TIG Post

Author: Chris Kodo

  • Designated RTI officers undergo training

    About 120 designated Right To Information law (RTI) officers from Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) have been trained as part of the continuous efforts to equip officers to make the implementation of the RTI successful and to ensure efficient compliance of the law by public institutions.

    The training was also meant to educate the designated officers on the RTI Act 989 so they are rightly informed on the legalities of the law and how as officers they are supposed to work within the law to absorb them from any liabilities and sanctions.

    One of the key actors in the passage of the RTI bill into law, Ben Abdallah Banda who is also the MP for Offinso South and Chairman of the Legal and Constitutional Committee of Parliament took the participants through the basic understanding and interpretation of the RTI Act.

    Mr Bandah informed the participants that under this RTI legal regime the law does not make room for officers to use too much discretion in handling applications and that all activities of RTI officers should strictly be within the confines of the law.

    “Persons who deliberately infringe on the Right To Information law by denying access to information would be penalised” he added and urged RTI designated officers to adhere strictly to rules with respect to the RTI law to avoid being sanctioned.

    Mr Bandah disclosed that Section 3 of the Right to Information Act 989, Proactive disclosure; a principle that underpins the declaration of human rights, authorises state institutions to publish some categories of information on their websites without necessarily being requested from the institution before they make available such information.

    He advised the designated officers to always act within the laws when handling applications and make sure they always give responses to requests within the stipulated time.

    It is the expectation of the RTI secretariat that after the training, all designated RTI officers would know how to handle applicants and their applications so they do not fall foul of the law.

    Also officers would know which requests are classified as exempt under the law and the number of days officers are to work within to respond promptly to requests of applicants to absorb themselves from all legal sanctions within the laws that set up the Right To Information and above all be bold to apply the laws in all situations.

    Source: Ministry of Information

  • Two coronavirus specialized testing centers too risky for Ghana – GAMLs advices

    The Ghana Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists (GAMLs) has advised the government to resource other teaching centres to test suspected cases for coronavirus in the country rather than focusing on the two specialized centres.

    According to the Association, the two centres which are the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research and the Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research might not be able to contain other cases of the latest pandemic if it spreads rapidly in the country.

    In an interview on Unique FM today, March 17 2020, President of the Association, Dr Ignatius A.N. Awinibuno indicated the need for more specialized testing centres of the deadly Covid-19 to assist in the fight of the disease

    ”All attention is on Noguchi and KCCI but what if we have thousand, two thousand cases coming out, do these people have the capacity to handle all these cases? All the teaching hospitals do specialized testing, we are talking about the use of higher technology to do this. We want to question the government why the attention is on only two testing centres. As a professional body, we want to advise that this is too risky and we are technical people, they must take this counsel seriously before we are hit because this may not be the only outbreak others may come”.

    Dr Awinibuno also said it is necessary for the government to scale up the capacity of other public facilities to provide such services, adding testing centres should be established closeby and resourced to handle such cases.

     

    It will be recalled that on March 15 2020, the Ghana Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists (GAMLs) issued a communique advising its members to withdraw from environments where personal protective equipment (PPEs) are not available for the discharge of their duties.

    Justifying their directive in the interview, Dr Awinibuno indicated that without the proper PPEs to protect the health workers and the suspected Covid-19 patient, there are high consequences imposed on them.

    Again, in his defence, he added that health workers do not have insurance covers to even protect them in case they are infected with the virus, therefore their directive to its members.

     

    Source: primenewsghana.com

  • Coronavirus: We are awaiting our budget to intensify sensitization NCCE

    Communications Director for the National Commission on Civic Education (NCCE), Joyce Afutu, has stated that her outfit is expecting the government to release funds for them to educate Ghanaians on coronavirus effectively.

    She said NCCE submitted a proposal to the appropriate authorities six weeks ago and is still awaiting a response from them.

    “About six weeks ago, we put together a proposal and a budget to the appropriate authorities so that we can commence sensitization and to heighten awareness of the disease and how people can prevent it,” she maintained.

    According to Madam Afutu, although NCCE has not yet received the funding, they have in their own little way embarked on some sensitization campaigns across the country.

    “We have been to Teshie-Nungua, Adabraka, Tema station, Odokor Market, Kantamanto, Kaneshie, Osu and surrounding communities, Kanda, Cantonments, South Labadi Estates and in other regions,” she stated.

    She also established that the NCCE is making use of its social media, free airtime and permanent slots given to them by some media houses and community centers.

    “We have some permanent media slots and some radio stations have community centres where we have free airtime so we are utilizing that and on our social media pages we are publicizing information from the WHO, Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service. That is what we are doing now awaiting our budget to intensify activities,” she added.

    Meanwhile, the country has confirmed six cases of the COVID-19, with President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo announcing measures to curb the spread, including suspension of public gatherings for four weeks and closure of universities, senior secondary and basic schools indefinitely.

     

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Passport office in Accra closed down over Coronavirus

    The passport office in Accra has been closed down following the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) where six cases have been confirmed in Ghana.

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on Sunday, March 15, 2020 announced a number of measures to help avert the spread of the disease which includes a ban on mass gathering.

    Some passport applicants on Tuesday morning massed up outside the building of the passport office.

    Some disgruntled applicants said they were not informed it would be closed Tuesday.

    One of the stranded applications told Graphic Online’s Kweku Zurek that because of the online application, the passport office was no longer handling manual applications, hence persons who have not been called were being turned away.

    However, he said it was later announced that the office has been closed.

  • Coronavirus: CACI suspends church activities, encourages pastors not to abandon members

    The Christ Apostolic Church International, has welcomed the decision by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to ban all public gathering activities including church services.

    This was contained in a general circular signed by the General Secretary, Apostle S. Frimpong and released on March 16, 2020, to all church members, sighted by GhanaWeb.

    “The Executive Council of the Christ Apostolic Church International associates itself with the government’s quest to control the spread of the CONVID-19 disease,” part of the statement reads.

    Having suspended all church activities pursuant to the president’s directive, the Executive Council also tasked its pastors to continue educating members on the basic preventive measures.

    Pastors additionally have been encouraged not to abandon church members in the midst of the outbreak of the deadly coronavirus, especially with Ghana recording 6 cases.

    “Ministers are encouraged not to turn their backs on members in these trying moments,” the statement said.

    Read the full statement below:

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • We need $30m annually to deal with health emergencies – Kofi Gane

    Aspiring independent presidential candidate, Marricke Kofi Gane has called on the government to set aside at least $30 million every year to consistently build a more resilient and constantly ready emergency system against future health and other general threats of a national scale.

    Contributing to ways the coronavirus could be dealt with in a Facebook video, Mr. Gane said there would be future threats which we must prepare for as a country.

    He pushed for the resourcing of our research centres and proactively find frontier leaders in health prevention technologies and to plug into the future of their work, either through investments or by establishing collaboration between them and our own institutions.

    Ghana, he suggested must build a truly functional health system, not just a number of hospitals.

    He wished Ghanaian health workers a great deal of courage as they confront the outbreak.

    He was hopeful the security agencies and health officials will trace all suspected cases.

    Our best option he added is in prevention and containment.

    To him, we have to retest all cases that tested negative few weeks ago.

    He indicated Ghana would surely record more cases hence the need for us to prepare adequately for it.

     

    He said we need to establish a national health protocol with clear and measurable parameters that automatically trigger an interagency command formation and declaration of a national health emergency.

    Ghana should also design and institute a national emergency communication and awareness protocol to include text, voicemails, radio, TV, and the rest that automatically kicks into motion from a single authoritative source once an emergency threshold has been breached, he added.

     

    Source: rainbowradioonline.com

  • Wearing gloves increase risk of coronavirus – G/A Regional Director of Health

    Greater Accra Regional Director of Health, Dr Charity Sarpong has said the fastest way to be infested by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) disease is by using gloves.

    She explained that wearing gloves gave false security, which made people think they were protected from the disease when, in fact, it exposed them more to it.

    Dr Sarpong was speaking at a sensitisation session on COVID-19 for members of the Grace Baptist Church at Sakumono in Accra.

    She said those who wore gloves used them for everything, thinking they were safe and would not wash their hands, which was dangerous.

    She noted that healthy people need not wear facemasks but must rather stick to the protective guidelines, adding that it was infected persons that had to wear the masks in order not to spread the virus through their droplets.

    Dr Sarpong assured Ghanaians that the country had capable health professionals to take care of the situation and urged them to immediately call the emergency lines provided by the Ghana Health Service (0558439868 or 0509497700) for treatment when they experience symptoms like fever, cough, sneezing and difficulty in breathing.

    She said 60 out of a hundred people that would be exposed to the disease would not develop the symptoms and would recover on their own adding that few would progress to the serious stages and encouraged Ghanaians not to panic but avoid close contacts with people.

    Dr Afua Twumasi, a Public Health Officer, on her part, advised citizens to wash their hands with soap under running water.

    Demonstrating how to wash the hands, she said the palm, in between the fingers, the thumbs, the nails and the back of the hands should be washed thoroughly, adding that it should be the same way sanitizers were also applied.

    COVID-19 is a family of viruses that cause illnesses ranging from common cold to more severe diseases such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS).

    These viruses were originally transmitted between animals and people.

    The symptoms include fever, cough, cold, and breathing difficulties and in more severe cases can lead to pneumonia, multiple organ failure and death.

    Health experts advise that individuals observed personal hygiene, be physically active, drink plenty of water, eat healthily, avoid stress and have enough sleep to stay safe.

     

    Source: GNA

  • Coronavirus: Ill still be counselling members to get money despite ban Obinim

    Founder and Leader of the International Godsway Church, Bishop Daniel Obinim has revealed that he will still be conducting counselling services for members despite the ban on church activities in the country as a result of the coronavirus (CODVID-19).

    The move he disclosed will enable him raise money to cater for the cost of running his television stations as well as pay workers who heavily depend on monies from Church activities including counselling sessions.

    “The President has said social gatherings have been cancelled for a month. Jesus take the wheel…we came here because of the announcement by the President and we have no problem with his directive. My problem is the sick persons we pray for to get well. Our worry is how to cater for all these persons even though we can all pray in our individual homes”, he revealed on his channel monitored by MyNewGh.com.

    According to him, he will cancel all church activities but will engage in counselling activities on one-on-one basis for those who need it.

    “I will engage in emergency counselling services in my churches. But we will not congregate, pray or conduct healing services as has always been the case. Everyone who comes for counselling must take a card so that the accrued money could be used to pay for the cost of the television channel”, he added.

    He added “If you do not want me to engage on the counselling to raise money to cater cost television channel, then I will shut the station because I pay about $8,000 monthly”

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on Sunday as part of measures in curtailing the further spread of the deadly Coronavirus banned all social gatherings including Church activities.

    “All public gatherings, including conferences, workshops, funerals, festivals, political rallies, sporting events and religious activities, such as services in churches and mosques, have been suspended for the next four (4) weeks. Private burials are permitted, but with limited numbers, not exceeding twenty-five (25) in attendance”, he disclosed.

    Source:MyNewsGh.com

  • Liberia confirms second coronavirus case

    The authorities in Liberia say they have confirmed a second case of COVID-19 in the country.

    The man, the say, worked as a domestic worker for the country’s first patient – a government official who arrived in the country last week from Switzerland.

    Nathaniel Blama, the head of Environmental Protection Agency, has since been suspended by President George Weah for allegedly refusing to follow health protocols.

    Mr Blama denies the accusations.

    The authorities are working to trace people who had contact with Mr Blama and his domestic worker who has been named as Johnny Phillips, a statement from the ministry of information said.

     

    Source: BBC 

  • Covid-19: Huge crowd of Teshie residents fight for drinking water

    Pictures of a huge crowd made up of residents of Teshie in the Greater Accra Region fighting one another in a bid to get access to good drinking water has hit social media.

    The pictures, which showed the jostling crowd carrying buckets, gallons and containers, were first shared online by former Deputy Communication Minister Felix Kwakye Ofosu on his Facebook page.

    He added the following message.

    “These are disturbing pictures from Teshie on showing people have to scramble for water.Meanwhile,there is a desalination plant constructed under the NDC government which can supply water to over 500,000 inhabitants within Teshie and beyond,which has remained closed since 2018.And this at time when strict hygiene practices need to be observed in view of the Coronavirus outbreak.Our citizens definitely deserve better.”

    Ghana had confirmed six cases of the COVID-19 as at March 15, with President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo announcing measures to curb the spread including suspension of public gatherings for four weeks and closure of universities, senior secondary and basic schools indefinitely.

    In Teshie however, the large crowds were out to look for water to fetch.i

    This comes after water shortage hit the The Teshie-Nungua areas following the closure of the Desalination Water Project.

    The Teshie Desalination plant is also noted for some controversial contracts between the Ghana Water Company Limited and Befesa Desalination Development Ghana, which was reportedly costing the government an amount GHc6 million monthly.

    Board Chairman of Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL), Alexander Afenyo Markin said the shutdown was in the interest of Ghana.

    The project involved the desalination of sea water at Teshie by Befesa Aqua of Spain implemented through a Build, Own, Operate and Transfer (BOOT) arrangement. The Project produced 13.2 million gallons of water daily to serve about 500,000 people in and around Nungua, Teshie, Burma Camp, Baatsona, Sakumono and parts of La-Dadekotopon and was completed in November 2014.

    Source:MyNewsGH.com

  • Doctors want government to improve stock of PPEs in coronavirus fight

    The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) the umbrella organisation for doctors in the country, has called on the government to take immediate steps to improve on the nations stock and equitable distribution of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and other essential logistics to all frontline health workers at all levels of service delivery.

    The GMA also asked managers of health care facilities across the country to ensure judicious use of PPEs in line with existing protocols in view of the global shortages.

    The call by the GMA comes in the wake of ongoing concerted efforts by state agencies to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus (COVID-19) in Ghana.

    “In anticipation of potential increased demand for intensive care units (ICUs) and high dependency unit (HDU) services to care for severe and critical cases of COVID-19, we call on all doctors and managers of the health care systems to take immediate steps towards decongestion of these units in all health care facilities across the country.

    “In this regard, the GMA calls for the suspension of non-urgent elective surgical procedures that have the potential to populate the ICUs and HDUs. Government should take immediate steps to improve the capacity of all teaching hospitals, regional and district hospitals through the expansion of ICUs/HDUs including the provision of ventilators at the various centres,” the Association said in a press release.

    Already, the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital has announced the suspension of elective surgical cases and says it will only take care of emergency surgical cases.

    The Ghana Medical Association said the fact that the first point of call of all the six confirmed cases in the country were private facilities underscores the role of the private health facilities in this pandemic.

    “Government should, therefore, ensure that the private health sector is involved in all training and allocation of resources as part of the nations’ response to this pandemic,” the Association said.

    Government has banned all public gatherings and closed universities and school to prevent the spread of the deadly disease.

    Speaking further on Ghana’s stock of PPEs on current affairs programme, PM Express, General Secretary of the Association, Dr Justice Yankson, said because health facilities are already grappling with other medical cases, PPEs have started running low in the wake of the coronavirus scare.

    “We need to do our best to make sure we have them at facility level because healthcare personnel, the first point of call, the online people if they don’t feel protected [there will be chaos]. Nobody will want to walk into danger,” he said.

    Read the full statement from the GMA below.

     

    Source: myjoyonline 

  • Coronavirus: US volunteers to test first vaccine

    The first trial in people of a vaccine to protect against pandemic coronavirus is starting in the US later on Monday, according to reports.

    A group of 45 healthy volunteers will have the jab, at the Kaiser Permanente research facility, in Seattle.

    The vaccine cannot cause Covid-19 but contains a harmless genetic code copied from the virus that causes the disease.

    Experts say it will still take many months to know if this vaccine, or others also in research, will work.

    Scientists around the world are fast-tracking research.

    And this first human trial, funded by the National Institutes of Health, sidesteps a check that would normally be conducted – making sure the vaccine can trigger an immune response in animals.

    But the biotechnology company behind the work, Moderna Therapeutics, says the vaccine has been made using a tried and tested process.

    Dr John Tregoning, an expert in infectious diseases at Imperial College London, UK, said: “This vaccine uses pre-existing technology.

    “It’s been made to a very high standard, using things that we know are safe to use in people and those taking part in the trial will be very closely monitored.

    “Yes, this is very fast – but it is a race against the virus, not against each other as scientists, and it’s being done for the benefit of humanity.”

    Typical vaccines for viruses, such as measles, are made from a weakened or killed virus.

    But the mRNA-1273 vaccine is not made from the virus that causes Covid-19.

    Instead, it includes a short segment of genetic code copied from the virus that scientists have been able to make in a laboratory.

    This will hopefully prime the body’s own immune system to fight off the real infection.

    The volunteers will be given different doses of the experimental vaccine.

    They will each be given two jabs in total, 28 days apart, into the upper arm muscle.

    But even if these initial safety tests go well, it could still take up to 18 months for any potential vaccine to become available for the public.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Wearing gloves not protection from coronavirus GHS Director

    Dr Charity Sarpong, the Greater Accra Regional Director of Health, said the fastest way to be infested by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) disease is by using gloves.

    She explained that wearing gloves gave false security, which made people think they were protected from the disease when, in fact, it exposed them more to it.

    Dr Sarpong was speaking at a sensitisation session on COVID-19 for members of the Grace Baptist Church at Sakumono in Accra.

    She said those who wore gloves used them for everything, thinking they were safe and would not wash their hands, which was dangerous.

    She noted that healthy people need not wear facemasks but must rather stick to the protective guidelines, adding that it was infected persons that had to wear the masks in order not to spread the virus through their droplets.

    Dr Sarpong assured Ghanaians that the country had capable health professionals to take care of the situation and urged them to immediately call the emergency lines provided by the Ghana Health Service (0558439868 or 0509497700) for treatment when they experience symptoms like fever, cough, sneezing and difficulty in breathing.

    She said 60 out of a hundred people that would be exposed to the disease would not develop the symptoms and would recover on their own adding that few would progress to the serious stages and encouraged Ghanaians not to panic but avoid close contacts with people.

    Dr Afua Twumasi, a Public Health Officer, on her part, advised citizens to wash their hands with soap under running water.

    Demonstrating how to wash the hands, she said the palm, in between the fingers, the thumbs, the nails and the back of the hands should be washed thoroughly, adding that it should be the same way sanitizers were also applied.

    COVID-19 is a family of viruses that cause illnesses ranging from common cold to more severe diseases such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS).

    These viruses were originally transmitted between animals and people.

    The symptoms include fever, cough, cold, and breathing difficulties and in more severe cases can lead to pneumonia, multiple organ failure and death.

    Health experts advise that individuals observed personal hygiene, be physically active, drink plenty of water, eat healthily, avoid stress and have enough sleep to stay safe.

     

    Source: GNA

  • Checkout this savage reply from Cassper Nyovest to a twitter user

    South African rapper, Cassper Nyovest savagely replied a tweet which may have sent the user to her grave since she failed to reply the rapper.

    @She1laSm1th, a South African twitter user seems to have high taste for luxurious things in life. She tweeted a picture of a lady in bed, waking up to see expensive shoes and bags lined up against her bed. This aroused her feelings and wished for same.

    Shs captioned the picture;

    “Dear Men, this is how you wake your WOMAN up” 😍🥰❤️💃🏽😂

    The rapper being a man as the tweet was directed to, replied with a savage comment which had the whole twitter laughing at her.

    See tweet below:

    Source: ghgossip.com

  • Nigeria records third coronavirus case

    A third case of the novel coronavirus has been confirmed in Nigeria.

    “The case is a Nigerian who returned to Lagos from UK and developed symptoms during her 14-day self-isolation,” the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control announced.

    One of the previous two coronavirus cases in Nigeria later tested negative.

    “The second confirmed case who was a contact of the index case, has tested negative twice consecutively, has cleared the virus and was discharged to go home on 13th of March 2020,” the centre announced earlier.

    The only other active one is that of an Italian who travelled to Nigeria on a business trip.

    Aside from the first case, a total of 48 people have been screened for the virus in eight States, as of March 15.

    Globally there have been over 184, 000 cases and over 7,182 deaths.

     

    Source: citinewsroom 

  • Second transfer window opened despite Ghana league suspension over coronavirus

    Ghanaian clubs will get the opportunity to sign players in the transfer window despite the suspension of the league by government due to the coronavirus outbreak.

    Vice-Chairman of the Premier League Management Committee (PLMC) Jesse Agyapong stated that despite football activities suspended for the next four weeks, clubs will be allowed to sign players in the transfer window.

    The second transfer window opened on Monday March 16, 2020 with clubs expected to make new additions to beef up their squad ahead when the league resumes.

    The directive from the government to suspend all public gatherings for the next four weeks meant the 2019/20 Ghana League season has been halted due to the coronavirus outbreak.

    Jesse in an interview indicated clubs will have the chance to operate during this window despite the suspension.

    “Ghana Premier league second transfer window still opens today, registration of players will go on even though GFA has suspended all football competitions,” Jesse Agyapong told Oyerepa FM.

    He further said that the league will only resume if the government lifts the ban on public gathering which is currently in place.

    “The league will not resume till the President of Ghana says otherwise or allows gathering of people. Clubs can register players at the FA because the necessary steps have being put in place,”.

    Two Premier League games involving King Faisal versus Hearts and Asante Kotoko versus Inter Allies which were to be played on Monday were postponed.

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • “Im planning to marry your father” Actress Destiny Etiko savagely replies troll

    New Nigerian internet sensation and actress, Destiny Etiko has fiercely replied to a fan who subtly trolled her over her demeanor on social media.

    Destiny Etiko razed the internet with fire after she shared very super-hot photos of her banging voluptuous body.

    A fan who although admitted she was heavily endowed quizzed her sarcastically if she has plans on settling down at all.

    She savagely gave the fan identified as @kelvin.kuwait a cheeky but savage response as she said she is planning on marrying his father.

    See the screenshot below;

    Below was her reaction to @Kelvin.kuwait.

    Source: www.ghgossip.com

  • Kwasi Appiah to engage GFA in legal tussle over unpaid salaries

    Kwasi Appiah has reportedly instructed his lawyer Thadeus Sory to take legal action against the Ghana Football Association (GFA) over his unpaid salaries.

    Kwasi Appiah is understood to owed five months of outstanding salaries by the Ghana Football Association (GFA).

    READ MORE: Watch all the goals as Great Olympics edged Liberty Prof. 2-1

    Appiah who was on a monthly salary of $35,000 will, therefore, receive accumulated salary arrears of $300,000.

    A report by Ghanasoccernet indicates that Kwesi Appiah was angered by a directive from the Ghana Football Association instructing him to return all the properties of the association which are in his possession which aided him to work as the head coach of the Black Stars.

    According to the report, he returned the items last Friday and has afterwards informed his counsel to take action against the GFA to retrieve the $300,000 owed him in salary.

    Kwesi Appiah in his second stint worked with the senior national football team of Ghana served for two years from 2017 to 2019.

    He was replaced by his assistant coach CK Akonnor in January 2020.

    Source: pulse.com.gh

  • “Send medical officers to various houses in Ghana to test for coronavirus” Shatta Wale advises

    Ghanaian reggae dancehall king, Chares Nii Armah Mensah, popularly known in showbizness as Shatta Wale has dropped an intelligent idea on how government of Ghana can combat the coronavirus outbreak in Ghana.

    Shatta Wale, on Monday night went on facebook live to add up an idea to what the government already has and it would be of great help should it be taken up. In a bid to combat the coronavirus outbreak in Ghana, the dancehall king suggested that the government deploys medical doctors and nurses to various houses in Ghana to test it citizens for the virus since a person may have and refuse to tell for the fear of being abandoned by family and friends.

    He went on to advice fans and followers on the safety measures they should follow in other to stay alive and not get killed by the virus which has already infected 6 people in the country. He advised people on the use of sanitizers, constant washing of hands under running water and desist from hanging out or attending any form of social gathering.

    Watch the video below:


    Source: ghgossip.com

  • Coronavirus: Parliament might relocate to the AICC Majority leader

    With the country currently facing challenging circumstances due to coronavirus, Majority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, has established that when it becomes necessary, parliament will move its sessions to the Accra International Conference Centre.

    This according to him will allow adequate spacing and limit excessive body contacts among MPs.

    In an interview with OkayFM, the majority leader said the idea to relocate to the Conference Centre will be considered if the coronavirus outbreak worsens.

    “We might resort to moving to the conference center. For now, it might not seem pressing but if the time comes and there is the need for us to do so, we might,” he stated.

    Meanwhile, Parliament has decided to continue sitting to legislate and perform other duties expected of it despite the suspension of all public gatherings in response to the coronavirus scare.

    The country has confirmed six cases of the COVID-19, with President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo announcing measures to curb the spread, including suspension of public gatherings for four weeks and closure of universities, senior secondary and basic schools indefinitely.

    The ban, according to the president, forms part of precautionary measures to fight the virus and prevent any more spread after the 6 confirmed cases in Ghana.

    source: ghanaweb.com

  • Great Olympics to strengthen squad before league resumes – Oloboi Commodore

    Boosted by three boardroom points, Accra Great Olympics have vowed to further invigorate their ranks by signing top notch players before the Ghana Premier League returns from coronavirus break to fight for the title.

    General Manager of the Accra-based side Oloboi Commodore, says the suspension of the league presents the best opportunity for the club to strengthen the squad so they can contest with the leaders on the table for the title.

    This comes just hours after they gained three points following a protest against Medeama that has shot them up on the league table.

    The second transfer window for the Ghana league season has been opened and Olympics have the opportunity to sign new players to strengthen their squad.

    Olympics have been inconsistent this season which has been blamed on the lack of quality players in the team.

    Commodore in an interview stated some players do not deserve to play for the club and have targeted on bringing in new players during this transfer window.

    “Following the steps taken by the Gov’t on COVID-19, we (Great Olympics) will use this opportunity to revamp the team,” Oloboi told OTEC FM.

    “The standard of some of the players doesn’t befit the club so we will change them and bring in quality and better ones.”

    Great Olympics lies 12th on the league log with 18 points before the suspension of the league.

    The Dade Boys have been awarded three points from the board room as their protest against Medeama was successful.

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • BBNaijas Mercy Eke celebrates after getting a car gift from Fan

    Big brother Naija season 4 winner Mercy Chinenye Eke is on cloud nine after being gifted with a new white Mercedes-Benz GLC 350 by a fan.

    The gift is a reward for emerging as the best-dressed female at the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards which held this past weekend.

    The person who gifted her the car is not known yet, but the reality star obviously looks so overwhelmed with joy for the Benz gift.

    See Photos Below:

    Source: ghgossip.com

  • This is why Wizkid will always miss Tiwa Savage

    Nigerian sensational singer, Tiwatope Savage, popularly known as Tiwa Savage has got heads turning with a wild kinky photo she shared on her page today.

    Regardless of the accusations levelled against her as a lesbian, the former Mavins signee and mother of one shared a model photo of herself looking smoking hot in a custom made white see through dress which reveals her white pants and and her beautifuly and artistically made bag.

    Tiwa, with her melanin skin looked like freshly chocolate just as the emoji caption suggests.

    See image below:

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    🍯🍫

    A post shared by Tiwa Savage (@tiwasavage) on

    Source: ghgossip.com

  • Ebusua Dwarfs to continue training despite ban on public gatherings

    Ebusua Dwarfs head coach Ernest Thompson Quartey says his team will still remain in camp and continue training as they fight for relegation following the suspension of the league.

    The Ghana Football Association has suspended all its competitions with immediate effect until further notice following following the directives given by the President of the Republic on Sunday.

    Dwarfs currently lie in the relegation zone with 15 points, just one point above safety after a 1-1 stalemate with Eleven Wonders in match week 15.

    “We are so worried about not getting our 3 points at home this weekend due to the suspension of the league which will definitely enhance us from our position after getting a draw at Techiman last weekend, But it paramount looking at the national interest,” coach Quartey told Kumasi based OTEC Fm.

    “This outbreak comes with a lot of advantages and disadvantages because it has brought down activities but we (Ebusua Dwarfs) will still continue with our training sessions because we have a lot to achieve.

    He added, “With or without COVID -19, we will still work harder for a proper position on the league log when it resumes but we will put in measures which will prevent our players from affecting that disease (COVID-19).”

    Source: footballghana.com

  • Don’t joke with Coronavirus – Winful Cobbinah to Ghanaians

    Black Stars midfielder Winful Cobbinah says Ghanaians should stop joking about the outbreak of coronavirus which has brought everything in the world to a stand still.

    The deadly virus has led to several events being suspended until further notice due to its rapid spread.

    Most leagues in the world have also been affected and have been postponed until at least April 3.

    The virus has taken the lives of several individuals across the world and former Hearts of Oak midfielder has disclosed that coronavirus must be taken seriously by Ghanaians.

    “I think as Ghanaians we joke a lot with very serious issues this coronavirus issue is not a joke. I have been watching some videos and reading on social media how people are circulating fake news and joking with it,” Cobbinah told Asempa FM.

    “It started in Albania here with 8 cases now we’re having more than 12 cases and is a very serious virus we shouldn’t joke about it in Ghana I think our elders should put measure to it fight it fast before it get to hands.”

    The 28-year-old, who plays for Albanian club KF Tirana, continued, “If I need anything, you just have to call the club management or the team doctors and they will provide it for, for now am really safe and we’re are praying it end early because no one is going out we’re all in room eating and sleeping since they break us.”

    Source: footballghana.com

  • “Bhimnation, Sarknation and Shatta movement are together in fighting coronavirus” Shatta Wale

    Dancehall King Shatta Wale has disclosed that his camp (Shatta Movement), Bhimnation and Sarknation which are owned by colleague dancehall artiste, Stoneboy and Sarkodie respectively are together in fighting the deadly coronavirus in Ghana.

    He took to social media to make this public through his facebook handle where he went live, advising the fans and followers of various artiste to come together to fight the deadly coronavirus pandemic which has taken over the world since it broke out in China in January.

    He went on to advice people to follow and respect the health measures put in place to curb the virus. He charged them to constantly wash their hands, keep distance from people wether a victim or not and stay indoors.

    Watch the video below:

    Source: ghgossip.com

  • Karela United to sack coach Enos Adepah

    Karela United head coach Enos Adepah is facing a sack following poor run of results in the on-going 2019/20 Ghana Premier League, according to reports in the local media.

    The Aiyinase-based club are currently 17th on the league table with 11 points after 15 matches played thus far.

    Both the management and the supporters of the club are not happy with the performance of coach Adepah’s side, having won only two, drawn five and lost eight matches in the process.

    The management of the club will hold a crucial meeting in the coming days to to decide on the fate of the former Wa All Stars FC.

    Coach Adepah penned a two-year deal with Karela United prior to the start of the 2019/20 new season football season, having led Wa All Stars to win their first-ever Ghana Premier League title in 2016.

    Source: footballghana.com

  • Video: Pascaline Edwards discloses reasons why she is missing in movies

    When was the last time you saw actress Pascaline Edwards in a movie?

    Well, Pascaline Edwards has attributed her recent absence in movies to producers in the industry sidelining her.

    According to , Pascaline Edwards many of the producers have failed to pay her over the years, hence she developed an aggressive method to get her money something she says they dislike. She disclosed this and more in an interview with Joy News.

    Here is the video

    Source: ghgossip.com

  • Coronavirus will vanish from Earth by March 27, 2020 TB Joshua prophesies

    The founder of the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN), Temitope Balogun Joshua, simply known as T.B. Joshua has declared the eventual end of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) by the 27th day of March.

    The man of God made this declaration in his church on Sunday, March 15, 2020. Prophet T.B. Joshua announced the complete vanishing of the virus all by itself.

    TB Joshua who is famous for making several prophetic declarations said the antidote for the virus is not vaccine or pills.

    He said:

    “I came out at the beginning of this year saying last year will end in March and the year will continue to be very fearful till this month [March]. This month 27th, it will be over. By the end of this month, whether we like it or not no matter the medicine they might have produced to cure whatever, it will go the way it came,” T.B. Joshua declared, adding: “If it is not a medicine that brought this to the world, medicine cannot take it out. It will go the way it came.”

    Watch Video Below:

  • Kotoko settle indebtedness to former coach Kjetil Zachariasen

    Kumasi Asante Kotoko have reportedly paid their indebtedness to former coach Kjetil Zachariasen after a ruling by the Player and Coaches Status Committe of the GFA.

    The coach’s agent, Charles Kouadio has confirmed they have received a cheque from Kumasi Asante Kotoko for the payment of the monies owed their former employee.

    The club were ordered by the Player and Coaches Status Committee to pay their former coach Kjetil Zachariasen an amount of $12,425 and GH¢660 in monies owed their former trainer.

    It involves his signing on fees owed him by the club, an outstanding winning bonus of $1,5000, telephone bills, miscellaneous payment and GH 660 cedis owed him as money used in replacing the battery of his official vehicle.

    Zachariasen dragged Asante Kotoko before the Player and Coaches Status Committee after he was sacked by the management of the club after poor results in the African Inter club competitions last year.

    The Norwegian was seeking compensation for his unfair dismissal by the club but that was brushed away by the committee instead instructing the club to pay him monies due him such as signing on fees and other cost he incurred while coach of the club.

    Kotoko had 14 days to settle their indebtedness to the Norwegian trainer from the day of the ruling which was on the 28th February 2020.

    Source: ghanaguardian.com

  • Store more water, were having challenges GWCL

    The Management of Ghana Water Company Limited has indicated through a statement that it is experiencing some challenges with water supply in Accra and most cities during this high demand period.

    It has, therefore, admonished consumers to increase storage of water while it is flowing through their taps, so in the event of low pressures or no flow, consumers can resort to their storage.

    A statement issued by the company said: “it must be emphasized that during this period of the coronavirus pandemic, citizens are advised to wash hands regularly under running water. With the erratic flow in some areas, consumers are advised to use improvised receptacles like the “Veronica Bucket” in the washing of hands and dispose of the dirty water immediately after”.

    ” A number of consumers who resort to the use of treated water for keeping lawns green, for commercial washing of vehicles, etc. are also advised to desist from that, since these practices reduce the pressures in the pipelines, thereby causing low pressure and no flow in some areas, especially areas located in high elevations,” the statement added.

    Source: mynewsghana.net

  • Pay me my money – Kwasi Appiah barks at GFA

    Former Black Stars Head, Coach Kwesi Appiah, is demanding for his unpaid salary arrears of $175,000 from the Ghana Football Association (GFA), according to reports.

    Appiah was on a $35,000 monthly salary and was owed in arrears for five months amounting to $175,000 before his contract expired in December 2019.

    The report further states that Kwesi Appiah has written to the Ghana FA through his Lawyer for payments to be done.

    The Ghana Football Association earlier on wrote to the ex-Black Stars coach to hand over all properties given to him during this tenure as head coach of the national team.

    Appiah has returned the official car giving to him by the government to the Ghana FA but is yet to return the keys to his residence.

    Source: happyghana.com

  • Chelsea willing to pay Partey’s release clause

    English Premier League club Chelsea are willing to fork out the 50 million euro release clause for Atletico Madrid midfielder Thomas Partey, footballghana.com can authoritatively report.

    The 26 year old has put a number of impressive performances this season and has attracted the attention of European giants including Real Madrid and Arsenal.

    Chelsea are now very eager to bring him to London and see him as the perfect player to take the club forward. This has brought some concerns for Los Rojiblancos who are currently negotiating an extension for the player and will be forced to speed things up to keep him.

    His current contract ends in June 2023. He has been key to Simeone’s plans this season, playing 38 matches across all competitions.

    Source: footballghana.com

  • Coronavirus: Louis Vuitton owner to start making hand sanitiser

    Louis Vuitton owner LVMH will use its perfume production lines to start making hand sanitizer to protect people against the coronavirus outbreak.

    The luxury goods maker says it wants to help tackle a nationwide shortage of anti-viral products across France.

    “These gels will be delivered free of charge to the health authorities,” LVMH announced on Sunday.

    France has now seen 120 deaths from the coronavirus as the pandemic spreads.

    “LVMH will use the production lines of its perfume and cosmetic brands… to produce large quantities of hydroalcoholic gels from Monday,” LVMH said in a statement.

    The factories normally produce perfume and makeup for luxury brands like Christian Dior and Givenchy.

    The French luxury conglomerate also owns well-known brands such as champagne maker Moet & Chandon, watchmaker Tag Heuer and jeweller Bulgari.

    “LVMH will continue to honour this commitment for as long as necessary, in connection with the French health authorities,” the company said.

    France has closed its restaurants, cafes and non-essential stores in an effort to combat the virus, which has infected an estimated 165,000 people and killed more than 6,000 worldwide.

    Governments across the world have called on manufacturers to help make products that are running low during the virus outbreak.

    UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is due to ask UK engineering firms on Monday to shift production to build ventilators for the NHS.

    In China, at the peak of its coronavirus outbreak in February, electronics giant Foxconn switched some of its production from Apple iPhones to make surgical masks.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Quamina MP’s full freestyle on Tim Westwood catches fire after ‘rushed’ backlash

    Ground Up Chale act Quamina MP was subjected to vehement backlash and mockery by some music enthusiasts after snippets of his freestyle session on Tim Westwood TV hit online. Days after the public ridicule, the full video has been released and it does appear the youngster would need more muscles to carry the praises heaped on him.

    The full video which was made public on March 13, 2020 had as at press time garnered 21,588 views and 293 comments with virtually every commenter hailing the artiste for nailing the beat.

    “Goosebumps all over me. Quamina killed it,” said a viewer; with another saying: “My guy, you spoil there. You too much.”

    Some expressed shock and disappointment over the decision to slam Quamina MP. They argued that critics should have waited for the full video to make informed judgment than jabbing the singer after watching just a snippet.

    “Herh Ghana people dey talk oo!! See how the guy spoil der,” a comment read.

    “I heard he flopped so I decided to check it out myself and am like ah I don’t get it cos he did very well,” another read.

    The Tim Westwood platform has over the years seen Sarkodie, M.anifest and other Ghanaian artistes display their prowess.

    In 2011, Sarkodie proved his mettle with a 4-minute freestyle on the channel. His lyrical dexterity was flawless, the flow was simply incredible, his swag and attitude on point!

    Fast-forward to 2019, M.anifest, in an all-black apparel pounced on a beat served him and delivered a supercalifragilisticexpialidocious rap punctuated with puns and metaphor.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Meningitis kills 18 persons in Upper West in 10 weeks

    Eighteen (18) persons have been confirmed dead as result of meningitis in the Upper West Region in the last Ten (10) weeks, officials of the Ministry of Health have disclosed.

    The Regional Disease Control Officer, Madam Justina Zoyah-Diedong disclosed that out of the total number of deaths recorded, there were 137 suspected cases a decline in the number compared to the previous year.

    She blamed the high cases to the geographical location of the region adding that the high and unpredictable temperatures that are recorded throughout the year is another factor that makes the region susceptible to Meningitis.

     Other factors are overcrowding in rooms, low ventilations as well as the long dry and dusty season the region experiences.

    As part of the activities to reduce the incidence of Meningitis, Madam Zoyah-Diedong mentioned that health workers sensitized community members on the need for early reporting of cases to health facilities. There have also been ongoing engagements about Meningitis at the OPDs of the health facilities.

    Despite these measures, the Regional Disease Control Officer mentioned that community resident still report cases to the health facilities. There were also low turnouts to the communities durbars organised by the health staff as well as the challenge of inadequate funding.

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Source:MyNewsGh.com

  • Medeama reject ‘bogus’ GFA decision

    Medeama have rejected a decision from the Ghana Football Association docking the club points for fielding an unqualified player during a league match against Great Olympics, vowing to fight the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sports.

    In a strongly worded statement issued on Monday, the club has vowed to master all the resources at their disposal to seek justice.

    The Disciplinary Committee of the Ghana FA ruled that star forward Nana Kofi Babil was ineligible to play after receiving accumulated three yellow card.

    “We reject the decision of the Disciplinary Committee and will fight the matter to its logical conclusion,” a statement on the club’s website read.

    “We are scandalized by the decision to award boardroom points to our opponents and will not rest until the well deserved points accrued on the football pitch is restored.

    “The club has initiated processes to file an appeal against the bogus and ridiculous decision and will exhaust the internal legal channels.

    “The club will also explore other options including seeking justice at the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS).

    “We stand by our argument and will take the appropriate action to ensure the final outcome is favourable for the cub.

    “We would like to urge our supporters to remain calm as we fight this legal battle.

    “The battle has just started for our local game and the club will fight this case with every resource at our disposal.”

    The latest ruling has ruffed feathers and could spark a wave of legal battle against the FA.

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • Coronavirus: Germany latest country to close borders

    Germany has become the latest country to close borders as European nations try to stem the spread of the coronavirus.

    Its borders with France, Austria and Switzerland were shut on Monday morning, except for commercial traffic.

    France is considering more stringent lockdowns, with its health chief saying the situation is “deteriorating fast”.

    Latest World Health Organization (WHO) figures list 164,000 confirmed cases and 6,470 deaths worldwide.

    However, last week it said Europe was now the “epicentre” of the virus and urged governments to act aggressively to control the spread of the Covid-19 disease.

    Leaders of the G7 nations are to hold a video conference on Monday to discuss a joint response to the coronavirus pandemic.

    Central banks around the world, including the US Federal Reserve and those in the UK, Japan, Canada, and Switzerland have cut interest rates and taken other measures to try to curb the economic turmoil, but stock markets in Asia and Europe still fell.

    The EU’s Internal Market Commissioner Thierry Breton said a recession was now expected, with a 2-2.5% negative growth.

    Airlines are also continuing to slash flights as demand slumps.

    Why and how has Germany acted?

    Germany had tried to resist closing its borders, to try to keep the Schengen agreement on free travel between European countries working, but traffic crossing the borders with the three neighbors and also Luxembourg will now be restricted to goods and work commuters.

    The aim is to stem the spread of the virus but also to curtail cross-border panic-buying, German media reported.

    Only the borders with the Netherlands and Belgium are as yet unaffected.

    Schools in Germany were closed on Monday, while Berlin over the weekend shut all clubs, bars, and fitness centers. Large gatherings nationwide are banned.

    One of the most powerful states, Bavaria, declared an emergency, closing all leisure facilities and restricting the activities of restaurants and cafes.

    German tourism giant TUI said on Monday it was suspending most of its operations and asked for state aid.

    Germany now has close to 5,000 confirmed cases of coronavirus, and 12 deaths.

    Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Heiko Maas responded to reports that US President Donald Trump wanted to buy exclusive access to a potential vaccine developed by a German biotech firm, saying: “We cannot allow others to seek exclusive results.”

    What are the other restrictions in Europe?

    Germany’s neighbors such as Poland, the Czech Republic, and Denmark have already closed borders or introduced severe restrictions.

    But there are a vast amount of travel restrictions inside many countries.

    Spain and Portugal have agreed to restrict tourism travel over their shared border, allowing only goods and workers to cross.

    Spain imposed a partial lockdown on its 47 million inhabitants on Saturday, as part of a 15-day state of emergency. People are barred from leaving home except for buying essential supplies and medicines, or for work.

    It is also considering closing all its borders and expects the 15-day emergency period will be extended.

    Portugal has a state of alert, although its confirmed cases of 112 are far below Spain’s 5,753, according to WHO figures.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Why I cursed FDA officials Afia Schwarzenegger

    Television personality and Comedienne, Afia Schwarzenegger has finally opened up on why she cursed all officials of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA)

    Afia Schwarzenegger in a video last week rained curses on all workers of the Food and Drugs Authority with blindness and failure in all their endeavours.

    Speaking on Accra-based Neat FM monitored by MyNewsGh.com, Afia mentioned that she cursed the authority because they took away food from her mouth.

    “I cursed the FDA because they told a client I work with that if he stops working with me, they will cancel the GHC25,000 fine he’s supposed to pay”.

    She indicated that when the individual told the FDA that he had stopped working with her, the authority truly cancelled the fine; an indication that they want to deprive her a source of livelihood.

    Source: mynewsgh.com

  • Coronavirus: Most airlines could be bankrupt by May 2020, $50bn bailout needed

    Global aviation is shutting down because of the coronavirus outbreak and travel restrictions designed to contain it, and many airlines will need government bailouts within weeks or face bankruptcy.

    Airlines across the world are grounding planes, laying off workers and scrambling to preserve cash as measures to contain the outbreak prompt flight bans and wipe out global travel demand.
    The three biggest global airline alliances, oneworld, SkyTeam and Star Alliance, urged governments to “evaluate all possible means” to assist the industry. They represent more than 58 of the world’s leading carriers. Some European airlines have already issued urgent appeals for help.
    According to CAPA Centre for Aviation, a consultancy, most airlines in the world will be bankrupt by the end of May unless governments intervene. “Coordinated government and industry action is needed — now — if catastrophe is to be avoided,” the firm said in a report published Monday. “Cash reserves are running down quickly as fleets are grounded, and what flights there are operate much less than half full,” it added.
    Everything travelers need to know about coronavirus
    The scale of the deepening crisis was underscored Monday when Europe’s biggest low-cost carrier, Ryanair (RYAAY), said that it will ground most of its fleet over the next seven to 10 days.
    “In those countries where the fleet is not grounded, social distancing restrictions may make flying to all intents and purposes, impractical, if not, impossible,” the airline said, adding that it now expected to reduce seat capacity by 80% for April and May, and could not rule out complete grounding of its fleet of 470 planes.
    “The demand for international air travel is essentially non-existent,” Scandinavian Airlines said Sunday.
    Lufthansa (DLAKY), which owns national carriers in Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Belgium, said the group’s airlines are in discussions with their respective governments about “receiving active government support should this become necessary.” One of its subsidiaries, Austrian Airlines, is temporarily suspending all flights starting March 19.

    Sweeping capacity cuts

    Most of the world’s biggest airlines have announced dramatic reductions to schedules and have idled hundreds of planes. Employees have been asked to take voluntary unpaid leave, while senior executives take pay cuts, in the face of the worst aviation crisis in history.
    American Airlines (AAL) said Saturday it would reduce its international capacity by three quarters between March 16 and May 6. United Airlines said it will be cutting capacity in half for April and May, while Delta (DAL) is reducing capacity by 40% in the next few months — the largest cut in the company’s history. Delta is down to just one flight a day on five European routes.
    Governments are now facing calls from airlines for financial assistance.
    The US airlines’ trade group made an appeal for a federal bailout worth about $50 billion on Monday.
    It is a stunning reversal from less than a week ago when top executives at an investor conference on March 10 insisted they were not counting on a federal help. But that was before President Donald Trump banned travel from most of Europe, the United Kingdom and Ireland, as well as a sharp decline in domestic air travel in the United States.
    Virgin Atlantic, which has asked staff to take two months unpaid leave, said in a statement Monday that the United Kingdom’s aviation sector alone will need government support of between £5 billion and £7.5 billion ($6.1 billion and $9.2 billion).
    Heavily indebted budget carrier, Norwegian Air said Friday that it needed urgent help from government to strengthen its cash position. “We welcome the fact that the government has decided to remove aviation taxes in Norway, but sadly, this is not enough as we’re in a very demanding situation at the moment,” it said in a statement, asking government to ramp up its response.
    The company said Monday that it will “gradually cancel” most of its flights and temporarily lay off 90% of its workforce, or about 7,300 people.
    “European aviation faces a precarious future and it is clear that coordinated government backing will be required to ensure the industry survives,” Johan Lundgren, CEO of low-cost carrier EasyJet (ESYJY)said in a statement Monday.
    The International Air Transport Association said last week that airlines will need “emergency measures to get through the crisis,” urging governments to consider extending lines of credit, reducing infrastructure costs and easing taxes.
    IATA CEO Alexandre de Juniac has previously raised the possibility of direct government bailouts for airlines, similar to what took place in the United States after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, when the US federal government approved $5 billion in direct support and $10 billion in loan guarantees for the industry.
    Tens of thousands of airline jobs are at risk as travel plunges
    Labor unions on both sides of the Atlantic are pleading for governments to step in. United’s pilots union said Sunday there will be a “call to action” this week to ask the US administration to help, while Britain’s pilots union said without “significant government support now there may not be a UK aviation industry left.”
    There are about 460,000 jobs in the US airline industry, according to the Labor Department, and most of these are well paid with healthy benefits.
    Britain’s biggest labor union on Monday appealed to British Prime Minister Boris Johnson to implement an “urgent comprehensive financial package” to cover worker pay and extend loans to airlines and airports, or “tens of thousands of jobs” would be at risk.
    When deciding on which carriers to prioritize, governments in Europe will need to consider which airlines play a vital function in the economy, Bernstein analyst Daniel Roeska said Monday. These are more likely to be the legacy carriers than budget airlines, which are focused mostly on leisure travel, he added.
    British Airways parent, IAG (ICAGY) was unlikely to approach government for support, given its strong cash position, Roeska said.
    CAPA Centre for Aviation said the nature of the crisis required a global, coordinated response but said it believed that was unlikely to happen.
    “It will consist mostly of bailing out selected national airlines. If that is the default position, emerging from the crisis will be like entering a brutal battlefield, littered with casualties,” the firm said.
    — Eoin McSweeney and Chris Isidore contributed reporting.

  • Right Alliance Africa calls on EC to stop compilation of voters register amidst COVID-19 crisis

    Right Alliance Africa as a matter of urgency is calling on the Electoral Commission (EC) to suspend plans to conduct the new Biometric Voters Register which slated to take place from 18 April in the wake of the pandemic coronavirus.

    On Thursday, March 12 2020, the Ghana Health Service announced to the general public the first two confirmed cases of Coronavirus (COVID 19) in the country.

    The notice was accompanied by advice to the general public to avoid gatherings and any crowded places as well as to take precaution to avoid contracting the virus which is very contagious.

    Earlier on Sunday, 15th March, 2020, at 1.00 pm, at a press conference held by the Ministry of Information, it was announced that there have been 100 suspected cases of coronavirus recorded within the past three days with 6 of the cases having been confirmed. It was also confirmed that one of the cases of the virus concerns a University of Ghana student.

    The EC biometric registration exercise is a public health concern at this time of the COVID-19 crisis. Public gathering has been banned and we have been admonished by the health authority to avoid bodily contact with people.

    The conduction of the new biometric voters’ register will not inure to the health safety of the registrants since it would entail the public to gather, queue to register as voters, and they would have contacts with the Biometric Voters Register (BVR) device which might be infected with the virus.

    We are on this note calling on the EC to take precaution to suspend the plans to conduct the new Biometric Voters Register until government brings the COVID-19 under control and prevention.

    Issue by Right Alliance-Africa

    Michael Sumaila Nlasia (Director of Communication): 0548455071

    Simon Agbovi (Executive Secretary): 0506264685

    Source: Right Alliance-Africa

  • One suspected coronavirus case recorded in Weija Gbawe

    A suspected case of Covid-19 has been recorded at the Akawey government hospital annex in the Weija Gbawe Municipality.

    Health officials say the individual a 38 year old Ghanaian national returned from the United Kingdom on March 6, 2020, with symptoms similar to coronavirus patient.

    Speaking to Kingdom News in an interview Dr. Cynthia Lamptey Deputy Director of nursing services for the hospital indicated that the patient has been quarantined and will be transferred to a bigger facility for further test.

    She disclosed this to the media when the NDC parliamentary candidate for Weija Gbawe constituency donated hand sanitizers, detours, tissues, and other antiseptics to the hospital today.

    Moreover, the NDC parliamentary candidate for Weija Gbawe constituency Hon Nii Ayaa Ayison explained his motive behind the donation.

    He has used the opportunity to sensitize the general public to be extra careful and put proper measures in place to prevent the coronavirus.

    Source: kingdomfmonline.com

  • You can’t threaten journalists – Oscar Doe slams Oppong-Nkrumah

    Renowned businessman, HRH Oscar Yao Doe has lampooned the information minister, Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah for threatening journalists over their coverage of the coronavirus scourge in the country.

    Reports quoted the minister saying that the government will deal drastically with journalists and persons who will publish fake news with the intention of creating fear and panic.

    During an interview on Peace FM’s ‘Kokrokoo’ program. He said anyone who will be caught in such an act will not be spared. This follows six confirmed cases of COVID-19 recorded in Ghana.

    HRH Doe said rather than the government engaging the media in creating a mass awareness and mobilization against the scourge, the minister was exhibiting arrogance against practitioners of the industry. This, he said, is typical of the Akufo-Addo administration, whereby public-office holders see themselves as bigger than the country.

    He however, advised Mr Oppong-Nkrumah to retract his statements and tender an apology to the Ghana journalists’ association. Read his full statement below.

    “Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah, stop your arrogance. Who are you to threaten journalists? How old were you when Ghana entered the first republic in 1992? You were also a journalist a few years ago at Joy FM and now you are acting as if you are above the laws of Ghana. Is it because many of Akuffo-Addo’s appointees have gotten away with galamsey-booty crimes? Ghana is bigger than anyone! Show respect.

    It’s very annoying to see “some” of our political leaders refusing to show respect to Ghanaians in comparison to global norms and examples, How (do we then) develop our democracy and economy.

    It has become a common trend among most these public office holders whose actions are (only) based on what benefits them today. They don’t act for our collective interest or the future.

    Many developed countries of the world like the USA, Italy, France, Spain, Etc are going through a very difficult moment currently with severe pains on many families even more than the situation in Ghana and yet, the authorities are relying rather on the media to raise public awareness. But in Ghana our ‘do nothing’ Information Minister, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah feels he has become so powerful and he is rather warning journalists and teaching them how they should do their work. This is an abusive comment that he should retract immediately and render apology to GJA.

    Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah, you cannot threaten Ghana’s hardworking journalists. They are not cowards”.

    Source: peacefmonline.com

  • Dr Duncan, the Ghanaian who claims he has potential cure for Covid-19

    Professor Samuel Duncan, a Ghanaian doctor has claimed that COA FS, a drug he produced has the potency to cure sufferers of coronavirus.

    Although his claim is yet to be affirmed scientifically, Prof. Duncan reinforced COA FS is a potential cure for coronavirus in an interview with GHOne News.

    COA FS is said to be working perfectly on a few patients that got infected with the coronavirus in China.

    Dr. Duncan claims that his drug cured two patients in China who were on the verge of dying after getting infected with the disease but recovered in just five days after administering the organic supplement.

    He called on the World Health Organization (WHO) to open their doors and test his medication to determine the potency of his home-made product.

    Professor Duncan wants the global community to conduct a trial test for his organic supplement and injection as a potential cure for COVID-19.

    Already, fifty boxes of the product have been sent to China following a request by a Chinese national who knows about the drugs.

    GHOne News reported that in the last two weeks the supplement has helped a number of COVID-19 sufferers in China.

    Professor Samuel Duncan said the supplement supports the human immune system which enables their recovery.

    Meanwhile, YEN.com.gh previously reported that just as this latest married couple, 2020 has kicked off as a very wonderful and memorable year for some people as they tied the knot with their ”soul mates” in blissful nuptials.

    And images from the traditional marriage of a couple that have surfaced online are warming hearts. The bride, Biney, shared a series of photos online and revealed she married her bestie.

    Biney and her sweetheart tied the knot in a beautiful traditional marriage on February 8, 2020 in Accra and gorgeous images of her styled in stunning African print evokes blissful nostalgia.

    With nearly visible trembling lips showing in the pictures, Biney who was overwhelmed by love got married to her prince with her heart full of joy.

    source: yen.com.gh

  • COVID-19: Lawrence Tetteh, Wengham want ban on churches gathering rescinded

    A host of pastors have called on President Akufo-Addo to reconsider his decision to pull the breaks on gatherings at churches as a precaution against the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19).

    Leading the charge are Rev. Wengham of the Cedar Mountain Chapel, East Legon Assemblies of God and Dr. Lawrence Tetteh of the Worldwide Miracle Outreach.

    Rev. Wengham believes a ban on church activities in the country is bound to have an impact on the finances of churches.

    According to him, the payments of tithes and offerings of the members of various churches will be greatly affected by the ban.

    “It’s going to affect us seriously because how are we going to pay the bills?,” Rev Wengham lamented un an interview with Accra-based Citi FM.

    Meanwhile, Dr Lawrence Tetteh also called on the President to rescind his decision to ban gatherings at churches and mosques.

    In his view, the government must make use of religious leaders, since they are the best persons to sensitize the public on the coronavirus pandemic.

    Dr Tetteh said members of the public are more likely to listen to advise from religious leaders than politicians.

    “…We have to get a place where we can get church leaders to sensitise their followers and the congregation. Instead of closing the churches, mosques for now, which for us as a nation is the best medium where we can get the information across, he should rather sensitise our congregation, get our mindset transformed and get a broadminded approach to this thing,” he told Ghanaweb.

    This comes after President Akufo-Addo announced a ban on all public gatherings for the next four weeks.

    The announcement came just hours after the government announced that the number of coronavirus cases in Ghana has increased from two to six.

    source; YEN.COM.GH

  • James Bond actress says she has coronavirus

    A former Bond girl has announced she has been diagnosed with coronavirus.

    Olga Kurylenko, who starred as Camille Montes opposite Daniel Craig in the 2008 James Bond film “Quantum of Solace,” shared the news Sunday on her official Instagram account.

    The Ukranian born star who rose from being a model to appearing on television and in movies including “Magic City” and “The Man Who Killed Don Quixote,” wrote that she is “Locked up at home after having tested positive for Coronavirus.”

    “I’ve actually been ill for almost a week now. Fever and fatigue are my main symptoms,” Kurylenko wrote in the caption of a photo which showed a partial view through a window. 

    “Take care of yourself and do take this seriously!”Hollywood has not been spared the pandemic sweeping the world.

    Oscar-winning actor Tom Hanks announced last week that he and his wife, actress and singer Rita Wilson, had been diagnosed with the virus.

    The pair were diagnosed while in Australia for work and have been quarantined in that country since.

     

    Source: CNN

  • Coronavirus: Suspend cases involving prisoner movement Judicial Service to courts

    The Judiciary Service has ordered the suspension of cases involving the movement of convicted and remand prisoners from the prisons to the courts.

    The service said in criminal appeals, the Courts should dispense with the appearance of the appellants who are in prison custody.

    This comes on the back of a directive by President Akufo-Addo for measures to be put in place by institutions to combat the spread of COVID-19.

    The suspension of prisoner movement to and from prison is among a number of measures put in place by the service to prevent the spread of the novel covid-19 virus

    A press release issued by the service announced that courts will practice strict case management techniques such that only parties and witnesses in cases listed to be heard on particular dates would be allowed into the courtroom to avoid large gatherings.

    “Judges and Magistrates should endeavour to adjourn cases to specific times on given dates, to limit the number of people that will be allowed into the courtroom,” the statement said.

    The statement noted: “Judges and Magistrates should only hear cases which are of extreme urgency and as far as possible, exercise great restraint in remanding accused persons, in order to avoid overcrowding the prisons and police cells.”

    “Judges and Magistrates should suspend the hearing of cases involving the movement of convicted and remand prisoners from the prisons to the Courts. In criminal appeals, the Courts should dispense with the appearance of the appellants who are in prison custody.”

     

    Source: Starrfmonline.com

  • Rise above partisanship in coronavirus fight Rex Omar urges Ghanaians

    Board chairman of Ghana Music Rights Organization (GHAMRO) Rex Omar has called on Ghanaians to desist from politicizing the spread of coronavirus and rather rally behind President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and his government in the quest to fight coronavirus.

    Rex Omar opines that it will take a collective effort to free the country from infections, hence the need for all to, as a matter of urgency, adhere to directives from government.

    In a statement issued by the organization on Monday, March 16, 2020 GHAMRO admonished members who have returned from countries that have recorded cases of coronavirus to “engage in the voluntary test exercise and the mandatory self-quarantine of 14 days as instructed” by authorities.

    As government places a ban on public gatherings including entertainment events, GHAMRO in its release urged members to comply accordingly while stating that the body will “send bulk text messages to members on a very frequent basis, informing them of new and current information as released by the Ministry of Health on the virus and the accompanied needed health titbits.”

    Declared pandemic by the World Health Organisation (WHO), coronavirus has killed more than 5,000 people, sickened over 115,000 and spread to 75 countries and regions worldwide.

    Ghana is currently faced with six confirmed cases of the widespread virus, with over 150 people having had contact with the affected persons being observed.

    President Akufo-Addo on March 15, 2020, issued a directive that all outdoor events including funerals, church activities and naming ceremonies, be suspended.

    Schools have also been asked to close down temporarily for a period of 4 weeks.

    These, according to Akufo-Addo, forms part of precautionary measures to fight the virus and prevent any more spread after the 6 confirmed cases in Ghana.

    About coronavirus

    Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). A novel coronavirus (nCoV) is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans.

    Coronaviruses are zoonotic, meaning they are transmitted between animals and people. Detailed investigations found that SARS-CoV was transmitted from civet cats to humans and MERS-CoV from dromedary camels to humans. Several known coronaviruses are circulating in animals that have not yet infected humans.

    Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death.

    Standard recommendations to prevent infection spread include regular hand washing, covering mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, thoroughly cooking meat and eggs. Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • First video of Kennedy Osei Asante in Ghana after his honeymoon hits online in the wake of coronavirus wahala Watch

    The General Manager of Despite Media, Kennedy Asante Osei and wife, Tracy Osei Asante after their lavish wedding did their possible best to remain behind the scenes when they traveled to Dubai for their simple honeymoon.

    Well, it turns out he is back into the country with his wife even though the timing might not be too right.

    The first video of Ken which has been sighted online was filmed while he was in the company of Ghanaian movie producer, Kofi Asamoah.

    The video which had the two wearing their protective gear against coming into contact with the coronavirus had the caption: “Stay Safe, Stay Protected. After a successful intercontinental multinational honeymoon, my brother @_kennedyosei is back safe and sound 😂”.

    Watch the video below

    Source: zionfelix.net

  • Italian architect Vittorio Gregotti dies of coronavirus

    Vittorio Gregotti, an architect who helped renovate the 1992 Barcelona Olympic stadium, has died at the age of 92 after catching coronavirus.

    He died in a Milan hospital on Sunday. According to local media, he died of pneumonia after having contracted Covid-19.

    Gregotti also designed a housing estate in Shanghai, China and the Merassi stadium in Genoa for the 1990s World Cup in Italy.

    Fellow Italian architect Stefano Boeri described him as a “master of international architecture” who “created the story of our culture”.

    Gregotti’s wife Mariana Mazza remains in hospital in Milan.

    Source: BBC