TIG Post

Author: Persis

  • God-fearing Kenyans ‘need participatory worship’

    Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta has directed the ministries of education and interior to hasten consultations on the reopening of places of worship and schools.

    He said Kenya was a God-fearing nation and there was need for people to have a “more participatory way of worship”.

    For students a gradual resumption of classes was called for by the president.

    President Kenyatta, who was speaking during celebrations for Madaraka (Freedom) Day, said he would issue more guidelines in the coming days.

    The country’s nationwide curfew and travel restrictions in the capital, Nairobi and three coastal towns were extended for 21 days ending this week.

    The president said he would address the nation on measures to stop the spread of the virus in the coming days.

    Kenya has 1,962 confirmed cases of the virus, including 64 deaths.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Microsoft is replacing MSN website and edge browser journalists with AI

    Microsoft is replacing journalists with artificial intelligence (AI) software that will generate the news stories available in the homepages of the Edge browser and the news website MSN.

    According to The Guardian‘s previous report, the decision of Microsoft will replace dozens of journalists with robots. The Press Association (PA) Media told its staff, who maintain the news homepages on Microsoft’s Edge browser and the MSN website, that they will no longer be required to generate news stories since AI can do their jobs.

    After Microsoft decided to stop employing humans to edit, select, and curate news articles on its homepages, PA Media told its 27 employees that they would lose their jobs in a month’s time. The decision of Microsoft to ending the contract with PA Media is part of a global shift away from humans in favor of automated updates for news stories. The action was taken at short notice as explained by the company to its employees.

    “I spend all my time reading about how automation and AI are going to take all our jobs, and here I am – AI has taken my job,” said one of the staff working on the team.

    The staff member added that since they were careful to stick to “very strict editorial guidelines” to ensure that the users were not presented with inappropriate or violent content when opening their browser. The decision to replace humans with software is a risky one because robots cannot manually curate news articles.
    According to The Guardian, although the journalists working in the team did not report original stories, they are still exercising editorial control by selecting news content generated by other news organizations such as The Guardian. The team also edits the headlines and content of the stories to properly fit the format appropriate for the audience.

    Microsoft Ended Its Contract With PA Media; AI Will Now Create News Stories, Replacing Dozens of MSN Website and Edge Browser Journalists
    (Photo : Franck on Unsplash) Microsoft Ended Its Contract With PA Media; AI Will Now Create News Stories, Replacing Dozens of MSN Website and Edge Browser Journalists

    The news articles posted on the website of Microsoft allow the company to share advertising revenue with the original publishers of the news content. Clear headlines that are appropriate for the format are ensured by the manual curation of news stories while avoiding untrustworthy stories and encouraging a spread of political opinions. Manual curation also highlights interesting articles from smaller media outlets, helping them grow.

    Since the industry is looking to cut costs, the journalists who will be replaced will now face a tough challenge to get jobs elsewhere. The decision of Microsoft to automate the manual curation of its news site is expected to affect other teams of journalists across the globe. Artificial Intelligence in journalism is also being considered by many tech companies such as Google.

    Source: techtimes.com

  • Kenyan leader ‘disturbed’ by rising coronavirus cases

    Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta has expressed concern over the number of rising cases of coronavirus in the East African nation.

    In an interview aired by local broadcaster NTV, he said experts were predicting Kenya’s peak would be in August or September and said Kenyans had an individual responsibility to stop the spread of the virus.

    The country has been reporting hundreds of new cases every day as it scales up its testing capacity. The total number of confirmed cases stand at 1,962, including 64 deaths.

    President Kenyatta said the number of infections were low because a majority of Kenyans were following safety measures.

    The president lauded health-care workers for their response to the pandemic.

    The country has been on a nationwide dusk-to-dawn curfew for more than two months. Travel in and out of the capital, Nairobi, and three other coastal counties with a high number of cases is restricted.

    Read:

  • Older students return to class in Tanzania

    Some students in Tanzania are heading back to high schools and colleges for the first time in about two months, but will have to follow strict guidelines to ensure their safety from coronavirus.

    The school calendar was interrupted in March following the outbreak of the virus.

    Amid, what the government says is a decline in infections, colleges are reopening and final-year school students can return to school.

    President John Magufuli has said he will consider reopening schools for younger pupils if the infection rate continues to decline.

    Faustine Bee, the vice-chancellor of Dodoma University, said students had been told to wear face mask, wash hands and social distance.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Ugandan MPs ‘arrested over coronavirus border protest’

    Two Ugandan MPs have been arrested after leading a demonstration calling for the closure of the border with South Sudan in order to prevent the spread of coronavirus, Daily Monitor newspaper reports

    Gilbert Olanya and Samuel Odonga Otto want the Elegu border post, in the northern province of Gulu, to be closed because of the increasing cases of lorry drivers arriving with coronavirus.

    The two lawmakers are being held at Gulu central police station, the paper says.

    Police spokesman Patrick Jimmy Okema is quoted as saying that the MPs were arrested for not seeking permission for their demonstration.

    For more than a month, lorry drivers delivering cargo across East Africa have been tested for coronavirus at border posts.

    Copyright: Getty Images Lorry drivers at the Elegu border post are all tested for coronavirus Image caption: Lorry drivers at the Elegu border post are all tested for coronavirus

    Over the weekend, Health Minister Jane Aceng said about 50 truck drivers who had arrived from South Sudan had tested positive for Covid-19.

    Uganda eased lockdown restrictions last week, allowing private cars back on to the roads and business premises to reopen.

    The wearing of face masks is mandatory in public places and border crossings are closed except for cargo.

    The country has so far confirmed 458 cases and no deaths, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

    A map of Uganda and South Sudan

  • Amnesty’s Ethiopia report ‘malicious and one-sided’

    Ethiopia’s government has described accusations from rights group Amnesty International that its soldiers illegally killed people in Oromia regional state in 2019 as “malicious claims”.

    On Friday, Amnesty International released a report detailing a number of alleged human rights abuses in Oromia committed as part of a security operation to deal with an armed group, the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA).

    These included the extrajudicial killing of 39 people and mass round-ups.

    One of the 39 killed was a man who was shot in front of a crowd after his phone rang in a public meeting, the rights watchdog said citing witness reports.

    But in a statement over the weekend, Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the accusations were “lies… purposefully disseminated by forces that seek to actively undermine initiatives of dialogue, peace and stability on the area”.

    It described Amnesty International’s report as a “one-sided snapshot security analysis” that did not take into account the peace-making efforts in the region.

    In its reaction, the regional authority in Oromia said that the report had failed to mention the violence that armed groups had committed.

    Amnesty International had also said that in Amhara regional state soldiers stood by as 130 people were killed in ethnic clashes.

    The regional government there said the report was biased and risked igniting further conflict.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Ban on funerals, pubs still in force; private burials of up to 100 people encouraged Akufo-Addo

    The ban on funerals in the country remains in force despite the relaxation of restrictions on social gatherings.

    According to President Akufo-Addo in his tenth televised address to the country, private burials of up to 100 people are being encouraged to ease the pressure on mortuaries in the country.

    “Private burials, now with a maximum of one hundred (100) persons, can continue to be performed. Restaurants, providing seated services, can operate under appropriate social distancing arrangements and hygiene protocols. Individual, non-contact sports can go ahead. Conferences, workshops, weddings, and political activities, except rallies, can now take place, but with limited numbers not exceeding one hundred (100) persons present, with the appropriate social distancing and hygiene protocols.”

    The President while allowing churches and mosques to operate from Friday, June 5, 2020, however, clarified that beaches, drinking pubs, and crusades remain suspended.

    “I have, by Executive Instrument, provided for these new directions, and extended the suspension of the remaining public gatherings, as set out in E.I. 64 of 15th March, until 31st July. In here, I refer to the suspension of sporting events, nightclubs, cinemas, drinking spots, bars, beaches, festivals, funerals, political rallies, and large religious gatherings such as crusades, pilgrimages, and conventions.”

    Source: abcnewsgh.com

  • Borders closed, drinking bars, funerals and political rallies suspended

    President Nana Addo Danquah Akufo-Addo, says activities that draws mass gatherings are still suspended.

    Addressing the nation in his 10th time since Ghana recorded the COVID 19 virus on March 12, the President extended the suspension of sporting events, night clubs, cinema, drinking spots, bars, beaches, festival funerals, political rallies and large religious gatherings such as crusades, pilgrimages and conventions.

    “Our borders, by air and sea remain closed until further notice for human traffic”, he added.

    The President however, noted that there is a special dispensation for Ghanaians stranded abroad to be evacuated back to the country.

    Nana Akufo-Addo admonished all Ghanaians that with the easing of restrictions, everyone must be responsible and observe all the hygienic protocols and social distancing.

    “We cannot afford to let our guard down, and ruin the successes we have chalked over this period. Yes, there exists the possibility of a potential surge in infections” he stated.

    The President said the government has further strengthened the existing national, regional and district response teams with the support of the security forces, to step up to deal with any eventuality.

    “We will continue to learn, review and adjust where and when we need to do so. We will only proceed with this staggered opening up of our country when it is safe to do so, President Nana Akufo stated.

    Source: theghanareport.com

  • Weija dam set to spill Ghana Water announces

    The downpour in the Greater Accra Region has forced the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) to announce the spillage of the Weija Dam.

    The GWCL has said in a statement that, “The Weija Dam level has risen from 37ft to 47.9ft within two days”.

    The water level has exceeded the optimum operating level of the dam pegged at 47ft.

    The Weija Dam, which sits on the Densu River, supplies about 80 per cent of the potable water for the entire city of Accra and its surrounding environs.

    Communities around the Wieja Dam have been informed of the impending exercise to prevent any disasters downstream

    Areas to be affected include Tetegu, Oblogo, Pambros Salt, Lower McCarthy Hill, Lower Weija, Bojo Beach, Ada Kope, Tsokome and surrounding communities.

    Below is the full statement:

    GWCL TO SPILL EXCESS WATER FROM THE WEIJA DAM
    Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) wishes to bring to the attention of the general public that, the Weija Dam level has risen from 37ft to 47.9ft within two days. As a result, the company will begin spilling excess water from the dam as part of routine measures to safeguard it. The safe operating level of the dam is 47ft. Like every dam, its safe operating levels are maintained to prevent it from possible collapse. Hence, the spillage.

    Management of GWCL therefore wishes to inform the general public as well as institutions and organizations who have properties downstream of the dam, that the opening of the spillway gates is inevitable and possibly cause flooding. Therefore, the company urges inhabitants living in communities downstream and along the buffer zone of the river course, to evacuate the area to forestall any eventualities and also to protect life and property.

    GWCL has begun a house to house sensitization and using public information address systems within the communities, to caution settlers and residents on the repercussions of their continuous stay within the buffer zone. Opinion leaders, Chiefs, Assemblymen, Unit Committee leaders and Heads of schools have been informed to help in sensitizing the people in the communities. GWCL is also liaising with institutions like National Security and NADMO to support the process to avoid disaster.

    Communities that are likely to be affected include; Tetegu, Oblogo, Pambros Salt, Lower McCarthy Hill, Lower Weija, Bojo Beach, Ada Kope, Tsokome and surrounding communities.

    Property owners and residents in the area are therefore advised to evacuate or take immediate precautionary measures to protect life and property.

    Source:theghanareport.com

  • New George Floyd video shows three police officers kneel on him

    New video showing George’s Floyd apprehension by Minneapolis police appears to show three officers kneeling on the man to keep him restrained on the ground.

    The brief clips provide a different angle than the widely publicized video that was filmed on Memorial Day, and appears to show part of the confrontation before things escalated even further.

    In the footage, Floyd can be heard repeatedly telling the officers that he can’t breathe.

    ‘Please, please let me stand,’ Floyd begs while the three officers kneel on top of him.

    The brief clips provide a different angle than the widely publicized video that was filmed on Memorial Day, with three officers seen on George Floyd's back
    The brief clips provide a different angle than the widely publicized video that was filmed on Memorial Day, with three officers seen on George Floyd’s back

    The angle of the brief clips shows three officers on George Floyd’s back.

    ‘Please, I can’t breathe,’ he continues in the clip. ‘My stomach hurts. My neck hurts. Please, please. I can’t breathe.’

    An officer believed to be Derek Chauvin then tells the person filming that they need to move to the other side of the street, as Floyd cries out.

    An autopsy report has not been released in Floyd’s death, but the fire department reported that Floyd had no pulse in the ambulance and was unresponsive.

    Paramedics checked Floyd’s pulse several times and attempted to resuscitate him, according to the incident report.

    The four Minneapolis officers involved in the arrest of George Floyd were fired Tuesday. They were named as Derek Chauvin, Thomas Lane, Tou Thao, and J Alexander Kueng.

    Mayor Jacob Frey had announced the firings on Twitter, saying: ‘This is the right call.’ 

    Frey said he considers Floyd’s killing to be murder and had publicly called for Chauvin to face arrest.

    ‘I’m not a prosecutor, but let me be clear. The arresting officer killed someone,’ he told CBS Thursday. ‘He’d be alive today if he were white.’

    Floyd's death has sparked outrage in Minneapolis, with protesters taking to the streets for a third day Thursday
    Floyd’s death has sparked outrage in Minneapolis, with protesters taking to the streets for a third day Thursday

    An initial statement released by the Minneapolis Police Department on Tuesday did not include details of officers’ altercation with Floyd and only mentioned he had suffered ‘medical distress’ following the arrest.

    Floyd’s death has sparked outrage in Minneapolis, with protesters taking to the streets for a third day Thursday.

    State troopers have been forced to intervene after violent protests and riots broke out in the city and left one looter dead.

    Derek ChauvinTou Thao

    Derek Chauvin (left), 44, one of the officers filmed kneeling on Floyd’s neck during his arrest, is a 19-year veteran of the force who was investigated over a fatal police shooting in 2006. A second officer involved in Monday’s arrest, Tou Thao (right), is said to been part of a $25,000 out of court settlement after being sued for using excessive force in 2017

    Minnesota Governor Tim Walz activated the National Guard to the city Thursday as it braced for a third night of violence.

    A suspected looter was shot dead outside the Cadillac Pawn shop and the suspected shooter had been taken into custody Wednesday night.

    Break-off protests demanding justice for Floyd’s death and calling for an end to police brutality against African-American communities have started springing up in Los Angeles and New York.

    Source: dailymail.co.uk

  • Mahama flaunts powerful motorbike

    Former president John Dramani Mahama has been captured flaunting his powerful motorbike in a stunning photo that is rapidly trending online.

    The National Democratic Congress flagbearer took a pose alongside some fans including two young men and an elderly man who appears to be in his 50s.

    Former president Mahama was captured in a long-sleeve jeans wear over a black long trousers as he glowed with smiles.

    In the stunning image, one could hardly tell the age of the former Ghanaian president because he looked half his age as he posed alongside the three men.

    The trending image of the former president flaunting his powerful motorbike while being captured in a moment with the visibly excited young men has attracted tons of pleasant comments after the image emerged online.

    Below is the photo:

    Source: mynewsghana.net

  • Ghana cleaner than ever Korley Klottey MCE

    Ghana is clean today as compared to two years ago and this is as a result of proper and strategic sanitation measures put in place by government, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Korley Klottey in the Greater Accra Region has claimed.

    Speaking on Yensempa on Onua FM on Thursday, Nii Adjei Tawiah maintained that Metropolitan, Municipal and Districts Assemblies (MMDAs) have worked incredibly to attain this height.

    He told host Nana Yaw Opare that even though there is a lot more work to be done, he is assertive government has won the fight against filth in the country especially in the Greater Accra Region.

    “Sanitation is a major problem especially in the central business district areas, but we have worked extremely hard to achieve a constant improvement and therefore I can say Ghana is much cleaner than two years ago.

    “We still have problems coming in from time to time but you could attest to the fact that the cities are clean now and that confirms my position,” he stressed.

    The former New Patriotic Party (NPP) chairman for Klottey Korley Constituency lauded government for providing waste bins at vantage points to collect debris despite being livid at how people carry garbage from their homes into the bins.

    He blamed hawkers and traders for dumping refuse at waste bin points and equally cautioned them to desist from such act or face the full rigours of the law if caught.

    He entreated them to register with the Assembly or any private waste management company in managing waste from shops and homes instead of engaging unapproved persons.

    Nii Adjei Tawiah also revealed that the Korley Klottey Municipal Assembly has begun profiling and engaging market leaders and hawkers selling on the streets in managing their waste and he is optimistic very soon heaps of refuse found in the central business district would be a thing of the past.

    Source: 3 News

  • Police officer dies of coronavirus in Koforidua

    A Police Officer has died of coronavirus in Koforidua in the Eastern region.

    The deceased, a 55-year-old Chief Inspector who was the Station Officer in Charge of the Central Police Station in Koforidua died Friday, May 29,2020, after a short illness.

    He was on admission at the Eastern Regional Hospital in Koforidua for few days having visited the Police Clinic in Koforidua and Newland Hospital- a private Hospital before his death.

    The cause of death was not immediately known until sample results released after his death reportedly tested positive for COVID-19.

    A medical team from the Ghana Health Service led by Dr Abu Armel, Public Health Physician at the Eastern Regional Health Directorate, Regional Disease Control Officer Sally Tetteh Emmanuel, visited the Central Police Station Saturday evening to inform and sensitize officers at the station that the cause of death was “probably Covid-19” hence the team will return today Sunday, May 31, 2020, to take Samples of occupants at the police station and the Police barracks and close associates who had contact with the deceased police officer.

    The team also visited the widow and children to inform them about the situation and encourage them accordingly.

    Samples of health workers at Police Clinic and Newland Hospital have also been taken by the Medical team.

    The sudden death of the Chief Inspector has shocked many in the Eastern Regional Capital. On Friday evening, Police officers at the station mourned the late Police officer in plain disregard of social distancing.

    He has been described by many as a very affable Police officer who discharged his duties to the admiration of many in the regional capital.

    He was honoured by the Police Administration a few years ago together with then Municipal Police Commander Richardson Kumeko for refusing a huge bribe offered them by a suspect arrested in Koforidua for attempting to smuggle quantities of Marijuana to the Central region.

    Source: Starr FM

  • For Rawlings’ sake we were ready to fight and die – Victor Smith recalls

    It is not a hidden fact that Ghana was once been under military rule in precceding years ahead of the now 4th republic which was spear headed by the former President of the Country Jerry John Rawlings. In his time, Rawlings had risen to power and commanded such audacity and freight in many. To some, he had become the saviour of the country from messy hands and to others he was simply a dictator like many others.

    However, one thing that stood central to his reign was the loyalty of some of his followers and people. They had so much confidence in him that there was nothing they couldn’t do or sacrifice for his sake.

    Years after his days in power many have appointed accusing fingers at his days in power, pointing to incessant killings, disaappearances of people one of such groups were the three judges who during the late hours of a night time curfew which was in force on 30 June 1982; Justice Kwadwo Agyei Agyepong, Fred Poku Sarkodee and Cecilia Koranteng-Addow together with a retired army officer Major Sam Acquah were all abducted from their homes never to be seen again.

    However all these accusing fingers have remained such as nothing has ever been firmly established against the former president.

    Former President Jerry John Rawlings speaking on the back of a recently aired documentary on the matter asserted that history has been “re-hashed” and “re-cooked” in order to make him together with other innocent persons look guilty as far as the murder of the three high court judges and an army major in 1982 is concerned.

    However, Victor Smith having fond memories of the times reminisced how that not a single strand of hair on Rawlings’ skin could a person dare touch else Ghana would burn. He emphasized how that he doesn’t regret defending Rawlings in such statements. He explained how that Rawlings was an icon and there was at the time a plot being made to remove him from the equation. But he and some others were ready to fight and die for him. For the reason that he had helped ensure stability in the nation through helping the enactment of the 1992 constitution. He explained how that two persons whose ames he will mention in the right time were scheming to do unto Rawlings the same Coup D’etat that had been staged in Cote D’ivoire at the time.

     Source: operanewsapp.com

  • Forget incompetence, JDM’s son Sharaf killed his father’s bid in 2016 (Photos)

    The incompetence tag around John Dramani Mahama has nowhere to go. He exhibited it so well that Ghanaians had no option than to throw him out from an over one million floored storey building.

    Wait. Forget about the incompetence. Its unchangeable. Know how Sharaf the 21 years old son contributed to the downfall of his own father. Run up to the elections Mahama’s son indeed portrayed to Ghanaians that his Dad was an epitome of luxury.

    Traveling from country to country for leisure, splashing social media with cars that will take a village farmer 50 years to buy, kissing and having fun with girls in public and more.

    Ghanaian traditions abhor kissing in public. Most Ghanaians see flaunting of luxury as a way of arrogance.

    With this perception, it took die hard NDC supporters to defend.This they never defended because of pictures that backed the claim.

    Anybody that couldn’t afford three square meals a day and saw the luxurious lifestyle of Sharaf got angry. With the perception that they are chopping our money.

    For John Dramani Mahama to win elections again, he should send Sharaf to Bole, confine him off the public to ease the luxurious perception. Even with that Ghanaians will find it quite difficult to believe in him considering his abysmal performance previously.

     

     

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  • Nana Aba Anamoah “begs for food” from former EC boss Charlote Osei publicly

    Ace broadcast journalist, Nana Aba Anamoah has in a rather subtle approach asked former Electoral Commission of Ghana’s boss Charlotte Osei some breakfast/lunch.

    Many people assumed her post was about politics because of Charlotte Osei’s image but then later realized  that it’s all food Nana Aba Anamoah was looking talking about.

    This post clearly defines the cordial relationship between the two as Nana Aba confessed her love for the former Electoral Commission of Ghana boss.

    Under the beautiful picture of Charlotte Osei, she wrote;

    “My heartbeat Char_Osei you know I love you. Trust me I don’t want anything not even food. This is a genuine post. I’ll not say No to breakfast or lunch tomorrow. But this post isn’t about that ” She wrote.

    Many of Nana Aba Anamoah’s followers particularly on Facebook got to know the cordiality between the two beautiful souls.

    Source: operanewsapp.com

  • Photos of a guy who was found at the cemetery feeding on dead bodies in the Ashanti Region

    Wonders shall never end. Two men by name Kwadee and Asawase Jay were found at a cemetery feeding on human skeleton in the Ashanti Region, Wawase in the Afigya Kwabre District.

    The incident occurred when a group of people were going to the cemetery to dig a hole which will be used to bury one Anthony, a native of the town.

    When they got to the cemetery, reports have it that, they found some skeletons lying around and one perosn asked, who would be bold enough to chew(eat) human skeleton. The one guy called Kwadee said he could and  so he picked some of the human skeleton and started chewing it in front of his friends, suddenly Asaase Jay also took some of the skeletal parts and started chewing to challenge his friend who has started the game.

    Those who went to the cemetery were amazed looking at how they were chewing the jaws of the dead. They came and reported it to the elders of the town and when they were sent for, the two of them took to their heels.

    Speaking to the Kontihene of the town on Kessben TV, the man said it is an abomination so they will deal with them. We will have to go to the cemetery and pour libation for the ancestors to have mercy on them.

    Speaking to One Mallam on the Breaking News on the same TV station he also revealed that,it might be that they are wizards or they ate it because they might have been ordered by a spiritualist to do so.

     

     

    Source: operanewsapp.com

  • Owusu Bempah vows to resign from his position if Mahama gets 40% votes in the 2020 election

    The eagerly awaited General political race will be going ahead this year on December seventh. This has made the decision government and the resistance groups to be incensed and forceful.

    The National People Congress Presidential competitor, John Dramami Mahama is doing very well to return to office by all methods despite the fact that he is in the resistance party NDC.

    John Dramami Mahama for as long as days has been assailed and assaulted by the NPP individuals with the preferences to Abronye DC, Chairman Wontumi and now Owusu Bempah.

    The Communication executive for Gas company in Ghana and individual from the NPP known as Owusu Bempah has made a questionable expectation in front of the up and coming December political race.

    On a conversation on Asempa FM, he has sabotaged the Former President of Ghana, John Dramami Mahama to lose the political race with under 40% votes.

    He said; “John Dramani Mahama will lose this year political decision checks with under 40% because of the way that when the NDC government was in office, they acquired a huge number of Ghost names as a major aspect of the assemblage of the voters recorder, obviously, they got outsiders from different nations to be a piece of the democratic however this time around, NPP is the one in office so they will successfully oppose that demonstration and make everything veritable that is the reason the NDC are challenging the new voters enlistment center and I swear, John Dramani Mahama won’t get 40% of the vote, in the event that he gets above 40% I will abandon legislative issues”. He expressed

    Source: operanewsapp.com

  • 5 reasons why Mahama may win 2020 election

    John Dramani Mahama has been a pacesetter known for his visionary policies and interventions when he was President of Ghana. He was faced with numerous challenges and proved his worth during his stay in office.

    John Dramani Mahama features a long-standing record in infrastructural development which is uncontested within the 4th republic dispensation of our Ghanaian politics. This has helped improve tourism which generates many income, his numerous roads infrastructure which has transformed lives of Ghanaians. His hospital projects are the key infrastructures that are standing tall during this COVID season, so it’s interesting to understand that his infrastructure projects really transformed lives and businesses which his opponent cannot context. Though he’s con , he stands tall when it involves the fight against coronavirus in Ghana.

    Vindicated Corruption tag and Perception

    Most Ghanaians, before today, were made to believe that John Dramani Mahama was the foremost corrupt President Ghana has ever had, but after power transcended, everyone had seen that this is not the important narrative. The corruption perception index has vindicated him and Ghanaians can read between the lines now. He has also proven his commitment to fighting corruption by prosecuting his own appointee who is in prisons at the instant . Ghanaians need an honest President and JM is one.

    Economy

    His economic policies are fantastic, i.e. Contingency funds, ESLA, sinking funds amongst others that’s the backbone of our Ghanaian economy today albeit he was embarking on infrastructural projects.

    The fixed problems

    One of the main problems that was draining his government was “Dumsor” and to chop the story short, he resolved the matter with excess energy capacity. This proves that he’s a goal-oriented individual and that we need him back to continue his good work.

    Need to continue unfinished projects

    Many projects that the toilet Mahama-led administration started are ignored by this government. These are hospital and faculty projects that cost the taxpayer billions of dollars. The continued abandonment of those projects would mean a waste of state funds. He has got to return to resume these projects. He has promised to not abandon any project that the NPP government has started when voted into power.

    What does JM bring back the table?

    JM has reiterated his commitment and vision to continue his accessible health care delivery across every region and district across the country. Infrastructure development would continue right down to every district during this country. One challenge with reference to our education in Ghana is that the needless double-track system which might be abolished under his watch. there’s a stimulating and enviable youth policy which might cater for youth unemployment, education and housing captured within the People’s Manifesto. The welfare of the aged who were within the informal sector would be captured and addressed under a replacement JM government. the worth for waste program that might address the waste management problem to make sure a healthy and clean country. If we are to capture every sector we wouldn’t end but i’m certain that with the comeback of JM, we might return back to the great old days.

    Source: operanewsapp.com

  • I didn’t see anything unreasonable about George Floyd’s dead – Mayor of Mississippi

    A major at the Mississippi has drawn backlash to his remarks about the death of unarmed black man ( George Floyd ) in police custody in Minneapolis,Saying he didn’t see anything unreasonable with the arrest.

    Hal Marx mayor of Petal about 90 miles southern of Jackson makes the remarks on twitter in Wednesday,but has since deleted the tweets saying he was misinterpreted.

    “I didn’t see anything unreasonable, if you can say you can’t breath , you’re breathing. Marx wrote on Floyd arrest,captured on bystanders video that show a police office kneeling on the kneck of a 46 year old black man as he groaned I can’t breathe.

    Marx continued “most likely the man died of overdose or heart attack. Video didn’t show his resistance that got him in this position .Police being crucified”.

    The video showed Floyd going emotionless and unresponsive in a without pulse, he was later declared dead in a hospital about an hour ago.

    Many twitter users began to criticize Marx for his comment in the wake of Floyd’s.

    Marx went on to say that we do not know the full story of what happened before the video.it’s impossible to know why the police remained in that position. Again ,the officers were not restricting his breathing.

     

    He has since received several Facebook comments criticizing what he tweeted.

    Thus Major Hil Marx have a point in what he said or he is just being racist?

    Source: operanewsapp.com

  • Kofi Adoma and his Kofi TV crew nearly drown at Komfokrom

    Komfokrom is a village in the Atebubu Amanten District of the Bono East Region of Ghana. In their quest to move to the grassroots, Kofi Adoma and his Kofi TV set off to Komfokrom to assess their quality of drinking water.

    Reaching the village late, the crew started filming as best as they can, live on Kofi TV.

    Discoveries :

    It was ascertained that since the creation of the universe, the villagers have never tasted clean quality water. Citizens of Ghana, they vote but have been neglected by all successful governments. A video and pictures of their deplorable water was nothing to write home about.Very shameful in this era.

    Kofi TV crew woes nearly drowned

    As they were filming, it started raining heavily. With their high powered equipment,they moved for safety but never got it easier as Kofi Adoma had to remove his shirt to cover the equipment from getting wet and subsequent damage. The thunderstorms and heavy water splashes never spared the crew.

    Angel In The Building

    As they entered one but for cover, they met an Angel.Probably a Black Angel.This man made the job easier as he narrated all the Woes of the village particularly the water problem.” You see it’s raining heavily and you’re running away.But at Komfokrom when it rains, it’s more like Christmas.We become very happy because at least we can store some water for use.This is not what we want but a pipe borne water. We beg President of the country to help us”.

     

    Source: operanewsapp.com

  • Coronavirus: Volta Region case count reaches 75

    COVID-19 positive case count in the Volta Region has reached 75, checks by the Ghana News Agency (GNA) has revealed.

    The Region also has a total of 32 recoveries, two deaths and 41 active cases.

    Ketu South Municipality leads the chart with 26 number of cases followed by Ho, the regional capital, 22 and Hohoe, 11 cases.

    Central Tongu has seven cases, South Tongu, three cases, Kpando, two cases, Anloga, two cases with Akatsi South and Agotime-Ziope recording a case each.

    Following the recording of new cases in Central Tongu, the Assembly has closed the Adidome, Mafi Kumasi and Mafi Avedo markets temporarily.

    The Regional Security Council (REGSEC) in a press release on May 27, 2020, lamented the increase in the communal spread of the virus and directed all Assemblies to strictly ensure that all markets and public places had the “No mask, no entry” sign and enforced.

    The release, signed by Dr. Archibald Yao Letsa, Volta Regional Minister, also charged the Assemblies to intensify public education and ensure that commercial drivers and motorcycle operators observed all the protocols, especially wearing of nose masks.

    Some people the GNA spoke to, said they were not surprised by the increase in communal spread of the virus because people were not wearing nose masks.

    They, therefore, appealed to the police to enforce the wearing of nose masks in the streets and public places.

    Meanwhile, a section of the public has cautioned against the ‘stampeding’ of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to lift restrictions meant to contain the pandemic.

    Mr Christopher Kudzo Galenkui, Assemblyman for Wumenu Electoral Area in the Adaklu District said there was no need to rush in lifting the restrictions when positive cases were on the increase.

    Source: GNA

  • Secessionists: 13 more arrested at Kpando

    The 66 Artillery Regiment (Volta Barracks) Saturday arrested 13 persons suspected to be linked to separatists-Homeland Study Group Foundation.

    The 13 persons, eleven males and two females were picked at a meeting at Kpando-Aziavi in the Volta region.

    Lieutenant Colonel Bernard Baba Pantoah, Commanding Officer of the 66 Artillery Regiment told the Ghana News Agency that the operation, which had support from officials of the Bureau of National Investigations was between 0850 hours and 1300 hours.

    He said security personnel seized a document from the group detailing areas they allegedly planned to attack soon.

    The Commanding Officer said the 13 persons were escorted to the Regional Police Headquarters for further investigations.

    In February this year, the Regiment rounded up 21 persons at a secret training camp allegedly operated by the secessionist’s group at Kpevedui in the Ketu North Municipality.

    The ‘recruits’, made up of 20 males and a female were busted in a dawn raid and airlifted to Accra for further investigations.

    Source: GNA

  • Volunteers championing malaria case management in rural Wa West

    Positive Action Against Poverty (PAAP) in collaboration with the Ghana Health Service (GHS) has trained 30 Community-Based Volunteers (CBVs) to champion malaria case identification and management in rural Wa West District.

    This was necessitated by delays in decision making to health facilities by people living in these rural communities as it remained a significant barrier to timely malaria reporting, diagnosis and treatment in the district.

    Briefing the Ghana News Agency (GNA) on the concept, Reverend Gabriel Fiatui, Executive Director of PAAP, noted however that the scale-up of community-based case management had already significantly improved malaria case identification and management in these remote communities.

    “PAAP and partners such as GHS, West Africa Programme to Combat AIDS (WAPCAS) and the National Malaria Control Programme (NMCP)are collaborating to extend health information services to the community level through CBVs is strategic”, he said.

    “The CBVs are typically granted high status within the community, as they take ownership of malaria-related issues in their communities, providing a service that is highly valued”, he emphasized.

    Rev. Fiatui noted that these CBVs also receive support in terms of allowances to enable them to reach out to pregnant women to ensure the uptake of Intermittent Preventive Treatment for Pregnant (IPTP) Women.

    “PAAP believes that with concerted efforts in the area of community engagement, sooner than later, individuals on their own volition will begin exhibiting care-seeking behaviours and receive proper treatment”, he noted.

    The Executive Director noted that the CBVs among other things conduct door-to-door educational visits to encourage the correct and consistent use of Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNs) and the importance of proper treatment-seeking behaviour.

    With the help of PAAP and GHS, CBVs also carry out malaria education in schools, churches, mosques, and market centres to encourage desired preventive behaviours among students and community members.

    They equally served as liaisons between health facilities and community members for testing and offering treatment for those that tested positive for malaria.

    Source: GNA

  • John Boadu, Kwesi Pratt clash over new voters register

    NPP General Secretary, John Boadu has jumped to the defence of the party’s Campaign Manager for 2020 elections, Peter Mac Manu, over the latter’s recent comments regarding election rigging claims against the party.

    The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), through its National Chairman Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, holds that the EC’s decision to use the Ghana card and passport as the legal documents for registering eligible Ghanaians into a new voters’ register is a ploy to skew the December polls in favour of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

    The NDC strongly opposes the EC saying the Commission wants to disenfranchise 11 million Ghanaians in order to rig the elections for the incumbent government.

    Reacting to the NDC claims, Mr Peter Mac Manu emphasized that the governing party has no interest in rigging the elections and is not conspiring with the EC to perpetrate such crime.

    He stressed that, with or without a new voters’ register, the NPP will win the elections because they have a solid track record and so doesn’t need the EC’s help.

    ”We do not need the EC to rig the elections in our favour. NPP will win the election based on our soundtrack record . . . This is because the Ghanaian electorate has confidence in the ruling NPP government since President Akufo-Addo had shown leadership and sought the welfare of the ordinary Ghanaian over the period of his tenure,” he said.

    Mr Mac Manu’s comments attracted the attention of seasoned journalist Kwesi Pratt, who speaking on Peace FM’s morning show ‘Kokrokoo’, questioned why the NPP is advocating for a new voters’ register if their Campaign Manager has no worries over the old register.

    Mr Pratt believes it is baseless for the NPP to support the EC’s decision to compile a new register if the party will win the elections with or without it.

    Speaking on the same programme, the party’s General Secretary sought to correct the misconception created by Kwesi Pratt that the NPP Campaign Manager is against the new voters’ register.

    John Boadu told host Kwami Sefa Kayi that Kwesi Pratt’s interpretation of Mr Mac Manu’s response is misleading.

    According to him, nowhere did Mr Mac Manu make a comment that the NPP supports the old register, therefore clarifying that Mr Mac Manu was rather pointing out to the opposition party that the NPP will win the 2020 elections based on their performance.

    “It doesn’t mean Mac Manu is against the compilation of a new register. Mac Manu didn’t say using the old register will make the elections credible. He didn’t say that and don’t misquote him,” John Boadu charged.

    Source: Peace FM

  • Government to fund expansion of universities to accommodate free SHS students

    Plans are underway to address the infrastructural challenges in the various universities across the country to build their capacity to increase their intake.

    The move was in anticipation of more students coming out from the Senior High Schools (SHS) beginning this year due to the free SHS policy introduced three years ago.

    When the policy was introduced in 2017, high school enrollment increased by 180,000 students over the previous year.

    About 1.2 million students are currently in SHS. The first batch of students under the policy was expected to complete this year.

    To enable universities absorb the increased number of students from the SHS this year, the Ministry of Education was making arrangement for a special funding to address the capacity challenges.

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo announced this when he met a delegation of chiefs from Bonaboto in the Upper East Region at the Jubilee House in Accra yesterday.

    “The ministry is currently negotiating a special funding under the GETfund to deal with the infrastructural matters in all the tertiary universities in the country,” he said

    The President pointed out that the infrastructural capacity of the polytechnics that had been converted into technical universities would be enhanced to enable them increase their intake as well.

    “The special funding is almost complete and it is intended to address the capacity issues in the various universities,” he said.

    Touching on plans to construct the multipurpose Pwalugu Dam in the region, the President said the government had made plans to complete the dam.

    When completed, he said the Pwalugu Dam would be the single biggest investment of public money in any part of the northern part of the country since independence six decades ago.

    He explained that the outbreak of the COVID-19 has slowed down the project because the financing of the project involved having relations and engagements with China and the Synohydro Corporation.

    That, notwithstanding, he said the process of constructing the dam will soon resume, adding that the Ministry of Finance was currently processing guarantees for funding from the development partners.

    “Concrete steps are being taken to bring the project into being,” President Akufo-Addo said.

    The President further announced plans by the government to convert the Bolgatanga Regional Hospital into a Teaching Hospital for the training of doctors.

    The Tong-Raana Kugbilsong Nalebtang Robert Mosore, Paramount Chief of Talensi Traditional Area, who led the delegation, commended the President for his proactive leadership.

    “Leaders have fallen short in protecting their citizens in the wake of the COVID-19. Your proactive leadership has saved the lives of Ghanaians and you really deserve commendation,” he said.

    He expressed gratitude to the President for the development projects in the Bonaboto area over the past three years including the US$1 billion Pwalugu Dam, support to farmers through the Planting for Food and Jobs, among others.

    Source: ghanaiantimes.com.gh

  • I answered the most embarrassing question of my life when I visited Trump’s hotel – Nigerian

    A New York based Nigerian identified as Jackson Ude  has taken to his Twitter handle to share his experience with subtle racism in the United States of America detailing some unpleasant moments he had during a visit the Trump International Resort on Collins Avenue.

    Following the ongoing uprising in the US on systemic racism and police brutality against people of color, many have taken to social media to share their experiences, encouraging each other to change the current administration.

    Jackson Ude in a series of tweets said,

    “In 2008, I went to Miami for a vacation and I decided to stay at the Trump International Resort on Collins Avenue. The fact that I decided to stay in that hotel as a black man was a big deal let alone staying in a suite. I answered the most embarrassing questions of my life!”

    He castigates Trump for inflaming hate crimes because of his rhetoric

    According to him In 2002, he went to a small town called Pittsburg, Kansas, and in front of a building was a bold sign: “Blacks keep off.” Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis Police Officer is certainly one of those who can put up such signs, boast about killing blacks. And he rolls with Trump.

    “I still do not know or understand why someone is Abule Egba in Lagos, would want to educate me on why Trump is the best President the U.S has ever produced. I live in New York and I have had one or two things to do with the Trump organization. The experience is not worth it!” – said Jackson.

    Source: operanewsapp.com

  • President Akufo-Addo reportedly plans to open schools and build isolation centers in them

    Lawyer Tweneboah Kodua, a private loyal practitioner, during a discussion on Accra based radio station Okay Fm, mentioned that President Akufo-Addo, is willing to ease restrictions in Ghana, and might also re-open schools while having isolation centers set up in all schools in Ghana, so that, when any of the students start showing signs and symptoms of COVID-19, they will be isolated and treated there.

    This revelation only troubles a majority of the student population as many as well as parents because the concern is, what if it all goes wrong and there is a massive spread on these campuses, what happens then?

    Some students and parents on the other hand are very glad with the possible re-opening of schools since all children being at home has significantly stressed their financials, and hence would appreciate the relief.

    Ghana’s total confirmed cases of the novel Coronavirus is now at 7,881 with 2,841 recoveries.
    Source: operanewsapp.com.

  • 26 KATH staff down with coronavirus

    Twenty-six staff of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi, Ashanti Region, have tested positive for COVID-19, ClassFMonline.com has learnt from sources familiar with the situation.

    It is, however, unclear if they got infected at the hospital or outside the health post.

    The management of the hospital is investigating the cases which have been isolated and being treated as contact-tracing takes place.

    Meanwhile, the number of patients who have recovered from COVID-19 in Ghana is now 2,540, the Ghana Health Services reported on Saturday, 30 May 2020.

    Also, the death toll has increased from 34 to 35.

    Additionally, the total number of COVID-19 cases in the country is now up to 7,768.

    Regional breakdown:

    Greater Accra Region – 5,430

    Ashanti Region – 1,183

    Western Region – 405

    Central Region – 381

    Eastern Region – 117

    Volta Region – 71

    Western North Region – 65

    Northern Region – 37

    Oti Region – 26

    Upper East Region – 26

    Upper West Region – 22

    North East Region – 2

    Savannah Region – 1

    Bono Region – 1

    Bono East Region – 1

    Ahafo Region – 0

    Source: Class FM

  • Fumbisi murder case: Youth demand expedite action from police

    A group identified as Builsa South Youth Association (BSYA) is calling on the Ghana Police Service and other relevant authorities to speed up investigations into circumstances that led to the death of a young man from the Baasa community in the Builsa South District.

    The deceased, believed to be in his 30s, reportedly lost his life at about 9:00 pm on Wednesday, May 20 at Fumbisi in the Upper East Region after his throat was slit.

    He was allegedly killed in a fight between youth of the Wiesi and Baasa communities at the Fumbisi market, GhanaWeb had reported. Reports also had it that the two groups fought over a “girlfriend” and the led to the death of the young man.

    The youth group, while expressing its condolences to the bereaved family, acknowledged the incident was unfortunate, wishing such a thing never happens again.

    A statement by the group wants state authorities to intervene in bringing justice to the aggrieved while maintaining peace and this, according to them, would require expedite action.

    “We acknowledge the swift interventions of the District Security Council (DISEC), the District Police Command, the Chiefs of Fumbisi and Wiesi and their respective sub-chiefs concerned, the Assembly persons of the Communities concerned and all other opinion leaders that ensured that calm and peace prevailed in the District.”

    “We urge them to continue to work hard to maintain the peace while we call loudly on DISEC Chaired by the DCE, Hon. Daniel Kwame Gariba and all the authorities concerned to expedite action in bringing the perpetrators of this heinous crime to book,” the statement indicated.

    They are also calling on the District Police Command, the Regional Command and the Minister of Interior to act fast and swift to avert any reprisal.

    The youth have also been advised to exercise restraint in their commentary and rather assist the security agencies with information to apprehend the culprits and bring them to justice.

    Source: 3 News

  • Buildings submerged in water as parts of Nkroful get flooded

    Parts of Nkroful, the hometown of Ghana’s first President, Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkroful in the Ellembelle District is submerged in water following a downpour which lasted for an hour.

    The floods which destroyed properties and personal belongings worth millions of cedis also displaced hundreds of people.

    Speaking to the GNA, some of the affected victims attributed the flood to galamsey activities behind the Nkroful Agricultural Senior High School (NASS) and parts of the Nkroful township.

    It would be recalled that sometime in April this year, a cross-section of youth in Nkroful warned that ” if the government did not halt galamsey activities in the area and reclaim the devasted land, the area will be engulfed by flood when the rains set in”.

    According to the victims, the galamsey pits remain uncovered, a situation that contaminated their main source of drinking water, the River Subre.

    The residents said they now live in “fear and panic” as the coming rains could wreak more havoc on the affected communities.

    According to the victims, several complaints to the District Assembly have fallen on deaf ears.

    Speaking to the GNA, the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Ellembelle, Mr Kwasi Bonzoh said,” it is not true that it is galamsey activities that have led to the flood”.

    He ascribed the flood which he described as “a perennial problem”, to a bridge constructed by Adamus Resources Ltd., a gold prospecting mining company linking the old and new sites of the company.

    Mr Bonzoh lamented that” the bridge is narrow as such, the water cannot flow” leading to the flood.

    The DCE said Adamus should be held responsible for the shoddy works leading to the floods.

    Source: GNA

  • Akufo-Addo addresses the nation tonight?

    President Akufo- Addo is likely to address the nation tonight, on measures put in place to tackle the Covid-19 pandemic in the country.

    He is expected to touch on key things such as the ban on social gatherings, the opening of international borders and whether students should return to school or not.

    Many reports however suggest that the president will lift the ban on social gatherings but borders will remain closed.

    Final year students in the universities and Senior High Schools might be returning to school amid strict adherence to Coronavirus protocols.

    Final year students of universities can now go to school and complete their project works and write their end of semester exams.

    However, some Ghanaians feel since  the cases keep increasing ,it will be in everyone’s interest if president treads with caution. Former President Mahama also suggests that the government should conduct mass testing before easing the restrictions.

    source;operanewsapp.com

  • 17 enowned Ghanaian politicians who attended Achimota School

    Achimota School popularly nicknamed as Motown was the first mixed – gender school to be established in Ghana.

    The school is famous for producing 4 Ghanaian Presidents and a Zimbabwean President in the name of Robert Mugabe.

    The school is located at Achimota in the Accra Metropolis of Ghana.

    The school has won the prestigious National Science and Maths Quiz twice, in 1998 and 2004.

    In this article, 17 eminent politicians who attended the prestigious Achimota School in Ghana have been profiled below:

    1. Kwame Nkrumah – Former President

    He is widely known globally as the first Prime Minister and President of Ghana. He is also known as the Father of Pan-Africanism.

    He obtained his teacher’s certificate from Achimota School in 1930.

    2. Edward Akufo-Addo – Former President

    He was a lawyer and a member of the ‘Big Six’. He became the first Chief Justice and later President of Ghana from 1970 – 72.

    He enrolled at Achimota in 1929. He was the father of Ghana’s current president, Nana Addo Akufo-Addo.

    3. Jerry John Rawlings – Former President

    He is a former military leader and politician who became Ghana’s Head of State from 1981 to 2001.

    He completed his secondary education at Achimota School in 1967.

    4. John Evans Atta Mills – Former President

    He was a politician and legal scholar who served as President of Ghana from 2009 to 2012.

    He obtained his O and A levels certificates in 1961 and 1963 respectively from Achimota School.

    5. William Ofori Atta – Former Minister of Foreign Affairs

    He is one of the founding fathers of Ghana and a member of ‘The Big Six’.

    He later became a Minister for Foreign Affairs in Ghana’s 2nd republic between 1971 and 1972. He attended Achimota School where he was among the 1st batch of students to sit for Cambridge School Certificate exams.

    6. Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings – Founder of NDP

    She is the wife of ex president, JJ Rawlings. She met her husband at Achimota School when they were both students.

    She founded National Democratic Party (NDP) and contested as Presidential Candidate in the 2016 elections.

    7. Joyce Rosalind Aryee – Former Minister for Information

    She is a former politician and a minister of the Gospel. She served as Minister for Local Government from 1987 – 88, Minister for Education from 1985 – 87 and Minister for Information from 1982 – 85.

    8. Samia Nkrumah – First Female Chair of CPP

    Samia Nkrumah was the Chairperson of CPP from 2011 – 2015. She was also elected MP for Jomoro Constituency from 2009 – 2013.

    She is the daughter of Ghana’s first president, Kwame Nkrumah.

    9. Alan John Kyeremanten – Minister of Trade and Industry

    He is Ghana’s current Minister of Trade and Industry. He attended the famous Achimota School for his 6th form education.

    He is tipped by many as a potential presidential material for Ghana.

    10. Yaw Osafo-Maafo – Senior Minister

    He is a prominent politician, engineer and banker who is currently the Senior Minister of Ghana under Nana Akufo-Addo’s administration.

    11. Ken Ofori-Atta – Finance Minister

    He is an economist, investment banker and politician. He a co-founder of Databank Group, a reputable investment company.

    He is currently the Minister for Finance and Economic Planning of Ghana.

    12. Obed Asamoah – Former Foreign Affairs Minister and Attorney General

    He is known as the longest serving Foreign Minister and Attorney General of Ghana under JJ Rawlings serving from 1981 to 1997.

    13. J.H. Mensah – Former Senior Minister

    He was a renowned economist and politician. He served as Senior Minister under President John Kufuor from 2001 – 2006 and was MP for Sunyani East Constituency.

    14. Andrews Kwame Pianim – Former Leading Member of NPP

    He is a former politician, business economist and investment consultant.

    He was prevented from contesting the 1996 presidential elections by a controversial Supreme Court ruling for being convicted of a treasonous act.

    15. Kwame Addo-Kufuor – Former Defense Minister

    He is a celebrated physician and a politician who served as MP of Manhyia Constituency in Ashanti Region and Defence Minister from 2001 – 2008.

    16. Isaac Osei – Former MP of Subin

    He is a former CEO of Ghana Cocoa Board and served as one time Ghana High Commission to the UK. He was a NPP MP for Subin Constituency in Ashanti Region.

    17. James Victor Gbeho – Former Minister of Foreign Affairs

    He is a Ghanaian lawyer and diplomat. He served as MP for Anlo constituency in the past. He was Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister from 1997 to 2001.

    He was elected as President of ECOWAS Commission and served from 2010 to 2012.

    He is the son of legendary Philip Gbeho, Ghana’s national anthem arranger.

    By: Eben Owurachy via operanewsapp.com

  • Ghana’s Coronavirus cases now 7,768 with one more death

    One more death has been recorded while 119 Coronavirus patients have recovered in the last 24 hours, bringing the total number of recoveries to 2540.

    The country’s Coronavirus case count has also increased to 7768, according to the Ghana Health Service.

    The current figures are an update on Friday, May 29 records where the reported cases stood at 7616.

    This means that there have been 152 new confirmed cases. Records from the Ghana Health Service indicate that 15 patients are in severe conditions while 5 of them are in critical, with 2 people being aided with ventilators.

    The number of active cases have risen to 5,193. Greater Accra Region remains the area with the highest number of cases having recorded 5430 so far.

    Ahafo Region is the only area with no recorded cases of the Coronavirus.

    Below is the regional breakdown of Ghana’s COVID-19 cases.

    Greater Accra Region – 5,430

    Ashanti Region – 1,183

    Western Region – 405

    Central Region – 381

    Eastern Region – 117

    Volta Region – 71

    Western North Region – 65

    Northern Region – 37

    Oti Region – 26

    Upper East Region – 26

    Upper West Region – 22

    North East Region – 2

    Savannah Region – 1

    Bono Region – 1

    Bono East Region – 1

    Ahafo Region – 0

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Teenage pregnancy, incest, defilement on the rise in Sekondi-Takoradi – Social Welfare

    The Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Director for the Department of Social Welfare, Constance Baidoo, has bemoaned the alarming increase in cases of incest and defilement in peri-urban communities of the Metropolis.

    Ms. Baidoo who made this known in an interview with the Ghana News Agency explained that victims of this incestuous act were mostly girls aged between 15-18 years who are often coerced into sex, not just once but on several occasions.

    She indicated that many cases were from separated marriages and broken homes.

    According to her, the trauma and the threats alone discouraged the victims from speaking about it and quite often people prejudge and call them names such as spoilt kids and others.

    She disclosed that two of such cases were investigated by the department last year while many of them were referred to her outfit by the CHRAJ and other allied agencies.

    Ms. Baido further explained when her outfit receives such reports, they usually remove the children from the threat of abuse before investigations commence. “In such circumstances, custody is granted, preferably to a responsible relative, she added.

    While expressing her dissatisfaction over the development, she expressed hope that her outfit would come up with practical steps to tackle the situation and also admonished parents and all stakeholders to join hands in educating young girls about the dangers of teenage pregnancy.

    For her part, Madam Afua Yankson, Western Regional Deputy Chief Investigator of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) bemoaned the situation where some parents encouraged or forced their teenage daughters into marriages without recourse to their welfare and the pregnancy.

    She called for the need for experts and educationists to gather feedback to develop a roadmap to check the rate at which young girls were forced out of school as a result of teenage pregnancy.

    She called for a concerted effort to tackle the alarming rate of teenage pregnancies in Ghana as experts and government officials have been deliberating on ways to achieve the sustainable development goals through improved access to reproductive health and rights.

    Source: GNA

  • Ghanas coronavirus deaths up, now 35

    One more person has died of Coronavirus in Ghana, raising the total number of deaths from 34 to 35.

    This was announced by the Head of Public Health of the Ghana Health Service, Dr Badu Sarkodie, on The Key Points on TV3/3FM on Saturday, May 30.

    The death involved a 70-year-old woman, who had heart conditions.

    “She had hypertension earlier, she was re-assessed and there were few signs and symptoms of perspiration and based on that consideration, she was made to test for Covid-19.

    “And after her death, few days later the result came out positive.”

    Dr Sarkodie also mentioned that the total number of cases has risen from the last count of 7,616 to 7,768 with a total of 20 in critical conditions.

    On a brighter light, 2,540 have recovered from the virus, leaving the active cases at 5,193.

    This comes a day prior to heightened expectations about measures taken by the government to ease some of the restrictions put in place to curb the spread of the virus.

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo is expected to address the nation on Sunday, May 31 on the way-forward.

    Dr Sarkodie said the data will be provided by the GHS for a pragmatic decision to be taken by government but he expects a “welcome face approach” to it.

    Source: 3 News

  • One body retrieved after Volta Lake disaster claims 10 lives

    The body of one of at least a dozen people feared dead in a boat disaster on the Volta Lake in the Afram Plains area of the Eastern Region has been retrieved.

    The fatal incident occurred last Thursday, May 28, 2020 when the boat, which was carrying an unspecified number of persons, capsized.

    The death toll has been estimated to be about 20, according to state-owned newspaper, Daily Graphic.

    “Rescuers, mainly the locals, worked frantically to rescue 17 persons. As of press time yesterday [Friday, May 29, 2020], one body had been recovered and emergency teams, including local divers, were continuing the search for nine others,” Daily Graphic reports Saturday.

    According to the report, the body of 60-year-old Adjoa Alihele has since been deposited at the Presbyterian Hospital morgue at Donkorkrom.

    The boat was carrying mostly traders from Dzemeni in the Volta Region to Donkorkrom in the Afram Plains area of the Eastern Region when it capsized midway through the journey near Anivizi, a village along the Volta Lake.

    “Overcrowding and poor safety checks have often been the cause of boat accidents on the lake,” the report said.

    The Volta Lake is notorious for fatal boat accidents.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Married woman threatens to commit suicide as explicit sex tape with young man goes viral

    A middle-aged woman is threatening to kill herself after her sex tape was leaked by some miscreants in her community which has subjected her to unending mockery.

    According to Adomonline.com, Maame Mary [pseudo name] was filmed performing the sex act with a man in the footage said to be highly explicit which has gone viral in her vicinity

    The video of the married woman has since been circulated within her area and people who have viewed it thronged to her shop to mock her.

    The traumatized woman claimed that she was lured by the young man whom she deemed a friend, claiming she only woke up the next day to see herself in his bed.

    “He invited me out for a drink and I realized I was tipsy. The next morning I woke up in his bed. I later got to know he recorded our sexual encounter and shared with his friends,” she narrated.

    Maame Mary said the incident nearly led to the collapse of her marriage but her very understanding husband stood by her.

    She reported the matter to the police but according to her, the suspect was only cautioned by the police and he is walking free.

    Maame Mary is reportedly considering suicide to protect the hard-won reputation of her husband due to the incessant mockery and stigmatization her action has brought to the family.

    Source: pulse.com.gh

  • Immigration officials refuse 19 Nigeriens exit

    Vigilant Immigration officials on duty at the Beat two unapproved route bordering neighbouring Burkina Faso in the Hamile Sector Command have nabbed nineteen Nigeriens for attempting to exit into Burkina Faso.

    They are all males and their ages ranged between 14 and 43.

    Preliminary investigations revealed that they were in Ghana around Ashanti region for some time now.

    Their intention was to sneak into Burkina Faso en route Niger for farming purposes.

    They were screened by the Port Health personnel.

    They were sent back to Kumasi and its environs on board a VIP bus with registration number GT 4356-16 at 1500HRS

    Source: Kasapa FM

  • Kofi Adoma leaks the 10th nation address that will be on Sunday

    CEO of Kofi TV popularly known as Kofi Adomaa Nwanwani has given out information on when next President Akufo-Addo would address the nation on measures the country has instituted in the fight against the coronavirus.

    Kofi Adomaa Nwanwani believes;

    the President will relieve some restrictions on public gatherings, he will take 2 weeks to see the rate of the spread of the disease before he allows the SHS/JHS final year students to go back to school. However the President is reportedly not ready to open Schools now”.

    The President will increase the number of persons in social gathering from 25 to 50 and may lift the ban on Restaurants, Drinking spots, chop bar and all eating centres. Kofi Adomaa Nwanwani predited.

    President Akufo-Addo initially ordered a lock-down which has since lifted all in efforts to control the spread.

    Ghana currently has a total of 7,616 cases, 34 deaths and 2,421 recoveries so far and many are eager to know the President’s next move.

    Watch the video below;

    source; opera.com

  • Ex-President Atta -Mills autopsy finally out – Brother digs deep into it

    Ex-president John Evans Atta Mills died as a sitting president at the 37 Military Hospital. Even though he had a chronic health condition which is believed to have been the cause of his death,many believe he was murdered.

    The New Patriotic Party (NPP) alleges that Former Vice President and President John Dramani Mahama played a role in taking the life of Ex President Atta Mills so he could assume his position.

    Brother of the Late President Atta Mills speaking on Accra FM debunked rumors claiming autopsy report was out saying he was present when the autopsy took place. He said they even cautioned him that the sight is unpleasant so if he can’t stand it, he can excuse himself.

    According to him, the autopsy took about three to four hours while the family was informed of the results in 3 days.

    He said the public should stop all those unpleasant comment about his brother’s death and that it is not making the family happy.

    Watch Video below:

    source; opera.com

  • Thomas Partey intensifies training ahead of La Liga return

    Ghana and Atletico Madrid midfielder Thomas Partey has intensified his training following the announcement of La Liga’s return next month.

    The Spanish topflight return on June 11 when Real Betis face Sevilla in the Seville derby, with next season confirmed to start on September 12.

    The La Liga ha been on break since the outbreak of the deadly coronavirus but life is gradually returning to normal with players engaged in contact training.

    Spanish football authorities are looking forward to ending this season’s campaign on the 18-19 of July.

    Partey and his teammates are set to fight for a place in next season’s UEFA Champions League with eleven games left to end the campaign.

    The in-demand Ghana international is however been pursued by several clubs with Arsenal favourites to land the 26-year old.

    Partey has been outstanding for the Rojiblancos this season, helping them to the quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions League after beating holders Liverpool.

    Source: Ghana Soccernet

  • Samuel Tetteh’s LASK Linz league title hopes dealt big blow

    Samuel Tetteh’s LASK Linz hopes of landing their first Bundesliga title in fifty-five (55) years have been dealt a heavy blow after the Austrian FA handed them a six-point deduction for breaking coronavirus training rules.

    The deduction moves them down into second place behind Red Bull Salzburg in Austria’s top flight, with three points to make up. The Austrian FA have also fined the club €75,000.

    According to Dutch News AD, LASK were found guilty of breaching rules brought in to protect the players in Austria during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Clubs were instructed to only return to training if they were in small groups, training at an adequate distance from each other.

    However, reports indicate that the team were caught on video in full contact training.

    The club have issued an apology for breaching the rules, claiming that all of their players displayed negative tests prior to the sessions commencing.

    This wasn’t enough for the Austrian FA however, and their investigation may cost the Linz club their first Bundesliga since 1964/65.

    Tetteh has been a key member of the team this term, scoring 5 goals and making another 5 assists in 19 matches.

    Source: Ghana Soccernet

  • Majeed Ashimeru scores as RedBull Salzburg win Austrian OFB Cup

    Ghana midfielder, Majeed Ashimeru scored in RedBull Salzburg’s win against Austria Lustenau in the Austrian OFB Cup finals on Friday evening.

    Red Bull Salzburg triumphed over Austria Lustenau in a 5-0 victory at the Worthersee Stadion.

    The former WAFA star scored in the 65th minute of the game.

    Dominik Szoboszlai, Sekou Koita, Noah Okafor and an own goal scored by Dominik Stumberger were all on target for Salzburg.

    Ashimeru joined Red Bull Salzburg from Ghana Premier League side West African Football Academy.

    He earned a place in the RedBull Salzburg after a successful loan spell at Austria Lustenau and FC St. Gallen.

    The youngster enjoyed the full minutes of the game.

    Source: footballghana.com

  • National Circles Council (NCC) backs newly constituted Kotoko board

    The National Circles Council (NCC) of Asante Kotoko has expressed gratitude to the noble people who have accepted to serve on its newly constituted Board of Directors of the Club.

    On Thursday, the Manhyia Palace named a nine-member board to steer the affairs of the Ghanaian Premier League giants.

    A statement signed by the NCC Chairman, Mr. Christopher Damenya, expressed gratitude to Otumfour Osei Tutu II for retaining Dr. Kwame Kyei as the Chairman for the newly constituted Board of Directors.

    “It is our fervent prayer that the appointment of this new Board of Directors will spring forth enormous achievements for the team both on and off the field.

    “We would like to state irrevocably that our maximum, striking and relentless support is with you and we shall do everything within our means to urge you to achieve great monuments for our cherished club,” the statement said.

    The statement also called on the faithfuls of the club to render unflinching support for the new board as they discharge their duties.

    Source: GNA

  • Coronavirus: It is premature to ease restrictions – Segbefia

    Former Health Minister, Alexander Segbefia has expressed worry over plans by the government to ease some COVID-19 restrictions to alleviate the economic hardships.

    Mr Segbefia’s worry follows President Nana Akufo-Addo’s statement that his government is in consultations with stakeholders to ease restrictions.

    According to Mr Segbefia, although the country’s COVID-19 death toll is low, it should not encourage President Akufo-Addo to ease the restrictions because such decision cannot curtail the spread of the virus.

    ” The main question is, is it yet time for a lockdown to be lifted? some of us are of the view that it is still a bit premature and we should watch it a little bit because nobody knows much about the virus, the facts that are clear about the illness is that, sometimes it appears it’s going away and it comes back strong so the reoccurrence rate is pretty hard and even countries started before us still have high levels of COVID-19, so let’s not be complacent because we are fortunate at this moment. Nobody knows but maybe through God’s grace our death rate is not high and our recovery rate seems to be quite quick…so I do not believe that the data we have is sufficient to be making certain decisions, if you make those decisions without getting full data from mass testing process then you could be in difficulties tomorrow,” said Mr Segbefia to Journalists after he led a delegation from the office of Former President, John Dramani Mahama to donate some protective equipment to the Health Directorate of South Tongu and Ketu South Municipalities in the Volta region on Thursday 28 May 2020, as part of the National Democratic Congress COVID-19 Technical Team’s efforts to combat the pandemic.

    Mr Segbefia added that the COVID-19 data is not satisfactory because of the government’s failure to undertake a mass testing exercise to identify the exact figures.

    “We cannot totally rely on our figures, why do I say that? Because we are not doing mass testing, if you are doing mass testing, that is each and everybody, you will get a better idea of how infected we are. At the moment, you can see there is a drop even in contact tracing and there’s also a drop in the numbers so, therefore, any drop in numbers can be attributed to that not necessarily the fact that people are not getting the infection” he said.

    The former Minister emphasised by saying the NDC’s COVID-19 Technical Team is not politically affiliated but an independent board to support the government’s efforts to overcome the pandemic.

    Source: Class FM

  • Residents scramble for fuel from accident tanker

    There were safety risks around WAMCO junction on the Takoradi to Sekondi road on Wednesday when scores of residents put their lives in danger and besieged an accident scene to draw fuel.

    A fuel tanker had been involved in an accident, and the residents took advantage of the situation to siphon the fuel without considering the inflammable nature of the product.

    The tanker was moving from the Nkotompo area, near Sekondi, towards Takoradi when the accident occurred.

    The tanker, according to eyewitnesses, fell over after being hit by a moving train.

    The tanker broke down right on the rail line and that resulted in the heavy crash.

    After the train had passed by, the diesel gushed out, and the nearby residents started rushing to the scene with containers to draw the fuel despite dangers associated with such acts.

    With time, the police arrived followed by personnel of the fire service to take control of the situation and pushed back the residents.

    “The police have started investigating the circumstances leading to the accident,” a source told DAILY GUIDE and said two occupants of the diesel tanker driver and his mate escaped unhurt.

    Recently, a two-year-old boy was burnt beyond recognition when two diesel tankers caught fire near a filling station at Apremdo in the Effia-Kwesimitsim Municipality of the Western Region.

    The diesel tankers were parked behind the filling station awaiting orders from pump managers to discharge fuel into reservoirs when they caught fire.

    Source: Daily Guide Network

  • EC to adopt ‘cluster system’ during voters’ registration exercise

    The Electoral Commission of Ghana says it will be adopting a ‘cluster system’ to ensure a smooth running of the upcoming voters’ registration exercise.

    The compilation of the new register which is now scheduled for the last week of June will take place in over 33,000 polling stations.

    Giving further details during a one-on-one interview on Peace FM’s morning show ‘Kokrokoo’, Samuel Tetteh, a Deputy Chairperson of the EC in-Charge of Operations said all 33,367 polling stations will serve as registration centres.

    “This will prevent a lot of people gathering at one place,” he said.

    Cluster system

    Explaining how the cluster system works, he said: “This is where in a district with 50 polling stations, 5 will form one cluster which means there will be 10 clusters.”

    According to him, each cluster will receive BVR kits.

    Logistics

    Mr Tetteh also disclosed that “every logistic needed for the exercise has been procured”.

     Source: Peace FM

  • Be transparent about MPs coronavirus infections Mahama to Parliament

    Former President John Dramani Mahama has called for transparency following the confusion over the state of COVID-19 infection in Parliament.

    In a statement, Mr Mahama said although it is good to offer hope to Ghanaians in the wake of the virus, it is crucial that people get to know the full extent of the disease.

    “Reports that the virus has spread to the Chamber and offices of Parliament is very disturbing. It adds to the urgency of the situation we face as a country, and while it is important to give hope to citizens it is absolutely necessary to be transparent and communicate the full picture of the extent of the disease,” Mahama wrote.

    He also reiterated his criticisms of government response to the pandemic so far.

    “Government has unfortunately not managed public education on coronavirus efficiently, while the latest communication creates the false impression that all is well with the management and spread of the disease. The advice from the President and other government officials that we should begin to learn to live with the disease suggests that you and I must take our destiny into our own hands as far as COVID-19 is concerned.

    “This is coming at a time that public education on the disease has dwindled to the extent that observance of hygiene and distancing protocols, as I indicated earlier, appears to be waning.

    “The benefit of wearing face masks at this time is obvious, and I reiterate my call on government to utilize some of the funds from the Stabilization Fund and the IMF to enhance local production and free distribution of re-usable face masks to especially vulnerable communities and groups”.

    He also urged government to be cautious about opening schools.

    “I must indicate here my support for the position of the various teacher unions and parents who have spoken and cautioned against the hasty reopening of schools. Government must pay close attention and take into consideration, the concerns of the various unions and parents.”

    “Finally, as I have always said, any decision taken by government to ease restrictions must be based on the utmost respect for human life and the science of the disease we are dealing with.”

    Source: Starr FM

  • ‘Coronavirus restrictions not court injunction to restrain EC’ – Abronye DC

    New Patriotic Party (NPP) Bono Regional Chairman, Kwame Baffoe popularly known as Abronye DC has cautioned members of the largest opposition NDC to stop shifting goalpost for not attending the EC’s meeting.

    According to him their Deputy General Secretary, Peter Boamah Otokunor made known their stance concerning the meeting in public even before the letter of invitation was sent to them.

    He said the NDC should as such stop justifying their reasons for not attending the EC’s last Wednesday meeting.

    He wondered how the NDC alone as a political party have a different time on their invitation letters.

    ’10pm Invitation’

    One of the reasons the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) gave for their recent boycott of an Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) meeting was the fact that their invitation letter had the wrong time on it.

    Initial letters sent out by the Electoral Commission (EC) had 10 pm stated as the time for the IPAC meeting. This was later changed to 10 am after the Commission realized their mistake.

    Throwing more light on this during a one-on-one interview on Peace FM’s morning show ‘Kokrokoo’, Deputy Electoral Commission Chair, Dr. Bossman Asare reaffirmed that the EC changed the time and sent corrected copies to the various political parties through their emails.

    He said the letters were sent to two executives in the NDC (names undisclosed) and he has evidence to that effect.

    Dr Bossman Asare further said the NDC is just trying to use the ’10 pm’ error as an excuse.

    Restrictions not court injunction

    Abronye DC in an argument on UTV’s ‘Adekye Nsroma’ newspaper discussion show insisted the “COVID-19 restrictions introduced by President Akufo-Addo are not court injunction to stop the EC from meeting its stakeholders in preparation towards the upcoming general elections”.

    “It is the main reason why members of the Electoral body have found it necessary to reduce members of its stakeholders at a given meeting, therefore, the two separate discussion sessions with a number not exceeding 25 people,” Abronye DC further explained.

    He confirmed the EC has not erred in any of the COVID-19 safety measures outlined by the President as members of some political parties claim.

    Source: Peace FM