The minister won’t be able to deliver the budget to the House since there won’t be a quorum as needed by the Constitution because both majority and minority MPs are reportedly not going to be there on the day of the budget presentation.
The minister after facing censure committee on Friday told an Accra-based Joy News that Ghanaians should expect him to present the budget on November 24.
When he was quizzed by journalists that will he go to Parliament to present the 2023 budget, he responded, “yeah, expect so. That seems to be a weird question.”
“I don’t know; I haven’t heard that officially…,” Ofori-Atta stressed.
The 98 NPP MPs insist that they will boycott the budget presentation if the minister appears before the House.
“We’ve gone back to (our demand for the President to) sack him now and therefore should the budget be presented under the stamp of the Finance Minister, we’ll not participate because as far as we’re concerned we’re never going to do business with him,”
The Asante Akim North MP further explained on JoyNews’ PM Express programme on Tuesday, November 15, 2022, that they will only participate in the budget presentation and appropriation if the President appoints someone else other than Ken Ofori-Atta to present the budget.
“We’re not saying we won’t do the President’s business. We’re saying we won’t do President’s business through Ofori-Atta. So if anybody else comes with President’s business, we’ll participate,” Appiah-Kubi said.
The Founder and Leader of the United Progressive Party(UPP) Akwasi Addai Odike says his party will be operational once again when the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Jean Mensah leaves office after the defeat of the ruling New Patriotic Party(NPP) in the 2024 election.
According to him, Jean Mensah whom he accuses of doing the NPP’s bidding unfairly revoked his party’s license because he’s a known critic of the ruling party.
The EC last week announced the termination of the registration certificates of 17 political parties.
In an advertiser’s announcement in the national dailies, the EC explained that the parties have failed to establish national and regional offices in the country.
The parties include; the United Progressive Party (UPP) led by Akwasi Addae, popularly known as Odike, the United Front Party (UFP), the Democratic Freedom Party (DFP), the National Reform Party (NRP), the Reform Patriotic Democrats (RPD).
The others are; the Democratic People’s Party (DPP), United Development System Party (UDSP), Every Ghanaian Living Everywhere (EGLE), Yes People’s Party (YPP), United Ghana Movement (UGM), New Vision Party (NVP), Ghana Democratic-Republican Party (GDRP) and the Ghana National Party (GNP).
The rest are; the Power Unity Party (PUP), People’s Action Party (PAP), United Renaissance Party (URP), and the United Love Party (ULP).
But speaking on Kasapa 102.5FM/Agoo TV Tuesday, Akwasi Addai Odike indicated that he will contest the 2024 Presidential election as an Independent Candidate.
According to him, he will not let the unfair revocation of his party’s operating lincence by the Electoral Commission stop him from contesting the election, as he has good policies and programs to move Ghana forward should he be elected as next President.
“The EC Chairperson purposed in her heart that she’ll not allow me to contest the 2024 election, but the law allows me to contest as an independent candidate and that’s what I’ll do.
The EC boss has revoked my party’s license but I strongly believe that the next EC boss who will come will restore my party’s license. This woman will not stay in office beyond 2024 when the NPP loses the election.
No party apart from the NPPcan work with her because she only does the NPP’s bidding. So, I know she’s knocked us down for only two years, after that UPP will bounce back strongly.”
Telecommunications companies (Telcos) in the country have begun blocking SIMcards of mobile subscribers yet to register their SIM cards.
The exercise is in compliance with a recent directive from the Ministry of Communications and Digitalization. The telcos are AirtelTigo, MTN, and Vodafone.
“On November 11, 2022 the Ministry announced some measures to be implemented by Operators. Since the 20th of November 2022 our members have been blocking data services for all subscribers who have only completed stage 1 (linkage to Ghana Card) but not stage 2 (biometric capture) of the SIM registration process, as directed by the Ministry”, a statement from the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications said.
“The Chamber is encouraging all subscribers who have acquired Ghana cards but are yet to complete stage 2 (biometric capture) to do so before November 30, 2022,” it added.
According to the Chamber, the telcos are obliged by the directive to completely deactivate all subscriber SIMs which have not completed the biometric capture registration step by the said date.
It however pointed out that customers of the networks are not barred from using voice, data, USSD, mobile money services and access to emergency services among others.
“Subscribers with Ghana cards can avoid this inconvenience by completing the registration process”.
The Chamber stated that since the start of the SIM registration exercise, telcos have invested heavily in arrangements to ensure that subscribers who have their Ghana cards and are ready to register, get registered at any of the several touchpoints across the country.
“For those that require some special assistance to carry out the registration exercise, kindly contact the NCA or your Mobile Network Operator. We are confident that the sector Ministry and NCA will announce measures to accommodate individuals who genuinely do not have Ghana cards, once ongoing consultations have been completed. Our members remain committed to supporting the efforts of all stakeholders to ensure that every customer in every part of the country is able to register their SIM card(s) with the Ghana card”.
The Chamber also urged all subscribers to note that all network services for those who have done only the first stage registration will be deactivated on the 30th of November 2022.
On November 18, he told media in Parliament that he anticipated to be the one to present the budget, highlighting the fact that he had not been formally informed of the opposition to that action by legislators from his own party.
He had just finished testifying before the parliamentary ad hoc committee, which is now looking into a resolution of censure made by the Minority Caucus against him. The committee’s report will be delivered to the House today.
Asked about the work of the committee, he responded: “I guess it is democracy in play and we just seek fairness and we are confident in how the process will evolve.”
“I don’t know, I haven’t heard that officially but we will see,” was his response when asked about the group of 98 New patriotic Party MPs who were opposed to him presenting the budget.
An economy in distress
The economy is facing major headwinds that have been characterized by galloping inflation, consistent depreciation of the cedi and general high cost of living and of doing business.
The government is hoping to reach a deal with the International Monetary Fund, IMF, for an economic support programme aimed at shoring up the economy and easing the burden on ordinary Ghanaians.
The prices of goods and services have been continuously rising all year round, with inflation currently at over 40 per cent.
The Ghana cedi has been ranked the worst currency in the world among 148 currencies tracked by Bloomberg, overtaking Sri Lanka’s rupee, having depreciated by nearly 50 per cent so far in 2022.
Since the beginning of the month, holders of mutual funds and other bond instruments have had to accept payouts that are significantly smaller than their initial deposits. Many fund managers attribute this development to a mandate issued by the SEC, who regulates the industry.
The Director-General of the SEC, Rev. Daniel Ogbarmey Tetteh, commented on the development on the Morning Starr with Francis Abban on Tuesday. He denied any wrongdoing on the part of the regulator.
“The mark-to-market does not change the underline investment, it just says that today what the prevailing market value is. If you know the prevailing market value or price and when you sell you will lock in a loss. It will advise you not to do so but rather to hold for the market conditions to change,” Mr. Ogbarmey Tetteh clarified.
A woman who was seated to his left looked to be providing the minister with the assistance he needed to respond to the committee’s queries.
This lady, Eva Esselba Mends, also happens to be the coordinating director of the Ministry of Finance and an economist.
She was the ministry’s first female Ghanaian to be appointed director of budget.
Positions she has held include; Head of The Americas Desk in 1998, Head of Budget Development in 2006 and Group Head of Public Financial Management (PFM) reforms in 2013.
As Head of the Americas Desk, she led the Technical team for the qualification of Ghana for the First Millennium Challenge Account. She was also part of the Technical team that developed and managed the Multi-Donor budget support programme.
As Head of Budget Development, she facilitated the establishment of the Fiscal Decentralization and Budget Reforms Unit of the Ministry. She led the implementation of major reforms that include gender-responsive budgeting, Programme Based Budgeting and lately the development of the new Public Financial Management Act.
Madam Esselba Mends served as the first female Director of Budget from May, 2017 to January, 2019 and is currently the Coordinating Director (Technical) for the Ministry of Finance.
She believes in constant improvement and loves leading change.
Education
Eva Esselba Mends is an alumnus of the University of Ghana, Legon, where she studied Political Science with Economics.
She has an Executive Masters in Public Administration from GIMPA and has undertaken numerous courses over the years including at Harvard and Duke Universities.
She is a PFM expert and has extensive experience in Economic and Public Policy Formulation and Analysis, Budget Management, Aid Management, Fiscal Decentralization and Social Protection.
Censure Motion
The minority moved a censure motion to get the Finance minister out of office on the following grounds
-Despicable conflict of interest ensuring that he directly benefits from Ghana’s economic woes as his companies receive commissions and other unethical contractual advantages, particularly from Ghana’s debt overhang.
-Unconstitutional withdrawals from the Consolidated Fund in blatant contravention of Article 178 of the 1992 -Constitution, supposedly for the construction of the President’s Cathedral:
-Illegal payment of oil revenues into offshore accounts, in flagrant violation of Article 176 of the 1992 Constitution:
-Deliberate and dishonest misreporting of economic data to Parliament 5. Fiscal recklessness leading to the crash of the Ghana Cedi which is currently the worst-performing currency in the world:
-Alarming incompetence and frightening ineptitude, resulting in the collapse of the Ghanaian economy and an excruciating cost of living crisis;
-Gross mismanagement of the Ghanaian economy which has occasioned untold and unprecedented hardship.
-Gorunds one and three were expunged by the committee when after their hearing. The eight-member committee is expected to present their report to the plenary today, November 22.
Following the 2-1 victory over Argentina in their 2022 FIFA World Cup opening game, Saudi Arabia’s King, Salim bin Abdulaziz has directed tomorrow be made a holiday.
Saudi Arabia made a bold statement in Group C earlier on Tuesday, coming from behind to beat the South Americans.
Saudi Arabia, who are ranked 51st in the FIFA ranking, could have been done and dusted in the first half as Lionel Messi opened the scoring from the penalty spot before Argentina had three goals ruled out for offside.
However, the Green Falcons flipped the game on its head in a stunning 10-minute period after recess, with Saleh Al-Shehri levelling with a low effort and Salem Al Dawsari firing them ahead to spark pandemonium in the stands.
The result also saw Saudi Arabia end Lionel Scaloni’s side’s 36-game unbeaten streak across all competition.
Following the end of the game, Salim bin Abdulaziz, who is the King of Saudi Arabia, ordered Wednesday, November 23, be made a holiday for all employees and students as they enjoy the victory.
Three loan deals totaling $500 million have been rejected by the minority members of the parliament’s finance committee due to Ghana’s unmanageable debt levels.
Digitalization, GIFMIS, and certain health infrastructure are the intended uses of the $200 million building and two other $150 million buildings.
However, the NDC MPs sought from the finance ministry a precise debt restructuring path before it can consider alternative loan facilities during the committee meeting where Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, the Minister for Communications and Digitalization, was present.
Ampem Nyarko, the MP for Asuogyaman, cautioned the media that his party would oppose any effort to increase borrowing until the government had a handle on the nation’s debt crisis.
“We have taken a very simple position that looking at our debt situation, we’re unable to support further approvals for further loans because we believe that if you’re in a hole you don’t continue to dig further. We are waiting for the Finance Minister to give us a clear-cut to take us out of this debt situation; we need to know our debt sustainability plans otherwise we in the minority are clear that we’re unable to support any additional borrowings by this government,” he said.
“I am confident that further engagements will enable us achieve the meeting of minds so that these critical facilities that the World Bank has already approved, it’s willing and it’s eager and waiting for those approvals to enable them disburse, will also be forthcoming shortly,” she said.
Current government expenditure is heavily skewed toward recurring costs rather than capital ones, which causes improper prioritization of costs that is harmful to the advancement of the country.
Over 90% of the overall budget for 2022 is made up of recurring spending, with the remaining 10% being capital expenditures (CAPEX).
CAPEX accounts for 14% of total income, which is extremely low (2.3 percent of GDP) and inhibits economic progress.
Prior to reading of the 2023 budget and government’s economic plans, Director of Research at the IEA, Dr. John Kwakye, in a press briefing emphasised that recurrent spending as a whole has to be reduced in order to free-up resources for CAPEX to improve long-term growth prospects.
Interest payments make up the major portion of central government’s recurrent spending, accounting for 35 percent of the total; followed by compensation (32 percent) and transfers to other governmental entities (20 percent). About 77 percent of overall expenditures are made up of those three items. Additionally, as they account for 107 percent of total income, some borrowed money will likely be required to cover them – with remaining funds going to other recurring expenses like goods and services and CAPEX.
“The curtailment should target, especially, compensation through considerable downsizing of the public sector, including the overall government machinery. A small country like Ghana has 28 ministries and 85 ministers (including 16 Regional Ministers) by my own count.
“Ideally, we need just 12 Ministries manned by 24 Sector Ministers and their deputies plus 16 Regional Ministers, making 40 ministers in total. This will require the merger of ministries,” Dr. Kwakye suggested.
The Director of Research called for a review of the ‘Article 71 office-holders’ compensation to reduce its burden on the budget, as well as some cuts to government consumption of goods and services in general: including travel, medical expenses, entertainment, hospitality, utilities and stationery, among others.
“Indeed, we should move quickly to a situation wherein recurrent expenditure never exceeds total revenue, such that borrowing can be used exclusively for CAPEX. The Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA) may have to be amended to include the rule that borrowing should be exclusively used to fund CAPEX. That makes economic sense. Meanwhile, raise CAPEX to between 5 percent and 7 percent of GDP in 2023, and further to 10-l2 percent in 2024,” Dr. Kwakye advised.
He further stated that the 2023 budget must unambiguously signify a total break from this enduring threat, given the unsustainable fiscal position and debt that the country has borne and the production of general volatility for the economy over the years.
“To that end, the deficit must be significantly curtailed,” he emphasised.
The 2022 Mid-Year Budget projected a deficit of 6.6 percent and a primary balance of +0.4 percent for the year.
Notwithstanding the outcomes, he proposed the 2023 budget must project a deficit of not less than 5 percent, which is the current ceiling in the Fiscal Responsibility Act.
“Further, the primary balance should not be less than +1 percent. For 2024, the deficit must be reduced further to 3 percent – in line with the ECOWAS convergence criterion – along with a primary balance of not less than +1 percent,” he said.
“Keeping to these targets will help reduce the destabilising effect of fiscal policy, while also reducing borrowing and fostering long-term debt sustainability,” he added.
The Ghanaian cedi’s value against the US dollar has decreased by 56 percent this year (USD).
The cedi’s slide advanced at its highest rate since it was re-denominated 15 years ago in October, accounting for about 25% of that loss.
He said: “Because the cedi is significantly depreciating, your facility in USD will require you to change cedis to repay. If you are earning dollars, then you’re not affected by this, but if you are using cedis to pay for a dollar loan then you are affected. It is better to even convert the dollar facility to cedi payment or pay off now so you know exactly how much you are dealing with. Otherwise, you will be very much exposed because you don’t know what you will be paying next. If you have foreign currency exposure, it is better to pay off now so you can predict your liability”.
He also further emphasised that there is a need for entrepreneurs to have good book-keeping records to make it easier for banks to support MSMEs with loans for expanding and growing their businesses.
Mr. Kwansah noted: “As a bank we have a lot of emphasis in supporting MSMEs, so we have identified that this area of accessing loans and good book-keeping records is very important to the economy of Ghana. Access to financing has been a challenge, mainly because they don’t maintain good banking records and good financials”.
He said CBG has sought to support MSMEs by providing them with financial advisory services, and also helped them create banking records to prepare their financials.
Mr. Kwansah said based on these records, in a period of 6 months CBG can advance loans to MSMEs devoid of collateral demands. “They sell, spend the money or use it to pay their suppliers, so without any records, no bank will give you loans for free.”
He revealed that CBG has an export financing product for MSMEs of up to US$100,000. With this, MSMEs can be supported to export their products out of Ghana.
In a statement, the UKGCC noted that access to finance remains a key constraint to MSME growth and development in many emerging economies, including Ghana. “Due to the significant role of MSMEs in supporting inclusive growth, employment and innovation, enhancing their access to finance is critical.”
The statement noted that banks and financial institutions can play a significant role in promoting and expanding financial inclusion for MSMEs, through innovative products to help address the challenges with MSME financing.
Speaking to the topic ‘Access to Finance for MSMEs’, Sophie Nanteza of Africeler8 Oakwood Green Africa, said access to finance is a typical problem for entrepreneurs and a very high-risk area to banks: “That’s why banks ask for collateral”.
She said it is important for banks and MSMEs to focus more on addressing capacity building. She believes the majority of MSMEs are not well-equipped and don’t have the drivers for entrepreneurship.
“They are entrepreneurs out of necessity, so they don’t take their time to learn growth mechanisms. When we say capacity, it’s about tools to deliver and not just the skills. These tools could be software or digital upgrades.”
Madam Nantenza emphasised that there is a need to give more training on how to borrow the exact amount needed by MSMEs. She says MSMEs need to be trained on what goes on into accessing loans, so they don’t overstate or understate the loans they need.
“Because banks do due diligence to ensure that they’re giving to the right people, and once they see such irregularities you make them doubt your capacity.”
The seminar, a hybrid virtual/in-person event, engaged experts and business leaders in a discussion meant to highlight MSME challenges and propose tools for enhancing their access to finance.
The General Agricultural Workers Union (GAWU) is casting doubts over the 2023 Budget turning the fortunes of the sector around.
Prices of foodstuff have shot up significantly this year, with some items going up by more than 50%.
Though the growth rate of the sector has been appreciable, the high food prices, which is partly due to high fuel prices, has been a major concern.
General Secretary of GAWU, Edward Kareweh, told Joy Business the sector may not see considerable funding for next year because of the expected austere budget.
“I’m not too optimistic that the challenges within the agriculture sector will be addressed in the coming budget. I’m saying so because the budget is going to be an austere budget, whether government has concluded the negotiation with the IMF or not.”
“I expect the budget to reflect some conditionalities that the IMF will be expecting the Ghana government to carry on before they reach a deal”.
To this end, Mr. Kareweh does not expect investments in agriculture in 2023.
“I’m not seeing how there will be adequate budgetary allocation to agriculture in the 2023 Budget, increase investments and so on.
Former Special Prosecutor has accused President Nana Akufo-Addo of sacrificing the dismissed Minister of State for the Finance Ministry, Charles Adu Boahen for political expediency.
Mr. Martin Amidu said the dismissal of Mr. Adu Boahen should have taken place in 2018. Again, if the President was serious about his fight against corruption, Mr. Adu Boahen would not have been promoted from Deputy Minister in the first term to a Minister of State during the second term of President Akufo-Addo.
“The President who was already under pressure from rebel members of his majority caucus to remove Adu Boahen from office for the economic mess caused by the President’s management of the country, chose to sacrifice him for political expediency,” he said.
This comes on the heels of President Akufo-Addo terminating Mr. Adu Boahen’s appointment after being sighted in investigative journalist, Anas Aremeyaw Anas’ documentary dubbed “Galamsey economy.”
In the said documentary, Mr Adu Boahen said that Vice President Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia needed $200,000 as an appearance fee to meet prospective investors.
Mr. Adu Boahen is said to have told the undercover investigators who posed as investors that Dr. Bawumia would also require some positions from the investor for his siblings to get his backing and influence in establishing a business in Ghana.
However, Mr Amidu, explaining the reason for his assertion, said that the “alleged suspected corruption offence for which Charles Adu Boahen’s appointment was terminated on 14 November 2022 was committed on 8 February 2018 in his capacity as a Deputy Minister for Finance under the 7th Parliament and Government of the Fourth Republic whose tenure ended on 6 January 2021.”
He further stated that “the suspected corruption on 8 February 2018 was known to the Government through Kennedy Agyapong who had obtained a copy of the videotape and did not make a secrete of it to the Government. Nonetheless, Adu Boahen was paid his end-of-service benefits for his services to that Government.”
According to Mr. Amidu, although the documentary was recorded in 2018, with government having a copy, “The President nominated Charles Adu Boahen for approval by Parliament as Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance under the 8th Parliament and Government of the Fourth Republic in January 2021.”
He added that during the vetting period, Tiger Eye PI, on the other hand, failed to confront Parliament about his eligibility.
According to him, the excuse given by Tiger Eye PI “that Kennedy Agyapong had intercepted the videotape on the 8th February 2018 suspected corruption by Adu Boahen is spurious, naive, and untenable, to be told only to the marines.”
“In this information technologic and communications age, no experienced covert investigation agent such as Anas Aremeyaw Anas and Tiger Eye PI would put all its eggs in one basket by having one original video record after the 8 February 2018 event without spiriting a back-up or pack-ups into the cloud.”
Days after one person was confirmed dead in a bizarre accident at Bogoso, videofootage of the incident, has emerged.
The November 19 incident also left four others injured in an accident involving a Daf truck and five other vehicles in the Western Regional town.
Police investigation has disclosed that the driver of the Daf truck, carrying logs from the Prestea end of the road, upon reaching Bogoso lost control while negotiating a curve. In the process, the logs fell on the five other vehicles.
A social media user has posted a clip of the development showing people going about their regular activities prior to the incident.
A few seconds later, residents are seen running away from the narrow street behind which follows the truck slamming through vehicles ahead.
Personnel of the MTTD went on the grounds and the road has since been opened to traffic.
The Ghana National Fire Service also assisted to rescue the victims believed to be trapped in the accident vehicles.
Augustus Osei, driver of one of the vehicles involved in the accident said the brake system of the Daf truck failed, which resulted in the accident.
“I was coming from Boadie to Bogoso and we had bypassed the roundabout. The Daf truck had already climbed the hill but suddenly all we could see was the truck reversing by itself so I shouted for all my passengers to exit the vehicle.
“Three of us in the vehicle managed to exit but one person could not exit so he died,” he narrated.
As compared to yesterday’s trading of a buying price of 13.0990 and a selling price of 13.1122. At a forex bureau in Accra, the dollar is being bought at a rate of 14.55 and sold at a rate of 14.95.
Against the Pound Sterling, the Cedi is trading at a buying price of 15.4710 and a selling price of 15.4891 as compared to yesterday’s trading of a buying price of 15.6128 and a selling price of 15.6297.
At a forex bureau in Accra, the pound sterling is being bought at a rate of 16.60 and sold at a rate of 17.25.
The Euro is trading at a buying price of 13.4262 and a selling price of 13.4408 as compared to yesterday’s trading of a buying price of 13.5692 and a selling price of 13.5839.
At a forex bureau in Accra, Euro is being bought at a rate of 14.50 and sold at a rate of 15.20.
The South African Rand is trading at a buying price of 0.7571 and a selling price of 0.7576 as compared to yesterday’s trading of a buying price of 0.7598 and a selling price of 0.7605.
The Nigerian Naira is trading at a buying price of 33.8479 and a selling price of 33.9082 as compared to yesterday’s trading of a buying price of 33.7657 and a selling price of 33.8992.
At a forex bureau in Accra, Nigerian Naira is being bought at a rate of 17.00 Naira for every 1 Cedi and sold at a rate of 21.50.
For the CFA, it is trading at a buying price of 48.4208 and a selling price of 48.4939.
At a forex bureau in Accra, CFA is being bought at a rate of 19.70 CFA for every 1 Cedi and sold at a rate of 23.50 CFA for every 1 Cedi.
Brandy is set to reprise her role from 1997’s live-action Cinderella for a new Disney+ film in the Descendants series, per Variety.
The singer-songwriter and actress, who played the titular character in the 1997 Disney TV movie, will play Cinderella in The Pocketwatch, which will take place in the same universe of The Descendants franchise. In the 1997 musical film, Brandy starred opposite Whitney Houston, who played the Fairy Godmother. Brandy was the first Black Cinderella.
Brandy isn’t the only musician to be cast in The Pocketwatch, as Rita Ora will also make an appearance as the Queen of Hearts, as Deadline reported. The pair join a cast that includes China Anne McClain, Kylie Cantrall, Dara Reneé, Malia Baker, Ruby Rose Turner, Morgan Dudley, and Joshua Colley. The Fairy Godmother will be portrayed by Melanie Paxson in the film, who previously played the character in the other Descendants entries.
Directed by Jennifer Phang from a script written by Dan Frey and Russell Sommer, The Pocketwatch is expected to enter production soon. As the synopsis for the movie revealed, the plot will follow characters Red and Chloe as they travel back in time via a magical pocket watch.
Brandy recently made her return to musical dramas with the ABC series Queens, although her credits have been quieter on the film side of things.
While she had a series of breakout roles in the ‘90s, specifically with Cinderella and the slasher sequel I Still Know What You Did Last Summer, her credits have been sparse in recent years. This year she did appear in the Christmas film, Best. Christmas. Ever., though.
Julia Fox, who recently starred in a KNWLS campaign shot by Elizaveta Porodina, says she was “delusional” about being able to help the artist formerly known as Kanye West during their brief relationship.
In a clip shared to TikTok on Friday, Fox responded to a remark about “dating a famously violent misogynist and antisemite” by reflecting on what she says she observed during her and Ye’s time together.
“First of all, the man was being normal around me,” Fox said, as seen below. “And not only that but the Kardashians, when I had a fashion line 10 years ago, they actually bought our clothes and sold them in their stores. So I’ve always had, like, a love for Kim, especially. And, like, even Kourtney especially. All of them pretty much. But no, like, the big three: Khloé, Kim, Kourtney. So by the time me and him got together, he hadn’t been doing anything, you know, like ‘out there’ yet. The only thing he had done was change the name in the song and said ‘Come back to me, Kimberly.’ That was, like, the only thing when we met.”
The latter, of course, is a reference to Ye changing up the lyrics to “Runaway” during the Free Larry Hoover Benefit livestream last year. From there, Fox made mention of an apparently tense text-based interaction she had with Ye, highlighting the moment as when she first thought she might be able to “help” him.
“He kept going and going and he was like, ‘You have bad text etiquette,’” Fox said. “And then I was like, ‘Oh my god, Kanye’s yelling at me. What do I do?’ But then I had this thought and I was like, ‘Oh my god, maybe I can get him off of Kim’s case. Like, maybe I can distract him.’”
During their month together, Fox further noted, Ye wasn’t initially using social media. Additionally, Fox said, he wasn’t talking about his relationship with Kim. Instead, the two talked about “clothes and weird ideas and plans for the future and our hopes and dreams for childhood and education.”
But once certain social media-focused developments started to take place, Fox explained, the relationship had already come to a close.
“I’d already been like, ‘Dude, I’m not gonna stick around for this shit,’” Fox said, adding that she also realized “pretty quickly” that Ye wasn’t going to accept her help.
“I was like, ‘I wanna help him. I wanna help him.’ I sounded almost as dumb as you guys saying that I should have done something to stop him,” she said.
And while Fox now sees this belief as a “delusional” one, she still respects Ye as an artist.
“I don’t wanna shit on that,” she said on Monday. “I don’t wanna reduce his whole career to his really bad moments, you know. But that being said, I stand with the Jewish community. Period.”
See more from Fox below. In a follow-up clip, also shared on Monday, Fox elaborated further on her defense of Ye as an artist, noting there are “a lot of really good things” about him despite the “really, really messed up” things he’s said or done.
Vanessa and KobeBryant’s eldest daughter Natalia reportedly filed for a restraining order on Monday against “a stalker with a criminal history involving guns,” TMZ writes.
The outlet reports that Natalia Bryant has informed authorities about a man named Dwayne Kemp, 32, who tried contacting her two years ago, when the now-19-year-old was underage. “She says he’s under a delusion they have a romantic relationship,” per TMZ, which got a hold of court documents. “Natalia says she has never met or otherwise had contact with him.”
Kemp is alleged to have recently appeared at Natalia’s USC sorority house and a class she’s taking.
The court docs indicate Kemp messaged Bryant expressing his desire to have “a Kobe-like child together,” sending an image of her late dad and a heart with the words, “Thankful For Him Birthing You, Hopefully We Can Birth Him…‘Kobe.’”
TMZ says Kemp has been arrested and/or convicted for “at least four crimes, including one involving firearms,” is close to legally obtaining a new gun, and has also “threatened to buy both an AK-47 and a fully automatic Glock,” per the filing.
While Natalia Bryant is waiting on the judge’s approval, the LAPD is “involved in the case and clearly wants a restraining order in place.”
In August, a jury ruled in favor of Vanessa Bryant in a lawsuit against the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department and L.A. County Fire Department pertaining to graphic photo leaked from the site of Kobe and 13-year-old daughter Gianna’s fatal helicopter crash, where six more individuals also perished in January 2020.
Shortly after the court victory, Bryant announced she would donate the $16 million she was awarded to the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation.
Following a recent declaration by the Minister of Works and Housing that the project would be sold to a private investor, the caucus paid a visit to the location.
Mr. Asenso-Boakye stated at a news conference a few weeks ago that the decision was made following an evaluation of the project and some consultations.
“Additionally, there is the need to invest approximately US$68 million to complete the buildings and other essential on-site infrastructure works,” Mr Asenso-Boakye told journalists.
He said after spending US$196 million on the project, the government has decided against sinking any further taxpayer money into it.
“After a painstaking period of assessment, verification and consultations, the government has decided to explore the possibility of selling the Saglemi housing project, covering the 1,506 housing units, at the current value, to a private sector entity to complete and sell the housing units to the public, at no further cost to the state,” Mr Asenso-Boakye said.
The minority is, however, suspicious of the government’s intention, thus, its visit to the site on Tuesday, 22 November 2022.
Speaking to the media at the site of the project during the minority’s tour, Mr Emmanuel Kwadwo Agyekum, a member of the parliamentary select committee on works and housing, said the houses were even more habitable than some residences in the prime areas of Accra and wondered why the government abandoned it for so long
“I have not seen double lanes in even in Trasacco, I haven’t seen dual carriageways; in fact, one lane here can take three vehicles. You can see the vegetation here; everything is perfectly done”, he observed.
He said the stripping bare of the buildings could only be an organised crime.
“You see the way the cables are cut off, you have to be professionals to be able to cut these cables. It’s not about any ordinary thief moving in to say: ‘I’m going in to steal’. Even removing the windows, it will take them more than one month to remove all the windows here [and] all the burglarproof.
“The security gates here were fixed and they have been removed. So, count the number of security gates or doors that were removed. How many articulated trucks will be able to move it out? Where were they sent to? Where were they sold? Plus the burglar proofs. These are aluminium ones. How were they removed? Where were they taken to? How many articulated trucks drove in here to come and pick them up?” he wondered.
“Apart from that, telephone cables, electricity cables [were] removed. The rest of the things: the fittings in the kitchens and everything removed. It means it is organised”, he pointed out.
“I’m inviting the clergy to come here, I’m inviting the council of state members to come here, I’m inviting whoever matters in this country to come here and look at it yourself”, he added.
In his view, “people have actually organised to commit a crime [against] the state just to make money and I’m telling you, they are going to sell them so cheap to their brothers and sisters. Check it; there would be somebody buying this linked to the government and that is the thing they’ve been doing”.
The 2,172 acres on which the Saglemi housing project is situated were procured in 2002 during the era of President John Agyekum Kufuor.
On August 15, 2012, the late President John Evans Atta Mills gave executive approval to the Ministry of Water Resources, Works and Housing to implement the project.
The project involved the construction of 5,000 housing units for sale to public members through mortgages provided by Ghana Home Loans.
The project was implemented by Constrastora OAS Ghana Limited through a buyer’s credit of up to $200 million.
By the end of the stipulated completion date, the original contract of the project had been amended three (3) times, with the project scope reducing from the initial 5,000 housing units to 1,506 housing units, although US$195,854,969.52 representing 98% of the project funds had been expended.
That notwithstanding, the 1,506 housing units were at various stages of completion.
None of these 1,506 housing units was habitable because the project currently lacks basic amenities such as water and electricity and other related amenities.
At the same time, a technical assessment report by the Ghana Institution of Surveyors in September 2020, valued the total cost of on-site works at US$64,982,900.74.
There is an ongoing criminal prosecution at the High Court to determine the discrepancies with the funds expended on the project vis-à-vis the valued cost of works and original project scope.
No Phasing
In 2021, former Works and Housing Minister E.T. Mensah denied claims that the $200-million project was planned to have been executed in phases.
The council of state member told Paul Adom-Otchere on Accra-based Metro TV’s Good Evening Ghana programme on Tuesday, 3 August 2021: “I was not involved in any phasing system”.
“We knew that we wanted to build – that is 5,000 houses to be built for workers – and it was approved”, he said.
According to him, “executive approval was given and parliament approved it, so, if anything at all, if I wanted to change something, I had to go through the same process again”.
Collins Dauda charged
Mr Mensah’s successor, Mr Collins Dauda, was charged with causing financial loss to the state in connection with the Saglemi housing project.
The opposition politician is accused of intentionally misapplying the project sum of $200 million “by causing the said amount, which had been approved by the parliament of Ghana for the construction of 5,000 housing units, to be applied toward the payment of 1,412 housing units”.
In 2020, Mr Dauda’s successor, Mr Samuel Atta Akyea, disclosed that all former government appointees and officials involved in the project were being investigated by the Criminal Investigations Department of the Ghana Police Service.
Mr Atta Akyea, who described the project as a rip-off, noted that it does not measure up to the cost purported to have been invested in it.
Mr Atta Akyea disclosed this while speaking to the parliamentary press corps on Thursday, 8 October 2020.
He also condemned the habit of new governments discontinuing projects started by previous administrations.
“In relation to Kufuor’s uncompleted housing structures, the evidence is clear that the Mills government and the Mahama government did not continue it. Then, I was met with this jejune argument that we have abandoned Saglemi. I say, ‘no, we have not abandoned Saglemi,” the minister said.
Mr Atta Akyea further noted that the Mahama-led administration ripped the country off in executing the project.
He stated: “Saglemi is tainted with embezzlement”.
“There’s no dispute about it, and I could tell you that the Ghana Institution of Surveyors has come out with a conclusive report to the effect that Saglemi is a rip-off and the amount of money that has been blown in Saglemi is over USD100 million and the housing structures over there do not measure up to the money they’ve collected”, he said.
“So, I’m not here to embarrass anybody; I’m here to say that if you didn’t go into the legalities of it, how do you continue? So, now that we’ve surrendered the report of the Ghana Institution of Surveyors to CID, now, we can deal with the issue of going to continue”, he added.
Mr Atta Akyea noted at the time that: “We’re pushing so hard to deal with the issue of Saglemi; it’s not abandoned. It doesn’t give this nation credit at all.”
“They’ve invited several of them, including Honourable Collins Dauda. They’ve invited them but you see how civil NPP is; we don’t make it like a drama, so, the police are dealing with them. We’re not going to parade people like: ‘Look at how they’ve arrested this man or they’ve arrested that man’”.
“That is what civility is all about. You do not try to embarrass somebody because you think that he’s been investigated by the police. Eventually, the police might say that they do not have anything against the person and you would have embarrassed him”.
“So, all those people who were involved in Saglemi, they’ve started inviting them. I’m telling you and even people working in my Ministry, they’ve started inviting them. So, investigations are ongoing, let’s leave the police to do its work. There’s no propaganda or party issues about theft, theft is theft,” the minister added.
Charges Against Collins Dauda ‘Frivolous, Trumped-up, Political’ – Haruna Iddrisu
Minority Leader Haruna Iddrisu, in 2021, said the 52 charges levelled against Mr Dauda and four other persons for causing financial loss to the state in connection with the project, were frivolous and trumped up.
Mr Iddrisu, who led other minority MPs to court on Thursday, 5 August 2021, to solidarise with the Asutifi South MP, told journalists: “It is instructive that they are being charged when the courts are themselves on vacation”, wondering: “What is the hurry and what is the desperation in this?”
Concerning the alleged financial loss, Mr Iddrisu asked: “Whose value?”
“The Attorney General says it is $64 million. I believe that these are frivolous, trumped-up charges intended to politically persecute and politically harass”, he said.
“We remain undoubted. I do not think that these charges can stand the test of the law. I am very convinced about this,” he said.
Mr Dauda and Kweku Agyeman Mensah, also a former housing minister, appeared in court on Thursday, 5 August 2021 and were granted separate bail bonds.
Mr Dauda was granted a self-recognisance bail after pleading not guilty in the matter of causing financial loss.
Mr Agyeman Mensah and a third accused person, Alhaji Ziblim Yakubu, Chief Director of the ministry of housing, were each granted bail of $65 million.
They were both to produce three sureties each, one of which must be a public officer.
Another accused person, Mr Andrew Clocanas, an Executive Chairman of Constructura OAS Ghana Limited, was also admitted to a bail bond of $179 million with three sureties, one of whom should be a public servant.
A fifth accused person, Nouvi Tetteh Angelo, was also admitted to a bail bond of $13 million with three sureties.
The court, presided over by Justice Comfort Tasiame, seized the passports of all the accused persons.
Per the facts of the case presented by Attorney General Godfred Dame, Mr John Mahama, as president, granted an executive order for the construction of 5,000 affordable housing units in August 2012 at Saglemi in the Ningo Prampram the constituency of the Greater Accra region.
Parliament approved the deal, which had funding from Credit Suisse.
The houses were to be sold to workers through mortgage arrangements provided by the Ghana Home Loans Company as it was at the time.
A Brazilian company, Construtora OAS Ltd, was the contractor.
The AG said the borrower, the Ministry of Finance, and the lender, signed a facility agreement on January 4, 2013, for the release of $200 million to fund the construction of the 5,000 housing units, the day on which the Housing Minister also signed the EPC agreement with Construtora OAS, represented by Clocanas, the fourth accused.
According to the AG, the project was to be executed in four phases on 2,172 acres of land at a contract price of $200 million, including consultancy services.
An Escrow Management Agreement, a condition precedent to the release of the facility to the borrower, was also signed, pursuant to the facility and the EPC agreements, he said.
Mr Dame further stated that on February 27, 2014, Mr Dauda, without parliamentary approval, reviewed the EPC agreement and signed both the original and the revised (restated) agreement with Construtora OAS, represented by Clocanas.
The revision allegedly changed the scope of works and the application of the $200 million approved by Parliament.
This new agreement required the contractor to execute the project in three phases over a site of 1,272 acres, while the $200 million was now to be applied towards the execution of only the first phase of the project, comprising just about 1,502 housing units.
This was contrary to the executive and parliamentary approvals, as well as the facility and Escrow Management agreements.
On December 21, 2016, according to the facts, the Chief Director, Yakubu, again reviewed the original and revised the (restated) agreement and signed them (second and his revised or restated), without recourse to Parliament.
That led to a further reduction in the scope of works to 1,412 housing units at a revised price of $181 million, and extended the completion period to July 31, 2017, the prosecutor alleged.
According to the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA), the budget and economic strategy for 2023 will “make or break” the economy; therefore, it cannot be designed and implemented “business as usual.”
At a news conference in Accra, Dr. John K. Kwakye, Director of Research, IEA, said, “It must break from the past and chart a new route to restore economic stability, while building the framework for long-term sustainable growth and poverty eradication.”
Dr. Kwakye said that because of increasing borrowing and the adoption of “less ambitious” tax and revenue targets that were much lower than those of peers in the sub-region, the nation was experiencing “self-inflicted” resource constraints in the midst of an economic crisis.
He, therefore, called for the increase in collection of tax revenue targets from about 12 to 13 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to at least 15 to 16 percent in 2023 and 18 to 20 percent in 2024.
Meanwhile, total revenue targets, he said, could be increased from the current level of 15-16 percent of GDP to between 18 to 20 percent in 2023 and 22 to 25 percent in 2024.
Achieving the new targets, he said would entail addressing revenue loopholes and inefficiencies that took the form of tax exemptions to privileged individuals, poor property rate regime; tax evasion, administrative corruption, and trade mis-invoicing among others.
He said there must also be a “curtailing” of recurrent expenditure in the 2023 budget to free resources for capital expenditure to boost long-term growth prospects.
“The curtailment should target, especially compensation through considerable downsizing of the public sector, including the overall Government machinery, ” he said.
“As we have repeatedly argued, the Inflation Targeting (IT) framework used by BoG, essentially a demand-management tool, is less capable of dealing with Ghana’s type of inflation that has strong supply and cost undercurrents, ” he said.
The IEA has also noted that structural solution to the cedi depreciation must be geared towards closing the foreign exchange demand-supply gap through a fundamental restructuring of the economy.
“On the one hand, the restructuring must be directed to expanding, diversifying and processing export commodities to increase forex receipts, ” Dr Kwakye added.
The Institute also called on the Government to review all extractives tax regimes to ensure that Ghana derived adequate benefits; ensure fiscal and debt sustainability; shore up financial buffers such as stabilisation fund, sinking fund, and infrastructure Investment Fund, among others.
He thought Databank was among the top contenders for federal contracts.
And before Ken Ofori-Atta was appointed finance minister, Databank was already conducting business with the government, he said.
“And as far as I’m aware, Databank has never received anything on a silver platter.
Asaasenews.com quotes him as saying, “Databank has always had to compete with any other organization to be a part of what the Ministry of Finance does.
“Ministry of Finance has for a few years now, had the policy to encourage local participation, and to do this we always tendered when there were projects available, and we evaluated and picked the best responses, and Databank happened to be one of those companies that we picked.
“And this is not only during this Finance Minister’s tenure but, this was before this minister’s tenure,” Ghanney clarified.
Prof. Vera Ogeh Fiador is the keeper of that record; the UG Council granted her the job in a statement dated November 18, 2022.
Prof. Fiador joined UGBS in 2008 and is described as a complete academic with Legon training.
She began working at the Business School in 2008 after receiving her MPhil in Finance from the University of Ghana Business School in 2006 and her BSc Administration degree (Banking and Finance with First Class) from the same institution in 2003.
“The first female Associate Professor of Finance has been dedicated to the University since she joined the university and serves on a number of ad hoc and standing committees, including the University’s Finance and General Purposes Committee, and the Resource Allocation for Academic Purposes Committee.
“Until her sabbatical in 2020, she also served as a tutor for Legon Hall. She is currently the Programme Coordinator for one of the Business School’s flagship programmes, the One-Year MSc in Development Finance,” the statement read in part.
Maybe not very high up in the leadership of the university as a whole, Prof. Fiador joins a league of women history-makers at the University, a list that includes Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo.
Amfo, a former pro-Vice-Chancellor made history on two different levels with her appointment as the youngest VC and the first woman to be appointed last year.
The duo were; Mrs. Mary Chinery-Hesse, the first female Chancellor. In attendance was Justice Sophia Akuffo (Rtd), the first female Chair of the University Council.
Brief about the history-making Professor of Finance
Prof Vera Ogeh Fiador started her primary school education at Datus Complex, Dansoman, truncating at class three to continue at Christ Mission School, Kwashieman and then to Ministry of Health School, Korle-Bu for her Junior High School education.
She then got admission to Holy Child School, Cape Coast, where she obtained her high school (SSCE) certificate.
Professor Fiador holds a PhD in Management (with Finance specialisation) from the Graduate School of Business, University of Cape Town, South Africa. Her PhD research focused on Monetary Policy in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Her core expertise lies in the areas of corporate governance, corporate finance, gender diversity, enterprise risk management, and environmental and social risk management. She has a number of peer-reviewed publications to her name.
Prof Vera Ogeh Fiador is married to Mr. Daniel Fiador, Esq. and they are blessed with 4 children.
Francis-Xavier Sosu, a member of parliament for Madina, claimed that the 10% increase in the minimum wage was insufficient for employees because the cost of living in Ghana is still high and the local currency keeps falling in value against major trading currencies.
He asserts that the minor increase from GH13.53 to GH14.88 pesewas will not significantly improve the life of government employees in the face of the current financial crisis.
The politician told Citi News that stabilizing the economy was the only way Ghanaians could breathe a sigh of relief over the country’s shaky financial situation.
He said, “When you review minimum wage and inflation and depreciation are still high, fuel prices are rising, these rises will eat off this increase. This means that government must come again by reviewing the wage. That will be great but more importantly, government must take urgent steps to stabilize the economy otherwise, I do not think that this revision of minimum wage will have any real impact on the lives of ordinary workers in Ghana.”
It would be recalled that on Wednesday, November 16, 2022, the National Tripartite Committee (NTC) increased the minimum wage from GH¢13.53pesewas to GH¢14.88pesewas after several stakeholder engagements.
The negotiation was based on Section 113 (1) (a) of the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651).
Speaking at a press conference in Accra on Wednesday, November 16, 2022, the minister said, “Any establishment, institution or organization that flout the 2023 national daily minimum wage shall be sanctioned in accordance with the law.”
He noted that the 10% increment in the minimum wage will take effect from January 1, 2023.
Throwing more light on factors that led to the 10% increment, the Employment and Labour Minister said the committee took into consideration the current economic challenges, high cost of living, sustainability of businesses and desirability of attaining higher levels of employment.
Amb. Boateng shared the dynamics and success stories of female leaders who have brought about change while addressing the inaugural gathering of SIGA’s leadership and networking forum for female CEOs and Board Chairs of Specified Entities. She also urged those in attendance to be inspired and strive for change regardless of the difficulties they may encounter.
“No organisation is perfect; however, the new addition is you, the appointed head. And therefore it is expected that you drive and cause the required change. Do not be limited by challenges that may be in your way. They are steps that can be surmounted, and once you are able to jump those hurdles the ultimate prize will be attained,” he said.
The Special Guest of Honour at the maiden edition, Akosua Frema Osei-Opare- Chief of Staff at the Office of the President, congratulated all participants present and added that their appointments were based on competency, and therefore it’s in their best interests to achieve set targets and soar higher.
“You are all here because of your competency, and so it is in your best interests to deliver and cause change. It is indeed a testament to the diligence and excellence women possess,” she added.
She also highlighted the conscious and deliberate effort by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to project women and provide equal opportunities for them in leadership; and hence encouraged all present to work at achieving the president’s vision to make Ghana a centre of excellence.
She pledged her unflinching support to the projection of female leaders and thanked Ambassador Edward Boateng, Director-General of SIGA, for initiating the strategic and futuristic forum.
Participants expressed their profound gratitude and appreciation to SIGA and the Chief of Staff for creating a unique platform to address their concerns and spur them to success.
Present at the maiden edition were Dr. Edith Dankwa, Board Chairperson of Ghana Museums and Monuments Board; Rev. Dr. Nana Yaa Prempeh, Board Chairperson of Ghana Domain Name Registry; Nana Serwaa Bonsu Amoako, Chairperson of National Fertiliser Council; Dr. Afua Asabea Asare, CEO of Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA); Kosi Yankey-Ayeh, CEO of Ghana Enterprises Agency, and other notable female leaders.
Ofori-steadfast Atta’s opposition to the IMF and his lack of credibility to serve as the IMF negotiator owing to his public remarks were highlighted by the MP who is the leader of a group of 98 New Patriotic Party MPs calling for the Minister to quit immediately as the two main reasons.
He said the resignation would also have signalled that the minister was being honest to himself and Ghanaians, “…because where is your credibility in going for the programme and leading it? You had spoken against it and you said it to Ghanaians and the whole world and the IMF heard you.
“What would the IMF think of you and of our whole programme? So, you should have left the scene for someone else to carry the mantle,” he said in an interview on Joy FM, November 21, 2022.
An eight-member ad hoc committee that probed the seven grounds for censure struck out two of the grounds and is set to present its report to the plenary today.
An economy in distress
The economy is facing major headwinds that have been characterized by galloping inflation, consistent depreciation of the cedi and general high cost of living and of doing business.
The government is hoping to reach a deal with the International Monetary Fund, IMF, for an economic support programme aimed at shoring up the economy and easing the burden on ordinary Ghanaians.
President Akufo-Addo and his government have come under heavy scrutiny for failing to address the current economic challenges in the country.
The prices of goods and services have been continuously rising all year round, with inflation currently at over 40 per cent.
The Ghana cedi has been ranked the worst currency in the world among 148 currencies tracked by Bloomberg, overtaking Sri Lanka’s rupee, having depreciated by nearly 50 per cent so far in 2022.
Ghanaian TikTok star Asantewaahas allegedly been duped by a building contractor to the tune of Ghc 300,000 which is equivalent to 3 billion old Ghana cedis.
According to reports, Asantewaa had plans of moving into her own house by the end of this year but unfortunately, the money she invested into the project was being used for other purposes by the contractor.
According to gossip blog Tutugyaguonline, Eyram, the baby mama of YOLO’s Aaron Adatsi was the one who introduced Asantewaa to the contractor whom she claimed is her cousin’s husband.
Asantewaa believed her friend hence she paid GH¢300,000 through her to the supposed cousin’s husband for materials and other stuff for the building.
Her busy schedules as a practising nurse and influencer forced her to task and trust Eyram to see to it that her cousin’s husband completed the house.
Last week Asantewaa got to the site only to be met with shock as nothing had been done to the house after coughing out GH¢300,000 to them.
Take a look at the screenshot below to know more…
We are yet to hear Eyram and the contractor’s side of the story which has since taken over social media trends after it went viral yesterday.
The wealthy businessman did that as a way of thanking his young wife for helping with his political campaign.
The young actress claimed that she had been campaigning for her husband while moving from ward to ward and that the activity had left her depleted and exhausted.
Regina Danielswas hungry and exhausted when she got an alert for 10 million naira, which instantly made her feel refreshed.
She thanked her spouse for the financial gift and shared a screenshot of the credit notice.
As she put it,
“Whilst going from ward to ward, campaigning, hungry and tired, I recieve this alert from hubby 4 my tiredness disappeared even with this hot sun…thank you baby”
The Tullow Supplier Market Day is a quarterly forum that aims to give suppliers a platform to, among other procurement-related topics, directly feedback to Tullow’s procurement team on contracts and procurements, provide visibility of Tullow’s procurement plans, and discuss opportunities to broaden the scope of local participation and strengthen local capacity.
The event was attended by over 120 indigenous supplier companies and Joint venture companies, including; Amaja Tubular Services Limited, BAJ Freight, and Logistics, F. Malawi Engineering Company Ltd, Ghana Navy, GLICO Healthcare, Halliburton Operations Ghana Limited, Petrofac (Ghana) IJV Limited, PHI Century Limited, TechnipFMC Ghana and Vodafone Ghana to mention a few.
Addressing the event, Tullow Ghana’s Managing Director, Wissam Al-Monthiry noted that ‘’Supplier development remains an important component of Tullow’s local content strategy. The Supplier Market Day is one of our key local content initiatives intended to enhance Tullow’s visibility of opportunities that allows us to deepen participation through regular quarterly engagements with the supplier community and our procurement teams”.
The maiden event was a success as suppliers reported having had a fruitful open dialogue with Tullow’s Supply Chain team on procurement and contracting processes and future plans.
The Tullow Supplier Market Day initiative was birthed out of direct feedback received from suppliers who expressed their desire to learn more about the company’s procurement methods, improve their chances of winning tenders, correct shortcomings with bid submissions, and gain insights into the company’s procurement plans.
Since the inception of its operations, Tullow has consistently rolled out initiatives that allow the company to boost indigenous participation in Ghana’s oil and gas sector. Recent successful initiatives include; the Marine Sector adoption strategy which led to the contracting of the first Ghanaian-owned, Ghanaian-flagged vessel, Ghanaian-manned vessel, and Ghanaian-registered vessel, providing services in the Jubilee and TEN fields, and the contract scope reservations for ingenious companies amongst others.
The Company intends to continue its efforts to develop local capacity and participation through further initiatives planned for next year.
This was brought on by the government’s excessive borrowing as well as other revenue deficits that required fundraising expenses.
Ghana’s debt is currently around GH450 billion.
In September of this year, as a result of increased borrowing to cover revenue gaps and support mounting expenses, Ghana’s indebtedness reached an all-time high.
The public debt stock in Ghana was GH273.8 billion in September of this year, according to data from the Bank of Ghana (BoG), the highest level since the bank began disclosing information about the amount the country owes.
The September this year stock was equivalent to 71 percent of total economic output, measured by gross domestic product (GDP), according to the data released by the central bank ahead of a press conference Monday.
The debt stock was GH¢201.9 billion (59.8% of GDP) in September last year but rose by 35.6 percent to GH¢273.8 billion this September.
It also showed that GH¢71.9 billion was added to the debt stock within the 12-month period.
The foreign component was GH¢138.5 billion, equivalent to 35.9 percent of GDP while the domestic share was GH¢135.3 billion, representing 35.1 percent of GDP.
Although a norm for countries, the weight of Ghana’s debt relative to its revenues has been worrisome, with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group consistently ranking the country as a high-risk debt distress country since 2015.
“It is impossible to exaggerate the advantages of collaboration between the public and commercial sectors. The National Development Planning Commission’s Chairman, Professor Yaw Gyan Baffour, read the speech he delivered in his place. “There is a very long list of instances and impacts of safe partnerships, but the most practical example of this is the joint response of both parties in the pandemic,” he said (NDPC).
He was speaking at the 6th edition of the Sustainability and Social Investment (SSI) Awards, an award scheme that honours individuals and businesses for their consistent investments in socially responsible programmes which have impacted and continue to impact society. The Vice President was honoured as the SSI Disruptive Digital Pioneer. His award was picked up by Prof. Gyan-Baffour.
“As we speak, global temperatures have risen by 1.8 degrees or 1 degree centigrade between 1901 and 2020; and the rise in global sea level has accelerated from 1.7 millimetres a year throughout most of the 20th century to 3.2 millimetres a year since 1993. The amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has risen by 25 percent since 1958, and about 40 percent since the Industrial Revolution,” he said.
But he believes that just as humanity came together to fight a pandemic, such collaboration between private and public can easily help mitigate against the climate change impact as is being already felt.
“It was a sharing of other resources, including time and strategies, which brought out the best in us at a time when humanity was most under attack. It is evident in my mind, and I trust in yours as well, that if we are to truly witness meaningful transformation in this regard (climate action), then we will need the private and public sectors to once again collaborate extensively,” he said.
Dr. Mahamamudu Bawumia, vice president, has emphasized that the administration is continuing its efforts to address the challenging times that have recently typified the Ghanaian economy.
The commencement of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, along with other enduring economic problems, hit the nation hard while it was on the road to recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic’s devastation, which aggravated already-existing budgetary and socioeconomic woes.
Among other things, the scenario has caused a dramatic currency depreciation, high inflation driving up living expenses amid a mounting debt stock, and forced the nation to request a rescue from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
However, he added that with renewed strength and hope government is confident of turning things around.
Dr. Bawumia recognised the phenomenal role that the Catholic Church has played in the growth and development of communities across the country.
“Since its very inception in our country, the Catholic Church has been an educator; laying and building the foundation for many schools that provided sound education for millions of Ghanaians across the country.
“In the health sector, the Catholic Church has been a pacesetter in providing quality, accessible, and affordable healthcare for many Ghanaians, especially those in our rural communities,” he said.
“Given these,” he said, “I solemnly welcome the church as a willing and able partner to government in development of the country.”
With the Parish’s quest to construct a 4-storey multi-purpose building, a conference room, offices, meeting rooms, a skills-development centre and a library for the community, he committed to help make this a reality.
“I also commit to helping realise plans of the church to have an endowment fund that provides skills and training for young people in this community,” he stated.
The union has stated that they would be forced to reduce the amount of days they work if the government did not raise their pay.
The government was previously urged to raise salaries by 60% as a result of the nation’s present general living crisis and rising inflation.
Joshua Ansah contends that the government must take action to be sincere with Ghanaians.
He said: “So if I’m negotiating with you and you’re unable to be fair, you’re unable to be truthful to yourself to tell us what is in the kitty? Who is taking what? And you tell us the economy is bad and there’s no money, government cannot pay, government cannot afford, then I’m inclined to go with brother Carbonu by saying that okay then we can also say that we’ll stay at home and come to work once in a week or twice in a week.
“Because somebody taking 500 cedis and paying transport of more than 1200 per month, how do you expect that person to come to work every day? How do you expect that person even to get something to eat after paying for the transportation? A family of two; a wife a husband and maybe two kids, how will they live in this very country? he is quoted by myjoyonline.com.
“So, all these are the things that are very real in the face of Ghanaian workers and it’s enough. And it is time that we try to bring practicality to bear. The “no money”, “no money” syndrome, the government cannot afford the ability to pay for these things must be looked up once again.
“We don’t think this is the time for the government to tell us the money is not there and there’s no way to [pay us] then if the money is not there, let us find a way of regulating our work whether to come to work once in a week, twice in a week and so on and so forth to commensurate the money that we’re being paid,” he said.
Meanwhile, organized labour is expected to meet government on November 22, 2022, to negotiate salaries and other allowances.
This reportedly ensued during a heated altercation between Britney, 22, and 41-year-old Tyona Dodson in the East Side, Colombus.
Tyona is believed to be Britney’s sister-in-law.
According to Colombus Division police, the shooting occurred early in the morning.
Detectives have arrested a 41-year-old woman for the deadly shooting that occurred overnight on S. Weyant Ave. Tyona Dodson is charged with murder in the death of Britney Boateng. Investigators have determined an argument between both women led to the fatal shooting. pic.twitter.com/n5rPTPfoIO
The Performance Contract Pre-Negotiation Meetings, Performance Contract Negotiations, and Performance Contract Signing Events are all designed to make sure SEs run smoothly and profitably in the future year.
The purpose of this exercise is to ensure compliance with the terms and conditions of the yearly performance contracts that SIGA has signed with State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) and other Specified Entities pursuant to Section 4(b) of the SIGA Act 2019 (Act 990).
The Public Financial Management Regulations 2019 (L.I. 2378), Regulations 194 and 195 (Submission and Approval of Financial Plans) and Regulations 196 (Performance Compact) also mandates SIGA to sign Performance Compact with Specified Entities and submit as part of Specified Entities’ financial plans for approval.
Priority will be placed on projects and initiatives that aim to increase productivity and efficiency, generate employment opportunities for the youth, create wealth, and contribute to the consolidated fund in dividend and surplus payments during the contracting process and projects and expenditures deemed not to be expedient in accordance with agreed indicators shall be declined.
An innovation that has been included in this year’s negotiations is the introduction of virtual pre-negotiation meetings with officers of both SIGA and each Specified Entity which is more cost-efficient and provides for more officers to engage and have a better understanding of set targets.
Additionally, a sector-based approach has been introduced where negotiations will be held with clusters of Specified Entities in accordance with their operations. Lastly, the signing of the Performance Contract Negotiations shall be held immediately after each cluster’s negotiations.
In order to support Ghana’s ongoing efforts to promote ethical business practices, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has started a new project with money from the Government of Japan.
By bolstering efforts for the effective implementation of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, the project, which is being implemented in 17 countries across Africa, including Ghana, will help to attain the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8 on decent work and economic growth.
In order to better enable governments and businesses to comprehend and uphold their duties and obligations to stop the violation of human rights,
Speaking at the launch, the Ambassador of Japan to Ghana, H.E. Mr. MOCHIZUKI Hisanobu, emphasised the need for businesses to comply with human rights laws, noting that its promotion at the business level served as a way for companies to remain internationally competitive.
“While it is essential that companies respect human rights, it is most important that companies conduct due diligence in the current international trend. By doing so, they would not only mitigate legal and reputational risks but also appeal to workers to whom they are offering an attractive working environment and ultimately improve their competitiveness,” he said.
“UNDP and the Government of Japan are working together to ensure the advancement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals and will continue to support efforts aimed at promoting the rights of all and accelerating the achievement of the SDGs through all its interventions in Ghana,” he stated.
In her remarks, the Deputy Commissioner of the Commission for Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), Mrs. Mercy Larbi, added that “supporting the advancement of responsible business conduct to address human rights abuses will be critical if Ghana is to attain the SDG 8 and this project is timely.
The Deputy Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Mrs. Diana Asonaba Dapaah, commended the project. She noted that “human rights go hand in hand with development. Therefore, we must continually and constantly ensure we are able to address human rights abuses created by various organisations. We must take a more proactive approach rather than being reactive to tackling human rights abuses, particularly in our businesses”.
The project will contribute to Ghana’s efforts to address issues such as forced labour, trafficking, health, safety and environmental abuses to ensure that human rights are protected and vulnerable people in society are not unduly affected.
Ms Kenndicta A-ensonga Ajene, Founder of A-ensonga Hearts, a charitable Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) has called on parents and guardians in rural communities to allow their children attend school for better future outcomes.
“Please allow your children to go to school because education is very important. Children are the future leaders and should not stay at home,”
Ms Ajene, in the company of some officials of the NGO, visited the Salamba AME Zion Primary School at Bogkurigu in the Sagnarigu Municipality of the Northern Region, to present educational and non-educational materials to its management who requested support from leadership of the NGO.
The items, valued at about GH₵8200.00 included 90 assorted textbooks, 110 black slates, one box of pen, five boxes of white chalk, 48 pieces of plates, 23 bowls and 32 water bottles.
In addition to the items, the NGO provided refreshment to the school’s population of about 265.
Miss Ajene said, “When we got information that the school lacked teaching and learning materials, we were sad, because these little ones are the future leaders to take care of us in future, and that is why you do not have to go with them to farms, but allow them to go to school,”.
Ms Ajene encouraged parents, especially those in rural communities, to ensure their children were in school to become responsible citizens and contribute to the development agenda of the country.
In spite of the numerous challenges confronting the schools, Ms Ajene expressed hope for better lives for the children and urged parents and pupils not to give up in their quest to climb onto higher heights in education.
“We do not have to lose hope but continue to encourage the children to go to school, because tomorrow will be better,” she said.
Mr Alhassan Eliasu, the Headmaster of the school who received the items, thanked leadership of the NGO for the swift response to the school’s request.
He said the school was established in 1989 and now has over 265 pupils, indicating that “When there is the School Feeding programme, we get a lot of children coming to school, but when the programme stops, then the numbers decrease”.
He mentioned some challenges confronting the school to include insufficient furniture, lack of textbooks, exercise books, lavatories, and insufficient classrooms.
He, therefore, appealed to other organizations, philanthropists, and individuals to come to the aid of the school.
Therefore, as of November 21, 2022, all participants in the financial sector have been directed by the Bank of Ghana to stop providing HudsonPrice Data Solution with information regarding the credit histories of their clients.
With the revocation of Hudson Price’s license, the country now has two credit reference bureaus licensed by the Bank of Ghana namely XDS Data and Dun and Bradstreet.
The BoG however noted that commercial banks must take note of the directive and comply accordingly.
Meanwhile, XDS Data was the first credit reference bureau to be licensed by the Bank of Ghana as it was expected to help reduce the cost of credit in the country.
The State has preferred fresh charges against three accomplices of En Huang, aka Aisha Huang, alleged illegal miner standing trial for engaging in the illegal act in the country.
The accused persons are: Shi Yang, aka Philip, Li We Guo and Shi Mei Zhi.
They are said to have possessed forged residence permits.
Li We Guo and Shi Mei Zhi,who are partners, are facing a charge of undertaking mining operation without license.
They are said to have undertaken mining operation without license granted by the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources at Nwinso, near Nkawkaw in the Eastern in the year 2017.
They have denied the offences.
The court presided over by Justice Lydia Osei- Marfo declined them bail saying they had no social and financial tides within the jurisdiction and likely not to return to face trial when granted bail.
“It is in the interest of justice that they are kept in prison custody pending trial,” the Court held.
It further ordered prosecution to file disclosures and serve same on the accused persons on their lawyers.
The matter has been adjourned to December 14.
Meanwhile, the court has discharged a Vietnamese who was standing trial with the three accused persons on the grounds that her charges were immigration related thus should be tried separately.
Narrating the fact of the case, Mrs Yvonne Atakora Obuobisa, the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) said on September 14, 2022, as part of investigations into the case of En Huang, personnel of the Ministry of National Security, Kumasi, received information that the accused persons were dealing in gold.
The prosecution said Officers of the National Security, Kumasi, arrested Shi Yang, aka Philip, and the other accused persons.
They also picked up a Vietnamese national from their residence at Paraku Estates near Daaban, Kumasi in the Ashanti Region.
The prosecution said Shi Yang was the son of Shi Mei Zhi and Li Wei, partner of Shi Mei Zhi.
It said a search conducted at their Paraku Estate Residence produced five payment receipt with a total face value of GHS285,000 issued to Li We Guo.
The prosecution held that the receipt showed that the amount paid was for the purchase of mining concessions, farmlands, groundwork, and transfer of concessions.
The prosecution said the two partners were said to have mined at Nwinso, near Nkawkaw in the year 2017.
Shi Yang is said to be the Director of ShimaBen Ghana Limited, a company which took over En Huang’s Golden Asia Supermarket after her repatriation.
It said during investigation two metal safes, which contained money in several denominations, 19 small containers of mercury in the warehouse of ShemaBen as well as excavator parts and industrial oil were found.
It said all the three persons had residence permits in their passports, but the Ghana Immigration Service found out that they did not issue them.
Ghana Statistical Services (GSS) has established the “Data Science Roadmap” to standardize the many data sources in the nation and automate data for analytical purposes in accordance with modern data consumers’ demands.
The data science roadmap, according to GSS, has the potential to enhance and automate the creation of already-released Statistics as well as act as a catalyst for the development of new Statistics.
To integrate online databanks, create a standard reporting dashboard for real-time monitoring of census and survey data collecting, provide ecological statistics, and automate quality checks on trade data, GSS said that it will increase the use of data science over the next five years.
Prof. Samuel Kobina Annim, Government Statistician, speaking at the launch event held concurrently with the occasion of African Statistics Day Celebration said: “GSS intends to apply data science for automation, standardisation and discovery of new data trends and analytical methods learning.
“Augmenting statistical operations with data science will support the continued production of relevant and timely data to meet the demands of modern data users,” he said.
Senior Lecturer, Department of Agriculture Economics and Agribusiness, University of Ghana, Dr. Edward Ebo Onumah, lauded the roadmap as a good initiative to harmonise the data space; stating that the need for such an initiative has been long overdue due to the influx of unverified and unsubstantiated data being used even by state officials as authoritative data.
“This initiative is very important – because if you are going to stand somewhere and say agriculture employs about 54 percent when others are saying it is 42 percent and so on, it creates a certain picture about the country to international eyes that is awkward.”
“So, it is good for GSS to front and harmonise all data set in the space – including what the universities, researchers and other institutions put out there,” he stated.
Eleven persons have been remanded into prison custody by the Adentan Circuit Court for allegedly kidnapping and robbing a man of GHS37,000.
The accused persons after kidnapping the victim, drove him to Kwame Nkrumah Circle and compelled him to transfer additional GHS4,000 from his Momo account, according to prosecutors.
The accused persons include Frederick Ahialey, Frederick Kumi, Kenneth Sarpong, Appiah Bright, George Dzameshie, Kwame Aboagye.
The rest are Richard Sackey, Asamoah Samuel, Emmanuel Abbey, Elijah French, and Abdul Rahman Yahaya.
They are being held on the charges of conspiracy to commit, robbery and kidnapping.
The court presided over by Mrs Sedinam Awo Balokah did not take their pleas, pending further investigations into the matter.
Accused persons are expected to reappear on November 24.
Superintendent of Police Richard Boateng prayed the court to remand accused persons, pending further investigations into the matter.
The prosecution’s case was that the victim Jacob Jackson and Ahialey, the first accused person, were friends for more than five years and during their friendship, Ahialey and the victim stayed in a room.
It said Ahialey and the victim were allegedly into internet fraud business but the two had a misunderstanding over the proceeds from the said internet fraud business. Ahialey therefore felt cheated.
The prosecution said Ahialey engaged one Michael, who is currently at large, to assist him to retrieve an unspecified amount from the complainant through any means.
It said on November 18, this year, at about 9:30 pm Ahialey with the help of the said Michael engaged 10 other accused persons to attack the victim and retrieved the money.
The prosecution said accused persons organised themselves into two groups and hired two taxis, one of which was driven by one Jacob Amenyo.
It said at about 11;30 pm on the same day, the accused persons attacked the victim at his residence at Pantang and took away GHS37,000 from the victim and his friend known as Ahmed Salim who then with him.
The prosecution held that accused persons who were not satisfied with their actions bundled the victim into one of the taxi cabs and drove him to Kwame Nkrumah Circle where they forcibly withdrew GHS4,000 from the victim’s Momo account.
It said the accused persons then took the victim to the National Security at Osu, Accra and abandoned him there.
The prosecution said two witnesses reported the incident to the Police at Adenta. Six of the accused persons were arrested at Pantang Junction and the rest by the Ministries Police.
It said when the accused persons were searched, GHS25,134 were found on them.
The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has earmarked over 100 illegal structures at Kofikrom, a community within the Okaikoi South Sub-Metropolitan District for pulling down to avert perennial flooding.
The exercise followed an order from the La Court after a series of engagements between Public Health Officers and squatters to vacate the location due to the danger their activities pose to public safety.
Mr Gilbert Nii Ankrah, the Head of Public Affairs of the AMA, made this known in an interview with the media in Accra.
He said due to the illegal structures on the storm drain in the community, coupled with the dumping of refuse into the drains, the Assembly was unable to effectively desilt the drain, causing flooding anytime it rains.
Mr Ankrah said occupants of the structures also defecate into the drains causing the spread of diseases while engaging in illicit activities, adding that, some of the occupants operate kraal under unhygienic conditions with offensive odour and flies.
He stated that there had been reports of how some of these squatters defecate and throw it into some adjoining buildings, including companies such as the ECG Technical Office, Duraplast Company Limited and Ashfoam limited.
“We have had alleged reports of how some of them jump into the nearby company to steal on several occasions… Most of the structures are believed to be used as brothels by sex workers as well,” he said.
Mr Ankrah stated that the illegal structures had created a state of fear in the community as they had continuously been terrorised by criminals who used the structures as their hideouts.
He warned that the Assembly would move in to forcefully eject the occupants if they failed to adhere to the notices served them adding that this was not the first time the people have been asked to vacate the location.
Markaz Al Bishara, a non-governmental organisation, has presented educational materials worth GH¢24,000.00 to 100 schoolchildren in the Gushegu Municipality of the Northern Region.
The items included school bags, pens, pencils, exercise books, mathematical sets and 22 dual desks for Kpatinga E/A Junior High School (JHS), Nayugu, Kpahikpaba, Kpisinga, Sampemo, Tindang, Sukaya, Kutung and Zori Primary Schools.
The donation was funded by Children Believe, a child-centered non-governmental organisation.
Mr Sayibu Joshua, Coordinator of Markaz Al Bishara, speaking during the presentation of the items at Gushegu, said the gesture was to relieve parents of the burden of purchasing those school items and to motivate the children.
He said the Area Development Programme also provided cash to other sponsored children to enable them to meet some needs.
Mr Alhassan Ahamed Tijani, Gushegu Municipal Director of Education said the support would improve performance in the schools.
He described the donation as an opportunity for beneficiaries to ride on to improve academic performance and urged parents to nurture children to be responsible in society.
He urged the pupils to enjoy the comfort of the donated furniture and handle them with care, stating that sitting on the floor to learn in classrooms had an adverse effect on academic performances.
Mr Alhassan Ibrahim, Headmaster of Kpatinga E/A JHS thanked the partners for the donation and assured them that the items would be put to good use.
The minority in Parliament has described the Nana Addo administration as a failure over the treatment of the Saglemi affordable housing project.
The project started by the Mahama administration has been left unattended to since 2017.
Former works and housing minister Collins Dauda and others are standing trial for allegedly varying the terms of the contract without recourse to parliament.
Government has now decided to sell off the project to a private developer for completion and onward sale.
Minister for works and housing Francis Asenso Boakye has explained the project is a failure thus the decision to sell it off.
But addressing the media after touring the project site, ranking member for the committee on Works and Housing, Vincent Oppong argued contrary to the sector minister’s assertion that the project is a failure.
He claimed the Nana Addo administration has rather failed Ghanaians by allowing such an investment to go to waste while thieves strip the houses of all fittings
It is an undeniable fact that she puts up a ‘showstopping’ display anytime she grabs the mic to perform.
Elsie Duncan Williams, the first daughter of Arch Bishop Nicholas Duncan Williams, is a gospel minister and the first lady of Action Chapel Virginia, in the United States, where she resides with her husband, Bishop Dr. Kibby Otoo.
However, asides from ministering in church, the daughter of the renowned pastor has on several occasions put up a thrilling performance on a number of platforms both gospel and secular.
Elsie, although a minister of the gospel, has broken frontiers by performing with a number of bands, orchestras, and even shared stages with some secular artistes at social events.
But in all, her energetic performances and soothing melodies still resound in the minds of patrons even after such events.
With that being said, let’s take a look at some top four performances of Elsie Duncan Williams
Elsie Duncan Williams and Shatta Wale’s performance at the Rythymz on the Runway
The gospel minister made headlines with a thrilling performance with Dancehall artiste, Shatta Wale.
It is an unhidden fact that Arch-Bishop Duncan Williams is Shatta Wale’s spiritual father, hence the Dancehall artiste’s close relationship with the pastor’s daughter who he refers to as ‘Sister’.
Backed by a live band, the two treated audience seated at the 2022 edition of ‘Rythymz on the Runway’ to an exceptional rendition of Shatta’s ‘Bullet’ song.
The audience was charged up when Elsie delivered solid vocals and adopted her own style in a duet with Shatta on stage.
Elsie Duncan Williams performs at Rawlings’ mother’s funeral
In a spirit-filled performance at former president JJ Rawling’s mother’s funeral held on October 25, 2020, Elsie Duncan-Williams sank the audience in a moment of chills and sober reflections when she took to the stage to perform.
Her rendition of Josh Groban’s ‘You lift me up’ swept patrons off their feet and this particular performance became the talk of the town.
Elsie Duncan Williams performed with the Mass choir and Symphony Orchestra at Rawlings’ burial service
Elsie Duncan Williams in a solemn ceremony mounted the stage to perform during the funeral of former president Jerry John Rawlings held on January 27, 2021.
She performed alongside the Mass choir and Symphony Orchestra In the presence of the thousands of patrons gathered at the Independence Square at that time.
In one of Elsie’s performances on that day, the widow, Mrs. Konadu Agyemang Rawlings, and her daughter, Zanetor Rawlings were drawn to tears when she sang her version of Ben E King’s ‘Stand by Me’.
A bold and brilliant Saudi Arabia pulled off one of the World Cup’s biggest shocks as they came from behind to stun two-time winners Argentina in a fantastic Group C opener in Lusail.
Ranked 51st in the world, Saudi Arabia could have been done and dusted in the first half as Lionel Messi opened the scoring from the penalty spot before Argentina had three goals ruled out for offside.
But Saudi Arabia flipped the game on its head in a stunning 10-minute period after half-time, Saleh Al-Shehri levelling with a low effort and Salem Al Dawsari firing them ahead to spark pandemonium in the stands.
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Having shown their ruthlessness at one end, the Green Falcons demonstrated a ruggedness at the other, holding a stellar Argentina front line at bay to secure only their fourth World Cup win in history and throw the group wide open.
Lionel Scaloni’s Argentina came into the tournament among the favourites, on the back of a 36-game unbeaten run that included winning the 2021 Copa America.
They now have it all to do to keep alive their hopes of a first global triumph since 1986 and give Messi a fitting ending to what is very likely his World Cup swansong.
They face Mexico on Saturday, while Saudi Arabia take on Poland.
He has urged Ghanaians to believe that the country’s economic woes will end.
He asserts that the government will ensure that the economy recovers by acting with renewed boldness and hope in God.
Speaking during the Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church’s 70th anniversary celebration in Tema Community 1, Bawumia cited Isaiah 40:31 from the Bible to buttress his point.
He conceded that Ghana is going through economic difficulties but assured that “we will ride this storm”.
Meanwhile, President Nana Addo Dankwa Aufo-Addo said there are engagements ongoing with relevant institutions and agencies as part of measures to address the current economic adversity.
Nana Addo in his address to congregants at the Presbyterian Church of Ghana Akyem Abuakwa Presbytery on the occasion of the Centenary Thanksgiving Service and Dedication of Centenary Complex in Kyebi stated that he is not disturbed by utterances by his critics and is focused on measures being adopted by his government to change the economic fortunes of the country.
He charged Ghanaians to keep rallying support, praying, and continue keeping faith in him to out-turn the current economic hardship in the country.
“The issue is that even last year, the policy’s direction was to raise toll rates in order to raise more money for infrastructure reconstruction.
In light of my complaint regarding inconsistent economic policies, what has changed? he asked.
Abdallah Ali-Nakyea, a tax expert, has questioned why the government eliminated toll booths and road tolls when the primary goal of having them in the first place was to raise more money for development.
This was announced by the Minister of Finance, Mr. Ken Ofori-Atta, in his presentation of the 2022 budget statement and economic policy to parliament on Wednesday, 17 November 2021.
“Over the years, the tolling points have led to heavy traffic on our roads and lengthened travel time from one place to another, impacting negatively on time and productivity”.
“The congestion generated at the tolling points, besides creating these inconveniences, also leads to pollution in and around those vicinities”, Mr. Ofori-Atta said.
“To address these challenges, the government has abolished all tolls on public roads and bridges”, he announced.
“This takes effect immediately the Budget is approved”, he noted.
“The toll collection personnel will be reassigned”, he said.
“The expected impact on productivity and reduced environmental pollution will more than offset the revenue forgone by removing the tolls,” he added.
The minister said to compensate for the road tolls, the government is looking to introduce innovative ways of raising revenue such as the proposed 1.7% phone transactions levy payable by mobile money users per transaction above GHS100.
He said this will help the government to shore up revenue inflows to fund road projects in the country.
However, Dr. Ali-Nakyea said in an interview on Accra-based Citi FM on Monday, 22 November 2021: “The question is – even last year, the policy direction was to increase the rate of tolls, so, we can get more to rebuild the infrastructure. So, what changed; which is what I complained about policy inconsistency in the economic front”.
He asked: “If the reason for abolishing the tollbooths to bring e-levy has to do with congestion at the tollbooths, fumes – don’t we even suffer more congestion and fumes in traffic; not even at tollbooths, even in normal traffic?”
“So, even the tollbooths can be relocated instead of being abolished because our towns and cities have grown to outstretch the tollbooths; let’s relocate [them].
“In fact, it will not be the first time of relocating tollbooths: they’ve been moved forward from time immemorial, so, let’s look at that; increase it and I believe the stakeholder discussions that were held, people were all for an increase in tolls because they could see road networks being developed” he noted.
“And, if it is about congestion, we even have some lanes that are e-tickets; then you don’t go and stand there and buy, you go because you are holding it already”.
“Can we then, with digitalisation, go that way so all the toll booths will be digitised or portions will be digitised and people who are regular on that lane get to pay at a point; their system will by input like we have at the University of Ghana, Legon; once you get there, the bar lifts and you are gone”.
Dr. Ali-Nakyea said: “Indeed if the intention is to tax e-commerce, I believe the GRA has developed a framework for the taxation of e-commerce. Did we take that to look at how to implement it or we wanted an easy way out? Because the discussion has been on so many fronts – e-commerce, transfers, MoMo and the question is: even the use of the revenue to help infrastructure and you abolish tollbooths?”
He said: “For me, my worry is the tracing and tracking of the revenue, else it goes into the drain, which is why I keep complaining that if we don’t plug the loopholes and we keep increasing taxes or introducing taxes, they go down the drain because the hole becomes wider”.
“If we are saying 2.8 million people are bearing the tax responsibility of over 30.8 million people, when indeed, statistics show that about 14 million are supposed to be paying tax, doesn’t it presuppose that if we are to double the two million who are bearing the burden to about four, five, even up to 10 million, then our problem is solved? Why don’t we want to go that route to ensure tax compliance and we are looking for shortcuts, easy way out because the very people who are the 2 million, will be burdened the more”.
“If we think that the MoMo is going to widen the tax net, we need to apprise ourselves of the unintended consequences of withdrawals, unintended consequences of going back to the old ways; I’ll go to the bank because you are now telling me bank transfers are not included [so] I’ll go back to old ways [and] transfer through the banks. I’ll endure the queue and the traffic if it will save me that amount because remember it depends on volumes – the higher the amount the higher you are going to be paying, so, with the small ones, I do it and pay”.
Ajax midfielder, Mohammed Kudus, has revealed that he spoke to Everton manager, Frank Lampard, over a possible move to the club during the summer transfer window.
The Ghana forward had a torrid time beginning of the Dutch season.
Kudus failed to start any of Ajax’s first four games of the season, amassing just 29 minutes during that run.
The 22-year-old considered leaving Ajax and was strongly linked to the Toffees.
Despite the strong interest, the move to the Premier League club fell through.
“I was really close to joining Everton,” he told Joy Prime.
“I thought it was a good project for me and I felt I should try it. It wasn’t like this season was my first, it was my third. So if I’m not getting the progress I’m looking for then why not try something else? That was the focus of everything that happened.
The attacking midfielder added but for the reluctance of Ajax to allow him to leave, he would have joined the Merseysiders as he discussed with Frank Lampard.
“I spoke to Lampard [regarding a move to Everton]. I had a chat with him to know the project they have for me, what he thinks about me and how he sees me as a player because definitely that would be the green light for me to decide whether I want to move. Without the coach there is nothing,” he continued.
Kudus became a regular in Schreuder’s starting line-up following the closure of the transfer window, playing in the false 9 role where he has flourished. The former FC Nordsjaelland forward is expected to play a key role for the Black Stars at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
This Christmas, BBnZ Live and BTL Africa collaborate to bring you UPPFEST City, a one-of-a-kind pop-up festival that creates a venue for creatives and event organizers to collaborate on ideas and events for the season.
The idea was birthed as a way to subsidize costs for the industry considering the current economic turmoil.
UPPFEST City kicks off with a World Cup viewing park from the 24th-18th of December and then merges into a series of festivals, concerts, and events throughout the festive season.
The UPPFEST idea saw its fruition during the pandemic when everyone would get their own swimming pool after renting a cabana. This year not only do you get the option of your own swimming pool you can opt for a Jacuzzi as well.
UPPFEST is also being activated in Wonderland Lagos in Nigeria. Wonderland Lagos is another festive pop-up with concerts and various activations opening on the 3rd of December in Eko Energy City.
Ahead of the release of his new mixtape Flamerz 5, which is expected to drop on a free mixtape platform later today, Meek Mill returns with a new freestyle over the title track from DJ Khaled’s 13th studio album God Did.
Directed by Benjamin Carter, the new video for the freestyle splices footage of the Philly rapper performing at his concerts alongside clips that feature Meek hosting a lavish dinner and rapping his verse from the inside of a helicopter.
“They underrated me, never paid me, but them streets did/Who brought the billionaires to the hood? Gonna tell you Meek did/Who bringing real n***as home for good? Gonna tell you Meek did” Meek raps to open the track.
As he gears up to drop Flamerz 5, Meek recently revealed that fans shouldn’t expect the mixtape to be released on any major streaming platforms.
“When a label gave me a plaque I thought they was tryna trick me lol … show me the financials that my art made … that other shit a mental trick … give me a plaque with how much my song made and how much I got paid … I’m shying away from that whole system it’s not for us!” he wrote on Twitter.
He added, “I don’t want FLAMERZ 5 on no streaming service. This strictly underground music. Billboard can’t rate it. Just rate the music. I’d bet you a million I can make the UnitedStates/world play it with one upload button been doing it since MySpace lol.”
Later this week, Meek will celebrate the 10th anniversary of his debut album, Dreams and Nightmares, with a a special homecoming concert at Wells Fargo Center on Nov. 26. Tickets for Meek Mill + Friends Dreams and Nightmares 10-Year Anniversary concert are available at WellsFargoCenterPhilly.com.
