TIG Post

Author: Chris Kodo

  • How to avoid food poisoning from waakye – Dr Okoe-Boye shares tips

    How to avoid food poisoning from waakye – Dr Okoe-Boye shares tips

    Dr Bernard Okoe-Boye, a medical doctor and Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Insurance Authority has shared some tips on how to avoid food poisoning, particularly waakye.

    Speaking on Metro TV’s Good Morning Ghana programme, Dr Okoe-Boye encouraged lovers of the waakye staple to always opt for the black pepper instead of the red.

    He explained that due to the process for the preparation of the black pepper, poisoning substances are most likely to be extinguished by the time it is fully prepared.

    Compared to the fresh pepper, referred to widely as red pepper, Dr Okoe-Boye says that the process for the preparation of that stew is less thorough and therefore susceptible to food poisoning.

    He detailed that the only way the black pepper would be poisoned after going through that process is if a chemical poison is deliberately planted in it.

    On how the location of waakye joints makes them open to food poisoning and how it can be prevented, Dr Okoe-Boye counselled people to take in the food when it is warm with vapor coming out it.

    The heat from the waakye, Dr Okoe-Boye says makes it difficult for poisonous substances to thrive.

    “For waakye in particular, anything that is fried is usually safer. The black pepper for instance, even if it is contaminated, by the time it goes through the process, it is largely safer, so you are safer eating the black pepper than the red pepper. The fresh is always a risk if it is not prepared under hygienic conditions.

    “The time it is prepared and the time consumed is also a problem. If its takes quite a period, it would have gone through some changes and because it is fresh, organism plays on it so it is not safe. The black pepper is less healthy compared to the fresh but it is safer. So what I advice people is that if you want to enjoy kenkey, buy the kenkey and prepare the red pepper yourself.

    “Even if the waakye is by the gutter once it is hot and there’s vapor coming out whiles being served, then you are safe. Make sure that the time you are being served, there is vapour coming out or you warm it when you eat at home. If its cold, microwave it” he said.

    His expert advice comes in the wake up of a report that some five persons including a pregnant woman died after taking waakye from a particular joint.

    The waakye was bought at a joint at Oyibi Bush Canteen Junction in Greater Accra.

    Aside from the five dead people, over 30 persons have been affected and rushed to the Valley View Hospital, Oyibi Hospital, Dodowa Hospital, and other facilities after they complained of severe stomach ache, the victims include the waakye seller.

    The affected individuals are said to have eaten the Waakye last Friday at a popular joint called Yellow Sisi.

    According to a Daily Graphic report, during their visit to Valley View Hospital, officials confirmed some people were rushed into the hospital but have been treated and discharged.

    The hospital also said they are investigating to ascertain if the patients’ cases were indeed from food poisoning.

    “As at now, some other people are still visiting the hospital and, therefore, until all the necessary laboratory tests are complete, we cannot give specific data on the number of people who have been affected or whether it was indeed a case of food poisoning,” Dr Esther Danquah said.

  • $773 million fine: MTN faults GRA tax audit procedure

    $773 million fine: MTN faults GRA tax audit procedure

    MTN Group and its subsidiary have told an investors conference that the telecom company holds no provision or raise contingent liabilities in its book for a sum of $773 million fine slammed on it by Ghana’s Revenue Authority (GRA) having disputed the tax audit procedure used to determine the sum.

    Recall that MTN Ghana was fined a total sum of 8.2 billion cedis, equivalent to $773 million after a tax audit conducted on the company covering five years – from 2014 to 2018. The sum requested by the Ghanaian authority comprises underpaid taxes and penalties which MTN Ghana contested strongly, saying the methodology used is not acceptable.

    The telecom company notified following engagements with relevant authorities, and the GRA subsequently issued a temporary withdrawal of the assessment on 13th January. The temporary withdrawal is effective for 21 days in order to allow for further engagements between MTN Ghana and the GRA, and other parties, according to statements issued.

    Of the sum requested as finance by the tax authority, MTN said the base amount was about 3.4 billion cedis, which is approximately 40% of the 8.2 billion cedis, and 60% are GRA’s interest and penalties.

    Based on Ghana’s tax code, MTN is required to provide up to 30% of the fine with pay now and argue later style operating in the country. Ghana tax authority claimed that MTN Ghana under-declared its revenue by approximately 30% over the five-year period, the group told a conference.

    However, MTN Group said following engagements with relevant authorities, the GRA subsequently issued a temporary withdrawal of the assessment on 13th January; a temporary withdrawal is effective for 21 days in order to allow for further engagements between MTN Ghana and the GRA, and others parties.

    “.. From a financial perspective, we hold no provisions, and no contingent liabilities have been raised against this assessment in Ghana. We think that’s a very important message to give to investors and broader stakeholders.

    “We are comfortable with this position, as are the auditors who conducted the audits in the period under review”, the telecom company said.

    GRA requested backdated taxes plus a penalty from MTN Ghana for an amount of approximately 8.2 billion cedis for the period from 2014 to 2018, translating to about US$773 million at the current exchange rate.

    “…we strongly dispute this and will defend our position. We have had a similar matter arise prior to this, in a couple of other markets, which we successfully challenged and defended, and they did not get to the assessment stage.

    “So, to be clear, it is not the first time that we have seen the CDR-based methodologies being brought forth by tax authorities across our markets”, MTN stated.

    After first denial by the telecom company, the GRA subsequently issued a temporary withdrawal of the assessment to enable further engagements. Ghana is currently battling a high debt-triggered economic crisis.

    The country’s macroeconomic condition deteriorated following a covid-19 outbreak that disrupted the global supply chain, having a drastic effect on Ghanaians’ economic position with a surge in interest and interest rates.

    Speaking on the methodologies used by Ghana’s tax authority, MTN Ghana’s chief executive Selorm Adadevoh faulted the call data record (CDR) based methodology used in the audit of MTN Ghana by the government tax authority.

    “Let me preview this by noting that traditionally audits are conducted using international best-practice methodologies. For the telecom industry, revenue recognition is anchored in IFRS, which requires revenue to be based on subscriber usage of network services.

    “The approaches here include cash-to-revenue analysis, which derives usage based on adjusted cash receipts. Another, which is the more common method in our industry, is the usage approach. This calculates usage based on the direct analysis of network data.

    “Again, both of these methods are aligned with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), Adadevoh stated.

    “… should we not be satisfied with the outcome we are then able to follow the dispute processes as outlined by the tax codes in Ghana”, Group Chief Executive Ralph Mupita added.

    “The sum of 3.4 billion cedis which is the base amount is the one that we did the calculation that showed that we would have under-declared revenue by 30% if this methodology was correct”. Mupita said MTN Group has seen CDR-based methodology previously in Uganda and dealt with it there.

    “We saw it in Rwanda, in prior years, and, we were able to engage the authorities during those periods of time, and prevail with our own position. So, Rwanda and Uganda historically have been ones where we’ve seen this. This is not the first time, we’ve seen this before”, he added.

    Reacting to a question about the process for dispute, Antoinette Kwofie MTN chief finance officer said, “…when you put in an objection, you’re supposed to pay 30%, up to 30% of the assessment, and then you can go to court and argue your case.

    “So that’s the next available steps, should you want to dispute or object to that assessment”. Referencing a similar issue in Nigeria in 2018, MTN said the tax dispute will not impact dividend payment policy.

    “If we are holding no provision and no contingency, we need to continue to run our business as we have communicated and committed to shareholders and broader stakeholders.

    “…I think you can take a historic perspective if you go back to 2018, where we had the Attorney General matter in Nigeria, where there’s a 2 billion tax claim, but 8 billion claims from the CBN.

    “The following period, we did conclude both in Nigeria and the Group, we did carry on with our dividend processes, even though we had those 10 billion claims, and we didn’t hold anything in contingency or as a provision to change that view.

    “So, we remain pretty resolute on our position, and obviously, we’re respectful of the GRA’s position. But from our perspective, this is not something that forces us to make a change to our dividend process”, Mupita told investors conference.

  • Zimbabwe releases 25 opposition members on bail

    Zimbabwe releases 25 opposition members on bail

    Twenty-five members of the Zimbabwean opposition party, the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), have been released on bail by a court in Harare.

    The group – including two MPs – was arrested earlier this month and charged with holding an unlawful gathering with the intention to cause violence.

    The CCC says it was a private meeting in a member’s home.

    It was the latest in a series of arrests of opposition members and government critics on similar charges. The CCC has accused the governing Zanu-PF party of using the police against its opponents ahead of an election this year.

    Another CCC legislator, Job Sikhala, has been in jail for more than seven months on charges including incitement to violence

  • The securities sector consents to take part in the domestic debt exchange program

    The securities sector consents to take part in the domestic debt exchange program

    The Ghana Securities Industry Association (GSIA) has agreed to the government’s Domestic Debt Exchange Program, making it the third financial sector participant to do so.

    This follows this week’s agreement by the Ghana Association of Banks and the Ghana Insurers Association to take part in the institutional bondholders program.

    The agreement on conditions for capital market operators’ participation was made public by the Ministry of Finance and the Association in a joint press release.

    The agreement entailed extending agreed improved terms with the banks to all GSIA members and the removal of all clauses in the Exchange Memorandum that empowers the Republic to, at its sole discretion, vary the terms of the exchange.

    Similar to the terms of banks, the government has agreed to pay a five per cent coupon rate for 2023 and a single coupon rate for each of the 12 new bonds to be issued, resulting in an effective coupon rate of 9 per cent.

    The Government has also committed to providing support to GSIA members impacted by the programme via the liquidity and solvency window of the Ghana Financial Stability Fund (GFSF).

    “Collective Investment Schemes (CIS) and individuals who hold bonds in Trust Accounts with Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) approved firms, would be offered any enhanced commercial terms agreed with, or exemptions granted to, Individual Bondholders,” the statement read.

    GSIA said the agreement was necessary to restore market normalcy and confidence in the economy.

    “GSIA urges its members to seek all required internal approvals and clients’ consent to participate in the DDEP per the new terms in the updated Exchange Memorandum,” the statement read.

    The Government invited eligible holders of domestic notes and bonds of the Republic, E.S.L.A. Plc and Daakye Trust Plc to exchange approximately GHS137.3 billion for a package of new bonds issued by the government on Monday, December 5.

    Failure to patronise the “voluntary” offer has necessitated further consultation with stakeholders as the government sought to restructure its debt which has reached an unsustainable level, with a domestic debt obligation of approximately GH¢137 billion.

    Ghana’s debt servicing is now absorbing more than half of total government revenues and about 70 per cent of tax revenues, while total public debt stock, including that of State-Owned Enterprises, exceeds 100 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

    Debt restructuring to ensure Ghana’s debt reaches at least 55 percent of its threshold is part of the conditions for the International Monetary Fund to provide the country a US$3 billion loan facility.

  • Gloria Sarfo breaks silence over body enhancement rumours

    Gloria Sarfo breaks silence over body enhancement rumours

    Ghanaian actress, Gloria Sarfo who has been accused of body enhancement has finally broken the silence on the trending saga.

    According to the veteran actress, it will be very absurd and time-wasting on her side to hire a surgeon to work on her body.

    In a new Instagram post, Gloria Sarfo angrily called out the preparators of the fake news publishers and advised them to do better with their lives.

    After lashing out at the carriers of the rumours, she saved herself from insults from her colleagues who have gone under the knife by emphatically stating that she’s not against artificial body enhancement.

    Although she won’t personally go under the knife to enhance her body, she has no problem with people who are willing to artificially modify their shapes just to look better and also gain self-confidence.

  • Memphis reckons with police killing by black officers

    Memphis reckons with police killing by black officers

    At the VIP Barbershop less than a mile away from where Tyre Nichols was attacked by five Memphis Police officers, PJ, the shop’s owner, described the moment he realised that Mr Nichols was from his community.

    He recognised him as the quiet young man who would skate through his shop’s parking lot.

    “He would ride his skateboard with headphones on, just coasting and minding his business,” he said. “He never bothered anyone.”

    As PJ spoke about Mr Nichols, 29, his violent death and the video of his beating that’s soon to be released, the barbershop’s lunchtime crowd nodded in agreement.

    “It’s a shame, it’s embarrassing,” said a man named London, adding that it’s painful to add yet another name to the long list of unarmed black men killed by police.

    More difficult to discuss perhaps, was the race of the police officers themselves. All five of the men, now facing murder charges, are black too.

    “I heard a couple of them were just standing around looking instead of saying, ‘Hey man don’t do that, stop!’ You’re just as guilty if you just stand there and let that happen,” PJ said.

    It makes Mr Nichols’ death feel different, he added.

    It looked different, too, from some of the most infamous cases of police violence or killings involving black victims and primarily white officers: Rodney King in Los Angeles, Michael Brown in Ferguson, and George Floyd in Minneapolis.

    But experts on race and policing told the BBC that the involvement of black officers in Mr Nichols’ death was unsurprising.

    “I wasn’t surprised because Memphis is a majority black city,” said Alexis Hoag-Fordjour, a professor at Brooklyn Law School and co-director of the Center for Criminal Justice. She practised law in Memphis for a decade. “The elected officials, those that work for the city, the county, there’s a lot of black leadership.”

    Indeed, under Memphis Police Chief Cerelyn Davis – the first black woman to serve in that role for the city – the majority of the force is black, according to the city’s website.

    But there is no clear answer as to why these officers attacked Mr Nichols and how, exactly, the race of all six men may have led to his death.

    Chief Davis told the BBC News she still struggles to explain what happened, two weeks after she first saw the video of Mr Nichols’ beating.

    “The mentality of what I saw, it’s very difficult to explain,” she said, adding that she “can’t answer” if the encounter would have ended differently had Mr Nichols been white. “It doesn’t matter what colour these officers were, doesn’t matter what colour the driver was. If you look at the video, race has nothing to do with it,” she said.

    Mr Nichols’ mother, RowVaughn Wells, told the BBC that it was the race of the victim – in this case her son – and not the race of the perpetrators that mattered.

    “It’s not about the colour of the police officer. We don’t care if it’s black, white, pink, purple. What they did was wrong,” she said.

    “And what they’re doing to the black communities is wrong. We’re not worried about the race of the police officer. We’re worried about the conduct of the police officers.”

    Professor Hoag agrees. The race of police officers is not the primary issue, she said. Instead, it’s a problem of policing.

    “Policing in this country is focused on control, subordination and violence – regardless of the race of the officer,” she said. “Society views black people as inherently dangerous and criminal… even if you have black people in the position of law enforcement, that doesn’t mean that proposition goes away.”

    According to data collection by Mapping Police Violence, black people in the US are approximately three times more likely to be killed in comparison to their white counterparts.Media caption,

    Watch: Tennessee official on bodycam footage of Tyre Nichols

    The picture is less clear on the race of officers who perpetrate police brutality.

    “We do know that there is more anti-black bias among white officers than black officers but we also know that black people and black officers have anti-black bias too. We’re talking about a difference in degree,” said Khalil Gibran Muhammad a professor of race and public policy at Harvard Kennedy School.

    The Stanford prison experiment tells us that “bad things happen in places built to do bad things”, he said. “Anyone who dons the uniform is more likely on average to engage in abusive behaviour directed toward a black person.”

    Rodney King, in his memoir, talked about being abused by white and black officers alike.

    Frank Sykes, a former Tennessee deputy sheriff, who is also African American, told the BBC this abusive behaviour comes down to how officers are trained – something that caused him to leave the force.

    Officers “will judge a person off a look because you’ve been trained if ‘they look this way, they’re bad’”, he said. Until Americans take a closer look at how officers are taught, he said, these tragic incidents of police brutality would continue to happen.  

    “It’s bigger than just the personal officers, it’s something that within the whole process of training, that keeps pushing these things to happen,” he said. “And it’s going to continue creating the same outcome of us vs them.”

    On Friday afternoon, the family of Mr Nichols held a press conference. As their lawyer, civil rights attorney Ben Crump, spoke, PJ turned the volume up on the barbershop TV.

    But if he and the VIP patrons were looking for a straightforward answer to this latest incident of police brutality, they wouldn’t get one.

    Mr Crump urged the country to focus on changing the culture of policing that allows any officer – regardless of race – to have such a callous disregard for the citizens they are sworn to protect and serve.

    As Mr Crump spoke, one man shook his head. “Memphis is complicated man,” he said.

  • GIFF welcomes new freight forwarding rates from GSA

    GIFF welcomes new freight forwarding rates from GSA

    The Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders (GIFF) has welcomed the newly agreed rates for freight forwarding services as announced by the Ghana Shippers Authority (GSA) recently.

    Mr Paul Kobina Mensah, GIFF Vice President responding to the announcement of the rates at a forum in Tema, said even though they got a 110 percent increment instead of the 250 percent they fought for, the freight forwarders appreciate it.

    Mr Mensah explained that GIFF requested a 250 percent increment over the last negotiated rate, which was in 2016, due to the exchange rate volatility, inflation, and operational cost, among others.

    He indicated that GIFF settled for the negotiated rates to promote trading activities for shippers who were their primary clients and expressed the hope that they will make up the deficit with the increased volumes of cargo cleared.

    “In 2016, the dollar rate was GH¢3.9 and at the time of the negotiations it was around GH¢11.00; If you look at the margin it is over 300 percent. Inflation was 40.4 as against 17.5 in 2016. Putting these together, the best we could ask for was 250 percent,” he stressed.

    According to him, the new rates would last for two more years, of which economic uncertainties were expected.

    The GIFF Vice President revealed that the 2022 negotiation between GSA and the Committee of Freight Forwarder Associations (CoFFA) was the most hectic negotiation process they were subjected to as it took them six months to do so.

    Mr Fred Asiedu-Dartey, the Head of Freight and Logistics at the Ghana Shippers Authority, said to arrive at satisfactory freight rates it was necessary for the Authority to undergo a rigorous and thorough process as it was important to tackle the various intricacies peculiar to the sea ports, airports, land borders, and transit as well as the various categories of cargo.

    Mr Asiedu-Dartey said, “What happens at the airport is different from what happens at the seaports. When we talk about vehicle categories, alone for example, we are talking about motorcycles, saloon cars, SUVs, and earth-moving equipment.

    “We needed to assess why the various increments for each category were necessary and fair. We needed to be meticulous, so we ensure that we get value for the Ghanaian shipper.”

    He noted that a basket of variables including the exchange rate volatility and inflation were considered in setting the rate.

    He said the GSA has finally dealt with miscellaneous charges that have been subject to debate over the years in the shipping industry, noting that everything has been consolidated in the charge expressing the hope that the freight forwarders would be able to operate within that scope.

    Mr Asiedu-Dartey said its benefit for the shipper was that they could have a receipt that was a true reflection of how much they spent clearing the goods.

    He stated however that GSA was yet to finalize the rates and modalities for the consolidators of cargo, noting that they have to hold a specific meeting with all the consolidators as some of them have their Container Freight Stations whereas others do not have to make their operations different, and therefore same rates could not be applied.

    “We must consider which services and facilities at their disposal can affect the rates.

    “However, the outstanding issue with the consolidators has to do with the shipping line charge which is a component of their charge to the shipper, and because a number of those charges are in dollars, and with the current fluctuations of the dollar rate, fixing a certain rate is difficult,” he explained.

    Mr Asiedu-Dartey said the GSA has developed models that would be tested in live scenarios to arrive at the best outcomes when it comes to the services of consolidators, adding that the case of consolidated cargo to was expected to be finalized by end of January.

    He entreated the various importers and exporters in Ghana to familiarize themselves with the new rates for clearing and freight forwarding services to factor it within their operations.

    The rates to take effect this year would be used for freight services for two years to guide importers and exporters to plan their operations.

    Some of the new rates are conventional general cargo such as steel products, plates, and drums, of up to 100 metric tons, which will cost a maximum charge of GH¢1,200.00 with every additional ton costing GH¢6.00.

    A Saloon car will cost an importer GH¢1,300.00 for the services of a freight forwarder. For containerized cargo, a 40-footer container will cost a shipper GH¢2,800.00 whereas it costs GH¢2,000.00 for a 20-footer container.

  • CHAN 2022: We are struggling to adapt to the weather conditions in Algeria – Ghana midfielder

    CHAN 2022: We are struggling to adapt to the weather conditions in Algeria – Ghana midfielder

    Ghana midfielder, David Abagna has revealed that the Black Galaxies players are not having it easy adapting to the weather conditions in Algeria.

    The national team made up of home-based players is in Algeria participating in the 2022 Championship of African Nations (CHAN) tournament.

    Ahead of the quarter-final match against Niger on Saturday night, David Abagna says the weather conditions in the North African country are still a big problem.

    According to him, the players are struggling to adapt to the conditions.

    “This is my first experience in the competition and so far its been good. We are struggling to adapt to the weather conditions but that is natural,” Ghana midfielder David Abagna said.

    The midfielder added, “The tournament is big platform for players on the continent to show what we can do. It is a big platform to exhibit the quality we have in our respective local leagues.”

    The encounter between Ghana and Niger in the quarter-finals of the CHAN 2023 tournament will kick off at 7pm later tonight.

  • Only 1 person died from suspected food poisoning at Oyibi – FDA

    Only 1 person died from suspected food poisoning at Oyibi – FDA

    The Food and Drugs Authority has set the record straight over an alleged food poisoning incident which occurred at Oyibi. According to the FDA, only one person died contrary to reports that five people lost their lives from consuming the meal.

    This comes after the FDA embarked on an investigation after reports of suspected food poisoning at the popular ‘Yellow Sisi’ food joint at Oyibi.

    The Authority in a report released on Friday also revealed that a total of fifty-three people experienced symptoms of a foodborne disease after eating from the ‘Yellow Sisi’ eatery.

    “Investigations revealed that a total of fifty-three (53) people experienced symptoms of foodborne disease after consuming waakye or plain rice and tomato stew from a food vendor called Yellow Sisi located at Bush Canteen, a suburb of Oyibi. So far one (1) person has been reported dead, but the exact cause of death is yet to be confirmed,” the FDA said.

    The Authority has also suspended the operations of ‘Yellow Sisi’ until measures have been put in place to ensure that their activities are brought into compliance to prevent future occurrences.

    According to the FDA, its investigations revealed that poor food handling practices could have resulted in the contamination of the food.

    The victims including the waakye seller, popularly known as Yellow Sisi, and some of her family members were rushed to the Valley View Hospital, Oyibi Hospital, Dodowa Hospital and other facilities when they complained of severe stomach aches after they had eaten the food last week Friday.

    When the Daily Graphic team visited the area, it observed that the joint was quiet and the kiosk locked.

    Some shops close to the food joint were also closed as it is believed that the shop owners who also patronised the food that day and suffered the side effects, were also said to be receiving treatment in a hospital.

    Source: Myjoyonline

  • University of Ghana honours John Dumelo

    University of Ghana honours John Dumelo

    Actor and politician, John Dumelo, has been honoured by the University of Ghana, Legon.

    Dumelo’s philanthropic gestures to students of the oldest and largest public university have not gone unnoticed.

    In view of this, the Vice Chancellor, Prof Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, has rewarded John Dumelo with a certificate of appreciation in recognition of his generous support to the school’s Students’ Financial Aid.

    Since he became a politician, Dumelo has not only made an impact in the agricultural sector but paid fees for many needy but brilliant students.
    The intent is in pursuit to develop world-class human resources with the capabilities to meet national development needs.

    In reaction, Dumelo expressed appreciation to the school’s management for granting him the well-deserved honour.

  • Ghanaian students on government scholarship stranded in UK over delayed stipend

    Ghanaian students on government scholarship stranded in UK over delayed stipend

    Some Ghanaian students in the United Kingdom under the Ghana Scholarship Secretariat are said to be stranded as they have not received their monthly stipends for over 8 months.

    An online petition calling for government’s assistance to salvage the situation said, some of the students have been dismissed from their schools while others are being chased by their schools and landlords to pay their rent.

    “Others have had to overstay because they cannot get money to go back to their country. Some have been sued by their landlords for refusal to pay rent,” the petition noted.

    JoyNews interaction with some of the students confirmed the hardship and struggles.

    “Those who even graduated December last year were paid only 3 or 4 months of stipend.”

    “I came here in September last year. No stipend has been paid,” they disclosed.

    Meanwhile, the Scholarship Secretariat in responding to the matter urged the students to remain steadfast and avoid engaging in any illegal act which could lead to embarrassing the country.

    “As we conclave to consider strategies, we urge our scholars globally to forswear any acts of wrongdoings that will result in embarrassment to the Government of Ghana.

    “In reality, this is the time to exhibit the real character of resilience as a Ghanaian and we advise that Scholars remain steadfast to the terms and conditions of the scholarship award even in the face of these challenges,” a statement from the Secretariat noted.

    The Secretariat assured that it will meet students through its “Time with the Registrar” series to discuss the course of action to settle arrears and scholarship commitments.

    Ghanaian students on government scholarship stranded in UK over delayed stipend
    A schedule of the meetings from the Secretariat with the students

    “Schedules for the remaining countries will be communicated to you in due course via the various students’ platforms and students who wish to join via zoom would be required to register with their student leaders,” the statement added.

    Source: Myjoyonline.com

  • US forces kill Islamic State Somalia leader in cave complex

    US forces kill Islamic State Somalia leader in cave complex

    US forces have killed an Islamic State leader, Bilal al-Sudani, and 10 of his operatives in northern Somalia, American officials say.

    He was killed after US special forces raided a remote mountainous cave complex hoping to capture him.

    “Al-Sudani was responsible for fostering the growing presence of ISIS in Africa,” Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin said.

    He also allegedly funded the group’s activities globally, Mr Austin added.

    Analysts say the fact that US troops were sent under orders of President Joe Bidento kill or capture Sudani, rather than using a less risky drone strike, indicates his significance.

    Details about the nature of the operation have not been released, however the soldiers were drafted in via helicopter, according to the New York Times with Sudani killed after a gunfight broke out.

    The operation comes after President Biden redeployed hundreds of US troops to the country after his predecessor, Donald Trump, pulled them out. However, those forces are reportedly only there to train Somali soldiers, rather than conduct operations.

    In recent years, the Islamic State group has reportedly expanded its activities into several African countries, including Mozambique and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

    However Islamic State is a relatively small group in Somalia, with the al-Qaeda linked group al-Shabab far more prominent – it controls many southern areas.

    Prior to joining Islamic State, Sudani allegedly did operational work for al-Shabab, assisting with training fighters. However he split from the group, along with others, to form an IS-affiliated group in the mid-2010s, according to security researcher Dino Mahtani.

    He is accused of playing a “financial role with specialized skills which made him an important target for US counterterrorism action,” an anonymous US official told the AFP news agency.

    Sudani became “an important figure in the attempt by this faction of Islamic State to build a trans-national network straddling Central Africa and East Africa and now with links down to Mozambique,” Mr Mahtani told the BBC’s Focus on Africa radio programme.

    His group are “master weapon-smugglers into the northern part of Somalia” and also have connections in DR Congo, Mr Mahtani continued, so was therefore a “high priority” to capture or kill.

    The operation to target Sudani is said to have taken months to plan.

    Somalia has welcomed the killing of Sudani, according to the Voice of America news site.

    “It’s a very positive and welcoming,” said Somali government security adviser Hussein Sheikh Ali.

    He stressed that Islamic State was not as big a threat as al-Shabab in Somalia, but that Sudani was “dangerous”.

    “The message is, that the leaders of all terror groups in Somalia are not safe,” he continued.

    IS Somalia is one of the group’s smaller branches – claiming 32 attacks in 2022, mostly in the capital of Mogadishu.

    One UN report from last year estimated the number of Islamic State fighters in Somalia was around 200 to 280 and that the country is used as a significant base to finance IS activity in Iraq and the Levant, but this has not been independently verified by the BBC.

    Just last week IS published a rare propaganda video from its Somalia branch, which showed combat footage of clashes with Somali forces in a mountainous region in the north-eastern Bari region.

    The raid comes less than a week after the US said a drone strike had killed 30 al-Shabab militants.

    In recent months, pro-government forces in Somalia have been making progress against al-Shabab.

  • Asante Kotoko signs Brazilian striker Matheus Medieros De Souza

    Asante Kotoko signs Brazilian striker Matheus Medieros De Souza

    Ghana Premier League champions Kumasi Asante Kotoko have completed the transfer of Brazilian striker Matheus Medieros De Souza.

    The Brazilian goal poacher joins the porcupine warriors on an initial six-month deal with an option for a one-year extension.

    “The enterprising left footed forward is expected to boost our striking department in our quest to achieve our season target, with goals and assists which are his trademarks” the club announced on its official website.

    He becomes the second player to join the Kumasi-based club after Rashid Nortey this window.

    Matheus is the third Brazilian to join Asante Kotoko after successful spells with Michael Vinicius and Fabio Gama.

    The 26-year-old Brazilian striker last played for third-tier K3 side Panju City where he scored twice in 11 matches with one assist.

    He has in the past played for the likes of Iguatu-CE in Brazil, CSA Steaua in Romania and CSF Speranta Nisporeni in Moldova.

  • University of Ghana honours John Dumelo

    University of Ghana honours John Dumelo

    Actor and politician, John Dumelo, has been honoured by the University of Ghana, Legon.

    Dumelo’s philanthropic gestures to students of the oldest and largest public university have not gone unnoticed.

    In view of this, the Vice Chancellor, Prof Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, has rewarded John Dumelo with a certificate of appreciation in recognition of his generous support to the school’s Students’ Financial Aid.

    Since he became a politician, Dumelo has not only made an impact in the agricultural sector but paid fees for many needy but brilliant students.
    The intent is in pursuit to develop world-class human resources with the capabilities to meet national development needs.

    In reaction, Dumelo expressed appreciation to the school’s management for granting him the well-deserved honour.

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • Black Sherif can win a Grammy for Ghana – Danny Lampo

    Black Sherif can win a Grammy for Ghana – Danny Lampo

    Black Sherif’s back to back production of hit songs has attracted the attention of award-winning Ghanaian afrobeat artiste Danny Lampo

    The “Ebony” crooner has tipped the 20-year-old rapper to win a Grammy Award for Ghana in the future, should he keep up with his hard work.  

    Black Sherif has been admonished to remain humble and focused

    Danny Lampo, like many Music lovers, has rated Blacko as the next big thing in the Ghanaian music scene. His first album “The villain I Never Was” was released somewhere last year and has been topping charts locally and internationally. 

    In a post, Danny Lampo congratulated him for being able to penetrate the Nigerian music market. 

    Being able to cross the border of Ghana and enter into the Nigerian music market is not a joke, I’ve been in the music scene for a while now, and I know how hard it is to be accepted in the Nigerian music market. 

    “I am very proud of you, Your music has been playing around the world. Remain humble and focused, come up with more quality music and stay clean. Hopefully, you can win the Grammy not just for Ghana but for Africa. Lampo wrote. 

    The “villain I Never Was” has received tons of airplay, becoming one of the most streamed song in the world

    Danny Lampo is an Italian-born UK-based Ghanaian afrobeat artiste, he was born in Palermo, Italy on 2nd September 1993, Daniel Amponsah known is showbiz as Danny Lampo is one of the few artistes from Ghana who had a great year from 2020 as he was on almost all the big shows in the UK with some big stars including Grammy award-winning artistes Anthony Hamilton and Tiana Kocher.

    https://youtube.com/watch?v=Tzv5Qkjz9Ic%3Ffeature%3Doembed

    Danny Lampo also made some point as to why Nigerian music is going international, It is a cultural characteristic of all human communities that is universal. Pitch, rhythm, dynamics, and the acoustic aspects of timbre and texture are all included in general definitions of music.

    Some of these aspects may be emphasized, de-emphasized, or omitted depending on the style or type of music.

    There are instrumental pieces, vocal pieces, and pieces that mix singing and instruments; music is performed with a wide range of instruments and vocal approaches ranging from singing to rapping; there are instrumental pieces, vocal pieces, and works that combine singing and instruments.

    One of the key ways to sell and promote culture apart from festivals is through music. Since the beginning of time, every single country has been promoting and selling its cultures and making its identity known through music and so far, some countries have done marvellously well at that by indigenously organizing sounds using elements from their cultures.

    One of the countries in Africa that have been breaking global boundaries by simply putting together elements of their very own culture, vibes, and language in their songs is Nigeria.

    With the emergence of stars like Burna Boy, Wizkid, Davido, Don Jazzy, P-Square, Iyanya, Rema and the rest, the country is well known globally for its Afro beat/Afro fusion genre.

    As a musician, one of the main reasons why Nigerians seem to be doing so well with music internationally is the fact that they maintain the originality and cultural vibes in almost every song to be released by a Nigerian artist.

    Ghana, on the other hand, has been doing marvelously well with most artists attaining global stands but to Rob shoulders with Nigerians when it comes to music.

    Some top-tier stars from Ghana making recognized are Sarkodie, Stonebwoy, and Shatta Wale but these folks still lack the basics Nigerians have adopted in achieving global stands and I think Black Sherif has shown and proven to be one of the best to get to that level the Nigerians are. Just some few years of breaking through to mainstream and his everywhere. He even managed to penetrate the Nigerian music market with his songs. That alone says it all. 

    Ever listened to Burna Boy’s Grammy award-winning album “Twice As Tall”? Every single song on the album contains substances from the Nigerian culture, especially their language. Not only has the album gained recognition but has made the originality of the Nigerian culture known to the world.

    Sarkodie’s seventh studio Album, “No Pressure”. According to him, the album is purely Hip-hop, thus not everyone will enjoy the songs.

    The point here is, adopting the Hip-hop culture knowing perfectly well your country-men won’t enjoy was a wrong move because if your fan base in the country is unable to push to appreciate the craft, there is absolutely no way an outsider will appreciate it.

    Black Sherif also released an album “The Villain I Never Was” When listening to the song you can feel the authenticity in the song and how relatable it is for everyone who hears it. 

    The debate whether the Nigerian music industry is better than the Ghanaian music industry has been an indecisive one; however, Ghanaians have a lot to learn from Nigerians in terms of entertainment and promotional tactics. 

    Danny Lampo is currently promoting his new single “Baba” and touring some parts of Europe as well.

  • 18-year-old girl arrested for wearing tempting miniskirt in public

    18-year-old girl arrested for wearing tempting miniskirt in public

    An 18-year-old girl and her 32-year-old aunt were arrested in Lusaka, Zambia on Monday for the girl’s choice of clothing.

    The girl, who recently graduated with high marks, was arrested for wearing a miniskirt that allegedly caused several male police officers to become distracted and nearly led to a traffic accident.

    The aunt was arrested for not advising her niece to dress more modestly.

    The case was set to go to trial on Wednesday, but a state prosecutor informed the court that the prosecution had received instructions from the Director of Public Prosecutions to discontinue the matter.

    Former Non-governmental Gender Organisations’ Coordinating Council (NGOCC) chairperson Sara Longwe spoke out in support of the two women, stating that Zambians are protected by the Constitution to wear whatever they choose.

    “There was no case to start with. Because there is no dress code in Zambia. We have freedom of expression, we are Constitutionally protected. Everybody can wear anything. Miniskirt is not indecent,” she said.

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • “I don’t need a child” – 30-year-old woman gets her fallopian tube tied

    “I don’t need a child” – 30-year-old woman gets her fallopian tube tied

    A 30-year-old lady has stirred reactions online after undergoing surgery to tie her fallopian tube.

    The woman said in a social media video that she got the procedure because she didn’t want to become pregnant and deal with the physical and emotional scars that would result.

    Although It’s her personal decision not to give birth but some social media users have found offence with it.

    According to some comments under the trending video, the lady is a very selfish woman who should be castigated.

    Some have also warned her about the impending loneliness ahead of her life when she eventually grows old and has no children or grandchildren to keep her company.

    Clearly, the lady might have considered all these before getting her fallopian tube tied therefore we should just allow her to live her life and comfortably walk on the path she has chosen.

    Watch the video below to know more…

  • Davido’s uncle allegedly sacked after two months of being sworn in as Osun State governor

    Davido’s uncle allegedly sacked after two months of being sworn in as Osun State governor

    The Election Petition Tribunal has reportedly declared APC’s Adegboyega Oyetola as the winner of the Osun State governorship election which was held on Saturday, July 16, 2022.

    The tribunal made the declaration as it annulled the victory of the PDP’s Ademola Adeleke on Friday, January 27, 2023.

    Justice Tetsea Kume, while delivering a majority decision declared that INEC did not comply substantially with the Constitution and the provisions of the Electoral Act.

    He subsequently deducted the over-voting observed from the votes scored by the candidates and declared that Oyetola won the election, having polled 314, 921, while Adeleke’s score came down to 290, 266.

    One can recall that Davido’s first appearance after the death of his son was at his uncle, Ademola Adeleke’s governorship inauguration.

    Mr. Ademola Adeleke was sworn in as the sixth governor of Osun State on November 27, 2022.

  • Private government seedlings suppliers appeal for payment as creditors breathe down their necks

    Private government seedlings suppliers appeal for payment as creditors breathe down their necks

    A group of private seedlings producers and suppliers to the State have made a passionate appeal to the government of Ghana to, as a matter of urgency, pay them their arrears from as far back as two years.

    The group explained that they have not been paid any of their monies, some of which are as much as GH¢100,000, even though they have received countless assurances that it is being processed.

    Speaking exclusively to GhanaWeb, one of the leaders, who wants to remain anonymous, stated that they are very aware that in the last year, the government of Ghana received a lot of monies to ensure that it successfully conducted the 2022 Greening Ghana project.

    This, he added, has however not benefitted them although they fulfilled their side of the bargain and supplied all the seedlings needed for the government exercise.

    “Since last two years, the suppliers in the country that we have made was paid partially. Just the Green Ghana Project monies were paid. The other ones that went to the forest for enrichment programs of our deplorable forests have not been paid throughout the country as at now.

    “Besides, the whole of last year, the Greening Ghana one, about 20 million seedlings that were planted, none has been paid, as well as the ones they took for other (sic) programs in our forests. It cuts across all the regions in the southern part of the country.

    “As I’m speaking, none of the money has been released for both the Greening Ghana and the (sic) projects, meanwhile Ghana government received huge sums of monies last year for the climate change and for that of the planting of the seedlings in our forests in order to curb the climate change, through the Greening Ghana project i.e. galamsey enrichment projects, or (sic) projects, planting trees across the country and that of the forests,” he explained.

    He also explained some of the frustrations they have had to endure in this whole period, especially because their creditors have been breathing down their necks for repayment.

    Attempts to get progress on what is being done about their monies, he said, have not been successful either.

    “We have been told by our association leaders that last year November, they met the government and the government of Ghana said that up to 27th December, they would start issuing the cheque, at least for the Greening Ghana but 27th came but they did not do so.

    “We are yet to hear anything meaningful from them. You find out from the regional and district directors of Forestry Commission and they’ll tell you that they have submitted everything necessary to be submitted to the State,” headed.

    The supplier, who is in the Ahafo Region, further pleaded for help from the government so that they are able to get their monies from the Forestry Commission of Ghana paid them.

    This, he added, is to allow them adequately prepare for new seedlings to be supplied in the year, all in an attempt to ensure Ghana’s forests are not depleted of the right supply trees.

    “We need help so that we can pay some of our creditors and we can collect some of the seeds for this year’s production because this is the time that the seedlings are matured to be collected from farmlands and from the forests,” he added.

    The seedlings suppliers are said to be scattered across the southern belt of the country, including the Ashanti, Eastern, Western, Western North, and Central Regions of Ghana.

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • Hello Scar & Shalewa! The Cast of “Shanty Town” Stun in New Photos

    Hello Scar & Shalewa! The Cast of “Shanty Town” Stun in New Photos

    If you haven’t yet watched “Shanty Town,” here’s a good opportunity to meet the cast of the new Netflix film that everyone has been talking about.

    The six-part Nigerian crime thriller by Xavier Ighorodje and Chichi Nworah is about three hustlers in Lagos who join forces to fight the biggest and most brutal crime ring in the state.

    Some of the stars, including Chidi Mokeme, Nancy Isime, Ini Edo, Mercy Eke, Ali Nuhu, and the producer of the film, Chichi Nworah, united off camera to serve premium glam.

    Check on it!

    Chidi Mokeme

    Mercy Eke

    Ini Edo

    Nancy Isime

    Ali Nuhu

    Chichi Nworah

    The Cast

    Photo Credit: Netflix/Nora Awolowo

  • This government is at the forefront of misbehaviour, breaching laws – Former A-G

    This government is at the forefront of misbehaviour, breaching laws – Former A-G

    Former Auditor General, Daniel Yao Domelevo, has said that he is not surprised about the level of corruption and infractions that are recorded in audit reports on the government finances.

    Speaking in a Joy News interview on Thursday, January 26, 2023, Domelevo posited that the level of corruption and infractions are so high because the government, which is supposed to be preventing them breaches the financial laws of the country more than any entity.

    “I get sad, especially when you borrow money from people saying, that I don’t have money to take care of a pandemic and then you use the money to pay SSNIT, you use some to pay NABCO, etc. Are those all part of the pandemic?

    “So, you see the government itself is at the forefront of misbehaviour or breaching laws or not respecting the financial roles.

    “So are you surprised that we have this level of embezzlement and infractions in the Auditor General’s report when even the Ministry of Finance and the government which should be at the forefront and ensuring that the finance rules are complied with are misbehaving? What will others do?” he questioned.

    He also said that the government does not take audit reports on its finances earnestly, which is why finance infractions by government agencies continue.

    The former Auditor General made these remarks while reacting to an audit report on Ghana’s COVID-19 expenditure which showed that nearly 50 per cent of the money the state mobilised to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country was used for budget support and not issues related to the outbreak.

    The report, which was prepared by the Auditor General Department, indicated that the government raised nearly GH¢22 billion, as of June 2022, to fight COVID-19 in Ghana through the Contingency Fund, the World Bank Group, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the European Union (EU).

    However, out of the total amount raised to fight COVID-19, only about GH¢12 billion (a little over 50 percent of the total funds raised) was used for activities geared toward fighting the spread of the virus and its impact in Ghana.

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • NDC group condemns storming of party office, burning of tyres by some Asawase NDC members

    NDC group condemns storming of party office, burning of tyres by some Asawase NDC members

    Some concerned members of the NDC in the Asawase constituency of the Ashanti region have condemned the recent storming of party office and burning of tyres by some Asawase party supporters of the NDC party to protest the new reshuffle of the minority caucus in parliament.

    According to the concerned members it was very unfortunate for such incident to happen.

    They however commended the regional police command for their quick intervention that led to the salvage of the situation and its likelihood of further occurrences.

    They said the unfortunate act which was conducted by some group was not done in the interest of the entire party members of Asawase.

    Setting the record straight, Omar Harris, convener for the group and Regional Communication Member of the NDC further called on the NEC to still look into some pressing matters in the Asawase constituency since there is still no unity.

    According to him, some group of persons who usually tag themselves in series of press conferences as members of the Asawase constituency executive committee do not reflect their tag in reality. He said, most of the group’s non-official press conferences bring the name of the Asawase constituency NDC into disrepute.

    “We want the leadership to know that there are still some problems within the Asawase NDC. We said it but they told us there was no problem. We now want to state on record that there is a problem we need to solve. How can you call for a press conference, tag it as a confab held by the NDC Asawase executive without inviting some leaders of the party but about one or two executives who are known to be working in the interest of someone?

    “You tag a press conference as an executive committee press conference without inviting key persons such as the chairman, the women organiser, deputy youth organiser and most of the other executive members?

    “You finish press conference in the name of the Asawase constituency NDC, sadly storm regional party office to burn tyres without the knowledge of the constituency chairman and many other executives,” he said.

    He reacted and further disclosed that the recent press conference held by some Asawase NDC group members, to protest the minority reshuffle in parliament was not done in the interest of the entire Asawase NDC party despite it being tagged as confab held by the executive members of the Asawase NDC.

    He said it was time the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party led by Mr. Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, look into the arising from the Asawase constituency of the NDC party before things got worse.

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • ‘She’s teaching him homosexuality” – Lady under fire for applying makeup on son’s face

    ‘She’s teaching him homosexuality” – Lady under fire for applying makeup on son’s face

    Concerns have been raised about a video of a lady applying makeup on a boy’s face.

    Many who have come into contact with the post have reacted with disdain and abhorrence.

    According to them, the lady is imbibing into the poor boy’s homosexual tendencies, which would eventually result in her deciding to be a woman.

    While the lady has stiffly defended herself by stating that she was just having fun with her cousin, social media users are calling her out.

    Sensitive homophobic comments have been passed, with most of these people exhibiting little or no tolerance for her actions.

    She has been chastised for incorrectly influencing her and recklessly exposing her to the dangers of homosexuality at such a young and vulnerable age.

    @Inkoshanzana wrote: This, right here is absurd. Instilling the wrong mindset to a child should be an offence. This BOY child shouldn’t be used as a no’dollie to perfect your makeup skills. Let boys do boy staff! What a useless aunt…

    @Unidelm wrote: Nonsense. You’re emasculating the little man. Hw should be doing back flips and dribbling his mates in the field

    @mrkelvin wrote: you are the best cousin. thank you for sharing this moment with us & being a safe space for them sending you both love!

    @BilliamBatters wrote: This is all the way wrong and I’m not going to hold my words no matter who get upset cause this needs to be said: That is the completely wrong shade of lipstick for his complexion. Try a lighter shade but keep it in the skin tone category.

    @Richspirit wrote: I’m gay and I don’t approve of children wearing makeup. Male or female!

    Check out some of the screenshots

    ghpage.com

  • Atletico and Valencia to meet over Saul

    Atletico and Valencia to meet over Saul

    At the Mestalla they are clear they want Saul. Despite the fact it seems complicated, according to ‘Relevo’, ‘Los Che’ are preparing for an offer to persuade Atletico Madrid. They will ask to get him on loan until June 2024 and they are willing to pay a good amount of his salary. They are even willing to forget about signing a winger to be able set aside more money to this deal.

    This Friday will be key as Atletico Madrid and Valencia are meeting to talk about Saul’s future. Valencia coach Gennaro Gattuso is keen on him. 

    Before the start of the January transfer window, ‘Relevo’ says that Valencia had already shown interest in him. Now they are promising to return with another offer. 

    The previously cited source says that Valencia want to get hold of Saul until 2024, in other words, for the rest of this season and one more. In order to persuade Atletico, Valencia are reportedly willing to pay part of Saul’s salary. It is currently around seven million euros a year.

    At the Mestalla, they believe they will be able to get him. They think they would do Atletico a big favour because he hardly has a place in Simeone’s side. In addition, they will pay some of his salary, something which was concerning Atletico. 

    Valencia want Saul more than anyone else. In fact, according to ‘Relevo’, the club are willing to pass on signing a winger, another of their priorities for January, in order to get the midfielder. The other option on the table is Phillip Billing of Bournemouth, but Gattuso believes that Saul is better for that role. 

    As for Saul, he is reportedly open to trying his luck at the Mestalla. It remains to be seen what happens with this move which is difficult, but not impossible.

  • National Security operative allegedly beats wife to pulp for chatting man on Facebook

    National Security operative allegedly beats wife to pulp for chatting man on Facebook

    The family of a 44-year-old woman who was allegedly physically assaulted by her husband, a National Security operative, is calling on the Inspector General of Police to come to their aid to ensure that the man is prosecuted.

    The woman, Habiba Halid, who is now seeking refuge in her family house at Ablekuma Oduman, explained in an interview with GhOne TV that her husband, Ibrahim Mohammed, alias Figo, beat her up because she was chatting with an online friend.

    She explained that on the day she was assaulted (January 20, 2023), the man walked in on her having a chat on her phone with the said friend on Facebook.

    Confronted, she told him that the person she was chatting with was only a friend she knows on the microblogging site and that he was not even in the country.

    She continued that he actually followed up to chat with the person to confirm but he returned not convinced by the answers he received.

    Habiba, a mother of 4, added that her husband then threatened her life.

    “I’m feeling pains all over my body and my head. My teeth; I can’t chew food properly. I have never cheated on him since we got married; I have never. He was even asking, who is that friend and where did I meet him? I said I just met him on Facebook. And he asked me where is the friend living and I said the friend is not even in Ghana; he’s just a friend.

    “And he confronted the guy and the guy told him that we are just friends. He used a knife to threaten me too, so, he said I should pack my things if I don’t want to be dead in his house,” she narrated.

    According to Habiba, who currently has blood clots in both eyes and on her left shoulder following the severe punching her husband, Ibrahim Mohammed, gave her, the assault started long before their marriage 10 years ago.

    She also accused him of insecurity and non-communication, adding that this compelled her to fall on friends on social media for companionship.

    “Men used to approach me and so he got jealous and then he started doing those things. Even before this one happened, he used to beat me… when people wanted to help me, he scared them away,” she added.

    On the part of her family, where she is currently seeking refuge at, they want the law to take its course.

    They appealed that the police will come in and ensure that they get justice for their sister and relative.

    “Right now, we are only pleading with the IGP; we want him to intervene for us because we don’t know what is going to happen,” one of her relatives told GhOne TV.

    The matter has since been reported to the Amasaman branch of the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) of the Ghana Police Service for legal action.

    Source: ghanaweb.com

  • Remember Rushawn Ewears from the Viral “Beautiful Day” Video? His debut single is coming

    Remember Rushawn Ewears from the Viral “Beautiful Day” Video? His debut single is coming

    Remember Rushawn Ewears whose version of “Beautiful Day”went viral on social media? He will be dropping his first track soon and it will feature Jamaican Gospel artist, Jermaine Edwards.

    The video of Rushawn singing Jamaican Gospel artist, Jermaine Edwards’ 2014 track, “Beautiful Day” was recorded in 2017, by a teacher at the Top Hill Primary School in St. Elizabeth.

    6 years later, 2023 welcomed him with the awesome news of his old video going viral after remixes from The Kiffness, Trinix and others garnered millions of views.

    Now, Rushawn and Jermaine have signed a Sony Music UK license agreement “with all of the masters belonging to Jermaine and Rushawn,” according to Sony Music UK A&Rs Preye Crooks and Milo Saville.

    Swipe left to see the snippet of the music video:

  • Elmina Sharks appoints Ernest Thompson Quartey as head coach

    Elmina Sharks appoints Ernest Thompson Quartey as head coach

    Division One League club Elmina Sharks has officially announced the appointment of former Ebusua Dwarfs coach Ernest Thompson Quartey as head coach.

    The club made the announcement on its official Facebook page on Friday 27th January.

    The club’s statement reads: “Elmina Sharks Football Club is delighted to welcome Ernest Thompson-Quartey as our new Head Coach, joining us to bring his progressive football and innovative coaching to the Club,”

    .

    Ernest Thompson will meet the players and prepare them for their Division One League matchday 12 game against Future Stars. The game will be played at the Ejisu Okese Park on Sunday.

    Ernest Thompson Quartey replaces Mallam Yahaya who was sacked by the Sharks on 24th January 2023.

    Elmina Sharks is determined to bounce back into the top flight after dropping into the lower division some seasons ago.

    Elmina Sharks is 11th on the Division One League Zone Two standings with 12 points after 11 games.

  • AMG Medikal shares the latest on his relationship with Sister Derby despite being married to Fella Makafui

    AMG Medikal shares the latest on his relationship with Sister Derby despite being married to Fella Makafui

    Rapper AMG Medikal has revealed that he and Sister Derby, have never been in the same space after their messy breakup in 2018.

    Medikal and Sister Derby infamously broke up after dating for a period of around 3 years.

    According to the rapper, the two who were in a mutually beneficial relationship offered support to each other music-wise. He said this in an interview with Abeiku Santana on ATUU.

    He was there for her and came through to help Derby write music. Medikal, on the other hand, listened to her suggestions during their time together.

    “Because we were both in the limelight, Medikal was a rapper; she was also an actress and a singer, so people were paying attention to the things we were doing.

    “I think we helped each other. She used to do songs that I helped her write. She also gave me ideas when I was writing my songs. Of course, she helped me,” Medikal disclosed.


    The musician added that they have both avoided each other, although there is no bad blood between them.

    “Our path has never closed since we broke up. No, I guess she doesn’t go where I hang out. I don’t have anything against her and I believe she feels the same.”

    Medikal is now married to Ghanaian actress Fella Makafui. They have a child together and are living happily.

    He mentioned that nothing has changed in his life even after marriage. He remains the same.

  • Nigerian telco billionaire Mike Adenuga gains $600 million so far in 2023 – Report

    Nigerian telco billionaire Mike Adenuga gains $600 million so far in 2023 – Report

    Nigerian telecom billionaire and oil mogul Mike Adenuga has seen his net worth increase by $600 million since the start of the new year as the market value of his private holdings in his telecom business continues to track the performance of its peers on the stock market.

    The Nigerian billionaire businessman, who ended the year 2022 with a total wealth loss of $1.1 billion as his net worth fell from $6.7 billion to $5.6 billion, is off to a strong start just 26 days into the new year, according to data tracked by Billionaires.Africa.

    According to Forbes, Adenuga, Nigeria’s third-wealthiest man, has seen a significant $600 million increase in his net worth, rising from $5.6 billion at the start of the year to a present total of $6.2 billion. The significant growth has offset part of the $1.1 billion loss he experienced in 2022.

    The multimillion-dollar boost in his net worth can be attributed to the market value of his privately held businesses, including his investments in the telecom company Globacom Limited and in the Nigerian oil industry through Conoil Producing and Conpetro Limited.

    Adenuga owns 74.4 percent of Conoil Plc, a leading petroleum marketing company that manufactures and sells lubricants under the “Quarto” brand in addition to founding Globacom, one of Nigeria’s largest telecom service providers.

    Conoil is a major supplier of fuels such as diesel, kerosene, low-pour fuel, aviation fuel, and gasoline. The petroleum marketing company’s retained earnings have increased to more than $45.7 million as a result of its strong performance in recent years.

    In 2022, Adenuga received a substantial payout of $3.1 million in dividends from his significant stake in Conoil. With a net worth of $6.2 billion, Adenuga is ranked as one of the world’s most affluent billionaires, placing him at 409th on Forbes’ global wealth list.

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • 2022 CHAN champions will walk away $2million as CAF announces 60% increase in prize money

    2022 CHAN champions will walk away $2million as CAF announces 60% increase in prize money

    The Confederation African Football (CAF) has announced that the 2022 Championship for African Nations (CHAN) winner will walk away with $2million in prize money.

    The continental football governing body has announced a significant 60% increase on the prize money of ongoing CHAN tournament in Algeria.

    The final will be played on 04 February 2023 at Nelson Mandela Stadium.

    The decision, that has been confirmed by CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe, is in line with CAF’s strategy to increase the commercial value of African competitions.

    The winner of this year’s trophy will receive $2million compared to the US$1,250,000 received by the previous champion two years ago.

    The total prize money allocated for the tournament has been increased to US$ 7,900,000 from the US$ 5,450,000 that was paid to all the countries that participated in the previous edition of the tournament two years ago.

    The runners-up will get US$800,000 while the third and fourth-placed teams will receive $500,000 each.

    The four sides that fail to progress beyond the quarter-finalists will get $400,000 each while the two countries that finish second in the groups of three teams will earn $300,000 each, the same amount as countries that finish third in groups of four teams.

    The bottom placed teams in all the groups will earn $200,000 each.

    The TotalEnergies CHAN Algeria 2022 started on 13 January and the final is scheduled to be played at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Algiers on 4th February.

  • NABCO beneficiaries petition Special Prosecutors Office over arrears

    NABCO beneficiaries petition Special Prosecutors Office over arrears

    The Aggrieved Nations Builders Corps (NaBCo) Trainees Association wants Special Prosecutor has petitioned the Office of Special Prosecutor to intervene in their attempts to retrieve their allowance.

    According to the group, the government owes them nine months of allowance in arrears.

    “The leadership of the aggrieved NaBCo Trainees Association (ANTA) petitions your good self as a Special Prosecutor, as a matter of urgency, to respond swiftly and appropriately to demands concerning our nine months unpaid stipends since November 2021 and other outstanding arrears since the year 2019,” the association stated in a petition to the Special Prosecutor, co-signed by its Convenor, David Peterson, and two other members, Dose Daniel Kojo and Rowlan Jemhi.

    “We have in the past taken a number of steps to make headway regarding the payments of our arrears in question such as writing to NABCo Secretariat and organising several demonstrations, all to no avail,” the aggrieved trainees reminded the Special Prosecutor.

    The group thus urged the SP to “as a matter of urgency to order the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, to allocate funds for the payment” of their nine months’ stipends in arrears and “other outstanding arrears that have engulfed the NaBCo scheme since the year 2019 before Tuesday, 31 January 2023.”

    This comes on the back of what the group describes as their failed attempts to get the government to pay the arrears.

    “This is the umpteenth time we are reminding the government that beneficiaries of NaBCo are still owed eight (8) months of their stipends,” a statement signed by the National President NABTAG, Dennis Opoku Katakyie on Monday, January 16, 2023, noted.

    “Current payment that was made to cover December 2021, still has some validated trainees not receiving theirs coupled with reposted GRA trainees also being unattended to.

    “We will be forced to stage our next massive picketing at the Ministry of Finance to demand all arrears if the government fails to pay us as soon as possible,” the statement added.

    The government of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in 2017 introduced the NABCO programme to address the issue of graduate unemployment in the country.

    The initiative was run under seven modules: Educate Ghana, Heal Ghana, Feed Ghana, Revenue Ghana, Digitize Ghana, Enterprise Ghana, and Civic Ghana.

    However, the NABCO programme was brought to an end some three years after it was implemented.

    The aftermath has seen hundreds of beneficiaries complain about the government owing them several months of arrears and failed attempts to receive payments.

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • Cedi sells at GH¢12.90 to $1 on forex market, GH¢10.60 on interbank market

    Cedi sells at GH¢12.90 to $1 on forex market, GH¢10.60 on interbank market

    Our forex bureau rates are provided by Afriswap Bureau De Change in Osu, Accra.

    The Interbank forex rates from the Bank of Ghana today, January 27, 2023, have shown that the Ghana Cedi is trading against the dollar at a buying price of 10.5947 and a selling price of 10.6053.

    As compared to yesterday’s trading of a buying price of 10.3998 and a selling price of 10.4102. At a forex bureau in Accra, the dollar is being bought at a rate of 12.30 and sold at a rate of 12.90.

    Against the Pound Sterling, the Cedi is trading at a buying price of 13.1067 and a selling price of 13.1209 as compared to yesterday’s trading of a buying price of 12.8645 and a selling price of 12.8785.

    At a forex bureau in Accra, the pound sterling is being bought at a rate of 15.00 and sold at a rate of 16.00.

    The Euro is trading at a buying price of 11.5345 and a selling price of 11.5460 as compared to yesterday’s trading of a buying price of 11.3464 and a selling price of 11.3567.

    At a forex bureau in Accra, Euro is being bought at a rate of 12.55 and sold at a rate of 13.55.

    The South African Rand is trading at a buying price of 0.6177 and a selling price of 0.6183 as compared to yesterday’s trading of a buying price of 0.6062 and a selling price of 0.6068.

    At a forex bureau in Accra, South African Rand is being bought at a rate of 0.50 and sold at a rate of 1.10.

    The Nigerian Naira is trading at a buying price of 43.4774 and a selling price of 43.5142 as compared to yesterday’s trading at a buying price of 44.2595 and a selling price of 44.3354.

    At a forex bureau in Accra, Nigerian Naira is being bought at a rate of 14.50 Naira for every 1 Cedi and sold at a rate of 19.50.

    Our forex bureau rates are provided by Afriswap Bureau De Change in Osu, Accra.

  • Newly appointed minority caucus leadership meets Speaker of Parliament

    Newly appointed minority caucus leadership meets Speaker of Parliament

    The newly appointed leadership of the minority caucus of Parliament has paid a courtesy call on the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, at his home at Oyarifa, a suburb of Accra, on Thursday, January 26, 2023.

    According to the new executive, their visit to the Speaker forms part of engagements they have been having since their appointment.

    Addressing the press after their visit, the new deputy Minority Leader, Emmanuel Kofi Armah Buah, Member of Parliament (MP) for Ellembele, said that they were resoundingly advised by Alban Bagbin.

    “We have been having engagements the whole day and as part of these engagements, we visited the Speaker’s residence. I have to say that we were warmly received. We benefited from his wise counsel. And so, we are very encouraged by it,” he said.

    The deputy Majority Leader also said that the main focus of the leadership of the minority caucus is to unite the caucus.

    “Our priority right now is to make sure that we unite our caucus, that is our number one priority and that is so important to us.

    “You cannot lead when you people are not united and that is our singular focus and we are confident we will do that,” he said.

    Meanwhile, some MPs of the party have petitioned the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to suspend the appointment of the new leadership of the party in Parliament.

    The NDC MPs calling for the suspension, including Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka (MP for Asawase), Dominic Ayine (MP for Bolgatanga East) and Cletus Avoka (MP for Zebilla), argue that the appointment was not made by any of the party’s decision-making structures but was imposed by just a few people.

    The change in the leadership of the minority caucus of Parliament has led to some confusion in the NDC with some members of the party, including some Members of Parliament saying that the party’s parliamentarians should have been consulted before the move.

    The NDC leadership has appointed the former Deputy Minister of Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, as the minority leader in the 8th Parliament of Ghana’s Fourth Republic who replaced the MP for Tamale South, Haruna Iddrisu.

    According to the NDC, Kofi Armah Buah, MP for Ellembele, will take over as the Deputy Minority leader.

    While Kwame Governs Agbodza, MP for Adaklu, will replace Asawase MP Muntaka Mohammed as the Chief Whip.

    Ahmed Ibrahim, MP for Banda, has been maintained as the First Deputy Minority Whip, while Comfort Doyo Cudjoe-Ghansah, MP for Ada, is the Second Deputy Minority Whip.

    This was contained in a letter to the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, from the National Democratic Congress dated January 23, 2023.

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • Mbappe caught watching Real Madrid at a charity function!

    Mbappe caught watching Real Madrid at a charity function!

    Several PSG players, including Kylian Mbappe, attended a charity function for the ‘Strong3r’ Foundation. The French striker was watching the Real Madrid match during the event with his teammates.

    Kylian Mbappe decided to renew his contract in May 2022 with PSG and turned down an offer from Real Madrid, who were very interested in the French striker.

    Nevertheless, it seems that the player is very attentive to the Spanish side as Mbappe was watching the Copa del Rey match between Atletico and Madrid.

    Several PSG players attended the charity functionof the ‘Strong3r’ Foundation and the organisers of the event uploaded a video showing the France international watching Madrid’s match.

    The video lasts just two seconds but has not gone unnoticed. Many fans want to see Mbappe in Ancelotti’s side and they like the fact that the striker is keeping an eye on the Spanish team.

  • Commercial, private drivers do not see any benefit of vehicle insurance – Report

    Commercial, private drivers do not see any benefit of vehicle insurance – Report

    The report noted that 82% of Ghanaian drivers often did not have an interest in filing complaints

    Majority of drivers both commercial and private do not see any benefit from insurance companies in Ghana due to the perceived unwillingness and refusal of payments of claims.

    The event, which brought together stakeholders from various sectors took place on Wednesday January 25, 2023 in Accra, to launch YAFO “Driver MO” report and to find ways of improving the insurance sector.

    Nathaniel Dwamena, President of YAFO, said that most drivers expressed discontent with comprehensive insurance as it is expensive compared to income levels.

    He said the drivers only showed interest in vehicle insurance because it was mandatory and enforced by the police.

    He said drivers complained about delays in insurance claims and sometimes to the extent of not being paid by the insurance company.

    He said 82 percent of Ghanaian drivers often did not have an interest in filing complaints due to bureaucratic delays in the process.

    The research stated that insurance companies required some documents such as doctors’ report, car papers, police commentary reports, passports, ID card, and witnesses, among others, making drivers reluctant to collect insurance claims.

    After critical evaluation of the research, it was noticed that insurance regulations are generally favourable to insurance companies, the National Insurance Commission and insurance companies needed to do more to provide better and innovative services in response to the needs of the average vehicle owner.

    However, YOFA recommended that insurance companies should abolish the third party and categorize comprehensive insurance, digitise the issuance of insurance stickers and build trust between the insurers and vehicle insurance subscribers.

    It noted that most vehicle insurance policyholders were not aware of the documents needed to access claims.

    Insurance is unlikely to be a factor in good driving behaviour in a situation where insurance is purchased at a fixed rate for all drivers, as is the case in Ghana.

    In contrast, in other countries, vehicle insurance is based on an individual profile rather than a fixed fee. A driver’s insurance premium is determined by the individual’s profile.

    Moreover, concentrating more on individual drivers’ safety measures, and behavioural patterns as a consideration in determining insurance coverage might lead to drivers/vehicle owners placing a higher value on vehicle insurance.

    However, Young Africans for Opportunities (YAFO) is an independent, non-profit, non-commercial organization with the core aim to educate, train, and inspire students, entrepreneurs and young professionals to create, innovate, and promote entrepreneurship through public policy advocacy for a free and prosperous Africa.

    YAFO expressed hope that the transformative dialogue and recommendations will act as a catalyst for the much-needed reform in Ghana’s vehicle insurance market.

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • Hearts of Oak coach Umar Rabi targets a win over Medeama

    Hearts of Oak coach Umar Rabi targets a win over Medeama

    Medeama coach Abdul Umar Rabi has set sights on beating Hearts of Oak in their Ghana Premier League clash this weekend.

    On Sunday, the Tarkwa-based club will play host to Hearts of Oak in matchday 14 of the top-flight.

    “Is a game that is not going to be easy but we are preparing very well to clinch the day. Last year we beat them here, I know they will come for a revenge but we will go again and beat them”

    “As we lost away from home, we will not stay here to even draw the game, we want to win and get all the maximum three points because Akoon is Akoon” he said.

    The Yellow and Mauves are 11th on the table with 17 points after 13 matches into the season.

    They have managed five wins, two draws and six defeats in the 2022/23 domestic top-flight campaign.

  • Climate change reporting shouldn’t always be about doom – Lecturer

    Climate change reporting shouldn’t always be about doom – Lecturer

    Changing the scenario from one of despair to one of opportunity may help to mitigate and adapt to the climate change crisis.

    That is according to a communication lecturer at the University of Professional Professional Studies – Accra (UPSA), Dr Martin Segtub.

    He made these comments to journalists at a workshop at Aburi in the Eastern Region.

    The effects of climate change are having environmental and economic consequences, such as the destruction of biodiversity, invasions of non-native plant and animal species, and rising disease rates among others.

    Dr. Segtub believed that if journalists want to improve their chances of mobilizing political will and citizen action against climate change, they must think carefully about what kinds of key stories to tell.

    Climate change reporting shouldn't always be about doom - Lecturer

    He stated that there must be a balance struck between doom-laden stories and bright-side opportunities, with the projected effects of climate change.

    The expert also recognized one of the challenges as journalists’ desire for and usage of sweeping publications to depict the bigger story of climate change.

    Dr. Segtub also observed that doom-laden stories of climate change in the media, such as disaster broadcasts are good at grabbing attention but not so good at driving actual personal engagement or behavior change. Citing that rising sea levels, floods, long dry spells are simple to get people’s attention. These stories, according to him, are by far the most common in climate change coverage, sometimes, changes into the more alarmist of tragedy.

    Dr. Segtub was speaking during a three-day training workshop meant to help 15 journalists investigate and tell compelling climate change stories.

    Penplusbytes, in cooperation with DW Akademie, organized the workshop to expose, orient, and empower journalists on the complexities of climate change.

    Other science communication professionals agree with Dr. Segtub that powerful appeals to fear are unlikely to avert danger and can cause defensive avoidance or concerns about being squeezed or constrained.

    According to a Professor of Climate Science at University College London (UCL) and Chair of the European Space Agency (ESA) Director General’s High Level Science Policy Advisory Committee and of London Climate Change Partnership, Professor Chris Rapley, was once captured in some publications that, states of worry and anxiety can change over time to numbness, desensitization, and disengagement from the issue entirely.

    Former Republican treasury secretary Hank Paulson was once quoted to have declared that, assuming a cautiously conservative attitude – that is, waiting for more facts before acting – is actually taking a pretty bold risk.

    “Taking a cautiously conservative stance – that is, waiting for more information before acting – is actually taking a very radical risk”.

    Source: Myjoyonline

  • Ronaldo eliminated in Saudi Arabia and received Messi chants!

    Ronaldo eliminated in Saudi Arabia and received Messi chants!

    Al Nassr were beaten 3-1 by Al Ittihad and knocked out of the Saudi Arabian Super Cup. Cristiano Ronaldo walked off the pitch and was jeered by rival fans at the end of the match.

    Al Nassr were beaten 3-1 by Al Ittihad and knocked out of the Saudi Arabian Super Cup. Cristiano Ronaldo started and put in some very good performances but it was not enough to win the match.

    Romarinho and Abderrazak Hamdallah gave the home side the lead in the first half, while Anderson Talisca pulled one back in the second half to restore Al Nassr’s hopes. However, hopes were dashed when Muhannad Shanqeeti made it 3-1 to Al Ittihad.

    Cristiano Ronaldo and his teammates walked off the pitch when the match was over and received a lot of jeers.

    The Al Ittihad fans taunted the former Real Madrid player and started shouting Lionel Messi’s name. Ronaldo glared at them, but said nothing.

  • Ghana had a 53% internet penetration rate in January 2022 – report

    Ghana had a 53% internet penetration rate in January 2022 – report

    At the beginning of 2022, Ghana’s efforts to improve internet penetration had succeeded in reaching 53 percent of the country’s entire population, which represented a rise of nearly 16.99 million internet users during that time.

    The number of internet users in Ghana increased by 350,000 (+2.1 percent) between 2021 and 2022, according to the Digital 2023 Global Overview Report.

    Despite the growth, the research indicated that at the start of 2022, 15.07 million Ghanaians lacked access to or usage of the internet.

    Despite a population of 32.06 million in Ghana as of January 2022, this constituted 47.0 percent of the country’s population who lacked access.

    It outlined that, “issues relating to COVID-19 continue to impact research into internet adoption, so actual internet user figures may be higher than the published numbers suggest”.

    Meanwhile, on the social media front, Ghanaian user activity reached 8.80 million in January 2022.

    This was equivalent 27.4 percent of the total population at the beginning of 2022.

    The Digital 2023 Global Overview Report however noted that the figure for social media users may not necessarily represent unique individuals that use various platforms.

  • I am impressed with the performance of the players in training ahead of quarterfinal game – Annor Walker

    I am impressed with the performance of the players in training ahead of quarterfinal game – Annor Walker

    Head coach of Black Galaxies Annor Walker says he is delighted with the performance of the players in training ahead of the quarterfinal showdown with Niger on Saturday.

    The Black Galaxies training in Constantine before flying to Oran to face Niger.

    Ghana qualified from the Group stage with six points, behind Madagascar who will face Mozambique in the other quarterfinal game in Constantine.

    The Black Galaxies will train one more time in Oran on Friday evening. The training will be supervised by coach Annor Walker and his two assistants Prosper Ogum and Bismark Kobi Mensah.

    “Yes I am so excited during the week before our match against Sudan it was raining the same time. We had to do such an exercise here and it has also helped today it is raining and temperature is very high and we had to do and indoor exercise which they have done,” he told reporters.

    “They need to sweat because they are already fit and in shape they don’t need to sit down there the whole day that is why they have to do something to let them sweat,”

    “As we are leaving to Oran to play the quarterfinal match. So I am really impressed and happy with the response that the players gave out,”

  • No amount of petitions and press conferences can reverse NDC’s new parliamentary leadership – Ras Mubarak

    No amount of petitions and press conferences can reverse NDC’s new parliamentary leadership – Ras Mubarak

    Former NDC lawmaker, Ras Mubarak, has taken a swipe at critics of the changes in the parliamentary leadership of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

    In a Facebook post on Friday, he noted that despite the reservations from some quarters of the party, the changes will not be reversed.

    According to him, there is the need for the aggrieved members of the party to suspend their reservations and throw their weight behind the new Miniorty Leader, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson and his team.

    This he believes will inure to the greater good of the party in its quest to win the 2024 general election.

    “The decision to appoint new party leaders in parliament won’t be reversed. No amount of petitions and press conferences would change that. Better we focus energies on winning political power and help build our country”, Ras Mubarak wrote.

    He added, “Prime Minister Theresa May and Labour Party Leader Jeremy Corbyn moved from the front bench to the back bench. Heavens did not break loose.

    “We can’t built a strong party with this entitlement mentality”.

    He concluded that “We have a duty to help Ato Forson and his team succeed as our new party Leaders in parliament”.

    The comments by the former Kumbungu MP comes on the back of prevailing tension in the party, following the announced changes in the party’s parliamentary front.

    On Tuesday, a statement from the party’s General Secretary, Fifi Kwetey, announced Dr Cassiel Ato Forson as the new Minority Leader with Emmanuel Kofi-Armah Buah as the Deputy Minority Leader.

    MP for Adaklu, Governs Kwame Agbodza was also named as the party’s new Minority Chief Whip, taking over from Asawase MP, Muntaka Mubarak.

    This development has since been met with a lot of resentment from some quarters of the party, including Tamale Central MP, Murtala Mohammed who has questioned the timing and relevance of the change.

    Former Deputy General Secretary of the NDC, Koku Anyidoho also took to Twitter to berate the changes.

    The latest manifestation of the grievances happened on Wednesday when some displeased members of the party allegedly stormed the premises of Radio Tamale where the party’s Deputy General Secretary was having an interview.

    According to the report, the irate party supporters pounced on him and visited harm on his person.

    But speaking to ‘JoyNews on Thursday in the wake of the rumours, Mustapha Gbande disclosed that the reports of assault on him are untrue.

    According to him, he only addressed the concerned party faithful who came to the premises after which they all left the scene.

    He said he is familiar with the people who trooped to the station; adding that he has plans of meeting them later.

    However, Ras Mubarak believes all of these tensions should end for the collective good of the party.

    Meanwhile, Zebilla MP, Cletus Avoka, says his colleague lawmaker, Haruna Iddrisu and his team are still leaders of the Minority Caucus in Parliament.

    This is depsite the letter by the leadership of the NDC which replaced Haruna Iddrisu as the Minority Leader on Tuesday.

    Addressing a press conference on Thursday, the former Majority Leader, Cletus Avoka, noted that the said letter by the party’s General Secretary has no effect.

    According to him, Parliament is currently on recess and therefore there can be no applicable changes to the leadership structure of the NDC Minority in the House.

    He explained that the purported changes in the letter can only be implemented if the Speaker of Parliament reads it before the entire House; stressing that until that is done, Haruna Iddrisu remains the Minority Leader, likewise his other colleagues.

    “We’re on recess. By the Speaker’s invitation we’re returning on the 7th of February, 2023 so we’re not yet in the House.

    “Against that background, it is when the Speaker reads the letter he has received from the Secretary of the party indicating the reshuffle to the members of the House that it can take effect.

    “As of now, we’re on recess, we’re not there. So as far as we’re concerned, the current leaders of the House, Honourable Haruna Iddrisu, Muntaka and co are deemed to still be in office”, he emphasised.

  • Banks should prepare for write-offs due to cocoa bills – Bright Simons

    Banks should prepare for write-offs due to cocoa bills – Bright Simons

    In light of the bleak outlook for COCOBOD’s refinancing, Bright Simons, vice president of IMANI Africa, has urged banks and investors to prepare for substantial write-offs.

    He claims that the board has acknowledged the possibility that cocoa bills may be challenging to refinance.

    Bright Simons wrote on January 27, 2023, “Meanwhile, Cocobod finally recognizes that ambitions to raise $3 billion to refinance cocoa bills are a pipe dream,” on his Twitter page.
    Planned substantial write-offs should be taken into account by banks and other investors.

    Earlier this week, the Bank of Ghana stated it had secured an agreement with the Ghana Cocoa Board and commercial banks to allow the of use COCOBOD’s deposits and placements held at the various banks to cater for retail customers who may not want to roll over their cocoa bills.

    This comes after the cocoa regulator [COCOBOD] recently defaulted on payments of its matured 182-day bill for the first time, rolling over outstanding securities of GH¢940.4 million, without the consent of investors.

    But the Central Bank in a statement issued on January 23, 2023, admitted that after a meeting held with COCOBOD, “it was agreed that all institutional investors will roll over their maturing cocoa bill for Tender 6155 adding that “financial institutions have agreed to roll over their cocoa bills investments.”

    Despite this, the BoG said it has been informed that some financial institutions rather sold their instruments to their retail clients.

    “To reduce the cash flow challenges on retail holders of cocoa bills, the Bank of Ghana, Cocobod and the commercial banks have agreed to allow banks to use Cocobod’s deposits/placements held at the various banks to cater for retail customers who may not want a roll-over of their cocoa bills,” the Central Bank said.

    “We, therefore, expect that this short-term cash flow challenges facing Cocoa Board will be resolved soon to enable Cocobod meet its obligations to investors,” it added.

    It, however, pointed out that the COCOBOD has assured the BoG that the outlook for the 2023 crop season looks promising while cocoa purchasing is also making headway.

  • We’ve been inconsistent this season – Medeama captain Kwesi Donsu

    We’ve been inconsistent this season – Medeama captain Kwesi Donsu

    Medeama captain Kwesi Donsu says his outfit has been inconsistent in the ongoing Ghana Premier League campaign.

    The Yellow and Mauves are 11th on the table with 17 points after 13 matches into the season.

    They have managed five wins, two draws and six defeats in the 2022/23 domestic top-flight campaign.

    On Sunday, the Tarkwa-based club will play host to Hearts of Oak in matchday 14 of the top-flight.

    Ahead of their clash, the enterprising midfielder says his outfit season has been up and down.

    “We take each game serious so the approach for Hearts of Oak is not different. As the leader of the club, the season has been up and down for us which is not pleasant for us. One win at home and away can push us to the top and that is why we are working hard for the Hearts game”

    “We have a target as a team but we are not there so we will always fight to achieve our target” he said.

  • Investment promotion agencies need to collaborate to promote intra-African trade – Herbert Krapa

    Investment promotion agencies need to collaborate to promote intra-African trade – Herbert Krapa

    Deputy Min­ister of Trade and Industry, Herbert Krapa, has called for institution­al collaboration among the Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs) in Africa to help promote intra-African trade and attract more investments.

    Mr Krapa made the call in Accra on Wednesday at the maiden annual assembly of the IPAs organised by the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) and the African Investment Promotion Agencies.

    On the theme “The Role of the IPAS in facilitating intra-African Trade”, it was attended by invest­ment promotion agencies from Angola, Ethiopia, Namibia, South Africa, Liberia, Zimbabwe, DR Congo and South Africa.

    The rest are Nigeria, Gambia, United Arab Emirates, Gabon, Botswana, Somalia and Mauritius.

    Other international organisa­tions taking part in the programme are African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat, African Develop­ment Bank, International Organ­isation for Migration and United Nations Industrial Development Organisation.

    Opening the programme, Mr Krapa stressed the need for IPAs to work with government institu­tions in Africa to harmonise trade rules and regulations.

    “We have to pay attention to how to standardise regulations and rules to attract trade and invest­ments to the region,” he said.

    The Deputy Minister of Trade also emphasised the need for mem­ber countries to focus on infra­structure development to facilitate trade in the African region in order to harness the potentials of the AfCFTA.

    The Chief Executive Officer of GIPC, Mr Yofi Grant, in his re­marks, said the programme was to discuss measures to promote trade and investment in Africa.
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    “Without investment, we cannot develop, build together, add value to numerous resources in Africa and trade among ourselves,” he said.

    Mr Grant said though Africa was rich with resources and having about 50 per cent of the global gold reserves, it citizens were poor.

    That, he said, was because Africa continued to export its natural resources in their raw form without turning them into finished products.

    “African countries must posi­tion themselves to take advantage of AfCFTA with a market of 1.4 billion people and a combined Gross Domestic Product of $3.4 trillion,” Mr Grant said.

    The Secretary-General of AfCFTA Secretariat, Wamkele Mene, in a speech read on his behalf, said the programme was in line with the agenda of AfCFTA Secretariat to promote trade and investment in Africa.

    The Executive Director of the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies, Mr Ismail Ersahin, stressed that foreign direct investment was a powerful tool to create jobs, transfer skills and to lead to prosperity.

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • Government reaches deal with Securities Industry Association to sign up for Domestic Debt Exchange

    Government reaches deal with Securities Industry Association to sign up for Domestic Debt Exchange

    Government has reached understanding with the Ghana Securities Industry Association to sign up for the Domestic Debt Exchange (DDE) programme, reports coming in indicate.

    According to sources, the Association’s terms will be similar to what the banks and insurers have secured in terms of the 5% Coupon Payment and 9% for the 12 New Bonds that will be issued.

    There will also be a Stabilization Fund established as well for the industry.

    Reports say the government is likely going to propose some new terms for individuals with investments in collective schemes and mutual funds.

    Sources also suggest that government is set to propose some favorable terms for individual bondholders with an announcement expected soon.

    This development means the Finance Ministry has covered some more ground in ongoing negotiations with various categories of bondholders.

    It is, however, unclear yet the impact it will have on the discussions with individual bondholders and pensions.

    But Myjoyonline.com is reliably informed that government is content with the situation and hopes it dovetails into the other deals it is currently brokering with other associated groups.

    Source: Myjoyonline

  • CHAN 2022: No Ghanaian player named in best eleven of group phase

    CHAN 2022: No Ghanaian player named in best eleven of group phase

    The 2022 CAF Championship of African Nations (CHAN) tournament is entering the quarter-final stage today, Friday, January 27.

    Ahead of the games, CAF has announced the best eleven from the group stage of the tournament.

    Unfortunately, no player of the Black Galaxies of Ghana made it into the best eleven.

    Host national Algeria has the most number of players [3] in the best eleven of the CHAN 2022 group stage best eleven.

    Angola and Senegal follow Algeria closely with both national teams having two players each in the best eleven of the group stage.

    In the quarter-finals of the 2022 CHAN tournament today, Algeria will face off with Ivory Coast at 4pm.

    Meanwhile, Senegal will also lock horns with Mauritania in the second game at 7pm.

  • Court orders lady to refund millions after she refuses to marry man who paid her fees

    Court orders lady to refund millions after she refuses to marry man who paid her fees

    A woman, who refused marrying a man who had paid her school fees, has been ordered to refund shillings 9.4 million spent on her.

    The Chief Magistrate’s Court of Kanungu ordered Fortunate Kyarikunda, who dumped her lover who had sponsored her studies to refund shs9.4 million spent on her as well as as pay legal costs.

    The Magistrate Grade One, Asanasio Mukobi, delivered the ruling following a successful application by the plaintiff, Richard Tumwine.

    According to the court documents seen by the Nile Post, Tumwine, in 2015 while he was a teacher at Kiringa Primary School, met Kyarikunda who had come to the same school for teaching practice. Eventually, they started a love relationship.

    Ultimately, the pair entered a promise to marry in 2018 while at the same time, Tumwine committed to supporting the defendant’s studies at Law Development Centre (LDC), an exercise that cost him Shs9.4m.

    “The plaintiff financially supported the defendant including sponsoring her for a Diploma in Law at LDC. He spent Shs9,439, 100,” the court document partly reads.

    After agreeing to arrange an introduction ceremony in February 2022, Tumwine told court that Kyarikunda turned down the proposal on grounds he was too old for her.

    “On 10th January, 2022, the two persons arranged for an introduction ceremony and a budget was drawn with the function slated for February 2022. The defendant later turned against the plaintiff saying she cannot marry an old man hence this suit,” the court document stated.

    Consequently, a disappointed Tumwine ran to court seeking for reimbursement of the funds he had spent on her prior to the failed relationship.

    He also sought general damages to a tune of Shs1m from the defendant.

    According to the court, Kyarikunda was served with court processes but failed to file a defence to the suit, hence granting Tumwine an order to proceed with the suit.

    Court decides

    Following a court sitting on Wednesday,  Mukobi, ruled in favour of Tumwine and ordered Kyarikunda to refund Shs9.4 he spent on her, saying she had breached the promise to marry.

    “Consequently, I hold that since the promise to marry was not fulfilled by the defendant to the detriment of the plaintiff, then the plaintiff is entitled to reimbursement of his Shs9,439,100 spent on her,” Mukobi ruled.

    The court further ruled that Kyarikunda pays Shs1m in general damages to Tumwine for inconveniences and psychological anguish.

    She was also ordered to pay legal costs.

    “..I find that this is a proper case in which the plaintiff should be awarded the costs of the suit to be paid by the defendant. I so order,” the judge ordered.

  • ‘Lower your expectations on pastors, they are humans too’ – Actress

    ‘Lower your expectations on pastors, they are humans too’ – Actress

    Actress and film producer, Mary Remmy Njoku, has advised people to lower their expectations on the men of God. She stated that pastors are humans and can make mistakes.

    Mary in a post on her Instagram page stated that there are different kinds of men including kind men, wicked men, cheating men, lying men, violent men, dense men etc.

    She stated that among these men God can call any of them. If such men are Ministers of God, they will exhibit their personality.

    She added that it is important people reduce the expectation on men of God because they will exhibit their true personality as humans.

    In her words,

    “Men of God are men of God. Lower your expectations they’re human beings. God chooses disciples from what the society has to offer. Today we have….
    Kind men 23, Wickied men 77%, Cheating Men 97, Lying Men 98%, Violent Men 62%, Mumu Men 71%, Smart Men 41%, Proud Men 95, Humble Men 42.

    “So there is a very high probability that any of these people can be called to serve. Though the spirit is willing sometimes the flesh is weak. Cut them some slacks. This isn’t an attack o!! Of you cannot read to understand. Abeg rest!

    Good morning, Note: The God na Man. Man na man. Shine your eyes and use your head”.

  • Woman arrested for enrolling as high school student

    Woman arrested for enrolling as high school student

    A 29-year-old woman has been arrested in New Jersey for allegedly posing as a high school student.

    The woman, identified by police as Hyejeong Shin, has been charged with using a fake identification document to enrol in New Brunswick High School.

    Ms Shin attended the school for four days before staff found out her age.

    School officials said police are investigating the matter, and a review of the district’s enrolment process will be conducted.

    The issue came to light at a local education board meeting on Tuesday, where New Brunswick Public School District Superintendent Aubrey Johnson told attendees that Ms Shin was caught at the school.

    “Last week, by filing some false documents, an adult female posing as a student was able to be enrolled in our high school,” Mr Johnson said.

    He added that she had been in a few classes and spent some time with guidance counsellors, who tried to find out more information about her.

    Ms Shin’s false age was then uncovered, Mr Johnson said, and the school immediately notified police.

    She has since been arrested for providing a false birth certificate “with the intent to enrol as a juvenile high-school student”, the New Brunswick Police Department has said.

    Students said the woman had texted some of them, asking them to hang out.

    One told CBS New York that the girls “never showed up, and she [Ms Shin] started acting weird with them”.

    New Jersey state law allows students to be enrolled in school even without a guardian or without all the required paperwork, police said.

    This is not the first time an adult has been caught posing as a high school student.

    A man named Brian MacKinnon posed as a fifth-year student in a high school near Glasgow in 1993 when he was 30 years old. He claimed to be a 17-year-old from Canada.

    MacKinnon remained enrolled at the school for a whole year. He was exposed a year later when he was a student at Dundee University’s medical school, after a newspaper reported on his real identity.

    His story drew worldwide attention and was the subject of a 2022 documentary film.

    Source: BBC

  • Tired of the silence! Jessica Opare Saforo speaks a year after quitting Citi FM and Citi TV

    Tired of the silence! Jessica Opare Saforo speaks a year after quitting Citi FM and Citi TV

    It’s been a year since multi-award-winning broadcaster Jessica Opare Saforo packed out of Accra Based Citi TV and Citi FM.

    The news was quite shocking as many wondered why the then Programs Manager who had eventually become the face of the radio station would quit. However, after a year of keeping her silence, Jessica is tired of the silence and ready to speak up.

    In a short video shared on Instagram, an emotional Jessica shares tears as she teases fans on why she quit her job.

    “There were rumours swelling all over the place. Things being said on my behalf that I had no idea about. I left Citi because…”

    The full video is expected to be made available on Jessica’s YouTube channel at Mid Day on Saturday, January 28, 2023, which marks exactly a year since she quit.

    While at Citi FM, Jessica hosted a number of shows including Citi Drive, Brunch in The Citi, The Traffic Avenue and Sister Sister.

    Since her resignation, Jessica Opare Saforo has taken fully to her YouTube channel where she religiously shares content on relationships.

    Currently, with over 930,000 subscribers, Jessica runs one of the most followed YouTube channels in Ghana.