Nigerian singer Oluwatobiloba Daniel Anidugbe popularly known as Kizz Daniel has declared that he will not be walking down the aisle with his unidentified fiancée.
The famous singer revealed this in a recent interview with media personality Angela Yee.
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.
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.”
The 3rd edition of Miss Kidi Ghana took off (launch) in style at the studios of TV Africa last Saturday.
But unlike the previous editions, this season has fused a cultural dimension aimed at equipping the 16 young delegates with their rich heritage.
The contestants with ages ranging between seven and 15 began their 13-week journey of the kids’ pageant reality show.
They gave a foretaste of what to expect this season with their respective top-notch performances which endeared them to the audience at the launch. Young artists – Fotocopy and Nana crowned the evening with spectacular deliveries.
CEO of ASKOF Productions Limited Afua Asantewaa O Aduonum summed up her speech by saying, “… it is a great platform to nurture our children who have pageantry at heart. Participants from the first two editions will bear me witness that they have become better versions of themselves after the pageant due to grooming sessions like public speaking. Expect the very best from us.”
The contestants include Lisa, Abiannah, Nhyira, Michealla, Muntom, Jessica, Britney, Lydia, Dela, Isabella, Valerie, Emmanuella, Puriel, Ewuradjoa, Xornam, Juanita, Nkunim and Dutches.
This season’s contest is in partnership with TV Africa and sponsored by Twellium Industrial Limited, Flora Tissues, Top Choco, Akorfa Designs, Mcberry Biscuits, Tule Fashions and Essential Cosmetics.
At stake for the winner is a crown, a sash an international trip, educational materials and products from sponsors, while first and second runners-ups would be entitled to crowns, sashes, an internal trip, educational materials and products from sponsors.
The Volta Regional Minister, Dr. Archibald Letsa, has lamented the devastating impact of climate change on communities in the region.
He said many communities have been wiped out as a result of climate change.
He explained that in recent years, the effects of the sea have been so drastic that a number of communities have been completely wiped away by its effects.
Speaking on the first day of a two-day National Blue Economy Summit in Accra, the minister stressed that the sea is angry and as such, it is spewing its anger at many of such communities in the region.
“I dare say that the sea is now fighting back. We see an increase in the storm surge, coastal flooding and coastal erosion, with ravaging effects on farmlands, infrastructure, important ecosystems, and the people.
“In the Volta Region, many communities have been, literally, wiped out by the sea, while many more live in constant fear of what the angry sea will spew out next,”
Dr. Archibald Letsa further called for the country to, literally, be at peace with the sea so that it does not continue to exact its ‘anger’ at communities, destroying many properties.
“It will be in our own interest to amend our ways and rather live in harmony with the sea,” he added.
The National Blue Economy Summit enters its second day on Thursday, June 1, 2023.
A Deputy Minister for Finance, Abena Osei-Asare has passionate appealed to Pensioner Bondholders to suspend their picketing 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.
Deputy Finance Minister, Abena Osei-Asare
“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 so let’s sit and clear, and then we will see the way forward.”
Members of the Forum resumed their picketing the Finance Ministry on Thursday, June 1, over the government’s failure to pay their matured coupons.
In a statement announcing their decision, the forum indicated that the government despite its initial agreement to pay the outstanding coupons on May 15, 2023, as agreed in a meeting with the Finance Ministry, failed to redeem its promise.
They explained that as a result, there have been two additional coupons since the agreement was made adding to the already existing coupons due.
The Forum said that they wrote to the Ministry on May 15 and May 22 to demand payment and warned they would resume picketing if their payments were not made, however, they are yet to get a response.
“As at today, the 29th of May 2023, there remain four outstanding coupons and four outstanding principals to be paid by the Ministry. The first principal has been outstanding for 98 days, the second for 84 days, the third for 42 days and the fourth is due today,” the forum stated.
“Naturally, we have to and had indicated to the Ministry that we shall demand interest on the delayed principals as the government has deprived investors involved of their capital for re-investment to earn returns,” they added.
FixTheCountry convener Oliver Barker-Vormawor has been slapped with fresh treason charges.
The charges were filed by the Attorney-General of Ghana.
The youth activist is accused of plotting to overthrow government and was previously arraigned on the charge of Treason Felony.
His lawyers got the court to agree there were legal challenges with the processes filed against him. The AG as a result filed fresh charges. The new charges were read to the youth activist on Thursday, June 1, 2023.
However, the FixTheCountry convener has exercised his rights under Ghana’s laws to refuse to indicate whether he is guilty or not guilty in the fresh Treason Felony charges levelled against him.
“I want to exercise my rights to refuse to plead under section 238,” Mr Barker-Vormawor told the court.
Section 238 of Ghana’s Criminal and other offences (Procedure) ACT, 1950 (ACT 30) permits a permit to refuse to plead to a charge against him.
“Where an accused person who is arraigned on or charged with an indictment stands mute of malice or neither will nor by reason of infirmity can answer directly to the indictment, the court may cause a plea of “not guilty” to be entered on behalf of the accused.
A plea of “not guilty entered on behalf of the accused shall have the same effect as if the accused had so pleaded or else the court shall proceed to try the accused…”
The court, therefore, entered a “not guilty” plea in its records. The case has been adjourned to June 7.
Vybz Kartel, the well-known Jamaican dancehall artiste whose real name is Adidja Azim Palmer, is allegedly confronting a grave health predicament during his time in prison.
According to his lawyer, the musician is battling a life-threatening autoimmune disease called Graves’ Disease and two heart conditions.
The lawyer expressed concern about Vybz Kartel’s deteriorating physical condition, which he attributed to being held in solitary confinement for 23 hours a day for an alleged offence involving a mobile phone.
Describing the artiste’s condition, the lawyer told Fox News:
“His neck was swollen to the point where you couldn’t even close the collar of a shirt with an 18.5-inch neck. That’s the severity of his condition right now. His face is also visibly swollen. Also, he normally wears glasses, but in his current condition, his eyes are protruding.
Vybz is serving a life sentence for the murder of a colleague, following his arrest in Kingston 11 years ago, Vybz Kartel has spent over a decade behind bars.
The dancehall artiste faced two murder charges in the months following his arrest. While he was acquitted of the murder of Barrington ‘Bossie’ Burton, he was found guilty of the murder of Clive ‘Lizard’ Williams in 2014.
Vybz Kartel’s prison sentence includes a provision that he will be eligible for parole after serving at least 35 years.
In October 2022, Vybz reportedly hired a Turkish social worker, Sidem Öztürk.
Öztürk said she and Kartel became engaged during an authorised prison visit in the summer of 2022.
The two had been talking for seven years.
“He’s smart, I love his heart, he’s got an amazing heart and it’s so giving, it’s so loving, I like to call him my angel” – Sidem Öztürk.
A curious fan asked, “Did he actually propose to you, did he have a song to propose to you, can you share some of that with us?”
Sidem explained, “It happened like this, we were just calling each other hubby and wifey and he was like, ‘Well, we’re heading towards marriage, so calling you wifey or you calling me hubby is not serious enough,’ so he was like, ‘You’re my fiancé, we’re going to get married.”
A former British soldier who was assisting border dwellers between Ukraine and Poland was murdered in a car accident.
The war-torn nation was visited by Julian Thorn, commonly known as Jay, who had come to “share the skills” he had acquired while serving in the Fusiliers and on tours in Afghanistan.
The 36-year-old, a native of Hexham, Northumberland, has been assisting refugees and instructing Ukrainian soldiers on how to handle weapons delivered by the UK.
His death was confirmed by a colleague in Ukraine and the Foreign Office, and his family said he had died ‘instantly’ in the crash.
Louise and Julian had been going out for four years (Picture: PA)
Mr Thorn’s fiancée Louise Lathbury is now facing costs of thousands of pounds to bring his body back from Ukraine.
She said: ‘It would mean everything because we need to bring him back whole.
‘He needs to come back and he needs to be him and so then we can do what’s right for him when we get him home.
‘I want him to have a nice send-off and be where he loved – he loved Hadrian’s Wall and he loved Northumberland and I just want him to come back and be in the place he loved so much.’
Julian served in tours in Afghanistan (Picture: PA)
Ms Lathbury was told of her partner’s death on May 21 – the day she had made a wedding ring as a surprise – and she now wonders if she had ‘tempted fate’.
She said: ‘To be honest I didn’t believe it was real and I did ask, “Are you sure it’s him? Are you sure it’s him?”
‘But the other thing is we were talking about the wedding and everything and I’d made his wedding ring on that Sunday – and then you think, did I tempt fate by making it?
‘You do, you think silly things like that when it happens. I was devastated – it was a surprise and I was going to give it to him when he got back.’
Ms Lathbury, who had been going out with Mr Thorn for four years, has now set up a GoFundMe, hoping to raise £15,000 for the repatriation of his body.
Any money left over from the campaign would be donated to another family also attempting to repatriate a loved one’s body, and to an animal charity.
Vladimir Putin, the president of Russia, has bizarrely authorised the establishment of an annual competition for internet games, but Counter-Strike is not permitted.
Vladimir Putin seems to be interested in the regional gaming and esports scene in Russia, despite the ongoing situation in Ukraine.
Numerous Russian esports teams have had limitations as a result of the conflict, including being excluded from sponsorship opportunities and competitions.
According to reports, the President recently revealed his decision to establish a ‘cyberchampionship‘ during a visit to an exhibition of creative industries at Moscow’s Zotov Centre.
The tournament is said to feature popular Russian titles such as World Of Tanks, a game from the World Of War series, along with other domestic hits.
Interestingly, these versions of the games will be under the control of Lesta Games, as Wargaming transferred its entire Russian and Belarusian gaming business to them following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Gaukhar Aldiyarova, an executive at Lesta Games, told Kommersant that the championship would exclusively feature games from Russian developers and those from friendly nations.
She also provided examples, mentioning League Of Legends, which is owned by the Chinese publisher Tencent – who bought Riot Games in 2011.
However, games like Valve’s Counter-Strike will be excluded from consideration due to their ‘one-sided coverage of political events within the game universe.’
Although it’s not immediately obvious what this means, it’s likely a reference to journalists from Finnish newspaper Helsingin Sanomat using Counter-Strike to sneak news stories of the Ukraine invasion into Russia.
Leveraging the fact you can create and share maps in Counter-Strike, Helsingin Sanomat crafted their own custom map called da_voyna (‘voyna’ meaning ‘war’ in Russian) which contained a hidden room full of reports and photographs of the war.
It might seem peculiar, to say the least, for Putin to establish a ‘cyberchampionship’ while Moscow faces drone strikes, but it’s not entirely unexpected.
The country has been trying to cultivate a self-reliant games industry ever since numerous western tech companies announced their departure from the country last year.
This is the shocking incident when a piece of what looked like a missile touched down on a Kyiv highway.
Video captures the debris falling during a noon hit on the Ukrainian capital on Monday, nearly missing a moving car.
After the wreckage impacted the asphalt and sent smoke plumes into the air, no casualties were recorded.
Hours after launching dozens of drones, Russia unleashed one of its largest aircraft assaults in weeks.
Ending weeks of relative calm in Kyiv, the sky was filled with smoke trails and blast clouds.
Panicked residents, some of whom had initially ignored the air raid sirens as they ate breakfast in cafes, rushed for cover.
All the Russian missiles were shot down, but one person in the Podil district was taken to hospital, authorities said.
Mayor Vitali Klitschko said explosions sounded in the capital’s central districts and emergency services were dispatched.
Ukrainian police inspecting a fragment of a rocket (Picture: AP)
‘The attack on Kyiv continues. Don’t leave the shelters,’ he wrote on Telegram.
Metro stations across the city were packed with people taking shelter while the air warning lasted.
Russia has increased the frequency of air attacks as Ukraine prepares to launch a counteroffensive.
The attack happened hours before Moscow was targeted by drones that damaged several buildings.
There has been no comment from Kyiv, but on Monday, the head of the Ukrainian military intelligence, General Kyrylo Budanov, warned of a fast response to pre-dawn attacks on the capital.
SocialiteJasmine Hartin received a £30,000 fine yesterday night for using his own gun to kill the Belizean police chief.
Jasmine, the ex-girlfriend of Conservative oligarch Lord Ashcroft’s son Andrew, admitted killing the cop, Henry Jemmott, who was also a friend of hers, in May 2021.
Hartin, 33, first refuted guilt in Mr. Jemmott’s death but later agreed to a plea agreement.
She received a £30,000 fine and 300 hours of community service on Tuesday night.
The socialite has also been asked to record a video of herself educating others about the impact of ‘drinking and making foolish decisions’.
Mr Jemmott was killed by a shot to the head while he and Hartin were drinking together late at night on a pier in 2021, near Mr Ashcroft’s luxury hotel on the island of Ambergris Caye.
Hartin claimed Mr Jemmott had offered to teach her how to use his Glock-17 pistol for her protection.
She wept in court as she entered a guilty plea to manslaughter by negligence at the last-minute before her trial was due to take place.
Mr Jemmott’s widow Romit Wilson, 39, criticised Hartin’s behaviour throughout the court case, accusing the socialite of conducting an ‘international PR campaign’.
Ms Wilson, who had three children with Mr Jemmott, broke her silence to tell the Daily Mail Hartin had sought to portray herself as the victim.
She told the Mail: ‘I have not given any interviews to any media houses since the day Henry was killed.
‘I have focused on our children, taking care of them and dealing with our grief. I know they say grief comes in waves, but ours has been constant.
‘My children and I have had to endure Ms Hartin recounting in interview after interview, in full documentaries even, details of that awful night, details of her friendship with Henry and even details about my relationship with Henry.
‘She said she pleaded guilty to not put us through the anguish of a trial. I wish she had also thought about that before her international PR campaign.’
The Jemmott family’s lawyer, Leslie Mendez, also criticised Hartin for trying to ‘inject uncertainty’ over her plea. Ms Mendez said: ‘You cannot waffle on the veracity of your guilty plea and, at the same time, maintain you want the family to have peace and heal.
‘It is reprehensible to inject uncertainty into the public discourse and the minds of his family when what they want is the truth and justice.’
A civil case is due to go before the courts in Belize at the conclusion of criminal proceedings against Hartin.
While on bail awaiting trial, Hartin gave several interviews in print and on camera. She has also featured in the documentary One Bullet in Belize on US streaming service Discovery+.
Hartin has described in graphic detail how she ‘accidentally’ shot the officer as they enjoyed a late-night drink.
She said she ‘wriggled out’ from under the heavily built officer and was left covered in his blood.
Her former partner Andrew Ashcroft has said Hartin was ‘very drunk’ on the night of the incident.
Mr Ashcroft’s claims contradicted Hartin’s assertion she had only consumed a few drinks and was not intoxicated on the night Mr Jemmott was killed.
The couple separated shortly after the incident and have since been embroiled in a bitter custody battle over their twin children.
Mr Ashcroft, 45, said in his statement that they had attended a party at the Sunset Lounge until about 11pm on May 28, 2021.
He said: ‘Jasmine had been drinking heavily and had started consuming alcohol while getting ready to attend the party and continued to do so at the party.’
Mr Ashcroft said after the couple arrived back at the hotel, Hartin asked him to join her for drinks with Mr Jemmott, who was staying at the resort.
‘Jasmine appeared very drunk at this point,’ he added, saying he declined and offered to stay with the children before going to bed.
The father described the moment he was woken by staff to be informed of the shooting at 1am.
‘I saw Jasmine standing in front of the Mata Rocks Pier covered in blood about 30 yards from me.’
The Head of the “Bissa Tribe” otherwise known as “Busanga” in the Ashanti Region, Osman Suallah Tanko, has advised the people of Bawku to give peace a chance for once to accelerate development in the area.
He said the only way to accelerate development of the town by attracting investors to the area was to ensure absolute peace in Bawku and its environs.
Speaking at the 45th anniversary on his enskinment as the Head of the Bissa community in Ashanti region, Alhaji Tanko said the protracted ethic misunderstanding in Bawku was retarding development in the area.
He said it was about time the people lived in harmony, buried their differences and gave lasting peace a chance as one people with a common destiny.
He applauded the Bissa community in the Ashanti region for the peaceful co-existence existing between them and other tribes and urged them to stay away from violence and other social vices that could potentially disturb the peace in their localities.
Alhaji Tanko recounted numerous achievements over the years under his leadership, prominent among them was the formation of “Zuleka,” an initiative that promotes peace.
He also spoke about the support given to many young people to further their education, saying that it was the way to build the human resource base of the country.
In adherence to a directive issued by the National Communications Authority (NCA), telecom companies in Ghana have deactivated around 9 million unregistered SIM cards.
The Minister of Communications, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, initially declared the start of the SIM card re-registration procedure on October 1, 2021.
Although the process was projected to be completed within six months, it encountered various difficulties, resulting in multiple deadline extensions.
Yesterday, May 31, marked the final deadline for SIM card re-registration, as announced by the Ministry of Communications.
Subscribers who have not completed the re-registration process will encounter restrictions that limit their access to vital services like phone calls.
Dr. Ken Ashigbey, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications, provided clarification on the matter, stating, “Approximately 9 million individuals who have not fully registered their SIM cards will face blockage.”
Furthermore, in addition to the SIM card blockage, around 7.4 million subscribers who have not registered their SIMs will be unable to access their mobile money accounts. Dr. Ashigbey underscored that these affected subscribers would be unable to make or receive calls, send text messages, or use data services.
Nevertheless, he assured them that their funds stored on the SIM cards would be safeguarded by the network operators.
“For the 7.4 million subscribers who have over GHS200 million on their wallets, when they are barred, they will get the opportunity if they register, they will get their numbers back to have access to their monies and historical records backed,” he stated.
The deactivation of unregistered SIM cards seeks to improve security and prevent fraud, resulting in a safer and more dependable telecommunications network for all Ghanaian users.
Users are highly encouraged to re-register their SIM cards as soon as possible in order to regain full access to services and protect their mobile money accounts.
In the most recent attack by Russia on the capital of Ukraine, at least three people have died.
The latest attack on Kyiv, which happened in the wee hours of Thursday, comes after an alleged 17 assaults on the city in May as Russia intensifies its operations.
Russia primarily targeted Kyiv this morning with ground-based missiles that caused damage to apartment buildings, a clinic, a water pipeline and a vehicle.
The city’s administration reported three people, including two children, were killed and 10 more have been wounded.
This is despite Ukrainian air defences becoming increasingly effective at intercepting Russian drones and missiles and shooting them out of the sky.
In some cases, the resulting debris can cause fires and injuries on the ground.
Preliminary investigations believe Kyiv’s air defences intercepted all incoming missiles this morning – meaning the latest deaths and injuries were caused by falling debris.
A woman was killed while watching an aerial attack from her balcony this week, leading the authorities to warn residents to stay in shelters.
A woman collapses as she looks at the body of her daughter killed during this morning’s missile strike (Picture: Reuters)Residential buildings were damaged (Picture: Roman Pilipey/Getty Images)The bombardment also hit a medical centre (Photo: Oleksii Chumachenko/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
On Wednesday Russian forces carried out aerial attacks over the south of Kherson region, with missile and heavy artillery strikes in other parts of the region.
Kyiv suffered a barrage of drone attacks over the weekend as the city prepared to celebrate Kyiv Day, the anniversary of the city’s founding.
Analysts believe Russia is trying to deplete Ukrainian air defences before it can begin its much-anticipated counter-offensive.
A 12-year-old girl and a 17-year-old boy have died as a result of an accident on a Bournemouth beach.
Just after 4 o’clock today, emergency services were called to the scene.
Near Bournemouth Pier, a group—which included a few kids—had encountered trouble in the sea.
The deaths of two minors, a 12-year-old girl and a 17-year-old boy, have now been verified by Dorset Police.
A man in his 40s has been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter.
Detective Chief Superintendent Neil Corrigan said: ‘Our thoughts are with the loved ones of the young people who tragically died and we are doing all we can to support their families.
‘I understand the beach was very busy at the time of the incident and I would ask anyone with information that may assist our enquiries to please come forward.
‘We are at the early stages of our investigation and would ask people not to speculate about the circumstances surrounding the incident.’
Dorset Police said they received a report from paramedics at around 4.30pm on Wednesday afternoon of people requiring assistance on the beach off Bournemouth Pier.
Ten people were subsequently recovered from the water but a 17-year-old boy and a 12-year-old girl had suffered critical injuries.
They were taken to hospital but later died, the force said, and their families have been informed.
The other eight people were treated at the scene for non-life-threatening injuries.
People were told to evacuate the beach earlier and watched on in shock as the rescue took place.
Eeman Qamar, from Southampton, was on the beach with her mother and three-month-old baby at the time of the incident.
She told the BBC: The lifeguards started getting on jet skis and boats, searching the sea and about 20 minutes later the second air ambulance arrived and it took another hour-and-a-half for them to finish the whole search and rescue operation.’
Bournemouth West MP Conor Burns said the incident was a ‘salutary lesson’ that ‘danger is ever present’ on beaches and the ocean.
‘Thoughts with everyone associated with the dreadful events unfolding in Bournemouth this evening,’ he said.
‘A salutary lesson that our beaches and ocean can give much pleasure but danger is ever present.
‘Thanks to the Life Guards and the Air Ambulance who we can take for granted.’
Earlier in the day, parents had paid tribute to their son who died after entering a river to cool off.
The body of Lewis Michael Kirkpatrick was found in the river Eden in Carlisle, Cumbria, at about 1.30pm on Saturday.
Emergency services had received reports that Lewis and three other teenage boys had got into trouble in the water on Friday evening.
His parents, Nichola and Paul Kirkpatrick, released a statement through police on Wednesday.
They warned of the dangers of rivers, saying: ‘We don’t want any other families to suffer the same, awful loss.’
Two weeks ago, another teenager lost his life in a river while out with friends.
Police were called to the village of Barrow-upon-Soar in Leicestershire following reports from the fire service that there were four boys in the river.
The teenagers were rescued but one was pronounced dead at the scene.
Former Auditor-General, Daniel Yaw Domelevo, has revealed that he has yet to receive all of his retirement benefits since being unconstitutionally removed from office in 2020.
Mr. Domelevo was compelled by the presidency to take a 169-day leave of absence in 2020, citing accumulated leave days that he had not taken.
However, the Supreme Court ruled on Wednesday, May 31, that the president’s actions were unconstitutional.
In response to this development, Mr. Domelevo expressed his vigilance regarding the payment of his retirement package.
He stated, “I have not received all of my benefits yet. What I saw last week Friday was a letter from the Ministry of Finance stating that they were paying me a differential gratuity and that the money had been deposited into my account. I asked, how can you pay me the differential when I have not seen the original amount?”
Mr. Domelevo shared his concerns during an interview with Umaru Sanda Amadu on Eyewitness News on Citi FM.
His statement underscores the lingering issue of unresolved retirement benefits owed to him, raising questions about the proper and timely settlement of his dues.
Former Auditor-General, Daniel Yao Domelevo has expressed his delight over the Supreme Court ruling against President Akufo-Addo’s 2020 directive for him to proceed on forced leave.
He said he feels vindicated following the ruling of the Apex Court.
“I felt vindicated when the decision came,” he said, adding that: “if you remember, when I wrote to the office of the President to draw their attention to the unconstitutionality or the unlawfulness of the directive from the President, I was told it is because I’m not a lawyer, I don’t appreciate the Law but I’m happy that those in whose bosom resides the interpretation of the Constitution and the Laws of this country have affirmed my position. So that makes me happy.”
Domelevo added that what brings him greater joy is that his case will serve as a guiding precedent for the country, prompting a collective effort to prevent the recurrence of such incidents.
“What makes me more happy is that from now onward, there are going to be several Auditor-Generals to come, and several presidents to come and they will not be a repeat of what happened in 2022, any Auditor-General or I believe even Independent Constitution Office holders,” he added.
Asked by the interviewer if he felt he had been denied justice given the period the incident happened and the time a verdict had been passed, he responded in the negative.
“I don’t feel that way [that I have been denied justice] because I don’t think anyone knows about justice being delayed, justice being denied more than the Supreme Court. It is the Apex Court of the country so they should know better. They may have reasons why it has taken this long so I will not like to say that I have been denied justice,” he said.
“But to be very honest with you, it’s better late than never and it is going to guide us going forward. So people should worry that it did not come quickly enough for me to continue doing the work,” he added.
Recall that in 2020, President Akufo-Addo directed Mr Domelevo to proceed on forced leave.
In a letter dated June 29, 2020, and signed by the Director of Communications at the Presidency, Eugene Arhin, the President justified the decision with sections 20(1) and 31 of the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651), which apply to all workers, including public office holders such as the Auditor-General. Mr Domelevo’s leave was further extended after the first deadline was due.
The Centre for Democratic Development (CDD) and eight other Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) who described the move as an affront to the independence of the office took up the matter and sought legal redress for the former Auditor-General at the Supreme Court after several unattended appeals to the President.
After hearing the case, the Supreme Court ruled that the move was unconstitutional.
The Court said the decision by President Nana Akufo-Addo against Daniel Yao Domelevo in 2020 to take his 169 working days of accumulated leave was null and void.
Michy, the mother of Shatta Wale’s child, firmly states that any discussion she would have with the Dancehall musician will solely revolve around their child and nothing more.
In an interview on Adom TV’s Showtime with Andy Dosty, Michy who has a son with Shatta Wale said she is up for a mature conversation that would centre on the child’s wellbeing.
“I’ve been in conversations with him. The focus should be on the child but I have not seen that. It’s not about me and him (Shatta); it’s about the child and that’s all I want to talk about. What happened, who said what, who did what is needless,” she said.
Michy denied Shatta Wale’s claim that he had been prevented from seeing their son saying: “When it comes to seeing the boy, you (Shatta) haven’t made that effort. I on the other side am taking everything cool. It is one of those things. I am not preventing him. He knows my house and phone numbers, I heard him say that I blocked his calls but my other number is online.”
She blamed Shatta Wale for his inability to see their son. According to her, the musician has failed to have a proper and mature conversation.
She said: “My son hasn’t shown any sign of missing his father (Shatta Wale). We don’t have discussions and so I cannot tell. My son is quite satisfied in life and I don’t think he has a reason to look for that, you know. Proper communication is what’s stopping him from seeing his son. Matured communication is what he’s lacking, there is more to do on that side.”
Michy and Shatta broke up in 2019. Although no reason was given, some have cited abuse as the basis for the split.
In January 2023, Shatta Wale suggested on Snapchat that he had been denied access to their son.
“I like how Michy is being frank with her experience out there, but someone should tell her I have not seen Majesty for years, and that’s not cool. I also want to buy my son some toys and trainers,” his post read.
Reacting to the post at the time, Michy said: “Social media parenting. I didn’t know I had lions guarding my lil man.”
In a fervent plea directed at President Akufo-Addo, Ghana’s former Auditor General, Mr Yao Domelevo, has taken a bold stand against what he perceives as a repeated violation of the country’s laws.
His appeal comes as a resolute call for adherence to the rule of law and a plea for accountability at the highest levels of leadership, following the Supreme Court’s ruling that the directive for Mr Domelevo to proceed on forced leave as issued in 2020 by President Akufo-Addo was unconstitutional.
Although Mr Domelevo admitted that he was happy about the ruling of the Apex Court, he was also saddened by the fact that the President was the perpetrator of this violation.
“The long and short of it is that today we are at the point where we know who is wrong and who is not wrong. But let me tell you one thing that saddens me about this decision; it’s the fact that this is the highest office of the land -the Office of the President- which is at the forefront of violating the Constitution, of violating the laws of the country,” he said in an interview with JoyNews.
With passion and conviction, Mr Domelevo, thus, appealed to the President to halt these transgressions and restore the integrity of his office as well as Ghana’s legal system .
“I’d like to plead with the office to desist from this so that we see the office of the President as the one which is at the forefront of enforcing or upholding the Laws of the country. It should not be said that in a day, the Supreme Court has decided on two cases and in all these cases, the Presidency was wrong.I don’t think it augurs well. So it is my wish and prayer that going forward care will be taken,” he said.
The Supreme Court of Ghana, on May 31, 2023, declared as unconstitutional the 2020 directive by President Akufo-Addo, for the former Auditor-General to proceed on forced leave.
In a letter dated June 29, 2020, and signed by the Director of Communications at the Presidency, Eugene Arhin, the President justified the decision with sections 20(1) and 31 of the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651), which apply to all workers, including public office holders such as the Auditor-General. Mr Domelevo’s leave was further extended after the first deadline was due.
The Centre for Democratic Development (CDD) and eight other Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) who described the move as an affront to the independence of the office took up the matter and sought legal redress for the former Auditor-General at the Supreme Court after several unattended appeals to the President.
After hearing the case, the Supreme Court ruled that the move was unconstitutional.
The Court said the decision by President Nana Akufo-Addo against Daniel Yao Domelevo in 2020 to take his 169 working days of accumulated leave was null and void.
Former Assin North lawmaker, James Gyakye Quayson, has made a resolute announcement to vie for the upcoming Assin North by-election.
Affiliated with the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Quayson has formally declared his candidacy, marking a decisive step in his political journey.
This decision follows the Supreme Court’s ruling ordering Parliament to remove his name from the legislative records.
In a statement released on Thursday, June 1, Mr. Quayson expressed his confidence in the readiness of the people of Assin North for the by-election.
He highlighted the prolonged period without representation since April of the previous year, when the Supreme Court halted his duties as their parliamentary representative.
Quayson drew a parallel to the exclusion of the people of the SALL Traditional Areas from parliamentary representation, emphasizing the unacceptable nature of this situation for over a year.
According to the Constitution (Article 112(5)), the by-election must be conducted within thirty days of the Supreme Court’s decision.
Mr. Quayson emphasized that the by-election would bring an end to the prolonged lack of representation, asserting the importance of the people’s will prevailing.
In his statement, Mr. Quayson passionately emphasized the restoration of democracy and urged the constituents of Assin North to turn out in large numbers to vote for him.
“Since last year April, when the Supreme Court stopped me from performing my duties as your representative in Parliament, you have been without representation in the 8th Parliament of the 4th Republic. Like the people of the SALL Traditional Areas who are excluded from representation in this Parliament, you the people of Assin North too have been in that unacceptable situation for over a year.
“The bye-election, which must be held within thirty days of the decision of the Supreme Court, according to the Constitution (Article 112(5)), will bring an end to this situation. The will of the people of Assin North must triumph,” he said.
The announcement of Mr Quayson’s candidacy sets the stage for a spirited contest in the Assin North by-election, as political parties prepare to vie for the support of constituents in the constituency.
Lukaku – who lines up against Manchester City in the glamour end-of-season showcase – was pictured with the rapper at a teammate’s wedding.
Megan, 28, and Lukaku, 30, were seen holding hands at the romantic Italian lakeside ceremony where Lautauro Martinez tied the knot with Augustina Gandolfo.
Video unearthed by MailOnline shows them sitting next to each other and clapping as the bride and groom make their way through a function room at the exclusive Villa D’Este hotel at Cernobbio on Lake Como.
It comes after Megan posted an intriguing picture on her Instagram of her designer handbag at a recent match in Milan between Inter Milan and Atalanta.
Megan, 28, and Lukaku, 30, were seen holding hands at the romantic Italian lakeside ceremony where Lautauro Martinez tied the knot with Augustina Gandolfo
Megan has been on a whistle-stop tour of Europe in recent weeks and has been spotted in London and Paris and her trip comes just weeks after her close pal Tory Lanez was found guilty of shooting her.
Lukaku is currently on loan at Inter from Premier League giants Chelsea and could be back at the Stanford Bridge club next season although his Italian side will be keen to keep hold of him.
Both he and Megan – who has more than 30 million followers on Instagram – jealously guard their private lives but they share the same representative, Jay Z’s Roc Nation Management.
Lukaku recently split with Belgian model Sarah Mens – who he dated for five years – according to Spanish sports newspaper Marca.
He was previously romantically linked to Belgian fitness guru Julia Vandenweghe who he was seen in 2014.
The WAP hitmaker was recently romantically linked to rapper Pardison Fontaine for over two years.
However back in February, there were rumors that the hitmaker and Pardison, 33, had split, after fans noticed that the two no longer followed each other on Instagram.
However, Pardison shared a photo of himself and another woman enjoying shots for Valentine’s Day, which many fans believed to be Megan, though it was unclear who was pictured.
Kofi Clinton, the manager of Ghanaian songstress Sista Afia, confidently asserts that the musical talent of his artist is unparalleled, unmatched, and ranks among the finest in the world.
According to Kofi Clinton, who heads Ace Khandi Records, Sista Afia’s music talent surpasses many in the music industry and deserves all the commendation, having produced many hit songs over the years.
Speaking in an interview, Kofi Clinton stated that Sista Afia, since making her debut in the music industry in 2015, has improved and thrived in her craft and is among the best in the country.
“When it comes to music, Sista Afia knows what entails good music, and this can be seen in her amazing vocal prowess and lyrical vibes.
“For me, I can say she is the most versatile female artiste we have in the country currently because she raps, sings, and can do multiple genres, and this for me is unique,” he said.
Kofi Clinton further stated that Sista Afia could reach the heights of becoming a Grammy-winning artiste if Ghanaians would support her more.
“She is a beacon of hope for Ghanaian music in terms of getting our first female Grammy award winner, and I believe she will get there, and I entreat Ghanaians to support her because she has all the talent,” he said in an interview.
Kofi Clinton also revealed that Sista Afia is billed to embark on a series of musical tours starting next month in Dubai, courtesy of M&J Travel and Tour.
Former Auditor-General, Daniel Yao Domelevo, has firmly rejected demands to pursue compensation for the unconstitutional “leave” he was forced to take in 2020 under the directive of the presidency.
Despite facing widespread public outcry and legal experts highlighting the violation of constitutional provisions, Domelevo has chosen not to seek damages for the unjust treatment he endured during his forced absence from office.
This decision by the respected former Auditor-General reflects his commitment to prioritizing the integrity of the office he once held, rather than engaging in protracted legal battles. As the issue continues to garner attention, it raises important questions about accountability, constitutional adherence, and the protection of public officials who strive to uphold transparency and good governance.
The Supreme Court after three years ruled that the forced leave was ‘unconstitutional and null and void.’
In an interview with Citi FM hours after the May 31 ruling was handed down, Domelevo said even though he felt vindicated, he was not going to push further because the person who caused his predicament was not a taxpayer.
“Many people made such suggestions, but I jokingly tell them why would I take redress to get compensation from the taxpayers who did nothing to me. The president doesn’t pay tax, so I’m not interested in taking any further action,” he said.
About his ouster, he submitted further: “It’s a position and not a possession, so I have moved on… I think the verdict is the most important thing.”
Civil Society Organizations filed a lawsuit arguing that the president’s directive that Domelevo takes 169-day accumulated leave ahead of his retirement undermined the independence of the Auditor-General’s office, adding that it smugged of attempts to hinder anti-corruption efforts.
On Wednesday, May 31, 2023, the Supreme Court upheld the suit, declaring the president’s directive as “unconstitutional and null and void,” thus putting an end to two years of legal disputes after the president rejected appeals to rescind the directive.
In an interview on Accra-based JoyNews’ Upfront show on Wednesday, May 31, Mr. Domelevo expressed his satisfaction with the court’s decision, stating that he felt vindicated.
“I was not jumping around, but I felt vindicated when the decision came. If you remember, when I wrote to the office of the president to draw the attention of the president to the unconstitutionality of the directive from the president, I was told it’s because I am not a lawyer, I don’t appreciate the law, and I am happy that those in whose bosom reside the interpretation of the constitution and the laws have affirmed my position,” he said.
He added, “I am ultimately happy because those who come after me will not have to go through this again.”
Mr. Domelevo believed that the verdict would discourage similar unlawful acts against his successors and expressed his hope for caution to be exercised in order to avoid a recurrence of such a situation in the future.
DJ Tunez, the official disc jockey of Afrobeats sensation Wizkid, has expressed that working with the singer can be quite challenging due to his demanding nature.
He said despite Wizkid’s busy schedule, the Starboy honcho has blessed him by featuring on several of his songs.
However, he said getting Wizkid to be on a song is difficult because he is very selective of collaborations.
DJ Tunez appeared on the latest episode of the Afrobeats Podcast hosted by Shopsydoo.
According to him: “First of all, it has to be a really good song. It has to relate with him [Wizkid]. So, any song that I’m trying to put him on, I say, ‘hey, how do you feel about it? I feel like it relates with you’.
“And if he is down for it, you know he is down for it. He is not easy to work with. You gotta have to take your time jejely. But he has blessed me. I don’t know who else has this many collaborations with him. I appreciate all the love he shows me.”
The Asere Tsono Mantse, Nii Quao Donkor II, has voiced deep concern over the ongoing decline of fish stocks in the Greater Accra Region. In a compelling statement, he expressed his worries about the alarming rate at which the region’s fish population is diminishing, highlighting the urgent need for immediate action to address this critical issue.
With the livelihoods of countless individuals reliant on the sea’s resources, the Asere Tsono Mantse’s apprehension underscores the importance of sustainable fishing practices and conservation efforts to safeguard the region’s marine ecosystem.
He said that it is important that the sea, which is a gift from God, be treated with some level of candour.
Nii Quao Donkor II is the Asere Tsono Mantse
He also stated that this is the reason he and his people give the sea some rest every week as a sign of respect.
“The ocean is an important God-given asset which contributes to food security, nutrition, jobs and livelihoods, as well as trade, sports, and recreation. We the Ga-Dangbe people, have special respect for and attachment to the sea.
“So, for example, we give it a rest on Tuesdays when no one goes fishing. Prior to Homowo, we also bless the ocean, pacify it, and pray for bumper fish harvest for the ceremonial food, kpokpoi, (sic),” he said.
Nii Quao Donkor II, however, indicated that the fish stock in the sea is gradually depleting.
This situation, he added, is occasioned by the fact that the population, especially in Accra, continues to grow, mounting pressure on the sea.
“Due to the rapid population growth, especially in Accra, being the capital, and our hospitality, a lot of pressure is put on our coastal ecosystem. Bad fishing practices have resulted in the depletion of our fish stock, while poor sewage and solid waste management are contributing to sea pollution, thereby posing a threat to marine seas and the ecosystem,” he stressed.
The National Blue Economy Summit enters its second day on Thursday, June 1, 2023.
Diana Hopeson, the former President of the Musicians Union of Ghana(MUSIGA), has shared the story of how she assumed leadership of the union and highlighted the significant accomplishments she achieved during her tenure.
She addressed criticisms levelled against her also during and after her service in the union as president.
Ms Hopeson was in conversation with Apostle Bismark Owusu on No.1 FM, 105.3, Wednesday, May 31, 2023, on the No.1 Live Worship programme.
She named past presidents of MUSIGA including Joe Mensah (RIP) and Alhaji Sikidu Buhari and said she took keen interest in the union and its leaders and learned watching.
She would soon become “a regional treasurer,” she narrated, “then a second vice president and from there I became the vice president until, eventually, God placed me on the [presidential] seat.”
The Agyenkwa Hene (Saviour King) hitmaker said before she was given the mandate, she had monitored the organisation to know what necessary changes, with God’s aid, had to take place so it would be resourceful to the industry.
Originally, “I had the understanding that God had called me for work in the arts,” she said. “My mission field is in the arts. I don’t just sing. I am a seasoned artiste – a performing artiste, I write and I love to dance.”
“I’m a total artiste so while serving MUSIGA, I didn’t only mind musicians but the whole creative industry. In fact, in school, I was a Fine Arts student. I studied design and did Graphic Design,” she revealed.
“If you go to Winneba Secondary School, you can see my still life drawings there and so I think of the creative arts in total, not just the music makers, and I thank God that when I served, we partnered with government to put some interventions in place for the creative arts,” she noted.
The singer-songwriter cited the appearance of rehearsal centres as part of her legacy. She said it was in response to creative arts folk struggling for spaces to practice and prepare for events.
“We created rehearsal studios and because of this, by God’s grace, you can now find many rehearsal studios around,” she said.
“In terms of education, we did something,” she added, explaining that she noticed not every creative can boast of adequate formal education, “so we had to make sure some courses were made available to help us in our work.”
She was saddened by the “little fights” in the organisation, saying “it is all due to the hardened heart of humans, but it is only normal.”
Ms Hopeson, however, expressed gladness, thanking God, for MUSIGA’s upcoming elections slated for August, and concerning the Ghana Music Rights Organisation’s (GHAMRO), she was optimistic that “everything will be calm”.
On criticisms hurled her way, she said, it is nothing unusual, only that “as Paul said: ‘Let it be said but may it not be true’.”
“Criticisms will come, but what matters is the cause. Is it a legitimate criticism or otherwise? Are you doing the right thing or otherwise?” she noted.
Essentially, “humans don’t like change so if a dynamic change happens, it is tough for people,” she said, insinuating that she did what was best during her tenure as MUSIGA’s president only that, she may have been misunderstood.
The award-winning singer said she faces criticism inspired by Jesus who was not fazed by the incessant attacks of his critics and she sang a song with the lyrics: “The joy of the Lord is my strength.”
Born Diana Botchway and formerly called Diana Akiwumi, Mrs Hopeson received a National Honours Award, presented by former President John Agyekum Kufuor in 2007, and for four years served as MUSIGA president succeeding Alhaji Sikidu Buhari.
Currently, she serves as the 2nd Vice Chairman of GHAMRO, the CEO of GHMusic Publishing and Management and a board member of the prestigious Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMAs).
Some Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) have started increasing prices of petroleum products at the pumps.
Goil has taken the lead, selling at litre of diesel and petrol at GHS12.45 pesewas from its old price of GHS12.30 pesewas a litre.
The increase is in line with the biweekly review of prices at the pumps.
The latest increase, according to some stakeholders is due to the cedi’s performance and crude prices on the international market.
It is expected that more OMCs will also adjust prices upward later today.
IES prediction
Earlier, the Institute for Energy Security (IES), predicted that prices of petrol and diesel may remain unchanged.
The institute however predicted that the price of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) may decline by about 5% during the same period.
“The Institute for Energy Security’s (IES’) review of prices over the past two weeks as monitored by Global Standard & Poor (S&P) Platts platform indicate the prices of Gasoline [ptrol] and Gasoil [diesel] have increased at 4.20% and 2.70% respectively whereas Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) decreased by 5.80%”.
“The Ghana cedi also gained 5.42% against the U.S dollar over the two weeks trading period on domestic forex market”, it added.
On May 27, 2023, Black Sherif, the talented Ghanaian musician, delivered an exceptional performance at Afronation in Miami, leaving the audience captivated and enthralled.
Nigerian Afrobeats star Burna Boy extended a special invitation to Black Sherif, resulting in a mesmerizing collaboration that left the crowd in sheer amazement.
In an interview following the show, Black Sherif expressed his admiration for the city of Miami, likening its attractiveness to that of a video game.
He marveled at the towering buildings, which he had previously only encountered in virtual games.
Black Sherif further conveyed his genuine excitement about the experience, emphasizing the warm reception he received from the audience.
“It feels so real, and I have been telling everyone that even the city feels like a video game because it is only in video games that I see taller buildings like this. It’s crazy… and the people here and the energy here is mad… you know, like getting on stage and getting people to sing back to you… I love it, and I’m so grateful every hour,”Black Sherif shared in the interview.
Afronation Miami has become a highly anticipated event for African musicians to showcase their talents to a diverse audience. Black Sherif’s inclusion in the lineup was met with great enthusiasm, and he and Burna Boy took full control of the stage, commanding attention from the very first note to the final beat.
Ranking Member on Parliament’s Lands and Forestry Committee, Dr Abdul-Rashid Pelpuo, has pointed accusing fingers at the Government for boosting illegal miners.
His allegation comes after a series of attacks by illegal miners on legal gold mining firms in the country. The most recent one was when a group of illegal miners forcefully, took over portions of Anglo-Gold in the Ashanti Region.
Reacting to this situation on JoyNews’ PM Express, the legislator described it as terrible.
According to him, these happenings attest to the findings of former Environment Minister, Prof Kwabeng Frimpong Boateng – that indeed government officials are involved in the canker.
“Now it is logically the case that the government itself is involved and emboldening the illegal miners to do what they’re doing.
“It is so terrible, it is attacking the very nerve center of our gold industry, the legally acceptable companies that have taken license and have been given the right to mine are being attacked,” he said on Wednesday.
Dr Pelpuo further revealed that the government through the Minerals Commission has from 2021 to 2023 issued licenses to seven companies.
These companies he said have been identified mining in areas that have been declared red zone.
“And the reason I believe that the government is involved is that, in April 2021, the government declared that it was illegal to mine at forest reserves and river beds, however, between 2021 and 2023, seven licenses have been issued by the Minerals Commission to companies. And these companies have been spotted in these red zone areas.”
Shaffy Bello, a renowned Nollywood actress, has recently disclosed the reasons behind her decision to end her 25-year-long marriage.
She said she walked out of her marriage because it was a long-distance union as her estranged husband, Mr. Akinrimisi, was based in the United States.
The thespian disclosed this in a chat with popular media personality Chude Jideonwo.
She said the long-distance didn’t help her marriage, so she settled for divorce.
The mother of two said: “He [my ex-husband] was a good father to his children. But I got to a place where I wanted more. And I would always travel back and forth. But I knew at a point that if I really want this, it came with a sacrifice.
“It wasn’t a sacrifice of marriage, but then he being there [USA] and the distance didn’t help.”
She said it was difficult for her to cope with the situation, so she chose divorce.
Ghana’s currency is poised for one of the strongest rallies globally after the West African nation’s $3 billion pact with the International Monetary Fund gave investors hope it can climb back from last year’s debt crisis.
The cedi was the best performer worldwide against the dollar in the runup to the IMF deal, which was sealed mid-month. That was the latest in a series of violent swings since Ghana unilaterally suspended payments on most of its external debt in December. The currency is poised to end the month with a 5.3% advance, the fourth-biggest of about 150 currencies tracked by Bloomberg.
The hope now is that the IMF program helps the nation to bolster its finances and work its way toward regaining access to global markets. The deal, which includes an immediate disbursement of $600 million, was approved after the country completed the first part of a domestic debt exchange program.
“I see the cedi regaining stability with a predictable trajectory,” Courage Boti, an economist at GCB Capital in Accra, said. At the same time, the gains may be set to fade after the initial jump this month, he said.
The nation’s dollar securities have also outperformed in May, handing investors a return of 7.2% compared with the average loss of 0.8% for emerging and frontier peers in a Bloomberg index.
“Multilateral support should help stabilize FX reserves and the authorities have committed to ending Bank of Ghana financing of the government deficit,” said Samir Gadio, head of Africa Strategy at Standard Chartered Bank. “This may help anchor the cedi in the coming months.”
Daniel Chayah, popularly known as Godpapa The Greatest, and his wife Jocelyn Chayah, also known as Empress Lupita, have been placed under police custody by the Tema Magistrate Court following the heartbreaking loss of their two children.
The couple appeared in court on Wednesday, May 31, 2023, and have been scheduled to reappear on June 15, 2023.
The incident in question involves the alleged killing of two out of their three children.
According to a report by graphic.com.gh, media personnel were denied access to the courtroom during proceedings, while the police prosecutor declined to make any statements to the media following the proceedings.
The couple, who are suspected to be mentally ill and in need of medical assistance, are believed to have committed the heinous act and subsequently buried their deceased children.
The youngest child, however, managed to escape from home and has shared some of his harrowing experiences under his parents’ care before fleeing.
Prior to their arrest, the couple had gained significant attention on the social media platform TikTok, where they went by the names Godpapa The Greatest and Empress Lupita.
In one of their media interviews, they admitted to sacrificing one of their children, claiming that they believed the child was possessed by an evil spirit and that his future would involve engaging in criminal activities detrimental to the nation.
The couple had been sharing their home experiences on social media, providing glimpses into their lives, until their arrest by the police last week.
Only six people died from the ghastly accident which occurred at Gomoa Okyereko in the Central Region on Tuesday, May 30, 2023.
This is according to the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA).
Earlier reports across the media had indicated that up to 16 people had been confirmed dead from the crash, but the NRSA has clarified the actual figures.
In a statement issued by the Authority, it said that “The Authority can confirm that the total fatalities (deaths) arising from the crash as at close of day yesterday, Tuesday 30th May, 2023, was six (6) and not sixteen (16) as presented by a section of the media.”
Also, the NRSA clarified details about the vehicles that were involved in the crash.
“Preliminary investigation by the Authority shows that the vehicles involved in the crash, an Iveco Trakker Tanker with registration number WR 2063-10 loaded with premix fuel from Tema to Apam collided with a Neoplan bus with registration number GR 5866-L loaded with sixty-two (62) passengers on board from Liberia heading towards Buduburam at the early hours of 4:30am on Tuesday, May 30, 2023,” it added.
In all, the NRSA said that of those who were injured from the crash, 48 are receiving medical treatment at the Winneba Trauma Hospital, as well as the Winneba Municipal Hospital.
Some 8 persons are also reported to have escaped unhurt.
Meanwhile, the NRSA has reiterated its call for the dualization of major road and highways across the country.
It also urged the media to be circumspect in its reportage on road crashes by thoroughly authenticating facts and figures about such incidents.
A former Auditor-General, Daniel Domelevo, has expressed delight over the Supreme Court’s Wednesday ruling against his forced leave.
He says although people may be justified in concluding that the ruling is a clear case of justice delayed, justice denied, he believes it is better late than never.
Speaking in an interview on Joy News’ Upfront programme on Wednesday, May 31, he said the ruling has vindicated his earlier position on the president’s unconstitutional act.
“Justice delayed is justice denied. The justices of the Supreme Court know better… From my point of view, it’s better late than never. So from today going, it will not be repeated on any constitutional body or any Auditor General, that is my happiness.”
“I’m equally sad that the highest office of the land, the presidency, is at the forefront of not respecting the constitution of the country, I find it a bit disturbing.”
“Even when I drew their attention, they told me I don’t appreciate the law. I am hoping that they will write to the Supreme Court and tell them that they have to go back for law classes since they have upheld the position that I was pushing forward. I think that the ruling was a very good one,” he said.
Meanwhile, he also said he does regret accepting the offer to serve as Auditor-General.
According to him, he could not resist the opportunity to serve his motherland in that capacity.
He added it was a privilege for him to have been offered such an opportunity to help protect the public purse.
“So when the opportunity came for me to serve my country, I thought it was a great privilege. So I have no regret serving Ghana as the Auditor-General even though the conditions and service of my previous job was better,” he told Raymond Acquah on JoyNews’ Upfront programme on Wednesday, May 31.
Background
The Supreme Court has in a unanimous decision on Wednesday described as unconstitutional the directive from the Presidency that asked him to proceed on leave.
The court also described as unconstitutional the President’s appointment of an Acting Auditor General while there was a substantive Auditor-General as equally unconstitutional.
The Presidency in July 2020 asked the then Auditor General to proceed on leave.
When Mr Domelevo pointed this out as unlawful, his leave was further extended from 123 days to 167 effective July 1, 2020.
Eventually, Mr. Domelevo, whose retirement age was near, retired. Even that one was not without controversy, as he was accused of attempting to alter his age to stay in office for a much longer period.
There were even allegations that he was not Ghanaian per his personal data, but rather a Togolese. Mr. Domelevo denied all these allegations before going on his forced retirement, just when he had returned from the forced leave.
Nine civil society groups sued the Attorney General over these directives.
They included the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), Ghana Integrity Initiative, (GII), Citizen Movement Ghana, Africa Center for Energy Policy (ACEP), and Parliamentary Network Africa.
They contended that the directives were u lawful since the President does not have the power to exercise such disciplinary control over independent bodies.
The Court, however, opted not to issue any other orders including stopping Mr Domelevo from proceeding on leave since he has since retired.
The case was heard by Justices Nene Amegatcher, Prof Ashie Kotey, Mariama Owusu, Lovelace Johnson, Getrude Torkonoo, Prof Henrietta Mensah Bonsu and Emmanuel Kulendi.
Marie-Claire Rupio, the widow of the late Ghanaian winger Christian Atsu has faced criticism following her joyful dance video shared on social media.
The mother-of-three appears to have moved on from the loss of her husband who died in a tragic earthquake in Turkey but social media users aren’t happy.
She filmed herself having a lonely and happy time dancing to Nigerian superstar Davido’s ‘Unavailable’ track released off his ‘Timeless’ album.
Even though Rupio is an author she displayed some energetic and impressive dance moves as though she’s a professional dancer.
While sharing the video, she noted that she was hesitant about it but she’s trying to get back into her old self.
Watch the video below
Meanwhile, the video has stirred mixed reactions from social media users.
While some condemned her for moving on quickly, others have lauded her for staying strong for her kids in the absence of their father by doing away with any sorrowful demeanour in their home
Check out some of the comments below
Favoursalu: Yes oo, I nearly told her yesterday on her page that Widows mourn for 6months to 1year minimum in our part of the world
Another person wrote: Even if she mourns for 10 years he’ll not resurrect. It’s sad but life goes on she has to be happy and strong for the children
Bejosista: If he’d married one of our own, by now the in-laws would have gathered at her family house to demand an explanation, apology and accuse her of all sorts. She’s dealing with the catastrophe the best way she can. U see her dancing like this, she can sink into enormous sadness and depression the next few minutes. Until u experience grief on this magnitude, please don’t be quick to judge her. People deal with grief differently. Trust and believe she’s going through it.
Phaabulos: What Ghanaians don’t realise is that what she is doing is a form of healing. Distraction, occupation are all forms of healing. It doesn’t mean that she’s still not broken by her loss. People need to learn to mind their own business. Pray for her instead of criticising her. Peoples mental health is important however you cope is up to you!
Ruth: We all have different ways of expressing or grieving
Danni Adams, a 30-year-old American woman, recently hosted an extravagant wedding ceremony with a unique twist: she married herself. In this lavish affair, Danni invested $4,000 to celebrate self-love and commitment in a truly extraordinary way.
A video from the wedding ceremony that has landed on the internet shows how Dani hired nine bridesmaids and walked to the altar alone to say her vows to herself.
In an Instagram post, Danni Adams said this is the most beautiful commitment she has made to herself.
Pollster, Ben Ephson has stated that the upcoming by-election at Assin North Constituency will be an interesting contest for both the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Congress (NPP).
Speaking on Starr Today with Joshua Kodjo Mensah Tuesday, Ephson stated that Assin North is a swing seat and no political party will easily win the by-election.
“Assin North is kind of a swing place so it is not going to be a safe place for anybody. That is going to be interesting.
“It is up to the two political parties to get people out to vote and definitely a by-election will not have the same energy as the general election. But this will be a higher turnout than Kumawu”, Ben Ephson stated.
Meanwhile, the Clerk to Parliament, Cyril Kwabena Oteng Nsiah has written to the Electoral Commission (EC) of the occurrence of a vacancy in the Assin North Constituency.
“I, Cyril Kwabena Oteng Nsiah, Clerk to Parliament do hereby formally notify you of the occurrence of a vacancy in the Assin North Constituency necessitated by the Judgement of the Supreme Court dated 17th May, 2023,” he wrote in a letter to the Electoral Commission of Ghana (EC).
However, the NDC is expected to present James Gyakye Quayson for the by-election when the Electoral Commission opens nominations for the contest.
The governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) has set Wednesday, May 31, 2023 as date for the opening of nomination for the upcoming Assin North by-election.
The decision was taken at its Steering Committee (SC) meeting held on Tuesday, May 30, 2023 where the timelines for holding parliamentary primary was announced.
Nominations are to close on Thursday June 1, 2023 while the election has been slated for Wednesday June 7, 2023.
A statement signed by the General Secretary, Justin Frimpong Kodua said “The Party has also approved detailed Rules and Regulations to govern the conduct of the parliamentary primary election which would be made available to stakeholders. However, Nomination Forms will be available at the Constituency Party Office for purchase.”
The Ghana Armed Forces reportedly deployed its personnel to Obuasi on Tuesday, May 30, 2023, over the commotion surrounding reports of illegal miners being trapped in a mine shaft belonging to AngloGold.
It is not clear why the military personnel were deployed but a video shared by Kumasi-based Oyerepa TV showed them trying to control an aggrieved crowd of people.
The army personnel arrived in some of their military vehicles and they were more than fifty in number.
They started firing warning shots after some residents started pelting stones at them.
The personnel could also be seen preventing some youth in civilian clothing from working towards certain directions.
There has been tension in Obuasi following news of over 300 illegal miners have been trapped in a mine shaft belonging to multinational mining giant AngloGold.
The incident according to a Citinewsroom.com report occurred at AngloGold’s Obuasi Mines at Anwiam in the Obuasi East District of the Ashanti Region.
The miners are said to have entered the underground shaft in search of gold deposits but have been trapped because all exit routes were subsequently shut.
One of the illegal miners, Ali Tijani who spoke to Citi News said some of his colleagues are unconscious as they have run out of food and water, the Citi News report stated.
Relations of the trapped minister, including their wives, on Tuesday, besieged the site where the illegal miners were supposed trapped carrying for them to be rescued.
Meanwhile, the management of AngloGold has refuted claims that some persons have been trapped in a mine belonging to them.
In a statement dated Tuesday, May 30, 2023, and signed by the Managing Director, Eric Asubonteng, he explained that the claims cannot be true because the exit ramp from the mine remains open.
He added that in the case that anybody was trapped in their mine, they can exit on foot via the existing ramp, a report by graphic.com.gh said.
Eric Asubonten, however, explained that some seven illegal miners who were in their mines yesterday walked out on foot and are in the custody of the police.
While many shop owners at the Madina Ritz Junction return to the site that only hours ago was a vibrant business hub, housing their shops and for some, night clubs, some of the victims have called for an urgent action to be taken about the continuous fires they experience.
This, some of them said is because these fires do not come about from natural occurrences, or even by way of electric faults, but intentionally started by some unscrupulous persons.
One of the men whose spare parts shop, a popular one just on the edge of the road, was also completely razed down, is unsure he would return to do business in this location.
McBen Yolee of Abandenden (Driver’s Friend) Spare Parts Shop explained that what they have lost in that shop is going into the millions and that is about the second time in a short time that have had to deal with fires in their shops.
“I don’t know if there is a law governing this particular place, because the people who usually pay taxes bare the consequences of those things. So, I’m wondering if the management of this areas know something about this,” he explained.
The hype-man at the Guymen Night Club, one of the hardest hit places at the Ritz Junction, Godwin, explained that one of the men involved in the feud used to work at the club.
He added that he is sure what happened was an act of jealousy.
Empress Gifty, the Ghanaian gospel musician, recently shared her poignant journey of overcoming adversity as a former maidservant. In her candid revelation, she shed light on the hardships she endured during that period of her life.
In a report by adomonline.com,Empress Gifty revealed that the person she had to work for was a friend of her mother.
According to the musician, she initially thought that her stay with her mother’s friend would be pleasant due to their existing friendship.
However, Empress Gifty mentioned that she experienced ill-treatment during a period when she had discovered her musical talent, but her employer failed to comprehend the spiritual aspect of her divine gift and constantly criticized her.
“She [my madam] did not understand the spiritual calling, and she was always complaining. If I start singing, she’ll say I’m making noise. She would prevent me from going to church services, camp meetings, and rehearsals,” Empress Gifty expressed.
Despite losing interest in the job, Empress Gifty stated that her financially constrained mother encouraged her to persevere, but this situation did not last long until her breakthrough came in the field of music.
“The first time I appeared on TV, she [madam] saw me and called me right after. She was so shocked that I was making it in life,” recounted Empress Gifty with a voice filled with emotion.
The singer mentioned that her new song, which she is currently promoting, and this testimony were in line.
Titled ‘Ewiaye Pa,’ Empress Gifty composed the song for all those who are waiting for an expected end.
Mark Kwesi Arthur, the talented Amapiano artist popularly known as DJ Azonto, has expressed his unwavering determination to elevate Ghanaian music to global recognition. With a strong focus on his goal, DJ Azonto is driven to not only put Ghana on the map but also strive for the ultimate achievement of winning a Grammy award.
The “Fa No Fom” hitmaker has been red-hot in the music industry over the past few years and was nominated for the Best New Artiste of the Year at the recently held Vodafone Ghana Music Awards.
According to DJ Azonto, who made all the headlines after his controversial outfit on the VGMA red carpet, he was poised to reach the Grammys as he had what it takes to bag an international award.
DJ Azonto asserted that even though he is new to the music business, his upcoming project would rock Ghanaian music circles and beyond as he eyes numerous international awards.
“You see, I might be new in the music industry, but with the work I am putting in, I am confident I can win a Grammy award in the near future,” he said in an interview.
He was recently nominated for Best New Artiste at this year’s Ghana Music Awards USA and Discovery of the Year at the Ghana Entertainment Awards USA.
DJ Azonto has been churning out bangers over the past few months, dropping hits including Fa No Fom,” “Enfa Bi Da,” “Kaba Ne Skirt,” “Add Wale,” “Ampe,” “Wagaashi,” and “One Prayer” ft. Lil Win, among others.
Nigerian musician Tiwa Savage has responded to the social media uproar surrounding a photograph of herself with an unidentified man, taken on the shores of a Brazilian beach.
On Tuesday, May 30, 2023, the songstress shared a cozy photo on her Instagram page, that set tongues wagging.
Many online users quickly started guessing that Tiwa was showing off her new man after seeing the loved-up photo.
Additionally, well-known Instagram blogger and media personality, Tunde Ednut posted the photo on his page, and Tiwa refuted relationship rumors by claiming that the photo was only content.
Tiwa wrote: “Tundeeee you just wanna put me in trouble sha. It’s just content, Abeg oooo’”
See comments that trailed her post
_djosas: “Them go find who get that back tattoo now now.. no worry i trust my internet people..”
obaksolo: “IDAN no dey Fall in love again IDAN dey shoot video. No Time”
olahwhaley: “But this head looks like Tunde ednuts (Mufasa) ooooo”
fannytalker: “No be Burna boy be that?”
boisikofficial: “Make we no lie this guy back resemble King Tunde back make una look the picture well”
ra_pha_eel: “But that person look like Mufasa from the back sha”
Serwaa Amihere, a Ghanaian broadcaster, has garnered attention after flaunting her diamond ring and pricey sunglasses in a recent video.
Serwaa is seen performing Simi’s song “Ayo,” which normally involves one listing their blessings and making encouraging statements about their life, with a pleased heart.
Serwaa Amihere was excessively glammed up for this video, appearing dazzling and expensive.
It is clear that Serwaa is living comfortably and making use of every luxury available. She is, after all, a vibrant young woman of means.
Serwaa Amihere, meantime, has maintained a quiet profile for some period now and we wonder what is keeping her private.
Former Trade and Industry Minister, Alan K Kyerematen, has officially joined the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) presidential race.
This is after some market woman, in support of Mr Kyerematen’s candidacy, picked nomination forms on his behalf at the party’s headquarters on Wednesday, May 31, 2023.
The move by the market women comes after a number of candidates who have declared their interest to contest in the upcoming NPP Presidential Primaries picked their forms.
The NPP’s presidential primaries has been scheduled for November 4, 2023. So far 11 aspirants have declared their intention to contest for the position. Out of the 11, 8 (including Mr Kyerematen) have picked their forms.
They are: Former General Secretary of the NPP, Kwabena Agyepong; a former Energy Minister, Mr Boakye Agyarko; a former Member of Parliament for Mampong, Mr Francis Addai-Nimo; an Economist cum corporate executive, Dr Kofi Konadu Apraku; Former Agric Minister, Dr Afriyie Akoto; Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia; Renowned energy expert Kwadwo Nsafoah Poku and the former Trade and Industry Minister, Alan K. Kyerematen.
Ibiza is renowned for its all-night celebrations, scorching temperatures, and, of course, its breathtaking beaches.
But a rare deadly jellyfish with a sting that can leave permanent scars is being cautioned about by locals who frequent its sandy coastlines.
In recent weeks, mauve stingers, scientifically known as pelagia noctiluca, have been washing up on the well-liked Balearic vacation island off the coast of Spain.
Long tentacles that can reach approximately 10 feet in length are a characteristic of jellyfish.
Its sting feels like a jolt from a nine-volt battery, which produces a burning sensation, red rashes, painful marks and inflammation of the skin.
The best protection against it is sunscreen, which stops the venom penetrating.
But for those who don’t have sunscreen, an app called Medusas has even been developed to warn tourists of areas on the island to avoid.
The stings can leave permanent scars on human skin (Picture: Bav Media)The jellyfish have been washing up on the shores because of mild weather, warm temperatures and little rainfall (Picture: Bav Media)
As well as being purple, the jellyfish can appear in shades of pink, light brown or even yellow.
What makes them different to normal jellyfish is the stinging cells they have all over their bodies.
Blooms of mauve stingers used to wash up in Ibiza around once every 12 years until the 1980s.
But in recent years, their appearance has become more common and they are now seen annually on average.
It is believed the recent mild weather, unusually warm temperatures and little rainfall on the island has encouraged the jellyfish back.
A decrease in mauve stinger predators like swordfish and tuna, due to over-fishing, has also led to an increase of the jellyfish.
Ibiza is not the only location where unusual jellyfish have been spotted in recent months.
Portuguese man o’war jellyfish, which cause whip-like wounds from their stings, have been spotted around UK beaches.
The Marine Conservation Society reported a total of 1,315 jellyfish sightings, including a 2% increase in man o’war sightings between from 2021 to 2022.
For many who witnessed the colonial era, events from this period may have left an indelible stamp on their memories. Many years after these incidents, some probably have not forgotten the dehumanising nature of colonialism.
Ghanaian author, Ama Ata Aidoo was among the lot who may have never lost touch with the reality of some ghastly events that came along with colonisation and neocolonialism.
The prolific African writer died on May 31, 2023
In an interview, which has resurfaced after her demise, the prolific writer recounted a profound event which occurred during the colonial era that had significantly changed her life and formed the basis of her afrocentric legacy.
“When people like me talk about Colonisation and neocolonialism, it’s not because one is just being intellectually smart. We have personal touches with it, you know, and I cannot forget it,” she said.
Ama Ata Aidoo – Quotes
As the colonial powers exerted greater control over the Gold Coast, Ama Ata Aidoo lost her grandfather as a result of the brutal treatment given to some nationals who opposed them.
“I think that for me and members of my family, Elmina Castle has got a very special significance because they tortured my father’s father – my real grandfather – to death. [He was tortured] by the colonial government.
She probably lived with this unforgettable memory until her demise on 31 May 2023.
The chilling incident, however, altered the course of Ama Ata Aidoo’s life and also laid the foundation for her afrocentric legacy since it formed the basis on which her father enrolled her in school.
Ama Ata-Aidoo
Aggrieved by the murder of his beloved father by neocolonialists, Ama’s father realised the importance of educating the children and families of the village on the history and events of the era. As a result, he opened up the first school in their village and influenced Aidoo to attend Wesley Girls High School where she first decided she wanted to be a writer.
From an early age, Ama Ata Aidoo was exposed to the harsh realities of colonialism. She saw her fellow Ghanaians suffer under the weight of discrimination, economic exploitation, and cultural erasure. The colonial powers had painted a distorted image of Africa, portraying its rich history and vibrant cultures as primitive and inferior.
As Ama Ata Aidoo grew older, her determination to challenge these narratives grew stronger. She embarked on a journey of self-discovery, immersing herself in the works of African intellectuals and writers who sought to reclaim their heritage and celebrate their Afrocentric identities.
Inspired by the resilience of her people, Ama Ata Aidoo began to articulate her experiences through powerful storytelling. Her words carried the weight of history, as she fearlessly confronted the colonial horrors that had shaped her nation. Through her writings, she sought to reclaim the narrative of Africa, amplifying the voices of those who had been silenced for far too long.
As the years passed, Ama Ata Aidoo’s voice resonated far beyond the borders of Ghana. Her words ignited a fire in the hearts of Africans across the continent, encouraging them to reclaim their history and shape their own narratives.
Today, Ama Ata Aidoo’s legacy endures; her writings serve as a powerful reminder of the colonial horrors that once gripped Africa. Her afrocentric perspective continues to inspire generations, urging them to embrace their cultural identity, celebrate their heritage, and fight against the injustices that persist.
A supposed internal memo of the Electoral Commission of Ghana (EC), which indicated the Office of the President, had requested the Curriculum Vitae (CV) of senior officials of the Commission, has been leaked on social media.
In the said memo, which is dated May 29, 2023, the director of human resources at the Commission stated that the CVs were to be submitted via email following a request by the presidency directed at senior management of state agencies.
“This comes to inform you that the Office of the President, His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has requested for the Curriculum Vitae of Senior Management of State Agencies from Director and above.
“You are therefore requested to submit your CV by noon today. May 29 2023 through mailto:ec.hrdirectorate@gmail.com for the attention of the Commission,” parts of the memo reads.
The Member of Parliament for South Dayi, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, who shared the Memo on Twitter, said that the action of the presidency is an affront to the 1992 Constitution of Ghana.
According to him, the action of the presidency constitutes a violation of the independence of the EC.
“Art 46 says: ‘Except as provided in this Constitution or in any other law not inconsistent with this Constitution, in the performance of its functions, the EC, shall not be subject to the direction or control of any person or authority’.
“So why this Demand Memo by OOP on the EC?” parts of the MP’s tweet which was shared on Tuesday, May 30, 2023, reads.
A previous Russian president claimed that since the foreign secretary supported Ukraine’s right to attack Russia, British officials are now valid military targets.
Dmitry Medvedev, a close supporter of Vladimir Putin, issued the ultimatum, claiming that the United Kingdom’s support for Ukraine amounted to “undeclared war” against Russia.
The UK is de facto leading an undeclared war against Russia today by acting as Ukraine‘s ally and giving it military assistance in the shape of equipment and professionals, according to Mr Medvedev, the deputy chairman of the Russian president‘s security council.
‘That being the case, any of its public officials (either military, or civil, who facilitate the war) can be considered as a legitimate military target.
‘The UK’s foreign secretary [James] Cleverly has stated that Ukraine “has the legitimate right to … project force beyond its borders to undermine Russia’s ability to project force into Ukraine itself”.
‘According to him, legitimate military targets beyond Ukraine’s border are part of its self-defence.’
He continued: ‘The goofy officials of the UK, our eternal enemy, should remember that within the framework of the universally accepted international law which regulates modern warfare, including the Hague and Geneva Conventions with their additional protocols, their state can also be qualified as being at war.’
Mr Medvedev’s threats come after Mr Cleverly gave a speech in Estonia, outlining the UK’s efforts to bolster support for Ukraine and Nato.
The foreign secretary said Ukraine had ‘the legitimate right to defend itself’.
He added: ‘It has the legitimate right to do so within its own borders, but it does also have the right to project force beyond its borders to undermine Russia’s ability to project force into Ukraine itself.
‘Today, Margus and I discussed the Nato Summit taking place in Vilnius in July.
‘We agreed that we must bolster support for Ukraine and ensure that Nato adapts to an increasingly contested and volatile security environment.
‘And I know that we both feel it’s important that Sweden joins us at the table in Vilnius, too, as a fully fledged member of Nato, and as an important ally to us all.
‘Swedish accession will make us all safer and stronger.’
Russia accused Ukraine of being behind a drone attack on Moscow yesterday which Ukraine denied.
But there has been an escalation of incidents within Russia by Kyiv’s military or local groups opposed to the war.
Defence officials from the UK believe the incursions into Russia are causing the redeployment of Moscow’s forces.
The intelligence briefing from the Ministry of Defence said: ‘Since the start of May 2023, Russia has increasingly ceded the initiative in the conflict and is reacting to Ukrainian action rather than actively progressing towards its own war aims.
‘During May 2023, Russia has launched 20 nights of one-way-attack uncrewed aerial vehicle and cruise missile attacks deep inside Ukraine.
‘Russia has had little success in its likely aims of neutralising Ukraine’s improved air defences and destroying Ukrainian counter-attack forces.
‘On the ground, it has redeployed security forces to react to partisan attacks inside western Russia.’
The Member of Parliament for the Kwadaso constituency in the Ashanti Region, Professor Kingsley Nyarko, is fighting off claims that the alleged instruction from the presidency requesting the CVs of senior management members of the Electoral Commission is an attempt to compromise the independence of the EC.
According to the former executive Director of the Danquah Institute, the request is for a “noble objective.”
His comment comes on the back of criticism from a political science lecturer at the University of Ghana, questioning the authority of the presidency in demanding for those CVs.
“The history of Ghana’s fourth republic shows that you (President Akufo Addo) are currently the worse president in promoting the sanctity of the independence of the Electoral Commission.
“Why do you want to do this to an independent commission? It appears under your tenure, you are doing everything you can to decimate the independence of all independent institutions, but to what end?” the UG lecturer stated.
But the Kwadaso MP disagrees with, questioning why people are being emotional about the issue.
He stressed that they rather ought to have ascertained the reason behind the request before making such sweeping statements.
“In my view I think this will help go through the CV’s to ascertain the competencies of these individuals. For all you know, we don’t have accurate data, so this is for a noble objective. I wouldn’t sit here and say that because the directive is coming from the office of the President, there’s mischief behind it,” he told the morning show host of Kumasi-based Oyerepa TV, Kwesi Parker-Wilson.
The MP also admonished the public to be circumspect in matters of this nature, insisting that they can make conclusive statements after the reasons for the request are made public.
“You cannot look at this on the face value and conclude unless you point to mischief. So, what if at the end of the day this turns out to be a good thing, what will people say again? So, we have to be very circumspect. We don’t have to be emotional and say things like that,” he stressed.
Since El Salvador imprisoned tens of thousands of people earlier this year as part of a campaign against street gangs, at least 153 detainees have been tortured and died there.
The country’s “war on gangs” has resulted in dozens of people dying in state custody after being detained without being given a chance to defend themselves, according to a report by the human rights organisation Cristosal.
According to the report, four women were among those killed, and the vast majority of deaths were the consequence of torture, as well as repeated and significant injuries.
The bodies of nearly half of the victims showed symptoms of asphyxiation, fractures, and lacerations. Nearly half of the victims died violent deaths.
Others showed signs of malnutrition and deliberate denial of food, medicine and medical assistance.
None of the people who died in prison had not been officially convicted of the crime they were accused of committing at the time of their arrest.
The deaths revealed punitive policies carried out by guards and prison officials. The report stated that such actions would have required authorization and backing by the highest level security officials.
El Salvador opened a mega-prison earlier this year to house some 40,000 suspected gang members, after the government granted itself emergency powers in March 2022 to tackle the country’s powerful street gangs.
The high-tech prison, designed specifically to house gang members, is the largest of its kind in the Americas, and the security minister for the Central American country warned inmates they ‘will never walk out of here’.
Following its opening, El Savador’s president Nayib Bukele tweeted that ‘at dawn, in a single operation, we transferred the first 2,000 members to the Center for the Confinement of Terrorism (CECOT)’.
He added: ‘This will be their new house, where they will live for decades, all mixed, unable to do any further harm to the population.’
Officially, the government has arrested more than 68,000 people under the new powers, although the actual number is thought to be even higher.
More than 5,000 people have been freed because they could not convince a judge they were tied to criminal structures, according to authorities.
Cristosal said it compiled the information through field work, including at common graves, and collecting documents from medical examiners. Investigators also interviewed victims’ families and neighbours, as well as others who were jailed and later released.
The organisation called on the administration of President Nayib Bukele to answer about the conditions people are held under, respect due process, free the innocent, answer for those who have died, provide all available information to victims’ families and end the measures implemented under the special powers.
Other human rights groups and foreign governments have condemned the government’s actions and called for a lifting of what were supposed to be temporary measures.
Bukele, however, maintains high levels of approval within El Salvador for his actions against the gangs.
The rights group’s report comes as a judge sentenced former El Salvador President Mauricio Funes to 14 years in prison on Monday for allegedly negotiating with gangs during his administration.
Funes’ trial began in April with the former leader living in Nicaragua. El Salvador changed its laws last year to allow trials in absentia.
Prosecutors had accused Funes of illicit association and failure to perform his duties for the gang truce negotiated in 2012. Funes had denied negotiating with the gangs or giving their leaders any privileges.
Funes’ former Security Minister Gen. David Munguía Payes was also sentenced to 18 years in prison for his involvement in the negotiations.
The former president, who governed from 2009 to 2014 and lives in Nicaragua, was granted Nicaraguan citizenship in 2019. The Nicaraguan constitution holds that no citizen may be extradited.
President Akufo-Addo has tasked the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture to ramp up promotional activities to achieve the target of two million international arrivals by 2025.
That, he noted, would result in corresponding earnings of some $4 billion to the national economy, in addition to the hundreds of thousands of jobs that would be created in the tourism value chain.
Speaking at the opening of the Presidential Summit on Tourism at the Peduase Lodge in the Eastern Region on Tuesday, President Akufo-Addo said that the government had placed tourism at the forefront of national development.
He said the tourism sector is a major driver of economic growth, enterprise development and job creation, thus players must pull efforts and resources to develop “sustainable tourism to ensure that benefits reach every corner of the country.”
The two-day summit is on the theme, “Rethinking Tourism for Economic Growth and Job Creation.” It is being organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture and the Ghana Tourism Authority.
Some 400 participants are taking part in the event. The summit aims to encourage critical thinking about tourism’s future and its impact on national development.
The gathering also seeks to create a platform to explore novel approaches to tourism and prioritise sustainability, and community involvement, and facilitate dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders in the industry.
With the tourism sector demanding partnerships in all approaches, the President called on all stakeholders to unite efforts, share knowledge and pull resources to create a comprehensive framework that facilitates dialogue.
He suggested that players in the industry must adopt a four-fold approach- Preservation, Promotion, Policy Leadership and Partnership- to make the tourism sector a driving force for national development.
President Akufo-Addo indicated that the government and all stakeholders in the tourism sector “must preserve what we have as a country. We are the guardians of Ghana’s natural wonders, and it is our responsibility to safeguard them for future generations.”
“We must amplify Ghana’s unique tourism appeal on the global stage through strategic marketing campaigns, enhanced digital presence, and targeted investments in infrastructure,” he said, adding, “Through this effort, we can showcase the diverse attractions the nation has to offer.”
The President urged the private sector to show policy leadership in creating the right climate and platform for investments to grow in the tourism sector.
He stressed the need for a collaborative approach involving all stakeholders to unlock the economic potential of the tourism industry.
“Let us unite our efforts, share knowledge, and pull resources. Let us create a comprehensive framework that facilitates dialogue, cooperation, and innovation.
“Together, we can develop sustainable tourism models, empower domestic entrepreneurs, and ensure that the benefits of tourism reach every corner of our beloved country.
“We are building a thriving tourism economy with many tourism sites currently undergoing improvements. We are determined to build a tourism economy where hospitality, arts and culture are used as tools to spur economic development,” President Akufo-Addo said.
Dr Ibrahim Mohammed Awal, the Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture noted that the tourism industry has started showing signs of recovery and growth after the devastating impact the COVID-19 pandemic exacted on the sector.
He called on sector players to support the efforts the government was making to position Ghana as the tourism destination on the African continent.
“The first quarter of this year (2023) tourism numbers grew 47 per cent from 170,000 last year at this time to 247,000 arrivals. If each tourist spends $3,000.00 dollars, you can imagine how much that is.
“Our destination Ghana project is on course, and I want to assure all stakeholders that we are not resting. We want you to give us your support, partner us and we will make Ghana the choice for tourists,” he said.
Dr Awal disclosed that Ghana had overtaken the Gambia and Senegal as the most desired tourism destination in West Africa.
“Ghana is now the most attractive tourism destination in West Africa. Just two years ago, it was Gambia and Senegal, today we are number one. It was projected that this achievement will be done in 2026, however, under President Akufo-Addo’s leadership, today, Ghana is the most sought-after place for tourists. We will continue to do our best,” he said.
Data shows that tourism is gaining ground again following the lull caused by COVID-19.
International arrivals saw an 81 per cent growth in 2022, whilst domestic tourism also grew from 600,000 in 2021 to almost a million in 2022.
