TIG Post

Author: Andy Ogbarmey-Tettey

  • DDEP is wicked, disrespectful and unlawful – Sofia Akuffo

    DDEP is wicked, disrespectful and unlawful – Sofia Akuffo

    Former Chief Justice, Sofia Akuffo, has noted that it is sheer wickedness on the part of government to continue taunting the aged in the country over its Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP).

    Madam Sophia Akuffo joined the many pensioners picketing at the Finance Ministry over the government’s Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP).

    Engaging the media on Friday, she stated that “I find this wicked, disrespectful, unlawful and I find it totally wrong. You don’t solve your problems by sacrificing your aged. That is the last thing you should do, especially when you don’t have any services that are geared towards the comfort and relief of the aged.”

    She noted that government holds no power to dictate to investors when they would receive interest on their investment.

    “Quite a number of people here today, when they retired last two years [ago] they put everything into government bonds, it is a contract and now all of a sudden, you virtually want to force them to agree with you that the repayment of the yield of their investment should be as you dictate it. Why?”

    The former Chief Justice bemoaned the inability of government to account for the loans it went for which has plundered the economy in a devastating state.

    “Why are we in the mess? Nobody has fully explained to us, yes we took loans, what was it used for? And where is the accountability? Exactly what was it used for? You are not telling us about how you are going to be able to make things better but just that ‘help me and I help you’, no, you help yourself first, let me see if you are doing something serious because we have seen these sorts of things too many times.

    Since government launched the DDEP in December 2022, many stakeholders including pensioners and Individual bond holders have demanded that they be exempted.

    However, government is yet to give into their demands despite making some adjustment to the conditions in the programme.

    Finance Minister is optimistic that before March 2023, government would be able to implement the programme in order to receive a credit facility worth 3 million US dollars from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

    He has however warned that the economy would crush should government fail to roll out the programme.

  • Pakistan- IMF eleventh-hour negotiations fall flat

    Pakistan- IMF eleventh-hour negotiations fall flat

    The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Pakistan attempted to unlock $1.1 billion in funding at the eleventh hour to keep the country from going bankrupt, but the negotiations fell through.

    Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves have all but vanished due to the country’s escalating economic crisis; it now has just enough dollars to cover one month’s worth of imports and is struggling to pay off extremely high levels of external debt.

    After 10 days of negotiations, the IMF delegation, which departs Islamabad on Friday, claimed “substantial progress” had been made.

    “Virtual discussions will continue in the coming days,” the head of the IMF mission Nathan Porter said in a statement.

    Although there was no financial lifeboat, both sides tried to paint the meeting positively. Pakistan’s finance minister told a news conference the country had been given a detailed roadmap. He talked of “painful but necessary” reforms – the IMF wants to see action and commitments from Pakistan before it commits to lending more money.

    In January annual inflation soared to over 27%, the highest it’s been in Pakistan since 1975, and there are mounting fears for the economy in a pivotal election year.

    This week the rupee sank to a historic low of 275 to the dollar, down from 175 a year ago, making it more expensive for Pakistan to buy and pay for things.

    The lack of foreign currency is one of the most pressing of Pakistan’s problems.

    Factories like Jubilee Textiles in Faisalabad, the industrial heartland of Pakistan, were shut recently – not by the frequent power cuts that have dogged Pakistan for years, but because they couldn’t get hold of dollars to pay for the goods they need.

    A shuttered factory
    Image caption,Many factories like this one have been idle across Pakistan in recent weeks

    “If we can’t import, how can we manufacture? We’ve already made a loss,” its manager Fahim told the BBC, adding that all its 300 workers had been sent home.

    Jubilee’s printing machines have only just restarted after shutting last month. Piles of white cotton sheets sat in iron tubs, covered by a light coat of brick dust, when the BBC visited, with the only sound the drip, drip of an industrial washer.

    Walking through the network of frozen machines, Fahim said the factory had run out of the dyes they imported from China, not because they weren’t available, but because they said their bank wouldn’t clear the dollars to pay for them for weeks.

    According to analysts, the government had been holding the bank’s exchange rate artificially high behind the scenes which was contributing to the lack of dollars in the system. At the end of last month, they allowed it to drop, which could help some businesses, but also push prices up.

    An aerial view of the commercial district of Pakistan's port city of Karachi on January 27, 2023.
    Image caption,Imports have been stacking up in ports, including here in Karachi

    Businesses and industries across Pakistan said they have had to slow or stop work while they also wait for goods they have imported that are currently stacking up in ports.

    In late January, a government minister told the BBC that there were more than 8,000 containers piled up in Karachi’s two ports, containing goods from medicine to food. Some of that has started to clear, according to local media reports, but much is still stuck.

    Source: BBC

  • Adidas likely to lose profit over Yeezy fallout

    Adidas likely to lose profit over Yeezy fallout

    Adidas has issued a warning over the potential negative effects on its bottom line of terminating its collaboration with musician and fashion designer Kanye West in November.

    The company could lose hundreds of millions of dollars this year if its stock of Yeezy sneakers is not sold, according to the new leader of the company.

    Ye West, who works for the sportswear firm, was fired after he made anti-Semitic remarks on social media.

    The corporation has issued a profit warning four times since July with this news.

    “The numbers speak for themselves. We are currently not performing the way we should,” the company’s chief executive Bjørn Gulden, said in a statement.

    Adidas said it was still deciding whether to scrap its remaining Yeezy stock and would take a €500m ($536m; £443m) hit to its profits if it is all written off.

    On top of that the company expects a shake-up of the business to cost another €200m.

    That could mean it is pushed to an operating loss this year totalling €700m, the company warned.

    Adidas is expected to return to profit in 2024, it added.

    At the same time the company revealed that its operating profit for last year had fallen to €669m, two thirds lower than in 2021.

    US-traded shares in Adidas fell by almost 9% after the announcement.

    In October, the company announced that it was ending the highly profitable partnership with West after he caused an outcry over his anti-Semitic comments.

    While the decision to end its partnership with Yeezy had a major negative impact on Adidas, it has also faced other challenges over the last year.

    Mr Gulden joined Adidas at the start of this year from rival Puma after his predecessor was ousted in the wake of a series of profit warnings.

    In March, the company announced that it would close its shops in Russia and suspend its online store there as it joined a raft of global brands that pulled out of the country in the wake of the invasion of Ukraine.

    The firm’s business in China was also impacted by Beijing’s strict zero Covid measures that saw major cities across the country put into lockdown.

    Source: BBC

  • SIGA boss urges CEOs and Board Chairs to jump-start Ghana’s economy

    SIGA boss urges CEOs and Board Chairs to jump-start Ghana’s economy

    Ambassador Edward Boateng, Director-General of the State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA), has directed the CEOs and board chairs of the designated state entities to make every effort to revive Ghana’s economy.

    He stressed that the nation was not experiencing normal times and urged the CEOs to contribute to the recovery of the economy.

    “We in this room control a substantial portion of the Ghanaian economy, so let’s be positive that we can solve the problems in the economy,” he stated.

    Ambassador Boateng charged heads of state entities to put in many efforts to achieve the president’s vision of contributing significantly to Ghana’s GDP.

    Speaking at the opening ceremony of the two-day Annual Stakeholders meeting organized by the State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA) at Kwahu-Nkwatia in the Eastern Region, Amb. Boateng said, “We all have to work very hard to jump-start Ghana’s economy. In our agencies, what are we doing to help? He quizzes the CEOs.

    He added, “We have to work as a team, we cannot continue to work in silos and expect things to work.”

    Amb. Boateng further entreated well-performing state entities to share their success stories for others to emulate.

    “Most of us are also doing good things, don’t be shy to go on the media and talk about the success stories.”

  • UK economy narrowly missed recession in 2022

    UK economy narrowly missed recession in 2022

    According to recent data, the UK narrowly avoided entering a recession in 2022 despite the economy growing nothing between October and December.

    Despite a steep 0.5% decline in economic output in December, which was partially caused by strikes in the health, transportation, and postal services, this is still the case.

    Chancellor Jeremy Hunt said the figures show “underlying resilience” but said “we are not out of the woods”.

    The Bank of England still expects the UK to enter recession this year.

    But it will be shorter and less severe than previously thought.

    Mr Hunt said that high inflation remains a problem and continues to cause “pain for families up and down the country”.

    Inflation – or the rate at which prices are rising – is slowing but at 10.5% remains close to a 40-year high.

    The Office for National Statistics, which released the data, claimed that the last three months of 2022 saw no economic growth.

    Additionally, it updated its data for July and September to show that the GDP contracted by 0.2% rather than the 0.3% previously predicted.

    When the economy shrinks for two consecutive three-month periods, it is considered to be in a recession.

    But December’s numbers came in worse than anticipated.

    Darren Morgan from the ONS said there was a fall in health services with fewer operations and GP visits. He also said that sporting activities, particularly football, were impacted because of the World Cup.

    He people were not “able to enjoy top flight football due to the absence of Premier League football until Boxing Day, as the World Cup continued”.

    “And finally rail and postal industries had a poor month. We certainly saw the impact of strikes as both fell heavily in December,” he said.

    Strike action on trains caused disruption on the railways and on the roads in December. Postal workers also went on strike on a series of days in the run-up to Christmas.

    Over 2022, gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 4% – the biggest increase of all G7 nations for last year.

    However that compares to 7.6% growth in the previous year and the UK economy is still 0.8% smaller than it was before the Covid pandemic.

    Rachel Reeves, Labour’s shadow chancellor, said the latest figures show the economy “is stuck in the slow lane”.

    She added: “We must bring in urgent measures to prevent yet more harm from the cost of living crisis, using a proper windfall tax on oil and gas giants to stop the energy price cap going up in April so that people have more money in their pockets.”

    Liberal Democrat MP Sarah Olney, said: “Britain is dangling on over the edge of a recession after months of economic vandalism and chaos in Government.

    “The blame for these gloomy figures lies squarely with the government, who have botched budgets, failed to tackle inflation and have no plan for growth.”

  • BoG reiterates reason for financing govt’s 2022 budget deficit

    BoG reiterates reason for financing govt’s 2022 budget deficit

    The financing of the government’s 2022 budget with roughly ¢44.5 billion has been justified by the Bank of Ghana (BoG).

    At the end of December 2022, the Central Bank reported an increase in its net claims against the government of around ¢44.5 billion.

    This comes after the BoG’s financing of the budget in 2022 was once again the subject of media discussion.

    The Central Bank claimed in a statement that the financing of the government was a crisis management instrument utilized to address issues in 2022.

    “It must be recognised that the ongoing debt operations are part of the corrective measures designed to address the financing problem of the budget. Bank of Ghana financing was part of a crises management tool used in dealing with the difficulties of 2022”.

    Against this backdrop, the details of the Bank of Ghana’s claims on government as at December 2022 were ¢7.2 billion, representing its purchase of treasury bonds from banks to provide them with liquidity to enable them meet their obligation to customers and ¢8.9 billion, representing on-lending facilities granted by the international Monetary Fund (IMF) for onward lending to government.

    The rest are ¢37.9 billion, representing overdraft extended to government, solely meant for the purpose of addressing auction shortfalls and paying customers whose bonds had matured and for which government did not have adequate resources.

    At the same time, the government deposit liabilities at the Bank of Ghana recorded an increase of ¢9.5 billion in the course of 2022.

    The Bank of Ghana continued that “it will be important to recall the circumstances under which Government of Ghana decided to seek IMF support. Ghana had lost access to the International Capital Market, domestic revenue was significantly underperforming and not realised, pushing the state of government finances into near external and domestic default. With the above, the policy choices were not that of business as usual but rather a more challenged conduct of macroeconomic policy in the context of crisis”.

    It added “the government needed to finance critical expenditures for which Bank of Ghana needed to provide the necessary financing to avert a disorderly default of both servicing for domestic and external debt including financing critical imports to keep the economy on the stable path.

    It further said “in fact, while the team from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), who assessed the situation of the economy, noted that this outcome is sub-optimal, it was agreed that this temporary arrangement was needed as part of a comprehensive solution to be addressed in the government’s economic policies and programmes to be supported by the IMF. And so, the indication in the media that the IMF came and uncovered the extent of the overdraft is wholly inaccurate”.

    Source: MyJoyOnline

  • DDEP: Bawumia’s silence means there is division in govt – Jantuah

    DDEP: Bawumia’s silence means there is division in govt – Jantuah

    A private attorney, Mr. Kwame Jantuah, has questioned why Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has not publicly discussed the Domestic Debt Exchange Program (DDEP).

    He believes that the Vice President, who leads the Economic Management Team, remaining silent shows that not everyone in the administration supports the proposal.

    “Have you heard the Vice President talk about this?” Mr Jantuah who is a member of the Convention Peoples Party (NPP) asked on the Big Issue on TV3 Friday, February 10.

    He added “Why isn’t the Vice President talking? It tells you that in the NPP there are people who are not in favour of this?”

    Earlier, Member of Parliament for Assin Central Kennedy Agyapong expressed concern against the programme.

    He said the New Patriotic Party (NPP) was going to be defeated heavily in the 2024 general elections because of the inclusion of individual bondholders.

    Speaking on the Good Evening Ghana programme on Tuesday, January 31, the NPP flagbearer hopeful for the 2024 elections said “I just read this evening that now they are not going to touch individual bondholders, we thank God, if not we were going to lose miserably. It is good the Finance Minister has made a U-Turn.

    “What is going on in the world doesn’t favour the NPP. The unfortunate thing for the NDC is that they have been in power before and they were not good managers. That is why you need a leader like Kennedy Agyapong.”

    The government of Ghana is seeking to implement the DDEP as part of measures to tackle the fiscal challenges facing the country.

    Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has urged as many as possible to participate in the DDE.

    He stated that if the government does not get as many as possible to take part in the programme, economic recovery will take a long time to achieve.

    “Frankly, non-participation or a lower-than-expected turnout for the DDEP will prolong efforts to resolve the current economic crisis.

    “In addition, the prospects of international financial support and other financial assurances would be jeopardized,” he said in a statement on Monday, February 6.

    He added “This development could further put strain and stress on the Government’s capacity to honour key commitments. This is not what we want for our economy.

    “What we want is an economy that is back on track, stable, vibrant, productive, dynamic; meeting the needs of individuals, households, and enterprises; delivering shared and inclusive growth; and improving incomes and livelihoods.”

    Source: 3news.com

  • Filling of landing cards at KIA no longer necessary – Bawumia

    Filling of landing cards at KIA no longer necessary – Bawumia

    Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia has announced new guidelines for visitors coming into the nation through airports.

    He noted that beginning March 31, 2023, inbound passengers will “no longer be required to fill out landing cards. This is because the same information can be obtained electronically.”

    The decision, according to Bawumia, was made following meetings with several stakeholders on enhancing the competitiveness of Ghana’s primary airport, the Kotoka International Airport (KIA).

    “Furthermore, the Ministry of Interior and the Ghana Immigration Service have been directed to ensure that E-Gates will be operational at KIA this year for use by passengers using their Passports or Ghanacards,” his post added.

    Read Bawumia’s full post below:

    Dear friends,

    I held a productive meeting on improving the competitiveness of Kotoka International Airport (KIA) with key stakeholders, including the Minister for Public Enterprises, Minister for Transport and his deputy, the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL), Ghana Immigration Service, National Security and Ministry of Interior.

    It was decided, inter alia, that airline passengers traveling to Ghana will, from 31st March 2023, no longer be required to fill out landing cards. This is because the same information can be obtained electronically.

    Furthermore, the Ministry of Interior and the Ghana Immigration Service have been directed to ensure that E-Gates will be operational at KIA this year for use by passengers using their Passports or Ghanacards.

    In addition, the processes that passengers go through at KIA are also going to be streamlined to drastically reduce the time spent by passengers and avoid duplication. The new process flow is expected to be operational by 31st March, 2023.

    God bless our homeland Ghana.

  • Fire Service saves Police Headquarters in Accra which caught fire

    Fire Service saves Police Headquarters in Accra which caught fire

    The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has doused a fire which caught part of one of the buildings at the police headquarters in Accra.

    Headquarters Sub-Station and Jubilee House Fire Tenders with one water tanker were swiftly mobilized earlier on Thursday morning to respond to a raging fire in one of the structures at the Police National Headquarters in Accra.

    The first responding crew from Fire Service National Headquarters confined the fire to the room of origin.

    The fierce fire was brought under control and finally knocked out hours later without recording any casualty except partial fire damage to the walls, glass windows and some other contents of the affected space.

    The Chief Fire Officer, Mr. Julius Aalebkure Kuunuor was at the fire scene to ensure successful incident management which led to the salvaging of other adjoining rooms to the only one room on the entire affected structure. The cause of fire is being investigated.

  • Eastern Region recorded 84 fire outbreaks in January 2023 – GNFS

    Eastern Region recorded 84 fire outbreaks in January 2023 – GNFS

    The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has revealed that a total of 84 fire outbreaks were recorded in the Eastern Region in January 2023.

    Under the same period under review in 2022, the Fire Service recorded 154 fire incidents. Fire outbreaks in the region have declined by 70 cases, representing a 45.45% decrease.

    In total, the Service recorded 98 incidents last month. In January 2022, a total of 172 incidents were reported, indicating a 74 decrease in incidents, representing a 43.02% decline.

    According to the Service, “the reason for the decrease can be attributed to two factors, being better favourable weather conditions in relation to the outbreak of bushfires as compared to the same period last year as bushfires accounted for the larger chunk of incidents (110 out of 172), and an intensified anti-bushfire education campaign by the various stations.”

    The high figure recorded last year January was as a result of the astronomical increase in bushfires (110) resulting from the severe intensity of the harmattan weather during the first quarter, the Service noted.

    In reference to vehicular accidents, January 2023 recorded 9 incidents as compared to 13 incidents during the same period last year.

    This decrease can be attributed to the intensified road safety education embarked on by the various fire stations at bus and lorry stations, with transport company owners as well as with private individuals.

  • CEOs and Board chairs bused to Annual Stakeholder Conference

    CEOs and Board chairs bused to Annual Stakeholder Conference

    For the 2023 Annual Stakeholder Engagement, the CEOs and Board Chairs of Specified Entities will converge at Kwahu-Nkwatia in the Eastern Region.

    Leaders of Specified Entities were spotted traveling to their destination while sat in STC buses that transported them from Accra.

    These politicians appear to be taking this move with the intention of lowering government spending.

    According to Section 30 of the SIGA Act 2019, the Annual Stakeholder Engagement will bring together Board Chairs, CEOs of Specified Entities, and other pertinent stakeholders. It will be coordinated by the State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA), which is headed by Mr. Edward Boateng (Act 990).

    Themed: “A Time to Reflect and Rebuild”, the 2-day conference and stakeholder engagement will see participants discuss strategic initiatives aimed at transforming the Specified Entities into high-performing organizations and ensuring they meet the President’s vision of contributing 30% to Ghana’s GDP.

    Other industry captains and leaders of private sector organizations have been billed to participate in the sessions in an effort to promote collaboration and build win-win partnerships between the public and private sectors for a sustainable Ghana.

    SIGA buses CEOs and Board Chairs to annual stakeholder conference

    The President of the Republic of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo will be present as the Guest of Honour and is set to deliver the keynote address on “Jumpstarting the Economy” on the second day of the forum.

  • Researchers at KNUST create transportable-container kiosk

    Researchers at KNUST create transportable-container kiosk

    In Ghana, metal container kiosks are utilized for both commercial and occasionally residential purposes.

    They are typically moved from one place to another.

    These containers’ construction materials, however, are not suited for transit.

    Therefore, during transportation, these containers wind up being damaged or partially destroyed.

    Fortunately, a movable container kiosk has been created by the Industrial Art department at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).

    KNUST researchers develop transportable-container kiosk
    An image of the mobile kiosk

    The researchers discovered that these containers rusted at a fast rate due to the use of mild steel instead of galvanised steel to manufacture them.

    Mild steel appeared less resistant to atmospheric conditions and rusted even faster because they were placed on concrete.

    To address these problems, the study developed an alternative design that is easily dismountable, transportable and easily assembled without damaging its quality and physical outlook.

    KNUST researchers develop transportable-container kiosk
    The new design addresses the issue of rusting

    The new design addresses the problem of rust by creating pedestals that are not made of cement.

    “Within three hours you should be able to set your kiosk up to start selling,” lead researcher, Dr Samuel Baah Kissi said.

    KNUST researchers develop transportable-container kiosk
    Lead researcher, Dr Samuel Baah Kissi
  • OBG, Africa Medical Information Centre signs MoU for new sectoral analysis

    OBG, Africa Medical Information Centre signs MoU for new sectoral analysis

    Ghana’s plans to transform its health sector through new partnerships, pioneering technology, infrastructural developments and policies aimed at extending the reach of services into rural areas will be mapped out in a forthcoming report by the global research and advisory company Oxford Business Group (OBG).

    The Report: Ghana 2023 will shine a spotlight on the country’s rapidly changing health ecosystem, charting the facilities and services that are being rolled out by both the public and private sectors.

    The key role that the latest technological developments are set to play in ushering in a new era of healthcare in Ghana will be a focal point.

    Updates will also be given on the National Health Insurance Scheme. Other topical issues set for analysis include Ghana’s plans to expand the country’s pharmaceutical industry by increasing manufacturing production.  

    OBG has signed a first-time memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Africa Medical Information Centre (AMIC) as it begins work on The Report: Ghana 2023. Under the agreement, AMIC will team up with OBG to produce the Health Chapter of the report and other content for the Group’s suite of research tools.

    The MoU was signed by Ramona Tarta, OBG’s Country Director for Ghana, and Dr Akshay Rath, Medical Director, AMIC, and former UN physician.

    Commenting after the signing, Dr Rath described OBG as an ideal partner for AMIC, given its reputation as a go-to source of accurate, reliable business intelligence for investors seeking untapped opportunities in emerging markets like Ghana and the wider region.

    “Oxford Business Group will be highlighting the potential in Ghana’s health sector, while also identifying uncharted areas for medical research and making medical data and information accessible to end-users,” he said. “It is our hope at AMIC that the report will help attract the investments that are needed, especially in the manufacturing of medical supplies and vaccines in Ghana, the sub-region and Africa as a whole.”

    Tarta said AMIC’s decision to choose Ghana for its head office as part of broader plans to modernise healthcare delivery across the region aligned well with the national overhaul gaining pace of medical facilities and services.

    “Ghana is set to benefit from a range of new services and facilities making use of cutting-edge technology, through a wealth of public-private partnerships that include screening initiatives, surgeries and second opinions for diagnoses,” she said.

    “As part of its preparations to spearhead healthcare improvements across the continent, the Africa Medical Information Centre has established extensive resources, including in-depth, credible industry data that will undoubtedly enhance our research. I’m delighted that our on-the-ground representatives and, ultimately, investors eyeing Ghana’s potential, will benefit from this fruitful partnership.”

    Also present at the signing, Dr Nitish Shetty, CEO of Aster Hospitals, Bangalore, one of AMIC’s partners, highlighted the pivotal role that AMIC was set to play in addressing gaps and challenges in Ghana’s healthcare system and others regionally.

    “The African Medical Information Centre will be supported by all 30 of our hospitals in seven countries. Our 1500 doctors are leaders in their specialised fields and are keen to help with capacity-building locally, arranging training programmes and exchange programmes,” he said. 

    “Our aim is that over time, together with our stakeholders in Ghana and across the wider region, we can address the challenges they face in the medical field while paving the way for this centre to become Africa’s medical tourism hub.”

    The Report: Ghana 2023 will be produced with AMIC, the Association of Ghana Industries, PwC Ghana and other partners. It will contain contributions from leading personalities in the public and private sectors, including Kwaku Agyaman-Manu, Minister of Health; Yofi Grant, CEO, Ghana Investment Promotion Centre; Ken Ofori-Atta, Minister for Finance; Joseph Boahen Aidoo, CEO, Ghana Cocoa Board; and Ernest Addison, Governor of the Bank of Ghana.

    The Report: Ghana 2023 will mark the culmination of months of research by a team of analysts from Oxford Business Group. It will be a vital guide to the many facets of the country, including its macroeconomics, infrastructure, banking and other sectoral developments.

    The Report: Ghana 2023 will be available online and in print. It will form part of a series of tailored studies that OBG is currently producing with its partners, alongside other highly relevant, go-to research tools, including ESG and Future Readiness reports, country-specific Growth and Recovery Outlook articles and interviews.

    Source: MyJoyOnline

  • FDA urges public to inspect permit stickers at food joints

    The Food and Drug Authority (FDA) has advised the general public to check the street food vending permit stickers at different food establishments before purchasing prepared meals.

    The FDA claims that by doing this, even when food is produced or sold on the street, people will be eating nutritious food.

    Some of these food sellers, according to Rhoda Appiah, the Food and Drugs Authority’s public relations officer, do not operate under the sanitary standards mandated by the FDA, which is why the FDA issued the instruction.

    In its quest to ensure that food vendors are operating under the standards required by the FDA, the authority has directed all street food vendors and retailers of soft drinks and water to walk to the nearest municipal or district assembly for their street food vending permits.

    This will help the FDA regulate their way of operating, with a focus on how they cook, the environment in which they prepare the meals, the equipment they use, water, ingredients, and even the hygienic conditions of their workers.

    People will remember that the FDA recently shut down the Yellow Sisi Waakye restaurant in Oyibi after one person died and 40 other people were taken to the hospital with what might have been food poisoning.

    http://backend.theindependentghana.com/fda-warns-public-against-abuse-of-laughing-gas-at-nightclubs-parties/

    According to the FDA, an environmental assessment of the food preparation site located at Malejor and the three vending sites at Bush Canteen, Prison Joint, and Sharp Curve Joint revealed poor food handling practices that could have resulted in the contamination of the food, leading to the foodborne disease outbreak.

    Speaking on Atinka TV‘s morning show, Ghana Nie, Mrs. Rhoda Appiah said the FDA did not want what happened to repeat itself, hence the advice.

    She noted that it could be very dangerous to buy from food vendors without the FDA stickers.

    “We are not saying this to scare you, but when you go to a food vendor and she does not have the sticker, you need to be very careful because, for all you know, the vendor has decay in their fingernails and you will be eating their food.” But when you see the stickers on their table or on their carrier, then you are assured that the person has been verified and approved by the FDA before she prepared the meal for you. “We want people to understand that if the sticker is not there, then it is very dangerous,” she said.

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • Netflix extends crackdown on password sharing to Canada, New Zealand, others

    Netflix extends crackdown on password sharing to Canada, New Zealand, others

    Canada, New Zealand, Portugal, and Spain are the additional four nations where Netflix is imposing restrictions on password sharing.

    If customers in certain nations want to share their subscription with friends and relatives who don’t reside with them, they must pay an additional cost.

    The measure, which will take effect in the UK by the end of March, comes in response to a crackdown on password sharing in South America.

    According to Netflix, 100 million people worldwide use shared accounts.

    Netflix’s capacity to invest in new television content was being hampered by the loss of revenue from the shared accounts, the company claimed. It has stated that it intends to expand the new strategy to more nations in the upcoming months.

    It has previously been simple for subscribers to give their login information and password to pals who live outside of their home.

    When it tweeted, “Love is sharing a password,” in 2017, Netflix even seemed to be endorsing the behavior.

    http://backend.theindependentghana.com/flight-attendants-can-earn-up-to-385000-at-netflix/

    However, increasing consumer subscription cancellations due to rising living expenses and increased competition in the streaming industry have forced Netflix to concentrate on increasing its revenue.

    The company claimed that permitting accounts to be used by multiple people in a single household had “caused confusion” regarding who could share what and how.

    It said members in Canada, New Zealand, Spain and Portugal would now be asked to set up a “primary location” for their account and manage who has access to it.

    Members would still be able to watch Netflix when they travelled, both on personal devices and logging in in other places, for example in a hotel, it said.

    For CAD$7.99 (£4.92) Canadian subscribers can add up an extra member as a “sub account” the blog said, with a maximum of two sub accounts per subscription.

    The fee would be similar in New Zealand at NZ$7.99 (£4.17). There would be a price difference for sub accounts between Portugal at €3.99 (£3.54) and Spain at €5.99 (£5.32).

    Netflix chief operating officer Gregory Peters last month acknowledged that the changes would not be “universally popular” and warned investors to expect some cancellations.

    He said the firm expected to eventually make up those losses.

    In the first half of 2022, Netflix saw its subscriber numbers fall sharply. It cut hundreds of jobs and put up prices to cover rising costs.

    But the company saw a bigger-than-expected rise in user numbers in the last three months of 2022, up 7.66 million, taking its total paid subscribers worldwide to nearly 231 million.

    In November, it introduced a cheaper ad-supported option in 12 countries, including most of Europe, the UK and the US.

  • First aid convoy reaches northern Syria

    First aid convoy reaches northern Syria

    The first relief convoy has reportedly entered the region from Turkey, arriving in opposition-held northwest Syria since the deadly earthquake on Monday.

    Officials said six lorries had gone through Idlib’s Bab al-Hawa crossing.

    Road damage and logistical difficulties caused a four-day pause in the delivery of life-saving aid to the area.

    Rescuers report that hundreds of families are trapped beneath the debris of collapsed buildings and that at least 16,000 people have been murdered.

    4.1 million people were already dependent on humanitarian aid before the earthquake, the majority of them were women and children.

    There are still aftershocks here and there’s a constant risk of more buildings collapsing. But most homes are already gone.

    A man comes up to me and tells me his brothers are buried in a building nearby and need help. This happens a lot here.

    The air is thick from fire smoke, people are burning wood to keep warm. Everything is coated in the dust and dirt of the collapsed and collapsing buildings.

    Helicopters flying overhead add to the post-apocalyptic feel. Those still trapped under buildings are enduring hell, but those that escaped aren’t faring much better.

  • Google loses $100bn off shares due to a mistake

    Google loses $100bn off shares due to a mistake

    On Wednesday, Google’s parent company, Alphabet’s shares fell more than 7%, reducing the company’s market worth by $100 billion (£82 billion).

    The bot Bard was asked in a Twitter promotion about what to say to a nine-year-old about discoveries from the James Webb Space Telescope. Bard was unveiled on Monday.

    It responded that the telescope was the first to capture images of a planet outside of our solar system, but the European Very Large Telescope actually achieved that feat in 2004. Astronomers soon caught this error on Twitter.

    “Why didn’t you factcheck this example before sharing it?” Chris Harrison, a fellow at Newcastle University, replied to the tweet.

    Investors were also underwhelmed by a presentation the company gave about its plans to deploy artificial intelligence in its products.

    Google is looking for strategies to reassure the public that it continues to be in the lead when it comes to the most cutting-edge AI.

    Furthermore, it appears that the internet behemoth is currently providing the incorrect solution.

    The new AI bot was displayed in an advertisement by improperly responding to a question.

    Since the release of new ChatGPT software by Microsoft-backed OpenAI in late 2017, Google has been under criticism. It immediately went viral for its aptitude for acing business school exams, writing song songs, and responding to other inquiries.

    This week, Microsoft said that an updated version of its Bing search engine, which has lagged behind Google for years, would make even more sophisticated use of the ChatGPT technology.

    Although investors have supported the development of artificial intelligence, critics have cautioned that releasing the technology too quickly increases the possibility of mistakes or other biased findings, as well as problems with plagiarism.

    A Google spokesperson said the error highlighted “the importance of a rigorous testing process, something that we’re kicking off this week with our Trusted Tester programme”.

    “We’ll combine external feedback with our own internal testing to make sure Bard’s responses meet a high bar for quality, safety and roundedness in real-world information,” they said.

    Last month, Google’s parent company Alphabet cut 12,000 jobs – about 6% of its workforce worldwide – amid layoffs at a number of leading tech giants.

  • Data Bank unable to pay school fees of student-investors

    Data Bank unable to pay school fees of student-investors

    A letter sighted by The Independent Ghana indicates that Data Bank is currently struggling to pay the academic fees of students investing with the financial institution.

    The bank in a letter dated January 31, 2023, asked the said tertiary institutions for a deadline extension in order to make payment for first semester fees.

    According to Data Bank, “we are in the midst of a macroeconomic crisis, which is adversely affecting the investment industry.”

    “Due to the crisis and the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme, Databank has difficult selling Government of Ghana securities and cannot get the necessary cash to pay withdrawal requests. As a result, it is taking us much longer than expected to pay our clients when they ask to withdraw. Some of these clients are students of your institution who have requested the funds to pay their school fees,” portions of the letter added.

    Data Bank noted that it continues to engage stakeholders for liquidity relief and reiterated that “we would be grateful if the affected students could be given more time until we are able to pay them.”

    “Please note that we have provided these students with official letters to submit to their institutions. We will also reach out to you when we make payments,” the letter signed by Gloria Peprah, a Branch Manager of Data Bank.

    A letter from Data Bank announcing financial challenges

    Databank, however, noted that it will not be held liable should a student fail to pay even after we have paid them.

    Government is yet to implement the DDEP it launched in December last year due to concerns from individual bondholders and pensioners. Should the DDEP implementation continue to delay, Data Bank may struggle to ensure the fees of its investors are paid.

  • Disney assures of Toy Story and Frozen sequels

    Disney assures of Toy Story and Frozen sequels

    Disney CEO Bob Iger has confirmed Toy Story, Frozen, and Zootopia sequels, a part of his strategy to revive the streaming business.

    The sequels to previous films are “in the works,” according to Mr. Iger.

    While this was going on, the company disclosed its first decline in subscriber numbers since the introduction of its Disney+ streaming program in 2019.

    Additionally, Mr. Iger declared that the entertainment company will undergo a significant restructuring that would result in the elimination of 7,000 positions.

    Mr. Iger talked about his aspirations to monetize some of the company’s most recognizable franchises during a teleconference with investors.

    “I’m so pleased to announce that we have sequels in the works from our animation studios to some of our most popular franchises: Toy Story, Frozen and Zootopia,” he said.

    “We’ll have more to share about this production soon, but this is a great example of how we’re leaning into our unrivalled brands and franchises.”

    The announced job cuts amount to around 3.6% of Disney’s workforce around the world and are part of a plan to save $5.5bn (£4.5bn) and make its Disney+ streaming service profitable. Mr Iger said he did “not make this decision lightly”.

    The modifications coincided with its most recent quarterly results, his first since he rejoined Disney in November.

    Mr Iger said the changes would “better position us to weather future disruption and global economic challenges”.

    Bob Iger and Mickey Mouse attend Mickey's 90th Spectacular at The Shrine Auditorium on 6 October 2018 in Los Angeles, California.
    Image caption, Bob Iger (left) and Mickey Mouse

    Disney reported an 8% rise in sales to $23.5bn between October and December last year. Profit also rose by 11% to $1.3bn.

    However, Disney+ reported a $1.5bn loss and its subscribers fell by around 2.4 million to 161.8 million.

    The plan will see the company restructure into three segments – entertainment which will include film, TV and streaming; sports-focused ESPN and Disney parks, experiences and products.

    “This reorganisation will result in a more cost-effective, co-ordinated approach to our operations,” Mr Iger told analysts on a conference call.

    The company’s streaming service remained its top priority, he added.

    Disney’s share price rose by more than 5% in after-hours trading following the announcement.

    Freddy Colquhoun, investment director at JM Finn, told the BBC: “Disney has been in quite a bit of trouble over the last year or so and in particular with trying to make its streaming business profitable.”

    But he said the results “were actually really reassuring” and beat expectations.

    Disney’s changes address some of the criticisms raised in recent months by billionaire activist investor Nelson Peltz, who criticised the company for overspending on its streaming business.

    In response to the announcement Mr Peltz’s Trian Group said: “We are pleased that Disney is listening.”

    Mr Iger made a shock return as Disney’s chief executive, less than a year after he retired from the firm.

    He was brought back to steer the company through turbulent times after its share price plummeted and Disney+ continued to make a loss.

    Mr Iger, who had previously headed Disney for 15 years, replaced Bob Chapek, who took over as chief executive in February 2020.

    Mr Chapek was ousted after Disney’s streaming business posted a $1.5bn quarterly loss.

    Less than 24 hours after his return to Disney, Mr Iger said he was planning a major shake-up of the business.

    At the time he said he had tasked a group of executives with designing “a new structure that puts more decision-making back in the hands of our creative teams and rationalises costs”.

    Source: BBC

  • Food vendors urged to adopt eco-friendly measures to curtail environmental degradation

    Food vendors urged to adopt eco-friendly measures to curtail environmental degradation

    In order to stop environmental degradation, Prince Kwame Agbata, CEO of COLIBA Recycling Company, has urged food sellers to use sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics.

    He told the B&FT that the negative effects inappropriate single-use plastic trash disposal has on the environment and people’s health are enormous and require immediate action.

    He said: “The single solution to single-use plastic waste is to invest in collection infrastructure and ensure that we are introducing biodegradables and recycling what is already in the value chain”.

    The purpose of COLIBA is to make it simple for individuals to sort their waste and get it recycled.

    The COLIBA CEO emphasized the need for sensitization and awareness campaigns in order to inform Ghanaians on the significance of adopting proper waste management practices while urging food vendors to switch from single-use plastic takeaway packs to eco-friendly alternatives, such as processed banana leaves.

    Regarding its effects on our health, he said there is ample evidence that some micro-plastics already present in our bodies and are a contributing role in a number of cancers, while other micro-plastics also enter the soil through plastics like takeaway packets.

    “Some amount of these plastics are also used for packaging vegetables once they are harvested, so it is really a big problem if we don’t address the packaging issue and ensure that it is done in a sustainable and eco-friendly manner,” Agbata added.

    He described the plastic economy as a huge one, and that it will take at least 50 years for Ghana to recover plastic that is already in its value chain. “We have so much plastics in the value chain and so we have to invest in recycling while we begin to introduce cost effective biodegradable alternatives”.

    He further revealed that the plastic sector in the country has grown by 200 percent over the last 11 years, citing plastic bottle recycling which has seen exponential growth from 2 percent to 12 percent as a case in point. “That is more than 1000 percent increase in the recycling market,” Agbata explained as he painted a picture of the size of Ghana’s plastic economy.

    From a food vendor’s perspective on single-use plastics, the B&FT also spoke with Boakyewaa Mary, who operates the God is King mini restaurant – a fried-rice vending outlet at Oyarifa, and she has this to say: “I am aware of the environmental and health implications of the single-use plastic materials I use in packaging food for my customers because I am fortunate to be educated, but the truth is that I have no alternative but to do what everybody is doing. I am told the eco-friendly packaging materials are expensive and besides, I don’t even know where to get it to buy”.

    She, however, expressed willingness to transition from the single-use plastic packaging culture to a sustainable alternative should she get the packs at a comparatively cheaper cost.

    To minimise the environmental implications of single-use plastic materials from food vendors, Mr. Agbata said it is imperative that standards regulatory agencies in Ghana begin to work with food packaging companies and stakeholders, such as the recyclers association, to ensure that packaging materials meet the required standards.

    Furthermore, he noted that there is the need to ensure that the right amount of plastic is used for the right material type of packaging, indicating that while some materials are very easy to recycle, others are complicated because they are a mixture of different types of plastics which he said makes recycling expensive. “Even pickers cannot pick these mixture of plastics because their value is lower for them, so they will rather do cherry-picking – selecting the good plastic from the bad ones.”

    Notwithstanding their eco-friendliness, Agbata stated that biodegradable materials also have limitations including; cost and the technology to develop them, revealing that, “not all biodegradables are environmentally and ecologically-friendly and so it is important to find the right material type which also comes at a cost”.

    While calling on waste management companies to invest in collection infrastructure to ensure that single-use plastic waste materials are properly shredded so that they can come back as recycled end-product, he said it is about time people started segregating their waste at home.

    Consumption of packaged food has risen substantially in recent decades. With a 5 percent annual growth rate, the worldwide packaged food market was valued at US$1.9trillion in 2020, and is expected to reach US$3.4trillion by 2030.

    However, environmentalists are concerned about the increased plastic pollution generated by the food industry. For the past 70 years, it has been outlined that around 8 billion tonnes of plastic has been generated.

    Ms. Earle, Chief Scientist of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in America, in an interview with Africa Renewal, seen by the B&FT, warns that sea life is being destroyed from every direction by a combination of rising temperatures and plastic waste. She notes that since the 1950s, the world has lost 50 percent of its global coral reefs and 90 percent of its big fish to plastic waste.

    “Oceans are choking on plastic junk — millions of tonnes of water bottles, soda bottles, drinking straws and single-use plastic bags. 99 percent of all seabirds will have ingested plastic by 2050 if nothing is done to reverse the trend,” she said.

    Source: BFTonline via Ghanaweb

  • Pakistan seeks IMF bailout

    Pakistan seeks IMF bailout

    In an effort to seek aid to stop a worsening economic crisis that has nearly depleted its foreign exchange reserves, Pakistan is in last-minute talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

    It struggles to pay off sky-high levels of foreign debt and has just enough cash to cover less than a month’s worth of routine imports.

    After 10 days of negotiations with the government aimed at releasing critical foreign money, an IMF delegation is scheduled to depart the nation on Thursday.

    There are growing concerns for the economy in a crucial election year as annual inflation in Pakistan rose to above 27% in January, the highest level since 1975.

    This week, the rupee hit an all-time low against the dollar, falling from 175 to 275, making purchases and payments more expensive in Pakistan.

    One of Pakistan’s most urgent issues is its dearth of foreign currency.

    Recent factory closures in Pakistan’s industrial heartland of Faisalabad, including Jubilee Textiles, were not caused by the country’s frequent power outages, which have plagued it for years, but rather by a lack of access to dollars to pay for the supplies they require.

    A shuttered factory
    Image caption,Many factories like this one have been idle across Pakistan in recent weeks

    “If we can’t import, how can we manufacture? We’ve already made a loss,” its manager Fahim told the BBC, adding that all its 300 workers had been sent home.

    Jubilee’s printing machines have only just restarted after shutting last month. Piles of white cotton sheets sat in iron tubs, covered by a light coat of brick dust, when the BBC visited, with the only sound the drip, drip of an industrial washer.

    http://backend.theindependentghana.com/uk-only-major-economy-to-shrink-in-2023-imf/

    Walking through the network of frozen machines, Fahim said the factory had run out of the dyes they import from China, not because they weren’t available, but because they say their bank wouldn’t clear the dollars to pay for them for weeks.

    According to analysts, the government had been holding the bank’s exchange rate artificially high behind the scenes which was contributing to the lack of dollars in the system. At the end of last month, they allowed it to drop, which could help some businesses, but also push prices up.

    An aerial view of the commercial district of Pakistan's port city of Karachi on January 27, 2023.
    Image caption,Imports have been stacking up in ports, including here in Karachi

    Businesses and industries across Pakistan said they have had to slow or stop work while they also wait for goods they have imported that are currently stacking up in ports.

    In late January, a government minister told the BBC that there were more than 8,000 containers piled up in Karachi’s two ports, containing goods from medicine to food. Some of that has started to clear, according to local media reports, but much is still stuck.

  • Majority Leader now rejects fuel coupons to help save economy

    Majority Leader now rejects fuel coupons to help save economy

    Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, has stated that he has ceased accepting fuel coupons while serving in the cabinet as part of his commitment to aiding the government’s efforts to save the country out of the current economic challenges.

    Per reports by JoyNews, Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, the majority leader and representative for Suame, also stated that he has cut the fuel vouchers to which he is entitled by half.

    “I personally think that I must do more… I no longer take fuel coupons as a cabinet minister.

    “It doesn’t come to me. And even parliament here, as the majority leader, I’m not having half of what I used to have prior to 2021,” he is quoted to have said on JoyNews’ PM Express.

    The Suame MP responded to requests for the government to reduce spending in order to assist relieve some of the burden of the crisis on the populace by saying that the government is already doing enough.

    “Well, maybe I would agree if they said government must do more. But to say that they haven’t done enough, some people say that they haven’t done anything. For those of them who say we haven’t done anything, I’ll disagree.

    “And I just pointed out to you what happened yesterday, and I’m aware that the President has directed that 30% of the salaries of the ministers must be forfeited to some other enterprise,” he said.

    He added that the government, aside from the reduction in the salaries of the ministers, is also greatly cutting other expenses.

  • Shippers entreated to use GSA’s Shipper Complaints and Support Units

    Shippers entreated to use GSA’s Shipper Complaints and Support Units

    Shippers have been urged to utilize the services of the Ghana Shippers Authority’s (GSA) Shipper Compliant and Support Unit (SCSU) located at the country’s entry points.

    The SCSU was set up to give real-time assistance to shippers at the country’s entry points.

    During a visit to eleven (11) shippers in Accra, the GSA reinforced the benefit shippers can derive from the SCSU and the opportunity it offers the state to understand the challenges in the shipping and logistics sector.

    The visits which were done between Monday 30th and Tuesday 31st January 2023, were also to create awareness on the educational and economic benefits shippers derive from being registered with GSA and to encourage shippers to register.

    The shippers visited are Royale Assets Company Limited, JABAG Multi-Haven Ent., Stevebrob Publishing Service, Berma-Young Clearing Limited, Diankeff Ent., Batmoh Ent., Mikwaneo Merchant & Construction Ltd., Oduponteng Ventures, My Best Eye, Emmaur Logistics, Ampam and Sons Ventures.

    The shippers shared some of their concerns including harassment by personnel from the security agencies which results in delays in the movement of their goods in transit, and the unstable exchange rate.

    The team from the GSA used the opportunity to educate the shippers on the mandate of the GSA and encouraged them to monitor its website and social media handles for information on emerging trends in the industry.

    A Senior Officer of the Shipper Services and Trade Facilitation Department of GSA, Mrs. Rhodalyn Djanitey assured the shippers that the GSA will engage the relevant agencies and stakeholders to ensure that their concerns are resolved.

    Source:  Ghana Shippers Authority

  • Bayern hire Michael Rechner as new goalkeeping coach 

    Bayern hire Michael Rechner as new goalkeeping coach 

    Following the contentious firing of Toni Tapalovic as their goalkeeping coach, Bayern Munich has hired Michael Rechner in his place.

    Tapalovic, who allegedly had a tense relationship with head coach Julian Nagelsmann, was fired by the Bundesliga champions.

    However, Tapalovic was friendly with Manuel Neuer, the club captain, with whom he had collaborated for more than a decade.

    http://backend.theindependentghana.com/matthaus-calls-for-neuer-lose-his-role-as-bayerns-captain/

    Neuer, who will be sidelined for the remainder of the season due to injury, was upset by his departure and vented his resentment in an interview with The Athletic, which drew ire from numerous Bayern top executives.

    Rechner will train first alongside Yann Sommer, who was brought in after Neuer’s injury, according to the club.

    Oliver Baumann and Rechner had been Hoffenheim’s first team goalkeeping coaches since 2015.

  • Over 11,000 dead in Turkey, Syria after Monday’s earthquake

    Over 11,000 dead in Turkey, Syria after Monday’s earthquake

    As of right now, it is known that around 11,000 people died in southern Turkey and northern Syria.

    Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the president of Turkey, is currently in the earthquake disaster area as criticism of the government’s reaction rises.

    Families in some severely damaged areas have complained that the poor pace of rescue operations has left them with little assistance in searching among the rubble for relatives.

    Erdogan recognized that the early response had been challenging, but he attributed delays to deteriorated roads and airports.

    In Antakya, Hatay province, a 64-year-old man claimed, “We survived the earthquake, but we will die here from hunger or cold.”

    Time is running out to save people, according to the White Helmets, who are leading attempts to rescue civilians in Syria’s rebel-held areas.

    Dramatic footage has emerged of rescues – one family of six were pulled alive from the rubble in the Syrian city of Idlib.

  • Tedesco is Belgium’s new head coach

    Tedesco is Belgium’s new head coach

    Following the Red Devils’ shocking group-stage exit in Qatar, Roberto Martinez resigned as Belgium’s head coach, and Domenico Tedesco has been selected as his replacement.

    After winning just one of their three games in Group F, Belgium was eliminated from the World Cup, falling short of matching their outstanding third-place performance at the 2018 tournament in Russia.

    Martinez quit his position as manager of Belgium following the tournament in Qatar and is now in command of Portugal’s national team. Martinez had led Belgium to the top spot in the FIFA world rankings between 2018 and 2021.

    Martinez’s replacement is Tedesco, who lost his job at RB Leipzig in September following a shaky start to the season. Tedesco has a contract to manage Belgium through the 2024 European Championships.

    While with Leipzig, Tedesco delivered the club’s first DFB-Pokal in its history and took them to the Europa League semi-finals before they were ultimately beaten by Rangers.

    “For me, it is a great honour to be the new head coach of Belgium,” Tedesco told reporters following his appointment. “I’m really looking forward to the task and I’m extremely motivated.

    “I had a very good feeling right from the first conversation.”

    Tedesco will be tasked with making sure his new team reaches the European Championships in Germany next year, with the first qualifier set to be played away at Sweden on March 24.

  • Where is Christian Atsu: conflicting reports emerge

    Where is Christian Atsu: conflicting reports emerge

    On Tuesday morning, reports emerged that former Black Stars and Newcastle United star Christian Atsu had been found alive after being trapped in the rubble caused by a powerful earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria on Monday. 

    As newsof his rescue spread, many in Ghana let out a collective sigh of relief, thankful that Atsu had been saved from almost certain peril. Since the earthquake, people all over the world have prayed for Atsu’s safety and offered support to thosedisplaced by the disaster. 

    With Atsu’s rescue, the global community can take comfort that some good has come from this tragic event.

    Not long after, there was agitation on social media after authorities noted that they are unable to determine the health facility the player has been admitted to.

    Ghana’s ambassador to Turkey, H.E. Francisca Ashietey-Odunton confirmed that information privy to her does confirm that the 31-year-old had been rescued but there were challenges with locating the said facility he was receiving medical attention.

    http://backend.theindependentghana.com/christian-atsu-has-been-found-ghana-ambassador-to-turkey-debunks-missing-claims/

    But according to Hatayspor team doctor Gurbey Kahveci, the club can not confirm if Christian Atsu was rescued due to the recent challenge.

    “When we heard the news that “he was taken to Dortyol Hospital”, we especially went and looked, but it was not there. At the moment, we accept that [the sporting director] Taner Savut and Christian Atsu were not found, unfortunate,” he said.

    Currently, it is unclear the current health status of Christian Atsu.

  • Earthquake: Turkish goalkeeper Ahmet Eyup Turkaslan reported dead

    Earthquake: Turkish goalkeeper Ahmet Eyup Turkaslan reported dead

    Ahmet Eyup Turkaslan, a goalkeeper from Turkey, has been found dead after the earthquake on Monday, according to his club Yeni Malatyaspor.

    The 28-year-old played six times for Yeni Malatyaspor and has also played for Umraniyespor, Osmanlispor, Bugsasspor, and Gaziantepspor, all of which are Turkish clubs.

    Malatyaspor, a team from the second level, tweeted on Tuesday that Turkaslan had passed away.

    http://backend.theindependentghana.com/turkey-syria-earthquake-death-toll-exceeds-8700/

    “Our goalkeeper, Ahmet Eyup Turkaslan, lost his life after being under the collapse of the earthquake. Rest in peace,” the club said. “We will not forget you, beautiful person.”

    Former Crystal Palace and Everton winger Yannick Bolasie, currently on loan in the Turkish second division with Caykur Rizespor, was among those to pay tribute.

    “RIP brother Eyup Ahmet Turkaslan,” he posted on Twitter. “One moment you can see someone in the dugout, the next moment they’re gone.”

    More than 7,800 people have died in Turkey and Syria following the earthquake that hit earlier this week.

    Former Ghana and Newcastle winger Christian Atsu, who plays for Super Lig side Hatayspor, was pulled alive from the rubble of a building he was in.

    All football matches in Turkey have been postponed indefinitely amid the humanitarian crisis.

  • Booker helps Suns win on Thomas’ history-making night

    Booker helps Suns win on Thomas’ history-making night

    Despite Cam Thomas scoring over 40 points for the third game in a row, the Phoenix Suns defeated the Brooklyn Nets 116-112 thanks to Devin Booker’s comeback from a month and a half absence.

    Booker played on Tuesday for the first time since sustaining a groin injury in a loss to the Denver Nuggets in late December. During his 21-game absence, the Suns had a mixed record, including a stretch of six straight losses.

    But against the Nets, Booker was back on track, scoring 19 points on 6-of-15 shooting and adding six assists in just 26 minutes to guide the Suns to yet another victory.

    Booker was delighted to be back, telling reporters after the game: “That’s all I want right there, man.

    http://backend.theindependentghana.com/phoenix-suns-and-mercury-owner-robert-sarver-says-hes-selling-franchises-following-investigation/

    “Just competition, being back out there with the band, feeling that energy, feeling that presence. The team has it rolling right now, so just inserting myself in a way that wasn’t disruptive and try to keep the flow that they have.”

    Suns coach Monty Williams feels Booker’s desperation to win is the key to the positive effect he has on his team-mates, saying: “Devin’s attitude is always he just wants to eat. Kill and eat. That’s how he operates. And he’s a winner. And he wants to do everything he can to win the game.

    “I thought the guys got a great deal of energy from him tonight just being on the floor. Everybody’s excited that he’s back.”

    Another outstanding performance from Thomas, who at 21 years old became the youngest player to ever score 40 points in three straight games, nearly wrecked Booker’s successful return to the floor.

    Prior to his 43-point performance in the loss to Booker’s Suns, the guard scored a career-high 44 points against the Washington Wizards on Saturday, followed by a second career-high 47 points against the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday.

    While he was frustrated two of those games ended in defeats, Thomas is enjoying the historic form he finds himself in, stating: “It’s real surreal. I’m just glad to have my name in the history books, being this young.

    “Obviously, I’d rather have the win because it sounds better when you have these 40-point games with the two [games] that we lost.

    “But it’s just good to have my name in history, I’m just going to embrace it. Just be proud of all the hard work you put in.”

  • Rwandan television channels suspended by DR Congo

    Rwandan television channels suspended by DR Congo

    The media regulator in the Democratic Republic of Congo has ordered the local office of satellite television provider Canal+ to remove Rwandan channels from those it offers to the country.

    The suspension will run for a period of 90 days and could potentially be renewed depending on circumstances, the regulator, CSAC RDC, said in a statement.

    Kinshasa accuses Rwandan channels of inciting civil disobedience, among many allegations, the Chronicles site reports.

    The Canal+ offer has about 10 Rwandan TV channels, including Rwandan state broadcaster RBA, that air news and commentary programmes about the ongoing war in eastern DR Congo, the news site adds.

    http://backend.theindependentghana.com/congo-authorities-cannot-use-rwanda-as-the-scapegoat-paul-kagame/

    Rwanda is charged with supporting the M23 rebel group in the country’s east by the DR Congo, the US, and UN experts.

    The turmoil in the mineral-rich eastern DR Congo has been attributed to the Congolese government, which Rwanda has disputed.

  • NPP, NDC MPs hail Kennedy Agyapong as “Presidoo”

    NPP, NDC MPs hail Kennedy Agyapong as “Presidoo”

    On Tuesday, February 7, 2023, Assin Central MP, Kennedy Agyapong made a dramatic entrance into the chamber of Parliament, which was resounding with commotion.

    After the House of Representatives went into recess in December, the Third Session of the Eighth Parliament of the Fourth Republic convened at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, February 7, 2023.

    A lot has transpired during the intermission, with MPs raising their voices to support or disparage various characters.

    Kennedy Agyapong, the Assin MP, entered the house and was hailed by both sides of the house with loud cries of “presidoooo, presidooo,” the MP grinning the entire time.

    The MPs cheers appears to be linked to the Assin Lawmaker’s decision to contest as flagbearer for the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) when nominations are opened

    Other persons who received cheers and plaudits on the floor of Parliament included Dr. Stephen Amoah, who was hailed by loud noise upon his appointment as Deputy Minister-designate for Trade and Industry.

    “Sticka Stickaaaaaaa” the MPs cheered loudly. Same could be said for Adansi Asokwa’s K.T Hammond who will serve as the direct boss of Dr. Stephen Amoah at the Ministry.

  • Christian Atsu has been found – Ghana Ambassador to Turkey debunks missing claims

    Christian Atsu has been found – Ghana Ambassador to Turkey debunks missing claims

    Ghana’s ambassador to Turkey, H.E. Francisca Ashietey-Odunton, has refuted resurging claims that former Black Stars player, Christian Atsu, has not been found and rescued after an earthquake in Turkey.

    On Monday, there were reports that the former Chelsea and Newcastle winger and sporting director for Hatayspor, Taner Savut, had been trapped in a rubble after a 7.8 magnitude earthquake.

    Later that evening, international tabloids reported that Christian Atsu has been found and rescued, however, Taner Savut remained missing. It was said that Christian Atsu had been sent to a hospital for treatment but the said health facility was not identified.

    However, on Wednesday,  football agent, Murat Uzunmehmet noted that reports that Christian Atsu had been rescued can not be confirmed. According to him, the embassy said there are not able to track the said hospital the 31-year-old was sent to.

    This recent revelation has caused panic on social media with many doubting information put out.

    But engaging GTV, H.E. Francisca Ashietey-Odunton, noted that “yesterday the Ministry of Foreign Affairs here assured me that he has been found & rescued & has been sent to a medical center because he was found with injuries.”

    Ghana’s ambassador to Turkey, H.E. Francisca Ashietey-Odunton

    She however, noted that the challenge has been “trying to locate which hospital or health center he has been sent for treatment.”

    “This is understandable because of the situation when you are rescued, you are put in an ambulance sent to an available facility. This morning the Ministry of Foreign Affairs here has assured me that they are trying to locate the facility he was sent to,” she added.

    Her statement goes to confirm that the player has been indeed rescued.

    Meanwhile, over 9,000 lives have been lost in Turkey and Syria due to the natural disaster.

  • Aliko Dangote earns $411m so far in 2023 – Report

    Aliko Dangote, the richest man in Africa, experienced a huge decrease in his net worth in 2022, but thanks to a recent rise in his wealth numbers since the year’s beginning, he is swiftly recovering the losses from the previous year.

    According to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, Aliko Dangote has increased his net worth by more than $400 million since the beginning of the year, making him Africa’s richest man for the 12th straight year despite facing a $400 million wealth decline in 2022.

    The Nigerian cement magnate, who derives the majority of his wealth from an 86 percent stake in Dangote Cement, has seen his net worth rise by $411 million since the beginning of 2023, from $18.7 billion on January 1 to $19.1 billion at the time this report was written, according to data tracked by Billionaires.Africa.

    The $411 million increase in his net worth can be used to explain the recent rise in the market value of his 86 percent interest in Dangote Cement. At the beginning of the year, the company’s shares were worth N261 ($0.567), but as of this writing, they are worth N270 ($0.586).

    At the time of writing, Aliko Dangote’s stake in his flagship cement business was worth $8.42 billion, with an additional $5.15 billion linked to his closely held fertilizer plant, which has the capacity to produce up to 2.8 million metric tonnes of urea per year.

    Dangote is on the verge of becoming the first African and Black person to amass a fortune of $30 billion. With the commissioning of his 650,000-barrel-per-day Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical Ltd set to take place this year, the billionaire is set to enjoy an $18 billion boost to his net worth.

    He is poised to hold a 90 percent stake in the refinery, which will bring his total worth to well over $30 billion, solidifying his place as a leading player in the global petroleum industry.

  • GNAT calls for policy to deploy teachers to rural areas

    GNAT calls for policy to deploy teachers to rural areas

    According to the Deputy General Secretary of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), Kwame Dagbandow, teachers sent to rural regions should be guaranteed a transfer after their predetermined period of stay is up.

    This is one of the ways to persuade instructors to accept posting to remote locations, according to Mr. Dagbandow, who is in head of Education and Professional Development at GNAT and spoke on Prime Morning on Tuesday.

    According to him, certain rural locations are in really poor condition, and the surrounding atmosphere is not motivating enough for instructors to be assigned there. As a result, a policy should be in place that specifies a set amount of time for teachers to remain in rural areas.

    The teachers might be sent to metropolitan regions when the time comes, he continued, making place for other people to be deployed to rural areas.

    According to Mr. Dagbandow, this program might encourage instructors to accept positions in these rural locations, which would significantly increase their numbers.

    “There are areas where you won’t believe that they climb on top of trees to be able to get (telephone) network, look at the risk involved, everybody has to stand at that one point before you can communicate to the outside community, that’s challenging.”

    “We are saying that if we can have a policy of deploying teachers then we can say that, okay if you accept to be in this deprived area for about 2-3 years, we are moving you to a more developed area so that others could also go there,: he stated.

    Mr Dagbandow said that he has never regretted entering into the teaching profession but urged the government and other stakeholders to invest more in it because there is a lot of work to be done.

    This, he added, will help attract more individuals into the profession.

  • Inter tried to sign Messi after Barcelona departure, Zanetti claims

    Inter tried to sign Messi after Barcelona departure, Zanetti claims

    Javier Zanetti has disclosed that Lionel Messi spoke with Inter Milan about a prospective transfer after leaving Barcelona.

    After winning 10 La Liga championships and four Champions League medals with Barcelona, Messi decided to leave the club in 2021 and sign with Ligue 1 team Paris Saint-Germain.

    However, Messi’s former Argentina teammate and current vice president of Inter, Zanetti, claims there was a chance the small forward might have signed with the 19-time Serie A champions before he selected PSG.

    Zanetti pointed to Inter’s financial inferiority with their rivals for Messi’s signature as the main reason for him going elsewhere, telling DAZN: “I was surprised when he left Barcelona.

    “Realistically, we cannot compete with PSG or Premier League clubs, but due to our rapport, we spoke when there was a chance.”

    Messi has since won a Ligue 1 title with PSG while also finally earning World Cup glory with Argentina, while Inter have struggled to replicate the form that saw them end a 10-year wait for another Serie A title in the 2020-21 campaign.

    After missing out on retaining the title by two points to rivals Milan last season, the Nerazzurri are running out of time to overhaul a 13-point gap to leaders Napoli this campaign with Luciano Spalletti’s team showing no signs of slowing down the rampant pace that has seen them win 18 of their 21 top-flight games.

    The Partenopei’s sole defeat came at the hands of Inter in January, and Zanetti has mixed feelings about his team’s efforts this term, saying: “We could have done more in the league. We miss some points, but it’s part of a path that this team is consistently carrying out.

    “Mistakes are normal with such a packed fixture list, but I’ve always seen a team that wants to impose its style, trying to cause trouble for opponents.

    “We’ve been able to react to difficulties and I find that some criticism has been exaggerated.”

    Centre-back Milan Skriniar will join Messi at PSG next season after choosing to turn down a new contract with Inter and instead make the move to France at the end of his current deal.

    Zanetti hopes Skriniar will remain in the right headspace to help Inter to the best of his capabilities over the rest of the season, with Simone Inzaghi’s side still fighting for silverware in the Champions League and Coppa Italia alongside their league duties, having already lifted the Supercoppa Italiana by thrashing Milan 3-0 in Saudi Arabia last month.

    “We offered him a contract within our financial reach, but he made a different choice,” Zanetti added. “Now we need to put him in the best condition to give his best until the end of the season.”

  • Ten Hag insists United must beat Leeds

    Ten Hag insists United must beat Leeds

    Erik ten Hag insists that Manchester United won’t have any justifications if they lose to Leeds on Wednesday night.

    Due to injuries and suspensions, United will be missing a number of important players, with Casemiro starting a three-match suspension after getting sent off during last Saturday’s 2-1 victory against Crystal Palace.

    The important midfielder will observe as Ten Hag attempts to select the strongest starting lineup from a group that is also without Christian Eriksen and Donny van de Beek for an extended period of time, along with Anthony Martial, Antony, and Scott McTominay.

    The 53-year-old Dutchman, though, is adamant that his team will still give it everything they have at Old Trafford to get three points.

    He said: “I’m the manager. I always have to play with the players who are available. 

    “We have a squad, we have many good players available in that squad who are not always in the starting XI. So others [will] get the chance and I have to do it.

    “After the game, I can’t say Casemiro is not there, Martial is not there. No, we have to win. 

    “This squad, all players in [it], are Man United capable, so they have to perform and we have to win the games, no matter who is coming on the pitch.”

    Relegation-haunted Leeds are searching for a new boss after axing Jesse Marsch. 

    They currently sit outside the Premier League drop zone thanks to a better goal difference than fellow strugglers Everton. 

    A win at the Theatre of Dreams, as unlikely as it may seem, would see the Whites move level with 14th-placed Leicester on 21 points. 

    United, meanwhile, can pull five clear of nearest rivals Newcastle as they look to consolidate their place in the top three. 

  • Finance expert warns Man City probe may lead to rivals facing scrutiny

    Finance expert warns Man City probe may lead to rivals facing scrutiny

    Premier League clubs have become “incentivised to sometimes push the rules to the limit, if not beyond” and Manchester City may not be the only team to face an investigation into their affairs, according to a leading football finance expert.

    The Premier League announced on Monday it had referred a number of alleged breaches of the competition’s rules to an independent commission, with some of those dating back as far at the 2009-10 season.

    In response, City said they had “irrefutable evidence” that would be presented in their defence against the accusations.

    Kieran Maguire, author of the book The Price of Football, said isolating City could be seen as making a “scapegoat” of the Premier League champions, and he suspects investigators will also look closely at the finances of other clubs.

    Speaking to Stats Perform, Maguire said: “Certainly we have seen some clubs, in terms of the financial submissions that they’ve made, make fairly significant claims as to the impact, for example, that COVID had on their finances, and they’ve claimed that COVID cost them money in a myriad of ways, some of which have certainly raised eyebrows as far as observers are concerned.

    “So if Manchester City are charged, you would think that Manchester City would say to the Premier League, ‘well, you’ve investigated us and charged us, then surely you have a responsibility to do this for other clubs as well’.

    “If the Premier League don’t do that, it could be seen that they’re trying to make a scapegoat of Manchester City, who are unpopular with certain other elements of the English football establishment because they represent new money, and old money doesn’t like new money in all aspects of life, it doesn’t have to be sport.

    “Therefore you can understand why there’s likely to perhaps be enthusiasm for this to move on. And that’s going to be bad news for football as a whole because then it becomes who’s got the best lawyers, and the best accountants, as opposed to who’s got the best strikers and centre-halves and midfield players.”

    If the independent commission finds City to have breached financial guidelines, they could face a variety of punishments, ranging from fines to points penalties, or even expulsion from the league.

    City are controlled by the City Football Group, which is owned by Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Since a 2008 takeover, the club have invested heavily in infrastructure and players to develop the dominant team in England.

    It remains to be seen how City come out of this saga, if found to have transgressed.

    “There’s a lot of politics in English football,” said Maguire. “I think that the preferred punishment would be a points deduction, because the argument would be that if it was just a financial punishment, given the wealth of the owners, given that it is effectively a sovereign wealth fund which is the benefactors of Manchester City, that a financial penalty would not actually particularly harm the club.

    “Therefore, you need to do something which would be seen within football itself as being a punishment, and also acting as a deterrent should any other clubs with equally benevolent owners decide to take or consider a similar action.”

    Maguire said City face jealousy and “resentment” from rival clubs, and he believes there would not be such interest if a smaller Premier League club came under the microscope.

    “It’s because it is Manchester City who have won the Premier League for four years out of the last five, who have reached the Champions League final, who have spent around about $1.3billion in building their squad, that we’re having this conversation,” Maguire said.

    “There is jealousy, there is resentment, there is envy. And there’s not a lot of admiration, because football doesn’t operate like that. Football is a very, very snarky business, where everybody’s trying to put each put other clubs down.

    “Changing the culture of football into one of ethics, morality, sustainability, is very difficult because of the nature of the people that own the clubs. They tend to be very successful in their own right. And therefore, they are used to getting their own way.

    “And in the world of sport, you can’t have 20 Premier League clubs all being successful at the same time. Therefore, they’re incentivised to outmanoeuvre each other, and they’re incentivised to sometimes push the rules to the limit, if not beyond the limit.”

    Maguire said world governing body FIFA, having been tarnished by scandal itself in recent years, was “unlikely to be in a position to take a moral high ground”.

    “And it then just simply becomes a game of whack-a-mole, as the authorities find one loophole, they bring a sticking plaster to solve it,” Maguire said. “And then you’re always in a room with a smarter accountant and a smarter lawyer who will come up with yet another scheme.”

  • NDC Council of Elders assures party will never forget Haruna Iddrisu, Muntaka and Avedzi

    NDC Council of Elders assures party will never forget Haruna Iddrisu, Muntaka and Avedzi

    According to the National Democratic Congress’ Council of Elders, the party will always remember the contributions made by the immediate past Minority Caucus leaders.

    The party stated in a statement on Monday that James Klutse Avedzi, Muntaka Mubarak, and Haruna Iddrisu, the former minority leader, had all performed admirably in their roles and that the party should not disregard their labors.

    It praised their work and urged all of its lawmakers to stick together despite the current conflicts brought on by the party’s shift in parliamentary leadership.

    “The Council of Elders acknowledges the leadership and sterling achievements of the outgoing leaders of the NDC caucus namely, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, Hon. James Klutse Avedzi and Hon. Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak who have raised the profile of the NDC minority caucus and demonstrated that indeed it is the NDC who has the men and women capable of turning the fortunes of Ghanaians around.

    “Their efforts have contributed to reassuring Ghanaians that the NDC party is ready to assume power and rescue the nation from the depths of despair and desperation. Indeed, the NDC party must not and will never forget the contributions of our three respected comrades in improving the electoral fortunes of the party”, portions of the statement read.

    In the meantime, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Council of Elders claims that the party needs to reevaluate changes to how it chooses its legislators.

    The Council stated in its statement on Monday that this has become necessary as a result of recent conflicts inside the party as a result of a shift in its parliamentary front.

    In order to avoid similar situations in the future, the agreement signed by the Council’s Chairperson, Mahama Iddrisu, stated that the party was willing to discuss a new structure that would govern how the party chooses its leaders in the House.

    “While recognising that the party leadership was within its rights to make appointments or rotate the leadership of the NDC Caucus in Parliament as has been the case since the inception of the Parliament of the 4th Republic, the Council is of the view that the processes need to be improved”, the statement emphasised.

    The party’s elders further indicated that they have resolved the impasse surrounding the changes in its parliamentary front.

    In doing so, the party said it, “approached the engagements conscious of the need for an early resolution which will be in the best interest of the party and mindful of the imperatives of unity and cohesion at a time Ghanaians are looking up to the NDC to rescue the country from the dismal state of affairs which has been the hallmark of the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia/NPP government”.

    Background

    On Tuesday, January 24, a statement from the party’s General Secretary, Fifi Kwetey, announced Dr Cassiel Ato Forson as the new Minority Leader with Emmanuel Kofi-Armah Buah as the Deputy Minority Leader.

    MP for Adaklu, Governs Kwame Agbodza was also named as the party’s new Minority Chief Whip, taking over from Asawase MP, Muntaka Mubarak.

    This development has since been met with a lot of resentment from some quarters of the party, including Tamale Central MP, Murtala Mohammed who has questioned the timing and relevance of the change.

    Former Deputy General Secretary of the NDC, Koku Anyidoho also took to Twitter to berate the changes.

    Later, some displeased members of the party allegedly stormed the premises of Radio Tamale where the party’s Deputy General Secretary was having an interview.

    According to the report, the irate party supporters pounced on him and visited harm on his person.

    But speaking to ‘JoyNews on Thursday in the wake of the rumours, Mustapha Gbande disclosed that the reports of assault on him are untrue.

    According to him, he only addressed the concerned party faithful who came to the premises after which they all left the scene.

    Following this, former NDC lawmaker, Ras Mubarak, also took a swipe at the critics of the changes in the parliamentary leadership of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

    In a Facebook post, he noted that despite the reservations from some quarters of the party, the changes will not be reversed.

    According to him, there is the need for the aggrieved members of the party to suspend their reservations and throw their weight behind the new Miniorty Leader, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson and his team.

    This he believes will inure to the greater good of the party in its quest to win the 2024 general election.

    The statement from the party’s Council of Elders is therefore expected to bring an end to all the media alterations which the party has described as regrettable.

  • Akufo-Addo appoints KT Hammond as Trade Minister; Bryan Acheampong as Agric Minister

    Akufo-Addo appoints KT Hammond as Trade Minister; Bryan Acheampong as Agric Minister

    President Akufo-Addo has appointed  Member of Parliament for Adansi-Asokwa, Kobina Tahiru Hammond as Minister of Trade and Industry.

    Also, the Member of Parliament of Abetifi Constituency, Bryan Acheampong, is to head the Ministry of Food and Agriculture.

    The President informed Speaker Alban Bagbin of the adjustment in his government in a letter dated February 7, 2023.

    The Speaker read the said letter on the floor of Parliament when the house resumed from recess today.

    Mr Alan Kyerematen, former Trade Minister, and Dr Akoto Afriyie, former Agric Minister, resigned from their post to pursue their presidential ambition.

    Other appointments are Stephen Asamoah Boateng, for Ministry of Chieftaincy; Mohammed Amin Adam, Minister of State at the Ministry of Finance; Osei Bonsu Amoah as Minister of State for Local Government.

    President Akufo-Addo in November last year terminated the appointment of Charles Adu Boahen, who was then the Minister of State at the Ministry of Finance, over an exposé dubbed “Galamsey economy” by investigative journalist, Anas Aremeyaw Anas.

    Mr Ebenezer Kojo Kum, the former Chieftaincy Minister, is the third of President Akufo-Addo’s ministers to resign. The Member of Parliament for Ahanta West Constituency did not indicate the reason for his resignation but it is believed that he gave up his post to focus on his health.

    Meanwhile, Stephen Amoah, the Member of Parliament for Nhyiaeso, is to serve as a Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry.

    Hebert Krapah, who was Deputy Minister at the Trade Ministry has been moved to the Energy Ministry as Deputy Minister-designate. He replaces Mohammed Amin Adam.

    The appointees will first be subjected to vetting by the Appointments Committee. After vetting, the Committee, headed by First Deputy Speaker, Joseph Osei-Owusu, will then recommend them to Parliament for approval should it find them competent.

    They can only be sworn-in by President Akufo-Addo after Parliament, as a House, approves their nomination.

  • Chelsea hire coach Enoka

    Chelsea hire coach Enoka

    In an effort to turn the Blues into winners, Graham Potter has hired the All Blacks mind coach, ilbert Enoka, who instituted a “no d***heads” policy.

    Since Todd Boehly took over as owner, Chelsea has made significant investments in players, but on-field success has not yet followed, leaving them in ninth place in the Premier League.

    Thomas Tuchel was fired in September, and Potter is working to establish himself as the manager who can lead Stamford Bridge to successful campaigns and championships.

    Gilbert Enoka, who has had a significant impact on rugby union with New Zealand over the previous 20 years, is now moving to the London club.

    Enoka, who stepped up from being mental skills coach to become leadership manager with New Zealand, will join up with Chelsea on what New Zealand said was a “short-term consultancy basis”.

    Potter should benefit from the new experience, since the highly regarded Enoka was a member of the All Blacks lineup that won the Rugby World Cup in 2011 and 2015.

    Chelsea have spent around £600million on new players in the past two transfer windows, without their sprees having had any obviously positive effect on results, and installing a positive mindset appears to be what they are looking at achieving.

    Enoka revealed in early 2017 how his famous policy functioned within the New Zealand ranks, saying: “A d***head makes everything about them.

    “We look for early warning signs and wean the big egos out pretty quickly. Our motto is, ‘If you can’t change the people, change the people’.”

  • Benzema, Courtois will not feature in Madrid’s Club World Cup semi-final

    Benzema, Courtois will not feature in Madrid’s Club World Cup semi-final

    Thibaut Courtois and Karim Benzema are not included in Real Madrid’s roster for Wednesday’s Club World Cup semifinal matchup against Al Ahly.

    Last week’s 2-0 LaLiga victory over Valencia left captain Benzema with a leg injury; as a result, the striker was unable to play in Sunday’s shocking 1-0 defeat at Real Mallorca.

    In the warm-up before that loss to Mallorca, Madrid’s goalkeeper Courtois sustained a groin strain. As a result, Madrid now trails league-leading Barcelona by eight points.

    Both players did not travel with the Madrid team on Monday to Rabat, Morocco, along with Eder Militao, Lucas Vazquez, Ferland Mendy, and Eden Hazard.

    If Madrid defeats Egyptian team Al Ahly, key players Benzema and Courtois still have a chance to be healthy for Saturday’s final against Flamengo or Al Hilal.

    The Champions League last-16 first-leg match against Liverpool is also in a fortnight for Los Blancos, who have won the competition four times in the previous eight seasons.

  • Nigeria Police arrest bank manager for ‘hoarding’ new notes

    Nigeria Police arrest bank manager for ‘hoarding’ new notes

    The branch manager of a commercial bank in Abuja, the nation’s capital, has been detained by the Nigerian agency that looks into financial crimes for reportedly refusing to load ATMs with cash despite having the newly designed banknotes in the vaults.

    Nigeria just underwent a currency makeover, but the transition has not gone as planned due to a lack of new notes.

    This has sparked resentment and caused unplanned protests at banks. Friday is the last day to utilize old currency.

    On Monday, officers from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) stormed the bank and whisked away the operations manager for questioning.

    It said the bank had 29 million Naira ($63,000; £52,000) of the new banknotes in its vaults – which officers ordered to be loaded on ATMs.

    It’s unclear if the arrested bank manager has commented on the accusation, but the commission said some banks were “sabotaging government’s monetary policy”.

  • DR Congo witnesses deadly protests against regional force

    DR Congo witnesses deadly protests against regional force

    On the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo city of Goma, hundreds of citizens have been protesting in the streets for two days.

    Following violent battles between protesters and Congolese security personnel on Monday, at least two individuals died.

    The UN and the East African Regional Force are accused by the demonstrators of neglecting to back Congolese military operations against the M23 rebel group.

    Recently, fighting has been more intense in the area as the gang has taken control of important cities in eastern DR Congo.

    Security personnel used tear gas on Monday to scatter crowds that were throwing petrol bombs and stones at the UN building in Goma.

    According to reports, during the fighting, a church in one of the neighborhoods was destroyed.

    In the previous days, the rebels have seized major portions of the volatile province and have threatened to march on Goma, the region’s commercial center.

    Numerous people have been slain and thousands more have been displaced by the current warfare.

  • Joshua fights Franklin on April 1 in London

    Joshua fights Franklin on April 1 in London

    The O2 in London has been confirmed as the venue for Anthony Joshua’s upcoming match against Jermaine Franklin on April 1.

    Joshua, a two-time heavyweight world champion, will look to rebound from back-to-back losses to Oleksandr Usyk by defeating Franklin in his own country.

    By defeating the Briton in September 2021, Usyk won the WBA, IBF, and WBO championships. He then successfully defended them in Jeddah in August of last year.

    Franklin’s lone loss in 22 professional fights came at the hands of Dillian White in his last contest, which took place in November of last year.

    Joshua is eager to impress his new head trainer Derrick James in what will be his first fight at The O2 since 2016.

    “I’m looking forward to stepping back into the ring on April 1 at The O2 in London,” said the 33-year-old Joshua. “Mentally and physically I feel ready.

    “I want to put on a show and impress my coach as he has high standards. Franklin has a good style and a great attitude, which he has shown in recent fights.”

    Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, said last week that he anticipates the 2012 Olympic champion to make a statement when he takes on Franklin but that if he loses once more, “we’ve got a serious problem.”

    Joshua will suffer further suffering in his native country, Franklin forewarned.

    “I’m ready to show the world why it’s time for me to take my place at the top of the heavyweight division,” said Franklin.

    “Joshua had his time. It’s my time to shock the world. This fight isn’t going to the judge’s card. I will have win number 22 come April 1. That ain’t no April Fool’s joke.”

  • Christian Atsu found; admitted at hospital for treatment

    Christian Atsu found; admitted at hospital for treatment

    Information coming in is that former Black Stars player, Christian Atsu, has been rescued from the debris he was under as a result of an earthquake that hit Turkey today.

    It was earlier reported that Christian Atsu and sporting director of Hatayspor, Tanarsh Sowth had been trapped.

    It was only after close to 10 hours that Christian Astu has been found. Much has not been said about Sowth.

    According to reports, Christian Atsu has been sent to a hospital for medical attention.

    Also, Hatayspor is yet to comment on the recent development after engaging fans throughout the devastating period.

    On Monday, a 7.8 magnitude hit both Turkey and Syria hard.

    Per reports, over thousand of people have died with thousand other sustaining injuries.

  • Ghana’s economy to crash next month – Ofori-Atta warns

    Ghana’s economy to crash next month – Ofori-Atta warns

    Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, has revealed that the country’s economy will crash in March 2023 should current economic conditions remain the same.

    Mr Ofori-Atta disclosed the information on Monday when he engaged Pensioner bondholders who picketed at the Finance Ministry today.

    According to the Finance Minister, Ghana is “in a crisis, (and) we cannot put our heads under the sun and pretend that we are not.”

    “We need to be mindful that we really need to be successful in going to the fund by this March to avoid what we all experienced last year which we all don’t want to experience again,” he added.

    Ghana since the beginning of 2022 began witnessing its economic growth decline. The regression has been attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian-Ukraine war, as well as some internal activities such as heavy importation.

    In July 2022, government formally engaged the International Monetary Fund (IMF) after months of declining suggestions to seek assistance from the Fund.

    For close to eight months, the government and the IMF have been discussing initiatives that must be put in place to ensure Ghana receives a credit facility worth 3 billion dollars.

    Among the conditions is a debt restructuring programme which would ensure Ghana does not default is debt. Government in December introduced the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP), however is yet to see its implementation.

    The DDEP is currently being analsyed critically following concerns from pension holders and individual bondholders.

    Government is concerned that without its debt exchange programme in place, Ghana would not be able to receive assistance from the IMF.

    Source: The Independent Ghana

  • Breaking: IMF bailout now or Ghana’s economy will crash – Ofori-Atta

    Breaking: IMF bailout now or Ghana’s economy will crash – Ofori-Atta

    Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has stated Ghana’s economy is highly likely to collapse should government fail to secure a credit facility with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

    Engaging pensioner bondholders on Monday, February 6, Mr Ofori-Atta entreated them to accept a 3.5% cut and accept the new terms of 15% coupon rate and 5% maturity to avert such an unfortunate situation.

    “We really feel that government has listened, there is humanity to us, we are protecting the destitute, widows and the orphans and the older people who have worked for this nation. We are in a crisis, we cannot put our heads under the sun and pretend that we are not.”

    “We need to be mindful that we really need to be successful in going to the fund by this March to avoid what we all experienced last year which we all don’t want to experience again,” he said.

    Pensioners gathered at the Finance Ministry today to register their displeasure against the inclusion of their bonds in government’s domestic debt exchange programme.

    The pensioners who are part of the Pensioner Bondholders Forum, want the government to completely exempt them from the debt exchange. They believe the inclusion of their bonds will negatively impact their livelihoods.

    The closure of the invitation for holders of the government’s bond to subscribe to the programme expires tomorrow, Tuesday, February 7, 2023.

  • Christian Atsu’s most recent tweet

    Christian Atsu’s most recent tweet

    Millions across the world are praying for former Black Stars, Christian Atsu and sporting director for Hatayspor, Tanarsh Sowth, who are reportedly missing after Monday’s earthquake which hit Turkey and Syria.

    Prior to the unfortunate incident, Christian Atsu celebrated his team which recently tasted victory.

    On Sunday, February 5, Christian Atsu expressed excitement over being able to net a goal for his side, Hatayspor, in the game against Kasimpasa SK.

    Christian Atsu scored his first goal in the Turkish Superliga over the weekend when Hatayspor defeated Kasimpasa SK by a slim margin.

    Hatayspor eventually won 1-0 at the Yeni Hatay Stadium when Atsu came off the bench to score the game’s only goal.

    The 31-year-old forward replaced French forward Rayan Aabid in the 82nd minute in his third appearance of the season.

    Hatayspor moved out of the relegation zone and into the 14th spot on the standings thanks to an Atsu goal in stoppage time in the round of 23 match.

    The devastating news of Christian Atsu’s disappearance has left many shattered.

    Thousands of people have perished due to the natural disaster. Meanwhile, rescue efforts are ongoing to locate Christian Atsu and Taner Savut.

  • Mahama joins Ghanaians to pray for Christian Atsu’s safety

    Mahama joins Ghanaians to pray for Christian Atsu’s safety

    Former President John Dramani Mahama has entreated Ghanaians to continue praying for the safety of Christian Atsu and his club director, Tanarsh Sowth.

    Former Black Stars player, Christian Atsu, was on Monday reported trapped under debris following the devastating earthquake that hit Turkey.

    The former winger for Newcastle, and sporting director for Hatayspor, Tanarsh Sowth, are said to be missing after Monday’s 7.8 magnitude earthquake.

    The earthquake hit hard in Kah-ra-man-marash, where Hatayspor are based.

    Following the report, Ghanaians took to social media, praying for the safety of Christian Atsu.

    President Mahama who is also concerned about the wellbeing of the striker in Twitter post wrote: “Let’s continue to pray for our brother, Christian Atsu, and his club director. The city of Hayat is in the region affected by the earthquake. Let’s continue to pray that God spares their lives.”

    Meanwhile, rescue efforts are ongoing to locate Christian Atsu and Taner Savut.

    Source: The Independent Ghana

  • Death toll hits over 1300 in Turkey-Syria earthquake

    Death toll hits over 1300 in Turkey-Syria earthquake

     More than 1,300 people in Turkey and neighboring Syria have died due to a massive 7.8-magnitude earthquake on Monday.

    Turkey’s President Recep Erdogan says 912 people have been killed in Turkey alone, and 5,383 wounded, due to the earthquake.

    He says he can’t predict how much the death toll will rise by as search and rescue efforts continue.

    This is the country’s largest disaster since 1939, Erdogan tells reporters, adding that 2,818 buildings collapsed as a result.

    People were startled out of their beds by the earthquake, which also rattled buildings around the Middle East and was felt as far away as Egypt and Cyprus. A few hours later, a quake with a magnitude of 7.5 struck the same region, increasing the possibility of a fresh humanitarian crisis in an area that had been destroyed by years of war.

    The quake hit an area of Syria’s northwest that is divided between government-held territory and the country’s last remaining rebel-controlled enclave. Turkey is home to millions of refugees from the conflict.

    At least 248 people were killed in government-controlled areas and 700 were injured, according to the country’s health ministry. In opposition-held areas, members of the opposition emergency organization known as the White Helmets said the earthquake had killed at least 221 people and injured hundreds more.

    That takes the combined death toll across the two borders to at least 1,381, with fears it may still rise substantially.

    “We were shaken like a cradle. There were nine of us at home. Two sons of mine are still in the rubble, I’m waiting for them,” said a woman with a broken arm and wounds on her face, speaking to Reuters in an ambulance near the wreckage of a seven-story block where she had lived in Diyarbakir in southeast Turkey. 

    The U.S. Geological Survey said the first quake was centered about 20 miles from Gaziantep, Turkey, a major city and provincial capital, when it struck at 4:17 a.m. local time (8:17 p.m. ET Sunday).