TIG Post

Author: Chris Kodo

  • PEF commends govt for Coronavirus plans, demands more of Finance Ministry

    The Private Enterprise Federation (PEF), has commended the government for the numerous interventions being put in place as part of the emergency response plan set up in anticipation of a possible escalation of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) infection in Ghana.

    PEF in a statement issued Thursday, March 26, said the measures were “forward-thinking interventions that will safeguard the lives of the people of Ghana.”

    The Federation also commended the Bank of Ghana for effectively facilitating the release of funds for payment to depositors of collapsed microfinance, microcredit and savings and loans companies, and asks that the Ministry of Finance, as a matter of urgency, partner the Securities and Exchange Commission to ensure the release of funds to pay customers of collapsed Investment Companies/Asset Managers registered and regulated under SEC whose monies are still locked up with these Investment Companies.

    A portion of the statement reads,”The Private Enterprise Federation (PEF) representing its member business associations and chambers has noted with great concern the current outbreak of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) which started in China and has now become a global pandemic.

    PEF has also noticed the numerous interventions being put in place by the Government of Ghana as part of the emergency response plan set up in anticipation of a possible escalation of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) infection in Ghana. We wish to commend the government for such forward-thinking interventions that will safeguard the lives of the people of Ghana.

    PEF and its 19-member Business Associations and Chambers declare our unflinching support to the government in the fight against the disease.”

    Source: goldstreetbusiness.com

  • KP Boateng unsure of Fiorentina return

    Ghana forward Kevin Prince Boateng is unsure if he will return to Fiorentina at the end of the season, after an explosive start to his career in Turkey.

    The 32-year old is on loan at Super Lig side Besiktas till the end of the campaign.

    Despite a difficult spell with La Viola, the well traveled attacker is enjoying his time with Besiktas, having scored twice in six games.

    Boateng revealed he has no regrets leaving Sassuolo for Fiorentina and believes he did enough to prove himself at the club but it just didn’t work.

    “I don’t know if I will go back to Florence or not, the market is strange, it is a bad time for everyone but I carry in my heart all my former companions even if they have not seen the real Boateng at Fiorentina,” Boateng told Sky Sports.

    “I wanted to prove my worth but for many reasons I didn’t succeed. If I come back I want to split everything, Florence is the right place.

    “Milan have a lot of cheering but there is also a lot of affection in Florence. I have talked to many young viola players trying to advise them, Chiesa, Vlahovic and Castrovilli will have a great future.”

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

     

  • Coronavirus: Jubilee House currently working with only 10% of its staff

    The Presidency has disclosed that they are currently working with just 10% of its staff.

    Eugene Arhin the Director of Communications at the Presidency says this is in line with the President’s directive to get persons to stay home in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

    Mr Arhin said they will continue to do so for the next 13 days as the President has announced a partial lockdown.

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on Friday announced the stay at home measure under the Imposition of Restrictions Act, 2020 (Act 1012), said it would be reviewed when deemed necessary.

    In a televised address on to update citizens on the status of the pandemic, the President urged citizens to embrace the elevated measures and collectively fight the pandemic, which has disrupted economic and social life worldwide as a common enemy.

    Ghana confirmed its first two cases of the respiratory disease on Thursday, March 12 and has so far recorded 152 positive, five deaths and two recoveries.

    The disease has been recorded in the Greater Accra, Ashanti, Northern and Upper West regions.

    The restrictions, however, exclude members of the Executive, Legislature and the Judiciary; production, distribution and marketing of food, beverages, pharmaceuticals, medicine, paper and plastic packages; and environmental and sanitation activities.

    Others are the staff of VALCO; road and railway construction workers; mining workers; fisherfolk; members of the security agencies assigned lawful duties; and the media.

    The rest are staff of electricity, water, telecommunications, e-commerce and digital service providers; staff of fuel stations, and persons involved in the food value chain.

     

    Source: primenewsghana.com

  • Coronavirus: Don’t call to test the numbers – Oppong Nkrumah to ‘prank callers’

    Minister of Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah has revealed that some people have hijacked the Covid-19 emergency lines to make ”prank calls”.

    According to him, “some people dial the line just to test if it is working” and others call to make jokes; hence depriving people who need help from reaching the authorities.

    In the wake of the corona virus pandemic, government has advised Ghanaians who may reveal symptoms of the virus or have people who fall under such category to contact the emergency lines.

    Such persons are to dial 112 and receive necessary tips to ensure they don’t get others infected. Though 112 is to help curtail the spread of the virus, some unscrupulous persons are misusing the line.

    In an interview with host Kwami Sefa Kayi on Peace FM’s ‘Kokrokoo’, Mr. Oppong Nkrumah disclosed an overwhelming number of prank calls from January 2020 saying about 1.8 million calls were all made in jest.

    ”When they call and you pick up, they will tell you they were testing the number. Chairman, that is 99.16% . . .these were prank calls,” he told the host.

    He expressed utter disgust over the behaviour of some Ghanaians who do not see the seriousness of the emergency line.

    “Here is the problem! If you call because you want to test the line, it means you’re depriving people who really need help from reaching the emergency services,” he pointed out.

    Kojo Oppong Nkrumah is therefore pleading with people “joking with the 112 to stop immediately . . . in the 112 database, they had recorded 1.9 million calls from January to I think last week. Out of the 1.9 million phone calls, 1.8 are prank calls”.

    ”If you call more than once and it’s a prank call, we will block your line. What blocking your line means the day you will be in dire need of the emergency line, we won’t pick up. We appeal to you to stop the prank calls to give opportunity to infected persons so that we can take their samples for testing to avoid everybody rushing to the hospitals’,’ he advised.

     

    Source: peacefmonline.com

  • I have 19 children; Kennedy Agyapong talks about his sons and daughters (WATCH)

    With the Assin Central MP gathering more fans out of his back and forth with the founder of The International God’s Way Church, interest to know more about his private life has increased and accordingly, a video has popped up in which he talks about his family.

    According to Kennedy Agyapong in the video seen by pulse.com.gh, he has 19 children of which 12 are girls with rest being his 7 sons. The affluent politician who has over 120 houses in Ghana, added that he has placed his children in good schools around the world, where he pays fees running into thousands of dollars.

    “ I pay 84,000 dollars John Hopkins, eighty-four thousand something dollars Cornell, eighty-four thousand something dollars John Washington, I pay and they are all offering good courses. One is studying Business Finance at UPEN, the one who follows her is reading medicine in John Hopkins” he said.

    According to Kennedy Agyapong, he, therefore, does not expect his daughters to marry gigolos. Hear more from Kennedy in the video below.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by CB News (@cbnewstv) on

    source: pulse.com.gh

  • Besiktas star KP Boateng reminisces his time at AC Milan

    Ghana forward Kevin Prince Boateng has fond memories of his days at Italian giants AC Milan.

    The Besiktas attacker reveals AC Milan gave him the fondest memories of his career and admits he still has affection for the Rosenerris.

    “It is the team that I remember most fondly . The atmosphere that had been created there in those three years was beautiful. When I return to Milan I still feel this affection,” he told Sky Sports.

    The 32-year old remembers his sumptuous goal for AC Milan against Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League, insisting that was the best goal of his career.

    “It’s easy, the one against Barcelona when I was at Milan. Playing in the Champions League and making a goal like this … It is certainly the best one so far,” said Boateng.

    Eventhough he scored the best goal of his career against the catalans, the former Sassuolo striker describes the comeback win against Lecce as the best game of his career.

    “They told me I wasn’t professional and they put me on the bench. Braida was probably right too. I was very angry. Lecce made the 3-0 at the end of the first half and then I warm up with Aquilani and he tells me that a miracle was needed , and I jokingly told him that I would take care of it,” he said.

    “Then we won 4-3 and I scored a hat trick , he told me I’m crazy. In Braida I didn’t say anything, the answer came on the field: it’s always more beautiful when you answer like this “.

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • BoG relaxes deadlines for financial institutions

    The Bank of Ghana has extended almost all deadlines for financial institutions, including when to meet its minimum capital requirement.

    Though no reasons were given, it is apparent that this has been necessitated by the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.

    A notice issued by Sandra Thompson, the Secretary of the Central Bank, said the deadline for meeting the minimum capital requirement by all existing payment service providers and electronic money issuers as well as banks and specialised deposit-taking institutions has been extended from June 30, 2020 to December 31, 2020.

    The deadline for meeting the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS) and ISO 27001 certification requirements has also been extended from June to December.

    “This applies to all existing Electornic Money Issuers and Payment Service Providers that fall under the licence category required to meet the above certification.”

    All financial technology firms that intend to integrate with the Ghana Interbank Payment and Settlement Systems (GhIPSS) are also required to meet the minimum security and control requirements by December 31, 2020.

    The deadline for meeting the minimum infrastructure and governance requirements has also been extended from June to December.

    Source:3news.com

  • KP Boateng reveals ‘craziest’ game of his career

    Ghana forward Kevin Prince Boateng has disclosed that the ‘craziest’ game of his career was at Milan, when he came off the bench to help the Rosenerri’s to a comeback win against Lecce.

    Milan were trailing 3-0 at half time before the Ghana international was introduced into the game in the second stanza.

    Boateng spearheaded a great comeback that saw Milan winning the game 4-3. He scored twice in that game.

    According to Boateng, he was told he was not a professional a week before the game and was relegated to the bench, so he had to prove his worth in that match.

    “I made two discreet goals. The week before I was told that I was not professional and they put me on the bench,” he told Sky Sports.

    “Braida was probably also right. I was very angry. Lecce makes the 3-0 at the end of the first half and then I warm up with Aquilani and he tells me that a miracle was needed, and I jokingly told him that I would take care of it.

    “Then we won 4-3 and I scored a hat trick, he told me I’m crazy. In Braida I didn’t say anything, the answer came on the field: it’s always more beautiful when you answer like this “.

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • Afia Amankwah Tamakloe shares unseen photo with her hubby to celebrate their wedding anniversary

    Eloquent radio/TV presenter with the Multimedia group in Accra, Afia Amankwaah Tamakloe is celebrating her wedding anniversary today, Monday, March 30, 2020.

    Afia has shared a nice photo of herself and her hubby, Larry, on Instagram to celebrate the anniversary and I must say they look very great together.

    Afia Amankwah Tamakloe captioned the photo: “Happy anniversary to us ❤.”

    Check out the photo below

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    Happy anniversary to us ❤ @iamlarry_t

    A post shared by Ophelia Ofori Amankwaah (@afiatamakloe) on

    Source: zionfelix.net

  • AC Milan interested in Ghanaian youngster Jeremy Doku

    Italian giants AC Milan are interested in signing Belgium born Ghanaian youngster Jeremy Doku in the transfer window.

    The Rosenerri’s are the latest club to show interest in the high flying youngster following his incredible performances this season with Anderlecht.

    AC Milan have been monitoring the teen sensation and sent scouts to Belgium in the past to watch him play.

    The 17-year old has made 21 appearances in the Belgium Jupiler Pro League this season, netting three times to prompt interest from top clubs including Premier League leaders Liverpool.

    Despite interest from several clubs, Anderlecht are set to hold the player down with an improved offer and a release clause that will fend off teams.

    The player himself wants to stay for another year as he continues with his development in Belgium.

    Jeremy Doku is valued from 6 million to 10 million Euros, according to transfer market.

    Source: GNA

  • Singapore activist picks jail over fine for criticising courts

    A Singaporean activist said Tuesday he had begun serving a one-week jail term after refusing to pay a fine for questioning the independence of the city-state’s judiciary in a Facebook post.

    Jolovan Wham was sentenced last year to a fine of Sg$5,000 (US$3,500) following a conviction for contempt of court — but he did not pay, meaning he must serve the short prison sentence instead.

    While wealthy and modern in many ways, rights groups say the city-state uses unnecessarily harsh laws to curb dissent, and have held up Wham’s sentence as evidence of this.

    He had alleged in his post that Singapore’s judiciary lacked integrity and independence in cases involving the government or politicians.

    Wham, who is also an advocate for migrant workers’ rights, appealed his conviction but it was dismissed by Singapore’s highest court.

    In a Twitter post Tuesday morning, Wham said he was surrendering himself to the police to start serving his sentence after a send-off from supporters.

    “I’m doing this in lieu of a 5k fine because I do not recognise the legitimacy of the (judgement) and the law, both of which are unjust,” he said.

    Phil Robertson, deputy Asia director at Human Rights Watch, said Wham “did nothing wrong and Singapore is blatantly violating his human rights by imprisoning him.

    “Every time Singapore imprisons a critic… the country’s modern image gets another black mark.”

    Passing sentence last year, a judge said that Wham “did not show any remorse” even after conviction.

    It was Wham’s latest run-in with the authorities. He had previously been fined Sg$3,200 for organising an illegal public discussion that featured prominent Hong Kong democracy campaigner Joshua Wong speaking via Skype.

    His cases are among several that have alarmed rights groups, including that of a Singapore website editor charged with defamation and a lawsuit brought by the premier against a blogger.

    Source: AFP

  • US in good shape to meet coronavirus ‘peak’ – Trump

    Donald Trump has said the US will be in “a very good shape” in terms of the number of ventilators available by the time the coronavirus outbreak peaks.

    The president said at least 10 US companies were now making the medical devices, and some might be exported.

    The virus can cause severe respiratory issues as it attacks the lungs. Ventilators help keep patients breathing.

    The US has more than 160,000 confirmed virus cases and nearly 3,000 deaths.

    New York City is the worst-hit place in America, with nearly 800 confirmed fatalities, according to Johns Hopkins University.

    The US last week became the country with the most reported cases, ahead of Italy and China.

    What did Trump say?

    Speaking at Monday’s Coronavirus Task Force briefing at the White House, Mr Trump said: “We have now 10 companies at least making the ventilators, and we say go ahead because, honestly, other countries – they’ll never be able to do it.”

    Asked whether there would be enough ventilators for all patients in the US who needed them during a predicted peak in infections in two weeks’ time, Mr Trump responded: “I think we going to be in a very good shape.”

    He said more than a million Americans had been tested for the virus, “more than any other country by far. Not even close”.

    He accused a reporter who pointed out that South Korea had tested proportionally more people when measured by population size of negativity.

    And he added that he should be congratulated on his administration’s progress in fighting the virus.

    Mr Trump also repeated his allegations that some US state governors were “hoarding” critical medical equipment, and that items including face masks were being stolen from hospitals. He gave no evidence for either claim.

    Mr Trump said “challenging times are ahead for the next 30 days”, but that social distancing could save more than a million American lives.

    “We will have a great victory,” he added.

    Asked by a CNN correspondent whether his previous comments downplaying the threat of the outbreak were wrong, the president responded that they were “all true”.

    “I don’t want panic in the country. I could cause panic much better than even you,” he told the reporter.

    Mr Trump has been accused of slowness in implementing measures to stem the spread of the virus as he feared the economic impact could hurt his re-election prospects later this year.

    “The economy is number two on my list, we’re going to save a lot of lives,” he insisted.

    What’s the situation in the US?

    Nationwide guidelines being implemented by many states say citizens must continue to avoid non-essential travel, going to work, and eating at restaurants or bars. Gatherings are limited to groups of under 10 people.

    But stricter restrictions apply to millions in some of the worst-hit states.

    On Saturday residents of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut were advised not to travel elsewhere within the country for 14 days.

    Non-essential gatherings in New York City are banned and most businesses are closed as the city faces more than 33,000 cases. Police can issue fines of $250-500 (£200-£400).

    In California, a “shelter in place” order remains.

    What about the shortage of equipment?

    Earlier on Sunday, Mr Trump accused hospitals in some states of “hoarding” ventilators, face masks and other critical medical supplies.

    “We do have a problem with hoarding… including ventilators. Hospitals need to release them – in some cases they have too many, they have to release medical supplies and equipment,” he said.

    Hospitals “can’t hold [ventilators] if they think there might be a problem weeks down the road”, he said, alleging that some were “stocked up”.

    The availability of ventilators is a major concern among health professionals as demand has surged. A number of states have warned that they will soon not have enough to treat patients suffering from Covid-19.

    Source: bbc.com

  • You have no right to beat up unarmed and defenseless citizens – Fighters League

    The Economic Fighters League has condemned what it described as “brutish and primitive behaviour” of the joint police and military team enforcing the lockdown directive.

    The league in a statement was of the view that the armed security personnel should have dealt with the persons in a civil and dignified manner without breaching their fundamental human rights.

    The statement comes in the wake of some viral videos capturing some military officers punishing citizens who were said to have violated the restrictions announced by the president.

    “In modern policing and military engagements where civility dictates that armed officers deal with citizens in a manner that shows human dignity no matter what, it is shameful to find our armed officers exhibiting such brutish and primitive behavior,” the statement said.

    “The police and military have no right to beat up unarmed and defenseless citizens, not even when the citizens in question have offended. It is the application of the law that is required, not the abuse of citizens as we are seeing. This shameful practice must stop immediately,” it added.

    Source: rainbowradioonline.com

  • Saudi league is the best in the Middle East – Samuel Owusu

    Ghana winger Samuel Owusu believes the Saudi Pro League in the best in the Middle East.

    The 24-year-old joined Saudi topflight side Al Fayha from Serbian club ?ukari?ki last year and has already established himself as one of the stars of the Saudi League.

    Having scored five times from 20 games, Owusu admits the Saudi League is one of the best he has played in.

    “I see that the Saudi League is one of the best leagues I have played in so far, it is a very professional league and includes a lot of high-quality players, so it is the best league in the Middle East,” he told Sport 360.

    With the league on hold due to the coronavirus, the pacy winger hope normalcy will return as soon as possible for the players to return to the pitch.

    “The spread of the Corona virus has already affected the team’s training and our matches, but every player performs some exercises at home only to maintain body fitness and of course I want to continue the league when this pandemic ends, but it all depends on what is decided by the Saudi Football Association,” said Owusu.

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • STMA tackles influx in Takoradi over lockdown ‘panic traveling’

    Mr Anthony K.K Sam, Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE) of the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly (STMA) has reiterated the need to ensure that no one smuggles’ COVID-19 into the metropolis.

    He explained that as a result of the stay home lockdown of some areas in the country, many people were travelling from the affected areas to their villages.

    According to him, all Metropolitan Municipal and District Chief Executives in the region had an emergency meeting with the Regional Minister to explore and operationalize strategies to curtail an invasion of the deadly coronavirus in the region, from the stay home lockdown cities of Accra, Tema, Kasoa and Kumasi following the announcement by the President last Friday.

    He hinted that following the outcome of the meeting, all passengers on board every vehicle at the Inchaban barrier have been instructed to step out for a temperature check with an Infrared Thermometer gun, and persons whose temperatures were above normal levels (37.5°C) would be isolated and sent to a holding facility for a thorough examination and initiation of testing for the virus.

    The MCE who made this known in an interview with the Ghana News Agency in Sekondi, implored parents and guardians to get their children off the streets, markets and other public places or have their children detained and fines imposed on their parents or guardians.

    He announced that “with effect from today, any child that will be caught loitering will be penalized with their parents and guardians”, adding that a task force comprising of officers from the Metro Security, Police, Education Directorate and other agencies would be patrolling communities, especially markets places to arrest and detain any child seen loitering.

    “As such, a temporal holding area has been prepared to contain kids that will be arrested by the team, especially at the markets”, he stressed.

    Source: GNA

  • Local Government Ministry disinfects markets in Upper West Region

    The Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development (MLGRD) has scheduled Wednesday, April 1, 2020, to disinfect markets in all eleven districts and municipalities in the Upper West Region.

    The mass spraying exercise of the markets by the MLGRD forms part of efforts by the government to manage the spread of COVID-19 pandemic in the region.

    This was contained in a statement signed by Dr Hafiz Bin Salih, the Upper West Regional Minister on Monday and copied to the Ghana News Agency in Wa.

    The statement added that all the markets would be locked-down during the period to prevent obstructions by the public in the course of the spraying exercise.

    “I wish to take this opportunity to passionately appeal to all traders in the markets in the region to cooperate and comply with the ban on activities in the markets in the region on Wednesday, the statement stated.

    It gave the assurance that the chemicals to be used for the spraying exercise were not harmful to humans and that there was no cause for fear of the negative effects of those chemicals.

    The statement called on the general public to cooperate with the spraying team and stakeholders to ensure a successful exercise to achieve the desired impact.

    Source: GNA

  • Oil crashes below $20

    The great oil crash of 2020 ain’t over yet.

    US crude plunged nearly 7% and finished at an 18-year low of $20.09 a barrel Monday as the coronavirus pandemic continues to deal a devastating blow to energy demand.

    At session lows, oil touched $19.27 a barrel — the weakest intraday price since February 2002.

    Brent crude, the world’s benchmark, tumbled as much as 13% and fell to as low as $21.65 a barrel, its lowest point in 18 years. Brent settled at $22.76 a barrel, the lowest close since November 2002.

    The renewed selling in the oil patch underscores the unprecedented collapse in demand caused by the social distancing restrictions imposed by governments around the world. Highways are empty. Entire airlines are shutting down. Macy’s (M) just furloughed a majority of its 125,000 workers.

    Factories large and small have halted production.

    Global oil consumption will likely crater by 12 million barrels per day this quarter, or 12%, the steepest decline ever recorded, according to Bank of America.

    “It is very ugly and there is no way to sugarcoat it,” Bank of

    America commodity analysts wrote in a Monday note to clients.

    At the same time, Saudi Arabia and Russia are flooding the world with excess oil — at exactly the time when the opposite approach is required. That price war is exacerbating the pain in the oil market.

    Those two factors have driven US oil prices down by a stunning 68% since the recent peak of $63.27 a barrel in early January.

    The selling comes after President Donald Trump, heeding the advice of health experts, extended federal social distancing guidelines until April 30. And Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease expert, warned on CNN the United States could see millions of coronavirus cases and 100,000 or more deaths.

    Source: edition.cnn.com

  • ‘Sorry’ Grealish fined for breaking lockdown rules

    Jack Grealish has apologised and been fined by Aston Villa after breaking government lockdown guidelines amid the coronavirus pandemic.

    The 24-year-old revealed he left his house to meet with a friend over the weekend despite being instructed with staying at home to prevent the spread of the virus.

    “Hi everybody, I just want to do a quick video message just to say how deeply embarrassed I am by about what has happened this weekend,” Grealish said in a video posted on his social media feeds.

    “I know it’s a tough time for everyone at the moment, being locked indoors for so long, and I obviously just got a call off a friend asking me to go round to his and I stupidly agreed to do so.

    “I don’t want anyone to make the same mistake that I did,I obviously and genuinely I want to stay at home and follow the rules and guidelines of what we’ve been asked to do.

    “I know for a fact that I’ll be doing that in the near future now, and obviously as I said I urge everyone to do the same.

    “I hope everyone can accept my apology and we can move on from this and hopefully in the near future we can all be out enjoying ourselves again, once this has all boiled over.”

    The Midlands club say they are “deeply disappointed” by the incident and confirmed the 24-year-old will be disciplined and fined for his behaviour, with all proceeds set to be donated to charity.

    “Aston Villa is deeply disappointed that one of our players ignored the Government’s guidance on staying at home during the Coronavirus crisis.

    Source: skysports.com

  • Kasena-Nankana Municipal Assembly announces closure of markets ahead of fumigation exercise

    The Kasena-Nankana Municipal Assembly has announced the closure of markets in the area effective, 31st April 2020.

    The closure is to enable a team from the Local government Ministry to undertake a disinfection exercise to disinfect the markets.

    As part of measures to curb the spread of the deadly Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) in the country, the local government Ministry has embarked on a nationwide disinfection exercise targeting markets.

    The exercise, which is being carried from region to region, has seen the disinfection of markets in the Greater Accra and Ashanti Regions, where cases of the disease have surged.

    On April 1, the Upper East Region takes its turn in the national exercise and markets within the Kasena-Nankana Municipality would be first to tackle.

    The markets include the Navrongo Old and New markets, the Navrongo Cattle Market, the Kologo Market, and Naaga Market.

    The rest are the Natugnia Market, Yua, Kandiga Junction, Kulengo, Doba, Wuru and Manyoro Markets.

    Confirming the announcement to our Upper East Regional Correspondent, Senyalah Castro, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) William Aduum, said the 10 markets within the area will be closed, cleaned and prepared a day before the fumigation exercise.

    He said the Assembly has taken a serious interest in the exercise to ensure that the markets are rid of all infections to create a safer environment for the people.

    Mr. Aduum added that the markets will be opened for business activities 24 hours after the fumigation.

    “The markets will be closed on 31st March to make way for the team from the local government ministry to fumigate the places. We will close the markets and clean them as we wait for the team to come and fumigate. As you may know, several of such fumigation exercises are being organized in the country in the wake of the Coronavirus. The disinfection is important to ensure clean and safe markets for the people.

    “So for us, all the 10 markets within the assembly will be disinfected”. He explained.

    He said the Assembly was working in close collaboration with the Traditional authorities in the area to ensure compliance with the directives.

    The MCE, while assuring that all business activities will bounce back in the area after the fumigation exercise, has urged all to comply with the directives to help combat the Coronavirus pandemic.

    “We have informed all the traditional leaders about the exercise and we are working with them since they own and represent the people”. He added.

    He reminded the people, especially the market folk, to continue the practice of proper handwashing by making use of the ‘Veronica Buckets’ and disinfectants that have been scattered throughout the markets to prevent contracting and spreading the viral disease. enable a team from the Local government Ministry to undertake a disinfection exercise to disinfect the markets.

    As part of measures to curb the spread of the deadly Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) in the country, the local government Ministry has embarked on a nationwide disinfection exercise targeting markets.

    The exercise, which is being carried from region to region, has seen the disinfection of markets in the Greater Accra and Ashanti Regions, where cases of the disease have surged.

    On April 1, the Upper East Region takes its turn in the national exercise and markets within the Kasena-Nankana Municipality would be first to tackle.

    The markets include the Navrongo Old and New markets, the Navrongo Cattle Market, the Kologo Market, and Naaga Market.

    The rest are the Natugnia Market, Yua, Kandiga Junction, Kulengo, Doba, Wuru and Manyoro Markets.

    Confirming the announcement to our Upper East Regional Correspondent, Senyalah Castro, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) William Aduum, said the 10 markets within the area will be closed, cleaned and prepared a day before the fumigation exercise.

    He said the Assembly has taken a serious interest in the exercise to ensure that the markets are rid of all infections to create a safer environment for the people.

    Mr. Aduum added that the markets will be opened for business activities 24 hours after the fumigation.

    “The markets will be closed on 31st March to make way for the team from the local government ministry to fumigate the places. We will close the markets and clean them as we wait for the team to come and fumigate. As you may know, several of such fumigation exercises are being organized in the country in the wake of the Coronavirus. The disinfection is important to ensure clean and safe markets for the people.

    “So for us, all the 10 markets within the assembly will be disinfected”. He explained.

    He said the Assembly was working in close collaboration with the Traditional authorities in the area to ensure compliance with the directives.

    The MCE, while assuring that all business activities will bounce back in the area after the fumigation exercise, has urged all to comply with the directives to help combat the Coronavirus pandemic.

    “We have informed all the traditional leaders about the exercise and we are working with them since they own and represent the people”. He added.

    He reminded the people, especially the market folk, to continue the practice of proper handwashing by making use of the ‘Veronica Buckets’ and disinfectants that have been scattered throughout the markets to prevent contracting and spreading the viral disease.

    Source: wwww.ghanaweb.com

  • French Open postponed until September

    The French Open has been postponed until September due to the coronavirus pandemic, the French Tennis Federation confirmed on Tuesday.

    The Paris clay-court tournament – one of tennis’ four Grand Slam events – was scheduled to take place from May 24 to June 7, but is now slated to run from September 20 to October 4, dates that could cause significant disruption to the sport’s calendar.

    Wimbledon organisers say they “continue to plan” for the grass-court Grand Slam to go ahead, despite it being scheduled to start just three weeks after the original French Open final date.

    “The whole world is affected by the public health crisis connected with COVID-19. In order to ensure the health and safety of everyone involved in organising the tournament, the French Tennis Federation has made the decision to hold the 2020 edition of Roland-Garros from 20th September to 4th October 2020,” a statement from tournament organisers said.

    “Though nobody is able to predict what the situation will be on 18th May, the current confinement measures have made it impossible for us to continue with our preparations and, as a result, we are unable to hold the tournament on the dates originally planned.

    “In order to act responsibly and protect the health of its employees, service providers and suppliers during the organisation period, the FFT has chosen the only option that will allow them to maintain the 2020 edition of the tournament while joining the fight against COVID-19.

    Despite announcing the closure of the Wimbledon museum, shop, and community sports ground, the All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club insist that plans remain in place for the tournament to begin on June 29.

    AELTC chief executive Richard Lewis said: “At the heart of our decision-making is our commitment to the health and safety of our members, staff, and the public, and we are grateful to the government and public health authorities for their advice and support.

    “While we continue to plan for The Championships at this time, it remains a continuously evolving situation and we will act responsibly, in the best interests of wider society.”

    Meanwhile, the French Open’s new date could create further problems, with it scheduled to start just a week after the completion of the usual final major of the year, the US Open, which would leave players an abnormally short amount of time to change surfaces and time zones.

    The proposed date also directly clashes with the Laver Cup, an annual men’s event, which Roger Federer was heavily involved in the creation of, that sees players from Europe take on a world team.

    It remains unclear whether tournament organisers sought the approval of the ATP and WTA (elite men’s and women’s tours) before announcing the change of date.

    Former British women’s No 1, Laura Robson, expressed her surprise at the move.

    Source: skysports.com

  • Coronavirus: Prestea MP gives preventive items to Constituents

    The Member of Parliament (MP) for Prestea Huni-Valley Constituency in the Western Region, Mrs. Barbara Oteng-Gyasi, in her effort to aid the fight against the spread of the COVID-19 disease, has distributed disinfectants to her constituents.

    A delegation led by the First Vice Chairman of the NPP, Mr. Peter Anokye, on behalf of the MP donated 35 pieces of large Veronica Bucket, 35 pieces of hand washing liquid soap, 500 pieces of hand sanitizer, 35 pieces washing bowls and 35 pieces of tissue paper to her constituents.

    Speaking to the Constituents at Aboso Huni-Valley, Damang and Bompieso, the First Vice Chairman Mr. Peter Anokye stressed on the need to put measures in place by the Ministry of Health seriously to curb the spread of the highly contagious disease.

    He also advised them to only rely on news from the World Health Organization (WHO), Ghana Health Service (GHS) website for Coronavirus and Ministry of Information for updates on Ghana’s situation on the virus.

    He, therefore, charged them to disregard all false information about COVID-19 especially that on social media in other to avoid fear and panic.

    The Medical Team of the Member of Parliament (MP) which was led by Mrs. Vivian Adams also demonstrated to the people how to properly wash their hands and apply hand sanitizer.

    She also advised them to follow the directives put in place by the President to avoid spread of the deadly COVID-19.

    Some key areas like markets, police stations, health centres and Ghana Private Road Transport Union, (GPRTU) were places the items were presented to.

    Some Constituents who later spoke to GhanaWeb’s Western Regional Correspondent Daniel Kaku gave thanks to the MP who doubles as the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts for the kind gesture.

    They revealed that the price for alcoholic-based hand sanitizer has increased abnormally in the Prestea Huni-Valley hence their inability to buy some to use.

    They are therefore calling on the government to compel the sellers of the alcoholic-based hand sanitizers to reduce the price.

    Source: Daniel kaku, Contributor

  • Coronavirus: Lordina Foundation supports Gambaga Witch Camp

    The Lordina Foundation on Sunday presented a number of essential items including veronica buckets, boxes of liquid soap and hand sanitisers to the inmates at the Gambaga Witch Camp.

    The items are to help the women, who are all advanced in age, to prevent the spread of the coronavirus within the camp.

    Regular washing of hands with soap under running water is one of the best means by which people can protect themselves from contracting the virus which has, so far, killed five people in Ghana out of the one hundred fifty-two infected with two recoveries.

    The Board Chairman of the Foundation, Reverend Stephen Wengam, commenting on the presentation, said: “unfortunately, older people and persons with existing medical conditions including diabetes, cardiovascular and chronic respiratory diseases are said to be more likely to have serious complications when infected. Our support to the women is to help them protect themselves and prevent any infections within the camp.”

    The Gambaga Witch Camp has, over the years, received various forms of support from the Lordina Foundation and, especially from its President, Mrs Lordina Dramani Mahama, a former First Lady of Ghana.

    Source: classfmonline.com

  • Luxurious lifestyle means nothing, good health is everything Yvonne Nelson

    Ghanaian actress Yvonne Nelson is appreciating the importance of good health amid the coronavirus pandemic.

    The deadly virus has rocked the world so hard, leaving both the rich and poor adhering to the same measures to avoid contracting the disease.

    So far, over 700,000 positive cases have been recorded worldwide with over 35,000 deaths while over 150,000 have recovered.

    Nelson believes living a luxurious lifestyle counts to nothing situations like this.

    She tweeted: You now understand how important the simple things in life are right? Like good health.Well there you go! The cars, first class tickets, chanel bags and face painting mean nothing now! Peeps will pay millions for good health now! Appreciate your life!

    Source: ghgossip.com

  • Global lockdown tightens as virus deaths mount

    Lockdowns aimed at halting the march of the coronavirus pandemic have extended worldwide as the US outbreak continued to accelerate with the death toll there passing 3,000.

    Despite slivers of hope in stricken Italy, tough measures that have confined two-fifths of the globe’s population to their homes are being broadened.

    Moscow and Lagos joined the roll call of cities around the world with empty streets, while Virginia and Maryland became the latest US states to announce stay-at-home orders, followed quickly by Washington DC.

    A US military medical ship steamed into New York, where it will relieve pressure on the city’s badly stretched health system. A field hospital set up in Central Park was due to go online later Tuesday.

    The scale and speed of the US pandemic continued to expand, with the death toll topping 3,000 out of 163,000 known infections — the highest case count for any single country.

    President Donald Trump sought to reassure Americans that authorities were ramping up distribution of desperately needed equipment like ventilators and personal protective gear.

    But he also offered a stark warning, saying “challenging times are ahead for the next 30 days” as he acknowledged a potential nationwide stay-at-home order.

    “We’re sort of putting it all on the line,” Trump said, likening the efforts against coronavirus to a “war.”

    The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases around the world rose above 784,000, with 413,000 of those in Europe, which also has the lion’s share of the deaths, according to an AFP tally.

    World leaders — several of whom have been stricken or forced into isolation are still grappling for ways to deal with a crisis that is generating economic and social shockwaves unseen since World War II.

    Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed “closer cooperation” and addressed plunging oil prices in a Monday call, the Kremlin said.

    Putin’s government was getting to grips with its own outbreak, with the Russian strongman urging residents of Moscow to respect a lockdown that has closed all non-essential shops, and left Red Square deserted.

    Anna, a 36-year-old web designer, said the lockdown would be hard for her and her five-year-old daughter. “But I don’t want Arina to get sick,” she told AFP on her way to buy bread. “So of course we will observe the quarantine.”

    ‘Work continues’

    After weeks of a national lockdown in Italy, signs were emerging that drastic action could be slowing the spread of the disease.

    Even though the country’s death toll grew by 812 in 24 hours to 11,591, the number of infections climbed just 4.1 percent.

    “The data are better but our work continues,” said Giulio Gallera, the chief medical officer of Lombardy, Italy’s worst-hit region.

    Spain announced another 812 virus deaths in 24 hours, taking it past China, where the disease first emerged in December.

    Even with the US health system stretched, Trump said he was ordering some excess medical equipment be sent to Italy, France and Spain.

    ‘Nothing to eat’

    The lockdowns are causing hardship across the world but particularly in impoverished cities in Africa and Asia.

    Africa’s biggest city, Lagos, joined the global stay-at-home from Monday, with Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari ordering a two-week lockdown for its 20 million people. The measures also apply to the capital Abuja.

    “Two weeks is too long. I don’t know how we will cope,” said student Abdul Rahim, 25, as he helped his sister sell food from a market stall.

    Impoverished Zimbabwe also began enforcing a three-week lockdown.

    “They need to be fed, but there is nothing to eat,” vegetable vendor Irene Ruwisi said in the township of Mbare, pointing at her four grandchildren. “How do they expect us to survive?”

    The shutdown has already put millions out of work and forced governments to rush through huge stimulus plans.

    Experts in Germany, Europe’s economic powerhouse, said the virus would shrink output there this year by up to 5.4 percent.

    The World Bank warned the economic fallout from the pandemic could cause Chinese growth to shudder to a halt, and thrust millions of East Asians into poverty.

    Source: France24

  • Nigerians ask Davido to retake coronavirus test since Governor Makinde has tested positive for the virus

    Followers and fans of DMW Music and 30Billion Gang boss, Davido, have charged him to re-run a coronavirus test since his friend, Governor Makinde, who he spent a good time with recently, has tested positive for the virus.

    The singer and his son Ifeanyi tested negative after his fiance, Chioma, tested positive for the virus. Fans of the “risky” hitmaker have advise he takes another test after the Oyo state governor tested positive.

    Davido is reported to have been in close contact with the governor 5 days ago and may have contracted the deadly virus since the governor is a carrier.

    Read reactions from fans and followers below:

    Source: ghgossip.com

  • Andre Ayew donates to native Tamale to fight the spread of Coronavirus

    Swansea City forward Andre Ayew had donated items to the Tamale Metropolis in an effort to fight the Coronavirus pandemic sweeping the world.

    The 30-year-old donated 4,000 hand sanitizers, 25 sets of handwashing bins, tissues among other items as part of his contribution to fight the virus.

    The items were distributed to bus terminals, chief palaces and some communities in the Metropolis.

    The Ghana captain become the latest Black Stars player to make such a contribution after Saudi-based winger Samuel Owusu donated hand sanitizers to the Ghana Football Association for onward distribution to local clubs in Ghana.

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • Elikems coronavirus test results out, praises govt for mandatory quarantine

    The deadly coronavirus test results of Ghanaian fashion designer and actor, Elikem Kumordzie is out after being taken into custody on his arrival into the country from a trip abroad.

    The negative test results came after he was placed under mandatory quarantine at a hotel in East Legon for a week by the Government of Ghana.

    Although his test came out negative, the actor is expected to stay in the hotel until the 14-day mandatory period is over.

    The actor who made this known to Abeiku Santana in an interview was full of admiration for the government for their efforts at ensuring the comfort of all persons who have been quarantined.

    “I am in a nice hotel here in East Legon and I must say the government has really done well. They serve us food three times a day. They call and give you three options to choose from and they deliver the food to our doorsteps. At first, they used to put it on the floor and we complained so now there are some small coffee tables in our rooms so we put them outside our doors and the hotel staff put the food on it,” he said.

    He noted that some individuals do not understand why they are still being quarantined because their results have come out negative and therefore said there was the need for more education on the disease.

    The former Big Brother house mate was hopeful that after the 14-days, he will be made to go home to join his family.

    The actor used the opportunity to advise Ghanaians on the need to ensure the best of hygienic practices adding that there is the need to stay home if they have nothing important doing in town.

    Source: mynewsgh.com

  • La Nkwantang-Madina Municipal Assembly donates furniture to Courts

    The La Nkwantanang-Madina Municipal Assembly has donated two sets of furniture to the Madina Courts 1 & 2 to address the furniture deficit of the court.

    Each of the two courts received a set of furniture comprising a three in one, two in one and single furniture.

    Madam Jennifer Dede Afagbedzi, the Municipal Chief Executive, with the help of Mr Kwaku Asiedu, the Municipal Coordinating Director, who donated the items on behalf of the Assembly said the gesture formed part of the steps taken by the Assembly to help address the challenges the court encountered.

    She learned of the challenge after the Estate Officer of the Assembly paid a visit to the Court premises.

    Having done the overall estimate of the fittings and furniture, she said, the Assembly would tackle them one after the other to a logical conclusion.

    Receiving the items on behalf of both courts, Maame Efua Tordimah, thanked the Assembly for the gesture.

    However, she called on other benevolent individuals and organisations to help the Court to paint its facility, fix its non-functioning air conditioning, and window panes, which were in bad state.

    She appealed to the Assembly to connect water to the Water Closet it had donated to them earlier to enable the court to utilise it.

    Source: GNA

  • Ghana Science Association advocates for coronavirus scientific research

    The Ghana Science Association (GSA) on Monday advocated support for scientific research into finding a quick cure for the COVID-19 disease.

    The GSA is “advocating support for scientific research into finding an expedited cure for the COVID-19 disease”.

    The association is further calling on the Center for Plant Medicine Research to bring together herbalists and traditional medicine practitioners or individuals with potential herbs, drugs, medicine for experimental analysis as a treatment for the COVID-19 by mandatory institutions.

    In a statement jointly signed by Professor Nathaniel Owusu Boadi and Prof. William Gariba Akanwariwiak, Honorary National Secretary and National President of the GSA respectively in Accra and copied to the Ghana News Agency stated.

    The Association is therefore calling for online accessible scientific advice from scientific experts on the quality and use of protective garments, and materials such as hand sanitizers, face masks, in the fight against the COVID-19.

    According to the statement, the Science Association came up with the suggestions following various engagement with the President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and other stakeholders.

    The GSA is further calling for the setting up of a common national platform for discussion among scientific experts on the subject and other related field.

    The association cautioned the media and public to verify the authenticity of information, messages being put out related to the COVID-19. Thus, every effort should be made to circulate only authentic information and messages.

    The GSA also appealed to the public to exercise self-discipline, adhere to hygienic practices and lockdown measures put in place so far.

    It further appealed to the public not to hesitate to present information on travel history of relatives and patients to the appropriate authorities.

    The GSA commended policy makers, medical staff, security agents, media practitioners, stakeholders and any other related body who are at the forefront fighting this pandemic.

    “Each one of us must do his or her part: Together we shall overcome!” the statement added.

    Source: GNA

  • Consume more cocoa to fight coronavirus Ghanaians told

    The public has been encouraged to increase their daily consumption of cocoa related products to help boost their immune system in the fight against coronavirus(Covid-19)

    Dr. Edward Ampofo of Cocoa Clinic made the call yesterday, saying in times like this, it is important to consume Cocoa on a daily basis as an immune booster.

    According to him, cocoa does not only help to boost the immune system but equally helps to protect the human body against infection.

    He explained that the immune functions of cocoa are mainly related to what he called its polyphenol content and methylxanthine-theobromine.

    “The immune system protects the body against germs and foreign materials, “he explained, adding, it is made up of two components- innate and adaptive. The innate immune response is inborn or natural.”

    Dr. Ampofo stated that “It quickly marshals agents of the immune system to deal with any invading foreign material (e.g. germ/pathogen). The immune system is so sensitive and forever scanning the environment for any such foreign material”

    At the same time, he added that the immune system is able to distinguish itself from foreign material and thereby avoid self-tissues.

    Source: Dailyguidenetwork.com

  • Traditional leaders must join hand washing campaign Tong-Rana

    Paramount Chief of the Talensi Traditional Area and Council of State member, Tong-Raan Kugbilsong Nalebegtang has called on other traditional leaders in the Upper East Region to join the hand washing advocacy to ensure that their people adhere to all directives by government and health experts.

    According to him, since the mode of spread of the Covid-19 pandemic is through contacts. it is just right that the people are educated to deepen hand washing culture and must be done properly with soap under running water frequently and also keep a high level of personal hygiene at all times.

    He suggested that the country and all traditional areas should adopt the frequent and public hand washing practice as a new culture, even after the pandemic is gone.

    The Paramount Chief in an interview endorsed efforts by the Upper East Directorate of the Ghana Health Service at ensuring that all passengers entering the region have the recommended body temperature.

    In recent times, the Ghana Health Service and the Regional Coronavirus Response Team have mounted a checkpoint at the entrance of the Upper East Region at Pwalugu in the Talensi District, where basic health data including temperature are taken from passengers.

    Tong-Raan Kugbilsong Nalebegtang called for more education on the mode of spread, the dangers associated with the virus and how people can protect themselves from a possible infection and urged the various local radio stations to continue with their periodic reminders on hand washing and other preventive methods.

    Source: Dailyguidenetwork.com

  • Lockdown: We want to get ahead of coronavirus – Information Minister to Ghanaians

    Minister of Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, has advised Ghanaians to comply with President Akufo-Addo’s directives regarding the partial lockdown of Coronavirus affected areas and Regions in the country.

    According to him, the lockdown isn’t intended to impose restrictions on people but to aid State authorities to identify persons infected by the virus, otherwise called Covid-19, and their contacts.

    Speaking in an exclusive interview with host Kwami Sefa Kayi on Peace FM’s ‘Kokrokoo’ program on Monday, March 30, 2020, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah noted that the 2-week lockdown is an opportunity for the health and other appropriate authorities to do contact-tracing to fish out people who have imported the virus and also at the community level.

    Outlining some major steps undertaken by the government to curtail the spread of the Covid-19 in the nation, he noted that the authorities have a database of all persons that took flight into Ghana from 3rd March and are able to identify them.

    He explained there were about thirty-four thousand travellers and 400 flights into the country, however not all the travellers are infected.

    The flights, he added, have been narrowed down to 28 and all persons on board are being traced in order to have their samples tested.

    ”We have to fish out those people and test them. We know the location of a lot of them, so we have to ensure they are tested . . . The President met with us to go back into all the flight manifests and about 34,000 people entered the country from the 3rd (of March). But among the 34,000, not all of them came from the affected countries; so they can be exempted. Some also underwent self-quarantine for more than 14 days and those categories of people can also be exempt,” he said.

    The Information Minister asked Ghanaians to cooperate with the President and make the lockdown exercise easy by staying home.

    He stressed that the lockdown is to help authorities engage in aggressive testing nationwide, disclosing that there are currently 30,000 test kits and the government is procuring additional ones to augment the exercise.

    “We have to do enhanced testing exercise within the next 2 weeks . . . we know people that we believe are at risk; those we say are ‘at-risk population’. So, we had to impose restrictions to identify these people within the 2 weeks and get them tested to curtail the spread and to teach those who are not infected about the precautionary measures . . . the two-week restriction period that the President, after several hours and days of consideration that he’s given us, is not a restriction for restriction sake.

    “. . it’s a period that gives us the opportunity to halt 1. the potential spread but 2. the main thing is to engage in some aggressive testing.

    “We want to go ahead of the virus,” he emphasized.

    Source: peacefmonline.com

  • Stay home, youre not exempted from lockdown CJ to lawyers

    Lawyers in Accra, Tema, Kasoa and Kumasi have been directed to stay home as they not part of the category of critical staff exempted from the two-week partial lockdown which begun in parts of the country.

    Although President Nana Akufo-Addo in announcing the lockdown mentioned the judiciary is exempted, the Chief Justice (CJ) in a new directive Monday said lawyers are to observe the lockdown.

    “The restrictions imposed on the citizenry of Greater Accra and Greater Kumasi affect all lawyers and litigants and for other court users since these categories of persons were not exempted,” Chief Justice Anin Yeboah said in a statement on Monday.

    Accordingly, the CJ has asked registrars of courts in those areas to adjourn all cases listed during this period to dates in May and June 2020.

    In a bid to stop the spread of the deadly coronavirus which has so far affected 152 people in Ghana from spreading, government announced a partial lockdown to minimize movement of people.

    People have been advised to stay home during the period unless it becomes necessary for them to access essential services.

    The lockdown breaches could attract a four-year jail term and or 12,000 cedis if found guilty.

    Source: 3news.com

  • CJ sets aside 28 courts to hear lockdown-related cases

    Chief Justice (CJ), Kwasi Anin-Yeboah, has directed 28 courts within the partial lockdown areas to deal solely with individuals who fail to comply with the lockdown protocols as directed by the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

    He, however, stated that the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal will be available to handle urgent cases within this period.

    The Chief Justice through a statement which directed all courts within the Greater Accra and Greater Kumasi to adjourn its cases to May and June 2020, noted that the move will safeguard “the critical service rendered by the judiciary during this period as exigencies of the situation demands.

    “…Registrars are directed to adjourn all cases listed during this period to dates in May and June 2020,” the statement read further.

    Some staff of the judiciary, such as, registrars, cashiers, court clerks, interpreters, recorders and bailiffs, will be required to assist in the designated courts.

    Justice Anin-Yeboah also wants “skeletal staff determined by Heads of Departments to ensure that critical service are rendered during this period.”

    Ghana’s case count still stands at 152 with five deaths and two recoveries.

    Regional breakdown

    Accra -133 (3 dead)

    Northern Region 10

    Ashanti Region 8 (2 dead)

    Upper West 1

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Coronavirus: Stop wearing masks if you are not sick – WHO reiterates

    World Health Organization (WHO) officials Monday said they still recommend people not wear face masks unless they are sick with Covid-19 or caring for someone who is sick.

    “There is no specific evidence to suggest that the wearing of masks by the mass population has any potential benefit. In fact, there’s some evidence to suggest the opposite in the misuse of wearing a mask properly or fitting it properly,” Dr. Mike Ryan, Executive Director of the WHO health emergencies program, said at a media briefing in Geneva, Switzerland, on Monday.

    “There also is the issue that we have a massive global shortage,” Ryan said about masks and other medical supplies. “Right now the people most at risk from this virus are frontline health workers who are exposed to the virus every second of every day. The thought of them not having masks is horrific.”

    Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove, an infectious disease epidemiologist with the WHO, also said at Monday’s briefing that it is important “we prioritize the use of masks for those who need it most,” which would be frontline health care workers.

    “In the community, we do not recommend the use of wearing masks unless you yourself are sick and as a measure to prevent onward spread from you if you are ill,” Van Kerkhove said.

    “The masks that we recommend are for people who are at home and who are sick and for those individuals who are caring for those people who are home that are sick,” she said.

    World Health Organization officials warned at a media briefing last week that globally there is a “significant shortage” of medical supplies, including personal protective gear or PPE, for doctors.

    “We need to be clear,” Van Kerkhove said last week. “The world is facing a significant shortage of PPE for our frontline workers — including masks and gloves and gowns and face shields and protecting our health care workers must be the top priority for use of this PPE.”

    Source: edition.cnn.com

  • Coronavirus: There will be more cases in Ghana – Oppong Nkrumah

    Information Minister, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah says the number of coronavirus cases may increase in the country.

    Ghana’s covid-19 cases have arisen to one hundred and fifty-two (152).

    Eleven new cases were confirmed by the Ghana Health Service on Sunday, March 29, 2020, with ten (10) of the cases being among persons under mandatory quarantine in Tamale.

    The 10 cases involved Guinean residents who travelled through Burkina Faso and Togo to Ghana and were picked up following intelligence report, and the 11th case was recorded in Kumasi in the Ashanti Region.

    As a result of the spread of covid-19, President Nana Akufo-Addo on Friday, March 27, 2020, declared a partial lockdown of Accra and Kumasi effective 1 am on Monday, March 30, 2020.

    Speaking to host Kwami Sefa Kayi on Monday’s edition of PEACE FM’s ‘Kokrokoo’ on the partial restrictions imposed on the movement of goods and services, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah stated that though the government is making frantic efforts to curb the virus infection; it is not certain that the numbers will reduce unless Ghanaians abide by the lockdown.

    He cautioned the citizenry that the spread may heighten if they do not treat the lockdown seriously knowing that the virus is transferred through contacts with persons who may or may not know they are infected.

    ”If you assume that all 1000 have been infected, this figure is about a fifth of it before you even come to the people who were on board the 28 flights. So, as for the numbers, you can make extrapolations. Some have even done calculations that if an average person transfers the virus to 10 people, how much will you have within 2 weeks?” he quizzed.

    He appealed to persons who may have symptoms akin to coronavirus to contact the emergency lines or visit the nearest hospital to get tested.

    Listen to Kojo Oppong Nkrumah in the video below

    Source: peacefmonline.com

  • Medical doctor at LEKMA hospital tests positive for coronavirus

    A medical doctor at the LEKMA Hospital at Teshie, has tested positive for the infectious coronavirus, the Ledzokuku Constituency legislator, Bernard Oko-Boye has confirmed.

    According to him, the Ghana Health Service has already accounted for the unnamed doctor in the number of cases recorded in Ghana.

    He further announced that the LEKMA hospital will be shut down for disinfection on Tuesday, March 31.

    Meanwhile, it is alleged that the doctor operated on a pregnant woman, before testing for the virus.

    He also reportedly attended to several pregnant women.

    The Ghana Health Service has so far confirmed 152 coronavirus cases in the country with five deaths and two recoveries.

     

    Source: myjoyonline

  • Coronavirus: Truck smuggling 30 people evading lockdown impounded at Ejisu

    Some 30 people have been arrested by the Ashanti Regional Police after they attempted to defy the directive of lockdown in the region. A KIA truck enroute to Walewale in the Northern Region was intercepted and impounded by the police.

    According to kasapafmonline, the truck with registration number AS 8983-12 was stopped at the checkpoint of COVID- 19 joint security at Duampompo in the Juaben Municipality.

    The cargo truck is currently at the premises of the Ejisu MTTD while the driver has been arrested.

    President Akufo-Addo on Friday, March 27 announced a two-week partial lockdown on Accra, Tema, Kasoa and Kumasi to be effective 1 am on Monday, March 30, 2020.

    Exemptions were however made for essential service providers to discharge their duties.
    The lockdown was initiated as a stringent containment measure against the fast-spreading deadly coronavirus in the country.

    Ghana has already recorded 152 cases with 5 deaths and 2 recoveries.

     

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Chief Justice designates 28 courts to deal with lockdown breaches

    The Chief Justice has designated 28 courts to deal with cases of violations that may arise from the partial lockdown directives.

    Kwesi Anin Yeboah has among others directed some courts in the Greater Accra and Greater Kumasi area to focus mainly on “breaches arising from the restriction orders and other criminal matters.”

    In a press release Monday, he also ordered registrars to adjourn all cases listed during the period of the partial lockdown to dates in May and June 2020.

    “The Supreme Court and Court of Appeal will be available to handle urgent cases as may be determined by the Chief Justice during this period,” the release said.

    It also highlighted a certain category of support staff will be required to continue working to augment the efforts of these designated courts.

    These include Registrars, cashiers, court clerks, interpreters, recorders and bailiffs. All other staff according to the Chief Justice are to apply for their leave during the period.

    His statement follows the deployment of security personnel to vantage points across the country to see to the adherence of the lockdown protocols announced by the President in parts of Accra, Tema and Kumasi.

    The two-week period which kicks in today is geared towards curbing the spread of coronavirus and will see the restriction of movement by people who offer non-essential services.

    Read the full statement below.

     

    Source: myjoyonline 

  • KP Boateng chooses Messi as the best player in the world

    German-born Ghanaian international, Kevin-Prince Boateng has picked Lionel Messi ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo as the best player in the world.

    The debate as to which player is the greatest of all time never gets old. Often times, it is the Portuguese international and the Argentine who goes head to head.

    While everybody has their own view, the debate has never quite been settled with the two greats proving time and again that there possibly could be little or no difference between them when you look at the things they have achieved.

    In an interview with Sky Sports, KP Boateng was made to pick between the two players. After singling out Ronaldo and leaving Messi standing head to head with Zlatan Ibrahimovi?, the Besiktas star choose Lionel Messi as the best in the world.

    “The strongest? This is tough after they attack me from all sides. They are both phenomena and each has its own style: for 10 years Messi has shown that he is the best in the world, I am happy to have played with both of them”, the former Black Stars forward said.

    Source: Footballghana.com

  • Ghanaians should be serious about the virus- Edward Sarpong

    Farense defender Edward Sarpong has sent out a pleading message to Ghanaians to take the deadly coronavirus serious.

    Sarpong featured for the Black Meteors in the U23 Africa Cup of Nations where the nation placed fourth after losing to South Africa on penalties for the third placed spot.

    The 23 year old is currently self isolating in Portugal and has called on Ghanaians to take the virus seriously.

    “This is the time that Ghanaians have to put jokes aside and we should be serious about the sickness because it is too much. It has killed a lot of people in Portugal. At this point we have to pray to God and take things serious so that the sickness will come to an end,” he told Sunyani based radio Station Ark FM.

    He added: “They have to stay at home so that it does not spread and they should make sure that they wash their hands with sanitizers.”

    Source: Footballghana.com

  • Ghanaian Times: Stay at home order will help reduce coronavirus spread in Ghana

    The President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on Friday, ordered Ghanaians in three cities and two townships to stay at home in a wide range of measures that are expected to control the spread of COVID-19 in the country.

    The President who was seeking to enhance restrictive measures to combat COVID-19, made it clear that the order is aimed primarily to protect lives and contain the disease.

    Our focus today, however, is on the single most important announcement that people in the affected areas should stay at home.

    The President was clear when he explained that the order is also intended to slow the spread of COVID-19 across the country and minimise its impact on the socio-economic activities in Ghana.

    For us, this is a far reaching measure that in our view has the potential to significantly impact the lives of all Ghanaians in many ways. We are not in normal times and, therefore, anything that must be done to protect the citizenry must be supported by all.

    We know that staying at home for a prolonged period can be difficult, frustrating and lonely for some people but this decision is in the interest of everyone and we must make sacrifices to ensure that within these two weeks, we adhere to the order by staying at home.

    It is for this reason that we find it worrying that a large number of Ghanaians have misinterpreted the stay at home order to mean that they should go back to their home towns.

    Our checks at many lorry stations in Accra yesterday indicate that many people are rushing back home to beat the 14-day order to stay at home in the affected areas.

    This is unnecessary and a wrong approach in our collective effort to combat the virus.

    The rush to beat the deadline and get back to our hometowns may not be based on a sound judgement because that may become the vehicle that would rather spread the virus into other communities and affect the people in the villages. Who knows whether the new arrivals may unknowingly be carriers who may spread the virus?

    The best thing to do under the circumstances is to stay at home until after the 14-day order.

    Since the ultimate aim is to help control the spread of the virus to friends, family, the wider community and particularly the most vulnerable, it is important for all of us to obey the order.

    Staying at home for 14 days would greatly reduce the overall amount of infection from one person to the other in the community.

    We all owe it a duty to our country at this critical point, to come together and work towards slowing the spread and protect all those who are vulnerable and at high risk from contracting the disease, by staying at home.

     

    Source: Ghanaian Times

  • COVID-19: Education Ministry creates special online study platform for SHS students

    The Ministry for Education has launched a special online study platform for Senior High School students. Ever since Covid-19 halted school activities the Education Ministry together with the Ghana Education Service has stepped up efforts to help students study online.

    Several E-learning platforms have been launched and the latest is the icampusgh.com which for Senior High School students.

    The platform gives students the opportunity to access all core subjects and selected electives, access to video lessons and lesson notes, access to virtual labs and simulations (in some instances) and access to online Test after every lesson.

    Below is the release

    The Ministry of Education Ghana has created an online study platform for all senior high school students.

    Kindly inform all students in the Senior High School to visit and study online. To access the platform

    1. Visit icampusgh.com

    2. Enter your BECE index number as your username. Note. For SHS 3 students, add 17 to the index number E.g. 309074025 then 17 to read 30907402517

    3. Enter ghana@12345 as your default password and click on log in.

    . You will be required to change the default password before you can continue using the platform.

    5. Click on View all courses to see the subjects available. Click on any of the courses available and enroll.

    Benefits of the platform

    1. Access to all core subjects and selected electives.

    2. Access to video lessons and lessons notes.

    3. Access to virtual labs and simulations (in some instances)

    4. Access to online Test after every lesson.

    Kindly pass the information to all senior high school students.

    Thank you

     

    Source: primenewsghana.com

  • Pick-up lands on its back in police induced accident

    A double cabin pick-up somersaulted and landed on its back, while a Toyota Vitz also got seriously dented after the two vehicles collided Monday morning at the Airport Junction traffic intersection around the Airport View Hotel.

    The incident occurred when a police outrider accompanying a V8 car from the Tetteh-Quarshie end of the road and heading towards 37 signaled for cars from that end to move on while the traffic light showed red.

    This was to clear the road for the V8 car he was accompanying to move on without hindrance.

    As the cars from the Tetteh Quarshie end started moving, a Toyota Vitz car collided with a pick-up car which was coming from the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) end of the road heading towards the Airport View Hotel road.

    Traffic lights directing traffic from the KIA end was green so the vehicles were already moving.

    The pick-up somersaulted as a result of the collision and landed on its back.

    Security personnel and onlookers managed to pull out those in the pick-up and also had to turn it onto its wheels.

    As at the time Graphic Online was leaving the scene, the injured drivers were being sent to the Hospital for treatment.

     

    Source: Graphic.com.gh 

  • Fortuna Dusseldorf ace Nana Ampomah donates to Dzorwulu Special School

    Ghanaian winger Nana Ampomah has made donations to the Dzorwulu Special School in Accra amid the coronavirus pandemic in the country.

    Ampomsah, who plies his trade with German Bundesliga side Fortuna Düsseldorf gave out 5 bags of rice, 2 bags of salt, 2 bags of Sugar, 10 cartons of Bel Aquah drinking water, 5 boxes of Indomie Noodles, 2 cartons of Milo and 2 cartons of Milk.

    He also donated 3 boxes of exotic hand sanitizers, 3 boxes of liquid antiseptic and 10 packs of toilet rolls to help protect the school against the Covid-19.

    His manager Prince Yusif made the presentation on his behalf to the School in Accra on Sunday.

    He made this donation barely 48 hours after he had donated health products to the Narh-Bita Hospital in Tema in bid to help fight against the deadly disease.

    The 27-year-old has made 16 appearances for Fortuna Düsseldorf, scored two goals and provided one assist in all competitions so far this season.

     

  • Majeed Waris makes coronavirus donation

    Ghana striker Abdul Majeed Waris has made donations of hand sanitizers and liquid soaps to the people of Lamashegu in the Northern Region.

    The Strassbourg striker donated health products to the people of his native town through his MajeedWaris Foundation as part of efforts to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus.

    The sanitizers and liquid soaps will be distributed to households in the Lamashegu community.

    “Due to the safety precaution, Majeedwaris foundation have donated hundreds of hand sanitizers and liquid soap to the assemble man in Lamashegu to help educate and prevent the spread of the virus,” the striker posted on his twitter handle.

    The French League has however been suspended due to the Coronavirus.

    Ghana has seen increasing cases of the COVID-19 in the last few days prompting top stars like Waris, Asamoah Gyan and Samuel Owusu to join the fight to help curb the crisis.

    Source: pulse.com.gh

  • ‘True legend’ – Ghanaians react to news of Opoku Afriyie’s demise

    Ghanaians have taken to social media to mourn the passing of former Black Stars forward Opoku Afriyie.

    The attacker died in Kumasi on Sunday, aged 75.

    He is fondly remembered for scoring twice in the 1978 Africa Cup of Nations final to help Ghana win the cup as well as for his exploits with Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko in the Ghana Premier League, where he won the top scorer’s award in 1979 and 1981.

    Below is some social reaction from Twitter after news of his passing broke on Sunday afternoon:

    Source: Goal.com

  • K.P Boateng and family remake a champions league game at home

    Ghana forward Kevin Prince Boateng is making the most of the quarantine period with his family after remaking a champions league game at home.

    The Besiktas star together with his wife Melissa Satta and son Maddox posed for the UEFA Champions League anthem before a home match.

    Boateng was the goalkeeper with his wife a defender, Maddox was a striker and had a one on one with his mum before he eventually dribbled her to unleash a shot that went straight between the legs of his father for a goal.

    The trio celebrated in what looked a beautiful family affair.

    The Boatengs have been having a good time during this period due to the break in football following the rapid spread of the coronavirus.

    The family have made a few videos of themselves making the most of the moment.

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • Ministers to commit 50% salary to coronavirus fund

    The Ministry of Information says ministers and other appointees at the Presidency have decided to donate fifty percent (50%) of their second quarter salary to the COVID-19 National Trust Fund.

    The fund was established by the President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, for the fight against the virus and to assist in the welfare of the needy and the vulnerable.

    All Deputy Ministers have however made a commitment to donate fifty percent (50%) of their salaries for two months into the Fund.

    The Information Ministry explained that “All Ministers of State, the Chief of Staff at the Office of the President, the deputy Chiefs of Staff, Secretary to the President, Secretary to the Cabinet, Presidential Staffers and Presidential Aides at the Presidency have decided to donate fifty percent (50%) of their salaries.”

    Already, the Chief of Staff, Akosua Frema Osei-Opare has issued a directive to the Controller and Accountant General to effect these deductions at source for the period, and transfer the accrued monies into the Fund.

    The Vice President, Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, also followed suit, and has donated three (3) months of his salary into the Fund.

    Read the entire statement below;

    All Ministers of State, the Chief of Staff at the Office of the President, the deputy Chiefs of Staff, Secretary to the President, Secretary to the Cabinet, Presidential Staffers and Presidential Aides at the Presidency have decided to donate fifty percent (50%) of their salaries, for the next three months, i.e. April, May and June, to the COVID-19 National Trust Fund, established by the President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, for the fight against the virus and to assist in the welfare of the needy and the vulnerable.

    All Deputy Ministers have also agreed to donate fifty percent (50%) of their salaries for the next two months, i.e. April and May, into the Fund.

    As a result, the Chief of Staff, Hon. Akosua Frema Osei-Opare, has notified the Controller and Accountant General to effect these deductions at source for the period, and transfer the accrued monies into the Fund.

     

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Don Jazzy gives 100,000 Naira to a twitter fan just to buy indomie

    Don Jazzy is not so indifferent after all. A few days ago, the CEO of Mavin Records revealed that people were in his inbox asking that he gives them money to stock up as lockdown loomed.

    Following that, a fan came at Jazzy for his un-readiness to take concern with stuff happening around him when he shared a video of himself dancing.

    According to this fan, Jazzy has not married, neither has he any child and it looks like he is not even ready to lift a hand to help in this time of Covid-19.

    Well, Jazzy has finally lifted a hand to aid a Twitter fan who said he was hungry.

    Jazzy asked for his account details and sent him 100,000 Naira.

    Screenshots;

    Don Jazzy sends 100,000 Naira to a follower who insulted him online
    Don Jazzy sends 100,000 Naira to a follower who insulted him online
    Don Jazzy sends 100,000 Naira to a follower who insulted him online
    Don Jazzy sends 100,000 Naira to a follower who insulted him online

    Source: GhanaCelebrities.Com