He added that the decision was made as a result of the Ghana cedi’s ongoing depreciation.
Dr. Bawumia stated that Ghana currently needs a lot more dollars in its reserves, hence the choice was not to boycott the usage of foreign money, during the AGI Awards night in Accra.
“If we implement it as we have envisioned, it will fundamentally change our balance of payment and significantly reduce the persistent deprecation of our currency,” he added.
“This has been misrepresented as Ghana being against the use of the US dollars in international transactions. This is not the case. We are not on any mission against the use of the dollars in international transactions, far from it. In fact, we want to accommodate all US dollars in our reserves. But we have a specific issue to deal with oil imports and the prices of fuel, food, and transport and utilities that’s essentially what we are targeting,” the Vice President explained.
In a Facebook post on November 24, 2022, the Vice President said the policy is expected to take effect by the end of the first quarter of 2023 and form parts of efforts to address the persistent depreciation of the cedi.
He explained that once the policy is implemented, “it will fundamentally change our balance of payments and significantly reduce the persistent depreciation of our currency with its associated increases in fuel, electricity, water, transport, and food prices”
“This is because the exchange rate (spot or forward) will no longer directly enter the formula for the determination of fuel or utility prices since all the domestic sellers of fuel will no longer need foreign exchange to import oil products,” the Vice president said.
“The barter of gold for oil represents a major structural change. My thanks to the Ministers for Lands and Natural Resources, Energy, and Finance, Precious Minerals Marketing Company, and the Governor of the Bank of Ghana for their supportive work on this new policy. We expect this new framework to be fully operational by the end of the first quarter of 2023. God bless our homeland Ghana,” Dr. Bawumia earlier wrote on Facebook.
Ghana suffered defeat in their World Cup opening game against Portugal and will hope to turn things around against the Koreans.
Cristiano Ronaldo became the first player in World Cup history to score five times, with his second-half penalty giving Portugal the lead against Ghana last Thursday.
Ghana’s Andre Ayew then equalized, but two goals in three minutes from Joao Felix and Rafael Leao secured the victory and moved Portugal to the top of Group H, despite Osman Bukari’s late winner.
Responding to criticisms that Ghana over-respected Portugal, the Black Stars trainer stated in a presser on Sunday that his boys played without any intimidations.
“I don’t think it’s true. Our players did so well. I don’t think we over respected them”.
He continued, “For me, we showed that we could compete with them, even though we had a lot of inexperienced players.
Some even had their debuts in the last game against Switzerland, but they performed”.
The 2016 European Champions, Portugal currently sit top of Group H with three points.
Meanwhile, the defeat means Ghana are bottom of Group H after Uruguay and South Korea played out a goalless draw last Thursday.
When he gave his remarks at the GhIE 2022 Engineering Excellence Awards on Thursday, November 24, 2022, at the Engineers Centre in Accra, Ing. Anum said this.
Ing. Prof. Rev. Charles Anum Adams said, “Ghana is where it is due of the work of Engineers; hence if we put more efforts into placing engineering first in Ghana, the country will develop.”
The GhIE president added that the institution insists on upholding standards so that this country builds infrastructure to last and coming generations benefit from what we have built.
The Special Guest of Honour, Ing. Emmanuel Antwi-Darkwa – Chief Executive-Volta River Authority (VRA), said he is proud to be part of GhIE and has no doubt that the institution’s quest to build and develop a strong world-class professional body by promoting integrity, accountability and excellence in the practice of engineering in Ghana is very much on course. He acknowledged how greatly he had benefitted from the mentorship and coaching of some outstanding engineers and non-engineers who helped shaped his career.
On the theme for the 2022 Engineering Excellence Awards, the VRA boss said the awards’ theme, ‘Engineering, Resilience in the Face of Climate Change & Pandemic’, is one that is not only timely and relevant but also thought-provoking. He called on engineering professionals to strategically position themselves to weather current and future challenges and other uncertainties.
On the Excellence awards, Ing. Prof. Elsie Effah Kaufmann of National Math & Science Quiz fame received the Distinguished Woman in Engineering Award.
Other award winners included: Ing. Dr. William Ackaah and Ing. Prof. Samuel K. Tulashie, recipients of Research (Academic-Industrial) awards; Augustina Nyarko Amoateng, received the Engineering Craftmanship award; while Associated Consultants received the Engineering Business Management awards. Ing. Dr. William Ackaah again received the Most Published Author in Engineering Award.
Amandi Investment Limited received the Implementation of Engineering Solutions Award, while SAYeTech and Ing. Prof. Samuel K. Tulashie received two separate awards for being winners of the Engineering Concepts and Innovations Awards.
Prince Dumevor also received the Engineering Craftsmanship Award, while Clement Adu-Addae and Ing. Benedict Atta Poku got two separate awards in the Outstanding Engineering Knowledge & Exemplary Achievement in the Young Innovators category.
In the Public Works category, Ing. Yaw Osafo Marfo – Senior Minister of the ruling NPP government – received the Distinguished Public Official Award. Ing. Kwabene Agyei Agyepong received the Outstanding Contribution and Service to the Ghana Institution of Engineering Award. Ing. Emmanuel Wireko Brobby received the Outstanding Engineering Innovation Award, while Emmanuel Kwasi Debrah, a journalist of Multimedia Group, received the Engineering Evangelism Award.
On Public Schools, Methodist Girls SHS received a public award for winning the 2020 Coderz Robotics and Coding Competition; while Our Lady of Grace SHS also received an award for winning the 2021 National Robotics Inspired Science Education Competition.
Present at the ceremony were Past Presidents of the GhIE, Council members, President-Elect of GhIE, Ing. Kwabena Bempong, Executive Director of GhIE, Ing. David Nyante, officials from VRA, Bui Power Authority, Fabrimetal, who were official sponsors of the GhIE 2022 Engineering Excellence Awards.
Taylor Swift’s latest album Midnights has taken the top spot on the Billboard 200 for a fourth nonconsecutive week, Billboard reports.
Midnights amassed 177,000 equivalent album units, of which 118,000 consisted of SEA units, equaling 155.8 million on-demand streams of the set’s tracks. The remaining sum is broken down into 57,000 in traditional album sales and 2,000 TEA units.
Swift’s continued success on the Billboard 200 comes in the shadow of the Ticketmaster fiasco, which sparked an investigation from Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti.
“There are a multitude of reasons why people had such a hard time trying to get tickets and I’m trying to figure out how this situation can be improved moving forward,” Swift wrote in response to Ticketmaster’s handling of the Eras Tour presale. “I’m not going to make excuses for anyone because we asked them, multiple times, if they could handle this kind of demand and we were assured they could.”
Elsewhere on the chart, Drake and 21 Savage’s Her Loss held steady at No. 2 after moving 119,000 album equivalent units, while Bad Bunny’s Un Verano Sin Ti finished in a distant third with 56,000 units.
Meanwhile, Michael Jackson’s sixth studio album Thriller catapulted from No. 115 to No. 7 after being reissued in honor of its 40th anniversary. It moved 37,000 equivalent album units, representing a 283 percent increase in sales, compared to the previous week.
Following its initial release, Thriller spent a staggering 37 nonconsecutive weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 from 1983 to 1984, the most for an album by a singular artist.
More details about the death of gospel singer, Sammie Okposo have emerged.
The singer died on Friday, November 25 with reports indicating that he slumped and died.
However, the Lead Pastor of the LOGIC Church, Flourish Peters has detailed the last moment of the 51-year-old.
“On Friday, I received a troubling call around 4:45 am – a call I wish I never received. But it is what it is.
“It was Ozy Okposo (Sammie Okposo’s name) on the other side of the phone saying ‘Sammie, wake up in Jesus name’.
“So, contrary to what blogs reported, he did not slump and die.
“He sat on the chair watching TV, before sleeping. But never went back upstairs to sleep. From his sleep, he slept into glory.
“I went there and saw the body. I conducted CPR and hit him hard. But nobody sees Jesus and looks away. It becomes challenging when a believer crosses over to the other side.
“It is deeply painful for me. I feel hurt,” Peters said shortly before his sermon on Sunday.
The Educational Sustainability Project and Mentorship Programme Award honors the “Each-One, Teach-One initiatives for the exceptional contribution to empowering young Ghanaian students” and UBA’s outstanding “National Essay Competition” initiative, which harnesses creativity, fosters critical thinking, and enhances writing skills among young people.
Chris Ofikulu, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer at UBA Ghana stated “We are inspired to make a meaning impact through various initiatives we under our Education and Empowerment Social Investment’s pillars and we are honored to receive this award from this reputable entity.”
“UBA is proud to drive a positive impact in education with the National Essay Competition. Undoubtedly, the successes we have chalked and the achievements yet to come could not have been possible without the support of our stakeholders especially Ghana Education Service and the residents’ judges whose participation has helped us to be recognised nationally and beyond.”
“It is also fulfilling to see that our commitment to raising a new generation of entrepreneurs through the Each-One, Teach-One that imbibes critical skills within the youth of the country in our believes that the private sector holds the key to unlocking Ghana’s potential.”
The annual Sustainability and Social Investment (SSI)Awards honours organizations across the country that demonstrates outstanding leadership and commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability.
UBA Ghana has received awards three years in a role for our strong sustainability efforts and the impact we make among the Ghanaian youth particularly in the area of education.
Drake and 21 Savage admitted they helped each other with their verses while discussing the collaborative process behind their joint album Her Loss on SiriusXM’s Sound 42.
“I ain’t gon cap, Drakewrote some of my verses on this album,” 21 said. “These facts. I don’t give a fuck what a n***a say, Drake helped me with some of my verses on this album.” Drake added, “By the way, you also helped me with shit too.”
21 Savage previously stated he pushed Drake to be more unfiltered on Her Loss. “You know I’m pointing it out, like when he send me the songs, I’m pointing out what I heard,” 21 said. “I’m tellin’ him like, ‘Yeah n***a, talk that shit.’ You know I’m gassing him. I’m behind him. Whatever he standing on, I’m standing on it too. Say what you feel, n***a.”
Drake went on to release a project filled with subliminal jabs that took aim at Serena Williams’ husband Alexis Ohanian, Ice Spice, and most notably, Megan Thee Stallion.
Lil Yachty, who is credited as a contributor on Her Loss, tried to explain that the controversial line on “Circo Loco” was not about Megan, despite Drake’s unabashed approach on the album.
On December 1, 2022, the High Court of Ghana will issue a decision in the case involving the former Capital Bank Limited and its founder William Ato Essien.
Fitzgerald Odonkor, the former managing director of the failed bank, and the managing director of MC Management Services, a business allegedly owned by Ato Essien and someone named Tettey Nettey, have both been on trial alongside Ato Essien.
The three people have been charged by the state prosecution with committing a number of crimes that caused a portion of the GH620 million in liquidity support provided by the Bank of Ghana to the Capital Bank between June 2015 and November 2016 to be lost.
They have however maintained their innocence all throughout the trial with Ato Essien stating at all material moments, he had the requisite Board approval for all the actions he undertook while serving as founder of the financial institution.
Meanwhile, His Lordship Eric Kyei Baffour of the Court of Appeal sitting as an additional High Court Judge is expected to deliver the judgment in the matter on December 1, 2022.
Already, GLC has admitted a total of 522 out of the 2654 candidates who sat for this year’s Ghana School of Law entrance exams.
In total, the General Legal Council has admitted 699 candidates to the Ghana School of Law.
The number of students who passed represents less than 20% of the 2,654 people who took part in the examination.
Meanwhile, the Registrar of GSL, Nana Osei-Bonsu, has noted that admitted students are to submit all relevant documents to the Ghana School of Law before November 30, 2022.
Background
It will be recalled that in July 2022, the Independent Examinations Body—the organisation in charge of exams at the Ghana School of Law—cancelled a Civil Procedure paper that was supposed to be written on July 15, 2022.
The Civil Procedure exams were cancelled over the suspicion that the questions had leaked hours before.
The 2022 law school entrance examination was rescheduled to September 23. However, the exams were cancelled for the second time after being rescheduled to take place on Friday, September 23, 2022, after the exam papers allegedly leaked online.
Ghana was labeled a broke nation by financial analyst Joe Jackson last year. Therefore, he urged Ghanaians to prepare for a challenging economic climate.
Speaking to the host of Sunrise Morning on 3fm 92.7 Alfred Ocansey, Joe Jackson cautioned that government is broke and needs money, but that must not continuously increase the hardship and burden of the Ghanaian “Right now.”
Mr. Jackson believes government must focus on making borrowing “as painless as it can be.”
“For anyone who thinks life is going to be easy, it is going to be a tough time. Ghana is so broke, government must cut down on the luxurious lifestyle because it doesn’t send the right signals and at this time, the right perception must be created by the actions of government” he warned.
“The corruption and waste in government must be something that government must show the will and the commitment to address, else there is no point government coming back to us to pay more in taxes.
“Look we are being burdened with the increasing taxes and all we see is the lack of commitment to cut down on the waste in the system, this cannot continue,” he said.
He argued that Ghana would have to continue borrowing to keep the economy afloat, and the borrowing would have to be offset by revenue from taxes.
Ghana need a win over South Korea on Monday to give themselves a chance of reaching the knockout stages of the World Cup in Qatar, while defeat would see them exit the tournament after only two matches.
Here are five things you need to know.
Promising signs
The Black Stars may have lost their opener to Portugal, but there were lots of promising signs in the game and it was, on paper at least, their hardest match in the pool. But they will have targeted the game against South Korea as a much win with a fixture against their nemesis Uruguay to come in their final fixture on Friday.
First time
This will be Ghana’s first meeting with an Asian nation at the World Cup finals. They played Australia in 2010 (and drew 1-1), but while the Socceroos play in the Asian confederation, the country itself is not part of that continent and the style of football is very different. They have, however, played South Korea seven times in the past, edging the head-to-head 4-3. They last played as a warm-up for the 2014 World Cup, where Ghana won 4-0 as Andre Ayew scored a hattrick.
Mixed record
South Korea have a mixed record against African teams at the World Cup having met opposition from the continent on three occasions – beating Togo in 2006, drawing with Nigeria in 2010 and losing to Algeria in 2014.
Knockout challenges
Ghana famously came within an Asamoah Gyan penalty of reaching the World Cup semifinals in 2010, but are one of three African nations to have made the quarterfinals along with Cameroon (2010) and Senegal (2002). South Korea are the only Asian country to have reached the semifinals, when they were co-hosts in 2002.
Winless in five
Ghana are winless in their last five World Cup games since they beat the USA in extra-time in the Last 16 in 2010. They have two draws with Uruguay (1-1) and Germany (2-2) since then, and losses to the USA (1-2) and Portugal twice (1-2 & 2-3). In all they have won four of their 13 World Cup games (D3 L6).
Kim Kardashian released a statement on Sunday, addressing the controversy surrounding a recent Balenciaga photo shootfeaturing children holding teddy bears that appear to be in bondage gear.
I thought people were trolling, but nope. It’s real. Maybe this is why Balenciaga left Twitter. They don’t want to be held accountable. Yes, these are children holding teddy bears dressed in bondage outfits. pic.twitter.com/zBlACUiZjo
Kardashian broke her silence earlier today, explaining why she waited so long to speak out. She said she was “disgusted and outraged” by the images.
I have been quiet for the past few days, not because I haven’t been disgusted and outraged by the recent Balenciaga campaigns, but because I wanted an opportunity to speak to their team to understand for myself how this could have happened.
As a mother of four, I have been shaken by the disturbing images. The safety of children must be held with the highest regard and any attempts to normalize child abuse of any kind should have no place in our society — period.
I appreciate Balenciaga’s removal of the campaigns and apology. In speaking with them, I believe they understand the seriousness of the issue and will take the necessary measures for this to never happen again.
Kardashian posted an additional message on her Instagram Stories in which she indicated that she’s in the process of re-evaluating her relationship with Balenciaga.
“As for my future with Balenciaga, I am currently re-evaluating my relationship with the brand, basing it off their willingness to accept accountability for something that should have never happened to begin with – and the actions I am expecting to see them take to protect children.”
The brand has since issued an apology and vowed to remove the campaign immediately.
Balenciaga cut ties with the artist formerly known as Kanye West last month after he made a series of anti-Semitic remarks and wore a “White Lives Matter” shirt during the YZY Season 9 presentation in Paris.
Ecotourism is a feasible alternative to bauxite mining in the Atewa environment, which could enhance government tax revenues by US$154 million annually, according to a Green Development Strategy and Action Plan on the Atewa Landscape.
It also stated that turning the forest into an ecotourism destination would generate an estimated 5,500 direct jobs, 23,000 indirect jobs, and 460 service businesses.
It identified two other green development pathways including Landscape Emission Reduction and forest botanical harvest for export that were also sustainable and environmentally-friendly alternatives to bauxite mining in the Atewa Forest Region.
Discussing the Strategy and Action Plan at a validation workshop in Accra on Friday, Dr. Daniel Kofi Abu, Project Manager of Tropenbos Ghana, said, it was sustainable that the forest was transformed into a national park as a hub of green and circular socioeconomic activities that provide jobs and incomes for communities in the area while protecting its biodiversity.
He said the Atewa ecotourism project could be modeled on the Central Region Tourism Development Project, undertaken in partnership with private sector incentives and government investments, leading to attractions such as the Kakum National Park.
Dr Abu said a green pathway development roadmap for Atewa could produce superior benefits in the form of jobs, revenue and businesses compared to the bauxite mining option.
Also, green pathway development, he stated, would also deliver significant benefits such as securing long-term water supply for residents of the Greater Accra Region.
He called on government to take steps to cancel all plans for bauxite mining in the Atewa forest and gazette the site as a national park.
The ecotourism project, which would be a long term, he said, should be private sector-led development with government creating the enabling environment through business incentives and loan guarantees to leverage finance.
Citing Awaso in the Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai Municipality, where Bauxite mining had been ongoing for years, Dr. Abu said Bauxite mining in the country had not led to any development in the area.
He said, developing the Atewa forest into an ecotourism site would ensure government generates more revenue while protecting the environment and improving livelihoods.
Director of Tropenbos Ghana, MsMercy OwusuAnsah, said the Strategy and Action Plan had identified realistic opportunities for job creation within Ghana’s green economy, based on skill sets, potential skill enhancement, and available financial instruments and mechanisms.
Africans have a history of being cheated on at the World Cup, according to Ghanaian icon Dan Owusu, who is apprehensive about officiating at the 2022 edition.
The dominant nation of West Africa lost its World Cup opener against Portugal, and they will look to rebound against Korea.
Last Thursday, Cristiano Ronaldo made World Cup history by becoming the first player to ever score five goals. His second-half penalty gave Portugal the advantage over Ghana.
Andre Ayew of Ghana then tied the score, but Portugal won and topped Group H despite Osman Bukari’s late winner with to two goals in three minutes from Joao Felix and Rafael Leao.
The Black Stars will take on South Korea in their second Group H game on Monday afternoon at the Education City Stadium.
And ahead of the game, the three-time Ghana Premier League goal king winner has expressed his displeasure about the performance of referees at the tournament as he believes Africans always suffer from bad officiating.
“This year’s World Cup is full of surprises and so, know team can be underrated. With a little push you can excel. Before our game against Portugal, many Ghanaians had underrated Ghana but the players proved everyone wrong despite the defeat”
“The players did very well against Portugal but one mistake Otto Addo did was Andre Ayew substitution. I think Ghana can progress from the group if the players replicate the performance against Portugal” he told Koforidua-based Bryt FM.
“I still don’t understand why Otto Addo substituted Ayew. The referee who officiated our game against Portugal must be punished, I expect FIFA to sanction him. It might be also that, the officials who operated the VAR were asleep because I think the referee should have consulted VAR to clarify things. Africans always suffer from bad officiating” he said.
One can recall that Daniel Afriyie Barnieh delivered an impressive performance for Ghana in their 2-0 win over Switzerland in their final pre-World Cup friendly on November 17, 2022.
The 21-year-old footballer has since won the heart of many Ghanaian fans who have tipped him as one of the great players selected for the World Cup tournament.
But touching on this feat, Yaw Dabo has shared his excitement as a proud former manager.
“Yes, yes, I am impressed. Because when I look at where he came from, his background and all that he has been through, I am so happy for him. You see, in this world, not all glitters are gold. It can be that through the help I have offered him, I will also land a great opportunity somewhere which will also help the academy. It’s a good thing. I am very happy and proud,” he stated in an interview with Zionfelix.
Asked whether he (Yaw Dabo) has got high expectations with regards to drawing financial assistance from the player, he indicated;
“I talk to him. We communicate. As for blacks, we might have the perception that he is supposed to be supporting me at least every month but I don’t see it like that. I don’t disturb him with money issues because I think he is yet to achieve more than he has. I want him to focus. There are times he even calls me for money because he still sees me as his boss. He doesn’t even make enough money from Hearts of Oak. He is now building his foundation and I don’t want to give him pressure. You’ll be surprised to know that maybe his pay at Hearts of Oak isn’t even up to 2,000.”
In their second World Cup 2022 group match against Ghana, South Korea’s talisman Son Heung-min is expected to deliver, according to head coach Paulo Bento.
In their first game in Qatar, South Korea displayed grit and determination to draw with Uruguay.
They would have a solid chance of advancing to the competition’s knockout
“He was recently injured and was also adapting, trying to feel comfortable with the face mask. First he needed to feel at ease with his teammates and afterwards with the opponents.”
The second game will be different,” Paulo Bento said ahead of the game.
Son has been one of the most in-form players at Tottenham this season, scoring five goals and providing two assists in 19 appearances so far.
The match is scheduled for the Education City stadium on Monday, November 28, 2022 at (13:00 GMT).
Interest rates for 91-day Treasury Bills were 35.5%, 182-day Treasury Bills were 36.3%, and 364-day Treasury Bills were 35.8%.
Despite rising interest rates, the instrument’s returns are still negative because of excessive inflation and the cedi’s devaluation.
Inflation for the month of October stood at 40.4% whiles the Ghana cedi has depreciated by 54% according to the Bank of Ghana.
The results showed that the GH¢2,066.12 million bids were accepted from the 91-day treasury bill, GH¢223.55 was accepted from the 182-day bill, and GH¢101.71 for the 365-day bill.
The target for the auction however was GH¢2,176 million but GH¢2,392.27.
The increase in this week’s subscription may be an indication of increasing investor confidence as last week’s bills were also over-subscribed.
After hibernating for almost a month, following the news of their son’s death, Nigerian singer, Davido, and his fiancée, Chioma, have been spotted in public for the first time.
The couple graced the official inauguration of Davido’s uncle, Ademola Adeleke, as governor of Osun State, in the company of close friends and family.
Davido’s billionaire father, Chief Adedeji Adeleke; logistics manager, Israel; Ovation founder, Mr Dele Momodu; media personality, Ubi Franklin; among others were also seen in the company of the 30BG boss.
Davido, who seems to have shed some weight, was captured in a three-piece blue-coloured boubou (agbada) with a matching cap.
Chioma on the other hand rocked a purple long dress with long wide sleeves.
In a couple of pictures and videos that have gone viral, the two were seen at the inauguration grounds interacting with some family members and posing for the cameras.
Davido managed a smile in one of the videos and this, according to fans, is an impression that the singer is steadily recovering from his loss.
Portugal is expected to win Group H, which includes the Black Stars at the Qatar 2022 World Cup, according to Ghana coach Otto Addo.
The Black Stars lost their initial World Cup game to Portugal, and they’ll be hoping to rebound against Korea.
Last Thursday, Cristiano Ronaldo made World Cup history by becoming the first player to ever score five goals. His second-half penalty gave Portugal the advantage over Ghana.
Andre Ayew of Ghana then equalized, but Portugal won and topped Group H despite Osman Bukari’s late winner with two goals in three minutes from Joao Felix and Rafael Leao.
The Black Stars will take on South Korea in their second Group H game on Monday afternoon at the Education City Stadium.
Ahead of the clash, the Germany-based trainer says Portugal are favourite at the moment to top Group h.
“At the moment, it looks like Portugal, we were a bit unlucky like we could have earned a point against them”
“You see everything is possible, Uruguay is good and South Korea also, I think it’s equal group and anything can happen. I think there might be surprises” he said.
Ghana would need to invest more, according to Ken Ashigbey, CEO of the telecom chamber, in order to use the ultrafast internet service.
“It will take some time for 5G to arrive in Ghana. Before switching to 5G, the 4G network must reach around 80% of its capacity.
Only 6% of capital is currently invested in 4G in Ghana. Since 5G has several requirements, it might take a little longer.”
He also noted: “The valuation of the spectrum should be based on market conditions. We pray that government will price the spectrum such that it can be purchased easily. We should be able to follow some countries that do not sell the spectrum too high. It is sold such that government does not lose in selling it as well. We need to definitely look at the price of the spectrum.”
Read the full story originally published on November 28, 2019, by starrfm
Ghanaians who are eager to experience the 5G technology will have to wait a while longer because it requires too much investment, the chamber of telecommunications has said.
5G is the fifth generation of cellular network technology. 5G can support up to a million devices per square kilometer, while 4G supports only up to 100,000 devices per square kilometer.
The top countries with 5G include South Korea, the United Kingdom, Germany, and the United States.
Swedish telecoms giant Ericsson has predicted that 5G internet will cover up to 65% of the world’s population by the end of 2025.
In a report published Monday, the company — which is just one supplier of 5G infrastructure and equipment — said 5G would handle 45% of global mobile data traffic within six years.
Speaking on the Morning Starr Thursday, CEO of the telecoms chamber Ken Ashigbe said Ghana will have to put in more to experience the superfast internet service.
“In Ghana, it will take a little while in having 5G. We’ll need to move the 4G to about 80% before we can move to 5G. 4G in Ghana has only about 6% investment as we speak . 5G requires a lot and so it might take a little more time”.
He also noted: “The valuation of spectrum should be based on market conditions. We pray that government will price the spectrum such that it can be purchased easily. We should be able to follow some countries who do not sell the spectrum too high. It is sold such that government does not lose in selling it as well. We need to definitely look at the price of spectrum”.
The captain of Ghana Black Stars, Andre Ayew has reassured supporters that the Black Stars will bounce back from their loss and overcome South Korea.
In their Group H opening against Portugal at Stadium 974 in Doha, the Black Stars were defeated 3-2.
Andre Ayew swiftly brought Ghana back into the game after Ronaldo’s penalty kick goal, and the A Seleço quickly took the lead again with two more goals.
In order to cut the deficit and set up a tight finale, Osman Bukari came off the bench.
Fans’ reactions to the outcome have been mixed, with some believing that the Black Stars should have at least earned a point.
Black Stars would now have to battle for maximum points against South Korea and Uruguay to secure a place in the next round.
However, Andre believes that situations like this are normal for the Black Stars and that a solution will be found.
“We always come out of difficult situations. We need to stay calm, go home, relax and increase our performance. We need to try and score more and concede less,” he said.
South Korea v Ghana game has been scheduled to kick off at 13:00GMT at the Education City Stadium.
This article will provide you some tips on how to make the most of that least-used of marketing tools: your business card.
Do they both have your Twitter handle and the URL to your LinkedIn profile?
You must provide as many channels as you can with your contact information.
If you have the necessary information on your card, some Twitter addicts will follow you right away. Don’t alienate those that use LinkedIn as their primary social networking platform.
Of course, if you would rather watch paint dry all afternoon than spend a single minute on Twitter, don’t bother signing up for an account just to have a Twitter ID on your business card.
Wondering how on earth you are going to fit this information onto your card?
If your fax number is the same as your office number, why not amalgamate them on the same line like this: tel/fax? You may want to even question how relevant a fax number even is to your business today.
Next, does your business card have a call to action? If you have room for this, you should definitely include one.
If the call to action is on your card, it could jog their memory when they are organizing their list of contacts.
Finally, compare it to other business cards you collect – does it stand out visually from the crowd? Can you get it redesigned to have more impact? Any departure from the normal rectangle shape is always a good idea – but don’t make it too big.
The Government and Hospital Pharmacists Association (GHOSPA) has asked the government to evaluate the costs of the National Health Insurance Medicine Lists.
The association expressed regret over the country’s rising drug prices in a press release.
GHOSPA noted that the cost of medicines has more than doubled in the past few months.
For instance, it says “a tablet of Paracetamol, which used to cost 0.05 Ghana Cedis, is now 0.21 GHS on the market, whilst the NHIS price is currently set at 0.09 GHS.”
“A lot of the medicines on the NHIS Medicines List are lagging by an average of 100% of current market prices,” part of the statement read.
The current economic downturn, according to the association, is to blame for the high cost of medicines and pleaded with the government to heed their demands and increase the prices of NHIA medications.
In the event that the government fails to meet their demands, GHOSPA has stated that it will adopt a Cash and Carry regime for the supply of pharmaceutical products to the government and other institutions.
“We are not living in normal times, and therefore, the Authority must act as such. Depart from the usual practice of waiting for 1-year or more before updating the NHIS Medicines List.”
Fifa+ has worked out all the potential scenarios for every team in terms of qualifying and going out.
France are the first team to progress, while Qatar and Canada are out
Brazil and Portugal have the chance to qualify in their second fixtures
These calculations will be updated after every match
Who needs what to make it through to the Round of 16 at the Fifa World Cup Qatar 2022™? And who could soon be on their way home?
With Matchday 2 now underway, Fifa+ has analyzed all the key scenarios going forward.
Group A
Ecuador-Senegal (29 November, 18:00 local time)
Netherlands-Qatar (29 November, 18:00 local time)
Netherlands need to win or draw to qualify. They will still qualify if they lose, provided Ecuador beat Senegal.
Ecuador need to win or draw to qualify. They remain in contention to qualify if they lose and Qatar beat the Netherlands.
Senegal need to win to qualify but remain in contention if they draw and Qatar beat the Netherlands.
Qatar are eliminated.
Group B
Wales-England (29 November, 22:00 local time)
IR Iran-USA (29 November, 22:00 local time)
England will qualify with a win or draw. Depending on goal difference, the Three Lions could also make it through in defeat.
Wales must win to have any chance of progressing.
IR Iran are guaranteed to progress if they beat the USA.
A draw will also take the Iranians through provided Wales do not beat England (in which case goal difference will come into play).
For the USA, it’s simple: win and they are through. Lose or draw and they will be heading home.
Group C
Saudi Arabia v Mexico (30 November, 22:00 local time)
Poland v Argentina (30 November, 22:00 local time)
Poland will be through with a win or a draw but would be knocked out by a defeat coupled with a Saudi Arabia victory. If Poland lose and Saudi Arabia draw, the two teams will have to be separated by goal difference. If Poland lose and Mexico win, their fate will also be decided by goal difference.
Argentina must win to be sure of progressing, while a draw would be enough if Mexico and Saudi Arabia also draw. However, a draw coupled with a Saudi Arabia victory would see La Albiceleste knocked out, and a draw coupled with a Mexico win takes the group to a goal difference. Argentina are out if they lose.
Saudi Arabia will reach the Round of 16 if they win. A draw would be enough if Poland defeat Argentina, but if both matches are tied, they will go out. Should Argentina defeat Poland and Saudi Arabia draw, progress will be decided othe n goal difference between the European and Middle East sides. Defeat would see them knocked out.
Mexico must win to have any chance of staying in the competition. They will be sure to go through if Poland win. If they win and Argentina and Poland draw, it will come down to goal difference with Argentina. Should Argentina win, goal difference will be required to separate Mexico and Poland.
Group D
Tunisia-France (30 November, 18:00 local time)
Australia-Denmark (30 November, 18:00 local time)
France are already qualified and will top the group unless they lose to Tunisia and Australia beat Denmark, which would leave them tied on six points with the Socceroos.
Victory will see Australia qualify, while a draw would be enough unless Tunisia beat France, which would see the North African side go through on goal difference.
Denmark must win against Australia and, if they do so, will be certain to qualify unless Tunisia beat France, which would leave them tied on four points with the Carthage Eagles.
Tunisia must beat France and hope Denmark avoid defeat by Australia to be in contention to qualify.
Group E
Costa Rica-Germany (1 December, 22:00 local time)
Japan-Spain (1 December, 22:00 local time)
Spain will qualify for the Round of 16 with a win or a draw. Defeat to Japan will leave them relying on their currently superior goal difference to progress unless Costa Rica beat Germany, in which case Luis Enrique’s side will be out.
Japan can go through with a victory against Spain, while a draw, coupled with deadlock in Costa Rica v Germany clash, will ensure they progress. They will go out if they are beaten by Spain, or if the match ends in a draw and Costa Rica triumph against Germany. Goal difference will be required to decide their fate if they draw and Germany are victorious.
Costa Rica can reach the last 16 by defeating Germany. A draw for Luis Fernando Suarez’s side would also guarantee a spot in the next phase if Spain overcome Japan, but if the current group leaders are beaten then goal difference comes into play. A draw in both games or a defeat for Costa Rica puts them out.
Germany must pick up three points to stay in contention. Victory over Costa Rica coupled with a win for Spain against Japan will see them qualify. A draw between Luis Enrique’s side and the Samurai Blue, or a win for Japan, would take the equation to goal difference. All other results would see Hansi Flick’s men out of the competition.
Group F
Canada-Morocco (1 December, 18:00 local time)
Croatia-Belgium (1 December, 18:00 local time)
Croatia are through if they win or draw. Defeat would leave them needing eliminated Canada to overcome Morocco, in which case goal difference would be required to separate Zlatko Dalic’s side from the Atlas Lions.
Morocco are through if they win or draw. Defeat would leave them needing Belgium to overcome Croatia, in which case goal difference would be required to determine if they or the 2018 runners-up progress to the last 16.
Belgium will qualify for the Round of 16 with a victory over Croatia. Defeat will see them knocked out. A draw will only be enough if Morocco are beaten by Canada, with a goal difference then set to determine where Roberto Martinez’s side and Walid Regragui’s outfit finish in Group F.
Canada are already eliminated after losing their opening two fixtures.
Group G
Cameroon-Serbia (28 November, 13:00 local time)
Brazil-Switzerland (28 November, 19:00 local time)
A defeat would knock Serbia out if Brazil fail to win against Switzerland.
A win would Brazil see through if Cameroon fail to win against Serbia.
A defeat would knock Cameroon out if Switzerland fail to win against Brazil.
A win would see Switzerland through if Serbia fail to win against Cameroon.
Group H
Korea Republic-Ghana (28 November, 16:00 local time)
Portugal-Uruguay (28 November, 22:00 local time)
A win would see Portugal into the Round of 16.
A defeat would put Ghana out.
Uruguay and Korea Republic can neither qualify nor be eliminated on Matchday 2.
TIEBREAKER INFORMATION
If two or more teams in the same group are equal on points after the completion of the group stage, the following criteria, in the order below, shall be applied to determine the ranking:
STEP 1:
(a) greatest number of points obtained in all group matches;
(b) superior goal difference in all group matches;
(c) greatest number of goals scored in all group matches.
STEP 2:
If two or more teams in the same group are equal on the basis of the above three criteria, their rankings will be determined as follows:
(d) greatest number of points obtained in the group matches between the teams concerned;
(e) superior goal difference resulting from the group matches between the teams concerned;
(f) greatest number of goals scored in all group matches between the teams concerned;
(g) highest team conduct score relating to the number of yellow and red cards obtained;
He said that Ghana’s spiraling debt levels were due to the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori.
“This finance minister is just interested in borrowing money on the bond market since it benefits him indirectly, you know what they are interested in.
In terms of borrowing all these Eurobonds, his company is at the bottom.
He has borrowed $9 billion from the market over the course of four years, and Data Bank profits from each bond he issues through sales of real estate and other assets, according to Mahama.
READ FULL STORY BELOW
NDC flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama, has taken a swipe once again at the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta over what he describes as unnecessary borrowing.
The Finance Minister, he said, is only interested in borrowing money from the bond market because he benefits from it indirectly. He asserted that Ken Ofori-Atta’s Data Bank has been used as the special purpose vehicle for any governmental contract.
Mahama said Ken Ofori-Atta has borrowed an amount of $9 billion in 4 years.
In an interview with veteran journalist, Kwesi Pratt Jnr in Tamale Saturday, the NDC flagbearer said “This finance minister, you know what they are interested in, all he’s interested in is going on the bond market and borrowing because he benefits from it indirectly. His company is at the bottom of borrowing all these Eurobonds. He’s borrowed 9 billion dollars from the market in 4 years and for every bond he floats, Data Bank makes money out of it through properties and other things.”
Comparing events as they happened under his tenure to current trends under the Akufo-Addo government, Mahama claimed the NDC did not borrow a penny to finance the 2016 budget.
“By the time we left office in 2016, we financed the budget from our own revenues. We didn’t borrow GHC1 from the Central Bank. The first time in Ghana’s history. Everything! we financed the budget within 2016, we did zero central bank financing,” he said.
Former Ghana international Dan Owusu is confident the Black Stars will defeat South Korea to better their chances of qualifying to the knockout phase at the World Cup.
Ghana suffered defeat in their World Cup opening game against Portugal and will hope to turn things around against the Koreans.
Cristiano Ronaldo became the first player in World Cup history to score five times, with his second-half penalty giving Portugal the lead against Ghana last Thursday.
Ghana’s Andre Ayew then equalized, but two goals in three minutes from Joao Felix and Rafael Leao secured the victory and moved Portugal to the top of Group H, despite Osman Bukari’s late winner
The Black Stars will take on South Korea in their second Group H game on Monday afternoon at the Education City Stadium.
Ahead of the clash, the three-time Ghana Premier League goal king winner who believes the Black Stars can defeat South Korea has charged the players to be aggressive.
“I’m sure the technical team monitored South Korea when they played Uruguay and know what to do”
“The Koreans run too much but if we are able to match them just like Portugal we can beat them. We can beat them but the players must be aggressive, I want the players to emulate Saudi Arabia, no one gave them chance but they defeat Argentina with their aggressive style of play” he told Koforidua-based Bryt FM.
Fashion designer,Virgil Abloh born September 30, 1980, passed away on November 28, 2021, after privately battling cancer at the age of 41.
His death hit hard families, fashion enthusiasts, fans and top celebrities who encountered him. Tons of tributes were poured out from the likes of Drake, Naomi Campbell, Kim Kardashian, Kanye West, Pharrell Williams to the late US-based Ghanaian designer who created Off-White.
Fashion brands including Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Nike, mourned and shared testimonies of Abloh’s contribution to the sector.
Virgil held the record as the first Black artistic director of Louis Vuitton’s menswear collection.
News of his death was announced on his official Instagram page. It left many hearts broken especially Ghanaians who prided in his international achievement.
Parts of the post read: “We are devastated to announce the passing of our beloved Virgil Abloh, a fiercely devoted father, husband, son, brother, and friend. He is survived by his loving wife Shannon Abloh, his children Lowe Abloh and Grey Abloh, his sister Edwina Abloh, his parents Nee and Eunice Abloh, and numerous dear friends and colleagues.
“For over two years, Virgil valiantly battled a rare, aggressive form of cancer, cardiac angiosarcoma. He chose to endure his battle privately since his diagnosis in 2019, undergoing numerous challenging treatments, all while helming several significant institutions that span fashion, art, and culture.”
The late Virgil was born to Ghanaian immigrant parents, Nee Abloh and Eunice Abloh in Rockford, Illinois.
We would like to extend our most heartfelt condolences to the loved ones of Virgil Abloh, an immense inspiration to us all both as a designer and as a person. He will be deeply missed though his vision will live on through the trails that he blazed throughout his career. pic.twitter.com/T8gXyNkJzH
After privately battling cancer for a number of years, Virgil Abloh has died. Thank you for your distinctive vision and for inspiring a generation. Our thoughts go out to his friends and family during this difficult moment.
Photo: Pierre Suu/Getty Images pic.twitter.com/MQYtMMN7ub
Ghanaian singer Nastywho has admitted to being hooked on hard drugs for 22 years has alleged that there are many of his colleagues who are equally captives of this addiction.
Nasty known for blessing artistes with choruses delivered with his melodious voice has been out of the music scene due to his battle with drugs.
In an interview with SVTV Africa, he disclosed how he got hooked back in Senior High School (Adisadel College) and how drugs impoverished him and also robbed him of his family.
“It was in 2003 when I started getting addicted…listen, let me tell you something. I know about 20 artistes, popular stars in Ghana that take drugs. I am not gonna mention names. We currently see them on our TV, they are termed as the dons. I ain’t gonna mention anybody’s name.
“Could you believe that the kids who mock me when they see me are now taking drugs because after taking weed for years, there will be the urge to take something higher…you will only know how it feels when you’ve taken these drugs. It will boost you and you’ll be very active,” Nasty told DJ Nyami.
According to Nasty, his family who has almost given up on him did everything in their power to get him out of his situation by checking him at several rehabilitation centres.
“I started taking the cigarette and in some ways, you will get high, then weed but on the third sequence, you need something and before I realized, I was captive…back in school I was a baron…I used to package it for international travels,” he added in the interview monitored by GhanaWeb.
Earlier, Mr. Adorye announced during a discussion on Oman FM that he had been fired from his job mainly because of his staunch support for an NPP flagbearer hopeful, Alan Kyerematen.
“God will cater for us, we will eat, uncle (referring to the show host), God has got us. As we toiled in opposition for Akufo-Addo to come to power, we will do the same for Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen to come.
“I’m not a zombie, uncle, I was told that my support is not towards a particular camp so I should be dismissed, I have been dismissed. ‘Your appointment has been terminated with immediate effect.’ That is why I am stressing that God will cater to us, we will never die,” Mr. Adorye earlier stated.
Reacting to the news which has since spread like wildfire, Empress Gifty has taken to social media to cheer up her dear husband, while assuring fans that they will be alright.
The ‘3y3 woa’ hitmaker shared some lovey-dovey moments with Mr. Adorye with the caption;
“Nyame nti y3b3 didi,” which translates to “God will provide our daily bread.”
It can be recalled that the Minister of Trade and Industry, Alan Kyerematen, has been severally spotted at series of concerts spearheaded by Empress Gifty.
Perhaps a reward to their loyalty, Mr. Kyerematen is usually seen on stage offering his support to the singer, or captured at the front row of most of her events.
Ghanaian singer Nasty has narrated how he began smoking at Adisadel College at a young age.
Born Rudolf Brekorang, the singer has recalled how some of his Senior High School friends also fell victim to drugs right on campus noting that he’s been a captive of hard drugs for over 22 years.
He has brought to light the rot in some Ghanaian high schools with emphasis on how students, especially young boys, get hooked on drugs and also engage in the sale of illegal drugs like weed and cocaine.
“It all started at Adisadel College, half of the boys do it. It is not just among ADISCO boys, the Cape Coast schools. It starts with cigarettes and proceeds to cocaine. It all happens in school and we manage to sneak out of campus.
“These drugs are addictive and will hold you captive. No matter the advice you will continue to do it. Some hide to abuse drugs but no matter what,” Nasty disclosed in an interview on SVTV Africa with DJ Nyami.
Nasty a former member of the music group, Lifeline Family which was birthed on the soil of Adisadel College also admitted to being a drug baron back in the days when he used to package and sell drugs to his clients.
“I started taking the cigarette and in some ways, you will get high, then weed but on the third sequence, you need something and before I realised, I was captive…back in school I was a baron…I used to package it for international travels,” he added in the interview monitored by GhanaWeb.
The talented singer also narrated how his addiction has ‘dissociated’ him from his well-to-do family who did everything to talk him out of the use of drugs.
When Hopeson Adorye announced that he had been sacked from his government job under the Ministry of National Security, many were shocked considering his dedication to the New Patriotic Party and president Akufo-Addo, whom he has defended spiritedly.
Teacher Kwadwo, a former teacher who was equally sacked by the Ghana Education Service is the latest to react to Hopeson’sdismissal despite his years of sacrifice to the party.
In a Facebook post, the skit maker mocked the one-time parliamentary aspirant of the NPP and announced that he will create a WhatsApp group that will have all dismissed officials under the NPP government.
“Dem take show chairmoo…Senior abeg come home make we create contents together.
“Pls I’m creating a WhatsApp group for we wey dem SACK from work. If u have also been sacked,lemme know so I can add you. The group name is..“Still Yɛbedidi…Nyame bɛhwɛ yɛn so!” he teased.
As earlier reported by GhanaWeb, Mr Adorye in an interview on Net2 TV explained that his association and support for a candidate eyeing the flagbearership position led to the termination of his contract at the Ministry.
“God will cater for us, we will eat, uncle (referring to the show host), God has got us. How we toiled in opposition for Akufo-Addo to come to power, we will do same for Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen to come.
“I’m not a zombie, uncle, I was told that my support is not towards a particular camp so I should be dismissed, I have been dismissed. ‘Your appointment has been terminated with immediate effect.’ That is why I am stressing that God will cater for us, we will never die,” a disappointed Hopeson Adorye indicated.
Media personality, Afia Pokua got on the wrong side of social media users in her Facebook post that tagged Ghanaians as people filled with ‘pure hatred’ that hinders them from sharing in the joy of others.
Her ‘harmless’ post has attracted backlash in what has been termed as a deliberate attempt to ridicule Ghanaians by comparing them to Nigerians.
“Nigerians can praise and celebrate their own. These two Nigerian couple married this weekend in the US and UK but if it had been my people, enka PURE HATRED nkoaa as if it is their money. PhD in ‘Pull Him Down’ fuo,” Afia Pokua wrote in a Facebook post dated November 27 in reaction to two viral weddings.
Social media users have been pouring in congratulatory messages to two of Nigeria’s key personalities who tied the knot with their sweethearts.
The first was between Nigerian businessman Simon Guobadia and ‘Real Housewives of Atlanta’ star Porsha Williams who wedded in a custom ceremony on November 25 in Atlanta.
Also, Nigerian actress, Rita Dominicand her husband, Dr Fidelis Anosike, founder of Folio Media Group held their white wedding in North Yorkshire, England on November 26. It had in attendance popular personalities from their country.
Celebrities, fans and well wishes have congratulated the newlyweds but according to Afia Pokua, Ghanaians would have failed to ‘celebrate the couple’ due to their hatred. She added that they could have been questioned for splurging on their ceremony.
Social media users who disagreed with her assertion urged her to focus on the brighter side of life instead of condemning the good people of Ghana based on her experience with a few ‘bad ones’.
Rita Dominic on Saturday, November 26, walked down the aisle at her white wedding held in North Yorkshire, England with her husband, Dr Fidelis Anosike, founder of Folio Media Group
The newly wedded couple was the talk of the town on social media due to their lavish event.
One of the highlights of Rita’s dream wedding was when she handed over her bouquet to her dearest friend, Michelle Dede, who was her Maid of Honor.
38-year-old Michelle was surprised when the bride who was expected to throw her bouquet rather walked to her to transfer marriage blessing to her.
There were cheers and applause from the women who were waiting for the bouquet toss as well as guests who were invited to England for the star-dubbed ceremony over Rita’s act.
Michelle Dede, a Nigerian freelance television presenter and actress has been friends with 47-year-old Rita Dominic for years. Their bond keeps growing and therefore didn’t come as a surprise when Rita singled her out as the next in line.
According to the budding songstress, she would never forget the words of encouragement given to her by Bisa Kdeiin the early stages of her career.
Gyakie, in an interview with Felicia Osei on Onua FM, mentioned that Bisa Kdei was one of the few top artists who motivated her career and aided her development as a musician.
“Before I became known, I saw a video of Bisa Kdei telling me not to give up because I was very talented, and these words of encouragement really motivated my career, and I would never forget,” she said.
She revealed that Bisa Kdei’s words of encouragement led to them combining on the single “Sor Mi Mu,” which became a household hit a few years ago.
Celestina Etornam has disclosed that customers travel long distances to buy her food, not only because of the taste of her food but her voluptuous body.
In a chat on Daily Hustle with DJ Nyaami, Celestine mentioned that some male customers travel from Kasoa, Tema, and East Legon to buy from her at Dansoman. Celestine noted that she doesn’t want to be dependent on men. Hence, she began building up her life with the little resources she could gather.
“I used to sell bread and decided to take over this business from my aunt because she is old. So she taught me how to do everything and took over with a little income I had saved. This business has helped me a lot. I’m able to save, and I’m not dependent on any man,” she said on SVTV Africa.
Moreover, the young lady mentioned that despite the challenges in selling food, she is content with it and hopes to grow her business into a much bigger one. Speaking about the wide range of customers she serves, Celestine indicated that “some come from Kasoa, Tema, and East Legon, and I get orders from long distances as well.
Some men propose marriage and ask me to quit. Some also are surprised to see me selling this with the type of body I have. But I don’t listen to them. I’m always focused on my work.”
Ace Music Producer, Morris Babyface has set the record straight over the artiste who sang the vocals for Kontihene’s hit song ‘Asesa’ back in the early 2000s.
This comes after a viral video on social media captured talented singer Nasty, known in real life as Rudolf Brekorang, claiming to be the person who did the vocals for the hit song and a few others.
In a Facebook post sighted by GhanaWeb, Morris Babyface has since dismissed the claims stating that he did not only do the vocals for the said song, but he also produced it.
“So people have been tagging me in this Guy’s video claiming he did the vocals on KONTIHENE’s ASESA song…Yes, I did the vocals, beat and produced the whole Nyankonton Album,” Morris Babyface wrote.
He also went on to call Nasty a liar.
“Herh! This guy can lie.”
Morris Babyface however offered some words on encouragement to Nasty and urged him to renew his relationship with God.
“His voice is still superb! He should get closer to God…God will transform him and use him mightily through music,” he added.
Meanwhile, Ghanaians on social media have called for assistance over the ‘poor state’ of the singer.
Nasty is a former member of the music group, Lifeline Family which was birthed on the soil of Adisadel College. His music career was however short-lived after he encountered illegal drugs and became addicted.
His career began in the early 2000s and he is famed for the chorus he delivered on T-Blaze’s hit song titled ‘Wo Sisi Ye Wo Ya’.
This, he claimed, would support revenue mobilisation for economic development and aid in integrating the underprivileged and the disadvantaged into the financial ecosystem.
The daily transaction of GHC 100 is free from the levy, which went into effect in May 2022 and has a 1.5 percent charge on MoMo payments, bank transfers, merchant payments, and inward remittances.
But, during the 2023 budget reading on Thursday, the Government announced that it would reduce the E-Levy rate from 1.5 percent to one percent, effective 2023, and remove the GH¢100 daily threshold on the tax.
Prof Amoah, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency on Friday, lauded the Government for listening to Ghanaians by reducing the rate on the levy from 1.5 percent to one percent.
He described the move to reduce the tax rate to one percent as a good attempt to block the loopholes in the tax handle.
He said, such a situation, would affect the Government’s revenue mobilisation and financial inclusion drive, and urged that a consideration was given to the removal of the threshold.
Prof Amoah said: “What people are now to do is to use the transport system and give money to people to be given to recipients, and that’s the alternative the poor are going to use, knowing the E-levy will bite them hard.”
“This is not a good way to go, especially around this time where we’re trying our best to resuscitate economic activities to drive growth.” Prof Amoah, who is the Acting Dean of the School of Sustainable Development at the University of Environment and Sustainable Development, said.
He asked the Government to conduct a thorough research to identify and target people who did larger volumes of transactions yet evading the levy instead of those it was trying to add to the financial inclusion ecosystem.
“In this world, without financial inclusion, poverty cannot be eradicated. So, if you’re serious about the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of eradicating poverty, then financial inclusion is key.” Prof Amoah said.
Recent research by the Centre for Economics, Finance, and Inequality Studies (CEFIS), showed that many Ghanaians have been avoiding the payment of tax on electronic transactions above GHS100 because of the 1.5 per cent charge.
The situation led MoMo merchants (whose number has been increasing) to “milk” the Government of expected revenue from the E-levy – as merchants negotiate with customers for a fee, making customers avoid the payment of tax.
Some MoMo merchants in Accra who have spoken to GNA on this development confirmed that they had entered into such agreements, making customers avoid paying taxes, especially on transactions amounting to GH¢1,000 and above
The 2021 Bank of Ghana (BoG) Payment Systems Oversight Annual Report noted that the total number of active mobile money customers increased by 2.4 percent year-on-year, as against a 29 percent growth in the number of active mobile money agents growing.
Pre-budget huddling, according to Speaker of the House Alban Bagbin, is necessary to foster greater understanding, consultation, and compromise among lawmakers (MPs).
The MPs would better understand the topics discussed during the post-budget workshop, according to him, if they spoke with the relevant ministries in advance and were involved in setting the agenda, he claimed. The goal would be to highlight the necessity for the Budget Act’s passage by Parliament.
He said: “This will give MPs notice of underpinnings of the Budget, thus providing a solid foundation during the debate and a better monitoring and evaluation basis of policies and programmes of government.”
Mr Bagbin said this when he addressed MPs at the opening of the 2023 two-day Post-Budget Workshop underway in Ho in the Volta Region.
The annual Post-Budget Workshop has the primary goal of equipping MPs and Senior Officers of the Parliamentary Service with the skills required for scrutinising the Budget and Economic Policy of the Executive arm of government for the 2023 fiscal year.
It also had the objective of offering MPs the opportunity of a deeper appreciation of the 2022 Budget and Economic Policy of the government.
The key expected outcomes would be quality deliberations of the statement on the floor of the House in the ensuing day’s relevant legislation and the ultimate Appropriation Act for the 2023 financial year.
According to Mr Bagbin, in the current global village, trends, data and evidence guided policy and decision-making.
“Honourable Members, when reliable information, analytical tools, and supporting evidence are presented in advance, members will have a better understanding of the issues and debate the budget more competently as representatives of their people.
“Consequently, if a post-budget workshop like this one is critical, then a pre-budget huddling of some sort is also essential for purposes of deeper understanding, consultation and compromise,” he said.
To that end, Mr Bagbin noted that the establishment of the Budget and Fiscal analysis department in Parliament would be essential in supporting MPs in the performance of oversight functions, adding that effective oversight generated momentum towards sustainable development through revised and enhanced legislation policy.
Mr Haruna Iddrisu, Minority Leader, bemoaned the freeze on civil and public-sector employment, saying it would worsen the unemployment situation in the country.
He, therefore, asked the government to consider the number of youths that risked the tendency of becoming jobless as against the existing unemployment.
The government in its 2023 Budget and Statement and Economic Policy presentation to Parliament on Thursday, November 24, announced a freeze on hiring into the public and civil service effective January 2023 as part of cabinet directives for expenditure rationalisation.
However, Mr Iddrisu disagreed and described the 2023 Budget as an indication of the highly distressed state of the country.
“Mr Speaker, Ghana’s economy and as I listened to the Honourable Minister of Finance, the 2023 budget statement is replete with evidence that government is simply broke and the economy is in crisis. An economy under life support that needs some resuscitation,” he said.
According to him, some of the interventions the government was seeking to make including the capping of enrollment of nursing and teacher trainees and the reduction of the size of convoys could rather worsen the state of the economy.
On his part, Mr Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, Majority Leader, said external shocks and the depreciation of the cedi had been major contributing factors to the current economic hardships that the 2023 Budget sought to address.
“These (COVID-19 and Russian-Ukraine war) have created internal and external imbalances in the economic woes; high inflation and unsustainable financing of the current economic deficit and rapid depreciation of the cedi.
“Suddenly, these variables have brought a lot of hardships to the citizenry, particularly the poor and vulnerable,” he said.
He explained that the budget intended to alleviate the plight of Ghanaians through increased spending on social protection.
Mr Ken Ofori-Atta, Minister for Finance called for a partnership that would get the economy thriving.
By Article 179 of the 1992 Constitution and section 21 of the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921) the Mr Ofori-Atta, Minister for Finance on behalf of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, presented the 2023 Annual Budget Statement and Economic Policy of Government to Parliament on Thursday, November 24.
Among other things, the 2023 Budget focused on Government’s strategies to restore and stabilise the macro economy, build resilience and promote inclusive growth and value creation.
It also featured updates on Ghana’s engagement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for an IMF-supported Programme; year-to-date macro-fiscal performance of the economy; the YouStart initiative under the Ghana CARES Programme; climate action strategies; fiscal measures and debt management strategies to ensure fiscal and debt sustainability and promote growth.
Among the topics discussed by resourced persons at the two-day workshop included Policy Underpinnings of the 2023 budget-General Analysis of the Budget; Overview of the 2023 Budget- Macro Economic and Fiscal Management; What to consider in Analysing the 2023 Sectoral Budgets; Employment Generation and the 2023 Budget; and Revenue Mobilisation and Debt sustainability.
The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has recovered GH¢27.55 million as at September 2022, according to Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta.
The minister made this known after he presented the 2023 budget in Parliament on Thursday, November 24.
According to him, the 27.55 million out of which “GH¢11.14 million [is] direct recovery into the Consolidated Fund and GH¢16.41 million [is] indirect recovery to other institutions,” was recovered from the proceeds of crime in the country.
Mr Ofori-Atta further mentioned that the aforementioned amount recovered by EOCO this year is twice the amount retrieved between 2019 and 2021.
EOCO in 2019 recovered GH¢4,301,262.79, and in 2020 and 2021, GH¢4,365,129.69 and GH¢6,142,984.01 respectively.
Lauding the organisation for the good work done, the Finance Minister mentioned that EOCO has so far investigated about 490 cases.
Out of the 490 cases, 19 are being prosecuted at various courts in the country.
He also pointed out that “the Office secured one court conviction, and five cases were dismissed. In addition, the Office carried out 55 sensitisation programmes on cybercrimes, 55 on gaming, and three outreach programmes on human trafficking and irregularmigration.”
Mr Ofori Atta is anticipating that EOCO, in 2023, will investigate 450 cases, out of which over 50 cases will be prosecuted.
In the same year, he says, the organisation plans to carry out 60 sensitisation programmes on cybercrimes, 55 on gaming, and five outreach programmes.
Functions of EOCO The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) was established in 2010 to lead Ghana’s efforts against the increasing challenges of economic and organised crime.
It is responsible for preventing, detecting, and investigating crimes such as money laundering, human trafficking, illegal cyber activity, and tax fraud.
With the authority of the Attorney General, EOCO is mandated to prosecute these offences and confiscate or recover the proceeds of crime.
Dr. Jones-Mensah wrote in a thank-you note after earning his degree from the Switzerland Rushford Business School that he was thrilled about the potential of his new academic achievement.
“Academic doctorate diplomas are held by numerous people worldwide.
In order to positively impact people’s lives and humanity overall in Ghana and across the entire African continent, I aspire to receive a European Professional Doctorate (EPD).
Dr. Jones-Mensah was on 25th November, 2022 awarded European Professional Doctorate with ‘Distinction in Global Leadership’ at a special 7th convocation ceremony held in Dubai by the Rushford Business School, Switzerland.
Jones-Mensah now joins a long list of alumni of the school who have made and continue to make tremendous impacts across the world.
He was full of appreciation to his family and workers for the support during this academic journey. Jones-Mensah’s Empire Domus Group has business interests in real estate, building construction, petroleum, hospitality, agriculture and commodities trading in Ghana, other African countries, England, Middle East and the Americas.
The Kojo Jones-Mensah (KJM) Foundation has been the philanthropy arm of his establishment responsible for the provision of potable water, education and women/youth empowerment to underprivileged people and vulnerable communities.
The anticipated action has drawn criticism and resentment, but according to Dr. John Kumah, deputy minister of finance, the decision is the best one the government can make given that the project has turned out to be less economical than initially thought.
“The project is no longer affordable per the arrangement that has happened to it because if you divide $200 million by 10,000, you are going to get it at $10,000 and they reviewed it to 1,500 (housing units) which makes it up (from) $40,000 to $50,000 per unit. So how affordable can that be?” he is quoted by Joy Business.
“So, in the present circumstances, the best option is to bring the private sector in,” the deputy finance minister insisted.
The Saglemi Housing project started under the erstwhile John Mahama administration. It was originally expected to see the construction of 10,000 residential housing units but was later reviewed to 5,000 units in order to ease construction cost, among others.
The housing project is situated on a 300-acre land and has courted controversy over the years which has led to two former government officials being prosecuted by the state.
Following the announcement by Works and Housing Minister, Francis Asenso Boakye, to sell the project to a private developer, minority lawmakers in parliament have cautioned against the intended sale.
They believe government must rather look for funds to complete the project instead of resorting to privatisation.
The staff members who are undergoing training are among the more than 2000 young men and women who are being sought out nationwide to assist the Prison Service in carrying out its mission of rehabilitating inmates into socially acceptable personalities conducive to reintegration and cohabitation in society.
At the opening ceremony on Friday, 25 November 2022, the Deputy Chief Executive (Operations) of YEA, Alhaji Bashiru Ibrahim, speaking on behalf of the CEO, Mr. Kofi Baah Agyepong, admonished the trainees to show commitment, dedication and love for mother Ghana as they go through training to become part of one of the highly-rated disciplined institutions, the Ghana Prisons Service.
“Many a time, we look down on our prisons as a place where condemned members of society are kept. Inasmuch as it may appear so, there is an arduous responsibility on us to help change these persons into new characters suitable for conducive cohabitation in society. Today, a modern prison is not just a place for custody but a place to reform, rehabilitate and reintegrate social deviants back into society. I understand that this training is tailored to achieve just that”, Alhaji Bashiru quoted.
He further assured them of YEA’s novel arrangement with the leadership of the Ghana Prisons Service, to absorb all Prison Office Assistants into their mainstream service, after they have successfully served their two (2) years contract with the YEA as part of the exit plan.
The exit plan is a super strategy instituted by the management of YEA to find permanent jobs for the beneficiaries.
On behalf of the Director General of the Ghana Prisons Service, the Director of Human Resources congratulated the new recruits for making it through all the processes that qualify them to participate in the training to become Prison Office Assistants of the Youth Employment Agency and the Ghana Prisons Service. He assured that the trainers would instil in the personnel maximum discipline, dedication and service to mother Ghana. As a key stakeholder of the Criminal Justice System of Ghana contributing to the maintenance of internal security by maintaining an efficient, humane, and safe reformatory penal system operated within the laws of Ghana, it is expected that the person will work with vigilance, fortitude, and integrity while helping in the reintegration of ex-convicts into society.
Speaking to the media, the Central Regional Director of the Youth Employment Agency, Sarah Afful, stated that the second batch of recruits is expected to begin training after successful application and shortlisting.
Providing decent and sustainable jobs is the focus of the vision of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Vice President Alhaji Dr Mahamudu Bawumia for the youth of this country. The YEA will continue to provide a smooth vehicle to produce the desired result.
The smart move is a realisation of a plan the Minister for Youth Sports, Mustapha Ussif, told Parliament ahead of the start of the tournament, would be an innovative fan mobilisation strategy due to the inability of the government to fund supporters from Ghana as a result of the economic challenge the country finds itself in.
Ahead of Ghana’s opening group match on Tuesday, the Ministry and the Ghana mission successfully mobilised over 1000 Ghanaians and Africans and provided them with match tickets and apparel in Ghanaian colours.
The mobilised fans, together with the few from Ghana, set the stadium agog as the Black Stars battled Portugal.
Mustapha Ussif, in the company of the Ghana Ambassador to Qatar, met the supporters and thanked them for availing themselves to cheer on the Black Stars.
The Ministry will continue the mobilisation effort in upcoming games against South Korea and Uruguay.
The Sporting Lisbon youngster was an unused substitute as the Black Stars were defeated 3-2 in their World Cup opener at Stadium 974.
Despite not participating in the encounter with the Navigators, Fatawu Issahaku stated that he accepted coach Otto Addo’s choice.
“I expected to play, because all players want to play. It’s the coach’s decision, but I’m fine with that. He knows in which position I can perform more, so it will always be his decision,” said Fatawu.
The Black Stars of Ghana will play their second group game against Asian giants South Korea at Al Rayyan’s Education City Stadium. The game will kick off at 13:00 GMT.
At Al Janoub Stadium in Al Wakrah, the Black Stars, who are playing in their fourth FIFA World Cup, will play Uruguay to round off their group stage schedule.
The game on Monday will be played at the Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan.
Ghana’s first game ended in defeat against Portugal on Thursday. Cristiano Ronaldo became the first man to score in five World Cups as his dubious penalty was Portugal’s first in the encounter. Ghana equalised through Andre Ayew in the 73rd minute.
South Korea on the other hand drew goalless with Uruguay also on Thursday. Hwang Ui-jo blazed over from close range before Diego Godin hit the post with a header as the two sides traded blows in the first half.
Edinson Cavani came off the bench to replace Luis Suarez but no goal was forthcoming – Federico Valverde hitting the post from distance being the closest either side came.
Coach Otto Addo after the game against Portugal stated that Monday’s game against the Asian giants is crucial.
On Thursday night against Portugal, Andre Ayew scored Ghana’s first goal at the 2022 World Cup.
Following his goal, he was replaced by his brother Jordan Ayew.
Before Andre Ayew’s equaliser in the 73rd minute, Ronaldo’s penalty kick made the difference in the 65th minute following an easy penalty awarded by the American referee of Moroccan descent.
Osman Bukari scored Ghana’s second goal to make it 3-2.
Since joining Ghana’s senior team in 2008, Ayew has amassed more than 100 caps. He played a key role for and served as captain of the under-20 squad that won the 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup and the 2009 African Youth Championship.
He has participated in two FIFA World Cups (2010 and 2014), seven Africa Cup of Nations (2008, 2010, 2012, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2021), and two Olympics. He helped Ghana finish second in 2010 and 2015 and was the tournament’s leading scorer in 2017.
In 2011 Ayew was named the BBC African Footballer of the Year and Ghana Footballer of the Year.
Andre Ayew previous played for FC Lorient, West Ham, Swansea City, Fenerbahce and AC Arles-Avignon. He currently plays for Qatar Stars League club Al Sadd SC.
The forward who was introduced in the last fifteen minutes was partly responsible for one of the goals Ghana conceded as he gave the ball away twice.
His display infuriated some Ghanaians who lashed out at him for his performance which they believe was below expectations.
Having a bite of the issue during an interview, Totti Laryea observed that Jordan Ayew’s failure to warm up properly was the cause of his poor start to the game.
“Jordan did not warm up well. When he was instructed to warm up, he did so very slowly so it took him a while to come alive in the game.
“Unfortunately for him and Ghana, his lack of preparedness cost the country two goals that could have been avoided. Our players need to listen to their coaches and warm up well when they are asked to,” he said.
Totti Laryea in an earlier interview with Angel FM ahead of the tournament offered that the lack of adequate warm-up could be blamed for the recent spate of injuries to Ghanaian players.
” Most Ghanaian players don’t take warm-up seriously…. but the most important thing is, before going on the field to play, the first thing to do is to do good warm up…You have to open your muscles before playing.
” Most of the injuries that the players suffer is because they didn’t warm up well…that is why most times coaches would tell players on the bench to warm up before going on the field.
“Yes, I’m ready to become the fitness coach for any of the national teams…For now, though Ghana is filled with many good players, they lack the physical presence needed in playing football…so if I am assigned the fitness coach, my expertise would really help the national team to win laurels”.He said
Totti, who is the owner of Train Like a Pro Gh stamina Centre in Accra recently acquired his CAF license D certificate at the Ghana Man Soccer Center at Prampram.
Inspirational stories abound but not many come as good as this one. In 2003, George Asiamah’s world came crashing down. He had written the West Africa Secondary School Certificate Examination and the result is one that not even his enemies, if he had any, would be proud of.
His result reads; Mathematics F, Integrated Science E, Social Studies E, English Language F, Economics F, Geography F, and Government E.
This horrible results, as George himself admits, was due to two factors. The first and perhaps a self-inflicted one was his truancy.
In a post he made in 2018 detailing his experience in Secondary School (now High School), George Asiamah, who was a student of the Atwimaman Secondary School, identified a disinterest in the General Art course he was ‘forced’ to pursue and truancy as the two issues that stood between him and academic excellence.
“Now, getting to the end of the first year, we were told that the school did not have the capacity for the business program, so it would be abolished in the following year. To that effect, all business students were to search for schools during the vacation for us to be transferred in the following academic year.
“The next academic year began, and here I come, the only business student who didn’t get a new school. I actually didn’t get the communication proper, I thought my school was to look for the new school for us. So coming to second year, I was forced to join the General Arts class. Oh boy! I didn’t take delight in that development. That was when my old (truant) character re-manifested.
“Here, it was an advanced stage of truancy – I no longer stay home for weeks, but in months. One could practically count the number of days I will be in school in a term. Funnily, any day my friends see me coming to class, they will be shouting “Ebon! Ebon!!” (teasing me with the name of my village). Others will ask jokingly, “enti school no wo ka ho?” (Are you part of the School?),” he said in the post.
But like as has been said, life is not how many times you fall down but how many times you get up, so, faced with this academic adversity, George Asiamah picked himself up and set out to right the many wrongs in his life.
With renewed mindset and verve, George navigated the academically demanding job of being a student at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Technology.
He then furthered at Queen’s University, Belfast before moving on to The University of Sheffield where he pursued PhD.
As published by a Facebook user, Shadrack Dare, George earlier in the week successfully defended his thesis which was on Brexit, Scientific Evidence and Agri-food Regulatory governance.
With his thesis defense out of the way, George Asiamah has gone from a ‘tiwuii’ in 2003 to a PhD holder who will now respond to the title ‘Doc Doc’.
