TIG Post

Author: Chris Kodo

  • Good sex improves eyesight; cleanses the human brain and heart’ – Dr UN

    Kwame Fordjour, also known as Dr. UN and self-proclaimed global ambassador for the United Nations (UN), recently spoke out on the positive aspects of having sexual relations inside marriage.

    Speaking to Adwen the Love Doctor on e.tv Ghana’s ‘In Bed with Adwen’ show, he explained that, “Sex is important to everyone especially adults hence, anyone who doesn’t know it’s use should not be human because mentally it makes you sound and also it improves the eyesight.”

     

    He pointed out that besides the pleasurable experience, sexually active individuals tend to be highly bright and perceptive, and that God made sex so that men and women may learn more about themselves.

    “Sex is a very powerful tool especially for couples. It can amend and make a broken home stand on its feet again. It also promotes respect in the home amongst the couples,” he stated.

    Dr. UN furthered that having sex also bonds couples and gets them closer to each other, and this is why it is even the only way for one to procreate.

    He advised couples to have sex frequently if they want peace to reign in their home always.

    Watch video below

     

  • Otokunor announces decision to run for NDC General Secretary

    Deputy General Secretary of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Dr. Peter Boamah Otokunor, has formally announced his intention to run for General Secretary of the party.

    He made the announcement during a live broadcast on his social media platforms.

    Dr. Otokunor believes, under his leadership as the General Secretary of the NDC, the party will emerge victorious in the 2024 elections and deliver Ghanaians from what he described as the “clueless and incompetent” NPP administration.

    “Most critically, I know how important [it is] for you, the Ghanaian public, that the NDC forms a government in 2025 to deliver this country from the clueless, incompetent hands and [of the] tyrannical NPP and put Ghana back on the path of progress and prosperity for all.

    “The 2024 elections, therefore, presents an opportunity you and I cannot miss. I must say without mincing words that it is a do-or- die affair and it requires a strong but also strategic leadership. Leadership with integrity, the right experience, leadership with will power, leadership with intellectual acumen, leadership with good knowledge of party management; a leadership with a track record of accessibility and incorruptibility.

    “That is why I, Dr. Peter Boamah Otokunor, shall in all humility present myself to you, the good people of the NDC, to be elected as the next General Secretary of our great party. I humbly ask that you join me on this all important journey. With our collective strength, we shall deliver victory for the NDC in 2024,” he emphasized.

    Dr. Otokunor, if elected at the upcoming NDC national congress in December, will succeed Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, who is currently the NDC General Secretary.

    During his social media address, he stated that he had gained a lot of experience from Mr Asiedu Nketia, which will enable the party to win power in 2024 and build a stronger NDC.

    “In recent times, our party has gone through one of its most difficult phases, since 1992. We have been through 2 major elections in an environment that can be best described as hostile, unfair, and undemocratic, yet in the face of these challenges we have demonstrated resilience, determination, and have come together to work for our collective progress. “

    “This happens at a time when the Akufo-Addo -Bawumia government has plummeted the country’s fortunes and left millions of Ghanaians in economic despair… I, all these times, as I served as Deputy General Secretary, I have never lost touch with you. I have learned from the best and the party”.

    Mr Otokunor is not the only person who has expressed interest in the position. Director of elections for the party Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, Abdul Ishaq Farrakhan, Fifi Kwetey, have all declared their intention to contest for the same position.

    Who is Dr Peter Boamah Otokunor

    Dr. Peter Boamah Otokunor, is an Agricultural Economist, an Economic Policy Expert, a Researcher and an astute politician who has acquitted himself creditably in the service to his party and the nation.

    He is happily married with Four (4) beautiful kids. He hails from Juaben in the Ashanti Region, Ngleshie Alata in James Town, Greater Accra and Koforidua – New Juaben in the Eastern Region. He is the Abusuapanin of the Aduana Ablade family of Juaben, Koforidua and Nsawam – Asante Kwaku.

    He holds a PhD degree in Agricultural Economics from the University of Ghana and a honorary Doctorate in Executive Leadership from New England University – USA. He holds a Diploma in Youth Development from the International Training College of the International Labour Organization, Turin – Italy, a Master of Arts degree in Economic Policy Management and Bsc. degree in Agriculture from the University of Ghana – Legon.

    His knowledge areas include, Agriculture, Economics, Economic Policy Research, Rural Development, Research, Communications, Strategic Planning, Project Management, Policy Planning and Youth Development.

    He has over 20 years working experience in the private sector (Sam-Wood Ltd. Modern Aqua Farms Ltd. OTB Ghana Ltd) as well as managing his own businesses. He was the CEO of Cardinal Concepts Ltd. (a company he formed at age 20), Phamtrust Group of Companies and currently the Chairman of Heamp Agro Group Ltd.

    He is the NDC Deputy General Secretary in charge of Operations and the Secretary General of African Leftist Party Schools Union (ALPSU) and had previously served as the Deputy Director of Research of the NDC and the founding Registrar of the NDC Party School (Ghana Institute of Social Democracy – GISD).

    He was a Deputy Campaign Manager for the 2020 NDC-John Mahama Campaign which has been described as one of the best campaigns in NDC history and a lead Operations Officer of the 2012 NDC-John Mahama Campaign.

    He has served in various political capacities within the NDC including a two-term member of the NDC National Elections Directorate, a Senior Member of the NDC Communication Team, a two-term member of the NDC Manifesto Committee (2016/2020).

    He was the Secretary to the NDC 2016 Manifesto Committee. He has served on a number of committees of the NDC including the Research and Strategy Committee of the 2016 Campaign.

    Source: The Independent Ghana

  • My mother is hospitalized due to bad publicity and trolls targeted at me – Andy Dosty

    Astute radio presenter Andy Dosty has disclosed that his mother has been hospitalized after she couldn’t stand the harsh insults, trolls, and bad publicity targeted at him recently.

    Andy Dosty shared that his mother’s health has worsened after he went under backlash, trolls, and insults. He disclosed that his mother got worst when he went viral on Twitter for a bad reason.

    This comment from Andy Dosty came after Kidi mentioned on his show that his family has been under threat for days after his old inappropriate tweets went viral.

     

    “It’s been 4-5 days now and my whole family is still under threat. Even people that have got nothing to do with the situation are catching heat. The threats are hard to deal with. It’s sad to see that there are people who do not care about your apologies or even who you were ten years ago,” KiDi told Andy Dosty during an interview on HitzFM.

    After Kidi disclosed the pressure and heat his family was feeling over his mistakes in the past, Andy Dosty also took the opportunity to share what his family especially his mother goes through when he trends for the wrong reason.

    “A couple of weeks ago, I was trending number 1. All because people were insulting me. They said I was defending someone, and they didn’t even know what it was. People just waded into the fray and started insulting. My mum sitting somewhere got affected. As we speak, my mum is in hospital. She is lying in the hospital now,” Andy chipped in this statement while interviewing KiDi.

    source: www.ghbase.com

  • Trade Ministry engages stakeholders on implementation of Textiles Tax Stamp policy

    Another national session for wholesalers and retailers of textiles to discuss the implementation of the Textiles Tax Stamps Policy was organized by the Ministry of Trade and Industry.

    This meeting, which took place on May 27, 2022, at the African Regent Hotel in Airport-Accra, followed a previous one with importers and is a part of the preparations for the policy’s introduction and implementation before the year’s end.

    According to the sector minister, Alan Kyerematen, the aim of the engagement was to “sensitize and educate the public, particularly dealers in the industry on the introduction/implementation of the textiles tax stamps as part of the Government’s commitment to addressing the challenges of the textiles industry as well as developing the sector to harness the significant gains the sector stands to offer.”

    The minister revealed that the local demand for African prints is about 120 million yards per annum, of which the local supply is just about 35% (42million yards), with the remaining 65% imported.

    Alan Kyerematen recalled that the local textiles industry used to be very vibrant in the last three decades, but that the influx of pirated designs and gross infringements on trademarks of local textile manufacturers have been identified as two of the key areas which have adversely affected the textiles Industry in Ghana.

    Towards addressing the situation, the minister said in 2018 that the Ministry of Trade and Industry, under the Industrial Transformation Agenda of the government announced Six Policy Measures aimed at finding lasting solutions to the challenges and also strengthening the textiles sector which can create millions of well-paid jobs for Ghanaians, namely:

    1. Introduction and implementation of textiles tax stamps; 2. Import management systems; 3. Introduction of Designated Entry Corridors (Tema Port and Aflao Border for textile imports); 4. Provision of Incentive Packages for local manufacturers to make them competitive; 5. Attract Foreign textile manufacturers to set up or relocate their plants in Ghana; and 6. Reconstitute the Task Force to embark on effective market monitoring and surveillance.

    The minister was of the firm belief that these policy measures will lead to the development of the local textile firms to reduce the import of pirated textiles by promoting local manufacturing.

    He assured the stakeholders that with the introduction of the measures, importation is still allowed since the country does not currently have the local manufacturing capacity to meet the total national demand of over 120 million yards per annum.

    He was hopeful that the policies were going to help streamline the imports of textiles and further ensure that all the players involved in the textiles industry benefit.

    The roll-out of the textiles tax stamps has been scheduled for November 1, 2022 and the implementation modalities shall include having textiles stamps affixed on all textile prints traded in Ghana.

    Participants used the opportunity to ask questions related to the discussions, from the team from the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Ministry of Finance, Ghana Revenue Authority-Domestic Tax Revenue Division, Intellectual Property Office and Ghana Standards Authority who responded accordingly.

  • Ghanaian midfielder Tariqe Fosu included in Championship Team of the Week

    Ghanaian midfielder Tariqe Fosu has been named in the English Championship Team of the Week following his impressive performance for Stoke City on Saturday.

    The 26-year-old lasted the entire duration as he helped the The Potters beat leaders Sheffield United 3-1 scoreline at the Bet365 Stadium.

    The home side took an early lead when Ben Wilmot converted from a clipped cross by 40-year-old Jagielka but Rhian Brewster levelled for the away side with a close range volley.

    Jagielka then headed home from a corner in time added on at the end of the first half for his first goal since April 2019.

    The Potters, who had been winless in three, wrapped up the victory in the final minute when Liam Delap tapped in from close range from Tyrese Campbell’s centre.

    Fosu has made 10 appearances for Stoke City so far this season.

    He joined the club from Brentford on loan. Fosu, who can play as a wing back on either side as well as an attacking midfielder, will spend the 2022/23 season at the bet365 Stadium.

  • Two things that could make a difference in Ghana’s economic situation before end of 2022

    As the nation continues to discuss financial aid with the IMF, Ghana’s economic condition is anticipated to somewhat improve in the following days (IMF).

    According to Dr. Patrick Assuming, an economist, there are two things that can affect the trajectory of macroeconomic data before the year is out.

    According to The Economist, Ghana’s condition could change if it can obtain funds from the IMF before the year is up since it will boost investor confidence in the economy.

    Additionally, he noted that the government’s commitment, which will be demonstrated in the 2023 budget, will go a long way toward demonstrating that it is making measures to guarantee that the economy recovers.

    “There are two news items that we are expecting before the end of the year which could make a difference. One is if the IMF deal goes through and the other is what the finance minister will say during the reading of the 2023 budget. If there is the indication from the budget that the government is showing commitment by way of fiscal policy measures, we might see some improvement.

    “If also there is the indication that the IMF deal has been agreed and we will make progress quickly, that might change investor sentiments and thereby improve what will happen after that,” he is quoted by citibusinessnews.com.

    As of August 2022, the country’s inflation has stood at 33.9%.

    The Ghana cedi has also depreciated by almost 40% against other major trading currencies, ranking as the second worst-performing currency in the world.

  • DCE assures traders in Zuarungu of transparent allocation of market stores

    The District Chief Executive of Bolgatanga East, M. David Amoah, has informed the traders in Zuarungu that the distribution of newly built market stores, which are anticipated to open shortly, will be transparent and free of any political affiliation.

    He said that a committee established for the pre-allocation of the stores would make sure that fresh applications would be considered after those whose stores had already been demolished prior to construction.

    The District Chief Executive said the committee had already prepared a list of such traders, whose stores were demolished for the construction, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency at Zuarungu, in the Upper East Region. He urged everyone to dispel any rumors that the allocation would be given to party officials.

    “There are 50 lockable stores, and they will be allocated on a one-on-one basis and, therefore, if anyone had even more than one store before the demolishing took place, he or she cannot be served the same number of stores,” the DCE said.

    Mr David Amoah said the Assembly would consult with stakeholders and the traditional authority, especially the Paramount Chief of the area, who is a member and leader of the committee, to help in the transparent allocation of the stores.

    The DCE also noted that the engineering unit of the Assembly would soon complete the labelling of the stores for the allocations.

    He said the district needed to improve on its internally generated funds (IGF) and the opening of the stores and provision of daily tickets will improve the income of the Assembly while other businesses would come up to boost development in the area.

    There was an earlier controversy over the market projects between the last administration, particularly the former DCE and the Member of Parliament, (MP) for the area, Dr Dominic Akuritenga Ayine over the pricing and specifications of the stores.

    To this end, the MP threatened to sue the former DCE Reverend Emmanuel Abugre Abole, over delay in commissioning the Market.

    The construction of the first phase of the market was awarded by the Ministry of Trade and Industry through the Bolgatanga Municipal Assembly in 2014 and construction work began in 2015, scheduled to be completed in 2017.

    However, work was brought to a halt due to the preparation and commissioning of the district.

  • Logan Paul accuses bad bunny of evading Puerto Rican tax laws

    During a recent appearance on Philip DeFranco’s YouTube show, Logan Paul accused Bad Bunny of evading taking advantage of Puerto Rican tax laws.

    Paul, who also owns property in Puerto Rico, referenced the documentary Bunny released alongside his “El Apagón” music video, which features journalist Bianca Graulau covering the gentrification of Puerto Rico.

    “Bad Bunny is a Puerto Rican living in Puerto Rico who is privately taking advantage of the same tax program that he is publicly condemning,” Paul said. “I know this and I see things like this and it hurts. There are local Puerto Ricans who know about this. I see this music video that has stuck me in the middle of it surround by context that makes me look like a vulture in Puerto Rico. While I love Bad Bunny, I cannot personally support the hypocritical nature of his exploitation.”

    Of course, Paul himself is also taking advantage of Act 22, which has seen foreigners flock to Puerto Rico in an effort to evade tax laws. According to the 20/22 Act Society, this “should result in new local investments in real estate, services, and other consumer products, and in capital injections to the Puerto Rico banking sector, all of which will stimulate the economy of Puerto Rico.”

    “We’re doing what we can to help,” Paul shared. “And I want to do more as well. And truthfully, I should be doing more.” He encouraged viewers to comment on what percentage of profits he saved thanks to Act 22 should be donated to the community.”

    “Like, what do you want, you know?” he continued. “Like, I don’t have the answers, bro. I’m 27 years old. I’ve been here a year and a half.”

    Source: Complex.com

  • VLONE announces departure of Co-Founder ASAP Bari, says his behavior is ‘contrary to our Collective’

    More than six years after launching VLONE, co-founder ASAP Bari has been kicked out of the fashion label due to his behavior.

    VLONE announced the news on Instagram Friday, saying Bari’s “behavior is contrary to our collective.”

    “VLONE is the stamp for creatives who stand tall, thriving on individuality, caring less about conformity that has long governed the fashion style of society,” the label wrote. “Create your own stylish rules, set your own trend, embed your own morale in which you can express yourself creatively without limitations. In the new era of VLONE, our brand will embrace distinctive creatives, who defy the norm and inspire the willing.”VLONE continued, “In closing, we will not partake in any irrational behavior associated or related with Jabari ‘Younglord’ Shelton. He has no authority to style himself as “Mr. Vlone,” use or license VLONE – this behavior is contrary to our collective.”

    Shortly after launching VLONE in 2016, Bari spoke with Complex about how he collaborated with Nike on a collection of Air Force 1s.

    “It stumbled upon at the right time,” he shared. “Nike’s about to do this [35th] anniversary for the Air Force 1. Being from Harlem, we know the culture of the Uptown. So Nike was looking for that young fresh kid, that Karl Lagerfeld from the hood. It’s a young black kid from Harlem making his own pair of Uptowns.”

    When asked what people would perceive of his fashion sense 10 years down the road, Bari said: ”It’s just a lifestyle, man. I base my whole life upon a freestyle. You don’t know what’s going to come out your mouth. This sneaker might be wack to people, it might be amazing to others, it might be the most powerful sneaker in 10 years. You don’t know where it’s going to lead to. I don’t like to predict myself, I just like to sit back and relax and see where this is at in 10 years. People might say, “10 years ago, that sneaker was actually dope. The leather was on point. I can still wear those today, the leather doesn’t crease.”

    Source: Complex.com

  • GEPA tasks MMDAs to identify key export products for development

    The Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) have been urged by the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) to actively participate in the nation’s export development activities.

    The GEPA said they could achieve this by ensuring and supporting an enabling environment and the development of at least one important export good from each district of the nation in which they have a competitive advantage.

    To meet the needs of manufacturers and industries, such recognized and targeted goods must be abundant, of the highest quality, and capable of being provided in big volumes and quantities.

    Dr. Martin Akogti, the Regional Head of the Upper East, and Upper West Regions of GEPA, made the appeal in Jirapa during a district-level sensitisation workshop on the National Export Development Strategy (NEDS) and the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).

    The 63 participants, made up of shea butter, soybean, and groundnuts producers and processors, drawn from the Lambussie District and the Jirapa, Nandom, and Lawra Municipalities were taken through the Policy outlook for NEDS, the National Policy and Legal Regime for nontraditional exports, among others.

    He said the sensitisation workshop was aimed to expand the supply base and ensure the promotion of vigorous value addition to products and regulate the business environment, as well as build the capacity of processors and producers involved in nontraditional export transactions.

    The ultimate objective of the NEDS was to support the government’s initiative of revitalising the economy through the transformation from a raw material-based economy into an industrialised export-led one.

    Dr. Akogti said it was expected that NEDS when implemented, would cause substantial increases in nontraditional export revenues within 10 years to a projected 25.3 billion US dollars by the end of 2029.

    Mr Yakubu Yussif, Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist at the National AfCFTA Coordination Office, said the AfCFTA had the ambition of creating a single market to enhance African businesses among its 1.3 billion people.

    He said Africa had a population of 1.3 billion people and that it was estimated that US$3.4 billion could be raked into the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and Ghana exporters must take advantage of this market.

    “In this regard, we need to identify new products and these products must be certified for Africa Market. We also need to expand companies audited to do business across the continent,” he indicated.

    Mr Yussif said about 200 agricultural-related companies had been audited and the AfCFTA was working assiduously to clear some of the barriers affecting exports and the free movement of goods and services across the continent.

    He stated that the rules and regulations of AfCFTA were also being integrated into the national laws so that companies that were ready to export could do business without any hindrance.

    Mr Yussif announced that currently, meaningful commercial trade was ongoing between Ghana and seven other African Countries and expressed the hope that more countries would come on board soon.

    Madam Comfort Kambataa, a beneficiary, who was into soybean processing, said the workshop had provided her with skills and knowledge that would be applied in the management of her business, especially in the areas of quality raw material acquisition, and linking to new technologies and markets.

    The GEPA, in collaboration with key export sector stakeholders such as the Ministries of Trade and Industry, Food and Agriculture and Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development, the National Coordination Office of AfCFTA, the National Development Planning Commission, the Food and Drugs Authority and others organised the district-level sensitisation workshop on the NEDS and the AfCFTA.

  • Artists likely to score Grammy nominations for Ghana

    The Grammy Award is a scheme that celebrates and recognizes artists across the world for their contributions and achievements through their body of work. The trophy depicts a gilded gramophone. The Grammys are the first of the Big Three networks’ major music awards held annually.

    Today in this article is a list of potential Ghanaian artists who are destined to get to the doorsteps of the Grammy awards. Below are some top names that are putting in the work to inch close to getting Grammy recognition for Ghana

    WIYAALA

    Noella WIYAALA is a Ghanaian Afro-pop singer-songwriter with a unique personality who blends her native language to produce sounds of originality is soul captivating. Her stage name, WIYAALA, means “the doer” in the Sissala dialect.

    The Sissala goddess is popularly known as the “Lioness” which she lives up to through her stagecraft. Her first single “Make Me Dance” was originally produced by “Genius Selection”

    She gained popularity in 2013 with her hit single “Rock My Body”, which won her two awards in the 2014 first edition of the All Music Awards, “the Most Promising Artist in Africa, and Revelation of the African Continent”. With her love for her indigenous culture and how she portrays African culture in her songs, we wish to see her at the top. Likely, the Grammys.

    KWESI ARTHUR

    Emmanuel Kwesi Danso Arthur Jr, known in the music world as Kwesi Arthur, is a Ghanaian rapper, singer, and songwriter. He rose to fame in 2017 with his hit single “Grind Day” which received widespread acclaim and got rap heavyweights like Sarkodie and Medikal jumping on the remix of the song.

    Kwesi Arthur has several accolades to his name including “Rapper Of The Year” and “Hip Hop Song Of The Year” at the “Vodafone Ghana Music Awards” as well as a “Viewer’s Choice Best International Act” nomination at the 2018 BET Awards.

    His hard work and consistency over years make him a strong contender for the accolade. The artist blessed us with hard Hip Hop tunes and Afro Pop songs like “Anthem”, “Woara”, “Don’t Keep Me Waiting feat Kidi”, “African Girl feat Shatta Wale”, “Bajo”, an EP titled “Thoughts of a King” and other notable features from top African Artist like Nasty C. With his style of music and quick recognition in the outside world, he is a promising artist to take Ghana to the Grammys.

    FUSE ODG

    Born Nana Richard Abiona, better known by his stage name Fuse ODG is a British-Ghanaian recording artist. He gained international appeal after his hit song “Azonto” in 2014 received massive attention.

    He created several bangers like “Antenna” and “Dangerous Love” and got featured on Major Lazer’s “Light it Up”. his style and knowledge of music, tip him a promising Grammy nominee for Ghana.

    SHATTA WALE

    Charles Nii Armah Mensah Jr is a Reggae-dancehall artist with the stage name Shatta Wale. formerly Bandana, the artist released his debut hit song “Moko Hoo” and later went behind the scenes for some years and came back rebranding himself as “Shatta Wale”.

    He blew up after his return with the release of hits like “Dancehall King”, “Enter the Net”, “Baby”, and “Mahama Paper” among others which won him some awards.

    His “Reign” album debuted at number 6 on the “Billboard Top World Albums Chart” after its release in 2018. He later got featured on the worldwide hit song “Already”, a song from Beyonce’s “The Lion King: The Gift Album” alongside Major Lazer in 2019, and again featured in the 2020 film “Black is King”.

    His fourth and much-anticipated body of work “Gift of God” is yet to be released as said has top music players on the album including names like Vybz Kartel and many others. His personality and style of music make him a top pick for the Grammy.

    STONEBWOY

    Livingstone Etse Satekla known by his stage name Stonebwoy, is a Ghanaian Afropop, dancehall, and reggae musician.

    He is the CEO of Burniton Music Group. He won the Best International Act: Africa category at the 2015 BET Awards and Artist of the Year at the 2015 Ghana Music Awards. He is also a recipient of two Billboard plaques. He has been described as the king of reggae and dance hall in Africa.

    Stonebwoy is also an actor, having appeared in the movies Happy Death Day and My name is Ramadan. He is a global ambassador for sanitation. In 2022, he signed onto Universal Music Group’s Def Jam Recordings, and its flagship Def Jam Recordings Africa. He’s poised to make three albums under the label.

    The decorated act is definitely an equal contender for a Grammy nomination for Ghana.

    SARKODIE

    Michael Owusu Addo known professionally as Sarkodie is a Ghanaian rapper, songwriter, and entrepreneur. His contributions to the Ghanaian music industry have earned him numerous accolades, including the Vodafone Ghana Music Award for “Artiste of the Decade”. He was announced the first winner of BET’s Best International Flow artist at the 2019 BET Hip Hop Awards.

    He is also considered one of the major proponents of the Azonto genre and dance and one of the most successful African rappers of all time.

    The well-embodied artist with his consistency over the period and still counting in the game is a strong head to lead Ghana to the Grammys.

    M.ANIFEST

    Kwame Ametepee Tsikata known professionally as M.anifest is a Ghanaian musician, rapper, and record producer.

    He won Best Rapper and Hip-Hop song of the year at the 2017 Ghana Music Awards. He has worked with Damon Albarn, Flea, Tony Allen, and Erykah Badu, and is featured on five songs on the Rocket Juice and The Moon album. He is the grandson of one of Africa’s foremost ethnomusicologists and composers J.H. Kwabena Nketia.

    In 2012, The Strand on BBC Radio tipped him as one of four acts to look out for 2012. In 2015 M.anifest’s single “Someway bi” earned him a third-place honor in the International Songwriters Competition (ISC).

    In the same year, The Guardian named M.anifest as “the foremost rapper on the continent.” M.anifest’s creatively curved style and uniqueness put him ahead of many and one who is likely to score a Grammy recognition.

    MZVEE

    Vera Hamenoo-Kpeda known by her stage name MzVee is a Ghanaian singer, Afropop, dancehall, and R&B artiste. Her debut solo album features several hit singles including ‘Borkor Borkor’ (meaning – Slowly), ‘Natural Girl’, and ‘Dancehall Queen’.

    MzVee was signed to the record label Lynx Entertainment and was the winner of the New Artiste of the Year award at the 2015 Ghana Music Awards and successfully scored a nomination at the BET awards in 2016.

    She is currently a solo artist after she parted ways with her previous management LYNX. The natural hitmaker is one of the very few female music stars in Ghana who tirelessly puts in the work and is more likely to bag a Grammy nomination.

    EFYA

    Jane Awindor better known by her stage name Efya is a Ghanaian singer, songwriter, and actress. She is the daughter of Nana Adwoa Awindor, a filmmaker and celebrity host of the late television show Greetings From Abroad. Efya got her first exposure to fame when she participated in the maiden edition of the Stars of the Future talent show.

    She won the Best Female Vocal Performance category at the Ghana Music Awards in four successions, beginning in 2011. Moreover, she was applauded for her performance at the 2013 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards.

    Her debut mixtape TINT was released on November 11, 2013. The mixtape was supported by two singles: “Getaway” and “Best In Me”. She released her long-awaited debut studio album Janesis on April 22, 2016. On January 11, 2014, Efya released “Forgetting Me” as the album’s lead single. Later in March 2021, she was among the Top 30 Most Influential Women in Music by the 3Music Awards Women’s Brunch.

    The vocal queen and sensational live band performer is a powerhouse of talent and craft that can frontier Ghana to score a Grammy nomination.

    BLACK SHERIFF

    Born Mohammed Ismail Sherrif known professionally as Black Sherif is a Ghanaian musician and performer. He gained mainstream acclaim with his street anthem “Second Sermon” released in July 2021. His catchy hooks and choruses have garnered him over 100 million streams on Audiomack, while his music tops charts and is played everywhere from influencer videos on social media to NBA All-Star games.

    His March 2022 single “Kwaku the Traveller” reached number 1 on the Ghanaian and Nigerian Apple Music charts and by August of that year was the most Shazamed song in the world across genres.

    Blacko recently scored a BET nomination in the category of “Best International Flow”. The young Soja is a rolling stone that can herald Ghana’s success in bagging a Grammy nomination.

    The above names are not arranged in any order of performance or world recognition. Your views and comments are welcomed.

    Source: Pulse.com.gh

  • XYZ films releasing Grinch Horror Movie ‘The Mean One’ this December

    Dr. Seuss’ beloved Christmas-hating character The Grinch is set to become a serial killer in the forthcoming slasher film The Mean One.

    ComicBook.com reports XYZ Films has announced the forthcoming slasher parody, which will hold onto some of the classic material from Dr. Seuss’ 1957 book How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

    “As a passionate fan of seasonal horror (and the TERRIFIER franchise), The Mean One is exactly the kind of film that lands on my personal ‘nice list,’ XYZ Films’ Manager of Acquisitions and Development Alex Williams said in a statement. “This movie is a stunningly great time with a ferociously subversive turn from David Howard Thornton – and XYZ Films is so proud to be bringing this soon-to-be iconic Christmas slasher to audiences this holiday season.”

    Directed by David Howard Thornton, with a script by Flip and Finn Kobler, The Mean One stars David Howard Thornton, Krystle Martin, Chase Mullins, John Bigham, Erik Baker, Flip Kobler, and Amy Schumacher. A co-production between A Sleight of Hand Productions, Amy Rose Productions, and Kali Pictures, the feature is produced by Schumacher, LaMorte, and Martine Melloul. Executive Producers are Jordan Rosner, Gato Scatena, and Zach Stampone.

    According to an official synopsis, “The Mean One is a hairy, green-skinned grump in a Santa suit, living on a mountain high above the town of Newville, despising the holiday season. Young Cindy You-Know-Who, whose parents were butchered by The Mean One twenty Christmases earlier, is returning to town to seek closure… but is about to discover that this fiend with a heart two sizes to small is still quite eager to carve the roast beast.”

    Although a trailer has yet to be released, The Mean One is due out Dec. 15.

    Source: Complex.com

  • E-Levy: GH¢328.80 million collected as of September – GRA

    According to the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), GH328.80M in revenue had been produced as of September 2022 since the Electronic Transfer Levy’s implementation began.

    The GRA clarified that it is important to note that they continue to see a 20% improvement in the collection of the levy month over month.

    We consequently anticipate that domestic revenue generation will continue and improve in order to sustain governmental spending, according to the GRA.

    Meanwhile, data from the Bank of Ghana has revealed that the total Mobile Money transactions as of August 2022 compared to the same period in 2021 fell by ¢13.3 billion, about.

    The figure represents 2.02% the latest Summary of Financial and Economic Data by the Bank of Ghana has revealed.

    The data said total mobile money transactions stood at ¢657.6 in August 2022, as against ¢644.3 in August 2022.

    Per the data, transactions went up from ¢71.4 billion in May 2022 to ¢77.4 billion in June 2022, but remain relatively the same at ¢77.2 billion in July 2022.

    It however shot up significantly by ¢9.9 billion to ¢87.1 billion in August 2022.

    In May 2021, June 2021, July 2021, and August 2021, Mobile Money transactions were estimated at ¢86.5 billion, ¢89.1 billion, ¢99.1 billion, and ¢81.8 billion respectively.

  • The period in 1975 where fuel was banned for private cars on weekends in Ghana

    Due to the rise in oil costs, the administration of then-General Ignatius Kutu (I.K) Acheampong was forced to outlaw the use of gasoline by private vehicles on the weekends, which put an end to Accra’s typically bustling weekends.

    On October 22, 1975, the prohibition was in effect from Friday at 6 p.m. through Sunday at 6 p.m.

    The purpose of the prohibition on gasoline usage by private automobiles on weekends was to promote fuel conservation in light of the recent 10% increase in oil prices announced by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (O.P.E.C.).

    This was also a way for I.K. Acheampong’s government to cut down on petrol consumption which would assist Ghana’s balance of payments.

    The government in a statement explaining why the ban had been imposed said: “it was not going to pass on the total price increase, estimated at between five and six million pounds sterling.”

    Effects of an increment in oil products

    An increment in oil or petroleum products usually affects inflation and reduces economic growth. In terms of inflation, oil prices directly affect the prices of goods made with petroleum products. It also affects costs such as transportation and manufacturing.

    The increase in these costs in turn affects the prices of a variety of goods and services, as producers may pass production costs on to consumers. The extent to which oil price increases lead to consumption price increases depends on how important oil is for the production of a given type of good or service.

    Oil price increases can also stifle the growth of the economy through their effect on the supply and demand for goods other than oil. Increases in oil prices can depress the supply of other goods because they increase the costs of producing them.

  • Russell Wilson reportedly played Thursday night with partially torn lat

    Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson played Thursday night against the Colts with a partially torn lat, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports.

    According to Schefter, Wilson suffered the injury during Denver’s Oct. 2 game against the Las Vegas Raiders.

    “Doctors diagnosed the injury in the days leading up to the Colts game,” the NFL insider noted. “Wilson did not practice until Wednesday, one day before Denver hosted Indianapolis. He was listed on the injury report as questionable with a shoulder strain.”

    Wilson is not expected to need surgery on his right shoulder.

    The Broncos quarterback passed for 274 yards, two interceptions and no touchdowns in Denver’s 12-9 loss to Indianapolis. While speaking with reporters after the game, Wilson shouldered the blame for the loss, while mentioning his injury.

    “You’ve got to look at this – I’ve got to look at this and see where I can get better,” Wilson said. “I was battling, obviously, just the shoulder [injury] and all that and just trying to play quickly. We should have won that game. [We] should have won it. Like I said, it’s on me. The one thing that I know is I’ve gone through tough times before. I’ve gone through obstacles, I’ve gone through challenges, gone through highs as well as lows. A lot of highs, several lows, and I wasn’t ever getting discouraged ever.’’

    Source: Complex.com

  • Kidi abandons his performance at UCC over system malfunction

    Faulty systems were the order of the day at the University of Cape Coast SRC week as musician KiDi abandoned his performance due to a malfunctioning microphone.

    The Artiste was due to perform on Saturday night as part of the University of Cape Coast (UCC) SRC week activities at the Casford field.

    However, upon mounting the stage and with students cheering him on while excitingly waiting for his performance, the microphone malfunctioned.

    In a viral tweet, KiDi could be seen testing the microphone several times but the feedback and sound echoes from the microphone were poor which made it impossible for the musician to perform.

    This has got netizens lambasting UCC SRC event organizers for their inability to provide a functioning microphone for the event.

    Many users have described this as a disappointing and embarrassing display.

    Source: Pulse.com.gh

  • E-Levy has collapsed our businesses, left several others jobless – MoMo Association

    The Ghana Mobile Money Association bemoaned the demise of numerous mobile money enterprises due to the E- Levy adoption.

    The Association maintains that the implementation’s detrimental effects must not be understated.

    The association claims that a number of its members have fired employees, while others have shut their doors and those that are still operating are unable to grow.

    Additionally, there have been less transactions in the sector they disclosed.

    Evans Otumfuo, General Secretary, speaking on Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5Fm stated that the levy should be eliminated.

    “Nobody can deny that the E-Levy has had a negative impact. It has resulted in significant hardship. Several of our members have had to lay off employees. We are unable to grow. Our origin margins have shrunk. Those of us who are still in business are unable to expand or open new locations. If someone asks if we want it scrapped, we will say yes.

    “However, if they are unwilling to scrap it, they must support us because we are experiencing severe economic hardship.”

    He also stated that the threshold for E-Levy transactions is currently ineffective because one is deducted from every transaction.

    “There was a threshold when the levy was introduced. However, the levy is affecting all forms of transactions. The government is not meeting its projections because many people are no longer using mobile money services as they did before the levy was implemented.”

    “Ghanaians are struggling, the economy is facing a serious crisis. The prices of goods and services are on the rise all the time. These are the challenges, and for us in the mobile money business, the least said the better,” he said.

  • Skin Tor So Kama – Fans Drool Over Felicia Osei’s Official Birthday shoot

    Comedian Felicia Osei has dropped an adorable video on her official Instagram to mark her latest birthday anniversary.

    The latest addition to the Onua family was clad in a green dress with a matching shoes as she stood at ease for the camera.

    She wore her makeup and a wig to seal her look as she sought to share her special day with fans across her official platforms.

     

    Sharing the video, she captioned it with a brief message:

    “Happy birthday to my wonderful self, Amen to whatever I wish for on this day.”

    Felicia further shared three stunning photos of herself; two showed her posing on her feet while the last one was sitting.

    She captioned it with a message of gratitude to her Lord.

    “I’m grateful, oh Lord, thank you.”

     

     

  • How Ghana spent £3 million in 1959 on a new airport runaway for Queen Elizabeth’s arrival

    The newly independent Ghana was especially eager to prepare for the expected coming of Queen Elizabeth II because it had only achieved independence a little over two years earlier.

    As if to demonstrate the bold claim made by the nation’s first president, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, that “the African is capable of managing his own affairs,” preparations for the queen’s arrival in Ghana began in earnest in November 1959.

    And when Nkrumah’s government realized that she would enter the nation through its primary airport, it immediately set aside some money to clean the runway at the Accra Airport (now Kotoka International Airport).

    This was contained in an old Ghana Times newspaper clipping in GhanaWeb’s possession, with the headline, “Queen’s aircraft may land on new runway.”

    The April 1959 story, written by de-Graft Sampson, stated that the government was bent on ensuring that the runway at the airport was in good shape to receive the monarch of the country that had, until two years before, been its colonial master.

    “The Ghana National Construction Company are to undertake one of the biggest projects under the second Five-Year-Development Plan, with the reconstruction of Accra International Airport, expected to take about 15 months to complete.

    “The extension work for which Government has made available the sum of £G3 million, will be carried out in two stages, Mr. M. Boren, the G.N.C.C. sole consultant engineers and contractors told me,” the report stated.

    The report explained further that the first stage of the expansion project would involve the upgrade to the runway at the airport.

    And this was to be done before Queen Elizabeth II’s visit later that year.

    “Mr. Boren further told me that the construction of the new runway, taxiways and the approach roads are expected to be completed before the Queen’s visit in November this year,” it added.

    The report added that the second phase of the project was to look at the extension of air travel facilities to some other regions in the country so that they could benefit “directly from Ghana’s internal air service.”

    Read the full newspaper report in the photo clipping below:

    See the video of Queen Elizabeth II’s historic visit to Ghana in 1961:

    Credit: British Pathé

  • Texas Pete hot sauce faces Lawsuit over claims it’s made in North Carolina

    Texas Pete Hot Sauce is facing a lawsuit over alleged false advertising, Fox affiliate WGHP reports.

    Los Angeles resident Phillip White has filed a class-action lawsuit against Texas Pete’s producers, North Carolina-based T.W. Garner Food Co., alleging that the condiment is actually made in North Carolina.

    According to the complaint, White bought a bottle of Texas Pete from a Ralph’s in Los Angeles in September 2021.

    “White relied upon the language and images displayed on the front label of the Product, and at the time of purchase understood the Product to be a Texas product,” the complaint said.

    The lawsuit alleges the label, which features “the famed white ‘lone’ star from the Texan flag together with a ‘lassoing’ cowboy,” misled White to believe Texas Pete was “distinctly Texan.” “There is surprisingly nothing Texas about them,” the lawsuit said of the company.

    However, Texas Pete Hot Sauce previously admitted that the condiment is manufactured in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. In a 2014 article on its website, the brand confirmed its founder Sam Garner and his sons Ralph and Harold came up with the name in the 1930s.

    “In revealing the thought process behind its brand name, (T.W. Garner Food Co.) admits that Texas’s reputation was one they were trying to mimic and capitalize on when creating their brand,” the lawsuit stated.

    “By representing that its Texas Pete brand hot sauce products are Texas products, when they are not, [T.W. Garner Food Co.] has cheated its way to a market-leading position in the $3 billion hot-sauce industry at the expense of law-abiding competitors and consumers nationwide who desire authentic Texas hot sauce and reasonably, but incorrectly, believe that is what they are getting when they purchase Texas Pete.”

    Source: Complex.com

  • Rick Ross questions DJ Khaled about how almond milk is made, says he’s afraid of it

    Rick Ross and DJ Khaled have been spotted in a video in which the two got into a hilarious discussion over how almond milk is made.

    In the recently released episode of Hype Debate by GQ, the two were tasked with talking through what each of them believed to be the best snack item. Ross went with his own “Rozay Cheddar” Rap Snacks potato chips, while Khaled suggested Cinnamon Toast Crunch, specifically with almond milk. Rozay was receptive to Khaled’s choice, but admittedly couldn’t get passed his choice of milk.

    “I’m still not up on the almond milk,” Ross said. “Rozay still frightened…I’m frightened.”

    “I just got up on two percent milk a couple years ago. Now y’all trying to conspiracy,” he continued before asking, “And this I the question: Is it from the almond of the walnut? Is they squeezing it out of the peanut?”

    DJ Khaled responded, “I don’t have that answer and I usually have every answer.”

    Khaled ultimately sided with Ross because he was sold on the argument that the “Rozay Cheddar” potato chips were a pivotal purchase when you’re perusing through 7-Eleven at 4:47 a.m. in search of the perfect snack, and you find a bag with the face of the Richer Than I Ever Been rapper on it.

    According to WebMD, almond milk is made by “grinding almonds with water, straining the liquid, and adding vitamins and minerals.” The beverage serves as a dairy alternate for those who are either vegan or lactose intolerant.

    Source: Complex.com

  • IMF concludes second round of negotiations with Ghana

    The delegation of representatives from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which arrived in Ghana on September 26, 2022, have concluded their talks with the Ghanaian government.

    Mr Stephane Roudet, IMF Mission Chief to Ghana, who led the team on Friday, October 7, said his organization and Ghana’s government had constructive discussions on policies aimed at restoring macroeconomic stability.

    According to him, the two parties are “laying the foundation for stronger and more inclusive growth.”

    “We reaffirm our commitment to support Ghana in these challenging times, consistent with the IMF’s policies,” Mr Roudet added.

    During the second period of engagement, the IMF/World Bank and the government undertook a debt sustainability analysis (DSA) to inform the programme negotiations, since a framework for any debt operations had yet to be established.

    Again, the Fund and the government are now reviewing the country’s medium-term macro- fiscal framework.

    This is looking at a three-year expenditure plan which sets out the medium-term expenditure priorities and budget constraints, as well as focuses on sectors that need to be developed and refined.

    Mr Roudet also noted that “key areas of focus included ensuring public finance sustainability while protecting the vulnerable, bolstering the credibility of monetary and exchange rate policies to reduce inflation and rebuild external buffers, preserving financial sector stability, and steps to encourage private investment and growth, including by improving governance, transparency, and public sector efficiency.”

    Negotiations between the IMF and Ghana are far from over.

    Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, has revealed that the government and the Fund will carry on with their negotiations on an economic programme for Ghana in Washington, DC, the United States of America (U.S.A.). This is expected to take place this week.

    While speaking at the signing of a $1.13 billion cocoa syndicated loan in Accra, the sector minister asserted that “we are very confident that the discussions that we are having with the Fund will put us in the right landing zone.”

    In July 2022, President Akufo- Addo directed Mr Ofori-Atta to commence official engagement with the IMF. This came at a time when the government had opposed suggestions for an IMF programme to bail Ghana out of its economic woes.

    Not long after, an IMF staff team led by Carlo Sdralevich visited Accra to assess the current economic situation and discuss the broad lines of the government’s Enhanced Domestic Programme that could be supported by a Fund lending arrangement.

    The IMF team met with Vice President Bawumia, Finance Minister Ofori-Atta, and the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Ernest Addison. The team also met with the Parliament’s Finance Committee, Civil Society Organizations (CSO), and development partners, including UNICEF and the World Bank, to engage on social spending.

    It affirmed the assertion that Ghana’s economic crisis has been exacerbated as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war.

    Source: The Independent Ghana

    (more…)

  • Nana Adwoa Annan, Gloria Sarfo ‘steal’ show with eloquent emceeing at 2022 TGAE awards

    The 4th edition of one of the most prestigious award schemes in Ghana, the Time Ghana Arts and Entertainment Awards took place at the National Theatre on Saturday, October 8, 2022.

    The Time Ghana Arts and Entertainment Awards (TGAEA) is aimed at rewarding individuals who have excelled in the creative arts circles.

    One of the gratifying moments that characterised the much-publicised event happens to be how the hosts on the night Nana Adwoa-Annan of Atinka TV and Ghanaian movie star Gloria Sarfo eloquently emceed it.

    Their coordination with the audience, their self-confidence and their fashion senses exceedingly showed how prepared they were for the night

    As a way of portraying our rich Ghanaian culture to the world, Nana Adwoa and Gloria Sarfo hopped onto the stage with Adowa dance – celestially dressed in Kente adorned with expensive beads.

    Kente is more than a clothing item, it is a visual representation of history, philosophy, ethics, oral literature, religious beliefs and political thought.

    Factually, they were aesthetically pleasing to watch. Most patrons who spoke to Hotfmghana.com after the event showered praises on the duo for emceeing the event without any blemish.

    This year’s edition of the event had over 47 award categories, some of which include; Best News Anchor, Best Movie, Best Executive Producer of the Year, Face of TV Commercial, Discovery of the Year, Blogger of the Year, Man and Woman of the Year among others.

    Popular radio presenter and the host of Accra FM’s mid-morning show ‘Ayekoo Ayekoo’, Nana Romeo was adjudged ‘Best Man of The Year’. Legendary Ghanaian Hiplife artiste, Ex Doe, apart from being honoured on the night put up an amazing performance to the delight of patrons.

    Celebrated female broadcaster Gifty Anti, Popular Nigerian Actress and Comedienne, Emmanuella Adaobi Njubigbo and Rev Dr Abbeam Danso were some of the personalities that graced the well-organized event.

    Source: hotfmonline

  • GRA shuts down event centre ‘Underbridge’ over non-payment of VAT

    Awell-known event venue, called “Underbridge” at East Legon, in the Greater Accra region, has been shut down by the Ghana Revenue Authority’s (GRA) enforcement unit.

    In a statement to the media, GRA Accra Area Enforcement Manager Joseph Annan explained that the facility’s management had failed to register and provide Value Added Tax (VAT)receipts to its customers, hence their closure.

    “They have not registered for VAT as a business, and this is an offence. So we have no option than to lock up the place until they register and pay the penalties that will be slapped on them.

    They know that as a business, you must register with the GRA and pay your taxes accordingly, “he added.

    Mr. Annan declared that the event centre would remain closed indefinitely unless its tax obligations were fulfilled.

    The primary responsibility of the GRA is to ensure that all applicable tax laws are strictly followed in order to support the government’s financial sustainability, facilitate trade, and maintain a controlled and secure flow of goods across the country’s borders.

    Aside from the event centre Underbridge, other businesses have been found culpable for failing to adhere to the Authority’s terms and conditions.

    On Friday, October 7, 2022, the GRA team also visited Tema Industrial Area. In the process of inspection, eight cold store businesses were closed down because they were operating with fictitious VAT invoices.

    The criminal investigation department officials involved in the exercise also arrested some managers of these cold stores.

    In the meantime, the GRA has threatened to punish organizations that do not pay their taxes on time.

    Source: The Independent Ghana

  • Tom Cruise reportedly in talks to shoot feature film in outer space

    Tom Cruise is working towards finalizing a deal that will make him the first actor to shoot a feature film in outer space, TMZ reports.

    Cruise is said to be speaking with the Universal Films Entertainment Group about filming at the International Space Station, accomplishing a goal that has been years in the making. While movies like the Cruise-narrated documentary Space Station 3D and 2012’s Apogee of Fear were filmed at the ISS, the actor aims to become the first civilian to perform a space walk.

    “I think Tom Cruise is taking us to space, he’s taking the world to space,” UFEG chairman Donna Langley told BBC News. “That’s the plan. We have a great project in development with Tom … Taking a rocket up to the Space Station and shooting.”

    Langley shared that a majority of the film will be shot on Earth until Cruise’s character needs to go “up to space to save the day.”

    Conversations surrounding Cruise’s goal to film in outer space were shelved during the COVID pandemic, but have been revitalized in recent months. Back in May, the Roscosmos space agency in Russia announced that actress Yulia Peresild and filmmaker Klim Shipenko were scheduled to film in space this month. No word on what happened with that plan.

    The news came months after Cruise was reportedly working with NASA on a project that would see him enduring extraterrestrial travel on film.

    Cruise has long been known to push the envelope with his stunts. Ahead of a Comic Con screening for Top Gun: Maverick, the actor made a video appearance while filming Mission: Impossible 7 and seemed to be raising the bar once more.

    Cruise has considerable pull following the box office success of Maverick, which surpassed Black Panther to become the fifth-highest grossing film of all-time domestically last month.

    Source: Complex.com

  • Total tax revenue from January stands at GH¢51.58m, 0.9% fall in revenue target

    From January through September 2022, the Ghana Income Authority reported collecting GH51,580.17 million in total tax revenue.

    This is below its goal of GHC 52,046.78 million, or a decline of 0.9%.

    The authority reported that it fell by GH466.61 million short of the goal.

    The GRA noted in a tweet that the performance represented a nominal growth rate of 29.0% during the same time period compared to last year’s collection, which was collected at a rate of 26%.
    The nominal growth of domestic revenue was 28.6%, whereas the nominal growth of customs revenue was 29.8%.

    The Authority stated that since the beginning of the implementation of the levy in May 2022, the government has collected GH¢328.80 million, far from the revised target of GH¢611 million.

    “We commenced the implementation of this levy in May 2022. Revenue from E-levy as of September 2022 amounted to GH¢328.80 million,” the post read.

    “It is worth mentioning that on a month-on-month basis we continue to see a 20% improvement in the collection of the levy. It is therefore our expectation that this will continue and improve domestic revenue generation to support government expenditure”, the Commissioner-General, Dr. Amishaddai Owusu-Amoah stated.

    Revenue performance from January to end of September 2022 as compared to our target is as follows:
    •Total tax revenue of GH¢51,580.17M was collected for the period as against a target of GH¢52,046.78M. #RevenuePerformance2022 #DomesticTax #CustomsDivision pic.twitter.com/9f0hdhKKDc

    — GRA (@GhanaRevenue) October 7, 2022

    •We fell short of the target by GH¢466.61M (i.e. 0.9%).
    •The performance represents nominal growth rate of 29.0% over same period compared to last year’s collection of 26%.
    •Domestic revenue grew nominally by 28.6%
    •Customs revenue grew nominally by 29.8% pic.twitter.com/MZtlQ9sj7B

    — GRA (@GhanaRevenue) October 7, 2022

  • Francis Amuzu picks up injury in Anderlecht home defeat to West Ham United in Conference League

    Ghanaian international Francis Amuzu picked up an injury while in action for Anderlecht in the UEFA Conference League on Thursday night.

    The 23-year-old started but had to be replaced before the start of the second half when his side suffered a 1-0 home defeat to the English Premier League side.

    Amuzu injured his shoulder and was taken off as a precautionary measure.

    The Belgian-born Ghanaian forward will have to undergo scans to determine the extent of the injury.

    The winger has been battling injuries this campaign and will hope to make a quick return.

    He has featured 16 times this season, scoring 2 goals and providing 2 assists.

    Source: Footballghana

  • Government has run out of ideas on how to run economy – Alex Mould

    According to Alex Mould, a former CEO of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), the government has run out of ideas about how to manage the economy.

    He claimed that as the year went on, things in the nation might get worse.

    The government is in a dilemma, I think they have ran out of ideas, and I think they truly need aid, according to Alex Mould’s report on myjoyonline.com.

    He asserted that investing in vital economic areas and lowering government spending would promote economic expansion.

    “They (government) should have cut their expenditure, especially on discretionary spending, their landmark policy programmes that do not add anything to our GDP, they should have looked at the sectors that we should have invested in (agriculture) so that we do not have the kind of inflation we are having now,” he is quoted by myjoyonline.com.

    On debt restructuring indications, the former GNPC boss opined that this would affect businesses and cause further contractions in the banking sector.

    ” Any government that does a haircut to individuals will stifle savings. If you stifle savings, people are not going to put their monies in banks and that’s going to have a ripple effect on the economy, because the banks are the intermediaries for loans to these companies that need working capital and if there are no funds, these companies are going to also fold up, there’s going to be job losses,” he cautioned.

  • GRA drags 48 businesses to court over tax evasion, failure to issue VAT invoices for goods, services

    Currently, 48 companies are being prosecuted for tax evasion and failing to provide Value Added Tax (VAT) invoices for the acquisition of goods and services.

    Businesses were brought before the Tax Courts for violating Section 80 of the Revenue Administration Act 2016 according to Commissioner-General of GRA Rev. Amishaddai Owusu-Amoah (Act 915).

    He clarified that one of the Authority’s measures for encouraging tax compliance and enforcement was to prosecute enterprises that were in default on their taxes.

    He was speaking on Friday during a meeting with editors of the various media organisations in Accra.

    As at the end of September this year, Mr. Owusu-Amoah said the GRA had collected GH¢51.6 billion as against a target of GH¢52 billion.

    “We fell short of the target by GH¢466 million. The performance represents a nominal growth rate of 29.0 percent over the same period compared to last year’s collection of 26 percent. Domestic revenue grew nominally by 28.6 percent while Customs revenue grew nominally by 29.8 percent,” he added.

    The Authority, he said, was implementing a number of tax policy initiatives including Taxpayers Portal, Electronic VAT Invoicing, Electronic Auction, and Electronic Tax Clearance Certificate to boost revenue generation this year.

    He stated that the Taxpayers portal was an online self-service system that allows taxpayers to file returns, initiate payments, and access other tax-related services such as Tax Clearance Certificates (TCCs), apply for tax reliefs, withholding tax exemptions, refunds, and update taxpayer information.

    The Commissioner-General noted that Electronic VAT invoicing was introduced to eliminate invoice cloning, carding and non-issuance of invoices, and other irregularities which were affecting domestic tax performance.

    “The E-VAT invoicing implementation will be done in phases starting October 1, 2022, and this will help the GRA to monitor the issuance of invoices by taxpayers by certifying all invoices issued for the purpose of accounting and filing of VAT returns,” he stated.

    He said a new Excise Tax Stamp Authenticator had also been developed and would soon be used for scanning stamps on excisable products to ascertain whether the stamps were genuine or not.

    Starting October 15, Mr. Owusu-Amoah said the Electronic Auction platform would be piloted to deal with corruption associated with the auction of confiscated goods at the port and simplify the auction process.

    He said the Electronic Tax Clearance Certificate was geared towards automating the process of obtaining Tax Clearance Certificates(TCCs) via the Taxpayers’ portal.

    Additionally, the Authority, he noted, had instituted an Informant Award Scheme to award individuals, entities, or organizations who offer confidential information to the GRA leading to the recovery of tax adding that an informant was recently paid GH¢130,000 for helping the Authority to recover tax.

    “We encourage persons or individuals who have such information to call GRA. The information one provides will be treated with the utmost confidentiality and where the information leads to the recovery of taxes, the informant will receive cash amounts in line with our Informant Policy,” the Commissioner-General stated.
    Also, to improve the culture and professionalism of the staff of GRA, he noted that a new Code of Ethics that defines the expected staff behaviour in line with GRA’s values of integrity had been published.

  • Ex-Ghana goalkeeper Abukari Damba confident Black Galaxies can win 2022 CHAN

    Former Black Stars goalkeeper, Abukari Damba is optimistic about Black Galaxies chances of winning next year’s Championship of Africa Nations (CHAN) trophy in Algeria.

    Ghana will face reigning Champions Morocco in Group C of the CHAN tournament.

    The draw which was held in Algiers on Saturday, October 1, saw Ghana paired alongside the two-time winners of the competition as well as Sudan and Madagascar.

    “The level at which Morocco has taken football, especially the CAF Champions League and the Confederation Cup, is serious and they do it with domestic players,” Damba told Graphic Sports.

    “So we are going to meet top-notch players and it’s not going to be easy for us.

    He added, “We also have our level. We qualified against some of the best teams and if we take this seriously and do not lose players to the European teams, then we can do it. If the core of the squad is kept intact, we can be a force to reckon with.”

    “Player exodus is our bane. Players are assembled in Prampram and the next thing is you see team owners come for them to transfer them, but this time, I am hoping the players will not leave so that we could have a strong team.

    Source: Footballghana

     

  • BoG must force government to finance budget outside banking sector – IEA

    Dr. John Kwakye, the director of research at the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA), reprimanded the Bank of Ghana for not making the government manage its budget outside of the banking industry.

    Dr. Kwakye claims that he struggles to see why the central bank will continue to support the budgets of succeeding governments.

    His recommendations followed the Bank of Ghana’s (BoG) Monetary Policy Committee raising the monetary policy rates by 250 basis points, from 22 to 24.5 percent.

    According to the central bank, the move is expected to stem the inflation which has been soaring recently due to the cedi depreciation, upward adjustment in tariffs, and Ghana’s awaiting the IMF-supported programme.

    Meanwhile, the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Addison at a press conference Thursday, October 6, 2022, at the 108th Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) commenting on the fiscal situation said the expenditures have been broadly on target, revenue performance has been below expectations, complicating fiscal policy implementation.

    “Financing the budget so far has been predominantly done by the banking sector with the central bank absorbing a larger share. Persistence uncovered auctions and portfolio reversals by non-resident investors continue to post risk to the financing of the budget resulting in the monetization of the budget deficit by the central bank,” the economist said.

    Sharing his views on the development in a Twitter post, Dr John Kwakye stated the government must be compelled to manage its budget outside of the banking sector.

    “Why should the central bank continue to finance the budget? Doesn’t that further fuel inflation and cedi depreciation?

    “Why doesn’t the central bank force Gov’t to pay the right price and finance the budget outside the bank? So, this is what we had to wait for IMF input for?” the researcher questioned.

  • I am ‘ashamed’ – Sarkodie speaks on absence at Nana Ampadu’s funeral

     Ghanaian rapper Michael Owusu Addo popularly known in showbiz circles as Sarkodie has expressed regret for being absent at the funeral of late Highlife legend, Nana Kwame Ampadu.

    In a Facebook post on October 9, the musician said he was ashamed of himself and hurt for missing Nana Ampadu’s funeral despite being reminded about it by veteran actor, David Dontoh.

    He said even though David Dontoh’s reminder lingered on his mind, it apparently skipped him on the day of the event.

    Sarkodie added that it was bad enough for him to be missing the funerals of legends stressing that he needs to do better.

    He wrote: “Ashamed and hurt for not making it to the Legend Nana Ampadu’s funeral … Uncle David Dontoh told me about it last Sunday… Crazy how I had it on my mind from then and still missed it but all the same Rest In Peace Grandpa May the almighty keep you safe No excuse makes sense to even myself missing all these legends’ funerals… Need to do better”.

    Nana Ampadu died on Tuesday, September 28, 2021, while on admission at the Intensive Care Unit of the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) in Accra with his funeral slated for October 8.

    A day after his passing, Sarkodie made a post on social media revealing that the late music icon had once given him wise advice about not posting private stuff on social media.

    A state funeral in Accra was organized for the late Nana Kwame Ampadu and he was subsequently transported to his hometown at Obo Kwahu, in the Eastern Region, on Saturday, October 8, 2022, where he has been laid to rest.

    The state funeral was attended by prominent personalities including President Nana Akufo-Addo, Alban Bagbin (Speaker of Parliament), Chief of Staff Akosua Frema Osei Opare, former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, Interior Minister Ambrose Dery and Alan Kyerematen (Trade and Industry Minister).

    Members of the clergy, musicians from Ghana’s Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA), actors from the Obra Drama Group, family members, friends, and members of the general public were also present during the state funeral.

    The late Nana Kwame Ampadu is survived by a wife, Madam Joyce AB Frimpong, 24 children and 30 grandchildren. He was 76 years old.

    Source: Ghanaweb

     

  • Illegal miners are nation wreckers; laws must deal with them – Cecilia Dapaah

    Sanitation and Water Resources Minister, Cecilia Abena Dapaah, has called out illegal miners, describing them as a bunch of nation wreckers.

    She called on law enforcement agencies to ensure persons found engaging in such acts are severely punished when she visited a section of the Offin River at Abompe in the Atwima Mponua District of the Ashanti Region.

    She expressed concerns over how the continuous pollution of water bodies by activities of illegal miners is affecting the operations of the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL).

    The Minister said the GWCL is witnessing an increasing cost of water production at the treatment plants of the GWCL across the country due to the continuous pollution of water bodies by illegal miners.

    “We have realized of late that the cost of producing water is going higher, and it is like there’s no end. That is why we are joining forces as a matter of duty with stakeholders like the chiefs, the youth, and legal small-scale miners to make sure we are all on one page as well as religious leaders to make sure we preserve our heritage meaning our environment, our lands, and our water resources. It is our duty. National Security says see something say something, we are adding do something,” she said.

    The Ghana Water Company Limited(GWCL) is faced with the increasing cost of treating water and the regular replacement of damaged equipment following turbidity levels of water bodies due to illegal mining activities.

    Officials are also grappling with the reduction in volumes of water treated and supplied to customers as a result of pollution of water sources by illegal miners.

    Managing Director of the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL), Ing. Clifford Braimah warned of imminent consequences if the illegal mining menace is not addressed.

    The Minister was, with technical staff and engineers from the Ministry, met residents and opinion leaders at Bedabo in the Atwima Mponua District and appealed to them to support the Government’s effort in the fight against illegal mining.

    She also called for concerted efforts to address the menace.

    She added that “we all sit down and say it is the Ghanaian who leads the foreigners into the hinterlands to do this evil work. We should stop it. Every village and community knows its people. In every region, we know where they are. I am happy, and we respect our chiefs they are the custodians of our lands as well as the families, but the minerals therein are the President’s and there is no controversy about it. So we should all work together as citizens to make sure we reclaim what God has given us”.

    Researchers at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) recently traced high levels of heavy metals in water bodies due to illegal mining activities.


    Source: Citinews

  • ‘Broke’ Ghana must learn from Namibia example – Dr. Kofi Amoah

    Dr. Kofi Amoah, an economist, says it is time for the NPP government to implement some of the cost-saving recommendations and ideas made by well-known Namibian politician McHenry Venaani when Namibia faced a comparable situation in light of Ghana’s glaring revenue challenges and mounting debt debacle.

    Kofi Amoah claimed in an interview with GhanaWeb that “Ghana may gain not just in cost savings but we can gain with basic lifestyles of leaders to show that we are not a rich country but a poor, struggling one.” Amoah based his statement on a viral video.

    “The Namibia example of cost savings must be replicated all over Africa, especially in “broke” Ghana.

    Our expenditure patterns have created an unpardonable class structure… the HAVES and HAVENOTS, where the Haves live as vampires on the blood of the nation, and the HAVENOTS are the victims and poor losers.”

    It is not a secret that Ghana’s economy has been ailing in the last couple of years, with high inflation, a weakening cedi due to depreciation, and rising debt service cost.

    It is the reason the government is currently engaging the International Monetary Fund for a bailout that will also return investor confidence in the Ghanaian economy.

    The current economic turmoil may not be peculiar to Ghana alone. However, Dr Kofi Amoah says certain proposals and measures by other African countries who have faced or facing the same challenges can be adopted as part of the recovery process.

    According to Dr Amoah, the suggestions espoused by Namibia’s popular Democratic Movement (PDM) leader McHenry Venaani is worth emulating and implementing.

    In 2019 during a press conference, Namibia’s opposition leader told the government that they must first introduce harsher austerity measures like reducing the number of vehicles assigned to politicians. “If they want the public to contribute 2% of their salaries”, Venaani charged.
    He made these remarks after the call by the government for people to voluntarily contribute a once-off 2% of their salaries for drought relief, at a media conference held in Windhoek.

    McHenry Venaani also called for a halt to the practice of government officials travelling first class, something he says should alone be the preserve of the president and not regular government officials. “There is no justification for that, no justification unless you are super rich.”

    He also touched on government officials travelling with their wives who are also given different allowances for hotel even though they are expected to share a room with their partners.

    He also advocated for the abolishment of perks such as Entertainment Allowance for senior government officials.
    He also wants the reduction in the number of motorcades for top government officials in these harsh economic periods so the country can save money to improve the lot of the citizens.

    Meanwhile, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo this year announced that he has slashed his salary by 30% due to current economic difficulties.
    Speaking as the guest of honour at this year’s Eid Al Adha prayers in Accra, the president announced the cut to send a signal to citizens about the need to sacrifice as the country goes to the International Monetary Fund for support.
    He also announced a 50% cut on fuel for government machinery.

  • Remain calm, don’t take the law into your own hands – Police tell Nana Agradaa’s ‘victims’

    The Ghana Police Service has asked persons who are victims of Nana Agradaa’s alleged money-doubling scam to be law-abiding as it launches investigations into the matter.

    The law enforcement agency has also urged the victims to assist it with the much-needed information on the matter as it aims to unravel circumstances leading to the alleged money swindling.

    In a Twitter post, the Ghana Police Service directed such persons to report to the Accra Regional Police Command for onward investigations.

    “We would like to urge anyone with information that can assist the investigation to report to the Accra Regional Police Command at Accra Central close to the COCOBOD building.

    “While [the] investigation continues, we urge everyone, especially those who might have been affected to remain calm and not take the law into their own hands,” the police tweeted.

    Nana Agradaa was in the news again over the weekend after scores of people believed to be her church members went viral in social media video clips crying foul that they have been scammed.

    The repented priestess had earlier advertised through her television channel that she was going to give out monies to people who came to her church, Heavenway Champion International Ministry, and also promised that she would double monies that are brought to her into the church.

    However, as has been typical of her, particularly from the days when she was a fetish priestess, it seems the evangelist only played on the gullibility of the scores of people who appeared at her church to extort monies from them.

    When she was done, as has been shared in a number of the videos available to media, she booted them out of the building, aided by her well-built bodyguards.

    A number of the affected people are also heard ranting and calling her out.

    “This is Agradaa’s church, Heavenway, and she advertised on her TV station that she was going to share monies with everyone only for us to get here, and she rather collects monies from people. She told people to bring ten million (GHc10,000) and come for two billion (GHc200,000) after which she asked people to leave the church. Things immediately turned chaotic here,” a lady giving voice commentary in one of the videos said.

    Meanwhile, Ghana Police Service has arrested Nana Agradaa to assist with investigations levelled against her.

    “The Police have arrested Patricia Asiedua alias Nana Agradaa following allegations of money doubling scam levelled against her by some members of the public. The suspect is currently assisting police investigation,” it tweeted on October 9.

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • BoG Governor backs debt-capping conversations

    Following the release of a devastating assessment on the economy by the World Bank, the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Ernest Addison, has thrown his support behind discussions calling for setting a borrowing ceiling. He is deeply concerned about the public debt of the country.

    Ghana’s public debt is expected to reach 104.6 percent of GDP by the end of the year, automatically placing the economy in the category of debt-distressed economies and further making the debt situation unsustainable, meaning the country will no longer be able to fulfill its debt obligations, even domestically, according to the World Bank’s Africa’s Pulse report (October 2022, Volume 26).

    It is against this background that Dr. Addison says he supports discussions on capping borrowing to ascertain the country’s readiness for such a policy.

    “I think this is something that could be looked at. If you look at the European Union, they had a criteria which had a debt-ceiling. And in our own convergence discussions with the West African common currency, we were discussing a debt-ceiling, so it is not unusual to set caps for attaining certain objectives. If Ghanaians think we have reached a point where we can cap debt, the debate can be had and we will look at the pros and cons of that type of decision,” he said during an interaction with the press in Accra last Thursday.

    Various economists and policy think-tanks have called on parliament to spark conversations on debt-capping and follow up with a law. One of such organisations is the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA).

    “We are inclined to suggest that parliament considers introducing a borrowing or debt-ceiling in the annual Appropriations bill. This will be in addition to the existing expenditure ceiling that is imposed by parliament for every budget – which more often than not is breached with impunity.

    “If government wants to borrow beyond the initial borrowing – or debt-ceiling, it will have to come back to parliament for approval as prevails in the US. This suggestion is to rein-in the debt, which otherwise risks ballooning and overwhelming the budget in the form of escalating interest payments,” the IEA stated when providing inputs for the 2022 budget.

    The World Bank’s report

    According to the Africa’s Pulse report, debt is expected to jump to 104.6 percent of GDP in Ghana from 76.6 a year earlier – amid a widened government deficit, massive weakening of the cedi and rising debt service costs. It further said the country’s debt is expected to remain elevated at 99.7 and 101.8 percent of GDP in 2023 and 2024 respectively.

    The mounting debt situation – with no concrete revenue measures in place to pay back, coupled with a weakening currency – has raised further red flags from investors, leading to loss of access to the international market.

    Currently, the country’s local and foreign currency ratings have been downgraded from B-/B to CCC+/C with negative outlook from S&P rating agency, and ‘CCC’ to ‘CC’ by Fitch.

    The country is now seeking a US$1.5billion assistance from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to shore-up public finances and regain access to credit markets.

    The World Bank is however warning that the situation could get worse, especially with no access to the international bond market.

    “Debt levels and/or vulnerabilities remain high in the region, with no sign of significant improvement. The fiscal consolidation process adopted by many countries following the pandemic crisis was postponed or at best softened. This suggests that countries have little scope to manoeuvre, given that they do not have any fiscal space.

    “The situation could worsen, especially for countries which lost access to the credit market and are in, or at risk of, debt distress. The international community needs to find more adequate ways to resolve the issue of debt restructuring.

    “The current resolution mechanisms are proving to be inadequate for effectively addressing a potential debt crisis, and additional instruments may need to be set in motion. If not addressed, debt dynamics could escalate into a full-blown crisis… setting countries even further back,” the report stated.

  • Iron ore discovered in five districts in Oti Region

    Iron ore has been discovered in five districts of the Oti Region. 

    This was announced by the Regional Minister, Joshua G. Makubu during a press engagement on Sunday, October 9, 2022. 

    The iron has been found in the Guan, Biakoye, Jasikan, Kadjebi and Krachi East districts. 

    “Currently we are at a stage the technical people will call it mineral resource estimation to get the actual tonnage available on the land before mining can start,” the Minister disclosed.

    Joshua G. Makubu was hopeful the discovery of the mineral will boost Ghana’s economy and industrialization.

    “I want to advise people in Accra to start looking for land in the Oti Region because what is going to take Ghana from our current state to a very industrialized nation has been found in the Oti Region and that is the iron ore”. 

    There is already collaboration between the Ghana Integrated Iron Ore Development and the Geological Service Department for further arrangements on the discovery pending the mining of the natural resource. 

    The Minister added that, private investors have also begun committing funds towards the commercialization of the mineral.

    “If you want to establish a steel company, don’t be focusing too much on Tema. Come to the Oti Region”, he stressed. 

    The Ghana Geological Survey Authority led the discovery of large quantities of Iron ore deposits. The Iron ore is 55.22 weight percent and of a higher grade.

    Oti Regional Minister, Joshua G. Makubu said the government is determined to provide value to the raw commodity and would ensure that the full value chain is retained in the region and country at large.

    Source: Citinews

  • Economic crunch: Our policies and measures are working – BoG Governor

    Dr. Ernest Addison, the governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), has emphasized that the strategies the bank is putting in place to address the nation’s current economic difficulties are effective.

    He claims that the monetary policy the bank has been implementing has at least contributed to slowing the recent spike in inflation.

    “This policy, in our opinion, is effective.
    The monthly rise in the inflation rate has been one of the topics we have paid particular attention to.
    The rate at which prices are rising has slowed down somewhat if you look at monthly fluctuations in inflation.

    “That obviously suggests that there is at least some impact on the overall prices levels,” he told journalists after a monetary policy meeting in Accra.

    Also, Dr. Addison refuted suggestions by the World Bank that the Bank of Ghana is mainly responsible for the economic hardship in the country because it acted late, and also failed to put in place sufficient policies.

    Dr. Addison noted that Ghana is amongst the first countries to tighten its monetary policy rate, therefore, the World Bank’s assertion that it delayed in doing so, hence the rise in inflation, is not acceptable.

    “They’re of the other view that the monetary policy tightening is the way to go. Except that we’re late by their assessment, which I also disagree with because if would recollect, we started this policy tightening as far back as November 2021. It wasn’t in January that we got locked out of the market,” Dr. Ernest Addison said.

  • ‘Nana Agradaa’s ‘sika gari’ scam reflects a broken system – Adib Saani

    Adib Saani, a security and foreign policy analyst has been assessing the impact of Patricia Asiedua a.k.a. Nana Agradaa’s ‘sika gari’ schemes.

    According to him, her successful attempts at deceiving the public is evidence of broken systems which is fueled by the absence of strong security protocols to keep Agradaa’s excesses in check.

    Speaking in an interview with JoyNews on Sunday, Saani explained ‘Nana Agradaa’ and her nefarious activities are very well known to the Police.

    He noted that the Police have consistently left her off the hook, is due to the lapses within the country’s security apparatus and the lawlessness in society.

    “Agradaa’s highfalutin is a result of a broken system. She is a reflection of a semi-lawless society. It is society that created her and it’s only society that can stop her. So I would blame everybody including us for what is going on. The blame shouldn’t be exclusive to the Police nor the victims,” Adib Saani said.

    He continued, “In fact, I don’t blame Agradaa. I don’t blame her much. Because she is only an opportunist who is exploiting loopholes in our norms, values and in our criminal justice system. I blame us also because people’s penchant for overnight riches, greed [and] gullible state of mind is what is accounting for this.”

    “What has the Police done about her in the past? And I dare anyone to go to the Sowutuom Police station and ask for Agradaa’s files, and you’ll be amazed by the number of complaints that have been levelled against her at the Police station. Almost like a weekly ritual. But what has been done about it?” Saani quizzed.

    The security expert added, “And they know her, she knows them. At a point, people even go to the Police station and the Police is even able to anticipate that ‘I know you’re here because of Agradaa’. What has happened to them? Nana Appiah Mensah, Menzgold, is walking a free man but has destroyed many lives. So the system is broken and the only way out is to fix that system.”

    Background

    It was earlier reported that some people showed in their numbers at the church of the ‘confidence trickster’ because the repented priestess had earlier advertised through her television channel, Thunder TV, that she was going to give out monies to people.

    She is also said to have advertised that she would double monies that are brought to her church, Heavenway Champion International Ministry, on the day.

    However, as has been typical of her, particularly from the days when she was a fetish priestess, it seems the evangelist only played on the gullibility of the scores of people who appeared at her church to extort monies from them.

    When she was done, as has been shared in a number of the videos available to the media, she booted them out of the building, aided by her well-built bodyguards.

    A number of the affected people are also heard ranting and calling her out.

    “This is Agradaa’s church, Heavenway, and she advertised on her TV station that she was going to share monies with everyone only for us to get here, and she rather collects monies from people. She told people to bring ten million (GHC10,000) and come for two billion (GHC200,000) after which she asked people to leave the church. Things immediately turned chaotic here,” a lady giving voice commentary in one of the videos said.

    Meanwhile, the Police have arrested Patricia Asiedua, alias ‘Nana Agradaa’ following the allegations of a money-doubling scam levelled against her by some members of the public.

    The suspect is currently assisting the Police with the investigation.

    In a statement issued on October 9, 2022, the Police said, “Anyone who is a victim of the alleged money doubling scam should report to the Accra Regional Police Command for further action and to assist in the investigation”.

    Source: Ghanaweb

     

  • Tema Port: Horticulture logistics tussle derailing exports, inbound foreign exchange

    The country is at risk of remaining uncompetitive in the multi-billion dollar global horticulture market, losing desperately needed foreign exchange (FX), and undermining efforts to achieve self-sufficiency due to the ongoing impasse between key players in the export logistics of horticultural products.

    The dispute began when Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), the organization in charge of overseeing ports, decided to award the Fruit Export Terminal Limited, a new company in which it has a 25% stake, the once-exclusive license for two vital aspects of the sea freight process (stevedoring and shore handling) held by a company owned by the horticulture industry (FET).

    This has left a vehicle expressly set up by government and the industry for this purpose – the Fruit Terminal Company Limited (FTC) – without any control of its logistics, contrary to industry practice in leading horticulture exporting countries such as Kenya, Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire and South Africa; thus leading to lowered efficiency and higher cost.

    More significantly, the industry risks losing the future opportunity/ability to further drive down costs by balancing costs of importing agricultural cargos to subsidise fruit exports, as is done in most other horticulture exporting countries.

    This can only be done if the Fruit Terminal and all associated operations in the fruit port are in the hands of an entity like FTC – which is not a profit-making company but rather has a mission to reduce the cost of exporting for farmers.

    Commenting in an exclusive interview on the above impasse, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Ghana Incentive-Based Risk-Sharing System for Agriculture Lending (GIRSAL), Kwesi Korboe, stated that the development will leave the country struggling to compete in the market – even with fruit such as banana where it has a clear advantage over its continental peers in terms of production cost.

    With logistics accounting for up to 80 percent of eventual cost of the product on retail shelves, he said: “If Ghana wants to compete, it is in the reduction of logistics cost. When the logistics are good, people will come to invest in the production of diverse agricultural products that will make the industry grow,” he said – citing banana, which has brought more than €600million into the country over the past 15 years and close to €54.93million in 2021 alone.

    He further explained that as a result of the current cost and proposed logistics arrangements by GPHA, Tema becomes “the most expensive throughput for horticultural exports among major export countries in West Africa for like-to-like products”. A pallet at Tema is currently priced at US$25.5, compared to US$17 in Doula and US$14 in Abidjan.

    Origin story

    In line with government’s export drive policy, the Ministries of Food & Agriculture/Trade & Industries in collaboration with GPHA in 1996 allocated Shed 9 to the horticultural industry – to expedite and stimulate sea freight exports of horticultural products.

    The rationale was to enhance competitiveness of the domestic horticultural sub-sector through sea freight, and open up logistics to horticultural products that do well by sea freight for increased volumes of exports – which also drives product diversification.

    In 2002, government through a World Bank-funded (Horticulture Export Industry Initiative) Programme, rehabilitated Shed 9 into a modern facility to improve horticultural product-handling and quality. The FTC was established in 2009 under the aegis of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) by a consortium of horticultural exporters represented by the Sea-Freight Pineapple Exporters of Ghana (SPEG).

    From its inception, FTC was the sole entity exclusively responsible for stevedoring/shore-handling – the loading and/or unloading of cargo and horticultural products on dedicated horticultural vessels provided by the African Express Line (AEL) at Tema Port.

    This was the arrangement until 2017 when GPHA arbitrarily granted exclusivity licence to FET – which is partly owned by a one-time service provider to FTC – and cancelled both the stevedoring and shore-handling licences of FTC.

    Several attempts to renew the licence of FTC for both processes have so far proven futile; and after representation to government by the industry on the regulator GPHA’s posture following its action, the Economic Management Team (EMT) directed GPHA to grant the two licences to FTC. This has been done – half-heartedly – by GPHA instructing FTC to conduct the shore-handling while FET maintains stevedoring.

    However, Mr. Korboe believes such an arrangement defeats the purpose as both entities have divergent objectives, which could end up worsening the situation. “That arrangement will not work as both parties have different objectives.

    The horticultural industry is trying to reduce the cost to boost sales by staying competitive with its competitors in Cote d’Ivoire and Cameroon, while the other party is seeking a higher return on its investment,” he explained in an exclusive interaction with the B&FT.

    It cannot be proper that a horticultural production/export company wrestles with production-related issues only to find its logistics arrangements managed by an entity that hasn’t got any risk exposure in production. Describing the developments at Shed 9 as a test-case for consensus-building, he charged stakeholders to look to the commitment of successive governments to ensuring the horticultural export industry’s success. In his view, the final price for logistics services should be determined by exporters.

    “This is a project that was conceived and has been implemented by different administrations, devoid of politics. At GIRSAL, we are in partnership with GEPA, the private sector and government agencies supporting an export diversification initiative focused on both indigenous and foreign-owned entities. We believe if this impasse is not sorted out will become a disincentive for further investments in the space,” he added.

  • It’s time to depend on science to tackle environmental challenges – Dr. Kwaku Afriyie

    The Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation is calling for urgent collaboration with stakeholders to find innovative solutions to multiple challenges towards building resilient economies, fast food, water systems and ensuring the sustainable management of forest resources and biodiversity.

    Sector minister, Dr. Kwaku Afriyie, believes that society has to turn to better science to rectify the human ingenuity that has worsened the environmental challenges the world faces.

    Dr. Kwaku Afriyie made these comments at the media launch of the 2022 GEO week celebrations in Accra under the theme: Global Action for Local Impact.

    Although admitting that Africa is adversely affected by the impact of climate change, he reassured of government’s commitment to harness space technologies and services, including Earth observations, to drive policies and decisions to attain the agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

    “As the GEO principal for Ghana, I see this as an important opportunity, as we also kick-start our implementation of the National Space Science Policy.”

    “We are reminded of the urgency to work together to find innovative solutions to the multiple challenges toward building resilient economies, fast food, and water systems and ensuring the sustainable management of forest resources and biodiversity.”

    “To some extent, human ingenuity and science have caused the environmental challenges we face today. But we can also turn to science to find solutions.”

    “Ghana has been active in GEO activities, such as Digital Earth Africa. We value GEO’s convening power and the services its initiatives provide. So, I look forward to the discussions on how we can collectively address global challenges.”

    Commenting on the upcoming meeting, slated for October 31 – November 4, Director of the GEO Secretariat, Yana Gevorgyan said: “With extreme weather events becoming more frequent and environmental and societal challenges multiplying, accurate and trusted environmental intelligence is more important than ever.”

    “The GEO community has made great strides in responding to this demand-opening for access to data and convening partnerships that provide evidence for better decisions.”

    “But despite these advances, many countries still do not have access to the right information, at the right time and in the right format. As we meet in Ghana, we must consider new ways of thinking and partnering, to accelerate global action for local impact”.

    Source: Citinews

  • How Otumfuo arrived at OKESS 85th speech and prize-giving day

    Osei Kyeretwie Senior High School (OKESS) over the weekend celebrated its 85th anniversary in grand style as it held a colourful speech and prize-giving day to mark the joyous occasion.

    The event was well attended by prominent personalities such as John Ntim Fordjour (Deputy Education Minister), Francis Asenso-Boakye (Works and Housing Minister and Bantama MP), Daniel Okyem Aboagye (former Bantama MP) and a host of other old students of the school of high repute.

    One key personality who attended the event was Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the overload of the Ashanti Kingdom, who also happens to be an old student of the institution.

    Otumfuo arrived at the venue for the program in a convoy. The convoy at least had five Land Cruiser V8s well as a police vehicle accompanying it per video sighted by GhanaWeb.

    On his arrival, the Asantehene was welcomed by Ashanti Regional Minister, Simon Osei Mensah and also flanked by some traditional leaders amidst drumming and singing. Otumfuo, who wore a suit to the event, was also seen guarded by a police officer and a soldier.

    Before the Asantehene mounted the podium to address the gathering, a dancer danced to traditional drumming before Otumfuo spoke.

    In a brief address to the gathering, Otumfuo said he was present at the event to inspire students as well as to prove that he is an old student of the school.

    “I came because of the students here. I came here for you to know that I am a past student of this school. I came to inspire you that if I have been able to pass through the school to the level I am now, you also can achieve what you have set for yourself,” he said in Twi.

    The revered king further pledged to finance the construction of a toilet facility for female students of the school. To this end, he has asked the board chairman to furnish him with the estimates for the project on which he intends to embark on.

    Additionally, he asked the board and headmaster of the school to further bring estimates for ICT things the school needs.

    “The board chairman told me the female students do not have a toilet facility. I will ensure that it is constructed for them. There are two ICT things and I have asked Dr. Opoku Adusei, the board and headmaster to bring the estimates so that they come for money for it. This is the beginning just to show that I have not forsaken the school,” Otumfuo stressed.

    Source: Ghanaweb

     

  • Cedi Rates: Bureaus sell $1 at GH¢11, BoG GH¢9.64 as at October 10

    Our forex bureau rates are provided by Afriswap Bureau De Change in Osu, Accra.

    On the Interbank forex rates from the Bank of Ghana on, October 10, 2022, the Ghana Cedi is trading against the dollar at a buying price of 9.6327 and a selling price of 9.6423.

    As compared to Friday’s trading of a buying price of 9.6302 and a selling price of 9.6398. At a forex bureau in Accra, the dollar is being bought at a rate of 10.82 and sold at a rate of 11.00.

    Against the Pound Sterling, the Cedi is trading at a buying price of 10.6971 and a selling price of 10.7097 as compared to Friday’s trading of a buying price of 10.7742 and a selling price of 10.7860.

    At a forex bureau in Accra, the pound sterling is being bought at a rate of 11.95 and sold at a rate of 12.25.

    The Euro is trading at a buying price of 9.4148 and a selling price of 9.4251 as compared to Friday’s trading of a buying price of 9.4677 and a selling price of 9.4772.

    At a forex bureau in Accra, Euro is being bought at a rate of 10.45 and sold at a rate of 10.72.

    The South African Rand is trading at a buying price of 0.5326 and a selling price of 0.5329 compared to Friday’s trading of a buying price of 0.5380 and a selling price of 0.5387.

    At a forex bureau in Accra, South African Rand is being bought at a rate of 0.45 and sold at a rate of 0.80.

    The Nigerian Naira is trading at a buying price of 45.2047 and a selling price of 45.2296 as compared to Friday’s trading of a buying price of 45.2257 and a selling price of 45.2382.

    At a forex bureau in Accra, Nigerian Naira is being bought at a rate of 13.00 Naira for every 1 Cedi and sold at a rate of 15.50.

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • Some chiefs sold OKESS lands and spent the monies before my enstoolment – Otumfuo laments

    Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has lamented about the sale of lands belonging to Osei Kyeretwie Senior High School (OKESS).

    Addressing a colourful durbar for the 85th anniversary of his alma mater on October 8, the revered king stated that it was painful for such a thing to have occurred.

    Otumfuo said that even upon his ascension to the throne, he got wind of the activities of some chiefs regarding the sale of land which he intervened for it to be reduced.

    The Asantehene, who is bent on protecting the remaining lands given to OKESS, cautioned chiefs gathered at the event not to come anywhere close to the lands.

    “What is painful is the sale of the land given to the school and spending of the money by some chiefs. They had already sold the land before I ascended the throne. The little that was left of the land, I was told chiefs are encroaching. I believe it has reduced. All chiefs present here, if you think your land is here, don’t come after the school lands,” Otumfuo Osei Tutu II told the gathering in Twi.

    Otumfuo to finance the construction of toilet facility for OKESS

    The Asantehene further said he will finance the construction of a toilet facility for female students of the school. To this end, he has asked the board chairman to furnish him with the estimates for the project on which he intends to embark on.

    Additionally, he asked the board and headmaster of the school to further bring estimates for ICT things the school needs.

    “The board chairman told me the female students do not have a toilet facility. I will ensure that it is constructed for them. There are two ICT things and I have asked Dr. Opoku Adusei, the board and headmaster to bring the estimates so that they come for money for it. This is the beginning just to show that I have not forsaken the school,” Otumfuo said.


     

    About OKESS

    Osei Kyeretwie Senior High School was the first second-cycle institution in the Ashanti region and was established in 1937 by the late J.T. Robert who was a Sierra Leonean. At the time, it was christened Asante Collegiate and was sited at Asafo, a suburb of Kumasi.

    The Ministry of Education in September 1962, took over the administration of the school. However, the name, Asante Collegiate, was maintained. Subsequently, at the beginning of the 1968/69 academic year, the school was renamed after the late Sir Osei Agyemang Prempeh II, known in private life as Barima Kwame Kyeretwie, in his honour.

    Shortly after the renaming ceremony, the school was relocated to a new site at Dichemso formerly occupied by Modern City Academy. Afterwards, the school population increased significantly. As a result, His Royal Majesty Sir Osei Agyemang Prempeh II, by his kindness, acquired a new site at Old Tafo, Kumasi.

    A committee was set up through the Lands Commission to demarcate the site in 1970. Nine years afterwards, the school started operating the two sites which was a very daunting task. Running the school became very expensive besides the risk of transporting students to and fro the two sites daily. The school eventually moved to the new site at Old Tafo, Kumasi in the 2004/05 academic year.

    As a result of the gradual encroachment of the land, in 1998, the President, (late) Flt. LT. Jerry John Rawlings, by an Executive Instrument, compulsorily acquired the land which was 168.28 acreage.

    Source: Ghanaweb

     

  • I want Michy back but not to date her – Shatta Wale

    Dancehall singer, Shatta Wale, has explained that he doesn’t have the intention of rekindling his romantic affair with his ex-girlfriend, Michy.

    According to Shatta, he wants Michy back but this time around, to simply play the role of a business partner.

    Earlier, after the SM boss reached out to Michy for a music collaboration, there were speculations that he wanted to regenerate their love affair.

    “In fact, let’s do another song. This time I won’t pay you in kind but cash. Kudos to BHIM nation,” Shatta wrote on social media after chancing on Michy’s performance at the BHIM concert.

    But addressing claims that he is going after his ex-girlfriend in an interview on Good Evening Ghana on Metro TV, the dancehall musician said;

    “It’s not like I want Michy back but I believe that people want us to do something in relation to music. We gel together and people want a feel of that so.”

    Asked how often they keep in touch, Shatta Wale said they usually connect because of their son.

    “Once in a while I talk to her although it is not often. I try to be a good dad to Majesty. We are all living our separate lives now.

    “I currently do not have a partner, I am single,” Shatta Wale added.

    Source: Ghanaweb.com

  • Women are skilled at cheating, we cheat for two reasons – Life coach reveals

    Life Coach and Relationship Expert, Akua Nyameye, has disclosed that her job enlightened her about how skilled women are at cheating.

    Speaking on SVTV Africa, Akua indicated that women cheat more but are rarely caught. On the contrary, men who cheat can’t hide it from their partners for long. The expert gives reasons for these.

    According to Akua, women are skilled and can multi-task without difficulty, but men can only focus on one thing at a time. Moreover, she revealed two main reasons why women cheat.

    “It is either she doesn’t love you anymore, or she is not happy. But a man can cheat for no reason. He may see a beautiful lady and cheat. When a woman is into you, she is committed to you.

    She will only cheat after complaining about his habits, yet nothing changes. Then she finds someone to give her that affection and keeps you on the side,” Akua disclosed.

    Moreover, Akua advised women to avoid womanizers before marriage. She noted that when they notice such traits, they must leave the relationship.

    “I don’t advise wives to leave their husbands for cheating once but don’t stay with a womanizer. Sometimes, women notice these things before marriage, but they avoid it because they want the marriage.

    The disgrace is not in the breakup but in the divorce. Only God can change a womaniser, and don’t think you can change him because you can’t,” Akua advised.

    Source: Ghanaweb.com

  • Respect DKB for holding comedians down – Ghanaian comedians told

    Entertainment critic, Sally Frimpong Mann, has asked Ghanaian stand-up comedians to respect Derick Kobina Bonney a.k.a. DKB for holding on the Ghanaian comedy even when people did not believe in it.

    According to her, DKB cannot be taken out of the equation when celebrating the successes of comedy in Ghana.

    Sally noted on Hitz FM’s ‘Daybreak Hitz’ that DKB had sacrificed a lot to give the comedy in Ghana this new pat and urged Ghanaian comedians to respect him.

    “I think comedians should respect DKB for holding them down. He pulled all the comedians up. Sometimes, he will use his own money to support shows when sponsors do not come. He has sacrificed himself,” Sally said.

    Over the past years, Ghanaian stand-up comedians have been putting up their own shows, something that never happened.

    Some of the comedians organising their own shows include OB Amponsah, Foster Romanus, Lekzy, Jacinta, among others.

    Source: Ghanaweb.com

  • Poverty is the source of all evil – Opanka

    In a 20-second video he posted on his Facebook timeline, Ghanaian rap act Opanka has argued that poverty is the source of all evil and crime in society.

    He said this in the Accra 100.5 FM studio.

    “It is poverty that brings thoughts of crime and evil into the minds of people,” he stated.

    “If you have money, will you think of ritual killings for money?” the Tema-based musician asked rhetorically.

    “If you have money, will you think of robbery? No!” he stressed his point.

    “The cause of hatred and all other [undesirable thoughts and actions] is poverty,” Dadie Opanka concluded.

    He gave the impression getting rich is the antidote to these evil thoughts and actions, according to him, poverty inspires.

    The rapper’s latest song is titled ‘Enye Betee (It’s Not Easy)’ and in which he notes times of economic hardships and desperation, all the while giving hope to listeners.

    Source: Ghanaweb.com

  • Shatta Wale currently single and searching; clarifies relationship with Hajia Bintu

    Shatta Wale has revealed he is currently single but the cold weather that follows the rain makes him consider finding a partner.

    He said this on Thursday, 6 October 2022, on Metro TV’s Good Evening Ghana, hinted at the type of woman he wants, and explained his relationship with social media figure Hajia Bintu.

    “I’m single,” he said in responds to if he is seeing anyone after his breakup with former fiancée Michy.

    He also stressed his last romantic partner was “Shatta Michy” and after her, he has been with no one else.

    Host of the programme, Paul Adom Otchere, inquired if he is searching for someone to be with.

    “Sometimes when the rain falls, it’s very cold so…” the ‘On God’ hitmaker laughed and indicated the type of women he is interested in.

    “I’m looking for somebody that is more inclined and you know…” he pointed to his head as if to demonstrate what he meant.

    Earlier, he shared he talks to Michy “once in a while. You know I try to be a good dad to Majesty [a son they share].”

    “I don’t go there [Michy’s house] but you know I buy her stuff, give her gifts,” the multiple award-winning Ghanaian artiste said.

    Reacting to rumours that he was secretly involved with social media influencer Hajia Bintu, Shatta Wale said, “She broke my heart,” before sharply adding amid laughter, “I’m lying.”

    “Hajia is like a girl that I think I gave her a few lessons about how she could carry her fame and I’m so proud of where she’s taking her steps to because she’s listened to me and she’s moving like somebody who is on social media and really wants to be like a role model and I love it,” the singer born Charles Nii Armah Mensah Jr clarified his relationship with Hajia Bintu.

    According to him, Hajia Bintu is “dating” and “has a boyfriend, a serious boyfriend, a Ghanaian. A very serious, hardworking businessman.”

    “I’ve not seen Hajia Bintu for like two years now. We talk, she calls me, sometimes we have to meet but I’ll be in America or elsewhere,” the singer and record producer shared and as a matter of fact, explained he has had nothing sexual to do with Ms Bintu.

    “Her name even came into my song spiritually,” he concluded.

    On Christmas Day in 2020, Shatta Wale released a song titled ‘Hajia Bintu’ which has in its official music video the social media personality it is named after.

    Source: Ghanaweb.com

  • My mother is hospitalized due to bad publicity and trolls targeted at me – Andy Dosty

    Ghanaian media personality, Andrew Amoh, popularly known as ‘Andy Dosty’, has disclosed that his feeble mother who couldn’t bear the harsh insults, trolls and bad publicity recently targeted at him, has fallen seriously ill.

    Andy Dosty, while establishing that his mother often panics at every negative post about him on social media.

    He added that she encountered the last trigger after he recently went viral on the internet, particularly on Twitter for the wrong reasons.

    Andy’s comments were necessitated by KiDi’s worries that his entire family has been receiving threats ever since his old inappropriate tweets popped up.

    “It’s been 4-5 days now and my whole family is still under threat. Even people that have got nothing to do with the situation are catching heat. The threats are hard to deal with. It’s sad to see that there are people who do not care about your apologies or even who you were ten years ago,” KiDi told Andy Dosty during an interview on HitzFM.

    After KiDi’s submission, the Hitz FM presenter also seized the moment to narrate his own ordeal.

    Touching on the length to which families of celebrities are truly affected by negative stories and insults thrown at their loved ones, Andy Dosty said;

    “A couple of weeks ago, I was trending number 1. All because people were insulting me. They said I was defending someone, and they didn’t even know what it was. People just waded into the fray and started insulting. My mum sitting somewhere got affected. As we speak, my mum is in hospital. She is lying in the hospital now,” Andy chipped in this statement while interviewing KiDi.

    “Sometimes, my mother sends me messages about publications and comments from social media. She texts me and says; Have you seen this? Call me right now!!. When you tell her it’s part of it, she tells you no. she tells me that at my age, I shouldn’t be allowing people say all these things about me,” he added.

    Source: Ghanaweb.com