TIG Post

Author: Chris Kodo

  • Murder cases: No fears, Ashanti region is safe Minister assures

    The Ashanti Regional Minister Hon Simon Osei Mensah has assured that there is no cause for alarm over murder cases that have occurred in recent times in the region.

    According to the Regional Minister Hon Simon Osei Mensah, the Ashanti Regional Security Council (REGSEC) is working tirelessly to deal with armed robbers and criminals in the region.

    Since January 2019, seven women have been murdered, including a community nurse who was gang-raped and murdered last week at Ayuom in the Ashanti Region.

    The Ashanti Regional Minister Hon Simon Osei Mensah speaking to the media in Kumasi said adequate security measures have been put in place by the security agencies to protect law-abiding citizens in the region.

    The Minister explained that though the Region has recorded several cases, armed robbery, murder, and other crimes have reduced drastically with the help of the security.

    “When you start doing swoop and parading criminals, people get frightening that is why nowadays the police do not parade arrested people after swoop. The region is safe because we are putting in much effort to deal with criminals and armed robbers. The most important thing is to reduce it drastically even if we cannot eliminating it” the Minister said.

    “The crime rate in the region has reduced down as compared to the previous. The security agencies are ready to protect lives and properties in the region. There is no cause for alarm” He added.

    The Region Minister Hon Simon Osei Mensah revealed that police in the region have commenced serious investigations into murder cases that have occurred in the region especially the nurse who was allegedly murdered at Sewua.

    The Minister, however, appealed to the general public to be security-conscious and also assist the police to fight criminals and armed robbers.

    Source: kingdomfmonline.com

  • NPP was aware of Mahamas mess before assuming power Bawumia

    Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has revealed that the New Patriotic Party, prior to assuming power on January 7, 2017, was largely aware of the mess created by the previous administration led by John Dramani Mahama.

    “Let’s start at the beginning. The NPP under the leadership of Nana Akufo-Addo was largely aware of the nature of the problems that existed in the economy before we came into office. We had analysed these problems, talked about them and put forward solutions which were largely captured in our 2016 Election Manifesto,” he said at the 7th Town Hall meeting held at the Great Hall of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology(KNUST).

    Listing the problems the NPP inherited, he said, “Some of the problems that existed in the economy, many of which were worsened following the eight years of NDC government, included:

    • Declining Economic growth;
    • High Inflation rate
    • High-Interest rates
    • High exchange rate depreciation
    • High fiscal deficit
    • Rapid accumulation of debt. 12-fold increase in debt
    • Weak and collapsing financial system
    • High Unemployment
    • The NHIS was back to cash and carry.
    • Emergency healthcare system was collapsing with only 55 semi-functional ambulances in the country
    • Four years of dumsor with its costs
    • Average annual increase in electricity prices between 2010 and 2015 was 45%
    • Increases in taxes on many items
    • Freeze on public sector recruitment
    • Cuts in research allowances for lecturers
    • Abolition of teachers training allowances
    • Abolition of nurses training allowances
    • Teachers paid 3 months arrears after working for 2-3 years.
    • High Import Duties
    • Corrupt practices associated with the acquisition of passports and drivers licenses.
    • Problems renewing NHIS membership
    • Cumbersome process to clear goods at the ports.
    • Many parents could not afford school fees for their children for SHS
    • No national ID card
    • No working nationwide address system
    • Corrupt practices associated with manual court processes
    • IMF program was resorted to restore policy credibility with its attendant conditionalities.”

    Source: mynewsgh.com

  • We are using digitisation to fight corruption – Bawumia

    The Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has said the government is using digitisation to enhance the economy and reduce corruption.

    The introduction of the National ID system and Tax Identification Number are ways of fighting corruption and shore up revenue for the government at the same time, he stated.

    Dr Bawumia has also announced that there will be the introduction of a Universal QR Code next month.

    He says with the code which leverages on existing technologies, traders and businesses will be able to receive payments without a point of sale device.

    He had earlier disclosed that the government, will increase the number of registered taxpayers to at least sixteen million by the end of this year.

    Dr. Bawumia explained that this should be achieved through the transfer of all national ID numbers collated under the various card registrations to Tax Identification Numbers to track people who are yet to be captured under the tax net.

    “Currently less than 2 million people are registered to pay taxes but by the end of this year, we will start converting all the national ID numbers into tax identification numbers so you will bring people into the tax net and this is what digitisation is going to allow us to do.”

    “The introduction of a digital license and vehicle registration, online application of passport, paperless port system, online renewal of the National Health Insurance membership have actually curbed the frustrations, the petty bribery and corruption that Ghanaians face in their daily lives when they encounter these institutions.”

    Source: www,ghanaweb.com

  • FLASHBACK: Willie Roi is dead

    On Sunday, February 10, 2019, Head of Zylofon Arts Club and Music Producer, Willie Roi passed away.

    The Artists and Repertoire Manager of Zylofon Media was found dead in his apartment at Royal Richester Hotel at East Legon, with blood oozing from his mouth and nose by security personnel.

    Many suspected some foul play in his death and called for a thorough investigation.

    Family rules out suicide

    The family of the late Willie Roi debunked reports that suggested he may have died of suicide.

    Speaking to GhanaWeb off camera, some family members said they suspected Willie Roi died through heart failure.

    The deceased, according to his family was sometimes a difficult person to deal with but was never a bad person.

    Adding that, he was a free-spirited man who loved to encourage the youth in their endeavors.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Small-scale miner sues government over burnt excavators

    A small-scale miner at Abekoase in the Eastern region, Patrick Addei Danquah, has sued the government following the burning of his excavators and other mining equipment worth $1.6 million.

    Mr Danquah explained that he duly acquired a license to engage in small-scale mining but the government added him to the illegal miners (galamseyers) and burnt his equipment.

    To that end, he said on the Ghana Yensom show on Accra 100.5FM on Tuesday, 10 February 2020, that he has filed a case in court demanding a judgment debt against the state.

    Mr Danquah told show host Kwabena Prah Jnr (The Don) that partisan politics has characterised the attempt by the current government in the fight against galamsey.

    This situation, he said, was not helpful.

    “Because of politics they destroyed my equipment and excavator worth $1.6 million,” he lamented.

    “I was duly licensed to engage in small-scale mining but the government added me to the illegal ones and burnt my equipment. I’ve sued for judgment debt because I have the license to mine,” he added.

    Source: classfmonline.com

  • Ejisuman girls should be prosecuted for promoting sexual impunity and immorality- Lawyer Apaw

    Lawyer Maurice Ampaw has called for stiffer punishments for the seven female students of Ejisuman Senior High School who have been dismissed. For him, facing criminal trials for engaging and also promoting obscene behavior as well as exposing and promoting sexual impunity and immorality is the ideal sanction to have been meted.

    According to Lawyer Ampaw, there is a need to go hard on the girls for their actions which have serious criminal implications.

    He is therefore calling on the Attorney General, Police, Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection to take necessary action.

    “The girls are above the age of 13 years so they have criminal liabilities. If a child commits a crime, it is a crime…these girls have engaged in offenses against the public morales and obscenity, let the law take its course. Forget about whether or not they are preparing for their final year,” he said.

    Defending his claim, Lawyer Ampaw cited Chapter 7 of the Criminal Offences Act which notes that it is an offence against public moral and Section 280 of the Criminal Offence Act, which states that any person who publishes any material or incites obscene behavior is guilty of an offence.

    The seven students were de-boardinised following a viral video that captured them encouraging girls to sleep with men who are ready to offer them money, another girl was seen condemning girls who refuse to have sex with men.

    The disciplinary action taken by the Ghana Education Service (GES), which lead to the seven being expelled has received diverse reactions from the public.

    Lawyer Apaw speaking to GhanaWeb stated that there is a need for authorities to go all out to prevent a repeat of the situation.

    Adding that it is better for the girls to appear in court for a judge to ban them to be of good behavior rather than just de-deboardinising them. This action he believes will serve as a deterrent to other students who intend to do same.

    “De-boardinising is not the way forward, it has become a canker, the public moral has come under threat…if we fail to fight this cancer which has just started, it is spreading from one institution to another. If we do not take care, one day we will wake up and see students having open sex in schools and in their classrooms,” says Lawyer Ampaw.

     

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Free SHS is the biggest social intervention program since Independence- Dr. Bawumia

    The Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has described the government’s flagship Frèe SHS program as the biggest social intervention initiative by any government in Ghana since Independence.

    Speaking at the Government’s Town Hall Meeting in Kumasi to lay bare achievements of the Nana Akufo-Addo government in three years, Dr. Bawumia revealed that due to the success of the policy, SHS enrollment has tremendously increased by 69% i three years, leading to about 1.2m students benefiting from Free SHS .

    “The free SHS has resulted in a 69% increase in enrollment. Today, 1.2 million children are benefiting from free SHS,” Dr. Bawumia said.

    The Vice President said that providing access to secondary education to every Ghanaian child was an important concern to President Akufo-Addo and the government because developing human capital is crucial to the development of a nation, hence the government’s commitment to deliver on the Free SHS promise despite the initial challenges.

    “The empirical evidence is very persuasive that the key to economic transformation is human capital, not natural resources. This is why President Akufo-Addo has placed an emphasis of making sure that every Ghanaian child, regardless of the financial circumstances of their parent will have access to free senior high school education,” said the Vice President

    “This was a promise we made prior to the election in 2016 and one that we have fulfilled. It is the most significant social intervention introduced in Ghana since independence. We are investing and building capacity for the future of this country.”

    Dr. Bawumia said the government had initial challenges in rolling out the Free SHS due to insufficient facilities in some schools to accommodate increment in enrollment. Bent on not denying any Ghanaian child access to Free SHS education, Dr. Bawumia said, the government had to be innovative by establishing the double track system in the interim to ensure access for all, while taking steps to build more facilities.

    “We had a big challenge however. We did not have sufficient infrastructure in most schools to accommodate the increased numbers. Today, 1.2 million people are benefiting from Free SHS. The question we faced was “Whose Child Should be left at home?” In response to this challenge we introduced the double track system as a temporary solution to the problem while we construct new school infrastructure.”

    “The thinking here is akin to how churches have first, second and even third services to deal with large numbers.”

    ” There are people who say that we should have finished building the schools before introducing free SHS but I would say that it is better to educate a child even under a tree than to have them sitting at home. With that same logic we would have had to finish building all the hospitals we need before introducing the NHIS.”

    The opposition NDC has been vehement in its criticism of the double track system, but the Vice President said the NDC has not provided any alternative to double track, maintaining that without the double track system, hundreds of thousands of students who now have access to free secondary education would have been sitting at home.

    “The fact is that without the double track system, hundreds of thousands of students would not be able to access free SHS.”

    “Those who are criticizing the double track system have not been able to offer an alternative. Abolishing the double track system means abolishing free SHS as we know it. Whose child should stay at home?”

    “This is why government is investing in the construction of new infrastructure at senior high schools across the country and some schools are no longer on the double track. . The double track system will therefore be over in just a few years for all schools when the infrastructure is completed.”

    “Interestingly the Government of Kenya, facing similar challenges, has asked our Ministry of education to assist them to introduce the double track system in Kenya.”

    Dr. Bawumia added that the best government to kove the Free SHS to the next level should be the President and the government which believed in it and implemented it, not a party which criticized the policy and was pessimistic about its success.

    “We need a government that is committed to the free SHS system. A government that is prepared to commit the resources to finance it,” Dr. Bawumia said, obviously referring to President Akufo-Addo and the NPP.

    “Can we entrust the Free SHS policy to someone who did not believe in it
    in the first place? To someone who said it was a gimmick? To someone who said if he had GHC2 billion he would not spend it on Free SHS? To someone who says he would abolish double track but has no alternative to offer?

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Murder cases: No fears, Ashanti region is safe Minister assures

    The Ashanti Regional Minister Hon Simon Osei Mensah has assured that there is no cause for alarm over murder cases that have occurred in recent times in the region.

    According to the Regional Minister Hon Simon Osei Mensah, the Ashanti Regional Security Council (REGSEC) is working tirelessly to deal with armed robbers and criminals in the region.

    Since January 2019, seven women have been murdered, including a community nurse who was gang-raped and murdered last week at Ayuom in the Ashanti Region.

    The Ashanti Regional Minister Hon Simon Osei Mensah speaking to the media in Kumasi said adequate security measures have been put in place by the security agencies to protect law-abiding citizens in the region.

    The Minister explained that though the Region has recorded several cases, armed robbery, murder, and other crimes have reduced drastically with the help of the security.

    “When you start doing swoop and parading criminals, people get frightening that is why nowadays the police do not parade arrested people after swoop. The region is safe because we are putting in much effort to deal with criminals and armed robbers. The most important thing is to reduce it drastically even if we cannot eliminating it” the Minister said.

    “The crime rate in the region has reduced down as compared to the previous. The security agencies are ready to protect lives and properties in the region. There is no cause for alarm” He added.

    The Region Minister Hon Simon Osei Mensah revealed that police in the region have commenced serious investigations into murder cases that have occurred in the region especially the nurse who was allegedly murdered at Sewua.

    The Minister, however, appealed to the general public to be security-conscious and also assist the police to fight criminals and armed robbers.

    Source: kingdomfmonline.com

  • We are using digitisation to fight corruption – Bawumia

    The Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has said the government is using digitisation to enhance the economy and reduce corruption.

    The introduction of the National ID system and Tax Identification Number are ways of fighting corruption and shore up revenue for the government at the same time, he stated.

    Dr Bawumia has also announced that there will be the introduction of a Universal QR Code next month.

    He says with the code which leverages on existing technologies, traders and businesses will be able to receive payments without a point of sale device.

    He had earlier disclosed that the government, will increase the number of registered taxpayers to at least sixteen million by the end of this year.

    Dr. Bawumia explained that this should be achieved through the transfer of all national ID numbers collated under the various card registrations to Tax Identification Numbers to track people who are yet to be captured under the tax net.

    “Currently less than 2 million people are registered to pay taxes but by the end of this year, we will start converting all the national ID numbers into tax identification numbers so you will bring people into the tax net and this is what digitisation is going to allow us to do.”

    “The introduction of a digital license and vehicle registration, online application of passport, paperless port system, online renewal of the National Health Insurance membership have actually curbed the frustrations, the petty bribery and corruption that Ghanaians face in their daily lives when they encounter these institutions.”

     

    Source: rainbowradioonline.com

  • Decision to clean-up banking sector wasnt taken lightly — Bawumia

    The Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has said the decision taken by the central bank to clean-up the banking sector was carefully planned and was not done in a haste.

    Speaking at a town hall meeting in Kumasi, the Vice President explained that the nine indigenous banks had challenges that threatened the overall health of the banking sector and the Bank of Ghana was justified in its mass closure.

    He stated that the affected banks have engaged in acts that could be considered fraudulent with some procuring their licenses under fraudulent means coupled with poor corporate governance practices.

    The weak nature of these banks, he said, threatened more than 4.6 million of depositors with several jobs on the line.

    He stated that the decision taken by the Bank of Ghana protected the deposits of about 5 million depositors, while jobs were protected due to the creation of the Consolidated Bank to merge seven of the nine banks.

    He assured that depositors of the collapsed banks would receive all their locked up deposits just as directed by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

     

    Source: citibusinessnews 

  • Man ‘steals’ girlfriend’s GHC15 to win GHC4800; lady demands GHC1500

    The relationship of a man and his girlfriend is on the brink of collapsing over money the guy won from betting.

    This follows the girlfriend’s demand for a larger share of the bet win than what the man is willing to part with.

    According to a Nigerian Twitter user, @Yemihazan, who narrated the story on social media, the girlfriend visited the man at his house and decided to have her hair done.

    On her way to the saloon, she left her money, an amount of 1000 Naira (almost GHC15), on a shelf in the house.

    The boyfriend took the money and used it to stake a sports bet after which apologised to the apologised to his partner and promised to pay back.

    Days after staking the bet, it clicked and he won an amount of 322,000 Naira (almost 4,800).

    In his excitement, he told the girlfriend and she requested that he gave her 100,000 Naira (GHC1,480) because, according to her, the money which won the bet was hers.

    The guy, however, declined her request and insisted that he had only promised to pay back the money he took. Moreover, he also had plans for the money and was only willing to give her 30,000 Naira (almost GHC450).

    Dissatisfied with the decision, the lady packed out and threatened to end the relationship. She has even involved some elders in order to get the boyfriend to pay her what she demanded.

    The lady’s behaviour has put the guy who dies not want to lose her in a very serious dilemma.

    It is out of his confusion that he sought advice from @Yemihazan who also took to social media to solicit people’s opinions.

    Check out the story as narrated below:

    Yemi@Yemihazan

    Babe went to spend time at her bf’s place, left her money on a shelf, N1k and left for the saloon, bf got in took the money & played sport betting that spanned over 2 days, also apologized to her & promise to pay back, last week the last game clicked, he won N322k now…….

    511

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    Yemi
     ·

    Babe went to spend time at her bf’s place, left her money on a shelf, N1k and left for the saloon, bf got in took the money & played sport betting that spanned over 2 days, also apologized to her & promise to pay back, last week the last game clicked, he won N322k now…….

    Yemi@Yemihazan

    He was so excited and shared the news with his babe, in result, she requested for at least 100k out of it, while riding on the fact that he played with her money and that wasn’t his first time. Dude claimed he only promised to pay back 1k but he’s willing to give her 30k as he..

    58

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    Yemi
     ·
    Replying to @Yemihazan

    He was so excited and shared the news with his babe, in result, she requested for at least 100k out of it, while riding on the fact that he played with her money and that wasn’t his first time. Dude claimed he only promised to pay back 1k but he’s willing to give her 30k as he..

    Yemi@Yemihazan

    Also has plans for the money and intends boosting his business with it, she moved out and threatened to end the relationship, involved some elders from who knows where, she either gets 100k or nothing.. man is confused, he doesn’t want to lose her but…..

    54

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    Yemi
     ·
    Replying to @Yemihazan

    Also has plans for the money and intends boosting his business with it, she moved out and threatened to end the relationship, involved some elders from who knows where, she either gets 100k or nothing.. man is confused, he doesn’t want to lose her but…..

    Yemi@Yemihazan

    Clearly it seems he would now as the money issues has caused a lot, in his words he said he hasn’t seen this side of her before and he’s even scared for his life.. I will be advising him today but I need thoughts on this

    62

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  • Railway Company offers free train rides on Accra-Nsawam line

    The Ghana Railway Company has announced that it will offer free train rides on its Accra-Nsawam line between Wednesday 12th February and Friday 14th February, 2020.

    The company said the free rides come after it addressed some technical challenges with its service and conducted a test run on the line with the Ghana Railway Railway Development (GRDA), its regulator.

    The free ride service was to take place in January 2020 but it was postponed due to the challenges.

    A statement from the company noted that “GRDA has given certification for GRCL to commence passenger service on the line.”

    The train will depart from the Nsawam station to Accra to 5:45 am and depart from Accra station to Nsawam at 5:30 pm each day.

    Read excerpts of the statement below:

    The Management of Ghana Railway Company Limited (GRCL) wishes to inform the general public that it intended to run free passenger service on the Accra-Nsawam rail line last month but had to postpone it due to some technical challenges.

    After successfully addressing the technical challenges, the GRCL conducted a joint test run with Ghana Railway Railway Development (GRDA), the Regulator, to ensure the suitability of the line for passenger service.

    After the test run, GRDA has given certification for GRCL to commence passenger service on the line.

    In the light of this, GRCL will provide free passenger service from Accra to Nsawam on Wednesday 12th and 14th Friday, 2020.

    The train will depart from Nsawam station to Accra to 5:45 am and depart from Accra station to Nsawam at 5:30 pm each day.

    The general public is again being assured that the rail line has been certified by GRDA, the Regulator, that is fit for commercial operations but any problem when may crop up during the period will be quickly addressed by the GRCL engineers in the subsequent days after the free passenger service to ensure passenger safety and comfortability.

    Free rides in Takoradi

    Free passenger rides on the Takoradi to Tarkwa line that was undertaken last month was fraught with challenges including delay in the movement of the train, rough rides and shaky coaches and the derailment of a cargo coach.

     

    Source: citinewsroom 

  • Anglogold Ashanti ex-staff stage demo over delays in payment of entitlements

    Some former workers of Anglogold Ashanti, on Tuesday, poured onto the streets of Obuasi to protest delays in the release of their monies from the Heritage Fund, established over 100 years ago.

    The over 6,500 affected ex-workers are accusing the government of being adamant in listening to their concerns.

    The process to retrieve the money was initiated after the closure of the mine in 2014.

    Convener for the group, Isaac Asiedu warned that they will take action against the government if it fails to release the monies.

    “We are demonstrating to protest against the President of Ghana, Nana Addo Danquah Akufo-Addo for the delay and refusal of the payment of the Heritage Fund due members of the company following the collapse of the company. The Heritage Fund that was instituted by a British man in 1897 to benefit the workforce of the company when mining ceased operation has still not been released after the company was closed in 2014.”

    “All processes that were commenced to fully claim benefit have proved futile. The President claims to be a listening government but he is not because he has remained adamant on this issue. We the members are embarking on a demonstration through the principal streets of Obuasi. This is to enable the government to realise the intensity and frustration of its members.”

    The former employees staged a demonstration months ago over similar concerns regarding their special compensation packages.

    The former employees, who were rendered redundant between 2013 and 2014, had said about 4,000 affected ex-workers were owed between $60,000 and $125,000 depending on the number of years they served.

    However, the company subsequently indicated that it does not owe them any monies.

     

    Source: citinewsroom 

  • Majority poised to push through approval of over $990m loan for Pwalugu Dam

    The Majority in Parliament has served notice it is determined to push through the approval of the 993 million-dollar loan facility for the construction of the Pwalugu Dam Power Project.

    Speaker Prof Mike Oquaye deferred the approval of the loan following accusations by the Minority that the project has been inflated, vowing to oppose the deal.

    The Speaker, however, asked leadership to reach a consensus before its approval. First Deputy Majority Whip, Mathew Nyindam, says the government has made a strong case for the approval of the loan.

    He told Evans Mensah on a JoyNews programme PM Express, that it would not be out of place to take a second look at the deal if it was problematic.

    But he was convinced that, as it stands, “nothing has changed my mind yet. As for their simple pitching one dam against the other, that cannot convince me.”

    Mr Nyindam believes the potential saving of lives and property, improved irrigation for farms among other benefits are enough justification to see the erection of the Pwalugu dam.

    Meanwhile, members of the Minority who are alleging they are to receive the contractual agreement for a thorough examination insist, the project defies economic sense.

    A member of the Energy and Mines Committee, Kwabena Donkoh, said until thorough perusal of the document, the Minority will block any attempt by government to push through with the deal.

    According to the Pru East MP, the agreement does not make economic sense.

    “Government has openly stated that we have excess power. That same government, in doing a power project will have to take that context into account. Therefore, if you are going to generate 60mW maximum installed capacity at $366 million, we are not getting value for money,” he said.

     

    Source: myjoyonline 

  • Government to ban importation of accident and overaged vehicles into Ghana

    Government has initiated processes to pass the Customs Amendments Bill into law to regulate the importation of vehicles into Ghana.

    Mr Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, the Majority Leader and Minister of Parliamentary Affairs disclosed this in a radio interview on Okay FM, an Accra based Radio Station Tuesday morning.

    He said the decision to ban importation of accident and overaged vehicles into Ghana is to create the enabling environment and market for the many automobile companies about to establish outlets in Ghana. Not only that, he also said they are the reasons why we have so many accidents on our roads.

    Currently, overaged vehicles are allowed into the country after the payment of penalty but Government is considering a complete ban of the importation of vehicles which are 10 years old and also prevent the importation of salvaged vehicles. (Salvage vehicles are those that have been involved in an accident or vehicles that are flooded).

    German car-maker, Volkswagen, Nissan and Toyota are various vehicle manufacturing companies that have plans to set up assembling plants in Ghana to serve the Ghanaian market and other countries.

    Source: gbcghanaonline.com

  • Suspect esapes from Police Hospital

    An accused person who jumped bail and was re-arrested has managed to escape once again from the Police Hospital in Accra.

    Daily Guide learnt that the suspect, Clement Adjei Nkrumah, was being investigated over a reported case of defrauding by false pretences in the Sekondi-Takoradi metropolis but jumped bail in court and was re-arrested in Accra.

    As the accused was being sent back to Takoradi last Friday, he feigned sickness at the Takoradi-Accra lorry station in Accra.

    Detective Inspector Eric Nyame of Kwesimintsim District Police Command, who led some personnel of the CID to re-arrest him, then decided to take the suspect to the Police Hospital.

    Daily Guide learnt that immediately the handcuffs were released from his hands at the medical facility, Clement Adjei Nkrumah took to his heels and has since not been found.

    The escape of the accused person has put the hard-working Detective in trouble since Clement Adjei Nkrumah escaped allegedly under his watch.

    The Detective, according to information gathered, would be given the mandatory 10 days to look for the accused and would also be made to answer a query as to why a disciplinary action must not be taken against him for allowing the suspect to escape.

    When Daily Guide contacted the Western Regional Police Command, its Public Relations Officer, DSP Olivia Ewurabena Adiku said she also heard the story but could not give details because the alleged incident happened in Accra.

    Source: Dailyguidenetwork.com

  • Pay all locked-up deposits, investments in full as promised GPCC to govt

    The Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC) has called on the Finance Ministry, the Bank of Ghana (BoG) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), to, “without delay, take steps as promised earlier by the President, in his New Year message, to pay, in full, monies owed thousands of individual Ghanaians and institutions as a result of the financial sector cleanup“.

    In a communiqué issued by the GPCC after deliberations at the 2020 Conference of Heads of Churches and Organisations held at the Pentecost Convention Centre, Gomoa Fetteh from 4 to 7 February 2020, the Council said: “The cleanup has brought untold hardships to many Ghanaian individuals, families, businesses as well as non-profit institutions, thus, threatening the very survival of many families, especially the very vulnerable populations at the micro level”.

    “As a Council, we are willing and committed to mobilising and joining the masses on the streets to demand full payments of all locked-up funds of ordinary Ghanaians should government fail to address the issue in the shortest possible time”.

    In his Christmas message to Ghanaians last year, the President said customers of all the collapsed financial institutions banks, microfinance firms, savings & loans companies, finance houses and fund managers will have a full refund of their locked-up deposits and investments.

    “Thus far, the Ministry of Finance and the Bank of Ghana have worked together to guarantee payments of 100% of deposits of customers of the failed banks which is being done”, the President announced, adding: “I have directed the Ministry of Finance to work with the Bank of Ghana to ensure that same applies to customers of microfinance and savings and loans companies whose licences have been revoked”.

    The financial sector cleanup exercise saw the collapse of nine local banks, 347 microfinance companies, 23 savings & loans and finance houses, as well as 53 fund management companies.

    Justifying the collapse of those firms, Mr Akufo-Addo said: “We have had to take painful but necessary measures to sanitise and save the banking system a process which I know has brought discomfort to many a household”.

    “It is worthy to note, however, that the jobs of some 6,500 workers were saved as a result, instead of the 10,000 that could have been lost, in addition to the protection of funds of 4.6 million depositors”, the President added.

    Source: classfmonline.com

  • Buy drugs from unapproved sources and face my wrath Health Minister caution health facilities

    The Minister of Health, Mr. Kwaku Agyeman-Manu has warned health facilities to cease the purchase of drugs from pharmaceutical suppliers who do not belong to the framework contracting supply agreement.

    He said, the framework contracting supply agreement was initiated to minimize, reduce and completely eradicate the issues of fake and expired medications that have engulfed the health facilities.

    The minister, Mr. Agyeman-Manu gave this caution at the launch of Ghana Integrated Logistics Management Information System (GiLMIS), here in Koforidua in the Eastern Region aimed to monitor supply chain performance in Ghana.

    GILMiS is a nationwide end visibility initiative that enables decision-makers at all levels to make informed and timely decisions, data integrity, low inventory operations costs, increase management efficiencies, accurate quantification and demand planning.

    The implementation of the GiLMIS is one of the recent key reforms drive embarked upon by the Ministry of Health with support from the Global Fund to fight Tuberculosis, Aids and Malaria (GFTAM) and United State Agency for International Development (USAID), was to ensure commodity security which includes getting the right medicines and supplies in good condition whenever they are needed, strengthening health system and improving management decision making.

    Mr. Agyeman- Manu indicated that to be able to identify the suppliers of fake medication, it is imperative to have identified people to supply drugs on procurement contractual agreement.

    He said to ensure the various health facilities comply with the directive, the ministry will monitor the various facilities to inquire where they purchase their drugs, adding that the Ministry of Health will not hesitate to deal with anyone who fails to comply with the directive.

    He indicated that one of the principles of the transformation agenda was to leverage on the availability of modern renovations, technology, and information management system to provide end to end visibility and facilitate access to quality supply chain data.

    “This will lead to the supply chain environment capable of moving Ghana towards the attainment of health-related sustainable development goal including universal health coverage”, he said.

    For his part, the Deputy Eastern Regional Minister, Mr. Samuel Nuertey Ayertey said the Ministry of Health as part of its broader mandate of improving the quality of health of all people living in Ghana has the responsibility of upholding the vision to reduce inequalities in access to healthcare, increase health coverage, and ensure provision of effective healthcare services aimed at achieving a healthier national population.

    He added the key component of which is providing access to essential medicines through an efficient public health supply chain.

    Mr. Nuertey Ayertey was hopeful that these reforms fully implemented will ultimately impact on quality of healthcare delivery service, management decision-making and supply chain performance improvement thus reducing stock-outs, expiries, wastage and lowering inventory operation costs.

    Source: Mybrytfmonline.com 

  • Seek professional help for all cosmetic surgeries – Plastic surgeon urges Ghanaians

    The Head of the Plastics Surgery Unit at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Dr Paa Ekow Hoyte-Williams, has appealed to Ghanaians, particularly women who want to enhance their physique through plastic surgery, to consult qualified personnel for the procedure.

    He said there were a lot of people in the system posing as cosmetic surgeons, performing and injecting people with all sorts of steroids which in the long run deformed their clients.

    He said the unit had recorded three of such cases where quack surgeons had injected women who wanted to enhance their buttocks with substances that rather deformed them.

    “I do not know of any drug or injection that you can inject into the buttocks for it to become big,” he said.

    Hope

    In an interview with the Daily Graphic, Dr Hoyte-Williams said there was still hope for such people as the unit could salvage the situation.

    He said there were surgical ways of enhancing the buttocks and not through any injection, and asked the public to be wary of where they went for such procedures.

    According to him, there were well qualified doctors in the country and at KATH to perform all sorts of cosmetic and aesthetic surgeries to make people feel good about themselves.

    He said the unit performed both reconstructive and aesthetic surgeries and asked those in need of such services to always seek professional assistance.

    However, he said there was the need for people desiring to have one procedure or the other to know the pros and cons of it before deciding.

    Education

    Consequently, Dr Hoyte-Williams said the unit would be organising a public forum dubbed: “KATH International Breast and Aesthetics Surgery” from yesterday, February 10, 2020 to educate the public on cosmetic surgeries.

    “We want the public to know what cosmetic surgery is about and what it is not,” he said.

    He said the forum would focus on reconstructive breast surgery for those who had lost their breasts through cancer and also those who wanted to give their breasts a facelift.

    “Aesthetic breast surgery is a surgery that enhances the look of the breast and builds the confidence of the individual,” he said.

    According to him, one could have a surgery to increase or reduce the size of the breast and even lift the breast.

    Promotion

    Dr Hoyte-Williams said the unit would be running a special promotion for those who would want to have breast surgeries, especially “those who want their breasts to be increased or want the breast to stand firm”.

    He, thus, called on all those who sought these services to take advantage of the promotion and book for their procedure.

     

    Source: Graphic.com.gh

  • Current referees performing better – Alex Kotey

    A Ghanaian retired FIFA referee has praised current Ghanaian referees for improving their performance in recent times.

    Mr. Alex Neequaye Kotey, gave this appraisal after week 8 of the Ghana premier league.

    He said, “their performance is better now than previously”.

    Mr. Alex Kotey revealed this in an interview with Paul Napoleon Agyeman on Top Sports yesterday February 6, saying “it is so far so good based on their recent performance in the Ghana premier league”.

    Alex Neequaye Kotey who was adjudged the best referee for the year 2006 by the Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) appealed for support from the public to aid the referees bring out their best performance during match officiating.

    He was also selected among the referees who officiated Africa Cup of Nation 2008 in Ghana where he officiated the group stage match between Senegal and South Africa. He also officiated three (3) matches in 2010 World Cup qualifiers.

    Source: topfmonline.com

  • PLAYBACK: Bawumia’s Town Hall Meeting on government’s performance

    Vice President, Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia is today, addressing citizens at a Town Hall meeting in Kumasi.

    He is expected among other things to speak to issues regarding development in the country.

    Themed “Demonstrating fulfillment of our promises”, Dr. Bawumia will hear from attendants their concerns, and take questions alike, after addressing of course, major achievements this government administration has achieved since it began its office.

    Watch a livestream of the program here

     

     

     

  • Chinese nurses heading to Wuhan are shaving their heads to treat coronavirus patients because long hair can spread the disease

    • Having no hair achieves a few things: it prevents the infection from spreading via exposed hair, and also makes it easier to put on and take off protective gear.
    • Time pressure for medical staff in Wuhan is extreme, and saving even a few minutes a day is seen as worthwhile.
    • Extreme measures being taken include wearing adult diapers instead of taking bathroom breaks.
    • Visit Business Insider’s homepage for more stories .

    Chinese nurses are voluntarily shaving their heads to reduce the risk of cross-contamination while fighting the coronavirus at hospitals in Wuhan.

    Shaved heads are just one example of sacrifices medical staff are making as they head to the front line of the epidemic.

    As of Tuesday morning local time, the novel coronavirus, formally known as 2019-nCoV, has killed more than 1,000 people and infected nearly 43,000.

    A video posted by the People’s Daily China, the country’s largest newspaper, shows nurses from the Shaanxi province shaving their heads before shipping out to Wuhan.

    As well as cutting down on the potential spread of pathogens, having no hair also makes the process of putting on and taking off protective hazmat suits easier, according to a video posted by China’s official Xinhua news agency .

    Shan Xia, who works as a nurse at the Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, shaved all of her hair at the end of January, China Daily reported.

    Hospital staff in Wuhan are going to extreme lengths to save time and get to more patients, including wearing adult diapers instead of taking bathroom breaks.

    The virus is taking a physical toll on medical staff, leaving some with skin bleached whiter from disinfectant, and their faces marked by lines from masks digging into their skin.

    The emotional toll is apparent as well, with some doctors passing breaking point as they struggle with an ever-increasing volume of cases.

    “I think it is a strain for every doctor and every nurse in Wuhan, both physically and mentally,” Beijing-based therapist Candice Qin told The Washington Post . “We know that patients are worried, but we should bear in mind that doctors are just as human as well.

    Source:pulse.com.gh

  • Former AshGold hitman Hans Kwofie fancies a return to Len Clay

    Former Ashanti Gold SC attacker, Hans Kwofie has disclosed his readiness to return to his former club should the miners require his services in the ongoing Ghana Premier League campaign.

    The former Medeama SC and Bechem United forward is currently a free agent after his contract with Malaysian side Puchong Fuerza FC run out in the summer of 2019.

    Speaking in an interview, Kwofie revealed that several Ghanaian clubs are in talks with him for his signature but will fancy a return to Ashgold.

    “I am currently not engaged with any team but a lot of clubs have contacted me,” he said.

    “I will however love to return to my former club,AshantiGold.

    “It is the club I will like to play for again,” Kwofie added.

    The 30-year-old has a wealth of domestic football experience under his sleeves having played for, Bechem United and Medeama SC in the early days of his career.

    His journey Abroad began when he failed to renew his contract with Medeama to join Omani club, Al Oruba in 2015.

    He returned home after his Oman adventure to play for AshantiGold where he had his best season as a professional footballer.

    Hans Kwofie won the Golden boot in the 2016/17 season after scoring 17 times for the the Obuasi outfit.

    His heroics during that campaign earned him a move to Egyptian club, Smouha SC with whom he signed after the 2016/17 season in Ghana.

    Hans Kwofie later left the Egyptian club to join Tanzanian club Singida FC before finally moving to Malaysian club, Puchong Fuerza fc.

    Source: ghanaguardian.com

  • Gyakie – Sor Mi Mu ft. Bisa Kdei (Prod. By iPappi)

    ‘Sor Mi Mu’ is a love song expressing how one has fallen in love unselfishly and demands for her partner to hold on, embracing her tightly.

    Talented singer-songwriter, Gyakie makes it clear that she draws her artistic inspiration from genuine moments of extreme emotion and experiences of people around her, allowing many to connect with her great lyrical content and soothing sounds.

    The song features multi award-winning Ghanaian Highlife musician, Bisa Kdei and produced by iPappi.

    Gyakie is an Afro-fusion artist with a mission. She has worked really hard and you can feel her love for music in this single. Many will be able to relate to the words as she portrays African music as a global sound using her voice and ability to write to help shape the culture.

    Source: Pep Junia, Contributor

  • Asphalt overlay of Agona Swedru town roads begins

    Work has begun on the construction of 15 kilometres asphalt overlay on some road networks within the Agona Swedru town to enhance both the movement of vehicles and economic activities in the town.

    The roads to be asphalted include portions of the Swedru-Winneba, Swedru-Bawjiase roads, by-pass-99 junction-Mandela road, Ahmadiyya Wawase road, Darfi and Tufuhene streets, among others.

    The project, being executed by Maripoma Limited with funding from the Road Fund, is expected to improve the major roads in the town to meet its status as the capital of the Agona West Municipality.

    The work on the roads was a continuation of the previous project started in 2016 by the erstwhile National Democratic Congress administration but was later abandoned by the contractor apparently for lack of funds after completing only five kilometres of work.

    Demonstrations

    On Monday, November 4, 2019, members of the Peace Taxi Drivers Association embarked on a demonstration over the poor state of roads within the town and the angry drivers used tables and burnt tyres to block all the entry points to Swedru.

    Their action brought both commercial and economic activities in the town to a halt and that left many traders and passengers stranded for hours.

    Passengers from all the entry points into the town were compelled to alight at the outskirts and walk to the main town carrying their belongings to continue their journey to their various destinations.

    Additionally, a youth group called the Concerned Youth of Agona Swedru (COYS) on November 27, 2019, also staged another demonstration to press home their demand for the roads in the town to be improved to ease transportation.

    Both demonstrators presented a petition to the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Mrs Justina Marigold Assan, for prompt action on the deplorable state of the roads within the town and they were assured that plans were far advanced to get the contractor back to complete the project.

    Work commences

    In an interview with the Daily Graphic after inspecting the progress of work last Thursday, Mrs Assan expressed gratitude to the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, for ensuring that the municipality had its share of development in terms of roads.

    According to her, the government was committed to improving poor roads in the municipality, especially roads in the remote communities, to enable farmers to cart their farm produce to the market centres for sale.

    She noted that the state of roads in the Swedru town had been a great source of worry to motorists, in particular, saying that “government had not turned a blind eye on it since the ministry responsible was going through the required processes to get the roads fixed.

    Mrs Assan stressed that the government sympathised with drivers who had to spend huge sums of money on spare parts due to the poor state of roads, indicating that the assumption of the asphalt project would bring a huge relief to the people”.

    MP speaks

    For her part, the Member of Parliament for Agona West, Mrs Cynthia Morrison, commended the Minister of Roads and Highways, Mr Kwesi Amoako Atta, for ensuring the release of funds to the contractor to return to site to complete the work.

    The assembly, in its quest to improve other access roads, had received an amount of GH?7.5million from the World Bank as part of the secondary cities project to improve 25 kilometres of roads in Swedru.

    Beneficiary roads

    The beneficiary roads are Osama station, Kwame Donkor, Esukontsen, Otabilkrom and Egya Ebusua as well as the paving of the main Swedru taxi station and the forecourt of the Swedru town hall.

    Additionally, roads in Swedru such as Pipe Tank-Wawase, St Germain-Kwansakrom, Yaabem area roads and Pipe Tank-Awoyom and others, had been selected to benefit from the phase II of the Sinohydro loan facility project.

    Also, as part of measures to enhance connectivity among communities, the assembly had constructed a number of culverts and the beneficiary areas are Bebianiha, Otabilkrom, Low Cost, Abodom, Kwesimoko, Assissim, Nsusososo, Egya Ebusua, Swedru Artisan Village and Upper Bobikuma.

     

    Source: Graphic.com.gh

  • Dere Kay to drop first single under BaCity Recordz

    Bacity Recordz as an emerging record label has been in the news and lips of Ghanaians since it started operation.

    The label unveiled signees last year – one being Dere Kay who is set to release his debut.

    Label boss Okyere Frank says Dere Kay is ready to release his first single and official video under the label on February 17, 2019.

    “We have been working even harder after the launch just to give the world the best when it comes to music, and working with the best music producers have been very helpful as production started,” Bacity CEO explained.

    He further said “We are ready to serve Ghanaians our best as our superstar singer drops his first single on Monday and I bet you the world will love this production.

    Source: bacitygh.com

  • 22-year-old boy hangs himself, left message behind at Nsawam

    A 22-year-old boy has allegedly committed suicide as reasons behind his demise are yet to be known.

    According to the report, the deceased, Andrew Osafo before committing suicide wrote on his status “I just want to take this opportunity to apologize to all my love once if I have ever Offered you in any way Find a place in your heart to forgive me. Am sorry. Till we meet again”.

    The unfortunate incident occurred at Lantie in the Nsawam Adoagyiri Municipality of the Eastern Region.

    Source: mybrytfmonline.com 

  • Bobrisky SCARES social media users with his real face just after getting out of bed

    Popular Nigerian crossdresser, Idris Okuneye who is widely known as Bobrisky has shared a video of himself and he made this video immediately after he got out of bed.

    In the video, Bobrisky was spotted in his bed with his blanket covering him.

    He posted the video with the caption;

    “If you wake up beside your girlfriend dis early morning and she is dis pretty pls send her away 😂. “

     

    Source: www.ghgossip.com

  • Ejisu residents unhappy about multiple sex scandals at Ejisuman SHS

    Residents of Ejisu are calling for strict disciplinary measures to tackle indiscipline among students and teachers at Ejisuman Senior High School.

    They say wanton misconduct has brought untold shame to the school and the Ejisu state in general.

    The school has been hit, at least, by two sex-related scandals in the last two years.

    The concerns come as school authorities expelled seven students from boarding house over the contents of an explicit sex video that has gone viral on social media platforms.

    Ejisuman SHS came under the spotlight two years ago after eight female students broke their silence and accused teachers of sexually abusing them after a leaked video went viral.

    They accused the teachers of making advances at them to the extent some being forced to stroke the manhood of their teachers.

    The Ghana Education Service upon investigations dismissed three teachers and a non-teaching staff who was an accountant, while four others were transferred.

    Recently, some female students in yet another viral video, has put the school’s name in the news again.

    They justified having multiple sexual partners and condemned girls who refuse to have sex with men in the latest viral video.

    One of them is seen encouraging other girls to sleep with men for monetary reward.

    Unhappy about the conduct of the students, school authorities have expelled them from the boarding houses.

    Residents have condemned the behaviour of students and teachers who bring the name of the school and community into disrepute.

    Ejisu is not only home to powerful but revered bravery queen mother, Yaa Asantewaa but one of the respected oldest traditional towns headed by the  Paramount chief, Oguakuro Afrane Okesse IV.

    “Nowadays, the way and manner things are going at Ejisuman is becoming unbecoming. Looking at issues concerning indiscipline in the school, as a good citizen, I will urge the school authorities to put measures in place and sanction those who exhibit such behaviours so that no one will go and do same to tarnish the name of the school,” says Frank Nkrumah, a resident.

    According to him, the sex-related scandals in the school have made him and other natives of Ejisu a laughing stock among their peers.

    “The developments at Ejisuman SHS are not only affecting the school alone but the entire Ejisuman state.

    “If you go to Accra, we have a lot of friends. They will call you and ask my friend what’s going on there. And then they would be laughing and teasing you because the school in your community, a lot of bad things are going on there”.

    Kwabena Adu, a taxi driver is equally worried over the development as well.

    “I am concerned about Ejisuman. Ejisuman is one of the big schools in Ejisu. When you hear about these kinds of things; children making such comments on social media, we become worried. We are really worried about such situations.”

    The Ejisu Traditional Council made up of over 50 towns, is equally not happy at the developments.

    Meanwhile, the Ghana Education Service has declined comments until it exhausts all available disciplinary avenues.

     

    Source: myjoyonline 

  • Bill banning accident, overaged vehicles importation into Ghana in the offing

    The Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Mr Osei Kyei-Mensah Bonsu says the government was working on a Bill to ban the importation of accident and overaged vehicles into Ghana.

    This is to help create an enabling environment and the market for various vehicle manufacturing companies, which have pledged to set up assembling plants in Ghana.

    According to Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, who is also the Majority Leader in Parliament, the Bill is still in its consultation processes.

    He said it has been presented to the appropriate Parliamentary committee as a first stage and some recommendations have been made and it has been taken back into government circles for further consultations.

    Various vehicle manufacturing companies such as Nissan and VW have formed up plans to set up assembling plants in Ghana to serve the Ghanaian market and other West African countries.

    There is currently a huge market for salvaged (accident) and second-hand vehicles in Ghana.

    Mr Osei-Kyei-Mensah made this known in a radio interview on Accra based Okay FM Tuesday morning [February 11, 2020].

    Source: Graphic.com.gh

  • Pharmaceutical companies halt supply of drugs to hospitals over delayed NHIS payments

    The Chamber of Pharmacy, Ghana (CoPG) has halted the supply of drugs to hospitals over the delayed NHIS payments.

    CoPG in a statement announce the decision and said it will request payment guarantees before supplying any more medicines to hospitals that require their services.

    “Chamber Members shall henceforth request the hospitals to provide payment guarantee before medicines could be supplied to them. This is the only way to sustain our individual companies. Health facilities owing more than three months shall no more enjoy any credit facilities from our members”, the statement read.

    Meanwhile, the Chamber is pleading with the government to return to the decentralised procurement process through national competitive tenders.

    “We call on government as a matter of urgency to ensure adherence to the NHI Act on reimbursements to service providers. The Chamber of Pharmacy, Ghana also wishes to immediately call for the review of the current Ministry of Health framework contract and revert to the decentralized procurement system by the Regional Health Directorates and Teaching hospitals, through national competitive tenders.”

    It has, however, expressed its commitment to provide quality and easy access to medicines at affordable prices for effective and improved health delivery.

    “The Chamber will like to remind the government and all stakeholders that, we will ensure that good-quality health commodities are available, accessible, and affordable to all people living in Ghana and anchored by a sustainable, reliable, responsive, efficient, and well-coordinated supply chain.”

     

    Source: primenewsghana.com

  • “I now understand why God never gave Elikem a successful tailoring and acting career”- Criss Waddle

    Elikem Kumordzie must have been going through a lot in these past few days for a video he posted online saying actors should get a day job if producers are not paying them for their works.

    A lot of people did not agree with Elikem on what he posted thus shading him on social media. Afia Schwarzenneger also tore Elikem apart in a latest video on Instagram and Criss Waddle took to the comment section to also shade Elikem.

     

    According to Criss Waddle, he now understands why God never gave Elikem a successful tailoring and acting career. He also mentioned that Elikem should have respected Kofi Adjorlolo even if Kofi disrespected him.

    Check out a screenshot from what Criss Waddle wrote:

    Do you agree with Criss Waddle? Share your thoughts with us now.

    Source: Ghbase.com

  • Martin Amidu requests for more details on Airbus bribery scandal

    The Special Prosecutor has commenced investigations into the allegations of bribery against Ghanaian public officials in the controversial Airbus SE deal, stating there is reasonable suspicion of corruption.

    European aviation giant, Airbus is alleged to have paid millions of dollars in bribes to some Ghana government officials in the sale of three military aircraft to Ghana in 2011 and 2015.

    The UK Crown Court ruled on January 20, 2020 that the purchase of two of the aircrafts were compromised and therefore fined Airbus €3 billion for flouting OECD rules.

    The Presidency on February 3 petitioned the Office of the Special Prosecutor to investigate the bribery allegations contained in the judgement and take the necessary action.

    A statement issued Monday, February 10 by the Special Prosecutor Martin Amidu said his outfit has determined that there are “reasonable suspicion of the commission of corruption and corruption-related offences of bribery of public officers and the use of public office by public officers for private profit”.

    That, he explained, are offences under the mandate of the Office of the Special Prosecutor Act, 2017 (Act 959).

    Accordingly, he said preliminary investigation has since been opened into the case and his office has requested both relevant domestic public institutions connected to the issue to assist in the investigations.

    “Contacts have also been initiated with the appropriate foreign authorities as provided by law for information and documents to assist the on-going investigation,” he said in the statement.

    It has thus appealed to the public not to speculate or politicize “the disclosures made in the deferred prosecution agreements and judgments” so as to allow his Office to treat the suspected crimes as “suspected crimes simpliciter and nothing more, pending the conclusion of the investigation”.

     

    Source: 3news.com

  • Eazzy releases a raunchy music video to resuscitate her dead career

    Former Lynx Entertainment artist, Mildred Ashong popularly known as Eazzy has dropped the music for her new banger “Obaa Gbemi” and it has got Ghanaians on social media talking.

    To the shock of many Ghanaians, Eazzy was semi-nude throughout the video and she is in a cozy position with a guy.

    Considering how beautiful and sexy Eazzy is naturally, the video has gone viral on social media with everyone talking about it.

    Eazzy quickly climbed to the trending tab on Twitter and Ghanaians have shared their opinions. Whiles the majority of them are fascinated by the video, others have criticized her seriously.

    Watch the music video below

    What do you think of the music video? Share your opinions with us in the comment section

    Source: Ghpage

  • Akufo-Addo, other African leaders agree to be co-champions for Arts, Culture and Heritage

    On the sidelines of the 33rd Assembly of the African Union held in Addis Ababa, twelve Heads of State solemnly accepted the invitation of His Excellency Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta, President of Mali, African Union leader for Arts, Culture and Heritage to act as co-champions.

    Upon his designation as African Union Leader for Arts, Culture and Heritage, His Excellency the President Keïta, found it appropriate to establish a presidential level structure to carry out his mission. Thus, he invited 12 Heads of State to join him in a Council of the Peers.

    The 12 Heads of State, from the five regions of the continent, are:

    President of Cape Verde, Jorge Carlos Fonseca.
    President of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo.
    President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari.
    President of Equatorial Guinea, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo.
    President of Congo, Denis Sassou Nguesso.
    President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Felix Tshisekedi.
    The Kingdom of Morocco, His Majesty Mohamed VI.
    President of Egypt, Abdel Fattah al-Sissi.
    President of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta.
    President of the Federal Republic of Ethiopia, Mrs Sahle-Work Zewde .
    President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa.
    President of Namibia, Hage Geingob.

    The mandate of the Council is to formulate strategic orientations and to ensure that these orientations are taken into account in the activities of the African Union (AU). The members of this Council are also expected to play the role of leadership, advocacy and facilitation at the sub-regional level.

    At the inaugural meeting of the Council, the twelve Heads of State committed themselves to give a pride of place to culture, arts and heritage.

    In that framework, they adopted a draft resolution that will tabled with a view to declaring 2021 as the year of culture:

    In addition, the twelve co-leaders commit themselves to:

    * Advocate for the ratification of the Charter for the African Cultural Renaissance;

    * Gather political and financial commitment of the member States for the African World Heritage Fund;

    * Promote culture as a tool for peace building;

    * Develop creative industries generating economic development and outreach;

    * Preserve and develop African languages as a vehicle of communication, knowledge and culture; and

    * Speed up the return of cultural assets.

    On all these subjects, the countries will work together with the relevant organs of the African Union and according to a principle of subsidiarity.

     

    Source: classfmonline.com

  • Native English speakers fall behind children of immigrants in GCSE maths and English

    Native English speakers have fallen behind the children of immigrants in GCSE maths and English, an official analysis has found.

    According to the latest data from the Department for Education, 43.2 per cent of native English speakers gained grades 9-5 in English and maths in 2019, compared to 43.8 per cent their peers who speak English as an additional language.

    Native speakers were also outperformed by their non-native speaking peers in 2017.  The figures also show that white pupils are the least likely to enter for the eBacc subjects when sitting GCSEs.

    Just 37.5 per cent of white teenagers enter for the award, which is the lowest proportion out of all other ethnic groups.

    Source: Telegrah.co.uk

  • 7 things you should never do on Valentine’s day

    Whether you’re single and ready to mingle, or happily coupled-up, there’s really no reason you can’t take advantage of some of the holiday’s perks. From stuffing your face with Hershey’s Kisses to sporting the cutest V-Day mani, there are plenty of things we’re all expected to do on Feb. 14.

    But what about the “don’ts”? There are a handful of things you should never do on Valentine’s Day. Keep reading to find out what they are!

    1. Text your ex

    We get it: Feb. 14 brings out your lovey-dovey, sentimental side. You wake up in the morning on V-Day and reminisce about happier times with your former S.O., thinking that if there’s a time to tell them you miss them, today is the day. Okay, this is wrong for three major reasons!

    One: Even if they say they miss you, too, and you end up spending Valentine’s Day together, much like Cinderella’s magic carriage, your relationship will turn into a pumpkin once the clock strikes midnight. Don’t let the chocolates and cookies sugarcoat the real issues that need to be addressed under more serious circumstances. Don’t use the thought of being lonely on V-Day as an excuse to text your ex. And, even if you want to text them, save it for another day when you’re not caught up in a moment designated for romance.

    Two: For all you know, they could be seeing someone. Not only will you be crushed on V-Day if they straight-up tell you they’re dating someone else, but it’s not fair to the person they’re potentially seeing.

    Three: How upset would you be if they don’t reply? Whether they miss you or not, there are a bunch of reasons why they may not feel like responding to you on V-Day. Do you really want to risk feeling worse about the situation than holding your head high and showing your strength by not hitting them up?

    Again, if you really feel the urge to text your ex, save it for a day that doesn’t set you up for automatic disappointment.

    2. Go on social media

    Whether you’re in a relationship or not, scrolling through social media on Valentine’s Day is an invitation to disappointment. Either you’ll spend the entire day comparing everyone’s relationship or their plans to yours, or you’ll be consistently reminded that you’re single while your peers are busy flaunting their romances. Social media causes enough stress on the reg—Valentine’s Day will multiply that angst by 100.

    3. Pressure someone

    Whether it’s begging someone to be your date “just as friends,” or it’s giving your S.O. a set of guidelines they must follow when planning date night, pressuring a person to do anything on Valentine’s Day will never end well. The person on the other end will feel overwhelmed and obligated to do things, and it will just end up making them resent you—making the whole night a disaster. Just play things cool and you’ll be pleasantly surprised with how things unfold.

    4. Go on a pity date

    As much as we hate to admit it, some people do consider Valentine’s Day one of the most romantic times of year. If you’re one of those people, it’ll set the wrong tone if you go out with someone that day simply because you feel bad for them. Not only are you giving them hope that you’re interested in them, you’re putting yourself in an uncomfortable situation. By no means are you ever obligated to go out with someone, whether they’re a friend, an ex, an acquaintance, whatever. At the end of the day, it’s not your responsibility to feel bad about them being single on V-Day when what you should be doing is focusing on yourself.

    5. Tell your crush how you feel

    Much like texting your ex, telling your crush you like them on V-Day opens a huge can of worms. While there’s certainly a chance they feel the same way, finding out that they’re seeing someone or they don’t have feelings for you will only lead to heartbreak on the day that’s supposed to be about love. Plus, Valentine’s Day is a lot of pressure, and just because they may have feelings for you, being forced into going big right off the bat is a huge obligation. Additionally, if they haven’t flirted with you or acknowledged you recently, that’s generally a sign you two may be on different pages. Chances are, if they wanted you to hit them up on V-Day, they would have hinted at it somehow.

    6. Break up with someone

    This is a no-brainer, but have a heart and split from your S.O. before Valentine’s Day if you’re sure that’s the route you want to take. Give your hopeful ex a chance to find someone else to spend the day with. Don’t wait until the last minute to break their heart. While we know you want to rack up those chocolates and roses, calling it quits on V-Day will only make you look like a horrible human being. Instead, feel confident as a single girl who chose to be bouquet-free on Feb. 14.

    7.Mope Aroun

    Never let ’em see you sweat! If you spend the whole day (and/or week leading up to it) moping around and complaining to everyone about how you’re single on Valentine’s Day—or about how your S.O. has nothing exciting planned for you—it’s only going to make you look selfish. No one’s going to feel bad for you; they’re just going to think of you as the girl who’s always whining. Instead, hold your head high, engage in conversation with close friends about their plans, or don’t even bring up the holiday at all. The less attention you draw to yourself about V-Day, the fewer people will talk to you about it. No one wants a sob story—plus, there’s so much fun stuff you can do on the day, regardless of your relationship status.

    Source: sweetyhigh.com

  • Patapaa to kick start Europe tour on February 18

    Justice Amoah popularly known as Patapaa will kick start his tour of some selected European countries starting on February 18, 2020.

    The one-month tour would see the top Ghanaian artiste thrill fans in countries including France, Italy, Belgium, Spain, Norway, Germany, Denmark among others.

    Patapaa after his Europe tour would also embark on another tour in the United States of America (USA) later in the year where he is expected to perform on some big musical stages.

    Source: GNA

  • Renovation works to begin at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium next week

    Renovation works at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium is expected to commence next week as the state seeks to get the edifice in shape ahead of the international assignments next month.

    The Baba Yara Sports Stadium, which has been home to Ghana Premier League giants Asante Kotoko, has been in poor state due to the over reliance on the facility.

    Th Stadium was recently used for the Senior High inter schools competition and it has hosted several Ghana Premier League games this season.

    The seats have been removed and the walls are in deplorable state.

    It is understood that government wants work done in earnest to host Ghana’s next Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Sudan.

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.net

  • Health facilities in debt will no more enjoy credit from us CoPG

    The National Executive Council of the Chamber of Pharmacy, Ghana (CoPG) has directed its membership to, henceforth, request government hospitals to provide payment guarantees before medicines could be supplied to them.

    This, according to the Chamber is the only way to sustain their individual companies.

    The Chamber has further said health facilities owing more than three months shall no more enjoy any credit facilities from their members.

    “Our position is as a result of the delay in payment by the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) through the Health Service Providers,” the Chamber said in a statement.

    The Chamber came to this conclusion at its meeting on 22 January, 2020 in Accra, where they deliberated on issues of national importance and matters confronting the pharmaceutical industry and trade with the delayed reimbursement by health service providers high on the agenda.

    CoPG has further called on the government to ensure adherence to the NHI Act on re-imbursements to service providers.

    The Chamber also want the review of the current Ministry of Health framework contract and revert to the decentralised procurement system by the regional health directorates and teaching hospitals, through national competitive tenders.

    “The Chamber will like to remind the government and all stakeholders that, we will ensure that good-quality health commodities are available, accessible, and affordable to all people living in Ghana and anchored by a sustainable, reliable, responsive, efficient, and well-coordinated supply chain,” the statement signed by Mr Harrison Kofi Abutiate, Chairman of the CoPG added.

     

    Source: classfmonline.com

  • NPP Primaries: Akufo-Addo ‘has affirmed me’ Asenso Boakye

    It promises to be a turf war that would require great political dexterity and acumen to win as the race for who represents the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the December 7, 2020 parliamentary elections in the Bantama Constituency gathers steam, MyNewsGh.com reports.

    Deputy Chief of Staff, Francis Asenso Boakye who is attempting the candidacy for the third time seems to be enjoying the open support of the delegates, but incumbent Member of Parliament (MP) and government Spokesperson on Finance, Daniel Okyem Aboagye would not succumb.

    For Asenso Boakye, his appointment as a Deputy Chief of Staff by President Akufo Addo means he “has affirmed me as a person of tact, good judgment and discretion” and the position “with its heavy responsibilities, has enhanced my capacity and prepared me adequately to serve the people of Bantama, both as a legislator and as an agent of development”, he wrote after filing his nominations on Saturday.

    He comes this time, as a generous figure in the eyes of the delegates, owing to his periodic donations to the party and lobbying of government projects, among which school blocks, road projects and lighting systems for the Bantama Sub Metro; a factor that has skyrocketed his popularity over the incumbent MP even among non-delegates.

    It may be recalled that, MyNewsGh.com reported in May 2019 that, the Nasara Wing of the NPP in the Bantama Constituency had already declared its support for Asenso Boakye following “a brief ceremony to handover some assorted food items worth several thousands of Ghana Cedis to the Muslim community to assist in their Ramadan”.

    The incumbent, Daniel Okyem Aboagye however would count on his campaign of advancing Bantama from the back benches of Parliament to the front row after ousting Henry Kwabena Kokofu who had also gone for only his first term as a legislator; his plea to the Ashanti Regional NPP Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako to consider him to stand opposed backfired.

     

    Source: mynewsgh.com

  • High praise for ex-president Moi as MPs hold special sitting

    Members of Parliament eulogised former President Daniel arap Moi as a statesman who succeeded in holding the country together during a difficult time in the history of the continent, even as they called for forgiveness if the country has to move forward from its ugly past.

    In emotional debates in the two chambers of Parliament, punctuated by a one-minute silence, the lawmakers showered the fallen president with praises that sought to justify what others have called an iron-fisted rule.

    They declared that he had left the country a better place than he found it.

    At the Senate, Majority Leader Kipchumba Murkomen paid tribute to Moi, saying that under his 24-year rule, the full authority of the state had been felt across the country.

    He added that Moi expanded education and gave people from marginalised areas a chance to access education.

    “Going through his life history and considering the way he was humble, one gets the impression that this was a man called by God into leadership,” Mr Murkomen said.

    Source: nation.co.ke

  • We are focused on fighting crime, not your protest – Police to Menzgold customers

    Protest in the Greater Accra Region has turned down a request by aggrieved customers of Menzgold to stage a protest march to the Presidency over their locked up investment.

    The group had written to the police requesting their permission to march to the Jubilee House to present a petition to President Akufo-Addo.

    In response, the Accra Regional Police Commander DCOP Fredrick Adu Anim says the permission can’t be granted.

    They say they are concentrating on the fight against robbery and other violent crimes and as a result can’t accept any form of demonstration, picketing and walking during this period.

    The Police also said the group has in less than six months demonstrated on the same issue and as such will not tolerate any further demonstration and other citizens must also have their interest served by the police.

    However, the Menzgold customers disagree with the Police and have sort legal education on the matter.

    The aggrieved Menzgold customers last month stormed the premises of CEO of the firm Nana Appiah Mensah aka NAM1.

    The customers forced their way into the Trasacco estate of NAM1 in demand of their locked up investments.

    The customers were initially prevented from entering the premises but managed to overpower the security personnel manning the gate.

    The Police quickly rushed to the scene and arrested over 100 customers and were sent to Police Headquarters.

     

    Source: primenewsghana.com

  • Todays newspapers front page

     

    Source: theindependentghana 

  • Coalition commends NPC for roadmap to eradicate vigilantism

    The Coalition of Civil Societies Against Political Vigilantism (CCSAPV) has commended the National Peace Council (NPC) and other stakeholders for developing a roadmap to eradicate political vigilantism in the Ghanaian body politics.

    It encouraged the NPC to continue engaging all stakeholders and create a better opportunity for other state agencies such as the Electoral Commission, civil society organisations, the National Commission for Civic Education, Judicial Service, National Security among others, to sign the roadmap document.

    A statement issued by the Coalition and copied to the Ghana News Agency, said there was no better time than this in having a near to perfect blueprint to disband political party vigilante groups in elections.

    “It is of greater concern to us as a Coalition, that a broad engagement approach, with full commitment and continuous education, are what we need in this fight against political party vigilantism.

    “As non-state actors, we are resolute in seeing to the disbandment of political party vigilante groups and the menace its activities pose to our young and relatively peaceful democracy,” it said.

    The statement said: “The leadership of the two dominant political parties, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC), have stated publicly and categorically time without number and equivocally, that they are for the absolute dissolution of all forms of political party related violence, which find expression before, during and after election day and are both ready to work together to protect and promote the peace we have all worked for and enjoy over the years.”

    It called on all well-meaning citizens of the country to come together, especially the media, to help fight the vigilante menace, which was eating strongly into the fabric of the Ghanaian society.

     

    Source: GNA

  • AU, Ghana sign AfCFTA Secretariat Agreement

    The African Union and the Government of Ghana Monday signed the Host Country Agreement of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat.

    Signed on the sidelines of the 33rd Ordinary Summit of the African Union in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the Agreement provides the legal framework for the establishment of the Secretariat in Ghana.

    It also guarantees the privileges and immunities necessary for the execution of the mandate of the Secretariat and its officials.

    Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, and Foreign Minister Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey initialled the agreement on behalf of the AU and Ghana, respectively.

    The Agreement establishing the AfCFTA was adopted by the Assembly of Head of States and Governments of the African Union at its 10th Extraordinary Session on March 21, 2018.

    Ghana was selected as the country to host the AfCFTA Secretariat, and has committed some USD 10 million to ensure that the Continental institution is operational by July 2020.

    Source: GNA

  • Purchasing clerk in court for fraudulent breach of trust

    Aboagye Dacosta, a purchasing clerk, aged 46, facing a charge of fraudulent breach of trust at the Enchi District Magistrate court was on Monday granted bail in the sum of 15,000.00 Ghana cedis with two sureties one to be justified.

    He pleaded not guilty and would re-appear on Tuesday February 18.

    Police Detective Inspector Joseph Kwadwo Agyare told the court that the complainant is Dennis Boakye, District Manager of Fludor Ghana Limited in Enchi “B” in the Aowin Municipality.

    The prosecution said during the 2019-2020 cocoa season the accused who resides in Enchi with the complainant posed as a cocoa purchasing agent and approached the complainant with the intent to purchase dried cocoa beans for him.

    He said the complainant gave the accused a cash sum of 25,750.00 Ghana cedis which was equivalent to purchase 50 bags of dried cocoa beans and Aboagye promised to honour his part of the contract.

    According to Inspector Agyare, after the said amount had been given to the accused he purchased only ten bags of the dried cocoa beans for the complainant and absconded with the rest of the cash.

    The prosecution said all efforts by the complainant to trace the accused to retrieve the remaining forty bags did not materialized, so he made a formal complaint at the Divisional Police Criminal Investigation Department in Enchi.

    He said on January 13, this year, the complainant had a tip-off that Aboagye was hiding at Anyinam in the Eastern Region, so he quickly informed the Divisional Crime Office who later communicated with the Anyinam Police, and the accused was arrested and escorted to Enchi to assist in investigations.

    Inspector Agyare said during interrogation accused admitted the offence in his cautioned statement.

     

    Source: GNA

  • Minister urges students to desist from poor sanitation habit

    Mrs Gifty Naa Ayee Mensah, the Deputy Minister of Health, has advised students to desist from throwing rubbish into the gutters.

    She said the indiscriminate dumping of refuse into the gutter had been a contributory factor to the severe flooding in the city, which needed urgent attention to curb the menace.

    The Minister said this at the weekend in a speech read on her behalf at the launch of the sixth edition of the School’s Sanitation Inspection tour in Accra.

    The event was organised by One on One Foundation, an NGO in sanitation under the theme: “A Canker that Must be Eliminated at the very Youthful Stages of our Lives”, and supported by Unilever Ghana Limited.

    The project will in the next 26 weeks tour 26 Senior High Schools (SHSs), one school a week, to educate students on sanitation and hygiene.

    Mrs Mensah said government was committed to providing and guaranteeing the right to health for Ghanaians and would not relent in its duty to ensure the safety of the citizenry.

    She noted that poor sanitation affected the health of all and food security, adding that it was imperative for the populace to practice good personal hygiene to live healthy.

    The Deputy Minister said the country was committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goal six: ensuring access to water and sanitation for all by 2030.

    However, statistics show that more than two billion people globally are living without access to good water and sanitation.

    Also, 2.4 billion people worldwide lack basic access to sanitation.

    She explained that these phenomena was worrying and called for concerted efforts to address the challenges of poor sanitation in the country.

    Emmanuel Ola Williams, President of One on One Foundation, disclosed that the initiative was instituted out of the desire to join the national sanitation campaign after the country was ranked poorly in both regional and international sanitation polls.

    He said the tour was targeted at SHSs, especially boarding schools, since recent health news had raised issues about their sanitation.

    Outlining the programme, Mr Williams mentioned that the Foundation, in collaboration with the Education Ministry, would visit the schools on the weekends and spend time with the children, monitor their personal hygiene and environmental sanitation practices.

    He said a cleaning competition would be held between the various houses of the schools visited with winners emerging after inspection by the team.

    Mr Williams stressed that, the students would also engage in other sanitation-related activities like drama and community outreach.

    “The student who emerges the overall winner will become the sanitation ambassador for a year,” he said.

    Mr George Owusu-Ansah, the Managing Director, Unilever Ghana, commended the organisers for the initiative to instil the habit of good personal Hygiene among the students.

    “We at Unilever Ghana, we see the project as laudable and an enterprise that is about life, and resonates with our foundation,” he added.

    According to UNICEF every year, pneumonia and diarrhoea kill 1.4 million children under five worldwide, while in Ghana, over 10,000 children die each year from diarrhea and pneumonia.

     

    Source: GNA

  • Nigeria militants burn to death motorists as they sleep in their cars

    Suspected militant Islamists have killed at least 30 people and abducted women and children in a raid in north-eastern Nigeria, officials say.

    Most of the victims were travellers who were burnt to death while sleeping in their vehicles during an overnight stop, officials added

    The attack took place in Auno town on a major highway in Borno State.

    Militant Islamist group Boko Haram and its offshoots have waged a brutal insurgency in Nigeria since 2009.

    About 35,000 people have been killed, more than two million have been left homeless and hundreds have been abducted in the conflict.

    Nigeria’s government has repeatedly said that the militants have been defeated, but attacks continue.

    Borno State governor Babagana Zulum looked visibly shaken when he saw the charred bodies during a visit to Auno following Sunday night’s attack, Nigeria’s privately owned This Day news site reports.

    The militants came in trucks mounted with heavy weapons, before killing, burning, and looting, state government spokesman Ahmad Abdurrahman Bundi was quoted by AFP news agency as saying.

    The assailants “killed not less than 30 people who are mostly motorists and destroyed 18 vehicles,” the governor’s office said in a statement.

    It also confirmed the abduction of women and children, but did not give a number.

    Residents said most of the victims were travelling to the state capital, Maiduguri, but were forced to sleep in Auno, about 25km (16 miles) away, because the military had shut the road leading into the city.

    The military has not yet commented.

    Maiduguri was once the headquarters of Boko Haram, but government forces eventually drove the group out of the city.

    It is unclear whether the assault was carried out by Boko Haram or a breakaway faction linked to the Islamic State (IS) group.

    Calls for military shake-up

    The attack in Auno is a reminder of the threat posed by militants, and the vulnerability of communities.

    When President Muhammadu Buhari came to power in 2015, he pledged to defeat the insurgents.

    Although his troops have made significant progress in weakening the militants, the recent spate of attacks on both military and civilian targets threatens the initial gains.

    Many Nigerians have therefore been calling for an overhaul of the security forces and the replacement of military chiefs.

    They hope that new generals at the helm of the security forces will reinvigorate the fight against the militants and make sure that the decade-long insurgency does not get any worse.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Princella Okyere provides three assists on FC Gintra debut

    Midfielder Princella Okyere sparkled on her debut for FC Gintra Universitetas by providing three assists in their 7-0 win over MFK Kauno Žagiris.

    The Ghana international was playing in the Lithuanian Women’s Winter Tournament.

    She posted on her Twitter account: “Happy to have assisted 3 goals on my debut for Fc Gintra Universitetas against MFK Kauno Žagiris. More coming your way in subsequent matches. God is the reason #KAKA14.”

    Okyere has signed a one-year deal after leaving Spanish side Rayo Femenino

    Source: GHAHAsoccernet.com