TIG Post

Author: Chris Kodo

  • Being decisive is about definite results and not talks – Akowuah to Sammi Awuku

    Bono Regional Communications Officer of the biggest opposition party, National Democratic Congress has said that “being decisive is all about achieving the intended results” and not about long talks.

    This seems to be a reply to what the national organizer of the governing New Patriotic Party, Sammi Awuku said on Saturday, April 4, 2020 in the Eastern Region during an exercise to disinfest the markets within the region.

    Sammi Awuku said the coronavirus pandemic would have worsened if not for the decisiveness of president Akufo-Addo to take bold steps in a difficult situation such as this.

    Reacting to this statement from Mr Sammi Awuku, the NDC’s Bono Regional Communications Officer argued that countries that have recorded cases of coronavirus have had their presidents taken up effective measures to curb this pandemic and that the approach by president Akufo-Addo cannot be compared to his colleague presidents.

    Mr Akowuah added that before a decisive president takes up any decision, that president would have considered the vulnerable group and the requisite arrangements made cushion them so that they do not be victims of circumstances.

    The Regional Communication Officer opined that if president Akufo-Addo was a decisive president, then he, President Akufo-Addo should have made known to the public about the packages he had put in place for the ”kayayes” at the affected lockdown regions and not to leave them in these distraught situations.

    President Akufo-Addo on March 27, 2020, announced a two-week partial lockdown in the epic centres in Greater Accra, Greater Kumasi, Tema and Obuasi after Ghana had earlier on recorded its first two (2) cases on 12th March, a step many health professionals and experts had called for days but for the indecisiveness of president Akufo-Addo until Ghana started recording an exponential cases coronavirus.

    This delayed step by the president, to many, including Dr Grace Ayensu-Danquah, led to the spread of the virus in Ghana if the government had listened to their advice long ago.

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    Mr Akowuah sited an example that Police at Ejisu in the Ashanti Region on Tuesday, 31st March intercepted two cargo trucks which were transporting over 70 head porters, popularly known as kayayei, to Walewale in the North East Region.

    This occurred during the two-week partial lockdown of Accra, Tema, Kumasi and Obuasi and described it as avoidable if the president was on top of issues.

    Mr Akowuah advised Mr Sammi Awuku to concentrate on how to organize his party primaries and allow the health professionals and the experts to speak on the coronavirus pandemic, be submissive and take the advices from the likes of Dr Grace Ayensu-Danquah, the Ghana Medical Association and the NDC COVID Team of experts and put the needed measures in place to curb the community spread and not to sing political praises when the frontline workers have been threatening to lay their tools down for lack of personal protective equipment (PPEs) to protect them from being infected when attending to suspected cases of this novel coronavirus and pleaded with the Akufo-Addo government to make available the $100m as announced by him to procure PPEs to the various hospitals.

    The Regional communication officer therefore expressed appreciation to the Former President and the Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama for his donation of 100 PPEs to the Ridge Hospital on Sunday, 29th March and 650 Medical items worth of Gh?390,000.00 to the Tamale Teaching Hospital and the other hospitals on Saturday, 4th April, 2020.

    Source: Bright Kwame Frimpong

  • Medical product purported to cure coronavirus false – FDA

    The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has called on the public to disregard any medical products including in-vitro diagnostic purported to prevent, detect, treat or cure COVID-19.

    The Authority warned all actors in the medical product supply chain to conduct due diligence on all products intended for the diagnosis or treatment of COVID-19.

    This was in a statement signed by Mrs Delese A.Darko, the Chief Executive Officer, FDA and copied to the Ghana News Agency in Accra.

    The statement said the Authority received a notification through the World Health Organization Rapid Alert system on falsified medical products including the in-vitro diagnostics.

    The statement urged all actors in the medical product supply chain to clarify with the Authority any suspicious product intended for diagnosis or treatment of COVID-19.

    It said medicinal products should be registered with the FDA before usage and imported only through Tema Habour and Kotoka International Airport.

    “We wish to assure the public that our officers in the regions are working to ensure that the products do not get into our supply chain”, it said.

    Source: GNA

  • You’ll fail like the EC and Nana Addo’s 2020 agenda – Akamba fires back at critics

    The National Organizer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Joshua Hamidu Akamba has said plans by some unscrupulous people to tarnish his image as well as that of his party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) will fail just as the coronavirus pandemic has failed the Electoral Commission and President Akufo-Addo’s agenda towards the 2020 general elections.

    He also denied granting interviews on Accra-based radio station, Power FM.

    In a press release purported to be from the high office of the NDC field Marshall, he details how his critics and haters of the opposition National Democratic Congress will fail just as the Electoral Commission chair, Jean Mensah and President Nana Addo’s agenda towards election 2020 have failed.

    In the statement, Joshua Hamidu Akamba called on President Nana Addo to use his high office to drastically reduce fuel prices, LPG gas and absorb completely electricity bills of Ghanaians most especially those affected by the lockdown.

    He appealed to the bigwigs of the NPP to call their communicators to order as the pandemic knows no political party.

    Read his full statement below

    Attention all media houses

    For immediate Release

    Monday, April 6, 2020

    HATRED FOR NDC AND JOSHUA HAMIDU AKAMBA WILL CONTINUE TO FAIL LIKE FIXED DATES FOR NEW VOTER ID CARD REGISTRATION BY EC

    Good day ladies and gentlemen.

    Please my attention has been drawn to a statement going viral on the internet titled “Paying water bills for three months is not relief. Whilst we have Ghanaians students dying in WUHAN, you are wasting money on Kumasi people’s water bills because that’s your political stronghold” – Joshua Akamba, National Organizer of NDC.

    Source: Power F.M, Accra

    The above statement for reasons best known to the writer made reference to me as the author. The public is hereby informed that the information is malicious, fake, false and mischievously crafted by some sycophants of the ruling New patriotic party, calculated not just to score cheap political points, but also, to drag my good name and the name of my political party (National Democratic Congress) into contempt and ridicule.

    To set the Records straight,

    1 For About 2 months now, I have not granted even interviews on power fm.

    2. The particular virus which the Government of Nana Addo failed to fight knows no political colour and these are some of the reasons why the Great NDC, Our Flagbearer and the next president of Ghana is all over Ghana Sharing PPE’S to all hospitals and our hardworking Frontline fighters.

    The public is hereby advised by this release to ignore and treat any such cowards, malicious and politically motivated statements and publications with the contempt it deserves.

    I, therefore, request and appeal to the president of the Republic to as a matter of urgency to absorb the Electricity bills and at least reduce prices of LBG gas too because the Majority of Ghanaians in the lockdown areas will be using more of them than the eater.

    #StayAtHome

    #StopTheSpread

    SIGNED

    Hon. Joshua Hamidu Akamba,

    NDC National Organizer

    Source: Japhet Festus Gbede

  • It will take a team to win the war Oko-Boye speaks

    Hours after being named the Deputy Minister-designate for Health, Dr Bernard Oko-Boye, has stated that his appointment is just to help those working tirelessly to win the fight against the novel Coronavirus.

    “It will take a team to win the war, not an individual,” he explained what his appointment meant in a moment where Ghana is doing everything possible to combat the virus.

    The Ledzokuku MP, who was nominated by President Akufo-Addo on Monday, said that he was going to play a role in a team which is already working on the field and pledged to work especially on the communication gap between the frontline workers and the public.

    He added that in managing Public Health of International Concerns (PHIC), the Head of Public Relations (PR)is “the source of information for the public.”

    He explained that if the PR in PHIC does not communicate to the public, whatever is done to protect the public can be resisted.

    Dr. Oko Boye, who is currently board chair of Korle Bu Teaching Hospital also said that the figures of cases confirmed is as important as the raw facts of what the issue is and must be communicated accordingly.

    Dr Bernard Oko-Boye, who has been engaging the public regularly through the media even before Ghana recorded its first novel Coronavirus case, will be replacing Alexander Kodwo Kom Abban, MP, who has been moved to the communication Ministry as a Deputy Minister.

    In announcing the nomination of Dr Oko Boye the president asked Parliament to vet him quickly. The deputy health minister-designate replaces Vincent Sowah Odotei, MP for La Dadekotopon who has been sacked.

    Source: www.ghanweb.com

  • Todays newspapers front pages

     

     

     

  • Free water: Akufo-Addo has sympathy for Ghanaians Pius Hadzide

    Deputy Information Minister, Pius Enam Hadzide has patted the back of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for rolling out a three-month free water policy for Ghanaians.

    According to him, this policy clearly shows that President Akufo-Addo feels the pains of Ghanaians.

    By way of sympathizing with them, he declared the absorption of water bills from March to June, to lessen their burden.

    “We have a president who is sympathetic and thinks about his people. It is for this reason that he has put measures in place so that in this difficult time, what government can do to support people to bring respite as well as free them from hardship within the limitations,” he told Afia Pokua on Okay FM.

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in his fifth address to the nation Sunday [April 5, 2020] instructed all water tankers, publicly and privately owned to ensure that there is constant water supply to all vulnerable communities.

    He noted that “the Ghana Water Company Ltd and the Electricity Company of Ghana have been directed to ensure the stable supply of water and electricity during this period. In addition, there will be no disconnection of supply.”

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Social Media users drag Nigerian court for gathering crowd during judgement for Funke and her husband

    Just like internet users dragged Funke Akindele and her husband JJC Skillz for violating social distancing, they are again dragging the honourable court for the same violation.

    Funke and her husband have swiftly been sentenced — the couple has been given two weeks period of community exercise plus a fine of N100,000 each.

    However, a video that has popped up online has Funke, her husband and other people crowded as they head for the courtroom.

    This has made social media users asking the need for the court to punish Funke and JJC Skillz if right at their doorsteps they cannot ensure social distancing to control the spread of COVID-19.

    Check out some of the reactions below, plus the video;

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    Funke Akindele arrives in court, pleads guilty. . . . .link in bio. . . .#funkeakindele #covid

    A post shared by Mynigeria (@themynigeria) on

    Source: GhanaCelebrities.Com

  • Even good people can make mistakes, it doesnt make them bad Damilola defends Funke Akindele

    Nollywood goddess Damilola Adegbite, ex-wife of Ghanaian actor Chris Attoh, has solemnly jumped to the defence of her colleague Funke Akindele.

    Akindele is in hot water after she threw a birthday party for her husband on Sunday in violation of the orders for a lockdown.

    After a public outcry, both she and her husband were arrested and arraigned before court.

    Some other celebrities have been defending Funke, with Uche Elendu calling for her release because she has kids.

    Damilola has also added her voice, saying Funke simply made a mistake.

    “Even good people make mistakes. Love you Big Sis,” she wrote.

    Check her post below…

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    Even good people make mistakes. Love you Big Sis mi❤️ @funkejenifaakindele #spreadloveandlight

    A post shared by Adedamilola Adegbite (@adedamee) on

    Source: GhanaCelebrities.Com

  • Japan expected to declare state of emergency

    Parts of Japan are expected to go into a state of emergency in the coming days. That’s according to Japanese media, as the number of confirmed infections continues to rise despite measures to contain the virus.

    Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is expected to announce the move later on Monday though it’s thought it won’t come into effect that same day. It likely won’t be for the entire country but for big cities such as Tokyo and Osaka only.

    The decision would give the government the power to implement stricter measures to ask people to stay at home or to close businesses. It will not, though, give Mr Abe the power to impose full lockdowns like we’ve seen in China, or some European countries, where there are heavy fines for breaking the rules.

    Japan has had more than 3,600 confirmed infections and 85 deaths. There’s particular concern for Tokyo, where the number of people with confirmed infections has been sharply rising and now exceeds 1,000.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Pep Guardiola’s mother dies after contracting coronavirus

    Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola’s mother, Dolors Sala Carrio, has died aged 82 in Barcelona after contracting coronavirus.

    “Everyone associated with the club sends their most heartfelt sympathy at this most distressing time to Pep, his family and all their friends,” said Manchester City on social media.

    Monday’s increase of 637 coronavirus deaths means 13,055 have died in Spain.

    Last month, Guardiola donated 1m euros (£920,000) to help fight the outbreak.

    The money will be used to purchase medical equipment and protective material for staff involved in treating those admitted to hospital.

    Barcelona is in Catalonia, which is one of the areas in Spain with the most concentrated number of cases.

    Manchester United posted on social media to say the club was “saddened to hear this terrible news”, adding: “We send our heartfelt condolences to Pep and his family.”

    Spaniard Guardiola, 49, has been in charge of Manchester City since July 2016 after spells as manager of Barcelona and Bayern Munich.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Bayern Munich and Bundesliga clubs return to training

    Bayern Munich were among a number of Bundesliga clubs to return to training for the first time since the campaign was halted by the coronavirus pandemic.

    The champions trained in groups of five but without any contact, as did Borussia Monchengladbach and Wolfsburg.

    Bottom side Paderborn worked in small groups and coach Steffen Baumgart said it was important for players to “get the ball on their feet again”.

    Germany’s top flight has been suspended since 13 March until at least 30 April.

    “It was certainly a very unusual feeling holding a training session in small groups today, but it was also nice to see the boys in person again,” said Bayern captain Manuel Neuer.

    Training began with a warm-up routine, followed by running and shooting drills and technical training which were “elements in which the necessary social distancing can be adhered to.”

    The German champions said all hygiene measures were “strictly observed” and no members of the public were present.

    For the past two weeks Bayern players and staff had taken part in “cyber training”.

    Bayern were top of the league at the time of the season being stopped, four points clear of Borussia Dortmund.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Wall Street opens higher on coronavirus slowdown hopes

    U.S. stocks opened higher on Monday, after President Donald Trump expressed hope that the coronavirus health crisis was “leveling-off” in some of the hardest-hit U.S. states.

    The Dow Jones Industrial Average .DJI rose 641.10 points, or 3.05%, at the open to 21,693.63.

    The S&P 500 .SPX opened higher by 89.63 points, or 3.60%, at 2,578.28. The Nasdaq Composite .IXIC gained 287.09 points, or 3.89%, to 7,660.17 at the opening bell.

    Source: reuters.com

  • Coronavirus: Boris Johnson in ‘good spirits’ in hospital

    Boris Johnson says he is in “good spirits” after spending the night in hospital with coronavirus.

    The PM was taken to St Thomas’ Hospital in London on Sunday evening with “persistent symptoms” – including a temperature and a cough – for routine tests.

    He remains in charge of government, although Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab chaired Monday’s coronavirus meeting.

    Mr Johnson, 55, tested positive for coronavirus 10 days ago.

    In a tweet, he said he was “keeping in touch with my team as we work together to fight this virus and keep everyone safe”.

    He also thanked the “brilliant NHS staff” taking care of him and other patients, adding: “You are the best of Britain”.

    The prime minister’s official spokesman said he remained in hospital “under observation”, and described Russian reports that Mr Johnson had been placed on a ventilator as “disinformation”.

    He is continuing to receive updates and briefings in hospital, the spokesman added.

    Last month, the prime minister’s spokesman said if Mr Johnson was unwell and unable to work, Mr Raab, as the first secretary of state, would stand in.

    Earlier, Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick said he hoped the prime minister would be back in Downing Street “as soon as possible”.

    “He’s been working extremely hard leading the government and being constantly updated. That’s going to continue,” he told BBC Breakfast.

    “I’m sure this is very frustrating for him, for somebody like Boris who wants to be hands [on] running the government from the front, but nonetheless he’s still very much in charge of the government,” he added.

    US President Donald Trump is among those who has sent his wishes to Mr Johnson.

    “All Americans are praying for him. He’s a great friend of mine, a great gentleman and a great leader,” Mr Trump said, adding that he was sure the prime minister would be fine because he is “a strong person”.

    And Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said he hoped the prime minister had a “speedy recovery”.

    Health minister Nadine Dorries, who herself tested positive for coronavirus last month, said many of those with the virus would be “felled” by fatigue and a high temperature and use isolation to sleep and recover.

    “Boris has risked his health and worked every day on our behalf to lead the battle against this vile virus,” she said in a tweet.

    Meanwhile, the former head of the civil service Lord Kerslake said it may be “sensible” for Mr Johnson to “step back” if he is not well enough to carry out his role for now.

    “I think in the end if he’s not well, he will have to reflect on this because the job’s tough at the best of times and it’s doubly tough now,” he told the BBC Radio 4’s Today programme.

    Source: bbc.com

  • COVID-19: Disinfection exercise ends successfully in Takoradi

    As part of measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, a disinfection exercise was successfully carried out in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis in Western Region on Monday morning.

    With the assistance of drones and technical sprayers, the fumigation exercise was expeditiously carried out to ward off any infection in the market places.

    The fumigation exercise which comprises a taskforce from the security agencies, sprayers and the media started as early as 6:30 am in principal market centres as, Kojokrom market, Sekondi market, Kansaworodo market and the Takoradi market circle.

    Various towns and communities in the Metropolis were also sprayed with chloroquine and other disinfectants.

    Markets in the Metropolis, as well as stores, shops and other businesses in and around the central business district of Takoradi, were all closed.

    Briefing GhanaWeb’s Western Regional Correspondent Daniel Kaku around the market circle after the exercise, Chief Executive Officer of the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly, Mr. Anthony K.K. Sam on behalf of the Regional Minister, acknowledged the efforts of sprayers for the excellent job done and the contractor for the supply of Personal Protective Equipments (PPEs).

    The MCE commended the efforts of security forces and the STMA for desilting gutters in the metropolis ahead of the fumigation exercise.

    He lauded people in the Metropolis for complying with the spraying exercise which made the Metropolis look like a lockdown.

    He pleaded with market women, transport operators, shops and businesses to maintain sanity in the Metropolis.

    Mr. K.K. Sam urged the shop operators to provide PPEs in and out of their shops.

    The MCE also lauded the effort of the media to inform and educate the public on the fumigation exercise.

    Mr. K.K. Sam also urged motorists to observe the social distancing protocol to mitigate the impact of the spread of the pandemic.

     

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Preliminary investigations show coronavirus patient contracted virus in Bolga Regional Health Director

    The Upper East Regional Director of Health Services Dr. Winfred Ofosu has revealed that preliminary investigations show that the first confirmed COVID-19 patient in Bolgatanga possibly contracted the virus before travelling out of the region and back.

    According to Dr. Ofosu, there is the need for the people of the Upper East region to take seriously the recommended precautionary measures of social distance, hand washing and use of hand sanitizers. In his assertions, it is dangerous for residents to presume that the virus is yet to spread in the region and only the confirmed patient has the tendency to spread the virus.

    “From the preliminary investigations that we conducted though is not conclusive yet[but] some of the symptoms started here before she travelled. Which means that she probably got the infection here in Bolga. If that is the case, it means that the virus is already in circulation,” he said at a media briefing in Bolgatanga on Sunday.

    He added that “It is not likely that she got the disease from outside but she got it here.”

    Dr. Winfred Ofosu further disputed reports that the patient absconded or was forcefully taken out of the hospital by her husband.

    He stated that the patient asked to be discharged when symptoms which reported to the facility with had remitted saying that “so they requested to be discharged since there was nothing ongoing. The slip was that they were not properly informed that the woman was being investigated for COVID. But he (husband) was asked that the woman had to self isolate. So that was how they went home.”

    He further stated that the patient has since been brought back to the hospital and currently under care at the Regional hospital though she could be managed at home.

    Meanwhile, the maternity block where the COVID-19 patient visited and was admitted will be closed for disinfection on Monday, April 6, 2020, and to resume operations on Tuesday, April 7.

     

    Source: mynewsgh.com

  • Just stay home and be safe Amankwa Mireku tells Ghanaians

    Former skipper of Accra Hearts of Oak Amankwa Mireku has asked Ghanaians to stay home amid Coronavirus crisis which has wrecked the world.

    He said, Ghanaians must stick to the precautionary measures proposed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the government in the quest to get rid of the deadly disease.

    In government bid to help solve the rapid growth of the disease in the country, the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo ordered for a partial lockdown in both Greater Accra and Ashanti region respectively a week ago.

    However, the former defender has called on Ghanaians to comply with the directives by staying at home.

    “We should make sure that we lock down as human being. Just stay at home and make sure that we do as such”

    “We should also wash our hands with soap regularly and then follow instructions from expects. The use of hand sanitizers must not be excluded” he told GTV Sports.

    Source: Footballghana.com

  • Hearts of Oak will not embark on wholesale recruitment – Kwame Opare Addo

    Director of Communications for Accra Hearts of Oak, Kwame Opare Addo has revealed that the Phobians will not embark on a wholesale recruitment in the ongoing transfer window.

    Registration of players for the second round in the Ghana Premier League has officially opened as clubs seeks to augment their charges when football returns in the country.

    In an interview with Footballghana.com, Opare Addo said his outfit will not be involved in a massive clear-out as purported.

    “Certainly it will not be a mass recruitment. We looking forward to add just one or two signings to augment the squad because we have the players and the strength already. We will add to the team what the coach has recommended to make the team as solid as we want it” he said.

    He has therefore called on the fans to exercise patience as they seek to augment squad with better players.

    Source: Footballghana.com

  • This year any rapper who will diss me will receive a quick reply Yaa Pono

    Uptown Energy boss and CEO of underground rappers in Ghana, Yaa Pono has postulated that any rapper who will attempt to diss him this year will receive a quick reply.

    He made this known via Twitter send a clear caution to those rappers having in mind that they will talk ill about him going forward.

    “2020 any song wey go throw shots at Uptown energy, we shall resist quick ,,,, the UPNESS is dropn on 14 APRIL 2020…ready 4 my album….UPNESS,” Pono tweeted.

    His post comes after netizens (social media users) call for a possible rap battle between himself and Strongman.

    See the screenshot below:

    Source: ghbase.com

  • Inter Allies denies contacting Songne Yacouba

    Inter Allies Technical Director Wille Klutse says the club has not made a bid for ex-Asante Kotoko forward Songne Yacouba.

    The Burkinabe International has received offers from some Ghana Premier League clubs after his contract expired on 2 April, 2020 with Asante Kotoko.

    Reports in the media indicated that management of Inter Allies were locked in negotiations to sign the Burkinabe International as well as guarantee him a possible switch to an European outfit in the future.

    Willie Klutse in an interview rubbished those reports stating that the club has no intention of signing him.

    “We have not made a bid for Songne Yacouba as been reported in the media”

    “Inter Allies is a club that focuses on developing young talents and then sell them abroad. I have done my checks with the team and we haven’t made any bid for Yacouba”, he added.

    Songne Yacouba is currently a free agent and there are talks he may head to Medeama SC in the ongoing transfer window.

    Source: Footballghana.com

  • Coronavirus: Nero X joins Aroma Universal Foundation to donate preventive items

    Nero X, a renowned musician joined Aroma Universal Foundation donation of hand washing items to villages.

    In the wake of the spread of Coronavirus, it has become necessary that we all contribute our quota to prevent the spread of this disease.

    Aroma Universal Foundation then decided donate items like Veronica buckets, tissue papers, baskets, rubber hand washing basins among others.

    The Executive Director of Aroma Universal Foundation, Monica Dede Odonkor in an interview with GhanaWeb’s Western Regional Correspondent said, there is the probability that those who are under the lockdown in Kumasi, Tema and Accra might have contracted the disease and heading towards the village could infects the village folks, which will be suicidal.

    Hence, this timely intervention is necessary. She mentioned some of the places where the donation was made, Sekyere Krobo, Didiso, Nsuta, Sekyere Heman and the likes, all in the Western Region.

    “We decided to consider those in the villages because we realised that most, if not all, donation were given to bigger towns and cities neglecting those in the villages”, she noted.

    Nero X also explained why he joined Aroma Universal Foundation for the donation and campaign against the deadly Coronavirus.

    The Chief of Sekyere Heman, Nana Anyani Boadu, was thankful to the NGO and cautioned the town folks, not to steal the items since its for the benefits of all.

    About COVID-19

    COVID-19 is the infectious disease caused by the most recently discovered coronavirus.

    This new virus and disease were unknown before the outbreak began in Wuhan, China, in December 2019.

    Essential information on the COVID-19 pandemic can be found in a dedicated WHO site.

    Ghana has so far recorded 214 confirmed cases with 5 deaths.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • ‘I never took their money’- Don Bortey blast ‘disrespectful’ Kotoko fans

    Hearts of Oak great, Bernard Don Bortey has blast Asante Kotoko fans for wrongfully tarnishing his image.

    Fans of Asante Kotoko have consistently accused the 37-year old for accepting transfer money from the club but never played for the team.

    Bortey, who was then the star of the domestic league in the mid-2000s came close to joining the Reds but the move collapsed at the eleventh hour.

    There were reports the ‘serial killer’ as he was affectionately known had taken money from the Porcupine Warriors.

    However, Bortey has denied search reports and wants fans of Kotoko to ‘respect themselves’ by stopping the false accusation.

    “Asante Kotoko supporters should respect themselves and stop tarnishing my image, I never took their money. My uncle George Amoako should tell them,” the ex-Ghana international told Sikka Sports.

    Donn Bortey enjoyed success at Hearts of Oak, winning three Ghana Premier League titles and the 2004 CAF Confederations Cup when they defeated Asante Kotoko on penalties in the final.

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • Manhyia asks GFA for two weeks on Kotoko board formation

    Manhyia have asked the Ghana Football Association to grant them two weeks to confirm the formation of Asante Kotoko’s board, according to reports in Kumasi.

    According Kumasi based Radio Station, Oyerepa FM, Kotoko’s highest governing body are yet to furnish the FA with the club’s board, which is a requirement by the Club Licensing Board.

    Last week, Oyerepa FM reported that Asante Kotoko through Manhyia Palace had written to the GFA citing Corona Virus Pandemic and it’s lock down as reasons they are yet to affirm names of those who will make up the board of directors.

    They are also reporting that a letter from Manhyia Palace asked for a 2 week grace period because the Palace is locked and within this time, the chief of staff will meet the designated members to undergo the necessary formalities.

    Source close to management of the club revealed to Oyerepa FM Sports that Dr.Kyei after doing the needful to submit the names was advised by His Royal Majesty through the office of the Chief of staff that he will let the chief of staff meet with them before they are inaugurated.

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • Pep Guardiola’s mother dies after contracting coronavirus

    Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola’s mother, Dolors Sala Carrio, has died aged 82 in Barcelona after contracting coronavirus.

    “Everyone associated with the club sends their most heartfelt sympathy at this most distressing time to Pep, his family and all their friends,” said Manchester City on social media.

    Monday’s increase of 637 coronavirus deaths means 13,055 have died in Spain.

    Last month, Guardiola donated 1m euros (£920,000) to help fight the outbreak.

    The money will be used to purchase medical equipment and protective material for staff involved in treating those admitted to hospital.

    Barcelona is in Catalonia, which is one of the areas in Spain with the most concentrated number of cases.

    Source: BBC

  • Manhyia petitions GFA for two weeks on Kotoko board formation

    The Manhyia Palace have asked the Ghana Football Association to grant them two weeks to confirm the formation of Asante Kotoko’s board, according to reports in Kumasi.

    According to the Kumasi based Radio Oyerepa FM, Kotoko’s highest governing body are yet to furnish the FA with the club’s board, which is a requirement by the Club Licensing Board.

    Last week, Oyerepa FM reported that Asante Kotoko through Manhyia Palace had written to the GFA citing the coronavirus Pandemic and it’s lock down as reasons why they are yet to affirm names of those who will make up the board of directors.

    They are also reporting that a letter from Manhyia Palace asked for a 2 week grace period because the Palace is locked and within this time, the chief of staff will meet the designated members to undergo the necessary formalities.

    Source close to management of the club revealed to Oyerepa FM Sports that Dr.Kyei after doing the needful to submit the names was advised by His Royal Majesty through the office of the Chief of staff that he will let the chief of staff meet with them before they are inaugurated.

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • Coronavirus fight: Markets in Oti disinfected

    A total of 60 markets in the Oti Region have been fumigated against COVID 19.

    The exercise was done by the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development with support from Zoomlion Ghana Limited, the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) and the security services under the supervision of the Coordinating Council and local Assemblies.

    Compliance level was high with all shops closed for the success of the exercise, which lasted for close to seven hours.

    At Jasikan, a total of 24 market centres and lorry stations were disinfected whilst 12 were disinfested at Krachi East and 11 at Biakoye.

    The Nkwanta South Municipal had 10 markets, Nkwanta North District five markets, Krachi Nchumuru District, eight markets, Krachi West District four, Kadjebi District four and SALL, four markets fumigated.

    Mr Andrews Okuma Nawil, Oti Regional Coordinating Director commended the team for a good job done.

    Some markets women and businessmen who spoke to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) commended the Government for the foresight and appealed for the exercise to be regularised.

     

    Source: GNA

  • Udinese express interest in Ghanaian defender Kasim Adams

    Serie A side Udinese have expressed interest in signing Ghana international Kasim Adams Nuhu in the upcoming summer transfer window.

    Nuhu, who is currently on loan at Fortuna Düsseldorf from 1899 Hoffenheim has been one of the standout players for the side this season.

    The 25-year-old has made 14 appearances in all competitions and scored two goals.

    His outstanding display has attracted several clubs in Europe to show keen interest including Udinese.

    The Stadio Fruili outfit want to strengthen their squad in the summer especially in defence after losing Nicholas Opoku to Ligue 1 side Amiens SC.

    Nuhu has previously played for Ghana Premier League side Medeama SC, CD Leganés, Real Mallorca and Swiss giants Young Boys.

    Source: footballghana.com

  • DarkoVibes is my favourite musician right now Sister Derby

    Actress and Model, Sister Derby has disclosed her favourite singer aside his brother, Wanlov.

    In a Q and A session with her fans on IG, when asked who is favourite singer. Sister Derby simply mentioned, the sensational, Darkovibes.

    In all this,

    Darkovibes is out with a new song, titled “Inna Song (Gin & Lime)” featuring King Promise. Beautiful jam, here it is;

    Darkovibes ft. King Promise Inna Song (Gin & Lime)( [Download]

    See her post below:

    Source: ghgossip.com

  • Sports journalists vote on Bortey vs Charles Taylor debate

    Citi FM sports broadcaster Fentuo Tahiru sparked a debate on Twitter on who is supreme between Charles Taylor and Bernard Don Bortey.

    The topic generated huge interest and debate among followers of the Ghanaian football from the late 90s and to the mid-2000s.

    Both Taylor and Bortey were adored by Hearts of Oak and Kotoko fans and they continue to divide opinions even today years after their lights dimmed.

    Bortey started his international career at the youth level dazzling at the U17 World Cup in 1999 in New Zealand, going ahead to score 9 senior goals in 27 appearances while Taylor played at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games for Ghana and has 16 appearances and two goals to his name.

    The 50 sports journalists who were drawn from radio, television, newspaper and online casted their votes on Saturday and Sunday and massively voted for Charles Taylor.

    Taylor polled 31 votes representing 62% while Bortey garnered 19 votes which represented 38%.

    Top journalists including Dan Kwaku Yeboah, Patrick Akoto, Eugene Adu Poku, Collins Atta Poku, Andy Kerm, UK-based Rahman Osman, Fentuo Tahiru, Sheikh Toufiq Seinu, Muftawu Nabila, Edmund Okai Gyimah, Seidu Adamu, Atta Twum, Alhaji Yahaya, Joe Debrah, Stevenson Manu among others all casted their votes.

    Source: ghanasportsonline.com

  • Pay before you get free water Ghana Water Company to defaulting customers

    The Ghana Water Company Limited has admonished defaulting customers to honour all debt obligations before they can enjoy the benefits of the free water supply announced by President Akufo-Addo on Sunday.

    President Akufo-Addo during his fifth address to the nation said government is absorbing the water bills of Ghanaians for the next three months due to the impact of the novel coronavirus on the economy. He also added that arrangements are being made for communities that do not enjoy water supply to be served by water tankers.

    “The government will absorb the water bills for all Ghanaians for the next three months, i.e. April, May, and June. All water tankers, publicly and privately-owned, are also going to be mobilized to ensure the supply of water to all vulnerable communities,” President Akufo-Addo said.

    Speaking in an interview monitored by ABC News, the Chief Executive of the company, Dr. Clifford Braimah, however, clarified that all customers whose lines have been disconnected for nonpayment of bills will not be reconnected until they pay their debts in full.

    According to him, “the people who are owing us, we expect that they pay before they get free water. Somebody said those of them who have been disconnected, we have to connect them so that they will benefit from the three months [free water service]. I said the President is not telling me to give free water to those who are not connected because the president is not paying for January or February. And so those owing will have to pay.”

    He further said management will hold a meeting to discuss ways of supplying water to communities not served by the GWCL.

    However, GWCL says it might consider those who have been disconnected due to the debts owed by providing them with tanker services.

    “There are some people in Accra who already do not have connection and we are setting aside tanker services to be able to attend to them. We will consider those who have been disconnected as those that are to benefit from the tanker service,” he said.

    Source: ABCNewsgh.com

  • Coronavirus: Adhere to presidential directives to defeat pandemic – Dr. Annobil

    Dr. Gyateh Annobil of Mansowa Herbal Clinic, a leading herbal medicine producer in Ghana has commended President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on the presidential measures and directives to help combat the coronavirus pandemic.

    He stated that the efforts made by the government and the Ministry of Health including Ghana Health Service have been very effective in ensuring the virus does not spread further.

    Dr Annobil made this appeal when a group of pressmen called on him.

    “The rising number does not come from those living in Ghana but those who travelled outside the country. They came back and were quarantine by the government and have been screened by the health ministry.”

    “Ghanaians must applaud the first gentleman of the land, minister of health and the director-general of Ghana health service.”

    “They have assiduously shown that they think about the citizens in the country. There is ignorance in the laws of health,” he stated

    Dr Annobil advised Ghanaians on how to protect themselves from getting the virus because it is a deadly disease without favouritism.

    “We should, therefore, pay attention to the directives issued by the government by applying social distancing, using running water to wash our hands regularly and using hand sanitizers,” he added.

    He also advised religious bodies to preach awareness to their members.

     

    Source: Boadi Dickson

  • Coronavirus: This is not the time to water your gardens – Cecilia Dapaah to Ghanaians

    The Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources, Cecilia Abena Dapaah, has cautioned Ghanaians to consider themselves responsible water consumers, as she believes there are still many hidden ways people waste or misuse water every day, often without realizing it.

    Her comments come after President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo announced that government has absorbed the water bill for all Ghanaians for the next three months as part measures taken to contain the Coronavirus pandemic.

    Speaking exclusively on Peace FM’s ‘Kokrokoo’ program Monday, Cecilia Dapaah said saving water in the garden is just as important as in the home and cautioned people especially gardeners to desist from any such acts that will cause water wastage in this period of COVID-19 crises.

    “We beg of you; this is not the time for water wastage or watering your gardens. Now that the rains are about to start, all of you should stop watering your gardens”, she told host, Kwame Sefa Kayi as monitored by Ghanaguardian.com.

    She also warned against using plenty of water during car washing at homes as according to g to her, “we don’t want to get to a point where we’ll place a ban on the washing of cars and all such activities due to scarcity of water”.

    Meanwhile, some 400,000 Ghanaians in vulnerable communities within the lockdown areas, thus, Greater Accra, Tema, Kasoa and Greater Kumasi, will be given packed foods and cooked meals to relief them from hardships.

    This was disclosed by President Akufo-Addo in his address to the nation on Sunday, 5 April 2020.

     

    Source: ghanaguardian.com

  • Increased govt intervention complicates business climate in mining Fitch

    Policy uncertainty and high legal risks are key structural factors which continue to weigh on the business climate in the extractive sectors in sub-Saharan African countries including Ghana, over the medium-term.

    This is highlighted by the region’s average score of 34.6 out of 100 in the Operational Risk Index, below the global and developed states averages of 49.7 and 72.2, respectively.

    According to ratings agency, Fitch, increased government intervention complicates business climate in mining sectors

    “We believe that these regulatory shifts place additional barriers to foreign businesses with mining interests in SSA.”

    In January 2020, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Mines declared that VAT and other taxes on mining exploration should only be paid once commercially viable finds are made, otherwise greenfield investment will be impacted.

    This incentive, Fitch said, bodes well for additional exploration activity in the country and will attract more foreign investors into the industry, given the country’s largely untapped extractive sector as well as its actions to reduce the risk of illegal mining and business friendly regulations.

    “Given the need for SSA to attract more foreign direct investment and the abundance of natural resources in the region, we expect a few more countries to phase in business-friendly reforms that will help boost productivity and grow their economies”, Fitch explained.

    Source: classfmonline.com

  • Reduce electricity tariffs – CUTS Ghana urges PURC

    Leading research and public policy think tank is calling on the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) to review electricity tariffs for all classes of electricity consumers to reflect the current cost of generation in the electricity power mix.

    “In the light of the falling prices of the key input fuel for power generation in the world market, it is fair and reasonable for the PURC to consider an immediate review of electricity tariffs to give relief to businesses and consumers. From the last review of tariffs when it took effect from July 1st, 2019, the Commission made their tariffs determination based on some key assumptions which have changed substantially. With respect to Natural Gas and Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) as fuel for the generation of electrical energy for the 2019-2020 tariff period, the Commission approved a US$ 6.08/MMBtu as the Weighted Average Delivered Price of Gas and US$ 390/Metric Tonne for HFO,” said Appiah Kusi Adomako, the Country Director CUTS Ghana.

    Speaking before a cross-section of the media in Accra, Mr. Adomako stated that “now with the fall in demand for crude oil and natural gas, the current price for natural gas has fallen from $6.07/MMBtu in July 2019 to $1.8/MMtu as of today. At the same time, crude oil has fallen to about $20 per barrel”.

    “According to the Ministry of Energy, the total installed capacity for existing plants in Ghana is 4,132MW consisting of Hydro 38%, Thermal 61% and Solar less than 1%. Since about two-thirds of Ghana energy mix is from thermal sources which use either natural gas or crude oil which has seen a drastic fall in prices from the previous review, the Commission should as a matter of priority consider tariffs review,” he added.

    Reducing the electricity tariffs is not a humanitarian or an act of charity to the consumers of electricity, but rather it is grounded in mathematics, accounting and economics principles.

    Mr. Adomako said “all over the world, countries that depend on natural gas and fuel have seen prices of electricity going down and for that reason, Ghana cannot be an exception to this obvious reality. As it has always been the case for tariff review in Ghana whereby utility providers submit proposals to the PURC for upward review, today, we the consumers of electricity are in Ghana are calling on the Commission to act on the interest of electricity consumers and review prices down.”

    Mr. Appiah Adomako was hopeful that a timely reduction in the tariffs would help businesses and consumers who would have been impacted heavily by the coronavirus. With most people at home on reduced income and businesses operating under capacity as a result of the global pandemic, tariffs reduction would go in a long way to mitigate their plight.

    Source: CUTS Ghana

  • Coronavirus: The Queen’s message seen by 24 million

    About 24 million TV viewers watched the Queen’s broadcast to the nation on Sunday, according to overnight figures.

    In a rare speech, the monarch thanked people for following government rules to stay at home and praised those “coming together to help others”.

    The message was seen by 23.97 million viewers, making it the second most-watched broadcast this year.

    Boris Johnson’s statement announcing strict new coronavirus restrictions was watched by 27 million last month.

    More than 14 million viewers watched the Queen’s message on BBC One, with about five million viewing it on ITV.

    Another 2.5 million watched the monarch deliver her rare speech on Channel 4, with more watching on Channel 5, Sky News and the BBC News channel.

    Catch-up services are not included in overnight figures.

    It was only the fifth time the Queen has given such a speech in her 68-year reign.

    Her most recent Christmas Day message drew a combined overnight audience of 7.85 million.

    In her speech on Sunday, the Queen said the UK “will succeed” in its fight against the coronavirus pandemic.

    She thanked people for following government rules to stay inside and paid tribute to key workers for their efforts.

    Speaking from Windsor Castle, the Queen said the pandemic was a “different” challenge compared to what the nation had faced before.

    The message ended with the words “we will meet again” – an apparent reference to Dame Vera Lynn’s bolstering war anthem We’ll Meet Again.

    The Queen’s four other special addresses were given in 1991, 1997, 2002 and 2012.

    The first was made at the beginning of the land war in Iraq, while the second was given on the eve of the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales.

    The 2002 address came on the eve of her mother’s funeral, while the 2012 speech marked her Diamond Jubilee.

    Sunday’s pre-recorded message was filmed by a single cameraman wearing protective equipment.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Coronavirus: Trump voices hope for levelling-off in US hotspots

    President Donald Trump has expressed hope coronavirus cases were “levelling off” in US hotspots, saying he saw “light at the end of the tunnel”.

    On Sunday, New York, the epicentre of the US outbreak, reported a drop in the number of new infections and deaths.

    Mr Trump described the dip as a “good sign”, but warned of more deaths as the pandemic neared its “peak” in the US.

    “In the days ahead, America will endure the peak of this pandemic,” Mr Trump said at his daily coronavirus briefing.

    He said more medical personnel and supplies, including masks and ventilators, would be sent to the states that are most in need of assistance.

    Deborah Birx, a member of the president’s coronavirus task force, said the situation in Italy and Spain, where infections and deaths have fallen in recent days, was “giving us hope on what our future could be”.

    “We’re hopeful over the next week that we’ll see a stabilization of cases in these metropolitan areas where the outbreak began several weeks ago,” Dr Birx said at the same news conference.

    Optimism from Dr Birx and Mr Trump contrasted with other leading US experts, including top advisor Dr Anthony Fauci, who earlier said the short-term outlook was “really bad”.

    The US surgeon general, meanwhile, warned that this will be “the hardest and the saddest week of most Americans’ lives”.

    “This is going to be our Pearl Harbor moment, our 9/11 moment,” Surgeon General Jerome Adams told Fox News on Sunday.

    The US has reported 337,274 confirmed infections and 9,619 deaths from Covid-19, by far the highest tally in the world.

    What’s the latest in New York? On Sunday, Governor Andrew Cuomo reported 594 new deaths giving an overall total of 4,159 deaths in New York, the state hit hardest by the coronavirus so far.

    He said there were now 122,000 New York residents who had been infected. But he added that nearly 75% of patients who have required hospitalisation had now been discharged.

    Patients requiring hospital are down for the first time in a week, and deaths are down from the previous day, he said.

    There were 630 deaths reported in the previous 24 hours.

    “The coronavirus is truly vicious and effective at what the virus does,” he told reporters in Albany, the state capital.

    “It’s an effective killer.”

    It’s too early to know if New York is currently experiencing its apex – the highest rate of infection that graphics behind Mr Cuomo referred to as “the Battle on the Mountain Top”.

    He also said it was too early to know if cases would drop off quickly after the apex, or if they would decline slowly – and at a rate that would still overwhelm hospitals.

    “The statisticians will not give you a straight answer on anything,” he said about the so-called “curve” – the chart that tracks the rate of infections.

    “At first it was straight up and straight down, or a total ‘V’. Or maybe its up with a plateau and we’re somewhere on the plateau. They don’t know.”

    Source: bbc.com

  • New Record: KillBeatz vs Richies BehindDaHitz battle hit record 17,000 views on IG

    The #BehindDaHitz beat battle saw music enthusiasts, fans and followers of both producers stay glued to their devices waiting in anticipation to see who comes out the best among them.

    KillBeatz came out the winner for the night after fans adjudged him as the winner through a voting poll designed by Sarkodie for the event. The event recorded 17,000 viewers, making it the first ever Ghanaian video to reach that number on IG.

    According to Ricky Rick, a music enthusiast and associate producer of 3Music Awards, the live stream event which was organized by Sarkodie is the first of it kind on IG and the first Ghanaian event to accrue such number on the app.

    Source: ghgossip.com

  • Former President Mahama recommends key measures to fight coronavirus

    Former President John Dramani Mahama has recommended some key measures he believes, could help scale up the fight against the spread of the Coronavirus disease in Ghana.

    Mr. Mahama made the recommendations via his Facebook page.

    The former president during the Facebook stream announced that he had donated Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) worth more than GH300,000 to some selected health facilities in the country.

    He indicated that the Tamale Teaching Hospital, Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Regional and District hospitals nationwide, were all to benefit from the donation.

    Mr. Mahama proposed to government, the development of a National Infectious Diseases Response plan that clearly sets out the specific steps that must be taken to prevent the entry of such diseases, and ”quickly arrest them even if they do enter the shores at the very early stage, to reduce its impact on the population.

    He also proposed the establishment of another medical research centre with capacity like the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research in the northern part of Ghana, while calling for an expansion of the 37 Military Hospital, by doubling the current bed size, and also build an Infectious Disease Centre to cater for the southern sector to help with the situation.

    He asked government to expand the testing centres to include the Navorongo and Kimtampo Research Centres and ensure that Noguchi or the KCCR in Kumasi supports the testing of more people in good time.

     

    Source: gbcghanaonline.com

  • Coronavirus: Pregnant woman who tested positive wasnt in Tarkwa Health officials

    The Coronavirus team in the Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipality in the Western region has refuted reports that the pregnant woman who tested positive for the disease in the Upper East region was in Tarkwa for a week.

    According to the team, the patient rather mentioned that she had travelled to Nkawkaw in the Eastern Region, but health officials mistakenly said Tarkwa.

    “…The patient travelled from Nkawkaw in the Eastern Region, not Tarkwa, to Bolgatanga in the Upper East Region. Members of the COVID-19 Team hereby debunk this misleading information and comments circulating on Social Media and mistakenly alleged to by the Upper East Regional Minister,” the team noted in a statement.

    The team further noted that the claim is regrettable, unfortunate, inaccurate and misleading.

    “The information is inaccurate and misleading because investigation conducted as part of contacts tracing by our Rapid Response Team has revealed that the patient does not have any relative in Tarkwa, and has no such travel record from this Municipality to the Upper East Region,” the statement added.

    The Upper East Regional Coordinating Council after the confirmation of the first COVID-19 case in the region said that the patient returned to Bolgatanga from Tarkwa in the Western region on Friday, March 27, 2020.

    But according to officials, Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipality has not recorded any coronavirus case.

    The results of 9 out of 14 suspected cases in the municipality, turned out negative, while the COVID-19 team says results for the other 5 are still pending.

    “We entreat all residents in the Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipality and the Western Region at large, not to entertain any fear or panic, but remain calm and adhere to the basic precautionary measures as well as those protocols proposed by His Excellency the President of the Republic of Ghana to curtail the COVID-19 pandemic disease in the borders of our beloved nation,” the team advised.

    Meanwhile, 11 persons who came into contacts with the pregnant woman have been traced and health authorities say they will be followed up for testing.

    The patient in question is a 33-year-old woman, who has no history of travel outside Ghana nor contact with any of the other confirmed COVID-19 cases.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • A tiger at the Bronx Zoo tests positive for coronavirus

    Nadia, a tiger at the Bronx Zoo in New York, has become the first of her kind to test positive for the coronavirus.

    The 4-year-old female Malayan tiger tested positive after developing a dry cough and is expected to recover, the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Bronx Zoo said in a news release.
    Samples from Nadia were taken and tested after the tiger — and five other tigers and lions at the zoo — began showing symptoms of respiratory illness, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). No other animals at the zoo are showing symptoms.

    “Though they have experienced some decrease in appetite, the cats at the Bronx Zoo are otherwise doing well under veterinary care and are bright, alert, and interactive with their keepers,” the zoo said.

    “It is not known how this disease will develop in big cats since different species can react differently to novel infections, but we will continue to monitor them closely and anticipate full recoveries.”

    The Covid-19 testing that was performed on Nadia was performed in a veterinary school laboratory and is not the same test used for people, Dr. Paul Calle, the zoo’s chief veterinarian, posted on Facebook.

    The animals were infected by a zoo employee who was “asymptomatically infected with the virus” while caring for them, according to the zoo. The Bronx Zoo has been closed to the public since March 16.

    Anyone sick with the coronavirus is being advised to minimize contact with animals, including pets, until more information is known about the virus, the USDA said.

    CNN’s Aaron Cooper and Sarah Jorgensen contributed to this report.

  • Coronavirus: Akufo-Addo is thinking outside the box – NDCs Dela Coffie

    Member and Activist of the opposition National Democratic Congress, Dela Coffie, has once again showered commendations on President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo over measures taken to combat Coronavirus.

    President Akufo-Addo in his fifth national address to the nation on COVID-19 announced new measures covering incentives for health workers and Ghanaians as the country battles the coronavirus.

    “Government has decided that all health workers will not pay taxes on their emoluments for the next three months, i.e. April, May and June,” the President said.

    He added that “all frontline health workers will receive an additional allowance of fifty per cent (50%) of their basic salary per month, i.e April, May, and June. The March allowance will be paid alongside that of April.”

    In a Facebook post seen by MyNewsGh.com, Dela Coffie who is a fierce critic of former President John Dramani Mahama praised President Akufo-Addo for “thinking outside the box in these unusual times.”

    He wrote “Folks, if you ignore the noise and pay attention to basic details, President Akufo-Addo is turning out to be one of the best Presidents in recent history. His social mitigating measures for the COVID-19 crisis announced a while ago is far-reaching and very impressive.”

    Other measures announced by the President included government making available GH¢600 million soft loan scheme with 1-year moratorium period and 2-year repayment plan for micro, small & medium scale businesses, absorption of 3 months of water bill and suspension of disconnection of water and electricity for the period.

     

     

    Source: mynewsgh.com

  • Funke Akindele and hubby facing one month in jail and a 100,000 Naira fine each

    Funke Akindele and her husband JJC Skillz have been arraigned before court after their arrest for violating the Lagos State lockdown order.

    Funke held a party for her husband on his birthday with people in attendance. Videos of the party hit the web and Nigerians were furious that she was violating the lockdown.

    She was arrested later in the day, spent the night in custody and this morning her husband also turned himself in.

    The two have now been arraigned before court and charged with breaching the Lagos Infection Diseases Regulations 2020. They both pleaded guilty.

    The couple each face a 100,000 naira fine, a one-month jail sentence or both!

    We would keep updating you as the case progresses and the couple are handed a sentence.

    Source: GhanaCelebrities.Com

  • Coronavirus: Jomoro Assembly closes down Sowodadzem market for fumigation

    The Jomoro Municipal Coronavirus Committee in the Western Region has closed down Sowodadzem market for fumigation.

    The Local Government Ministry in conjunction with the Zoomlion Ghana Limited is disinfecting all market places in the Western Region on Monday, April 6, 2020, as a way to slow the spread of the deadly Coronavirus pandemic.

    The step is in pursuant to the directive from President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for the Ministry to coordinate with the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to enhance the conditions of hygiene in markets nationwide.

    But some traders in the area expressed their unhappiness towards the exercise with reasons that the timing for the exercise was not helpful.

    In an exclusive interview with GhanaWeb’s Western Regional Correspondent Daniel Kaku on Sunday evening, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Mr. Ernest Kofie appealed to traders in the Sowodadzem market sacrifice their time for the disinfection exercise.

    He said he wished the fumigation exercise would have taken place on a different day but stressed that “this is a national exercise and this is what the government have decided so we can’t do anything about it so I will appeal to the traders to rally behind us to embark on the exercise for the betterment of all”.

    Asked whether only Sowodadzem market will be disinfected, the MCE said all market places including; Elubo market, Jaway Wharf market, Tikobo No.1 and Tikobo No.2 will also be fumigated on Monday, March 6, 2020.

    He, however, indicated that apart from the market places, other public areas such as big stores, transport terminals, drains and other important places will also be covered in the disinfecting exercise.

    Mr. Ernest Kofie, therefore, advised traders most especially dealers in food-related items in the markets to remove their wares to safer location or properly cover them with strong polythene or rubber materials to avoid contamination.

    “I am appealing to all traders in the various market places and the general public to support stay away from the areas to be sprayed”, he concluded.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Afia Schwarzenegger opens tap and wastes water as she eulogizes Akufo-Addo – Watch video

    Controversial Ghanaian actress, Afia Schwarzenegger has sung praises on President Akufo-Addo following his recent briefing amid the lockdown.

    President Akufo-Addo has given Ghanaians relief as he has announced that Ghanaians will not be charged for water in the next three months with persistent flow and no powercut.

    Reacting to that, Afia Schwar has taken to social media to thank the President and heaped praises on him.

    Interestingly, the actress is seen wasting water — in a video, Afia Schwar opened her tap, intending to wash her hand but was being wasteful for not closing the tap even when she had taken her hands off.

    Meanwhile, she has also begged the President to make light free for Ghanaians for the next three months as they are home and not working currently.

    Watch the video below;

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    We Need Free Lights too … Tag the president. Skin goals @reggy_truevine_health_n_beauti

    A post shared by 👑Queen Afia Schwarzenegger👑 (@queenafiaschwarzenegger) on

    Source: GhanaCelebrities.Com

  • Players of today are not serious – Charles Taylor

    Wizardry dribbler Charles Taylor has said that the current crop of players on the local scene are not serious compared to his playing days.

    Charles Taylor was arguably the finest player in the Ghana Premier League in the early 2000s and his transfer from Hearts of Oak to their rivals Asante Kotoko generated the most controversial move in the history of the league.

    During his time Hearts of Oak won a treble of CAF Champions League, the Ghana Premier League and the FA Cup and the team was dubbed the 64-battalion, due to the fearsome nature.

    Charles Taylor has said that domestic football is on the decline because players this day are not serious compared to his time as a footballer.

    “Players of today are serious as compared to our time. This is the reason why interest in the game is on the decline.” Charles Taylor told GTV Sports +.

    Charles Taylor played for Great Olympics, Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko

    Source: 3news.com

  • Songne Yacouba heading to ZESCO United in Zambia

    Former Asante Kotoko SC forward Songné Yacouba is set for a move to ZESCO United on a free transfer, GHANAsoccernet.com can report.

    The Zambian giants have been courting the Burkinabe attacker since 2019 after he had an outstanding outing in the CAF Confederation Cup where he scored twice and provided five assists.

    Yacouba left Asante Kotoko last week following the expiration of his contract.

    Talks between the club and the player’s representatives have begun and are at the advanced stage.

    Yacouba will be signing for the Zega Mambo side in the coming weeks if negotiations are concluded.

    ZESCO initially wanted to sign Ghanaian forward Daniel Gozar who been lethal in the South African second-tier but decided to sign Yacouba since he is a free agent now.

    The former Stade Malien star has also been linked with moves to Ghana Premier League sides Medeama SC and Inter Allies FC.

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • Coronavirus: China reports 30 new cases, 3 deaths

    China on Sunday claimed 25 of the 30 news coronavirus cases it confirmed were imported.

    China’s National Health Commission said the five locally transmitted cases were reported from the southeastern province of Guangdong.

    In a statement, the commission said three deaths were reported on Saturday from Hubei province, the capital of which is Wuhan, initially at the center of the global coronavirus outbreak.

    “Hubei reported no new cases of confirmed infections, no new cases of suspected infections, and 3 deaths.”

    China’s total number of confirmed coronavirus cases stands at 81,669, with the death toll at 3,329.

    Some 76,964 people have recovered, while 295 are in critical condition.

    Hong Kong has reported 862 cases and four deaths so far, Taiwan has 355 cases, and Macau has 44 cases, according to the commission.

    As of Saturday, a total of 186 COVID-19 patients had recovered in Hong Kong, 50 in Taiwan, and 10 in Macau, it added.

    Since appearing in Wuhan, China, last December, the novel coronavirus has spread to at least 181 countries and regions.

    Data compiled by the U.S.-based Johns Hopkins University shows worldwide infections surpassing 1.2 million with over 64,700 deaths. An excess of 247,000 people have recovered.

    Source: aa.com.tr

  • Forget about government coming to your aid – Alex Agyekum tells football fraternity

    Member of Parliamentary Select Committee on Sports, Alex Agyekum has reiterated that government will not come to the aid of football clubs and players despite the coronavirus outbreak.

    Following the suspension of football activities in the country as part of the measures to slow the spread of the virus, several calls have been made for government to come to help the clubs and players.

    The Communications Director for the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Henry Asante Twum confirmed to the media last week that the FA will meet the Ministry of Youth and Sports to deliberate on the government coming to the aid of the clubs and players.

    But according to Hon. Agyekum, government is only determined to fight to save lives adding that the football fraternity should forget about the government coming to their aid.

    “The hundred million dollars that the government is using to fight coronavirus is to fight for human life so football people should forget that they will get a share from it to compensate their players,” he told Nimde3 FM.

    “Rather they should all pray for the government to be able to combat the virus aftermath the government will know how to do to help them but for now they should relax a little bit,” he added.

    However, calls have also been made for player salary slash should football remain in doubt.

    Source: footballghana.com

  • Italian grandmother, 104, survives coronavirus

    Earlier we reported on signs that Italy’s outbreak may have passed its peak – its daily death toll on Sunday was the lowest in two weeks.

    Also this weekend, media are reporting the story of 104-year-old grandmother Ada Zanusso who survived Covid-19 in Lessona, in northern Italy.

    She was living in a nursing home where 20 residents died from the virus.

    “She has lost none of his lucidity and intelligence. Her recovery is a great joy and a reward for all those who have looked after her in these difficult days, ” her doctor Carla Furno Marchese told La Repubblica newspaper.

    She’s not the only very old survivor, but her story provides some hope as we report on the global death toll.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Andy Yiadom: Second-highest assist provider at Reading

    Ghanaian international Andy Yiadom is the second-highest assist provider at Reading since joining the club in 2018.

    The full-back moved from Barnsley to join the Royals following his successive outstanding seasons that saw him also play for Barnet in the lower division.

    In his first season in the English Championship, Andy Yiadom managed to impress and finished the campaign by providing 5 assists.

    In the suspended 2019/2020 season, the Black Stars defender has made 24 appearances and has provided 4 assists on top of one goal.

    Ranking the players with the most assists since Yiadom joined Reading, he comes in second on the chart with 9 assists in total as English midfielder John Swift leads that pile.

    Source: Footballghana.com

  • Black Stars coach CK Akonnor to receive $25,000 as monthly salary

    Black Stars head coach Charles Akonnor is set to receive $25,000 as monthly salary and is expected to sign a two-year contract with the Ghana Football Association, Footballghana.com. can confirm.

    The 46-year-old was appointed as coach of the senior national team in January, replacing his former boss Kwesi Appiah following the dissolution of the technical teams of the national teams.

    The GFA is expected to hand official contract to the former Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko coach in the coming days.

    Coach CK Akonnor has been tasked to win the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations after

    He made 41 appearances and scored 12 goals for Ghana before starting his coaching career at Sekondi Eleven Wise.

    Source: Footballghana.com