TIG Post

Author: Chris Kodo

  • I wanted to become an actor to kiss women – Singer, Johnny Drille recalls

    Nigerian alternative musician Johnny Drille has made a very interesting revelation about his life.

    Johnny Drille opened up on the way he perceived life as he shared some of his childhood dreams.

    The silky-voiced singer revealed that, growing up as a child, his dreams was to be on screen acting.

    According to Johnny Drille, his main aim of wanting to become an actor was to kiss women in movies.

    He, however, noted that his aspirations towards becoming an actor were not right before he saw the light and became born again.

  • Bike boom as virus changes lifestyles

    If you’re heading out the door on essential trips soon, will you be taking the bus or a bike?

    Fear of catching coronavirus on public transport has helped lead to a boom in cycle-to-work schemes.

    Demand for more mobility and exercise amid lifestyle changes imposed by the lockdown has also boosted bike sales across the UK.

    Some bike stores are battling to meet demand. Broadrib Cycles in Bicester normally despatches 20-30 bikes a week, but manager Stuart Taylor says the shop is currently selling 50 bikes every day – and seeing a commensurate rise in demand for servicing.

    “It’s just gone crazy,” he told the BBC. “People are dragging bikes out of sheds and garages and finding they need new tyres and cables.

    Source: bbc.com

  • UK lab publishes landmark genetic study on coronavirus

    A UK-based genetics lab on Wednesday announced that it had made important progress in understanding the novel coronavirus, thus helping find clues as to how to develop drugs and vaccines.

    In a study, researchers at the University College London’s (UCL) Genetics Institute analyzed genomes from the COVID-19 virus in over 7,500 people and identified almost 200 recurrent mutations.

    They found that a large part of virus’s global genetic diversity was found in the hardest-hit countries, adding that this suggested it was already being transmitted widely across the world from late 2019, and was in human circulation long before it was first detected.

    The 198 recurring discovered mutations offered clues as to how the virus was adapting, they said.

    Institute Director Francois Balloux, who co-led the study, said: “All viruses naturally mutate. Mutations in themselves are not a bad thing and there is nothing to suggest SARS-CoV-2 is mutating faster or slower than expected. So far, we cannot say whether SARS-CoV-2 is becoming more or less lethal and contagious.”

    “A major challenge to defeating viruses is that a vaccine or drug might no longer be effective if the virus has mutated. If we focus our efforts on parts of the virus that are less likely to mutate, we have a better chance of developing drugs that will be effective in the long run,” Balloux said. “We need to develop drugs and vaccines that cannot be easily evaded by the virus.”

    The researchers said that as for the UK, the virus seemed to have entered the country a number of times independently, rather than through a single patient zero case.

    Co-lead author Dr. Lucy van Dorp, also at the institute, said that being able to analyze “such an extraordinary number of virus genomes within the first few months of the pandemic could be invaluable to drug development efforts and showcases how far genomic research has come even within the last decade.”

    The study was carried out by researchers at the UCL Faculties of Life Sciences and Medical Sciences, along with colleges in the UK and abroad.

    British authorities announced on Wednesday that the total number of UK-wide deaths from coronavirus was 30,076, an increase of 649 in 24 hours.

    COVID-19 cases have been reported in 187 countries and regions since it emerged in China last December, with the US and Europe now the hardest-hit areas.

    The pandemic has killed more than 260,000 worldwide, with total infections over 3.72 million, while recoveries surpassed 1.22 million, according to figures compiled by the US’ Johns Hopkins University.

    Source: aa.com.tr

  • UK economy ‘already in sharp recession’

    The Bank of England anticipates the UK economy is already in a sharp recession, having contracted by a significant 3% in the first three months of the year and then an unprecedented 25% in the current quarter ending in June, in its scenario published on Thursday.

    In its Monetary Policy Report, the most significant and thorough look at the economy since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, the unemployment rate is expected to double to around 9%. The economic scenario is built on assumptions that the lockdown in the UK and the rest of the world is gradually lifted from early next month over a period of four months.

    While there should be a bounce back in growth later this year, the Bank’s “illustrative scenario” anticipates that this will largely come next year, with the economy this year suffering a record fall of 14%, and then growing by 15% next year.

    The Bank warns that this is not a typical forecast and that “many other scenarios are plausible”. But these numbers provide the sharpest analysis yet of the economic challenge of the virus and its pandemic.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Coronavirus: Tougher measures as Kenya’s cases jump by 47

    Kenya has hit another record high in terms of the number of coronavirus cases recorded daily, reporting 47 more positive test results on Wednesday.

    The Health ministry said 32 of the new cases were recorded in Mombasa, 11 in Nairobi, two in Busia in western Kenya, central Kiambu County one and coastal Kwale County one.

    While announcing a total of 582 confirmed cases since Kenya’s first case on March 13, Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe said two more people had died, raising the death toll to 26.

    He said the two people aged 68 and 76 died at their homes in Mombasa, raising more concerns cases that go unnoticed as people stay at home.

    “One patient in Kenyatta National Hospital came to Kenya from Tanzania, through Loitokitok, using matatus. This shows us the danger we are in and further tells why the measures in the transport system have been put in place,” he said.

    The CS also reported that eight more people had been discharged, raising the country’s total number of recoveries to 190.

    Tougher measures

    The government announced tougher measures to contain the spread of the virus, with Eastleigh estate in Nairobi and Old Town in Mombasa emerging as hotspots.

    As such, CS Kagwe announced the cessation of movement into and out of the two areas and said markets, restaurants and eateries would be shut effective May 6.

    The orders will remain for 15 days in both areas.

    Mr Kagwe noted that public transporters would not operate in these areas and but that activities within their borders would not be restricted amid mass testing to establish the extent of infection and identity contacts.

    The minister noted that “these measures are not intended to punish but protect the people in those areas”.

    Statistics

    In Africa, the coronavirus had infected at least 50,502 people and killed over 1,921, according to case tracker Worldometer’s count on May 5.

    Since the first case was reported in Wuhan, China, on December 31, 2019, at least 3,746,445 people worldwide had been infected by May 6.

    The total number of deaths worldwide was 258,962 and that of recoveries at 1,250,449.

    The number of active cases stood at 2,237,034, with two per cent or 49,282 of them being critical and the rest mild.

    Worldometer’s count showed that the number of closed cases was 1,509,411, with 83 per cent or 1,250,449 being the number of recoveries or those discharged.

    Source: theeastafrican.co.ke

  • India gas leak: At least eight dead after Visakhapatnam accident

    Eight people have died, with hundreds of others taken ill, after a gas leak in south India.

    The leak, in the city of Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh state, has been traced to the LG Polymers plant.

    Doctors say “hundreds” of people have been taken to hospital – many complaining of a burning sensation in the eyes and difficulties breathing.

    The incident, which took place around 03:00 local time (21:30 GMT), may have been due to negligence, officials say.

    The leak occurred when the plant was being re-opened for the first time since 24 March when India went into lockdown to curb the spread of coronavirus.

    The state Industries Minister Goutam Reddy told BBC Telugu that it looked as though proper procedures and guidelines were not followed when the plant was being re-opened.

    As the gas spread, residents ran out of their homes in panic. Distressing visuals of people fainting and dropping unconscious on the streets are being shared on social media.

    Some factory employees are believed to have been inside when the leak occurred, but officials say they have no information about them.

    It is feared that the fumes have spread over a radius of about 3km (2 miles) and officials have been evacuating people from surrounding areas.

    A senior district official said that initial attempts to control the gas leak were unsuccessful. However, local news agencies have reported that the situation is now under control.

    Meanwhile, Rajendra Reddy, a senior official in the Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board, told the BBC that the leaked gas was styrene, which is usually refrigerated.

    “We are trying to understand the long-term impact of the chemical on those who have inhaled it during the leak,” he said.

    In the meantime, officials have asked people to protect themselves by covering their faces with a wet cloth.

    India has a tragic history of gas leaks.

    In 1984, a chemical leak in a plant in the central city of Bhopal killed thousands of people, in what is acknowledged to be the world’s worst industrial disaster.

    More than 35 years later, victims say children are still being born with disabilities because of the effects of the spill.

    Reporting by BBC Telugu’s Satish Balla and Deepthi Bathini

    What is Styrene and how can exposure impact humans?

    -Styrene gas is a colourless, or light yellow, flammable liquid primarily used in the production of polystyrene plastics and resins – it is used to manufacture plastics and rubbers which are used in containers for foodstuffs, packaging, synthetic marble, flooring, disposable tableware and moulded furniture

    -Breathing air contaminated with styrene vapours can cause irritation of the nose and throat, coughing and wheezing, and create a build-up of fluid in the lungs

    -Exposure to larger amounts can result in the onset of “styrene sickness”, the signs and symptoms of which include headache, nausea, vomiting, weakness, tiredness, dizziness, confusion and clumsy or unsteady motion (known collectively as central nervous system depression)

    -In some cases exposure to styrene can also result in irregular heartbeats and even coma

    -Several epidemiologic studies suggest there may be an association between styrene exposure and an increased risk of leukemia and lymphoma though the evidence is inconclusive

    Source: bbc.com

  • Details of One Week Observation for Bishop Bernard Nyarko

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    Actor Bishop Bernard Nyarko died on May 2 at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital after months of suffering from colon cancer.

    His death has generated several controversies with people in the movie industry apportioning blames to his mother and family.

    Details of his One Week Observation have popped up on social media.

    According to the family, there will be two programmes, one in Kumasi and another in Accra simultaneously on May 9, 2020 .

    Details of the One Week Observation for Bishop Bernard Nyarko has emerged on social media.

    Actor Bishop Bernard Nyarko died on May 2 at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital after months of suffering from colon cancer.

    His death has generated several controversies with people in the movie industry apportioning blames to his mother and family.

    Details of his One Week Observation have popped up on social media.

    According to the family, there will be two programmes, one in Kumasi and another in Accra simultaneously on May 9, 2020 .

    In Accra, the event will take place at the Lakeside Ashaley Botwe whiles in Kumasi, the event will take place at Pakoso Asokore Mampong.

    The family added that the event is not a public gathering because of the various regulations put in place by the government to fight COVID-19.

    Source: MyNewsGh.com

  • Wearing face masks about is an embarrassment to science – Pastor Chris

    Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, the Senior Pastor of Christ Embassy, has continued to express his displeasure at the different measures put in place by the Federal government since the COVID-19 pandemic started.

    Oyakhilome in an online sermon on Tuesday, spoke against the wearing of facemask.

    He opined that the use of facemasks in a time like this, is an embarrassment to science.

    He also went on to say, “If we go by science, you should not wear masks in public.”

    The clergyman also said that various scientists, virologists and Immunologists in the world have come out to support his initial claim that the enforcement of a lockdown in battling a pandemic isn’t scientific.

    Source: Peace FM

  • Coronavirus: UK car sales plunge to lowest level since 1946

    New car registrations almost ground to a halt in April after coronavirus lockdown measures were introduced, the motor industry has said.

    Figures from industry body the SMMT show only 4,321 cars were registered, the lowest monthly level since 1946.

    April’s figure marked a 97% plunge in sales from the same month last year.

    The closure of car dealerships as part of measures to try to combat the disease has hit consumer registrations.

    The Society for Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said that of the registrations made last month, 70% were by companies buying for their fleets. The cars would most likely have been on order before the lockdown, said Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive.

    “If you are told to close all your car showrooms for the entirety of April it’s no surprise sales are almost non-existent,” he told the BBC.

    Many of the 4,000 cars sold last month were needed to support key workers and for those who had a pressing need for them, an SMMT spokesman said.

    Those cars would not have been bought from dealerships, but instead, for example, from wholesalers, or directly from manufacturers.

    The 4,000 figure for April compares to 161,064 new cars that were registered in same month last year.

    The industry body said it now expects 1.68 million new car registrations in 2020 compared with 2.3 million in 2019.

    Staff at some UK car manufacturers began returning to work this week, although the start of full production is a long way off, Mr Hawes said. The supply chain is also starting to re-open.

    “Manufacturers are trying to figure out how to start operations in a safe environment,” he said. “But it will be slow and production will be ramped up very slowly.”

    The coronavirus crisis has come at what was already a difficult time for the motor industry, which had been struggling with falling sales and a collapse in demand for diesel vehicles, while struggling to meet tough new emissions targets.

    The figures are certainly dramatic, expected to be the lowest sales since February 1946.

    But since virtually the entire motor industry ground to a halt when the lockdown was introduced, they are not entirely unexpected.

    What matters now is what happens when the restrictions are eased and customers are allowed back into the showrooms.

    You would expect there to be some pent-up demand – after all, dealerships began to close in mid-March, traditionally one of the strongest months of the year for new car sales.

    However, since then harsh economic realities have come into play. Huge swathes of the workforce have been furloughed, and the signs are the country is heading into a deep recession.

    Under those circumstances, with so much uncertainty and so many jobs at risk, how many people will really be willing to buy a new car?

    We can expect a wave of incentive programmes – and quite possibly a wave of new scrappage schemes – as car companies start fighting tooth and nail for every single sale.

    The coronavirus outbreak also halted car production.

    All of the UK’s major car factories suspended work in March, and it is not yet clear when they will reopen.

    Ian Plummer, commercial director at online marketplace Auto Trader, said: “With retailers forced to close the doors to their physical forecourts, it’ll come as no surprise to anyone to see just how dramatic an impact it’s had on the new car market.

    “Some brands have been able to sell remotely, but uncertainty in the government’s guidelines or a lack of the required infrastructure to operate home delivery in a safe way, has limited it to all but a handful of retailers.”

    However, he said Auto Trader data indicated that the market had been paused, rather than stopped.

    He added that there would be a chance “for the industry to accelerate the adoption of low emission vehicles” when restrictions lift.

    “However, it’ll be essential for manufacturers to push more electric vehicles into their UK networks along with greater financial incentives,” such as scrappage schemes, he said.

     

    Source: bbc.com

  • Qatar Airways warns of ‘substantial’ job losses

    Qatar Airways has warned its employees of “substantial” redundancies as it struggles with a collapse in demand.

    Its chief executive Akbar Al Baker wrote to staff warning of the job losses, although he did not say how many were under threat.

    Qatar Airways said it needed to “act decisively to protect the future of the business”.

    The airline industry is facing one of its toughest ever periods, with many carriers on the brink of collapse.

    “The truth is, we simply cannot sustain the current staff numbers and will need to make a substantial number of jobs redundant – inclusive of cabin crew,” Mr Al Baker wrote in an internal memo.

    The state-owned airline employs more than 45,000 people and has a fleet of more than 240 planes. In February, Qatar Airways increased its stake in British Airways owner IAG to 25% as part of its strategy to invest in other carriers.

    “The unparalleled impact on our industry has caused significant challenges for all airlines and we must act decisively to protect the future of our business,” a Qatar Airways spokesman said.

    “As a result, Qatar Airways can confirm that the airline will make a number of roles redundant due to the impact of Covid-19.”

    Airline trade body, the International Air Transport Association (IATA), warned last month that air traffic in the Middle East and North Africa would plummet by more than half this year.

    IATA also warned that most airlines would struggle to make a profit if social distancing measures were introduced, such as keeping middle seats empty.

    On Tuesday, Virgin Atlantic said it would be cutting 3,000 jobs and quitting its operations at Gatwick airport.

    Source: bbc.com

  • France could ease limits on religious services early

    France could allow religious services to resume earlier than planned if the easing of the lockdown this month does not result in an increase in the infection rate of coronavirus.

    France is set to ease its lockdown on 11 May but it had been indicated that religious ceremonies would still be banned until at least 2 June.

    The Christian holy day of Pentecost, celebrated 50 days after Easter Sunday, falls on 1 June

    Source: bbc.com

  • Local masks manufacturers must meet safety standards – FDA

    The Foods and Drugs Authority (FDA) Ghana, has underlined the need for the homemade face mask manufacturers to adhere to safety standards to ensure that their products are safe for usage.

    They should see to it that production staff dressed appropriately, covered their nose, washed and regularly sanitized hands before sewing. The tools must also be disinfected.

    Mrs. Delesse A. A. Darko, speaking at a media briefing to provide an update on the situation of the novel coronavirus pandemic in the country, said the masks needed to be free from contamination.

    She reminded the manufacturers to make sure that stuck to the approved fabric. She announced that the FDA had so far approved 41 companies to manufacture face masks and shields, across the name to enable everybody to have access to recommended protective gear.

    They had met with the Garments Association to share the right information on the requirements for sewing a mask.

    She said the masks sewn should allow people to breathe comfortably through them, adding that, “when you wear a good mask, you can wear it for hours and can still breath”.

    The FDA recommends that the mask should be made out of plain fabric and the fabric used should be cotton or any cotton derivative like calico. Mrs. Darko said it was advisable to have the mask pleated to enable it to cover every part from the nose to the chin.

    The reason for the recommended three-layered, was to slow the rate at which particles could be transferred from one person to the other.

    Source: GNA

  • Coronavirus: Protect relatives – GHS

    Dr Badu Sarkodie, the Director of Public Health, Ghana Health Service has advised the public to protect their relatives at home and everyone they encounter by distancing themselves.

    He said as many people were not tested, some people could have the virus without showing symptoms, therefore, it was important that people especially those who move regularly outside the house, stayed away from their relatives at home.

    “Distance yourselves so that if you have the virus, you do not go to pass it on to your mother, father, or grandmother at home,” he stated.

    Dr Sarkodie gave the advice at a Press Briefing organised by the Information Ministry in Accra to update journalists and the public on the current state of the COVID-19 in Ghana and measures put in place to manage it.

    Keep used face masks away from others especially from the reach of children, Dr Sarkodie stated.

    Professor William Kwabena Ampofo, Head of the Virology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, said one measure that slowed down the rate at which the virus was spreading in Ghana was the enhanced contact tracing.

    He explained that it included; many people who did not show any symptoms, adding that, those who tested positive were isolated at the initial stage. Another measure was the usage of data collected on the date samples and tested for the COVID-19 and date patients started having symptoms.

    Prof. Amofo said Ghana was on top and was likely to have a decline in its number of confirmed cases if her citizens observed the social distancing protocol as well as the individual preventive measures like wearing of face masks, hand washing, and the coughing and sneezing etiquette.

    He said the country was not having an overstretched or overwhelmed health system, explaining that, that was only determined by the number of people who tested positive, those who visited the hospital and the number of deaths recorded.

    Source: GNA

  • Coronavirus: Ashanti regional cases now 165

    Confirmed cases of the novel Coronavirus in the Ashanti region now stands at 165, an update by the Ghana Health Service (GHS) official website has said.

    This number is out of the 41,986 people tested so far in the region.

    37 of them have recovered while five have died of the disease.

    Dr. Emmanuel Tinkorang, the Regional Director of Health Services, told journalists in Kumasi that, three of the persons with the virus are currently on admission with 118 receiving home-based care.

    He indicated that a total of 815 persons had so for been contacted through contact-tracing out of which 763 had completed their 14-day follow up with the remaining 54 being in isolation.

    17 out of the 43 districts in the region had reported cases, with 56 per cent of the confirmed cases being males and 44 per cent being females.

    The Regional Director added that stigmatisation and discrimination against discharged COVID-19 patients was a major challenge militating against the fight against the disease.

    “Due to the stigma, there is always a fight when picking up a case at the community level but it is important for the communities to assist us to win the battle together”, Dr. Tinkorang pleaded.

    He also expressed grave concern about how health workers who risked their lives to pick up cases in the communities were sometimes attacked and called for the cooperation of all stakeholders.

    Dr. Emmanuel Tinkorang then made a passionate appeal to the media to step up public education on the stigmatisation of COVID-19 patients and how it was affecting efforts to contain the deadly disease.

    He hinted that, his outfit was going to increase tracing, testing, and isolation with focus on mass screening of high-risk groups including market women, drivers, barbers, hairdressers, and all identifiable groups who come into contact with a lot of people daily.

    Dr. Tinkorang disclosed further that, efforts were being made to add four more testing centres to augment the work of the Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine (KCCR) to deal with the perennial backlog of samples.

    With the establishment of a testing centre in Tamale, the expectation is that pressure on KCCR would reduce to ensure real-time delivery of test results.

    Dr. Emmanuel Tinkorang noted the availability of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in health facilities had significantly improved and urged the public to observe all the preventive protocols to help curb the spread of the disease.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Three escapee coronavirus patients test positive

    Three contact persons of a Nigerian national who was tested positive of the COVID-19 and escaped from isolation in Wa about three weeks ago has tested positive of the virus.

    They have all been taken to the treatment centre at the Regional Hospital. This was contained in a statement signed by Dr Hafiz Bin Salih, the Upper West Regional Minister, and copied to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Wa.

    It said as at May 3, 2020, the region had recorded 11 new cases of the virus bringing the total cases in the region to 19, one person fully recovered and reintegrated into the community and with no death recorded.

    Seven of the confirmed cases were picked from the Sissala East Municipality following the mandatory screening of travelers arriving in the district from Kumasi and Accra during the partial lockdown period.

    The statement said five of them were identified and transferred to the treatment centre at Tumu, the Municipal Capital, whilst efforts were underway to track the remaining two.

    The remaining one person was a resident of Wa, who travelled into the region by a public transport after he returned from Kenya on February 16, 2020 and had his samples taken on April 16, 2020 upon self-request and was since in isolation in his house.

    “All cases currently on treatment are mild to moderate. Investigation is underway to identify, isolate and treat all cases and trace all contacts. It is important to note that all the cases had a travel history or are contacts of known cases”, the statement added.

    It therefore urged the people to remain calm and to support the authorities in the fight the deadly disease.

    As part of measures to control the disease in the region, the statement said “the Rapid Response Teams (RRT) at both regional and district levels continue to monitor and investigate new cases and rumours as they are reported”.

    It also reiterated the need for the public to strictly observe the COVID-19 protocols including; physical distancing, regular hand washing with soap and alcohol-based hand sanitizer; avoid going to public places unless it was absolutely necessary and properly wearing nose masks when going to any public place among others.

    On the Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM), the statement indicated that 30 cases with one death were recorded over the past two weeks, bringing the total number of cases in the region to 303 with 44 deaths.

    It identified the Nandom and Jirapa Municipalities and the Nadowli District as the worse hit areas but said none of the districts were currently experiencing any epidemic.

    “Laboratory investigation continues to show that the majority of the cases are caused by Neisseria Meningitides Sero Group X, which currently has no vaccine”, it said.

    Source: GNA

  • Tankers explosion kills child

    A two-year-old boy was burnt beyond recognition when two Diesel tankers caught fire near a filling station at Apremdo in the Effia-Kwesimitsim Municipality of the Western Region.

    The boy was sleeping in a metal container close to the scene when the unfortunate incident occurred.

    According to sources, the Diesel tankers were parked behind the filling station, awaiting orders from pump managers to discharge fuel into reservoirs.

    The cause of the inferno was not immediately known, but some of the residents claimed that at about 3:00pm, they heard a blast from where the tankers were parked and realised the place was up in smoke.

    “Most of the people in the area, including the mother of the two-year-old boy who was selling in the container, started running away to safety. The mother later realised that her two-year-old boy was sleeping in the metal container and before she decided to go back for the little boy, the inferno had gutted the container,” an eyewitness narrated.

    The eyewitness said the mother of the boy was seriously injured when she tried to go and rescue him and was rushed to the hospital for treatment.

    When DGN Online got to the area at about 3:15pm, heavy dark smoke could be seen in the skies.

    Most of the people there were seen praying for the firemen to extinguish the fire because it was getting close to nearby pump stations and a market.

    Before the fire was brought under control, more than half a dozen metal containers had been razed by the wildfire.

    The Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Ghana National Fire Service in the Western Region, Emmanuel Bonney, said the fire fighters were able to bring the fire under control some few minutes after arriving at the scene.

    He cautioned the public against rushing to fire scenes to take pictures and converging around since they put their lives at risk.

    Source: Daily Guide Network

  • Coronavirus: 11 out of 200 samples test positive in Ningo-pramram

    Eleven out of 200 sample results have tested positive of COVID-19 in the Ningo-Prampram District of the Greater Accra Region.

    In an exclusive interview with the Ghana News Agency, Mr. Jonathan Teye Doku, District Chief Executive (DCE) for the Ningo Prampram District Assembly (NiPDA), noted that, about 800 samples were taken for testing out of which 200 sample results had been certified.

    He further explained that, the District had set up a COVID-19 emergency response unit, made up of the District health director, NADMO, heads of the Security service within the district, the district Ambulance unit among other important governmental parastatals within the Ningo – Prampram District.

    Mr Doku again informed that, the Ningo- Prampram District Assembly had procured some 1000 pieces of face mask to be given to Assembly Members for onward distribution within their Electoral Areas adding that more would be made available within the district to curb the spread of the virus.

    According to the DCE, citizens must desist from stigmatizing people believed to have contracted the virus saying no one had total immunity.

    “Let us observe the various hygiene protocols to be able to defeat this virus, “he added.

    The GNA observed that the face mask is not popular in the District.

    Source: GNA

  • Wearing of nose masks made compulsory in Western North Region

    The Western North Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) and the Regional Security Council (RESEC) has with an immediate effect made the wearing of the face and nose masks compulsory for residents to manage and stop the spread of COVID-19 in the Region.

    This was contained in a release issued by the Western North Regional Coordinating Council after an emergency meeting to consider measures to combat the rapid incidence of COVID-19 in the Region.

    The release signed by Mr Kingsley Aboagye Gyedu, Regional Minister and copied the GNA, placed a temporary close down on all pubs and drinking spots within the region as well as the suspension of all special markets days until further notice.

    The statement further entreated the Police and Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) to liaise with commercial drivers to ensure all passengers wear face masks before boarding vehicles.

    The statement also directed taxi cab drivers not to take more than three passengers, two at the back and one front.

    The release reminded residents and all those visiting the Region to continue to adhere to the World Health Organization approved COVID -19 protocols, Which include social distancing, regularly washing of hands with soap under running water, frequent use of hand Sanitizers as well as avoid overcrowded places to manage and stop the spread of COVID-19.

    The statement also entreated Municipal and District assemblies to embark on public education and sensitization on the wearing of face masks, social and physical distancing within their respective jurisdictions.

    Source: GNA

  • Couple infected with deadly virus at TNMA

    The Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipal Assembly in the Western Region had recorded two cases of COVID-19.

    Mr Gilbert Kennedy Asmah, Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), who made this known to the media at a press conference at Ahwetieso said the patients are couples who reside in the Municipality and had no travel history outside the country.

    According to him, on May 1, the 56-year-old man reported to a health facility within the Municipality and showing signs and symptoms that were similar to that of the COVID-19.

    He indicated that the Rapid Response Team immediately isolated him and took his sample together with his wife who had also shown similar signs for examination and analysis at the Noguchi Memorial Research Institute, Accra.

    He said the test result showed the couple had contracted the deadly virus and both have since been isolated to enable them to have further medical attention.

    The Municipal Rapid Response Team was working closely with other stakeholders to ensure stringent measures were put in place to curtail the spread of the virus in Tarkwa and its environs, Mr Asmah announced.

    He admonished residents within the Municipality to stick to the necessary precautionary procedures spelt out by the World Health Organization (WHO) as well as the directives from the President.

    “Our Enforcement Team will make sure all traders comply with the shift system which has been instituted at the various markets centers in the municipality” he added.

    Mr Asmah also encouraged the media and stakeholders to collaborate with the Publicity and Risk Communication Team to intensify the public education campaign on the disease, adding that, COVID-19 Team was working tirelessly to come out with enhanced alternatives that could help contain the present situation.

    “He further cautioned individuals and companies to desist from stigmatisation, unnecessary spread and the release of information relating to COVID-19”.

    The MCE again entreated the citizens of Tarkwa-Nsuaem to allay fears and panic but rather join efforts to combat the novel Coronavirus.

    Source: GNA

  • Coronavirus cases in Sissala East dangerous to communities – Dr Abdulai

    Dr. Zakaria Abdulai, the Medical Superintendent for the Sissala East Municipal Hospital, has urged the residents to cooperate with health officials in fighting the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) in the Municipality.

    He said that was necessary because the five asymptomatic COVID-19 victims in the Municipality posed a serious risk to vulnerable groups in the communities.

    Dr. Abdulai said this in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Tumu concerning the seven Covid-19 cases recorded in the Municipality.

    The Sissala East Municipality in the Upper West Region had recorded seven cases of the COVID-19 with five of the cases being asymptomatic.

    “I have seen them, and none of them have shown signs and symptoms and this makes them asymptomatic, which suggests they are in the community living normal lives.

    “This can be dangerous to vulnerable groups like people who have compromised lungs, the aged, asthmatic, TB patients and innocent persons can be infected without knowing,” Dr. Abdulai explained.

    The Medical Superintendent added that the isolation facility at Tumu could not withstand an outbreak as it did not have a single ventilator that could support someone with respiratory distress.

    He appealed to benevolent individuals and organisations to support the health facility with Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) and thermometer guns among others to help protect the health staff against the deadly virus. Mr Alex Bapula the Sissala East Municipal Director of Health Services called for psychological support for the COVID-19 infected persons.

    He praised the frontline health workers for their quick response and appealed to the authorities to make available all the resources needed for the front line staff to be courageous to carry out their work effectively.

    Mr Bapula also appealed to the community members to report all strangers as well as natives who were returning to the communities from other parts of the country to the health authorities for the necessary action to be taken.

    Source: GNA

  • Traditional Authorities empowered to help sensitize communities on COVID-19

    The Center for Indigenous Knowledge and Organizational Development (CIKOD) – North has empowered Traditional Authorities in the Nandom Municipality with appropriate information on the COVID-19 pandemic for them to help sensitize members of their communities.

    This, according to Mr Ben Guri, Executive Director of CIKOD, was necessary because chiefs were well revered in their communities, and as a result when they speak the people listen and comply.

    Speaking during the CIKOD Community COVID-19 support programme in Nandom, Mr Guri noted that empowering the Chiefs to lead the community sensitization was the way to go to win the war against the pandemic.

    The Executive Director of CIKOD noted that Ghana and for that matter Africa, lacked a robust health system to be able to contain the pandemic if it spreads as it did in other developed worlds, adding the only solution was a vigorous sensitization of the populace on the best practices against the disease so that they would be aware and therefore practice the necessary protocols to protect themselves against the disease.

    Dr Gabriel Gbiel Benorkuu, National Chairman, Ghana Coalition of NGOs in Health appealed to the chiefs to preach the benefits of consistently wearing the face mask to the people to ensure compliance.

    He stressed that the wearing of the face mask and the social distancing protocol were the two most important strategies used by the countries that have so far been able to contain or slow down the spread of the disease.

    He said he visited a small market in a village within the Nandom Municipality and out of the about 320 people he counted, only one person was wearing a face mask, which he described as a worrying situation and needed to be addressed urgently.

    Dr Aduwia David Adobasom, Acting Medical Superintendent of the St. Theresa’s Hospital in Nandom said one could contract the disease through the mouth, nostrils, and the eyes when one happened to touch the face with contaminated hands.

    He called on the people to also take the washing of hands with soap under running water and the use of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) recommended alcohol-based sanitizers serious to avoid contracting the disease.

    “Stay home if you don’t have any serious business outside; this is because when you stay at home, you save yourself from either contracting or spreading the disease”, he admonished.

    Mr Lawrence Ashiara, the Nandom Municipal Immigration Commander appealed to the chiefs to educate their people on the danger involved concerning the spread of the disease when they shield foreigners coming into the country illegally in their homes.

    He also appealed to the people to respect the social distancing protocol and stop gathering at drinking spots, out-doorings, and market centers among others, adding that it was a risk to do that.

    Madam Genevieve Yiripare, the Nandom Municipal Director of Health Services noted that the Municipality recorded its first confirmed case of COVID-19 on the 18th of April, 2020, but had to release the person to the regional level due to lack of a place to keep the person.

    She added that presently, the Municipality also has nine suspected cases out of which samples had been taken for testing and the results were yet to be released.

    The Municipal Health Director appealed to relatives of persons under quarantine to stop harassing them with calls for their release and rather support them because it was for their benefit.

    The project is jointly being implemented by CIKOD and Groundswell International with funding from the 11th Hour Project.
    with appropriate information on the COVID-19 pandemic for them to help sensitize members of their communities.

    This, according to Mr Ben Guri, Executive Director of CIKOD, was necessary because chiefs were well revered in their communities, and as a result when they speak the people listen and comply.

    Speaking during the CIKOD Community COVID-19 support programme in Nandom, Mr Guri noted that empowering the Chiefs to lead the community sensitization was the way to go to win the war against the pandemic.

    The Executive Director of CIKOD noted that Ghana and for that matter Africa, lacked a robust health system to be able to contain the pandemic if it spreads as it did in other developed worlds, adding the only solution was a vigorous sensitization of the populace on the best practices against the disease so that they would be aware and therefore practice the necessary protocols to protect themselves against the disease.

    Dr Gabriel Gbiel Benorkuu, National Chairman, Ghana Coalition of NGOs in Health appealed to the chiefs to preach the benefits of consistently wearing the face mask to the people to ensure compliance.

    He stressed that the wearing of the face mask and the social distancing protocol were the two most important strategies used by the countries that have so far been able to contain or slow down the spread of the disease.

    He said he visited a small market in a village within the Nandom Municipality and out of the about 320 people he counted, only one person was wearing a face mask, which he described as a worrying situation and needed to be addressed urgently.

    Dr Aduwia David Adobasom, Acting Medical Superintendent of the St. Theresa’s Hospital in Nandom said one could contract the disease through the mouth, nostrils, and the eyes when one happened to touch the face with contaminated hands.

    He called on the people to also take the washing of hands with soap under running water and the use of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) recommended alcohol-based sanitizers serious to avoid contracting the disease.

    “Stay home if you don’t have any serious business outside; this is because when you stay at home, you save yourself from either contracting or spreading the disease”, he admonished.

    Mr Lawrence Ashiara, the Nandom Municipal Immigration Commander appealed to the chiefs to educate their people on the danger involved concerning the spread of the disease when they shield foreigners coming into the country illegally in their homes.

    He also appealed to the people to respect the social distancing protocol and stop gathering at drinking spots, out-doorings, and market centers among others, adding that it was a risk to do that.

    Madam Genevieve Yiripare, the Nandom Municipal Director of Health Services noted that the Municipality recorded its first confirmed case of COVID-19 on the 18th of April, 2020, but had to release the person to the regional level due to lack of a place to keep the person.

    She added that presently, the Municipality also has nine suspected cases out of which samples had been taken for testing and the results were yet to be released.

    The Municipal Health Director appealed to relatives of persons under quarantine to stop harassing them with calls for their release and rather support them because it was for their benefit.

    The project is jointly being implemented by CIKOD and Groundswell International with funding from the 11th Hour Project.

    Source: GNA

  • CSM death toll now 44 in Upper West

    Upper West Regional Minister, Dr Hafiz Bin Salih in a statement issued in Wa says the Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM) ravages the region has so far claimed 44 lives.

    The Minister indicated that 30 cases with one death were recorded over the past two weeks, bringing the total number of cases in the region to 303 with 44 deaths.

    It identified the Nandom and Jirapa Municipalities and the Nadowli District as the worse hit areas but said none of the districts were currently experiencing any epidemic.

    “Laboratory investigation continues to show that the majority of the cases are caused by Neisseria Meningitides Sero Group X, which currently has no vaccine”, it said.

    The statement observed that the CSM case fatality rate in the region had significantly reduced as individuals with the disease now reported early to the health facilities for treatment.

    It urged the people to “drink a lot of water during this season, sleep in well-ventilated areas; cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing and report early to the nearest health facilities when you experience signs and symptoms of the disease”.

    Source: Daily Guide Network

  • Ghanas coronavirus case count rises to 3,091 with 303 recoveries

    Ghana has recorded 372 more novel Coronavirus cases, making the total case count 3,091, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) has stated.

    As of May 7, 2020, nine more patients have recovered and discharged making the total number of recoveries 303.

    The death toll, according to the GHS update is still 18.

    According to the Ghana Health Service, a total of 137,924 tests have been done so far.

    The Bono region becomes the latest of the 16 regions to record its first case.

    The Savannah, Ahafo and Bono East remain the only regions in Ghana yet to record a case.

    Below is the regional breakdown of the cases:

    Greater Accra Region 2,579

    Ashanti Region 165

    Eastern Region 95

    Western North Region 56

    Central Region 50

    Western Region 32

    Volta Region 30

    Upper East Region 26

    Oti Region 23

    Upper West Region 19

    Northern Region 13

    North East Region 2

    Bono Region 1

    Savannah Region 0

    Ahafo Region 0

    Bono East Region 0

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Security officer who inflicted grievous bodily harm on wife remanded

    A Wa Magistrate Court, presided over by Justice Sydney Braimah, has remanded the private security personnel who inflicted multiple cut wounds to his wife at Konta in the Upper West Regional capital Wa.

    35-year-old Vitus Sungsolee Kundeyiri was remanded in prison custody charged with attempted murder.

     

    The court was told that Vitus Sungsolee Kundeyiri on April 29, allegedly attacked his 30-year-old wife Amanda Abawuro Basinbo with a pick axe, hitting her several times on the forehead, leaving her with deep cuts and injuring her skull.

    The incident is believed to have occurred after a prolonged misunderstanding between the couple who have been married for the last 13 years, with one child.

    Kundeyiri Vitus Sungsolee

    The suspect, according to the police prosecutor, Ali Katebor, fled the scene of the crime after his 10-year-old son drew the attention of neighbours to the incident and also reported same to his maternal aunt through a phone call.

    Briefing the media on the incident, the Upper West Regional Public Relations Officer of the Ghana Police Service, Inspector Gideon Boateng, stated that a sister of the victim reported the incident to the police after receiving a phone call from the boy.

    He indicated that the police visited the victim who had been rushed to the Wa Municipal Hospital at the time to ascertain the level of injury and subsequently launched a manhunt for the perpetrator.

    Inspector Boateng said Mr Kundeyiri was arrested on Monday and processed for court on Wednesday where he has been remanded into prison custody to reappear on May 20, 2020.

    Meanwhile, the victim who was transferred to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital on Saturday is responding to treatment.

    Amanda Abawuro Basinbo
    Amanda Abawuro Basinbo

    By Yakubu Abdul-Gafur | 3news.com

  • MTN reassures customers of its commitment to adherence of health protocols in Covid-19 fight

    MTN Ghana has reassured the public that it is committed to the adherence of the general health protocols established to minimize the spread of the Covid-19 disease.

    It said all its offices, shops and service centres across the country have been on high alert to ensure full compliance with all Covid-19 protocols issued by the Ghana Health Service (GHS) and the World Health Organization (WHO).

    Whilst focusing on ensuring the provision of reliable services in a safe environment, the company says it has taken note of the concerns raised by its sector Minister, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, about the sitting arrangement at the outdoor “overflow area” of its Dansoman Zodiac Branch.

    “MTN Ghana sincerely apologizes to the customers and the public for the incident.

    “MTN has taken immediate steps to ensure the enhancement of measures already put in place to stem the dangers associated with the congregation of customers outside our service centres to prevent this situation from happening again.

    “We would like to reassure the public and Government of our full commitment to the fight against Covid-19,” MTN Ghana said in a press release Wednesday.

    According to the company, at the onset of the outbreak of the disease in the country and until date, it has implemented several measures to ensure the safety of customers and staff.

    MTN Ghana was among the pioneers to immediately make the use of hand sanitisers and temperature checks mandatory at all its premises.  The company also decongested the offices and service centres to limit the number of people inside at any given point in time.

    “We also implemented “Work from Home” initiatives for the safety of our staff very early on as we assessed the risks Covid-19 posed. Extra chairs have also been made available outside of MTN branches to accommodate the extra number of people who cannot sit in the main branch.

    “MTN has also opened some of the branches which were initially closed to accommodate customer needs while observing strict protocols to ensure the safety of our staff and customers,” it said.

    MTN Ghana said it will continue to review its operations in the midst of the pandemic with the view of protecting customers and staff whilst enhancing customer experience.

    These measures include the continuous training of staff to enable them to deal with the unique circumstances we face currently, the provision of chairs in waiting areas that conform to social distancing and mandatory mask protocols outside of our service centres and within, and the provision of more signages to support customers.

    MTN continues said it will continue to engage and encourage its customers to transact with us through our digital channels and make full use of its mobile money agents for financial transactions.

    “Our digital channels include MyMTN App, Skype, emails, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Customers can also call the 24-hour contact centre on 100 for assistance at any given time.

    “MTN Ghana would like to assure all stakeholders that it is a good corporate citizen of Ghana and will stay committed to the fight against COVID-19,” it said.

     

     

  • Two-year-old boy dies in Kwesimintsim tanker explosion

    A 2-year-old boy lost his life after fire gutted two tanker trucks and about a dozen container shops at “Aben be bom” (Apremdo market) near Kwesimintsim in the Effia Kwesimintsim constituency of the Western Region on Wednesday.

    An eyewitness account indicates that a taxi which was being repaired in the vicinity caught fire and spread to the two diesel tankers which were stationed behind the Apremdo filling station. The tankers exploded burning about a dozen container shops in the area.

    The two-year-old boy (name withheld) who was sleeping in one of the containers, according to eyewitnesses, got burned beyond recognition whilst the mother, a mobile money vendor sustained some burns in an attempt to save the son.

    Eyewitnesses say personnel from the Ghana Fire Service arrived about 15 minutes to the scene after the fire started.

    As at the time of filing this report at about 4pm, they were still grappling with the fire.

    Smoke from the scene had darkened the Kwesimintsim skies whilst a crowd of onlookers had gathered at the scene disregarding the danger.

     

    Source: 3 News

  • Stop denigrating me! – Allotey Jacobs tells NDC saboteurs

    Former NDC Central Regional Chairman, Allotey Jacobs, has issued a caustic warning to his party members to stop denigrating his reputation.

    Allotey Jacobs had addressed issues regarding President Akufo-Addo’s promise to construct 88 district and six Regional hospitals in the country within a year, last week on Peace FM.

    He admonished the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to cease its verbal attacks against President Nana Akufo-Addo over the latter’s pledge to construct the hospitals, and further advised the party to adopt a wait-and-see approach to know whether the project could even be rolled out before attempting to shoot it down entirely.

    “If he says he will construct them, we have to exercise patience and watch him. Where is he going to get the funds? How is he going to start? Should he claim to have started one or two, bear in mind that the residents in whose districts the hospitals are being constructed can bear witness or otherwise. So, for me, it is premature for him to be criticized because you’re even urging him on to even find resources to start the projects . . . If he can do it or not, what is important is that 88 districts in this country needs hospitals.

    “When it’s getting close to elections and he hasn’t begun, then you can call out his bluff, but it’s too early to even say that it will be difficult or impossible to find the resources to complete it,” he said on ‘Kokrokoo’ on Wednesday, April 29, 2020.

    On the same platform, the party’s National Communications Officer Sammy Gyamfi challenged the composition of the panel stating strongly Allotey Jacobs doesn’t represent the NDC any longer and his submissions do not reflect the position of the party either.

    Sammy Gyamfi’s comments seem to have courted hatred for Allotey Jacobs as he narrated to host Kwami Sefa Kayi on Wednesday, May 6th edition of the show that some members and supporters of the opposition party have begun pitching him against the grassroots.

    Contributing to a panel discussion on ‘Kokrokoo’ on Peace FM, the former NDC guru noted that his saboteurs even went as far as misconstruing his words claiming he has accused former President John Dramani Mahama of being corrupt, and also associated him with other false reports.

    Allotey Jacobs warned those people to immediately stop badmouthing him stressing he is not deterred by their ”inferior communist tactics”.

    ”President Mahama knows I will not in anyway denigrate his name. A person like me who has been propounding that President Mahama is not corrupt, then I turn round but it is coming from my own people . . . My people won’t go to Peacefmonline to watch and listen to the entire programme. That is what I am going through and then they’re pitching me against the grassroots, organizers and so forth but I’m not deterred.”

     

    Source: Peace FM

  • Biden demands justice for Georgia killing of black jogger Arbery

    The Democrats’ likely presidential candidate Joe Biden has demanded justice over the killing of an unarmed black man in the US state of Georgia.

    Mr Biden said his heart went out to the family of Ahmaud Arbery.

    Mr Arbery, 25, was jogging in February when confronted by an ex-policeman and his son. Video purported to show the shooting emerged online on Tuesday.

    A district attorney in Georgia has now ruled that a grand jury should decide whether charges should be brought.

    An earlier decision by a prosecutor in the Brunswick jurisdiction argued there was no probable cause to arrest Gregory McMichael, 64, and his son Travis, 34, the New York Times has reported.

    How did Arbery die? Mr Arbery was out running in the Satilla Shores neighbourhood of Brunswick in Georgia’s Glynn County early in the afternoon on 23 February.

    In a police report, Gregory McMichael says he saw Mr Arbery and believed he resembled the suspect in a series of break-ins.

    He and his son armed themselves and pursued him in a pick-up truck.

    In the police report, Gregory McMichael says he and his son had said “stop, stop, we want to talk to you” and that Mr Arbery had attacked his son. Shots were fired, with Mr Arbery falling to the street.

    Mr Arbery’s mother, Wanda Cooper, said police told her her son had been involved in a burglary before the incident, but the family say they do not believe the keen jogger had committed a crime and he was unarmed.

    What does the video show? It was initially posted on a local radio station website but was then taken down.

    But CNN included the video in its report of the story.

    However, it said it did not know who recorded the footage and could not independently confirm its authenticity.

    The 36-second video is shot from a vehicle following the pick-up truck said to be involved in the incident.

    It shows a man jogging and then approaching the stationary pick-up from behind. He tries to bypass the truck and then is seen struggling with a man carrying a shotgun. There is muffled shouting and shotgun shots are heard.

    A second man is standing in the bed of the pick-up. The second man is then shown with a pistol standing alongside the other armed man with the jogger no longer in view.

    Although not shown in its video, CNN says that after a third gunshot the jogger recoils and blood appears on his T-shirt below his ribcage.

    What have Mr Biden and other officials said?

    Joe Biden sent out a tweet saying: “The video is clear: Ahmaud Arbery was killed in cold blood. My heart goes out to his family, who deserve justice and deserve it now. It is time for a swift, full, and transparent investigation into his murder.”

    A statement from Lee Merritt, a lawyer for Mr Arbery’s family, said: “This is murder. The series of events captured in this video confirm what all the evidence indicated prior to its release.”

    Tom Durden, the district attorney for the Atlantic Judicial Circuit, decided on Tuesday that a grand jury should be involved.

    “After careful review of the evidence,” he wrote in a statement, “I am of the opinion that the case should be presented to the grand jury of Glynn County for consideration of criminal charges.”

    Governor Brian Kemp tweeted that “Georgians deserve answers”.

    The McMichaels have not been charged and have not so far responded to the video. CNN said Gregory McMichael had earlier told it he would not be commenting.

    The New York Times said it had obtained a letter in which a prosecutor had earlier argued there was not sufficient probable cause for the arrest because the pursuers were legally carrying firearms, were within their rights to follow “a burglary suspect” and were able as private persons to “arrest an offender if the offense is committed in his presence or within his immediate knowledge”.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Footballers in Spain to return to training

    Players in the top two flights of football in Spain will return to training this week with the hope of the leagues restarting in June.

    They will initially train alone but a “staggered return to training” will be implemented with players training together at a later date.

    Football in Spain was suspended indefinitely in March because of the coronavirus pandemic.

    In the UK, the Premier League hopes to resume on 8 June but there is disagreement between the clubs on how to move forward.

    In Germany, clubs have been training in groups before a planned return to training as teams. The German league could restart on 16 or 23 May.

    It has already been announced that the top leagues in France and the Netherlands will not resume.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Rabiu Mohammed set to leave French side Paris FC

    Ghanaian midfielder Rabiu Mohammed is set for the exit door at Paris FC as his contract nears expiration.

    The 30-year-old joined the side last summer as a free agent after ending his contract at Russian side Krylya Sovetov Samara.

    He is expected to leave the club when his current deal expires on June 30.

    The second-tier French side want to cut their losses amid the coronavirus break and will not extend the contract of the former Ghana youth star.

    The capital-club is cleaning its workforce and will not keep the Ghanaian who has also featured for Russian sides Anzhi Makhachkala and Kuban Krasnodar.

    Source: Ghana Soccernet

  • Abdul Razak opens up on his coaching career

    Legendary Ghanaian footballer Abdul Razak ‘Golden Boy’ has revealed how a national team snub led to his first job as a coach.

    The 1978 African Footballer of the year disclosed that he was forced gain experience from coaching a club side in other to gain a national team job.

    “I started with ASFA Yennenga in Burkina Faso in 1994. Before then, I went to see Nana Brew-Butler [one-time GFA chairman] to give me a team to handle, but he refused my request and told me to handle a club side to gain experience. So, when I had the opportunity to coach ASFA Yennenga I took it with both hands,” he told Graphic Sports.

    “In my first year in Burkina Faso, we placed second on the league table and won the Eyadema Cup on two occasions before leaving for Togo to coach Etoile Filante,” he added.

    He continued:”I subsequently went to Benin to coach Dragons de l’Ouémé where I won the league on two occasions. It was with Dragons that I was invited by the GFA to become the deputy to coach Dossena in 2001.

    “We played our first match against Tanzania and defeated them at home and away to qualify for the group stage of the Africa Nations Cup qualifiers.

    “Our next match was against Sierra Leone in the 2002 FIFA World Cup qualifier and we defeated them 5-1 in Accra. After that match the authorities pushed out Dossena from the Black Stars.”

    Source: Ghana Soccernet

  • Six Ghanaian players in German Bundesliga to resume action from 2nd half of May

    Six Ghanaian players plying their trade in the German Bundesliga will resume action later this month after the federation in the European country was given the green light by the government to resume in the second half of May.

    Fortuna Dusseldorf’s Kasim Nuhu Adams, Kelvin Ofori, Bernard Tekpetey and Nana Ampomah are among the six players from the West African country who would be ecstatic about the news revealed on Wednesday.

    Osei Wriedt of Bayern Munich and Christopher Antwi-Adjei of Paderborn are among the Ghanaians who are also delighted that they could be returning to action in the coming days.

    The DFL will have a conference with the clubs tomorrow to discuss the details of the resumption of games.

    Germany’s Bundesliga football has been given permission to restart behind closed doors in the second half of May in a video conference of Chancellor Angela Merkel with state premiers.

    The government has told the Bundesliga, according to Bild, that they can pick a date in that timeframe for a return. The earliest option available would see the first action played on May 15.

    Chancellor Merkel held a meeting with the 16 heads of state on Wednesday morning at 10am to discuss Germany’s plans for easing the lockdown with some measures having already been lifted on Monday.

    The Bundesliga had initially hoped to resume on May 9, although that was pushed back.

    Source: Ghana Soccernet

  • Qatar Airways warns of substantial job losses

    Qatar Airways has warned its employees of “substantial” redundancies as it struggles with a collapse in demand.

    Its chief executive Akbar Al Baker wrote to staff warning of the job losses, although he did not say how many were under threat.

    Qatar Airways said it needed to “act decisively to protect the future of the business”.

    The airline industry is facing one of its toughest ever periods, with many carriers on the brink of collapse.

    “The truth is, we simply cannot sustain the current staff numbers and will need to make a substantial number of jobs redundant inclusive of cabin crew,” Mr Al Baker wrote in an internal memo.

    The state-owned airline employs more than 45,000 people and has a fleet of more than 240 planes. In February, Qatar Airways increased its stake in British Airways owner IAG to 25% as part of its strategy to invest in other carriers.

    “The unparalleled impact on our industry has caused significant challenges for all airlines and we must act decisively to protect the future of our business,” a Qatar Airways spokesman said.

    “As a result, Qatar Airways can confirm that the airline will make a number of roles redundant due to the impact of Covid-19.”

    Airline trade body, the International Air Transport Association (IATA), warned last month that air traffic in the Middle East and North Africa would plummet by more than half this year.

    IATA also warned that most airlines would struggle to make a profit if social distancing measures were introduced, such as keeping middle seats empty.

    On Tuesday, Virgin Atlantic said it would be cutting 3,000 jobs and quitting its operations at Gatwick airport.

     

    Source: BBC 

  • Denzel Prempeh releases new work of art titled ‘Deeper Touch’

    Pastor, songwriter, and Team Lead of Heart Beat Ministries Worldwide, Denzel Prempeh is set to release a new project, DEEPER TOUCH on May 15, 2020.

    Deeper Touch is a collection of songs ministered by Denzel Prempeh and HeartBeatMusic over the decade.

    This project is to honor as well as show gratitude to God for how far He has brought the ministry.

    The melodic songs offer a smooth blend of traditional, contemporary, and Jewish sound.

    Deeper Touch ignites true worship and praise with messages of inspiration, expectation, the need for a deeper stirring of the presence and gifts of the Holy Spirit, and the message of faith and hopes over fear, especially in this season.

    Prior to this Rev. Denzel Prempeh has released songs such as Sweet Holy Spirit, Meni Obiaa, Obiaa Enihor, and Pace Praise. DEEPER TOUCH will draw you into a place of personal devotion and intimacy with God.

    This project will be available on all online musical stores starting FRIDAY MAY 15, 2020.

    To learn more about this project, updates as well as Denzel Prempeh and HeartBeatMinistries, please follow them on all social media @denzelhbm & @thehbmworldwide on all platforms.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Emmanuel Adebayor denies making negative comments against CAF, Mane & Salah

    Togo international Emmanuel Adebayor has denied making negative comments about CAF and Liverpool duo Mohammed Salah and Sadio Mane.

    Reports went rife that the former Arsenal striker has criticized the continent’s football governing body, CAF, due to their history with corruption.

    Within these comments, Adebayor took a tirade at Liverpool duo Salah and Mane, claiming that they should not be winning the CAF Player Of The Year award because they are not African based.

    But the Club Olimpia striker has taken to his Twitter handle to deny making those comments.

    “My attention was recently drawn to comments, shared by certain media on social networks, made on CAF and on my colleagues Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane,” Adebayor said in a statement on Twitter.

    “I would just say that these statements are not mine. I have not granted any media interviews. Always be careful not to post false information.”

    Salah and Mane have been on the podium for the Africa Player of the Year Award for the past three years, with the former winning the 2017 and 2018 editions while the Senegal international won the latest one.

    The duo also shared the Premier League Golden Boot award last season, scoring 22 goals each, while also guiding Liverpool to three trophies, including the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, and the FIFA Club World Cup.

    Source: Ghana Soccernet

  • 2019/20 Ghana football season remains suspended until June 30

    The 2019/20 football season remains suspended until June 30, 2020, because of the coronavirus pandemic, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) announced on Wednesday.

    As part of measures to control the spread of the virus, the government banned all public gatherings including sporting activities in March. This led to the GFA suspending the Ghana Premier League and other competitions.

    Last week, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) wrote to member associations to confirm the future of their competitions by close of May 5, 2020.

    Congo, Niger, Liberia, Ethiopia, Mauritius, Kenya, Guinea and Angola have all taken the decision to end their competitions.

    However, the GFA has decided against ending the season following an Executive Council meeting on Tuesday.

    “The Executive Council at its meeting on Tuesday, May 5, decided that the status quo remains, stating that the Association is in various engagements with government, the Health Ministry, the Ghana Health Service, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the GFA Medical Committee, CAF and FIFA,” the GFA published on their website, Wednesday.

    “The Executive Council further decided that the Association will continue to monitor the situation and would revisit it on June 30, 2020 after a careful assessment and evaluation of the issue and to take further decisions.”

    “The GFA will consider all the factors at the time and take all the necessary decisions to ensure the safety of all participants and the smooth completion of the season.”

     

    Source: Joy Sports 

  • Kotoko renews contract with MTN, set to receive January to March cash

    Asante Kotoko General Manager, Nana Gyambibi Coker has confirmed that his outfit has finally renewed their contracts with MTN and Goil.

    It is understand that all Football activities in the country has been halted indefinitely due to the outbreak of the deadly virus that has wrecked the world.

    In spite of that, the Kumasi based club sponsor MTN suspended all financial obligations with immediate effect.

    But according to Nana Coker, the telecommunication giants (MTN) will be paying Kotoko from January to March as promised after renewing their contract.

    “We have been able to renew both contracts. Currently MTN will be paying Kotoko from January to March in fulfilling their promise” he said.

    Source: footballghana.com

  • Cristiano Ronaldo, family return to Italy with huge convoy of cars

    Cristiano Ronaldo finally made it back to Turin with a convoy of cars in tow, but will spend 14 days in quarantine before he can join up with his Juventus team-mates for training.

    The forward was accompanied by members of his family and a huge security presence on Monday evening as he made his much awaited return to Italy.

    The Portuguese star had planned to return a day earlier but his £30million private jet was unable to take off in Spain due travel restrictions put in place because of coronavirus.

     

    Source: dailymail.co.uk  

  • Ignore Lilwin – Salinko advises Funny Face

    Kumawood actor, Abraham Kofi Davis, well known as Salinko has intervened in the Lilwin and Funny Face brouhaha.

    Salinko has advised Ghanaian comic actor, Funny Face to not pay attention to Kwadwo Nkansah Lilwin.

    Watch the video below for more:

    Source: Peacefmonline.com

  • Coronavirus mutations: Scientists puzzle over impact

    Researchers in the US and UK have identified hundreds of mutations to the virus which causes the disease Covid-19.

    But none has yet established what this will mean for virus spread in the population and for how effective a vaccine might be.

    Viruses mutate – it’s what they do.

    The question is: which of these mutations actually do anything to change the severity of infectiousness of the disease?

    Preliminary research from the US has suggested one particular mutation – D614G – is becoming dominant and could make the disease more infectious.

    It hasn’t yet been reviewed by other scientists and formally published.

    The researchers, from the Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico, have been tracking changes to the “spike” of the virus that gives it its distinctive shape, using a database called the Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data (GISAID).

    They noted there seems to be something about this particular mutation that makes it grow more quickly – but the consequences of this are not yet clear.

    The research team analysed UK data from coronavirus patients in Sheffield. Although they found people with that particular mutation of the virus seemed to have a larger amount of the virus in their samples, they didn’t find evidence that those people became sicker or stayed in hospital for longer.

    ‘Mutations not a bad thing’ Another study from University College London (UCL) identified 198 recurring mutations to the virus.

    One of its authors, Professor Francois Balloux, said: “Mutations in themselves are not a bad thing and there is nothing to suggest SARS-CoV-2 is mutating faster or slower than expected.

    “So far, we cannot say whether SARS-CoV-2 is becoming more or less lethal and contagious.”

    A study from the University of Glasgow, which also analysed mutations, said these changes did not amount to different strains of the virus. They concluded that only one type of the virus is currently circulating.

    Monitoring small changes to the structure of the virus is important in understanding the development of vaccines.

    Take the ‘flu virus: it mutates so fast that the vaccine has to be adjusted every year to deal with the specific strain in circulation.

    Drug development

    Many of the Covid-19 vaccines currently in development target the distinctive spikes of the virus – the idea is that getting your body to recognize a unique element of the spike will help it to fight off the whole virus. But if that spike is changing, a vaccine developed this way could become less effective.

    At the moment this is all theoretical. Scientists don’t yet have enough information to say what changes to the virus’s genome will mean.

    Dr Lucy van Dorp, UCL study co-author, said being able to analyze a large number of virus genomes could be “invaluable to drug development efforts”.

    However, she told the BBC: “I love genomes, but there is only so much they can say.”

    Source: bbc.com

  • Leroy Sane: Man City unwilling to let winger leave cheaply for Bayern

    Manchester City would prefer to let winger Leroy Sane enter the final year of his contract rather than let him leave cheaply for Bayern Munich.

    Bayern have been interested in Sane for 12 months, with the player understood to be keen to return to Germany.

    Manager Pep Guardiola sees the 24-year-old as a key part of his squad, though.

    While it is not out of the question City would sell if the price was right, speculation regarding a £35m bid from Bayern is understood to be wrong.

    BBC Sport understands a bid in that region for Sane – who is ready to return after spending all season on the sidelines recovering from knee surgery – would be dismissed out of hand.

    It is accepted that City would not currently be able to command the £100m they were looking for last summer, but they would still require a significant offer to consider selling a player who was a key figure in their 2017-18 Premier League title-winning squad.

    City are understood to be relaxed about the situation and are happy to keep Sane next season if no deal is agreed.

    Sane has not played since suffering knee ligament damage during the Community Shield in August.

    He was close to a return when the Premier League season was stopped in March and it is anticipated the former Schalke winger will be fit to play if the campaign resumes as hoped in June.Manchester City would prefer to let winger Leroy Sane enter the final year of his contract rather than let him leave cheaply for Bayern Munich.

    Bayern have been interested in Sane for 12 months, with the player understood to be keen to return to Germany.

    Manager Pep Guardiola sees the 24-year-old as a key part of his squad, though.

    While it is not out of the question City would sell if the price was right, speculation regarding a £35m bid from Bayern is understood to be wrong.

    BBC Sport understands a bid in that region for Sane – who is ready to return after spending all season on the sidelines recovering from knee surgery – would be dismissed out of hand.

    It is accepted that City would not currently be able to command the £100m they were looking for last summer, but they would still require a significant offer to consider selling a player who was a key figure in their 2017-18 Premier League title-winning squad.

    City are understood to be relaxed about the situation and are happy to keep Sane next season if no deal is agreed.

    Sane has not played since suffering knee ligament damage during the Community Shield in August.

    He was close to a return when the Premier League season was stopped in March and it is anticipated the former Schalke winger will be fit to play if the campaign resumes as hoped in June.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Use of nose mask creates lucrative business in Sunyani amid coronavirus

    Efforts being made by city authorities in Sunyani to stem the spread of the novel coronavirus disease are creating brisk businesses for the youth in the municipality.

    Unemployed young men and women have taken advantage and engaging in the sale of locally made nose masks to make ends meet.

    This follows a directive by the Municipal Assembly that ensures mandatory wearing of nose masks, particularly among traders, food vendors, commercial drivers, motor riders, hawkers and market women.

    The Assembly has accordingly set up a task-force to enforce the directive aimed at protecting the public from contracting the disease.

    Almost all financial institutions and transport unions operating in the Municipality would not do business with clients and passengers who failed to wear nose masks.

    They have posted inscriptions such as “no nose mask no entry” and “It is now compulsory to wear nose mask” on their vehicles and at the premises of their offices.

    The traders told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in a random interview in Sunyani on Tuesday that the nose mask business had become lucrative.

    Many of them said they sold sanitizers as well but regretted that the sanitizer business had gone down drastically.

    Leticia Osei, a trader, explained that prices of nose masks ranged between GHC3.00 and GHC10.00 cedis depending on the quality saying some were reusable and others were not.

    She said the factory price for the mask ranged between GHC2 and GHC8.

    Meanwhile, the Masks Ambassadors, a local advocacy group that campaigned the wearing of nose masks, as a remedy to stem the spread of the COVID-19, has appealed for nose masks from local manufacturers and fashion designers.

    The eight-member advocacy group, made up of journalists and health workers, noted that some people could not afford to buy the nose masks but were willing to use them, adding that such needy class in society ought to be supported with masks.

    Mr Francis Owusu Ansah, a leading member of the group, told the GNA that the campaigners were to ensure the aged, head potters, people with disability, wheelbarrow and truck pushers, as well as coconut sellers had the mask and wore them.

    “The aged are vulnerable and high-risk population and it is always disturbing to see some of them on the street using their handkerchiefs as nose masks. I think we have to do something to support them to acquire some of the masks to protect themselves and their immediate families,” he said.

    Mr Ansah emphasised that the Mask Ambassadors were building collaboration with all relevant institutions towards ensuring that majority, if not all of the populace in the Municipality, wore nose masks and adhered to other safety protocols on the Covid-19.

    He commended the Sunyani Municipal Assembly for setting up the task-force, which was making a huge impact in the fight against the disease.

    He praised Madam Justina Owusu-Banahene, the Chief Executive, for her passion in controlling the spread of not only COVID-19 but all communicable diseases in the Municipality.

     

    Source: GNA

  • Nine Burkinabes on motorbikes arrested trying to enter Ghana illegally

    The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has arrested some nine Burkinabes at the Hamile border for illegally attempting to cross into Ghana with motorbikes.

    They include six males and three females who are between the ages of 16 and 36 years.

    They were intercepted on some motor bikes with Burkina Faso registration numbers with some unregistered.

    According to the Upper West Region Public Affairs officer of the Service, IBN Yussif Duranah Abdul- Mumun Seidu, the nine were arrested in the early hours of Wednesday trying to cross through unapproved routes with their motorbikes.

    “The vigilant immigration officials on duty at Batoma and Beat Four which are among some 12 identified unapproved routes in the Hamile sector command arrested the nine Burkinabes for entering Ghana illegally.”

    The motor bikes have been impounded, pending further investigation.

    He said preliminary health screening conducted on them by the Port Health authorities showed no sign of health threats.

    Initial investigations further revealed that their migration into Ghana was for economic purposes.

    It was also discovered that their final destinations were Techiman and Kumasi respectively.

    They have since been handed over to the authorities in Burkina Faso.

    This brings the number to 135 foreigners who have been arrested trying to enter Ghana since April after the borders were closed to curb the spread of Covid-19.

     

    Source: 3 News

  • REPORTS: Multimedia Group lays off 100 other workers aside Naa Ashorkor due to financial constraints

    Earlier this morning, zionfelix.net reported that outstanding actress/radio and TV personality, Naa Ashorkor Mensah Doku has been fired from the Multimedia Media Group after three years of working with them.

    Apparently, she is not the only one who has been affected by this mass lay off that hit the media network, which is arguably one of the best in the country.

    According to a report zionfelix.net sighted on Zen Gh, the managers of the company have laid off over 100 workers from Joy FM, Adom FM, and numerous other outlets.

    The report adds that the layoff has become necessary because of the financial challenges the company is facing, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Zen.com.gh also in their report added that another big name who lost his job is Sammy Duodu, News editor of Adom Fm.

    Source: Zionfelix

  • You are a fool if you take loan to marry a woman Pastor to Ghanaian men (Video)

    Thedistin.com has sighted a video of a Ghanaian pastor blasting men who took a loan to marry a woman.

    According to the Pastor who was speaking to his congregation, any man who takes a loan with the aim of marrying a woman is a big fool.

    The Man Of God indicated that men who do that are just inviting problems into their marriage. He added that if the woman can appreciate the normal wedding you can afford then let her go.

    He said;

    “NO MAN SHOULD BE FOOLISH ENOUGH TO GO AND TAKE A LOAN. YOU ARE A FOOL IF YOU GO AND TAKE A LOAN

    TO MARRY. YOU ARE A DOUBLE FOOL. I HAVE SAID IT WITHOUT APOLOGY.”

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    You’re A Fool If You Take Loan To Marry A Woman – Pastor To Ghanaian Men.. 😂😂

    A post shared by thedistin.com (@_thedistin) on

    Source: thedistin.com

  • Chinese researcher who almost found cure for covid-19 shot dead

    Reports have it that, a 37year old researcher and professor at the biology Department of the school of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh has been shot dead at his residence.

    Bing Liu, the Chinese researcher who was studying the biological make-up of coronavirus has suffered gunshots in his torso, head and neck.

    According to his Department, “Bing was on the verge of making very significant findings towards understanding the cellular mechanisms that underlie SARS-CovV-2 infection and the cellular basis of the following complications”

    The department however added that, they will do everything possible to continue and complete what he has started in an effort to pay homage to his scientific excellence.

    Investigation is underway to help establish the actual motive of the shooting.

     

  • SA tobacco company withdraws legal threat against cigarette ban

    South Africa’s leading tobacco company has said it has dropped the threat of legal action against the government’s decision to ban cigarette sales as part of measures to control the spread of coronavirus.

    They were introduced on 27 March.

    Instead, British American Tobacco South Africa (Batsa) will hold talks with the authorities “to find a better solution that works for all South Africans and removes the threat of criminal sanction from 11 million tobacco consumers in the country”, the company is quoted by Fin24 as saying.

    Batsa added that it wanted to address the growing illegal trade in cigarettes.

    The ban on buying cigarettes was supposed to be lifted last week, but the government had a last minute change of heart.

    Some other lockdown restrictions have been lifted as the country has moved to what it calls Level 4. It is thought that further restrictions could be changed next week.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Hajia4real gives an electrifying performance to celebrate 2 million instagram followers

    Socialite Hajia4real is the happiest lady on earth right now.

    And this is because of the generous thing her Instagram family has done for her.

    The mother of one just hit two million organic Instagram followers and that has sent her into a frenzy mood.

    Hajia4real
    As part of her gratitude to her fans, she is dishing out GHC500 each to 10 lucky fans.

    According to her, these winners would be randomly selected.

    And you bet she added excess icing on the cake. She has shared a video of herself in a mini white body-hugging dress which makes her curves visible as she dances to excite these very fans.

    You could be a winner— you know where to go.!

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    I will be announcing the winners In 2 hours time………. so excited already 💃💃

    A post shared by Mona Montrage (@hajia4reall) on

    Source: GhanaCelebrities.Com

  • Breaking: Multimedia lays off 100 workers

    The Multimedia Group has laid off some of its workers

    About 100 of them have been affected

    They include the news editor for Adom FM and Naa Ashorkor Mensah Doku of Joy FM

    Information reaching us has it that about 100 workers are expected to exit the Multimedia Group by the end of May 2020.

    As reported earlier, Naa Ashorkor Mensah Doku is just one of the 100 people whom the company had laid off.

    These people are expected to say their final goodbye to the company by the close of May 2020.

    Multimedia lays off 100 workers: Naa Ashorkor and some of the brands of the Multimedia Group.

    One of the workers who has been affected is Sammy Duodo, News Editor of Adom FM. According to deep-throat sources say that the company took the decision to lay off the workers due to financial constraints.

    Our sources tell us that the company has been facing dire financial difficulties several months even before the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in Ghana.

    For this reason, salaries were delayed most of the time and were sometimes paid half-way into the next month.

    We were reliably been informed that the lay off of the workers had been on the mind of management for some time now. Thus, the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic came as an opportunity for the management to let some of its staff go.

     

    Our sources further revealed that the management is refusing to send emails to the affected workers to this effect for fear of the emails being leaked.

    Some of the brands of the Multimedia Group include Adom FM, Asempa FM, Joy FM, Luv FM, Hitz FM, and Nhyira (Blessing) FM

     

    Source: mynewsghana

  • Nigeria virus patients protest against ‘poor care’

    Dozens of coronavirus patients held a protest outside a treatment centre in the north-eastern Nigerian state of Gombe, saying the authorities were not taking good care of them.

    The patients complained of lack of drugs and proper feeding.

    They mingled with members of the community during the Tuesday evening demonstration and blocked a nearby highway in the village of Kwadon – about 8km (five miles) from the state capital.

    The state’s health commissioner, Ahmed Gana, told the BBC that the patients were asymptomatic and did not require drugs. The authorities also deny the allegation about a lack of proper feeding.

    Officials later persuaded the demonstrators back into the treatment centre, but are worried about a possible spread of the virus to villagers who came out to witness the protest.

    They have urged those who might have contacted the protesting patients to self-isolate for at least 14 days.

    Gombe state has so far confirmed about 100 coronavirus cases against a national tally of 2,950.

    Source: bbc.com