TIG Post

Author: Chris Kodo

  • Christopher Antwi-Adjei bags a brace as Paderborn annihilate VfB Salzkotten 20-0

    Germany born Ghanaian winger Christopher Antwi-Adjer netted a brace as Bundesliga newcomers SC Paderborn thrashed lower-tier side VfB Salzkotten 20-0 in preseason.

    The 25-year old scored the first of his two goals in the 52nd minute to make the scoreline 9-0 before he added his second in the 63rd minute to increase the goals to 13.

    Cauly Oliveira Souza and Ben Zolinski each scored hat-tricks before Marcel Hilßner, Rifet Kapic, Kai Pröger, Christopher Antwi-Adjei and Felix Drinkuth added two goals each.

    Babacar Gueye, Khiry Shelton and Streli Mamba scored a goal apiece before the topflight side had another goal through an own goal.

    Paderborn were ruthless against the district division side and look set for the upcoming season.

    Last season, the Blue and Blacks earned promotion back to the topflight after finishing second behind FC Koln in the Bundesliga II.

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • African countries asked to remove barriers to facilitate trade

    The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) has asked African countries to remove trade barriers from the continent, in fulfilment of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement onto which they signed in May this year.

    Read: Africa Trade Ministers discuss progress of free trade agenda

    In its latest Economic Development in Africa (EDA) Report, UNCTAD said it was important for African countries to set out ground rules to determine the origin of products within the continent because failure to do so could affect the smooth implementation of the agreement.

    The report, which was launched at the United Nations (UN) Information Centre in Accra yesterday, revealed that trade among African countries was only 15.2 per cent, while over 80 per cent of commodities from Africa were exported to Europe, Asia and other markets.

    Read: Intra-African trade fair targets $25billion in trade deals

    According to the report, the trend could only be improved through the deepening of engagements to determine the origin of products, building the capacity of the continent’s human resource, diversifying African economies to focus on manufacturing and addressing trade-related challenges.

    In 2000, UNCTAD launched the annual EDA Report which focused on key development challenges on the African continent and suggested ways of dealing with those bottlenecks.

    EDA Report

    In 2015, the EDA Report looked at the telecommunications sector and how it could be leveraged for development, while the 2016 edition focused on development finance in Africa, with specific emphasis on illicit finance flow.

    The 2017 and the 2018 reports also delved into tourism for transformation and migration, respectively.

    The 2019 Report, dubbed: “Made in Africa: Rules of origin for enhanced inter-African trade”, explores the possibility of establishing better rules of origin and also explains the criteria for determining the nationality of products to promote trade among African countries.

    The rules of origin are meant to ascertain the origin of goods, prevent trade deflection and encourage the use of local inputs and production within a free trade area.

    The 2019 Report further highlights challenges such as weak productive capacities and tariff-related trade costs as key challenges that ought to be addressed to improve trade on the continent.

    It further shows that the share of African exports to the rest of the world ranges from 80 to 90 per cent, while intra-African exports account for only 16.6 per cent.

    Additionally, intra-African trade, defined as the average of intra-African exports and imports, is around 15.2 per cent, while comparative figures for America, Asia, Europe and Oceania are 47, 61, 67 and seven per cent, respectively.

    In terms of tariffs, the report says the applied tariffs for inter-regional economic community members amount to 7.4 per cent for the Community of Sahel-Sahara States (CEN-SAD); 5.6 per cent for ECOWAS; 3.8 per cent in the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC); 2.6 per cent in the Arab Magreb Union (AMU); I.8 per cent in the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA); 1.86 per cent in the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS); 1.80 per cent in the Inter-Governmental Authority for Development (IGAD) and zero per cent in the East African Community (EAC).

    Observations

    The Managing Director of Circadian Consulting Limited, a real estate entity, Mr Philip Cobbina, who presented details of the report, said its release was timely, especially during the AfCFTA negotiations.

    He stressed that if priority was placed on establishing rules of origin of products in Africa, it could be the game changer in promoting trade among African countries.

    “What we need to do is build the base of our manufacturing sector to use the resources that we have within the continent and also take advantage of the intermediate products,” he said.

    He further observed that the inability of African countries to trade among themselves meant that the potential that could be leveraged to boost local economies and build a stronger continent had been undermined.

    He, therefore, called on African countries to inter-connect and set rules of origin that would be holistic enough to break trade barriers, especially within regional groupings.

    On the way forward, Mr Cobbina underscored the need for policy makers in African countries to focus on building the capacity of the human resource to take control of the manufacturing, oil and gas sectors.

    Source: www.graphic.com.gh

  • Assembly demolishes illegal structures along Tema-Accra Motorway

    The Ayawaso West Municipal Assembly (AWMA) has carried out a demolition exercise to clear containers and other illegal structures erected along the Tema-Accra Motorway.

    The exercise, which commenced at about 7a.m last Tuesday, was supervised by officials of the assembly and police personnel.

    Read: Ayawaso West assembly demolishes structures along Tema motorway

    Over 200 illegal structures, some of which served as residential accommodation, garages, vulcanising shops and chop bars, were brought down by the taskforce.

    While some structures were completely destroyed in the exercise, other squatters succeeded in mobilising trucks to tow their properties to safety.

    Read: Mills Government paid compensation of GHC 6.3m for hotel demolished under Rawlings

    The exercise was carried out from the Accra end of the toll booth of the motorway to Shiashi near the Tetteh Quarshie Interchange.

    Notice

    The Chief Technical Officer of the assembly, Mr Augustine Okai, who also doubles as the Chief Building Inspector, told the Daily Graphic that adequate notice was served the affected people contrary to assertions by the squatters that they were not notified.

    According to him, the last notice served on the squatters was on March 11, 2019, adding that apart from the eviction markings on the structures, the assembly also engaged the people and advised them on the need to leave the shoulders of the motorway.

    Mr Okai added that most of the occupants had been there without authorisation, and that the exercise became necessary following refusal by the squatters to vacate the place.

    He said in order to prevent people from returning to the site, the assembly had put in place measures to regularly monitor activities along the stretch.

    Reactions 

    Some of the victims condemned the assembly for the manner in which the exercise was carried out.

    They described the exercise as inhumane and blamed officials of the assembly for the impromptu manner the entire demolishion was carried out.

    Some claimed that the operation took them by surprise, and that they were also prevented from removing their valuables to safety.

    “You know we are in the rainy season and accommodation is hard to come by in Accra.

    Where do they want me and my children to sleep tonight; this is so inhumane,” Memuna Issah, a chop bar operator said.

    Mr David Koomson, another squatter, said he had lived in the slum for seven years due to challenges in finding accommodation in the city.

    According to him, all his savings had been lost in the demolition exercise. He claimed that the destruction caused to his property might affect the livelihood of his family.

    Source: www.graphic.com.gh

  • Chamber brouhaha: ‘Executive has not been engaged’ Oppong Nkrumah

    Information Minister, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, has said the Executive arm of government has not been engaged on plans to build a new chamber for Parliament

    “From the Executive perspective, I am not aware that the Executive has been engaged on this idea,” he said.

    Read: Manufacturers to pass on increased tariffs to consumers Chamber of Commerce warns

    This disclosure contradicts a previous declaration by Speaker of Parliament, Prof. Mike Ocquaye, that President Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has agreed to attend a sod cutting ceremony for the new chamber.

    “The President, in principle, has actually agreed to come and cut the sod the moment we are ready. So you can see that there is a lot of goodwill for this project,” Prof Ocquaye had said at a media briefing on the project.

    Read: Parliament allocates Ȼ72m for new chamber; hopes to get $40m China grant

    He also revealed at the media briefing that the Finance Ministry has allocated some funds for the project that seeks to expand the parliamentary chamber.

    Controversial chamber

    Parliament is under pressure to justify its decision to build a new House, expanding the 275-seater chamber to 450 seats.

    Architectural designs outdoored by the Parliamentary Service Board last Friday sparked wide criticism on social media.

    The Speaker of Parliament has been described as out-of-touch while the project is seen by many as profligate.

    Even MPs are demanding answers from Parliamentary Leaders, insisting they were not consulted. Several on both sides of the House have publicly kicked against the plan.

    A plan is afoot to march to Parliament next week to express outrage. The Majority Leader has said the plan is not conclusive.

    President must intervene

    Minority MP for Tamale North, Alhassan Suhuyini, wants the President to intervene to quell the raging controversy over the project.

    “It is government business and so government should not even think of that idea of bringing it to Parliament. Let us target our government,” he said.

    Meanwhile, both the Minority and Majority leadership are billed for a press briefing on the matter, Thursday.

    Source: www.myjoyonline.com

  • Akufo-Addo considers bill to allow dual citizens to hold public office

    President Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on Wednesday opened the Ghana Diaspora Celebration and Third Homecoming Summit, with an assurance that the government would soon place before Parliament a bill that would allow Ghanaians with dual citizenship to hold public office.

    Read: Akufo-Addo must apologize for calling critics of draft Uni Bill mischievous Minority

    “The question of the political rights of dual citizens is a matter for Parliament and an opportunity is going to be provided soon Parliament to address this issue,” he told the gathering, which included African and Ghanaian Diasporans in Accra.

    The summit was part of the Year of Return to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the arrival of the first 20 West African slaves in the United States.

    Read: Akufo-Addo directs AG to draft bill on party militia

    Tracing the contribution of Diasporans to their home countries all over the world, the President expressed excitement at the decision fo the Office of Diaspora Engagement Policy Bill.

    He explained that the bill would deal effectively with all matters affecting overseas Ghanaians, noting that beyond the remittances they send back, they have a crucial role to play towards the growth and development of the country.

    He said he expected the bill to be brought before the Cabinet to be worked on expeditiously and laid before Parliament.

    He gave the example of China, with an immigration population of 60 million, considered the 25th largest country in the world, with assets worth more than $2.5 trillion, adding that in the 1970s when foreign companies reduced their investments in China, t was the Chinese Diaspora that shored up the economy of that country.

    Quoting from the Washington DC-based Migration Policy Institute (MPI), the President said half of the foreign direct investments of $426 billion that transformed China into a manufacturing powerhouse in the 1990s originated from the Chinese Diaspora.

    Source: Myjoyonline.com

  • Cement manufacturers in pain over impact of high taxes on their operations

    Cement Manufacturers in the country want government to reduce the number of taxes and levies imposed on their operations.

    According to the Cement Manufacturers Association of Ghana, the increasing number of taxes and levies imposed on them is putting a pressure on them.

    Read: Cement manufacturers decry high taxes, levies

    Among the numerous taxes and levies is the recently added fumigation levy of 0.5 dollars.

    The association also pays the VAT restructuring levy of 5% and the 2% special tax.

    The Association says these taxes and levies coupled with increased electricity tariffs have made them uncompetitive and their operations expensive.

    Read: Cement manufacturers endorse the Ghana Building Code

    Executive Secretary of the association, Reverend Dr. Dawson- Amoah, told Citi Business News steps must be taken to reduce the number of taxes affecting them

    “The various levies and taxes that have engulfed the cement industry make production very expensive and for that matter rendering the local cement manufactures uncompetitive if you compare it with the importation of cement into the country. Like I rightly said, the latest of this levy is this Ministry of Health levy which we call fumigation levy at the ports.” He said.

    Currently, there are nine individual cement manufacturing factories with one bagging plant that has a total installed capacity of about 11.6 million tonnes per annum.

    The average consumption is about 6.3 million tonnes per annum, creating a surplus of about 5.3 million per annum.

    Reverend Dr. Dawson- Amoah said they may be forced to lay off workers if the issue is not addressed by government.

    “There are a lot of taxes, lots of levies which is really affecting the industry. This is the same cry of most industries. The much trumpeted industrialization, the much trumpeted like trying to salvage the industry, trying to protect the industry is not what we have seen, it is not what we are seeing. Even I have it right in front of me. Talking about the release of PURC on increase in tariff like I said is a bombshell.” He added.

    The current members of the Chamber of Cement manufacturers are CIMAF Ghana Limited, Diamond Cement Group, CBI Ghana Limited and Ghacem Limited.

    Source: citibusinessnews.com

  • Former Dreams FC defender Bashiru Alhassan joins UAE-based club Al Wasl

    Former Dreams FC defender Bashiru Alhassan has completed his move to United Arab Emirates side Al Wasl.

    Read: Black Queens ready for group opponents at AWCON 2018 Bashiru Hayford

    The defender, who spent last season on loan at Czech side Sparta Prague joins the club for the 2019/20 season.

    Alhassan has been listed in the first team as one of the club’s foreign players on the roaster for the upcoming season.

    The hard-working enforcer joined Dreams FC on a four-year deal from second-tier side Tudu Mighty Jets in 2017.

    He was instrumental in their 2017/18 league campaign, helping them to 6th position with 24 points after the first round.

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • Fans excited after Black Stars win

    Football fans in parts of Takoradi in the Western Region are excited over the 2-0 of the Black Stars of Ghana over Guinea Bissau in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt.

    Speaking to a cross-section of the public in Takoradi after the match, many of them could not hold back their excitement as the Stars scored two goals to qualify for the knockout stage of the competition.

    Read: Senior players have helped me settle in the Black Stars team Samuel Owusu

    “We are so excited the Black Stars have qualified and we would continue to support them with our prayers,” some of the fans stated in an interview with the GNA Sports.

    Some were also of the view that the qualification of the team to the next round, was an indication that, they were capable of winning the cup the for Ghana.

    Read: Andre Ayew insists Black Stars were in total control in victory against Guinea-Bissau

    According to them, having waited for years for the trophy, it was time the team brings back the trophy to Ghana.

    Mr Edmund Kwabena described the qualification as normal, since it had been the normal routine in the competition but said, the ultimate would delight Ghanaians more.

    Dominic Acquah said the Black Stars were one of the favourites in the competition and should do everything possible to win the trophy for Ghana.

    Source: Ghananewsagency.org

  • Akonnor wasnt made aware of Kwame Baah signing Asempa FM

    Asante Kotoko signed goalkeeper Kwame Baah without the knowledge of head coach Charles Akonnor, according to Accra-based Asempa FM.

    Read: Ghanaian hip-hop sensation Kwame Baah drops something new

    The Ghana U23 goalkeeper passed his medicals on Wednesday and signed a three-year-deal.

    Akonnor has eventually left his post as head coach of the NC Special Competition Tier I champion.

    According to Ghana Sports sources, assistant coach Akakpo Patron has also been axed from his role.

    The signing of Kwame Baah means the Porcupine Warriors now have five goalkeepers in their folds with Ibrahim Danlad, Osei Kwame, Muntari Tagoe and Felix Annan are the old faces.

    Source: ghanasportsonline.com

  • Chamber brouhaha: ‘Executive hasn’t been engaged’ Oppong Nkrumah

    Information Minister, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, has said the Executive arm of government has not been engaged on plans to build a new chamber for Parliament

    “From the Executive perspective, I am not aware that the Executive has been engaged on this idea,” he said.

    Read: Parliament allocates Ȼ72m for new chamber; hopes to get $40m China grant

    This disclosure contradicts a previous declaration by Speaker of Parliament, Prof. Mike Ocquaye, that President Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has agreed to attend a sod cutting ceremony for the new chamber.

    “The President, in principle, has actually agreed to come and cut the sod the moment we are ready. So you can see that there is a lot of goodwill for this project,” Prof Ocquaye had said at a media briefing on the project.

    He also revealed at the media briefing that the Finance Ministry has allocated some funds for the project that seeks to expand the parliamentary chamber.

    Controversial chamber

    Parliament is under pressure to justify its decision to build a new House, expanding the 275-seater chamber to 450 seats.

    Architectural designs outdoored by the Parliamentary Service Board last Friday sparked wide criticism on social media.

    The Speaker of Parliament has been described as out-of-touch while the project is seen by many as profligate.

    Read: We built new stadia when Ghanaians were suffering, why oppose 450-seat chamber? Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu

    Even MPs are demanding answers from Parliamentary Leaders, insisting they were not consulted. Several on both sides of the House have publicly kicked against the plan.

    A plan is afoot to march to Parliament next week to express outrage. The Majority Leader has said the plan is not conclusive.

    President must intervene

    Minority MP for Tamale North, Alhassan Suhuyini, wants the President to intervene to quell the raging controversy over the project.

    “It is government business and so government should not even think of that idea of bringing it to Parliament. Let us target our government,” he said.

    Meanwhile, both the Minority and Majority leadership are billed for a press briefing on the matter, Thursday.

     

    Source: Myjoyonline.com

  • Women Farmers urge government to subsidise aflasafe

    The Middle Zone Women Farmers in Ghana have urged government to subsidise Aflasafe, a technology developed to help reduce high rates of aflatoxins in cereals.

    Just like the inputs subvention, under the planting for food and jobs initiative, they say such a move would reduce the current cost of GH¢32.00 per four kilos and would be delivered at doorsteps of farmers.

    Read: Golden Star Resources to support to Wassa East District farmers day

    Aflatoxins are poisonous carcinogens that are produced by certain molds, which grow in soil, decaying vegetation, hay, and grains.

    Madam Gladys Serwaa Adusah, the Leader of the Middle Zone Women Farmers, made the suggestion at the opening of a two-day workshop in Ghana on Research Dissemination and Agenda Setting for National Policy for Aflatoxin Control in Food and Feed.

    Read: More than 400 farmers receive oil palm seedlings in Asante-Akim Central

    The forum, which brought together actors in the agriculture value chain, including farmers, aggregators, processors, development partners, scientists and researches, would be used to share findings of a situational analysis and discuss issues of policy relevance.

    It forms part of a project to develop a national policy and technical regulation for aflatoxin control in food being coordinated by the Science and Technology Policy Research Institute (STEPRI) of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).

    Madam Adusah said the subsidized price would enable women farmers to have access at a good price to produce cereals, including groundnuts and maize, to contribute to sufficient and aflatoxin free food.

    “The World Health Organisation came to Techiman to conduct a study on aflatoxins and they discovered that majority of our maize had high levels of aflatoxins,” she said.

    “This is a big problem for us the women because aside farming we trade in these commodities so it will help if the government heed to our call.”

    Dr Rose Omari, Project Coordinator CSIR-STEPRI, said a recent study found high levels of aflatoxin in food and feed in Ghana and other countries in West Africa.

    She said the study revealed a prevalence of aflatoxin contamination in maize and groundnuts in major producing regions across three agro-ecological zones in Ghana.

    Healthwise, she said studies had also shown that exposure to very high levels of aflatoxin could results in acute health effects such as aflatoxicosis, adding that it could cause symptoms including haemorrhage, acute liver damage and abdominal pains.

    She stated that chronic exposure to aflatoxins was linked to decreased protein synthesis, delayed recovery from kwashiorkor, immune suppression, and increased susceptibility to infections, growth retardation and stunting in children.

    Dr Omari said although aflatoxin was real there were measures including the adherence of good agriculture practices that could help control the levels of aflatoxins.

    Source: ghananewsagency.org

  • Socfin Group to build $20m oil palm processing factory at Daboase

    The Wassa East District Entrepreneurial governance is leveraging on Socfin Group’s $20m new Oil Palm Processing Factory planted at Daboase to create opportunities and prosperity for her people.

    Read: More than 400 farmers receive oil palm seedlings in Asante-Akim Central

    According to Hon Wilson Arthur, DCE of Wassa East, two strategic vehicles the district government has deployed are:

    1) Cooperating with management of PSG to prepare local engineers and train locals who could occupy good job positions in the new factory and

    2) Adopting Oil Palm as main crop in new Government of Ghana Planting for Exports and Rural Development (PERD) Policy.

    Read: Child labour on the rise in fishing, oil palm sector despite decrease in cocoa sector ICI

    The District Assembly Agric Department is in the process of distributing over 100,000 high quality Oil Palm seedlings to 1,000 Farmers to serve the new PSG Oil Mill Factory.

    Plantation Socfinaf Ghana on their own have cultivated a little in excess of 6,000 hectares of Oil Palm that can supply about 40% capacity of their new Factory scheduled to start production in August/ September 2019-

    Mr Wilson Arthur, already Golden Star Wassa Mines GSOP project has 2,000 plus Oil Palm plantation around Ateiku area ready to serve the new factory and individual Oil Palm farmers collectively could add about another 1,000 hectares.

    The Agric Department is collating data on Oil Palm farming across the District so as to fill the opportunity and support the success of the Socfin investment.

    This one way of activating the new vision to make Wassa East a land of opportunities and Prosperity for all.

    Source: skyypowerfm.com

  • Wassa East District health facilities to receive Numa quality water soon

    Access Water, an NGO collaborating with Water4 in the USA and Wassa East District Assembly to commence installation of its Water Systems at Health Facilities in Wassa East District.

    This is in line with shared 2019/2020 vision to provide potable water to Institutions and communities across the model district in the Western Region.

    Read: Government awards Nsaba and Duakwa town roads on contract DCE

    Schools are in line to benefit from this project which is targeted at enhancing quality health care and promoting good sanitation culture.

     

    Source: skyypowerfm.com

  • 8 die in cemetary fight

    Eight people are reported dead, following a deadly fight on Saturday, at the Achiase-Antoa Cemetery in the Ejisu Municipality of the Ashanti region, between two groups that met there to bury their dead.

    The brawl, which ensued between residents of the town and some artisans from the Suame Magazine in Kumasi, was initially sparked by who, between the two, should bury their dead first.

    Read: Palm wine tapper allegedly murders wife, son over infidelity

    What reportedly escalated the conflict was when a motorbike belonging to one of the residents was suspected to have been stolen in the heat of the commotion by the boys from Suame magazine.

    Read: Two teenage girls arrested over murder of boyfriend

    According to eye-witness accounts, machetes,clubs and cement blocks were employed in the free-for-all fight, which led to the multiple deaths and injuries.

    So bloody were the clashes that other corpses that were enroute for interment at the cemetery were abandoned as pallbearers ran for their dear lives.

     

    Source: thepublisheronline.com

  • Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp hit by file transfer glitch

    Some Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp users cannot upload photos, videos and files.

     

    A spokesman for Facebook, which owns all three apps, told BBC News: “We’re working to get things back to normal as quickly as possible.”

    Together, the social networks have billions of users worldwide.

    In March, Facebook and Instagram suffered their longest period of disruption ever. Problems also struck both apps as well as WhatsApp in April.

    The Facebook Messenger app, which is often installed separately, is also affected.

    Source: www.graphic.com.gh

  • Government awards Nsaba and Duakwa town roads on contract – DCE

    The Central Government has awarded Agona Nsaba and Agona Duakwa town roads on contract to facilitate easy transportation of goods and services.

    Mr Dennis Armah-Frempong, District Chief Executive (DCE) for Agona East, made this known when he addressed the chiefs and elders of Nsaba Traditional Area as they marked the celebration of Adae Kese festival at Nsaba.

    Read: Sekondi-Takoradi Department of Urban Roads commence road maintenance project

    The 7.5 kilometer town road would give a befitting facelift to the two towns, especially Nsaba which is the District Capital of Agona East, he said.

    Mr Armah-Frempong said the stretch of road from Agona Nsaba, to Akim Eshiem was in a very deplorable state and the situation pose a threat to commuters and drivers plying Agona Swedru/ Akim Oda road.

    Read: $ 81.67 million ADF loan to rescue Eastern corridor road

    The government, in the past, has spent huge sums of money to patch potholes and it did not yield the desired results and has, therefore, decided to undertake a major rehabilitation from Agona Swedru/ Akim Eshiem, he said.

    The DCE said the contract was part of the Sinohydro 2 billion dollar leverage facility from China to help construct some of the roads in the districts.

    Mr Armah-Frempong assured the chiefs that the road from Agona Swedru/ Adeiso/ Awutu Bawjiase has been captured in the 2019 budget and Chinese contractors would get to site soon.

    More so, he said, a contract awarded by the previous government for the construction of a three-classroom block at Agona Nintah has been re-awarded to new contractor.

    He said the Assembly has also re-roofed another three classroom block at Nintah which had its roof ripped off during a severe rainstorm that hit the town recently.

    The footbridge at Agona Nampong over River Akora which totally cut off the Nampong community from the rest of the district each time it overflow its banks, has been constructed and would soon be commissioned, Mr Armah-Frempong said.

    On education, he pledged the support of the Assembly to the Ghana Education Service (GES) directorate to provide teachers and staff with the required logistics to improve the performance of basic schools in the Area.

    The DCE announced that Kwesi Paintsil and Krobofom villages would soon be connected to the national grid, adding that the contractor has moved to the site to begin work.

    Mr Armah-Frempong called on the chiefs and landowners to release more land to serve as land banks for the Assembly to undertake future projects and this would help prevent the situation where government projects were unduly delayed due to the difficulty in securing land.

    Osabarimaba Boappiah Afriyie III, Omanhene of Nsaba Traditional Area, had earlier appealed to the government to reconstruct the Agona Swedru/Akim Eshiem/ Akim Oda roads for easy transportation of goods and services.

    He also called for an upgrade of the Nsaba Health Center to District Hospital level to ensure effective health care delivery as critical cases are still being referred to Agona Swedru, Winneba and Breman Asikuma hospitals.

    Source: ghananewsagency.org

  • Constructing $200m Parliamentary chamber is good use of money – NPP MP

    The Member of Parliament (MP) for the Bantama Constituency, Daniel Okyem Aboagye has justified the proposed construction of a new Chamber of Parliament saying it is “something that is worth doing” and “good use of our money”.

    When quizzed by on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show if the chamber which has been widely reported would cost $200m was the best use of money, the MP said: “…It is something that is worth doing, it is a good use of our money. Of course, we will not leave the rest of the issues untackled.
    Employment are being created, we are managing the economy very well. If we can have two hundred million dollars that is good money that can also be used to build our democracy, I think it’s a good use for me”.

    The new parliamentary chamber which will have a sitting capacity for about 450 Members of Parliament when completed will be constructed by the architectural firm Adjaye & Associates.

    Read:Building of new parliamentary chamber is scandalous Inusah Fuseini

    It is expected to house facilities including diplomatic offices, a library, a museum, a church, a mosque, eateries, press conference rooms, galleries, a car park, an upper gallery garden, a post office and other facilities to complete the Parliamentary enclave.

    According to Mr Aboagye, the sitting capacity of the new chamber will allow for a fairer representation of the people in Parliament and a fairer distribution of resources to MPs.

    He explained: “The type of governance we have chosen for ourselves is democracy and democracy I believe is a representation of the people. And so, if we have situations where some members that represent the people come to the house with less than 10,000 votes and others come with 130,000 registered voters voting for you, you see that even though you are representing the people, the disparity is too huge, is too much.

    “So, if you want a fair representation of the people. Then I believe, you should at least… Not to try to say let’s get equal number of people but some reasonable fairness in terms of representation”.

    “If one person is representing over 130,000 registered voters and another person is representing about 7, 10,000 whatever the number might be. That is not fair because when it comes to the distribution of the national cake and I want to use the commonest one that we all know; the Common Fund, it is shared equally.

    Read:New parliament chamber is constitutional as constituencies expand Kennedy Kankam

    “…So, how do you expect an MP who has 130,000 constituents or registered voters and for that number and by extension a huge number of people to represent to be able to take care of the little that he has. So, I believe, If we can get the opportunity to ensure some fairness in the representation, it will be better”.

    He advocated that if smaller constituencies could not be consolidated to create larger ones, then bigger constituencies should be divided which would increase the number of MPs.

    “That’s why I support the fact that, if we can get some opportunity to put up a structure that will accommodate more and of course I won’t advocate that we should basically consolidate, we cannot consolidate constituencies to get one, then we should at least divide the bigger ones so that people can equally get some fair representation, that is my argument”.

    He also suggested that the current chamber was small because during functions such as the State of the Nations’ Address by the President, chairs had to be moved into the house to ensure that some guests could get spaces to sit.

    Source: Graphic.com.gh

  • Lawyers set to sue over Modern Ghana journalists torture

    Lawyers for the Modern Ghana journalists allegedly tortured by National Security personnel are preparing a civil suit against the security agency.

    One of the lawyers, Samson Lardy Anyenini on the Citi Breakfast Show said “in due course, a process will be covered in respect of a civil process against the perpetrators of the illegal and unconstitutional and criminal conduct.”

    Emmanuel Ajarfor, the Modern Ghana editor, was detained alongside a fellow journalist, Emmanuel Yeboah Britwum.

    Read:ModernGhana reporter lied; he was neither tortured nor electrocuted Afenyo-Markin

    The two met with police on Tuesday in the company of their lawyers.

    The case has been surrounded by controversy after suggestions that the arrest of the two journalists was tied to the publication of an article that criticized the National Security Minister, Albert Kan Dapaah.

    Mr. Ajarfor later claimed he was tortured and his digital privacy violated while in National Security custody.

    Read:Peace FM management questioned over Modern Ghana hacking claims

    The National Security Council Secretariat has denied the torture claims and also intends to study the medical reports.

    The secretariat in a statement said Mr. Ajarfor, “was never manhandled, neither was he subjected to any form of forced physical contact.”

    But the claims of the two journalists have received public support with the Ghana Journalists Association calling for an independent probe of the torture allegations made against the National Security.

    Source: citinewsroom.com

  • Not all spiritually possessed persons are normal – Mental Health Expert

    A Mental Health expert and Regional Mental Health Coordinator at the Upper East Regional Health Directorate, Edem Quarshie Ameglah, says family members and communities have the responsibility to report or assist persons with mental health problems or showing signs of mental disorders to get medical attention.

    According to him, before persons with mental health problems start causing troubles in public and become dangerous to themselves and society, they show little signs at home and if the family members are observant they will identify these signs as associated with mental health challenges and call for immediate medical assistance.

    “Unfortunately even if families see these signs, many of them try to cover them up to avoid their relatives being labeled as “mad”, then one day, the unexpected happens.” He said.

    Read:Mental health workers urged to contribute solutions to mental health challenges

    Mr. Amegle was speaking in connection with the 35-year-old man, Collins Yagbil who sacrificed his children to his gods and killed his wife for trying to stop him from sacrificing the children.

    Some community members say the man had a history of behaving abnormally sometimes, but they always thought he had been possessed by these gods and so did not see that it was a mental problem.

    They believe that on the day he tried to sacrifice his children to his gods, he may have been possessed by his gods and not with his own mind.

    “Sometimes he is nice and walks around soberly and sometimes he becomes abusive and misbehaves. During this period you only watch him do his thing; nobody wants to have problems with him, because he would always say he is a “Tindana” (Traditional Priest/Landlord).” A community member said.

    Read:Why global warming is a serious threat to our mental health

    On Thursday, June 27, Collins Yagbil 35 came under a community attack and was nearly lynched for sacrificing his children to his gods and killing his wife too, but was saved by the Police and arrested.

    The police had a tough time taking the suspect out of the community, because person related to the wife were bent on lynching him.

    In recent time, some “men of God” in some viral videos have been seen taking some actions that indicated that they are possessed by some spirit and yet members of their congregations have not made any attempts at getting them some medical attention.

    Meanwhile Daily Guide has learnt that the son of Collins Yagbil survived despite the cutting and he is responding to treatment at a health facility the family is keeping away from the public.

    Source: dailyguidenetwork.com

  • Sefa Kayi, Pratt, others speak against ‘needless’ new chamber for Parliament

    Parliament has decided to construct a 450-seater Parliamentary Chamber Block by the end of 2019.

    The Speaker of Parliament, Rt Professor Aaron Michael Oquaye, unveiled the design of the chamber last Friday.

    The unveiling was done during a courtesy call paid by a delegation from the Architectural Firm Adjaye & Associates.

    Read: Building of new parliamentary chamber is scandalous Inusah Fuseini

    In attendance, were the Leadership of the House, some members of the Board, the Clerk and other Principal Directors of the Parliamentary Service.

    According to the Speaker of Parliament, some allocation has been made towards the project by the government but additional funding is being sourced to make the project a reality.

    However, the Member of Parliament for North Tongu constituency, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa and Member of Parliament for Kumbungu, Ras Mubarak have spoken against it.

    Read: Akufo-Addo has endorsed new chamber project Speaker reveals

    Adding their voice to the debate, host of Peace FM’s morning show ‘Kokrokoo’, Kwami Sefa Kayi, the Managing Editor of the Insight newspaper, Kwesi Pratt and other panel members who appeared on the show on Tuesday felt it was “needless”.

     

     

    Source: peacefmonline.com

  • Building of new parliamentary chamber is scandalous – Inusah Fuseini

    The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament (MP) for Tamale Central in the Northern Region, Inusah Fuseini says Parliament decision to build a new 450-seater chamber is needless, scandalous and a misplaced priority by the Parliamentary Service Board.

    He believes that while there are many plaguing issues the country needs to address, a new Parliamentary building is not one of them.

    Read: New parliament chamber is constitutional as constituencies expand Kennedy Kankam

    Inusah Fuseini, says it is shuddering to think that Members of Parliament (MPs), who are paid higher than the average Ghanaian, would want another high-cost chamber to the detriment of other necessities.

    “The building of new Parliamentary is needless and scandalous, in my constituency they are better things we should be thinking about rather concentrating on building a new chamber.

    ”We need to build better roads and adequate health facilities for people in our constituents that is the most important thing we need to address.”

    Read: #DropthatChamber: Ghanaians protest construction of new Parliamentary chamber

    He is also worried that a 450-chamber is a signal of a potential increase in the number of MPs by 175 seats more.

    The lawmaker said Ghana is too small a country to even have 275 MPs. Instead of more that makes no sense, he said he would like to see Ghana have 140 MPs.

     

    Source: kingdomfmonline.com

  • Kassim Nuhu to return to the squad for Tunisia clash

    Defender Kassim Nuhu will be available for selection next Monday when Ghana face Tunisia in the last 16 of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.

    The TSG Hoffenheim centre-back was suspended for Tuesday’s 2-0 win over Guinea-Bissau in the final Group F clash.

    Read:Kassim to miss Ghana/Guinea Bissau game

    Nuhu accumulated two yellow cards in the matches against Benin and Cameroon.

    His availability is a huge boost for the Black Stars who are seeking to win the tournament to end their trophy drought.

    Read:Kassim Nuhu stars as TSG Hoffenheim thump Hannover 96

    Nuhu will partner John Boye when he is re-instated in the Black Stars starting line-up.

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • Tunisia frightened after being drawn to face Ghana

    North African side Tunisia have been drawn against their nemesis Ghana in the Round of 16 in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations.

    Tunisia would have been happy to avoid Ghana at this stage as they are yet to defeat the Black Stars at the Africa Cup of Nations.

    Read:Ghana captain Andre Ayew pleads to Jordan Ayew ahead of Tunisia clash

    The Black Stars remain undefeated in their last seven matches against Tunisia in the Africa Cup of Nations.

    Tunisia placed second in Group E with three points after a disappointing performance at the group stage where they drew all their matches while Ghana topped Group F with five points.

    In a total of seven meetings, the Black Stars have won six and drawn one against the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia.

    Read:AFCON 2019: Ghana to face Tunisia in Round of 16

    These stats frightens the Tunisians ahead of the game on Monday at the Ismailia Sports Stadium.

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • Senior players have helped me settle in the Black Stars team – Samuel Owusu

    Winger Samuel Owusu has revealed that the senior players in the Black Stars team have helped him settle in camp.

    The ?ukari?ki star has been a revelation in the Ghana team, after impressing in the Black Stars’games at the Nations Cup in Egypt.

    Owusu started in Ghana’s 2-0 win over Guinea Bissau, after coming on from the bench in the first two games.

    Read:2019 AFCON: Samuel Owusu blames bad pitch for disappointing display against Guinea-Bissau

    “I think so far so good. I have been doing my best as a player to help the team,” he said after yesterday’s game.

    “I am very happy because the senior players in the team have been motivating me. They tell me when you get the ball go forward, when you lose the ball we will tackle for you and I think it’s been very good for me,” he added.

    After making his first start for the team, the winger is expected to be handed another chance to impress when Ghana faces Tunisia in the last 16.

    Read:FT: Ghana tops Group F after stuttering Afcon campaign

    But the down to earth player insists that decision should be left to the coach Kwesi Appiah.

    “Everything depends on the coach now, whether for me to start on be on the bench,” he said.

    Ghana will face Tunisia on Monday for a place in the quarter finals of the Africa Cup of Nations.

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • Gospel musician Mary Agyemang releases ‘Me Dea Newo’

    After a long break, sensational gospel musician, Mary Agyemang is back again with a new tune to inspire believers of God.

    The minstrel as part of her duties to inspire followers of Christ has released a new tune she has titled ‘Me Dea Newo’.

    Read:Ghanaians are gradually losing interest in gospel music A.F Benjamin

    The song well-produced by Dan Bassey advises Christians to fully depend on Jesus Christ when in trouble. The 2019 released single from Mary Agyemang comes with a beautiful video shot and directed by Blaqboat.

    Mary Agyemnag’s ‘Me Dea Newo” features his colleague in the gospel music scene, ABC.

    Read:90% of female musicians in Ghana have zero talent Gospel musician, Owen

    The minstrel is best remembered for her 2016 hit song, Change Over which was heavily used by the New Patriotic Party during the 206 elections.

    Enjoy the audio and video of ‘Me Dea Newo’ below:

    Source: Zionfelix.com

  • Nike loses factory aid as ‘racist trainer’ row intensifies

    Arizona has pulled a $1m grant to help Nike build a new factory in a dispute over the firm’s withdrawal of a trainer allegedly featuring racist symbolism.

    The state’s governor had condemned Nike’s decision, which was prompted by complaints about its use of an old US flag embraced by white nationalists.

    Nike-sponsored sportsman Colin Kaepernick had criticised the trainers, now selling on websites for $1,500.

    But governor Doug Ducey said Nike had bowed to political correctness.

    The special edition Air Max 1 Quick Strike Fourth of July trainer features the Betsy Ross flag.

    With a circle of 13 stars representing the first US colonies, the flag was created during the American Revolution. Although opinion is divided over its origins, the flag was later adopted for use by the American Nazi party.

    Nike said it withdrew the trainers “based on concerns that it could unintentionally offend and detract from the nation’s patriotic holiday”.

    On Tuesday the trainers were selling for well over $1,500 on StockX, the online marketplace for trainers.

    Earlier, Mr Kaepernick, a former NFL star, reportedly told Nike that he found the flag offensive because of its connection to the era of slavery. Other critics also raised concerns with Nike.

    Last year, he became the face of Nike’s advertisement marking the 30th anniversary of the company’s “Just Do It” slogan.

    The former American football quarterback had previously sparked a furore by kneeling during the national anthem before games to protest against police violence against African-Americans.

    But the decision sparked fury.

    Read:Nike misses quarterly profit estimates on higher marketing expenses

    Doug Ducey, the Republican governor of Arizona, said in a series of tweets: “Words cannot express my disappointment at this terrible decision. I am embarrassed for Nike.

    “Instead of celebrating American history the week of our nation’s independence, Nike has apparently decided that Betsy Ross is unworthy, and has bowed to the current onslaught of political correctness and historical revisionism,” he said.

    Later, the governor’s office confirmed that the $1m from the Arizona Commerce Authority’ Competes Fund had been withdrawn. The fund is designed to attract, expand or retain businesses to the state. The factory was expected to generate about 500 jobs.

    Nike said in a statement it remained committed to making “a significant investment in an additional manufacturing centre which will create 500 new jobs”. It did not mention the Arizona plant by name.

     

    Georgia Lord, the mayor of the city of Goodyear in Arizona where Nike is building the new factory, said the city “had found itself in the middle of a difficult situation”.

    She said the Goodyear City Council had recently “unanimously approved a job creation agreement with Nike”.

    “This deal is expected to bring more than 500 jobs and a significant investment to the city. We will honor the commitment we made in our agreement,” she added.

    Texas Senator Ted Cruz also dismissed Nike’s move as unpatriotic, writing on Twitter that the shoe giant “only wants to sell sneakers to people who hate the American flag”. Other Twitter users called for a boycott of Nike products over the move.

    However, Nike also received widespread support, with Twitter users pointing out that the flag had been used by white nationalists.

    Read:Lee Iacocca, father of the Ford Mustang, dies aged 94

    Matt Powell, senior industry adviser at the research and consultancy group NPD, said said Nike would probably find support among its core consumers.

    “I think it’s important to understand who Nike’s core demographic is here. They’re really focused on teens and looking at the commentary on Twitter and so forth, I don’t see a lot of teens coming out with a negative attitude here,” he said.

    Mr Kaepernick has not played in the National Football League (NFL) since the 2016 season, and sued the organisation, arguing team owners deliberately froze him out because of his activism, later settling with the NFL.

    Betsy Ross was credited with sewing the first “Stars and Stripes” flag in 1776, although this version of events has been rejected by modern US scholars.

    Nike is not the only company to recently face a backlash over products labelled racially insensitive. In December, Prada pulled products accused of depicting blackface.

    And on Monday, reality TV star and businesswoman Kim Kardashian said she would rename her Kimono line after people in Japan said her use of the term was disrespectful.
    Source: bbc.com

  • Florijana Ismaili: Tributes paid after body of missing Swiss player is found

    The body of Swiss footballer Florijana Ismaili has been found, days after vanishing following a swimming accident at Lake Como in Italy.

    The 24-year-old was declared missing on Saturday after jumping into the lake from a boat and failing to resurface.

    Italian rescue services said her body was found at a depth of 204 metres on Tuesday.

    “I am deeply saddened and shaken. It’s hard to accept that Flori is gone,” said Swiss women’s boss Nils Nielsen.

    Ismaili, who made her international debut in 2014, was the captain of BSC Young Boys.

    Read:Former Swiss officer Johan Cosar on trial for fighting IS

    “We are very upset and deeply affected,” her club said.

    Liverpool’s Swiss international forward Xherdan Shaqiri said he was “deeply shocked” by the news.

    National women’s team coach Nielsen added: “She always had a smile on her face and inspired us with her happy nature. She was someone who faced every challenge and set the example. I can only imagine what it must be like for all those who knew Flori longer and closer than me. But my thoughts are with them in these difficult times.”

    International team-mate Lia Walti, who plays in the WSL for Arsenal, said: “Until the last moment, I still had hoped for a miracle and wished in my heart that everything was just a bad dream.

    “The news has hit me deeply and you can not find any right words at such a moment. I just hope very much that Flori did not have to suffer.”

    Read:Swiss vote on going it alone in sovereignty referendum

    Another team-mate, Lara Dickenmann, said: “We are all incredibly sad and shocked. it is inconceivable that Flori is no longer with us.”

    “In the sky a star has gone out. We are very, very sad,” said Swiss men’s team national coach Vladimir Petkovic.

    Gianni Infantino, the president of world football’s governing body Fifa, also paid tribute saying: “This is an extremely sad moment for all the football community, particularly at a time when we gather at the Fifa Women’s World Cup.”

    Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin added: “Uefa and the European football community is deeply shocked and saddened by the death of Florijana Ismaili.

    “We extend our deepest sympathy to her family and friends at this sad moment.”

    Source: bbc.com

  • Majority, Minority divided over new Parliament Chamber

    Majority and Minority Members of Parliament (MPs) have expressed varied views on the need for the construction of the proposed 450-capacity chamber for Parliament.

    Read: Constructing $200m Parliamentary chamber is good use of money NPP MP

    While the Minority side felt that the construction of the new chamber was a misplaced priority, since there were more pressing issues, such as poor roads and challenging health care, the Majority MPs argued that having an expanded chamber would cater for any increase in the number of MPs in the future.

    The Majority MPs, led by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) MP for Bantama, Mr Daniel Okyem Aboagye, and the NPP MP for Manso-Adubia, Mr Yaw Frimpong Addo, and the Minority side, headed by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) MP for North Tongu, Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, and the NDC MP for Buem, Mr Daniel Kwesi Ashiamah, were sharing their views on the proposed new chamber in separate interviews with the Daily Graphic in Accra yesterday.

    Read: #DropthatChamber: Ghanaians protest construction of new Parliamentary chamber

    The new chamber is to house other facilities, including diplomatic offices, a library, a museum, a church, a mosque, eateries, press conference rooms, galleries, a car park, an upper gallery garden, a post office and other facilities to complete the Parliamentary Enclave.

    Minority’s concerns

    Leading the debate for the Minority side, Mr Ablakwa said the money that would be used for the construction of the new chamber should rather be used to beef up research staff for MPs.

    He said good calibre researchers could be attracted to conduct more research to aid the work of MPs.

    Mr Ablakwa, who is the Ranking Member on the Foreign Affairs Committee, said in developed democracies, such as the United Kingdom, the United States of America and Kenya, legislators had offices in their respective constituencies.

    Therefore, he said, the money should rather be channelled into the construction of offices for MPs to aid their work and deepen Ghana’s parliamentary democracy.

    He said the Parliamentary Service Board (PSB) should have consulted MPs for their inputs before arriving at the decision to construct a new chamber.

    He asked the PSB to take a second look at the proposed new chamber project, since it was not a priority now.

    He suggested the capping of the number of MPs to avoid any increases which might not inure to the benefit of the people.

    For his part, Mr Ashiamah said MPs did not need any expanded chamber and suggested that the money should rather be used to address the infrastructure challenges militating against the country’s development.

    “On the scale of preference, the construction of a new chamber is not a pressing need for now,” he said.

    He mentioned roads, hospitals and investment in industries as some of the areas that needed urgent attention but not an expanded chamber for MPs.

    “If the government will do that (invest in infrastructure development), then I am ready to stand on my feet in Parliament to work as an MP,” he said.

    Majority’s rebuttal

    Leading the defence for the Majority side, Mr Aboagye said “the proposal for a new chamber is not out of place, as this is the type of governance we have chosen for ourselves”.

    He said he supported the proposal for an expanded chamber because it would ensure equal representation of people in Parliament.

    For instance, he said, a constituency with a population of about 10,000 had one MP, while a constituency with a population of about 130,000 also had one MP, which was not fair.

    He said legislators from constituencies with small populations and those from constituencies with big populations received similar Common Fund allocations.

    That arrangement, he said, was not fair, since MPs from highly populated constituencies faced huge demands from their constituents.

    Therefore, Mr Aboagye said, there was the need to carve new constituencies from the big ones to ensure fairness in the representation of the people in Parliament and equal distribution of resources.

    He said the construction of an expanded chamber would, therefore, cater for the expected increase in the number of MPs.

    For his part, Mr Addo said the proposed chamber had received the approval of the PSB and indicated that the intention to have a new chamber to accommodate an expected increase in the number of legislators was germain.

    He said the current chamber was built as a conference centre and, therefore, it was important for Parliament to construct a new chamber fit for purpose.

    Mr Addo proposed that Parliament should explore other sources of funding for the construction of the new chamber.

    For instance, he said, the Jubilee House was funded by the Indian Government and indicated that other countries or organisations could be ready to support the construction of a new chamber.

    Source: www.graphic.com.gh

  • President of Madagascar charters plane to Afcon game

    The president of Madagascar has chartered a plane to fly fans to watch the first knock-out round of the Africa Cup of Nations ( Afcon) in Egypt.

    Read:Stampede in Madagascar crowd kills 15 and wounds 75

    Tournament debutants Madagascar have been the surprise package of group stage, beating one of the favourites Nigeria to earn a tie against the Democratic Republic of Congo.

    Excitement has been building on the island since Sunday’s victory and President Andry Rajoelina is making a 480-seat plane available.

    Read:AFCON 2019: Madagascar becomes first country to qualify for tournament

    But… he’s not paying for it. Fans are being asked to stump up $600 (£480; €530) for the round trip and seats to the game.

    Madagascar face a tough tie – they are ranked 108th in the world, to DR Congo’s 49th place.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Experience played a key part in our victory against Guinea-Bissau – Asamoah Gyan

    General captain of the Black Stars, Asamoah Gyan insists the Nation’s experience at the competition played a vital role in Ghana’s victory over Guinea-Bissau.

    The Black Stars defeated the Djurtus 2-0, courtesy goals from Jordan Ayew and Thomas Partey.

    Read: Andre Ayew insists Black Stars were in total control in victory against Guinea-Bissau

    After a poor first half performance, the Black Stars returned from the break a better side with Jordan Ayew scoring a beautiful goal from a brilliant solo effort before Thomas Partey added the second following some good passing football from the team.

    “Experience was key,” Gyan, who was an unused substitute said after the game. “It’s too early to say we will win the Cup but we remain focused and we are thinking about the next opponent,” he added.

    Read: Sarkodie, Shatta Wale, Stonebwoy, others react to Black Stars win

    Ghana will face Tunisia, who finished runners up in Group E in the last 16 on Monday but the Black Stars’ camp has been ravaged by injuries.

    However, the 33-year old believes all the players in camp are battle ready when they are called on by the coach.

    “The coach has chosen his best 23 players and anybody who is given the opportunity, I’m sure the player can step in,” he said.

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • Constructing $200m Parliamentary chamber is good use of money – NPP MP

    The Member of Parliament (MP) for the Bantama Constituency, Daniel Okyem Aboagye has justified the proposed construction of a new Chamber of Parliament saying it is “something that is worth doing” and “good use of our money”.

    Read: #DropthatChamber: Ghanaians protest construction of new Parliamentary chamber

    When quizzed by on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show if the chamber which has been widely reported would cost $200m was the best use of money, the MP said: “…It is something that is worth doing, it is a good use of our money. Of course, we will not leave the rest of the issues untackled. Employment are being created, we are managing the economy very well. If we can have two hundred million dollars that is good money that can also be used to build our democracy, I think it’s a good use for me”.

    The new parliamentary chamber which will have a sitting capacity for about 450 Members of Parliament when completed will be constructed by the architectural firm Adjaye & Associates.

    It is expected to house facilities including diplomatic offices, a library, a museum, a church, a mosque, eateries, press conference rooms, galleries, a car park, an upper gallery garden, a post office and other facilities to complete the Parliamentary enclave.

    Source: www.graphic.com.gh

  • You can win all your matches and have people hate on you – Kwesi Appiah fires critics

    Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah remains unfazed by the incessant criticisms he has received following the Black Stars performance at the Nations Cup.

    The 59-year old fired at his critics after Ghana’s 2-0 win over Guinea-Bissau labelling them as haters and jealous.

    Read: Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah handed six-month contract extension

    Ghana had a poor start to the competition, drawing their first two games before beating the Djurtus to reach the last 16 of the tournament.

    “If you are a player and you are afraid of criticisms you better stop playing or coaching,” he said after the game. “Me I’m used to it,” he added.

    Read: AFCON 2019: Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah reveals he has plan to neutralize Kenya

    “Once they criticise you look at the good things and you learn from it.

    “At the end of the day, nobody is perfect. I, for instance, will do the best that I can.

    “As for criticisms you could win all your matches and still have people hate you or get jealous of you,” he added.

    Kwesi Appiah and his charges are determined to end the country’s 37-year wait for the title insisting they will do their best to deliver.

    “They (Critics) will say all they want but the most important thing is that we deliver. We got some games to come, we are praying we take one game at a time till we get to the end,” he said.

    Ghana will face Tunisia in the last 16 of the competition on Monday.

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • Benjamin Tetteh scores in Prahas 1-1 draw with Dynamo Moscow

    Black Meteors striker Benjamin Tetteh was on target for his side Sparta Praha in their 1-1 draw with Dynamo Moscow in their Preseason tour in Austria.

    The former Dreams FC player came from the bench and restored parity for his side in the 59th minute after capitalizing from a mistake by the goalkeeper.

    Tetteh who scored ten goals for the Czech Republican team will be expecting to increase his goal tally when season proper kicks off in August.

    Sparta Praha will face Austrian side LASK Linz in their third Preseason game on Friday, July 5th, 2019.

    Source: footballmadeinghana.com

  • GJA demands independent probe into ModernGhana journalists torture claims

    The President of the Ghana Journalists Association, Affail Monney has called for an independent probe of the torture allegations against the National Security by the editor of news website Modern Ghana.

    Speaking on Radio Ghana, Mr. Monney said the association was monitoring the progress of the case.

    Read: Tension brews between GJA executives; Affail Monney accused of using GJA for his agenda

    He added that “we believe that the time has come to move it to a new level by instituting an independent investigation into what happened to the two journalists.”

    The association also has a team of lawyers “studying the situation” and Mr. Monney said they have requested for medical reports from the two journalists to possibly verify their claims.

    Read: National Security Council denies torture claims by Modern Ghana journalist

    “The lawyers are insisting that they will need the medical report which will serve as a basis for an action they intend to take,” the GJA president noted.

    In the event that the torture claims are verified, Mr. Monney said: “we will push for the law [to take its course] because we are in the dispensation of rule of law and in such dispensations, no one is above the law.”

    Emmanuel Ajarfor, the Modern Ghana editor, was detained alongside a fellow journalist, Emmanuel Yeboah Britwum.

    The case has been surrounded by controversy after suggestions that the arrest of the two journalists was tied to the publication of an article that criticized the National Security Minister, Albert Kan Dapaah.

    Mr. Ajarfor later claimed he was tortured and his digital privacy violated while in National Security custody.

    The National Security Council Secretariat has denied the torture claims and also intends to study the medical reports.

    The secretariat in a statement said Mr. Ajarfor, “was never manhandled, neither was he subjected to any form of forced physical contact.”

    Source: citinewsroom.com

  • Police take delivery of 250 body cameras

    The Ghana Police Service has taken delivery of 250 body cameras to be used by its personnel. This is the first batch of 3,000 pieces expected to be delivered by the close of this year as part of efforts to enhance police transparency and accountability.

    Police body cameras are small-lensed devices, often worn on an officer’s chest to capture images. It has a microphone to record sounds and internal storage for data or footage for later review and analysis.

    Read: Holistic approach needed to improve police transparency Security analyst

    As part of the consignment delivered to the police are 4,500 body armour, ballistic helmets and riot control gadgets.

    Six armoured vehicles, each with the capacity to carry 10 personnel for police operations, have also arrived at the Tema Port.

    The equipment and vehicles constitute part of a GH¢800 million retooling budget for the Ghana Police Service, announced by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in his State of the Nation Address on February 8, 2018.

    IGP hails

    In an interview with the Daily Graphic, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr David Asante-Apeatu, said the use of the gadgets would help the police a great deal.

    Read: Police to deploy body cams in May

    He said it would take away the issues of misconduct by personnel that would otherwise have taken supervisors to discover.

    According to him, before a police officer was issued with a body camera, it would be tested to ensure that the sound, camera and recording functions were working.

    “If you return from the field and cannot produce a report from your operation from the body camera, you will have to answer,” he said.

    He said it would be in the interest of police officers to use the cameras because if a case was reported against an officer during an operation or exercise but there was no recording to back it, that officer would certainly be in trouble.

    He explained that apart from recording events, the body cameras would be internet-operated and connected to the Police Command Centre where events and images would be transmitted live.

    Mr Asante-Apeatu said in an area where there was no Internet connection, the cameras would record and be played back.
    He said the Police Administration would be taking delivery of more of such modern equipment in the coming months.

    Visit

    The Director-General in charge of Services, Commissioner of Police (COP) Mr Alex Amponsah-Asiamah, had earlier conducted the Daily Graphic round the warehouse where the gadgets had been kept.

    He said personnel would now be trained on the use of the cameras before their deployment.

    Although the 250 body cameras are inadequate, he was hopeful that the arrival of the remaining pieces by the end of the year would go a long way to help deal with the issue of enhancing police transparency and accountability.

    Mr Amponsah-Asiamah explained that the decision to use the body cameras formed part of the police transformation agenda to enhance public confidence in the service.

    He added that the deployment of the body cameras would be handled by the Directorate of Operations of the Ghana Police Service.

    Backlash

    Two major incidents in March this year attracted a backlash on the police regarding their lack of accountability.

    In the first instance, a policeman allegedly assaulted three journalists from Ghanaian Times. The officer allegedly seized the mobile phone one of the reporters was using to record a traffic offence involving him (the police officer).

    In the second case, a driver and his mate were captured in a viral video assaulting another police officer.

    Members of the public wondered what might have triggered the incident since the video only captured the assault.

    Body Armour

    On the acquisition of body armour and nose masks for personnel, Mr Amponsah-Asiamah said they would go a long way to protect those who would be sent to conflict zones and other violent areas.

    Those on such operations, he added, would be transported by armoured vehicles.

    Background

    The Daily Graphic in its March 21, 2019, edition, reported on the plans by the Police Administration to deploy body cameras as part of efforts to enhance police transparency and accountability.

    Source: Graphic.com.gh

  • SafariBet bolts with winners GHC57m; pressure mounts on Gaming Commission

    Pressure is gradually mounting on the Gaming Commission of Ghana to explain why it shut down activities of Africa Gaming and Entertainment, operators of SafariBet at a time a petition was before it on how the latter had failed to pay a bet winner his winning ticket of over Ghc57 million.

    Read: Sports betting has the potential to corrupt our game Dr. Baah-Nuakoh

    “Right after the Commission shut down the operations of Safaribet, they locked up down officers and bolted with monies people had genuinely won. At least the Commission should have made sure that Safaribet had honored its obligations before shutting them down”, Kwame Asiedu, an Investment Consultant opined, in an interaction with ABC News yesterday.

    In November 2018, a young Ghanaian, Theophilus Morgan, won a whopping Ghc57 million after placing 220 bet slips at Safaribet but the Betting Company refused to pay him hiding behind flimsy excuses.

    Safaribet initially blocked his account and deleted 219 of his betting slips to clear any evidence that he had won such an amount but after his story ended up in the media, they offered to pay him just Ghc286,000 which is a total amount of 1 slip plus bonus but on condition that he would sign a waiver which he rejected.

    Morgan, getting frustrated petitioned the gaming commission in December 2018 to intervene.

    Upon deliberations, the Commission wrote several letter to Safaribet instructing them to release the winnings of the first slip which is not in contention without forcing Morgan to sign any waiver, Safaribet refused to pay heed to the commission.

    The Gaming Commission in a letter dated 15th February, 2019 asked Safaribet to pay the Ghc286,000 while they investigated and concluded on whether they were liable to pay the remaining winnings for the other 219 slips or not.

    Unfortunately SafariBet did not pay the money and in April when the Commission issued a public statement cautioning the public from doing business with Safaribet, the latter went underground and since not resurfaced making it difficult for Morgan to reap the benefits of his sweat.

    The Gaming Commission of Ghana (GAC) revoked the licences of sports betting companies; Lollibet and SafariBet Sports Betting after preliminary findings showed that their operations contravened the Gaming Act of 2006.

    The GCA also commenced further investigations into the operations of the two companies after preliminary findings found that they had flouted Section 46 of the Gaming Act, 2006 (Act 721).

    The Commission in a public notice warned that it will not be held liable if anyone deals with the two companies despite the revocation.

    Section 46 which deals with the revocation of a gambling machine licence by the Board of the commission states that;

    46. The Board may revoke a licensee granted under section 43 if

    (a) the Board is satisfied that the license has contravened or failed to comply with the terms or conditions of the license or a requirement of this Act,

    (b) the Board is satisfied that it is in the public interest to do so;

    or

    (c) the licensee is convicted of an offence in relation to a gambling machine.

    Unable to stand the twists and turns, Morgan resorted to the law Courts which has produced a very interesting outcome.

    Published below is one of the numerous letters.

    Source: ABCnewsgh.com

  • Watch wild Ghana dressing room celebrations after reaching 2019 AFCON knock-out stages

    Ghana was thrown into wild dressing room celebrations after they reached the last 16 of the Africa Cup of Nations and knocked out Guinea-Bissau with a 2-0 win in Suez.

    Read: Akufo-Addo congratulates Black Stars for reaching knockout stage

    Jordan Ayew raced on to a through ball seconds after half-time to put them ahead, and Thomas Partey slotted home Abdul Baba’s cross to seal the victory.

    That second goal ensured Ghana finished top of Group F, with Cameroon drawing 0-0 with Benin in Ismailia.

    Guinea Bissau, who could have gone through with a victory, hit the woodwork three times and led to the Black Stars celebrating their victory and top spot in the group.

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • Oil exploration: Tullow fails to make it to next round of competitive bidding

    Tullow Oil failed to make it to the next stage in the maiden licensing round for oil blocks in Ghana.

    The oil company was not shortlisted as part of companies whose bid qualified for the next process in the bidding rounds.

    Read: Tullow Oil posts $500m in profits for 2019 first half

    The development comes on the back of a statement issued by the Ministry of Energy on Tuesday [July 2, 2019] announcing the successful bids received for two oil blocks on offer.

    The Ministry of Energy has awarded First Exploration and Petroleum Development Company Limited in partnership with Elandel Energy Ghana Limited block 3, while Eni Ghana Exploration and Production Limited in partnership with Vitol Upstream Tano Limited block 2 for exploration.

    Read: Tullow Ghana hopeful of securing 5 oil blocks based on impressive record

    The decisions were arrived at after evaluating the bids from Tullow Oil, ENI and E and P that were received on 21st May, 2019.

    According to the Ministry of Energy, the four companies that have been shortlisted, have been invited over for negotiation on the detailed terms of the Petroleum Agreement pursuant to provisions of the General Petroleum Regulations.

    By the latest move, Tullow failed to proceed to the next stage of the licensing round.

    Ghana starts competitive bidding for oil blocks

    The government, through the Energy Ministry, earmarked six oil blocks for exploration and production.

    Three of the blocks; 2, 3 and 4 were to go through a competitive bidding process while two blocks-5 and 6-were supposed to be for direct negotiations.

    One of the blocks was however reserved for Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC).

    The bid process, which was ushered in by President Nana Akufo-Addo on October 15, 2018, begun with sixteen (16) companies putting in Sixty (60) applications for the different oil blocks put up by the government.

    Blocks 2, 3 and 4 are up for competitive bidding, while Blocks 5 and 6 will be awarded by government after Direct Negotiation with some select oil companies.

    Source: citibusinessnews.com

  • Kade: Girl, 16, stabs boyfriend to death

    A 16-year-old girl, who could not endure the pain of seeing her boyfriend in an amorous relationship with another teenager, has allegedly stabbed the man to death at Kade in the Eastern Region.

    Read: Jilted lover,16, stabs boyfriend to death

    The suspect, Fremah Asuming, who completed junior high school (JHS) in June, this year, has been placed in police custody to assist in investigations while the body of the deceased, Fred Gagblezu, a 21-year old taxi driver at Kade, has been deposited at the morgue of the Kade Government Hospital awaiting autopsy.

    Police briefing

    Briefing the Daily Graphic at Kade last Saturday, the Asamankese Divisional Crime Officer, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Mr Christian Apronti, said Fremah and the man had been in a relationship for some time.

    Read: Ipswich stabbing: Boy called for own ambulance after knife attack

    He said around 8 p.m. last Friday, Fremah visited the boyfriend and realised that he was in the bedroom with his former girlfriend, Vida Yeboah, 16-year old JHS dropout, with whom the deceased had a baby girl.

    Mr Apronti said Fremah shouted at the top of her voice asking Gagblezu to open the door and when he opened it, he asked Vida to leave the bedroom for Fremah to enter to avoid a clash between them.

    Mr Apronti, who is the acting Kade District Police Commander, stated that no sooner had Fremah entered the bedroom than Vida, who was outside the room, heard Gagblezu screaming for help.

    Pool of blood

    He said Vida entered the bedroom and saw Gagblezu lying in a pool of blood on the floor, struggling and screaming for help after Fremah had stabbed him in the chest with a sharp knife.

    The Divisional Crime Officer said the screams of Vida and the deceased attracted many people to the scene and they hurriedly sent Gagblezu to the Kade Government Hospital but he was pronounced dead on arrival by the medical personnel on duty.

    He said the people reported the matter to the Kade police who arrested Fremah that night and detained her.

    Mr Apronti said Fremah would be prosecuted as soon as police completed their investigations.

    Source: www.graphic.com.gh

  • We don’t pay meagre salaries – Ghana Bauxite Company

    The Management of the Ghana Bauxite Company(GBC) at Awaso in the Western North Region has refuted claims that it pays its workers meagre wages.

    Rather, it says its salary structure reflected the skill set and qualification of its workers.

    Read: Ghana Bauxite Company workers threaten demo over poor work condition

    In June, some workers went on rampage and destroyed some properties of the company over what they described as poor conditions of service and low wages.

    The development resulted in the closure of the company.

    Read: Ghana Bauxite Company slapped with $3.5m tax liability

    But in an interview in Accra last Saturday, the Vice General Manager of GBC, Mr Liu Xin, said the company employed about 600 workers who were paid depending on their qualifications, skills set and expertise.

    He said those with the needed skills earned more salaries, while those with no skills were contract staff who were outsourced.

    The contract workers,he explained were also trained on the job to enable them acquire the needed skills.

    “After one year of training, and if they proved themselves, we move them to another salary scale,” he said.

    According to Mr Liu, the average monthly salary of the workers was GHc800, with some of the highly skilled workers earning GHc3,500.

    He, however, explained that the management and the workers were in negotiations over the revision of their conditions of service and, therefore, the demonstration and subsequent destruction of properties were needless and in bad faith.

    Protest and damage

    The two -day protest by the workers took place on June 17 and 18, this year.

    Many enraged workers went on the rampage, setting vehicles, residential and office buildings ablaze.

    More than seven offices, including the Human Resource Department and adjoining offices, were burnt.

    The aggrieved workers allegedly moved to the residence of the Human Resource Manager and set the house and vehicles on the compound ablaze.

    They were also said to have caused extensive damage to the residence of the Chinese General Manager, blocked the road to the mines with their haulage trucks and set tyres on fire, thereby halting all economic activities and vehicular movement.

    The Chinese managers of the company escaped in the cause of the protests, while the Ghanaian Human Resource Manager also managed to escape to an unknown location with his family through the bush.

    Perpetrators to face the law

    On June 20, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Mr Kwaku Asomah-Cheremeh, visited the mines and expressed shock over the massive destruction caused to properties of the company.

    He described the demonstration that led to the destruction of the properties as illegal, since the demonstrators had failed to comply with the Public Order Act.

    Permanent security

    Mr Liu appealed to the government to bring the perpetrators of the violence to book to restore investor confidence in the country.

    He also called for permanent security at the premises of the mine

    “Those who caused this havoc must face the law. We also urged the government to implement long term security solution that will deter people from engaging in such acts,” he said.

    He said the violence could negatively affect future investments commitment into the company.

    According to him, the Chinese investors have proposed to build a bauxite refinery which would provide jobs for thousands for people in the area

    “We are observing the situation and it would affect our future decisions but for now we are cooperating with the government to resolve this matter,” he said.

    Source: www.graphic.com.gh

  • Van Vicker wins Best Actor at Ghana Entertainment Awards in USA

    Ghanaian actor Van Vicker has added another award to his long list of achievements after winning the “Best actor in a Lead Role” at the just ended 2019 edition of Ghana Entertainment Awards.

    The third edition of the Ghana Entertainment Awards USA was held last Saturday, June 29 at the Schomburg Center in New York.

    Read:Van Vicker celebrates first daughter on her 15th birthday

    The annual event which is organized to celebrate and honor Ghanaian Entertainers in and outside Ghana turned out to be a spectacular show as usual and was attended by many Ghanaians and other Africans.

    Van Vicker who won with the blockbuster movie titled “Black Monkey” said in a post sighted by Attractivemustapha.com, that , he was astounded when he emerged the winner as the best actor in the category, even though he has been very busy and engaged with schooling.

    The actor who also produces and directs movies added that though he is one of the Ghanaian actors who appear in movies frequently, not much of his filming has been done this year due to schooling.

    Read:Van Vicker made to sleep outside after Croatia lost to France

    He assured his fans that he will surely bounce back soon so they should keep supporting him because he appreciates the love.

    The event was hosted by van vicker and graced by seasoned Ghanaian Artistes and celebrities including Medikal, DJ Mic Smith, Afia Schwarzenegger, Sista Afia, TeePhlow, Alordia, She Baby, Ignace, Fancy Gadam and more…

    Source: Attractivemustapha.com

  • Jilted lover,16, stabs boyfriend to death

    A 16-year-old girl (name withheld) has allegedly stabbed her boyfriend popularly identified only as Efo, to death at Kade in the Kwaebibirem District.

    The body of the deceased has been deposited at the morgue while the suspect arrested by the police to assist investigations.

    Read: Palm wine tapper allegedly murders wife, son over infidelity

    Information gathered indicates the girl stormed the house of the boyfriend with a knife in the evening around 10:00 pm after a tip of that he was flirting with her ex-girlfriend whom he has a child. In the cause of confusion the suspect allegedly stabbed the deceased in the chest and rib.

    He bled profusely hence pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital.

     

    Source: kasapafmonline.com

  • MP calls for resignation of National Security Minister over arrest of journos

    The Member of Parliament (MP) for Builsa North Constituency in the Upper East Region and a former Deputy Minister of Defence, Mr James Agalga, has called for the immediate resignation of the National Security Minister, Mr Albert Kan Dapaah, over an alleged abduction and maltreatment of some journalists of ModernGhana, an online news portal.

    Two staff of ModernGhana, Deputy Editor, Mr Emmanuel Ajarfor Abugri and Mr Emmanuel Yeboah Britwum, a reporter, were picked by National Security operatives on Thursday, June 27, 2019.

    Read: Suspend Kan-Dapaah over torture of ModernGhana Journalist NDC

    The arrest, according to the two journalists were in connection with some articles they published which linked the National Security Minister, Mr Kan Dapaah.

    OneGhana Movement condemns arrest and torture of journos Mr Agalga, who is also a Ranking Member for the Select Committee on Defence and Interior, said it was unacceptable for the minister to dispatch operatives from his outfit to ransack and arrest the journalists, as well as subjecting them to torture.

    According to him, if the minister was unaware of those who carried out the unlawful arrest, he ought to have found out about them by now and sanctioned them accordingly.

    Mr Agalga who was speaking to some journalists at Parliament on Tuesday was of the view that the resignation of the minister would send a strong signal that “you cannot abuse power and get away with it no matter what your status is in society.”

    In a radio interview on Accra based Citi FM on Tuesday, July 2, 2019, Mr Ajafor said he was subjected to all manner of abuse by those who came to pick him and his colleague.

    Read: Audio: ModernGhana editor recounts ordeal with National Security operatives

    According to him, he was blindfolded from his office to the building where he was subjected to severe beatings, including the use of electric shocker to compel him to admit to some accusations which the National Security operatives proffered against him.

    According to Mr Ajafor, the operatives from the National Security accused him of cybercrimes and other related offenses.

    Meanwhile, the Media Foundation for West Africa, as well as other media-related organisations, have condemned the act of the national Security operatives over the arrest of the ModernGhana journalists.

     

    Source: Graphic.com.gh

  • OneGhana Movement condemns arrest and torture of journos

    The OneGhana Movement, a non-governmental organization (NGO) has condemned the torture of two journalists of ModernGhana, an online media outlet.

    It is calling on the government to commission an independent investigation into the reports of torture of the ModernGhana journalists, and ensure that investigations are conducted thoroughly, impartially and promptly to serve as a deterrent.

    The NGO is also urging the National Security Minister to as a matter of urgency, thoroughly investigate the issue and bring the perpetrators to justice adding “failure to do so should result in him tendering his resignation.”

    Read: National Security Council denies torture claims by Modern Ghana journalist

    A statement issued in Accra today and signed by the Executive Secretary, Ms Emily Kanyir Nyuur said “government should ensure that any Security Operatives who are found culpable will be held accountable for their involvement in the attacks,” the OneGhana Movement noted.

    It also called on the government to work on, and adopt a national Action Plan with the sole purpose of safeguarding freedom of expression and safety of journalists, by protecting journalists primarily, and other groups, against threats and attacks.

    “Civil Society and the Government must collaborate to promote media literacy among security agencies and the general public to ensure that society can understand and stand up in favour of the safety of journalists and the average Ghanaian, and ultimately, help prevent incidents of security service attacks on the citizenry,” it said.

    Below is the remaining part of the statement from OneGhana Movement

    The OneGhana Movement has learnt with utter shock and horror, the harrowing ordeal meted out to two (2) journalists, Emmanuel Ajarfor Abugri and Emmanuel Britwum, both of ModernGhana, an online news outlet, by the National Security.

    We condemn in no uncertain terms the torture of these journalists.

    We also condemn the disturbing trend of threats, intimidation and attacks which do not only leave journalists feeling unprotected and vulnerable, but also feeds into the degenerating global outlook for press freedom in Ghana.

    Media reports indicate that on Thursday 27th June 2019, a group of gun-wielding men purported to be National Security Operatives stormed the offices of ModernGhana and arrested the two (2) journalists.

    This arrest followed two (2) publications made by their news outfit on the National Security Minister, Mr. Albert Kan Dapaah. They were asked to pull down the publications, which they did. However, the operatives raided their office, seized some laptops and carted the two journalists off to a location later identified to be the National Security Secretariat, where they were tortured with electric shocks and also subjected to physical brutality in an attempt to force them either reveal their source(s), or to admit to using pseudo names to concoct stories.

    Read: Audio: ModernGhana editor recounts ordeal with National Security operatives

    “I received no less than 20 slaps,” Mr. Ajarfor told OneGhana Movement. “Two people were doing the slapping and the electric torturing. They even tortured my ears with the electric shocker.”

    Mr Ajarfor continued: “They made me lie down backward on my hand with the handcuff and asked [me to rise up]. The second part was the military punishment. They made me lean against a wall my legs up and my hands down as if am doing press up. One hit me with a dying blow and I fell. It was a lot. I cried like a new born baby begging that I am innocent.”

    We are aware of news reports of government statements suggesting that these journalists were arrested for allegedly engaging in illicit activities against competing media organizations. But according to the journalists, the claim of hacking into accounts of competitor media houses never came up during their detention and interrogation at the National Security Secretariat.

    According to Article 162 (4) of the Constitution, “Editors and publishers of newspapers and other institutions of the mass media shall not be subject to control or interference by Government, nor shall they be penalized or harassed for their editorial opinions and views, or the content of their publications.”

    Article 162 (5) also stipulates that: “All agencies of the mass media shall, at all times, be free to uphold the principles, provisions and objectives of this Constitution, and shall uphold the responsibility and accountability of the Government to the people of Ghana.”

    It is totally unacceptable that in the 21st Century and in the 17th year of the 4th Republic of Ghana, journalists are captured with black polythene bags over their heads, sent to a location unknown to them and subjected to long hours of torture by electric shock and physical brutality over publications on their platform, in clear contravention of Article 162 of the constitution.

    SIGNED

    Emily Kanyir Nyuur Executive Secretary

     

    Source: Graphic.com.gh

  • 2019 AFCON: Guinea Bissau eye shock win over Ghana to advance

    Guinea-Bissau are hoping to pull one of the biggest surprises at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) by beating Ghana on Tuesday to advance to the knock-out stages of the competition in Egypt.

    The Djurtus will face off with the Black Stars in their final Group F match at the Suez Stadium with victory their only option in getting a place in the next round of the tournament.

    Read:AFCON 2019: Ghana must win against Guinea -Bissau to avoid early exit

    The African Wild Dogs boosted their hopes of advancing to the Round of 16 by holding Benin to a 0-0 stalemate in their second group match on Saturday.

    The draw saw Guinea-Bissau remain fourth on the group standings with one point and they could go through as one of the four best third-placed teams if they secure a big win over Ghana.

    Guinea-Bissau coach Baciro Cande is hopeful that the West African side can stun the Black Stars and advance to the knockout phase for the first time in history.

    Read:2019 AFCON: Joseph Aidoo to partner Boye in defense against Guinea Bissau

    “It is very difficult for us to qualify but in football everything is possible and our target is to get to the round of 16,” Cande said.

    “We know Ghana are very powerful, very strong but we will play our normal game, with no pressure.”

    Ghana need only a draw to advance and the Black Stars are already on the backfoot with several injuries and a suspension.

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • Oscars: Tom Holland, Letitia Wright and Adele join Academy

    Tom Holland, Letitia Wright, Adele, Lady Gaga and Winston Duke have been named among 842 new members added to the Oscars Academy.

    That’s the group of people who decide who win Oscars each year.

    And after criticism of its lack of diversity, the new additions are 50% women and 29% are people of colour.

    You might remember #OscarsSoWhite being used in 2015 and 2016 in protest at the lack of actors of colour being nominated for top acting awards.

    Read:Oscars 2019: Winners in full

    The new additions are more inclusive and representative of the movie industry following this criticism.

    Overall female membership is now 32% – up from 25% in 2015.

    People of colour make up 16% of the Academy’s membership now – double what it was four years ago.

    In 2016, people like Jada Pinkett Smith and director Spike Lee said they would boycott the Oscars when only white actors were nominated for the big awards.

    Chris Rock hosted the event, but there was pressure on him to step down due to the backlash.

    To address this, the people asked each year to join the voting panel since then has become more diverse.

    People like Riz Ahmed, Priyanka Chopra, Gal Gadot and Naomie Harris joined in 2017.

    Read:Oscars 2019: Olivia Colman and Green Book spring surprise wins

    And 2018 saw Jada Pinkett Smith, Tiffany Haddish, Amy Schumer, Daniel Kaluuya and Timothée Chalamet added.

    Other new names on the 2019 list include Captain Marvel and Crazy Rich Asians star Gemma Chan and British actress Claire Foy, who you may have seen in The Crown.

    Jamie Bell, Elisabeth Moss, Archie Panjabi and Amanda Peet have also been added.

    They’ve been selected from 59 countries from around the world.

    It’s estimated there are now 10,000 voting members of the Oscars academy.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Sudan protest leaders call for civil disobedience on July 14

    Protest leaders in Sudan have called for a one-day nationwide civil disobedience on Sunday July 14.

    The announcement by the Alliance for Freedom and Change comes a day after mass protests against the ruling generals on Sunday.

    Read:Bashir says Sudan protesters trying to emulate Arab Spring

    “On Saturday, July 13 will be the march of the Melloni and this procession in the name of Arbainia massacre and the handover of civil authority in all regions of Sudan, in the capital, the region and villages of Sudan. And on Sunday July 14 will be the day of civil disobedience and a comprehensive political strike in all professional sectors “, said Shareef Othman, a leader of the Alliance for freedom and change.

    “Sunday, July 14 will be the day of civil disobedience and a comprehensive political strike in all professional sectors.”

    Read:Sudan protests spread as death toll rises to 29

    On Sunday, June 30, a protest was held to pile pressure on the ruling generals to hand over power to civilians.

    The police and health ministry said 10 people were killed and more than 180 others injured.

    A civil disobedience movement almost paralyzed Khartoum last month.

    Source: africanews.com

  • Emmanuel Boateng set to work under Rafael Benitez at Dalian Yifang

    Ghanaian international Emmanuel Boateng is set to work under top football manager Rafael Benitez at Chinese Super League side Dalian Yifang.

    The Chinese club is expected to announce the appointment of the formal Liverpool manager after successfully agreeing on personal terms to bring him on board to take charge of the side.

    Following the resignation South Korean coach Choi Kang Hee, the club has scheduled a meeting with the former Champions League-winning coach where owners of Yifang will be having further discussions with the tactician.

    Read:AFCON 2019: Kenya come from behind to beat Tanzania

    According to reports, his appointment could make him the highest paid coach in the world.

    Rafael Benitez official left Newcastle United on June 30, 2019, when his contract expired. According to him, the decision became necessary because the two parties could not share the same vision.

    I wanted to stay, but I didn’t just wait to sign an extended contract, I wanted to be part of a project. Unfortunately, it became increasingly clear to me that those at the top of the club did not share the same vision”, he said.

    Read:AFCON 2019: Ghana must win against Guinea -Bissau to avoid early exit

    Ghanaian international Emmanuel Boateng who joined the last in the last transfer window will be playing under Rafa Benitez and will be hoping to get on the good side of the manager to have the nod over the other attackers for the starting role.

    He is in fine form recently and has scored three goals in the last two matches in the Chinese Super League. In all, he has four goals in seven games and looks on course to bagging more for his side.

    Source: footballghana.com

  • Agyepong and Mensah train separately ahead of Group F game

    Thomas Agyepong and defender Jonathan Mensah were taken through separate training sessions on Monday, ahead of the crucial last Group F game between the Black Stars of Ghana and the “Wild Dogs” of Guinea Bissau at the Suez Stadium on Tuesday.

    Read: AFCON 2019: Ghana could have lost to Benin Jonathan Mensah

    Agyepong, played in the first game against Benin and got injured in the first half and had to stay off for one week.

    Mensah on the other hand, took a knock in the game against Cameroon, but was able to pass fitness test on Monday.

    The separate training was to enable the technical team monitor the players well after their return from injury.

    Information gathered by the GNA Sports indicates that, Mensah was able to pass the fitness test and would be available for selection against Guinea Bissau.

    Source: ghananewsagency.org

  • B.S. Pelicans FC whitewash Shalom FC in Eastern Cup competition

    B.S. Pelicans FC from Nsawam went to Ahwerease Damang to humiliate host Shalom FC by five goals to nil in the round of 16 of the Eastern Cup competition played at the weekend.

    Michael Nti, an attacker from Pelicans got a hat-trick for his team as the visitors showed their dominance against the home team at their own backyard.

    Read: Former football club supporters of Michael Essien beg him to return

    Other matches played in the first league in the round of 16, saw Kade United holding Achiase Jungle FC to a goalless draw at the Achiase Methodist Park.

    At the Somanya Carol Grey School Park, Bazuka FC defeated Cardiff City FC by 3 goals to 2.

    I Shall Be FC also won at home by a lone goal against K. Nyarko Victory FC at the Brekumanso L/A School Park.

    At the Akuapem Mampong Park, Phar Rangers showed their superiority by thrashing Top Heroes by three goals to one, while, K.K Adonteng FC lost at home by a lone goal to Real Tigers FC at the Koforidua GHANASS School Park.

    Former Division one team, Okwahu United lost away by a lone goal against Storm Academy at the Mpreaso Brighten Park in a local derby.

    The match involving Eastern Parkers and Akosombo United FC was rained off and so was rescheduled to be played on Monday at the Apegusu Presbyterian School Park.

    The return matches for the round of 16 are scheduled to be played on the 7th of July, where Cardiff City FC play host to Bazuka FC at the Oyarifa Presbyterian School Park.

    Akosombo United host Eastern Parkers FC at the Akosombo Presbyterian School Park, while, Phar Rangers would be guest of Top Heroes FC at the Koforidua GHANASS School Park.

    Okwahu United host Storm Academy at the Nkawkaw Sports Stadium and B.S Pelicans FC will invite Shalom FC to the Pelicans Community Park at Nsawam.

    At the Adarkwa M/A School Park, Real Tigers FC will lock horns with K.K Adonteng FC, while, Kade United play host to Jungles Stars FC at the Kade Roman School Park and K. Nyarko Victory FC battle it out with I Shall Be FC at Maamakrom Park near Adeiso.

    Source: ghananewsagency.org