TIG Post

Author: Chris Kodo

  • World Cup 2022: Cristiano Ronaldo a ‘total genius’ for winning Portugal penalty – Fifa

    Cristiano Ronaldo has been called a “total genius” by Fifa for the way in which he won a penalty for Portugal in their World Cup victory over Ghana.

    The 37-year-old converted from the spot to become the first man to score at five different Fifa World Cups.

    Portugal won 3-2, but the awarding of the spot-kick outraged Ghana boss Otto Addo, who said it was “not a penalty”.

    At a briefing in Doha, Fifa technical study group (TSG) member Sunday Oliseh said strikers are “getting smarter”.

    The TSG, which is led by former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, looks at each match and provides analysis including performance data and trends.

    After 20 games in this tournament, nine penalties have been awarded, which is on track to reach the previous record of 24 that were given in the group stages in Russia four years ago.

    Poland’s Robert Lewandowski and Canada’s Alphonso Davies have seen their efforts saved, while the remaining seven have been scored.

    This includes Ronaldo, who went down under a challenge from Southampton defender Mohammed Salisu. Former England defender Matt Upson, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, called it a “dive”.

    Ghana boss Addo was left fuming after the defeat and told BeIN Sports: “The referee gave a penalty which was not a penalty – everyone saw that. Why? Because it’s Ronaldo or something?

    “The referee was not in our favour.”

    But former Nigeria international Oliseh, who played at the 1998 World Cup, feels Ronaldo was clever in his movement to win the penalty that allowed him to score his 118th international goal.

    “Maybe the strikers are getting smarter?” said Oliseh.

    “The Ronaldo penalty, people can say what they want about him, but the smartness to wait for that second, to touch the ball, continue his leg and then get the contact. That is total genius.

    “Let’s give strikers the compliment for getting smarter. VAR is also a major reason why this (more penalties being awarded) is happening. Referees can look at it three or four times.”

    ‘Teams will become braver’

    There were four goalless games in the opening 16 matches, which set a new record of 25% in the first round of group games.

    A fifth followed on Friday as England and the United States played out a stalemate in their second game of the tournament in Qatar.

    The record number of 0-0 draws at the World Cup stands at seven, which happened at four different editions of the tournament, but Qatar 2022 is already close to that tally with only 20 of the 64 scheduled games completed before Saturday’s matches.

    At the last World Cup in Russia, there was one goalless draw, between Denmark and France in a group game.

    “Teams have not wanted to take too much of a risk,” said Oliseh.

    “Clearly many teams are relying on a cautious approach,” added colleague Alberto Zaccheroni, who won Serie A with AC Milan and the Asian Cup when he was the coach of Japan.

    “But as the tournament progresses we will see teams become a bit braver.”

    Players ‘feeling comfortable’ with matchball

    A total of 49 goals have been scored in the 20 matches played by the end of Friday, 25 November.

    The first round of 16 games did not see a single goal scored from outside the box. Two have been scored from distance in the four games so far played in the second round of matches, which is significantly fewer than at this stage in the past two tournaments.

    Iran’s Roozbeh Cheshmi broke the trend on Friday with a rasping strike against Wales, while later in the day, the Netherlands forward Cody Gakpo scored in a 1-1 draw with Ecuador.

    The ‘Al Rihla’ match ball developed for the World Cup is described by Fifa as “travelling faster than any ball” in the tournament’s history.

    Global football’s governing also said the ball “provides the highest levels of accuracy and reliability on the field of play”.

    TSG member Faryd Mondragon, who played in goal for Colombia at the 1998 World Cup, told BBC Sport: “Technology has improved the game, it is helping the ball, boots, gloves, data. Everything is for the improvement of the game.

    “When you have good shooters, any kind of ball will be fast and dangerous. I have spoken with friends from all over the world, this is a ball they are all feeling comfortable with.

    “Us goalkeepers are always talking about the fast-moving ball but everything is for the good of the game.”

    Source: BBC 

  • Provide incentives for youth to do farming – Agric Director appeals to financial institutions

    Dr. Peter Omega, the Central Regional Director of Agriculture, has urged the private sector, financial institutions, organisations, and institutions to urgently help university graduates and young people in agriculture by offering incentives since agriculture needs money.

    Why aren’t our banking institutions helping the young people who are interested in agriculture with these facilities?
    It will go a long way toward helping these young people who studied agriculture in college produce more food and find employment. Dr Omega remarked

    In an exclusive interview with MyNewsGh.com reporter, Hajia Asana Gordon, Omega called on stakeholders and government officials to support the agricultural sector for the country to have more food in the system in order to address price hikes in food stuff

    “We are all aware this time round food pricing is very high but not that we don’t have food in the system but still needs to produce more commodities” Agric Director observed.

    Dr. Omega charged the unemployed graduates, especially those pursuing higher education in agricultural and Agricultural Colleges to stop searching for white-collar jobs and enter into the development of apps for the agricultural industry.

    He observed that Central Region is leading in pineapple and citrus production and called on the unemployed graduates and youth to come in and process these products into jams, fruit juice and other products for both local and international markets.

    Dr. Omega added that the demand for cassava chips as far as the international market is concerned is high and sweet potatoes can be processed into about 20 products and encouraged the youth to take this opportunity and go into farming.

    Touching on farmers’ day celebration, the Agric Director said Central Regional Department of Agriculture and Central Regional Coordinating Council (CRCC) are preparing for the celebration of the regional farmers day.

    According to him, budget for the various committees have been approved and they are making sure that the budget is located is use judiciously.

    Meanwhile, the Central Regional Department of Agriculture is prepared to award a total of 28 persons comprising fish farmers and agro-processors.

  • Oil drops by 3% to reflect reductions on market

    The cost of crude oil keeps falling. On Monday, the product is being exchanged at a price of roughly 87 dollars per barrel on the global market.

    Fuel prices in Ghana are projected to decrease at the pump in the following pricing window on December 1, 2022, provided that this progress continues and the Bank of Ghana is able to provide enough foreign currency for the BDCs at a favourable rate.

    After falling by more than $2 a barrel on Friday for a second consecutive weekly reduction, oil prices are still falling.
    This is a result of worries about weaker Chinese demand and additional hikes in U.S. interest rates.

    Brent crude is down by 0.72 percent and is being offered at 86 dollars 99 Cents a barrel having reached its lowest level since September at 85 dollars 80 Cents. Should this decline persist petroleum consumers would heave a sigh of relieve as prices could drop a little further.

    A strong Cedi could make this a reality. Currently, price of diesel has dropped from GH¢23.49 a litre to GH¢20.50 a litre. Petrol also reduced from GH¢17.99 to GH¢16.82 per litre.

    Liquified Petroleum Gas has not witnessed a decline on the international market and will increase in the next pricing window, December 1, 2022.

  • 2023 Budget: Citizens demand complete repeal of E-Levy

    Some residents of Cape Coast in the Central Region have met the review of the Electronic Transaction Levy (E-Levy) with regret and reiterated calls on government to scrap the policy completely.

    The proposed review of the revenue collection policy, they lamented, could not alleviate their hardships in the already wobbling economy.

    The E-Levy, a 1.5 percent deduction of selected electronic transactions with a 100-Cedi daily threshold, was introduced by the government in 2022 as part of measures to shore up revenue.

    The fiscal measure has, however, failed to live up to expectations as it is accruing far less than the projected revenue.

    In view of this, Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, while presenting the 2023 budget in Parliament on Thursday, November 24, announced a reduction in the rate of the policy from 1.5 percent to one percent without the threshold.

    The review, among other fiscal and austerity measures, is targeted at salvaging the country’s southbound economy.

    This means that subject to approval by Parliament, Ghanaians will pay E-Levy of one percent on all affected forms of transactions despite the amount involved.

    Speaking to some citizens on the development, they expressed disappointment at the policy and questioned the sensitivity of government to their plights.

    Madam Abigail Mensah, a trader at the Kotokuraba Market, said she did not want the policy in any form and that it must be scrapped off immediately.

    “Already, we can barely afford to feed ourselves and our families and the best government can do is to push us off the cliff with taxes?” she queried with a visibly livid expression.

    Comparing the E-levy in its current form to the proposed review, Madam Lordina Ackah, also a trader, preferred it to be left untouched because the percentage removed was an insult.

    In an interesting twist, another market woman, Madam Gertrude Dadzie who also called for the levy to be scrapped, suggesting that the government found better means of easing the plight of Ghanaians.

    A taxi driver, Mr Francis Awotwe, called on the government to cancel the E-Levy and bring back the tollbooths.

    Lamenting the hardship in the economy, he said he made nothing from his taxi business because every money he made went into buying fuel.

    “I buy a gallon of petrol for more than 80 Cedis and I do not make up to 300 Cedis in a day. How much do I give my car owner and how much do I take home to cater for my family?” he retorted.

    “In spite of this, the government still wants to take away the small money I send to my poor old mother in the village.”

    Meanwhile, some mobile money vendors have said the development would collapse their businesses even further.

    Mr Nii Armah Tagoe indicated to the Ghana News Agency that his average daily profit of 80 Cedis had dropped to 20 Cedis since the introduction of the levy.

    He said even though transactions conducted were not affected by E-Levy, customers’ activities had dropped significantly due to the lack of proper education on the policy.

    “We have not made any profit since the E-Levy came and the trend now is that many people no more do withdrawals and deposits than money transfer.

    “The review is worse, and it is going to kill us more,” he added.

    Another vendor, Mr Ahmed Yussif, said he did not expect any significant effect on his business, adding that the impact, if any, would be felt after a month.

  • Government outlines 7 measures to revitalize and stabilize economy

    To address what appears to be the country’s economic suffering, the government has implemented seven (7) policy measures as specified in the 2023 budget and economic policy statement.

    During the announcement of this year’s economic policy, the Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori Atta, declared that the budget is dubbed “Nkabom” in order to breathe some new life into the economy.
    As stated in the Post-COVID-19 Programme for Economic Growth (PC-PEG), this agenda is “anchored on a seven-point agenda with the goal of restoring macroeconomic stability and driving our economic transformation.”

    According to him, the government will aggressively mobilize domestic revenue; Streamline and rationalise expenditures and boost local productive capacity to promote and diversify exports.

    He talked about protecting the poor and vulnerable as the fifth measure while expanding digital and climate-responsive physical infrastructure for the implementation of structural and public sector reforms.

    Mr. Ofori Ata these measures will be achieved through three (3) critical imperatives: “successfully negotiating a strong IMF programme; coordinating an equitable debt operation programme; and attracting significant green investments”.

    This he stressed will enable “us to generate substantial revenue, create needed fiscal space for the provision of essential public services and facilitate the implementation of the PC-PEG programme to revitalise and transform the economy”.

  • Bawumia launches US$450m sub-regional multi-credit facility in Tamale

    In Bolgatanga, the Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has unveiled the Gulf of Guinea Northern Regions Social Cohesion (SOCO) Project, a multi-nation development initiative.

    In response to the emergence of extremism in the West African sub-region, the Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, Togo, and Benin governments secured a $450 million multi-country credit facility project called the SOCO Project from the World Bank. The project aims to improve facilities and security in the northern regions and border towns of the four West African nations.

    The government claims that more Ghanaians will be able to use the service as a result.

    Launching the project in Bolgatanga on Friday November 25, 2022, Vice President Bawumia revealed that out of the total amount of $450m facility, the Government of Ghana has secured US $150Million to implement the Project in forty-eight (48) Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) in six regions of the country, distributed as follows: Northern – eight (8) District Assemblies, North East – six (6) District Assemblies , Upper East – all the fifteen (15) District Assemblies, Upper West – all the eleven (11) District Assemblies , Savannah – four (4) District Assemblies and Oti – four (4) District Assemblies.

    Dr. Bawumia described the project as “a very important and timely intervention aimed at addressing some key emerging and recurring challenges in the northern part of Ghana.”

    “The Project has been conceived and designed to address the effects of the spill over of conflicts and extremism from the Sahel Region; reduce vulnerability because of exposure to the impacts of climate change; strengthen local institutions; improve economic opportunities and build public trust,” he added.

    For the Ghana project, the Vice President further explained that the project will focus mostly on border communities in these regions, where the citizenry especially women and youth are exposed and susceptible to the threats of terrorism from the Sahel Region.

    “This is very significant as countries all over the world are pursuing strategies to address these challenges in view of the anticipated worsening of the situation if the necessary interventions are not promptly instituted,” said the Vice President.

    “The project as conceptualised, takes cognisance of regional perspectives and impact of the issues that are common to the four countries, whilst enabling country led actions that respond to local needs. It also leverages experience sharing on prevention of the spill over effects from the Sahel, fragilities, climate-related risks in the four (4) participating Gulf of Guinea countries, as well as, conflict prevention by the affected countries,” he added.

    The project will also prioritise the needs of communities and strengthen local institutions to give the citizenry, especially the vulnerable, a voice to take part, influence and play a vital role in prioritising local development investments, as well as, promote social cohesion and build trust in their communities.

    For almost a decade, the living conditions of over sixteen million people living in the northern parts of Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, and Togo have been threatened by the spread of conflict from the Sahel, which has led to increased vulnerability to the impact of climate change.

  • Government promises more support to Ghana Police

    Vice President Dr Bawumia has reiterated government’s commitment to supporting the Ghana Police Service.

    “As we urge the public to come on board, I wish to charge officers on parade in particular, and all other police officers to note that the anticipation of the Ghanaian public is for you to be proactive and accountable to them.

    “You should be, first, exemplary law-abiding citizens for others to emulate. As professionals, always remember to treat people the way you wish yourselves, spouse or children to be treated. Therefore, in enforcing the law, be fair, firm and fearless.”

    Government promises more support to Ghana Police

    These were the words of Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia at the 51st Cadet Officers’ Graduation of the Ghana Police Academy, Tesano – Accra on Friday, 25th November, 2022.

    The 308 Officers, who have been commissioned into the ranks of Deputy Superintendent of Police and Assistant Superintendents of Police, were taken through the revamped training model, based on a significant practical outlook with limited theoretical content, making it the first of its kind in the history of the Police Service.

    Government promises more support to Ghana Police

    According to officials of the Ghana Police Academy, the programme now has a blend of theory and practical training modules including a four weeks High Risk Training and six weeks Practical Field Attachment with the view to producing a more confident and practical oriented officers to strengthen leadership at the district and unit levels across the country.

    “I congratulate you as pioneers of this training reform agenda and urge you all to work collaboratively with the communities to improve safety and security for socio-economic development,” Vice President Bawumia told the graduands.

    Government promises more support to Ghana Police

    Government Support to the Ghana Police Service

    Government, Dr. Bawumia said, will continue to resource the Police Service in its quest to become a world class Police institution. Thus, the Police will continue to receive the needed infrastructure, resources and motivation necessary to effectively maintain law and order in line with its constitutional mandate.

    “It is in the light of this commitment that additional infrastructure such as lecture/syndicate rooms, ultra-modern auditorium and residential accommodation are being put up at the Academy to contain the increasing number of officers admitted to the Academy.

    “Within the year, the government even in the face of budgetary constraints recently procured over 2,000 motorbikes for the Police to strengthen its on-going crime prevention/visibility operational initiatives within the framework of promoting democratic policing in the country.

    Government promises more support to Ghana Police

    “As a result of this intervention, communities which hitherto were not easily accessible can have their share of police presence due to the better maneuverability capabilities of these motorbikes. As His Excellency the President promised during the handing over of the motorbikes, some 3,000 more will be added to bring the number to 5,000 to ensure that no community is left out.”

    About 200 pick-up vehicles have also been procured for the Police and will soon be deployed to about 140 locations across the country to be used by Regional Formed Police Units (FPUs), the Vice President disclosed further.

    “These deployments are going to lead to a significant boost in the quality of policing on all highways across the country to enable everyone go about their daily activities in safety.”

    Government promises more support to Ghana Police

    Public support

    Dr. Bawumia urged the public to collaborate with the Police and the other security agencies to ensure national security, emphasising the collective roles all have to play towards building safer communities.

    “I would like to entreat every well-meaning Ghanaian to come on board so that together, we can sustain the gains made in ensuring a safe, peaceful and a secure Ghana. Let us partner the police in our various communities to police us better. Passing on relevant information on crime and criminal activities to the police is a gesture that can save lives,” he noted.

    Source: Jubilee House Communications 

  • I now seek permission from the Church of Pentecost before using their hymns – Diana Asamoah

    Gospel musician, Diana Asamoah has explained why the Church of Pentecost Ghana and other churches have directed singers to seek permission when it comes to featuring their hymns in their albums.

    According to the celebrated singer who is known for performing Pentecost hymns, she previously had no idea about the need to consult the church but after consultation, they outlined the need to do so.

    “Previously, I wasn’t aware of the need to seek permission from the Church of Pentecost. The church after realizing that some musicians don’t sing the lyrics properly instructed us to come to them for the right words.

    “The church realised how the general public welcomed the hymns I sing. Currently, due to copyright issues, all other churches have urged musicians to seek permission for the sake of peace,” Diana Asamoah made this known in an interview with Paula Amma Broni on Talkertainemnt.

    She also highlighted her contribution to preserving old hymns through her rendition.

    According to Evangelist Diana Asamoah, who has an album titled ‘Pentecost Soree Nwom’, musicians who are best known for including already existing hymns on their projects do so to propagate the gospel.

    “The likes of Joe Mettle have been blessed with the voice to sing and minister hymns. He has a large following and so if he performs any of these old hymns it is fine. The most important thing is the spirit of God that will be manifested in his ministration,” she told GhanaWeb.

  • Reduced E-Levy rate to 1% means that we are a listening government – John Kumah

    The fact that the current administration has cut the contentious Electronic Transfer Levy (E-levy), according to deputy finance minister Dr. John Kumah, shows that they are a receptive government.

    The fact that the rate was lowered to 1%, he remarked, “shows that we are a listening government.”

    E-levy

    The Ghc100 daily threshold has been eliminated, which has resulted in the e-levy rate dropping from 1.5% to 1%, according to Finance Minister Ken Ofori Atta, who presented the 2023 budget statement.

    “Review the E-Levy Act and more specifically, reduce the headline rate from 1.5% to 1% of the transaction value as well as removal of the daily threshold,” Ken Ofori-Atta said.

    It may be recalled that the government introduced “this to enhance domestic tax mobilization and expand the tax base and provide an opportunity for everyone to contribute towards national development”. However, according to government the estimated money to be accrued as far as the levy is concerned, has not been reached.

    John Kumah Speaks

    Speaking on Joy Newsfile programme, Saturday, John Kumah who doubles as the Member of Parliament for Ejisu constituency claims: “we still have challenges because not all operators channel their system through the common platform that has been created. So a lot of compliance issues…but having reduced the rate to 1% means that we are a listening government.”

    According to him, “per the data I have seen, there is some 60% growth in terms of the usage of MoMo and its impacts on the revenue we are generating under e-levy”.

     

  • Colombian Judge suspended after joining zoom while smoking in her underwear

    As reported by TMZ, Judge Vivian Polania 34, who’s known for posting racy pictures on her Instagram page, went viral this week after she joined a virtual court hearing while smoking a cigarette in her underwear.

    The hearing in question was about whether a man jailed over a car bomb terror attack should be granted bail. Polania claimed she was in bed during the hearing because she had low blood pressure and an anxiety attack.

    Polania’s actions prompted the Judicial Disciplinary Commission in Norte de Santander to open up an investigation into the judge’s behavior. Spanish-language news outlet Infobae reports the Judicial Disciplinary Commission ruled on Tuesday that Polania has been suspended three months for violating multiple regulations.

    “It is a duty of this commission to avoid repeating the judge’s contempt for the investiture of her position and the contempt she showed with her peers in the public prosecutor’s office, the prosecution and the defense,” the commission wrote.

    “We find no justification for the judge to have presented herself in such deplorable conditions when she had the facilities of her own home and all the amenities necessary to prepare for a public hearing appropriately and with the respect such a hearing deserved.”

    Source: Complex.com

  • Public sector employment freeze: Exempt health professionals – Government urged

    The president of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA), Mrs. Perpetual Ofori-Ampofo, has requested the government to exempt health professionals from its planned block on hiring civil and public servants.

    She claimed that the country’s healthcare system would suffer greatly if employment in the area were to be frozen due to the insufficient workforce.

    This was stated by Mrs. Ofori-Ampofo at the publication of the GRNMA history book and the fifth Dr. Docia Kisseih Memorial Lecture.

    The event was on the theme: “Continuity and Development: A Vision for GRNMA’s Existence”.

    Mrs Ofori-Ampofo said already they were faced with the exodus of health professionals and needed to get others employed to fill the gap.

    “I wish to state emphatically that the nursing and midwifery workforce as we speak is not adequate and, therefore, we need those who have completed nursing schools to be employed to support health care delivery,” she reiterated.

    Mrs Ofori-Ampofo called on Government to improve the conditions of service of health professionals, especially nurses and midwives for them to stay and serve the country.

    Dr Vida Nyagre Yakong, Dean, School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Development Studies, Tamale, admonished health professionals to acquire additional knowledge and skills to augment their work.

    “Strong leadership and specialised nursing skills are key to the continuity and development of GRNMA and its vision, of which we must not lose sight.

    “I would, therefore, want to see more nurse leaders in clinical leadership positions, nurse practitioners’ positions, and academia where we could harness advanced skills to contribute significantly to the profession and practice,” she added.

    Dr Yakong called on Government to develop a deliberate plan that would support members of the profession to have a special seat in government and to contribute towards health policy formulation.

    The Dr Docia Kisseih Memorial Lecture extolled the exemplary virtues and contributions of Dr Kisseih to the nursing and midwifery profession.

    The book launch documented activities and strides of the GRNMA in the last 60 years.

  • Check out beautiful pictures, videos from Rita Dominic’s white wedding in England

    Nigerian actress, Rita Dominic and founder of Folio Media Group, Dr. Fidelis Anosike have tied the knot in the presence of family and friends in North Yorkshire, England.

    The beautiful wedding ceremony took place in a 900 old abbey after the couple held their traditional wedding earlier in April this year.

    According to reports, Rita Dominic met her now husband, Fidelis Asonike in 2017.

    The bride wore a beautiful white deep-cut v-neck ball gown made of the finest lace which had a floral feel to it. Her gown had a full skirt with layers of fabric descending in a ball shape with a tight bodice making her look like an absolute princess.

    She also completed the look with a traditional blusher wedding veil, that covered the crown of her head and entire face.

    She climaxed her entire look with a middle part sleeked hair with an afro pony which matched her silver smokey eye paired with beautiful minimalist earrings.

    The groom, beaming with smiles also made a statement on his day with a blue three-piece wedding tuxedo and a bow tie.

    Among the bridesmaids were fellow actresses, Kate Henshaw and Michelle Dede, as well as Vicky Sogunro, and Dr. Olivia Waturuocha.

  • Ghana listed as one of the best places to visit and connect in 2023

    Renowned International Guidebook company, Lonely Planet, has named Ghana as one of the best places to visit and connect in 2023 in its 18th annual Best in Travel list.

    The 2023 edition of the list follows a slightly different format than it had been in the past years. Drawing on expert local perspectives from the heart of each destination, the Best in Travel report features cities, countries and regions to aid travellers planning their next trip.

    The research is split up into five sections — Eat, Journey, Unwind, Connect and Learn — with each place chosen for its topicality, unique experiences, ‘wow’ factor, and ongoing commitment to sustainability, community and diversity.

    Ghana made the list as one of the best countries to visit and connect in the world.

    A statement published by Lonely Planet indicated that the ‘Year of Return,’ one of government initiative launched in 2019, contributed to Ghana’s appearance on the list. “As the world opened up after long COVID-19 restrictions, many travellers felt the urge to connect or reconnect with others. One way to do that is by looking into our own backyards. People with African heritage may want to head to Accra, Ghana, for their own sense of connection.

    “The country, also on the list, observed a Year of Return in 2019, which brought people from all over the diaspora to Ghana for fellowship and community. Just because the year passed doesn’t mean that the sense of connection has gone: Ghana wants to hit a goal of eight million tourists per year,” the statement reads.

    Commenting on the list, CEO of Ghana Tourism Authority, Akwasi Agyeman, expressed excitement on Ghana being named as one of the best countries to visit and connect in 2023.

     

    According to him, the ‘Year of Return’ and ‘Beyond the Return’ were part of government effort to revive Ghana’s engagement with the African diaspora and the world at large. He noted that it did not only increase the number of visits to the country, but also gained interest from the media, celebrities and investors, which helped position Ghana as an attractive investment destination for the diaspora.

    “It is a great honour to see how, over the years, Ghana continues to receive accolades for our dedication to promote ‘Year of Return and ‘Beyond the Return’. Indeed, we are immensely proud of the fact that Ghana has been named as one of the best places to visit and connect by Lonely Planet.

    “I also recognise that we could not have come this far without the support of government and all stakeholders. Heading to December, we have started seeing the numbers coming in, and we are very positive that Ghana will host the world once again,” he said.

    Recently, the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, officially unveiled the schedule of events for the 2022 ‘December in GH’ campaign. December in GH is the country’s biggest celebration of all things – cultural, entertainment, adventure, nightlife, fashion, gastronomy, tours and community service. Since 2019, the ‘December in GH’ event schedule is one that many travellers look forward to when planning their activities for their holiday trip to Ghana.

  • 2023 Budget: Sad feelings greet government’s hiring freeze for civil, public servants

    Numerous Kumasi citizens have voiced their disappointment and melancholy at the government‘s plan to impose an embargo on hiring civil and public officials in 2023.

    In the 2023 Budget, presented to the Parliament of Ghana on November 24, this year’s Finance Minister, Mr. Ken Ofori Atta, stated that the government was taking action to address the “daunting economic difficulties facing our nation head-on and reset the economy.”

    However, a significant portion of Kumasi residents felt that a hiring freeze and the absence of new government agencies in 2023 were the wrong moves because more young people were still looking for work in the public sector despite the emergence of some private organisations.

    Reacting to the news in an interview with the Ghana News Agency in Kumasi, Ms Mary Osae, a National Service Personnel pointed out that the decision by the government had demoralised most of the national service persons, since some of them had hoped to be retained at the government institutions they were currently serving in.

    She explained that, “I am in no way linked to the government’s new models YouStart, Economic Enclaves, 1D1F among others, because the course I studied at the tertiary level has no bearing with these interventions.

    ‘I was hoping I could be retained at where I am serving now,” she sighed.

    Maame Yaa Serwaa, a trader at Adum, had the fear that the public sector employment freeze could arouse a lot of criminal and indecent activities since it was the youth that would be affected most.

    She suggested that, the government channelled more funds to support job creation in the public and civil sectors, where most jobs were permanent and secured.

    Mr Joseph Dogbey, a graduate nurse awaiting his postings expressed fear of the government suspending postings of trainee nurses.

    He told the GNA that, he had been waiting for his postings since 2020, and the decision by the government was giving him no hope of a job any time soon.

    According to Mr Ofori Atta, “the government cares deeply about our people, and is very much concerned about their current plight and the future of our country.

    The 2023 Budget has been prepared with high consideration for the aspirations of Ghanaians and the brighter prospects of our economy to transition into Upper Middle Income within a decade, he stated.

    Other people who spoke to the GNA on the general overview of the 2023 Budget, however, said nothing in the budget presented depicted a true path of progression for Ghana.

    They said since the cedi continued to depreciate, the agenda of mobilizing the domestic revenue with increasing the VAT rate by 2.5 percent among other adjustments, were still going to affect the people’s socio-economic lives.

  • Upper East Regional Hospital saves 27 weeks preterm baby

    The staff of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of the Upper East Regional Hospital in Bolgatanga have saved a preterm baby born at 27 weeks of pregnancy.

    The said baby recorded a birth weight of 0.9 kilograms (Kg) instead of the normal 2.5 kg but pulled through and survived owing to the professional care and determination exhibited by staff of the unit.

    Madam Sheila Nigre, the Manager of the Unit, who disclosed this at the climax of the World Prematurity month celebration of the Unit, attributed the success to the grace of God and the efforts of staff of the Unit.

    “It is joyful that by the grace of God and the efforts of staff, we have in our midst one of our preterm babies delivered at 27 weeks of pregnancy with 0.9 kg as birth weight, and come 29th November, 2022, this baby will be one year old,” she said.

    The programme brought together management and staff of the Hospital, mothers of preterm babies and other stakeholders to celebrate the successes of the Unit and encourage mothers of preterm babies not to give up on their babies but nurture them to grow.

    Annually, November 17, is celebrated as World Prematurity Day, and this year’s celebration was on the theme; “A Parent’s Embrace; A Powerful Therapy.”

    The celebration spread across the entire month, with various activities including health education on the need to care for preterm babies delivered by various staff of New-born Care Units across the country.

    The celebration is usually intended to raise awareness about preterm deliveries with its tendency to demoralise mothers and families with emphasis that such babies were not evil, but with proper care, they could grow normally just like babies delivered at full-term.

    Madam Nigre, who is a Neonatal Nurse Specialist, explained that preterm babies were born before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy, and said preterm birth was a worldwide challenge, with Africa and South Asia having more than 60 per cent of global preterm births.

    “Each year, more than one in ten babies are born preterm. It is a risk factor for low birth weight and the leading cause of death under five years. One million out of 15 million preterm babies born annually die as a result of complications,” she said.

    Sheila Nigre neonatal nurse specialist at the NICU unit at Bolgatanga Regional
    Madam Nigre urged nurses, family members and friends of women who delivered preterm babies to offer the needed support.

    The Specialist said preterm birth was the second leading cause of admission in the Unit, and indicated that more resources were needed for positive health outcomes.

    Madam Nigre appealed to individuals and Non-Governmental Organizations to support the Unit with incubators, cardiac monitors and radiant warmers for improved quality service delivery.

    She further appealed to the Regional Director of the Ghana Health Service to offer more nurses and doctors in the Hospital the opportunity to specialise in diverse fields of health to enhance quality service delivery.

  • Government to seek World Bank support for Pwalugu multi-purpose Dam project

    The government would talk with the World Bank about building the Pwalugu Multi-Purpose Dam in the Talensi District and seek funding for it, according to vice president Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.

    In Bolgatanga, Upper East Region, the Vice President informed Mr. Pierre Frank Laporte, Country Director of the World Bank, that “we would be discussing this project further with you, so that we can see to its construction.”

    Dr Bawumia was speaking at the launch of the Gulf of Guinea Northern Regions Social Cohesion (SOCO) project in the Region’s capital.

    The SOCO project is a multi-country US$450 million credit facility from the World Bank to be implemented in Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, Togo and Benin.

    Its objective is to provide support to the Northern parts of the Gulf of Guinea countries which suffer instabilities owing to food insecurity, climate change, conflict and violence.

    The project would be implemented in 48 Districts across the Upper East Region, Northern, Upper West, North East, Savannah and Oti Regions with an amount of US$150 million out of the total amount.

    Dr Bawumia said, “The Pwalugu Dam is a project that I believe the World Bank should really take a keen interest in, as development partners.”

    He said even though the Dam project was dear to the government it faced financial challenges. “We are facing financial challenges as many countries are, at the moment, but we want to make sure this project sees the light of day, and is completed,” he said.

     President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in November 2019 cut the sod to commence the construction of the Dam Project estimated at US$993 million.

    The project, expected to be constructed by a Chinese firm, Power China International and supervised by the Volta River Authority within three years, had not commenced even though there had been several stakeholder engagements and feasibility studies over the years.

    It has three key objectives, the capacity to generate 59.6 megawatts (mw) of hydropower, 50mw of solar power, develop irrigation potential for the cultivation of 25,000 hectares of land and flood control.

    Naba Yelzoya Kosom Asaga II, the Paramount Chief of the Nangodi Traditional Area, who chaired the launch of the SOCO project, in his address, emphasized the need for the construction of the Pwalugu Multipurpose Dam.

    He said the irrigation component of the project would improve agriculture in the Region, especially during the dry season, as the poor rainfall pattern affected crop production.

    Naba Asaga II said the expected hydropower generation would complement the power from the National grid to the Region and possibly reduce the frequent power outages residents experienced.

    He said the appeal by the Vice-President was on point, adding, “The Vice President hit the right cord, he just nailed it, and I support the appeal and would want the World Bank to immediately support the project.”

  • Business Committee of Parliament urges ministries to promptly submit estimates

    The Deputy Majority Leader, Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, has reemphasized the requirement that the Ministry of Finance and other Ministries timely submit their sectoral estimates to the House for review and approval.

    “Mr Speaker, the Business Committee again reiterates that the Ministry of Finance and other Ministries should endeavour to submit to Parliament their sectoral estimates early enough for consideration of same and approval by the Hosue due to the limited time available to Parliament to consider and approve the list of business scheduled for the Meeting.”

    When he delivered the Business Statement of the House for the week ending Friday, December 2, on the floor of Parliament, Mr. Afenyo-Markin stated that day.

    He noted that the Committee had scheduled six ministers to respond to questions asked by Members of Parliament (MPs) during the week, adding that in all, 44 questions were expected to be answered.

    Out of the 44 questions, 40 would be oral with four being urgent questions.

    “Mr Speaker, the following ministers, Works and Housing, Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Education, Transport, Communication and Digitalisation and Roads and Highway are expected to attend to respond to the 44 questions,” he said.

    Commenting on the timely work of the ministries in the submission of their sectoral estimates, Mr Kofi Iddie Adams, MP for Buem called on the ministries to act quickly to ensure committees worked within their allocated time to ensure a productive meeting.

    Reacting to a question raised by Madam Helen Adjoa Ntoso, MP for Krachi West on the delay in the vetting of the Gender, Children and Social Protection Minister and Deputy minister-designate by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Mr Afenyo- Markin told the House that a referral had been to the Appointment Committee on the President’s nominees.

    “A referral has been made to the Appointment Committee, it is for them to do their work, when the report is ready, it will be presented to the House, thank you, Mr Speaker,” he said.

    President Akufo-Addo in August nominated Madam Lariba Zuweira Abudu, MP for Walewale, and a Deputy Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, as Minister-designate for the Ministry.

    Her appointment was subject to the approval of Parliament.

    The President also nominated Madam Francisca Oteng Mensah, MP for Kwabre East, as Deputy Minister-designate for the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection.

    A statement signed by Mr Eugene Arhin, the Director of Communications at the Office of the President said: “The President is hopeful that Parliament will expedite the approval of his nominees for this important Ministry, so they can assist in the effective delivery of his mandate for his second term in office.”

    The President on July 28, 2022, revoked the appointment of Madam Sarah Adwoa Safo, MP for Dome Kwabenya.

    The decision by the President came at a time Parliament was debating her continuous stay in the house after absenting herself from Parliament for more than 15 sitting days without approval from Mr Alban Bagbin Speaker of Parliament.

    There had been calls from within and outside the New Patriotic Party for the third-term MP to be sanctioned for her continuous absence.

  • Government promises more support to Ghana Police

    “As we urge the public to come on board, I wish to charge officers on parade in particular, and all other police officers to note that the anticipation of the Ghanaian public is for you to be proactive and accountable to them.

    “You should be, first, exemplary law-abiding citizens for others to emulate. As professionals, always remember to treat people the way you wish yourselves, spouse or children to be treated. Therefore, in enforcing the law, be fair, firm and fearless.”

    Government promises more support to Ghana Police

    These were the words of Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia at the 51st Cadet Officers’ Graduation of the Ghana Police Academy, Tesano – Accra on Friday, 25th November, 2022.

    The 308 Officers, who have been commissioned into the ranks of Deputy Superintendent of Police and Assistant Superintendents of Police, were taken through the revamped training model, based on a significant practical outlook with limited theoretical content, making it the first of its kind in the history of the Police Service.

    Government promises more support to Ghana Police

    According to officials of the Ghana Police Academy, the programme now has a blend of theory and practical training modules including a four weeks High Risk Training and six weeks Practical Field Attachment with the view to producing a more confident and practical oriented officers to strengthen leadership at the district and unit levels across the country.

    “I congratulate you as pioneers of this training reform agenda and urge you all to work collaboratively with the communities to improve safety and security for socio-economic development,” Vice President Bawumia told the graduands.

    Government promises more support to Ghana Police

    Government Support to the Ghana Police Service

    Government, Dr. Bawumia said, will continue to resource the Police Service in its quest to become a world class Police institution. Thus, the Police will continue to receive the needed infrastructure, resources and motivation necessary to effectively maintain law and order in line with its constitutional mandate.

    “It is in the light of this commitment that additional infrastructure such as lecture/syndicate rooms, ultra-modern auditorium and residential accommodation are being put up at the Academy to contain the increasing number of officers admitted to the Academy.

    “Within the year, the government even in the face of budgetary constraints recently procured over 2,000 motorbikes for the Police to strengthen its on-going crime prevention/visibility operational initiatives within the framework of promoting democratic policing in the country.

    Government promises more support to Ghana Police

    “As a result of this intervention, communities which hitherto were not easily accessible can have their share of police presence due to the better maneuverability capabilities of these motorbikes. As His Excellency the President promised during the handing over of the motorbikes, some 3,000 more will be added to bring the number to 5,000 to ensure that no community is left out.”

    About 200 pick-up vehicles have also been procured for the Police and will soon be deployed to about 140 locations across the country to be used by Regional Formed Police Units (FPUs), the Vice President disclosed further.

    “These deployments are going to lead to a significant boost in the quality of policing on all highways across the country to enable everyone go about their daily activities in safety.”

    Government promises more support to Ghana Police

    Public support

    Dr. Bawumia urged the public to collaborate with the Police and the other security agencies to ensure national security, emphasising the collective roles all have to play towards building safer communities.

    “I would like to entreat every well-meaning Ghanaian to come on board so that together, we can sustain the gains made in ensuring a safe, peaceful and a secure Ghana. Let us partner the police in our various communities to police us better. Passing on relevant information on crime and criminal activities to the police is a gesture that can save lives,” he noted.

    Source: Jubilee House Communication

  • Government urged to adopt measures to improve governance of fisheries

    Mevuta Donkris, the executive director of Friends of the Nation (FoN), a non-governmental organisation, has expressed worry about the practise of bycatch of marine mammals by fishers, which is increasing at an alarming rate.

    In order to stop the problem, he called for a coordinated effort from all parties involved. He also emphasised the need for the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture to streamline the Marine Fisheries Management Plan, which has not yet been published, in order to take the high rate of cetacean bycatch into account when determining the Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) policy for the project to improve fisheries governance.

    Mr Donkris expressed these sentiments in an interview with the Ghana News Agency in Takoradi, as part of activities marking the celebration of this year’s International Fisheries Day,

    He said as part of a decisive action, FoN with stakeholders in the marine space such as the Center for Coastal Management of the University of Cape Coast with support from the Oceans Associated Incorporated and the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration under the auspices of the Fisheries Commission was making a strong case to design a database of marine mammals from the year 2022 going forward.

    Mr Donkris said the database must cover selected hot spots on the coast to afford Ghana the chance to access the number of mammals.

    He said as part of the process, Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) could access environmental management plans to avoid collision in terms of vessel trafficking and advised coastal dwellers using marine mammals as delicacy to halt the practice as they played a pivotal role in the resilience of the ocean and ecosystem.

    He urged the government to expedite action on the marine mammals law.

    A Project Officer with FoN, Mr Eric Atiatorme also told the GNA that section 89 of the Fisheries law explicitly mandated fishers to release the mammals to sea during the bycatch and called for a robust enforcement regime to enforce the law.

    He reminded fishers that the mammals were key to the food value chain as they protected the pelagic from big sea animals such as sharks and efforts were underway to reduce marine mammal bycatch by 50 percent at the end of 2022.

    The Project Officer disclosed that FoN and its partners were in the process of reaching a Memorandum of Understanding with the Fisheries Ministry to inform regulators on a policy action plan.

    Mr Atiatorme stressed the need to engender discussions on marine mammals as an Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated issue.

  • Femi Otedola gains $8.3 million in 29 days from stake in commercial bank – Report

    One of the numerous shareholders in Nigeria’s oldest bank, First Bank of Nigeria Holdings Plc (FBNH), who have seen their net worth dramatically improve in recent weeks as a result of the surge in the share price of the financial services company is Nigerian billionaire Femi Otedola.

    The market value of Otedola’s stock holding in FBNH has increased by $8.3 million in the last 29 days as a result of a significant comeback in the bank’s share price, according to statistics collected by Billionaires.Africa. Otedola made his money through his shipping and energy enterprises.

    FBN Holdings is one of Nigeria’s largest financial services conglomerates. It is the holding company for First Bank of Nigeria Limited, the country’s oldest commercial bank, with operations in 10 countries.

    Otedola, a prominent energy tycoon who recently listed his power-generating business, Geregu Power Plc, on the Nigerian Exchange, is the largest shareholder in FBNH with a sizable stake of 5.57 percent.

    The share price of FBNH has increased by 20.3 percent since Oct. 27, from N9.1 ($0.0205) per share to N10.95 ($0.0247) as of the time this report was being written, according to data retrieved from the Nigerian Exchange.

    As a result of the double-digit surge in the company’s shares, the market value of Otedola’s stake has increased from N18.2 billion ($41.05 million) to N21.9 billion ($49.4 million), marking a gain of N3.7 billion ($8.34 million) for the Nigerian billionaire.

    The increase in the company’s share price that resulted in the gains for Otedola and other FBNH shareholders can be attributed to investor reactionss to the company’s financial performance at the end of the first nine months of the current fiscal year.

    Figures contained in the group’s recently published financial result revealed that its profit more than doubled during the first nine months of its current fiscal year, from N40.9 billion ($93.4 million) to N91.29 billion ($208.8 million), as the leading financial services company leveraged its well-diversified loan portfolio.

    With the recent increase in FBNH earnings, Otedola, who received a dividend of N951.05 million ($2.29 million) from his stake in the top performing financial services group, is on track to receive another substantial dividend in 2023, as investors anticipate directors declaring higher dividends at the end of this year.

  • One arrested, others on the run after allegedly murdering police officer

    Police in the Ashanti region is on a manhunt for some unscrupulous persons who allegedly murdered a police officer.

    The deceased, whose name has been withheld, was attacked by a gang of armed robbers on November 25, 2022.

    The attack is said to have occurred between Miminaso No. 2 and Nyamebekyere on the Ejura-Nkoranza road in the Ashanti region.

    One person has so far been arrested in connection with the crime. The suspect, Salifu Adams, is currently in police custody, assisting with investigations.

    In line with police standard operating procedure, the name of the deceased has been withheld until his family is formally notified of his demise.

    Meanwhile, the suspect currently in the grip of the police will soon be arraigned to face justice.

    This adds to the number of brutalities meted out against
    police officers. Some police have lost their lives in the line of duty.

    They are sometimes shot during a gun battle with these armed robbers.

    These brutalities often undermine the work of the
    service. Recently, an alarming trend that raised a lot of concern was the attacks on officers who were escorting bullion vans to their respective destinations.

    In February of this year, there was an attack on a bullion van in the North Industrial area. Eyewitnesses said the officers escorting this vehicle narrowly escaped death.

    Also in July this year, a young officer, aged 25, was reportedly
    killed while on duty.

    He was escorting a bullion van that was transporting an undisclosed amount of money from Adedenkpo, a suburb of Jamestown in Accra, when a group of armed robbers attacked the van.

    He, together with a hawker by name, Afua Badu, were
    pronounced dead at the spot.

    Following these occurrences, there were incessant calls on
    the Ghana Police Service to act on the matter.

    Investigations revealed that two policemen were involved and
    masterminded the bullion van attacks.

    They were subsequently killed during a gun battle with other officers.

    This is in line with the Police’s standard operating procedure and in line with Ghanaian tradition.

    The suspect is in custody and will be arraigned before the court to face justice.

    The Police have also commenced a manhunt for the remaining suspects.

     

     

  • Dr. UN attacks Delay and Kwadwo Sheldon

    Self-styled Dr. and United Nations Ambassador, Kwame Fordjor, popularly known as Dr. UN, has jabbed award-winning media personalities, Delay and Kwadwo Sheldon.

    Ever since his interview with Delay was aired somewhere in August 2022, Dr. UN has taken the least opportunity he will be given to either insult or undermine the work of Delay.

    For Kwadwo Sheldon as well, Dr. UN has berated him rapidly because he reacted to one of his interviews and said certain things he felt were very disrespectful to his brand as a Ph.D. holder.

    Well, in a recent interview Dr. UN granted Ohemaa channel, he went haywire and described Delay as one of the most unprofessional media personalities he has encountered.

    According to him, Delay decided to use the interview to attack his person and ask a lot of useless questions.

    “Delay doesn’t ask wise questions. How many times have you heard that presenters attack people during interviews? You people are the ones that overhype her like that. You people regard her too much. She is Delay and so what? She is Delay before her own fans…I have earned my PhD in a great school. I have been to interviews in Rwanda, South Africa, CNN, BBC. I told them to mute some of the things I said because I have got court cases,” he bragged.

    On the part of Kwadwo Sheldon, Dr. UN described the successful Youtuber as a mere SHS graduate who does not deserve his time.

    Source: Zionfelix

  • ‘Born-again’ Moesha Buduong flaunts seductive videos on social media

    Ghanaian TV presenter, actress and model, Moesha Buduong has been spotted on social media dancing in a seductive way months after she announced her “born again” decision.

    After she recently indicated in some videos that she was all set to bounce back with a lifestyle many people will be amazed with, the well-endowed socialite has already started walking the talk.

    In some video she shared on her Snapchat page,  the  actress was spotted seductively dancing and moving her body to a song composed by Ayra Star ‘Rush’.

    She was clad in a beautiful red bodycon dress while she seen was seen seductive biting her lower lip and touching her body while dancing for the camera.

    Source: Zionfelix

  • They fought honourably – Former France Ambassador on Ghana and Portugal’s match

    Former France Ambassador to Ghana, Ann Sophie Ave has commended the Black Stars over their game against Portugal’s, despite their defeat.

    She believes the boys’ performance was exceptional.

    Portugal got a slim 3-2 win against Ghana on Thursday, November 24, 2022.

    Ghanaians have expressed their disappointment in referee Ismail Elfath.

    Popular sports journalist, Saddick Adams even called on FIFA to review and sanction the referee.

    Reacting to the performance of Ghana, Ambassador Ave stated that they fought honourably.

    She was also happy about the two goals scored by Ghana as the only African team to attain that during the period.

    The France Ambassador wrote: “Look at it this way. Out of 3 subsaharian African teams, Ghana 🇬🇭 is the only one who scored 2 goals. And against Portugal 🇵🇹 Sad of course but still proud they fought honourably.”

    Source: Zionfelix 

  • Government must be commended for reducing e-levy rate – John Kumah

    A Deputy Finance Minister has said the government’s decision to reduce the e-levy rate means it is a listening government.

    Dr John Kumah says the government must therefore be commended for reducing the rate from 1.5% to 1%.

    According to him, per data available to him, there has been 60% increment in mobile money usage.

    He was speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday.

    But he also said some telecoms operators are still not running their systems through the common platform created for the implementation of the levy.

    “E-levy we all saw the commotion around its regulatory processes in terms of making the law and the impact it had (at) its implementation.

    “Of course I can say per the data I have seen that there is some 60% growth in terms of the usage of MoMo and it’s impacts of the revenue we are generating under e-levy.

    “We still have challenges because not all operators channel their system through the common platform that has been created. So a lot of compliance issues (exist) but having reduced the rate to 1% means that we are a listening government.”

    The government hopes reducing the Electronic Transfer Levy rate from 1.5% to 1% will allow more Ghanaians to use the service.

    However, the daily transaction threshold of ¢100 has also been removed.

    This was announced by the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta on Thursday, November 24, during the 2023 budget presentation.

    Source: Myjoyonline

  • Partner more with private sector to drive economy – Economist to gov’t

    A development economist at the University of Ghana, Dr. Agyapomaa Gyeke-Darko, is urging the government to partner more with the private sector as part of its moves to standardize the country’s economy.

    According to her, forming partnerships would open up more opportunities for the teeming unemployed youth and serve as a catalyst for economic transformation.

    “Government should focus on making the private sector the engine of growth of the economy”, Dr. Gyeke-Darko said.

    She spoke on The Big Issue on Citi FM/TV on Saturday, 26th November when commenting on the Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, reading of the 2023 budget and economic policy.

    Dr. Gyeke-Darko lauded the government’s ongoing entrepreneurial interventions for the youth including the YouStart Initiative which began this year with a pilot of 70 beneficiaries and disbursement of an amount of GH¢1.98 million to Small Scale Enterprises (SMEs).

    The Development economist further reiterated calls to reduce the current size of government to enable it manage its expenditure.

    According to her, the size of the government has pressure on the national purse considering the amount of money expended to compensate its appointees.

    With regard to the ban on public officials using V6 and V8 vehicles except for cross-country travel, Dr. Gyeke-Darko opined that there should be a way of enforcing the policy.

    Source: Citinews

  • Damango: 20-year-old arrested for allegedly kidnapping 8-year-old

    A man believed to be in his early twenties has been arrested and handed over to the Damango police for allegedly kidnapping a young girl at Alhassankura, a suburb of Damango in the west Gonja Municipality of the Savannah Region.

    The suspect is said to have gone around the victim’s house on Thursday, November 24, 2022, at around 10:00 pm, where the victim was playing with four other kids under a streetlight.

    The suspect reportedly gave GHS1.00 to each of the four and asked the victim to follow him with the promise of giving her a higher amount.

    He then took her into a nearby bush, which happens to be the cemetery of the area.

    Narrating the incident to Citinewsroom.com at the scene, Sumaila Rashid Atalia, the assembly member for the Alhassankura Ngbaripe electoral area, said the suspect is said to have given the victim chicken and noodles to eat.

    At one point, the little girl got scared and tried to scream, but the suspect threatened to kill her if she did.

    The four friends of the victim upon seeing her being taken into the bush rushed and informed her family whose house was nearby.

    An alarm was raised, and the community mounted a search and arrested suspect Nicholas after finding him and the victim under a tree.

    The suspect was handed over to the police, but not before he received a beating from some irate youth and little Naimah was taken to St. Anne’s hospital for medical examination.

    The police have since commenced investigations.

    Source: Citinews

  • NLA donates to Accra Psychiatric Hospital

    The National Lottery Authority (NLA) has donated food items and toiletries to the Accra Psychiatric Hospital to ease pressure on the facility.

    The items, which include bags of rice, cooking oil, and sanitary pads among others, are expected to be given to inmates at the facility.

    The Deputy Director General of the NLA, Anna Horma Meizeh who did the donation on behalf of the NLA said “We at NLA believe in the welfare of people and inmates here are human. We felt the need to come and make this donation as part of our Corporate Social Responsibility”.

    She added that “The NLA, through its good courses initiative, has from time to time made such donations to help alleviate the plight of many”.

    The items donated on display

    Officials at the facility who were excited by the donation thanked the NLA for the kind gesture and asked other institutions to emulate the gesture.

    Deputy Director General of the NLA, Anna Horma Meizeh (left) donating the items to the management of Accra Psychiatric Hospital

    They lamented the poor facilities at the Hospital and appealed to the NLA and other corporate organisations to help address the many challenges the hospital faces.

    Madam Anna Horma Meizeh in a handshake with an official of the Hospital

    Before the donation, some staff of the NLA joined Zoomlion to undertake a clean-up exercise at the hospital.

    NLA staff and Zoomlion personnel sweeping the compounds of the Hospital

    The gesture according to the NLA was to help keep the Hospital clean and hygienic.

  • Ghana is not serious about social progression and inclusivity – Prof. Bokpin

    Economist, Professor Godfred Bokpin, says the government’s intention of handing over the Saglemi housing project to a private developer only goes to prove that the country is not serious about inclusivity and social progression.

    According to him, it has become clear that the government uses these so-called pro-poor housing projects to self-serve at the expense of the poor Ghanaian in whose name the projects are conceived.

    He noted that successive governments have failed to show any commitment whatsoever in addressing issues that affect the poor “because from the conceptualisation and the pricing mechanism, it is above the means of the poor.

    Economist, Professor Godfred Bokpin, says the government’s intention of handing over the Saglemi housing project to a private developer only goes to prove that the country is not serious about inclusivity and social progression.

    According to him, it has become clear that the government uses these so-called pro-poor housing projects to self-serve at the expense of the poor Ghanaian in whose name the projects are conceived.

    He noted that successive governments have failed to show any commitment whatsoever in addressing issues that affect the poor “because from the conceptualisation and the pricing mechanism, it is above the means of the poor.

    “So it’s almost clear that these houses are going to the middle class and the upper middle class themselves. So we only use the poor as a face shield to hide our real intention to enhance our own agenda. When you put all these things together you see a country that is just not serious about inclusivity and social progression,” he said on JoyNews’ Newsfile, Saturday.

    His comment follows the Works and Housing Minister, Francis Asenso-Boakye’s justification of government’s decision to sell the 1,506 units Saglemi Housing project.

    He stated that an amount of about US$46 million is needed to provide water, electricity, and storm drains, funds the country cannot raise at this current moment.

    According to the Minister, the units built by the NDC government in 2012 were inhabitable, hence the reason for selling the project to a private sector developer.

    Prof. Bokpin stated that for a country that does not have enough revenue to sink 200 million dollars in a project and then abandon it simply demonstrates a country that is not serious, “it typifies a country that doesn’t appreciate that resources are scarce and that those scarce resources have alternative uses, and that the extent to which you maximise the alternative uses of scarce resources, that’s what makes the difference between the rich and the poor.”

    “So if you spend close to 200 million dollars over these years, you’re not turning it around, then it means that you’re not being efficient at using your limited or scarce resources for the benefit of the common good,” he said.

    Source: Myjoyonline

  • China rocked by Covid lockdown protests after deadly fire

    Videos shared on social media in China have appeared to show fresh protests against Covid restrictions, after an apartment block fire killed 10 people.

    People in Urumqi are seen confronting officials, breaking down a barrier and shouting “end the Covid lockdown”.

    Infections have hit new highs in China in spite of a tough zero-Covid policy.

    Authorities in Urumqi have now promised to phase out restrictions – though deny that these stopped people escaping Thursday’s fire.

    Restrictions have been in place in the city – capital of the western Xinjiang region – since early August.

    The BBC was told by one resident in the aftermath of the incident that people living in the fire-hit compound had been largely prevented from leaving their homes.

    That has been disputed by Chinese state media. However, Urumqi authorities did issue an unusual apology late on Friday – vowing to punish anyone who had deserted their duty.

    Footage shared on Friday night showed residents, many of them in face masks, gathering after dark on the city streets.

    They were seen chanting, pumping their firsts and arguing with officials. The location was verified by the Reuters news agency.

    One demonstrator shouts through a megaphone, and in another clip, a crowd breaks through a barrier policed by city workers wearing protective gear.

    Live streams monitored by the BBC on Friday night also appeared to show protesters gathered on the steps of a city government building.

    China rocked by Covid lockdown protests after deadly fire
    Footage showed demonstrators marching through the streets, pumping their fists and chanting for an end to lockdowns

    The internet is heavily censored in China, and references to the Urumqi protests had largely been taken down by Saturday morning.

    Local media said Thursday’s deadly blaze at the Urumqi apartment block – which also injured nine people – appeared to have been caused by a fault with an electrical extension.

    Online posts have suggested that firefighting efforts were hindered by Covid restrictions.

    This has been denied by city officials, who sought to blame parked vehicles for stopping firefighters’ access to the burning building.

    In a press conference on Saturday morning, they announced a phased easing of lockdown conditions in parts of Urumqi deemed low-risk.

    They did not refer to the demonstrations, but said that Covid cases in the community had been largely cleared and that “order” would be restored to the lives of the city’s residents.

    Large-scale, disruptive protests are rare in China, although there has been mounting public dissent aimed at Beijing’s zero-Covid strategy.

    This is the last policy of its kind among the world’s major economies, and is partly due to the country’s relatively low vaccination levels and an effort to protect elderly people.

    Snap lockdowns have caused anger across the country – and Covid restrictions more broadly have trigged recent violent protests from Zhengzhou to Guangzhou.

    In spite of the stringent measures, China’s case numbers this week hit all-time records since the pandemic began.

    The Xinjiang region is home to many Uyghurs, against whom the Chinese government has been accused of committing numerous human rights abuses – something it denies.

    Source: BCC

  • BBC tips South Korea, Uruguay and Portugal to battle for knockout face spot ahead of Ghana

    South Korea, Uruguay, and Portugal are predicted to compete with Ghana for a position in the knockout stage by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).

    In the initial 2022 World Cup Group H match, the Black Stars lost to Portugal 3-2.

    With his second-half penalty giving Portugal the lead, Cristiano Ronaldo made history by becoming the first player to ever score five goals at a World Cup.

    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 West African powerhouse opponent, Uruguay, and South Korea shared the spoils, playing a pulsating 0-0 draw.

    Assessing Group H after day one games, the BBC has tipped South Korea, Uruguay, and Portugal to compete for a spot in the round of 16 of the World Cup.

    “In Group H, Korea, Uruguay, and Portugal will compete in the round of 16.” said the BBC.

    In the 2016 European Champions, Portugal currently sits 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 earlier on Thursday.

  • Saddick Adams petitions FIFA to review and suspend the referee in Ghana Vs Portugal match

    Ghanaian Sports Journalist, Saddick Adams has called on the Federation International de Football Association (FIFA) to take action against Referee Ismail Elfath.

    The performance of the referee has been condemned by Ghanaians and some football fans after Portugal and Ghana’s match in the World Cup 2022.

    Some decisions by the referee have been questioned.

    His refusal to check the VAR after a protest from Ghanaian players on a penalty award to Portugal and a supposed offside goal scored by João Félix have been the concerns of most people sympathizing with Ghana.

    In a post on Twitter, Saddick asked FIFA to review and suspend the referee.

    According to him, this is a public protest.

    The Angel FM/TV sports presenter wrote: “Dear @FIFAcom, this is a public protest asking you to review and suspend this referee, Ismail Elfath.

    He’s an apology of a referee and shouldn’t be doing this at this level. Game changing decisions without remorse.

    Portugal beat Ghana by 3-2 in the Group H opener of the World Cup 2022.

    Source: Zionfelix 

  • Cristiano Ronaldo storms out of press conference before questions about dubious penalty against Ghana

    After Portugal’s contentious World Cup victory over Ghana, it is said that star player Cristiano Ronaldo stormed out of a press conference.

    Ronaldo became the first male player to score in five different World Cups after opening the scoring with a decisive penalty in the second half.

    Before Joao Felix and Rafael Leao scored after clever passes from Bruno Fernandes, Andre Ayew tied the score for Ghana.
    Ghana scored late, and the score ended up being 3-2.

    Ghanaians are outraged because the penalty converted by Ronaldo was dubious and cost the Black Stars the game.

    Ronaldo, who was named man of the match, spoke for only 2 minutes and 12 seconds at the press conference and left just as questions about the penalty decision were about to be asked.

    “This is a moment that makes me very proud. That chapter (United) is closed. I’m here to win. The rest does not matter,” he said.

    Black Stars coach Otto Addo criticized the decision, describing it as a gift to the Portuguese legend.

  • Kumasi-born Muntari Mohammed nets Qatar’s first-ever World Cup goal in Senegal defeat

    Mohammed Muntari, a striker for Qatar, was born in Kumasi, the second-largest city in Ghana. Prior to moving abroad, he played for a number of Ghanaian clubs, notably Glolamp Academy, which is owned by former Ghanaian great Nii Odartey Lamptey.

    He scored Qatar’s first-ever World Cup goal against Senegal on Friday, a 3-1 loss that all but sealed their destiny. He came off the bench.

    Mohammed Muntari entered the game in the 74th minute, and four minutes later he headed the host nation’s first World Cup goal by converting a cross from the right side.

    The Middle Eastern side battled valiantly before Senegal condemned them to a second straight defeat – and subsequently became the first country knocked out of the competition after the Netherlands drew 1-1 against Ecuador.

    But African champions Senegal are up and running in Group A.
    Boulaye Dia broke the deadlock four minutes before half-time, slamming home to punish Boualem Khoukhi’s miscued clearance.

    Looking to hit back in the second period, Qatar’s hopes were dashed when former Bristol City striker Famara Diedhiou rose to flick in a glorious header just three minutes after the break.

    Watford’s Ismaila Sarr had an early chance on his 50th cap but struck into the side-netting, while Idrissa Gueye of Everton’s rasping drive went narrowly wide.
    Qatar felt they should have had a first-half penalty when Akram Afif was bundled over in the box by Sarr, but referee Antonio Lahoz pointed only for a goal-kick, much to the anger of the home supporters.

    Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy made stunning reflex saves to deny Almoez Ali and Ismail Mohamad, but he could do nothing about Mohammed Muntari’s powerful header.

    Qatar was searching for the equalizer, but Bamba Dieng stroked in to deflate the home following and leave their team bottom of the group without a point after two games played.

  • There was no need to consult VAR in Ghana game – Portugal coach

    There was an incident, according to Portugal’s head coach Fernando Santos, thus the American referee Ismail Elfath did not need to consult the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).

    In their Group H opener on Thursday, Portugal overcame Ghana 3-2. Ronaldo’s controversial dive for the opening goal was controversial.

    Since the American referee purchased the dive that Cristiano Ronaldo offered him without checking the VAR, the Black Stars felt tricked.

    The first goal was scored by Cristiano Ronaldo from the penalty spot after the referee gave Portugal a highly disputed penalty for what appeared to be a dive by the former Manchester United star following a tight call with Mohammed Salisu.

    The American referee immediately pointed to the spot resisting all attempts to have a second look at the incident on the video assistant referee despite protestation from the Ghanaian players.

    “I think if the VAR team had felt the referee should consult the VAR, they would have prompted him. I also think Joao Felix was fouled at a point and I expected the referee to check the VAR but he didn’t. So I don’t think there was a call the VAR would have been necessary for the referee.”

    The Black Stars improved in the second half as Mohammed Kudus’ shot went wide of the post after a decent build-up from midfield.

    Ghana captain Andre Ayew equalized from close range as he tapped in a cross from Baba Abdul Rahman after the Portugal defense failed to deal with it.

    A few minutes later, Portugal responded with two goals in two minutes to close the contest as Joao Felix converted a delightfully clipped finish and substitute Rafael Leao coolly stroked in just seconds after coming on.

    With the heading to an end, Osman Bukhari headed in a late consolation for the lack of Stars and there could have been real drama in the ninth minute of stoppage time as Inaki Williams intercepted a ball from Diogo Costa but the Athletic Bilbao forward slipped at the crucial moment and a feeble shot was cleared off the line.

    Ghana will now concentrate on their next game on Monday against Korea.

  • ‘I don’t have a girl yet’ – Wizkid discloses gender of his 4th child

    Popular singer and Grammy Award-winning artiste, Wizkid has sparked conversation among his fans after he disclosed the gender of his fourth child with his partner and manager, Jada.

    Jada who doubles as his manager announced on social media that she had welcomed a second child with the singer, but did not reveal any other information.

    In a recent development, a video of Wizkid discussing his four children in an interview has gone viral.

    The singer told the interviewer he hasn’t had a girl child yet. “I don’t have a girl yet”.

    Social media users quickly reacted to the video after the interview of Wizkid disclosing he hasn’t got a girl child yet went viral.

    Below are some reactions:

    emmy_humble1: “D only male child of his parent now blessed with 4 boys ❤️❤️???????? God is Great”

    pamelananya: “Somebody give bigwiz a baby girl ????”

    charles_fearbaby: “We know say na ur favourite ???? u go soon post where he Dey baff ????????????”

    chinyere1584: “❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️????????at age of 32 the richest musician in Nigeria ❤️????????♥️”

    the_alabaster_heart: “Did you notice Wizkid is the only male child from his father. He got about 6 or maybe 7 sisters as an only boy. This explains to me why he only got boys for children”

  • Former England star Chris Sutton discusses Ghana’s group after opening day fixtures

    Chris Sutton, a former England international, has provided insight on Ghana’s group for the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup.

    At the 22nd FIFA World Cup, Ghana has been placed in Group H with South Korea, Uruguay, and Portugal.

    In their second group match against South Korea on Monday, the Black Stars will look to shift the narrative after losing to Portugal in their opening match.

    Sutton, a BBC analyst who currently evaluates groups, said of Ghana’s group: “Group H is a group with possibilities offered to all teams.”

    “Group H is a group with possibilities open to all teams.” “This group is not easy to predict. He changed the results several times alone.”

    The 2016 European Champions 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 earlier on Thursday.

    The Black Stars will now turn their attention to their upcoming matches against South Korea and Uruguay on November 28 and December 2, respectively.

  • Van Vicker bags Master’s degree a year after he got his first degree

    The multiple award-winning Ghanaian actor, Van Vicker, is the perfect example of the theory that one can achieve whatever he/she dreams of, once the individual sets his/her mind to it.

    Back in July 2021, Van Vicker became the talk of the town after he achieved his lifelong dream of completing the university some 21 years after he got an SSS certificate.

    The talented actor in a post he shared on his social media pages at the time expressed his profound joy after he bagged three top awards during his graduation as a communication student at the African University College of Communications.

    Van Vicker was awarded first-class honors, got the best student in strategic communication, and was the best communication student at the time.

    Well, barely two years after this mega achievement, Van Vicker has yet again bagged his master’s degree.

    In some videos he shared on his social media pages on Saturday, November 26, 2022, the entrepreneur revealed that he has also graduated with an MA in Communication Studies from the African University College of Communications (A.U.C.C).

    Source: Zionfelix 

  • 2022 World Cup: Retired referee Wellington backs critics of American referee

    Retired Ghanaian referee Joseph Wellington has slammed American referee Ismail Elfath’s decision to award a dubious penalty to Portugal against Ghana in the ongoing 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

    The 40-year-old Moroccan-born American was in the eye of the storm after he refused to have a second look at the VAR monitor to judge Mohammed Salisu’s challenge on Cristiano Ronaldo.

    Portugal won the game 3-2.

    In an interview with GNA Sports, Referee Wellington said the decision made by the American referee was unfortunate and called on authorities to have a look at it again.

    He said, “It wasn’t the right decision. Refereeing today has been made easy following the introduction of VAR. So, if you are not very sure of it, just go for a consultation,” he added.

    He also commended the Black Stars for their splendid performance against the Portuguese.

    “The Black Stars did very well, though they were a bit nervous in the early stages of the game, they came up stronger in the game,” he said.

    Ghana would take on South Korea on Monday, November 28, in their search for a qualification slot to the next stage of the competition.

  • Akufo-Addo pays GH¢100,000 for 100 copies of Ama Busia’s memoir

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on November 25 bought 100 copies of ‘Bittersweet Pill of Politics,’ a book authored by Ama Bame Busia, a stalwart of the New Patriotic Party and a former member of the Council of State.
    The President made the announcement via a virtual address he delivered at the launch of the memoir in Accra.
    Akufo-Addo joined virtually because he is in Qatar to cheer on the Black Stars at the 2022 Word Cup.
    He praised Ama Busia for her role in politics stating: “I urge you all to get a copy of this wonderful book and I wish to set the example by buying for GH¢100,000; 100 copies for our public libraries across the country. Ama well done and God bless.”

    GBC report on the launch

    Reviewing the book, Madam Elizabeth Akua Ohene told a story of her humble beginnings—seven times arrested and three months in detention during General Acheampong’s regime—through to what is described as her sweet days under Ex-President Kufuor as a Council of State member.

    She received applause from the Vice-President who also launched the book, her son and Chief Executive of DVLA, Mr. Kwasi Agyeman Busia, Publisher of her book, and others, for her role in nation-building.

    A message from former President Mahama, through his 2020 running mate, Professor Naana Jane Opoku Agyeman, said Madam Ama Busia deserves to be celebrated.

    Madam Ama Busia encouraged more women to enter politics.

    Former President Kufuor shared some fond memories about Madam Busia in their youth and congratulated her for her work.

  • Medikal fumes at Jordan Ayew over Black Stars defeat

    Ghanaian rapper Medikal thinks Black Stars forward Jordan Ayew is to blame for Ghana defeat in its game against Portugal.

    The rapper in video sighted by zionfelix.net claimed that bringing on the striker in the second half of the Black Stars opening World Cup match was what caused our defeat.

    The rapper said Jordan came in and caused the team to concede two goals out of the total three they considered.

    The Black stars lost their first world cup game to Portugal in the ongoing Fifa World Cup in Qatar after playing a goalless first half.

    In the second half, Cristiano converted a controversial penalty to put Portugal in the lead after which Dede Ayew equalised with a header in minutes.

    Following his goal, Dede Ayew and Ajax forward, Kudus were substituted and Jordan Ayew came on.

    Right after he came on, Ghana conceded a second goal and a third in two minutes.

    Meanwhile Black Stars coach, Otto Addo has blamed the referee for gifting Ronaldo the first goal which was a controversial penalty in the 65th minute.

    Source: ZionFelix 

  • Ghana game was very difficult – Portugal defender Raphael Guerreiro admits

    After Portugal won 3-2 against Ghana to start their 2022 World Cup campaign on Thursday, Raphael Guerreiro said that playing against Ghana was a challenging task.

    After a scoreless first half, Cristiano Ronaldo scored Portugal’s first goal from the penalty spot. Ghana responded well to the goal, though, and captain Andre Ayew scored the equaliser from close range.

    Joao Felix converted a beautifully clipped finish for Portugal’s second goal, with substitute Rafael Leao coolly stroked in just seconds after coming on, sealing the victory with two goals in two minutes.
    Osman Bukari scored a late consolation goal for Ghana, but the ninth minute of stoppage time almost saw real drama break out.

    “In the end, it was very difficult, but the most important thing was the victory. Now let’s focus on the next game,” Guerreiro said after the game

    “Yes. If we win the next game, we qualify. We’re on the right track. On the way to being champions? Right.”

    The defeat means the Black Stars are bottom of Group H after Uruguay and South Korea played out a goalless draw earlier on Thursday.

    The Black Stars will now switch their attention to the match against South Korea on Monday before taking on Uruguay on December 2 at the Education City stadium.

  • M.Anifest featured on new Fifa World Cup Qatar 2022 Theme Song

    New World TV has announced the release of its first Fifa World Cup Qatar 2022 theme song dubbed “On y est” (“we made it”), featuring Ghanaian rap heavyweight, M.anifest.

    The song, which heralds the announcement of the Togo-based media network’s new sports channel, “New World Sport 1,” is dedicated to the fans of the African teams participating at this year’s edition of the senior men’s international competition.

    It also features top regional artists, including Shingai (Zimbabwe), Bass Thioung (Senegal), and Samuel Makanzi (Rwanda/Congo DRC), who perform the song in their respective regional languages.

    Produced by international French football and ex-PSG striker star Guillaume Hoarau and Mathéo Techer, the release of the song came paired with an official video shot in a myriad of locations in Africa and directed by Guillaume Borrelli.

    According to Nimonka Kolani, Managing Director of New World Sport, the new song “shows once again our commitment to make this Premium tournament a celebration in the continent, reach the Diaspora and beyond.

    “We wanted to bring various profile of artists, and languages together in one song project in order to invite everyone – wherever the location – to support the African nations representing the African continent,” said Guillaume Hoarau.

    New World TV’s sports channel ‘New World Sport 1’ will be available in 18 countries to a potential audience of 50 million subscribers, through distribution agreements signed with the biggest Telecom groups in Africa (Orange, Airtel, Moov, MTN, Africell, and Blueline) and has acquired the exclusive license to distribute the FIFA World Cup 2022TM competition to 41 Sub Saharan African territories

  • Analysis: Five reasons behind Ghana’s 3-2 defeat to Portugal at 2022 World Cup

    Portugal defeated Ghana 3-2 thanks to a disputed penalty, a contested goal, and a well-taken goal. Ghana became the first African nation to score at the 2022 World Cup.

    Despite their efforts and strong performance, it is largely accepted that the Black Stars were their own worst enemy, with coach Otto Addo and Baba Rahman receiving the harshest criticism.

    With several of his rulings, the United States of America referee who oversaw the match did not exactly exalt himself.

    As we review the game, GhanaWeb’s Perez Erzoah Kwaw who is in Qatar covering the tournament highlights the five factors that culminated in the defeat.

    Below are the reasons

    Five back without wing backs?

    Otto Addo’s decision to start with five backs was not shocking but his choice of full-backs was. Baba Rahman at the left and Alidu Seidu at the right meant that the team struggled offensively. Alidu after a jittery start settled eventually but offered little or nothing offensively.

    He is a conservative fullback and wasn’t not able to play the wingback as a Tariq Lamptey or Dennis Odoi would have done.

    For Baba Rahman, his performance is rather contrasting. He provided the assist for the Osman Bukari goal and yet his display was also error-riddled which led to one of the goals for Portugal.

    The referee

    The outrage from the likes of Gary Lineker, and Darren Bent inter Alia sums up the performance of the referee. The penalty incident was just one of many incidents where he displayed gross bias in the game.

    Watching from pitch side, there were countless instances where Ghana coach Otto Addo had to charge at the fourth referee in protest of the center referee’s decision.

    Almost every challenge by a Ghanaian player saw a yellow whereas the Portuguese got away with almost every crime they committed.

    On more than five occasions, Partey after picking up a ball looked up front for movement of any of the forwards and fullbacks and there was none.

    On one occasion he frustratingly instructed Tariq Lamptey to move and occupy a space that had been created after the Portuguese defender moved inside.

    The modern game is all about movement and spaces and the Black Stars lacked the inspiration upfront to create or exploit those spaces very well.

    Dead the yellow card ‘excuse’, that substitution makes little or no tactical sense.

    Bar the three central defenders who held their own against a strong Portuguese forward, Kudus Mohammed was undoubtedly Ghana’s best player.

    He started poorly but grew into the game and was adept at fetching the ball from deep with gliding runs that threatened the Portuguese. He was at the center of anything good that happened to Ghana in the attack.

    It is not shocking that the team’s performance took a nadir after his strange substitution.

    There were periods where he operated as a striker and moments where he was a midfielder and dropped the deal.

    Yes he scored but the goal does not paper over the cracks in his play. He struggled and so was Ghana. He may be Ghana’s most capped player now and his experience must count for something but his place as a state must be based on merit and not nostalgia.

  • World Cup 2022: South Korea tipped to beat Ghana 1-0 on Monday

    South Korea has been tipped to beat Ghana 1-0 on Monday in their second group game at the 2022 World Cup. The game against the Black Stars of Ghana will be played at the Education City Stadium at 13:00 GMT.

    The Mundial which began on Sunday 20th November saw South Korea take on Uruguay at the Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan. The game ended goalless.

    BBC pundit Chris Sutton who has been described as the human Octopus for getting his predictions right stated that South Korea will beat Ghana 1-0. He predicted Japan’s 2-1 win against Germany. Sutton also added that South Korea’s goalless draw wasn’t a dull game but the Koreans didn’t take the chances they created.

    According to Sutton: “Korea scored a scoreless draw with Uruguay, but the flow was not dull. Chance couldn’t be saved. South Korea will feel that it will be possible to pass the farewell league by catching Ghana in a tight-hearted Joe.”

    Chris Sutton also spoke about Cristiano Ronaldo‘s penalty against Ghana. He slammed the former Manchester United player for diving.

    “ Cristiano Ronaldo threw himself on the ground and the referee would continue to believe this, but if he would not, he would be determined to win by a penalty kick, but he would not.”

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • Daughter of alleged Agradaa gold scam victim suffers acid attack

    It is reported that a lady who accused former fetish priestess, Nana Agradaa of duping her is suspecting foul play following an acid attack on her daughter.

    Maame Sarah some few years ago accused Nana Agradaa, real name Patricia Oduro Koranteng, who is now an evangelist, of allegedly defrauding her of the gold bars given to her by her grandmother.

    According to a report by Oman Channel, Sarah’s 14-year-old daughter suffered an acid attack recently.

    The incident is said to have happened some two months ago at Kumasi Abuakwa where Sarah and her daughter reside.

    According to the report, Sarah, who has felt threatened ever since she made the issue public, on the day of the incident, had fetched water for her daughter to take her bath.

     

    But her daughter lost consciousness in the bathroom after inhaling a pungent smell emanating from the bucket.

    While falling, the 14-year-old’s left hand fell into the water suspected to have contained acid, thereby suffering severe burns, requiring her to be rushed to a hospital.

    “Someone poured acid in the water the young girl was going to bath, the good thing is that the girl did not pour it on herself. When she fetched the water to pour on herself, the pail started melting due to the huge acid content and the pungent smell from the water made her drowsy and when she was falling, her hand landed in the water,” the presenter said.

    A video of the girl receiving treatment at a health facility shows the skin on her affected hand peeled off.

    The report by Oman Channel indicates that surgery has been recommended by doctors at the Okomfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi to save the right hand of the 14-year-old victim.

  • Ghanaians must brace up for difficult times ahead – Economist

    Courage Boti, an economist and the research lead at GCB Capital, has warned Ghanaians to be prepared for the upcoming year.

    This comes after Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta presented the government’s 2023 budget and economic strategy on the floor of the legislature.

    Speaking to Starr Business, Courage Boti said that the government’s proposed policies necessitate a more stringent finance arrangement from the populace.

    “It has always been coming and just a confirmation for me that we all in our individual capacity must tighten our finances properly. Because we will have to pay our due to the government and then the economic conditions.

    “We will want to achieve some stability steadily into the market forecast, which I am a bit aligned with most of them that inflation will reduce. With all other things being equal the currency should begin to stabilize once there is a balance of payment report. There will be a growth in the debt stock as there is some adjustment along the way,” Mr. Boti explained.

    The analyst further explained that once the IMF program and its effect comes in the government will be getting in additional bilateral and multinational support from partners to cushion the economy.

    “But on a personal level VAT increasing by 2.5 percent from the 12.5 percent, we are now paying about 15 percent really that is a cost to us consumers. That is something we will have to deal with in addition to all the higher pricing we are facing., Mr. Boti stated.

    He added that in the situation Ghanaians find themselves their financial position will definitely increase.

  • Uncle Ebo premiers latest play “Husband Material 7 Yards” today

    Playwright, Uncle Ebo Whyte is coming out with another exciting stage play this weekend at the National Theatre.

    On November 26, “Husband Material 7 Yards”, Uncle Ebo’s latest masterpiece will be brought to life by his theatre company, Roverman Productions.

    At exactly 4pm, the curtains will be raised for the seven-member cast to tell the story of Joe and Charity, who start their day as any other day- with a bit of fighting, loving, money issues and the task of keeping three energetic kids in line. With a great job and the backing of the powerful board chairman to count on, Joe and his wife have every reason to feel blessed. However, Joe’s world turns upside down and he, his wife and his children find themselves facing disaster.

    Be rest assured that it is an Ebo Whyte classic filled with a lot of humour and lessons.

    Don’t miss out, grab a ticket for Gh100 by dialling *365*535# or visit any of the traditional outlets.

    At 8pm tonight, the show will run again, as well as on Sunday.

    Should you be unavailable this weekend, Roverman Productions has got you covered. Husband Material 7 Yards runs on December 3 and 4, 2022.

    You may visit the Roverman Productions pages on Facebook and Instagram; or call 0505546010 or WhatsApp 0505546030 for inquiries and booking of tickets
    You can also visit www.rovermanproductions.com to buy tickets.

    Husband Material 7 Yards is sponsored by Gino Tomato Mix, GCB Bank and Ebony Condoms.

     

  • Ghanaian firms received US$238 million worth of contracts in 2020 – Petroleum Commission

    Out of the US$1.3 billion in service contracts issued in 2020, indigenous Ghanaian businesses earned contracts worth US$238 million.

    Service contracts worth US$ 1.1 billion were also awarded to joint ventures that included indigenous Ghanaian businesses (IGCs).

    Furthermore, as of the third quarter of 2021, out of $54 million, IGCs and Joint Ventures benefited from service contracts for US$5.2 million and US$45 million, respectively.

    According to Egbert Faibille, Chief Executive Officer, Petroleum Commission, the increasing rate of Ghanaian participation in the upstream petroleum sector was as a result of the local content participation law passed in 2014.

    He was speaking at the ongoing Local Content and Exhibition Conference at Takoradi in the Western Region on the theme ‘Sustaining local content development through enhanced exploration and production activities in the era of energy transition’.

    He asked the indigenous Ghanaian companies providing various services in the industry to adopt greener technologies in their operations to attract more businesses.

    The Commission, Mr Faibille assured, would continue to develop relevant guidelines to deepen the implementation of the legislative instrument backing the law.

    challenges which was stifling the growth and development of indigenous participation in the sector.

    The CEO mentioned that, the amendments to the law had introduced channel partnerships and strategic alliance arrangements between non-indigenous Ghanaian companies and indigenous Ghanaian companies, as additional avenue of foreign participation in the industry.

    He emphasised that channel partnerships and strategic alliances had not come to replace joint ventures, but, to support joint ventures, vary the modes of contracting in the industry and enhance the scope for the supply of goods and services reserved for indigenous Ghanaian companies.

    “We have also given out standard agreements to be used for channel partnerships and strategic alliances to stakeholders for their study and feedback. We aim to formally commence approvals for channel partnerships and strategic alliances from the end of the first quarter of 2023,” he added.

    He noted that, local content development had its inherent challenges while the issue of energy transition presented another layer of challenge.

    Already, the CEO added, Ghana, in a quest to harness its hydrocarbons, was addressing the availability of risk capital to undertake exploration and production (E&P) activities in the country.

    Mr Faibille said, technology transfer had always been the key driver of the oil and gas industry and that “as technologies to exploit previously unrecoverable assets are turned out, companies continued to explore innovative ways to make their businesses more efficient and effective.

    Giving an outlook for 2023, he hinted that, E&P activities relied on injection of a lot of risk capital and that, to drill an exploratory well in deep water, which might cost between US$50 and US$ 70 million.

    Eni, he said, was scheduled to roll out the Appraisal Programme for the Akoma Discovery and Eban Discovery.

    Tullow and its partners, he said, would continue the TEN Enhancement Project and the Jubilee South East Project aimed at extending the Jubilee Field with new production drill centres.

    Despite the successes, he said, the upstream petroleum sector continued to face several

  • Man allegedly inflicts machete wound on friend over GH¢20 at Assin Foso

    Assin Fosu police are on a manhunt for Uncle Joe, a 20-year-old male who allegedly cut his friend with a cutlass in Pomaa Pokuase in the Assin Fosu Municipality of the Central Region.

    The culprit allegedly failed to give the victim, Emmanuel Appiah, 22, his GH20 portion of the money they both earned for more than two weeks while he was being treated at the Assin Fosu Polyclinic.

    In an interview with Kasapa News’ Yaw Boagyan, the victim’s father, Nana Appiah, related how the victim, who was in desperate need of money, had reported the suspect to his father.

    The suspect, Uncle Joe who was not pleased with the manner in which the victim revealed the issue to his father angrily went to the victim’s house with a cutlass to attack him.

    The suspect pulled it up in an attempt to stab the victim’s stomach.

    But the victim grabbed the cutlass with both hands and the suspect forcefully pulled the cutlass resulting in 8 of the victim’s fingers being cut.

    The suspect absconded after inflicting wounds on the victim.

    The case has since been reported to the Assin Fosu Police Command and investigations have been launched into the case.