TIG Post

Author: Chris Kodo

  • Regional breakdown of ECs just ended registration exercise

    Provisional figures as announced today, Wednesday, August 12, 2020, by the Electoral Commission put the total number of persons who registered in the just voter registration exercise at 16,963,306.

    It includes the 30,814 persons registered during the two-day mop-up registration exercise organised over the weekend.

    Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Jean Mensa, said the figure is pending processes of deduplication and adjudication.

    She expects the figure to drop after these processes.

    “The process of deduplication and adjudication, which are currently going will flag multiple registrations in the system,” she said.

    “Additionally, the challenge system put in place during the registration and exhibition exercise will further flag unqualified voters on the register,” Jean Mensa noted further.

    The EC chairperson is confident that the upcoming processes “will contribute to the cleaning of the register and ensure its integrity and credibility ahead of the 2020 election.”

    The Greater Accra Region had the most registered voters with 3,509,805 persons.

    The Ashanti Region followed with 3,013,856 persons, Eastern Region with 1,628,108 persons and the Central Region with 1,566,061 persons.

    The commission last week announced that there were close to 800,000 persons “quarantined” on multiple registrations and exceptions list.

    It has put in place an Adjudication Committee to manually determine cases of duplicated voter registrations.

    Below is the regional breakdown of voters registered by the Electoral Commission:

    S/NREGIONNO. OF VOTERS
    1.GREATER ACCRA3,509,805
    2.ASHANTI3,013,856
    3.EASTERN1,628,180
    4.CENTRAL1,566,061
    5.WESTERN1,185,315
    6.NORTHERN1,047,539
    7.VOLTA929,322
    8.UPPER EAST653,730
    9.BONO648,408
    10.BONO EAST592,015
    11.UPPER WEST470,271
    12.WESTERN NORTH465,444
    13.OTI353,492
    14.AHAFO315,827
    15.SAVANNAH295,648
    16.NORTH EAST288,393

    Source: citinewsroom

  • 2020 Elections: Greater Accra region leads with the most registered voters

    The Electoral Commission (EC) says the Greater Accra Region had the most registered voters in the just ended voters registration.

    The EC says the region recorded 3,590,805 persons out of the 16.9 million people who registered across the country.

    According to the Commission, the Ashanti Region followed with 3,013,856 persons while the Eastern Region recorded 1,628,108 persons and the Central Region recording 1,566,061 persons.

    Addressing journalists at the Let the Citizens Know’ series on Wednesday, August 12, EC Chairperson, Jean Mensa said it has in total registered 16,963,306 persons in 38 days at the end of the exercise.

    “At the end of the 36-day, exercise 16,932,492 persons had registered as voters. At the end of the mop-up exercise, 30,814 persons successfully registered as part of the 2020 voters registration exercise. The total number of registered voters at the end of the exercise stands at 16,963,306,” she stated.

    For first time voters who are classified above 18 years old, the EC said it has registered 762,944 persons. This figure, according to the Commission represents 4.5% of the total voter roll.

    “To go a little deeper, 612,104 19 year-olds also registered as voters. In a nutshell, the total number of 18 and 19-year olds’ who had registered at the end of the exercise amount to 1,375,048. This figure represents 8.1 percent of the total register,” Jean Mensa explained.

    The compilation of a new voters register by the Electoral Commission (EC) commenced on June 30, 2020, and ended on August 6, 2020, across all districts in the country.

    Although the EC projected registering 15 million eligible voters, the latest figures show the electoral body has surpassed its projections.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Election 2020: Ignore prophets of election results – Rev Frimpong Manso

    President of the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council, Rev Prof Paul Frimpong Manso has hit out at Men of God who make prophecies about election results.

    Describing them as fake and false prophets, Rev Frimpong Manso admonished Mahama and Prof Jane Naana to ignore such persons since they only seek to prey on them and use them as milking cows.

    “There has been a practice of people prophesying about elections. I want to say in no uncertain terms that these things are wrong, false and fake, and we should not bank our hopes on them.

    “God has given the power to choose the leader through elections, campaigns, through the ballot box. If it will be through prophecies, there will not be the need for elections and campaigns and ballot boxes. Dear politicians these people can exploit you, they can create confusion and they will make things wrong,” he noted.

    Typical of an election year, prophecies from different quarters have begun making declarations of candidates and parties that will win the elections ahead of the polls.

    But the Pentecostal and Charismatic Council President is adamant these practices are uncalled for and should be disregarded since they only promote confusion.

    He was addressing leadership of the National Democratic Congress(NDC) led by flag-bearer John Dramani Mahama after the ex-president paid a courtesy call on members of the Christian Council of Ghana and church leaders at the Assemblies of God Church to formally introduce Prof Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang to them.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Vigilantism, electoral violence can plague 2020 polls – Catholic Bishops warn

    Political party vigilantism and electoral violence described by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference as the “twin evils” threatens to plague the 2020 elections in December despite the enactment of legislation and the signing of inter-party code of conduct and road map to peace ahead of the polls, the Bishops have warned.

    To ensure free, fair and transparent elections, the Bishops are pleading with Ghanaians to strive against vigilantism and violence.

    It is recalled that in the just ended voter registration exercise, there were recorded incidence of violence at some registration centres.

    At Awutu Senya East constituency in the central region for example, the Member of Parliament Hawa Koomson fired a gun at a registration centre after a melee leading to the burning of motor bikes and disrupting the process.

    At Banda Ahenkro in the Bono Region, a graduate teacher was killed during a confrontation at a registration centre.

    Apart from these, pockets of violence were recorded across the country.

    These occurred despite an agreement between the two leading political parties the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) to disband political vigilante groups.

    Both parties are signatories to the Code of Conduct and Roadmap to ending political vigilantism developed by a technical committee following a series of dialogues organised by the National Peace Council.

    It is on the back of this that the Catholic Bishops said vigilantism needs to be exorcised to ensure a violent free election.

    In a pastoral letter titled: “Politics for nation building and social cohesion in Ghana”, the Bishops said: “These twin evils have again reared their ugly heads at recent elections and shockingly in the course of the voter registration exercise. If not duly exorcised from our body politic, these threaten to plague the 2020 elections, in spite of the enactment of legislations and the endorsement and signing of an inter-party code of conduct and road map to peace.”

    Source: Class FM

  • Juapong residents block road over killing of businessman

    Some youth of Juapong blocked the main road on Wednesday, August 12, 2020, after the killing of a businessman in the area by suspected robbers.

    The incident happened on Tuesday, August 11, 2020, at about 11 pm while the deceased and his wife were returning home from work.

    About three men reportedly accosted the two and shot the man after a short confrontation at a suburb called Deeper Life.

    Eyewitnesses say the police delayed in responding to distress calls after the incident which angered the youth and caused them to mount roadblocks and burn car tyres in protest.

    Citi News understands that police from the Juapong Police Command arrived at the scene and calm has been restored.

    A brother of the deceased in narrating the incident said, “I was in the room and I heard a call from one of my tenants that my brother has been shot down there so I asked what happened. The wife told me that they were going home around 11 pm and they saw a gentleman coming out from a dark corner on the way and before they realized, he was about to attack so she called her husband that armed robbers.”

    “So the husband told them that if it is money they want, here is it. They should take it, but they said we are not after money so when he started to run away, someone had shot him from the back.”

    Another resident of the area also said, “We got the information this dawn at 1 am that one Samuel Nyamado popularly known as Sonny has been gunned down when he closed from the shop and was going home. He has a provision shop just across the street where the incident happened and what brought out the riots was that they say thing happened around 10 pm to 11 pm but until the youth block the way, the police has not been there but right now the calm has returned to the place because the police Commander and some police are there now.

    Source: citinewsroom

  • National Election Task Force urged to constantly engage political parties ahead of 2020 polls

    The Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) has called on the National Election Security Task Force to constantly engage political parties ahead of the upcoming polls.

    In its third report on the biometric voter registration exercise by the Electoral Commission (EC), CODEO said constantly engaging the stakeholders will bolster confidence in the December 7 elections.

    “Towards the conduct of the general elections, CODEO calls on the National Election Security Task Force to constantly engage all key stakeholders including the political parties on security arrangements for the December polls to bolster stakeholder confidence and trust in election security,” the Coalition said in its six-point recommendation.

    The Coalition also condemned acts of intimidation, harassment and use of violence at some polling station during the exercise.

    “CODEO calls on the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Ghana Police Service working with the Attorney General (AG) to act expeditiously to complete all investigations including the violent incidents in Banda which resulted in the death of one young man, as well as the incident in Awutu Senya East in the Central Region and in Dormaa West in the Bono region. Persons found culpable in various criminal breaches of the law should be prosecuted and sanctioned in accordance with the laws of Ghana,” the Coalition said.

    It said police must share updates of these investigations with the Ghanaian public to foster confidence in the security agencies and also server as a deterrent against future incidents of this nature. Failure to enforce the rule of law will erode confidence in the security agencies and the rule of law.

    The nationwide voters registration exercise officially end on Thursday, August 6, 2020 followed by a mop-up on Saturday, August 8 and Sunday, August 9.

    Although the Commission had a target of registering 15 million applicants, provisional figures indicate that the target has been exceeded and the figures would likely hit 16.5 million.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • NPP: Defeated candidate urges support for winning candidates

    Prof Tina Abrefa-Gyan an aspirant at the just ended New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary primaries for Wenchi Constituency has on behalf of other defeated candidates pledged their unflinching support for the winning candidates across the country.

    She said losing an election should not discourage you from working hard to support the winning candidates.

    Speaking to the media at Berekum on Sunday she appealed to her teeming supporters and sympathizers to rally behind the winning candidate for Wenchi Prof George Gyan Baffour and all other parliamentary candidates in Ghana.

    The Bono Regional Secretariat led by Chairman Kwame Baffoe Abronye on Sunday held a meeting to reconcile attempted aspirants and the parliamentary candidates for the various Constituencies in the region ahead of the 2020 elections.

    The meeting was to foster unity among failed aspirants and the parliamentary candidates where they have signed the code of conduct and a roadmap to ensure hard work and unity going into the elections.

    Present at the meeting were the Bono regional minister Hon Evelyn Ama Kumi Richardson, Municipal and District Chief Executives, Members of Parliaments, Regional party executives, Constituency Chairmen among party sympathizers.

    Prof Tina Abrefa-Gyan added that President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo needs more Parliamentarians to pursue his agenda of transforming Ghana.

    Source: Eric Obeng Boateng , Contributor

  • Mathias Hospital suspends services to Kojo Boffour residents over attack on staff

    Management of the St Mathias Catholic Hospital in Yeji in the Pru East District of the Bono East region has suspended services to residents of Kojo Boffour, a suburb of Yeji.

    The hospital says it has with immediate effect suspended non-emergency and mortuary services to the Kojo Boffour township.

    The decision by management comes after some residents from the area stormed the hospital and forcefully removed the remains of a person suspected to have died of COVID-19 from the morgue on Friday, August 7, 2020.

    The angry residents also attacked some staff of the hospital who have been left traumatised by the attack.

    A management member of the hospital, Revered Father Kojo Adjei Boadu who confirmed the news to Ghanaweb revealed that they have taken the decision to crack down on lawless that has often been meted out to the staff of the hospital.

    He revealed that residents of Kojo Boffour have become noted for such attacks and called for stiffer punishment to be meted out to the perpetrators to deter such occurrences in future.

    “Going forward, the Kojo Boffour community located in Yeji in the Pru East District will not be receiving services from the Mathias Hospital. These services are non-emergency services and mortuary services. This has come about because of an incident that took place on Friday.

    “There was an issue concerning a body that was brought in here dead. We actually spoke to the family to allow the due process on COVID-19 to be followed but they insisted that they wanted the body. All of a sudden, the youth came around 4:00 pm, beat the security man, and took the body away”.

    The St Mathias Catholic Hospital renders services to residents in the Atebubu-Amantin Municipal, Pru West District, Pru East District and Savannah Region.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Year of Roads: Work on Atebubu town roads stalls as contractor abandons work

    Work on the Atebubu town roads in the Atebubu-Amantin Municipality of the Bono East region has stalled with the contractor, not on site.

    The 3.0 kilometres rehabilitation works awarded to Messrs Mukwano Golden, was started in March 2020 and is expected to be completed within 12 months.

    A visit to the project by Ghanaweb revealed that even though the contractor has started the construction of the drainage system, no construction work was on-going at the time of the visit.

    Checks by Ghanaweb revealed that the contractor left the site about three months ago after starting preparation of the existing base course layer and starting the construction of the drainage system.

    Some residents told Ghanaweb that they are surprised the contractor is not on the site because the project is a priority project for the government and the people of Atebubu.

    They revealed that they want the contractor back on site as a matter of urgency as the people of Atebubu have been yearning for the completion of the roads which will make movement easy for residents in the town.

    “The Atebubu town roads are something we have been wishing for years and we were glad when it captured in the budget under the year of roads but sadly the road is not progressing as expected. The contractor started preparatory and some construction works but he is nowhere to be found now. We are there appealing to the government to intervene for the contractor to return to the site for the timely completion of projects.”

    Efforts to contact the contractor, Messrs Mukwano Golden, at the time of filing this report were unsuccessful.

    Meanwhile, a policy review document in the 2020 mid-year fiscal policy review by the Ministry of Finance captures the road at the mobilization with a percentage of 27 per cent.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Suspected goat thief lynched in Tamale

    A suspected goat thief has been lynched in the  outskirts of Tamale, in the Northern Region.

    The deceased was suspected to have stolen a goat in Nyohini in the Tamale Metropolis.

    The Northern Regional Crime Officer, Superintendent Kwabena Acheampong Otuo disclosed this to the Ghanaian Times in Tamale yesterday.

    He said the incident happened on Sunday afternoon at the Savanna Agriculture Research Institute (SARI) road.

    Supt Otuo said the body of the deceased has been deposited at the mortuary of the Tamale Teaching Hospital for autopsy.

    He said the deceased has not yet been identified, and urged the public to come forward and identify the deceased and also assist with relevant information that could lead to the arrest of the culprits.

    The regional crime officer condemned the lynching of suspected persons, and said that it was wrong for people to take the law into their own hands by meting instance justice to suspects.

    Source: Ghanaian Times

  • Allied health trainees to picket sanitation ministry

    The Coalition of Allied Health Trainees are expected to return to the premises of the Ministry of Sanitation today, Wednesday, August 12, 2020, in protest over failed promises by the government to settle unpaid allowances that have been in arrears for close to three years.

    Last week, final-year students of the Ghana School of Hygiene after boycotting their exit examinations took to the streets in demand of payments from authorities.

    The government afterward engaged the leadership of the group with an assurance that the payments will be made.

    But the Coalition of Allied Health Trainees is accusing the ministry of finance of failing to meet the payment schedule.

    President of the group Raymond Anokye told Class News the students feel hoodwinked and have resolved to return to the sanitation ministry until their demands are met.

    Source: Class FM

  • Ghanas coronavirus active cases drop significantly GHS

    The number of COVID-19 active cases in Ghana has dropped significantly, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) has announced.

    According to the GHS, Ghana currently has 2,134 active cases from a total of 41,404 infections recorded nationwide with 192 new cases recorded.

    The total number of recoveries/discharges stands at 39,055 with the death toll still at 215.

    Six persons however are in critical condition, 20 remain severe while four have been put on ventilators.

    “A total of 192 new cases were reported on August 8, 2020. These are samples that were taken from the period 29 July to 7 August 2020… but reported from the lab on August 8,” the GHS noted.

    Source: 3 News

  • Government steps up efforts to rid Accra drains of solid wastes

    The Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources (MSWR) has intensified its efforts to ensure that drains in the national capital, Accra, are rid of plastics and other solid waste to facilitate flow of water.

    Speaking to a cross-section of journalists yesterday after an assessment tour of some of the major drains in Accra, the Minister of MSWR, Mrs Cecilia Abena Dapaah, explained that the exercise was to help rid the Accra drains of plastics and allow for easy flow of water.

    “…we are doing sanitation or cleaning everyday but some issues like blocking the drains become a bigger issue for residents, hence the presence of Zoomlion and the military to assess the situation. So we came here [Kawukudi in Accra] to assess the situation and make sure the drains are rid of these plastics,” she explained.

    Clean Accra Project

    The exercise, under the Clean Accra Project, is a collaboration between the MSWR, Zoomlion Ghana Limited, the municipal assemblies, and a team of military personnel.

    The exercise took the minister to Kawukudi in the Ayawaso East Municipal and also the Ayawaso North Municipal—all in the Greater Accra Region.

    According to her, if the drains were not rid of solid waste (plastics), access of easy flow of water would be difficult, which will become breeding grounds for mosquitoes and other vector transmitting agents.

    She went on to add that the exercise was also aimed at preventing cholera and the outbreak of other diseases.

    “So we want to prevent cholera, malaria and other diseases that might break out and at the same time sensitise the residents to clean their environment because it is their primary responsibility,” she said.

    Minister lashes out recalcitrant

    Mrs Dapaah lashed out at residents who had cultivated that habit of gathering waste from their homes and dumping them into the drains, describing such citizens as “irresponsible.”

    She warned against dumping refuse into the drains to ensure that they are “neater, clearer.

    She said, refraining from throwing garbage into the drains, would see the assemblies send tricycles round to collect refuse in the various municipalities.

    To this end, Madam Dapaah indicated that her outfit endorses the Environmental Service Providers Agency (ESPA) Ghana policy of “One House One Bin, urging ESPA to continue with the programme.

    “We endorse the ESPA policy 110% of One House One Bin,” she averred.

    When asked about her assessment of the effectiveness of the district assemblies in the Clean Accra Project, she said though the work was not easy, they needed to be applauded.

    However, she stressed that aside from sensitising and persuading residents to be mindful of their environs, “the clearest and easiest way was for all of us to get a bin.”

    She also applauded the role of the media in ensuring that the capital city was always clean.

    Source: Richard Asante, Contributor

  • Government increased supply of trained teachers to basic schools Opoku Prempeh

    Minister of Education Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh has indicated that as part of government measures to improve on the quality of basic education in the country, the number of trained teachers supplied to the schools have been increased.

    The percentage of trained teachers, he added, has also been improved to 88 per cent at the Primary level.

    He further said that since the current government took office in January 2017, it has employed a total of 66,357 teaching and non-teaching staff in the pre-tertiary sector as of the end of 2019.

    Touting the achievements of the Akufo-Addo administration in the educational sector on Tuesday, August 11, Dr Opoku Prempeh said: “To improve the quality of education, we have had to increase the supply of trained teachers to our basic schools.

    “Within the period, the pupil to trained teacher ratio has improved to 1:37 at the Kindergarten level and 1:33 at the Primary level in 2019. The percentage of trained teachers has also improved to 88 percent at the Primary level,” he noted.

    He added: “Further, financial clearance has been obtained to recruit an additional 27,367 teaching and non-staff, comprising 16,500 newly qualified teachers, 6,500 graduate teachers, 3,232 replacement staff and 1,135 non-teaching staff.

    “This brings the total to a staggering 93, 724 employed by the end of this year for pre-tertiary. At the tertiary level, we have since 2017 recruited a total of 6,176 staff,” he added.

    Regarding the Free Senior High School programme, he said: “To date, over 1.2 million students have benefited from the Free SHS programme, which has expanded access to secondary education and enabled an extra 400,000 students to enroll in Senior High School.”

    “…we recognize that access alone is not adequate in guaranteeing the quality of education we desire. For this reason, government is committed to ensuring quality and relevant education that will produce confident, skilled and global citizens who are ready and able to compete with their counterparts anywhere in the world.”

    Source: 3 News

  • Work from home: Should data costs replace transport allowances?

    The raging novel Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is changing the way the world works and employers will have to reexamine how they remunerate employees.

    Transport allowance could just be one of the victims of any readjustments in the remuneration packages of workers on the back of a new norm orchestrated by Covid-19.

    In its place could be data allowances, an emerging cost item that employees are having to deal with in other to make the ‘work from home’ craze a reality.

    Transport headache

    Until the emergence of the virus, transporting workers to and from work was one of the top headaches facing employers.

    With increased urbanisation and population growth making it difficult for most workers to reside closer to their work places, getting to work on time and in a good state of mind has been one of the priorities of top-rated employers, if not all those who employ.

    It is such that transport has become a central part of the remuneration packages of employer-employee discussions.

    While some companies resort to transporting their workers to and from work, others prioritise the allocation of fuels to staff with vehicles.

    Similarly, other companies give money under what is generally called transport allowances to staff to cushion them against the hustles of transporting themselves to and from work while other companies combine these three packages under special arrangements and terms.

    Whatever the arrangement, the central objective has always been to aid the worker’s movement to and from the office to help improve delivery and health.

    Covid-19 normal

    But since the outbreak of the novel Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the world has been adjusting to a new normal that promises to permanently impact how people work and the remuneration they get for those works.

    One of them is virtual work. Given the contagious nature of the virus, health experts and authorities advocate that people reduce physical interactions and encourage staying indoors.

    In place of indoors is virtual interaction. Buoyed by the increasing wonders of the Internet and the millions of innovations it is encouraging, people are able to interact with family, friends, colleagues and loved ones while apart as well as execute tasks that they would have ordinarily have been asked to be present while executing.

    As a result, most companies have been promoting virtual work, a craze that is now taking over in organisations and sectors where physical presence is not a necessity to delivery and productivity.

    Thus, in place of transporting oneself to the office or work location, most workers now have the luxury of staying in their homes and still delivering to the satisfaction of their employers.

    This arrangement has loosely been described as working from home and it is fast becoming the smarter way to beat a pandemic whose rage weakens when people associate less.

    Internet costs

    The ‘work from home’ craze has been boosted by the surge in social media applications that make it easier for people to stay connected while miles apart.

    These platforms allow workers to participate in meetings, share and sign off documents and virtually do everything that does not require physical presence to execute.

    Although a good and an innovative way to beat the impact of the pandemic on production, this arrangement requires that employees are equipped with the right tools to be able to deliver.

    Key among those are computers, tablets, mobile phones and Internet sources.

    Thus, in place of transport costs, people who work from homes will have to fund their data costs (in the case of those supplied with office laptops and other electronic devices).

    The commercial nature of the usage means that the costs will represent a credible drain on the salaries of the workers.

    What to do

    One beneficiary of the ‘work from home’ arrangement is Mr Kofi Boadi, a communications consultant who has been working from home since March. He told the Graphic Business that although his transport expenses were consolidated into his salary and data costs were never a headache to him, he now feels that less emphasis should be placed on the former in favour of the latter.

    “Because, I use quite a good chunk of data, about 20 gigabytes (GB), at least for official work.”

    “The average data on one Zoom meeting is about one GB.

    “So if I have 20 meetings in a month, that cost should be borne by the employer,” he said.

    He added that he was aware of colleagues who complained that their data costs had gone up after they were asked to work from home.

    “One used to buy 40GB every month at about GHS100 cedis.”

    “He said he has had to buy data twice in a month now because of the many online meetings,” he added.

    Renegotiations

    Thus, as the intricacies from the pandemic unfold, the human resource management divisions of companies will have to start re-examining the remuneration packages for employees.

    For firms can take up all or part of the data costs of their employees in addition to existing remunerations on transport, that will be super good news.

    However, for those that cannot, recalibrating the package to include or replace transport expenses with data costs will be a must.

    This is necessary not just for the psychological feeling that my employer is paying for my data usage but to ensure that employees do not use lack of data as basis to stay off meetings, delay on delivering tasks or submitting reports, among other bad work ethics.

     

    Source: Graphic.com.gh 

  • 7 more arrested in Nkrankwanta NPP, NDC clash

    The police in the Bono Region have arrested seven more people suspected to have links with last Saturday’s clash between some supporters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) at Nkrankwanta that resulted in the death of one person and injuries to two people.

    The seven were arrested on Monday, August 10, 2020.

    This brings to 10, the total number of suspects arrested and currently police custody in connection with the clash.

    They have all been transported to Sunyani, the Bono Regional capital for processing for court.

    The incident happened at Nkrankwanta in the Dormaa West District following a disagreement between the two groups.

     

    The police are still investigating the cause of the incident and the kind of gun which was fired and killed one person.

    3 earlier arrests

    Graphic Online’s correspondent in the Bono Region, Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah reported that the three persons earlier arrested have been identified as Ali Musah, 33, Ibrahim Acquah, 33 and Amos Aning, 38.

    One person died in the clash while two other persons were injured.

     

    The deceased, Kofi Larbeth, 36, was pronounced dead at the Dormaa-Ahenkro Presbyterian Hospital, while the two injured persons, Kwame Gutan, 33 and Gabriel Elliasu, 45, are responding to treatment at the Dormaa West District District Hospital at Nkrankwanta.

    The police said the incident happened at about 500 metres away from the EC’s district office.

    The Bono Regional Police Public Relations Officer, Chief Inspector Augustine Kingsley Oppong told Graphic Online in an interview that the three sustained gunshots and machete wounds during the clash which occurred at about 5.35 pm.

    According to him, a Mitsubishi pick up vehicle and a motorbike were set ablaze while a Toyota Tundra vehicle was also damaged.

    Chief Inspector Oppong said calm has since returned to the area.

     

    Source: graphic.com.gh 

  • Prof Opoku-Agyemang meets Accra chiefs

    The National Democratic Congress (NDC) running mate, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, has paid a visit to the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs in Dodowa to officially introduce herself to the traditional rulers in the region.

    Professor Opoku-Agyemang thanked the chiefs for the leadership in their communities, assuring them that, “our MPs and Parliamentary Candidates will continue to engage in a politics of ideas, promote national unity and development.”

    She also emphasized that it is time for all Ghanaians to put the country first.

    The NDC running mate also expressed appreciation to the chiefs for their wise counsel and asked for their guidance and prayers throughout the campaign.

    The President of the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs, Nii Okwei Kinka Dowuona VI, thanked the NDC running mate for making time to visit and expressed the willingness of the House to partner the NDC administration for development.

    “May God and our ancestors bless you for recognizing the need to see your landlords. Our collective desire is to see a prosperous nation. Ghana must win”, he said.

    Professor Opoku-Agyemang also paid a courtesy call on the Shai-Osudoku Traditional Council where she called for continuous partnership between the NDC and the Council, and also introduced NDC parliamentary candidate, Linda Akweley Ocloo, to the chiefs and people.

    In a brief remark, the Chief of Dodowa, Nene Tei Kwesi Agyemang V said the NDC has always been concerned about the plight of his people, noting that “the District assembly, hospitals, roads, streetlights have always been the handiwork of the NDC”.

     

    Source: citinewsroom 

  • Director-General of Police Welfare installed Queen Mother by Yagbonwura

    The overlord of the Gonja Traditional Area, Yagbonwura Tuntumba Boressa I has conferred a chieftaincy title on the Director-General of Police Welfare COP Maame Yaa Tiwaa Addo-Danquah.

    COP Maame Yaa Tiwaa who has oversight responsibility of the Savannah Region, was recognized by the King for constantly keeping touch with the area to ensure that policing was done professionally in line with the vision of the Inspector General of Police Mr James Oppong-Boanuh.

    The Yagbonwura revealed that by the conferment, she has become a native of the area and should see Gonjaland as her second home, while urging her to continue to support the area in the maintenance of peace.

    “COP Maame Yaa Tiwaa was at this palace and we conferred on her a chieftaincy title which implies she is now one of us. We implore here to continue to support the maintenance of law and order in Gonjaland”, Linguist of the Yagbonwura revealed during a courtesy call by the IGP.

    COP Maame Yaa Tiwaa now a Queen Mother at Aflao

    It would be recalled that earlier this year, a chieftaincy title was conferred on her by the chiefs and people of Aflao in the Volta Region, according to the Paramount Chief of Aflao, Fiator Hukportie VIII at the Perez Dome in Accra on Sunday January 26, 2020.

    Her stool name shall be Ngoorgbeyiyi Fia Mamaga Adzakpa I.

    The Paramount Chief who is a serving officer, revealed that it is in recognition of her contributions to the Aflao Traditional Area, commending her for her selfless efforts in promoting the area.

    Explaining the rationale behind the chieftaincy title of the immediate past Director General of the Police Criminal Investigation Department (CID), he noted among other things her magnanimity and generosity to humanity.

    “She is a Precious Jewelry to the chiefs and people of Aflao and we appreciate her contributions by making her not only a member of the family but a royal to the Chiefs and People of Aflao”, he told a cheering crowd at the Perez Dome officiated by Presiding Bishop Charles Agyinasare.

     

    Source: My News GH

  • Murdered Sogakope Assemblyman: Police grab alleged ring leader after 5 months manhunt

    The leader of the gang who fired the second shot during the robbery and murder of Marcus Maputo Adzahli, the Assemblyman at Sogakope in the Volta Region five months ago has been arrested

    This brings the number of people arrested in connection with the murder of the Asemblyman to seven.

    Richard Adikyere, 23, a mason and the leader of the gang; Stephen Adzibolo also known as (aka) Tseko, 29, mechanic; Emmanuel Hedzro, 25, motor rider; Kofi Zotorvi, Christian Zotorvi, 30, farmer; Micheal Sam, 29 and Obed Agornu, 21, are in the custody of the police.

    Three weapons, one pump action gun and two locally manufactured guns have been retrieved from the suspects by the police.

    The Director-General of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Commissioner of Police (COP) Isaac Ken Yeboah gave the update at a press conference in Accra yesterday, stating that the crime was not a contract killing but robbery and murder.

    He said on July 5, 2020, at about 1:00am, five armed men robbed a house at Old Ningo and made away with a number of items, including two motorcycles.

    The Director-General said one of the motorcycles had a tracker which facilitated the location and identification of it when it was being offered for sale by one of the suspect Richard Adikyere.

    COP Yeboah said Adikyere confessed during interrogation of his involvement in robbery and murder of the Assemblyman in March 1, 2020.

    “He mentioned the names of his accomplices and the role each played in the crime,” COP Yeboah stated.

    He said Adikyere was the leader of the gang and delivered the second shot to gun down the deceased with a pump action gun.

    The Director-General said Adzibolo gave the first shot to the chest of the deceased when the Mawutor tried to struggle with him.

    “Adzibolo also shot through the window to hit the baby with pellets lodged in the head,” he added

    COP Yeboah said Hedzro who was not at the scene hatched the plan to rob the deceased for money, adding that he informed Adikyere to recruit men for the operation and later showed the suspects the house of the assemblyman.

    The Director-General stated that Zotorvi who was not present at the crime scene arranged and brought two weapons for the operation, whilst Christian Zotorvi was tasked to keep two weapons before and after the operation.

    He said Sam who took part in the operation was recruited by Adzibolo from Ashaiman for the operation

    COP Yeboah said Agornu was also recruited by Adzibolo from Ashiaman and he took part with a locally manufactured pistol at the scene.

    Giving an update on the incident at Kafaba near Salaga in the Savannah Region where a 90-year old woman, Akua Denteh was lynched, COP Yeboah said seven persons, including a fetish priestess and her deputy, have been arrested and have since been put before court and the case adjourned to August 20, 2020

     

    Source: Ghanaian Times

  • Mahama wants clemency for pastor jailed for flouting coronavirus rules

    Former President and Leader of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr John Dramani Mahama, has called on President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to grant clemency to a pastor and his two followers jailed for four years for flouting the ban on public gatherings.

    Mr. Mahama says the four-year prison sentence handed down to the pastor, Apostle Sampson Agakpe and two others is draconian and an act of selective justice.

    “We must all abide by the law, that is true, but we should not engage in selective justice, where you apply the law heavily on church workers who flout the law. Yet, during primaries, people were seen flouting the law with impunity and nothing happened to them”, he said.

    The NDC flagbearer, who was speaking during an interaction with Christian leaders in the Northern regional capital Tamale, during his recent visit, observed that the imposition of the COVID-19 restrictions was necessary to help fight the surge in infections and keep the country safe.

    Some of the decisions and outcomes arising out of the imposition of the restrictions, he noted, has not been pleasant.

    “We are all equal before the law. It should not be possible for political parties to flout a law and get away with it, yet when a church flouts the law, the punishment is heavy and draconian.

    We have our Christian colleagues, a pastor and some church workers languishing in jail. They were sentenced to jail for four years. That is a very draconian punishment”, Mr. Mahama said.

    Apostle Sampson Agakpe, founder of the Church of Pure Christ in the Volta Region, was arrested, charged and jailed for four years together with his Assistant Pastor, Maxwell Dzogoedzikpe and the church secretary, Samuel Agakpe.

    Former President Mahama also spoke about the poor education and awareness among the citizenry, recounting an incident in Damango. “In Damango, they ambushed me on the road, a huge crowd of people and nobody was social distancing, and many were not wearing masks. When I drew their attention to the protocols, one of them shouted back that Corona will not infect them.”

     

    Source: Starr FM

  • Police cautions against explosion at La Beach

    The Ghana Police Service has cautioned against explosions at the La Beach in Accra.

    According to a statement dated August 10, 2020, and signed by head of Public Affairs , DSP Efia Tengey, the caution has become necessary following an explosion which caused injuries to four children who were playing along the La Beach on August 5.

    All four children have so far been treated and discharged, according to the statement.

    “The Accra Regional Police Command is advising the general public especially parents, community leaders, local folks among others, to be wary of strange objects they chance upon and immediately draw the attention of the Police for the appropriate response.

    “This has become necessary following an explosion which caused injuries to four children who were playing along the La Beach on 5/08/2020. All four children have so far been treated and discharged.

    “Further to this parents are advised not to leave children without the needed parental guide especially now that they are home. Similarly. The children should be discouraged from handling unfamiliar objects.

    “The Police should be notified of strange objects in your vicinity by calling police emergency numbers 191, 18555 or 112,” the statement stated.

     

    Source: 3 News

  • Real Estate Authority Bill goes through Second Reading

    The motion for the second reading for Real Estate Authority Bill, 2020, was moved on Monday, in Parliament by Mr Samuel Atta Akyea, Minister for Water Resources, Works and Housing.

    It is to be followed by consideration to establish legislation to sanitise the real estate industry and ensure that standards are met.

    When passed into an act, the Real Estate Authority Bill 2020 will regulate real estate agency practice, the conduct of real estate practitioners, commercial transactions in real estate including the sale, purchase, rental, and leasing of real estate, as well as other real estate transactions.

    It will also establish the Real Estate Agency Council to license real estate brokers, issue real estate transfer certificates, and monitor the performance of the brokers.

    A memorandum of the bill underscored the need to regulate real estate agency services to rid the industry of fraud, laundering of illegal income, and tax evasion to minimise the effect of these vices on the national economy and the international image of the country.

    The law would require a real estate broker to submit within three months after the end of each calendar year to the Council a report covering the real estate transactions undertaken by the real estate broker and the agents of that broker in the previous year.

    A person who fails to submit annual reports to the Council or fails to conspicuously display the license issued per the law would be liable to pay to the Council an administrative penalty of 1,000 penalty units.

    Contributions from both sides stressed the need for such legislation to make it criminal for property owners to take deposits for properties that are not ready and conduit for money laundering.

    When he moved for the second reading, the Minister urged the House to deplore its energies to have the bill passed.

    Mr Governs Kwame Agbodza, MP for Adaklu, was hopeful that the Real Estate Authority Bill, would cover the entire country rather than being applied to urban areas.

    “I hope this law will not become only Accra and Kumasi law,” Mr Agbodza said.

    The proposed legislation was first introduced in 2014, when the then Government presented the Real Estate Regulatory Bill to regulate the industry, but the law did not see the light of day at the time.

    The current bill is, however, expected to be passed before the House rises by the end of this week, to ensure he needed sanity in the estate agency sector of the economy.

    Second reading is the first opportunity for MPs to debate the main principles of the Bill.

    It usually takes place no sooner than two weekends after the first reading.

    The minister, spokesperson, or MP responsible for the Bill opens the second reading debate.

    The official Opposition spokesperson responds with their views on the Bill.

    The debate continues with other Opposition parties and backbench MPs giving their opinions.

    At the end of the debate, the Commons decides whether the Bill should be given its second reading by voting, meaning it can proceed to the next stage.

    A Bill can have a second reading with no debate – as long as MPs agree to its progress.

     

    Source: GNA

  • Two jailed 24 years for robbery at Ejura

    A Circuit Court in Nsuta has sentenced two robbers to 24 years imprisonment for robbing a student of his Tecno Phanthom 9 mobile phone at gun-point at Ejura in the Ashanti Region.

    According to the fact sheet of the case, the victim, Gyasi Mensah Stephen, a resident of Brigade, a suburb of Ejura was returning home from Kumasi on July 2, 2020 at 11 pm.

    Upon reaching, Brigade near a bridge, the suspects, Benjamin Konadu and Mansuru Zakari attacked the victim with a jackknife and robbed him of the phone valued at GHC1500 which contained two iTunes scratch cards valued at $1,600 equivalent GHC9,000.

    He said, Benjamin Konadu who was holding the jackknife ordered the victim to unlock the phone and demanded for the password on the phone.

    On July 5, 2020, the accused persons swapped the Tecno Phantom phone with another suspect named Amakye Frimpong who is a mobile phone dealer where the latter added GHC270.00 together with two Samsung phones valued at GHC150 per each phone to Benjamin Konadu and Mansuru Zakari and took the Tecno Phantom phone.

    ASP. Kyei Sarpong added that on 2nd August, the victim reported the matter to the police where the suspect was arrested. Exhibit Tecno phone retrieved from the third suspect was malfunctioning and could not find the iTunes cards on the phone.

    All three suspects admitted the offences in their respective investigation caution statements given to the police.

    According to suspect Benjamin Konadu, he threw the jackknife away in a nearby bush where he together with Mansuru Zakari led the police and victim to the scene and showed the police where he allegedly dropped the jackknife.

    A search was conducted at the scene but could not find the knife. After investigations, all three suspects were charged with conspiracy to commit robbery and robbery.

     

    Source: Kasapa FM

  • Be wary of strange objects Police safety alert

    The Ghana Police Service is warning the general public to be wary of strange objects they chance upon and immediately draw the attention of the police for appropriate response.

    The public safety alert has become necessary following an explosion which caused injuries to four children who were playing along the La Beach on 5 August 2020.

    All four children according to the Police have been treated and discharged.

    The Police, however, in a statement is advising parents not to leave children without the needed parental guide especially now that they are home due to COVID-19.

    The Police also urged parents to discourage their children from handling unfamiliar objects.

    The peace officers said the public should notify them when they come across any strange objects by calling 191, 18555 or 112.

     

    Source: Class FM

  • WASSCE: Bright SHS proprietor charged amid calls to shutdown school

    Owner of Bright Senior High School (SHS) at Akyem Kukurantumi in the Eastern Region is set to be arraigned before a court following the disturbances that erupted in the school during the ongoing West Africa School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

    Mr. Bright Amponsah has been charged with abetment of crime to wit assault, assault, and causing damage, police in the Eastern Region has said.

    His crime led to the assault of some officials of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and a journalist. He is said to have incited the students against them.

    The Proprietor, who was arrested and subsequently granted bail together with four other teachers of the school on Monday, August 10, 2020, reported at the Koforidua Divisional Command to further assist with investigations.

    The Koforidua Divisional Commander, Chief Superintendent Kofi Adzie Tuadzra, who led the initial operation told Citi News the proprietor will soon be arraigned.

    “We picked up the proprietor and we began our investigation into the allegations that he mobilized students to assault WAEC officials. The case was left with the Tafo District Headquarters. They have carried out investigations and today the parties were brought here to know the way forward and by this weekend, we will know whether they will be taken to court.”

    “We are still doing investigations. As and when we find out that there is enough evidence to support the charges against them, we will know whether we will take them to court. But when we are done, we will definitely go to court”, he noted.

    While students of the school have been given a different examination centre, security has been beefed up at all centres to prevent any eventuality.

    Akyem Abuakwa Chiefs want Bright SHS closed down

    In a related development, pressure is already mounting on the Ghana Education Service and other stakeholders to close down the school.

    The Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council, which is leading the charge said in a statement through the state secretary Daniel Marfo Ofori Atta also called for the arrest and prosecution of the proprietor.

    Read the full statement below:

    DEMAND FOR THE CLOSURE OF BRIGHT SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

    It is the well-considered opinion of the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council to hold up to its responsibility in relation to the affairs of the Bright Senior High School situated at Kukurantumi in the Abuakwa North District of the Eastern Region. Particular emphasis is the conduct over the past decade of the proprietor of the school, a certain Bright Amponsah.

    This statement is provoked by the incident of examination fraud of grave significance in direct relation to the assault of Mr. Gyan Mensah and Damolie Emmanuel Pacome, an official of the West African Examination Council and a reporter or the Daily Graphic respectively in their lawful duties to insist on fair conduct of WASSCE examination.

    The assault was instigated and ordered under the misdirection of Bright Amponsah, the proprietor of the rogue Bright Senior High School which for over a decade has been engaged in ultra-commercial and profiteering aims which runs against the established interest of the educational policy and integrity of the public examination.

    The above is not an isolated incident; it confirms several reports of corrupt and exploitative motives of Bright Senior High School.

    Of more importance to this matter and of illustrative and evidential significance is his bribery of certain officers of the West African Examination Council over the past decade.

    This situation is proven by the honesty of Mr. Gyan Mensah who decided not to bow to the filthy temple of indecency and corruption.

    The Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council takes this matter seriously.

    I am directed to express publicly that the results of the exam from the rogue Bright SHS are falsified.

    It has become evident that 90% of graduands of the Bright SHS drop out of public universities in their first year due to their lack of ability to meet the intellectual and academic demands of tertiary institutions.

    The Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council is most concerned with the fact of the abuse and degradation of its young mind and regrettably is unable to tolerate this situation.

    The Council finds the liberal attitude of public authorities on this matter as a radical deviation from a responsible attitude in terms of enforcement of the public policy.

    Also to the above, it has been noted that Bright SHS in terms of admission process and curriculum is in violation of all the protocols and regulatory measures of the Ghana Education Service. This point is proven without a doubt.

    The Council directs its decision in relation as stated above to live up to its customary responsibility to defend the interest of the youth and ensure integrity in public life.

    Further are reports of sexual abuse, which for the sake of lack of evidence I am not directed to relate.

    Finally, I am instructed by the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council and on the august permission of His Majesty Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin on the following measures divorced from any compromise:

    The closure of the Bright Senior High School with immediate effect.

    The arrest of Bright Amponsah, the proprietor of Bright Senior High School, and his immediate prosecution.

    On humanitarian grounds and fatherly consideration, the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council will assist in the rehabilitation of affected students; this is in consideration of their immediate and best interest.

    Further, a thorough investigation of the operations of Bright SHS over the last decade with particular concern with its dealings with certain officers of the West African Examination Council WAEC

    Also, to be emphasized and insisted, comprehensive auditing of the academic and social situation of Bright SHS by the GES and the police.

    D.M. OFORI-ATTA, STATE SECRETARY

     

    Source: Daily Mail

  • Four children injured in explosion at La Beach

    There is general fear and anxiety in Labadi, a suburb of Accra after n explosion in the area left four children wounded.

    The Ghana Police Service in a statement released this week they are investigating the circumstances that led to the explosion.

    While the Police failed to state what caused the explosion, there is suspicion among some residents of La Beach that the incident was occasioned by a grenade explosion.

    The residents have thus asked the Police to do a thorough check in the neighborhood to avert any future explosion.

    Meanwhile, the Police statement added that the victims of the explosion have since been treated and discharged.

    The incident occurred at the La Beach on Wednesday, August 5, sparking fear and panic among residents in the area.

     

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Coronavirus pandemic has presented numerous opportunities – Akufo-Addo

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on Monday noted that the Coronavirus pandemic has presented numerous opportunities that can be nurtured to build a stronger, self-reliant and resilient Ghanaian economy.

    He pointed out that the pandemic was a wakeup call for economies to push for self-reliance, as the raging disease had created dysfunction across the world and exposed the weakness of the global supply chain.

    “The COVID pandemic has demonstrated that when you are over-reliant on global supply chains when something like that happens you are truly exposed,” he said, adding that Ghana must learn from and work hard to wean itself off that situation.

    The President was speaking at a ceremony to officially present cash prices to winners of the third season of the Presidential Pitch programme at the Jubilee House, Accra.

    The winners, numbering 20, were given a total of One Million Ghana Cedis to support their start-ups and small businesses.

    The Presidential Pitch programme, an initiative of the Business Development Ministry, is a competition of business concepts where young persons between the ages of 18 and 35 years, vie for government support by presenting innovative, impactful, scalable and viable business ideas and plans.

    The 20 young entrepreneurs were shortlisted from the 100 entries received across the country.

    Noting the negative economic impact that the Coronavirus pandemic had exerted on the world economy, President Akufo-Addo said withstanding those shocks called for the aggressive promotion of innovative and viable economic entities to propel the country out of the long term effects of the disease.

    He cited the example where many countries were thrown out of businesses when China closed its borders due to the pandemic, stressing the need for Ghanaian businesses to ensure that the country does not rely on the global supply chain for survival to forestall any hurt to the economy from such pandemic.

    “We cannot afford to let that happen again. We have now to do things for ourselves and therefore, you who are driving new ideas become that much more important and significant for us,“ he told the young entrepreneurs at the gathering.

    “We are witnesses of how the COVID has impacted negatively on businesses, on economies, not just on our continent but across the entire globe… but some say we just not have to come out of it, but when we come out of it, it is going to be the stage for you.

    “It is the quality of the ideas, your drive and dynamism that is going to determine the world after COVID,” he added.

    President Akufo-Addo was upbeat that the development of viable entrepreneurship among the youth was the panacea to mitigating the economic impact of the pandemic and creating a self-reliant and resilient economy post-COVID-19.

    He urged young entrepreneurs to play a pivotal role in the recovery of the economy post-COVID-19 and to take advantage of the opportunities offered them by the pandemic to become global players.

    “I want you to see yourselves first as Ghanaian entrepreneurs but apart from being Ghanaian entrepreneurs, there is a huge world out there which you must also do your best to conquer…so, you should see yourselves both as Ghanaian entrepreneurs and as global entrepreneurs.

    “And that is why you have been selected as the Presidential pitch winners because you have new ideas and the whole principle should be innovation, innovation, innovation,“ he said.

    Dr Ibrahim Awal, the Business Development minister was full of praise for the Presidents commitment to the development of entrepreneurship in the country.

    He disclosed the initiative (Presidential Pitch Programme) had captured the interest of some countries, who were keen to replicate it in their nations.

    The minister was optimistic that due to government’s proficient approach to handling the pandemic, the country’s economy would bounce back after the episode.

    He called on young entrepreneurs make their innovative ideas count in the collective effort to build a better Ghana.

    Mr Douglas Akoglo, a 26-year-old entrepreneur from Bongo in the Upper East Region, whose pitch on the conversion of shea butter waste into coal, shampoo and anti-dandruff products, won him the first prize received a cash prize of GH¢70,000 and an additional personal cash reward of GH¢30,000 from the President.

    He would also undertake a fully funded work-study programme outside Ghana.

    The second prize winner, Theophilus Dumenyo, presented a business plan for the production of eco-friendly mosquito repellant.

    He was given Ghc60,000.

    The third prize went to Cornelius Nyobator whose business idea on the production of organic pesticide won him Ghc50,000 The rest of the winners received between GH¢30,000 and GH¢45,000 each.

    They would also have the opportunity to be attached to reputable Ghanaian businesses on a work-study programme.

    All the winners were to receive free mentorship, coaching, and business advisory services over the next three years.

    In the first two seasons of the competition, 20 young entrepreneurs were also awarded cash prizes.

     

    Source: GNA

  • Lordina Mahama mourns with Gambaga ‘Witches’ Camp

    Former First Lady, Lordina Dramani Mahama, has eulogized Mama Poakudugu Bukari of the Gambaga ‘Witches’ Camp’ who passed away at the age of 91, last week.

    The late Mama Poakudugu Bukari, was said to be the oldest woman in the camp, and had served as a mother figure to the needs of everybody in the camp.

    Mrs. Mahama, on hearing of her passing, took to her Facebook page with a picture of the lady, and wrote “I have been informed this morning of the passing of one of my mothers in the Gambaga ‘Witches’ Camp. She was the oldest in the camp, and was that motherly figure everybody needs in the camp. Rest in Peace Mama Poakudugu Bukari. She was 91”.

    The ex-First Lady, has been very supportive of the Camp through the Lordina Foundation, a humanitarian organization, she funds.

    Her last support to the camp was in April this year, when the Foundation, presented food and other essential items to the women in the Gambaga Witches Camp for their upkeep.

    The April donation, also had Lordina Foundation, going to the aid of some six orphanages, it has over the years adopted, with some food and other essential items for their upkeep.

    The six, included the Osu Children’s Home, Frank May Children’s Home in Techiman and the Tamale Children’s Home, all received quantity of items.

    The items donated to the home,s include bags of rice, cooking oil, drinks, Milo, Milk products, cerelac, biscuits, diapers, toilets rolls, kitchen paper towels, bottled water and sanitizers. The other beneficiary homes were; the Christ Faith Foster Home, Bethesda Children’s Home in Techiman and the Anfaani Children’s Home.

    The Lordina Foundation, founded by the former First Lady, has in addition to its focus on supporting the needy, especially women and children, also adopted the six orphanages and the Gambaga witches camp, which it has consistently supported over the years.

    Board Chairman of the Foundation, Rev. Stephen Wengam, in April disclosed that the support was to assist the homes manage the COVID19 pandemic and also celebrate Easter.

     

    Source: the Herald 

  • ‘Cashing in on COVID’: Ridge hospital workers cash in on PPE amid coronavirus

    An Anas Aremeyaw Anas and BBC Africa Eye undercover investigation have revealed that some staff in Ghana’s hospitals have been selling vital personal protective equipment (PPE) for personal profit.

    “More than 2,000 medical workers in Ghana have been infected by coronavirus,” Anas said in the documentary.

    Ghana has faced a severe lack of PPEs such as visors, face masks and bodysuits.

    The undercover investigation shows how some medical workers are profiteering at the expense of their colleagues who are being exposed to danger.

    Thomas Osei and Divine Kumodzi, two staff of the Greater of Accra Regional Hospital (Ridge Hospital), were caught selling (PPEs) which were meant for the frontline workers.

    The two staff of the hospital were seen diverting the PPEs for their private again.

    Africa Eye investigators successfully negotiated and sold a PPE purchasing deal worth $450 with Thomas Osei within the offices of Ridge Hospital but he denies the allegation, saying the items were his personal property.

    Divine Kumodzi, on the other hand, made a fortune from selling PPEs which was made by the hospital itself. Ridge hospital produces some PPEs to augment the ones received from the government and other institutions and persons.

    Watch below the full documentary

     

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Police foil 2 highway robberies on Buipe-Tamale road; 3 suspects arrested

    Police in the Savannah Region on Sunday night arrested three suspected highway robbers who attempted to rob passengers on board a bus at Nyanguripe, near Fufulso on the Buipe-Tamale highway.

    The suspects, Bukari Dilemma, Yakubu Sanjo and Dauda Musah, said to be part of a gang of highway robbers stopped the bus and ordered the passengers to lie-down on the road.

     

    Upon seeing the police approaching the spot they fled into the bush.

    But the police in collaboration with some youth at Fufulso in the Central Gonja District traced and arrested the three suspects in the bush.

    The police also retrieved from the scene one spent and one live BB cartridges used by the robbers as well as an unregistered motorbike used by the robbers for the operation.

     

    The Savannah Regional Police Commander, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP), Mr Enoch Adutwum Bediako told Graphic Online that on August 9, 2020 at about 9pm the Police at the Fufulso barrier had information that armed men had attacked communities at Nyanguripe near Fufulso on the Buipe-Tamale highway.

    He said personnel on duty at the Fufulso barrier rushed to the scene and met the commuters on board a bus who had been forced to lie-down on the road by the armed robbers.

    DCOP, Mr Bediako said on seeing the police approaching the robbers fled into the bush but on the same night around 9.45pm the police in collaboration with some youth of Fufulso traced and arrested Bukari Dilemma, Yakubu Sanjo and Dauda Musah.

    In a related development, the police in the Savannah region on the same day, August 9, 2020 at about 4pm foiled another armed robbery attempt on passengers on board another bus at Mile 40 near Fufulso on the Buipe – Tamale highway.

    DCOP Mr Bediako said the robbers fled into the bush when the police approached them.

    He said they fired at the police as they fled, adding that the police also returned fire but the robbers who were armed with AK 47 assault rifles managed to escape.

    Source: graphic.com.gh 

  • Kotoka International Airport is ‘not for sale’ – Ghana Airports

    The Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) has reiterated its earlier explanation that the Kotoka International Airport is “not for sale or being privatised” as alleged by former President John Dramani Mahama.

    Rather, the Ghana Airports Company Limited says “an unsolicited proposal has been received from a Turkish Consortium which is yet to be considered. It is rather unfortunate that certain figures from the proposal are being used to peddle untruths,” the GACL said in a statement in reaction a claim made by former President John Dramani Mahama in a television interview with Woezor.

    Mr Mahama during the television interview at the weekend argued that giving 66 percent shares of the Kotoka Airport to a private firm was wrong.

    He said the National Democratic Congress (NDC) was against attempts by the government to hand over 66 percent shares of the Airport to TAM-SUMMA Consortium, a Turkish company.

    According to him, such moves by the government were wrong and must be stopped.

    The former President said while the NDC administration was in power, its valuation report showed that the airport was valued at about GH¢5 billion and so it is strange that the government intends to cede 66 percent of its control of the airport to the private company in exchange for $70 million.

    “When we were in office, a valuation study of the Kotoka Airport was done and it was valued at over GH¢ 5 billion. It also had an insured value in the region of GH¢3 to GH¢4 billion because a lot of money had been invested in the airport and it had become one of the five best airports in Africa.”

    “[Now we are seeing] a strange development where a Turkish company is being given the airport; to take over the airport and run it. For $70 million we are giving 66 percent of the airport to a Turkish company. We are against it. It is wrong,” John Mahama said.

    Airport company’s response

    But reacting the Ghana Airport Company Limited said the claim by the former President was not true.

    It assured the “general public that Kotoka International Airport is NOT FOR SALE. The vision of making Ghana the Preferred Aviation Hub and leader in Airport Business in West Africa remains a priority.”

    It said the claim by Mr Mahama that an investment of $600 million was made at Kotoka is “incorrect.”

    “The amount may be in reference to funding of projects in all airports including $130 million Runway project at Tamale Airport and $25 million new airport in Ho.”

    It also said the claim that the GACL has been unable to service the syndicated loan facility is “untrue.” “To dare, GACL has met its repayment obligations under the loan facility,” the statement said.

    Below is a copy of the full reaction by the GACL 

    Kotoka Airport Not for Sale by The Independent Ghana on Scribd


    Source: graphic.com.gh

  • 209 new COVID-19 cases push Ghanas case count to 41,212

    The latest update by the Ghana Health Service (GHS) shows that 209 new cases have been recorded, pushing the total coronavirus toll in the country to 41,212.

    The active cases are 2,270 with the discharges/recoveries count pegged at 38,727.

    The death toll, however, still stands at 215.

    According to the Service, these new figures are from samples that were taken from July 28 to August 6, 2020 but reported from the lab on August 7.

    25,084 of the total number of cases were discovered after enhanced contact tracing exercises. 16,128 was through general routine surveillance.

    The Greater Accra Region still leads with 20,585 cases, with the Ashanti Region following with a total of 10,328 cases and the Western Region clocking third with 2,804 cases.

    The case count per each region is as follows:

    Greater Accra Region 20,585

    Ashanti Region 10,328

    Western Region 2,804

    Eastern Region 1,933

    Central Region 1,721

    Bono East Region 684

    Volta Region 623

    Western North Region 568

    Northern Region 454

    Bono Region 439

    Ahafo Region 428

    Upper East Region 282

    Oti Region 204

    Upper West Region 88

    Savannah Region 62

    North East Region 9

     

    Source: citinewsroom 

  • Government will ensure a strong fishery sector Fisheries Minister

    Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture development Elizabeth Afoloey Quaye has noted that no government in the Fourth Republic has shown enough commitment to the fisheries sector than the Akufo-Addo administration.

    She said this while distributing outboard motors to fishing communities in the Greater Accra Region over the weekend.

    She said the fisheries sector plays an important role in the Ghanaian economy, hence the decision by the government to support the fisher folk with the outboard motors.

    Ms Afoloey Quaye, who is also the Member of Parliament for Krowor Constituency, assured the fishermen that the present government will continue to address their needs in order to further boost their trade.

    “Since the Fourth Republic, outboard motors have not been this heavily subsidized.

    “This shows how committed we are to developing the fishing sector,” she told TV3 in an interview after distributing the motors.

     

    Source: 3 News

  • Invest in ICT driven service delivery platforms SEC to Fund Managers

    Rev. Daniel Ogbarmey Tetteh, Director General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), has urged Fund Managers to invest more in ICT driven service delivery platforms.

    Speaking as the guest speaker at the 2020 GIMPA Law School Webinar Conference, Rev Ogbarmey Tetteh, noted that the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic has ushered the world into a new normal which requires that the Fund Managers rely heavily on ICT to conduct their businesses.

    “In the case of assets under management, there seems to a balance between withdrawals and new investments. What is clear is the need for investment in ICT driven service delivery platforms.

    “As someone has said, the new normal means that work is no longer a place you go but what you do. We expect our licensees to invest more in ICT and also take note of the potential threat of cyber risk. We expect our licensees to rely on ICT to ensure adequate disclosure and engagements with the investing public,” he said.

    He added: “As a Commission, we recently issued guidelines on holding virtual annual general meetings for the guidance of listed companies and market intermediaries and we expect that the firms would retain the option of using virtual platforms in addition to the traditional in-person meetings beyond the Covid-19 era.

    “We have also given direction to the market to do electronic submissions to the Commission. Without doubt, this period also calls for all to interrogate their business and operating models in order to stay relevant,” he said.

     

    Source: Laud Business

  • A/R: Two small-scale miners trapped to death at Mpatuam

    Two small scale miners have been confirmed dead after a mining pit caved in and trapped them at a site at Mpatuam in the Amansie West District.

    Osei Kwame 54, and Vincent Yaw Asiedu 34, with two colleagues, were prospecting for gold in the pit when the incident happened on Thursday evening.

    Rescuers were able to retrieve the bodies on Friday and Saturday.

    The two others who were also trapped managed to escape and have since been admitted at a hospital.

    Mr Anthony Amankwaa, the assembly member for the area, told the Ghana News Agency that the affected individuals were part of a group engaged in small-scale community mining at the site.

    He said the four were trapped in an uncovered pit left by some earlier miners.

    Another source from the community, however, told the GNA that the four were engaged in illegal mining (galamsey), and had used sand as a fence to block the course of a river, which passed through the area.

    He said after some time the sand could not contain the flow of the river and it caved in and trapped them to death.

    The Nkawie Police Command has, however, confirmed the incident, saying investigations were underway to ascertain the facts.

    Meanwhile, the bodies of the deceased have been deposited at the Community Hospital at Afari for autopsy.

     

    Source: GNA

  • Okyenhene demands closure of Bright SHS, proprietor arrested

    Akeyem Abuakwa Traditional Council has written to the Minister of Education, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, demanding the immediate closure of Bright Senior High School located at Kukurantumi.

    The school was the scene of violent attacks on invigilators and a journalist during the West Africa Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

    The attack was allegedly instigated and ordered by Bright Amponsah, proprietor, who is said to have gotten furious because the invigilators, all staff of the Ghana Education Service, were being too strict on the WASSCE candidates.

    According to a statement issued under the hand of D.M. Ofori-Atta, the Secretary to Okyenhene, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin, the violent incident confirms several reports of corrupt and exploitative activities of Bright Senior High School.

    “Of more importance to this matter and of illustrative and evidential significance is his bribery of certain officers of the West African Examination Council over the past decade,” the statement said.

    Mr Ofori-Atta said in the statement that the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council, backed by the permission of His Majesty Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin, wants the Ministry of Education and allied agencies to take the following measures without compromise:

    – The closure of the Bright Senior High School with immediate effect.

    -The arrest of Bright Amponsah, the proprietor of Bright Senior High School and his immediate prosecution.

    – On humanitarian grounds and fatherly consideration, the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council will assist in the rehabilitation of affected students; this is in consideration of their immediate and best interest.

    – A thorough investigation of the operations of Bright SHS over the last decade with particular concern with its dealings with certain officers of the West African Examination Council WAEC.

    PUBLIC STATEMENT

    For immediate release

    DEMAND FOR THE CLOSURE OF BRIGHT SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

    10th August, 2020

    It is the well-considered opinion of the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council to hold up to its responsibility in relation to the affairs of the Bright Senior High School situated at Kukurantumi in the Abuakwa North District of the Eastern Region. Particular emphasis is the conduct over the past decade of the proprietor of the school, a certain Bright Amponsah.

    This statement is provoked by the incident of examination fraud of grave significance in direct relation to the assault of Mr. Gyan Mensah and Damolie Emmanuel Pacome, an official of the West African Examination Council and a reporter or the Daily Graphic respectively in their lawful duties to insist on a fair conduct of WASSCE examination.

    The assault was instigated and ordered under the misdirection of Bright Amponsah, the proprietor of the rogue Bright Senior High School which for over a decade has been engaged in ultra-commercial and profiteering aims which runs against the established interest of the educational policy and integrity of public examination.

    The above is not an isolated incident; it confirms several reports of corrupt and exploitative motive of Bright Senior High School.

    Of more importance to this matter and of illustrative and evidential significance is his bribery of certain officers of the West African Examination Council over the past decade.

    This situation is proven by the honesty of Mr. Gyan Mensah who decided not bow to the filthy temple of indecency and corruption.

    The Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council takes this matter seriously.

    I am directed to express publicly that the exams results from the rogue Bright SHS are falsified.

    It has become evident that 90% of graduands of the Bright SHS drop out of public universities in their first year due to their lack of ability to meet the intellectual and academic demands of tertiary institutions.

    The Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council is most concerned with the fact of the abuse and degradation of its young mind, and regrettably is unable to tolerate this situation.

    The Council finds the liberal attitude of public authorities on this matter as radical deviation from responsible attitude in terms of enforcement of public policy.

    Also to the above, it has been noted that Bright SHS in terms of admission process and curriculum is in violation of all the protocols and regulatory measures of the Ghana Education Service. This point is proven without doubt.

    The Council directs its decision in relation as stated above to live up to its customary responsibility to defend the interest of the youth and ensure integrity in public life.

    Further are reports of sexual abuse, which for the sake of lack of evidence I am not directed to relate.

    Finally, I am instructed by the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council and on the august permission of His Majesty Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin on the following measures divorced from any compromise:

    -The closure of the Bright Senior High School with immediate effect.

    -The arrest of Bright Amponsah, the proprietor of Bright Senior High School and his immediate prosecution.

    – On humanitarian grounds and fatherly consideration, the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council will assist in the rehabilitation of affected students; this is in consideration of their immediate and best interest.

    Further, a thorough investigation of the operations of Bright SHS over the last decade with particular concern with its dealings with certain officers of the West African Examination Council WAEC.

    Also, to be emphasized and insisted, a comprehensive auditing of the academic and social situation of Bright SHS by the GES and the police.

    ……………………. D.M. OFORI-ATTA STATE SECRETARY

    THE HON. MINISTER FOR EDUCATION MINISTRIES ACCRA CC: The Director General. Ghana Education Service.

    The Director General West African Examinations Council

    Eastern Regional Police Commander Koforidua

     

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Lets step up education on morality – Philanthropist

    Mr Humphrey Ellis Agbeehia, a philanthropist, has underlined the need for the nation to work on its morals as a keystone to nursing responsible future leaders.

    He said keeping the arch of society and the morals it holds high together in the country was gradually fading and called for concerted approaches though advocacy and mentoring to reverse the trend.

    Mr Agbeehia was commenting on the recent riots and disturbances by some students of Senior High Schools after donating five sets of musical organs to the four Senior High Schools in the South Dayi District and one in the Kpando Municipal of the Volta region.

    The beneficiary schools included; Peki Senior High School, Peki Senior High Technical School, Tongor Senior High Technical School, Kpeve Senior High School and Kpando Senior High School.

    He said “there is something wrong with our moral fibre” as youth who were supposed to learn at the feet of the older generation in submissiveness, were behaving in total disrespect to them.

    Mr Agbeehia condemned the act and called on the relevant authorities to rise up and address the situation to safeguard the future of the country for accelerated socio-economic development.

    He said it was worrying that students at that level, who would soon take charge of the administration of the country as its future leaders could conduct themselves in such an inhumane and absolutely unlawful manner without regard to their conscience.

    He urged stakeholders to be worried about the defiance displayed by the students and begin to figure out remedies to curb the situation from escalating beyond this level.

     

    Source: GNA

  • 40-year-old man lynched in Nyankpala in the Northern Region

    A 40-year-old man has been lynched in Nyankpala in the Northern Region for stealing goats and sheep.

    On the spot investigations by the police revealed that the deceased, Fatawu Alhassan and two others were caught stealing some goats and sheep. The two accomplices managed to escape while the deceased was caught in the process, attacked and killed by unknown persons.

    The Police added that an Opel Astra with registration number GE 8663-Y in close proximity to the scene suffered some damages in the process of the lynching.

    The incident is said to have been reported to the police by the head of security of the Savanna Agriculture Research Institute.

    The body of the deceased has since been photographed and deposited at the Tamale Teaching Hospital.

     

    Source: myjoyonline 

  • Akufo-Addo’s directive to GES to allow dismissed students write WASSCE good – Educationist

    Educationist and psychologist Mr. Samuel Richard Ziggah says the directive by President Akufo-Addo to the Ghana Education Service (GES) to allow the dismissed 14 students write their exams is a step in the right direction.

    GES last week issued a statement dismissing 14 students following recent acts of indiscipline and vandalism recorded in the ongoing West African Senior High School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

    The students were also barred from writing their remaining exams organized by the West African Examination Council (WAEC).

    GES in its statement said the punishment was to “serve as a deterrent and to ensure that life and property are protected in schools”.

    But Mr. Ziggah in his view said the punishment was done in a rush and did not correspond with what the students did.

    He, has, therefore, commended the president for the directive he gave.

    Speaking on Frontline on Rainbow Radio 87.5Fm, Mr. Ziggah added the directive was not shocking because if it had not come, Ghanaians would have demanded for more answers.

    Meanwhile, he has alleged the students misbehaved because they were promised that they would be given the questions and even if they should fail, they would be passed.

    To him, authorities should have probed further before sanctioning the students.

    He said it was below the belt for the students to insult the president but they did what they did based on examples set by politicians who engage in insults in the media.

    He advised politicians to desist from engaging in politics of insults so they set good examples for our children.

    He has also asked for the GES to employ the services of counselors to counsel the students over the incident.

     

    Source: rainbownradioonline.com

  • Nigerias COVID-19 cases rise to 46,577

    Nigeria has reported 437 new cases of the novel coronavirus, according to local health authorities, bringing the total number of infections to 46,577.

    The death toll in the country reached 945 as three more fatalities were recorded over the past 24 hours, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) said in its latest daily update.

    It said that as many as 33,186 patients have been discharged from hospitals.

    With more than 15,800 infections, commercial capital Lagos remains the area hardest hit by the virus in the country.

    It is followed by the Federal Capital Territory, which includes the capital Abuja, where nearly 4,500 cases have been confirmed to date, and the southwestern Oyo state with over 2,800 cases.

    Nigeria is strengthening disease surveillance to help stop the spread of COVID-19. In Lagos, the World Health Organization (WHO) is supporting the health authorities by mobilizing surveillance teams to help investigate and trace patients with symptoms in health facilities, the WHO said last week.

    Since first appearing in Wuhan, China last December, the novel coronavirus has spread to at least 188 countries and regions.

    The pandemic has killed more than 731,453 people worldwide, with nearly 19.87 million confirmed cases and over 12.12 million recoveries, according to figures compiled by the US-based Johns Hopkins University.

    Source: www.aa.com.tr

  • Students involved in Ndewura Jakpa SHTS destruction to be surcharged MCE

    Students of the Ndewura Jakpa Senior High Technical School in the West Gonja Municipal Assembly of the Savannah Region who participated in the destruction of school properties during a protest are to pay for the damages caused.

    The students demonstrated last Wednesday evening against school authorities because of the strict social distancing and invigilation procedure implemented in the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

    In the process, some students damaged the new six-unit school block which was built to help end the double-track system for the school.

    The West Gonja Municipal Chief Executive, Saeed Muhazu Gibril said the rampaging students will be duly punished after an internal investigation is completed.

    He also added that the students found culpable will be made known to the Ghana Education Service for further action to be taken against them.

    “Those who are going to be found culpable for their involvement in the demonstration and destruction of government property are going to be surcharged. Apart from that, when we finish our investigation, we will forward the names to the GES headquarters for further action to be taken against these students. We are not mincing words on this because the extent of damage they did to school property, you cannot ask the central government to come and do the renovation,” he said.

    The rampaging students first destroyed the lightening system and plunged the whole school into darkness last Wednesday.

    Parts of the ceiling of a new six-unit classroom block that was handed over to the school to end double-track system were also removed.

    It took the intervention of the police to stop the students from causing further destruction in the school.

     

    Source: citinewsroom 

  • Street lighting levy rakes in GH¢273m in two years

    The 3% levy charged all consumers of electricity for street lighting has generated GH¢273.9million of revenue to government in 2018 and 2019, Energy Minister John Peter Amewu said when he appeared before Parliament to answer questions from members last Thursday.

    “In summary, a total amount of GH¢273,876,832 was collected by ECG, VRA and NEDCO for the intended purpose as indicated in the Energy Sector Levies (Amendment) Act, 2017, (Act 946) for 2018 and 2019,” Energy Minister John Peter Amewu said when he appeared before Parliament to answer questions from members last Thursday.

    Out of that amount, the minister noted GH¢134,266,116 was collected in 2018, and GH¢139,610,716 collected the following year.

    Meanwhile, in his account he also indicated that out of the total amount only GH¢64.5million has been utilised by the Ministry of Energy for payment of energy consumed by traffic, streets, and public lights, as well as the investment and maintenance of same as required by the Energy Sector Levies (Amendment) Act, 2017, (Act 946).

    In accordance with the first schedule of the Energy Sector Levies (Amendment) Act, 2017 (Act 946), which relates to Public Lighting Levy, 3 percent per price of kWh of electricity shall be charged on all categories of consumers to support payment of energy consumed by traffic lights, street lights, public lights on highways, to support investment and maintenance of traffic lights, street lights, public lights on highways by Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies.

    The levies shall be collected by the Electricity Company of Ghana, NEDCO, VRA and other suppliers of electricity, and shall be paid to the ministry responsible for Power and Electricity Distribution Companies.

    Going by the account of the minister on utilisation of the funds, the Minority has since demanded that the Energy Minister accounts for the remaining funds that were transferred to his ministry but were not used which is in excess of GH¢20million.

    This comes at a time when communities in the country have complained about the lack of street lights, a situation which they say leads to accidents and some criminal activities in the areas.

    Recently, residents of some parts of Awoshie, a surburb of Accra, have had to demonstrate by blocking roads due to faulty traffic lights in the area. According to these residents, the traffic lights have been non-functional for months causing motor accidents which have led to the death of some of their members.

     

    Source: thebftonline.com

  • 102,361 applicants benefit from GH¢1bn stimulus package

    The National Board for Small Scale Industries (NBSSI) says 102,361 applicants have benefited from the GH¢1 billion stimulus package.

    According to the Executive Director of the NBSSI Kosi Yankey-Ayeh, more applicants will also benefit from the package.

    The government in April this year announced it would roll out a GH¢600 million stimulus packaged targeted at Small and Medium Scale Enterprises.

    The partner banks are supporting the fund with additional GH¢400 million, bringing the total amount targeted at small businesses to GH¢1 billion.

    The facility is being managed by the National Board for Small Scale Industries (NBSSI) and has KPMG as its technical partner.

    According to NBSSI, beneficiaries of the facility would pay an interest of three percent.

    Speaking about the disbursed loans, the Executive Director stated that the funds were disbursed using two models; the Adom Loan Scheme and the Anidasuwuo loan scheme.

    The Adom Loan Scheme went out to micro-segment businesses whereas the Anidasuwuo loan scheme went out to those needing more than GH¢300,000 to sustain their businesses.

    According to Kosi Yankey-Ayeh, this was done to help the Board roll out the funds quickly to applicants.

    “So to be able to disburse quickly and to be able to get a grip of what has happened because we had a lot of applications coming in, we decided to put a system in place to be able to do these disbursements.

    ”So we started with the Adom applicants and also initiated the Anidasuwuo applicants which would also roll out quickly, and with the Adom based on the numbers and the requests we were able to roll out the 102,361 applicants,” she said.

     

    Source: goldstreetbusiness.com

  • WASSCE riots: Corporal punishment must be reintroduced – GNAT

    The Ghana Education Service must think of reintroducing corporal punishment to instill discipline in most schools across the country, President of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) Phillipa Larson has stated.

    Speaking on Morning Starr, Madam Larson said the behaviour of some candidates in the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) is a clear indication that the Ghana Education Service must reconsider the ban on corporal punishments in schools.

    “I think that as a country we should look at corporal punishment and bring it back in a way,” Madam Larson told sit-in host Lantam Papanko Monday morning on Starr 103.5FM.

    GES in 2017 officially banned all forms of corporal punishment of children in schools in Ghana as part of efforts aimed at promoting a safe and protective learning environment for children.

    The GES directed in January 2019 that a Positive Discipline Toolkit which gives alternatives to corporal punishments be adopted by all teachers.

    On Friday, the GES dismissed some 14 final year students who are believed to have caused chaos and destroyed properties in their respective schools in the wake of the ongoing WASSCE.

    The GES in a statement said the action is to serve as deterrent for other students who are still partaking in the exams.

    President Akufo-Addo on Sunday appealed to the Ghana Education Service to reconsider the decision to ban some 14 students from writing the ongoing WASSCE following their involvement in the recent chaos in their schools.

    In a statement Sunday, the President directed the Education Minister to intervene in order to ensure that the students are made to write the exams. The statement, however, noted the dismissal and other punishment meted to them must stand.

     

    Source: Starr FM

  • Police officers in deprived areas to be promoted ahead of colleagues in cities IGP reveals

    The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Mr. James Oppong-Boanuh has revealed that police officers who accept postings to deprived areas in the country will, henceforth, be promoted ahead of their colleagues who prefer to stay in the cities.

    Promotion duration for service men and women in that category, he added, will be reduced to three years instead of the normal four years.

    This, he noted, is a way of ensuring that no area is left out in the maintenance of law and order in the country, appealing to those who are already in these deprived communities not to see their postings as a punishment by the service.

    “Those of you in deprived communities will be promoted ahead of your colleagues who choose to live in cities. While they would be waiting for the fourth year to be promoted, you would have been promoted a year before them making you seniors ahead of them,” he disclosed as part of his visit to the Northern Region to touch base with officers of the service.

    He was however quick to add that the latest decision to promote the officers applies to only junior ranks in the Ghana Police Service.

    According to him, police officers should not see their postings to rural Ghana as a punishment, but a call to duty, reiterating the commitment of his outfit to cater for them to protect lives and property wherever they find themselves.

    Mr James Oppong-Boanuh is in the north to interact with men and women of the service as well as pay courtesy calls on some prominent persons, including chiefs for their continuous support to the police service.

     

    Source: My News GH

  • Issues affecting youth progress must be tackled – NYA

    Mr Yao Semorde, the Volta Regional Director of the National Youth Authority (NYA), has said issues that affect the progress of the youth must be tackled to ensure development.

    He said teenage pregnancy and early marriage were hindrances to the development of young people, making it impossible for them to realise their full potentials.

    Mr Semorde said this at a seminar for out-of-school youth leaders on early marriage and teenage pregnancy at Ve-Golokuati in the Afadzato South District.

    He said there was the need to minimise or remove the negative effects of the hindrances.

    “Transition from child life to youth life requires a lot of attention because that is the age at which you start gaining some freedom and if not managed and directed well at a youthful stage may lead to a lot of negativities.

    He said that was the reason young people needed to be guided through the transition period to ensure they did not face any challenges when they become adults.

    “Lots of young girls get their dreams shattered due to teenage pregnancy and early marriage.”

    The Director called on the youth to serve as ambassadors and educate their colleagues in their various communities.

    Mr James Etornam Flolu, the Afadzato South District Chief Executive (DCE), said it was time issues of teenage pregnancy received the needed attention.

    He said tackling the issues should provide post-teenage pregnancy factors to enable victims to pursue their dreams through education and learning of trade.

    Mr Flolu said a supporting system should be created to enable teenage mothers and fathers not to give up on their dreams.

    He said the notion that females were meant to only reproduce must be discouraged.

    The DCE noted that the government was committed to the development and growth of the Ghanaian youth in shaping their future to enable them to become responsible nation builders.

    “The free Senior High School, for instance, is a direct government policy for the youth to enable them to attain Higher education”

    The seminar, which was sponsored by the United Nations Population Fund, was attended by 50 youth leaders from various communities in the District.

    Miss Faustina Dofui Desewu, Afadzato South District Public Health Nurse, said the District had recorded a total of 73 teenage pregnancies from January to May, this year.

    She said the District would create “Adolescent Corners” in all health centres in the District to enable teenagers to get educated and also share their problems with health workers.

    Miss Desewu said teenagers must access their state of well-being and adequate preparation before they engaged in pre-marital activities.

    She called on parents to give their children the needed parental guidance, provide their needs and avoid ‘pushing’ their wards to emulate the bad behaviour of their peers.

    Ms Barbara Kornu, a participant, said the seminar was of great help in minimising teenage pregnancies and early marriages.

    She said she would educate her peers and share what she learnt with them.

     

    Source: GNA

  • Akufo-Addo directs Santrokofi, Akpafu, Lolobi & Likpe to be joined into district

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has directed the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development to initiate a process to ensure that Santrokofi, Akpafu, Lolobi and Likpe in the Oti Region are joined into a district.

    The four communities are currently a part of the Jasikan District but following the creation of the Oti Region, President Akufo-Addo wants them to have their own local government status.

    These were contained in a letter written by the sector minister, Hajia Alima Mahama, to the Oti Region Minister, Kwesi Owusu Yeboah, and copied his Volta Region counterpart, Dr Archibald Letsa.

    “I hereby give notice that H.E the President has directed the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development to initiate the process to ensure that these communities (SALL) have their own local government status by the creation of a new District before the end of the year 2020,” Hajia Alima wrote on Monday, August 3, 2020.

    “The inhabitants are therefore advised to participate actively in the voter registration exercise.”

     

    Source: 3 News

  • South Labadi Estate residents in fear after explosion and injury

    Three siblings, according to some residence of the South Labadi Estate in Accra, nearly lost their lives, while playing with an object believed to be a grenade, when it exploded.

    The explosion is said to have happened last Tuesday, 4th August 2020 at a place closer to La Tawala Beach Resort.

    The only boy, amongst the three siblings, who is 7 years, is said to be in a critical condition. His two sisters also suffered various degrees of injury.

    The kids were said to have gone to the beach to win sand, but found the bombs and started playing with them, when one exploded.

    Their father’s name was given as “Atta Oko”, a mason, were found motionless by a resident, who raised alarm.

    The sound and effect of the heavy explosion, were felt in the estate, leading to the resident rushing out to verify where it had come from, only to find them motionless. They were rushed out for medical treatment.

    The Herald’s information is that a combined team of police and military personnel came to the site the following day, Wednesday, August 5, 2020 to detonate another one and retrieve the rest.

    Many residents., who are living in fear, are asking why the security agencies, have remained tightlipped on the matter.

    The explosion was described as very loud sending shivers and fear down the spine of the residents.

    As the security agencies remain silent over the matter, there are, however, suspicions that the explosives were deliberately planted by a faction of the Abafom Clan in La.

    There is said to be a fight over the land by members of the clan, and a faction is believed to have planted the explosives to deter the other claimants.

    However, others also feel the explosive might have come from the sea.

    The Herald is working on getting additional details on the matter.

     

    Source: The Herald

  • Mahama promises jobs for the youth in next administration

    John Dramani Mahama, flagbearer of opposition NDC, says his decision to seek re-election is to provide jobs for the teeming youth of the country.

    To him, youth unemployment is a major challenge in the country and if elected for a second term as president of Ghana, he will put in place significant plans and resources to address the phenomenon.

    “In Ghana, we have a youth bulge and we are sitting on a youth time bomb. That is why my main thrust of seeking leadership again is on finding jobs for our young people. All those young people you see; the main concern and challenge they have is non-availability of jobs,” he said on Woezor TV, Sunday, August 9.

    According to John Mahama, his next administration intends to create over one million jobs within four years.

    He indicated that the Mahama/Amissah-Arthur administration between 2012 and 2016 needed to focus on different priorities.

    “When I got into office, it was social and economic infrastructure development and so I made huge investments in infrastructure. In my next administration, everything will be geared towards jobs. It is to create jobs for the young people,” Mahama said.

    John Dramani Mahama wondered what the Akufo-Addo administration did with some GH¢140 billion it has allegedly borrowed since attaining power.

    He explained that the incoming John & Jane administration when given the mandate, will embark on expansionary policies dubbed the “Big Push”.

    “We are going to inject money into infrastructure development again because that will involve the construction industry, engineering and so on.

    “This will bring a lot of artisans and everybody back to work. We are looking at the big infrastructure push and we are going to inject $10 billion to expand roads, complete 200 SHS as well as finish all the hospitals we were building,” he noted.

     

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • EC investigates alleged registration of foreigners at Banda Kabrono

    The Electoral Commission has initiated investigations into an alleged registration of some foreigners said to be Ivoriens at Banda Kabrono during the mass voter registration exercise last week.

    According to a statement issued by the EC [copy attached below] on Saturday, August 8, 2020, its initial investigation has revealed that the said registration occurred at Banda Kabrono in the Bono Region.

    “As a commission determined to compile a register, which reflects eligible Ghanaians only, we take this matter very seriously,” the EC’s statement posted on Facebook said.

    “The Commission has launched a full scale investigation into the matter and will not shield any staff (permanent or temporary) found to have been involved in the alleged illegal registration of foreign nationals. The Commission will use all legal means available to it to ensure that the names of all ineligible persons are removed from Ghana’s voters register,” it added.

     

    The EC called on the security agencies to collaborate with the commission in this regard.

     

    Meanwhile, the commission entreats all well-meaning Ghanaians to report illegal and unauthorised activities of any EC to the commission and the security agencies.

    “We assure the general public that we are determined to compile a register that reflects eligible Ghanaians only. We will continue to work to ensure that the 2020 Voters Register bears the hallmark of credibility and integrity.


    Alleged foreigners sent to Sunyani

    Graphic Online’s correspondent in the Bono Region, Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah reports from Sunyani that officials of the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) have arrested 52 foreign nationals who reportedly sneaked into the Banda District to take part in the mass voters registration exercise.

    They reportedly registered on August 6, 2020, the last day of the mass exercise at various registration centres in the Banda District.

    They were picked up by the security officers on Friday, August 7, 2020 whilst they were trying to return to their base at Tambe in Cote d’Ivoire after obtaining their voters identity cards, reports Adu-Gyamerah.

    They were on board a KIA truck with registration number, ER 4612- X and were arrested by the Immigration officers at Drobo in the Jaman North District at about 6.00 am.

    They have since been transported to Sunyani to be screened by officials of the GIS.

     

    Source: Graphic.com.ghÂ