TIG Post

Author: Chris Kodo

  • Asantehene calls on chiefs to be independent arbiters

    The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has called on traditional leaders to uphold the chieftaincy institution by staying neutral in all partisan affairs.

    This comes after some chiefs openly declared support for presidential candidates of some political parties in the country.

    Ahead of the December 7, elections, Paramount Chief of Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Area, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin II and Omanhene of Mehame Traditional Area, Nana Owusu Kontoh II openly declared support for some candidates.

    At a durbar held in honour of President Akufo-Addo on the second day of his three-day tour of the Eastern Region, the Okyenhene noted that the President has demonstrated that he is, indeed, “a President for all Ghanaians”.

    He, therefore, urged Ghanaians to vote him in power to serve another four year term.

    Nana Owusu Kontoh II also at a durbar at Mehame in the Asutifi South Constituency of the Ahafo Region, expressed gratitude to former President John Dramani Mahama for ensuring development at Mehame and other communities in the Constituency.

    Chief of Dormaa also endorsed the former president during his visit to the Bono region.

    The Asantehene, however, has cautioned chiefs against such acts, insisting that chiefs conducting themselves in this manner undermines the Chieftaincy Institution.

    He noted that chiefs are seen as symbols of unity in various communities, therefore, must conduct themselves in a manner that will promote peace rather than undermining national unity.

    “When matters get out of hand, chiefs are the people who will be called upon to ensure calm.

    “But if we engage in political activities we will no be trusted as neutral, and this will be worrying.

    “We all have our political divide but our institution does not permit us to disclose our stance,” he said.

    Source: myjoyonline

  • Akufo-Addo inspects completed Namoligo 1-Village-1-Dam project

    President Nana Akufo-Addo has inspected the completed “one-village-one-dam” project constructed in Namoligo in the Talensi constituency of the Upper East Region.

    Accompanied by the Upper East Regional Minister, Paulina Abayage, and the Agriculture Minister, Dr Owusu Afriyie-Akoto, President Akufo-Addo was told that the construction, in fulfilment of the 2016 manifesto pledge of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), was undertaken by the Ghana Irrigation Development Authority (GIDA).

    The Namoligo Dam is one of 10 small dams which have been completed by government through GIDA/Ministry of Food and Agriculture. The contract for the construction of the Dam was awarded in May 2019 and has been substantially completed.

    With the project costing ¢2.5 million, the Namoligo dam has a water storage capacity of 145,300 cubic meters and has a minimum dam life of 40 years.

    The President was told that, for occasional (supplementary) irrigation, the cropping area for vegetables can increase to some 50 hectares, with optimum yields assured, since crops will always get the needed water required for healthy growth throughout the growth stages.

    To facilitate water access for irrigation, two outlets, controlled by sluice valves, have been provided at vantage points to allow free flow of water on either side of the valley.

    Indeed, GIDA has constructed 10 similar small dams with irrigation outlets in Upper West Region, and the Northern Region, all in support of “One Village One Dam” programme.

    The President urged members of the community to take very good care of the dam, and hoped that the Namoligo community and the other 10 communities that are beneficiaries of the dams, will use them for their own benefit. 

    Since 2017, Government of President Akufo-Addo, in its bid to fulfil the 1-village-1-dam policy, has constructed a number of small-earth dams for water storage, irrigation, and for use by livestock. This is the largest stock of such small earth dams provided since independence.

    Thus far, 439 small-earth dams are under construction, and 375 have been completed, and 64 are between 90-100% complete. Each dam provides water for up to five hectares of farmland.

    Under the Akufo-Addo government, the Tono irrigation dam has been rehabilitated and rehabilitation projects on both the left and right banks of Kpong are also in progress.

    Source: Jubilee House Communications

  • Trumps COVID-19 post deleted by Facebook and hidden by Twitter

    Facebook has deleted a post in which President Trump had claimed Covid-19 was “less lethal” than the flu.

    Mr Trump is at the White House after three days of hospital treatment having tested positive for the virus.

    He wrote the US had “learned to live with” flu season, “just like we are learning to live with COVID-19, in most populations far less lethal!!!”

    Twitter hid the same message behind a warning about “spreading misleading and potentially harmful information”.

    Users have to click past the alert to read the tweet.

    “We remove incorrect information about the severity of Covid-19, and have now removed this post,” said Andy Stone, policy communications manager at Facebook.

    An exact mortality rate for Covid-19 is not known, but it is thought to be substantially higher possible 10 times or more than most flu strains, according to Johns Hopkins University.

    The President has reacted by posting: “REPEAL SECTION 230!!!”

    This is a reference to a law that says social networks are not responsible for the content posted by their users.

    But it allows the firms to engage in “good-Samaritan blocking”, including the removal of content they judge to be offensive, harassment or violent.

    If the law were to be repealed, social media companies would face being sued over the edits and changes of user content they made.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Kokrobite: Burkinabe arrested for murdering German partner, daughter

    A 43-year-old Burkinabe man has been arrested by the police for allegedly murdering his German partner and her 13-year-old daughter.

    He is believed to have secretly buried them in a nearby bush in their house at Kokrobite in Accra.

    The suspect has been identified as Boigouna Aloys.

    According to residents, the two had been living together with the daughter of the deceased since January 2020 until their sudden disappearance.

    A strong stench in the neighbourhood raised suspicions about the possible murder of the two.

    This led to the lodging of a complaint with the Kokrobite police for further investigations.

    Police have since visited the scene where the two deceased persons were suspected to have been buried.

    The police have begun investigations into the incident, and have plans to obtain an exhumation order from the court to exhume the suspected dead bodies as investigations continue.

    Source: citinewsroom

  • Election 2020: Let the will of Ghanaians prevail – Opoku Agyemang to EC

    Vice Presidential Candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, has stressed the need for optimum transparency in the processes involving the upcoming December election.

    She is convinced that the integrity of the election can only be protected through transparent and fair electoral processes.

    The Running Mate who made the observation when she called on Osabarima Kofi Boateng, Chief of Akwatia in the Eastern region, Tuesday, as part of her campaign tour of the area, urged all stakeholders to contribute in ensuring a peaceful election.

    “We all need the electoral process and the election to be organized in a very transparent manner to ensure that the will of the people is upheld,” she said.

    Among other things that could affect the integrity of the election, she expressed worry about the growing culture of vote-buying and urged the electorate to guard against the practice.

    “When they offer you money for your vote, ask them how much money they can give you to buy infrastructure for your community,” he urged the electorate.

    Touching on NDC”s development plans for Akwatia, Prof Opoku-Agyemang noted that the next NDC administration would continue its road network, water supply, education and market infrastructure projects for the benefit of the area.

    She thanked the chiefs and people of the area for the continued support for the NDC and assured them of more meaningful progress under the next John Mahama administration.

    Osabarima Kofi Boateng, for his part, called for tolerance and urged Ghanaians to desist from actions that would jeopardize the unity and peace of the country.

    “Let your utterances be filled with love and do away with pride and arrogance,” he admonished politicians.

    Source: Kasapa FM

  • Weve shown more commitment in fighting corruption Mustapha Hamid

    A Deputy Campaign Manager for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mustapha Abdul Hamid says the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has shown more commitment in the fight against corruption.

    Speaking on Face to Face on Citi TV, Dr. Mustapha Hamid said the NPP government has channelled more resources into empowering anti-graft institutions to effectively execute their duties.

    “The kinds of budgetary allocations that our government has made to these anti-corruption institutions are in three or four-folds what other governments have done. First of all, most of these anti-corruption institutions have complained about a lack of resources and supplying them with tools to work is a huge step in empowering them to do their work,” he added.

    But this claim by Dr. Hamid has been contested.

    Some Civil Society Organisations in the country took on the President for directing the Auditor-General, Daniel Domelevo to proceed on an extended for over 150 days.

    The flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Mahama, on August 20, 2020, also challenged the track record of President Akufo-Addo in the fight against corruption.

    According to Mr. Mahama, President Akufo-Addo has failed woefully in the fight against corruption.

    Responding to such criticisms, Dr. Hamid said, “I am not sure that if people are due for their leave period, and they are asked to proceed on leave, it is a dint on the fight against corruption. This has nothing to do with pushing back on corruption.”

    Source: citinewsroom

  • Round two of polio mass immunisation campaign to start on October 8

    The Greater Accra Regional Health Directorate, on Tuesday, said the second round of the phase three polio mass immunisation campaign, will start from 8 to 11, 2020.

    The Directorate, in a press statement, signed by Dr Charity Sarpong, the Regional Director of Health Service, Greater Accra, said the objective of the continuous mass immunisation exercise was, to stop the transmission of the increasing numbers of confirmed polio cases in both human and environmental samples in some parts of the country.

    It said the exercise was targeted at children under five years, and would be conducted by well-trained community health nurses, and urged caregivers to take note and allow their children to be vaccinated because the type of vaccine used in response to the outbreak was not available at regular Child Welfare Clinic (weighing).

    The Directorate assured the public of the safety of the vaccine and
    appealed to the media to throw more light on the exercise and encourage patronage.

    The statement said even though Ghana had carried out two previous Reactive Campaigns, it failed to achieve the needed coverage to build the herd immune, because caregivers refused to avail the children for the vaccination, adding that “this attitude had rendered the investment made to protect the future generation futile”.

    It said by the end of the just-ended phase three round one, about 51.72 percent of the districts in the Region would have achieved the expected coverage against 24.13 percent of districts in the previous rounds.

    Africa was now free of wild poliovirus, which was one of the strains of the deadly virus, and the public health victory over the disease showed the effectiveness of the vaccine, yet the fight against polio in Africa was far from over, stating that another form of the poliovirus that occurred in under-immunised communities with poor hygiene and sanitation, continued to spread in 16 African counties and had paralysed over 170 children in 2020.

    It said polio, which was a viral disease was transmitted mainly from person to person, through a faecal-oral route, and that while there was no cure, the disease could be prevented through the administration of a vaccine.

    The statement said if the population was fully immunized, they would be protected against all forms of polioviruses, therefore in Ghana, two rounds of polio campaigns would be conducted in eight regions involving Ashanti, Eastern, Volta, Central, Western, Western North, Upper West, and Greater Accra.

    It said Ghana would not stop until every child could live a life free of polio, and explained that doses given during the rounds were additional doses every child should receive even if they had already been immunised.

    The statement urged the public to continue to observe all the COVID-19 safety protocols, including wearing of face masks, regular hand washing, and observing social distancing when in crowded places.

    Source: GNA

  • Mahama wont file nomination forms to be president

    Former President John Dramani Mahama will not submit his filing forms in person.

    According to a Facebook, the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) said he has reviewed his nomination forms and signed the relevant portions for filing.

    But “General Secretary Johnson Asiedu Nketia will Wednesday [October 7], file the nomination papers at the electoral commission on my behalf,” he stated.

    The former president was expected to submit his forms at the head office of the Electoral Commission in Accra after President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo submitted his on Tuesday, October 6, 2020.

    Source: 3 News

  • Political parties to get copies of new voters register by Nov 11 – EC

    The Electoral Commission (EC) has explained that copies of the final new voters register should be ready by November 11, 2020.

    The EC is hoping that copies of the register would be made available to all political parties and candidates by that time.

    The Director of Elections at the EC, Dr Serebour Quaicoe said this in a radio interview with Accra based Joy FM monitored by Graphic Online on Tuesday evening [October 6, 2020].

    Last week, the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) for instance raised concerns that the final register was not ready, yet aspirants have been asked to file their nomination forms this week – October 5 to October 9, 2020.

    What happens if someone assumed to be a registered voter endorses an aspirant’s nomination forms and it turns out that the said person does not have his name in the final gazetted register, the General Secretary of the NDC, Mr Johnson Asiedu Nketia for instance questioned in a radio interview.

    The Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) has also urged the EC to ensure that the final register is given out to all parties ahead of time.

    Reacting in the radio interview, Dr Serebour Quaicoe said the EC plans to give the register out to the parties one month to the elections.

    “We could have even given them out earlier but because we should finish with the transfers and special voters compilation before we can give the register out,” he said.

    Source: Graphic.com.gh

  • Ghana Airports Company reacts to passengers sleeping on benches at KIA

    The Ghana Airports Company Limited has reiterated that all passengers who refuse to pay for the COVID-19 test will be handed over to the state security agencies and quarantined at a designated location.

    The GACL in a statement reacting to concerns of some persons who alleged they were being treated inhumanely said the measures are to ensure the safety and protection of the Ghanaian populace.

    The undated video which has been circulated on social media shows several persons including a toddler sleeping on benches.

    According to the amateur videographer who catalogues the experience of the passengers, they have been held because they do not have $150 to pay for the service.

    However, the GACL says the video was “taken by disgruntled passengers who refused to pay for the test on arrival and were waiting to be transported by State Security Agencies”.

    “As operators of the airport, GACL’s utmost responsibility is to ensure a smooth facilitation process of passengers, especially during this COVID-19 era.

    “It is worth noting that the measures put in place, as published in the guidelines, are to ensure the safety and protection of the Ghanaian populace. The travelling public is therefore kindly encouraged to strictly adhere to the published guidelines in the interest of health and safety of all Ghanaians”.

    It will be recalled that as part of updated measures for the reopening of the KIA which took effect on September 22, all arriving passengers are subjected to a mandatory COVID-19 test at the airport terminal at a cost of $150 to be borne by the passenger.

    Any passenger who refuses to undergo the test is subjected to his passport being seized and handed over to the security agencies. The passenger will also be taken into a 14-day quarantine at a designated location at the passenger’s cost.

    Read the entire statement below;

    STATEMENT ON ALLEGED MALTREATMENT AT KOTOKA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

    The attention of Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) has been drawn to a video circulating on social media regarding an alleged maltreatment of some passengers who refused to pay for the COVID-19 test on arrival at Kotoka International Airport (KIA).

    Management wishes to emphasize that the guidelines for arriving passengers state that, passengers who refuse to pay for the COVID-19 test will be handed over to State Security Agencies and taken into quarantine at a designated location.

    The video in circulation was taken by disgruntled passengers who refused to pay for the test on arrival and were waiting to be transported by State Security Agencies. As operators of the airport, GACL’s utmost responsibility is to ensure a smooth facilitation process of passengers especially during this COVID-19 era.

    It is worth noting that the measures put in place, as published in the guidelines, are to ensure the safety and protection of the Ghanaian populace.

    The travelling public is therefore kindly encouraged to strictly adhere to the published guidelines in the interest of health and safety of all Ghanaians.

    ISSUED BY MANAGEMENT

    Source: Graphic.com.gh

  • How police guns were retrieved from ‘Western Togolanders’ [VIDEO]

    A video of how the police retrieved weapons stolen by some suspected Western Togoland secession campaigners in a recent attack has emerged.

    The weapons were stolen by some men believed to be members of the Western Togoland secession group during an attack on the Aveyime and Mepe Police Stations in the North Tongu District of the Volta Region.

    The armed men, simultaneously took over both police stations, overpowered the police officers, and and stole the weapons which were in the armory.

    The Ghana Police Service, in giving an update on the matter indicated that the stolen weapons were retrieved on Friday, September 25, 2020.

    “The vehicles, weapons and other items seized or stolen by the “elements” on Friday 25th September 2020 have also been retrieved.”

    The Police reiterated that they were in control of the situation and that life had returned to normal in the affected regions.

    “Security agencies wish to reiterate that adequate security is on the ground in the affected areas in the Volta, Oti and Eastern regions and all other parts of the country. Life has returned to normal as residents are going about their daily activities without fear of insecurity,” part of the statement reads.

    They also indicated that thirty-one persons in connection to the disturbances have been arrested have been provisionally charged and presented in court for allocation.

    “The general public is being assured to remain calm as security agencies will continue to count on their assistance to arrest all perpetrators to face the law,” the statement added.

    Source: Graphic.com.gh

  • Election 2020: Over 200 registered voters in Nzema Akropong threaten court injunction

    Two hundred and ninety registered voters of Nzema Akropong Electoral Area in the Ellembelle District of the Western Region have threatened to place court injunction on the coming presidential and parliamentary elections as they did not find their names during the voters register exbition.

    The aggrieved voters on Thursday, September 1, 2020 during the one-day voter registration exercise conducted by the Electoral Commission of Ghana, stormed the District office of Ellembelle EC and petitioned the EC boss to put their names in the register.

    Speaking exclusively to GhanaWeb Western Regional Correspondent after they had petitioned, the District Director of Electoral Commission of Ellembelle, Madam Pearl Klutse, said the EC boss admitted that the deletion was a mistake and assured them that their names would come before the December 7 polls.

    But these angry voters said if the EC fails to include their names they would put court injunction on the general Elections.

    “I will take a legal action against the EC because I am a Ghanaian and I have to get my identity so if our names did not come I will take a legal action”, one irate voter told GhanaWeb.

    One angry voter who gave his name as Abubakr Osuman said, “we came here to petition to see if we can register again since our names were not find in the voter register but the EC says we should wait and we too we have given the EC some time and if the time is due and we come again and we did not see our names and pictures, we will take a new step and that step we will not do it as we have done today, we will do a massive demonstration.

    “Our names didn’t come at all, persons of 290, our names did not come. EC boss told us that we should be patients because they are working on it and they said they will make sure our names come before the voting day”, he added.

    Asking whether the Ellembelle District Electoral Commissioner gave them a specific time their names would come, he stated “she didn’t tell us the specific time our names will come into the register and we also gave her a short period of time that if we didn’t see our names we will come here again”.

    An angry woman has this to say, “we have not yet see our names, the EC is saying that we should go and come later but we want to see whether our names are in or not, that is our main concern and if don’t see then it means our work will be in vein”.

    They together chanted, “no names no vote, we will not allow EC to let voting happens at all at Akropong”.

    They continued, “and if they didn’t include our names and bring their machines there, what will happen, will happen”.

    At the end of one-day registration exercise, 338 persons were registered in the Ellembelle District but later the EC detected duplication of voter ID numbers of 190 registered voters.

    Meanwhile, the Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana had announced Wednesday, October 7, 2020, as the date for exhibition exercise for those who participated in the one-day nationwide voter registration exercise.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • The UN document on the Ghana and Western Togoland unionization

    The Western Togoland succession issue has become a political hot potato that defies a simple solution.

    Believers of the Western Togoland separation argue that the solution which the United Nations implemented in 1957, making the territory a part of Ghana, was unfair.

    But, unfortunately, they have only been making this case after the fact.

    Although there were strong views against union with Ghana by sections of the populace, yet no boycott of the plebiscite occurred.

    This was probably because the anti-unionists thought they would be victorious in the plebiscite.

    They failed, however, and on the basis of a report submitted to the UN by the Commissioner appointed by the Trusteeship Council to organize the plebiscite, the UN General Assembly passed a resolution, on 13 December 1956, providing for the union of Western Togoland with Ghana.

    This is what the resolution says:

    Below is the document that contains the UN document;

    https://drive.google.com/file/d/19Yj4dyVZoNVt1itFXkIyfRRiYNcL1sYm/view

    Source: Ghanaweb

  • Youre selling your future if you take money from politicians for votes Kwesi Pratt to Ghanaians

    As the general election is nearing, Managing Editor of the Insight newspaper, Kwesi Pratt Jnr, has cautioned Ghanaians to desist from the act of selling their votes to presidential and parliamentary candidates.

    According to him, those who engage in such acts are selling their future in exchange for money.

    Speaking on Peace FM’s Kokrokoo show, he said: “Some people would ask to be given something to campaign or cast their ballot for a particular candidate. If you do this, remember you’re selling your future.”

    “How many days can selling your future for GHC 50 or 1 million buy for you?” he quizzed.

    Mr Pratt therefore advised Ghanaians to listen to their (candidates) messages carefully and vote based on that judgement.

    On December 7, 2020, Ghanaians will go to the polls to elect a President and Members of Parliament who will lead the country for the next 4 years.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Dont abandon work in Parliament for your re-election bid – Speaker to MPs

    Speaker of Parliament Prof. Aaron Mike Oquaye has cautioned members of Parliament against abandoning their work in the chamber for their re-election bid.

    The caution of the speaker follows the failure of many MPs to turn up for work on the first day of sitting this week.

    The house resumed work from the more than a month break to a near-empty chamber.

    This low turnout has been attributed to the filing of nominations by members seeking re-election. But in his welcome address, Prof. Oquaye charged the MPs to pay attention to work in the chamber too.

    The Third Meeting of the Fourth Session of the Seventh Parliament will be the final meeting of the year before the House is dissolved on the 6th of January 2021.

    Members of Parliament will sit for the next six weeks during which Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta will present the 2021 First Quarter Budget.

    Source: Starr FM

  • UG, GIJ given 14 days to reverse fee increment

    A group identified as Concerned Tertiary Students of GIJ (CTSG) has given the management of two tertiary institutions University of Ghana (UG) and Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ), a 14-day ultimatum to reverse a decision they took to increase school fees for the 2020/2021 academic year.

    According to a press release dated October 6, the group said it is determined to push for the reversal of the decision.

    “With intense pressure from the administrative heads, students are poised and ready to, by any means necessary, seek redress and thus issue an ultimatum of fourteen days after which we will result in using other mechanisms to seek justice due to increasing number of students agitations”, the statement read in parts.

    The group also said the 5% rise in school fees by management of the Ghana Institute of Journalism and the 12% increment at the University of Ghana Legon is unacceptable as many of the students are struggling to meet the requirement.

    “A large number of students are on the verge of dropping out of school because of such an inconsiderate decision. The monetary commitment for the government in reducing school fees would not constitute a disadvantage to other beneficiaries of the coronavirus alleviation programme.”

    In the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, tertiary institutions truncated their physical engagement and resorted to online studies. Students of most of these tertiary institutions have had to bear the cost of data for learning since the government did not make any special provision for students.

    As it stands, it is unclear when tertiary institutions will resume and if there will be a physical interaction but some schools have already announced reopening dates and the fees for the next academic year, including the deadlines for the payment of fees.

    Meanwhile, some students have taken to social media to express their discontent about the increment of school fees using the hashtag #TertiaryFeesMustFall.

    Source: 3 News

  • VIP terminal authorities cry for improved security following robbery attacks

    Authorities at the VIP Bus Terminal in Kumasi want the government to institute measures to prevent robbery attacks on them on the Kumasi-Accra highway.

    They have described as worrying the instances where their vehicles travelling from Kumasi to Accra and vice versa are frequently attacked.

    Their call follows an attack on some VIP buses and other private vehicles by armed robbers in the early hours of Monday, October 5, 2020.

    The robbers shot the bus driver near Linda Dor.

    Several passengers were seriously injured after they were attacked.

    No arrests have been made so far as the robbers reportedly left the crime scene before the police came in.

    The authorities at the VIP Terminal in Kumasi have urged the government and security agencies to ensure the issue is addressed.

    The second trustee of VIP Jeon, Francis Asamoah, in an interview with Citi News stressed the need for improved security particularly as the 2020 general elections and the Christmas festivities approach.

    “We are pleading with the government to deploy security men to the various stations to safeguard us. We need the security men in the buses, on the highways, and other vantage points to hinder armed robbers from attacking us or our passengers, especially as the election and festive seasons are approaching and a lot of people will be travelling.”

    Source: citinewsroom

  • Police arrest herbalist, accomplice in “murder” of Hot FMs finance officer

    The police in Accra have picked up a herbalist and an accomplice in connection with the murder of Nana Ndoli Panin III, the Baamuhene of Enchi Kramokrom in the Western North Region, who is also the finance officer of Hot FM, an Accra-based radio station.

    This was after his body was found lying in a pool of blood on a bed at a hotel near the Takoradi lorry station at Kaneshie.

    The suspects are Kwame Ofori Ogyaba, the deceased’s friend and spiritual father, and Nana Kwame Kwakye, the accomplice.

    The two suspects have been detained and are currently assisting the police in their investigation.

    Briefing

    According to the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Accra Central Police Command, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Effia Tenge, at about 7:05 p.m. last Friday, the Assistant Manager of a hotel came to the Kaneshie Police Station and reported that they had discovered the body of one of their male clients dead in the hotel room.

    Body discovered

    She said the assistant hotel manager indicated that the male guest checked into the hotel room on Thursday, October 1, 2020.

    But on his usual rounds of the hotel at about 6 p.m. the next day, he found one of his male guests lying motionless in a pool of blood on his bed in the hotel room.

    DSP Tenge said based on the information the police immediately proceeded to the scene and invited the crime scene management team from the National Criminal Investigations Department (CID) to help in processing the scene.

    She said as reported earlier, the police found the deceased in a pool of blood on his bed, and in the course of investigations a Toyota Rav 4 vehicle, believed to be that of the deceased, was retrieved from a location at the Takoradi lorry station and brought to the station.

    Deceased identified

    The body has been deposited at Police Hospital mortuary and that he was identified as Nana Ndoli Panin III.

    DSP Tenge said preliminary investigations into the incident had revealed that at about 1 p.m. on October 1, 2020, while Nana Panin III was in his office, he received a phone call from his spiritual father (the herbalist) to meet him at the said hotel at Kaneshie.

    He, therefore, left his office in a hurry and drove his Toyota Rav 4 with registration number GE 1730-09 to the Takoradi lorry station at Kaneshie where he parked and walked to meet the herbalist.

    However, at about 6 p.m. on October 2, 2020, his lifeless body was discovered in the room of the hotel.

    Investigations were extended to Amasaman and Asuoboi where two suspects were arrested.

    Chinese hangs

    In a separate development, a Chinese working with Casino Gold at Osu reported to the police that at about 5:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 3, 2020, she woke up and found out that a friend, also a Chinese, aged 27, had hanged himself in the bathroom.

    Mrs. Tenge said police immediately proceeded to the scene together with the crime scene team and found the deceased in a sitting position in the bathroom.

    Further information gathered by the police indicated that when the complainant sighted the deceased she raised an alarm which attracted others, who rushed to the scene in a bid to rescue the deceased, and sent him to the hospital, where it was discovered he had already passed on.

    The scene was processed and the body was conveyed and deposited at the Police Hospital morgue awaiting autopsy.

    The relations of the deceased in the country had been notified as investigation continued, DSP Tenge said.

    Source: Graphic.com.gh

  • Today in history: Atomic junction Gas explosion: 3 dead, 35 injured

    A massive gas explosion on October 6, 2017, saw Accra plunged into total sorrow.

    Some lives were lost and people were critically injured in the Madina Atomic junction gas explosion that Saturday night.

    Frightened residents fled the site as the huge blasts near the busy intersection in northeast Accra caused casualties, officials confirmed.

    The blasts sent a giant fireball into the sky above the eastern part of Accra, causing frightened residents to flee their homes in large numbers.

    Police said the blasts happened at the Atomic Junction roundabout area of Legon, in northeast Accra.

    A statement from the Ministry of Information said that seven people had been killed and 132 were injured. About half of them had already been treated and discharged.

    The explosion began at a state-owned GOIL liquefied natural gas station and spread to a Total petrol station across the street, forcing frightened residents to flee.

    Read the full story originally published on October 6, 2017 on Ghanaweb

    Over 3 people have been confirmed dead and some others were critically injured in the Madina Atomic junction gas explosion Saturday night.

    The deaths were confirmed at the 37 military hospital where victims of the accident were rushed to.

    Two filling stations at Atomic junction were engulfed in flames after a gas station around the area exploded.

    The interior minister and other emergency service workers, as well as government officials, arrived the scene to monitor asses the situation. A press conference will be held the scene Sunday morning.

    The incident triggered fear among students of Presec who were trying to avoid the scene.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Ive delivered, give me four more years – Akufo-Addo

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has said his administration has fulfilled the promises made to Ghanaians ahead of the 2016 elections for which he was voted for to be president.

    He has therefore, appealed to voters to vote for him and his party, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) again in the 2020 general elections for another four-year term.

    In a tweet, Mr Akufo-Addo said “We have fulfilled our promises and delivered on the mandate you gave us. Give us 4 more years to do more for you.

    “Vote Nana Akufo-Addo and the NPP to transform Ghana for all. #4MoreForNana #4MoreToDoMoreForYou.”

    In his bid to get re-elected as President of Ghana, he will be filing his presidential nomination forms today, Tuesday, October 6, 2020.

    This will be the fourth time he will carry out this exercise, having done same in 2008, 2012 and 2016.

    Two-time independent presidential candidate Jacob Osei Yeboah is expected to be the first person to file before the Ghana Freedom Party (GFP) candidate.

    Source: 3 News

  • Forgive me – Nii Noi Nortey returns to NPP

    The 2016 New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary candidate hopeful for Klottey Korle constituency, Valentino Nii Noi Nortey has rendered an unqualified apology to the party, saying, his attitude might have contributed to their defeat in that electioneering season.

    It would be recalled that Nii Noi won the 2016 parliamentary primaries but was subsequently disqualified to make way for the Pink Sheet Man (Lawyer Philip Addison) to context. Following the processes that led to his disqualification, Nii Noi left the party to go independent in the same constituency.

    This gave the National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate, Dr. Zenator Rawlings, extra advantage to win the seat because it was already occupied by an NDC Member of Parliament, Nii Armah Ashietey.

    During the fund-raising and outdooring of 2020 NPP parliamentary candidate for Klottey Korle constituency, Mr. Nortey, who through the intervention of party executives has, rescind, his decision to quit the party rendered his apology, asking for pardon if their defeat in the election year was as a result of his moves and pledged to rally behind their elected candidate for 2020, Lawyer Prince Appiah Debrah to restore the seat, back to the NPP since 2004.

    He is now the campaign director for Team Prince 2020 and has promised to do all it takes to secure victory for the Klottey Korle elephant family.

    The candidate, Prince Appiah Debrah in his acceptance speech notes, a lot is in store for the constituents once he is voted to power and it will only take a new direction to get them what they deserve.

    He hints the NPP has over 55% of total registered voters of the constituency and it will demand only hard work to add more to that in ensuring victory to do more for the people.

    Source: rainbowradioonline.com

  • KATH Nursing Trainees lament over locked up allowance

    Nursing Training Students at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) are lamenting over their 12-months unpaid allowances.

    According to the health professionals, attempts to retrieve the money from the various head of the institutions have all proven futile hence their turn to the media for help.

    A lady told the press that, the administrator of the facility initially conferred to them that, their list has bent forwarded to the Principal but the principal has also denied knowledge of it.

    “Now, the administration is also saying that he has submitted the list to the Ministry of Health (MoH) but their checks at the MoH unearthed that no list has been submitted to the ministry from KATH,” the Nurse said.

    Another said, “for the past 12 to 24-months some nurses have not received penny of their share of the allowances which is very worrisome to them.”

    They are therefore calling on the authorities to help them get their locked up fund.

    Source: otecfmghana.com

  • Law School entrance results manipulated – Kwaku Asare

    US-based Ghanaian lawyer, Prof Kwaku Asare, says although the latest law school entrance results is an improvement, it still falls short of the quest to have all qualified law degree holders access to the school.

    Unlike the previous year when only twenty-eight students passed out of 1,820, this year saw 1,045 passes, out of a total of 2,720.

    Speaking to Starr News, Prof Kwaku Asare who has been one of the lead advocates for an increase in admissions into the Ghana law school called calls for an investigation into the significant rates in the passes. He says he suspects the system is being manipulated.

    “It appears to be better than what we had last year, but it still significantly short of our goal to allow anyone with a law degree be given the opportunity to take the qualifying certificate of examination.”

    He went on to say, “furthermore, several questions are raised by the results this year. First and formest how did the percentage go from 7% to a little under 40%? That is a change that must be probed because it appears to me that last year something happened such that not even 10% of the students could pass, and this year, after some clamouring, all of a sudden we are told that less than 40% per cent passed, so we need to probe that.”

    “It appears to me that the system is being manipulated to make up the numbers because there is no reason why one cohort of students would be so significantly better than the others or worse than the others. It seems to me somebody is just there and then giving the numbers, that should stop because we are talking about the future of young people.”

    Prof Asare added “and they are allowing people who have just been voted for to influence their lives in a significantly negative way. That is very disturbing and it must stop.”

    Source: Starr FM

  • Youll be kicked out if your aim is to make quick cash – COP Kofi Boakye warns recruits

    The Director-General in charge of Legal and Prosecution of the Ghana Police Service, COP Nathan Kofi Boakye, has cautioned newly-recruited police personnel against seeking to use the service as a moneymaking opportunity, stressing that the police system will expose and cast them out if they do so.

    COP Boakye told them that rather than engage in conduct that opens the service to ridicule and dishonour, they must endeavour to comport themselves well so as to gain the respect and trust of the public.

    Speaking at the passing out of newly recruited police officers in Accra recently, COP Boakye likened the police service to a money counting machine that automatically rejects bad notes and cast them out.

    “Within these months of training, I have no doubt that you have been thought, coached and mentored with all that can make you efficient police officers and you cannot afford to deviate from it.

    “The police systems work like the money counting machine, it accepts grooms and maintains you if you are genuine and rejects and casts you off if you are a counterfeit. It would expose you if you allow personal feelings, animosity or friendship and political affiliation to affect your official conduct. The system will reject you if you dare desire for instant gratification,” he emphasized.

    The training of the new recruits, he noted, was timely given that the nation is preparing for the December 7, 2020 elections, which will require the deployment of police personnel across the country.

    He then used the opportunity to advise the youth against allowing themselves to be used as agents of violence in the upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections.

    The Police Academy for the first time in history successfully trained and graduated recruits from three cadet officers courses within two and half years.

    Many in-service training courses have also been organised for personnel in the Service.

    In all, 1, 183 recruits would pass out: 352 from Accra; 372 from Pwalugu; 158 from Ho; 188 from Kumasi and 113 from Koforidua.

    Source: My News GH

  • Mahama would derail our foundation if given the chance – Bawumia

    Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has said the Akufo-Addo-led government has laid a solid foundation during its first term in office for prosperous socio-economic development in its second term.

    Therefore, Ghanaians should not make a mistake of voting John Mahama, NDC’s flagbearer, to ruin the fortunes of the country’s anticipated progress.

    Vice President Bawumia made the remarks at a mini-rally at Abelemkpe in the Ayawaso West Wuogon, to wrap up his Greater Accra Region working tour.

    Dr Bawumia said the Mahama-led government was a total failure and could not be trusted to continue the good policies initiated by the ruling NPP government under President Akufo-Addo.

    He cited flagship programmes and policies initiated by the NPP government including the Free Senior High School, Planting for Food and Jobs, One-District, One-Warehouse, One-Constituency, One-Ambulance, One-Village, One-Dam and One-District, One-Factory.

    He further explained that the ruling government had also restored the teacher/nursing trainee allowance cancelled by the previous administration, paid two billion Ghana cedis arrears of the NHIS left over by the NDC government and fulfilled 80 per cent of its 2016 electioneering campaign promises.

    Madam Lydia Seyram Alhassan, the NPP Parliamentary Candidate for Ayawaso West Wuogon, said the ruling government had asphalted the deplorable roads in the Constituency, started constructing an Astro Turf and a health facility in the area.

    She described Dr Bawumia as an intelligent and hardworking Vice President, saying he has distinguished himself as a powerhouse of knowledge in the field of economics and management of the economy as the head of the Government’s Economic Management Team.

    “The Vice President is very intelligent and hardworking that is why am pleading with you to vote for me and President Akufo-Addo to continue our good works.

    “Never in the history of Ghana has a Vice President been so visible and notable in government business,” she added.

    Source: GNA

  • Audit report on cocoa roads not meant for the public COCOBOD

    The Public Affairs Manager of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) says the audit report on cocoa roads was originally not meant for the public, and that the decision to publish will depend on the government.

    According to Fiifi Boafo, the essence of the report was to understand the issues surrounding the management of cocoa roads.

    His response comes after John Dramani Mahama, the NDC flagbearer, demanded the publication of the aforementioned audit report.

    Mahama indicated that it was unjustifiable the move by the Akufo-Addo administration to abandon the cocoa roads projects upon assumption of office in January 2017.

    But speaking to Citi News, Boafo responded: “Yes there is a report, and unlike the expectation of some people that the report will be published, the essence of the report was to understand issues surrounding the management of cocoa roads. The report was to serve as a guide to management. So, if the former President wants the report published for political discourse, I am afraid, our approach is different.”

    He continued: “We have not been instructed to put the report out there yet. It was submitted in 2019. When a decision is made by the board and management, of course, in consultation with the government that we publish the report, we will not hesitate.”

    Fifi Boafo further stated that the investigation into the award of cocoa roads under the erstwhile Mahama administration was not based solely on corruption allegations as speculated, but it helped the board make some corrections to the scope of the road projects.

    He noted, “It is not a question of why no one has been found corrupt after the investigation? The report was to among other things confirm [……] the suspicions [of] corruption at the time.”

    Fiifi Boafo then disclosed: “A number of actions have arisen from the report. We had to redesign some of the projects. There were some roads that were designed without bridges though they were required. The report helped us to re-scope some of these designs. There were other projects that had no faults. There were issues as to whether or not the contractors had the capacity to execute the contracts given to them.”

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Ama Sey is not going independent – Senior Minister

    Mr. Yaw Osafo Maafo, the Senior Minister has confirmed that Mrs. Mercy Adu Gyamfi, popularly called Ama Sey, Member of Parliament for Akwatia constituency is not going to contest in the 2020 elections as an independent candidate.

    He said the MP who lost with four votes at the NPP parliamentary primaries, had made it clear that she was not going to contest the 2020 elections as an independent candidate.

    The Senior Minister stressed that the loyalty of every NPP member is to the party and its symbol, not to individuals.

    Speaking at a durbar of the chiefs and people of Akwatia, the Senior Minister said losing at the primaries was part of the democratic ideals in the party, and every party member was expected to abide fully by the tenets of the party.

    Mr. Osafo Marfo said the delegates of the party had spoken by electing Mr. Ernest Kumi as the candidate for the upcoming elections and has appealed for supports for him to win.

    Ama Sey caused a stir in 2016 when he contested against Mr Baba Jamal, the then incumbent MP, and a Deputy Minister in the then NDC administration to become one of six MPs in the Eastern Region.

    She was, however, defeated by Mr. Ernest Kumi with four votes at the NPP primaries held in June of this year.

    Source: GNA

  • 1,045 out of 2,763 pass 2020 Law School entrance exam

    1,045 out of a total of 2,765 candidates who wrote the 2020 Law School Entrance examinations passed this year’s exams.

    This year’s results available on the Ghana School of Law website witnessed a 23% rise in the number of students who made it through the exams compared to last year’s 93% recorded failure.

    It would be recalled that there was serious agitation by some Law students who wrote the 2019 Law entrance exams. Some candidates accused authorities of purposely failing the majority of students who sat for last year’s exams.

    A whopping 90 percent of students failed the exams with just 128 candidates out of a total of 1,820 candidates passing the 2019 Law entrance exams.

    Some key factors cited for the mass failure was the amount changed for resisting and remarking a paper whiles others suggested that the action was a deliberate attempt to limit the number of Lawyers in the country.

    1,045 candidates were able to meet the 50% pass mark required for admission into the Ghana School of Law.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Day-old baby dumped at a bathhouse at Assin Praso

    A resident at Assin Praso, Gladys Ackom woke up to discover a newborn baby dumped in the walkway leading to her bathroom.

    The baby suspected to be a day-old was found with his umbilical cord still tied around his waist.

    The mother of the baby is yet to be identified. However, the case has been reported to the Assin Praso Police Station.

    Confirming the incident, the Assin Praso Police Commander, DSP Isaac Tetteh told Kasapa FM that the baby has since been transferred to the District Social Welfare Department as the case is pending investigations.

    Narrating the incident, Madam Ackom, the woman who found the baby stated that she saw the baby lying close to her bathroom gate at about 1:05 am.

    Upon a critical examination, she noticed that the baby whose body was covered with mucus had his umbilical cord still attached.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Rail sector going to create jobs, improve transportation Otumfuo

    The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has said the development of railway sector will not only improve transportation system in the country but also create jobs and business opportunities.

    According to him, the impact of the railway sector will be greater when it is finished because “everywhere rail line passes, everything changes.”

    This, he made known when the Minister of Railway Development, Joe Ghartey, led a team from the contractor working on rail lines in Kumasi, David Walters Company Limited, to pay a courtesy call on him at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi after a sod-cutting ceremony for the Kumasi-Obuasi line project.

    He urged government to pursue its agenda of developing the industry to link up cities and towns while commending them for their effort taken to revive the rail sector.

    The visit was to thank Otumfuo for sending a representative to witness the sod-cutting ceremony at Kaase last Wednesday.

    It was also to seek the support of chiefs in the area against encroachment on demarcated areas for the railway project.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Two suspects arrested over murder of Hot FMs Finance Officer arraigned

    Two suspects who were arrested in connection with the murder of the Baamuhene of Enchi Kramokrom, the Finance Officer of Accra based Hot FM, Nana Ndoli Panin III have been arraigned before the Adjabeng Court.

    The two suspects were arrested on Sunday, October 4, 2020.

    The suspects, Kwame Ofori Ogyaba and Nana Kwame Kwakye are said to be a friend and a spiritual father to the deceased.

    In a statement released by the Kaneshie Police, Nana Ndoli Panin was going to meet his spiritual father, Nana Kwame Kwakye at a hotel at Kaneshie but was found dead in a pool of blood on Friday at a hotel at Kaneshie in Accra.

    About the killing

    Police extended investigations into the killing to Amasaman and Asuboi where the two suspects were arrested. They were detained by the police for further investigations.

    The Assistant Manager of the Hotel, near the Kaneshie Takoradi lorry station, reported the incident to police.

    The police proceeded to the scene and invited the crime scene management team from the National CID for processing of the scene.

    Preliminary investigations revealed that on October 1, at about 1:00 pm, whilst Nana Ndoli Panin III was in his office, he received a phone call from his spiritual father, a herbalist, to meet him at the hotel in Kaneshie.

    In the course of investigations, a Toyota Rav 4 vehicle suspected to be that of the deceased was retrieved from a location at Takoradi lorry station and brought to the police station.

    Source: citinewsroom

  • Government pays part of allowances owed School of Hygiene students

    Government has made payment of GHS4000 each to students of the School of Hygiene out of the GHS 12,000 cedis owed them.

    The students on August 17, 2020, besieged the premises of the Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources for the second time after an initial protest on August 6 to demand their locked up allowances.

    Speaking to Citi News on the recent development, the Students Representative Council (SRC) President of the Korle Bu School of Hygiene, Freeheart Owusu Ampomah said the government has assured of full payment after all documentation is properly done.

    “The students have finally received GHS4000 cash each paid into their E-zwich accounts. However, this was not the full 30 months allowance we asked. They have explained to us that they were processing the full 30 months allowance which would take a while, and so we should hold on to this while they work the rest out.”

    School of Hygiene students picket at Sanitation Ministry over unpaid allowances

    Hundreds of students of the School of Hygiene on Monday, August 17, 2020, picketed at the premises of the Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources in Accra.

    The students who took along mattresses, food items, and cooking utensils, set up camp at the ministry as early as 3:00 am, vowed not to vacate the premises until they receive clearance for their unpaid allowances despite police presence.

    These trainee students were promised an allowance of GHS400 each for the three years they were in school.

    Source: citinewsroom

  • GHS boss refutes claims Upper West Regional Hospital is not fully functional

    The Director-General of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Dr. Patrick Kuma-Aboagye has refuted claims that the Upper West Regional Hospital is not fully functional.

    This is after the Paramount Chief of the Wa Traditional Area, Naa Fuseini Pelpuo IV last month said the Wa hospital was not operating to its full capacity due to lack of resources.

    The chief made an appeal for the hospital to be given priority by the government when the Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia visited the region as part of his ten-day tour of the five regions of the North.

    But speaking to Citi News, the Director of the Ghana Health Service, Dr. Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, said the hospital was functioning despite the lack of essential equipment.

    “The hospital is fully functional with the exception of the radiological department which is not fully functioning because of the CT scan. It is not easy to come by, but fortunately, we have a team who is going to train some personnel in the next two weeks so they can get the CT scans working again.”

    “Every other department is working. Currently, the hospital has 14 doctors with three specialists,” he added.

    The 160-bed capacity Upper West Regional Hospital was opened to the public on Thursday, January 9, 2020, after several months of delay.

    The US$ 52 million facilities, although commissioned by President Akufo-Addo at an elaborate ceremony in August 2019, had not been operational till January 2020.

    Source: myjoyonline

  • Crush secessionists, fish out financiers – GCPP

    The Great Consolidated Popular Party (GCPP) has urged the government to use all legitimate means to crush the criminal elements disturbing the peace of the Volta Region under the guise of secession and expose all those behind them.

    “There should be no room to deal with these criminals with kid gloves through dialogue and negotiations because these will strengthen their resolve to entrench their activities and spread their tentacles to become an albatross around the neck of the state,” it said.

    A statement signed by the flag bearer of the party, Dr Henry Herbert Lartey, and issued in Accra said the party received news of the activities of the group with grave concern.

    It said it found the unwarranted destruction of property, especially the burning down of buses belonging to the State Transport Company (STC), the brutalisation of security persons at STC bus terminal, the blocking of major roads and other criminal activities as a threat to the state.

    Security

    It said the security agencies must not allow the unscrupulous persons to have the breathing space to engage in any further activities because Ghana could not afford to live with such threats, especially going into the December polls.

    It said it was incumbent on the people of the area and Ghanaians in general to be on the look out and provide information on the activities of all suspicious persons to the security agencies to enable them to nip in the bud any further attacks.

    Government

    The statement said the continued provision of adequate and prompt information on the issue by state agencies would prevent speculation and rumours leading to misinformation, fear and panic.

    It urged state agencies to consult and collaborate with major stakeholders, such as the traditional authorities, social groups, religious organisations and community leaders, as a means of sending a strong signal that those hoodlums had no room in any part of the country to operate.

    “Another way of sending a strong and unambiguous message to these nation wreckers that their criminal activities have no room in the current democratic dispensation is for all political parties to condemn these acts and support the government in dealing with these criminals,” it said.

    It said Ghanaians must not relent in their effort at jealously guarding the peace, security, stability, unity and democratic credentials that had earned the country international accolades.

    Source: Graphic.com.gh

  • October 7: EC to exhibit voter register for one-day registration

    The Electoral Commission (EC) has announced October 7, 2020, as the date for the exhibition of the voter register for Ghanaian citizens who took part in the recent one-day voter’s registration exercise.

    The one-day exercise will take place from 7 am to 6 pm, the EC said in a public announcement.

    The Commission also urged all persons who took part in the exercise to go to the District Offices where they registered to check their names and ensure that all their details are properly captured.

    It will be recalled that the voter register was re-opened on October 1 to enable those who have attained the age of 18 and citizens who were not able to register to do so.

    However, during the exercise, a number of Biometric Voter Registration (BVR) kits at some centres issued applicants with identification (ID) numbers that had already been issued.

    In a statement, the EC explained that the error had been corrected.

    It said the affected applicants would be contacted and issued with new ID cards with unique numbers.

    “It is important to note that, the biometric and biographic details of the affected applicants are intact,” the statement added.

    Source: Graphic.com.gh

  • Coronavirus: SHS2, JHS2 students resume school today

    Second year students in Senior High Schools and Junior High Schools are returning to school today, Monday, October 5 2020 to complete their academic year.

    The decision was taken by the Ghana Education Service, after consultation with the relevant stakeholders.

    The students will remain in school until 14 December 2020.

    Announcing this in his 16th COVID-19 address to the nation on Sunday, 30 August 2020, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo said: “With Junior High Schools operating with class sizes of thirty (30), and Senior High Schools with class sizes of twenty-five (25), SHS 2 and JHS 2 students will be in school for ten (10) weeks to study, and write their end of term examinations”.

    “SHS 2 students in boarding houses are to return to their various dormitories on 5th October, while day students, respecting fully the COVID-19 protocols, will commute from home to their respective schools on the same date.”

    Prior to today, all Junior and Senior High Schools have been fumigated and disinfected.

    Just as was done in the case of final year university, JHS and SHS students, the government says all JHS 2 and SHS 2 students, as well as all teaching and non-teaching staff, will be given reusable face masks.

    Each school will be provided with Veronica Buckets, gallons of liquid soap, rolls of tissue paper, thermometer guns, and 200 milli-litre containers of sanitizers.

    JHS 2 students will be given one hot meal a day.

    Assemblies and sporting events remain banned; and the use by outsiders of school premises for other activities is still not allowed.

    The schools were closed down to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

    Source: Class FM

  • Police Inspector arrested for seeking to cover up crime

    A station officer, at Nalerigu Police Station in the North East Region, has been apprehended and detained, for allegedly “abetting a criminal offence” of an accused person.

    The suspect, Inspector Felix Gbekle, formerly with Formed Police Unit (FPU) was said to have secretly and illegally took photographs of a firearm, whilst still an exhibit in police custody and then facilitated registration licence of the firearm for an accused currently undergoing trial for stealing.

    His action, according to the police was to consolidate the accused defence against the State, so that the accused can win the case and free himself from the criminal charges leveled against him.

    A cable message by the police, intercepted by The Herald, said, “on 28/09/20 at about 1800hrs, the North East Regional Police Command ordered the arrest of the Nalerigu Station Officer, Inspr. Felix Gbekle, for the offence of aiding and abetting a criminal offence namely illegal possession of firearm.”

    According to the police, “On 03/08/2020, the Nalerigu Police started investigations on one Adam Musah (accused) for the offence of stealing. In the course of the investigations, an unlicensed 12 Bore SB Automatic gun(pump action) with ID No. Huglu GX-812-18A4277, was retrieved from accused’s place of abode and he was charged accordingly and put before the Nalerigu District Court for possessing firearm without lawful authority and also for stealing which trial is ongoing.”

    It said, “During the trial, the accused sprung a surprise by pulling out a photocopied document dated 17/08/20 purporting same to be his licence to bear same firearm which he claimed to have obtained from the Tesano Divisional Police. Prosecution therefore asked for time to run checks on the said document.”

    However, it explained that, “The checks from the Tesano Police indicated that indeed, the said licence emanated from the said outfit and it was documented on 17 &18/08/2020 for and on behalf of Accused Adam Musah. Further checks revealed that obtaining the said licence was facilitated by the station officer Inspr. Felix Gbekle for the accused whilst the firearm was still in the custody of the Police to consolidate the accused’s defence against the Police/The State so he can free himself from the charges leveled against him.”

    It further added that, “The Inspector took photographs of the firearm whilst it was still an exhibit in police custody, forwarded same to a colleague of his at his former Unit- FPU and pushed for the registration of same for and on behalf of the accused person”.

    “On 28/09/2020, Inspr. Felix Gbekle, was interrogated by the Regional Police Command and he admitted having taken the photographs and forwarded same to his colleague one Amoah, in order to know the name of the weapon. His arrest was subsequently directed and he is presently being detained,” the cable message concluded.

    Source: The Herald

  • Be wary of criminals seeking cover under your name – Kofi Boakye to political parties

    Director-General of Legal and Prosecution of the Ghana Police Service Commissioner of Police(COP) Nathan Kofi Boakye has cautioned political parties about the tendency of criminals to use politics as a shield against prosecution when they commit crimes, noting that politicians should desist from offering protection to these criminals who hide under their identity to commit crimes.

    He noted that political campaign seasons are the most preferred time for criminals to claim to belong to one political party or the other so that they can be shielded when they break the law.

    He gave the advice in a statement during the recent passing out ceremony of police recruits recently in Accra.

    “To our political parties, please be on the alert and know that the preferred season for social misfits, bandits, hooligans, and criminals to run to you has come, so that you can offer them your party and political identity to enable them commit their usual violence in the name of politics. Please, do not insulate them and cocoon them with your party identity,” he stated.

    COP Boakye reiterated the commitment and resolve of the police to fish out and prosecute suspected criminals.

    He advised the new recruits to remain professional and exhibit discipline at all times.

    “Within these months of training, I have no doubt that you have been thought, coached and mentored with all that can make you efficient police officers and you cannot afford to deviate from it.

    The police systems work like the money counting machine, it accepts grooms and maintains you if you are genuine and rejects and casts you off if you are a counterfeit. It would expose you if you allow personal feelings, animosity or friendship and political affiliation to affect your official conduct,” he stated.

    The Police Academy for the first time in history successfully trained and graduated recruits from three cadet officers courses within two and half years.

    Many in-service training courses have also been organised for personnel in the Service.

    In all, 1, 183 recruits would pass out: 352 from Accra; 372 from Pwalugu; 158 from Ho; 188 from Kumasi and 113 from Koforidua.

    Source: My News GH

  • Engagement car burnt beyond recognition at Sefwi Afere

    A Toyota 4-wheel drive has been burnt down by a mob at Sefwi Afere in the Bodi District of the Western North Region.

    The 4X4 car with registration number BA 1633-19 which was intended to be used in an engagement ceremony at Sefwi Antobia in Juaboso District was burnt down by the mob after the driver, identified as Patrick Fuakye knocked down three pedestrians.

    The pedestrians are believed to have been returning home from their farm. Two people, Kwabena Nkuah, 42 and Hamza Adama, 19 died on the spot.

    The driver subsequently reported himself to the Sefwi Juaboso Police and is currently in their custody.

    In protest, commuters along the route in a mob action attacked the car and set it ablaze using the cars electronic connections.

    The two bodies have been deposited at the Juaboso government hospital morgue for further investigations.

    The remaining survivor has been referred to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital Kumasi for treatment.

    Source: myjoyonline

  • Osu: Chinese national found dead in casino after losing money gambling

    Police in Osu are investigating the death of a Chinese national who was found dead, on Friday night, in a room at the Casino Galaxy along the Osu Oxford Street.

    A source close to the Casino said the man allegedly lost all his money to the games he played at the Casino.

    Following this, he allegedly borrowed money from the Management of the Casino to try his luck again but he was unsuccessful, the source said.

    He was later found dead in one of the rooms at the Casino.

    The Police confirmed the death to the media, on Saturday, saying investigations had started but declined to give any information regarding the circumstances.

    Source: GNA

  • COVID-19: JHS 2 and SHS 2 students will be safe – GES assures

    The Ghana Education Service (GES) has assured that second-year (Form 2) students in Junior High and Senior High Schools will be safe when they return to school on Monday, October 5, 2020.

    The return of the students is to enable them to complete their respective third term and second semester of the current academic year.

    The GES in a press release said Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) have been distributed to all schools which have also been fumigated and disinfected against COVID-19.

    “Management of Ghana Education Service (GES) wishes to remind all students, parents, teachers and the general public that Form 2 students in Junior High and Senior High Schools will be returning to school on Monday 5th October 2020. This is to enable them to complete the 3rd term and 2nd semester respectively of the current academic year,” the release said.

    “Management wishes to assure students, parents, teachers and the general public that all the necessary measures have been put in place to ensure their safety while in school.

    “All schools have been fumigated and disinfected. In addition, Personal Protective Equipment (PPES) have been distributed to all schools”.

    Closure of schools

    It will be recalled that all universities, SHSs, basic schools, both private and public, were closed down in March following the outbreak of COVID-19 in the country.

    However, final-year JHS and SHS students were exempted from the directive and were to remain in school and adhere to prescribed social distancing protocols while preparing for their examinations in May and June 2020, respectively.

    On August 30, President Akufo-Addo in his 16th address to the nation on measures taken to control the spread of the Coronavirus disease announced that JHS and SHS in their second year (Form 2) were to resume on October 5, 2020, to complete the 2019/20 academic year.

    The President directed that JHSs would operate with a class sizes of 30 while SHSs would operate with a class sizes of 25.

    He added that the students would be in school for 10 weeks to study and write their end of term examinations.

    President Akufo-Addo further noted that prior to reopening, all schools would be fumigated and disinfected.

    He said as part of measures to control the spread of the Coronavirus, all the students would be given reusable face masks like was done for the final year JHS and SHS students who reported to school earlier in the year.

    JHS two students will also be given one hot meal a day.

    “SHS 2 students in boarding houses are to return to their various dormitories on 5th October, whilst day students, respecting fully the COVID-19 protocols, will commute from home to their respective schools on the same date. Prior to reopening, all Junior and Senior High Schools will be fumigated and disinfected,” President Akufo-Addo said.

    “Just as was done in the case of final year university, JHS and SHS students, all JHS 2 and SHS 2 students, as well as all teaching and non-teaching staff, will be given reusable face masks. Each school will be provided with Veronica Buckets, gallons of liquid soap, rolls of tissue paper, thermometer guns, and 200 milli-litre containers of sanitizers. JHS 2 students will be given one hot meal a day,”.

    Read the entire GES press release below;

    PRESS RELEASE

    RE-OPENING OF SCHOOLS FOR JHS 2 AND SHS 2 STUDENTS

    Management of Ghana Education Service (GES) wishes to remind all students, parents, teachers and the general public that Form 2 students in Junior High and Senior High Schools will be returning to school on Monday 5th October 2020. This is to enable them complete the 3rd term and 2nd semester respectively of the current academic year.

    Management wishes to assure students, parents, teachers and the general public that all the necessary measures have been put in place to ensure their safety while in school.

    All schools have been fumigated and disinfected. In addition, Personal Protective Equipment (PPES) have been distributed to all schools.

    Management urges school authorities, staff and students to acknowledge that Covid-19 is still with us and should therefore strictly adhere to all the guidelines issued to the schools. Management urges parents/guardians and the general public to continue to support, cooperate and collaborate with the educational authorities to ensure Successful academic work in all the schools.

    CASSANDRA TWUM AMPOFO HEAD, PUBLIC RELATIONS UNIT

    Source: Graphic.com.gh

  • Value of mobile money transactions doubles in last twelve months BoG data

    Data from the Bank of Ghana has revealed that the value of mobile money transactions in the country has significantly doubled in the last twelve months.

    According to the latest Summary of Macroeconomic and Financial Data report by the central bank, the total value of transactions increased by 110 percent eight months into 2020 as compared to the same period in 2019.

    The Central Bank however indicated that from January to August 2020, the value of mobile money transactions increased as likened to figures within the same period in 2019.

    Per the figures, the increase can also be witnessed in May 2020, as it rose up from GH¢32.8 billion in April to GH¢41.5 billion in May, representing a staggering 26.5 percent increased.

    The central bank explained that the changeable figures in the first four months of 2020 was fairly influenced by the emergence of the coronavirus pandemic and its associated impact.

    This however can be witnessed in a three percent drop in the value of transactions in April 2020 following the coronavirus induced restrictions and three-week partial lockdown of Accra and Kumasi with many unable to perform cash or electronic transactions.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Chinese found dead at casino in Osu

    A Chinese has allegedly committed suicide Friday dawn at the Casino Galaxy, located behind the Shell Filling station at the Osu Oxford Street in Accra, owned by another Chinese.

    The Ghana News Agency (GNA) gathered that the Chinese spent all his money on game at the casino without winning.

    The GNA was told the deceased allegedly borrowed money from management of the Casino to play again in an attempt to redeem money lost but lost again.

    An eyewitness said management of the Casino, therefore, allegedly locked him up in a room due to his inability to pay the borrowed money.

    The GNA was told the Chinese allegedly later hanged himself in the room.

    Police in Osu confirmed the incident but refused to give details, saying, investigations were ongoing.

    A staff at the Casino Galaxy in an interview with the GNA also confirmed the case but failed to give details.

    Source: GNA

  • Volta Regional Minister must resign – Lawyer

    Nii Kpakpo Samoa Addo, a legal practitioner, has called for the resignation of the Volta Regional Minister, Archibald Letsa, following separatist violence under his jurisdiction.

    “At the minimum, the Volta Regional Minister should have gone because he failed,” Mr. Addo said on The Big Issue.

    “It is on his watch that this activity happened. It is a major security failure,” he insisted further.

    Mr. Addo added that the security apparatus in the Volta Region needed to be held accountable.

    “Anyone connected with the security architecture in the Volta Region has questions to answer because, at the minimum, intelligence should have picked up the fact that something like this was going to happen.”

    The lawyer stressed that the government needed to treat the separatist threat with more gravity.

    “On hindsight, we are realising that these people are not playing… if we are handling them with kids gloves, we need to tighten them.”

    The Volta Regional Minister has had to fend off claims he is the patron of one of the separatist groups, the Homeland Study Group Foundation.

    Dr. Letsa has threatened to sue persons suggesting that he funded activities of the separatist movement.

    The Homeland Study Group has appeared to be the instigators of the most recent separatist violence in the region.

    Ghanaians woke up last week Friday to reports that the Western Togoland secessionist group had blocked some major roads leading into the Volta Region.

    They mounted roadblocks on the JuapongAccra and SogakopeAccra main roads.

    A raid by Western Togoland secessionists on the Aveyime and Mepe police stations led to release of cell inmates and the theft of 10 assault rifles.

    Police officers were also injured in the ensuing confrontations.

    Security personnel also said they foiled a plan by the Group to burn down the Ho Central Market and other key installations.

    But the following Monday, the group attacked the Ho State Transport Corporation yard and set fire to some buses.

    The Homeland Study Group wants a part of the Volta Region to be an autonomous country known as Western Togoland.

    The group has made a number of attempts to push for the secession of the Volta Region from Ghana for the creation of a Western Togoland.

    The group even declared independence for the Western Togoland on May 9, 2019.

    The Western Togoland is a member of the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization (UNPO).

    Source: citinewsroom

  • Secessionists attacks: 5 more arrested for invading Police stations, stealing AK47 rifles

    The police have picked up five more persons who allegedly invaded two police stations in the Volta Region.

    They are; Bright Sosu, Desmond Sosu, Richard Doglo Ametefe, Benjamin Kpelive and Raphael Tettevi.

    The accused, who have no legal representation, have since been charged with three counts of conspiracy, stealing, participation in the campaign of a prohibited organization namely Western Togoland, and causing unlawful damage.

    Their charges were read out and explained to them.

    The court presided over by Mrs Rosemary Baah Torsu however preserved their pleas and remanded to police custody to reappear on October 13.

    Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Sylvester Asare prayed the court to remand the accused pending further investigations.

    Prosecution led by ASP Asare said the accused persons were residents and natives of Apepe, Battor and Volo in the Volta region and they are also members of a prohibited organization namely Western Togoland also in the Volta region

    ASP Asare said on September 25, this year, the accused together with others numbering over 20, armed themselves with offensive weapons such as cutlasses and guns and besieged the Aveyime and Mepe Police stations respectively.

    According to the prosecutor, the accused persons attacked the charge offices of these stations, overpowered a few personnel on duty and thus vandalised property such as police vehicles, computers, office furniture worth GH¢50,000.00.

    Prosecution said they further broke into the armoury of the Police Stations and made away with 10 AK47 rifles.

    The accused fled from the scene on board a police vehicle amidst firing to ward off the community members.

    Prosecution said later, the accused abandoned the police vehicle.

    According to prosecution, on September 29 and 30, this year, the accused persons were arrested based on Police intelligence at Volo, Apepe, and Battor in the Volta Region.

    Prosecution said efforts were underway to arrest more accused persons and accomplices to help retrieve the stolen AK 47 rifles.

    Source: myjoyonline

  • West Mamprusi flooding: Distressed victims cry out over inadequate meals, shelter

    Victims of flooding in the West Mamprusi municipality are still crying out for help from the state after being displaced.

    A day after the government donated GHS100,000 and relief items to floods victims of Thursday torrential rain in parts of the West Mamprusi municipality, the flood victims are yet to receive improved help.

    Speaking to Citi News, some displaced persons complained about hunger as food meant for the victims from the assembly are not forthcoming.

    A victim of the flooding complained about the conditions in the schools being used as havens saying, “for the past three days, we have been finding it difficult to fend for ourselves.”

    “We have only been provided with two classrooms to live in. We are over 300, but because of the limited space, we the men have left the classrooms for the women and children while we hang around outside. The food is not enough, they brought in 77 food packs whereas we are close to 300 in number.”

    “We do not know what to do now, the DCE allowed us to move in here until further notice. The food they provide is not enough, we are forced to hand them over to the children while we strive to survive. They claim they have brought us food, but we are not feeling the impact. We have nothing to survive on, with no helper,” another lamented.

    “The said amount donated to us by the government has not been disbursed yet, the DCE and NPP parliamentary candidate took the money to Walewale but we have not heard from them,” he added.

    Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia cut short his campaign tour of the Greater Accra Region to visit the victims of the devastating floods.

    Upon arrival, he donated GHS 100,000 to food victims.

    Four villages; Gaagbini, Dimia, Tinkaya and Banawa have been the hardest hit in the municipality.

    On Thursday, the villages were submerged in floodwaters following massive torrential rains that forced the banks of three dams to break, allowing the water from the dams to rush onto the villages.

    Acres of farmlands were submerged while some livestock was carried away by the floodwaters.

    It has been confirmed by officials of NADMO that a three-year-old child also died due to the flood.

    Source: citinewsroom

  • Two arrested as NDA impounds stolen government drugs worth Shs250m

    National Drug Authority (NDA) has impounded government drugs worth Ghc250 million from illegal dealers in Kampala.

    Two dealers were as a result arrested Thursday night in Nansana and Kampala during a special operation with police to crack down on unscrupulous and illegal operators in pharmaceuticals not authorized by NDA.

    The Authority said such unscrupulous operators compromise the quality of health services where medicines available on the market fail to treat the stated diseases and conditions resulting in treatment failures result in a rising number of deaths.

    “NDA conducted an overnight operation in Nansana West 2B Zone and in Lusaze, Mapeera Zone. Two suspects have been arrested. Margaret Namutembi of Nansana West 2B Zone and Edith Kunihira of Lusaze, Mapeera Zone. They are being held at Nansana Police Station and Old Kampala Police Station respectively,” the press statement reads in part.

    The NDA said the arrested dealers will be charged on three counts of operating a business of a pharmacist without a license contrary to Section 14 (1) of the National Drug Policy/Policy Act 2002; unlawful possession of government stores contrary to Section 316 of the panel code Act and unlawful possession of classified drugs contrary to section 27(2) of the National Drug Policy/Policy Act 2002.

    “Drugs and other health products you buy from unlicensed operators can expose you to health risks during the fight against COVID-19. Strictly buy drugs from outlets licensed by the National Drug Authority and take medicines as prescribed by a qualified health worker,” further reads the press statement.

    Background

    In February this year, the NDA impounded government drugs worth Shs90 million from private pharmacies and clinics in Bugisu and Sebei sub-regions in the eastern region.

    The drugs were recovered during an operation to crack down on drug outlets that are not complying with licensing requirements and dealing in unregistered medicines.

    The operations, which took place at the weekend, covered six districts of Mbale, Sironko, Bulambuli, Sironko, Kapchorwa, Kween, and Namisindwa.

    Among the impounded drugs included unregistered medicines such as viagra and postinor not meant for the market in Uganda, Kenya, Malawi, and Zambia.

    Source: monitor.co.ug

  • Bayern Munich attempt to seal Hudson-Odoi loan with obligation to buy in 2021

    Bayern Munich are attempting to convince Chelsea to part ways with Callum Hudson-Odoi through an initial loan, although the German champions are willing to include an obligation to buy him in 2021.

    Goal can confirm that talks are a long way from being agreed in principle and Chelsea could block the approach at any time for their 19-year-old winger, who has four years left on his contract.

    Still, the German giants have spotted an opportunity to try and get their long-term target after missing out on him both last summer and in the previous transfer window, 18 months ago.

    Frank Lampard has only used the England international in a bit-part role, leading him to grow frustrated after seeing the club add high-profile signings like Timo Werner, Kai Havertz and Hakim Ziyech.

    Hudson-Odoi hasn’t made a Premier League start since football returned after the coronavirus-enforced lockdown but has had three starts in cup competitions.

    When asked about Hudson-Odoi’s future, along with both Fikayo Tomori and Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Lampard didn’t move to deny the possibility of him leaving the club.

    “With every player in the squad, with the situation of a loan you have to consider what’s best for the player, what’s best for the club first and foremost,” Lampard said in his pre-match press conference.

    “And then see how it stacks up. So with all those three players, I would consider those things. But I haven’t got an answer for you on any of those three.

    “I have a good relationship with them all, speak honestly with them, again that’s one that we’ll broach player by player in the next few days. Once the window shuts every player that will be here will be used within our squad, because it’s a long season and a lot of competitions coming up. And we’ll know more on Monday.”

    Hudson-Odoi remains in contention to start against Crystal Palace, having trained as normal with the squad all week.

    Meanwhile, Antonio Rudiger has lost interest from Roma, who are expected to complete a move for Manchester United’s Chris Smalling.

    However, AC Milan and West Ham are now contenders for the German international, who is talking to various clubs alongside Chelsea as the club attempts to get the best possible deal for the defender.

    Inter have also made contact for Rudiger, just in case Tottenham produce a bid worth accepting for their defender Milan Skriniar.

    Rudiger is also seen as a backup option for Spurs in case they fail in their attempts to land Skriniar, having already had an approach rejected by Juventus for Merih Demiral.

    The 27-year-old defender would welcome a stay in the Premier League and particularly London, but he also has an eye on his Euro 2020 place and sees European football as a key requirement.

    The Hammers are working to convince him to come to east London, while Chelsea may block attempts from Jose Mourinho’s side to sign their defender. Barcelona are also monitoring the situation but have him lower on their list.

    The complicated situation is likely to come to a head late on Sunday night with the transfer deadline on Monday at 5pm.

    Furthermore, Chelsea remain locked in a complex situation deciding which left-back to sell, with Marcos Alonso and Emerson Palmieri both being considered by Inter.

    Both would likely move on loan with an option to buy but Inter first need to sell Dalbert, who is in talks with Rennes.

    Source: goal.com

  • Ghana FA responds to pictures of supposed new Black Stars kit

    Ghana Football Association (GFA) Communications Director, Henry Asante Twum has expressed his displeasure over some images that have leaked online claiming to be pictures of the Black Stars new home and away jerseys.

    News went rife this week that the Black Stars are set to release a new jersey for their forthcoming double header friendly games against Mali and Qatar after plethora of photos of the supposed new shirts emerged on FootyHeadlines website.

    The home jersey is dominated by white colour with black designs while the away jersey predominantly made of the Ghanaian colours of Red, Gold and Green with the Black Star in the chest region.

    Ghanaians however did not hide their displeasure in the supposed chosen colours and design.

    Asante meanwhile has claimed that there is no iota of truth in the report but gave a hint that a new jersey will be unveiled shortly.

    “I am surprised to read comments about the said jersey.”

    “Since 1992 the colours of the national teams has change so why will one say the FA and Puma has change the design and colour of the jersey,” he quizzed on Kumasi-based Alpha Radio.

    “We will unveil the new jersey when the time comes but for now let us treat the circulating design as a hoax.”

    Ghana will play against neighbours Mali and Qatar on 9 and 12 October respectively in Antalya, Turkey.

    Source: Ghana Soccernet

  • Coronavirus: Ghana records 74 new cases, active cases now 503

    74 more cases of Coronavirus have been confirmed in the country, reports the Ghana Health Service (GHS).

    This sends the cumulative case count to 46,768.

    Out of the 46,768 persons who have been infected with the virus, 45,964 have recovered and/or been discharged.

    According to figures available on GHS’s website, active cases have increased from 448 to 503. The death toll, however stands at 301.

    Per the latest update, 4 cases are critical, 2 on ventilator while 14 are severe.

    Cumulative Cases per Region:

    Greater Accra Region – 24,044

    Ashanti Region – 10,974

    Western Region – 2,968

    Eastern Region – 2,412

    Central Region – 1,928

    Bono East Region – 781

    Volta Region – 672

    Western North Region – 638

    Northern Region – 547

    Ahafo Region – 527

    Bono Region – 511

    Upper East Region – 311

    Oti Region – 242

    Upper West Region – 90

    Savannah Region – 62

    North East Region – 19

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com