TIG Post

Author: Chris Kodo

  • Mfantseman shooting: Akufo-Addo charges IGP to apprehend killers of MP at all cost

    President Akufo-Addo has charged the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to ensure that the killers of late Mfantseman MP are apprehended.

    He said the murder of Ekow Quansah Hayford, “is a big blow to me and this is why I have made it known to the IGP that if nothing is done about this particular matter, what will happen will happen.”

    The President said this during his visit to the bereaved family where he noted that the unfortunate occurrence is a test case for IGP, James Oppong-Boanuh.https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/GOnvR46E-bOZsmy48.html

    Mr Quansah Hayford was shot by persons believed to be highway robbers in the early hours of October 9, on the Abeadze Dominase Abeadze Duadzi Mankessim Road on his return from a campaign trip.

    Nana Akufo-Addo announced that government will assume the responsibility of catering for the widow and her children.

    He added that the family will also be supported in giving the late MP a befitting burial.

    Meanwhile, the IGP has placed a ¢20,000 bounty on the heads of the killers of the late MP.

    In a statement issued by the Public Relations Directorate of the Police Service and signed by Supt. of Police, Sheila Kesse Abayie-Buckman, the Service said the money will only be given for credible information that will lead to the arrest of the perpetrators.

    Source: myjoyonline

  • GWCL begins spillage of excess water from Weija Dam

    The Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) has started spilling excess water from the Weija Dam in the Ga South Municipality.

    This is due to the downpour in the catchment area of the Densu River basin, according to a statement issued by the GWCL on Monday.

    The spillage started on Sunday, October 11, 2020.

    “The safe operating level of the Weija Dam is 47ft, however, the heavy rains shot the dam level from 46.8ft to 48.4ft in less than 24 hours, prompting the spillage immediately to prevent it from possible collapse,” the GWCL explained in the statement signed by its Chief Manager for PR and Communications, Mr Stanley Martey

    Below is a copy of the GWCL statement

    WEIJA DAM SPILLAGE

    Due to the heavy downpour in the catchment area of the Densu River basin, Management of Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) has begun minimal spillage of excess water from the dam as at Sunday 11th October, 2020

    The safe operating level of the Weija Dam is 47ft, however, the heavy rains shot the dam level from 46.8ft to 48.4ft in less than 24 hours, prompting the spillage immediately to prevent it from possible collapse.

    As a result of this, Management has informed the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO), the National Security, Bureau of National Investigation (BNI), Chiefs, District Assembly, opinion leaders and all stakeholders downstream the dam to evacuate the area immediately to avoid any eventuality.

    Management of GWCL, therefore, wishes to inform members of the general public as well as institutions and organizations who have properties downstream of the dam to take note and act accordingly since information from the Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMA) indicates that there will be more rains. Meanwhile, the GWCL, NADMO and other sector agencies are making arrangement for the provision of water and other services to the people displaced by the flood.

    Affected communities include; Tetegu, Oblogo, Pambros Salt, Lower McCarthy Hill, Lower Weija, Bojo Beach, Ada Kopey and surrounding communities.

    Source: Graphic.com.gh

  • Alleged kidnappers abandon victim after being rejected

    Unidentified men who kidnapped a teenager on Friday around Area 52 in Ho made a U-turn by returning their ‘catch’ only when a voice rejected the boy’s offer for a girl’s preference.

    The victim, (name withheld) narrated to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) from his hospital bed that some unidentified kidnappers took him, hostage, outside their gated house, when he stepped out to pass urine.

    He said what he could remember was a hand blindfolding him and could later hear a voice rejecting his gender, in an unknown environment, all this time still in the sack with hands and face tied with ropes.

    According to Mr Selorm Awadi, the father of the 14-year-old kidnapped teenager (name withheld) said his son was picked by the men, who managed to conceal the victim in a white sack and was abandoned at the vicinity of the area, where he was earlier kidnapped. He told the GNA that his son ran an errand to buy bread for the household before 0900 hours, and could no longer be located at home afterwards.

    He said the whereabouts of his son could not be ascertained until word went round that a boy was abandoned in a sack around the popular Mirage pub area in Ho.

    Mr Awadi said he thought that development or incident was far away from him and was never worried until the reality beaconed.

    Mr Prosper Kofi Pi-Bansah, Ho Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), who conveyed the victim to the Municipal hospital for medical attention, said this could be a clear case of a ritual operation gone good for the victim and bad for the kidnappers, after confirming the incident to the GNA.

    The dumbfounded MCE appealed to parents and guardians to be vigilant over their children especially teenagers as the nation positioned itself for another election in December. Meanwhile, hospital sources said the condition of the victim was stabilised after receiving treatment.

    The Municipal Police Command has begun investigations into the alleged kidnapping episode.

    Source: GNA

  • Filing of nomination: Presidential aspirants commend Electoral Commission

    Presidential aspirants who filed their nomination to contest for the December Elections have commended the Electoral Commission (EC) for putting in place the process to ensure free, fair and transparent general elections.

    They said the Commission had been open and receptive to their concerns despite the fact that they had come up against challenges in the filling of their nomination forms.

    Madam Akua Donkor, Aspirant of Ghana Freedom Party (GFP) praised the Election Management Body, for restoring the right logo of the Commission, which was in line with all state institutions.

    “This is the right logo for the Commission. It is the same being used by institutions of all state institutions and I did not understood why it was changed. The Police, Military, Ministries, Judiciary, Embassies among others are using the same logo why must the past EC administration change it,” she quizzed.

    The General Secretary of the National Democratic Party (NDP), Alhaji Mohammed Frimpong, indicated that petty administrative lapses in the electoral process should not be over-dramatised.

    Speaking after the submission of the presidential nomination forms of the flagbearer, Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings, the General Secretary said the EC should be allowed to work.

    “For the first time, the Commission took the trouble to give us the checklist and it falls within our understanding that disagreements within our institutions should not be overdramatized as if Armageddon is going to fall on us,” she said.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Mireku Duker explains why thugs attacked his family

    Tarkwa-Nsuaem MP, Mireku Duker, has explained why a group of people attacked his family over the weekend.

    The MP was attacked on Saturday, October 10, 2020, in what was suspected to be related to a chieftaincy dispute.

    However, narrating the incident to Joy News, the MP explained that the attack started with a knife that was pulled on a boy over suspicion that he was recording the thugs who perpetrated the act.

    The attackers had allegedly been misbehaving at a funeral.

    “We normally have funerals in front of one of our family houses. So, one boy, between the ages of 10 and 13 was around holding a phone when the thugs were misbehaving. Thinking that the small boy was recording them, one of the thugs called the boy to bring his phone for them to check whether or not he was recording,” he said.

    He added: “So one of my nephews questioned them on why they were attacking the young boy and that provoked them.”

    He added that a lady who was also at the scene was not forgiven when she questioned the thugs on why they were carrying out the attacks.

    The MP said following the attack, his family has been moved out of Dompin, the MP’s hometown, to ensure their safety.

    Mireku Duker also revealed that one person is currently in police custody over the matter.

    “The police were brought in after the incident and they arrested the suspect,” he said.

    He, however, says four others are still on the run.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Mfantseman MP was shot by contract killers, not armed robbers Kennedy Agyapong alleges

    Assin Central MP, Kennedy Agyapong has assured residents of Mankessim and the family of murdered Mfantseman MP, Ekow Quansah Hayford of justice.

    He disclosed that preliminarily investigation conducted by his team indicates that the MP was killed by contract killers and not armed robbers as the media is reporting.

    Speaking during a courtesy call on the family to express his condolences Monday, the business mogul said, he will do everything in his power to ensure the arrest of the killers within the shortest possible time.

    While warning some persons who described themselves as eyewitnesses, Mr Agyapong said their narratives were hindering the investigation by the police.

    The vociferous MP said this is making it difficult for the facts surrounding the attack to be ascertained.

    Explaining further, Mr Agyapong said, the police currently have on record a man who alleges to have been present during the attack on the Nkusukum Mankessim-Abeadze Duadze road in the Central Region but his narration does not seem to add up.

    He warned that, if the said eyewitness continues to give filtered versions of the incident to the media, the police will be forced to arrest him as a suspect in the murder.

    The legislator also revealed that prior to the death of the MP, Elvis Morris Donkoh who is the current MP for Abura-Asebu-Kwamankese constituency had received a call from some unknown person warning him about threats to his life.

    He said Mr Donkoh had also been urged to call the late Mfantseman MP and NPP Parliamentary Candidate for Ajumako-Enyan-Esiam Constituency since their lives were also in danger.

    Mr Agyapong urged the family to keep calm as he is optimistic there will be an arrest soon.

    Source: myjoyonline

  • Murder of Mfantseman MP highlights string of killings in the area Queen mother laments

    The Queen mother of the Mankessim traditional area, Nana Araba Otua II, has urged the government to resolve the string of killings in the area, highlighted by the murder of the Mfantseman MP, Ekow Quansah Hayford.

    Nana Araba Otua II catalogued a spate of killings in recent years which, she said, was a source of “great concern”.

    The traditional leader mentioned the killing of a BNI Director, Samuel Ampofo and a police officer, L/Cpl Kingsley Kofi Boahen within a space of two months.

    The BNI Director was killed by gunmen who fired into a crowd during the coronation of the Omanhen in December 2019.

    Barely a month later, L/Cpl Kingsley Kofi Boahen was found dead at dawn on the Mankessim-Assin Fosu road.

    He was killed in an armed robbery attack. The IGP placed a 10,000 cedis bounty on the killers. While some arrests have been made, these killings remain unresolved.

    “Sadly, the people responsible for these killings are still at large,” she lamented in a statement to reporters.

    Her statement follows the killing of the Mfantseman MP, Ekow Quansah Hayford, on October 9, 2020, by suspected armed robbers at dawn.

    The late NPP MP was returning home from a campaign when assailants sealed off the Abeaze Dominase road he was travelling on and shot him together with his driver. Ekow Hayford died instantly, his driver is fighting for his life in a coma.

    Expressing condolence to the bereaved family, the Omanhen of the Mankessim traditional area, Nana Araba Otua II called for an end to the spate of killings.

    “These criminals must be found. The killings must stop”, a portion of the statement reads. The late NPP MP had had cause to also express concern about insecurity in the constituency.

    Following the killing of the L/Cpl, Kofi Boahen, he had urged the security agencies to step up efforts in ensuring justice is served.

    Stressing this call, the Omanhen said the “decent people of Mfantsiman cannot and should not live in fear.”

    Mankessim holds cultural and political importance among the Fantes. It operated as the capital of the Fante confederacy in the 19th century.

    The Mfantseman constituency is within the traditional authority of Mankessim.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Oti region still NDC stronghold in spite of split from Volta Ephson

    Pollster Ben Epshon has revealed that the Oti region will be a stronghold of the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) in spite of the split from the Volta region.

    Mr Ephson said on the Elections 360 programme with co-host Stephen Anti on TV3 that the split of the region by the Akufo-Addo administration will have no effect on the voting pattern in that part of the country.

    “Oti region will still be an NDC stronghold,” he said on the programme on Monday, October 12.

    Mr Epshon further explained that anytime any of the two leading parties, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the NDC lost less than 70 per cent of votes in their strongholds they go ahead to lose the elections.

    “You will have to win a certain percentage. For example, any time the NPP has won less than 70 percent in Ashanti and less than 60 percent in Eastern region, they lose the elections because that is your stronghold.

    “In Volta region, a new book I am working on shows that the NDC lost over a hundred thousand votes in Volta region alone compared to 2012.

    “So if you strong hold you are losing votes and you are losing votes in the other places. And that is the cause of apathy.”

    Source: 3 News

  • Attack on Mireku Dukers home adds to growing list of attacks on politicians

    Attacks on the political class or persons close to them seem to be gaining notoriety as a common feature in the lead up to the upcoming December 7 polls.

    In the last couple of weeks, four incidents of attacks on members of the political class have been reported, one of which has been fatal.

    The close proximity of these attacks has caused some to wonder if there is a deliberate scheme by some unknown persons to target the political class.

    On Saturday, October 3, 2020, the office of the pro New Patriotic Party (NPP) political think tank, Danquah Institute, located at Labone in Accra, was broken into by unknown persons.

    The burglars allegedly stole some valuable items including laptops and GH¢12,000.

    Then on Wednesday, October 7, 2020, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) campaign team was attacked by armed robbers at Ejuratia in the Afigya Kwabre District of the Ashanti Region.

    The robbers took away two mobile phones and an unspecified amount of money.

    The driver of the campaign vehicle Sawadogo Mahmood disclosed that two out of the five occupants of the saloon car were severely beaten by the robbers.

    Then on Friday, October 9, 2020, the attacks turned fatal as the Member of Parliament for Mfantseman in the Central Region was shot dead by suspected armed robbers.

    Six gunmen according to an eye witness attacked the MP and his campaign team while they were returning from campaign around 1.00 am, Friday.

    The eye witness explained that in the process of de (the) robbery the late Ekow Quansah identifies (identified) himself as a lawmaker and after accusing the MP and the political class for the many problems the country is facing shot him to death.

    The incident reignited calls by the legislature for dedicated security protection for them, a call that has been shot (down) by security analysts as selfish.

    Finally, in the string of attacks on the political class or persons close them, two family members of Tarkwa-Nsuaem Member of Parliament, George Mireku Duker, suffered severe cutlass wounds on Saturday, October 10, 2020, after they were attacked by some assailants.

    It is unclear what triggered the attack but it has been linked to a protracted chieftaincy dispute at Dompem, the hometown of the MP.

    One of the victims is said to be in critical condition while the other is responding to treatment.

    Political analysts have dismissed suggestions that the attacks are part of an elaborate plot to target the political class.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • No government official has been arrested in UK with £26m Oppong Nkrumah

    Information Minister Kojo Oppong Nkrumah has said it is untrue that any government official has been arrested with £26 million in the UK.

    He added that it is also untrue that British authorities have intercepted a haul of cash from Ghana to the UK.

    Speaking on Takoradi-based Skyy Power FM on Monday, the Minister accused the National Democratic Congress (NDC) of fabricating the news as part of their planned propaganda ahead of the December polls.

    According to him, as the country draws closer to the December polls, the opposition NDC will deploy all manner of propaganda tools in a desperate bid to sway voters pointing to the substantive matter as one of such propaganda techniques.

    “It is a total fabrication and we are clear in our minds that it is a fabrication by the NDC and it is part of their strategy for these last eight weeks where they will churning out a lot of fabrication, lies and fake audiotapes.

    “We are clear in our minds that it is the NDC for one or two reasons. The first person to articulate it publicly is Inusah Fusieni, NDC MP for Tamale Central.

    “They are the ones who are championing it and articulating it on their online media platforms including Radio Gold online. And now you can also find that there is a fake audiotape that purports to be a piece of international news broadcast on it which is being circulated since last night,” he said.

    He said the strategy is similar to the one deployed by the NDC weeks before the 2008 general elections and has been part of their propaganda architecture, especially in election years.

    However, the Minister called on the media and the general public to ignore such fabrication and most importantly be on the lookout for similar concoction in the future from the NDC as the two major political parties in the country battle for votes.

    “We are calling on first of all the media and the general Ghanaian public to not fall for these fabrications and fake doctored or cooked up tapes that they are going to be churning out in the next eight weeks as we get ready for the elections,” he added.

    Source: myjoyonline

  • Ashanti Regional EC boss attacked, robbed at gunpoint

    The Ashanti Regional Director of the Electoral Commission (EC), Mr Benjamin Bannor Bio, has been attacked by armed robbers.

    The incident happened on the Anwiankwanta-Obuasi highway about 10:30 pm on Saturday, 10 October 2020.

    The EC official was on his way from the Western Region to Kumasi.

    Mr Bannor Bio, together with four other occupants of a Nissan patrol vehicle were attacked by the armed robbers.

    The robbers reportedly bolted with their cell phones and an unspecified amount of money.

    The matter has been reported to the police for further investigation.

    According to reports, another man, who was driving on the same stretch, was also robbed.

    Source: Class FM

  • Current govt has exhibited incompetence in managing security – Adib Sani

    Security analyst, Adib Sani, has suggested the current government has failed in managing security issues holistically despite the appointment of several security appointees including the National Security Minister.

    Speaking on Frontline on Rainbow Radio 87.5Fm, he said when this government came into office, it was expected that they would have performed well in security managing issues after the several appointments made but they have failed.

    He said although there is no breakdown of security in Ghana, there is a sense of insecurity.

    He was reacting to the death of the Mfantseman Member of Parliament, Ekow Hayford and other criminal activities recorded in recent times.

    He said per our crime statistics issued by the police and other relevant bodies, the crime rate is increasing with over 1.2 million illegal arms in custody of criminals who are now more vicious and ahead of the security agencies.

    The sense of insecurity in Ghana he opined is increasing on daily basis.

    Insecurity he explained is not only about physical attacks but when people feel unsafe, it is a sense of insecurity.

    To him, it is not surprising and the only cause is that we have not manage our security issues well.

    To him, this is a developmental issue and the government that believes that the private sector is the engine of growth must take steps to address the sense of insecurity.

    He said the current government has exhibited a lot of incompetence so far as the management of security is concerned, and that is why we have rising crimes in Ghana.

    He said with the election coming up and when we have weak institutions, rising crimes and the proliferation of arms then it poses a bit of a problem.

    “We have to put ourselves together and work towards improving the security state or else we would face serious issues in the upcoming elections.”

  • The killings must stop Mankessim Omanhen declares after MPs murder

    Nana Araba Otua, the Omanhene of Mankessim Traditional area has bemoaned the recent spate of murders in the area.

    Nana Araba Otua is concerned that indigenes of the area keep dying with government not proffering any tangible solution to the issues.

    He (his) frustrations stems (stem) from the gruesome murder of the Member of Parliament of Mfantseman, Ekow Quansah Hayford on Friday.

    Speaking to the press, Nana Araba Otua highlighted a number of high-profile murder cases in the area which remain unresolved and questioned if there will ever be an end to such killings.

    She identified the killing BNI Director, Samuel Ampofo and a police officer, L/Cpl Kingsley Kofi Boahen within a space of two months.

    Samuel Amponfo (Ampofo) was shot by yet-to-be-identified gunmen who fired into a crowd during the installation of (the) Omanhen in December last year. Kofi Boahen on the other hand, was killed in a robbery attack similar to the MP.

    “These criminals must be found. The killings must stop. Sadly, the people responsible for these killings are still at large. The decent people of Mfantsiman cannot and should not live in fear”, she is quoted TheGhanaReport.

    The MP for the area, Ekow Quansah Hayford was murdered by suspected armed robbers when he was returning from campaign in the area.

    Official report states that he was shot multiple times by the angry robbers after he disclosed his identity as a politicians.

    The IGP, James Oppong Boanuh has dispatched investigators to the constituency to identify the culprits of the heinous crimes.

    Several high figures including President Akufo-Addo, Former President John Dramani Mahama and Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia have mourned the death of the MP.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • You can run but cant hide Minister to killers of Mfantseman MP

    Central Regional Minister, Kwamena Duncan, has served noticed that the killers of the Mfantseman, Ekow Quansah-Hayford can run but can never hide for forever from the long arm of the law

    According to him, the murderers will be arrested by the police very soon to face the full rigors of the law.

    Mourning with the bereaved family at the weekend, the former Central Regional Chairman of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) said “the good Lord in heaven will ensure that the killers are arrested in earnest. They can run but can never hide, they will be arrested very soon by the police.”

    He assured “whatever steps the family will take, we support them and we will ensure that the murderers who committed this heinous crime are apprehended.”

    “On behalf of President Akufo-Addo, the New Patriotic Party, the Regional Security Council, we want to say a big sorry and mourn with the mother, wife and children and all the family of the demise of your husband, son and brother Ekow Quansah-Hayford”, he said.

    “I want to say that what has happened is a big pain and loss not only to the family but also to the NPP”, he noted.

    Member of Parliament (MP) for Mfatseman Constituency was shot dead on the Abeadze Dominase Abeadze Duadzi Mankessim Road while returning from a campaign trip of the area.

    He is believed to have been attacked at about 1:00 am Friday October 9, 2020 by 6 armed highway robbers and was rushed to the emergency ward of Saltpond Municipal hospital dead.

    Source: My News GH

  • Massive crowd endorse Ntim Fordjour nomination as MP for Assin South

    In support of the bid of Hon. Ntim Fordjour to contest again in the 2020 Parliamentary Elections and as a signal of the strong resolve of the people of Assin South Constituency to renew the mandate of the first term MP, over 5,000 supporters and chiefs thronged on Thursday, October 8 to accompany Hon Ntim Fordjour file his nomination at the EC District Office in Assin Nsuaem.

    The goodwill and enthusiasm expressed by the supporters of Hon Ntim Fordjour were fiercely indicative of the love and support the MP enjoys from his people, an obvious result of dedication, humility and diligent service in his first term in office.

    Some of the enthusiastic supporters who voiced out their massive endorsement of Hon Ntim Fordjour was largely premised on the bitumen surfacing of a total of 120 gravel roads, the establishment of 12 ICT labs, the installation of telecommunication masts providing access for 35 communities, tertiary scholarships and education infrastructure, thousands of jobs for the youth, among others delivered by Hon Ntim Fordjour.

    Speaking to the media, they said “We respect President Akufo-Addo and we have seen how massively he’s performing together with our hardworking Member of Parliament, Hon. Rev John Ntim Fordjour. We can’t disobey him as cautioned and vote for an independent candidate who couldn’t wait till his/her time to come.

    “We only know President Akufo-Addo and Hon. Rev John Ntim Fordjour,” they insisted.

    Speaking after his nomination, he urged supporters to come out in their numbers to vote for the Akufo-Addo government come December 7.

    He also assured them of more good works in the constituency when given another chance to lead in the upcoming elections.

    Source: Isaac Boafo, Contributor

  • Oil contracts cancelled over Coronavirus

    The coronavirus has led to the cancellation of some petroleum contracts, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Commission, Egbert Faibille Jnr., has disclosed.

    Egbert Faibille also indicated that the impact of the COVID-19 induced contract cancellation affected local jobs in the oil and gas sector.

    “The consequential effect of the cancellation of contracts amidst the already reduced workforce in the industry resulted in lay-offs of both expatriate and local personnel. Over 500 Ghanaian workers in the industry are expected to lose their jobs as a result of the pandemic.”

    “Local businesses have been significantly hit by the pandemic. The pre-COVID-19 outlook of the industry resulted in considerable investment in infrastructure, personnel and technologies in anticipation of participation in major projects.

    Indeed, over 98 contracts worth over $389 million were awarded by Aker Energy, AGM, Eni, GOSCO and Springfield from Q4 2019-Q1 2020.

    “The cancellation of these contracts such as the 5-year Maersk Drilling contract which was terminated in June 2020 together with associated sub-contracts would have a devastating toll on local businesses,” he said while briefing the Western Regional House of Chiefs on the petroleum sector.

    Source: Laud Business

  • NPP initiates moves to replace slain MP Ekow Kwansah Hayford in 10 days

    The New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Mfantseman constituency in the Central Region, has initiated moves to find a replacement for Mr Ekow Kwansah Hayford, the party’s Parliamentary nominee for Election 2020 who was killed last Friday by suspected armed robbers.

    This is in line with Section 4 of the Public Elections Regulations 2020, C.I. 127, which states that: “Where at the close of nominations, but before the election, one of the candidates dies, a further period of 10 days shall be allowed for nominations.”

    The NPP in the Mfantseman constituency is yet to settle on a candidate to represent the late Ekow Kwansah Hayford but is hoping to find one this week to meet the 10 days deadline specified in law.

    Ekow Kwansah Hayford who was the Member of Parliament for the area and was seeking re-election filed his nomination forms on Thursday, October 8, 2020 only to be killed the next day.

    The EC closed the filing of nominations on Friday, October 9, 2020 same day as the MP was killed at dawn.

    As part of the processes for re-election, Mr Hayford battled it out with a new entrant Mr James Korsah-Brown in June 2020 where the NPP delegates endorsed him.

    Replacement

    In an interview with Graphic Online’s Central Regional correspondent, Shirley Asiedu Addo, the first Vice Chairman of the Mfantseman constituency, Mr Yaw Berchie-Nuako said the constituency executive would meet by mid week to decide on a nominee and propose same to the national executive for approval.

    He said they were hoping that whoever they select will be a winnable candidate to step in the shoes of the late Mr Hayford.

    “The constituency executive here are on the grounds and so we know who can win the seat for us,” he stated.

    Mr Berchie-Nuako stated that there was no way the national executive could impose any person on the constituency.

    Is it going to be Ekow Kwansah’s widow?

    Asked if the party was considering bringing the widow of the late MP, Mr Berchie-Nuako did not give a definite answer except to say that the nature of the death was a great blow to the family.

    Korsah-Brown

    Asked if the executives would consider Mr James Korsah-Brown the only candidate who had contested the late MP in the primary in June 2020, he said “like I said we don’t have any name yet. The executives would decide and let you know,” he stated.

    NPP will retain seat

    The NDC held the seat for 8 years before the NPP’s Ekow Kwansah Hayford snatched it from them in 2016.

    “Our late MP was a good man who did a lot of work. His four-year work as MP is far more than the NDC’s work in 8 years,” he stated.

    He said any candidate chosen would ride on the excellent works of the late MP.

    “We are not going to rely on sympathy votes. The works of Kwansah Hayford speak everywhere and we are optimistic that the NPP will retain the seat,” he added.

    He urged NPP members to remain calm and support the family in prayers.

    “I was with him when the incident happened and I have still not recovered from it. It has hit us hard but we are praying and know it will make us even stronger,” he added.

    #GhanaVotes2020

    Source: Graphic.com.gh

  • ECG blames recent outages on Saturdays rainstorm

    The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) says its engineers are working to restore power to parts of the Greater Accra Region currently facing power outages.

    According to ECG, the outages are as a result of the rainstorm that hit parts of the country on Saturday, October 10, 2020.

    ECG said the rainstorm affected some of its distribution network hence the outages on Saturday and Sunday.

    “The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) Limited wishes to inform its cherished customers in the Greater Accra that the heavy rainstorm which hit the region yesterday, 10th October 2020, has caused outages within the distribution network.”

    “Customers should please note that our Engineers are working assiduously to restore power supply to affected customers.”

    It however urged persons experiencing outages to report to the nearest ECG office.

    “Customers experiencing outages within their individual premises should kindly contact our call centre on 0302611611, report to the nearest ECG office, or reach us on our social media handles @ECGghOfficial.”

    Below is the statement from ECG

    Source: citinewsroom

  • GH¢3.3bn of corporate bonds await issuance

    Available data on activities on the Ghana Fixed Income Market show that about GH¢3.3bn worth of corporate bonds are outstanding to be issued by nine companies, including the government-owned ESLA Plc.

    The bonds are part of a total shelf-registered issuance—that is, bonds registered with regulators to be issued over time—of GH¢12.1bn, of which GH¢8.8bn have been issued to date.

    The companies involved are Letshego Ghana with outstanding issuance of GH¢70.67m; Edendale Properties (GH¢17.35m outstanding); Bayport Financial Services (GH¢191.56m); Ghana Home Loans (GH¢361m); PBC Ltd. (GH¢37.7m); ESLA Plc (GH¢2.37bn); Bond Savings and Loans (GH¢29.6m); Quantum Terminal (GH¢95m); and Dalex Finance (GH¢130m).

    An analyst of the Fixed Income Market, who preferred be anonymous, said in an interview that the prospects for the bonds are positive, especially as private and institutional investors have begun receiving their locked up funds in the liquidated non-bank financial institutions and fund management companies, and would be exploring options to reinvest those funds.

    “Also, with the poor performance of the stock market in recent years, the corporate bond market offers an opportunity for investors to earn returns above GoG securities, given the risk premium,” the analyst said.

    Investors are looking forward to the impending bond issuances due to the significant risk premiums being offered, over both government debt securities and bank fixed deposits.

    As at September 2020, corporate bonds offered coupon rates of up to 20 percent compared with similarly tenured government bonds (three to five years tenor) which offer well below 19 percent. Shorter term government treasuries offer between 14 and 16 percent.

    Likewise, interest rates on fixed deposits, as at August 2020, were on average of about 11.5 percent for three months tenor.

    Although corporate bonds are medium to long term with regard to tenors, the high liquidity on the Fixed Income Market means that bondholders can exit their investments whenever they choose since buyers are generally readily available.

    Even though corporate bonds are riskier than government securities, the companies with prior approval for new issuances are widely regarded as safe investment bets.

    Source: Business 24

  • Akufo-Addo cuts sod for construction of Dipke Bridge, Lawra town roads

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has cut the sod for the construction of the Dipke Bridge and the Lawra town roads to open up the area to socio-economic development.

    The 275 meter-long bridge to be constructed over the Black Volta, is expected to link up Ghana and Burkina Faso, thereby, promoting the movement of goods and services between the two countries.

    The project also includes the construction of 12 km of roads and a by-pass; construction of a rest stop consisting of a lorry park, a mini-market with facilities for the Police Service, the Ghana Immigration Service, and the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority; construction of a toll plaza and construction of Axle Load Weigh Station.

    Cutting the sod for the commencement of the project during his two-day working visit to the Upper West Region, President Akufo-Addo stated that the project would cost the government over 26 million Euros.

    He noted that the project when completed, would serve several purposes including opening up communities in the area, strengthen regional integration, improved all-year-round access to schools, hospitals, and markets.

    It will also eliminate interruptions in transporting people, farm produces, and other items during the rainy season and eliminate long tours resulting in reduced transportation cost and travel time.

    President Akufo-Addo noted that the government of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) was a government that delivered on its promises to the people, stressing that they promised to construct a solar power plant and the Dikpe Bridge and as well upgrade the Lawra District to a Municipal status and they have delivered.

    He, therefore, appealed to the people to vote to retain the NPP in power to continue to deliver development to Ghanaians.

    The President introduced Mr Anthony Abayifaa Karbo, Member of Parliament (MP) for Lawra Constituency and the Deputy Minister of Roads and Highways as the NPP Parliamentary candidate for the 2020 Elections and urged the people to vote for him to continue to work for them.

    “He is a vibrant young man and since he became your MP and Deputy Minister of Roads, he has never disappointed you and you need to maintain him and the NPP to continue to do great things for you”, he appealed.

    Mr Kwesi Amoako Atta, the Minister for Roads and Highways said the bridge when completed, would bring to an end the dangerous use of canoes on the Black Volta.

    The project, which is being constructed by Messers Engineering Services Limited is expected to be completed in 24 months.

    Source: GNA

  • Ill win Kpone Katamanso by 10,000 votes margin Hopeson Adorye

    The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Parliamentary Candidate for the Kpone Katamanso Constituency, Hopeson Adorye, has said he will win the seat by a 10,000 vote margin.

    He told TV3 in an interview with that the constituency has not seen any major development for the past 28 years that the seat has been occupied by the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

    To that end, he said the electorate will change their voting pattern in favour of the governing New Patriotic Party.

    “The people of Kpone Katamanso are going to vote for me,” he said, adding that “I am going to win by 10,000 margin”.

    This is because “the NDC has not helped Kpone Katamanso”.

    Meanwhile, the NDC candidate of the area has said the people of the constituency will not vote for the NPP.

    He expressed optimism that the party will win the constituency again.

    “No true NDC members will vote skirt and blouse,” he said.

    Source: 3 News

  • Im pained Bawumia reacts to the murder of Ekow Quansah

    Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has reacted to the gruesome murder of the late Ekow Quansah Hayford who was the Member of Parliament for Mfantseman Constituency.

    Expressing shock at the happening, he also noted that he was equally pained.

    Taking to his social media page; Facebook, to comment on the untimely death of the MP, Dr Bawumia said “I am pained and stunned by news of the untimely death of Hon. Ekow Quansah Hayford, Member of Parliament for Mfantseman constituency.”

    He intimated that the “perpetrators of this heinous crime are brought to book.”

    Bawumia, further, extended his condolences to the family and constituents of the late Ekow Quansah.

    Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), James Oppong Boanuh has dispatched specialised investigators from the homicide and anti-armed robbery units of the CID headquarters to the Central Region to support the Crime Scene Team to solve the alleged robbery incident and murder of Ekow Quansah Hayford.

    The former Member of Parliament for Mfantseman, Ekow Hayford was shot dead by armed robbers on Friday dawn while returning from a campaign tour on the Nkusukum Mankessim-Abeadze Duadze road in the Central Region.

    His body has since been deposited at the Saltpond Mortuary.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Missing police officer dies in motor accident at Adenta

    A police officer who reportedly got missing late last week has been declared dead after he got involved in an accident, the Ghana Police Service has said.

    This comes after images of the late G/Cpl Emmanuel Ashinyo were widely shared online by his family and friends who had launched a desperate appeal to find him.

    Director of the Public Affairs Unit of the Greater Accra Regional Police Command, DSP Effia Tenge tells Dailymailgh.com that investigations started after an official complaint was filed by the family of the late officer.

    She confirmed that Ashinyo was among victims of an accident that occurred at RITZ Junction, near Adenta in Accra, involving a taxi cab and a motorbike he was riding on Friday, October 2.

    The deceased was rushed to 37 Military Hospital for treatment but was pronounced dead on arrival, DSP Tenge told Dailymailgh.com in a terse message.

    His body had been deposited at the same hospital morgue for preservation and autopsy after his father readily identified his son, who until his death, was stationed at NPD Headquarters in Accra.

    It still remains unclear whether the officer was on duty when the incident occurred.

    Source: Daily Mail

  • Burundi MP charged with slandering late president

    Former Burundian MP Fabien Banciryanino has been charged with rebellion and uttering slanderous statements against late President Pierre Nkurunziza.

    Mr Banciryanino was arrested by intelligence officers last Friday near his home in Bujumbura.

    He was taken to court on Thursday and charged with “rebellion, an attempt on national security and slanderous denunciation”, according to his lawyer.

    Mr Banciryanino had earlier in the year said in parliament that President Nkurunziza “should be prosecuted for rights violations and killings done when he was in power”.

    He later lost his seat during the May elections.

    His lawyer Christophe Nkeringanji told the BBC that MPs should not be charged for statements uttered in parliament.

    The charges have elicited mixed reactions in Burundi with some people saying he was speaking for many, while others felt he disrespected the former president.

    Source: BBC

  • Robbery attacks: Too early to conclude politicians are being targeted Col. (rtd) Festus Aboagye

    Colonel Festus Aboagye (rtd), a security analyst says it will be a case of hasty generalization for one to assume that recent armed robbery attacks on some politicians are indications that politicians are being targeted ahead of the elections.

    In the past few days, there have been three separate robbery attacks on politicians and a political institution.

    Danquah Institute, a think tank that aligns with the ruling government had their offices robbed by some yet-to-be-identified persons.

    A statement signed by the Executive Director of DI, Richard Ahiagbah, disclosed that the robbers made away with laptops, flash drives and a sum of GH¢12, 000.

    On Thursday, a campaign team of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) was attacked by robbers in the Ejuratia in the Afigya Kwabre District of the Ashanti Region.

    Then today, October 9, 2020, the MP of Mfantseman became another victim of recent robbery actions.

    In an interview with GhanaWeb, Colonel Festus Aboagy (retired) said the facts with respect to these armed robbery attacks do not support assertions that politicians are being targeted.

    “Those who established the road blocks might not have known that at a certain particular time, this person might be arriving. In earlier instances, they attacked more than one vehicle. This one happens to be the MP’s vehicle alone. They may not necessarily have mounted the road blocks for him. They were probably looking for an opportunistic target,” he remarked.

    “The other one in the Ashanti Region, they may or may not know that at that particular time, that group was going to come. Linking it directly to elections may not be correct at this point. Christmas is also around the corner and if it had not been for COVID-19, people will be travelling a lot so that could be another scenario”, he said.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Technical difficulties on passport portal resolved Foreign Ministry

    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration says connectivity challenges on the passport application site which made accessibility difficult, has now been resolved.

    The Ministry added that applicants can now log into the system to access forms for further processing.

    Aside from that, it says applicants who would find difficulties in accessing the passport portal can send an email to help@ghana.gov.gh for further assistance.

    The Ministry on September 29, 2020, reported some technical difficulties being encountered with the passport portal and promised they were being worked on to restore full functional state.

    Source: angelonline.com.gh

  • Remain calm – Police to family and constituents of Ekow Quansah

    The Ghana Police Service has called on the family of the murdered Member of Parliament for Mfantseman Constituency, Ekow Quansah Hayford, to remain calm as some specialized investigators from the Homicide unit and Anti-armed robbery units of the CID Headquarters have been dispatched to probe the case.

    In a statement signed by the Director of Police Public Affairs, Superintendent Sheila Kessie Abayie-Buckman, the service called on the general public and constituents to support the police in the investigations while they remain calm.

    The IGP has also offered an amount of GH¢20,000 as reward to any person who “gives credible information that will lead to the arrest of the perpetrators.”

    The Member of Parliament for Mfantseman Constituency, Ekow Quansah Hayford, was shot by suspected armed robbers on the Abeadze DominaseAbeadze DuadziMankessim road when returning from a campaign trip on Friday October 9, 2020 around 1:00 am.

    Meanwhile, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has expressed utter shock at the murder of the MP.

    “I am shocked and saddened by the news of the murder of the Member of Parliament for Mfantseman, Hon. Ekow Kwansa Hayford, by suspected armed robbers in the early hours of this morning…,” he stated in a Facebook post barely 24hours after the incident.

    The president, while consoling the bereaved family and constituents called on the appropriate security agencies to, as a matter of urgency, see to the arrest of the perpetrator of the gruesome murder.

    Below is the statement of the Ghana Police Service;

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Palace burnt, gunshots fired as fresh chieftaincy violence erupts at Kpatinga

    Fresh Chieftaincy violence erupted Friday dawn between rival factions at Kpatinga in the Gushegu District of the Northern Region, MyNewsGh.com has confirmed.

    MyNewsGh.com gathered that the violence started at about 2 am, according to residents, and continued till 5 am when fighting was temporarily stopped by a heavy downpour in the town.

    Information gathered indicates a group of armed men attacked a rival chief palace and set it ablaze.

    This, according to the information, triggered a reprisal leading to the gun battle amidst the presence of armed police personnel stationed in the area.

    No reports of casualty have been recorded yet but sources disclosed to MyNewsGh.com that the regional security council has been briefed on the latest development.

    Kpatinga has remained one of the troubled spots in the Northern Region because of unresolved chieftaincy differences which have resulted in the loss of lives and destruction of property.

    In January this year, one person was shot dead while at least five people were injured leaving about 20 houses burnt.

    The deceased, identified as Alhassan Abass, a 55-year-old traditional healer, was caught up in the crossfire between security officers deployed in the area to maintain peace, and some civilians.

    Source: My News GH

  • 4 examiners arrested over leakage of WAEC scripts

    Four examiners believed to have carelessly leaked the 2020 West African Examination Council scripts which were entrusted to them have been arrested.

    The four WAEC examiners were picked up from Accra, Cape Coast, Kasoa, and Adukrom after videos and photos of scripts that captured the details of students made rounds on social media.

    The Head of the Public Relations of WAEC, Agnes Teye-Cudjoe in an interview with Graphic described the incident as unfortunate adding that “the scripts, marking schemes and attendance mark sheets should be kept under lock and key anytime an examiner is not working on them.”

    Mrs Teye-Cudjoe entreated all examiners to handle marking schemes, scripts among others as security materials and ensure at all times that they do not “divulge information of candidates as contained in the letter engaging them as examiners.”

    She indicated that investigations revealed that a grandchild or a nephew-in-law to the examiners were behind the circulated videos and snapshots.

    The arrested persons according to the Head of Legal of WAEC, Rev. Victor Brew, would be handed over to the police to be charged and prosecuted under the Data Protection Act alongside WAEC’s rules and regulations on marking rules.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • NDC halts campaigning in Mfanstiman over murder of NPP MP

    The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) suspended campaign activities in the Mfantsiman Constituency after the gruesome murder of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament for the area, Ekow Kwansah Hayford.

    Mr. Hayford is reported to have been killed Friday dawn when some armed robbers attacked his convoy on the Abeadze Dominase-Mankessim road in his constituency.

    The NDC said in a statement that the decision to suspend campaign activities in the area is to show honour to the late Hayford.

    “We write to communicate the decision of the NDC PC for Mfantseman Odziifo James Essoun to suspend his campaigns in the Constituency until Monday in honour of the death of the sitting NPP MP/PC”, a statement from the NDC read.

    “[We] strongly call on the Police to do everything in their power to apprehend the perpetrators of this heinous crime and let the law deal ruthlessly with them”, the statement further continued.

    “In expressing our utmost condolences to the good people of Mfantseman, we call on the NPP government of H. E. Nana Akufo Addo to arrest the poor security situation across the country”, it added.

    Source: 3 News

  • The unemployed people of Ningo Prampram will punish Akufo-Addo Sam George

    Member of Parliament for Ningo Prampram, Samuel Nartey George has said the Akufo-Addo led government’s decision to collapse some banks in the country and abandon the Saglemi Affordable Housing Project will be some of the reasons the current administration will lose the December 7 polls.

    He said the people of Ningo Prampram who have been affected by these actions will punish President Akufo-Addo by bringing back John Dramani Mahama.

    Thousands of people who are currently unemployed, including those who worked in the collapsed banks, and the abandoned Saglemi Affordable Housing Project, according to the legislator, are ready to vote against Akufo-Addo.

    Addressing party supporters after filing his nomination at the Electoral Commission (EC) district office on October 8, Sam George assured the people of Ningo-Prampram of jobs as their manifesto has made provision for petty traders and the legalization of “Okada”.

    “We believe John Mahama will deliver jobs for the people of Ningo and Prampram and we are not just saying this because Mahama has said it, he has done it before. Our years of President Mahama, we saw the infrastructure that was built in our constituency. Go and check the Saglemi Affordable Housing Project, thousands of our young men and women were employed under this project. The Akufo-Addo government has come and collapsed that project. Today, our young men and women are unemployed in Ningo-Prampram. The unemployed youth in Ningo Prampram will punish Akufo-Addo and bring back John Dramani Mahama,” he proclaimed.

    “…President Akudo-Addo should begin his handing over notes because president Mahama is coming and he is coming back to redeem this country. He is coming to take over this country from shackles of oppression under Akufo-Addo. The rescue mission is on and on December 7 we will deliver that rescue mission,” he advised.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Start preparing your handing over notes – Sam George to Akufo-Addo

    Member of Parliament for Ningo Prampram, Samuel Nartey George has tasked President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to start preparing his handing over notes ahead of the December 7 polls.

    According to the MP, Akufo-Addo has failed Ghanaians, for which reason why they are yearning for the return of former President John Dramani Mahama.

    Addressing party supporters after filing his nomination at the EC district office on October 8, Sam George assured John Mahama of 50,000 votes from the Ningo-Prampram constituency in December polls.

    “…President Akudo-Addo should begin his handing over notes because president Mahama is coming and he is coming back to redeem this country. He is coming to take over this country from shackles of oppression under Akufo-Addo. The rescue mission is on and on December 7 we will deliver that rescue mission,” he advised.

    Sam George says with the increased unemployment rate and the abandoning of the Saglemi Affordable Housing Project, he is convinced the people of Ningo Prampram will vote against the ruling government.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Saglemi Project: CID interrogates Collins Dauda, et al over corruption allegations

    The government will soon resume works on the abandoned Saglemi affordable housing project, Minister for works and housing has stated.

    According to Samuel Atta Akyea, the Criminal Investigations Department of the Ghana police service has started interrogating some officials of the Mahama administration connected to the project over alleged inflation of the cost of the 1,500 units.

    Mr. Atta-Akyea has disclosed the much-awaited audit report from the Ghana Institution of Surveyors on the project has been forwarded to the CID for action.

    Speaking to the media in parliament, the minister revealed his predecessor Collins Dauda and other officials connected to the project are assisting the police in Investigations.

    He alleged that over $100 million could not be accounted for.

    He, however, assured the project will be completed once investigations are done.

    Source: Kasapa FM

  • Free Primary Health Care will be the largest social intervention under the fourth republic Omane Boamah

    NDC Spokesperson on Health, Edward Omane Boamah, has revealed that the National Democratic Congress (NDC)’s Free Primary Health Care will be one of the largest social interventions under the fourth republic.

    The Free Primary Health Care seeks to provide quality health care for all Ghanaians at no cost.

    Patients, according to the NDC will visit District hospitals, Polyclinics, Health Centres and Community Health Planning Services (CHPS) compounds virtually at no price, when this policy is implemented.

    Speaking at a press conference, Edward Omane Boamah said “under the Free Primary Health Care Plan, no Ghanaian will pay for health care in District hospitals, Polyclinics, Health Centres and Community Health Planning Services (CHPS) compounds. Notably, you will not need a National Health Insurance (NHIS) card to benefit from Free Primary Health Care.”

    He added that the initiative will reduce avoidable deaths among Ghanaians.

    “Free Primary Health Care is very important and critical because health is integral to national development. With Free Primary Health care, we shall significantly reduce avoidable deaths due to hypertension, strokes, diabetes, kidney disease and many others… This significant reduction in the death burden will help improve the quality of lives for those suffering such diseases.”

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • One-week celebration of late Penciled Celebrities artist, Ray Styles comes off tomorrow

    The family of the late Penciled Celebrities artist, Ray Styles will on Friday, October 9, observe his one week memorial.

    In a flier circulating on social media, the event will come off at the Transitions Funeral House at Haatso in Accra.

    It will take place between 3:00pm and 8:00pm.

    Mr Styles died on Thursday, October 1, 2020, after months of battle with liver cancer. 

    Pictures of the talented artist looking sick and helpless had hit social media in August 2020, drawing attention to his urgent need for surgery.

    According to sources, Emmanuel Apraku was in need of £40,000 to cater for both his surgery and treatment.

    Through the collaborative effort of social media users and celebrities, his family was able to raise funds beyond the targeted £40,000 needed for the surgery.

    But he allegedly died after being transferred to India for treatment three weeks ago.

    Biography of Emmanuel Apraku

    Born in 1989, the 31-year old was the youngest of four siblings. He was raised solely by his mother, after the death of his father, Mr. Paul Apraku when he was eight years old.

    Spending his primary years at Accra New Town Experimental School, he attended Accra Academy between 2003 to 2006 where he earned the nickname Ray Styles.

    Ray Styles

    He then proceeded to the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Art, and graduated with a bachelor of art degree in communication design.

    Being the son of a great craftsman, Ray attributes his natural flair to his late father who in his time created a lot of artworks for exhibition.

    This influenced him to start drawing at a very young age and eventually landing commissions.

    But it was not until his days as a Communications Student at KNUST that he realised his true potential as an artist and subsequently defined his own unique style in the form of caricature, pencil art, traditional drawing, and graphic design.

    He has also worked with great celebrities such as Josh Ostrovsky (know as thefatjewish), Michael Blackson, Chris Bosh, Tolu Lope (known as dontjealousme), DeStorm Power (known as destorm), KingBach, Mrcocoyam, D Black, Edem, and Malin Björk just to mention a few.

    He is also an avid keyboardist and footballer and loves to listen to good music.

    Among other things, Ray Styles was known for actively supporting numerous social awareness campaigns through his art.

    Source: myjoyonline

  • Election 2020: Nana Konadu presents nomination forms

    Flagbearer of the National Democratic Party (NDP), Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, on Thursday, October 8, 2020, submitted her nomination forms for the 2020 election at the Electoral Commission headquarters in Accra.

    She was accompanied by some other officials of her party.

    General Secretary of the NDP, Alhaji Mohammed Frimpong, indicated that petty administrative lapses in the electoral process should not be over-dramatised.

    Speaking after the submission of the presidential nomination forms of the flagbearer, Alhaji Frimpong said the EC should be allowed to work.

    “For the first time, the Commission took the trouble to give us the checklist and it falls within our belief that disagreements within our institutions should not be overdramatized as if Armageddon is going to fall on us.”

    Source: citinewsroom

  • Ghanaians will choose competent, incorruptible Akufo-Addo – Yofi Grant

    The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), Mr Yofi Grant, has said the performance of the Akufo-Addo administration especially in the area of the fulfilment of its promises, will win more votes for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the December 7 elections.

    He noted that the NPP made several promises to the Ghanaian people in the 2016 elections. Most of them, he said, have been delivered whereas the others are being delivered.

    In a tweet, Mr Grant expressed optimism that the voters will choose President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo over the other aspirants because of his incorruptibility and competence.

    “From all walks of life and from all corners of Ghana, more people are asking for 4 more for Nana Akufo Addo and NPP because of promises made and delivered.

    “Competent, incorruptible and compassionate leadership,” he said.

    Ghanaians go to the polls on December 7 to elect a president and Members of Parliament.

    Source: 3 News

  • NDC executives in Ashanti Region robbed; 4 injured

    Some executives of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Ashanti Region have been robbed at gunpoint, MyNewsGh.com has confirmed.

    The victims including the Deputy Ashanti Regional Youth Organiser Onasis Kobby were returning from one of the communities in the Afigya-Kwabre South Constituency where they went to campaign in the when they were pounced on by the robbers who had mounted a roadblock around a valley.

    According to Onasis Kobby, the team left Hemang and were heading towards Ejuratia when the gun-wielding robbers numbering about five, masked and wearing overall in order to disguise their identity, stopped their vehicles and ordered occupants to lie prostrate on the bare floor with guns pointed at them.

    “They hit the Constituency Women Organiser, the Deputy Constituency Youth Organiser and the Communications Officer with the butts of the gun leaving them with severe injuries. They later ransacked the vehicles and took mobile phones, money and other valuables and bolted with the booty into the bush”, he confirmed to MyNewsGh.com.

    Police it is gathered, got wind of the robbery attack and rushed to the scene but the bandits had long gone leaving their victims with various degrees of injuries.

    The NPP executives were later sent to the Mamponteng Hospital where they have since been treated and discharged while the police are investigating the matter.

    Source: My News GH

  • We have the best team in Ghana Ashantigold President Dr Kwaku Frimpong

    President of Ghana Premier League side, Ashanti Gold, Dr. Kwaku Frimpong (Champion) has described his squad as the best in the country.

    The Obuasi-based club is set to represent Ghana in the upcoming CAF Confederations Cup and according to the President of the club, the miners have the best team in the country presently.

    Despite the departure of key figures like Shafiu Mumuni, midfielder Latif Anabila, goalkeeper Frank Boateng, young and talented center back Yusif Mubarik, and others, he believes his side still has the best players at their folds.

    The miners following the exit of the aforementioned players have augmented their squad with the likes of Yaw Annor, Jacob Appau Asiedu, Hans Kwoffie, Nathaniel Ohene Asamoah, Michael Enu, Boadu Dacosta, and Burkinabe goalie Mohammed Bailou.

    “Our new boys are above the names (you mentioned), our coach now has selection headache”.

    “It was a nice game, we have the best team. And we proved to the whole Ghanaians that Ashgold is the best team” he said this after their preseason game with Asokwa Deportivo.

    The Ghana Premier League side is currently preparing for the new football season where they will compete in the domestic competitions as well as the CAF Confederation Cup.

    Source: footballghana.com

  • Nuru Sulley is unhappy with Hearts of Oak defense

    Accra Hearts of Oak defender, Nuru Sulley is unhappy with the defensive setup of the club and has, therefore, charged management of the club to sign few players to beef up the defense ahead of the season.

    The Phobians have failed to win the league title since 2009 and according to Sulley, the club can become title contenders in the 2020/21 season if one key area is strengthened (defense) in the ongoing transfer window.

    “Since I came back and after our first few training sessions, I think we need to beef up our defense. I am back to help in that regard but I urge the technical team to add one or two more signings in that department to help me make our defense impregnable.”

    “The midfield is well stacked and our attack is very good although there have been some departures,” he told FootballMadeInGhana.

    Sulley who had a stint with the Accra-based club between 2011 to 2014 has made a return to the club after signing a two-year contract.

    Source: footballghana.com

  • Benjamin Agyare completes move to Albanian top-flight side FK Apolonia

    Former Hearts of Oak defender Benjamin Agyare has completed a move to newly-promoted Albanian top-flight side FK Apolonia Fier, footballmadeinghana.com can exclusively reveal.

    The former Hearts of Lions defender joins the club on a free transfer after terminating his contract with Ghana Premier League giants Hearts of Oak this August.

    Agyare will be hoping to rediscover his form in the Albanian league after a torrid times with Hearts of Oak.

    The rolly-poly defender was released by the Phobians about two months ago after returning from an injury he picked up in an accident.

    The defender who many believed needed not more than three games to rediscover his form after the unfortunate accident was swiftly scooped by the Albanian top flight side after impressing their scouts.

    He will be joining the side with former Hearts of Oak team mate and striker Bernard Arthur who also completed a move the side a fortnight ago.

    Source: footballmadeinghana.com

  • Atletico Madrid identify Ghanas Baba Mohammed as Parteys replacement

    Ghana midfielder Baba Iddrisu Mohammed has become a prime target for Atletico Madrid as the LaLiga giants aim to quickly replace Thomas Partey, GHANASoccernet.com can exclusively report.

    Partey left the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium outfit to join Arsenal after the Gunners paid his €50 million release clause on transfer deadline day.

    The Rojiblancos are a little light in midfield following the exit of the Ghana international.

    Atlético Madrid have signed Uruguay midfielder Lucas Torreira but Diego Simeone is said to be unhappy with his midfield options.

    The capital-based side have a 30-day period to sign a domestic replacement.

    This is in accordance with LaLiga Santander rules where the club is granted a period of 30 days to sign a player from a team within Spain.

    And reports from the Spanish capital indicate that Atlético Madrid have identified Real Mallorca king-pin Baba Mohammed as a replacement for his compatriot.

    Mohammed had a breakthrough season with Real Mallorca in the top-flight last term.

    He missed just two games out of the 38 round of matches as the club failed to retain their league status.

    The 24-year-old has begun the Segunda Division strongly, making 4 appearances to help place the side in 7th position after 4 round of games.

    Should the transfer materialized, Mohammed will miss the first half of the 2020/21 UEFA Champions League as Atlético Madrid submitted their squad-list on Tuesday, October 6.

    Source: Ghana Soccernet

  • 59 suspected Volta secessionists remanded, one arrested

    The Ghana Police Service says 59 suspects including two females have been remanded by the court since the first attacks in the Volta Region on Friday, September 25, by secessionists.

    Additionally, one person who was on the police wanted list for attacking the Aveyime Police Station has also been arrested.

    According to the police, he was arrested at Adzasika near Mafi Kumase in the Volta Region on October 5.

    The suspect led police to a bush where he dug out firearms and ammunition he stole during the attack on the police station.How police retrieved firearms from Western Togoland secessionists”https://imasdk.googleapis.com/js/core/bridge3.415.1_en.html#goog_108591774Volume 90% 

    This follows a simultaneous attack was launched by a secessionist group on two Police stations in Aveyime and Mepe as part of their activities to claim parts of the Volta Region as Western Togoland.

    Subsequently, another group attacked the Ho STC yard and burnt two out of 11 buses parked in the yard.

    The police have urged calm and have assured Ghanaians that they have the situation under control.

    Meanwhile, government says secessionist groups and their activities will not be tolerated in the country despite suggestions to deal amicably with them.

    Source: myjoyonline

  • Total financial system assets expanded in 2019 BoG

    The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has noted in its Financial Review Report for 2019 that Total financial system assets expanded in the period under review.

    The assets of the financial system increased to GHC186.11 billion at end-December, 2019 from GH?168.42 billion at end-December, 2018.

    The improvement in the asset of the financial system was on the back of expansions in the banking, insurance, and pension sectors.

    In the securities sector, a ban on guaranteed investment products and resolutions targeted at sanitising the sector, led to a drop in managed funds (excluding pension funds).

    In the medium-to-long term however, these initiatives together with plans to recapitalise the securities sector are expected to bolster growth.

    As at end of December 2019, the banking sector had the greatest share of total financial sector assets constituting approximately 76.78 percent, followed by the pensions (14.13 percent), securities (5.57 percent) and insurance (3.51 percent) sectors.

    Broadly, the financial sector remained well-positioned to support economic growth and financial stability.

    Interconnectedness of the Financial System Total exposures of banks to the other financial institutions6 approximately amounted to GH?1.5 billion as at end-December 2019.

    Exposures of banks to the other financial institutions were mainly in the form of loans and investment placements with the other financial institutions.

    In the year under review, universal banks were largely exposed to securities firms (GHC845.30 million), specialised deposit-taking institutions (SDIs) (GHC652.04 million), insurance companies (GHC25.86 million) and pension institutions (GHC0.12 million).

    Source: Laud Business

  • Liquidity risk is well contained in the banking sector BoG

    The Bank of Ghana has noted that profitability within the banking sector improved during the year under review. Return-on-Equity (ROE) increased to 28.65 percent at end-December 2019 from 27.70 percent at end-December 2018.

    Similarly, Return-on-Assets (ROA) increased to 2.87 percent at end-December 2019 from 2.26 percent at end of December 2019, the BoG said.

    The positive growth in profits was mainly as a result of increasing net interest income.

    Improvement in the earnings of banks is expected to reinforce capital accumulation efforts of banks and banking sector soundness.

    Liquidity risk is well contained in the banking sector. Liquidity measures generally remained unchanged during the period under review.

    These measures indicated that the banking sector was in the position to cover its immediate and short-term debts and obligations.

    The improved liquidity stance was mainly driven by the increase in cash and balances due banks mainly as a result of the recapitalisation exercise and subsequent increase in long-term deposits after the clean-up of the banking sector.

    Source: Laud Business

  • We cannot fix all roads at a go – MCE

    The MCE for Okaikwei North Nii Boi Laryea has admitted it is impossible for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) led government to fix all roads in the first term.

    He says fixing roads in the country takes time and this administration is committed to fixing all deplorable roads in due time.

    He was responding to a question on road projects his assembly has benefited from under the year of roads initiative.

    He assured residents in the assembly that some road projects were ongoing and more will follow.

    The New Patriotic Party (NPP) in its 2016 campaign gave a promise that they will fix roads in the country.

    However, the MCE told Kwabena Agyapong on Eboboba on Rainbow Radio 87.5Fm that, the government cannot fix all roads at times hence Ghanaians especially those in his constituency should exercise patience as the Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo-led administration is working effortlessly to repair poor roads in the area.

    “The poor roads we see were not destroyed today, they have been in a deplorable state for several years and so we cannot repair all of them at a go but we are in the process of repairing them. I am sure we will repair several more before the year ends. There are areas without asphalt, we will do a lot of roads by the end of the year.”

    Source: rainbowradioonline.com

  • Don’t allow ‘money doublers’ on your platforms – BoG to media houses

    The Bank of Ghana has notified all media outlets not to allow the broadcast of illegal money doubling and credit card loading schemes on their platforms.

    This the Bank says is because no entity or individual has been licensed to engage in that business in the country.

    In a statement, the BoG explained that “Money Doubling”, “Card Loading” and “Credit Card Loading Systems” amount to deposit-taking, under the Banks and Specialised Deposit-Taking Institutions Act, 2016 (Act 930) and under Section 4 of Act 930 only entities licensed by the Bank may carry out deposit-taking business.

    “By this notice, the Bank of Ghana informs the general public that the Bank has not licensed any entities or individuals engaged in “Money Doubling”, Card Loading” and “Credit Card Loading Systems”. The said individuals and entities in question, commit an offence and will be required to return all funds received,” the BoG statement said.

    “Members of the public are reminded to place deposits only with institutions licensed by the Bank of Ghana, in order that they may be accorded the protection available under the banking laws.

    “The Bank of Ghana wishes to notify all media outlets including radio, television and online channels NOT to permit the advertisement of “Money Doubling” and “Card Loading” or “Credit Card Loading Systems” on their platforms. The media is encouraged to verify the licensing status of such entities with Bank of Ghana, before advertising their products and services.

    “The general public is encouraged not to engage in such activities and to report such illegal activities to the Bank of Ghana…”

    Punishment

    The BoG said it will not hesitate to seek the assistance of law enforcement agencies to arrest and prosecute persons who are found culpable who when convicted will be liable to fines and jail terms ranging between two and four years.

    The said individuals and entities in question, commit an offence and will be required to return all funds received. In addition, such individuals and entities will be liable upon summary conviction, to the following punishment;

    • Body corporate; a fine of between 2500 to 5000 penalty units.
    • Director of a Body Corporate or other body of persons; a fine of between 1500 to 3000 penalty units or a term of imprisonment between two (2) to four (4) years.
    • An Individual; a fine of between 1500 to 3000 penalty units or a term of imprisonment between two (2) to four (4) years per section 22 of Act 930.

    The Bank of Ghana also warned the public against engaging the services of the money doublers and credit card loading systems who advertise their services on traditional and social media platforms.

    Activities of money doublers

    The broadcast of the activities of money doublers and credit card loaders have been on the rise over the past year with many broadcasts on digital television platforms.

    The broadcasts usually operate on a similar format with a fetish priest or Mallam and an assistant offering the promise to double a sum while deposit numbers scroll on the screen.

    In May this year, their activities came to the notice of the Minister of Information, Mr Kojo Oppong Nkrumah who confirmed that he had petitioned the BoG and the National Media Commission on the worrying development.

    He tweeted: “I have written to the Bank of Ghana (BoG) and National Media Commission (NMC) to take note of the activities of money doublers on TV and act as appropriately to tackle it. The Ghana cedi which is produced under the authority of the BoG cannot and ought not be duplicated”.

    Source: Graphic.com.gh

  • Postpaid customers refusing to settle bills after expiration of government’s 3 months electricity ECG

    The Electricity Company of Ghana is lamenting how some of its non-lifeline customers have refused to settle their bills after the expiration of government’s three-month COVID-19 electricity subsidization in July.

    Government as part of its efforts to ease the effects of COVID-19 on citizens in April announced the total absorption of bills for lifeline electricity consumers and 50% absorption of bills for non-lifeline consumers.

    When the three-month period expired at the end of June, government extended the subsidy for the remainder of the year for the lifeline consumers and said non-lifeline consumers were to revert to paying their bills in full.

    Speaking in an interview with the state broadcaster, GBC, the Director of Training for the Electricity Company of Ghana, Dr George Marfo said there has since the expiration of the subsidy been some reluctance on the part of non-lifeline consumers using postpaid metres in settling their bills.

    “Our clients will not willingly come to our places to pay, we were devising new strategies to get them to pay. We felt that if we sensitize them they will willingly come to the offices to pay rather than resorting to disconnection and those things that create a lot of inconveniences.”

    He said with the government subsidy expired and clients refusing to come in and settle their bills, ECG is going to embark on a sensitization campaign to make the public aware of the expiration in the hope that they will be informed enough to settle their bills so that they as a power distribution company can keep on serving the nation with uninterrupted power supply.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Ga chiefs to demonstrate against government over seized lands

    Some chiefs of the Greater Accra Region have asked the government to immediately release to them lands that were confiscated by the state years ago for government projects but never used.

    A statement issued by Nii Anang Amartey on behalf of Nii Kweitia We-Anumansah of Teshie and Amartse We said all efforts to get the land released have proved futile.

    To that end, they have served notice to hit the street against the government.

    “After series of petitions to the government to revert their lands, the president had eventually acted on their request by asking Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and Lands Commission to ensure a smooth release but unfortunately, the sector minister, Asoma Cheremeh is attaching lackadaisical attitude to the release process,” the statement said.
    “We would like to make it clear to the president that our portion of the land he asked lands ministry and Lands Commission to release to us has already allegedly been sold by the caretaker.

    “We would also like to put it on record that compensation has never been paid over the land since its acquisition by the state in 1970.

    “Since our last meeting with the lands ministry which took place on the 22nd of September 2020,we have never heard from the minister again even though he told us we shall hear from him.

    “We are indigenes of Kweiman, hence we are not prepared to be relocated to different land owned by different community.

    “We would like to also inform you that plans are being put in place with other neighboring communities facing similar challenges to embark on a four day continuous demonstration to protect our territorial integrity.

    “We shall communicate the date for the commencement of this demonstration to you as soon as possible. What it takes to embark on such exercise is to notify the police but not seek their permission; and we shall certainly do.”

    Source: 3 News

  • Vote for Nana Akufo-Addo to continue with the development – Bawumia

    Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has asked Ghanaians to retain the government in power to continue with the many developments and social intervention programmes.

    He said the December 7 election would be a choice between the era of untold hardships under the National Democratic Congress (NDC) or the few years of social interventions programmes by the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

    He said under the NDC, Ghanaians encountered five years of power outages, youth unemployment, non-functioning ambulance service, arbitrary increase in utility and the absence of Teaching and Learning Materials (TLMs).

    Dr Bawumia, who said this when he addressed a Durbar at Atobiase in the Wassa-East District to begin his two-day working visit to the Western Region, appealed to Ghanaians to give President Akufo-Addo the chance to change the fortunes of the country.

    According to him, the NPP Government pursued a vigorous agenda to bring relief to the people of Ghana such as the free SHS policy, 1D1F, restoration of teacher trainee and nurses trainee allowances, planting for food and jobs, cocoa interventions and producer price increases, among others.

    Dr Bawumia said the government’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic had gained global recognition and commendation with the free provision of water and electricity, COVID-19 alleviation fund to business owners, tax rebates and free meals to the populace during the lockdowns and students.

    Nana Opiah Mensah, Acting Chief of Wassa Atobiase, in his address, commended the government for the unprecedented infrastructural development in the area.

    He advocated the construction of a senior high school for the town since it was far from the district capital, Daboase.

    He called for the provision of a mobile telecommunication network to solve the area and making it difficult to make calls and use internet services.

    Nana Mensah also reminded him for the construction of a bridge over the Pra River to connect the residents to the neighbouring towns which makes it difficult for the children to cross during school days, as promised by President Akufo-Addo some time ago.

    Mr Joseph Boahen, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of COCOBOD, noted that the free SHS policy had benefitted the majority of Ghanaians without which many children would have dropped out of school and called on the people to vote for the continuation of the policy.

    Touching on cocoa production, he announced that the cocoa pruning and hand pollination initiative introduced by the government has tremendously changed cocoa production in the country, bringing big relief to farmers.

    He urged the people not to take the National Democratic Congress’ ( NDC) propaganda of free fertilizer seriously and said it was not achieved when they were in government.

    The CEO of Cocobod touched on the compensation package given to cocoa farmers whose farms were affected by the swollen shoot disease and said that was a huge investment of the NPP Government towards cocoa production.

    He hinted that fifty-thousand youths would be engaged to embark on the cocoa tree cutting exercise to rid the farms of the dreaded swollen shoot disease for a replant.

    Mr Boahen added that the cocoa pension scheme was vigorously pursued to give a befitting retirement package to cocoa farmers in the country.

    Mr Wilson Arthur, Wassa-East District Chief Executive touted achievements in the education and skills training sector and said scholarships were given to students to further their education to higher levels and livelihood empowerment programmes.

    He mentioned that the District had benefitted from two of the One-District, One-Factory (1D1F) initiative programmes to create employment to the teeming youth.

    He said the administration had seen a lot of infrastructural developments in the three years.

    Among the projects are the provision of potable water, construction of access roads, provision of the skills development centre and improvement in mobile telecommunications network among others.

    Source: GNA