TIG Post

Author: Chris Kodo

  • I absented myself from Parliament due to ill-health Kennedy Agyapong

    The Member of Parliament for Assin Central, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong has justified reasons behind his absenteeism in Parliament.

    According to him, his absence from parliament was inadvertent, due to ill health.

    No photo description available.

    He made this revelation when he appeared before the Privileges Committee of Parliament on Wednesday, June 15.

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    Mr Kennedy Agyapong is said to have absented himself for more than the stipulated fifteen sitting days during the First Meeting of the Second Session of the Eighth Parliament.

    Per Article 97(1)(c) of the 1992 Constitution, a Member of Parliament shall vacate his seat “if he is absent, without the permission in writing of the Speaker, and he is unable to offer a reasonable explanation to the Parliamentary Committee on Privileges from fifteen sittings of a meeting of Parliament during any period that Parliament has been summoned to meet and continues to meet.”

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    Referral to Privileges Committee

    Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, referred three members of the House to the Privileges Committee for their continuous absence in Parliament.

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    The three are; the Dome-Kwabenya MP, Sarah Adwoa Safo, Ayawaso Central MP, Henry Quartey and Assin Central MP, Kennedy Agyapong.

    Delivering his ruling on the floor of Parliament on Tuesday, April 5, Mr Bagbin explained that based on the relevant provisions of the 1992 Constitution and the Standing Orders of Parliament, the named NPP lawmakers are guilty of the absenteeism threshold for Members of Parliament.

    “I have accordingly come to the irresistible conclusion that a Member who absents himself or herself from 16 sitting days of Parliament in a particular meeting, without the permission in writing of the Speaker, falls squarely within the ambit of Article 97, clause 1(c) of the 1992 Constitution and Order 16(1) of the Standing Orders of Parliament,” he stated.

    The two other MPs are yet to appear before the committee.

  • U.S. Supreme Court Spurns Republican Bid to Defend Trump Immigration Rule

    The U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday dismissed a bid by Republican state officials to take over the legal defense of a hardline immigration rule imposed under former President Donald Trump barring permanent residency for immigrants deemed likely to need government benefits.

    The unsigned one-sentence ruling “dismissed as improvidently granted” an appeal by 13 Republican state attorneys general led by Arizona’s Mark Brnovich seeking to defend the rule in court after Democratic President Joe Biden’s administration refused to do so and rescinded it.

    The rule widened the scope of immigrants deemed likely to become a “public charge” mainly dependent on the government for subsistence.

    The state attorneys general had hoped to ask lower courts to throw out decisions that sided with various challengers to the rule, including a number of Democratic-led states.

    Biden’s administration in February proposed a new public charge rule that it called more “fair and humane.” It would avoid penalizing people for seeking medical attention and other services.

    Trump’s rule was in effect from February 2020 until Biden’s administration rescinded it in March 2021, acting on a decision in a separate legal case in Illinois that vacated the rule nationwide.

    Republican state officials also sought to intervene in that case in their uphill battle to revive Trump’s rule.

    U.S. guidelines in place for the past two decades had said immigrants likely to become primarily dependent on direct cash assistance or long-term institutionalization, in a nursing home for example, at public expense would be barred from legal permanent residency, known as a “green card.”

    Trump’s policy expanded this to anyone deemed likely to receive a wider range of even non-cash federal benefits such as the Medicaid healthcare program, housing and food assistance for more than an aggregate of 12 months over any 36-month period.

    The San Francisco-based 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeal decided in 2020 that Trump’s policy impermissibly expanded the definition of who counts as a “public charge” in violation of a federal law called the Administrative Procedure Act. Other courts made similar rulings.

    Brnovich sought to intervene in a challenge to Trump’s immigration rule involving three lawsuits, including two filed in California and Washington state by 18 mostly Democratic-led states and the District of Columbia.

    Brnovich was joined by officials from Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas and West Virginia.

    The Republican officials said the public charge rule would save states more than $1 billion annually by limiting the immigration of individuals who are not self-sufficient.

    During the time the policy was enforced, the government issued only five adverse decisions under it, according to court filings, all of which have since been reversed.

    The U.S. Supreme Court on March 3 ruled that Kentucky’s Republican attorney general could seek to restore a restrictive abortion law after the state’s Democratic governor dropped defense of the statute when lower courts struck it down.

    Source: https://www.usnews.com

  • WHO Looks Into Reports of Monkeypox Virus in Semen

    The World Health Organisation is looking into reports that the monkeypox virus is present in the semen of patients, exploring the possibility that the disease could be sexually transmitted, a WHO official said on Wednesday.

    Many cases in the current monkeypox outbreak, largely centred on Europe, are among sexual partners who have had close contact, and the agency reiterated that virus is mainly transmitted via close interpersonal contact.

    In recent days, scientists say they have detected viral DNA in the semen of a handful of monkeypox patients in Italy and Germany, including a lab-tested sample that suggested the virus found in the semen of a single patient was capable of infecting another person and replicating.

    Catherine Smallwood, monkeypox incident manager at WHO/Europe, said it was not known whether recent reports meant the monkeypox virus could be sexually transmitted.

    “This may have been something that we were unaware of in this disease before,” she told a press briefing.

    “We really need to focus on the most frequent mode of transmission and we clearly see that to be associated with skin to skin contact.”

    More than 1,300 cases of the viral disease have been reported by about 30 countries since early May. Most cases have been reported in men who have sex with men.

    The outbreak has triggered concern since the virus is rarely seen outside of Africa, where it is endemic, and the majority of the European cases are not related to travel to the continent.

    As the outbreak spreads, the WHO has recommended targeted vaccination of close contacts, including healthcare workers, but has warned it is already seeing a rush to stockpile vaccines.

    “Once again, a ‘me first’ approach could lead to damaging consequences down the road,” said Hans Kluge, WHO’s regional director for Europe.

    “I beseech governments to tackle monkeypox without repeating the mistakes of the pandemic and keeping equity at the heart of all we do.”

    Source: https:?//www.usnews.com

  • Vivian Jill details how the death of her baby daddy affected her

    Actress Vivian Jill Lawrence has disclosed that the demise of her first lover, Harry Prempeh, who fathered her first child, Clinton Prempeh, greatly affected the family.

    Although she sacrificed her youthful days to care for her bedridden lover, she couldn’t make up for his absence after his death.

    According to her, Clinton who is now a musician (Libuski) wished his father was still alive continues to pay tribute to him on Father’s Day.

    Years have gone by but Vivian continues to cherish the memory of her first love, Harry. Her son is the photocopy of his father who couldn’t live long enough to see him grow.

    “Harry’s death has affected us, especially his son. He is mostly hit on Father’s Day, he doesn’t take it easy up to date. In fact, my son took after his father.

    He looks just like him right from how he walks to his legs. When I fight with him, I always tease him about having his father’s ugly legs,” said the actress on Aggressive Show with Kwaku Manu.

    Harry met and fell in love with Jill and had a son with her during her teenage. Unfortunately, their love story was affected after Harry was involved in a car accident that left him bedridden until he passed on.

    “I remember when I went to South Africa with the help of my brother. I wanted to return to Ghana but Harry encouraged me to stay and work. He requested that I buy him a huge gold chain.

    I worked hard and was able to achieve the gold chain. He always wore it with pride and all of his made fun of him. I spent almost 4 years in South Africa before coming to Ghana,” she disclosed.

    Watch the interview below:

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Meet the top 10 most capped Black Stars players of all time

    Hundreds of players have worn the Ghana national team jersey since the team played their first official game against the Super Eagles of Nigeria on May 28, 1950.

    Having produced some of the finest footballers in Africa and the World has ever, Ghana has always been a beacon of African football and has many trophies in football.

    Osei Kofi Ibrahim Sunday, Abdul Razak, Abedi Pele, Anthony Yeboah, Samuel Osei Kuffour, Michael Essien, Stephen Appiah, Asamoah Gyan, and a host of other top players have all worn the Black Stars jersey in the past seven decades.

    Today we look at the top ten most capped Black Stars players as captain Andre Dede Ayew inches closer to making history

    Asamoah Gyan

    The former Black Stars captain and Africa’s top scorer at the FIFA World Cup is the most capped player with 109 appearances since making his debut for the Ghana national team in 2003.

    Asamoah Gyan spent close to two decades in the Black Stars, played in three FIFA World Cups, and featured eight times in the Africa Cup of Nations.

    Andre Dede Ayew

    Ayew made his debut in 2007 and featured in the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations which was hosted in Ghana and is the longest-serving member of the current Black Stars team.

    Captain Andre Dede Ayew is the second on our list with 107 appearances and is three games away from overtaking Asamoah Gyan as the all-time most capped Black Stars player.

    Richard Kingston

    The legendary goalkeeper who kept the post for the Black Stars in Ghana’s maiden appearance at the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany is the next with 90 appearances.

    Richard Kingston was also instrumental in the Black Stars team who made history at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa by becoming the third team from the continent to reach the quarter-final stage in the Mundial.

    John Paintsil

     

    Made his Black Stars debut in 2001 at the age of 20 and established himself as one of the greatest right-backs Ghana has ever seen.

    John Paintsil made 89 appearances for the Black Stars, played in five Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, and appeared twice in the FIFA World Cup (2006 and 2010) before hanging his boots in 2013.

    John Mensah

    ‘In John Mensah, we trust’ was the popular mantra during his playing days as the former Ashantigold player carved a niche as being an unbreakable war in the Ghanaian defence.

    The former Black Stars captain made his debut in 2001 and scored three goals in 86 appearances. The former Sunderland defender retired from the team after the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations hosted by Gabon and Equatorial Guinea.

    Harrison Afful

    The former Asante Kotoko defender is the 6th most capped player for the Black Stars.

    However, he shares the position with Sulley Muntari but has a chance to feature more for the Black Stars as he is yet to retire from the team.

    Sulley Muntari

    Currently playing in the Ghana Premier League for giants Accra Hearts of Oak, Sulley Muntari is the joint 6th most capped Black Stars player with 84 appearances.

    Sulley Muntari hasn’t been part of the Black Stars squad after being sacked from the team’s camp during the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

    The long ranger has scored 20 goals for Ghana in a career that spanned close to two decades. He made his Black Stars debut in 2002 and played in three FIFA World Cup tournaments (2006, 2010, and 2014).

    Jordan Ayew

    The son of the legendary Abedi Ayew Pele is the second active player in this list after his brother Andre Dede Ayew.

    The 30-year-old Crystal Palace striker has made 81 appearances and per all indications, he might end his national team career as the most capped Black Stars player.

    Jordan Ayew has scored 19 goals for the Black Stars since making his debut in 2010.

    Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu

    Retired from the Black Stars officially in 2021 after a period of inactivity, Badu is fondly remembered for his long strikes.

    Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu made his debut for the Black Stars in 2008 but became a regular team player after his stellar performance in the 2009 U-20 FIFA World Cup in Egypt. He made 78 appearances and scored 11 goals for Ghana after spending a decade in the team.

    Abedi Pele

    Considered one of the greatest players Africa has ever produced, the 1982 Africa Cup of Nations winner completes the list with 73 appearances for the Black Stars.

    Abedi Pele made 73 appearances in the Black Stars jersey and scored 19 goals from 1982 before hanging his boots after the 1998 Africa Cup of Nations in Burkina Faso.

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • Black Stars earn $700,000 for participating in Kirin Cup

    The Black Stars have earned $700,000 for featuring in the four-nation tournament dubbed Kirin Cup in Kobe, Japan.

    Ghana, Tunisia, Chile and host nation Japan were the four countries that took part in the 2022 edition of the Kirin Cup.

    Ghana received an amount of $650,000 in appearance fee before receiving an additional $50,000 for finishing third in the tournament.

    The Black Stars beat Chile 3-1 on penalties to claim the third position on Tuesday, June 14, 2022.

    The Black Stars’ missed out on $250,000 as prize money for the winner after losing 4-1 to Japan in their first game.

    Tunisia who emerged as the winners walked away with the trophy as well as the big cheque after beating host nation Japan in the final on Tuesday.

    The North Africans began the competition with a 2-0 win over Chile before getting the job done against the Blue Samarai.

    On behalf of the Black Stars, Kudus Mohammed and Fatawu Issahaku received the third-place prize, a $50,000 cheque during the presentation at the Suita City Stadium.

    The Black Stars have now drawn the curtains on the first part of their preparations for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

    They are expected to be back in action in September when they will face Angola in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations before the World Cup kick start in November.

    Ghana are in Group H of the World Cup alongside Portugal, Uruguay, and South Korea.

     

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • Harry Kane reveals discussions on taking collective stand on human rights in Qatar

    England captain Harry Kane has said he has discussed taking a unified stance on the human rights issues surrounding this year’s men’s World Cup in Qatar with Denmark’s Christian Eriksen and France captain Hugo Lloris.

    “Christian Eriksen got in touch with me a couple of weeks ago now,” the 28-year-old told reporters during a press conference on Monday, Reuters reported.
    Kane, who is teammates with Lloris at Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur, said: “Obviously, there is Hugo Lloris, who I am in touch with a lot anyway. So the discussion was there to maybe do something as a collective.
    “When we come to a decision of something we want to do, for sure, we will share it,” he added, speaking ahead of his side’s UEFA Nations League match against Hungary on Tuesday. “I think it will be important to do it collectively. I feel like it will be a bit more of a stance, a bit more power.”
    CNN has contacted Qatar’s Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (SC), which is in charge of coordinating the tournament, for a response.
    Hugo Lloris (far left), Harry Kane (center left) and Christian Eriksen (far right) during a training session when they were Tottenham teammates.
    Hugo Lloris (far left), Harry Kane (center left) and Christian Eriksen (far right) during a training session when they were Tottenham teammates.

    Human rights issues

    Much of the buildup to this year’s tournament has focused on Qatar’s treatment of migrant workers and the country’s anti-homosexuality laws.
    In May, Norway’s FA President Lise Klaveness gave a stinging speech where she said the decision to give World Cup hosting rights to Qatar was “unacceptable,” insisting that FIFA should do more to uphold its principles of human rights.
    A month later, Amnesty International sent an open letter co-signed by other human rights organizations to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, asking football’s international governing body to designate at least $440 million to reimburse migrant workers.
    The letter followed a report published by Amnesty in April that said security guards who are migrant workers in Qatar — including some with jobs on projects linked to the World Cup — are being put through working conditions “which amount to forced labor.”
    In a statement, Qatar’s Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy said it has been “committed to protecting the health, safety and security of any worker engaged on official FIFA World Cup projects.”
    However, the Amnesty report claimed the SC and FIFA fell short of conducting “adequate due diligence” before contracting private companies for the World Cup.
    Australian footballer Josh Cavallo has also spoken out ahead of this year’s World Cup.
    Until Blackpool FC’s Jake Daniels came out as gay in May, Cavallo was the only current, openly gay player in men’s top flight football. He told English newspaper the Guardian last year that he would be “scared” to play at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where homosexuality is illegal and punishable by up to three years in prison.
    Responding to Cavallo’s fears, Nasser Al Khater, the chief executive of the tournament’s organizing committee, told CNN Sport’s Amanda Davies: “On the contrary, we welcome him here in the state of Qatar, we welcome him to come and see even prior to the World Cup … Nobody feels threatened here, nobody feels unsafe.”

    ‘They’re making a stand’

    Declan Rice (far left) and John Stones (center right) take the knee prior to England's Euro 2020 quarterfinal against Ukraine.
    Declan Rice (far left) and John Stones (center right) take the knee prior to England’s Euro 2020 quarterfinal against Ukraine.
    The current roster of footballers in England’s men’s national team have historically taken a stance on social issues.
    Before and during the Euro 2020 tournament last summer, England’s players took the knee ahead of each game — an act manager Gareth Southgate said showed their support of anti-racism — even though the gesture continued to divide fans.
    In 2020, England forward Marcus Rashford steered a campaign to end child food poverty and successfully persuaded the UK government to reverse its decision to not extend free school meal vouchers for disadvantaged children during the summer holidays.
    “They’re making a stand every time they speak,” Southgate said during the press conference on Monday.
    Southgate said he had met with some of the workers in Qatar and “had a long discussion” with them, adding, “I’m back out there in a few weeks.”
    “The FA are doing things. I know Harry has had conversations with some of the other captains as well, because we think some collective standpoints would be important,” Southgate added.
    “I think to have that consistency, I don’t think countries are wanting to outdo each other or pick each other off. I think they’re trying to do something that would try to make a difference if possible. So, you know, there’s a lot going on behind the scenes.”
    The World Cup is set to take place from November 21 to December 18 later this year.
    Source: CNN

  • Brittney Griner’s detention in Russia extended through at least July 2, Russian state news reports

    US basketball star Brittney Griner — who has been held in Russia since February on accusations of drug smuggling – will remain in Russian custody through at least July 2, after a Russian court extended her detention, Russian state news agency TASS reported Tuesday.

    Griner, 31, has been officially classified as “wrongfully detained,” a US State Department official told CNN in May.
    Supporters, including Griner’s family and the WNBA, have vigorously advocated for her release, with some expressing concerns Russia would use Griner as a political pawn amid tensions over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
    Griner was arrested at a Moscow airport in February, when Russian authorities claimed she had cannabis oil in her luggage and accused her of smuggling significant amounts of a narcotic substance, an offense punishable by up to 10 years in prison. The two-time Olympic gold medalist and star of the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury plays in Russia during that league’s offseason.
    Griner’s detention has been extended repeatedly. A Russian court announced in March it had extended her pretrial detention until mid-May. Last month, Griner’s detention was extended once again until June 18, TASS reported at the time.
    “Our position for some time on this has been very clear: Brittney Griner should not be detained. She should not be detained for a single day longer,” State Department spokesperson Ned Price said Tuesday.
    The State Department learned of the news through Russian state media reports, Price said. The US last had consular access to Griner last month, he told reporters.
    Griner’s case is being handled by the office of the US Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs, a State Department official confirmed to CNN last month. The office leads the government’s diplomatic efforts to secure the release of Americans wrongfully detained abroad and played a major role in securing the release of US citizen Trevor Reed in a late April prisoner swap with Russia.
    In a statement late Tuesday, Griner’s agent said it was clear the player was being used as a “political pawn.”
    “Her detention is inhumane and unacceptable. She has not had a single phone call in her 117 days of wrongful detention,” said Lindsay Kagawa Colas, who called on President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris to “act with urgency and do whatever it takes to bring Brittney home immediately.”

    Teammates ‘want her back home’

    News of Griner’s detention being extended comes a day after State Department officials — including those from the hostage affairs office – briefed her teammates on Griner’s situation and efforts to bring her home.
    “We are on Day 116 since BG has been wrongfully detained,” Mercury head coach Vanessa Nygaard said, adding, “She’s our teammate, she’s an American and we want her back home.”
    For star guard Diana Taurasi, the State Department’s announcement that Griner’s detention was wrongful signaled to the team that officials are taking the situation seriously, she said Monday.
    “It’s something that we’ve all talked about intimately as a group, and now knowing the State Department at the highest level — from US President Joe Biden to the team that is working on bringing back all Americans who are wrongfully detained — gives us a lot of confidence that they’re working on it,” Taurasi said.
    “Anything that we can do on our side to amplify and to put BG first will be our No. 1 priority,” she said.
    Separately, Reed — an American veteran who spent nearly three years in a Russian prison – has filed a petition with the United Nations declaring Russia violated international law with his detention and poor treatment, he told CNN Tuesday.
    Holding Russia accountable will “force Russia to end this practice for all Americans that they’re holding there,” including Griner and Paul Whelan, Reed told CNN.
    Whelan, a US citizen and former Marine, was detained at a Moscow hotel in 2018 and arrested on espionage charges, which he has denied.
    CNN has reached out to the UN and Russia’s Permanent Mission to the UN for comment on Reed’s petition.
    Source: CNN

  • Costa Rica became the last team to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar with victory over New Zealand.

    Costa Rica became the last team to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar with victory over New Zealand.

    In the intercontinental play-off, Costa Rica took a third-minute lead when ex-Arsenal player Joel Campbell shot low into the bottom corner.

    The World Cup begins on 21 November with Costa Rica playing 2010 champions Spain in their opener on 23 November.

    Ranked 31st in the world, Luis Fernando Suarez’s side go into Group E, which also contains four-time winners Germany and a Japan side who have advanced beyond the group phase in three of the past five tournaments.

    Costa Rica have now qualified for the World Cup six times and this will be their third successive appearance.

    Their best performance came in 2014 when they reached the quarter-finals, finishing top of a group that included Uruguay, Italy and England, before beating Greece on penalties in the last 16 and losing in a shootout to the Netherlands.

    Joel Campbell
    Costa Rica’s Joel Campbell scored three times in the Premier League for Arsenal between 2014 and 2016

    After finishing fourth in Concacaf qualifying, Costa Rica faced Oceania winners New Zealand with their tie taking place at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar.

    New Zealand, ranked 101st in the world, had a good spell just after conceding the goal, but Alex Greive, Matthew Garbett and Newcastle striker Chris Wood all failed to convert chances from inside the penalty area.

    Wood thought he had scored late in the first half when he shot past Paris St-Germain goalkeeper Keylor Navas.

    However, the referee ruled out the goal after checking the incident on a pitchside monitor following a video assistant referee check – and judged Garbett had fouled Oscar Duarte before crossing for Wood to finish.

    A VAR check also led to Barbarouses’ dismissal as the referee changed his original decision from a yellow card to red after seeing the challenge had caught Calvo on the ankle. The 10 men of New Zealand fought until the end, but could not find an equaliser.

    Fifa World Cup Qatar 2022 – final groups
    A – Qatar Ecuador Senegal Netherlands
    B – England Iran USA Wales
    C – Argentina Saudi Arabia Mexico Poland
    D – France Australia Denmark Tunisia
    E – Spain Costa Rica Germany Japan
    F – Belgium Canada Morocco Croatia
    G – Brazil Serbia Switzerland Cameroon
    H – Portugal Ghana Uruguay South Korea

    Source: BBC

  • Darwin Nunez: Liverpool complete signing of Uruguay striker from Benfica for initial £64m

    Liverpool have completed the signing of Uruguay striker Darwin Nunez from Portuguese side Benfica on a six-year-deal for an initial £64m.

    The 22-year-old could become the club’s record signing, with the fee rising to a potential £85m with add-ons.

    “I’m really happy and delighted to be here at Liverpool. It’s a massive club,” he said. “I want to win a lot of trophies at Liverpool.”

    Nunez added: “I’ve played against Liverpool and I’ve seen them in lots of games in the Champions League – and it’s my style of play. There are some great players here and I think it’s going to suit my style of play here.”

    Liverpool’s current record transfer is the £75m paid to sign centre-back Virgil van Dijk from Southampton in 2018.

    Nunez’s fee should reach at least £75m if he plays regularly. The add-ons in the deal, which could amount to £21m in total if they are all met, range from how many goals he scores to whether the Reds win the Champions League.

    The signing is subject to international clearance and work permit approval.

    The frontman, who has 11 caps for Uruguay, scored 26 goals in 28 league games in 2021-22 – with 25 of those goals coming in the 24 league matches in which he started.

    As well as being the Primeira Liga’s top scorer for 2021-22, Nunez also scored six times in 10 Champions League games last season, including against Liverpool in both legs of their quarter-final in April.

    “When I arrived at the training ground, I was really surprised to see the set-up and the structure and all the trophies here,” said Nunez.

    “You can then imagine yourself winning more trophies and then later on when you come here again and see the trophies on display, you can say, ‘Look, I was a part of that, I was there at that time, winning trophies.

    “That’s one of the reasons why I came here to Liverpool – to win trophies and titles.”

    Liverpool won the Carabao Cup and FA Cup last season, but were runners-up in the Premier League and lost the Champions League final to Real Madrid.

    ‘He is the right fit for us’

    Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said Nunez is a “wonderful” footballer with “so much potential to get even better”.

    “That’s why it’s so exciting. His age, his desire, his hunger to be even better than he currently is and his belief in our project and what we are looking to do as a club,” added the German.

    “He thinks we suit him and we believe he is the right fit for us – so let’s do it.”

    Klopp, who signed a contract extension with the club earlier this year, believes Nunez has all the attributes Liverpool needed.

    “He can set a tempo, he brings energy, he can threaten space from central and wide areas. He is aggressive and dynamic with his movement,” said the Reds boss.

    “He plays without fear, he’s powerful, I know he will excite our supporters.”

    But Klopp also warned: “It’s important we all recognise we are getting a ‘work in progress’ with Darwin – he recognises that himself. I love how much focus and humility he has.

    “We have wonderful attacking options already and he becomes part of that now. So there is no pressure on him at all. He signs for a very long time and we intend to nurture his talent and see it grow.”

    Premier League rivals Manchester United were also reportedly interested in signing Nunez, who cost Benfica 24m euros (£20.5m) when he signed from Spanish side Almeria in 2020.

    Nunez will wear the number 27 shirt as he becomes the third Uruguayan to sign for the Anfield outfit, after Luis Suarez and Sebastian Coates.

    Portuguese 19-year-old Fabio Carvalho became Liverpool’s first signing of the summer transfer window in May, with the forward set to officially join from Fulham on 1 July.

    The Reds have rejected a deal worth £30m from Bayern Munich for Senegal forward Sadio Mane who, like the club’s Egyptian star Mohamed Salah, is set to become a free agent next summer if an agreement over a new contract cannot be reached.

    Brazil forward Roberto Firmino, another key member of Liverpool’s attack during Klopp’s tenure, has also entered the final 12 months of his current deal, while Japan international Takumi Minamino is attracting interest from a number of clubs.

    Source: BBC

  • I hope Will Smith and Chris Rock will talk things out – Jada Pinkett

    Jada Pinkett Smith briefly addressed the Oscars slap incident on Wednesday’s episode of “Red Table Talk.”

    Pinkett Smith’s husband, Will Smith, took to the stage at the Academy Awards in March and slapped presenter Chris Rock after he made a joke about Pinkett Smith’s close-cropped haircut.

    The actress suffers from alopecia, which causes hair loss.

    On Her Facebook Watch show, Pinkett Smith had as a guest the mother of 12-year-old Rio Allred, who died by suicide after being bullied for having alopecia.

    “This is a really important ‘Red Table Talk’ on alopecia. Considering what I’ve been through and what happened at the Oscars, thousands have reached out to me with their stories,” Pinkett Smith said during the show.

    “I’m using this moment to give our alopecia family an opportunity to talk about what it’s like to have this condition and to inform people about what alopecia actually is.”

    She then addressed the incident between her husband and Rock.

    “Now, about Oscar night, my deepest hope is that these two intelligent, capable men have an opportunity to heal, talk this out, and reconcile. The state of the world today, we need ’em both, and we all actually need one another more than ever,” she said.

    “Until then, Will and I are continuing to do what we have done for the last 28 years, and that keeps figuring out this thing called life together. Thank you for listening.”

    It was Pinkett Smith’s first public remark about what happened at the Oscars. In April, a title card at the beginning of her show read, “Considering all that has happened in the last few weeks, the Smith family has been focused on deep healing. Some of the discoveries around our healing will be shared at the table when the time calls.

    Until then the table will continue offering itself to powerful, inspiring, and healing testimonies like that of our incredibly impressive first guest.”

    Her husband publicly apologized to Rock and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences in a statement after the incident.

    The Academy banned Smith from attending the Oscars for a decade as punishment.

    Source:  Ghanaweb via edition.cnn.com

  • Groom angrily beats wife during wedding after she won a game

    A video of the horrifying moment a groom beat his new wife at their wedding has been shared online.

    The wedding happened in Uzbekistan, and during the event, the new couple were on stage at their wedding reception when the toastmaster made them take part in a competition.

    The bride won the game, and when the groom realized he had lost, he angrily struck her hard on the back of the head with his fist.

    The shocked bride put her hand to her head before she lifted her white wedding dress from the floor and was led off the stage by two other women. The groom remained on the stage as if nothing had happened, staring out across the silenced crowd who, moments before, were cheering the couple on.

    Meanwhile, the best man standing alongside the groom also appeared to be smiling before fidgeting nervously with his phone.

    Source: Ghanaweb via Peacefmonline.com

  • Krobo: 50 soldiers deployed as ECG begins Prepaid meters installation

    50 military personnel have been deployed to beef up security at Krobo as staff of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) replace all postpaid meters with prepaid meters.

    The installation of prepaid meters comes after years of an impasse between Krobo residents and ECG which escalated into devastating attacks.

    The said violent clash ensued when residents allegedly blocked the town road to prevent ECG officers from switching off the main transformer that supplied power to the town.

    The disconnection exercise had been occasioned by unpaid electricity bills that had accrued from 2014.

    The incident claimed the life of one of the protesters, while several others sustained various degrees of injuries.
    Five police officers also sustained injuries.

    After the clash, the ECG office has since been shut down.

    But to reduce commercial losses through power theft in the area, ECG has sought the assistance of the security service in its exercise.

    Director of Customer Service, Anokye Abebreseh is optimistic that the installation of prepaid meters will ensure the effective collection of revenue.

    He therefore urged all residents to cooperate with the ECG staff.

    “Just last week we met, a tripartite kind of a committee comprising of Electricity company, National Security and United Krobo Foundation. We met and the agreement is that ECG going to install prepaid meters starting from tomorrow for which all of us have agreed. So, come tomorrow (Tuesday) we are going to deploy our men to the field to start the installation of prepayment meters. We have done a lot of stakeholder engagements so at least for now calm is prevailing so come tomorrow 14th of June we are going to start deployment of prepayment meters,” he saud.

    Mr Anokye Abebreseh also mentioned that debts owed by customers in Krobo land from 2018 to 2021 will not be put on the prepaid but a suitable approach will be used to determine how payment will be done.

    “Normally the practice is that when you put prepayment meter there you put the debt on the post-paid meter on the prepaid meter so that we will recover whatever debt but in this case we said from 2018 to date we are not going to put it there, and that we will meet customers individually and determine how they should pay the debt.”

    Source: The Independent Ghana

  • I did not recieve 50 Ghana Immigration slots – John Kumah

    A Deputy Finance Minister, John Kumah, has denied receiving 50 Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) slots for his constituents in Ejisu of the Ashanti Region.

    “I wish to categorically say that the information widely being circulated that I have received 50 immigration slots and given that to my constituents is false.

    “A lot of negative spin and propaganda has been placed on a group of newly recruited immigration officers who visited the Ejisu solution centre to show their appreciation to the centre for the support they received ahead of their recruitment,” he disclosed in a statement.

    The Member of Parliament for Ejisu noted that the assertion of having received 50 slots is false, adding that the Ejisu constituency has a way of tackling unemployment.

    “In Ejisu, we have set up a 24/7 solution centre designed to prepare and support job applicants who need assistance to prepare for any job opening of their choice. The centre trains job applicants on the best practices they must follow when applying for a job, how to prepare for an interview and CV writing, among several others.

    “The centre does not only serve the people of Ejisu but youth in the Ashanti Region and its surrounding environments. Over the years, the centre has assisted young people in securing jobs in both private and public institutions through proper career guidance and training. We receive job requests from youth across the country, and we try our best to prepare and assist them in applying for jobs,” he added.

    The deputy finance minister further disclosed that the trending image of immigration officers is not up to 50, and some of them are from Assin Fosu, Berekum, Kwame Danso and other places.

    “Ahead of their recruitment, we held various capacity-building sessions for them and assisted them in preparing their documentation. Out of the lot that expressed interest, only a few made it through the process, and it is these few that visited the solution centre to thank the administrators for their support.

    “The Ejisu Solution Centre will continue to assist young persons who need support in finding job placement in Ghana; the Ejisu Club 100 has been of immense support to young entrepreneurs as well. Together we can create wealth and build a prosperous Ghana.”

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • Todays Weather Forecast June 14, 2022

    Thunderstorms or rains are expected over the Northern and the few portions of the transition and middle belt during the early hours of the morning.

    Sunny conditions will be experienced over most parts of the country in the afternoon.

    However, there are chances of slight to moderate rains over a few places in the northern and southern sectors from late evening into midnight.

    The maximum expected temperature in Accra is tropical 32°C while the minimum temperature will be 23°C.

    Below is the full weather forecast for the day

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • Ukraine needs strong signal from EU, Macron says ahead of possible visit

    President Emmanuel Macron voiced a tougher line on Russia on Wednesday and said Europe needed to send a strong signal to Ukraine as he sought to assuage concerns in Kyiv and among some European allies over his previous stance towards Moscow.

    Macron arrived in Romania on Tuesday for a three-day trip to Ukraine’s eastern neighbors including Moldova, before possibly heading to Kyiv on Thursday on a visit with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi and Romanian President Klaus Iohannis, two diplomatic sources said.

    The symbolic visit would come a day before the European Commission makes a recommendation on Ukraine’s status as an EU candidate, something the biggest European nations have been lukewarm about and are set to discuss at a leaders’ summit on June 23-24.

    “We are at a point when we (Europeans) need to send clear political signals, us Europeans, towards Ukraine and its people when it is resisting heroically,” Macron said, without giving details.

    The French leader has been criticized by Ukraine and eastern European allies for what they perceive as his ambiguous backing for Ukraine in the war against Russia.

    French officials have in recent days sought to strengthen the public messaging, while Macron appeared to take a tougher line on Tuesday evening when he was with his troops. read more

    “We will do everything to stop Russia’s war forces, to help the Ukrainians and their army and continue to negotiate,” he told French and NATO troops at a military base in Romania.

    Speaking alongside Iohannis, Macron downplayed those comments, but insisted that Ukraine, which he hoped would win the war, would eventually have to negotiate with Russia.

    CONSTANTA, Romania, June 15 (Reuters) – President Emmanuel Macron voiced a tougher line on Russia on Wednesday and said Europe needed to send a strong signal to Ukraine as he sought to assuage concerns in Kyiv and among some European allies over his previous stance towards Moscow.

    Macron arrived in Romania on Tuesday for a three-day trip to Ukraine’s eastern neighbors including Moldova, before possibly heading to Kyiv on Thursday on a visit with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi and Romanian President Klaus Iohannis, two diplomatic sources said.

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    The symbolic visit would come a day before the European Commission makes a recommendation on Ukraine’s status as an EU candidate, something the biggest European nations have been lukewarm about and are set to discuss at a leaders’ summit on June 23-24.

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    “We are at a point when we (Europeans) need to send clear political signals, us Europeans, towards Ukraine and its people when it is resisting heroically,” Macron said, without giving details.

    Advertisement · Scroll to continue

    The French leader has been criticised by Ukraine and eastern European allies for what they perceive as his ambiguous backing for Ukraine in the war against Russia.

    French officials have in recent days sought to strengthen the public messaging, while Macron appeared to take a tougher line on Tuesday evening when he was with his troops. read more

    “We will do everything to stop Russia’s war forces, to help the Ukrainians and their army and continue to negotiate,” he told French and NATO troops at a military base in Romania.

    Macron has in recent weeks repeatedly said it was vital not to “humiliate” Russia so a diplomatic solution could be found when fighting ended and he has continued to keep communication channels open with the Kremlin open, riling more hawkish allies. read more

    French President Emmanuel Macron delivers a statement as he visits NATO forces at the Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base, near the city of Constanta, Romania, June 15, 2022. Yoan Valat/Pool via REUTERS

    Speaking alongside Iohannis, Macron downplayed those comments, but insisted that Ukraine, which he hoped would win the war, would eventually have to negotiate with Russia.

    “We share a continent. Geography is stubborn and at the end of it, Russia is there. It was there yesterday, it’s there today and will be there tomorrow,” he told reporters.

    France leads a NATO battle group in Romania of about 800 troops, including 500 French troops alongside others from the Netherlands and Belgium. Paris has also deployed a surface-to air missile system.

    Macron heads to Moldova later on Wednesday to support a country many fear could be drawn into the conflict in neighboring Ukraine.

    Source: www.reuters.com

  • Suspect in the murder of CCTU student remanded again, to reappear in Court on June 21

    The Cape Coast District Court 2 presided over by Her Worship Bernice Mensimah Ackon has upheld her order to remand the boyfriend of the murdered CCTU student in police custody to assist with investigations.

    In the most recent update of evidence presented to the court, the Prosecutor, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Daniel Mensah Gadzo, beseeched the court to enable his outfit to conduct additional investigations into the matter.

    To that end, he revealed that his outfit was still waiting for forensic reports to ascertain the cause of the murder.

    DSP Gadzo disclosed that the suspect, Nicholas Ato Bronk Taylor, had rented a room in a hostel for the deceased and was living with her and on May12, he picked the deceased with his official pickup with registration number GE 7147-22 at around 11:29 p.m.

    Also, the suspect failed to report the disappearance of the deceased from the hostel even after he heard about her death.

    Police investigations also reveal that, the deceased, Nana Ama Clark did return after the pickup that night, following which her body was discovered on May 13 with her private part carved out.

    Meanwhile, the next hearing for the case is set to June 21, 2022.

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • 2022 Green Ghana: We exceeded 20 million target – Government

    The Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Benito Owusu-Bio, who doubles as the National Chairman of the 2022 Green Ghana Planning Committee has disclosed that a total of 22,671,696 million seedlings have so far been distributed for the 2022 edition of the Green Ghana agenda, which well exceeds that initial 20 million seedling targeted.

    Addressing the media on behalf of the Sector Minister, Samuel, A. Jinapor during a press conference in the aftermath of the Green Ghana Day, on Monday, 13th June, 2022, the Deputy Minister called for an effective monitoring and supervision of the seedlings planted to fuel the success of the 2022 edition of government’s aggressive afforestation and reforestation program.

    “We need to make conscious efforts to nurture the trees by watering them, protect them from destruction, prevent fires, weed under them until they grow to maturity” he said.

    The Deputy Lands Minister added that, the “survival rate this year will be more than the 85% survival rate last year. The Ministry has put in place a Monitoring and Assessment Team under the Chairmanship of Hon. Francis Manu-Adabor, who is the Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Lands and Forestry to undertake comprehensive field assessment of trees planted this year which includes other members of the Committee like myself and the CEO of the Forestry Commission.”

    Hon. Owusu-Bio used the occasion to rebuff claims by some section of the media that the Green Ghana Day program was politicized and partisan, indicating that the Green Ghana Day was a national assignment and that the inclusiveness of Ghanaians with diverse backgrounds in the political and religious landscape such as the Former President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, Former President John Agyekum Kufuor, the National Chief Imam and high profile members of the Clergy gives this clear indication that it is for Ghana.

    In responding to a question posed by the media on the budget and expenditure of the Green Ghana Day, Hon. Benito Owusu disclosed that so far, GHC6million cedis was disbursed to the Ministry for the Green Ghana Day, out of which the 22 Million tree seedlings were obtained, which also included publicity and other expenses in the lead up to the planting.

    He added that subsequently, a detailed report of the expenses will be made available to the public just like that of last year.

    The CEO of the Forestry Commission, Mr. John Allotey on his part, gave an indept presentation on the provisional results of the seedlings distributed and planted on the Green Ghana Day.

    Pertinent among things highlighted in his presentation were the individual targets assigned to Regions and the actual results achieved.

    He noted that among the 16 regions, the Ashanti, Ahafo, Bono, Bono East, Eastern and the Greater Accra Regions exceeded their target while the Northern, North East and Oti Region are yet to meet their target due to low rainfall in these regions.

    He said, from the 50% target purported to be planted in the forest reserves, 40.2% have been planted and the other 50% for homes and other locations have seen a 59.8% work done, while reiterating that on the whole 22,671,696 seedlings have been distributed so far.

    “The national target was to plant 20 million seedlings but as we speak now, we have distributed 22,671,696 and even with this, the districts are still entering some of the figures and so we will update you as and when they come in” He disclosed

    He also gave an analysis on the performances of various districts in the regions saying that ” although some districts are yet to meet their target, generally performances have been very impressive in the various districts”

    He mentioned the highest seedlings distributed per demand, naming Teak, Ofram, Cidrella, Acacia, and Mahogany as examples, adding that Fruits and Timber species as examples of the species most requested for.

    The CEO also welcomed the role of the media in helping to monitor the seedlings planted during Green Ghana Day and added that all information regarding Green Ghana is available at the District Level of Forestry Commission.

    He applauded some lead private plantation companies and churches who contributed to the success of the Project, outlining Global Green, Sanatex Ghana, Form Ghana, Sakam Savanna, The Pentecost Church, Catholic, Apostolic, Methodist and Assemblies to God as examples.

  • National Cathedral brouhaha: We can’t grow and sustain our transformation without spirituality – Ofori-Atta

    Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, has underscored the need for the country to pay critical attention to its spiritual development amidst the seemingly rage over the construction of the National Cathedral project using taxpayers’ money.

    In an interview with the state broadcaster, Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), Mr. Ofori-Atta explained that the country had done well in striving for political independence and economic development however was lacking in the area of spirituality.

    He stated that the country cannot grow and sustain its transformation without a holistic approach which should include focusing on spiritual development as well.

    “The issue of National Cathedral seems to generate in modern times this type of discourse but the questions being asked are one you are a secular state, why are you getting into this and really; is that the question because the Supreme Court answer is that if the nature of the people are religious, then it is incumbent of government to have the infrastructure to do that.

    “I think that there are three pillars of nation-building with regards to political independence which our first president did and led to Africa getting independent.

    “The second one is being one of investment and trade and to get into economic emancipation which through Nana Akufo-Addo we now have free trade agreement headquartered here.

    “So, we are getting these two pillars. The third clearly has to be that spirituality and so with that third leg, we cannot grow and sustain our transformation without a holistic view and I think we need to understand that,” Ken Ofori-Atta said.

    The National Cathedral project has in recent weeks come under intense public scrutiny over its funding.

    The government reportedly provided seed money for the project despite earlier assurances that it was going to be financed by the Church.

    North Tongu MP, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa alleged that the Akufo-Addo-led administration has so far dolled out over GH₵190 million in funding for the construction of the National Cathedral.

    His comment came after a recent report that the government has released an amount of GH₵25 million for the project.

    In a post on his social media handle, Mr. Ablakwa said the government had earlier released an amount of over GH₵142 million bringing the cumulative funding for the project to GH₵199,832,603.00.

    He detailed that this latest amount was concealed from Parliament and was additionally hidden from the Auditor-General in his 2020 audit.

     

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • Marwako food and drink heavily contaminated – FDA

    The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has released update on the on-going investigation into the alleged food poisoning at Marwako Fast Food Restaurant.

    According to the Authority, preliminary investigation reveals that food and drink samples from the restaurant was heavily contaminated with microbial (pathogens).

    “Analyses of samples of food, some juice drinks, and swaps taken from the environment at the East Legon branch of Mawarko Fast Food Limited indicate that there was heav
    microbial load (pathogens) which may be linked to the food borne disease reported. Samples collected from the Abelenkpe and La branches were also found to be heavily contaminated.
    The levels of sanitation and hygiene in the food preparation areas.” FDA noted

    The statement issued on June 13, 2022 also pointed out that”The process to establish the root cause of the contamination has been unfortunately hampered by the unapproved and unilateral decision of the management of Marwako to destroy some of the food items whilst the investigation was in progress. ”

    The FDA also assured that general public that they will continue to closely monitor all activities at Marwako Fast Foods Limited to ensure compliance to the FDA’s directives and applicable regulatory requirements.

     

  • Names of all the 50 NPP members who have picked up forms for executive positions

    The much anticipated annual delegates conference of the New Patriotic Party ( NPP) has been slated for July 15 – July 17 2020, to elect national officers for the Party.

    The elections which is said to take place at the Accra Sports Stadium will be conducted and supervised by the Electoral Commission (EC) for a free and fair polls.

    In a statement signed by the General Secretary of the party, John Boadu intimated that the exercise is in “Pursuant to Section I 7(2) of the Political Parties Law, Act 574, which provides that the election of National, Regional and Constituency Officers of every political party shall be conducted under the supervision of the Electoral Commission.”

     Also, a 9-member National Elections Committee has been constituted to superintend over all election-related processes.

    The members are Peter Manu (Chairman), Evans Nimako (Secretary), Ambassador Edward Boateng, Mawusi Nudekor Awity, Amin Anta, Alhaji Bismi Hussain, Ing. Kwesi Abease, Oboshie Sai Coffie, Lawyer Gary Nimako, Eric Ntori, and Lawyer Emmanuel Darkwa.

    The elected executive, according to Mr. John Boadu will lead the party come 2024 elections.

    The slot for the National Chairperson position comes at a fee of GH¢20,000, the National Vice Chairperson position is GH¢15,000, the General Secretary position is GH¢10,000 and all other positions are to pay an amount of GH¢8,000

    So far, A total of 50 part faithful have picked up forms for executive positions.

     

    Below are the list 

     

    National Chairperson

    Prof. Christopher Ameyaw Akumfi, Stephen Ayensu Ntim, Stephen Kwabena Boateng, Sammy Crabbe, Akwasi Osei Adjei, Joseph Ayikoi Otoo and George Kwabena Abankwah-Yeboah.

    Vice Chairperson

    Edmond Oppong Peprah, Alhaji Masawudu Oman, M.C. Jewels Annan, Rita Asobayire, Michael Omari Wadie, Kwaku Nkansah, Yahuza and Nuworsu Ken-Wuud.

    General Secretary

    Justin Kodua Frimpong, Musah Iddrisu Superior, Fredrick Opare Ansah, John Boadu, Charles Bissue, and Ramseyer Agyeman-Prempeh.

    National Organiser

    Henry Nana Boakye, Daniel Nii Quartey Titus Glover, Eric Amoako Twum, Bright Essilfie Kumi, Dr: Kwame Afriyie, Seth Adu-Adjei, and Nana Owusu Fordjour.

    National Women’s Organiser

    Kate Gyamfua, Hajia Sawudatu Seed, Ellen Ama Daaku, and Akosua Serwaa Bonsu.

    National Youth Organiser

    Prince Kamal Gumah, Salam Mustapha, Abanga Yakubu Fusani, Michael Osei Boateng, and Karikari Kinsman Mensah.

    National Nasara Coordinator

    Alhaji Muazu Issaka Kunata, Awal Mohammed, Ishmael Haruna, Sulemana Alhassan Atakpo, Abdul-Raman Diallo, Abdul Aziz Hurana Futa, and Haruna Maiza.

  • I lied against Mahama in 2016 – Captain Smart admits

    Vociferous journalist, Blessed Godsbrain Smart, popularly known as Captain Smart, has admitted that he fabricated lies against former President John Dramani Mahama that led to Mahama losing the 2016 elections.

    He alleged that, in addition to himself, Senior Journalists, including Kwami Sefa Kayi and Paul Adom Otchere, who he described as NPP lawyers, spread many lies against the former president.

    He added it was only after the election that he realised that most of the things he said about Mahama before the 2016 election were false.

    “I was one of the people who was serious (spreading lies against Mahama) … the lies we told against Mahama in this country were not small lies, Paul Adom Otchere was part. We said Mahama had a house in Dubai… that he had gold (concessions); you (Adom Otchere) were part of those of us who were spreading lies about Mahama with your frivolous analysis.

    “Myself, you (Adom Otchere), Sefa (Kwami Sefa Kayi) and all the NPP lawyers must fast for 21 days and beg for God’s forgiveness… When we came to power, I decided to investigate these claims against Mahama and realised that all the information you (NPP journalist) were feeding us were lies; you took money to spread,” he said in Twi during his Maakye Show on Onua TV, monitored by GhanaWeb.

    Captain Smart further stated that many NPP (New Patriotic Party) members expected that Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo would perform as well as ex-President John Agyekum Kufuor, but they have all been disappointed.

    “… if you compare Nana Addo’s performance to John Dramani Mahama, he (Akufo-Addo) will not even get 1 out of 100,” he said.

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • YouStart will not fund ‘buying and selling’ businesses – John Awuah

    Government is partnering with a consortium of nine banks to provide credit to existing youth-led Companies and, in the process, create one million jobs in the next three years.

    Under the commercial programme of the YouStart initiative, the banks will provide support for existing youth-led businesses with between GH¢100,000 working capital and GH¢500,000 for those in need of capital expenditure. The interest rate will not be more than 10%.

    President of the Ghana Association of Bankers, John Awuah listed the participating banks as GCB Bank Ltd., Consolidated Bank Ghana (CBG), Access Bank, Absa Bank, FBN Bank, ADB, Fidelity Bank, Ecobank and Bank of Africa.

    He was confident that with time, more banks would come on board. He said the community of banks are aware of the difficulties faced by entrepreneurs in accessing credit, and so the scheme aimed at making lending conditions less stringent to enable businesses to scale up and create jobs.

    The banking sector is convinced that the government wants to build an entrepreneurial nation through youth entrepreneurship.

    Listing the conditions for accessing the scheme, Mr. Awuah said “it was open to existing businesses whose prime movers were youths between ages 18 and 40”.

    “They will also have to show that their businesses, when supported, will be profitable and create youth employment”.

    He said YouStart will not fund any business that is into buying and selling because it wants to create import-dependent enterprises.

    He said through the commercial module of the YouStart programme, young people with business ideas or those who had started businesses would be trained by professionals at the Banking College, Chartered Institute of Bankers and other institutions.

    Beneficiaries who successfully graduate from the training will be assisted to obtain product certification and quality assurance for their products and services to ensure that their businesses conform to standards, regulations, and the laws of their industry.

    Entrepreneurs will be trained, supported with business development services, and funded over the next three years.

    On how interested applications can access the fund, Mr. Awuah said a website will soon be launched.

    All potential applicants will fill out the form and Successful applicants can access funding “within a short period after applying”.

    The YouStart commercial programme will take off in the latter part of June.

    Source: The Independent Ghana

  • Over 30 Islamic SHS students hospitalized after police allegedly fired at them during protest

    Over 30 students of the Islamic Senior High School at Abrepo in the Ashanti Region have been hospitalized after an alleged clash with the police on Monday, June 13.

    This comes after some students took to the streets to register their displeasure over the increase in pedestrian knockdowns involving students and teachers of the school.

    The protesting students who were demanding the construction of speed rumps blocked the Abrepo Junction-Barekese, thereby causing vehicular and human traffic for more than an hour.

    With the massive roadblocks, residents who ply the road called the police service to clear the roadblock and maintain law and order.

    In their quest to disperse the demonstrating students, the Police allegedly opened tear gas on the protesting students.

    Some of the students were said to have gone unconscious and others injured as a result of gas.

    Ambulances have been procured to transport the injured students to the hospital, while police presence in the school has intensified.

    Meanwhile, the Ashanti Regional Director of Education, Mrs Mary Owusu Afriyie has refuted the alleged casualties among some students.

    According to her, no casualties have been recorded following the clash between students of Islamic SHS in Kumasi and the Police.

     

    Source: The Independent Ghana

  • Former Dragons’ Den star Hilary Devey dies at age 65

    The English businesswoman and entrepreneur died in Morocco on Saturday following a long illness, her PR agent confirmed on Sunday.

    Several former Dragons from the show including Peter Jones, Theo Paphitis, Deborah Meaden and Duncan Bannatyne have paid tribute to her.

    Ms Devey was made a CBE in 2013 for services to the transport industry and to charity.

    She was known for appearing on the long-running BBC investing show Dragons’ Den before leaving to present the Channel 4 series The Intern.

    Fellow ‘Dragon’ Theo Paphitis paid tribute to Ms Devey, saying: “So sad to hear of the passing of the lovely Hilary Devey.

    Peter Jones, who would sit a few seats along from Ms Devey as they grilled prospective business partners, said: “She was an inspiring woman and it was great to spend time with her on Dragons’ Den. Sending my deepest condolences to her family.”

    Deborah Meaden tweeted: “She was unique in every way and brought grit and warmth with her into the Den.

    “My thoughts are with her family and loved ones. RIP Hilary. truly one of a kind.”

    Duncan Bannatyne also commented on the news: “So young. Too young. Rest in Peace Hilary”.

    (left to right) Presenter Graham Norton and Hilary Devey, during filming of The Graham Norton Show, at The London Studios, south London, to be aired on BBC One on Friday evening.

    Ms Devey made her fortune launching Pall-Ex, a palletised freight network, which grew into an international network with a combined turnover of over £100m.

    She appeared on Dragons’ Den between 2011 and 2013 alongside fellow investors Peter Jones, Theo Paphitis, Duncan Bannatyne and Deborah Meaden.

    Commenting on her role in 2011, Ms Devey said she was proud to “do my part” to support the next generation of UK entrepreneurs “at a time when the banks are failing to invest in British small businesses”.

    She added: “In order to set-up Pall-Ex in the mid-nineties, I had to sell my house and car to get the start-up capital necessary to fulfil my business ambitions, as none of the banks appreciated my potential.

    “I would have loved the opportunity to have stood before the Dragons, and I will remember my own experiences and the realities of running a business today, when choosing to support – or reject – the budding entrepreneurs joining me in the Den.”

    Her Dragons’ Den investments included luxury mattress company Duvalay, run by husband and wife team Liz and Alan Colleran.

    Ms Devey also campaigned for various charities including serving as vice president of The Carers Trust, as well as being a patron for The Stroke Association and Fresh Start – New Beginnings.

    Source: Skynews

  • Ghana Blackstars loses 4:1 against Japan (Video)

    Ghana Black Stars have been handed their first and heavy defeat since new coach Otto Addo took over from Milovan Rajivac.

    The Black Stars of Ghana suffered a 4-1 defeat at the hands of Japan in the Kirin tournament played on Friday, June 10, 2022.

    Coach Otto Addo lined up a depleted Black Stars team to face their opponents after several setbacks in the squad.

    The Japanese found the opener in the 29th minute through Yamane after he connected a defence-splitting pass from a teammate.

    Jordan Ayew levelled for Ghana in the 44th minute when he scored a superb goal to end his goal drought in the national team.

    The Black Stars‘ goal did not last long as the Japanese scored at the stroke of halftime to make it 2-1 through Mitoma.

    The Black Stars failed to respond to the goal, and the Japanese added another one in the 73rd minute after a defensive error from the Black Stars.

    Japan’s Maeda made it 4-1 to break the Black Stars’ hope of a comeback with an 84th-minute goal to cap off a great afternoon for the Japanese.

    The defeat means that the Black Stars will now play Chile for a third-place finish on Tuesday, June 14, 2022.

    https://youtu.be/_ia9QGo-9NY

  • Government pays GH¢3.6m in compensation to affected persons of Accra-Tema beach road expansion project

    Government has disbursed an amount of GH¢3.6m to persons affected by the Accra-Tema beach road expansion project.

    The payment was made in two trenches, thus, GH¢2.35 million was paid to 16 property owners, while the second tranche which amounted to GH¢1.31 million was paid to 20 property owners.

    According to the project contractor, China Ganzu International Corporation for Economic and Technical Cooperation (CGICETC), has revealed that the compensation covered buildings and other structures demolished to make way for the project.

    Meanwhile, the Administrator of the project contractor, Tracy Tao, noted that the project, which was initially scheduled to be completed by December this year, is being delayed due to some challenges.

    The relocation of some electricity and water lines, as well as the removal of some underground tanks of some filling stations along the stretch contributed to the delay.

    Madam Tao mentioned that there were still some compensations yet to be paid for the removal of two filling stations along the stretch.

    She said the construction firm was waiting for the payments to be made and a clearance permit to have the filling stations removed.

    Despite some setbacks, she is optimistic that the project will be completed by April 2023.

    Madam Tao mentioned that majority of the works on the stretch from the Nungua Barrier to the railway crossing near the Tema Port had been done.

    But the construction of a bridge at the A-Life Junction at Teshie and other auxiliary works.

    The 26.6 km which will serve as a major alternative route to the Accra-Tema motorway is estimated at $100 million.

    Year of Roads

    President Akufo-Addo in his first term, the incumbent government tagged 2020 as the “Year of Roads,” where it promised to embark on aggressive road development across Ghana.

    He pledged to prioritize road construction to ensure that a significant number of kilometres across the country are tarred.

    According to Kwesi Amoako Atta, the Roads and Highways Minister, over 50 road projects were embarked on during the first term of the Akufo-Addo led administration.

     

  • OccupyGhana threatens to sue Auditor-General over disallowances, surcharges

    OccupyGhana has threatened the Auditor-General with court action if he fails to respond to them on issues on disallowances and surcharges.

    According to the group, they have written a series of letters requesting the Auditor-General to furnish them with actions taken “for illegal use of government funds in your 2019 and 2020 Audit reports” but failed to reply to them.

    “On 3 February 2022, we wrote to you, in the exercise of our right to information under article 21 of the Constitution, to provide us with information on whether or not you have issued the required disallowances and surcharges. You have ignored that as well.

    “If you have issued the disallowances and surcharges demanded, and have not informed us of the action by replying to our earlier letters please do so for the sake of good process and order,” OccupyGhana stated in its letter dated June 6, 2022, addressed to the Auditor General.

    The group continued “If, however, you have failed to action our demand to issue the disallowance and surcharges and further failed to provide the information we requested, be informed that we shall commence legal proceedings against you, including filing a petition to the Right To Information (RTI) Commission.”

     

    Source: Ghanaweb via starfm

  • BREAKING: Heavy fighting erupts in Bawku as tribes clash

    There is heavy fighting ongoing in Bawku following a clash between two tribes on Tuesday morning.

    It is unclear what triggered the chaos.

    Reports indicate that heavy weaponry is being used by the factions as military personnel stationed there are struggling to bring the situation under control.

    More soon…

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • Overpaid Public Sector: Provide data to back claim – CLOGSAG to GSS

    The Civil and Local Government Staff Association, Ghana (CLOGSAG), has asked the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) to provide data to back claims that public sector workers are overpaid.

    The Government Statistician, Professor Samuel Kobina Annim, last week raised concerns about how workers in the public sector were generally overpaid.

    He said while earnings averaged about GH¢3,420 for public sector workers, output in the sector averaged about GH¢1,420, less than half their earnings.

    “What people earn should be equal to their output and be equal to what they spend. There is something wrong and such gaps should be closed in the country’s quest for real development.”

    CLOGSAG, in a letter signed by Mr Kojo Krakani, the Deputy Executive Secretary, called on the Government Statistician to provide among other things, indicators and the sample size used to conduct the research.

    The letter said: “The Civil and Local Government Staff Association, Ghana (CLOGSAG) has noted your findings that Public Sector workers are being overpaid.

    “The Association would appreciate if you could provide us with the indicators used in your research, the sample size, the stratification and any other relevant data information to enable us have an objective assessment of your findings. Kindly treat as a matter of urgency.”

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • Tullow Oil confirms merger with Capricorn Energy

    Tullow Oil has confirmed its merger with Capricorn Energy, a fellow British oil and gas company that offers the combined entity oil reserves in excess of a billion barrels across multiple countries in Africa.

    A statement from Tullow said: “The boards of directors of Tullow Oil PLC (Tullow) and Capricorn Energy PLC (Capricorn) are pleased to announce that they have reached agreement on the terms of a recommended all-share combination of Tullow and Capricorn (the Combination) to create the combined group.

    It is intended that the combination will be implemented by means of a court-sanctioned scheme of arrangement under Part 26 of the Companies Act, where Tullow will acquire all of the issued, and to be issued Capricorn Shares.”

    Under the terms of the combination, the statement continued, each Capricorn shareholder will be entitled to receive 3.8068 new Tullow shares for each Capricorn share on completion of the combination. This will allow Capricorn shareholders to hold approximately 47 percent of the combined group, and Tullow shareholders will hold approximately 53 percent of the combined group.

    The statement added that the combined group will generate meaningful cost synergies and create additional shareholder value.

    “The Tullow board, having reviewed and analysed the potential cost synergies of the combination, and taking into account the factors it can influence, believes the combination will result in US$50million of pre-tax net cash cost synergies on an annual run-rate basis by the second anniversary of the completion of the combination.

    “The Tullow board expects approximately 71 percent of these anticipated quantified net cash cost synergies to be achieved by the end of the first twelve-month period following completion of the combination. The Tullow Board estimates that realisation of these net cash cost synergies will give rise to one-off costs of approximately US$45million incurred in the two years post-completion of the combination.

    “The Tullow Board has considered potential areas of dis-synergy, and these were determined to be immaterial for the analysis. These anticipated net cash cost synergies will accrue as a direct result of the combination, and would not be achieved on a stand-alone basis.”

    Commenting on the combination, Rahul Dhir, Chief Executive Officer of Tullow, who maintains the role of CEO, said: “Our two companies are a perfect fit, and this combination draws on the proud heritage of both Tullow and Capricorn to create a leading African energy company.

    “With renewed focus and ambition, the combined group will have the financial flexibility to accelerate organic growth and pursue further opportunities as they arise, while creating value for shareholders and host countries alike. Together, we are committed to building a better future through responsible energy development.”

    Commenting on the combination, Simon Thomson, Chief Executive Officer of Capricorn, who becomes Chief Finance Officer (CFO) said: “The combination of our businesses will create a leading African energy company with significant scale and opportunities for growth. Our two companies share a track record and continued vision of responsible energy production to support the economic and social development of our host communities.

    “This combination will allow the two companies to accelerate investment in new opportunities across the continent while retaining a resilient balance sheet and delivering attractive returns to shareholders.”

    Source: Ghanaweb via thebftonline.com

  • IGP invites Fixthecountry Movement

    A member of the #FixTheCountry Movement, Listowell Nana Opoku has revealed that the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare has asked to see leaders of the movement . 

    Mr Opoku says the invitation by the IGP is to deliberate and agree on how the movement can embark on the June 4 demonstration. 

    This invitation comes after the Ghana Police Service secured an injunction by the Accra High Court to stop the June 4 demonstration.

    In a press statement dated June 1, the Police explained that the nature and character of the intended demonstration contravenes the Public Order Act, 1994 (Act 49).

    The Service, therefore, suggested to the group to reschedule the date for its protest while working with the Police to organise a “lawful, peaceful and successful demonstration.”

    Request by the movement 

    The protesters, while notifying the police of their intended demonstration requested to be allowed to contract a private security company to provide protection for the demonstrators.

    They also requested to contract a private security personnel to be armed with weapons.

    One of the conveners of the #FixTheCountry Movement, Okatakyie Afrifa Mensah, Indicated that the group cannot trust the Ghana Police Service to oversee their demonstration on June 4, hence their request to use arms and private security.

    According to him, the country has witnessed how several unarmed demonstrators have been shot and killed by the Police, therefore, their request is to avert similar occurrences on June 4.

    Commenting on the IGP’s invite, Mr Opoku sated thatIGP invites Fixthe they are prepared to meet with the IGP to hear what the police have in store for members of the group over the decision to demonstrate.

    “As a group, we are going to meet him (the IGP) to hear what he has to tell us in our quest to march against the numerous injustices under the leadership of the governing New Patriotic Party led by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo,” they said.

     

    Source: The Independent Ghana

  • IGP invites organizers of botched armed demo

    The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, has invited the organisers of the much-talked-about three-day demonstration with arms at the forecourt of the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC).

    At an earlier press conference held in Accra, the organisers asked the police to allow them to carry their own registered weapons during their demonstration over some injustices in the country.

    The organisers in demand to the police argued that all weapons held by demonstrators or by the contracted security personnel would be for personal protection only, and all weapons will be duly licensed in accordance with the Arms and Ammunitions Act, 1972(NRCD).

    However, the police administration last week secured an injunction restraining the demonstrators from embarking on their June 4, 2022, demonstrations.

    Two members of the group under the name Arise Ghana, Mr. Mensah Thompson and Mr. Listowell Nana Opoku, respectively, took to the Ghana Yensom morning show hosted by the sit-in host, Odehyeeba Kofi Essuman on Monday, June 6, 2022, to announce the invitation extended to the leadership of the group by the IGP.

    According to them, they are prepared to meet with the IGP to hear what the police have in stock for members of the group over the decision to demonstrate.

    “As a group, we are going to meet him (the IGP) to hear what he has to tell us in our quest to march against the numerous injustices under the leadership of the governing New Patriotic Party led by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo,” they said.

  • COVID-19: Ghana records 62 new cases GHS

    The Ghana Health Service (GHS), says Covid-19 cases have risen over the last two weeks with its highest cases recorded in the Greater Accra Region.

    According to the Director of Public Health at the GHS, Dr. Franklin Asiedu-Bekoe revealed that the cases are recorded in workplaces, at parties and at conferences.

    “It started two weeks ago and the gradual increase started in Accra, but now it is in seven regions. They are in the southern regions but 90% of cases are in the Greater Accra Region.”

     The GHS in it latest report, revealed that the case count has started going up, with 370 active cases and a record of 62 new cases as of June 2, 2022.

    The total confirmed cases are 161,795, with 159,980 recoveries/discharge, and 1,445 deaths.

    The current surge of covid-19 in the country, according to Dr. Asiedu-Bekoe , is a testament that the virus still persists, thus, the citizenry should not let down their guard and observe the safety protocols.

    “COVID is not over yet. The public should not have that misconception unless the World Health Organization declares it over,” he added.

    Meanwhile, during his 28th update on Covid-19 measures, President Nana Akufo-Addo declared wearing of face masks as not mandatory anymore.

    With the opening of the land borders, he also eased the restrictions on gathering staging that stated that Sports, entertainment spots, funerals and others can resume at full capacity

     

    Source: The independent Ghana

  • Fire razes down structures at Madina Ritz Junction

    A fire outbreak at Ritz Junction, a suburb of Madina, Accra, has razed down over 100 structures.

    Reporting the incident, the National Fire Service, in a Facebook post stated that the incident, which happened in the early hours of Sunday, destroyed properties worth thousands of cedis.

    “Fire damage caused to about 100 wooden structures and metal containers used for both residential and commercial purposes and their contents is quite extensive.”

    The inferno, according to the Service, started around 10:21 am but got out of hand after several attempts by the residents to douse the flame.

    The Service added that it took the intervention of firefighters from the Legon, Madina, Headquarters, Abelemkpe and Trade Fair Fire stations over an hour to bring the fire under control to prevent further spread.

    The cause of the fire, according to the Fire Service, is yet to be established.

    Causes of fire outbreak

    Fire incidents have become a regular occurrence, with thousands of lives and millions of dollars lost every year. Persons who are able to survive fire outbreaks are left with permanent scars.

    A research focusing on the trends of fire outbreaks in Ghana, revealed that the rate of fire incidence increased each year and is attributed to several factors including; unstable electricity, illegal electrical connection, negligence, burnable gas fire.

    According to reports, domestic fire accounted for 41% of the total number of fire incidents in the country.

    The Ashanti Regional Command of the Ghana National Fire Service says, 260 cases were recorded in January alone.

    In the Savannah Region,  28.3% increase in the number of fire outbreaks was recorded in the first quarter of 2022.

    To reduce such occurrences, the National Fire Service have advised Ghanaians to ensure that they put all appliances off before leaving their homes.

    Citizens are also encouraged to have emergency exit routes to ensure easy escape amidst an outbreak.

    Source: The Independent Ghana

  • First UESD Vice-Chancellor inducted into office

    An Investiture ceremony for the First Vice-Chancellor of the University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD), Professor Eric Nyarko-Sampson, and the induction of the first registrar, Mary Abena Agyepong of the same institution, took place at the campus last Friday at Somanya.

    In attendance were dignitaries, including academia, Vice-Chancellors of Ghana, chiefs, heads of government institutions, the clergy, among others, who graced the occasion.

    The UESD was established by an Act of Parliament (UESD ACT 2015 (ACT 898) and inaugurated on August 5, 2020, by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo-Addo.

    It is to be a leading university in the teaching, learning and dissemination of knowledge related to the developments in environment, agriculture, agribusiness and the creation of knowledge through research for national development.

    The institution also exists to demonstrate environmental leadership and education through environmental conservation and sustainable environmental practices, build and sustain community partnerships to address local agribusiness and environmental issues, and create a learning environment that fosters sharing of ideas and greater interaction among students and faculty/staff and the promotion of integrity, innovation and freedom of thought.

    Core values

    The university, with the core values as Honesty, Opportunities, Perseverance and Enterprise, the Chairman of the governing council of UESD, Prof. Jonathan Narh Ayertey, said as the council it was tasked with the arduous task of shepherding the institution in its formative years.

    He announced that the council was providing the necessary directions for the management to meet the desired vision and mission.

    Prof Ayertey said the council would continue to work hard to give UESD its unique identity and ensure the mandate of the university was met.

    He said as stated in section 6 of the enabling Act 898 of 2015, the Council would ensure strategic direction of the university and monitor and evaluate policy implementation.

    Prof. Ayertey said there was no basic school and senior high school for the children of the university staff and as such majority of staff had their families outside Somanya “and therefore, have to always rush down to their various families during weekends, a situation which does not augur well for the progress of the university.”

    Appeal to government

    The Council Chairman appealed to the government to empower the Ministry of Education to assist the university to establish a basic school on the premises for the children of staff.

    Also, he further appealed that the university should be considered as one of the STEM universities and adequately resourced to provide that service to prospective students.

    “Government should also intensify efforts to provide the university with staff/students accommodation, office equipment and transport facilities,” he further appealed.

    For his part, Prof. Nyarko-Sampson said he envisioned to see improvement in the physical infrastructure, asset management and municipal services of the university.

    He said phase II of the construction works of the university had begun and was progressing steadily, which comprised two university entrances, a faculty building with lecture halls, offices, libraries and commercial areas, two storey laboratory blocks, staff accommodation, a recreational facility and a two-kilometre asphaltic internal roads.

    Commitment

    The Deputy Minister for Education, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, who represented the President said the government was poised to establish five STEM universities in the country to augment the existing ones.

    He assured management of the UESD that all its proposals would be given the needed attention for its development as one of the young universities.

     

  • Prof. Ofori-Acquah heads Sickle Cell Foundation

    The Sickle Cell Foundation of Ghana (SCFG) has appointed Professor Solomon Fiifi Ofori-Acquah as its new President with immediate effect.

    He succeeds the founding president of the foundation, Prof. Kwaku Ohene-Frempong, who passed away last May.

    Prof. Ofori-Acquah has several years of experience in translational basic and clinical research in sickle cell disease (SCD).

    In his new role, he will provide overall executive leadership at the SCFG.

    The Sickle Cell Foundation, Ghana

    The Sickle Cell Foundation of Ghana is a non-governmental organisation with the mission to support the development of resources and services to improve the health and quality of life of people with SCD and related conditions. The organisation serves as an agency of the Ministry of Health (MoH), and as Programme

    Managers of National Newborn Screening Programme for SCD.

    In addition, the SCFG, the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service are members of the Ghana-Novartis Public-Private Partnership in Sickle Cell Disease.

    Appreciation

    Accepting his new role, Prof. Ofori-Acquah said though it was a great responsibility, it was an honour to continue the strides made by his successor.

    Interacting with the board members and staff of the Foundation, he shared some of his experiences working alongside Prof. Ohene-Frempong for nearly 30 years.

    “I am honoured to continue and grow the work started by my friend and mentor and excited about our mission to support the development of resources and services to help improve the health and quality of life of people with SCD and related conditions.

    “I am grateful to the Board and the dedication of the whole team at SCFG. Together, I believe, we will continue to advocate for quality health care and a supporting society for persons living with SCD in Ghana, and to bring transformative treatments to combat SCD in this country,” the new President of the SCFG said.

    Profile

    Prof. Ofori-Acquah is a globally renowned academician and researcher and a professor of Medical Laboratory Science and Associate Professor of Medicine and Human Genetics.

    He is the outgoing Dean of the School of Biomedical and Allied Health Sciences in the University of Ghana.

    He recently won a $3 million research grant to sequence the whole genome DNA of children with SCD in Ghana, which he has parlayed to launch the Gh-Genome Project.

    Prof. Ofori-Acquah has served on multiple national and international scientific and technical committees. He was a member of the National Technical Advisory Committee for Newborn Screening, and more recently the African Health Diagnostic Platform (AHDP) Technical Committees, both under the Ghana Ministry of Health (MoH).

    He recently represented Africa at a high-level retreat held in the United States (US) to develop strategies for gene-based cures for HIV and SCD.

    He has served on the review committees for many funding agencies, including the National Institute of Health, Wellcome Trust, American Society of Haematology and the American Heart Association.

    He is also the Founding Director of the West African Genetic Medicine Centre (WAGMC), the Programme Director of the Sickle Cell Genomics of Africa (SickleGenAfrica) Network, and Director of the Ghanaian Genome (Gh-Genome) Project.

    His research interests are in the molecular pathogenesis, genetics and innovative therapy of acute complications of SCD.

    Education

    A native of Cape Coast and an alumnus of Adisadel College, he holds a PhD in Molecular Genetics and an MSc in Bio-molecular Organisation from the University of London, Fellowship of the Institute of Biomedical Science in the UK, and an Executive Leadership Certificate from Emory University, Atlanta, USA.

     

    Source: Graphiconline

  • We havent appointed a new Vice-Chancellor UDS Management

    The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission has debunked the appointment of new a Vice-Chancellor for the University for Development Studies (UDS).

    In a statement signed by the Registrar, Nurudeen Issah Abubakar stated that the purported appointment of one Prof. Seidu Alhassan as new Vice-Chancellor should be disregarded.

    “University management wishes to reiterate that the governing council has not yet met to take a decision of who becomes the next VC. Members of the public are therefore advised to disregard the reports, when the governing council meets to take a decision on the matter, the University will officially make that known to the general public”.

    The statement comes as a response to concerns raised by some staff members of UDS claiming that the appointment of Professor Seidu Al-Hassan as the new Vice-Chancellor was a unilateral decision by management board.

    Reacting to the remarks, the registrar noted that the governing council has not yet met to take a final decision on who becomes the next vice-Chancellor of UDS.

    Mr Issah Abubakar pointed out that the tenure of the current Vice- Chancellor, Professor Gabriel Ayum Teye is expected to end in August 2022.

    He said the Vice-Chancellor Search Committee mandated to propose not more than three suitable candidates will look for a possible replacement.

    He, therefore, directed the Council Chairman of UDS, Prof. A. Wayo Seini to put a hold on the appointment of Prof. Seidu Alhassan until all issues bordering on the appointment are resolved.

    “All stakeholders of UDS must take note that the process for appointing a new Vice-Chancellor for the University for Development Studies is very transparent and devoid of back-room arrangements,” the statement indicated.

     

     

    Source: The Independent Ghana

  • Fix deplorable roads in Ashanti Region before 2024 elections Former Deputy Roads Minister to government

    Formal Deputy Roads and highways Minister, Kwabena Owusu Aduomi has called on government to fix all deplorable roads in the Ashanti region.

    Speaking to the media at a breakfast meeting organized to bring together both winners and defeated aspirants at the just ended NPP Ashanti Regional Executive elections, Mr. Owusu Aduomi noted that a major concern of residents in various constituency in the Ashanti region was bad roads.

    This he says, the government as part of it efforts to break the eight-year cycle of governance should focus on fixing the roads in some major part of the Ashanti region.

    “When I went around I observed that we need to step up the development in the region especially on our roads, when you go to some of the constituencies, terrible roads, that is why I mentioned to them that we need to identify key projects that we have to do before we get to elections 2024.”

    Adding his voice to the call, the Ashanti Regional Chairman-elect, Bernard Antwi Boasiako also made a clarion call to all party faithful to come on board and help him achieve developmental project in the region.

    He said, coming together as a united front will go a long way to help NPP break the eight.

    “I cannot do the work alone. I want to work with all party members. I will plead with aspirants who could not win to come on board.“

    The NPP, after it Regional Executives elections on the 27-28 May has been able to successfully to elect a total of 148 NPP executives across the country.

     

    Below are the list of 15 newly-elected NPP Regional Chairman 

     

    1. Divine Otoo Agorhom Greater Accra Region
    2. Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, aka Chairman Wontumi Ashanti Region
    3. Nurudeen Fuseini North East Region
    4. Anthony Namoo Upper East Region
    5. Kwabena Owusu Sekyere Ahafo Region
    6. Mohammed Adam Bantima Samba Northern Region
    7. Iddrisu Sulemana Savannah Region
    8. Kwame Baffoe, aka Abronye Bono Region
    9. Makafui Woanya Volta Region
    10. Evans Yaw Dapaah Oti Region
    11. Sanbaye B. Kangberee Upper West Region
    12. Ibrahim Baba Bukari Bono East Region
    13. Benjamin Armah Western North Region
    14. Jeff Konadu Addo Eastern Region
    15. Francis Ndede Siah (unopposed) Western Region
    16. Central Region Outstanding poll

    Source: The Independent Ghana  

  • NPP to host Central Regional executives elections tomorrow

    The New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Central Region will tomorrow June 4 hold their Regional Executive Elections.

    The elections which was slated for last week Friday, May 27, could not take place after some aggrieved delegates of the Ekumfi constituency secured an injunction to halt the exercise in the Central Region.

    The aggrieved members alleged that, some party officials had side-lined them from participating in the conference.

    What seemed to be an internal wrangling has finally been solved, hence delegates in the region will have the opportunity to elect 10 executives to manage the affairs of the party in the administrative regions of the country tomorrow.

     So far, the NPP has been able to successfully organized it regional elections across al the 16 regions in Ghana.

    With the exception the Central Region, a total of 148 NPP executives were elected across the country.

     

    Below are the list of 15 newly-elected NPP Regional Chairman

     

    1. Divine Otoo Agorhom Greater Accra Region
    2. Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, aka Chairman Wontumi Ashanti Region
    3. Nurudeen Fuseini North East Region
    4. Anthony Namoo Upper East Region
    5. Kwabena Owusu Sekyere Ahafo Region
    6. Mohammed Adam Bantima Samba Northern Region
    7. Iddrisu Sulemana Savannah Region
    8. Kwame Baffoe, aka Abronye Bono Region
    9. Makafui Woanya Volta Region
    10. Evans Yaw Dapaah Oti Region
    11. Sanbaye B. Kangberee Upper West Region
    12. Ibrahim Baba Bukari Bono East Region
    13. Benjamin Armah Western North Region
    14. Jeff Konadu Addo Eastern Region
    15. Francis Ndede Siah (unopposed) Western Region
    16. Central Region Outstanding poll

     

    Source: The Independent Ghana

     

  • Police secure injunction against #FixTheCountry movement demo

    An Accra  High Court has granted the Ghana Police Service an injunction to stop the June 4 demonstration by the #FixTheCountry Movement.

    The protesters while notifying the police of their intended demonstration requested to be allowed to contract a private security company to provide protection for the demonstrators.

    They also requested to contract a private security personnel to be armed with weapons.

    One of the conveners of the #FixTheCountry Movement, Okatakyie Afrifa Mensah, Indicated that the group cannot trust the Ghana Police Service to oversee their demonstration on June 4, hence their request to use arms and private security.

    According to him, the country has witnessed several unarmed demonstrators been shot and killed by the Police, therefore, their request is to avert similar occurances on June 4

    The police on the other hand declined their request.

    In a press statement dated June 1, the Police explained that the nature and character of the intended demonstration contravenes the Public Order Act, 1994 (Act 49).

    The Service, therefore, suggested to the group to  reschedule the date for its protest while working with the Police to organise a “lawful, peaceful and successful demonstration.”

    What does PUBLIC ORDER ACT, 1994 ACT 491 say:

    Section 4 notes that “Where a police officer notified of a special event under subsection (1) has reasonable grounds to believe that the special event if held may lead to violence or endanger public defence, public order, public safety, public health or the running of essential services or violate the rights and freedoms of any other  persons, the police officer may request the organiser to postpone the special event to any other date or to relocate the special event.”

    Per Section 5, an organiser requested to postpone or relocate the holding of a special event shall “within forty-eight hours of the request, notify the police officer in writing of the willingness to comply.”

    Section 6 adds that Where the organiser refuses to comply with the request or fails to notify the police officer, “the police officer may apply to a Justice or the chairman of a Regional Tribunal for an order to prohibit the holding of the special event on the proposed date or at the proposed location.

    However, the group refused to reschedule their protest as suggested by the police.

    With the resistant to comply with the directive from the Ghana police service, they filed a motion asking the high court to restrain the protestors from embarking on their armed demonstration.

    Although the representatives of the #FixTheCountry Movement were served, neither they nor their lawyers were present in court.

    Giving her verdict, the Judge, Comfort Kwasiwoo Tsiawoo granted the police service an injection to restrain the FixTheCountry Movement from demonstrating.

    She explained that the way the protesters intend to carry out the demonstration poses a security threat.

    Source: The Independent Ghana

  • Wa lovers flogging: 3 suspects granted bail

    The Wa Circuit Court has granted bail to the three suspects involved in the flogging of the two lovers whose explicit video went viral on social media.

    The court presided over by His Honor Jonathan Avogo, granted the three suspects bail with five sureties and a cash amount of GH¢3,000.

    The three are; 70-year-old driver, Naa Issahaku Mahama, 62-year-old farmer, Naa Sidiki Osman and 32-year-old mobile phone repairer, Bushran Kidiri.

    The three were arrested on Wednesday, a day after the flogging incident.

    The arrest, however did not sit well with some residents of the community. A number of the residents on Wednesday marched to the police station and asked the officers to free their colleagues in custody.

    When the police failed to release the suspects as requested, the angry youth, among other things, pelted stones at officers present and set vehicle tires on fire on some major streets in the municipality.

    A press statement dated June 2 by the Police further added that the group “emptied the contents of dustbins on these roads and caused damage to some street lights and poles as well as some private properties along the roads. The rioting mob also blocked the major streets obstructing the free movement of vehicles,”

    The police revealed that some 25 rioters were arrested.nBut in court today 13 out of the 25 protestors have been granted bail.

    “Two batches of suspects were arrested. The first batch is the three suspects in connection with the flogging. The second batch is the rioters. The court has granted the three suspects bail with five sureties and a cash amount of GH¢3,000.”

    The suspects were asked to reappear on June 13, 2022.

    Source: The Independent Ghana

  • June 3 disaster: Enough of the structures, we need social interventions Prof. Ahadzie

    Head of Settlement Studies at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Prof. Divine Kwaku Ahadzie, has called on government to invest in social intervention to mitigate the effect of flood on Ghanaians.

    In an interview on Joynews, Prof Ahadzie said although demolishing of structures to prevent flood is a good measure, focus must be given to educating citizens on how to evacuate a flooded area.

    Looking at the current situation where the least rainfall results in flooding, he maintained that education is key.

    “Looking at things currently, it is better we begin to focus on how to prepare in case of emergency in terms of preparation, response, recovery and mitigation. So that we can be able to focus on how if such situation happens we are going to evacuate the people? Where we are going to send them? What will be the community actions and network? What contacts are available for people to call?

    “These are issues we have not paid attention on so my suggestion is that looking at what has happened in the recent weeks, we should not wait to have a catastrophe before we begin to think about what to do.”

    His comment is in reference to the unforeseen June 3 disaster which claimed several lives as well as the many flooding incidents the country has recently recorded.

    On the evening of June 3, 2015, when torrential rains were devastating most parts of the capital city, Accra, another unforeseen disaster happened. A gas station at a central point in the city exploded.

    During the downpour, fuel leakage from the GOIL station at the Kwame Nkrumah Circle caught fire from a cigarette stub near the area resulting in an explosion alongside the flood.

    To ensure such a devastating incident does not recur, Prof. Ahadzie has suggested putting out long term measures in tackling the problem, which includes awareness creation, relocation of structures and constant dredging and distilling of the drains.

    “If anything bad does not happen, you have used the occasion to do capacity building in terms of building the minds of people that this is the nature of flood situation in Ghana and there is a likelihood that we may have another June 3 repeating so everyone should be on board so that we all begin to have a small community engagement where we all put our mind to collectively in terms of mitigating it.”

    Following the many flood reports in Ghana, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has directed the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to demolish structures built in waterways.

     

    Source: The Independent Ghana

  • Bagbin officially informed of the passing of John Ndebugri

    Mr Cletus Avoka, the Member of Parliament (MP) of Zebilla, Tuesday led a delegation to officially inform the Speaker of Parliament about the passing of John Akparibo Ndebugri.

    The late Ndebugre was the MP for Zebilla in the Upper East Region in the Fourth Parliament, on the ticket of the People’s National Convention.

    He was born on March 12, 1950, and died on May 6, 2022.

    The Speaker, Mr Alban Bagbin, thanked the delegation for officially informing the House and described the late Ndebugre as a patriot, a senior brother, and a friend.

    “He was an astute politician and lawyer of good standing who contributed a lot to the development of the country.”

    Mr Bagbin noted that the late Ndebugre deserved a befitting state burial.

    He, therefore, tasked Mr Avoka to make a statement in the House to that effect.

    He pledged Parliament’s support to the family in these difficult times.

     

    Source: GNA

  • Nkoranza South MP files motion for parliamentary probe into Albert Donkors death

    The Member of Parliament for Nkoranza South, Emmanuel Kwadwo Agyekum, has filed a motion asking the Speaker to constitute a bi-partisan committee to investigate the death of Albert Donkor.

    He believes that the event that led to the death of his constituent is questionable, therefore, be investigated.

    In an interview with JoyNews, Mr Agyekum alleged that Albert Donkor was picked up from his home by armed officers at 2:00am on April 24, in an unregistered vehicle believed to be security officers.

    He claimed that Albert was killed four hours after he was picked up.

    “In fact, Albert was killed within three to four hours after he was picked up. I am telling you the truth, that within four hours from 2:00am to about 5:00am they had finished him and they took him to the mortuary in Techiman Holy Family and they refused to take the body because they needed a family member to sign for the body. I have all these accounts if they want to deny, they should come and deny.”

    The Nkroranca South Police Service on the other hand has vehemently refuted the allegation. According to them, Albert Donkor was killed during a shoot-out during an operation.

    But the youth of Nkronza South insist that the police deliberately killed Albert Donkor.They claim the deceased was targeted after he chanced on a robbery scene involving some Police officers.

    The youth in their quest to seek justice staged a protest and in the process, attacked the Nkoranza Municipal Police Headquarters and freed at least six suspects in custody.

    The protest led to a clash between the youth and the police which led to the killing of one person with three others critically injured.

    Mr Kwadwo Agyekum who is demanding for accountability and the prosecution of the perpetrators noted that the request for a biapartisan probe will bring to light the cause of death of Albert Donkoh.

    “What I have sent to the Speaker is a motion asking for a bi-partisan committee to probe what actually happened. This will bring light to what has happened so far, and I think this will help everybody in the country.”

     

    Source: The Independent Ghana

  • Health Professionals leaving the country a big blow Adomako-Kissi

    Member of Parliament for Anyaa-Sowutuom, Dr Adomako-kissi says the migration of health professionals from the country is worrying.

    In an interaction with Joynews, the MP who doubles as a health practitioner noted that the demand for health professional in the aftermath of Covid-19 has increased, therefore, losing over 3000 health workers is alarming

    “Any single doctor lost to our shores is a heavy blow because he/she will have touched minimum 800 lives. And it a huge thing on our human capital and you know human capital is a very important when you talk about development and it a crisis.”

    This comment comes on the back of a report by the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association has revealed that within a period of one year, over 3,000 nurses and midwives have left the country to seek greener pastures.

    The Association blamed the alarming migration on the insufficient stipends and poor working conditionings.

    It feared that hospitals and health centres in the county would be hit with understaffing in the next three to five years if government does not intervene.

    Dr Adomako Kissi, however, called on the Ministry of labor and the health ministry to have a discussion and find solutions to end the migration of health workers from Ghana to other foreign countries.

    “It is more lucrative at the other side and it is a painful thing, I really think that one labor ministry and the ministry needs to revisit this current trend.”

    Source: The Independent Ghana

  • Only two sachet water producers certified in Tamale GSA

    Only two out of the many sachet water producers in the Tamale Metropolis are registered and certified with the Ghana Standard Authority (GSA) a situation authorities say pose health risks to consumers.

    According to the GSA, most producers use filters and other machines that are not approved, hence, the water they produce does not meet the hygienic standards set by the GSA, thereby, posing risks to consumers.

    The GSA says the health of consumers is paramount in its operations, therefore, it will collaborate with the Environment Protection Agency to commence an exercise to ensure all producers in the industry use the right machines, as well as practice good hygiene at their various production sites.

    This came to light during a routine exercise conducted by the Ghana Standard Authority (GSA) within the Tamale Metropolis.

    The Northern Regional Manager for GSA, Daniel Boateng Ofosu, in an interview with the B&FT, noted that the high population has increased demand for sachet water, thereby, making producers take advantage of the system to produce sub-standard water for the residents.

    He added that some have their weighing scales below the standards required, hence, deceive the public on the amount of water in the sachet. For example, some producers have 500ml written as the content of water, but the real quantity is less.

    Mr. Ofosu said it is not the intention of management to collapse local businesses; but to ensure the right thing is done, and to see to it that consumers get value for money. He added that all those who refuse to adhere to standards after education and several warnings would have their premises closed down.

    He advised all the operators who have illegally placed GSA logo on their products to desist from the act, saying that anyone caught would be dealt with by the law.

    He further advised consumers to be conscious of the kind of water they purchase, while cautioning shop owners to purchase from registered and certified operators to ensure the safety of consumers.

     

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • Finance Ministry yet to release funds for Phase II of Blekusu Sea Defense Wall

    The Ministry of Finance is yet to release Gh¢10 Million budgeted for in the 2022 budget statement to commence Phase two of the Blekusu Sea Defense Wall located at Ketu South Municipality of the Volta Region to prevent perennial sea erosion in the area.

    The Government through the Minister for Finance in the 2022 Budget Statement, allocated about GH¢10 million towards a comprehensive Feasibility Study of Blekusu and surrounding areas in accordance with the Public Financial Management (Public Investment Management) Regulation, LI 2411, in order to conduct more comprehensive feasibility study as required.

    The Sector Minister who was answering questions from the MP from Area, Abla Dzifa Gomshie on Wednesday, 1st June, 2022 regarding the status of the phase II of the project, the Minister, Francis Asenso Boakye said, “my Ministry is engaging the Ministry of Finance for the release of the funds to enable the Hydrological Services Department undertake the additional Feasibility Study”.

    According to the Minister, the work done under the first phase has functioned effectively to protect the people, while enhancing fishing activities, which is the main source of livelihood for the affected communities.

    In his previous response to the same question on floor sometimes ago, the indicated that “the Ministry of Works and Housing noted the urgent need to undertake the second phase of the Blekusu Coastal Protection Project and therefore commissioned technical feasibility study focused on Blekusu community to enable Messrs Amandi Holding Limited continue with Phase 2 of the Project”.

    He, however, revealed that, the Ministry is taking urgent steps towards the construction of the second phase of the Blekusu Sea Defence Project to mitigate the risk of coastal erosion and flooding of the communities along the coastal stretch due to intense tidal wave action.

    He mentioned the fact that “beaches along the Blekusu coastal stretch are narrow and are eroding at an alarming rate because of tidal wave action.

    Some communities along this coastal stretch often experience flooding in the event of wave overtopping. These have impacted negatively on lives, livelihoods and properties”.

    Action was taken to mitigate beach erosion and flooding of communities along the Blekusu coastal stretch, “the Ministry of Works and Housing from July, 2015 to July, 2019 engaged Messrs Amandi Holding Limited to complete the first phase of the Blekusu Coastal Protection Project.

    The works entailed the construction of 23 Armour Rock Groynes to protect a coastal stretch of 4,300metres (i.e. 4.3 kilometres)”.

     

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • About 35% of printed Ghana Cards not collected at Tema West NIA

    A total of 4,648 National Identification Cards, representing 35.58 percent of cards printed are yet to be collected by the applicants at the Tema West Municipal of the National Identification Authority (NIA).

    Ms. Constance Pokua Osei, Tema West NIA Director disclosed this at the General Assembly of the Tema West Municipal Assembly (TWMA) and out of a total of 13,442 cards printed for the area, 8,749 had been issued with 4,648 representing 35.58 percent yet to be collected

    Ms. Osei added that the total enrolment between November 2021 and May 27, 2022, was 3,931.

    She said when the deadline for the registration of all sim cards with the Ghana Card was extended to July, residents stopped going for their printed cards, adding that in a day only about 20 people go for their cards while an average 15 people go for the registration.

    She added that it had also led to low enrolment as the long queues that used to be seen at the office had vanished with staff virtually hoping that it would improve daily.

    “Now there is no queue, people just walk in and have their data captured in no time, sometimes in mornings we even have less than 10 people available to collect their cards.

    “We still have over 4,000 cards lying there to be issued, and they are just not coming. I understand them, it is frustrating after visiting the office many times and the cards were not ready,” she stated.

    She, therefore, pleaded with Assembly Members to inform their residents that the cards were ready.

    On other challenges, Ms. Osei said bigger office accommodation and staffing was a problem, as currently the premises they were operating from was small.

    She said there were only four members of staff, which she said were not enough, and therefore, appealed for some National Service Personnel to be attached to the office.

    Meanwhile, Assembly Members of Tema West have expressed misgivings about the conduct of some officers of the NIA in the municipality, saying their customer relations were poor.

    Mr. Kwesi Poku Bosompem, Assemblyman for Sakumono Electoral Area, and Tema West New Patriotic Party (NPP) Chairman described the conduct of the workers at the NIA office as rude.

    Mr. Bosompem, who is a former Presiding Member of the Assembly said staff and contract workers of the office needed to be re-oriented and given customer service skills to relate better with the public.

    Mr. Henry Ubor, Assemblyman for Klagon said he has been to the NIA office many times to monitor the queue for residents of Klagon to go and register and could say that their services were poor.

    Mr. Ubor said: “If the NIA Tema West Director was reporting to them that people were not going for their cards, it was not true as most people were turned away. It is not like the people are not going for the cards, they have rejected the cards to them because anytime they go and queue, they are turned away.”

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • Four missing miners found dead in Burkina Faso

    Rescue workers in Burkina Faso have recovered the bodies of four miners who had gone missing after floodwaters submerged a Canadian-owned zinc mine in Perkoa, in the Sanguié province of the West African country.

    Eight miners were reported trapped in the underground mine on April 16, triggering a 39-day search that offered little hope of finding any survivors.
    Six of the missing miners are Burkina Faso nationals while the other two are from Zambia and Tanzania, according to the Burkinabe ministry of mines.
    “Unfortunately, after 39 days of intense search, the lifeless bodies of four miners were found,” a government statement said Wednesday.
    It did not reveal the nationalities of the recovered bodies.
    The government said search operations will continue until the other four missing miners are found.
    Last week, rescue teams found no survivors in the refuge chamber of the mine, which is stocked with food supplies and located 570 meters underground, deflating hopes that the missing men could be found alive.
    Canadian firm Trevali Mining Corp said in a statement the refuge chamber of its Perkoa mine was “found intact,” indicating that the missing miners hadn’t gotten to it.
    The Canadian mining contractor has opted not to disclose the names of its missing miners, “out of respect for the privacy” of their families and friends, it said.
    For more than a month, families of the miners have congregated around the site, in an agonizing wait for news of their loved ones as officials searched the mine which caved in following a flash flood.
    Many locals had criticized the state emergency services for taking too long to reach the rescue chamber.
    Trevali said rescue operations could only begin after the road leading into the mine, which was washed away by the aggressive flood was rebuilt, including the reinstallation of damaged electrical equipment at the site.
    More than 30 million liters of water have been pumped out of the submerged mine, Trevali stated in an update on search efforts.
    Burkina Faso has had a series of mining disasters. Around 60 people were killed in an explosion at an informal gold mining site in the country’s Poni province in February, local officials said at the time.
    Source: CNN