TIG Post

Author: Chris Kodo

  • Foreign Affairs Ministry cautions foreigners desperate to return home

    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has denied claims that it has partnered with travel agencies to aid foreigners to travel back to the United States of America.

    A public notice issued by the ministry read “The Ministry wishes to state on AUTHORITY that this piece of information is FALSE”.

    The notice further indicated that the ministry has no mandate to issue a permit of either entry or exit of individuals and groups.

    The Foreign Affairs Ministry, however, admitted evacuating Ghanaians who were stuck in New Jersey and Washington DC back to Ghana due to the COVID 19 pandemic. The evacuation occurred on 25th June and 28th June 2020 respectively.

    The Ministry cautioned foreigners who are eager to travel back to their respective states to be careful about persons and agencies they may want to deal with.

    Background

    President Akufo-Addo banned all travels to Ghana in March in a bid to prevent imported cases of COVID-19. The border closure was later declared indefinite by the president on Thursday, 9th April, 2020.

     

    Source: angelonline.com.gh

  • CCTV footage of the moment Jay Gunz and friend were killed in his home

    Ghpage News a few moments ago reported about the tragic death of Ghanaian rapper identified as Jay Gunz in the United States.

    The rapper was gunned at his home in Bronx, New York on Sunday 5th July 2020.

    According to the report in the USA media, Jay Gunz and one other person died in some sort of gun battle. And another suffered severe injuries and still hospitalized.

    The New York Police Department (NYPD) who responded to the call rushed the victims to the St Barnabas Hospital where the two passed away.

    The New York Police Department (NYPD) breaking the news wrote;

    “On Sunday, July 5th, Police Officers from the 44 Precinct responded to a 911 call for a male shot at 306 East 171 street. Upon arrival they discovered three males with gunshot wounds. Two of the victims, later died from their injuries, while one remains hospitalized”.

    Well, Ghpage has caught sight of the CCTV footage of how the incident happened that led to the death of the Ghanaian rapper.

    WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW:

    Source: GHPAGE

  • Ghanaian rapper, Jay Gunz shot dead in the USA

    News reaching Ghpage has confirmed the sad death of Ghanaian rapper in the United States of Ghana.

    Jay Gunz as the dead Ghanaian rapper is called was gunned at his home in Bronx, New York on Sunday 5th July 2020.

    According to the report in the USA media, Jay Gunz and one other person died in some sort of gun battle. And another suffered severe injuries and still hospitalized.

    The New York Police Department who responded to the call rushed the victims to the St Barnabas Hospital where the two passed away.

    Announcing, the NYPD said:

    ON SUNDAY, JULY 5TH, POLICE OFFICERS FROM THE 44 PRECINCT RESPONDED TO A 911 CALL FOR A MALE SHOT AT 306 EAST 171 STREET. UPON ARRIVAL, THEY DISCOVERED THREE MALES WITH GUNSHOT WOUNDS. TWO OF THE VICTIMS, LATER DIED FROM THEIR INJURIES, WHILE ONE REMAIN HOSPITALIZED.

    Jay Gunz

    One of the victims was Jay Gunz, the young rapper from Ghana. May his soul Rest In Peace

    Source: GHPAGE

  • Coronavirus hits Ghanas judiciary; some judges and staff down

    Details reaching The Herald suggest that the deadly Coronavirus pandemic has hit Ghana’s Judicial Service, with some senior judges and their staff down on isolation and treatment.

    Reports are that there have been a series of the COVID-19 tests at the superior courts including the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court, during which some tested positive of the virus.

    Additional information available to this paper is that some courtrooms and offices located within the law complex building in Accra, have been closed.

    More soon

     

    Source: The Herald

  • Kwadwo Wiafes wife, Reeka scripts down emotional message after his burial

    Deceased Despite media group employer, Kwadwo Wiafe was buried last week and after his burial, his wife has scripted down an emotional message after his death.

    In her message, Reeka asked her husband to be that special Angel that she and their kids will be needing in heaven to watch over them.

    We were saddened to see her message and we pray the Almighty God strengthens them in these trying times.

    See her post below;

    Source: www.ghgossip.com

  • Military in Volta Region: I can’t discredit government – Torgbuiga Fiti

    Torgbuiga Adzongaga Amenya Fiti V, Paramount Chief of Aflao Traditional Area, has said the recent reaction by the chiefs to the military deployment to Aflao had no intention to discredit the Government.

    He said as chiefs of the area, they could not look on unconcerned when their citizens complained of rough treatment by security personnel deployed to the area in a difficult time like the COVID-19 period.

    Torgbuiga Fiti said this when a government delegation, led by Reverend Johnson Avuletey, the Deputy Volta Regional Minister, called on the Aflao Traditional Council to resolve the seeming impasse between Aflao chiefs and the Government over developments arising from military deployment to the area.

    He said the Council had always been supportive of government’s directives on COVID-19 prevention and that their press briefing only sought to question the deployment of soldiers to the Region at a time when the livelihoods of the people suffered a jolt due to the border closure.

    “The Aflao Traditional Council, together with all the security agencies within Ketu South Municipality, supported the Government in its implementation of the protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and the records are there to prove that its Security Council (MUSEC) is on top of security in the Municipality.”

    “There’s restriction on movement of people across Ghana’s borders but not on goods and services but people who come to pick their pre-ordered goods, mostly vegetables from Togo at the Ghana side of the border, face harassment from the armed men. I’m not against government enforcing the law but what I need is that ordinary citizens must be protected,” the Paramount Chief said.

    Rev Avuletey asked the chiefs to take heart while the concerns were investigated disclosing that the Regional Coordinating Council took advice from stakeholders including the Volta Caucus in Parliament on April 14 to consider sending troops to help Immigration officers properly guard the several unapproved routes to stem illegal activities.

    Mr Pius Enam Hadzide, the Deputy Minister of Information, said the military deployment was done nationwide and not just Ketu South or Volta Region and that their mission was to help enforce the border closure.

    He said it was a mere coincidence that the recent deployment happened at a time the voter registration exercise was about to commence and appealed to the people not to read meanings into it.

    Mr Kofi Dzamesi, the Minister of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, said the military officers would remain at post as long as the border closure remained in force to prevent further spread of the virus.

    He gave the assurance that any officer found to have acted irresponsibly would be dealt with.

     

    Source: GNA

  • Real Valladolid defender Mohammed Salisu suspended for Valencia clash

    Ghanaian defender Mohammed Salisu has been ruled of Real Valladolid’s clash against Valencia in the LaLiga on Tuesday due to the accumulation of cards.

    The 21-year-old did not make the trip to the Mestalla Stadium after accumulating four yellow cards.

    Salisu has emerged as one of the promising players in the world following his impressive output for Real Valladolid this season.

    He has made 32 appearances in all competitions for Valladolid, scored one goal and registered one assist as his side look to avoid relegation.

    The highly-rated defender has caught the attention of several European clubs including Rennes who were close to securing his signature.

    Several clubs in the Premier League including Everton, Southampton and Manchester United have all shown interest in signing him this summer.

    Source: footballghana.com

  • NPP primaries: Joe Osei-Owusus challenger goes independent

    Private legal practitioner, Akwasi Amofa-Agyemang, has publicly declared his intention to contest the December election as an independent parliamentary candidate at Bekwai Constituency in the Ashanti Region.

    Mr Amofa-Agyemang was disqualified from contesting in the New Patriotic Party primary in June, paving way for the incumbent, Joseph Osei-Owusu, who is also the First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, to go unopposed.

    Mr Amofa-Agyemang told Angel 102.9 FM on Tuesday, July 7, 2020, that following his disqualification, he received numerous calls to go independent.

    Based on that, he said, he did extensive consultation with the family and opinion leaders leading to his conclusion to heed their calls.

    According to him, after going around the constituency and judging by the groundswell of support he received, he was certain of winning the parliamentary election on December 7.

     

    Source: angelonline.com.gh

  • Ashgold new coach Roberto Landi promises a good campaign in Africa next season

    AshantiGold S.C new coach Roberto Landi has said he will make his expertise count in making a mark in next season’s CAF Confederations Cup.

    The Italian gaffer arrived in Ghana in February to replace Turkish trainer Kasim Gökyildiz but returned home due to the Coronavirus crisis.

    Landi has since not been able to return to start work with the Miners due to the closure of Ghana borders following a rapid widespread of the novel virus.

    The Obuasi-based club will be representing Ghana in the 2020/2021 CAF Confederations Cup after the Ghana Premier League season was cancelled.

    Landi told Oyerepa FM in Kumasi that he has been keeping in touch with the players and technical staff of the club as they prepare ahead of next season.

    “I am waiting for the borders of Ghana to be opened so I can return but I have been keeping in touch with my players, other technical team members and hope they are training as I have scheduled for them,” Landi said.

    “We want to do better than what AshGold did last time in the Confederations Cup, we will do our best but hope COVID-19 does not affect us.

    The former Liberia and Qatar U23 coach disclosed that he will strengthen the team with new additions before the continental campaign begins.

    “I wish I was in Ghana to monitor their training. We will add new players especially those who will give revenue to the club.”

    AshantiGold was eliminated in the same competition this season at the first round stage succumbing to Moroccan side RS Berkane.

    Source: Ghana Soccernet

  • Asante Kotoko not in a rush to appoint new CEO Board member

    Asante Kotoko board member, Joseph Yaw Adu has said they will not rush to appoint a new Chief Executive, indicating that the appointment will be announced only after necessary structures and conditions have been put in place.

    The club has been searching for a replacement for George Amoako, who was sacked after Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II constituted a new board of directors headed by Dr. Kwame Kyei.

    The board is reported to have settled on former Ghana Football Association (GFA) presidential aspirant, Nana Yaw Amponsah but Manhyia rejected his appointment.

    Also, Mr. Yaw Adu came out to deny reports that he had been appointed by the board as the club’s Chief Executive.

    Speaking in an interview with Kumasi FM, the former sports director at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), said speculations by the media is putting too much pressure on the board.

    “We will not rush in doing things. The media is speculating and given so much pressure to the board. We have to make sure all structures are in place and all conditions are favourable for him.

    “We will give him our policies for him to run the club with and also take charge of the day-to-day running of the club,” Mr Yaw Adu told Kumasi FM.

    He added, “We have to make sure everything is put in the right place. Kotoko is too big a club to be run by an individual. The highest decision body will be the board. We are not relying on the chief executive officer.

    “We are not in a hurry to appoint. We have to take things slowly, take our time to do the right thing at the right time”.

    Source: Ghana Soccernet

  • Over 2.2m voters registered

    Over 2.2 million (2,216,141) voters have been registered and issued voter identification cards in the first six days of the ongoing mass registration exercise. Daily Figures

    The daily figures are Day One – 308,925; Day Two – 403,274; Day Three – 437,296; Day Four 395,557; Day Five 349,602; and Day Six 321, 487. 68.9% used Ghana Card

    Data compiled by the Electoral Commission (EC) indicates that a large majority (68.9%) of the registrants used Ghana Card as identification to support their registration.

    28.8% used guarantors

    On the other hand, 28.8% of registrants used guarantors to support their registration.

    2.3% used passport

    According to the data, only 2.3% used passport as identification to support their registration.

    Greater Accra Region-427,039 (19.27%)

    The Greater Accra Region topped the list with 427,039 prospective voters registering, representing 19.27% of all persons registered in the first phase batch one.

    Ashanti Region-423, 998 (19.13%)

    In second position is Ashanti Region with 423,998 prospective voters, constituting 19.13%.

    Eastern Region-215, 616 (9.73%)

    Data compiled by the Electoral Commission indicates that Eastern Region placed third, registering 215,616 voters, representing 9.73%.

    Central Region-202, 036 (9.12%)

    In the fourth position is Central Region, which registered 202,036 voters, representing 9.12%.

    Western Region-145,741 (6.58%)

    Western Region came fifth, recording 145,741 voters registered, constituting 6.58%.

    Volta Region-139,968 (6.32%)

    Volta Region placed sixth with 139,968, amounting to 6.32%. Northern Region-121, 818 (5.5%) A total of 121,818 prospective voters, representing 5.5%, were also registered in the Northern Region to occupy the seventh position.

    Bono Region-94, 837(4.28%)

    The Bono Region recorded 94,837 prospective voters, constituting 4.28%, to place eighth on the log.

    Bono East-84, 572 (3.82%)

    In the Bono East Region, 84,572 prospective voters were registered, which amounts to 3.82% and 10th position.

    Upper East-71,526 (3.2%)

    Upper East Region came 11th with 71,526 registered prospective voters, representing 3.2%.

    Western North-64,199 (2.9%)

    A total of 64,199 prospective voters, which constitutes 2.9%, were registered in the Western North Region to place the region in the 12th position.

    West Region -60,944 (2.8%)

    It is followed by the Upper West Region in the 13th position with 60,944 prospective voters, which constitutes 2.8%.

    Ahafo Region-44,640 (2.01%)

    The Ahafo Region placed 14th on the log, with 44,640 prospective voters registered, representing 2.01%.

    Savannah Region-43,632 (1.97%)

    Savannah Region registered 43,632 prospective voters, which amounts to 1.97%, to occupy the 15th position.

    North East-37,024 (1.7%)

    Speaking to The Finder, Director of Electoral Services at the Electoral Commission (EC), Dr Serebour Quaicoe said the EC estimated to register 1.8 million prospective voters in the first batch of the first phase of the exercise.

    He suspects that the number went to over 2.2 million because prospective voters from other polling stations who were not patient to wait for the registration to get to their turn have registered.

    This, he said, was partly responsible for the congestion at some of the registration centres.

    However, Dr Quaicoe stated that mobile teams stationed at district offices are deployed to help centres with long queues.

    On isolated cases of machine breakdown, he said technicians are on standby to repair instantly or replace the faulty one with new machines.

    Source: thefinderonline.com

  • ‘Coronavirus burial at Awudome Cemetery poses no health risk – Health Expert

    The burial of persons who die of infectious diseases including COVID-19 at Awudome Cemetery in Accra does not pose any public health risk to inhabitants nearby, Mr Benson Owusu, a public health specialist has said.

    Mr Owusu, who is also a lecturer at the School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Central University said once environmental health officers in charge of the internment strictly follow World Health Organisation (WHO) protocol, there should not be any cause for alarm.

    “Whether the [Infectious disease burial site] is outside of the main town or not, the most important thing is to adhere to standard protocol”, he said in an interview with The Ghanaian Times yesterday.

    The interview was on the back of concerns that part of the Awudome Cemetery, which is located between Kwame Nkrumah Circle and Kaneshie, shared boundaries with some companies was being used as infectious disease burial site.

    The cemetery was designated about five years ago for burial of persons who died of cholera and tuberculosis after the pervious cemetery at mile 11 was encroached on by developers.

    But according to Mr Owusu, the deceased persons could be buried at the outskirt of the town but could still create a public health concern if they were not properly laid to rest.

    “But if the site is within the town in a confined area with adherence to protocols we are good to go”, he said.

    Some of the WHO protocols, he said, included the classification of the bodies based on the severity of infection, use of special disinfection and specification of distance between the burial site and residents.

    Mr Owusu said the fears of inhabitant could have been prevented if city authorities had educated on such issues and thus called on the government to initiate steps to create awareness and allay fears.

    According to the public health specialist, citizenry should rather be concerned about how they handled the bodies of relatives who died at home because it would be an avenue to spread the virus if the person had it.

    He also called on the COVID-19 case management team to ensure that all persons who died of the virus were buried in the same manner irrespective of their reputation in society.

    The Head of the Public Health Directorate of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) Mrs Florence Kuukyi in an interview with the Ghanaian Times last week said the infectious disease site was 300 metres away from residents and would not cause any health problem.

    As of that time, she said, about 30 persons had been buried with more families registering their deceased relatives for burial. As of yesterday, the country had recorded 122 deaths out of 20,085 cases.

    Source: ghanaiantimes.com.gh

  • 2020 WASSCE begins on August 3 for all WAEC member countries

    The West African Examination Council (WAEC) will on August 3 commence the 2020 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for all five English-speaking West African countries.

    This was revealed by the Director-General of the Ghana Education Service (GES), Prof. Kwasi Opoku Amankwah in an interview monitored by ABC News.

    Prior to the changes in directive, WAEC was supposed to conduct an independent WASSCE for Ghanaian candidates this year as a result of the outbreak of the coronavirus, which led to the closure of schools in the other WAEC member countries.

    However, that has been changed and the exams will now be conducted in all five countries; that is Ghana, Nigeria, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Gambia.

    According to Prof. Amankwa, this is a step in a right direction because government was thinking of how to name the independent exams Ghana would conduct and also feared the troubles that might emanate if other member countries accuse WAEC of setting easy questions for Ghanaian students.

    However, that fear has been allayed since all member countries will now be writing the same exams.

    He noted that, “the whole West Africa, I mean the 5-member countries have bought into our plan so now all five countries will do the WAEC exams like we used to. The exams will start on the 3rd of August. So we thank the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and the Education Minister, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh for making this fruitful.

    WAEC is therefore set to release a fresh timetable for the 2020 WASSCE which will start from August 3 to September 5, 2020.

    Source: ABC News

  • Akuapem Poloo’s apology is enough; forgive her – Socrate Sarfo

    Movie Producer, Socrate Sarfo has appealed to the security authorities and Ghanaians to forgive Akuapem Poloo over her tactless and indecent act on social media.

    The actress and social media star, real name Rosemond Alade Brown but affectionately called Akuapem Poloo posed naked in front of her son while celebrating the son’s birthday and posted it on her Instagram page on Tuesday June 30, 2020.

    The photo went viral but sparked outrage on social media with Child Rights International petitioning the Police Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to immediately act on her misconduct.

    The child rights organization cited reasons that Akuapem Poloo had breached some provisions in the Child Act.

    The CID subsequently invited Akuapem Poloo for interrogation on Wednesday, July 1, 2020 but she refused to honor the invite.

    Socrate Sarfo, speaking on Peace FM’s ‘Entertainment Review’, asked that she will be pardoned saying her apology should be enough for the appropriate authorities and Ghanaians who feel disgusted over her actions.

    ”As much as she didn’t think about her act, the fact that she has apologized and explained why she did that although it doesn’t make sense; I feel we should not destroy her or say something to affect her in a manner that will ruin her life. But, at least, let’s correct her. The fact that she regretted and apologized, I feel we should consider that and help her,” he pleaded.

    Meanwhile, Akuapem Poloo was arrested by CID officers on Monday, July 6.

    Peace FM’s Nana Yaa Konadu confirmed the arrest on her show ‘Asomdwe Nkomo’.

    According to her, Akuapem Poloo was at the headquarters of the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) in Accra for questioning.

    No official charges have been leveled against her yet.

    Source: Peace FM

  • Hajia4Real opens up about how and why Ibrahim Mahama was at her birthday party, and it is quite interesting

    Business woman and social media influencer, Hajia4Real has finally opened up about how and why business mogul, Ibrahim Mahama was present at her birthday party.

    It was rumored that brother of ex-president Mahama, Ibrahim Mahama was the one who bought the Rage Rover and the house at Trassaco for Hajia4Real on her birthday and also rumored to be going out with her.

    Ibrahim Mahama being seen at her birthday party somehow made people believe the dating rumor was true but clearing the air about this rumor, the Hajia4Real made some explanations.

    According to her, she was not even sure Ibrahim Mahama was going to show up because he just sent an invitation to him because they the northerners look up to him a lot.

    When asked if there was any special thing about her that made him honor the invitation, she said she is not sure because she sent the invitation through her family members who knew him and maybe they had given him the pressure to show up and honor her invitation.

    Watch video below;

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    Socialite/ Entrepreneur @hajia4reall visits Wontumi TV to clear air on her trending Range Rover and Trassaco house birthday gifts.

    A post shared by Phylx Akakpo (@iamphylxgh) on

    Source: ghbase.com

  • Stonebwoy celebrates one of his favorite actors, Yaw Dabo as he shows him love on social media

    Afrodancehall act Stonebwoy, in a recent post has celebrated one of his favorite movie actors Yaw Dabo by showing him love on social media.

    There is a saying that goes like, who entertains the entertainer, but we seem to have found one person that entertains the BHIM President.

    1Gad in a recent post on his Instagram page shared a photo of diminutive and comic actor, Yaw Dabo and tagged him as one of his favorite actors.

    Yaw Dabo over the years has gained popularity and attention from his hard work as an actor and it is certainly these traits that has caught the eye of the BHIM President, Stonebwoy.

    See screenshot below;

    Source: ghbase.com

     

  • Yvonne Nelson and crew give Adjetey Anang an unexpected birthday celebration on set

    Movie producer and actress, Yvonne Nelson managed to catch ace actor Adjetey Anang off guard with a surprise birthday celebration on set.

    Today happens to be the birthday of the legendary actor, which has got his pictures flooded on the internet as fans and loved ones wish and celebrate him.

    Colleague and friend, Yvonne Nelson decided to celebrate him in her own style, as she gathered the crew on set to give him a surprise when he walked in on set today.

    Everybody gathered around as they sang, a happy birthday to him immediately he entered. The actor was definitely surprised as he joined the crew in the celebration.

    Watch video below;

    Source: ghbase.com

  • Local mining contractors cry over high permit fees

    The Association of Local Mining Contractors, has called for government intervention in the high permit fees being charged by the Minerals Commission on their members.

    According to the Association, the over 500 per cent increase in the charges was abnormal and needed the intervention of the government to prevent businesses in the sector from total collapse.

    Members of the Association a year and a half ago were paying GHC5,000.00 as fees for their permits, but this had been astronomically increased to 10,000 United States dollars.

    Mr Samuel Aboagye, Interim Secretary of the Association told a press briefing in Kumasi that, the Minerals Commission had not been able to explain to members of the Association the reason for such an increase.

    What was worrying was the quotation of the fees in dollars, while members of the Association charge their clients in the local cedi currency.

    Mr Kwarteng said the unexplained astronomical increase was having a negative impact on the businesses of the members and called for urgent steps to stop the Commission from implementing it.

    Source: GNA

  • Coronavirus offers best opportunity to refine economy; GAWU advocates import restrictions

    COVID-19 presents the best opportunity to refine the Ghanaian economy by making it less reliant on imports and boosting the opportunities for local entrepreneurs to sustain future growth, two major advocacy groups have noted.

    Senyo Kwasi Hosi, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Bulk Oil Distributors (CBOD) and Edward Kawereh, General Secretary of the General Agriculture Workers Union, believe that there would be no better opportunity in the foreseeable future for Ghana and Africa to transform their economies if the COVID-19 season expires.

    The two believe that the energy and agriculture sectors would play a huge part in economic transformation due to the critical role they play in determining inflation and ensuring good micro and macroeconomic indicators.

    Mr. Kawereh is of the view that one of the frustrations that has come in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic is that of international trade laws. For him, many countries have and are breaking international trade conventions to ensure that they keep citizens safe and maintain a strong economy while the virus is impacting negatively on socio-economic conditions and lifestyle.

    He wants deliberate policies to restrict the importation of goods and services that the country has capacity to offer. “COVID-19 present opportunities and disadvantages. An opportunity in the sense that, less import could come into the country and we can deliberately reduce our imports into this country for the purpose of allowing domestic production to take over, using the COVID-19 as an excuse.

    This is a dream we have always had but with a liberal economy like ours, and also the fact that Ghana has signed onto many World Trade Organization (WTO) protocols, you could not do much. But COVID-19 has given us that leverage, we need to take advantage of it to reduce our imports,” Mr. Kawereh told the B&FT in an interview.

    He added that specific policies should be put in place to nudge importers to purchase the same goods they import from local producers while at the same time measures are put in place to sustain local production. “That balance is what we in GAWU would like to see implemented surgically, in a targeted form and also in a manner that delivers the desired result.”

    On his part, Mr. Hosi stressed that inward-looking has become the trump card and trade decisions of countries like Thailand and China should give a clue as to how to salvage and grow an economy during a pandemic.

    “Thailand and China cut the export of rice. People are thinking about themselves and it is time for Africa to think about our own self. We have a future to protect, we have resources to utilize now, so that we can build an economy that can sustain our people for the future,” Mr. Hosi said.

    Speaking as part of a webinar on COVID-19 and Fossil Fuels in Africa organized by the United Nations University Institute for Natural Resources in Africa (UNUINRA), he is of the conviction that for the energy sector COVID-19 is one thing that has fast tracked the transition and re-orientation into what would be the fourth industrial revolution.

    “Our dependence on hydro carbon will need a proper rethink and our attitude to it would also need a major rethink. COVID-19 is presenting us with the perfect opportunity for a major paradigm shift in our approach to running our economy and managing our resources. Our resources are key to our ability to transition from our current economic goals. We would need our oil and our gas to really power the energy to deliver the future we need.”

    He noted that the slump in oil prices points to a bleak future for crude and governments must start to look at ways to preserve some of these resources for future generations and another part should be optimized now.

    “It is time for us to get out as much fossil fuels that we can get out as soon as possible. The only good thing and clean thing we are going to find is just gas. So, number one, policy must change and we have to ramp up production as quickly as possible. We are not major players as a continent on the OPEC field so we need to now look within like you have seen other countries like China, Thailand and the Vietnam do during COVID-19.”

    Source: B&FT Online

  • Kotoko in talks to sign Justice Blay permanently from Medeama

    The loan deal of combative midfielder Justice Blay from Medeama to Asante Kotoko has elapsed with the player returning to his parent club.

    But Kumasi Asante Kotoko who is not relenting on tying up a deal for the all-action midfielder has began talks with Medeama SC.

    Kotoko will represent Ghana in the CAF Champions League as a result of the country’s inability to complete the league season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

    As such the porcupine warriors are intent on bolstering their ranks with a player who was integral for Kotoko this season.

    According to Kumasi based Oyerepa Fm, the Board of Directors of Asante Kotoko have begun negotiations with Medeama for the permanent signing of the midfielder.

    The 28-year-old midfielder joined Kotoko on loan before the 2019/2020 CAF inter-club competitions and was an integral part for the club in the CAF Champions League and Confederations Cup.

    Justice Blay made 13 league appearances for Asante Kotoko in the annulled 2019/2020 Ghana Premier League season scoring twice with one of them coming against fierce rivals Hearts of Oak.

    In all this, the life patron of the club Otumfour Osei Tutu II admonished the new board not to make any new signings for at least a year.

    Source: Ghana Guardian

  • Kotoko CEO job is my worst experience – George Amoako

    Former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Asante Kotoko, Mr George Amoako has retorted that his latest stint with the porcupine warriors is the worst ever he has experienced.

    The veteran football administrator has served the Kumasi based side on seven different occasions in varied capacities for the club.

    George Amoako who is an Executive Committee member of the Ghana Football Association was relieved of his duties as the club’s CEO by the 12 member board that was recently appointed by the life patron of the club.

    “I’ve been in Asante Kotoko for several years in and out but this is my worst experience at Kotoko, because if you serve the club you have to leave amicably in peace with the club, that is why I was able to go and come seven times.”he told Wontumi Radio.

    News is that George Amoako is close to taking over the CEO job of cross city rivals King Faisal having held talks with the clubs President Alhaji Gruzah.

    Source: Ghana Guardian

  • Top Portuguese clubs jostle for Gideon Mensah

    Ghana left-back Gideon Mensah has emerged as a top target for top sides in the Portuguese Premier League.

    FC Porto, Vitória de Guimarães, Sporting Lisbon and Braga have all expressed interest in getting the services of the former West Africa Football Academy (WAFA) player.

    Mensah caught the attention of the Portuguese clubs following his impressive outing during last seasons pre season games with Real Madrid and Chelsea.

    The young and energetic player who already has two national team caps spent last season at Belgium side Zulte Waragem where he was on loan from from Austrian side Red Bull Salzburg.

    Salzburg are willing to allow the Mensah to go out on loan or leave permanently for their 34-year-old Captain Andreas Ulmer to get playing time.

    His impressive performance last season has earned him suitors across Europe with the likes of Genk , Anderlecht and Club Brugge also showing interest.

    Source: Ghana Soccernet

  • Daily Mirror owner reach to cut 550 jobs as sales fall

    The owner of the Daily Mirror and the Daily Express is to cut 12% of its workforce as it struggles with the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

    Reach, which also owns the Daily Star, OK! Magazine and a stable of regional newspapers, said about 550 people would lose their jobs.

    The group, whose sales were falling even before the pandemic, saw revenue slip nearly 30% in the quarter to June.

    Boss Jim Mullen blamed a fall in circulation and advertising revenue.

    “To meet these challenges and to accelerate our customer value strategy, we have completed plans to transform the business and are ready to begin the process of implementation,” he said.

    “Regrettably, these plans involve a reduction in our workforce and we will ensure all impacted colleagues are treated with fairness and respect throughout the forthcoming consultation process.”

    Digital revenue falls
    Reach, which was created in March 2018 when Trinity Mirror bought the Daily Express and other titles, saw a 13% drop in revenue last year amid a continued decline in print newspaper sales.

    However, it was also becoming more profitable as it cut costs and attracted more online readers.

    That process now appears to be at risk as advertisers have reined in their spending during the pandemic.

    The firm said adoption of its digital products had increased in the three months to June, with 41 million people visiting its sites during May alone. But digital revenue still fell 14.8%, compounding an almost 30% dive in newspaper sales.

    Reach said it would now achieve annualised savings of £35m through the job cuts and other means.

    Building on a plan announced in February, it said it would centralise its editorial operations, bringing together national and regional teams across print and digital to remove duplication.

    It will also bring in a simpler management structure.

    Reach said it would shortly begin a 45-day consultation regarding the job cuts.

    It is the latest in a long line of companies to have made cuts during the pandemic. Other lay-offs announced include:

    Up to 5,000 job cuts at Upper Crust owner SSP Group
    Up to 12,000 jobs at British Airways
    Up to 700 jobs at Harrods
    About 600 workers at shirtmaker TM Lewin
    1,900 jobs at Café Rouge-owner Casual Dining Group
    1,000 jobs at Pret A Manger
    1,700 UK jobs at plane-maker Airbus
    And 1,300 crew and 727 pilots at EasyJet

    Source: BBC

  • Orlando Pirates, SuperSport Utd front runners to sign Sulley Muntari

    PSL sides, Orlando Pirates and SuperSport Utd are now the front runners to sign midfielder Sulley Ali Muntari this summer.

    The 36-year-old is currently clubless after leaving Spanish side Albacete in June 2019.

    Last week, his agent, Sipho Shaven in an interview with KickOff.com, he revealed that the former AC Milan and Inter Milan ace is eager to play in the South African topflight.

    “He has given me the mandate to talk to clubs in South Africa. He is very keen to play in the PSL next season”, Shaven told KickOff.com.

    “I will be engaging with a few clubs in the next few days to see if there is a chance to bring him to South Africa next season.

    “Remember, our league is well respected on the continent and a high-profile player will not turn down an opportunity to play in the PSL.

    “He is currently training with Liberty in his home country to keep himself fit. He is a free agent,” he added.

    Despite interest from Ghana Premier League side, Hearts of Oak, the two clubs are battling for the services of the 36-year-old.

    It has also been reported that Mamelodi Sundowns are also sniffing around.

    Sulley is currently back in his home country Ghana where he trains with boyhood club, Liberty professionals.

    Source: footballghana.com

  • Hearts of Oak not giving up on signing Sulley Muntari – Club boss hints

    Accra Hearts of Oak are not giving up their hope of signing the legendary midfielder, Sulley Muntari.

    The 36-year-old has been linked to the Ghana Premier League side after parting ways with the Spanish side, Albacete in June 2019.

    However, the former AC Milan man has also been linked to PSL side, Orlando Pirates and SuperSports United.

    But according to Mr. Elvis Hesse Herman Jnr, Chairman for Accra Hearts of Oak National Chapters Committee says they can still approach Sulley Muntari.

    According to him, the club is aware of the interest from South African clubs but the NCC Chairman still believes that Hearts of Oak can still capture the signature of the former Inter Milan midfielder.

    “I do not think about what I see on social media about Sulley Muntari, we cannot approach him,” he told Kumasi based Fox FM.

    “Sulley is yet to finalize the proposed move and since it is not yet done, Hearts of Oak can still approach him,” he added.

    Source: footballghana.com

  • Senior Minister, Osafo-Maafo test positive for Covid-19

    Three days after President Akufo-Addo went into self-isolation for coming into contact with a Covid-19 patient, Senior Minister Osafo Maafo has tested positive for the virus.

    Addressing the press during its weekly update, Information Minister Kojo Oppong Nkrumah said the minister had given permit for his status to be disclosed to the public.

    According to him, “The Senior Minister has been informed that his sample given for testing has returned positive . He will therefore as of today (June 7, 2020) commence treatment for covid-19 from home.”

    While updating the nation on the current status of the president who is believed to be in isolation at the Presidential Villa of the Jubilee House, Mr. Oppong Nkrumah also wished persons battling with the virus including the Senior Minister a speedy recovery.

    “Our best wishes remain with him and all who battling the virus”

    The Senior Minister joins a long list of government officials who have tested positive for the virus.

    After the Health Minister, Kwaku Agyeman-Manu who is currently recovering from the disease that had him hospitalised for a few days, the CEO of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Dr Lydia Dsane-Selby and former Deputy Trade and Industry Ministry Minister Carlos Ahenkorah have contracted the disease.

    The NPP Campaign Manager for the 2020 elections is also receiving treatment at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital after testing positive.

    Two government officials have, however, succumbed to the disease.

    On July 1, 2020 the CEO of the Forestry Commission, Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie, popularly known as Sir John died from Covid-19 complications at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital where he had been in intensive care.

    Last month, Sekondi-Takoradi Mayor, Kobina Kurentsi Sam died at the University of Ghana Medical Centre after being rushed there for treatment for Covid-19.

    Source: myjoyonline 

     

     

  • Kenyan protesters set fire to police station after killing

    Kenyan protesters set a police station on fire after an officer allegedly shot and killed a man for hawking fake hand sanitizer, according to a police report seen by Reuters on Monday.

    The officer is now in custody, according to the report.

    The police officer fired his weapon after a verbal argument with the man selling the counterfeit product in an open-air market in Kisii County, western Kenya, on Sunday, the report said.

    After the shooting, protesters quickly descended on the police station, throwing rocks and setting bonfires, damaging the station and nearby vehicles.

    Fourteen police officers were injured and protesters dispersed after an “unquantified number of live and blank ammunitions were used”, the report said.

    Accusations of police brutality are common in Kenya. Since the coronavirus outbreak, multiple cases of alleged police violence towards lockdown violators have been reported.

    In March, in the first 10 days of a curfew to curb the coronavirus, at least six people were killed, according to rights group Human Rights Watch.

    Source: reuters.com

  • A proud day for Ghanaian women and every African woman, empower the female Delay

    NDC Members are jubilant that their flagbearer, John Mahama has finally unveiled his running mate and that happens to be Prof. Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang and Delay is very proud of her.

    According to Delay, Ex-president Mahama choosing a woman as his running mate is a great achievement for every woman in Ghana and Africa.

    She calls for woman empowerment.

    ”Whhaattttt 😍😍😍😍😍 Is this true????? The glass ceiling has been shattered… Goosebumps….. A proud day for Ghanaian women and every African woman for that matter!!!!! Empower the female!!!.”….she wrote.

    ”@OfficialNDCGh, this afternoon, unanimously, endorsed my nomination of Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang as my Running Mate for the December 2020 election. She is God-fearing, a distinguished scholar, a conscientious public servant & a role model.‬”- Said Mahama on Instagram as he confirms his running mate for the December Ghana Election.

    Source: Ghanaconnect.net

  • Film Classification Committee rushing to disappoint movie producers Bnoskka

    Creative arts critic who doubles as copyright coach Benjamin Oduro Arhin Jnr popularly known as Bnoskka has predicted a foreseeable failure by the Film Classification Committee.

    Not long ago the National Film Authority commissioned a 12-member Film Classification Committee (FCC) to see to the classification, standardisation, categorisation, and preview of film content intended for viewership.

    Bnoskka, a regular pundit on the Kasapa Entertainment Show has hinted on the committee to be patient and meticulous in executing their mandate as the task assigned them is way bigger and demanding than they perceive.

    Explaining further, he stated the committee is not ready for work now looking at their ill-preparedness.

    “They lack the required systems and processes to make their work more effective and efficient, he stated.

    They need a digital system to facilitate the process looking at the workload facing them but a greater percentage of their working model is manual and looks almost impossible in an era in which almost everything is being digitalised.

    Bnoskka, however, advised the committee to take time, set up a digitalize system, educate stakeholders properly before enforcing their mandate else their effort will rather cause harm than to benefit movie producers and the industry as a whole.

    Meanwhile, the newly inaugurated Film Classification Committee of Ghana might be facing a huge challenge as stakeholders such as Television Stations and Film Producers, may have ignored the call to submit all audiovisual materials to the committee before airing.

    Since the Classification Committee officially started calling for submissions from stakeholders on 15th June 2020, not a single submission has been made.

    The Chairman of the Film Classification Committee Socrates Safo, told Shine Publications, that the law will take its cause on the matter.

    The Chairman of the Film Classification Committee Socrates Safo described the response from Television stations and some Filmmakers in Ghana as unfortunate and a challenge to authority and the law.

    “The television stations have called our bluff. So, we have to see what the law says when someone calls our bluff. As we speak, not a single film has been presented to us. Yet, we have engaged over 50 trained people at our office for previewing purposes to help speed up the process, because we know the volume of work that would be coming our way, and we want to avoid any delays”, he said.

    Source: Kasapa FM

  • Most of these current gospel songs are too noisy – Tagoe Sisters

    Legendary music duo Lydia Dedei Yawson Nee Tagoe and Elizabeth Korkoi Tagoe popularly known as Tagoe Sisters have said the current gospel songs out are too noisy.

    Speaking in interview with Fiifi Pratt on Kingdom plus 101.9 FM, they stated clearly that this generation are good though but lack rich content in music and also do a lot of noisy songs which is diminishing the agenda of promoting the word of Christ Jesus to have impact on the music lovers.

    According to them, they themselves after doing a song those days will send it to some presenters and production team to listen and tell them what to change and add but today the artist enters the booth and as soon as he or she comes out then they release it which has brought out a lot of noisy songs into the system.

    They advised that at least they should contact people to write for them rather than trying to do it themselves and yet come out with trash.

    The sisters who are celebrating three decades of spreading the gospel through music also expressed satisfaction with the impact their songs have had on Ghanaians and people outside.

    Watch video below:

    Source: kingdomfmonline.com

  • Qatar Airways force passengers to wear face shields, in Economy

    Qatar Airways (QT/QTR) is bringing in new rules for passengers that require Economy class passengers to wear a face shield in addition to a face covering.

    The rules will not be extended to Business or First Class passengers who will simply be asked if they would like to wear a face shield.

    The face shields will be supplied by Qatar Airways at check-in and economy class passengers will only be allowed to remove them during meal and drink services.

    Qatar Airways says Business class passengers “are asked to wear their face shield and mask on board at their own discretion, as they enjoy more space and privacy”

    All Passengers will also receive a complimentary “protective kit”, which includes a surgical face mask, disposable gloves and hand-sanitiser gel.

    Qatar Airways adopting face shields takes it beyond the measure set by most airlines to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

    Qatar Airways chief executive Akbar Al Baker said: “As the largest international airline flying consistently throughout the pandemic, we have become one of the most experienced in safety and hygiene. We will continue to lead the industry in terms of the services offered to our passengers so that they can travel with confidence.”

    Source: laudbusiness.com

  • Akuapem Poloo speaks after allegedly being arrested by the police

    Social media commentator and influencer Rosemond Brown popularly known as Akuapem Poloo has come out to speak after allegedly being arrested by the police.

    The influencer was said to have been arrested by the police on Peace FM last afternoon, over her nude photo saga which caused the police to invite her.

    Akuapem Poloo has come out to speak after this allegation in an Instagram post thanking one Oscar Blackgold who happens to be a Media mogul, a Politician and a lawyer.

    In her post she wrote, “Good man with good heart I will forever be grateful to you @oscar_blackgold 15years of knowing you and still counting thank you boss ????”

    Some are of the view, the said Oscar Blackgold might have helped her one way or the other with regards to her case at the police station.

    See post below;

    Source: GH Base

  • Messi will ‘end his career’ at club – Barcelona

    Lionel Messi will “end his working and footballing life at Barcelona”, the club’s president has said.

    Josep Maria Bartomeu dismissed reports the Argentina international, 33, was unwilling to renew his current contract when it expires in 2021.

    “We are negotiating with many players but Messi has explained to us he wants to stay,” Bartomeu told Spanish network Movistar.

    “And so we’re going to enjoy him for much longer.”

    Bartomeu was speaking following the Catalan club’s 4-1 La Liga win at Villareal on Sunday evening, which saw them close the gap to leaders Real Madrid to four points.

    Earlier, a Sergio Ramos penalty ensured Real edged to a 1-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao.

    The spot-kick was awarded following a VAR review, while Bilbao had a penalty appeal of their own turned down, leading Bartomeu to question the fairness of the technology.

    “I saw the game in Bilbao and although I don’t like to say it, I’ll repeat that VAR is not being used as it should be,” he said.

    “Since the season returned after the Covid-19 crisis it has not been equal, that has been reflected in the results and it looks as if it always favours the same team.”

    In response, Real coach Zinedine Zidane said he was “tired” of his side’s victories being criticised.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Bibi Bright allegedly catches husband in bed with an actress

    Ghanaian actress and the Executive Secretary of the Creative Arts Council Bibi Bright is reportedly planning to divorce her husband over cheating allegations.

    The celebrity couple who tied the knot just two years ago in the presence of fellow celebrities and public figures are said to have turned enemies due to cheating allegations on the part of the husband, Akwasi Boateng.

    A friend of the couple told Kofi Duah of Graphic Showbiz that things have gotten very bad between them.

    According to the source, Akwasi Boateng allegedly had an affair with an actress which eventually got to Bibi Bright.

    As we speak now things are not okay between them and they are planning to divorce. I am very close to them and I know they can never come back together again,” the source stated.

    The source indicated that Bibi Bright was shocked and angry when she got to know the truth because she loved him so much and they have two kids together.

    Bibi Bright and Husband

    “Bibi and Akwasi have known each other for years and were madly in love but not since the cheating took place. There is tension between them at the moment and family members have tried their best to resolve the situation but it looks like nothing is working out,” the friend said.

    Before she got married, Bibi, who had gone through a painful divorce years ago, told Graphic Showbiz that she was determined to make things work. She said she had learned a lot and wouldn’t do anything to jeopardise this one.

    Bibi Bright looked on her wedding

    Unfortunately, things seem not to have worked the way she would have wanted.

    When Graphic Showbiz contacted her, Bibi Bright said she would not speak on the matter now.

    Source: pulse.com.gh

  • Mahamas running mate: The glass ceiling has been shattered Joyce Mogtari

    Special Aide to former President John Mahama, Mrs Joyce Bawa Mogtari, has lauded Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang on her nomination as the running mate to John Mahama for the December elections.

    Taking to her social media page, Mrs Mogtari said the the selection of Prof Opoku-Agyemang means the glass ceiling has been shattered.

    She posted: The Glass Ceiling has been shattered!! Prof Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang!!

    The Glass Ceiling has been shattered!! Prof Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang!! pic.twitter.com/rk9TzNEAF4

    — Joyce Bawah Mogtari (@joyce_bawah) July 6, 2020
    Former President Mahama settled on former Education Minister, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang as his running mate for the 2020 elections.

    The Council of Elders and Founder of the National Democratic Congress have approved the choice of the candidate

    Source: operanewsapp.com

  • Photos: Obour quits politics to sell shito after his defeat

    Musician turned politician Bice Osei Kufour, popularly known as Obour who lost in the recent NPP primaries to become the Parliamentary Candidate for Asante Akim South has switched  into shito selling business.

    The immediate past president of the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) lost to the incumbent Member of Parliament (MP) Kwaku Asante-Boateng. While Obour had 296 votes, Mr. Asante-Boateng polled 360 votes.

    A new picture browngh.com chanced online shows the ex-president of MUSIGA self-advertising his latest shito brand.

    See the photo below:

    Source: browngh.com

  • Economic Fighters League petition CID to investigate and prosecute Carlos Ahenkorah

    The Economic Fighters League is asking the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service to investigate former Deputy Trade and Industry Minister, Carlos Ahenkorah for breaching Covid-19 protocols.

    The former minister was forced to resign in response to public outrage after he admitted to breaching the safety measures after testing positive for the disease and was supposed to self-isolate.

    Aside his resignation, he is yet to be penalized for breaching the safety protocols as stipulated in the Imposition of Restrictions Act, EI 64.

    This has sparked anger in a section of the public who believe the Tema West MP should be made to face the law just like others.

    The League agrees and is pushing for that to be done especially after its leader, Ernesto Yeboah was arrested and is currently undergoing processes for prosecution after organisaing a vigil in honour of George Floyd who was killed by police in the United States of America (USA).

    In a statement copied to Joynews, Head of Communications Command for the League said Mr Ahenkorah by his act endangered the lives of Ghanaians.

    “Mr. Ahenkora breached all Covid-19 protocols of self-isolating by joining the recent registration of voters register in his constituency, Tema west. It will be recalled that some Ghanaians have been prosecuted and jailed for similar breaches while others including the Commander in Chief (CiC) of the Ecoomic Fighters League, Ernesto Yeboah are facing trial for alleged breaches of Covid-19 related protocols and laws.

    “It is therefore fair that this popular incidents of violations and breaches of Covid-19 protocols by a known public leader who is infected is dealt with in accordance with the law,” the statement said.

     

    Source: myjoyonline 

  • COVID-19: Korle-Bu suspends urgent cases over spike in staff infection

    The Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) says it will no longer attend to urgent cases due to a spike in COVID-19 infection among its staff.

    In a memo sighted by Citi News, the Deputy Director of Medical Affairs, said a majority of the staff at the surgical areas are currently self-isolating.

    The memo indicated that the suspension will be in force for two weeks.

    “There has been a recent surge of COVID-19 infections among staff working in the Surgical areas. This has necessitated self-isolation of majority of these staff. Hence a decision has been taken to suspend all urgent cases for two (2) weeks. All emergency cases will continue as before,” the memo said.

    Meanwhile, the Head of Public Affairs at the facility, Mustapha Salifu in a statement says the suspension of urgent services will afford the hospital the chance to reorganize itself “for the resumption of regular services.”

    He added in his statement that the hospital will for the next two weeks attend to “only dire emergencies.”

    “We therefore request sister health facilities to refer only dire surgical emergencies (Surgery, ENT, Maxillofacial and Obstetrics) to Korle Bu during the suspension period. Other parts of the Hospital are still in full operation,” he noted in his statement.

    Read the full statement below:

    SUBJECT: SUSPENSION OF NON-EMERGENCY SURGICAL CASES

    The Hospital Administration has decided to suspend non-emergency surgical cases for the next two weeks. This is necessitated by the fact that some staff have been infected with Covid-19.
    This measure is therefore to protect our clients and the rest of the staff who are still at post and providing care to patients.

    The suspension will also enable us reorganize ourselves for the resumption of regular services. Only dire emergencies will be attended to within this period. We therefore request sister health facilities to refer only dire surgical emergencies (Surgery, ENT, Maxillofacial and Obstetrics) to Korle Bu during the suspension period. Other parts of the Hospital are still in full operation.
    Thank you.

     

    Source: citinewsroom 

  • Why I chose Jane Naana Agyemang John Mahama

    The former President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama has announced that he will be running the 2020 elections with Professor Jane Naana Agyemang, a former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast

    According to reports, although she faced several hurdles before she was accepted as the running mate of the former President.

    Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang beat off stiff opposition from Dr. Kwabena Duffuor who was a former Finance Minister.

    Announcing his running mate, the former President said “The National Executive Committee of our great party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) this afternoon, unanimously, endorsed my nomination of Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang as my Running Mate for the December 2020 election.

    Naana Jane is God-fearing, a distinguished scholar, a conscientious public servant and a role model”.

     

    Source: myNewsgh 

  • Repackage Kandiga Junction-Sirigu road to boost economic activities – Chiana-Paga MP urges government

    The Member of Parliament(MP) for Chiana-Paga constituency, Rudolf Nsorwinne Amenga-Etego, has called on government to review and repackage the Kandiga-Sirigu road contract to cover more adjourning towns.

    According to him, the road in its current condition needs to be repackaged and extended to other equally important economic towns, especially Yua and Manyoro communities within the Kasena-Nankana area.

    The road, he noted does not only serve as a means for easy transportation but is also an economic route that links the North-Eastern enclave of Ghana to neighbouring West Africa nations- Burkina-Faso, Mali and Niger.

    Amenga-Etego made the call after he put a question to the Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwesi Amoako Atta in Parliament to explain what steps the Ministry is taking to rehabilitate the Kandiga Junction -Sirigu and the Chuchuliga-Chiana- Nakong roads.

    “Mr Speaker, I rise to ask the Minister for Roads and Highways what steps the Ministry is taking towards the rehabilitation of the following roads in the Kasena-Nankana West District, Kandiga Junction-Sirigu and the Chuchuliga-Chiana-Nakong roads,” he asked the Minister in Parliament.

    The MP said the road when completed would bring economic and social benefits as it would link farm producers to markets, workers to jobs, students to school, and the sick to hospitals, stressing that “roads are vital to any development as government can also draw more revenue as many more vehicles can easily access to our neighbouring countries.”

    He, therefore, called on government through the Ministry of Roads and Highways to allow the Contractor return to the site and as well extend the road from Sirigu to Manyoro and Yua to connect the Eastern enclave of the Kasena-Nankana West District.

    The 17km road project which stretches from Kandiga Junction to Sirigu central started in 2011 and was expected to be completed in 2013, but has since been stalled.

    The first 5km of the road has been bitumen surfaced from Kandiga junction to Bembiisi, while the remaining 12 km is in bad condition making it highly inaccessible by commuters, especially motorists during the rainy season.

    Answering the question posed by Amenga-Etego, the Roads and Highways Minister, Amoako Atta said the contractor abandoned the project after executing works up to the sub-base level with about 37 percent physically complete.

    According to him, the contract for the 17km road was awarded under the CCOBOD Feeder Roads Improvement Project (CFRIP) on 9th August 2011.

    The contract, he said commenced on 25th October 2011 and was expected to be completed on April 24, 2013, a period of eighteen (18) calendar months.

    But the contractor abandoned the works after executing works up to the sub-base level with physical progress of work projected at 37% complete.

    He told Parliament the Department of Feeder Roads (DFR) is reviewing the current status of the works including initiating the necessary contractual procedure to terminate the contract for poor performance.

    “Mr Speaker, as part of the review, engineering design and review studies will be conducted over the entire 12km gravel section by the end of the third quarter of 2020 for the upgrading of the road to bituminous surfacing. The execution of the works will be considered under the 2021 budget of the Department of Feeder Roads,” the sector Minister stated.

    ??Touching on the Chuchuliga-Chiana-Nakong Road, the Minister said the 34 km road which formed an integral part of the National Road (N13), connects Bolgatanga through Navrongo, Chuchuliga, Chiana, Nakong in the Upper East Region to Tumu, Han, Lawra and beyond, in the Upper West Region.

    The 34km road he said was awarded on contract for rehabilitation and work commenced on September 19, 2016, and was originally scheduled for completion on September 18, 2018.

    He told Parliament that, the project starts at 2.65km from Navrongo (Tono Junction) and ends at Nakong and the first section of the project of about 13 km from Navrongo (Tono Junction)-Chuchuliga has been completed up to primer seal.

    In addition to that, the Contractor has also executed some concrete drains, pipe culverts and scarification works within the second section from Chuchuliga-Nakong.

    The Minister said the project was temporarily suspended for some time due to delayed payment for works done, but noted that the Contractor has since resumed work following receipt of some payments.

    “Mr Speaker, as we speak, scarification and widening of the second section of the road are on-going and the project is at 38% physical completion. The works is expected to be completed by 31st December, 2020,” the roads Minister told Parliament.

    He said upon completion of the rehabilitation works, the road would receive an asphaltic concrete overlay under the maintenance intervention programme of the Ghana Highways Authority.

     

    Source: Felix Nyaaba, Contributor

  • Refrain from needless nationality challenges – EC warns party agents at registration centres

    The Electoral Commission (EC) has warned political party agents across the country to stop baselessly challenging the nationality of persons who turn up at the various registration centres to partake in the ongoing registration exercise.

    Close to 2 million Ghanaians have registered their names since the EC commenced the registration exercise, deputy EC Chairperson Dr. Bossman Asare disclosed in an interview with host Kwami Sefa Kayi on Peace FM’s ‘Kokrokoo’ programme on Monday, July 6, 2020.

    In order to ensure non-citizens of Ghana don’t get their names into the new voters’ register, the Commission has provided room for political party agents and any Ghanaian to pick up a challenge form to dispute the nationality of persons they are suspicious about.

    But the EC is however admonishing the party agents not to abuse their right.

    EC Chairperson in charge of Operations, Samuel Tettey also speaking on ‘Kokrokoo’, asked for sanctions to be meted out to political party agents who engage in needless challenges.

    “We plead with the political parties to minimize those needless challenges. From experience, the stronghold of some political parties deliberately frustrate the system by just challenging them. Going forward, if this system still persists, we should have a penalty or some sanctions for the persons whose challenge is needless and baseless just to deter them,” he said.

     

    Source: GNA

  • Video: Mahama’s spectacular entry at party Headquarters ahead of running mate confirmation

    arty sympathizers kept hailing praises on their flagbearer as he made a spectacular entry at the party;s Headquarters this afternoon to receive news from the National Executive Council on his nominee of a running mate.

    John Dramani Mahama walked out majestically, as these party men shout his name. It was just amazing, the media could hardly get a clean shot of the even as the crowd was just energized to receive him.

    “JM is here! JM is here!!…” an excited party person shouted.

    The National Executive Committee is scheduled to announced their decision to the flagbearer in a few moments. Their decision will bring to closure the party’s long awaited act to embark on a campaign for the 2020 election. Earlier this morning, it was announced that former Minister for Education Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang has been nominated by the flagbearer to run beside him to reclaim political power from the ruling New Patriotic Party.

    John Mahama is expected to brief the party soon after the confirmation by NEC.

    Source: opera.com

  • 68 year old Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang is too old to be Mahama’s running mate – Abronye DC

    Professor Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang who happened to be the Minister of Education under Mahama’s led administration that was voted out according to reports gathered has been names as Vice Presidential candidate for the largest opposition, National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) and their flagbearer John Dramani Mahama in the forthcmoing 2020 Presidential and Parliamentary Elections.

    The news also said that the former gentleman of the land, Mr John Dramani Mahama is set to publicly declare Mrs Nana Jane Opoku Agyemnag as his running mate for the forthcoming 2020 General Elections as 5:00 PM today.

    In response to this news on Kumasi-based Wontumi FM, The Bono Regional Chairman of the ruling New Patriotic Party has posited that John Dramani Mahama’s running mate who is in the shape of Mrs Jean Naana Opoku Agyemang cannot match the NPP’s vice presidential nominee, Dr Bawumia.

    “Madam Jan Naana Opoku Agyemang is no where close to Bawumia and I can assure Ghanaians that the 68-year-old woman is too old to do campaign in the COVID-19 period” – he said.

    Source: opera.com

  • Six dead, ten arrested over renewed Doba-Kandiga land dispute

    Six people including an old man of over 100 years have been killed, while four others sustained various degrees of injuries, following renewed violence over a land dispute between the people of Doba in the Kassena-Nankana Municipality and Kandiga in the Kassena-Nankana West District of the Upper East Region at the weekend.

    About ten suspects have been arrested and weapons have been retrieved from them by security personnel who were immediately deployed to the conflict area to end the violence.

    The injured are receiving treatment at the War Memorial Hospital in Navrongo.

    According to Superintendent Francis Opong Agyare, the Navrongo Municipal Police Commander, about 12 houses were set ablaze and the situation compelled many residents from the two communities to seek refuge elsewhere, particularly the Bolgatanga Municipality.

    In April, 2020, a communal conflict ensued between the two communities when one side of the factions, the Kandiga community dug a foundation at Akonkongo-Abempengo Electoral Area to facilitate the processes of putting up a Police post and a Community-based Health Planning and Service (CHPS) compound.

    That did not go down well with the chief and people of Doba who claimed that they were the rightful owners of the said land where the projects were being constructed and wondered why the Kandiga people whom they described as settlers did not inform them.

    This eventually resulted into gunshots leading to the death of a 78-year old man and burning of some houses and farms in the area, forcing the Regional Security Committee to impose a curfew in the area and 31 persons were arrested and arraigned before the Bolgatanga High Court.

    Giving an account of what triggered the recent incident, the Police Commander, said about five individuals from Kandiga were arrested and remanded about a week ago following the murder of a 19-year old man and the suspects were granted bail by the Bolgatanga High Court.

    He said some people in Kandiga community begun to celebrate and hail the suspects as heroes upon their return to the community, and that did not go down well with the Doba people resulting in the reprisal attack.

    Superintendent Agyare noted that a joint military-police team had been deployed to the communities to maintain law and order, whilst the police were conducting its investigations into the incident.

    The Municipal Police commander revealed after Kassena-Nankana Municipal Security Council (MUSEC) meeting, that a proposal had been made to the Regional Security Council (REGSEC) to consider involving the national security to boost security in the areas, while urging government to take custody of the disputed land to bring finality and peace to the protracted conflict.

    Meanwhile, Mr Williams Aduum, the Municipal Chief Executive for the area, who is also the Chairman of the Kassena-Nankana Municipal Security Committee, has appealed to the people to stop the conflict since they were all one.

     

    Source: GNA

  • NDC manifesto out, free university for all SHS students

    The New Democratic Congress founded by Jerry John Rawlings in 1992. The party came into opposition in the 2016 general elections when the NPP party won by over one million votes difference. The NPP was said to have won the election because of the numerous promises and heavy promises made by Nana Addo Danquah Akuffo the current president of Ghana.

    The flag bearer of the NDC thus the former president John Dramani Mahama will elect his running mate today. The manifesto of the party is what many Ghanaians are desperately waiting for since they have to promise something better than the free shs so what exactly will be the manifesto?

    Today on Adom FM, an NDC representative made it clear about the 2020 manifesto of the NDC. In his speech he made it clear that they will not destroy the free shs but rather they are going to make it from kindergarten to university. Ghanaians reacted when they heard that comment because if indeed they are going to keep their promise then it is absolutely possible that Ghanaians will hand over power to the NDC.

    He also emphasized that John Dramani Mahama will return the banks collapsed by the NPP government back to their owners since many have lost their jobs. This were the words of an NDC representative on a live program on Adom FM this morning.

    Ghanaians are desperately waiting to see the running mate of the NDC flag bearer today and to hear the manifesto from him the leader in order to confirm.

    Source: opera.com

  • NDC communicators laud Prof Opoku-Agyemangs selection as Mahamas running mate

    All sixteen regional Communication Officers of the NDC have congratulated Prof Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang on her nomination as the running mate for John Mahama for the December elections.

    “Your nomination from a vast range of other equally capable hands epitomises the trust and confidence of the rank and file of our great party for the enviable niche you have carved for yourself in both public and private life,” the Communicators said in a release issued on Monday.

    Former President John Mahama settled on former Education Minister, Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang as his running mate for the 2020 elections, Starrfm.com.gh can confirm.

    The Council of Elders and Founder of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) have approved the choice of the candidate.

    She prevailed after stiff competition from former finance ministers and governor of the Central Bank Dr Kwabena Duffuor, who is deemed to be favoured by the grassroots of the party.

    This the first time any of the two major political parties is going into an election with a woman on the presidential ticket.

    If the NDC emerges victorious in the polls, she will be the first female Vice President of Ghana.

    Read the full statement from the 16 Regional Communications Officers below.

    REGIONAL COMMUNICATION OFFICERS OF NDC CONGRATULATES HON. PROFESSOR JANE NAANA OPOKU AGYEMANG ON HER ELEVATION TO THE STATUS OF RUNNING MATE TO HIS EXCELLENCY JOHN DRAMANI MAHAMA

    With a unanimous accord, we the Sixteen Regional Communication Officers of the Great NDC wish to convey our profound congratulations to the Peerless Professor Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang on this occasion that she has been nominated to the High Office of running mate for the NDC and the next Vice President of Ghana for that matter.

    Your nomination from a vast range of other equally capable hands epitomises the trust and confidence of the rank and file of our great party for the enviable niche you have carved for yourself in both public and private life.

    It is our firm conviction that, at this crucial moment that our nation has lost trust in the non – performing President Akufo Addo – Dr Mahamudu Bawumia ticket of leadership, you shall bring to bear your enviable sphere of knowledge, motherliness and commitment to the prosperity of all our countrymen and women in supporting His Excellency John Dramani Mahama to emancipate our country from the profound leadership paralysis that we are enduring under President Akufo-Addo.

    While we congratulate you for this enviable feat, we wish to extend our sincere appreciation and gratitude to President Mahama and the Council of Elders of the great NDC for adding another beautiful block to Ghana’s cynosure of democracy.

    The choice of a woman of valour and substance to the High Office of Running Mate and obviously our next Vice President emboldens the NDC as a political lineage that truly believes in egalitarianism as well as appreciating women as critical partners to our nation’s development.

    We believe that this novelty in our nation’s political history shall draw the masses of all females as we collectively strive to give greater space to women in our development discourse.

    Once again, Congratulations Hon. Prof Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang.

     

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • King Promise celebrates as his debut album ‘As Promised’ clocks 1 year

    1 year ago, King Promise released his debut album, As Promised.

    Taking to Twitter, he thanked all and sundry who have been supporting him over the years. He also noted that since the release of the album on 5th July, 2019, things have not been the same.

    “A year ago today, i dropped my debut album #AsPromised . A lot has changed since then & i genuinely just wanna say God bless everyone for the love & support. We are only getting started “, he tweeted.

    Source: celebritiesbuzz.com.gh

     

  • DCE’s ‘lover’ on the run after several rape allegations

    A 43-year-old man is currently on the run after sexually abusing five girls at Okaikrom in the Ashanti Region.

    Frank Boadi who returned from France three years ago owns a hotel in Okaikrom and is alleged to have defiled and raped girls in the community including a 12-year-old girl.

    Confirming the news to GhanaWeb, the Assembly Member for the area Micheal Aniagyei said parents of the victims are afraid to report to the police because Frank Boadi is allegedly having an affair with the DCE of the Sekyere East who is also the District Security Council (DISEC) Chairperson, therefore anytime the case is reported to the police, it becomes a “foolish case”.

    He said a recent incident that drew the attention of the community was a case of a 17-year-old Senior High School student who was reported missing by her parents.

    Micheal Aniagyei said during their search, the SHS 2 student was found in the hotel room of Frank Boadi.

    This was reported to the police and a medical report was requested.

    He narrated that when the results came, it turned out that the girl, whose name has been withheld, was 7 weeks pregnant for Frank Boadi.

    He said before the family of the victim could report the case to the police. Frank Boadi had taken the lead to report the issue claiming he was abused by the parents of the victim.

    Upon his report, the police arrested the mother of the victim while the father escaped into the bush. She as later granted bail.

    Michael Aniagyei, however, said after speaking to some media houses, the police who became worried about the news went to the hotel to pick him up but met his absence as he claimed he was meeting his lawyer in Kumasi and has since not returned.

     

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • ‘Conte always wants the best from all of us’- Inter ace Kwadwo Asamoah

    Black Stars and Inter Milan star Kwadwo Asamoah admits manager Antonio Conte is very demanding of his players and wants the best from every player.

    The left-back is yet to make an appearance for the Nerazzuri’s since the return of the Serie A despite recovering fully from an injury setback.

    “I went back to making the fifth in midfield: a role that I like but that involves a lot of sacrifice. All of us on the team know what to do,” Asamoah told the media. “Conte always wants the best from all of us but above all he prepares us to the best: in the game but also in training,” he added.

    “I miss scoring. I don’t think about it when I play because my goal is to help the team win games, but I can’t wait to find the joy of the goal. It would be a charge of energy and trust.”

    Asamoah was an unused substitute as the Italian giants suffered a shock defeat to Bologna on Sunday night.

    Source: Ghana Soccernet

  • Mercy Asiedu’s husband loved me – Ama Oduma Odum

    Ghanaian scriptwriter and actress, Ama Oduma-Odoom, has debunked rumours that she was warming the bed of husband of colleague actress, Oheneyere Mercy Asiedu.

    Speaking in an interview with Delay on her Delay Show, she explained Nana Agyemang Badu, Chief of Kunsu in the Ahafo Ano South District in the Ashanti Region, loved her very much but it was not in the wrong way.

    Miss Oduma said the chief was only fond of her because of her hardworking character and her cordial relationship with his family.

    When quizzed about why the Chief of Kunsu hosted a birthday party for her, she claimed, it was his way of appreciating her hard work.

    “I have never slept with her (Mercy Asiedu’s) husband. It was one of the major reasons I stopped working for her. My commitment to working on the Sankofa project. If I say her husband never loved me, then I will be lying. He loved me but not in the wrong way. The man knows how to appreciate people. He knew I was putting in my all for the Sankofa project. He knew I deserved to be appreciated,” she told Delay.

    The actress affirmed that though she was accommodated by Oheneyere Mercy Asiedu and her husband in their apartment for two years, there was a misunderstanding between them, hence a reason she didn’t leave behind the key to the room, given to her.

    “I had scratches with my landlord so Oheneyere Mercy Asiedu and her husband gave me one room in their apartment.”

    Watch the full interview below:

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com