TIG Post

Author: Chris Kodo

  • South Africa fears a resurgence of coronavirus as localised outbreaks drive infections

    The emergence of new outbreaks in several parts of South Africa has raised fears of a resurgence of the coronavirus, which could be encouraged by the expected gatherings during the festive season.

    Authorities in the African country officially most affected by Covid-19 have been struggling to control the number of outbreaks since an increase was reported in November in the neighboring Eastern and Western (Southern) Cape provinces.

    Nationally, the daily number of new cases has surpassed 3,000, a 50% jump from an average of 2,000 earlier in November.

    More than half of this increase came from infections in the Eastern Cape and about 25% from the Western Cape Province.

    “The small outbreaks we are seeing right now are temporary. Something must be done,” Health Minister Zweli Mkhize said last week.

    The rate of coronavirus transmission in South Africa had dropped sharply after peaking in July, with fewer than three cases detected daily per 100,000 people between late August and early November.

    But the lull was short-lived, and authorities are now trying to combat a possible resurgence of the epidemic.

    “We are not in the second wave but in these two provinces (…) we are in full resurgence,” commented the government adviser in charge of the fight against the coronavirus, Salim Abdool Karim.

    If these new epidemic outbreaks are not contained, it is “only a matter of time” for the whole country to be affected, he warned.

    In the Eastern Cape’s largest city, Port Elizabeth, hospitals are already struggling with the rebound of the epidemic, although local authorities say the situation is under control.

    ‘Chronic shortages’

    Still reeling from the shock of the first wave, the health services requested assistance from the NGO Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) in three public facilities.

    “The hospitals are really overwhelmed with a large number of patients, some even say more than in July,” said an MSF official for the province, Dr. Colin Pfaff.

    “The facilities are understaffed,” he added, criticizing “chronic shortages” and citing contamination among medical staff.

    Private facilities are also affected.

    “Our hospitals in the Eastern Cape are incredibly full at the moment,” Richard Friedland, head of South Africa’s largest private medical network, Netcare, told AFP last week.

    “We still have the capacity to treat new cases” with the installation of additional beds, he assured nevertheless.

    While the provincial government assures that hospitals are neither “full” nor “overwhelmed”, the South African Physicians Association accused the Department of Health this week of not providing adequate support to “overwhelmed” staff.

    South Africa has recorded 792,000 cases, including more than 21,600 deaths, for a population of nearly 58 million people.

    President Cyril Ramaphosa has ruled out a new lockdown at this stage.

    The stringent infections which came into effect at the end of March have seriously affected the economy of the most industrialized country on the continent, causing 2.2 million people to lose their jobs.

    The pressure to prevent a second wave is heightened by the prospect of the festive season when millions of people will travel to all the provinces to celebrate Christmas with their loved ones.

    Hopes also rest on the prospect of a vaccine.

    “The evidence that an effective coronavirus vaccine is possible brings hope,” President Ramaphosa commented recently.

    South Africa is currently conducting three clinical trials, and experts are hoping for first vaccinations in mid-2021.

    “Ideally, we would like to vaccinate 70-80% of the population, but this is not going to happen quickly,” warned Shabir Madhi, who is leading two of the three vaccine candidate trials, citing logistical and cultural challenges.

    But even 30-40% of the adult population “would help us a lot,” he added.

    Source: africanews.com

  • Gunmen kill Assistant Commissioner of Police in Calabar

    The Police Command in Cross River State has confirmed the killing of an Assistant Commissioner of Police, Mr Egbe Edum, by gunmen in the early hours of Wednesday in Calabar.

    The command`s Public Relations Officer, DSP Irene Ugbo, confirmed the death in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Calabar.

    Ugbo said that the deceased, who came into the state to see his family, was killed with an axe by the gunmen on the Murtala Mohammed Highway.

    NAN reports that the deceased was the Commander of the Police Mobile Force Squadron 73 in Magumeri, Borno.

    Source: punchng.com

  • Totobi Quakyi issues rejoinder on dismissal of security operative who assaulted a soldier

    A former National Security Minister and Information Minister, Kofi Totobi Quakyi, has taken a swipe at the National Security and Information Minister over the dismissal of the security operative who assaulted a soldier, describing it as selective justice.

    He is wondering why the same approach was not used in the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election incident.

    He has issued a rejoinder for Mr. Kojo Oppong Nkrumah and Mr. Albert Kan-Dapaah; current Information and National Security Ministers on the assault of the Soldier by National Security Operatives in broad daylight.

    He said it was disturbing that a commission of enquiry recommendations were abandoned and not implemented.

    To him, it was sad for the president to set aside the recommendations which could have helped punish the persons who assaulted innocent Ghanaians during the by-election.

    Read the rejoinder below:

    Source: rainbowradioonline.com

  • Farmer shoots Okada rider during argument

    Richard Ansi alias Joe Kwame, a farmer at Bodada, a suburb of Jasikan in the Oti Region shot his next-door neighbour on Tuesday during an altercation.

    The victim, Prosper Darko an okada rider sustained life-threatening gunshot wounds and currently is receiving treatment at the Jasikan District hospital.

    Joe Kwame, the aggressor, who was almost lynched by some angry residents, is also receiving treatment at the same hospital.

    It is not clear what sparked the altercation but eyewitnesses say they heard Joe Kwame threatening to shoot the Okada rider during the fierce encounter in his house while the Okada rider dared the farmer to shoot him if he was a man. The next thing they heard was a gunshot.

    The Jasikan police have initiated investigations into the matter.

    Source: Atinka Online

  • Parents’ Coalition welcomes Mahama’s promise to extend Free SHS to private schools

    A promise by the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress to extend the Free Senior High School initiative to private institutions has been warmly received by the Coalition of Parents of Students in Private Institutions.

    According to the coalition, the policy if implemented will help relieve parents of their financial burden.

    The group said in a press release that every Ghanaian child has a right to free education whether in private or public schools.

    It, therefore, expressed optimism that in the event that John Dramani Mahama wins the December 7 polls, he will honour his promise to them.

    “Every child in Ghana deserves the best of care and a piece of the national cake. We are very optimistic that this promise will come true,” he said.

    The Coalition then urged its members to show interest in the upcoming elections and support the fruition of this idea and follow up on its implementation.

    “These are our rights and nobody should stop us from enjoying them. We are urging our students in private institutions to have hope, that this country will not disappoint them and that, the war of life sometimes begins with difficult battles and it is only those who preserver that succeed.”

    The extension of the Free SHS to private second cycle institutions is one of the promises made by the NDC in its manifesto.

    The NDC said that it will improve the Free SHS policy, scrap the doubletrack system and make students of private schools beneficiaries of the project.

    “We plan to make the Free SHS more inclusive by expanding it to cover students in private senior high schools in under-served and deprived parts of the country,” Professor Jane Naana Opoku said at the manifesto launch.

    Source: Dickson Boadi, Contributor

  • KNUSTFORD University College graduates 48 in security intelligence

    KNUSTFORD University College, a Private University in Kumasi, has organised a ten weeks course on security intelligence and forensic studies for 48 security personnel in the Ashanti region.

    The course was to equip the participants who were from both the public and private security organizations with the requisite knowledge and skills to impact their attitudes and professional conduct on the field.

    They were taken through courses in crime theory and practice, criminal procedures, contempt of court, corporate investigation skills, fingerprint and biometric science, computer science, and information security.

    Mr Kwabena Nkansah Simpeh, Principal Programme Co-ordinator of the University, speaking at the graduation ceremony in Kumasi, said the participants had come out at a time when the country was preparing to go into an election.

    He said the knowledge acquired would help the security personnel to provide the needed services to ensure smooth and peaceful elections on December 07.

    Mr Simpeh said though the COVID-19 pandemic had crippled some of the academic activities, the University had been able to train more than 255 students in similar courses this year.

    He expressed worry at the low participation of women in the course and used the occasion to call on more women to enroll to acquire skills and competency-based security training.

    Alhaji Irbard Ibrahim, a Security Analyst, said lack of retraining and capacity building was a major challenge for security professionals.

    He stressed the need to frequently build capacities of security professionals in competency-based programmes to equip them with the needed skills to discharge their duties.

    Source: GNA

  • Show us your credibility – NDC to Akufo-Addo

    The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has asked President Nana Akufo-Addo to be sincere to Ghanaians by accepting that he is susceptible to influence.

    Addressing a press conference in Accra on Wednesday, Mr Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, Spokesperson on the NDC manifesto, said the President must accept that he was susceptible to both internal and external influences and remove the “incorruptible mantra” around him.

    Mr Kwetey said: “We are not asking for perfection. That is not what we are asking for because there is no perfect leader in any part of the world, not even in America, in England, not in China, no where do we have a perfect leader. We have humans, so there is no problem about being human and being imperfect.”

    “Kwame Nkrumah was not perfect, Jerry Rawlings, my personal mentor, hero was not perfect, he was human, President Mills, President Kufour and President Mahama, all of them were human, and President Akufo-Addo, human as well.

    “But the danger is not simply about being imperfect. The danger is when you have an imperfect being who absolutely has made what we call hypocrisy and deception something that could literary threaten the country then there is danger,” he added.

    The conference was to challenge the President to speak out on a video circulating in sections of the media over an alleged corruption misconduct levelled against him.

    Mr Kwetey said leadership was all about credibility and that if the President wanted Ghanaians to entrust him the power of the country for another four years, he must come clean and clear about recent corruption allegations levelled against his government.

    He further challenged the President to immediately speak out on the said video to give Ghanaians the assurance that he was incorruptible and was committed to the corruption fight.

    Mr Kwetey, who is also the Member of Parliament for Ketu South, said the NPP-led administration had failed in their bid to fight corruption and urged Ghanaians to vote massively for the opposition NDC in the upcoming general elections.

    He also urged the media and Civil Society Organisations to speak out against issues that had the tendency to deprive the country of the development it deserved.

    Source: GNA

  • PPP to pass ‘Affirmative Action Bill’ in first 100 days

    Ms Brigitte Dzogbenuku, Flagbearer for the Progressive People’s Party (PPP) says the Party will pass the Affirmative Action Bill into law in its first 100 days in office.

    The Affirmative Action Bill seeks an equal representation and participation of both women and men in governance, public positions of power, and all decision-making spaces of the country and also requires all sectors to reserve a percentage of their employment for women.

    The Flagbearer said PPP, when voted to power in the December polls would pass the bill in 2021 to empower females to rise the ladder of leadership in local governance and improve on their businesses to contribute effectively to the economy.

    She said the Party would support local industries, use government purchasing power to create jobs out of local and indigenous skills, and remain accountable to the people.

    Speaking to party faithful during her campaign tour of Tamale North, Ms Dzogbenuku said women played a very vital role in the upbringing of children and required much support from the government to do better.

    She said some hands-on skills such as basket weaving, oil palm production amongst other indigenous productions done mainly by women would be given the needed support to meet international standards.

    The PPP Flagbearer said the Party amongst other initiatives to curb corruption would empower citizens to vote for their Municipal and District Chief Executives and ensure that full percentage of the Assemblies Common Fund was paid to facilitate development.

    “Five percent of revenue is expected to be given to the Assemblies but in the past, only 1.9 percent or 2.5 percent has been given to them; the PPP will make sure all is given to ensure development at that level.”
    She described the Party as an inclusive party and urged the people to vote for the PPP come December 7 for development and employment for the youth.

    Alhaji Kwame Mutala, Northern Regional Chairman of the Party, urged the audience to eschew violence and vote the number ten on the ballot sheet; Ms Brigitte Dzogbenuku as president.

    He said the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) had both failed Ghanaians and that the PPP was the best option for the people.

    The team in its five-day tour visited Tamale North, Salaga North, Bimbila, Upper East; Navrongo Central, Bongo, Upper west; Wa Central.

    The team spent two days in the Northern and Savannah regions.

    Source: GNA

  • Alleged Bribe: Video was recorded in October 2016 – Kweku Baako

    The Editor-in-Chief of the New Crusading Guide newspaper, Abdul Malik Kweku Baako says the video in circulation on social media alleging bribery against President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo was recorded in October 2016.

    He said it was recorded by Salis Yakubu Atsuluwo, at a time President Akufo-Addo was campaigning to become President in the 2016 elections.

    He indicated the said money, GH¢40,000 was offered as part of political party campaign support and that it was not true that it was US$40,000 as being alleged in the second video.

    He also added that it was not bribe as alleged in the second video published by the Salis newspaper owned by Salis Yakubu.

    Speaking on Accra based Peace FM’s Kookrokoo morning programme on Wednesday [Watch video below from 1:41:20 onwards], Mr Baako said Salis Yakubu used to work with Anas Aremeyaw Anas’s Tiger Eye P.I. but has since parted ways with Anas.

    He said Salis did not know that the original video was “available to us [Kweku Baako and others], so we released it to expose his doctored one,” he said.

    Baako who said some aspects of the issue was linked to his [Baako’s] case with Kennedy Agyapong in court as well as that of Anas Aremeyaw Anas versus Kennedy Agyapong in court insisted that he cannot go into details because of the court case.

    He said the allegation of bribery was out of place and that it is clear that the money was to help Akufo-Addo finance his campaign in 2016.

    Mr Baako said he first came into contact with Salis Yakubu Atsuluwo in 2006 and that Salis approached him at the Labadi Coffee Shop in Accra. 

    From then, he [Baako] influenced his entry into Tiger Eye P.I. 

    He said when Salis walked to him for the first time, he opened up to him [Baako] that he was an NDC activist.

    But later on along the line, Mr Baako said Salis became an NPP member, he told him.

    Baako said Anas parted ways with him, so Salis set up his own group afterwards.

    He alleged that Salis has currently “exited to Benin” in the wake of the issue

    Watch the video below showing Baako [1:42:32 onwards] discussing the issue on Peace FM Wednesday morning.

    Meanwhile, the Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Sammy Gyamfi says members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) deliberately released a “doctored” video as a ploy for the public to dismiss the “authentic” video which alleges bribery against President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

    Mr Sammy Gyamfi said this at a press conference in Accra Wednesday [December 2, 2020] afternoon and insisted the recording was done in 2017.

    He named the person who did the recording as Yakubu Suale to counter what Kweku Baako said was Salis Yakubu Atsulowo.

    He confirmed Yakubu was working with Anas Aremeyaw Anas and that the recording was done at a time Yakubu was still working with Anas, but he [Gyamfi] cannot tell if the recording was done with Anas’s approval.

    He said Yakubu became friends with Kennedy Agyapong after he parted ways with Anas and that he was the one behind Kennedy Agyapong’s “who watches the watchman.”

    Reacting to concerns on the timeless for the recording of the video, Sammy Gyamfi insisted that there is another version of the recordings, which he will later make available and that in that video, which has no audio, the person who recorded it, President Akufo-Addo and Ambassador Barwuah sitting in the same office were captured and the camera captured the date.

    Source: Graphic.com.gh

  • ASEPA drags Akufo-Addo to CHRAJ for allegedly collecting $40k bribe

    The Alliance for Social Equity and Public Accountability (ASEPA) has dragged President Akufo-Addo to the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) for collecting a $40,000 a bribe.

    According to a statement signed by its Executive Director, Mensah Thompson, he claims the President took the money to influence his decision not to fire the Director of Urban Roads.

    “In a video documentary which is attached and labelled as exhibit 1, the President is seen collecting a bribe of $40,000 from individuals believed to be related to the (Director of Urban Roads) who had visited him at his private residence at Nima.

    “The purpose of this meeting was to influence the President in his decision on calls by his party members to sack the Director of Urban Roads.”

    However, Mr Thompson alleges that after taking the money from the spouse of the Director, her husband continued to remain in office till date despite several calls for his removal from office.

    Among other things, ASEPA is asking CHRAJ to investigate the circumstances leading to the bribery of the President at his private residence in Accra

    ASEPA also wants CHRAJ to carry a forensic audit on President Akufo-Addo personal bank accounts to ascertain the flow of funds into his personal accounts.

    The Alliance wants the Commission to find out the sources of the funds to establish whether there is link between the funds and the award of any government contract or the appointment of any public official.

    Source: myjoyonline

  • NDC should consider amending their candidate, not manifesto Otchere Darko

    Ranking Member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko has asked the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) to amend their candidate, John Dramani Mahama.

    The National Democratic Congress (NDC) on Tuesday, December 1 announced an amendment to their manifesto and has since promised to absorb the fees of students who will be admitted to the various tertiary institutions across the country in the next academic year.

    This is an upgrade on its earlier promise of halving fees for continuing students of the various University students.

    But reacting to the swift change, Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko in a post on social media said that the NDC should rather consider amending their candidate for the impending election.

    He said, “I hear the NDC have amended their manifesto with a few days to go. Perhaps, they should consider amending their candidate instead!”

    Meanwhile, the Scholarship Secretariat has announced a scholarship package for the first batch of Free SHS graduates.

    Source: My News GH

  • Free SHS alone can boost NPPs votes by 500k Franklin Cudjoe claims

    President of Policy Think Tank IMANI Africa, Franklin Cudjoe has said that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) is the luckiest political party going into the 2020 election.

    The IMANI Africa boss acknowledged that the Free SHS policy will be a game-changer for the governing New Patriotic Party.

    In his estimation, the NPP has about five hundred thousand votes from the beneficiaries of the most touted policy, Free SHS.

    Mr. Cudjoe who made this known said although there are allegations of corruption that have become an albatross on the neck of the President and some members of his government, first-time voters do not care about these allegations.

    The IMANI Africa President said, “The NPP is very lucky. Free SHS is the game-changer for them. Potentially they have at least 500k Free SHS votes. These first-time voters care less about corruption”.

    Source: My News GH

  • GCB rubbishes doctored Audit Service letter

    GCB Bank Limited has denied ever engaging in any transaction that purportedly transferred GH¢52.5 billion to unknown sources.

    This was contained in a letter said to have been issued by the Ghana Audit Service (GAS).

    The letter, making rounds on social media, was dated 5th October, 2020.

    But in a statement issued by the Corporate Affairs Department of the Bank, the allegations are false.

    “This is false and mischievously designed to discredit the Bank.

    “We hereby deny the allegation that GCB has effected unauthorized transfers.”

    The Bank assured all its stakeholders that as a bank of international repute, it conducts its activities in line with “sound banking principles”.

    “The Bank will not engage in any activity that will erode the trust and confidence the public has reposed in us over the years.”

    Source: 3 News

  • You can be arrested for taking photos of your ballot paper EC warns

    The Director of Electoral Services at the Electoral Commission, Dr Serebour Quaicoe, has said one violates the principles governing the electoral process if an individual takes pictures of their ballot paper after voting.

    According to him, an individual does not commit an offence by telling others the party he voted for but can be arrested, according to the law, for sharing photos of ballot papers as it breaches the secrecy of the ballot.

    He said “If you finish and you tell people who you voted for, that is fine but it is an offence for you to take photos of it and be showing it to people. That breaches the secrecy of the ballot. In the view of the law you can be arrested,” he said.

    Dr Serebour Quaicoe who was speaking on Eyewitness News after the Electoral Commission held special voting for Security personnel, journalist among others on Tuesday, December 1.

    He registered his displeasure on how ballot papers made rounds on social media during the exercise.

    A total of 109,557 out of voter population of 17,027,641 participated in the special voting by security personnel, media personnel and some workers of the Electoral Commission (EC) yesterday ahead of December 7 general elections.

    The smooth exercise commenced at 7:00 am in almost all centres and ended at 5:00 pm.

    Source: ghanaweb.com

  • Ghana Armed Forces investigates assault on military officer

    The Military High Command of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) says it has begun investigations into the assault of a Warrant Officer on Wednesday, 25 November 2020.

    A statement signed by the Director of Public Relations of the Ghana Armed Forces, Col. E. Aggrey-Quashie on 30 November 2020 noted that the incident was condemned by the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of National Security and the Military High Command.

    “As a first step towards redressing the problem, the Deputy Security Minister, Hon Henry Quartey and the Chief of the Defence Staff, Lt Gen O. B Akwa, have at an emergency durbar conveyed the sentiment of the two Ministries and rendered an unqualified apology to the said Warrant Officer and by extension the Ghana Armed Forces,” the statement added.

    The statement continued: “All ranks have been assured that the matter is being thoroughly investigated and anyone found culpable would be dealt with in accordance with the law.”

    The Military High Command also reiterated that “the ongoing investigations will be pursued vigorously and sanctions meted out as appropriate” while urging all officers “to exhibit their usual sense of professionalism and tackle all duties with the same level of maturity.”

    Source: Class FM

  • Election 2020: My stance on galamsey won’t change – Akufo-Addo

    President Nana Addo Danquah Akufo-Addo has disclosed that his stance on illegal mining remains unchanged despite promises by the opposition National Democratic Congress to return seized excavators to the miners.

    Government through a collaboration with the Operation Vanguard Task-force managed to seize mining machinery and equipment including excavators from illegal miners who operated without permission during the Galamsey ban.

    In February 2020, it was reported in the media that the seized excavators and other equipment seized from the illegal mining operators have gone missing. It later emerged, although unsubstantiated that some of the missing excavators had actually been given to NPP loyalists.

    This prompted the flagbearer of the NDC, John Dramani Mahama, to promise that he will retrieve all seized excavators and concessions belonging to the small scale miners that have been allegedly handed to NPP supporters when elected president on December 7.

    But addressing a campaign crowd at Manso Nkwanta in the Ashanti Region, on December 1, 2020, President Akufo-Addo said his fight against illegal mining remains unchanged despite stiff backlash from the opposition.

    The President said, “In the days of our forefathers, they engaged in mining but they did it in a sustainable way which did not disturb the land or water bodies. I will not support illegal mining which will destroy the environment. My decision remains the same, where I am on this fight remains unchanged.”

    He also added that he will not sit down and watch on as activities of illegal miners continue to deteriorate the land.

    Disclosing governments intervention for small scale miners, Nana Addo stated, “We are going to roll out the community mining and my government is working hard on it”.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Asawase-Asokore Mampong chiefs summon Muntaka and Alidu for peace pact

    The Asokore Mampong Traditional Council has advanced an invitation to the Parliamentary Candidates of the New Patriotic Party and the National Democratic Congress in the Asawase Constituency, to attend a Royal Declaration of Peace Dialogue.

    This meeting will see the incumbent and parliamentary candidate of the NDC Alhaji Muntaka Mubarak Mohammed and his contender from the NPP who doubles as the Municipal Chief Executive of Asokore Mampong Alhaji Seidu Alidu openly sign a peace pact.

    According to an invitation letter cited by Ultimate News, the meeting which has been scheduled for Wednesday 2nd of December 2020 is to ensure an open declaration and commitment to a Peaceful Elections in 2020 before, during and after the elections”.

    It comes at a time the two candidates are haggling over a venue to be designated as a collation center for the December 7 polls.

    The crucial meeting which is being held at the instance of the Asokore Mamponghene Nana Boakye Ansah Debrah has attracted the full backing of the Local Council of Christian Churches and Muslims.

    The constituency which remains on the list of electoral flashpoints of the Electoral Commission and the Ghana Police Service continues to gain notoriety for violent clashes between supporters of the NDC and the opposition NPP.

    The invitation read, “The councils have however observed with great worry the events that have transpired in past elections and the reputation the constituency and Municipality have garnered as a hotspot for political violence within the country.

    The event which will be held at the Nana Saamaa Diawuo II Dwabirem will have in attendance, the National Commission for Civic Education, The National Cadet Corps and Civil Society Organizations in the Municipality.

    It will also be witnessed by Zango Chiefs and Islamic clerics in the Asawase Constituency.

    Source: Kasapa FM

  • I use wee to cure my ailment – convict tells court

    Dennis Akomea alias “Monday” a 37-year-old electrician charged for illegal possession of cannabis has been convicted by the Ashanti-Bekwai Circuit Court.

    The court thus sentenced him to a fine of GHC3,000.00.

    Akomea before being sentenced told the Court that he uses the cannabis to cure an ailment and pleaded for mercy and mitigation.

    In default, Akomea will serve 12 months imprisonment with hard labour.

    The convict who had been in custody for two years and had changed his plea of not guilty to guilty whilst his accomplice Kwaku Antwi alias “Best” is now at large.

    Prosecuting, Detective Police Chief Inspector Stephen Ofori told the Court presided over by Mr Marc Diboro Tirimah that Antwi, now 42, a trader and Akomea were residents of Bekwai-Nyameduase.

    He said on March 29, 2018, at about 1130 hours, a team of police personnel led by Deputy Superintendent of Police Edward Boateng embarked on patrol duties to immobiliser miscreants and deviants in the Bekwai Municipality and its environs.

    This was to ensure that residents celebrate the 2018 Easter festivities without any security breach, the prosecution told the Court.

    He said the two were arrested at an alleged drug peddling base at Nyameduase and when a search was conducted on them, 13 wrappers of Cannabis popularly known as “Wee” were found on each of them.

    Chief Inspector Ofori said they were then handed over to an investigative team together with the exhibits and during their cautioned statements, admitted the offence.

    The exhibits were forwarded to the Crime Forensic Laboratory for examination as well as report and it proved positive for Cannabis.

    The Court in passing sentence considered the fact that Akomeah pleaded guilty

    Source: GNA

  • Ghanas first ever Biography Magazine on most influential personalities finally out

    Rudder Communications, a budding media and publishing company in Tamale has finally released a long-awaited Magazine which chronicles the most interesting life stories and biographies of the Most Influential Personalities (MIPs) in Northern Ghana comprising; Upper West, Upper East, North East, Savannah and Northern Regions.

    The 108-page MIPs biography magazine, which is the first of its kind in Ghana, has loads of lifelong lessons and experiences shared by some distinguished and accomplished sons and daughters of Northern Ghana.

    According to the Executive Director of Rudder Communications, Mr. Joseph Ziem, the Magazine features great personalities like the current Director-General of the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, Prof. Amin Alhassan, Vice-Chancellor of Millar Open University, Prof. David Millar, President of Academic City University College, Prof. Fred David McBagonluri, Vice President of Regentropfen College of Applied Sciences, Prof. Agnes Atia Apusigah and the founder and chairman of Rabito Medical Services, His Royal Majesty Naa Prof. Edmund N. Delle Chiir VIII.

    Others are Dr. Roger Adamu Lure Kanton, Senior Research Scientist at the Savanna Agricultural Research Institute, Dr. Michael Wombeogo, Senior Lecturer and Head of Department of Midwifery at the University for Development Studies, Dr. Thomas Anabah, Founder and CEO of Habana Medical Centre, Ing. Catherine Kuupol Kuutor, Metallurgical Manager at Goldfields Ghana and Prof. Ahmed Nuhu Zakariah, CEO, National Ambulance Service.

    He said the Magazine is meant to inspire and give life directions to young people especially students at all levels and young entrepreneurs when they read the biographies of successful and accomplished people.

    Mr. Joseph Ziem disclosed that the MIPs Magazine was developed by Rudder Communications and SavannahNewsOnlie.Com to honour those top personalities who were successfully voted for by all Ghanaians in a competitive online voting in the 2019 and 2020 100 “Most Influential Personalities” of Northern Ghana projects.

    He said that the annual project nominates 200 personalities each year, and nominees are placed in 10 different categories: Education; Sports; STEM; Agribusiness; Politics and Governance; Health and Wellness; Finance and Entrepreneurship; Media and Law; Arts and Lifestyle as well as Humanitarianism and Diplomacy.

    The public is then asked to vote for their preferred 100 MIPs out of the 200 nominees. At the end of the public voting which could last between 30 and 45 days, the names of nominees who get the highest number of votes are published.

    “To be considered for nomination, a person must meet either one or all of the following three set of criteria: Must have excelled or is successful in their chosen career or profession; Must have made significant progress to the top of their career when compared to their peers; or Must have made significant impact in the lives of other people or the community they hail from”.

    Mr. Joseph Ziem who is also a renowned investigative journalist and media consultant was confident that the stories of successful and accomplished natives of Northern Ghana used in the MIPs Magazine would inspire school children and other young people to dream big.

    He said copies of the Magazine have been made available to all the MIPs featured in the book and the public, schools and other organisations can visit the offices of Rudder Communications for enquiries.

    Mr. Joseph Ziem bemoaned how challenging it was for him and his team to get the attention of some of the personalities who were qualified to be featured in the Magazine due to tight schedules and other factors.

    He however expressed his profound gratitude to all the MIPs who agreed to work with them to produce the Magazine which could make a lot of positive impact on the lives of thousands of young people in decades to come.

    Source: Edmond Gyebi, Contributor

  • Indomie, MoMo cause of rising teenage pregnancies Research

    A new research conducted by Star Ghana Foundation has revealed the love and desperation for Indomie, mobile money and social media addiction by young girls has been the cause of the increased rate of teenage pregnancies in Ghana.

    According to the research, young girls in their teen ages allow men to take advantage of them to be able to get access to their phones to take pictures and post on social media.

    They also easily give out their bodies if a man would be able to buy them indomie at night and send them mobile money no matter the amount.

    The research findings were shared at a National Dialogue on sexual and Gender-based violence in a COVID-19 pandemic: prevalence, drivers and response measures held in Tamale.

    Organized by Star Ghana Foundation in collaboration with Songtaba, the dialogue seeks to identify, share and suggest solutions to the continuous vulnerability of women in the country.

    Key in the discussion was about the inhumane treatments meted out on women based on witchcraft accusations as well as sexual abuse of young girls.

    Speakers at the forum have also lamented the negative impact of COVID-19 on young girls and women in the last six months. The impact they noted was devastating as several young girls especially teenagers got pregnant during the period.

    Key speaker and consultant to Star Ghana Foundation, Bashiratu Jamal with reference to a research conducted by Africa Education watch and Ghana health service, concluded that teenage pregnancy is on an increase despite several efforts by NGOs to reduce and or end the menace.

    On their part, the accused witches group shared their plight on the unbearable life situations they face. Recounting how they were accused, assaulted and banished from their communities, the accused witches appealed to the government and other relevant organizations to work hard to end witchcraft accusations.

    They also appealed for support from the government and public to be able to survive.

    The dialogue brought together gender-based organizations, youth groups, PWDs and Association of accused witches.

    Source: Starr FM

  • 145 voters fail to turn up as voting ends in New Juaben South without hitches

    Voting has ended successfully at the Galloway Police School Canteen polling station in the New Juaben South at exactly 5 pm.

    The voting process went on and ended smoothly without any major hitch even though a total of 15 security officers who walked to vote were surprisingly told their names were not in the register.

    The affected persons apparently sent their details late after the special voting list had already been compiled by the Electoral Commission.

    They were however assured by the EC officials that their names would be put in the main register so they can vote on December 7.

    Speaking to the media, Municipal Electoral Officer for New Juaben, Kofi Owusu Asante, expressed worry that about 145 voters couldn’t turn up to vote.

    According to him, these people will not have the opportunity to vote come December 7 as their names will be classified under the absent list.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • My comment on Dumelo twisted Ayokor Botchwey

    Member of Parliament(MP) for Anyaa Sowutuom and Foreign Affairs Minister Shirley Ayokor Botchwey has condemned attempts by some political opportunists for trying to take advantage of the comments she made at Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency recently.

    Shirley Ayokor Botchwey while campaigning for her colleague Lydia Seyram Alhassan in the Ayawaso said “Parliament is for serious minded people and not people who have done some movies and think they are popular”.

    She added further “It is a serious place, I will tell him, the laws of the country are enacted in parliament. If our President can continue his job very well, he needs Lydia Alhassan in Parliament to do the job so that all you need as a constituency will be easily given to you”.

    Her comment has received a lot of attention with some players in the creative arts industry seeing its an insult to the industry.

    But a statement from the Lawmaker and Minister said what she meant by her comment was that it does not take only popularity to win an election.

    According to her, any attempt by political opportunists to take advantage of her comment should be treated with the contempt it deserves because she has over the years supported the Creative Arts Industry and is aware of some good lawmakers who the industry has produced.

    She used the opportunity to reassure members of the industry of her respect and continued support for the industry.

    Source: My News GH

  • Audit Service reacts to alleged missing GH¢52 billion at GCB

    The Audit Service has reacted to a news report of a missing GH¢ 52.5 billion which has been transferred from Ghana Commercial Bank (GCB) to unknown sources.

    A statement issued by the service indicated that it has taken note of the news report and the interest it has generated.

    According to the statement, the audit exercise in reference was an exercise sanctioned by Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta in a letter dated August 15, 2020, based on the mandate of the president.

    It said the letter in circulation on the matter forms part of letters sent to commercial banks that participated in the transfers.

    It added that the Audit Service intends surcharging any bank which defaulted in the tax receipts collected.

    It further disclosed the Service has managed to trace with satisfaction, some of the transfers.

    Read the full statement below:

    Source: rainbowradioonline.com

  • Confusion over food nearly mars special voting at Bortianor-Ngleshie-Amanfro

    Confusion almost broke out at the designated special voting centre for the Bortianor-Ngleshie-Amanfro constituency when supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) objected to the sharing of food by suspected New Patriotic Party (NPP) members within the voting centre.

    The centre, which is expecting 201 members of the security services, personnel of the National Ambulance Service, accredited media persons, the National Media Commission and staff of the EC to cast their ballot had seen about 40 people vote by 9 am.

    Speaking to Citi News about the development, the NDC parliamentary candidate for the area, Alexander Ackuaku said the Electoral Commission needs to take steps to prevent such occurrences from happening as they can potentially lead to more challenges on December 7.

    “We need to stamp our authority. It should not be left in the hands of the opposition to be challenging some of these things. It is not the best. People should be bold enough and let people know that the peace of this nation is paramount enough. We should not entertain some of these things. It is not the best.”

    On his part, the parliamentary candidate for the NPP in the constituency, Sylvester Tetteh absolved his supporters of any wrongdoing and urged the NDC to rather focus on canvassing for votes ahead of the December 7 electios.

    “We have breakfast, lunch and snack for our agents. Because it is a special voting day, some executives were lending support to our agents there and some of them were also observing the process for the first time. So when you are taking breakfast to your people obviously you will not take for two or four people. Our agents are allowed to be fed at the premises. I have seen instances where you take a drink to the polling centre, an NDC agent will take it. It does not influence the vote.”

    A total of 109,577 persons are casting their ballots for their preferred presidential and parliamentary candidates in the special voting exercise currently ongoing across the country today.

    Source: citinewsroom

  • Ursula optimistic Dec 7 polls will be free and fair

    Minister of Communication Ursula Owusu-Ekuful has expressed optimism that the December 7 elections will be peaceful.

    The Member of Parliament for the Ablekuma West constituency who toured some polling centres in her constituency during the special voting on Tuesday, December 1 said she was impressed by the work of the Electoral Commission (EC).

    Speaking to TV3, the minister said “I am impressed with what I have seen so far. Everything is running smoothly.”

    She added: “I am very happy with what I have observed at the Dansoman police station. If this is a sign of what is to come, then we must be assured that we will have a free and fair election. Let me commend the Electoral Commission for the job so far.”

    She further indicated that the EC ensured strict compliance with the protocols against coronavirus.

    “So far, the COVID-19 protocols being observed is good. They clean the machines after each person takes their turn. I think the Electoral Commission should be commended,” she said.

    Reports from various polling stations suggest a free and transparent Voting for special voters casting their votes today.

    Meanwhile, there have been few reports of missing names from the register.

    Source: 3 News

  • 2020 Elections: Don’t leave the polling stations, be vigilant – Education Minister to NPP

    Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, Minister of Education, has cautioned the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) members and supporters to be vigilant during the December 7 elections.

    According to him, he has picked intelligence that the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has hired some people to disrupt the elections by stealing ballot boxes from the polling stations.

    He called on the NPP not to go home after casting their ballots but stay at the polling stations to check miscreants.

    Ghanaians will be going to the polls on Monday, December 7, 2020 to elect a President for Ghana.

    Twelve political parties are contesting the elections but it is largely believed that the contest is between the two biggest parties, the ruling New Patriotic Party(NPP) and largest opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).

    “NPP must be vigilant especially in polling stations that the NPP wins massively because some of our opponents have spurred some people to grab the ballot box and cause chaos for the votes to minimize. So, they should be vigilant not to go home after casting their votes but rather gather ourselves and make a bonfire, and go round it so that we show any person who attempts to steal the ballot box that we’re still around,” Matthew Opoku-Prempeh said in an interview on Peace FM’s “Kokrokoo” programme.

    Source: Peace FM

  • National Security personnel who attacked soldier will be dealt with Ghana Armed Forces assures

    The National Security personnel who assaulted a uniformed officer of the Ghana Armed Forces will not be left off the hook, the Military High Command has vowed.

    GAF, in a statement issued on Monday, November 30, 2020, and signed by the Director of Public Relations, Colonel Aggrey Quarshie, strongly condemned the attack on one of its officers and promised to bring the perpetrators to book.

    It said that investigations have already commenced to identify the persons who physically abused the officer whose name has been given as WO1 Mashud Salia.

    It disclosed that a high-level meeting has been held over the matter and an apology has been issued from the Ministry of National Security.

    “The attention of the Military High Command has been drawn to an unfortunate incident which occurred on Wednesday 25 November 2020 around Tulaku Junction, on the Ashaiman- Akosombo highway, in which a Warrant Officer (WOI Mashud Salia) was assaulted by some plain-clothed personnel of the National Signal Bureau. This bizarre incident has been roundly condemned by both the Ministry of Defence and the Military High Command. The Sector Ministry of National Security has also, in a similar vein, condemned the actions of the personnel involved.

    “As a first step toward redressing the problem, the Deputy National Security Minister, Hon Henry Quartey and the Chief of the Defence Staff, Lt Gen OB Akwa, have at an emergency durbar conveyed the sentiment of the two Ministries and rendered an unqualified apology to the said Warrant Officer and by extension to the Ghana Armed Forces.

    “This durbar was held at Michel Camp, Tema on Saturday 28 November 2020 with troops of 1 Bn. All ranks have been assured that the matter is being thoroughly investigated and anyone found culpable would be dealt with in accordance with the law.”

    The Ghana Armed Forces also urged its officers to remain calm and professional in the execution of their duties.

    “It is reiterated that the ongoing investigations will be pursued vigorously and sanctions meted out as appropriate. In the meantime, All Ranks have been urged to exhibit their usual sense of professionalism and tackle all duties with the same level of maturity.”

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • PTA has not been cancelled Nsowah

    Chair of the Ghana Education Service Council (GES) Micheal Nsowah has clarified that the activities of the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) in schools have not been cancelled.

    He told TV3’s Alfred Ocansey during a forum on Education Privatization in Ghana on Monday, November 30.

    His clarification come after a Professor of Educational Leadership at the University of Cape Coast, George K.T. Oduro, had raised concerns of the inactivity of PTAs in the various schools.

    Mr Nsowa said: “PTA has not been cancelled but the PTA dues which deprives students from going to school is the problem.”

    “There is no document that says that PTA has been cancelled. PTAs can organize themselves. PTA dues agreed by parents to support the school becomes a fee that if your parents do not pay, you do not go to school is the problem.”

    “PTA dues should not deny any student from going to school,” he stressed.

    Source: 3 News

  • NDC supporters storm police station over arrest of Tema East parliamentary candidate

    Scores of supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) within the Tema East constituency on Monday night massed up at the Tema Community 11 police station to demand the release of their parliamentary candidate for the area, Nii Ashai Odampten.

    According to information picked up by Citi News, the parliamentary candidate is being held by the police for failing to meet a bail condition he was given by an Accra court on counts of alleged embezzlement while he was Mayor of Tema.

    The incumbent MP, Titus Glover who is being accused as the brain behind the arrest has on several platforms alleged that the former Mayor and parliamentary candidate for Tema East, Ashai Odampten signed a number of shady contracts during his tenure as mayor and called for his arrest.

    However, scores of party faithful last night upon hearing about the detention of their candidate trooped to the community 11 police station to demand his release.

    One of the supporters who spoke to Citi News said the arrest of the aspiring parliamentarian is unlawful.

    “We are here because our incoming MP has been arrested. The work he has done within 3 years is unprecedented. The sitting NPP MP has not been able to do anything close to what Ashai Odampten has done. They cannot just arrest him like that. You have to send him a letter and if he refuses to come, then you arrest him. It is unlawful to just arrest him. We love the man.”

    The party supporters mounted roadblocks in front of the police station and attempted to set some car tyres ablaze to express their anger.

    They also threatened to destroy properties of the NPP in the constituency.

    Source: citinewsroom

  • Ghana Armed Forces condemns assault on officer by another security agent at Ashaiman

    Authorities of the Military High Command of the Ghana Armed Forces have expressed disgust over the assault of one of its members, Warrant Officer WOI Mashud Salia by another security agent.

    WOI Salia was reportedly assaulted by some plain-clothed personnel of the National Signals Bureau around Tulaku Junction, on the Ashaiman- Akosombo highway in the Greater Accra Region.

    The unfortunate incident is said to have occurred last Wednesday, November 25, 2020.

    “This bizarre incident has been roundly condemned by both the Ministry of Defence and the Military High Command. The Sector Ministry of National Security has also, in a similar vein, condemned the actions of the personnel involved,” a statement from the Armed Forces indicated.

    Already, the Deputy National Security Minister, Henry Quartey and the Chief of the Defence Staff, Lt Gen OB Akwa, have at an emergency durbar expressed worry over the incident while apologising to the officer involved and the Ghana Armed Forces as a step towards addressing the problem.

    The durbar was held at Michel Camp, Tema on Saturday, November 28, 2020, with troops of the infantry battalion.

    Meanwhile, all ranks have been assured that the “matter is being thoroughly investigated and anyone found culpable would be dealt with in accordance with the law.”

    “It is reiterated that ongoing investigations will be pursued vigorously and sanctions meted out as appropriate”, portions of the statement read.

    In the meantime, all ranks have been urged to exhibit their usual sense of professionalism and
    tackle all duties with the same level of maturity.

    Source: citinewsroom

  • Customs impounds oil vessel at Tema Port

    The Tema Command of the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) is holding an oil supply vessel, MV Famous 1, at the Tema Port following the discovery of gasoline products which the owners allegedly declared as sludge.

    Officials suspected that the gasoline products were being smuggled under the guise of the sludge material in an attempt to evade the payment of the necessary taxes to the state.

    A sludge product normally contains about 50 per cent or more of water  and as such may be exempted from tax.

    Officials of the vessel, Kpabulga Energy Limited (KEL), in a letter signed by its Director of Operations, Mr Abdul Rafat Mohammed, on November 23, 2020 had made an application to the Director of Tema Port seeking for clearance to discharge some 200 cubic litres of sludge, a waste product made up of a mixture of oil, water and other substances, at the port.

    A highly-placed source at the Customs Division, who confirmed the interception to the Daily Graphic, said the management was waiting for an official report from the Tema Sector Commander on the incident.

    Arrival

    The source said the vessel arrived at the port on November 22, 2020 from the Lome Offshore and took berth the following day about 5:45 pm.

    It was, however, found to be discharging gasoline products into some Bulk Road Vehicles (BRV), popularly referred to as tanker trucks, when Customs officials swooped on them and halted the operations to enable them to conduct investigations into the incident.

    Attempts to reach the Director of KEL for their comments on the incident were unsuccessful. 

    Source: Graphic.com.gh

  • Police officer involved in accident on Tema Motorway

    Gunnery Sergeant, Edward Agyapong, is reported to have been in a motor accident on the Accra-Tema motorway at about 1:45 pm on Sunday, November 29.

    42-year-old Sgt. Agyapong, who was driving Service Vehicle S/V VW Polo No. 7705 Y, is said to have lost control, veered off the road and ran into a tree by the side of the road close to SIDALCO Ghana Limited.

    Eye-witnesses and passersby immediately rushed to the scene to rescue the unconscious officer from the badly damaged vehicle.

    The officer who had sustained serious injuries from the accident seemed to be unconscious as passersby tried desperately to use various farm and carpentry tools to pull him out of the wreckage.

    He was subsequently rushed to 37 Military Hospital where he was admitted for medical treatment.

    Source: myjoyonline

  • Fire destroys DVLA office

    Fire has razed parts of the Tamale branch of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA).

    Reports indicate the incident happened around 7: pm on Sunday, November 29, 2020, destroying computers, important documents and other property.

    Head of the DVLA Customs Division, Amissah Osman, speaking in an interview with Adom News, said the fire will greatly affect their operation.

    According to him, the outfit has lost valuable details of clients to the fire, adding it will be difficult for them to retrieve them from any source.

    The Assistant Station Officer of the Sagnarigu Fire Service station, Baba Hudu, who also spoke with Adom News said an ambulance driver called to report the fire outbreak at the DVLA office.

    He said the cause of the fire cannot immediately be known.

    However, he assured that they have commenced an investigation to ascertain the actual cause of the fire outbreak.

    Source: MyJoyOnline.com

  • EC creates missing names list for registered Ghanaians not on electoral roll

    The Electoral Commission (EC) says it has made provision for registered Ghanaians whose names are not on the electoral roll to vote on Election Day.

    Outside the certified voters register which has in excess of 17 million voters, 830 persons who successfully registered could not find their names on the register.

    These persons have been put on a missing names list and are spread across 338,622 polling stations.

    They will however be allowed to vote using manual verification.

    Of the 830 persons, 542 were inadvertently omitted from the register.

    The Commission says it identified the anomaly after a thorough audit of the register reconciling the end of day registration reports with the figures contained in the register.

    The end of day report contains the actual number of voters registered by the close of each registration day.

    Also, on the missing names list are 233 registered voters who were initially placed at the wrong polling stations.

    The list also contains 55 persons who upon the audit were placed under the exceptions list but have successfully challenged their status at the High Court.

    The Chairperson of the Commission, Jean Mensa, earlier said the problem of missing names was mainly due to unintentional human and administrative errors.

    There had been complaints from some registered persons that they could not find their names on the register during the voter registration exercise.

    Most of the complaints came from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) but the EC described their concerns as unfounded.

    NDC had claimed it had detailed reports to back claims that the EC deliberately deleted the names of registered voters from the register but never released the alleged evidence.

    Source: citinewsroom

  • Kwabena Yeboah appeals to Akufo-Addo to support SWAG with a bus

    The President of the Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG), Kwabena Yeboah has appealed to the Minister of Youth and Sports Hon. Isaac Kwame Asiamah to use his high office to prevail on President Nana Akufo-Addo to give them a bus.

    The bus, according to the veteran sports journalist, will aid the movement of SWAG members for the execution of official assignments.

    Delivering his speech at the 45th MTN-SWAG awards at the Swiss -Spirit Alisa Hotel, Accra, Kwabena Yeboah said having blazed the trail of sports writing in Ghana Over a half-century, mobility has been a major debility to executing their mandate, and believes only a more decent means of transportation can help alleviate this plight.

    “My lordship, permit me to state an age long debility and prostration of the Ghana Sports Writers Association of Ghana. The absence of a reliable vehicle to ease the transportation of members for events and programs,” Kwabena Yeboah addressed the gathering.

    “On this special occasion, may I urge my very good friend the Hon. Minister for Youth and Sports Hon. Isaac Kwame Asiamah to use his very good office to prevail to our sports-loving President [Akufo-Addo] to consent to our humble request.”

    SWAG was founded in 1968 having existed through all Governments of Ghana while providing meaningful sports content, and aiding the development of Sports in Ghana.

    The association is noted for highlighting, and joining forces with various state institutions to churn the course of Sports development, and has seen some of its members right to the high office of Ministers of State.

    The SWAG Awards, a scheme that celebrates the achievement of sports men and women, is the longest existing awards in Ghana running for 45 years.

    Source: swagghana.com

  • NDC will win 60% of parliamentary seats on December 7 Mahama

    Mr John Daramani Mahama, the flagbearer of National Democratic Congress (NDC) has assured supporters of the party in Yendi and Ghana as a whole that NDC will win 60% of seats in Parliament on December 7, 2020.

    John Mahama gave the assurance at a rally in Yendi as part of his tour of Northern Region.

    He said when the NDC was in power, it put up a pharmacy block at the Yendi Municipal hospital, constructed 14 CHPS compounds in various communities in Yendi constituency, built a three-storey lockable stores building in Yendi to improve the economy of the people, a modern lorry park on the Yendi-Gushegu road, Construction of the Eastern corridor road, which gave the youth employment.

    He announced that the next NDC administration will introduce the Big Push agenda to create employment, a manifesto that would convince Ghanaians to vote for NDC to win 60 percent of seats in Parliament.

    He said the NDC government will establish a farmer mechanization centre in Yendi with 15 tractors, combine harvesters and other farming inputs for farmers and urged them to register for the tractors to plough for them and pay only after harvesting their crops.

    He said the Free Senior High School Education was good and nobody would change it, but to make it better, that was why the NDC government considered building 200 Community Day Schools that were abandoned by the NPP government.

    He said private schools would also benefit from the Free SHS education and would do away with the double track, if they return to power.

    Mr John Mahama said they had three major projects for Yendi, made up of a new hospital, under the Big Push, design and expand the Yendi water system and create employment for the youth in police service, Forestry Commission amongst others.

    He promised that his next government would adequately equip the security to curb crime wave in the country.

    Source:www.gna.org.gh

  • Three in police custody for lacing drinks with Indian hemp

    Three persons, including a 14 year old minor, are in police custody in Tema for allegedly lacing customers’ drinks with Indian hemp.

    The suspects, Jessica Mensah,30 who is the bar operator at Monte Carlo drinking spot in Tema and Charity Yeboah, 30, a bar attendant, as well as a 14-year old minor (name withheld) an errand boy were arrested on Saturday, November 28, 2020 for selling bottles of drinks suspected to be laced with cannabis

    The Tema Regional Police Command Regional Police Public Relations Officer, Chief Inspector, Stella Dede Dzakpasu who confirmed the arrest to Graphic Online, said a total of 668 bottles of drinks of such nature were recovered by the Police.

    She said the police was conducting further investigations into the case and advised the public to be sure of substances they patronise in order not to fall victim to such practices.

    Source: Graphic.com.gh

  • Blackshield, other FMC customers receive partial bailout – SEC begins payment

    The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has said the processes for the partial bailout for the remaining clients of affected Fund Management Companies (FMCs) whose licences were revoked have started, pending the outcome of the liquidation petitions.

    This is in line with its earlier public notice on the November 18, 2020 which announced a partial bailout for the affected clients.

    A release issued by the Commission in Accra yesterday noted that the partial cash bailout which involved a payment of up to GH¢50,000 would cover all clients of the remaining affected Fund Management Companies, including customers of Gold Coast Fund Management Limited (now Blackshield Fund Management Company Limited).

    “In the end, the partial bailout being offered would result in 89 per cent of individuals and 82 per cent of pensioners being fully covered. Validated claims in excess of this partial cash payout amount shall be covered after the liquidation proceedings in court, in line with the terms being applied under the bailout package for the clients of the fund management companies currently undergoing liquidation proceedings,” the release noted.

    The release added that a large number of affected clients had been sent SMS messages containing the value of their validated claims, with outstanding customers to be covered shortly.

    Steps to follow

    Interested claimants are expected to follow three simple steps (reduced from six steps) outlined to access the partial bailout in cash.

    The over 10,000 clients who have already completed step one will be contacted shortly to complete the last two steps to access their payment.

    Clients with validated claims in excess of GH¢50,000 can also opt to wait for the conclusion of the liquidation processes in court to access the full bailout package.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, the partial bailout of GH¢50,000 will be paid as cash into the bank accounts that will be opened at GCB Bank for each client.

    Clients will, therefore, be able to withdraw cash as soon as their accounts are activated. The SEC, therefore, appeals to all affected clients who opt for the partial bailout package to patiently follow through with all the processes and rely only on information provided by the SEC on the process.

    “Clients who are yet to receive their Claim IDs are advised not to panic as the SMS is being dispatched in batches. The government is committed to following through with its bailout package for all validated claims,” the release added.

    Source: Graphic.com.gh

  • Contemporary Akuapem Twi Bible, “Nkwa AsƐm” launched

    The International Bible Society (Biblica) has launched the new contemporary Akuapem Twi Bible called “Nkwa AsƐm”.

    The purpose of the translation project was to give Akuapem speakers an alternate Bible easy to read, easy to understand, accurate and in contemporary Akuapem Twi.

    The philosophy of the translation project was based on the philosophy of the English Living Bible (ELB), published by the Living Bible International (LBI).

    Launch
    Speaking at the launch of “Nkwa AsƐm” at the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Akropong on Friday, November 28, the West Africa Council Member of Biblica, Rev. Walter Aboagye Pimpong said the Akuapem Twi translation of the Bible was a great additional resource for the church.

    He explained that the new Akuapem Twi Biblica translation will serve as a platform for intentional engaging ministry that serve the needs of the language community especially the unreached and unengaged.

    Commitment
    The Africa Area Director of Translations, Biblica, Rev. Dr. Ebenezer Boafo, reiterated Biblica’s commitment to producing Bible translations with focus on accuracy, faithfulness to the original Greek and Hebrew texts and clarity to the reader.

    “Research has shown that whenever the Bible is translated, into the language of every community, the word gains root in that community and also renews the church in that community,” he added.

    Ghanaian Languages
    The Rector of the Akrofi-Christaller Institute of Theology, Rev Prof Benhardt Quarshie lamented the growing trend of preference for foreign languages over Ghanaian languages.

    This trend according to him, made it difficult for the older generation to transfer the Ghanaian culture and values to the younger generation.

    “One of the most important gifts God has given to us is language. It is the vehicle for carrying the weight of culture. Language defines us. It is through language that our values as a people group are translated from one generation to another. If we lose our language, we’re losing our identity as a people. Let us not abandon our languages”, Rev Prof Quarshie appealed.

    Source: Graphic.com.gh

  • Santrofi, Akpafu, Likpe and Lolobi cannot fall within Hohoe Constituency Supreme Court

    The Supreme Court has, in a unanimous decision, ruled that the traditional areas of Santrofi, Akpafu, Likpe and Lolobi cannot fall within the Hohoe Constituency.

    The Apex court explains that this is because the said traditional areas following the creation of new regions ended up falling within the Oti Region.

    Hohoe Constituency on the other hand falls within the current Volta Region amidst the constitutional requirement that a constituency shall not fall within more than one region.

    This is the Judgement in the case of Valentine Edem Dzatse vrs Henry Ametefe, NDC Parliamentary Candidate for Hohoe Prof Margaret Kweku and four others.

    The case was heard by Justices Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, Gabriel Pwamang, Samuel Marful Sau, Nene Amegatcher, Ashie Kotey, Mariama Owusu and Lovelace Johnson.

    The case commenced at the Ho High Court but was referred to the Supreme Court for interpretation. The court had been asked to hold that Constitutional Instrument 95 (C.I 95) which determines the areas of a constituency is inconsistent with article 47 (2) of the 1992 constitution which stipulates that no constituency shall fall within two regions.

    The plaintiff in the case, Valentine Edem Dzatse had contended that Constitutional Instrument 112 (C.I 112) which set up the Oti Region provides that the traditional areas of Santrofi, Akpafu, Likpe and Lolobi fall within the Oti Region. This is despite the fact that these areas per C.I 95 are part of the Hohoe Constituency. This, therefore, creates a situation the constitution sought to avoid by not having an area in two regions.

    The Electoral Commission which had its Municipal Electoral Officer named as a defendant in the case agreed with the case of the plaintiff adding that C.95 ought to be amended to reflect the current split of the regions.

    The other defendants, however, disagreed saying the President in creating the regions should have noted that he was limited by Article 47 (2) to ensure that the said traditional areas remain within the Hohoe Constituency.

    The Apex Court took the view that there is no such limitation placed on the President in creating regions but rather the law showing the areas covering constituencies ought to be amended to reflect the current regional distribution. The court, therefore, concluded that C.95 is inconsistent with article 47 (2) of the constitution.

    The court however restrained itself from declaring the law as void explaining that any review of constituencies per article 47(6) takes effect upon the dissolution of parliament. 

    The Court finally ordered the Electoral Commission to amend CI 95 to ensure that the said traditional areas do not fall within two regions.

    Source: myjoyonline.com

  • Metro Mass bus in fatal accident, one dead, 22 injured

    A Metro Mass Transit Bus carrying sixty (60) passengers has crashed on a bridge leading to the death of one passenger with 22 others sustaining various degrees of injuries.

    The accident occurred Sunday at about 6:00pm on a bridge over the river Supon at Osenase on Asamankese to Kade road.

    The Bus with registration number GG 3973- 09 was transporting the passengers from Koforidua towards Tiakama Nkwanta on Osenase-Oda road.

    According to the suspect driver Asante Robert, 45, while descending a hill towards the bridge he lost control of the steering wheel and crashed against the wall of the bridge and violently landed across it blocking the road from both sides.

    23 passengers sustained various degrees of injuries and were rushed to St. Dominic Hospital in Akwatia, Osenase Health Center and Asamankese Hospital for treatment however, one of the victims Zinabu Dauda,33, was pronounced dead.

    The body has been deposited at Asamankese Government Hospital Morgue.

    According to the acting, Public Relations Officer of the Eastern Regional Police Command, Sargeant Francis Gomado, the driver of the bus will be arrested to assist investigation after he is discharged by the hospital.

    He said the bus has since been towed allowing free flow of traffic.

    In a related development, two persons have died in a fatal motorbike accident on Suhum to Asamankese road of the Eastern region.

    The accident occurred at 12:30am of Sunday November 29,2020.

    According to the local Police the suspect rider, name not yet known, was riding an unregistered Sanya Motorbike with pillion rider also name not known without headlamp from Anum -Apapam towards Suhum direction “.

    On reaching a section of the road at Gin Nkwanta near Suhum on the Suhum-Asamankese motor road, he lost control of the motor bike and both fell in a ditch at the nearside when facing Suhum direction.

    Suspect rider as well as the pillion rider died on the spot.

    Source: Starr FM

  • Ahafo needs a military base to curb recurring political violence – Minister

    Evans Opoku-Bobie, the Ahafo Regional Minister has called for a military base to help stop the needless and uncontrolled recurring of political violence in the region, as the December 7, polls gathers pace.

    He noted the establishment of the military base at a strategic location in the region was to support the police handle security situation and pleaded with the Ministry of Interior and National Security to act swiftly and consider that.

    Mr Opoku-Bobie made the call in a speech read on his behalf at the inauguration of the Ahafo Regional Peace held at Goaso, the regional capital.

    The 13-member Ahafo Regional Peace Council is made up of representatives from Catholic Bishop Conference, Ghana Pentecostal Council, Regional House of Chiefs, identifiable groups, Ahafo Regional Coordinating Council, and the Muslim community.

    Mr Opoku-Bobie said peace as a critical development requirement was needed by the region for its development and called on particularly, the leaders of the NPP and the NDC to show true commitment towards the peace of the region by stopping what he described as “needless political game of violence equalization and polarization for power in the hotspot areas of the region”.

    The burden of political violence in the region, Mr Opoku-Bobie explained was already being felt at the various flashpoints in the district and municipalities of the region, saying a total of GH¢427,050.79 was spent by the affected district Assemblies as at mid-August this year.

    About 31 percent of the amount was in emergency crisis response, mainly on political-related violence in connection with the Election 2020, the regional minister stated.

    As the December 7, polls gathered momentum, Mr Opoku-Bobie also appealed for concerted efforts among all stakeholders to upholding and defending the prevailing peace in the region.

    “We must not allow our renewed commitment to eradicate Election violence to produce same recurrent old results, where thugs are used to intimidate and brutalize other citizens for the interest of some politicians,” he added.

    Nana Dufie I, the Mamponghemaa, and a Board Member of the NPC, who inaugurated the Council called on the members to offer selfless services towards strengthening the prevailing peace of the region.

    Justice Charles K. Acheampong, a Circuit Court Judge took the Council through the oaths of office, allegiance and secrecy.

    Source: GNA

  • NSS boss vows to ensure culprits who attacked him are punished

    The Parliamentary Candidate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Yagaba-Kubori Constituency, Hon. Mustapha Ussif has indicated that the attack on his residence will not be made to slide.

    A statement signed by his aide and copied to MyNewsGh.com said that they will allow the law to take its course and that people found culpable will be made to face the music.

    “The distasteful act this evening will not be left to slide, the law will be applied fully without fear or fervor. Nevertheless, we entreat all supporters and loved ones to stay calm and focus, for the dead cow always struggles before its last breath. Victory is written all over the Constituency as our works are available for all to see and testify to,” the statement said.

    The statement said the incident has since been reported to the Police and expects further actions to be taken in the coming days not to only punish the culprits but also to serve as a deterrent to avoid such attacks on December 7.

    “The NPP in the Constituency have reported the case to the police and all injured persons are currently receiving treatment.”

    The statement blamed the attacks on the current Member of Parliament who is alleged to have instigated his followers.

    “Let me place on record that, Hon. Tanko directly instigated the attack at a community engagement at Tantala. At this engagement, he incited his followers to attack Hon. Mustapha Ussif when he returns to his residence at Yagaba from his campaign. This unparliamentary act was captured on video which accompanies this release.”

    Source: My News GH

  • Fire consumes four-bedroom house at Feyiase

    A huge blaze that consumed a four-bedroom house at Feyiase forced the Electricity Company of Ghana to cut power supply to parts of the Bosomtwe District on Monday dawn.

    The fire which started at about 1 am local time also forced occupants to flee for safety.

    At least three fire tenders were deployed to the scene to douse the flame which had destroyed properties worth thousands of cedis.

    It remains unclear what started the fire as firefighters say investigations have started.

    The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has already identified 200 fire hotspots within the Ashanti region to guide its approach in fighting the fire.

    A spokesperson for the Ashanti Regional Fire Command D03 Ackah Desmond mentioned the 200 flashpoints while speaking on Kumasi-based Akoma FM.

    He mentioned areas like “Santasi, Adum, Kejetia and other areas within the central business district which have been flagged as fire-prone areas.

    The fire command, however, says it is intensifying public education to enlighten the masses on safety tips and measures to fight the fire to ensure lives and property are protected.

    Source: Daily Mail

  • Electoral Commission director dies few days to Election 2020

    Barely a week to the December 2020 polls, the Asunafo North Municipal Director of the Electoral Commission (EC) in the Ahafo region, Madam Martha Osei Agyemang has died creating a vacuum.

    The 36-year-old who died at the Wenchi Methodist Hospital where she was on admission receiving treatment according to sources available to MyNewsGh.com left behind a child

    Reports suggest Madam Martha complained she was unwell due to stress at her workplace in view of the workload at her office following the impending polls.

    She, however, decided to see her personal doctor at Wenchi in Bono Region for which she left Goaso on Wednesday.

    It was gathered that she was getting well and had planned her return to work until news broke out this weekend if her demise.

    According to Ahafo Regional Director of the Electoral Commission John Appiah Baffoe who confirmed her death on a local radio station, Madam Martha was committed to her duty.

    The body of the deceased has been conveyed to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi.

    Source: My News GH

  • 3 NDC executives involved in near-fatal car accident

    Three National Democratic Congress (NDC) executives in the Eastern Region have been involved in a near-fatal accident while returning from a campaign tour in the Afram Plains area.

    The executives, Hackman Kabore, Regional Organizer, Richard Etornam Nyarko, Deputy Regional Organizer, and Michael Akorli, Deputy Regional Communication Officer, were en route to meet the National Chairman, Ofosu Ampofo when their vehicle reportedly veered off the road after hitting an unmarked bumpy stretch.

    The vehicle somersaulted five times and landed in a ditch.

    The Executives sustained injuries and were rushed to the Atibie Government Hospital for first aid and later referred to Eastern Regional Hospital in Koforidua.

    However, their vehicle is badly damaged.

    Their accident follows several other accidents involving NDC supporters and executives in the past few weeks.

    Just two days ago, November 27, a KIA truck full of NDC supporters was involved in a near-fatal accident at Brohane junction in the Tain district of the Ahafo Region. 

    The supporters, numbering about 150, were said to be travelling for a party programme at Kabruno at Banda Central when the truck they were travelling in burst a tyre, causing it to somersault and eventually throwing the occupants into a nearby gutter.

    The victims were conveyed to the Nsorkor Hospital, but, patients had to be administered treatment on the floor as the hospital run out of beds due to the large numbers. 

    Two persons are said to be in critical condition and have been referred to the Techiman Holy Family Hospital.

    Source: myjoyonline

  • NPPs Abronye involved in an accident

    The Bono Regional Chairman for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kwame Baffoe known as Abronye and his campaign team have escaped death in an accident.

    Although the information about the accident is scanty, MyNewsGh.com can report that Abronye and his entourage were returning from a rally organized at Atuna on Sunday in the Jaman South Constituency when they were involved in an accident.

    The accident is said to have occurred on the Berekum-Drobo road.

    As at the time this website was going to press, we could not confirm if there were any casualties recorded in the accident.

    This year’s political campaigns have recorded a number of road accidents with some of the political parties losing their party members.

    Source: My News GH

  • Tamale shop owner arrested with firearms, narcotics

    The Northern Regional Unit of the Drugs Law Enforcement Unit (DLEU) under the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service (GPS) has arrested a provisions shop operator at Banvim, a suburb of Tamale, for unlawful possession of narcotic drugs and firearms.

    The suspect, Hamza Ziblim, aged 30, who has been detained by the police to assist with further investigations, was arrested based on intelligence gathered by the DLEU to the effect that he was dealing in narcotic drugs, including cannabis and tramadol.

    Exhibits

    The Northern Regional Crime Officer, Superintendent of Police, Mr Bernard Baba Ananga, who briefed the Daily Graphic on the arrest, said a search conducted by personnel of the DLEU during the arrest of the suspect in his shop revealed three empty AK 47 assault rifle magazines concealed in a yellow polythene bag; one silver and brown-coated pistol, make Blow F2 loaded with two live rounds of ammunition (7.65mm) concealed in a black polythene bag.

    He said the police also retrieved a black waist bag containing a black pistol loaded with six live rounds of ammunition (7.65mm), three live BB cartridges and an ammunition packet with 60 live rounds (7.65mm) of ammunition.

    “Also found in the shop were two tablets of Tramadol 120 miligrams (mg),17 tablets of Tramadol 50mg and a quantity of dried leaves suspected to be cannabis, all concealed in a white polythene bag.

    “ Also retrieved was a one-metre long sword,” the regional crime officer added.

    Supt Mr Ananga stated that the suspect claimed ownership of all the exhibits and stated that the silver-coated pistol was supplied to him by one Saddick, while the AK 47 magazines were obtained from one Mohammed in Tamale.

    Arrest

    Supt Mr Ananga said the suspect was arrested on November 24, 2020 around 8:30 p.m. when personnel of the DLEU of the Northern Regional Police Command proceeded to Banvim, a suburb of Tamale, after receiving an intelligence report.

    He said the team met Ziblim at his shop, and provided a search warrant and subsequently found the exhibits. Having failed to provide any legal proof for possessing the items, he was arrested and charged with illegal possession of narcotic drugs and firearms.

    The regional crime officer said the operation by the police was part of efforts to rid the metropolis and entire region of criminal elements.

    Source: Graphic.com.gh

  • Chief cries to government for support over ‘neglected’ flood victims

    The heavy rains coupled with the spillage from the Bagre dam that led to the floods in the northern part of Ghana have left many scary memories in the minds of the affected families and communities. Lives and properties were heavily lost.

    The difficulty in accessing market centres halted trade and commerce just as having access to essential services in the district capitals became a huge challenge.

    Indeed, Wapuli, a predominantly farming community in the Saboba District was no exception.

    The devastating effects of the floods on the lives of the people of Wapuli and its environs cannot be underestimated. It is, however, sad to note that most of the affected persons and families in Wapuli and its satellite communities have not received any relief and psychological support from government and local authorities since that period.

    In an exclusive interview, the Overlord of Wapuli Traditional Area, Ubor Nakoja Batoen Timothy recounted the predicaments of his people triggered by the floods. He indicated that though the floods were no more, the affected persons were still traumatized and felt dejected by the neglect from government and its mandated agencies like the NADMO. “We cried out to NADMO and government for that matter but it appears our plea fell on death ears”, he lamented.

    The Assembly Member for Wapuli Electoral Area, Mr. Zachariah Nighanimoan Sandow told this reporter that his appeals to several organizations did not yield the expected results. He was, however, grateful to the Basic Need, a non-profit organization, for their response to his call and donated some clothes to some of the affected victims.

    Mr. Sandow appealed to individuals, NGOs, philanthropists and the government for more assistance.

    Source: Victor N Waja, Contributor

  • I regret leaving AC Milan – Kevin Prince-Boateng admits

    Ghana forward, Kevin Prince Boateng has revealed that he regrets leaving Serie A giants, AC Milan.

    The 33-year-old joined Milan from Genoa on a four-year deal in 2011.

    Boateng became an instant hit at the club scoring a hattrick on his debut against Lecce.

    However, due to racism-related issues, the former Borussia Dortmund returned to Germany to play for Schalke 04.

    “The teammates with whom I found myself best? The best moments of my career concern Milan, we won cups and we all became friends,” he told DAZN.

    “Looking back I was wrong to leave, Galliani is still angry (laughs),” he added.

    His hat-trick against Lecce was the fastest in Serie A since David Trezeguet scored a ten-minute hat-trick for Juventus in 2001.

    However, in December 2015 Boateng re-joined Milan on 5 January 2016 on a free transfer and signed a six-month contract.

    Boateng made a total of 115 appearances for the club scoring 19 goals.

    The 2010 and 2014 World Cup star currently plays for Serie B side, AC Monza.

    Source: footballghana.com