The recent episode of the Delay Show featured an interview with popular Ghanaian TikToker, Hajia Bintu.
Host of the show, Delay in her usual craftiness started her interview by seeking to know about the beginnings of the social media sensation.
Along the line, the issue of Hajia Bintu’s father was brought up by the host who queried her guest with the question “where was your father in the picture?”
After a big sigh and a little giggle Hajia Bintu retorted with an emphatic “yes” to if her father was not around while she was growing up.
Then came a back-and-forth of questions between the host and her guest about the subject of an absent father and the emotional effects she suffers.
Delay: He wasn’t present right?
Bintu: Yes
Delay: Have you met him before?
Bintu: No.
Delay: Your whole life?
Bintu: My whole life.
Delay: Have you heard his name before?
Bintu: No.. mmm, Okay, George.
Delay: Does your mom know where he is?
Bintu: No, not even my grandmother.
The 24-year-old went on to explain that she sometimes wishes to know why her father was not in the picture even though she has never met or seen his picture 0before.
She added that despite living with her father’s mother for a good part of her younger age, not even her grandmother could provide certain answers to the whereabouts her father.
When she was asked whether she cries about the absence of her father, the answer was about 20 long seconds of silence and big sighs followed by a request for the topic to be dropped.
Popular TikToker, Hajia Bintu has stated that she is aware of the fact that she is seen as a sex symbol and that she does not have any issue with that.
Speaking during an interview on the Delay Show, the social media personality said every woman ought to see herself as a symbol of sex.
“I mean, every woman is a sex symbol… What I am trying to say is that as far as you are a woman you need to psyche yourself up that you are a sex symbol,” the 24-year-old stated.
According to Hajia Bintu, born as Naomi Asiamah, her curvy and heavy backside is all natural.
She denied claims that she has had her body artificially enhanced.
“I’ve not pumped my buttocks. I wasn’t skinny and I think it’s growth. Maybe when I was young I did not know of angles but now when I take pictures, I take them with the right angles that’s why you see things like that,” she said.
A Japanese civil servant in Osaka was recently forced to return 1.44 million yen ($11,000) of his salary after being found guilty of smoking during work hours more than 4,500 times in 14 years.
When people say smoking is an expensive vice, they are generally referring to the cost of cigarretes, but in cities like Osaka, smokers risk having important sums of money deducted from their salaries if caught smoking on the job. A director-level civil servant recently found this out the hard way after being hit with a fine of approximately $11,000 for thousands of cigarettes smoked during work hours for 14 years. The 61-year-old employee who was found to have smoked a total of 4,512 times in the past 14 and a half years while he was at work, the equivalent of 355 hours and 19 minutes spent not doing his job.
The offender and two other colleagues from the Osaka Prefectural Government were originally investigated for smoking on the job in September of 2022, after their human resource office received anonymous complaints about their smoking habits. However, they did not heed warnings from their supervisors and lied about smoking in an interview.
The Mainichi Shimbun newspaper reported that the civil servant was found to be in violation of “duty of devotion” under the Local Public Service Act, and forced to return 1.44 million yen of his salary, in addition to a six-month 10 percent wage reduction penalty. A thorough investigation found that he had smoked a total of 4,512 times at work during the last 14 and a half years.
Osaka has some of the strictest smoking laws in the world. A ban on government premises such as offices and public schools was introduced over 2 decades ago, and government employees were banned from smoking during work hours in 2019.
People’s reactions to the penalty have been generally sympathetic. Some argued that having to go off-site for a smoke would have meant wasting even more time, while others said that one can waste time at work by drinking tea, eating snacks or just chatting, but those are not punishable offenses, so neither should be smoking tobacco.
A similar case was reported in 2019, when a teacher was ordered to pay back one million yen in salary earnings after having been found guilty of taking around 3,400 illicit smoke breaks during work hours.
Authorities in Russia have detained a juvenile girl for reportedly ordering her mother’s contract killing.
It is believed that 38-year-old estate agent Anastasia Milosskaya was killed by beating and strangulation.
According to Russian news, her body was found bound in plastic and wrapped in a mattress by a neighborhood custodian after being dumped in a trash can in the city of Balashikha, which is close to Moscow.
Authorities have already detained the woman’s daughter, 14, and a 15-year-old boy who is thought to be her daughter’s boyfriend on suspicion of paying two other teens to assassinate Ms. Milosskaya for just 350,000 rubles (about £3,600).
Reports state the 15-year-old boy had been living with the family at their flat.
Prior to her death, Ms Milosskaya had apparently tried to get him to leave, believing him to be a bad influence on her daughter.
The teenage couple are also accused of later letting their two accomplices into the apartment, and being present for the killing of Ms Milosskaya at the property, it has been reported.
Ms Milosskaya reportedly attempted to get her daughter’s boyfriend to leave the property where he had been leaving with the family (Picture: East2West)
The alleged contract-killers are thought to have then left the body at the flat, returning two days later to dispose of it in the skip where it was later found.
The suspects, all under the age of 17, have reportedly been charged with murder and conspiracy to murder, and will remain in an adolescent facility pending further investigation.
If convicted, they face a maximum sentence of 10 years, initially to be served in a youth correctional colony.
Investigators are reported to have further alleged the girl and her boyfriend had planned to live off her mother’s roughly £30,000 in savings.
A friend of Ms Miloskayya’s daughter has been quoted as saying: ‘She spoke about hating her mother many times, even though her mother was a good person who loved her.’
The Pensioner Bondholders Forum have given government a two-week ultimatum to allow it pay them their respective coupon rates on matured bonds.
The development comes after they accused government of defaulting in paying their yields on matured bonds.
Despite government’s pledge to honor coupon rates on matured bondholders who did not sign up for the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme, pensioner bondholders assert that they are yet to receive payments of coupons and principals on their investments.
“If you exempt any bonds, you have effectively said as for your bonds, I don’t have any problems paying so go and sleep anytime your coupon is due, just go to your bank and it will be there, that is the dictate of the market and government is not doing that we have drawn attention of government to that, is the third time we are doing that,” Convenor of the Forum, Dr. Adu Anane Antwi lamented.
The Pensioner Bondholders however say they will resume picketing the Finance Ministry should government fail to honor the payments.
“We think that we will not allow it to continue and that’s why we are saying if by 21st all these anomalies are not resolved for us to return to normalcy and get our coupons and principals as and when they are due, then we will resume our picketing” Dr Antwi is quoted in a Joy Business report.
The Pensioner Bondholders Forum have given government a two-week ultimatum to allow it pay them their respective coupon rates on matured bonds.
The development comes after they accused government of defaulting in paying their yields on matured bonds.
Despite government’s pledge to honor coupon rates on matured bondholders who did not sign up for the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme, pensioner bondholders assert that they are yet to receive payments of coupons and principals on their investments.
“If you exempt any bonds, you have effectively said as for your bonds, I don’t have any problems paying so go and sleep anytime your coupon is due, just go to your bank and it will be there, that is the dictate of the market and government is not doing that we have drawn attention of government to that, is the third time we are doing that,” Convenor of the Forum, Dr. Adu Anane Antwi lamented.
The Pensioner Bondholders however say they will resume picketing the Finance Ministry should government fail to honor the payments.
“We think that we will not allow it to continue and that’s why we are saying if by 21st all these anomalies are not resolved for us to return to normalcy and get our coupons and principals as and when they are due, then we will resume our picketing” Dr Antwi is quoted in a Joy Business report.
The Pensioner Bondholders Forum have given government a two-week ultimatum to allow it pay them their respective coupon rates on matured bonds.
The development comes after they accused government of defaulting in paying their yields on matured bonds.
Despite government’s pledge to honor coupon rates on matured bondholders who did not sign up for the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme, pensioner bondholders assert that they are yet to receive payments of coupons and principals on their investments.
“If you exempt any bonds, you have effectively said as for your bonds, I don’t have any problems paying so go and sleep anytime your coupon is due, just go to your bank and it will be there, that is the dictate of the market and government is not doing that we have drawn attention of government to that, is the third time we are doing that,” Convenor of the Forum, Dr. Adu Anane Antwi lamented.
The Pensioner Bondholders however say they will resume picketing the Finance Ministry should government fail to honor the payments.
“We think that we will not allow it to continue and that’s why we are saying if by 21st all these anomalies are not resolved for us to return to normalcy and get our coupons and principals as and when they are due, then we will resume our picketing” Dr Antwi is quoted in a Joy Business report.
The Volta Regional Directorate of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has mobilised GH¢12.5 million from its debtors within one week of debt collection operation in the region.
The amount realised is above the initial target of GH¢5 million, representing 250 percent of the revenue mobilisation.
Benjamin Obeng Antwi, the Regional Public Relations Officer, who disclosed this to the Ghana News Agency in Ho, said the second-week operation was being finalised.
The ECG is embarking on a revenue mobilisation drive to retrieve a debt of GH¢5.7 billion across the country, of which customers in the Volta and Oti regions owe about GH¢219 million.
The exercise is being undertaken in 11 operational districts across the two regions and was yielding the desired results, he said, with two more weeks to go.
Meanwhile, the Regional Directorate has served the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) a demand notice to redeem its GH¢17 million accrued between 2021 and till date.
The entire Kpeve headworks alone owes the highest amount of about GH¢13 million in power arrears with the least being GH¢68.48.
The notice, which was signed by Michael Buabin, the Acting General Manager of ECG, Volta Region, sighted by the GNA, is urging the GWCL to pay up its bills on or before April 4, this year, or face disconnection across its offices and generating facilities in the region.
The letter partly read: “We are compelled to serve you a disconnection notice following PURC Regulations LI 2413, 37, sub-regulation (2), which states that a public utility that seeks to disconnect a service under paragraphs (b) and (c) of sub-regulation (1) shall give the consumer written notice of disconnection at least three working days before disconnecting the service.”
“In line with the above regulation, you are required to settle all arrears within six working days or your facility will be disconnected on Monday, April 4.”
In an interview with the GNA, Mr Buabin reiterated that ECG never took delight in disconnecting its clients but as a business entity, which bought power to trade for profit, it could crush when unpaid bills piled-up uncollected.
He said disconnections as the last resort was carried out to prevent the customer from accruing more debt and to enable the Company to gather more revenue to keep the electricity supply chain running.
“We want to make Volta Region the hub of excellent customer service so we want to ensure stable power supply in the region and the revenue from our customers will enable us to complete pending projects and initiate new ones,” he said.
Following the rejection of a “insulting” salary offer, schools in England are preparing for additional industrial action.
An overwhelming 98% of National Education Union (NEU) members rejected the proposal, delivering the government a strong message.
Further strike dates have been set for April 27 and May 2, respectively.
The NEU said the offer amounted to a £1,000 payment for the current school year and a 4.3% rise for most teachers next year.
Teachers walked out of classrooms in February and March i a dispute over pay (Picture: Getty)
Mary Bousted and Kevin Courtney, joint general secretaries of the NEU, said: ‘This resounding rejection of the government’s offer should leave Gillian Keegan in no doubt that she will need to come back to the negotiating table with a much better proposal.
‘This shows an astounding lack of judgment and understanding of the desperate situation in the education system.
‘We have today written to the education secretary informing her of the next two days of strike action on April 27 and May 2 that NEU teacher members in England will now be taking.
‘These strikes are more than three weeks away; Gillian Keegan can avoid them.’
The result of the ballot was announced at the beginning of the NEU’s conference in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, this morning.
It comes despite warnings from education secretary Gillian Keegan that teachers could miss out on an increased pay deal this year if they rejected the offer.
Many schools in the country were forced to partially or fully close during strikes staged by union members in February and March as a result of the dispute.
Members of the NASUWT teaching union, the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) and the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) are also being asked for feedback on the government’s offer, which some described as ‘inadequate’.
Paul Whiteman, general secretary of the NAHT, stressed last week that strikes by school leaders will be ‘necessary’ if members decide to reject it.
In January, a ballot of NAHT members failed to meet the mandatory 50% turnout threshold required for strike action.
But the NAHT has said it could move to a second formal industrial action ballot if its members choose to turn it down.
This week on five outfits for five days of work, we have Ghanaian on-air personality and influencer, Serwaa Amihere as our workwear inspiration.
Her Instagram page is full of workwear looks for every working woman. Here are five outfits to inspire you.
Monday
Start your week off in a classic black and white gown. love the white collars and sleeves on a black gown.
Tuesday
Peplum is back in season after a few years off the radar. I love the cuts by the shoulders, it’s sexy but work-appropriate.
Wednesday
A colour combination will always brighten you up mid-week. Love the pink and red shirt and pants look. The puffy sleeve and the bow are especially cute.
Thursday
When in doubt, go nude, especially love the wrapping at the mid-length of the gown.
Friday
Lavender is one of the soft beautiful colours every woman should wear. The sleeveless and flowing nature of the gown makes it perfect for a Friday.
The Mayor of London has stated that killer copy Wayne Couzens should have his police pension taken away for the kidnapping, rape, and murder of Sarah Everard.
After serving in the Civil Nuclear Constabulary, Wayne Couzens is still eligible for a pension (CNC).
For killing Ms. Everard, 33, whom he kidnapped from the streets of south London in March 2021, Couzens is currently receiving a life sentence.
Although Mr. Khan requested that the Home Office reject him of it, he had already had his Metropolitan Police pension taken away, according to Sky News.
But in a letter, Mr Khan claims Couzens is still entitled to a pension from the CNC, where he served between 2011 and 2018.
The CNC safeguards nuclear facilities in the UK, and Mr Khan has written to energy secretary Grant Shapps calling for him to take the same measures as the Home Office.
His letter reads: ‘I note that Couzens joined the CNC in 2011 as a constable. When he transferred to the MPS in 2018, he did not transfer his pension service.
‘It remains there, and is not covered by the pension forfeiture certificate I was able to obtain as it sits outside the normal police pension regulations.’
A spokesman for the mayor added: ‘It will be totally unacceptable if Couzens remains entitled to a single penny of his pension – it would be very difficult for his victims and the wider public to comprehend.
‘The rules need to be tightened to ensure anyone who commits such abhorrent crimes can have their publicly-funded pension removed swiftly and in full.’
Couzens was found guilty in February of three counts of indecent exposure, which took place between November 2020 and February 2021, months before killing Ms Everard.
A Kent Police sergeant will face a misconduct hearing, and a Met Police constable a gross misconduct hearing, over the way they handled previous indecent exposure reports.
Ghanaian musician, Paul Nii Amu Andrew Darko known as Darko Vibes, has highlighted the benefits of smoking weeds.
The smoking of Marijuana continues to remain illegal in Ghana. However, in March, 2020, parliament passed into law the Narcotics Control Commission Bill 2019. Legalising the growing of some cannabis for health purposes.
The law also makes the country’s Narcotics Control Board (NACOB) a Commission with enhanced powers to oversee the industrial use of some narcotic substances.
Speaking in an interview with Sammy Kay on the Go online show, Darko Vibes admitted to smoking weed. He said sometimes after a long day from his daily activities he smokes weed. When asked about the benefit he derives from it, he indicated it makes him high.
The Je M’apelle hitmaker also revealed that smoking the weed puts him in a relaxation mood.
According to him, smoking doesn’t kill hence advised blogger, Sammy Kay to try it. He jovially also added that everyone has to experience life and try new things.
Ghanaian broadcaster, Kofi Okyere Darko (KOD) has expressed his disappointment with a recent statement made by veteran musician Gyedu-Blay Ambolley about the current state of highlife.
Ambolley in an interview with Graphic Showbiz said that the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA) has vitiated the highlife music genre.
He said giving the topmost awards to artistes in other music genres in the VGMA has affected the fortunes of highlife.
He also raised concerns the quality of artistes nominated in the Best Highlife Artiste of the Year category of the awards.
“It is unfortunate that people think when you sing in Twi or Fante over a Dancehall or Reggae beats it automatically makes it Highlife music. That is not true but it has become the norm over the years because these are the kinds of music VGMA rewards.”
“Today, if anyone wants to have an idea of what Ghana represents in terms of music, I bet the person will not count any Highlife artiste since all the perceived big acts currently are not doing Highlife.”
“We have buried our own and pursuing Dancehall music and the likes and interestingly, the VGMA has been promoting the agenda by rewarding such artistes with the topmost prizes,” he said.
In his reaction, KOD described Ambolley’s assertion as “nonsense.”
He intimated that the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards has contributed greatly to the Ghanaian music industry.
“Which awards scheme has projected our music industry like VGMA since independence? How many have projected our musicians beyond GH. How many have consistently done more than 10 years?” he wrote on his Facebook timeline.
He said Ambolley should rather lay the blame on radio stations.
“When was the last time he released an album? He should be blaming some of the radio stations who don’t even play our music.
When was the last time or how often do you hear highlife on radio? VGMA cause am?,” added.
Read KOD’s full post on Facebook below:
Such nonsense!
Which awards scheme has projected our music industry like VGMA since independence? How many have projected our musicians beyond GH. How many have consistently done more than 10 years?
Some of our musicians have failed to evolve and quick to blame others for their personal mishaps. When was the last time he released an album? He should be blaming some of the radio stations who don’t even play our music.
When was the last time or how often do you hear highlife on radio? VGMA cause am?
People should look at evolving and projecting themselves instead of pointing accusing fingers.
Ambulley should be bigger than this petty comment and should check how he discredits his fellow industry colleagues too. You’re a true celebrity. Don’t go this path Sir.
As one of our last of our greats left, this is below him.
Ghanaian artistes Wendy Shay and D-Cryme have been billed to perform at the Sogakope To The World concert scheduled for Friday, April 7, 2023.
Wendy Shay, and D-Cryme are expected to grace the stage alongside Chief One and Masaany in what has been dubbed the official Easter party in the Volta Region.
The Tent of Judah in Sogakope will be the venue of attraction with thousands of revelers expected to throng Sogakope for the big show.
According to the organizers, all efforts and arrangements are being made to give patrons a fantastic show.
Whereas Wendy Shay and D-Cryme need no introduction, Chief One and Masaany have the past years built a cult following with their amazing talent and they are expected to bring the energy live at the show.
Rachel Jackson‘s body was discovered by police after she went missing on Friday night, and tributes have been made to her.
Ms. Jackson, a 38-year-old Didsbury resident, was last seen around 7 p.m. on Friday in Avenham, Preston, near Wadham Road.
She had driven from Manchester to Preston to see friends, and after spending the evening with them, she announced that she needed to walk outside for ten minutes to get some fresh air. She never came back.
Friends had earlier said that after she left the property, she did not return, and gave no indication before she left as to where she was going.
At the time she went missing, a description of Rachel was published and she was described as white, between 5ft 6in and 5ft 7in tall, slim and with blonde dreadlocks.
She was last seen wearing a multi-coloured ski jacket, bright coloured Pokemon jeans with black swirls and orange trainers.
She was also carrying a pastel coloured ‘Barcelona’ shoulder bag and has an old-style purple Raleigh bicycle with her.
As well as having links to Preston and Manchester, Rachel has links to Blackpool too.
Lancashire Police have now confirmed the body of a woman has been found in Avenham Park.
Rachel’s sister Sarah Jackson has paid tribute to her in a post on a Go Fund Me page to raise money for a ‘beautiful, colourful, Rachel-esque send off’.
Sarah said: ‘Yesterday, the unthinkable happened and after an awful day of searching, the news came in that my precious, beautiful sister had been found dead.
‘I never thought I’d have to do this but we need to raise funds to give her the most beautiful, colourful, Rachel-esque send off ever.
‘She was a sparkling ray of sunshine who brought unconditional love, joy and beauty to the lives of every single person she encountered.
‘I’ve never met anyone who loved so purely and deeply, never met anyone with the compassion and empathy she had.
‘She was one in a million and our family are in pieces at having lost the beautiful rainbow in our sky.
‘Our lives will never be the same and the pain is so deep and raw, but your donations will ease the financial struggles for the funeral and memorial at least.
‘I know Rachel’s pure love, zaniness and beauty touched all your lives: please donate whatever you can in memory of this precious, one of a kind soul.’
A statement from the force said: ‘Earlier today (Saturday, April 1) police found the body of a woman in Avenham Park. While she has yet to be formally identified, it is believed to be Rachel. Her next of kin have been informed.
‘The death is not being treated as suspicious and a file will be passed to HM Coroner. Our thoughts are with Rachel’s family and friends at this very sad and difficult time.’
A couple died and their teenage daughter was left with serious injuries after jumping from a hot air balloon when it burst into flames.
Jose Nolasco, 50, and his wife Viridiana Becerril, 39 died after the accident near the pre-Hispanic ruin site of Teotihuacan, just north of Mexico City.
Their daughter Regina Itzani, 13, is in hospital with a broken arm and second-degree burns but is expected to survive.
The family posed for a selfie just moments before the hot air balloon burst into flames, and it emerged the ride was a surprise birthday present Regina and her dad had organised for Viridiana.
Three people were also injured and the pilot of the balloon is yet to be found (Picture: EPA)
Reyna Gloria Sarmiento, Regina’s grandmother, told the local press the teenager had yet to be told her parents had died.
She added: ‘It was the birthday of my daughter Viridiana, Regina’s mum, and they had prepared this ride as as a surprise for her.’
Saying her granddaughter was ‘conscious’ and stable in hospital, Gloria also revealed she had hugged her parents before jumping out of the hot air balloon.
Footage of the tragedy taken by an onlooker showed the hot air balloon deflating as flames engulfed the basket below where the Mexican family were enjoying their ride.
The onlooker could be overheard saying in Spanish: ‘My God, people are falling’ as a person plummeted to the ground.’
It was not immediately clear if that person was Regina, or the pilot of the hot air balloon who is said to have been the second person who jumped out of the basket as it was engulfed by flames.
His whereabouts were believed to be still unknown.
An investigation into the tragedy is ongoing. Initial local reports said it could be linked to a fault in the fuel storage system.
Town hall officials in Caujimalpa de Morelos west of Mexico City where the family came from, said in a statement: ‘We send our condolences to the family, friends and acquaintances of Jose Nolasco and Viridiana Becerril who died in the hot air balloon tragedy in Teotihuacan.
‘Our solidarity and prayers are with Regina and we wish her a speedy recovery.’
Khosi, the 25-year-old South African journalist emerged the winner of the Big Brother Titans reality show, which ended on Sunday night.
The show brought together 24 Africans – 12 Nigerians and 12 South Africans – under one roof for 72-days and at the end of the show, Khosi Twala was the last one standing and walked away with the US$100,000 winner prize
She was followed by Nigerian model, Kanaga Jnr as the first runner up.
The 2nd-runner up position went to South Africa, Tsatsii.
For the first time, the franchise reality show paired only Nigerians and South Africans, instead of the larger cast of Africans from East, West and South.
Khosi was born in Nata, Central District of Botswana.
As the winner of Big Brother Titans, Khosi walks home with a grand prize of $100,000 cash prize, including endorsement deals and fame.
Khosi is a South African journalist
She had revealed that she was in the Big Brother Titan house for quick fame and the money as well.
She further added that she is an explosive combo of beauty and brains.
Nigeria’s famous OAP and Big Brother Naija serial host, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu alongside South Africa’s renowned actor, OAP and Big Brother Mzansi’s host, Lawrence Maleka anchored the show.
They are reputed as two of the finest comperes in the continent of Africa and indeed entertained viewers with their mesmerizing presentation skills.
New Patriotic Party flagbearer hopeful, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong has stated that majority of soldiers are willing to vote for him to become President if given the nod as the NPP flagbearer.
He says he is currently the only politician in Ghana whose ambition resonates with the ordinary Ghanaian.
According to the Assin Central Member of Parliament, even members of the Ghana Armed Forces are in full support of his bid to become president due to his history and contribution towards the welfare of the army.
“Ghana is hard but soldiers are saying that ‘Kennedy Agyapong, do not listen to anyone asking you to resign from the contest because you will win the 2024 election.’ Why are soldiers asking me not to resign? Because I am the only man in the history of Ghana who has taken $6 million from his own pocket to build a cardio and dialysis centre at the 37 Military Hospital.
“I am the only politician who has five fish ponds each spanning one kilometre at Atwima Kwanwoma in the Ashanti Region which I have gifted to the Ghana Armed Forces to be used in feeding soldiers. Because of that the soldiers ‘say we will reward you for the good you have done for us. If you don’t believe it, come to Burma Camp and conduct a survey, about 85% of soldiers will vote for you,” he told a group of NPP members in a campaign video shared by Oman Channel.
Kennedy Ohene Agyapong and some leading members of the NPP have declared their bids to contest the party’s flagbearership ahead of the 2024 presidential elections.
Some of his contenders include former Trade Minister Alan Kyerematen and Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.
But speaking to the party supporters in the video sighted by GhanaWeb, Kennedy Agyapong stated that he remains the only viable candidate in the NPP capable of defeating former President John Dramani Mahama who is deemed the ‘presumptive’ flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress.
This is when a Russian flag is said to have been flown over the Bakhmut administration building.
Yevgeny Prigozhin, the founder of the private military organization Wagner, asserted today that his troops had ‘legally’ taken control of the 70,000-person city in east Ukraine.
“Bakhmut has been taken from a legal standpoint.” In an audio message uploaded on his press service’s Telegram account, he claimed that the enemy was concentrating in the western regions.
Bakhmut saw fighting start in May of last year, but Russian forces didn’t make significant headway there until January and February, making it one of the longest battles of the war.
Footage of the night hoisting of the Russian flag on the administration building in Artyomovsk
Prigozhin’s claim of victory comes despite assurances from Ukrainian officials, who dismissed the video as a stunt and said its army still holds the city.
In his nightly address, Volodymyr Zelensky indicated that fighting was continuing to heat up.
But the president gave no indication the city had fallen in the hands of Vladimir Putin’s shadow army.
Bakhmut and several other towns including Avdiivka were at the ‘epicentre of hostilities’, a statement from Ukraine’ military said last night.
‘The enemy continues its assault Bakhmut. But our defenders courageously hold the city,’ it said.
Zelensky thanked soldiers fighting in Avdiivka, Maryinka, and Bakhmut. ‘Especially Bakhmut. It is especially hot there,’ he stressed.
Ukrainian deputy defence minister Hanna Maliar had previously described the situation in the city as ‘tense’.
She said Ukrainian forces were defending their positions, while Russia’s were paying scant attention to losses as they attacked.
Ukrainian military analyst Oleh Zhdanov said fighting had engulfed the centre of Bakhmut.
Ukrainian forces had repelled 25 enemy attacks, but enemy troops had captured the AZOM metal plant.
‘The enemy is attacking the city centre from the north, the east and the south and is trying to take the city under its full control,’ Zhdanov, who has close ties to the Ukrainian military, said in a video on YouTube.
Per reports, “excessive drinking” among Russian soldiers in Ukraine is to blame for a “especially high” number of their fatalities, injuries, and crimes.
The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) reported that a “substantial percentage” of Vladimir Putin’s soldiers had passed away from “non-combat reasons,” such as drunkenness, in a daily update on Twitter.
The majority of Soviet soldiers were killed or wounded in battle, but other factors, such as “bad weapon handling drills,” “alcohol misuse,” and weather-related injuries like hypothermia, were also to blame.
The MoD said: ‘While Russia has suffered up to 200,000 casualties since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, a significant minority of these have been due to non-combat causes.
‘On March 27, 2023, a Russian Telegram news channel reported there have been ‘extremely high’ numbers of incidents, crimes, and deaths linked to alcohol consumption amongst the deployed Russian forces.’
It said that Russian commanders ‘likely identify pervasive alcohol abuse as particularly detrimental to combat effectiveness’.
The MoD added despite the negative impact alcohol is having on troops, ‘heavy drinking [is] pervasive across much of Russian society’ and ‘it has long been seen as a tacitly accepted part of military life, even on combat operations’.
The report is another damning indictment on Russian’s struggling forces, after claims troops have been sent to war with little training and poor equipment.
Morale among soldiers has apparently been low for many months, after forces were told at the start of the war it would be an easy win for Russia.
Currently, much of the fiercest fighting is happening around the city of Bakhmut, in Eastern Ukraine.
Today it was reported that the head of Russia’s Wagner mercenary group claimed Bakhmut was now Russian ‘in a legal sense’, after raising a Russian flag over its city hall.
But he admitted Ukrainian forces were still concentrated in western districts.
Although Russia is seen as a nation of big drinkers, the Sun reports that its alcohol consumption per capita is only slightly higher than in the UK, with 11.7 litres compared to the UK’s 11.4 litres.\
There is no exemption to this rule, not even for senior Tories like Suella Braverman, who is accused of abusing the system to have the government pay her $25,000 energy bill.
According to the Mirror, the home secretary has lived rent-free with her parents when she is away while claiming the staggering amount over the course of five years for her London property.
Although the requests for utility payments are legal under legislative rules, the millions of people affected by the cost of living crisis are likely to be incensed by this extravagant spending.
The home secretary appeared on the BBC 1 current affairs programme, Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg (Picture: PA)
There are also those who question why MPs who have great personal wealth can claim for expenses at all.
Even more, an investigation by the newspaper suggests Ms Braverman uses them to pay the household bills on her £1.2 million family pad in Bushey, Hertfordshire.
Former Committee on Standards in Public Life chairman Sir Alistair Graham said this looks like an attempt to ‘game the rules to maximise benefit’.
‘She says she “fully funds” her constituency accommodation but does not reveal it is owned by her parents,’ he added.
‘Those are weasel words, she needs to explain what it means. Is she manipulating the rules to strengthen her household income? It has the smell of a conspiracy to do that.’
Being an MP is a two-centre job, and so the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority permits those representing constituencies outside the capital to fund accommodation and associated costs in a second location.
This includes energy, utilities, internet and council tax., but not MPs’ mortgages or mortgage interest.
For 2022-23, the accommodation budget is £25,080 for renting in London, and £17,840 for outside.
This is why Ms Braverman’s expense claims for her parents’ home are ‘difficult to justify’, argues Liberal Democrat chief whip Wendy Chamberlain.
He said: ‘Even if it is within the rules, it is not within the spirit of the rules. It shows how out of touch some Conservative MPs have become.’
A source close to the senior MP, who has recently been in the news for her greatly controversial plans to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda, would not confirm if she contributed to the costs of the house her parents Uma and Christie own.
‘The home secretary has chosen not to rent a home in her constituency for which she would be entitled to claim £17,000 a year, and therefore saving the taxpayer money,’ he said.
‘Instead, when she became MP for Fareham, she and her family made a home in her constituency so she could stay there.
‘She doesn’t claim a penny from the taxpayer on this home.’
Flag bearer hopeful of the governing New Patriotic Party, Alan Kyerematen on Sunday (2 April) visited the family of the deceased Member of Parliament for Kumawu to console them.
The late Philip Atta Basoah was taken ill last week and died at about 10 pm on Monday (27 March 2023) while receiving treatment at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra.
Paying tributes to the man he described as a “younger brother”, Alan said he was saddened by the news about the lawmaker’s demise.
“I can fully understand the hurts and sadness in this house, in this family and the NPP as well as the whole country but I just want you to know that God allowed this to happen and I pray he finds a way to comfort and console all of us”, the former Trade Minister said.
Mr Kyerematen was joined by his campaign team to mourn the late NPP lawmaker.
Ashanti Regional Coordinator ‘Team Alan’ and former MP for Manhyia North Collins Owusu Amankwah recounted the frustrations the late lawmaker encountered stressing that, that did not discourage him from serving his party and constituents.
“It’s a sorry sight-seeing all of us gathered to mourn someone who was humane to be treated in such a bad manner and for me, I am comforted that he knew God and would be in a good place now”, the former MP stated.
For his part, the head of the family of the late MP Lawyer Asiedu Basoah thanked Mr Kyerematen and his team for the visit.
The death of the late Philip Basoah, he noted was a big blow to the family and members were yet to come to terms with the same.
He disclosed that the one-week traditional rites for the late MP would be held on the 27th day of April.
“The family has met and decided that the one-week rites should be held on the 27th day of April 2023 and we believe by that time we would have settled on the final date for the burial and funeral of our late brother and MP”, the family head stated.
Philip Basoah was born on 18 November 1969. He hailed from Kumawu in the Ashanti Region of Ghana.
He held a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Cape Coast, Ghana (2000) and also earned a Master’s degree from the Paris Graduate School of Management in 2012.
He earned a medical laboratory scientist’s certificate in 1986, followed by GCE O’ levels in 1991 and A’ levels in 1994.
The late Philip Basoah was the project coordinator for the Ghana Education Service in the Ashanti Region. He also served as the district chief executive for Sekyere East between June 2005 and January 2009, under the aegis of the Ministry of Local Government.
He was previously a tutor at Agogo Senior High School, also in the Ashanti Region.
In the 2016 Ghana general election, he won the Kumawu seat with 21,794 votes (or 78.2% of the total votes cast), against the NDC parliamentary aspirant, Emmanuel William Amoako, who secured 5,899 votes (21.2% of the total vote).
The aspirant running on the ticket of the Convention People’s Party, Opoku Kyei Clifford, won 188 votes, or 0.7% of the vote.
In 2020, Basoah retained the seat with 14,960 votes (51.1% of the total votes cast). The candidate for the NDC, Bernard Opoku Marfo, secured 2,439 votes.
The National Identification Authority (NIA) says it will from Wednesday begin the distribution of 541,529 National Identity Cards (Ghana Card) to applicants who applied since July 2022 but are yet to receive them.
This follows the completion of the expedited printing of backlog of cards, according to a statement issued by the Corporate Affairs Division of the NIA in Accra on Wednesday.
The exercise which started on March 18 to 27, was made possible by the release of GH¢100 million from the government to CalBank PLC to clear some debts for the release of blank cards for printing.
It said the printed cards, which were being packaged, would be distributed to NIA’s Regional and District Offices nationwide from today for issuance to registered applicants.
“The NIA stands committed to serving the public and the nation as a whole with respect, dignity, integrity and efficiency as a dedicated and responsible public sector institution,” it said.
The statement thanked the NIA stakeholders and staff who worked tirelessly on the printing.
The NIA has been at the centre of criticism from the public for weeks now due to their inability to print and issue cards to applicants who had been queuing at various centres.
The Executive Secretary of the Authority, Prof. Kenneth Agyemang Attafuah, was dragged to parliament to explain the delay in printing the cards, following which the Ministry of Finance released money for the blank cards.
Launched in 2017, after a number of failed attempts, the card is a biometric national identification being issued by the NIA to both resident and non-resident Ghanaians and permanently resident foreign nationals as proof of identity, citizenship and residence.
The card and the phased registration exercise is governed by NIA Act, 2006 (Act 707) that gives the Authority the legal impetus and the National Identity Register Act, 2008 (Act 750) that authorises it to collect personal and biometric data.
More than 16 million Ghanaians have so far registered for the Ghana card, representing 85 per cent of Ghana’s adult population.
A lady who was allegedly engaged in the murder of a military blogger who supported the Kremlin has been arrested.
The FSB and Investigative Committee detained Daria Trepova today in St. Petersburg.
According to earlier reports, she was “on the run” because police believed she had given Vladlen Tatarsky the explosive that caused his death and the injuries of 32 others on Sunday in a café in St. Petersburg.
Her first words on being detained at Severnaya Dolina residential complex were ‘I was set up. I was just being used’, according to pro-state Shot media.
Daria Trepova has been detained (Picture: Social media/e2w)
She was earlier placed on the interior ministry’s wanted list and her arrest was later confirmed by Russia’s Investigative Committee.
Tatarsky, who had more than 560,000 followers on Telegram and had reported from the frontline in Ukraine, had been handed the gold bust by an unidentified woman.
Footage allegedly shows Trepova, who was previously detained at anti-war rallies, walking to the café carrying a box that ‘may have the statue inside’.
One report claims security tried to stop the woman from bringing it inside due to fears it could be an explosive.
But she asked Tatarsky for permission and he said ‘bring in it….we will check if there is something inside’.
Someone at the event claimed the images ‘show the moment after the young woman gave him the bust and started walking back to her seat’.
‘Vladlen stopped her, and asked her to sit next to him. She said she was shy, but then she went to sit close, as we can see on the second picture’, they said.
But a report by Telegram channel VCK-OGPU claimed it had access to Trepova’s private web exchanges with a friend in a secret web chat.
After the explosion Trepova allegedly messaged her friend to say: ‘I could have died there, I’d rather have died there, I was set up.’
Trepova’s partner is reported to be Dmitry Rylov, a member of the so-called Russian Liberation Army who is also reportedly wanted by the secret services.
But he is reported to have said: ‘I am in full confidence that she would never be able to do something like that on her own volition.
‘Yes, with Daria we really do not support the war in Ukraine, but we believe that such actions are unacceptable.
‘I am 100% sure that she would never have agreed to such a thing if she had known.’
According to him, she ‘completely misunderstood the purpose’ of the statuette she allegedly gave to Tatarsky.
Her flat has been searched and some reports say her mother was arrested.
A second suspect was earlier named as Maria Yarun, 40, who was born in Ukraine and is said to be in hospital in St Petersburg.
Trepova didn’t show up for her planned flight at Pulkovo airport in St Petersburg last night, Izvestia reports.
It’s suggested she was planning to fly to Tbilisi, capital of Georgia, via Istanbul.
A video shows Tatarsky vowing the destruction of Ukraine, which has faced devastation since Vladimir Putin sent troops in last February.
‘We’ll conquer everyone, we’ll kill everyone’, he boasted. ‘We’ll loot whoever we need to, and everything will be just as we like it.’
Some Russian outlets have accused Ukrainian authorities of being involved but others it is currently unclear who is responsible.
Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin admitted he had owned the cafe where the explosion killed Tatarsky, but said he’d since passed the cafe to a patriotic movement called Cyber Front Z.
He said: ‘They were doing various seminars there. It is indeed similar to the murder of Darya Dugina [daughter of a Putin ideologue who was killed aged 29 last year in a car explosion].
‘I would not blame the Kyiv regime for it. I think it was a group of [Ukrainian] right wing radicals who did it, which is unlikely to be linked to the government.’
The pro-Putin speaker of the Russian senate Valentina Matviyenko paid tribute to Tatarsky, saying he ‘wrote the truth’ and ‘did a lot for our future victory’.
‘As a result he became a target for our enemies, who are afraid of the strength of our spirit, our people’s will’, she said.
Professor Baffour Agyeman-Duah, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of John Kufuor Foundation, says the “winner takes all” attitude and politics of exclusion have heightened unhealthy rivalry among political parties.
He said such rivalry encouraged parties in opposition to simply oppose and discredit the government of the day.
“This rivalry has also led to the abandonment of projects initiated by preceding governments irrespective of the relevance and how much has been put into it and above all, it has led to a short-sighted approach to development,” he said.
Prof Agyeman-Duah said this during a television discussion on the topic, “Getting it right after 30 years. My case for Constitutional Review”.
He noted that political party organisation and electoral politics in Ghana had been heavily monetised, with highest bidder often winning elections.
The Professor said the cost of participation and embedded corruption in party politics had excluded many individuals with promise, whether young or old.
He said another key area where party democracy in Ghana seemed to have flopped was with the actualisation of political participation.
Prof Agyeman-Duah said the 1992 Constitution invested so much power in the Executive at the expense of the other arms of Government, with presidential appointments becoming the means to creating jobs for party members and friends in Parliament.
Mr Oliver Barker-Vormawor, Legal Practitioner and Researcher, said the 1992 Constitution had failed to deliver to Ghanaians the blessings of prosperity and equal opportunity and rather allowed a select few to prosper at the expense of all.
He said the 1992 Constitution should not be considered as untouchable and called for a new Constitution to restore faith in the “project Ghana.”
The Lawyer said a new Constitution was a process, not an event and an opportunity to rebuild societies’ beliefs and desires for change from the ground up.
“The Constitution of the nation is much more than a simple road traffic law. It carries with it the hopes and aspirations of the people and when they have lost belief and hope, when they are no longer compelled by the moral authority of that document, the Constitution has lost its rhythm there.”
“It will forever mean very little to the Executive that swears an oath to uphold it and to the Judiciary that is called upon to interpret it, yet undermines it at every opportunity. When we call for a new Constitution, we are calling for more than the gathering of a few lawyers to produce for us another document without a soul but a document of our own making,” he said.
As per reports, animal rights activists are preparing to disrupt one of the biggest horse races in the world.
Extinction Rebellion’s branch Animal Rebellion plans to blockade the Grand National track at Aintree, Merseyside, in an effort to “ruin” the race.
The group claims that however their plot is discovered, protests will still take place.
A Mail on Sunday reporter snuck into a group gathering and discovered more than 100 people had signed up to participate in the action on April 15.
Animal Rebellion plans to protest the Grand National at Aintree (Credits: PA)
In the newspaper’s undercover footage, a woman tells the group: ‘Basically the kick-off action for this whole campaign is going to be at the Grand National. The biggest horse race in the world.
‘We have 600 million people viewing this horse race worldwide, we’ve got £300 million of bets on the horse race and we’re just going to ruin it.’
Another woman explained the plan: ‘There are like 100 of you now at the fence.
‘You get the ladders out. Put them up against the fence and you’re the first one over.
‘You start climbing that fence and you see security on the other side. You don’t care. You know you’re doing the right thing.’
The group then plan to form a human barricade and glue themselves to the course.
Animal Rebellion spokeswoman Rose Patterson said: ‘This April we are launching the biggest campaign to protect animals and the climate this country has ever seen.
‘One undercover Mail on Sunday reporter is not going to stop teachers, nurses, and more from acting for all life and really beginning the crucial conversation about our broken relationship with other animals.
‘This conversation is vital if we are to tackle the root causes of our climate and ecological crises.
‘Since 2000, this event alone has killed 40 animals. Most people would say they love animals, so why are we okay with this?
‘Whether it is for food or for sport, our relationship with animals is beyond broken.’
Merseyside Police warned any public order or criminal offences would be ‘dealt with robustly’.
A spokesman for the force added: ‘Merseyside Police has a robust policing plan in place for Aintree, as it does for any major public event, to ensure the safety and wellbeing of everyone involved.
‘We have been working with our partners, including The Jockey Club, for a number of months in the build-up to this year’s festival to ensure that any necessary plans and processes are in place to deal with any incidents that may arise and to prevent any significant or ongoing disruption to racegoers and local residents and businesses.
‘We respect the right to peaceful protest and expression of views, but public order or criminal offences will not be tolerated.’
The Chief Executive Officer of the John Kufuor Foundation, Professor Baffuor Agyeman-Duah, has called for a constitutional amendment on the powers of the President to appoint ministers of state.
According to him, the constitution gives too much power to the executive which makes it difficult for the other arms of government to perform their duties effectively.
This, he said, has translated into the appointment of party loyalists to the helm of affairs.
He said increasingly, presidential appointments have become a means to create jobs for party members, friends and family, which is at the root of recent controversies over the number of ministers, Supreme Court judges, directors, and CEOs and their deputies of State.
Professor Aygeman-Duah who was making a contribution to discussions during the fourth edition of Joy – Change Speakers Series, on Joy FM’s Newsfile programme, explained that the 1992 constitution vests so much power in the executive that the other two arms of government seem subdued.
He said the excess power of the executive has weakened the legislature in holding them in check.
“The Constitution gives almost limitless discretionary and appointing powers to the president and the power to appoint goes way beyond senior civil servants and heads of state agencies to district assembly members, even appointments to institutions classified by the constitution as independent are to be made by the president who is partisan yet we expect these bodies to be neutral.
“So apart from the so-called independent body, the constitution places no limits on numbers and levels to be appointed. This loophole and the discretion to create ministries and agencies at will enables self -aggrandising presidents to indulge in creating and dishing out positions with or without justification and unmindful of the burden on the taxpayer,” he said on Saturday.
He stressed the need for a constitutional amendment.
“The foregoing cases of constitutional lapses are among the reason why strong voices have emerged including mine for reviewing the 1992 Constitution,” he added.
A 43-year-old woman, Amina Musa will spend 10 years in prison with hard labour for unlawful possession and sale of cannabis popularly known as ‘weed’.
She was sentenced by the Jasikan Circuit Court, presided over His Honour Alfred Kwabena Asiedu, in the Oti Region on Friday, March 31, 2023.
Amina Mush was also ordered by the Court to pay a fine of 10,000 penalty units or in default serve another 3 years imprisonment which will run concurrently.
The Police prosecutor, Detective Inspector Bright Nkansah told the Court that on February 2023, the Nkwanta police patrol team acted on intelligence and arrested the suspect.
According to him, she was arrested at Nkwanta for possessing 18 parcels of cannabis (weed).
He explained that the suspect, who was travelling from Hohoe to Yendi, allegedly posed as a pregnant woman by fastening the slabs of the dried leaves on her belly.
However, luck eluded Amina, who was dressed in ‘maternity’ gown, when the officers on duty became suspicious of her strange body language.
A search conducted on her by police Nkwanta led to the recovery of the slabs of dried leaves suspected to be cannabis.
Detective Inspector Bright Nkansah said the matter went on full trial after which she was convicted of the charge and sentenced accordingly.
Amina Mussah, pleaded guilty simplicita to unlawful possession of narcotic drugs and she was convicted on her own plea.
On March 31, lawmakers passed through the Excise Duty Amendment Bill 2022, the Growth and Sustainability Levy Bill, 2022, the Ghana Revenue Authority Bill 2022, and the Income Tax Amendment Bill 2022.
While government believes the revenue bills are key towards clinching an IMF Board Level approval for a bailout and boosting domestic revenue efforts, the Food and Beverages Association has vehemently kicked against the decision.
Spokesperson for the Association, John Awuni accused lawmakers of disregarding citizens’ cries and agitations while approving the revenue bills.
“We feel very disappointed that the three tax bills were passed by theParliament of Ghana, especially supported by the NPP MPs when no one was consulted on the new bills. We are disappointed in this action and the MPs must realise that they are representing the people of Ghana and not themselves,” Awuni is quoted by citinewsroom.com
He further bemoaned the absolute disregard of the Association’s petition against the passage of the three revenue bills adding that a simple dialogue could have prevented the passage of the draconian taxes.
“We petitioned the Speaker of Parliament, the Trade Committee, and the Finance Committee and even petitioned the Majority and Minority Leaders in Parliament, but Parliament still went ahead and passed the bills.
He continued, “We could have all dialogued and found different ways of achieving results without hurting businesses, but they went ahead and approved the bills with impunity simply because they have the power and authority.”
John Awuni however called on government to suspend the implementation of the new taxes and find alternative ways to rake in revenue to avert a collapse of businesses in the country.
Suella Braverman has stated that she is “not familiar” with the widely reported five-year-old massacre of at least twelve refugees by Rwandan police.
When questioned about the event on Sunday in light of the government’s intentions to send migrants who arrive in the UK on small boats to Rwanda, the home secretary appeared to blank out.
Eight people who had escaped ethnic persecution and violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo were killed in 2018, according to the UN, after local officers opened fire in response to protests about food rations outside one of its major relief centers in Rwanda.
Another three were said to have been killed by police guarding a nearby refugee camp after news of the deaths ignited tensions.
Suella Braverman insists Rwanda is safe despite 2018 killing of refugees by police
It was later reported that a twelfth victim had died from her injuries,w hile two pregnant women who fled the shooting miscarried.
Rwanda, which claims only five died, insists live rounds were used as a ‘last resort’ protesters at the aid centre had wounded seven officers using ‘stones, sticks and metal projectiles’ and an immigration official had been taken hostage at the camp.
But Human Rights Watch insists they were unarmed and the UN condemned the use of force as ‘disproportionate’ and ‘unacceptable’.
Ms Braverman has repeatedly insisted Rwanda is a safe country for migrants, many of whom are set to be flown there if found to have entered the UK through illegal routes.
Asked about the 2018 incident – which was reported across the world – on BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, she said: ‘I’m not familiar with that particular case.’
The home secretary was then asked if she was still sure the new policy is safe and if she would tear it up if a similar tragedy occurs again.
She responded: ‘That might be 2018, we’re looking at 2023 and beyond. The High Court – senior, expert judges – have looked into the detail of our arrangements with Rwanda and found it to be a safe country and found our arrangements to be lawful.
‘Rwanda, from which I’ve just returned, takes 100,000 refugees and resettles them. I met some of them in Rwanda on my recent visit, from countries in the region, they have nothing but gratitude and thanks for Rwanda for the resettlement scheme that [the country] has put on.
‘They have a track record of successfully resettling and integrating people who are refugees or asylum seekers.
‘Rwanda is a safe country, it is the right solution for us grappling with our small boats problem, and I believe it will strike the right balance of providing a humanitarian package of support for people who are refugees while at the same time being a deterrent to those seeking a life in the UK.’
The Home Office previously suggested deportation flights could start this summer, though the policy faces court challenges which could force ministers to water it down.
Many of the Congolese refugees killed in 2018 were still living in camps despite having arrived in Rwanda in the 1990s.
Dozens more were arrested in the following months and more than half of those were jailed for between 3 months and 15 years, according to Human Rights Watch.
In a report on the killings, Rwanda’s National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR), which is closely linked to the government, said police ‘had used all peaceful and less harmful means to contain the situation’.
German defense minister has stated that the first cargo of German Leopard-2 tanks has been shipped to Ukraine.
Olaf Scholz, chancellor, stated in Rotterdam, “Yeah, we delivered Leopard tanks as we announced.” We are offering highly contemporary [tanks], and we have already delivered them.
After receiving training to operate them, 18 state-of-the-art main battle tanks were sent to Ukraine.
German defence minister Boris Pistorius confirmed the tanks ‘have made it into the hands of our Ukrainian friends as promised and on time,’ and tweeted that he was sure they could ‘make a decisive contribution’ on the frontlines of the war.
The German army trained Ukrainian tank crews how to operate the vehicles (Picture: Reuters)
Germany agreed to supply the tanks in January, regarded as among the best in the West’s arsenal, despite being initially reluctant to send heavy weaponry that Kyiv says is crucial to defeat Russia’s invasion.
The Leopards have been specifically designed to compete with the Russian T-90 main battle tank, and are considered to be easier to maintain and more fuel-efficient than most other Western tanks.
Around 2,000 Leopard 2s are in use by European countries, although under German law, Berlin must approve Leopard 2s being re-exported by any country.
Besides the 18 tanks, 40 German Marder infantry fighting vehicles, and two armoured recovery vehicles have also reached Ukraine, a security source said.
The German army trained the Ukrainian tank crews as well as the troops assigned to operate the Marder vehicles for several weeks in Muenster and Bergen in northern Germany.
As well as the German vehicles, three Leopard tanks donated by Portugal also reached Ukraine, the security source confirmed.
At least two British Challenger 2 tanks have also reportedly arrived in Ukraine, with the country’s defence minister Oleksii Reznikov comparing their quality to that of a Rolls Royce and labelling the vehicles a work of military art.
In a video posted on his Facebook page, Mr Reznikov posed with a variety of western tanks including Challengers from Britain, Strykers & Cougars from USA and Marders from Germany.
‘A year ago, no one would have thought that supporting partners would be so powerful,’ he said. ‘That the whole civilised world will reboot and finally resist the bloody aggressor, the Russian terrorist country.’
He added: ‘A year has made a difference. Ukraine has changed the world.’
‘The resilience of the Ukrainian people and the craftsmanship of our army convinced the world that Ukraine will win.’
Ghanaian highlife legend, Gyedu Blay Ambolley has accused organisers of Ghana’s foremost music awards event, Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA) of causing the collapse of the indigenous genre.
According to him, the scheme over the years has evolved into giving foreigners a false impression of music representation in Ghana.
“It is unfortunate that people think when you sing in Twi or Fante over a Dancehall or Reggae beats it automatically makes it highlife music. That is not true but it has become the norm over the years because these are the kinds of music VGMA rewards.
“Today, if anyone wants to have an idea of what Ghana represents in terms of music, I bet the person will not count any highlife artiste since all the perceived big acts currently are not doing highlife.”
“We have buried our own and pursuing Dancehall music and the likes and interestingly, the VGMA has been promoting the agenda by rewarding such artistes with the topmost prizes,” he told Graphic.com.gh in an interview.
He further stated that the media in Ghana has been a major collaborator to the trend.
“The media cannot be absolved from what is happening to highlife music now. They don’t do their own research to ask critical questions.
“For instance, if an artiste plays Reggae beats and sings Twi or Fante, we call it highlife music which is totally wrong because highlife has its own beats.
“Also, the members on the Selection Committee of VGMA are also guilty because they don’t make the right selection. So if critics say Highlife music is dying, it means some people are not doing their homework well,” he added.
Organisers of VGMA, Charterhouse on March 18, 2023, announced a list of nominees for this year’s event expected to be held later in the year.
For the Highlife Artiste of the Year Category, Kofi Kinaata, Akwaboah, Adina and Kuami Eugene were named as contenders for the category.
Reacting to the list, the highlife legend tod Graphic Showbiz that “I’m not surprised the Highlife category has only four artistes because the young ones believe that doing other music genres will win them more recognition and awards. Thus our artistes are switching to other music styles but that is not helping the positive cause of Highlife music,” he stated.
Former presidential candidate of the Progressive People’s Party (PPP), Brigitte Dzorgbenuku has kicked against the appointment of Members of Parliament as Ministers.
According to her the appointment of Ministers as MPs hampers development.
She thus has suggested that MPs should not be appointed as ministers, which she believes will ensure that MPs perform their mandate of checking the excesses of the Executive without fear.
Although these appointments were constitutional, she told Newsfile host Samson Lardy Anyenini that it is a hindrance to the growth and development of the state.
Making a contribution to the fourth edition of the Joy-Change Speakers series on Saturday, she said “Article 78(1) mandates the President to appoint Majority of his ministers from parliament. This means that more than half of all ministers and deputy ministers must be Members of Parliament.
“Every Member of Parliament in the ruling party, therefore, hopes to make the President’s “honour roll” for a ministerial appointment; checking the government against malfeasance cannot be their priority.
“Besides ministerial appointments, some Members of Parliament are also appointed as Board Chairs and Members of the Board of Directors of state-owned enterprises, corporations and other institutions thereby compromising the supervisory role of parliament,” she said.
She explained that these appointments had rendered the parliament ineffective in scrutinizing the activities of the Executive to guarantee the judicious application of the nation’s resources thereby making the fight against corruption very difficult.
The former Presidential candidate argued that this phenomenon has made the executive exert much power over the legislature even in the sitting positions of MPs.
Additionally, she said the appointment of MPs as ministers prevented them from representing their constituents and hindered the country from drawing from the rich experiences of experts.
Whilst calling for the constitutional amendment of article 78, she recommended that MP who wanted to be appointed as Minister must be willing to resign from their role as MP.
“It is our position that if a Member of Parliament is appointed as a Minister or accepts any other appointment by the President, then he/she must resign his seat before taking up the appointment. People seeking to become public officers must choose to either become part of the Legislature or the Executive, to avoid conflict of interest,” she added.
In retaliation for the theater sacking its director for opposing the war in Ukraine, a Russian actor slit his wrists in front of spectators.
Actor Artur Shuvalov informed the audience in Ulan-Ude, eastern Siberia, that the producers of the play had been “harassing” him and withholding his salary because he had backed the former director Sergei Levitsky.
With a sudden grab of a knife from his pocket, Artur—who is reportedly fighting cancer—announced that his wife, who was also an actor in the program, had also been dismissed.
Proclaiming the theatre’s management team were ‘responsible’ for his death, he started slicing the knife across his wrists, MailOnline reports.
He said: ‘Throughout the year they have tried to fire me from the theatre, humiliate me, deprive me of work and money.
‘I don’t want to put up with it. But I have no more strength and no more choice.’
He added: ‘I don’t want to hear that artists are “representatives of the oldest professions”.
Artur told the audience he was being ‘harassed’ by the theatre (Picture: Telegram)
‘And I believe that our audience is worthy of smart direction, and not as our artistic director says.
‘Please forgive me again. I’m tired. I have no more choice. I want to say just one thing: Vyacheslav Mikhailovich Dyachenko [artistic director], Natalya Nikolaevna Svetozarova [theater director], these people are to blame for my death.’
The audience watched in horror as other members of the cast rushed to try and help the actor.
Artur was taken to hospital and is said to be in a stable condition.
Since the start of Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, the Kremlin has imposed censorship laws against ‘discrediting Russian armed forces’.
A number of leading arts figures lost their jobs after criticising the war.
Oil prices surged as much as 8% at the open after OPEC+ announced it was slashing output by 1.16 million barrels per day.
Brent crude futures last jumped 5.07% to $83.95 a barrel on that news, and U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures soared 5.17% to $79.59 a barrel.
The voluntary cuts will start from May to end 2023, Saudi Arabia announced, saying it was a “precautionary measure” targeted toward stabilizing the oil market.
The move comes on the back of Russia’s decision to trim oil production by 500,000 barrels per day until the end of 2023, according to the country’s Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak.
Other member states have also pledged respective cuts, with OPEC Kingpin Saudi Arabia reducing 500,000 barrels per day and UAE cutting 144,000 barrels per day, amongst other cutbacks from Kuwait, Oman, Iraq, Algeria and Kazakhstan.
“The selected involvement of the largest OPEC+ members suggest that adherence to production cuts may be stronger than has been the case in the past,” Commonwealth Bank of Australia’s Vivek Dhar said in a note.
Oil at $100 per barrel?
“OPEC+‘s plan for a further production cut may push oil prices toward the $100 mark again, considering China’s reopening and Russia’s output cuts as a retaliation move against western sanctions,” CMC Markets’ analyst Tina Teng told CNBC.
Teng noted, however, that the cut could also reverse the decline in inflation, which would “complicate central banks’ rate decisions.”
In March, oil prices tumbled to their lowest since December 2021, as traders feared the banking rout could dent global economic growth.
“They’re looking into the second half of this year and deciding they don’t want to relive 2008.” Bob McNally, Founder of Energy Aspects noted.
The oil cartel and its allies are looking to avoid a repeat of the 2008 crash, one analyst said.
“They’re looking into the second half of this year and deciding they don’t want to relive 2008,” said Bob McNally, president of Rapidan Energy Group, citing oil prices crashing from $140 to $35 in six months in that year.
McNally added that while it’s not his base case, oil prices could “make a dash for $100 … if Chinese demand goes back to 16 million barrels a day second half of this year [and] if Russian supply starts to go off because of sanctions and so forth,”
“Then these cuts, if they stick with them, are going to super tighten the market,” he said.
According to Wood Mackenzie, China could make up 40% of the world’s demand recovery in 2023.
Four persons have been arrested by the Ghana Police Service (GPS) for attacking police in Western Region, as captured in a viral video.
According to the police, the allegation of extortion by the officers in the video by the suspects has been forwarded to the Police Professional Standards Bureau for investigation.
On March 9, this year, the Axim Divisional Police patrol team reported an attack on the team by a gang that seized the magazine of a Service rifle together with some mobile phones belonging to the Police officers.
An intelligence operation was immediately launched after the report to get the suspects arrested.
On March 28, 2023, after about three weeks of the intelligence operation, four men, Kojo Siah alias Mozey; Emmanuel Mensah alias Kofi Asamoah, Maxwell Cudjoe and Agyabu Haruna Dissawu were arrested for their suspected involvement in the attack.
A search conducted at the residence of Kwame Ato Asare Ani, the prime suspect, who is still on the run, led to the retrieval of three pump-action shotguns.
Also, one pump-action shotgun, machetes and eight BB refilled cartridges were retrieved from the suspect’s unregistered Honda CRV vehicle.
Other items retrieved from the suspects include two live refilled BB cartridges and one unregistered motorbike.
On April 1, 2023, while the investigations were ongoing to get the remaining suspects arrested, the attention of the Police was drawn to video footage in which the said Police personnel, members of the Axim Patrol team, are shown pleading with members of the gang while the gang is alleging extortion by the officers.
The allegation of extortion against the officers has been referred to the Police Professional Standards Bureau (PPSP) for investigation.
All the suspects in the reported attack on the patrol team, who had been arrested, have been put before court and have been remanded in custody. Efforts are continuing to get the remaining suspects arrested.
Qwaachi Classic, the father of Fotocopy, a young Ghanaian musician, has asked critics of his son to shut up if they have nothing positive to say about him.
He claimed that if his son lived in another country, he would be cherished and revered, but in Ghana, people are attacking him and making inappropriate remarks about him.
Speaking on Rainbow Entertainment, he stated that his son recently organised the ‘I am Kasoa Concert,’ which drew a large crowd, but people are not commenting on it and are focusing on the negatives.
“I don’t care what others think of my son. I don’t pay attention to what people are saying. The boy is accomplishing a lot for his age, but no one is talking about it. He has received numerous awards, including the Ghana Music Awards USA. The boy, who is only nine years old, has managed to draw a crowd of over 5,000 people, including members of our Muslim community. So imagine how many people would have been there if they hadn’t been tasting, but no one is talking about it. The concert took place in a Zongo community.”
He stated that he will continue to invest in the talent of his son because he is doing extremely well.
“Nobody is talking about how much the boy is doing for his age. They forget, whether they like it or not, that the boy is now a big brand. If my son can say something and have it trend for more than a week, he is now a big brand.
“Ghanaians must accept his stature. Why isn’t anyone mentioning the good things he’s doing? He cancelled multiple shows with all of the A-list performers, and no one is talking about it. If they are not discussing his positive aspects, they should not discuss his negative aspects “He went on to say.”
In a letter to her father, who was going to prison for “discrediting Russia’s army,” a girl wrote, “I love you very much and you should know that you did nothing wrong.”
A single parent from the 150-mile-south of Moscow village of Yefremov named Alexei Moskalyov received a two-year prison term for his anti-war comments on social media.
When his daughter Maria sketched missiles at a woman and a toddler and wrote “Glory to Ukraine” and “No to War” on her schoolwork, the police started looking into him.
Her head teacher reported this to authorities and her dad was arrest earlier this month.
Mr Moskalyov, right, is escorted from a courtroom in Yefremov, Tula region (Picture: AP)
Maria’s letter to her dad in full:
‘Hi Dad, I need you to stay healthy and calm. I’m okay, I love you so much and you should know that you did nothing wrong, I’ll always be on your side and I believe everything you do is right.
I love you so much, thank you for everything you’re doing for me. When you’re feeling bad or anxious, I feel sick and bad too. I believe that things are going to be fine and that we’ll be together someday. I hope for the best and love you so much.
Dad, you know what, one woman wrote to me that you need to love, hope, and believe, because only those who can love, hope, and believe can win.
Please know that we will win, that the victory will be ours, and we’re together whatever happens, we’re a team and you’re the best. You are my dad, the smartest, the most handsome, and the best dad on Earth. Please know that you’re the best.
I’m asking you one thing: do not give up. Love, hope, and believe.
Someday we’ll sit at a table and remember all of this. I love you and I hope that, actually I know for sure, that you will never give up, you’re a strong man, we’re both strong, and we’ll do it, and I will be praying for you and both of us, Dad.
I am proud. Yes, Dad, I can say that I am proud of my father. A dignified, smart, handsome, unyielding man who loves his daughter so much.
When we finally meet, I will give you a big good gift. Dad I don’t want to write about my health and state of mind. I don’t want to upset you, but I understand that the bitter truth is better than a sweet lie. I’ll tell you everything when we get to meet each other.
This sign [the peace symbol] is an anti-war sign, and I will gift it to you in a locket because you’re the bravest person on Earth!
I love you, you’re a hero.
My hero.’
As a result, the 13-year-old was taken to a state-run shelter, where she will remain until he is out of prison.
From there, the schoolgirl wrote a letter to him, which has now been shared by Dmitry Zakhvatov, the family’s lawyer, at his client’s request.
‘I believe that things are going to be fine and that we’ll be together someday. I hope for the best and love you so much,’ it read.
The letter was published in full by Novaya Gazeta, an independent newspaper in Russia, on Wednesday.
Maria Moskalyova with her anti-war drawing (Picture: east2west news)
At the time, the whereabouts of Mr Moskalyov were unknown after fleeing house arrest the day before.
Later that same day, a court sentenced him in absentia to two years in a penal colony.
But Belarusian authorities confirmed the 54-year-old has now been detained in the capital, Minsk.
Mr Zakhvatov speculated his client had given away his location when turning his mobile on.
He said: ‘Apparently someone made a mistake, maybe it was due to him using a mobile phone. Most likely it was due to him using a mobile phone improperly.’
It is not yet clear how he had made his way from Yefremov to Minsk, a distance of about 440 miles, or what further legal consequences he would now face.
Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has absolve himself from any wrongdoing in the approval of the new tax bills in Parliament.
According to the Speaker, he did no wrong in the passage of the new tax laws regardless of the absence of one of the Majority side MPs due to an accident.
He said he only followed the rules during the process.
MP for Nanton, Mohammed Hardi Tuferu was involved in an accident on his way to take part in a vote on the new tax bills laid before parliament.
According to the Speaker, he has done nothing untoward by including Mr. Hardi Tuferu in the headcounts that were carried out on the floor of parliament.
“Members who are incapacitated shall upon reporting their incapacity to the Speaker through the Clerk shall be recorded. We have some of our members that are incapacitated and what I did was to ask the Whips to go and physically see them to assess their incapacitation and whether they are of sound mind.”
Despite the unfortunate incident, the legislator was aided by his colleagues in the Majority caucus to partake in the activity before being driven to the hospital.
The Speaker instructed the Whips on both sides of the house to clarify the situation as the MP was being transported to the house in an ambulance.
Following the procedures, Speaker Alban Bagbin explained why the lawmaker’s vote was included in the total.
Outcome of the headcount votes indicated that 136 MPs, representing the Minority caucus voted against the bill whereas 137 Majority caucus MPs voted to approve the new tax bills.
Parliament of Ghana last Friday passed the outstanding revenue tax bills which were tabled before it as part of government’s measures to generate more revenue, which remained crucial to completing four of the five agreed Prior Actions in the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Staff Level Agreement.
These bills were the Income Tax (Amendment) Bill, Excise Duty & Excise Tax Stamp (Amendment) Bills as well as the Growth and Sustainability Levy Bill. These bills, according to government, are necessary for effective Budget Implementation as well as boosting the state’s efforts at increasing our Tax-to-GDP from less than 13 percent to the sub-Saharan average of 18 percent.
These Bills, when implemented, will lead to a revenue yield of approximately GH¢3.96 billion. The Growth and Sustainability Levy is expected to raise approximately GH¢2.216 billion in 2023, whereas the Income Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2022 which amends the Income Tax Act, 2015 (Act 896) is expected to yield revenues of approximately GH¢1.29 billion. The Excise Duty (Amendment) Bill, 2022 amends the Excise Duty Act, 2014 (Act 878) and expected to yield approximately GH¢455 million.
By this passage, in addition to the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP) – awaiting completion of the external debt operation – government has completed four prior action – Tariff adjustment by the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC), Publication of the Auditor-General’s Report on COVID-19 Spending, and Onboarding of Ghana Education Trust (GET) Fund (GETFUND), District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) and Road Fund on the Ghana Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS) – as agreed in the Staff Level Agreement.
Despite the passage of these revenue bills, especially the Growth and Sustainability Levy and Excise Duty, industry have insisted that this could weaken the sector, specially amid Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) implementation.
The Association of Ghana Industry (AGI) and the Food and Beverages Association of Ghana (FABAG) have expressed their opposition to the government’s introduction of the Growth and Sustainability Levy and Excise Duty on beverage companies, stating that the higher taxes would render the industry unsustainable and as well result in the possible closure of businesses.
The General Secretary for the Food and Beverages Association of Ghana, Samuel Aggrey, stated in an interview with the B&FT that the government’s introduction of new taxes or increase of existing taxes is becoming unsustainable for their industry and consumers.
According to him, efforts to engage with the government in 2019 and 2021 to reduce the taxes imposed on the industry have been unsuccessful. Instead, the government continues to introduce new taxes that are becoming unsustainable for businesses and consumers. The high taxes and levies eat up profits and prevent production from reaching full capacity.
“The problem we are facing is that despite our efforts to engage the government since 2019 and 2021 to reduce the taxes imposed on our industry, we have not been successful. Instead, the government continues to introduce new taxes or increase existing ones, which is becoming unsustainable for our industry and consumers. We cannot produce to full capacity due to the high taxes and levies, which eat up our profits,” Mr. Aggrey said.
The Head of Food Sector at the Association of Ghana Industry, Dr. Dominic Quainoo, stated that with this tax, the industry in Ghana wouldn’t be competitive regarding imported substitutes as well as the implementation of the AfCFTA.
“These other products coming from other countries have a lower production cost and our production cost is high and we cannot compete with them. Already we are paying double tax. The levies have been taken out of the VAT as a separate tax going to government. Prices are always going up and as an industry how long can this be sustained,” Dr. Quainoo said.
Growth and Sustainability Levy Bill, 2022
This Bill is to impose a special levy to be known as the Growth and Sustainability Levy to raise revenue for growth and fiscal sustainability of the economy. The Levy is to be imposed on profit before tax of the companies and institutions and on production in the case of mining, upstream oil and gas companies specified in the first column of the Schedule.
Category A companies are required to pay 5 percent of profit before tax under this new amended bill. Companies under this category comprises of banks, non-bank financial institutions, insurance companies, telecommunication companies, breweries, and inspection and valuation companies.
Others are companies providing mining support services, bulk oil distributors, oil marketing companies, communication tower operators companies providing upstream petroleum services, and companies and institutions registered by the Securities and Exchange Commission. Also included are specialised deposit-taking institutions, electronic money issuers, and shipping lines, maritime and airport terminals.
Category B companies made up of mining companies and upstream oil and gas companies, will be required to pay 1 percent of gross production as rate of the levy; while category C, made up of all other entities not falling within category A and B, will be required to pay 2.5 percent of profit before tax.
Income Tax (Amendment) Bill
The Income Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2022 is to amend the Income Tax Act, 2015 (Act 896) to revise the rates of income tax for individuals and introduce an additional income tax bracket, introduce a withholding tax rate on the realisation of assets and liabilities and on winnings from lottery, unify the loss carried forward provisions and revise the treatment of foreign exchange losses and increase the optional rate for individuals on the gain from the realisation of an investment asset, revise the upper limits for the quantification of motor vehicle benefits and increase the concessional income tax rates.
The individual personal income tax bands have been reviewed to accommodate the minimum wage for 2023 as the basic tax-free income and an additional band at 35 percent as part of the high-net-worth taxation policy. The upper limits for quantification of motor vehicle benefits have not been revised since 2015. Government has revised these upper limits to account for inflation.
Excise Duty (Amendment) Bill, 2022
The Excise Duty (Amendment) Bill, 2022, will revise excise tax rates for cigarettes and other tobacco products to conform with the Economic Community of West African States Protocols and raise revenue to mitigate the harmful effects of these excisable products. It also increases excise duty on wine, malt drinks, and spirits and imposes excise duty on sweetened beverages and electronic cigarettes to increase revenue.
Gold prices slid on Monday after a surprise announcement from OPEC+ about a cut to oil output sparked inflation concerns and raised bets of an interest rate hike at the U.S. Federal Reserve’s upcoming May meeting.
Spot gold was down 0.8% at $1,951.37 per ounce, as of 0401 GMT, its lowest in nearly a week. U.S. gold futures shed 0.9% to $1,968.20.
The opportunity cost of holding non-yielding bullion rises when interest rates are increased to lower inflation.
Gold has fallen “as investors weigh up the lure of gold as a safe-haven asset, versus the potential for higher-for-longer interest rates. Clearly, fears of inflation and higher interest rates has won the argument,” said Matt Simpson, senior market analyst at City Index.
Oil prices surged after Saudi Arabia and other OPEC+ oil producers announced a round of output cuts, a potentially ominous sign for global inflation just days after a slowdown in U.S. price data had boosted market optimism.
U.S. consumer spending rose moderately in February and showed signs of cooling, even though it remained elevated.
“Gold is now vulnerable to a move down to $1,900, given the potential for a higher terminal Fed rate that markets are currently pricing in,” Simpson added.
and made greenback-denominated bullion expensive for overseas buyers.
ANZ, in a note, observed gold’s “safe haven demand easing as the U.S. banking turmoil eased.”
Bullion had risen by nearly 8% last quarter after the recent global banking turmoil drove bets that the Fed would tone down its rate hike approach.
Standard Chartered analyst Suki Cooper said in a note that gold buying by central banks might not be as strong as it was in 2022.
Spot silver dropped 2.1% to $23.56 per ounce, platinum lost 1% at $981.89, and palladium slipped 0.7% to $1,449.94.
Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Smauel Okudzeto Ablakwa has commended his fellow MPs on the Minority side for ensuring that Parliament did not approve two loans being sought by the government.
Describing the government of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as being addicted to borrowing, Ablakwa said the minority on Friday blocked the approval of two loan agreements amounting to US$210 million.
“The Akufo-Addo/Bawumia/Ofori-Atta government is notoriously incorrigible. Despite plunging Ghana into debt distress and bankruptcy, they are still chronically addicted to borrowing.
“I commend NDC MPs for mounting Friday’s successful blockade of these US$150million and US$60million loan requests,” he wrote in a Facebook post.
Meanwhile, parliament on Friday passed three new tax measures during an extended sitting.
The said taxes also faced stiff opposition from the Minority Caucus in the House but the Majority managed to marshall all their numbers on the day to get the taxes passed.
The three new taxes are: Excise Duty Amendment Bill 2022, the Growth and Sustainability Levy Bill, 2022 and the Income Tax Amendment Bill 2022.
The bills were presented to Parliament as part of government’s plans to raise about GH¢4 billion annually in domestic revenue mobilisation.
They are also crucial to help secure Board Approval for the US$3 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) Programme after a staff-level agreement was reached late last year.
As part of measures to meet the criteria set by the IMF to qualify for a bailout, the government has completed tariff adjustment by the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC), Publication of the Auditor-General’s Report on COVID-19 spending, and Onboarding of Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund), District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) and Road Fund on Ghana integrated financial management information system (GIFMIS).
Government in justifying the introduction of the taxes said they are critical for recovery from the current economic crisis.
Popular TikToker, Hajia Bintu has stated that she is aware of the fact that she is seen as a sex symbol and that she does not have any issue with that.
Speaking during an interview on the Delay Show, the social media personality said every woman ought to see herself as a symbol of sex.
“I mean, every woman is a sex symbol… What I am trying to say is that as far as you are a woman you need to psyche yourself up that you are a sex symbol,” the 24-year-old stated.
According to Hajia Bintu, born as Naomi Asiamah, her curvy and heavy backside is all natural.
She denied claims that she has had her body artificially enhanced.
“I’ve not pumped my buttocks. I wasn’t skinny and I think it’s growth. Maybe when I was young I did not know of angles but now when I take pictures, I take them with the right angles that’s why you see things like that,” she said.
Sister of Kim Jong-un claims Ukraine is seeking nuclear weapons. According to Saturday’s report by the country’s official news agency KCNA, Kim Yo Jong, the influential sister of leader Kim Jong-un, charged Ukraine with advocating for nuclear weapons.
Her claim was supported by a petition that had garnered less than 1,000 signatures online in that nation.
Kim said that this kind of petition could be a political ploy by the office of President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, but he offered no proof to support his claim.
Following Russian President Vladimir Putin’s announcement last week that Moscow plans to station tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus, a public petition was filed to the Ukrainian presidential office’s website on Thursday, calling for Ukraine to host nuclear weapons on Ukrainian territory, or for it to be armed with its own nuclear weapons.
Ms Kim is one of the most powerful people in North Korea (Picture: AP)
By Saturday afternoon, the petition had gained only 611 signatures, far short of the 25,000 needed for a response from Zelenskiy. Kyiv officials have not commented on the petition so far.
North Korea is forging closer ties with the Kremlin amid shared isolation by the West and it supported Moscow’s position after Russia invaded Ukraine last year, including its later proclaimed annexation of parts of Ukraine that most U.N. members condemned as illegal. It has denied providing arms to Moscow.
The incident is not the first time Ms Kim has shared her thoughts on the conflict in Ukraine, having previously warned the West had ‘crossed a line’ with its decision to supply tanks to Ukraine.
Speaking in NK state media, she said: ‘The US is the arch criminal which poses serious threat and challenge to the strategic security of Russia and pushes the regional situation to the present grave phase.
‘I do not doubt that any military hardware the US and the West boast of will be burnt into pieces in the face of the indomitable fighting spirit and might of the heroic Russian army and people.’
She added that North Korea will always ‘stand in the same trench’ with Russia.
North Korea is the only nation other than Russia and Syria to recognise the independence of Donetsk and Luhansk, two Russian-backed separatist regions in eastern Ukraine.
The United States previously accused Pyongyang of supplying weapons to the Wagner Group, Russia’s mercenary army.
The Interbank forex rates from the Bank of Ghana today, April 3, 2023, have shown that the Ghana Cedi is trading against the dollar at a buying price of 11.0082 and a selling price of 11.0192 .
At a forex bureau in Accra, the dollar is being bought at a rate of 11.20 and sold at a rate of 12.10.
Against the Pound Sterling, the Cedi is trading at a buying price of 13.6138 and a selling price of 13.6297.
At a forex bureau in Accra, the pound sterling is being bought at a rate of 14.20 and sold at a rate of 15.00.
The Euro is trading at a buying price of 11.9598 and a selling price of 11.9716.
At a forex bureau in Accra, Euro is being bought at a rate of 12.20 and sold at a rate of 13.10.
The South African Rand is trading at a buying price of 0.6207 and a selling price of 0.6212.
At a forex bureau in Accra, South African Rand is being bought at a rate of 0.45 and sold at a rate of 1.10.
The Nigerian Naira is trading at a buying price of 41.6844 and a selling price of 41.8433.
At a forex bureau in Accra, Nigerian Naira is being bought at a rate of 14.00 Naira for every 1 Cedi and sold at a rate of 19.00.
For the CFA, it is trading at a buying price of 54.7928 and a selling price of 54.8468.
At a forex bureau in Accra, CFA is being bought at a rate of 17.00 CFA for every 1 Cedi and sold at a rate of 21.00 CFA for every 1 Cedi.
Our forex bureau rates are provided by Afriswap Bureau De Change in Osu, Accra.
The Catholic University of Ghana (CUG) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Health Care Information Technology for Africa (HITA), a German-based non-profit organization to use IT to strengthen healthcare systems in the Bono Region.
The agreement seeks to deepen the existing collaboration between the two institutions for mutual benefit.
“The Nursing and Midwifery School of the University’s will get an improved Information Technology system to facilitate the training of Midwives and Nurses,” Professor Daniels Obeng-Ofori, the Vice-Chancellor stated.
In an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) on the sidelines of a short ceremony, held at the University’s main campus at Fiapre in the Sunyani West Municipality, Prof. Obeng-Ofori said the CUG had three laboratories which needed modern computers, saying the agreement would greatly advance teaching and learning of ICT.
The agreement would further facilitate the donation of about 180 state-of- the art hospital beds to some hospitals and health facilities in the region, he added.
Mr Thomas Erkert, the Head of the Executive Board of HITA, said the organisation would have plans to set up modern computer center to support the training of nurses and midwives and other professionals in the region.
Since it started operations in Ghana, he said HITA had established 25 computers laboratories spread across the country.
“The idea is to support Ghana to have IT inclined health training hubs all over the country for the improvement of health care services delivery systems”, Mr Erkert added.
“HITA also aimed at helping Ghana to tackle no bed syndrome and improve the culture of maintenance in her various hospitals and health centers,” Mr Daniel Gerlach, a member of the Executive Board of HITA stated.
Prof Prudent Portia Mwini Nyaledzigbor, the Dean of school of Nursing and Midwifery at the University expressed appreciation to HITA for their support and expressed the hope that the agreement would help facilitate quality healthcare delivery in the region.
Mr Albert Ankrah, Chief Executive Officer, Africa Heath Supplies Limited, has urged tertiary students to learn the craft of occupying their leisure periods with work that guarantees skills acquisition.
He said it was important for students to avail themselves of opportunities within their immediate environment during vacation or leisure hours, even though such offers might not offer high remuneration.
Doing so, he said, would help sharpen their skills and provide them with the needed experience to take up good jobs.
“Don’t wait for job vacancies, walk into organisations and say you are looking for any opportunity to volunteer?” he said, during a leadership summit organised by the Regent University College of Science and Technology in Accra.
The event formed part of activities to mark the 17th Parliamentary Week Celebration.
Mr Ankrah, an alumnus of the University who at various times worked at the Public Relations Department, as a Personal Assistant and a Manger for the school, said the “breakthrough for students lies in their ability to identify and solve problems in their environment.”
His breakthrough, he said, came after an encounter with neonatal jaundice at the hospital when his child had the condition.
The life-changing experience, he noted, made him identify the need for a firefly phototherapy machine which led him into the business of supplying the equipment to various health facilities to fight the deadly condition.
He advised students to also be financially disciplined, build credibility, take appearance seriously, develop a servant attitude to learn, be ready for criticism and develop a thick skin, and be willing to help others.
Ms Dzifa Amoa, a Communication and Customer Experience Consultant, also urged students as aspiring leaders to nurture the skill of effective communication.
This, she said, entailed having a clear vision and communicating it to team members, taking feedback and leading by example through action.
Professor Emmanuel Gyimah-Boadi, Co-Founder and Board Chair of Afrobarometer, a Pan-African Research Network, has urged the youth to boldly speak out on issues affecting their development and careers.
He said students should ensure that their various leaders represented their views and concerns devoid of politics.
Speaking at the 75th Anniversary College-level Lecture, organised by the College of Humanities, University of Ghana, Prof Gyimah-Boadi urged the students to channel their grievances through their leadership for amicable solutions.
It was on the theme: “75 Years of Contributing to Nation Building: The Role of the Humanities”.
The College had trained students to become problem solvers and give back to society through advocacy and entrepreneurial ship.
Prof Gyimah-Boadi said while other disciplines trained their students to become doctors, engineers and others, the Humanities impacted the values of empathy and social consciousness.
“The Humanities attempt to make sense of ourselves as humans, the world we leave in and the society and cultures we create,” he said.
“They also create awareness of an interest in issues of justice, equity and truth to whip society to the highest speed, nourishing the human spirit.”
“For me, it has been always impossible to separate Legon from the ideals of the Humanities.”
Prof. Gyimah-Boadi commended the College and Anniversary Lecture Committee for selecting him to give the lecture after nearly 10 years of retirement as a Faculty member.
Being an alumnus of the College, he said the invite was a great honour to reflect with the College on past activities and envision the future of great possibilities.
These possibilities could collectively create a new group of youths, unrestrained by fear and inspired by valor, to confront human right violation, abuse of power and corruption in order to create the new Ghana.
The Humanities programme of the University of Ghana, particularly the broad values and orientations associated with that field of study, had impacted on the building of a prosperous, inclusive and democratic country, he said.
Prof Gyimah-Boadi’s lecture spanned his semi- autobiography – a sketch of his exposure to the Humanities at Legon, in the mid to the late 1970s, and how it had shaped his life and career.
Concluding with a short homily, he appealed to students of the Humanities to return to the tradition of speaking true to power, defend the defenseless, and practise altruism instead of joining the fray.
Prof. Daniel Frimpong Ofori, the Provost of the College of Humanities, said the College’s principal focus was to see how the youth could apply the knowledge acquired to fast-track national development.
It is considered a life-long disorder and can be a minor or a major problem where an individual needs full-time care and special facilities.
Persons with autism are characterised by some degree of difficulty with social interaction and communication.
Other characteristics are a typical patterns of activities and behaviours, such as difficulty with transition from one activity to another, a focus on details and unusual reactions to sensations.
Health experts say autism starts form childhood and can be controlled when pregnant women take thier antenatal medications, attend antenatal regularly and avoid exposure to to air pollution particularly heavy metals and paticulate matter during pregnancy.
The abilities and needs of autistic people vary and can evolve over time.
While some people with autism can live independently, others have severe disabilities and require life-long care and support.
Autism often has an impact on the education and employment opportunities of persons affected.
The demands on families providing care and support to a person affected with autism can be significant,however societal attitudes and the level of support provided by local and national authorities are important factors determining the quality of life of people with autism.
According to health experts, characteristics of autism may be detected in early childhood, but autism is often not diagnosed until much later.
People with autism often have co-occurring conditions, including epilepsy, depression, anxiety and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder as well as challenging behaviours such as difficulty sleeping and self-injury.
The level of intellectual functioning among autistic people varies widely, extending from profound impairment to superior levels.
The United Nations General Assembly declared April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day to raise awareness about autism.
This year’s World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) raises much awareness on the contributions of persons with autism in the home, at work, in the arts and in policymaking.
Studies show that, autistic people face discrimination and other challenges.
As with all populations, autistic people have a wide range of talents and challenges that are often not recognised by the world they are born into.
The levels of awareness and acceptance vary dramatically from country to country.
As the world observes the autism awareness day today, the World Health Organization calls on countries to address the current significant gaps in early detection, care, treatment and rehabilitation for mental and neurodevelopmental conditions, which include autism.
It also calls for counties to address the social, economic, educational and inclusion needs of people living with mental and neurological disorders, and their families, and to improve surveillance and relevant research.
The Tema Metropolis recorded two rabies cases in dogs in 2022, with no human infections, says Dr Emmanuel Kwao Pecku, the Tema Metropolitan Veterinary Officer.
Dr Pecku said the figure represented an increase over the single case recorded in 2021.
He also said 450 canines were vaccinated against rabies in the Tema Metropolis in 2020, compared to 356 in 2021.
However, 77 dog bite cases were recorded in 2022, as against 85 of such incidents in 2021.
Dr Pecku, who is also the Kpone-Katamanso Municipal Veterinary Officer, gave the statistics in his presentation at the Ghana News Agency Tema Regional Office’s weekly programme dubbed; “Your Health! Our Collective Responsibility”.
The initiative, among other things, aims at promoting communication on health-related issues to influence personal health choices.
Dr Pecku indicated that a total of 9,850 dogs were vaccinated in 2022, compared to 2,520 in 2021, and urged canine owners to vaccinate their animals against rabies to protect them, their families, and their communities from the disease, which was 100 per cent fatal.
He explained that dogs were accountable for 99 per cent of all human rabies cases and stressed the importance of dog owners taking responsibility and vaccinating their pets against rabies to break the chain of transmission.
The Veterinary Officer observed that while controlling rabies in humans was costly, preventing it with vaccines was much cheaper.
“Post-exposure vaccine for those with dog bites can cost not less than GHS500.00 on the market, while it will cost you between GHS20.00 to GHS25.00 to vaccinate the dog annually and protect your family and the public,” he said.
Dr Pecku stated that despite being the most common zoonosis (transmitted from animals to humans), rabies was underreported because most cases occurred in deprived communities where people could perish from it without reporting to health institutions.
He said Asia and Africa had been identified as the world’s rabies hotspots and it was important that the public reported cases early to health facilities to help save lives.
The Prampram Polyclinic in the Ningo-Prampram District of the Greater Accra Region is to get a 30-bed maternity ward to improve health care services within the district and the surrounding communities.
The 30-bed maternity ward is to cost about 400,000 Euros and expected to be completed in three years.
The ward would include a meeting area, midwives’ restrooms, and a neonatal department for infants, among other amenities.
Mrs. Evelyn Naa Takie Botchway, General Secretary of the Ga Damgbe Europa Union (GDEu) and founder of the Abladei Women Organization (AWO), stated that the facility would improve health delivery in the District.
Mrs Botchway, who announced this, was delivering a keynote address at an event held to lay the groundwork for work to begin on the building.
She emphasized that the current eight-bed capacity maternity ward being used at the Polyclinic was not in a good shape and needed an urgent rehabilitation.
She said the maternity ward was overcrowded with inadequate beds, creating so much inconvenience for expectant women.
Mrs. Botchway stated that all Ga Damgbe organizations, including those home and abroad, would be contacted to support the project and to ensure the project was executed on time.
She urged the Global Sustained Partnership to work with the team to enable them get a suitable maternity block.
Mrs. Gifty Ansah, Ningo-Prampram District Director for Health Services, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency, bemoaned the lack of infrastructure at the Polyclinic.
She said the project would help address some of critical challenges confronting the facility.
Mrs. Ansah said the polyclinic usually recorded about 800 deliveries annually.
A 10-member project committee was appointed and given the responsibility of seeing that the project was completed on time.
