TIG Post

Author: Chris Kodo

  • Marine litter a global challenge EU Ambassador

    Mrs Diana Acconcia, the European Union (EU) Ambassador to Ghana, has said marine plastic littering remains a major challenge in the fight against plastic waste worldwide.

    This, she noted, was a major threat to biodiversity, and exposed the world to bad effects of climate change.

    The Ambassador made these remarks at the EU Beach Cleanup exercise at James Town in Accra.

    Read: Greater Accra Regional World tourism day marked in Accra

    It was held in partnership Plastic Punch, a non-governmental organisation, the Accra Metropolitan Assembly, and the Environmental Protection Agency.

    Mrs Acconcia said every year eight million tonnes of trash ended up in the ocean with plastics accounting for 85 per cent of marine litter, having negative impacts on ecosystems, biodiversity and human health.

    She said plastic management should be a concern for all, since it contributed largely to marine litter.

    “It is estimated that by 2050 there could be more plastics than fish in the sea,” she said.

    The EU was leading the way with the new single-use plastics legislation to address 70 per cent of marine litter, she said.

    “Plastics play an important role in our economy and our daily lives, but the way plastic products are designed, produced, used and discarded is harming the environment all around the world,” she added.

    Mrs Acconcia, therefore, called on producers and users to avoid single-use plastics, and patronize those that could be reused and recycled to avoid environmental degradation.

    Read: Professor Asiama calls for review of Land Bill

    Ms Victoria Michaels, a Model, who is also the brand ambassador for the EU GHANA cleanup exercise, expressed gratitude to all volunteers and groups for participating in the exercise.

    She said the beach cleanup was timely and called on all Ghanaians to actively participate to make it a success.

    Ms Michaels said she was glad to join the cleanup as she was a climate change activist to help mitigate its adverse effects.

    She called on all Ghanaians to commit themselves to a clean environment, especially at tourist sites, saying; “A clean Ghana is a Better Ghana.”

     

    Source: ghananewsagency.org

  • Venture Capital CEO wins Asutifi South NPP parliamentary primaries

    Mr Yaw Owusu Brempong, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Venture Capital Trust Fund, has been elected as the Asutifi South New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary candidate for the impending 2020 general election.

    The election was conducted at Hwidiem and supervised by a three member-team from the Asutifi South District Office of the Electoral Commission (EC), led by Mr Gideon Yeboah, the District Electoral Officer, supported by Mr Kwabena Asante, the Ahafo Regional Deputy Director of the EC.

    Read: Defeated NPP candidate takes back cars he promised to donate to party

    Mr Brempong won with 293 votes while his only contender; Alhaji Ali Mohammed Suraj, an Accra-based businessman, had 129 votes, making a total valid votes cast of 442, with three rejected ballots.

    Alhaji Suraj conceded defeat, accepted the results as free and fair and congratulated Mr Brempong on his victory, describing it as a win not for him but the NPP.

    He pledged to be patriotic and committed to supporting the candidate-elect for a vigorous and well-executed campaign to clinch victory for the Party.

    Mr Brempong thanked the delegates for the confidence reposed in him, saying that it was not time for jubilation because “Suraj did not lose, I did not I win but NPP won”.

    He, therefore, called for “watertight unity” within the Party, adding; “We must avoid divisive tendencies and remain focused to work hard for victory in Election 2020”.

    Read: NPP halts voting in Buem, unhappy with EC

    Earlier before voting started at 1200 noon, Mr. Saint Michael Frimpong, the Constituency Chair, Mr Kwabena Owusu-Sekyere, the Acting Ahafo Regional Chair, and Mr Benjamin Yeboah-Sekyere, the Ahafo Deputy Regional Minister and member of Parliament for Tano South, took turns to address the delegates on a number of issues to make the Party more appealing to the electorate.

    Mr Yeboah-Sekyere reminded members and supporters on the need to work even harder to strengthen the Party on the ground to achieve the ultimate goal of overwhelming victory in 2020.

     

    Source: ghananewsagency.org

  • Rawlings takes on corrupt NPP appointees

    Former President Jerry John Rawlings has bemoaned the fact that some NPP appointees are still in office when corrupt allegations have been levelled against them.

    In a keynote address delivered at a conference of cadres and activists of the revolution in Kumasi on Saturday, the former President while counselling the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to tread carefully in some of its actions, also took time to take on some NPP appointees stating that they should not be in office when serious corruption allegations had been made against them.

    Read: Six public officers standing corruption trial still at post; Martin Amidu questions why

    He mentioned the Board Chairman of the Ghana Water Company who was still in office at a time when serious allegations had been made against him over inflation of contractual figures and called for his interdiction pending the outcome of thorough investigations by the relevant investigative institutions.

    Touching on the Ghana Immigration Service, Flt Lt Rawlings also questioned the appointment of the current Comptroller when allegations levelled against him years ago had not been officially investigated. He said though a court has ruled that he should be reinstated with his benefits after the Service failed to investigate the allegations within a reasonable time frame, no effort had subsequently been made to interrogate the issues and bring final closure to the allegations of irregularity and misconduct.

    He said the Comptroller should have nevertheless instituted a probe to exonerate himself and identify those who were culpable in the alleged Chinese visa scandal. He called for a competent team to be put in place to investigate the matter however late in the day.

    Read: Corruption is a problem in Ghana Austrialian High Commissioner

    The appointing authority, he stated, can appoint some of the numerous highly-qualified senior officers of solid integrity while the pending matter is thoroughly investigated.

    “If the Armed Forces is on the march to ensure that officers comport themselves with the highest of standards, there is no reason or excuse for the other services not to do the same.”

    “Any crooks and/or personnel in positions of authority exposed by institutional investigations as having been corrupted by the power and authority they wield, must be thrown out and treated with the contempt they deserve, before such institutions imbibe their deformed characters.”

     

    Source: peacefmonline.com

  • Deontay Wilder: WBC champion will fight Luis Ortiz in November

    WBC champion Deontay Wilder will defend his heavyweight title against Luis Ortiz in Las Vegas on 23 November, promoters announced on Saturday.

    The rematch follows Wilder’s knockout win over the Cuban in New York in 2018.

    American Wilder, 33, boasts a career record of 41 wins and one draw, and has held the WBC title since 2015.

    Read:Anthony Joshua: Deontay Wilder or Tyson Fury fight would not be held up

    After beating Ortiz, he fought to a draw with Tyson Fury last December, before knocking out compatriot Dominic Breazeale in May.

    Speaking to BBC Sport in August, Wilder said he would follow his bout with Ortiz by facing Fury again early on in 2020.

    Read:Wilder v Fury: Stunning draw in WBC world heavyweight title fight

    “Ortiz is definitely happening,” he said at the time. “I am looking forward to fighting him. After I knock him out I will go to Fury, knock him out and then we will go for a unification.”

    American-born Andy Ruiz, who fights under the Mexican flag, currently holds the division’s IBF, WBO and WBA titles after a sensational stoppage of Britain’s Anthony Joshua in June.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Zantac: CVS latest to suspend heartburn drug over cancer fears

    US retailer CVS has become the latest to suspend the sale of a heartburn drug being investigated for links to cancer.

    It follows concern in several countries over the presence of impurities in Zantac and other ranitidine products.

    Canada and France have already announced Zantac recalls. The US and the European Union are investigating.

    Health authorities say there is no immediate risk, but patients have been advised to consult a doctor who can prescribe alternatives to ranitidine.

    Read:Cancerous nature of telecom masts on the environment A myth or reality? (2)

    What is the fear about?

    On 13 September, both the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) published their decisions to review the presence of N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) in medicines containing the drug ranitidine.

    NDMA is classified as a probable human carcinogen (a substance that could cause cancer) on the basis of animal studies.

    NDMA is found in water and foods, including meats, dairy products, and vegetables, but is not expected to cause harm when ingested in very low levels, EMA says.

    Ranitidine products are used to reduce the production of stomach acid in patients with conditions such as heartburn and stomach ulcers.

    Read:Vaginal bacteria linked to ovarian cancer

    They are available over-the-counter and on prescription.

    Who has recalled the products so far?

    CVS’s announcement on Saturday said it was suspending the sale of Zantac and CVS Health brand ranitidine products “out of an abundance of caution”.

    “Zantac brand products and CVS brand ranitidine products have not been recalled, and the FDA is not recommending that patients stop taking ranitidine at this time,” the company said.

    Walgreens, Walmart and Rite Aid in the US had earlier taken a similar decision.

    Canada and France have removed the drugs from pharmacy shelves. A number of other countries have followed suit.

    Read:Study links sugary drinks to cancer

    What should patients do?

    Health regulators are urging people taking ranitidine not do discontinue it immediately.

    The FDA said, however, that those taking it by prescription should contact health professionals about alternatives. And those buying it over the counter could consider other options.

    French authorities also emphasised there was no “acute risk” and patients should not stop the medication or return it to pharmacies.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Ghanaian winger Evans Mensah bags brace in HJK Helsinki win over IFK Mariehamn

    Ghanaian youngster Evans Mensah netted a brace as HJK Helsinki thrashed IFK Mariehamn 3-0 in the Finnish Championship playoffs on Saturday.

    HJK Helsinki recorded a heavy home victory over IFK Mariehamn at the 5G Telia Arena as they continued their impressive start to the season.

    After goalless first-half, the 21-year-old opened the scoring for the Blue and White lads with a fine strike in the 54th minute of the game.

    Mensah bagged his brace and his side’s second goal in the 68th minute before a late goal from William Parra sealed their big win.

    Read:Performance of Ghanaian players abroad wrap-up: Acheampong bags ninth goal of the season as Dwamena and Atanga score for respective clubs

    He put up an incredible display and lasted the entire duration of the game.

    He has made 17 appearances and scored six goals for HJK Helsinki so far this season.Ghanaian youngster Evans Mensah netted a brace as HJK Helsinki thrashed IFK Mariehamn 3-0 in the Finnish Championship playoffs on Saturday.

    HJK Helsinki recorded a heavy home victory over IFK Mariehamn at the 5G Telia Arena as they continued their impressive start to the season.

    Read:Performance of Ghanaian players abroad

    After goalless first-half, the 21-year-old opened the scoring for the Blue and White lads with a fine strike in the 54th minute of the game.

    Mensah bagged his brace and his side’s second goal in the 68th minute before a late goal from William Parra sealed their big win.

    He put up an incredible display and lasted the entire duration of the game.

    He has made 17 appearances and scored six goals for HJK Helsinki so far this season.

    Source: footballghana.com

  • Doctor performs abortion on the wrong woman

    Police have launched an investigation in South Korea after a doctor performed an abortion by mistake.

    On August 7, a pregnant patient with a 6-week-old fetus had gone to a clinic in district of Gangseo, in the country’s capital Seoul, according to the Gangseo police. At the clinic, a mix-up in medical charts and failure to check her identity led to the mistaken abortion.

    The doctor and nurse in charge are under investigation, and the case will soon be sent to the prosecutor’s office, police told CNN.

    Read:Suspected fake doctor arrested for abortion gone wrong

    “The doctor and nurse have acknowledged their fault,” a police official said. They are now being accused of negligence resulting in bodily harm.

    According to South Korean news agency Yonhap, the patient was supposed to receive a nutritional shot at the clinic. The nurse had allegedly injected her with anesthesia without confirming her identity, and the doctor had performed the abortion without checking her identity either, Yonhap reported. The patient had been unaware of the procedure.

    The police announced the investigation on Monday, Yonhap said.

    Read:Multiple abortions leading cause of ectopic pregnancy Expert

    South Korea moved to legalize abortion in April this year, with the country’s constitutional court ruling that lawmakers must revise existing laws by December 31, 2020.

    However, under existing laws, the practice remains illegal and is technically punishable by up to a year in prison. Exceptions are granted in cases where the parents have hereditary diseases, the pregnancy is due to rape or incest, or the fetus is threatening the life of the mother.

    An estimated 50,000 abortions were carried out in South Korea last year, according to the country’s Health Ministry. Actual numbers may be much higher, since the criminalization of the practice distorted reporting of it.

    Source: cnn.com

  • Andre Ayew provides assist as Swansea draw with Reading

    Ghana captain Andre Ayew continued his fine form this season with an assist in Swansea’s 1-1 stalemate against Reading in the Championship on Saturday.

    Ayew provided perfect cross for Baston Borja to head Swansea into the lead in the 3rd minute.

    Read:Swansea striker Boston wants Andre Ayew to stay

    The Swans held onto their slim lead until 90th minute when Ghana defender Andy Yiadom equalised.

    The draw sees Swansea miss out on returning to the top of the league and remain second with 18 points.

    Read:André Ayew continues red-hot form with two assists as Swansea City sink QPR

    Ayew has made eight appearances in all competitions for the Welsh-based club so far this season.

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • Atletico Madrid midfielder Thomas Partey named man of the match in Madrid derby

    Thomas Partey has been adjudged Atletico Madrid’s best player on Saturday when they shared the spoils 0-0 with City rivals Real Madrid in a La Liga match played at the Wanda Metropolitano.

    Partey, who was marking his 100th La Liga appearance, was simply sublime, recording a 95% passing accuracy from 38 out of 40 total passes in the first half alone. He had a 100% duel success rate in the opening period, winning four out of four, and also made four recoveries.

    Read:I feel settled at Atletico Madrid -Thomas Partey

    The best Atleti chance in the first half fell to teenage sensation Joao Felix, but the Portuguese forward could only fire wide after receiving a perfectly-timed pass from Partey.

    He made a total of 79 passes in the entire 90 minutes he played, and also made four dribbles, which was more than any player from either team on the pitch. He ultimately won the Man of the Match award.

    Partey received a yellow card in injury time for a foul on James Rodriguez, his second of the season.

    Read:I knew Thomas Partey will be a top player when he first trained with Atletico- Javier Baños

    He has been an integral part of Atletico Madrid since making his debut in November 2015, making a 145 competitive appearances, scoring 13 goals and providing 11 assists.

    The 26-year-old is expected to feature for Diego Simeone’s men when they take on Lokomotiv Moscow in Tuesday’s Champions League game.

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • PLAYBACK: African Legends Night

    African Legends Night, a concert put together by Global Media Alliance to celebrate veteran musicians on the continent is currently ongoing at the Grand Arena Dome at the Accra International Conference Center.

    The event which promises spectacular performances from some of Africa’s finest performers include Awilo Longoba, Kojo Antwi, 2baba from Nigeria among others.

    Read:African Legends Night: Awilo promises unforgettable night

    This is the 8th edition of the concert.

    Watch a livestream here.

    Read:Kojo Antwi, Samini, Daddy Lumba electrify patrons at African Legends Night

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • EL is a legend – Medikal

    Rapper, Medikal who claims to have saved rap in Ghana some four years ago says EL is a legend.

    He made this known through a tweet.

    Read:Medikal, Strongman make peace after lyrical battle

    Medikal said “EL is a legend. A king. A champ. Everything.”

    EL is one of the few Ghanaian rappers who have excelled at Rap Music since most music lovers in the country prefer singing to rap.

    Read:E.L declares himself the best rapper in Africa

    His works are been celebrated across the African continent and other parts of the world.

    Source: mynewsgh.com

  • Austria votes in snap election after video sting scandal

    Voting has started in Austria’s snap general election, after a video sting scandal in May collapsed the coalition government.

    Opinion polls suggest former Chancellor Sebastian Kurz’s conservative People’s Party is on track to win the most votes – but will need a coalition partner.

    The Social Democrats, the far-right Freedom Party, the Greens and the liberals are also in the race.

    Coalition talks are widely expected to be difficult, and may last for weeks.

    Read:Israelis vote in second general election in five months

    Polling stations across Austria will open at 07:00 local time (05:00 GMT) and close at 17:00.

    What was the video sting scandal?

    The scandal toppled Mr Kurz’s government, and the former leader of his coalition partner the Freedom Party (FPÖ), Heinz-Christian Strache.

    Mr Strache, Austria’s Vice-Chancellor, was caught on video promising government contracts to a woman posing as the niece of a Russian oligarch.

    The scandal was labelled “Ibiza-gate”, after the Spanish island where the video was recorded.

    Read:Algeria announces December date for presidential vote

    What are the options?

    The FPÖ, under new leader Norbert Hofer, is hoping to renew the coalition with Mr Kurz, who still leads the conservative People’s Party (ÖVP).

    But while Mr Kurz shares a tough anti-migrant line with the FPÖ, the former chancellor may opt for a three-way pact with the Greens and the liberal Neos party – a first in Austria.

    A grand coalition with the Social Democrats (SPÖ) is considered unlikely because of the bad relations between Mr Kurz and the centre-left leadership, the BBC’s Bethany Bell in Vienna says.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Mexico rollercoaster crash leaves two dead

    At least two people have been killed after a rollercoaster carriage derailed in Mexico City on Saturday.

    Another two people were injured in the accident at La Feria Chapultepec amusement park, local officials said.

    Eyewitnesses said the victims fell from the last carriage of the Chimera rollercoaster in the park.

    The popular park was closed soon after the incident, and the authorities are now investigating the cause of the derailment.

    Read:Mexico Jalisco: Forensics identify 44 bodies in well

    “This is now in the hands of prosecutors, and prosecutors have already taken the necessary steps for an investigation,” Miriam Urzua, an official from the civil protection organisation, told Reuters news agency.

    She said the investigation would be exploring both what happened and who was responsible.

    Eyewitness Rosalba Rodriguez told reporters there was nothing out of the ordinary about the ride, which had completed a few loops, until she saw the last carriage fall.

    Read:Former New Mexico priest gets 30 years for child sexual abuse

    The fair said it “deeply regrets the terrible accident” and that it was investigating alongside the relevant authorities.

    It also promised to share details of the investigation as they emerged.

    Video from the scene showed paramedics tending to the wounded, while police kept spectators away from the shuttered park.

    Source: bbc.com

  • RS Berkane knocks-out Ashgold from CAF Confederation Cup

    AshantiGold’s campaign in the 2019/20 CAF Confederation Cup came to end on Saturday night after a 2-0 defeat at RS Berkane with ten men.

    The Miners bowed out 4-3 on aggregate despite winning the reverse fixture at the Obuasi Len Clay Stadium a fortnight ago.

    Read:CAF Confed Cup: AshantiGold aware of RS Berkane threat Da Rocha

    Berkane were boosted by a sixth minute sending off of AshantiGold defender Musah Mohammed- the centre back picked up a straight red card.

    It took 32 minutes before the hosts could break down the Ghanaian side when Burkinabe Issoufou Dayo opened the scoring with an overhead kick from inside the box.

    Read:CAF CC: Ashantigold name 18-man squad for RS Berkane trip

    Just before half time, Zaid Krouch fired home from outside the box after some intricate passing play from the Morocco.

    This happened to be the clincher as AshGold put up a defensive display to prevent conceding more goals.

    Goalkeeper Frank Boateng produced two quality saves to deny the hosts.

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • North East Region: Over 1,600 receive scabies treatment

    More than 1,600 scabies affected patients in and around Dagbriboari in the northern part of the country have received treatment as at today, Friday.

    Speaking to Citi News, Anas Hamza, a nurse in the region said people are turning up in their numbers for the treatment since it was started on Tuesday,24th September 2019.

    Read: Contagious skin infection spreads through communities in North East Region

    He,however, said one of the key drugs for treatment, Benzil benzol has run out at the facility as at this morning.

    “The benzil benzol is a lotion we give to the patients to apply. But we are currently short of it though we have called the directorate to help us with it.”

    “They are making provisions for that. There are more people also coming for treatment. Currently, we have treated about one thousand and six hundred patients. Also, those with fever, we give paracetamol,” he said.

    Earlier this month, paramedics and health experts confirmed reports of an outbreak of scabies at Dagbriboari in the North East Region of the country.

    Human scabies is among the ten top skin diseases in Ghana.

    It is caused by an infestation of the skin by the human itch mite.

    Read: Veterinary officers on high alert after rabies kills woman at Drobonso

    The microscopic mite burrows into the skin where it lives and lays its eggs.

    The most common symptoms of scabies are intense itching and a pimple-like skin rash. The scabies mite usually spreads by direct, prolonged, skin-to-skin contact.

    It can also spread rapidly under crowded conditions, where close body contact is frequent.

     

    Source: citinewsroom.com

  • Meker Africa opens Ghana showroom

    Global leaders in kitchen cabinets and furniture manufacturing, Meker Africa, has officially registered its presence in Ghana, with the opening of its ultramodern showroom in Accra.

    Ghana happens to be the first country to host its Africa operations as it looks forward to penetrate the African market in the near future.

    The showroom located along the Spintex Road adjacent Orca Decor, exists to provide state-of-the-art kitchen cabinets and furniture to households in Ghana.

    Read: Taxes will be used to support local companies Bawumia

    Meker Africa is owned by the Meker family of Lebanon and was established in 1967.

    It is an ISO and Management certified company.

    In the near future, the company hopes to establish additional branches in Kumasi and Takoradi as well as open outlets in neighboring countries such as Cote d’ Ivoire and Togo.

    It enters the Ghanaian market with a strong pledge to providing cutting-edge services equal to those it provides in Europe and around the world, to households and offices across the country.

    Managing Director of Meker Africa, Cyril Mehanna, told journalists at the launch of the showroom on Thursday, September 26, 2019, that his outfit would strive to continuously provide premium kitchen cabinets and furniture to its clients in Ghana.

    He stated Meker Africa decided to establish its footprints in Ghana because the country is more stable and attractive.

    Read: Prof Adei proposes establishment of GH¢1bn agric fund

    He indicated that the company would contribute immensely to the growth of the Ghanaian market through the provision of jobs and trading of affordable, quality products.

    According to him, Meker gets its raw materials from Europe and manufactures its products in Lebanon.

    He noted that the company hopes to establish an assemblying plant in Ghana and that it was poised to serve clients everywhere in Ghana.

     

    Source: dailyguidenetwork.com

  • Prof Adei proposes establishment of GH¢1bn agric fund

    Chairman of the National Development Planning Committee (NDPC), Prof Stephen Adei, has proposed the establishment of a GH¢1 billion agriculture fund for the youth.

    He said the funds can then be disbursed to youths in agriculture through the rural banks across the country at an interest rate not exceeding 10%. He wants the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) and the government to consider the proposal as a good way to help the agriculture industry and youths in Ghana.

    Prof Adei made the suggestion at the second MASO Youth in Cocoa Conference 2019.

    Read: Climate Change impact on Agric in Africa excessive UNDP Boss

    The event was held in Ho, the Volta Region capital, under the theme: “Professionalising Cocoa Farming: The Role of the Youth”.

    Prof Adei also said because capital was crucial to the development of small businesses and cocoa-related businesses, the state and private financial houses need to focus attention on that sector.

    He also suggested that in order to make cocoa farming a more viable source of livelihood and to attract the youth, it will be essential to recognise cocoa farming as a business.

    That way, farmers can be trained to acquire the essential knowledge, skills and farm management practices that will ultimately to enable them to obtain higher incomes through higher productivity per hectare.

    The Board Chairman of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) noted that higher productivity per hectare will also require access to good seed, fertilizer, water management and pesticides.

    According to Prof Adei, to make cocoa farming attractive to the youth there is the need to sensitise the youth on the opportunities within the cocoa production value chain.

    “Currently an insignificant number of young people are working in the sector let alone to add value to cocoa beans,“ he lamented.

    Prof Adei said the government must intensify efforts to improve farmer skills through all-inclusive training programmes.

    This all-inclusive training programmes must include literacy, numeracy and basic business and financial skills which can help farmers to effectively manage their cocoa farming businesses professionally.

    “This needs to be done at multiple levels because even graduates who decide to venture into cocoa farming will need training on the business of cocoa farming,“ he said.

    Project Manager of MASO Youth Network, Fred Frimpong, said the youth needs to be encouraged to take farming, especially cocoa farming, seriously.

    “The medium level processing is another conversation and the kind of investment there is above the young people but within the space of production and farm support services, there is a huge opportunity for the youths,” he said.

    He advised young people to start thinking outside the box to make their lives better.

    Read: Digitisation of agric sector left to donors Report

    The MASO Youth Network is made up of alumni from both the MASO Agro Academy and MASO Business Academy.

    The network provides a platform for young people to connect, share ideas and best practices. The network will support them to inspire and challenge one another.

    The Chairman of the MASO Youth Network, Peter Nsiah, said the spirit of togetherness provided by the network inspires young people to go beyond and above their limitations.

    He said at MASO Youth Network, young cocoa entrepreneurs find the strength they need, the voice they lack and the confidence to confront their challenges and excel in various business and lives as a whole.

    “Currently we are over 5000 members and we are gradually becoming a voice for young people in the cocoa sector. Our main aim is to provide a space for youth to connect, share knowledge and inspire one another. In MASO, we believe that when young people connect and share best practices with one another incredible things happen,” he said.

     

    Source: Myjoyonline.com

  • Ghana demands strict observance of international law principles

    Ghana has called on the Non-Align Movement (NAM) to ensure universal adherence to principles and rules of international law.

    Foreign Minister, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey made the call in a speech read on her behalf by Deputy Foreign Minister, Charles Owiredu, at the ministerial meeting of the NAM.

    The meeting was held on Thursday, September 26, 2019, in New York, USA, on the margins of the UN General Assembly.

    Read: Tax laws are inadequate to tax digital businesses Fred Awuttey

    It was under the theme: “Upholding the Principles of Sovereignty and Political Independence as a Means to Maintain International Peace and Security and Foster Friendly Relations and Cooperation among States”

    According to the Minister, Ghana remains committed to the 10 founding principles of the Non-Aligned Movement and the attainment of the ideals and purposes of the Movement.

    However, she stated that, “we believe that the NAM, which comprises over two-thirds of the membership of the United Nations, has an important role to play in fostering dialogue and international cooperation and in advancing fair and equitable solutions that inure to a peaceful, secure and democratic world.”

    The Minister told the gathering that peaceful coexistence of nations was impossible without universal, scrupulous and consistent application of the generally recognized principles and rules of international law.

    She warned that the violation of its core principles results in the creation of situations threatening international peace and security.

    Ghana, she said, was of the view that international law provides tools for achieving international justice, based on principles of good faith and sovereign equality.

    “In that connection we call for universal adherence to principles and rules of international law in their interrelation and integrity, discarding the resort to “double standards” and avoiding placing interests of some countries above others,” according to madam Ayorkor Botchwey.

    She therefore urged NAM to take the necessary steps to forge unity among its member states and enhance their ability to provide stronger support for the UN as a universal multilateral organization entrusted with the mandate of helping the international community uphold the sovereignty and political independence of States as well as maintain international peace and security, advance global development and promote and protect human rights.

    Read: 1D1F: Five new toilet roll factories created Bawumia

    Meanwhile, the Minister seized the opportunity to call for enhanced trade relations among NAM states and for meaningful collaboration under the aegis of South-South Cooperation as a way of fostering healthy social, political and economic relations among member States.

    “South-South Cooperation is playing a greater role than ever before in the development cooperation landscape. Innovation in the global South is generating new tools and partnerships for tackling issues of food insecurity, poverty reduction and sustainable agriculture,” according to her.

    She emphasized that the South offers wide-ranging development solutions knowledge, experiences and good practices, innovative policies, technology, know-how, and resources that have proven cost effective and have huge potential to be shared, adapted and adopted.

     

    Source: dailyguidenetwork.com

  • White students ‘cut off’ black girl’s dreadlocks in Virginia

    A 12-year-old African-American girl has accused three white classmates of pinning her down and cutting off her dreadlocks with scissors.

    Amari Allen says the assault happened during break time at her private school in Springfield, Virginia, on Monday.

    She alleges that the boys held her down on a slide and called her hair “ugly” and “nappy” and cut some off.

    The alleged attack took place at the Immanuel Christian School, where the US Vice-President’s wife teaches.

    The school and local police both confirmed they were investigating the incident.

    Read:New evidence in case of Ghanaian accused of killing US lover

    “The boys came up to me and they ambushed me sort of, like caged me in,” Ms Allen told local media.

    “And so they put their hands over my mouth. They put my hands behind my back and they started cutting my hair and told me that I was ugly.”

    “They like took my lunch and ate it in front of me and told me I didn’t deserve it, that I could just starve and stuff like that,” Ms Allen added.

    The family say the incident only came to light on Wednesday when her grandmother noticed her hair was suddenly different lengths.

    “It’s very painful,” Cynthia Allen told a local CBS affiliate. “I want to see them dismissed from the school. I want to see something done.”

    In a statement, the school said they had asked local police to investigate the incident.

    “We take seriously the emotional and physical well-being of all our students, and have a zero-tolerance policy for any kind of bullying or abuse,” Immanuel Christian School said in a statement.

    Read:US baby born on 9/11 at 9:11 weighs 9lb 11oz

    “We are deeply disturbed by the allegations being made, and are in communication with the family of the alleged victim to gather information and provide whatever support we can.”

    The school, which costs Ms Allen’s family almost $12,000 (£9,800) a year, is where Karen Pence – the wife of Vice-President Mike Pence – teaches art part-time.

    She resumed working at the school earlier this year, amid scrutiny over its anti-LGBT requirements of staff.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Why Andre Ayew turned down top-flight clubs to stay at Swansea City

    Andre Ayew has stated he ‘feels at home’ at Swansea City.

    The Ghana international was considered one of the potential summer departures from the Liberty Stadium – like his brother Jordan, who joined Crystal Palace, after the Swans failed to gain Premier League promotion, and had a less-than-fruitful loan stint at Turkish powerhouse, Fenerbahce, last season.

    “I am happy to be back,” Ayew told BBC Sport Wales.

    “I feel at home. There were a lot of possibilities for me to move.

    “As soon as I got back I felt the desire from the manager, the players – they wanted me to stay – and for sure the fans. That was special for me.

    Read:Andre Ayew had multiple offers before deciding to stay at Swansea City Steve Cooper

    “When I felt that I started to think maybe we have to go for it again.

    “We were talking about finding a solution with other clubs. I said if I don’t find something which suits me 100 per cent I am not going to move just to say I play in Ligue 1 or Serie A or the Premier League.

    “The truth of the matter is a part of me wanted to stay here. A few days before the end of the market I told my agent: ‘I have made my decision and I want to stay’.”

    Read:I decided to stay at Swansea after speaking with Kwesi Appiah Ayew

    Ayew signed for Swansea in the summer of 2015 on a free transfer from Marseille and scored 12 Premier League goals before West Ham United came knocking for his services the following year, in a £20.5 million deal.

    He would re-sign for Swansea in January 2018 at the cost of a club-record £18 million but didn’t have the same impact as his first stint in South Wales, and they were ultimately relegated after seven seasons in the English top-flight.

    Ayew had played seven times for the Swans this season and is yet to break his duck in the Championship, though he has provided two assists.

    Source: Goal.com

  • Over 80-year-old on death row; Death penalty ban urgent Amnesty International

    Various stakeholders within the agricultural sector have been sensitised on the engagement principles for production landscape initiatives in the Agro-commodity production in the Western Region.

    The project implemented by ProForest, a Farmer-based organisation will focus on four forest risk commodities such as oil palm, cocoa, ribber and Ribber as a pilot project.

    Read: Family of slain Gomoa Akraman Gyaasehene puts trust in police

    Dr. Augustus Asamoah, one of the facilitators at the sensitisation workshop said the commodities accounted for 20 percent of the Nation’s GDP and directly engaged 41 percent of the population which must be guided through proper landscaping and other agro practices.

    Commodity agriculture and forestry are integral parts of the national development strategies for many tropical countries and contribute significantly to local livelihoods and national economic development.

    Meanwhile, the socio-economic benefits of agriculture and forestry production come at the great expense of environmental and social to countries.

    The Pro forest Production landscape programme would deliver guidance that would help address the negative impacts of agriculture and forestry commodities production in collaboration with companies and other stakeholders.

    Read: Abolish death penalty Ghanaians urge government

    Dr Asamoah said, beside the environmental challenges, the production landscape was saddled with a myriad of social issues including; land tenure, child labour, smallholder inclusion and gender equality.

    Mr Ignatius Asaa-Mensah, District Chief Executive of Mpohor, who gave an overview of Adum smallholder project and its potential in addressing environmental and social issues in the district noted how integrated and technical assistance had helped farmers in the area to be environmentally responsible.

    Mr James Paka, a Facilitator urged farmers to check on excessive chemical application on the environment adding, “We need to do the right things now, some day, the earth cannot take it”.

    He said sustainable agriculture had become imperative in the event of climate change, global warming and other issues.

     

    Source: kasapafmonline.com

  • Betway announces partnership deal with EFC

    EFC is proud to announce that the global leader in sports betting, Betway, has joined EFC as the official betting partner.

    The Betway brand is synonymous with quality and excitement, and has been front-and-centre at tournaments and sport teams around the world, including as the title partner to West Ham United, plus as the broadcast partner to the English Premier League on SuperSport.

    Now, for the first time, Betway is going all in with MMA, in partnership with the EFC, the leading broadcaster of the sport on the African continent. While primarily offering convenient online sports betting, fans will now also be able to bet on EFC bouts at live events, and by registering an account online with Betway at https://www.betway.com.gh, they can use the sign up code EFC to get a FREE BET every month!*

    Read:Mobex Tech Expo 2019: Betway pushes for zero tolerance towards money laundering

    While primarily offering convenient online betting, fans will now also be able to bet on EFC bouts at live events, and by registering an account online with Betway at

    “We are excited to partner with Betway, the leading betting brand in Africa, and to bring a world-class betting experience to all sports fans across the continent,” stated EFC President Cairo Howarth. “Betway is a globally recognised and trusted brand, and sets the standard in the sports betting industry, and we are proud to be working with them as both EFC and Betway expand throughout Africa.”

    With the EFC partnership, Betway will be promoted to over 200 million sports fans across Africa, during weekly-prime time broadcasts on the largest TV channels on the continent.

    Read:Betway Jackpot: Student wins GHS 500,000

    Betway Country Manager (Marketing), Kwabena Oppong Nkrumah stated, “Betway is thrilled to have formed a partnership with EFC and looks forward to bringing the excitement of MMA betting to all of our fans across Africa. With the growth in popularity of MMA as a sport and the professionalism of EFC as an institution, it was a natural choice to reach the growing fanbase.”

    The partnership kick-offs ahead of EFC 82 which takes place on 28 September at Carnival City, headlined by the EFC welterweight Grand Prix finale between Themba Gorimbo and Luke Michael for the EFC welterweight title, and the light heavyweight championship bout between Quinton Rossouw and Simon Biyong.

    Now all eyes turn to EFC 82 Gorimbo vs Michael, Rossouw vs Biyong, presented by Betway, is taking place on Saturday 28 September, live from Carnival City, Johannesburg. Tickets are on sale at computicket.com. Full broadcast details available on efcworldwide.com.

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • Saudi Arabia to open up to foreign tourists with new visas

    Saudi Arabia will open its doors to international tourists for the first time as part of a broader push to cut its economic dependence on oil.

    On Friday, the kingdom will launch a visa regime for 49 countries and relax strict dress codes for female visitors.

    Tourism Minister Ahmad al-Khateeb described it as a “historic moment” for the country.

    Visas have until now largely been restricted to pilgrims, business people and expatriate workers.

    Saudi Arabia is also hoping to secure foreign investment in the tourism industry. It wants tourism to rise from 3% to 10% of gross domestic product by 2030.

    “Visitors will be surprised… by the treasures we have to share – five Unesco World Heritage Sites, a vibrant local culture and breathtaking natural beauty,” Mr al-Khateeb said.

    Foreign women visitors will not be required to wear the body-covering abaya robe required to be worn in public by Saudi women, but must still maintain modest dress. There will also be no restrictions on unaccompanied women visiting the country.

    Read:Saudi Arabia hosts over 1.8 million pilgrims for Hajj 2019

    “We have a culture. We believe our friends and our guests will respect the culture, but definitely it is modest and it will be very clear,” Mr al-Khateeb said.

    Non-Muslims will still not be allowed to visit the holy cities of Mecca and Medina and the ban on alcohol will be maintained.

    More details on the scheme, including which countries are eligible, are due to be provided later on Friday.

    But Mr al-Khateeb said he did not believe the recent attack on Saudi Arabia’s oil industry would put people off visiting.

    “Our cities are among the most safest cities globally. Therefore, we don’t believe at all it will impact our plans. We have all the expats living in Saudi Arabia, enjoying Saudi Arabia. We’re very secure,” he said.

    Read:Saudi crown prince hosts Christian evangelicals

    Tourism hopes
    The moves to open up tourism is central to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s wider economic reform programme that aims to reduce the kingdom’s focus on oil.

    Under the plan, Saudi Arabia wants to increase international and domestic visits to 100 million a year by 2030. The government expects to create one million tourism jobs.

    Still, the push comes as the kingdom faces a tarnished international image amid criticism of its human rights record following last year’s murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, and a recent crackdown on women’s rights activists.

    In 2017 Saudi Arabia announced a massive tourism development project that will turn 50 islands and other sites on the Red Sea into luxury resorts.

    Last year construction began on Qiddiya “entertainment city” near Riyadh, which is to include high-end theme parks, motor sport facilities and a safari area.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Teaching 5-year-olds about sexuality is clear LGBT agenda Foh-Amoaning

    Law lecturer and fierce critic of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) movement, Moses Foh-Amoaning, has slammed the introduction of the Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) in Ghanaian public schools.

    Mr Foh-Amoaning, who is also the Executive Secretary and the Spokesperson for the National Coalition for Proper Human Sexual Rights and Family Values, said some texts and modules in the curriculum that will guide the CSE programme in Ghana resonate with LGBT activism.

    Read: GES implements new curriculum September

    Beginning next year, pupils in all public schools, including five-year-olds, will be thought CSE.

    The Ghana Education Service (GES) has argued that, the subject content would be age-appropriate to enable say pre-schoolers to be empowered with values that would protect them from sexual harassment.

    Most critics have said the age of five is too early for children to learn about sex. However, Mr Foh-Amoaning perceives a bigger problem with the whole CSE programme.

    “I feel a bit of pity for…the Director-General of the Ghana Education Service [Prof Kwasi Opoku-Amankwa] even the Ministry [of Education] and a lot of other Ghanaians who have been made a part of this clear LGBT agenda,” Mr Foh-Amoaning said Friday, on the Super Morning Show on Joy FM.

    He believes there is an active strategy by the LGBT movement to get acceptance especially in Africa, where resistance has been most strong.

    “[The strategy] is always not open for you to see, it is very subliminal and they come in all sorts of ways…they have noticed that in Africa, our culture and our religion, we are very strong…so they are going through the education. Education is strong because if you win the mind then you can win the heart,” he said.

    Mr Foh-Amoaning also picked out topics in the CSE curriculum that he believes, support the pro-LGBT agenda, noting at age six, children are meant to learn about “Being Male or Female” under “Knowing Myself”.

    “My brother, is there any confusion about being a male or female,” he asked the host of the Super Morning Show, Daniel Dadzie.

    Ghana and the United Nations Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) launched the CSE programme this year in a bid to empower adolescents and young people to deepen their scope of existing activities to attain a Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE).

    Read: New curriculum: Teachers ready but worried over collapsing classrooms

    Known as the “Our right, Our lives, Our Future (O³), CSE is supported by the governments of Sweden and Ireland.

    It is being implemented in Ghana, Eswatini (formerly Swaziland), Malawi, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe for effective delivery of quality comprehensive sexuality programmes.

    Mr Foh-Amoaning said Tanzania and Zambia are already regretting the decision to incorporate CSE into their education.

     

    Source: Myjoyonline.com

  • ‘It’s unacceptable to disqualify Joseph Apor’ – Angry Ellembelle NPP members

    Some aggrieved members of the governing New Patriotic Party in Ellembelle, Western Region have said, it is unacceptable for the party’s hierarchy to disqualify Joseph Apor Adjei aka Boin from contesting Ellembelle NPP parliamentary primaries without any tangible reason.

    The New Patriotic Party (NPP) would conduct its parliamentary primaries in all orphan constituencies in the country on Saturday, September 28, 2019 to elect its 2020 parliamentary candidates.

    Since 1992, the New Patriotic Party has not won the Ellembelle parliamentary seat before except on an alliance.

    The seat, is currently occupied by Emmanuel Armah Kofi-Buah, an NDC MP.

    The current District Chief Executive (DCE) for Ellembelle, Kwasi Bonzoh has been running unopposed for the NPP since 2012, but this time around, he is facing tight competition.

    Read: NPP primaries: Aspirant secures injunction to stop election in Asawase

    All four aspirants who picked forms to contest the primaries were subsequently vetted in Takoradi.

    The aspirants were; Kwasi Bonzoh (Ellembelle DCE), Anna Horma Akaisi Meizy (NPP Western Regional Treasurer), Isaac Menlah and Joseph Apor Adjei (business moguls).

    But, the National Parliamentary Vetting Committee of the party later disqualified the business mogul, Joseph Apor Adjei from contesting in the parliamentary primaries without any explanation.

    Mr. Apor Adjei subsequently petitioned the party, but no reason was given to him for his disqualification.

    The party later cleared three aspirants to contest the Ellembelle NPP parliamentary primaries slated for Saturday, September 28, 2019.

    They are; Ellembelle DCE, Kwasi Bonzoh, Anna Akaisi Hormah Miezah, the Western Regional Treasurer of NPP and one miner, Isaac Menlah.

    But in a statement issued and signed by the Convener of Concerned Members of Ellembelle NPP, Sammy Enuson, copied to the media, he said the decision taken by the leadership of the party to disqualify Mr Joseph Apor Adjei was unacceptable and added that it should not be encouraged at all.

    The statement disclosed that “Mr. Joseph Apor Adjei since 2014 has paid his dues in full, he provided a fully furnished office worth over GHC300,000.00 to the party free of charge and huge financial assistance to both the party and party faithfuls”.

    “These kind gestures demonstrated by the man does not deserve a disqualification without a reason, we strongly believe it was a decision from the Constituency Executives which was endorsed by the Regional Executives, Vetting Committee and National Committees, it is really unacceptable and we must not encourage these actions which can be inimical to the growth of our party”, the statement noted.

    Below is the full statement;

    RE: DISQUALIFICATION OF JOSEPH APOR ADJEI FROM CONTESTING THE PRIMARIES IN ELLEMBELLE

    We are highly surprised to hear of the disqualification of Joseph Apor Adjei by the Executives (NEC, Vetting Committee and the Constituency Executives). We see this as bad precedence for the development of our party at the grassroot level since people who may be interested in the support of the party at that stage will not do that anymore. This is because looking at the enormous and immeasurable contribution of Mr. Joseph Apor Adjei to the party in the Ellembelle Constituency did not warrant such a bad treatment from the party.

    Mr Joseph Apor Adjei since 2014 has paid his dues in full, he provided a fully furnished office worth over GHC300,000.00 to the party free of charge and huge financial assistance to both the party and party faithfuls. These kind gestures demonstrated by the man does not deserve a disqualification without a reason, we strongly believe it was a decision from the Constituency Executives which endorsed by the Regional Executives, Vetting Committee and National Committees, it is really unacceptable and we must not encourage these actions which can be inimical to the growth of our party.

    In as much as we disgree with the decision, , we also want to express our profound gratitude to Mr. Joseph Apor Adjei for not taking the party down the lane of chaos and anarchy as seen in other parties. Clearly this shows your unflinching desire to see the NPP party in Ellembelle Constituency grow and capture the seat in 2020 general elections. The party says thank you and will encourage you to continue your good deeds for the party.

    Read: NPP puts primaries in 6 constituencies on hold

    To the other aspirants who sailed through the vetting, we wish them good luck and assure anyone who will emerge victorious of our unflinching support towards elections 2020. But wish to advise them to devoid of issues and comments that is likely to cause complexity in the existing problems in the Constituency.

    We should always be reminded by past events that occurred during the election of polling station executives last year that caused our dear sister Fatima Issah popularly known as Fati from Kangbumli to lose her sight, Mr. Daniel Afful, Ngalekyi Youth Organiser, was stabbed in the palm and the party car that was destroyed by party faithful’s and do our very best to prevent the reoccurrence of such incidence.

    As Constituency our utmost priority is to win the Ellembelle seat and the presidential election come 7th December 2020 and not a mere parliamentary candidate and we can achieve this goal by hard work with peace, unity and love for one another. It is our wish that the delegates will take a meticulous and successful decision come September 28, 2019.

    God bless NPP!

    Long Live New Patriotic Party

    Long Live Ellembelle

    Signed!

    Sammy Enuson

    Convener of Concerned Members of Ellembelle NPP

     

    Source: Daniel Kaku

  • White House ‘tried to cover up details of Trump-Ukraine call’

    enior White House officials tried to “lock down” all details of a phone call between Donald Trump and the Ukrainian president, according to a whistleblower complaint against the US president.

    In the call, Mr Trump pushed Volodymyr Zelensky to investigate his leading domestic political rival, Joe Biden.

    The newly released complaint says the call transcript was not stored in the usual computer system.

    Instead it was stored in a separate system used for classified information.

    Nancy Pelosi, the most senior Democrat, announced on Tuesday that the party was pushing ahead with a formal impeachment inquiry against the Republican president.

    She accused Mr Trump of seeking foreign help in the hope of smearing Mr Biden – who is seeking the Democratic nomination for the 2020 presidential election – and of using military aid to Ukraine as a bargaining tool.

    Mr Trump acknowledged that he personally blocked nearly $400m in military aid to Ukraine days before he spoke to Mr Zelensky, but denied that it was to pressure the Ukrainian leader into investigating Mr Biden.

    The release of the whistleblower complaint came as US lawmakers on the House of Representatives intelligence committee began to question President Trump’s top intelligence official on the issue. Acting National Intelligence Director Joseph Maguire had initially refused to share the complaint with Congress.

    Read:Trump denies promise that led to formal complaint from US spy

    But under questioning by the House committee on Thursday, Mr Maguire said he believed the whistleblower had acted in “good faith” and “did the right thing”.

    President Trump has dismissed the impeachment proceedings as a “hoax” and “another witch-hunt”.

    Speaking to reporters at the White House on Thursday after the release of the whistleblower’s report and the congressional hearing, he said the impeachment process “shouldn’t be allowed”.

    “What… Democrats are doing to this country is a disgrace and it shouldn’t be allowed,” he said. “There should be a way of stopping it, maybe legally through the courts.”

    Recordings of Mr Trump’s comments to staff at the US mission in New York on Wednesday have emerged in which Mr Trump says that whoever gave the whistleblower information is “almost a spy”.

    In an apparent reference to the execution of spies by the US in the past, he adds: “You know what we used to do in the old days when we were smart? Right? The spies and treason, we used to handle it a little differently than we do now…”

    What does the complaint say?

    The whistleblower’s complaint accuses Mr Trump of “using the power of his office to solicit interference from a foreign country in the US 2020 election”.

    The now unclassified document characterises the president’s conduct as a “serious or flagrant problem, abuse, or violation of law”.

    The alleged violation concerns President Trump asking his Ukrainian counterpart on 25 July to investigate unfounded allegations against Mr Biden.

    Read:Trump denies pressuring Ukraine, will not commit to transcript release

    The whistleblower says in the complaint that they had learned from several sources that senior White House officials had intervened to “lock down” all records of the call, particularly an official word-for-word transcript.

    “This set of actions underscored to me that White House officials understood the gravity of what had transpired in the call,” the whistleblower wrote in the complaint.

    The whistleblower says details of the call were stored in a “stand-alone computer system reserved for codeword-level intelligence information, such as covert action”.

    The whistleblower adds that officials said it was “‘not the first time’ under this administration that a presidential transcript was placed into this codeword-level system solely for the purpose of protecting politically sensitive – rather than national security sensitive – information”.

    The complaint makes clear that the whistleblower was “not a direct witness” to most of the events described, but found their colleagues’ accounts to be credible “because, in almost all cases, multiple officials recounted fact patterns that were consistent with one another”.

    What’s happened in Congress?

    The House intelligence committee chairman Adam Schiff, a Democrat, opened the hearing by accusing President Trump of a “classic organised crime shakedown”.

    But the leading Republican on the committee, Devin Nunes, a Trump supporter, said: “I want to congratulate the Democrats on their latest informational warfare operation against the president and their extraordinary ability to once again enlist the mainstream media in their campaign.”

    Mr Schiff asked Mr Maguire why he had sought advice from the White House before deciding to release the whistleblower’s report.

    “It just seemed prudent to check,” Mr Maguire responded, saying he had sought the advice of White House counsel to determine if the report included information protected by presidential executive privilege.

    He added: “I believe everything in this matter is totally unprecedented.”

    During further questioning by Mr Schiff, Mr Maguire said he believed the whistleblower had acted in “good faith”.

    He continued: “I think the whistleblower did the right thing. I think he followed the law every step of the way.”

    Read:Trump confirms he raised Bidens in Ukraine call

    Analysis by Anthony Zurcher

    Maguire in the middle of competing narratives
    Donald Trump’s presidency has been punctuated by high-profile congressional hearings – Joseph Maguire’s is just the latest.

    As is tradition, both sides tried to draw the witness into giving them ammunition in the ongoing political battles.

    Democrats wanted him to vouch for the whistleblower’s credibility, to detail what they see as a White House cover-up and condemn an administration’s Ukraine policy being largely run by a private citizen – Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani.

    Republicans’ ongoing goal was to paint the whole thing as the latest example of “presidential harassment”.

    The politicians wanted conclusions, but Maguire mostly spoke of process. “I have to work with the situation as it is,” he said at one point. And it’s one heck of a situation he’s stepped into.

    What is the claim about Joe Biden?

    During the call, Mr Trump discussed with newly elected Mr Zelensky the 2016 removal of a Ukrainian prosecutor, Viktor Shokin.

    He then went on to discuss Mr Biden’s son, Hunter Biden, and the unsubstantiated allegation that Mr Biden – then the US vice-president – stopped the prosecution of his son by lobbying Ukraine to fire Mr Shokin.

    Mr Shokin’s office had opened an investigation into Burisma, a natural gas company on which Hunter Biden was a board member.

    During the call, Mr Trump also asked Mr Zelensky to work with US Attorney General William Barr and Mr Trump’s personal lawyer, Rudolph Giuliani, to look into the matter.

    There is no evidence of any wrongdoing by the Bidens.

    Mr Biden, along with other Western officials, had called for Mr Shokin to be fired because of the perception that he was soft on corruption.

    When Mr Shokin was replaced, his successor continued to investigate Burisma for 10 months before the inquiry ended.

    The Department of Justice said on Wednesday that Mr Trump had not spoken to the attorney general about having Ukraine investigate Mr Biden, and Mr Barr had not communicated with Ukraine.

    How the controversy unfolded

    On or before 18 July – President Trump orders White House aide to hold back almost $400m in military aid to Ukraine, report US media

    25 July – President Trump speaks to Ukraine’s leader in a 30-minute phone call

    9 September – Congress learns of a whistleblower’s complaint about the call, but is blocked by the Trump administration from viewing it

    11 September – Military aid for Ukraine is cleared for release by the Pentagon and Department of State

    23 September – Mr Trump confirms he withheld Ukrainian aid, saying it was due to concerns about “corruption”

    24 September – Mr Trump says the aid was withheld so that other countries would pay more.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Iran nuclear deal: EU nations warn Tehran over breaches

    Britain, France and Germany have warned Iran against any further breaches of the international nuclear deal signed in 2015, the BBC has learnt.

    In New York on Thursday, the three EU signatories to the deal said they would trigger a special dispute mechanism if there were further violations.

    Iran began breaching its commitments under the deal after the US abandoned it and imposed sanctions last year.

    The UN nuclear watchdog has said Iran is using banned enrichment technology.

    The warning was issued at a meeting with Iranian ministers on the fringes of the UN General Assembly, reports the BBC’s James Landale at the UN General Assembly in New York.

    Read:U.S. building coalition after Saudi oil attack, Iran warns against war

    If the dispute mechanism is triggered, the entire nuclear agreement could collapse and the UN could reinstate sanctions on Iran, which would be applied by all UN member states.

    This would have a devastating impact on the Iranian economy, our correspondent says.

    The deal was first signed in 2015 by the three EU countries, as well as the US, Russia and China.

    Although the agreement allowed Iran to accumulate small amounts of uranium for research, it banned the enrichment of uranium, which is used to make reactor fuel but also nuclear weapons.

    Iran was also required to redesign a heavy-water reactor being built, whose spent fuel would contain plutonium suitable for a bomb, and to allow international inspections.

    In May 2018 President Donald Trump abandoned the deal and reinstated US sanctions.

    When the sanctions were tightened in May this year, Iran stopped abiding by some commitments in the deal.

    In a report seen by Reuters news agency on Thursday, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said: “On 25 September 2019, the Agency verified that all of the (centrifuge) cascades already installed in R&D lines 2 and 3… were accumulating, or had been been prepared to accumulate, enriched uranium.”

    Read:Rouhani says Iran favours talks but US must lift sanctions

    Iran denies ever seeking a nuclear weapons capability.

    Earlier this week, French President Emmanuel Macron attempted to broker a meeting between Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and President Trump.

    But Mr Rouhani told delegates at the UN that he refused to meet Mr Trump while punishing US economic sanctions were in place.

    “How can someone believe them when the silent killing of a great nation, and pressure on the lives of 83 million Iranians… are welcomed by American government officials?” he said.

    Source: bbc.com

  • CAF CC: AshantiGold arrive in Morocco ahead of RS Berkane clash

    Ashantigold Sporting Club has arrived in Morroco ahead of the 2019/2020 Total CAF Confederations Cup second leg game with R.S Berkane on Saturday (28th September, 2019).

    The Miners left Kotoka International Airport on Wednesday afternoon (1:40 PM) via Egypt Air, and subsequently lodged at “Le Passage” hotel on Wednesday night upon arriving in Cairo.

    Read:CAF CC: Ashantigold name 18-man squad for RS Berkane trip

    Around 8:00 hours Egyptian Time (6:00 GMT), the team left Cairo for Cassablanca, via EgyptAir. Upon arriving at Casablanca (12:10 Morrocan time, 11:10 GMT), the team departed for Oujda via Royal Air Maroc and connected to Saidia (Few kilometers from Berkane) by road.

    Read:AshantiGold striker Shafiu Mumuni named Black Stars B captain

    The team will lodge at Saidia before training at the Stade Municipal de Berkane (Match venue) Tomorrow night (20:00 GMT) prior to the game on Saturday (20:00 GMT).

    Source: bbc.com

  • IMF: Zimbabwe has the highest inflation rate in the world

    Annual inflation in Zimbabwe was 300 percent in August, according to new data released by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). At that level, the troubled southern African nation’s inflation rate is the highest in the world.

    Annualised inflation in Zimbabwe was measured at 175.66 percent in June, up from 97.85 percent in May. In a statement released on Thursday, IMF head of delegation Gene Leon said Zimbabwe was experiencing what he described as severe economic difficulties.

    Leon was a part of an IMF delegation that was recently in the country to assess progress on the implementation of a Staff Monitored Program (SMP) that measures economic performance and Zimbabwe’s commitment to reforms. The programme is a key step towards unlocking IMF funding.

    “Since the February currency reform, the exchange rate has depreciated ,” Leon said. The currency went from one-to-one with the US unit to 1 to 16.5 as of September 23, “fostering high inflation, which reached almost 300 percent (year-over-year) in August.”

    Zimbabwe’s Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube banned the publication of annual inflation numbers in July to allow the country’s statistical agency, Zimstat, to compile new price data, which will only be published in February 2020, Ncube said.

    Read:Zimbabwe: A third of population faces food crisis, says UN

    This is not the first time Zimbabwe has experienced high inflation. Government figures show Zimbabwe’s peak inflation rate was 79.6 billion percent month-on-month and 89.7 sextillion percent year-on-year in mid-November 2009. Hyperinflation only ended the following year with the adoption of the US dollar.

    Sting of inflation

    While Zimstat is not confirming the IMF’s inflation estimate, many Zimbabweans are feeling the sting of the Zimbabwean dollar’s diminishing value.

    Chenjerai Varugu, a vendor who sells mobile phone chargers and USB cables in Harare’s streets, says high inflation has made life tougher for him.

    “Life is just now harder for me,” he told Al Jazeera. “I am now struggling to buy food. Bread is now $10. Everything has gone up.” When the local currency was pegged to the US dollar a loaf of bread could be bought for $1.

    Read:Zimbabwe drought leaves more than two million people without clean water

    Varugu said he was thinking of leaving the country because most of his merchandise comes from abroad and that makes his livelihood particularly sensitive to exchange rates.

    “The weakening local currency also affects my business in a big way because the wholesalers of the products buy these products in US dollars and increase the prices when the Zim dollar weakens against the US dollar,” Varugu said. When the cost of doing business for him rises, he raises prices, but he admits this is not a sustainable solution. “Customers generally don’t buy as much when you increase the price.”

    Leon said economic difficulties in the country have been exacerbated by severe weather shocks. He foresees a steep drop in the value of all the goods and services produced within Zimbabwe in 2019.

    “Social conditions have deteriorated sharply, with more than half of Zimbabwe’s population [8.5 million people] estimated by the UN to be food insecure in 2019/2020. Weakening confidence, policy uncertainty, a continuation of FX market distortions, and a recent expansionary monetary stance has increased pressure on the exchange rate,” Leon added.

    Read:Zimbabwe to introduce new currency due to dollar shortage

    Worse than Venezuela

    Like Zimbabwe, the Venezuelan government in 2018 once suspended inflation readings.

    This year, annual inflation in Venezuela – the country with the world’s second-highest inflation – was measured at 135.3 percent in August. On a month-on-month basis, consumer prices in Venezuela rose 65.2 percent in the same month, according to the opposition-controlled Congress.

    While inflation in Venezuela has decelerated in recent months because of strict reserve requirements on banks, which reduced the credit available to businesses, Zimbabwe’s rate hike has not slowed down inflation.

    Source: aljazeera.com

  • Dominic Cummings: Anger at MPs ‘not surprising’, PM’s adviser says

    It is “not surprising” there is anger directed at MPs over Brexit, the PM’s adviser, Dominic Cummings, has said.

    The former Vote Leave campaign director said the only way the issue of abuse would be solved is if MPs “respect” the result of the EU referendum.

    Mr Cummings’s remarks came after Boris Johnson defended language he used in Parliament amid criticism from MPs.

    The parliamentary tensions have led 120 archbishops and bishops to warn against “further entrenching our divisions”.

    The intervention followed an ill-tempered debate on Wednesday as MPs returned to Parliament after the Supreme Court ruled the suspension of Parliament was unlawful.

    The prime minister was criticised by a number of MPs for – among other remarks – describing one Labour MP’s safety concerns as “humbug” and repeatedly referring to legislation aimed at blocking no-deal as “the surrender bill”.
    On Thursday, MPs spoke in the Commons of the threats they had faced, with independent MP Caroline Nokes describing how someone called her a “traitor who deserved to be shot” on a walkabout in her constituency.

    Read:Brexit: MPs to debate next steps

    Speaking at a book launch that evening, Mr Cummings said MPs had spent three years “swerving all over the shop” following the referendum and it was “not surprising some people are angry about it”.

    He said both Leave and Remain campaigners had received “serious threats” of violence, which he said should be taken seriously.

    But he added: “If you are a bunch of politicians and say that we swear we are going to respect the result of a democratic vote, and then after you lose you say, ‘We don’t want to respect that vote’, what do you expect to happen?”

    “In the end, the situation can only be resolved by Parliament honouring its promise to respect the result,” he said, echoing sentiments expressed by the prime minister in the Commons on Wednesday.

    ‘We are going to win’

    Mr Cummings also denied that Downing Street was under pressure following the Supreme Court ruling, a series of parliamentary defeats and the backlash against Mr Johnson’s comments.

    “This is a walk in the park compared to the referendum. We are enjoying this. We are going to leave and we are going to win,” he said.

    Read:Brexit: PM says critics of her deal are risking democracy

    BBC political correspondent Helen Catt said Mr Cummings’s comments were unlikely to smooth tensions in Parliament, where MPs have expressed concern that Downing Street could seek to bypass legislation – passed earlier this month – to block a no-deal Brexit.

    The Benn Act – which Mr Johnson has been referring to as the “surrender act” – says the prime minister will have to ask the EU for an extension to the 31 October Brexit deadline if he is unable to pass a deal in Parliament, or get MPs to approve a no-deal Brexit, by 19 October.

    What is the Benn Act?

    When Mr Johnson talks about the “surrender bill”, he is referring to the European Union (Withdrawal) (No. 2) Act, also known as the Benn Act after Labour MP Hilary Benn, who introduced the legislation to the Commons.

    The act – which became law earlier this month – stipulates the prime minister will have until 19 October to either pass a deal in Parliament or get MPs to approve a no-deal Brexit.

    Once this deadline has passed, he will have to request an extension to the UK’s departure date to 31 January 2020 from the EU.

    If the EU responds by proposing a different date, the PM will have two days to accept that proposal. But during this two-day period, MPs – not the government – will have the opportunity to reject the EU’s date.

    Former Justice Secretary David Gauke told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “Some of language from the prime minister this week has clearly made it harder to win support from Labour MPs for any kind of deal.”

    Former Prime Minister Sir John Major – who on Thursday accused Mr Johnson of “wilfully” destroying the prospects of a cross-party agreement on Brexit – expressed concern that the government might sidestep the law by suspending the Benn Act until after 31 October.

    Sir John said he thought ministers might be planning to do this by passing an Order of Council, which can be approved by Privy Councillors – government ministers – and has the force of law.

    Read:Brexiteer MPs say delay would be political calamity

    On Thursday night, Conservative Party chairman James Cleverly refused to rule the idea out.

    He told BBC Question Time: “I’m not going to discuss how we’re going to progress through this… I’m not going to talk through how the government intends to discharge its business, knowing full well that there are a whole load of people who will try and distort every procedure that we have in British politics to try and prevent that.”

    However, former Attorney General Dominic Grieve said he was confident any attempt to circumvent the act would fail.

    Downing Street has consistently said the government will obey the law, but Mr Johnson has also insisted he will not seek a delay to Brexit, which the act mandates.

    Meanwhile, the College of Bishops called on politicians to “speak to others with respect”, adding that the result of the EU referendum “should be honoured”.

    “It is easy to descend into division and abuse – climbing out and finding unity again takes far longer,” the college said in a statement.

    “Further entrenching our divisions, whether from uncertainty or from partisanship, is not worthy of our country nor the leadership we now need.”

    Elsewhere, a man was arrested for allegedly verbally abusing staff at Labour MP Jess Phillips’s constituency office in Birmingham.

    In interviews with the BBC, Mr Johnson acknowledged that “tempers need to come down” in Parliament.

    But defending his use of the word “surrender”, the prime minister added: “I do think in the House of Commons it is important I should be able to talk about the surrender bill, the surrender act, in the way that I did.”

    Source: bbc.com

  • ‘Corrupt officials will be exposed under my tenure’ – Ankomah

    Lawyer George Ankomah Mensah a Director of Accra based division three side Odorkor Kwashieman (OK) United has said corrupt officials will be dealt with under his tenure when voted into office as the next president of the Ghana Football Association (GFA).

    Lawyer Ankomah, who together with six other presidential aspirants would need to pass through vetting before elections said the image of Ghana football had been dented, thereby driving away sponsorships.

    Read:GFA Elections: George Afriyie proposes $1000 minimum wage to Premier League players

    “Football creates a legacy and an iconic position, which when sanctified, sponsors would come knocking on the GFA doors rather than GFA going to them.

    “The lack of transparency has driven a lot of goodies away from our football and its time we take a critical look at that, reason I have made it a point to expose any corrupt practices and officials to be apprehended.

    Read:See the 7 persons who want to replace Nyantakyi as GFA Prez

    “Football is a whole business on its own and it thrives on brand but ours has been vilified and it is time to redeem that and I am the right person for that job” he added.

    He said he would not be compromised in any way to be derailed from his vision and mission as he has availed himself for the vacant GFA presidential presidential position.

    Lawyer Ankomah, said he would be launching his manifesto in the coming weeks, with focus on grassroots development and transparency.

    Source: ghananewsagency.org

  • Ive been misinterpreted – Amanda Clinton clarifies position on Nyantakyi

    Press statement from Lawyer Amanda Akuokor Clinton (26th September 2019):

    It had been brought to my attention that it is been circulated that I said that the former President of the G.F.A did a phenomenal job.

    I wish to offer the football fans who were deeply traumatized and hurt from the Anas Video clarification on the news story that is circulating about me regarding my supposed comments on praising the former President of the G.F.A.

    I would like to categorically state that my comments have been mis-interpreted.

    Read:GFA Elections: Amanda Clinton praises Kwesi Nyantaky`

    I was addressing the issue of how grassroots mobilisation is important to any campaign for presidency and that he did a phenomenal job at mobilising grassroots support and networking throughout the country HOWEVER fraternity is not enough. 2019 is a time for transition, accountability, zero tolerance for bad corporate practices and reliance on new fundraising channels as well as a new face and brand. I also said I would take the G.F.A to the next level if selected by taking it into the 21st century when it comes to

    1) Corporate fundraising

    2) Turning around the fortunes of our football where it bleeds the most- local football leagues

    Read:GFA will overflow with billions of dollars under my leadership Amanda Clinton

    3) Changing the culture of the organization with a servant-leadership model

    4) Introducing transformative signature programmes

    5) Engaging with F.I.FA at a senior level

    6) Ensuring the G.F.A becomes the beacon of Africa in terms of football administration

    I ask that the press works with me to share my message and vision as I work towards become the next President of the G.F.A and do so in a way that has never been done before in our history.

    Source: Ghanaguardian.com

  • Only one bullet killed American President Kennedy – Hadzide

    A Deputy Minister of Information, Pius Enam Hadzide has reiterated government’s seriousness with getting to the bottom of the alleged attempt on the presidency.

    He said government cannot afford to take the attempt to destabilize the country lightly and served critics the reminder that it took a bullet to kill American President JF Kennedy on November 22, 1963.

    Read:VW plant to be set up by last quarter of 2018 Pius Hadzide

    “It is unfortunate that a section of the Ghanaian public will attempt to ridicule this information. History reminds us that the assassination of the former president of the United State of America John Fitzgerald Kennedy took a bullet, just one person with a gun.”

    The call comes after sections of the public mocked at an announcement by the Information Minister, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah on Monday that security operatives had foiled a coup plot, and arrested the masterminds.

    Read:PDS retail license remains suspended Pius Hadzide

    At a press briefing in Accra on Thursday, Mr Hadzide, called on the public to stop ridiculing the information.

    “We want to discourage strongly attempts by a section especially on social media and traditional media by acclaimed, self-acclaimed security and intelligent expect to ridicule what information was put out”.

    Source: Graphic.com.gh

  • YEA to launch initiatives aimed at creating sustainable employments

    The Youth Employment Agency (YEA), as parts of its mandate of creating and facilitating employment for the youth of Ghana, between the ages of 15 and 35, has introduced four key initiatives aimed at creating sustainable jobs.

    The initiatives will be launched by the Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, at 9am on October 2, 2019, at the Bank of Ghana Auditorium, University of Ghana.

    This was announced by the Deputy Minister of Information, Pius Enam Hadzide, on Thursday Morning, during a press briefing.

    Read:Planting for Foods and Jobs: 60,000 youth to benefit under YEA

    The four initiatives are Job Centres, Artisan Directory, Agric Based Flagship Programmes and a Work Abroad Programme.

    The Work Abroad Programme, the Minister said will enable the export of young professionals such as nurses and teachers into other countries, whiles the Job Centres will serve as a platform to link job seekers to employers.

    Read:YEA to establish cassava plantation, build factory in the Eastern Region Board Chairman

    The Artisan Directory will be a centre that will train and set up artisans such as beauticians, masons, carpenters and fashion designers, and make them accessible through the use of ICT.

    He also added that, the Agric Based Flagship Programmes will be targeted at districts and regions taking into cognisance their natural resource endowments, and the comparative advantages of those districts and regions.

    The Minister called on employers, job seekers and the youth to attend the launch.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • FDA takes sample of alleged pig feed bread for testing

    The Eastern Regional branch of Food and Drug Authority (FDA) has begun investigation into allegation leveled against a 52-year-old woman for allegedly baking wheat bread with pig feed at Obomeng in the Kwahu South District.

    According to the District Environmental Officer, Welbeck Didza, the FDA on Wednesday took a sample of the said dough for forensic testing.

    Read:FDA detains 802 cartons of Lucozade, 2 arrested for changing expiry dates

    Information gathered by Agoo Fm news indicates that, the FDA after taken sample from the police also visited the wholesaler implicated in the matter at Nkawkaw where the suspect usually buys her goods from.

    Akosua Dwamena was arrested on Saturday 21st September 2019, for allegedly using Pig feed to bake wheat bread. The suspect has been supplying bread to some schools and other communities in the enclave for about 25 years.

    Read:FDA trains staff on food risk profiling and ranking

    Meanwhile, Madam Dwamena has denied all the allegations leveled against her insisting she deals in wholesome bread.

    According to her, this is a ploy by some neighbours just to bring her down after they allegedly threatened her following some misunderstanding. She was however confident the investigation will prove her innocence.

    Source: kasapafmonline.com

  • Sabahn Quaye set to replace legend Stephen Appiah as Black Stars team manager

    Hearts of Oak team manager Sabahn Quaye is expected to replace former Ghana captain Stephen Appiah as Black Stars technical coordinator, GHANAsoccernet.com can report.

    Quaye is returning to the role two-years after was replaced by the iconic former Black Stars captain.

    Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah has made an audacious move to sack popular assistant coaches Ibrahim Tanko and Stephen Appiah after recommending for their removal to the Normalisation Committee.

    Read:Kwesi Appiah recommends sacking of Ibrahim Tanko, Stephen Appiah from Black Stars

    The Black Stars coach has written to the Ghana Football Association (GFA) in his post-Africa Cup of Nations tournament report saying he doesn’t want to work with the duo after the Black Stars’ disastrous showing at the tournament in Egypt in July.

    The national team bombed out of the competition at the second round stage which was the country’s worst outing in 13 years which resulted in widespread calls for coach Appiah to be sacked claiming he is incompetent.

    However, Appiah has turned the knife of his two popular assistants in the latest ruthless and brutal culling of his backroom staff.

    Read:Kwesi Appiah recommends CK Akonnor as his deputy

    It is unknown why coach Appiah took the shocking decision but insiders claim the Black Stars coach hold the two responsible for the team’s disastrous showing in Egypt.

    With the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers looming in November, Appiah has called for the massive changes of sacking the two popular Ghana legends before the qualifiers start saying the decision will help the Black Stars qualify.

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • CAF CL: Yacouba out as Kotoko travel for Etoile du Sahel decider

    Burkinabe striker Songne Yacouba is a conspicuous absentee from Asante Kotoko’s travelling party for Sunday’s Caf Champions League away clash with Etoile du Sahel of Tunisia.

    The 27-year-old has promptly returned to the sidelines for unclear reasons, having only made a comeback to the matchday squad as the Porcupine Warriors registered a 2-0 home triumph in the first leg of the first round fixture.

    Kotoko’s talisman during their Caf Confederation Cup campaign last season made a second-half appearance in the September 15 tie.

    Read:Kotoko to unleash Yacouba on Hearts of Oak

    Captain Felix Annan leads the travelling team for Sousse, alongside veteran midfielder Jordan Opoku and frontman Richard Arthur who netted in the first leg.

    Guinean striker Naby Laye Keita has also made a return, having missed the last match due to suspension.

    The winners on aggregate after both legs secure a place in the group stage of the competition.

    Read:CAF Champions League: Fatawu, Yacouba missing as Kotoko name squad for Kano Pillars clash

    Full Squad:

    Goalkeepers: Felix Annan, Osei Kwame

    Defenders: Ampem Dacosta, Evans Owusu, Habib Mohammed, Agyemang Badu, Patrick Yeboah

    Midfielders: Justice Blay, Jordan Opoku, Augustine Okrah, Didi Arnold, Samuel Frimpong, Godfred Asiamah, Kelvin Andoh, Emmanuel Gyamfi

    Forwards: Richard Arthur, George Abege, Naby Keita

    Source: Goal.com

  • DR Congo: Vaccine campaign for world’s largest measles outbreak

    More than 800,000 children are to be targeted for vaccination in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), after a measles outbreak killed more than 3,500 people this year.

    The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Congolese government aim to carry out the emergency programme across the country in slightly more than a week.

    The WHO says the epidemic is the world’s largest and fastest-moving.

    It has killed more Congolese people this year than Ebola.

    Despite previous rounds of immunisations, the disease has spread to every part of the country.

    Read:Measles claims over 2500 lives in DRC

    Lack of routine access to vaccinations and healthcare has contributed to the problem.

    “The DRC is experiencing a dire situation because too many children were missed by routine immunisation,” said Dr Deo Nshimirimana, WHO representative to the DRC.

    “The country now has large clusters of children who need to be vaccinated – WHO and partners are working with the health ministry to move as quickly as possible to reach them.”

    Every one of the country’s 26 provinces has reported cases of measles and is battling to control this outbreak, which the ministry of health declared on 10 June.

    Read:DR Congo tests 12 more patients for Ebola

    The campaign aims to vaccinate around 825,000 children in 24 regions, over a period of nine days, the agency said.

    “As of 17 September, a total of 183,837 suspected measles cases (5,989 confirmed) had been reported in 192 of the 519 health zones nationwide, including 3,667 deaths – which exceed the number of deaths due to Ebola. Nearly all the deaths have been children,” the WHO said in a statement.

    In the country’s east, Ebola has claimed more than 2,100 lives since erupting in August last year.

    Measles is a highly infectious viral illness that can sometimes lead to serious health complications, including infections of the lungs and brain.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Kwesi Appiah recommends sacking of Ibrahim Tanko, Stephen Appiah from Black Stars

    In a massive football earthquake, Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah has called for his highly-experienced assistant Tanko Ibrahim and legend Stephen Appiah to be sacked from their posts with the senior national team, Ghanasoccernet.com can exclusively reveal.

    The Black Stars coach has written to the Ghana Football Association (GFA) in his post-Africa Cup of Nations tournament report saying he doesn’t want to work with the duo after the Black Stars’ disastrous showing at the tournament in Egypt in July.

    Read:Social media spring lead campaign for Kwasi Appiah to be ousted as Black Stars Coach

    The national team crashed out of the competition at the second round stage which was the country’s worst outing in 13 years which resulted in widespread calls for coach Appiah to be sacked because he is incompetent.

    However, Appiah has turned the knife of his two popular assistants Tanko, who looks like the most experienced among the technical staff having coached in the Bundesliga and the Japanese top-flight as well as being the assistant coach of the Cameroon national team.

    Read:Ibrahim Tanko appointed Black Meteors coach

    With the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers looming in November, Appiah has called for massive changes to his backroom staff before the qualifiers start saying the decision will help the Black Stars qualify.

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • US museum returns looted Egyptian gold coffin

    A gilded coffin looted by art thieves in the wake of the Arab Spring and unwittingly purchased by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York has been returned to the Egyptian authorities.

    The sarcophagus dates back to the first century BC and once held the mummy of Nedjemankh, a priest of the ram god Heryshaf.

    The highly ornamented coffin was bought by the museum for $4m (£3.2m) in 2017 and was the centrepiece of the Nedjemankh and His Gilded Coffin exhibition that opened the following year.

    Read:Prisoners go on a hunger strike in Egypt

    But in February the coffin was seized by a New York unit investigating the trafficking of antiquities.

    “Thus far our investigation has determined that this coffin is just one of hundreds of antiquities stolen by the same multinational trafficking ring,” Cyrus Vance, Manhattan’s district attorney, is quoted by the Reuters news agency as saying at the ceremony to return the coffin.

    After it was taken from Egypt’s Minya region amid the political upheaval of the revolution in 2011, it passed through Dubai and Germany and on to France.

    Read:Egypt, Ethiopia disagree as talks over Nile dam project resume

    There a Paris art dealer, whose identity was not revealed, sold the 6ft (1.8m) artefact to the Met, the AFP news agency reports.

    Egypt’s foreign minister attended the ceremony in New York where investigators revealed the “glaring inconsistencies”

    “This is not only for Egyptians but this is for our common human heritage and our sense that we all share in the values and we all are one of the same international family,” Reuters quotes Sameh Shoukry as saying.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Tanzania court ‘blocks opposition politicians’ trips’

    A court in Tanzania has blocked two top politicians from the opposition Chadema party from travelling abroad until they are cleared of sedition charges, the country’s private Citizen newspaper reports.

    Vincent Mashinji, Chadema’s secretary-general, and MP Esther Matiko are facing charges, along with seven others including Chadema’s leader, for participating in a protest in February 2018, which saw a 22-year-old student killed by a stray bullet fired by police.

    Read:Tanzania not sharing information on suspected Ebola WHO

    The paper says their lawyers had asked the court to adjourn the case and allow them to travel abroad to attend separate meetings.

    Mr Masinji is supposed to travel to London to attend meetings for 10 days, while Ms Matiko is scheduled to go to Rwanda and later Belgium for five days of meetings.

    But magistrate Thomas Simba rejected the requests on grounds that they would delay the case.

    Read:Death toll in Tanzania tanker incident hits 69, national mourning declared

    “The accused are supposed to start their defence on charges facing them, so by allowing them to travel it will derail the case,” Mr Simba is quoted as saying in court in Dar es Salaam.

    He adjourned the case until 7 October, which is when the defence will start to put forward its case.

    President John Magufuli has been criticised for limiting political freedoms since coming to power in 2015, and has banned political rallies.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Kwesi Appiah recommends CK Akonnor as his deputy

    Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah has proposed former Asante Kotoko trainer Charles Akonnor as his new deputy, according to multiple sources.

    Appiah, who supervised a washed-out 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, has written to the Football Association to have his deputy Ibrahim Tanko replaced.

    Read:Guinea FA rubbishes claims of CK Akonnor appointment as National Team coach

    Appiah is reported to have told the Ghana FA he can no longer work with ex-Black Stars captain Stephen Appiah — who served as Team Manager.

    Akonnor was recently shortlisted for the Guinean national team job but could not make the final cut as former Togo and Mauritius coach Didier Six was preferred ahead of the former Ghana international.

    Read:CK Akonnor can replace Kwesi Appiah Joe Addo

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • Full transcript: Trump pushed Ukrainian President to investigate Biden; heightens impeachment

    A transcript of a phone conversation between US president and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has confirmed Trump asked Zelensky to investigate his Democratic rival, Joe Biden.

    A revelation that comes as a boost to an impeachment inquiry already in motion.

    The five-page conversation was released by the White House on the orders of the President, after the Democratic leader of the House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi announced on Tuesday that the Democratic Party was launching an impeachment inquiry against President Trump, after a whistleblower’s complaint.

    Read:Trump confirms he raised Bidens in Ukraine call

    President Trump, who has denied any wrongdoing described the impeachment inquiry as a “witch hunt”, promising a “complete, fully declassified and unredacted transcript” release of the 25th July call.

    The result of which confirms he actually pushed the Ukrainian President to investigate Joe Biden and his son, Hunter, who was an employee of a Ukrainian company.

    Read:IMF board approves new Ukraine loan package, releases $1.4 bn immediately

    Read the full transcript below

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Villarreal set to make move for Mubarak Wakaso in January

    Spanish side Villarreal are set to make a move for Ghana midfielder Mubarak Wakaso in the winter transfer window.

    The Yellow Submarines are interested in resigning the former Villarreal midfielder following his impressive displays for Deportivo Alaves this season.

    Read:Deportivo Alaves want 3 million euros for Ghana midfielder Mubarak Wakaso

    Wakaso has a year left on his current contract with the El Glorisso and it does not look like there will be talks for any contract extension with the Ghanaian.

    Despite been a key cog of new manager Asier Geratino’s side, his future at the club remains a doubt.

    Read:Mubarak Wakaso suffers injury in pre-season game

    Villarreal have expressed interest in the 29-year old and will make a move in January if his future at Alaves in not sorted out.

    Mubarak Wakaso has featured in all five La Liga games for the Babazorros this season.

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • Overloaded truck damages portions of Ashaiman overpass

    A haulage truck with registration number GT 559 U on Wednesday morning got stuck in the beams underneath the Ashaiman overpass on the Tema-Accra motorway, causing damage to portions of the overpass.

    The incident occurred around 4 a.m. when the head of the truck decoupled from the trailer.

    Read: One feared dead in accident in Kumasi, six others in critical condition

    The truck was transporting a Biomass Fired Steam Boiler meant for a toilet tissue paper manufacturing company at Buduburam in the Central Region.

    The equipment exceeded the 5-metre allowable height beneath the overpass.

    Damage:

    Read: UDS Level 300 student killed in motor accident in Bibiani

    The overpass has seen parts of the beams cracked following attempts by the driver and some crane operators to tow the truck.

    According to the Ashaiman Police, the driver of the truck, Fatawu Abdullai, would be charged for destroying public property.

     

    Source: Graphic.com.gh

  • Remain impartial during 2020 polls – Acting IGP to Police officers

    Acting Inspector General of Police, James Oppong-Boanuh has charged police officers to exhibit high political neutrality as the service prepares for duties ahead of the 2020 elections.

    This he said will impact positively on their quest to ensure the security and safety of all citizens during and after the elections.

    Read: Police to cite leaders of political pressure group for contempt

    There have been calls by the public for the police to maintain political neutrality during elections to be able to execute their mandate without fear or favour.

    At the passing out ceremony of some 181 recruits, the acting IGP reiterated the need for professionalism, especially during elections.

    “As we prepare for the 2020 general elections, I urge these recruits to remain impartial before, during and after the elections and ensure that our democratic credentials are protected and guaranteed. We need to respect the constitutional liberties of the citizens to exercise their franchise and avoid partisanship.”

    Read: Police training recruits only sweep, weed and march Forensic expert laments

    Mr. Oppong Boanuh further cautioned the officers against unprofessional behaviour since strict sanctions will be applied by the service as a measure of winning back public confidence.

    “Avoid any form of extortion or political conduct that has the tendency of affecting adversely the career we have chosen. You need to put in a lot of sacrifice, hardwork, and dedication.”

     

    Source: citinewsroom.com

  • National Board for Small Scale Industries to be upgraded into an agency

    The National Board for Small Scale Industries is set to be transformed into an agency to enable the organisation effectively support small and Medium Scale Enterprise.

    The National Board for Small Scale Industries is a non-profit public sector organisations under the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Presidential Special Initiative that is mandated to promote the growth and development of Micro and Small Enterprises.

    Deputy Trade Minister, Robert Ahomka-Lindsay who disclosed the development at the Ghana Rising Conference said the government is already working on a new bill that will further equip the NBSSI.

    Read:Minister charges National Board for Small Scale Industries to be more innovative to grow SMEs

    “ We will put in place the new that will regulate the NBSSI where it is going to become an agency to support SMEs. It will focus on SME development in Ghana. We intend to present the bill to Parliament before the first sitting so we can achieve this before 2020.”

    Meanwhile, the National Board for Small Scale Industries has told Citi Business News that it is setting up a fund to provide credit to MMSEs.

    Read:Small Scale Industries warn against high cost of doing business in 2019

    “Gradually we are moving towards establishing a fund purposely geared towards serving the Micro, Medium and Small scale enterprises because we think that the commercial banks really are not supporting that much.

    The terms and conditions are the same for everybody but the needs of the sector are also peculiar,” Anna Armo- Himbson the Acting Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the NBSSI said in an interview.

    She also indicated that the NBSSI is going through a transformation process and it is being restructured and resourced to be able to work effectively.

    Source: citibusinessnews.com

  • Stephen Appiah details why Ghana is not a force in international football

    Ghana technical coordinator and former Black Stars captain Stephen Appiah believes the lack of a proper transition plan for the national youth sides has affected the development of players into elite senior team candidates.

    Despite a reputation as a global powerhouse in youth football, the West Africans have consistently struggled to replicate success at senior level.

    The U17 outfit are two-time world champions, the U20s won the World Cup in 2009 while the U23 side once finished third at the Olympic Games.

    Read:Stephen Appiah for GFA President?

    “Our problem here is the transition,” Appiah said as reported by 3news.

    “When it comes to football, what makes a nation is the transition and I think that is what we have to tackle.

    “We have to believe in them [youth] and slowly give them the time to fit into the [senior] national team.”

    Read:Ex-players will run Ghana Football in the near future Stephen Appiah

    At senior level, Ghana have only played at the World Cup on three occasions, their last appearance coming in 2014.

    Their best performance at the global showpiece remains a quarter-final finish at the 2010 Fifa World Cup in South Africa.

    Former Juventus star Appiah is among the coveted few players to have represented Ghana at U17, U20, U23 and senior levels on the world stage and had also gone on to play elite European club football.

    Source: Goal.com

  • Court set to rule on Unicredits license revocation on September 26

    The ruling on the licence revocation of Unicredit Savings and Loans is expected to be made by an Accra High Court on September 26.

    The case was brought before the court by the owners of the savings and loans company.

    Read:Why the BoG closed down Ideal, Midland, GN, Unicredit, 19 others

    The Bank of Ghana in its response prayed the court to quash a matter brought before it arguing that the matter should have been handled at an arbitration level before proceeding to court.

    But the counsel for Unicredit savings and loans insist that the decision taken by the Bank of Ghana is a breach of natural justice.

    Read:Angry customer blocks uniCredit entrance over GHC30,000

    The high court judge, Justice George Komsoon thus set 26th September to rule on whether the jurisdiction was proper or not.

    Source: citibusinessnews.com

  • CAF CC: Ashantigold name 18-man squad for RS Berkane trip

    AshantiGold SC will leave Ghana for Morocco on Wednesday to tackle RS Berkane in second leg of the CAF Confederation Cup first round.

    The team have departed from Obuasi to Accra and are expected to fly from the Kotoka International Airport to the North African nation between 12 noon and 2pm on Wednesday.

    AshantiGold SC won the first leg 3-2 in Obuasi about a fortnight ago.

    Nineteen players travelled with the team to the capital. One will be dropped for the rest to make the journey to Morocco.

    Read:CAF CC: AshantiGold begin preparations for second leg against RS Berkane

    The Gold and Black side are expected to arrive on Thursday with the match scheduled for Saturday at 8:00pm.

    GOALKEEPERS:

    Frank Boateng Robert Dabuo

    DEFENDERS:

    Atta Kusi Kwadwo Amoako Roland Amouzou Eric Donkor Mubarik Yussif Richard Osei Agyemang Musah Mohammed

    Read:AshantiGold beat Asokwa Deportivo in trial game ahead of RS Berkane clash

    MIDFIELDERS:

    Appiah McCarthy James Akaminko Abdul Latif Anabila Emmanuel Owusu Emmanuel Osei Baffour Marco Aurelio Silva Amos Addai Julius Ofori Ziggy

    ATTACKERS

    Shafiu Mumuni Mark Agyekum

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com