Head of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Elections Commission, Kakra Essamuah, has stated that the party will soon publicly address concerns raised about the accuracy of the party’s voter data by flagbearer aspirant, Dr Kwabena Duffuor.
This comes ahead of Saturday’s flag bearer and parliamentary primaries.
Subsequently, he said, a press conference has been scheduled for Thursday to communicate officially to the public and to allay any possible fear.
At the time of filing this story yesterday, the party’s Elections Commission had scheduled a meeting with all representatives of the various contestants to agree on the modalities and to address any perceived anomaly.
It followed doubts raised by team Kwabena Duffuor about the integrity of the party’s electoral process ahead of Saturday’s primaries, expressing worry about the accuracy of the voter data.
Contestants
Dr. Duffuor will face-off with former President, John Dramani Mahama, and one-time Chief Executive Officer of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly, Kojo Bonsu, on Saturday in the flagbearaship.
Following the concerns raised, Dr. Kwabena Duffuor’s campaign team has requested that the relevant stakeholders, including key actors within the party, engage in a roundtable to address the issues promptly.
Statement
“The team emphasises the importance of resolving these matters to ensure a transparent and fair election to avoid any potential pitfalls that may have severe consequences,” a statement issued by the campaign team said.
The campaign team has raised concerns over what it perceives as anomalies in the voter register provided by the NDC Electoral Commission for next Saturday’s presidential and parliamentary primaries.
The team called for the issue to be addressed to ensure a transparent and fair electoral process.
The statement signed and issued by a member of Dr Duffuor’ s campaign team, Kofi B. Kukubor, said the concerns were first expressed in a letter dated April 17, 2023, when the campaign team requested access to the voters register, which serves as the basis for determining the eligibility of voters in the upcoming presidential and parliamentary primaries.
Analysis
The statement added that following the said concerns, on May 2, 2023, a meeting was held at the NDC party headquarters, during which some information regarding the voter’s register was disclosed to Dr Kwabena Duffuor’s team.
However, upon conducting a preliminary analysis of the information provided, the campaign team discovered what they deemed to be excessive anomalies within the register.
A 10-hour strike by ambulance personnel is scheduled for today in the south-east of England.
The union is stepping up its industrial action on Tuesday, and employees of South Central Ambulance Service NHS Trust and South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Trust will go on strike from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Members of Unite and the Royal College of Nursing turned down the government’s offer of a lump sum cash payment and a 5% wage raise for this year last month, despite the majority of other health unions doing the same.
There will be picket lines in Portsmouth, Hampshire and Northfleet, Kent as the union says it aims to increase the pressure on the government to reopen negotiations.
Unite says it’s in the process of undertaking industrial action ballots to expand the number of workers able to strike.
Sharon Graham, general secretary of the union, said: ‘The government must reopen negotiations to ensure that a proper wage offer is made to NHS workers.
‘We have always said that a non-consolidated lump sum for 22/23 would not cut it. So it has turned out.
‘The current offer does nothing to resolve the recruitment and retention crisis crippling the NHS.
‘The strike action by our south east ambulance workers is part of Unite’s escalation strategy to exert greater pressure on the government.’
Ambulance workers in the south east also took part in strike action last Tuesday (May 2), following on from widespread NHS industrial action in February and March.
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesman told the BBC patients in affected areas should continue to call 999 in a life-threatening emergency, and use 111 for non-urgent health needs.
The spokesman added: ‘It is disappointing some Unite members are continuing strike action this week – these strikes will put more pressure on the NHS and will be disruptive for patients.
‘Most unions on the NHS staff council voted to accept our pay offer and we hope the unions who choose to remain in dispute – despite many of their members also voting to accept this offer – will recognise this as a fair outcome that carries the support of their colleagues and decide it is time to bring industrial action to an end.’
Matt Willis has been open and honest about the degree of his drug use, admitting that he would regularly consume 6 grams of cocaine.
In the new BBC documentary Fighting Addiction, the Busted icon, 39, discusses his struggles with substance usage with his 47-year-old wife Emma Willis.
The artist originally quit drinking in 2008, the year he wed Emma. He later relapsed, including after the couple’s children, Isabelle, 13, Ace, 10, and Trixie, 6, were born.
During the hour-long feature, Matt reflects on his most recent relapse, which was five years ago, during a reunion tour with his band Busted, the noughties pop band behind hits like Year 3000.
He tells the programme-makers that during the after-party after one of their sold-out dates, he was offered a line of the class A drug, which he accepted because he believed his addiction issues stemmed from alcohol.
‘I was like, “Cocaine wasn’t a problem for me, alcohol was my downfall,” he explained.,
Matt meets with his brother to look back on the origin of his addiction issues (Picture: BBC/Twofour)
‘Within a month I was doing six grams, bang, bang, bang, bang, on my own every f**cking day and not coming home until 3am in the morning, pretending I was working on my album.
‘I wasn’t really writing I was making s**t music in the studio doing coke.
‘It was straight back to that shame cycle, the shame of relapse, the same of letting everyone down, the shame of using uncontrollably trying to stop and not being able to.’
Emma, struggling to hold back tears, explains she was ‘flabbergasted’ Matt had relapsed, adding: ‘I didn’t expect it. I think because he had been doing so well for such a long time.
‘It was the last thing I thought.’
Matt has previously spoken about feeling ‘ashamed’ about being ‘the mastermind at gaslighting Emma, making her think she was crazy.’
‘I’m so ashamed of that,’ he confessed to The Guardian. ‘And I never want her to feel like that again.’
A British youngster who had repeatedly been “bashed in the head” with a blunt weapon was discovered dead in a Thai forest.
Woramet Ben Taota, a dual citizen, went motorcycle riding with his fiancée on Saturday in the province of Lampang, but neither of them came home.
The following morning, in the Ban Than district, police discovered the 16-year-old’s bloody body in a grove.
Officers continue the search for his missing girlfriend, Yam, who is the same age.
Woramet Ben Taota, 16, was a dual national (Picture: ViralPress)
Ben, as the victim was known to his friends, was discovered on the ground, next to some bushes.
His head and face were covered in blood after he was reportedly bashed in the head repeatedly with a blunt object, police said.
His smartphone charger and a red wallet with his ID card and bank card were still in his black backpack, but his mobile and cash were missing.
Police believe Ben was robbed and killed in another location before his body was dumped in the forest.
Colonel Sittisak Singtongla, from the Mae Tha Police, said: ‘The investigating team went to the area and found the victim with blood stains all over his face.
‘The face and head were found to have been beaten with a hard object until swelling and bruising was caused.
‘There was also a deep wound in his face. The body has been taken to hospital for an autopsy.
‘We are currently tracking down individuals close to the victim, including his female companion. She is a key figure in this case since she is the last person to see him alive.’
Ben’s mother, Ooy Taota, told police that her son had said goodbye on Saturday evening, telling her he was ‘going to work with friends’ but he did not give any more details.
Colonel Sittisak said the motive of the killing remains unclear, adding that nothing has been riled out at such an early stage of the investigation.
A Russian woman is suspected of hiring an assassin to kill her children in order to take their inheritance.
The 67-year-old was detained by police last week in Krasnoyarsk, the second-largest city in Siberia.
Three plain-clothes officers are seen holding the elderly outside of her home in video published by the Ministry of Internal Affairs on Telegram.
‘Do you understand why you were detained?’ one of them asks her on the street while cuffing her.
Surprised, the woman replies: ‘No.’
It was alleged she ordered the murder of her son and two daughters, so she could become the sole owner of a family property.
She shared her plan with her friend who helped her find a hitman, who was later paid ₽80,000, or a little more than £810 to do the job.
Her alleged deviousness was exposed on the day when the hired killer was supposed to take one of her daughters out.
Pictures shared by police show the pile of cash that she had allegedly taken out to make the payment.
A ministry statement said: ‘Employees of the criminal investigation department of the Krasnoyarskoye Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia detained a suspect in organising the murder of her children.
‘Operatives received information that a resident of the regional center, born in 1956, wishing to remain the sole owner of real estate, ordered the murder of her son, born in 1978, and daughters born in 1974.’
Controversial Nollywood actor, Uche Maduagwu has taken to social media to lambast Judy Austin-Edochie for claiming that God’s love had changed her life.
It will be recalled that on Sunday, May 7, the actress faced harsh criticism after sharing a video on Yul Edochie’s verified Facebook page, boasting of God’s love in her life and how he helps her win all of her battles.
However, considering the fact that May Edochie, Yul’s first wife had lost her first son, internet users have criticized Austin’s video.
Adding his voice, Maduagwu wrote on Facebook,
He wrote, “OMG, I’ve been crying Bitterly after seeing the Video, Rejoicing and Thanking God about safe Delivery of your Pikin when May is yet to Mourn on social Media is unreasonably uncaring. It’s MORALLY unacceptable. Stop talking about God’s LOVE, if you comprehend what LOVE means, you no go get BELLE for another woman Husband, and saying you BRAG with the Holy Spirit is confusing, were you also bragging with Holy Spirit when you were Dating a Married Man? God does not Fight the Battles of those who #Follow other women husband, get BELLE and then allow am pay their Bride Price, Christianity does not support that Lifestyle. Guy’s kindly continue to pray for MAY, Dem no go use POLYGAMY reward your years of LOYALTY in Marriage.”
Imran Khan, a well-known cricketer and former prime minister of Pakistan, was detained after testifying in court on corruption-related accusations.
The 72-year-old Khan was detained on Tuesday on the grounds of the court by National Accountability Bureau officials, according to Fawad Chaudhry, a senior official with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party.
In April of last year, Khan was dismissed in a no-confidence vote.
He has claimed his ousting was illegal and part of a Western conspiracy and has since campaigned against the government of his successor, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, demanding early elections.
Chaudhry said Khan was dragged out of the court and into a police vehicle. He said the former premier is now in the custody of the security forces. He denounced the arrest as ‘an abduction.’
Pakistan’s independent GEO TV broadcast images of Khan being pulled by security forces towards an armored vehicle, which took him away.
Khan’s party immediately complained to the Islamabad High Court, which requested a police report explaining the charges for Khan’s arrest.
Officials from the anti-corruption body said that Pakistan’s National Accountability Bureau had issued arrest warrants for Khan last week in a separate graft case, for which he had not obtained bail- something that would protect him from arrest under the country’s laws.
The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Khan will be brought to appear before an anti-graft tribunal later on Tuesday.
Khan’s graft case is one of over 100 cases registered against him since he was ousted from power in a parliamentary vote in April last year. He served four of his five-year term.
In most of the cases, Khan faces being barred from holding public office if convicted, with a national election scheduled for November.
Khan’s party previously vowed to ramp up protests upon his arrest, which analysts say would add to the struggles of a government already hobbled by an economic crisis that has left the nuclear-armed country on the brink of default.
Last year, Khan was injured during an apparant assassination attempt after a gunman opened fire on him during a rally.
In March, police stormed the former PM’s home and arrested 30 people after riots broke out following Khan’s failure to appear at a court hearing.
Member of Parliament for Builsa South, Dr. Clement Apaak, has reacted to claims by the Chief of New Denkyira Obuasi, Nana Agyei Nkyere II, that some government officials, soldiers, policemen, and pastors are deeply involved in galamsey.
The lawmaker says the allegation by the traditional ruler is not surprising but only a confirmation of what is already known.
In his remarks, the chief wants the formation of task forces by chiefs in their communities to check illegal mining since those in charge have failed to fight it because of their involvement.
For the chief, this would help protect our water bodies and forests for future generations’ benefit and save them from being blamed by posterity.
He said this during the observation of the Akwasidae festival.
“The fight against galamsey must not be seen as political because it affects every Ghanaian,” he said.
He added that not only have illegal mining activities destroyed the water bodies and degraded our forests, but has also adversely affected the livelihood of the good people.
Reacting to this in a tweet, Dr. Apaak said it would be important for this country to be rescued from the NPP before it becomes a galamsey republic.
He said under this administration, government appointees, pastors, soldiers, and police officers are all part of the galamsey.
He believes it will take the NDC government to rescue Ghana from the hands of this administration.
“Under the corrupt, reckless, duplicitous galamsey Akufo-Addo/Bawumia NPP gov’t, we may as well be a republic of galamsey. Well, if gov’t officials, soldiers, police, and pastors are deeply involved in galamsey, what does that make us? Walahi, we must rescue and reinstate Ghana!”
As per information provided by a Ukrainian military business, commandos are being trained for missions behind Russian lines.
In response to the ongoing occurrences of’mysterious’ damage on territory controlled by the Kremlin, the Omega Consulting Group (OCG) has upgraded the skills of over 1,000 soldiers, including the ‘exceptional’ operators.
As well as sending experts to the Ukrainian Armed Forces, the security and defense consultancy also participates in covert operations that it claims it is unable to discuss just now. The Crimea, which Vladimir Putin’s forces illegitimately annexed in 2014, was the subject of CEO Andrei Kebkalo’s interview with Metro.co.uk while drone attacks continued there.
The security and defence consultancy is providing specialists for the Armed Forces of Ukraine as well as itself taking part in shadowy missions which it says it cannot yet disclose. Chief executive Andrei Kebkalo spoke to Metro.co.uk as unclaimed drone strikes continued in Crimea, which was illegally annexed by Vladimir Putin’s forces in 2014.
Snipers, bomb technicians, fire controllers, survival, evasion, resistance and escape specialists, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) pilots and anti-tank operators are among those being trained by his firm.
Drone training is also incorporated into a three-week reconnaissance course for Special Operations Forces (SOF).
The Ukrainian Omega Consulting Group delivers training in long-range reconnaissance (Picture: Omega Consulting Group)
‘After completing the training courses trainees return to their assigned units for continued service,’ Mr Kebkalo said.
‘Some of them are going straight to Bakhmut, the hotspot of fierce clashes between Russian and Ukrainian troops.
‘Some of them with extraordinary skillsets are taking part in clandestine operations behind enemy lines.’
Headquartered in northern Ukraine on the border with Belarus, OCG became involved in conventional and then guerilla warfare from the first day of the full-scale invasion, Mr Kebkalo said. The base in Chernihiv was directly in the path of Moscow’s fiercely repelled advance towards Kyiv and the quickest overland route to Chernobyl in eastern Ukraine.
The company’s founder spoke as a steady stream of explosions, UAV attacks and assassinations continues behind Russian lines, with no party claiming responsibility. The incidents include the double drone attack on the Kremlin in the early hours of May 3, which is still defying explanation amid a plethora of competing theories.
Mr Kebkalo did not specify who he thought was responsible but emphasised that Ukraine’s military and irregular resistance movements have volunteers from across the world, including the International Legion, said to have fighters from 52 countries, and Belarus and Russia.
In December, Metro.co.uk told how a secretive ‘Black Box Project’ funded through donations to the Ukrainian Come Back Alive foundation was being used for the stated purpose of degrading Russia’s offensive capability.
Working in partnership with Kyiv’s military intelligence services, the civilian group gave away few details other than oblique references to ‘accidents’ behind Russian lines.
‘This truly hybrid war created a tremendous number of military and paramilitary units, supporters and sympathisers, people and organisations who are willing to help Ukraine in its struggle against the illegal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine,’ Mr Kebkalo said.
‘Many people support us. I know about the existence of guerrilla movements not only in our occupied territories but also in Russia and Belarus. I presume some of them possess the necessary skills, technologies and motivation to create such “mysterious bangs”.’
Damage within Russia’s established borders has been a moot point, with the US, Ukraine’s biggest military backer, not sanctioning such attacks.
However Mr Kebkalo drew a distinction with territory that had been in Ukrainian control before Moscow’s aggression began in 2014 with the annexation of Crimea and the Donbas war.
At the weekend, 10 drone attacks were carried out in the peninsula, where at least eight Russian war planes were damaged or destroyed at Saky airbase in another strike last August.
Some of the ‘mysterious’ incidents behind Russian lines
August 9, 2022Crimea air base attack
At least eight Russian war planes were damaged or destroyed in an attack on Saky airbase. The site lies more than 100 miles from the frontline.
October 8, 2022CRIMEA BRIDGE EXPLOSION
The key bridge linking Crimea to Russia was struck by a huge explosion. The blast degraded one of Moscow’s key military supply lines.
December 4, 2022AIR BASE ATTACKS
Attacks take place on two air bases deep inside Russia. Heavy bombers are damaged in what is said to be Ukraine’s most daring operation up to that point.
FEBRUARY 28, 2023oil depot fire
A large fire breaks out at the facility in the southern Russian city of Tuapse. Two drones exploded at the terminal in the early hours, according to local reports.
April 29, 2023crimea fuel depot fire
A huge fire breaks out at a fuel depot in the port city of Sevastopol after a suspected drone strike described as ‘God’s punishment’ by Ukrainian intelligence
May 3, 2023Kremlin Drone attack
Two drone strikes are carried out on the Kremlin citadel, the most protected area of Moscow. The explosions are filmed at the top of the Senate Palace.
In November, OCG shared a picture on social media of graduates who had completed training in disciplines such as sniping, demolition, subversion, long-range reconnaissance, topography and weapons manipulation.
The company says more than 1,000 soldiers have received training on courses ranging from basic infantry to SOF levels since April 2022, with the majority of the equipment and instruction at NATO standard.
‘Perhaps somewhere mysterious bangs might be heard,’ the post said.
‘If it is our territory, firstly we have all rights to attack the invaders in their rearguard,’ Mr Kebkalo said. ‘Secondly, it is quite important because we can damage or destroy high value targets that are out of reach for our soldiers and technical means on the frontline.
‘I am talking about radar, surface-to-air missile systems, MLRS [Multiple Launch Rocket System], fuel depots etc.
‘Cutting the supply lines is also very important.
‘In terms of sabotage operations on foreign land, then in my personal opinion, and considering the level of Russian hate and barbarism towards Ukrainian people, any damage to enemy military assets is welcome, even if such damage was accidental, through negligence, lack of vigilance, lack of competence, resources or corruption, you name it.
‘I would also highlight that sabotage is quite a symbolic thing.
‘The symbolism of sabotage itself is sometimes more important than its military consequences.’
The most spectacular unclaimed attack in the 15 months of war to date was the explosion on the Kerch Strait Bridge, which degraded one of Moscow’s key military supply lines linking Crimea to Russia.
Mr Kebkalo described the incidents as ‘audacious, effective and somehow symbolic’ without acknowledging who was responsible.
He instead quoted ex-CIA executive director Alvin Bernard ‘Buzzy’ Krongard, who said: ‘The war will be won in large measure by forces you don’t know about, in actions you will not see and in ways you may not want to know about, but we will prevail.’
Speaking ahead of a widely expected Ukrainian counter-offensive, Mr Kebkalo described Western military aid, which has included US HIMARS missile systems and British Challenger 2 tanks, as a vital part of the country’s dogged resistance effort.
‘Foreign military help is invaluable to Ukrainians and definitely an irritating bone in the throat to Russians,’ he said. ‘Yes, sometimes it is not enough, sometimes it is slow, but we are getting literally the best equipment.
‘I want to say thank you to all our foreign partners for supporting Ukraine in the largest war of the 21st Century. United we stand.’
The UK Ministry of Defence said at the weekend that six Russian regions, Crimea and 21 cities had cancelled their May 9 Victory Day parades due to security concerns. The UAV strikes on the Kremlin were said in the intelligence update to have raised Moscow’s ‘threat perception’ over the annual commemorations of the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany.
Russia launched a missile blitz on Ukraine overnight, thought to be one of the biggest since the start of the all-out war. More than 100 drone, missile and air strikes took place ahead of the Victory Day holiday tomorrow.
British military expert Sean Bell told Sky News that Vladimir Putin was ‘desperately trying to seize the initiative’ ahead of Kyiv’s much anticipated counter-offensive.
Popular media personality, Abeiku Santana, has asserted that Bullgod is not as courageous as he appears to be in light of the artist manager’s decision not to proceed with his defamation lawsuit against Shatta Wale.
After their court appearance on March 7, it was reported thatBullgod and Shatta Wale have begun negotiations to settle the defamation case brought against the latter by the former out of court.
“Why are we in court? Isn’t it to settle the matter? So, if Nii Armah’s lawyers are saying that they want to settle out of court, there’s nothing wrong. Besides we have sat down already to talk about this. We’ve started a discussion to try and sort this out. Both parties and a few good men,” Bullgod explained on United Showbiz as he gave details behind the decision.
But Abeiku Santana, who seems confused about Bullgod’s sudden change in plans after threatening ‘fire and brimstone’ labelled the latter a coward.
“You took a case to court against Shatta Wale for defamation of character. I’ll sue him, I’ll sue him! Now you are running away. After all that noise. Later, we heard that you have withdrawn the case and opted to settle it at home. You’ve done well. Shake my hands, you have done well. Congrats. You don’t have balls; you are not a man. You are not a man of your words. You know you can settle this at home so why did you go to court? If you know you can win the case in court, why did you withdraw it?” he queried.
Bullgod in response said, “It was based on the relationship I have with Shatta Wale and the judge even asked why I brought the case to court if I had such a relationship with him.”
Background
In 2022, Bullgod sued his former artiste, Shatta Wale, for defamation.
This was after the musician threatened to expose his alleged secret regarding the death of the late artiste manager, Fennec Okyere, among others.
In the court documents filed at an Accra High Court, Bullgod’s lawyers indicated that these statements seek to suggest that he had a hand in Mr Okyere’s death.
Bullgod sought a declaration from the court that these statements and others highlighted in the suit are defamatory and malicious.
That’s not all, he called on the court to direct Shatta Wale to retract his allegations and apologize to him.
He also sought, “general damages for defamation, special damages for defamation, punitive damages for the malicious publication of falsehood against the plaintiff, cost, and any other orders or remedies that the Court may deem fit.”
Strongman Burner, one of Ghana’s finest rappers, has opened up about his ambitions and aspirations in life. The rapper, who recently released his Buokrom Boy EP, said he is not interested in chasing awards or accolades, but rather focusing on building his wealth and legacy.
The rapper made this statement in response to a troll who mocked him for not winning any award at the 2021 Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMAs).
The troll said,
“The way things are going unless Otumfuor creates an award for Strongman before man will win something in his career..
“Buokrom Meek Mill has been doing music since 2013 and doesn’t even have coffee cup. Music isn’t about “me rap” and “me punch” only.”
Strongman, who is known for his witty punchlines and lyrical prowess, responded by noting that he does not rap for awards, but for the love of the art and the fans.
He said he believes that awards are not a true measure of success or talent, and that he prefers to let his music speak for itself.
Strongman also disclosed that he has already acquired some plots of land and is planning to start his real estate projects soon.
He clapped back with, “Bro I have won a lot in my career ok. Man is building a mansion and an apartment at the same time so if you want to tease me with awards I will just be laughing too.
“After 2yrs wen u come Ksi u can come stay here for a yr menua Wanim s3 at3ky3”.
Strongman is one of the most successful and influential rappers in Africa. He has won numerous awards, including the Focus fm Freestyle Friday in 2010, Kfm Freestyle Saturday in 2011 and The Next Big Thing In Ghanaian Hip-hop in 2012. He has also collaborated with artists such as Efya, Medikal, Sista Afia and Mr Drew.
Strongman recently released his seventh studio album, Buokrom Boy EP, which features artists such as Efya, Medikal, Sista Afia and Mr Drew.
Founder and Leader of Prophetic Hill Chapel, Prophet Nigel Gaisie, has emphasised that he will continue to issue prophecies regardless of the restrictions imposed by the Ghana Police Service.
According to him, despite the restrictions, he has planned to deliver his prophecies during this year’s 31st all-night service and face any consequences that may arise.
Nigel Gaisie added that, with the upcoming elections next year, he will not hold back in delivering his prophetic messages, regardless of the restrictions.
Speaking in a panel discussion on United Showbiz on UTV, he emphasized that this year’s prophecies would be straightforward, reflecting the current state of affairs in Ghana.
He expressed his determination to speak without reservation, even if it meant facing the involvement of law enforcement authorities.
“It was for Ghana (prophecies) but this year I will mention Ghana as it is … you see, it depends on the seasons and the rulers of the country, so, sometimes when you get a king who you need to outsmart, then you have to outsmart the king, and I did linguistics so I am good in playing with words so the contents of my message achieved it’s intended target.
“Next year are there is elections, and so far, I have seen a lot of things that I have written in my diary, which I will say as it is.
“This year we are not going to mince words, we will just say it as it is, let them bring the police, let them bring the soldiers, we will say it, I will say it if God gives me strength and life, I will say it without not mincing words…who is IGP? we prayed for him to become IGP…and all that the directive that they give is because of somebody’s parochial political interest,” he said.
Acknowledging the upcoming elections in his predictions, Gaisie revealed that he had already documented numerous insights in his diary, which he intends to convey without hesitation.
The Ghana Education Service (GES) has made a decision to reinstate the headmaster of Fijai Secondary School, who was previously suspended on allegations of collecting illegal fees.
The GES, in a statement, has directed both the head teacher and the school Parent Association to refrain from collecting any form of illegal fees or unauthorized levies from students.
The GES also emphasized the importance of adhering to the regulations and guidelines governing the payment of school fees. The reinstated headmaster is expected to resume his duties while the regional director who was acting in his absence, has been instructed to hand over the affairs of the school to him while providing the necessary support.
“I have been directed by the Director-General to re-instate you effective 8′ May. 2023 based on the item’s report on the alleged Collection of illegal Levies in the school.
“GES Management directs that the Head Teachers and Parents of the school should be made to understand that Ghana Education Service (GES) frowns on an unauthorized collection of levies and takes every act of illegal collection of monies seriously.
“The Regional Director is to hand over the Administration of the School to you and accord you the necessary support for you to function effectively,” a statement from the GES said.
The statement further served a reminder to all educational institutions and stakeholders that the collection of illegal fees or unauthorized levies is strictly prohibited.
“Management of GES wishes to inform you that all staff have a primary responsibility to ensure strict compliance to all directives, rules, and regulations of the Service and will not hesitate to take severe sanctions against any officer who flouts such directives and rules in the future,” the statement added.
National Youth Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Salam Mustapha, has called for unity among party members.
He said unity remained the most important element that the Party needs towards Election 2024.
He said with a united front, the Party was assured of a resounding victory in the 2024 elections.
Salam Mustapha was speaking at the Bono Regional Youth Conference and Tertiary Students Confederacy (TESCON) Orientation programme organised by the Regional Youth Wing of the Party in Sunyani.
It was attended by National, Regional, and Constituency executives, the youth wing, TESCON members, and some party faithful across the region.
Mustapha urged the Party members not to be disappointed of things they had not been able to obtain from the Party but must try and leave a legacy by ‘breaking the eight’ for future generations to know that historic achievement was attained in Ghana’s political history during their time.
He noted that if they continued to work together everyone was going to have his/her due reward because the most important thing now was for the Party to claim victory in the upcoming elections.
Nana Asafo-Adjei Ayeh, the NPP Director for External Affairs, reminded the youth about the responsibility ahead to help the Party win next year’s election.
He said the NPP youth wing had a long-standing tradition and anytime the wing was active the Party won an election, saying there was a high responsibility on them going into the 2024 election.
Nana Ayeh urged TESCON members to redefine their role in the Party by spending time to be abreast with the Party’s achievements and programmes and propagating to the people to help it break the eight.
Paul Apraku Twum-Barimah, the Dormaa East Member of Parliament, charged the youth to work hard because the Party was going to rely on them to deliver the mandate in 2024.
A wealthy Russian lawmaker with enigmatic ties to the UK has been discovered dead.
According to information that was leaked in 2019, Nikolay Bortsov had gained the right to reside in Britain covertly.
Despite seeming to be a devoted supporter of Vladimir Putin, he reportedly obtained “indefinite leave to remain” status as a resident of the UK.
The oligarch was discovered dead at his residence in the Lipetsk region on Sunday. He belonged to United Russia, the biggest pro-Putin group.
No cause of death was given for the 77-year-old, who made his fortune as the boss of a soft drinks company which he later sold a majority share of to PepsiCo.
As one of Mr Putin’s wealthiest deputies, he was reportedly worth £450 million and included in the Forbes list of Russia’s richest businessmen from 2011 to 2021.
Mr Bortsov is one of dozens of high-profile people connected to Putin to have died since the outbreak of the dictator’s war in Ukraine last year.
Multi-millionaire Mr Bortsov secretly gained rights to live in the UK in 2019, according to leaked data (Picture: Social media/east2west news)
Many of those deaths have come in strange circumstances, including falls from windows, random shootings, helicopter crashes and mysterious ‘suicides’.
One Russian oligarch even died last year after ‘shamans’ reportedly gave him toad venom to cure his hangover – but his cause of death was recorded as a heart attack.
Another MP, Dzhasharbek Uzdenov, 56, is also reported to have died the same day as Mr Bortsov.
At the time of the leak of his alleged UK status in 2019, Mr Bortsov denied holding British citizenship and always maintained it wasn’t true.
But news outlet Argumenti Nedeli reported leaked data that put him on a list of top Russian officials who had been granted residency in the UK.
It led to calls in Moscow for him and other parliamentarians to be checked by the security services for their loyalty.
He was subsequently sanctioned by Britain, the US, EU and Ukraine over the war.
Ukraine sentenced him to 15 years in prison in absentia for recognising the independence of the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Luhansk ‘people’s republics’.
Lipetsk region governor Igor Artamonov said: ‘We will remember Nikolay Bortsov as a patriot of his country, always ready to help those who need it, a man who did not stand aside.’
Mr Artamonov did not provide any details about Mr Bortsov’s cause of death.
In order to avoid any security risks before the country’s important Victory Day celebrations, Russian localities have banned devices like drones and jet skis.
The nation typically observes Tuesday as the anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany during World War II, a date that is marked by numerous celebratory activities.
However, according to Russian media, military parades have been canceled for the first time in years in at least 21 locations.
Local authorities were vague in their reasons for taken such action, simply blaming ‘security concerns’ or ‘the current situation’ without being any more specific.
The banning of drones could be a response to the extraordinary alleged attack on the Kremlin earlier this month, which Russia described as an attempted assassination attempt on President Vladimir Putin.
Unverified footage circulating on social media showed two flying objects thought to be drones approaching the leader’s official residence, and one exploding with a bright flash.
After initially blaming Ukraine for the incident, on Thursday Putin’s spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the US was responsible – but gave no evidence to support his claim.
Parades will go ahead in Moscow and St Petersburg, though drones are banned in both.
In the capital, car-sharing services have been banned from starting or ending their journeys in the city centre as preparations for the traditional display in Red Square go ahead.
In St Petersburg, sometimes romantically described as the ‘Venice of the North’ due to its network of rivers and canals, people have been prohibited from using jet skis in certain parts of the city until May 10.
Last year, Putin was not joined by any foreign leaders for the parade amid broad diplomatic isolation for Russia following the country’s invasion of Ukraine the previous February.
However, the leaders of countries including Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan are expected to attend tomorrow’s event.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky compared Russia’s actions in his country to those of the Nazis in a statement released through Telegram.
He said: ‘Unfortunately, evil has returned.
‘Just as evil rushed to our cities and villages then, it is doing so now. (Evil) killed our people then, so it does now.
‘Although now the aggressor is different, the goal is the same – enslavement or destruction.’
Ursula Von Der Leyen, the president of the European Commission, is expected to join him in Kyiv for Ukraine’s May 9 celebrations, which have been named Europe Day as the country distances itself further from Moscow.
Zelensky said on Monday that he had sent a draft bill to parliament proposing a Day of Remembrance and Victory over Nazism in the Second World War held one day earlier than Russia’s, on May 8.
After ‘five metres’ of a Russian fighter jet, a military plane with the EU border agency nearly crashed.
According to Poland’s border force, an L-410 Turbolet used for surveillance was out on a patrol for Frontex on Friday over the Black Sea.
Unable to communicate with the Polish plane via radio, a Russian Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jet allegedly flew three times dangerously near to the aircraft.
The dangerous manoeuvres by the Russian jet allegedly caused the Polish pilots to lose control, forcing them to make an emergency landing in Romania.
Government spokesperson Piotr Muller told local media: ‘It looks like a planned provocation by Russia, the crew acted responsibly and luckily nothing happened.’
He added: ‘We can see that Russia is trying to draw international attention by such provocations.’
Romanian and Spanish planes have reportedly been put on ‘pre-alert’ by NATO following the incident.
The Russian fighter jet came dangerously close to the Polish surveillance plane three times (Picture: Reuters)
The perceived provocation came two days before Putin launched a fresh wave of missile attacks against various locations in Ukraine, ahead of tomorrow’s celebration of Victory Day in Moscow, the annual commemoration of Russia’s triumph over Nazi Germany.
These included strikes on multiple locations in the capital of Kyiv, as well as in the southern port city of Odessa, the southern region of Kherson, the Zaporizhia region to the southeast and the Sumy region in the northeast.
Attacks against Russian targets in Ukraine have also intensified of late, particularly in the Russian-occupied territory in Crimea.
Though Ukraine has not formally claimed responsibility for these strikes, officials say they’re nevertheless seeking to destroy key enemy infrastructure ahead of launching an imminent large-scale counteroffensive against Russian forces.
Ukraine hopes this counteroffensive, aimed at liberating remaining territories controlled by Russia, will decisively turn the tide of a war that has lasted 15 months, seen thousands killed and millions displaced.
During a visit to the Hague, President Volodymyr Zelensky claimed Russian forces had committed more than 6,000 war crimes on Ukrainian soil in April alone.
Police have released the name and photo of a 16-year-old kid who was killed by a ‘brutal’ knife attack only yards from his school.
Just after 4 o’clock on Friday, Renell Charles was stabbed in Walthamstow, east London.
He passed away there, in front of other students and onlookers who had seen the incident, not far from Kelmscott School, where he was a Year 11 student.
Police today revealed that a 16-year-old boy was detained on suspicion of murder in the early hours of Sunday after he went to an east London police station, after the opening of a murder investigation.
The teenager remains in custody, while Renell’s family are being supported by specially trained officers.
Detective Chief Inspector Mark Rogers, who is leading the Met’s investigation, asked for images and footage that may help the investigation to be shared with police.
DCI Rogers said: ‘This is a fast moving investigation and we are aware that this brutal attack took place near a school, and was witnessed by many bystanders and young people.
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‘My thoughts are with them as they come to terms with seeing such an act of violence unfold, and I would ask anyone with footage or images to do the right thing and send them into my team of detectives.
‘If you wish to submit images or footage anonymously, please share via Crimestoppers, or you can contact the Major Incident Room where one of my team will be able to take your call. You can also share the images via the Public Portal.’
He added: ‘We also know that there was heavy traffic on Markhouse Road at that time of day and we think there is a strong chance some people will have dashcam footage.
‘Please review what you have and send anything that may assist the investigation without delay.
‘A young boy has lost his life and evidence such as this can contribute to securing justice for his family and friends.’
A post-mortem examination took place on Saturday and found the cause of death to be a stab wound to the chest.
In a statement on Friday, Kelmscott head teacher Sam Jones said: ‘I cannot overstate how devastated I am by today’s senseless violence and I am sure the Kelmscott community shares my grief and sadness.
‘Kelmscott is a large and tightknit family and this loss will be felt for a long time to come.
‘I urge our community to remain respectful of the victim’s family and the police investigation. We will be offering counselling and support to pupils affected by this tragedy.’
Grace Williams, leader of Waltham Forest Council, said in a statement: ‘Nobody should have to deal with the loss of somebody so young and my heart goes out to the family and friends of the deceased.
‘Their loss is our loss. The people of Waltham Forest and beyond will be shocked by this senseless act.’
During a speech in Moscow’s Red Square, Vladimir Putin asserted that “war is being waged against Russia.”
Victory Day, the biggest secular holiday in Russia, is being celebrated today with military parades and other festivities in Moscow and other Russian towns. However, this year’s celebrations have been greatly overshadowed by the conflict in Ukraine.
The Russian president compared the situation to the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union during his speech, saying it had brought the world community “to a breaking point.”
‘Today, civilization is again at a decisive turning point. A real war has been unleashed against our homeland. We have repulsed international terrorism, we will protect the inhabitants of Donbas, we will ensure our security,’ he said.
Victory Day is one of the most important holidays in the Russian calendar, but celebrations were muted this year (Picture: Reuters)
In a 10-minute speech on Red Square, Putin repeated familiar messages he has delivered many times in the nearly 15 months of Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Putin claimed Russia wants to see a ‘peaceful future’, and accused Western elites of sowing the seeds of ‘hatred and Russophobia’.
He said ‘Western globalist elites’ were sowing Russophobia and aggressive nationalism, while the Ukrainian people had become ‘hostages to a state coup’ and to the ambitions of the West.
He did not address the challenges facing Russia as its forces prepare for an expected major counter-offensive by Ukraine, or outline any path to victory.
The speech, followed by a huge military parade across Red Square, was taking place following a wave of strikes inside Russia this month – including a purported drone attack on the Kremlin citadel itself less than a week ago.
Putin concluded the address by welcoming the soldiers fighting in Ukraine who were present at the parade. ‘To Russia! To our brave armed forces! To Victory!’ he said.
He was joined onstage by WW2 vets and a number of allied foreign leaders, including Belarusian President Lukashenko (Centre) (Picture: Getty)
At least 21 Russian towns and cities have cancelled the traditional parades for the first time in years, which are meant to honour the country’s victory over Germany in World War II.
Regional officials blamed unspecified ‘security concerns’ for the cancellations.
Some speculated, however, that the reason the marches were cancelled was the fact that Russians might bring portraits of relatives who died in Ukraine to those processions, illustrating the scale of Russia’s losses in the drawn-out conflict.
Meanwhile, Kremlin forces launched 25 missiles overnight in a wave of attacks across Ukraine, the Ukrainian air force said, adding that air defense had successfully destroyed 23 of them.
In a Telegram post, the air force said eight Kalibr cruise missiles were launched from carriers in the Black Sea toward the east and 17 from strategic aircraft.
Joining Putin on stage were a number of leaders from former Soviet nations currently allied with Russia.
Initially, only one of them — Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov — was expected to attend, but at the last minute on Monday officials confirmed that leaders of Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan were heading to Moscow as well.
The National Media Commission (NMC) has advised media outlets to engage their stakeholders and audience when they face issues of professional standards.
According to the Commission, this would help to create an environment that promotes peaceful coexistence.
The advice came after the commission resolved two complaints that were brought to its attention.
The complaints were between the Avenor Traditional Council and Shine FM in Akatsi, and between Alidu Seidu and Yussif Abdul Ganiyu and Zuria FM 88.7 in Kumasi.
In a statement signed by the NMC’s Deputy Executive Secretary, Alexander Bannerman, the commission said that in both cases, the parties agreed to settle their differences amicably and to work together for the development of their communities.
“The parties expressed their commitment to peace and pledged to use the radio stations in the communities to enhance their co-existence.The parties said that unity was a good step to repair their strained relationships and to send a signal that they are together to build peace,” the statement said.
The commission commended the parties for their exemplary display of magnanimity and leadership qualities within the communities in which they live.
The Trades Union Congress (TUC) and the Ghana Mine Workers Union (GMWU) are leading a protest at Sunon Asogli Power (Ghana) Limited in order to call for the restoration of three local union officials who were fired.
Additionally, the demonstration is meant to put an end to what the union terms as flagrant interference, unfair labor practices, and disregard for oversight bodies on the part of the company’s management. Abdul-Moomin Gbana, the general secretary of the GMWU, stated during a news conference in Accra yesterday that the union made that choice after numerous unsuccessful attempts to resolve the conflict peacefully with the company’s management.
Show up The union has consequently encouraged its members to turn up in their numbers and converge on the TUC Head Office in Accra at 8 a.m. today to be conveyed to the protest grounds at Kpone.
Background Giving the background, Mr Gbana said nearly 70 workers of the company took the decision to join the GMWU, and they went through the necessary legal processes to acquire a Collective Bargaining Certificate which was duly issued by the Chief Labour Officer. That certificate empowered the union to represent and negotiate with the company on behalf of the unionised workers. However, as a condition to recognise the certificate issued by the Labour Department, he said the company, through its lawyer, demanded to know the names of the unionised workers. The issue, Mr Gbana said, ended at the National Labour Commission (NLC), with the commission, on two occasions, ruling and directing that the list of the workers was not relevant at that stage and that the certificate was properly and legally issued to GMWU, and, therefore, the company must enter into negotiations with the union. “The company and its lawyers disregarded the decisions of the commission with impunity, and have since refused to respond to any correspondence from the union. Based on the commission’s ruling and under the Labour Act, Mr Gbana said the union wrote to the management per the GMWU Constitution and Labour Act 2003 (Act 651). However, the company refused to comply with the request, citing concerns over the Collective Bargaining Certificate, a matter which, he said, had been settled by the NLC. Based on the company’s apparent refusal to comply with the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651), as well as its refusal to respond to any correspondence from the union or honour meetings scheduled by the NLC, the GMWU General Secretary recounted that a notice of intention to embark on strike was served by the union on the company and copied the NLC. This was supposedly in reaction to actions of management, including the termination of the employment of three of the branch union leaders comprising the Union Secretary, the Assistant Secretary and the Chairperson, for the reason that they had joined a trade union and had been elected to lead workers at the enterprise level. “Please take note, once again, that the affected workers have not committed any crime, and they have not broken any company rules. The only crime they have committed, according to the management of the company, is that they have decided to join a trade union of their choice to protect their social and economic interests,” he said.
Resolution While recognising the intervention of the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations, Mr Gbana said calls on the management of the company and the authorities concerned to ensure the reinstatement of the three local union leaders had fallen on deaf ears. He added that the several calls to the management to refrain from any acts of intimidation, fear and panic being unleashed on the union members in the company and to stop the abuse of the rights of employees to belong to a union of their choice had also fallen on deaf ears. “Therefore, we are going to use every means, including embarking on protest marches, picketing demonstrations, strikes across the industry and the country, to demand the reinstatement of the three dismissed local union leaders”, he said.
@ a glance The Ghana Mine Workers’ Union of the Trades Union Congress will embark on a protest today at Sunon Asogli Power (Ghana) Limited at Kpone to demand the reinstatement of the three dismissed local union leaders.
Leading NDC official Ekwow Spio-Garbrah has urged delegates to cast large numbers of ballots for former leader John Dramani Mahama in order to increase the party’s prospects of regaining power.
Speaking to a news conference in Accra on Monday, Mr. Spio-Garbrah stated that among the three candidates, Dr. Kwabena Duffuor and Kojo Bonsu, Mr. Mahama remained the only one who had been tried and tested.
His justification is that Mr. Mahama is the only one who can “rescue” Ghana from its current economic problems and reposition Ghana to become once again appealing.
Spio-Garbrah, himself a former flagbearer aspirant ahead of the 2020 elections who was defeated by Mr Mahama said his endorsement is hinging on a research conducted by his team which predicts Mahama to win by 80 per cent.
While rooting for Mahama, Mr Spio-Gabrah commended his two contenders, Dr Duffuor and Mr Bonsu for the bold attempt to contest the former president, expressing the hope that they will avail themselves to work with Mr Mahama after Saturday’s internal elections.
He also appealed to delegates to vote for his son, Dr Kobina Sebastian Ekwow Spio-Garbrah who is standing as a parliamentary candidate for the Essikado-Ketan Constituency in the Western Region.
The prize was presented to the Audit Service’s report, “Fleet Management of the National Ambulance Service,” yesterday in Accra during the AFROSAI-E Strategic Review & 19th Governing Board Meeting.
Helena Lindberg, Sweden’s Auditor General, who presented the award, noted that the winning audit report found issues with conflicts of interest, inefficiency, malfunction, and arbitrary payment use.
The purpose of the audit, she said, was to ascertain whether measures put in place by the National Ambulance Service to manage its fleet were sustainable and provided a responsive medical service when needed.
“The report has a clear and logical structure, from audit scope and questions to criteria, findings and recommendations, and is well written so please join me in celebrating the Ghana Audit Service for their excellent work and for succeeding to maintain such a high quality in your work which you have proven by winning the award now for the second time in a row,” she said.
Independence
Ms Lindberg reminded the gathering of auditors from across the continent that the key in achieving their assignments was their independence, although independence rarely happened to a supreme audit institution by accident.
As a result, he said, auditors needed to excel in their own accountability and transparency to the stakeholders they served by demonstrating why they did their work, how they did it and that they did it well.
“Although, committed leaders are key in driving a positive change, it can be discouraging, and perhaps impossible, for individual heads of SAIs to succeed alone in getting the message about independence through,” she said.
Innovation
The Auditor General, Johnson Akuamoah Asiedu, said the public was becoming more interested in audit results and auditors must, therefore, exhibit a high level of professionalism in the discharge of their assignments.
“It is imperative that we exhibit a high level of professionalism through the application of relevant Auditing Standards in the discharge of audit assignments.
In our work environment, managing relations with auditees requires an even higher degree of commitment, impartiality, and diligence,” he said.
He said auditors must obtain and understand information relevant to the audit in order to make sound recommendations based on facts and known circumstances.
“Make informed decisions out of views held by auditees and other audit team members, be sensitive to the integrity of information, including the source of the information and the appropriateness of its presentation,” he said.
Mr Asiedu added that auditors must withhold judgements pending thoughtful consideration of all known and relevant facts and be alert to potential bias and other impediments in the exercise of professional judgements.
“Have the ability and willingness to stand firm on your grounds when faced with pressure to do otherwise,” he said.
The Auditor General added that auditors must embrace technology to improve their understanding of the audit universe, especially how to respond to a crisis, and how, as members of AFROSAI-E, they could benefit from cooperation within their community to overcome challenges.
“It is a known fact that the COVID-19 crisis has tested our ability to adapt and use technological tools at our disposal,” he said.
History
The Chairman of the Audit Service Board, Prof. Edward Dua Agyeman, told the Daily Graphic in an interview that at an inaugural meeting of all AFROSAI-E Auditors-General which took place in Swakopmund, Namibia, in May 2004, the statues of the organisation were adopted and the first governing board of the new organisation was elected.
He said the name of the organisation was unanimously approved as AFROSAI- E, after struggling to find where to put the letter “E”, whether to put it before AFROSAI followed by (-) or after AFROSAI followed by a (-).
Eventually, he said, the members settled on English-speaking to prefix AFROSAI.
“So, in that year, 2004, I was elected the chairman of the Regional Training Committee of AFROSAI-E to replace Mr. A.E. Harid, the then Auditor General of Zimbabwe, who retired that year and also the chairman of the Ad-Hoc Committee on Regrouping of AFROSAI-E,” he said.
While Winneba natives in the Central Region celebrated the Aboakyer hunt for the deer, criminals took advantage of the celebrations to scavenge for “goodies” in people’s bags and purses.
Even one of the festival’s fetish priestesses, who claimed to have had her phone, money, and pocketbook stolen, was not exempt.
In addition, the fetish priestess warned that if her belongings were not restored, the thief would perish too soon.
Despite the incident, the youth of the town continued to prepare for the hunt and celebrate with drumming and dancing.
The Aboakyer festival is an annual celebration held every first week in May by the Effutus in Winneba, marking the migration of Simpafo, the people of Winneba.
Professor Justice Samuel Date-Bah, a former Supreme Court justice, has said that removing all provisions that make false reports illegal would be dangerous.
According to him, such laws were put in place to control mischief, therefore any discussions of getting rid of them had to go through a procedure to determine whether their intended use still applied under the current legal system.
It was dubbed: “The legal regulation of hate speech, fake news, etc. Is it desirable? Is it possible?”
The lecture, which attracted students and staff from various faculties of the school, discussed in detail the issue of hate speech and the nature of language used in the media and public discourse.
Issues such as ethics, fake news and language use took centre stage in a bid to promote decent and non-harmful language in media commentary.
Context
Two legal provisions — the Electronic Communications Act and the Criminal Code, specifically Section 208 of the Criminal and Other Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29) — have been criticised lately as stifling freedom of speech.
Promoters of such calls include the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), the Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association (GIBA) and the Private Newspaper Publishers Association (PRINPAG).
The President of the GJA, Albert Dwumfour, at the commemoration of the World Press Freedom Day in Accra last Wednesday, said the arbitrary application of those laws only served to instill fear in the populace.
“As critical stakeholders in the media industry, we cannot remain unconcerned as these laws are used to arrest citizens and journalists and criminal charges preferred over civil remedies for press and speech offences that are merely defamatory,” he said.
It was based on this that the General Secretary of the GJA, Kofi Yeboah, sought Prof. Date-Bah’s thought on the matter at yesterday’s public lecture.
Complex
Prof. Date-Bah explained that the issue of free speech and fake news within the current legal dispensation was a complex one, saying there were forces which had to be reconciled.
“If we want to domesticate the discussions, clearly it is not a simple matter.
“There has to be a process of discussion to arrive at a conclusion which reflects our culture,” he said.
He added that the provisions needed to be subjected to a process to ascertain if they served the purpose for which they existed, stressing that a blanket repeal of such provisions would only pave the way for mischief without any regulation.
Law enforcement
The main speaker, Dr Venkat Lyer, a barrister and academic from Northern Ireland, explained that laws on hate speech needed to be applied sparingly to ensure that people were able to express themselves freely.
He said law enforcement officers needed to be generous when applying such laws to avoid self-censorship.
He, however, cautioned against the abuse of free speech.
On fake news, Dr Lyer said in spite of other jurisdictions drafting fake news laws, it was not easy to define fake news.
That, he said, was a danger as people could be unfairly convicted under such laws, adding: “If the law is couched loosely, there will be wrong convictions”.
He further called for a strong judicial protection regime and capacity-building for lawyers in order to interpret the laws appropriately to ensure fairness.
Scholarships for various tertiary-level courses have been awarded to 136 students in the Gold Fields Ghana Limited‘s operational area (Tarkwa and Damang Mines) for the academic year 2022–2023.
Two hearing-impaired students who will attend the Cape Coast School for the Deaf were among the beneficiaries, who were divided evenly between 84 men and 79 women.
Through the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation Scholarship Program, each student would get GH7,000 annually.
The entire cost for the 2022–2023 academic year would be $199,245.
Scholarship
The Executive Secretary of the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation, Abdel Razak Yakubu, explained that the scholarship programme was opened to students who had gained admission into any tertiary institution in the country.
To qualify, he explained, an applicant must either be a native of any of the company’s 19 host communities or must be resident in that community before Gold Fields started its operations in Ghana.
“Applicants complete a form which is issued by the foundation to community chiefs and assembly members.
Before a candidate is considered for an interview, the chief of the community must endorse the form as a proof that the candidate indeed satisfies the residency condition,” he said.
In addition to this, Mr Yakubu said applicants for this award needed to prove that they had obtained aggregate 12 or better at the WASSCE level, adding that “considerations are sometimes given to students who attended rural basic schools and continue to reside in rural host communities after senior high school even if they did not make the qualifying aggregate score”.
One of the objectives of the programme, he added, was to support students in STEM programmes so they could take up roles in the company when vacancies arise, noting that “this is part of Gold Fields’ drive to improve its host community employment numbers”.
He encouraged the beneficiaries to exhibit socially acceptable behaviours on their various campuses and that honesty and integrity were also important.
“As scholarship beneficiaries, you are ambassadors for Gold Fields and you must carry yourselves as such”.
Grade
The Regional Manager- Community Relations Gold Fields Ghana (Tarkwa Mine), Robert Siaw, advised the beneficiaries to make maximum use of the opportunity and take their studies seriously, cautioning that if they failed to make good grades, their scholarship would be revoked.
The Senior Assistant Registrar at the Directorate of Students Affairs at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Theodora Oduro, advised parents of the beneficiaries to provide them with their needs to make them comfortable at their various schools.
A beneficiary of the scholarship programme, who will pursue Medicine, Judith Reese Obeng, thanked the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation for the opportunity.
According to Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, a candidate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flag, the agriculture sector has been highlighted as the solution to Ghana’s high rate of youth unemployment. Dr. Afriyie Akoto stated during a Town Hall Meeting hosted by the NPP Canada branch that Ghana simply needed to make the right investment to fully realize the sector’s potential.
He underlined that the agriculture industry offers a wide range of employment options, including industrialization, agroprocessing, and advertising, among others. Dr. Afriyie Akoto argued that Ghana’s fortunes may change with the right investments.
Dr. Afriyie Akoto’s vision is targeted at the youth. He believes that to have an impact on the youth is to create job opportunities for them, and the agriculture sector holds the key. He made this observation on Monday, May 7, 2023, when he interacted with the party faithful on his vision for the UP Tradition and Ghana as a whole.
“My vision is really targeted at the youth. To have an impact on the youth is to create job opportunities for them. They youth really need jobs and the agriculture sector holds the key”, he noted.
Responding to a question about the fate of NPP youth under his leadership, Dr. Afriyie Akoto noted that the approach to addressing the myriads of unemployment issues confronting the youth has to do with pragmatic policies. He assured the audience that under his leadership, he will put in place policies that prioritize investment in the agriculture sector.
Dr. Afriyie Akoto proposed setting up an Agriculture Management Team under his leadership as President of Ghana. The team will consist of seven notable ministries related to agriculture, including the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralization and Rural Development, Ministry of Roads and Highways, and Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation.
He also expressed disappointment with the declining fortunes of the poultry industry, which he has little control over due to international trade challenges. Dr. Afriyie Akoto acknowledged the challenges that poultry farmers have faced over the years, such as the high cost of poultry feed. However, he emphasized that Ghana’s production of soy has gone up from 150,000 metric tons to 230,000 metric tons, and that international trade is a significant factor in the challenges facing the poultry industry.
“I know the challenge the poultry farmers have gone through over the years to the extent that prices of poultry feed have more than doubled in some cases. Some have attributed the challenge to lack of enough maize whiles others too are saying it has to do with unavailability of soya beans. Well, our production of soy has gone up from 150,000 metric tons to 230,000 metric tons and that is no mean an achievement. The thing is that a lot of these things have to do with international trade. We are bringing chicken into this country at something like GHS14.00 per kilo when the total cost of production as we are speaking is more than GHS35.00 per kilo. With that, I cannot see how anybody can produce chicken in the European Union or America. You put it in a ship, brig it all the way to Tema and charge GHS14.00. Obviously, there is some distortionary burden somewhere”, he said.
Dr. Afriyie Akoto’s proposals were well received by the audience, who saw them as pragmatic solutions to the unemployment crisis facing Ghana’s youth.
His vision for the agriculture sector as a key driver of economic growth and job creation resonated with many, and his proposal to set up an Agriculture Management Team has been praised as a bold and innovative approach to tackling the challenges facing the sector.
Kobina Tahir Hammond, the minister of trade and industry, has emphasized the government’s determination to use the YouStart Ghana Jobs and Skills Project to create a strong entrepreneurship regime that can foster and hasten the growth of the economy.
He explained that as part of attempts to address the high youth unemployment rate in the nation, the government has now turned its focus through the YouStart initiative toward the development of indigenous entrepreneurs.
Touring some YouStart training centres in Accra yesterday, Mr Hammond observed that given the interventions made under the YouStart initiative, the government would be able to achieve its one million jobs pledge in three years.
“The government believes that entrepreneurship plays an important role in the economic, social and environmental transformation of the country, as this will enable young people to seize income generating opportunities and help address unemployment.
“With this pace, I want to also emphasise, I am confident that the one million jobs in three years promised by this government will be achieved,” he said.
Training takes off
Official training for the component 2.1 of YouStart Ghana Jobs and Skills Project took off yesterday in 188 districts across the country.
Targeting 50,000 youth, the project seeks to provide entrepreneurship training and competitive start-up grants to youth who have the potential to start a business.
The three-month training is expected to equip the participants with relevant skills, access to market, technology and financial support to enable them to start and grow their businesses.
The project is being implemented by the Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA) with financing and technical support to the tune of GH¢400 million from the World Bank.
Mr Hammond noted that the project was considered a major stepping stone and an avenue to upgrading skills among the country’s population, creating more and better-quality jobs and improving job outcomes for the youth.
“For this reason, I wish to thank the World Bank Group, especially for providing financing and technical support to the Government of Ghana (GoG) for the implementation of the Ghana Jobs and Skills Project.
“I also appreciate other financial institutions, development partners and the Ghana Association of Bankers (GAB) for their commitment and support to this worthy cause,” he said.
The minister, who interacted with the participants, urged them to take keen interest in the training in order to build their capacities to become global giants.
He said entrepreneurs needed to concentrate more on proper and innovative packaging, as well as branding of their products and services.
That, he said, would position them well to penetrate the international market and compete with other firms.
Top priority agenda
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the GEA, Kosi Yankey-Ayeh, maintained that the project was considered one of the main forms of support for the government’s top priority agenda of upgrading skills among the country’s population, creating more and better-quality jobs, and improving job outcomes for the youth.
She said it was expected that over 50,000 youth would be trained at various levels upon completion within 188 districts in all the 16 regions across the country.
According to her, those who successfully reach the advanced stage and show promise in creating viable businesses will be allowed to apply for competitive business grants.
“The grants will be in the form of capital, equipment (including start up kit), Information Communication Technology (ICT) solutions and business formalisation,” she added.
Bilal Lamin Mohammed, a member of the Alan Kyeremanten campaign team, has resigned and announced it in a statement.
Mr. Mohammed stated that because he is the secretary for North For Alan, his decision to leave is personal and must be accepted.
His statement below:
RESIGNATION AS ASISTANT SECRETARY FROM NORTH FOR ALAN AND THE CAMP OF ALAN CASH…
I want to use this platform to officially announce my resignation as the secretary for North for Alan and also from the Camp of Alan Cash.
My decision to resign from the post of secretary of North for Alan, and by extension, the Alan Camp has been solely personal. I do not hold any grudge or whatsoever with anyone nor at no point would I intend any malice against any one of you. I’m grateful for the opportunities given me during my stints and the insights I had.
With that said, I want to thank my former colleagues, and the many distinguished and honest personalities I have worked with for an incredible run. They’re the most talented as far as the game of politics is concern, and I wish them all the best.
Former minister of environment, science, technology, and innovation, Prof. Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, has amid growing criticism, once again defended his report on the work of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining (IMCIM), which he chaired until its dissolution.
The report, presented to the Chief of Staff in an informal meeting in March 2021, accused some government officials of being involved in or interfering with the fight against illegal small-scale mining (Galamsey).
Most of the implicated officials have however denied the allegations and have instead, questioned Prof. Frimpong-Boateng’s credibility and motives.
Speaking on TV3’s Ghana Tonight programme on Monday, May 8, Prof. Frimpong-Boateng, who was not reappointed as a minister in President Akufo-Addo’s second term, said he wrote the report based on his personal grievances and observations as the chairperson of the IMCIM.
According to him, he had to be brutally honest with the president about the challenges and failures of the committee.
“It wasn’t an easy thing writing about some of my colleagues, but I had to be brutally honest with the president and that is why I did what I did. I could have said, Mr President, everything is ok, it is under control, maybe given a chance we will be able to do it, write some wishy-washy thing and then not achieve anything,” he said.
“I had to be honest with myself and knowing the president, who he is, he wanted the truth and I did that from my point of view,” he added.
Meanwhile, Prof Frimpong-Boatenghas acknowledged concerns about his omission of evidence in the report, which would have helped to back his claims.
He however maintained confidence in his report and suggested that the president rather investigates his claims further.
“I didn’t have any evidence. I heard things and I put them down for him [the president] to investigate. I have not done anything about it since then. It is up to him [the president] to do whatever he wants to do with it,” he is quoted to have said in other engagements with the media.
Prof. Frimpong-Boateng’s report has sparked a lot of controversy and debate in the media and among stakeholders in the mining sector.
Some have praised him for his courage and honesty, while others have labelled him as bitter.
The Office of the President has issued a press statement on Prof. Frimpong-Boateng’s report, stating that it was not an official report formally delivered to the Office of the President. It also pointed out how the report did not have any evidence to enable investigations.
“The President’s commitment to fighting illegal mining is unassailable, and the Office of the President welcomes any information on illegal mining activities which provides a credible basis for investigations to be conducted by the Criminal Investigations Department of the Ghana Police Service,” the statement read.
In order to recognize those who have made particularly significant contributions to achieving all of the energy-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), about 60 organizations, including educational and corporate institutions and people, have been shortlisted.
These are SDGs 4 and 7, which both guarantee access to clean and affordable energy. SDG 4 provides inclusive and equitable quality education and promotes opportunities for lifelong learning for everyone.
The remaining SDGs are SDGs 13 (which aims to implement the UNFCCC promise to achieve a climate-neutral world by the middle of the century in order to minimize global warming) and SDG 14 (which focuses on conserving and sustainably using the oceans, seas, and marine resources).
Special awards
A Technical Coordinator in charge of Energy Transition at the Ministry of Energy and Lead Judge for the awards, Dr Robert Sogbadji, at a press conference in Accra yesterday to outdoor the nominations said, there would also be lifetime awards and other special awards for most influential SDG leaders in Africa.
The awards would be in 17 category and it includes SDG Teaching and Learning Award, Energy Media Personality of the Year, SDG Financial Services Award, Green Sustainability Hospitality Facility of the Year, SDG Research Award and Energy Infrastructure Award.
Put together by “Think Energy awards”, and powered by the African Global Response Energy Environment (AGREE) Limited, with support from the SDG Advisory Unit of the Office of the President, the Ministry of Energy and Ghana Gas Company, the novel ceremony is aimed at celebrating excellence, innovation and impact of the respective individuals and organisations on clean energy, energy efficiency and energy access.
Dr Sogbadji said the award was timely to support all institutions and to identify them and encourage other institutions to put in efforts to identify the SDGs.
He said the organisers were allowing the public to vote 30 per cent while the judges would contribute 70 per cent to select the winners.
That, Dr Sogbadji explained, was to create much awareness about the SDGs for the public to know that the SDGs were still being pursued until 2030.
Awareness
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO), of the African Global Response Energy Environment Limited, Humphrey Tetteh, explained that the awards would increase awareness about the efforts at achieving the seven SDGs including access to clean and affordable energy in the West African sub-region.
He said the event would serve as platform to recognise the efforts of individuals and corporate entities, who were making a difference in the quest to achieve the SDGs particularly those related to clean and efficient energy.
He said the vision of his outfit was to raise about $1million in the next three years to support winners of the awards to embark on projects aimed at shoring up efforts at attaining the energy-related SDGs and for that matter improving the energy sector in general.
The Students Loan Trust Fund (SLTF) has announced that it would once again reveal the names of beneficiaries who have chosen not to repay their loans this month.
It stated that it has discovered some debtors who were still employed but owed money to the Trust fund.
The SLTF has additionally threatened to prosecute the wrongdoers if they don’t act to uphold their obligations.
Yesterday, Nana Kwaku Agyei Yeboah, Chief Executive Officer of the SLTF, gave Theophilus Yartey, Editor of Graphic, a courtesy visit during which he dropped the hint.
Call
The call was to officially congratulate the Editor on his appointment and also seek the support of the Daily Graphic for its educational and recovery campaign.
Mr Yeboah said the organisation had been working with the Daily Graphic and that it was a continuous process.
“We are here to congratulate you and also talk about the SLTF and the things that we are doing. You have been supportive in our educational and recovery drive. This visit also seeks to strengthen the working relationship.
“The SLTF is in the process of continuously engaging Ghanaians on the no-guarantor system to expand access to education to the most vulnerable,” the SLTF CEO said.
Recovery month
Mr Yeboah explained that the plan to publish the list of defaulters formed part of the activities of the repayment month, May, set aside by the SLTF to educate students on the repayment of their loans.
The SLTF, he indicated, had sought advice from the Attorney-General’s Department which had given it the go-ahead with the plan in accordance with the Students Loan Trust Fund Act, 2011, Act 820.
“Our Act empowers us to publish the photos and other details of some of our worst borrowers,” he emphasised.
The SLTF CEO further explained that after graduation, the SLTF kept reminding borrowers through text messages, letters and other means on the need to pay back loans they had taken while in school; however many of them had ignored all the follow-up efforts to get them to pay back.
Through its activities during the recovery and repayment month, the SLTF, he said, was hoping to recover about GH¢50 million, adding that borrowers could go to the bank to pay as well as make payment electronically through mobile money, among other avenues.
Payment plan
Mr Yeboah said there was an opportunity for borrowers to negotiate a payment arrangement with the SLTF, adding that “so if we don’t hear from the borrower making any attempt to pay for the period the loan travels, the law mandates us to recover through legal means.”
He said the SLTF would start with the publication of 40 names of persons indebted to the Trust fund, adding that the repayment was critical to supporting other students to benefit.
The month of May, he indicated, had been set aside to educate and step up the campaign to let borrowers know that it was their civic responsibility to pay back the loan they took when they were in school.
“Sometimes, we need to remind people on how to pay and where to go to make payment, so we use this month to step up our engagements on all the media platforms, both traditional and social media, to talk to Ghanaians about the loan repayment and also to sensitise people about the no-guarantor programme which was rolled out in June last year,” he explained.
Graphic there to help
Mr Yartey pledged the support of the Daily Graphic in assisting the SLTF to realise its objectives as it had proved to be an efficient and reliable medium to reach out to the general public.
He said as a national media organisation with extensive reach and wide coverage, it had the space in both the hard copy and the digital space.
“It is something we have been doing for over seven decades. It is about getting the overall government agenda achieved, and so we are ready to support you in that regard,” Mr Yartey assured.
Procedure for recovery of loan
The SLTF was established in December 2005 under the Trustee Incorporation Act 1962, Act 106.
The objectives of the Trust Fund are to provide financial resources for the sound management of the Trust for the benefit of students and to help promote and facilitate the national ideals enshrined in Article 25 and 38 of the 1992 Constitution.
Under the SLTF Act 820, the procedure for recovering the loans have also been stated to include the following:
26. (1) Where a borrower defaults in repaying the loan for six cumulative months, the Board shall send notice of demand to the borrower to make payment in a manner provided under subsection (2).
(2) A copy of the demand notice shall be sent or delivered to the borrower or the guarantor at their last known place of abode or address and published twice in a state-owned daily newspaper.
(3) If the borrower or the guarantor fails to repay or make satisfactory arrangement to repay the loan in accordance with the demand notice, the Board shall publish the name of the borrower or the guarantor in a state-owned daily newspaper.
(4) The publication shall state the amount owed and demand that the amount owed should be paid within one month after the publication, and that failure to do so is an admission of the debt and it shall be deemed that judgement on the amount in addition to costs of five per cent of the debt has been entered by a Circuit Court against the borrower and guarantor.
(5) The Board shall without any further notice to the borrower or guarantor proceed to execute or enforce the judgement for the recovery of the loan or any balance then outstanding in an appropriate manner.
Prior to the presidential and parliamentary primaries set on May 13, 2023, Dr. Kwabena Duffuor, a flagbearer candidate for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has voiced concerns about irregularities in the party’s voter register.
To ensure a fair and accurate process, Dr. Duffuor has urged the NDC National Executive to postpone the polls. Kojo Bonsu, a former chief executive of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly, and John Dramani Mahama, a former president, are Dr. Duffuor’s opponents in the primary.
In a letter to the General Secretary of the NDC, Duffuor’s campaign team highlighted the incomplete and inaccurate delegates register and urged for sufficient time to clean the register to ensure a transparent election.
“The incomplete and inaccurate Voters register has a high potential of deliberately causing an irreparable damage to the bright chances of Candidate Dr. Kwabena Duffuor – which we are unable to countenance,” the letter reads.
Considering the findings, Team Duffuor is demanding the following;
1. Postponement of the May 13th Presidential primaries.
2. Stakeholders meeting to establish an agreeable roadmap that will guarantee the integrity of the Voters Register.
3. Clean the Voters Register within an agreeable timeframe to ensure free and fair elections.
4. To save the image of the NDC so that the party can have the credible voice to speak on national elections matters when the need arises.
According to a witness who is one of the 14 people accused of killing Major Maxwell Adam Mahama, he just touched the military officer’s pants and had no involvement in the lynching.
Emmanuel Badu, a mason by trade, claimed that on May 29, 2017, while traveling to Sefwi Bekwai for work from Denkyira Obuasi in the Central Region, he saw a crowd pursuing an alleged armed robber. He claimed that while he picked up a stone, he did not throw it and did not take part in the lynching.
When queried by the prosecutor, Frances Mullen Ansah, a Chief State Attorney, that he (Badu) took an active part in the lynching and pelted Major Mahama with stones, the accused person insisted that he only touched the trousers of the soldier and asked him (Major Mahama) where he came from.
Badu, who is the 12th accused person, made the assertions at the High Court in Accra Monday, when he opened his defence, reports Graphic Online’s Emmanuel Ebo Hawkson from the court.
Alleged lynching
Major Mahama was killed at Denkyira Obuasi in the Central Region on May 29, 2017.
He was said to have been lynched during a morning walk that led him to the community.
Fourteen people, including the then Assembly member for the area, William Baah, are standing trial in connection with the death of the military officer.
They have all pleaded not guilty to charges ranging from murder, abetment to murder, and conspiracy to commit murder.
Cross-examination
Led by his lawyer, George Bernard Shaw, Badu told the court that he was arrested at Elubo in the Western Region after the killing of Major Mahama.
During cross–examination, Badu confirmed to the court that he indeed told the police that on May 29, 2017, he was travelling from Ayanfuri to Sefwi Bekwai in a commercial car but the vehicle was caught up in traffic at Denkyira Obuasi.
According to him, he got to know that the traffic was as a result of an armed robber who was being chased by the townsfolk, a situation, which, he said, made people in the car to run helter-skelter.
The accused person further confirmed that he saw some people chasing the said ‘armed robber’ with sticks and stones and, therefore, he decided to follow them.
Mrs Mullen Ansah then put to the accused person that he took an active part in the lynching and that he (Badu) told the police in his statement that he picked a stone to throw at Major Mahama.
That was strongly objected by Mr Shaw, who accused the prosecutor of misleading the court, adding that what his client told the police and as captured in the statement was that he had the intention to throw the stone but did not throw the stone.
The presiding judge, Justice Mariama Owusu, a Justice of the Supreme Court with additional responsibility as a Justice of the High Court, overruled the objection and told counsel that he should allow the accused person to answer the question and not answer the question for him.
The prosecutor further put to the accused person that he was a cardinal player in the lynching, which he denied.
Below is an excerpt of what ensued in court
Prosecutor: I’m putting it to you that on May 29, 2917, you took an active part in the lynching of Major Mahama
Badu: That is not true. I even left the scene before I heard that he was dead
Prosecutor: You chased Major Mahama with a stone and eventually hit him with a stone
Badu: That is not true
Prosecutor: I’m putting it to you that you acted together with the other accused persons to intentionally cause unlawful harm to Captain Mahama which resulted in his death .
Badu: That is not true. I do not come from the town and do not reside in that town. I was in a vehicle passing through the town.
Hearing continues on May 22, this year for the remaining accused persons to open their defence.
The police have arrested two persons said to have recently attacked a journalist at Dagbon FM in Tamale.
The suspects were arrested on Monday, May 8, 2023.
According to the police, they were arrested after a video footage was obtained to aid a probe into the assault.
“The Police have today, 8th May, 2023 arrested the two people who allegedly attacked Abubakari Sadiq, a presenter with the Dagbong Radio station in Tamale while he was hosting a programme at the station on 3rd May, 2023.”
“Following the attack, the Police visited the scene but the suspects had bolted. A video footage of the incident was obtained to aid the investigation.
The statement added that the accused are in police custody and will be arraigned soon.
“The suspects, Iddrisu Hardi alias Pagaaza and Mumuni Osman are in custody assisting investigation and will be put before court,” the statement concluded.
Abubakari Sadiq Gariba, a radio presenter was physically assaulted during a live broadcast on May 3, 2023.
This was after he reportedly criticised one of them during a discussion on the Abudu and Andani conflict on a political campaign platform.
Following the unfortunate incident, many institutions have called for the arrest and prosecution of the two.
Among the institutions was the Information Ministry – which strongly condemned it.
It described as totally unacceptable, the attack on the broadcaster and emphasised the importance of protecting journalists and ensuring that they can carry out their work without fear of violence or intimidation.
Chaos erupted at Nkurakan in the Yilo Krobo Municipality of the Eastern Region when a group of boys, suspected to be ritualists, abandoned a box containing a snake in the middle of a street.
The trio, believed to be between the ages of 19 and 25, hopped out of a Honda Civic car to return the snake to the ritualist for failing to vomit money in 30 days as directed.
Information gathered indicates that the boys confessed to having been given the snake at the same spot they abandoned it with the explanation that it did not produce any money despite the sacrifices they had made.
They are reported to have said the ritualist ordered them to feed the snake with eggs and other items and in turn, it will vomit money in different currencies. However, after the 30 days had lapsed, there was still no show.
In 2022, the Ghanaian record producer DJ Breezy released “Abonten,” a song that features five legendary performers: Black Sherif, Mugeez, Kwesi Arthur, Stonebwoy, and Smallgod.
Breezy’s project earned him multiple nominations at the 24th edition of the Ghana Music Awards. This, he noted, was a result of his hard work.
“I have put in the work, I am here to take my awards and go home…a lot of work went into the song,” he disclosed said.
In an interview with Paula Amma Broni at the 24th VGMA, the hit maker detailed how artistes, including up-and-coming ones, can secure major collaboration in the industry.
Breezy admitted that his relationship with artistes enables him to easily partner with them. Likewise, they are able to get him on their project due to their work relationship.
Speaking to GhanaWeb, he narrated how he secured the collaborations on his song.
“These are the guys I work with, I work with these heavyweights. They are more like family, I think we have passed the level of friendship and clients. When I call they respond, when they call, I respond.
“The artiste who wants to feature another on his song must possess what it takes for that artiste to jump on the song. If you bring me a record to jump on it, I have to see myself on that record and that is what a lot of people mistake, it is not by force…just put in the work and go for the big artiste and if they like the song, they will jump on it,” he explained.
When questioned about his service charge, the popular audio engineer declined putting an amount to his work.
“I don’t know how much you will see as a lot but we will buy prepaid,” he teased.
Member of Parliament for Tema West constituency, Carlos Ahenkorah has mounted a spirited defense for Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia following comments by a Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) Lecturer that he (Bawumia) cannot be president.
Mr Ahenkora who is a known supporter of Mr. John Alan Kwadwo Kyeremanten in the New Patriotic Party(NPP) flagbearer race, revealed that he personally started calling Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia Mr President in 2017.
He says anyone who thinks Dr Mahamudu Bawumia will not be the President of Ghana certainly does not understand politics in Ghana or is naturally ignorant
He made this known when he appeared on Accra-based UTV’s AdeKye Nsroma.
The Parliamentarian said “If you’re a member of the New Patriotic Party and you are observant and thoughtful and you can say Dr Mahamudu Bawumia will not be a President in Ghana then you don’t understand how politics works.
He continued “That man, that Doctor, will be a President in this country. I call him Mr President and I’ve been calling him Mr President since 2017. He will certainly be a President of this country”.
The book titled; Actualizing The African Economic Vision; A Practical Handbook on the AfCFTA, was launched in September, 2022 and was attended by the Diplomatic Corps in Ghana and other special invited dignitaries from various sectors of Ghana’s Economy.
Chief Executive Officer of GITFiC Mr Selaai Koffi Ackom in a statement copied to the Ghana News Agency in Accra on Tuesday said the Ghana Commercial Bank (GCB Bank) purchased 500 copies for onward distribution to its executives and customers nationwide, while several industries in Ghana from all sectors have acquired up to 2,600 copies for their personal knowledge acquisition on the subject.
He said the Volta River Authority, after several correspondence, acquired and took delivery of 1,000 copies of our AfCFTA book in their quest to support National and Continental Sensitization and Education on the AfCFTA through the Education System of Ghana.
“In light of the 60th anniversary of the Volta River Authority, and ahead of the 7th Ghana International Trade & Finance Conference, both entities together with the Eastern Regional Education Directorate, will give 100 copies each to 10 selected Senior High Schools in the coming days. The book is currently in two languages; English and French.
Open defecation has become rampant at Denkyira Kyekyewere in the Upper Denkyira East Municipality due to the unavailability of a toilet facility.
The menace, if not resolved, would result in an outbreak of diseases such as cholera, typhoid, measles, influenza among others within the community
That could affect the economy, development and livelihoods of the citizenry.
The canker brings to the fore the need for effective measures to help curb open defecation and its effects on the citizenry.
Residents have, therefore, called on the government to as a matter of urgency ensure the completion of the over ten years abandoned toilet facility in the community.
They claimed the facility was currently serving as a habitat for lizards, snakes and other reptiles.
“The facility has been left uncompleted for years now so we hide in the bushes to respond to nature calls to make ourselves comfortable.”
Some complained that several letters, and meetings have been held with the Assembly on the way forward but had yielded no results.
GhanaWeb’s visit to the abandoned facility saw that weeds had taken over the place leaving no access for entry.
Also, some unscrupulous persons have taken advantage of the situation to engage in illicit activities such as smoking weed, cigarettes and others.
Nana Brena Atwemaa II, Queen mother of Denkyira Kyekyewere expressing disappointment said the situation was frustrating and disturbing and needed an urgent solution.
She said the completion of the abandoned toilet facility could help resolve the open defecation and called on the Assembly to come to their aid.
Nana Atwemaa said the activity was rampant due to the number of illegal miners within the area adding that “some of the galamseyers are not from the community so they do not have a home to attend nature calls.
“I am pleading with the government or NGOs to come to our aid to help curb open defecation in our area,” she appealed.
The CEO of UMB, Nana Dwemoh Benneh, said its approach to digitization was digital which was comprehensive and aimed to encompass all sectors they operate in.
Nana Benneh made this known at a thanksgiving ceremony as part of activities to round-off the Bank’s Jubilee celebrations.
The Bank, founded as a policy bank in 1972, has since March 15, 2022, been celebrating its 50th anniversary.
He said the Bank had purposed to empower SMEs to achieve digitization for growth and development, while contributing to the economy.
He said the bank had delivered impact, and they would continue in this tradition, since they evolved into a universal bank, “we have continued this tradition of innovation in Ghana.”
He said the bank was developing an exciting hub of platforms that delivered world-class digital banking based on current digital innovations.
The CEO said that under the leadership of the Ghana Association of Banks and the Bank of Ghana, UMB had stepped up measures to ensure that the economy continued to recover.
He said the recovery had become more imminent “as we can see that the quarter-one numbers for the industry are positive.”
“In the case of UMB, our numbers had significant strong lines that are a testament that our medium-term strategic journey is on course,” he added.
He said the Bank’s deposits grew to GH₵ 4.1 billion versus GH₵ 3.2 billion in 2022, and they had seen confidence from customers firmed up in 2023.
He said the uptick in deposits could potentially drive positive interest income, as increased deposits could fund increased loan activity for businesses and individuals.
“We have also seen income from our digital transactional platforms increase by double-digit percentage points,” he said.
Nana Benneh said UMB’s significant increase in non-interest income from 131 million in 2021 to
261 million in 2022 demonstrated the bank’s success in diversifying its revenue sources.
He said diversification was a critical strategy for banks to mitigate the impact of declining net interest margins in a highly competitive market amid high inflation and rising costs of doing business.
The CEO said the impressive growth in fees and commissions, trading, and other income suggested that the Bank had been successful in expanding its operations, developing new products and services, and creating additional revenue streams.
He said such achievements bode well for the bank’s future profitability, as a broader revenue
base would help offset the challenges from declining net interest margins on interest-earning assets and position the bank well in the market to build a sustainable future.
“Overall, we also saw growth of GH₵ 333 million in our total asset value,” he added.
Nigerian DJ and billionaire heiress Florence Otedola, also known as DJ Cuppy, has stated that life is easier with money.
DJ Cuppy, whose father is Femi Otedola, a prominent businessman in Nigeria, expressed this opinion after thinking back on her most recent vacation.
The renowned DJ and music producer cautioned her followers against falling for those who downplay the value of money in life.
Cuppy stressed that travelling serves as a reminder of the importance of self-care, and having financial resources is helpful in achieving these objectives.
“Travel reminds me how important self-love is. Taking time for rest is essential, and there’s nothing like the feeling of being surrounded by inspiration. In short, having money helps. For SURE. Don’t let anyone lie to you,” she wrote on Twitter.
The Council of the University of Ghana has approved a one-time discount of 2% on the 15% fee increment for some of its students for the 2022/2023 academic year.
This comes on the back of an approval by Parliament for the academic year.
The discounts apply to full fee-paying programmes, programmes at the Accra City Campus and distance education programmes.
There was an impasse between UG Management, student leaders, National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS), Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) over the 15% increase in fees.
GTEC had directed all public tertiary institutions to review fees for the next academic year by a maximum 15 percent increment.
The directive followed numerous complaints that some universities were charging more than the 15% Rate Approved by Parliament, hence the intervention by GTEC.
The Parliamentary Select Committee on Education appealed to the University of Ghana to consider offering a discount on fees for the current academic year to lessen the burden on students.
A statement signed by Dr. Elizier T. Ameyaw-Buronyak, Director of Public Affairs Directorate of the University of Ghana said, “In response to the appeal by the Parliamentary Select Committee on Education, the University Council approved a one-time discount of 2% on the 15% fee increase approved by Parliament for the 2022/2023 academic year, for the following programmes: Full fee-paying programmes, Programmes at the Accra City Campus and Distance Education Programmes. This discount has been applied to the accounts of affected students. Affected students may contact the Students Accounts Office for any enquiries through students’ accounts”.
Nollywood actress, Joke Silva has explained the reasons she would not allow a movie to be shot in her home.
Speaking during “The Roundtable Lekki,” a conference for youth development, she noted that making movies involves a lot of people, many of whom she wouldn’t want in her personal space.
In her submission, she spoke about the importance of Nollywood having its own studios and sound stages.
She said “We shoot in apartments these days. But, I won’t allow movies to be shot in my home; it won’t happen.
I know the number of people that are brought into a shoot. There may be two people in a scene, but to shoot it, there will probably be about 20 people there. That means 20 people will put their hands on my wall, block the loo, and do other things.
We need to build our studios and sound stages, just like American filmmaker, Tyler Perry, has done. He built one of the biggest sound stages in the world.
The thing with sound stages is that there are usually facades. I once shot a movie in France, but all the interior shots were taken in London, United Kingdom.
All we did in France were the exteriors shots to give the ambience of that country. Sound stages give one control. It allows one to make movies at one’s desired pace.”
She added; “Streaming platforms have made it easier for producers to be able to exhibit their works. Technology has done that for us. There is a wide range of opportunities right now when it comes to movie distributions. Streaming platforms help us connect to a global audience.”
The musical trio Daughters of Glorious Jesus, which consists of Cynthia Appiadu, Edna Sarpong, and Monica Owusu Ansah, has revealed that they will soon be releasing an album.
On their account, fans who have supported their music career have urged them to release new songs considering their songwriting skills.
“We are working on something new and pretty soon, it will be out,” Edna told our reporter, Paula Amma Broni, at the 2023 Ghana Music Awards.
Cynthia Appiadu confirming the news added that in 2022, their single ‘Nneɛma Foforo’ was well received by the public, the reason why they plan to do more at the right time.
“The reason why Edna is saying pretty soon is that we have a lot of songs that we have recorded. It is just a matter of time for us to release them. We have a full album. We released some just last year and we are planning to release another one,” she disclosed.
The trio with over 32 years of experience in the music industry graced the 2023 Vodafone Ghana Music Awards in support of their colleagues. They had high hopes of a gospel singer picking up the ultimate ‘Artiste of the Year’ title which had eight nominees- Piesie Esther, Joe Mettle, Sarkodie, Black Sherif, Stonebwoy, KiDi, Camidoh, King Promise.
Edna was optimistic that a gospel singer was going to be crowned winner of the highest VGMA title. “We are supporting everybody because we are all Ghanaians. Any of the two gospel artistes in that category can pick up the award, in fact, we have already won.”
The 2023 VGMA ‘Artiste of the Year’ was picked up by rapper Black Sherif who won 4 awards on the night.
In light of declining commercial bank funding for businesses, Dr. Kweku Arthur-Annobil, strategy lead and business manager (Business & Commercial Clients) at Stanbic Bank Ghana, has urged banks to look into alternative funding sources to support SMEs.
Dr. Arthur-Annobil said this at a stakeholder conference on the theme ‘Restoring Commercial Bank’s Liquidity for SME Financing post-DDEP: The Role of Impact Investing.’
Speaking on options available to commercial banks to restore their liquidity to support SME growth, Dr. Arthur-Annobil said, “For me, two options are available. One, banks should try as much as possible to partner with impact investment funds, by so doing, they can leverage their capital and share the risk involved based on the kind of structure that they have. I know some banks that are doing this and it’s achieving results.
“The second thing for me is ecosystem banking. This requires not just banking with big local companies and multinationals but banking the entire value chains of these businesses. So, all the small businesses that are plugged into the big businesses. If a bank does this, it can structure some facilities that enable it to lend to the small businesses that ordinarily may not have access to funding”.
Dr. Arthur-Annobil commented on the funding difficulties SMEs face in the country and how both banks and SMEs can work together to navigate the current turbulent economic circumstances.
He said, “I don’t blame SMEs entirely but the difficulty lies with structures such bookkeeping, management and especially sole proprietorship where there’s a huge difficulty with businesses distinguishing themselves from their businesses.”
Beyond traditional banking, Dr. Arthur-Annobil stressed the need for stakeholders to build a functioning entrepreneurial finance ecosystem to address the huge funding gap for SMEs and early-stage start-up businesses.
He mentioned the need for the central bank and the SEC to develop frameworks around Regulatory Techs to enable small business operations and financing through alternative funding sources like angel investing and crowdfunding.
Dr. Arthur-Annobil also mentioned that big corporate firms should take an interest in establishing Corporate Venture Capital firms to help finance the works of early-stage start-ups to help them grow.
The stakeholder conference brought together financial experts and members of the academia to discuss funding and liquidity issues for both banks and SMEs post the DDEP. The conference also provided insights into the challenges faced by commercial banks and Central banks’ effort to help commercial banks. The panellist for the discussion were Mrs. Doris Ahiati, Financial Consultant, Mr. Clifford Duke Mettle, Chairman, Banking Commission, Ghana and Dr. Francis Atsu, Head of GIMPA Enterprise Risk Management.
The Volta Regional Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Hope Smith Lomotey has announced that his department will soon shut down unlicensed churches and drinking spots.
He also called on churches whose licenses have expired to renew their permits to enable them to continue with their operations.
In a Daily Graphic report, Mr Lomotey explained that the move has become necessary to help reduce noise from some churches located at unauthorized places.
According to him, prolonged noise was a public health issue and needed to be addressed.
He said this in an interview with Daily Graphic after EPA had a meeting with church leaders in the Volta region on issues of building permits and noisemaking.
“The same goes for drinking spot operators,” he added.
The director said “Apart from hearing impairment, loud noise could also cause high blood pressure, heart diseases, sleep disorders and stress for people within the neighbourhood,” Daily Graphic reported.
He said the permitted noise level in the day was from 6 am to 10 pm.
For residential areas, 55 decibels and 48 decibels are the permitted noise level during the night.
The Ghana Telecommunications Chamber has hinted that it costs a lot of money to buy the electricity needed to keep their services operating efficiently.
The CEO of the telcos chamber Ken Ashigbey said the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission must give them some attention as far as their tariffs are concerned.
According to him, this is because the nature of the sector gives the impression that they may not need lower tariffs.
He added that this is not true because the aggregate of the power they consume is very high.
Ken Ashigbey made the call during the 21st Knowledge Forum series of the Ghana Telecommunications Chamber, on the theme: Empowering consumers through clean energy transitions.
Speaking to journalists, he said: “The interesting thing is that if you take the very bulk consumers of energy, for example, you take the mines, the steelworkers. They give them lower tariffs because of the volumes that they consume. The telcos by their very nature and the way we are, the towers are centered in various places the loads are small at our load centers but when you aggregate that, we are a huge consumer of power.
“Our proposal to the PURC is that they need to start looking at us the way they will look at the mines, those who are in the steelworkers. Apart from the volumes, it is also the social impact of what we do. The fact that telecommunication has become a utility. There is a need that we all work together to ensure that that service is available. If that is the case, then we can’t have it that the cost of power for us to generate one bit of data is more expensive than the cost of power to just chill my sobolo at home,” he added.
The CEO further added that the telecommunications sector contributes a significant amount to climate change, therefore, the need to discuss solutions that will centre on enhancing access to clean energy.
Ken Ashigbey said “However, we cannot run away from the implication of the climate change disaster facing the world, so as an industry we are committed to reducing the impact of climate change. The telecoms sector contributes to global emissions, particularly when you realize that there are over 54,000 base transmitter stations powered, in some cases 24 hours seven days a week, by generators. You can just imagine the emissions from these.”
Stakeholders in the energy sector who were present at the forum posited that Ghana is not exactly positioned for an energy transition yet. According to them, this is because some parts of the country still do not have access to energy.
Therefore, there is a need to focus more on achieving 100% access for almost every Ghanaian.
At least 27 people have died in a fire at a tiny gold mine in southern Peru, according to the local authorities on Sunday.
The Peruvian Council of Ministers tweeted in Spanish on Sunday, “We express our solidarity with the families of the miners who perished after a fire in the shaft of the Yanaquihua mine in the Arequipa area.
The country’s Presidency made a statement in Spanish on Twitter that said, “We express our condolences to the families and the people of Arequipa for the death of the 27 miners, an event that occurred in the Yanaquihua sector, Condesuyos province in Arequipa.”
The statement said emergency services have been “working since the beginning of this tragedy to rescue and transfer the bodies.”
“As a Government, we will provide all the necessary support to the regional government and the Municipality of Condesuyos in these moments of pain,” it added.
