TIG Post

Author: Chris Kodo

  • Oil market falls too big to offset with output cuts, IEA warns

    The International Energy Agency (IEA) on Wednesday forecast a 29 million barrel per day (bpd) dive in April oil demand to levels not seen in 25 years and warned no output cut by producers could fully offset the near-term falls facing the market.

     

  • Coronavirus: New York City death toll exceeds 10,000

    New York City, the hardest hit U.S. city in the coronavirus pandemic, revised its official COVID-19 death toll sharply higher to more than 10,000 on Tuesday to include victims presumed to have perished from the disease but never tested.

    The new cumulative figure for “confirmed and probable COVID-19 deaths” released by the New York City Health Department marked a staggering increase of over 3,700 deaths formally attributed to the highly contagious illness since March 11.

    The 60 percent spike in reported deaths underscored the enormous losses endured in the nation’s most populous city, where the sounds of wailing sirens have echoed almost non-stop through largely empty streets for weeks.

    The city’s revised count, 10,367 in all, raised the number of coronavirus deaths nationwide to more than 28,300 – New York accounting for the biggest share of deaths.

    With only a tiny fraction of the U.S. population tested for coronavirus, the number of known infections climbed to more than 600,000 as of Tuesday, according to a running Reuters tally.

    U.S. public health authorities have generally only attributed deaths to COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the novel coronavirus, when patients tested positive for the virus.

    New York City’s Health Department said it will now also count any fatality deemed a “probable” coronavirus death, defined as a victim whose “death certificate lists as a cause of death ‘COVID-19’ or an equivalent.”

    March 11 was used as the starting point because that was the date of the first confirmed coronavirus death, the city said.

    “Behind every death is a friend, a family member, a loved one,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Oxiris Barbot. “We are focused on ensuring that every New Yorker who died because of COVID-19 gets counted.”

    The new approach in New York City could pave the way for similar policies across the country, possibly leading to a surge in the US number of reported coronavirus deaths.

    Even before Tuesday’s revision in New York City, the number of new U.S. deaths on Tuesday had reached at least 2,228, the highest toll yet in a single 24-hour period.

    ‘Not a comfortable place’

    Louisiana, another coronavirus hot spot, and California also reported record daily spikes in deaths on Tuesday, despite tentative signs across the country in recent days the outbreak was beginning to ebb.

    New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, whose state’s healthcare network was strained to breaking point by a wave of COVID-19 hospitalisations, had said on Monday it appeared “the worst is over.”

    Health officials have cautioned that death figures are a lagging indicator of the outbreak, coming after the most severely ill patients fall sick, and do not mean stay-at-home restrictions are failing to curb transmissions.

    New York state and some other hard-hit areas continue to report sharp decreases in hospitalisations and numbers of patients on ventilators, although front-line healthcare workers and resources remained under extraordinary stress.

    “The plateau is not a very comfortable place to live,” David Reich, president of New York’s Mount Sinai Hospital, said in a telephone interview. “So I don’t think people should be celebrating prematurely.”

    That cautious note was also sounded by President Donald Trump’s top infectious diseases adviser, Dr. Anthony Fauci, who said Trump’s May 1 target for restarting the economy was “overly optimistic”.

    Fauci, echoing many governors, said in an Associated Press interview that health officials must first be able to test for the virus quickly, isolate new cases and track down new infections.

    At his daily White House briefing later in the day, Trump said he was close to completing a plan for ending America’s coronavirus shutdown, which has thrown millions out of work, and may forge ahead with restarting the battered U.S. economy in some parts of the country even before May 1.

    The president took renewed aim at the World Health Organization at the briefing, saying he has instructed his administration to halt U.S. funding to the Geneva-based institution over its handling of the pandemic.

    Mutiny on the bounty

    Trump, a Republican who before the outbreak touted a vibrant economy as a pillar of his Nov. 3 re-election bid, earlier lashed out at Democratic state governors, after Cuomo said he would refuse any presidential order to reopen the economy too soon.

    “Tell the Democrat Governors that ‘Mutiny On The Bounty’ was one of my all time favorite movies,” Trump wrote on Twitter on Tuesday, referring to a classic film about an 18th-century rebellion against the commanding officer of a British naval vessel.

    But Trump toned down his remarks at the White House briefing saying he would “authorize” governors – despite doubts from some experts that the presidency has such powers – to implement plans in their states at the appropriate time.

    Cuomo, a Democrat, and governors of six other northeastern states have announced they are coordinating on a regional plan to gradually lift restrictions. The governors of California, Oregon and Washington formed a similar West Coast regional pact.

    California Governor Gavin Newsom and Oregon Governor Kate Brown, both Democrats, on Tuesday offered frameworks for eventually restarting public life and business in their states.

    Some Republicans, including the governors of Ohio, Maryland and New Hampshire, also said states have the right to decide when and how to reopen.

    Source: reuters.com

  • Wizkid breaks his finger in a domestic accident

    Nigerian sensational afrobeat singer, Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, a.k.a Wizkid is in severe pains due to a domestic accident which has led to the fracturing of one of his fingers.

    The ” joro ” hitmaker disclosed his accident on his twitter page, describing the pain he is going through as unbearable and hurts more than love.

    He tweeted;

    “Fractured finger” 😢😢

    Source: Ghgossip.com

  • Coronavirus: 50% removal of CST will provide relief for Ghanaians – Mahama

    Former President John Mahama has appealed to the government to withdraw the 50 percent increase in the Communication Service Tax (CST).

    He urged the government to consider voice and Internet services as an essential commodity and ensure that it was provided at a cheaper rate to consumers who had been forced to stay at home as part of measures to stop the spread of COVID-19.

    According to him, the increase in the CST by the current government from the six to nine percent had brought untold hardship on the Ghanaian telecom users and businesses amid COVID-19.

    He made this known when he announced a support package for 20,000 households within the partial lockdown areas in Accra, Kumasi, and Kasoa at his office in Accra.

    Mahama said the government could offer a free six-month extension of licenses of telecommunications whose licenses were about to expire so that the value could be applied to cushion consumers during the three months.

    “Additionally, the Telcos can also be compensated with funds from the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communication (GIFEC), which already has the mandate to ensure universal access to telecommunication,” he said.

    He stated: “The removal of the 50 percent increase in the Communication Service Tax (CST) will provide further relief for the many who are having to work or stay at home at this time.”

    About CST

    The Communication Service Tax (CST) was introduced in 2008 at an ad valorem rate of six percent. The tax is levied on charges payable by consumers for the use of communication services.

    In 2018 the tax brought in a total of GH¢420 million, representing a 27.7 percent increase from the estimated ¢304 million accrued in 2017.

    The amount generated from the levy was 4.56 percent more than the projected ¢401.8 million in the 2018 mid-year budget.

    The telcos started charging customers the revised CST from October 1, 2019, after the Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, announced an increment in the tax from six to nine percent in the Supplementary Budget.

    Source: pulse.com.gh

  • South Korea holds elections amid coronavirus outbreak

    South Korea held parliamentary elections on Wednesday amid the Coronavirus outbreak.

    According to Yonhap News Agency, polling for 300 seats of the country’s National Assembly started at 6 a.m local time [2100GMT] and will continue until 6 p.m. [0900GMT].

    Some 44 million people are expected to cast their votes wearing faces masks and gloves.

    They will also check their temperature and sanitize their hands before entering the polling station.

    More than 11 million people were allowed to cast their vote in advance to avoid crowds.

    The government has also decided to lift quarantine rules to allow around 50,000 self-isolators to cast their votes after the regular polling ends, the agency reported

    According to local media the ruling Democratic Party is expected to secure majority seats following recent response to the COVID-19 outbreak in the country.

    South Korea has so far confirmed 10,591 coronavirus cases with 225 fatalities, while 7,616 patients have successfully recovered.

    South Korea held parliamentary elections on Wednesday amid the Coronavirus outbreak.

    According to Yonhap News Agency, polling for 300 seats of the country’s National Assembly started at 6 a.m local time [2100GMT] and will continue until 6 p.m. [0900GMT].

    Some 44 million people are expected to cast their votes wearing faces masks and gloves.

    They will also check their temperature and sanitize their hands before entering the polling station.

    More than 11 million people were allowed to cast their vote in advance to avoid crowds.

    The government has also decided to lift quarantine rules to allow around 50,000 self-isolators to cast their votes after the regular polling ends, the agency reported

    According to local media the ruling Democratic Party is expected to secure majority seats following recent response to the COVID-19 outbreak in the country.

    South Korea has so far confirmed 10,591 coronavirus cases with 225 fatalities, while 7,616 patients have successfully recovered.

    Source: www.aa.com.tr

  • ESLA transfers GH¢581m to Debt Service Account

    The Energy Support Levy Act (ESLA) has announced to holders of ESLA 2024, 2027 and 2029 bonds the transfer of a total of GHS581.3 million from the Debt Service Account (DSRA) Bank to the Paying Bank.

    Approximately, GH¢214.8 million and GH¢267.1 million, representing net interest and withholding statement amount due to Tranche E1 and E2 bondholders respectively, have been transferred from the DSRA Bank to the Paying Bank.

    According to a statement from ESLA Plc, an amount of approximately GHS99.250 million has also been transferred from the DSRA Bank to the Paying Bank.

    This is in accordance with the terms of the Bond Prospectus which states that disbursements for repayments will be made from the DSRA by the DSRA Bank to the trust account of the paying bank from the 90th calendar before any interest Payment Date.

    The statement emphasised that ESLA collections in 2020 received in the ESLA Receivables Account towards servicing the bond programme amounts to GHS 443.6 million as at March 2020.

    The board and management of ESLA added that it will continue to keep bondholders updated on all upcoming coupon payments by ESLA plc.

    Since its inception, ESLA Plc has issued bonds worth GH¢6.664 billion.

    This resulted from issuances in November 2017 (7-year tranche E1 and 10-year tranche E2), January 2018 (tap of 10-year tranche E2-B), August 2018 (tap of 10-year tranche E2-C) and June 2019 (10-year tranche E3), August (tap of 10-year tranche E2-C) and June 2019 (10-year tranche E3).

    Source: classfmonline.com

  • We compete with animals for water Damwaateon residents

    Residents of Damwaateon, a deprived farming community in the Wa West District of the Upper West Region have expressed concern about the manner in which they compete with both wild and domestic animals for water from a stream in the community.

    That, they said, was as a result of the lack of alternative source of water in the community for domestic purposes such as cooking and drinking, which had compelled them to rely on dugouts at the stream for water.

    Madam Mercy Dasaa, a resident of the community told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that the streams dried-up in the dry season and they had to dig dugouts before they could get water to fetch.

    “Sometimes if you are not lucky, you will dig and fetch and the time you will return the next day animals would have come to drink and destroy it, so you have to dig again to fetch”, she explained.

    Madam Dasaa said they had only one borehole in the community of more than 500 inhabitants and added that it did not produce enough water during the dry season.

    Madam Agnes Diesob, another resident of the community said the situation impeded their economic activities in the community as the women had to spend several hours at the stream or borehole in search of water for the family.

    The residents appealed to the District Chief Executive, Mr Edward Larbiri Sabo and the Member of Parliament for the area, Mr Joseph Yiele Chireh to come to their aid by providing them with a source of potable water.

    They said if nothing was done to alleviate their plight in accessing potable water in the community, they would not entertain any politician who would come to the community to campaign for votes during the electioneering.
    Meanwhile, Mr Yussif Gizuure, the Assembly Member for the area told the GNA that he was aware of the challenges facing the people including the challenge in accessing potable water.

    He gave the assurance that he would negotiate with the DCE to find solutions to those challenges.

    Ghana, as a signatory to the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), was required to, among other things; ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all by 2030.

     

    Source: GNA 

  • Coronavirus: Banks’ resilience to be tested in some countries IMF

    The International Monetary Fund says the resilience of banks may be tested in some countries in the face of a sharp slowdown in economic activity that may turn out to be more severe and lengthy than currently anticipated.

    This development, it said, may lead to larger-than-anticipated losses.

    In its Global Financial Stability Report released on Wednesday, 15 April, 2020, the IMF said a prolonged period of dislocation in financial markets may result in distress among other financial institutions, including asset managers, to an extent that could lead to a credit crunch for nonfinancial borrowers.

    Financial vulnerabilities had been elevated in some systemically important economies before the outbreak of COVID-19 and they may become exposed should financial conditions continue to tighten, it added.

    “Countries where banks have high nonperforming loans, significant exposures to state owned enterprises, and large holdings of government bonds are vulnerable to an intensification of the sovereign-financial sector feedback loop.

    “For example, in India, where nonbank financial institutions had already been under intense funding pressure, following two defaults before the COVID-19 shock, state-owned banks have a sizable stock of bad loans and significant links to nonbank financial institutions.

    Other countries, notably African economies, may be vulnerable to disruptions in trade financing if cross-border funding and correspondent banking relations become affected.”

    It however commended Central banks globally for taking bold and decisive actions by easing monetary policy, purchasing a range of assets, and providing liquidity to the financial system in an effort to lean against the tightening in financial conditions and maintain the flow of credit to the economy.

    As policy rates are now near or below zero in many major advanced economies, unconventional measures and forward guidance about the expected policy path are becoming the main tools for these central banks going forward, it emphasised.

    It explained further that central banks may also consider further measures to support the economy during these challenging times, whereas policymakers need to maintain a balance between safeguarding financial stability and supporting economic activity.

    Source: classfmonline.com

  • Coronavirus: US to halt funding to WHO – Trump

    US President Donald Trump has said he has instructed his administration to halt funding to the World Health Organization (WHO).

    He said the WHO had “failed in its basic duty” in its response to the coronavirus outbreak.

    He accused the UN body of mismanaging and covering up the spread of the virus after it emerged in China, and said it must be held accountable.

    Mr Trump has previously accused the WHO of being biased towards China.

    The US president has himself come under criticism at home over his handling of the outbreak.

    “I am directing my administration to halt funding while a review is conducted to assess the World Health Organization’s role in severely mismanaging and covering up the spread of the coronavirus,” Mr Trump told a news conference at the White House.

    “The WHO failed in its basic duty and it must be held accountable,” he added.

    America is the WHO’s biggest single funder, providing $400m (£316m) last year – just under 15% of its total budget.

    “With the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, we have deep concerns whether America’s generosity has been put to the best use possible,” the president said.

    The US is the worst-affected country in the coronavirus pandemic with 592,743 cases and 25,239 deaths.

    President Trump accused the WHO of having failed to adequately assess the outbreak when it first emerged in the city of Wuhan.

    “Had the WHO done its job to get medical experts into China to objectively assess the situation on the ground and to call out China’s lack of transparency, the outbreak could have been contained at its source with very little death,” he told reporters.

    “This would have saved thousands of lives and avoided worldwide economic damage. Instead, the WHO willingly took China’s assurances to face value… and defended the actions of the Chinese government.”

    Correspondents have pointed out, however, that Mr Trump himself praised China’s response to the outbreak and downplayed the danger of the virus at home.

    What about the lockdowns?

    Speaking in the Rose Garden at the White House, President Trump also said that plans to reopen the country were “close to being finalised”.

    “I will be speaking to all 50 governors very shortly and I will be authorising each individual governor of each individual state to implement a plan,” he said.

    “The federal government will be watching them closely. We will hold governors accountable, but will be working with them to make sure it goes really well.”

    Mr Trump caused a furore on Monday when he said that he, and not state governors, had the authority to lift lockdowns and restart the economy.

    Experts agree it is the governors who are responsible for policing their states under US law.

    Earlier on Tuesday, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo accused President Trump of “spoiling for a fight”.

    New York state has the most cases, with almost 190,000 cases and over 10,000 deaths. However, there are signs of improvement with the number of people there needing hospital treatment falling for the first time.

    Source: bbc.com

  • India to allow farmers back to work amid lockdown

    A day after extending a nationwide lockdown, India has relaxed restrictions on farming, banking and public works, but transport services and most businesses remain closed.

    The rules which come into effect on 20 April, are expected to ease the supply chain and alleviate economic impact.

    The lockdown which began on 25 March to contain the spread of the coronavirus will now end on 3 May.

    India has reported 9,756 active cases and 377 deaths so far.

    Although the country recorded its first case at the end of January, the numbers began to spike only by early March.

    It was one of the first countries to impose heavy travel restrictions, including suspending most visas and eventually stopping all international flights. It also banned trains and flights within the country when the lockdown began.

    But the continued restrictions will likely prove to be a challenge to implement. The news of the extension on Tuesday prompted thousands of migrant workers to take to the streets in some cities, demanding they be allowed to return home to their villages.

    What has changed?

    Apart from the restrictions on both international and domestic travel, schools, colleges, malls, cinema halls and most businesses except those providing essential services such as groceries and pharmacies will remain shut. All public gatherings social, political or religious are also still banned.

    But the government has said it will allow agricultural businesses to open.

    This includes dairy, aquaculture, tea, coffee and rubber plantations, as well as shops selling farming products such as fertilisers or machinery.

    Public works programmes, which are a crucial source of employment for daily-wage earners, will also reopen, but under strict instructions to follow social distancing norms.

    Trucks, trains and planes carrying cargo will also be allowed to operate as India has faced a supply crunch in recent weeks with goods being stuck at state borders.

    Banks will also reopen, as will government centres distributing social security benefits and pensions.

    Who do the new rules affect?

    Most of the rules affect those involved in farming or businesses that support it. Agriculture employs more than 50% of Indians, and with the winter crop just harvested, getting food from the villages to the cities has become important to avoid shortages.

    E-commerce will also benefit as courier services will restart from 20 April and once restrictions on cargo are lifted, many goods that were in short supply are likely to be available again. This is especially likely to help small or boutique retailers who rely on online orders for food items or other products such as tea and coffee.

    The self-employed such as plumbers, electricians and carpenters will also be allowed to work, which will be welcome news to people working from home.

    And roadside eateries on highways will also reopen with social distancing norms in place so lorry drivers transporting cargo have regular access to food.

    But the government has said none of these new rules will apply in what they call “containment zones”. State and district officials will actively take steps to identify virus hotspots and demarcate such zones, which will, in effect be sealed off, allowing only emergency vehicles or police to enter or leave these areas. And the new rules will not apply in these areas.

     

    Source: BBC 

  • Regional Minister calls on private companies to support fight against coronavirus

    The Western North Regional Minister has called on private companies in the region to support the fight against the Coronavirus pandemic.

    Kinsley Aboagye Gyedu says the region needs the support of these entities to help with preparation towards a possible outbreak of the virus.

    He made the call when Chirano Gold Mines Limited presented medical supplies including Personal Protective Equipment, (PPEs) to the region, to be distributed to health facilities.

    Some of the items donated by the company include respirators, gloves, goggles, disposable gowns, cover shoes, face shields, to mention a few.

    The Western North Region is one of the few regions yet to record an infection of Coronavirus.

    Nonetheless Health facilities are being equipped with PPEs and other supplies to make them ready to handle any infection that may be recorded.

    Vice President and General Manager of Chirano Gold Mines, Ltd, Terence Watungwa, said being a major stakeholder in the region, the Mine has a responsibility to support the efforts by health facilities in the catchment area to prepare for a COVID-19 outbreak.

    The Regional Minister, Kinsley Aboagye Gyedu, commended Chirano Gold Mines, saying the supplies will boost the morale of health workers in the beneficiary facilities.

    He called on other private industries in the region to lend a helping in the covid-19 fight.

    Meanwhile, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) confirmed Ghana has recorded 70 more cases of Coronavirus, bringing the total number of cases to 636.

    Information Minister Kojo Oppong Nkrumah on Monday, April 13 attributed the numbers to the aggressive approach by the government “to be ahead and go after the virus” through rigorous enhanced contact tracing “while limiting importation”.

    Source: Chirano

  • COVID-19: Japanese city urges citizens to donate raincoats

    The Japanese city of Osaka is urging its residents to donate plastic raincoats to help hospitals that are running short of personal protective equipment.

    Mayor Ichiro Matsui said some health workers had resorted to wearing rubbish bags when treating patients.

    “If doctors get infected, we can never beat coronavirus,” Mr Matsui said, adding that there was a severe shortage of protective gear.

    A notice on the Osaka city website said any colour and style of raincoat was acceptable as long as they were meant for adults, Reuters news agency reported.

    Osaka has nearly 900 cases, making it the second hardest-hit after Tokyo, according to media reports.

    A state of emergency was imposed in Tokyo and six other areas, including Osaka, last week. Japan has confirmed more than 8,000 cases and 166 deaths.

     

    Source: BBC 

  • Coronavirus: We will only use herbal drugs if proven effective – Okoe-Boye

    The Deputy Minister-designate for Health Dr. Okoe-Boye says the government will give support to the use of herbal medicines to treat coronavirus should they be approved by the appropriate authorities.

    The legislator who is being vetted today [Tuesday] told the committee “Most of the time, the issue has been the science of the herbal medicine,”

    He was responding to a question on the matter.

    According to him, science will be the determining factor in whether herbal medicine is used to treat the novel coronavirus.

    “Fortunately, or unfortunately, scientists want to stick to evidence and once your concoction is proven to be safe for use in human beings and also has efficacy, the appropriate bodies will grant the approval.”

    Mr. Mahama made the call on Tuesday, April 14, 2020, when he announced the donation of food items to some 20,000 households in areas affected by the partial lockdown.

    “It is time to explore the role of alternative medicine and traditional remedies in the fight against the Coronavirus. Some traditional medicines are known to boost the immune system and can help both in the prevention of people succumbing to the disease and also play a role a palliative function in the management of persons suffering from COVID-19,” he said.

    Source: rainbowradioonline.com

  • 99% of people tested for coronavirus so far are negative – Ghana Health Service

    Ninety nine per cent (99%) of people tested for COVID-19 in the country so far are negative, a Ghana Health Service report cited by Ghanaweb.com has revealed.

    The report, which the GHS has presented to government’s COVID-19 Monitoring Team which is chaired by Vice President Dr. Bawumia, gives a detailed breakdown of tests and cases from mandatory airport quarantine, normal surveillance and enhanced contact tracing.

    Ghana has embarked on aggressive mass testing as one of its strategies to tackle the coronavirus, and so far, 50,517 tests have been conducted.

    Out of the 50,517 tested, a whopping 49,881 have tested negative, while 636, representing just 1% have tested positive.

    The trend so far is a massive boost to Ghana’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, as other countries are registering lower negative percentage rates.

    The latest Ghana Health Service figures of confirmed cases also show an encouraging news of 17 recoveries, a significant rise from the previous figure of 4 with an additional 66 who have already tested negative in their first of two required tests.

    Government’s handling of Ghana’s COVID-19 has been hailed, with the country receiving plaudits for its aggressive surveillance and rapid testing.

    Within four weeks of confirming its first COVID-19 case, Ghana has tested 50,517 people, which is the highest in Africa per capita and among the top 20 in the world.

    In terms of highest number of tests conducted by African countries, Ghana, which recorded its first case 4 weeks ago, is ranked second behind South Africa, which registered its first positive COVID-19 case nearly six weeks ago.

    Head of Ghana’s COVID-19 Monitoring Team, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia on Monday explained government’s three-pronged strategy of testing, contact tracing and treatment towards curbing the spread of the Coronavirus in Ghana.

    He said government’s remarkable high testing rate is due to the availability of data to both government and health officials.

    The Vice President explained that government relies on the data to trace contacts of infected persons, test such contacts and also put confirmed positive persons on treatment in a three-pronged cycle to combat the disease.

     

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Coronavirus: Why spend millions on an app when youre borrowing funds Dafeamekpor asks

    Member of Parliament for South Dayi, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor is questioning the rationale behind spending a sum of GHC1.4 on the COVID-19 app when the country is already grappling with funds to sustain the economy.

    Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia launched the GH COVID-19 Tracker App on Monday, April 13, 2020, to among other things, help government identify and trace persons who have come into contact with infected persons.

    Mr. Dafeamekpor, who has questions to ask about prioritisation of monies spent, took to his social media page to ask.

    He sought to know why such an amount was spent on the creation of an app when in fact, only about a day ago, the country secured some $1bn from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) meant to support the country in its effort to combat the Coronavirus.

    “Ghc1.4m spent by Bawumia to launch COVID-19 App? When we have actually set up a National Trust Fund to beg for money from individuals and private entities to help us manage the spread of this virus, Bawumia can be this wasteful? We could get 7000 Veronica Buckets with this cash.”, he wrote.

    The App is a user friendly and free to download mobile software application powered by the Ministry of Communication.

    The application which will be made available on Android and IOS later this week will help track telephone numbers of people who have recently been to certain countries around the world.

    The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) will use the information to determine who to provide an extra layer of screening.

    The App will also help in checking for COVID-19 symptoms and pertinent risk factors.

    It will also answer COVID-19 questions as well as provide digital assistance.

    Source:  www.ghanaweb.com

  • Kofi Kinaata gives his followers another masterpiece dubbed “Behind the Scenes” as a birthday gift

    Ghanaian musician and prolific songwriter Martin King Arthur popularly known as Kofi Kinaata has gifted his fans a new tune as he celebrates his birthday today, April 15.

    The mind-blowing joint dubbed “Behind The Scenes” was produced by Two Bars.

    Like always, Kofi Kinaata brought the genius in him as a fantastic musician to bear as he highlights the problems people who have gone to other countries to work for money go through.

    Take a listen to the masterpiece below

    Source: zionfelix.net

  • Patapaa to stage virtual concert

    ‘One Corner’ hitmaker, Patapaa has revealed his intentions of staging a virtual concert on Saturday, April 18, 2020.

    The concert, according to Patapaaa, will be organized in his house and will be live on his social media platforms.

    Patapaa was full of praise for Shatta Wale for setting the pace with regards to the hosting of virtual concerts.

    In an interview with Cobby-1 on Adeiso-based Tru Fm’s ‘Edwuma Pa Mmre’ Patapaa said ” I’m in full support of Shatta Wale’s performance without audience just to make his fans happy. I’m even planning to organise my own concert next Saturday because as an artiste you have to show up whenever there is a situation like this.

    “As you can see I and Shatta like performance. You can organise concert in your own house to let people see that you are there. I supports Shatta Wale.”

    Source: Isaac Ganyo Tamakloe /Contributor

  • Coronavirus: 4 Guineans in Ghana test negative after first phase of treatment

    Four out of the seven Guineans who tested positive for COVID-19 in Tamale in the Northern region have tested negative after the first phase of their treatment.

    The Northern Regional Health Director, Dr. John B. Eleeza, who confirmed the development to journalists, said the first sample of the patients were taken for testing and when the results came back three of them still tested positive whiles four tested negative.

    “ We have given them the first phase of medication and they have completed it , we tested them and three came out positive whiles the remaining 4 tested negative,” he said.

    He disclosed that another sample will be taken and tested to be sure that they all recover and test negative to the virus.

    Dr. Eleeza noted that should the second test come out negative , the patients will be handed over to the regional coordinating council for them to decided if they should be deported back to their country.

    The health director was optimistic that the four who tested negative will not be infected again because the seven patients live in separate rooms and they have educated them to adhere to the social distancing rules.

    Tamale, the northern regional capital, recorded 10 COVID-19 cases at the Tamale Teaching Hospital recently.

    The patients who tested positive included eight Guineans and two persons from Burkina Faso.

    The patients traveled from Burkina Faso and Togo respectively through unapproved routes to Ghana.

    They then lodged at a hotel (name withheld ) in Tamale for a couple of days before two of them were picked following a tip-off by residents.

    The Northern Regional Minister, had said the 10 foreigners were put under mandatory quarantine in Tamale under the direction of the Regional Security Committee for 14 days.

    According to him, samples of the patients were sent to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) and the results came back positive on the 11th day of their quarantine.

     

    Meanwhile, one of the Guinean COVID-19 patients , a lady who tested positive in Tamale has reportedly escaped.

    There is currently a manhunt by the security to apprehend her after she scaled the wall of the guesthouse being used to quarantine them.

     

    Source: dailyguidenetwork.com

  • CSM deaths in Upper West due to delay in reporting to health facilities – Dr Salih

    Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM) has killed 40 people in the Upper West Region out of a total number of 258 cases recorded in the region in the last 14 weeks.

    The Upper West Regional Minister, Dr Hafiz Bin Salih, in a press conference today April 15, 2020, disclosed that most of the death they have recorded is due to delay in reporting to the health facilities.

    “The case fatality rate of meningitis in the region is 15.5 % which is unacceptable.

    “About 80% of the death is as a result of the delay in reporting to the health facilities,” the Minister was worried.

    Dr. Bin Salih stated that the region has over 9,000 vials of ceftrizone and five packs of pastorex to treat the disease and has, therefore, urged people infected with the deadly disease to report to health facilities whenever one begins experiencing headache, fever and stiffness for immediate attention than resorting to self-medication.

    He also assured the people not to panic as there are enough drugs to help manage and treat meningitis cases.

    He confirmed that there will be health experts coming into the region in a few days time to help manage the situation which seems to be getting out of hand.

    Ending his presser, he said there is no vaccine worldwide for serotype X which is currently affecting the people and they must be proactive in reporting to the health facilities to avoid more deaths.

    The spread of CSM has come at a time where Ghana is also battling with the novel coronavirus.

    Ghana as at April 14, 2020, had recorded 636 cases with 8 deaths so far.

     

    Source: primenewsghana.com

  • Lockdown: Allow us to send foodstuffs to markets – Concern Drivers Assoc.

    The National Concern Drivers Association of Ghana has stated that they are unhappy with Police and government for refusing them to drive to the major markets with the market women and food items in the lockdown areas.

    Speaking on AM Drive, the National Chairman, Paa Willie said government needs explain to the security agencies on which essential workers are supposed to cross the barricade on the major roads to their various workplaces.

    He added that the government must provide ID cards to market women for them to pass through to the main market places.

    Deputy Information Minister, Pius Enam Hadzide in response said Market women should show their ID cards which were given to them by the local authorities to the security agencies before they will be allowed to cross the Police Barrier.

     

    Source: atinkaonline.com

  • Meningitis kills 40 out of 258 reported cases in Upper West Region

    Upper West Regional Minister, Dr Hafiz Bin Salih has confirmed that the death toll as a result of Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM) stands at 40 out of the 258 reported cases in the region.

    Addressing the media on Tuesday, the Minister bemoaned the increasing number of reported cases and associated deaths in the region urging residents to report suspected cases to the nearest health facilities.

    “I also wish to indicate that the outbreak of meningitis in the region is quite worrisome. As from 1st January 2020 to 12th April, 2020, the cumulative suspected cases of meningitis stood at 258 of which 40 persons died.

    Meningitis kills 40 out of 258 reported cases in Upper West Region

    The case fatality rate of meningitis in the region is 15.5%; which is unacceptable. It is reported that about 80% of the deaths was as a result of delay reporting to the health facilities.

    “Iam therefore appealing to all and sundry to report to the nearest health facility whenever one begins experiencing headache, fever and stiffness of neck for immediate attention”, he revealed.

    Meningitis is a dangerous epidemic, and endemic, febrile disease, characterized by inflammation of the membranes of the brain and spinal cord, giving rise to severe headaches, tenderness of the back of the neck, paralysis of the ocular muscles.

    It is sometimes marked by a coetaneous eruption, when it is often called spotted fever.

    Meningitis is an air-borne disease, is most feared because it is transmittable, fatal and spreads at an extremely fast pace.

    But according to health experts is not that contagious as perceived.

    However, the most prominent sign of cerebrospinal meningitis is a stiff neck, severe headache, seizures, fever and vomiting.

    Untreated bacterial meningitis medicals doctors have disclosed may pose serious consequences, including permanent brain damage and death.

    Source:Smartandstuck.com

  • Do not politicize GHC600 million stimulus for businesses – GUTA

    The Ghana Union of Traders (GUTA) has commended the government for providing businesses with a stimulus package in the face of the challenges confronting businesses due to the coronavirus outbreak.

    GUTA is, however, advocating against any form of politicising of the distribution of the funds.

    President of GUTA who made the call said the decision to roll the soft loan for businesses will prevent them from collapsing and also prevent an increase in joblessness.

    Government is set to roll out a GH¢600 million soft loan scheme for Small and Medium Scale businesses in the country.

    The loan scheme is expected to have a one-year moratorium and two-year repayment period.

    Addressing the nation on the progress that has been made in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic in his 6th address, President Akufo-Addo said, “Government, in collaboration with the National Board for Small Scale Industries (NBSSI), Business & Trade Associations and selected Commercial and Rural Banks, will roll out a soft loan scheme up to a total of six hundred million cedis (GH¢600 million), which will have a one-year moratorium and two-year repayment period for micro, small and medium scale businesses.”

    This Dr. Obeng said is a great idea because businesses are struggling.

    ”GUTA is also appealing to the government to add GUTA members to any committee that would be set to oversee the implementation. We would also appeal to the government to avoid any form of politicisation so people do not take advantage of the situation,” he added.

    Meanwhile, he has urged businesses that are yet to register with any trade association to do so since the stimulus package would be distributed through their trade unions.

    He said per the modalities in place, beneficiaries must be members of recognised associations and in good standing.

    He further advised members to pay back the loan as stipulated.

    The loan, a total of GH?600 million, will have a one-year moratorium and two-year repayment period.

  • Shatta Wale lashes out at NDC boy for peddling lies against President Akufo-Addo

    Self Acclaimed Dancehall King, Shatta Wale, has heavily chastised NDC man Yayra Koku for accusing the President of paying 100,000 Ghana Cedis to him and other artists who performed at the launch of the Covid-19 Tracker App.

    According to Shatta Wale, he never took any money and he believes none of his colleague artists took any money as well.

    He expressed disappointment at the NDC Man for trying to make Political capital when the life of innocent Ghanaians are at risk.

    Shatta further advised others who were also peddling lies about the President and his Government to stop and channel their efforts into helping to fight the dreaded Coronavirus.

    Source: GhanaCelebrities.Com

  • Macron pushes Africa debt relief, seeks Putin’s backing for UN truce plea

    International creditors must relieve African countries of debt payments this year to help them deal with the Coronavirus pandemic, French President Emmanuel Macron said in a wide-ranging interview with RFI on Wednesday in which he also urged Russia to get behind UN calls for a global ceasefire.

    A moratorium on African countries’ debt payments is “an indispensable step” to help the continent weather the coronavirus crisis, the French president told Radio France Internationale (RFI), FRANCE 24’s sister station, calling for the debt to be eventually written off.

    “We must give African economies some breathing space by suspending debt payments during this crisis,” Macron explained, describing the moratorium as a “global first”.

    The French president’s comments come as his finance minister says major international creditors have reached a preliminary agreement to relieve the world’s poorest countries of debt payments this year.

    Macron urged finance officials for the US, China and other G20 nations to finalise that agreement when they meet online on Wednesday.

    In his interview, the French leader said he had secured the agreement of three of the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council to back a call by the UN for a global ceasefire so the world can focus on the coronavirus pandemic.

    The UN’s Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for the world truce on March 23, warning that in war-torn countries, health systems have collapsed and the small number of health professionals left were often targeted in the fighting.

    Macron said President Xi Jinping of China, US President Donald Trump and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson had all confirmed to him they would back the plea.

    The French leader said he was hopeful of securing Russian President Vladimir Putin’s agreement in the coming hours.

    “I spoke to him at the start of this initiative. I haven’t spoken to him since I got the firm confirmations of the other leaders. I will do in the next few hours,” Macron told RFI.

    “I think that for sure President Putin will agree and the day he says he does, we’ll be able to hold this video conference and relay this call in a solemn, forceful and efficient way.”

    Source: France24

  • NDC bans communicators from Wontumis radio, TV stations

    The Ashanti Regional opposition NDC party has served notice to its communicators/Media monitors not to appear or have anything to do with the newly-opened WONTUMI TV/RADIO which is owned by the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the ruling New Patriotic Party, Bernard Antwi Boasoako.

    According to the party, this has become necessary because of the incessant and unjustified attacks on the person of former President John Dramani Mahama by the owner of the Radio station, popularly known as “Chairman Wontumi.”

    A statement signed by the Ashanti Regional NDC Chairman, Agustus Andrews said: “It is our considered opinion that the said Radio/TV station is nothing but a propaganda machine to further attack the leaders of the National Democratic Congress and no NDC communicator should be seen to be participating or giving credibility to such an unholy enterprise.”

    Wontumi has on several occasions attacked the party’s flagbearer and levelled all forms of allegations against him.

    Wontumi recently invoked curses on John Dramani Mahama for allegedly doing propaganda over the coronavirus pandemic.

    “John Mahama has asked his social media boys to post photos of foods that are supposedly being prepared by the government on various platforms. I must tell you that the photos you see are all fake news because that is not the food the government is serving. How can you denigrate the brand of a Restaurant like Jofel? How can you take advantage of the disease and play politics with it?” He quizzed

    He insisted that what John Mahama is doing will never make him become President of Ghana again because the pain of the people will pay him back in his own coin at the polls

    “Why will you joke with the challenges that people are going through at the moment. I can tell you that with the pain that people are going through, I tell you that the pain will punish Mahama and I must say John Mahama will never be President of Ghana again.”

     

    Source: kasapafmonline.com

  • Coronavirus kills US Bishop who shunned social distancing directive

    Bishop Gerald Glenn, the pastor of New Deliverance Evangelistic Church in Virginia has died, the church announced on Sunday.

    Glenn had tested positive for coronavirus, according to a video posted by his daughter Mar-Gerie Crawley.

    Despite warnings from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to avoid mass gatherings and maintain social distancing, Glenn said in a sermon on March 22, “I firmly believe that God is larger than this dreaded virus,” and announced he was not afraid to die.

    It was the next day that Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam issued his executive order banning all public and private gatherings of 10 people or more.

    On April 4, Glenn’s daughter posted a video, announcing that both he and his wife, Marcietia Glenn, had tested positive for coronavirus.

    The church’s post announcing Gerald Glenn’s death, asked that others would allow the “First Family to grieve in their own way.”

    “While they are mourning the heartbreaking earthly absence of their family patriarch & spiritual father, they also have family members who are struggling to survive this dreaded pandemic,” the church’s Facebook post read.

    Final arrangements for Glenn are expected to be made within the next few days, the church said.

    Source: cnn.com

  • Virginia pastor who said ‘God is larger than this dreaded virus’ dies of coronavirus

    Bishop Gerald Glenn, the pastor of New Deliverance Evangelistic Church in Virginia has died, the church announced on Sunday. Glenn had tested positive for coronavirus, according to a video posted by his daughter Mar-Gerie Crawley.

    Despite warnings from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to avoid mass gatherings and maintain social distancing, Glenn said in a sermon on March 22, “I firmly believe that God is larger than this dreaded virus,” and announced he was not afraid to die.

    It was the next day that Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam issued his executive order banning all public and private gatherings of 10 people or more.

    On April 4, Glenn’s daughter posted a video, announcing that both he and his wife, Marcietia Glenn, had tested positive for coronavirus.

    The church’s post announcing Gerald Glenn’s death, asked that others would allow the “First Family to grieve in their own way.”

    “While they are mourning the heartbreaking earthly absence of their family patriarch & spiritual father, they also have family members who are struggling to survive this dreaded pandemic,” the church’s Facebook post read.

    Final arrangements for Glenn are expected to be made within the next few days, the church said.

    Source: edition.cnn.com

  • Kenyan nurses demand protective gear is fixed

    The Kenya National Nurses Association has demanded that protective equipment for health workers dealing with coronavirus patients is fixed before it is distributed.

    Kenyan nurses have been asking for more pay and protective gear for those handling coronavirus patients.

    Some county governors promised special allowances for the health workers.

    Personal protective equipment for people working within 2m (6ft) of a coronavirus patient has become a concern for health workers all over the world who are demanding eye protection, surgical masks, aprons and gloves.

    The Kenya National Nurses Association Chair Alfred Obengo visited a factory where protective gear is being made and tweeted that he saw “some gaps” that he ordered be rectified by Friday:

    Source: bbc.com

     

  • Ghanas economy not strong; we need to do more Mahama

    Former President John Dramani Mahama has observed that the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic has exposed the Ghanaian economy.

    He said the local economy, just as in other countries, is still fragile and more needed to be done to deal with the weaknesses.

    Mr Mahama in a statement said : “It is predicted that this pandemic and the disruption of global trade and economic activity will adversely affect the economies of developing countries. Ghana is no exception. The fast track approval by the IMF of the highly concessional Rapid Credit Facility is therefore timely and very welcome. This will help cushion the economy from the dangers of recession.

    “Our economy has revealed from this Covid stress test that it is still fragile and we need to be prudent in how we manage going forward. We must also be diligent in how we apply the $1 billion facility as the various tranches are released.

    “We face significant pressure on our local currency, declining domestic revenues, a slowdown in GDP growth, increase in deficit to GDP of between 8% to 9%, ballooning debt which is projected to hit almost 70% by end year.

    “This scenario requires that we exercise strict prioritization in our borrowing and expenditures and this might be the right time for the President to consider trimming down the bloated size of his government.”

    He added : “At this crucial time, the most critical need of our health workers is the supply of PPEs. When I donated PPEs to health facilities in the various regions, I advocated the need for government to urgently supply adequate PPEs to protect our health workers. I further requested that our national strategic medical stock ensures items such as PPEs and other vital logistics are in place well in advance of outbreaks.

    “ The initiative to have local manufacturing companies produce PPEs is welcome and must be speeded up. This can be done, and we must kickstart the efforts.”

    Source: laudbusiness.com

  • Uganda extends border closure and curfew

    Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni has extended the nationwide coronavirus controls for 21 days.

    In his address to the nation at the end of an initial 14-day lockdown, the president said that all control guidelines previously announced will remain in place.

    The measures include closure of national borders, including Entebbe International Airport, to passenger travel, a dusk-to-dawn curfew, and a ban on public transport.

    Mr Museveni said that the extension will help health workers study the situation, and monitor about 18,000 people said to have come into the country between 7-22 March.

    Air and road cargo transport are still permitted.

    Inter-state long-distance truck drivers, whether transiting through or destined for Uganda, will be tested at the border points.

    So far, over 5,600 samples have been tested and 54 cases confirmed in the country, eight of whom have recovered.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Somalia sees spike in coronavirus cases in last 24 hours

    Somalia has registered a spike in confirmed Covid-19 cases after 35 People tested positive for the virus in the last 24 hours.

    The Federal Minister for Health, Dr Fawzia Abikar Nur, said the country now has 60 confirmed cases from 25.

    “We hereby confirm 35 new cases of the novel coronavirus, bringing the total number of Covid-19 cases in the country to 60,” the Minister told the media in the capital Mogadishu.

    Three of the new cases were in the breakaway region of Somaliland.

    “32 of the new cases were registered in Mogadishu, while two cases were recorded in Hargeisa and one was found in Borama.”

    Hargeisa is the capital city of the self-declared Republic of Somaliland, a region which unilaterally announced separation from the rest of Somalia in 1991. Borama is one of the major towns in Somaliland.

    In the daily Covid-19 update, Minister Nur explained on Monday that 52 of the confirmed cases were recovering in their houses, being self-isolated.

    One more patient is recuperating at an isolation centre in the Halane camp, the base of the African Union Mission in Somalia (Amisom).

    CURFEW

    Meanwhile, on Sunday, the government announced a night curfew in Mogadishu effective April 15th.

    General Abdi Hassan Hijar, the commander of Somali Police Force, said the move is meant to contain the spread of coronavirus in the capital.

    The curfew will be enforced from 8 pm in the evening till 5 am in the morning.

    Source: theeastafrican.co.ke

  • Lockdown extension to curb spread of coronavirus pandemic necessary – Expert

    A medical researcher, Dr. Bamidele Iwalokun, has described the lockdown extension announced by President Muhammadu Buhari to further curb the spread of COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria as very necessary.

    Iwalokun, a Deputy Director of Research at the Nigeria Institute of Medi-Cal Research (NIMR), Yaba, expressed his views in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Tuesday.

    NAN reports that Buhari had, in a televised broadcast on Monday, announced another 14 days extension of the lockdown in Lagos, Ogun and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

    “The lockdown extension is necessary as the epidemic curve of confirmed COVID-19 cases is on the rise. “The pattern and trajectory of these cases suggest community transmission, a substrate for surge and countrywide spread.

    “So, other states also need a lockdown and the government should scale up the surge plan and revise the logistics of distributing palliatives. “Worthy to mention is the scale up of diagnostic, treatment, isolation and quarantine centres at state and local government levels as well as our borders,” he said.

    Iwalokun, who is also of the Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology in NIMR, said that more volunteer health workers should be engaged at the various centres across the country to support the existing workers.

    He added that more research was needed to generate new data to advance the knowledge about the clinical conditions inflicted by the virus on Nigerians.

    “More volunteer health workers are needed to man the various COVID-19 centres with appropriate training. “Also, more research should be carried out to accelerate the recovery and improving the prognosis of hospitalised patients with case-specific supportive treatments,” he said.

    Iwalokun, however, advised the state governments to further harmonise their efforts with the local officials to strengthen community compliance to the lockdown.

    “States like Lagos, Ogun and the FCT should strengthen community compliance through the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs. “This will improve public health education campaign and can also be integrated into the social palliative programmes,” the medical researcher said.

    Source: vanguardngr.com

  • A million masks arrive in Ethiopia

    A first delivery of medical supplies from the World Health Organization (WHO) has landed in Ethiopia’s capital Addis Ababa.

    The World Food Programme (WFP) tweeted a clip of unloading.

    The cargo includes one million masks, goggles, gloves, gowns and other protective gear for health workers, as well as ventilators for patients, says WFP.

    It will be distributed to Djibouti, Sudan, Eritrea, Somalia and Tanzania and then on from those hubs to “as many countries as possible”, Reuters news agency quotes WFP spokeswoman Elisabeth Byrs as saying.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Oppong Nkrumah outlines factors that will inform decision to extend lockdown

    Minister for Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah has outlined some factors that will inform President Akufo-Addo’s decision to whether to extend or not.

    The President last week after assessment of the two weeks lockdown which is aimed at reducing the spread of Covid-19 extended it by a week.

    According to the President, some expected over 15,000 test results will determine his next line of action. He further stated that the decisions will be taken based on the science of the situation.

    This week Ghana’s case count hit 636 with 17 recoveries and 8 deaths.

    Explaining some factors that will inform the next line of action in a radio interview, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah said the first will be the number of positive cases recorded from the enhanced surveillance.

    “One, how much of your case count is coming from the enhanced surveillance which gives you a fair idea of how far you are going ahead, it will not tell you exactly whether you are ahead but how far, through the enhanced surveillance you people you are finding asymptomatic which suggest early days of exposure and they are becoming the majority and it will give you an indication that you have moved beyond people with symptoms…”

    “Two, positive cases outside your hot spot so Greater Accra, Greater Kumasi where you have sought to contain, how many positive cases are you getting outside this hotspot which positive cases can be reasonably traced to having exited the hot spot during this period because this data will inform the theory whether indeed…”

    “The socio-economic of the lockdown, the calls that are coming you will see an increasing number of calls about food and perhaps even less about PPEs it gives you a certain idea about the socio-economic of the lockdown.”

    Oppong Nkrumah also added that the security situation in the country will also be assessed before any decision.

     

    Source: primenewsghana.com

  • WHO emergency committee meets on Ebola after new DRC case

    The WHO said its emergency committee would meet Tuesday to discuss whether the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo still constitutes an international health emergency, after fresh cases were detected.

    The meeting comes a day after DR Congo had been expected to announce that the outbreak in the east of the country that began in August 2018 was over.

    The epidemic has killed 2,276 people to date. For it to be declared over, there have to be no new cases reported for 42 days—double the incubation period.

    But as the World Health Organization’s emergency committee met last Friday to determine whether its declaration of a so-called Public Health Emergency of International Concern, or PHEIC, could be lifted, a new case was reported.

    “We now have three cases, two people who have died, one person who is alive,” WHO spokeswoman Margaret Harris told reporters in a virtual briefing in Geneva on Tuesday.

    She said that all of the contacts of those cases had been traced and vaccinated and were being followed closely.

    DR Congo health authorities announced Friday that a 26-year-old man was listed as having died from the disease, and a young girl who was being treated in the same health centre passed away on Sunday.

    Both died in the city of Beni, epicentre of the outbreak.

    Due to the shifting situation, the WHO decided to reconvene its emergency committee to again evaluate whether or not the outbreak still constitutes an international health emergency, Harris said.

    It was scheduled to announce its decision later Tuesday.

    The DR Congo has meanwhile started a new 42-day countdown to declare an end to its 10th epidemic of the deadly haemorrhagic fever disease.

    Source: Theeastafrican.co.ke

  • 2019 and 2020 have been the toughest years of my life – Agyemang-Badu

    Ghanaian midfielder Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu has described 2019 and 2020 as the toughest years of his life.

    The 29-year-old, U-20 World Cup winner, recounts how he came close to death in 2019, losing his sister and suffering a lot of injuries which has disrupted his career.

    Badu nearly lost his life when he suffered from a pulmonary embolism. He was struck by the illness and subsequently hospitalized for several weeks.

    In March this year, his In March, his sister Hagar was shot and killed in the city of Berekum.

    “I nearly died, I got a lot of injuries – and then I lost my sister in a very painful way,” Aguemang-Badu told BBC.

    “It’s very difficult for me and my family. The guy who shot my sister is on the run; they haven’t got him yet, because things are going slowly because of this virus.

    “It was a disaster.”

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • Football should return between October-November – Dr Pamboe

    Caf Medical Officer, Dr Prince Pamboe has called on Ghana Football Association (GFA) to consider restarting the football season between October and November due to the outbreak of coronavirus pandemic.

    Pambo who is also CAF medical officer says he Covid-19 will have a lot of impact on football when it returns immediately thus rescheduling the season to October and November will be safer for all stakeholders.

    Speaking to Happy FM on the issue, the former Black Stars medical officer stated attendance at the various stadiums will also come down due to the effects of the Covid-19 because it will take a while for people to come to terms with reality when the disease is controlled.

    “Football plays a key role in the mode of transmitting the Covid-19. If football starts there a lot of things that must be put in place, such as mass testing for supporters”, he told Happy FM.

    He added, “The current season must be put in hold and may be we can restart our games in October and November if its safer by then. Even the FIFA President Gianni Infantino has quoted that no football match is important than human life”.

    The 2019/20 Ghana Premier League season has been suspended indefinitely since March 2020 due to the coronavirus outbreak in the country.

    Source: Footballmadeinghana.com

  • TUC cancels 2020 May day celebration

    The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has cancelled the 2020 Mayday Celebration activities in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

    In a statement signed by the Secretary-General of the TUC, Dr Yaw Baah, the union said the organized Labour planning committee had planned to hold National May Day parade in Accra and Regional parades in all the regional capitals as part of activities of the 2020 May Day Celebrations.

    The statement indicated that: ”On behalf of the organized labour national Mayday planning committee, the TUC says it regrets to inform all workers and the general public that all 2020 Mayday celebration activities have been cancelled in compliance with the restrictions on movement with persons in Accra and Kumasi and the ban on public gatherings nationwide”.

    The statement signed by the Secretary-General urged all workers to stay at home on Mayday and continue to comply with the relevant safety protocols in the fight against coronavirus and hopes to resume the celebration of Mayday in 2021.

    Source: primenewsghana.com

  • Orlando Pirates rules out move for ex-Kotoko star Songne Yacouba

    Administrative officer for South African club Orlando Pirate, Floyd Mbele has revealed that they are no more interested in signing Burkinabe striker Sogne Yacouba.

    The Premier Soccer League (PSL) club made an attempt to sign the attacker from Ghana Premier League giants Asante Kotoko last year.

    After failing to secure the signature of the highly-rated forward, it was believed that they will make another attempt on him since he is now a free agent.

    However, according to Floyd Mbele his outfit has no intentions of reinforcing its squad with Yacouba.

    “Ja, [Pirates wanted to sign him] a long time ago,” Mbele told KickOff.com. “No, I can’t say that. I haven’t kept tabs [on his situation]. No, [we haven’t been tracking him recently]. There was contact with his representatives last year”, Mbele said.

    Sogne Yacouba is currently without a club after rejecting a juicy offer from Medeama SC.

    Source: Footballghana.com

  • Ghanaian Times: COVID-19; our recklessness, lawlessness exposed

    The coronavirus pandemic has exposed a reckless attitude amongst the citizenry which needs to be changed immediately for our own good else the country would find itself in hot waters.

    We speak of the blatant disregard for social distancing at various parts of the country, especially the areas under partial lockdown in this crucial time of the COVID-19 fight.

    This is not the first time the Ghanaian Times is commenting on indiscipline during this period but we have found it necessary to remark again because this stubbornness continues unabated.

    As scientists around the world race against time to get a vaccine, social distance of two metres between two persons is one of the highly recommended precautionary measures to prevent the spread of the virus.

    According to researchers, the rapid spread of the virus is likely due to the movements of people with no or very mild symptoms who are unaware that they even have the virus.

    It is therefore in order that the government, led by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and many health experts has on numerous occasions recommended that social distancing is observed.

    But what is happening now? Many residents in Accra and Kumasi have thrown caution to the wind and are mingling with each other as though there is nothing at stake.

    We are appalled by the actions of revellers who gathered at some beaches including Chorkor and Sakumno over the weekend and had to be chased and arrested by security officials.

    Similarly, we are dismayed that several markets have been closed down and traders relocated to football fields and other open spaces because of non-compliance to social distancing.

    The height of the indiscipline is exhibited during food distribution by various organisations in Accra where people, especially the destitute, queue closely or crowd distribution centres.

    The results of these actions are obvious. It would accelerate the spread of the disease and ground to a halt all the efforts and sacrifices invested in the fight from day one.

    Since it appears we prefer the application of force to comply with laws and

    directives, we urge the security personnel not to spare anyone who is caught engaging in this indiscipline.

    If the spread of the virus cannot scare them, maybe making offenders face the full rigors of the law would serve as deterrent to others who have determined in their hearts to indulge in the indiscipline spree.

    The COVID-19 is a serious issue that must not be taken lightly. We cannot allow the frivolity of a few to endanger the entire country. The security agencies must rise to the occasion.

     

    Source: Ghanaian Times

  • Besiktas fails to reach an agreement with KP Boateng for a permanent deal

    Footballghana.com can exclusively report that Besiktas has been unable to reach an agreement with Kevin-Prince Boateng and his agency for a permanent deal.

    The Ghanaian international joined the Turkish Super Lig club in the winter transfer window for a six months spell with an option for a permanent move if he made at least 10 appearances.

    Prior to the suspension of the football season in Turkey due to the Coronavirus pandemic, KP Boateng had only played 6 matches.

    Nonetheless, Besiktas in a meeting with the player expressed their desire to make his stay a permanent one.

    However,things have broken down according to the latest reports in the Turkish media.

    Footballghana.com understands that the Black and White club is not ready to pay the 285 thousand euros extra fee to cover the player’s extended stay due to the COVID-19.

    Already, they will pay KP Boateng 1.7 million Euros of an annual salary if he is signed permanently.

    In line with that, the loan contract will be allowed to run out on June 30, 2020, where they will finally part ways.

    Source: Footballghana.com

  • Coronavirus: Upper West Akim rotates market women

    Co-ordinating Director of the Upper West Akim District, Mr. Aaron Otoo has advised traders in the area to adhere to the safety measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease.

    He told Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5Fm that the Council has together with leadership, of the market adopt measures to ensure social-distancing is adhered to.

    The Council has also collaborated with the police, the health directorate and other stakeholders to embark on public education on the global pandemic.

    He opined, “if we are not careful, the coronavirus will overwhelm us and that is why we have segmented the market into three groups for traders to rotate on the various days of the week”.

    On his part, the Adeiso Police Commander, Chief Inspector Kwesi Baah admonished the traders to obey the directives given.

    He said it would be important for people to support the police to enforce the lockdown and directives given.

    Ghana he noted is not in normal times hence the need for the residents to obey the orders.

    The queen mother of the market Maame Agnes Dansoa assured the assembly they would comply with the rotation.

    Source: rainbowradioonline.com

  • 22 persons arrested in Volta Region for trying to cross border into Togo

    Some 22 recalcitrant persons have been arrested at Ave Hevi, a border town in the Akatsi North District of the Volta Region in the deep night of yesterday, April 14 while attempting to enter neighbouring Togo on motorbikes.

    According to the District Chief Executive of the area, Hon. Prince Sedoke Amuzu, the arrested persons were riding on five unregistered motorbikes when they were intercepted by the District Security taskforce who are enforcing the government’s restrictions on movement.

    The persons claimed to come from Akatsi South District but a check conducted on them revealed that some were in possession of Togolese national identity cards.

    The five unregistered motorbikes have been confiscated while the suspects were detained overnight and were returned to the Akatsi South District where they claimed to have come from under police escort this morning.

    According to the DCE of the area where the arrest was made, the suspects are going to be sent to the district they claimed they come from and handed over to the Akatsi South Police Command for necessary actions to be carried out on them.

    He further revealed that the DCE for the Akatsi South District has been informed duly about the development.

     

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Photo of Keche Andrews billionaire wife, Joana Gyan hustling at galamsey site melts hearts online

    Perhaps, claims by Ghanaian billionaire businesswoman Joana Gyan, that she has been a hustler before is very true.

    Joana Gyan a few days ago trended on the internet after a video which captured her saying she makes $700,000 annually from a gold trading business but Ghanaians found it hard to believe.

    Well, as the saying goes, every successful person started very little and this can be said about Joana Gyan, the wife of Ghanaian singer Keche Andrew.

    Ghgossip.com has sighted a photo of the 35-year-old entrepreneur working at one of her galamsey sites at an undisclosed location in Ghana.

    Joana Gyan, the CEO of Golden Empire Legacy Limited told media personality, Deloris Frimpong Manso, aka Delay that she sometimes joins her workers on-site to do the groundwork and this photo proves her claims.

    See the photo below;

    Source: ghgossip.com

  • Social media users troll Bobrisky saying “hes still a man” after his manhood was spotted in a photo

    Popular outspoken Nigerian cross-dresser, Iddris Okuneye, a.k.a Bobrisky has turned into a laughing stalk on the internet after his manhood was spotted in a photo he shared on social media.

    Netizens are amazed that Bobrisky spoke of enhancing his beauty and doing surgeries to make him a complete woman and a first class “barbie” but forgot to get rid of his d!ck. An audio surgery we think.

    A week ago, Bobrisky for the first time in history, pulled a surprise by revealing beneath his dress. He stripped for everyone to see the surgery which he had undergone but failed to face the camera as he always does in his videos and other photos.

    His new photos and video has given him up to netizens after his manhood was spotted in the one of the photos. Social media users have branded him a liar who lives an audio lifestyle.

    Check if you can see it in the images below:

    Source: ghgossip.com

  • Coronavirus: Man arrested for attacking policewoman at Kaneshie

    A 22-year-old man Osman Amadu is in the grips of the Kaneshie Police for spraying a substance in the eyes of a policewoman at Abossey Okai Zongo junction during enforcement of restriction on movement duties.

    On Friday, April 10, 2020, around 9:00 am, the police officer was on a COVID-19 duty at the Zongo junction ensuring compliance of directives.

    In the course of the duty, a taxi cab was stopped with the suspect on board. He was questioned about his movement but he became furious and without any provocation, sprayed a liquid substance which was in a small plastic bottle into the eyes of the policewoman.

    The complainant shouted for help and her colleagues together with other witnesses came to her aid. The suspect was immediately arrested and sent together with the liquid substance to the Kaneshie Police Station for investigation.

    He admitted the offence and said he did not know what came over him. He is being processed for court on the counts of assault on a public officer and violation of the Restriction of Imposition Act, as the substance is being forwarded to the forensic laboratory for examination.

    The policewoman has also attended hospital with a red swollen eye but has been referred to an eye specialist for further treatment.

     

    Source: starrfm.com.gh

  • FDA begins testing, certification of home-made PPEs

    The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has begun the process of testing locally produced nose masks to ensure they meet the required international standard.

    The Authority in collaboration with the textiles department of the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) has already provided the requisite quality standard.

    This forms part of homegrown measures aimed at combating the spread of the novel Coronavirus Disease (Covid-19) that is currently sweeping the world and having severe impact on all business activities.

    According to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the FDA, Delese Mimi Darko, her outfit is committed to ensure that only the nose masks of the required quality standards are used in Ghana..

    “The first few that were manufactured were tested to make sure they meet European and British standards that Ghana has adopted.

    “The FDA laboratory will continue to test all nose masks and PPEs. It is our mandate and goal to ensure that we have the right PPEs for the right risk levels”, she said.

    This comes as a great relief to the public in general and front line health workers in particular as some reports indicate that there are some substandard nose masks being sold locally. This mirrors the situation with regards to alcohol-based hand sanitizers which medical experts advise should be used regularly; lots of sub-standard products have been introduced into the market that are not endorsed by the FDA and indeed offer no real protection to users. Government has been at pains to ensure a similar situation does not evolve with regards to PPEs which are of even more importance and indeed are absolutely crucial for the safety of front line medical workers.

    Some frontline health workers in the country involved in the fight against the pandemic have recently been complaining about not having enough access of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as nose masks.

    The move by the FDA implies that health workers and the public at large can be assured of the availability of nose masks that are of the required standard.

    Early this month, Director General of Ghana Health Service (GHS), Dr. Patrick Aboagye revealed that Ghana has started local production of nose masks as part of effective efforts to curtail the coronavirus.

    Local production of PPEs

    Local production of PPEs has already commenced in the country as four local companies have been selected to produce the kits for the frontline health workers leading the fight against the Coronavirus pandemic.

    They are to produce among other things, face masks, medical scrubs, hospital gowns and headgears using fabrics from Akosombo Textiles Limited (ATL), Volta Star Textiles and Ghana Textile Printing Company Ltd (GTP).

    Source: goldstreetbusiness.com

  • The Port of Tema Operations Team has bid farewell to outgoing Port Security Manager Col. Joseph Malik Punamane who has served

    The Volta River Authority has cautioned Ghanaians against the activities of fraudulent people who are recruiting people in the name of the authority.

    In a statement, the authority explained that a person posing as the Head of Laboratory Unit of the VRA hospital has been issuing fake letters to potential employees.

    “It has come to the attention of the management of VRA that an unscrupulous person posing as the Head of Laboratory Unit at the VRA Hospital at Akosombo is issuing fake letters to unsuspecting potential employment seekers, purporting to be appointing them into roles at the VRA Hospitals,” the statement from the authority read in part.

    It further warned that it has not asked any person or group of persons to represent the authority in any such manner.

    Thus, job seekers who are aiming to work with the authority should forward all concerns via approved means.

    The statement read; “The VRA has a recruitment process and at no stage in the process is the payment of any sort required from the candidate. We, therefore, caution the public to be wary of information from such fraudulent persons and further advise that under no circumstance should they part with money for appointment into VRA because that is not part of our recruitment process. When in doubt, kindly contact us at corpcomm@vra.com for verification.”

    “VRA wishes to assure all that the Authority is an equal opportunity employer committed to a fair recruitment process. Job seekers and the general public must, therefore, disregard the activities of such fraudulent persons at any point in time,” the statement added.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Coronavirus: Chinese Consul General denies that Africans were mistreated in China

    Chinese Consul General to South Africa, Tang Zhongdong has denied allegations that Africans in China were mistreated.

    Tang was speaking at a handover ceremony with Gauteng Health MEC, Bandile Masuku on Tuesday where 30,000 units of Personal Protective Equipments (PPEs) were donated.

    He made the comments in response to widespread media coverage of Africans in China who claimed they were subjected to forced Covid-19 testing, random isolation and evictions.

    While China said it mostly curbed Covid-19 infections, a cluster of cases linked to the Nigerian community in Guangzhou allegedly sparked discrimination.

    The US also accused China of xenophobia due the alleged treatment of Africans.

    However, Tang said: “There is no discrimination. In China, we treat all the foreigners equally. There is no differential treatment. Chinese people always see the African people and African countries as brothers and friends,” Tang said.

    He added that China would continue to work with South Africa to fight Covid-19.

    Masuku said South Africans who were recently repatriated from China did not report any mistreatment.

    Parts of China, such as Wuhan, have eased lockdown restrictions.

    Masuku said South Africa should learn from this: “We need to learn from countries like China on how the measures should be enforced and how the measures should be respected by the citizens.”

    Source: allafrica.com

  • Abednego Tetteh confirms signing a three year contract with Hearts of Oak

    Former Bechem United forward Abednego Tetteh has confirmed inking a three year deal with Ghanaian giants Hearts of Oak contrary to reports that he signed a four-year deal.

    The lanky forward joined the Phobians officially in the second transfer window and could make his long-awaited debut when the topflight returns.

    “I’m confirming to you on your network BOSS FM that I signed a 3-year contract with Hearts of Oak of subject to one-year renewal,” he told BOSS FM. “I have heard people saying I have signed a 4-year deal but once again let me put it on record it is for 3-years,” he added.

    The 29-year old who returned to the country after spells abroad has been waiting to make his comeback in the Ghana Premier League but his return to action has now been delayed by the novel coronavirus.

    Despite the suspension of the league due to the Coronavirus pandemic, Tetteh revealed he is excited to join the Phobian family.

    “I’m happy Hearts of Oak has officially registered me and I will prove myself right when the league resumes, we will surely make Hearts of Oak great again,” said the striker.

    Tetteh previously played for Sudanese sides Al Hilal Omdurman and Al Hilal El Obeid before spells in India with Real Kashmir and Trau.

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com