Along with competing retailers Sainsbury’s and Tesco, Aldi, Lidl, and Asda have reduced the cost of milk by at least 5p.
In an effort to compete with other grocery stores, the shops are lowering the cost of a pint to 90p.
People who are dealing with rising living expenses may welcome the decrease, but milk still costs more than twice as much as it did prior to Covid.
According to government figures, a pint of milk cost about 43p in March 2020.
The price cuts won’t have an impact on how much farmers get paid, according to all five shops.
Tesco said it made the decision because its costs for buying in milk had fallen.
Asda said that it had taken “swift action to reduce the price of milk as commodity prices have eased”.
Arla, the UK’s largest dairy producer, said in March that the price of milk was already expected to fall by around 5.3p per litre this month because of rising supplies and falling demand from cost-conscious shoppers.
The move comes at a time when food inflation is at its highest level since 1978. The latest official data shows that food prices increased by 18.2% in the year to February.
Milk alone has risen by 43% in price over the same period, one of many staples, including cheese and eggs, which have surged in cost and squeezed household budgets.
Some analysts have suggested that supermarkets reducing their prices is a possible sign that hikes in the cost of a weekly shop could be starting to ease.
Arthur Fearnall, a farmer and board director at Arla Foods, said: “While some prices for dairy categories are seeing early signs of levelling out, the severity of the on-going cost of living crisis and volatile economic environment is continuing to negatively impact consumer demand for both conventional and organic milk.”
Paul Savage, agriculture director at Arla, said milk supplies in the UK rose by 3.2% in March compared to the same month last year. “When coupled with a decline in dairy consumption and an overall decline in shopping spending, with 75% of people cutting expenditure on food, this is creating a change in the supply and demand of milk,” he said.
Sainsbury’s said with “costs going up, we are working hard to keep prices low, especially on the everyday essentials people buy the most”.
Recent research revealed nine out of 10 shoppers reported feeling concerned about rising food prices, according to Barclays.
Around 62% said they were finding ways to reduce the cost of their weekly shop, a report showed.
On Thursday, Tesco announced its full-year results and admitted that customers had faced “an incredibly tough year” with prices soaring.
Tesco’s chief executive Ken Murphy said that he expected prices to keep rising throughout the first half of this year but they would then “moderate”.
Tesco said that while its full-year sales had risen by 7% to £66bn, pre-tax profits dropped 51% to £1bn. It said it had faced “unprecedented” rises in prices charged by its suppliers.
Separately, Sainsbury’s has announced a major restructuring of how its logistics operations work, affecting around 7,000 staff throughout the country.
The company said that no one would lose their job or get moved to worse contractual terms.
Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Kristalina Georgieva, has assured Ghanaians that the Fund will be working expeditiously to approve the country’s request to obtain a credit facility worth $3 billion.
Engaging stakeholders during the Spring Meetings of the World Bank Group (WBG) on Thursday, Madam Georgieva she expressed optimism about creditors giving Ghana the go ahead to finalise its deal with the Fund.
“To tell you the truth, I am actually quite optimistic. Ghana is going to move; the creditors are going to move; and we (the IMF) are going to move swiftly… so stay tuned and stay positive,” she said.
Her assurance comes amid ongoing discussions between Ghana and its creditors over its debt situation. Ghana’s debt-to-GDP ratio has increased to over 90%, leading to concerns about its ability to repay its loans.
However, Madam Georgieva said the IMF is committed to supporting Ghana’s economic recovery and will work closely with the government and other stakeholders to address the country’s debt challenges.
“We know that Ghana has a strong track record of economic growth and has made significant progress in reducing poverty in recent years,” Georgieva said. “We believe that with the right policies and support, Ghana can overcome its current challenges and continue on a path of sustainable development.”
She also praised the Ghanaian government’s efforts to implement economic reforms, saying that they have taken “difficult but necessary steps” to address the country’s fiscal imbalances.
Madam Georgieva added that, the IMF is committed to providing technical assistance and policy advice to help Ghana implement its economic reform programme.
Officials in Japan have given the go-ahead for contentious plans to construct the nation’s first gambling resort.
In 2029, the facility will debut in Osaka, a city in western Japan.
In Japan, casinos have long been forbidden. However, a rule allowing exceptions to games like poker or baccarat was introduced in 2018 in an effort to increase tourism and create jobs.
Some members of the public are worried about an increase in crime and gambling addiction.
The 5.3 million square foot (49 acre) project will also have a hotel, convention center, mall, and museum in addition to the casino.
“We hope (the casino) will become a tourism base that promotes Japan’s charms to the world,” according to Prime Minster Fumio Kishida.
The project has an initial investment of 1.8tn yen ($13.5bn, £10.7bn) with US-based casino operator MGM and Japan’s Orix Group each owning a 40% stake in the company.
The other 20% will be owned by local companies such as West Japan Rail, Kansai Electric Power and Osaka-based Panasonic.
Officials expect the resort to attract around 20 million visitors annually and bring in roughly 1tn yen in annual economic benefits to the region, according to a Japanese news service.
The project was proposed years ago, but it was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic and a corruption scandal involving a ruling-party lawmaker who was accused of accepting bribes while in charge of casino policy.
Japan is seen a promising market for gambling. It is the world’s third largest economy with a population of roughly 126 million.
It also has close proximity to wealthy Asian gamblers, particularly from China. Macau is the only Chinese city where casino gambling is legal.
A similar plan has been submitted by the Nagasaki prefecture to build a casino at Huis Ten Bosch, a Dutch-themed theme park.
A male prisoner in Atlanta has been eaten alive by bed bugs, according to the lawyer of the bereaved family.
In a photo shared by Michael D Harper, Lashawn Thompson, who was jailed for a misdemeanor, had his body covered with bed bugs.
He is calling for a criminal investigation and told reporters a lawsuit is pending.
“Mr Thompson was found dead in a filthy jail cell after being eaten alive by insects and bed bugs,” Mr Harper said in a statement. “The jail cell Mr Thompson was housed in was not fit for a diseased animal. He did not deserve this.”
Lashawn Thompson was placed in the Fulton County Jail psychiatric wing after officials judged him mentally ill.
A Fulton County Medical Examiner’s report shows that Mr Thompson was found unresponsive in his jail cell on 19 September – three months after his arrest.
He was pronounced dead following attempts by local police and medical personnel to resuscitate him, according to USA Today.
Mr Harper says jail records show detention officers and medical staff noticed Mr Thompson was deteriorating but did nothing to administer aid or otherwise help him, BBC’s US media partner CBS News reported.
The medical examiner’s report said there was a “severe bed bug infestation” in his cell in the psychiatric ward but said there were no clear signs of trauma on Mr Thompson’s body.
The report listed the cause of death as undetermined.
In the Afigya Kwabre South District of the Ashanti Region, a young man’s body was discovered in the Owabi River at Bronkrong close to Afrancho.
The victim, who was discovered dead on Friday, April 14, 2023, was believed to be in his mid-30s.
In an interview with Jacob Agyenim Boateng on OTEC News, the Assembly Member for the Bronkong Electoral Area, Philip Sarkodie, claimed that a resident made the startling discovery early on Friday.
He stated that because residents and bystanders were unable to identify the deceased, his identity is unknown.
“Some residents spotted the lifeless body of the deceased with parts of the body buried in the river. They quickly called me and upon getting to the scene i had to call the police and inform them officially”, he told the host.
Police in the area rushed to the scene and have since conveyed the body to morgue for identification and investigation.
The extremely unpopular pension reforms which raise the state pension age from 62 to 64, have been signed into law by French President Emmanuel Macron.
It took place hours after France’s highest constitutional council approved the modification.
The Constitutional Council rejected calls for a referendum from the opposition, but it also ruled that key portions of the amendments were invalid due to legal issues.
After the council made its decision, demonstrators set fire to Paris, and 112 people were detained.
Since January, there have been twelve days of protests opposing the reforms.
The measures will continue to be opposed, and on May 1st, unions are urging workers all over France to go to the streets once more.
President Macron argues the reforms are essential to prevent the pension system collapsing. In March, the government used a special constitutional power to force through the changes without a vote.
He signed the reforms into law in the early hours of Saturday morning.
The Labour Minister Olivier Dussopt has said he expects the reforms to come into effect by the start of September.
After the Friday ruling of the Constitutional Court, trade unions made an unsuccessful last-ditch appeal to the president not to sign the pension-age increase into law.
The unions pointed out that six concessions that had been added to the reforms were rejected by the court, so what was already unfair was now “even more unbalanced”.
Among the reforms struck down by the nine members of the Constitutional Council was a so-called “senior index” aimed at urging companies with more than 1,000 workers to take on employees over 55.
Mr Dussopt has vowed to improve the employment rates of those aged over 50 in an effort to ease concerns about the financial impacts of the raised retirement age.
The authorities had banned demonstrations in front of the Constitutional Council building in Paris until Saturday morning, but crowds of protesters had gathered nearby on Friday and the ruling was met with jeers.
Some demonstrators chanted they would continue protesting until the changes were withdrawn.
Later, several fires were set across the city as riot police tried to contain the situation, sometimes using tear gas. A Paris police official said 112 people have been arrested.
Fires were also lit during demonstrations in Rennes and Nantes, while there were tense standoffs at times between protesters and police in Lyon.
British Chancellor Jeremy Hunt claims that the country’s economy is “back” and that the Washington meeting of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has praised his growth strategy.
Following a barrage of criticism, his predecessor Kwasi Kwarteng departed the previous IMF meeting in October early.
According to Mr. Hunt, the international lending organization noticed that he was “putting the British economy back on the right track”.
The UK economy, according to the most recent data, did not expand in February.
The IMF predicted on Wednesday that the UK economy will contract by 0.3% in 2023, ranking it among the worst-performing of the world’s major countries.
When challenged over whether the UK’s current performance undermined his positive message, Mr Hunt said: “It’s other finance ministers who are telling me Britain is back”.
Britain’s economy has only just recovered to the size it was prior to the pandemic, following months of industrial action, rapidly rising prices and labour shortages.
On Friday nurses in the RCN union rejected the offer of a 5% pay rise and said they planned to strike again at the start of May. Meanwhile, NHS junior doctors in England are currently staging a four-day walkout over pay, ending at 07:00 on Saturday.
The wave of industrial action affecting the UK in recent months has contributed to its lack of growth, the Office of National Statistics said this week.
However, Mr Hunt said it was important to avoid fuelling further inflation through pay rises. He said Britain had avoided recession this year “so far”, and that he hoped to see faster growth and falling inflation in the months ahead.
Measures in his March Budget to help businesses recruit more staff and to increase investment, including an increase in childcare funding, should stimulate growth, he added.
Investor confidence in the UK was shaken last year during the short-lived government of prime minister Liz Truss, which saw Mr Kwarteng present an economic strategy that included major tax cuts without an explanation of how they would be funded.
The outlook for the UK, which relies heavily on financial services, could be clouded by current uncertainty in the banking sector, following the collapse of three US banks and UBS’s emergency takeover of Credit Suisse.
However, Mr Hunt said the UK had “a very robust, resilient banking system”, which was now in a much better position than it was before the 2008 financial crisis.
“Am I confident in the resilience of our banking system, the second largest financial services centre in the world?’ Yes, I am,” he said.
While the government is considering reforming some of the rules governing financial services, put in place after 2008, Mr Hunt said the plan was “absolutely not to unlearn the lessons of the financial crisis”.
“We are looking at all of these things, but we’re not going to do it in a way that rows back on any of the very important protections that we have in place,” he said.
But he said the growth of the UK’s tech and life sciences industries meant regulations needed to adapt.
“We have a lot of high growth companies in the UK, and they need to have banking services that suit their needs. And that’s a difference from a decade ago,” he said.
Following the UK’s approval of Ford’s BlueCruise technology, drivers will be allowed to lawfully take their hands off the wheel while driving.
The use of the “hands-off, eyes-on” technology on several roadways has been allowed by ministers.
While a camera will keep a watch on the driver’s eyes to ensure they remain aware, it can regulate steering, acceleration, and braking.
The technology will initially only be offered for Ford’s electric Mustang Mach-E SUV versions from 2023.
In traffic congestion, it also implies that the model may maintain a safe distance from other vehicles and even bring them to a complete stop.
Thatcham Research, an automotive research firm, said it was important to note that this is not a self-driving car but is “the next development in assisted driving technology”.
“What makes it different, is that for the first time ever drivers will be permitted to take their hands off the wheel. However, their eyes must remain on the road ahead, ” said Tom Leggett, vehicle technology specialist at Thatcham.
He added: “Crucially, the driver is not permitted to use their mobile, fall asleep or conduct any activity that takes attention away from the road.”
Ford’s car costs £50,830 and while the hands-off technology will be free for the first 90 days, drivers will then have to sign up for a monthly subscription.
Deliveries of the new model started last month. It has a maximum speed of 80mph and uses both cameras and sensors to detect lane markings and speed signs, as well as the position and speed of other cars on the road.
Transport Minister Jesse Norman said: “The latest advanced driver assistance systems make driving smoother and easier, but they can also help make roads safer by reducing scope for driver error.”
Lisa Brankin, managing director of Ford in Britain and Ireland, also told the BBC’s Today programme on Friday that the car will only take over when “the system feels it’s safe” in certain “blue zones” that have been deemed as safe across 2,300 miles of pre-mapped motorways in England, Scotland and Wales.
“If your eyes are closed, the car will prompt you to put hands onto the steering wheel and take control… It will keep prompting the driver and if they don’t respond, the car will steadily slow down to a stop,” she said.
She adds that in the case of accidents, the driver will still be fully responsible in insurance claims, as the technology is “not autonomous driving” and the driver is in control.
Ford’s BlueCruise technology represents what’s known as a “Level 2” driver assistance system, which still requires a human driver to take control should something go wrong.
There are six levels of autonomous driving, as defined by the Society of Automotive Engineers:
Level 0: Very little automation, with features providing some warnings or assistance like automatic braking
Level 1: Driver assistance, where the technology controls one aspect such as cruise control
Level 2: Partial automation, where two or more aspects of driving are controlled by technology, such as speed regulation and parking done by the car itself
Level 3: Conditional automation, where the technology makes nearly all decisions on the road, although the driver still needs to be present to override any potential mistakes. At this stage, drivers could take their eyes off the road for certain periods of time
Level 4: High automation, where technology does not require any human interaction in most circumstances. This is currently limited to certain areas where speed limits are low and roads are easy to read. This type of automation is currently restricted by regulation
Level 5: Full automation, where no assistance is needed from a human driver at all
In the US and Canada, Ford’s technology has been available since 2021. It said that in the last couple of years, more than 190,000 Ford and Lincoln vehicles have covered more than 60 million miles using the technology without any accidents reported.
Fumio Kishida, the prime minister of Japan, was unharmed while leaving a public function after what appeared to be a smoke bomb was hurled in his direction.
Local media said that a guy was apprehended on the spot in Wakayama, where Mr. Kishida was scheduled to deliver a speech.
One eyewitness claimed to have seen someone toss something, which was followed by smoke, while another claimed to have heard a loud noise. There were no reported injuries.
In a video, it could be seen that police were surrounding a suspect.
Ryuji Kimura, 24, was apprehended on suspicion of obstructing commerce and later identified by the authorities. His intentions are still a mystery.
Japan’s public broadcaster, NHK, quoted Mr Kishida as saying there was a “loud blast” at the venue. “Police are investigating details, but I’d like to apologise for worrying many people and causing them trouble.”
NHK broadcast footage in which crowds of people appear to be running away from the scene.
The footage also shows people swarm around one man, hold him down, and then carry him away.
Image caption,A man believed to be a suspect in the smoke-bomb throwing was held by police officers
Mr Kishida had just started to deliver a speech after touring the fishing harbour in Wakayama for a campaign event when the object was thrown and he took cover.
After the incident, Mr Kishida addressed a crowd in another location and said the incident should not disrupt the electoral process.
A woman at the scene told NHK: “I was stunned. My heart is still beating fast.”
A person who said they saw an object flying through the air said it gave them a “bad feeling, so we ran away unbelievably fast”.
“Then we heard a really loud noise. It made my daughter cry,” they added.
Another witness told NHK that the crowd began to disperse in panic before the blast was heard, as someone said an explosive had been thrown.
Hiroshi Moriyama, a member of Mr Kishida’s Liberal Democratic Party, said: “That something like this happened in the middle of an election campaign that constitutes the foundation of democracy is regrettable. It’s an unforgivable atrocity.”
Violent attacks are extremely rare in Japan. But there is nervousness about security around politicians, after former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was shot dead while on the campaign trail last year.
Ever wondered who Achraf Hakimi’s wife is? What she does exactly and why you should know?
Hiba Abouk is her name and she is divorcing her husband of three years. The two met in 2018 when Abouk was 31 and Hakimi, 19. They have two kids together.
It has recently emerged that Abouk would not be getting a penny from Hakimi after they divorce as the PSG’s player’s assets are in his mother’s name.
Some social media users think Abouk is a gold digger and planned this. But reports have it that she is leaving the 24-year-old because of a rape allegation against Hakimi.
But before they met, Abouk was also known to the public eye.
Who is Hiba Abouk?
Hiba Aboukhris Benslimane was born on 30th October, 1986 in Madrid, Spain. She is the youngest of her four siblings. Her parents migrated from Tunisia to settle in Spain.
She studied at the French Lycée in Madrid until age 18. Later she studied Arabic philology and she earned a licentiate degree in drama from The Real Escuela Superior de Arte Dramático is a drama school in Madrid, Spain. As well as Spanish and Arabic, she speaks French, English and Italian.
Achraf Hakimi wife, Hiba Abouk is a Spanish model and an actress. Her first role was in a single episode of the TV series El síndrome de Ulíses in 2008, but it was two years later that her career really started to blossom.
Hiba landed a role in the comedy series La isla de los nominados, followed by a part in the Spanish adaptation of Cheer, but it was the popular Spanish crime drama El Principe, her first leading role, that made her a household name.
Hiba Abouk, the Moroccan defender for PSG, is expected to suffer a double loss as she is apparently required to pay her ex-husband, Achraf Hakimi, half of her wealth, according to a report by Intel Region.
Following the ex-wife’s unsuccessful attempt to obtain a divorce settlement after filing a divorce petition against the footballer on the basis of allegations of infidelity yesterday, the 24-year-old football sensation took over global trends.
She approached the court to seek the dissolution of their marriage and demanded half the football star’s property in a divorce settlement, however, it was discovered that he had no assets.
After she took her footballer husband to court, she expected to get an equal share of his €70 million net worth upon separation, but she was informed that documents showed all of his assets belonged to his mother rather.
Dr. Anthony Akoto Osei, the immediate former Old Tafo member of parliament, will be laid to rest today, April 15.
According to the family, the funeral would be held at Accra’s Holy Spirit Cathedral.
After a brief illness, he passed away on March 20, 2023, a Monday.
Dr. Osei served four times as a member of parliament.
Many statesmen have paid tribute to Dr. Akoto Osei in the wake of his passing, including the Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, and the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin.
In a tribute to the former Minister of Monitoring and Evaluation, Dr Bawumia said the deceased was a “good friend” of his.
Dr Bawumia said the former Minister’s fidelity to the country’s development was unquestionable.
He expressed his complete shock following Dr. Akoto Osei’s passing.
“I have heard with shock, the passing of Hon. Dr. Anthony Akoto Osei, former MP and Minister of the Republic.
“Dr. was a very good friend and one of the people I worked closely with as a Deputy Governor and Vice President of the Republic.”
It has emerged that the late MP for Kumawu, Philip Basoah, had a strained relationship with the executives of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the constituency.
Brother of the deceased legislator, Solomon Basoah, alleged that his brother suffered at the hand of the party executives held meetings and took important decisions without his knowledge.
Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen, he said: “My brother really suffered before dying. Even in Parliament, a lot of people were aware of the treatment meted out to him. The constituency executives never liked him. They even organise meetings without his knowledge.”
He also assumed that “If he were alive today and we are going for elections, trust me, the executives would have deserted him because majority of them are not in his camp.”
Mr. Basoah also alleged that, the District Chief Executive (DCE), Samuel Addae Agyekum was spreading false rumours about the late MP even when he was battling for his life.
The pained brother said he is shocked eight people including some constituency executives have picked forms to contest in the by-election.
“Eight people are currently contesting the seat. But for someone who had worked hard in the constituency, they could have just said they won’t contest and even allowed a family member to go. But the number of people contesting really puts me off and shows they never cared about him,” he fumed.
Asked if he would still do politics after his brother’s death, Solomon said “I won’t bother venturing into politics again. I am an Electoral Area Coordinator and after my tenure, I won’t bother to continue. My brother went through a lot and I cannot see myself going through that too,” he noted.
According to Patrick Kpozo, he joined Sheriff Tiraspol of Moldova after speaking with Basit Abdul Khalid.
In 2022, the 25-year-old left Sweden’s Ostersunds FK to work for Sheriff Tiraspol. Before transferring teams, Kpozo claimed to have spoken with striker Khalid Abdul Basit.
“I had a conversation with another player which is Basit[Abdul Khalid], the striker, and he spoke good about the club to me. And he also influenced me to come to Sheriff actually,” he told GhanaWebs Sports Check.
Kpozo began his career in Ghana with Inter Allies before transferring to AIK Stockholm in Sweden. In the interim of his permanent transfer to Oestersunds FK, he spent time on loan at Tromsoe and IFK Lulea. Kpozo also competed for Ghana’s U-20 team at the New Zealand 2015 FIFA World Cup.
On 9 March 2023, Kpozo received his first call-up to the Ghana senior national team by head coach Chris Hughton for two qualifiers for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations against Angola.
The age difference between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) defender Achraf Hakimi and his wife Hiba Abouk has become a topic of interest on social media.
The duo are at a brink of separating – a phenomenon apparently common between athletes and their wives whose union caused a stir due to their age gap.
Just like Pique (who is 10 years younger than his ex) and Shakira’s divorce got social media buzzing, Hakimi’s separation has caused a stir on Twitter.
Spanish actress, Hiba Abouk, 36, who blossomed in 2010 after her first role was in a single episode of the TV series El síndrome de Ulíses in 2008, allegedly wants to divorce Hakimi due to a rape case against him. The incident is said to have taken place on February 25 at the player’s residence while his wife was away.
Abouk, who is 12 years older than Hakimi asked for half of the player’s assets but was hit with a shocking news.
Hakimi, 24, has registered all of his assets and properties in his mother, Sadia Mouth’s name, leaving him with nothing in the eyes of the law. Abouk gets nothing, the court said.
It is unknown when Hakimi made this move – whether before his marriage or after. Hakimi met Abouk in 2018 at the age of 19 when she was 31.
The two got married two years later in a secret ceremony. They are parents to two boys, Amin and Naim.
Meanwhile, tweeps are trying hard to unravel how Hakimi was able to pull such a huge stunt without his wife being aware.
So Achraf Hakimi wife will be like so he carry me NO GG and under 2.5🤔 fear men🤣 pic.twitter.com/nppq745Haj
Achraf Hakimi got to the training grounds in his mum's car, holding his mum's kit bag and listening to music using mum's ear piece and phone.🤐 pic.twitter.com/aFlTpworWL
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has confirmed that a former Premier League player who was detained in 2021 on suspicion of child sex offenses won’t face any further consequences.
After being questioned by police in 2021, the player—who has since left the Premier League team he was playing for at the time of his arrest—was freed on bail.
GMP declared on Friday that the evidence did not satisfy the standard required for prosecution.
“The 33-year-old man who was arrested in connection with an investigation opened in June 2021 will face no further action,” a police statement read.
“The investigation team and Crown Prosecution Service have been working together and reached the decision that the evidence available at this time does not reach the threshold set out on the Code for Crown Prosecutors.
“Greater Manchester Police is committed to investigating allegations to secure the best possible outcomes for all involved and will continue to work with partner agencies to ensure individuals are supported throughout investigations and beyond.”
Black Starlets players have received accolades from coach Karim Zito for their superb performance in their opening match against Serbia at the 2023 UEFA U-16 Development Tournament on Thursday.
Ghana’s Black Starlets defeated Serbia 4-0 because to their excellent performance.
Following the West African nation’s successful penalty kick conversion by Benjamin Tsivanyo, there was intense pressure on the Serbians to submit in the first few minutes.
Ten minutes later, the Great Corinthians center-forward scored his second goal of the day with help from Debrah Bossman, giving Ghana a two-goal lead.
With their third goal, the Black Starlets continued to dominate. Benjamin Tsivanyo received a fantastic pass from Ramsey Asumadu to complete his hat trick.
Yiriyon Yaw Gideon recorded his name on the scoring sheet with a magnificent free-kick from distance on the stroke of halftime.
Speaking after the game head coach Karim Zito said: “Yes that is what we all wish for that we come back again. Previously it didn’t go well now we are hoping it well go well. So far so good some kids that we have assembled are here yesterday we were happy they played good the result was nice the performance too was nice,”
“We are hoping that we will do better with these boys because we started not long ago. So we are working on it after the tournament we will see how best we can approach things,”
The Black Starlets of Ghana will take on Spain on Saturday 15th April.
When Ferrari participates in a hearing on Tuesday, they will start their defense against a hefty time penalty assessed to Carlos Sainz at the Australian Grand Prix.
The Italian team will have the opportunity to apply for a review of the five-second penalty when they meet with stewards, according to the FIA, the world governing body of motorsport.
Sainz received the penalty for colliding with Fernando Alonso on April 2 during the race.
Following a hectic penultimate-lap standing restart, Sainz was dropped from fourth to 12th after making touch with his Spanish compatriot’s Aston Martin.
There were another two crashes prior to a red flag being waved for a third time at Albert Park.
Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon were involved in a collision, while Logan Sargeant ran into the AlphaTauri of Nyck de Vries but none of those four drivers were penalised.
Sainz was not impressed with the punishment imposed on him and Scuderia team principal Fred Vasseur confirmed Ferrari would appeal against the decision that cost the driver a points finish.
Sometimes you just can’t catch a break…
A tough weekend with no points but that does not reflect our progress. Four weeks until the next race to keep pushing and working hard.
In a statement issued on Friday, the FIA said: “The stewards of the 2023 Australian Grand Prix have received a letter from Nikolas Tombazis, single-seater director of the FIA, attaching a petition by competitor Scuderia Ferrari dated 6th April 2023 under article 14 of the FIA international sporting code, seeking a review of the stewards’ decision number 46 made within the framework of the 2023 Australian Grand Prix and requesting that the stewards ‘consider such request and to make a determination whether or not a significant and relevant new element exists in relation to the decision/incident’.
“The driver(s) and team representative(s) are required to report to the stewards for a virtual hearing to be held on 18th April 2023 at 0800 CET in relation to the petition.”
Bernard Ziel, a former Asante Kotoko board member, has urged with the team’s supporters to stop blaming the FA and other football media figures for the organization’s issues.
Some of the club’s management and supporters have recently criticized the Ghana Football Association (GFA) for supposedly plotting to ruin them by designating biased referees to their games.
Ziel disputed these claims and claimed that Asante Kotoko’s win in the 2021–22 Ghana Premier League was attributable to the GFA in a radio appearance with Kessben FM.
He urged people in authority to assume accountability and make wise choices to support the team, and he suggested the administration of the team market their games well in traditional media to boost matchday attendance.
Kotoko recently sacked their Burkinabe coach Seydou Zerbo due to poor results. Assistant coach Abdul Gazale is now in charge till a head coach is appointed.
The Porcupine Warriors will take on Berekum Chelsea today in their match week 26th game at Golden City Park.
Driver Craig Breen of the World Rally Championship passed away at the age of 33 after getting injured during a test run before the Croatia Rally.
The 33-year-old Irishman has been competing with Hyundai Motorsport this season, and they have confirmed that an accident took place on Thursday.
Hyundai Motorsport expressed its deepest sympathies to Craig’s family, friends, and many supporters in a statement.
Prior to this weekend’s race in Zagreb, Breen’s teammate and co-driver James Fulton was involved in an accident. Fulton was unhurt.
Across a career that saw him debut in 2009, BReen achieved eight podiums, most recently matching his best ever finish with second at the 2023 Rally Sweden.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem: “On behalf of the FIA, I extend sincere condolences to the family & friends of Craig Breen following his passing during a private testing accident. Our thoughts & prayers are with his loved ones & the Rally community at this difficult time.” pic.twitter.com/kuIugu51qt
Gideon Mensah is unlikely to play this weekend when AJ Auxerre plays FC Nantes in French Ligue 1.
The full-back is now working his way back to fitness after only recovering from an injury two days ago.
On Wednesday and Thursday, he worked out alone with assistance from a team physio.
He hasn’t had many opportunities to train with his AJ Auxerre colleagues, thus it’s very possible that he won’t make the team’s matchday roster.
The match between AJ Auxerre and FC Nantes is scheduled to be played on Sunday, April 16.
The game will kick off at 1 pm. AJ Auxerre are keen on securing a win to amass the maximum three points to increase their chances of escaping relegation at the end of the ongoing 2022/23 French Ligue 1 season.
After this weekend, Gideon Mensah should be back in action in the next game.
Information coming in is that France’s top constitutional body has approved President Emmanuel Macron’s contested plan to raise the retirement age.
The decision taken on Friday is in line with the French Constitution. The retirement age in France is 64 years. Macron can enact the bill within 15 days.
All eyes were on the heavily guarded Constitutional Council, which can nix all or parts of a complex pension reform plan that Macron pushed through without a vote by the lower house of parliament.
Security forces stood behind a metal fence erected in front of the edifice where the decision was being made.
As tensions mounted hours before the decision, Macron invited labor unions to meet with him on Tuesday “whatever the decision by the Constitutional Council,” his office said.
The president did not grant a request last month by unions for a meeting.
The president’s drive to increase the retirement age has provoked months of labor strikes and protests.
Violence by pockets of ultra-left radicals marked the 12 otherwise peaceful nationwide marches that unions organized since January.
TikTok has gained immense popularity globally since its launch in 2016. During the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, many isolated individuals jumped onto the platform.
Even with many able to move to public spaces and return to their normal daily lives, the platform continues to be patronised.
As of January 2023, TikTok had over one billion monthly active users and this has been so due to the compelling content shared.
In this article, we take a look at the top 10 TikTokers with the most followers due to their engaging content. The figures provided are as of April 14, 2023.
Khaby Lame
Khaby, the biggest TikToker in the world, has a total of 156 million followers. He is quite unique and different from the others. The 23-year-old Senegalese-Italian creator rarely speaks in his TikTok videos.
His videos are filled with gestures of incidents that are poorly handled by people.
Bella in August 2020 found a massive demand after a single video of her lip-syncing to a British rap song went viral. She did this to amass 92.8 million followers.
Addison has 88.7 million followers. She started posting in 2019. She provides a mixture of contents comprising; dance videos, lip-syncs, trends, and comedy skits.
Known to be YouTube’s biggest star, Mr Beast has a following of 80.7 million.
Born Jimmy Donaldson, Mr Beast who has 136 million subscribers on YouTube has been entertaining his followers with challenges and stunts where does who participate get to earn some cash.
Kimberly is a Mexican singer. She made her debut on TikTok in 2020 where she shared dance routines, red carpet moments, and behind-the-scenes videos. She has 74.1 million followers.
The Turkish Chef has 70.4 million followers. Cznburak whose official name is Burak Özdemir thrills his fans with culinary concoctions include giant burgers, fiery baklava, and elaborate fruit shakes.
Early morning and gettin’ my ass kicked. 545am cardio. 45min stair master. Empty stomach. 125-135 average HR🏃🏾♂️💦 Everyone’s tired. We all gotta work 😊 🏗️
As he recovers from a hip injury, Rafael Nadal won’t participate in the Barcelona Open next week.
The 22-time grand slam champion hasn’t competed since losing to Mackenzie McDonald in the Australian Open second round in January.
Nadal did not compete in the Indian Wells or Monte Carlo tournaments, and his most recent absence raises more questions about whether he will play in the French Open, which starts at the end of May.
He wrote on Instagram on Friday: “Barcelona is a special tournament for me, because it’s my adopted club and because playing at home is always a unique feeling.
“I’m still not prepared and therefore I’m still in my preparation process for the return to competition.
“Good luck to my friend [tournament director] David Ferrer and his whole team for this edition of the Godo that will surely be a success as always on all levels.”
Nadal is a 12-time winner of the Barcelona Open, which he last won in 2021.
The 36-year-old recently dropped out of the world’s top 10 men’s rankings for the first time since 2005 due to his injury absence, and he currently sits in 15th place.
Hearts of Oak captain, Gladson Awako, has joined his teammates to train after sustaining an injury.
It has been over a month since he picked up an injury while on international duty with the Black Meteors during the opening game against Madagascar at the 2023 Championship for African Nations (CHAN) tournament in Algeria early this year.
But after making recovery, the former Ghana U20 player resumed full training on Thursday.
It is possible that Gladson Awako could be named in the team for the GPL game against Nsoatreman FC on Sunday.
His return come as a huge boost for David Ocloo with nine games remaining to end the 2022/23 campaign.
Hearts of Oak 5th on the league standings with 39 points after 25 matches into the campaign.
The Minister for Youth and Sports, Mustapha Ussif, claims it would be unjust to assess Chris Hughton, the coach of the Black Stars, after just two games.
The Irish-Ghanaian has had a successful first two games in charge of the national squad, winning one and drawing the other.
Prior to flying to Luanda to play the Palancas Negras in a 1-1 draw during the 2023 AFCON qualifiers, Ghana defeated Angola 1-0 at the Baba Yara Stadium.
Despite Hughton’s strong start, Mustapha Ussif has declined to evaluate his work.
“The objectives are set by the FA for him to ensure that we qualify for AFCON and also to ensure that we identify local talents from our league. To also ensure that we qualify for the World Cup and also to make sure that our ranking in the FIFA Ranking improves. These are the objectives in the contract that he has signed…”
Minister for Youth and Sports, Mustapha Ussif
“That is why I am saying it is too early to judge him. Judging a coach from two games won’t be fair. Let’s rally behind him and give him all the support he needs so he can deliver”
The Black Stars will be back to action in June for the remaining two AFCON qualifying games against Central Africa Republic and Madagascar.
The Football Association (FA) has fined Liverpool £37,500 for an incident in which their players surrounded the referee during a recent 4-1 Premier League loss at Manchester City.
At the Etihad Stadium, the incident happened in the 34th minute of play with the score tied at one when City midfielder Rodri intentionally fouled Cody Gakpo.
Minutes earlier, the Spaniard had been cautioned for a comparable offense, but referee Simon Hooper decided against issuing a second caution, which would have resulted in a red card.
The decision was challenged by Diogo Jota, Fabinho, Virgil van Dijk, and captain Jordan Henderson, and the FA fined the team as a result.
According to a statement from the FA, Liverpool admitted it had “failed to ensure its players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion and/or do not behave in a way which is improper”.
The FA announced on Thursday it would be taking “no further action” against assistant referee Constantine Hatzidakis after he appeared to aim an elbow at Liverpool defender Andrew Robertson in last Sunday’s draw with Arsenal.
Liverpool’s next game sees them travel to Leeds United on Monday.
A 24-year-old commercial driver has been convicted by the Assin-Fosu District Court to pay a fine of Gh14,400.00 or, in default, to serve nine months in prison for biting a police officer’s fingers in an effort to elude arrest.
In the courtroom presided over by Abdul Majeed Illiasu, the convict, Ebenezer Nkoom, pleaded guilty to 13 various offences, including inflicting harm, illegal harm, resisting arrest, and roughly seven traffic offenses. He also begged for mercy.
The complainants, General Constable Samuel Ayamba and Police Woman Constable Sophia Essel, are policemen assigned to the Central North Regional Police Command of the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD), according to the prosecutor, Chief Inspector Gilbert Ayongo.
He said on Friday, April 7, at about 06:30 hours, the complainants were detailed to manage traffic at the Assin-Fosu old market stretch of the highway where they spotted the convict who was in charge of Hyundai Atos Taxi with registration No. CR 1157-20.
The prosecutor said while the vehicles were in motion, the convict stopped at an undesignated place to solicit for and pick up passengers without reasonable consideration to other road users.
According to the prosecutor, the police officers approached the convict and cautioned him not to pick up passengers at the place, and directed him to leave with his passengers immediately.
But the convict was adamant and replied that he would continue to pick up passengers from that spot until the police arrested all other drivers who did the same.
Barley an hour later, Chief Inspector Ayongo said the convict returned to the same location with impunity which led to his arrest.
He said the officers sat in the vehicle of the convict to be driven to the Regional MTTD office but he instead, drove the officers to an unknown destination and attempted to escape.
He was immediately rearrested and while resisting the arrest, bit the finger of General Constable Ayamba, inflicting severe injuries on his hand, the prosecutor told the court.
The prosecutor said a civilian motor rider who witnessed the incident quickly picked up the injured police officer and chased the convict who drove the vehicle into the nearby bush, abandoned it, and absconded.
The two officers returned to the office and reported the incident to ASP Mr. Wonder Lumor, the Central North Regional MTTD Commander, who deployed two plain-clothed policemen and CID officers to the scene.
He said about an hour later, the convict emerged in the company of two others, and he was arrested to assist with investigations.
A thorough check on the vehicle and documents revealed that the convict had failed to validate his driver’s license since Tuesday, February 1, 2022, and was driving a commercial vehicle at an unauthorized age of 24, instead of 25 years and above.
Also, he was driving a commercial vehicle without a spare tyre, warning signals, fire extinguisher, and others.
It has emerged that former President John Dramani Mahama did not condemn the people of Ashanti Region for their loyalty to the New Patriotic Party (NPP) as claimed.
Presidential staffer, Nana Hesse Ogyiri, in a Facebook post on Thursday shared an artwork with UTV’s logo which said: “Don’t be like Ashanti Region. They are emotionally attached to the NPP that they don’t even think before voting for them.
“Your party and your son has led Ghana into a ditch, be bold to vote against them. Be different. Come back to the NDC in 2024 and we wont neglect you this time,” it added.
Aide of John Mahama, Joyce Bawah-Mogtari has refuted the claims made by the presidential staffer.
She entreated the general public to disregard the news, describing it as fake.
“Wait a minute: Treat with utmost contempt,fake news headlines being churned out by a desperately unscrupulous government that has absolutely nothing to show for itself than to hide behind faceless lies and propaganda against notable political opponents!” she said.
Also, a search on the Accra-based TV station’s social media platforms revealed a similar artwork but with different details.
The April 11, 2023, artwork read: “By God’s grace we have the experience, we didn’t buy it in the store, we didn’t learn it in school, it is God who gave us the opportunity to gather that experience. Don’t worry about what some people are saying, it is God’s will, I attend church and when I pray God speaks to me and God has said this is the time for NDC, he has given us power. If God decides no one can change it.”
Former President John Mahama has expressed optimism that the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) will win the 2024 elections.#UTVNewspic.twitter.com/eqqryJgI8V
Former President John Mahama completed his regional tour of the Eastern Region on Thursday and is expected to start the Greater Accra Regional tour almost immediately.
In the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, the M23 rebel group has declared that it will not disarm or demobilize as long as there is no direct political conversation with the Kinshasa administration.
Following the declaration that there will be no political dialogue with the rebels by Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi, a rebel spokesman, Lawrence Kanyuka, made the assertion on Twitter.
According to Mr. Tshisekedi, the M23 rebels are anticipated to demobilize before resuming their civilian lives in accordance with a deal brokered by regional authorities.
The gang has started leaving places it had taken over in accordance with the peace agreement that was mediated.
About a quarter of a million people have been displaced by the violence over the past 18 months.
According to local media, two pastors of the army of faith religious movement in Angola have been detained for allegedly wearing uniforms from the country’s armed forces.
The two were detained on Wednesday by members of the Criminal Investigation Service (SIC) who were wearing “red pins similar to the ones worn by army generals.”
The two will be charged with unauthorized use of a military uniform and engaging in illegal religious activities “because their sect is not registered,” according to SIC spokesperson Manuel Halaiwa.
It follows a viral video that showed the two pastors presiding over a ceremony attended by more than 80 youths – some of whom were dressed in replicas of army uniform.
The VOA recently reported that the government had launched a crackdown on unregistered churches and those that purport to perform miracles.
For the offences of discreditable conduct to wit misuse of firearms, abuse of power, gross indiscipline, and wastage of live ammunition, three officers from the SPU Base 1 Kano in Nigeria have been dismissed.
The trio, Inspr. Dahiru Shuaibu, Sgt. Abdullahi Badamasi, and Sgt. Isah Danladi were attached to a musician in Kano on escort duties.
In the course of their duty on Friday 7th April, 2023 at Kahutu Village, Katsina State, the officers are said to have repeatedly fired shots from their official firearms into the air despite police policy against firing in the air.
This goes against standard operating procedure and relevant Force Orders; and disregarding the possible risk to the crowd at the location which included children.
The Police in a social media post said “The act was not only criminal and unprofessional but also embarrassing to the Force and the nation at large. The Nigeria Police Force hereby warms all officers to ensure they carry out their duties in line with the extant laws to avoid running foul of its provisions and attracting attendant sanctions.”
Supervising officers have also been tasked to ensure continuous and detailed lectures of their men to ensure they are well acquainted with all necessary standard operating procedures.
In response to Thabo Bester‘s escape from a privately managed jail, South Africa’s Justice Minister Ronald Lamola said to MPs on Thursday that he will not step down.
Following his arrest last week in Tanzania, Bester was transported to South Africa on Thursday in a specially chartered aircraft.
For luring his victims, he is referred to as the “Facebook rapist” and uses the social networking site.
In addition to him, his girlfriend, the well-known doctor Nandipha Magudumana, was also deported after being taken into custody.
The minister expressed regret and claimed whole responsibility for the prison breach.
“I am not going to resign because I did what I was supposed to do,” Ronald Lamola told a parliamentary committee on justice.
He said the department of correctional services has a duty of ensuring inmates were kept in custody until the end of their sentences.
Thabo Bester, a South African rapist and murderer who faked his own death in prison last week before being recaptured in Tanzania, is scheduled to appear in court on Friday.
New allegations against Thabo Bester include breaking and entering and violating a dead body, according to the police.
The police spokeswoman confirmed that he will appear before the Bloemfontein magistrate court, although it is unknown whether he will do so in person.
Bester was convicted in 2012 for the rape and murder of his model girlfriend Nomfundo Tyhulu, and he was sentenced to life in prison at the time of his escape.
He was transported to a high-security prison in the capital, Pretoria, on a specially chartered plane on Thursday after being deported from Tanzania.
One of the leading Christian record labels, The Keeper’s Music (TKM), has released yet another powerful and inspiring gospel single dubbed “Power In The Name”.
The song which is characterized by a melody of dominant vocals and strong harmonies which reemphasize the miracle working power of Jesus Christ features Pastor Siisi Baidoo.
Speaking on the inspiration behind the song, Global Lead Pastor for The Keeper’s House, Rev. Francis W. Aubyn indicated that the song was inspired by a deep sense of spiritual hunger for an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ.
He is hopeful that the objective of the music will be achieved. “The value and virtue in the name of Jesus are revelations birthed only out of deep encounters with the Holy Spirit through such anointed minstrels to a world in need of all kinds of healing,” he added.
The Keeper’s Music (TKM) has worked to become one of the fastest music groups in Africa and the first record label established by a church – The Keeper’s House Chapel Int’l (TKH) in Ghana.
The record label has inspired many churches to support both in-house talents and others outside the church.
The label which was launched in April and unveiled to the media in September, 2022 has so far released four tracks namely: ‘’Beautiful God’’ featuring Joe Mettle and Flo Ra (an artiste on the Label), “Hosanna Adoration” featuring Tansy (an artiste on the Label) and ‘’I’m not Afraid’’ featuring Flo Ra with “Power In The Name” being the latest single to be added to the pile.
These masterpieces in 2022/2023 have already made their way to several playlists on radio stations and digital streaming platforms.
The music group has recently announced the launch of this year’s flagship music concert, “APRIL CONCERT” slated for April 22, 2023.
The event, one of the most anticipated in the capital city of Ghana serves as the annual concert of the label to share the stage with various world-class artistes as well as connect with the general public through anointed praise and adoration to the Lord Jesus Christ.
Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has assured Ghanaians that he will in a few days to come release fresh scandalous information on the National Cathedral project being undertaken by government.
Mr Ablakwa made the pledge after informing the public of his progress with Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice over some individuals dubious roles in the construction of the cathedral.
He noted that “CHRAJ has formally written to me indicating they are continuing with investigations into my Rev. Victor Kusi Boateng/Kwabena Adu Gyamfi conflict of interest petition.”
CHRAJ subsequently requested additional documentation of which he noted that was promptly and dutifully submitted on 9th of March, 2023.
In his update, the North Tongu MP also indicated that Rev. Victor Kusi Boateng/Kwabena Adu Gyamfi contempt case brought against him is expected to be finally determined next month.
According to him, the High Court has slated judgement for May 5, 2023.
Despite the yet-to be completed investigation by CHRAJ and the court case, Mr Ablakwa stated that “the Son of Man shall not be silenced!” adding that “Ghanaians should expect fresh series of ‘National’ Cathedral Scandals in a few days.”
Mr. Ablakwa has accused Rev. Kusi Boateng, who is also the Secretary to the Board of Trustees of the National Cathedral, of having double identity, alleging that the Reverend had multiple identity cards with different names.
He alleged that there was a transfer of GH¢2.6million from the National Cathedral Secretariat to JNS Talent Centre Limited, owned by Rev. Kusi-Boateng, under a secondary identity – Kwabena Adu Gyamfi.
The Rev. Kusi Boateng in response, secured a restraining order against Mr Ablakwa barring him from making public any “disclosures of private documents, correspondence, communication and property belonging to the applicant” for ten days.
Chief Justice Anin-Yeboah is expected to retire from office in a month and two weeks’ time as he turns 70.
A new Chief Justice will be appointed by President Akufo-Addo to steer the helm of affairs from May 24, 2023.
It is currently unknown who Akufo-Addo will go for to replace Justice Anin Yeboah, whom he appointed in December 2019 to take over from Justice Sophia A.B. Akuffo.
However, it is expected that he selects one of the 15 other Justices of the Supreme Court to be Ghana’s 15th Chief Justice.
Below are the 15 Justices likely to be appointed Chief Justice:
His Lordship Justice Jones Dotse
Justice Jones Dotse earned a law degree from the University of Ghana in 1976, and in 1978, was later awarded a BL in Law from the Ghana School of Law. He was called to the Bar in November 1978.
After three years as a state attorney, he spent 20 years in private practice. Justice Dotse served in a variety of capacities during this time while working as a lawyer, eventually reaching to the post of president of the Volta Region Bar Association. Additionally, he had a specialty in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).
In 2002, he was appointed to the Bench as a High Court Judge where he served for seven years. In 2008, he was appointed as Justice of the Supreme Court of The Gambia, a position he still occupies. That same year, he was in 2008 elevated to the Supreme Court of Ghana.
He has had extensive international exposure through short courses and conferences by association with the International Bar Association (IBA),· Commonwealth Judicial Education Institute (CJEI) Halifax, Canada, Special Judicial Faculty Training of the National Judicial Institute of Canada, Ottawa, and the International Visitor Programme of the United States of America.
Born in June 1953, Justice Jones Dotse turns 70, making him an unlikely substitute.
His Lordship Justice Paul Baffoe Bonnie
Justice Paul Baffoe Bonnie was called to the bar in 1981. He held the positions of High Court Judge in Duayaw Nkwanta and Circuit Court Judge in Kumasi. He was an Appeals Court judge before President John Kufuor appointed him to the Supreme Court in June 2008.
Paul Kwadwo Baffoe-Bonnie was on the Supreme Court panel of judges that rejected the New Patriotic Party’s request to annul roughly four million votes from the 2012 general election in Ghana because of allegations of fraud.
Justice Paul Baffoe Bonnie, born in December 1956, turns 67 this year.
His Lordship Justice Gabriel Pwamang
Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang born August 1960, became a Supreme Court judge on June 29, 2015. He was nominated by former President John Dramani Mahama based on the recommendation of the Judicial Council of Ghana.
His appointment was delayed as the council of the Ghana Bar Association filed a suit to seek clarification on the appointments as other recommended judges were not appointed by the president. The process was further protracted when a member of the General Legal Council lodged a complaint against him challenging his appointment.
The complaint was later withdrawn and Pwamang was sworn into office on 29 June 2015.Prior to his Supreme Court judge role, he was a private legal practitioner and the managing partner of Pwamang and Associates. He was a member of the People’s National Convention once serving as the party’s general secretary.
His Lordship Justice Nene Abayaateye Ofoe Amegatcher
70-year-old Justice Nene Abayaateye Ofoe Amegatcher was called to the Ghana Bar in November 1980.
Nene Abayateye worked at the Nana Sarpong Ahenkorah and Company Law Firm as a Private Legal Practitioner from 1980 to 1989 while still teaching at Accra Polytechnic.
From 1987 to 1989, and from 1993 to 1995, Justice Amegatcher served as Bar Association Secretary for the Greater-Accra Region, and the Assistant Secretary of the Ghana Bar Association respectively.
In 2018, he was appointed as a Supreme Court judge by President Akufo-Addo. He is also unlikely to be offered the position.
His Lordship Justice Prof. Nii Ashie Kotey
Justice Nii Ashie Kotey was also appointed a Supreme Court judge in 2018 by President Akufo-Addo.
After obtaining his Ph.D. and LL.M from the University of London he enrolled at the Ghana School of Law and was subsequently called to the bar after completing his studies in 1982.
Before appointed a Supreme Court Judge, the 69-year-old who turns 70 in October this year worked as a lecturer at the University of Ghana from 1981. While at the university, he served as the dean of the university’s Faculty of Law and acting director of the Ghana School of Law. He also served as the Chief Executive of the Forestry Commission of Ghana from 2007 to 2009.
Her Ladyship Justice Mariama Owusu
Justice Mariama Owusu was called to the Ghana Bar in 1981 after completing her professional law examination. In Ghana, she continued into private practice with Totoe Legal Services, and Justice Owusu was appointed to the court as a district magistrate in 1990.
She got her appointment as a district court judge two years later (in 1992), and she served in that capacity for eight years before being appointed as a High Court Judge in 2000.
From 2003 to 2005, Justice Mariama served as a Supervising High Court Judge for Sunyani. Additionally, she was chosen to serve as a Judge for the Court of Appeal in 2006.
The 69-year-old served as a Court of Appeal Judge for 13 years until she was nominated by Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in December 2019 to serve as a Judge in the Supreme Court.
Her Ladyship Justice Avril Lovelace Johnson
From 1988 to 1989, Justice Avril worked as an assistant state attorney in the attorney general’s office in Koforidua and Accra.
Before being appointed as a Justice for the Accra and Tema High Courts, Lovelace-Johnson spent eight years as a District Magistrate after being appointed to that position in 1994.
Until she was appointed a Court of Appeal Justice in 2012, she also worked as the Justice for the Accra and Tema High Courts for ten years.
Prior to that, she served The Gambia from 2005 to 2009 as a Justice of the High Court and an additional Court of Appeal Justice, both positions held by the Commonwealth Secretariat in London.
On December 17, 2019, Lovelace-Johnson, 62, was promoted to a Supreme Court Judge after a rigorous nomination and vetting process.
Her Ladyship Justice Gertrude Torkornoo
Justice Gertrude Torkornoo who turns 62 in September completed her Professional course in law at the Ghana School of Law in 1986.
She holds an LLM in Intellectual Property Law from Golden Gate University, San Francisco, USA and a Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) in International Law and Organizations from the then International Institute of Social Studies, the Hague, Netherlands.
After law school in 1986, Justice Gertrude Torkornoo did her national service with the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Legal Aid Center in Accra. Her pupillage was with Fugar & Co, where she went on to become an Associate and later, a Director of the firm. In January 1997, she set up Sozo Law Consult and became the Managing Partner.
After 18 years of law practice, Justice Torkornoo was invited to join the judiciary in 2004 as a Justice of the High Court of Ghana. In October 2012, she was promoted to the Court of Appeal and rose to become a Justice of the Supreme Court, the apex court, in 2019 after her appointment by President Akufo-Addo.
She is well known for being one of the Supreme Court judges who presided over the 2020 presidential petition case between John Dramani Mahama and the Electoral Commission and Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
His Lordship Justice Issifu Omoro Tanko Amadu
Justice Issifu Omoro Tanko Amadu worked as a lawyer in Nigeria for 19 years after gaining some practical experience with Azinyo Chambers located in Accra.
He then founded his own firm and became the Principal of Amadu & Co. in 1997 and after the Senior Partner Amadu, Ansah-Obiri & Co.
Later, he was appointed the Justice of the High Court between 2008 and 2012. He became an Appeal court judge in 2012.
The 64-year-old was sworn-in as a Supreme Court Judge in May 2020 after his nomination by President Akufo-Addo, becoming the first Muslim to serve on Ghana’s apex court.
Her Ladyship Justice Prof. Henrietta Joy Abena Nyarko Mensa-Bonsu
Justice Prof. Henrietta Joy Abena Nyarko Mensa-Bonsu who turns 65 in October obtained a Master of Laws (LLM) in 1985.
She became a full law lecturer at the University of Ghana in 2002, and in 2003 was elected as a fellow into the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences. She was elected President of the Academy in 2019.
Mensa-Bonsu was nominated by President Akufo-Addo for consideration for appointment to the bench of the Supreme Court of Ghana. She was sworn-in on May 26, 2020.
His Lordship Justice Emmanuel Yonny Kulendi
Justice Emmanuel Yonny Kulendi earned a bachelor of law degree in 1992. In 1994, he obtained a barrister-at-law at the Ghana School of Law.
He holds a master of arts degree in International Security and Civil-Military Relations from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California, United States.
Kulendi is a Fellow of the inaugural class of the Africa Leadership Initiative-West Africa and a member of the Aspen Global Leadership Network. He also served as an examiner at the Ghana School of Law.
In March 2020, the 59-year-old was nominated by President Akufo-Addo to be made a Justice of the Supreme Court. He was approved by Parliament and was sworn into office on Tuesday 26 May 2020.
Her Ladyship Justice Barbara F. Ackah Yensu
In 1981, the 68-year-old was called to the bar. She later entered private practice working with companies such as Lynes Quarshie-Idun & Co., National Investment Bank (NIB), among others.
Ackah-Yensu was sworn in as a Justice of the High Court of Ghana on Tuesday, September 16, 2003. Up until 2005, when she was moved to the Commercial Court, she was posted in the Tema High Court. She remained in that position up to her appointment as Justice of the Appeals Court of Ghana in October 2012.
On July 4, 2022, the president proposed Ackah-Yensu as a candidate for the Supreme Court on the recommendation of the Judicial Council and after consulting with the Council of State. Following approval from Parliament, she was sworn into office by President Akufo-Addo in December 2022.
His Lordship Justice Samuel Kwame Adibu-Asiedu
Justice Samuel Kwame Adibu-Asiedu who turns 65 years in October was called to the bar in 1992. He later had his post-tertiary National Service at Legal Aid/Oyirifie Chambers in Koforidua.
As a legal officer, he began working for the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) in 1994. He began his employment with the Ghanaian Judicial Service in 1996 as a magistrate and held that position until 2002, when he was promoted to Circuit Court judge.
In 2006, he was appointed a justice of the High Court and began sitting in Accra’s Fast Track (Automated) High Court and Commercial Court.
He worked in this capacity until 2019 when he was appointed justice of the Court of Appeal of Ghana. While serving on the bench of Appeals Court, he worked as a Senior Lecturer of the Ghana School of Law from 2020 until his appointment to the Supreme Court bench in 2022.
His Lordship Justice George Kingsley Koomson
The 60-year-old graduated with an LLB in 1987 from the University of Ghana. In October 1989, he obtained his Bar qualification from the Ghana School of Law.
Justice Koomson joined the Attorney General’s department as an Assistant State Attorney in November 1990. In 1994, he was promoted to the position of State Attorney and later transferred to the Drafting Division of the Attorney General’s Department. He however resigned from the position after six months and entered private practice with Michel’s Barton and Partners until 2000 when he was appointed a circuit judge.
In March 2008, he was appointed a High Court Judge. Five years later, he was appointed to the Accra Commercial Court. He served in the Accra Commercial Court until August 2020 when he was appointed as a justice of the Appeals Court of Ghana
Justice Koomson was nominated by President Akufo-Addo in consultation with the Judicial Council and the Council of State for the Supreme Court on 4 July 2022.
He was sworn into office as justice of the Supreme Court of Ghana on 5 April 2023 by the president.
His Lordship Justice Ernest Yao Gaewu
Justice Ernest Yao Gaewu studied law at the University of Ghana in 1995. He then proceeded to the Ghana School of Law and was called to the bar in 2000.
Gaewu, after completing his legal education, worked at Mawulorm Chambers in the Volta Region. After working in private practice for about two decades, Gaewu was appointed justice of the High Court.
From that position, he received nomination from President Akufo-Addo for the Supreme Court in July 2022.
He was later sworn into office as Justice of the Supreme Court on April 5, 2023.
Dormaahene Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyemang Badu II has entreated government to retract its request to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) should the credit facility’s approval be linked to acceptance of the LGBTQ community.
According to him, the beliefs, practices and traditions of Ghana are priceless to be exchanged for a tabooed activity worth $3 billion.
Speaking to a gathering at Dormaa, he stated that no amount of influence from the United States would cause Ghanaians to embrace homosexuality.
“How much are we going for from the IMF? Three billion dollars? It is little. Just because of this money, we prayed for the Vice President of the United States of America. When she came recently, did you listen to what she said. We should allow homosexuality. Take your money. Take your America,” he said.
“We don’t want any LGBTQ money. We will eat our kontomire,” the Dormaahene stressed.
During her stay in Ghana as part of her 9-day tour of Africa, Vice President of the United States, Kamala Harris entreated that the rights of LGBTQ members to recognised as human rights. Her comments has however been opposed by many including Speaker Alban Bagbin, Ningo-Prampram MP, Sam Nartey George among others.
Ghana in July 2022 reached out to the IMF for economic assistance but its been eight months and the Fund is yet to approve the West African country’s request.
It has been alleged that the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill 2021 also known as anti-LGBTQ bill currently in Parliament is among the reasons for the delay.
The claim is yet to be confirmed or refuted by the government.
Meanwhile, Ghana is working on obtaining assurances from its creditors including China to guarantee an approval from the IMF Board Chair.
Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyemang Badu II, the Chief of Dormaa, has revealed that he will only accept same-sex relationship on one condition – that the couple is able to reproduce.
Speaking at a gathering in Dormaa, Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyemang Badu II noted that if he had his way, he would allow members of the LGBTQ community to have their way in the interim.
However, they would be required to provide a baby a year after marriage. According to him, failure to do so will lead to their extinction.
“I’ve said this before, if not for President Akufo-Addo, I’d have suggested that we give gays the opportunity to get married and provide a baby in a year. But if they do not give birth, I will kill you,” he said.
In view of the fact that the pairing; man-man and woman-woman can not biologically procreate, he quizzed “How will you give birth? Isn’t it pampers that you will put on?”.
Meanwhile, Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyemang Badu II has cautioned government to make its stance clear on the LGBTQ conversation. He noted that the Ghanaian culture frowns upon same-sex relationship, hence would see to its criminalisation.
He also advised the western world to desist from imposing their ideologies on Africa.
”We want to send a clear message to our foreign partners that we will not tolerate this heinous act,” he said.
Dormaahene, Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyemang Badu II, has stated that prior to the 2024 general elections, Members of Parliament who seek to contest will have to first inform the public on their stance on the LGBTQ conversation.
According to him, it is only after this that electorates will consider voting for them or not.
“The President, Vice President, Ministers, party leaders, ahead of the 2024 General elections, all those who want to contest will first of all tell us their stance on the anti- LGBTQ bill. It is after this that we will decide whether to vote for you or not,” he said while addressing a social gathering in Dormaa.
Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyemang Badu II is a strong advocate for heterosexual relationship and against same-sex activities. He has entreated government to pass the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill 2021 also known as the LGBTQ bill.
The Dormaahene has in recent times called on government to explicitly condemn the activities of the LGBTQ community in Ghana and assure of its criminalisation.
He cautioned President Akufo-Addo and other government officials against their indifferent statements on the subject due to influence from the western world.
“We want the West to know that there is no way we are going to accept LGBTQIA+. We support all African countries including Uganda who are enacting laws against these activities.
”We want to send a clear message to our foreign partners that we will not tolerate this heinous act. I’ve said it before and will say it again: we should accept it and give them a year to give birth. If they don’t succeed, I’ll kill them. We are not going to accept it. It is contrary to our culture, values, and norms. It will never be accepted by us. It’s bad.”
He also took a swipe at the United States Vice President, Kamala Harris, who entreated that the rights of the LGBTQ community be treated as human rights, during her 3-day trip in Ghana.
“She, herself, when she was coming to Ghana, did she not bring her husband? Why didn’t she bring a woman she is married to but rather a husband? Isn’t it because she knows what is right? he quizzed.
LGBTQ rights is human rights
Responding to a question at Jubilee House, in Accra, on Monday, March 27, Kamala Harris said that for her, the LGBTQ+ issue was one that bordered on human rights.
She added that every person has the right to live as s/he wants.
“Let me be clear about where we stand. First of all, for the American press who are here, you know that a great deal of work in my career has been to address human rights issues, equality issues across the board including those related to the LGBT community.
“And I feel very strongly about the importance of supporting the freedom and supporting and fighting for equality among all people and that all people be treated equally.
“I will also say that this is an issue that we consider and I consider to be a human rights issue and that will not change,” she stressed.
Minister of Education, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, has bemoaned the poor reading culture in the various educational institutions in the country, particularly the primary level.
During a press briefing on Tuesday ahead of the grand opening of the Accra World Book Capital, the Education Minister revealed that as of 2022, about 38 percent of students in Primary 2 across the country could read – an improvement of the 2 percent recorded in 2015.
This indicates that 62 percent of these students are unable to read.
“In our own dear country Ghana, in 2015, primary 2, only 2 per cent could read. Various interventions that have been put in place have allowed us to know from our last 2022 national assessment which every student in primary 2 was assessed, we have now moved to 38 per cent.
“It is no mere accomplishment but I am not happy. When we say that 62 percent of the students can still not read,” he stated.
Despite the 36 percent improvement in seven years, he noted that the current statistics is “unacceptable.”
The Education Minister indicated that a primary 4 assessment has been conducted and “we are waiting to see the results.”
According to Dr Adutwum, the poor culture of reading in society has translated into what has been recorded in schools, even at the primary level.
He noted that reading should not be coerced but be accepted as a fun habit which transforms minds and subsequently reshapes society.
“Books transform minds. And minds transform society. We can’t talk about the transformation of our nation without bringing to bear the importance of reading and in getting children who read for fun.
I think that is what we need to do more. Children should not see reading as something required by school. If they see it as something required by school, when they graduate they do not read any longer and that is not how you create lifelong learners,” he bemoaned.
He therefore spoke greatly of the Accra World Book Capital initiative noting that its objective is to ensure that individuals are excited about picking up books and reading.
The minister pledged that “we are going to do everything possible to take advantage of the spotlight which is on Accra to begin to not just improve literacy among students, create a culture of life learning but beyond that.”
“Also give opportunities for people to write and publish for us to buy and read,” he further noted.
Research shows that reading builds one’s vocabulary, empathy, reduces stress and depression symptoms, prevents age-related cognitive decline and extends one’s lifespan.
In September 2021, Accra was selected by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as the 2023 World Book Capital, following evaluation by the World Book Capital Advisory Committee.
President Akufo-Addo will on April 24, 2023, perform the grand opening of the Accra World Book Capital, 2023 at the Accra Conference Centre.
In attendance at the event would be a wide array of important international personalities including Members of the Diplomatic Community in Ghana, UNESCO Representatives in the Africa Region and its Paris headquarters, and Directors as well as Representatives of the United Nations Agencies home and abroad.
The others include Development Partners, City Mayors from the World Book Capital Network, and personalities from the International Publishers Association (IPA), the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA), as well as the International Authors Forum (IAF).
The qualifying edition which was initially slated for September 10-25 will instead take place in Cote D’Ivoire from Friday, August 18 to Sunday, September 03, 2023.
The seven WAFU Zone B Associations are due to present their national champions to fight for a berth in the TotalEnergies Women’s Champions League. Ghana, Niger, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Benin, Togo, and the host nation of Cote d’Ivoire are among the nations.
In 2021, Hasaacas Ladies took home the title, while Ampem Dakoa Ladies fell to Nigeria’s Bayelsa Queens 3-0 in the 2022 championship game.
Three children are among the seventeen persons still unaccounted for after the boat they were traveling in crashed in a river in central Malawi on Wednesday.
According to the police, the 22 people were traveling to a burial service in the Mchinji district when they crossed the Rusa River.
Five people were able to swim to land.
According to John Nkhoma, the local police chief, the boat was too tiny to accommodate that many passengers.
On Thursday, additional rescuers are anticipated to begin a search expedition for the missing people.
Authorities in the area are currently encouraging locals to stay away from sailing in flooded rivers.
Following a terrible tropical cyclone last month that claimed 511 lives and left 533 more unaccounted for, Malawi is now on the mend.
Liberia’s Supreme Court on Wednesday rejected the opposition’s appeal to halt the country’s ongoing universal voter registration and the October presidential and legislative elections.
The Collaborating Political Parties (CPP) argued that it was unconstitutional to list voters without first defining constituencies in accordance with the most recent national census.
However, the court stated in a majority decision that it did not see any justification for “disturbing” the voter registration process because the National Elections Commission (NEC) did not, as claimed, violate the constitution.
The court determined that the case was not an election matter.
The court ruling allows the electoral body to move ahead with phase two of the voter registration exercise, having already conducted phase one last month, which was overshadowed by a series of technical glitches.
Liberia’s population has grown by 50.4% to 5.2 million people, according to 2022 provisional results released in February.
Opposition fears the new numbers might be manipulated to favour President George Weah who is facing strong challenges in his re-election bid.
Despite legal challenges to his victory, Bola Tinubu, the president-elect of Nigeria, will be sworn in on May 29, according to Lai Mohammed, the minister of information.
As outgoing President Muhammadu Buhari officially leaves office in May, groups angry over the results of the presidential election on February 25 are calling for an interim administration.
According to Mr. Mohammed, there is “no basis” for the formation of an interim administration. The right to dispute the presidential election in court, he claimed, belongs to the opposition political groups.
On March 21, four presidential candidates filed lawsuits to contest Mr. Tinubu’s election, alleging massive vote-rigging and tallying manipulation.
It takes about eight months for the judiciary to determine a presidential election petition. The petition must be heard within 180 days from the day it is filed. A petitioner can appeal the tribunal’s judgement at the Court of Appeal within 21 days from the decision date.
If petitioners are dissatisfied with the appellate court’s decision, which is delivered within 60 days, they have 21 days to appeal it at the Supreme Court, whose decision is final.
An Islamic State-affiliated Mali jihadist organization has taken control of a village in Ménaka, which is now largely under militant control.
Following months of warfare, the Islamist terrorists captured another village, Tidermene, on Monday night.
The terrorists were reportedly going around the area with guns, according to a local official who escaped to the regional seat Ménaka and confirmed the capture.
In this area as well as in Gao, another province of northern Mali, Islamic State in the Greater Sahara has begun a significant attack since early last year.
In addition to former Tuareg rebels who agreed to a peace agreement in 2015, there have been conflicts with fighters linked to Al-Qaeda.
Thabo Bester, a murderer and rapist who faked his own death in prison and escaped to Tanzania has now been deported.
Following his arrest last week in Tanzania, Bester was taken to South Africa via a specially chartered aircraft.
He was detained alongside his girlfriend, the well-known physician Nandipha Magudumana, who has since been deported.
With assisting Bester in escaping from custody, her father is accused.
Bester evaded capture for a year following the time it was believed he committed suicide by setting himself ablaze in his cell in the South African city of Bloemfontein.
A manhunt was launched last month after a new post-mortem investigation revealed the body was not actually his.
The celebrity doctor’s father, Zolile Sekeleni, and a suspended prison warden, Senohe Matsoara, have been charged with murder, arson and aiding and abetting Bester’s escape.
The two men appeared in a magistrate’s court in Bloemfontein earlier this week.
They were not asked to plead, and no further details were given of the charges.
The case was postponed to 17 April for a possible bail application.
Two other people have also been arrested in connection with Bester’s escape, but they have not yet been formally charged.
Bester has been taken to a high-security prison in the capital, Pretoria, while his girlfriend has been taken to court in Bloemfontein.
She will be charged with murder, fraud and helping Bester escape, police said.
Bester is also expected to face fresh charges following his shocking prison break.
He is known as the “Facebook rapist” for using the social networking site to lure his victims.
He was convicted in 2012 for the rape and murder of his model girlfriend Nomfundo Tyhulu. A year earlier, he was found guilty of raping and robbing two other women.
The latest 2022 Country Report on Human Rights Practices published by the U.S. Department of State has made some damning revelations about some agencies and agents in Ghana.
The report, sectioned into seven parts discusses the total disregard for the respect for the integrity of persons; civil liberties; freedom to participate in political process; corruption and lack of transparency in government; posture towards alleged abuses of human rights; discrimination and societal abuses, as well as the rights of workers happening in Ghana.
This article will delve into the first section of the report – Respect for the Integrity of the Person.
Killings
Government through its agents has been accused of unlawful killings. The report cited the shooting incident in February where police officers killed one and injured eight others at the palace of the Yendi Chief after opening fire.
Although the six officers involved in the incident were suspended with reduced pay, the Police administration failed to release the results of its internal investigation – derailing accountability.
The 2022 Country Report on Human Rights Practices also bemoaned the demise of Albert Donkor, who passed away while in police custody for his alleged involvement in a series of robberies.
“In a departure from typical practice, police did not announce an operation or arrest had taken place until more than three weeks later,” the report bemoaned.
Donkor’s death prompted protests in Nkoranza which also led to the death of an individual after a clash between the youth and police.
“As of November police had not concluded an internal investigation into both deaths,” the report added.
Ghana’s inability to unravel the eight deaths that took place during the 2020 elections is another major concern highlighted in the report.
At least two of the victims were killed by the National Elections Security Task Force, composed of military and police units, per a portion of the report.
Torture
Although the report was unable to cite specific instances, it nonetheless accused state agencies such as the Police of abusing detained suspects and other citizens.
It noted that victims were unwilling to stand up against the police and in instances where they did, the “police generally denied allegations or claimed the level of force used was justified.”
“Impunity remained a significant problem in the Ghana Police Service, particularly regarding corruption and bribery. The investigation and complaints processes did not effectively address reports of abuses and bribery. Results of internal police investigations were almost never publicly released,” the report further revealed.
The Office of the Inspector General of Police and the Police Professional Standards Board, per the report investigated claims of excessive force by police force members. It is unknown whether sanctions were meted out or not.
Abusive Physical Conditions
Ghana’s prison and detention centers have been considered abusive to the fact that they are overcrowded, have poor sanitary conditions, medical care and subpar food which is mostly inadequate.
“Meals routinely lacked fruit, vegetables, or meat, forcing prisoners to rely on charitable donations and their families to supplement their diet.”
The report noted that as of September 2022, overcrowding stood at 150 percent of capacity per information from the Ghana Prisons Service.
The huge number got about 100 prisoners sharing one toilet which often overflowed with excrement.
“There were no facilities to support intersex or transitioning persons,” the report highlighted as a challenge to LGBTQ persons whose presence is frowned upon by society.
On treatment of detainees, the report stated that authorities frequently detained individuals without charge or a valid arrest warrant for periods longer than 48 hours, contrary to the law.
It noted that for instance, 30 members of the LGBTQI+ community who were arrested by the Police on June 26, 2021, and were only released on June 28, 2021. The charges of unlawful assembly – the reason for the arrest, were later dropped due to lack of evidence.
The report also lamented the lengthy pretrial detention where the government kept prisoners in extended pretrial detention (up to many months) due to “police failure to investigate or follow up on cases, case files lost when police prosecutors rotated to other duties every three years, slow trial proceedings marked by frequent adjournments, detainees’ inability to meet bail conditions that were often set extremely high even for minor offenses, and inadequate legal representation for criminal defendants.”
The law provides for the right of any person to challenge the lawfulness of his or her arrest or detention in court, but lack of legal representation for detainees inhibited this right, the report added.
Denial of fair public trial
The reported highlighted the role of corrupt judges who prevented fair trials. These unidentified judges are said to have accepted bribes to expedite or postpone cases, “lost” records, or issued favorable rulings for the payer of the bribe.
“A judicial complaints unit within the Ministry of Justice headed by a retired Supreme Court justice addressed complaints from the public, such as unfair treatment by a court or judge, unlawful arrest or detention, missing trial dockets, delayed trials and rendering of judgments, and bribery of judges. The government generally respected court orders,” the report mentioned.
Visit the IndependentGhana.com for the remaining sections of the 2022 Country Report on Human Rights Practices.
Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has as a matter of urgency, called on the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) to finalise its investigations into the 2020 electoral violence and sanction the respective offenders.
According to Mr Ablakwa in a Facebook post on Wednesday, April 12, 2023, addressing past electoral violence would prevent a recurrence, particularly when tension is building up ahead of the 2024 elections.
“When CHRAJ and other institutions show patriotic courage by eventually taking action on the 2020 gruesome killings, they will be helping to prevent an escalation in 2024,” he wrote.
He noted that “the international community is deeply worried particularly about unresolved killings and alarming levels of corruption in Ghana” as captured in the 2022 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices published by the U.S. Department of State.
The report highlights the 2020 election killings and how none of the investigations officials announced have been completed, and no perpetrator has been brought to justice.
For Mr Ablakwa, this is significantly troubling as Ghana prepares for another round of presidential and parliamentary elections next year.
Venting his spleen, the North Tongu MP also chastised President Akufo-Addo for his inability to publicly condemn the loss of lives during the previous elections, as well as commiserate with the bereaved families – arguing that his silence has emboldened several others to make statements that derail Ghana’s democracy.
“President Akufo-Addo has heartlessly refused to make any public comment on the killings or commiserate with grieving families even though it occurred under his watch as Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces and even though he was the greatest beneficiary of that bloody election” he said.
Mr Ablakwa also took a swipe at the Member of Parliament for Abetifi, Bryan Acheampong, for his recent comment over the weekend that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) will hold on to power at all cost.
“The likes of BraggadociosBryan Acheampong to (have) lawlessly promise(d) more violence and mayhem during the 2024 election. And as was predicted, the security services have been toothless, helpless and hapless following the now infamous incendiary war mongering statements from the Cabinet Minister,” he bemoaned.
Mr Acheampong’s comments have brought divided opinions from the NPP and opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) and compelled the National Peace Council to hold a meeting with the political parties over comments inciting violence.
It is in view of this that Mr Ablakwa has charged CHRAJ to expedite investigations into electoral violence that ensued in areas such as Tamale, Techiman, Odorkor, Ablekuma, Savelugu, last two years – leaving about eight people dead.
In 2021, Mr Ablakwa and MP for Ellembelle, Emmanuel Armah Buah, petitioned CHRAJ to look into the unfortunate incident.
It has been two years and the Commission is yet to provide their findings to the general public.
