Japanese government, the final level of tritium in the discharged water, approximately 1,500 becquerels per liter, is significantly below the regulatory requirements for nuclear waste discharge and the World Health Organization’s standards for drinking water. Tepco has also indicated that the carbon-14 level would meet applicable standards.

    Tepco and the Japanese government have conducted studies to demonstrate that the discharged water will pose minimal risks to both humans and marine life.

  • Sleep paralysis and its role in KNUST student’s attempted suicide

    Sleep paralysis and its role in KNUST student’s attempted suicide

    The recent suicide attempt at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) by a medical student has got many individuals pondering over several issues including sleep paralysis.

    In what is alleged to be a death note belonging to the said student, one of the factors that pushed him to take his own life was sleep paralysis.

    Per reports, the male student had suffered from sleep paralysis for a biennium.

    Sleep paralysis occurs when a person wakes up but is temporarily unable to move.

    According to the Cleveland Clinic, it is a horrific situation as one perceives the presence of another in the space he or she finds him or herself. Most often, the indication is that one is out to harm you while you are unable to move to save oneself.

    Sleep disorder specialist Alicia Roth, PhD says “this happens when there’s a malfunction between REM (rapid eye movement) sleep and wakefulness.”

    Per the recent case, the reason for this article, the KNUST student, per the death note, allegedly revealed that he encountered demons.

    “I’ve been seeing demons and actually heard one speak. I’m so sane and I know a lot of people are gonna think I’m making it up but screw it. I’m probably not alive by now.”

    “Stupid boy” – the demon’s exact words were.

    This information is imperative as it is speculated that sleep paralysis is caused by demonic attacks, hence the name “sleep demons”.

    Research has described some of these “attacks” as a shapeless presence trying to suffocate them. 

    Sleep Paralysis with Demon in bed. nightmare horror scene illustration vector
    Creator: Aryo Hadi | Credit: Getty Images

    This is what scientists have to say about the phenomenon.

    Dr. Raj Dasgupta who completed his residency serving Internal Medicine at Michigan State subscribes to the assertion that the phenomenon of seeing something demon-like while experiencing sleep paralysis is real.

    Such a condition is termed as hypnagogic or hypnopompic hallucination.

    In one of its articles, Healthline reveals that vivid dream-like experiences, referred to as hypnagogic or hypnopompic hallucinations, can seem real and are often frightening.

    They may be mistaken for nightmares, and they can occur while you’re falling asleep (hypnagogic) or waking up (hypnopompic).

    “During these hallucinations, you may see scary people or creatures near you or even lying in your bed. And they’re often accompanied by sleep paralysis.

    These hallucinations can happen if you’re partially conscious during the rapid eye movement (REM) cycle of sleep. In that state, you’re looking at the real world but also dreaming — the prefect recipe for seeing things that aren’t really there.”

    There is also the instance of one seeing a distortion of something that really is there.

    For instance, the pile of clothes on a chair could turn into a person sitting there watching you sleep.

    In Dr. Roth’s view, the “demonic” perception has more to do with the history of one’s culture and the ways in which such events have been interpreted.

    Causes of sleep paralysis

    Narcolepsy

    Sleep paralysis is said to be a symptom of narcolepsy – a neurological disorder that can affect the brain’s control of sleep and wakefulness.

    According to Dr. Roth, this includes periods of excessive daytime sleepiness and even instances in which a person has no control over falling asleep, even in the middle of the day or an activity.

    Stress

    Stress is categorised as an indirect cause. Dr Roth notes that stress can play a factor in disrupting your sleep.

    Though sleep paralysis can be traumatizing, research indicates that it is not dangerous to one’s health.

    Source: The Independent Ghana | Andy Ogbarmey-Tettey

  • El Niño returns, global temperature likely to surge

    El Niño returns, global temperature likely to surge

    World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has projected a surge in global temperatures and disruptive weather and climate patterns.

    The WMO’s prediction stems from El Niño conditions that have developed in the tropical Pacific for the first time in seven years.

    There is a 90% chance that the El Niño event will continue through the second half of 2023 as it is expected to be of moderate strength, according to the WHO.

    The changes in global temperatures will most likely be visible in 2024.

    As WMO Secretary-General Prof. Petteri Taalas stated, early warnings and anticipatory action of extreme weather events associated with this major climate phenomenon are critical to saving lives and livelihoods.

    El Niño weather patterns have been linked to the heightened transmission of viral infections like dengue, Zika, and chikungunya.

    In June of this year, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of the World Health Organization, issued a warning that climate change is contributing to increased mosquito breeding, leading to a significant rise in dengue fever cases, particularly in the Americas.

    El Niño, characterized by elevated sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Oceans, has been associated with various extreme weather events such as tropical cyclones, heavy rainfall, and severe droughts.

    This phenomenon, occurring within the context of human-induced climate change, typically takes place every two to seven years, with episodes lasting approximately nine to twelve months. It is a natural climate trend correlated with the rising temperatures of the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean.

    The average world temperature in 2022 was about 1.15 degrees Celsius higher than the 1850-1900 average due to the cooling triple-dip La Niña, according to the World Meteorological Organization.

    The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) research, released in May, also stated that there is a 66% chance that the annual average near-surface global temperature between 2023 and 2027 will be hotter than 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels for at least one year.

     “The onset of El Niño will greatly increase the likelihood of breaking temperature records and triggering more extreme heat in many parts of the world and in the ocean,” said Prof. Taalas.

    According to the World Meteorological Organization’s State of the Global Climate reports, 2016 was the warmest year on record due to a “double whammy” of a very severe El Niño phenomenon and human-induced warming from greenhouse emissions.

    But WMO Director of Climate Services Prof. Chris Hewitt says, it is yet another wake up call, or an early warning, that the world is not yet going in the right direction to limit the warming to within the targets set in Paris in 2015 designed to substantially reduce the impacts of climate change.

    “This is not to say that in the next five years we would exceed the 1.5°C level specified in the Paris Agreement because that agreement refers to long-term warming over many years,” he said.

  • Former Busyinternet employees apologise to Energy Minister for implicating him in company contract awarded

    Former Busyinternet employees apologise to Energy Minister for implicating him in company contract awarded

    Former employees of Busyinternet Ghana Ltd, Andy Ankomah and Nicolas Bill Aleander, have rendered an apology to the Minister for Energy, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh for accusing him of engaging in bribery and corruption in the process of awarding a contract to Busyinternet Ghana Limited during his time as Education Minister.

    The said apology letter dated June 20th 2023, has reached the office of Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh.

    In the letter signed by the two employees, they state among others that, their allegations against the Minister were not backed by facts but were only sordid attempts at getting their unpaid salaries paid. “These were based on suspicions and not enough to consider the publication as 100% accurate” they said.

    The letter continued “Hon. Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, former Education Minister was mentioned which was regrettable and as such it’s proper we offer an unqualified apology. We would also like to offer an apology to the Ministry of Education since the institution was mentioned in the publication and never meant to cause harm to their reputation.”

    This comes on the back of the two admitting to hiding behind the company’s official social media handles to allege wrongdoing on the part of Dr. Prempeh in the award of the said contract in 2019.

    According to them, they believed falsely, that once they go the route of mentioning the names of responsible public officials like the Minister who was involved in the contract, their management, against whom they have been pressing payment demands, will get into a panic mood and pay their outstanding salaries.

    The duo said, their approach was not politically motivated but only sought to get their unpaid salaries owed them by the management of the company and therefore resorted to the irresponsible act of drawing in an innocent public official in their staff-management impasse.

    They further called on the Energy Minister to intervene in their salary payment matter by speaking to their management for them.

    “Our emotions got the better of us in addressing the issue and will plead to your honourable office to broker a deal on our behalf to get our arrears paid”.

    The two further appealed to the Minister to grant them an audience for an in-person apology to be rendered. The said malicious posts on social media they say, have since been pulled down.

  • Fire fighter to spend two days in jail for beating court bailiff

    Fire fighter to spend two days in jail for beating court bailiff

    A Fire Service Officer, Emmanuel Ayitah Quansah, has been sentenced to a two-day imprisonment by the Accra High Court for assaulting a court bailiff.

    Mr. Ayitah was charged with contempt of court after physically attacking the bailiff, who was charged to deliver legal documents related to a civil case.

    Justice Sarah Aryee in her ruling emphasized the importance of discouraging any form of assault on judicial officers.

    “This canker has to be nipped in the bud. The Respondent is found guilty of contempt of Court since he failed to purge himself when the court gave him the opportunity to do so before the court.,” the court ordered.

  • ‘I have been seeing demons’ – KNUST student reveals in suicide note

    ‘I have been seeing demons’ – KNUST student reveals in suicide note

    In many instances of suicide, individuals leave behind a written note that provides insight into their reasons for wanting to end their lives.

    On Tuesday, July 4, a male medical student at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) allegedly followed this unfortunate pattern.

    In a viral video on social media, the said student attempted to take his life by jumping from the last floor of the Brunie Complex.

    His attempt to take his life was foiled by some students who pulled him up from the balcony.

    But prior to this, he had allegedly left a death note explaining the reason behind his actions. According to the medical student whose identity has been withheld to protect his sanity, he had suffered sleep paralysis for close to two years and had been seeing demons.

    He recounted how he encountered a demon after praying on fateful night.

    “I’ve been seeing demons and actually heard one speak. I’m so sane and I know a lot of people are gonna think I’m making it up but screw it. I’m probably not alive by now.”

    He said the said the demon’s exact words were “Stupid boy”.

    The student was also suffering from depression. With all these, he “didn’t think there was reason enough to live.”

    Per the lengthy note, the male student reached out to some friends before attempting suicide, but the counsel received did not persuade him to desist from taking his life.

    The student revealed that he was scared to take his life but he had comfort that the action would not last for long.

    “I’m very scared but it will just take a few second,” he wrote.

    He began his death note with a message to his mum and dad. “I had to do this. I love you mum. Daddy, I’m sorry I couldn’t go through with medical school,” he wrote.

    The death message has deeply touched the hearts of many, leading them to reflect upon its profound meaning.

    It is crucial to understand that mental health is as vital as physical health. Seeking professional help for mental health issues is a courageous act and demonstrates strength, not weakness. Therapists, counselors, and psychologists are well-trained to support individuals in navigating their emotions, building effective coping strategies, and discovering a renewed sense of purpose.

    Alarming statistics from the World Health Organisation (WHO) reveal that over 700,000 people lose their lives to suicide annually. For every suicide, there are numerous others who attempt to take their own lives. This highlights the urgent need for mental health awareness, support, and intervention to prevent such tragedies from occurring.

    Source: The Independent Ghana | Andy Ogbarmey-Tettey

  • Jeremy Chardy loses to Carlos Alcaraz on day two of Wimbledon 2023

    Jeremy Chardy loses to Carlos Alcaraz on day two of Wimbledon 2023

    Spain’s top-ranked player, Carlos Alcaraz, has expressed humility despite a strong start to his Wimbledon journey with a convincing win.

    The 20-year-old, who secured the US Open championship, downplayed his status as the best player of his generation. Alcaraz’s ambition is to become the third youngest male player to clinch the Wimbledon singles title.

    In a remarkable performance, he defeated veteran Jeremy Chardy with an impressive score of 6-0, 6-2, 7-5.

    “There are a lot of great players in my age there right now – we are going to share great moments,” said Alcaraz.

    Jeremy Chardy first played at Wimbledon in 2008, when Carlos Alcaraz was just five years old

    On a rain-affected second day at Wimbledon, Carlos Alcaraz’s match stood out among the few that were completed. Due to the inclement weather, play was halted on the outside courts after midday, leaving only Centre Court and Court One, equipped with roofs, to host matches.

    However, Alcaraz made the most of his opportunity, delivering an impressive performance against 36-year-old Jeremy Chardy, who played his final competitive singles match. Alcaraz displayed his dominance by conceding only seven games and wrapping up the victory in under two hours.

    Despite his recent triumph at the US Open and reaching the French Open semifinals, where he faced the formidable Novak Djokovic, Alcaraz humbly addressed the question of being considered Djokovic’s successor.

    Instead, he acknowledged the talents of 21-year-old Italian Jannik Sinner and 20-year-old Dane Holger Rune, currently ranked eighth and sixth in the world, respectively, as potential successors to the Serbian tennis great.

    “I don’t feel I’m the best of my generation,” said Alcaraz.

    “Sinner is there. Rune, as well. They are playing a great level.

    “It’s 1-0 head-to-head against Rune, he’s up on me right now and I’ve had great matches with Jannik.”

    Eight-time Wimbledon champion Roger Federer retired in September and was watching on from the Royal Box on Centre Court, with Alcaraz disappointed he did not see his match on Court One.

    “I saw that Roger Federer was here and I was a little bit jealous,” added Alcaraz. “Honestly, I want Roger Federer to watch one of my matches obviously.

    “I wish to talk a little bit with him and for me it would be amazing so I hope to see him around more than once.”

    Carlos Alcaraz reached the last 16 at Wimbledon in 2022, his best run at the Championships

    Jeremy Chardy, who had previously reached the last 16 in 2014, announced that Wimbledon would mark the end of his singles tournament career. This marked his 14th year participating at Wimbledon, and he had achieved a career-high ranking of 25th in the world.

    Carlos Alcaraz, the reigning Queen’s champion, has set his sights on becoming the third youngest male player in the Open Era to secure the Wimbledon singles title.

    The two players currently holding those records are Boris Becker, who won the title at the age of 17 in 1985, and Bjorn Borg, who triumphed at 20 years old in 1976.

    Alcaraz’s performance in the first two sets against Chardy was almost flawless. Chardy struggled to handle Alcaraz’s powerful serve and committed several crucial double faults.

    The Spaniard dominated, taking the first set in just 22 minutes and breaking Chardy’s serve in the opening game of the second set.

    Despite being down two sets, Chardy managed to regain some pride in the third set. He broke Alcaraz’s serve in the sixth game, but the young Spaniard quickly retaliated, leveling the match again.

    In the 11th game, Alcaraz broke Chardy’s serve and successfully closed out the match, setting up a second-round encounter with another French player, either Alexandre Muller (ranked 84th in the world) or Arthur Rinderknech (ranked 82nd).

  • Cause of James Lutterodt’s death unknown – Father debunks poisoning claims

    Cause of James Lutterodt’s death unknown – Father debunks poisoning claims

    Father of the late National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) star, James Lutterodt, has made comments indicating that the cause of his son’s death is yet to be determined.

    Interacting with Citinews, Philip Dogbeda Lutterodt revealed that his 19-year-old son lost his life after battling with a brief illness on Monday morning at a hospital in Tema.

    “He experienced difficulty breathing,” Mr Dogbeda revealed adding that they had “conducted numerous tests to identify the cause of his illness until he passed away.”

    According to him, he observed that all was not well with his son when he returned home from school for vacation in April.

    The heartbroken father painfully admitted that “It has been an arduous journey.”

    After news surrounding James Lutterodt’s death surfaced online following a post by one Twitter user @Friggo on Monday, July 3, 2023, speculations surrounding food poisoning and poisoning surfaced.

    But statements from the bereaved family go to quash such claims as the cause of Lutterodt’s death is yet to be confirmed.

    Up until his demise, James who schooled at Keta Senior High School studied Computer Science at the University of Ghana, Legon.

    The 19-year-old was set to travel outside the country to further his studies at Howard University until his demise. His dream was to become a web designer and web developer.

    Meanwhile, Lutterodt’s passing has plunged many into grief.

    The National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) team has paid tribute to its late contestant.

    In a Facebook post, the NSMQ team stated that James Lutterodt, together with Bright Senyo Gadzo, Francisca Lamini made Keta SHS and the Volta Region proud for ensuring that they become the first school in the Volta Region to reach the final stage of the competition.

  • Kwabena Agyapong speaks of creating a new Ghana after NPP vetting

    Kwabena Agyapong speaks of creating a new Ghana after NPP vetting

    New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer hopeful, Kwabena Agyepong has reiterated his vision of creating a new Ghana should he be given the nod to become President come 2024 elections.

    Addressing the media on July 4, after facing a vetting panel of the NPP with regards to the presidential race, he indicated that “we need a new Ghana”.

    “I am very confident, in this country a lot of people have resonated positively with my message of ushering a new dawn, a new direction, and a new dimension for this country. For after 30 years, we have to take a critical look at ourselves, understanding public service, dedication, nationalism, and patriotism.

    “We need to recalibrate our values and get back to what is good, a collegial mentality, the public good, that is what all politics is about, it is the welfare of the society…all of you not only we the politician that is why I am running,” he said.

    The National Presidential Vetting Committee, led by Evans Nimako, has initiated the vetting process for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential aspirants. Starting on July 3 and continuing until July 6, the process aims to assess the candidates’ visions, policies, and plans for the country’s development.

    On the first day of the vetting, three aspirants underwent the evaluation. These included Alan John Kyerematen, the former Minister for Trade and Industry, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, and Kwadwo Poku.

    The second day, July 4, saw three more candidates appearing before the committee: Boakye Kyeremateng Agyarko, former Energy Minister, Kwabena Agyepong himself, and Kennedy Ohene Agyapong.

    The remaining candidates will have their opportunity to present their visions and plans to the committee on July 5 and 6, as the vetting process continues.

    The NPP’s presidential primary election is scheduled for November 3, 2023. It is during this election that the party will ultimately choose its flagbearer for the upcoming general elections.

  • Zulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini refutes claims of being poisoned

    Zulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini refutes claims of being poisoned

    Zulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini has refuted rumors of poisoning.

    “I am not poisoned, I am well,” he said on a video released on Monday evening.

    In the video released, the king, looking well, explained that he had travelled to Eswatini for a regular medical health check – something that Chief Buthelezi continues to dispute saying that the king crossed the border to “urgently seek medical attention”.

    “I’m happy, everything is well-functioning, there is no poison whatsoever. So please people, mostly to the Zulu people, the Zulu royal family also to remind everyone to please don’t listen to everything that people say,” the king said.

    Over the weekend, the traditional prime minister of Zulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini stated that the king had traveled to neighboring Eswatini for medical treatment.

    Chief Mangosuthu Buthelezi also mentioned that this decision came in the wake of the sudden passing of one of the king’s senior advisers, who was also suspected to have been a victim of poisoning.

    But in response, the king’s spokesperson, Prince Africa Zulu alleged there was “an orchestrated agenda and a desperate narrative to communicate defamatory and baseless claims of His Majesty’s ill-health”.

  • We embrace you as an MP while you remain here – Majority to Gyakye Quayson

    We embrace you as an MP while you remain here – Majority to Gyakye Quayson

    The re-elected MP for Assin North, James Gyakye Quayson, on Tuesday, July 4, received congratulations from the Majority Leader in Parliament, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu following his swearing-in ceremony presided by Speaker Alban Bagbin.

    Despite acknowledging that Mr. Quayson’s victory in the Assin North by-election is a significant win that may dent the pride of the NPP, he reassured that the party would respect and accept the decision made by the electorate of Assin North.

    “Indeed, we must congratulate him. That is the choice made by the people of Assin North, and we must, everybody must respect that while it lasts,” Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu stated while addressing parliament on Tuesday, July 4 after Mr Quayson was sworn-in.

    Despite offering congratulations to his colleague, the Majority Leader issued a cautionary message to Mr. Quayson, highlighting the temporary nature of his tenure as an MP.

    Implicitly referring to the upcoming legal proceedings against the incumbent MP, Mr. Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu emphasized that Mr. Quayson’s position in the House currently hinges on the decision of the Attorney-General.

    “Mr Speaker, the rest of it, as we move from here, is in the hands of the Attorney-General,” the legislator stressed.

    He also maintained that the chances of Mr Quayson staying in office for long were very low.

    Moreover, the Majority Leader added that, “the parliamentary group of the NPP also believes that this is a momentary victory of phantasmal character that certainly will not last.

    Despite Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu’s warning, he said that the Majority Caucus is ready to welcome Mr Quayson into parliament.

    The Majority Leader told the House that “While he [Gyakye Quayson] remains here, we can only embrace him as a Member of Parliament, and we welcome him here to be part of the fraternity while it lasts.”

    Meanwhile, the NPP has since congratulated Mr Quayson for his victory in the Assin North by-election.

    According to the party, the NDC’s victory in the by-election adds to Ghana’s democratic credentials.

    “Indeed, the recent two by-elections have demonstrated the strength of the country’s democracy with outcomes favouring different political parties. This is a testament to Ghana’s much touted accolade as a bastion.”

    Background

    On Tuesday, July 4, James Gyakye Quayson was officially sworn in as the Member of Parliament for Assin North, following his victory in the by-election held on Tuesday, June 27.

    His win comes after the Supreme Court ruling on May 17, which declared his previous election invalid and barred him from holding the position. However, he successfully regained his seat in the by-election and now assumes his role as the representative of Assin North.

    His primary opponent, Charles Opoku of the New Patriotic Party, secured second place with 12,630 votes or 42.15% of the valid votes. Meanwhile, Bernice Enam Sefanu of the Liberal Party of Ghana received only 87 votes or 0.29%.

    The voter turnout was reported to be high at 74.23%, according to officials from the Electoral Commission.

    Mr. Quayson is currently facing charges of forgery and perjury, as filed by the Attorney-General’s Office. He is accused of deceiving a public officer and making a false declaration by not renouncing his Canadian citizenship when filing nominations for the 2020 election.

    However, Mr. Quayson has filed a motion on notice at the High Court, requesting a stay of proceedings until an appeal can be determined. The applicant seeks an order to suspend the ongoing court proceedings while awaiting the outcome of the appeal filed on June 27, 2023.

  • ECG to begin another nationwide revenue mobilization from July 11

    ECG to begin another nationwide revenue mobilization from July 11

    The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has yet again announced the commencement of another nationwide revenue mobilization. This new initiative is known as “Operation Zero.”

    In an official statement, the ECG stated that the exercise is expected to begin on July 11 and end on September 11, 2023. It is going to be a two-month campaign that aims to recover every outstanding debt to the last pesewa.

    ECG emphasised that as part of the operation, it would thoroughly inspect customers’ homes and all other power-consuming facilities.

    During this exercise, ECG will grant a moratorium to all who are consuming electricity without paying for it, to allow them to visit their respective ECG offices for immediate regularisation of their supply.

    The ECG will also collaborate closely with the security services, who will detain and prosecute anyone who attempts to obstruct the process. This mobilization exercise will add up to the previous exercises embarked on by the power company.

    The Electricity Company of Ghana Limited (ECG) closed all its district, regional, and head offices on March 20, 2023, to embark on a month-long Nationwide Revenue mobilisation exercise that ended on April 20, 2023. The aim was to recover an amount of GH¢5.7 billion from its customers.

    To intensify the action, the ECG again embarked on another mobilization exercise that commenced on June 26, 2023, and ended on Tuesday, July 4, 2023.

    Meanwhile, the managing director of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Samuel Dubik Mahama, has toned down calls for the company’s revenue collection function to be privatised.

    On the heels of the current deadlock between the government and the Chamber of Independent Power Producers (IPPs), this suggestion was made by some analysts.

    Mr. Mahama also argued that ECG is doing better now than when it was under Power Distribution Services (PDS) Limited.

    Speaking in an interview with Citi TV, Mr Mahama mentioned that the company in its current state, is doing well.

    Nevertheless, he acknowledged that there are issues that must be solved before the privatisation discussion can legitimately begin, especially if the company continues to post losses.

    “ECG is doing far better now than when it was under PDS and there are certain operational dynamics that if we fix today, and we realise that there are still gaps in it, that is when we can start talking about privatisation.

    “The calls for privatisation are too early because if you are privatising a company, and you don’t know the total number of customers, and you give it out, you have given out a gold mine,” he noted.

  • I donated chairs, fabrics – Charles Opoku confesses to voter inducement in Assin North by-election

    I donated chairs, fabrics – Charles Opoku confesses to voter inducement in Assin North by-election

    Defeated Assin North Parliamentary candidate, Charles Opoku, has admitted to making hefty donations to members of the Assin North ahead of the by-election held on June 27, 2023.

    He made the revelation while refuting claims suggesting that he had ordered for items he had given out to be retrieved following the election.

    According to Mr Opoku, he has not contracted any individual to undertake any initiative of such sort.

    Among the items distributed to the people of Assin North prior to the by-election include fabrics presented to widows, chairs donated to churches.

    ”I will never return for what I shared before the election. Even a day after my loss, I went ahead and distributed fabrics to widows as part of the Eid-Ad-ha celebration.

    “I am pleading with people to stop spreading lies about me. The emphasis should now be on laying the groundwork for prosperity and the development of the constituency.

    “I also urge those who are spreading this propaganda to stop. It is unjust and must not be entertained. I’ve also learned that some people are going to churches to retrieve the chairs I donated. I want to emphasise that I have not directed anyone to do anything on my behalf,” he is quoted by Ghanaweb.com to have stated.

    Meanwhile, Mr Opoku says he continues to offer assistance to the people of Assin North such as paying medical bills despite losing the by-elections to the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC), James Gyakye Quayson, who was sworn-in in Parliament today, July 4, 2023.

    ”After my defeat, people come to my house for assistance. People come to my house to queue and ask for help with their medical bills, among other things.,” he said.

    “I do these things from the bottom of my heart, so if an opponent is out to destroy my name, that will not wash. I would also encourage constituents to report anyone who comes in my name to retrieve such items or calls me,” he added.

    Mr Gyakye Quayson on Tuesday, June 27, beat his closest contender, Charles Opoku of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Assin North by-election by obtaining 17,245 votes out of the total valid votes of 29,962, representing 57.56 per cent. 

    Mr Charles Opoku, on the other hand, garnered 12,630 of the votes cast, representing 42.17 per cent while Bernice Enyonam Sefenu of the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG) secured 87 votes.

  • NPA clamps down on 16 illegal ‘Gao Gao’ fuel stations in Upper East Region

    NPA clamps down on 16 illegal ‘Gao Gao’ fuel stations in Upper East Region

    The Upper East Regional office of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has initiated a campaign to crackdown on sixteen illicit reseller outlets commonly referred to as ‘gao gao’ in the region.

    There has been a concerning proliferation of these unauthorized reseller outlets in various locations including Pelungu, Duusi, Gbane Shiega, Tongo, Gaare, Chuchuliga, Bolga Soe, Sirigu, Bongo, Zonno, Namolga, Sakote, Zorko, and Kpale. These outlets have been engaging in the sale of petroleum products without the required authorization from the NPA.

    Mr. Bashiru Natogma, the Upper West Regional Manager of the NPA, disclosed this information during an interview with the media.

    Mr Bashiru Natogma, the Upper West Regional Manager of NPA

    He emphasized that the NPA Act strictly prohibits individuals, except those who possess a valid license under the Act, from being in possession of petroleum products in quantities that unreasonably exceed their immediate needs.

    He said those outlets lacked the necessary safety measures and infrastructure to handle and store petroleum products safely. 

    The Regional Manager enumerated that “some of them often operate in close proximity to public spaces, increasing the risk of accidents and fire outbreaks. The absence of proper or adequate fire prevention systems such as firefighting equipment and trained personnel further exacerbates these dangers.”

  • Govt constructing museums for Yaa Asantewaa, big six – Akufo-Addo

    Govt constructing museums for Yaa Asantewaa, big six – Akufo-Addo

    President Akufo-Addo has announced that government has commenced work to see to the construction of a number of museums to honour some of Ghana’s greats.

    Among the heros to be venerated include; Queen mother of Ejisu, Yaa Asantewaa, the Big Six comprising;Dr Kwame Nkrumah, Ebenezer Ako-Adjei, Edward Akufo-Addo, Joseph Boakye Danquah, Emmanuel Obetsebi-Lamptey and William Ofori Atta, among others.

    Also, government is working on a memorial park in Cape Coast for the Aborigines, a memorial enclave in Tamale for the founders of the erstwhile Northern People’s Party to symbolise their participation in the drive for national independence and the completion of the ongoing works at the Bonwire museum.

    President Akufo-Addo made this known when he commissioned the newly revamped Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park in Accra today, July 4, 2023.

    In his speech, the president tasked the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture to ensure the country brings in one million tourists annually just to tour the newly revamped Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park.

    “Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park which attracted some 90,000 annually before the renovation, is now expected to attract over one million tourists annually. I’m charging the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, and its agencies to devise effective marketing and promotional strategies, to achieve the target of 1 million domestic and international tourist visitations to the Park,” he said.

    The park which is located on the coast of Accra was built by the late Jerry John Rawlings in the year 1990 in honour of Dr Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s first President. It was subsequently opened to the public in 1992.

    Since its construction, the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park had not seen any revamp. On 19th July 2022, the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed Awal, cut sod for the commencement of the rehabilitation and redevelopment of the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park and Mausoleum.

    This was after the government in 2018 secured a US$40 million loan facility from the World Bank through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture to strengthen the tourism environment.

    Now in its upgraded state, the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park houses a presidential library, an audio-visual Fountain which incorporates captivating visuals and synchronized music, an upgraded road and drainage Network among others.

    On their part, the family of Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah expressed appreciation to government for the redevelopment of the Memorial Park.

    Tourism plays a crucial role in driving economic growth, and in Ghana, it holds the position of the third-largest contributor to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

    In 2021, the tourism sector generated a substantial revenue of $2.1 billion, and its contribution increased to approximately $2.3 billion in the following year.

    Looking ahead, the government has set ambitious goals for the tourism sector, aiming to achieve a revenue of $4 billion by 2024.

    Source: The Independent Ghana | Andy Ogbarmey-Tettey

  • Tourism Ministry charged to leverage revamped Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park to attract 1million tourists annually

    Tourism Ministry charged to leverage revamped Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park to attract 1million tourists annually

    President Akufo-Addo has tasked the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture to ensure the country brings in one million tourists annually just to tour the newly revamped Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park.

    The President commissioned the renovated park on Tuesday, July 4, hence making it accessible to the public.

    In his address to the gathering, the President noted that prior to its renovation, the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park brought in about 90,000 tourists yearly, thus an upgrade should lead to an increase in the number of tourists.

    “Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park which attracted some 90,000 annually before the renovation, is now expected to attract over one million tourists annually. I’m charging the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, and its agencies to devise effective marketing and promotional strategies, to achieve the target of 1 million domestic and international tourist visitations to the Park”.

    The park which is located on the coast of Accra was built by the late Jerry John Rawlings in the year 1990 in honour of Dr Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s first President. It was subsequently opened to the public in 1992.

    Since its construction, the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park had not seen any revamp. On 19th July 2022, the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed Awal, cut sod for the commencement of the rehabilitation and redevelopment of the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park and Mausoleum.

    This was after the government in 2018 secured a US$40 million loan facility from the World Bank through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture to strengthen the tourism environment.

    Now in its upgraded state, the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park houses a presidential library, an audio-visual Fountain which incorporates captivating visuals and synchronized music, an upgraded road and drainage Network among others.

    On their part, the family of Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah expressed appreciation to government for the redevelopment of the Memorial Park.

    Meanwhile, President Akufo-Addo has revealed that government is on a quest to make Ghana the hub of tourism in West Africa and as such is committed to building museums and other tourist attractions in various parts of the country. 

    As part of this initiative, government is set to construct a museum dedicated to Asante warrior and Queen Mother of Ejisu, Yaa Asantewaa, and the big six, among others.

    “Construction of museums and heroes park for the big six, a memorial park in Cape Coast for the Aborigines, a memorial enclave in Tamale for the founders of the erstwhile Northern People’s Party to symbolise their participation in the drive for national independence and the completion of the ongoing works at the Bonwire museum and Yaa Asantewaa museum, both in Ejisu are in the offing,” President Akufo-Addo said.

    Tourism forms parts of ways to grow an economy and in Ghana, the sector stands as the  third largest contributor to the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

    The tourism sector in 2021 generated a revenue of $2.1 billion and contributed about $2.3 billion in the subsequent year.

    The government plans to rake in $4 billion from the tourism sector by 2024.

  • China pledges to aid Nigeria develop

    China pledges to aid Nigeria develop

    Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Cui Jianchun, has expressed his country’s commitment to providing necessary support to the Bola-led administration to facilitate the development of Nigeria.

    This assurance was conveyed during a meeting with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, on Monday, July 4.

    Jianchun assured that China would assist Nigeria with proven development strategies that would enhance the well-being of its citizens. As a gesture of their commitment, the Chinese Ambassador presented three documents containing developmental strategies that Nigeria could consider adopting.

    According to a statement from the Director of Information at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Willie Bassey, the meeting served as a platform for discussing potential avenues of collaboration between China and Nigeria in achieving sustainable development.

    The statement partly read, “The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Cui Jianchun, while presenting three documents to the SGF, assured Nigeria of the commitment of the government of the People’s Republic of China to support the administration of Bola Tinubu with the workable development strategies that would turn around the nation’s fortune.

    “According to him, the documents contain a developmental strategy that serves as a blueprint for the development of the country. He emphasised the strategies would cover the following areas: Infrastructure, ICT, industrialisation investment, security, technology, and agriculture, among others.

    “He expressed his readiness and commitment to work with the present administration and further deepen the bilateral relations between the two nations.”

    In response, Akume, representing the Federal Government, reaffirmed Nigeria’s dedication to maintaining strong bilateral relations with China to foster development. He highlighted the existing robust cooperation between the two nations in infrastructure, trade, agriculture, and various other sectors.

    Akume also urged the Chinese government to increase its investments in Nigeria, emphasizing that such support would aid the current administration in accomplishing its agenda for national progress.

    Akume said, “We want to thank your country for the massive investment in the areas of infrastructure in this country. Nigeria got a soft loan from your country and carefully invested in rail transportation and road transportation. The differences are becoming quite clear.

    “And we expect more investments and I believe that is why you are here with your businessmen as well. Any assistance you are giving us, we will step up because of the desire of the present government to do a lot. We will be expecting support from you from time to time.”

    He appreciated the Chinese government for granting young Nigerians scholarships to study in their country. He also used the opportunity to appeal for more scholarships to enable more Nigerians to study in China.

    “You won’t regret it; before you know it, you will find many Nigerians speaking your language. We look forward to the time we will also establish faculties in Nigerian universities where the Chinese language would be taught to students,” Akume said.

  • KETASCO’s James Lutterodt was poisoned a month ago – Leaked audio reveals

    KETASCO’s James Lutterodt was poisoned a month ago – Leaked audio reveals

    Barely 24 hours after news broke about the passing of James Lutterodt, a member of the Keta Senior High School (KETASCO) team which participated in the 2021 National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ), an audio has emerged revealing the cause of his death.

    On Monday, July 3, one Twitter user @Friggo reported that James was allegedly poisoned.

    A leaked audio shared by Gossips24 Avenue is corroborating the earlier report. In the audio, an anonymous male voice admitted to reaching out to deceased’s father who admitted that James was poisoned.

    The audio further indicates that the 19-year-old battled for his life for a month after the said poisoning. James was a Level 200 Computer Science student at the University of Ghana.

    “I quickly confirmed it from the dad. He said it is true that he (James) passed on. He had been poisoned and it took a month for him to battle but to no avail. So he gave up the ghost,” the audio said.

    But a member of the Dzo Lali community, Catherine has revealed that the Headmaster of Ketasco reached out to James’s father who “confirmed the passing on of James of suspected food poisoning before coming home on vacation.”

    The 19-year-old was set to travel outside the country to further his studies at Howard University until his demise. His dream was to become a web designer and web developer.

    Meanwhile, Lutterodt’s passing has plunged many into grief. The National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) team has paid tribute to its late contestant.

    In a Facebook post, the NSMQ team stated that James Lutterodt, together with Bright Senyo Gadzo, Francisca Lamini made Keta SHS and the Volta Region proud for ensuring that they become the first school in the Volta Region to reach the final stage of the competition.

    Despite their remarkable performance, Keta SHS lost to Prempeh College in the final which featured Presec Legon.

  • Livestreaming: Parliament swears-in Assin North MP-elect, James Gyakye Quayson

    Livestreaming: Parliament swears-in Assin North MP-elect, James Gyakye Quayson

    Parliament is holding a swearing-in ceremony for newly-elected Member of Parliament for Assin North, James Gyakye Quayson.

    Members of the Minority Group, together with Speaker Alban Bagbin are draped in white to commemorate the august event.

    Mr Gyakye Quayson is also adorned in a white outfit.

    Assin North MP, James Gyakye Quayson

    Mr Gyakye Quayson on Tuesday, June 27, beat his closest contender, Charles Opoku of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Assin North by-election by obtaining 17,245 votes out of the total valid votes of 29,962, representing 57.56 per cent.

    Mr Charles Opoku, on the other hand, garnered 12,630 of the votes cast, representing 42.17 per cent while Bernice Enyonam Sefenu of the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG) secured 87 votes.

  • Investors receive 14.9% return in cedi terms from GSE in first half of 2023

    Investors receive 14.9% return in cedi terms from GSE in first half of 2023

    Boosted by improved market sentiments driven by the International Monetary Fund-support programme, the Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE) delivered a 14.9% return for investors in cedi terms during the first half of 2023.

    This positive performance followed a challenging economic period in 2022 that necessitated debt restructuring.

    Ranking fourth among 15 stock markets in Africa, the GSE demonstrated its resilience. However, the dollar return for investors stood at -10.0%.

    Notably, non-banking stocks led the gains in the equity market, contributing to an increased market capitalization of ¢69.59 billion as of June 30, 2023, according to data from the GSE.

    Conversely, the Financial Stock Index experienced a decline of 17.57% in value during the first six months of 2023. This decrease was primarily attributed to the impact of the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme on the balance sheets of financial institutions.

    In summary, the Accra Bourse performed as the fourth-best stock market in Africa in cedi terms, yet placed eleventh when considering the performance in dollar terms.

    In all, six stocks recorded gains as compared to 10.

    Meanwhile, the best-performing stock market in the first six months of this year was Benso Oil Palm Plantation (84.44%).

    It was followed by TotalEnergies (70.00%), Unilever (60.82%) and MTN Ghana (50%).

    Per reports, the biggest losers were Fanmilk (-56%), Societe Generale (-41.0%) and Standard Chartered Bank (-35.96%).

    CountryYear-To-Date Return (Cedi)Year-To-Date Return (dollar)Positions
    Malawi MASI76.27%71.75%1st
    Nigeria NGSE21.21%-29.43%2nd
    Egypt  EGX21.01%-3.14%3rd
    Ghana GSE15.28%-10.10%4th
    Zambia LUSE12.28%17.75%5th
    Tunisia TUNINDEX10.43%10.82%6th
    Morocco MASI6.74%13.29%7th
    Botswana BSE4.48%-0.99%8th
    South Africa JSE3.30%-6.31%9th
    Ivory Coast BVRM-0.75%2.10%10th
    Mauritius SEMDEX-2.73%-6.08%11th
    Namibia NSX-3.41-12.60%12th
    Tanzania DSE-3.80%-4.66%13th
    Kenya ASI-15.73%-26.04%14th
    Uganda USE-16.57%-15.53%15th
  • May your soul ‘rest in peace’, you made KETASCO and Volta Region proud – NSMQ team eulogises James Lutterodt

    May your soul ‘rest in peace’, you made KETASCO and Volta Region proud – NSMQ team eulogises James Lutterodt

    The National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) team has paid tribute to the late James Lutterodt, a contestant of the Keta Senior High School (KETASCO) team which participated in the 2021 edition of the competition.

    In a heartfelt message on Facebook on Monday, the NSMQ team expressed sorrow over the passing of the vibrant 19-year-old.

    The team lauded James for being among the chosen that brought honour to Keta Senior High School and Volta Region.

    “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of James Lutterodt. As a member of the history-making #NSMQ2021 Keta SHTS team, he made his school and region proud as the first school from the Volta Region at the NSMQ Final,” a part of the tribute read.

    KETASCO became the first school in the Volta Region to reach the final stage of the National Science and Maths Quiz competition due to the efforts of Bright Senyo Gadzo, Francisca Lamini, and James Lutterodt, as well as members of the school team.

    According to the NSMQ team, “Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time. May his soul rest in peace.”

    News regarding James Lutterodt’s death surfaced online following a post by one Twitter user @Friggo on Monday, July 3, 2023.

    According to sources, James Lutterodt was poisoned. The Independent Ghana is unable to verify this information at the moment.

    Per reports, James Lutterodt was set to travel outside the country to further his studies at Howard University, just as his colleague, Francisca Lamini, who has started her pre-med programme at Harvard University in the US.

    http://backend.theindependentghana.com/keta-shs-nsmq-star-james-lutterodt-reportedly-dies-from-poisoning-ahead-of-overseas-studies/

    The 19-year-old’s dream was to become a web designer and web developer, reports say.

    His death has left many in an inconsolable state.

    KETASCO VS PRESEC LEGON VS PREMPEH COLLEGE

    Keta SHTS was pegged for victory in the 2021 National Science and Maths Quiz due to their outstanding performance. They beat the likes of Wesley Girls’ SHS, Tamale SHS, Sogakope SHS, Sonrise SHS to reach the final stage of the contest.

    As an underdog, they rose from the ashes to battle PRESEC-Legon and Prempeh at the grand finale. KETASCO’s mantra was “God of ONE-ders.” 

    Despite their remarkable performances, KETASCO lost. Prempeh College with 53 points, beat PRESEC Legon and KETASCO.

    The trio; Bright Senyo Gadzo, Francisca Lamini, and James Lutterod, as well as the entire NSMQ team after the competition were met by their colleagues, teachers, and the public at Keta Business College (KETABUSCO) Junction for a procession to the KETASCO campus and the School’s cadet guard of honour.

    Source: The Independent Ghana | Andy Ogbarmey-Tettey

  • ACI urges public to remain calm amidst suspension of Fidelity, First National banks’ forex licences

    ACI urges public to remain calm amidst suspension of Fidelity, First National banks’ forex licences

    The National Association of Financial Market Professionals, (ACI-Ghana), has reassured its members and the general public about maintaining confidence in the forex exchange market, despite the recent suspension of forex licenses of Fidelity Bank Ghana Limited and First National Bank by the Bank of Ghana.

    In a statement, the association announced the establishment of an independent committee to thoroughly investigate the actions that led to the sanctioning of the two banks.

    ACI Ghana acknowledged the regulatory role of the Bank of Ghana in ensuring transparency and adherence to standards within the financial sector.

    While the licenses of Fidelity Bank Ghana Limited and First National Bank have been suspended, the statement clarified that this measure does not affect the interbank forex market, as all other banks continue their operations without interruption.

    ACI Ghana urged the public to seek education from professionals and cautioned against spreading false information, particularly on social media platforms. This responsible behavior is crucial to maintaining a sense of calm and fostering confidence in the forex market.

    The association reiterated its unwavering commitment to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and ethics among its members. It also expressed its dedication to collaborating with the Bank of Ghana and all stakeholders in order to maintain a sustainable financial ecosystem.

    Background

    The Bank of Ghana (BoG) on June 29th, 2023, suspended the forex licences of Fidelity Bank Ghana Limited and First National Bank Ghana Limited for violating the rules of the Ghana Interbank Forex Market.

    The two banks will not be able to engage in any forex transactions from 29th June 2023 to 28th July 2023, according to a press statement signed by Sandra Thompson, the Secretary of the BoG.

    They have also been fined 1000 penalty points each, for breaching sections 3.4, 3.5, and 3.9 of the Ghana Interbank Forex Market Conduct.

    In response to the revocation of forex licence, Fidelity Bank and First National Bank have rendered an unqualified apology to their customers.

    The banks have however in the interim reached agreements with their partner banks to aid in seamless completion of foreign exchange transactions on their behalf.

    According to the two financial institutions, they are are working with the Central Bank to resolve the current challenges.

  • President Macky Sall decides not to run for third term

    President Macky Sall decides not to run for third term

    Putting an end to the widespread speculation surrounding his political future, President Macky Sall of Senegal has officially announced that he will not seek re-election in 2024.

    “The 2019 term was my second and last term,” he said in a televised address.

    In his address late on Monday, Mr Sall, 61, said: “There has been much speculation and commentary on my eventual candidature on this election.

    “My decision, carefully considered… is not to run as a candidate in the upcoming election.

    “Senegal is more than me, and is full of capable leaders for the country’s development,” he added.

    Since 2021, rumors of President Macky Sall attempting to extend his hold on power have sparked unrest on multiple occasions, leading to the loss of many lives.

    In response to these speculations, the opposition had threatened to organize further protests if Mr. Sall pursued another term, a move that most legal experts argued would have been in violation of the country’s constitution.

    In recent times, anger has surged throughout Senegal following the conviction of opposition leader Ousmane Sonko, who was sentenced to two years in prison on the charge of “corrupting youth.” While the 48-year-old was acquitted of rape allegations, he was found guilty of engaging in immoral behavior with a person below the age of 21.

    The verdict triggered mass demonstrations across various cities, with thousands of protesters rallying against the ruling. Tragically, the protests resulted in at least 16 fatalities.

    Sonko vehemently denies any wrongdoing, and his supporters argue that the trial was a politically motivated scheme designed to prevent him from participating in the upcoming presidential race.

    Protesters running in Dakar, Senegal. Photo: 1 June 2023
    Image caption,Senegal was rocked by deadly violence after Ousmane Sonko’s court verdict in June

    Mr Sall has been in office since 2012.

    In 2016, he changed the constitution to set a two-term presidential limit. But his supporters argued he could still run for a third term as his first was under the previous constitution.

    Speculation that he would try to cling on to power has dented Senegal’s reputation as a relatively stable democratic nation in the restive West African region.

  • Venus Williams ‘killed by the grass’ in Wimbledon defeat

    Venus Williams ‘killed by the grass’ in Wimbledon defeat

    Venus Williams expressed her frustration with the grass surface after a painful fall during her emotional return to Wimbledon, resulting in a defeat against Elina Svitolina on Centre Court.

    The 43-year-old tennis legend, who made her debut at SW19 back in 1997, was granted a wildcard entry into this year’s tournament after missing out on the singles draw last year.

    Unfortunately, her much-anticipated comeback was cut short on the first day, as she succumbed to a 6-4, 6-3 loss to the Ukrainian opponent. Adding to her disappointment, Williams suffered an injury in the early stages of the match, leading her to remark that she felt “killed by the grass.”

    She said: “Grass is inherently going to be slippery. You’re going to fall at some point. It was just bad luck for me.

    “I started the match perfectly. I was literally killing it, then I got killed by the grass.

    “It’s not fun right now. I felt like I was in great form coming into this tournament, and great form in the match.

    “It’s all very shocking at the moment. This is sports. I’m hitting the ball well.

    “Hopefully I can just figure out what’s happening with me and move forward.

    “I think what makes this one hard to process is I’ve had so many injuries. I’ve been missing from tour for quite a while. This is not what I want for myself.

    “This kind of fall, I didn’t do anything wrong. I just went for the ball. There’s nothing I can really do about it.

    “Those kinds of things are hard to process emotionally, mentally and physically on the court.

    “I just couldn’t figure it out today. It was just real challenging. I’ve played through a lot of injuries and won a lot of matches injured.

    “It’s almost a specialty of mine. I just couldn’t figure it out today.”

    It remains to be seen whether this will be her Wimbledon swansong, as it was for her sister Serena 12 months ago, but time is obviously ticking on one of the all-time great tennis careers.

    Williams would not commit on whether she would be fit enough to play at the US Open later this summer.

    She added: “I’ve got to figure out my next plan. Right now I’m kind of in shock. I just can’t believe this happened. It’s, like, bizarre. I don’t know. I’m still processing it at the moment.”

    Svitolina, who is making a return of her own after missing last year’s tournament following the birth of her first child, proved she is still a top-class player and was not going to let Williams off lightly.

    But she admits she was fearing the worst when the veteran was screaming in agony.

    She said: “She screamed really loud, I was shaken up. I was really shocked in a way, because I thought it was really, really serious.

    “So I was really happy for her actually that she could stand up after and didn’t take a medical timeout. She just was checking how the knee is. And then we continue playing.

    “I was really happy, because it’s such a horrible injury, the knee injury. Any injury is bad, but, you know, she screamed really loud. So I really got scared.”

  • Opuni’s trial: High Court Judge’s decision to begin case was “backward” – Attorney General

    Opuni’s trial: High Court Judge’s decision to begin case was “backward” – Attorney General

    Attorney General, Godfred Yeboah Dame, has expressed strong disapproval of the High Court judge’s ruling, which ordered a complete restart of Stephen Opuni’s trial.

    Following the Court of Appeal’s decision to overturn the High Court’s ruling, Mr. Dame criticized the judge’s decision, deeming it as erroneous and regressive in nature.

    “I think that it is actually backward with all respect for a trial which has advanced to this stage for an order to be made that we should start de novo. It will amount to giving the evidence twice, it will amount to giving parties of the matter a second bite of the cherry, and I think that it is improper,” Mr Dame told Journalists on Monday, July 3.

    The Court of Appeal has overturned the decision of the trial judge and directed that the proceedings and evidence led under the previous judge, Justice Hornyenugah, be adopted instead.

    Justice Kwasi Anokye Gyimah, who took over the case in March 2023, had ordered a restart of the trial, citing concerns of unfairness and the need to restore trust in the process. However, Attorney General Godfred Dame disagreed and filed an appeal, arguing that it was a miscarriage of justice.

    The appellate court agreed with the appeal, stating that the trial judge had made an error by considering irrelevant factors in ordering a fresh trial.

    Attorney General Godfred Dame expressed satisfaction with the court’s decision in a media interview following the proceedings.

    In a separate development, Justice Kwasi Anokye Gyimah has been asked to vacate his position and move to Kumasi, the Ashanti Regional capital, according to a letter allegedly sent to him by Chief Justice Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Torkornoo in June. Justice Aboagye Tandoh of the Winneba High Court will replace Justice Gyimah as the presiding judge in the case.

    The case involves allegations that Stephen Opuni, former CEO of COCOBOD, and businessman Seidu Agongo caused a financial loss of over GH¢217 million to the state.

  • Tesla achieves record car deliveries following price reductions

    Tesla achieves record car deliveries following price reductions

    Electric car manufacturer Tesla has announced that it achieved a new milestone by delivering a record number of vehicles in the second quarter, which ended in June.

    This surge in deliveries can be attributed to the company’s decision to lower prices in key markets such as the US, UK, and China, in order to enhance its competitive position against rival manufacturers.

    The strategy of reducing prices to boost sales seems to have paid off not only for Tesla but also for major Chinese car makers, who also reported a notable increase in sales during the month of June.

    Tesla CEO Elon Musk has been vocal about prioritizing higher sales volumes even at the expense of lower profits, believing it to be the right choice for the company’s growth. This approach seems to be validated by the latest results.

    On Sunday, Tesla revealed that it delivered an impressive total of 466,140 vehicles in the second quarter, marking a remarkable 80% increase compared to the same period last year.

    Moreover, the company reported an uptick in vehicle production, reaching nearly 480,000 units in the same time frame.

    “Tesla has made a strategic choice to be a volume manufacturer,” Bill Russo, the founder and chief executive of advisory firm Automobility, told the BBC.

    “This was the main contributor to the sales increase, as its mainly higher-volume Model 3 and Model Y benefitted from the price war,” he added.

    Dan Ives from investment firm Wedbush Securities told the BBC that “the price cuts in China have been a smart poker move that was massively successful for Tesla”.

    China has become a significant market for Tesla, standing as the company’s second-largest market globally, trailing only North America. To maintain its competitive edge in the world’s second-largest economy, Tesla has resorted to cutting prices, as it faces competition from local electric car manufacturers.

    Over the weekend, Beijing-based Li-Auto announced that its deliveries reached an all-time high of 32,575 vehicles in June, marking the third consecutive month of record-breaking sales. Additionally, Shanghai-based Nio and Guangzhou-based Xpeng reported significant increases in deliveries, with 10,707 and 8,620 vehicles respectively.

    While Tesla has experienced robust growth in China, it has also encountered intensified competition both domestically and internationally, along with the impact of higher borrowing costs for customers. In response, the company has implemented price reductions throughout this year.

    In April, Tesla explicitly stated that it had no plans to stabilize vehicle prices, despite the effect of repeated price cuts on its profitability. By adjusting prices to attract more customers, Tesla aims to maintain its market share and sustain its growth trajectory in the face of evolving market dynamics and rising competition.

  • Barbie movie banned in Vietnam over South China Sea map

    Barbie movie banned in Vietnam over South China Sea map

    Vietnam has decided to ban the upcoming Barbie film owing to a scene that showcases a map featuring disputed Chinese territorial claims in the South China Sea.

    Vietnam, along with several other countries, contests China’s assertion of almost all of the South China Sea.

    The film, centered around the iconic doll, has already generated considerable buzz on social media and was scheduled for release in cinemas on 21 July.

    The specific scene depicting China’s “offensive image” of the nine-dash line, which is used in Chinese maps to assert territorial claims in the South China Sea, has not been disclosed.

    For years, Beijing has been constructing military bases on artificial islands in the South China Sea and conducting naval patrols to assert its territorial claims in the region.

    In 2016, an international tribunal in The Hague ruled against China’s claims in the South China Sea, but Beijing refused to acknowledge the judgment.

    Warner Bros’ Barbie film is not the only production to face a ban in Vietnam for featuring the controversial nine-dash line. In 2019, the DreamWorks animated film Abominable was also pulled for the same reason.

    Similarly, the Sony action movie Uncharted faced a ban from the Vietnamese Department of Cinema, the government body responsible for licensing and censoring foreign films, three years later. Additionally, Netflix removed the Australian spy drama Pine Gap from the Vietnamese market following an official complaint.

    The South China Sea is a contested region, with China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Taiwan, Malaysia, and Brunei all having competing claims in the area. The disputes over territorial rights have led to tensions in the region and raised concerns among neighboring countries and the international community.

    Cases of over 700 illegal miners pending since January – AG laments
  • Kwame Yeboah joins MOGMusic at Grammy’s Recording Academy 

    Kwame Yeboah joins MOGMusic at Grammy’s Recording Academy 

    Highly acclaimed multi-instrumentalist, Kwame Yeboah, has recently become a member of the Recording Academy of the Grammy Awards, further solidifying his international recognition.

    This news follows closely after gospel musician MOGMusic also shared his invitation to join the Academy.

    Previous Ghanaian musicians who have been members of the Recording Academy include Rocky Dawuni, Stonebwoy, and Wiyaala.

    “I am honoured to be a Member of this years @recordingacademy.

    I’ll be joining an amazing team of professional Musicians, Artists and Creators to serve and to celebrate music in all its creative form. 

    Thank you for your support and looking forward to contributing with this new opportunity,” Kwame wrote on his Facebook page. 

    Kwame Yeboah, a talented musician hailing from Ghana, is renowned for his skills as a guitarist, keyboardist, producer, and recording engineer.

    As the leader of the Ohia Beyeya Band, he has collaborated with acclaimed artistes like Stevie Wonder, Shaggy, and Ms Dynamite.

    In Ghana, he has also collaborated with notable names such as Kojo Antwi, Becca, and Osibisa. Kwame Yeboah’s impressive portfolio speaks to his versatility and the caliber of his musical prowess.

  • Police arrest two involved in Ablekuma bullion van attack

    Police arrest two involved in Ablekuma bullion van attack

    As part of its investigations into the Ablekuma bullion van attack, the Police have reportedly apprehended two individuals suspected to be involved in the heinous crime.

    Per reports, they have been arraigned and remanded into police custody. The Police are yet to confirm reports of arrest.

    Following the incident, a CCTV photograph of two out of the four assailants surfaced on social media.

    Men alleged to be part of group that undertook Ablekuma bullion van attack

    On Thursday, June 22, an officer of the Ghana Police Service was shot dead by unknown assailants at Ablekuma Star Oil filling station in Accra.

    A viral CCTV footage showed a group of four men trailing what appears to be a white bullion van.

    One of the armed men after arriving at the filling station just as the van had parked opened the door where the officer was seated and opened fire.

    The officer attempted to attack but his efforts were unsuccessful. Witnesses at the scene including the driver of the van eloped to save their lives.

    This tragic incident adds to the list of police officers who have lost their lives due to bullion van attacks.

    In June 2021, a bullion van robbery attack at Jamestown in Accra led to the death of Constable Emmanuel Osei.

    Following this, the Bank of Ghana issued a directive for all financial institutions to procure protective sophisticated vans, failure to which the central bank would not admit any substandard vehicles by the close of June 2021.

    On the matter, the Ghana Police Service announced its decision to withdraw their regular escorts if the financial institutions fail to comply with the directive.

    But the June 2021 deadline was extended and all financial institutions were expected to ensure they provide bullion vans latest by July 1, 2023.

    But the Bank of Ghana has instructed banks to begin the use of protective sophisticated vans with immediate effect.

  • Dispatch rider knocked down, burnt to death on Haatso-Atomic road

    Dispatch rider knocked down, burnt to death on Haatso-Atomic road

    Information reaching the Independent Ghana indicates that a dispatch rider has lost his life in a hit and run.

    According to an eyewitness’ account, the dispatch rider was hit by a unknown motorist on the Haatso-Atomic road in Accra on Monday, July 3, 2023. The rider then slipped beneath a Honda Accord car.

    The driver of the Honda Accord car unbeknownst to him dragged the ridder up until the point his vehicle caught fire. While this ensued, the driver who knocked down the motor rider had eloped.

    Unfortunately, the dispatch rider got stuck and was engulfed by the fire.

    “We could not rescue the motor rider due to the intensity of the fire. The fire extinguishers present were just not enough,” the eyewitness recounted.

    A Honda Accord car on fire

    However, the driver of the Honda Accord car managed to save his life and that of his wife and kid.

    A team from the Ghana National Fire Service arrived at the scene to douse the flames.

    Meanwhile, the father of the deceased is said to have been briefed of his son’s passing. Witnesses managed to reach the deceased’s family after getting hold of his mobile phone.

    Source: The Independent Ghana | Andy Ogbarmey-Tettey