About 19 miles away from Iceland‘s capital, Reykjavik, is where the eruption is.
Following a string of earthquakes that were detected over the weekend, a volcanic eruption has jolted Iceland.
Drone video captures the lava flowing on the Reykjanes peninsula, which is close to the country’s capital, Reykjavik.
According to today’s statement from the nation’s Meteorological Office (IMO), it follows significant quake activity in the region.
‘At the moment, it is a very small eruption,’ Matthew Roberts of the service and research division at the IMO stressed.
Smoke billowing from the flowing lava (Picture: AFP)
On Sunday, a 5.2-magnitude earthquake shook the whole of Iceland, one of the strongest in recent days.
There are no disruptions to arrivals and departures at the main airport, Keflavik, as of yet, according to the website.
A statement from the IMO read: ‘An eruption has started just northwest of Litli Hrutur.
‘Last night a M 5.2 earthquake was detected just ESE of Mount Keilir. This event is the largest one in the current seismic activity. Aftershocks are very likely and can reach up to M4.
‘Two earthquakes over M4 were detected yesterday morning, the larger a M4.3 at 8.28am located next to Keilir.
On July 8, an earthquake of magnitude 4.5 was detected at lake Kleifarvatn. This quake is most likely caused by stress changes.
‘Since July 4, over 1,200 earthquakes have been detected between Fagradalsfjall and Keilir. The current swarm is caused by a dike intrusion beneath the area.’
A significant border between Russia and the annexed Crimea has been temporarily closed as a result of a Ukrainian missile attack.
The Kerch Bridge’s traffic was stopped in both directions after Russian air forces claimed they had shot down a missile nearby.
According to the Russian research group Rybar, Ukraine employed a “modernised missile from an S-200 complex with a range of about 250 miles.”
According to sources, the weapon was brought down on Sunday on the Kerch, or Crimean, side of the 10-mile bridge.
It appears there were no casualties but any damage to the bridge will be seen as a blow to Moscow.
The bridge is largely seen as a vanity project for Vladimir Putin, who ordered the £3 billion crossing to be built after he illegally invaded Crimea in 2014.
It was severely damaged last October when a ‘truck bomb’ blew up and killed at least three people, Russian investigators said at the time.
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky previously said his government ‘did not order’ the attack but his deputy minister of defence, Hanna Maliar, seemingly admitted responsibility over the weekend.
As part of a list of 12 Ukrainian achievements posted on Telegram, he said: ‘273 days ago, (we) launched the first strike on the Crimean bridge to disrupt Russian logistics.’
Sergey Aksyonov, head of the pro-Russian government in Crimea, said: ‘In the Kerch area, air defence forces shot down a cruise missile. No damage or casualties.
‘I ask everyone to remain calm and rely only on trusted sources of information.’
Russia was already fearful of disgruntled Wagner fighters, who have turned against Putin, would try to destroy the bridge.
Last week, tourists heading to the Black Sea peninsula faced severe delays of up to seven hours, as each vehicle was subject to strict security checks.
Guards went to extremes, which included sending children to get x-rays and inspecting every single section of the cars, such as the glove compartments, according to citizen information service InformNapalm.
Now, Russian war channels are discussing the possibility the Ukrainian military will set its sights on the bridge again.
Kyiv previously made a video targeted at Russians planning holidays in Crimea, warning them to ‘stay away’.
The slightly bizarre clip, which was released by the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence, starts with the question: ‘Big plans this summer?’
It begins like a budget ad with grainy clips of surfers in the water, with captions that read: ‘A travel advisory is in effect for certain beaches.
’We warned you last summer to stay away from Crimea.’
The video then suddenly cuts to images of explosions and tourists fleeing missile attacks. A Russian woman is also shown crying in the back of a car.
‘Our seasonal forecast calls for stormy weather,’ it warns finally before ending with lightning.
A car collided with a parked lorry at a layby near Stonehenge in Wiltshire, killing an 11-year-old kid.
Around 7.30 p.m. yesterday, emergency personnel were called to the site on the A303.
In a layby on the westbound carriageway, they discovered a black BMW that had hit the back of a lorry.
The young Londoner was pronounced dead there and then.
Wiltshire Police said the driver of the car, a man in his 40s, and a passenger, a 15-year-old boy, had been taken to Southampton General Hospital after suffering potentially life-changing injuries. Both are also from London.
The driver of the lorry was not injured in the incident.
The A303 eastbound has now reopened, police said, but the westbound carriageway remains closed.
Acting Inspector Will Ayres of the Roads Policing Unit said: ‘This is a tragic incident where a young boy has lost his life and two more people are in a serious condition in hospital.
‘Their next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers. Our thoughts are with them at this very difficult time.
‘I would urge anyone who witnessed anything to please get in touch with us.’
Co-director of Tbilisi Pride, Mariam Kvaratskhelia, confirmed all the event’s participants had been safely moved to a different area.
But she went on to criticise the authorities’ policing of the Pride event, which she said had been held in private for a second consecutive year to reduce the risk of such violent protests.
The Pride event had been held in private, but a large group was still able to disrupt celebrations (Picture: Reuters)Police – some simply wearing a black top and a cap – scuffle with protesters (Picture: Reuters)A European Union flag was thrown into a bonfire at one stage (Picture: Reuters)The police response to the aggression has been criticised (Picture: Davit Kachkachishvili/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
Ms Kvaratskhelia said far-right groups had publicly incited violence against LGBTQ+ activists in the days leading up to the Pride events.
She added: ‘I definitely think this (disruption) was a preplanned, coordinated action between the government and the radical groups… We think this operation was planned in order to sabotage the EU candidacy of Georgia.’
Protesters reportedly stayed and drank champagne following the evacuation, according to the Pride event organisers.
Earlier today, a government minister said it was a difficult event to police as it was held in an open area, near a lake.
Huge crowds of protesters had descended on the Pride event (Picture: Reuters)Signs, flags and posters were destroyed in the chaos (Picture: Reuters)
Deputy Interior Minister Alexander Darakhvelidze told reporters: ‘The protesters managed to find… ways to enter the area of the event, but we were able to evacuate the Pride participants and organisers,” Deputy Interior Minister Alexander Darakhvelidze told reporters.
‘Nobody was harmed during the incident and police are now taking measures to stabilise the situation.’
Georgia’s President Salome Zourabichvili, a frequent critic of the government, echoed the criticism of the police, saying officers had failed in their duty to uphold people’s right to assemble safely.
The country is in the midst of political discourse concerning its future and shifts in society.
Georgia aspires to join the European Union, but its ruling Georgian Dream Party has faced increased criticism from rights groups and the EU over its perceived drift towards authoritarianism.
After violent street protests in March, it withdrew a Russian-style bill that would have required non-government organisations receiving more than 20% of their funding from abroad to register as ‘agents of foreign influence’.
Georgia has passed laws against discrimination and hate crimes, but LGBT+ rights groups say there is a lack of adequate protection by law enforcement officials and homophobia remains widespread in the socially conservative South Caucasus nation.
Two years ago, several journalists were beaten during attacks on LGBT+ activists in Tbilisi.
One of the journalists, cameraman Alexander Lashkarava, was later found dead at his home, sparking angry protests in the Georgian capital.
Tamaz Sozashvili, a co-founder of Tbilisi Pride,previously told Metro.co.uk that the riots remain the ‘scariest day of my life’.
He said: ‘It took me a few months to recover from the stress. I didn’t want to go out and show up in public spaces to socialize because of disappointment, hopelessness, and anger.
‘A violent gang chased the organizers of Tbilisi Pride, including myself, to kill us and ransacked the offices of Tbilisi Pride and our partner Shame Movement, but the government failed either to prevent or to bring perpetrators to justice.’
Sensitisation on the activities of terrorism has been beefed in the country as the National Security Ministry has extended the “See something, say something” campaign to the Upper East Region.
As part of a series of regional initiatives, the ongoing campaign by the Ministry of National Security seeks to raise awareness among residents in the Upper East Region about personal security and activities that may pose a threat to community safety. The campaign aims to foster active participation from the community in safeguarding and maintaining national security.
According to the ministry, national security is a shared responsibility that requires the general buy-in of citizens to complement the effort of government.
Thus, the campaign in the region is to sensitize members of border communities to be vigilant at all times and share information with security agencies or call a toll-free number (999) on suspicious activities and characters to avert a possible mishap.
The ministry said, the campaign, now more than ever, had become important given happenings in neighbouring countries, particularly Burkina Faso.
Addressing a cross-section of residents in the respective districts in the region, Mrs. Akosua Danquah Ntim Sekyere, leader of the campaign team, indicated that the influx of refugees from Burkina Faso into the region required vigilance from the residents to identify and report suspicious characters, adding that “we can’t be sure of who is coming in, even though some come in with refugee status.
You cannot look at a person’s face and tell their intentions; hence, public education is aimed at sensitising the citizenry to be aware of the dangers that come with the influx of refugees, as well as their roles as citizens to help safeguard national security.”
Mrs. Ntim Sekyere further expressed concern at the rate of prank calls to the emergency call center (toll-free number 999) and admonished all to desist from the practise and only call to report suspicious activities or characters. According to her, “Out of the calls received at the call centre daily, prank calls outnumber valid calls, a very worrying trend.”
She indicated that the campaign was a national assignment devoid of political affiliations and urged traditional leaders and members of the communities to contribute to safeguarding national security.
Residents were also urged to maintain effective communication channels with community leaders and security agencies, promote openness, and share information by observing and reporting individuals exhibiting signs of radicalisation or unusual behaviours.
The traditional leaders across the border communities commended the government for the initiative and called for the improvement of border security measures, including unapproved routes.
They also pledged their unflinching support for the campaign as well as ensuring peace and stability in their respective communities and the region as a whole.
The flagship campaign launched last year by the Ministry of National Security has been executed in the Eastern, Ashanti, and Volta regions.
The campaign which is aimed at creating a safer environment by raising awareness and promoting proactive involvement in countering potential security threats, will be replicated in the other twelve (12) regions.
A potential candidate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential nomi
nation, Dr Konadu Apraku, has expressed his dedication to ensuring that the perspectives and concerns of the Volta Region hold significance and are taken into account in the governance of Ghana.
As he undertakes a tour of the Volta Region, Dr Apraku seeks to empower and actively engage grassroots communities in the policy-making process, should he assume the presidency of Ghana.
In an interview with Volta Star Radio, Dr. Kofi Konadu Apraku reiterated his unwavering commitment to giving priority to the needs and viewpoints of the populace. This marks Dr. Apraku’s fourth attempt at running for the NPP presidential nomination.
Dr. Kofi Konadu Apraku urged Ghanaians to embrace fresh ideas and innovative approaches, emphasizing the importance of assuming leadership in the sub-region to play a pivotal role in Africa’s progress.
While acknowledging the accomplishments of the NPP government, he emphasized the need to do even better, ensuring that every cent invested brings tangible results.
Addressing the delegates in the Volta Region, the NPP aspirant appealed for their endorsement of a leader who possesses the ability and capacity to generate employment opportunities and foster unity among the people. Dr. Kofi Konadu Apraku emphasized the importance of transcending the divisive tendencies currently present in the political landscape of the country.
He advised the delegates to remain united as a people, despite occasional disagreements, emphasizing the significance of shared goals and a common national identity.
Furthermore, Dr. Kofi Konadu Apraku highlighted the pressing need for a leader who can reconcile the nation and foster a political environment conducive to accelerated development.
Pat Thomas, a renowned Ghanaian Highlife singer and songwriter, admitted that his work with Grammy-winning rapper Sarkodie stands out as his most memorable collaboration.
Sarkodie and Pat Thomas worked together to create the classic highlife song “Bra” for his 2015 album Mary. One of the best highlife songs from Ghana, the song has received international recognition.
Pat Thomas claims that the partnership had a big influence on his long career.
Speaking to Akua Sika on Happy 98.9FM’s Happy Evening Drive he said, “Just because time changes I like what I did with Sarkodie. I have a lot of songs with other musicians like, KK Fosu, Kwame Eugene, Daddy Lumba and many others and although they are all successful, the one I did with Sarkodie stands out.”
He considers it to be one of those songs that always sounds fresh when it is played, making it one of his favourites.
National Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Sammy Gyamfi, has asserted that the members of parliament from the NPP (New Patriotic Party) were compelled to support the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill 2021 (anti-LGBTQ+ bill) due to pressure from the constituents of Assin North.
He claims that the Members of Parliament (MPs) from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) were intentionally delaying the passage of the bill until the Assin North election took place.
During the NDC’s celebratory rally to mark their victory in the Assin North by-election, Sammy Gyamfi asserted that it was the choice of Assin North voters to reject the government that compelled the MPs to reconsider their positions.
“After the people of Assin North taught them (the NPP MPs) a small lesson during the by-election they have changed their minds. During the second reading of the anti-LGBTQ+ bill in Parliament, they all raised their hands in support after they were initially hesitating.
“It was only one person who spoke against the bill, her name is Ursula Owusu,” he said in the Twi dialect.
He added that if the government has truly learnt a lesson from the people of Assin North, it should withdraw the suits it has sent people to file in court against the bill.
Meanwhile, the MP for Ningo Prampram, Sam Nartey George, has said that only one of the three New Patriotic Party (NPP) MPs, who were initially supporting the Anti-LGBTQ+ bill, stayed loyal to the drafting of the bill.
Speaking in an interview on Neat FM on Thursday, July 6, 2023, Sam George said that the NPP MP who stayed loyal to the course was the MP for Assin South and Deputy Minister for Education, Reverend John Ntim Fordjour.
According to him, the other NPP MPs who were initially sponsoring the bill failed to attend meetings to draft the bill and even missed the final presentation of the bill to the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, because of the pressures they were under.
The MP made these remarks while reacting to a statement by Andy Kwame Appiah-Kubi, the MP for Asante Akim, who was part of the NPP MPs initially sponsoring the anti-LGBTQI bill, that he was not present for the presentation of the bill because he was busy.
“He had sixteen meetings to put together the bill with the coalition. Ask him (Andy Appiah) Kubi whether he attended any of these meetings. Every time, they have an excuse to give, even on the day of the presentation they want to give an excuse.
“If today all of them are now on board, they are welcome. But I would continue to celebrate Honourable Ntim Fordjour because on that day (the day of the presentation of the bill) we knew the pressure that he came under but he said he was a priest and he believed it was the right thing to do,” Sam George said.
Efia Odo, an actress and socialite, has talked about how she unexpectedly decided to enter the music business.
Efia Odo is well-known in the entertainment industry, where she is primarily recognized as an actress. A few years later, however, she started a new career in music.
In an interview with Zionfelix, she revealed how she developed love for music. She said she loved to sing growing up, she wanted to be an actress which she turned about to be but in 2018 when the world was fighting Covid, she came to the realization that it was music she wanted to do.
“The funny thing is I have been going to the studio since 2018. I think around Covid was when I started to explore that talent because I had an ear for music already and I like rapping and anytime I listen to a song, I try to reinvent it and do the music my own way. So, I already had like a want to do the music. So, during Covid, you know the lockdown, I get bored and I started to explore that avenue and I see that I really had a passion for it”, she explained.
The actress, during the engagement, lauded Kwame Yeboah, the popular Ghanaian instrumentalist, and producer who influenced her to venture into music as well as gave her some guidelines on how to go out it.
“I started working with Kwame Yeboah. It’s funny because in 2019, his people sent me a message and they said you look like you can do music so why don’t I do music. So, I started going to his studio and he teaches me one or two things about music
“Kwame Yeboah didn’t train me but gave me some guidelines on finding my voice because when I went to him, I had this aggressive vibe but he advised me to relax, pay attention to the beat and find my voice through the beat”, she said.
Since she started her musical career, Efia Odo has only released three songs: “Going to the Bag,” “Roll Over,” and “Freak.”
Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of Ho, Divine Bosson, has expressed the commitment of the Municipal Assembly and other relevant stakeholders to address the persistent problem of flooding in the Ho municipality.
The MCE emphasised that the key to resolving the flooding issue in Ho lies in the implementation of a comprehensive drainage system, including the construction of numerous drains and gutters.
The latest flooding tragedy affected many houses and stores Saturday, 8 July 2023.
“Ho needs a lot of drains and gutters to contain the volume of water that is passing through the gutters anytime it rains. It must be a well-engineered project and we will put the report together after the final assessment by the disaster managers,” Mr Bosson said.
He said the Municipal Assembly will apply the necessary effort and send a final assessment report to Accra for attention.
The MCE was speaking to the media on Sunday morning after his tour of the affected areas in the Ho municipality after Saturday’s heavy rain.
He blamed the situation partly on human activities such as building on waterways among others.
He urged residents, especially those who litter gutters and those building and farming on waterways, to immediately put a stop to it.
He, however, sympathized with all victims of Saturday’s flood which has affected many houses and stores in the municipality causing damages estimated to be in millions of cedis.
Ghanaian singer Camidoh has expressed his displeasure with TV3 Ghana for providing poor sound production for his performance at yesterday’s “Perfect Match Xtra” finale.
The award-winning singer was scheduled to perform at the reality show’s grand finale on TV3, but he was unimpressed with the show because “literally no one could enjoy” it.
In a series of tweets, Camidoh has called out TV3 stating that although they’re family, they need to know where they went wrong.
“Dear @tv3_ghana ya’ll are family fr fr and so I’ll keep it real with ya’ll … The sound production for my performance last night was so poor, literally no one could enjoy it!!! E pain me !!!” he tweeted.
Watch Camidoh’s performance at TV3
Watch A Snippet of Camidoh’s Performance On TV3 Perfect Match Xtra Grand Finale That Left Him Feeling Let Down By The Production Team.💔 pic.twitter.com/2jLl2JdBJ1
South Dayi Member of Parliament (MP), Rockson-Nelson Etse Kwami Dafeamekpor, has lashed out at activists, supporters, and members of the LGBTQ+ community, especially those who condemn animal cruelty.
The outspoken MP finds it very ironic and cannot fathom how some people would condemn killing animals, but would not see the harm in others wanting to engage in sexual activities with animals.
“People want to have sex with animals and that’s supposed to be their right. Meanwhile, when I, as an Anlo man, want to drink pepper soup with a cat, they are crying and lamenting over animal cruelty. Meanwhile, you want to have sex with a cat and say it is your right,” he expressed with utmost concern.
During his appearance on CitiTV, the South Dayi MP openly criticised the activities of the LGBTQ+ community, drawing a controversial parallel between individuals engaging in sexual acts with animals and his own cultural culinary practices. He emphasised that there is no distinction between the two in terms of animal cruelty.
He also raised concerns over how dangerous tolerance of the LGBTQ+ community could be, since some members would want to commit paedophilia and claim it is their right.
“The LGBTQ++++++ to infinity, it is one of the categories of people in this class – that they must have the right to sleep with children. People have no idea what is coming. They are asking for the freedom gate to be opened to its widest extent,” he said.
Conversations about the LGBTQ+ community have become increasingly common in recent times, as discussions surrounding sexual orientation and gender identity elicit a wide range of responses. On one hand, there is a growing movement of support and acceptance, with many individuals advocating for the rights and well-being of the LGBTQ+ community. These proponents emphasise equality, inclusivity, and the importance of celebrating diverse identities.
However, alongside this progress, there remains a segment of society that vehemently condemns the LGBTQ+ community. Their viewpoints are often rooted in deeply held religious, cultural or personal beliefs, which they feel compel them to reject or stigmatise individuals based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.
As a result, debates and disagreements on LGBTQ+ issues have become more prevalent, reflecting the ongoing struggle to find common ground and promote understanding among differing perspectives. While some advocate for equal rights, access to healthcare and protection against discrimination, others oppose such measures and assert their objections based on traditional values or moral convictions.
Last week, Ghana’s Parliament unanimously adopted the “Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill 2021”. The object of the bill is to provide for proper human sexual rights and Ghanaian family values and proscribe lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) and related activities. The bill now moves to the consideration stage, after which it will go through the third reading before it is passed into law.
While some believe this move by Parliament may have negative implications for human rights and public health, the parliamentarians believe this is what is best for the country. Speaker Alban Bagbin has also vowed to ensure that the activities of the LGBTQ+ community are not countenanced in the country
Depression is a real condition that affects many people worldwide and is characterised by a persistent sense of sadness and a lack of interest in almost all activities. Their professional advancement is impacted, and some even pass away as a result of it.
Showbiz expert and seasoned sound engineer Fred Kyei Mensah, has urged those suffering from depression to seek help. On Onua Show Time with Nana Ama McBrown, he asserted that almost any issue can be resolved if the person asks for assistance.
This issue is affecting the mental health of many people all over the world and can even result in suicide. Because of a variety of factors, including the society’s judgements, these people rarely ask for assistance.
Depression can be brought on by a variety of things, including marital or relationship problems, family problems, unemployment, failed business ventures, and life after disasters.
However, society can sometimes make things worse, according to the sound engineer with decades of experience, but there are some good people nearby to provide assistance.
He survived that unforgettable extremely difficult moment in his entire life after he got help from some people. In previous conversations where he threw more lights on what he went through and how he survived, he mentioned the great support he got from Bishop Daniel Obinim and many others. After eight years, he is doing amazingly well again.
He said that, people should not think they are in this alone or are the first to go through that unbearable situation, there are people who have been through it and are always ready to offer a helping hand.
An alleged leaked tape, purportedly containing a confession by an NPP (New Patriotic Party) Chairman for the Akim Oda Constituency, Ampaabeng Assimeng, has emerged.
Mr Assimeng in the said audio is heard admitting to plans involving the distribution of GHC600,000 to voters in the Assin North constituency.
The audio recording suggests that the funds were intended to sway voter allegiance in favor of the NPP during the crucial Assin North bye-election, however things did not not go as expected as the party executives at the local level could not identify trace the whereabout of the money or who the final recipients were, and the party eventually lost the elections as well.
“It [NPP’s Assin North defeat] was painful but it was expected because the money fell into the wrong hands. There has not been any accountability with regards to how much was spent, how much remained and nobody has anything to say about it.
“To be honest, leadership made us understand that GHC600,000 was disbursed to our four polling stations, but just look at the votes we had. ‘Asempa na ye’ is also one of the NPP’s strongholds. In previous elections NPP can garner 1,600 votes out of 2,000 while NDC gets only 400 but look at the [abysmal] outcome of these elections, and if this is how we are going to break the eight the God help us,” he is heard saying in the video.
The leaked confession confirms various allegations of vote buying which circulated during the by-election. There were wild reports of both the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) engaging in vote buying during the election. However, there was little evidence to prove the claims.
During the election, a viral video circulating on social media captured an incident from the recently concluded Assin North by-election, where an Electoral Commission (EC) official is allegedly seen accepting a bribe from a political party to influence the election results.
The video depicts a perplexed electoral official seated alongside a fellow colleague, while they are being interrogated by an individual behind the camera and a police officer. In the background, the police officer can be heard instructing the official to hand over the alleged bribe money, saying, “Bring it.” Simultaneously, the person behind the camera is heard urging the official to give the money to the police officer, stating, “You give the money to him, give it to him.”
As the situation unfolds, the electoral official reaches into his pocket, retrieves a stack of banknotes, and hands it over to the police officer. The unidentified commentator remarks, “Sit down,” after the money has been handed over to the police.
The video, which was circulating on social media generated significant attention and concern among social media users.
A user by the name of Kwaku Wisdom commented “The formula is simple, keep the voters poor, induce them with peanuts to keep us in power to continually keep them poor…and the circle never ends until the voter becomes wise.”
The desire of the artist Sony Achiba to wed an Indian woman was thwarted by cultural differences, which posed a significant barrier to winning over his love interest and her family.
Sony, who is well-known for his Hiplife-Indian fusion genre, claimed that his charm and musical taste made him fall in love with one of the most alluring Indian women and that he was open to embracing the country’s natural beauty and extensive cultural heritage.
However, as fate would have it, his lover’s parents fiercely opposed him, preferring to have her engaged to another Indian man than let their daughter travel to a foreign land.
Speaking candidly about his love life exclusively on Adom TV with Emelia Brobbey, Sony Achiba said he persisted in their relationship despite their physical conflict eventually turning spiritual.
“I liked this Indian girl so we started a male-female special friendship which was going on well. The lady’s family did not like the idea. Based on the situation, I realised the one she was intended to marry had some form of spiritual backing and you know those people don’t joke with such things so I decided to advice myself and back out.”
In the end, Sony had to accept that his plans to wed an Indian woman might not come true. As a result, he blocked her from contacting him on all platforms and moved to the United Kingdom.
He continued that while he was away, his ex-lover made several attempts to get in touch with him. However, because he was fully aware that doing so would be pointless, he made the painful choice to turn them down.
“She followers my timeline through my fliers. She connects me through the shows I play. If she hears I am heading to this location for a show, she’ll show up,” he added.
According to Sony Achiba, focusing on his own path and objectives has helped him advance professionally.
Nigerian actor Kanayo O. Kanayo has caused a stir on social media with his controversial prayer for his son Montel Kanayo, who is set to travel to the United States of America to further his education.
The veteran actor shared a short video on Instagram, where he bid farewell to his son and advised him to uphold the values of his humble upbringing and roots. He also urged him to avoid any immoral behaviour and focus on his academic success.
However, what caught the attention of many viewers was his emphasis on his son’s identity as a “he”. He said: “You are going there as a he, you will come back as a he. You will not go there and come back as a they.”
His statement was apparently a reference to transgenderism, which is the condition of identifying with a different gender from one’s biological sex. The actor seemed to imply that he was against his son changing his gender identity or expression while abroad.
His prayer sparked mixed reactions from social media users, who either praised him for his parental guidance or criticised him for his transphobic remarks.
See below some comments under the video:
Kanayo O. Kanayo is one of Nigeria’s most popular and respected actors, who has starred in over 100 movies. What do you think of his prayer for his son?
Watch the video of Kanayo O. Kanayo’s prayer for his son here and see for yourself.
Nigerian musician Iyanya recently opened up about the wonderful moments he shared with Ghanaian actress Yvonne Nelson during their time together
Iyanya discussed his experiences from his relationship with Yvonne Nelson in an interview on GhOne. He said that their relationship was incredibly beautiful and emphasised that Yvonne Nelson was alluring and hard to resist.
“We had a serious relationship. She was my girl, and our connection was truly remarkable. When you’re with her, it becomes addictive, and you find yourself completely immersed in it,” Iyanya revealed.
The Nigerian artist spoke of how deeply connected they were, saying that it was so significant that he got Yvonne Nelson’s name tattooed on his arm. He also mentioned that they had made plans for the future.
“Yes, I had envisioned a future with Yvonne Nelson, and I believed she was the one. That’s why I got a tattoo of her name on my arm. However, I no longer have it; I replaced it with something else. But it was a beautiful experience,” Iyanya shared.
After three years of being inseparable, Yvonne Nelson and Iyanya decided to split up. Their relationship started in 2012.
Dancehall artist Shatta Wale is not just a musician, he is also a magician. At least, that’s what he claims in a recent video that has gone viral on social media. The video shows Shatta Wale in a live video interaction with some of his fans, wearing a red outfit and holding different phones. He then performs some magic tricks with the phones, changing the colours and models of the devices. He turns a black Nokia “yam phone” into a blue one, and then into an iPhone, leaving his viewers in awe and disbelief.
According to the dancehall star, he has been practising magic for the past 18 years but Ghanaians don’t come to his shows to witness his talent. “I dey do this for the past 18 years but people no dey come my show, but God will judge them,” he says with a smile. Shatta Wale is known for his humorous and playful personality, as well as his controversial antics. He often engages with his fans on various social media platforms, where he shares updates about his life and career. From launching a ride-hailing service to releasing a few songs here and there, Shatta Wale seems to have his hands full these days, contrary to what some critics believe. While some claim he is no longer his usual vibrant self who released back-to-back hits as one of Ghana’s successful dancehall artistes, others believe he is still relevant and is just enjoying his “legend” status while taking his time to bounce back with a bang. What do you think of Shatta Wale’s magic skills? Do you think he is serious or just joking? Watch the video of Shatta Wale’s magic tricks here
The head pastor of the Christ Embassy Youth Church in Ghana, Pastor Enoch Boamah over the weekend tied the knot with this Nigerian lover Praise Amenkhienan in a plush wedding.
The traditional ceremony which was held on Friday,7th July 2023, saw the groom with his groomsmen and the bride with her bridesmaids dressed in colourful traditional outfits from kente to asoebi and attention-calling head gears (gele) and more.
Menscook, a well-known Ghanaian male chef, were at the wedding in Nigeria to serve delectable Ghanaian meals and other cuisine to the wedding guests. The wedding has the potential to rank among the wealthiest wedding celebrations Ghana and Nigeria have ever witnessed.
A recent investigation by BBC Africa Eye has raised concerns about the practices of the US-based anti-human trafficking organization, International Justice Mission (IJM), in Ghana. The documentary titled “The Night They Came for Our Children” alleges that IJM may be involved in falsely separating children from their families as part of their operations.
According to the BBC investigation, there were two specific cases where IJM collaborated with the Ghana Police Service and the social service department in anti-trafficking operations. However, the documentary claims that there was little to no evidence of trafficking in both cases. Despite this, children were taken away from their homes, and their relatives faced prosecution, leading to some of them being imprisoned.
One operation took place in Mogyigna, a community in Northern Ghana, in September 2022. During the operation, four children were forcibly removed from their beds, and two of their uncles were arrested at gunpoint by the police. The children’s grandmother was left with unanswered questions. The BBC investigation suggests that the aggressive nature of the operation was fueled by a target-driven culture within IJM.
The documentary uncovered internal messages within IJM that indicated a different conclusion had been drawn by the charity compared to what was communicated to the police and social services. A legal officer within IJM noted in a message that there were “no elements of trafficking” in the case of one of the children, named Fatima, and two of the other children taken from Mogyigna. However, the organization proceeded with the belief that all four children, aged between five and 11, were at risk of being used for child labor.
The children were separated from their families for four months before an investigation by Ghanaian social services concluded that they had not been trafficked. The children were eventually reunited with their families. Another case highlighted by the BBC investigation involved the removal of a boy and his sibling from their family in 2019, which resulted in their mother, Mawusi Amlade, being sentenced to five years in prison for child trafficking. Her conviction was later overturned after intervention from another US NGO, the Sudreau Global Justice Institute.
The documentary also includes conversations with IJM staff members, where they discuss the pressure to achieve a certain number of rescues and prosecutions each year. The undercover reporter was told that staff members could be denied pay raises or face the risk of dismissal if they did not meet these targets. IJM has denied the allegations of practicing a target-driven culture and maintains that its approach prioritizes the welfare of the child.
The investigation raises significant concerns about the procedures and decision-making processes of IJM in Ghana. The allegations of unjustly separating children from their families and the potential impact on innocent individuals who were prosecuted are deeply troubling. The documentary calls into question the accountability and effectiveness of anti-trafficking operations carried out by IJM and highlights the importance of thorough scrutiny and oversight in such sensitive and complex endeavors.
A kindergarten stabbing incident in China’s Guangdong province has claimed the lives of six individuals, including three children.
Reports indicate that a 25-year-old man named Wu, who has been apprehended by the police in Lianjiang, was responsible for the attack.
A teacher and two parents were among the victims while one person sustained injuries. The authorities have labeled the incident as a case of “intentional assault” but have not provided further details regarding the motive.
The incident occurred early in the morning, at around 7:40 local time, precisely when parents were dropping off their children for summer classes.
The expeditious arrest of the perpetrator took place at 8:00. The area surrounding the kindergarten has been cordoned off, as confirmed by a nearby storeowner.
This tragic event has triggered shock and outrage as videos of the attack circulated on Chinese social media platforms. Such knife attacks have become distressingly familiar in China, given the restrictions on firearms.
Since 2010, there have been at least 17 reported incidents of knife attacks in schools, colleges, and universities, with ten of them occurring between 2018 and 2023. Notably, China witnessed an incident where a chemical spray was used to harm a classroom of 50 children.
Instances of school-related knife attacks in China have shared common characteristics, including male perpetrators with grudges against society.
While similar patterns can be observed in mass killings in other countries, experts suggest that there may be additional factors contributing to the rise in mass stabbings in China.
Ghanaian musician Mzbel has spoken about why she chose to have another child so young.
The new mother revealed she was desperate to have another child of her own due to the many challenges she faced.
She described the challenges she faced after caring for other people’s children on UTV’s Showbiz Night. She claimed that her efforts were not recognized for the job of caring for other people’s children, which led her to decide to have her own child.
“I was excited hence my comment me dier nie, It brought back some painful memories I have experienced taking care of other children
“People throw harsh comments like Adepa isn’t my son that I adopted him. Even my son tells me at school people say he is adopted. oftentimes I have a lot of children who live with me that I take care of, so the media tailed that adoption narrative printing it in the minds of people who now see my son as an adopted child too”
“All these comments and experiences pushed me to have my own. Although I thought of adopting but also having my own was a better decision. I was tired of all those comments and unfairness”
Residents of Twifo Mampong, a farming community in the Central Region, were taken by surprise when a sudden occurrence suspected to be an earthquake struck some acres of their farmlands, according to a report by UTV News.
The incident, which occurred on Friday, July 7, 2023, resulted in the destruction of farmlands belonging to residents in the area. Cracks emerged on the land’s surface, and certain areas collapsed, causing significant damage to several acres of cocoa farms.
The residents had invested countless hours and resources into cultivating their cocoa farms that had been in good shape for generations, but Friday’s incident has dealt a devastating blow to the community.
Residents strongly believe that the occurrence is a direct consequence of the torrential rains that have been incessantly pouring in the area this year.
They, however, expressed relief that it did not occur near their homes; rather, the destructive event took place on their farmlands.
They acknowledged that if the calamity had struck their homes instead, the consequences would have been far more severe.
The destruction of their farms, although disheartening, according to the farmers was a more manageable situation compared to the potential loss of their personal shelters and the disruption of their daily lives.
Despite being affected economically and are now faced with the challenge of rebuilding their lost farmlands, they maintain a sense of gratitude that their homes remain intact and their families are safe.
While the District NADMO director for the area confirmed receiving reports of the incident, he is yet to visit the site to assess the extent of the damage.
Authorities are still working to determine the exact cause of the occurrence and its implications for the community. It is anticipated that they may also assess potential concerns related to air quality and the possibility of aftershocks, if the residents’ diagnosis is accurate.
The subject of earthquakes became a major topic in the first quarter of this year in Turkey and Syria with what is adjudged as one of the deadliest earthquakes of the 21st century.
Following this, there were several conversations in various countries about earthquake preparedness. One of such conversations resulted in the Head of the Earthquake Monitoring Division at the Ghana Geological Survey Authority (GSSA), Nicholas Opoku, warning that Ghanaians should start bracing themselves for a possible earthquake following the frequent earth tremors Ghana has been experiencing in the past five years.
Former Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Betty Mould Iddrisu, has expressed concerns regarding the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), implying that its establishment was motivated by a desire to pursue political prosecutions.
Expressing her disagreement with the OSP, Mould-Iddrisu stated, “the OSP is not an office that I’ve ever agreed with because I believe that it was set up, if you ask me quite frankly, for political prosecutions.”
In a classfmonline.com report, she argued that existing institutions are already in place to combat corruption, such as the Ministry of Justice and the Attorney General’s office, rendering the OSP redundant.
Mould-Iddrisu cited the criminal code and the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) as examples of effective institutions for addressing corruption.
Mould-Iddrisu also expressed concerns about the erosion of the Attorney General’s power due to the establishment of the OSP.
She believed that the name “Office of Special Prosecutor” implies the need for special attention, which she sees as unnecessary.
Questioning the effectiveness of the OSP in tackling everyday corruption issues, such as driving on the streets or entering public buildings, Mould-Iddrisu suggested that the focus of the OSP may be primarily on high-profile cases involving individuals from specific political parties, rather than effectively addressing pervasive corruption.
Betty Mould-Iddrisu raised doubts about the Office of the Special Prosecutor and its potential for political misuse, stating her belief that existing institutions and laws are sufficient for handling corruption cases.
Popular Ghanaian actor Adjetey Anang organized a celebration for his golden jubilee on July 8, 2023, in Accra. The event also served to introduce his eagerly anticipated memoir and health foundation, the One in a Million-Health Foundation.
Some notable politicians, including Dr. Hassan Ayariga, the founder of the All People’s Congress (APC), and Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the North Tongu Member of Parliament, attended the event, which was marked by pomp and pageantry.
A long list of celebrities, including Nana Ama McBrown, Jackie Appiah, Eddie Nartey, Gloria Sarfo, Van Vicker, Fiifi Coleman, Martha Ankomah, Shirley Frimpong-Manso, Joselyn Dumas, Jessica Williams, Akofa Edjeani, and Naa Ashorkor, were present, giving the entertainment industry a strong showing.
The memoir tellsAdjetey Anang’s journey to stardom, his impact, lessons, struggles, and the sacrifices which have shaped him over the years.
It also reveals the relatable individual behind the varied captivating screen characters he has played over the years, including the legendary Pusher from the iconic TV series Things We Do for Love.
For the One in a Million Health Foundation, the focus is on providing quality healthcare resources to persons in deprived regions.
The charity is named ‘one in a million’ since it intends to gather a million people who will commit to donating GH₵1 every day for 10 years to helping underprivileged folks.
Loved for his humility and particularly diverse acting skills, Adjetey Anang popularly known as Pusher for his role in the television series, “Things We Do for Love” in the early 2000S.
He has featured in a number of movies including “Deadly Voyage”, “A Sting in a Tale”, “The Perfect Picture” and others. He has also featured in a Dutch movie titled “Slavery”.
Over the years, Adjetey Anang has been honored with a number of awards such as Actor of the Year at the 2022 Exclusive Men of the Year Africa Awards.
Ayo Makun, a well-known comedian in Nigeria also known by his stage name AY, has admitted that his mother’s dying words had a profound impact on his life.
On the Nancy Isime Show, the comedian recalled his last encounter with his late mother and the sage advice she gave him, telling him to be responsible and look out for his younger siblings.
According to AY, after their parents passed away, he saw himself and his siblings, including well-known event designer Yomi “Casual” Makun and renowned event planner Lanre Makun, through school.
“I came home to ask for money that I needed for school, and the money wasn’t available. And then, we had lost my dad. So, she [my mum] was seeing me off, she was practically walking me on the street and encouraging me. She said, ‘You know Yomi is looking up to you, Lanre is looking up to you. Your younger ones are looking up to you. Don’t go and do anything funny, don’t be a part of any cult.’
“But the money dem never give me o wey I find come o but dem dey encourage me. ‘I know that it’s difficult, but then, just know that your younger ones are looking up to you. Don’t go and do anything stupid. God will do it at the right time.’
“Do you know how touching it will be getting all that messages from your mum, and then you get a call while in school that you’ve lost your mum?
“So, all of that moulded me like, okay, this is going to make me live a certain way of life. That was what gave me the boost to work extra hard to see myself through school, see my younger ones through school.
“It was her message. Her message was more like, ‘Your younger ones are looking up to you.’ That message was what gave me the foundation of everything that makes me stand out today.”
Vice President Dr. Mahamudu during a campaign tour in the Ashanti Region, captivated the audience with a gripping narrative of a near-death experience he encountered while on assignment for the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
Speaking to party members, he revealed the perilous journey he embarked on alongside the late former National Chairman, Jacob Obetsebi-Lamptey, tasked with traversing the country to elucidate the reasons behind the NPP’s challenge to the results of the 2012 elections.
Dr. Bawumia recounted the incident that occurred on their way back from the Upper West Region, en route to the final region of their assignment. As they approached Accra, tragedy struck when two tires of their vehicle suddenly burst, causing the car to somersault four times. The impact was so severe that onlookers, including Jacob Obetsebi-Lamptey, feared the worst—believing that Dr. Bawumia had succumbed to the accident.
The mangled wreckage of the car was a testament to the gravity of the crash, rendering it almost inconceivable that anyone could have survived. However, by a stroke of divine providence, Dr. Bawumia emerged from the wreckage alive.
In the aftermath of the accident, the swift action and support of party members at the scene proved instrumental. They promptly transported Dr. Bawumia to a health facility in Wenchi, situated in the Bono Region, where immediate stabilization efforts took place. The severity of his injuries necessitated his subsequent transfer to Kumasi, from where he was eventually airlifted to Accra.
The vice president expressed profound gratitude for the successful recovery he achieved, attributing it to the grace of God and the unwavering commitment of those who aided him in his time of need.
Dr. Bawumia shared this deeply personal account in response to individuals who had cast doubt on the sacrifices he had made for the NPP. By recounting this harrowing incident, he sought to underscore the unwavering dedication and commitment he held for the party’s cause.
Even after surviving the accident, he did not hesitate to undertake the challenge of testifying in the election petition at the Supreme Court. His unwavering resolve and determination to fulfill his duty showcased the depth of his sacrifice and loyalty to the NPP.
This poignant narrative serves as a testament to the inherent risks that political figures often encounter in their pursuit of serving their party and nation. Dr. Bawumia’s near-death experience underscored the potential dangers that come with traversing the country and engaging in political activities.
The resilience and fortitude displayed by him and his party members in the face of adversity demonstrate the unwavering commitment and sacrifices required to champion their political agenda.
Moreover, this account highlights the importance of gratitude and the acknowledgment of divine intervention. Dr. Bawumia’s recognition of the role played by faith and divine grace in his survival resonated with many in the audience.
It served as a reminder of the interconnectedness of personal beliefs and political endeavors, fostering a sense of unity and shared values among the party members.
Ultimately, Dr. Bawumia’s narrative provides a poignant insight into the personal sacrifices and hardships endured by political leaders in their pursuit of national progress. It serves as a testament to their unwavering dedication, resilience, and commitment to their respective parties and causes.
Through his remarkable survival and subsequent contributions to the election petition, Dr. Bawumia’s story serves as an inspiration and testament to the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
Mzbel has revealed her marital status after months of causing rumours by showing off a ring to online users.
The ’16 years’ hitmaker revealed that she had gone through traditional wedding rites on the United Showbiz Show.
She clarified, however, that she made the ceremony a private event rather than a public one.
Mzbel explained her decision, stating, “I am engaged, but I am not married. The type of engagement I had was not open to the public. It was private.”
This revelation comes after Mzbel was seen wearing a ring, leading to speculation about her marital status.
Fans and followers had been curious to know if the artiste had tied the knot or if the ring had a different significance.
However, she chose to address the rumours and put the speculation to rest by clarifying her situation during her appearance on the popular television show.
Iyanya, a Nigerian music artist and ex-boyfriend of Yvonne Nelson, admitted that he was upset when he learned that “I am not Yvonne Nelson” had been released.
According to him, before the book’s release, Yvonne Nelson called him to make an endorsement video without knowing the content.
Speaking to Foster Aggor on Starr Drive, he said, “I made it the endorsement videos because I didn’t know I was in the book. I was hurt when I first heard about the content.”
He revealed that he wished he can have a sit-down conversation with Yvonne to have a talk “I don’t really feel good that I have to sit on the radio to talk about this because it is emotional.”
He added that I also feel like at the end of the day she is healing. Let’s not forget that too whatever it is. But what we all need to understand is that everybody has been through ups and downs and being famous comes with the territory.”
The artiste recently dropped an EP which features Kuami Eugene and other Africa music stars dubbed ‘ Love and Trust.”
Reggie Rockstone, a pioneer of Ghana’s hip-life scene whose real name is Reginald Yaw Asante Ossei, has shared insights into his musical career and emphasised the advantages he had over other musicians.
In an interview with Caroline Sampson, the veteran musician revealed that pursuing music had been a smooth journey for him.
He explained, “My father had the money and I also had an executive producer. I didn’t have those financial challenges. So when people are telling their story, I understand, but I never went through any of that.”
Rockstone emphasized his familiarity with the hip-hop scene saying, “I walked the streets of New York, I walked the streets of the UK; I know hip-hop very well; I know break dance; I know everything.”
He proudly spoke of his exposure to influential figures in the industry, stating, “I have been to places you wouldn’t even imagine. I have sat with some of the greats, but when I decided to do music, it was just smooth.”
Acknowledging his privileged circumstances, Rockstone made a comparison to the struggles faced by other popular artists in Ghana.
He remarked, “The struggles I had were not like Shatta Wale’s struggles; they were not like Sark’s struggles. I mean, we would go to the studio, and my father would ask for the price of the studio and construct our own studio.”
Expressing gratitude for his father’s support and affection, he added, “My father has really blessed me. My father really loved me, and my relationship with him was amazing before his death.”
In an intriguing revelation, Rockstone disclosed his unconventional view on funerals. He explained, “I have always said this: I don’t go to funerals, and I don’t believe in them.”
He further shared that he didn’t hold a funeral for his late father as it went against his personal beliefs.
He stated, “I didn’t even have a funeral for my father; my father didn’t believe in funerals either. I never saw my father’s dead body. The whole sitting down and everyone moping; I cannot be sad, I have a lot on my mind.”
Ghanaian comedian DKB has elaborated on the reasoning behind his inclusion of 4Kings, a troupe of young men who resemble celebrities, in the upcoming episode of his Comedy Express show scheduled for July 7, 2023.
4Kings comprises the lookalikes of Mr Drew, Kuami Eugene, King Promise and Medikal.
The four men have been criticized by a section of the public for imitating celebrities they have a striking resemblance with, with some suggesting that it could lead to impersonation.
Others have, however, hailed the quartet and asked critics to cut them some slack arguing they have done nothing wrong by entertaining the public. They argued that until the quartet or any lookalike impersonates, criticisms against their actions are farfetched.
As DKB stages July’s edition of Comedy Express, he stated that 4Kings has an opportunity to become stars since they have a couple of songs they have composed and recorded for consumption.
According to him, these are the songs the 4Kings will perform at his event amidst some witty content.
“I put them on the show to come and entertain people,” said DKB. “I have also seen the content they put out; those guys are hilarious. It will be a great opportunity for them to perform some of their own music so believe that on the night they wouldn’t be performing any music belonging to their famous doppelgangers.”
Known to be Ghana’s premium monthly comedy show, the July edition is expected to be held at the Snap Cinema, Accra.
On the bill are OB Amponsah, Comedian Waris, MJ the Comedian and DKB.
Gyakie, a rising star from Ghana, has left her followers puzzled after posting a cryptic message on social media hinting at the release of a new album. Gyakie shared intriguing images with the caption “The album will be crazy” shortly after giving an electrifying performance at AfroNation Portugal.
Gyakie was honoured earlier this year for her stunning, soulful song “Far Away,” which took home the coveted Record of the Year award at the VGMAs. Her critically acclaimed sophomore EP, “My Diary,” contains the song.
A notable achievement on the EP as well was securing a collaboration with renowned artist Davido, highlighting Gyakie’s strong relationships within the music industry.
As she gears up for what will be her debut album, fans eagerly anticipate the surprises she has in store. With previous features alongside notable names such as Major League DJz, the late AKA, Diplo, Serge Ibaka, Blaq Jerzee, Omah Lay, R2bees, Jux, and more, it’s evident that Gyakie’s upcoming project will be a testament to her dedication and contribute to the global Afrobeats movement.
The recent release of her single “SCAR,” featuring UK rapper Jbee, demonstrated Gyakie’s ability to climb the charts swiftly. Within just 24 hours of its release, the track claimed the number one spot on Apple Music’s top songs chart in Ghana, solidifying her popularity and impact.
With each milestone, Gyakie continues to prove that hard work, talent, and excellent management are the foundations of her success. Her sophomore EP, “My Diary,” propelled her career to new heights, garnering critical acclaim and adding to her impressive list of accomplishments.
The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has voiced its apprehension over the public’s sale, promotion, and recreational utilization of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) such as vapes, as well as other non-nicotine tobacco products.
The FDA stated that ENDS can be registered as prescription-only medicine for the purpose of cessation therapy.
They reminded the public that vapes contain nicotine, a highly addictive substance that can lead to various diseases, including cancer, heart disease, lung disease, infertility, diabetes, and gum disease.
FDA strengthens regulation on Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS/VAPES) pic.twitter.com/Ye0feBCFLo
In a statement, the FDA highlighted that the sale and advertisement of ENDS, vapes, and non-nicotine products violate Part Six and Sections 61(2) and 62(1) of the Public Health Act, 2012 (ACT 851), as well as Regulation 16 of the Tobacco Control Regulations 2016 (L.I.2247).
These regulations prohibit the sale, display, supply, advertisement, packaging, labeling, or possession of products that resemble or are associated with tobacco or tobacco products.
The FDA called on manufacturers, importers, wholesalers, and retailers to immediately remove all advertisements on social media, billboards, neon signs, and other platforms. They also warned against the importation of illicit tobacco products into the country.
Due to the health risks associated with these products, the FDA advised the public to refrain from using them unless it is for cessation therapy purposes.
Amidst growing interest in traditional Chinese medicine, donkey skin and meat have become increasingly sought-after in Ghana’s Upper East and North-East Regions. The rising popularity can be attributed to the perceived medicinal and culinary advantages associated with these animal products in other nations.
The rising demand for these products has led to increased hunting and illegal trading, posing a risk to the donkey population and potentially pushing the species toward extinction in these regions.
During a stakeholder engagement held in Bolgatanga on July 6th, 2023, Dr. Roger Kanton, the chairman of Ghana Poultry Network (GAPNET) and Donyaepa, spoke to the media about the urgent need to combat the hunting and trading of donkeys.
Dr. Kanton emphasised that if this practice is not stopped, it could significantly reduce the donkey population in the coming years.
Highlighting the ecological consequences, Dr. Kanton explained that donkeys play a crucial role in rural communities as working animals, assisting with transportation, farming, and other essential tasks. Their absence can disrupt local economies and agricultural practices, ultimately impacting the livelihoods of farmers and communities dependent on them.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Dr. Kanton appealed to the government and other relevant organizations to reinforce the 2016 law that bans the killing of donkeys.
He emphasised the need for stricter law enforcement to combat illegal hunting and trading. Dr. Kanton urged parliament to pass the law, stating that by working together, the survival of donkeys can be ensured, maintaining the delicate balance of ecosystems.
The stakeholder engagement was organized by the Ghana Poultry Network (GAPNET) and Donyaepa, with funding support from BROOKE, an international charity dedicated to protecting and improving the lives of horses, donkeys, and mules.
The People’s National Convention (PNC) has stated that the decision of the Minority in Parliament to abstain from attending sessions in support of their colleague undergoing trial is resulting in financial detriment to the state.
The NDC Minority in Parliament boycotted sitting on Thursday, July 6, 2023, to enable Members accompany and solidarize with two members of their Caucus, namely the Minority Leader, Hon. Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, and MP for Assin North, Hon. James Gyakye Quayson.
The two are due to appear in court in their respective ongoing prosecutions by the Attorney-General and the NPP Government.
A statement signed by the Minority Chief Whip, Kwame Governs Agbodza said “The Minority stands united with our colleagues, and as such will not be able to honour the business of the house today.”
But, the PNC disagrees with the decision.
The General Secretary for PNC Janet Asana Nabla in a statement dated July 7, 2023, said the Minority has every right to express their support for their fellow MP in these trying times of the Legislator.
“However, the decision to boycott sitting due to criminal charges instituted by the republic against their colleague is worrying. An opposition party which professes to believe in the rule of law is expected to have faith in the legal system of our nation where they held the reins of power some few years ago.
“The Minority Members in Parliament at this moment is causing financial loss to the state by abandoning their Parliamentary business to go to court to protest for their colleague. For how long will the Minority in Parliament continue this boycott of parliamentary sitting at the expense of the taxpayer? the General Secretary asked.
Ghana AIDS Commission has refuted claims suggesting that they are opposed to the enactment of the Promotion of Proper Sexual Human Rights and Ghanaian Cultural Values bill.
The Commission added that it only wanted some portions of the bill amended and was not totally against the anti-LGBTQ+ Bill.
The Commission further stated that it pointed out portions that could create difficult situations for the public.
In an interview with Citi News, the Director General of the Ghana AIDS Commission, Dr. Kyeremeh Atuahene said that his outfit is going to engage with the Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs of Parliament to clarify the distorted impression.
“I will like to state categorically that Ghana Aids Commission did not object to the passage of the bill. Ghana Aids Commission rather identified a number of clauses that had the potential risk of creating difficult situations for individuals, families and communities and suggested that those clauses must be given a second look and have them amended,” he emphasised.
“A number of people and institutions that submitted memos also agreed with what Ghana Aids Commission said. And in fact, some of the issues we raised were also agreed by the Attorney General in the advise paper he gave to the committee,” he added.
“And I am very happy that I have read portions of the report and recognise that the efforts we made in bringing public health perspectives to bare on the bill have been taken in good faith as we see them reflected in the bill.”
“So the contribution of the commission either in the form of the memo we submitted or my appearance before the committee to answer and clarify issues to the committee all clearly indicated that we wanted an amendment to the bill and not to object to the passage of the bill as reported by the committee,” he further said.
In September 2021, Dr. Kyeremeh Atuahene expressed worry about the anti-LGBTQ+ Bill.
He said that the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, in its current form, poses a lot of challenges to HIV and AIDS response in the country.
In a long-awaited development, Sekou Nkrumah, one of the children of Dr Kwame Nkrumah, has achieved reconciliation with his siblings Samia Nkrumah and Gamal Nkrumah.
The three Nkrumah kids have reportedly been at loggerheads for several years following some accusations by Sekou Nkrumah against the others over the death of his son.
But in a Facebook post, Sekou Nkrumah revealed they have met and ironed out their differences, especially over the death of Sekou’s son Alin Nkrumah.
“Alin can now rest in peace. Samia and I finally had an honest discussion on Alin, the unfortunate situation that led to his tragic death was all his making. No one is perfect, but Alin allowed his limitations to cloud his better judgment and in his desperation felt the need to manipulate his uncle Gamal, and his aunt Samia!
They seeing him as family could not turn away and decided to intervene. I was not happy that they did not discuss their decision to bringing Alin to Ghana with me, but they would have still done it with or without my blessing anyway.
Surely they did not know the whole story of Alin as I did, and that is why I was so reluctant to intervene in his life.
Sometimes it is better to let an individual deal with his challenges on his own, because the hard truth is that you cannot help a person who is not willing to help himself or herself! I will not go into details about his life, but I am sure some people reading this would have figured out the reason for the tragic loss of this young life.”
There was a tense encounter between Minister for Agriculture Bryan Acheampong and certain minority members of parliament at the Buffer Stock Company, which nearly escalated into a physical altercation.
This occurred when the minority visited the premises to show solidarity with members of the National Food Suppliers Association, who have been picketing at the location since Tuesday, July 4, 2023, and have been sleeping there ever since.
During their visit, while the minority members, led by the Minority Leader, Ato Forson, was being briefed by the Deputy CEO of the company, Bryan Acheampong stormed the venue, confronting the minority and questioning their presence with the press without seeking his permission.
In response, Juaboso MP; Mintah Akandoh clarified that the media present were from the parliamentary press corps.
However, Acheampong dismissed the explanation, pointing to the minority leader, he said, “You can’t do that, you are a former deputy finance minister, what do you know about payment.”
Akandoh countered, saying, “You should be the last person to get angry.”
Minister for Food, Agriculture and Cocoa Affairs Bryan Acheampong clashes with minority caucus for visiting picketing Buffer stock company food suppliers over 270 million cedis debt.#GHOneNewspic.twitter.com/2ypMZX8HRn
Acheampong retorted, “Inorganic picketing should not be encouraged. You don’t bring press to a reception. You are a minority leader…” he said again, addressing Ato Forson.
After a few minutes of back-and-forth exchanges, Ellembelle MP, Emmanuel Buah intervened, expressing their willingness to engage in a conversation. Acheampong then directed them to his office, where an in-camera meeting took place, followed by addresses to the aggrieved members.
Acheampong assured the association members that the payment date would be disclosed to them by the end of the day.
The National Food Suppliers Association revealed that the National Buffer Stock Company owes them an amount of GHc 270 million, and they have vowed to remain at the company’s premises until reimbursement is made.
In response, the National Buffer Stock Company expressed sympathy towards the food suppliers and committed to taking appropriate action following an emergency meeting with the Board of Directors.
Organised Labour has decided to suspend its planned strike scheduled for Monday, July 10, 2023, after engaging in a crucial meeting with the Council of State.
The group had initially declared that all workers should observe a day of solidarity by staying at home on Monday, July 10. This action was in response to the dismissal of three union leaders by the management of Sunon Asogli Power (Ghana) Limited.
The report added that this was also prompted by the gridlock in arriving at a conclusion in negotiations between the management of Sunon Asogli, and the Spokesperson of Organised Labour, Dr Anthony Yaw Baah, who is also the Secretary General of the Ghana Trades Union Congress (TUC).
The group had also expressed its disappointments in the outcomes of its Thursday, July 6, 2023, meeting on the matter.
It was after this that the Organised Labour had given notice that it was going to embark on a sit-at-home strike on Monday, July 10.
But the swift intervention of the Council of State has seen the group call off its plan.
The report added that the Council has however given the management of Sunon Asogli working days to reinstate the dismissed union leaders.
Technically, the strike has been put on hold until the expiration of the five-days ultimatum given them by the Council of State.
Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has issued a directive summoning the Ministers of Education, Finance, and Agriculture to appear before the legislative body in the upcoming week.
The summons is over the picketing of the National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) offices by its suppliers.
According to the Speaker, the three ministers must explain to Parliament what their challenges are in ensuring the suppliers are paid.
He said when the challenges are known, the House could assist them to resolve same.
“So I agree that the business committee should programme for the three ministers to come before the house. The three ministers are the Finance, Food and Agriculture and Education to tell us what the challenge is.”
“We will be able to assist the executive to solve these matters. That is why we have established the committee for ways and means.”
This was after the Builsa South, Dr Clement Apaak raised the issue on the floor on Friday, July 7.
Already, the Ranking Member on Parliament’s Education Committee, Peter Nortsu-Kotoe, has accused NAFCO of dishonesty in its dealings with the group.
He said the creditors of these suppliers are harassing them due to no fault of theirs.
“In my conversation with the suppliers, they alleged that they have not been paid for the past two years for the food they supplied to the various senior high schools through the Buffer Stock Company and that they are owed about GHC278 million.”
“Some of them have gone to the bank to take loans with interest, and the interest is getting higher and higher with time. So, they are appealing to Buffer Stock to pay them,” he said in a Citi FM interview on Thursday.
Government owes the food suppliers in excess of GH¢270 million for food that was supplied to Senior High Schools across the country from 2021 to 2023.
Due to this, some members of the National Food Suppliers Association spent two continuous nights at the premises of NAFCO to press home their demand for the payment of sums owed them.
Famous Kumawood actress Nana Yaa Appiah has spoken out about the tragic circumstances that led to her cherished daughter Naa Adoma’s passing.
She described the course of events in an open interview with One Ghana, illuminating the difficulties and emotional turmoil she experienced at the time.
On Monday, a seemingly ordinary day, Nana Yaa Appiah’s world took a devastating turn when her daughter didn’t go to school.
Concerned about her daughter’s education, she decided to investigate the matter further. Little did she know that this was the beginning of a heartbreaking journey.
“When I asked her why she was home and didn’t go to school, she simply replied that she wasn’t sick,” Nana Yaa Appiah shared.
This response puzzled her as she knew her daughter never took her education lightly. Sensing something amiss, Nana Yaa Appiah persisted in understanding the situation.
Naa Adoma, her daughter, insisted she was not sick but would go to school the next day. However, Tuesday came, and once again, Naa Adoma did not attend school.
Nana Yaa Appiah, concerned for her daughter’s well-being, threatened to take her to the hospital if she didn’t comply.
Naa Adoma, determined to go to school rather than visit the hospital, resisted her mother’s advice. Frustrated, Nana Yaa Appiah resorted to stern measures.
“I got angry and took off my slippers to hit her,” she recalled. This unexpected turn of events prompted Naa Adoma to finally agree to go to the hospital.
The diagnosis was a shock. “Naa Adoma was diagnosed with an infection and malaria, and her blood level was low,” Nana Yaa Appiah shared, her voice filled with sorrow.
The gravity of the situation began to sink in. It was clear that her daughter’s health had deteriorated significantly.
“After Tuesday, I went into my daughter’s room, and she looked like she was going to die,” Nana Yaa Appiah said, her voice trembling with pain.
Overwhelmed by a mother’s intuition, she made a solemn decision. her daughter would not spend another night at home. However, Naa Adoma insisted she was fine.
The doctor confirmed the severity of the situation, but Naa Adoma’s stubbornness persisted. She preferred to sit outside when the lights went off, claiming it was too hot indoors.
Concerned about her daughter’s condition, Nana Yaa Appiah sought solace in the hospital staff’s reassurances.
The heart-wrenching tale takes a devastating turn as Nana Yaa Appiah narrates the final moments of her daughter’s life.
“I was home when they called me that my daughter was in a critical state and that she needed blood,” she recounted. Rushing to the hospital, she was filled with fear and trembling.
While desperately searching for blood donors, Nana Yaa Appiah received conflicting information.
The doctor initially stated that the blood they had was sufficient, only to be followed by another nurse’s call, which was abruptly interrupted. Unbeknownst to her, Naa Adoma had already passed away.
“When I got to the hospital, my daughter was lying there dead,” Nana Yaa Appiah tearfully shared.
The shock and devastation she experienced upon realizing that her daughter had died, compounded by the realization that the hospital staff had withheld the news, is beyond comprehension.
The Minority in Parliament has requested the attendance of the Ministers of Food and Agriculture, Finance, and Education to appear before Parliament regarding the recent protest by food suppliers at the National Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO).
Government owes the food suppliers GHC 270 million for food that was supplied to Senior High Schools across the country from 2021 to 2023.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Friday, the North Tongu MP, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa said “Mr Speaker, I want to appeal to you that the Minister for Education and Minister for Agric should be programmed to appear before this House urgently. Possibly, we should add the Minister for Finance.”
The trio Ministers, Bryan Acheampong, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum and Ken Ofori-Atta are required to assure the House how they are going to settle the food supplier’s debts.
Some members of the National Food Suppliers Association spent the night at the premises of NAFCO to demand payment of monies owed them for over two years.
Mr Ablakwa is worried about the situation, and wants immediate action taken to pay the suppliers.
“Over the last four days running to five days continuously, they have been at the mercy of the vagaries of the weather. My Speaker, last night the Minority Leader shared a video with me on how the suppliers were wailing, rolling on the floor and I was so depressed and went to bed last night really troubled.
In a related development, a ranking member on Parliament’s Education Committee has raised allegations of dishonesty against NAFCO regarding its interactions with the National Food Suppliers Association.
Peter Notsu-Kotoe expressed his sympathies to the members of the National Food Suppliers Association.
Speaking on JoyNews‘ AM Show, the Akatsi South MP insisted that NAFCO has become a hub for shady dealings.
“Bufferstock has become a hub for corruption where the things that go on is very bad. There should be a point where we investigate the activities of Buffer Stock,” he indicated.
Notsu-Kotoe further stated that the aggrieved suppliers informed him that the Ministry of Education has already disbursed approximately 90% of the arrears to the Buffer Stock Company.
However, the funds have yet to be made available to the suppliers, raising concerns about the transparency and integrity of the process.
He, therefore, called for a public inquiry into the company’s activities.
Dean of the School of Law at the University of Professional Studies Accra (UPSA), Professor Ernest Kofi Abotsi, is cautioning that the existing tax system may compel businesses to reduce their tax responsibilities towards the government.
He has advised government to take practical measures to reduce the tax burden on businesses.
Professor Abotsi, who is a constitutional and corporate law expert made the comments on PM Express Business Edition with host, George Wiafe on July 8, 2023.
“The more taxes businesses have to pay to the state, the more they are inclined to hire and cut back on their operations going forward”, he said.
According to him, one of the ways to the deal with the tax avoidance challenge, which it is legal, is to “tighten the screws”.
Some business organisations are already appealing to the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta to use the Mid-Year Budget to review some of Ghana’s taxes.
Citing some examples, Professor Abotsi recalled some concerns of business organisations seeking to enter Ghana by first enquiring about the tax system.
“They want to compare the tax regime in Ghana to other countries in the region, before they make a move,” he said.
“We believe that it is time for the government to take a second look at the tax exemptions in the country. It’s one area that we are losing a lot when it comes to revenue”, he added.
Business Registration and the Regulatory Environment
Professor Abosti pointed out that even though business registration has improved over the years, more needs to be done to bring relief to entrepreneurs.
“If you are converting an institution that has been more than 50 years old, to deal with these current issues in the country when it comes to business registration, obviously there might be some difficulties”.
“There was a times that we were doing very bad when it comes to business registration, but it appears we have made significant progress over the years”.
He suggested that there must a comprehensive approach to solving the challenges faced by businesses.
“ They often look at the tax regime, enforcement of contracts, power supply, the market position in the sub region and ease to raw materials, as well as the regulatory environment”, he observed.
He is also the view that, there has been substantial progress made by the Office of the Registrar of Companies that which must be commended.
AfCFTA and opportunities for Ghana
Professor Abotsi advised businesses to take advantage of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement(AfCFTA) to network and expand their operations.
He stated that Ghana has become the commercial capital of the AfCFTA by hosting the secretariat in Accra.
“If we do not go beyond hosting the secretariat as a country, we may not realize the associated benefits that the trade pact offers to the various African countries and Ghana”.
Veteran actress Akofa Edjeani has emphasised the critical part that film plays in eradicating the colonial mindset in Africa.
According to her, movies can be a potent tool for combating the lingering effects of colonialism and slavery.
“…and again, if the colonial masters used film as part of their weapons in colonizing us, I think that the honor is on us to do the same, by using film to decolonize ourselves, the mental slavery is still there… we are not independent, we are still begging for things and so many things.”
Speaking in an interview with Pan African TV on July 1, 2023, she highlighted how the colonial masters effectively employed film to perpetuate their dominance over their colonies, making it imperative for African governments to prioritize and support their local film industries.
Edjeani argued that film has the potential to bring about significant positive change and create numerous opportunities if given the necessary attention and investment.
Drawing a comparison to the financial support provided to sports, she questioned the return on investment in terms of job creation and revenue generation.
She further asserted that the film industry, with its vast potential, could surpass the benefits derived from sports.
“Look at how much money we pump into sports and most times we go and, we don’t really win, …so if we can pump all that money into sports, the bonuses that they get…but the film can even do better so they should pay equal attention to film as well.
“Sports yes, but how many jobs can it create and how much money is it bringing compared to if you give the necessary push to film, so, there are so many reasons.
“The job creation and the fact that it is education as well. You know it is that medium that you can use to showcase your heritage… film is that powerful tool to create that identity, we use film to change policies, we use film to change perceptions.
“Film is a tool that can attract tourists, so when you are talking about tourism, the best tool is to showcase your tourist attraction, and your heritage in film, and that will make people flood to your country just to see those places,” she added.
The Konkomba Youth Association (KOYA) has issued a press release in response to a press conference held by the Dagbon Youth Association, wherein the latter called for the removal of the Defence Minister.
According to KOYA, DAYA in their press conference called for the dismissal of the Defence Minister, Dominic Nitiwul who they alleged to be behind the rising tension between Dagombas and Konkombas in the Northern Region. The youth association during the press conference also called for the arrest of the Konkomba-Basari Chief of Accra Tema who presented a historical facts on the ownership of land in Northern Ghana and made mentioned the territories of Konkomba tribe which the reviewed Dagbon Constitution has added to Dagbon.
KOYA made it clear to the organizers of the press conference that their chief can not be arrested for expressing himself on the national media.
On the part on the Defence Minister, KOYA queries why DAYA demanded his dismissal since he is not the only person serving under Nana Addo government? They mentioned names of all Dagombas serving in different capacities in the Nana Addo government but none of them is dragged into the matter but only Dominic’s.
They wondered why DAYA neglected the threat issued on Facebook by faceless individuals such as Basiru Bejejugu,Amingos Gh,Gbewaa Kingdom TV, John Jagir, and Nana Powers but rather vent their anger on the innocent Defence Minister?
The Youth group also made references and delved into the history of Dagombas by Emmanuel Foster Tamakloe on his book, “The brief history of Dagbamba People” the book in which Ubor Magan Kuunboln took excerpts to buttress their points.
According to the Youth Association, DAYA’s press conference rather adds fuel to the threats of their faceless social media individuals, a position which would not bring the needed peace between Dagombas and Konkombas in the Region.
KOYA reiterates that Konkombas are hard -working, dedicated, peace-loving and focused people who have zero interest in picking up firearms to fight.
The press issued by the group charges Dagomba Youth to focus on attracting development to Dagomba land and preach peace instead of venting their anger on the innocent Defence Minister.
KOYA also calls on the government, National Peace Council to provide a common platform to listen to both Konkombas and Dagombas so as to provide a lasting solution to the aged-long Konkomba Dagomba impasse.
Their last call is to the security apparatus of the country to find and arrest faceless social media firebrands such as Basiru bejejugu, Aminos Gh, and Gbewaa Kingdom TV, etc who posts and spread hate and ethnocentric statements thereby jeopardizing the peaceful co-existence between Konkombas and Dagombas in the Northern Region.
Dagbon Youth Association organized a press conference on July 3, 2023 in what they said was in response to the rise in tensions between Konkombas and Dagombas in the Northern Region but ended up attacking the only Konkomba Minister, Dominic Nitiwul who has no any link with the perceived rise in tensions.
In an urgent development, the Council of State has summoned Organised Labour for an emergency meeting scheduled for Friday, July 7, 2023.
The purpose of the meeting is to address the impending strike set for July 10, 2023, as declared by Organised Labour last month.
Following failed negotiations and a stalemate between the two parties, the workers decided to embark on a strike starting July 10.
The workers are demanding the reinstatement of three union leaders who were dismissed by the management of Sunon Asogli Power (Ghana) Limited for joining the union.
Since the announcement of the strike on June 26, the National Labour Commission (NLC) has intervened and directed both parties to engage in dialogue and provide a progress report.
However, after a series of negotiations, Dr Anthony Yaw Baah, the spokesperson for Organised Labour, expressed disappointment with the outcome of the final round of talks held on Thursday, July 6.
“We are very disappointed. When we left here on [Wednesday], we were hopeful that [on Thursday] we would reach an agreement. We were willing to fulfill all the requests made by the management,” is quoted to have said.
He continued that the management of Sunon Asogli Power reverted to their initial positions, leaving Organised Labour with no choice but to proceed with the strike.
“What that means is that our notice remains valid, and on Monday, July 10, all workers under Organised Labour will stay at home,” he added.
Recognizing the potential impact of the impending labour shutdown, the Council of State called leadership of the workers to avert a labour shutdown from Monday, July 10.
Irene, the wife of Harold Amenyah has accused her husband of cheating.
In a surprising revelation on their YouTube channel, “The Amenyahs,” Harold Amenyah and his wife, Irene Amenyah, addressed suspicions of infidelity just three months into their marriage.
The couple shared a candid moment where Irene confronted Harold about his recent trip to the United States.
Harold mentioned admiring the freedom he observed in the US, prompting Irene to interrupt and question his intentions.
She asked “So it means you went to take other girls when you went there?” Harold, taken aback, vehemently denied the accusation, expressing disbelief at his wife’s doubts. He responded, “I cannot do that. Can you imagine, my wife thinks I cheated on her when I went to the US?”
The public airing of their dispute on their YouTube channel offered a glimpse into their personal struggles, inviting viewers into their relationship dynamics.
The Ghana Trades Union Congress (TUC), has declared an industrial strike effective Monday, July 10, 2023.
This stems from the failure of Sunon Asogli Power Ghana to rescind its decision concerning some members of the Union who worked with the company.
The Secretary General of the Ghana Trades Union Congress (TUC), Dr Anthony Yaw Baah, has voiced his disappointment with the management of Sunon Asogli Power (Ghana) Limited for backtracking on their stance during negotiations.
Despite previous signs of progress, the power company’s management has returned to their original position, leaving organized labor disheartened.
Dr. Yaw Baah expressed his disappointment, saying, “I should say we are very disappointed. When we left here on [Wednesday], we were hopeful that [on Thursday] we would reach a deal. We were ready to provide everything that management had requested,” 3news.com quoted
Dr. Yaw Baah continued, stating that they had reported their progress to the National Labour Commission, believing that they were close to a resolution. However, their hopes were dashed when the meeting did not progress as expected.
As a result, Dr. Yaw Baah announced, “What that means is that our notice holds that on Monday, July 10, all workers under Organised Labour will stay at home.”
Despite the setback, Dr. Yaw Baah mentioned that labour leadership remains open to amicable resolution attempts by the management of Sunon Asogli Power until Sunday.
Organized Labour firmly supports three union leaders who were dismissed by the management of Sunon Asogli Power for joining a union within the company.
Dr. Yaw Baah emphasized that it is every worker’s right to join a union and called for the reinstatement of the three affected individuals.
The community of Larteh Kubease Akuapem in the Akuapem-North District of the Eastern Region has expressed their distress regarding the poor condition of the road infrastructure both within and leading to their area.
The roads are severely deteriorated making it difficult for residents to access basic social amenities, especially during rainy seasons. Also, the roads does not only deprive them of basic amenities, but also threatens their lives and properties.
The youth of the area are therefore threatening to mobilize and embark on a demonstration against the government to drum home their demand if nothing was done to address the problem.
They also threatened to boycott the 2024 elections if the roads were not fixed in the Benkum Division of the Akuapem traditional Area. The Twafohene of Larteh Kubease, who doubles as the Kyidomhene of Akuapem Adweso, Osaberimah Kwame Asah Tawiah, noted that they have realised that successive governments have failed to pay the needed attention to the deplorable nature of the major economic roads in the Larteh district.
According to him, the situation posed a challenge to the community dwellers along the stretch of the road who are mostly farmers with challenges of transporting their farm produce to the market centers.
“The road is bad, it’s in a terrible shape and this is bordering us and so if you’re travelling late from Accra to Larteh and you’re without a vehicle, you won’t get a vehicle to Larteh because the drivers close very early due to the situation, by eight or nine, the whole area is quiet,” she said.
Appealing to the government to intervene, Osaberimah Kwame Asah Tawiah said, “we’re appealing to government to construct the road for us…we’ve spoken about this severally, not just with this government but previous governments as well.”
She was worried that the town had been neglected in terms of infrastructural development to assist in the transportation of foodstuffs from the area to the surrounding communities and Greater Accra.
Osaberima Nana Asiedu Okoo III, Lartehene and Benkumhene also expressed regret at the situation.
“From the Larteh junction to Larteh is in a very bad shape, said the chief. From Larteh junction to Larteh, from Larteh to Ayikuma is in a very bad shape. We would support a governing group; we would support anybody who is prepared to support us in ensuring that our roads are well done”, he said.
A driver, Kofi Nyarko, has used the road over the past twenty-six years driving to and from Koforidua. He described the situation as ‘very bad’ with several appeals to have the road fixed falling on deaf ears.
“It is very bad; we’ve complained severally and there’s nothing more we can do. Drivers mostly feel reluctant coming to Larteh because of the bad road…the other day, my ‘raising bar’ broke due to this,” he complained bitterly, adding that they have been forced to buy spare parts severally.
According to him, the road hasn’t seen any rehabilitation since its construction several decades ago and appealed to the government to intervene by paying urgent attention to get the problem addressed.
A sixty-year-old woman, Wilhelmina Asiedua who has lived all her life at Larteh bemoaned the situation and also complained about it.
“The people of Larteh want to tell Nana Akufo-Addo that we love his government but we don’t get any development in this community…our road is very bad,” the elderly woman appealed.
She further stated that transporting sick persons on referrals to major health facilities was a difficult situation which further deteriorated the condition of the patient.
Eastern Regional Minister’s assurances
Responding to the pleas of the people, Eastern Regional Minister, Seth Kwame Acheampong admitted that the road was in a horrible shape but disclosed that officials of the Ghana Highway Authority (GHA) had already undertaken an assessment pending the award of contract by the sector ministry for start of works.
Acheampong expressed optimism that works on the road would commence by the end of the year.
“Indeed the Larteh junction, Larteh road down to Ayikuma is a major economic road for our region and ever since I’ve been here I’ve been pursuing it and I know how dearly it is to the evergreen…and we have been working closely with the Ghana Highway Authority who is the owner of the corridor, this is a major trunk road and so it falls under the Ghana Highway Authority so we got the highway authority regional director to come over and assess it for us and so far we are at the ministry pushing to get a contractor to take it over and so I believe by the year we should have a contractor come on the road,” the minister assured.
He attributed the delay to “the challenges the administration went through in respect of managing our economy,” adding that most earmarked projects have been affected.
