Reports coming in suggest that James Lutterodt who formed part of the team that represented Keta Senior High School (KETASCO) in the 2021 National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) has passed on.
News regarding his alleged death was announced 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.
It is unknown when James kicked the bucket. 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.
The 19-year-old’s dream was to become a web designer and web developer, reports say.
We must be very very careful in this life, especially when you're ahead of your colleagues in doing something 💔James Lutterodt. May his soul rest in peace. #NSMQ2021#NSMQ2023 Ketasco pic.twitter.com/N7GBzvWPDK
Bright Senyo Gadzo, Francisca Lamini, and James Lutterodt, represented Keta Senior High Technical School (KETASCO) in 2021 edition of the National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) competition.
Keta SHTS was pegged for victory due to their outstanding performance. As an underdog, they rose from the ashes to battle PRESEC-Legon and Prempeh. KETASCO’s mantra was “God of ONE-ders.”
First-time finalist in the #NSMQ2021, Ketasco, are poised to winning the ultimate.
For the contestants who have been speaking to TV3, winning the NSMQ is not the preserve of selected schools and that they won’t leave Kumasi without the trophy. #3FMSunrisepic.twitter.com/VLByN4Sctj
Despite their remarkable performances, KETASCO lost. Prempeh College with 53 points, beat PRESEC Legon and KETASCO.
The trio and 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.
Meanwhile, social media users are expressing their condolences. They are shell-shocked by the news of James’ demise.
The news of 19-year-old James Lutterodt’s passing, a remarkable and promising individual from the esteemed KETASCO 2021 team that achieved the NSMQ finals a few years ago, is truly heartbreaking.
The situation of unrest in France is showing signs of deescalation, following five days of intense riots triggered by the shooting of teenager Nahel M during a police traffic stop.
On Sunday night, the level of violence significantly decreased, resulting in fewer arrests being made.
Nevertheless, President Emmanuel Macron has instructed the interior ministry to maintain a “massive” police presence on the streets as a precautionary measure.
In response to the unrest, mayors have organized rallies outside town halls on Monday to express their opposition to the violence and looting.
In Nanterre, Nahel’s hometown, mayor Patrick Jarry said he was pleased the violence had subsided, but added that “we shouldn’t lose sight of the incident that sparked this situation and the continuing need for justice”.
The mayor of Reims, a city just over two hours away from Paris, told a crowd of several hundred people that the rioters had “looted the businesses that they visit every day”.
Although Sunday night showed a significant improvement in the level of unrest, authorities exercised caution in declaring a complete return to normalcy on Monday.
To ensure a continued restoration of order, bus and tram services in the Paris region will once again be suspended early on Monday evening. President Macron has instructed the interior ministry to maintain a “massive” police presence throughout France, aiming to guarantee a sustained period of calm.
Over the past three nights, approximately 45,000 officers have been deployed across the country to maintain security.
On Sunday night, the number of arrests decreased to over 150, compared to the previous night’s total of over 700.
There were 297 incidents of cars being set on fire, a significant reduction from Thursday’s count of 1,900. Additionally, 34 buildings were either damaged or set ablaze, a considerable decrease from the 500-plus incidents reported on Thursday.
In a press release shared on Sunday, an association of the country’s mayors noted that “communes everywhere in France are the scene of serious unrest, which targets republican symbols with extreme violence”.
In one act of violence, the home of a suburban Paris mayor was attacked, and rioters fired rockets at his fleeing wife and children, breaking her leg and injuring one of the children. The incident is being treated as attempted murder.
At the weekend, the family of Nahel, the teenager who was killed by police, called for the violence to end.
His grandmother accused rioters of using Nahel’s death as an excuse and urged them to stop destroying public goods.
Another relative told the BBC that the family did not want his death to spark riots, but insisted the law around lethal force at traffic stops must change.
She also said her “heart is in pain” about a GoFundMe page for the family of the police officer who shot Nahel, which as of Monday had raised more than €1m (£859,963), with over 50,000 donations.
The fundraiser, which was set up by a far-right media commentator, has been criticised by several politicians – but the platform told French newspaper Le Parisien that GoFundMe’s terms and conditions were not being broken because the funds are destined for the officer’s family and “not meant for the legal defence of an alleged violent crime”.
On Tuesday, President Macron will meet the mayors of 220 municipal areas that have been affected by the violence.
On Sunday, a 24-year-old fireman was killed while seeking to douse several cars which had been set alight in an underground car park in Seine-Saint-Denis, north of Paris, Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin said.
The Met Office has officially confirmed that the UK experienced its hottest June on record.
With an average monthly temperature of 15.8 degrees Celsius, this surpassed the previous highest average June temperature from 1940 and 1976 by 0.9 degrees Celsius.
Scientists have attributed the increased likelihood of breaking the previous record to climate change, stating that it made the occurrence at least twice as probable.
Temperature records were broken in 72 out of the 97 areas in the UK where temperature data is collected. Furthermore, England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland all recorded their warmest June since the Met Office began collecting data in 1884.
“It’s officially the hottest June on record for the UK, for mean temperature as well as average maximum and minimum temperature,” said Met Office’s Climate Science Manager Mark McCarthy.
“An increase of 0.9C may not seem a huge amount, but it’s really significant because it has taken the average daytime and the night time temperature for the whole of the UK,” Paul Davies, Met Office Climate Extremes Principal Fellow and Chief Meteorologist, told BBC News.
“That’s significant in a warming climate and because of the consequential impacts on society,” he added.
In addition, the Met Office highlighted that the distinction in the hottest June on record was not solely based on a single high temperature, such as the 40.3 degrees Celsius reached last summer. Instead, the notable aspect of last month’s record-breaking June was the sustained heat experienced both during the day and night.
Furthermore, rainfall was significantly below average throughout much of the month, with only 68% of the typical June precipitation recorded. Wales, in particular, experienced exceptionally dry conditions, receiving just over half of its average monthly rainfall.
To assess the impact of climate change on the weather patterns, the Met Office utilized a powerful supercomputer to analyze the temperatures and identify the characteristic features associated with climate change.
Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kurt Okraku has allegedly been leveraging on his position to enable his close associates, including his relatives to amass wealth.
Ghanaian football coach and sports pundit, Christopher Nimley, levelled this allegation against Mr Kurt Okraku while speaking on Citi FM last week Friday.
“If you can exhibit gross level of nepotism, you will be afraid. If you could tell the whole country that you are coming in as FA to create wealth for all. He said under my administration football will create wealth for everybody,” he said.
In his submission, Mr Nimley listed some 18 individuals who have obtained positions they are not suitable for under the administration of the incumbent GFA president.
They include Winifred Mawudeko Okraku, a sister of Kurt Okraku, who is now the Director at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence and Micheal Osekere, a friend and a close confidant of Kurt Okraku who has been appointed as Chief of Staff at the GFA.
He argued that “these are people who have close ties with Kurt Okraku and they are the people amassing wealth in our football.”
He holds the assertion that Mr Kurt Okraku can not contest to retain his position as GFA president owing to his inappropriate behaviour.
“The position given to them by Kurt Okraku is one of the fundamental reasons why he cannot go for the election,” he stated.
In June this year, the former chairman of the Western Regional Football Association,
In June this year, the former chairman of the Western Regional Football Association, Kojo Yankah, revealed his intent to run for the upcoming Ghana Football Association (GFA) presidential election.
“I am fully prepared, and the time has come for me to make a lasting impression on Ghana Football. The Ghana FA needs a fresh administration, and I am the right person for the job. People’s passion for Ghanaian football has waned, and I am determined to restore it,” he said on Onua TV.
Mr Kurt Okraku is also seeking a re-election when his term expires in October 2023.
Source: The Independent Ghana | Andy Ogbarmey-Tettey
Ghanaian football coach and sports pundit, Christopher Nimley, has accused Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kurt Okraku of nepotism.
Christopher Nimley argues that since Mr Okraku, on 29 October 2019 became the president of the Ghana Football Association, he has created an enabling environment for his close associates to amass wealth from the Association.
He holds the assertion that Mr Kurt Okraku can not contest to retain his position as GFA president owing to his inappropriate behaviour.
Speaking on CITI FM last Friday, he accused some 18 individuals of being beneficiaries of GFA president’s nepotism.
Below is the list of those accused of nepotism.
1.Haruna Seidu, Masseur at Dreams FC is now the Equipment Officer of the Black Galaxies(Local Black Stars).
2.Winfred Dormon, Coach Dreams FC is now Assistant Coach Black Starlet.
3. Jamal Maraby, a friend and confidant of Kurt Okraku is now the Head of Marketing at the GFA.
4. Dr Philemon Mensah, Head of Medics at Dreams FC is now the Team Doctor of Black Satellite.
5. Ama Brobbey Williams a relative of Kurt Okraku is now the Head of Women’s Football Development and Event Manager at the GFA.
6.Winifred Mawudeko Okraku, a sister of Kurt Okraku is now the Director at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence.
7. David Alifoe, Head of Marketing at Dreams FC and a brother to Mohammed Jiji Alifoe a director at Dreams FC is now the Deputy Director Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence.
8. Ameenu Shardow, General Manager and Administrative Head of Dreams FC is now the Team Manager of the Black Stars.
9. Theresa Nelly Mensah, Finance Officer of Dreams FC is now the Welfare Officer of Black Maidens.
10. Ibrahim Dosey Adam, Team Manager of Dreams FC is now Welfare Officer of Black Satellite.
11. Micheal Osekere, a friend and a close confidant of Kurt Okraku is the Chief of Staff at the GFA.
12. Micheal Osekere, a friend and a close confidant of Kurt Okraku is the Chief of Staff at the GFA.
13. Prosper Harrison Addo, a friend of Kurt Okraku from school days is now the GFA General Secretary.
14. Malik Mumuni, Welfare Officer of Dreams FC is now the Equipment Officer of Black Starlets.
15. Daniel Yankey, Director of Proton Sports and Service(owned by Kurt Okraku) is now the Equipment of Black Stars.
16. Henry Twum Asante – Ghana Football Association’s Head of Communications.
17. Sulley Zampah – Equipment Officer of the GFA
18. Romeo Ricky Roy – Fitness Coach
Source: The Independent Ghana | Andy Ogbarmey-Tettey
In his latest informative post on Twitter, Dean of University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) Law School, Professor Ernest Kofi Abotsi, focuses on Ghana’s laws with regards to regulation of institutions which carry on deposit-taking business.
In Ghana, the nitty-gritty of such operations are spelt out in the Bank and Specialised Deposit Taking Institutions Act, 2016 Act 930.
Professor Abotsi in his recent tweet containing an infographic highlights sections 6 (1) and 18 (1) (b) of the Act which talks about the role of a specialised deposit-taking institution and the necessary requirement in engagement.
“It is unlawful to lend money to another without a license and a lender cannot enforce the terms of any lending transaction without a license,” the infographic he shared read.
Under this law (section 18), a bank or specialised deposit-taking institution is permitted be engage in the following: acceptance of deposits and other repayable funds from the public, lending, financial leasing, investment in financial securities, money transmission services, issuing and administering of means of payment including credit cards, travellers cheques, bankers’ drafts and electronic money; guarantees and commitments.
Such institutions can also engage in trading for own account or for account of customers with regards to money market instruments, foreign exchange, or transferable securities.
Specialised deposit-taking institution can as well participate in securities issues and provision of services related to those issues, advice to undertakings on capital structure, acquisition and merger of undertaking.
The rest are “portfolio management and advice, keeping and administration of securities, credit reference services and safe custody of valuables.”
But for the institution to operate, it must first obtain a licence as mandated per section 6 (1) of the Bank and Specialised Deposit Taking Institutions Act, 2016 Act 930.
The said section states that “a person shall not accept a deposit from the general public or carry on a deposit-taking business in or from within the country without a licence issued in accordance with this Act.”
This comes at a time when the Bank of Ghana (BoG) has 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.
Source: The Independent Ghana | Andy Ogbarmey-Tettey
Majority Leader in Parliament, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu has waded into the conversation of Assin North MP-elect, James Gyakye Quayson’s criminal trial involving perjury and forgery.
While the Accra High Court is yet to begin hearing of the trial, several individuals have called on the government to discontinue its case against Mr Gyakye Quasyon.
Among them is Omanhene of the Dormaa Traditional Area in the Bono Region, Oseadeoyo Agyeman Badu II, who over the weekend, entreated the Attorney General, Godfred Dame to bring an end to the criminal trial by filing nolle prosequi.
“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 argued.
Oseadeoyo Agyeman Badu II’s call has however not sat well with Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu.
Engaging Kumasi-based Pure FM on Monday, July 3, 2023, the Suame MP argued that it would be unwise for the government to be selective on criminal cases it seeks to resolve.
“We are talking about constitutional matters here. Is it the case of the chief that he would call for same to be discontinued if it was a murder charge or any other?
“Is the respected chief saying that if someone flouts the law, we should let it go? I disagree. I think he should come out to explain further.
Mr Osei Kyei-Mensa-Bonsu is of the assertion that “the law (has) to run its due process and course.”
“We can ask the question whether the State has a case or not but beyond that, we cannot abuse the process,” he added.
According to the Majority leader, it is concerning for Oseadeoyo Agyeman Badu II who also doubles as an Appeals Court Judge to make such a request with his knowledge in law. He predicts challenging times for the chief should be appointed a Supreme Court judge, and subsequently faces Parliament’s Appointments Committee for vetting.
“He is a judge, is it his position that should the case be before him, he would have rejected or made similar utterances?” he quizzed.
“As an Appeals Court Judge, he is a potential candidate to the Supreme Court. Comments like this might haunt and affect the chances when posed to him at vetting. I disagree with him,” he concluded.
Mr Gyakye Quayson is facing allegations of forgery and perjury over his involvement in the 2020 parliamentary elections.
The High Court in Accra has adjourned to July 4 an application for a stay of proceedings of the criminal trial of the newly elected Member of Parliament for Assin North, James Gyakye Quayson.
The lawyers of Mr. Quayson argue that the application is to stay proceedings in the High Court so that the Court of Appeal can determine whether or not the High Court was right to rule that Gyakye Quayson’s criminal trial be heard on a daily basis.
The court presided by Justice Mary Yanzuh had earlier ruled that the perjury and forgery trial involving Mr Gyakye Quayson will proceed on a day-to-day basis, starting from Tuesday, June 20, 2023.
The trial Judge, Justice Mary Yanzuh said the adjournment is to enable the court to receive the full compliments of the application documents.
Ghana has granted approval for Africa Finance Corporation’s (AFC) development plan concerning the Pecan field, as stated by the group’s Chief Executive Officer, a report from Bloomberg indicates.
Under this plan, Pecan Energies, the local unit of AFC Equity Investment, will take on the role of the operator for the $3.5 billion project. This news is said to have been confirmed by AFC President and CEO, Samaila Zubairu, in a phone conversation.
The Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) has set out its stall as a financier and partner for the continent’s energy transition, with a strategy to support renewable energy and critical minerals projects around the continent, as well as the development of battery manufacturing supply chains.
The AFC also plans to continue supporting short- to medium-term energy needs by backing upstream and midstream gas projects and gas-to-power (GTP) developments.
Pecan field, discovered in 2012, which lies in block Deepwater Tano/Cape Three Points is jointly owned by Aker Energy Ghana Limited, Bulk Ship & Trade, Ghana National Petroleum and Lukoil Oil.
In 2020, Aker Energy Ghana Limited reaffirmed its commitment to finding a solution that will allow for the commencement of a phased development of the Pecan field offshore Ghana.
Aker Energy and partners had been assessing several Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) candidates for redeployment, and the final selection will be based on technical capabilities and cost.
According to the GlobalData Oil & Gas Intelligence Center, production from the Pecan conventional oil development project is expected to begin in 2025. Production is expected to peak in 2027, to approximately 82,409 bpd of crude oil and condensate.
Source: The Independent Ghana | Andy Ogbarmey-Tettey
Mauricio Pochettino has officially begun his tenure as the new manager of Chelsea, signing a two-year contract with a club option for an additional year. His appointment as Graham Potter’s successor was announced on May 29, 2023.
Pochettino is widely recognized for his teams’ dynamic and captivating style of play. He has earned a reputation for nurturing young players and helping them reach their full potential within a strong team culture.
With prior experience in the Premier League, as well as coaching stints in Spain and France, the 51-year-old brings a wealth of knowledge to the role. He most recently served as the head coach of Paris Saint-Germain, leading the team to a Ligue 1 title and the Coupe de France.
Mauricio Pochettino will be joined by his staff, which includes Jesus Perez, Miguel d’Agostino, Toni Jimenez, and Sebastiano Pochettino.
On his appointment, Owners Todd Boehly, Behdad Eghbali, José E. Feliciano, Mark Walter and Hansjörg Wyss said: “The sporting team conducted a diligent and thoughtful process that the Board is proud of. We are delighted that Mauricio will be joining Chelsea.”
Source: The Independent Ghana | Andy Ogbarmey-Tettey
Omanhene of the Dormaa Traditional Area in the Bono Region, Oseadeoyo Agyeman Badu II, has entreated the President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Attorney General, Godfred Dame to bring an end to the criminal trial of Assin North Member of Parliament-elect, James Gyakye Quayson.
In his speech at the John Evans Atta Mills 10th Anniversary Commemorative lecture held in Sunyani over the weekend, President of the Bono Regional House of Chiefs called on the AG to file a nolle prosequi.
“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.
Mr Gyakye Quayson is facing allegations of forgery and perjury over his involvement in the 2020 parliamentary elections.
Meanwhile, the High Court in Accra has adjourned to July 4 an application for a stay of proceedings of the criminal trial of the newly elected Member of Parliament for Assin North, James Gyakye Quayson.
The lawyers of Mr. Quayson argue that the application is to stay proceedings in the High Court so that the Court of Appeal can determine whether or not the High Court was right to rule that Gyakye Quayson’s criminal trial be heard on a daily basis.
The court presided by Justice Mary Yanzuh had earlier ruled that the perjury and forgery trial involving Mr Gyakye Quayson will proceed on a day-to-day basis, starting from Tuesday, June 20, 2023.
The trial Judge, Justice Mary Yanzuh said the adjournment is to enable the court to receive the full compliments of the application documents.
South Africa’s Zulu King, Misuzulu kaZwelithini, is reportedly undergoing treatment in a hospital for suspected poisoning, according to Chief Mangosuthu Buthelezi, the traditional prime minister.
Chief Buthelezi stated that the king sought medical attention in Eswatini as he felt uncomfortable receiving treatment in South Africa. The suspicion of poisoning arose following the sudden death of one of the king’s senior advisers.
In his statement, Chief Buthelezi said King Misuzulu’s senior aide, Douglas Xaba who stayed with him, “passed on quite suddenly and that there are suspicions that he was poisoned”.
“When His Majesty began to feel unwell, he suspected that he too may have been poisoned.
“He immediately sought out medical treatment in Eswatini. I am informed that His Majesty felt uncomfortable seeking treatment in South Africa, as his parents had both received treatment in South Africa and subsequently died,” Chief Buthelezi said.
However, the king’s official spokesman, Prince Africa Zulu, refuted the claims and stated that the king was in “perfect health.”
Prince Africa Zulu clarified that the king was not currently hospitalized and urged against creating unnecessary panic, indirectly referring to Chief Buthelezi’s statement.
In his subsequent statement, Prince Africa said there appeared to be an “orchestrated agenda and a desperate narrative to communicate defamatory and baseless claims” about the king’s health.
“Ultimately, this creates unnecessary panic and perceptions of instability in the Royal Crown,” he added.
However, Prince Africa confirmed the monarch had undergone a thorough medical examination in Eswatini while visiting his uncle, King Mswati III.
The checks were carried out because of “our current times of pandemics such as Covid-19 and other dangerous ailments”, and also “to mitigate against any untimely eventuality, given the reports of Mr Xaba’s sudden passing”.
King Misuzulu was crowned in a grand ceremony in October last year. However, a fierce power struggle has unfolded within the royal family over his ascension, and tensions have also emerged between the monarch and Chief Buthelezi.
Elon Musk, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Twitter, has implemented adjustments to address significant levels of data scraping and system manipulation on the social media platform.
As part of these changes, verified accounts will now have a daily limit of reading 10,000 posts. Unverified accounts, on the other hand, will be restricted to 1,000 posts per day, while new unverified accounts can only read 500 posts daily.
Initially, Musk had announced lower limits during the temporary restrictions. The initial announcement stated that verified accounts would be limited to 6,000 posts per day, unverified accounts to 600 posts per day, and new unverified accounts to 300 posts per day.
However, this decision faced opposition, prompting Musk to revise the limits. The revised limits then stood at 8,000 posts for verified accounts, 800 posts for unverified accounts, and 400 posts for new unverified accounts.
Despite the adjustments, social media users continued to express their dissatisfaction, leading Musk to further revise the daily limits to their current levels.
Read more tweets from affected users:
dude, i haven't reached my twitter limit since yesterday. is it actually gone or what?
Answered some tweets and already twitter has said I've reached my limit. I can't even look through my timeline because now it won't let me. Elon is obviously lying because no way are the limits imposed on people hundreds of tweet views; I didn't even manage ANY views.
My twitter is working for the moment. I feel like I'm in a car with the gas needle on empty and the next gas station is 50 miles away. I bet when I get to the gas station, they'll be a sign out front that reads, "You've reached your limit try again later."
My twitter is working for the moment. I feel like I'm in a car with the gas needle on empty and the next gas station is 50 miles away. I bet when I get to the gas station, they'll be a sign out front that reads, "You've reached your limit try again later."
The cedi experienced a depreciation of approximately 11.21% against the US dollar in the first half of this year, according to Bloomberg.
The local currency cedi concluded the first half of this year with a stronger performance compared to the same period last year.
However, it was still categorized among African currencies with relatively weak returns.
On the interbank market, the Bank of Ghana reported a year-to-date depreciation of the cedi against the dollar of about 20%. Currently, in the retail market, the exchange rate stands at ¢11.68 to the dollar, while the Bank of Ghana (BoG) quotes it at ¢10.99.
Over the past three months, the cedi has exhibited a favorable performance against the US dollar.
Following the announcement of an approved International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme in the first quarter of 2023, the cedi has demonstrated resilience against the US dollar. The local currency has gained approximately 9% on the retail market since then.
However, some analysts argue that the local currency’s strength may be attributed to the suspension of principal and interest payments on external debt in December 2022.
Recent reports suggest that demand pressures for the US dollar have eased, which has been favorable for the cedi. This trend is expected to continue this week, assuming no major changes occur.
Meanwhile, according to Bloomberg, the Nigerian Naira is currently the worst-performing African currency this year. It has experienced a devaluation of around 39% against the US dollar. The Angola Kwanza and the Egyptian pound follow closely behind with year-to-date losses of 38.8% and 20%, respectively.
During the first quarter of 2023, the Bank of Ghana reported a depreciation of the cedi against the dollar at 22.1%.
According to Bloomberg, in 2022, the Ghanaian cedi experienced a depreciation of approximately 38.86% against the US dollar. This decline in value occurred amidst challenging economic conditions in Ghana.
On a global scale, the Ghanaian currency ranked 145th. The Sierra Leone Leone secured the 146th position, followed by the Argentina Peso and the Sri Lankan Rupee at 147th and 148th, respectively.
Former Black Stars player and U-20 World Cup winner, Emmanuel Agyemang Badu, has joined the growing chorus of concern over the state of football in Ghana.
Agyemang Badu expressed alarm at the continuous decline of the game in the country with each passing year.
In an interview with Joy FM, Badu emphasized the urgent need for the Ghana Football Association to address the concerning issues plaguing Ghanaian football. He called for immediate action to be taken to revive and rejuvenate the sport in the country.
“When I talk, I don’t get anything from it, but I’m talking because the sport that gave me something, is about to die and I can’t just look on,” he said.
“The GFA needs to organize an emergency meeting tomorrow and take stock of what’s happening. Where our football is heading is dangerous.
“Ghana football is in dangerous times. If care isn’t taken, in a couple of years, qualification to major competitions may become problematic,” he said.
The recent disappointment of Ghana’s U-23 national team, the Black Meteors, being eliminated from the ongoing U-23 Africa Cup of Nations after a draw against Guinea further highlighted the pressing issues.
A woman faced a distressing incident at Bangkok’s Don Mueang airport when she became trapped in a travelator, resulting in the amputation of her leg by rescue personnel.
According to reports from local media, the 57-year-old woman tripped over her suitcase while en route to boarding a flight on Thursday morning. Unfortunately, her leg became lodged in the travelator, leading to the need for immediate rescue and subsequent amputation of her leg.
The woman’s family expressed their shock and concerns about her mental well-being following the surgery, which took place on Thursday evening.
“My mother’s morale is quite concerning,” her son wrote on Facebook.
“We got to speak to her a bit before and after the operation… Even though she showed her strength through facial expression and tone of voice, we knew that deep down she was broken because she suddenly lost a leg,” Kit Kittirattana added.
“Our family knows very well that we can neither make her leg work like before, nor can we bring back the same life she had lived,” he wrote.
Photographs circulating online depicted the unidentified woman, seated with her left leg trapped under the travelator at Bangkok’s Don Mueang airport. In the images, her pink suitcase was visibly damaged, having lost two wheels, and the yellow comb plates typically found at the end of travelators were broken off.
Airport authorities expressed deep sorrow over the incident and pledged to provide compensation for the woman’s partial leg amputation, as well as cover her medical expenses.
The airport director, Karant Thanakuljeerapat, addressed the media on Thursday, stating that an investigation was underway to determine the cause of the incident. He further mentioned that the airport had initially planned to replace several outdated travelators by 2025 but may expedite the process given the circumstances.
Local media reports indicated that the travelator involved in the incident had been in operation since 1996.
The newly appointed economy minister of Finland has tendered his resignation after serving for only 10 days.
Vilhelm Junnila, a member of the nationalist Finns Party, faced allegations of making multiple Nazi references during a far-right event four years ago.
Although he issued an apology and managed to survive a no-confidence vote, Mr. Junnila announced his decision to resign on Friday. He expressed his intention to prevent any damage to both the government and Finland’s reputation.
“I see that it is impossible for me to continue as a minister in a satisfactory way,” Mr Junnila added in a statement.
His resignation comes after it emerged he addressed a Nationalist Alliance event in the south-western city of Turku in 2019.
During an event aimed at commemorating the victims of a stabbing incident that occurred two years prior, Vilhelm Junnila made a remark linking his own election number from the same year, 88, to the local party chairman’s election number.
The number 88 holds significance among neo-Nazis as it symbolizes the greeting “Heil Hitler,” with “H” being the eighth letter of the alphabet. This association led to accusations that Mr. Junnila had made repeated Nazi references.
Further reports from Finnish public broadcaster Yle revealed that in March, Mr. Junnila extended congratulations to another candidate who also received the number 88 at a campaign event organized by the Finns Party.
As a result of these controversial remarks and associations, Mr. Junnila issued an apology and faced a no-confidence vote. Although he survived the vote, he decided to resign from his position as Finland’s economy minister to prevent any potential harm to both the government and the country’s reputation.
“First of all, congratulations on an excellent election number. I know it is a winning card. This 88 refers, of course, to the two ‘H’s, but let’s not dwell on that,” the 41-year-old is said to have joked.
Writing on social media last week, Mr Junnila said he had “done something wrong” and he was “sorry for my actions”.
“I hope everyone is clear that I condemn the Holocaust, anti-Semitism and all anti-Semitic acts strongly and definitely,” he added in a separate Facebook post.
Mr Junnila survived a no-confidence vote in parliament earlier this week after being accused by opposition parties of repeatedly making statements linked to the Nazis.
His resignation comes just 10 days after his party was officially sworn in as a junior partner in Finland’s new right-wing coalition government.
Petteri Orpo, Finland’s prime minister and leader of the National Coalition Party which came first in April’s election, said Mr Junnila’s resignation was the “right and only possible decision”.
The Finns Party member has also been criticised for his suggestion in 2019 that Finland should promote what he called “climate abortions” in African nations, national daily Helsingin Sanomat reports.
The Moldovan Interior Ministry has revealed that two individuals have tragically lost their lives following a shooting incident at Chisinau International Airport.
The gunman, who was subsequently apprehended, sustained injuries during the incident.
Authorities have stated that the shooting occurred after a foreign citizen was denied entry into the country. President Maia Sandu confirmed that the victims were a border guard and an airport security official, with a third person sustaining injuries.
The suspect, identified as a 43-year-old Tajikistan national, had arrived from Turkey but was refused entry. As he was being escorted to a designated area within the airport, he seized a firearm from a border police officer and carried out the deadly attack, as explained by government press secretary Daniel Voda during an interview with Moldovan TV.
Videos captured at the scene showed passengers gathered on the grass outside the airport while the building was being evacuated. Flights to and from Chisinau airport, the largest in Moldova, have been temporarily halted.
Moldova has remained on high alert following President Sandu’s allegations of a Russian plot to use foreign “saboteurs” to overthrow her pro-European Union government. These concerns were raised in February after 12 Serbian football fans were denied entry into the country through Chisinau airport.
Additionally, a group of boxers from Montenegro were also turned away. The Kremlin has denied any involvement in such a plot, which was intercepted by Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky according to his statement.
Moldova has a population of 2.6 million people and became a candidate for EU membership last summer.
It has been heavily exposed to the war in neighbouring Ukraine and faces tensions with its pro-Moscow breakaway region of Transnistria, where some 1,500 Russian soldiers are stationed.
President Sandu issued a statement on Friday offering condolences to the families of those killed, calling it “a sad day for all of us”.
She said state security forces were on high alert across the country.
Mr Voda added: “All measures have been taken to bring the situation back to normal. Law enforcers will continue to ensure security and public order at the airport.”
Authorities in Warsaw have revealed that a professional ice hockey player from Poland’s top league has been charged with espionage on behalf of Russia.
The individual, who holds Russian citizenship, was apprehended on June 11 in Silesia, located in southern Poland. It is believed that he is associated with a Russian spy network.
Poland’s Internal Security Agency (ABW) has detained a total of 14 individuals thus far, all of whom are suspected of being part of the same group. While the suspects come from countries situated to the east of Poland, not all of them are necessarily Russian citizens.
The long-standing espionage conflict between Russia and Western nations has escalated significantly since Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Poland, a staunch ally of Ukraine, has provided military support, financial assistance, and refuge to millions of Ukrainian refugees.
In a statement on Friday, Polish Justice Minister Zbigniew Ziobro said the arrested ice hockey player was competing in a club from the country’ s Ligue 1 – the second-highest division.
“A spy who acted under the guise of an athlete was caught,” the minister said. He did not name the detained player, but several Polish media outlets identified the suspect as Maksim S.
He is now being held in pre-trial detention. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in prison.
The charged ice hockey player has not made any public comment so far.
The Russian foreign ministry protested to Poland over the detention of the player. “We demand that the Russian side be immediately provided with comprehensive explanations,” ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova was quoted as saying by Russia’s state-run Interfax news agency.
On Friday, the Polish authorities said the suspected Russian spy ring had been used by Moscow to conduct intelligence activities, including the monitoring of railways, as well as spreading propaganda against Poland and the Nato military alliance.
The authorities also claimed the ring had prepared sabotage acts ordered by Russian intelligence.
In a remarkable display of corporate social responsibility, Latex Foam Company Limited generously donated 50 medical mattresses worth ¢62,250 to the Ho Teaching Hospital.
The donation was made promptly in response to an appeal from the hospital, showcasing the company’s dedication to supporting the health and well-being of patients admitted to the Ho Teaching Hospital.
Gifty Ekeocha Appiah, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) representing Latex Foam Company Limited, presented the mattresses to the hospital. She expressed that this act aligns with the company’s commitment to ensuring quality healthcare services and contributing to the development of a healthy society.
“The health of a people is as important as any developmental effort.
In fact, the growth and development of a society are dependent on the health of the people, and that is why
Latex Foam deems it proper to support the health care delivery system with these quality mattresses for patients,” she said.
“Latex Foam is conscious of the importance of quality sleep, not just for patients but for all of the public.
Our products are, therefore, tailored for such purposes to ensure maximum benefit to the user.
We believe that patients, using these mattresses will have the best treatment from it,” Mrs Appiah added.
Professor Yaw Awuku, the Head of Internal Medicine at the Ho Teaching Hospital, expressed his gratitude upon receiving the mattresses.
He recognised the timeliness of the donation, as it would significantly enhance the hospital’s facilities.
Professor Awuku commended Latex Foam Company Limited for their generosity and urged other charitable organizations to follow suit.
With this substantial donation of medical mattresses, Latex Foam Company Limited has demonstrated its unwavering commitment to improving healthcare services at the Ho Teaching Hospital and promoting the well-being of patients in need.
Brazil’s Supreme Electoral Court has delivered a 5-2 vote, barring former president Jair Bolsonaro from running for office for eight years.
The decision comes after Mr. Bolsonaro was found guilty of abusing his power during the previous presidential election campaign.
The accusations against Bolsonaro centered on his undermining of Brazilian democracy by making false claims about the vulnerability of electronic ballots to hacking and fraud. His lawyers are expected to appeal the verdict, arguing that his statements did not influence the election outcome.
The ban on Bolsonaro‘s candidacy is retroactive to October 2, 2022, the date of the presidential election. If the verdict stands, he will be ineligible to participate in the next presidential election in 2026.
However, he will have the opportunity to run again in 2030. Additionally, he will be barred from participating in the municipal elections scheduled for 2024 and 2028.
In response to the decision, Bolsonaro criticized it as a “stab in the back” and pledged to continue advancing right-wing politics in Brazil.
The case against Bolsonaro revolved around a speech he delivered while still serving as president in 2022. During this speech, he hosted foreign diplomats at his residence in Brasilia and falsely claimed that the electronic voting machines used in Brazil were susceptible to hacking and widespread fraud.
Mr Bolsonaro maintained that he “simply explained how elections work in Brazil” and did not criticise or attack the electoral system.
But the speech came amid a polarising presidential campaign which saw Mr Bolsonaro being challenged for the top job by his arch-rival, left-winger Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
The bitterly fought election went into a run-off on 30 October and was won by an extremely narrow margin by Lula.
Mr Bolsonaro never publicly acknowledged his defeat and left Brazil for Florida two days before Lula was sworn in as president.
His supporters, who refused to accept the outcome of the election, stormed Brazil’s Congress, the presidential palace and the building housing the Supreme Court on 8 January.
The wife of the late Vice President Paa Kwesi Amissah-Arthur, Matilda Amissah-Arthur, has shared her ongoing struggle to maintain an active lifestyle following the tragic incident at the Airforce Gym, which preceded her husband’s untimely death.
During a workout session at the gym, Mr. Amissah-Arthur collapsed, leading to his passing.
As a result, Matilda now associates the gym with bittersweet memories. In an interview with Aisha Ibrahim on JoyNews’ Personality Profile, she disclosed that she has chosen to pursue alternative ways of exercising, seeking to distance herself from the place that holds such painful recollections.
Reflecting on her past routine, Matilda said, “We used to go to the gym. After my husband collapsed in the gym, after my husband died, going to that gym became a problem.”
To adapt to her new circumstances, she decided to utilise the gym at her residence. However, she confesses, “I’ve never used a gym in my house. I’ve never used it.”
Matilda Amissah-Arthur, despite the difficult memories associated with the gym, continues to prioritize her fitness. Each morning, she sets a goal of walking at least 3,000 steps before leaving her house and aims for a minimum of 8,000 steps throughout the day.
Aware of the sedentary nature of her daily activities, Matilda emphasizes the importance of incorporating exercise into her routine. To counteract the lack of movement, she includes 50 press-ups throughout the day.
Although she longs to return to the gym, she hasn’t utilized her personal gym yet. However, when traveling, she always packs her gym kit, even though opportunities to use it are rare. Recently, during a visit to Addis Ababa, she gathered the courage to go to a gym and committed to an hour-long workout each day.
Despite the challenges, Matilda remains proactive in her pursuit of fitness. She finds solace in activities such as gardening, incorporating movements like walking, press-ups, and squatting into her daily routine. Even at the office, she actively chooses to take the stairs for exercise.
Matilda Amissah-Arthur’s resilience and determination to stay active serve as an inspiration. Her ability to adapt to new circumstances and find alternative ways to exercise demonstrates the importance of maintaining physical and mental well-being.
Former Ghana coach Joseph Emmanuel Sarpong has refuted the long-held assertion that Ghanaian clubs who go in for spiritual support from a divination, popularly termed as “juju” are miraculously able to win their games no matter the odds.
He acknowledged that “juju” does exist in football, however, explained that such spiritual interventions are mere boosters to psyche one ahead of a match. But to guarantee one’s victory in a game, he kicked against such notion.
In an interview with Joy Sports, Mr Sarpong recounted a failed juju initiative that caused his former club, Susubibi, immense embarrassment at the hands of Hasaacas.
According to him, the then coach for Susubibi compelled the players to chant for three hours at a cemetery upon the direction of a fetish priest in order to win against Hasaacas.
“Hasaacas was one big team. So we were supposed to play Hasaacas. Our manager said that someone was going to pray for us. He told us to go to a cemerty at midnight.
I feared spirits. So I made sure I was in the middle of a queue. I won’t be last, I won’t be first so incase of something, I can balance. We went but we were not close to the graves. We went deeper. Everywhere was dark. This man started chanting and saying things, sixth and seventh book of Moses. We came back. We knew we had won,” he recalled.
However, after the fortification, Susubibi conceded by four goals.
“Our managers believed something went wrong that is why we lost,” he added.
However, that was not the last the last time Susubibi sought assistance from the spiritual world.
“Another time, they used blade to make marks on our forehead and put some black powder into it so we are able to see the ball very well. We were given bananas to eat.”
It was only after when Joseph Emmanuel Sarpong parted ways with Susubibi did he realise what had led to their tragic defeat by Hasaacas. He discovered that they were not in the best shape to face such a formidable teach such as Hasaacas after being wornout the night before the game.
“When I left Susubibi, I got to know that the way we stood the whole night without rest, the legs that we were going to use to play, were weak. We stood for about 3 hours. People were dosing, and they will come and hit your back to wake up.”
But this alone could not convince Mr Sarpong that “juju” was a psychological booster. A trick he played with a club he coached solidified his hypothesis.
“There was a time a player came to tell me we need to bath before we can win. So I went, got water and put in lavender. I said come and bath, and we won the match. But there was nothing. So it is because they believed that if I bath, we will win,” he said.
He firmly asserted that “Juju doesn’t help you to win, Juju is a psychological booster.”
Many clubs and footballers have publicly revealed how black magic won them crucial matches and leagues. In 2022, Asante Kotoko legend Sarfo Gyamfi claimed that the Porcupine Warriors managed to win the Ghana Premier League due to “juju”.
While some boast, others on the other hand, have been accused of tapping into such power. Among such individuals is former Black Stars captain, Andre Dede Ayew, whose alleged “juju” undertaking prior to the 2012 AFCON semifinals against Zambia scared a number of his teammates.
The widespread belief in Juju in African Football amazes me! Can't believe that a player of Dede Ayew's calibre also practises this shit! pic.twitter.com/xzYBpSuxVg
Derek Boateng disclosed that Ghana lost the 2012 African Cup of Nations semifinals against Zambia due to rumours of juju among the players.
He said the Black Stars only warmed up for 15 minutes of their allocated 45 minutes because some of the players vowed not to go on the pitch before Andre ‘Dede’ Ayew.
“For about 15 to 20 minutes, we were just standing there and without doing the warm-up. So the only warm-up we did in the game was for about 10 to 15 minutes. A lot of the players said they will not be the first to go on the field until Dede Ayew did.”
“So you see some of them sitting on the toilet, some standing on the side, and some sitting. So it was very disturbing. Goran was the coach and he could not understand what was going on. So after the game, I heard a lot of voices. I flipped up and blasted everybody. After the game, Nyatankyi (the GFA President) came to me and asked me what happened and I told him what exactly happened,” he told the media.
Source: The Independent Ghana | Andy Ogbarmey-Tettey
Forty-year-old Alhaji Fareed Yakubu is said to be evading capture after reportedly issuing a dud cheque of GH¢3 million meant for the repayment of a debt.
The complainant, whose identity is currently not made public, brought the matter before the Police, who in turn have managed to secure an arrest warrant for Yakubu.
Chief Inspector Kwabena Danso of the Greater Accra Regional Police Public Affairs Unit, Alhaji Yakubu is of the assertion that the suspect may be hiding in East Legon, Accra.
Per the police’s description, Yakubu who hails from Tamale in the Northern Region, is five feet eight inches tall.
This information, according to the Police, is to assist members of the general public provide information of the suspects whereabout should they come into contact with him.
Citizens are to report to the Accra Regional Police Headquarters Criminal Investigation Department, the nearest police station or call 0243504357 for prompt police assistance.
Ghanaian journalist and private legal practitioner, Robert Nii Arday Clegg, has passed the bar exams in the state of New York, USA, and now works in the capacity of Counselor & Attorney-at-law.
Mr. Clegg shared the great news of his admission in a recent Facebook post. He revealed that he was grateful to God for being among 473 attorneys from 25 countries and 29 US states who were granted admission.
During his stay in Ghana, he worked with Multimedia Group Limited as a morning show host on Joy FM.
Profile
Robert Nii Arday Clegg currently serves as the Managing Partner of his own corporate law firm, Nii Arday Clegg & Co., where he provides expert counsel on various corporate, commercial, and transactional matters.
Additionally, he is a recognized corporate law and governance trainer, often invited to speak at corporate governance events and deliver teaching sessions to law schools and professional organizations.
He is frequently sought after to share his insights on corporate governance through radio and television appearances.
Robert’s expertise extends to his notable academic achievements. He holds a Master of Laws (LL.M.) with 2 Honors in Corporate Law, Finance & Governance Concentration from Harvard Law School, where he cross-registered in Boards of Directors & Corporate Governance at Harvard Business School.
He also obtained a Bachelor of Arts (BA) with First Class Honors from the University of Ghana, Legon, where he was recognized on the Vice-Chancellor’s Honors List for outstanding academic performance. At the same university, he was named the Best Graduating Student in Law and received the prestigious Bentsi-Enchill Prize in recognition of his academic excellence.
During his call to the Ghana Bar, Robert received multiple awards for his outstanding performance in various areas of law. These accolades include the S.Y. Bimpong-Buta Prize for excellence in the interpretation of deeds and statutes, the Alhajj Dramani Yakubu Prize for being the top male student in the interpretation of deeds and statutes, the Prof. Akua Kuenyehia Prize for excellence in industrial law, and the S.K. Kodjovie Memorial Prize for excellence in the law of taxation.
Mr Robert was honored with the Television Current Affairs Talk Show Host of the Year award at the 2012 RTP Awards. Outside of his professional achievements, he is a devoted husband to Mabel and a loving father to their three sons: David, Samuel, and Robert Junior.
Maleka Farms Limited, a privately-owned tilapia farming company situated in Kadjanya near Asutsuare in the Shai-Osudoku District of the Greater Accra Region, has provided support to the Ghana Police Service in Akuse by undertaking the reconstruction of sections of the historic police station, which is over 100 years old.
The company invested $75,000.00 in this project, in response to a request from the Ghana Police Service, as part of its commitment to corporate social responsibility within the local community.
The Akuse Police Station, constructed in 1911, holds significance as one of the oldest police stations in the country. Initially established to ensure security in Akuse and its surrounding areas during the town’s prosperous era as a thriving commercial center, the station required attention and revitalization.
During the inauguration of the newly reconstructed police station, the Chief Executive Officer of Maleka Farms Limited, Mr. Roger Aboujaoude, expressed the company’s dedication to giving back to the community.
He acknowledged the deteriorating condition of the existing police facility, which also serves as the district headquarters, and highlighted the company’s commitment to addressing this issue.
“With the deplorable state of the building, the company decided to take it upon itself to construct a better edifice for the police for the benefit of the community and to enhance the operations of the police specifically, since working in an ideal office definitely enhances performance.”
Mr. Aboujaoude emphasized that as a responsible corporate entity, Maleka Farms Limited recognizes that the provision of essential facilities for all communities cannot solely rely on the police and the government. Therefore, they made the decision to offer their assistance to enhance policing in the area.
In a speech delivered on behalf of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Emmanuel Twumasi-Ankrah, the Eastern Regional Police Commander, commended the commendable efforts of the company. He emphasized the importance of expanding the infrastructure of the police administration to meet the evolving needs of communities.
“To be able to expand our infrastructural base in the communities in terms of both residential and office accommodation, we would need the support of all civil societies, benevolent individuals, companies among others for the government to equip and maintain the police organisation” he said.
The regional commander expressed his concern over the numerous challenges faced by the Akuse Police District, as well as the broader Akosombo Division. He highlighted various criminal activities, including robbery, murder, rape, unlawful entry, stealing, and fraud, among others. Additionally, he mentioned other policing challenges such as road accidents, chieftaincy disputes, and land litigations.
In response to these challenges, Member of Parliament for Okai Koi North, Theresa Lardi Awuni, called for collaboration between the police and the local community to support and cooperate with Maleka Farms in their ongoing efforts to assist the communities.
“What you have seen today is the beginning of better things to come if you continue to cooperate with the benefactor.”
The Municipal Chief Executive of Lower Manya Krobo, Simon Kweku Tetteh, emphasized the importance of the police taking proper care of the facility. He expressed his belief that it would serve as a source of motivation for the officers to effectively and efficiently fulfill their responsibilities in maintaining law and order in Akuse and its surrounding areas.
Furthermore, he called upon all community members residing within the jurisdiction of the Akuse Police Station to join forces with the Ghana Police Service in Akuse to combat crime.
Distinguished guests such as Nana Dokua Amponsah III, the Paramount Queen Mother of the Shai-Osudoku Traditional Area and President of the Queen Mothers Association of Ghana, Nene Otibo IV, the Maklalo of the Shai-Osudoku Traditional Area, and Nene Aklebeto, the Secretary to the Osudoku Traditional Council, graced the event.
Ghana has pulled out from the 2023 edition of the ANOCA African Beach Games over jellyfish sting.
Ghanaian swimmer, Zaira Akua Forson and six others have had to withdraw over the situation during the 5km open water competition.
The unfortunate incident has left many questioning the work of the organisers of the games, who per users, should have known about the jellyfish situation.
Zaira Akua Forson
Ghana’s Zaira Akua Forson was forced to withdraw from the 5km open water competition after being stung by a jellyfish at the African Beach Games in Tunisia. 7 out of the 10 female swimmers were actually all forced to withdraw as a result of a jellyfish sting.
The ANOCA (Association of National Olympic Councils of Africa) African Beach Games are a multi-sport sand-based event open to the 54 National Olympic Committees of Africa.
The 2023 edition of the ANOCA African Beach Games in Hammamet, Tunisia, which commenced from 23 June is slated to end 30 June 2023.
53 countries are competing in 30 events – which include men’s and women’s beach handball – across 16 disciplines, including two demonstration events.
The first edition of the ANOCA African Beach Games were held in Sal, Cape Verde in 2019 and featured 42 countries with Tunisia winning both the men’s and women’s beach handball competitions.
In the recent edition, legendary Nigerian wrestler Blessing Oborududu extended her dominance as she won a historic gold medal, and she is understandably over the heels with her latest achievement.
Ms Oborududu, in a Facebook poston Thursday, described the gold medal from the African Beach Games as a special one as it is the first time she is competing in the sand.
Blessing Oborududu
She wrote: ”Another gold in the bag!!!! Glory to God for yet another addition and new win in my career.
”This win is quite personal to me, as this is my first hand trying beach wrestling. I stepped on the sand with hope, as usual. Well, I’m here to wrestle, so let me give it my best shot like I always do on the mat, “I said to myself. And guess what? I won gold in the ongoing African Beach Wrestling (Games), Tunisia 2023.”
Source: The Independent Ghana | Andy Ogbarmey-Tettey
Lionel Richie, along with Sugababes and George Ezra, will be headlining the Chepstow Music Weekend, bringing excitement to the people in south Wales after the disappointment of losing out on the Lewis Capaldi gig.
Capaldi’s performance in Chepstow was postponed to prioritize his mental health.
Despite the change, the music weekend at Chepstow Racecourse promises to be a spectacular event. On Friday night, Lionel Richie will grace the stage with support from Sugababes, Gabrielle, and Kevin Davy White. On Sunday, fans can look forward to George Ezra’s performance.
Promoters Cuffe and Taylor recognize this as a major opportunity not only for music enthusiasts but also for the town’s economy. The anticipation is high as locals hope Lionel Richie will get them dancing on the ceiling, making it an unforgettable experience.
Mark Duthie, of The George pub, Chepstow, said he was expecting to be busy but it was a “shame” the Saturday concert with Capaldi was not going ahead.
He said big events brought a lot of people into the town, with many going for a drink or a bite to eat before the concert, so businesses were expecting thousands more walk-ins across the weekend.
“Saturday was the one that everyone was talking about… it will impact financially because it will be quieter than we expected to be,” he said.
People are expected to camp out around the racecourse this weekend ahead of George Ezra headlining on Sunday.
Transport for Wales has issued a statement anticipating high passenger volumes and advised travelers to check their train services before embarking on their journeys.
In addition, event organizers have cautioned ticket holders to carefully plan their travel arrangements due to expected heavy traffic on the roads.
The People’s National Convention (PNC) and Convention People’s Party (CPP) said to followers of the Nkrumah ideology have been described as “dead” by former General Secretary of PNC, Atik Mohammed.
“Nkrumahism” focuses on African unity, social justice, economic self-reliance, and the empowerment of the African people.
It is rooted in Nkrumah’s vision of an independent, united, and prosperous Africa, free from colonialism and imperialism.
According to Mr Mohammed, these two political parties have failed to achieve any great feat since the two major political parties; New Patriotic Party (NPP) and National Democratic Congress (NDC) took over the helm of affairs.
He lamented over the absence of the two parties in Parliament. He is of the firm opinion that the two parties engage in daily squabbles rather than looking at ways to make them more relevant in the society.
Mr Mohammed made his views known while discussing the aftermath of the Assin North by-election which saw no candidate from both parties contesting the elections on ‘Kokrokoo’ show on Peace FM on Thursday morning.
“What shows that a party is in existence? As we talk now, they have no representation in Parliament. They don’t even participate in elections. They, on daily basis, are fighting themselves and when you ask them what is the basis for the fight, their reasons are just unnecessary,” he told host, Kwami Sefa Kayi.
“They are both dead,” Mr Mohammed 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.
Tuesday’s election was marked by electoral malpractices such as bribery and vote-buying, as well as the arrest of some recalcitrant who posed as security officers.
Australia has officially increased the age limit for working holiday visas from 30 to 35 years old, opening up the opportunity for approximately 16 million British citizens to apply for the visa.
This change is a result of the free trade agreement between the UK and Australia.
The expansion of the working holiday visa programme will also facilitate easier work and travel opportunities for Australians in the UK.
This development aligns with a similar agreement between New Zealand and the UK, which also extended the age limit for working holiday visas to 35 years old.
Under the revised rules, British individuals working and living in Australia will be eligible to stay for up to three years. Previously, there were limitations on the types of work that Brits could engage in, but these restrictions are set to be lifted by 2024.
Previously, completing 88 days of agricultural work was a requirement for staying in the country, but this rule has now been relaxed, allowing visitors to work across various industries.
Moreover, the three-year visa allowance does not need to be used consecutively and can be utilized until the age of 35.
This update aims to accommodate the growing interest from foreign travelers in recent years, as highlighted by Sally Cope, the UK regional general manager for Tourism Australia.
Australia’s minimum wage currently stands at around $21.38 (£11.22), while the UK’s minimum wage for individuals aged over 23 is £10.42.
Pakistan, currently in the midst of a severe economic crisis, has reached a staff-level agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for $3 billion (£2.4 billion) in funding.
The agreement is subject to approval by the IMF’s board, following an eight-month delay in the negotiations.
The South Asian nation is confronting its most severe economic crisis since gaining independence from Britain in 1947. In an effort to secure the agreement with the IMF, Pakistan’s central bank raised its primary interest rate to a record high of 22% on Monday.
Pakistan’s economy was already grappling with significant challenges due to years of financial mismanagement. However, it has been further strained by a global energy crisis and the devastating floods that struck the country last year. These factors have pushed Pakistan’s economy to the brink.
“The economy has faced several external shocks such as the catastrophic floods in 2022 that impacted the lives of millions of Pakistanis and an international commodity price spike in the wake of Russia’s war in Ukraine,” Nathan Porter, IMF’s mission chief for Pakistan said.
“As a result of these shocks as well as some policy missteps… economic growth has stalled,” he added.
Once agreed at staff level such deals are usually granted by the IMF’s Executive Board. The board is expected to consider the agreement in the coming weeks.
“This deal gives Pakistan the economic breathing room that it so badly needs,” Michael Kugelman from the US-based Wilson Center think tank told the BBC.
“The question is if it can use this IMF deal as an opportunity to pivot from immediate relief to a long-term recovery,” he added.
In May, Pakistan experienced a staggering annual inflation rate, reaching nearly 38%, setting a new record high. The approved funding of $3 billion, to be disbursed over a span of nine months, exceeds initial expectations.
Pakistan had been anticipating the release of the remaining $2.5 billion from a $6.5 billion bailout package agreed upon in 2019, which expired on Friday.
With a population exceeding 230 million, the nation has been grappling with ongoing challenges to stabilize its economy. This year, foreign exchange reserves fell to a level covering less than three weeks’ worth of imports.
Financial markets were further unsettled by violent clashes between supporters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan and the police. Mr. Khan’s arrest on corruption charges in May was subsequently deemed illegal by the country’s Supreme Court.
Over the past year, the Pakistan rupee has undergone a significant depreciation of approximately 40% against the US dollar.
England displayed a remarkable turnaround with both bat and ball on the second day of the second Ashes Test at Lord’s, resurrecting their fortunes.
The opening day of the match, under the leadership of Ben Stokes, was disappointingly lackluster, drawing sharp criticism from former captains Kevin Pietersen and Michael Vaughan, who described their performance as “shambolic” and “utter dross” respectively.
However, England staged an impressive fightback when the game hung in the balance. Their improved seam attack accounted for five wickets, conceding only 77 runs to dismiss Australia for 416.
Although they couldn’t prevent Steve Smith, their perennial nemesis, from notching his 12th Ashes century—placing him second only to the legendary Donald Bradman—they were relieved not to have conceded more after Australia reached 316 for three on the first evening.
A brilliant unbeaten knock of 62 from Ben Duckett led England’s encouraging response of 145 for one.
Despite concerns about a shoulder injury, Ollie Pope contributed an unbeaten 32 at number three. Duckett formed a crucial partnership of 91 with Zak Crawley (48), which marked England’s best opening stand against Australia since January 2011.
Sir Andrew Strauss, who was present as part of the annual ‘Red for Ruth’ day, managed to raise over £270,000 in the process. This special event added significance to the game.
England began day two with Australia in a strong position at 339 for five. Captain Stokes entrusted the ball to his experienced bowlers, James Anderson and Stuart Broad. The duo had gone wicketless in their 33 overs on the previous day, but they redeemed themselves admirably.
Broad’s first two deliveries of the morning went for boundaries, but he ended the over with a stunning delivery that jagged back into Alex Carey, hitting his front pad and prompting a successful review by England.
Anderson, operating from the Nursery End, drew a thick edge from the new batsman Mitchell Starc, which was safely pouched by Jonny Bairstow in front of first slip.
Meanwhile, Steve Smith calmly watched proceedings from the other end, inching closer to his century. He eventually reached 99 and then elegantly struck a cover drive to the boundary, completing his latest Ashes ton.
Despite Smith’s exceptional innings, England displayed great determination and efficiency, quickly wrapping up the Australian innings. Josh Tongue, who had previously dismissed Smith for Worcestershire earlier in the season, took a superb catch in the gully as Smith swung hard and lost his balance. Ollie Robinson then accounted for Nathan Lyon and Josh Hazlewood in consecutive overs.
With four overs remaining before lunch, Duckett and Crawley safely negotiated the period. In the afternoon session, Crawley took charge, scoring 48 at a rapid rate. His elegant drives and punishing strokes punished anything over-pitched by the Australian bowlers.
Duckett continued his cautious approach, demonstrating control in both defense and attack. The pair added 75 runs in just 13 overs before the drinks break. However, Crawley fell victim to Nathan Lyon’s cunning, becoming the fourth English batsman in three innings to be stumped while attempting to take on the spinner.
Pope emerged from the pavilion, allaying concerns about his shoulder injury, and maintained the high tempo set by Duckett and Crawley.
Both batsmen backed their positive instincts, piling on the runs. Hazlewood and Starc proved expensive, conceding more than seven runs per over as the ball raced to the boundary. Duckett stylishly reached his half-century with a powerful shot through mid-wicket off Starc’s bowling.
Three members of the Christ Embassy Church in Accra who were on trial for violating COVID-19 restrictions during a youth concert in 2021 have been acquitted and discharged by the Accra Circuit Court.
The court reached this decision after considering the Supreme Court’s ruling declaring the Imposition of Restrictions Act, 2020 (Act 1012), which formed the basis of the charges against them, as unconstitutional on April 30, 2021.
The accused individuals, namely Alex Asomani, Wilson Delali Agyemang, and Kumi Nutifafa, were arrested by the police and charged with conspiracy to disregard restrictions imposed on large religious gatherings and failure to comply with restrictions on religious bodies, including a maximum duration of two hours for services.
Amidst hearing of the case, a seven-member panel of the Supreme Court on May 31, 2023, unanimously declared Act 1012, as basis for them being charged as unconstitutional.
The court held that the said Act contravened the constitution as it allowed the President to declare a state of emergency and impose restrictions without the laid down procedure as stipulated by Article 31 of the 1992 Constitution.
“We hold that Act 1012 is inconsistent with Articles 21 and 31 in so far as it deals with matters that are ,more qualified for a declaration of a state of emergency , without recourse to Article 31. Article 31 is the gateway for dealing with public emergencies with such magnitude such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
“To the extent that Act 1012 contravenes Article 21, 31, 32, 58 (2) and 93(2) of the 1992 Constitution, we strike down Act 1012 as unconstitutional and therefore null and void,” the court held.
Following this, the counsel of the accused, Nanabanyin Ackon, filed an application arguing that since the apex had found Act 1012 as unconstitutional, it would be unlawful for his clients to be detained and charged on an nonexistent law.
“A nullified enactment is legally void and has no substance. It had no recognition or life under the law and that nothing can be founded on it, same shall collapse and no legal effect shall be given to it,” Mr Ackon submitted.
The Accra Circuit Court concurred with the counsel of the accused, thereby acquitting and discharging Alex Asomani, Wilson Delali Agyemang, and Kumi Nutifafa.
Less than 24 hours following the temporary suspension of its forex license bythe Bank of Ghana (BoG), First National Bank has promptly informed its clients about the measures it has implemented to safeguard their funds.
In a statement, the Bank revealed that it has established temporary agreements with partner banks to facilitate and finalize foreign exchange transactions on behalf of the company and its customers. This move aims to ensure uninterrupted forex services during the suspension period.
We can confirm that we have temporarily halted the processing of new or pending foreign exchange transactions for the next 30 days.
As we cooperate with the BoG, be assured that your business and all other banking relationship with us will not be impacted. #TheChangeablespic.twitter.com/h7B7Qi1wHQ
— First National Bank GH (@firstnatbankgh) June 29, 2023
On June 29, the Bank of Ghana (BoG) 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.
Fines and Suspension of Forex Licences of Fidelity Bank Ghana Limited and First National Bank Ghana Limited pic.twitter.com/WjGVpIeDme
In response, First National Bank apologised to its customers and announced that it has began engaging the Central Bank to address the challenges.
Meanwhile, Fidelity Bank has also rendered an unqualified apology to its customers.
“We apologize for any inconvenience this announcement may have caused, and we reassure all our valued customers that we are actively engaging the Bank of Ghana to resolve the issue as soon as possible,” Fidelity Bank said in a statement.
Also, the bank indicated that it has in the interim reached agreements with its partner banks to aid in seamless completion of foreign exchange transactions on its behalf.
Ghana Interbank Forex Market Conduct
Section 3.4 indicates that LFXDs are required to update indicative quotes for buying and selling US dollars at regular intervals, on the Reuters and Bloomberg information systems. Indicative quotes shall be updated at intervals of no more than 30 minutes. (This will show the price at which a market-maker is prepared to buy and sell at the minimum traded lots).
Trade Reporting on Platforms captured in 3.5 requires that all interbank FX trades must be booked on the Reuters platform and appropriately confirmed within five (5) minutes after the trade is concluded. These trades must also be reported in the daily FX report submitted to the Bank of Ghana.
Section 3.9 on the other hand, mandates the Bank of Ghana to publish the Ghana Cedi reference rate with respect to the US dollar on the Bank of Ghana website by 16:30 hours GMT daily except on holidays.
“The reference rate shall be computed using the weighted average exchange rate of all eligible US dollar transactions that are reported to the Bank of Ghana by the cut-off time of 15:30 hours GMT. The Bid and Offer reference rates are calculated by taking a +/- 0.05% bid/ask spread around the weighted average exchange rate. The reference rate will also be published on Reuters and Bloomberg by 16.30 hours GMT,” it adds.
Source: The Independent Ghana | Andy Ogbarmey-Tettey
An Accra High Court has granted approval for an out-of-court settlement in a defamation case involving Ghanaian dancehall artist Charles Nii Armah Mensah, popularly known as Shatta Wale, and his former manager Lawrence Asiamah, also known as Bullgod.
On June 27, 2023, the legal representatives of both parties submitted the terms of the settlement to the High Court.
During the previous hearing, Shatta Wale’s counsel requested a two-week adjournment to present the settlement terms, a request which Justice Joseph Agyemang Adu Owusu, the trial judge, granted.
During the recent court proceedings, Bulldog’s lawyer, Dr. Justice Srem Sai, informed the court about the filing of the settlement terms and expressed satisfaction that an agreement had finally been reached. Bulldog’s lawyer requested the court to adopt the terms of settlement.
However, the trial judge mentioned that he had not yet received the filed settlement terms.
A representative of Shatta Wale presented a copy of the filed document to the court, and the judge asked the representative to verify the authenticity of Shatta Wale’s signature. Once the representative confirmed the signature, the court adopted the terms of settlement.
The court ruled that the terms of settlement filed on June 27, 2023, would be adopted as a consent judgment, indicating that both parties had reached an agreement and resolved the case.
The defamation case originated from a Facebook post made by Shatta Wale on November 22, 2022, in which he implicated Bullgod in the murder of Fennec Okyere, a music manager. Fennec Okyere tragically lost his life at his residence in March 2014, and Bullgod had been arrested and charged in connection with the incident. However, he was later acquitted by the court due to insufficient evidence.
Bullgod filed a defamation lawsuit against Shatta Wale, alleging that the post was made with malicious intent. In his suit, Bullgod requested a perpetual injunction restraining Shatta Wale and also sought a retraction and apology. During the court proceedings, both parties mutually agreed to pursue an out-of-court settlement, which was accepted by the court.
Wife of the late former Vice President Paa Kwesi Amissah Arthur, Matilda Amissah Arthur, has opened up about the difficulty she faced in watching her late husband carry on his shoulders the governance of the country.
In excerpts of a yet-to-be-aired interview on JoyNews’ PM Express Personality Profile, Matilda Amissah Arthur acknowledged that her late husband assumed a complex role which got her worried, most of the time.
Unable to bear the anxiety of him breaking down due to the complexity of his work, she pleaded with her husband “many times” to resign. But her pleas, she said fell on deaf ears.
The late Paa Kwesi Amissah Arthur prior to becoming the Vice President of Ghana from 2012 to 2016, served as Governor of the Bank of Ghana due to his enormous knowledge about the running of an economy.
The economist humbly worked under former President John Dramani Mahama, who remained hopeful in turning Ghana’s fate as the late Paa Kwesi Amissah Arthur stood by his side.
Two years after being out of office, the unfortunate happened – the death of Paa Kwesi Amissah Arthur.
The former Vice President passed away on 29th June, 2018, during a fitness training session.
His death was met with shock; with tons of tributes highlighting his meek outlook and calm approach to life.
A state funeral was held at the Accra International Conference Centre on 27th July, 2018. He was buried at the Burma Camp Military Cemetary.
Celtic midfielder Aaron Mooy has announced his decision to retire from professional football with immediate effect.
He told the club’s website: “While it feels really sad to be leaving the game, I just feel the time is right for me. I have been so fortunate to enjoy such a great career across the last 15 years, creating some fantastic memories.
“I’m delighted to finish my career on such a high for Celtic and I would like to thank the fans for all the great support they gave me during the past year – I was delighted to be part of such a memorable season.
I hope Celtic continue to dominate the game and I wish Brendan, the new manager great success with the great group of lads at the club.”
In response, Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers noted that they are disappointed that Aaron will be retiring, however, it is something the club absolutely respects.
“He has done so much in the game for a number of clubs and for his country and he deserves to make this decision on his own terms.
“I am delighted for Aaron that he has gone out on a real high after making such a telling contribution to Celtic last season and that, together with all his other achievements, should be a real source of pride to him,” he added.
The 32-year-old, who joined Celtic Park from Chinese club Shanghai Port last summer, played a pivotal role in the team’s treble-winning campaign last season.
During his time at Celtic, Mooy made 42 appearances across all competitions, scoring seven goals and contributing significantly to the team’s success.
His contributions helped the club retain the Scottish Premiership title and secure victories in both domestic cups.
Aaron Mooy embarked on his professional football journey at Bolton before making his way to St Mirren in 2010, where he gained valuable experience playing his initial matches.
Following a return to his home country, Australia, for a span of four seasons, Mooy secured a transfer to Manchester City. However, despite his association with the club, he did not make any appearances for the first team.
Mooy represented his country Australia with distinction, earning 57 caps and playing a crucial role in their journey to the last-16 of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where they were eventually defeated by the tournament’s eventual champions, Argentina.
One of the notable highlights in Mooy’s career came when he joined Huddersfield, contributing to their successful promotion to the Premier League in 2017. During their two-year tenure in the top flight, Mooy showcased his skills in 65 matches.
After his stint at Huddersfield, Mooy spent two seasons with Brighton before venturing to China in 2020 to continue his professional football career.
Police have apprehended a man who is wanted for his alleged involvement in the January 6 riots after he was found outside the residence of former President Barack Obama in Washington, D.C., carrying explosives, according to law enforcement officials.
The suspect, identified as Taylor Taranto, 37, was spotted near Mr. Obama’s home by Secret Service agents, who subsequently pursued him when he attempted to flee.
Two officials confirmed that Taranto has an outstanding warrant related to charges connected to the riots that occurred at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021.
Anonymous sources revealed that Taranto had made threats against a public figure on social media and was found in possession of weapons and materials that could be used to construct an explosive device, although no assembled device was found at the time of the arrest.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and it remains unclear whether the Obamas were present at their residence during the incident.
Washington D.C. police have taken Taranto into custody on charges of being a fugitive from justice. The extent of Taranto’s involvement, if any, in the Capitol riots and the events surrounding the storming of the building by supporters of former President Donald Trump in an attempt to overturn the 2020 election results, remains unclear.
To date, over 1,000 individuals have been charged in connection with the January 6 incident, with over 600 pleading guilty and approximately 100 being convicted after trial.
Sentences have been handed down to approximately 550 defendants, with more than half receiving prison terms ranging from six days to 18 years.
Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has expressed his concern that Ghana is not practicing true democracy because of the defects in the 1992 constitution.
He made this remark when he visited the office of Graphic Communications Group Limited (GCGL) in Accra yesterday to interact with management and the editorial team. The visit was part of his efforts to strengthen Parliament-Media relations.
The Speaker explained that the current constitution allowed many people to operate above the law, leading to lawlessness and injustice. He said democracy required that the law should be supreme and not respect any person.
“The law is no respecter of any person; that is one of the errors in our constitution. Read through our constitution and you’ll see the law is a respecter of so many people. So many people in Ghana are above the law. You can’t have democracy [with that], and so we need to work at it seriously,” he said.
He therefore reiterated his calls for support for review of the 1992 constitution.
“It is something we must take up,” he said.
Both sides of Parliament have also rallied support for the review of the constitution, as well as some Civil Society Organisations. President Akufo-Addo on the other hand, has urged the relevant stakeholders to exercise caution in their quest for a review.
Renowned model Chrissy Teigen, has joyfully shared that she and her husband, singer John Legend, have welcomed their fourth child into their lives.
Their son, Wren Alexander Stephens, was born via surrogate, and the couple expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the surrogate for this precious and incredible gift.
The arrival of Wren brings immense happiness and fulfilment to their hearts and home, particularly after the devastating loss of their baby Jack during pregnancy in 2020, a painful experience that Chrissy had candidly written about.
Despite the challenges they encountered, the couple now embraces this new chapter with profound love and hope.
In her most recent post, she said she had “always wanted four children”.
“After losing Jack, I didn’t think I’d be able to carry any more babies on my own,” she wrote.
“In 2021, we reached out to a surrogacy agency, with our first correspondence inquiring about perhaps having 2 tandem surrogates, to each bring us a healthy baby boy or girl.”
During their journey, Chrissy Teigen revealed that she had a conversation with John Legend where she expressed her desire to try once more to carry a baby. Subsequently, they decided to embark on the IVF process again, which resulted in the birth of their daughter, Esti, in January 2023.
At that stage, Chrissy and John were in the early phases of exploring surrogacy and had the privilege of meeting Alexandra, whom Chrissy affectionately described as an exceptional and incredibly loving surrogate. Alexandra became an integral part of their lives during this process.
In a touching tribute to their surrogate, the couple bestowed their son with the middle name Alexander, symbolizing the deep appreciation and gratitude they hold towards her for her selflessness and compassion.
“And we are so happy to tell the world he is here, with a name forever connected to you,” she wrote.
Seamus Coleman, the Everton defender, has recently put pen to paper on a fresh one-year contract extension.
The experienced right-back’s previous deal was set to expire at the end of this month, but he has committed to remaining at Goodison Park for a remarkable 15th season, with his new contract running until 2024.
While Coleman endured a spell on the sidelines during the latter part of the previous season due to injury, he is eager to add to his impressive tally of 409 appearances for the Toffees.
The 34-year-old Irishman, who joined Everton in January 2009, is closing in on becoming the club’s all-time record appearance holder in the Premier League, requiring just three more appearances to achieve this milestone.
He told the club’s official website: “Everyone knows how much Everton means to me which is why it is special to sign this new contract and continue to play for this great club.
“From the moment I joined more than 14 years ago, the support my family and I have had from our fans and everyone around the club has been amazing and I never take for granted just how fortunate I am to represent Everton. That has included the honour of wearing the captain’s armband in recent years.”
Boss Sean Dyche added: “We are all pleased Seamus has signed his new deal. I have hugely enjoyed working with him since becoming Everton manager.
“He is a top professional who helps to set high standards every day and makes it clear what it means to play for Everton Football Club.
“His quality and experience continue to be of great use and will do again once he’s back fit.”
Former Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Alex Mould, in court today testified that he has not come across any documentation indicating that Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson was authorized by the Finance Minister to write two letters in the trial around their alleged involvement in the purchase of defective ambulances for the state.
These letters, addressed to the Bank of Ghana and the Controller and Accountant General, respectively, requested the establishment of letters of credit for the procurement of ambulances, per reports by MyJoyOnline.com.
One of the letters sought to establish letters of credit in favor of Big Sea Trading Company, the designated supplier of ambulances to the state. The other letter authorized the release of over ¢800,000 cedis to the Minister for Health to cover bank charges related to the procurement of 50 Mercedes Benz ambulances and related services.
But the Attorney General, Godfred Yeboah Dame, argued that Dr. Forson’s actions violated the agreement governing the ambulance purchase.
Dame stated that the agreement prohibited advance payment, and the purchase price of €15,800,000.00 was supposed to be paid through an irrevocable and transferable letter of credit from the Government of Ghana’s bankers. The payment for each batch of 50 ambulances was to be made upon delivery, following the submission of specific documents.
The Attorney General further contended that Dr. Forson directed the letters of credit to be charged to the Ministry of Health’s budget, which went against the parliamentary approval for ambulance funding.
During his testimony, Alex Mould informed the court that deputy ministers often write letters on behalf of their respective ministers. However, he stated that he had not seen any authorization document indicating that Dr. Ato Forson had the authority to write the aforementioned letters.
“I therefore find it odd that A1 (Ato Forson) who in his capacity as deputy minister, assisted the minister and who wielded neither constitutional nor statutory powers could be held responsible where none of the persons in copy including the minister have denied what he signed.
“Based on the above, and in the light of experience. It is my candid view that it is fallacious for the republic to allege that A1 authorised letters of credit out of which payment amounting to €2 million were made to Big Sea without due course and authorisation,” he stated.
The AG Godfred Yeboah Dame however probed the matter further.
AG: “You realise that after the first accused signed exhibit A, he proceeded to sign exhibit B2 dated 12th August addressed to the controller and accountant general.”
Mr Mould: “Yes he did.”
AG: “Now you see that, the first accused referred to his own earlier letter, is that not correct?”
Mr. Mould: “Yes, he referred to the Ministry of Finance letter”
AG: “Do you see any attachments?”
Answer: “No”
Ag: “Did you come by any information or document showing authorisation by the minister?”
Mr Mould: “No my lady, not in this instance.”
Mr Mould insisted the letters cannot form a basis for a charge of causing financial loss to the state.
“Any claim that exhibit A has resulted in causing financial loss to the republic is not only wrong but demonstrates a misunderstanding of an LC. I say in an LC transaction, it is an LC applicant and paying bank who authorise payment.”
The AG however insisted that under the agreement, the LC was to the means by which payment was made. Mr. Mould agreed.
AG: You agree that the letters of credit are the means by which payment was made for the transaction in issue”
Mr. Mould” Yes my lady. It is the means by which payment will be made on behalf of the applicant to the beneficiary”
The AG will continue with the cross examination of Mr Mould on July 6, myjoyonlie.com adds.
Head coach of the Black Meteors, Ibrahim Tanko, has attributed tiredness as a factor influencing his team’s performance in their second group game against Morocco at the ongoing U-23 Africa Cup of Nations.
Ghana faced a devastating defeat against the host nation, conceding five goals while managing to score only once during the 90 minutes of play.
Despite the 5-1 scoreline, Tanko acknowledged that the team was far from their best, particularly as Morocco demonstrated sharpness in their counterattacks.
Tanko further explained that the short time for recovery between the first and second games resulted in fatigue among his players.
“We had a day rest and they had two [days]. You could see from the game between Congo and Guinea how the scoreline was because Congo also had one day rest,” he said.
“We still have a chance in this tournament, we have a last game so we are going to prepare for that.”
The Black Meteors thought they were just within one reach against Morocco after Abdul Fatawu Issahaku’s strike to make it 3-2.
But the goal was chalked off after VAR spotted the ball had first gone out of play before being brought back in the build-up to the goal.
“The performance of the referee, I can’t say much because we have the VAR, which is supporting them,” Tank added when quizzed about the officiating.
“All the decisions they take are okay so I think they are doing very well.”
Ghana will face Guinea in their last group game knowing that anything short of a win will see them exit the competition while ending any hopes of being at the 2024 Olympic Games.
Caroline Wozniacki, the former world number one in women’s tennis, has announced her return to the sport after a three-year retirement.
The 32-year-old Danish player, who claimed victory in the Australian Open in 2018 and reached the finals of the US Open in 2009 and 2014, is set to make a comeback to the professional tennis circuit.
Her decision marks a significant development for her fans and the tennis community.
“But I still have goals I want to accomplish. We decided as a family it’s time. I’m coming back to play and I can’t wait.”
Wozniacki announced the birth of daughter Olivia in June 2021 and then son James in 2022.
She added: “I want to show my kids that you can pursue your dreams no matter your age or role.”
During the first stage of her career, Wozniacki won 30 tour-level titles, including one Grand Slam triumph when she beat Simona Halep in three sets in the 2018 Australian Open final.
At Wimbledon, she reached the last 16 on six occasions, but lost at that stage every time.
Cabinet has recognized the persistent flooding issue in the country as a national security threat, acknowledging its impact on lives, livelihoods, and property.
Consequently, the Cabinet has urged various law enforcement agencies to play a crucial role in addressing this challenge.
In response, a committee has been formed by the Cabinet to develop a comprehensive plan and implement appropriate measures to strengthen the enforcement of laws pertaining to land use and building siting.
The committee, chaired by the Minister of National Security, includes representatives from the Ministries of Works and Housing, Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development, Sanitation, and Lands and Natural Resources.
This announcement was made by the Minister for Works and Housing, Francis Asenso-Boakye, during his statement in Parliament, outlining the measures being undertaken by the Ministry to tackle flooding issues in the country.
Given the escalating risk of flooding due to factors such as inadequate drainage infrastructure, improper waste disposal, non-compliance with planning regulations, and rapid urbanization, the Minister is optimistic that the government’s decision will encourage a comprehensive approach to mitigate the challenge and provide relief to the public.
Observing instances of construction on waterways without regard for local and national laws, Asenso-Boakye assured continuous collaboration between the Ministry of Works and Housing and the Ministry of National Security to seek support for local authorities in enforcing planning laws and building regulations.
“My Ministry will also continue engagement with the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation, and Rural Development to strengthen the support provided to the assemblies in addressing the issue of buildings on waterways and drainage buffers.”
German car manufacturer BMW has revealed its plans to invest millions of euros in its South African plant, positioning it as the second facility worldwide to manufacture and export the X3 plug-in hybrid model.
The company will allocate approximately €200 million ($218 million) to upgrade the production capabilities of its factory located in Plant Rosslyn, Pretoria.
Starting next year, “we will manufacture the BMW X3 as a plug-in hybrid for global export in South Africa,” Milan Nedeljkovic, board member for production, said in a statement.
The investment will make the country the second after the US to manufacture and export the X3 hybrid.
The continent’s most industrialised economy began manufacturing the X3, the firm’s best-selling model, in 2018.
South Africa boasts a booming automotive industry — the country’s largest manufacturing sector — which contributed 4.3 percent of the gross domestic product in 2021 according to the International Trade Administration.
BMW’s Pretoria plant has produced over 1.6 million vehicles, the group said, exporting to more than 40 countries globally, including 14 across the continent.
Republic Bank (Ghana) PLC has announced Charles William Zwennes’ term as Chairman of the Board at the end of April 2023.
Mr. Zwennes joined the Board of Republic Bank (then known as HFC Bank) in April 2015 as a representative of Republic Financial Holdings Limited (RFHL). In April 2017, he assumed the role of Chairman of the Board of Directors.
During a critical period in the bank’s history, Mr. Zwennes played a crucial role in overseeing the rebranding process from HFC Bank to Republic Bank. He has made significant contributions in shaping the strategic direction of Republic Bank (Ghana) PLC, driving innovation, and fostering a culture of excellence. Under his leadership, the bank has achieved notable milestones, solidifying its position within the banking sector.
As Mr. Zwennes’ term comes to an end, the Board of Directors extends its sincerest appreciation for his exceptional leadership, invaluable contributions, and unwavering dedication throughout his tenure.
To ensure a smooth transition, the Board, at its meeting held on 2nd June 2023, has appointed Mr. Paul King Aryene as the Acting Chairman of the Republic Bank (Ghana) PLC Board and Chairman of the Bank’s Annual General Meeting for the year ended 31 st December 2022.
The SNV Netherlands Development Organization in Ghana, in partnership with the European Union, has commissioned six eco-friendly and sustainable businesses in the Ashanti region.
These businesses are part of the ‘Boosting Green Employment and Enterprise Opportunities in Ghana’ (GrEEn) project, which aims to support and expand local businesses in the green and circular economy sectors.
The team visited these enterprises, strategically located throughout the region, which engage in various green productions such as waste recycling into fertilizers, oil refining, and business advisory services.
The activities spanned a week, starting in Sekyere, where Tahir Fields Recycling, owned by Tahir Taajuddeen, operates an oil refinery that recycles waste engine oil using environmentally friendly technology.
To enhance production capacity at the site, Tahir Taajuddeen introduced new facilities including a pre-treatment tank, filtration system, reactor, heating system, condensers, a post-treatment tank, and a tricycle.
With the support of a matching grant of GH₵140,000 from the European Union, awarded during the 2021 GrEEn Innovation Challenge organized by SNV Ghana, Tahir Taajuddeen has significantly increased his daily waste oil recycling and refining capacity from 12 liters to 940 liters.
This expansion has also led to the creation of employment opportunities for numerous youths in the area.
At New Edubiase, the CEO of Supreme Pod Industry, Michael Acquah, commissioned a cutting-edge cocoa juice production factory.
He identified the under-utilisation of cocoa by farmers in the region to add more value to the cash crop, developing them into juice.
“Over the years, the processing of cocoa has mainly been on the dried beans. In the value chain of processing this dried bean, there is the first part which is the husk; the bulk outer layer that contains the beans, and there is also the pod which is the whitish substance around the cocoa beans.
“That sweet, whitish substance normally goes to waste when they break the pod to do the fermentation. So, this is whyI have developed the technology and the innovation to extract and process into juice,” he revealed.
Equipped with a water treatment facility, machines, and essential logistics, the factory has created jobs for 25 young people in the community.
The commissioning was attended by representatives from SNV Ghana, the Agriculture Director of the Adansi South District, and a high-level delegation from COCOBOD, Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA), as well as cocoa farmers.
Ghana loses millions of cedis to food and household waste which could easily be converted into other reusable products.
In Akotosu in the Sekyere Kumawu District, Andrew Abuska – owner of Eye of the Brain Ecofeeds – collects and recycles household and food waste, using them to nurse maggots and make feed for fish, poultry, sheep, cattle, and goats.
His production facility intends to boost production from 15 bags per week to 100 bags daily and increase supply of organic fertiliser to more than 1,000 farmers in the district and across the country.
This comes after receiving a matching grant of GH₵135,000 from the GrEEn Project.
The team moved to Nhyiaeso where the CEO of Rural Green Recycling, Frank Amoah Boateng commissioned a waste segregation site funded by the European Union.
The facility is equipped with a crusher to shred Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) waste plastic bottles before selling them to recycling centres.
He has been able to increase plastic waste collection from 1.5 tonnes to 5 tonnes per month in Atasemanso, and from 0.2 tonnes to 4-6 tonnes per month in Obogu in the Asante Akyem District, after receiving a GH₵ 55,000 grant support from the GrEEn Project.
Frank Boateng has additionally set up a material recovery facility to collect PET, High Density Polyethylene (HD) and wastepaper to be recycled.
In Jamasi, Pamela Agbogse – founder of Pamela Chicks and Feed – inaugurated a poultry feed production facility equipped with a three-in-one (blower, hammer mill, and mixer) machine.
She received a matching grant of GH₵100,000 and is set to produce 600 bags of feed a day as compared to the 200 bags she formerly produced in a week to meet market demand.
Interestingly, her increased capacity has secured her a project to produce feed for about 80,000 birds.
Ofnet Farms, owned by Foster Osae, received GH₵70,000 from the European Union and the Netherlands Embassy in Ghana to support his organic fertilizer production business in Jamasi.
Mr. Osae produces organic fertilizer from agro and other farm waste such as cocoa and rice husks.
His capacity has expanded from 50 bags per week to 3,600 bags weekly, providing employment to 27 youths in the community.
All six entrepreneurs are also graduates of the Project’s 6-month GrEEn Incubation and Acceleration Programmes facilitated by its business hub partners in the Ashanti and Western regions.
In May 2023, five green businesses in the Western region that received matching grants under the maiden GrEEn Innovation Challenge also commissioned their projects.
These include Antanah Farms, Mending Papers Ltd, A. A Community Spring Water, Waterforce Ventures and Roland Rice in the Shama District.
Currently, 27 green entrepreneurs have received matching grants under the challenge with over GH₵3 million grant money awarded.
Green entrepreneurs who complete the GrEEn Incubation and Acceleration Programmes are eligible to receive matching grants of up to EUR25,000 to grow their businesses and create jobs at the community level for youth job seekers under the GrEEn Innovation Challenge by SNV Ghana.
Across the two regions, Innohub Growth Centre provides the GrEEn Acceleration Programme, which targets matured businesses and aims at making them ready for investment.
The GrEEn Incubation Programme targets sustainable start-ups and early-stage businesses, providing business advisory support services, market access and linkages as well as financial support.
About GrEEn Project
The Boosting Green Employment and Enterprise Opportunities in Ghana (GrEEn) project, is a four-year action from the European Union, the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, SNV Netherlands Development Organisation and the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF).
The project aims at creating greater economic and employment opportunities for the youth, women and returning migrants by promoting and supporting sustainable, green businesses and providing employable skills training to youth job seekers in two selected regions in Ghana: Ashanti and Western in partnership with the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development.
New information emerging indicates that newly-elected Member of Parliament for Assin North, James Gyakye Quayson will be sworn in tomorrow Friday June 30.
This information was disclosed by the National Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Sammy Gyamfi.
It was earlier reported that James Gyakye Quayson will be sworn in today in Parliament following the just-ended by-election.
Speaker of Parliament, Alban S.K. Bagbin, disclosed the information to the media during a visit to the office of Graphic Communications Group Limted (GCGL) to meet with management and the editorial staff.
Parliament resumed sitting today after the abrupt end of proceedings on Tuesday due to the Assin North by-election but no swearing in process took place.
According to Mr Sammy Gyamfi, the Electoral Commission (EC) will have to communicate the results of the by-election to Parliament for the next action to be taken.
The process of notifying Parliament is ongoing, he said.
“As the law requires, the EC will have to formally communicate the results of the by-election by writ to the August House of Parliament.
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.
Source: The Independent Ghana | Andy Ogbarmey-Tettey
Government has noted that its efforts to address flooding have faced significant obstacles due to various human activities.
These activities include the filling of wetlands and lagoons, as well as the dumping of solid waste in drains.
Despite allocating GH¢450 million for drain construction and desilting since 2018, the government claims that these actions have made it increasingly difficult to effectively tackle the recurring issue of flooding.
The Minister for Works and Housing, Francis Asenso-Boakye, has emphasized several key issues contributing to the problem.
These include the obstruction of lagoons and wetlands for the purpose of development, construction activities carried out on drainage channels that impede the natural flow of stormwater, the dumping of waste in drains which reduces their capacity, and the inadequate enforcement of planning and building laws by local authorities.
“It has become more evident that human activities are severely impeding the government’s efforts to tackle flooding. The observation includes blocking of lagoons and wetlands with construction materials for development purposes, building on drainage channels and blocking the free flow of stormwater, dumping of solid waste in drains thereby reducing their capacity to hold stormwater and the gap in the enforcement of planning and building laws by the various MMDAs,” Mr Asenso-Boakye bemoaned while providing a brief to Parliament on measures by the government to contain the situation.
The Minister further intimated that flooding in the capital is considered a national security issue and his Ministry is engaging with other relevant agencies to resolve the issue.
“Cabinet noted the need to consider flooding in Accra as a national security issue since effective law enforcement has a role to play in resolving the issue. Subsequently, the Cabinet constituted a committee to develop a comprehensive plan with appropriate measures to strengthen the enforcement of laws relating to lands and siting of buildings
“While the Committee does its work, my Ministry will continue its engagement with the National Security Ministry in seeking support for the Assemblies to enforce planning laws and building regulations.”
He also gave an update on the progress of projects aimed at mitigating the effects of flooding in Accra.
“Since 2018, the government has committed more than GH¢400 million to address flooding under a special progaramme. Under this programme, 384 desilting projects and 202 channel projects were initiated.
“Today, 370 desilting projects representing 96 percent have been completed and 84 drainage channel projects have been completed, with the remaining 118 at various stages of completion and the effects have been the mitigation of flood hazards in beneficiary communities.”
Reports from international tabloids indicate that Madonna has been discharged from the hospital and is now at home, feeling better after her stay in intensive care.
Her manager had previously shared news of her illness, stating that she had been dealing with a “serious bacterial infection.” As a result, the 64-year-old pop icon had to postpone her planned seven-month world tour, which was set to begin in the upcoming weeks.
Sources informed CNN that Madonna was transported to her residence in New York via a private ambulance, and it was reported that she is now in a stable condition.
Madonna, known for her privacy regarding health matters, was in the final stages of rehearsals for her extensive world tour before her health setback.
Image caption,Madonna was due to mark 40 years in the music industry with her tour
The Celebration tour was due to begin in Canada in two weeks’ time, before visiting 45 cities across the world.
It was due to be her 12th tour, marking 40 years of involvement in the music industry.
American magazine Forbes lists her as the 45th richest self-made woman in the US with an estimated wealth of $580m (£460m) and says she has earned an estimated $1.2bn from tours.
The singer has received thousands of messages of support online since a statement on her health was made by manager Guy Oseary.
Details of whether the tour will still go ahead are yet to be announced, with Oseary saying: “At this time we need to pause all commitments, which includes the tour,”
“We will share more details with you as soon as we have them, including a new start date for the tour and for rescheduled shows.”
Oseary also said in his statement that he expected the singer to make “a full recovery”.
