TIG Post

Author: Chris Kodo

  • Hearts of Oak quintet retained in Black Stars B 25-man squad for Burkina Faso clash

    Black Stars B coach Maxwell Konadu has reduced his squad size to 25 ahead of next Sunday’s 2020 African Nations Championship (CHAN) final qualifying round first leg tie against Burkina Faso.

    Five players-Joseph Addo [Aduana Stars], Fatawu Abdul Rahman [Aduana], Issac Kwain [Karela], Benjamin York [Sarmatex] and Ansah Botway [Liberty Professionals] left camp this morning (Sunday).

    Read:Maxwell Konadu reveals why he left Kotoko, AshGold players out of Black Stars B squad

    The players failed to justify their inclusions in Konadu’s team after weeks of training in Kumasi.

    Contrary to reports, Hearts of Oak have five players-Mohammed Alhassan, Fatawu Mohammed, Manaf Umar, Benjamin Afutu and Joseph Esso in camp.

    Read:Shafiu, 8 others get Black Stars B call up

    The Local Black Stars will be joined by invited players from Asante Kotoko and AshantiGold who played CAF inter-clubs competitions this weekend.

    The winner of the two-legged tie will qualify as one of the three Western Zone B slots.

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • Trump says his DOJ should ‘rescue’ Brett Kavanaugh

    President Donald Trump called on his Justice Department Sunday to “rescue” Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh after The New York Times published an excerpt of a new book detailing sexual misconduct allegations against Kavanaugh that he has previously denied.

    The excerpt from “The Education of Brett Kavanaugh: An Investigation,” written by Times reporters Robin Pogrebin and Kate Kelly, revisits an allegation raised during the Supreme Court justice’s confirmation process in 2018.

    That allegation from Deborah Ramirez accused Kavanaugh of exposing himself to her at a party when he was a freshman at Yale, according to an account published in The New Yorker. Kavanaugh has repeatedly denied the allegation.

    The book revisits Ramirez’s claim and contains a former male classmate’s new allegation which the authors say was corroborated by two sources.

    The authors reported the former classmate came forward to the FBI and senators concerning an incident he witnessed and said the FBI did not investigate the incident.

    The New York Times Sunday evening published an Editor’s Note saying the female victim declined to be interviewed and friends say she does not recall the incident.

    Read:Trump blames energy-efficient bulbs for making him look orange

    A person close to Kavanaugh told CNN the accusation isn’t new because, according to the book’s authors, it had previously been reported to the FBI and some on Capitol Hill. This person said, citing the new book, that some Democratic senators, despite having been told of the allegations before Kavanaugh was confirmed, did not act.

    CNN is not reporting any details related to the allegation because CNN has not independently verified it.

    Trump tweeted Sunday that Kavanaugh “should start suing people for libel, or the Justice Department should come to his rescue.” (The President initially misspelled the word “libel” before deleting the tweet and correcting the word in a subsequent tweet.)

    In nominating Kavanaugh, Trump seized a rare opportunity to solidify a conservative majority for a generation on the Supreme Court. The President and those who worked to get him on the bench are now waiting to see if their calculation was correct, and for a sense of how far and how fast the conservative majority will move.

    A Supreme Court spokeswoman said Kavanuagh had no comment on the new allegation against the justice or the calls for impeachment.

    The President’s pick for the Supreme Court faced allegations of sexual misconduct that threatened to derail his confirmation in 2018.

    Christine Blasey Ford, a California professor and the first accuser to come forward, testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee that Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her at a party when they were both teenagers. He has also denied that allegation.

    Read:Trump delays tariff hikes on Chinese goods ahead of talks

    Trump at the time sought to discredit Ford and Ramirez, and said Kavanaugh was “under assault.” He mocked and imitated Ford at a campaign rally, and accused Democrats of masterminding “a con game” against his Supreme Court nominee.

    Conservatives throughout the controversy largely stood by Kavanaugh, who was confirmed in October to take former Justice Anthony Kennedy’s seat after the vicious approval battle and a 50-48 Senate vote.

    Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell tweeted Sunday he looks forward “to many years of service to come from Justice Kavanaugh.”

    “Fortunately a majority of Senators and the American people rallied behind timeless principles such as due process and the presumption of innocence,” McConnell wrote.

    2020 Democrats respond

    Several Democratic presidential candidates were quick to weigh in Sunday, with some calling for Kavanaugh’s impeachment from the high court. California Sen. Kamala Harris, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, tweeted Kavanaugh should be impeached.

    “I sat through those hearings. Brett Kavanaugh lied to the U.S. Senate and most importantly to the American people,” Harris wrote. “He was put on the Court through a sham process and his place on the Court is an insult to the pursuit of truth and justice.”

    Former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julián Castro also called for Kavanaugh’s impeachment and for an investigation into the latest allegation. “Congress should review the failure of the Department of Justice to properly investigate the matter,” Castro said.

    In a separate tweet, Castro fired back at Trump’s Sunday Kavanaugh comments. “The Department of Justice isn’t your law firm, or Brett Kavanaugh’s. Even if (Attorney General) Bill Barr acts like your lawyer,” Castro said in reference to Trump’s tweet defending the Supreme Court justice.

    Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar, also a member of the Judiciary Committee, told ABC’s “This Week” on Sunday she strongly opposed Kavanaugh’s confirmation, and accused Barr of “shielding documents” related to the allegations against Kavanaugh.

    “I strongly opposed him, based on his views on executive power, which will continue to haunt our country, as well as how he behaved, including the allegations that we are hearing more about today,” Klobuchar told ABC.

    Klobuchar said the “process was a sham” and added, “I don’t think that you can look at impeachment hearings without getting the documents — the House would have to get the documents — and the Attorney General is shielding documents.” She said all of the relevant information needs to come forward before considering an impeachment process against Kavanaugh.

    Read:U.S. Supreme Court allows Trump to deny asylum to many Central Americans

    Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren called the new revelations “disturbing,” saying on Twitter, “Like the man who appointed him, Kavanaugh should be impeached.”

    Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders wrote on Twitter, “The revelations today confirm what we already knew: During his hearing, Kavanaugh faced credible accusations and likely lied to Congress. I support any appropriate constitutional mechanism to hold him accountable.”

    Former Texas congressman Beto O’Rourke tweeted, “Yesterday, we learned of another accusation against Brett Kavanaugh — one we didn’t find out about before he was confirmed because the Senate forced the F.B.I. to rush its investigation to save his nomination. We know he lied under oath. He should be impeached.”

    South Bend, Indiana, mayor Pete Buttigieg called on Kavanaugh to resign and said, “if he doesn’t, the House should impeach him.”

    Former Vice President Joe Biden did not call for Kavanaugh’s impeachment Sunday, saying “We must follow the evidence to wherever it leads.”

    “Doing this the right way is critically important in getting the truth and restoring the American people’s faith in their government,” Biden added. “The women who continue to come forward, as Dr. Blasey Ford courageously did, deserve to be treated with dignity and be listened to. It takes enormous courage for a woman to come forward, under the bright lights of millions of people watching, and relive a traumatic memory.”

    Source: cnn.com

  • Turkish side Yeni Malatyaspor eulogizes Afriyie Acquah after enchanting full debut

    Afriyie Acquah has been described the perfect midfielder Yeni Malatyaspor needed after a swashbuckling performance in Sunday’s 4-0 Super Lig win at Ankaragucu.

    The Ghana international was making his full debut in his second game for the club since joining on a free transfer last month.

    Read:Afriyie Acquah joins Turkish side Yeni Malatyaspor until 2021

    Football statistical website whoscored.com rated him as the best midfielder on the pitch with a score of 7.7.

    Playing as a defensive midfielder, he touched the ball 86 times, made two key passes with a Passing Accuracy 83.8% and won 1 aerial ball.

    Read:Afriyie Acquah targets Europe with Turkish side Yeni Malatyaspor

    The club’s Instagram account posted: ”Arad???m?z Orta Sahay? Bulduk????” meaning ”We have found the midfielder we were looking for.”

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • DR Congo’s ex-Ebola minister ‘mismanaged $4.3m’

    Lawyers for the former health minister in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Oly Ilunga, say the authorities have accused him of mismanaging $4.3m (£3.4m) from money allocated to the fight against the Ebola virus.

    But they have stressed that he denies wrongdoing, saying almost half the money in question was spent after he had resigned in July.

    Read:Congo police detain former health minister in Ebola probe

    A statement says that there is documentation to prove that the rest of the money was spent exclusively on combating the virus.

    Dr Ilunga was arrested on Saturday. He has denied police allegations that he was trying to flee DR Congo.

    Read:DR Congo tests 12 more patients for Ebola

    When Dr Ilunga resigned as minister he criticised the decision to remove him as head of the Ebola response team and to replace him with a committee, which he said had interfered with his work.

    He also criticised the World Health Organization’s plan to use an unlicensed vaccine against Ebola.

    Source: bbc.com

  • 25 Local Black Stars to fine-tune preparations for Burkina Faso CHAN qualifier

    The Local Black Stars are in the final week of preparations for Sunday’s 2020 African Nations Championship final round qualifier first leg against Burkina Faso.

    Head coach Maxwell Konadu has trimmed his squad size to 25 players after weeks of camping for these deciding two legs.

    The former Ghana Premier League winning coach will be counting on players from Asante Kotoko and AshantiGold who have been playing competitive matches in the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup qualifiers.

    Read:Black Stars B team will be ready for Burkina Faso clash Maxwell Konadu

    Also, players like Diawusie Taylor, Mohammed Alhassan, Ibrahim Moro, Joseph Esau and Benjamin Afutu have the credentials to help the team to qualify.

    The match will be played at the Baba Yara Stadium, venue for the qualifier.

    Ghana failed to qualify for the last two tournaments Rwanda 2016 and Morocco 2018.

    Read:Black Stars B smash Gold Stars 6-0 in test match

    Black Stars B squad:

    Goalkeepers: Felix Annan, Eric Ofori Antwi, Isaac Hagan

    Defenders: Fatawu Mohammed, Patrick Yeboah, Ibrahim Moro, Alhassan Mohammed, Issaka Mohammed, Habib Mohammed, Ali Ouattara

    Midfielders: Justice Blay, James Akaminko, Appiah Maccarthy, Augustine Okrah, Abdul Manaf, Abdul Latif Anabila, Benjamin Afutu, Emmanuel Gyamfi, Christopher Nettey, Emmanuel Ocran

    Strikers: Diawusie Taylor, Richard Arthur, Opoku Agyeman, Shafiu Mumuni, Joseph Esso

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • Dozens feared dead in DR Congo boat accident

    At least 34 people are feared drowned after a boat sank in the River Congo.

    Police said 76 passengers were rescued from the whaleboat – a flat-bottomed vessel used to transport people on lakes and rivers.

    It was travelling to DR Congo’s capital Kinshasa from Mai Ndombe province, north of the city.

    Read:Congo police detain former health minister in Ebola probe

    The cause of the accident is not yet known, but it is unlikely that passengers were equipped with life jackets.

    Accidents on the waterways are common in DR Congo, often caused by overloading and unsafe vessels, correspondents say.

    Read:Uganda to send back Congolese Ebola patient as deaths exceed 2,000

    Many passengers on board the whaleboats, which are up to 40 m (130 ft) long and often with two decks, are unable to swim.

    The boats are often relied upon as a means of transport, as DR Congo’s road network is poorly maintained.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Kotoko outplays Etoile to keep CAF Champs League dream alive

    The Porcupine Warriors unsettled their opponents with a goal just under one-minute courtesy Augustine Okrah, whose freekick went straight into the net after Kenyan import, George Abege, was fouled outside the 18-yard box.

    Etoile’s goalie, Makrem Bediri, had no answer to saving the well-taken kick, and from this time to the 15th minute, the homers kept the Tunisian goal area boiling with incessant pressure.

    Kotoko were awarded another free-kick in a dangerous position in the 10th minute, but it was wasted for a welcome goal kick to the visitors.

    Read:Kotoko eyes first-ever win over Etoile du Sahel

    Etoile’s skipper and midfield anchor, Zied Boughattas, combining effectively with Ben Aziza and Hamza Lahmar, worked tirelessly to take control of proceedings, and when they did, the Tunisians were propelled in search of the equalizer.

    Bulky striker Maher Hannachi squandered some decent chances that fell on his path as he failed to punish the homers for sloppy marking in the 22nd and 32nd minutes.

    Kotoko came back strongly into the game in the last ten minutes to end the first session.

    In one of their quick counter attacks in the 35th minute, slippery Okrah had his well-taken shot hit the cross-bar much to the relief of the visitors.

    Read:Preview: Asante Kotoko vs Etoile du Sahel

    Etoile’s Hannachi was booked for a yellow card offence in the 39th minute as the visitors became frustrated with the incessant pressure from the homers’ attacking trio of Okrah, Abege and Richard Arthur.

    Kotoko, right from the second half, kept their composure, initiating most of their attacks from the midfield and flanks, which the visitors found difficult to cope with.

    In the 55th minute, Kotoko’s Arthur scored the second goal for the Porcupine Warriors, and this development seemed to have dampened the spirit of the Tunisians as Kotoko took advantage to take control of the game.

    The homers brought on Burkinabe import, Sogne Yacouba, for Arthur in the 63rd minute with the intent to reinforce the attack and cause more problems for the visibly tired Tunisians.

    In spite of this, the visitors would defend gallantly to end the game with two goals deficit as they host the Ghanaian giants in Tunisia in the second leg.

    Source: Ghananewsagency.org

  • Frankfurt motor show: Companies go big on electric

    Over the next 10 days, hundreds of thousands of people will be heading to the Frankfurt motor show in Germany and this year’s theme – like most car shows these days – is electric vehicles.

    But it is not the only green technology on show.

    Source: aljazeera.com

  • Bloodied Fury beats Wallin on points in dramatic Las Vegas bout

    Tyson Fury battled to a rugged points win over Otto Wallin as he fought for over nine rounds with heavy cuts to maintain his unbeaten record in a dramatic bout in Las Vegas.

    The 31-year-old Briton, a 1-25 favourite with bookmakers, was expected to walk through Sweden’s Wallin but a deep wound above his right eye was repeatedly checked by the ringside doctor, prompting moments of stunned silence at the T-Mobile Arena.

    It was a punch in the third round that drew blood above the eye and Fury displayed greater urgency when officials began to show concern, switching from patient boxing to planting his feet in a bid to land heavy, destructive shots.

    Read:Team Dogboe in Las Vegas for final preparation

    A barrage in the ninth forced Wallin to sway, before a hard right hand piled him into the ropes in the 11th as Fury came through the type of examination few expected with a unanimous 116-112 117-111 118-110 points win.

    Fury was taken to hospital after the fight, with promoter Frank Warren confirming he was set to have micro-surgery on the cuts – one above the eye and one on the eye-lid.

    Read:Isaac Dogboe teams up with legendary trainer Freddy Roach

    “It was a great fight,” said Fury afterwards. “I got caught on the eye and that changed the fight. For the majority, I could not see out of the eye, then there was a clash of heads and I got cut again.

    “It was a good 12 rounds, he was tough. It’s all heart and determination – if I can keep going I will do. He was 20-0 and didn’t know how to lose, but I was the better man.”

    Wallin said: “I did everything I could, I tried my best and Tyson is a great champion. Nobody can question my heart or question that I’m a good fighter.”

    Source: bbc.com

  • Mexico Jalisco: Forensics identify 44 bodies in well

    Forensic scientists in Mexico have managed to identify 44 bodies buried in a well in the state of Jalisco.

    Discovered just outside the city of Guadalajara, the human remains were hidden in 119 black bags.

    The remains were discovered earlier in September when local residents started complaining about the smell.

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

    Jalisco is the heartland of one of Mexico’s most violent drug gangs and this is the second major find of bodies in the state this year.

    The vast majority of the bodies were cut up, so authorities had to piece together different parts in order to identify them.

    Many body parts still remain unidentified.

    Read:Mexico robbery: Armed gang seizes gold coins from mint

    A local organisation which searches for missing people has appealed to the government to send more specialists to assist with identification.

    They say the local forensic department is overwhelmed and does not have the necessary skills to complete the operation.

    Source: BBC.com

  • Economic slump weighs heavily on Tunisia’s presidential election

    Tunisia is set to hold its second free presidential poll since the 2011 uprising that toppled ex-president Ben Ali and sparked the Arab Spring.

    It was brought forward from November after the death in July of Beji Caid Essebsi, the first democratically elected president, who took office in 2014.

    Twenty-six candidates, including two women, are running in the election.

    It is widely viewed as a test of one of the world’s youngest democracies.

    Tunisia: What you need to know Obituary: The world’s oldest sitting president Essebsi won Tunisia’s first free presidential elections in 2014 and was credited with largely maintaining stability in the country during his almost five-year rule.

    At 92, he was the oldest sitting president in the world at the time of his death. Essebsi had previously confirmed that he was not planning to run for re-election.

    Read:Tunisia struggling to bury drowned migrants

    Parliament speaker Mohamed Ennaceur is currently acting as interim president.

    How does the vote work?

    A candidate needs a majority of votes to win the election. If no-one gets a majority in the first round, the two candidates with most votes will face a second, decisive round.

    The winning candidate will be appointed to office for a five-year term.

    The constitution states that Tunisia’s president has control over defence, foreign policy and national security. The prime minister, chosen by parliament, is responsible for other portfolios.

    Parliamentary elections are scheduled to take place in October.

    Why is this election significant?

    The country has won praise as the only democracy to emerge from the Arab Spring uprisings that began in Tunisia, before spreading across the Middle East and North Africa.

    In what was hailed as a sign of its successful democratic transition, Tunisia this month held its first-ever televised debate of presidential candidates.

    The campaign period featured the first-ever televised debate of presidential candidates.

    However, it has not all been smooth sailing. In recent years, the country has suffered attacks by Islamists and economic problems, with unemployment a persistent issue.

    Read:Tunisia: Towards an undecided election?

    In 2018, protesters across the country took to the streets to oppose the government’s austerity measures.

    Prime Minister Youssef Chahed told Reuters news agency that economic opportunities must improve “if Tunisia is to join the club of strong democracy”.

    How did we get here?

    Tunisia is the birthplace of the Arab Spring uprisings.

    Widespread discontent at economic hardship, decades of autocratic rule and corruption erupted into mass demonstrations in December 2010 after a street vendor set himself on fire when officials confiscated his cart.

    The unrest led to the ousting in 2011 of President Ben Ali, who had been in power for 23 years.

    Three years later, Tunisia’s parliament approved a new constitution, which detailed how the new democracy would be run.

    The text was hailed by the United Nations as a “historic milestone”. Significant aspects included the recognition of equality between men and women, guaranteeing personal freedoms and splitting power between the president and prime minister.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Grace Asantewaa makes full debut for Spanish side EDF Logroño Feminino in league draw

    Black Queens midfielder Grace Asantewaa played her first match for Spanish side EDF Logroño Feminino on Saturday in the 1-1 draw at UDG Tenerife Egatesa.

    The former Ampem Darkoaa Ladies star produced quality stuff and lasted 74 minutes.

    Read:Ampem Darkoa Ladies star Grace Asantewaa signs for Spanish side Logroño

    Asantewaa joined the team with two days to the start of the season and so was an unused substitute in their league opener.

    Coach Gerardo Garcìa Leòn might have seen a lot of qualities to hand her a starting berth.

    Read:Tokyo 2020 Olympics Football: 30 Black Queens called up for camping

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • Nominations for GFA elections open Monday

    The Normalisation Committee overseeing the administration of football in Ghana has released the road-map to finalise its mandate.

    As per the road-map, election of a new Ghana Football Association (GFA) President is scheduled for Friday, October 25.

    The newly elected president will be sworn in same day.

    But before that key exercise, nominations will open from Monday, September 16 for all positions and close on Friday, September 20.

    Read:Confirmed: GFA Elections scheduled for October 25

    This follows the adoption of new statutes and regulations for the Association on Thursday, September 5 at the auditorium of the College of Physicians Surgeons in Accra, at an Extraordinary Congress.

    After a review of all nominations, vetting of aspirants will be conducted from September 26 to October 1, 2019.

    Room will be made for appeals, according to the road-map.

    Regional FA Chairpersons will be elected one clear week before the flagship election of the new GFA President.

    Read:GFA Presidency: Time for a woman to lead Ghana football Former Gender Minister calls out

    However, election of constituent bodies will be held a day before the D-day.

    The Dr Kofi Amoah-led Normalisation Committee has been at the helm of football administration since September, 2018 following the dissolution of the Association due to an exposé by investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas.

    The exposé in June, 2018 implicated the then GFA President, Kwesi Nyantakyi, who was also the 1st Vice President of the Confederation of African Football (Caf).

    Source: 3news.com

  • Allow Police to probe alleged murder of three Sam George to family

    The Member of Parliament for Ningo Prampram, Samuel Nartey George has called for calm as Police investigate the gruesome murder of a family at Zutsukpo a village near Prampram on Thursday night.

    The deceased, 50-year old Quao Omar, his wife, 40-year old Dally Tetteh, and their five-year-old child were shot before being set ablaze.

    Although police are yet to ascertain what may have led to this ghastly act, Mr Nartey George blames it on possible land litigation between two families.

    Read: Family of 2 shot and burnt beyond recognition at Ningo Prampram

    In a Citi News interview, the Ningo Prampram legislator asked aggrieved parties not to retaliate as the police work to bring the culprits to book.

    “This homicide appears to be the culmination of a long-standing land dispute between members of the same large extended family. There have been checks previously even though investigations are ongoing, this is what we know at the moment. We are just asking for cool heads to prevail.”

    “We are asking that nobody should try a reprisal attack. I am asking everybody to allow the Police to carry out their investigation. Let us trust the Police to conduct a swift investigation.”

    Read: Family of three allegedly murdered, set ablaze in Ningo-Prampram

    Police in Ningo Prampram have begun investigations into the incident which led to the death of some three individuals.

    According to reports, the couple and their 5-year old child were in their pickup truck double cabin when unknown persons shot and set their vehicle ablaze.

    The Prampram Divisional Police Commander, ACP Dodzi Hlordzi, in a Citi News interview said that preliminary investigations show that the three were shot before being set on fire.

     

    Source: citinewsroom.com

  • Customers of Boin Microfinance Limited blame BoG for their frustration

    Customers of Boin Microfinance Limited located in the Western Region have blamed the Bank of Ghana (BoG) for their frustration over their inability to access funds from the company.

    Boin Microfinance Limited, one of the companies affected in the exercise carried out this year has over two thousand clients and operates at Aiyinasi, Tikobo No.1, Esiama, Dadieso, Wassa Akropong, Boinso and Elubo.

    The company has not been able to operate following concerns of the Bank of Ghana’s inability to join them to Ghana Arbitration Centre (GAC) for a redress of outstanding issues emerging out of ongoing reforms in the financial sector.

    It would be recalled that on 31st May 2019, the Bank of Ghana revoked licenses of over 300 Microfinance institutions in the country over insolvency.

    Following the revocation the company’s license, the Directors and Shareholders initiated a court action against Bank of Ghana and Eric Nipa, the Receiver on the 3rd June 2019.

    Read:Receiver pays customers affected by Microfinance shake-up

    However, legal representatives of Bank of Ghana filed a motion on June 24, 2019 and moved it on the 8th of July, 2019 that the matter must be struck out of court since Boin Microfinance Limited should have sought redress at Arbitration, based on the mandatory provisions of Act 930 under the rules of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Act, 2010 (Act 798).

    In a document sighted by this reporter dated June 19, 2019, the Bank of Ghana in a motion of notice to strike out the writ of summons and statement of claim for want of jurisdiction admitted, “That I am advised and verily believe same to be true that pursuant to the mandatory provisions of Act 930, any party aggrieved by the decision of the Applicant on issues involving revocation of license of a Bank or specialised deposit institution and appointment of a receiver, shall resort to arbitration under the Rules of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Centre established under the Alternative Dispute Resolution Act, 2010 (Act 798)”.

    Based on this, the High Court in Sekondi, under her Ladyship Sedina referred the matter for arbitration and the case was sent to Ghana Arbitration Centre.

    Furthermore, the directors and shareholders of Boin Microfinance Limited filed their Notice of Claim at the Ghana Arbitration Centre and same was served on Bank of Ghana and Eric Nipa the Receiver on the 1st of August 2019, to bring their response or defence within fourteen (14) days.

    Read:Microfinance depositors demand government bail out

    The 1st and 2nd defendants (Bank of Ghana and Eric Nipa) did not acknowledge receipt of the said Notice of Claim, let alone bringing their response.

    However, on the 23rd August 2019, a reminder, dated 22nd August, from the Ghana Arbitration Centre was again served on both 1st and 2nd defendants also to be responded within 14 days.

    On the 28th August 2019, Frank Davies Esq. of Messrs Davies and Davis filed appearance as legal counsel for the 1st respondent (Bank of Ghana). As of Thursday, September 6, 2019, the expiring date of the reminder from the Ghana Arbitration Centre, Frank Davies had not submitted a defence or response on the Notice of Claim to the Ghana Arbitration Centre.

    Speaking to some aggrieved customers of Boin Microfinance Limited in the Region over the inability to get their deposits, they blamed the Bank of Ghana.

    They said the Bank of Ghana brought a Receiver to pay their deposits to them but they disclosed that since then they have not received a penny.

    In this situation, some customers said they were dying in poverty.

    Read:BoG shuts down Dancom Microfinance; Directors arrested

    Some said they don’t have money to take good care of their families. Others said their wives were leaving them.

    They are, therefore, seizing this opportunity to appeal to the Bank of Ghana to speed up the process and pay their deposits.

    According to the Bank of Ghana definition of insolvent from Act 930 section 123, sub-section 4 of the Institution Act, 2016, it states that “the inability of a Bank or specialised deposit-taking institution to pay its obligations as they fall due or the circumstance where the value of the liabilities of a bank or specialised deposit-taking institution exceeds the value of its assets”.

    However, another document this Reporter sighted from the Boin Microfinance Limited which was copied to the Bank of Ghana, indicates that on Friday, May 31, 2019, the Bank of Ghana closed the offices of the company, the Boin Microfinance Limited advanced a total of Two Hundred Thousand Ghana Cedis (GHC200,000) loans to its clients who had applied for loans and had gone through proper assessment and approval.

    According to Daniel Kaku’s check, the Boin Microfinance Limited’s primary reserve as of May 31, 2019, stood at GHC1.392.734.00 representing 9.0 per cent instead of 10 per cent and the Secondary Reserve stood at GHC6.952.696.31 representing 45.7 per cent instead of 20 per cent.

    Boin Microfinance Limited’s Stated Capital per this Reporter’s check, stood at GHC2,017,854.00.

    Source: Daniel Kaku

  • Drones hit 2 Saudi Aramco oil facilities, cause fires

    Drone attacks have caused fires at two major facilities run by Saudi Aramco, Saudi Arabia’s state-owned oil giant.

    Citing an interior ministry spokesperson, the official Saudi Press Agency said on Saturday the blazes at the facilities in Abqaiq – home to the company’s largest oil processing plant – and Khurais were under control.

    “At 4.00am (01:00 GMT) the industrial security teams of Aramco started dealing with fires at two of its facilities in Abqaiq and Khurais as a result of … drones,” it said.

    The ministry did not identify the source of the attack and said investigations were ongoing. It did not specify if there were any casualties or whether operations at the two facilities had been affected.

    Read:Worcester Park fire: Blaze engulfs four-storey London block of flats

    Online videos showed smoke rising above the company’s facility in Abqaiq as what appeared to be gunfire could be heard in the background.

    In recent months, Yemen’s Houthi rebels have carried out a series of similar attacks targeting Saudi air bases and other facilities in what they say is retaliation for a years-long bombing campaign by a Saudi-led military coalition on areas held by the Houthis.

    The Houthis did not immediate claim responsibility for Saturday’s attacks, but their official media said it would release an “important statement” about a major drone operation in the kingdom.

    Last month, an attack claimed by the Houthis sparked a fire at Aramco’s Shaybah natural gas liquefaction facility but no casualties were reported by the company.

    Key facilities

    Saudi Aramco describes its Abqaiq oil processing facility, some 60 kilometres (37 miles) southwest of Dhahran in the kingdom’s Eastern Province, as “the largest crude oil stabilisation plant in the world”.

    The facility processes sour crude oil into sweet crude, then later transports onto transhipment points on the Gulf and the Red Sea. Estimates suggest it can process up to seven million barrels of crude oil a day.

    The plant has been targeted in the past – in February 2006, al-Qaeda-claimed suicide bombers tried but failed to attack the oil complex.

    The Khurais complex is located about 160km (99 miles) from the capital, Riyadh. It has estimated reserves of more than 20bn barrels of oil, according to Aramco.

    ‘Major blow’

    There was no immediate effect on global oil prices as markets were closed for the weekend across the world.

    Benchmark Brent crude had been trading at just above $60 a barrel.

    Read:Firefighters battle massive wildfires in Portugal

    Al Jazeera’s Osama Bin Javaid, who has examined the strategic importance of the oil giant in his documentary titled Saudi Aramco: The Company and the State, said the attack “is going to be a major blow for oil production”.

    “Saudi Aramco is not an ordinary company. It is a company which runs the country,” he said from Doha.

    “We don’t know how much of the facility has been damaged but this will bring down Saudi oil production to a fraction of what it is now. This will also have an impact on global oil production.”

    The attacks come as Saudi Arabia, the world’s leading crude exporter, steps up preparations for a much-anticipated initial public offering of Aramco.

    The company is ready for a two-stage stock market debut including an international listing “very soon”, its CEO Amin Nasser told reporters earlier this week.

    Source: aljazeera.com

  • 18 suspected criminals arrested in Tamale

    A joint military and police team has rounded up 18 suspected criminals in a swoop conducted in the Tamale Metropolis.

    The swoop took place on Wednesday, September 11. Substances suspected to be narcotics were seized.

    The team also impounded eight motorbikes belonging to some suspects who absconded.

    Read: Police arrest 11 sex workers in Tamale

    In a statement signed by the Northern Region Police Public Relations Officer DSP Yussif Tanko, the swoop was conducted in well-known criminal areas in the Tamale Metropolis including T Poly, Kaladan and Geshunayili.

    It further mentioned that the exercise is to ensure regular security operations at locations where criminals gather and plan their activities.

    “The exercise will continue at other places outside and within the metropolis to clean the region and ensure that law abiding citizens are not threatened and attacked by criminals,” it stated and called on the citizens to provide the police with the necessary information on hideouts of criminals.

    Read: 354 Arrested in operations in Buduburam, Sekondi/Takoradi

    Meanwhile, the Tamale Magistrate Court presided over by His Worship Amadu Seidu has remanded 14 of the suspects into Prison custody.

    The remaining four were granted bail.

    The suspects were charged with meeting on premises for unlawful purposes contrary to section 155(1) of the criminal offences Act 29/50.

    They are to reappear on September 20.

     

    Source: 3news.com

  • Two arrested for gang raping three women

    The Tema Regional Police Command has arrested two young men believed to have taken part in an alleged gang rape and robbery of at least three women on different occasions in the Ada East District in the Greater Accra Region.

    The alleged suspects were busted by the police on September 6, 2019.

    Their modus operandi included luring the unsuspecting victims to their base at Ada Foah, physically attacking and raping them before bolting with their personal belongings such as mobile phones and money.

    Read: DOVVSU advises young people to report rape cases

    The two, Winfred Mohammed Dakeh, 24, unemployed, and Abraham Tetiafor, 19, an undertaker, are currently in police cells at the Ada Divisional Police Station, where the case has been transferred to, pending further investigation.

    Speaking to journalists in Tema last Tuesday, the Tema Regional Police Commander, Deputy Commissioner of Police, (DCOP), Mr Edward Johnson Oyirifi-Akrofi, said on August 28, 2019, suspect Dakeh managed to lure one of the victims named Angel Nikuroki (aged 21) to a location near the abandoned Colonial Prison Quarters at Ada Foah. He said on arrival, Dakeh and his accomplice, Tetiafor, gang raped her and took her purse containing an amount of GH?400 and an Infinix mobile phone.

    Second victim

    Mr Oyirifi-Akrofi said on another occasion, August 30, 2019, the duo lured another lady, a Nigerian, Dora Anayuye, to the same abandoned structure at Ada Foah. The second victim, he said, got there around 11:30 p.m. and was met by the same Dakeh and his accomplice who gang raped her in the same old building and robbed her of her Huawei mobile phone, a purse containing GH?100 and travelling bag containing dresses.

    The lady later reported the attack on her to the police at the Ada Foah Police Station.

    According to the Tema Regional Police Commander, the third incident involving the two suspects was recorded on September 5, 2019 when they (suspects) managed to lure another Nigerian, Mercy Godwin, aged 25, from Ashaiman to Ada Foah.

    He said the victim arrived at Ada Foah at about 11:20 p.m. from Ashaiman. She was met by the suspects who came to pick her up to an unknown location. He said the suspects pulled a knife and scissors on the victim, took turns to have sex with her on the ground, seized her mobile phone and bolted.

    Read: Movie director almost raped me Juliet Ibrahim

    Arrest

    The Tema Regional Police Commander said based on a series of reports lodged by the victims at the Ada Foah Police Station, the police intensified their investigations.

    They followed vital leads and managed to arrest Dakeh on September 6, 2019. He later led the police to Kajanya, near Totimekope, where his accomplice was also arrested.

    He said as part of the investigations, the Ada Divisional Police Command would embark on an identification parade to give an opportunity to victims of rape, robberies and other violent crimes to identify their assailants for fast-track investigations and prosecution.

    He urged crime victims to visit the police station at Ada Foah to assist in the identification.

     

    Source: Graphic.com.gh

  • We are ready for Etoile so come support us – Kjetil Zacheriassen

    Kumasi Asante Kotoko have a match with destiny on Sunday as Etoile Sportive Du Sahel is the only stumbling block to group stage appearance in the CAF Champions League for the first time in thirteen years.

    The porcupine warriors dispatched off Nigerian side Kano Pillars in their preliminary round fixture and would hope to add the Jewel Coast to the heap of scraps.

    At that same stage Etoile defeated Horoya Club of Guinea 8-1 on aggregate to progress despite enduring a patchy form in recent times.

    Read:CAF CL: Kwesi Appiah advises Asante Kotoko ahead of Etoile du Sahel clash

    Head coach of Asante Kotoko Kjetil Zacheriassen believes the Jewel Coast are a tough side but they have done a lot of work on them and are ready for the match and Sunday.

    Speaking after the team’s last training session at the Baba Yara stadium, he called on supporters of the club to throng the stadium on Sunday to cheer the boys to victory.

    Read:Etoile du Sahel will lose on Sunday Kotoko winger Emmanuel Gyamfi

    “We are ready for Sunday’s game but we will do what we can per what we learn from training and opponent Etoile du Sahel is very strong side and we have watch their videos tactically we have work on it and we are really prepared for Sunday game.”

    “My message to Kotoko fans is they should come in their numbers and support the team on Sunday ahead Etoile Du Sahel” he said.

    Source: ghanaguardian.com

  • Rabiu Mohammed sent off on debut for Paris FC

    Ghana midfielder Rabiu Mohammed had a debut to forget for Paris FC after picking a red card in their goalless stalemate with Le Havre in the French Ligue 2 on Friday evening.

    The defensive midfielder picked a booking for a dangerous tackle in the 25th minute before he was sent off on the stroke of halftime.

    Read:Rabiu Mohammed opens talks with Russian Premier League side FC Yenisey

    The capital-based side managed to hold Le Havre to a goalless draw despite the numerical disadvantage.

    His compatriot Ernest Boahene was not part of the Paris FC squad for the encounter as Ebenezer Assifuah climbed off the bench to play in the 61st minute.

    Read:Mohammed Rabiu joins Krylia Sovetov

    Mohammed joined the French club on a free transfer this summer.

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • MOYS assures Black Meteors of adequate support

    Mr. Isaac Kwame Asiamah, Minister of Youth and Sports has said the Government will ensure the National U-23 team, the Black Meteors are given adequate preparations ahead of the Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) Under-23 Olympic Games qualifier in Egypt in November.

    Mr. Asiamah made this known in Accra when he sent a congratulatory message to the Black Meteors and the technical handlers for defying all odds to book a place at the final African qualifier scheduled for Egypt.

    Read:Black Meteors players cry out over ill-treatment

    The Member of Parliament for Atwima Mponua Constituency said, “on behalf of the people of Ghana and Government, I congratulate the National U23 team, the Black Meteors for earning a place in the U-23 African Cup of Nations to be staged in Egypt.

    “I am very happy for such a huge feat chalked and I must commend the entire team, technical and managerial staff for defying all odds to achieve this feat.

    Read:Black Meteors using taxis to airport motivated them to beat Algeria Kwadwo Baah Agyeman

    “I must take this opportunity to assure the team that Government would provide all the necessary support to the team to make its qualification to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics Games a dream come true.”

    Mr. Asiamah also congratulated Braimah Kamoko (Bukom Banku) for knocking out Rojhat Bilgetekin of Germany in his maiden international bout held in Bradford, United Kingdom (UK).

    He encouraged him to train very hard to win his future bouts for the nation and himself and wished him well for his future bouts and assured him of the nation’s support in the future.

    Source: ghananewsagency.org

  • Akufo-Addo warns police officers against acts of indiscipline

    The President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has charged the personnel of the Ghana Police Service to eschew indiscipline in the discharge of their duties.

    He said without discipline and effective supervision, winning public support, winning public confidence and support to fight crime will remain an unattainable objective.

    He said government is committed to addressing the needs of the Service to consolidate effectively peace and security in the country but the police also have a role to play in ensuring that the desired results are achieved.

    Read: Police working hard to find missing Taadi girls Akufo-Addo assure

    “While government does its utmost to resource and retool the police service, it is important that discipline prevails throughout the service. This is a charge I give the acting Inspector General of police and the entire police administration.

    “The prevention of crime is a shared responsibility between the police and the public and without mutual respect, confidence and support, it will be extremely difficult to prevent and detect crime,” he added.

    He also charged the police force to help in the fight against corruption by staying away from corrupt acts that have over the years given the police a rather low public image.

    “The Police Service continues to suffer from low public image due to the involvement of some police officers in corrupt practices.

    “I urge you to join the fight against corruption in the service. It can no longer be the status quo. The citizenry can only have confidence in the police service when you are seen to be honest and prepared to enforce the law without fear or favour.”

    President Akufo-Addo said he has confidence in the current leadership of the police service to buck this trend and the newly graduating class should assist in this direction.

    “You should maintain a healthy relationship with the civilian population in line with the tenets of national integration and cohesion,” he said.

    CID to get Digital Forensic Laboratory

    The President also disclosed at the ceremony that the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service will get a new Digital Forensic Laboratory by the end of 2019.

    President Akufo-Addo hopes the new lab will boost the work of the police investigators in the fight against crime.

    “The Criminal Investigations Department will by the end of the year be equipped with a Digital Forensic Laboratory.”

    He also disclosed that “for the first time in the history of the department, crime officers are giving a monthly allowance to support their investigations.”

    Read: Akufo-Addo directs suspension of GES staff from HRMIS

    The CID Forensic Science Laboratory is also being retooled, the President indicated, adding that government is seeing to the continuous training of officers of the Department.

    “Government has given approval for the recruitment of 4,000 personnel to augment the strength of the police service. 961 of these recruits passed out between 22 and 31 July this year in various police training schools throughout the country.

    “The second batch of 1,000 recruits are also due to graduate by the end of this month. Another batch made up of 2000 men and women are scheduled to report for training by the end of this month. These are some of the measures put in place by the government to reform the police Service and make it fit for purpose,” he added.

     

    Source: Myjoyonline.com

  • Ghana Tennis Federation for polls on October 19

    The Ghana Tennis Federation (GTF), will hold an elective congress on Saturday, October 19, to elect new officers.

    A statement from the GTF said interested participants in the elections have to purchase nomination forms at GHC 500 for the presidency, GHC 350 for the Vice President, with Executive Members going for GHC 200.

    Read:Ghana tennis rules West Africa

    It said nominations forms would be available at the secretariat of the GTF from Friday, 13th September 2019 and deadline for submission is on Wednesday, October 8.

    The statement said, qualified members are to pick the relevant forms, complete them and return the same to the Secretary-General by the close of work on October 8.

    Read:Ghana to host Table Tennis Junior World Championships in April

    It added that the list of delegates and candidates would be made public and available to stakeholders 10 days prior to the elections.

    Mr. Isaac Aboagye Duah, the incumbent president, who was elected four years ago has expressed interest to run for another four-year term, but must shrug off competition from Tennis Foundation President and administrator Mr. Roger Crawford.

    Source: ghananewsagency.org

  • Im not bothered about the political affiliation of serving officers Akufo-Addo

    The President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has stated strongly that he is not, in any way, interested in knowing the political affiliation of serving officers of the Police or any of the other security agencies.

    Addressing graduants and attendees of the 49th Cadet Officers graduation parade at the Police Academy, Police Depot, Tesano, President Akufo-Addo said the “political affiliation of serving officers should manifest themselves only in the polling booth on election day” and not in their line of duty.

    Read: Akufo-Addo directs suspension of GES staff from HRMIS

    “Once they dawn the uniform, the population and I expect them to carry our their duties impartially without any political coloration. President Akufo Addo pointed out saying “that is the basis on which I have proceed since I assumed office on 7th January 2017. I do not know the political leanings of any of the commanding officers of the various security agencies including the police service nor have I sort to know, for that is not my concern. My concern is their ability to deliver. That is the best way we can build a credible security and police system”.

    Killings and Discipline in Police Service

    President Akufo-Addo charged the acting Inspector General of Police (IGP), James Oppong-Boanuh, and the entire Service to make it a point to maintain discipline in the Police Service. The President also condemned recent killings of and attacks on police officers. He emphasized that “in so far as we are a country governed by the rule of law, such criminal acts will not go unpunished”.

    “Personnel of the police service should not be seen as enemies but rather partners in the fight against crime” the President noted.

    Missing Takoradi Girls

    On the issue of the missing Takoradi girls, the President said the families of the girls and indeed the entire Ghanaian population awaits eagerly the results of the ongoing investigations by the Police. He urged the Police Service to respond soon to the expectations of the populist.

    Read: EC chair demonising Charlotte Osei to please Akufo-Addo NDC

    “Ghanaians, especially the families of the three missing Takoradi girls and the recently discovered fourth person are waiting anxiously for news of their where about from the police service and I fervently hope the police service will respond soon,” the President said.

    The Graduants

    In all, the 49th Cadet Officers graduation parade saw one hundred and forty-three (143) Cadet Officers graduating. For the first time, a female Cadet Officer, Theodora Ntirwaa, graduated as the overall best Cadet Officer.

     

    Source: kasapafmonline.com

  • Ghana FA presidential and executive council elections fixed for 25 October

    A new Ghana Football Association president will be elected on 25 October 2019, the Normalisation Committee has announced.

    Nominations shall open from 16 September 2019 to Friday 20 September 2019 with forms available at the Ghana FA secretariat or downloaded from the website.

    Read:GFA Presidency: Time for a woman to lead Ghana football Former Gender Minister calls out

    This will be decided by Congress which will have 120 delegates.

    Also on the day, Congress will elect members onto the Executive Council which will comprise five representatives from the Premier League, three Division One League representatives, two Regional Football Association chairmen and one woman by the Women’s Elite Clubs.

    Read:Lawyer Naa Odofoley Nortey set to head GFA Elections Committee

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • SHS placements: No candidate was given schools they didnt choose GES

    The Deputy Director-General in-charge of Quality and Access at the Ghana Education Service (GES), Kwabena Tandoh has denied claims that some Junior High School graduates have been wrongly placed by the Computerized School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS) into Senior High Schools.

    Some parents have in various Citi News interviews said their wards were placed in schools they did not choose or offered residential options they did not choose but Kwabena Tandoh have suggested that such claims are not the case.

    Read: GES releases 2019 SHS placements

    Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show, Mr. Tandoh said the placement algorithm is accurate.

    “We have run a system that is very good and for that matter, the system has not placed anybody in a school they have not chosen, and has not placed anybody in a residential preference that they have not chosen. Neither has it placed anybody in a programme that they have not chosen,” he said.

    He told host Bernard Avle that some 122,000 students were not placed by the CSSPS system hence the opening of the self-placement module to allow the unplaced students choose their preferred school from a list of institutions with vacancies.

    “22,706 students could not be placed in the five schools that they had chosen so we opened up the self-placement module where people will go into the system and look at the vacancies around the country that are left so that they choose a school,” he added.

    The Ghana Education Service (GES) is urging those who have challenges with the placement exercise to visit the nearest solution centre to get their concerns addressed.

    A total of ten of such centres have been set up throughout the country to address the concerns of people.

    In Accra, the solution centre is at the Black Star Square.

    Read: Free SHS: Self-placement for qualified candidates temporarily suspended

    In the Volta and Oti regions, the centre is at Mawuli Senior High School, while in the Ashanti Region, it is located at the Kumasi Technical Institute.

    In the Bono, Bono East, and the Ahafo regions, the centre is at the GES regional office in Sunyani, while in the Western and the Western North regions, it is at the GES regional office in Takoradi.

    In the Central Region, the centre is located at the GES regional office, Cape Coast, while the Eastern, Upper West and Upper East, have their centres at the GES regional offices of Koforidua, Wa and Bolgatanga respectively.

    The centre for the Northern, North East and Savanna is located at the GES Office in Tamale.

     

    Source: citinewsroom.com

  • Emirates Skywards celebrating key milestone with discounts and surprises

    Emirates Skywards, the award-winning loyalty programme for Emirates and flydubai, has touched a new high 25 million members.

    Emirates Skywards is celebrating this key milestone with exciting offers and surprises for its members, starting 12 September.

    This includes 25% discounts on upgrades and reward tickets on selected flights to and from Dubai, a network-wide special Cash+Miles rate on Emirates and flydubai flights, and a 25% discount on buying and gifting miles.

    Competitions and prizes at Emirates Terminal 3, starting 22 September, are all set to wow travellers.

    Read: Emirates marks Terminal 3 opening with A380 aircraft

    In the last 18 months, Emirates Skywards has added five million members globally, which is a staggering average of 277,777 every month, 9,259 every day, and more than six members every minute. The UK continues to lead the Top 5 table with 3.2 million members, USA with 2.3 million, Australia 1.9 million, India 1.8 million and UAE 1.7 million.

    This may not come as much of a surprise to members, as Emirates Skywards has worked hard to expand its appeal across regions and demographics. The programme now has 157 partners spanning the globe, including 15 airline partners that fly to a combined 2,000 destinations, 12 financial cobrands and seven points exchange partners covering 31 countries. Emirates Skywards also partners with more than 100 hotel brands and two online aggregators, providing access to 30 million properties and rooms globally.

    In the last three years, the programme has added 24 new partners with the number of earn transactions increasing by +50% and redemptions rising by +150%.

    Three new and expanded partnerships in the last two months with Marriott Bonvoy, Chase Ultimate Rewards and Bicester Village Shopping highlight the exponential growth and the broad appeal of the programme both globally and regionally.

    Just in the last financial year 2018-19, members from 185 countries redeemed 1.2 billion Miles at Dubai Duty Free, and 6,431 members redeemed 77 million Miles for 10,344 tickets to premier sports and cultural events globally.

    Hundreds of thousands more enjoyed upgrades, used Cash + Miles to book flights on Emirates and flydubai, and got reward tickets.

    Dr Nejib Ben Khedher, Divisional Senior Vice President Skywards said: “This is a proud moment for Emirates Skywards. Three years ago, we undertook a transformational journey that involved deep introspection and research to understand what our loyal and aspiring customers truly value and want from us. Armed with these insights, a long-term strategy and the latest data and digital technology, we developed a number of industry firsts, partnered with local and global iconic brands, and created a rich, personalised experience for our members through mobile channels. We are now working on crossing the next big frontier, one that UAE residents and visitors can quickly get on board with through everyday spends, so stay tuned.”

    In a world inundated with loyalty programmes, Emirates Skywards stands apart with its pioneering spirit and industry firsts. The partnership with Dubai Mall made it the first airline loyalty programme where members can seamlessly earn Miles on every transaction and in all outlets of a shopping mall. Platinum members unlock new benefits, including Tier Miles rollover and complimentary upgrades, through gamified and personalised engagement.

    Targeted in-path offers enhance the booking experience for Skywards members while searching flights and fares online.

    Read: Emirates flies iconic Airbus A380 to Accra to mark opening of new Terminal 3

    Emirates Skywards has also launched three apps in three years that make earning and burning Miles within easy grasp of a mobile device. The Skywards section, integrated within the Emirates App, has one of the most comprehensive loyalty programme features of any airline app. There are also two specialised apps: Emirates Skywards Go that features dining and leisure offers in 160 destinations, and Emirates Skywards Cabforce that is available in 890 cities globally to book private cars, taxis and minibuses.

    This year, Emirates Skywards has already won three industry trophies: Best Frequent Flyer Programme from Business Traveller Middle East, Excellence in Management from Global Flight, and Middle East’s Leading Airline Rewards Programme from World Travel Awards.

    Emirates Skywards’ celebratory offers will be available on emirates.com from 12 September 2019.

     

    Source: Stratcomm Africa

  • COCOBOD signs $1.3bn syndicated loan for 2019/2020 crop season

    COCOBOD has signed a 1.3 billion dollar syndicated loan to cater for the production of cocoa for the 2019/2020 crop season.

    The agreement was signed in Paris, France today Friday, September 13, 2019.

    Some of the banks that signed the agreement include Societe Generale, Nedbank, Ghana International Bank, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, Bank of China, Natixis, ABN Amro, and Rabobank.

    Read: COCOBOD to abolish farmers scholarship scheme

     

    More soon….

     

    Source: citibusinessnews.com

  • Kenyan judge rules Rastafarianism is a religion

    A Kenyan judge has ruled that Rastafarianism is a religion that deserves to be treated like any other.

    The ruling is part of a case involving a minor who was banned from school for having dreadlocks.

    The 15-year-old student at the Olympic High School in the capital, Nairobi, was sent home for sporting dreadlocks in January. School administrators argued that the hairstyle was not part of the official uniform.

    Read:Rastafarians are not social misfits — Ras Kuuku

    High Court Judge Enoch Chacha Mwita ruled that the school’s directive was unconstitutional since dreadlocks signify the girl’s Rastafari faith, The Star newspaper reports.

    He is quoted as saying:”A child has a constitutional right to basic education. Keeping rastas is her way of professing her faith and it’s wrong to compel her to shave which is against her religion.”

    The girl’s father had gone to court to challenge the expulsion, arguing that his family adheres to the teachings of Rastafarianism.

    Read:Rastafarian girl banned from Kenyan high school

    The girl is in her first year in high school and has been attending classes after the judge issued temporary orders for her readmission, as long as she kept the dreadlocks neat and fully covered in a turban.

    Kenya’s constitution guarantees citizens the right to freedom of conscience, religion, thought, belief and opinion.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Four Indian men drown in Italian farm manure tank near Pavia

    Four Sikh men from Punjab have drowned in a slurry tank on a dairy farm near Pavia in northern Italy.

    Investigators suspect that the four were overcome by carbon dioxide fumes from the cow manure. They believe that three died after jumping in to rescue a worker who had been emptying the tank.

    Two owned the farm and two were employees. All were Indian citizens. The two brothers Prem and Tarsem Singh registered their farm in 2017.

    It is about 45km (28 miles) from Milan.

    Read:Indian woman, 73, gives birth to twin girls

    Italian media report that the Singhs’ farm at Arena Po, producing milk and veal cattle, is one of the biggest in the Pavia region.

    The victims were named as: Prem and Tarsem Singh, aged 48 and 45 respectively, Arminder Singh (29) and Majinder Singh (28).

    The manure was being collected for use as fertiliser on the farm’s fields.

    Read:Bus crash kills 29 in northern India

    The victims’ wives raised the alarm when the men failed to turn up for lunch on Thursday. They rushed to the scene and spotted one body in the sewage.

    The wives then called in firefighters, who donned masks and emptied the tank to recover all the bodies.

    Italy’s public broadcaster Rai says the Arena Po tragedy brings to 486 the total of deaths in work accidents in Italy this year – the highest toll since 2016.

    The new agriculture minister, Teresa Bellanova, tweeted condolences and said “safety at work is an inalienable right and we must make every effort to ensure it is respected”. She was a farm labourer herself as a teenager.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Dozens of parents furious at GES for slow placement of wards in high school

    Parents of prospective senior high school students have expressed fury at the slow placement of their wards in school since the CSSPS portal opened on Sunday by the GES.

    Dozens of worried parents and students thronged the Black Star Square in Accra to report placement problems including missing names at allocated schools and placement at day schools when the student lives hours away from the school.

    GhanaWeb visited the Black Star Square, one of the ten solution centres set up by the Ghana Education Service (GES) throughout the country, on Friday and saw dozens of parents and students at the entrance who claim the only person speaking to them is a police officer who is telling them to return on Monday.

    Read: Free SHS: Self-placement for qualified candidates temporarily suspended

    “The portal said my ward was placed at Adisadel College [in Cape Coast]. When we went for the admission, his name was not there. We came here for our issue to be addressed and they said we should come on Monday. But the children are supposed to report to school on Monday,” a parent said.

    Another parent told GhanaWeb that, “we live at Akosombo and my 13-year-old boy was placed at Odogorno SHS as a day student. A school he did not even choose. How do they expect me to rent for a 13 year-old? How is he going to survive?”

    When Ghanaweb tried to seek clarification from officials at the centre, a police officer at the entrance said the officials were not ready to speak to the media. But revealed that they were only addressing issues of students having aggregates between 6 and 11.

    He added that those with aggregates of 12 upwards having issues with their placement will be addressed from Monday. Hence the reason for some people being asked to return on Monday.

    The Computerised School Selections Placement System (CSSPS) placed 473,728 qualified candidates out of 490,000 in senior high schools across the country leaving behind 122,706 qualified candidates who were not placed because they had grade nine in either Mathematics or English Language.

    Read: Allotey Jacobs blasts SHS placement secretariat for discrimination

    The Head of the Public Relations Unit of the Ghana Education Service (GES), Cassandra Twum Ampofo, told the media that there were enough vacancies to be filled by all the candidates who qualified to enter the senior high schools, technical and vocational institutions but have not been placed.

    She explained that they are required to go to the self-placement platform on the cssps.gov.gh or cssps.org to select their preferred school from a list of schools provided.

    She also added that a total of 38,355 of the candidates who were disqualified because they got grade nine in Mathematics or English or both would be sponsored by the government to rewrite those papers and would not be required to pay for the resit.

     

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • ‘The situation is dire’: Argentinians protest over food crisis

    Thousands of Argentinian protesters have taken to the streets of the capital, Buenos Aires, demanding the government take action to address the deepening economic crisis.

    Protesters gathered outside the National Congress in Buenos Aires on Thursday, for a second day, when the lower chamber met to pass a food emergency plan amid reports of rising hunger.

    The bill was unanimously approved by legislators, but it is now awaiting approval by the Senate. If approved, the law would provide a 50 percent increase in food assistance programmes to the most needed ones.

    The bill was first passed in 2002, when the economic collapse left one in five people unemployed, and now legislators are seeking to extend it once more.

    “The situation is dire for all of us,” Ivan Martinez, a protester in Buenos Aires, told Al Jazeera.

    Read:Argentina asks IMF to release $50bn loan as crisis worsens

    “I’m a construction worker but there is no work. It’s difficult to feed my children. That’s why I come here because the president’s policies are slowly killing us.”

    ‘Manipulate the agenda’

    However, some members of the government still remain sceptical and believe these demonstrations are organised by the opposition to manipulate the agenda ahead of the presidential elections slated to be held on October 27.

    “We have lifted taxes from basic food items, increased a minimum wage, increased cash handouts and lots of other things to help those who need it,” Jorge Ricardo Enriquez, an Argentinian Congressman, told Al Jazeera.

    “I don’t understand why people continue to protest because we are giving them what they need.”

    Crisis amid electoral times

    Argentina has been in a recession since last year, and has one of the highest inflation rates in the world, running at more than 54 percent. Unemployment has soared and the economy shrunk by 5.8 in the first quarter.

    According to data from the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization the country is also among the Latin American countries where hunger increased most during 2018.

    Last year, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) also agreed to increase the size of its bailout to $57bn, while Argentina’s government agreed to cut pension benefits and public utility subsidies. The measures crippled the poorest sections of society.

    Read:Legal abortion bill rejected in Argentina

    President Mauricio Macri’s popularity has fallen and in August his government suffered a crushing defeat in the presidential primaries.

    Following that the peso lost 26 percent of its value against the dollar, the country’s risk index soared, and bond prices sank to record lows.

    The government quickly imposed foreign-exchange controls and also requested a rescheduling of its debts.

    “Now that you have capital controls there is some degree of tense calm to the markets,” Alan Cibils, an Argentinian economist, told Al Jazeera.

    “Things will be stabilised. We will have to see at the end of the day how many reserves the central bank sold to maintain the exchange rate,” he added.

    Amid economic uncertainty, Macri’s bid for reelection appears in serious jeopardy.

    Source: aljazeera.com

  • Ugandan President Museveni seeks mandatory death penalty for murders after nephew’s slaying

    Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has asked the courts to impose mandatory death sentences for people convicted of murder following a series of kidnapping and killings, including one in which his nephew died.

    “You may commit a crime, carelessly taking away the lives of others; however, you will also lose your own life. We need to make this clear to the courts. It must be an eye for eye,” Museveni wrote in a blog post Tuesday.

    The president’s nephew, Joshua Rushegyera, was found dead with a gunshot wound near a car parked on a popular highway in Kampala on September 5. A woman with bullet wounds was found dead in the vehicle, according to a statement by the Uganda Police Force investigating the case. No arrests have been made.

    Read:President Yoweri Museveni accepts proposal to run for 6th term in 2021

    In another case, the bodies of a woman and her driver were found August 30, two days after they were abducted from their home. Museveni said the killers have been arrested.

    In that case, Museveni said camera footage showed policemen on duty were sleeping and failed to trace the vehicle used by the kidnappers when the victims’ relatives reported the incident. The president said he had given an order for the officers to be prosecuted and dismissed from government service.
    “If those who are in uniform today cannot do their job, there are plenty who will replace them,” Museveni said.

    CNN has reached out to Uganda’s police spokesman for comment to Museveni’s allegations and is awaiting a response.

    Read:Uganda: Museveni critic Bobi Wine charged in military trial

    Serious crimes, including murder and treason, can be punished with the death sentence in Uganda, but it is not mandatory and only handed out at a judge’s discretion.

    Uganda has seen a rise in violent crimes including robberies and kidnapping for ransom in recent years and citizens often complain that security agencies are not doing enough to protect them. An American tourist and her driver were kidnapped at gunpoint from a national park in April and their abductors demanded $500,000 ransom for their release.

    Museveni said security is being beefed up and law enforcement is deploying technology to identify and apprehend criminals swiftly.

    Source: edition.cnn.com

  • NCA inaugurates bootcamp for 2019/2020 NSS personnel

    The National Communications Authority (NCA) has, on Thursday, September 12, 2019, inaugurated its Bootcamp for the 2019/2020 National Service Personnel at the NCA Tower in Accra.

    The event took place ahead of a six (6) week intensive boot camp which is tailored to orient and develop the personnel as they get ready to serve in various roles in the Authority.

    Read: NSS releases 2019 postings; over 77, 000 personnel deployed

    From 2017, the NCA has made a conscious effort to accommodate over a hundred (100) NSP for each year and subsequently, the Authority has received one hundred and seventy-six (176) personnel for this service year.

    Gracing the event as the Special Guest of Honour was the Director-General of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of Police, COP Mrs. Maame Tiwaa Addo-Danquah.

    Also present at the event were the Management and staff of the NCA.

    In his welcome address, the Director-General of NCA, Mr. Joe Anokye said the Authority was privileged to welcome the Director-General of CID to the event.

    He was elated that the Authority has accepted the third batch of National Service Personnel since he took over as the Director-General of the NCA. He went on to say that, the Authority accepted 35 NSP in 2016 however, there has been a tremendous increase of 500% in the subsequent years; 168 in 2017, 118 in 2018 and 176 this year.

    Adding on, Mr. Anokye noted that the NCA was the first to introduce the Boot Camp Experience in Ghana which was duly launched by H.E. Vice President, the Minister for Communications and the National Service Scheme Director in 2017.

    He was hopeful that during the service period, the Authority will make a conscious effort to build their capacity and equip them with relevant skills needed to build their careers and for the world of work.

    In her remarks, the Special Guest of Honour, COP Mrs. Maame Tiwaa Addo Danquah said she was elated to be invited to grace the event and share her experience through the Police Service.

    She reiterated that hard work and humility has facilitated her rising through the ranks in her career to her present position.

    Read: Stop TV, radio stations promoting ritual money Adam Bonaa to NCA

    She encouraged the personnel to work hard and make an impact regardless of the challenges they may encounter since their training at the various tertiary institutions have already given them a broader horizon.

    Again, she urged them to take part in all activities of the Authority and mind their appearance, actions and utterances both in and out of work as they are now ambassadors of the NCA.

    Speaking further, COP Addo-Danquah admonished the personnel to have good human relations with stakeholders, learn positively from staff and avail themselves for work always. She cautioned them not to take decisions on baseless opinions but seek clarifications and politely relay suggestions where necessary.

    Bringing her remarks to a close, COP Addo-Danquah wished them well in their stay at the NCA.

    Mr. Edmund Yirenkyi Fianko, Deputy Director of the Engineering Division of NCA also gave tried and tested tips for career success and encouraged the personnel to be achievers who will also leave good trails wherever they may find themselves.

     

    Source: laudbusiness.com

  • Family of three murdered; bodies burnt over land at Prampram

    A family of three has been killed and their bodies charred by unknown suspects at Ningo-Prampram in the Greater Accra region.

    The victims are a father, his wife and their infant child, MP for the area Sam George told Starr News Friday.

    Mr George said the victims are reported to have been embroiled in a land dispute with another person in area.

    Read: Prampram : Man, wife, son shot dead, burnt by gunmen

    “I have spoken to my district commander and it appears to be a homicide. There is a dispute over land and one party appears to have contacted someone to take the other family out,” he said.

    Sources say the family was accosted by the assailant while returning from the farm on Tuesday. The killer is believed to have driven the deceased man and his murdered family in their pick up truck back to the farm, and left them there.

    Read: Serial rapists, robbers remanded

    Some suspects have been picked up by the police as part of investigations into the matter.

     

    Source: starrfm.com.gh

  • Dozens arrested over money-transfer scams

    Police in Nigeria, Ghana and Kenya have arrested dozens of people suspected of carrying out large-scale money-transfer scams.

    The scams involve tricking victims into wiring money to bank accounts controlled by fraudsters.

    More than 250 people were arrested in 10 countries. Police also conducted raids in the US, UK, Turkey, France, Italy, Japan and Malaysia.

    Of those arrested, 167 were from Nigeria.

    Read:How American and Ghanaian conspirators scammed 30 victims off $2.1 m

    The FBI coordinated the raids over a period of several months. They targeted groups of people suspected of stealing millions of pounds from companies and individuals.

    Almost $3.7m (£3m) in cash was seized during the raids. Evidence gathered from the operation should also lead to another $118m being seized, the FBI said.

    Read:22-year-old Ghanaian arrested for scamming Amazon $370,000

    Ibrahim Magu, who chairs Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, told the TodayNG news website that the action was part of a larger effort against groups of suspected tech-savvy criminals called Yahoo boys.

    Mr Magu said the raids had led to the seizure of “exotic cars [and] plots of land in choice areas in Lagos and a property in Abuja”.

    The FBI has urged anyone handling money transfer requests that arrive by email to take extra time to verify the identity of the

    Source: bbc.com

  • Hearts of Oak to cut sod for Pobiman project on November 11

    Unconfirmed report reaching Weeklysportsgh.com has it that, Accra Hearts of Oak will cut sod for the construction of the Pobiman Academy Project on November 11,2019.

    The Phobians signed a deal with Turkish Company, PrefaBex Limited months a go to build the multipurpose edifice at Pobiman,a land the club acquired over decades.

    Read:Hearts sign partnership with Turkish company to complete Pobiman project

    The close source told Weeklysportsgh.com that, Hearts of Oak will like to cut the sod for the project on November 11,2019 to coincide with their 108th birthday.

    The Pobiman Project, when completed, will include a staff residence, senior housing unit, gym, training centers (pitches), laundry, swimming pool, lockers, toilet facilities, kitchen, and dining hall.

    Read:Hearts of Oak correct factual inaccuracies regarding Pobiman project

    Hearts of Oak returned to train on the Pobiman pitch after spending some time at Legon Ajax Park.

    Source: weeklysportsgh.com

  • 3 Nigerian women arrested for human trafficking

    Three Nigerian women have been arrested by the police in the Central Region for allegedly trafficking three girls from Nigeria to Ghana for prostitution.

    Miracle Ezeh, 40, Juliet Ede also known as Ebony and Aliagbasor were reported to have brought in the girls between the ages of 19 and 27 three months ago under the pretence of offering them jobs.

    The suspects were reported to have taken the girls through some rituals by shaving their pubic hair and made to swear an oath not to disclose their reasons why they are in the country to anyone.

    Read: Police arrests 213 with condoms, marijuana in swoop

    The Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Central Regional Police Command Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Irene Oppong told the Ghanaian Times in Accra yesterday, stating that the suspects were currently in the custody of the police assisting in investigations.

    She said on September 9, the Anti Human Trafficking Unit at Dunkwa on-Offin District police acting on information, arrested Miracle for recruiting the girls from Nigeria to Ghana.

    She said Miracle told the victims she was bringing them to Ghana to offer them jobs but upon arrival in Denkyira Ayanfuri she collected their mobile phones and introduced them into prostitution against their will.

    DSP Oppong said Miracle has been collecting money from the victims from their prostitution business.

    The PRO said her arrest led to the arrest of Juliet and Aliagbasor who are said to have recruited other girls.

    She said the victims (name withheld) escaped and reported the issue to the police and the suspects were arrested.

    Read: Tap into free SHS; human trafficking is real Deputy Gender Minister advises youth

    DSP Oppong said the police suspects there were more victims and was collaborating with appropriate agencies to locate and rescue them.

    She said preparations were underway to reunite the victims with their families.

    DSP Oppong said the suspects would soon be arraigned for provisional charges of trafficking.

    She appealed to the public to provide vital information to the police for immediate action.

     

    Source: ghanaiantimes.com.gh

  • Rebecca Akufo-Addo urges women entrepreneurs to take up challenging roles

    First Lady Rebecca Akufo-Addo has called on Women Entrepreneurs to be bold to take up key challenging roles in the country.

    This, she says, will place women in key sector positions to be key players of the economy.

    While delivering her keynote address at the launch of the AGI-Women in Business which was on the theme “Promoting women enterprises for gender equity towards competitiveness,” she encouraged women entrepreneurs to move out of their comfort zones and move to bigger platforms where their impact will be greatly and better felt.

    Read: IWD: First Lady engages women entrepreneurs

    “Companies with female leadership tend to do better in many respects. In my opinion, there are far too few women in our boardrooms. Again, in our part of the world, when we talk about women owning businesses we are talking mainly small and medium-sized businesses. I believe that women can also be owners or partners in conglomerates also employing people,” she explained.

     

    Source: citibusinessnews 

  • Foreign investors want minimum capital requirement reduced

    A new report by CUTS Ghana has shown that foreigners who wish to invest in Ghana want the minimum capital requirement set by the GIPC Act, 2013 (Act 865) reduced.

    The research was conducted in collaboration with the World Economic Forum and the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC).

    According to the research findings, some foreigners say the high charges in setting up a business in Ghana is partly accountable for the seeming low investments from potential investors.

    Read: GIPC woos investors at Africa Green Revolution Forum

    Currently, a foreigner who wishes to establish a wholly-owned business in Ghana will have to provide a minimum capital of US$500,000.

    Speaking to Citi Business News on this, Centre Coordinator of CUTS Ghana, Appiah Kusi Adomako, said the country is losing its competitiveness due to this high minimum capital requirement.

    “If a foreigner wants to come to invest in Ghana, there is a minimum capital requirement of US$500,000 under the GIPC Act and by fixing one figure on all requirements, you do disincentive to other sectors. When we do this, we are also losing out to our competitors in the West African region,” he warned.

    Read: GIPC to review trade laws Yoofi Grant

    The research also revealed several issues hindering investors from investing in Ghana including predictable tax regime, Agriculture among others.

    Policy and Community Lead for International Trade and Investment at the World Economic Forum, Matthew Stephenson expressed confidence that the research conducted will aid in ironing out all concerns of investors who wish to invest in Ghana.

     

    Source: citibusinessnews.com

  • Kanye Wests Producer congratulates Sarkodie for getting a nomination in BET Hip Hop Awards

    Renowned producer, Bankulli has sent a congratulatory message to Sarkodie over his 2019 BET Hiphop Awards nomination in the Best International Flow category.

    The man who works with Beyonce and Kanye West, took to his official Twitter account to write: “Congratulations @sarkodie on your nominations… well deserved”.

    Read:Sarkodie nominated for BET Hip Hop Award

    The Best International Flow category will be competed by rap artists from different countries such as Nigeria, UK, France, South Africa, Ghana and Canada.

    Sarkodie faces stiff competition from the likes of Falz (Nigeria), Ghetts (U.K.), Kalash (France), Lil Simz (U.K.), Nasty C (South Africa), and Tory Lanez (Canada).

     

    Source: ghbase.com

  • VAR fails to overturn four decisions in Premier League

    The video assistant referee failed to overturn four incorrect decisions during the first four rounds of Premier League matches this season.

    During those rounds there were 227 incidents involving goals, red card offences as well as potential and actual penalty decisions.

    Of those incidents, six decisions were changed by VAR.

    Referees’ chief Mike Riley told Premier League clubs on Thursday four more incidents should have been changed.

    Read:2019 Africa Cup of Nations: We need VAR in AFCON Kwesi Appiah

    The four incidents in question are:

    Claims for a penalty from Manchester City for a foul on midfielder David Silva in their 3-1 win at Bournemouth on 25 August

    A foul on West Ham striker Sebastian Halle in their win against Norwich City on 31 August

    Leicester City’s Youri Tielemens should have been sent off for his foul on Bournemouth’s Callum Wilson on the same day.

    Read:AFCON 2019: VAR to be introduced at the quarter final stages

    Also on 31 August, a handball by Newcastle United’s Isaac Hayden was missed
    in the build-up to Fabian Scharr’s equaliser against Watford

    Both the Manchester City and West Ham incidents were immediately dismissed by the referee.

    Overall, the Premier League are reasonably satisfied at how the new technology is being used and feel they have got six decisions right, when 12 months ago they would have been incorrect.

    In addition, a meeting of all 20 clubs in London earlier had a discussion about the merits of moving the transfer window back towards the end of August, in line with most other European countries, but decided more talks were required at their next gathering in November.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Hearts of Oak set for pre-season training in Nigeria

    Hearts of Oak are set to embark on a pre-season training tour in Nigeria ahead of the start of the new season, according to Oyerepa FM.

    The Phobians will be engaged in a series of high-profile friendlies during the three-week period.

    Read:Hearts of Oak correct factual inaccuracies regarding Pobiman project

    According to Oyerepa FM, Officials of Hearts of Oak are in advanced talks with some Nigeria Premier League clubs for friendly games before returning to Ghana to wrap up their preparations for the new season.

    In addition, Hearts will play against the Nigeria U-23 team that have qualified for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.

    Read:Hearts of Oak have sold 3,000 Umbro replica jerseys PRO

    The Accra based side have augmented their squad with Bernard Arthur, Dominic Eshun and Emmanuel Mintah as they prepare for the new Ghana Premier League season which is expected to start next month.

    The former CAF Champions League winners are expected to leave the country in the coming days to begin their pre-season tour in Nigeria.

    Source: footballghana.com

  • Black Meteors using taxis to airport motivated them to beat Algeria – Kwadwo Baah Agyeman

    The ill-treatment meted out to the Ghana U-23 team ahead of their trip to face Algeria gave them the impetus to defeat Algeria in Setif last Tuesday.

    This is according to Board Chairman of the National Sports Authority, Kwadwo Baah Agyeman.

    In the interview with Saddick Adams Obama on Angel FM Floodlight Show, the former MP for Asante Akyem insisted that, comments regarding the team’s poor travel arrangements are overblown and thus commuting with Taxis in batches was what motivated them to win.

    Read:Black Meteors players cry out over ill-treatment

    “I think we are overstating this matter (of the team using taxis) too much. For all you know that was what even motivated them to win the game.

    “That was a source of motivation because when we give them luxurious treatment, they fail but when they went through this, see how they played”.

    Read:Augustine Arhinful praises Black Meteors for AFCON qualification

    This is the reason why I believe we should slash down with the investment into the Black Stars”.

    The Black Meteors qualified to join 7 other African U23 teams for the championship in Egypt in November.

    The tournament will be used as the final qualification route to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

     

  • Kwadwo Asamoah in talks to sign one-year Inter Milan contract extension

    Ghana international Kwadwo Asamoah is in talks with Inter Milan over a possible one-year contract extension, GHANASoccernet.com understands.

    The left-back/midfielder joined the Nerazzurri on a three-year contract in the summer of 2018.

    Read:Kwadwo Asamoah ready to work hard after reuniting with Conte at Inter Milan

    But even before that initial deal runs out in 2021, the former Juventus and Udinese star might be extending his stay at the San Siro up until June 2022.

    Last season, Asamoah made 32 appearances in the Serie A and scored one goal.

    Read:Kwadwo Asamoah provides assist in Inter Milan 4-0 win over Lecce

    This term under new coach Antonio Conte, his former coach at Juventus, the 30-year-old has started and lasted the full duration in their opening two matches against Lecce and Cagliari.

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • BoG increases minimum capital for Mobile Money firms by 300%

    The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has increased the minimum capital for Mobile Money companies from GH¢5 million to GH¢20 million.

    This means an increase of about 300%.

    According to a statement from the BoG, “The emergence of new payment streams, institutions such as financial technology companies and the general acceptance of electronic money have necessitated the enactment of the Payment Systems and Services Act, 2019 (Act 987) to provide the legal and regulatory framework for the orderly development of the payment system.”

    Read: Keep your eyes on banks SEC boss to BoG

    “To operationalize Act 987, the Bank of Ghana hereby provides the minimum capital requirements, permissible activities and fees for all categories of payment service providers and financial technology companies.

    “The Bank of Ghana in furtherance of its objective of fostering financial innovation has taken into consideration the size, nature and characteristics of each financial technology company in prescribing the required minimum capital, governance and systems requirements,” the statement added.

    The Breakdown

    The BoG in the statement grouped the various licences under the Payment System Providers (PSP) into five PSP Electronic Money Issuer GH¢20 million, PSP Scheme (Payments cards like Visa and MasterCards) GH¢8 million, PSP Enhanced Licence (Payment Platforms like ExpressPay etc) GH¢2 million, PSP Medium Licence (Sub agents for the payment platforms) GH¢ 800, 000 and Standard Licence (startups fintechs.) No capital required.

    According to sources close to the Bank of Ghana, they settled on these new capital levels after extensive engagement with all the players in the sector.

    The companies have up to nine months to meet the new capital levels.

    According to the Payment Systems and Services Act, 2019 (Act 987), all mobile money operators need to set up a subsidiary and will have to seek approval from the Bank of Ghana.

    Ghana going cash-lite

    The Bank of Ghana has set 2024 as a deadline for the country to move towards an era where little cash is used in financial transactions.

    The move is part of efforts to reduce the cost of doing business and improve revenue collections in the country.

    Read: BoG pegs minimum capital for Mobile Money companies at GHC20m

    The government has said it would start electronic payments for its services from June this year.

    This has been influenced by mobile number interoperability.

    A 2016 Bank of Ghana Report revealed that the use of physical cash as the medium of exchange was on a continuous decline due to the increase in the use of other sources of payment, including cards, mobile money and the Ghana Interbank Payment and Settlement Systems (GhIPSS) Instant Pay.

     

    BoG pegs minimum capital for Mobile Money companies at GHC20m by The Independent Ghana on Scribd

     

    Source: Myjoyonline.com

     

  • Applicants to pay for cost of translated information under RTI

    Chairperson of the Committee on Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, says applicants who may request for information in translated language of their choice when the Right to Information (RTI) Law comes on stream next year would pay for it.

    Ben Abdallah Banda said, for instance, if someone demanded that information requested from RTI information officer should be translated into French or Twi, the applicant would bear the cost of translation.

    Read: Train judges on RTI law Nigerian lawyer to Ghanaians

    Mr Abdallah Banda, who is the Member of Parliament for Offinso South, told journalists during a training workshop for Chief Directors and Regional Coordinating Directors in Accra ahead of the operationalization of the RTI Law in January 2020.

    He said the RTI law required government to proactively provide strategic information to the public without necessarily waiting for someone to apply for it.

    However, he said there were certain information that was exempted from being given out to the public or classified and that exemption was grounded within the RTI law.

    Mr Banda said any law that authorised the release of information to the public that contradicted the RTI law, the RTI law will always reign supreme.

    Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, the Minister of Information, for his part, said 600 information units would be established across the country, while information officers would be appointed to manage them for the implementation of the Right to Information Act in January next year.

    The information officers would be trained on the RTI law and the Data Protection Law so that they would meet the demands of applicants who might request for information.

    The participants for the workshop were drawn from the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) across the country and taken through data mapping exercise, basic rudiments of the Data Protection Law and setting up of information units.

    The RTI law seeks to give effect to Article 21 (1) (f) of the 1992 Constitution which states that “All persons shall have the right to information subject to such qualifications and laws as are necessary for a democratic society”.

    Mr Oppong Nkrumah said the training would enable the participants to be abreast of the new law and support the government’s implementation drive.

    He stated that government would equip the information units with the requisite equipment in order for them to deliver on their mandates.

    He said the cost of the operationalisation of the law had been forwarded to the Ministry of Finance for validation to ensure timely release of funds to the various information units.

    Read: Without RTI law our democracy is incomplete CDD

    The Minister said a test run would be conducted in December this year, to assess the readiness of the various information units and personnel before the actual implementation in January 2020.

    Mr Felix Chaahaah, the Volta Regional Coordinating Director, who is also a participant at the workshop, in an interview with the media, said the training had been beneficial and believed it would enhance accountability and transparency of the public service.

    He expressed optimism that the manual records of the various ministries, departments and agencies would be digitised before January next year, so that information requested by the public could be released in its soft copy.

    He said frantic efforts were underway to equip the information units with computers and other facilities, in order to serve the public effectively.

     

    Source: Ghananewsagency.org

  • Accra-Nsawam train on test run derails

    An Accra-Nsawam bound train suffered what the technical team from the Ghana Railway Company Limited described as a minor derailment on Thursday, September 12, 2019.

    The train was embarking on one of its tests runs to pave way for the reopening of the track.

    Read: Accra-Nsawam train on test run derails

    Refurbishment works on the track were completed recently and as part of efforts to ensure that the track is fit for full operations, the Ghana Railway Company has been embarking on a series of test runs.

    The trip on Thursday formed part of one of the runs.

    The train operated smoothly until it slightly went off track at a section at Kotoku.

    Kotoku is a community very close to Nsawam.

    Read: Danger looms on Amasaman-Nsawam road

    The train had made successful stops at Odaw, Achimota, Dome, Amasaman before the minor derailment around 12:30 pm

    Engineers from the Ghana Railway Company Limited were onboard to address the challenge.

    Traffic Manager of the Ghana Railway Company Limited, Comfort Awinya, briefed journalists onboard that the derailment was a minor one.

    She said the trip was part of the rest runs and as the line is still being tested, such minor derailment was not surprising.

    She however assured that before the line is open fully to the public for commercial services, the minor challenges that have been identified would be addressed.

     

    Source: dailyguidenetwork.com

  • No casualty in Accra-Nsawam train ‘derailment’

    There was harm to life or properties in the minor derailment of the Accra-Nsawam bound train.

    The minor derailment occurred at Kotoku as the train was embarking on one of its test runs from Accra to Nsawam.

    Quickly, members of the technical team of the Ghana Railway Company Limited mobilised to ensure that the problem was addressed.

    Read: Accra-Tema railway line making gains Joe Ghartey

    The technical team of the Ghana Railway Company Limited had described the Thursday, September 12, 2019, derailment as a minor one.

    The train was embarking on one of its test runs to pave way for the reopening of the track.

    Refurbishment works on the track were completed recently and as part of efforts to ensure that the track is fit for full operations, the Ghana Railway Company has been embarking on a series of test runs.

    The trip on Thursday formed part of one of the runs.

    The train operated smoothly until it slightly went off track at a section at Kotoku.

    Journalists onboard the train were somewhat anxious to know if the train would continue its journey to Nsawam.

    And true to their words, the engineers of the railway company were able to fix the problem, paving way for the journey to resume.

    The train finally reached Nsawam at about 2:00pm to much excitement from residents.

    Kotoku is a community very close to Nsawam.

    The train had made successful stops at Odaw, Achimota, Dome, Amasaman before the minor derailment around 12:30pm

    Read: Government revamping railway networks

    Engineers from the Ghana Railway Company Limited were onboard to address the challenge.

    The problem was resolved and the train was back on track and we resumed the journey to Nsawam.

    Traffic Manager of the Ghana Railway Company Limited, Comfort Awinya, briefed journalists onboard that the derailment was a minor one.

    She said the trip was part of the rest runs and as the line is still being test, such minor derailment was not surprising.

    She however assured that before the line is open fully to the public for commercial services, the minor challenges that have been identified would be addressed.

     

    Source: dailyguidenetwork.com

  • 600 soldiers, police swoop on criminals at Budumburam

    A combined team of Military and police personnel has descended on Gomoa Budumburam in an operation to rid the area of criminals.

    The team comprising about 400 military officers and 200 police officers, swooped down on the Central Region in the Gomoa East District, which has gained notoriety for violent crimes in recent times.

    Read:My constituents are under self-imposed curfew; Budumburam Camp must go Gomoa East MP

    More than 100 suspected criminals were arrested in the joint operation, Adom News correspondent, Kofi Adjei reported, Thursday.

    Two traffic police officers Sergeant Michael Dzamesi and Lance Corporal Mohammed Awal were shot and killed two weeks ago by a gang, when they were accosted after refusing to heed to a signal to stop.

    Read:Tipper truck runs over Okada man at Budumburam

    This week, a sub-chief at Gomoa Akranmang, Nana Yaw Egyir, was gruesomely murdered by a mob allegedly following disagreements over a disputed land.

    The early morning operation by the security team has earned high praise from the residents.

    “They are very happy and commended the joint military and police team for arresting some suspected criminals who have been terrorising residents,” the reporter added.

    Source: Myjoyonline.com