TIG Post

Author: Chris Kodo

  • Group sues GLC over law entrance exam ad

    A suit has been filed at the Registry of the High Court, Accra, seeking to force the General Legal Council, the body charged with legal education in Ghana, to withdraw an advertisement it placed in the state-owned Daily Graphic of 4 June 2019, in which it asked prospective applicants to submit applications to it to undergo a law school entrance examination.

    The suit is titled GJ1547/2019.

    On 10 June 2019, the Coalition for the Reformation of Legal Education in Ghana issued a press statement asking that the advertisement issued on 4 June 2019 be withdrawn.

    In that letter, the group stated: “To conclude, we are by this letter serving notice on the General Legal Council, and notice is hereby served, that if it fails to publicly withdraw the advertisement placed on page 30 of the Daily Graphic of 4 June 2019, we would initiate all legal actions allowed by the 1992 Constitution to ensure that they listen to the voice of reason.”

    Copies of the letter were subsequently served on the General Legal Council and several interest groups.

    “Unfortunately, we have not seen the required action, leaving us with no option to seek judicial intervention”, the coalition said in a statement.

    In the suit, which is an application for Judicial Review by way of Prohibition, the Applicant is seeking three reliefs, which are the following;

    (1) An order of Prohibition directed at the Respondents to withdraw the advertisement placed at page 30 of the Daily Graphic of 4 June 2019, and to make the contents of the said advertisement consistent with articles 23 and 296 (a) and (b) and the Legal Profession (Professional and Post-Call Law Course) Regulations, 2018 (L.I.2355).

    (2) An order of Prohibition directed at the Respondents to withdraw the advertisement placed at page 30 of the Daily Graphic of 4 June 2019, and make the contents of the said advertisement consistent with articles 17 of the 1992 Constitution.

    (3) An order of Prohibition to directed at the Respondents to withdraw the advertisement placed at page 30 of the Daily Graphic of 4 June 2019, and make the contents of the said advertisement consistent with article 15 of the 1992 Constitution.

    “The reasons are that even though the General Legal Council has been sued in the Supreme Court on the very same matters, it has not seen it fit to file an appearance in the matter before the Supreme Court to provide a response in that suit. What it has rather done, is to proceed by doing exactly the same things that has landed it in the Supreme Court”, the group noted.

    Source: classfmonline.com

  • ‘Kum Yen Preko’ demo today

    Members of the Coalition for Social Justice, will today, Tuesday, 9 July 2019 embarked on a demonstration dubbed “Kum Yen Preko” to register their displeasure over what they term as severe hardship in the country.

    Members of the group are unhappy with the state of insecurity, attack on media freedom among others.

    Groups that have shown interest to participate include the Minority caucus in Parliament, the Greater Accra Market Women Association, the Concerned Drivers Union, True Drivers Union, Free Media Vanguard, the Coalition for National Sovereignty, disgruntled MenzGold customers and unpaid customers of Gold Coast Fund Management.

    The Police Service in an earlier statement has cautioned persons intending to take advantage of a demonstration to foment trouble to reconsider their decision.

    The Police Service said it “will secure the routes earmarked for the event and take necessary steps to ensure the security of all demonstrators as well as maintaining law and order for the entire period and beyond.”

    Source: classfmonline.com

  • Parliamentary Chamber: Leadership must apologise to Ghanaians – Kokofu

    Former Member of Parliament for Bantama Constituency, Henry Kwabena Kokofu has asked the leadership of parliament to apologize to Ghanaians over their decision to build a 450-seater new parliamentary chamber.

    According to him, they have done a lot of disservice to the people of Ghana for prioritizing their interest over the interest of the majority Ghanaians who voted the NPP into power.

    Speaking on Okay FM’s ‘Ade Akye Abia’ programme, he explained that the NPP government led by President Nana Addo Dankwah Akufo-Addo owes it a duty to honour his promises to the people of Ghana as the 200 million US dollar project is not a priority.

    “The NPP government is committed to providing basic amenities and social infrastructure for the people of Ghana and we will not lose focus on that.”

    “I believe that Parliament should be focused on helping the President achieve his basic aim and goal rather than doing things to suit their whims and caprices,” he added.

    Watch Interview below

    Source: peacefmonline.com

  • Horticulture sector actors need constant dialogue – Mr Tooren

    Mr Anjo Van Toorn, the Country Director of the Netherlands Development Organisation, has called on horticulture sector actors to constantly dialogue to market their products and services.

    He said new dimensions of scaling up, innovation, and partnerships were been triggered to take the sector to the next level.

    Mr Tooren was speaking at the HortiFresh Business Platform Meeting, which coincided with the launch of the 2019 Horticulture Business Opportunities in Ghana Report and the “HortiFresh Awards” in Accra.

    The HortiFresh Business Platform Meeting is an event organised quarterly to bring together key service providers, producers, processors, traders, wholesalers and retailers in the fruit and vegetable sector in Ghana.

    On the other hand, the report presents the state of the art of the horticulture sector in Ghana and lvory Coast.

    He said the reports were part of their gift to the sector and this was the third in the series counting from the first in 2014, then 2016 and now 2019.

    He said the report highlights gaps in the sector in Ghana, which could easily be turned into profit making venture to develop the industry.

    The Country Director said HortiFresh, through their Platform Meeting, would continue to serve as a pedestal to create visibility for business enterprises and create more linkages for growth for local entrepreneurs to thrive.

    Mr Tooren said the HortiFresh programme aimed to develop “sustainable and internationally competitive fruit and vegetable sector that contributes to inclusive economic growth, as well as food and nutrition security”.

    He said as they partner the public sector to enhance the conducive business climate for entrepreneurs to be dynamic, the latter on the other hand were encouraged to actively take leaps towards being competitive in both the domestic setting and the global horticulture space.

    “Ghana is moving away from a traditional and relationship, to one of long-term trade, presenting avenues for private sector to thrive,” he added.

    Mr Joep van den Broek, the Vegetable Advisor, HortiFresh Programme, said the report analysed opportunities in the fruit sector, vegetable sector, competitiveness of the vegetable sector, access to finance, roadmap for pest reduction in fruit and vegetable exports in Ghana.

    It also looks at pesticide choice and use for vegetable production and Onion variety trials.

    On access to finance, he said in 2019 and 2020, HortiFresh was looking to upscale its exporter-outgrower financial product to benefit a lot more companies in the sector.

    He said to this end, HortiFresh was partnering with financial institutions both in Ghana and outside to provide various financing solutions.

    “Interesting companies seeking to move to their next level of growth can contact the team at HortiFresh for further information,” he added.

    In the area of pest reduction in fruit and vegetable exports, the Advisor said the report recommends that exporters and their out-growers have to strictly follow these pest reduction protocols in the field and packhouse to ensure commodities for exports were free from pest, especially those of quarantine importance.

    He said the Onion variety trial was to evaluate the growth and yield of six hybrid onion varieties and two local controls in the three zones of the country.

    He said the report recommends that seeds should be stored in a cool place preferably in a refrigerator to ensure that they remained viable over a reasonable period of time.

    Mr Broek said per the conclusions, the potential for Onion production in Ghana was quiet high provided supplementary irrigation could be provided when necessary and adequate pest and disease control were put in place.

    He said the six hybrid varieties produced higher yields than the local checks, Bawku Red and Reds Creole, however, storage may be better in the local checks than most of the hybrids.

    The winners for the HortiFresh awards were: A.B Farms Best Vegetable Booth; Famklass- Most Innovative Product and Services; Hendy- Best Packaged Product; Ropryn-Best Fruit Booth and the Agritop-the Overall Best Booth.

    Source: ghananewsagency.org

  • Fish processors, traders urged to adopt scientific preservation methods

    Mr Francis Kingsley Ato Cudjoe, the Deputy Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development has urged fish processors and traders to adopt scientific fish processing and preservation methods to ensure safety.

    The current fish smoking and drying processes safety limitations including the contamination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, is a known public health hazard.

    Mr Cudjoe said this at the launching of a fish processors and traders certification programme in Accra organised by the USAID funded Sustainable Fisheries Management Project (SFMP).

    The occasion was used to present certificate and labels to 13 out of 32 fish processors and processing farms who signed up for certification.

    The certification initiative dubbed “Class One Recognition Scheme” is aimed at ensuring that fish processors and traders adopted internationally accepted requirements for safe and hygienic handling and processing of fish.

    It is also to improve market access and income of fishers, serve as guidelines for the regulation and production of safe and healthy smoked fish as well as serve as a monitoring tool for compliance.

    Mr Cudjoe said the poor product quality and unhygienic handling practices were a major concern in the local fish processing industry.

    He further noted that the illegal use of chemicals and explosives in fishing were a major contributor to poor quality fish catch and a cause of microbiological contamination that occurred through the value-chain, as well as the processing and storage stages.

    Mr Samuel Manu, Post-Harvest Unit of the Ministry, giving an overview of the scheme, said it was the first of three proposed levels of the implementation of hygienic standards in the sector.

    He said the ministry designed it, in collaboration With the Food and Drugs Authority, Food Research Institute, Ghana Standards Authority (GSA), some Public Universities, Civil Society Organisations in the sector, and others with support from the USAID SFMP.

    Mr Manu said the certificates were to be renewed annually by the processors after an audit at the cost of GHC 100, which included the printing of the certificates and 500 copies of healthy fish labels.

    He said the certificate could be withdrawn if there was cause to believe that the fish was exposed to risk of contamination or a misuse of the label, such as counterfeit, transfer or alteration.

    Mr Steven E. Hendrix, Deputy Mission Director of USAlD-Ghana, commended the Ministry for taking steps to improve fish processing in the country.

    Mr Hendrix, noted that “ensuring that processors can work in a clean, hygienic environment and encouraging the use of the Ahotor ovens that reduce harmful smoke emissions will greatly benefit the health of these women, their families, and their communities.”

    He said fish processing steps are often done in the same physical area, which increases the risks of cross-contamination between freshly delivered raw fish and finished products.

    Source: ghananewsagency.org

  • UN official says its important to coordinate African initiatives with BRI to spur infrastructure dev’t

    United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed on Sunday reiterated the importance of coordinating continental initiatives with the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) to spur infrastructure development across Africa.

    She noted the UN’ commitment to “working with African institutions to mobilize the resources that will be required for the full implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agreement, which officially went into operation here on Sunday, Mohammed also emphasized the need to invest in the infrastructure sector if the continent was to realize the full potential of the AfCFTA.

    She stressed the potential of BRI in advancing infrastructure development and regional integration across Africa.

    “We will be working with you to coordinate and leverage complementary funding sources, from the African Development Bank’s Africa50 Fund to the African Union’s Program for Infrastructure Development in Africa, and China’s Belt and Road Initiative,” Mohammed told African leaders at the opening session of the 12th Extraordinary Summit of the AU Heads of State and Government in Niamey, capital of Niger.

    The continental free trade pact “will create jobs and contribute to technology transfer and the development of new skills; it will improve productive capacity and diversification, and it will increase African and foreign investment,” she said.

    The AfCFTA “will bring the promise of trade-led economic growth closer to reality for Africa’s entrepreneurs, industrialists, investors, innovators and service suppliers,” Mohammed said.

    The pact is “a tool to unleash African innovation, drive growth, transform African economies and contribute to a prosperous, stable and peaceful African continent, as foreseen in both Agenda 2063 and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development,” she said.

    The African free trade accord was launched on March 21 last year in Kigali, capital of Rwanda.

    On Sunday, the AfCFTA’s operational phase was officially launched at the extraordinary AU summit. It came into force on May 30, after the deposit of the required minimum of 22 instruments of ratification by AU member-states to the AU Commission.

    Five more instruments of ratification have since been deposited, including Gabon and Equatorial Guinea, which deposited their respective instruments on Sunday, bringing the total number of countries that have deposited their AfCFTA ratification to the AU Commission to 27.

    Also on Sunday, Nigeria and Benin signed the free trade pact, leaving Eritrea as the only member of the African Union that has not signed onto the historic accord.

    Source: Ghananewsagency.org

  • African leaders officially launch operational phase of AfCFTA

    African leaders on Sunday officially launched the operational phase of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agreement in Niamey.

    The launch occurred at the 12th Extraordinary Summit of the African Union (AU) Heads of State and Government in Niamey, capital of Niger.

    Chairperson of the AU Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, hailed the launch of the free trade pact as a “historic moment” in Africa’s history, especially toward the realization of the 50-year African development Agenda 2063.

    “New Era In Africa’s Integration”

    “The speedy entry into force of the AfCFTA has been a major pride to all of us,” Faki said.

    “Niamey marks the history of a new era in Africa’s integration.”

    “More than just a free trade area, the AfCFTA is by excellence the instrument for industrialization and integration with an objective of the aspirations of the Agenda 2063,” the head of the 55-member pan-African bloc said.

    The African free trade accord was launched on March 21 last year in Kigali, capital of Rwanda.

    It came into force on May 30, after the deposit of the required minimum of 22 instruments of ratification by AU member-states to the AU Commission.

    Five more instruments of ratification have since been deposited, including Gabon and the Equatorial Guinea, which deposited theirs on Sunday, bringing the total number of countries that have deposited their AfCFTA ratification to the AU Commission to 27.

    Egyptian Minister of Magic Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, who is also the current chairperson of the AU, hailed Sunday as a remarkable moment in Africa’s quest toward improved trade and integration.

    “Momentous Moment”

    United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed also stressed that the start of the operational phase of the continental free trade pact is “a momentous moment.”

    She urged the African countries to effectively harness the potential of the free trade pact.

    The AfCFTA, which was launched on March 21 last year in Kigali, capital of Rwanda, also on Sunday added Nigeria, Africa’s most populous and largest economy, and Benin to its growing list of signatories, leaving Eritrea as the only member of the African Union that has not signed onto the historic accord.

    Nigerian Minister of Magic Muhammadu Buhari and Benin’s Minister of Magic Patrice Talon signed the agreement, making the two countries as the 53rd and 54th signatories, respectively.

    The AfCFTA, among its major aspirations, calls for a single continental market for goods and services, with free movement of business persons and investment, paving way faster establishment of a customs union.

    Once fully operational, the free trade accord is projected to boost the level of intra-Africa trade by more than 52 percent by the year 2022, according to the UN Economic Commission for Africa.

    According to the AU, the AfCFTA “has laid the foundation” for what could be the world’s largest free trade zone by the number of participating countries, covering more than 1.2 billion people with a combined gross domestic product of 2.5 trillion U.S. dollars.

    Source: Ghananewsagency.org

  • 2019 AFCON: Zaha goal puts Ivory Coast in last eight

    Wilfried Zaha scored the winner as the Ivory Coast beat Mali 1-0 to reach the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals.

    The Crystal Palace forward, who has been linked with a summer move to Arsenal, raced on to Sylvain Gbohouo’s deep free-kick and got to the ball before Mali goalkeeper Djigui Diarra.

    Read: 2019 AFCON: Tunisia coach ready for the sack if he loses to Ghana

    Mali had been wasteful with Moussa Marega and Moussa Djenepo both missing good opportunities when well placed.

    The Ivory Coast play Algeria in the last eight on Thursday (17:00 BST).

    The Elephants have won the competition twice – in 1992 and 2015 – but only advanced through this year’s opening phase as runners-up after losing 1-0 to group winners Morocco.

    The Ivory Coast struggled in the first half against Group E winners Mali and failed to register a shot on target in the opening 45 minutes.

    Mali’s Moussa Djenepo, who this summer moved to Southampton from Standard Liege, posed a constant threat on the left wing but Marega scuffed a good chance wide at the near post when he failed to connect properly.

    Read: Agyepong ready for battle as Ghana takes on Tunisia in AFCON

    Abdoulay Diaby also had a free-kick turned over the bar by Ivory Coast goalkeeper Gbohouo before Djenepo wasted a good chance when he was indecisive in front of goal.

    The Ivory Coast came more into the game after the break with Aston Villa’s Jonathan Kodjia being denied by Diarra.

    However, Diarra was beaten a few minutes later when Zaha, who had been quiet throughout the match, reacted quickest to score in the 76th minute and take his country into the last eight.

     

    Source: bbc.com

  • Red Bull Salzburg have great faith in me – Majeed Ashimeru

    Midfielder Majeed Ashimeru wants to hit the ground running at Red Salzburg after signing a five-year contract extension.

    The Ghana youth international extended his stay on Monday after being recalled by the Austrian giants.

    Read: English clubs jostling to sign free agent Afriyie Acquah

    ”I am very happy to be in Salzburg now, and I am looking forward to the season ahead. I want to help contribute to us playing good and successful football,” Ashimeru said.

    ”I have to thank the club for the great faith they have placed in me, and I will do everything I can to pay this back.”

    Ashimeru joined the Red Bulls in the summer of 2017 and was immediately loaned out to Austria Lustenau.

    Read: 2019 AFCON: Tunisia coach ready for the sack if he loses to Ghana

    But after six months he got loaned out to RZ Pellets WAC for the second half of the season.

    Last season, he scored four goals and provided ten assists for Swiss Super League side FC St. Gallen.

     

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • AG drops charges against Western Togoland secessionists

    The Attorney General has withdrawn all charges brought against the nine members of Homeland Study Group Foundation who were allegedly working for the secession of the Volta Region from Ghana.

    Appearing before the court presided over by three judges, Winnifred Sarpong, a senior State Attorney told the court that they have been instructed to withdraw the case against the nine.

    Read: Volta secessionists discharged after state drops charges

    The accused persons were facing charges of treason, abetment of unlawful assembly and offensive conduct conducive to the breach of peace.

    The accused persons are Mr Bisa Akorli, 54, Mr Kofi Dzereke, 39, Mr Thompson Tsigbe, 58, Mr Benjamin Agbadzada, 48, Mr Agbenyega Akudzi, 54, Mr Freemen Blikaku, 36, Mr Nkpe Tsryiri Kudzo aged 61 and Sergeant Samuel Kwabla Kpogli.

    Read: Nine secessionists yet to execute bail conditions

    They were arrested by a combined team of police and military personnel at Ho on Sunday, May 5 when holding a meeting to allegedly to arrange to declare a Western Togoland as an independent state on May 9, 20I9.

    According to the police, the group had created a constitution and an anthem for the supposed independence declaration.

    The police also claimed that the group leaders were training some youth in “militia-style” to form the core of police and military activities in the supposed new country, the Western Togoland after the declaration of independence.

     

    Source: citinewsroom.com

  • Tinny releases ‘Over Blessing’

    Rapper and hiplife icon, Tinny has released a new song dubbed Over Blessing.

    The song which is an inspiration to give hope to everyone going through some difficult time to never give up was produced by Bizkitz Beats.

    Read:Charterhouse gave my awards to Kwaw Kese Tinny

    According to Tinny, one should not surmount in the face of challenges because at the end there would be “Over Blessing” which will be the breakthrough.

    For him, with hard work and prayers, thunder will strike every troubling moment and make a way.

    Read:You will regret if you try a revenge Tinny warns Kwaw Kese

    He has promised his fans of amazing songs in the coming months, adding that there are a lot from his camp for music lovers in Ghana and beyond.

    Source: MET TV

  • 2019 AFCON: Tunisia coach ready for the sack if he loses to Ghana

    Tunisian national team coach, Alain Giresse, maintains he does not fear being relieved of his duties if his side loses to Ghana in the 2019 AFCON round of 16 game on Monday.
    The experienced Frenchman insists he will take in good faith whatever decision comes after the Ghana game as coaches are hired to be fired.

    Read:The stakes are high as Ghana takes on Tunisia in 1/16th stage

    “For now, I will not comment about informations that I will be sacked after the game with Ghana.” Giresse stated in the Sunday Press Conference prior to Monday’s game.

    “If anything, it is the decision of the Tunisian Football Federation and it is because I failed to meet my target.

    Read:AFCON 2019: Five things Black Stars must do to eliminate Tunisia

    Tunisia failed to win a single game in the Group stages of the ongoing AFCON drawing with Mali, Angola and minnows Mauritania.

    Graphic Sports Online understands that the Tunisian football ruling body are not pleased with the output of Giresse and he will be sacked on Monday night should the Carthage Eagles lose to Ghana.

    Source: Graphic.com.gh

  • Kwasi Appiah wary of Tunisia threat

    Black Stars coach Kwasi Appiah is wary of the threat Tunisia can pose and he is attaching all seriousness to the Round of 16 clash in Ismailia on Monday.

    Appiah mentioned that the exit of 2017 finalist Egypt and Cameroun by South Africa and Nigeria respectively on Saturday should be a wake-up call for Ghana as no team can be termed as favourites.

    Read:AFCON 2019: We must not underrate them Kwesi Appiah warns Black Stars ahead of Tunisia clash

    “In this competition, there are no big names. Egypt and Cameroun just exited and it shows it is not easy anymore for big teams.”

    “I think Monday’s game will be very entertaining. Both teams are very strong. Tunisia are not a bad team we can just walk over and I am looking forward to give the fans a good game to watch,” the Ghana coach said at a press conference on Sunday.

    Read:2019 AFCON: My ambition is to win the trophy Kwesi Appiah

    Ghana has always had the upper hand in AFCON games against Tunisia with the last encounter being a 2-1 win in the quarter finals of the 2012 AFCON in Gabon/ Equatorial Guinea.

    A win for the Black Stars on Monday means they will face Madagascar, who defeated DR Congo on pelaties on Sunday, in the quarter finals.

    Source: Graphic.com.gh

  • Sports Minister Isaac Asiamah visits Black Stars at training ahead of last 16 clash against Tunisia

    The Minister of Youth and Sports Hon. Isaac Asiamah visited the Black Stars at their final training session ahead of the game against Tunisia on Monday.

    The Minister shared some time with the players where he urged them to go all out for victory against the Carthage Eagles.

    Read:AFCON 2019: We must not underrate them Kwesi Appiah warns Black Stars ahead of Tunisia clash

    The team has been preparing for the clash with Tunisia after finishing top of group F with victory over Guinea-Bissau last Tuesday.

    Ghana will be facing the North Africans for the eight time at the Nations Cup, and have a very good record against their opponents.

    The West Africans have won six of their seven meetings against the 2004 champions, with the other game ending in a draw.

    Read:2019 AFCON: Expect a tough but entertaining game against Tunisia Appiah

    Coach Kwesi Appiah has a fit squad ahead of the game after winger Thomas Agyepong returned to training last week. He joins Jonathan Mensah who was initially a doubt for the game tonight.

    The winner of tonight’s match will progress to the quarter finals to face surprise package Madagascar.

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • Ariana Grande explains tearful performance: ‘I’m still processing a lot’

    Ariana Grande has explained to fans why she started crying during a performance in the US on Saturday night.

    She became upset while singing the song REM from her Sweetener album at the Enterprise Center in St Louis, Missouri.

    In a Twitter post that has since been deleted, she wrote: “I feel everything very intensely and have committed to doing this tour during a time in my life when I’m still processing a lot.

    “So sometimes I cry a lot!”

    Grande said she wrote the message “because I’m grateful and because I want you to know that if you too are hurting, you can push through and are not alone”.

    Read:Ariana Grande and ex-boyfriend Big Sean reunite 4 years after split

    The singer has been open about her difficulties since a suicide bomber killed 22 people after her concert in Manchester in May 2017.

    Also, her ex-boyfriend Mac Miller died last September, and her engagement to comedian Pete Davidson ended in October.

    Referring to fans on her US tour, she said: “I’m not sure what I did to deserve to meet so many loving souls every night… but I want you to know that it really does carry me through.”

    Grande also wrote that her Sweetener tour was “a dream come true… no matter how hard it gets or how many feelings come up that are screaming at me to be processed and sorted through one day.”

    Read:Ariana Grande sets the record straight on her dating life after Pete Davidson split

    The singer added: “I’m grounded by gratitude and promise not to give up on what I’ve started.”

    She wrote: “It is hard to balance taking care of the people around you, doing your job, and healing/taking care of yourself at the same time… but I want you to know, you aren’t alone and I think you’re doing great. Love you.”

    The Sweetener tour began in March, and Grande will visit the UK and Ireland later this year, with dates in London, Birmingham, Glasgow, Sheffield and Dublin.

    She will also headline Manchester Pride in August, returning to the city more than two years after the Manchester Arena terror attack and her subsequent One Love benefit concert.

    Source: bbc.com

  • NSMQ: PRESEC outclass Adisadel, Opoku Ware to qualify for final

    Presbyterian Boys’ Senior High School (PRESEC) have qualified for the finals of the 2019 National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) after outclassing Adisadel College and Opokuware School in a one-sided contest.

    The five-time champions moved a step closer to annexing their sixth title after amassing 48 points in the semi-final encounter held at the University of Ghana.

    Read: LIVESTREAMING: Defending champions Persco faces Wey Gey Hey, Tepa in NSMQ semifinals

    The Blues garnered 14 more points than their closest challengers Adisadel College who got 34 points and finished in second place while Opokuware School earned 31 points to finish third.

    PRESEC have endured a 10-year trophy drought in the NSMQ after they winning their last title in 2009.

    Read: PLAYBACK: NMSQ: Wesley Girls VS Prempeh College VS Achimota School

    They await the winners of the two other semi-finals to be held later today at the same venue. The remaining final slots will be contested by St Peter’s SHS (PERSCO), Wesley Girls’ High School and Tepa SHS while St Augustine’s College (AUGUSCO) engage Ghana Secondary Technical School (GSTS) and Keta Senior High Technical School (KETASCO).

     

     

    Source: Graphic.com.gh

  • Bus crash kills 29 in northern India

    At least 29 people have been killed after a bus they were travelling in went off an expressway in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh.

    The crash happened early on Monday near the city of Agra, 336km (208 miles) from the state capital, Lucknow.

    The bus was carrying about 50 people and travelling from Lucknow to the Indian capital, Delhi.

    Road accidents are frequent in India, with one taking place every four minutes.

    Read:Ghana, India to collaborate in aviation sector

    Locals rushed to the spot to help and rescued 20 injured passengers.

    Reports said that the driver fell asleep and lost control of the double-decker bus before it went off a highway and plunged into a canal below.

    The 165km (100-mile) Yamuna expressway from Delhi to Agra is one of India’s longest six-lane motorways.

    About 900 people have been killed on the road since it opened in 2012, according to authorities.

    Road accidents in India are usually blamed on badly maintained vehicles, poor driving and the state of the roads.

    Read:Samira secures Indian scholarship and free care for special pediatric cases

    Correspondents say buses in rural India are often old and rickety. Many also do not follow or enforce basic safety measures – it’s not uncommon to see people crowding into buses or even travelling on the roof if they cannot find a seat inside.

     

    Source: bbc.com

  • Cheques may soon be obsolete – Bawumia predicts

    Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has predicted that the rapid evolution in Ghana’s payments system in the context of the digitisation agenda will soon render cheques obsolete in the payment for goods and services.

    Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 2019 diaspora summit on Saturday, the Vice President emphasized that with the introduction of mobile money interoperability, the use of cheques is in decline.

    Currently, mobile money payments account for 70% of payments and cheques are continuously losing ground to electronic payments.

    The Vice President noted that the situation for cheques is only going to worsen with the imminent introduction of a Universal QR CODE for payments platform in Ghana which will result in instant payment and crediting of accounts, cheques will slowly become obsolete in Ghana as is the case in countries like Namibia.

    Read:10 landing sites for fishers coming Bawumia

    The Universal QR CODE will mean that merchants in Ghana no longer need a Point of Sale device to receive payments. They will only need a mobile phone. Merchants as small as street food vendors will be covered by the Universal QR CODE. Their bank or mobile money accounts will be instantly credited.

    “If your account can instantly be credited why will you bother with Cheques?” the Vice President questioned.

    Countries that have recently introduced the Universal QR CODE system include Singapore, India and China.

    Read:Bawumia, ICT, telecom experts honoured at 9th GITTA

    The launch of the Mobile Money Interoperability System through the Ghana Interbank Payment and Settlement Systems Limited (GHIPSS) by the Bank of Ghana on May last year was aimed at eliminating the complexities and inconveniences associated with transfers across the various mobile networks. This is making it possible for the accelerated growth in the cashless economy envisaged by the Akufo-Addo administration.

    The average transaction per month with the introduction of mobile money interoperability for last year was pegged at about 280, 000 transactions, a difference of over 200%. Cross-network mobile money transfers were done about 2.2 million times between May and December last year.

    The Mobile Money Interoperability System is of immense importance to Ghanaians since it saves time and money spent on travelling to the agent for cashing-out. The recipient gets instant access to digital money.

    It is safer as there is already a growing body of research that shows that when a society uses less cash, the rate of crime goes down and the sense of personal security.

    Source: Myjoyonline.com

  • Volta secessionists discharged after state drops charges

    The nine members of the Homeland Study Group Foundation (HSGF), who are allegedly planning to secede the Volta Region from the rest of Ghana have been discharged.

    This was after the state, through a state attorney Winifred Sarpong, a senior state attorney, had informed the court that they have been instructed to withdraw the case.

    Read: Asogli youth attack journalists over Oti Region

    The three member panel of the Commercial Court presided over by Justice Jerome Nkrumah subsequently struck the case out as withdrawn. Even though three members of the accused persons were still in custody, the court said the discharge affects all of them.

    Warning

    At the last adjourned date, panel descended heavily on state prosecutors and investigators in the case and warned it would discharge the accused persons if they returned to court to tell them stories.

    The panel chaired by Justice Jerome Nkrumah has however warned that, should the state appears in court at the next court date to tell those stories, they would live to regret.

    The prosecutor, Mr Fred Awindago, a State Attorney had informed the court that the plan for them to pray for an adjournment to file additional evidence, a similar prayer prosecution made at the previously sitting.

    Also, the court was informed that despite granting bail to all nine accused persons including a 85-year-old retired educationist, Kormi Kudzodzi (aka Papavi Hogbedetor), said to be the founder HSGF, they were still in custody.

    It was the case of one detective Sergeant Alhaji Ali Ganani, an investigator in case that, even though they have received documents of lands, they realised those properties are at different location and need verification.

    According to him, two weeks ago they have sent the document to the Volta Regional Lands Commission as well as in Greater Accra for verification but are yet to get feedback

    Facts

    According to the facts, as presented by the prosecution, the group calling itself the HSGF planned to secede the Volta Region from Ghana and declare it as an independent country called Western Togoland.

    They claim that the Volta Region (Western Togoland) was formerly an independent state before being made to join Ghana in a plebiscite.

    Read: Nine secessionists yet to execute bail conditions

    Eight of its members were arrested by a combined team of police and military men in a house in Ho while holding a meeting to finalise arrangements to declare the Volta Region an independent state on May 9, 20I9.

    When the police intercepted their meeting, they found T-shirts with the inscriptions: “9th May is our day” and “A Citizen of Western Togoland”.

    The police also found messages that revealed that Sgt Kwabla, the soldier, had given the group advance messages to hide their weapons due to a pending search by a combined team of the police and the military.

     

    Source: starrfm.com.gh

     

     

  • 5 firms okayed to resume vegetable exports

    Five firms in the vegetable export business have received approval to resume trading in the suspended vegetable commodities on the international market.

    The approval was given after the firms satisfied all the conditions set by the Plant Protection and Regulatory Services Directorate (PPRSD) of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA).

    They are Joekopan Farms, AB Farms, A Mahli Farms, Dhillon Farms and Shrighan Farms.

    They will subsequently receive a laboratory approval certification to that effect today.

    Consequently, the firms have also been directed to source the commodities, including capsicum (chillies), soladum (garden eggs) and luffa (turia) only from 13 out of the 70 inspected farms by the PPRSD in anticipation of the removal of the suspension on the commodities in the coming days.

    Read:Government lauds HortiFresh for transforming vegetable sector

    The government has, since June 1, this year, placed a temporary suspension on the export of capsicum, soladum, luffa and all leafy vegetables to the international market as a proactive measure to avoid a European Union ban on vegetables from Ghana.

    When contacted on July 6, a Deputy Director and Head of the Plant Quarantine Division of the PPRSD, Mr Prudence Atipo, confirmed the development and explained that the suspension of the selected vegetables had not been lifted yet, but the PPRSD had given the nod to some of the exporters to continue their operations.

    That, he said, was because the exporters had been able to complete all the conditions required by the EU Commission to improve the health (phytosanitary systems) of vegetables that entered its market.

    “So far, we have inspected 70 farms and apparently the outgrowers were not doing according to the protocols which we directed them to in terms of the harvest of vegetables, especially for the export market.

    “As a result, the PPRSD has redirected both the outgrowers and the exporters to go by the protocols, else their produce will not be approved for export,” he said.

    Reforms

    Mr Atipo noted that under the new reforms of the PPRSD, every consignment must undergo laboratory tests before approval would be given for it to leave the country.

    Although the reforms were already operational, he explained that players in the industry were not fully complying with them and so the PPRSD would be strict in their implementation.

    “For instance, before the temporary suspension was slapped on the commodities, the outgrowers were not applying the appropriate chemicals on their produce and those who used the approved type were also not applying the right quantity.

    “We have even started failing those who are not complying with the protocols from the farm straight ahead. In fact, from the first two weeks of our farm inspection, only two out of the 51 audited farms met the conditions,” the deputy director said.

    Read:Make eating vegetables a priority Prof. Badu Akosa urges Ghanaians

    He indicated that the PPRSD had directed all exporters not to source their produce from unapproved farms again but rather export according to the yield of the approved farms with their unique codes.

    Documentations

    He noted that produce meant for export was expected to pass three major assessments before leaving the country — presentation of farm waybill, pack-house waybill and laboratory certification.

    Mr Atipo said the overall inspection along the value chain, from the farm to the pack-house to the exit points, had so far been strengthened and the PPRSD had increased its staff strength to execute its mandate effectively.

    Dwindling fortunes

    Generally, the vegetable export business in Ghana is currently undergoing a rough phase due to a combination of factors, forcing majority of players in the industry to divert into other areas.

    Checks by the Daily Graphic indicate that of the 1,500 registered vegetable exporters in the country, only 100 are currently in active business.
    Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) data show negative export fluctuations in the sector over a decade.

    From $1.75 million in 2009, foreign exchange derived from vegetable exports rose to $4.35 million in 2011, before declining to $608,304 in 2016.

    The industry, which yielded approximately $831,751 in 2017, dropped further to $669,208 in 2018.

    Source: Graphic.com.gh

  • Tidal waves hit Agavedzi-Sarakope: 521 rendered homeless

    A total of 521 people displaced by tidal waves at Agavedzi-Sarakope in the Ketu South Municipality have taken refuge in the chapel of the local AME Zion Church and a basic school classroom.

    Ghanaian Time has gathered as of last Friday, 67 houses were submerged in the deluge.

    An official of the Volta Regional Headquarters of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) in Ho, Mr Pascal Agbagba confirmed the story to the Ghanaian Times on Friday.

    He said that those rendered homeless included 167 male adults, 201 female adults, 60 male children and 89 female children.

    Read:Three years on: June 3 disaster victim needs support for surgery, nurse wounds

    Mr Agbogba said that the sea claimed the community on Sunday, June 30, following rising tides.

    Meanwhile, he said, NADMO had requested the Power Distribution Service (PDS) to disconnect the community from the power grid, for safety reasons.

    The NADMO official said that the absence of a sea defence groin along the stretch from Agavedzi to Aflao had left the coastal area bare and vulnerable to the ravages of the sea.

    “This is unlike the stretch from Keta to Agavedzi which has a sea defence wall protecting it,” he added.

    Read:Flood submerge farms in Akatsi South

    Mr Agbogba stated that the present tidal invasion of Agavedzi-Sarakope could be linked to the climate change phenomenon.

    “Massive layers of ice at the North and South Poles are melting into the sea which in turn pounds unprotected coastal belts,” he explained.

    According to Mr Agbogba, NADMO had so far supplied the victims with mattresses, plastic buckets and plates.

    He gave the assurance that the NADMO headquarters in Accra would soon provide further assistance to the displaced.

    For now, he said that the police were providing security in the area.

    Source: ghanaiantimes.com.gh

  • Fight with policeman was for self defence -Trotro driver tells court

    The trotro driver who is standing trial, along with his mate, for allegedly assaulting a policeman in a video that went viral early this year has told the Weija Circuit Court that their action was in self-defense.

    The driver, Francis Buabeng, said the policeman, Constable Julius Mawuli Ekpe, had assaulted him and his mate and that they had fought back after being subjected to unjustified attack.

    Opening his defense in court last Friday, Mr. Buabeng said it was the policeman who first attacked him.

    In his narration of the incident that led to the brawl, he said the policeman tried to forcibly take possession of the keys of his vehicle from him but he resisted.

    “He got annoyed and started beating me anyhow. When my mate confronted him to stop, he turned his attention to him and started beating him, too.

    Read:Policeman brutally beaten by young men

    That was when I got the opportunity to come out of the car to defend myself. At the time, he was wearing a helmet and so he gave me a head butt, which caused my lips to hurt and ooze with blood,” he said.

    He pleaded with the court to discharge him because what he did was in self-defense.

    Background

    The case gained national attention when a video showing the driver and his mate engaged in a brawl with Constable Ekpe on the Mallam-Kasoa road in Accra went viral on both social and traditional media.

    The two were arrested on March 18, 2019, four days after the incident, and processed for court.

    Maltreatment

    Earlier, Mr. Buabeng had told the court that they were subjected to severe maltreatment by the police when they were arrested.
    He said when he went to the Odorkor Police Station to present his medical forms from hospital, the police took the opportunity to arrest and beat him up.

    He said shortly afterward, his mate, Albert Ansah, who also came to the police station to present his medical forms, was also arrested and beaten in similar fashion.

    Read:Policeman gives blow-by-blow account of how trotro drivers gave him the beating of his life

    Mr. Buabeng further told the court that they were subsequently transferred to the Police Headquarters, where they were handed over to the anti-armed robbery squad and subjected to an even worse treatment.

    He said the police later took them to the offices of the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI).

    Already, the court has acquitted and discharged them of three charges — conspiracy to commit crime, causing unlawful damage and causing road obstruction.

    They are to return to court on August 27, 2019.

    Source: Graphic.com.gh

  • GBC boils as staff go red to fight privatisation move

    The Staff Union of the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) on Monday, 8 July 2019 starting protesting the sale of some GBC channels to some private investors.

    The union has hoisted red flags and tied red cloths on some trees of the state broadcaster.

    Read:Tension brewing at GBC over alleged sale of GTV Govern channel

    The union is alleging that the management of GBC is planning on selling GTV Govern, a channel dedicated to the three arms of government, to businessman Mr Joseph Siaw Agyapong.

    To add to that the union says the management is further planning to sell GTV Sports Plus to Chinese-owned Star Times and Obonu TV, a dedicated channel to the Ga community, to private businessman Mr Daniel McKorley, the founder and chief executive officer of McDan Group of Companies.

    Read:Settle your indebtedness to GBC or face prosecution PAC warns

    The union is wondering what will become of the staff if the channels are sold to those private individuals.

    ClassFMonline.com gathers that the union will be petitioning the Parliamentary Select Committee on Communication today and also petition the National Media Commission (NMC) on the matter.

    Source: classfmonline.com

  • Kevin Spacey ‘questioned by Met Police in US’

    Actor Kevin Spacey has been questioned in the US by the Metropolitan Police over sex assault allegations in the UK, according to Variety magazine.

    Variety said Scotland Yard detectives travelled to the US in May to interview the Oscar-winner under caution.

    He faces six allegations of sexual assault in the UK between 1996 and 2013. Police said he was voluntarily interviewed – he was not arrested.

    Spacey faces a number of sexual assault allegations, which he denies.

    While the Metropolitan Police did not name Spacey, a spokeswoman said: “In May 2019, a man was voluntarily interviewed under caution in America, by officers from the Met’s Complex Case Team.

    “He was not arrested. Inquiries are ongoing.”

    Spacey, 59, was artistic director at London’s The Old Vic theatre between 2004 and 2015.

    The latest development emerged a day after a man who claimed Spacey groped him in the US in 2016 dropped his civil case.

    The unnamed man had been seeking unspecified damages over Spacey’s alleged “explicit sexual behaviour” at a Nantucket bar.

    Spacey still faces a criminal charge in the US and pleaded not guilty to indecent assault and battery in January.

    Overall, Spacey has faced allegations of sexual assault from more than 30 men.

    The first allegation came from the actor Anthony Rapp in November 2017.

    Mr Rapp claimed Spacey had made sexual advances to him in 1986 when he was 14 years old and Spacey was 26.

    Mr Spacey claimed to have no memory of the events, but publicly apologised. He has since issued an “absolute” denial of the other allegations that later emerged.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Greek elections: New Democracy ‘on course for majority’

    Greece’s opposition party New Democracy are set to win the country’s snap general election, exit polls suggest.

    Led by Kyriakos Mitsotakis, the centre-right party is projected to defeat Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras’s leftist Syriza party.

    Read: Greek elections: PM admits defeat as New Democracy near win

    New Democracy is forecast to win 38-42% of the vote, while Syriza is projected to win 26.5-31.5%.

    That would give New Democracy an outright majority, as the winner receives 50 extra seats in parliament.

    The first official results are expected later on Sunday evening.

    Read: Greek Conservatives take charge in landslide win, vow more investment, fewer taxes

    Mr Tsipras, who swept to power in 2015, called the elections after suffering defeat in the local and European votes in May.

    Polls closed at 19:00 local time (16:00 GMT), after a day of soaring temperatures which raised concerns about turnout.

    Voting is technically compulsory in Greece, but is not enforced. Many residents flocked to the beaches or sheltered at home as temperatures exceeded 35C in places.

    New Democracy has promised to lower taxes and privatise services in the country, which is still feeling the effects of the 2008 financial crisis.

    Greece has been in receipt of a series of loans or bailout programmes over the past decade, which it officially “exited” last August as economic growth returned.

    But youth unemployment remains high, and New Democracy has counted many 18-24 year olds among its supporters.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Man dies after allegedly attempting to escape from a moving police vehicle

    Police in the Ashanti Region say they have commenced an investigation into the death of a yet-to-be-identified middle-aged man at Tafo Pankrono on Sunday, July 7, 2019.

    Read: Kumasi Killing: Police arrest six persons in connection with death of two ladies

    Police said in a statement signed by ASP Godwin Ahianyo, a Public Affairs Officer, that their preliminary investigation shows that a Police Patrol Team spotted a driver on board an unregistered Toyota Pasco private saloon car, driving recklessly making other oncoming vehicles veer off their lane.

    “The driver was signalled to stop but he ignored the signals from the police. So he was chased and arrested, where a Community Policing Assistant was to escort him to the Tafo Pankrono Police Station with the Patrol Team following closely.

    Read: 6 armed robbers beat up 2 soldiers, 1 policeman; seize their 2 G3 guns, 1 AK47 rifle

    “On reaching the Tafo Government Hospital junction, the man jumped out from the vehicle. Trying to escape from the police but fell down in the process and became unconscious. The patrol team rushed him to the Tafo Government Hospital, but he was pronounced dead on arrival.

    “Just when the Police Patrol Team was about to leave the hospital, some youth in the area stormed the OPD and physically assaulted some of the hospital staff before whisking the body of the deceased away to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital. Reinforcement was called in and they managed to arrest Five (5) persons, who are currently assisting in investigations,” the statement narrated.

    Meanwhile, the Police Command said it has taken the matter up and assures the Public that it will follow due process to investigate it thoroughly.

    “Everyone should remain calm since the outcome of the investigation will be made known to the public,” the statement stressed.

    Eyewitnesses, drivers and residents in and around Krofrom, Tafo Pankrono and the Tafo Government Hospital area are therefore being entreated to volunteer information to the police on telephone number 0541816603 or call Toll Free number 18555 or Hotline 191 in order to unravel the mystery surrounding the death of the man.

    Source: Myjoyonline.com

  • West Gonja Hospital receives anti snake venom

    One person has died out of a total of 50 snake bite cases so far recorded this year at the West Gonja Hospital in Damongo, the capital of the Savannah Region.

    Read: Oti region: Snakes force pupils, teachers out of class

    The latest snake bite incident reported to the hospital involved a Primary Five pupil of the Tailorpe Primary School, Tahiru Asha, who was bitten by a snake last Saturday when she was picking shea nuts.

    Read: No rigging in anti-snake serum procurement MoH replies IMANI

    Health workers say snake bite incidents always increase at this time of the season, which is for farming and shea nut picking. Last year, there were 60 recorded cases of snake bites.

    Donation

    The Medical Superintendent of the West Gonja Hospital, Dr Saadre Anlaagmen, made this known when a delegation of executives of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Damongo Constituency, on behalf of the Deputy Chief of Staff, Mr Samuel Abu Jinapor, donated 100 vials of anti-snake venom to the hospital last Wednesday.

    The Constituency Secretary of the NPP in Damongo, Mr Karim Kusubari, and the Constituency Communication Director, Mr Iddrisu Lamin, accompanied the Aide to the Deputy Chief of Staff, Mr Manuel Quaye, to present the drug to the hospital.

    The donation was in response to an appeal launched by Nkilgi FM in Bole for the hospital to be stocked with anti-snake vernon and for funds to be raised to purchase the drug for Little Asha who needs GH¢1,200 for her treatment.

    Mr Jinapor is also footing the medical bills of Little Asha, who is currently on admission at the West Gonja Hospital.

    Appeal for more snake vaccines

    Dr Anlaagmen, who received the drugs, commended the Deputy Chief of Staff for the gesture, especially at this time of the year when the hospital was receiving more snake bite cases.

    He said even though the hospital was supplied anti-snake venom by the government, more was required to take care of the rising snake bite cases.

    Dr Anlaagmen said currently patients were buying drugs from the drug stores at the cost of GH¢300 a vial.

    He appealed to Mr Jinapor and other philanthropists to help the hospital with anti-snake venom since the cost of the drug was a problem for patients.

    Donation 

    According to Mr Kusubari, the Deputy Chief of Staff had given firm instructions that the hospital should administer the drug to patients for free.

    He said Mr Jinapor’s attention was drawn to the lack of anti-snake venom at the hospital following an appeal for funds launched by Bole-based Nkilgi FM last Wednesday in support of little Asha who was bitten by a snake and whose parents were unable to raise GH¢1,200 to buy the anti-snake vaccine.

    Source: Graphic.com.gh

  • Deen elected National Paralympic Committee president

    Mr. Samson Deen, President of the Ghana Para Powerlifting Association, has been elected the new president of the National Paralympics Committee (NPC), in a keenly contested election at the D G Hathiramani Sports Hall at the Accra Sports Stadium, last Saturday.

    He polled seven votes against his opponent, Shabaan Mohammed, the Technical Director of the Ghana Cycling Association, who polled six votes.

    He and his executives were sworn into office after the elections by Madam Ester Akua Gyamfi Chairperson of the Elections Committee of the NPC.

    Mr. Deen promised to bring good leadership by involving everyone with the passion to support disabled sports.

    “Today marks the beginning of a fresh future, and I am happy to lead a strong team to serve the nation. I promise fairness, transparency and unity. No divide and rules tactics with me, we are a family, those days are over and we are going to work with support of the media to attract corporate Ghana and support from the people of Ghana.

    “A new wind of success is blowing now on NPC and we hope to focus on grabbing more medals at the Africa Games in Morocco and the Tokyo 2020 Games” he said.

    Mr. Fred Otu Lartey, was elected vice president, with the Secretary General position going to Mr. Peter Adjei and Mr. Evans Yeboah getting the position of the Treasurer.

    Four others, Messrs Philip Otuo, Ibrahim Sani, Twum Barima and Henry Kweku Nyanteh were elected as Executive Members

    Source: ghananewsagency.org

  • ‘Protect the good spirit and atmosphere in camp’ – MP

    Mr. Asemanyi Kojo, Vice Chairman of Parliamentary Select Committee of Youth, Sports and Culture, has said the continuous discussion by the public on monetary issues of the Black Stars, will affect the good spirit and atmosphere in camp, at the ongoing African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt.

    Read: AFCON 2019: We must not underrate them Kwesi Appiah warns Black Stars ahead of Tunisia clash

    “Over the years, we always give an idea of the budgetary allocations for competition. However, we need to exercise a bit of restrain this time around since overconcentration on that would destabilize the good spirit and peace of mind of the team in camp.

    The Member of Parliament for Gomoa East said in an interview with GNA Sports at Ismailia, Egypt, that the Ministry of Youth and Sports, was operating within its annual budget and plans for the year, adding that at the appropriate time, the figures would be made public.

    Read: 2019 AFCON: We are not going to underrate Tunisia- Jonathan Mensah

    “As part of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Youth, Sports and Culture, we get the opportunity to see expenditure of the team, when it comes to competitions of this nature, however, we must all be a bit cautious in our demands for the budget because there are sponsorship considerations as well.

    “We are not in any way encouraging anyone to overspend, but let us be cautious of how we go about monetary issues, because 37 years without this AFCON Cup is a big worry to this nation.

    “We need to look at ways to end it, though I am not in any way saying we should over spend,” he added.

    Source: ghananewsagency.org

  • ‘I have moved from the little setback’ – Fameye

    Ghanaian singer and rapper, Peter Fameye, has said, he has amicably resolved issues with his manager, Ogidi Brown and currently working on new projects.

    News broke last week that the sensational act, has left his record label, OGB Music, after a heated argument with his manger in a viral video, which allegedly led to slap incident.

    But Famaye in an interview with GNA Entertainment, refuted claims of him slapping his manager, but demonstrated remorse for his actions that led to the heated argument.

    ”I have resolved everything with my management and we have started working on new things,” Fameye told GNA Entertainment.

    ”I want to apologize to Ghanaians especially my fans and my management as well. They should forgive me with regards to whatever that happened.

    ”I’m human and it can happen to anyone even though I didn’t slap anyone but I have moved on,” he added.

    He also urged artistes managers in Ghana, to be clear in the dealings with their acts to prevent any form of misunderstandings that could tarnish the image of its record label.

    Fameye is out with a new banger titled ”Mati” which currently making waves and was produced by ”Liquid Beatz”.

    Source: ghananewsagency.org

  • Parliament cautions citizens in public gallery against disruption of proceedings

    The Parliament of Ghana has cautioned citizens who are admitted to the public gallery to be mindful of the rules and regulations governing the conduct of the public in the gallery.

    Read: DCE calls on young parliamentarians to deliberate on vital issues

    A statement issued and signed by the Acting Director of Public Affairs of Parliament, Kate Addio, on Sunday, July 7, 2019, said people who are admitted at the public gallery are not allowed to engage in debates, clap nor take part in the proceedings in any form or shape.

    Read: Soldier in viral video speaking against new Parliament Chamber summoned by bosses

    Part of the statement said: “The rule is that any stranger admitted to the public gallery is not allowed to take part in deliberations on the floor of the House. They are not allowed to engage in debates, clap nor take part in the proceedings in any form or shape. Standing Order 30 provides that this constitutes a contempt of Parliament Order 30(a) says this includes “disorderly conduct on the part of strangers such as riotous or disorderly action by strangers to hinder or promote the passing of a Bill or other legislative measure or motion or any other matter pending before the House” Order 30 (C) also refers to the flagrant or persistent disobedience of the general rules of the House as being contemptuous of Parliament.”

    Background

    The leader of the Economic Fighters League, Ernesto Yeboah and one other person were on Friday morning arrested at Parliament House for protesting against the proposed 450-seater new chamber for Parliament.

    They were protesting in the public gallery during proceedings.

    Below is the full statement

    Parliament will like to remind citizens who come to the public gallery to be mindful of the rules and regulations governing the conduct of the public in the gallery. Parliament refers to an incident on Friday 05/07/2019 where two gentlemen sought to disrupt proceedings on the floor of the House during deliberation by Members on the proposed new chamber and the national conversation it has generated with loud shouts of “Drop that Chamber”.

    The two gentlemen, Ernesto Yeboah, commander in chief of the Economic fighters’ league and Abeku Adam had come to Parliament ostensibly to observe proceedings. The two went through security checks and were admitted to the Chamber as is the culture of the House.

    The events that followed, which led to the two having to be removed from the Chamber and handed over to the police are rather unfortunate and is a breach of the rules governing the conduct of visitors to the House.

    The rule is that any stranger admitted to the public gallery is not allowed to take part in deliberations on the floor of the House. They are not allowed to engage in debates, clap nor take part in the proceedings in any form or shape. Standing Order 30 provides that this constitutes a contempt of Parliament Order 30(a) says this includes “disorderly conduct on the part of strangers such as riotous or disorderly action by strangers to hinder or promote the passing of a Bill or other legislative measure or motion or any other matter pending before the House” Order 30 (C) also refers to the flagrant or persistent disobedience of the general rules of the House as being contemptuous of Parliament.?

    Parliament is not seeking to lock horns with the general public on any matter What the House seeks to do is to positively engage citizens in fruitful discussions that will inure to the benefit of (he country and Parliament and the citizens in particular.

    The Office would like to appeal to the general public to be cooperative in ensuring that the security of members, staff and visitors to parliament are not put in jeopardy by their actions or inactions.

    The office would also like to appeal to all to desist from making the institution look antagonistic in the eyes of reasonable people Parliament will like to put on record that it is a House of representation and so will continue to welcome citizens to the House.

    However, the Office would like to urge citizens to be considerate of other users of the public gallery and the Chamber and not do anything that will put their safety in jeopardy The Office will also like to assure citizens of our continued effort to make Parliament safe for all.

    The public can engage with Parliament @www parliament.gh, on Facebook (©parliament of Ghana and on twitter (S)parliament_gh or on telephone number 0302 664042.

    Source: Graphic.com.gh

  • Lydia Forson mocks Ghanaian MPs over the construction of a new chamber

    Popular actress Lydia Forson has mocked members of parliament for their recent decision to construct a new parliament building.

    Lydia Forson has joined some other Ghanaians to chastise Ghanaian MPs over the decision to build a new ultra-modern edifice as parliament.

    According to the actress, she is greeting all Ghanaians with a good morning message expect the MPs who want to build a new chamber with our money.

    In a video that was sighted by YEN.com.gh on the Instagram page of the actress, she trolled the MPs for their agreement to work in a new edifice which was rumored to cost the country a whooping 200 million dollars.

    “Good morning to you all except our corrupt politicians who don’t care about us and don’t want to drop that chamber but keep misusing our money,” she sang.

    Source: yen.com.gh

  • Deutsche Bank confirms plan to cut 18,000 jobs

    Deutsche Bank will cut 18,000 jobs over three years as part of a radical reorganisation of the German bank.

    It will also report a second quarter loss of €2.8bn to partly pay for the shake-up, which will significantly shrink its investment banking business.

    Read: Exim Bank unveils 3-year strategic plan; 100,000 jobs to be created

    Deutsche Bank is yet to specify exactly where jobs will be lost.

    But it said it intends to completely exit activities related to the buying and selling of shares, much of which is conducted in London and New York.

    With almost 8,000 staff, London is the home to its biggest trading operation.

    Deutsche Bank said it will cut its global workforce to 74,000 by 2022 and that the restructure will cost €7.4bn over the next three years.

    “Today we have announced the most fundamental transformation of Deutsche Bank in decades,” chief executive Christian Sewing said.

    “This is a restart for Deutsche Bank… In refocusing the bank around our clients, we are returning to our roots and to what once made us one of the leading banks in the world,” he said.

    The reorganisation of the business follows the failure of merger talks with rival Commerzbank in April.

    The German government had supported the tie-up, hoping it would create a national champion in the banking industry.

    However, both banks concluded that the deal was too risky, fearing the costs of combining might have outweighed the benefits.

    Deutsche Bank has been struggling for years with the decline of its investment bank and has made several attempts to revamp its business.

    The latest plan will be the most ambitious so far and it has already prompted the resignation of one top executive.

    On Friday, the bank announced that its head of investment banking, Garth Ritchie, was leaving.

    Under the plan, the bank wants to make cost savings of €17bn by 2022.

    It is also creating a new unit to manage assets that belong to businesses it no longer wants.

    It estimates those assets to be worth €74bn.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Andy Dosty joins Rahim Banda for ‘Back to School Project’ donation to Al Falah Islamic

    Versatile Ghanaian Radio personality Andy Dosty, with real name Andrew Amo over the weekend, joined Ghanaian actor Rahim Banda to donate books to Maamobi Al Falah Islamic School.

    The young Movie star donated exercise books as part of his “Back To School Project” which intends to eradicate streetism and put street children in school.

    According to Rahim Banda, he uses the opportunity to encourage students within the Zongo to take formal education seriously.

    Last month the actor officially kick-started his project at Imam Seidu school in Wenchi, Bono- Region.

    Attractivemustapha.com sources revealed that the young actor will be touring and donating to a school in Ashaiman in few days with expectations of being accompanied and supported by a Ghanaian popular personality.

    Rahim Banda started his acting career at a very young age during his childhood days and has become a role model for most Ghanaian teenagers. He was also named as an Ambassador for Government’s flagship Free Senior High School programme.

    Source: attractivemustapha.com

  • US Women’s team crowned world champion after 2-0 win over the Netherlands

    When a World Cup novice is faced with a foe as experienced and ruthless as the USWNT, the outcome is almost inevitable and so it was on a muggy afternoon in Lyon when the reigning world champion defended its title with a comfortable 2-0 win over the Netherlands.

    Competing in its first World Cup final, few gave the Dutch hope. The reigning European champion it may be, but it had not yet come up against the best team in the world, the dominant force of its generation.

    The Netherlands held on for over an hour but eventually folded under the pressure with a Megan Rapinoe penalty and a Rose Lavelle thunderbolt securing the US a second successive and fourth world title.

    Source: edition.cnn.com

  • US financier Jeffrey Epstein ‘charged with sex trafficking’

    US billionaire and registered sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has been arrested on new sex trafficking charges connected to allegations from the early 2000s, reports say.

    Epstein was arrested in New York and will appear in court on Monday, law enforcement officials told US media.

    Read: Two Nigerians jailed ten years for sex trafficking

    It comes amid renewed controversy over a plea deal he once reached to end a federal investigation against him.

    His lawyer has not yet commented on the latest charges.

    Law enforcement officers have not been authorised to discuss the case, but several have spoken to US media outlets on condition of anonymity.

    One told The Associated Press news agency that the latest charges stemmed from allegations that Epstein paid underage girls for massages and molested them at his New York and Florida homes.

    The same claims were made by sources quoted in other outlets, including The Daily Beast, which first reported Epstein’s arrest.

    Epstein, 66, was previously accused of sexually abusing dozens of teenage girls.

    The wealthy financier – who was once friendly with Prince Andrew, former US President Bill Clinton and President Donald Trump – reached a plea deal to avoid federal sex trafficking charges in the case.

    Instead, he pleaded guilty in 2008 to lesser state charges of soliciting and procuring a person under age 18 for prostitution

    This averted a possible life sentence, and instead saw him spend 13 months in jail and register as a sex offender.

    Earlier this year, a Florida judge ruled that federal prosecutors broke the law by not informing Epstein’s victims of the plea deal at the time.

    Judge Kenneth Marra is currently deciding whether the non-prosecution agreement that protected Epstein from the more serious charges should still stand.

    Following the ruling, the White House said it was also “looking into” Labour Secretary Alexander Acosta’s role in the plea deal, which he approved in his previous role as a US attorney.

    Epstein in December deprived his alleged victims of the chance to testify against him for the first time by reaching a last-minute agreement to settle a civil lawsuit.

    Source: bbc.com

  • China denies Muslim separation campaign in Xinjiang

    China’s ambassador to the UK has denied that Muslim children in western Xinjiang are being systematically separated from their parents.

    A BBC report found that hundreds of children from the Uighur minority ethnic group had had both parents detained, either in camps or in prison.

    Read: China Muslims: Xinjiang schools used to separate children from families

    At the same time, China has launched a large-scale campaign to build boarding schools for Uighur children.

    Critics say it is an effort to isolate children from their Muslim communities.

    However, Chinese ambassador Liu Xiaoming dismissed this.

    “There’s no separation of children from their parents. Not at all,” the ambassador told the BBC’s Andrew Marr Show on Sunday.

    “If you have people who have lost their children, give me names and we’ll try to locate them”, he added.

    Evidence gathered by the BBC showed that in one Xinjiang township alone more than 400 children had lost both of their parents to some form of internment.

    Chinese authorities claim the Uighurs are being educated in “vocational training centres” designed to combat extremism.

    But evidence suggests that many are being detained for simply expressing their faith – praying or wearing a veil – or for having overseas connections to places like Turkey.

    More than a million people are thought to be held within the system.

    After parents are detained, formal assessments are then carried out to determine whether the children need “centralised care”.

    One local official told the BBC that children whose parents had been detained in camps were sent to boarding schools.

    “We provide accommodation, food and clothes… and we’ve been told by the senior level that we must look after them well,” she said.

    But Dr Adrian Zenz, who carried out the research commissioned by the BBC, said boarding schools “provide the ideal context for a sustained cultural re-engineering of minority societies.”

    “I think the evidence for systematically keeping parents and children apart is a clear indication that Xinjiang’s government is attempting to raise a new generation cut off from original roots, religious beliefs and their own language,” he said.

    Dozens of Uighur parents living in Turkey spoke to the BBC about their desire to be united with their missing children.

    “I don’t know who is looking after them… there is no contact at all,” one mother said.

    Thousands of Uighurs have moved to Turkey to do business, to visit family, or to escape China’s birth control limits and what they call religious repression.

    Many stayed after China began detaining hundreds of thousands of Uighurs over the past three years.

    Mr Liu, however, described the parents who spoke to the BBC as “anti-government people”.

    “You cannot expect a good word [from them] about the government,” he said. “If they want to be with their children they can come back.”

    Source: bbc.com

  • Greek elections: PM admits defeat as New Democracy near win

    Greece’s Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras has admitted defeat in the country’s snap general election.

    Centre-right opposition party New Democracy, led by Kyriakos Mitsotakis, is closing in on a dramatic win.

    They have 39.7% of the vote so far, with Mr Tsipras’s leftist Syriza party in second place with 31.6%.

    Read: Greek Conservatives take charge in landslide win, vow more investment, fewer taxes

    Current projections would give New Democracy an outright majority, as the winner receives 50 extra seats in parliament.

    So far about 75% of districts have returned their results.

    The prime minister-elect told supporters he had been given a strong mandate for change.

    “The country proudly raises its head again,” he told the crowd in the capital Athens, saying he would be a president for all because Greeks were “too few to stay divided”.

    Speaking as the results became clear, Mr Tsipras confirmed he had called Mr Mitsotakis to offer him his congratulations.

    “Today, with our head held high we accept the people’s verdict. To bring Greece to where it is today we had to take difficult decisions [with] a heavy political cost,” Mr Tsipras told journalists.

    Turnout in the election was about 57%.

    Voting is technically compulsory in Greece but is not enforced. Many residents flocked to the beaches or sheltered at home as temperatures exceeded 35C in places.

    What do results say so far?

    Early results also predicted the far-right Golden Dawn party would be short of the 3% minimum needed to enter parliament by the narrowest of margins – at 2.96% for now.

    The nationalist pro-Russian Greek Solution and MeRA25, the left-wing party of former Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis, were both projected to just exceed the electoral threshold.

    Source: bbc.com

  • EU to take migrants from Alan Kurdi rescue ship

    Malta has allowed a group of 65 migrants rescued off Libya to disembark on its territory after picking them up from a rescue ship.

    Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said after talks with the European Commission and German government that all 65 would be relocated to other parts of the EU.

    Read: Dozens of migrants feared dead after boat capsizes off Tunisia

    The migrants were brought ashore after being transferred to the Maltese navy from the Alan Kurdi rescue ship.

    Two other rescue ships defied a ban by docking in Italy in recent days.

    Read: UN reports Libyan guards shot at migrants fleeing air raids

    The development infuriated Italian Interior Minister Matteo Salvini.

    What happened with the latest ship?

    The Maltese announcement came hours after the crew of the Alan Kurdi said three migrants on board had collapsed and were in need of urgent medical assistance.

    The German-flagged vessel, operated by charity Sea-Eye and named after a dead Syrian toddler who became a poignant image of the plight of refugees at sea, made for Malta on Saturday after being denied permission to dock in Italy.

    How this ship captain took on Italy’s strongman
    Reality Check: Who is responsible for migrants at sea?

    Can Italy trust Matteo Salvini?

    Sea-Eye called on EU leaders to find a more permanent solution to the migrant crisis in the Mediterranean.

    Malta said it had also rescued another group of 50 migrants from a sinking vessel in distress on Sunday during a separate incident.

    German Interior Minister Horst Seehofer has said his country will take up to 40 of the migrants from the two vessels.

    He also wrote to his Italian counterpart imploring him to re-open ports to humanitarian ships.

    “We cannot be responsible for boats with people rescued from shipwrecks on board spending weeks on the Mediterranean because they can’t find a port,” Mr Seehofer was quoted as saying by AFP news agency.

    Mr Salvini responded angrily. “Dear German government,” he was quoted as saying by Reuters news agency, “I’m not reopening the ports… If anything we’re going to put… [the migrants] in a car and take them to the German embassy.”

    What is behind Italy’s policy?
    Mr Salvini has spearheaded his country’s hard-line stance toward migration.

    He accuses humanitarian groups operating in the Mediterranean of encouraging North African smuggling routes.

    Last month, new laws passed by his government by emergency decree created fines of up to €50,000 (£45,000; $56,000) for vessels that sail to Italian ports without permission.

    Tensions over the policy have escalated since another charity ship, the Sea-Watch 3, recently forced a landing on Lampedusa after being stranded at sea for two weeks.

    Its captain, Carola Rakete, was arrested and accused of endangering the lives of police and trying to sink their boat.

    A judge ordered her freed, though she still faces separate charges of aiding people smugglers and resisting authorities.

    A second ship, the Alex, docked with 41 migrants on Saturday. The ship was briefly seized, and reports say its captain is also facing an investigation and fines.

    Italy is often the closest EU nation when migrants are rescued off the coast of Libya – which many organisations do not consider safe.

    The country has been torn by violence and division since long-time ruler Muammar Gaddafi was deposed and killed in 2011

    Source: BBC.com

  • Security Council closes down Bechem Central Mosque

    The Bechem Municipal Security Council has closed down the Bechem Central Mosque, following a misunderstanding among some Islamic faithful in the town.

    Last Friday the Muslim community in the Municipality nearly turned bloody when a clash erupted between some aggrieved Muslim youth in the town.

    Read: Mosque closed down to avert Hausas, Moslem group clash at Bechem

    A section of the Muslim youth, the Ghana News Agency (GNA) learnt, attempted to prevent Alhaji Ibrahim Gariba, the Municipal Chief Imam, from entering the Central Mosque, a situation which gave police in the area a hectic time.

    In the course of the melee, Alhaji Gariba who was in his 70s, collapsed and died on arrival at the Bechem Government Hospital and has since been buried in accordance with the Islamic faith.

    Read: Bechem Central Mosque closed down for security reasons

    When the GNA visited the Zongo community in Bechem on Sunday there was relative peace in the area and gathered that the misunderstanding was over ownership of a piece of land in the Muslim community.

    Alhaji Sualla Abdallah-Quandah, the Executive Secretary of the Bono, Bono East and Ahafo Regional Peace Council, said the Central Mosque has been closed down until further notice.

    He appealed to Muslims in the Municipality to remain calm and exercise patience, while the Peace Council collaborated with Security Council to investigate and find a lasting solution to the matter.

    Source: Ghananewsagency.org

  • Upper West Police adopts new ways of enforcing law and order

    The Upper West Regional Police Command has added to their traditional models of training martial arts drills for effective law enforcement and self-defence in effecting arrest and controlling crime.

    The martial arts which are codified systems and traditions of combat being adopted by the regional police service would also help the personnel in their physical, mental and spiritual development.

    Read: EC urged to enforce laws on political parties financing

    Mr Wotodjo Kwasivi Mensah, the Upper West Regional Coach for Ghana Karate-Do Martial, who has been conducting the martial arts training, said officers always put their lives on the line in protecting citizens, hence the need for new tactics for their operations.

    The police need to be well-equipped with self-defense tactics and skills to be able to adequately protect citizens against armed robbery, stealing, terror attacks and kidnapping among others.

    Read: Enforce laws on retail trade GUTA

    “I have started with the Upper West Regional Police Command but I am ready and prepared to provide training for other security services free of charge,” he said.

    He was impressed with the performance of the police officers who have been undergoing the rigorous training for the past two months, saying: “They are doing well”.

    It is expected that Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies would approve the exercise for their respective jurisdictions to adequately prepare security officers ahead of the 2020 presidential and parliamentary elections.

    Inspector Gideon Boateng, the Regional Police Public Relations Officer, expressed gratitude to Coach Mensah and his team for rendering invaluable service to the police without charges.

    He expressed the hope that the exercise would go a long way to empower the police in discharging their law enforcement duties of protecting life and property.

    Source: ghananewsagency.org

  • Black Stars winning bonus increased to US$ 15,000 ahead of Tunisia clash-reports

    Ghana’s players will have their winning bonuses up by 50% to US$ 15,000 if they eliminate Tunisia on Monday in their 2019 Africa Cup of Nations round of 16 clash, according to reports.

    This is to incentivize the Black Stars to reach the the quarter-final of the tournament.

    Read: Premier Bet celebrate as the Black Stars march forward at AFCON 2019

    Already the each player pocketed US$ 30,000 after progressing from the Group stage after topping the pool including Benin, Guinea-Bissau and Cameroon.

    The Black Stars have a better head-to-head record against the Carthage Eagles who emerged runners up in Group with an unconvincing run.

    Read: AFCON 2019: Striking Cameroon arrive for AFCON after being offered extra winning bonus

    At the 2012 tournament co-hosted by Gabon and Equatorial Guinea, Ghana needed an Andre Ayew goal in extra-time to beat Tunisia 2-1 at the quarter-final stage.

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • Frank Acheampong scores winning goal as Tianjin Teda edge Jiangsu Suning in China

    Frank Acheampong scored his sixth goal of the season in the Chinese Super League in Tianjin Teda’s 2-1 win Jiangsu Suning on Sunday.

    Read: Frank Acheampong extends contract with Tianjin TEDA

    The 25-year-old scored one minute into the second half to double their lead.

    Sandro Wagner had given them the lead after 12 minutes.

    Acheampong last the entire duration of the match and was making his 16th league appearance.

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • AFCON 2019: Ghana will stay focused for Tunisia game Mensah

    Black Stars defender Jonathan Mensah believes the team needs to keep a cool head ahead of their game with Tunisia on Monday.

    Read: Big boost for Ghana ahead of Tunisia clash as Jonathan Mensah returns from injury

    Mensah emphasized that football defies logic and it is about time the Black Stars give the Tunisia game every needed attention.

    “If you are one of the favourites it does not mean you are there,” Mensah told the Press on Sunday.

    “We have seen all the surprises so we have to stay focused and push hard.”

    Ghana has mostly been victorious over Tunisia in AFCON clashes with their last encounter ending 2-1 in favour of the West Africans on February 5, 2012.

    Source: dailymailgh.com

  • Mahrez strikes as Algeria seal quarter-final spot

    Riyad Mahrez scored a fine goal as Algeria beat Guinea 3-0 in the Africa Cup of Nations last 16.

    Djamel Belmadi’s side, yet to concede a goal in the 2019 finals, made light work of their opponents in front of a sparse crowd in Cairo.

    Read: Algeria interim president appeals for national dialogue

    Youcef Belaili broke the deadlock 24 minutes in with a precise finish and Mahrez made the win safe in expert fashion before the hour mark, with Adam Ounas adding gloss to the scoreline following a swift counter-attack.

    Baghdad Bounedjah missed a golden chance to open the scoring 20 minutes in, side-footing over the bar after bringing down Adlene Guedioura’s cross just six yards from goal.

    Read: AFCON 2019: Algeria ease past Tanzania to top Group C

    Bounedjah made amends four minutes later, though, collecting Belaili’s pass and flicking the return into his path, allowing the Esperance forward to slot past goalkeeper Ibrahim Kone.

    Mohamed Camara stung the hands of Rais M’bolhi with a fierce strike, but Guinea’s resistance effectively ended 57 minutes in, when Mahrez expertly eased away from Issiaga Sylla before sending Kone the wrong way.

    Substitute Ounas completed the scoring by blasting home from 12 yards out after Youcef Atal crossed low from the right, meaning Algeria will head into a quarter-final against either Ivory Coast or Mali in confident fashion.

    Source: Goal.com

  • Ghana Stock Exchange to transform to company limited by shares

    The Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE) expects to change its legal status from a mutual entity limited by guarantee to a company limited by shares by end of the year.

    The process known as demutualization will change the ownership structure of the GSE from a non-profit member-based organisation into a profit-making corporation with share ownership structure.

    Read: Managing Director of Ghana Stock Exchange, Kofi Yamoah retires in October

    Mr Albert Essien, the Chairman of the Council of GSE, who announced this at the 29th AGM of the GSE, said consultations are currently ongoing with all stakeholders to ensure that the model for demutualization would be acceptable to all members

    He said the decision to demutualise the organisation was to meet best international practices.

    Read: Ghana Stock Exchange to leverage on mobile application for secondary trading

    Mr Essien said the Exchange would hold an Emergency General Meeting (EGM) to seek shareholders approval once consensus was reached on the way forward.

    He disclosed that the Exchange, as part of the transformation agenda, was in the process of finalising a three-year strategic plan to guide the medium-term operations of the Exchange.

    Mr Essien said a consulting company, Dwenimmen Group, had been contracted for the exercise and market-wide meetings were held with stakeholders for inputs into the strategic plan.

    “The idea is to ensure that the strategic plan addresses effectively stakeholders` expectations and also lays out the transformational agenda of the GSE,” he said.

    Mr Essien said the Exchange has established a working relationship with the Singapore Stock Exchange and was in the process of signing a Memorandum of Understanding with the Nairobi Stock Exchange, saying these alliances were aim at exchange of ideas, technology and capacity building for the mutual benefits of all parties.

    Touching on the performance of the Exchange, the Chairman of the GSE Council said the GSE Composite Index, which measured the performance of the entire market, ended the year with a negative 0.29 return compared with the 52.73 percent recorded in 2017.

    Volume of shares traded for the year 2018 was 201 million shares valued at GHC 659 million compared to the volume and value of 322 million shares worth GHC518 million respectively recorded in 2017.

    Market capitalisation for all listed securities stood GHC 61.1 billion at the end of 2018 up from GHC 58.8 billion in 2017, representing an increase of 3.97 percent.

    Domestic Market capitalisation also gained 56.28 percent during the period at GHC 25.4 billion compared to GHC 16.2 billion at the end of 2017.

    “The Exchange once again continued to improve its financial performance and recorded a surplus of GHC11.97 million in 2018, a little lower than the surplus of GHC 12.37 million recorded in 2017. The GSE Reserve Fund also continued to grow,” Mr Essien said.

    Mr Kofi S. Yamoah, the Managing Director of the GSE, said the GSE was on the path of strong sustainable growth.

    “Even with lower world investor sentiment impacting the local market and the vulnerabilities of the Cedi against the US dollar, the Exchange achieved just about the same level profit after tax of GHC 11.97 million as was in 2017 and grew its net liquidity by 133 to GHC 18.93 million,” he said.

    Mr Yamoah said a number of far reaching initiatives are on line for 2019, including steps towards demutualization, plans to acquire a market surveillance system and support towards the introduction of formal repurchase agreement (REPO) market.

    Source: Ghananewsagency.org

  • All you need to know about NPP chairman whose life was cut short over the weekend

    The Ahafo regional Chairman of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Francis Sarfo Poku, known to many as, Chairman Jerry, died in a fatal road traffic accident on Saturday at Hwidiem Government Hospital.

    Chairman Jerry, together with Salifu Musah, popularly known as Shankus, another party member were returning from a party duty when they met their untimely death.

    Read: Fomer NPP MP for Afigya Sekyere East Constituency dead

    They were said to be returning from a town known as Achrensua when his Range Rover vehicle with registration number GT3150-17 veered off the road and somersaulted a number of times.

    Other five occupants of the vehicle including his wife and the driver are said to be in critical condition and have been rushed to the Sunyani Government Hospital.

    Read: Death of 5 politicians that rocked the nation in 2018

    Below, we publish the profile of the late Chairman Jerry for your perusal:

    Born at Ahafo-Kenyasi, in the Brong-Ahafo Region of Ghana on August 2, 1968, Mr Opoku Sarfo, started his basic education at the Roman Catholic (R.C.) Primary School before continuing at the R.C. Middle School where he had his Middle School Living Certificate (MSLC).

    He later enrolled in Mim Timber Technical School, where he obtained his vocation.

    Mr Sarfo ventured into entrepreneurship at a tender age but carved a niche for himself when he was adjudged the Youngest National Entrepreneur of the Year in 2012.

    Chairman Jerry set up his own construction firm soon after school and named it after his acronym, “Sarfpok Company Ltd”, of which he remained the Managing Director until his demise.

    As a soccer fan and financier, Mr Sarfo-Poku has been instrumental in sponsoring some football clubs in the country including Kumasi Asante Kotoko and Aduana Stars.

    The highly religious chairman has also rendered invaluable services to the Catholic Church and other religious bodies nationwide and beyond.

    He has registered at least 450 children, the vulnerable and the aged to access the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) free of charge.

    Chairman Jerry contested for the position of the Brong-Ahafo Regional Chairman of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) but lost.

    Prior to losing that election, he had twice been elected as chairman for the Asutifi North Constituency within the same region where he helped return the NPP to power.

    He had also worked with the Asutifi South, District Assembly as an Assembly Member for three (3) consecutive terms.

    He was elected chairman for the party in the newly created Ahafo region in May this year.

    Source: adomonline.com

  • For the hypocritical nature of NDC, lets stop new chamber project John Boadu

    The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has asked the leadership of Parliament to cancel its new 450-seater parliamentary chamber project.

    Read: #Dropthatchamber arrest: Act was unlawful, must not be condoned Kweku Baako

    According to the General Secretary of the party, John Boadu, since a Cabinet approval has not been given, they should stop the project immediately since majority of Ghanaians are not in support of it.

    “You see members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) are just a bunch of hypocrites who do not want the country to develop.

    Read: New Chamber brouhaha: Parliament reacts to arrest of protesters

    “How can you agree in principle about a project and later come out to disagree on the same project?” he asked on Okay FM, monitored by Adomonline.

    “I believe strongly that if this project is stopped, it will bring some respite to Ghanaians,” he added.

    Source: adomonline.com

  • Ehi Development Council launches 2019 Ehi Nutome Galiza

    Ehi Development Council has launched the 2019 Ehi Nutome Galiza festival calling on indigenes unite and mobilise people home and abroad for development in Ehi.

    The launch which took place at the Ghana National Association of Teachers Hall was also to inaugurate the committees and governing council of the Ehi.

    Read: Bugri Naabu pledges to woo investors to support development

    Professor Dzodzi Tsikata, the Director of the Institute of African Studies, University of Ghana and chairperson of the programme, said harvest festivals are a global occurrence ever since the society became agrarian-, shifting from hunting and gathering to producing crops and domesticating animals.

    “They are particularly important for agrarian societies around the world, particularly in the global south and it is not surprising that Ghana has some of the most vibrant harvest festivals like Odwira, Homowo and Bakatue among others”, she said.

    Prof Tsikata expressed the hope that the Ehi festival would grow from strength to strength and draw in all cassava growing communities together.

    Torgbui Dzeble Adukpo IV, patron of Ehi Development Council, speaking on the theme: “Empowering women through Agriculture and Entrepreneurship”, said he was optimistic that the launch would culminate into peace and development in the Ehi Township.

    “I want to see Ehi Galiza celebration sustained; road and electricity matters resolved and businesses coming to the town and its surrounding villages to create job opportunities for the youth,” he said.

    The patron urged all present to support the committees financially and accord them with the necessary respect to enable them to deliver.

    Mr Stanly Mawuli Amamu, the Secretary of the Ehi Development Council, said the launch was also an opportunity to raise funds for various projects and create public awareness about the impending festival.

    “I can say that Ehi Development Council is moving from the policy decision-making stage to implementation stage and various working committees of the Council are going to be inaugurated to bring action to policy decisions of the Council”.

    Dr Seth Adjei Baah, a Former Member of Parliament for Nkawkaw, M.D of Shaabaa Enterprise, who was present at the launch, said the importance of women in the value-chain of agribusiness cannot be understated since women who form a bulk of our population in most rural areas are into agribusinesses.

    He said agribusiness affect homes, society as a whole and that it was one sure means of reducing hunger.

    Mr Baah called on the citizens to engage in cultivation and processing of cassava into gari for domestic and industrial use.

    “Form your own companies and cooperatives and do not wait for the government always to do it for you since its burden is already enormous,” he said.

    Mr Baah appealed to the Ministry of Roads and Transport to attend to the road networks in the EHI Township, to improve living conditions of residents in the community and help transport both finished goods and raw materials to the nearest markets.

    A 20 member Governing Council was inaugurated.

    The Council chaired by Mr Kojo Boso includes Torgbui Dzeble Adukpo IV, the patron and Dufia of Ehi; Mr Godwin Amo Tornuxi, the Vice-Chairman; Mr Fiatepenorla Francis Senanu, Mr Dumega Matin Adzoyi, Mr Victor Yao Ameanu, Mr Stanly Mawuli, Mr Godwin Sekle Atiye, Mr Gilbert Adukpo, Reverend John Quarshie, Mr Adzie Gbedemah, Mr John Kwame Doe, Hon Byron K. Kpeli, Mr Godson Seth Dzramedo and Felix Beyevu.

    Source: ghananewsagency.org

  • GCB Bank staff commits suicide in her room

    A staff of the Nsawam Branch of the GCB Bank Limited identified as Agnes Asempana has committed suicide by hanging.

    The partially naked body of the 42-year-old was found dangling in a room with a nylon rope fastened to her neck at Ayekotse, a suburb of the Suhum Municipality in the Eastern Region.

    Read: Locked up for trying to take his own life, where suicide is still a crime

    Sources reveal that the deceased last Friday July 5, 2019 went to her two-bedroom apartment to pick some items only to commit suicide.

    It was her younger brother, one Bajerisong Lazarus who found her in that state at about 4pm when he went to visit her.

    Read: Farmer, 38, commits suicide by drinking weedicide

    Eastern Regional Police Public Relations Officer (PRO), DSP Ebenezer Tetteh who confirmed the incident to MyNewsGh.com has revealed that no external marks of violence were detected to suggest foul play.

    The body has since been deposited at the Suhum Government Hospital mortuary pending an autopsy, while the Police have commenced investigations into the incidents.

    Colleagues are however shocked as to what could have triggered the deceased to take her own life in such a barbaric manner.

    Close sources are pointing to the fact that it could be linked to a disappointment in relationship or job related challenges which she has concealed.

    Source: www.graphic.com.gh