TIG Post

Author: Chris Kodo

  • $500m needed to revamp Tema Oil Refinery – Institute for Energy Policies and Research

    According to the Institute for Energy Policies and Research (INSTEPR), the Tema Oil Refinery needed renovations worth $500 million.

    It also questioned why the government, which has the bulk of the oil refinery’s shares, hasn’t spoken out about how to get the refinery producing oil so that Ghanaians can be protected from the rise in petroleum products like gasoline, diesel, and LPG at different pumps.

    The policy think tank said in a release seen by GhanaWeb that the Finance Ministry was cash-strapped and unable to invest in the nearly bankrupt refinery as a result.

    “The government as majority shareholder of the refinery has been quiet on any plans to get the refinery working to cushion the suffering of Ghanaians. The cost to revamp TOR and provide capital for its operations is estimated at USD $500 million. We all know Ministry of Finance does not have this money especially under the watchful eyes of the IMF,” part of the release read.

    The Tema Oil Refinery has not been operational since June 2018 due to lack of crude oil which serves as a raw material for the refinery.

    Aside from the inadequate crude oil in the country’s only oil refinery, TOR is faced with other challenges like broken equipment, piled debt, among others.

    It would be recalled that the management of TOR in April this year sought approval from the Energy Ministry to engage the private sector players to revamp the oil refinery.

    The green light was given on May 2, 2022.

    In June this year, the Deputy Energy Minister, Andrew Egyapa Mercer, said he was optimistic the oil refinery will soon commence operations.

    Below is the full statement

    The question on the minds of most Ghanaians is, why is Tema Oil Refinery not working? In recent months there has been over 150% increase in prices of Petroleum products. This has brought immense hardship on the average Ghanaian through the increase in the prices of goods and transport.

    The last time the Refinery refined crude Oil was in April 2021, just before the appointment of the Interim Management Committee (IMC) on 15th June 2021. The Minister tasked the IMC among other things to receive and assess viable partnerships for TOR. The three member IMC was at TOR for 9 months and during that period there were no procurement or refining of crude.

    INSTEPR in several publications questioned the work of the IMC and felt they did not perform according to their scope of work. A new Managing Director, Mr. Jerry K. Hinson and board of directors were appointed on 2nd March 2022. The refinery, 8 months after the new board, has still not refined a single parcel of crude oil. A situation which is becoming very worrying to industry experts.

    The premier Oil Refinery when working reduces the importation of petroleum products including LPG (Cooking Gas) and provides job security to the hundreds of technical staff. TOR until April 2021, had a tolling business model which was started by Mr. Isaac Osei with Woodfields Energy Resources. This business sustained the refinery with cashflow until the contract was frustrated and not renewed without any substitute arrangement.

    Today, the problems at the refinery are as it was 5 years after the explosion that reduced its refining capacity from 45,000 bpd to 23,000 bpd. INSTEPR in the past, had outlined the following to solve the problems at Tema Oil Refinery:

    Fix the CDU from the 23,000 bpsd to 45,000 bpsd

    Solve the RFCC problem

    Install hydrotreating catalysts and technologies for all crude oil fractions, enabling the refinery to meet 50 ppm or lower specification.

    Construct a gas pipeline (less than 1KM) to power the refinery. This stops the refinery from using expensive Crude oil for power.

    Put measures and security in place to stop the theft of products.

    The government as majority shareholder of the refinery has been quiet on any plans to get the refinery working to cushion the suffering of Ghanaians.

    The cost to revamp TOR and provide capital for its operations is estimated at USD $500 million. We all know Ministry of Finance does not have this money especially under the watchful eyes of the IMF.

    The Institute in consultation with other civil society organization and industry experts will organize a forum to engage government to find a lasting solution to the TOR problem. We cannot allow a national asset like TOR to collapse and turned into a tank farm, as proposed by others in the past.

  • Be careful, online fraudsters targeting customers of banks – Cyber Security Authority warns

    The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has warned Ghanaians, especially customers of various financial institutions to desist from giving out their personal information to others.

    According to the Authority, some unscrupulous persons act as agents of various banks to scam customers of their hard earn monies.

    In a press release sighted by GhanaWeb, it noted that these online fraudsters ask customers for their Ghana card details, ATM PINs, among other security details with the excuse of helping them link their Ghana cards to their accounts.

    The Cyber Security Authority said once the requested information is provided, these fraudsters undertake several online transactions causing financial loss to victims.

    The Authority advised customers to never share their personal identifiable information including pin codes, debit/credit card verification values and OTPs with anyone.

    “Customers of these banks first receive an SMS supposedly from their bank informing them that they will be receiving a call from an agent who will be assisting them to link their Ghana cards with their accounts and credit/debit (ATM) cards,” part of the release read.

    “The supposed agents of the banks then reach out to customers, requesting for personal identifiable information including Ghana card details, primary account numbers of debit/credit cards, card verification value numbers, expiry date of the cards, One Time Password, among others, as part of the linking process,” it added.

    Source: Complex.com

  • Ensure citizens have access to energy, it’s their fundamental right – Napo to African leaders

    Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the energy minister, has pleaded with African leaders to guarantee that their people have access to dependable power.He believed that having access to energy was not a luxury but rather a basic human right that all citizens should be able to enjoy.

    Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh emphasized the need for the continent to offer everyone access to affordable electricity.

    Speaking at the 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Egypt, he said, “Energy is not a luxury but a right, a fundamental right and so governments must work to ensure that the whole population has access to energy to develop socio-economically.”

    He called for the usage of green energy on the continent and urged all to desist from polluting the environment.

  • The Ghana Stock Exchange launches Green Bond Rules at its 32nd anniversary celebration

    As part of programs to mark its 32nd anniversary, the Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE) in collaboration with its regulator, the Securities and Exchange, launched the new Green and Sustainable Bond Rules to guide the listing and trading of green and sustainable bonds on the Ghanaian market.

    This year’s anniversary was under the theme “Investing into a Green and Sustainable Future’.

    Green Bonds are bonds that support new or existing projects that generate climate or other environmental benefits that conform to Green Guidelines and Standards while Sustainable bonds support new or existing projects that generate both environmental and social benefits that conform to the Sustainability Guidelines.

    The first Green Bond was issued in 2007 by the European Investment Bank under the label Climate Awareness Bond. Due to the role the finance sector plays in allocating capital efficiently, it remains a key channel for economies all over the world to make a real impact. As such, the best way to combat climate change while still making a profit is through the financial market.

    In his remarks, the keynote speaker for the event, Mr. Aliou Maiga, IFC’s Regional Industry Director for the Financial Institutions Group in Africa said, “I commend Ghana and the Ghana Stock Exchange for showing leadership in green and sustainability finance. Climate financing is not only a development imperative but also a significant market opportunity.

    IFC is committed to working with Ghana’s stakeholders to facilitate investments that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support climate change adaptation.”
    Speaking at the event, the Director General of the Securities and Exchange Commission stated that “Investing in green and sustainable future is both well timed and opportune.

    Sustainability is a broader topic that stands on social human, economic and environmental pillars, none of which can be ignored. It is the most pressing challenge of our time for many business leaders. However, there is evidence of a correlation between the long-term success of a business and sustainability. Investors across the world are demanding opportunities to invest in companies or investments with strong ESG markets.”

    Delivering his goodwill message at the event, the Senior Financial Markets Specialist at FSD Africa, Victor Nkiiri hinted that “At Financial Sector Deepening Africa (FSD Africa), we see the development of capital markets to an end, to increase income and job creation, access to basic services and building of sustainable futures. Deep liquid markets are fundamental to economic growth because they help channel longer-term domestic savings of an economy to the most productive use.”

    In his remarks, the Managing Director of GSE, Ekow Afedzie said, “Green and Sustainable bonds have gained traction globally due to the enormous benefits it brings to the environment and society at large.” GSE has been very committed to sustainability initiatives over the past years culminating in our recent admission to the UN Sustainable Exchanges in July.

    The launch of ESG Disclosure Manual Guidelines in November this year is another testament to our commitment to this sustainability journey. The launching of Green and Sustainable bond rules today is another milestone on our sustainability journey.

    Listed companies in Ghana now can tap into these fast-growing bond investment products to raise capital that can be used in supporting ESG initiatives.

    Source: Ghanaweb.com

  • FLASHBACK: Government is struggling with ‘419’ paperless system – Isaac Adongo

    Isaac Adongo, the member of parliament for Bolgatanga Central, stated in 2017 that the administration was having trouble putting the paperless port system initiative into practice.

    He claims that “They claim to operate on a paperless system.  Do you not see 419?It is not logical…They are having trouble.
    Because the Vice President stated he wants a paperless system by September 1 when he arrived at the port in July, there are systems that need to be finished.
    In two months, can you complete this?”

    The finance minister had earlier remarked that the method had caused a 35.4% rise in revenue at the port.

    Member of Parliament of Bolgatanga Central has said that the government is struggling to implement its touted paperless ports system adding that it has failed to deliver the intended results.

    This follows claims by Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta in his 2018 budget presented to parliament, in which he revealed the government’s introduction of paperless transactions at the country’s ports as a means of improving efficiency. According to him, implementation of the paperless system significantly reduced transaction time from 2 days to 8 hours (of compliant transactions) whilst revenue from the Port increased by 35.4 percent.

    The MP who is certain that the system ought to be completed before it is implemented described it as a “419” move which “doesn’t make sense”. For him, two months is too short a time to make the new system effective.

    “…they say they have done a paperless system. Can’t you see 419? It doesn’t make sense…they are struggling. There are systems that need to be completed because the Vice President arrived at the port in July and said by September 1 he wants a paperless system. Can you do this in two months?”

    Isaac Adongo described as unrealistic, the government’s earlier declaration to roll out a paperless tax exemption system to block the revenue leakages that recur with the current manual system at the beginning of 2018.

    He claimed the result of government’s “struggle” to implement the system is a result of taking credit for the work done by the opposition after the NDC presented the Single Window Bill to provide the legal effect to implementing single window as well as employing the services of West Blue Consulting, an IT firm engaged for the provision of the National Single Window and Risk Management System in Ghana.

    “So you see what happens to you when you want to take the credit for somebody’s work? That is after the NDC government has done all the work…last year were you not here when we brought a bill for a single window to provide the legal effect to implementing a single window…when we recruited West Blue…when we developed all the systems. Now it is meant to be implemented and you say you want it in two months. You should see that the man is struggling,” the Bolgatanga MP lamented.

  • All imported used vehicles from 2023 must be accompanied by Certificate of Conformance – GSA

    The Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) has informed the public and more specifically importers of used vehicles that beginning 1st January 2023 all used vehicles imported into Ghana shall be accompanied by a valid Certificate of Conformance (CoC) from an approved body.

    The certificate according to the GSA must demonstrate conformance of the used vehicle to requirements of the Ghana Standard for used vehicles GS 4510:2022 Road vehicles — Requirements for imported used motor vehicles.

    This is in line with the Customs (Amendment) Act 2020, Section 61 of Act 891 amended, and related legislation.

    The GSA in a statement said “enforcement of this aspect of the law shall ensure improved safety, quality, and asset value of used vehicles imported into Ghana while sustaining the value chain of the used vehicle industry.

    Certificates of Conformance can be obtained from approved third-party inspection bodies or through trained and licensed used vehicle dealerships.”

    The Authority said it will provide on its website an updated list of approved inspection bodies and licensed used vehicle dealerships with contact details.

    The Authority reminded all importers and assemblers of new vehicles to register with the Authority and ensure those vehicle models imported or assembled are homologated (certified) by the Authority in line with the relevant Ghana Standards for new vehicles of categories M1 (Passenger cars and SUVs), M2 (Minibuses), and N1 (Pickups and cargo vans).

    “New vehicles of models not homologated (certified) by the Authority shall not be permitted for importation from 1st January 2023.

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • Support local manufacturers to produce more agrochemicals for farmers – Gov’t told

    Mr Kwasi Boamah Adomako, Commercial Director of New Okaff Industries Limited, has urged the Ghanaian government to support local manufacturers in producing more agrochemicals for farmers.

    Mr Adomako stated in an exclusive interview with Oyerepa Online/TV that local companies have everything needed to produce agrochemicals for farmers to use on their farms. However, because of financial constraints, companies such as New Okaff are not able to make greater quantities of chemicals for farmers.

    Nevertheless, if the government offers monetary support to manufacturing companies, they will be able to produce enough products that can be used locally as well as exported.

    “If local companies get sponsorship from the government, we can manufacture farming products for local farmers, some of our products can even be exported because the local companies have the ability to produce a lot of agrochemicals, but our only challenge is finance.” He told Joseph Marfo.

    Speaking about the perception some Ghanaians have that locally made products are inferior, hence going in for imported ones, he said;

    “We’re only causing harm to ourselves because we have always disregarded our own for imported ones which in the end causes havoc to ourselves.”

    He stressed that there are a lot of agrochemicals that negatively affect Ghanaians’ cocoa production.

    According to him, many foreign-made chemicals when applied to cocoa kill its lifespan; the chemicals do not permit the cocoa to bear fruits as projected, which is another reason why farmers seem to have been unable to increase cocoa yields in recent years.

    “There are a lot of imported agrochemicals that badly affect our cocoa when we apply it. These chemicals gradually kill the cocoa and do not permit it to bear an abundance of fruits. It doesn’t allow farmers to get enough yields.” The New Okaff Commercial Director disclosed.

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • Today in History: ‘I swear NPP will not meet its budgetary target’ – Ato Forson

    Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the ranking member of the parliamentary finance committee, voiced dissatisfaction with the elements of the 2018 budget that Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta had submitted.

    He vowed that the administration would be unable to meet its objectives.

    “If you carefully examine the budget, you will notice that it is empty.The figures on the fiscal table do not back up the false promises.
    Ghanaians won’t see anything concrete by the end of 2018,” he said.

    Former Deputy Finance Minister and Member of Parliament for Ajumako-Besease, Cassiel Ato Forson has taken a swipe at the 2018 budget presented by Finance Minister Ken Ofori- Atta on November 15, 2017.

    The minority spokesperson on Finance who described the budget as an empty promise asserted that figures mentioned by the Finance Minister do not correspond with the reality on the ground.

    “If you look at the budget carefully you will see it’s empty. The promises are empty and are not supported by the numbers on the fiscal table. Ghanaians will end the year 2018 without seeing anything tangible.”

    Cassiel Ato Forson also questioned the Minister’s decision to extend the National Fiscal Stabilization and Special Import levy that was enacted in 2013 as a temporary tax to avert the economic woes at the time.

    “The Minister of Finance said they have turned around the economy, granted that they have turned around the economy, why then are they extending the National Fiscal Stabilization and Special Import levy, the temporary taxes that were enacted in 2013 to deal with the problems the economy was facing at the time?”

    Mr. Forson added that the debt-to-GDP ratio is approximately 73.6 percent but when the Energy Bond and the UT/Capital banks bond are added, the debt-to-GDP ratio will shoot up to 76.8 percent.

    Growth

    He said the boasting by the government to achieve 5.9 percent GDP growth in 2017 and 8.9 percent in 2018 could be misleading.

    That, he said, was because the projected non-oil GDP growth of four percent in 2017 was lower than the realized non-oil GDP growth of 4.8 percent in 2016, while the projected non-oil GDP growth of 5 percent in 2018 was only 0.2 percent higher than the realized non-oil GDP growth in 2016.

     

  • World Cup 2022: I was disappointed – Ransford Yeboah Konigsdorffer speaks on his exclusion from Ghana final squad

    Hamburger SV forward Ransford-Yeboah Königsdörffer has expressed his disappointment after missing out in the Black Stars final squad for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

    The 21-year-old who has an outstanding campaign in the Bundesliga 2 this campaign missed out in Otto Addo’s final 26-man squad for the global tournament following announcement on Monday in Accra.

    “I was disappointed. I would have liked it. I think I deserved a nomination.” Königsdörffer said as quoted by German tabloid Bild.

    The Germany-born attacker who has previously presented at Germany at youth level switched his international allegiance to play for Ghana in June.

    He debuted with the Black Stars as a late substitute in a 1-0 friendly win over Nicaragua on 27 September 2022 in Lorca, Spain.

     

    The young attacker is currently on tour to California in USA with Hamburger where he scored the only goal when they beat Orange County.

    Königsdörffer scored a header in the 41st minute of the match to give Hamburger a 1-0 victory in the end in front of 4000 spectators.

  • Dr. Opoku-Afari inducted as Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences Fellow

    Dr. Maxwell Opoku-Afari, the first deputy governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), has been admitted as a fellow to the esteemed Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences (GAAS).

    The event took place on November 15, 2022, in the Accra Academy’s Auditorium.

    His Excellency Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Vice President of the Republic of Ghana, graced the event.

    Emeritus Professor Samuel Kofi Sefa-Dedeh, President of GAAS, inducted Dr. Opoku-Afari into fellowship together with other prominent academics

    In honour of his works over the years, a citation described Dr. Opoku-Afari’s contribution to national and economic development as significant.

    “Dr. Maxwell Opoku-Afari, on account of your noteworthy contribution to policy-relevant research and modernization of monetary policy frameworks in low-income and developing countries, you were elected Fellow of the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences on 20th October 2022. Congratulations”, Vice President (Arts Section) Prof. Kofi Opoku Nti said.

    Speaking after the ceremony, Dr. Opoku-Afari expressed gratitude to the President and Council of GAAS.

    The Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences was founded in 1959 on the initiative of Ghana’s first president, Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah. Its aim is generally to promote the pursuit, advancement and dissemination of knowledge in all branches of the sciences and the humanities.

    At the time it was established, the Academy was the first in Black Africa.

  • Akpeteshie consumers in Mfantseman bemoan price increase

    The country’s current economic difficulties have an impact on the price of akpeteshie, a locally made alcoholic beverage.

    In the Mfantseman Municipality of the Central Region, some akpeteshie drinkers have complained about the increase in price of the locally manufactured alcoholic spirit.

    The consumers claim that the rising cost of akpeteshie has forced them to cut back on their use.

    Customers of the locally manufactured spirit observed that the beverage used to be offered from GHS1 upwards in an interview with ClassFM’s Central Regional Correspondent, Nana Tawiah.

    However, due to the current economic challenges confronting the nation, the price of the drink has increased.

    A consumer said: “Now, akpeteshie is expensive, one gallon is GHS50. Previously you could just buy on credit and come and pay later, now they have stopped selling on credit.”

    They appealed to government to fix the economy so that the price of akpeteshie can be reduced.

    “Quarter is GHS5, now you don’t even get intoxicated when we consume it. We’re saying that if he [President] can’t do anything, he should reduce the price of petrol so that the price of akpeteshie can be reduced,” he stated.

    Another consumer also said: “Things are not going well at all; one tot is now GHS 1. Government has really worried us.”

  • Producer Price inflation rate for October hits 65.2%

    According to the Ghana Statistical Service, the rate of producer price inflation for October 2022 was 65.2%.

    This indicates that the PPI climbed by 65.1% between October 2021 and October 2022 (year-over-year), which is a 19.3 percentage point increase in producer inflation compared to the rate observed in September 2022 (45.9%).

    PPI fluctuated monthly between September and October 2022, 15.4% percent.

    The average change over time in the prices domestic producers are paid for the creation of their goods and services is measured by the Producer Price Index (PPI).

    A release by the GSS noted that: “The producer price inflation in the Industry less construction sector increased to 75.6 percent in October 2022 from 54.5 percent in September 2022.”

    It also added that the rate in the construction sector declined from 25.1percent in September 2022 to 23.0 percent in October 2022. In the Services sector, the rate increased from 5.6 percent in September 2022 to 10.0 percent in October 2022.

    “This release shows the annual (year-on-year) and monthly producer inflation rates for all sectors Mining and Quarrying; Manufacturing; Electricity and Gas; Water Supply, Sewerage, and Waste Management; Construction; Transport and Storage; Food & Accommodation; Information & Communication,” the GSS added.

    Mining and quarrying (86.4%), manufacturing (73.1%), transport and storage (71.4%) recorded the highest rates, while Information and communication activity recorded the lowest rate of 1.4 percent in October 2022.

    Meanwhile, consumer inflation currently stands at 40.4% as of October 2022.

    The PPI figure for October 2022 is provisional and is subject to revision when
    additional data become available. All other indicators are final.

  • Schalke 04 consider sale of Ghana striker Bernard Tekpetey to Ludogorets as a mistake

    According to reports in Germany, Schalke O4 have regretted the sale of Bernard Tekpetey following his outstanding displays since moving to Bulgaria.

    Tekpetey, who had struggled in Germany has been a livewire for Ludogorets in the Bulgarian topflight.

    The form of Ghana forward has enticed the German club to sign him.

    The 24-year-old has scored eight goals and providing three assists in 15 matches Ludogorets in the ongoing season.

    And according to German news outlet derwesten.de, Schalke O4 have regretted the outright sale of the forward.

     

     

    “The deal can definitely be defined as negative. He was first leased to Razgrad, but in 2021 he was sold for 900,000 euros. Then the transfer was reported as good. But now? Now the Ghanaian has not only improved his qualities, that we knew, but he started to show goalscoring skills as well – something that Schalke now lacks,” wrote derwesten.de

    “Last season he scored 10 goals in the Bulgarian championship, and this season he continued with full steam – 8 goals and 3 assists in 15 matches. Bulgaria has everything – playing time and respect – something he didn’t get in Gelsenkirchen. And he is expected to make an even better transfer,” added the editorial of the news portal.

    Tekpetey has won the Bulgarian league twice with Ludogorets since moving to Bulgaria in 2020.

  • The Ghana Stock Exchange launches Green Bond Rules at its 32nd anniversary celebration

    The Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE), in partnership with its regulator, the Securities and Exchange, introduced new Green and Sustainable Bond Rules to govern the listing and trading of green and sustainable bonds on the Ghanaian market as part of celebrations for the GSE’s 32nd anniversary.

    The anniversary for this year was held under the banner of “Investing in a Green and Sustainable Future.”

    Green bonds support new or ongoing projects that have a positive impact on the environment or the climate and adhere to the Green Guidelines and Standards, whereas sustainable bonds support new or ongoing projects that have a positive impact on both the environment and society and adhere to the Sustainability Guidelines.

    The first Green Bond was issued in 2007 by the European Investment Bank under the label Climate Awareness Bond. Due to the role the finance sector plays in allocating capital efficiently, it remains a key channel for economies all over the world to make a real impact. As such, the best way to combat climate change while still making a profit is through the financial market.

    In his remarks, the keynote speaker for the event, Mr. Aliou Maiga, IFC’s Regional Industry Director for the Financial Institutions Group in Africa said, “I commend Ghana and the Ghana Stock Exchange for showing leadership in green and sustainability finance. Climate financing is not only a development imperative but also a significant market opportunity.

    IFC is committed to working with Ghana’s stakeholders to facilitate investments that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support climate change adaptation.”
    Speaking at the event, the Director General of the Securities and Exchange Commission stated that “Investing in green and sustainable future is both well timed and opportune.

    Sustainability is a broader topic that stands on social human, economic and environmental pillars, none of which can be ignored. It is the most pressing challenge of our time for many business leaders. However, there is evidence of a correlation between the long-term success of a business and sustainability. Investors across the world are demanding opportunities to invest in companies or investments with strong ESG markets.”

    Delivering his goodwill message at the event, the Senior Financial Markets Specialist at FSD Africa, Victor Nkiiri hinted that “At Financial Sector Deepening Africa (FSD Africa), we see the development of capital markets to an end, to increase income and job creation, access to basic services and building of sustainable futures. Deep liquid markets are fundamental to economic growth because they help channel longer-term domestic savings of an economy to the most productive use.”

    In his remarks, the Managing Director of GSE, Ekow Afedzie said, “Green and Sustainable bonds have gained traction globally due to the enormous benefits it brings to the environment and society at large.” GSE has been very committed to sustainability initiatives over the past years culminating in our recent admission to the UN Sustainable Exchanges in July.

    The launch of ESG Disclosure Manual Guidelines in November this year is another testament to our commitment to this sustainability journey. The launching of Green and Sustainable bond rules today is another milestone on our sustainability journey. Listed companies in Ghana now can tap into these fast-growing bond investment products to raise capital that can be used in supporting ESG initiatives.

  • Sale of Saglemi: Private developer must take seriously legal concerns surrounding project – GREDA

    Samuel Amegayibor, the Executive Secretary of the Ghana Real Estate Developers Association (GREDA), has made it clear that any private developer who wants to purchase the Saglemi Housing Project must conduct legal due diligence.

    He contends that it is a commendable move to transfer the project to a private organization due to the different concerns surrounding it.

    “I think it is a good call, at least it would bring us to a point for us to transform it into a usable project,” he is quoted as saying by citinewsroom.com. “This [announcement] has clearly shown the intentions of the government to do something with that project; they have committed a lot of funds to it and they don’t want to incur any other cost and want to dispose of it by selling it to a private investor.”

    He continued by saying that legal issues and the explanation for the project’s location in that area should be revealed.

    “This calls for a whole assessment, apart from the project itself going to be sold, one has to find out the assessment that was made for the project to be cited at that place.

    “The most important thing is the legal concern, you have to look at the contractual agreement that existed and how the project was supposed to be executed, who the parties involved are because the current government has taken some past ministers to court on this matter so you need to really consult on the legal position,” he said.

    The Minister for Works and Housing Asenso Boakye revealed that the 1500-unit Saglemi Housing Project was going to be sold to private developers in order to derive the project’s intended benefits.
    On this basis, “we’re allowing for a private sector developer to take up the initiative to build and sell the housing units,” he said on November 13, 2022.

    However, the GREDA Executive Secretary has asked the government to consider the sale of single units of the projects to interested buyers as it may be impossible for a sole developer to acquire.

  • World Cup 2022: Otto Addo hints at Ghana approach to South Korea tie

    Ghana head coach Otto Addo has hinted at the possibility of his team playing more aggressive against South Korea if they lose their opening group game against Portugal at the 20222 FIFA World Cup.

    Black Stars. who are the lowest-ranked team at the tournament have been drawn in Group H alongside Portugal, South Korea and Uruguay.

    Ghana will take on Portugal in their first game on November 24 before playing South Korea and Uruguay on November 28 and December 2 respectively.

    ‘The match against Korea will depend on the results of the first match against Portugal,” the 47-year-old said.

    “If we lose, we have to be more aggressive in the South Korean game. The result of Korea’s match against Uruguay is the same.”

    On facing all three opponents at the World Cup, he told FIFA, “We’re going up against three strong opponents and we could lose all three games or win all three. It’s up to us and how we adapt to their playing style, how we stop them, how we work together as a team. We need to play intelligent football, exploit our opponents’ weaknesses and bring our own strengths to the fore.”

     

    Ghana secured a 4th FIFA World Cup tournament having participated in 2006, 2010, and 2014 in Germany, South Africa, and Brazil after drawing 1-1 against Nigeria in the return leg of the final play-offs at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja to seal qualification on the away goals rule.

    The 2022 FIFA World Cup takes place between November 20 and December 18, 2022.

    Only three sides from the continent have ever progressed to the quarter-finals; Cameroon in 1990, Senegal in 2002, and Ghana in 2010.

    Ghana will be hoping to progress from the group stage at this year’s tournament.

    Black Stars will take on Switzerland on Thursday in their final preparatory game before jetting to Qatar for the global showpiece.

  • Government to make Ghana a regional digital hub – Ursula assures Ghanaians

    Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, minister of communications and digitalization, has announced the government’s ambition to turn Ghana into a regional digital powerhouse on the African continent.

    She claims that this is a component of the government’s digitalization strategy, which aims to use cutting-edge technologies from the fourth industrial revolution to spur a change in the way the country’s economy is run.

    Ursula Owusu-Ekuful stated, “The formation of a digital economy will create sustainable jobs for the teeming unemployed youth in the country, as well as facilitate the effective delivery of government services,” during the Ghana Digital Economy Policy Document Workshop in Accra.

    “We seek to establish an open, secure, hyperconnected and inclusive digital economy that unleashes innovative genius of digital entrepreneurs across various sectors creating sustainable jobs for the youth, enabling efficient delivery of government services and positioning Ghana as a regional digital hub,” she stated.

    The Communications and Digitalization Minister further said the creation of a digital economy will help develop a robust and safe micro-economic environment.

     

  • Travis Scott, Playboi Carti, Future, and Lil Wayne to headline rolling loud California 2023

    The lineup for Rolling Loud California 2023 is here.

    The headliners will be Playboi Carti, Travis Scott, and Future as well as special guest Lil Wayne. Weezy will round out the three-day festival with “sounds by Mike Dean, Scheme, and Five Venoms.”

    Also on the stacked lineup are Lil Baby, Lil Uzi Vert, City Girls, Kodak Black, 2 Chainz, Lil Yachty, Saweetie, Moneybagg Yo, Soulja Boy, Don Toliver, Coi Leray, Chief Keef, Young Nudy, Polo G, Shenseea, and many more:

    According to Rolling Loud, next year’s Los Angeles edition marks the five-year anniversary, so it was only right they got Scott to be the headliner.

    Since the Astroworld Festival tragedy, Scott has been making a slow comeback to small live events, club appearances, and festivals. While there is no word on when his Utopia album is coming out, fans should keep an eye on his Rolling Loud performance as a likely place to debut new music.

    2023 will also mark Rolling Loud’s expansion into Asia, touching down in Pattaya, Thailand next April.

    Source: Complex.com

  • TOR yet to process crude; 8 months after new MD, board appointment

    The Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) is yet to resume processing crude oil, eight months after a new Managing Director and Board were appointed.

    Jerry K. Hinson, its current Managing Director and board of directors were appointed on March 2, 2022, but eight months on, the Institute for Energy Policies and Research (INSTEPR), an energy think-tank, says the situation is becoming worrying as the refinery is yet to resume operations or even chart a pathway to restart operations.

    “The question on the minds of most Ghanaians is, why is Tema Oil Refinery not working? In recent months there have been over 150 percent increase in prices of petroleum products,” Kwadwo N. Poku, INSTEPR’s Executive Director lamented.

    He said rising cost of fuel products has brought immense hardship on the average Ghanaian through the increase in the prices of goods and transport. With a capacity to process 45,000 bpsd, he said the refinery, if revived could help cushion consumers against fuel prices.

    He explained that it was high time the country prioritised processing crude locally, since imports only contribute to high fuel prices, currency depreciation and ultimately, economic hardship.

    “The premier oil refinery can reduce the importation of petroleum products including LPG (cooking gas) and provide job security to the hundreds of technical staff if revived. TOR until April 2021, had a tolling business model which was started by Isaac Osei with Woodfields Energy Resources. This business sustained the refinery with cashflow until the contract was frustrated and not renewed without any substitute arrangement.

    “Today, the problems at the refinery are as it was five years after the explosion that reduced its refining capacity from 45,000 bpd to 23,000 bpd,” the think-tank said.

    The last time the TOR refined crude oil was in April 2021, just before the appointment of the Interim Management Committee (IMC) on June 15, 2021, which was later replaced by a permanent MD and board.

    But even before the new current MD and board took office, the Energy Minister, Dr. Mathew Opoku Prempeh, at the inauguration of the MIC, tasked it to, among other things, receive and assess viable partnerships towards reviving TOR.

    Although the three member IMC was at TOR for nine months, INSTEPR said no progress was recorded during the period, as there was neither procurement nor refining of crude.

    “INSTEPR, in several publications, questioned the work of the IMC and felt they did not perform according to their scope of work. A new Managing Director, Jerry K. Hinson and board of directors were appointed on March 2, 2022. The refinery, eight months after the new board, has still not refined a single parcel of crude oil. A situation which is becoming very worrying to industry experts,” Mr. Poku further noted.

    Need for action

    The government, the majority shareholder in the refinery, according to INSTEPR, has been quiet on any plans to get the refinery working to cushion the suffering of Ghanaians.

    “The cost to revamp TOR and provide capital for its operations is estimated at US$500 million. We all know Ministry of Finance does not have this money especially under the watchful eyes of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The Institute in consultation with other civil society organization and industry experts will organize a forum to engage government to find a lasting solution to the TOR problem. We cannot allow a national asset like TOR to collapse and turned into a tank farm, as proposed by others in the past,” he added.

    Way forward

    INSTEPR outlined a number of measures to solve the problems at Tema Oil Refinery. They included fixing TOR’s Crude Oil Distillation Unit (CDU), which is currently out service, to increase its capacity from the 23,000 bpsd to 45,000 bpsd, along with its Residue Fluid Catalytic Cracking (RFCC), which has also been down for some time now, as well as security measures to stop the theft of products.

    Mr. Poku also believes that hydrotreating catalysts and technologies should be installed for all crude oil fractions, enabling the refinery to meet 50 ppm or lower specification, while a gas pipeline (less than 1KM) to power the refinery, should be constructed so as to stop the refinery from using expensive crude oil for power.

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • All imported used vehicles from 2023 must be accompanied by Certificate of Conformance – GSA

    The public and, more especially, importers of used automobiles have been told by the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) that, as of January 1, 2023, all used vehicles imported into Ghana must be accompanied by a current Certificate of Conformance (CoC) from an authorized authority.

    According to the GSA, the certificate must show that the used car complies with GS 4510:2022, Road Vehicles — Requirements for Imported Used Motor Vehicles, which is the Ghana Standard for Used Cars.

    This complies with Section 61 of Act 891 as modified, the Customs (Amendment) Act 2020, and other relevant laws.

    The GSA in a statement said “enforcement of this aspect of the law shall ensure improved safety, quality, and asset value of used vehicles imported into Ghana while sustaining the value chain of the used vehicle industry.

    Certificates of Conformance can be obtained from approved third-party inspection bodies or through trained and licensed used vehicle dealerships.”

    The Authority said it will provide on its website an updated list of approved inspection bodies and licensed used vehicle dealerships with contact details.

    The Authority reminded all importers and assemblers of new vehicles to register with the Authority and ensure those vehicle models imported or assembled are homologated (certified) by the Authority in line with the relevant Ghana Standards for new vehicles of categories M1 (Passenger cars and SUVs), M2 (Minibuses), and N1 (Pickups and cargo vans).

    “New vehicles of models not homologated (certified) by the Authority shall not be permitted for importation from 1st January 2023.

    For any further information on vehicle standards, new vehicle distributor registration, and used vehicle dealership licensing, importers can contact the GSA Auto Team via email at auto@gsa.gov.gh or call their front desk (+233-302) 506991-5 / 500065/6,” it added.

  • Scottish giants set to sign Ghana striker Antoine Semenyo in January

    Scottish giants heavyweights, Rangers are interested in signing Ghana forward Antoine Semenyo in the winter transfer window.

    Footballghana.com understand that Rangers are ready to cough 5 million pound offer for the services of the striker.

    Semenyo is also regarded as one for the present and the future due to his age and has strength and power which excites Rangers.

    Rangers are believed to be considering the forward following Kemar Roofe’s injury problems.

    The 22-year-old is enjoying a good rise in his career and has been named in Ghana’s squad for the World Cup in Qatar.

    This season, Semenyo has scored four goals 18 appearances across all competitions for Bristol.

    Last season, he made 20 goal contributions, scoring eight and providing 12 assists.

    Semenyo is currently in the camp of the Black Stars preparing for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

  • 416,000 people died of diabetes in Africa in 2021 – WHO 

    The World Health Organisation (WHO) has disclosed that a total of 416,000 people died of diabetes in Africa in 2021. 

    In a statement read on his behalf, the World Health Organization (WHO) Representative to Ghana, Mr. Francis Kasolo, also indicated that 24 million adults are currently living with the condition. 

    He made the comment during a ceremony to commemorate this year’s World Diabetes Day.

    Diabetes is a disease in which the body’s ability to produce or respond to the hormone insulin is impaired, resulting in abnormal metabolism of carbohydrates and elevated levels of glucose in the blood.

    The exact cause of most types of diabetes is unknown, however, in all cases, sugar builds up in the bloodstream. This is because the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin. Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes may be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

    There are mainly two types; ‘Type 1’, which usually affects children with little or no insulin, and ‘Type 2’, usually occurring after 18 years with poor response to insulin, and ‘Gestational Diabetes’, one that is caused by pregnancy in women. 

    Mr Kasolo, in his speech, further indicated that the number of cases is expected to surge by 129% to 55 million by 2045. 

    The event to commemorate the 2022 World Diabetes day was held at the Ministry of Health. It was on the theme: “Access to Diabetes Care”. 

    Touching on key factors that can lead one to contract the disease, Mr Kasolo said the known factors include family history and increasing age, along with modifiable risk factors such as overweight and obesity, sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy diets, smoking, and alcohol abuse. 

    He added that the disease, if not detected at its early stage and not properly managed by a healthy lifestyle, could lead to various complications, including stroke, kidney failure, visual impairment, etc. 

    He, thus, appealed to governments across the continent who are members of the WHO to invest more in products that help reduce the risks of contracting the disease and its impact on affected persons, including insulin.  

    This, he said, was crucial to ensure equitable accessibility for everyone living with diabetes, no matter where on the continent they are”.  

    On her part, acting Programmes Manager, Non-communicable Diseases at the Ghana Health Service, Dr Efua Commeh, stressed the impact diabetes has on children. 

    She was concerned about the fact that “children with this condition will live with it for a very long time, and that in turn will impact productivity. 

    “Moreover, there are many who walk around with the condition without knowing about it,” she noted. Mensah

    She noted that in Ghana, the diabetes prevalence is between six and seven percent. 

    She also mentioned that “obesity, hypertension, unhealthy diets and lifestyles are rising, and it’s therefore, not surprising that diabetes is also rising among the public.” 

    Dr Commeh said more than 200,000 people pass through the outpatient department of health facilities every year with diabetes, including gestational conditions. 

    Deputy Minister of Health, Tina  who launched the commemoration, said the rate of Diabetes infection is beyond the government health system and called on health development partners to join hands with the government to control the condition in Ghana. 

    Source: The Independent Ghana

  • Dam spillage: Weija Dam will soon be dredged – MCE

    Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for the Weija-Gbawe Municipality, Patrick K.B Kumor has revealed that his outfit, together with other stakeholders, has put in place measures to dredge the Weija Dam.

    This initiative, he says, was necessitated by the devastating impact of the spillage of the Weija Dam, which flooded several communities within the Ga South Municipality of the Greater Accra Region. 

    The spillage, according to reports, was caused by torrential rains, which contributed to the water level in the dam rising above its maximum level of 46 feet to 48 feet.

     In the aftermath of the spillage, thousands of residents of Oblogo, Tetegu, Weija, and Ashalaja were displaced, and several properties were destroyed.

     In an interview with an Accra-based media house, JoyNews, Mr K.B Kumor mentioned that dredging the Dam filled with silt and debris, will reduce the impact of flooding within the catchment area of the dam.

    “We will start some major dredging within the reservoir. The dam canal contains a lot of water which will not necessitate Ghana Water to open to flood the communities while the Assembly is also trying to partner with some individuals to get the canal also dredged,” he stated.

    The MCE also intimated that several unauthorised structures blacking waterways have been earmarked for demolition.

    Mr. K.B Kumor said the demolishing of these structures built on waterways will help maintain buffers at the Weija Dam to contain water whenever there is spillage.   

    “Those structures that are also dotted along those areas which have already been marked for demolition, we have no choice than to move in to pull those structures down,” he said.

    He further asserted that persons whose building will be affected during the demolishing exercise will not be compensated.

    According to him, none of the residents on those sites had a permit to build there. 

    Source: The Independent Ghana

  • Lewis Capaldi overtakes Ed Sheeran with the UK’s most-streamed song of all time

    Lewis Capaldi’s aching ballad Someone You Loved has become the UK’s most-streamed song of all time, overtaking Ed Sheeran’s Shape Of You.

    The song has been played 562 million times, counting both audio and video streams, said the Chart Company.

    Capaldi celebrated the news by calling himself “the king of streaming”.

    “Listen…The Beatles, Drake, Metallica, The Eagles, Michael Jackson, don’t worry guys, no hard feelings, I just had to take this one,” he added.

    “Take a step back and let Daddy steer the ship now, OK?”

    On beating Sheeran’s record, the Scottish singer said: “Ed’s a man who is like a brother to me, he’s been a mentor, he’s put his arm round me and said, ‘Don’t worry everything’s going to be ok’.

    “He’s been nothing but kind and gracious and beautiful, a good friend in an ever-changing industry. So to Ed I say… nice guys finish last. You snooze you lose, kiddo. Keep up!”

    Lewis Capaldi in a crown
    Image caption,Capaldi wore an inflatable crown to celebrate his coronation as “the king of streaming”

    The Official Chart Company announced the news to mark its 70th anniversary.

    The first chart was compiled by music newspaper the New Musical Express on 14 November, 1952, with Al Martino’s Here In My Heart becoming the first ever number one.

    • Seven controversies from 70 years of the singles chart
    • The most-streamed songs of 1952 to 2022 revealed
    • Queen’s Greatest Hits sets new UK sales record

    The Top 12 was rather rudimentary, constructed from a survey of 20 record shops by the NME’s advertising manager Percy Dickins, who thought a chart would lure new advertisers to the publication.

    Over the next seven decades, the chart became more sophisticated, and now tracks every sale, stream and download that occurs in the UK.

    In figures released on Monday, the Official Charts said a total of 4.55 billion singles, 683 billion audio streams and 128 billion video streams have been consumed in the UK since the chart began.

    Queen frontman Freddie Mercury on stage
    Image caption,Queen’s Greatest Hits is a the UK’s best-selling album

    A total of 1,404 songs have reached number one in that period, from The Beatles’ She Loves You and Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody, to Madonna’s Into The Groove and the Spice Girls’ Wannabe.

    The current number one is Taylor Swift’s Anti-Hero, which is expected to spend a fourth week in pole position when the latest chart is announced this Friday.

    Elton John’s Candle In The Wind is the UK’s biggest-selling single of all time, with 4.94 million copies sold.

    The UK's biggest-selling singles . Physical purchases and downloads only. .

    A further 178 singles have surpassed one million sales – and the latest to achieve the feat is Taylor Swift’s Shake It Off.

    She is the is the first act to reach the milestone in two years. The last was Goo Goo Dolls’ Iris, which hit one million sales in February 2020. The last solo artist to make the list was Frank Sinatra, with My Way, in 2018.

    The chart company noted that Shake It Off could be the country’s last million-seller, as downloads and physical sales are now negligible, even for the biggest hits.

    Streams now account for 98.6% of the singles market, with the number one single currently averaging 6.82 million streams per week.

    To date only three songs have topped 500 million streams – Someone You Loved, Shape Of You and Ed Sheeran’s Perfect.

    Seven tracks have achieved 400 million streams, including George Ezra’s Shotgun. The Weeknd’s Blinding Lights and The Killers’ Mr Brightside.

    The most streamed music video is Baby Shark by Pinkfong, which has amassed 220 million plays.

    Meanwhile, Queen’s Greatest Hits is the UK’s best-selling album of all time, surpassing 7 million copies.

    The UK's most-streamed singles . Audio and video streams combined. .

  • Support local manufacturers to produce more agrochemicals for farmers – Govt told

    The commercial director of New Okaff Industries Limited, Mr. Kwasi Boamah Adomako, has encouraged the government of Ghana to assist local producers in increasing the output of agrochemicals for farmers.

    According to Mr. Adomako, local businesses have everything they need to make agrochemicals for farmers to use on their crops, according to an exclusive interview with Oyerepa Online/TV.
    However, businesses like New Okaff are unable to produce more chemicals for farmers due to financial limitations.

    However, if the government provides financial assistance to manufacturing firms, they will be able to manufacture enough goods

    “If local companies get sponsorship from the government, we can manufacture farming products for local farmers, some of our products can even be exported because the local companies have the ability to produce a lot of agrochemicals, but our only challenge is finance.” He told Joseph Marfo.

    Speaking about the perception some Ghanaians have that locally made products are inferior, hence going in for imported ones, he said;

    “We’re only causing harm to ourselves because we have always disregarded our own for imported ones which in the end causes havoc to ourselves.”

    He stressed that there are a lot of agrochemicals that negatively affect Ghanaians’ cocoa production.

    According to him, many foreign-made chemicals when applied to cocoa kill its lifespan; the chemicals do not permit the cocoa to bear fruits as projected, which is another reason why farmers seem to have been unable to increase cocoa yields in recent years.

    “There are a lot of imported agrochemicals that badly affect our cocoa when we apply it. These chemicals gradually kill the cocoa and do not permit it to bear an abundance of fruits. It doesn’t allow farmers to get enough yields.” The New Okaff Commercial Director disclosed.

  • Bologna set to make move for Ghanaian forward Emmanuel Gyasi from Spezia

    Italian Serie A side, Bologna are eyeing a move for Emmanuel Gyasi in January according to Footballghana

    Gyasi despite failing to find the back of the net in the ongoing season has played a crucial role for the side.

    The Ghana forward has so far made a total appearance of 14 for the Spezia who sit 17th on the league log with 13 points.

    However, Bologna who sit on the 11th on the Serie A log with 19 points has made a move to sign the forward.

    Bologna’s sporting director Marco Di Vaio watched Gyasi against Udinese and Verona and he remains convinced that the forward can aid his side.

    Gyasi was named in Ghana’s 55-man provisional squad for the 2022 World Cup but could not make the final 26-man squad announced by Otto Addo on Monday.

  • World Cup 2022: The negativity about Black Stars must stop – GFA boss Kurt Okraku

    Ghana Football Association [GFA] president, Kurt Okraku has implored Ghanaians to end the negativity following the Black Stars squad announcement ahead of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

    Otto Addo has named a final 26-man squad on Monday for the tournament that has been slated to kick off from November 20 to December 18.

    The likes of in-form Joseph Paintsil, Jeffrey Schlupp, Ransford-Yeboah konigsdorffer  and Majeed Ashimeru were also not included.

    “This is the Black Stars and only 26 players had the opportunity to be called. Let us support the team and the technical team. As I have said, only 26 players will have to be in Qatar and not 26 million players,” Okraku said.

    “All the negativity around the Black Stars team must stop. Let’s be positive. Let’s rally around the flag and let’s make our dear nation great and strong,” he added.

     

    Black Stars have opened camp in Abu Dhabi, where they will play their final pre-tournament friendly against Switzerland on Thursday, November 17.

    Ghana, who are making their fourth appearance at the Mundial will open its campaign against Portugal on November 24 at Stadium 974 in Doha.

    Four days later, the Black Stars return to action with a clash with South Korea at the Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan.

    Ghana will wrap up its group stage adventure with its much-anticipated encounter with Uruguay at Al Janoub Stadium in Al Wakrah.

    The Black Stars are expected to arrive in Doha on November 19.

    The 22nd edition of the tournament has been scheduled to kick off from November 20 to December 18.

  • Roverman Productions presents, ‘Husband material 7 yards’

    Roverman Productions is back with another gripping and exciting Ebo Whyte classic, Husband Material 7 Yards.

    What is the measure of a husband? 7 yards? 12 yards or 3 yards? Can the quality of a husband be measured and if so, with what and by whom, his wife, his children or his suspected side-chick?

    Husband Material 7 Yards tells the story of Joe and Charity, who start their day as any other day- with a bit of fighting, loving, money issues and the task of keeping three energetic kids in line.

    With a great job and the backing of the powerful board chairman to count on, Joe and his wife have every reason to feel blessed. However, is unpredictable, Joe’s world is upside down and he, his wife and his children find themselves facing disaster.

    It is an Ebo Whyte classic filled with a lot of humour and lessons.

    Husband Material 7 Yards shows at the National Theatre on 26th & 27th November and 3rd & 4th December, 2022 at 4 pm and 8 pm each day. Rate is GHC100.

    Dial *365*535# to buy tickets or visit any of the traditional outlets.

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

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

  • Bawumia is a man of integrity – Deputy information Minister reacts to “appearance fee” allegation

    Deputy Information Minister, Honourable Fatimatu Abubakar, has mounted a strong defence in favour of Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, over claims that Dr Bawumia needed $200 as an appearance fee to meet prospective investors.

    According to the deputy information minister, Dr Bawumia, is a man of integrity, thus, he will not conduct himself in such a manner.  

    “Even before the documentary aired and Dr Gideon Boako responded to the claims, I had observed various platforms and everyone was in defence of the Vice President because looking his previous deeds and how he has conducted himself over the years, he has sort of earned integrity in the face of the public,” she said. 

    She said this during an interaction on Peace FM’s morning show, Kokrokoo, following the claims.

    In Anas’ latest investigative piece dubbed “Galamsey Economy,” Minister of State at the Finance Ministry, Charles Adu Boahen claimed that the President Bawumia needed $200 as an appearance fee to meet prospective investors. 

    Mr Adu Boahen also told the undercover investigators that Dr. Bawumia would require some positions from the investor for his siblings to get his backing and influence in establishing a business in Ghana.

    These claims, however, have been refuted by the Vice President and his spokesperson, Dr Gideon Boako, who have described them as false. 

    Taking to Facebook, Dr Bawumia noted that “my attention has been drawn to a video by Anas Aremeyaw Anas (as posted on his social media handle) showing the Minister of State for Finance, Mr. Charles Adu Boahen, apparently using my name, inter alia, to peddle influence and collect money from supposed investors. 

    “I would like to state that if what the minister is alleged to have said is accurately captured in the video, then his position as a minister of state is untenable. He should be dismissed summarily and investigated,” he added.

    He categorically denied having sat in any meeting of that sort.

    “I am not aware of any such meeting held by Minister Adu Boahen or a supposed “appearance fee”. My most cherished asset in life is my integrity, and I will not allow anyone to use my name to engage in corrupt activities,” he said. 

    Subsequently, his spokesperson, Dr Gideon Boako, indicated that apart from attending an EMT (Economic Management Team) meeting, there hasn’t been any engagement of any sort by the Vice President and Charles Adu Boahen, stressing that he does not recall any private meeting between both persons. 

    Meanwhile, Mr Adu Boahen has been dismissed from office. 

    Source: The Independent Ghana

  • A look at DJ Azonto’s plush cars

    Ghanaian Disc Jockey and musician, DJ Azonto, has indicated that he owns a fleet of luxurious cars in each of his five houses situated at different locations.

    This was disclosed in an interview with blogger Zionfelix, where the musician also opened up on how his recent single, ‘Fa No Fom’, has made him cash out and acquire a lot more properties.

    “I own five houses and for each of the houses, I have packed about five cars. I have packed all that in my house but more to come.

    “Because of ‘Fa No Fom’ I am making so much money. With my ‘Fa No Fom’, I don’t think I know any artiste that plays shows more than I do this time,” he said.

    In several viral videos that have been captured on the internet, some luxurious vehicles including the likes of Maserati, Mercedes Benz AMG, Range Rover and many more were spotted on his compound.

    Seen in different colours, these cars were lined-up at the musician’s residence in one of the videos captured on his Instagram page.

    Watch the video below:

     

  • Gyakie is the only Ghanaian artist to be named as YouTube’s Black Voices Class of 2023

    Ghanaian Afro-Fusion artist, Gyakie has been announced as a member of the YouTube Black Voices Class of 2023. This was revealed in a post by YouTube Music on social media.

    This is an incredible feat as she is the only Ghanaian female artist in addition to Ghanaian producer, Juls, to be named amongst a myriad of Black Creators from all parts of the world.

    As a member of the BVF Class of 2023, Gyakie as well as over 30 named Black creators including Nigeria’s BNXN, Asake, America’s production duo, Take A Daytrip and South Africa’s MashBeatz will be equipped with the right resources and support to help amplify their voices in a way like no other.

    The creatives will receive dedicated partner support and the opportunity to participate in several training workshops and networking programs as well as funding that will be invested in the development of their channels.

    As one of Ghana’s current rising star, Gyakie has proven time and time again that hard work, talent, and great management does indeed pay off. She’s definitely a beacon, earmarking her growth and progress with several major successes. After the release of her sophomore project, the “My Diary” EP, Gyakie has added up to her many achievements, showing no sign of stopping soon.

    The Flip The Music signed artist has just this year alone been featured on Apple Music‘s Home Session. She also gave a stellar performance as the only female Ghanaian artiste to perform at the Global Citizen Festival held in Accra, Ghana and was also the only Ghanaian artist to perform at South Africa’s Homecoming Festival.

    She joined Stonebwoy as the chosen two Ghanaian artistes for Afrochella’s Pop-Up event in South Africa and was recently named Africa’s Next on the global music streaming platform, Pandora.

  • Ghana Voter Registration Card: The Speaker has not summoned us to brief him on the new CI – EC

    The Electoral Commission of Ghana has denied knowledge of the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin’s summons to appear before him, along with the National Identification Authority (NIA), and provide a briefing on the new constitutional instrument that aims to make the Ghana Card the only document for the registration of voter ID.

    According to the Electoral Services Director at the EC, Dr. Serebour Quaicoe, the commission does not rely on hearsay in its operations, and the Speaker should have officially written to the Commission if he had issues with the processes involved.

    “We’ve not heard anything from the speaker. Officially, they have to write to us if they have issues with our C.I. We have no letter from parliament, and we don’t work with hearsay. We’ve already met the subsidiary committee and the budget committee, but nobody has invited us to come because we can only go to parliament when we have been invited. It’s like going to somebody’s house without invitation,” Dr. Serebuor said in an interview with the host of Kumasi-based Oyerepa TV’s morning show, Kwesi Parker-Wilson.

    Dr. Serebour’s remark follows a warning from Alban Bagbin requesting the EC to forgo introducing the new C.I. in parliament if they don’t get along with the House leadership.

    The EC asserts that because they haven’t received an official invitation, they are unable to comply with the Speaker’s request.

    Dr. Serebour then reiterate that the move by the EC to make the Ghana Card the sole document for the registration of voters’ ID remains unchanged.

    He also added that the total number of Ghanaians captured and registered for the Ghana Card by the NIA officials is over 17 million.

    “We met the NIA officials about 2 weeks ago and per the statistics, they have covered more than 17 million Ghanaians. The backlog now is about 400,000 that is persons who are yet to receive their cards after being registered. I can tell you that some of the district officers are empty now because the NIA officials have registered everyone in the district.”

    “People are no longer complaining about the issuance of the card and we have two more years to go, so we are still standing by our earlier position,” he added.

    Source: The Independent Ghana|

  • Ibrahim Mahama’s customized private jet surfaces online

    The trend of owning at least one private jet is fast becoming an essential asset for the rich.

    Billionaires are no strangers to this particular lifestyle and this is evident in the case of popular Ghanaian business mogul, Ibrahim Mahama whose customized private jet is making rounds on social media.

    In a viral video that has caught the attention of Ghanaians, Mr. Ibrahim Mahama’s sleek Mercedes Benz was parked at an international airport as he headed into his grey-colored aircraft with the cabin crew handling his luggage and welcoming him onboard.

    In other parts of the video, the astute businessman was captured onboard his private jet which has his brand name ‘Dzata’ boldly written on it.

    Unclear the intent of his travel, perhaps it is for a business meeting or maybe he is headed back to Ghana.

    That’s not all, Ibrahim Mahama was captured comfortably relaxing in his brown-themed interior jet that exudes simplicity and class.

    One can recall that sometime in 2021, news of the Dzata Cement founder acquiring a new private jet sparked reactions on social media.

    Currently, in Ghana, Mr. Ibrahim Mahama and Mr. Daniel McKorley, CEO of McDan Group of Companies are the only two individuals known to have flaunted their jets on social media.

  • How could “absent” Akufo-Addo fire Adu Boahen – Ablakwa quizzes

    Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has questioned the constitutionality behind the sacking of Minister of State at the Finance Ministry, Charles Adu Boahen.

    Mr Adu Boahen was relieved of his duties on Monday by President Akufo-Addo following his alleged involvement in some corruption-related activities revealed in an exposé by investigative journalist, Anas Aremeyaw Anas.

    “The President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa  Akufo-Addo, has terminated the appointment of the Minister of State at the Ministry of Finance, Mr Charles Adu Boahen, with immediate effect.

    “After being made aware of the allegations levelled against the Minister in the exposé, “Galamsey Economy,” the President spoke to Mr Adu Boahen, after which he took the decision to terminate his appointment, and also to refer the matter to the Special Prosecutor for further investigations,” a press release from the Presidency on November 14 read.

    However, according to the North Tongu legislator, the President was not in the country when the statement was released, therefore he could not have assented to the Minister’s dismissal or had the authority to direct the termination of Mr Adu Boahen’s appointment.

    He argued that on Monday, the Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, was acting as the President in the stead of Nana Akufo-Addo, thus should have been referenced as the authority directing the dismissal of Mr Adu Boahen.

    “From my unimpeachable tracking of President Akufo-Addo; he left Ghana yesterday (Sunday, 13/11/2022) on a private visit to London aboard British Airways.”

    “Considering the constitutional provision under Article 60, which has been further anchored by a Supreme Court pronouncement to the effect that whenever the President is absent from Ghana, the Vice President performs the functions of the President until the President returns, shouldn’t Acting President Bawumia be the one to fire the disgraced Charles Adu Boahen?”

    “Can we be certain that President Akufo-Addo’s purported dismissal of Mr. Adu Boahen today, which is expected to take “immediate effect” per a presidential statement dated November 14, 2022, meets Ghana’s constitutional requirement?” he quizzed.

    Article 60(8) of the 1992 Constitution states that “whenever the President is absent from Ghana or is for any other reason unable to perform the functions of his office, the Vice-President shall perform the functions of the President until the President returns or is able to perform his functions.”

    Reacting to Mr Ablakwa’s concerns, private legal practitioner Samson Lardy Anyenini has explained that the president’s absence from the country does not automatically bar him from performing his presidential functions.

    “The President is not in Ghana, but that does not mean he is incapable of performing his functions while he is away. Obviously, he would have given instructions that this is what ought to be done, and when you are acting, you cannot take such a decision without reference to the president,” he is quoted by MyJoyOnline.com to have said.

    President Akufo-Addo, who left Ghana last Sunday for a two-day private visit to the United Kingdom, will touch down today, Wednesday, November 16, 2022.

    On the other hand, Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has distanced himself from the allegations levelled against the former Minister for State at the Finance Ministry.

    Per a post by Anas Aremeyaw Anas, “Charles Adu Boahen, Minister of State in charge of Finance at the Office of the President, has revealed to Tiger Eye that the Vice President, Dr Mahamadu Bawumia, needs just USD200,000 token as an appearance fee and some positions by an investor for the Vice President’s siblings to get his backing and influence in establishing a business in Ghana.”

    Refuting his alleged involvement, the Vice President said, “I am not aware of any such meeting held by Minister Adu Boahen or a supposed “appearance fee.” My most cherished asset in life is my integrity, and I will not allow anyone to use my name to engage in corrupt activities.”

     

    Source: The Independent Ghana|

  • GES investigates Chiana SHS students who verbally abused Akufo-Addo

    A viral video of some students from Chiana Senior High School (SHS) in the Upper East Region slandering President Akufo-Addo has reached the Ghana Education Service (GES).

    The second-year female students in the Kassena Nankana West District chastised the president for the economic challenges Ghanaians are enduring under his administration.

    “Akufo-Addo, why? Why? We need your head for money rituals,” they shouted while using other unprintable words.

    Reacting to the viral video, the Ghana Education Service has condemned the utterances made by the students, adding that “this unfortunate act is against every educational and moral principle in our society.”

    In a press statement dated November 14 and signed by the Head of Public Relations Unit, Cassandra Twum Ampofo, the Service indicated that the management of the school has begun investigations into the matter.

    Also, the school has reached out to the parents of the students to assist with its examination.

    “We wish to also assure the general public that the outcome of the investigations will be made known as soon as it is concluded,” the statement added.

    Meanwhile, the Ghana Education Service has rendered an apology to President Akufo-Addo and all relevant stakeholders in the education sector, as well as the entire citizenry, over the conduct of the students under its tutelage.

    This is not the first time a student has lashed out against the president.

    In August 2020, some final year students at Sekondi College in the Western Region rained insults on President Akufo-Addo over their difficulty  writing the Integrated Science paper during the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). 

    The actions of the students were condemned by the GES, which later banned the students from completing the 2022.

    Amidst the controversy, one of the final year students, Cobinnah, publicly apologised to the president for his actions.

    Following this, the president interceded on their behalf and asked the GES to reverse its decision and allow the students to complete their exams. 

    In the Ghanaian society, it is the practice that the younglings accord the elderly the needed respect in spite of the situation they find themselves in.

    It is in view of this custom that the GES and some Ghanaians believe the students erred, despite the hardships they may be facing.

    Ghana is currently battling an inflation rate of 40.4%, hike in fuel prices, and higher transport fares. These circumstances have exacerbated the economic hardships some Ghanaians were already facing.

     

    Source: The Independent Ghana

  • From Bugatti to Tesla: Dr. Osei Kwame Despite puts fleet of cars on display

    The classic Rolls Royces, Maybachs, Buggatis, convertible sports cars, vintage machines, name it and he’s got them.

    Aside from the chain of businesses, mansions, and the affluent lifestyle, popular Ghanaian business mogul, Dr. Osei Kwame Despite, does not hesitate to flaunt his powerful fleet of machines at major events he has graced lately.

    With these cars, some of which are limited editions or models that never go into mass production, Kwame Despite’s garage might more aptly be touted as a car dealership.

    This can be attested to as has been seen in several viral videos where a collection of such cars have been captured at his residence.

    That’s not all. The public has also had the opportunity to catch a glimpse of some of these vehicles in the several instances he made appearances.

    Let’s take a look at some events where Osei Kwame Despite flaunted his luxurious vehicles.

    Kennedy Osei and Tracy’s wedding

    Kwame Despite, sometime in 2020, pulled up at the wedding of his son, Kennedy Osei, and Tracy, in a long convoy filled with exotic cars, as captured in a couple of videos that went viral on social media.

    The fleet of cars ranging from a Tesla, and Rolls Royce, to a Maybach McLaren, among others, were spotted at the ceremony which took place at TRASSACO in Accra.

    This particular occasion was the talk of the town as Dr. Osei Kwame Despite was said to have emptied his garage of all the luxurious cars to make his son’s wedding as lavish as possible.

    Osei Kwame Despite’s birthday dinner

    Apart from acquiring the 2022 Bugatti Chiron Super Sport worth over $3M as his 60th birthday present, Osei Kwame Despite also stormed the event with his entourage in flashy vehicles.

    In photos and videos which flooded the internet at that time, the Bugatti was presented to him halfway through his 60th birthday dinner and the event grounds was also filled with other luxurious cars.

    Despite’s garage on display during his 59th birthday

    In one of the videos spotted on social media during his 59th birthday, Osei Kwame Despite’s plush garage was on display.

    Some patrons at the event had the opportunity to view the cars which filled the compound and his garage.

    In some of the videos that went viral, Fadda Dickson, Mr. Osei Kwame Despite’s ‘right hand man’, was captured taking some individuals on a tour inside the garage.

    Kennedy Osei’s graduation from law school

    Dr. Osei Kwame Despite pulled up in grand style at his son’s graduation with his latest Bugatti Chiron Super Sport among others.

     

    Seen in the company of his business partner, Dr. Ernest Ofori Sarpong, Fadda Dickson, and some close family members, Kwame Despite stole the show as other parents stood and watched his cars lined up at the venue.

    Videos from the event which was held on November 11, 2022, generated a lot of buzz on social media.

     

  • Anas’ agents tried but failed to ‘bribe’ Ofori-Atta in Dubai in 2018 – Report

    It has now been established that the ‘Galamsey Economy’ documentary by Anas Aremeyaw Anas had footage from 2018 forming the juiciest part, an alleged bust of a Minister of State soliciting bribes for others and and receiving same for himself.

    In opening up on the extent of his involvement in the episode that has since gotten him fired by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, embattled Charles Adu Boahen, said his encounter with investigators clothed a business men was on 8 February 2018.

    Whereas he accepted a gift of undisclosed amount of dollars, a pro-government radio station, Asaase Radio, is reporting that the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta turned out to be the major target of the Tiger Eye PI agents.

    Read relevant portions of the Asaase Radio report of November 14 below:

    After the meeting with Charles Adu Boahen, Tiger Eye, was not satisfied and wanted to trap the bigger fish, Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta.

    They were to have their chance, they thought, when after several attempts Mr. Ofori-Atta agreed to meet them at the airport in Dubai on transit to Tokyo, Japan.

    In the company of his then Personal Assistant (PA), Michael Bediako, Mr. Ofori-Atta met the supposed investors (investigators) at the Dubai terminal hotel (Dubai International Airport) on 5 April 2018 at around 6:30am.

    Mr. Ofori-Atta was informed the meeting was with the Chairman of Al Baraka Islamic Bank of Bahrain, whose interest was to invest $500 million to set up an “ethical” bank in Ghana.

    The meeting, per our checks, lasted some five minutes. Ken Ofori-Atta left very irritated when he was offered a “gift”, which he refused to accept, and walked out with his PA who was also offered a gift that was rejected as well.

    Background

    Charles Adu Boahen, then a deputy Minister of Finance was implicated in the ‘Galamsey Economy’ investigative documentary released by investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas on November 14.

    The now dismissed minister was captured on tape making comments to the effect that access by investors to Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia could be facilitated at a cost of US$200,000.

    Bawumia has dispelled the allegations and insisted that his integrity remains his most cherished asset in life.

    “My most cherished asset in life is my integrity and I will not allow anyone to use my name to engage in corrupt activities,” Bawumia said in a post calling for the minister’s dismissal.

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has since terminated Adu Boahen’s appointment and referred the contents of the investigation to the Office of the Special Prosecutor.

    Source: Ghanaweb.com

  • Bhad Bhabie fires back after Blackfishing accusations over new makeover

    Bhad Bhabie has revealed her new makeover, and people are taking issue with it.

    The 19-year-old took to Instagram to show off her look, which prompted many to accuse her of Blackfishing. She responded to the viral backlash by posting a screenshot of a text message conversation on her Instagram Stories, where she asked someone to send her a picture of the foundation she uses.

    “Case closed!” she wrote over the screenshot. In a second post she wrote, “Don’t yall ever ask me again why I don’t b on ig! I don’t make no money on here I don’t need to b on here I do it for my fans but y’all take it too far every time it’s honestly sad and weird,” she said.

    Fans and followers said she looked completely different in the IG videos, where she was sporting blonde hair, a darker skin tone, and fuller lips. Blackfishing is when a person who isn’t Black embodies the physical aesthetics of Black people. Iggy Azalea has also been accused of Blackfishing.

    Bhad Bhabie has been called out for darkening her skin and cultural appropriation for wearing her hair in braids. In April 2020, she faced backlash after she posted a video where her skin appeared to have a darker complexion. “Millions of people sick, thousands dying every day and y’all worried about me getting my makeup done for a photoshoot?” she responded on her IG Stories. “I’m usually the wild one but y’all need to chill and focus on what’s important right now.”

    Prior to that, in December 2019, she faced criticism for wearing box braids. “To all the black females that are saying my hair [ain’t] meant for box Braids guess the fuck what y’all hair [ain’t] meant to be straight,” she fired back. “But y’all glue whole wigs on to your heads and sew brazilian/Indian/ Peruvian hair which is anything like y’all real hair texture.

    Source: Complex.com

  • Police grab fourth suspect in NDC Ashanti Regional Executives election disturbance

    The Police Service has captured another suspect as part of its investigations into the disturbance that marred the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Ashanti Regional Executives election on November 13, 2022.

    Bashiru Atta’s arrest on Tuesday, November 13, brings the number of persons apprehended to four.

    On Monday, Yahya Shaibu Tia, Fati Ibrahim, and Husien Yakubu were arrested. 

    They are accused of being part of a group that assaulted a police officer, as well as sprayed pepper from a device onto some delegates.

    The trio were arraigned before the Atwima Akropong District Court after their arrest on Monday.  

    After the court hearing, Fati Ibrahim was granted bail with three sureties; however, the remaining two have been remanded into police custody.

    Meanwhile, Bashiru Atta is yet to be put before the court of law.

    The fight that broke out last Sunday also resulted in injuries to one of the perpetrators. According to reports, two individuals who were injured have received medical attention.

    Over 1,200 delegates of the NDC gathered at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium to elect new regional executives.

    Following the elections, Augustus Nana Akwasi Andrews retained his position as the Ashanti regional chairman of the NDC.

    With 637 votes, Mr Akwasi Andrews beat his main contender, Evans Amankwa, who polled 572.

  • Antoine Fuqua on whether Will Smith’s slap impacted plans to release slavery drama ‘Emancipation’

    Before 2022 ends, Will Smith’s slavery drama Emancipation is hitting select cinemas and Apple TV+.

    Despite the controversy surrounding Smith after slapping Chris Rock at the Academy Awards in March, director Antoine Fuqua is pushing forward with the release of Emancipation.

    In an interview with Vanity Fair, Fuqua shared his thoughts behind still releasing the movie this year, saying there was “never a conversation” with Apple or his producers about a delay.

    “It was more about, ‘We’re assessing everything. We’re seeing what people are saying.’ They were very careful about it,” said the director whose credits include The Equalizer and Training Day. “Then we showed the film to some people and their reactions were really positive, and we discussed it along the way. Of course I wanted people to see the film.”

    He continued, “My conversation was always, ‘Isn’t 400 years of slavery, of brutality, more important than one bad moment?’ We were in Hollywood, and there’s been some really ugly things that have taken place, and we’ve seen a lot of people get awards that have done some really nasty things. … Then a decision was made by the people in charge of distribution and the money at Apple—and I’m grateful, I’m really grateful.”

    Fuqua was also asked about his reaction to the slap, knowing the star of his movie was involved. “I have nothing but amazing things to say about Will Smith, really genuinely. … Nicest person I’ve ever met in my life. Chris Rock—I know Chris—Chris is a good guy too. I’ve spent time with Chris, and I think it’s an unfortunate event and I hope we can move forward and get past it,” he said.

    The 56-year-old went on to say Emancipation’s filming lasted three months longer than expected and impacted Smith. “It’s really hard to release a character who’s been brutalized and called the N-word every day—constantly, every day—and still be the nicest person in the world. … So no excuses for anyone or anything, but I can say that he’s a good man and I hope that people can forgive him and that we can move forward. I hope Chris and Will find a way to sit together publicly, privately, whatever, and make amends.”

    For more of Vanity Fair’s extensive piece that includes interviews with Smith, Ben Foster, and Charmaine Bingwa, head here. Emancipation is scheduled to be released in certain theaters on Dec. 2, before its Apple TV+ streaming release on Dec. 9.

    Source: Complex.com

  • VIDEO: Narteh-Ogum, Boadu and Tanko arrive in Qatar on working attachment

    Three local coaches Dr. Prosper Narteh Ogum, Samuel Boadu and Ibrahim Tanko have safely arrived in Abu Dhabi, Qatar on working attachment.

    The trio touched down in the Arab country on Wednesday morning and was welcomed by the Ghana Football Association President Kurt Okraku.

    The trip will give them an opportunity to pick useful lessons from the biggest global showpiece and learn from the Black Stars Technical team.

    Dr. Prosper Narteh Ogum, is a former Premier League winner with Asante Kotoko and currently works as an Assistant Coach of the Black Galaxies.

    Samuel Boadu is also a former Premier League and FA Cup winner with Hearts of Oak while Ibrahim Tanko  managed the Black Meteors.

    Assistant Black Starlets coach Ignatius Osei Fosu is expected to join the rest of the coaches later today.

    The move forms part of strategies designed by the Ministry and the GFA to enhance the capacity of Ghanaian Coaches and to equip them with the modern trends of football.

    Dr. Prosper Narteh Ogum and Samuel Boadu have been selected on the basis of their success with Asante Kotoko (League winner) and Accra Hearts of Oak (MTN FA Cup winner) last season.

    For Ibrahim Tanko and Ignatius Osei Fosu, they were selected due to their role as Technical Instructors for the Technical Directorate of the Ghana Football Association.

    Black Stars. who are the lowest-ranked team at the tournament have been drawn in Group H alongside Portugal, South Korea and Uruguay.

    Ghana will take on Portugal in their first game on November 24 before playing South Korea and Uruguay on November 28 and December 2 respectively.

    Black Stars held their first training session on Tuesday evening in Abu Dhabi ahead of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 finals.

    25 players were put through their paces by coach Otto Addo including Alexander Djiku and Kamal Deen Sulemana who arrived earlier on Tuesday to join the rest of the team.

    The players include, Andre Ayew, Jordan Ayew, Danlad Ibrahim, Lawrence Ati-Zigi, Nurudeen Abdul Manaf, Mohammed Salisu, Daniel Amartey, Denis Odoi, Baba Abdul Rahman, Gideon Mensah, Alidu Seidu, Salis Abdul Samed, Elisha Owusu, Kamal Sowah, Antoine Semenyo, Tariq Lamptey, Osman Bukari, Thomas Partey, Inaki Williams, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Daniel Barnieh Afriyie, Mohammed Kudus, Daniel Kofi Kyereh, Alexander Djiku and Kamal Deen Sulemana.

    The team will stay in the capital of the United Arab Emirates for four days where they will play an International friendly against Switzerland at the Baniyas club stadium on Thursday, November 17, 2022.

    Ghana secured a 4th FIFA World Cup tournament having participated in 2006, 2010, and 2014 in Germany, South Africa, and Brazil after drawing 1-1 against Nigeria in the return leg of the final play-offs at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja to seal qualification on the away goals rule.

    The 2022 FIFA World Cup takes place between November 20 and December 18, 2022.

    Only three sides from the continent have ever progressed to the quarter-finals; Cameroon in 1990, Senegal in 2002, and Ghana in 2010.

    Ghana will be hoping to progress from the group stage at this year’s tournament.

     

  • World Cup 2022: Ghana’s group opponent South Korea arrive in Qatar

    South Korea, Ghana’s World Cup opponent, have arrived in Qatar ahead of the global showpiece.

    South Korea touched down in the Arab country on Monday at Hamad International Airport, with many fans welcoming the Asian giants ahead of their 11th FIFA World Cup appearance.

    18 of 26 players arrived in Doha and will be joined by eight players flying in from across Europe over the next few days.

    The Taegeuk Warriors, who are staying at Le Meridien City Centre, face Uruguay in their opening match on November 24, before taking on Portugal and Ghana in Group H.

    All three South Korea matches will be played at Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, just west of Doha.

    The 2022 FIFA World Cup takes place between November 20 and December 18, 2022.

    South Korea squad for World Cup

    Goalkeepers: Kim Seung-gyu (Al Shabab), Jo Hyeon-woo (Ulsan Hyundai), Song Bum-keun (Jeonbuk Motors)

    Defenders: Kim Min-jae (Napoli), Kim Jin-su (Jeonbuk Motors), Hong Chul (Daegu FC), Kim Moon-hwan (Jeonbuk Motors), Yoon Jong-gyu (FC Seoul), Kim Young-gwon (Ulsan Hyundai), Kim Tae-hwan (Ulsan Hyundai), Kwon Kyung-won (Gamba Osaka), Cho Yu-min (Daejon Citizen)

    Midfielders: Jung Woo-young (Al Sadd), Na Sang-ho (FC Seoul), Paik Seung-ho (Jeonbuk Motors), Son Jun-ho (Shandong Taishan), Song Min-kyu (Jeonbuk Motors), Kwon Chang-hoon (Gimcheon Sangmu), Lee Jae-sung (Mainz), Hwang Hee-chan (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Hwang In-beom (Olympiacos), Jeong Woo-yeong (Freiburg), Lee Kang-in (Real Mallorca)

    Forwards: Hwang Ui-jo (Olympiacos), Cho Gue-sung (Jeonbuk Motors), Son Heung-min (Tottenham Hotspur)

  • FDA dragged to Supreme Court over ‘no celebrities in alcoholic beverage ads’ directive

    Food and Drug Authority (FDA) have been hauled before the Supreme Court by an artist manager and music publisher, Mark Darlington Osae, over its directive on the non-advertisement or promotion of alcoholic beverages by celebrities.

     The directive, which was issued in 2015, was to protect and ensure the safety of underage citizens who may be lured into alcoholism.

     The authority mandated to protect public health by ensuring the safety, efficacy, and security of product consumption also stated that the ban was in adherence to a World Health Organisation policy.

    Failure to adhere to the directive, according to FDA, will attract a 15-year jail term and a fine of about 7,500 cedis.

    The plaintiff is, however, unhappy about the directive, which bars celebrities from advertising alcoholic beverages. According to him, the directive is discriminatory and does not augur well for the economic status of these individuals.

    He explained that being unable to advertise for these companies robs celebrities of potential streams of income. 

    In the writ issued on November 11, Mr Darlington, Osae argued that the regulation is inconsistent with and in contravention of articles 17(1) and 17 (2) of the 1992 Constitution.

    Articles 17(1) and 17 (2) of the 1992 Constitution states that: All persons shall be equal before the law. A person shall not be discriminated against on the grounds of gender, race, colour, ethnic origin, religion, creed or social or economic status.

    As such, Mr Darlington Osae prayed to the apex court to render unconstitutional the guidelines of the FDA.

    Meanwhile, the FDA has barely two weeks to file its defence in the suit brought against it regarding portions of its guidelines.

    Source: The Independent Ghana

  • 68 Architects receive licences

    Some 68 new Architects have been inducted by the Architects Registration Council (ARC) onto the standing register of the council at its 22nd induction ceremony.

    This comes after they successfully undertook the Professional Practice Examination.

    The event was under the theme: “Emerging concepts, the built environment and sustainability, the infinite role of the architect”.

    The induction ceremony climaxes six years of academic qualification at the university, a minimum of two years of post-qualification coaching and internship under a qualified senior architect, structured seminars and tutorials, and finally professional examination, with a minimum pass mark of 60 per cent to gain state licence to practice in the country.

    Event

    The colorful event brought together senior architects, professional bodies and the academia.

    Notable persons at the event included the Ga Mantse and President of the Ga Traditional Council, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, and the Minister of Works and Housing, Francis Asenso-Boakye.

    The inductees were sworn in by both the Registrar of the ARC, Dr Emmanuel Eyiah-Botwe, and the President of the Ghana Institute of Architects (GIA), Forster Osae Akonnor.

    The Overall Best Student was Sandra Deladem Woanyah.

    The Minister of Works and Housing, Mr Asenso-Boakye, received the newly admitted architects, and presented them to the State on behalf of the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

    Technology

    In his welcome address, Dr Eyiah-Botwe congratulated the newly inducted architects for working towards achieving their dreams of becoming certified Architects.

    He charged them to endeavor to use technology to achieve efficient and economical use of resources for user safety, and to make a conscious effort to reduce energy and water usage.

    “Today we are looking at green, smart, intelligent buildings and sustainable designs,” he added.

    Dr Eyiah-Botwe particularly charged the new architects to refrain from being all-knowing professionals, but rather work with other professionals such as the quantity surveyors, planners and engineers to reduce their risks as professionals.

    He informed the congregation that the ARC, in support of the Governing Board and the Ministry of Works and Housing, was embarking on a revision of the Architects Act.

    That, he said, was to make sure that only qualified architects practised in Ghana and to ensure that metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies only considered building designs that had been submitted by architects in good standings, both with the ARC and the GIA, in a bid to promote the highest standard in the architectural profession.

    High performance, research

    In a solidarity message, Mr Akonnor urged the inductees to ensure that the high performance they exhibited during the exams reflected in their future role as qualified architects.

    “As architects you must always look beyond what immediately surround you and see the future that others have not seen. With such a changed mindset, you will be able to contribute immensely towards the development of Ghana,” he said.

  • World Cup 2022: Ghana will be eliminated at the group phase – Osei Kweku Palmer

    Former Ghana Football Association [GFA] Executive Committee member, Wilfred Osei Kweku Palmer has cast doubt on Black Stars‘ chances at the 2022 World Cup.

    After exiting the group phase in 2014 in Brazil and missing out in 2018 in Russia, Ghana has made a return to the global’s biggest football tournament in Qatar.

    Ghana will be hoping to put up a good performance in the Gulf country.

    However, according to the Tema Youth FC boss, the Black Stars will be eliminated in the group phase of the tournament.

    “I am not expecting the Black Stars to go beyond the group stage,” he said on Asempa FM.

    “It is the reality. We don’t have the quality and what it takes to go there and make an impact unless a miracle happens in Qatar.

    “We have good players but I don’t expect them to go beyond the group stage,” he added.

     

    The Black Stars have opened camp in Abu Dhabi to prepare for the Mundial.

    The team will be tested against Switzerland in a friendly on November 17 before they arrive in Doha on November 19.

    Ghana, who are making their fourth appearance at the global’s biggest tournament will open its campaign against Portugal on November 24 at Stadium 974 in Doha.

    Four days later, the Black Stars return to action with a clash with South Korea at the Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan.

    Ghana will wrap up its group stage adventure with its much-anticipated encounter with Uruguay at Al Janoub Stadium in Al Wakrah.

    The Black Stars are expected to arrive in Doha on November 19.

    The 22nd edition of the tournament has been scheduled to kick off from November 20 to December 18.

  • 284 Artisans inducted into Ghana Institute of Engineers

    The Pro-Vice Chancellor of the Kumasi Technical University (KsTU), Prof. Gabriel Dwomoh, has entreated artisans who have been inducted into the Ghana Institution of Engineering (GhIE) not to remain at their current level but to aspire to go higher.

    He said it should be possible for them to go beyond the professional craftsman membership to become professional engineers with zeal and determination.

    To that end, he urged them to take advantage of the various courses at the technical universities in the country, particularly KsTU to upgrade themselves and increase their market values.

    Induction

    Prof. Dwomoh made the appeal during the induction ceremony of 284 artisans into the GhIE as professional craftsmen as part of activities under the ‘ProfArts (Professional Artisans) Project’.

    The project was to bridge the skills gap and improve the employment situation of artisans in the construction sector.

    The induction was also in fulfilment of the provision of Act 819 (2011) requiring the Engineering Council of Ghana to certify all members within the industry in order to maintain the professional standards and adhere to regulations, guidelines and code of ethics of Engineering practice in the country.

    Industry

    The craftsmen, who had undergone training sponsored by the GIZ under its Invest for Jobs project, were from the civil engineering, electrical and electronics division and mechanical, agriculture and marine divisions.

    They were trained by the KsTU and the Kwadaso Methodist Technical Institute and were taught on customer care, bookkeeping, how to do an estimate and charge properly and technical skills in their respective fields.

    Professionalism

    Addressing the inductees, the president of GhIE, Rev. Prof. Charles Anum Adams, advised the newly inducted members of the institute not go back to their old ways of doing business but to add professionalism to their trade.

  • World leaders address water insecurity at COP27

    World leaders at the ongoing United Nations Conference on Climate Change (COP27) have taken a bold step towards addressing risks of water insecurity and water-related climate disasters.

    This follows the launch of the Action on Water Adaptation or Resilience (AWARe), an initiative to champion inclusive cooperation to address water-related challenges across climate change adaptation.

    The AWARe thrives on three-pronged priorities for action, one of which is to decrease water losses worldwide and improve water supply.

    Additionally, the initiative thrives on implementing mutually agreed policies and methods for cooperative water-related adaptation action and its co-benefits.

    It also promotes cooperation and inter-linkages between water and climate action in order to achieve Agenda 2030, in particular SDG 6 (improved water and sanitation).

    The initiative, which was launched by the COP27 Presidency, in collaboration with the African Union (AU), the African Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW), among other stakeholders, aims at offering transitional adaptation solutions for the planet and the people.

    Launch of initiative

    The COP27 President, Sameh Shoukry, launched the initiative during the opening session of the conference’s thematic day for water, which fell last Monday. It was launched in partnership with the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO).

    The Egyptian Minister of Water Systems and Irrigation, Dr Hani Sewilam; the Deputy Director of the Department of Climate, Environment and Sustainable Development at the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ayman Amin Tharwat, and the Deputy Secretary General of the WMO, Dr Elena Manaenkova, attended the event.

    The focus on water at the COP27 brought together diverse voices from policy makers, scientists, researchers, civil society and government, who shared ideas and success stories related to addressing issues of water scarcity.

    The Water Day also provided a forum to address the issue of water security, with a focus on sustainable water resource management.

     

    Timely initiative

    The World Health Organisation (WHO) has predicted that by 2025, half of the world’s population will be living in water-stressed areas and that issues related to water are intrinsically linked to climate change.

    Mr Shoukry said it was in that light that the AWARe initiative was launched to foster political efforts, practical action, knowledge sharing and field capacity development to place adaptive water management systems at the heart of the climate change adaptation agenda.

    “Climate change is already limiting people’s access to water globally, as drought, floods and wildfires linked to warming temperatures impact supply. Monitoring and managing river basin ecosystems are becoming increasingly vital and initiatives such as AWARe will provide for transformational collaboration across the continent,” he said.

    Water security

    Dr Sewilam observed that the launch of the initiative was timely and a bold step towards tackling the global water crisis that was affecting billions of people.

    He said the AWARe initiative was an opportunity for countries to leverage inclusive cooperation to address water as a key to climate change adaptation and its co-benefits, as well as enhanced resilience.

    The Deputy Secretary General of World Meteorological Institute, Dr Elena Manaenkova, said the launch of the AWARe initiative was key to ensuring water security and addressing water-related climate disasters.

    She said given that 74 per cent of all natural disasters were water related, it was important for more action to be taken to help communities sustainably manage the resource.

    “We still need to do a lot more to help societies; we must have effective disaster management strategies that protect communities and limit climate-related hazards,” she said.

    More about AWARe

    The AWARe initiative promotes measures to decouple economic growth from freshwater use and degradation, develop national utilisation plans, adaptation and mitigation strategies and protect and restore freshwater ecosystems; seek cooperative analysis of river basin scale adaptation and mitigation options and risk of mal-adaptation and support mutually agreed policy solutions to advance a ‘do-no-harm’ approach.

    It seeks to support the promotion of sustainable waste-water management, sanitation policies and strategies and water-wise energy pathways.

    Again, it will work to improve early warning systems for extreme weather events.

  • Who do you think you are? – Majority Leader queries Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko

    There seems to be some sort of tension brewing in the camp of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) as two of its leading members are at each other’s throats.

    Tempers seemed to have been high when the majority leader in Parliament, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, expressed his disappointment regarding an alleged comment made by Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko.

    Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu asserted that, Mr Otchere-Darko had accused him of instigating the calls by some members of his caucus for the removal of the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta.

    Denying the accusation, the fuming Suame MP stated that the statement made by Otchere-Darko was unfounded.   

    “From nowhere, we hear Gabby Otchere-Darko on his Asaase Radio accusing me of instigating what was happening, for what? What do I stand to gain from that?” Mr Osei-Kyei Mensah quizzed.

     The majority leader in parliament, who was irritated by the alleged allegation, questioned Mr Otchere-Darko’s role in the current government.

    “That Gabby Otchere-Darko, who does he think he is? I serve Akufo-Addo, and I serve the party as well as the government… when we talk about the government itself, what is your locus standi to be accusing me of being an instigator?” 

    Background 

    On Tuesday, October 25, 80 NPP MPs unhappy about the crippling economy called for the dismissal of the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, and the Minister of State at the Finance Ministry, Charles Adu Boahen.

    In response, President Akufo-Addo has asked that Mr Ofori-Atta be allowed to complete Ghana’s engagement with the International Monetary Fund for an economic recovery programme before he takes a decision on the matter. The group, after deliberation, succumbed to the President’s plea.

    Meanwhile, the minority caucus in parliament, who jumped into calls for the dismissal of the minister, filed a censure motion against Ken Ofori–Atta.

    However, the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, referred the censure motion to an 8-member ad hoc committee to look into the matter.

    The 8-member ad hoc committee, chaired by Adansi Asokwa MP, K.T. Hammond, and Bolgatanga East MP, Dominic Ayine, began its deliberations yesterday, November 15.

    Source: The Independent Ghana 

  • South Korea forward Son Heung-min promises to give his best at World Cup

    South Korea forward Son Heung-min says he will to give the best of himself at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

    Son, who suffered a fracture around his left eye during a 2-1 win away to Marseille in the Champions League and was a doubt for the tournament made the final cut.

    The 30-year-old arrived in Doha, Qatar on Wednesday to join the senior national team squad, becoming the last member to join the South Korean squad as they continue preparations for the global showpiece.

    “We’ll just have to keep monitoring it and see how I recover. As I’ve said before, I will do the best I can and make sure I never let people down,” Son said, as quoted by local media.

    Son will be featuring in his 3rd straight World Cup and is expected to play a key role for South Korea.

    The Taegeuk Warriors face Uruguay in their opening match on November 24, before taking on Portugal and Ghana in Group H.

    All three South Korea matches will be played at Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, just west of Doha.

    The 2022 FIFA World Cup takes place between November 20 and December 18, 2022.

  • Video shows Blueface arrested on attempted murder charge

    Blueface was arrested on an attempted murder charge in Las Vegas.

    TMZ reports, “Cops on scene said they were executing an open warrant for his arrest. … Eyewitnesses tell us six to eight officers were in on the arrest, parked in unmarked cars.”

    The outlet says legal docs accuse Blueface of felony attempted murder with the use of a deadly firearm or tear gas on Oct. 8. He also faces a charge of discharging a gun into a house, building, vehicle or craft.

    Video of the arrest outside Lo-Lo’s Chicken & Waffles—where girlfriend Chrisean Rock was also present—sees a bystander narrating, “The undercover cops just pulled up on him. … They just got his ass and threw him down.”

    The news comes on the heels of several other charges against Blueface. Back in February, the 25-year-old was pulled over around 3 a.m. in Hollywood for driving with an expired registration. After running a check, police discovered Blueface had a suspended license. He was taken into custody on a charge of carrying a concealed weapon in a vehicle.

    In September 2021, the Los Angeles native was accused of attacking a bouncer at nightclub in the San Fernando Valley. Sources told TMZ that Blueface was stopped at the entrance by a security guard who asked to see proper identification.

    After admitting he didn’t have his ID, things allegedly turned physical, as the artist and a couple friends jumped the bouncer and left. The man was taken to a local hospital where he was treated for bruises and scratches that required stitches.

    Source: Complex.com