Professional football manager and former player, Chris Hughton, has been appointed to lead the Ghana National team, the Black Stars.
The appointment was announced by the GFA in a statement on Sunday, February 12, 2023.
His appointment also follows the resignation of former coach Otto Addo who resigned after Black Stars was kicked out of the World Cup tournament.
Addo was head of the team with assistance from George Boateng and Mas-Ud Didi Dramani after being appointed in March with Hughton serving as the technical advisor of the team.
However, after more than a month since the job became vacant, the Ghana FA has now announced Hughton to be the next man in the dugouts for the Black Stars.
A statement on the FA’s website read, “The Ghana Football Association has the pleasure to appoint Chris Hughton as Head Coach of the Black Stars following extensive deliberations between the two parties.
“The appointment is in line with the vision of the GFA to continue with the project of building a formidable squad that started with Otto Addo in the lead-up to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 tournament.”
Just like they did under Otto Addo, Boateng and Didi Dramani will maintain their posts as the team’s assistant coaches.
In December 2021, Ghana celebrated Ruth Ama Gyan-Darkwa after she graduated after studying Mathematics at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).
Prior to her graduation, Ruth was adjudged the youngest person to gain admission into a university in the country at the age of 13 in 2017.
Two years after her first degree, the female prodigy has chalked another feat by becoming the Youngest Masters/PhD, Graduate Student at the University of New Mexico, at the age of 18.
Ruth who is pursuing a doctoral degree in electrical engineering at the US university has a dream of working with America’s National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) after her program.
Ruth Ama Gyan-Darkwa beat her older sister, Grace, to the age record when she got admitted into the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) at the age of 13 in 2017.
Today, she has just graduated after completing her studies in Mathematics.
The former student of the St. Louis Senior High School first came to the spotlight when she became the youngest ever student to be admitted at the KNUST and now, she is the youngest graduate from any university in Ghana to have completed school at 17.
Before SHS, she schooled at the Christ Our Hope International School and the Abraham Lincoln Junior High School in Kumasi.
In 2017, she appeared on The Lounge, hosted by Kwaku Sakyi-Addo, along with her sister and their father, Kwadwo Gyan-Darkwa, a Mathematics and Physics tutor at the Prempeh College.
“According to her, she passed her Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) at age 9, while in her first year at Justice International School in Kumasi. As a result, at the age of 10, she was accepted into St. Louis Senior High School to study General Science and successfully graduated in 2017,” a report by knust.edu.gh said.
Speaking with the portal, she also confessed to how not so rosy her journey has been, adding that although she had a very brilliant academic history, she experienced some uncertainties with her tertiary education, feeling quite nervous at times.
“I was able to overcome the many challenges because God saw me through, and I looked to him at all times. Also, I had my eyes focused on the end goal. Some of my course mates felt intimidated because they thought I was too brilliant. Others wondered if I was cut for the journey. All these brought me to the point of questioning my potential but found solace in how far I have come, the support I received and the future that awaits me,” she said.
Ruth plans to pursue a master’s degree and then later, a PhD.
Highly rated Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie has signed a contract extension that will keep him at the Bundesliga club until 2027.
The Ecuador international has impressed since his move from Argentinian side Talleres ahead of the 2021-22 season and was linked with a move to Premier League outfit Tottenham in the January transfer window.
He has 24 senior international caps for Ecuador under his belt, playing every minute of his country’s three group stage fixtures at the Qatar World Cup.
Leverkusen are keen to hold onto the player and have extended his existing deal by a year to ward off any potential suitors.
Hincapie said: “They didn’t promise me too much here, but as a young player at the highest level they gave me the playing time I wanted.
“I was able to establish myself here and also consolidate my position in the national team.
“It’s a huge motivation for me to confirm my achievements in the coming years and to aim for titles with Bayer Leverkusen.”
Outspoken Political Scientist Professor Ransford Gyampo suspects the directive by the Attorney-General to the Auditor-General to ‘unpublish’ it’s report on the expenditure of COVID-19 funds is an attempt to cover up on expenditure used to mitigate the pandemic.
Prof Gyampo asserted that if the COVID-19 funds had been used well by the Government the audited report on it should have been leaked.
The Attorney General has directed the Auditor General to withdraw its audited report on the use of COVID-19 funds for failing to have document scrutinized by Parliament prior to its publication.
The Attorney General has directed the Auditor General to withdraw its audited report on the use of COVID-19 funds for failing to have document scrutinized by Parliament prior to its publication.
“Godfred Dame, telling the Auditor-General not to publish its report on the use of Covid-19 funds is an unnecessary assault on transparency and cover up. If the funds were used well, then you should actually be leaking the audited report,” he noted.
The audited report has detailed widespread misuse of the huge amounts that was raised to combat the pandemic.
The 49-year-old was sacked on Sunday morning after Southampton’s 2-1 home defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday.
The former Luton boss leaves the club after just four months into his first managerial position in the Premier League over an unimpressive performance.
Nathan Jones replaced Raph Hasenhuttl before the World Cup break in November but has failed to live up to expectations. He lost 7 out of the 8 games he took charge.
Sulemana and Salisu featured when Southampton suffered defeat on home turf against Wolves.
Nathan Jones brought the former Stade Rennes star to the club during the January transfer window but will no longer work with him at the club.
Brand influencer and manager, Ayisha Modi, has stated that her beefs with fashion icon, Nana Akua Addo, were all a set-up.
According to her, the fight she had with fashion influencer, Nana Akua Addo was arranged and it all began when the fashion influencer called her to do that because according to Nana Akua Addo, her career was diminishing.
Speaking on the background of her statement, Ayisha Modi mentioned that would not be the first time because most of the quarrels she engages herself with some celebrities are deliberate.
Ayisha, Modi, who was recently made the queen mother of Sowutuom, disclosed in an interview with Accra Fm that, she intentionally involved herself in such fights because some celebrities pay her to do that which serves as a way of promoting them.
“My fight with Nana Akua Addo was arranged and because of that she came to Accra FM, it was arranged. I remember I was not feeling well so it took me three weeks to accept her proposal. She realized her career was not getting enough attention so she called me that we should create something,” she noted.
The brand influencer explained that most of the musicians are of the view that negativity sells thus she coming live on Instagram to fight with them is just for publicity.
Background of the Fight
Somewhere in 2021, Ayisha Modi went live and rained insults on fashion influencer Nana Akua Addo. Her reason for attacking Nana Akua Addo was that, Ayisha came across some messages Nana Akua Addo had sent to Victoria Kimani, a Kenya dancehall artiste questioning her [Kimani] why she decided to allow Ayisha Modi manage her and that Ayisha had no managerial qualification.
The message angered Ayisha who decided to teach Akua a lesson. While ranting, Ayisha said she had given 15,000 dollars to Nana Akua Addo.
The assertion by Ayisha also infuriated Nana Akua Addo who took to her twitter page and posted, ‘’Wusi You Gave Me What?????? $15,000 You’ve got Jokes I have Said fiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii Bitch why the lie @she_loves_stonebwoy See Your Face. You See 15k Before??? 4 more for Nana wai CLOUTTT MANAGE YOUR life B4 YOU CAN MANAGE A TALENT you hear.”
Ghanaian artiste, Elisante has shared his adventurous journey in the music industry, participating in competitions and getting knocked off to eventually finding his feet with his craft.
In an exclusive interview with Akosua Hanson on Y 107.9 FM’s Y Lounge, Elisante revealed that he had participated in various music competitions, including Nigeria’s Project Fame in 2016 where he got into the top 12 but was later eliminated.
“I’ve been doing music for quite a while and I’ve been to a number of music competitions. I’ve been to Nigeria – that’s project fame in 2016 and then I got into the top 12 and was just kicked out of the place like that. It was really hard for me, got back to Ghana and didn’t give up,” he said.
Despite this setback, he did not give up on his music career and continued to produce his songs. He returned to Ghana and participated in both the Vodafone Icons and MTN Hitmaker – what he described as his magic moments.
“I think from Nigeria, I went into Vodafone Icons and then since my focus was on the MTN Hitmaker I had to end it someway and join the competition. I think that was when the magic happened for me. I was moved from different stage to stages and was learning so much from all the judges and what they had to tell me and teach me as well,” he continued.
For him, although he would have loved to claim the winner and ultimate prize, he was much more focused on winning some fanbase and getting his music heard.
“I did learn a lot and then way back coming down I got into the final 5. I didn’t get the trophy but then my concentration was on getting the fans and for people to listen to my sound. That was my goal and I was really happy about that,” he added.
Following his success in the MTN Hitmaker, Elisante started working with Mix Master Garzy, who produced his first single “Don’t leave me”. The song was a hit and brought some attention to Elisante’s music.
Ghanaian TikToker, Time, who goes by the name @timegh2 on the app, has elaborated that TikTok is a whole industry on its own and therefore can be considered to be a full-time job.
He mentioned that it’s almost impossible to categorise TikTok as a side business because of the time and devotion it requires. He noted that for a TikToker to have a video go viral, the account owner must give it his all.
In an interview with Paula Amma Broni on Talkertainment on Ghanaweb TV, he gave reasons to back his claims. According to him, Tiktok is a whole industry and it requires creativity and hard work.
Time further disclosed that TikTok there are times when some TikTokers quit their job to make it their full job due to its time consumption.
“It’s a full-time job because when you start working on Tiktok let me put it that way, you will realise you wouldn’t have time for any regular job. Some people to come in and quit their job”.
He buttressed his claim by stating how lucrative TikTok is and how individuals earn so much money on the app. On how TikTokers cash out, Time said he and his colleagues earn their money via brand ambassadorial deals and advertisements.
Time, as a TikToker, has attracted the attention and audience as a result of the creative videos he makes. He has about two million followers on the social media app.
Hearts of Oak earned a crucial 3-1 victory over Berekum Chelsea at the Accra Sports Stadium on Saturday.
The game was marked by a flurry of goals, all of which were scored after the 80th minute.
Defender Zakaria Fuseini scored an unfortunate own goal in the 82nd minute, giving Hearts of Oak the lead. This was followed by Benjamin York’s goal in the 87th minute, which doubled the lead for Hearts of Oak.
Berekum Chelsea managed to pull one back through forward Kusi Pandrous in the 92nd minute, but their efforts were in vain as Victor Aidoo sealed the win for Hearts of Oak with the third goal in the 93rd minute.
The victory for Hearts of Oak brought an end to a two-game winless run, which saw them drop out of the top four in the standings.
With the win, Hearts of Oak are now back in second position, but they could still potentially lose their place depending on the outcome of other matches on Sunday.
Officials in Turkey say 113 arrest warrants have been issued in connection with the construction of buildings that collapsed in Monday’s earthquake.
Turkish police have already taken at least 12 people into custody, including building contractors.
Meanwhile, unrest in southern Turkey has disrupted rescue efforts in some places.
The number of people confirmed to have died in Turkey and Syria has risen to more than 28,000.
More arrests are expected – but the action will by seen by many as an attempt to divert overall blame for the disaster.
For years, experts warned that many new buildings in Turkey were unsafe due to endemic corruption and government policies.
Those policies allowed so-called amnesties for contractors who swerved building regulations, in order to encourage a construction boom – including in earthquake-prone regions.
Thousands of buildings collapsed during the earthquake, raising questions about whether the natural disaster’s impact was made worse by human failings. With elections looming, the president’s future is on the line after spending 20 years in power.
Mr Erdogan has admitted shortcomings in the response, but, during one visit to a disaster zone, he appeared to blame fate. “Such things have always happened,” he said. “It’s part of destiny’s plan.”
On the sixth day after the quake hit, the situation is growing more desperate.
On Saturday, German rescuers and the Austrian army paused search operations because of clashes between unnamed groups in Hatay province. Security is expected to worsen as food supplies dwindle, one rescuer said.
“There is increasing aggression between factions in Turkey,” Austrian Lieutenant Colonel Pierre Kugelweis said. “The chances of saving a life bears no reasonable relation to the safety risk.”
The search for survivors resumed under the protection of the Turkish army.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) says President Akufo-Addo’s refusal to reshuffle and reduce the size of his government shows how insensitive he is to the plight of Ghanaians.
The party says the President does not appreciate the extent of the economic crisis the country is facing by keeping a large size of government.
The National Communications Officer of the party, Mr Sammy Gyamfi said the actions of President Akufo-Addo mean he does not respect the suffering of Ghanaians.
Speaking on Newsfile on Saturday, the outspoken politician said any responsible leader would have downsized government considering the hardship the country is facing.
“This so-called reshuffle has once again highlighted the insensitivity and the intransigence of the Akufo-Addo Bawumia because we all know the times we are living in. This country is in crisis.
“Our economy has been so mismanaged that today it is in bankruptcy such that we cannot even service our debt such that we are compelling our creditors to accept crude haircuts on coupon rates they are entitled.
“That is how serious the crisis we have plunged and what any responsible government should be doing is to show prudence and frugality in its expenditure.
“Where we make it imperative for any responsible leader to downsize and to reduce drastically the government and its expenditure and not this insults to Ghanaians,” he said.
A Political Science Lecturer at the University of Ghana, Professor Ransford Gyampo, has described President Akufo-Addo’s recent appointments as no ministerial reshuffle at all.
According to him, the exercise mainly filled vacancies in government where there have been resignations, complemented with token movements that really do not carry any weight.
In effect, the exercise fell far short of the expectations of members of the public who have been clamouring for a real reshuffle.
Since Ghana’s economy started showing signs of instability, a section of Ghanaians called for a ministerial reshuffle and a downsized government, he said.
This call initially was met with indifference.
However, when it became incessant the President finally replied saying, “The calls come for all kinds of reasons; NDC wanting to destabilise the government is one. There are people who are also looking for jobs.”
Six months later, President Akufo-Addo reshuffled some ministers in his government.
But this has not met the expectations of many Ghanaians.
Nico Williams scored while his brother Inaki came on to provide an assist in Athletic Bilbao’s 2-1 victory against Valencia on Saturday evening at the Estadio Mestalla.
The home side scored first in the 17th minute through Samu Castillejo after receiving a wonderful pass from Guinea international Ilaix Moriba in the Basque area.
Valencia, who played with intensity almost scored a second goal in the 23rd minute. The visitors were alert to clear their lines.
After a great touch from Raúl García, the ball reached de Marcos who passed Nico Williams to score the equalizing goal in the 30th minute.
The game was open after the break, Inaki Williams came on and Yunus Musah playing for Valencia was substituted.
Substitute Inaki Williams assisted Sancet in the 72nd minute to score his eighth goal of the season.
Nico Williams was substituted in the 80th minute and replaced by Dani Garcia.
The National Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has stated that the ongoing Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP) is not the solution to Ghana’s economic woes.
Sammy Gyamfi said the fundamental issue underlying the crisis of the economy stems from mismanagement by the Akufo-Addo government.
He believes that the success of the Programme would be short-lived.
“People think that this so-called debt exchange programme is the panacea to our economic woes. I disagree. It is not the panacea to our economic woes.
“If we do not address the issue that has brought the country to its knees, it doesn’t matter how many times we do debt exchange, we will return to this same ditch,” he said.
According to him, the current administration is the “luckiest government in the history of the country in that it has unprecedented oil revenue, huge tax revenue and unprecedented borrowed funds.”
However, Mr Gyamfi is saddened that government has failed to deliver in spite of the availability of such revenues.
Speaking about the Programme, the private legal practitioner said that DDEP seeks to rather “expropriate” the investments of individuals.
He lamented that government’s resort to the Programme is attributable to its “reckless borrowing and expenditures they have engaged in, in the last six years.”
Mr Gyamfi’s comments follow the Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori–Atta’s call for an urgent conclusion on the Programme by March.
According to the Minister, without the Programme, the economy would crash.
However, individual bondholders want to be excluded from the Programme.
Throughout the week, individual pensioners’ bondholders have been picketing the Ministry of Finance in protest of their inclusion in the exchange programme.
On Friday, many Ghanaians were surprised to see former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo among the protesters at the Ministry.
Speaking to the media, she described the debt exchange as “wicked, disrespectful, unlawful and totally wrong.”
Meanwhile, given the new terms by government to which banks and security agencies have agreed, Political Risk Analyst Dr Theo Acheampong explained that government does not need individual bondholders in order to succeed in the rolling out of the programme.
Some experts also believe that although government said 80% participation is needed for the success of the economic recovery policy, the current 70% participation level can make a positive impact.
Ghanaian DJ and entrepreneur, Mark Kwesi Arthur, popularly known as DJ Azonto has caused a lot of stir with certain remarks he made when he appeared on 3FM’s drivetime show on Friday, February 10, 2023.
According to him, his viral hit song, ‘Fa No Fom’, is bigger than any song released by the 2022 Vodafone Ghana Music Awards ‘New Artist of the Year’ Black Sherif.
According to him, the song, which currently has a little over 160,000 views, has gotten more attention in the world than any song that has ever been released by the Konongo Zongo musician.
DJ Azonto buttressed his claim with the fact that he won an award with ‘Fa no Fom’ overBlack Sherif’s ‘Kwaku The Traveller’ when both songs were placed in the same category at an awards event.
“Facts are facts, and the truth is only one. We know that Blacko is an international artiste, and I give him that respect. But none of Blacko’s songs has travelled more than Fa No Fom. It’s a fact,” he said.
He further stated that when he looks at the streaming numbers from places in Chad, Afghanistan, and Turkey, his ‘Fa No Fom’ has great numbers than Blacko.
Currently, DJ Azonto has twelve awards to his name, most of them locally awarded, including the Face of Ghana Youth Awards, Most Consistent Artiste of the Year – Ghana Premier Awards, Festival of Arts Conference, DJ Azonto -African Spotlight Artiste of the Year, and Most Influential Artiste of the Year – Ghana Premier Awards.
Ghana’s popular steel arch suspension bridge located at Atimpoku has for years been one of the biggest attractions in the Volta Region.
The Adomi Bridge is undoubtedly one of the country’s longest steel bridges which serves as a passing on the Volta River.
When GhanaWeb’s reporter, Wonder Ami Hagan, toured the Volta Region in the latest episode of ‘People & Places’, she received information about the Adomi Bridge being declared as a security zone.
On the account of a military person, one ought to seek permission from authorities before taking either photos or pictures in the area.
Wonder Hagan narrating her experience on ‘People & Places’ on her road trip from Accra to Amedzofe, Volta Region said: “From Atimpoku, we got to the famous Adomi Bridge and we tried to stop to take a few pictures. We were able to capture a few of those videos just before we were stopped by a military person who told us that now, it is illegal or wrong to just take pictures without seeking permission.
“…we had to continue our journey but we got a few shots.”
The construction of the 334-meter-length Adomi Bridge began in March 1955 and was completed and opened for use in 1957.
New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer hopeful Kennedy Agyapong has assured Ghanaians that he will not tolerate any form on incompetence under his regime.
Speaking in an interview with maritime news in the US, Mr Agyapong indicated that the slighted mistake by any appointee will warrant his dismissal.
“I am not going to be a dictator. I won’t but I will be strict. One mistake, you’re fired. And I am not afraid to fire. I have said it several times that even if my wife makes a mistake I will fire her,” he assured.
Mr Agyapong also spoke about how mechanisation of agriculture will boost crop production which could earn foreign exchange through exports and lessen the burden on the country’s currency.
He again spoke about how he will instill patriotism in the citizenry through the singing of patriotic songs in schools and inculcation of love of the country in them.
Mr Agyapong faces stiff competition for the flagbearership position as stalwarts like Alan Kyeremanten, Mahamudu Bawumia, Boakye Agyarko, Owusu Afriyie Akoto and others are in the race.
A 50-second Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) footage, showing the fatal shooting of South African rapper, AKA has emerged on social media platforms.
AKA born Keirnan Jarryd Forbes according to reports late last week, was shot multiple times by unknown gunmen outside a popular restaurant on Florida Road in Durban.
The CCTV footage, shows the rapper emerge from the restaurant in the company of some associates and engage in the exchange of pleasantries including hugs.
While in the process, a man in a grey hood and black pants emerges from the left-lower part of the screen. The unidentified man pulls what looks like a pistol and shoots the rapper in the head from his back before dashing away from the scene.
The firing of the gunshot sent people at the scene into a frenzy as the rapper slumped into a pool of blood.
In a statement announcing his death, parents of the rapper, Tony and Lyn Forbes said “It is with extreme sadness that we acknowledge the passing of our beloved son, and confirm his untimely and tragic passing on the evening of February 10, 2023.
“Our son was loved and he gave love in return. In this time of grief we appeal for your compassion, space and time to congregate as family to decide on the upcoming days. We thank you for the love and support we have received thus far, and ask you to continue to keep us in your prayers and uplifted in the Lord,” they added.
Police say they responded to a shooting incident at about 10:15 pm on Friday evening.
“On arrival, paramedics met total chaos and a scene where two men, believed to be in their late 30s, sustained multiple gunshot wounds. Paramedics assisted the men and unfortunately, the first male had sustained multiple gunshot wounds and showed no signs of life and was declared deceased at the scene,” ALS paramedic Garrith Jamieson is quoted as saying.
According to the police, while the rapper died at the scene, a second victim of the shooting incident died later at a hospital from extensive injuries.
Viewers discretion advised
Watch CCTV footage of tragic shooting that took the life of AKA
Turkish authorities have arrested the contractor for the Rönesans Residence, which was destroyed in the earthquake that struck southeast Turkey on February 6, 2023,according to reports.
Mehmet Yaşar Coşkun was detained at the Istanbul airport while attempting to leave the country.
The 12-story Rönesans Residence, which has 250 apartments and was completed in 2013 in Hatay’s Antakya district, collapsed following the earthquake trapping about a thousand residents including Ghanaian footballer, Christian Atsu.
Some 170 Turkish lawyers filed a joint criminal complaint against the contractors of the building demanding an investigation into its collapse.
The contractor was subsequently detained at the airport on Friday, February 10, 2023, on the orders public prosecutors.
Reports say Yaşar Coşkun at the time of his arrest was leaving the country with his destination being Montenegro.
He was said to be carrying an unspecified cash amount at the time of his arrest.
He was taken to the police station later, where he was interrogated.
Afterwards, he was referred to a court which ordered that he be remanded pending trial.
Christian Atsu trapped under earthquake rubble
On Monday, February 6, 2023, Christian Atsu was reported to have been trapped under earthquake rubble alongside his club Hatayspor’s technical director, Taner Savut, following a 7.8 magnitude earthquake that hit south-central Turkey and Syria.
A day later, another story broke that the former Chelsea winger had been pulled out of the debris, but Taner Savut was still missing.
However, the report about Atsu’s discovery was later retold after Hatayspor Board Member Mustafa Ozat stated that the information was false and admitted to contributing to misinformation.
The conflicting reports about the player’s whereabouts became a major source of concern, prompting his agent, Nana Sechere, to go to the grounds and investigate for himself.
Turkish journalist Yaz Sabuncuolu claims Nana Sechere and his entourage have touched down in Turkey and have been to the place Atsu was staying before the earthquake alongside some friends of Taner Savut.
Meanwhile, GhanaWeb has sighted video footage of the moment security officials accosted Mehmet Yaşar Coşkun at the Istanbul airport.
Ghanaian-American actress Grace Duah promoted the Ghanaian-African tradition through an attire she wore during the recent premiere of Gossip Girl season 2.
In some images shared on Instagram by fashion designer, Pitis GH, For the film’s premiere, Miss Duah arrived dressed in a kente-inspired outfit that was embroidered with colourful beads that complemented the fabric’s hues.
The actress appeared to be an authentic African princess who was prepared to take on the world thanks to the vibrant pink, blue, and yellow kente cloth.
According to a Ghana Weekend report, the actress reportedly promised her parents she would wear kente on the red carpet if they agreed to let her pursue her ambition of being an actor, and she did.
In the movie Gossip Girl, the Ghanaian-American actress is portrayed as Shan Barnes.
On January 23, 2023, Girls Trip 2 is headed to West Africa for its sequel, Writer-director-producer, Tracy Oliver announced the news while at Sundance over the weekend.
According to Oliver, the original film Girls Trip, which starred Regina Hall, Queen Latifah, Jada Pinkett Smith, and Tiffany Haddish, will reunite the full cast in Ghana for the sequel, Variety reports.
The ladies of Girls Trip will look to attend the popular Afrochella (Afro Future) festival, which takes place in Ghana annually and attracts prominent musical acts from the region.
A gory accident at Gomoa Nyamebekyere on the Kasoa Cape Coast Highway in the Central Region has left many injured.
The accident occurred near the Gomoa Dominase onion market on Friday evening in a collision involving a Ford with a Tipper truck.
Preliminary investigations by the Winneba Municipal Fire service indicate that the Ford with the registration number GE 7270-17 was travelling from Takoradi to Accra.
The driver made a wrongful overtaking and collided with the tipper which was coming from the opposite direction.
In an interview with Adom News, theofficer in charge of the rescue team from the Winneba Municipal Fire service station, ADO2 Jude Oppong Manu, confirmed the incident.
He said the driver of the Ford was stuck in his car for an hour due to the impact of the crash but was rescued and rushed to the Winneba Trauma and Specialist Hospital together with other passengers.
ADO2 Manu entreated drivers plying on the Kasoa Cape Coast Highway to avoid unnecessary overtaking to save lives and property.
The former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo allegedly received a call from the President after she joined pensioners in protest of the government’s decision to include their bonds in its Domestic Debt Exchange Program, according to the Member of Parliament for Builsa South (DDEP).
Dr Clement Apaak said that he has information from sources close to the presidency that President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has invited the former Chief Justice of Ghana to a vital meeting.
“Deep throat sources have it that President Akufo-Addo has invited former Chief Justice, Sophia Akufo, for an urgent meeting. Don’t ask me why, your guess is as good as mine!” a tweet the MP shared on Friday, February 11, 2023, read.
The former Chief Justice of Ghana, Sophia Akuffo, who was appointed by President Akufo-Addo, joined retirees picketing the Ministry of Finance in Accra.
The pensioners have been picketing at the premises of the ministry since Monday, February 6, 2023, over the government’s plan to include their bonds in its Domestic Debt Exchange Programme.
Captured in a front-seat position at the premises of the Ministry of Finance, the former Chief Justice has in hand a wooden placard. Her placard read: “We use our bond yields to pay our: rents, medical bills, electricity, water bills.”
She described the government’s move to include pensioners in the debt exchange programme as wicked, disrespectful and unlawful and threatened to sue the government if it goes on with it.
According to her, it is wrong for the government, through the Ministry of Finance, to sacrifice pensioners’ hard-earned monies to save the government after serving the nation.
While bemoaning the negative impact of the debt exchange programme on pensioners in an interview with GhanaWeb Business, Sophia Akuffo stressed that it was heartbreaking to see her age mates and others older than her go through pain.
“It is very heart-breaking to see people, particularly in my age group, some are older than me, somewhat younger than me but these are all people who have worked very hard. They could have left the country when others were going. They stayed, they worked for the nation.
“I find this wicked, disrespectful, I find it unlawful. I find it totally wrong, period because you don’t solve your problems by sacrificing your aged. That’s the last thing you should do especially when you don’t have any services that are actually geared at the comfort and relief of the aged,” she said.
A Conflict and Security Analyst has intimated that a failure in intelligence has resulted in the resurfacing conflicts in Bawku.
According to him, government would have noted the resurgence of the conflict since the previous year if due diligence on information gathering were done.
“We all understand that the government has been reactive and probably there was a failure in intelligence. If intelligence was working, the state should have known sometime late last year thereabout that there were signs of conflict erupting in Bawku,” he said.
Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile Saturday, the expert called for the need to “deepen” intelligence, saying that the mere deployment of military soldiers to the Northern Region would not yield positive results.
The retired colonel further recommended that the parties involved in the conflict should not be labelled.
He explained that for instance labelling a party as “criminals” is an approach that is counterproductive in conflict resolution.
The Security expert, therefore, advised the authorities to be measured in their statements.
In the wake of consistent reports on issues of tribal conflicts at Bawku, military soldiers were deployed there to maintain sanity.
However, in the process of maintaining peace and order as indicated by the Ghana Armed Forces, some 10 civilians lost their lives as soldiers tried “neutralising” persons reported to have wielded weapons.
Subsequently, the Bawku Central MP, Mahama Ayariga in a statement condemned the activities of the military soldiers, accusing them of admitting wrongdoing.
He has since called for the families of the deceased persons to be compensated.
Given the situation, conflict zones were placed under curfew for a period of time.
However, Colonel Aboagye is of the view that the curfew which seeks to cease the movements of persons and motorcycles, would exacerbate the living conditions of individuals in the affected areas.
Meanwhile, there are fears that apart from political influences, jihadist activities could also be fueling the said conflicts.
Kofi Tonto, the government’s spokesperson, has urged the administration to understand the plight of Ghanaians and find a better approach to work with bondholders on itsdomestic debt exchange programme (DDEP).
On Friday, February 10, Sophia Akuffo, a former chief justice, joined a group of pensioners picketing outside the finance ministry to protest the use of pensioners’ bond yields by the government.
Since Monday, February 6, the pensioners have been picketing outside the Ministry in an effort to be excused from the Program.
Speaking to the media, she described as “wicked” and “disrespectful” government’s decision to include pensioners in the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP).
She said; “We are over 70 years now, I am no longer government employed, my mouth has been unguarded and I am talking and I am saying that we have failed and it is important that the elderly should be respected. I find this wicked, I find it disrespectful, I find it unlawful, I find it totally wrong.”
“These are all people who have worked, they have worked very hard, they could have left the country when others were going but they stayed, they worked for the nation…Quite a number of people here today, when they retired last two years they have put everything into government bonds, it is a contract and now all of a sudden, you virtually want to force them to agree with you that the repayment of the yield of their investment should be as you dictate it. Why?”
“Why are we in the mess? Nobody has fully explained to us, yes we took debt, what was it used for? and where is the accountability? Exactly what was it used for? You are not telling us about how you are going to be able to make things better but just that ‘help me and I help you’, no, you help yourself first, let me see you doing something serious because we have seen these sort of things too many times”, she added.
Tackling the matter, Kofi Tonto appeared lost for words that it has come to a point where a former Chief Justice appointed by President Nana Addo would join the crusade for the government to reconsider its decision.
“This is a woman who just about three or four years ago was the fourth in command in this Republic. It may be that her money is not part but rather her relative’s or that she feels for the ordinary Ghanaian,” he said.
He appealed to the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, to heed the calls by the bondholders stressing “we should apologize to the bondholders. As a government, we have to listen to them. We have to empathize with them. We must do everything necessarily possible to bring them on board”.
He said this during a panel discussion programme on Peace FM’s morning show “Kokrokoo”.
The two-day event, which began last Friday, was designed to promote rice products with added value and link regional businesses with global partners in the rice value chain.
About 100 exhibitors, both from Ghana and beyond, attended the fair to promote their products, engage in conversation, exchange ideas, and network.
Additionally, the exhibition brought together stakeholders, buyers, and investors to promote the production and consumption of regional rice.
The event was organised by the Tamanaa Company Limited, in collaboration with GIZ, Competitive African Rice Platform (CARP), Yara Ghana, IDH and MasterCard Foundation.
Sustainable partnerships
Speaking at the event in Walewale, a Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture in charge of Livestock, Mohammed Hardi Tufeiru, said although the government was doing its best to promote the production and consumption of local rice, the private sector held the key to the development of the domestic rice sector.
“The Government of Ghana, through the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, is partnering rice sector stakeholders to promote domestic rice production and consumption.
“There is the need to build sustainable partnerships and ensure that all stakeholders work tirelessly to reduce rice imports significantly by increasing domestic rice production,” he stated.
He said the theme for the fair was in line with the government’s agenda to transform the rice sector for economic growth and high incomes for farmers and other value chain actors such as agro-processing and agribusinesses.
He noted that the need to add value to products was a priority to sustain productivity and growth in the sector.
Strategic document
Mr Tufeiru indicated that the ministry, together with its partners, was developing a National Rice Development Strategy II (NRDS II), a strategic document for the development of the domestic rice industry.
The main objective of the NRDS, he said, is to the attain rice self-sufficiency through seven thematic areas, including Seed System; Fertiliser Marketing, Distribution and Usage; Post-Harvest Handling and Marketing; as well as Irrigation and Water Control Investment.
Ban on rice imports
The Chief Executive Officer of Tamanaa Company Limited, Shaibu Briamah, called on the government to ban the importation of rice into the country and encourage the production and consumption of the foodstuff locally.
He suggested to the authorities to increase tariffs on imported rice, to create market for locally produced rice, to increase the income of farmers to support the economy.
He lamented the low patronage of the local rice, saying “Even state institutions don’t patronise local rice, the Buffer Stock Company that is supposed to be patronising local rice is still owing suppliers, which is affecting business.”
The North East Regional Minister, Yidana Zakaria, encouraged rice farmers in the region to increase their output, since the area was endowed with arable lands.
He also encouraged them to engage in dry season farming to increase production.
The projects are an early childhood development centre for Zuarungu-Moshie at a cost of GH 287,000 sponsored by the Northern Development Authority and a health centre with a mechanised borehole built at a cost of GH 418,024.00 supported by the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) (NDA).
The other project is a three-unit classroom block with auxiliary amenities and furniture for the Dubila community basic school that is also supported by the NDA at a cost of GH450,000.
Speaking to the Daily Graphic at the end of separate handover ceremonies, the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Bolgatanga East, David Akolgo Amoah, said he was highly elated that the projects which were dear to his heart had been completed and handed over for use.
He stated that the projects would go a long way to improve healthcare delivery and education in the beneficiary communities, adding, “I admit that the schoolchildren obviously needed and deserved a better place to study to realise their aspirations.”
He noted that it was unacceptable for schoolchildren to be allowed to study in unfriendly academic environments, noting, “the government at all times will ensure that the right academic environment is provided to enhance teaching and learning.
“These school buildings can be compared to others in big cities and towns in the country, as they would offer a conducive learning environment for the beneficiary school pupils to study to become useful to the society in future.”
Other projects
While commending the contractor and the NDA for a good work done, he appealed to the NDA to as a matter of urgency, take steps towards the completion of two other school projects it was funding so they served their intended purposes.
“I wish to appeal to the NDA to see to the completion of a kindergarten classroom block at Dulungu and a junior high school block at Kantia, which are currently at various stages of completion,” he said.
“As an assembly, we will ensure that all stalled classroom block projects are completed towards the provision of dignified education to the school pupils for the ultimate benefit of the country,” the DCE said.
He noted that the health facility would enable health workers to provide quality healthcare services to residents within the centre’s operational areas, stressing, “this centre will deal timeously with medical conditions of the people, in a bid to improve their health needs.”
Other speakers
The District Director of Health Services, Alhassan Lawal, said the old building was not conducive for the provision of health care to the residents and indicated that his outfit would explore the possibility of having a laboratory service and consulting room in the facility.
He said “with this new facility, staff will not have any excuse not to stay in the community to render services to the people,” stressing “I want to assure the management of the district assembly that the facility will be put to good use to provide quality services to the people in the community and its environs.”
A deputy director in charge of planning at the district directorate of the Ghana Education Service (GES), Thomas Adiyuure Azuliya, expressed gratitude to the NDA and the district for facilitating the construction of the classroom blocks.
He gave an assurance that the GES would ensure judicious use of the projects and appealed to the NDA to pursue the contractor executing the Kantia JHS classroom block to complete the facility, since the school pupils were currently studying under a tree.
A community elder in Zuarungu-Moshie, Adobire Azure, in a remark, lauded the government for the projects and pledged the community’s support towards the maintenance of the projects.
Canada’s national women’s team will go on strike in pursuit of equal pay and increased funding from governing body Canada Soccer.
The players made the announcement via a joint statement on social media, calling for “immediate” change and demanding Canada Soccer reverse funding cuts they say have placed an “unacceptable burden” on the team.
Canada are sixth in FIFA’s women’s world rankings and are due to face the United States in the SheBelieves Cup on February 17.
Bev Priestman’s team are also viewed among the contenders for this year’s Women’s World Cup, where they have been drawn alongside hosts Australia, the Republic of Ireland and Nigeria in Group B.
The statement read: “We have been patiently negotiating with Canada Soccer for more than a year. Now that our World Cup is approaching, the women’s national team players are being told to prepare to perform at a world-class level without the same level of support received by the men’s national team.
“We are left feeling frustrated and, once again, deeply disrespected by Canada Soccer.
“We are tired – tired of constantly having to fight for fair and equal treatment, and for a program which will give us a chance to achieve what we know this team is capable of achieving.
“If Canada Soccer is not willing or able to support our team, new leadership should be found. We are committed to doing whatever it takes to create public awareness of this crisis.”
Players from the men’s national team subsequently issued a statement of their own, saying they “wholeheartedly support” the actions of the women’s team.
To promote transit trade between Ghana and Burkina Faso, the Burkina Faso Shippers Council has opened an ultramodern office complex at the Tema Port enclave.
Al Hassane Sienou, the Board Chairman, Burkina Shippers Council, said the office was built as part of a vast infrastructural programme embarked on by the governing body of the Council through its strategic development plan.
Mr Roland Somda, the Minister of Transport, Burkina Faso, said the office complex would enhance the Shippers Council’s operations and help it deliver on its mandate.
The mandate includes ensuring regular supply of products and goods to Burkina Faso in the best conditions pertaining to cost, speed, and security.
The Council also assists shippers and protects their interests, which contributes to the competitiveness of Burkinabe export products on the international market, among others.
Mr Frederick Obeng Adom, Ghana’s Deputy Minister of Transport, called for a strengthened collaboration toward the shared objectives of both countries.
This is line with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) objectives, which aimed at, but not limited to, reducing poverty and shared prosperity among member countries.
Mrs Sandra Opoku, the Director of Tema Port, gave the assurance that the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) would continuously improve on all measures to sustain the transit trade.
The GPHA began with the provision of lands to the transit representatives to build offices and warehouses to support their administrative and operational activities.
She said in a bid to reduce the cost of doing business in Ghana, especially for the transit customers, the GPHA granted rebates on its cargo volumes, and 21 days rent-free for all transit cargo, with automated ports processes to reduce delays.
When a 24-year-old unemployed guy was sentenced to 25 years in prison for harming others and attempting to rob someone, he received the shock of his life.
Lamin Sissy had already been found guilty of the accusations by the court at this point.
He received sentences of five years for inflicting hurt and twenty-five years for attempting to conduct a crime, specifically robbery, from the court presided over by Mrs. Sedinam Awo Balokah.
However, sentences must run simultaneously.
Handing the sentence, the Court said an attempt to commit a crime carries the same punishment as committing the crime.
It noted that the accused person now a convict used an offensive weapon (scissors) to harm the complainant, Christabel Sitor.
Sissy is said to have attempted to snatch a handbag worth GHS100, an Infinix Hot 10 mobile phone valued at GHS1,000 and cash of GHS100.
Sissy earlier prayed to the Court for mercy.
“I pray the Court to forgive me. I don’t know what came over me. I have no relations in Ghana,” he added.
The prosecution led by Inspector Gloria Ayim prayed the Court to give an accused person a stiffer sentence to serve as a deterrent to like-minded persons.
The case of the Prosecution is that the complainant Christabel Sitor is a resident of Mile 13 Adenta.
On June 2, 2022, the Prosecution said at about 9:20 pm, the complainant went to town and when returning home on a straight route, Sissy who had no permanent place of abode and had laid ambushed, spotted the complainant with her lady’s bag across her chest.
It said the complainant’s bag contained an infinix Hot 10 phone and a sum of GHS100.
The prosecution told the court that, Sissy on seeing the complainant, started trialling her to a distance and attacked her with a pair of scissors.
It said Sissy ordered the complainant to hand over her handbag.
The Prosecution said the complainant resisted and a struggle ensued between her and the accused person.
In the process, Sissy slashed the complainant’s left hand with a pair of scissors.
The Prosecution said the complainant raised an alarm and Sissy took to his heels.
It said the complainant’s shouts attracted people to the scene. Sissy however escaped and hid in the bush.
Whiles lodging a complaint, a witness in the case who pursued Sissy managed to nab Sissy and escorted him to the Police Station.
The prosecution said the accused person admitted the offence and led the Police to the crime scene.
Somalia has reopened its embassy in the UK after 32 years, in a ceremony attended by ambassador Abdulkadir Ahmed Kheyr, Olympic champion Mo Farah and Somali-Canadian model Sabrina Dhowre, among others.
The embassy in London is expected to provide consular services to the nearly 500,000-strong diaspora community in the UK who are eligible for Somali citizenship, and other services including travel documentation and marriage certificates.
It will also host cultural and other informative events.
Ambassador Kheyr said that reopening the embassy was a positive step in strengthening UK-Somali relations.
The Somali embassy in London was officially closed in 1991 following the collapse of the central government. However, diplomatic relations have strengthened in recent years.
Britain reopened its embassy in Mogadishu in 2013 after a 22-year absence.
Basic schools in Nyankpala have closed down following gunshots near the Nyankpala Chief’s Palace Thursday, Feburary 9, 2023, afternoon.
A visit to some basic schools in the community Friday morning, saw classrooms under lock and deserted.
Some school children who did not hear about the closure and came to school this morning, had to go home early whilst others decided to play around. Some of the children told GBC News that, their teachers have asked them to go home because of yesterday’s shooting incident.
There was sporadic gunshots near the Nyankpala Chief’s Palace late Thursday afternoon, sending residents to bed earlier than usual. Police are yet to establish persons behind the shooting incident, but it is believed that, the shooting is connected to the enskinment of a new chief for Nyankpala.
The Overlord of Dagbon, Yaa Naa Abukari Mahama, on Thursday enskinned Mohammed Ibrahim as the Nyankpala chief.
Some residents alleged that, the enskinment has not gone down well with a certain group and suspect that the shooting was to show their disapproval of the new chief.
Though calm has returned to Nyankpala, school authorities say they are not taking chances with their pupils hence, the closure of the schools.
A teacher who spoke to GBC News off record said they hope to be back to school on Monday.
Nyankpala is also home to the University for Development Studies UDS, but the development has not affected academic activities at the University. Students were seen going for lectures on Friday morning.
When GBC news correspondent arrived at the Palace on Friday morning, there was calm with a police patrol team moving around to enforce law and order.
Business activities in the community were also back to normal with food vendors on the street selling various foods including kooko, waakye and wassawassa.
Nyankpala is nineteen Kilometers from Tamale and home to the University for Development Studies and the Savannah Agricultural Research Institute (SARI).
Lord Marland, the CWEIC’s chairman, has recommended the nation to step up efforts to add value to its produce.
He claimed that value addition and processing are key problems that the nation must address in order to harness commerce and hasten economic recovery in the face of the ongoing crisis. By doing this, the emphasis will shift from strong reliance on imports to self-sufficiency.
“The way out for Ghanais the way out for every country’s growth – investing in trade and I am very encouraged with what I have seen. Processing produce here and not just exporting and then bringing imports back as refined products but involving in the whole process to create employment and prosperity is key,” Mr. Marland, who is on a working visit, told the B&FT in Accra.
The CWEIC boss noted that as more countries across the world ease restrictions, paving the way for people to travel outside their countries again, there is the need to build and strengthen capacity to leverage trade to spur economic growth.
“My role is to engender trade and investment across the 56commonwealth countries and therefore, I believe our role is important as the world gets back into traveling, into globalization which has not happened in the last two years; people and countries have looked inward rather than outward and now recognise that we need to look outward to develop trade for growth and prosperity, to get the engine of each country going again,” he said.
“I have interacted with a lot of stakeholders and I have realised the desire to start looking outward. I see a lot of opportunities. We are determined to help Ghana in every possible way to regain that prosperity and growth it expected before these terrible global events,” he added.
The lives of two South African musicians, Lucky Dube and AKA, were cut short by gunmen who murdered them in separate years.
The wounds from the 2007 murder of Lucky Dube, the man regarded as Africa’s reggae giant remain fresh.
The latest murder case involving a musician was reported on the evening of Friday, February 10, 2023, when police confirmed that AKA was killed in a drive-by shooting.
Lucky Dube
South African reggae legend, Lucky Philip Dube met his untimely death on October 18, 2007, when gunmen shot and killed him in a car hijacking in Johannesburg.
Lucky, famed for his 1991 monster hit “It’s Not Easy,” was murdered at the age of 43.
According to reports, the daughter of Lucky Dube witnessed his father’s murder, which took place shortly after he had dropped his children off at their uncle’s residence in his Chrysler 300C.
The internationally acclaimed singer was laid to rest on October 28, 2007, in a private ceremony.
In March 2009, three men identified as his murderers were sentenced to life imprisonment.
News of the rapper’s death took music lovers by surprise, as AKA was set to release his album titled ‘Mass Country’ on February 27.
The shooting incident also claimed the life of AKA’s close friend, Tebello Motsoane, better known as Tibz.
The celebrated rapper was famed for hit songs that included ‘Lemons’, ‘All Eyes On Me’, 10 Fingers, and ‘Make Me Sing’.
Confirming the news of AKA’s demise, his family wrote in a statement: “Our son was loved, and he gave love in return. In this time of grief, we appeal for your compassion, space, and time to congregate as family to decide on the upcoming days. We thank you for the love and support we have received thus far, and ask you to continue to keep us in your prayers and uplifted in the Lord.”
Popular Ghanaian musician and radio presenter, Blakk Rasta, has disclosed that contrary to the perception of many that he is somebody who kowtows to the pressure of what many people do, he is not.
Speaking during an exclusive interview he granted award-winning Ghanaian blogger/vlogger, Zionfelix, the 3FM presenter revealed that he does not chew any meat that has eyes.
He made this revelation after he was asked whether he has ever smoked in his life because of the public perception that rastamen mostly smoke.
According to the musician, who is recognized for his unique kind of music, he pays particular attention to the things he takes into his body.
Blakk Rasta indicated that he stays away from processed meals, iced water, and any form of meat that has eyes.
He added that he does not see the need to take in any of these processed foods or meats because he feels they are not good for the body, and as a result, he always goes the natural way.
His revelation has received a lot of reactions on social media, with many netizens making a mockery of him.
Senyo Hosi, the convener of the Individual Bondholders Forum, has urged holders of pensioner bonds to forgo joining the domestic debt exchange scheme rather than put themselves through the anxiety of picketing the Finance Ministry.
He believed that since the Finance Minister had provided the option of self-exemption, it would be better if bondholders took it.
He said, “I sometimes get lost as to what the pensioners are looking for. We are looking for a total exemption, the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, has categorically said we can self-exempt. So what exactly are we looking for again from the Finance Minister? You have the decision to choose, I think individuals and pensioners have the option to stay out or not. If the deal doesn’t work for you, exempt, if it does fine. I don’t think picketing, shouting, and screaming will solve that problem. I will encourage all pensioners to self-exempt, there’s no need to scream, self-exempt now.”
The Pensioner Bondholders forum has been picketing the Finance Ministry since Monday, February 6, 2023, to demand a total exemption from the domestic debt exchange programme.
According to the group, it is unfair to be included in the programme.
Also, the lead convener of the group, Adu Anane Antwi, stated that voluntary participation is not the same as a total exemption.
According to him, this may cause problems for them in the future.
“In the future, the government can say that you did not take the restructuring. I already told you that I may face some challenges meeting the obligation so let us restructure and you refused. So if you go there, you become a part of it. If you decide not to take part, you already know,” he said.
Ghana Premier League leaders Aduana Stars consolidated their position on the log by holding Bechem United to a goalless draw at the Nana Fosu Gyeabour Park on Friday afternoon.
The Ogya Boys extend their lead on the summit to five points. They have amassed 32 points from 17 matches while second-placed Bechem have 27 points, followed Asante Kotoko who are on 27 points.
Bechem trainer Kassim Ocansey Mingle made no changes to the team that lost narrowly to Berekum Chelsea in the last round last week at Golden City Park. He went into the game with the same starting lineup.
Newly signed Burkinabe forward Aboubacar Tilourba was brought in the second half to make his debut for the Hunters, replacing Emmanuel Avornyo.
On the other hand, Paa Kwesi Fabin made a few alterations to the team that beat Nsoatreman FC 2-0 in the last league game at the Nana Agyemang Badu Park in Dormaa Ahenkro.
Richard Danso returned from suspension to take his place in the starting eleven. Yaw Ansah Fufuro continued to keep the posts in the absence of the captain Joseph Addo who is nursing an injury.
Kelvin Obeng who joined from Chelsea a few days ago was handed a starting role against Bechem while Hans Kwofie was named on the bench.
The Hunters dominated the first half by seeing a majority of the ball possession but they failed to create decent scoring opportunities from it. The first period of the match ended scoreless.
Bechem continued to be dominant in the second half yet they failed to make it count in goals scoring as Aduana remained compact and resolute at the back.
Aduana will finish the first half of the 2022-23 campaign at the top of the league standings notwithstanding results from the other matchday 17 fixtures on Saturday, Sunday and Monday.
African music superstar and emPawa Africa founder Oluwatosin Ajibade, popularly known as Mr Eazi, is demanding Bad Bunny and his record company, Rimas Music, credit and restore rights to emPawa Africa artist Joeboy and emPawa Africa producer Dëra following illegal use of their music on Bad Bunny’s Un Verano Sin Ti.
“Enséñame a Bailar,” an afrobeats track from the Puerto Rican music superstar’s multi-platinum, Grammy-winning 2022 album, contains various elements of the 2021 song “Empty My Pocket,” written and recorded by Joeboy and produced by Dëra (also known as Dëra Boy).
The track interpolates Joeboy’s “Empty My Pocket” melodies and utilizes Dëra’s composition throughout, directly sampling Joeboy’s “Empty My Pocket” vocals in its coda. Yet “Enséñame a Bailar” was released in May of 2022 without credit to Joeboy or clearance from emPawa Africa, which is both Joeboy’s record label and publisher.
After nine months of efforts to resolve these issues privately ceded no result, Mr Eazi and emPawa Africa are issuing a public demand that Bad Bunny and Rimas Music grant Joeboy publishing, songwriting and feature credits on “Enséñame a Bailar,” and credit Dëra as the track’s co-producer.
“The team at emPawa Africa have attempted to sort this issue amicably since May of last year with our mutual legal teams,” Mr Eazi said. “But the intent of Rimas Music is clearly to blatantly appropriate young African creators’ work for their gain without attribution.”
emPawa Publishing, the publishing arm of emPawa Africa, and its administrator, Kobalt, have placed the publishing on “Enséñame a Bailar” in dispute, meaning all payouts on publishing revenue from the track will be halted until the dispute is resolved.
“Our asks have been the same since the beginning,” added Ikenna Nwagboso, Co-Founder and Head of Label Services, Distribution and Publishing with emPawa Africa. “Give Joeboy his credit, publishing and royalties on the song, and give Dëra a producer credit alongside those already given to Bad Bunny’s producers.”
However, despite an initial call and email exchanges with Rimas where there was never any dispute that Joeboy and Dëra were entitled to publishing, Rimas has failed to negotiate in good faith with emPawa Africa in order to regularize its infringing rights.
“Unfortunately this is part of a broader pattern we see in how the wider music industry approaches the IP [intellectual property] of African artists,” said Mr Eazi, noting a history dating back to Michael Jackson’s adaptation of Cameroonian musician Manu Dibango’s “Soul Makossa” (on Thriller’s “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’”), and the resulting litigation. “Afrobeats has become a global phenomenon, and everybody wants to sample a piece of it. Unfortunately, afrobeats artists, their producers and labels often have to pursue legal means to secure publishing and royalties after songs they originally created are co-opted without credit by other artists.”
Mr Eazi and Bad Bunny previously collaborated on “Como Un Bebé,” from J Balvin and Bad Bunny’s joint 2019 album, Oasis. That track, produced by Nigeria’s Legundury Beatz, is considered by Mr Eazi to be one of the earliest and purest examples of afrobeats being adapted for the Latin/reggaeton market, making this recent development all the more puzzling.
“I founded emPawa Africa to protect and support African creative entrepreneurs and artists with a virtuous ecosystem, believing that afrobeats and afropop would be today what we wished then it would become,” Mr Eazi says. “We will not accept Bad Bunny and Rimas denying Joeboy and Dëra credits and a share in the ownership of a song they wrote, composed and, in Joeboy’s case, even performed on.”
Ghana FA Communications Director Henry Asante Twum says the Football Association will soon announce the next coach of theBlack Stars.
The Black Stars are without a head coach following Otto Addo’s resignation from the Black Stars after the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Over 1000 applications have been received during the process, GHANAsoccernet.com has gathered.
The Communications Director in an earlier interview disclosed the Ghana FA would appoint a new coach by the end of January but the deadline has past.
Speaking in an interview with Kumasi-based radio station Akoma FM on the date for the announcement of the new head coach for the Black Stars and the reason for the delay Henry Asante Twum said, “If the appointment of a Black Stars coach was to be the responsibility of the FA alone, it would have been done easily. But in this case, it is a long process of talks with all stakeholders.
“Even after speaking to the coach, the Ghana FA will have to meet and inform the ministry, discuss salary, and agree on a figure, reverse to the coach to renegotiate. These processes sometimes delay the appointment.
“Yes, the announcement has been delayed, in the minds of the FA we were thinking of naming the coach latest by the end of January but that did not happen.
“A lot of discussions are ongoing between the ministry and the FA. I cannot give a specific time or day to that effect but very soon when talks are concluded, we will name the next coach for the Black Stars”.
The Black Stars next assignment is in March for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Actress turned musician, Yaa Jackson, has tackled critics of her relationship with her partner, Manuel, in her latest song “Baby Mama.”
The two recently tied the knot following rumours of her pregnancy. She subsequently delivered a baby boy.
The couple arguably became the most talked on social media following these events.
Yaa Jackson’s boyfriend posted a picture of the songstress on his social media platforms and captioned it “Baby mama.” This generated conversations on social media, which suggested that their relationship is hitting the rocks.
The release of a leaked chat between Manuel and a “side chic,” also generated a lot of controversy.
Yaa, who seems to be displeased over these events, in the song, lamented over the public backlash public, especially the “baby mama” tag.
“Everybody does it but people will criticise Yaa for doing the same. You are just hating on a little girl, every human is imperfect,” she said.
Viola Davis made history as the 18th Person to Achieve the EGOT – winning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award at the just concluded 65th Grammy Award held on Sunday at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. She capped her collection with the award of the ‘Best Audio Book, Narration, and Storytelling Recording’ for her autobiography ‘Finding Me.’
The 56-year-old superstar was among the eight Black entertainers that clinched the most prestigious entertainment award at the Los Angeles ceremony. The award-winning actress got nominated in only one category, which she went on to win that night.
The Grammy is a premier ceremony that mainly recognizes technical and genre categories. The Grammy event was hosted by comedian and YouTube star – Randy Rainbow. The four-hour show saw many Black entertainers picking up awards in different categories, including Nigeria’s sensational singer Tems, who won her first-ever Grammy Award in the category ‘Best Melodic Rap Performance,’ for her contribution to Future’s song ‘Wait For U’ which also featured Drake.
In 2016, Davis won ‘Best Supporting Actress for ‘Fences.’ She also won two Tony Awards for her theatre work – Featured Actress in a Play for ‘King Hedley II (2001),’ and ‘Lead Actress in a Play’ for ‘Fences (2010).’ Her Emmy Award recognized the TV Drama ‘How to Get Away with Murder.’
Some of the previous winners of the EGOT include Sir John Gielgud, Rita Moreno, Andrew Lloyd Webber, John Legend, and Jennifer Hudson. Earlier, the EGOT star faced criticisms for her portrayal of the former First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama in the new U.S. TV drama series ‘The First Lady.’ Some viewers complained that her overly pursing lips and facial expressions were ‘distracting and insulting.’ In a BBC interview, Davis responded, “It is incredibly hurtful when people say negative things against your work’.
The audience at the ceremony was thrilled with scintillating performances from Bad Bunny, Brandi Carlile, Harry Styles, Lizzo, Luke Combs, Mary J. Blige, Sam Smith & Kim Petras, and Steve Lacy. Davis is an American actress and producer, who was born on August 11, 1965. She is the only Black American to achieve the Triple Crown of Acting and the third person to earn two interesting statuses (EGOT winner and Triple Crown of Acting).
Davis started her acting career in 1988 with appearances in small stage productions. She has won two Tony Awards, the Drama Desk Award, an Obie Award, Theatre World Award, and other awards. She has appeared in numerous films, including Doubt (2008), The Help (2011), Prisoners (2013), Get On Up (2014), Lila and Eve (2015), Suicide Squad (2016), Widow (2018), Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (2020), The Suicide Squad (2021), and The Woman King (2022).
“I just EGOT,” the visibly elated and emotional star announced on stage at the Grammy, thanking her family for being “the best chapter in my book.”
TheCommonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council’s (CWEIC) Chairman, Lord Marland, claims that the inability of Ghanaian companies to develop abroad is due to a lack of successful partner searches in other nations.
Speaking to Class News, Lord Marland said CWEIC was created to assist member companies in finding the best partners in other nations, and it was one of the reasons he travelled to Ghana.
“The reason why it’s difficult for businesses to export, or to trade beyond Ghana is that, if you’re a business, it’s uncertain about whether you are going to find the right partner in another country to work with. The right lawyer, the right accountant, for a start. So, if you’re a business that’s thinking about exporting, you are thinking, you know, I want to export to India, for example. Who am I going to work with in India? How am I going to set myself up? What are the tax implications? What are all the rules? And that’s where we help as an organisation.” Marland said.
He further explained “That’s why when people want to import to Ghana, we have people on the ground here who can help them reduce that risk and of course, Ghana is a great exporting country with lots of things. So it is done, however, people have to be supported in the process, which is what we do at the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council.”
Pep Guardiola was defiant in Friday’s press conference when asked about the financial charges handed to Manchester City earlier this week.
WHAT HAPPENED? City were charged with 101 breaches of financial regulations since the takeover by the Abu Dhabi United Group in 2008, with the punishment a long way from being decided.
When Guardiola was inevitably questioned on the situation by reporters, he insisted that the club were “innocent until proven guilty”.
WHAT THEY SAID: “My thought is that we have already been condemned,” the City manager argued. “Since Monday it is like what happened with UEFA. The club proved that they were completely innocent, why should I think right now, with just charges of suggestions… You have to understand that the 19 teams of the Premier League are accusing us without opportunity to defend ourselves. You know exactly on what side I am.
“We are lucky we live in a society where everybody is innocent until proven guilty. We didn’t have this opportunity. (People say) we are already guilty. I think we have good lawyers but the Premier League – supported by 19 teams – are going to take good lawyers too.”
“If we are not innocent we will accept what the judge or Premier League decide, but what happens if it’s the same as UEFA and we are innocent? What happens to restore our damage?”
THE BIGGER PICTURE: After Guardiola had previously claimed he would walk if he found out the club had lied to him about their expenses, speculation had already begun regarding his successor.
However, the Catalan tactician committed his future to the club in the same press conference, while also blaming City’s charges on the actions of the other 19 Premier League clubs.
The Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyabeng, has arrested and charged four persons over their failure to comply and declare their sources of income in contravention.
Their failure to comply with the directive is in breach of regulation 20 of LI2374.
They are; Issah Seidu, James Keck Osei, John Abban and Peter Archibald Hyde.
“Mr. Siedu works with National Insurance Commission, James works with Office of the Vice President as an administrator and John and Peter are senior Officers with the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority,” OSP indicated in a tweet on Friday.
According to the OSP, “the accused are suspects under investigation in respect of corruption and corruption-related offences regarding the importation from Thailand and auction processes of 250 metric tons of Lele rice.”
The OSP noted that the accused “are due to appear before the High Court (Criminal Division) in Accra on Monday, 13 February 2023.”
Ghanaian Afrobeats diva Maame Yaa Konadu Jackson, known by her stage name as Yaa Konadu has dropped a new banger titled “Baby Mama”
The single produced by Deelawbeat happens to be Yaa Jackson’s first single after a short hiatus from the music since having tied the knot and becoming a mother.
Prior to the release, the new mother shared a teaser and flyer of the song on her social media platforms which got fans in anticipation.
Following her marriage and the birth of her son, Yaa Jackson became the most talked about on social media.
Yaa Jackson’s boyfriend posted a picture of the songstress on his social media platforms and captioned it “Baby mama”. Which created lots of conversations on social media about them breaking up.
The title of the new song, however, sparks from the caption of the post “Baby Mama”
In the song, the songstress laments about how the public seems to be on her neck over an issue that is common in society.
“Everybody does it but people will criticize Yaa for doing the same.
“You are just hating on a little girl, every human is imperfect,” she said in an interview.
Yaa Jackson added that the entire content of the song “Baby mama” seeks to address the several backlash and rumours surrounding the actress-turned-songstress’s pregnancy and birth.
The song however features her newborn baby on the song’s cover.
Yaa Jackson has over the years released hit songs including “Tear rubber” and “Ehwe papa,” among many others.
Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the minority leader and ranking member of the finance committee in parliament, began his legislative duties this week by advocating that tax waivers be stopped in order to save the economy much-needed money in light of the current economic difficulties.
The World Bank has encouraged the government to stop using certain of its tax exemptions and other tax-related activities while improving the effectiveness of tax collection. Ghana offers far too many tax exemptions for a nation that desperately needs to raise money to lower its debt-to-GDP ratio.
It provides for a tax exemption regime in the country with defined criteria for exemptions, and was expected to save the economy GH¢460million in 2022 according to Minister of Finance Ken Ofori-Atta.
However, as the country faces mounting economic challenges, Ato Forson believes government should halt all forms of tax waivers to companies in a bid to raise additional revenue to support the recovery process.
Given the downturn in economic activity along with rising public expenditure, the Ranking Member of the Finance Committee is confident that such a move would be apt. His remarks were in response to a question regarding public perception about huge sums that the country loses annually through exemptions.
Though the country has saved some funds since passage of the Tax Exemptions bill last year, Dr. Forson notes that there is a need for further scrutiny to identify gaps in the regime and improve on them in order to save more.
Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta noted that in 2020 alone about GH¢1.8billion was lost, the worst recorded for a single year since 2008.
Although it is important for Ghana to use tax exemptions for attracting foreign investors into the country, empirical evidence has proven that too many tax exemptions have failed to provide the desired result.
Ghana loses over GH¢5billion every year through tax exemptions, that’s why tax consultant and attorney Ali-Nakyea and Associates urged government to take a second look at the tax exemptions régime if it means to rake in more revenue for the state.
Indeed, the country has chronically struggled to mobilise enough revenue to fund its expenditure requirements. It is therefore proper to explore all the avenues to raise more revenue, and limiting tax exemptions is one such way.
Kwaku Sintim-Misa (KSM), a comedian and television broadcaster, has requested that President Akufo-Addo apologize to the people of Ghana for the economic catastrophe that they are now experiencing.
In a myjoyonline.com report, the renowned comedian claimed that Ghanaians have lost the plot when it comes to managing the country’s issues.
“The president should come and tell us that we are in a big mess and that ‘we are sorry.’ We created this mess. The mess didn’t come from anywhere; our pettiness drove us this far,” he said.
KSM also outlined a few ways the government might lessen Ghanaians’ burdens.
“The first step is to eliminate ex gratia… ex gratia from now to, say, five years is being eliminated.” Let us cut down the number of people at the presidency to let the people know that we are in a mess,” KSM further stated.
Meanwhile, in December 2022, KSM expressed frustration that leaders don’t think through their plans thoroughly and that affects its citizens. This was in response to the announcement that road tolls would be reinstated by Kwasi Amoako-Atta.
Speaking with GhanaWeb’s Doreen Abanema Abayaa, KSM said the roads minister to stop the collection of road tolls because he thought the government could maximize revenue through the E-Levy.
“I’m a much, much, older person, and this is part of my frustrations in this country, that to date, we are not going to sit down and do things after we think them through thoroughly. Everything we do is a ‘knee jerk reaction’…
“Even when he (roads minister) was describing the road tolls, he talked about how it was not going to create traffic jams and it was going to be digitised,” KSM argued.
“The manager doesn’t know his best team.”It is a regular criticism aimed at any head coach who frequently makes changes to a struggling side in search of a winning formula.
It is one Chelsea boss Graham Potter, armed with a bulging roster of high-priced talent, is likely to hear a lot unless his side put together a winning run and move up the Premier League table.
There were murmurs of it after the soulless 0-0 draw with Fulham on Friday that included five of Chelsea’s new signings from the £300m-plus January spending spree that was sanctioned by the club’s new owners.
That outlay followed almost the same amount spent in the summer, with a total of 17 new players brought to Stamford Bridge through two transfer windows.
However, as the dust settled on their first league game since the transfer window closed, they had mustered a mere three shots on target and no goals.
When asked about his player shopping, Potter said: “It’s a team for the now and for the future.”
But, after such significant outlay, Potter has to hope Todd Boehly and the new ownership group are less trigger-happy than their notoriously impatient predecessor at Stamford Bridge.’Potter doesn’t play the same XI in every game’
For many of the Premier League’s best teams – Manchester United in 1999, Arsenal’s Invincibles of 2004, Liverpool’s peak Klopp years – the first-choice XI pretty much trips off the tongue.
Continuity breeds consistency, right?
But, given Chelsea’s abundance of riches, and the number of competitive fixtures in the modern era, is having a best team really possible?
Manchester City have proved over a sustained period that shuffling the starting line-up can bring emphatic success. What’s more, Liverpool’s reliance on a small core of players in recent years could be contributing to their collapse this season, with so many key men looking spent.
“It’s over-simplistic to pick a best team,” says ex-Chelsea forward Pat Nevin. “You would never play the same XI in every game unless you’ve got a team that is so solid and unchangeable.
“Who you pick for an away game in the Champions League will be very different to the team you put out at home against a side in the bottom half of the table.
“Besides, Potter famously changes personnel and styles of play all the time.”
So is Chelsea’s strategy of splashing huge sums of money on the world’s most exciting young talents the right way to go, especially given they have spread the eye-watering cost over lucrative long-term deals?
“It’s massively high risk,” concludes Nevin. “If you buy young, unproven players on eight-year contracts, a percentage of them will fail.
“But if they’ve got it right, it’s a fantastic way to do it, and I suspect they will be quite an enjoyable team to watch.”Who is in Chelsea’s best XI?
Potter faces the delicate task of maintaining harmony in a dressing room packed full of outstanding footballers and big egos. It’s a dance Nevin says comes with the territory.
“That’s what he gets paid a lot of money for,” he argues. “It’s the biggest first world problem you’re ever going to get. You should look at that as an opportunity, not as a problem.”
So who, if everyone is fit, would be in Nevin’s first-choice Chelsea side?
“I think it’ll change week to week but let’s consider who should be playing,” he said.
“N’Golo Kante is the very first pick if everyone is fully fit but it’s a very big ‘if’ for me. He’d play with Enzo Fernandez.
“I think you have to play Mykhailo Mudryk and Joao Felix. They are interchangeable in their positions, and then Mason Mount has to play.
“I’d put Kai Havertz up front for the moment but eventually I think he will drop into a deeper area and be one of the attacking three.”
Nevin also likes the look of new centre-back Benoit Badashile, even if he could not fit into Chelsea‘s revised squad for the Champions League.
“They are so short in defence,” he said. “He has been exceptionally good in his first few games and I think maybe in a year or so, he will be in a back three with Wesley Fofana and Trevoh Chalobah.”
What about those who miss out?
“I have to underline this does not mean that everybody else is rubbish,” Nevin adds. “It depends who you are playing against.
“For instance, there will be plenty of games that are made for Raheem Sterling – it’s never clear-cut and simple.”
Sterling was the flagship signing last summer, a 27-year-old serial title-winner captured from champions Manchester City who appeared ready-made to spearhead Chelsea’s revolution.
One goal and one assist since August is not what Boehly will have had in mind when he sanctioned a £50m purchase.
His is a decorated career but, after the squad roulette of Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, he may not be enjoying a similar experience in west London.
The excesses of January paint the summer window in a dim light. Kalidou Koulibaly and Marc Cucurella both arrived for significant sums after the departures of Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger, but are now not guaranteed starters.
And then there’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Signed as a missing piece of the jigsaw by Potter’s predecessor Thomas Tuchel, he clearly does not fit with the strategy of signing young, hungry footballers – and he appears nowhere near Chelsea’s first-choice XI.
Nevin, however, views last summer more positively.
“In retrospect, they just needed bodies,” he said. “They lost two centre-backs so had to get one in.
“Some call it panic buying, I think it was security buying, but not part of a big plan.
Business consultant Nana Akwesi Bonsu has urged entrepreneurs in the nation to refrain from doing projects that are outdated in the changing world of today.
Instead, according to Mr. Bonsu, the CEO of My Story Magazine, businesspeople need to be flexible and able to supply new goods and services or create fresh organisational frameworks to boost their operating capabilities.
Speaking to the media in Accra, the CEO stated that innovation and technology adoption are no longer an option but rather a must for entrepreneurs: “Create a niche for your business, adjust to current or future innovations, learn new inventions and build up new systems and structures for your businesses. Don’t underestimate the power of technology; and above all, have the mental capacity.”
No rosy journey
Mr. Bonsu said entrepreneurship is not a rosy journey, and that a tough-minded approach is needed to create an avenue that will help society.
“Nonetheless, mental fortitude, a wealth of knowledge, understanding your essence for the establishment, and having the wisdom to ride your idea are very essential in this instance.
“Amid the current economic crisis and global recession, there is also a place for individuals who have mastered their craft to also survive,” he said.
Tax exemptions
According to him, government should support entrepreneurs by creating opportunities such as tax exemptions on specific consumable goods and services.
He said there should be a system that financially supports business owners to help them expand their operations.
He said government must take deliberate steps to patronise small-scale businesses, especially for locally-produced goods and services.
Mentorship
He explained that mentorship for entrepreneurs is now very essential, and therefore startups and anyone interested in business should make an effort to have mentors.
“Individuals who are giants in our industries must also avail themselves to teach upcoming entrepreneurs. They shouldn’t see them as threats or competition, but rather as a medium to pour out their experience and help the upcoming ones become more productive and efficient.
“Partnership, on the other hand, is also key. Most people from our side of the world do not consider partnerships in business, which isn’t the best. People must come together to create businesses that will profit all parties,” he said.
My Story Magazine
Mr. Bonsu noted that the My Story Magazine’s focus is on telling their stories and putting a spotlight on entrepreneurs, startups and change-makers across Africa.
He said the publication ultimately gives people an opportunity to tap into the brains and experience of business leaders, start-ups, entrepreneurs and experts to learn their strategies, what motivates them and all the challenges they faced and continue facing in the path they chose.
“By telling the stories of individuals and organisations from different perspectives and from across all regions of the continent – west, east, south, central and north – we believe it is only by collective action and innovation-sharing across the regions that we can help Africa solve its deepest challenges,” he added.
Safina Mohammed, the lady accused of murdering her Canadian boyfriend, Frank Kofi Osei, who was on vacation in Ghana has been granted bail.
Safina who was a level 100 student of the University of Ghana (UG) Legon prior to the incident, was granted a GHC 500,000 bail by the Tema High Court.
The court said the GHC500,000 bail should be justified in addition to two sureties.
It also ordered her to be reporting to the Police every Tuesday.
The court noted that the accused person’s mother had been able to prove that Safina had a fixed place of abode and there was nothing to be worried about.
Meanwhile, an Adenta District Court has adjourned the case to February 16, a murder case involving Safina and Michael Fiifi Ampofo Arku, a technical officer.
Safina and Arku are being held for the murder of Frank Kofi Osei, a Canadian on vacation in Ghana, at Ashaley Botwe, School Junction, in Accra.
Osei, a Ghana-domiciled Canadian, was in Ghana for vacation when he was allegedly murdered.
Arku was the first to have secured bail at the High Court.
At the District Court, the police said they were awaiting the advice of the Attorney General after submitting a duplicate docket to it.
Depending on the advice of the Attorney-General, the two could be committed to stand trial at the High Court.
Safina is accused of allegedly stabbing Osei (boyfriend) several times on his chin, jaw, and back and later strangling him.
The pleas of the two accused, who have been charged with conspiracy and murder, are yet to be taken.
Chief Inspector Jacob Nyarko told the Adenta District Court that on Sunday, July 24, 2022, Osei visited Diamond, his fiancée, who resided at Ashaley Botwe School Junction, and decided to spend the night with her.
According to the prosecution, at night, Safina, Arku and other accomplices yet to be identified, allegedly stabbed Osei several times with a knife and strangled him.
Chief Insp Nyarko said Osei’s blood was allegedly cleaned from the floor by Safina and Arku while Osei’s body was in the room for 24 hours.
The prosecution said the accused allegedly dragged Osei’s body from the first floor of the storey building through the staircase and dumped it at the gate of the house where Osei had parked his Toyota Tundra.
According to Chief Insp Nyarko, on Tuesday, July 26, 2022, at about 4:00am, Safina called the police and alleged that her boyfriend visited her and died in her room.
The prosecution said a police patrol team, which rushed to the scene, found the body of Osei lying at the gate of Safina’s house.
Chief Insp Nyarko, however, said Safina and Arku were nowhere to be found.
The prosecution said the police traced Safina to Ashaley Botwe School Junction and arrested her, but Arku escaped to Kumasi.
Ahead of this year’s chocolate day (Valentine’s Day) celebration, some Ghanaians, especially consumers and traders, claim they are feeling the effects of the current economic crisis on their purchasing power.
In Ghana, February 14 is celebrated as Chocolate Day as part of efforts to raise awareness of and demand for cocoa goods. Valentine’s Day is a day set aside each year to celebrate love among people.
In less than a week, Ghana will join the rest of the world in celebrating the day, which is characterised by the exchange of presents, mainly flowers, teddy bears, and chocolate.
During this period, chocolate and bouquet of flowers often see high patronage, but traders and consumers alike, have started complaining about the prices of items to mark the day, with wholesale and retail prices, which saw a sharp rise.
Madam Vivian Anku, a trader, told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that business had started slow ahead of this year’s Valentine’s season due to the high cost of the items.
Madam Anku said: “We are not seeing any positive signs this year because the gift items are expensive. Our customers keep complaining but it is not our fault, the depreciation of the cedi has affected everything including valentine’s gifts.”
Teddy bears that we used to sell for GHS10 are now GHS15 above. Even the GHS15 is the smallest one. Most of the items you are seeing here are old stocks, we’re yet to bring the new stocks, so by all means, the prices will increase again.”
Appiah Mavis, a shopper, who lamented about the price of valentine’s items said: “Just last year, I bought moonflower at the price of GHS70, but now, it’s about GHS150, which I am surprised about.”
Miss Abigail Mensah, who was in town to get some items for valentine said: “The prices of rose flowers have increased from GHS30 to GHS40 due to valentine’s season, but I can’t say I won’t buy it because I have to.”
I am tempted to say these traders went for a meeting before this month because so far, the shops I have been to have the same prices and right now I am tired and I do not think I can go further,” a bulk buyer, told GNA.
Ghana’s economy suffered hikes in prices of goods and services due to inflation, depreciation of the Cedi and fuel, with the ravages of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war being high contributors to the situation.
Matters of the table have certainly taken precedence over fun and romance as Ghanaians wade through economic difficulties that may have numbed their taste buds for what is beautiful and the lovely but not tangible.
