TIG Post

Author: Chris Kodo

  • Ghana not back to HIPC Oppong Nkrumah

    Minister of Information, Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah has debunked claims that Ghana has once again been ranked in the category of Highly Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC).

    According to him, the numerous publications making rounds on social media purporting that the country has returned to HIPC is false and fake news.

    Speaking at the Nation Building Updates on Tuesday in Accra, the Minister noted that because the country is approaching a general election in December, there is a deliberate attempt to discredit the work government has done since assuming office in 2017 to revive the economy.

    He said “there are suggestions being spread particularly on social media that Ghana has been declared HIPC again and I am sure you would have noticed that a lot of persons are sharing materials on social media that the IMF or World Bank has declared Ghana HIPC or listed Ghana as one of the HIPC countries and it is a suggestion that the economy is not as good a shape that we claim it is.

    “For the avoidance of doubt and because we have also mentioned that we are aware that some persons in the weeks ahead of the elections will seek to spread a lot of false information and fake news, it is important to quickly respond to it right here and right now. Categorically, we say to you it is not true that Ghana has been declared HIPC or has been added to the list of HIPC countries,” he added.

    The HIPC was a group of 39 developing countries with high levels of poverty and debt overhang who qualified for financial assistance from the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and other multilateral, bilateral and commercial creditors between 1996 and 2001. It was designed to ensure the reduction in the debt levels of poor and indebted countries.

    This the Minister emphasized that the HIPC was a programme limited to a particular point in time that Ghana and a number of African countries applied, benefited, exited and was done with it.

    “The publication out there list the countries that participated and qualified for it. Currently, there is no HIPC programme for any country to qualify for so if anybody is spreading that and adding to it a narrative that suggests that Ghana is now a highly indebted poor country and has been listed on an IMF or World Bank publication as such.

    However, the Minister encouraged the general public to disregard such publications. He also admonished the media to be circumspect and thoroughly conduct background checks before publishing news items.

    Source: Peace FM

  • Ill take care of NABCO recruits Mahama promises

    Former President John Dramani Mahama says he will provide sustainable jobs for Ghanaians if he wins the December polls.

    According to him, the NDC manifesto team has done a comprehensive analysis of the job gap in the public sector which will inform job opportunities if they come back to power.

    “The security services also revealed several opportunities. Ghana National Fire Service, 30,136; Ghana Immigration Service 3,522, Ghana Prison Service, 7,925; Ghana Police Service 35,020 vacancies and many more. Together with the private sector, we will create real jobs, not temporary and artificial jobs, so that people can live dignified lives.

    “If you have been engaged under NABCO, I say to you that you belong to Ghana and not to any individual or group. You deserve permanent jobs like all citizens. The welfare of workers is also key to our national progress and prosperity,” the NDC flagbearer said when he addressed professional groups on Monday.

    He stressed: “We plan to amend the National Pensions Act, 2008 (Act 766) to allow workers who lose their jobs suddenly such as COVID-19 did to many private-sector workers to be paid allowances while they search for new opportunities. Also, workers who have contributed between ten (10) to fifteen (15) years will be allowed to use their contributions as collateral to access mortgage loans.

    “And where applicable waivers on vehicle imports will be granted to facilitate productivity. After long years of work, the day of retirement will come. Come it will. We know the formal sector has the tiered pension which must be enhanced. We have already committed to paying pensioners an annual thirteenth-month bonus. But how about the informal sector? This is why the next NDC government will introduce a new Pension Scheme for organised groups in the informal sector.”

    Source: Starr FM

  • NDC has disappointed you for 28 years; give NPP a chance – Bawumia urges Afram Plains constituents

    Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has made a passionate appeal to constituents of Afram Plains North and South constituencies in the Eastern Region to reconsider their voting pattern after consistently voting for the NDC without corresponding development to show.

    The two mainly island constituencies have been voting for the NDC – both Parliamentary and Presidential – since the advent of the Fourth Republic in 1992.

    At durbars in Donkorkrom in Afram Plains North and Ekye Amanfrom in Afram Plains South constituencies on Monday, traditional rulers in the area lamented their long neglect, as well as the deplorable state of the constituencies.

    Speaking at the two durbars, Vice President Bawumia wondered why the two constituencies, which have been so loyal to the NDC is lagging in terms of development.

    “For twenty-eight years, you have voted for the NDC and you have been loyal to them but there is nothing to show here for all the support you gave them even though they have been in government for years,” Dr Bawumia said.

    “In all these 28 years, the MPs have been NDC MPs and they could not get their NDC governments to bring development to the people of Afram Plains, especially under the last NDC government which lasted 8 years in office.”

    “The NDC has done nothing for Afram Plains and they cannot point to any substantial development they have brought to the people. The evidence is out there and Nana has confirmed it.”

    Dr Bawumia noted that unlike the NDC, the ruling NPP is a party which believes in all-inclusive development, and has, therefore, spread development projects to many parts of the country, including Afram Plains where electricity has been expanded to rural communities, as well as the construction of chips compounds and mechanical boreholes.

    Dr Bawumia added that the Akufo-Addo government has already earmarked development projects for Afram Plains, including the provision of tractors to the district assembly to enable farmers, who constitute the majority of the constituents, to rent them at affordable rates to improve on their farming.

    The Vice President noted that in view of the fact that the NPP has brought about national interventions such as Free SHS, Planting for Food and Jobs, Zongo Development Fund, One Constituency One Ambulance, among others, which everyone is benefiting, as well as showing good faith to Afram Plains, it is about time the constituents said no to the NDC.

    “It has been 28 years of neglect and disappointment by the NDC. This year, let the NDC know that enough is enough,” Dr Bawumia stressed.

    “We urge you to give the NPP a chance and you will see the difference between the NPP and the NDC.”

    “You need a member of Parliament who can represent you well and lobby for more developments for you. So, I urge you to vote for Nana Akufo-Addo and the NPP MP for the much-needed development of Afram Plains.”

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • NPPs decision to pay rent for youth in second term laudable – Expert

    Sustainable development expert, Michael Ebo Amoah has described the decision by the current government to pay rent for young people in their second term as laudable.

    This he noted would be of help to the youth who struggle to raise funds to rent.

    To him, if the NPP can implement this, then it will go a long way to help the youth in extremely difficult situations.

    The governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) has promised to pay the rent advance of Ghanaian youth in its second term.

    The move, according to a member of the NPP communication team, Nana Akomea would in the short term cushion the Ghanaian youth from the problem of high rent and long rent advance.

    “Government will in effect pay the rent Advance for you, and you pay the rent monthly to the scheme”.

    “In effect then, the NPP government in its next term will eliminate the big problem of rent advance facing the youth and indeed many other Ghanaians,” Nana Akomea announced on Monday, during a press conference in Accra.

    He said the next NPP government would implement the move through the National Rental Assistance Scheme a new, novel, and a revolutionary scheme that would among other things provide low-interest loans to eligible Ghanaian youth solely to enable them to pay for rental accommodation.

    The rent advances, Akomea explained would be paid directly into the bank accounts of beneficiary landlords and it would target Ghanaian youth in both formal and informal sectors, with identifiable or regular income.

    The beneficiary youth would repay the loans on a monthly basis.

    Beyond the payment of rent advances, Akomea stated that the government would set up seed capital of ¢100 million, which would also serve the purpose of leverage to attract additional investment from the private sector.

    Reacting to this, Mr. Ebo Amoah said the scheme is good adding, ”the scheme that the NPP has promised to introduce is laudable. If they can do it well, it is laudable. The youth have several problems including accommodation and jobs. To raise one year in Accra for accommodation is difficult.”

    He also believes the Ghc100 million the party has promised to inject in the scheme is great news since, in his view, it will help in solving some of the challenges the youth are going through.

    Meanwhile, he has argued that it would be prudent for the government to ensure that Ghanaians are able to afford the affordable housing projects initiated by the government.

    He explained the Sustainable Development Goals require governments to embark on affordable cities and good accommodation but successive governments have failed to embark on these initiatives.

    Source: rainbowradioonline.com

  • Women over 40 years must have their breasts examined regularly

    IF a lump is detected by mammogram or by clinical examination, it has to be confirmed to be either a benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous) mass. This is done by taking a piece of it to investigate further. 

    This procedure is known in medical parlance as biopsy. A biopsy under the guidance of an ultrasound scan is the recommended diagnostic approach for a newly diagnosed breast lump.

    This can be done by sticking a needle in the mass and a piece of it into a syringe to be examined by a pathologist in the laboratory.

    The biopsy can also be done by a tru-cut method where a solid piece of the mass is cut and sent for examination under the microscope and in some cases by special staining to characterise the nature of the mass.

    The last method of taking a biopsy is by removing the whole mass at surgery called excision biopsy. The mass is then sent to the pathologists to examine and determine whether it is cancerous or non-cancerous.

    After the cancer is diagnosed, there are certain factors used to determine the exact prognosis of the disease. This helps in a holistic approach to management aimed at reducing the death rate from the disease.

    This is done by looking at certain prognostic and predictive factors which guide clinical management of people with breast cancer. These prognostic factors include:
    Axillary lymph node status. The axilla is the scientific name for the armpit and because of its proximity, lymph node involvement in the axilla portends worse outcome of the disease.

    Tumour size- the bigger the size of the tumour, the poorer the prognosis Lymphatic/vascular invasion – poor prognosis if the tumour has invaded blood or lymphatic vessels by the time of diagnosis.

    Histologic grade – certain types of cancers are more aggressive than others depending on its nature under the microscope.
    Response to therapy – prognosis is better if the tumour is responsive to medications used to treat breast cancer.

    Receptor status- ER/PR status which is a target for some medications.
    Surgery and radiation therapy, along with hormone or chemotherapy when indicated, are now considered primary treatment for breast cancer. Surgical therapy may consist of removal of the lump (lumpectomy) or total breast removal (total mastectomy).

    Radiation therapy may follow surgery in an effort to eradicate residual disease while reducing recurrence rates. It can also be done to reduce the tumour size before surgery.

    Hormone therapy and chemotherapy are the two main interventions for treating breast cancer that has spread to other organs (metastatic breast cancer). Chemotherapy employs certain medications which target and kill rapidly growing cells. Cancers are rapidly growing cells and so are other cells such as the hair, blood cells and others which are targeted as side effects of these medications.

    Two hormonal therapies – selective estrogen receptor modulators, tamoxifen and raloxifene, are given for reduction of breast cancer risk in high-risk women. In very advanced cases, certain medications are given as support medications for bone when there is spread to the bones.

    Since the best way of treating breast cancer is early detection and treatment, a lot of efforts are put in to ensure early detection.

    The world No Bra Day and Breast Cancer Awareness Month are some of the ways to put the spotlight on the disease. Education by print or mass or social media is also effective.

    For those who are living with the disease or have survived the cancer, support groups are very helpful in fighting this cancer. As to be expected of a developing country, there are certain myths and misconceptions about breast cancer.

    Hearing from survivors of the disease and what they came against by way of misconceptions on breast cancer, reaffirm the strength and pivotal roles these support groups play in the fight against the disease.

    Let us continue to remember October as the breast cancer month and every woman over 40 years should have their breasts regularly examined.

    astom2@yahoo.com
    A member of Paediatric Society of Ghana

    Source: Graphic.com.gh

  • Cannabis cultivation, use remain illegal in Ghana – NACOC

    The Narcotic Control Commission (NACOC) says it has not issued any person or institution with a licence to cultivate cannabis in Ghana.

    The Commission has thus reiterated that the illicit use and cultivation of cannabis remains an offence under Narcotic Control Commission Act, 2020 (Act 1019) which was passed in March this year.

    According to a public notice issued by the Commission, “any person who engages in the cultivation as well as promotes any business relating to cannabis without lawful authority, proof of which lies on that person, commits an offence”.

    New law

    Act 1019 empowered the Minister for Interior with the powers to grant licences for the cultivation of cannabis of not more than 0.3 per cent THC (the main psychoactive compound in cannabis that gives a user the high sensation) for industrial and medicinal purposes.

    However, the Commission noted that cannabis with not more than 0.3 per cent THC is a different specie from the known cannabis sativa widely grown and abused in Ghana.

    “It is worth mentioning that the cannabis with not more than 0.3% THC content on a dry weight basis for industrial purpose for obtaining fibre or seed or medicinal purposes, as stated in section 43 of the Act, is a cannabis specie different from the known cannabis sativa widely grown and abused in Ghana,” the notice said.

    “Thus, section 36 through to 42 of the Act prohibit unlawful possession of the drug/plant and any business relating to narcotic drug/plant without lawful permission proof of which lies the on that person. Subsequently, section 44 and 45 of the Act also provides for the prohibited administration and purchase of narcotic drug/plant respectively. It is to be well noted that, all these provisions relating to narcotic drugs/plants do not exclude cannabis”.

    The statement further noted that although the abuse of narcotic drugs was punishable by a fine or imprisonment, the court can direct a convicted person to seek treatment and rehabilitation.

    “As such, illicit drug use is and remains an offence in Ghana. Consequently, any individuals and/or group of individuals who fall(s) foul to the law shall be dealt with in accordance with the law”.

    Source: Graphic.com.gh

  • 2020 polls: Stay away from polling stations Election taskforce to private security firms

    The National Election Security Task Force has warned private security outfits to stay away from polling stations on December 7, 2020.

    According to the Director of Operations at the Ghana Police Service, DCOP Dr. Sayibu Pabi Gariba, only uniformed personnel deployed by the state security agencies will be entertained at the polling stations on election day.

    Speaking at a forum organized by the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, Dr. Gariba indicated firmly that, election management will be solely handled by EC officials and officers deployed by state security agencies.

    “These duties shall be performed by uniformed personnel of all the security agencies. Anybody who is not in uniform is unauthorised private security agencies are not part of it [election management].”

    The Ghana Police Service has begun training its officers who will be deployed for election-related duties in December 2020.

    The Service will also provide adequate Personal Protective equipment to deployed police officers.

    This is to ensure the safety of all personnel who will be required to work, according to the Service.

    The Inspector-General of Police, James Oppong-Boanuh, together with members of the Police Management Board, has also held a meeting with the leadership of the various political parties to discuss security during the 2020 general elections.

    Source: citinewsroom

  • We are not recruiting EC cautions

    The Electoral Commission (EC) has cautioned the general public against the publication of fakes that it is recruiting data collection officials.

    The EC in a statement on Monday, October 26 said it has noted with concern a publication circulating on social media announcing job opportunities for some 50,000 young persons for data collection purposes.

    The said publication, according to the elections management body, “is not from the Electoral Commission of Ghana neither is the Commission recruiting persons for data collection.”

    The Commission entreats the general public to disregard it.

    Source: 3 News

  • SARS protests will not be replicated in other countries – Vladimir Antwi Danso

    Dr. Vladimir Antwi-Danso, Dean of Academic Affairs, Ghana Armed Forces and Staff College, says the end SARS protests in Nigeria, would not necessarily be replicated in other African countries.

    Dr Antwi-Danso who is also an International Relations Expert said unlike the Arab spring pro-democracy riots and protests that happened in the Middle East and North Africa about ten years ago, the Nigerian riots pertained to Nigeria’s own unique socio-political circumstances, and had absolutely no connection with the rest of the continent,

    Dr Antwi-Danso told the Ghana News in an interview that if it so happened that any country had similar circumstances that logically held a threat for a replication of the anti-SARS riots in Nigeria, then, such replication could happen.

    On the role of ECOWAS in the entire impasse, the International Affairs expert cautioned that ECOWAS should desist from what he described as “stampeding” their will unto the Nigerian Government, towards finding a solution to the crisis.

    He said this was because Nigeria was a complete sovereignty, and that the situation currently pertaining was quite within the ability of the Nigerian Government to handle.

    Dr Antwi-Danso said ECOWAS could play a quiet, diplomatic role in the background at the moment, but had to completely stay out of actual administrative decision-taking in Nigeria because that totally lay in the hands of the Nigerian government.

    He also urged journalists to be highly responsible with their reportage and discussions concerning the event, and avoid discussions that could further escalate the situation in that country.

    The International Affairs expert advised the Nigerian government to be very sensitive to the concerns of the demonstrators, and handle them with lots of tact and care.

    Amnesty International says at least 12 people were killed at Lekki, a city within Lagos State last Tuesday after Nigerian security forces were said to have opened fire on them, while they protested against police brutalities in Nigeria.

    Meanwhile, Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari has ordered the disbandment of SARS following the protests and asked the Nigerian security agencies to operate within the confines of the country’s laws, adding that they should avoid any moves that could aggravate the situation.

    The President has also asked the protesters to cease rioting and engage with the government.

    The anti-SARS protests begun about two weeks ago, after a video in which a man was being beaten by men in police attire suspected to belong to the Special Anti-Armed Robbery Squad known as the SARS, got circulated within Nigeria.

    Source: GNA

  • Government begins distribution of 500K improved cook stoves

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has launched the distribution of the 500,000 improved cookstoves project, at a ceremony at Akuse, in the Eastern Region, on Monday, 26 October 2020.

    It will be recalled that during the 2nd Africa Climate Change Summit held in October 2019, in Accra, President Akufo-Addo indicated how the effect of Climate Change is undermining Africa’s ability for growth and development and pledged the commitment of his Government towards taking practical and proactive steps to mitigate the impact of climate change on the planet.

    A major programme of action of Government is, thus, the adoption of cleaner cooking solutions, by scaling up the use of LPG in households.

    “I am happy to inform you that significant progress has been made, and very soon the program for the LPG cylinder recirculation model, which will ensure wider use of LPG throughout the country, will be launched,” he said.

    The President continued, “Since it will be difficult to have all households switch to the use of LPG, in the short term, our strategy is to promote the use of two million improved and efficient wood-fuel stoves as an interim measure, until such time that all households eventually migrate to LPG or electricity as main cooking fuels”.

    President Akufo-Addo explained that the use of these improved and efficient charcoal stoves, coupled with the ongoing reafforestation programmes, has the potential to reduce significantly the emission of carbon dioxide and the rate of deforestation in the country.

    He thanked the East-West Power Corporation, the Climate Change Centre (CCC), and the Government of South Korea, for providing the grant funding of US$5,500,000.00 to produce locally and distribute 500,000 improved charcoal stoves in Ghana in exchange for carbon credit to offset their carbon dioxide emissions.

    This, he added, is a win-win situation for the parties involved, and, by far, the largest Certified Emission Reductions intervention in Ghana and West Africa.

    “The five hundred thousand improved cookstoves would be distributed to beneficiary households in all the sixteen (16) Regions of the country, using the distribution systems adopted by the Government of Ghana and the Korean investors. This is just phase one. Phase two, which consists of another 500,000 units is being developed for funding, so as to ensure that as many households as possible receive the improved cookstoves,” President Akufo-Addo said.

    In all, it is expected that some one million tonnes of carbon dioxide savings over the project life will be realized, and contribute to the improvement of the overall carbon footprint of Ghana.

    “In terms of the creation of job opportunities, about two hundred direct jobs have been created by this project alone in Ashiaman, Komkope, Mobole, Achimota, Kasoa, Weija, Cape Coast, and Kumasi, where artisans were engaged in the production of the various components of the stoves. This is expected to increase to some one thousand (1,000) direct jobs, as we scale-up,” President Akufo-Addo said.

    He, therefore, urged everyone working on this project to do so diligently, so that “we can leverage investments to grow the cookstoves manufacturing industry, increase access to improved cooking solutions, and maximize the benefits for our socio-economic development”.

    Source: Class FM

  • €256m Ashiaman-Akosombo road project commences; to be completed in 30 months

    President Akufo-Addo on Monday cut the sod for the commencement of work on the 64-kilometre Ashaiman to Akosombo road dualisation project.

    The road project will cost some €256 million, is scheduled to be completed in 30 months, and is being constructed by INZAG GmbH of the Federal Republic of Germany.

    The project involves the construction of a two-lane dual carriageway and two-lane services roads from Ashaiman to Sebrepor.

    Additionally, there will be a two-lane dual carriageway from Sebrepor to Afienya, a two-lane dual carriageway from Afienya to Kpong, and a two-lane single carriageway from Kpong to Atimpoku.

    The contractor also informed President Akufo-Addo that there would be three bridges, a flyover at Ashaiman, an interchange at Asutuare and the construction of eleven footbridges at various locations along the stretch.

    The President also inspected work on the Accra-Tema 26.6 km road project, which cost an estimated $100 million.

    The project is expected to be completed in 24 months, and is being undertaken by Messrs Gansu International Corporation and Messrs China Major Bridge Engineering Company Limited.

    The first lot of 16 kilometres begins from the Independence Arch to Nungua, while the second lot of 10.6 kilometres continues from Nungua, and terminates at Tema Community 3.

    There would also be a three-tier interchange at the Nungua barrier to address congestion problems road users are experiencing.

    Once completed, this road will serve as the primary link that gives access to communities such as Osu, La, Teshie, Nungua, Sakumono and the Tema Harbour.

    Source: presidency.gov.gh

  • Scrap MPs security allowances Prof. Azar to government

    US-based Ghanaian legal practitioner, Professor Kwaku Asare is calling for an immediate halt in the payment of security allowances given to Members of Parliament (MPs).

    This comes after the Interior Minister, Ambrose Dery directed the Inspector General of Police(IGP) James Oppong Boanuh to deploy 200 police officers to serve as guards to Members of Parliament till the end of the year following the killing of the Member of Parliament for Mfantseman constituency, Ekow Hayford.

    Speaking to Citi News, Prof. Kwaku Asare, popularly known as Prof. Azar said the state is not justified in paying the said amount once it is providing security to the MPs.

    “They were given 10% of their basic salary because they had no police protection. Some MPs who double as ministers had police protection even before this conversation sprung up. For those who had no police protection, it was approved that they get 10% of their basic salary, which is GHS2,000 a month to hire their own security.”

    “For them to have police protection and keep receiving the allowance is deceptive, unethical, and unlawful,” he added.

    200 police officers deployed to guard MPs

    The Ministry of Interior has deployed 200 police officers to serve as guards to Members of Parliament (MPs) till the end of the year.

    The officers will operate under the Parliamentary Protection Unit.

    The sector minister told members of the Parliamentary Press Corps after an in-camera session with MPs that under the new arrangement every MP will be entitled to a police officer as a bodyguard.

    He also disclosed that plans are underway to provide 800 additional police officers to protect the homes of the MPs.

    Source: citinewsroom

  • ‘Leave polling centers after voting’ Minister to Ghanaians

    The Ashanti Regional Minister Simon Osei Mensah has appealed to the electorate to leave the polling centers after voting in order to maintain peace and stability during the 2020 general elections.

    He made the admonition during a community youth Peace durbar held by the Ashanti Region Office of the National Cadet Corps of Ghana (NCCG) in Kumasi on Saturday, October 23.

    Mr Osei Mensah pointed out that hanging around polling stations could trigger arguments between supporters of different parties with its attendant possibility for violence.

    “I will like to appeal to you to exercise your franchise and leave the scene peacefully to your homes and await the results, as that way will prevent violence.”

    Mr Osei Mensah cautioned that the government will not tolerate any form of intimidation and political thuggery against any person during the elections.

    “We need to prove to the world that Ghana is still an outstanding example of democracy,” he insisted.

    The Regional Minister is confident that the step taken by the national peace council will form a pivotal component to develop and facilitate a mechanism for conflict prevention, management and resolution in order to build sustainable peace in the country.

    He assured the people of the region that nothing untoward will occur during the elections because all mechanisms are in place to combat any unwelcomed situation especially at the areas cited as election violence hotspots.

    The event held in collaboration with the National Peace Council was under the theme, “One people; one nation.”

    The Ashanti region coordinator of the Cadet Corps Cadet Flight Lieutenant Gideon Obeng Manu pointed out that the event aligns with its core mandate to train a disciplined youth, loyal to their nation.

    “We believe in patriotism and commitment to a national course. This event was to sensitize the youth on violence and to let our leaders see that we the youth, stand for peace as elections draw closer,” he indicated.

    Gideon Obeng Manu also disclosed that his command is considering replicating the peace campaign across major busy convergence points across the Ashanti region to reinforce its quest for responsible and nonviolent conduct before, during and after the elections.

    Source: Starr FM

  • Sam Korankye Ankrah cautions against electoral violence

    Founder and Apostle General of Royal house Chapel International, Most Rev. Sam Korankye Ankrah has cautioned against violence and the creation of fear and panic as the country heads to the polls on December 7.

    The man of God who has been very instrumental in providing spiritual direction for the country said there is no need for any group of people to take up arms and cause trouble to win power.

    He emphasised that God’s hand prevails in the affairs of men and the selection of the next president is in the hands of God. Only one of the many candidates will be chosen; as such a country that had gone on the road of elections several times and emerged victoriously, should not experience anything different this year.

    He admonished, “Ghana, as we go on the road of Election 2020, do not fall, by the way, do not kill yourself, does not cause trouble.”

    The Apostle General, preaching the sermon titled, “Is There Not A Cause” from Genesis 45:5-8 & 24, referenced the biblical Joseph as a technocrat and politician. Likening his prison years to being in opposition, he admonished that losing the election does not mean losing all.

    “Just as it was in prison that Joseph learned the art of service, being in opposition is an opportunity to get acquainted with the people at the grassroots and learn about their needs so that when you come into power, you can serve them better,” he said.

    Acknowledging the efforts of the ruling government, he advised the citizenry to appreciate it when other parties do good works because the same hand of God that got them there can get the opposition there another day.

    Using Genesis 41:38-39 as a guide, the Apostle General concluded by urging Ghanaians to consider aspirants who are filled with the Spirit of God, wisdom, intelligence and knowledge.

    Source: Joseph Allotey-Kpakpoe, Contributor

  • ‘Tema to get new sewer network, solid waste and water treatment plant’ Akufo-Addo

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has cut the sod for the commencement of the construction of a sewer network and waste water treatment plant, and a solid waste treatment facility, at Tema.

    According to President Akufo-Addo, Tema is the foremost, well-planned community in Ghana, with a central sewerage network, pumping stations, and a treatment facility, which were constructed and commissioned in 1963, and, consequently, rehabilitated in 1994.

    The facility, the President noted, has been shut down because almost all the sewer lines have become obsolete and overaged, thereby creating environmental pollution and occasioning serious health hazards for residents.

    Indeed, the initial design capacity of the sewer plant was to treat twenty thousand (20,000) cubic metres of waste water per day for a total population of fourteen thousand, nine hundred and thirty-seven (14,937). The current population of Tema, according to the Ghana Statistical Service, is three hundred and sixty thousand, eight hundred and twenty-eight (360,828).

    “The sewer system can, therefore, not cope with the volumes generated as a result of increased population,” he said.

    The President continued, “It is, thus, for this reason that Government deemed it prudent to facilitate the construction of an Integrated Recycling and Compost Plant and a Waste Water Treatment Plant to address the environmental sanitation challenges confronting the good people of Tema.”

    He explained that the facility will be a modern waste water treatment plant with a combined system that will treat both waste water from the network and septage from cesspool trucks.

    “The design capacity is 44,000 cubic metres per day for wastewater from the sewer network, and 1,000 cubic metres per day of septage from cesspool trucks, for areas that are not on the network. The entire waste water treatment plant will comprise the construction of a new treatment plant, rehabilitation/retrofitting of the pumping stations, and construction of a new reticulation system (sewer network)”, President Akufo-Addo added.

    Additionally, a four hundred (400) metric ton state-of-the-art Integrated Recycling and Compost Plant will also be constructed at Ashaiman, and it is expected to receive, sort and process some four hundred (400) tons of municipal solid waste per day, to provide a sustainable solution to the solid waste disposal problem in Ashaiman and its environs.

    Once completed, the plants will provide an opportunity to have effective and efficient management of municipal solid and liquid waste in a more environmentally-friendly and sustainable manner.

    The production of organic compost for horticultural and agronomical purposes will be an added advantage to boost agricultural production and the programme for Planting for Foods and Jobs.

    “Processing of the recyclable fractions of the waste, i.e. paper, plastic and metal, for reuse as input materials for recycling will, in the medium to long term, improve sanitation in the area. Furthermore, the Integrated Composting and Recycling Plant and the Waste Water Plant will create hundreds of direct and indirect employment opportunities,” he said.

    President Akufo-Addo told the gathering that government has awarded a contract for the decommissioning and re-engineering of the Kpone (Tema) and Oti (Kumasi) landfill sites, to receive the growing solid waste generated within the Greater Accra Metropolitan and Greater Kumasi Metropolitan Areas respectively, so as to restore the sanctity of the environment.

    He, thus, urged all key stakeholders, particularly the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), to collaborate with the operators of the facility.

    Source: presidency.gov.gh

  • Odododiodoo clash: Call violent Nii Lante Vanderpuye to order Bannerman to eminent Ghanaians

    Parliamentary Candidate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Odododiodoo constituency, Nii Lante Bannerman, has urged the Ga traditional council, Imams and other well-meaning Ghanaians to call incumbent Member of Parliament for the area, Edwin Nii Lante Vanderpuye to order following the violence that erupted over the weekend.

    On Sunday, October 25, 2020, some supporters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and National Democratic Congress (NDC) clashed during a peaceful match, resulting in the injury of many.

    Videos circulating on social media show the supporters in party colours throwing stones, bottles and other items at each other at a junction called One Way in the Odododiodio constituency.

    Reacting to this development on Citi News, the NPP parliamentary candidate for the constituency, Nii Lante Bannerman, accused the incumbent of inciting the youth to cause chaos in the constituency.

    He is therefore calling on the police and other eminent Ghanaians to call his opponent to order for peace to prevail in the constituency before they take matter into their hands.

    “I call on the police to as a matter of urgency arrest the NDC thugs and let the law take its full course to serve as a deterrent to their likes. Failing which we will be left with no other option than to take matters into our hands.”

    “I also call on the Ga Traditional Council, the clergy, Imams, and all well-meaning Ghanaians to call the violent MP to order.”

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • We are sure of winning 5 parliamentary seats this year PPPs Brigitte Dzogbenuku

    The flagbearer of the Progressive People’s Party, Brigitte Dzogbenuku has stated that the party is sure to win 5 parliamentary seats out of the 20 being contested in the 2020 elections.

    Out of a total of 275 constituencies, the PPP is represented by 20 candidates who are battling for the Parliamentary seats in the various constituencies.

    Currently, there is not a single Member of Parliament from the PPP but according to Madam Dzogbenuku, the narrative will soon change as they are sure of grabbing 5 seats come December 7.

    “We are running for 20 constituencies out of the 275… we are sure of winning 5 of the seats. Looking at the works of some aspirants, I am sure the member will increase in the coming days,” said Brigitte Dzogbenuku in an interview on Peace FM on Monday, October 26, 2020.

    Madam Dzogbenuku was acclaimed as the flagbearer of the Progressive People’s Party; her acclamation made her the second female flagbearer of a party after Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings.

    She is among the 3 female presidential candidates who have been cleared by the Electoral Commission to contest for the highest seat in government.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Dont bring ballot boxes here if you dont fix our roads – Sakra Wonoo residents

    Residents of Sakra Wonoo in the Kwabre East District of the Ashanti Region have threatened to boycott the 2020 presidential and parliamentary elections over the poor nature of their roads.

    The residents say they have constantly complained about the poor nature of their roads but authorities have refused to repair them.

    The poor nature of the roads they say has affected their farming activities which is the source of their livelihoods.

    Speaking on behalf of the residents, Assemblyman, Andrew Obeng said Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumiaand some of his appointees recently attended the one-week celebration of the late Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie aka Sir John and saw the deplorable nature of the road and promised to repair the road to honour the late lawyer.

    However, they have refused to work on the road which was awarded for contract 20 months ago.

    He indicated the road was awarded for contract some 20 months ago with some drainage systems done but after the Vice President and other appointees came for the one-week celebration, the work has been abandoned.

    He was wondering how long it should take for a 10kg road to be constructed.

    He appealed to the government to get the contractor back to the location and complete the road.

    He said this would be something done to honour the sacrifice and dedication of late Sir John.

    “We are not doing this to denigrate or attack anyone. We are only demanding for development. We vote to see development and so, we want the promise to repair this road fulfilled. We are appealing to the President and his appointees to honour Sir John with this road,” he concluded.

    Source: rainbowradioonline.com

  • Hoodlums shoot 42-year-old Chinese man over GH¢4,100

    Some hoodlums at Ahodwo in the Ashanti region have shot a Chinese man identified as Ting Tiant over an amount of GH¢4,100.

    The 42-year-old man was attacked in a broad-daylight while transacting business with a mobile money vendor at the Atinga Junction in Kumasi on October 20, 2020.

    According to a Daily Guide report, the four strong men who were on two motorbikes robbed and shot the Chinese man at the roadside.

    The criminals then snatched the bag of the man which contained GH¢4,100 and shot him without any provocation.

    The victim was, however, rushed to the New Cross Hospital Ahodwo for treatment.

    The criminals absconded before the police got to the crime scene; however, there were pellets and bloodstains in the area.

    The investigation has started, but the police are yet to arrest any suspects in connection to the robbery case.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Mahama begins 5-day tour of Greater Accra Region tomorrow

    Flagbearer of the main opposition party National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama will from Tuesday, October 27, 2020, begin a five-day tour of the Greater Accra Region.

    Mr Mahama while on his tour will visit Ada, Sege, Shai Osudoku, Ningo Prampram, Kpone Katamanso, Ashaiman, Tema East, Tema Central and Tema West.

    He will later visit Krowor, Ledzokuku, La Dadekotopon, Korley Klottey, Madina, Adenta, Dome Kwabenya and Ayawaso West Wuogon.

    The former President while in Ada will meet with the Ada Traditional Council and Interact with fisher-folks at Ayakpor.

    He will also engage the community on Radio Ada and interact with traders at Kasseh.

    The NDC will also hold a regional thanksgiving service on Sunday, November 1, 2020.

    Source: Class FM

  • Ghana ranked number 1 in country risk index survey

    Fitch Solutions, a research arm of an American rating agency has adjudged Ghana as number 1 in the latest risk index assessment.

    Ghana, having a risk index of 53.9% emerged the first ahead of four West and Central African countries; Gabon, Ivory Coast, Nigeria and Cameroon.

    According to a myjoyonline.com report on the Fitch rating, the evaluation means that Ghana is a good place for investment in both West and Central Africa as the risk involved in engaging in businesses is lower.

    Per Fitch Solutions report, inasmuch as Ghana was equally hit with the global pandemic, Coronavirus, its economy has become pretty strong.

    Ghana also scored 69.7% and 72.9% for short and long term political risk respectively as well as having a 44.1% in operational risk.

    However, the country is swamped with debt and may fail in honouring its obligations.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Phase one of 17-km Tema-Aflao road underway after Akufo-Addo cuts sod

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on Sunday, October 25 cut the sod for the construction of Phase One of the Tema-Aflao road, in fulfillment of a pledge he made when he commissioned the Tema Interchange project.

    Once completed, this project will alleviate the plight of motorists traversing the Tema-Aflao stretch, and tie into the Trans-African Highway Project, from Lagos to Abidjan, with the current two-lane dual carriageway being expanded into a three-lane carriageway in each direction, he said.

    With commuters having to spend over four hours traversing the road along with the Dawhenya township, the President described the situation as “very unproductive”, hence the move by the government to address the situation on that road and other areas along other national corridors.

    The 17-kilometer road project begins one-kilometer east of the Tema Expressway Roundabout, incorporating mixed-use towns such as Dawhenya, and ends approximately 3km east of the Central University intersection.

    At the ceremony, President Akufo-Addo noted that the need to upgrade this corridor has been evaluated in the context of the overall Trans-West African Highway, in addition to the fact that this road serves as the backbone for a significant and growing coastal residential, economic and recreational population.

    Additionally, the Transport Infrastructure Framework of the Ghana Infrastructure Plan (2018-2047) recognizes some road sections as being critical to the socio-economic development of the country.

    The Plan, therefore, highlights that the development of these priority corridor roads will facilitate trade and movement of goods and services within the West African Region.

    He reiterated the commitment of the government to ensure the implementation of the declaration of 2020 as the Year of Roads, adding that more sections of roads across the country are being upgraded from gravel-surfaced to bitumen-surfaced dressed roads or asphalt concrete surfacing.

    The President expressed the gratitude of the government and the Ghanaian people to the British government for their continued assistance and support towards the construction of the Tema-Aflao road.

    President Akufo-Addo entreated the general public and all who, in one way or another, will be affected by the construction of this road, to observe the traffic management measures that the contractor will put in place during the execution of the works.

    Source: 3 News

  • Bono Regional Fire Service decries abuse of emergency phones lines

    The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) in the Bono region has decried the abuse of its emergency telephone lines by the general public.

    The Regional Commander, DCFO Heroine Sekyere Boakye, has revealed that her outfit receives many pranks calls.

    According to DCFO Heroine Boakye, the practice has become a major challenge affecting their operations in their quest to fight fire outbreaks in the region.

    She disclosed that because of their preparedness and willingness to serve the public, fire personnel are immediately deployed to supposed disaster zones when they receive emergency calls but some of these calls turn out to be prank calls.

    Describing it as worrying, she said that her men only get to the ground before realising that they have been misled or tricked.

    The situation the commander avers is affecting their operations as it takes a lot of resources to move the fire tender on trips.

    “One major challenge we are facing is prank calls from the public. It is really affecting our operations as movements of the fire tenders to suppose disaster scenes come at a greater cost. When this happens it affects the morale of the personnel.”

    She revealed that placing pranks calls to the emergency unit affects their work as they are unable to attend to actual disaster scenes on time.

    “The other danger is that someone in dire need of our service may be deprived access to us because of the irresponsibility on the part of some individuals.”

    She urged the public to desist from such practices as it is not in the interest of the public.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Quality teacher education holds the key to national development – Minister

    The Minister of State in charge of Tertiary Education, Prof. Kwesi Yankah, says the Ghanaian Child will be competitive globally by acquiring well-researched knowledge and skills for national development on the foundation of quality teacher education.

    “The biggest investment we can make as a nation is to give every child the right to good quality education … and the key to achieving this is hinged on effective and efficient management of teacher education,” Professor Kwesi Yankah said.

    Professor Yankah said this during the launch of the Colleges of Education Management Information System (CEMIS) at the National Council for Tertiary Education (NCTE), Accra.

    In his satisfaction for seeing the fruition of the system, the Professor said, “the development and deployment of CEMIS is no doubt a landmark in the journey to formulating relevant policies for transforming teacher development and management that will accelerate teacher growth and performance in Ghana.

    “This plan is to strengthen and improve educational planning and management, by implementing a comprehensive and integrated state of the art information Management System for the production of timely, accurate, and reliable information on all tertiary institutions,” he informed.

    Professor Yankah indicated that the outcome of such a plan was the development of the CEMIS for the administration, management, and delivery of teaching and learning in the various Colleges of Education, observing that, “the system will ultimately support policy formulation, analysis, planning, monitoring and evaluation of issues relating to the Colleges of Education.”

    The Minister of State said, in their core mandate to the Ministry of Education, the NCTE, through CEMIS, would be enabled to provide quality and effective advice and policies to government, because it would be timely in its delivery and have access to quality statistical data from the activities of the various institutions.

    The Minister also observed that the system would help NCTE monitor the level of adherence to approved policies, standards, and norms as promoted by the Ministry of Education.

    He said the Colleges of Education would now have a management information system, which would be capable of managing the various parts of college activities and provide a modern platform for data capturing and delivering on teaching and learning.

    “CEMIS will host e-library for use by all stakeholders with access,” he added.

    Professor Yankah, therefore, indicated that the other stakeholders in the education industry in Ghana would have “real time-limited data on the activities of the Colleges of Education.”

    The Minister of State was full of joy for the deployment of all functional features of CEMIS in all the 46 public Colleges of Education with training conducted for end-users in the colleges.

    “In addition to the CEMIS launch, we would also be updated about the progress that has been made in enabling Emergency Remote Teaching and Learning to take place in the public Colleges of Education, as well as the success of the Colleges of Education e-Learning Fund and Wi-Fi connectivity rollout, which will enable 36 colleges of Education to improve connectivity and capacity to support blended learning,” he said.

    He informed that the journey of totally transforming the teacher education sector of Ghana as an example for the rest of Africa “had just begun, and together, we will reach our preferred destination of having competent, qualified, … and fully licensed professional teachers teaching in our pre-tertiary education sector.”

    The CEMIS was implemented in partnership with the Transforming Teacher Education and Learning (T-TEL) Programme with funding from UKaid and support from Mastercard Foundation.

    Source: GNA

  • Dec polls: All polling stations in Ashanti Region declared flashpoints

    The Ashanti Regional Police Command of the Ghana Police Service has revealed that the over 5,190 polling stations in Ashanti Region will be considered flashpoints.

    Regional Police Commander COP Kwasi Mensah Duku buttressed this claim with data from the Small Arms and Light Weapons Commission which revealed over 635 flashpoints in Ashanti Region.

    Speaking on Akoma FMs morning Show GhanAkoma on Monday, October 26, COP Mensah Duku told host Aduanaba Kofi Asante Ennin that “all the polling stations in the region have been flagged as flashpoint areas in the face of security ahead of the general elections”.

    He further stressed that “the security situation in the region is under control, however, there is heightening political tension”.

    Speaking on the recent happenings in the Asawase Constituency involving NDC supporters who nearly took over the Suame Police Station on Saturday, the senior police capo commended the personnel who were on duty at for acting professionally during the heat of the agitation.

    COP Mensah Duku appealed to the general public to go about their normal daily activities but admonished the public to give out information on persons with questionable characters to assist the police flush out miscreants from the society.

    Source: 3News

  • Dec polls: EC starts printing ballot papers today

    The Electoral Commission (EC) is expected to start printing ballot papers for the 7 December 2020 presidential and parliamentary elections today, Monday, October 26, 2020.

    There are eleven political parties and one independent candidate on the presidential ballot.

    Each candidate is expected to nominate a representative to observe the printing process.

    At the balloting event for positions on the ballot paper, the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) emerged number one while the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) was number two.

    The parties balloted for the positions on Tuesday, 20 October 2020 at the head office of the Electoral Commission.

    See the full list below:

    NPP 1

    NDC 2

    GUM- 3

    CPP 4

    GFP 5

    GCPP 6

    APC 7

    LPG 8

    PNC 9

    PPP 10

    NDP 11

    Independent 12

    Meanwhile, on Monday, 19 October 2020, the EC announced the qualified and disqualified presidential aspirants.

    Five of the 17 aspirants who filed their nominations were disqualified.

    They include independent aspirant Marricke Gane (fake signatures), Akwasi Addae Odike of the UPP (fake signatures), Kwesi Busumuru of the Popular Action Party (fake signatures and had no supporters for some districts in GA/R), Nana Agyenim Boateng of the UFP (three persons denied endorsing his candidature) and Kofi Koranteng, an independent aspirant.

    Source: Class FM

  • Government gives victims of Batabi Church building disaster Gh¢200,000

    The Government has donated GH¢200,000 to victims of the Church building collapse at Akyem Batabi in the Asene-Manso-Akroso District of the Eastern Region.

    The Vice President Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia who led a delegation to the community Sunday as part of his three day campaign tour of the Eastern Region announced.

    He commiserated with the survivors and the bereaved families at a durbar and pledged the support of government to the family in this difficult moment.

    “This donation is just for starters, and then we shall see the way forward. The DCE shall oversee the sharing of the money,” Dr. Bawumia said

    The Chief of Akyem Batabi, Barima Oppong Kyekyeku II, was grateful to Government for the kind gesture. He assured that the people of the area support the second term bid of President Akufo Addo.

    Background

    The collapse of the uncompleted three-storey church building occurred Tuesday October 20, 2020 at about 2:30 pm.

    Prophet Akoa Isaac has told Police in his statement after his arrest that he was sick and lying in his residence on the same compound of the Church when he heard the collapsing of the church.

    He said he was told that about 56 worshippers were in and around the building fasting and praying when the incident happened.

    According to one of the survivors “We were resting in the church building after fasting and prayers so whilst resting, we heard portions of the building coming down. We were over 60 in the building so we started running away some of the people managed to escape but others were trapped “

    Rescue Operation

    The Rescue Team made up of personnel from the National Disaster Management Organization, NADMO, Military, Ghana National Fire Service, Police, Ambulance Service, BNI,GHS, National Security and some volunteers ended the four-day rescue operation on Friday October 23,2020.

    Thirty victims were retrieved as of Friday, October 23,2020, when the operation was brought to a close. 22 of them had died, while eight survived.

    The deceased were made up of 12 women, 9 men and a girl child.

    The Ghana Air Force provided the sniffer dogs during the early hours of Friday to check for possible bodies covered by the debris.

    The team searched thoroughly for the last victim- a woman reported missing but was not found under the rubble hence Church leaders have been asked to inform the National Disaster Management Organisation, NADMO, whenever they smell a stench from the disaster scene.

    Decommissioning the rescue team, the Director-General of the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO), Eric Nana Agyeman Prempeh commended the rescue team made up of 210 Personnel from various security agencies, and operators of four excavators, 7 haulage tipper Truck vehicles and 2 payloaders for working tirelessly.

    He charged bodies responsible for regulating the construction of buildings to intensify their monitoring regimes to enable them proactively avert the re-occurrence of such incident.

    Some residents say construction of the Church building started in 1996 hence its structural integrity continued to weaken.

    Source: Starr FM

  • After implementing free SHS, Akufo-Addo can achieve anything Adeiso Chief

    Chief of Adeiso, Osabarima Asare Oduro II, has said because President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has been able to make the near-impossible free Senior High School (SHS) policy a reality, he can achieve anything he promises.

    “Akufo-Addo is not the only person who has been President of Ghana, but he is the only person who has done what no one has ever done,” Osabarima Asare Oduro II, is quoted in a report by Myjoyonline.

    According to the report, the traditional ruler made the comments when he addressed a durbar of chiefs and people of Adeiso during the visit of Vice President Bawumia on Sunday, October 25.

    “Osabarima was full of praise for the leadership and vision of President Akufo-Addo, especially his landmark intervention to provide free secondary education for all Ghanaian children.

    “Osabarima described the Free SHS intervention by President Akufo-Addo as unprecedented, and prayed for God to bless the President for prioritising the future of all Ghanaian children,” the report added further.

    According to the report, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia thanked the gathering for acknowledging the development agenda of President Akufo-Addo.

    The Vice President also urged the chiefs and people of the area to rally behind the President and the NPP Parliamentary candidate for the Upper West Akim Constituency, Frederick Obeng Adom.

    Dr Bawumia said the NPP has proved to be a party with the vision to transform the country, according to the report.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Flawed elections are not possible under current system EC

    The Electoral Commission (EC) has said fears that the upcoming elections on December 7 could be flawed are untenable because the system it operates is airtight.

    Deputy EC Commissioner in charge of Corporate Services, Dr Eric Bossman Asare, said because the electoral system the EC is following is firmly grounded in law, a flawed election is impossible.

    “You can never have a flawed election the way our system operates. When you look at the current C.I. [Constitutional Instrument] we are operating with, it talks about a Regional Collation Officer who will be in charge of the results. The EC Commissioner is the Returning Officer for only the Presidential election.

    “Then when you go to the constituencies, the Returning Officers there are in charge. So, the Chairperson, being the Returning Officer for the Presidential election, before the Chairperson will have access to the results all the constituencies, the regions have seen it,” he said.

    Dr Asare made the comments on a current affairs programme on Joy News in response to the issues raised by the flagbearer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) about the credibility of the upcoming presidential and parliamentary polls.

    John Dramani Mahama had said at a press conference in September that events that characterised the compilation of the voters register in June points to polls that may not be credible.

    Although the EC responded to the comments by the leader of the main opposition party at the time, on the current affairs programme on Joy News, dubbed The Probe, on Sunday, October 25, Dr Bossman Asare said the concept of a flawed election is alien to the systems adopted for the upcoming polls.

    “When people talk about flawed elections, I think that they are only imagining something,” he said.

    He said the C.I. that the EC is mandated to adopt emphasises transparency from the registration process to the voting process.

    “So when you look at it, flawed elections cannot be part of us,” he said.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • About 30,000 people disqualified from voting on Dec 7 EC

    The Electoral Commission (EC) has disclosed that about 30,000 out of the over 16 million people who took part in the voter registration exercise have been disqualified.

    Deputy EC Commissioner in charge of Corporate Services, Dr Eric Bossman Asare, said about 14,000 of the 30,000 disqualified voters have been put on the Exceptions List while about 16,000 names have been put on the Multiple List.

    A name is put on the Exceptions List after it has been excluded from the Provisional Register on grounds of disqualification registration outside the stipulated time.

    Also, the Multiple Registration List contains the names and photographs of persons who have registered more than once.

    “They cannot vote because they had engaged in infractions,” Dr Bossman Asare said.

    Dr Asare made the revelation when he spoke on a current affairs programme on Joy News on Sunday, October 25, 2020.

    He said the disqualification of these 30,000 people went through a legal process, presided over by a judge, after their eligibility was challenged a point he made to explain that the removal of the names from the provisional voters’ register followed due process.

    He said although a few issues cropped up during the voters registration exercise, the EC has been able to make sure that every Ghanaian who registered in the just ended exercise would be able to vote on December 7.

    “Your details are intact. Your biometric details fingerprint, facial recognition all of them are intact. So, the Commission is assuring all the good people of this country. Once you took part in the registration, your details are intact. You are part of the 17 million or so people,” he stressed.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Only NDC can improve the living standards made difficult by NPP Mahama

    Former President of Ghana and leader of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) John Dramani Mahama has underscored the need to vote for him to improve the living standards in the country.

    According to him, the current government has subjected the country to economic mismanagement and there is the need to do away with them to make life better.

    In a recorded message to the people of Ghana, the NDC leader indicated that he represents opportunities for all and not a select few like the NPP focuses on currently in the country.

    “I come before you to seek for your votes so that together we can build a country that provides opportunities for all and not a select few. That will improve our living standards and reduce the hardship that has been brought on us by this government.”

    The former President in the video indicated that he believes that women are equal to men and that was the brain behind his choice of Vice Presidential Candidate.

    “Just like you, I believe women are equal to men, and their voice should always be heard. This is why I chose Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, as my running mate,” he said.

    He added that “Just like you, I believe mothers are sacred, and they deserve quality time with their newborn babies. This is why we are increasing the maternity leave for mothers to four months”.

    Source: My News GH

  • US$150 coronavirus testing fee at KIA reasonable – Anyidoho

    Former Deputy General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Koku Anyidoho, has reacted to the $150 price for the COVID-19 test at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA).

    According to him, he had always criticised the fee until he travelled to Guinea and missed his flight because of the delay of the COVID-19 test, a situation he described as very uncomfortable.

    His statement follows massive backlash and the subsequent presentation of a petition by a cross-section of Ghanaians to the government to reconsider the amount.

    But, reacting to the development on his Twitter page, the Founder of the Atta Mills Institute, said though the $150 is high it can produce COVID results in less than 30 minutes.

    He wrote: “Honestly, I was a critic of the $150 COVID test @ KIA till I travelled to Guinea; missed flights bcos COVID test results over there took days to be completed. $150 is high but if it can produce COVID results in less than 30 minutes; the time value of money becomes key.”

    Source: Peace FM

  • Police officer “accidentally” kills Aqua Safari security guard

    A Lance Corporal with the Akropong Divisional Police Command, Philip Addo, is in police custody after he “accidentally” killed a security guard on duty at the Aqua Safari Resort.

    The incident is said to have occurred on Wednesday, October 21.

    According to a police communique, the officer was on night patrol at the resort when the incident occurred.

    He reported that at the main gate of the resort, he noticed the guard, 30-year-old Stephen Adu, was asleep close by.

    Philip Addo disclosed further that in his attempt to wake the security guard up, his AK 47 service rifle discharged accidentally fatally wounding the security guard on his neck and back left shoulder.

    The security guard was rushed to the Tetteh Quarshie Memorial Hospital at Mampong-Akuapim but was pronounced dead on arrival.

    Police visited the scene of the crime at the resort and three empty shells were recovered.

    The body has been sent to the Police Hospital in Accra for autopsy.

    Meanwhile, Philip Addo, who is being treated as a suspect, is in police custody.

    Source: Graphic.com.gh

  • Turn yourselves in Police to NDC supporters who stormed Suame police station

    The Ashanti Regional Police Command has advised National Democratic Congress (NDC) supporters who besieged the Suame Police Station to report themselves to police.

    The command has given them until 9 am on Monday, October 26.

    The persons stormed the police station on Saturday demanding the release of some of its members who were arrested in a police swoop.

    The command claims the protesting supporters “attacked the Police officers on duty, verbally and physically,” though Citi News is yet to sight evidence to this effect.

    They were also seen “in the video hitting the counter at the Charge Office.”

    In a statement, it notes one Yakubu Tony Aidoo of the NDC after scrutinising video footage from the incident.

    It said they were “seen in the video hitting the counter at the Charge Office.”

    “The Command is therefore, advising the persons involved who besieged the Suame Police Station in their own interest to report to the Regional Police Command latest tomorrow 26th October, 2020 at 0900hrs to assist Police with investigation, without fail,” the statement added.

    The incident occurred after the Ashanti Regional Police Command embarked on a special Police Operation and arrested a number of persons to assist with investigations into recent robberies within the Metropolis.

    The command also acted on intelligence in respect of suspected whose names came up during the investigation and conducted swoops within the Metropolis.

    It was these suspects that were taken to the Suame and Central Police Stations to assist the Police investigation.

    Earlier on Sunday, NDC members also gathered at the Ashanti Regional Police Headquarters to demand the release of 10 party supporters who were picked up in the Asawase Constituency.

    Source: citinewsroom

  • Fridge repairer jailed 5 years for blackmail; demanded sex from female teacher

    A 27-year-old fridge repairer apprentice has been jailed five years for blackmailing a female teacher with threats of posting her nude photos and videos on social media.

    The Ho High Court, presided over by Justice Eric Baah, found Cephas Agbebianu Anani guilty on three counts of defrauding by false pretence, extortion and publication of obscene material, and consequently sentenced him to five years imprisonment on counts one and two, and three years for the last count.

    The sentences are, however, to run concurrently.

    Delivering his judgement last Friday after a full-year trial, the judge noted that Anani had violated the social media policy, indicating that he deserved a 25-year jail term for the crime, but that he had dealt leniently with him because he was a first-time offender.
    His sentence, Justice Baah said, was to serve as a deterrent to others.

    Online conversation

    Anani, who resided at Gbi-Kledjo, near Hohoe in the Volta Region, was reported to have had online conversations with the victim on Facebook between December 2018 and January 2019 using the username Gwada Thoni and a photograph of Prince William of the United Kingdom as his display picture to misrepresent himself to the victim.

    The Prosecutor, Chief Superintendent Ayamga Ayakubu Akoglo, said Anani obtained the WhatsApp number of the complainant and managed to convince her to send her nude pictures and videos to the Gwada Thoni Facebook account.

    The victim reportedly obliged and forwarded the requested nude materials to the fake account of the accused via messenger.

    The blackmail

    Upon receiving the materials, Anani started blackmailing her through his WhatsApp number 0554948428 that he knew her at Gbi-Kledjo, and that she should pay GH¢2,000 or must allow him to have sex with her 10 times.

    The convict then threatened her that if she failed to send the said amount or refused him sex, he would publish her nude pictures and videos on social media for people to watch to prove that he was serious.

    The victim, shocked about the threat, told Cephas that she did not have much money to give him and further begged him not to publish the nude materials.

    Anani, however, instructed the lady to send GH¢100 to him to book a hotel room where he could have sex with her.

    Chief Superintendent Ayamga explained to the court that out of fear, the victim sent the money to him to book the hotel room at Afegame Hotel as demanded, but unknown to him, the complainant had reported the matter to the police at Hohoe.

    Following the complaint, the Hohoe police, on surveillance, went to the hotel on the said meeting date but the convict, who appeared at the hotel as arranged, managed to escape arrest.

    The complainant identified him as someone she knew at Kledjo, which led to his arrest at his hideout at Kpoeta.

    In court, Anani denied all the charges and upon a plea by his counsel, Emile Atsu Agbakpe, he was granted bail in the sum of GH¢20,000 with two sureties.

    Source: Graphic.com.gh

  • Translate warm reception into votes MP urges electorates

    Atwima-Nwabiagya MP, Emmanuel Agyei Anhwere, has urged Ghanaians to translate the warm reception given to President Akufo-Addo and the NPP into votes in December 7.

    He said the overwhelming enthusiasm and appreciation shown by the people all over the country during the campaign tours of the President and his Vice, were a clear indication that Ghanaians were happy with the sterling performance of Nana Akufo-Addo and the NPP.

    “However, Ghanaians could show much appreciation if they vote massively for the President and the NPP in the December elections, to enable the party continue with the good work to transform the nation and improve the living conditions of the people.”

    Mr Anhwere said the social intervention policies of the government greatly benefited the people all over the country and there was the need for them to vote for the NPP to continue with such initiatives to transform Ghana.

    He said the NPP through Nana Akufo-Addo had demonstrated that it was capable of moving the country from its present state to a more industrialized and developed nation, where everybody would have an opportunity to develop his or her potential and contribute to national development.

    Mr Anhwere called on the people to vote massively for the NPP to continue with its national transformation agenda for the benefit of all.

    Source: GNA

  • Agona West: NDC parliamentary candidate charged over alleged plot to kill Cynthia Morrison

    The National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary candidate for Agona West, Paul Ofori Amoah has been charged with aiding and abetting political party vigilantes in connection with an alleged plot to murder the incumbent Member of Parliament for the constituency, Cynthia Morrison.

    According to a charge sheet sighted by Citi News, Mr. Amoah is said to have recruited four persons “to engage in vigilantism at Agona West constituency and hatched a plan to murder Cynthia Mamle Morrison.”

    Mrs. Morrison had made a formal complaint to the police about four men who were arrested at a hotel in Agona Swedru saying they had plotted to kill her.

    The four were cautioned on preparation to commit murder and carrying offensive weapons.

    They have been identified as Saddick Abubakar, Gordon Kunya, Isaac Addea and Dauda Fatua.

    The Central Regional Police Command subsequently invited Mr Amoah in connection with the alleged plot.

    Police said he admitted to issuing two bank cheques that were found by police at the hotel the suspects were arrested at.

    The cheques were worth GHS 5,000.

    Six other persons were later arrested by the Swedru Divisional Police Command in connection with another plot to kill Cynthia Morrison.

    They have been identified as John Toko, Emmanuel Mensah, Elvis Kwabena Poku, Kwabena Poku, Wahab Saeed and Kweku Amponsah.

    Intelligence gathered revealed that the suspects were tailing the MP on the Agona Otsenkorang road.

    The MP, who doubles as the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection was on a campaign tour from that town and its adjoining villages when the suspects allegedly made an attempt on her life.

    Source: citinewsroom

  • Kwapong Women ‘ditch’ NDC for NPP

    A group of known NDC supporters in Kwapong, in the Asunafo South Constituency of the Ahafo Region, have ‘ditched’ their long-time party, the NDC for the New Patriotic Party.

    The former NDC stalwarts, numbering about 100, announced their defection at a grand durbar of Chiefs and people of Kwapong during the visit of Vice President Bawumia on Tuesday.

    The women said their defection to the NPP was informed by the good policies of the Akufo-Addo government, especially the flagship Free Senior High School policy, which they said has relieved many parents the difficulty of funding their children’s secondary education.

    Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia warmly welcomed them into the elephant fraternity, and symbolically took a group photograph with them.

    The Ahafo Regional Chairman of the NPP, Owusu Sekyere also welcomed them into the party and assured them of the party’s love and care.

    “We welcome you into our family. From today, you are one of and we assure you of our love and care,” the Regional Chairman said.

    The regional Chairman asked for special NPP tee shirts to be presented to the defectors to seal their move from the NDC to the NPP.

    Source: presidency.gov.gh

  • Akufo-Addo has done well in Agric sector – Akua Donkor admits

    The founder and flagbearer of the Ghana Freedom Party (GFP) Madam Akua Donkor, has conceded that the Akufo-Addo-led administration has done extremely well in the area of Agriculture and food security.

    Madam Akua Donkor, a popular farmer, admits that the NPP administration has changed the face of the agricultural sector, especially in terms of food availability and affordability.

    “As a farmer myself, I have to admit that President Akufo-Addo has done well, that programme introduced by the Agric Minister, I mean the Planting for Food and Jobs has been very successful” she noted, stressing that Ghanaians must commend the President and the Minister for this achievement.

    She added; “In Ghana today, we have no problem with food, it is available and also affordable. Even during the period of this deadly disease (referring to Covid-19), Ghana had no problem with food at all.”

    She noted that if she were to advise President Akufo-Addo and the NPP, she would ask them to focus more on the Agricultural sector for their campaign message since in her view, the achievements in that sector are tangible.

    “Today farmers are not crying about hardship like they used to do; their production has increased (I can use myself as an example because I have also benefitted from the policy), she remarked.

    Adding that; “Nobody should think I am campaigning for the NPP but the thing is that what is true is true.”

    Source: Peace FM

  • ‘Akufo-Addo is very vindictive’ Isaac Adongo cries over constituency neglect

    Member of Parliament for Bolgatanga Central, Isaac Adongo says his constituency lacks proper development because President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has threatened to sack any minister that agrees to award him contracts and projects.

    According to Mr. Adongo, even the ones he is able to secure, he is discreet about it because he would not want to implicate any minister.

    “I am saying that even when I lobby and I get contracts, I have to be circumspect in disclosing who gave me that contract…They may sack the minister [ because giving me contracts will] promote me in Bolga. If they are aware that this minister is treating me with kid gloves. And I have examples of them here. And I have those projects here. Privately, I can mention all of them to you,” he told the host of the Word Community Watch Show.

    “The government itself is denying its citizens because it is the most incompetent government that has borrowed over the roof but cannot show anything for,” he added.

    To him, he has excelled as a Member of Parliament ever since he took over the Bolgatanga Central Constituency.

    Source: My News GH

  • After failing, Akufo-Addo wants 4 more years for what? Mahama

    The presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has expressed concern about the current state of the Ghanaian economy.

    He says it is the worst in the history of the Fourth Republic.

    Addressing members and supporters of NDC at Daboase in the Wassa East constituency on Thursday, 22 October 2020, as part of his five-day campaign tour of the Western Region, Mr Mahama observed that the economy on the watch of President Akufo-Addo is burdened with huge debt, with the recent IMF report indicating that Ghana’s debt-to-GDP is 76 per cent.

    He said, apart from the unprecedented huge debt-to-GDP ratio, there is also an unenviable budget deficit of 15 per cent, which is also historic.

    Mr Mahama said Ghana’s economy has grown steadily since 1992 to create opportunities for citizens until this year when the economy slumped due to mismanagement by the government, causing unbearable hardship for many families.

    “And they are preaching four more. Four more for what?,” he quizzed.

    “Ghanaians gave you four years and you failed and you are saying four something.”

    “For more years for what?”, he asked.

    Mr Mahama said another mandate for President Akufo-Addo will spell doom for Ghanaians as it would lead to another four years of opportunities for a privileged few, and poverty and hardship for many people.

    He said the December 7 general elections offer an opportunity for Ghanaians to rescue the country and its destiny from the clutches of president Akufo-Addo and his privileged few, and thereby create opportunities and prosperity for all Ghanaians.

    Source: Class FM

  • End SARS: Buhari gives breakdown of people killed during protests

    President Muhammadu Buhari has said at least 69 people have been killed during the #EndSARS protests across the country.

    According to the BBC, Buhari gave the number during a virtual meeting with former leaders and security chiefs on Friday.

    He was quoted as saying 51 civilians, 11 police officers and seven soldiers had died.

    A statement released by presidential spokesman, Femi Adesina, at the end of the meeting also quoted Buhari as saying it is unfortunate that the “initial genuine and well-intended protest of youths was hijacked and misdirected”.

    The past Nigerian leaders present at the meeting included Gen. Yakubu Gowon, President Olusegun Obasanjo, Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, Chief Ernest Shonekan, Gen. Abulsalami Abubakar and former President Goodluck Jonathan.

    Each of them commended President Buhari for steps taken so far, in restoring peace and order in the country and also applauded the presidential broadcast of Thursday.

    Source: dailypost.ng

  • Finance Minister presents expenditure on Appropriation to Parliament on Wednesday

    Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta is expected to present to Parliament on Wednesday, October 28, 2020 the Expenditure in Advance of Appropriation from January to March 2021.

    Besides, the House is also expected to consider the report of the Finance Committee on the Appropriation and thus take the consequential Parliamentary action.

    Majority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu announced this on the floor of the House when he presented the Business Statement for the Fourth Week ending Friday, 30th October 2020.

    Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu also announced that the House was scheduled to sit on Monday, October 26, 2020, as recommended during the presentation of the previous Business Statement.

    He explained that sittings of the House may also be extended beyond 1400 hours as stipulated in Order 40(2) to enable the completion of scheduled business for each day of the week under consideration.

    He entreated all Committees with referrals, which required Parliamentary consideration within the brief period to expedite work on same and report to plenary as soon as practicable.

    Source: GNA

  • 6 vicitms of the collapsed church building treated and discharged

    Reports from the Akim Oda Government Hospital indicate that six victims rescued from the collapsed church building at Akyem Batabi, have been treated and discharged on Thursday.

    Kwame Ampadu-Agyei, administrator at the Hospital said about 24 victims were sent to the hospital with 15 already dead, six treated and discharged, one referred to the St Joseph hospital in Koforidua while one died on Thursday leaving one, on admission.

    Rescue efforts are still ongoing to save dozens believed to be trapped under the debris, by the combined rescue teams including; the Ambulance Service, Military, Ghana National Fire Service, Police and the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) visited the reporter scene on Thursday.

    Amo Lartey, Director of Operations at NADMO, disclosed that the National Security was providing additional excavators to FastTrack the rescue operation.

    Prophet Akoa Isaac, the founder of the collapsed Church of Prosperity, in an interview described as unfortunate the collapse and death of members of the church and added that the building had stalled for lack of funds.

    He said church activities had slowed due to the coronavirus restrictions and disclosed that 52 congregants were at the church for fasting and prayers, on that fateful day.

    Source: GNA

  • Mahama promises 50% reduction in tuition fees for tertiary students next year

    The flagbearer of the National Democracy Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has promised to cut off tuition fees to fifty per cent (50%) for tertiary students in the 2020/2021 academic year if elected president.

    Mr. Mahama said this during an interview in Takoradi, as part of his campaign tour of the Western Region.

    According to him, this has become necessary because of the impact COVID-19 and the response to challenges many parents and self- parenting students are facing.

    “Dislocation in the economy caused by mismanagement of this current administration and worsen by the COVID-19 pandemic has prompted our attention to give relief to parents and students by absorbing 50% of what they would have to pay when re-elected into power,” he pledged.

    Touching on the Public Universities Bill (PUB), Mr. Mahama said the suspension of the bill is not enough, instead, Government should withdraw the bill completely.

    “Unless they want to say that they [New Patriotic Party] are waiting to win the presidential seat again before the finally pass the bill,” Mr Mahama added.

    He also questioned, if teaching and learning is moving on smoothly, why should there be interference by the government.

    Mr. Mahama noted that universities are places of learning which should be devoid of political interference.

    About the Public Universities Bill

    The Public Universities Bill seeks to harmonise the finances, administration and governance structure of all public universities.

    The Bill, when passed, will give the government power to appoint a majority of members of the University Council.

    The Council would also have the power to appoint and fire public university officials.

    The Bill would also give the President power to dissolve the University Council which will now have the power to appoint a chancellor.

    It would also give effect to the University Council to control the finances of the university and determine the allocation of funds.

    In the bill is a proposal to rename four public universities after various personalities.

    https://youtu.be/C9iF64Rlyak

    Source: angelonline.com.gh

  • Church collapse: Rescue Operation ends; 22 bodies retrieved

    The four-day rescue operation in the church building collapse at Akyem Batabi in the Eastern Region has ended.

    Thirty victims were retrieved as of Friday, October 23,2020,3 when the operation was brought to a close. 22 of them had died, while eight survived.

    The deceased are made up of 12 women, 9 men and a girl child.

    The Ghana Air Force provided the sniffer dogs during the early hours of Friday to check for possible bodies covered by the debris.

    The team searched thoroughly for the last victim- a woman reported missing but was not found under the rubbles hence Church leaders have been asked to inform the National Disaster Management Organisation, NADMO, whenever they smell a stench from the disaster scene.

    Decommissioning the rescue team, the Director-General of the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO), Eric Nana Agyeman Prempeh commended the rescue team made up of 210 Personnel from various security agencies, and operators of four excavators, 7 haulage tipper Truck vehicles and 2 payloaders for working tirelessly.

    He charged bodies responsible for regulating the construction of buildings to intensify their monitoring regimes to enable them proactively avert the reoccurrence of such incident.
    .
    Background

    The collapse of the uncompleted three-storey church building occurred Tuesday at about 2:30 pm.

    Prophet Akoa Isaac has told Police in his statement after his arrest that he was sick and lying in his residence on the same compound of the Church when he heard the collapsing of the church.

    He said he was told that about 56 worshippers were in and around the building fasting and praying when the incident happened.

    When Police proceeded to the scene, 35 of the worshippers were seen traumatized at the scene while a 60-year-old woman identified as Afia Tamakloe, lying dead. The rest were trapped under the rubble.

    A joint rescue team made up of officials of the National Disaster Management Organization, NADMO, Ghana National Fire Service, Police, Ambulance Service, BNI, National Security, Military with support from the Eastern Regional Minister Eric Kwakye Darfuor who is at the scene retrieved 13 victims few hours after the incident out of which 6 -all females were dead, one (1) in critical condition while 6 victims namely Adu Godfred,21, Erasmus Larner,25, Elizabeth Toot,18, Bridget Birorey,59, Jonas Larner,45, and Charity Addison,38 have been treated and discharged by the Oda Government Hospital.

    According to one of the survivors “We were resting in the church building after fasting and prayers so whilst resting, we heard portions of the building coming down. We were over 60 in the building so we started running away some of the people managed to escape but others were trapped “

    Some residents say construction of the Church building started in 1996 hence its structural integrity continued to weaken.

    Source: Starr FM

  • Ghana is not our home – Nigerian Community Ghana warns potential protesters

    The National Executives of the All Nigerian Community (ANC) in Ghana on Friday, October 2020 held a press conference in Ghana’s capital, Accra to address the unfortunate incidents that have characterized the #EndSARS protests in Nigeria and other cities across the globe.

    The presser comes days after the demise of some twelve peaceful protesters at the Lekki tollgate after personnel from the Nigerian military allegedly opened fire.

    Speaking to journalists in Accra, the General Secretary of the Nigerian community in Ghana, Isaac Ekhator through a statement warned Nigerians domiciled in Ghana to be mindful of laws of the host nation before embarking on any sort of protest.

    According to him, Nigerians in Ghana may exercise their right to draw the attention of the home government to anomalies and aberrations in their home country but in ways and manners that would not disrupt the existing peace in Ghana and with other host countries.

    “The leadership of the Nigerian Community Ghana wishes to reiterate that Nigerians in Ghana should be mindful of her fact that Ghana is not our homeland.”

    “As foreigners in Ghana or in other countries, we have limited rights and we can only operate with the legal and social latitude permitted by the host countries.”

    “Despite the warm hospitality accorded us Nigerians in Ghana we should not take for granted the largesses and privileges.”

    “Though the political atmosphere of any country in the ECOWAS sub-region is always of concern and interest to the entire community those other countries should not be subjected to be direct victims of the crises in Nigeria.”

    Prior to this press conference, Nigerians living in Ghana had already two protests.

    The first, which was led by a famous Nigerian artist, Zlatan was held barely a week after the End SARS protest began nationwide. The second, despite been cancelled at the venue of the protest was fairly successful.

    The protesters accused the Buhari-led administration of sponsoring terrorism.

    “Let it be on record that the Nigerian government is sponsoring and supporting terrorism. At this point, some of my friends were at the rally yesterday and I am calling them today, they can’t even pick. I don’t know whether they are alive or not. They are killing our brothers and sisters who are peaceful protesters we want the world to know,” he told MyNigeria.com correspondent in Accra.

    Source: mynigeria.com

  • Body of baby girl recovered in Akyem Batabi church building collapse

    The body of a baby girl has been recovered in the rubble of the church building that collapsed in Akyem Batabi in the Asene Manso Akroso District of the Eastern Region.

    She was among the latest of the 22 fatalities.

    “We discovered a body, the body of a baby girl who is estimated to be about two years old,” the Director for Inspectorate Division at the National Disaster Management Organisation, Richard Amo-Yartey, said to the press on Friday, October 23, 2020.

    Two vehicles that had been crushed were also uncovered as the rescue efforts entered the fourth day.

    The rescuers have halted the use of machinery in rescue efforts early on Friday morning and started a mop-up, according to Mr. Amo-Yartey.

    “At about 1:30 am we ended the search and rescue… We have stopped the use of machines and have introduced sniffer dogs and have sniffed around to see if there are traces of anybody.”

    So far, 30 persons have been retrieved, eight of which were alive.

    Of the dead persons, 12 were female and 10 were males.

    The three-storey building which served as a structure for the Church of Prosperity collapsed around 2 pm on Tuesday, October 20, 2020.

    Earlier reports suggested that over 60 persons were in the building before the collapse.

    Personnel from the 48 Engineers Regiment, NADMO, Fire Service, Ambulance Service the Ghana Police Service have been at the centre of rescue operations at the site.

    The Ghana Air Force provided the sniffer dogs currently being used to help find survivors.

    Rescuers have said they do not know how many people were in the church at the time of the collapse.

    Source: citinewsroom

  • Sammi Awuku, others escape another accident; vehicle goes up in flames

    The National Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Sammi Awuku and some Northern Regional Executives of the party escaped another accident in Tolon some few hours ago.

    MyNewsGh.com has confirmed that a Tundra vehicle carrying their PA system suddenly went up in flames in the middle of the crowd where party supporters had gathered to be addressed.

    The incident happened at the Tolon station around when the National Organiser, Regional Chairman and the Parliamentary candidate were expected to address the multitude of supporters gathered there.

    The vehicle which was parked in the middle of the station with supporters and constituents already in attendance to listen to the National Organiser and the Regional Chairman suddenly caught fire with people running for their lives. The cause of the fire is not immediately known.

    The National Organiser and the team had left the Palace of the Tolon Naa and heading towards the events grounds with just a few meters away when the vehicle went up in flames accompanied by some explosion.

    The Personnel of the Ghana Fire Service were at the scene to bring the fire under control.

    The National Organiser, the Regional Chairman and the Parliamentary Candidate are reported safe but were forced to cancel their scheduled event in the town. They had earlier visited four other communities within the Constituency.

    Source: My News GH

  • Kotoko sign Brazilian midfielder Fabio Gama

    Asante Kotoko have signed Brazilian central midfielder Fabio Gama ahead of the new Ghana Premier League season next month.

    The Porcupine Warriors announced the transfer on Friday. According to the club, he has joined on a two-year deal.

    “Asante Kotoko is delighted to announce the acquisition of Brazilian international Midfielder Fabio Dos Santos Gama,” the club wrote on Twitter.

    Gama, 28, has been without a club since leaving Swedish club Jönköpings Södra IF in March this year. He has featured for 10 clubs, including Botafogo since 2012, according to transfermarkt.com.

    The football statistic website also indicates he has commanded no transfer fees over the period.

    According to Kotoko, he is former Brazilian youth international, featuring for U-17 and U-20 teams.

    Source: myjoyonline