TIG Post

Author: Chris Kodo

  • Suspected armed robber killed

    Luck eluded a 23-year-old suspected highway armed robber when he was gunned down by a civilian on the Atebubu-Kwame Danso Highway in the Atebubu-Amantin Municipality in the Bono East Region last Tuesday evening.

    The deceased, suspected to be a Fulani, was one of about six suspected armed robbers who attacked and robbed occupants of four vehicles that plied the road that evening.

    The rest of his colleagues fled into the bush when they realised their colleague had been killed.

    Vehicles whose registration numbers are yet to be identified were two cargo trucks and two SsangYong mini buses commuting from Kumasi in the Ashanti Region to Kajaji in the Bono Region when they were attacked and robbed.

    Police response

    The Bono Regional Police Public Relations Officer, Chief Inspector Augustine Kinsley Oppong, who is also in charge of the Bono East and Ahafo regions, told The Mirror that the civilian shot the suspected robber on the chest.

    According to him, the police at Atebubu received a message that armed robbers were robbing commuters on the Atebubu-Kwame Danso Highway so a police patrol team was dispatched to the scene.

    Chief Inspector Oppong said a victim informed the police that one of the armed robbers who was wearing a red T-Shirts over a grey-coloured trousers held a heavy stick and ordered him to lie on the ground.

    He said when the police conducted a search at the crime scene, they saw a male adult believed to be Fulani aged about 23 years wearing a red T-Shirt over a grey-coloured trousers lying dead in a pool of blood in prone position.

    Chief Inspector Oppong said an examination on the body revealed pellets wounds on the chest, adding that items such as a phone and GH¢72 cash was found on him.

    He explained that a pair of sandals, a stick, a torch, two empty AA cartridges believed to have been used by the robber were retrieved.

    According to Chief Inspector Oppong, the members of the patrol team also said they heard two gunshots around the area. At the scene, some of the victims said the robber died when a passenger on board one of the affected cargo trucks shot at him.

    He said the body had since been sent to the St Mathias Hospital morgue at Yeji for preservation and autopsy.

    Source: Graphic.com.gh

     

  • History of de Ghanaian ‘kente’ cloth wey turn iconic symbol of Black race

    Oral history from Bonwire, de Ghanaian village wey produce kente show sey de cloth dey in existence for 377 years now.

    One of de great great grandchildren of de original kente maker, Eric Kwarteng reveal give BBC Pidgin sey dema fore fathers come up plus kente after dem see spider dey weave en nest for forest inside during dema hunting expedition.

    Kente, which before-before be cloth for just royals come turn national symbol as people wey get high or low status all dey wear sake of de sense of pride Ghanaians dey get from am.

    Den times one kente cloth dey fit take one year, eight months, some six months to finish saf, but of late dem fit dey finish am quick small, sake of that kente be expensive

    No be just Ghanaians dey love am, over de years de kente come turn iconic symbol for de Black race across de world.

    People of African descent all dey use kente for all parts of de world during special occasions like graduation, others dey take make political statement sey dem dey connected to dema African routes den stuff.

    More times kente dey feature for movies inside, music videos den stuff especially when Blacks dey inside.

    Producers: Usifo Omozokpea and Favour Nunoo.

    Source: BBC.com/pidgin

  • Egypt sack coach Javier Aguirre after shock AFCON defeat to South Africa

    Javier Aguirre was sacked as the coach of Egypt early on Sunday morning just two hours after the Pharaohs were booted out of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations by underdogs South Africa.

    The Mexican was fired from his Pharaohs post with three years left on his contract after the host country crashed out of Africa’s flagship sporting event.

    The massive footballing earthquake hit the host nation when Bafana Bafana struck late in the Round of 16 game in Cairo on Saturday to throw home crowd into a state of mourning.

    The 85th minute winner from Thembinkosi Lorch was enough to secure the shock victory and send the entire system of Egyptian football into collapse.

    Hani Abou Rida, the President of the Egyptian FA, and his board announced their decision to sack the Mexican coach and his entire backroom staff before falling on their own swords.

    Aguirre had scheduled a meeting with the leadership of the Egyptian FA on Sunday to discuss his future after accepting full responsibility for the defeat but he was booted out before the meeting could take place.

    “I am proud of the group of players that I selected. In the first three games, they were good,” the former Mexico national team coach said after the match in Cairo.

    “I will not talk about the players outside of the squad. I am proud of the ones that I called-up.

    “There is no decision made about my future. I spoke with the players and on Sunday I will meet with the EFA to discuss my future.

    “I am the only one responsible for the defeat. We are all upset about the early elimination and I bear all the consequences because I chose the players and the formation,” he added.

    Aguirre took of the Pharaohs in August 2018 and played 12 matches in all competitions, winning nine games, drawing one, while losing only twice.

    The national team scored 25 goals under his charge while conceding seven.

    His contract which saw him earn a monthly salary of $120,000 was supposed to run until the 2022 World Cup, but a disastrous AFCON campaign saw him depart early.

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • Egypt FA on the verge of collapse, resignations rock federation over AFCON defeat

    The Egypt Football Association (EFA) is on the verge of collapse after several board member resignations rocked the country’s governing body, following in the footsteps the President of the federation in the wake of their shock defeat to underdogs South Africa at 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.

    With four board members resigning along with the President of the federation, just one more resignation means the 11-member EFA board cannot form a quorum which will automatically make it defunct, according to its constitution.

    Executive Director of the EFA, Tharwat Sweilem, will then take charge as interim President of the federation for the next three months before elections are held, insiders have said.

    Hani Abou Rida resigned as the EFA President on Saturday night and called on the members of the board of directors to submit their resignations after the host country was knocked out in the Round of 16.

    Four board members responded to the demands of their leader and Hazem Imam, Saif Zaher, Ahmed Mujahid and Khalid Latif announced their official resignations.

    Karam Karam, Issam Abdel Fattah and Majdi Abdel Ghani, declined to resign.

    With the trio of Karam, Abdel Fattah and Abdel Ghani retreating, the quorum of the governing body of the Football Federation remains intact, with only five members resigning and six remaining.

    However the status of the trio of Ahmed Shubair, vice president of the federation, Dina Rifai and Mohammed Abu Al-Wafa will be known later on Sunday and if just one of them joins the resignation boat, the EFA board collapses.

    The constitution of the EFA stipulates that in the case of the resignation of the Board of Directors or a number of its members, which leads to the loss of quorum, the board becomes dissolved.

    The EFA loses its legal status and becomes defunct in the case of the resignation of half of its members, which has not happened so far with the resignation of four members and the president only, out of 11 members.

    The Regulation also provides that the Executive Director of the EFA, Tharwat Sweilem, will manage the affairs of the Federation as its interim President for a period of three months before elections are held for the governing council.

    Abou Rida, who is a member of the FIFA Council and CAF Executive Committee, revealed that he will continue to chair the Local Organising Committee of the tournament until it ends on 19 July.

    The respected administrator threw in the towel two hours after the host country was shockingly eliminated by underdogs in Cairo on Saturday night despite the massive home support.

    The Pharaohs were bundled out of the tournament at the Round of 16 after suffering the surprising 1-0 defeat to the confident Bafana Bafana who now book their place in the quarter-finals with the late winner in Cairo.

    With Egypt throwing players forward, Thembinkosi Lorch struck on the counter-attack after 85 minutes leading to the disaster for the home side.

    South Africa knocked hosts Egypt out of the tournament and booked their place in the quarter-finals with a late winner in Cairo when Thembinkosi Lorch struck on the counter-attack after 85 minutes.

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • Official Godfred Asiamah signs for Kumasi Asante Kotoko

    Kumasi Asante has completed the signing of Ashant Gold midfielder Godfred Asiamah.

    The versatile midfielder signed a three-year contract after undergoing mandatory medical test at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital…

    Godfred Asiamah is joining Asante Kotoko on a free transfer after he decided not to renew his contract with Ashanti Gold.

    He is second Ashanti Gold player to join the Porcupines Warriors in the last three months after Habib Mohammed.

    He becomes the sixth player signed by Asante Kotoko after Justice Blay, Ampem Dacosta, Kelvin Andoh , Kwame Baah and Adingra Moussa? for their CAF Champions League campaign next month.

    Source: footballmadeinghana.com

  • Egypt FA boss Hani Abou Rida resigns after defeat to South Africa at AFCON

    Hani Abou Rida announced his resignation as the President of the Egyptian Football Association on Saturday night and called on the members of the board of directors to submit their resignations following the country defeat at the hands of South Africa at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.

    Abou Rida, who is a member of the FIFA Council and CAF Executive Committee, revealed that he will continue to chair the Local Organising Committee of the tournament until it ends on 19 July.

    The respected administrator threw in the towel two hours after the host country was shockingly eliminated by underdogs in Cairo on Saturday night despite the massive home support.

    The Pharaohs were bundled out of the tournament at the Round of 16 after suffering the surprising 1-0 defeat to the confident Bafana Bafana who now book their place in the quarter-finals with the late winner in Cairo.

    With Egypt throwing players forward, Thembinkosi Lorch struck on the counter-attack after 85 minutes leading to the disaster for the home side.

    South Africa knocked hosts Egypt out of the tournament and booked their place in the quarter-finals with a late winner in Cairo when Thembinkosi Lorch struck on the counter-attack after 85 minutes.

    Abu Reda said that this decision comes as a literary commitment, although the EFA did not limit itself to the material and moral support it gave to the Pharaohs.

    And about the fate of the technical and administrative staff of the team he confirmed that a they have all been sacked in the wake of the national disaster and asked members of his board to also quit their positions.

    Abu Rida also stressed that it is his national responsibility to continue to chair the organizing committee until the end of the tournament because success in the organization was from the beginning to the end to achieve secure a good reputation for Egypt.

    Egypt have followed holders Cameroon out of the tournament, while South Africa will return to Cairo to play Nigeria in the last eight on Wednesday.

    Egypt FA statement

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • YIEDIE project presents tools and funds to 68 beneficiaries in Takoradi

    Some youth being trained under the YIEDIE project of the Global Communities in Takoradi have been supported with funds and tools to enable them to start their own businesses.

    The five-year project, currently in its fourth year, is being sponsored by MasterCard Foundation together with other partners and it is aimed at giving thousands of youth within Takoradi, Kumasi, Accra and other parts of the country employable skills to make them independent in life.

    Mr Mamud Sallam, the Regional Coordinator of Global Communities at one of such disbursement gathering, said the youth must be assisted to create jobs for themselves and others which would contribute to solving unemployment and help build a better tomorrow.

    The disbursement ceremony saw 68 beneficiaries, some being assisted with 6000 Ghana cedis while others got sets of working tools to invest in their set-ups.

    The YIEDIE project offered youth between 17-24 years an opportunity to learn a trade useful in the built environment including upholstery, masonry, carpentry, steel bending, P.O.P ceiling, interior and exterior decor among others.

    Mrs Alice Winnimi Tuoho, Development Specialist, said developing human capacities is crucial to economic growth and the general well-being of society and lauded the Global Communities for initiating the project to alleviate poverty among the citizenry.

    Working tools such as industrial sewing machines, fabrics, flowers, welding machines, grinding machines, hammer drilling machines, ladders, spraying machines, laptops, roller sticks, brushes among others were presented to the beneficiaries.

    Source: Ghananewsagency.org

  • Flood submerge farms in Akatsi South

    Gushing floodwaters submerged acreages of farms destroying crops worth hundreds of cedis in three communities in the Akatsi South District of the Volta Region.

    Mr Ocloo Mawuli Egos, the District Coordinator of the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO), told the Ghana News Agency that vegetable, cereal and cassava farms were underwater in three communities around Ayitikope.

    He attributed the situation to a torrential rainfall in the community which left some streets and homes inundated.

    Mr Egos said the affected communities were Ayitikope, Kpoegah, and Atidzive.

    Mr Jerry Etse Agbo, Assembly member for the area, said a total of 33 farmers were counting their losses and appealed for support from NADMO and the Department of Agriculture.

    When the GNA visited the farms, it saw maize, garden egg, pepper, tomato and beans farms deluged.

    A farmer, who gave his name as Famous Sepenu, said “this is the first time we encountered such a great loss; it has never happened to me before. Now we are not sure if we would make any meaningful harvests this year”.

    Source: ghananewsagency.org

  • Listen to your parents no matter their educational level

    Togbe Afede XIV, Agbogbomefia of Asogli State and President of the National House of Chiefs, has advised young people to remain obedient to their parents irrespective of their academic achievements.

    He said educated children tend to regard themselves more intelligent than their parents, and said such tendencies would deny them good counsel.

    Togbe Afede said this in a tribute to his mother, Madam Rosalia Akuyo Anyawo at her burial mass held in Ho on Saturday.

    “Young people must listen to their parents. It is easy for the young to think their education has made them wiser than their parents. I wish that I had listened to her more, and understood and taken more seriously some of the things she said. I would have been a much better person”, he said.

    Togbe Afede said his mother, though uneducated, strove to keep his schooling on course, and was a major source of encouragement as he climbed up the academic and business ladder.

    He was thankful for picking virtues such as honesty, truthfulness, empathy and long-suffering from his late mother, whom he described as a successful palm wine seller.

    “My mother taught us the importance of hard work and taught us to be resolutely committed to our goals. We were inspired by how she juggled her duties daily. Dada also taught us to be honest, so we would truly earn, with pride, whatever benefits we receive”, Togbe Afede said.

    Akuyo Anyawo, the mother of four, who lived from 1932 to 2018, headed the Palm Wine Sellers Association in the Volta Region, whiles venturing into farming and other endeavours.

    The body of the deceased was laid in state at the OLA Girls Senior High School where the burial mass was performed by the Ho Diocese of the Catholic Church preceding a private burial later.

    Present at the Mass was Vice President Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia who led a government delegation, and former president Jerry John Rawlings.

    Ministers of State, Members of the Council of State, political party heads, corporate leaders, former government appointees, and some foreign development partners were also present, with more expected until the event ends with a thanksgiving service at the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Ho on Sunday, July 07.

    Source: ghananewsagency.org

  • Prospective voters appeal for registration extension

    rospective voters awaiting in long queues to be registered in the Sunyani Municipality on Friday appealed to the Electoral Commission (EC) to extend the duration of the on-going Limited Voter Registration Exercise.

    According to them the number of would-be voters wishing to be registered have increased, though the exercise officially ends on Sunday, July 7, 2019.

    They attributed that increment to the arrival of Senior High School students who have attained age 18 and now back home on vacation.

    When the Ghana News Agency visited the Sunyani Municipal EC registration Centre at 1430 hours, there was a long-winding queue of many potential voters who appeared so frustrated because some of them had been there for three working days but had not gotten the chance to be registered.

    In an interview with the GNA, MS Priscilla Osei, an apprentice hairdresser, said, “I have been here for three days and have still not been registered due to the huge number of people”.

    She pleaded with the EC to extend the duration for the registration to afford any qualified voter the opportunity to be registered.

    Mr Yaw Badu-Amaniampong, the Municipal Supervisor of EC, said there is the need for the Commission to extend the duration because of the increase in the number of those wishing to be registered.

    He said initially the Centre could register a little over 200 people a day but since Monday, July 1, 2019, more than 350 people were registered daily.

    Mr Badu-Amaniampong said the Centre could register that number daily because of the capacity and the competency of the team of registration officials.

    He said the agents of the two main political parties, the New Patriotic Party and the National Democratic Congress have been cooperating with them adding that the Centre did not have any challenge except the issue of increasing numbers.

    Source: ghananewsagency.org

  • Adopt modern teaching methods, teachers urged

    Dr Hafiz Bin-Salih, the Upper West Regional Minister, has advised Senior High School (SHS) teachers to adopt modern technology as the overriding tool for effective transfer of knowledge and skills to students.

    He also called on students in second cycle schools in the Region to take advantage of internet facilities to develop their skills in order to keep abreast with current trends.

    He said the way teaching and learning was done in the past, needs to be revisited by adopting technology as the best tool to impart knowledge to students.

    Dr Bin-Salih said this in a speech read his behalf during Lassia Tuolu Senior High School 25th Anniversary Celebration which was organised under the theme: “25 years of developing resourceful and responsible citizens for nation building: the way forward”.

    He said developing resourceful and responsible students involve the use of new strategies and the need to use the internet to search for useful information.

    According to the Minister, government through the Get Fund has made provisions for the construction of various facilities in the school including an administration block, a 12- unit classroom block and fence wall.

    He said many schools have complained to him about sexual harassment perpetrated by both teachers and students against girls but nothing of that sort was heard about in Lassia Tuolu SHS and commended the students and teachers for living decent lives.

    Dr Bin-Salih was not happy that five districts in the region were without Directors while six SHSs were also without Headmasters adding that these are obstacles to quality education delivery.

    He urged parents not to ignore the basic needs of their wards because government has introduced free education; adding that they should continue to support and even monitor their studies to ensure academic excellence.

    He said Ghana Education Service (GES) was rolling out a Teacher Rationalization Policy to pave way for teachers who studied particular subjects to teach same subjects in their respective schools.

    Teachers who spoke with the Ghana News Agency lauded the idea of adopting modern technology for teaching but said they were handicapped since teachers do not have access to computers and projectors. And this is beside the fact that many schools are yet to be connected to the national grid.

    Mr Banongie Emmanuel, Headmaster of the School, enumerated various academic successes chalked out including National Mathematics and Science Quiz Competition and qualification of two students to participate in a French programme in Lome, the capital town of Togo.

    Source: Ghananewsagency.org

  • Parliament starts sitting on Mondays

    Parliament of Ghana would start sitting on Mondays, commencing on Monday, July 15, 2019.

    The sitting is to meet the constitutional requirements relating to the coming into force of the subsidiary legislation before the House.

    Mr Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, Majority presenting the Business Statement for the seventh week ending Friday, 12th July, 2019 noted that the Business Committee proposes that the House sit on Mondays, beginning on Monday, 15th July, 2019.

    The information is to serve a prior notice to all Members of Parliament (MPs) to aid in their planning for the weeks beginning Monday, 15th Monday, 22th and Monday, 29th July 2019.

    Source: ghananewsagency.org

  • Akyem Apedwa enstools new Mrantehene

    Nana Agyenim Boateng, the newly enstooled Mrantehene of Apedwa, has called on all citizens of Akyem Apedwa to unite and help attract development to the area.

    He said without unity and peace, much could not be achieved, hence the need for all to promote peace.

    Nana Boateng was speaking to the media after he had sworn an oath to the Apedwahene, Osabarima Frempong Manso II at Apedwa in the Eastern Region.

    He assured the chiefs and people in the area of his desire to promote development to help raise Apedwa to its past glory.

    Nana Boateng, 42, is known in private life as Alexander Kwaku Boateng and he is a businessman.

    Until his enstoolment, he was the President of the Apedwa Youth Association and has championed many development projects in the area.

    Some of the projects he championed include rehabilitation of the Apedwa Clinic, upgrading of the town roads and putting up of street lights in the community.

    The Apedwahene Osbarima Frempong Manso II called on the new Mrantehene to discharge his duties effectively and efficiently so that the people will benefit from his leadership.

    He commended him for his contribution to the development of Apedwa.

    Apedwa is located at the Western part of the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Area and the people there are regarded as the traditional soldiers and guards of the Ofori Panin stool.

    Source: Ghananewsagency.org

  • NPP Action Ladies honour Paul Asare Ansah

    new women’s volunteer group of the New Patriotic Party known as NPP Action Ladies was inaugurated in Accra on Friday 5th July, 2019.

    According to the President of the group, Mrs. Queen Enam, their objectives are to mobilize women’s support to ensure victory for NPP in 2020; to inform and educate the citizenry on the good work being done by the NPP and to establish the rightful place of women in the present and future NPP government.

    Mr. Paul Asare Ansah, Technical Advisor to the Minister of Transport who was the chairman at the inaugural ceremony congratulated the group for their foresight and commitment to the NPP agenda of development and prosperity for all.

    He advised them to unite behind the leadership as they pursue their dreams.

    As part of the programme for the day, the Action Ladies honoured 12 distinguished personalities for their great contribution to the development of women in the NPP and Ghana as a whole. These include the Second Lady Hajia Samira Bawumia, Speaker of Parliament, Prof. Mike Oquaye and Paul Ansah.

    Source: Jacob Kpodonu

  • Police arrest woman for attempting to kidnap 1-year-old boy in Jomoro

    The Jomoro District Police Command has arrested a woman for attempting to kidnap a 1-year-7-month-old boy at Bonyere Junction near Half Assini.

    Giving an eyewitness account to GhanaWeb’s Regional Correspondent, the Morning Show Host of Hope FM in the area, Bishop Oteng, said the mother of the baby works at a restaurant in the area called Apollo Annex.

    According to him, the baby’s mother who comes from a town called Ndumsuazo near Bonyere Junction always leaves her child at a drug store in the area whiles she works just so he is safe.

    In a similar manner she left her child on Saturday, July 6, 2019 but nearly lost him to a kidnapper.

    Around 10am, the eyewitness narrated, the owner of the drug store realised the child had suddenly disappeared, he called for help and quickly informed him (the eyewitness) who helped announce it on his media platform so the child could be found.

    “I quickly called the District Police Commander about the incident and in fact the Commander responded well and promised to help rescue the child. Two hours later,some youth arrested a certain woman with the child at a town called Nawule which is near Bonyere Junction and when they arrested her they brought her to Bonyere Junction”, he narrated.

    He added that “when she was brought to Bonyere Junction, the youth of the area and its surrounding communities blocked the road with sticks, stones, cutlasses, bottles among others to lynch her but the police within some few minutes rushed to the scene and saved the suspect from attacks”.

    Confirming the incident to GhanaWeb, the District Police Commander, DSP Zeprain Zenge commended the Hope FM’s Morning Show Host for his swift tip-off which helped save the suspect from lynching.

    DSP Zenge further admitted that it took great efforts on the part of his men to save the suspect from the angry youth, hundreds of them.

    He said the suspect has been arrested and put behind bars at the Hall Assini Police Station pending investigations.

    “We are doing our investigations, give us some time and we will give you details very soon but in fact if we didn’t rush to the scene, the mob would have killed her”, he concluded.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Ahafo NPP chairman killed in car crash

    The Ahafo regional Chairman of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) has been confirmed dead in a motor accident Saturday.

    The deceased, Francis Sarfo Poku, known in private life as “Chairman Jerry” was returning from a party duty.

    The astute businessman died on his way from Achrensua around Water Works when his Range Rover vehicle with registration number GT 3150-17 somersaulted.

    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.

    Source: Starrfm.com.gh

  • Parliament starts sitting on Mondays

    Parliament of Ghana would start sitting on Mondays, commencing on Monday, July 15, 2019.

    Read: We must start new Parliamentary chamber one way or the other Baako

    The sitting is to meet the constitutional requirements relating to the coming into force of the subsidiary legislations before the House.

    Mr Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, Majority presenting the Business Statement for the seventh week ending Friday, 12th July, 2019 noted that the Business Committee proposes that the House sit on Mondays, beginning on Monday, 15th July, 2019.

    Read: Video: Soldier allegedly locked up for campaigning against new chamber

    The information is to serve prior notice to all Members of Parliament (MPs) to aid in their planning for the weeks beginning Monday, 15th Monday, 22th and Monday, 29th July 2019.

    Source: www.myjoyonline.com

  • Head porters benefit from Chief Justice Mentorship Programme

    Twenty female porters (kayayei) have been provided with livelihood skills under the Chief Justice Mentorship Programme that also aims at ending child marriage in the country.

    Read: Kayayei empowered to enhance future aspirations

    The beneficiaries also underwent a two-day mentoring session in Accra where they were counselled on how to fulfil their dreams and aspirations. They were also educated on the dangers of child marriage.

    Each year, 20 of such young women are enrolled onto the programme that is being supported by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

    Programme

    The annual mentoring programme was initiated by the former Chief Justice,  Mrs Georgina Theodora Wood, in 2007.

    The counselling includes providing beneficiaries the opportunity to observe court proceedings to expose them to the work of the legal system.

    They also learn from life experiences of accomplished professionals and entrepreneurs on how to become successful in their chosen vocations.

    Beneficiaries are selected from markets in Accra, Techiman and Kumasi.

    They include female porters who have not completed senior high school, those who are from poor households, especially from the northern part of the country, and porters who are married or at risk of child marriage.

    Child marriage

    The Executive Director of Purim African Youth Development Platform, (PAYDP), implementing partners of the initiative, Ms Aku Xornam Kevi, said the programme was in line with the global campaign to end child marriage by empowering vulnerable girls with skills.

    She said child marriage was a global phenomenon that prevented girls from realising their potential and, therefore, constituted one of the major impediments to the development of nations.

    Ms Kevi said in 2014, Ghana accepted the universal call to end child marriage in accordance with international conventions and declarations.

    Commendation

    She commended Ghana for taking measures to comprehensively address the issue in the country as contained in a 2017 report by the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection.

    According to her, the UNFPA was also collaborating with other development partners to facilitate efforts to end the phenomenon in the country.

    Ms Kevi further stated that most of the porters claimed they were compelled to come to Accra and other cities to engage in menial jobs because of the lack of skills and job opportunities in their various communities while some alleged they escaped from forced marriages.

    “In a previous intervention, the UNFPA reached out to more than 5,000 kayayei.

    We intend to further help address the challenges and risks facing them in the Greater Accra, Ashanti, Bono and Ahafo regions to reduce their vulnerabilities,” she added.

    Success stories

    Some of the beneficiaries of the programme shared testimonies of their journey to becoming professionals and entrepreneurs and urged other women porters to also strive to leave the streets.

    A beneficiary who is now a teacher trainee at the University of Education, Winneba, Ms Janet Poku-Kwatey, said she was assisted through the programme to rewrite her examination which enabled her to gain admission to the university.

    For her part, Ms Hafisah Suleman said she also excelled in her senior school certificate examination and was waiting to be offered admission to the university after receiving similar assistance to rewrite the exam.

    Source: www.graphic.com.gh

  • Women in PR hold summit today

    The 2019 edition of the Women in PR Summit comes on today at the Tomreik Hotel in Accra.

    The summit will bring together female practitioners in public relations, communications, media and other related fields to network, share ideas and inspire one another towards achieving higher goals.

    Read: Centre for European Studies holds 7th lecture series on the future of EU-Africa relations

    It will also provide a platform that creates opportunities for mentorship, career guidance and personal development.

    Over 200 professionals, mostly women in the public relations and communication fields, are expected to attend the summit.

    This year’s summit, dubbed “Collaborate, Inspire, Lead”, focuses on the need to inspire women in public relations to endeavour to attain leadership positions.

    With this, distinguished personalities in the field of public relations such as the Chief Director of Global Media Alliance, Ms  Emma Wenani, and Senior PR Consultant at Mahogany Consult, Mrs Baaba Cofie, alongside others, will speak on “Developing and Applying Emotional Intelligence to Leadership”.

    Speakers

    Other speakers on the day include the Vice-President, Sustainability and External Relations Officer at Newmont Gold Corp Africa, Ms Adiki  Ayitevie; the Group Head of Communications at the Jospong Group of Companies, Mrs  Sophia Lissah; the Head of Society Africa, Diageo PLC, Mr Gabriel Opoku-Asare; and the General Manager of Touchpoint Magna Carta, Clarence Amoatey.

    They will inspire and motivate female PR practitioners to be proactive and lead in developing strategies that add value to their organisations and the industry as a whole.

    In a press release, the creator of the Women in PR summit, Ms Faith Senam Ocloo, said since its inception the summit had carved a niche as the foremost professional networking event for women in the Ghanaian Public Relations industry, thus expressing a commitment to promote the advancement of women in the profession.

    “We are committed to empowering women to occupy more leadership positions at their workplaces.

    We believe learning from these industry experts will inspire and adequately prepare participants for lead roles in various organisations,” she said.

    Source: www.graphic.com.gh

  • Educational achievements must impact on society— Prof. Obosu-Mensah

    The St Francis College of Education (FRANCO) at Hohoe in the Volta Region has conferred Diploma in Basic Education (DBE) on 448 graduating students of the college at its 12th congregation.

    Read: Relationship debate: Education not key in choosing a husband

    It was on the theme: “Essential elements of quality teacher education in Ghana: The role of stakeholders”.

    Impact on society

    Fourteen of the graduates had first class, with 157 second class upper division, while 162 had second class lower division. Third class graduates numbered 77, with 38 passes.

    Addressing the congregation, a Professor of Sociology at the Lorain County Community College in the USA, Prof. Kwaku Obosu-Mensah, said educational achievements were meaningless if society did not feel their impact.

    He, therefore, called on graduates to let their educational achievements impact the lives of the people in society.

    Prof. Obosu-Mensah likened the urgent need for graduates to start addressing issues and problems in society to how people meted out instance justice to suspected criminals.

    Performance

    In his address, the Principal of the college, Mr Raphel Kodzo Kwashie, said this year’s congregation recorded the highest number of first class students in the history of the college.

    He said the sacrifices and hard work of staff and management of the college were what resulted in the improvement in the academic performance and discipline among the students.

    Projects

    Touching on some of the projects carried out by the management, the principal said the fence wall of the college was extended by 310 metres.

    He said the auditorium of the college had also been secured with burglar proof metal protection, while the lecture halls had been converted into departmental offices for Heads of Department (HODs) of the college.

    Those, he said, were all done with the college’s internally generated funds (IGF).

    Mr Kwashie, however, mentioned that the college faced financial challenges, and that due to inadequate funds, the college engaged students to do grounds work instead of hiring labourers.

    Master Obed Odoom was adjudged the Overall Best Graduating Student.

    Source: www.graphic.com.gh

  • Parma aim to hijack Besiktas bid for Kevin-Prince Boateng

    Italian Serie A side Parma are aiming to usurp Bekistas’ move for Sassuolo forward Kevin-Prince Boateng, GHANASoccernet.com can exclusively report.

    Boateng recently returned to Sassuolo from a loan spell at Barcelona, but the Neroverdi have made it clear that he has no future with them.

    Read: Kevin Prince Boateng and Arturo Vidal use emojis to describe Barcelona teammate

    Ghana’s leading football website, GHANASoccernet.com last week disclosed that Turkish giants Besiktas are keen on the signature of the 32-year-old after meeting with the hierarchy of the Mapei Stadium outfit.

    But according to fresh reports, the deal could be hijacked by Parma who are reported to have made contact with Sassuolo but the Ghanaian is yet to decide his next destination.

    Read: I made the right choice by picking Ghana over Germany- Kevin Prince Boateng

    Boateng joined Sassuolo from Eintracht Frankfurtin the summer last year before making a sensational switch to Barcelona after six months.

    With the Blaugrana, Boateng is with his 10th club, having had stints with the likes of AC Milan, Borussia Dortmund and Tottenham Hotspur.

    He also played for German sides Schalke 04, Eintracht Frankfurt and Hertha Berlin, as well as English outfit Portsmouth and Las Palmas in Spain.

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • AFCON 2019: Benin stun Morocco on penalties to reach quarter-finals

    Benin produced a major surprise to beat Morocco 4-1 on penalties and book a quarter-final spot at the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time.

    Mama Seibou hit the winning penalty to send 10-man Benin through after Khaled Adenon had been sent off in extra time.

    Read: 2019 AFCON: Benin draw is ok Asamoah Gyan

    In an incident-packed tie in Cairo, Moise Adilehou put Benin ahead before Youssef En-Nesyri equalised.

    Morocco wasted a chance to win it with the last kick of normal time but Ajax’s Hakim Ziyech’s penalty struck a post.

    Read: AFCON 2019: Jordan Ayew named Man-of-the-Match after Benin holds Ghana

    Benin scored all their penalties in the shootout through Olivier Verdon, David Djigla and Tidjani Anaane before Seibou’s effort sparked wild celebrations on and off the pitch inside the Al Salam Stadium.

    In what is only their fourth appearance at the Africa Cup of Nations, Benin will face the winners of Friday’s late last-16 tie between Uganda and Senegal in the quarter-finals on 10 July.

    Wasteful Morocco pay the price 

    Morocco had progressed from the group stage with three wins and without conceding a goal.

    Despite peppering Benin’s goal with 22 shots during the 120 minutes, they lacked cutting edge and are now on their way home from a tournament they were expected to do well in.

    En-Nesyri and Ziyech both forced saves from keeper Saturnin Allagbe before Benin took the lead through Adilehou’s close-range volley following a corner.

    Morocco were gifted their equaliser, an horrendous mistake by Jordan Adeoti allowing Mbark Boussoufa to set up En-Nesyri to fire under Allagbe.

    In the dying moments of normal time, Morocco were awarded a penalty when former West Brom and Sunderland midfielder Stephane Sessegnon fouled Achraf Hakimi.

    However, Ziyech’s attempt hit a post and rebounded to safety.

    Benin, who advanced to the last-16 as one of the best four third-placed teams in the group stage, played the final 23 minutes of extra time with 10 men when Adenon was sent off for a second bookable offence.

    Morocco struggled to make the extra-man advantage count and paid the price as they lost the shootout.

    Southampton’s Sofiane Boufal fired over the bar after Oussama Idrissi had scored Morocco’s opening penalty before En-Nesyri’s attempt was brilliantly diverted on to the bar by Allagbe.

    Source: bbc.com

  • CAF General Secretary hails FIFA chief Samoura role in African football reforms as ‘great opportunity’

    The General Secretary of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Mouad Hajji, has strongly defended the decision to appoint Fatma Samoura as ‘Fifa General Delegate for Africa’ insisting its a ‘great opportunity’ for African football to improve its governance structures.

    CAF approached football’s world governing body FIFA last month to help the beleaguered body improve its administration after coming under scrutiny on several issues relating to both governance and administration.

    Read: No match fixing investigation in Zimbabwe-DRC match CAF chief Hajji

    FIFA subsequently appointed its secretary general Samoura to take charge of the committee to be put in place to help Africa’s governing body to conduct a review of its systems for implementation.

    Samoura, from Senegal, will take charge for six months from 1 August, with the relationship “renewable with the agreement of both organisations”.

    The 56-year-old will remain secretary general of Fifa but will delegate various functions to others but her appointment has been criticised in certain quarters with claims that the move is ceding control of African football to Europeans.

    However, Hajji told a press conference in Egypt on Friday that the Samoura-led body will conduct the review needed to put African football in a sound footing for the future.

    “The arrival of Samoura is a great opportunity. She arrives with a group of experts and their role will help accelerate the reforms within CAF,” Hajji said at the press conference on Friday.

    CAF President Ahmad proposed the idea of seeking Fifa’s expertise to help assess CAF’s current situation and speed up reforms aimed at ensuring the organisation operates with “transparency and efficiency”.

    The notion was unanimously approved by CAF’s executive committee, and Samoura and a group of experts will work in tandem with Ahmad and his team to cover a number of areas, in an agreement that can be renewed with the agreement of both parties.

    These areas include overseeing operational management of CAF, ensuring the “efficient and professional organisation of all CAF competitions”, and supporting the growth and development of football in all African regions.

    Samoura, a Senegalese former diplomat, will remain as secretary general of Fifa but will delegate her functions within the administration, according to a joint statement from Fifa and CAF.

    African football’s leading club competition was thrown into disarray in the run-up to the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations after the announcement that its showpiece game will have to be replayed.

    CAF said that the Champions League final between Tunisian giants Esperance de Tunis and Wydad Casablanca of Morocco would be replayed at a neutral venue after the Cup of Nations, which runs from June 21 to July 19.

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • Elton Acolaste on target as Sint Truiden hold VVV Venlo in pre-season friendly

    Ghanaian youngster Elton Acolatse hit the back of the net for Sint Truiden in their 3-3 stalemate with VVV Venlo in a pre-season friendly encounter on Friday.

    Read: Performance of Ghanaian players abroad wrap

    VVV Venlo drew the first blood of the game through Evert Linthorst in the 6th minute after dominating the opening play.

    Sint Truiden, however, pulled parity four minutes after the break courtesy Elton Acolatse before Jordan Botaka gave them the lead in the 55th.

    Italian forward Elia Soriano levelled the scoreline for Venlo a minute later before Paul Wienhoven put them ahead in the 70th minute.

    But Botaka ensured the Belgian side finished the game with a draw after pulling level seconds later via the penalty spot.

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • Godfred Asiamah joins Kotoko on a three-year deal

    Kumasi Asante have completed the signing of Ashanti Gold midfielder Godfred Asiamah.

    The versatile midfielder signed a three-year contract last Friday after undergoing mandatory medical test at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital.

    Read: Kotoko deliberately appoint CK Akonnor to avoid paying compensation for contract termination

    Godfred Asiamah is joining Asante Kotoko on a free transfer after he decided not to renew his contract with Ashanti Gold.

    He will be the second Ashanti Gold player to join the Porcupines Warriors in the last three months after Habib Mohammed.

    Read: Asante Kotoko capture Ampem Dacosta from Karela United

    He will join the likes of Justice Blay, Ampem Dacosta, Kelvin Andoh and Kwame Baah who have already been signed by the Porcupine Warriors for their CAF Champions League campaign next month.

    Source: footballmadeinghana.com

  • Accra High Court throws out George Lutterodts injunction on GAA Congress

    An Accra High Court has dismissed Ambassador George Lutterodt and 14 others application for an injunction on Ghana Athletics Association (GAA) elective General Assembly which was scheduled for December 15, 2018 in Tamale last year and has awarded a cost of GHS 3,000 against the Plaintiffs.

    Read: Ghana athletics is dying — Lutterodt

    The Court, presided over by Mrs Georgina Mensa Datsa of Criminal Court 4 of the Accra High Court, also dismissed a second application which prayed the Court to order for an Interim Management Committee to be set up to oversee the leadership of the Association untill new executives are elected.

    Judge Mensah Datsa in her ruling on Friday July 5, 2019 said the Plaintiffs did not provide “compelling case to warrant” the grant of an interlocutory injunction on the General Assembly, before adding that granting their “application will have serious negative consequences on other stakeholders.”

    Read: Athletics Association open nomination for elections

    She noted that Ghana could be suspended by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), should such demands by Ambassador George Lutterodt and his team are granted.

    She explained that; “For an injunction to be granted, the applicants must establish a legal right respectable by law”, and that, the “applicants have not presented a compelling case to warrant the court to grant an interlocutory injunction on the GAA General Assembly.”

    Mrs Mensa Datsa also noted that, “the setting of up of an Interim Management Committee this court is being invited to do is alien to the Constitution of the GAA and will amount to undue interference in the activities of the GAA.”

    The Learned Judge added that; “It must be stressed that the GAA is an independent body with its own Constitution and governed by an international association, IAAF and any act of interference by an outside body will lead to the suspension of Ghana from international competitions.”

    “The implications of granting their application will have serious negative consequences on the other stakeholders including Ghana, thus those applications are refused or dismissed,” she announced before asking Counsels for both parties if they had any other concerns.

    Counsel for the defendant, Nana Aba Ama Acquah, prayed the Court to award damages of GHS 10,000 against the Plaintiffs for dragging the image of her clients into the mud with allegations of manipulating the Constitution to favour some delegates.

    She said the GAA as a body have been hit with negativity over the past eight (8) and the Plaintiffs must be made to pay for the damages.

    Mr Geoffrey Quist, the Counsel for the lead Plaintiff, told the Court his client was not in “court for fun, but for the betterment of Athletics in the Country” and prayed to the court that they will pay GHS 2,000.

    After listening to both parties, Judge Mensah Datsa awarded a cost of GHS 3,000 for damages against Mr. George Lutterodt and the 14 others.

    Whilst Secretary General Bawah Fuseini was in Court representing the 1st (Prof Francis Dodoo, President of the GAA) and Second Defendant (Bawah Fuseini, Secretary General, GAA) and Christopher Darko-Amankrah for the 5th defendant (GAA), five members of the Plaintiffs, Albert Nukpezah, George Doe, Anslem Nyavadzi, Issac Lamptey, and Priceworth Anane Asare were in Court for the ruling.

    Source: citisportsonline.com

  • No match fixing investigation in Zimbabwe-DRC match – CAF chief Hajji

    The Confederation of African Football (CAF) says it is not investigating allegations of match fixing involving Zimbabwe at the Africa Cup of Nations following their 4-0 defeat to DR Congo but insists the governing body has zero tolerance for graft in the game.

    Mouad Hajji, the General Secretary of CAF, says no official complaint has been received over the group stage game despite media reports in Zimbabwe that the continental governing body is investigating the match.

    Read: China extends US$60 million grant to Zimbabwe for cyclone relief efforts

    Zimbabwean newspaper The Herald reported that DR Congo could be kicked out of the tournament by CAF for trying to influence the result of the match against The Warriors on June 30 after a report by the Zimbabwe FA.

    According to the report the match was being investigated by a CAF emergency committee, who could remove DR Congo from the tournament and ban the country from the continental tournament for three years as well as issue a hefty fine.

    Read: AFCON 2019: Uganda move closer to last 16 with 1-1 draw with Zimbabwe

    The newspaper alleged that wealthy DR Congo politician and businessman Moise Katumbi was involved in a plot to sway Zimbabwe goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze to underperform in the 4-0 loss.

    However Hajji says it has not received any complaint from the Zimbabwe FA but insists any serious information on any match fixing on any game will be seriously investigated by CAF.

    “At the level of the CAF, there is no suspicion,” the Moroccan said at a press conference in Cairo on Friday when asked about the media reports of CAF investigating the match between Zimbabwe and DR Congo.

    “There is no hint of corruption about the Zimbabwe-DRC match in the third Group A match played on June 30, in Cairo.

    “But if it turned out that there was anything, and not only for this match, I remind you that our policy is a zero tolerance policy on corruption. As of today, there is no correspondence or issue.”

    Baroka FC keeper Chipezeze only played in the match after first-choice George Chigova picked up an injury during the warm-up but did not cover himself in glory, conceding some soft goals.

    Hajji was moved to comment about the issue after the newspaper reported that “a large sum of money was supposed to be transferred into the bank of the Zimbabwean goalkeeper but the transaction was not completed after an Egyptian bank raised the red flag and reportedly declined to handle the issue”.

    The author of this article claimed to have taken the information from “Alh Sports Cairo”, a newspaper that is supposed to be Egyptian but a thorough verification has revealed that this newspaper does not exist.

    DR Congo are due to play Madagascar in the last 16 of the tournament being played in Egypt.

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • 25% of Ghanaians earn GH¢400 or less – SSNIT explains low pensions

    Director-General of the Social Security National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), Dr John Ofori-Tenkorang, the often-cited low pension payment is because Ghanaians earn low salaries.

    Dr Ofori-Tenkorang revealed on the business edition of the PM Express on Thursday that some 25% of Ghanaian workers who contribute to the SSNIT scheme make as little as GHS400 Ghana cedis or less.

    Read: Manager granted bail for defaulting in SSNIT payments

    The monthly salary for a person earning the minimum wage of GHS8.8 is GHS264, meaning a quarter of Ghana workers earn a little above the daily minimum wage.

    “50% of all the contributors said they were earning gross salaries of 1,000 Ghana cedis or less In the formal sector. 71% of people in the formal sector say they are earning 1,800 or less,” the SSNIT boss read from a chart showing the distribution of monthly pensions versus salaries for February 2019.

    Read: SSNIT asked to redouble efforts to capture workers in informal sector

    Dr Ofori-Tenkorang said for Ghanaian workers to earn higher pension during retirement, allowances should be added to the basic salary.

    According to him, that will increase the total income on which pension are deducted.

    That, therefore, will require the amendment of the law regulating pensions but the National Pensions Regulatory Authority (NPRA) does not back the proposal for a review of the pension laws.

    CEO of the NPRA, Hayford Atta Krufi, said on PM Express on MultiTV that there can be a national conversation about the proposal but the current law must be made to work.

    “I believe that we need to get the law to work a little bit…because 2020 is actually where the first batch of those who came under Act 766 as amended will be going on mandatory retirement,” he said.

    He said if pension payments become the result of agitations about low payouts, growth and sustainability becomes an issue

    Source: Myjoyonline.com

  • Chaos at Kotobabi as Ghana card laptop goes missing

    One of the laptops used for the ongoing Ghana Card registration at the Christ Evangelical church centre at Kotobabi went missing sparking chaos at the centre Friday.

    The situation got to the attention of registration officials Friday morning when they were about to start work at about 8:00GMT, an eye witness told starrfm.com.gh.

    The exercise which has been going on at the centre for about a month now is supposed to come to an end on Saturday, July 6.

    The eye witness who spoke to starrfm.com.gh said one of the officials came to make an announcement to prospective registrants, urging them to go home because one of the missing laptop.

    The room at the Church premises where the equipment were stored overnight was not broken into.

    NIA registration officials at the centre have however reported the incident to the Kotobabi Police Station.

    Source: starrfm.com.gh

  • Drobonso chief escapes gun attack

    The chief of Drobonso in the Sekyere Afram Plains in the Ashanti Region escaped unhurt after some gunmen who blocked a section of the Drobonso-Kumawu road shot at a vehicle he was travelling in on Friday evening.

    Nana Dwamena Dankwah Dwibisaw, who was travelling from Kumawu to Drobonso noticed that portions of the road were blocked by persons suspected to be robbers.

    He refused to stop when the suspected robbers stopped his vehicle.

    They fired sporadically as he sped off.

    The chief was not hurt, but part of the vehicle was damaged.

    The Officer in charge at the Drobonso Police station, Chief Inspector Borbor confirmed the attack to Citi News.

    “After he [the chief] bypassed the thing, he called us. We also notified the Kwamahu police and they went to the scene but the robbers had left the scene.”

    A vehicle belonging to the Drobonso health centre which was travelling on the stretch also had its windscreen damaged during the attack.

    Police say they believe the robbers took advantage of the Kumawu-Bodomase market day to attack unsuspecting traders returning from the market on Friday.

    Police suspect some other vehicles travelling on that stretch might have also been victims.

    Source: citinewsroom.com

  • Jay Z is my mentor; he is the only person I look up to – Fella Makafui

    Fella Makafui has mentioned top American rapper, Jay Z, as the person who inspires her on her entrepreneurial journey.

    In a video sighted pulse.com.gh, the actress stated she is looking forward to be a real estate mogul and nobody inspires her apart from the rapper.

    “Jay z is my mentor, he has made it big because of real estate if you know you know, he is the only person I look up to,” she said.

    The actress empowered the youth to invest in entrepreneurial adventures, adding that in a few years to come, she will be a billionaire out of real estate business.

    Hear more from Fella Makafui in the video below.

    Source: Pulse.com.gh

  • Kwesi Pratt angry as Education Minister queues for US Visa

    Kwasi Pratt, Managing Editor of the Insight newspaper has descended heavily on the US Embassy in Ghana for what he describes as unfair treatment meted out to public office holders of the country especially to ministers.

    Speaking on Peace FM’s ‘Kokroko’ hosted by Kwame Sefa Kayi, Mr. Pratt who was informed about the Education Minister’s situation via a text couldn’t hide his disappointments.

    “I have received a text message from one big elderly man in Ghana, informing me of he seeing the Minister of Education queuing for a visa at the US Embassy”, he said.

    A peeved Mr. Pratt, asked, “Imagine, would a USA minister queue for a Visa to come to Ghana”.

    “I am so angry, I can’t help myself. I mean how, are that inferior to the extent that, our ministers cannot be accorded simple ordinary courtesies accorded to any minister anywhere in the world. What is this? …… so angry, so angry”, he told Kwame Sefa Kayi.

    Mr Pratt further asked the Akufo-led government to take immediate action to stop such ‘disrespect’ from the US embassy.

    “Why do we have to reduce ourselves to this level. This must not be allowed. Our government must put his foot down. The embassies must show respect to us (ministers). Why do they do that to us? …Minister for Education, queuing for a Visa?. Why, what at all is he going to do in the US, that is very important for him to go and queue for a Visa?”, he lamented.

    The United States of America has placed a visa ban on some category of applicants in Ghana over the failure of the Ghanaian government to collaborate with the deportation of Ghanaians arrested for illegally living in the US.

    A statement issued on February 1, 2019, by the US statement department said Ghana may be laden with further sanctions if the government does not begin to collaborate to receive its citizens marked for deportation.

    “Ghana has failed to live up to its obligations under international law to accept the return of its nationals removed from the United States,” a statement by Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen Nielsen said.

    It added: “Pursuant to her authority under Section 243(d) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen Nielsen notified Secretary of State Mike Pompeo that the Government of Ghana has denied or unreasonably delayed accepting their nationals ordered removed from the United States. As a result, Secretary of State Pompeo has ordered consular officers in Ghana to implement visa restrictions on certain categories of visa applicants.

    “Without an appropriate response from Ghana, the scope of these sanctions may be expanded to a wider population. The sanctions will remain in place until the Secretary of Homeland Security notifies Secretary Pompeo that cooperation on removals has improved to an acceptable level.”

    Source: Ghanaweb.com

  • Mass burial at Tamale Teaching Hospital over damaged morgue fridges

    The Tamale Teaching Hospital has embarked on a mass burial exercise following power surges that damaged five refrigerators at its morgue.

    The hospital in a statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, Dr. Ken Osei Mensah said: “as a result of the incident, the hospital secured a court order for the mass burial of unclaimed bodies that had accumulated at the morgue over a period of time.”

    Only one refrigerator at the morgue is currently functional.

    “The Biomedical Engineering Unit of the hospital has been able to get one of the fridges functional, by replacing one of the faulty outdoor units with an older one,” the statement added.

    The hospital blamed the unfortunate incident on power surges in the area on June 27, 2019.

    It said the company responsible for fixing the refrigerators has also been notified to expedite work on the devices so the morgue could resume full operation.

    “Electrical power surges experienced on 27th June 2019, at the Tamale Teaching Hospital, resulted in damage to the electrical boards of the outdoor units of all five mortuary fridges at the Department of Pathology. An enquiry at the Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo) control room confirmed [that] the power surges were as a result of challenges with some transmission lines.”

    “The project contractors, Vamed BV, responsible for the aftersales services of the fridges have been duly informed and are taking steps to replace the electrical boards of the outdoor units,” the statement added.

    There are reports that a total of 24 corpses were buried during the exercise.

    Below is the full statement from the hospital:

    Source: citinewsroom.com

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

    The Bechem Central Mosque in the Tano South Municipal Assembly has been closed down temporarily to prevent a possible violent clash between Hausas and some Moslems in Bechem Zongo.

    The Tano South Municipal Security Council took the decision on Friday having picked intelligence the likelihood of the two groups to engage clash.

    The two factions have been disputing over a parcel of land.

    The mosque will therefore not be opened for Friday Jummah prayers and other prayers indefinitely until the security situation improves.

    Source: 3news.com

  • NDC Primaries: Be mindful of your communications – Ako Gunn to aspirants

    The opposition National Democratic Congress Deputy National Communications Officer, Godwin Ako Gunn has cautioned the prospective Parliamentary aspirants of the party to be mindful on how to communicate.

    The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has slated August 24, 2019, for its parliamentary primaries.

    The exercise is expected to take place across all 275 constituencies in the country.

    General of the party, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah told journalists on Thursday that the party has also pegged filing of nominations forms at Twenty Five thousand Ghana cedis (GHC 25,000.00).

    Women and people living with disability have However, women and persons living with da disability would pay only twelve thousand five hundred Ghana cedis (GHC 12,500.00).

    Mr. Nketiah said all aspirants must satisfy the constitutional requirement which qualifies one to be a Member of Parliament.

    In a statement issued and signed by Ako Gunn, the Deputy National Communications Officer, copied to the media, cautioned the prospective aspirants to be mindful about their utterances in the media not to give the NPP message.

    “…The elephants are unhappy, they have their backs to the wall with no breathing space. My humble appeal to all aspirants is to be mindful of the interviews they grant, and the mischievous media houses that will try to hit heads together to generate controversies that will not enure to our benefit”, the statement emphasized.

    He added, “Let us always remember the main battle is with the elephant, and not among ourselves”.

    The statement, therefore, urged the aspirants to get in touch with the Communications Department for assistance on how to communicate to avoid inconvenience.

    “In case of assistance, kindly reach out to the communication department and we will be readily available to assist you”, the statement opined.

    The statement continued “Let us not give them a loaded gun to turn on us. Most political watchers know the NPP is on it’s way out, let the consistency in our communication not be diluted. We at the communication department can not gag you in your interviews, but we are pleading that we go through this phase in the most organized and serene manner exemplary of social democrats”.

    The statement noted that “The party’s school (Ghana Institute of Social Democracy) is also organizing programs that will be a guide to all those who want to help the party through the legislative arm of our government come 2021. It is our respected view that all should use this medium to build knowledge in all you need to know before, during and after campaign”.

    The statement concluded that “If there is anything more I can add, it will be a caution to all of us and for the aspirants to TALK TO THEIR SUPPORTERS; ESPECIALLY THE ONES ON SOCIAL MEDIA!!!”.

    Below is the full statement;

    PARLIAMENTARY CAMPAIGN SHOULD NOT DIVIDE US

    Yesterday’s announcement of the calendar for parliamentary primaries has seen a lot of posters flying on social media, whether it’s for real or “strategic” reasons, it is important I congratulate you ahead of time.

    I know many more will come out in the days ahead. It’s not an easy decision you have made, may it end well with you.

    Comrades, with this euphoria to push your ambitions further, let’s be careful not to elbow ourselves along this journey.

    Let us always remember the main battle is with the elephant, and not among ourselves.

    Our communication officers, communication team, headed by Comrade Sammy Gyamfi have been doing extremely well. The elephants are unhappy, they have their backs to the wall with no breathing space. My humble appeal to all aspirants is to be mindful of the interviews they grant, and the mischievous media houses that will try to hit heads together to generate controversies that will not enure to our benefit.

    In case of assistance, kindly reach out to the communication department and we will be readily available to assist you.

    Let us not give them a loaded gun to turn on us. Most political watchers know the NPP is on it’s way out, let the consistency in our communication not be diluted. We at the communication department can not gag you in your interviews, but we are pleading that we go through this phase in the most organized and serene manner exemplary of social democrats.

    The party’s school (Ghana Institute of Social Democracy) is also organizing programs that will be a guide to all those who want to help the party through the legislative arm of our government come 2021. It is our respected view that all should use this medium to build knowledge in all you need to know before, during and after campaign.

    Let us not abandon the work we are already doing at the registration centers, both at EC and Ghana card centers.

    Some of you have already been assisting with food, water, snacks and others. Others have been transporting people and many other forms of assistance. This is the spirit needed for victory in 2020.

    I hope and pray all executives from constituency, region and national will remain neutral.

    At the end of the day, in victory or in defeat, the candidate will accept it in good faith.

    I wish you all the best and have at the back of your mind that you are coming to office 2021.

    Your work will never be in vain; this will be our last internal elections before we face the elephant. Let’s remain united and focus as a party and there is nothing that can break us. It is well with us.

    If there is anything more I can add, it will be a caution to all of us and for the aspirants to TALK TO THEIR SUPPORTERS; ESPECIALLY THE ONES ON SOCIAL MEDIA !!!

    Keep Hope Alive

    Kun fa Yakun

    Signed!

    Godwin Ako Gunn

    Deputy National Communications Officer of NDC

    Source: Daniel Kaku

  • Bechem Central Mosque closed down for security reasons

    The Tano South Municipal Security Committee (MUSEC) in the Ahafo Region has closed down the Bechem Central Mosque for security reasons.

    The committee arrived at the decision following a review of the security situation in the town in relation to the dispute between the people of Hausas origin and other ethnic groups in the Bechem Zongo community over a piece of land, which has a potential of degenerating into violence.

    Read: Suspected child thief arrested at Sabon Zongo in Kumasi

    The review of the security situation in the town was necessitated following an early warning letter written by the Bono Regional Peace Council which warned of looming violence in the Tano South Municipality as tension continued to build up between the Bechem Chief Imam and the rest of the Muslim community at Bechem.

    In that letter, the Peace Council stated the Chief Imam, Alhaji Gari ba Ibrahim had been suspended indefinitely, there were, therefore, plans to prevent him to preside over Friday prayers.

    Read: Owusu Bempah begs Police for release of Zongo youth who attacked his church

    The Tano South Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Mr Collins Offinam Takyi, therefore, announced the closing down of the Bechem Central Mosque in a statement copied to the Ahafo Regional Minister, Evans Opoku-Bobbie, the Bono Regional Peace Council, Tano South Municipal Chief Imam, Ibrahim Gariba, and the Bono and Ahafo Regional chief Imams and other security agencies citing security reasons.

    Security reasons

    The statement said the MUSEC of the Tano South Municipal Assembly “wishes to inform you that, for security reasons, the Bechem Central Mosque has been temporarily closed for prayers from Friday, and any other day until further notice”.

    “In view of this, all Muslims at Bechem town are humbly informed that the Central Mosque will not be opened to Muslims to observe any of the prayers including today (Friday) Jummah prayers until the security situation in the town improves”.

    The statement apologised for inconveniences that would cause Muslims in the town and pleaded with all to comply for the sake of peace.

    Source: www.myjoyonline.com

  • Anti-new chamber campaigner disrupts Parliamentary proceedings

    Proceedings in Parliament were disrupted briefly Friday when the convener of the Economic Fighters League, Mr Ernesto Yeboah, unexpectedly shouted “Drop that Chamber. Drop that Chamber” from the public gallery.

    When he was being whisked out of the public gallery by security officers, Mr Yeboah, who is leading the social media campaign ‘Storm Parliament Now’, shouted “We don’t want any discussion on that matter.”

    Read: New chamber: Parliamentary board has not been fair to MPs Ablakwa

    Mr Yeboah, who is a former Youth Organiser of the Convention People’s Party (CPP) and two of his colleagues, whose names had not been provided, had been taken to the Parliament Police Station for interrogation.

    He shouted in Parliament when the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament (MP) for Adansi Asokwa, Mr K.T. Hammond, was making a submission on the new chamber.

    Mr Hammond had indicated that the discussion of the new chamber was as if the new chamber would be for only MPs.

    He said the proposed new chamber would be an important symbol of the country’s Parliamentary democracy.

    Mr Hammond wondered whether the public wanted “MPs to work under trees”.

    He, therefore, suggested that the issue of a new chamber should be brought to Parliament for a discussion.

    The National Democratic Congress (NDC) MP for North Tongu, Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, first raised the issue of the new chamber in Parliament stressing the need for the leadership of Parliament to table the issue for discussion.

    He said MPs were being bashed for taking a decision to construct a new chamber and indicated that the impression had been created as if members had met and taken the decision.

    Mr Ablakwa said most of them [MPs] had subscribed to the hashtag “Drop that Chamber”, and that he wanted MPs to be briefed on the matter as indicated by the Majority Leader, Mr Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu.

    Read: Parliamentary Chamber: Haruna, Bagbin part of decision makers Afenyo-Markins

    Responding, Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu said a joint caucus meeting would be held next week Tuesday to discuss the issue of the new chamber.

    Meanwhile, the Minority Leader, Mr Haruna Iddrisu, had broken his silence on the new chamber and indicated that the issue was discussed in principle at the Board meeting.

    He said the financials, procurement or terms of the contract for the project had not been concluded.

    Mr Iddrisu said the Speaker of Parliament, Prof Aaron Michael Quaye, had requested to meet him and Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu last Friday for 15 minutes to present the concept of the new chamber.

    He said he was a member of the six-member Parliamentary Service Board (PSB) chaired by Prof Oquaye, that considered the issue in principle and he was not ready to breach that confidence.

     

    Source: Graphic.com.gh

  • Multiple abortions leading cause of ectopic pregnancy Expert

    A Senior Medical Officer at the Police Hospital, Dr. Faisal Ayembillah has said multiple abortions have been identified as the major cause of ectopic pregnancy cases in the country.

    Speaking in an interview with Johnnie Hughes on TV3 New Day, Dr. Ayembilla revealed that women who suffer infections for over a period of 5-years, or those who have engaged in repeated abortions have been identified to suffer the condition most during pregnancy.

    Ectopic pregnancy occurs when the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus which causes blood loss and injuring of the organs around the uterus is left to grow.

    Read:7,575 girls drop out of school over pregnancy

    Dr. Ayembillah said the dangerous aspect of this condition is that half of the women who suffer this, are not aware of this condition since the signs develop two months after conception.

    Ectopic pregnancy, he added, is not hereditary and termed it as a condition that should receive a lot of medical attention.

    “Yes as rightly mentioned, there are some risk factor, particularly, this one is not one of those that has anything to do with the hereditary conditions”

    According to the doctor, aside the multiple abortions, the condition can occur due to the result of previous or not well treated infections.

    Read:Queen mothers consider reintroduction of puberty rites to fight teenage pregnancy

    “We know very well that when women get infections, and they do not know particularly the symptoms, and so let say you had an infection five years ago, it predisposes you to getting an ectopic pregnancy”.

    Ectopic pregnancy is believed to affect women from the ages of 18-35years.

    A damaged fallopian tube, use of fertility drugs, scarring from previous pelvic surgeries, pelvic inflammation diseases (PID) amongst a few others also cause ectopic pregnancy.

    Treatments for this condition include medication and surgery to remove the tissue because the fertilized egg cannot survive outside the uterus.

    Source: 3news.com

  • 334,000 Ghanaians living with HIV

    Authorities at the National AIDS Control Programme, have revealed that 334,000 Ghanaians are living with HIV in Ghana.

    Dr Rapheal Adu-Gyamfi, a Programme Officer in the Clinical Care Unit of National AIDS Control Programme, said on the Ghana Yensom show on Accra 100.5FM on Friday, 5 July 2019 that in 2018, there were 19,931 new cases of HIV recorded.

    Read:2,186 pregnant mothers tested HIV positive in 2018

    Also, there were 14,181 HIV/AIDS-related deaths in the same period, he said.

    Dr Adu-Gyamfi further indicated that the Commission is disturbed with the number of people who are living with HIV but are unaware.

    He encouraged Ghanaians to go for routine medical checks to know their status.

    Read:Dr Duncan honoured for discovery of potential cure of HIV/AIDS

    “What is worrying has to do with the people living with the virus but are unaware. Because the virus has not graduated into AIDS, they do not feel anything and these people are likely to spread the disease to others,” he told show host Kwabena Prah Jnr (The Don).

    “This is super dangerous,” he said.

    Source: classfmonline.com

  • 19-year-old barber jailed for stealing plantains to take care of girlfriend

    The Koforidua District Magistrate Court “A” has sentenced a 19-year-old barber, Solomon Aklotey, to two months imprisonment for stealing plantain.

    Aklotey pleaded guilty to the charge of stealing when put before the court presided over by His Worship Osei Asibey. He was then sentenced to a fine of GH¢600 in default serve two months in prison with hard labour.

    Aklotey who is said to be an orphan could not pay the fine hence thrown into jail.

    Tears

    Aklotey could not hold back his tears as he cried uncontrollably while being whisked into a waiting vehicle to Prison.

    Read:Caller breaks down on JoyFM over new Parliamentary Chamber

    Few family members in court were also seen shedding tears in sympathy.

    The trial

    The prosecutor, Chief Inspector, Solomon Richmond Keelson, told the Court that on July 2, 2019, at about 6 am police personnel on duty at Nkurakan Police checkpoint led by Sergeant Alfred Diyou on their routine inspection found a fertilizer sack which contained six bunches of plantain in the boot of a Toyota Hiace with registration number WR 844-14.

    The prosecutor said, the Police personnel at the check point became suspicious and questioned the convict who claimed ownership of the items. Aklotey admitted during interrogation that he stole the plantains.

    He was then led to the farms where he stole the produce at Airport and Dorse, both suburbs of Nkurakan community.

    Read:Ayomso Police chase two brothers for breaking cell

    The owners of the farms lodged an official complaint at the Police station upon which the Aklotey was charged with the offence and put before court on Thursday.

    The Convict pleaded guilty but explained that he stole the plantains to sell to take care of his girlfriend who has given birth recently but unable to give her money for her upkeep.

    The Presiding Judge, His Worship Osei Asibey sentenced him to a fine of GH¢600 but could not pay hence he is to serve a default sentence of two months

    Source: starrfm.com.gh

  • Court fines man, 39 for forgery

    A Madina District Magistrate Court in Accra presided over by His Worship Richard Delali Anku has given judgment in a case in which a 39-year-old Cartographer, Justice Kobina Arthur, faced trial for forging documents for Aberic Mining Company, contrary to section 158 of the Criminal Offences Act 1960.

    Justice Kobina Arthur was accused of forging the official seal of the Regional Head of the Surveying and Mapping Division of the Lands Commission. Justice Kobina Arthur was also accused of forging the stamp, license number, signature and address of Dr. John Kofi Borsah who is a Licensed Land Surveyor.

    Read:131 Courts observe adr week

    In court on May 30, this year, Inspector Joyce Ninson for prosecution said the complainants Dr. John Kofi Borsah and Robert Hackman Antwi reside in Cape Coast and Koforidua, Accra respectively while the accused resides at Adenta also in Accra.

    The prosecution said on December, 3 2018, at about 12:15 hours both complainants reported at the Airport Police Station that they had cited a map supposed to have been prepared by Dr. John Kofi Borsah and approved by the Regional Head of the Surveying and Mapping Division of the Lands Commission who is Robert Hackman Antwi for Aberic Mining Company Limited and submitted to the Minerals Commission.

    On the map, the signatures, stamp, seal, license number, address and names of the complainants had been forged.

    Read:ModernGhana case: Trumped-up charges will be decimated in court Lawyer

    Subsequently, the police officially wrote to the Minerals Commission for more information on the mining company leading to the arrest of Justice Kobina Arthur on December, 17, 2018.

    After investigations, he was charged with two counts of the offence of Forgery of Documents contrary to section 158 of the criminal offences Act, 1960 (Act 29)

    The accused person pleaded guilty to both charges and was sentenced on his own plea of guilty to a fine of fifty penalty units on each count amounting to GHC 600 on each count to run concurrently. In default, he would serve a term of imprisonment of 12 months with hard labour.

    Source: Akosua Boaduwaa

  • NADMO directors rescind strike threats after financial clearance

    The National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) Directors in the various Metropolitan, Municipal and District offices have backed down on their intended strike which was scheduled to begin today, July 5, 2019.

    The directors on June 24 threatened to stage a nationwide protest with their families over unpaid salaries.

    The NADMO directors had accused the Finance and Interior Ministries of failing to pay them 18 months after they started work.

    Read:Pay our 18-month arrears now or we march NADMO Directors

    A letter sighted by Citi News shows that the financial clearance for the payment of the directors has been granted for the first batch of directors.

    “Financial clearance is hereby granted the Ministry of Interior to enable the Director-General of the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) pay salaries of the first batch of two hundred and fifty-five (225) appointed personnel out of 626 personnel,” the statement added.

    Read:NADMO receives GH¢1 million to pay June 3 flood victims

    The letter is dated June 21, 2019 and it notes that the clearance expires on December 31, 2019.

    Some directors in the Eastern Region told Citi News that the long-awaited financial clearance which is a step in addressing their grievances is the reason why they have decided to back down on the protest.

    Source: citinewsroom.com

  • Kanye West’s new song ‘Brothers’ has fans wondering if it’s about Jay Z

    “We’ll be brothers forever.”

    That’s the chorus of Kanye West’s new song with Charlie Wilson titled, “Brothers.”

    The song debuted this week during the Season 2 premiere of Irv Gotti’s BET series, “Tales.”

    Read:Kanye West sued by the parents of 4-year-old

    But the song was cut off, so Gotti took to Instagram to post the full song and even jumped in on the fan theories as to who West might be rapping about.

    “There is a lot of speculation right now on who is Kanye West rapping about on the song Brothers. So here is the song. That BET cut off because of there [sic] way of airing episodes. But it was always meant for the audience to hear the whole record,” he wrote on Instagram. “Listen. And decide for yourself if you think Kanye is rapping about Jay Z or Virgil. But Ye’s brothers. And also let me know if you liked the episode and song. We did it for yall. My hip hop culture. -IG”

    Read:Kanye West demands a “public apology” from Drake for following Kim Kardashian

    Fans are debating whether the song is about his estranged relationship with rapper Jay Z or Virgil Abloh, the artistic director of Louis Vuitton’s men’s wear collection.

    Check out the song and decide for yourself.

    Source: CNN.com

  • Key clauses in Bernard Tekpeteys loan move to Fortuna Düsseldorf

    German top-flight Fortuna Düsseldorf are set to announce the imminent arrival of Bernard Tekpetey on loan from Schalke 04.

    The Bundesliga clubs reached an agreement over the details of the contract after fruitful negotiations on Thursday.

    Read:Schalke want to re-sign Paderborn star Bernard Tekpetey

    The 21-year-old striker will initially join Düsseldorf on a two-year loan deal. The Flingeraner, however, can exercise their option to buy him outright for €2.5m at the end of his loan stint.

    The Royal Blues have also inserted an €8m buy-back clause in the contract.

    Read:Ghanaian duo Tekpetey, Antwi-Adjei score to secure Paderborn semis place in German FA Cup

    Tekpetey scored 10 goals and 6 assists in 32 league appearances in the German second division last season to help SC Paderborn secure Bundesliga promotion.

    Source: Footballmadeinghana.com

  • Black Satellites to begin Camping on Saturday

    The Black Satellites of Ghana will begin camping on Saturday at Prampram ahead of the all African games in “Rabat” Morroco.

    The tournament is scheduled to take place from 19th to 31th of August 2019 but the team is yet to start preparing for the competition.

    Read:Watch wild Ghana dressing room celebrations after reaching 2019 AFCON knock-out stages

    Head coach of the team Yaw Preko will invite 30 man squad to begin camping as they look to prepare well for the tournament.
    The team will be meeting for the first time since their poor performance at the Africa Youth Championship held in Niger earlier this year.

    Read:Nii Lante Vanderpuye wants Gyan, Ayew, Kwadwo Asamoah axed from Black Stars

    The Black Satellites are the only football team representing the nation in the upcoming tournament.

    Source: Footballmadeinghana.com

  • Trump lauds military at Independence Day celebrations

    President Donald Trump has praised the US military in a speech at an Independence Day event in Washington DC.

    Read:Democrats take Trump tax return fight to court

    The Salute to America event featured military flyovers and fireworks, drawing crowds despite the rainy weather.

    Read:Trump says to talk trade with Japanese leader Abe at G20

    Opponents accused Mr Trump of wasting money and politicising the holiday ahead of his re-election campaign.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Police save mentally unstable man from being killed over alleged kidnapping

    A 25-year old man was nearly lynched Thursday after he was accused of kidnapping four children at Ejisu in the Ashanti region.

    The man, whose name was not given, was arrested with four children under a strange circumstance, causing some residents to raise kidnapping alert.

    Read: The mentally ill 29-year-old helped to die by Dutch doctors

    He was beaten to the point of being lynched but the swift intervention by the police saved the suspect and was immediately taken to the Ejisu Divisional Police Command for interrogation.

    Police investigators concluded after a thorough interrogation that the suspect is mentally unstable.

    Divisional Police commander, ACP Stephen Tane Ngissah, said they have also established the four children the man was said to have kidnapped were actually his nephews.

    “After realising one of the children was in a school uniform with Tikrom M/A primary stamp on it, we contacted the Assembly woman for the area to assist in identifying the families of the children. She came, identified them, and called their grandmother. The grandmother of the children, Ama Agyapomaah, confirmed that the suspect too is her son but is suffering from mental illness” ACP Ngissah said.

    Recent incidents of kidnapping in the country have put residents on high alert.

    But the police chief is cautioning the public against instant justice.

    “The public should not be quick in taking the law into their hands when they suspect a crime else innocent lives will be lost”

    Source: 3news.com

  • Plane fire: Virgin Atlantic flight makes emergency landing

    A Virgin Atlantic flight has made an emergency landing in Boston after a fire broke out on board.

    The plane was travelling from New York to London on Thursday night when the fire started, forcing the crew to divert the flight.

    No major injuries were reported and all 217 passengers were safely evacuated from the aircraft at Boston’s Logan International Airport.

    Police believe a mobile phone power bank may have caused the fire.

    Read:2 young Ghanaians make it to Forbes 30 under 30 startup hub in Boston

    Bomb disposal officers inspected the aircraft after it landed and found a device between the cushions of the seat where the blaze started.

    “Preliminary investigation suggests it is a battery pack consistent in appearance with an external phone charger,” a police spokesman told reporters.

    While no-one suffered major injuries, one passenger refused treatment for a “smoke related complaint”.

    Virgin Atlantic confirmed in a statement that the flight had been diverted to Boston “due to reports of smoke in the cabin”.

    Read:2 young Ghanaians make it to Forbes 30 under 30 startup hub in Boston

    “Our crew responded immediately and the plane has landed safely”, it said,

    The airline added that it was investigating the incident to “fully understand the circumstances”, and was finding accommodation and alternative flights for affected passengers.

    An American Airlines flight also made an emergency landing at the airport earlier on Thursday after a cockpit light indicated an unspecified potential mechanical problem as it approached Boston.

    Source: bbc.com

  • ModernGhana journos, Peace FM editor charged with theft

    Two journalists working with the online news portal, Modernghana.com, Emmanuel Adjafor Abugri and Emmauel Britwum, have been slapped with conspiracy to commit crime, stealing and unauthorised access to electronic records.

    Also charged with the offense is editor of Peace FM, Yaw Obeng Manu, following their arrest and interrogation by officers from the National Security and the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Police Service.

    Read: I was never beaten, tortured ModernGhana reporter contradicts editor

    The journalists were picked up from their offices last week in connection with alleged hacking claims but were later released by the National Security.

    According to National Security, initial investigations suggested that the attacks, which were being deployed by associates of the online portal, are targetted at other media houses.

    Read: National Security never tortured me; never saw my Deputy Editor tortured ModernGhana reporter

    The state security said the suspects have been hacking into the emails and servers of popular competing websites and newsrooms.

    By so doing, they intercept emails and stories being filed by correspondents for their own use.

    PeaceFm editor, Yaw Obeng Manu was subsequently invited and questioned over the same matter.

    One of the journalists Emmanuel Adjafor Abugri has since levelled allegations of torture against the National Security, a claim the state security agency has vehemently denied.

    His other colleague, Emmanuel Britwum, in a statement issued on his behalf Wednesday, says he was neither tortured nor brutalised.

    But his statement is, however, now being challenged.

    Meanwhile, Lawyer for Emmanuel Adjafor Abugri who alleged he was tortured by national security operatives, has predicted the state will struggle to justify its barbaric act in court.

    Samson Lardy Anyenini described the arrests as “unlawful, criminal and unconstitutional”.

    Source: Myjoyonline.com

  • Is Bisa Kdei highlife king? We’ll judge with a brand new song with TopFlite

    The controversy over who the true highlife king is has been going on for some time now but what about you the listener. What does the audience really think and who in their rating deserves the title.

    Award-winning musician, Bisa Kdei is no novice to the game. He’s been there and done that with chart-topping songs that got him to tour the world.

    His decision to jump on a fast-rising artiste’s song means that we should take a second look at that artiste called TopFlite. The two musicians got into the studio after Bisa Kdei saw TopFlite perform at an event and he was impressed with his vocal delivery.

    The new song is title, “Love” and featured Bisa Kdei.

    In an interview with Ghvibe.com, Topflite Musik explained that he traded this indigenous path to help rekindle the highlife fire in the country and beyond. He explained that Highlife was given little attention in recent days.

    “The youths who are talented and can sing have abandoned highlife to join other foreign genres although highlife music is the genuine genre for us Africans” — TopFlite, a highlife singer signed on AVIS Record.

    The song which was produced by WillyF Beat was engineered with real African jazz drums, arcade sounds on the keyboard and intricately woven guitar vibes, depicting the old highlife sounds merged with the current trend of Afrobeat feels.

    Since love is a universal element, Topflite Musik dealt in his song “Love” on varying grounds, the importance of love and how to apply it in everyday life.

    The carefully selected lyrics on the song coupled with its rich instrumentation, will win all hearts and probably draw people of our nation back to Highlife music.

    So there you have. Your chance to rate who the real king of highlife should be. Listen and share your thoughts below.

    Source: Kelly Nii Lartey Mensa