Minister of Finance Ken Ofori-Atta has instituted legal action against radio and TV show host Captain Smart for recent comments that the minister was a direct beneficiary of recently released bailout funds from a global lender.
In a High Court writ dated Friday, June 2, 2023 and sighted by GhanaWeb, the minister’s lawyer holds that comments by Captain Smart on his Onua Maakye programme late last month were defamatory.
He is seeking GH¢10 million in damages.
The court papers noted that on 22 May 2023, in the course of Captain Smart’s programme, the defendant used the following defamatory claims: “Are you aware that Ken Ofori Atta has taken his 10% of the IMF money? Every loan we take, he takes 10%.”
“The above statements are not only palpably false [and] absolutely fabricated, but were also deliberately calculated to disparage the plaintiff. Those words are malicious and were clearly further intended to convey and would be understood to convey meanings that diminish the plaintiff in the minds of right-thinking members of society,” the statement of case filed by Ofori-Atta’s lawyer read.
“The said words, set out in their natural and ordinary meaning, meant and were understood to mean, inter alia, that the plaintiff is corrupt, that the plaintiff has diverted public funds and that the plaintiff has abused his office.
“By reason of the foregoing, Plaintiff has been greatly injured in his credit, character and reputation, and has been brought into public scandal, ridicule, distress and embarrassment and has thereby suffered damage,” the statement of case further read.
Reliefs
Ken Ofori-Atta is praying for “a declaration that the words uttered by the defendant, ‘Are you aware that Ken Ofori Atta has taken his 10% of the IMF money? Every loan we take he [Ken Ofori-Atta] takes 10%’ are defamatory of the plaintiff” (Ofori-Atta).
Second, “recovery of the sum of ten million Ghana cedis (GHC10,000,000) as general damages, including aggravated and/or exemplary damages for defamation, for the libel uttered by defendant”.
Third, Ofori-Atta is demanding “an apology for and retraction of the words complained of and particularised.”
Fourth, a “perpetual injunction restraining the defendant, whether by himself, his servants, agents or assigns, from repeating similar or other defamatory words against the plaintiff”.
Final prayer is for the court to award costs against Captain Smart.
Evgenia Kara-Murza can’t recall how many interviews she’s given since her husband was sentenced to 25 years in prison in Russia in April after being found guilty of treason.
The wife of well-known campaigner Vladimir Kara-Murza launched the 15th Summit for Human Rights and Democracy in Geneva before sitting down with Metro.co.uk.
She was standing on the very same platform where the Russian-British author had received recognition for his bravery in taking up the fight against the Kremlin years earlier.
Vladimir is part of the country’s beleaguered opposition, many of whom now sit in jail.
Since his detention last year, the mum-of-three has been speaking out on his and other political prisoners’ behalf.
Evgenia told us that ‘publicity is her only weapon’ against Vladimir Putin’s regime, and how she is being pushed forward by ‘fury and indignation’.
‘I need to make sure the world knows, does not turn away and understands what is happening in Russia to all those who stand up and voice their opposition to the regime,’ she said.
‘It is not just my husband. We are talking about tens of thousands of people. More than 20,000 people have been detained across the country since the launch of the invasion of Ukraine.
‘More than 500 criminal cases have been initiated against anti-war protesters and more than 20,000 administrative cases. I will continue speaking out on their behalf for as long as it takes.
‘It is harder to kill someone when the entire world is watching. I will make sure the names and stories are known to make it harder for Russia’s regime to further put pressure on these people or try the unthinkable. This is honestly my only weapon.’
Any political opposition in the country has been conflated with high treason, and Vladimir, who was once deputy leader of the opposition group People’s Freedom Party, has paid a high price for campaigning against the president since 2000.
He was arrested on charges of disobeying police orders in April 2022, facing up to 15 days behind bars or a fine, but was later charged for denouncing Russia’s war in Ukraine and treason.
A protégé of murdered Putin rival Boris Nemtsov, Vladimir was the vice-chairman of the Open Russia movement, a political organisation founded by businessman Mikhail Khodorkovsky, which promotes civil society and democracy in the country.
It is these activities that led to the two near-fatal poisoning attempts in May 2015 and February 2017, his allies claim.
An investigation by Bellingcat from 2021 revealed that an FSB unit also implicated in the poisoning of Alexey Navalny and three Russian activists had systematically tailed him before both his first and second medical emergencies.
His family watched him slip into prolonged comas after the incidents that left him with a serious nerve disorder called polyneuropathy, which can be fatal.
Evgenia still fears for her husband’s life while he is in prison where his mental and physical health are declining.
‘Of course, I am worried about his life, I have been for years,’ she said.
Like other political activists, Vladimir is being kept ‘disconnected’ from the outside world, she stressed.
Regarding the risk to their three children and herself, she believes Moscow ‘would not dare’ to target them abroad.
The professional translator and interpreter said: ‘Our kids are safe. They have been living in the US for many years because we realised that for Vladimir to continue his work as he saw fit the kids needed to be in a safe place.’
Examining what is left of the limited rights and freedoms to which Russians clung to, it is no surprise how the regime retaliated to Vladimir’s political activities.
By 2022, authorities were after the slightest signs of dissent.
Wartime censorship, the criminalisation of ‘false information’ about the Kremlin’s ‘special operation’, and an intensified campaign of harassment and criminal cases against independent journalists led to the effective demolition of the independent media sector, a recent report from the non-profit Freedom House said.
Research by OVD-Info, a Russian human rights monitoring agency, shows almost 20,000 protesters have been detained since the beginning of the war.
On behalf of her husband, Evgenia is using money he received from human rights awards last year to support families of political prisoners in the country.
She is working with the Free Russia Foundation to provide direct financial support to families of PoWs.
‘The foundation uses a network of lawyers inside Russia to locate Ukrainian PoWs. We try to work with those who are inside,’ she explained.
Asked what advice she can give to rights activists inside Russia, Evgenia said: ‘I am in no position to give advice to those who are one-on-one with the regime.
‘I do not believe I have that moral right. I will do everything to ensure the blight is known and to help them as much as I can.’
The French champions have confirmed that Sergio Ramos will leave Paris St Germain(PSG) at the end of his contract.
Ramos has spent the past two seasons at the Parc des Princes after joining from Real Madrid on a free transfer, but he stands to make his final appearance in Saturday’s match against Clermont Foot.
The 37-year-old has won back-to-back Ligue 1 titles with PSG, scoring five goals in 57 appearances, although his form was often questioned and his departure is not seen as a surprise.
“Wearing the Red and Blue shirt for the last two years has been a wonderful experience,” Ramos said in a statement.
“I’ve had an unforgettable adventure in Paris and I’d like to thank you all for your support and love. Allez Paris!”
He later added on Twitter: “Tomorrow will be a special day, tomorrow I will say goodbye to another stage of my life, goodbye to PSG.”
Club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi said: “We would like to express our immense gratitude to Sergio Ramos for the two years he has spent with us.
“Sergio’s leadership, team spirit and professionalism, combined with his experience at the highest level, make him a true football legend, and it was an honour to have him in Paris. Everyone at the club wishes him all the best.”
In India, two passenger trains derailed, trapping hundreds of passengers within more than a dozen damaged rail cars. At least 288 people were killed and over 900 others were hurt.
Around 7 p.m. local time on Friday, the incident took place in the Balasore district of Odisha, around 137 miles south-west of Kolkata.
Attempts by desperate rescuers to release trapped passengers and collect dead were described by officials as chaotic sights of twisted wreckage.
The crash is India’s deadliest rail accident in more than two decades. The cause is still unknown.
Ten to 12 coaches of one train derailed, and debris from some of the mangled coaches fell onto a nearby track, said Amitabh Sharma, a railroad ministry spokesperson.
The debris was hit by another passenger train coming from the opposite direction, and up to three coaches of the second train also derailed, Mr Sharma said.
A third train carrying freight was also reportedly involved, but authorities have not yet confirmed it.
The death toll has continued to rise steadily throughout the night. Scores of dead bodies, covered by white sheets, lay on the ground near the train tracks as locals and rescuers raced to help survivors.
Scores of people also showed up at a local hospital to donate blood.
Odisha chief secretary Pradeep Jena tweeted that more than 200 ambulances were sent to the scene throughout the night, along with 50 buses and 45 mobile health units.
Villagers said they rushed to the site to evacuate people after hearing a loud sound created by the train coaches going off the tracks.
‘The local people really went out on a limb to help us. They not only helped in pulling out people, but retrieved our luggage and got us water,’ said Rupam Banerjee, a survivor.
Passenger Vandana Kaleda told the New Delhi Television news channel that she ‘found people falling on each other’ as her coach shook violently and veered off the tracks. She said she was lucky to survive.
Another survivor who did not give his name said he was sleeping when the impact woke him up. He said he saw other passengers with broken limbs and disfigured faces.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said his thoughts were with the bereaved families.
‘May the injured recover soon,’ tweeted Mr Modi, who said he had spoken to the railway minister and that “all possible assistance” was being offered.
Despite government efforts to improve rail safety, several hundred accidents occur every year on India’s railways, the largest train network under one management in the world.
In August 1995, two trains collided near New Delhi, killing 358 people in the worst train accident in India’s history.
In 2016, a passenger train slid off the tracks between the cities of Indore and Patna, killing 146 people.
Most train accidents are blamed on human error or outdated signalling equipment.
More than 12 million people ride 14,000 trains across India every day, travelling on 40,000 miles of track.
An accident involving three trains in India‘s eastern Odisha state has killed 261 people and injured 650, according to officials.
One passenger train derailed and its coaches fell onto the adjacent track where they were struck by an incoming train on Friday evening. A freight train was stationary.
The death toll is expected to rise, as many are still trapped in the wreckage.
The cause of India’s worst train crash this century is not yet clear.
Officials said several carriages from the Shalimar-Chennai Coromandel Express derailed at about 19:00 (13:30 GMT) in Balasore district, hit a stationary goods train and several of its coaches ended up on the opposite track.
Another train – the Howrah Superfast Express travelling from Yesvantpur to Howrah – then hit the overturned carriages.
“The force with which the trains collided has resulted in several coaches being crushed and mangled. We are trying to cut through the wreckage to reach the passengers. We also have to be careful to not hurt those alive,” Atul Karwal, chief of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) told news agency ANI.
He said this was “the third deadliest crash in the history of Indian railways”.
More than 200 ambulances and hundreds of doctors, nurses and rescue personnel were sent to the scene, the state’s chief secretary Pradeep Jena said.
Sudhanshu Sarangi, director general of Odisha Fire Services, had earlier said 288 had died.
Image caption,It is India’s worst train crash this century
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw is at the site of the accident and Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit the injured in the hospital later on Saturday.
One male survivor said that “10 to 15 people fell on me when the accident happened and everything went haywire. I was at the bottom of the pile.
“I got hurt in my hand and also the back of my neck. When I came out, I saw someone had lost their hand, someone had lost their leg, while someone’s face was distorted,” the survivor told India’s ANI news agency.
Around noon, a massive column of smoke could be seen rising above the Berdyansk docks in the Zaporizhzhia area of southeast Ukraine.
In late February, Russia annexed Berdyansk, saying that Ukrainian soldiers had shelled the city on the Sea of Azov.
‘The port came under fire and there seem to be no people killed or wounded,’ Vladimir Rogov said on Telegram, according to the Russian news agency TASS.
‘The air defences were at work, shooting down some of the incoming shells.’
The Berdiansk City Military Administration said in on Telegram that Ukraine was behind the attack, the Ukrainian online newspaper Ukrainska Pravda reported.
Berdyansk is a port city and key strategic hub for Russia (Picture: Twitter)Local officials say there are no reported casualties (Picture: Twitter)
‘We thank the [Ukrainian Armed Forces] for bringing the liberation of the city closer,’ it said.
Ivan Fedorov, the Mayor of Melitopol, added on Telegram that the ‘loud’ blast was felt in the ‘whole suburb’.
Berdyansk is only 100km from the front line and has given the Kremlin an easy way to bring in supplies and troops to Mariupol and eastern Ukraine.
Zaporizhzhia is one of five regions Russia has claimed to have annexed that includes the Crimea peninsula.
Moscow also suffered another setback today when two women were reportedly killed amid intense shelling in Belgorod, only 40km north of the Ukrainian border.
An explosive device was dropped on the Shebekinsky district, shaking homes and wounding a child and an adult, governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said.
The two women were struck by shrapnel as they were travelling in a car near the village of Maslova Pristan.
Officials in neighbouring Kursk and Bryansk said buildings had been damaged by the shelling and an overnight drone attack.
Thousands of locals in the area have been evacuated along the border amid the grinding conflict.
On Thursday, Russia’s defence ministry said it had downed three cross-border attacks near the town of Shebekino.
Ukrainian’s military denied any involvement in the strike, claiming it is the work of Russian anti-government volunteer fighters.
The assaults are the latest attacks against Russia – that included a drone attack on Moscow itself – as tension rises ahead of Ukraine’s counter-offensive.
In 2022, the fourth Ghana Tourism survey reports that Aburi Gardens is the most visited tourist destination in Ghana, surpassing Kakum National Park.
The scenic gardens attracted a staggering 186,109 visitors between January to June 2022, outshining the second-placed Kakum National Park, which welcomed 136,256 tourists.
Known for its breathtaking botanical displays and serene ambience, Aburi Gardens has long been a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and those seeking respite from the hustle and bustle of city life. Its vibrant collection of exotic plants, vibrant flowers, and scenic walking trails have continued to captivate visitors from both domestic and international origins.
While Aburi Gardens took the lead, other notable sites also garnered substantial visitation numbers halfway through 2022. The Kumasi Zoo, situated in the heart of the Ashanti Region, secured the third position with a commendable 114,683 visitors. Cape Coast Castle, a poignant reminder of Ghana’s historical past, followed closely with 86,692 tourists exploring its corridors and dungeons. Similarly, the neighbouring Elmina Castle welcomed 72,691 visitors who were eager to delve into Ghana’s rich history.
TOP 10 MOST VISITED ATTRACTIONS/SITES IN GHANA 2022
Shai Hills Reserve, a nature lover’s paradise known for its diverse wildlife and remarkable rock formations, attracted 48,116 visitors, showcasing its enduring appeal.
In the capital city, Accra Zoo entertained 45,825 visitors with its wide array of animal species, while Bunso Arboretum, with its enchanting canopy walkway and botanical wonders, charmed 40,895 visitors.
The survey also highlighted the cultural treasures that drew tourists’ attention in 2022.
Prempeh II Jubilee Museum in Kumasi, dedicated to preserving the history and heritage of the Ashanti Kingdom, recorded 21,139 visitors eager to learn about the region’s regal past. Additionally, the majestic Kintampo Waterfalls, cascading with breathtaking beauty, mesmerized 18,231 visitors who flocked to witness this natural wonder.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the global tourism industry, and Ghana is no exception. However, the report highlights the improved outcomes due to efforts and measures taken by the Ghana Tourism Authority.
According to the GRA, the Local Governance Act 2016 (Act 936) mandates all persons and corporate bodies who own immovable properties to pay property rates to MMDAs without any exception.
The GRA says, however, the Act exempts some categories of properties from the payment of property rate.
Below is the advert GRA placed in Mirror announcing the exemptions:
She was assassinated earlier today in Droylsden, Greater Manchester.
Officers responded to allegations of a stabbing at Edge Lane in Droylsden at around 12 p.m. on Friday and found the victim dead at the scene.
Greater Manchester Police said in a statement this evening that preliminary information indicates a male suspect fled the scene in an unidentified route.
Detectives are unable to confirm whether the victim was known to the attacker.
Chief Superintendent Phil Davies, Tameside’s district commander said: ‘Firstly, our thoughts are with the family and friends of the victim.
‘Our specialist family liaison officers are currently with the victim’s family to support them through what is an incredibly difficult time.
‘GMP officers and our major incident team are working extremely hard to determine the full circumstances surrounding this incident.
‘We will do everything we can to ensure we locate the person responsible for this callous attack.
‘I understand this news will come as a great shock to those in the Droylsden community. In response, you will see an increased presence of our local officers, who will be patrolling the local community on-foot and in vehicles providing added reassurance to the community.
‘I would urge anyone with information or concerns to speak to those officers who are on hand to help and support you.
‘If you have any information about this incident, please come forward, your information no matter how small may be vital to our investigations.’
A crime scene is currently in place on Edge Lane junction of Ashton New Road and Edge Lane junction with Wheler Street will remain in place for some time while specialist officers conduct further enquiries.
Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has filed a GHS10 million defamation suit against Captain Smart, a popular TV host.
Captain Smart, the host of ‘Maakye’ on Onua TV has been sued for alleging that the Minister of Finance is earning a 10% commission on the $3 billion Extended Credit Facility secured by government from the International Monetary Fund.
In the writ filed by Bright Okyere Adjekum who is Lawyer for Ken Ofori-Atta, at the High Court on Friday, June 2, it indicated that during the course of the said “Maakye with Captain Smart” program on May 22, the Defendant, broadcasted and published on Onua TV, Onua FM and via the internet the following words; “Are you aware that Ken Ofori Atta has taken his 10% of the IMF money”? “Every loan we take he takes 10%.”
The lawyer of Ken Ofori-Atta as instructed by the Minister insists that the above statements are not only palpably false, absolutely fabricated but were also deliberately calculated to disparage the Plaintiff.
“Those words are malicious and were clearly further intended to convey and would be understood to convey meanings that diminish the Plaintiff in the minds of right thinking members of society,” part of the Writ said.
To make up for the injury suffered by the reputation of Ken Ofori-Atta, the Plaintiff through his Lawyer is praying to the court for five reliefs:
First, Ofori-Atta is praying for “a declaration that the words uttered by the Defendant “are you aware that Ken Ofori Atta has taken his 10% of the IMF money? Every loan we take he (Ken Ofori-Atta) takes 10%” are Defamatory of the Plaintiff (Ken Ofori-Atta).
Second, “recovery of the sum of Ten Million Ghana Cedis (GHSI0,000,000.00) as general damages including aggravated and/or exemplary damages for defamation for the libel uttered by Defendant”.
In addition, the Plaintiff is also demanding “an apology for and retraction of the words complained of and particularized and fourth, a “perpetual injunction restraining the Defendant whether by himself, his servants, agents or assigns from repeating similar or other defamatory words against the Plaintiff.”
President Akufo-Addo has commiserated with the family of the late Prof Ama Ata Aidoo, following her demise.
In a series of tweets shared on Friday, June 2, 2023, the president said that he was devastated after hearing the news of Ama Ata Aidoo‘s death.
He described Ama Ata Aidoo as one of the outstanding writers Ghana and the African continent has had.
“I heard of the news of the death of Ama Ata Aidoo with sadness and sorrow. I extend my deepest sympathies and condolences to her children and family on their great loss.
“She was my contemporary at the University of Ghana, someone with whom I enjoyed friendly and productive relations. Ama Ata Aidoo was a big Ghanaian, and one of the outstanding writers of her generation.
“Through her work, she made a tremendous contribution to the development of our country and continent, and expressed so many of our feelings about our fate as Ghanaians and, indeed, as Africans,” parts of the tweet read.
Renowned Ghanaian writer, Prof. Ama Ata Aidoo, sadly passed away in the early hours of Wednesday, May 31, 2023.
The family of the esteemed literary icon announced her demise.
Prof. Ama Ata Aidoo, known for her exceptional contributions to African literature, bid farewell after a brief illness.
Her passing leaves a void in the literary world, as she touched the hearts and minds of readers worldwide with her insightful and thought-provoking works.
The acclaimed writer, born on March 23, 1942, in Abeadzi Kyiakor, Ghana, achieved international recognition for her novel “Our Sister Killjoy” and her play “Anowa.”
Prof. Aidoo’s literary prowess extended beyond the boundaries of fiction, encompassing poetry, drama, and essays.
Her works tackled diverse themes, including gender roles, African identity, and post-colonialism, resonating with readers across generations.
Prof. Ama Ata Aidoo’s contributions to the literary landscape have been widely celebrated, earning her numerous accolades throughout her career.
She received the Commonwealth Writers’ Prize for Best Book in Africa for her novel “Changes” in 1992.
Additionally, she was honoured with the prestigious Ghanatta Award for Literature in 2018, recognizing her enduring impact on Ghanaian and African literature.
Beyond her writing, Prof. Aidoo was an educator and advocate for women’s empowerment.
She served as a lecturer at the University of Cape Coast in Ghana and was actively involved in promoting education and the arts in her country.
As news of her passing spreads, tributes pour in from fellow writers, scholars, and admirers of her work. Many recognize Prof Ama Ata Aidoo as a trailblazer who fearlessly challenged societal norms and opened doors for African women writers.
Her literary legacy will continue to inspire and shape the literary landscape for years to come.
The family of Prof. Aidoo requests privacy during this time of mourning, as they prepare to bid their final farewell to a beloved relative and celebrate the indelible mark she left on the world of literature.
A 28-year-old man has allegedly killed his girlfriend, a 27-year-old pregnant woman and his 7-year-old son in Anwiankwanta- Paona in the Ashanti Region.
This report was contained in a video posted by Accra-based UTV.
The suspect whose name is given as, Isaac Kwadwo Nyarko, 28 and a welder, allegedly murdered his pregnant wife; Agnes Duah, 27 and Emmanuel Twumasi, 7 in cold blood on May 27, 2023.
According to the report, the suspect after allegedly killing the two, escaped to Kwamankese near Mankessim in the Central Region.
The suspect is reported to have admitted to the crime committed when he was apprehended and arrested by the police in Anwiankwata.
“He explains that he was in a relationship with the lady, but he didn’t reside in the Anwiankwata community, he moved from another place to visit the lady. They had an argument in a time past that resulted in him taking everything he got for the lady. He later resented his decision and returned them because she was his girlfriend and pregnant,” the report said.
The report continued to narrate that the suspect claimed nagging from Agnes his girlfriend during his visits led him to believe that she no longer had feelings for him, even though she was carrying his child.
“Ever since he returned the things, the lady nags every time he visits. That made him conclude that the lady doesn’t love him any longer even after carrying his baby. On that fateful day [May 27] when he was visiting, he bought and poisoned yoghurt and fan milk for the lady to eat. After which she became weak. While at that, he used a sharpened cutlass and a hoe-like tool which he had on him to jab the neck of the lady to the extent that her head went off her body,” the report added.
Upon committing the crime, he was slipped by the oozing blood and accidentally woke his son who was asleep and killed him as well.
“After killing her, the blood that oozed from the body caused him to slip and accidentally stepped on the hand of the kid who was asleep. When he woke up, the son asked, ‘Daddy so you have killed mummy’. When he heard that from his son, he concluded that a child who could be conscious enough to make such remarks could testify against him. So, he used the tool he used in the killing his mother to chop off the head of the boy just as he did to his mother. After the act, he used a padlock to lock up the room as though there was no one available and run away,” the narration continued.
The report added that three days later, the community, on suspicion of the absence of Agnes and her son, reported to the police.
“Upon not seeing Agnes and his son, the community members went to the police station to report that the said lady and her son have not been seen for three days now. The police went to their house to break the door to the room only to meet the rotting bodies of the lady and her son in the room. The police went on a manhunt for him only to append him and he confessed to committing the crime,” the report stated.
The biggest opposition party in Ghana, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has rejected calls from concerned delegates in Ketu North to conduct a re-run of elections in the constituency.
The party leadership was responding to calls from NDC delegates who expressed their discontentment with a winner being declared without re-run despite a tie of votes during the party’s primaries.
The Deputy General Secretary of the NDC, Mustapha Gbande, stated that the party delivered a conclusive ruling in the presence of the two contenders and the party chairman.
In a citinewsroom.com report, Mustapha added the party has moved on and is preparing the parliamentary candidate to win the Ketu North seat. Adding that calls for re-elections are only reconciliation efforts as the party is even aware of such a petition.
“The National Chairman of the party was present, and the parties involved in the disputed primary were there with their lawyers. We then delivered a conclusive ruling on the matter, and Edem Agbana was declared the legitimately elected parliamentary candidate for Ketu North. As a result, any other issue will be considered a reconciliation effort because we are not even aware of any petition of this nature, and no such matter has been brought to our office. The party has moved on, and we are now preparing the elected candidate to win the seat,” Gbande said.
The parliamentary candidate for Ketu North, Edem Agbana, was declared winner in the May 13 NDC primaries after tying votes with his contender, John Adanu.
They tied with 360 votes each following the discovery of three unstamped ballots.
In Ghana, there is a prevailing perception that a significant number of individuals enter politics with the primary intention of using it as a means to enrich themselves easily, however, that is not the story of Joana Gyan,Keche Andrew’s wife
This perception is mostly fuelled by the sudden change in the lifestyle of politicians, including parliamentary when they come into power.
However, some Ghanaian politicians are already super rich before they enter the realm of politics.
One of such politicians is the newly elected National Democratic Congress parliamentary candidate for the Amenfi Central Constituency, Joana Gyan.
Joana Gyan is the Chief Executive Officer of the gold dealership firm, Golden Empire Legacy Limited.
She is also the Founder and CEO of Gem Multimedia Ghana Limited and also doubles as the wife of popular musician,Keche Andrew.
In 2022, she received an award by Forbes, as the Best Female Miner of the Year, 2021.
She also received the FIN Gold Woman of The Year award and the FIN Woman Executive Visionary of The Year award in the same year.
Joana Gyan has stated that her main motivation for entering into politics is to make a difference in her community and not money.
Speaking in an interview on “The Delay Show” in 2020, Gyan disclosed that she earns $700 million annually with the gold export business she owns.
“I do about $700 million every year, I do about $65 million month. My company exports gold… When I started, I was making around $200,000 to $1 million,” she said in Twi when asked about her net worth.
“I have a small-scale gold export license, a large-scale gold export license… I also have a company that does mining,” she added.
The businessman and entrepreneur is married to Ghanaian musician, Andrew Kofi Cudjoe, a member of the Keche group.
Joana Gyan is 38 years old and she hails from Dunkwa-Offin in the Central Region.
The Supreme Court has declared the endorsement of candidates or political parties by chiefs as unconstitutional. The court’s decision sets a significant precedent, affirming that such endorsements are in violation of constitutional principles.
The ruling highlights the importance of upholding the integrity of the electoral process and ensuring a level playing field for all candidates, independent of any affiliations with traditional authorities.
This landmark judgment is expected to have far-reaching implications on future political campaigns and the role of chiefs in the electoral arena.
The court, however, pointed out that chiefs praising or lauding the policy of a candidate is a permissible endorsement.
Justice Emmanuel Yonny Kulendi who authored the November 2022 Judgment of the court explains that this conclusion is “consistent with the role of a Chief as a champion and an advocate for the welfare and interests of their communities”.
He nonetheless stated that other statements where a Chief is heard to endorse the person of the candidate or his party by declaring their preferential support for the election of the candidate or his party or urging voters to vote for them are the kind of “taking sides” in a partisan political contest which the constitution disapproves of.
This is the Apex Court’s decision in a case filed by legal practitioner Elorm Kwame Gorni against the Attorney General.
It was heard by Justices Jones Dotse, Gabriel Pwamang, Nene Amegatcher, Prof Ashie Kotey, Mariama Owusu, Lovelace Johnson and Emmanuel Yonny Kulendi.
Mr Gorni had urged the apex court to interpret “active party politics” as used in Article 276(1) of Ghana’s constitution. This provision states;
“A chief shall not take part in active party politics, and any chief wishing to do so and seeking election to Parliament shall abdicate his stool or skin.“
He wanted the court to declare that certain chiefs who during the electioneering campaign leading up to the 2020 General Elections “endorsed” either the NPP’s Nana Akufo-Addo or the NDC’s John Dramani Mahama were engaged in active party politics. He argued such an endorsement was a breach of the Constitution.
The Attorney General took the view that the case raises no issue requiring the interpretation of the court.
He pointed out that the word “active” is “clear, unambiguous and admits of no interpretation”.
The AG further pointed out that a chief’s endorsement of a candidate for “elective political office without more cannot be said to constitute an engagement in active party politics”.
He insisted chiefs like every citizen have the right to freedom of speech and expression as well as the freedom of thought, conscience and belief.
The Supreme Court however took the view that the phrase “active party politics” raises and presents an issue worth interpreting.
Justice Kulendi explained that it was important for “the exact contours or boundaries of what constitutes such participation” to be determined.
On the substantive issue of chiefs and politics, Justice Kulendi said chiefs occupy an elevated position in the social order and play an influential role in the governance and development of their communities and the country.
“It is on account of the exceptional social and public status of chiefs that although chiefs are not public officers, the constitution disqualifies certain persons, notably persons convicted of offences involving fraud, dishonesty or moral turpitude from being chiefs.
“It is the same heightened concern with preserving and protecting the dignity of the chief’s office that partly underpins Article 276(1)’s banning of chiefs from taking part in active party politics.”
He continued that chiefs are not barred from expressing their opinions about matters that are the subject of public debate and discussion.
This he added strikes the right balance between the rights of Chiefs, the reasonable expectations associated with their role and the public interest concerns that animated the said constitutional provision.
Mr Gormi attached various statements made by some chiefs to his court documents.
“The Paramount Chief of the Duayaw Nkanta Traditional Council, Nana Boakye Tromo III, told the President,
“You have distributed the national cake equitably, and we, in Duayaw Kwanta, have gotten our fair share of development.
The publication proceeded to state that:
“Citing several examples of projects undertaken in Duayaw Nkwanta, together with policies such as Free SHS, 1-District -1-Factory, and the programme for Planting for Food and Jobs, Nana Boakye Tromo III stated that “this clearly shows that you have been sent by God to lead us…”
“We are solidly behind you, and we are declaring today that four more for Nana’, ‘Four more to do more”
The Krontihene of Techimantia, Nana Ampong Koromantan is reported to have said;
“Today, we just want to tell you that we, in Techimantia, will never forget you for the construction of the Bechem-Techimantia-Akomadan road. Indeed the presence of a lot of townsfolk at this durbar testifies to the fact that we have already accepted you as one of us. It is four more for you.”
On his part, the Omanhene of Kenyasi No.1 Nana Kofi Abiri reportedly stated as follows:
“We pleaded with him to construct our roads for us, we also needed a TVER institute. He didn’t ignore our request as we can see machines constructing the road. We also said that we needed a mobile phone network at Wamahiniso, you have done it for us we are grateful.”
The Okyenhene, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin II is reported to have stated as follows:
“Just like the singer, Lucky Mensah, said in his songs, Nana Akufo-Addo has exceeded all expectations as President and must be given the nod to continue for a second term”.
The Omanhene of Mehame Traditional Area, Nana Owusu Kontoh II is said to have stated the following:
“I have a good road, electricity, ICT centre, health centre and nursing training college among other infrastructure developments and they are all because of Mr Mahama and Alhaji Collins Dauda who is our MP.
The final comment produced in court was that of the Paramount Chief of the Waala Traditional Area, Naa Fuseini Seidu Pelpuo IV:
“No one, at least not one that has lived in this country can deny the fact that the evidence of your achievements during your tenure abound before us. I am therefore justified to bless your decision to contest the Flagbearer position of your party and by extension to seek a re-run for power in 2020”.
Justice Kulendi noted that the courts could not vouch for the accuracy of the statements. The court nonetheless said it will deal with them and conclude with the presumption that they are accurate. He concluded that the statements above that praise a policy or program or project of a candidate or party are permissible endorsements and not unconstitutional.
On the other hand, those other statements where a chief is heard to endorse the person of the candidate or his party or urging voters to vote for them are the kind of “taking sides” in a partisan political contest that the constitution disapproves of.
Baci had embarked on a cooking marathon in an attempt to break the world record for the longest cooking time by an individual.
The 26-year-old Nigerian chef succeeded in accomplishing her task as she cooked non-stop for four days, beating the previous record of 87 hours and 45 minutes set by Indian chef Lata Tondon.
She set a new record of 100 hours, however, the Guinness World Records is yet to verify her claims.
In a Twitter post, the Guinness World Records explained that they are reviewing all the evidence before officially confirming her record.
On her Twitter page, Baci noted how she continuously checks her email for confirmation.
She wrote;
“Not me refreshing my email every second since we submitted all the evidence to Guinness World Records,” she tweeted on June 1.
Responding to Hilda Baci’s post, Guinness World Records tweeted that their records team is currently reviewing the evidence.
“Our records team is working on it,” the official Twitter handle of Guinness World Records replied.
A Ghanaian private legal practitioner has argued that the Supreme Court’s unanimous decision describing the President’s directive to Daniel Yao Domelevo to go on leave as unconstitutional has set a high precedent for the country.
According to lawyer Tachie Antiedu, while some may agree that it took two years to reach this decision, the long-term impact is what is most important.
He contended that the ruling would mean that no president would be able to abuse his or her office and remove an Auditor-General from office.
The most important thing, according to the lawyer, is that the court has prevented any future occurrence in which a president could order an Auditor-General to go on leave, especially if that leader feels threatened by that person’s work.
The lawyer was speaking on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM’s Frontline with host Kwabena Agyapong.
“This is a significant protection for that office. It is richly deserved. It would be dangerous to appoint someone to audit you if that person lacked any form of protection. That is why the constitution established that special office,” he explained.
He emphasised that the Audit Service is an independent body that must be protected and that the court’s decision was positive and should be applauded.
To him, we needed that verdict, and Domelevo would be entitled to personal benefits if he was interested in taking the matter up.
“He has the right to sue for unpaid benefits. He is entitled to all types of benefits now that it has been determined that his removal was unconstitutional. He may personally decide not to pursue the matter, but if he so desires, he may do so and win the case.”
“The court’s decision has removed all doubt. Nobody can make that decision now that it has been established. That, in my opinion, is the most important factor we must consider,” the lawyer stated.
Former President John Dramani Mahama has called on the Ministries of Chieftaincy, Interior and National Security, to intervene in the ongoing hostilities between the people of Mamprusi and Gonjaland.
The flagbearer of the opposition NDC expressed his deep regret and disappointment over conflicts emanating from the disputed border between the Soo and Wasipe traditional areas of the North East and Savanna Regions, respectively.
Mahama in a Facebook post stressed the peace and unity the feuding groups have enjoyed through intermarriage and other social relationships over the years hence, admonished them to resolve disputes peacefully instead of resorting to arms at the slightest provocation.
The former president also lamented the destruction and loss of lives that have been caused by the misunderstanding and conflicts between the Mamprusis and Gonjas.
“I have learnt with regret and great disappointment recent hostilities between sections of the Gonja and Mamprusi communities along a disputed border between the Soo and Wasipe traditional areas of the North East and Savanna Regions, respectively.
“These hostilities, emanating from disputes over traditional jurisdictional issues, have led to the destruction of property and loss of lives. This is unfortunate.
“Gonjas and Mamprusis have lived together peacefully for ages and have become family through intermarriage and other social relationships. We must endeavour to co-exist peacefully and deploy non-violent means to resolve disputes instead of resorting to arms at the slightest provocation,” the NDC flagbearer wrote.
He also called on the overlords and paramount chiefs of the Mamprugu, Gonjaland, Soo and Wasipe Traditional Areas to restore calm and deploy time-tested traditional and peaceful means to resolve the dispute.
“I call for the urgent intervention of the Overloads of Mamprugu and Gonjaland and the Paramount Chiefs of the Soo and Wasipe Traditional Areas to restore calm and deploy time-tested traditional and peaceful means to resolve the dispute.
“I also call on the Ministers for Chieftaincy, National Security, and Interior and the North East & Savanna Regional Security Councils to take urgent steps to resolve the conflict and restore calm to the area,” he added.
Tension has been escalating in the Mamprugu, Gonjaland, Soo and Wasipe Traditional Areas in recent days, stemming from a long-standing rivalry between traditional warriors from the Wasipe Traditional Area in Daboya and the Soo Traditional Area in Janga.
The clash, according to a citinewsroom.com report, erupted in the early hours of Thursday and has resulted in one death and injuries to others.
An 18-year-old student of the New Nsutam Senior High Technical School in the Abuakwa-North District of the Eastern Region has met her untimely death after being allegedly stabbed to death by her boyfriend.
GhanaWeb gathered that Abigail Asare, a form two student of the school and resident of Accra on the morning of Friday, June 2, 2023, around 9am, visited her boyfriend, Emeka, said to be a Togolese soon after leaving school for the mid-term holidays which began on Friday.
Not long after, Emeka is said to have left the shop without his girlfriend.
Minutes later, a customer who came to the shop for a haircut, saw the lifeless body of the victim on the floor soaked in blood from knife wounds.
The late Abigail Asare
Alarmed by the spectacle, the eyewitness quickly informed the Akyem-Nsutem police who also informed the Kyebi police with men from the KyebiDivisional Police Command responding immediately to the scene.
The police conveyed the lifeless body of the student which has been deposited at the Kyebi Government Hospital for preservation and autopsy as investigations into the incident continue.
The suspect has since fled the community as a follow-up search to his home met his absence.
It’s unclear what happened between the two inside the shop which led to the suspect stabbing the young woman.
School authorities are yet to comment on the incident.
A Chief and a self-acclaimed pastor who confessed to killing and burying a 25-year-old student nurse at Mankessim in the Central Region last year, have confessed to killing another lady.
Georgina Asor Botchway, the student nurse was gruesomely murdered and buried by the two in a room at Mankessim. The body was, however, exhumed by the police following investigations.
Appearing before the Kaneshie District Court in Accra, Christopher Ekow Clark Quansah, aka Nana Clark, the traditional ruler and Michael Amponsah Darko, aka Nana One, the pastor, were remanded into lawful custody.
Nana Clark and Darko have been jointly charged with conspiracy to commit crime and murder of one Gloria Yeboah.
The court presided over by Ms Ama Adomako Kwakye did not take their pleas.
The accused persons are expected to return to court on June 15.
Meanwhile, the police are conducting further investigations into the matter.
The prosecution led by Chief Inspector Margaret Ofori Boadi said Nana Clark, the first accused person, resides at Essikafoammatem in Mankessim, Central Region.
The prosecution said Darko, the second accused person resides at Buokrom, Kumasi in the Ashanti Region.
It said the accused persons are friends.
The prosecution told the Court that in 2022, Darko met the deceased, who was then working at Amegashie Herbal Clinic in Breman-Kumasi and they became friends.
During their acquaintance, Darko promised to send the deceased abroad.
It said on June 16, 2022, Darko informed the deceased that he had secured a visa for her to go to Holland and asked her to meet him in Accra to embark on the trip.
The prosecution said on June 18, 2022, at about 1023 hours, the deceased met Darko at Achimota in Accra with the intent of travelling abroad.
Darko instead took the deceased to Yamoransa in the Central Region on the same day on the pretext of introducing her to his uncle, Nana Clark.
The prosecution said Darko assured the victim that they would return to Accra on the same day so she could embark on her trip abroad.
It said on June 19, 2022, the Asebu Police in the Central Region received a report from Godslove Benson, the Assembly member for Batanyaa Electoral Area to the effect that the body of a female adult had been found on the outskirts of Batanyaa, along the Batanyaa – Assin-Fosu Highway.
The prosecution said the Police visited the scene, examined the body, and found visible marks of violence on the cheek and neck of the deceased.
It said the body was removed from the scene and deposited at the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital Mortuary for preservation, identification, and autopsy.
On September 19, 2022, the accused persons were arrested for their involvement in the murder of Georgina Asor Botchway.
The prosecution said during interrogation, the accused persons who admitted the offence, also indicated that they murdered Gloria Yeboah on June 18, 2022, at Batanyaa and dumped her body along the Batanyaa – Assin-Fosu main road.
It said the accused persons led the Police to the crime scene and identified the location where they murdered and dumped Gloria.
The location where they dumped Gloria confirmed the exact place the body of the deceased was found.
The prosecution said during a search of Darko’s house in Kumasi, a passport-size picture of Gloria was found in his room, which he identified as the deceased.
It said Gloria’s sister also identified the deceased’s picture to the police.
The prosecution said on October 5, 2022, an autopsy was conducted by a pathologist who gave the interim cause of death as “Sharp Force” (Stab Wounds).
As we see the artificial intelligence furore sweep across continents, one thing is clear: Africans have a goldmine at our fingertips. A rapidly growing population of 1.4 billion people, 70% under the age of 30, combined with huge growth in AI investments, creates a potent recipe for Africa. We will not sit back and wait for the rest of the world to reap our rewards.
Africa and the Middle East are set to see the fastest growth in AI spending worldwide, reaching $3bn (£2.4bn) this year and a predicted $6.4bn by 2026.
Africa missed the first, second and third industrial revolutions, but I am determined that our continent will not miss the fourth and fifth.
The piece in the puzzle that will make this a reality is data, driven by highly skilled national tech expertise, and private-sector investments. For every dollar invested in data systems, there is an average return of $32. Data is the lifeblood for making decisions and is what will unlock an independent, wealthy future for Africa, making sure that new economic opportunities are shared.
Since Google opened its first Africa-based AI research centre in Accra in 2019, we have already seen progress in agriculture, healthcare, education and more.
Farmers, in particular, are set to benefit. One project is helping Ghanaian cashew farmers use unmanned aerial vehicles in an AI-powered disease-detection innovation. The flying robots collect data from the leaves, stems and trunks of the cashew trees, allowing farmers to detect pest and disease symptoms before they become visible and lead to serious crop damage.
The initiative, funded by the German development agency GIZ, holds particular value because half of the world’s cashew nuts are grown in Africa.
Another project uses AI to help smallholder farmers in Ghana predict post-harvest shortages and gluts. The technology aims to build better prediction models for crop yields that will give Ghana and the region far greater food security. Given the volatility of managing a smallholder farm, this project – run by the Ghanaian non-profit organisation AGRI-WEB – will help the farmers secure a more stable and sustainable income.
As the 33m smallholder farms in Africa contribute up to 70% of the food supply, the potentially transformative impact of this data-driven technology on livelihoods and food security across the region is vast.
During the pandemic, I saw first-hand how essential data is for us in shaping our decision-making. Through a project with the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data, Vodafone Ghana and others, our scientists gathered anonymised mobile phone data from across Ghana’s districts. By looking at how the number of active users changed, we could see how effective lockdowns were in restricting people’s movement. This was vital in telling us when to lift and when to renew measures. Having in-country experts who collect and analyse data holds enormous potential for African decision-makers.
With the growing numbers of young people being trained in data and AI in Ghana, we have a workforce ready to take on the tech revolution and drive progress and economic transformation across the continent. In 2021, Ghana’s Academic City University College in Accra became the first African higher education institution to launch a degree in artificial intelligence.
But we, and the world, cannot sit back and wait. We must stay focused on growing and nurturing this workforce of data experts. As the AI acceleration changes the nature of work, we must prepare a generation of young people to be at the forefront of the revolution, leading Africa into this new era.
This year’s global summits, from New Delhi to New York, provide a historic opportunity for a new way of doing development. In Ghana, we welcomed the Indian government’s commitment to making data for development a priority at this year’s G20 meeting.
But world leaders must show commitment to this agenda at the UN sustainable development goal summit in New York in September, focusing on funding, and building capacity development, skills and partnerships. Data is critical for Africa and the world to achieve the sustainable development goals. And yet decisions are still being made in the dark. For eight of the 17 goals, fewer than half of all countries have data to report.
There is no time to wait. I know that investing in private- and public-sector workforces and building joined-up data systems will unlock the potential opportunities that AI offers. This is what will break down the digital divide between countries and allow Ghana and our African neighbours to be in control of our own success.
It is critical that this revolution is driven by locally led solutions – and brains.
Mahamudu Bawumia is vice-president of Ghana and head of the government’s Economic Management Team.
Abdul-Jalil Yakubu, the Assemblyman for Tatanaa South Electoral Area – LaNMMA, has called on the government to provide financial payment for assemblymen due to the significant expenses they encounter while serving their respective constituencies.
Abdul Yakubu highlighted the various demands placed on assemblymen, often requiring them to seek quick loans to address pressing needs within their communities.
Speaking in an interview with Andy-Asante Okyere on Radio Univers on June 1, 2023, he revealed the financial challenges faced by assemblymen in fulfilling their roles effectively.
He recounted instances where constituents approached him seeking financial assistance for various needs, including school uniforms, school fees, and basic sustenance for families.
According to him, such demands placed upon assemblymen are substantial and often require immediate attention, resulting in them borrowing quick loans to meet these pressing obligations.
“Andy (host), one day I will invite you over to come to my place and handle my phone for just 30 minutes and see something. I didn’t even know what we called a quick loan. I got to know about quick loans when I became an Assemblyman because sometimes you have to take a quick loan to support your members.
“…but every month, LaNMMA gives us GHS 800, but that money will not even last a week. Assemblymen need to be paid seriously because the things that we spend on, my brother, are not easy. I buy school uniforms for people, sometimes I pay for school fees for people. Someone can come to your house and say that today myself and my family haven’t eaten, so do something.
“But I am happy I have found myself there because it has shaped my personality. I have been able to understand human beings properly…I am telling you, assemblymen need to be paid,” he said.
American rapper Rick Ross has expressed his interest in Nigerian music star Ayra Starr.
Rick Ross’ attraction to Afrobeats has gone beyond the music as he recently openly expressed his attraction to Ayra Starr.
In an Instagram video, Rick Ross gushes over Ayra Starr describing her as beautiful and talented while also proposing a toast to her and saying he would like to celebrate her when he comes to Nigeria.
The video has generated reaction online as fans joked about what a relationship between the two would look like.
Rick Ross interacted with Afrobeats long before Ayra Starr became a star. The rapper collaborated with Afrobeats legend P-Square on the remix of their 2011 hit single ‘Beautiful Oyinye’.
Rick Ross visited Nigeria in 2012 where he headlined a show and even shot a Nigerian video for his hit single ‘Hold Me Back.’
More recently, the rapper collaborated with Adekunle Gold on the remix of his hit song ‘5 Star’. He also visited Lagos in 2022 where he performed at a show.
Benjamin Ndego, a criminologist, has called for concurrent investigations and prosecution of Transnational Organized Crimes (TOC) with money laundering to enable relevant institutions to recover the proceeds of such crimes.
Ndego, who is also an Expert in Organized Crime and Money Laundering, said the current practice of institutions focusing only on predicated crimes before going to tackle money laundering would give the perpetrators enough time to divert the monies and cover them up.
He made the call during the ongoing two-week Maritime Security and Transnational Organized Crime (MSTOC) programme organized by the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) with support from the German Government.
He said that the proceeds of all TOCs activities such as drug trafficking, arms trafficking, human trafficking and smuggling, and terrorism, among others, end up in money laundering.
He said it was a vicious cycle in which the crime generated monies that needed to be laundered as a way to avoid detection, and those monies were then used to sponsor more crimes to generate higher proceeds.
“Arresting people and jailing them without collecting the monies involved in the proceedings is just a waste of time and national resources, as they go and come back to enjoy the money they made from those crimes,” he said.
Ndego said the criminals wash their dirty monies by initially injecting the illegal cash into banks or security companies and sometimes transforming it into other assets, and they also remove the monies far from the location of acquisition to avoid detection.
He said they lay the money through its conversion into monetary instruments such as bonds and also sell the initial assets acquired.
The criminologist said the last part of the money laundering involved integrating it into real estate, buying properties, and buying loss-making enterprises, among others.
Touching on the types of money laundering, he said some laundered the monies through third parties who were not involved in the committing of the crimes, whiles some do self-laundering as well as standing alone.
He said some of the features of money laundering were having monies from a criminal origin, with the aim of obscuring the origin while making the funds appear legitimate, using front companies, strawmen, and philanthropic activities, and co-mingling the money as a cover.
Ghanaian DJ, Ohemaa Woyeje has emphasized the significance of confidence and resilience for female DJs in the industry.
In a recent interview with Graphic Showbiz, she expressed her views about the challenges faced by women in advancing their careers as DJs.
“There are people who attack your personality as a female DJ. If you are not confident, you will be discouraged, but what you should do as a female DJ to keep going in this industry is to master your craft, develop a thick skin for all the criticisms, strive for excellence and watch society applaud your efforts,” Ohemaa Woyeje stated.
She acknowledged that initially, it was difficult for society to accept female DJs due to the perception that DJing was a male-dominated field.
However, she emphasized the changing tide and the need for women to assert themselves with confidence and determination.
“Initially it was difficult for people to accept female DJs because they felt it was the preserve of men, but now they are beginning to accept the reality that women can, and what we can do is to go all out in confidence, stay put and not allow ourselves to be discouraged,” she added.
Ohemaa Woyeje encouraged aspiring female DJs to master their craft, develop resilience, and strive for excellence.
She emphasized that with hard work and confidence, women can overcome challenges and gain recognition in the industry.
Sister Derby has bragged about having a special place in her ex-boyfriend Medikal’s life that cannot be replaced recounting when he described her as a trophy.
This was in response to a troll who stormed her comment section over her latest LGBTQ post.
Earlier, when Sister Derby shared an LGBTQ song on social media, it sparked fury online.
Tons of netizens condemned the development, while others questioned her decision to force the agenda down the throats of Ghanaians.
A displeased netizen also took to the comment section with concerns, but in a form of a personal attack.
In a bid to hit Sister Derby where it hurt the most, the said individual mocked her over Medikal’s decision to choose Fella Makafui over her.
“Ohk I now understand why this guy left her for another woman,” his comment read.
In response, Sister Derby bragged about still being an essential part of Medikal’s life.
Buttressing her points, she established that Medikal went the extra mile of labeling her a ‘Trophy’ in his new song.
“Yes, and he made a whole song calling me a Trophy.”
Sister Derby and Medikal’s ‘Cold and Trophies’ song
The collaboration between former love birds, Medikal and Sister Deborah is one social media users, as well as music lovers, never saw coming as it took many by surprise.
On Thursday, March 9, Medikal released his much-anticipated song ‘Cold and Trophies’ which featured Sister Derby.
The duo have since dominated social media conversations and once again made headlines due to their previous bad blood as a result of their messy breakup in 2018.
The 5 minutes and 8 seconds music video highlighted the chemistry between the musicians right from their car ride to the living room scene.
Netizens have also asked questions regarding the marriage status of Medikal and Fella Makafui. To some, the rapper made a wrong move by working with his ex-girlfriend whilst others say it is all part of showbiz.
A leading member of the opposition National Democratic Congress in the Ashanti Region, Joshua Fugah, has issued a stern warning to the New Patriotic Party (NPP) ahead of the upcoming parliamentary by-election in the Assin North Constituency.
According to Fugah, with the Assin North vote, the NDC will not give room for any acts of vote buying, as witnessed in the recent by-election in the Kumawu Constituency.
“What we want to tell the NPP is that what they did in Kumawu will not be allowed to repeat itself in Assin North. Our regional chairman for the Central Region has held a press conference and informed the NPP that the things they did in Kumawu will not be allowed to happen again.
“Some of these include the wanton sharing of money in broad daylight. Every V8 that went into the town was filled with cash. But amidst all that, the people of Kumawu showed the NPP that they cannot be bought with money. However, there are some people whose minds can change if you give them money. Considering the current economic hardship, a hundred or two hundred cedis can change someone’s mind, and those are the things we will not allow to happen in Assin North,” he stated during a peace discussion on Peace FM.
The NPP emerged victorious in a by-election held for the Kumawu Constituency following the demise of the Member of Parliament for the area, Philip Basoah.
Despite suffering defeat, the NDC maintains that it performed well in the election held in the NPP’s stronghold but argues that the election was marred by vote buying on the part of the NPP.
The Electoral Commission has scheduled a by-election for the Assin North Constituency after the Supreme Court ruled that the election of James Gyakye Quayson as MP for the area in the 2020 election was unconstitutional, null, and void.
According to the court, Gyakye Quayson, at the time of filing his nomination to contest in 2020, had not renounced his Canadian citizenship.
Meanwhile, the NDC, ahead of the June 27, 2023, by-election, has indicated that it will maintain Gyakye Quayson as its candidate despite an ongoing criminal case against him.
A 25-year-old unemployed woman, who allegedly connived with her friend to steal GHS 4,600.00 from a small-scale miner has been sentenced to two months imprisonment by a Tarkwa District Court.
In addition, the court presided over by Mr Charles Owusu Ansah, fined the convict, Queenstabel Mintah, alias Ohemaa, GHS1,080.00 or in default serve four additional months in prison.
She pleaded guilty to the charge of stealing and was convicted on her own plea.
Police Sargeant Douglas Addai, Prosecuting, told the court that the complainant, Eric Ankomah, a small-scale miner resides at Bogrekrom, whiles Queenstabel live at Brahabobom all in the Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipality.
He said on November 7, 2022, at about 04:30 hours, the complainant who was passing through the Tarkwa Railway station was attacked by the convict and one Maame Yaa now at large.
Sargeant Addai said the two women succeeded in stealing a cash sum of GHS 4,600.00 from the complainant and both women fled the scene after the act and went into hiding.
He said the complainant later reported the case to the Police in Tarkwa and on April 11, 2023, he saw Queenstabel in Tarkwa township and with the help of the Police arrested her.
Sargent Addai said efforts were in progress to apprehend the convict’s accomplice Maame Yaa.
Piesie Esther, the recipient of the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA) Gospel Song of the Year award, clarified that she is not in any form of disagreement with her colleagues.
Contrary to reports of a rift and disunity among Ghanaian gospel musicians, Pieisie Esther said she lives in peace with all of them.
During an interview on Property FM in Cape Coast, Piesie Esther said,
“I live in peace with all of my colleagues in the gospel music fraternity and those selected on the all-star rendition were those available at the time.
“I know we have a lot of gospel musicians in Ghana but it’s impossible for us to collaborate with everyone on the rendition,” she remarked, as MyNewsGh.com saw.
She further disclosed her intentions for her new ‘Waye me yie’ all-stars rendition, to get some international appeal.
“Initially, we even wanted to feature an international artiste on the all-star rendition at least two, but their timing delayed us”. She revealed.
The overlord of the Ashanti Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Nana Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, on Monday, May 29, 2023, issued a decree for the destoolment of the Chief of Antoa, Nana Owusu Agyeman I.
This came after a tribunal of the Asanteman Traditional Council, headed by Otumfuo, found the 96-year-old Nana Agyeman guilty of defying the authority of the King.
In an exclusive audio shared by Royal Palace Multimedia on YouTube, several elders of the Antoa Traditional Council testified to the tribunal about Nana Agyeman’s decision to swear in his nephew as a delegated chief of the town, despite opposition from his kinsmen.
According to the witnesses who testified at the tribunal, Nana Agyeman disregarded calls from members of the Antoa Traditional Council to seek approval from Otumfuo before proceeding with the installation of his nephew.
The destooled chief according to the witnesses, claimed that he had the authority to delegate his powers to his nephew without authorization from Otumfuo, stating, “Let them tell me what transpired and let no one dare lie to me. I sit here but I am very informed about everything that has happened at Antoa,” as ordered by Otumfuo.
One elder who testified first told the tribunal, “About 40 days ago, I was not well and was scheduled for a check-up at Gee (Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital) in about a week’s time, on a Tuesday. Upon my return, I learned that Nana Antoahene and his elders had met to deliberate on issues, and at the end of the deliberation, he announced that he was delegating his powers to his nephew. His linguist, Nana Amoako, cautioned him that even his family members were not aware of the intended action, let alone the appointing authority. This led to a serious argument.
“He informed me as well, and I told him I would think about it. After giving it some thought, I decided against it. So, I called some of the elders and asked them to accompany me. I went and informed Nana Agyeman that I am here because of the program he intended to hold the following day. I told him that the right to delegate his authority to his nephew, granting him powers to issue rulings and allocations, lies solely with the Asantehene, so let us consult him and plead that he gives you the go-ahead. In response, he said, ‘I am young, and I was not brought up well, but he was brought up well. He has lived for 96 years, and he is not young. What will happen if Otumfuo refuses my request?’
“I questioned him about the consequences if he proceeded and Otumfuo disagreed. He told me, ‘my lord (Otumfuo) will tell him why he will not agree.’ When he said that, I washed my hands off the issue and any matter related to it,” another elder informed the Council.
He added that Nana Agyeman went ahead with the installation despite strong opposition from other kinsmen.
“An elder asked him if it was not Otumfuo who swore him in, and he answered, ‘no, he came to meet me. I was the one who brought him, so I do as I wish,’” he stated.
Another elder from Antoa corroborated the testimonies, recalling how the chief proceeded with the installation of his nephew even after a queen mother had invoked a sacred oath (ntamkesie) against the event.
“A fight broke out, so I went outside to separate them. When I returned, I was informed that someone had invoked a sacred oath. I called on my chief to halt the proceedings, but he said he would go ahead and face any consequences,” he said.
“It happened exactly as it has been told. We all opposed it. Even his wife was against the idea; she advised against it, but he refused,” another elder testified.
After listening to the various testimonies, Otumfuo ordered the destoolment of Nana Agyeman as Antoahene.
“Antoahene, you claim you want to delegate your power because you are tired. Today, you will leave my stool for me… I will delegate emissaries and police officers to escort you. All the necessary rites will be performed for his removal,” Otumfuo decreed.
Nana Kwame Owusu Agyeman held the position of Antoahene for more than two decades.
Following Otumfuo’s ruling on Monday evening, official rites for the destoolment of Nana Kwame Owusu Agyeman were immediately set into motion in the town of Antoa.
The General Manager of Zipline, Mawuli Atiemo, has announced that since its inception in Ghana in 2019, Zipline has accomplished over 5 million deliveries of health supplies.
According to him, through the government’s partnership, Zipline has chalked successes in revolutionizing the healthcare sector in Ghana.
Speaking during the 4th-anniversary celebration of the company at its Omenako distribution center on June 1, 2023, he said “Since our launch in April 2019, the partnership has made significant strides in revolutionizing the healthcare sector in Ghana.”
“Our cutting-edge drone technology has enabled us to deliver essential medical supplies, including COVID-19 immunizations, blood products, animal health commodities, and other life-saving drugs, to 2700 health facilities throughout the country. In doing so, we have positively impacted the lives of over an astounding 20 million people,” Atiemo noted.
He highlighted the feats that the drone delivery service has achieved so far.
“To date, Zipline has completed an impressive 370,000 deliveries of medical products, blood supplies, vaccines, and animal health commodities. Our proudest achievement lies in the delivery of almost 11 million life-saving vaccines, ensuring that Ghanaians have seamless access to crucial immunizations. “Furthermore, we have successfully delivered over 5 million units of various medical supplies, effectively equipping healthcare facilities to cater for the diverse needs of their communities,” he stated.
Also speaking at the event, the Deputy Minister of Health, Mahama Asei Seini, underscored the importance of private-public partnerships and the need to embrace more innovations from the private sector.
He urged Zipline to broaden its scope to ensure that other sectors including fertilizers, seedlings, pesticides, etc also benefit from the drone services.
Virginia Palmer, the US Ambassador to Ghana praised Zipline’s efforts in creating employment opportunities for over 200 young Ghanaians.
Zipline’s medical drone delivery service is currently operating in other African countries, including Nigeria, Kenya, and Cote D’Ivoire, and also in the United States of America.
The Police have arrested three persons and are currently pursuing others in connection with violent attacks on Mempeasem and Lukula communities in the Savannah Region by opposing factions in land and chieftaincy disputes.
In a statement, the police said on 30th May 2023, a gang numbering about fifty (50) invaded the Mempeasem community and kidnapped a 50-year-old man. The gang, however, fled into the bush when the Police responded to the attack. The Police managed to rescue the kidnapped victim and retrieved one (1) AK-47 weapon together with 14 rounds of ammunition, seven (7) motorbikes and two (2) bicycles from the scene of the incident. A search for the suspects in the area led to a further retrieval of a bag containing 240 AK-47 ammunition.
On 1st June 2023, the Police, while on patrols within the communities, responded to another distress call of an attack by another gang on the Lukula community. The said suspects who were on a rampage, burning houses and shooting randomly, opened fire on the Police upon seeing them. The Police immediately responded and succeeded in arresting three of the suspects, namely; Razak Sulemana, Musah Shanun and Karim Abdul Rafiuw.
The three suspects, who sustained gunshot wounds during their arrest, are currently receiving treatment at a medical facility.
A search conducted on them led to the retrieval of one (1) pump action gun, two (2) single barrel guns, one long knife, 80 live cartridges, some talismans and cowries.
After restoring calm in the area, the Police had information that an 81-year-old man from the Lukula community was allegedly shot by the rampaging gang on his farm. The Police proceeded to the farm, and with the help of his children, took him to the hospital where he was pronounced dead by the authorities. The body has since been deposited at the hospital for preservation and autopsy.
Following Police encounter with the suspects and the subsequent arrests, some individuals believed to be sympathisers of those arrested, attacked the Daboya Police Station, causing damage to accident cars parked at the station and some louvre blades within the barracks. The Police, however, resisted the attack and took control of the situation.
Calm has since been restored and security has been strengthened in Daboya and its surrounding communities to forestall further attacks. Efforts are currently ongoing to get the perpetrators, including those who attacked the Police Station, arrested to face justice.
The Chairman of GHAMRO‘s management committee, Mr. Rex Omar, has announced that his organization will temporarily suspend the distribution of funds until further notice.
He made these comments while stating that the organization’s license has for a while now been withheld by the Attorney General through the Copyright office over some pending legal matters.
At a press conference in Accra on Thursday, June 1, 2023, Rex Omar said the development has sparked calls by Akosua Agyapong, for the office’s closure, and sabotage from stakeholders among others.
“We wish to express that GHAMRO’s operation license has been withheld by the regulator through the copyright office and as a result, GHAMRO will not be able to distribute any royalties as it’s been unable to follow the collection mandate until the mandate is renewed,” he stated.
One can recall that Akosua Agyapong has had a longstanding feud with the Music Rights Society, as she has accused them severally of non-compliance to many recommendations enshrined in the organization’s 2021 report.
Among the other things she had championed was a requirement for GHAMRO to use 10% of royalties for the welfare of rights holders.
These grievances, however, intensified following the demise of highlife singer, Akwaboah Snr, who she claimed wasn’t treated fairly by GHAMRO while he was alive.
Earlier, whiles reacting to the late Kwadwo Akwaboah’s death, Akosua Agyapong alleged that GHAMRO gave him a meager amount of GHC200.00 when he needed money to cater to purchase some medicines.
But reacting to Akosua’s constant chastisements, Rex Omar has taken strong exception while describing it as a “smear campaign to malign the management and Directors of the organization with misleading information to further a personal agenda.”
“Over a period of one year that our mandate has been withheld, these same disgruntled members led by Akosua Agyapong have been jumping from one radio station to the other asking users not to pay to GHAMRO. To the extent that some of our staff would go out to collect royalties and be beaten, the regulator is aware and nothing has been done,” he added.
“In 2010, GHAMRO submitted all the requisite documentation for the renewal of its license in June, 2022. This is against a campaign from notable persons like Madam Akosua Agyapong that the organization certificate has not been renewed and that Users should stop payments for the use of protected music which is regulated under law,” Rex Omar further stated.
Meanwhile, Rex Omar has said has that they are still mandated to collect music royalties despite the non-renewal of their licence.
“The licence gives us the mandate to operate as a collective management organisation which deals with other foreign music CMOs. We will still collect [the royalties] by law until we get our licence. That is why we say we can’t distribute. Because collecting is one thing, distributing is another,” he said.
The Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) has strongly criticized the government’s apparent indifference in creating a favorable business environment for manufacturers.
According to AGI, the operating environment is very tough because Ghana is the only country in West Africa where industry pays higher electricity tariffs than households.
Electricity tariffs in the country over the first and second quarters of the year have increased by 29.96 and 18.36 respectively, totaling 48.32 percent.
According to the Public Utilities and Regulatory Commission (PURC), the rationale behind this upward adjustment is to position utility companies to recover the cost of electricity generation and supply – while preventing the recurrence of erratic electricity supply (dumsor) with its adverse implications on jobs and livelihoods.
It further explained that since announcing the first-quarter tariff decision in January 2023, key variables underlying the rate-setting have changed – resulting in increases of natural gas and electricity cost for the second quarter of 2023.
However, the Ashanti Regional Chairman for AGI, Kwasi Nyamekye, in an interview with the B&FT wondered why government continues to make the business environment difficult with this increment.
“Operating in Ghana is difficult. I don’t understand why policymakers are not looking at making the business environment competitive for industry. Day in day out, policies are made and you don’t even know who they consulted with,” he said.
Mr. Nyamekye, expressing his disappointment with the tariff increment, noted that this could lead to the closure of some industries – which would lead to increases in unemployment.
“Already, we are paying high tariffs which are eating into our margins; and gradually, if the margins are eroded, businesses will fold-up – and if we fold-up, people will be unemployed. We are just waiting to see whether we can survive.
“The more you tighten certain things the more you close businesses, leading to unemployment. And we all know what will happen if we have more young men on the streets not working. We are advising government to take a second look,” he added.
He warned that if this is not checked it will be difficult for industries in the country to compete favourably with manufacturers from other African countries, particularly with implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Former Upper East Regional Minister Tangoba Abayage has criticized businessman Norbert Atodio for his unconventional burial of his late father inside a Toyota Corolla. Abayage firmly condemned the act, labeling it as morally unjust and raising concerns over societal values.
The former minister expressed disbelief that someone of Atodio’s stature would overlook the opportunity to address community challenges and instead use a car as a casket.
In a Facebook post on May 28, 2023, she questioned Atodio’s lack of major social interventions within his immediate community of Doba and Navrongo at large, emphasizing that this choice demonstrated a lack of moral conscience.
“People say he’s rich; I don’t know because I’ve never directly encountered him. For someone of his caliber, I’m yet to hear of any major social interventions he’s conducted for his immediate community, Doba, or Navrongo at large; I may be corrected.
“For such a man to drive a whole car with a dead body inside underground smacks of a person who’s morally unjust to the society he sits in to make his money. I know his station, his community, and have been shown some members of his immediate family and I’m wondering how any man with a right moral conscience will overlook all these that immediately surround him to do what he’s just done,” she said.
She argued that given his financial status, it was disheartening to witness such a display of moral bankruptcy where a valuable resource like a car was used as a burial container.
The former Regional Minister suggested that the money could have been utilized to establish a herbal training center to honor his father‘s legacy as a powerful herbalist. Alternatively, she argued that the funds could have been directed toward revitalizing his ailing radio station or undertaking other humanitarian projects.
“I’m told his dad was a very powerful herbalist whose work attracted a lot of foreigners (he became a beneficiary of his father’s great legacy). Which better way than to have told the dead dad, he’ll rather use the money for a car to build a lasting legacy of herbal training center to honor him?
“Could he have chosen to use the funds to revamp his ailing station and restructure it to perform top-notch in honor of his dad? Could he have done any other humanitarian project with that money in honor of his dad?
“Yes, he could. But he didn’t, he rather chose to bury his dad’s legacy in a tomb. That for me is morally wrong and on that basis, I condemn this singular act of Mr. Atodio.
“No, this doesn’t make you a hero at all, it makes you morally bankrupt,” she added.
Businessman Dr. Norbert, over the weekend, buried his late father in a white Toyota Corolla despite caution from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Dr. Norbert, before his father’s burial, sought permission from the EPA but was denied as the outfit stated the action broke environmental laws.
The businessman, however, followed through with the initial plan of burying his father in a car because of the bond the two shared.
In a video sighted on UTV Ghana’s official Twitter page, the deceased was said to have been laid in a reclined front passenger seat and driven into his grave on the outskirt of the town.
According to the Upper East Correspondent for UTV, Alhassan Abdul Washeed, Dr. Norbert, who is a medical practitioner in Navrongo was invited by the EPA, Kassena Nankana Municipal Assembly, and the National Security to caution him but the former refused.
It is also suspected that Dr. Norbert could be directed to dig up his father’s grave for flouting the rules and pleas of authorities.
Gonjaland Youth Association’s Public Relations Officer, Muftawu Habibu (Mufti), narrowly escaped what appears to be a deliberate assassination attempt on Tuesday, May 30, around 10:48 pm.
The incident took place near Dungu, a location situated some distance away from UDS, Tamale Campus.
According to Mufti’s account shared on 3news.com, an unknown assailant on a motorbike targeted his car, opening fire from a distance. However, Mufti managed to evade the attack and flee to safety.
“After noticing a motorbike behind me as I approached the main junction near my house, I grew suspicious,” Mufti recounted.
“To ensure my safety, I quickly veered off the road and left the car, just as I heard the sound of a gunshot,” 3news.com reports
He continued, “I ran through the nearby bush and eventually reached the Tamale-Kumasi highway. After a few minutes, I noticed several cars parked near my vehicle, with a crowd gathering. I decided to return to the scene.”
Mufti promptly contacted friends and family, who provided support and helped him lodge a formal complaint with the Northern Regional Police Command. The authorities have initiated an investigation into the incident.
News of the attack spread rapidly, leading to widespread condemnation from the Gonjaland Youth Association and other prominent stakeholders in Gonjaland.
They have called on the police to swiftly conduct a thorough investigation into the matter.
At present, the motive behind the assault remains unclear. This incident comes at a time when Mufti has been actively advocating for reform within the traditional administration of Gonjaland.
The Gonjaland Youth Association and concerned parties stand united in their commitment to ensuring justice and the safety of individuals striving for positive change in the region.
Sister Derby, a Ghanaian singer, and socialite, has once again faced criticism after sharing previews of her pro-LGBTQ song on the internet.
Sister Derby and her brother Wanlov the Kuborlor appeared in a song by popular Ghanaian transgender singer Angel Maxine in July 2021.
Earlier when conversations pertaining to the passage of an anti-LGBTQ bill was rife on social media, Ghana’s first openly transgender, Maxine Angel Opoku released a song in response to the proposed legislation.
Ms. Opoku released a song titled “Wo Fie,” which means “in your home,” in the Akan language, one of the most widely spoken languages in Ghana.
“Wo Fie” talks about how LGBTQ persons may be part of every family, and calls for tolerance and respect. In the lyrics, Ms. Opoku sings about being unapologetically herself while being backed by Sister Derby and Wanlov.
During that same period, Sister Derby, and leading anti-LGBTQ advocate in parliament, Sam George, were locking horns on social media.
But almost two years down the lane, Sister Derby has taken to social media to create awareness and revive the pro-LGBTQ agenda.
Unclear what necessitated her post, she took to Instagram and shared snippets of the ‘Wu fie’ song with the caption ” It’s nice to be niiice”.
This development has since stirred wild reactions online amidst backlash and criticisms.
Some netizens who seem unhappy about the development have asked Sister Derby to stop forcing the LGBTQ agenda down the throat of Ghanaians.
“Anyone can be gay, granted and no yawa but why do y’all want to force someone’s sexuality on Ghanaians? If it was a normal “distin” there wouldn’t be a reason to advertise their sexuality. Do you see heterosexual ppl going about and parading their sexuality? Let them do their gay things. It’s their preference and choice and but Ghana as a country does not accept this act. Stop forcing it on them with this yawa song. At least be innovative and come up with an original mpo err madam,’ one Twitter user wrote.
“Chale stop that nonsense , God created Man and woman . Man marries woman . . Stop nonsense,” tweeted another.
Obaapa Christy, a Gospel artiste, has recently unveiled her unique source of inspiration when it comes to creating songs. Like many musicians, she possesses a distinct approach to finding creative motivation.
Speaking in a virtual interview with Amansan Krakye,Obaapa Christy said music, particularly her style, is all composed of various life experiences.
“I do sometimes sing some of my gospel songs from personal experience that I get but God gives me all the songs through so many ways,” she said on Property FM in Cape Coast.
“When I’m happy, I’m able to get a song from that, when I’m sad, also I get a song from it, whilst having a conversation with someone, I can get a song. When I attend church services and I listen to the preaching, even someone’s testimonies can inspire me to do a gospel song,” she added, sighted by MyNewsGh.com
According to her, as a gospel singer, the Bible is also a big inspiration when it comes to writing songs.
“These situations all help because the music that we compose is all about life, but at the same time, being a gospel song, you pick some from the Bible,” she explained.
“So you put the word of God together with the life experiences to create the song and everyone has a unique way of getting songs from God,”Obaapa Christy revealed.
— The Independent Ghana (@independent_gh) June 2, 2023
He had been standing for about an hour and a half to shake hands with each of the 921 graduating cadets.
Footage shows Mr Biden appearing to point at one of two sandbags used to prop up his teleprompter as he was helped up by an Air Force official and two members of his Secret Service detail.
He was seen walking back to his seat unassisted and later jogging back to his motorcade when the ceremony ended.
“There was a sandbag on stage while he was shaking hands,” White House communications director Ben LaBolt wrote on Twitter. “He’s fine.”
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Mr Biden had boarded the plane flashing “a big smile”, although one reporter noted that he did not take questions before the flight.
After two transfer windows of unprecedented expenditure, Chelsea are facing what will be a defining summer in the club’s modern history. Incoming head coach Mauricio Pochettino will be charged first and foremost with trimming the blubber from a bloated squad packed full of underperforming talent, but there is some targeted spending to be done, too.
Pochettino is believed to want a new core of players; a goalkeeper, central midfielder and striker are top of his shopping list, while Premier League experience is a bonus. One deal is already tied up, but who else are Chelsea most likely to sign in the upcoming transfer window?
GOAL runs through the names below…
Christopher Nkunku (RB Leipzig)
A shoo-in. While we are still awaiting an announcement, by all accounts Chelsea are certain to bring in RB Leipzig forward Christopher Nkunku as soon as the window opens in mid-June. A deal has been in place for some time, with the Blues set to fork out £52 million ($64m) on the Frenchman.
It’s a move that will raise some eyebrows given the Blues’ already overflowing attacking ranks, but you need only take a quick glance at the 25-year-old’s output to understand that he should be a significant upgrade on the current batch of ineffectual forward players – with an injury-hit 20-goal season following a ridiculous campaign where he made 55 goal contributions.
However, Chelsea have been stung in the past with big-money signings from Leipzig…
Romeo Lavia (Southampton)
A host of leading clubs are certain to be queuing up for Romeo Lavia after Southampton dropped out of the Premier League. There’s no way in hell he’s going down with them. It’s been widely reported that Chelsea will pursue a new No.6, with incoming manager Pochettino seeking Premier League experience to form the new core of his side, and NXGN Nine inductee Lavia may well fit the bill.
His press-resistance, ball-carrying ability and progressive passing would unquestionably be an asset to Chelsea, in an area of the pitch where they are lacking a player with the quality to supplement January arrival Enzo Fernandez. He is now certain to be available for a cut price after the Saints suffered relegation; Lord knows Chelsea could do with saving themselves some cash this summer.
Joao Felix (Atletico Madrid)
The jury will be out on whether Chelsea should pursue another deal for Joao Felix after his short-term loan at Stamford Bridge. A permanent transfer should be out of the question, with Atletico Madrid still demanding €100m (£87m/$107m) for the mercurial attacker.
However, a second temporary deal would make sense if an agreement can be found for a relatively low fee. Although his form has oscillated, Felix has largely been one of Chelsea best performers in an extremely challenging period for the club, scoring four of the club’s measly 15 goals since he signed in January. It would be fascinating to see the possibilities in an in-form side – at his flying best he has shown that he can be truly world-class.
What’s more, he seems genuinely happy at Stamford Bridge, although Chelsea’s failure to qualify for the Champions League could be a factor in his decision-making. “I don’t know yet about my future,” he said recently. “It’s four or five months and I love it. It’s a top club, everyone in the club was very good to me. My team-mates were unbelievable and I really like to be here.”
Andre Onana (Inter)
Chelsea will pursue a new goalkeeper this summer, and Inter’s Andre Onana currently seems like the most likely option. There will be very few objections to the decision among the fanbase, with neither Kepa Arrizabalaga nor Edouard Mendy proving themselves to be long-term No.1 options for an elite football club, although the former enjoyed an improved season between the sticks.
Onana fits the archetype of the desirable modern-day goalkeeper, equally as comfortable stepping out from the back to become a pseudo extra centre-back as he is commanding his penalty area. His agility and shot-stopping ability are exceptional, and given Inter’s well-documented financial struggles, he would potentially be a cheaper option.
Manuel Ugarte (Sporting CP)
The latest name to emerge as a possible midfield target is Manuel Ugarte, and things seem to progressing quickly. Chelsea are rivalling Paris Saint-Germain for the Uruguayan midfielder by also matching his €60 million (£52m/$64m) release clause, and he is said to prefer a move to the Premier League.
A technical and combative central midfielder, Ugarte is comfortable using his ball-carrying ability and physicality to get himself out of trouble and move Sporting up the pitch, while he has a knack for winning the ball with perfectly-timed challenges, averaging more than four tackles per game. His doing the dirty work could potentially unleash Enzo as a creative force.
That said, there should be questions asked of the fee, especially given he is unproven in a leading European league and his profile is not dissimilar to Mateo Kovacic, who is likely to leave Chelsea this summer. Although they may have no other choice if they wish to sign the 22-year-old, meeting the release clause seems rash.
Victor Osimhen (Napoli)
It remains to be seen which direction Chelsea will go in this summer when it comes to a centre-forward, with the possibility still there that Romelu Lukaku could make a sensational (second) return to Stamford Bridge. If they do opt to spend, one name who is undoubtedly high on their list is Napoli hotshot Victor Osimhen.
There is no doubting the Nigerian’s quality in Serie A, but Chelsea will need to think long and hard about whether he can translate his prolific form to the Premier League – especially given Lukaku’s struggles in 2021-22 and that he would cost northwards of £100m.
Osimhen certainly has all the attributes to prosper in English football with his positional awareness, finishing ability and physicality, but Chelsea have had so little success with striker signings that there should be more than a degree of scepticism.
The question is: where else would they turn? The Blues are in desperate need of a striker who can actually put the ball in the back of the net, so will likely have to take an expensive risk in the transfer window. However, if he hits the ground running, the aforementioned Nkunku could provide a solution, too.
Moises Caicedo (Brighton)
The biggest obstacle to signing Moises Caicedo will be the competition Chelsea face from the Premier League’s elite, but that shouldn’t deter them from throwing their hat in the ring. The Blues attempted to bring him in in January, but were given short shift by Brighton, with Arsenal trying their luck soon after.
Though Caicedo went public with his desire to move on at the start of the year, his feelings may have changed after playing a huge part in guiding the Seagulls into the Europa League for next season. Chelsea must also consider that they are unlikely to be the Ecuadorian’s first choice if he does choose to depart, given they cannot offer Champions League football while the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United are sniffing around him too, and he will surely command a whopping fee; do they really want to get drawn into a protracted tug-of-war that they cannot win?
That said, Caicedo is well on his way to becoming an elite Premier League midfielder, and on his current trajectory his value will increase exponentially in the coming years. Chelsea have shown their ruthlessness in ensuring they get their man in the transfer window, but much will depend on the player’s will in this case.
Dusan Vlahovic (Juventus)
The apparent alternative to Osimhen seems to be Juventus’ Dusan Vlahovic, but a difficult season for the Serb should serve as a cautionary tale. Chelsea are rumoured to be willing to splurge £70m ($87m) on the powerful frontman, despite the fact he has mustered just 10 league goals this season.
Again, the Blues’ transfer negotiators, Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart, must give serious consideration to the risks tied up in such a deal given the club’s tainted history with big-money strikers. Spending so much on Vlahovic after such an indifferent season would certainly cause a furore, and good PR should be paramount after such a nightmare first full season under Boehly and Eghbali’s stewardship.
Vlahovic is another centre-forward who has the attributes to succeed in the Premier League, and Chelsea could roll the dice if they view this season as a blip, but it is a move that would smack of desperation from a club whose dire need for a goalscorer could be exploited this summer.
David Raya (Brentford)
If it’s Premier League experience Pochettino seeks, then David Raya could be viewed as the solution to Chelsea’s goalkeeping issues. The Spain international shares many of Onana’s attributes, but could well come cheaper; Brentford value him at a lofty £40m (£49.5m), but he should be available for less as he stalls on a new deal, with his current contract expiring in 12 months’ time.
The question he is whether Raya can be a significant upgrade on both Kepa and Mendy and be the difference between winning and losing. Although he is an astute shot-stopper, he doesn’t keep too many clean sheets, although his ball-playing ability from the back makes him a real asset. Perhaps he shouldn’t be their first-choice target, but he is a worthy back-up.
Lautaro Martinez (Inter)
Perhaps the dream alternative to Osimhen, Vlahovic or a Lukaku return, but also the transfer that seems the least likely at this stage. Chelsea should certainly be testing the waters, though.
Lautaro Martinez has enjoyed his fourth strong campaign in a row with Inter, where he has established himself as the attacking linchpin of the side. His physical style of play and devastating finishing ability suggest he would be suited to the rigours of English football, and the chance to work with his compatriot Pochettino could be enticing.
However, while it is always said that Inter are in financial trouble and therefore need to cash in on their biggest assets, Lautaro seems simply too valuable for the Nerazzurri to part with, and they are in a strong negotiating position with three years to run on his contract. It could be a case of turning the player’s head with a wage package he cannot refuse.
A 39-year-old teacher has been hospitalized after her husband allegedly assaulted her with a machete at Pankese in Birim North District of the Eastern Region.
The suspect, Baaba Moses attacked his victim, Paulina Agruba on Thursday evening when she was fetching water.
Speaking to Admo News’ Akwasi Dwamena, witnesses said the couple having some misunderstandings for some time.
But things took unexpected turn after Baaba Moses attacked his wife for asking for a divorce.
According to them, the victim has since been sent to the hospital and is in critical condition.
Baaba Moses, the culprit, has also been arrested by police.
Community members have asked that the suspect is dealt with according to the law.
Africa’s debt sustainability outlook remains uncertain due to low growth and high inflation, according to World Bank economist Andrew Dabalen.
One of his main concerns was the possibility of stagflation taking hold. According to a World Bank assessment, nearly half of the countries in Sub-Saharan Africa are in debt distress or are at high risk of becoming so.
“We don’t expect the number to grow beyond what we have now,” Dabalen said in an interview with Reuters.
He cautioned that changing global economic conditions continued to present risks to that outlook.
Dabalen said the Common Framework debt restructuring negotiations for Zambia “keep dragging on” and that the process should be equitable for all creditors.
According to him, several countries are taking the necessary steps to implement reforms that would better serve their long-term objectives.
Aside from these domestic reforms would always be superior to those imposed on them by international funders, he added.
He said a significant number of countries on the continent are in the unique position of having the mineral resources necessary for a low-carbon future.
Ghanaian actress Gloria Sarfo has openly shared her frustration with the current state of the country’s movie industry, lamenting that it has squandered her youthful years.
In an asaaseonline.com report, the popular ‘Efiewura’ star opened up about her limited opportunities in the industry.
Sarfo expressed disappointment, mentioning that apart from her role in Efiewura; a well-known Ghanaian television sitcom, she struggled to find other significant opportunities.
“I had a lot in me, you could feel that I had a lot in me, and I wish I did more. The movie industry wasted my youth,” she said.
According to her, the movie industry failed to fully utilise her talents during her prime years.
Recounting her experiences, Gloria highlighted the audition processes she had to go through, that often yielded no results.
She recounts spending many hours at auditions, such as the one at Afrikiko, only to discover that the movie would air on TV without her securing a role, and this cycle continued, leaving her disheartened and unfulfilled.
“I sometimes go for auditions at Afrikiko at 7 am and leave there at 7 pm, and by the time you realise, the movie will be airing on TV, and you would still not have a role yet, and this was continuous,” she recalled.
The actress placed the blame on Ghanaian movie producers and directors for the inefficiency of the industry.
She criticised their tendency to cast individuals based solely on their physical appearance without considering their acting abilities or passion for the craft.
Sarfo hinted that many renowned actresses in the industry today attained fame through similar means, though she refrained from mentioning specific names.
Sarfo, however, hesitated to share her own negative experiences in the industry, fearing that it might discourage aspiring actors and actresses.
She stated, “If I decide to share my experiences in this industry, it might just deter some of the upcoming actors and actresses, and I don’t want to be the one to make someone lose interest in acting.”
Renowned Ghanaian actor Ekow Smith Asante has expressed that the Ghanaian film industry lacks a specific and recognized name by which it can be identified.
According to him, all movie industry brands in Ghana, like Ghallywood and Kumawood, which are used in place of the Ghana movie industry, are for some private individuals hence they cannot boast of any identity.
“I don’t think we (the movie industry) has a name; we are referred to as actors. I’m very serious, but if they have one, I don’t know”, Ekow Smith said.
“We don’t have an identity. Ghallywood is not for us, it’s for a private person and I know that Kumawood is for somebody”, Mr Ekow Smith Asante said in an interview with Kingdom FM monitored by MyNewsGH.com.
Speaking to Fiifi Pratt on the show Afro Joint, Ekow Smith insisted that he will continue to inform people wherever he finds himself that the Ghana movie industry does not have an identity.
“So far as I’m an actor, even when you ask me on the BBC, I will tell you I don’t think we have a name”, he noted.
One person has been reported dead in a renewed land dispute between Gonjas and Mamprusis in Lukula, a town in the North Gonja District of the Savannah Region.
The victim reports say is a chief from Jang in the Jang Traditional Area of the Mamprugu Traditional Council in the North East Region.
The unfortunate event occurred in the early hours of today, Thursday, June 1 at Mempeasem and Lukula.
The Savannah Regional Minister, Saeed Muhazu Jibril who confirmed the incident said the chief died as a result of today’s clash.
“The Regional police commander only told me that one person died in today’s unfortunate clash and he is a chief from Jang of the Mamprugu side”, he said in response to the alleged killing of seven persons in the clash.
According to him, rumors about today’s clash between the two tribal groups gained momentum in the last two days but broke loose today leading to the destruction of properties worth thousands of cedis.
On what occasioned the dispute and the history behind it, he explained that the Wasipe Traditional Council of Gonja and the Jang Traditional Area of Mamprugu are claiming ownership of the disputed land which have the Lukula and Mempeasem communities situated there.
He however stressed that, the two communities administratively falls under the North Gonja District of the Savannah Region and “there’s no dispute about that”.
“The only dispute we have is about the two Traditional Areas, the Jang Traditional Area located in the North East Region and the Wasipe Traditional Area located in the North Gonja District in the Savannah Region”.
“These two Paramountcies claimed that those communities belongs to them and for that matter, they have to enskinned their chiefs in those two communities and that is how this dispute begun”, he explained.
The situation he said has forced residents of the two communities to take cover in other communities for fear of their lives leaving the aged and vulnerable behind.
He revealed that a joint security personnel from the North East and Savannah Regions deployed to the scene have brought the situation under control.
Background
Clashes have been going between the two tribal groups for some time now over Lukula with each group claiming ownership of the community as part of their lands.
It begun in 2019 after alleged attempts by the Wasipe Traditional Council of the Gonja Kingdom to enskin a chief to supercede over the community.
The rivalry in the past has left properties worth millions of cedis destroyed.
Disgruntled pensioner bondholders have vowed not to stop picketing until government releases their coupons to them.
Convener of the Pension Bondholders Forum, Dr Adu Anane Antwi said pensioners will not stop picketing at the Finance Ministry until closure is brought to the matter.
According to Dr. Anane Antwi, pension bondholders will resume picketing on Friday, June 2, to demand payment of what is owed them.
He, however, stated that the Forum will give the Ministry a breathing period of three days starting from Monday, June 5 to Wednesday, June 7 for the Ministry to commence the payment.
The former Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), says the pensioners will however converge on the Ministry on Thursday if nothing reflects in their accounts by the grace period given.
“We are expecting actual payment so while the payment starts, we will stop picketing. Until we see something, that is the decision we have taken. Until we see payment nothing will move us from here because we have done it. We have moved on it based on these promises and it is not coming.
“Within the week, every Monday a coupon or two will mature … so if the coupon matures on Monday, we won’t stop. We think that if the government wants to pay, we will see a sign. If by Wednesday we haven’t seen a sign, then we take it that government is unable to pay and then we come here on Thursday,” he noted.
His comment was in response to a Deputy Minister for Finance, Abena Osei-Asare’s plea with the Forum to suspend their picketing at the Ministry.
The Atiwa East MP said the Ministry was engaging the Bank of Ghana (BoG) to pay them.
She thus asked the pensioners to exercise patience with the government as everyone knows the financial difficulties the government finds itself in.
“We don’t intentionally stop them, sometimes it’s difficult, it is the ability to pay and so when it is not there it becomes a challenge. But, we also have to communicate that to you. So, for now, our focus should be on the five outstanding, and then we talk about how we will manage the principal payment.“
“I sincerely appreciate where you are coming from. This has never happened when coupons are ready for payment and the government is struggling to pay, but currently, we all know the circumstances we find ourselves in, so I will plead with you that let’s sit and clear, and then we will see the way forward,” she appealed.
Members of the Forum resumed their picketing on Thursday, June 1, over the government’s failure to pay their matured coupons.
Meanwhile, the Finance Ministry has scheduled a meeting with leaders of the Forum on Friday to discuss the way forward.
But the pensioners insist on gathering while their leadership engages the Ministry.
Popular Ghanaian TV host and businesswoman Delay recently expressed her deep desire to have children, which caused a stir among her fans.
Known for her captivating interviews and charismatic on-screen presence, Delay offered a glimpse into her more intimate side, connecting with her fans on a deeper level.
In her touching post on Facebook, Delay simply stated, “I want to have a baby.”
Accompanying her heartfelt words was a beautiful photograph capturing Delay exuding joy and a profound readiness to embark on the transformative journey of becoming a mother.
In some social media reactions, one user expressed, “May the good Lord grant your deepest wishes. I have faith that you will soon hold your little one in your arms. Believe in this prayer.”
Another comment suggested, “You should reach out to Amerado; he possesses the power to help you manifest the kind of baby you desire, unlike us in the media.”
Yet, amidst the supportive messages, a third commenter advised, “It might not have been necessary to share your thoughts here. Do not let your current status depress you; remember your influential profile. Make decisions that will bring true satisfaction to your soul.”
Renowned Nigerian singer Oluwatobiloba Daniel Anidugbe, widely known as Kizz Daniel, has made a surprising revelation, stating that he will not be proceeding with his planned marriage to his undisclosed fiancée.
The famous singer revealed this in a recent interview with media personality Angela Yee.
The unexpected announcement has sent ripples through the entertainment industry and captured the attention of fans and media alike.
Recall that Kizz Daniel welcomed a set of triplets, Jamal, Jalil, and Jelani, with his mysterious girlfriend in 2021, and later lost Jamal barely four days after their birth.
Also, in what seems like a surprise, the singer revealed he now has three sons stating the arrival of his third son has been a secret.
He said, “I have three [sons] now [laughs].”
When asked about his engagement, he said, “What? Jesus is Lord and God will always remain on the throne”
When questioned further, he said, “Nothing happened. Life happens…O yes, my kids are happy. My kids are good and healthy.”
Ghanaian artists, who are owed remuneration for the utilization of their creative works, may find themselves in a position where they may need to exercise patience as they await rightful compensation.
This is because the Ghana Music Rights Organisation (GHAMRO), charged with the responsibility of distributing royalties, has had its license withheld.
It comes on the back of calls by veteran singer, Akosua Agyapong, for the office’s closure over some legal matters which has prevented the organisation from renewing its license for some time now.
The development was announced at a press conference in Accra on Thursday, June 1, 2023.
Addressing the gathering, the Chairman of GHAMRO’s interim management committee, Rex Omar explained that the royalties collection agency would not be able to distribute any collection.
This means the organisation will not be able to execute its collection mandate until the license is renewed.
Meanwhile, Rex Omar has taken strong exception to the allegation by Mrs Agyapong describing it as a “smear campaign to malign the management and Directors of the organization with misleading information to further their personal agenda.”
Akosua Agyapong has among other things accused GHAMRO of impropriety including non-compliance to many recommendations enshrined in the organisation’s 2021 report.
She told Graphic Showbiz that one of them is a requirement for GHAMRO to use 10% of royalties for the welfare of rights holders.
But Mrs Agyapong says this is not being implemented.
“From the 2021 report, those who are managing the fund are paid GHC72,000 annually; yet, members in dire need don’t get assistance,” she said.
Akosua Agyapong has expressed further concerns regarding the operations of GHAMRO. In her statement, she highlighted various issues with the allocation of funds and the payment of royalties.
“That is not all,” Akosua Agyapong stated. “The same report mentioned that the interim management committee used GHC132,000 for refreshment and sitting allowances. The committee sits four times a year.” This raised questions about the expenditure and utilization of funds by the committee.
She also raised concerns about the allocation of resources.
“The report also showed that they buy new cars and computers every year. But what really intrigues me the most is that those who collect the royalties (spinners) are paid a whopping GHC433,000 early. How much is the musician who is the creator of the content even paid?”
This, per her assessment, highlighted the disparity in payments, with spinners receiving a significant amount compared to the creators of the music.
Akosua Agyapong further pointed out a lack of transparency in GHAMRO’s membership. She mentioned that although GHAMRO’s membership was estimated at 4,000, there was no official list available. This made it difficult to ascertain whether legitimate members were receiving their rightful royalties.
Her concerns shed light on the need for accountability and fair distribution of royalties within GHAMRO. Akosua Agyapong’s statements underscore the importance of transparency and ensuring that musicians, as the creators of the content, receive appropriate compensation for their work.
In a shocking turn of events, Ghanaian musician Abiana has shed light on her newfound friendship with Kofi Kel, the very gentleman she once heavily criticised. The story that had tongues wagging for weeks has taken an intriguing twist as Abiana reveals the truth behind the controversial incident.
Speaking candidly about the misunderstanding, Abiana clarified that she was merely following the instructions given by the show’s producers. With unwavering dedication to her craft, she poured her heart and soul into the task, only to have her efforts misinterpreted when a viral clip of the show sent shockwaves across social media.
Reflecting on the aftermath, Abiana confessed, “Do you know the funny thing, that was the first time that it has happened to me? I was just blown away by the fact that I paid no money to trend, and I was trending for like one week. Effortlessly.” The impact of the incident went beyond the digital realm, as she revealed the heartfelt concern of her family, saying, “My father, my mother, my sisters … they were like, ‘Abiana, oh, are you sure you are okay?’”
Abiana receiving an award at the 2021 VGMAs
However, Abiana’s resilient spirit shines through as she navigates the complexities of human nature and personal growth. “From how I’ve been brought up… I’ve got to know that when someone is making an opinion or stating a fact, it’s from their belief, it’s from how they were brought up, their values,” she explained, displaying a mature understanding of differing perspectives.
But here comes the twist that no one saw coming. Abiana admitted that she has formed a surprising friendship with Kofi Kel. Despite the criticism they both endured, Abiana now considers him a close friend. “Seriously, the guy koraa, I still check up on him. He is like my friend. Oh, like we are cool,” she revealed with genuine affection.
While many may find this revelation unexpected, Abiana remains steadfast in her professional commitment. “I am nice oo, but I don’t joke with my job, that is all,” she asserted, drawing a clear line between personal connections and her unwavering dedication to her craft.
