TIG Post

Author: Chris Kodo

  • There is no evidence that Ghana is the country most affected by the Russia-Ukraine issue – Bright Simons

    Bright Simons, the Honourary Vice President of IMANI Africa, has blasted the Akufo-Addo administration for persistently peddling a misleading narrative about how the Russia-Ukraine war has affected Ghana.

    He claims that there is no information available to suggest that the ongoing situation is negatively affecting Ghana.

    Bright Simons asserted on September 21 at the 2022 Baah-Wiredu Lecture in Accra that because Ghana’s economy is not as vulnerable to that of Russia and other nations, the government’s reasoning for attributing the crisis to the country’s current economic difficulties is unconvincing.

    “When we start to do the comparative analysis, you cannot use some other factor that has had a uniform effect. I tried my best to give you factors that could have shown that Ghana has been affected more, and as you saw I struggled with the data. I went to jobs, I went to growth, I went to how many people were killed and none of it bears out that we were affected worse,” he is quoted by Joy Business.

    “So, if you are the worst performing in terms of currency, you cannot complain and say it is because of some factor that has affected everybody uniformly. It is as simple as that,” Bright Simons added.

    The IMANI Vice president, however, blamed the current economic challenges on continuous wastage in expenditure by government and its other auxiliary agencies and institutions.

    Meanwhile, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo recently speaking at the 77th United Nations General Assembly in New York reiterated the impact of the Russia-Ukraine war especially on African economies.

    According to him, “Every bullet, every bomb, every shell that hits a target in Ukraine, hits our pockets and our economies in Africa. The economic turmoil is global with inflation as the number one enemy this year”

    IMF bailout

    Government has routinely explained that recent economic headwinds are attributable largely to the ravages of the COVID-19 pandemic, the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and the banking sector clean-up.

    The rippling effect has been an increase in the cost of living, record high inflation rates and downgrades of the economy by rating agencies such as S&P and Fitch – a situation which has dealt a heavy blow to government’s ability to access the international capital market.

    The Cedi has also been on a free fall compelling the Bank of Ghana to resort to hiking its monetary policy rate to deal with the situation.

    The worsening economic situation compelled the government in July to initiate contact with International Monetary Fund for an economic support programme.

    Ghana is targeting an amount of US$3 billion over three years from the Fund once an agreement on a programme is reached.

    Government hopes to complete negotiations by end of this year in order to receive the funds in the first quarter of 2023.

  • Beef up cybersecurity in banks – Bank MD advises

    Banks have been urged by FBNBank’s managing director, Victor Yaw Asante, to increase security and alertness over their Internet services in order to prevent hackers from breaking into their systems as the economy remains uncertain.

    Mr. Asante claims that because of the current state of the economy, it is possible for anyone to hack into banks’ computer systems and commit fraud as a result. As a result, banks must invest more money to ensure that their systems are well protected.

    “These are fairly stretching times for financial institutions, and our vigilance has gone up. When the economy is tough, people do all manner of things; people try to do things on the cyber side by trying to break into your systems. So it means you must spend a lot of money to make sure all your systems are at the top level,” he said this during a walk organised by the bank.

    Mr. Asante mentioned that the economic situation is very challenging, leaving banks in a worried state; but he warns that passing Interest costs to clients, banks might end up losing customers. On his side, he said there is a bit of structuring to ensure the bank navigates through the current situation with its customers.

    The Walk

    FBNBank’s objective for organising the walk was to create awareness and announce itself to the people within the suburb of East Legon of their new branch, which will be inaugurated in a few weeks. It was also an opportunity to communicate the benefits of a healthy, active lifestyle to participants of the walk.

    The expansion of the bank’s branch to East Legon is to create convenience to both existing customers and prospective ones who will have to drive through the traffic to transact business with them in the main cities.

    Mr. Asante indicated the bank’s plan to spread across the other regions as they aim to be a national bank, and not just limited to a specific geographic location. He added that the bank’s digital platforms have been revamped to provide convenient banking to its customers.

    “We intend to be a national bank and not just a geographical bank. But to do this, you have to make sure that you cover key markets, then you roll out. We will continue to work on that to have, at least, a physical representation of the regions, whether it is a full branch or an agent. But we are covered nationally by our digital platforms which is where most of the banking is ongoing. We have spent quite a bit of money ensuring the safety and robustness of these platforms,” he said.

    Mr. Asante took the opportunity to call on all individuals to take up the challenge of walking as a habit to live a healthy life.

  • It’s always an honour to represent Ghana – Red Star Belgrade winger Osman Bukari

    Red Star Belgrade winger is delighted to be part of the Black Stars squad preparing for international friendlies against Brazil and Nicaragua.

    Bukari has been outstanding since joining the Serbian giants, scoring seven goals in all competitions, and his inclusion in the squad for the games is well deserved.

    The 23-year-old and his teammates are in France, where they will play five-time world champions on Friday in Le Havre.

    Following their match in Brazil, they will travel to Spain to face Nicaragua, who are ranked 139th in the world by FIFA.

    Bukari expects to play in both games and is excited about it.

    “Always an honour to be in the national colours, feels good to be back with the boys. Let’s go Ghana” he tweeted.

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • We may shut down Tamale plant over excess water from Bagre dam spillage – GWCL

    The Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) may soon halt its operations in Tamale and its environs in the Northern Region because of excess water due to the spillage of the Bagre dam.

    The company in a statement said the action is to protect “its equipment and installations.”

    Management of the water company said it is following standard operating procedure because the in-take dam risk exceeding its maximum level.

    “Any operation beyond the maximum operating feet puts the water facility in jeopardy, which could lead to the entire collapse and destruction of its equipment and installations”, the release further added.

    The GWCL said if it takes such action, it will only resume operations after the water level return to its appropriate limit.

    The spillage of the Bagre dam from neighbouring Burkina Faso is done annually to prevent any breakage of the dam’s banks.

    This exercise results in flooding in low-lying communities, destruction to crops, livestock and sometimes loss of lives in Burkina Faso and Ghana.

    35 communities along the White Volta in the Bawku Municipality, Bawku West, Garu, Binduri, Nabdam and Talensi districts are the hard-hit areas.

    Over the years, several homes, farmlands and properties have been destroyed by floods and rendered hundreds homeless.

    Source: The Independent Ghana

  • Experts praise guided trade initiative

    The Guided Trade Initiative, which has been implemented, is anticipated to bring about some improvement despite rising frustration with the AfCFTA’s trading practices that appear to be inactive.

    The Guided Trade Initiative, which will test all the AfCFTA negotiations, papers, policies, and procedures that have been agreed upon thus far, will be launched by seven AfCFTA party nations.

    These nations include Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Ghana, Egypt, and Mauritius.

    Dode Seidu, a trade consultant and Afcfta expert, discussed the Eye on Port program. He said that the program will begin on October 7 and that countries are actively preparing their unique private sectors for active trading.

    “I’m aware that in the background the respective counties have been having discussions to identify specific companies, specific goods and specific corridors that can trade bilaterally in an effort to test the process.”

    He revealed that these 7 countries are those who have submitted their schedule of tariff concessions and have demonstrated advanced processes on the grounds rendering these countries relatively more prepared to trade under AfCFTA.

    He said Ghana for example has gone a step ahead to establish a National AfCFTA coordination office, readied its customs in terms of training and capacity, among other efforts.

    He opined that the pilot program is timely and opportune for significant trade to actually commence under the free trade agreement while revealing lessons the wider continent can learn from.

    He emphasized that authorities are only looking to facilitate the trade in goods that qualify under the acceptable rules of origin.

    Mr. Dode Seidu said the Guided Trade Initiative is “the newest signal that African ministers of trade are really committed to see trade come to past”.

    Taking his turn on the subject, AfCFTA Strategist and Executive Director of the AfCFTA Policy Network (APN) Group, Louis Yaw Afful expressed that trade efforts by party states collectively have been underwhelming culminating in the low state of trading under the AfCFTA arrangement.

    “Everybody is dragging their feet. One country will say its customs management and administration is not ready. Some will say, they haven’t gazetted their tariffs.”

    He said, due to the lacklustre approach some party states had taken, the AfCFTA Secretariat felt a need to inject some impetus for the trade leading to the Guided Trade Initiative.

    He said like most new international protocols, there’s the need for certain “anchor countries” to take the bold step of leadership in order to advance common objectives.

    He stated that he would have been more impressed if bigger players like Nigeria and South Africa had shown more enthusiasm for AfCFTA.

    The Executive Director of APN Network said it is still not a great look for AfCFTA, when in 2022, 7 countries out of the lot appear to be ready for the trade.

    The AfCFTA experts, however, jointly called on the private sector to continue to be diligent in finding new markets, participate in trade fairs and establish new contacts while waiting for opportunity to actually trade everywhere within the continent.

  • BOST officials who supervised award of GH¢178k contract facing sanctions; companies involved

    Management of the Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation Company Limited (BOST) has disclosed that companies cited in the 2021 Auditors-general report to have engaged in infractions to win contracts at their outfit have been sanctioned.

    Managing Director of BOST, Edwin Provencal, said such companies have been blacklisted.

    In an interview with JoyNews where he disclosed this, he also mentioned that BOST officials who facilitated the award of a contract for a street light project worth GH¢178,252.52, are undergoing sanctions.

    “It’s up to management to use its internal processes to cure the infraction and also, where there are lapses, to discipline those who are culpable; that process is ongoing and when it ends, it shall call you back and tell you what’s happening to those people.”

    “…that’s why I raised my hand; I take full responsibility and there are people who work on these things. There are general managers, there are managers, there are officers, and we know them and they are going through the process, so they will be dealt with,” he said.

    These comments follow revelations in the 2021 Auditor-General’s report on Ministries, Departments, and Agencies of the Government of Ghana, which uncovered massive irregularities at BOST.

    “We noted that three (3) Companies, Unity Enginmac Co. Precious Engineering and Dass-B Electricals bided for the award of contract for the installation of LED bulbs and streetlights for BOST of which Enginmac Co was recommended by the evaluation team for the award of the contract to the tune of GH¢178,252.52,” the report said.

    The contract was eventually awarded to Enginmac Co. Ltd at a cost of almost Gh¢200,000 which the Auditor General found suspicious.

    “We noted further that Unity Enginmac Co. Ltd and the two other alternative bidders namely Precious Engineering and Dass-B Electricals who participated in the procurement were all owned by one person,” the report added.

    The Auditor-General, thus, recommended that the contractor be invited to explain the ownership of the companies and tender documents submitted and admonish the evaluation team to do proper due diligence in the selection process “as this lapse was identified in the previous year’s audit and cautioned.”

    Speaking about potential criminal charges in the interview with JoyNews, the managing director stated that there would be none since money was lost and the service was delivered.

    “The service was delivered and signed off. It’s just that the process leading to the selection was flawed, but no money has been lost.”

    Other findings about BOST in the Auditor-General’s report

    Additionally, the report stated that BOST continues to pay three contractors for breach of contract and unreasonable delays in the payment of lawful contract payments in the amount of $9.1 million in cost and interest, or slightly more than $3 million.

    The report, therefore, recommended that management apply appropriate sanctions on all officers whose negligence had caused the loss.

    “Additionally, we urged Management to heed to all contract terms and indulge in negotiations rather than lawsuit in resolving disagreements”.

    Also, the report said “contrary to Public Financial Management Act/Regulations, we noted that, BOST did not obtain VAT invoices/ receipts for payments totalling GH¢726,376.33 with a VAT component of ¢127,115.86 made to suppliers and service providers for the period under review.

    “We requested management to obtain the requisite VAT invoices/ receipts covering the payments totalling GH¢726,376.33 by March 31, 2022, failing which the VAT component of GH¢127,115.86 should be recovered from the authorising and approving officials and paid same to the Commissioner General, Ghana Revenue Authority and submit the evidence for verification.”

    Source: The Independent Ghana|

     

  • Watch as Neymar joins Brazilian teammates in final training for Ghana game

    Like the Black Stars of Ghana, the Seleção Brazil held their final training session for today’s game in France.

    With the full complement of their squad, coach Tite and his technical team wrapped up preparations by practicing set-pieces, and penalties and assessing the sharpness of their goalkeepers.

    PSG star, Neymar who suffered a slight knock has recovered fully and took part in the training.

    Just like the Black Stars who appear relaxed and confident, the Brazilians also had fun and had smiles on their faces.

    The likes of Richarlison, Vinicius Jnr, Allison, Thiago Silva, and other stars participated in the exercise.

    Meanwhile, trusted Brazilian newspaper Globo is predicting that coach Tite will go for a three-back system against Ghana.

    Their predicted lineup has Liverpool goalie, Allison in post with Thiago Silva, Marquinhos, and Eder Miltao as the three center-backs.

    In midfield, they go for a two-man midfield with Casemiro sitting deep alongside Alex Telles of Manchester United.

    Vinicius Jnr and Raphinha both flank Neymar and Lucas Paqueta in the central midfield and central attacking midfield roles.

    The lone striker is Tottenham’s Richarlison who per the report has been picked over Liverpool’s Robert Firmino.

     

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • Twitter users shocked as import duty on car skyrockets from GH¢49K to GH¢55K within a month

    Many people are perplexed after reading a social media post about a car dealer who experienced a sharp increase in the final duty and taxes due for an imported vehicle within a month.

    Sharing the specifics of the tax invoice, the anticipated payment amount increased from GH49,000 to GH55,000 in a single month.

    The initial cost is reduced by GH6,000 by this new charge.

    Among the roughly 11 fees levied on a single car were the ECOWAS levy, Network Charge COVID Health, Network Charge VAT, Import NHIL, and Network Charge NHIL.

    A Twitter user identified as @BrodoSchemes shared the invoice detailing the rather significant change on his page saying; “From 49k to 55k real quick! A difference in just about a month.”

    His post has since drawn varied reactions from Ghanaians on Twitter who bemoaned the increase and indicated that the system is somewhat designed to deprive citizens of making headway in their daily lives.

    Another car dealer, sharing a similar experience on the same app said a 2015 Honda Civic duty cost almost GH¢33,000 while the container fee cost around GH¢3,400.

    He added that should the agent, clearing and towing charges come into effect, one would be looking at paying about GH¢40,000 in duty charges at the ports for the vehicle.

    In reaction to the post, another tweep wrote, “For you to understand what this man is saying better, let me give you some small comparison…Duty for a 2016 Honda Civic in May 2021 was GH¢ 15,527.40.”

    Meanwhile, some users have attributed the profiteering nature of Ghanaians to the cause of the high import duty on goods.

  • DaBaby releases ‘Baby on Baby 2’ album

    DaBaby is back. After keeping a lower profile this year, the Charlotte rapper has returned with Baby on Baby 2, the sequel to his platinum-selling 2019 debut studio album. He confirmed the project’s release during an appearance on the Full Send podcast in July, claiming it was right around the corner.

    “This is the most attention I’ve paid to some music before I’ve dropped it,” DaBaby told the Nelk boys. “I’m gonna drop it at the beginning of August. … Baby on Baby 2.”

    Nearly two months after the album’s expected release, Baby took to Instagram to promote the video for “Socks,” produced by Pooh Beatz.

    “Y’all Ready?? #BabyonBabyTWO,” he wrote in the caption. “Don’t call it a comeback b*tch ass n***a!”

    The project follows his 2020 album Blame It on Baby and March 2022 collab mixtape Better Than You with YoungBoy Never Broke Again. DaBaby continued to hype the LP by making light of a shooting at his home. The promo clip shows the rapper in the midst of a therapy session, shortly after he shot a trespasser in his North Carolina home.

    “So, Baby, I think you’re still kinda traumatized about the shooting that happened at your house that night,” the therapist says, referring to DaBaby opening fire on a man trespassing on his property back in April. “Can you give me some details on why would you shoot the guy when you got vicious-ass dogs runnin’ around your goddamn house? Why didn’t you just simply call the police and let your dogs out, n***a? I think you want to kill a motherfucker anyway, n***a.”

    DaBaby was not charged in the April incident. The intruder reportedly suffered a “non-life threatening gunshot wound.”

    You can stream Baby on Baby 2 featuring Anthony Hamilton via Spotify below.

    The 14-track offering arrives more than a year after the rapper was widely condemned for homophobic remarks made during Rolling Loud Miami. He touched on the scandal during his Full Send appearance, saying he lost a Burger King deal immediately after.

    “I don’t know if I’m supposed to speak on this, but whatever, I don’t give a fuck,” he said. “I have my own meal at Burger King. A lot of people don’t know that. It was called the Jonathan Kirk Meal. … I shot a commercial for it and everything, right before everything popped off. I got my name on the box and everything. But it never came out. That’s when all the shit popped off.”

    Source: Complex.com

  • Play for yourselves and families – Sammy Kuffour charges Black Stars players ahead of Brazil game

    Former Black Stars defender Samuel Osei Kuffour has urged the Black Stars players to approach the Brazil match with the intention of playing for themselves and their families.

    He professed that the Black Stars would be coming up against some of the world-class players and must show the world their best performance in the match.

    According to him, the atmosphere in the Ghana camp exudes harmony and unity which gives confidence to the squad.

     

    “It’s going to go well, everybody is excited to be in camp, the most important thing is that they gel very well. There is harmony, unity, so much fun that I can see,” the ex-Ghana international said.

    He added, “we playing against world-class players, we are playing against Brazil, so they have to play for their selves, family and Ghana, so it’s going to be an exciting game.”

    The Black Stars will take on the five-time world champions, Brazil on Friday, September 23 in Le Harve at 18:30 GMT [6:30 pm].

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • Jim Iyke receives chieftaincy title in Ghana

    Nollywood actor, James Ikechukwu Esomugha, popularly known as Jim lyke, has been conferred with a chieftaincy title in Ghana.

    His Royal Highness, the Eze of Ndigbo Ghana, Dr. Chukwudi Thenetu, bestowed upon Jim lyke the title “Ohadike 1 of Ndigbo”.

    The coronation was held in Accra on Sunday, September 18, during the tenth Yam Festival.

    Jim Iyke receives chieftaincy title in Ghana

    The king of Igbos in Accra said the title was to recognise the actor for his achievements and contributions to the African entertainment industry and the Igbo people.

    At the same event, Gospel musician Empress Gifty was installed chief in the Igbo community in Ghana.

    Jim Iyke receives chieftaincy title in Ghana

    The musician will now serve with the stool name Chief Ugonma Empress Gifty.

    Empress Gifty, following the coronation, expressed gratitude to the King and the people of the Igbo Community in Ghana and pledged commitment to work for the growth of the African continent at large.

    Jim Iyke receives chieftaincy title in Ghana

    “I am more than thrilled to be part of history as the Igbo Community in Ghana marks its 10th anniversary on the throne today. This honour by extension would deepen the cultural and economic ties between Ghana and Nigeria. For this reason,  I would avail myself for this cause,  because we stand to gain a lot by working together as Africans,” she acknowledged.

    Source:myjoyonline.com

  • Johnny Depp reportedly dating Lawyer who represented him in UK Amber Heard trial

    Johnny Depp is reportedly dating his lawyer Joelle Rich, who had previously represented the embattled actor during his losing UK trial against The Sun tabloid newspaper.

    The Pirates Of The Caribbean actor sued The Sun’s publishing company News Group Newspapers back in 2020 over an April 2018 article that detailed accusations of abuse against his ex-wife Amber Heard, referring to him as a “wife-beater.”

    Over the course of nearly three weeks that summer, Justice Andrew Nicol listened to grueling testimonial accounts from both Depp and Heard in which the pair accused the other of abuse. Nicol ruled later that fall that Heard’s statements were “substantially true,” and that he found “the great majority of alleged assaults of Ms. Heard by Mr. Depp” had “been proved to the civil standard.”

    Rich was among Depp’s legal counsel who said it would be “ridiculous” if the actor didn’t appeal the ruling.

    TMZ has reportedly “confirmed” that the pair are now romantically seeing each other, and that the mother of two is currently in the process of getting divorced from her husband.

    While Rich was not a part of Depp’s legal team during his Virginia defamation case, she was reportedly present in the courtroom for “support,” according to Us Weekly.

    This news arrives a few months after Depp was rumored to be dating his U.S. lawyer Camille Vasquez, but she shut down those rumors in an interview with People.

    “I guess it comes with the territory of being a woman just doing her job,” Vasquez said at the time. “It’s disappointing that certain outlets kind of ran with it or said that my interactions with Johnny — who is a friend and I’ve known and represented for four-and-a-half years now — that my interactions in any way were inappropriate or unprofessional. That’s disappointing to hear.”

    TMZ had reported at the time that Depp and his entire legal counsel had grown very close during his summer defamation hearing, which he emerged victorious from after suing Heard for accusing him of abuse in a Washington Post op-ed. Vasquez said they would spend many late nights together working on Depp’s case, sometimes staying up until 5 a.m.

    “I care very deeply about my clients, and we have obviously become close. But when I say we, I mean the entire team, and of course that includes Johnny,” Vasquez said at the time. “And, I’m Cuban and Colombian. I’m tactile. What do you want me to say? I hug everyone. And I’m not ashamed about that.”

    The jury in that case found that Depp had, among other things, proven elements of defamation and that Heard “acted with actual malice.” Depp was awarded $10 million for compensatory damages and punitive damages of $5 million, Amber Heard and her legal team have said she plans to appeal the ruling.

    Heard said in a widely viewed interview following the ruling that she had “always told the truth.”

    “I would not blame the average person for looking at this and how it’s been covered and not think that it is Hollywood brats at their worst,” Heard said on NBC. “But what people don’t understand is it’s actually so much bigger than that. This is not only about our First Amendment right to speak.”

    Source: Complex.com

  • HIPC is behind us – Ofori-Atta affirms

    Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta announced in October 2020 that Ghana was no longer reverting to Highly Indebted Poor Country (HIPC) classification.

    He claimed that the Akufo-Addo-led administration was making great efforts to prevent the Ghanaian economy from entering a precarious position.

    This was mentioned by Ken Ofori-Atta during the parliamentary presentation of the 2021 budget.

    Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, has allayed possible fears that the Ghanaian economy in the coming months or years may relapse to the much dreaded Highly Indebted Poor Country (HIPC) status.

    According to him, such cases of severe economic downturns are past and gone under the Akufo-Addo-led government.

    His comment come on the back of recent claims by the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) that the country has once again been listed as a Highly Indebted Poor Country (HIPC).

    While presenting the 2021 budget statement in parliament, October 28, 2020 the Finance Minister said the current state of the economy under the Akufo-Addo-led government will only get better and not worse.

    He said severe cases of economic mismanagement and relapses are far gone and only persisted under the erstwhile administration.

    Ken Ofori-Atta read; “In 2001, Ghana had no choice but to swallow her pride and to sign up to the HIPC initiative. A legacy left by the outgoing NDC government. Thankfully, President John Agyekum Kufuor got us to completion in record time and came out of HIPC. By 2014, barely two years in office, President Mahama’s home-grown policy failed and Ghana signed up once again unto an IMF programme…”

    “Ironically, those who mismanage the economy for us to come and fix it are the one’s wishing Ghana ill. My message to them is this; there is no turning back…,” he added.

    “HIPC is behind us. Economic mismanagement is behind us. The economy is stronger today than it was 4 years ago, and will continue to grow stronger and stronger with 4 more years to do more for the people of Ghana, with God’s help…” he said.

    It would be recalled that former President John Dramani Mahama on Monday told some professionals at a meeting that the IMF has predicted that Ghana’s current rate of borrowing and debt to GDP ratio of 76.7% put the country in a Heavily Indebted Poor Country (HIPC) status.

    He said, “The IMF in its Sub-Saharan African Regional Economic Outlook forecast the current rate of borrowing and debt at a frightening 76.7% debt to GDP ratio. Unfortunately, Ghana is back to HIPC status under Nana Akufo-Addo and Ken Ofori-Atta administration.”

    But the communications team of the NDC subsequently sought to deny this statement after the IMF debunked Mahama’s claims.

    Economic growth expected to rebound strongly in 2021 – Ken Ofori-Atta

  • The prison sentence which inspired a book of poetry

    Cameroonian author, Mary Ngwebong Ngu, has been speaking to the BBC about the extraordinary circumstances which led to her releasing a book of poems about her experiences in a US prison.

    She fled marital unhappiness after being offered a six-week scholarship to America.

    She then applied for permanent residency but moved house and the acceptance letter was sent to her previous address, she told BBC Focus on Africa’s Veronique Edwards.

    She ended up overstaying her visa and was taken to court.

    “I thought I had a good case but before I spoke, the prosecutor told me: ‘Shut up, you have overstayed your visit in the country and we cannot tolerate this any more.’

    “Before I knew, the police were ordered to come over to me and they were putting handcuffs on me,” she said.

    “That prison was a lonely place. We were kept in individual cells. We only met each other in the evenings,” she recalls.

    But there was also a positive side to the 49 days she spent behind bars.

    “By being locked up, I had something I never had from my childhood – time.”

    And she used that time to write poems about her experiences, which she read to her fellow inmates.

    “They were all hugging me because someone can still find value in them,” she said.

    “Until then, I had been writing poems for the pleasure of it and I realised they meant so much to me and they meant so much to the other inmates – that was the moment for me.”

    She was then deported back to Cameroon.

    “I was even more lost than before because I had given up my job and I had to start from scratch.”

    But once again, there was a silver lining and she released Escape from Prison – an anthology of the poems she wrote in detention.

    Source: BBC

  • Bauxite, aluminium integration: This is what transforming an economy is about – Dr Kwakye

    The declaration by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo that Ghana is establishing an integrated bauxite and aluminum sector has been hailed as refreshing by Dr. John Kwakye, Director of Research at the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA).

    He claims that the action is intended to alter the regional economy.

    The economist stated in a tweet seen by GhanaWeb, “It’s encouraging to learn from the President’s speech at the UN that Ghana plans to explore its entire lithium value chain in addition to developing an integrated bauxite and aluminum industry, processing its cocoa, refining its gold, and refining its bauxite.
    The transformation of the economy is about [about] this.”

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo while speaking at the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday, September 21, 2022, disclosed that Ghana was building an integrated bauxite and aluminium industry.

    He added that Ghana was refining more of its natural resources – especially – gold, as well as, processing more of its cocoa.

    He said, “We are processing more of our cocoa, refining more of our gold, and we are determined to exploit the entire value chain of our huge lithium deposits.

    “We are busily building an integrated bauxite and aluminium industry and an integrated iron and steel industry, building new oil refineries and have, so far, attracted six (6) of the world’s biggest automobile manufacturers to set up assembling plants in Ghana, prior to producing them in the country,” he stated.

    He stated that in line with government’s industrialization agenda, the creation of a single market is key to achieving this vision.

    President Akufo-Addo noted that Ghana has taken policy measures to add value to its natural resources.

  • Ghana has the greatest amount of outstanding debt in Africa, according to the IMF

    According to a Joy Business report, Ghana has the greatest outstanding debt to the Bretton Woods institution according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

    According to the Fund’s most recent Quarterly Finances report for the period ending July 2022, Ghana’s outstanding debt obligations are anticipated to be worth 1.31 billion SDRs, or roughly $1.69 billion.

    According to the report’s further explanation, Ghana’s unpaid loans make up 9% of the overall amount owed by African nations to the Fund but unpaid loan commitments.

    It added that the percentage is equivalent to 178 percent of its share of monies borrowed from the IMF.

    The Quarterly Finances report, however, excluded COVID-19-related and economic support received by Ghana which amounts to more than $1.2 billion from the Fund.

    Ghana’s loan exposure has since been classified by the IMF as concessional lending – which comes with low-interest financing.

    Meanwhile, Ghana’s external debt component was pegged at $28.1 billion as of June 2022, with a large portion of the loans used for commercial purposes.

    The IMF rankings have also placed Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2nd and 3rd in Africa with the largest outstanding loans.

    The two countries have Special Drawing Rights of 992 million and Special Drawing Rights of 990 million respectively.

  • Salisu, Inaki start, Lamptey on the bench: How Ghana could line up against Brazil

    Mohammed Kudus is expected to start in the striking role for the Black Stars in their pre-World Cup friendly against Brazil.

    As hinted by Otto Addo, the Ajax man will be tried in the role to see his preparedness for the World Cup as a number 9.

    Per reports from people close to the team, Kudus will be flanked by Andre Ayew and Inaki Williams who will be making his debut for Ghana.

    In midfield, it is expected to be the regular partnership of Baba Iddrisu and Thomas Partey with Dennis Odoi and Baba Rahman as the right and left wing-backs respectively.

    The three-man defense will have Amartey in a familiar right-sided center-back role, Djiku as the middleman and Mohammed Salisu making his debut as the left-sided center-back.

    Per the reports and photos from training Ghana’s 3-4-3 lineup will be;

     

     

    Jojo Wollacot – Daniel Amartey – Alexandre Djiku- Mohammed Salisu – Dennis Odoi – Baba Rahman – Baba Iddrisu – Thomas Partey – Inaki Williams – Mohammed Kudus – Andre Ayew.

    With this lineup, Ghana intends to create overloads in midfield and stifle the Brazilian attack by dominating from the middle. It also means that when attacking, the wingers – Andre Ayew and Inaki – will drift in centrally and act as auxiliary strikers to allow the wing-backs to take over the wing positions.

    There are also reports that Otto Addo might go for the 4-4-2 system which is a system we are yet to see him play.

    That setup will most likely have Wollacott in the post, Alexandre Djiku and Mohammed Salisu as the central defensive pair with Dennis Odoi and Baba Rahman as the full-backs.

    In midfield, there will be Baba Iddrisu and Thomas Partey with Jordan Ayew and Inaki Wiliams as wingers.

    Andre Ayew and Mohammed Kudus will be the top two.

    Below is the 4:4:2 lineup Wollacott – Dennis Odoi – Baba Rahman – Mohammed Salisu – Alexandre Djiku – Baba Iddrisu – Thomas Partey – Jordan Ayew – Inaki Williams – Andre Ayew – Mohammed Kudus.

    Source:Ghanaweb

  • Today in History: ‘We are not there yet’ – Akufo-Addo speaks on economic recovery

    On September 23, 2021, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo said that despite government efforts to stabilize the economy, the nation has not yet fully recovered from the shocks of the global coronavirus epidemic.

    On September 22, 2021, at the 76th session of the UN General Assembly, he made this statement.

    President Akufo-Addo said, “We are not there yet, but we are making significant progress.

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has said at the 76th Session of the UN General Assembly on Wednesday, September 22 that although Ghana has made efforts to deal with the effect of the COVID-19, the country is not there yet.

    He told his colleague Heads of States that the oil-producing West African country is still making progress at ensuring a full economic recovery from the effect of the pandemic.

    “We are not there yet, we are making considerable progress,” President Akufo-Addo said.

    The president further said that the government is aiming at meeting its target of vaccinating twenty million people by end of the year.

    “Our effort and vaccination has been commended, we are still hoping that we will vaccinate 20 million people by end of the year,” he said.

    He further indicated that “Africa seems mercifully to escape the worse of the COVID pandemic.”

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • Camidoh’s aspirations compared to other artistes I’ve managed are high – George Britton

    George Britton, an artist manager, is comparing the artists he has worked with for more than ten years, and he claims that Camidoh’s goals surpass those of the other artists he has worked with.

    In his dual roles as CEO of GB Interactive Limited and publicist, George Britton has over 13 years of experience managing artists. He has worked with groups including the music duo Keche, Akoo Nana, Dr. Knii Lante, and others.

    He was questioned about the key distinction between his current artist, Camidoh, and the other artists he has managed in the past during an interview on Joy Prime’s “Xclusives” program.

    “Camidoh’s case is a bit different. He sees himself as that artiste who wants to be known around the continent. His aspirations are high, he wants to perform at bigger auditoriums in the world, and I think I needed such challenges to become a better version of myself,” said.

    George Britton added that “he makes me a better person in the sense that. I look at him and his hunger and it tells me that he’s good. For his style, I’ll do him a lot of disservice if he remains only here in Ghana. He has got the qualities that can sell, so the plan is to get him out there, and we’re not sleeping.”

    In 2010, George Britton managed musician/medical doctor Dr Knii Lante for two years, and oversaw the release of several of his hit songs including ‘Lagos to Vienna’.

    He proceeded to manage musician Akoo Nana for four years, and then also managed music duo Keche.

    ‘Xclusives’ airs on Joy Prime on Saturdays at 3 pm, and on JoyNews at 7:30 pm.

  • I didn’t get Black Stars call-up because of my hairstyle – Footballer reveals

    Former Black Starlets midfielder Sebastian Barnes has disclosed that he did not get a Black Stars Call up because many leaders in Ghanaian football at the time believed he was disrespectful.

    Speaking on SVTV Sports with Oscar Nuwati, the 1991 U-17 World Cup winner revealed that he was tagged disrespectful because of his haircut and ear piercing. According to him, former Black Stars coach Otto Pfister told him the leaders always had unpleasant things to say about him.

    “Every footballer would regret not playing for the national team. If you are not strong, you won’t be able to move on. Otto Pfister called me before Senegal 1992, and he said that the leaders always had something to say when my name came up.

    I was the first to get that haircut and ear piercing while at Bayer Leverkusen. So whenever I came to Ghana, they said I was disrespectful because of the haircut. They don’t even want to call you even if you are talented. That is why I never got a call-up,” he revealed.

    Speaking on the current Black Stars coach, Otto Addo, Sebastian noted that “we all know our style of play. Even when we qualified it, it was not the style of play that Ghanaians know. Let’s leave it for the coach to see how impressive we are after the first match at the World Cup.”

    According to Barnes, the Black Stars can only win a trophy if the GFA go back to the jersey with the national colours. He believes that it is the only way the players would play wholeheartedly.

    “Back then, we were happy by wearing the jersey with the red, gold, and green alone. And we know that we have to die for the country. They wear white now, so what kind of feeling is the player going with? They must bring back the jersey for the boys to know that they have to die for the colours they are wearing,” Barnes added.

    The 1993 Black Starlets captain is a coach for a U-17 club in Germany. Sebastian began coaching in 2010. He mentioned that he is ready to coach any national teams or major clubs in Ghana.

    Source: SVTV Africa

     

  • Ghana is the best place to invest in Africa – NPP’s External Affairs Director lures investors

    Director of External Affairs of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mr. Frederick Kofi Ameyaw, was honoured to have been invited to speak at Building an African Innovation Ecosystem in New York, USA.

    It is an initiative by Impact Hub New York Metropolitan Area in collaboration with Impact Hub Accra, African Women in Technology, and Baobab Consulting.

    The event highlighted how leading Africa-focused innovators from both sides of the Atlantic, with the aim to catalyse collaborations and exchange between Africa-focused entrepreneurs, African diaspora, and others passionate about connecting to African innovation ecosystems.

    Mr. Kofi Ameyaw took the opportunity to position Ghana as the best place to invest and do business in Africa as far as stabilising security is concerned.

    Since his appointment, the Director of External Affairs of the NPP has engaged in several engagements both in Ghana and abroad and has affirmed his readiness to ensure the party develops a formidable force ahead of the 2024 general elections.

  • Energy Minister advertises Ghana’s offshore oil blocks in Houston

    The Ministry of Energy, supported by the Petroleum Commission, the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation, GOIL, and Base Energy, is promoting Ghana’s offshore oil blocks and farm-in opportunities for investment.

    Energy Minister, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, led a Ghanaian delegation on an oil and gas roadshow in Houston, Texas, in the United States of America with a team that includes

    The Ghanaian delegation includes two Members of Parliament from both the Majority and Minority sides of the House.

    The team, during engagements on Wednesday, September 21, 2022, highlighted the prospects of the Deep-Water Cape Three Points Block, Offshore Cape Three Points South Block and Shallow Water Cape Three Points Block.

    It also included the Southwest Saltpond Block, as well as the Expanded Shallow Water Tano (ESWT) Block.

    In his remarks, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh spoke of the country’s “stable political and business climate, its highly prospective sedimentary basin with its commensurate high exploration success rate, guaranteed and attractive fiscal terms, as well as its defined legal and regulatory framework.”

    The Energy Minister also used the opportunity to reveal the availability of an existing architecture to support infrastructure-led exploration, which shortens the time between exploration and production.

    His comments drew the needed attention from prospective investors for the country’s upstream petroleum space.

    He is optimistic that through these engagements, the ministry will secure the necessary deals to drive the country’s needed economic growth.

    Due to the possible gains made, Dr Opoku Prempeh has pledged to “deepen these investment-driven engagements at the Africa-Houston Energy Summit, especially as I will join my colleague Ministers at a round-table discussion.”

    Source: The Independent Ghana

  • Cedi Rates: Forex bureaus sell $1 at GH¢10.45, BoG GH¢9.24 as at September 23

    Note that these rates may be different at a forex bureau near you.

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

    On the Interbank forex rates from the Bank of Ghana today, September 23, 2022, the Ghana Cedi is trading against the dollar at a buying price of 9.2367 and a selling price of 9.2459.

    As compared to yesterday’s trading of a buying price of 9.0355 and a selling price of 9.0445. At a forex bureau in Accra, the dollar is being bought at a rate of 10.15 and sold at a rate of 10.45.

    Against the Pound Sterling, the Cedi is trading at a buying price of 10.3931 and a selling price of 10.4054 as compared to yesterday’s trading of a buying price of 10.3086 and a selling price of 10.3198.

    At a forex bureau in Accra, the pound sterling is being bought at a rate of 11.20 and sold at a rate of 11.90.

    The Euro is trading at a buying price of 9.0675 and a selling price of 9.0766 as compared to yesterday’s trading of a buying price of 9.0268 and a selling price of 9.0366.

    At a forex bureau in Accra, Euro is being bought at a rate of 10.05 and sold at a rate of 10.42.

    The South African Rand is trading at a buying price of 0.5236 and a selling price of 0.5242 compared to yesterday’s trading of a buying price of 0.5098 and a selling price of 0.5103.

    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 47.1211 and a selling price of 47.2044 as compared to yesterday’s trading of a buying price of 48.0951 and a selling price of 48.2279.

    At a forex bureau in Accra, Nigerian Naira is being bought at a rate of 12.00 Naira for every 1 Cedi and sold at a rate of 15.50.

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • Africans needed to see themselves on TV – Kojo Yankah shares inspiration behind ‘Inspector Bediako’

    Founder of the African University College of Communications (AUCC) and creator of the popular ‘Inspector Bediako’ TV series, says it is important that Africans see themselves on the screen.

    In the early 1990s, Kojo Yankah contributed to the initiative that resulted in the creation of one of the best and only domestically created law enforcement programs.

    In an interview with Y107.9 FM’s Y Leaderboard Series, he revealed that his love of writing played a role in the creation of “Inspector Bediako,” but more importantly, the ambition to change the narrative and enable Africans to “see themselves on television screens.”

    “I’m glad DStv joined in and indicated they wanted to air Inspector Bediako. It’s one of the things I made. It was exactly like writing a book.

    “We used to watch a lot of detective series. I asked myself that we also do detective work. Our Police haven’t gotten to that level so I’ll use technology into a fiction space and create an Inspector Bediako,” he told host Rev Erskine.

    Africans needed to see themselves on TV - Kojo Yankah shares inspiration behind ‘Inspector Bediako’

    On choosing the name, he added, “I chose the name for a reason. Bediako is one who likes fighting so he fights against social ills, indiscipline, corruption, bribery and stuff like that. I created Bediako to be the one who is now going to fight all these social ills.

    “It was late in the early 90s and again we got private sponsorship from a number of companies. They were fighting among themselves to sponsor and at first, it was like will this survive? An African TV, detective series then it got on. Even children when you send any child in the afternoon they’d probably forget because they’re going to watch Inspector Bediako.”

    Mr Yankah reiterated that the series later got suspended after he chased his political ambition.

    “Because I went into parliament and politics time didn’t allow me to further the narrative. There were other people directing it but it didn’t get the kind of gravitas it had so it got suspended,” he said.

    ‘Inspector Bediakor’ after its launching in Accra on March 24 1993 gave the country a unique feel of Black Excellence.

    The 30-minute episodes featured the likes of Oscar Provencal as the lead actor, Akosua Abdallah, Gloria Nsia Ababio (Dela), Martin Owusu (Bentle) and Teiko.

    Later last year, in December 2021 the detective movie had a remake with new faces in the industry.

  • Removing BOST margin will kill our operations – BOST on fuel price hike

    Managing Director of Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation Company Limited (BOST), Edwin Provencal, has indicated that the company cannot afford to see a reduction in the BOST Margin to cushion Ghanaians amidst hike in fuel prices.

    BOST Margin is a tax imposed on petroleum products used to cover the maintenance and operating cost of petroleum product depots and undertaking expansion programs at depots.

    The BOST Margin is currently worth 9 pesewas.

    In an interview on JoyNews, Mr Edwin Provencal explained that a reduction or total removal of the BOST Margin from the price build up of petroleum products would hamper the operation of BOST.

    “The BOST margin, if you take it out, it would be almost impossible to manage the infrastructure and they may end up deteriorating again. Once BOST gets to its peak, I can tell you that whatever gains we get will be used to expand our petroleum infrastructure,” he said.

    “We have to keep this infrastructure running and it comes at a cost.

    When we do it very efficiently, there will be some surplus and we can now decide to expand the infrastructure, which is the Minister’s dream,” he added.

    Earlier this month, Energy Minister, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh at the annual general meeting of BOST on Wednesday indicated that there are no plans of taking off the 9 pesewas BOST margin on petroleum products due to the effective utilization of the proceeds by the company.

    “I can promise that the BOST margin on petroleum products is not being taken off anytime soon. We will use the BOST margin efficiently and effectively to protect the citizens of this country against the vagaries of private sector interest, which has always been about profit,” the Minister said.

    BOST’s profit after tax climbed from GH2 million in 2020 to GH164 million in 2021. During the period BOST failed to be efficient, the BOST Margin was 3 pesewas and later 6 pesewas, from 2019.

    However, the Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC) has kicked against the Energy Minister’s insistence on keeping the BOST Margin as part of the petroleum price build-up.

    “I totally disagree with the Minister when he says that the margin will not be taken off bearing in mind the very fact that, the private BDCs also have depots where products are stored, and they do not get any margin but operate leanly. So perhaps this conversation must be had in a broader manner”, said Executive Secretary of COPEC, Duncan Amoah.

    In response to COPEC’s comments, the Managing Director of BOST said providing the public the comfort needed requires the return of the Strategic Reserve Levy that has been zeroed out since 2006.

    “We need to have a second national conversation on how to fund the strategic reserves.

    Hopefully, we will bring back the strategic reserve levy,” Mr Edwin Provencal said.

    According to Mr Provencal, he is aware of the hike in fuel prices as he feels the pinch as most Ghanaians do.

    He however believes that removing the BOST Margin from the petroleum price build up will amount to nothing as it is not “the highest driver of petroleum prices.”

    “It was reduced from 9 pesewas to 7 pesewas. What did it do? You need to do proper analysis on the key drivers of Petroleum prices in Ghana. When you want to attack the BOST margin, it will not be fair. It will kill BOST,” he added.

    The taxes and levies on petroleum products include Energy Debt Recovery Levy, 49 pesewas; Road Fund Levy, 48 pesewas, Energy Fund Levy, 1 pesewas, Price Stabilisation and Recovery Levy 14 pesewas; Sanitation and Pollution Levy, 10 pesewas; Energy Sector Recovery Levy, 20 pesewas; Special Petroleum Tax, 46 pesewas, and Primary Distribution Margin, 11 pesewas.

    The rest are BOST Margin, 9 pesewas; Fuel Marking Margin, 5 pesewas; Marketers’ Margin 46 pesewas, and Dealers (Retailers/ Operators) Margin, 30 pesewas.

    Although prices of petroleum products are declining on the world market, Ghana is yet to see a significant reflection.

    Fuel prices continue to soar (over 10 percent) and this has led to commercial drivers hinting at an increase in transport fares.

    The Public Relations Officer of the Concerned Drivers Association, David Agboado, told the press that it is imperative that transport fares be adjusted despite Ghana’s current economic situation.

    “We are not happy that we have increased transport fares twice this year and the third one is on the way but it is the condition that we find ourselves in that is pushing us that way. Some of the taxes must be looked at,” he said.

    “Not that they must be scrapped entirely but they must be reduced like; price stabilization and recovery levy, special petroleum tax, sanitation and pollution levy of which we are not direct beneficiaries,” Mr Agboado continued. In February this year, transport fares increased by 15% and in May, prices were adjusted by 20%.

    It is known that transport fares would be increased once again, but the said rate is currently unknown as the transport unions continue to engage the government.

    Source: The Independent Ghana

  • GEPA targets US$2.8 billion annually from coconut exports

    The Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) has said it is targetting an annual revenue of US$2.8 billion from exporting semi-processed and processed coconut annually, as there is a booming global market for fruit.

    Deputy CEO of GEPA, Samuel Dentu – who was addressing dignitaries on behalf of GEPA’s CEO Dr. Afua Asabea Asare at the 2nd edition of the International Coconut Festival in Accra, said the Authority in the last five years has given priority to the coconut industry.

    “In 2017, GEPA launched the coconut revitalisation intervention with the clear objective of reviving the then ailing coconut industry to improve the supply capacity of the value chain. Since then, we have seen the revenue potential of the crop rising,” he said.

    According to GEPA’s 2021 non-traditional export statistics, coconut raked in US$11.44million while coconut-oil earned Ghana some US$6.99million. These figures represent an increase of 132 percent and 33 percent respectively over the 2020 figures.

    “With these potentials, our goal is to work toward achieving an annual revenue of US$2.8billion in the very near future,” Mr. Dentu indicated.

    Indeed, Indonesia and other countries in South-East Asia make revenues of more than US$3billion in coconut export yearly. Indonesia alone has almost 17 varieties of coconut for export.

    “This tells us that with more strategic aggression in promoting more derivatives of coconut, we can gain a lot more ground”, he said, adding, “GEPA’s collaborative effort with the African Coconut Group, the Trade Ministry, MoFA, Ghana EXIM Bank and the Tree Crops Development Authority has contributed to the growing gains of the sector.”

    The Minister of Food and Agriculture (MoFA), Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, said coconut is one of the tree crops that the ministry is promoting under its Food and Agriculture Development Policy.

    He said the sector had been identified by government as a major driver of the economy into the next decades based on the economic potential of the crop – including food security, environmental protection and poverty alleviation.

    He indicated that growing interest in the health benefits of coconut and its value-added products has resulted in a growing demand for its consumption, alongside its various industrial uses.

    “Global emerging trends in the coconut industry point toward value addition, and taking advantage of this countries such as Indonesia, Philippines, India and others have either transformed or are transforming their economies through value addition to coconut,” he added.

    The Chairman of African Coconut Group, Davies Narh Korboe, expressed the Group’s continuous collaboration to stimulate trade and investment in the agri-food sector of Ghana in order to improve productivity and value as well as job creation.

    It is estimated that about 500,000 people are currently employed in the coconut value chain across the country.

    About the International Coconut Festival

    Organised by Africa Coconut Group in collaboration with GEPA, the event’s second edition was on the theme ‘Repositioning Ghana’s Coconut Sector for Accelerated Industrialisation’, and called on industry players to help promote and develop the coconut industry while making it a significant and reliable revenue source.

    With its maiden event in 2019, the festival’s objective is to bring investors from across the world to export coconut from Ghana.

    The event was characterised by exhibitions of high and low-level technologies in the coconut industry, business seminars, financial support platforms, networking, talks and field visits.

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • Civilians on the frontline say ‘it’s like hell’ as Russia strikes back in eastern Ukraine

    On the outskirts of Kupiansk, the first menacing explosion sounds could be heard.

    Due to the lack of electricity and running water, a small group of drained locals lined up to draw water from a nearby well. Each person was holding a number of plastic bottles.

    They hardly moved as the crack of an incoming round striking deeper in the city was followed by the boom of outgoing fire from the Ukrainian side.

    Vira, a 72-year-old woman, stated, “It’s disturbing.” “We are terrified, of course.”

    Putin’s mobilisation order sparks fury in Moscow – Ukraine live updates

    Image:Ukrainian forces are trying to retake Kupiansk

    Ukrainian forces are trying to retake this city as part of a major counter-offensive in the northeastern Kharkiv region that has recaptured swathes of land from Russian control.

    But unlike other newly liberated areas such as the city of Izyum and the large town of Balakliya, Russian forces are not giving up Kupiansk without a fight.

    It has turned the city into a frontline, with Russia shelling Ukrainian positions, seemingly from outside the eastern perimeter, and Ukraine using return fire to push them further back.

    Villagers queue for water in Kupiansk, Ukraine
    Image:Villagers queue for water in Kupiansk, Ukraine

    The centre of Kupiansk looks and sounds like a war zone, with buildings burnt and smashed, twisted metal and chunks of concrete littering the streets and the few local people wandering around having to contend with the fairly regular thud of incoming and outgoing fire.

    Two women emerged from the basement of one building onto a shattered street.

    One of them agreed to speak. She was visibly angry and blamed the Ukrainian side for the destruction, without a mention of the role Russian forces played – an indication perhaps of how not everyone in the city opposed Russia’s months-long occupation.

    Investigators gather DNA evidence in the police station's interrogation room
    Image:Investigators gather DNA evidence in the police station’s interrogation room

    “How are we living? Just take a look. No jobs, no money, nothing,” she said, waving her arms at the devastation.

    “Nothing to eat, no electricity, no water, no gas. I haven’t washed my hair for two weeks.”

    The woman, sarcastically, added: “How are we living? We used to dream about this life all our lives… It sucks.”

    Not everyone in this area backs the Ukrainian forces
    Image:Not everyone in this area backs the Ukrainian forces

    Ukraine’s operation to reclaim all parts of the Kharkiv region under Russian control officially began on 6 September, targeting Russian positions in occupied areas.

    Kupiansk is a railway hub, with tracks leading southeast to the Donbas – a core focus of the Russian invasion – and also into Russia.

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    Control of the city had given Russian forces the ability to resupply more easily frontline forces in Donetsk and Luhansk regions, which comprise the Donbas.

    It made reclaiming the place all the more important, strategically, for the Ukrainians.

    Residents in Kupiansk talked about the 9 to 12 September period being particularly “loud and scary” in their city as the Ukrainians attacked.

    This woman is cut off from her family by the fighting
    Image:This woman is cut off from her family by the fighting

    “There was a lot of shelling from the Ukrainian side, jets were flying,” said Olena Dmitrieva, 55, who lives in an apartment block on a grassy, raised area on the edge of the city, but with a view of the centre.

    “I live on the fourth floor and these jets, explosions, it was like hell. Our building was shaking… We thought it might collapse now.”

    She said her children and grandchildren live on the eastern side of Kupiansk, closer to the Russian lines, and it was not possible for her to visit them.

    “God, why are we being punished like this?” she asked, weeping.

    Kupiansk, Ukraine
    Image:Homes and buildings have been destroyed by the shelling

    The governor of the Kharkiv region said Russian shelling in Kupiansk on Wednesday had injured five people, including a 13-year-old boy.

    Despite the active combat, Ukrainian police and prosecutors are already on the ground in the city, gathering evidence of suspected Russian war crimes during the occupation.

    Oleksandr Sirenko, Kupiansk’s deputy prosecutor, visited the main police station on Wednesday.

    A Russian flag was strewn on the ground by the entrance, along with a shattered Russian police sign – indicators of who had been using the building.

    Inside, there was a sinister-looking painting on a wall of a letter “Z” – an emblem of the occupation.

    A torn Russian flag outside the central police station
    Image:A torn Russian flag outside the central police station

    Investigators were picking through a number of grimy cells where people appeared to have been detained in cramped, dirty conditions. There was also a room thought to have been used for interrogations where forensic experts were gathering DNA samples.

    All the while, they had to be alert to the threat of Russian attacks.

    We were told to seek cover if we heard the buzz of a drone as it could well be a Russian one, looking for targets on the ground for artillery guns to strike.

    “It is hard,” the deputy prosecutor said, about having to work in a war zone.

    “But harder than being near the frontline is being without electricity and lights. It complicates our investigation. But we are collecting evidence about how Russia treated people. This is where there used to be aggression.”

    Source:skynews.com

  • There is no data showing Ghana is worst hit by Russia-Ukraine crisis – Bright Simons

    Honourary Vice President of IMANI Africa, Bright Simons, has criticized the Akufo-Addo government for constantly painting a false narrative about the impact of the Russia-Ukriane war on Ghana.

    According to him, there is no available data that seeks to point out that Ghana is adversely being hit by the ongoing crisis.

    Speaking at the 2022 Baah-Wiredu Lecture in Accra on September 21, Bright Simons argued that Ghana’s economy is not as exposed to that of Russia and other countries hence government’s justification for blaming the crisis on the current economic challenges in Ghana does not hold water.

    “When we start to do the comparative analysis, you cannot use some other factor that has had a uniform effect. I tried my best to give you factors that could have shown that Ghana has been affected more, and as you saw I struggled with the data. I went to jobs, I went to growth, I went to how many people were killed and none of it bears out that we were affected worse,” he is quoted by Joy Business.

    “So, if you are the worst performing in terms of currency, you cannot complain and say it is because of some factor that has affected everybody uniformly. It is as simple as that,” Bright Simons added.

     

    The IMANI Vice president, however, blamed the current economic challenges on continuous wastage in expenditure by government and its other auxiliary agencies and institutions.

    Meanwhile, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo recently speaking at the 77th United Nations General Assembly in New York reiterated the impact of the Russia-Ukraine war especially on African economies.

    According to him, “Every bullet, every bomb, every shell that hits a target in Ukraine, hits our pockets and our economies in Africa. The economic turmoil is global with inflation as the number one enemy this year”

    IMF bailout

    Government has routinely explained that recent economic headwinds are attributable largely to the ravages of the COVID-19 pandemic, the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and the banking sector clean-up.

    The rippling effect has been an increase in the cost of living, record high inflation rates and downgrades of the economy by rating agencies such as S&P and Fitch – a situation which has dealt a heavy blow to government’s ability to access the international capital market.

    The Cedi has also been on a free fall compelling the Bank of Ghana to resort to hiking its monetary policy rate to deal with the situation.

    The worsening economic situation compelled the government in July to initiate contact with International Monetary Fund for an economic support programme.

    Ghana is targeting an amount of US$3 billion over three years from the Fund once an agreement on a programme is reached.

    Government hopes to complete negotiations by end of this year in order to receive the funds in the first quarter of 2023.

    Source:Ghanaweb

  • Government to invest more in coconut production – Trade Ministry

    Coconut production in the country will see a major uplift as the government seeks to heavily invest in the agriculture sector as part of its industrialization agenda.

    The Ministry of Trade and Industry gave the assurance, in a speech read by Head of the Greater Accra Regional Ministry Office, Sampson Abankwah, on behalf of the sector minister, Alan Kyerematen at the second edition of the International Coconut Festival Ghana.

    Speaking at the event held at the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC) on September 21, 2022, Sampson Abankwah said, “It is the hope of the Ministry that we continue to strengthen existing institutional synergies and use every available opportunity to promote coconut production.”

    According to him, the industrialization agenda is geared towards reducing unemployment, improving balance of trade, and creating a self-reliant nation amid an economic crisis situation due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war.

    The second International Coconut Festival in Ghana, which commenced on September 20 and ends on September 23, is being organized by the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) in partnership with the African Coconut Group (ACG) under the theme “Repositioning Ghana’s Coconut Sector for the Accelerated Industrialization Agenda”.

    Also at the event was Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Free Zones Authority (GFZA), Dr Michael Oquaye, who called on organisations engaged in coconut production to invest into Research and Development to add value to their products.

    He stated that is the surest way of generating more foreign revenue through exportation.

    “I will encourage all the organisations in the sector to do more research and development that can be commercialised and used locally and for export,” he said.

    According to him, GFZA focuses on export-led industrialization and therefore assured “all businesses willing to export more than 70 percent of their products to come to free zones for the monetary and non-monetary incentives.”

    On his part, Deputy Director in Charge of Operations and Finance at GEPA, Mr Samuel Dentu, revealed that the Authority launched the Coconut Revitalisation Programme in 2017 to revamp the then ailing coconut industry and to improve the supply capacity of the value chain.

    He noted that there have been positive results, as the 2021 Non-Traditional Export (NTE) performance showed that coconut raked in $11.44 million, with coconut oil generating $7 million in export revenue.

    “These represented an increase of 132 per cent and 133 per cent, respectively, over the 2020 figures,” he said.

    Mr Samuel Dentu further disclosed that it is the objective of GEPA to earn about $2.8 billion from semi- processed to processed coconut annually by 2030 as the Authority works in line with the National Export Development Strategy (NEDS).

    Source: The Independent Ghana

  • Debt default is a real possibility for Ghana – Senior Director at Fitch

    A senior director at ratings agency, Fitch, Mahin Dissanayake, has added his voice to reports predicting a debt default on the part of the Ghana government.

    At a press conference on September 21, 2022, Mr Dissanayake noted that as Ghana contends with an economic crisis, any sort of debt restructuring could have a negative impact on the local banking sector.

    “Ghanaian banks hold large volumes of government securities, so debt distress is going to put a lot of stress on the banks,” he said.

    His comments come after reports that the government is seeking to restructure its debts as part of a deal with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

    On the matter, he said that “if there was a 30% haircut, that would make at least several banks insolvent,” he said.

    According to him, insurance companies, pension funds, asset managers – anyone who holds government securities would be affected by such a move.

    Mr Dissanayake stated that Ghana’s “operating environment is looking very fragile,” therefore, stating that “default is a real possibility.”

    This is not the first time it has been predicted that the government may default its debt payment, just as Sri Lanka.

    A Bloomberg study in July this year ranked Ghana 2nd among countries with the highest debt default risk in 2022.

    Ghana closely follows El Salvador, which holds the first spot in the Sovereign Debt Vulnerability Ranking.

    Ghana’s debt to Gross Domestic Product (GDP), according to Bloomberg, is estimated at 84.6% by the end of this year.

    Data from the Bank of Ghana shows that the country’s public debt stock has more than doubled since 2015, steadily climbing from 54.2% of Gross Domestic Product to 76.6% at the end of 2021.

    The country is expected to pay about US$41 billion in interest payments this year.

    In May 2022, Sri Lanka defaulted on its debt for the first time in its history as the country struggled with its worst financial crisis in more than 70 years.

    Despite a 30-day grace period, Sri Lanka failed to settle its $78m of unpaid debt interest payments.

    To prevent Ghana from being in a similar situation, former Finance Minister, Seth Terkper, has called on the government to take drastic measures, arguing that total dependence on the domestic market would not be enough.

    “The worst thing that could happen to us is to default, given the fact that our turning to the domestic market, which I recall, there was a boast that we could finance the budget from the domestic market (but) is not materializing because of the auction shortfalls and the rest,” he said.

    Source: The Independent Ghana

  • Kwakye Ofosu tackles Kofi Bentil over comment against new Black Stars players

    Felix Kwakye Ofosu, an aide to former President John Dramani Mahama, has defended the decision by management of the Black Stars to include players who have either switched nationality or chosen to represent the national team.

    According to him, the Black Stars squad needs to be strengthened ahead of the World Cup even if the new players did not participate in the qualifiers.

    He stated in a Facebook post on September 22 that the Ghana Football Association (GFA) took the right decision in getting more quality players to revamp the Black Stars squad to correct the significant weaknesses.

    Kwakye Ofosu was reacting to comments made by Vice President of IMANI Africa, Kofi Bentil, who said he will not be happy even if the new Black Stars players win the World Cup for Ghana in making a case for players who played in the qualifiers but have since lost their place.

    “There were significant weaknesses in the team that qualified which needed correction and strengthening.
    We have a responsibility to give our country the very best chance possible at performing well at the World Cup against much higher quality opposition than what we faced during the qualification series.

    “I think the GFA has taken the right step to inject more quality into our team. Besides, it is not a total overhaul. It is actually only 5 new players out of 26,” he wrote on his page.

    What Kofi Bentil said

    The Vice president of IMANI Africa, Kofi Bentil, expressed his dissatisfaction with the inclusion of new Black Stars players .

    He contended that it was unfair for some players to qualify for others who didn’t participate in the qualification to come and play.

    “Whether they win or not, it can’t be right for some to qualify and others to play! If you were committed you should have shown it when we were struggling to qualify! I can’t be happy with such injustice even if you win the World Cup,” he wrote on his Facebook page.

    Since Ghana’s qualification for their 4th World Cup, several players of Ghanaian descent have switched nationality to represent the country.

    While some football fans feel it would be proper to beef up the squad with some of these players, the vice president of IMANI Africa thinks otherwise.

    Some players like Tariq Lamptey, Inaki, Nico Williams, Ransford Yeboah, Stephan Ambrosius and others recently switched nationalities to play for Ghana.

    Meanwhile, the Black Stars will test their strength today in a friendly match against Brazil.

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • British headteacher who coached 131 children worldwide jailed for 20 months

    A British headteacher who groomed at least 131 children worldwide using social media while working at a school in Iraq has been jailed for 20 months.

    Using Facebook Messenger, Nicholas Clayton, 38, of The Wirral, made contact with kids as young as 10 and requested their images with the intention of sexually abusing them.

    He was apprehended after paying a 13-year-old Cambodian boy to come to Malaysia so they could meet and asking the boy for pictures of his bare upper torso.

    When he returned to the UK, the National Crime Agency (NCA) detained him after receiving information about the communication.

    Investigators found Clayton had been messaging hundreds of boys from across the globe, spanning the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Iraq, Morocco, Turkey and others over a period of just three months.

    He appeared at Liverpool Crown Court on 23 August where he admitted three counts of sexual communication with a child under 16 years and one charge of inciting the sexual exploitation of a child.

    On Tuesday, he was sentenced to 20 months imprisonment and made the subject of a sexual harm prevention order for 15 years.

    New Facebook plans will ‘hide similar predators’

    The case has prompted fresh calls for a “robust” Online Safety Bill, with the NSPCC warning plans by Meta, which owns Facebook, to introduce end-to-end encryption will “blindfold” authorities to similar predators.

    Andy Burrows, head of child safety online policy at the charity, said: “Clayton’s case highlights the ease with which offenders can contact large numbers of children on social media with the intention of grooming and sexually abusing them.

    “Private messaging is the frontline of child sexual abuse online. It’s therefore concerning that Meta plans to press on with end-to-end encryption on Facebook Messenger, which will blindfold themselves and law enforcement from identifying criminals like Clayton.

    “The UK government can show global leadership in tackling online child abuse by delivering without delay a robust Online Safety Bill that embeds child protection at the heart of every social media site.”

    New Culture Secretary Michelle Donelan has previously said there are no plans to water down the proposals for new internet safety laws, which Mr Burrows welcomed as “really encouraging”.

    Hazel Stewart, from the NCA, said: “Nicholas Clayton abused his position of trust as a headteacher by attempting to sexually contact and exploit children, using technology to access hundreds of potential victims across the globe.

    “Clayton was very cautious and careful in his communications, making them appear to be innocent, but as NCA investigators we could see the patterns of predatory grooming he was using on vulnerable children.

    “Protecting children from sex offenders is a priority for the NCA, and we continue to pursue criminals in the UK and internationally to ensure abusers like Clayton are held to account.”

    Facebook ‘taking our time to get it right’

    A Facebook spokesperson said: “We have no tolerance for child exploitation on our platforms and are building strong safety measures into our plans.

    “We’re focused on preventing harm by banning suspicious profiles, defaulting under-18s to private or ‘friends only’ accounts, and more recently introduced restrictions that stop adults from messaging children they’re not connected with.

    “We’re also encouraging people to report harmful messages to us so we can see the contents, respond swiftly and make referrals to the authorities. As we roll out this technology we’re taking our time to get it right and working with outside experts to help keep people safe online.”

    Source:Skynews.com

  • Food-borne Diseases: 36 dead, over 1,900 affected between 2013 and 2021

    A total of 1,914 Ghanaians have suffered from various forms of food poisoning between the years 2013 and 2021, according to the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA).

    Out of this figure were 60 cases of food-borne disease outbreaks, with a total of 36 deaths.

    Food-borne diseases are caused by contamination of food and occur at any stage of the food production, delivery, and consumption chain.

    According to the Chief Executive Officer of FDA, Mrs Delese M. Darko, surveillance of food-borne diseases was becoming an increasingly high priority on the public health agenda in many countries.

    “And such surveillance helped estimate the burden of food-borne diseases, assess relative impacts on health and economics, and evaluate prevention and control programmes,” she stated.

    She made the observation at a two-day training workshop on the implementation of an integrated Food-borne Disease Surveillance System and Food Safety Emergency Response Plan (FoSERP).

    The template addresses the goal of enhancing the protection of the country’s agricultural industry and food security through increased prevention, detection, response, and recovery planning.

    Food safety continues to be a major concern worldwide. World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 600 million people, almost 1 in 10 people fall ill after eating contaminated food each year, resulting in 420 000 deaths and the loss of 33 million healthy life years

    Ghanaians who suffered from food poisoning in a pilot project conducted in 2015 reported different illnesses such as viral hepatitis, cholera, dysentery, typhoid fever and other foodborne diseases.

    From 2016 to 2018, there have they retrieved the remains of the lady.

    Meanwhile, the deceased’s remains have since been exhumed and deposited at the Cape Coast been a total of 29 reported foodborne outbreaks in Ghana, with a total of 852 persons affected and 19 deaths. Out of the 29 outbreaks, 2018 had the highest number of 14 outbreaks and the highest number of deaths with 11 people recorded.

    To address the trend, the FDA has called for effective collaboration to ensure surveillance and prompt food-borne disease outbreak response across the country.

    The training was to discuss issues concerning food-borne diseases in Ghana and the need to keep appropriate data on food-borne diseases.

    Mrs Darko emphasised the importance of early outbreak detection and response as a key information source for risk assessment and, more broadly, for risk management and communication.

    The CEO said changes in food production and distribution methods were making food safety a critical and fundamental component of public health.

    “The Ghana Health Service (GHS) in 2019 reviewed the 2nd Edition of the Integrate Disease Surveillance and Response In Ghana (IDSR) to incorporate the surveillance of food-borne diseases.

    “The 3rd Edition of the IDSR provides for a harmonised, systematic data collection process for food-borne diseases and also makes it a core function for the Disease Surveillance Officer (DSO) of the GHS to collect data and report on foodborne diseases,” the CEO stated and commended the initiative.

    Mrs Darko said that, taking a cue from that, the FDA in 2021 spearheaded the development of a Food Safety Emergency Response Plan (FoSERP), which outlined how food safety emergencies, including food-borne disease outbreaks, were to be addressed in a coordinated manner.

    “The implementation of these two documents makes it imperative for this training today,” she added.

    Mrs Joycelyn Adelaide N.K Egyakwa-Amusah, Head, Food Safety Coordination and Consumer Education Department, FDA, said the need for collaboration was

    important as it would enable Ghana to meet the Joint External Evaluation (JEE) requirements for food safety whiles enabling compliance with the International Health Regulations (IHR).

    The training, which was held in collaboration with the Ghana Health Service (GHS) saw Public

    Health and Disease Surveillance Officers selected across the country participating.

    Participants were taken through an overview of Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response in Ghana, Food-borne disease surveillance, data collection and reporting, handling food safety

    emergencies, electronic data capturing and transmitting; and food-borne disease outbreak investigations-environmental assessment.

    Source: The Indenpendent Ghana

  • Five things Ghanaians must look out for in Ghana vs Brazil match

    Africa Brazil take on ‘original’ Brazil in a match that will give an indication of the preparedness of both countries for the 2022 World Cup which is less than two months away.

    In their fifth meeting in all competitions, the Samba Boys of Brazil battle with a newly-look Ghana side that for decades lived under the tag ‘the Samba boys of Africa’.

    With the benefit of four days of training which is a rarity in international football with respect to friendly matches, coach Otto Addo has had the benefit of assessing 28 of the 29 players he invited for the game.

    With the game set for later today, Here are highlights certain things that Ghanaians can look out for in Otto Addo’s team.

    Otto Addo’s formation

    Ghana’s first two matches at the World Cup are against countries dominated by stars and of a higher profile than the Black Stars.

    The game against Brazil is expected to give an inkling into how Otto Addo will approach games against countries with better players and profiles than Ghana.

    Will he go for a conservative 3-5-2 system or an expansive and attacking 4-2-3-1? This is one of the headaches Otto Addo will have to cure.

    Performance of new players

    Much of the pre-match hype has been around the arrival of Tariq Lamptey, Inaki Williams, Ransford Yeboah, Stephan Ambrosius and Mohammed Salisu.

    It is expected that at least two of them will start the game and Ghanaians will be watching with an eagle eye how they will fare.

    For most people, the performance of the new players will determine the prudency or otherwise in the GFA’s successful attempt to lure them from England, Germany and Spain.

    Where will Mohammed Kudus plays?

    Is he going to start as a striker or central attacking midfielder? The Ajax man has thrived in his ‘false nine’ role for his club but in the Black Stars can he replicate that form?

    The Black Stars lack a reliable goal-scorer and Otto Addo, as he hinted in the pre-match presser might try Kudus in that role.

    If the gamble works, Ghana has found a reliable source for goals, if it doesn’t, more headache for Otto Addo.

    Overall Team performance

    For most people, the scoreline will not be as important as the performance. Whiles, there is a minute sense of confidence that Ghana could beat Brazil, the general impression is that Ghana will lose but how they lose is the issue.

    The performance of the team against Brazil will either make Ghanaians confident about the prospect of facing Portugal and Uruguay or make them give up even before the World Cup kicks off.

    How Brazil stars will fare against a determined Ghanaian side

    Neymar, Thiago Silva, Vinicius, Marquinhos, Allison, Ederson among others. The Brazilian team has a galaxy of stars who on a good day can perform magic and wallop any team with an embarrassing scoreline.

    Football has however thought us that you don’t necessarily need the best of players but rather a group of hungry and determined players. In the Black Stars team, most players will be playing for their World Cup ticket and so will go in with full determination to impress Otto Addo and the three other coaches.

    Question is, can Brazil cope with the determined Ghanaian players.

  • Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng delivers his mini-budget statement to MPs, here’s the key points

    Mr Kwarteng began his remarks by telling the Commons that energy costs were taking a big toll: “People need to know that help is coming”.

    • Household bills to be cut by an expected £1,400 this year with aid from energy price guarantee and £400 grant.

    Millions of the most vulnerable households will receive additional payments, taking their total savings this year to £2,200.

    • Total cost of energy package, including business support, over next six months estimated at £60bn. It is “entirely appropriate for the government to use our borrowing powers to fund temporary measures to support families and businesses”.

    • Bank of England independence is “sacrosanct”.

    • Government to set out its fiscal approach more fully in future and the Office for Budget Responsibility will publish an economic and fiscal forecast before the end of the year.
    • Will legislate to require trade unions to put pay offers to a member vote so strikes can only be called once negotiations have fully broken down.
    • To cut taxes for businesses in designated tax sites for 10 years to support investment, jobs and growth.
    • The cap on bankers’ bonuses is to be lifted as part of efforts to “reaffirm” the UK’s status as a financial services hub.
    Source:skynews.com

  • Mankessim murder suspects confess to killing aspiring trainee nurse for money rituals – Police

    The two suspects arrested for the murder of aspiring trainee nurse, Georgina Asor Botwe, at Mankessim in the Central Region have confessed to their crimes, the Police Service has revealed.

    The accused currently in police custody are Tufuhene of Ekumfi Akwaakrom, Christopher Ekow Clark Quansah, and self-styled pastor, Michael Darko.

    In a statement on Thursday, September 22, 2022, the police revealed that the suspects admitted to “murdering the victim for money rituals.”

    Following this revelation, they were arraigned before the District Court II in Cape Coast on Thursday, and have been remanded to reappear before the Court on 4th October 2022.

    On September 10, 2022, Georgina Asor Botwe was reported missing.

    The alleged boyfriend of the deceased’s senior sister, Michael Darko, was invited for interrogation as it was found out that he was the last person to have interacted with Georgina.

    Later, the Tufuhene of Ekumfi Akwaakrom was apprehended for the role he played in the murder of an aspiring trainee nurse.

    According to the police, the interrogation also led officers to the location where the 25-year-old had been buried.

    The police statement did not make mention of the exact spot where they retrieved the remains of the lady.

    Meanwhile, the deceased’s remains have since been exhumed and deposited at the Cape CoastTeaching Hospital morgue for preservation and autopsy.

    Source: The Independent Ghana

  • Drag star Cherry Valentine, who starred in UK’s RuPaul’s Drag Race, dies aged 28

    George Ward, well known by his stage name Cherry Valentine, a member of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, has passed away at the age of 28.

    Before beginning a TV career and starring in the BBC documentary Gypsy Queen And Proud, Ward made an appearance in the second season of the program.

    “It is with the most heartbreaking and profound regret that we inform you that our George – Cherry Valentine – has unfortunately passed away,” his family stated in a statement.

    The performer passed away on Sunday, and according to his family, most people will be “profoundly shocked” by his loss.

    Their statement added, “As his family, we are still processing his death and our lives will never be the same.

    “We understand how much he is loved and how many lives he has inspired and touched. All we ask is for your patience and your prayers in this time. We love you Georgie.”

    Ward was raised in Darlington, County Durham as part of the Traveller and qualified as a mental health nurse in 2015 before pursuing his drag career.

    In December 2020, he was announced as one of the 12 contestants competing in the UK version of RuPaul’s Drag Race, which he appeared in alongside Lawrence Chaney, Bimini Bon-Boulash and Veronica Green.

    George Ward, known by his stage name Cherry Valentine, who has died at the age of 28

    In his introductory video, Ward described his Cherry Valentine character as “glamour”, “dark” and “gothic”.

    “If you are a drag queen you are working with people. And to understand people I think you go the extra mile,” he said.

    Ward was the second competitor to be eliminated from the show after performing in the Rusical and delivering a runway look in front of guest judge Sheridan Smith.

    Following his appearance, Ward joined the BBC to create a documentary exploring his Traveller heritage, in which he revisited the community he left at the age of 18.

    He also performed a number of public shows and appeared in music videos by artists such as Charli XCX.

    Cherry Valentine leads the line-up of fabulous drag queens at The Cazoo Derby, as racing's most spectacular carnival returns to Epsom Downs Racecourse. Back bigger and better than ever for 2022, The Cazoo Derby Ladies Day kicks off the weekend's celebrations.

    ‘A true queen’, ‘just heartbreaking’ and ‘a fan favourite’

    Good Morning Britain presenter Charlotte Hawkins was among those paying tribute to Ward, saying: “Very sad to hear that Cherry Valentine has died, aged just 28.

    “We met back in June at Epsom – so full of life then, it’s hard to believe. Sending love to George’s family & friends, just heartbreaking.”

    Source:Skynews.com

  • Beef up cybersecurity in banks – Bank MD advises

    As the economy continues to be unstable, Managing Director for FBNBank, Victor Yaw Asante, has called on banks to beef up security, and improve on vigilance on their Internet services to avoid fraudsters from hacking into their systems.

    According to Mr. Asante, tough economic times leave room for individuals to take advantage of the cyber space to break into the systems of banks and defraud them, hence, the need for banks to spend more to ensure their systems are under top level protection.

    “These are fairly stretching times for financial institutions, and our vigilance has gone up. When the economy is tough, people do all manner of things; people try to do things on the cyber side by trying to break into your systems. So it means you must spend a lot of money to make sure all your systems are at the top level,” he said this during a walk organised by the bank.

    Mr. Asante mentioned that the economic situation is very challenging, leaving banks in a worried state; but he warns that passing Interest costs to clients, banks might end up losing customers. On his side, he said there is a bit of structuring to ensure the bank navigates through the current situation with its customers.

    The Walk

    FBNBank’s objective for organising the walk was to create awareness and announce itself to the people within the suburb of East Legon of their new branch, which will be inaugurated in a few weeks. It was also an opportunity to communicate the benefits of a healthy, active lifestyle to participants of the walk.

    The expansion of the bank’s branch to East Legon is to create convenience to both existing customers and prospective ones who will have to drive through the traffic to transact business with them in the main cities.

    Mr. Asante indicated the bank’s plan to spread across the other regions as they aim to be a national bank, and not just limited to a specific geographic location. He added that the bank’s digital platforms have been revamped to provide convenient banking to its customers.

    “We intend to be a national bank and not just a geographical bank. But to do this, you have to make sure that you cover key markets, then you roll out. We will continue to work on that to have, at least, a physical representation of the regions, whether it is a full branch or an agent. But we are covered nationally by our digital platforms which is where most of the banking is ongoing. We have spent quite a bit of money ensuring the safety and robustness of these platforms,” he said.

    Mr. Asante took the opportunity to call on all individuals to take up the challenge of walking as a habit to live a healthy life.

    Source: bftonline

  • Experts praise guided trade initiative

    Despite growing dissatisfaction over the seemingly inactive trading under the AfCFTA, the Guided Trade Initiative which has been introduced is expected to bring some change.

    Seven party states under the AfCFTA will begin the Guided Trade Initiative to test all the negotiations, documents, policies and procedures that have been agreed on so far as the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement is concerned.
    The countries include Cameroon, Ghana, Egypt Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda and Mauritius.

    Speaking on the Eye on Port program, Trade Consultant and Afcfta expert, Dode Seidu stated the program will kick-start on October 7 and countries are currently readying their individual private sectors for active trading.

    “I’m aware that in the background the respective counties have been having discussions to identify specific companies, specific goods and specific corridors that can trade bilaterally in an effort to test the process.”

    He revealed that these 7 countries are those who have submitted their schedule of tariff concessions and have demonstrated advanced processes on the grounds rendering these countries relatively more prepared to trade under AfCFTA.

     

     

    He said Ghana for example has gone a step ahead to establish a National AfCFTA coordination office, readied its customs in terms of training and capacity, among other efforts.

    He opined that the pilot program is timely and opportune for significant trade to actually commence under the free trade agreement while revealing lessons the wider continent can learn from.

    He emphasized that authorities are only looking to facilitate the trade in goods that qualify under the acceptable rules of origin.

    Mr. Dode Seidu said the Guided Trade Initiative is “the newest signal that African ministers of trade are really committed to see trade come to past”.

    Taking his turn on the subject, AfCFTA Strategist and Executive Director of the AfCFTA Policy Network (APN) Group, Louis Yaw Afful expressed that trade efforts by party states collectively have been underwhelming culminating in the low state of trading under the AfCFTA arrangement.

    “Everybody is dragging their feet. One country will say its customs management and administration is not ready. Some will say, they haven’t gazetted their tariffs.”

    He said, due to the lacklustre approach some party states had taken, the AfCFTA Secretariat felt a need to inject some impetus for the trade leading to the Guided Trade Initiative.

    He said like most new international protocols, there’s the need for certain “anchor countries” to take the bold step of leadership in order to advance common objectives.

    He stated that he would have been more impressed if bigger players like Nigeria and South Africa had shown more enthusiasm for AfCFTA.

    The Executive Director of APN Network said it is still not a great look for AfCFTA, when in 2022, 7 countries out of the lot appear to be ready for the trade.

    The AfCFTA experts, however, jointly called on the private sector to continue to be diligent in finding new markets, participate in trade fairs and establish new contacts while waiting for opportunity to actually trade everywhere within the continent.

    Source: Eye on Port

  • Unknown hooded man causes stir, near stampede at Wa School for the Deaf

    There have been reports of an alleged intrusion at the Wa School for the Blind by an unknown man amid the recent kidnappings and serial killings in the Upper West Region.

    The incident allegedly occurred when one student went behind the girls dormitory to get water, which was confirmed by school officials.

    According to headmaster of the school, Sylvester Bayor, “between the hours of 7:30 and 8:00pm in the evening, one girl went behind the girl’s dorm to fetch water and saw a man dressed in black with his face covered with a mask. She quickly turned back and blew the alarm.”

    Mr Bayor said this generated fear among the students, who ran to their teachers and school security at the main gate to seek cover, thinking the man could be one of the murderers behind the recent killings in the area.

    Serial killings in Wa

    Recent kidnappings and serial killings in Wa have generated fear and worry among residents. On Friday, September 16, 2022, residents woke up to the news of another missing private security guard, bringing the number to seven in the last five months.

    The latest incident was recorded on Tuesday, September 20, 2022, when the lifeless body of a young adult (yet to be identified) was found.

    Further reports indicate that the Wa School for the Deaf is located close to the spot where the latest dead body was discovered. This, according to school authorities, has heightened the fears of students.

    Mr Bayor noted that the lack of street lights in and around the school makes matters worse.

    He noted that the school at night is often plunged into darkness as a result, and this puts the school at a higher risk of being attacked.

    He further noted that, despite various calls to government and other stakeholders for help, the school is yet to receive any help in that regard.

    Lead suspected busted

    Meanwhile, the key suspect believed to be orchestrating these killings has been arrested.

    The man identified as Kankani Adongo and believed to be in his mid-forties was arrested on 19th September 2022 at Bamahu, a suburb of Wa.

    His arrest was possible due to an extensive collaboration between the police and community search parties to find people involved in this act, the Police announced.

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

    Also, about 305 police officers have been deployed to beef up security in the area. Additionally, police authorities have also placed a ¢100,000 bounty on persons who can volunteer credible information that will lead to the arrest and prosecution of other perpetrators behind the recent killings.

    The IGP has also been in the area to ascertain the matter.

    Source: The Independent Ghana

  • We fear no opponent – Kurt Okraku ahead of Brazil match

    The Ghana Football Association president, Kurt Okraku has disclosed that the Black Stars are not afraid to face Brazil or any other opponent.

    According to Kurt Okraku, the Black Stars who are the four-time champions of Africa are prepared to face the five-time world champions in the friendly match on Friday, September 23rd 2022.

    “We are the Brazilians of Africa and we are playing against the Brazilians of America. We fear no foe, we will be up to the battle,” the GFA boss told TV3.

    He explained that the international friendly matches lined up for the Black Stars are aimed at meeting a certain target to get the Black Stars well prepared for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.


    He also stated that the performance of the Black Stars is the most important compared to the results of the match.

    “There is a reason we are engaged in these two games and it’s important we meet the expectation of the technical team as far as these two games are concerned.

    “I’m not thinking too much about the results it would be nice if the boys put up a good team performance and cup it up with a victory. I have been speaking with the players, coaches throughout and I know what they expect and I know what they want to achieve from these two important games even before the last one against Switzerland.

    “At the end of these two games we expect to be at a certain level of our preparations and that would set the tone for our campaign.

    The Black Stars will take on the five-time world champions, Brazil on Friday, September 23 in Le Harve at 18:30 GMT [6:30pm].

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • Blacko’s Soja surpasses 500k streams few hours after release

    Budding Ghanaian music star Black Sherif is undoubtedly one of the biggest talents Ghana has produced in recent times.

    Soja, a moving song by the rising singer, has received over 500,000 listens on Audiomack in the few days after it was released. This is a tremendous accomplishment that should not be disregarded.

    Black Sherif expresses his emotions in “Soja,” detailing his hardships and expressing how he never imagined becoming as well-known and prosperous as he is today.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Degraft Anti (@degraft.anti_)

    Thanks to the song’s relatability, the young celebrity was able to win over listeners’ hearts.

    ‘Soja’ has received a lot of support and praise from Ghanaians on social media since its release. Ghanaians seem to be in love with Black Sherif’s style of music and talent, as many regard him as the next face of Ghanaian music.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Zionfelix.com (@zionfelixdotcom)

    Black Sherif, real name Mohammed Ismail Sherif Kwaku Frimpong, rose to fame when his songs ‘Money’ and First Sermon went viral on social media. Blacko has achieved a lot since then and has become one of the pillars of Ghanaian music.

    Ghanaians fall in love with Black Sherif’s Soja

    joanananayaaanokye was impressed

    Wow!!!!! I love this song

    nbreakable918 also said:

    This is a heart beating song… so deep ❤️‍

    ruthiedinma also wrote:

    Unmatchable ❤️❤️❤️…. the love keep adding up

    lexxjnr was also impressed:

    This guy go carry matter come ampa…. But the song is dope ❤️❤️

  • You don’t have a right to choose a judge for your cases in court – Sam Okudzeto tells Ghanaians

    A former president of the Ghana Bar Association (GBA), Samuel Awuku Okudzeto, has said litigants are in no position to decide which judge presides over their case.

    In an interview on Wednesday, September 21, Mr Okudzeto argued that because a judge serves as an impartial third party who seeks to resolve conflicts between two opposing sides, any attempt to remove a judge handling a specific case must be supported by convincing evidence.

    “The judge is a neutral arbiter, so, unless you have evidence, then you can appeal to the chief justice,” he added.

    However, he explained that in circumstances where individuals are dissatisfied with judges apportioned to them due to their biassed nature et al., such persons have the right to consult the Chief Justice for a change.

    “If I have a corruption allegation against a judge, then I can go to the process, get the evidence, and then make a complaint against the judge. If I feel the judge is biased, I have the right to complain to the Chief Justice…. that the matter should be given to somebody else,” he said.

    “When doing that, you must be careful, since you don’t have the right to choose a judge that you want to hear your case. In Ghana, we seem to think that I don’t like this judge, so I want the case to be held by another judge,” he stressed.

    His comments follow criticisms of Ghana’s judicial system, which some have characterised as “tin gods” to wit, pompous, since some claim the decisions they make are binding.

    In response, the lawyer claimed that the accusers do not have a comprehensive understanding of the legal system.

    “It is a complete misunderstanding of the judiciary process, you can disagree with judgment. I disagree with judges. Let’s not use the word (judiciary). Judiciary is an institution, the entire court system with different people with different temperament etc,” he emphasized.

    Attacks on Ghana’s judiciary are a challenge to the judicial body, the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame, recently stated while speaking to lawyers at the Ghana Bar Association Annual Conference in Ho on September 12.

    Mr Dame asserted that the unfounded comments harm the judiciary’s credibility, endangering the safety and welfare of the country.

    “It was a great dismay and embarrassment that I heard a person who has occupied the highest office of state, that is the former President, recently launched an unwarranted attack on the integrity of Ghana’s Judiciary. I observe that this was the latest instalment of systematic attack by the former President, albeit unjustified,” he added.

    The Attorney General’s statement was at the back of ex-president John Dramani Mahama’s remarks.

    The former president, who was addressing the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Lawyers’ Conference earlier this month, demanded that the country’s judiciary be replaced in order to restore what he called the institution’s damaged reputation.

    He alleged that the judiciary today is in such disrepair that the average Ghanaian no longer has confidence in it, hence the need for a new Chief of Justice.

    “So badly has the image of our Judiciary deteriorated that many of our citizenry openly make a mockery of our justice system and of our justices. The phrase ‘Go to Court’ is these days met with derisive laughter, instead of hope that one will truly get justice.”

    “There is therefore the urgent need for the Ghanaian judiciary to work to win the trust and confidence of the citizenry, and erase the widely held perception of hostility and political bias in legal proceedings at the highest courts of the land”, the former President suggested.

    Continuously, he said “Unfortunately, we have no hope that the current leadership of our Judiciary can lead such a process of change. We can only hope that a new Chief Justice will lead the process to repair the broken image that our judiciary has acquired over the last few years.”

    Source: The Independent Ghana

  • Ghana’s starting lineup for Brazil match will be based on performance – Otto Addo

    Black Stars coach, Otto Addo has disclosed that Ghana’s starting team to face Brazil would be based on the performance of players at club level and in training.

    Coach Otto Addo is spoilt for choice as he has 28 out of the 29-man squad he invited for the game.

    Coach Otto Addo has explained that players with good performance in their recent matches would be given the nod to start the match.


    “This is the way we want to have it; we want our players to have success at their clubs, we want them to score but also to defend well, to play well, and have assisted. So, it’s not only about scoring. Surely scoring is the obvious thing for everybody but we are monitory all the players and looking at their performances.

    “This is for us the measurement. Previous games, performance at their clubs, and they are still training. Also, our style of play, our opponent players, and what we need going into the game. The performances at the club are taking a big part in the decision-making.

    “We try to bring everything together and then we take a decision. It is very complex, but in the end, we will decide.”

    The Black Stars will take on the five-time world champions, Brazil on Friday, September 23 in Le Harve.

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • Ban on tricycle: Youth question security measures in Bawku

    Some concerned citizens of the Kusaug Traditional Area in the Upper East Region say the security measures put up by the Regional Security Council as an additional security measure in Bawku is exploitative and not in the interest of the people.

    In a statement signed by secretary to the group, Mr. Mumuni Fuseini Azonko says the ban on the use of “yellow yellow” popularly known as Mahama Canboo would have a daring consequences on the people.

    According to him, the “Mahama canboo tricycle is a source of income to the youth of the area and it is also a means of transportation to many workers and school children in the Municipality”.

    He is therefore calling on REGSEC to rescind their decision. He earlier spoke to our Upper East Regional Correspondent.

    The Upper East Regional Security Council on Tuesday, September 20th, 2022 in a communique placed a temporary ban on the operations of ‘yellow yellow’ as a measure to enforce security in Bawku and its environs.

    The statement further resolved that the Police, the Immigration Service and the Military are allowed to use official motorbikes between 6.00am to 6.00pm. But the concerned youth of the Kusaug Traditional Area disagrees with the directive to allow the security agencies to use motorbikes.

    The youth in the statement however say they are “willing and ready to work with state institutions to bring back peace in the area”.

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • Obetsebi-Lamptey roundabout to Abossey Okai road closed for construction works

    The road from the Obetsebi- Lamptey Roundabout to the Central Mosque at Abossey Okai in the Greater Accra region has been temporarily closed to traffic from Thursday, September 22, to Friday, September 30, 2022.

    According to the acting Director of the Department of Urban Roads (DUR), James Amoo-Gottfried, the closure is to enable the contractor to launch the metallic steel beams of the interchange.

    “Motorists are advised to follow the traffic diversion signs and use alternative routes to their destinations, where practicable,” a public notice signed by the acting Director of the Department of Urban Roads (DUR), J.O. Amoo- Gottfried, said.

    Already, motorists have been restricted to using one lane, particularly along the roundabout to the Kaneshie Market (Mpamprom) section, due to construction works that are causing significant inconvenience to road users.

    This is despite police presence to control traffic flow and ensure order and smooth vehicle movement.

    However, engineers working on the second phase of the Obetsebi Lamptey Interchange say they are on course to meet the March 2023 completion deadline.

    They estimate the current state of the project – which started in February 2021 – to be about 64 percent complete.

    The second phase is a third-tier flyover stretching from the Awudome Cemetery to the Abossey Okai Central Mosque, and underground storm drains around the area.

    About the Obetsebi-Lamptey interchange

    The three-tier interchange is a key intersection in the arterial road network in Accra. It is aimed at helping to reduce congestion experienced by commuters on the stretch.

    The interchange is part of the Ring Road system and is located at the intersection of four major arterials: the Kaneshie Mallam Road (Dr. Kofi Busia Highway), the Ring Road West, the Ring Road West Extension, and the Graphic Road.

    The project commenced in October 2019 with a sod-cutting ceremony for completion in 18 calendar months.

    According to the Ministry of Roads and Highways, the work has been completed 5 months ahead of schedule.

    “Phase one involved the construction of a 550m viaduct and ramps between Graphic Road and Dr. Busia Highway (Kaneshie Mallam Road). Under the project, a 2 No. (5.5 x 2)m box culvert across the Graphic Road and storm drain of similar size was constructed up to the Ring Road West Carriageway.

    Second phase

    The launch of the beams to serve as decks for the road on which the asphaltic concrete will be laid is part of the second phase of the road project.

    Construction work on the second phase of the Obetsebi-Lamptey Interchange project began in February last year.

    The second phase covers the third tier of work from the interchange towards the Abossey Okai road, as well as underground storm drains from the Hyundai stretch of the roundabout to Mpamprom, near the Kaneshie Market.

    This phase of the project involves the construction of a third-tier flyover from the Abossey Okai Central Mosque side of the road towards the ISTC Yard.

    It also involves the widening of the road into a three-lane dual carriageway, with provision for bus rapid transit facilities.

    It will also see the widening of the Awudome Cemetery and the Nii Teiko Din roads into dual carriage lanes, as well as improvement of the Kaneshie Market Terminal.

    The ground level will have a re- modelled roundabout.

    Engineers working on the second phase of the project told the Daily Graphic last month that they were on course to meet the March 2023 completion deadline.

    They estimated the current state of the project to be about 64 per cent complete.

    Rationale

    The construction of the interchange became necessary to eliminate one of the major bottlenecks on the Ring Road in Accra — congestion — and improve traffic flow at the intersection of four major roads — the Graphic Road, the Kaneshie- Mallam Road, Ring Road West towards the Nkrumah Interchange, and Ring Road West Extension towards Abossey Okai.

    On completion, there will be the erection of an appropriate monument in memory of Emmanuel Odarkwei Obetsebi- Lamptey, one of the Big Six of the country’s independence struggle, after whom the interchange is named.

    The Obetsebi-Lamptey Interchange project is being executed by QGMI, with FAS Consult Ltd as a consultant.

    The DUR, an agency under the Ministry of Roads and Highways, is responsible for the project.

    Source: The Independent Ghana

  • Wedding’ photos of Dr UN and Joyce Dzidzor Mensah hit the internet

    Online images appear to show the former AIDS ambassador Joyce Dzidzor Mensah and social media star Dr. UN as newlyweds.

    Photos of her wearing a stunning bridal gown with a veil and crown on her head were originally posted on social media by Dzidzor Mensah.

    Dzidzor posed both front and rear in the first two images, which were taken while she was standing by herself.
    The remaining images showed her in romantic stances with Dr. UN, who was wearing a sharp suit.

    Sharing the photos on Thursday, September 22, 2022, Dzidzor Mensah indicated that the wedding had happened the previous day. She also expressed gratitude to God for giving her a loving husband.

    “All photos from my Wedding yesterday. I thank God for blessing me with a loving husband ❤❤❤❤,” she said.

    It is not known when Dr UN and Dzidzor started dating or where the wedding was held but the photos have garnered loads of reactions online.

    Reads some comments below:

  • Russia-Ukraine war: Ghana will not recognize any forcefully acquired territory – Ayorkor Botchway

    Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, has stated that Ghana will not recognize any annexed territory of a sovereign state.

    Her comment comes on the back of plans by Russia to hold a controversial referendum to annex four Ukrainian regions – Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia.

    Speaking at the United Nations (UN) Security Council meeting held on September 22, the minister reiterated Ghana’s strong position against the invasion of Ukraine.

    She bemoaned the various atrocities which has occasioned the war. Ayorkor Botchwey said for instance that some 14 million people have been displaced from their homes as well as women and children subjected to sexual and gender-based violence.

    She described the effects the war as ‘intolerable’ and called for urgent steps to be taken to halt the war.

    “Some 14 million people, mostly women and children, have been displaced from their homes and face heightened risk of conflict-related sexual and gender-based violence. Human trafficking, filtration processes and forced disappearances, torture and other violations of the right and freedom of the people are widespread,” Ayorkor Botchwey said.

    “The suffering in Ukraine is abhorrent and should not be dismissed as the mere consequence of war. To do so, we will be endorsing the atrocities and sanctioning impunity. In this regard, we underscore the importance of ensuring accountability for all war crimes committed in Ukraine. Accountability is fundamental to preventing impunity,” she further added.

    The Minister urged the Russian Federation to withdraw it troops from Ukraine in mutual respect for the sovereignty and independence of Ukraine, which was once a member of the Soviet Union.

    She stated that Ghana will not recognize territories which are forcefully acquired from countries which are sovereign.

    “We have expressed several times our principled position against the aggression on Ukraine which we consider to be a disregard for rules of international law and the principles of the charter.

    “Ukraine as a sovereign state and a member of this organization has every right, we believe, and indeed a responsibility to defend its territorial integrity and political independence. We recognize the tremendous courage and resilience of the Ukrainian people.

    “Ghana does not and will not recognize any territory that is unilaterally and forcefully acquired as dismembered from a sovereign entity.

    “We reiterate the call on the Russian Federation to immediately and unconditionally cease its operations, withdraw it troops, from the internationally recognized borders of Ukraine and respect it neighbours sovereignty and political independence,” Ayorkor Botchwey remarked.

    Background

    Russia invaded Ukraine in February this year after the latter had shown signs of joining the European security bloc, Nato. The war has been condemned by a majority of world leaders.

    The government of Ghana has also been partly blaming the ongoing war for it economic challenges.

    Speaking on Wednesday, September 21, 2022; at the UN General Assembly Meeting, President Akufo-Addo indicated that the ‘bombs and bullets’ being launched at Ukraine was hitting the pocket of African countries.

    “As we grappled with these economic challenges, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine burst upon us, aggravating an already difficult situation.

    “It is not just the dismay that we feel at seeing such deliberate devastation of cities and towns in Europe in the year 2022, we are feeling this war directly in our lives in Africa.

    “Every bullet, every bomb, every shell that hits a target in Ukraine, hits our pockets and our economies in Africa. The economic turmoil is global with inflation as the number one enemy this year,” he added.

    Source; Ghanaweb

     

     

  • Ghana can’t develop with the current crop of students – Adutwum

    Education Minister Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum has expressed serious concerns about how students are taught and educated in Ghana and across the African continent.

    He came to the conclusion that current educational practices do not promote critical thinking and thoughtful questioning in students.

    He claimed that in a time when people are independently developing innovative ideas and producing amazing things, this condition cannot guarantee the 21st century development that is necessary.

    Dr. Adutwum made these remarks at the “Transforming Education’ Summit at the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday, September 22nd, 2022.

    The Member of Parliament for Bosomtwe further said, “I went to schools upon schools and I spoke with some students. Whenever I finish speaking with them, I ask, do you have a question for me? And to my dismay, no hand goes up. A hand is yet to go up in all my encounters in Ghanaian classrooms.

    “We have tamed the children, we just want them to write down what we tell them. On the day of exam, they should put down what we have told them and say, you are the best student the country has seen.

    “That kind of education system will not transform Ghana. This kind of education system is not going to give us the critical thinking individuals, especially since we are in the 21st Century.”

    He added, “you can’t memorize your way out of poverty, but you can critically think and innovate out of poverty.

    “So Ghana schools, African schools have to begin to take a serious look at what I will call assertive curriculum, a curriculum that empowers the African child to ask questions and challenge the status quo.”

    He continued by saying that “no country can achieve sustained economic growth while ingrained poverty and learning and skill disparities harm human capital.”

    To rewire education for people and the planet, he, therefore, urged everyone to work together across sectors, levels, and stakeholders.

    Additionally, Dr. Adutwum promoted cooperation between all countries, international organizations, and the corporate sector to address the world’s educational concerns jointly.

    Source: The Independent Ghana

  • Scrap WAEC immediately – Council for Private Schools tells gov’t

    The Ghana National Council for Private Schools (GNACOPS) has demanded that the government remove the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) from Ghana’s education system as soon as possible.

    The Council contends that the examination body is no longer relevant and has not made much progress in the nation’s educational system.

    The group also claimed that the WAEC is impractical and ignorant when it comes to fostering students’ development, which will ultimately make it difficult for Ghana to get out of its long-term economic and developmental difficulties.

    The GNACOPS position on WAEC is in response to the exam body’s most recent findings regarding the 2022 West African Senior Schools Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

    WAEC’s report criticized private schools for flouting the exam-related laws and regulations documented by the examination commission.

    The examination body further alleged that over 20 people have been detained at private schools’ examination centres for allegedly impersonating candidates in the ongoing WASSCE.

    However, speaking to the media on Wednesday, September 21, the National Executive Director for GNACOPS, Enoch Kwesi Gyetuah, disputed the claims by WAEC that malpractice was pervasive in private schools.

    “Private school owners and their teachers that are linked to these exam centres are not allowed to be part of the team that will monitor the exams,” he added.

    According to Mr Gyetuah, the assertions by WAEC are devoid of legal findings and evidence hence, the public should pay no heed to WAEC’s accusations against private schools.

    Meanwhile, Executive Director for GNACOPS has encouraged WAEC to deploy scannable machines to exam centres to help address impersonation and other exam malpractices rather than apportioning blame to private schools.

    “WAEC should have been able to adopt technological structures to eradicate most of these rampant issues that they have been complaining about all the time,” Mr. Gyetuah emphasized.

    The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) was founded in 1952 by the governments of Ghana (then Gold Coast).

    WAEC Ghana examinations in the public interest, awards certificates, and ensures that the certificates issued do not represent lower standards of achievement than equivalent certificates issued by examining authorities in the United Kingdom.

    On the other hand, Ghana National council of private schools (GNACOPS), is an advocacy and results orientation organization that is bent on promoting educational pluralism to the needy communities in Ghana.

    Source: The Independnet Ghana