TIG Post

Author: Chris Kodo

  • #OforiAttaMustGo: Four Akufo-Addo celebrity campaigners who are silent

    There is a substantial precedent in Ghana’s politics under the leadership of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as even MPs of the ruling party are calling for the resignation of the country’s Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta for nonperformance.

    These celebrities are yet to speak on the #OforiAttaMustGo campaign trending on social media

    The country’s economic downturn has sparked constant calls from more citizens for the resignation of the economic gatekeepers, particularly the finance minister and the Minister of State at the Finance Ministry, Charles Adu Boahen.

    Yet in the midst of all these, some celebrities who actively campaigned for the Nana Addo-led administration are yet to comment on the call for the aforementioned to resign or be sacked. Since the declaration was made, #OforiAttaMustGo and #KenMustGo have been trending on social media.

    Although some of these ‘NPP celebrity activists’ have called out the government for overseeing a poor economic state, many are expecting them to further throw their weight behind calls for the sacking of the two personalities.

    See the list below:

    Samini

    Samini who in the past criticised his colleagues for endorsing political parties and candidates took a U-turn in 2020 when he endorsed Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo through social media posts, interviews, and campaign songs. He mounted political platforms to defend his decision stressing he was convinced Nana Addo needed another term.

    Despite the barrage of backlash and criticisms against him, the musician’s support for Nana Addo was inflexible.

    Prior to the calls for the two personalities to be axed, Samini made a post and lamented the depreciation of the cedi and other factors that have contributed to the hardship being experienced.

    “Dear Nana Akufo-Addo. I supported you to bring change and stability. I believed in the vision and your concept of change! But with 2 years to go, my soul bleeds. Our investments wash away daily as the dollar openly whips our Cedi. Your people are crying. We cannot pretend all is well. But if God has blessed Ghana with anything, it is our ability to stare difficulty right in the face and say, it will #bealright. Ghana must work again! Where is the Nana Addo who begged us for the mandate?” parts of his comments read.

    But Samini is yet to add his voice to the campaign seeking to remove Ofori-Atta and Adu Boahen from office for overseeing a failed economy.

    Prince David Osei

    The actor was the first ‘Celebrity NPP campaigner’ to call out the government for what he described as the poor management of the country’s economy.

    Prince David Osei has not only spoken against the country’s ailing economy but had also issued an ultimatum that should the economic situation in the country not improve by December, he will mobilize the youth to hit the street irrespective of party affiliation and protest.

    “If things don’t change by December, we will mobilize the youth of this country and hit the street irrespective of party affiliations, whether NPP, NDC, CQQ, PNC whatever doesn’t matter now, we are all in this together.. God bless our motherland ???????? We want to see improvement in our livelihoods.. If you have to sack some people do it without fear or favor because your legacy is on the line Sir!!” parts of his post read.

    However, the actor is yet to support the sacking Ofori-Atta and Adu Boahen.

    Kalybos

    Unlike Prince David Osei and Samini who have spoken about the economic hardship and the need for a change in the narrative, Kalybos is yet to comment, not to talk of supporting the call for the removal of Ofori-Atta and Adu Boahen from office.

    Kalybos’ silence on the economy has been loud and considering that he was one of the celebrities who vigorously campaigned for the NPP, a section of the populace is eager to hear his assessment of the economy.

    Bibi Bright

    After campaigning her way up to being elected as the secretary for the Creative Arts Council under the current NPP government, Bibi Bright has been silent on political issues.

    Like Kalybos, she has not spoken about the hardships in the country; neither has she supported nor kicked against calls for the dismissal of Ofori-Atta and Adu Boahen.

    Source:ghanaweb.com

  • Former Ex-President Mahama charges GFA to raise standard in Premier League

    Former President, John Dramani Mahama has urged the Ghana Football Association to raise the standard of the Premier League in bid to get supporters to the various stadia.

    The Premier League resumes this weekend after an Accra High Court dismissed the Application for Injunction filed by Ashanti Gold against the GFA.

    Asante Kotoko will clash with rivals King Faisal at the Baba Yara Sports stadium on Monday while Hearts of Oak host Bibiani Gold Stars at the Accra Sports stadium on Saturday.

    “We know that under this administration, the GFA has brought some more vitality into our football and we are all supporting this administration to make sure we move football to the next level,” former President Mahama said as quoted by ghanafa.org.

    “I know there are challenges in the domestic League because our people are more interested in the foreign League and so people don’t come to the stadium as they should but it is normally a good family entertainment, but we need to raise the standard so people will love to come to the stadium.”

    He added, “There has been concerns about refereeing and so it depresses the quality of the league but we have faith that you have all that in hand and we will continue to support you.”

    Source: Footballghana

  • Buying a dollar is not a way of investing, you are killing the country – Financial expert

    According to financial literacy expert Patrick Baah Abankwah, Ghanaians who hoard US dollars are harming the nation’s economy in order to line their own pockets.

    Patrick brought up the fact that some people purposefully invest in foreign currencies in the aim of achieving an unsustainable profit quickly.
    He said that such actions simply serve to devalue the Ghanaian cedi, which has an impact on ordinary people’s life.

    Patrick suggested that buying or conserving money is not the best strategy to generate investment gains because it affects the economy of the nation in an interview with SVTV Africa.

    “If you want to build a country to be sustainable, and for prices of things on the market to be lower, then we should not focus on investing in dollars. Even though you are making a profit, the one importing is importing at a higher cost because it has gone up for those who need the dollars to trade.

    “Things at the market will also go up and you will spend the profit you made to pay for items at a higher price. So don’t use the dollar as a way of making investment gains. it kills the country,” he explained.

    The former bank manager explained that importation is not the cause of the constant cedi depreciation. Moreover, Patrick spoke on the recent arrest of over 70 ‘black market’ dealers and the harm they cause.

    “I heard one of the dealers say he buys the dollars from the bank and if that is true, it means the problem is within. The ‘black market’ is not a structured system and what happens to them after the arrest? I’m sure they are back on the streets the next day.

    “The only reason someone will think these people are protected is that when they are arrested, they are back on the streets. So who is backing those people? That’s where the rich people come in. They (dealers) are just the face for the bigger people out there,” Patrick told DJ Nyaami.

    Mr. Abankwah further explained that it is normal for the cedi to depreciate because foreign companies in Ghana send profit back to their home countries, and the government also pays loans at the beginning of the year. Also, Ghaianans import more at end of the year.

    However, “if the dollar rises at a daily rate, it should tell you someone is fanning it. If the person has an influence, it will keep on rising. I will never advise Ghanaians to change cedis into dollars. You are not helping the country”.

  • 1D1F: President Akufo-Addo commissions Specialty Beers in Nsawam

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, on Saturday, commissioned the Specialty Beers Ghana (SBL) Limited, an enterprise operating under Government’s One-District-One-Factory initiative.

    Located in Kwasi Tenten, in Nsawam Adoagyiri Municipality of the Eastern Region, on a five-acre land, Specialty Beers was established to manufacture speciality ale or top-fermented beers for the Ghanaian market.

    The company was registered in Ghana in 2012, but became active in 2020 and applied in January 2021 to take advantage of the One District One Factory (1D1F) Programme being implemented by the Ministry of Trade and Industry.

    The construction of the factory started in May 2021 and the first brew test run was completed in April 2022.

    Specialty Beers Limited (SBL) is a medium size craft brewery with an annual production capacity of 10,000 hectolitres.

    As part of SBL’s vision to reduce dependency on the importation of raw materials, the company has already invested in the development of a number of beer recipes using mainly adjuncts (such as maize and broken rice) partly replacing malted barley which cannot be sourced in Ghana.

    A number of local suppliers of these cereals, including Avnash Limited and Hila Farms Limited have been engaged as anchor suppliers of basic raw materials.

    The brewery will be the first to introduce the top fermentation brewing process in Ghana.

    This high-end brewing technology allows the usage of over 70% un-husked grains during the mashing process while ensuring the absolute clarity of the beer without stripping any flavour or aroma due to the centrifuge filtration system.

    The company has introduced four brands into the market, namely Farmhouse Ale (5% abv), Hibiscus IPA (6% abv), Ginger Triple (7% abv), and Cocoa Stout (8% abv).

    The entire production process of the state-of-the-art production facility is environmentally friendly and utilises only recyclable materials (no plastics). In addition, the company uses cleaning chemicals that allow the wastewater (by-product) to be used as fertiliser and potassium acetate.

    Currently, the company has engaged 20 permanent staff who are involved in the pre-factory launch activities in specific areas of factory operations.

    It is expected that once the company starts full operation, over 60 additional staff would be directly engaged whiles about 1500 indirect employment opportunities will be generated.

    The second phase of the project is intended to develop exports to the wider ECOWAS region, the rest of Africa and possibly the European market via specialized international distributors.

    For this reason, Specialty Beers Ghana Limited has already acquired ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme Certification (ETLS) certification.

    Thus far, the One-District-One-Factory initiative has seen the ongoing construction of 296 factories across the country, of which 125 have been completed.

    It is part of the foundation on which the Akufo-Addo government is building a comprehensive industrialization programme, inspired by the development of strategic anchor industries, such as the emerging automotive industry and the coordinated exploitation for the entire domestic value addition of the country’s bauxite and iron ore resources.

    In the Eastern Region alone, there are 17 completed 1D1F enterprises, with 16 more under construction and four in the pipeline.

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • 2022 World Cup: Ex-president John Mahama wants Black Stars to seek revenge against Uruguay

    Former Ghana President, John Dramani Mahama has urged the Black Stars to beat Uruguay in the upcoming 2022 World Cup in Qatar next month.

    After an entertaining game against the two-time world champions, the Black Stars were eliminated at the quarterfinals during the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

    Ghana had a glorious opportunity to play in the semifinals but Asamoah Gyan failed to convert the spot kick after Luis Suarez prevented Dominic Adiyah’s goal-bound header with his hand.

    Ghana, who make a return to the tournament after missing out on the 2018 edition in Russia take on Portugal in their first game in Group H on November 24 before playing South Korea and Uruguay on November 28 and December 2 respectively.

    According to Mr. Mahama, it will be sweet revenge if Ghana record a win against the South American side.

    “Unfortunately, we are in a group of death. The teams in our group are the strongest and look at what faith has made, bringing Uruguay into our Group again,” former President Mahama said as quoted by ghanafa.org.

    “It will be sweet revenge if we score them and so even if you don’t beat anybody, just beat Uruguay for me and let’s pay Suarez back for what he did to us.”

    Black Stars will play Switzerland in an International friendly on November 17, before traveling to Qatar for the World Cup.

    Source: Footballghana

  • Brittney Griner’s appeal rejected in Russian Court, sentence upheld

    Brittney Griner’s appeal has been rejected.

    Per a report from the Associated Press, Griner’s appeal in response to her nine-year sentence was rejected in Russian court on Tuesday. Thus, the sentence will be upheld, although the Moscow court in question is reported to have also said that the length of the sentence “will be recalculated” to include the time she spent detained before going to trial. Bloomberg writes that the 32-year-old will soon “leave pre-trial detention near Moscow and be sent to serve her prison term in a penal colony elsewhere in Russia.”

    In August, Griner’s legal team filed an appeal following a conviction earlier that month in connection with the possession of a small amount of hash oil. In a statement shared in response to Griner’s conviction, President Joe Biden said this move by the Russian court marked an “unacceptable” development.

    “Today, American citizen Brittney Griner received a prison sentence that is one more reminder of what the world already knew: Russia is wrongfully detaining Brittney,” Biden said at the time.

    The U.S. government has maintained this stance throughout coverage of Griner’s detainment, which began with her arrest at a Moscow airport in February. Prior to the detainment, Griner had played for the region’s UMMC Ekaterinburg team.

    Griner’s detainment has remained a source of global criticism, as have the larger issues surrounding it. At one point, Dennis Rodman had plans to travel to Russia to offer assistance in securing Griner’s release. However, later that same month, it was reported that Rodman would actually not be making such a trip.

    Breanna Stewart, meanwhile, has been among the fellow athletes who have pushed for Griner’s release. In a post shared to Twitter on Monday, the Seattle Storm player noted how long Griner had already been detained at that point, tagging President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris in the process.

    It has been 249 days since our friend, Brittney Griner, has been wrongfully detained in Russia. It is time for her to come home. @WhiteHouse @potus @vp , we are paying attention and we are counting on you. #WeAreBG

    — Breanna Stewart (@breannastewart) October 24, 2022

     

    Source: Complex.com

  • KiDi’s ‘Blessed’ and ‘Touch It’ make Billboard’s top 6 songs for the week

    KiDi has had two of his songs, ‘Blessed’ and ‘Touch It’, captured in Billboard’s Top 10 songs for this week.

    The self-acclaimed ‘Sugar Daddy’ shared a love emoji after he chanced on the music chart with his songs labelled as most played.

    In a post he shared on Instagram, he tagged Billboard and shared a blue love emoji to express his appreciation.

    His song, ‘Touch It’, made a re-entry after it became a worldwide hit song last year and earlier this year.

    Scanning through the list of artistes on Billboard’s chart, KiDi was noticeably the only African artiste in the midst of Sam Smith, Cardi B, and Sona Mohapatra among others in the Top 6.

    Surprisingly Davido, Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Kizz Daniel, among other notable Nigerian artistes known worldwide, were not in there with him.

    In some social media reactions shared by some netizens, they have noted that KiDi’s songs finding their way to Billboard was a massive win for him.

    Source:ghanaweb.com

  • ComplexCon 2022: Everything you need to know before attending

    With its return this year to Long Beach, California, ComplexCon’s 2022 edition is shaping up to truly be one for the books.

    The two-day event, more accurately known as “the festival of the future,” will once again provide attendees with an unparalleled experience of total immersion featuring creative voices across fashion, sneakers, music, food, and more.

    Before 2022 festivities get underway, we’ve compiled a handy rundown of everything you need to know—including how to get tickets—before attending this year’s festival.

    Source: Complex.com

  • Hearts of Oak step up preparations ahead of Ghana Premier League resumption

    Hearts of Oak have been putting together their final preparations ahead of the return of the 2022/23 Premier League season this weekend.

    The newly appointed head coach Slavko Matic successfully supervised the team’s first training session ahead of their match week four encounter against Bibiani Gold Stars at the Accra Sports stadium on Saturday.

    Hearts have been Eastern region for the last few days for a residential camping in bid to get in the best of shapes.

    Hearts of Oak are yet to win a game this season, having lost one and drawn two of the three matches played this season.

    The Phobians are 14th on the league table with two points after three matches.

    The Premier League resumes this weekend after an Accra High Court dismissed the Application for Injunction filed by Ashanti Gold against the GFA.

    The applicant failed to meet two of the three legal requirements needed for the grant of an injunction of this nature especially on the balance of convenience.

    The court concluded that greater hardship will be visited on the GFA, the current 18 clubs of the Premier League, the Players, the Sponsors, Referees, Match Commissioners and other key service providers.

    The court awarded cost of GHc20,000 against AshantiGold SC.

    Source: Footballghana

  • DJ Azonto demands higher payment for Ghana DJ Awards performance

    Ghana’s Amapiano King DJ Azonto says organisers of this year’s Ghana DJ Awards, should pay him well, precisely an amount higher than Stonebwoy’s performance fees.

    Dj Azonto, who is billed to perform at the award show, believes since the release of his current hit song, “Fa No Fom”, there has not been any song that has taken over the streets to date.

    According to DJ Azonto, because the song has received more public acceptance than Stonebwoy’s Gidigba, any payment less than what Stonebwoy is receiving will cause him to withdraw from the event.

    “Fa No Fom has been a very popular song in Ghana for some time now, and even though all the “bigger artistes” have released songs, none has been able to take over the Fa No Fom fever,” DJ Azonto stated.

    DJ Azonto has been nominated at the Ghana DJ Awards under the DJs’ Song Of The Year category, and believes he will take home the award which has had so many fans voting for him

    Sources claim DJ Azonto hired a tour bus in various regions to announce his nomination and gather votes from fans.

    The event, which is scheduled to take place on November 5th at the Silver Star Tower, will see DJ Azonto among many other musicians, including Stonebwoy, Andy Dosty, Obaapa Christy, and Incredible Zigi, performing.

    Source: GNA

  • Boldy James continues Canadian winning streak on Badge Epoque Ensemble collab “Naturally Conspiring”

    Toronto music project Badge Epoque Ensemble has joined forces with Toronto band Lammping as well as rappers Boldy James and Roshin for their new single “Naturally Conspiring.”

    “On my corner gotta keep your 40 like an open beer/Hully Gully sonic boom/A n***a with a solar flare/Can’t come near me they don’t compare,” Boldy James raps in his opening verse.

    Along with the track, the Toronto-based ensemble announced the title and release date of their forthcoming collaborative album with Lammping. Clouds of Joy: Chance of Reign is due out on November 18, a follow-up project to their previous album from 2022 Clouds of Joy.

    “Naturally Conspiring” features a soothing choir with calm-and-collected rapping from veteran Boldy James who commandeers the first verse followed by Roshin’s nonchalant slew of bars.

    Badge Epoque Ensemble and Lammping came together for their collaborative album partly thanks to their shared drummer Jay Anderson and for their shared love of jazz, funk, soul, and psychedelic music.

    Badge Epoque Ensemble is a musical collective based out of Toronto and led by musician Max Turnbull. Their self-titled debut album came out in 2020 and was a longlisted nominee for the 2020 Polaris Music Prize.

    Meanwhile, Boldy James continues his streak of working with Canadians. He dropped collaborative album Fair Exchange No Robbery with Montreal producer Nicholas Craven, as well as single “The Ring” with Ev Bird.

    Source: Complex.com

  • Some shops understate taxes up to 1700% – GRA

    Rev. Amishaddai Owusu Amoah, the Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority, has revealed that during an inspection by the Authority it was discovered that some firms understate taxes and earnings by 1700%.

    He claimed that the results of the observation of roughly 53 entities revealed that businesses were underreporting their taxes.

    He mentioned that authorities were stationed in stores to check invoices as consumers flooded in while mystery shoppers were sent out to conduct a shop invigilation operation.

    The remarks followed the Authority’s most recent efforts to make sure that firms comply with the recently implemented Electronic VAT system.

    Speaking to GhanaWeb on the sidelines of the Ghana Economic Forum on October 25, 2022, he said “Out of the results we had when you look at the filing, what the entity has filed for June, July, and August and you compare what we found in September the difference is more than 100 % and some of them go as high as 1700%.

    “There was somebody who was filing GH¢75000 per month but when we went to the shop in September it was over 3 million and there was one who was filing GH¢19000 and GH¢20000 for the 3 months and when we went to the shop it was GH¢330,000 so it means that these are revenues that are being understated and what you need to understand is that they are selling to all of us and they are still selling. Once you buy, you have paid the tax so to say but when he files less than that,” he lamented.

    He however stated that persons who are found to be flouting the laws will be made to pay the taxes due.

    “Basically, there will be two sanctions. We use our findings to tell you that we estimate that your filings are inaccurate. So, we calculate and charge you. We will speak to them one on one if you are able to explain that maybe something was amiss then we take a look at it. But where we find out that you have not done the right thing, we will make sure that you pay,” he said.

  • ‘In his own words: XXXTentacion’ documentary trailer released

    A new XXXTentacion documentary is arriving next month from Fader Films.

    In His Own Words, directed by Lesley Steele and Rob Stone, serves as a companion piece to the previously released Look at Me. Per a press release, fans can expect to see previously unreleased footage taken from a 2017 Fader interview, as well as insight from the late artist’s mother and manager.

    “Cleopatra, Solomon, and I watched the Fader-Jahseh one-on-one interview from 2017,” Stone said of In His Own Words, which is slated to be released on Altavod on Nov. 22.

    “It was emotional, chilling, insightful, and tragic on a multitude of levels. It instantaneously brought us closer together. It feels only right to share it with his fans and the world, Jahseh in his own words.”

    A poster for a new XXXTentacion documentary is shown
    Image via Publicist

    For In His Own Words preorder info, hit this link. Tuesday’s press release revealed that a portion of proceeds will go toward the National Alliance on Mental Illness and similar groups.

    The streaming release of the aforementioned Look at Me, which is currently available on Hulu, coincided with the sharing of a 25-song compilation project also titled Look at Me. Directing the feature-length doc was Sabaah Folayan, who spoke with Complex earlier this year about the experience.

    “I set out to model a type of emotional acuity, and emotional bravery that I think that we can all use in situations like this,” Folayan told Jessica McKinney in an interview published this May.

    “I set out to show an example of how a conversation could be had. What people think and feel about X by the end of the film is completely their choice.”

    Source: Complex.com

  • ECG vending challenge: PURC ask customers to file complaints by October 29

    Customers impacted by the Electricity Company of Ghana’s (ECG) meter credit vending system issue are urged to file complaints with the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) by Friday in order to get compensation.

    The Company requested enough time to be able to identify and analyze those who were impacted by the system difficulty, and this followed a lengthy dialogue between the sector regulator and the Management of ECG.

    The impacted consumers must fill out and submit forms at any PURC Regional Office and the PURC website (www.purc.com.gh) in order to be considered for compensation. The affected customers must also visit the ECG offices in their respective Districts and the ECG website (www.ecg.com.gh).

    In an interview with the Ghana News Agency, Dr Ishmeal Ackah, the Executive Secretary of PURC, said: “When we issued the order, ECG wrote to ask for time to pay the affected customers.”

    “So, we held a meeting and agreed that we should have a form to distinguish between those who were affected and those who were not. Customers have up to Friday to submit their complaints, thereafter, ECG will analyse the data and compensate all those who were affected,” he said.

    Dr Ackah assured all stakeholders of the Commission’s commitment to protect the interests of both utilities and consumers.

    PURC ordered ECG to pay compensation to customers who were unable to buy power through their meter credit vending system in Volta, Takoradi, Tema, Cape Coast, Kasoa, Winneba, Swedru, Koforidua, Nkwakaw and Tafo on October 7.

    The situation led to long queues across all the 10 operational regional areas of various vending centres.

    ECG is, therefore, to pay compensation in credit equivalent of GHS15 to all affected lifeline electricity consumers, GHS120 to residential consumers, and GHS240 to non-residential consumers.

    Commercial consumers are to be reimbursed with a penalty unit equivalent of GHS480 and industrial consumers, GHS1,200, in line with the breach of ECG’s statutory obligations as by law established.

    This is to also show responsive customer service by the utility service provider, PURC said.

  • Gender Ministry to fight for economic and political rights for the aged

    The Gender Ministry has reiterated its commitment to ensuring the political, economic, social, etc. rights of the aged are protected through the passage of the Aged Bill.

    Speaking at the launch of the inaugural National Ageing Summit, the Focal Person for Ageing at the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, Felix Logah, noted that the passage of the bill remains an utmost priority on the ministry’s agenda.

    “The bill will be given the required impetus once the minister-designate is confirmed because all the relevant structures are already in place,” he said.

    The Aged Person’s Bill, is aimed at upholding the rights of older persons. If passed into Law, the Bill will ensure the effective protection of the rights of the aged.

    It came about with the introduction of the National Ageing Policy in 2003 and its adoption in 2010. However, the legislative process has slowed recently, raising concerns about the elderly’s growing vulnerability.

    Stressing the need to urgently pass the Bill into Law, the Director of the Centre for Ageing Studies (CFAS), Professor Mavis Dako-Gyeke, lamented over the delay in the passage of the Bill, emphasising that the delay has stalled the enforcement of some provisions for the protection of older persons.

    She noted that “the Aged bill is of very great concern to us at the Centre, and we believe that it needs to be passed now as it establishes the framework for rights of older persons and will ensure such rights will be upheld.

    “The bill will guarantee enforcement and ensure that well-being and quality of life for older persons is not compromised,” CFAS’s director added.

    According to data from the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) the elderly population has increased almost 10 times in the past six decades – from 213,477 in 1960 to 1,991,736 in 2021.

    43.3 percent of this figure are men while 56.7 percent are women. In a statement to mark the International Day of Older Persons, the Statistical Services pointed out that about a quarter of older persons in the country – most of which live in rural areas – are multidimensionally poor.

    This has triggered calls on the government to roll out policies that will inure to the benefit of the aged.

    Addressing the gathering at the event which was held at the University of Ghana, Legon, Country Representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Barnabas Yisa, in a speech read on his behalf warned of implications for the country’s social and economic development if concerns of the elderly are not adequately addressed.

    He added that whatever measures are being developed to address their challenges must also consider the gender disparities that exist, even among older citizens.

    “Older people suffer from food insecurity, social injustice and neglect, but disparities between older men and women exist at all levels. Older women suffer extreme poverty and face barriers to the acquisition of assets and access to health care. For elderly women, age and gender discrimination – for instance, the accusation of witchcraft – often lead to disempowerment, poor health outcomes, victimisation and even death,” he explained.

    “Emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated existing inequalities, and the existence of gaps in the legal framework continues to limit the opportunities for, particularly, older women to participate adequately in public decision-making on an equitable basis; and affects their ability to alleviate poverty even in old age,” the Country Rep added.

    Highlighting the critical role of data in shaping policy, he said his outfit has partnered with Ghana Statistical Services (GSS) in the production and generation of data to provide new evidence to inform policies on the aged, adding that the UNFPA is also supporting GSS to produce a thematic report on the aged.

    “Investing in data for the aged, and especially in its utilisation, is crucial to the development of Ghana; especially in the era of an evidence-based, technological and innovative world, and will ensure that no one is left behind,” Mr. Yisa stated.

    Meanwhile, the objectives of the Aged Persons’ bill include ensuring the full enjoyment of economic, social and cultural rights, and civil and political rights of persons and the elimination of all forms of violence and discrimination against older persons.

    The Bill also aims to ensure commitment to gender equality among older persons through, inter alia,gender-based discrimination as well as recognising the cultural importance of families, intergenerational interdependence, solidarity and reciprocity for social development.

    The Bill is also to provide health care, support and social protection for older persons including preventive and rehabilitation health care, among other things.

    Source: The Independent Ghana

  • Ofori-Atta unfit for office because can’t supervise his own mess – Haruna Iddrisu explains

    The minority leader, Haruna Iddrisu, has backed members of the New Patriotic Party who are seeking for the resignation of the finance minister and minister of state of the finance ministry, respectively, Ken Ofori-Atta and Charles Adu Boahen.

    He asserts that the Finance Minister is unqualified to address Ghana’s current economic problems.

    On Tuesday, October 25, 2022, Haruna Iddrisu declared Ofori-Atta: “cannot manage or supervise his own mess, he is not fit for purpose” in submissions to Parliament.

    He, therefore, urged his colleagues on the other side of the House to join the Minority to ensure Ofori-Atta is removed.

    Some NPP MPs on Tuesday, October 25, 2022, organised a press conference to demand the dismissal of the Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, and the Minister of State at the finance ministry, Charles Adu Boahen, in order to restore public confidence in the economy.

    Andy Kwame Appiah-Kubi, Spokesperson for the MPs who describe themselves as the ‘backbenchers’ said if the president fails to heed their call, they will also not do business with the government nor support the 2023 Budget.

    “We have had occasions to defend allegations of conflicts of interest, lack of confidence, and trust against the leadership of the Finance Ministry.

    “The recent development within the economy is of major concern to our caucus and our constituents. We have made our grave concern to our president through the parliamentary leadership and the leadership of the party without and positive response,” Andy Appiah Kubi said.

    But the Majority Leader further indicated on the floor of the House that no Minister in government is beyond the reach of censure and reproach if the prevailing conditions call for such measures.

    “Mr. Speaker, we are serving you notice that we will take every step that this Parliament has…to censure any Minister who is not living up to expectation, and we will lead the way with the Honorable Minister for Finance.”

    NPP MPs petition president to sack Ofori-Atta, Adu Boahen

    The majority caucus in parliament, at a press conference on Tuesday, have threatened they will not participate in any government business until Minister for Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta and Minister of State in charge of Finance at the Office of the President, Chares Adu Boahen are sacked by the president.

  • Former President Mahama calls on Ghanaians to depoliticise Black Stars ahead of 2022 World Cup

    Former President, John Dramani Mahama has charged Ghanaians to depoliticise the Black Stars ahead of the upcoming 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

    The Black Stars are paired in Group H alongside Portugal, South Korea and Uruguay.

    Ghana will begin the campaign against Portugal on Thursday, November 24 before taking on South Korea and Uruguay in the other Group matches.

    President Mahama contributed immensely to our qualification to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil where Ghana exited at the Group stage.

    “I urge that all Ghanaians should rally behind the Black Stars. The Black Stars in the past was what united us and any time the stars were playing, there was no political affiliation or ethnic orientation as we all supported them,” former President Mahama said as quoted by ghanafa.org.

    “Recently, it doesn’t seem to be the same and I urge that we put all political considerations aside and know that, that is our best national team and for the boys to have the kind of encouragement to give their best on the world stage.”

    “They need the support of the whole nation, simply put, we must depoliticize the Black stars. If the stars win, it’s not credit to one political party or the other, but to all Ghanaians.”

     

    He added, “It doesn’t matter under which administration it wins the cup or not, we must know that the boys are from all over the country who are not even political. Let’s all support them because any-time they are going to play, I play my part by tweeting and sending them words of encouragement and I am their number one fan.””Sometimes I get heartache but now that I am a senior citizen, I have to take it slow. Our team had a good second half against Brazil and normally with our team, it is with settling in and settling down. When we go to a tournament, it takes time for us to settle and play our real soccer.”

    Black Stars will play Switzerland in an International friendly on November 17, before travelling to Qatar for the World Cup.

    Source: Footballghana

     

  • Traders in Twifo Hemang protest against chief over illegal demolition of structures

    On Monday, October 24, 2022, merchants in Twifo Hemang in the Hemang Lower Denkyira District of the Central Region protested the area’s structures being demolished on the orders of the town’s chief, Otumfour Amoah Sasraku IV.

    The businessmen called the demolition project carried out by several “macho” individuals illegal and charged the local chief with planning the demolition.

    The resentful traders said that they received no prior notice and that they simply awoke to find the powerful guys tearing down their buildings.

    They claim they lawfully purchased the property from the local Roman Catholic Church, but the chief claims he wants to utilize it as a lorry park, therefore he has decided to kick them off the property.

    They claimed he is parking them off the land without providing them with any alternative, a situation they said does not auger well.

    “We were working here peacefully until the chief asked us to vacate the place, so we asked for an alternative place…. we never got any response until the macho men came to demolish the structures.

    “The chief ordered people to come and sack us from the place, so in their first attempt, they came to destroy the roofing of our shops before returning to demolish our structures.

    “They are evicting us here where do they want us to go, all our electrical connections have been disconnected so we don’t know how to get power to carry out our duties,” the affected traders told Kwame Owusu Asante Shadrack.

    A male victim who expressed his anger disclosed that the situation has forced her pregnant wife to deliver prematurely.

    “If you take a look at the container, it belongs to me, and my wife and that’s where she keeps her onions. The moment she received the news; her pressure went high and was rushed to the hospital where she delivered prematurely. When I visited her at the hospital, the doctors told me that her time of delivering was not due…” a male resident narrated.

    He condemned the chief’s actions and threatened to summon the chief before the gods.

    Having reported the matter to both the District Assembly and the Police without any positive outcome, the traders has vowed to fight back.

    Meanwhile, the acting president of the Twifoman Traditional Area, Nana Twumasi Ankrah speaking on behalf of the chief, Nana Amoah Sasraku debunked the claim that no alternative place has been provided.

    He also emphasized that the Roman Catholic Church does not have the legal right to lease the land to third parties because the “Roman Church came here for mission works and does not sell lands.”

  • Kaytranada and PinkPantheress reveal new track in interview

    Montreal producer Kaytranada and PinkPantheress have a new track coming.

    The info was revealed in a new interview with Rolling Stone, where the pair teased the upcoming collaboration.

    The two linked up back in July when PinkPantheress came to Montreal to perform at Osheaga and Kaytra flew back to the city after performing with The Weeknd in Detroit.

    In the final moments of the interview, PinkPantheress asks Kaytra what his favourite song that he made was. After he replied and asked PinkPantheress the same question, she tells him that it’s “I Must Apologize” but that she’s “really excited for people to hear what [they] have.”

    “This is gonna be insane,” Kaytra replies. “They’re not ready for that.”

    PinkPantheress admitted her affinity for Kaytranada’s music when she told the Montreal producer that she attempted to make a beat for a friend that was “as Kaytranada-inspired as possible.”

    When Kaytranada asked to hear it, PinkPantheress shrugged him off, telling him “it’s fucking terrible.”

    While PinkPantheress has mostly worked on UK garage-inspired music, she has also dabbled in other styles of dance music, especially on her new track “Picture in my Mind” with Sam Gellaitry.

    She also released a remix album of her debut project, To Hell With It, with a track from Canadian producer WondaGurl.

    Kaytranada has had a busy year, too, hopping on The Weeknd’s After Hours Till Dawn Tour where he opened for the Toronto-born artist.

    Source: Complex.com

  • 1 injured, vehicle set ablaze in suspected land dispute at Dzorwulu

    One person has been injured and at least one vehicle has been set on fire following a dispute over a piece of land in Central Dzorwulu, Accra.

    The police in a Facebook post on Tuesday, October 25, 2022, indicated that the burnt car belonged to two men who hired some thugs to destroy a four-bedroom flat.

    “The Police responded to the scene to restore calm. Police later had information that one of the vehicles belonging to the suspects, Nana Owusu Banahene and James Quainoo, run into a ditch and was attacked by a mob who pelted them with stones, injured one of the suspects, James Quainoo, and set his car ablaze,” the police added.

    The thugs in an attempt to flee from the police whilst executing the assigned task entered into a ditch.

    Information gathered by the police shows that before the demolishing began, the perpetrators attacked the occupants of the house.

    On Monday, October 24, 2022, a video which saw a middle-aged man driver bleeding profusely in the middle of the streets went viral on Twitter.

    A voice was heard from the video stating that someone had been shot.

    However, the police have thus far established that nobody was shot during the incident as per what has been circulated.

    The law enforcement body, have also stated that the two culprits are in police custody.

    In the meantime, while efforts are being made to apprehend all of the other culprits, the injured suspect is receiving medical care at the hospital.

    Also, the police has asked the public to maintain calm adding that it is in control of the situation and would update the public on any development.

    “The Police are in control of the situation and calm has since been restored. We, therefore, wish to

    urge the public to remain calm. Further developments will be shared in due course,” the police added.

    Source: The Independent Ghana

  • Ghanaian forward Kwame Poku nets as Peterborough United beat Accrington Stanley

    English-born Ghanaian striker Kwame Poku was on the scoresheet again on Tuesday evening as Peterborough United came from behind to beat Accrington Stanley 3-1 in the EFL League One.

    The 21-year-old, who lasted the entire duration of the game put up an impressive display to help side secure all three points at the Weston Homes Stadium.

    Stanley took the lead on the 25th-minute through defender Harvey Rodgers who ended a five-and-a-half year wait for a second career goal.

    But Mason-Clark bagged the equaliser eight minute later with a fabulous 20-yard strike.

    After the recess, Mason-Clark then turned provider as Poku made it 2-1 six minutes into the second half before League One leading scorer Jonson Clarke-Harris latched onto a long Nathan Thompson ball and slotted his 12th goal of the campaign.

    The result lifts Peterborough United to 4th on the league table with 28 points after 16 matches played so far this season.

    Poku has now scored three goals and provided two assists in nine league games for Peterborough.

    Source: Footballghana

  • WCFP meeting: We support government’s decision to boycott – Ghana, Ivorian CSOs cocoa platform

    The Ghana Civil-society Cocoa Platform and the cocoa Platforme Ivoirienne pour le cacao durable are two platforms for civil society organizations (CSOs) that have praised the governments of Ghana and the Ivory Coast for their decision to skip the upcoming World Cocoa Foundation Partners meeting.

    The Plateforme Ivoirienne pour le cacao durable and the Ghana Civil-society, which are made up of farmers, farmer-based organizations, cooperatives, small-scale processors, the media, and CSOs working in the cocoa sector, applauded the two governments for their decision to skip the meeting that was scheduled to take place from Wednesday, October 26, to Thursday, October 27, 2022, in Brussels.

    “We may not always agree with COCOBOD and CCC’s judgments, but we fully support this move and the grounds offered for the decision,” the CSOs said in a statement on Monday, October 24, 2022.

    The statement noted that: “Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana account for 65 per cent of global cocoa production, but farmers in these two countries earn less than 6 per cent of the chocolate industry’s total revenue valued at about US$130 billion per annum.”

    While “new studies have shown that the share of cocoa growers in the overall chocolate industry has drastically reduced over the years as traders, brands and retailers have accumulated super profits.

    “For example, according to Fairtrade, when cocoa prices were high in the 1970s, cocoa growers were earning up to 50 per cent of the value of a chocolate bar.

    “This fell to 16 per cent in the 1980s and today, farmers receive around 6 per cent of the value. This has led to high levels of poverty and hardship for cocoa growers in two of the largest cocoa producing countries in the world.”

    Both platforms indicated that: “Today, producers are not living, they are only surviving.”

    They continued that: “By boycotting this flagship gathering of the private sector in Brussels, the governments of Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana are sending a strong signal, but it is also a cry from the heart. The issue of cocoa pricing must be put at the center of the discussion on cocoa sustainability.”

    They added: “We fully support this position and hope that the world will take notice and denounce the private sector for their nefarious and unfair cocoa pricing practices.”

  • Steve Lacy speaks on smashing disposable camera and ending show after Concertgoer hit him with projectile

    Steve Lacy had to deal with some disrespectful concertgoers at his Give You the World Tour.

    Performing in New Orleans on Monday night, the “Bad Habit” artist was hit with an object. Video shows Lacy then asking a fan in the front row to hand him a disposable camera—likely what he was struck with—and proceeded to smash it.

    The 24-year-old ultimately stopped the show, telling fans, “Yo, don’t throw no shit on my fucking stage, please!”

    In a statement on Instagram, Lacy addressed the situation, writing, “Shoutout to the people not throwing disposable cameras at me and just coming to catch a vibe and connect. I had a really good time in Nola last night. i hate that the beauty of the connection i have with so many people in the crowd gets lost when something negative happens.”

    He continued, “i don’t believe i owe anyone an apology—maybe i could’ve reacted better? sure. always. I’m a student of life. but i’m a real person with real feelings and real reactions. i’m not a product or a robot. i am human. i will continue to give my all at these shows. please come with respect for urself and others please thank you love u.”

    He got support in the comments from fellow artists including Chloe Bailey, Kali Uchis, Moses Sumney, Zack Fox, and Oberhofer.

    Earlier this month, Steve Lacy scored his first No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 with “Bad Habit,” a single from his second studio album Gemini Rights.

    The song garnered 20.4 million streams, 40.3 million radio airplay audience impressions, and 2,000 downloads sold during the Sept. 23-29 tracking week.

    Source: Complex.com

  • Billionaire Boys Club opens new flagship store in Miami

    A new Billionaire Boys Club flagship has touched down in Miami.

    This month, the Pharrell and NIGO®-founded BBC ICECREAM opened the doors to its new store in the Art District of the Wynwood neighborhood. The store consists of 5,000 square feet of space, complete with design from the New York-based studio SNARKITECTURE.

    In a statement, Pharrell said he was “very grateful” to bring this new experience to Florida.

    “It’s going to be a place where people can come in to get inspired by the mix of fashion, culture, art, and design,” he said. “I can’t wait for everyone to see what we’ve created here.”

    Below, get a closer look at the new space, as well as a curated selection of photos captured at a recent grand opening event.

    A new BBC store is pictured
    Image via Billionaire Boys Club
    A new BBC store is shown
    Image via Billionaire Boys Club
    A new BBC store is pictured
    Image via Billionaire Boys Club
    A New BBC store is pictured
    Image via Billionaire Boys Club
    Pharrell
    Image via Alejandro Chavarria/Billionaire Boys Club
    Pharrell in a press photo
    Image via Alejandro Chavarria/Billionaire Boys Club
    Pharrell pictured in a press photo
    Image via Alejandro Chavarria/Billionaire Boys Club
    Pharrell in a press photo
    Image via Alejandro Chavarria/Billionaire Boys Club
    Pharrell is pictured in a press photo
    Image via Alejandro Chavarria/Billionaire Boys Club
    Pharrell is pictured in a press photo
    Image via Alejandro Chavarria/Billionaire Boys Club

    It’s been a particularly busy few weeks for Pharrell, who’s currently fresh off announcing the lineup for the upcoming Mighty Dream business forum in Virginia and the auctioning off of dozens of personal items on the new Joopiter platform. Soon, he’ll be rolling out a new song with Travis Scott titled “Down in Atlanta.”

    Source: Complex.com

  • Ex-President Mahama lauds GFA boss Kurt Okraku for bringing vitality into football

    Former President, John Dramani Mahama has showered praises on Kurt Okraku led administration for bringing vitality into Ghana football after taking over from the Normalisation Committee.

    Okraku and his Executive Council took over the reins of Ghana Football in October 2019 after he secured votes in the third round of the GFA elections.

    Prior to that, the sport was in the hands of a Normalisation Committee chaired by Business mogul Dr. Kofi Amoah for about 16-months following the Anas Expose that sought to expose some corrupt officials in Ghana football.

    “We know that under this administration, the GFA has brought some more vitality into our football and we are all supporting this administration to make sure we move football to the next level,” former President Mahama said as quoted by ghanafa.org.

    “I know there are challenges in the domestic League because our people are more interested in the foreign League and so people don’t come to the stadium as they should but it is normally a good family entertainment, but we need to raise the standard so people will love to come to the stadium.”

    He added, “There has been concerns about refereeing and so it depresses the quality of the league but we have faith that you have all that in hand and we will continue to support you.”

    “My doors are open and if there is anything you think as a former President, I can do to bring in any moral encouragement, don’t hesitate to let me know.”

    Source: Footballghana

  • All about the Minister of State at the Ministry of Finance, Charles Adu Boahen

    Charles Kofi Adu Boahen is a Ghanaian politician and public servant. He is a member of the New Patriotic Party and the deputy minister for Finance in Ghana. He is currently the Minister of State at the Finance Ministry.

    Prior to this role, Charles Adu Boahen was the president’s acting representative at the Ministry of Finance.

    He worked with the then Minister-designate for Finance and the ministry’s technical officers on the planning and preparation of the 2021 Budget during this period.

    Before that, under the first Akufo- Addo government, he was a deputy finance minister responsible for finance between April 2017 and January 2021.

    In performing this role, Adu Boahen assisted the Minister for Finance in executing his mandate, with a specific focus on finance and external resource mobilisation.

    He performed this role with excellence, supporting Ghana to raise landmark bond issuances that were the first in African history. His work in this regard earned him international awards in 2018 and 2020.

    He also led the Ministry of Finance (MoF) team participating in the ongoing energy sector reform and rationalisation exercise.

    He has over 20 years of experience in Finance, specifically in Corporate Finance, Investment Banking, Asset Management, Private Equity and Real Estate.

    Prior to his appointment as a Deputy Minister for Finance, Charles was the CEO of Black Star Advisors (BSA), a boutique investment bank and asset management firm, and Primrose Properties Ghana (PPG), a real estate development company, both of which he founded in 2007.

    He was a Director and Regional Head of Corporate & Investment Banking for Standard Bank of South Africa before assuming this role.

    Also, before this role, Hon Adu Boahen was with JP Morgan for over five years as Vice President

  • Ablakwa replaces chalkboards with marker boards in North Tongu schools

    North Tongu is replacing all chalkboards with marker boards in both primary and secondary schools within his constituency.

    This implies that some public and private schools in Ghana continue to use blackboards for teaching and learning, despite the health risk it poses.

    However, Mr Ablakwa is working to change the narrative in his constituency.

    All Junior and Senior High Schools in North Tongu, who fall under the first phase, are to be provided with marker boards by November. Phase two of the initiative targets all basic schools.

    According to him, “teachers and learners deserve improved (and) healthier conditions”.

    Students in primary and secondary schools who continue to use chalkboards are exposed to dermatitis, a medical condition in which the skin becomes red, swollen, and sore, sometimes with small blisters.

    Also, they risk suffering from shortness of breath, abdominal pain, and ulcerations among many others.

    This happens because Alkaline and Zinc-Carbon batteries, which contain Ammonium Chloride, Manganese (III) Oxide, Zinc Chloride, Manganese (IV) Oxide, are most commonly used to make a solution that enables students to paint the board black, according to reports.

    Students use their arms and hands to dissolve the power of the batteries in a basin containing water. Aside from the substance used in painting the board, the use of chalk can also cause respiratory challenges.

    Those exposed to chalk particles on several occasions when the boards are being dusted may end up having minor respiratory problems.

    Also, people suffering from asthma could trigger a reaction.

    However, the use of marker boards eliminates the chances of students and teachers suffering from the aforementioned health complications.

    It, therefore, comes as no surprise that Mr Ablakwa seeks to ensure that all schools in North Tongu use only marker boards.

    Source: The Independent Ghana

  • Seven reasons Minority listed in vote of censure against Ofori-Atta

    On Tuesday, October 25, the Minority Caucus in Parliament said on the floor of the chamber that they would introduce a motion of censure to remove Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta.

    The action came after a news conference by a number of parliamentarians from the ruling New Patriotic Party who had specifically urged that Ofori-Atta and Charles Adu Boahen, the minister of state for finance, be replaced by the president.

    While the minority MPs cited seven grounds for their position that Ofori-Atta should be censured and then removed from office, the breakaway MPs mostly cited the status of the economy and the weakening cedi.

    Seeing that their current number of 137 members is not enough to achieve the two-thirds threshold to remove the embattled minister, the deputy Minority Chief Whip, Ahmed Ibrahim, called on the over 80 NPP MPs to join them in the vote of censure against the minister.

    Below are the seven points for which the Minority want Ofori-Atta censured:

    a. Despicable conflict of interest ensuring that he directly benefits from Ghana’s economic woes as his companies receive commissions and other unethical contractual advantages, particularly from Ghana’s debt overhang

    b. Unconstitutional withdrawals from the Consolidated Fund in blatant contravention of Article 178 of the 1992 Constitution, supposedly for the construction of the President’s Cathedral.

    c. Illegal payment of oil revenues into offshore accounts, in flagrant violation of Article 176 of the 1992 Constitution.

    d. Deliberate and dishonest misreporting of economic data to Parliament

    e. Fiscal recklessness leading to the crash of the Ghana Cedi which is currently the worst-performing currency in the world

    f. Alarming incompetence and frightening ineptitude, resulting in the collapse of the Ghanaian economy and an excruciating cost of living crisis

    g. Gross mismanagement of the Ghanaian economy which has occasioned untold and unprecedented hardship

    The motion of censure is expected to be filed today when the House convenes for business. The Minority have released a document that bears the signatures of an overwhelming majority of their members.

  • Otto Addo made it clear to GFA he’ll do Black Stars job on interim basis

    Ghana head coach Otto Addo has disclosed that he made it clear to Ghana Football Association (GFA) that he will be combining Black Stars and Dortmund jobs.

    The 47-year-old, who replaced Milovan Rajevac qualified the Black Stars to the global showpiece following a 1-1 draw against Nigeria in the final play-offs of the World Cup at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja in March.

    This saw his contract extended by the GFA until after the 2022 FIFA World Cup which commences next month.

    “The association had already asked me to coach in February, but at that time their priority was on someone who could work permanently for Ghana,” coach Addo told the World Soccer Magazine.

    “The offer was a great honour for me. In the talks, I made it clear that I could do the national team job on an interim basis and as a dual function with my Dortmund work. I think as a national coach you should also live in the country you work for in the long term.”

    “Of course, many things can also be organised and delegated remotely in the short term. But I see myself staying in Germany, at least for the next few years.

    The Black Stars are paired in Group H alongside Portugal, South Korea and Uruguay.

    Ghana will begin the campaign against Portugal on Thursday, November 24 before taking on South Korea and Uruguay in the other Group matches.

    Black Stars will play Switzerland in an International friendly on November 17, before travelling to Qatar for the World Cup.

    Source: Footballghana

  • No better time to build robust, resilient economy than now – Panelists at GEF

    According to experts at the 11th Ghana Economic Forum, this is the greatest time to make the economy robust and resilient.

    The experts, which include Andy Akoto, a partner at KPMG, and Kofi Adomakoh, managing director of GCB Bank, believe that the current economic difficulties facing the nation and the world have given it the chance to finally shift its economy from being overly dependent on imports to one that is producing.

    “We shouldn’t let a catastrophe this significant go to waste.  As Ghanaians, we have a clear chance to band together in an effort to restructure our economy from one that is service-driven to one that is built on technology, finance, investment, trade, and entrepreneurship.

    “In essence, an approach that may not require significant capital and yet is more labour intensive to provide the needed employment for our youth – a de-emphasis of our over-reliance on imports as the first stage of industrialization, as well as the initial stage of building for ourselves a resilient economy,” Mr. Adomakoh said in a speech read on his behalf.

    He said the success of mobile money payment interoperability has shown that concerted use of technology to drive revenue collection, bring down costs of doing business, as well as breaking down silos across all facets of the economy are some of the ways to build robustness and resilience.

    “The domestic financial sector has reaped many of the benefits of technology. Recent digital interventions at the ports, Driver and Vehicle Licencing Authority, Passport Office and the evolution of e-commerce are examples of how technology can help bring about efficiency.

    “But there are still more opportunities to explore in the technology and innovation space which can significantly improve our economic life as a nation. Therefore, the design of our economic and structural reforms and domestic revenue mobilisation strategies must increasingly embrace the use of more technology,” he explained.

    On why there is an urgent need for a change in the economy’s structure, he said the perennial cedi depreciation is one problem that clearly reflects structural weaknesses, as well as a non-competitive trade sector and unfavorable terms of trade, among other factors.

    “The current glaring limited processing capacity for our primary export commodities presents us with an enormous potential for value added services – which today, sadly, remains largely untapped.

    “I must say, however, it is heartwarming that the merchandise trade account has recorded surpluses since 2016 and the contribution from non-traditional exports is steadily increasing. Nonetheless, we are faced with a huge call for sustained efforts to do far more, given the worsening current account deficit position,” he added.

    “How can we, as economic actors, work together to enhance trade competitiveness of the Ghanaian, and by extension boost our foreign exchange earning capacity? To what extent can the domestic financial sector work with industry and services to increase trade in processed goods and services?” he queried.

    For his part, Mr. Akoto-KPMG Partner, said a diverse economy, skilled workforce and the agility of government and stakeholders in responding to economic shocks are some features of a robust and resilient economy.

    Despite the present challenges, he said, Global CEOs are confident about prospects of the world economy over the next three years – although nine out of 10 are bracing for a recession, according to the KPMG 2022 CEO Outlook report.

    He added that CEOs are largely positive about global economic prospects, but have adjusted or plan to adjust their risk management procedures considering geopolitical risks.

    They spoke at the 2022 GEF themed Building a robust ad resilient economy through technology, finance, investment, trade and entrepreneurship. The three-day event from 24th to 26th October 2022 is being organised by the B&FT in partnership with MasterCard, GCB Bank and KPMG.

    Gov’t committed to improving credit environment

    While acknowledging the challenges faced by businesses and Ghanaians at large, the Minister of Public Enterprises, Joseph Cudjoe, said government remains committed to pursuing policies to improve the credit crunch situation.

    He however called on business leaders to rethink how business is done in the current economic climate, emphasising the need for sustainability and long-term value.

  • Maisie Williams says ‘Game of Thrones’ ‘started really strong,’ but ‘definitely fell off at the end’

    Maisie Williams, who played Arya Stark in Game Of Thrones, admitted on a recent livestream that she agrees with the fan consensus surrounding the HBO series’ final season.

    According to the UK native, who recently rewatched the show in its entirety, Game of Thrones “definitely fell off at the end.”

    While sharing her thoughts on the blockbuster series’ divisive 8th and final season, Maisie said on a recent livestream per Variety, that the HBO series “started really strong.”

    “It kinda popped off,” Maisie said. “For the longest time… I could never see it from the outside. So I could never say that and actually understand it. For the first time, it feels good to be proud of it. It was 10 years of my life.”

    She added, “I was heartbroken when Ned died, yet I knew it was coming.”

    In a previous interview with the Hollywood Reporter, Williams reflected on the decade she spent working on the show, and said that she and Kit Harington were originally told Game Of Thrones was planning to end quite differently than it actually did.

    “[Kit Harington] expected it to go [Jon Snow’s] way, too, and he even said, ‘It was going to go that way. Someone told me in Season three that I was going to kill The Night King,’” Williams said of the show’s main antagonist, who was cut down by Arya Stark in the episode “The Long Night.” “And then, he read the script, and it was Arya the whole time. (Laughs.) Yeah, I think it would’ve been too obvious. I’m glad that it was Arya, honestly. I think I had the best storyline of the final season.”

    Prior to the live stream, Williams had never been so direct about her thoughts on GoT season 8, but she did say in a separate interview with British GQ that she was glad the show ended when it did.

    “Can I say none of it? … I don’t think it’s healthy [to miss it], because I loved it,” she said. “I look at it so fondly, and I look at it with such pride. But why would I want to make myself feel sad about the greatest thing that ever happened to me? I don’t want to associate that with feelings of pain.”

    However, her former co-star Peter Dinklage didn’t mince words when he was asked to share his thoughts on people’s reaction to the series finale.

    “I think the reason there was some backlash about the ending is because they were angry at us for breaking up with them,” he said in part to The New York Times. “We were going off the air and they didn’t know what to do with their Sunday nights anymore. They wanted more, so they backlashed about that.”

    Source: Complex.com

  • ‘Grey’s Anatomy’: The Biggest Cast Exits

    From T.R. Knight and Katherine Heigl to Sara Ramirez and Patrick Dempsey to Ellen Pompeo’s limited role in season 19, ET chronicles the history of Grey’s Anatomy‘s biggest and most dramatic cast exits over the course of the medical drama’s life. Here’s a look back at all the stars who have passed through the halls of Grey Sloan Memorial.

    Ellen Pompeo (Dr. Meredith Grey)

    Grey's Anatomy
    Liliane Lathan/ABC

    Pompeo is taking a step back in season 19 of Grey’s, appearing in only eight episodes as she explores other projects (aka a Hulu drama about orphans) and looks ahead to new challenges. The star and executive producer, who remains one of the series’ last original cast members and has played Meredith Grey since the series’ inception in 2005, explained to ET why she felt it was time to pass the baton, so to speak. (She will still narrate the season.) “It’s still Grey’s. She’s still there in spirit and that’s the house that Grey built, so she’s always there,” Pompeo assured in a September 2022 interview. “She just has to step away for a little bit to do a Hulu show. It’s a great company to work for and I’m really, really lucky that they’ve given me the opportunity to do both, and so I had to take it.” Though it’s unclear how Grey’s will transition Pompeo out for the time being, the leading lady’s limited presence in season 19 marks a huge turning point for the show, which is approaching the year as a “rebirth.”

    Even if Pompeo’s season 19 departure is only temporary, the actress has been candid about the future of Grey’s without Meredith at the center of it. “Trying to reinvent the show and continually trying to reinvent the show is the challenge at this point, and listen, the show speaks to a lot of people, and the young people love the show,” Pompeo told ET in May 2022. “It’s inspired so many generations of healthcare workers, so, I think for the young people, it’s a really good piece of content and we’re going to try to keep it going for the young people, not necessarily with me, but keep it going beyond me.”

    Richard Flood (Dr. Cormac Hayes)

    Richard Flood Grey's Anatomy
    Eric McCandless/ABC

    Flood left Grey’s in the middle of season 18 following a nearly three-year run. The actor, who initially joined the series in season 16 as a potential love interest for Meredith, exited in the March 3, 2022 episode. “Honestly, I was very happy. I felt it was the right time,” Flood said in an interview at the time. “When I started, I always thought that three years on something was really as much as I’d like to do. I’m always eager to see what else is out there and try and stretch myself in different directions and do different types of TV and film. Three years was perfect for me, so I was very happy.”

    Greg Germann (Dr. Tom Koracick)

    Grey's Anatomy
    Ron Batzdorff/ABC

    Germann’s exit in the May 20, 2021 episode of Grey’s Anatomy came as a bit of a surprise, as much of the attention had been paid to longtime series regular Jesse Williams’ departure in the same hour. So when it was revealed that Germann would also be leaving as a series regular (but possibly may return as a guest star down the line), it was a true bummer. “Greg Germann is a comic genius and we are so lucky that he brought his talents to our show these last few years,” showrunner/executive producer Krista Vernoff said in a statement to ET the day the news broke. “We will miss Greg terribly in the day to day — but we plan to see Tom Koracick again!” Added Germann: “To have worked with all the incredibly talented people involved with Grey’s over the past few years has been such a privilege. A big thank you to the fans as it has truly been a shared experience!”

    Germann returned for the Nov. 3, 2022 episode in season 19, which also featured Williams back in the Grey’s universe. In the hour, Germann’s Koracick, who relocated to Boston, went to Debbie Allen’s Catherine regarding a personal matter.

    Jesse Williams (Dr. Jackson Avery)

    Grey's Anatomy
    Walt-Disney Television Group via Getty Images

    Williams’ departure was announced ahead of Sarah Drew’s return on the May 6, 2021 episode in season 17, which reunited Jackson and April and provided closure for fans and for that relationship. The 41-year-old actor’s final Grey’s episode aired May 20, 2021, though he would later return for the 400th episode a year later alongside Drew. “I will forever be grateful for the boundless opportunities provided me by Shonda, the network, studio, fellow castmates, our incredible crew, Krista [Vernoff], Ellen [Pompeo] and Debbie [Allen]. As an actor, director and person, I have been obscenely lucky to learn so much from so many and I thank our beautiful fans, who breathe so much energy and appreciation into our shared worlds,” Williams said in a statement to ET. “The experience and endurance born of creating nearly 300 hours of leading global television is a gift I’ll carry always. I am immensely proud of our work, our impact and to be moving forward with so many tools, opportunities, allies and dear friends.”

    Williams stepped back into the Grey’s world for the Nov. 3, 2022 episode, where he returned as Jackson, who had since relocated to Boston. Williams also directed the episode.

    Giacomo Gianniotti (Dr. Andrew DeLuca)

    ABC

    Gianniotti saw his beloved character, DeLuca, receive a hero’s sendoff when the doctor — who had gotten his bipolar disorder under control at the start of season 17 — died in the March 11, 2021 episode after getting stabbed following a wild goose chase of a sex trafficker that led him (and his sister Carina) all over Seattle. There were hints that the Grey Sloan attending was going to recover from his injuries after successfully undergoing emergency surgery, but unexpected complications led him to bleed out and die on the operating table. Gianniotti also appeared on the beach alongside Ellen Pompeo’s Meredith Grey to say goodbye.

    Following his character’s death, Gianniotti spoke to ET about learning DeLuca wouldn’t survive past season 17. “[Showrunner] Krista [Vernoff] and [executive producer] Debbie [Allen] were more emotional than I was, because I think for me it was more shock. I just felt a little taken aback… They had probably spent more time with this idea and with this news, so they were already beyond the shock and more into the mourning of a great friend having to leave the show, you know? But it was beautiful and we had a great conversation and we reminisced about all these years working together, how beautiful it’s been and how we get to give DeLuca a send-off that is worthy of his character and all that he’s given to the show, so I feel very happy about the experience.”

    Justin Chambers (Dr. Alex Karev)

    Justin Chambers in Grey's Anatomy
    Mike Rosenthal/ABC via Getty Images

    Chambers announced in mid-January 2020 that he would be leaving Grey’s Anatomy after 15 years on the medical drama, ET confirmed. Adding to the abrupt announcement is the news that Chambers’ last episode already aired on Nov. 14, 2019. “There’s no good time to say goodbye to a show and character that’s defined so much of my life for the past 15 years,” Chambers said in a statement to ET. “For some time now, however, I have hoped to diversify my acting roles and career choices. And, as I turn 50 and am blessed with my remarkable, supportive wife and five wonderful children, now is that time. As I move on from Grey’s Anatomy, I want to thank the ABC family, Shonda Rhimes, original cast members Ellen Pompeo, Chandra Wilson and James Pickens, and the rest of the amazing cast and crew, both past and present, and, of course, the fans for an extraordinary ride,” he added. Deadline was first to report the news.

    Fans first met Alex in the show’s pilot in 2005. He was a surgical intern at Seattle Grace Hospital, before moving up to resident and becoming a pediatric surgical fellow. Quickly becoming a fan-favorite, viewers witnessed Alex wed Katherine Heigl’s character, Izzie Stevens, and then intern Jo Wilson played by Camilla Luddington.

    Jessica Capshaw (Dr. Arizona Robbins)

    Greys - Jessica Capshaw
    ABC

    In the penultimate season 14 episode, details of Capshaw’s departure from Grey’s were revealed: She was moving to New York City to be closer to the daughter she shares with her ex, Callie, and helping Nicole Herman open up a new clinic. In the finale, it was hinted that she and Callie may also be rekindling their romance. The announcement in March that Capshaw would be leaving, after playing one of TV’s few LGBTQ characters for 10 seasons, was a shock to the system for fans. “I am sad to see her go, but I am consoled by the idea that she will continue to live on and on in all of our consciences and our imaginations,” the actress wrote at the time.

    Sarah Drew (Dr. April Kepner)

    Greys - Sarah Drew
    ABC

    Drew, who played April since season 6, was written out of the show at the end of season 14 and she got her happy ending, walking down the aisle in a surprise wedding with an old flame, Matthew — with her ex-husband, Jackson, there to witness the happy day. She also decided to leave Grey Sloan to do God’s work, helping homeless communities in Seattle. But there was some worry that she wouldn’t survive the season. Things weren’t looking good for the devout Christian doctor in the penultimate episode, as she was seen unconscious and barely clinging to life after suffering a car accident. Thankfully, she made it out with barely a scratch. Whew. Ellen Pompeo hinted to ET in May that Drew’s character would not meet a horrific end — and thankfully, she was right. “You only get killed off when your behavior is bad. If you’re a nice actor, you die nice. … But, yeah, these endings aren’t tragic.”

    The actress later returned for a one-episode appearance in season 17, reuniting her with Jesse Williams and to offer proper closure for Jackson and April’s storyline. In the episode, the former couple decided to relocate to Boston to begin a new chapter in their professional careers and possibly rekindle their romance. Drew also came back to Grey’s alongside Williams for the franchise’s 400th episode in May 2022.

    Martin Henderson (Dr. Nathan Riggs)

    Greys - Martin Henderson
    ABC

    Though Henderson’s time as Riggs on Grey’s was relatively brief — he joined midway through the 12th season and left early on in season 14 — he made his time on the series count. An Army doctor who had a friendship and deep history with fellow Grey Sloan doc Owen, he grew to become Meredith’s main love interest following Patrick Dempsey’s departure, but Riggs and Meredith’s romance was cut short when he was reunited with his former love, Owen’s previously presumed dead sister, Megan. In the end, the pair decided to move to Los Angeles together.

    Jerrika Hinton (Dr. Stephanie Edwards)

    Greys - Jerrika Hinton
    ABC

    Hinton joined the medical drama in its ninth season, staying on for five seasons as Stephanie, one of Grey Sloan’s surgical residents, and leaving at the end of the season 13 finale after suffering devastating burns following a fiery explosion in one of the hospital wings. Her near-death experience was enough for Stephanie to change course, and she made a declaration that she wanted to live her own life now. Hinton revealed to ET in February that she pitched a version of Stephanie’s final episode where she died. “My heart grows to think that I did get a hero’s end — that I got to go out in a way that was not just incredibly human and honest, but also inspirational.”

    Sara Ramirez (Dr. Callie Torres)

    Greys - Sara Ramirez
    ABC

    Ramirez announced her decision to leave the show after 10 seasons of playing one of TV’s groundbreaking bisexual characters following the season 12 finale. In Ramirez’s final episode, she and her ex, Arizona, agreed that they would co-parent their daughter together. “I’m deeply grateful to have spent the last 10 years with my family at Grey’s Anatomy & ABC but for now, I’m taking some welcome time off,” Ramirez wrote in her note in 2016. “Shonda been so incredible to work for, & we will definitely continue our conversations!”

    Patrick Dempsey (Dr. Derek Shepherd)

    Greys - Patrick Dempsey
    ABC

    Dempsey’s exit in season 11 was one of the most shocking moments in the history of Grey’s, as his character, also known as “McDreamy,” was one-half of the main couple on the series alongside Ellen Pompeo’s Meredith Grey. In his final episode, Derek was rushed to the ER after a large semi truck struck his car and the team of under-trained doctors were unable to save him in time, forcing Meredith to pull the plug. “Derek Shepherd is and will always be an incredibly important character — for Meredith, for me and for the fans. I absolutely never imagined saying goodbye to our ‘McDreamy.’ Patrick Dempsey’s performance shaped Derek in a way that I know we both hope became a meaningful example — happy, sad, romantic, painful and always true — of what young women should demand from modern love,” creator Shonda Rhimes said in April 2015. “His loss will be felt by all.”

    Dempsey later returned for multiple episodes in season 17, surprising longtime Grey’s viewers when he appeared at the end of the premiere. “The idea just struck me so I just said to him, would you ever consider coming and being a part of the storytelling this season?” Pompeo shared, referencing Dempsey’s cancer foundation in Maine, where he helps cancer patients and cancer survivors. “There’s just so much darkness, and we knew that coming together would be a little ray of light. And so, I think we had the same idea, at the core, to want to help people and bring a smile to people’s faces. So, he loved the idea, and we were just so excited, and we had a ball filming it.”

    “We hadn’t spoken or been together for a while. It was a great opportunity to catch up and say, ‘OK, what can we do for all the frontline responders?’” Dempsey said. “I’ve been tracking what Grey’s had been doing with giving masks, and making sure that people had the right equipment, and it came from that place. ‘OK, what can we do to make people feel better, to give some comfort in this time of uncertainty,’ and that’s how it began.”

    Sandra Oh (Dr. Cristina Yang)

    Greys - Sandra Oh
    ABC

    Oh was one of the original cast members on Grey’s when it debuted in 2005 and was on the show for 10 seasons until she left in 2014, when Cristina made the leap to relocate and start anew in Zurich. As Meredith’s “person,” Owen’s on-again/off-again love and a star surgeon, Oh’s character was one of the most beloved of the series and speculation of a potential return has permeated ever since her departure. “I’ve gotta tell you, those rumors, I don’t know who starts them but it really is tough,” Oh admitted to ET Canada in 2016. “No, I have no plans to return to Grey’s any time soon.” But Oh did say in a 2014 interview with The Hollywood Reporter that she’d be game to return for the series finale.

    Eric Dane (Dr. Mark Sloan)

    Greys - Erik Dane
    ABC

    The “McSteamy” to Patrick Dempsey’s “McDreamy,” Dane joined the ABC drama as a recurring guest star in the sophomore season before being promoted to series regular in season three, and his character, Mark, was immediately dubbed the ladies’ man of the hospital. His presence at the hospital caused more wrinkles than it stabilized the staff, with spicy affairs with Derek’s estranged wife Addison, Callie and Lexie — the latter a relationship he grew to embrace. Dane was written off in dramatic fashion; after Lexie’s death following the eighth season finale plane crash, Mark succumbed to his injuries.

    Dane later returned for a cameo appearance in season 17, reuniting him with Ellen Pompeo and Chyler Leigh.

    Chyler Leigh (Dr. Lexie Grey)

    Greys - Chyler Leigh
    ABC

    Meredith’s half-sister Lexie entered the picture in season three as part of that year’s new class of interns, but became an integral part of the fabric of the series when she was upped to series regular at the start of season four. She became romantically involved with Mark in an on-again/off-again romance, and the two eventually reunited not long before they were both victims of a horrific plane crash at the end of season eight, during which she was the first to die. “My experience on Grey’s Anatomy is something that I will treasure for the rest of my life. I want to take this time to say thank you to the fans,” Leigh told TVLine. “Your unconditional love and support have made these last five years very special for me. I look forward to my next chapter and I hope you will continue to follow me on my journey.

    Leigh returned for a special cameo in season 17, alongside Ellen Pompeo and Eric Dane, though her scenes were filmed against a green screen as she was up in Vancouver to wrap up her Supergirl run. “I was sitting on an apple box, and I was talking to tennis balls. So in that sense, it was interesting. But understanding there are dynamics between Lexie and Meredith, and then Lexie and Mark. It was really special to be able to be part of it and especially telling such a powerful story,” she later told ET about her experience. “The tribute of this season is really towards first responders and their experience during the whole pandemic, so to be part of that was obviously very special. And to be able to close the chapter for Lexie, and to appear in a way where she’s not eaten by wolves. Kind of bring a little life back to it… It was a special experience to be able to be part of that.”

    Kate Walsh (Dr. Addison Montgomery)

    Greys - Kate Walsh
    ABC

    Addison’s introduction on Grey’s at the end of the first season is still one of the most memorable moments of the series. Still, she left after season 3 after deciding to have a baby and visiting her friend, Naomi, a fertility specialist in California at Oceanside Wellness Group, making the move to the Golden State permanent. Walsh’s spinoff, Private Practice, debuted in the fall of 2007 and ran for six seasons, but she would pop back in and out on Grey’s through its eighth season.

    Walsh later reprised her character with a multi-episode arc in season 18 and is set to return in a similar capacity in season 19. “We had been talking about it for a while, [me] coming back and just having a little visit,” Walsh told ET in October 2021 of her season 18 return. “It’s such an iconic show, it was such an important show for me in my life, in my career and so [executive producer/showrunner] Krista [Vernoff] and I had been talking and trying to find a time where it was the right time for Grey’s and storylines and scheduling and all of that. And I thought, you know what? This is the right time.”

    Katherine Heigl (Dr. Izzie Stevens)

    Greys - Katherine Heigl
    ABC

    One of the original Grey’s stars, Heigl left midway through season six after playing the bubbly, upbeat intern-turned-surgical resident Izzie for over 100 episodes. In her final episode, Heigl’s character discovered she was cancer-free, attempted to reconcile with her ex, Alex, and turned down an offer to get her job back after getting fired, opting to move on for a fresh start. Heigl, who won the Emmy for her Grey’s role in 2007, memorably took her name out of consideration in 2008 because she didn’t feel she “was given the material this season to warrant an Emmy nomination,” a reference to her reduced workload that year.

    Jeffrey Dean Morgan (Denny Duquette)

    Greys - Jeffrey Dean Morgan
    ABC

    While Morgan only appeared in about two dozen episodes, he remains one of Grey’s most memorable characters, playing Denny, a patient-turned-love interest for Izzie in the second and third seasons. Though the heart transplant Denny came in for was successful, he died suddenly after a stroke — but not until after he’d proposed to Izzie and she’d accepted. Later, Izzie used the money he left her to open up the Denny Duquette Memorial Clinic. In season five, Morgan returned for a new arc when Izzie began hallucinating Denny around the time she discovered she was diagnosed with cancer.

    T.R. Knight (Dr. George O’Malley)

    Greys - TR Knight
    ABC

    Knight was the first major cast departure for Grey’s, leaving in tragic yet heroic fashion at the end of season five. In his final episodes, his beloved character, George, ran in front of a bus in an effort to save a woman but was hit himself — still one of TV’s most shocking moments — resulting in being completely unrecognizable to the doctors when he was rushed in. He would later die from his injuries, which became the topic of early season six, as his former colleagues mourned his death and attended his funeral. One of the original interns on Grey’s, George was a puppy-eyed doctor whose close friendship with Meredith, fumbling romances with Izzie and Callie and adversarial dynamic with Alex made him even more relatable to viewers.

    The Grey’s alum later returned for a special guest appearance in season 17, appearing in the Dec. 3, 2020 episode for the first time since leaving in 2009. He shared a poignant scene with Grey’s OGs Ellen Pompeo, Chandra Wilson and James Pickens Jr. “George O’Malley will always claim my heart,” Knight wrote on Instagram following the episode. “Thank you to Ellen, Chandra, Jim, Krista and all the familiar faces for once again sharing your beautiful light.”

     

    Isaiah Washington (Dr. Preston Burke)

    Greys - Isaiah Washington

    Washington was one of the original doctors on Grey’s when it debuted in 2005. He was fired in 2007 after the third season, following an incident where Washington allegedly used a gay slur in reference to T.R. Knight during an on-set argument and clashed with other co-stars. The actor eventually returned to Grey’s for a 2014 episode to help kick off Sandra Oh’s exit.

    Source: ET

     

     

     

     

     

  • Bawumia-led Economic Management Team must be disbanded – Kwakye Ofosu demands

    Former President John Dramani Mahama’s assistant Felix Kwakye Ofosu has urged President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to remove the Vice President from his position as chairman of the Economic Management Team (EMT).

    He claimed that there were insufficient requests for the dismissal of Ken Ofori-Atta, the finance minister, and his staff.

    In a Facebook post on October 25, he stated that Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia should also be asked to resign from his position as the head of EMT.

    Kwakye Ofosu believes Bawumia has been ‘useless’ at the post thus he and other members of the EMT should be dismissed.

    The former deputy minister stated that the dismissals were the only way President Akufo-Addo can demonstrate seriousness in addressing the “horrific economic crisis” that the country is being confronted with.

    “It is not enough for Ken Ofori Atta and his team to go. Bawumia, who has been utterly useless as Head of the Economic Management Team, must be dismissed from that position together with all its members. That is the only way the President can demonstrate any level of seriousness at tackling the horrific economic crisis we are facing,” Kwakye Ofosu wrote on his page.

    Ghana’s economy has been facing a downturn in recent months with economists pointing to record-high inflation rates, fuel prices hikes and the fast depreciation of the Cedi as signs of the crisis.

    Under the present economic challenges, President Akufo-Addo and his vice, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia together with Ken Ofori-Atta (Finance Minister) have come under heavy criticism over their handling of the economy.

    But the president has on a number of occasions kept faith with his appointees and shot down a ministerial reshuffle. He insists that his ministers are performing well.

    On Ken Ofori-Atta, President Akufo-Addo touted his achievements stating that he was the one who turned the economy into one of the fastest growing economies in world in his first term and thus possessed the required skills to steer the country out the current crisis.

    On Tuesday, October 25 however, over eighty (80) MPs from the New Patriotic Party demanded the sacking of Ofori-Atta and Minister of State at the Ministry of Finance, Charles Adu Boahen.

    The minority caucus also filed a motion of censure to dismiss Ken Ofori-Atta from his role. The NPP MPs have threatened that they will boycott the 2023 budget debate if President Akufo-Addo fails to sack Ken Ofori-Atta and Charles Adu Boahen.

  • Gap ‘taking immediate steps’ to remove Yeezy Gap product from stores following Kanye’s Anti-Semitic remarks

    Gap has issued a new statement in the wake of continued fallout from the artist formerly known as Kanye West’s anti-Semitic comments. In it, the company said “immediate steps” were now being taken to remove Yeezy Gap product from its stores.

    The statement, shared on Tuesday, noted that the Yeezy Gap partnership (initially slated to span a decade upon its announcement back in 2020) had previously seen its end announced in September.

    “Our former partner’s recent remarks and behavior further underscore why,” the new statement reads. “We are taking immediate steps to remove Yeezy Gap product from our stores and we have shut down [the Yeezy Gap site]. Antisemitism, racism, and hate in any form are inexcusable and not tolerated in accordance with our values. On behalf of our customers, employees, and shareholders, we are partnering with organizations that combat hate and discrimination.”

    Also on Tuesday, Adidas announced the immediate termination of its Yeezy deal, with Forbes later reporting this had resulted in Ye no longer being a billionaire.

    The latest Gap statement follows a report from Women’s Wear Daily last week revealing Balenciaga doesn’t have “any plans for future projects” involving Ye. The Kering-owned house had worked extensively with Ye, including in the form of the Yeezy Gap Engineered by Balenciaga project.

    Ye, meanwhile, was recently announced to be acquiring right-wing social media platform Parler. The CEO of Parlement Technologies is George Farmer, the husband of Candace Owens.

    Ye and Owens were photographed together at the YZY SZY 9 presentation in Paris earlier this month, both wearing a widely criticized design from the show featuring the “white lives matter” hate slogan.

    Source: Complex.com

  • Sacking Ofori-Atta will disrupt IMF programme, give him 3 weeks to conclude – Akufo-Addo to MPs

    According to reports, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has instructed New Patriotic Party legislators to give the Finance Minister three weeks to wrap up the IMF negotiations.

    On Tuesday, October 25, it was reported that over 80 lawmakers from the governing New Patriotic Party had signed a petition calling for Ken Ofori-Atta to be fired as finance minister.

    The group called for the dismissal of Charles Adu Boahen, a close associate of Ken Ofori-Atta and a Minister of State in the finance ministry, during a news conference.

    In a meeting with the aggrieved Majority MPs on October 25, President Akufo-Addo said dismissing Ken Ofori-Atta will disrupt the ongoing negotiations geared toward an IMF programme and therefore appealed for the minister to be allowed to conclude the talks.

    Sources at the Presidency however noted that the appeal was met with some discontent by the MPs who insisted that the minister’s tenure in office has been long overdue.

    Earlier in the day, Majority Caucus MPs within governing NPP explained that their position follows several concerns over the poor management of the economy, which has forced the government to seek IMF assistance.

    The group added that should the president fail to heed their call, they will no longer do business with the government nor support the 2023 budget.

    The MP for Asante-Akim North, Andy Kwame Appiah-Kubi, who introduced himself as the spokesperson for the Majority Caucus, said that several concerns raised on economic management have been sent to government, but are all yet to yield the intended results.

    “The recent development within the economy is of major concern to our caucus and our constituents. We have made our grave concern known to our president through the parliamentary leadership and the leadership of the party without any positive response.”

    “We are by this medium communicating our strong desire that the president changes the Minister of Finance and the Minister of State at the Finance Ministry without further delay in order to restore hope to the financial sector and reverse the downward trend in the growth of the economy,” he added.

    In the past weeks, many Ghanaians have been clamouring for the President to dismiss Ken Ofori-Atta as finance minister in the wake of the current economic challenges which have compelled government to seek an IMF bailout.

  • Martin Kpebu to organise Kume Preko demo reloaded in Accra

    Private Legal Practitioner, Martin Kpebu, has declared his intention to embark on a “reloaded” version of the “Kume Preko” demonstration to protest the current economic hardship.

    The Kume Preko demonstration was an anti-government demonstration that occurred in Ghana in 1995 (during former President Jerry John Rawlings’ regime), led by Charles Wereko Brobbey.

    It was in protest of the economic hardships in the country back then.

    The renowned lawyer finds it ironic that Ghanaians are suffering under the leadership of President Akufo-Addo who was one of the prominent faces behind the demonstration in 1995.

    He, thus, has called on Ghanaians to rally behind him as he leads the second edition of the protest on November 5 this year.

    Mr Kpebu disclosed this during an interview on Accra-based Neat FM.

    Incensed by the current economic hardship, Mr Kpebu has on various occasions accused the President of mismanaging the affairs of the state and plunging the country into financial distress.

    Consequently, he has called on the President to resign or face the wrath of Ghanaians.

    “What Ghanaians can do to get the president removed is to organise demonstrations. The police have given me permission for the ‘Kumi preko reloaded’ demo next Saturday, November 5. It starts from the Obra Spot at 7:00 am; every Ghanaian should make it a point to be there.

    “If the president does not resign by then, we demonstrate and present him a petition that we have had enough of him, and he should step down,” he said.

    President Akufo-Addo has come under heavy criticism over the current economic hardships. There have been incessant calls on him to immediately roll out measures to alleviate the hardships.

    One voice that has recently been constantly criticising the President over what has been described as bad management of the economy is Lawyer Martin Kpebu.

    He believes the President is clueless about managing the economy following his recent actions and utterances. Mr Kpebu, thus, has called for his resignation.

    In a latest development, Mr Kpebu, has given the President an ultimatum of five days to step down. Prior to this, he had entreated Members of Parliament to initiate an impeachment process against the President.

    “It takes one-third of the MPs to sign up to a petition to remove the president from office [so at least] one-third of MPs can make the effort to remove Akufo-Addo from office otherwise it will be an indictment on all of us.

    He noted that “if you go through Article 69, we will find grounds; it says that when he behaves in such a way as to bring the presidency into contempt, into ridicule. The MPs, both sides, need just one- third, they should step up. If you don’t start the process to impeach him, it means as a nation we lack honour. Make an effort, if it fails it is another matter,” he stressed.

    Article 69 of the 1996 provides for removal of the President from office on the following grounds. The law clearly states that the President shall be removed from office if he is found to have acted in willful violation of the oath of allegiance and the presidential oath set out in the Second Schedule to, or in willful violation of any other provision of the Constitution.

    He can also be removed from office if he conducts himself in a manner – (i) which brings or is likely to bring the high office of President into disrepute, ridicule, or contempt; or (ii)prejudicial or inimical to the economy or the security of the State; or found to be incapable of performing the functions of his office by reason of infirmity of body or mind.

    Source: The Independent Ghana

  • Karl-Anthony Towns says Anthony Edwards’ diet ‘doesn’t make me happy’

    After losing to the San Antonio Spurs on Monday night, Minnesota Timberwolves star Karl-Anthony Towns took a moment to criticize teammate Anthony Edwards’ diet, saying he could do a “better job” helping the young guard in regards to taking care of his body.

    When asked about Edwards’ subpar performance against the Spurs, and if he could be better prepared to handle back-to-back games, Towns mentioned Edwards’ habit of joking about his diet, which apparently includes frequent stops at Popeyes.

    “Maybe I could do a better job of teaching him how to take care of his body, diet and everything,” Towns shared. That’ll be on me. I know you all think it’s funny up here when he talks about Popeye’s and all that shit. That doesn’t make me happy to hear. We’re high-level athletes,” Towns said. “But also, that falls on me too, you know. The old cliche, falls on you. Everyone wants to take the blame, but it’s on all of us.”

    Edwards’ love of Popeyes is well-documented. Back in January 2022, Minnesota beat writer Dane Moore asked Ant if he’s capable of removing Popeyes from his diet.

    “That’s hard,” Edwards admitted. That’s the hardest thing to do.”

    However, Moore reports that Edwards entered this season having shed nine pounds, while also trimming himself down to nearly seven percent body fat.

    Source: Complex.com

  • Depoliticise support for SMEs – Prof. Bokpin

    Prof. Godfred Bokpin, an economist and professor of finance, has argued that in order for the state to intentionally assist Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and help them advance into sustainable continental and global giants, politics must be set aside.

    The state must be intentional and have a strategy in addition to the plan of these SMEs to enable them to expand into regional and continental enterprises while pushing politics to the side, according to Prof. Bokpin, who was speaking on the first panel of the 11th Ghana Economic Forum yesterday in Accra.

    “We cannot just remain at the position of mere conversations on SMEs and reduce everything to rhetoric and politics. State support is required for SMEs to be placed at the global level,” he said.

    Prof. Bokpin argued that average African politicians are uncomfortable with powerful domestic private companies which do not belong to their camp, because of the role money plays in politics.

    A lot of African rich businessmen are uncomfortable keeping their monies on the continent due to over-scrutiny, victimisation among others, Prof Bokpin indicated, adding: “We need to move beyond politics and support local SMEs regardless of their affiliations”.

    A survey by McKinsey Africa undertaken in 2018 discovered 100 businesses with US$1billion in annual sales.

    Out of this, a total 25 percent are subsidiary group companies of foreign-domiciled multinationals, 50 percent have local origin, 40 percent are publicly listed, and 60 percent are privately owned.

    While most of these companies are of South African and Nigerian origin, none of the 100 companies is Ghanaian.

    But Dr. Bokpin maintained that the situation is so because Ghana’s regulatory environment has become political and is more open to facilitating foreign capital – to the detriment of enabling local SMEs’ growth.

    “If we have done this injustice to ourselves, why do you turn around and cry about going to the IMF 17 times?” he asked.

    The 11th edition of the Ghana Economic Forum (GEF) is on the theme ‘Building a Robust & Resilient Economy through Technology, Finance, Investment, Trade and Entrepreneurship’.

  • James Gunn, Peter Safran tapped to lead newly formed DC studios

    Warner Bros. has enlisted a pair of industry veterans to lead DC Studios.

    According to the Hollywood Reporter, DC Studios, a newly formed division that will replace DC Films, will be led by filmmaker James Gunn and producer Peter Safran.

    The pair will co-head the studio’s film, TV and animation efforts, which is home to superheroes such as Wonder Woman and Superman. Gunn and Safran will assume their new positions on Nov. 1.

    The decision comes just a week after DC Films head Walter Hamada’s exit.

    “DC has among the most entertaining, powerful, and iconic characters in the world and I am thrilled to have the singular and complementary talents of James and Peter joining our world-class team and overseeing the creative direction of the storied DC Universe,” Warner Bros. CEO David Zaslav said in a statement. “Their decades of experience in filmmaking, close ties to the creative community, and proven track record thrilling superhero fans around the globe make them uniquely qualified to develop a long-term strategy across film, TV, and animation, and take this iconic franchise to the next level of creative storytelling.”

    Gunn and Safran will report to Zaslav, President and Chief Executive Officer, Warner Bros. Discovery. Meanwhile, Gunn will focus on the creative side, while Safran will head the business and production side of things.

    “We’re honored to be the stewards of these DC characters we’ve loved since we were children,” the pair said in a joint statement. “We look forward to collaborating with the most talented writers, directors, and actors in the world to create an integrated, multilayered universe that still allows for the individual expression of the artists involved.

    Our commitment to Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Harley Quinn, and the rest of the DC stable of characters is only equaled by our commitment to the wonder of human possibility these characters represent.

    We’re excited to invigorate the theatrical experience around the world as we tell some of the biggest, most beautiful, and grandest stories ever told.”

    Gunn has notably directed both Guardians of The Galaxy films for Marvel, as well as the franchise’s upcoming third entry. He also helmed DC’s The Suicide Squad as well as its Peacemaker series.

    Gunn confirmed the news of his new position on Instagram.

  • Matthew Perry on asking for support while battling addiction: ‘alone, you lose to the disease’

    Matthew Perry is sharing his realizations about sobriety and addiction, and looking to help others who are struggling.

    In a new preview clip of the 53-year-old actor’s upcoming interview with Diane Sawyer on ABC News, Perry explains the importance of having a support system when trying to overcome addiction and substance abuse.

    “Your disease is just outside, just doing one-arm push-ups, just waiting for you,” Perry explained in the preview, which aired Tuesday evening on World News Tonight with David Muir. [It’s] waiting to get you alone. Because alone, you lose to the disease.”

    In the interview with Sawyer — slated to air Oct. 28 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC — Perry explains that, after decades of serious struggles and a near-death experience just a few years ago, he is now doing well and getting back to some semblance of normal.

    “Now, I finally feel OK, and feel like I’ve got some strength,” Perry says. “I’ve developed some safety nets around this, and I’m doing really well now.”

    For Perry, being healthy after facing the very real possibility of death along his road to sobriety is an opportunity to use his platform and his fame to help others.

    “For some reason — it’s obviously because I was on Friends — more people will listen to me. So I’ve got to take advantage of that,” he shares in the preview. “I’ve got to help as many people as I can.”

    In an earlier preview of the candid interview, released last week, Perry revealed that it was Friends co-star Jennifer Aniston was the one who reached out the most when his drinking spiraled out of control.

    Perry, who confirmed taking Methadone, Xanax and consuming a “full quart of vodka” a day in addition to 55 Vicodin a day, admitted Aniston told him, “We know you’re drinking.”

    “Yeah,” Perry confirmed. “Imagine how scary a moment that was. She was the one that reached out the most. I’m really grateful to her for that.”

    The actor’s opening up like never before ahead of the release of his memoir, Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing, out Nov. 1.

    In a recent interview with The New York Times, Perry revealed, “I’ve probably spent $9 million or something trying to get sober.”

    The actor detailed his long history with substance abuse, which he says began with drinking at age 14 and later having an addiction to painkillers which lead to multiple hospitalizations and medical emergencies.

     

    According to Perry, he’s now been sober since early 2021, shortly before shooting the highly publicized Friends reunion special for HBO Max, which aired in May 2021.

    Perry also opened up to People about his struggles with alcohol and opioids. He was 24 when he landed the iconic role of Chandler Bing, but Perry was already struggling with heavy alcohol use. The situation turned dire when he turned to Vicodin and got down to 128 pounds.

    His addiction continued well past his time on Friends, and he faced a near-death experience just a few years ago as a result of his battle with addiction. Perry recalled suffering a gastrointestinal perforation at age 49 when his colon burst from opioid overuse. The actor fought for his life, spending two weeks in a coma and five months in the hospital, and had to use a colostomy bag for nine months.

    “The doctors told my family that I had a two percent chance to live,” he told People. “I was put on a thing called an ECMO machine, which does all the breathing for your heart and your lungs. And that’s called a Hail Mary. No one survives that.”

    Source: ET

  • Allow Ofori-Atta to seal IMF deal – Akufo-Addo reportedly tells ‘breakaway’ NPP MPs

    In order to wrap up talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) before he leaves office, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has pleaded with parliamentarians from the ruling party to remove Ken Ofori-Atta from his position as finance minister.

    He claims that by removing the minister from office, the economy’s confidence will be restored.

    This was stated by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo during a meeting with the irate MPs on Tuesday, October 25 at Jubilee House.

    The aggrieved MPs, according to some media reportage were unhappy about the President’s posture towards his cousin and were still insisting he must leave the finance ministry.

    “Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has asked Ken Ofori-Atta to be given three more weeks to conclude the IMF negotiations,” Accra-based Citi FM reported.

    Some NPP MPs on Tuesday, October 25, 2022, organised a press conference to demand the dismissal of Ofori-Atta, and the Minister of State at the finance ministry, Charles Adu Boahen, in order to restore public confidence in the economy.

    Andy Kwame Appiah-Kubi, Spokesperson for the MPs who describe themselves as the backbenchers said if the president fails to heed their call, they will also not do business with the government nor support the 2023 Budget.

    “We have had occasions to defend allegations of conflicts of interest, lack of confidence, and trust against the leadership of the Finance Ministry.

    “The recent development within the economy is of major concern to our caucus and our constituents. We have made our grave concern to our president through the parliamentary leadership and the leadership of the party without and positive response,” Andy Appiah Kubi said.

    NPP MPs petition president to sack Ofori-Atta, Adu Boahen

    The majority caucus in parliament, at a press conference on Tuesday, have threatened they will not participate in any government business until Minister for Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta and Minister of State in charge of Finance at the Office of the President, Chares Adu Boahen are sacked by the president.

  • Things are hard but don’t take advantage to sell your goods at unreasonable prices – Traders told

    Chartered Economist Emmanuel Amoah Darkwa contends that even if the Ghanaian market is unregulated and driven by supply and demand, the government shouldn’t permit some entrepreneurs to unfairly profit from the current financial situation by charging extravagant rates for their goods.

    He claimed that some merchants are exploiting the circumstance by boosting their prices.

    He claimed that he had seen some of these occurrences firsthand and that commodity prices were rising rapidly.

    He told Rainbow Radio 87.5Fm that some traders sell Frytol for GHC 25, while others sell the same bottle for GHC 45. This occurred as a result of a call from the wholesaler informing them that the price of the product had risen and that they should raise it.

    Mr. Amoah Darkwah stressed when that happens, there would be a lot of panic, and the traders take advantage of the system and fleece Ghanaians.

    He recounted how the late Rawlings used the Military to crack down on such activities but quickly added,” I am not asking anyone to use the Military to deal with the problem. However, we have to deal with the challenge., We should do the right thing and protect the consumers”.

    President Akufo-Addo must show leadership. He needs to assure Ghanaians that the challenges would be resolved,” he said.

    He appealed to the traders not to take advantage of the system and sell their commodities at outrageous prices.

  • Jaylen Brown reverses decision to stick with Ye’s Donda Sports, Aaron Donald also announces departure (UPDATE)

    UPDATED 10/25, 6:50 p.m. ET: Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown has cut ties with Donda Sports.

    Brown announced the news Tuesday evening in a statement, writing that he will “always continue to stand strongly against any antisemitism, hate speech, misrepresentation, and oppressive rhetoric of any kind.”

    “I do seek to continue providing mentorship, love, and support to the incredible children, faculty, and young athletes with whom I’ve been grateful to form bonds and relationships with during my time with the Donda Academy,” Brown said.

    Meanwhile, Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald has also severed ties with brand, revealing the news in his own statement on Twitter that rejected West’s “recent comments and displays of hate and antisemitism.”

    Fresh off his first Super Bowl win, Donald signed with Donda in June, announcing the partnership during an appearance on I Am Athlete, a podcast hosted by former NFL stars Brandon Marshall, Adam “Pacman” Jones, and LeSean McCoy.

    “It was an opportunity that came to us, me and [my wife], and it made sense,” the three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year said. “Hearing the whole spectrum of what they were going to be bringing, the whole family atmosphere that they got in Donda Sports. Not just me, but my wife being a part of that. For me it was a no-brainer.”

    Antonio Brown, president of Donda Sports, shared his own thoughts late Tuesday, saying he remains “in support of the humanity that is Ye” and is “dedicated to helping clarify statements taken out of proportion by the media.”

    “Over the past few weeks the world’s reactionary and selective outrage at comments in the media made by my brother, Ye, have inflamed and sparked rampant conversation and reflection,” Brown, 34, opened his statement. “I too have been able to reflect on statements that I and others in my circle have made that lack clarity in expressing my stance. The people and brands that have relentlessly profited from Black ideas and Black culture chose to distance themselves at a very specific time: a time that demonstrated their prioritization of certain groups over others.”

    A.B. added, “Sensationalism and groupthink have forced people to not speak their minds and act out in fear rather than love. For these reasons, I stand by my dedication to freedom of speech, thought, and opinion. … Let me be clear, discrimination of any kind is an injustice to all people, which is exactly why I wish to issue this statement.”

    See original story below.

    Despite condemning Kanye West’s recent anti-Semitic comments, Jaylen Brown has said he will remain with Donda Sports.

    The Celtics shooting guard told the Boston Globe that Ye’s Donda Sports agency is geared towards helping his community, which is why he’s sticking around.

    “Like I said, I don’t condone any hurt, harm, or danger toward a group of people,” Brown told the outlet. “I will continue to be a member of my community, uplift my community through my work and what I’ve done throughout my career, and I’m going to continue to do that work.”

    He continued, “A lot of time goes into creating an entity or organization. The reason why I signed with Donda Sports, it represented education, it represented activism, disruption, it represented single-parent households, and a lot more people are involved in something like that. A lot of people that I work with, work with their families, build love and respect for, spending time in the summer. A lot of people involved. That’s what the organization from my vantage point from Donda Sports represented.”

    Brown signed on with Kanye’s Donda Sports in May alongside Los Angeles Rams player Aaron Donald, and admitted his relationship with the Yeezy mogul is complicated at the moment.

    “He’s someone who’s obviously dealing with a lot of adversity that’s in front of him right now and everybody can see it and it’s public,” Brown said. “But a lot of people in the world are dealing with adversity and things that are going on that’s in front of them and they need help. It’s a lot going on right now.”

    Adidas and Balenciaga are just some of the companies that have cut all ties with Ye in light of his string of hate speech.

    “It’s tough to speak on because everybody is going to form their own opinions about what you have to say, but I look at people that I’ve been around, family, friends that you love,” Brown added.

    “To me, it’s unconditional. To me, as they’re working through problems, we’re working through it in unison. I don’t agree with everything that everybody does. Like I said, I don’t stand for any hurt, harm, or danger toward anybody, but sometimes people need unconditional love and help to get them through the situation.”

    Source: Complex.com

  • ‘Stop the stealing’ – Sacking Ofori-Atta not enough, probe him – Kofi Amoah

    The majority and minority caucuses of Parliament’s request for the ouster of Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has not gone far enough, according to renowned economist and businessman Dr. Kofi Amoah.

    He contends that in addition to being fired, the finance minister needs to be looked into for the alleged crimes he committed.

    He asserted that Ofori-alleged Atta’s conflict of interest claims should be looked into because of the intermediary role his bank, Data Bank, played in the borrowing of money by the government.

    In a tweet shared on October 25, 2022, Dr Amoah added that Parliament must also probe the usage of funds the country got through the various loan agreements and other grants under the leadership of Ofori-Atta.

    “SACKING of the Finance Minister should not end there, investigate the ff: 1. Conflicts of interest in the fleecing of the public purse. 2. Full ACCOUNTABILITY of the billions of Eurobond and other Borrowings, COVID funds etc,” parts of the tweet read.

    The Minority and Majority Members of Parliament seem to be on the same page following the call to remove the finance minister from office.

    While the Minority in Parliament has filed a motion to have Ken Ofori-Atta sacked, the Majority also threatened to boycott the 2023 budget presentation if the finance minister is not relieved of his post.

    The MPs explained that their position follows several concerns over the poor management of the economy, which has forced the government to seek IMF assistance.

    Read Dr Amoah’s tweet below:

    Ghana Parliament…

    SACKING of the Finance Minister should not end there, investigate the ff

    1. Conflicts of interest in the fleecing of the public purse
    2. Full ACCOUNTABILITY of the billions of Eurobond and other Borrowings, COVID funds etc

    STOP THE STEALING

    Safe the CEDI????????

    — CitizenKofi (@amoah_citizen) October 25, 2022

     

  • GUTA strike: Did the Ga Mantse have to be involved? – Sam George quizzes Akufo-Addo

    Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram, Sam Nartey George, has chastised President Akufo-Addo for failing to address concerns raised by the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) until the Ga Manste intervened.

    On October 19, 2022, members of the Association, who are against the high taxes imposed by the government and the continuous depreciation of the cedi, closed their shops in protest.

    Shops remained closed the next day, leaving customers stranded and furthering public rage against the Akufo-Addo administration.

    Despite the consequences, President Akufo-Addo made no attempt to respond.

    However, on October 20, 2022, GUTA suspended their strike following a meeting with Mantse Nii Tackie Teiko Tsuru, while announcing that it had been given the opportunity to meet the President, Nana Akufo-Addo, and lay their grievances and recommendations before him.

    This development, according to Mr Nartey George, is unacceptable on the part of President Akufo-Addo, who seemingly is unappreciative of the hardships Ghanaians are facing.

    In addition, he claimed that GUTA was being gullible in believing that the President would solve their problems.

    “GUTA, they must be joking. You thank who? Akufo-Addo has been sleeping? It had to take the Ga Mantse to call him to know that GUTA members are dying? GUTA believes the rhetoric from the government?” he asked.

    “You have a President who at this time, when businesses are collapsing, people cannot buy critical medication because of the increasing cost, is on a political tour. This is a President who held over 22 national broadcasts during COVID because it was an opportunity for him and his colleagues to loot state purse during COVID procurement,” he explained.

    The Ningo-Prampram MP has called out President Akufo-Addo to “show leadership” in present times.

    Currently, a working committee made up of the Ministry of Trade and Industry, National Security and GUTA is to be established to resolve the challenges.

    Source: The Independent Ghana

  • Will Smith is supported by Dave Chappelle and Rihanna at ‘Epic’ screening of ‘Emancipation’

    Will Smith had some A-list support during a screening of his upcoming film, Emancipation. On Monday, the 54-year-old actor shared a selfie featuring Rihanna, A$AP Rocky, Tyler Perry, Kenya Barris and Dave Chappelle.

    “EPIC night!! Thanx for coming to see #Emancipation. Hope ya’ll enjoyed!! @davechappelle @cblacksmith @badgalriri @kenyabarris @officialfawn @tylerperry @asaprocky @westbrook @appletvplus,” Smith captioned the selfie featuring the superstars.

    Barris took to the comments to respond. “This night was MAGIC and your movie is truly something that will last forever! ✊🏽👊🏽,” the Blackish creator wrote.

    Perry took to his respective Instagram Story to share the same image and celebrate the film. “Still haunted by #Emancipation. It’s truly powerful, moving and captivating. And the conversation afterwards with this group was legendary. Thank you @willsmith for the preview,” the media mogul wrote.

    Chapelle’s appearance comes after he spent the summer touring with Chris Rock — who was infamously slapped by Smith at this year’s Academy Awards. In September, during a stop in the U.K., both Chappelle and Rock made jokes about Smith’s slap, which he has since apologized for three times.

    During Chappelle’s set, he called the slap “a very strange choice” and reportedly said that Smith did an “impression of a perfect man for 30 years.”

     

    Emancipation will be Smith’s first major film since the Oscars incident. In the Apple TV+ film, which was directed by Antoine Fuqua, the Oscar-winning actor plays Peter, a man who escapes from slavery, relying on his wits, unwavering faith and deep love for his family to evade cold-blooded hunters and the unforgiving swamps of Louisiana on his quest for freedom. The film is inspired by the 1863 photos of “Whipped Peter,” which show Peter’s bare back and contributed to growing public opposition to slavery.

    Earlier this month, the King Richardstar appeared during a screening of the film in Washington, D.C., at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s 51st Annual Legislative Conference. Smith took the stage to address why he chose to work on the film.

    “Throughout my career I’ve turned down many films that were set in slavery. I never wanted to show us like that, you know, and then this picture came along,” he said. “This is not a film about slavery. This is a film about freedom. This is a film about resilience. This is a film about faith. It’s a film about the heart of a man.”

    Emancipation premieres in theaters on Dec. 2 and globally on Apple TV+ on Dec. 9.

    Source:ET

  • Address the nation on Cedi depreciation – Sam George tells Akufo-Addo

    Sam Nartey George, a member of parliament from Ningo Prampram, has criticized President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for remaining silent throughout the recent free collapse of the Cedi.

    After three weeks of continuous Cedi devaluation, he said the president’s silence was a proof of evil on his part since he didn’t have the decency and politeness to address Ghanaians.

    The lawmaker stated that the president’s behavior “goes beyond being stupid, dumb, hapless and downright unfit for the job you occupy.”

    The president has been urged by Sam George to address the nation of Ghana about the declining cedi and get up from his sleep.

    “Dear President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, after 3 horrendous weeks of a constantly declining currency, you are yet to have the decency and courtesy to address the Nation.

    “What is wrong with you? Don’t you realise Ghanaians are suffering? Have your handlers not told you what is happening? What are you waiting for before speaking to us as our President? This goes beyond being incompetent, clueless, hapless and downright unfit for the office you occupy.

    “Sir, this is wickedness in high places! Awake from your slumber and address the Nation. The true essence of a Leader is felt in the face of adversity. Not in verbose flowery statements made in plagiarised speeches. Somebody wake Mr. President from his deep sleep,” the Ningo Prampram wrote on his Facebook page.

    The Cedi has struggled against major trading currencies, particularly the US dollar in recent weeks. At present, it is being traded at GH₵15 to $1 at some forex bureaus.

    The dire situation has compelled the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Ernest Addisson to meet banks and operators of Forex Bureau to discuss the issue.

    Information Minister, Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah has also indicated that a series of consultations have began at top government level to curb the depreciation and that President Akufo-Addo will soon address the nation on the issues.

  • ‘Black Adam’star Bodhi Sabongui talks working with Dwayne Johnson and learning not to care about critics

    Meet Bodhi Sabongui.

    After roles in The Baby-Sitters Club, A Million Little Things, and DC’s Legends of Tomorrow, the 14-year-old actor is currently starring in the No. 1 movie in the country, Black Adam, alongside Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.

    In the film, he plays Amon Tomaz who lives in Kahndaq and is the son of a university professor named Adrianna Tomaz (Sarah Shahi). In the DC comics, Amon was enslaved at a young age and Adrianna was his sister, and Black Adam grants him a portion of his power, and he becomes the hero Osiris.

    In the movie, Amon helps his mom in her mission to free Kahndaq, Black Adam’s home country, which is located in the Middle East from a criminal organization named Intergang. Bodhi, whose father is Egyptian, recognizes the huge responsibility he had with this role to represent younger fans and his community.

    “It’s still rare to see an Arabic protagonist, especially in superhero movies,” Sabongui tells Complex over the phone. “A big part of Black Adam and why I’m so excited about it is that even though I’m not a superhero, I still get this opportunity to paint Middle Eastern and North African people in this positive light, which isn’t something that I saw so much growing up.”

    The concept of representation was also a big driver behind Johnson’s decision to take on this role. The news that he would be playing a superhero for the first time surfaced 15 years ago, a year before Sabongui was born. The young actor now plays an integral role in the film since Amon is the one who convinces Black Adam to use his powers for good. After Sabongui’s initial excitement to be working with Johnson, he realized there was also a lot to learn from him as an actor and as a person.

    “His mentality when making a movie is to always put the audience first, which I picked up on. He’s not thinking about the studio or the critics or anything. He’s just like, ‘So when the audience sees this, are they going to like that? Are they going to laugh at that?’” Sabongui says.

    “He’s truly making movies for the people and it’s never coming from a place of ego or selfishness from him, and he’s doing what’s going to make people happy. And I think that is just honestly a great mentality to have when you’re the biggest movie star in the world.”

    This new wave of Hollywood stars seems to have one thing in common—they’re not trying to be boxed in. After starring in a film that brought in $140 million globally at the box office opening weekend, Sabongui still has his sights set on excelling as an athlete in school and attending college.


    “I still do love acting and I do want to keep going down this path for sure,” he says. “But there are also things I want to do outside of it that interest me as well.”

    Complex caught up with the actor after the movie’s release to talk all about his experience filming, learning how to skateboard on set and what it was like working with Dwayne Johnson. Black Adam is now in theaters.

    Source: Complex.com

  • $790 million of the $1.13 billion cocoa syndicated loan to hit BoG account on October 26

    The Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, has indicated that the first tranche of the expected $1.13 billion cocoa syndicated loan will be received today, October 26, 2022.

    The $790 million according to myjoyonline reports will come in from the consortium of banks.

    Ghana in recent times needs foreign currency to shore up its reserves in a bid to control the cedi’s depreciation.

    The cocoa syndicated loan is to be used to purchase cocoa beans.

    However, the second tranche of about $340 million, which will be spread over three months will come in between November 2022 and February 2023.

    Interest to be paid on the facility is 1.75%.

    The Standard Chartered Bank, Coöperatieve Rabobank, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), MUFG Bank Ltd, Natixis, and Ghana International Bank plc were the Initial Mandated Lead Arrangers for the facility.

    The London branch of Bank of China Limited joined the facility as Senior Mandated Lead Arranger, while DZ BANK AG Deutsche Zentral-Genossenschaftsbank, Frankfurt am Main and the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (“BADEA”) joined as Mandated Lead Arrangers.

    Ecobank joined as Arranger. The OPEC Fund, United Bank for Africa PLC, Ahli United Bank B.S.C., and Federated Hermes Inc joined as Lead Managers, whilst AfrAsia Bank Limited, Citibank N.A, Absa Bank Ghana Limited, and GCB Bank Plc were joined as managers.

  • Newspaper Headlines: Wednesday, October 26, 2022

    Here are the newspaper headlines for today, Wednesday, October 26, 2022