TIG Post

Author: Persis

  • Volta Region records second coronavirus death

    Volta Region has recorded its second COVID-19 death, a highly placed source confirmed to the Ghana News Agency on Saturday.

    The source said the deceased, a 55-year old man had an underlying health condition and died at the Margaret Marquart Hospital at Kpando.

    The Region recorded its first COVID-19 death on Thursday, May 14 at the Ho treatment centre after the patient visited the Ho Teaching Hospital with difficulty in breathing, fever for three days and reduced level of consciousness.

    The sexagenarian was also said to be battling an underlying health condition.

    GNA was told, “the patient was clinically managed in conformity with the established clinical protocols for the various disease conditions, psychosocial support given to the family of the confirmed case and all contacts and appropriate burial procedures currently underway.”

    The source said 39 staff including ten doctors, 28 nurses and an orderly were immediately quarantined as a precautionary measure after varying levels of exposure while contact identification, listing, tracing and testing was ongoing.

    It said the Emergency Unit of the Ho Teaching Hospital was evacuated and shut down for 24 hours for fumigation.

    Meanwhile, 28 persons are said to have recovered from the Coronavirus disease out of 34 cases in the region as of May 16, 2020.

    Source: GNA

  • Coronavirus survivors need our support not stigmatization – NCCE

    The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has said people who recover from the coronavirus disease need the love and support of the society and not neglect and stigmatization.

    Mr Daniel Baya Laar, the Bawku Municipal Director of the Commission, said negative attitude such as name-calling, ridiculing, stereotyping and insinuations among others were major hindrances to the efforts against the spread of the pandemic and urged the people to live meaningful and dignified lives.

    The Director called on the citizenry to desist from such abusive practices and give suspected, infected or recovered persons the necessary support to recuperate fully and feel at home in their communities.

    The Director made the call when the NCCE intensified its educational drive to help fight the spread of the coronavirus in the Bawku Municipality in the Upper East Region.

    The sensitization programme was done via public announcement at various communities in the Municipality.

    The Municipal Director indicated that stigmatizing COVID-19 patients would not only prevent them from sharing their experience in the fight against the disease, but would scare people from seeking health care although they may not have the virus.

    Mr Laar noted that the coronavirus was real and advised members of the public to adhere to the precautionary protocols prescribed by health experts and government to protect themselves and curb the spread of the pandemic.

    He advised them to regularly wash their hands with soap under running water, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer, nose masks and practice social distancing to ensure safety and public health.

    While commending the Church of Pentecost for supporting the sensitization drive to demystify misconception and misinformation as well as adequately equip the people with needed knowledge, the Municipal Director called for collective efforts from all stakeholders to curb the spread of the virus.

    “Some people living within the Bawku Township still have doubts about the existence of COVID-19 in Ghana. According to them, COVID-19 is a political gimmick and does not exist. Such people want to see people with the sickness before they can believe,” he said.

    He said through effective collaboration with the Church of Pentecost, the NCCE was able to reach about 55 communities in the Municipality.

    Source: GNA

  • Coronavirus: Church goers have low risk of ‘despair-related’ deaths – Okoe-Boye

    It appears that people who religiously guide their lives stand a better chance of surviving the Coronavirus pandemic.

    Deputy Health Minister and Member of Parliament (MP) for Ledzokuku, Dr. Bernard Okoe-Boye disclosed on Peace FM’s ‘Kokrokoo’ that churchgoers have a low risk of death from despair-related diseases.

    According to him, churchgoers who strictly abide by the right teachings abstain from activities that may put their health at risk.

    Dr. Okoe Boye added that the church also provides psychological therapy to people.

    “People who attend church once a week, their risk of death from diseases of despair…there are three conditions; alcohol, drugs and suicide, they refer to it as despair-related deaths”.

    “Those who go to church, their risk from it is lowered by 68% in women and by 33% in men. It means even the church has a role to play when you have a situation where anxiety is rife,” he said.

    Source: Peace FM

  • PPE shortage hits Tamale coronavirus testing center

    Information reaching DGN Online indicates that the Tamale Covid-19 Center has ran short of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to facilitate the running of the facility.

    DGN Online understands that the facility might not work in the coming days due to limited PPE.

    The technicians need N95 among other materials during sorting and pooling.

    The testing center at the Tamale Teaching hospital serves the five Regions of the North and Bono region as well.

    The facility which started work about two weeks ago has received about 3,000 samples and run tests on 2,000 samples already with 600 being processed and about 400 samples on standby.

    The Head of the laboratory, Dr. Abass Abdul-Karim told journalists that the lack of PPE and motivation for staff members who work at the facility is affecting productivity.

    According to him, about 35 personnel in various teams have been working for so many hours without motivation.

    “Our efforts are being met with some challenges so far as our PPEs and logistics are concern and motivation for the staff who are doing the work,” he lamented.

    Dr. Abdul-Karim appealed to individuals , institutions and organizations to come to their aid of the facility.

    He however cautioned residents to take the issue of Covid-19 seriously adding that the virus is real and urged the public to adhere to all the health directives to prevent the spread of the virus.

    Responding to the shortage of PPEs at the testing center , the Northern Regional Health Director, Dr. John B. Eleeza, told DGN Online that a request has been made to the headquarters in Accra to supply them with PPE.

    “ I have received a complain about the lack of PPEs and hopefully when we receive some from Accra we will give them out, ”he said.

    Source: Daily Guide Network

  • 60-year-old becomes first coronavirus patient to die in Volta Region

    The Volta Region on Friday recorded its first COVID-19 death at the local Treatment Centre in Ho.

    The deceased, a 60-year-old woman, who returned from Accra two weeks ago, visited the Ho Teaching Hospital with difficulty in breathing, fever for three days and reduced level of consciousness.

    She was noticed to have been progressively getting weak prior to her presentation at the Teaching Hospital and passed on after five days on admission at the Regional COVID-19 Centre on May 14, 2020, at 1815 hours.

    Dr Archibald Yao Letsa, Volta Regional Minister, in a statement said the deceased was diabetic who had suffered a Cerebro-Vascular Accident (CVA) a few years ago.

    It said she had been previously reviewed at the National Cardio-Thoracic Centre where she was told the pacemaker was no longer effective.

    “On examination, she was febrile (40.0 °C), not pale and anicteric with a Glasgow Coma Score of 11/15. She had a respiratory rate of 28cpm with Bronchial Breath Sounds and coarse crepitations bilaterally.

    “Oxygen saturation was 86% on room air. The blood pressure was 100/70mmHg, Heart Sounds I &II heard with no other sounds. There was the residual weakness of the right upper and lower limbs,” the statement said.

    It said a preliminary diagnosis of severe pneumonia, Diabetes Mellitus type-2 and CVA with residual weakness was made to rule out COVID-19 but results received from the University of Health and Allied Sciences Laboratory for COVID-19 in three hours confirmed the deceased as positive for the disease.

    Dr Letsa said, “the patient was clinically managed in conformity with the established clinical protocols for the various disease conditions, psychosocial support given to the family of the confirmed case and all contacts and appropriate burial procedures currently underway”.

    The Regional Minister said 39 staff including 10 doctors, 28 nurses and an orderly were immediately quarantined as a precautionary measure after varying levels of exposure while contact identification, listing, tracing and testing was ongoing.

    He said the Emergency Unit of the Ho Teaching Hospital was evacuated and shut down for 24 hours for fumigation.

    Source: Daily Mail

  • Voters register: Nunoo-Mensah blasts ‘troublesome’ NDC

    Brigadier General Joseph Nunoo-Mensah, a former Chief of Defence Staff of the Ghana Armed Forces has chastised the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) for being ‘troublesome’.

    “The people have already intended to be troublesome and it’s bad; it’s sad,” he said in reaction to the hullabaloo surrounding a new voters’ register.

    The former National Security Advisor to the late Prof. John Evans Atta Mills was speaking in a one-on-one interview on Me Man Nti programme on Neat FM said there is no way President Akufo-Addo will do anything to jeopardize this country and that since he is the President, he should be allowed to make decisions in the interest of the country.

    “Akufo-Addo is not going to do anything which will harm Ghana . . . So why should the NDC fight him over a new voters’ register? I don’t think Akufo-Addo will intentionally do anything that will harm the country. Is he not a Ghanaian?”

    According to him, “compiling a new voters’ register should not be a source of tension”.

    “Why should I raise hell over a new voters’ register? We need to stop it. If you are a bad person, you suspect every other person is also bad . . . we should think Ghana first,” he added.

    Meanwhile, the largest opposition NDC has accused two bodies: National Identification Authority (NIA) and the Electoral Commission (EC) of conniving to disenfranchise Ghanaian youths all in a bid to rig the elections in favour of the ruling NPP government.

    EC’s Denial

    The Electoral Commission (EC) has denied claims by the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) that the Commission is plotting to rig the 2020 elections in favour of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).

    In a press statement signed by its acting Director of Public Affairs, Mrs Sylvia Annor, the EC described the allegations as a calculated attempt by the NDC to tarnish the image of the Commission.

    “It is impossible for the Commission to conspire with any political party or institution as is being speculated by Mr Ofosu-Ampofo and the NDC since the electoral process remains transparent at all levels,” the EC said.

    NIA not conspiring with EC

    The National Identification Authority (NIA) has reacted to the allegation by the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) that it was conspiring with the Electoral Commission (EC) to rig the 2020 general elections in favour of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

    The NIA in a press statement on Friday challenged the NDC to provide evidence to support the allegation.

    “NIA is not part of the election management architecture in Ghana. There is no conspiracy between NIA and EC to rig the 2020 elections. Election rigging is a serious criminal matter with dire political, economic and social consequences for any nation.

    “Any person, party or institution alleging such a criminal conspiracy has a duty to report same to the police and provide the requisite evidence to support investigations and/or prosecution,” the NIA said.

    Source: Peace FM

  • Foreign Affairs ministry donates coronavirus medical supplies to Ghana Health Service

    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration on Friday, May15 donated some medical supplies and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to the Ghana Health Service (GHS) to aid health workers in the fight against the Coronavirus pandemic.

    The items which were presented by the Deputy Minister Charles Owiredu, was facilitated by Ghana’s Mission in China with support from both the private and public sector in China.

    Charles Owiredu lauded the Ghanaian Embassy in China for taking up such an initiative to help the country to combat the Coronavirus which has halted the globe.

    “May I at this point, and on behalf of the honourable Foreign Minister, commend our Embassy in China for this laudable initiative and for facilitating the speedy arrival of these much needed medical supplies, which will no doubt go a long way to augment the efforts of governments to fight this pandemic.”

    “The Ministry, and that matter, the Government of Ghana, is sincerely grateful to all the Chinese companies that contributed to this donation. We are particularly grateful to Tianyun Manganese, the parent company of Ghana Manganese Company (GMC) for generously donating more than half of these medical supplies on display here today,” he stated in his address.

    The Minister also urged Ghanaians to continue to observe all the safety protocols put forward by the Ghana Health Service and the Ministry of Health.

    “Though the government continues to demonstrate its unwavering commitment in the fight against the pandemic, we all have a collective responsibility to ensure full control or total eradication of the virus. It is thus, vital that we continue to adhere strongly to the protocols of enhanced hygiene, social distancing, wearing face masks, among others, that have been put in place by the health professionals for our own safety.” Charles Owiredu concluded.

    The donated items include ventilators, KN95 and surgical nose masks, goggles, surgical gloves, isolation gowns, medical shoe covers, gun thermometers disinfectants, and wipes.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Residents of Tema bare teeth at GWCL over water shortage

    Some residents of Tema have bared their teeth at the Ghana Water Company Limited for making their taps run dry for four days.

    The Tema metropolis and its environs from Wednesday had interruptions in their water supply as the GWCL embarked on an unannounced emergency maintenance work schedule.

    The residents speaking to the Ghana News Agency, said the water shortage made it difficult for them to fully comply with the COVID-19 protocols, especially the handwashing under running water.

    They explained that due to the unavailability of water, some residents were resorting to collecting water from any available source for domestic use, a situation which could lead to spread of communicable diseases.

    According to them, they had exhausted the little water stored before the unannounced interruptions in water supply, indicating that they were now resorting to only the use of hand sanitizers which does not give full protection like hand washing.

    Mr Shadrach Tetteh, a resident of Tema Community Four, told the GNA that he did not have water to even bathe before going to work adding that if the taps were not opened by the close of day, it meant he would not be able to do proper bathing when he returned home, fearing that he could be exposing his family to any bacteria and possibly COVID-19 virus he might have had contact with.

    Mr Tetteh said “how do they expect us to practice the hand washing when they have closed the taps for the past four days without making provision for water tankers to provide water to us since they did not give us advance notice to enable us store enough water”.

    He added that the water shortage was so bad that he saw some residents of Tema Community One, drawing water from drains.

    Mr Lawer Turson Coffie, a septuagenarian resident of Tema Community Eight, told the Ghana News Agency that he did not have water at home, describing the situation as “frustrating” as he had to beg for water from neighbours.

    Mr Coffie appealed to the GWCL to urgently restore the flow of water or send tankers around as they embark on the maintenance works.

    Ms Rebeca Afari, a hairdresser and resident of Community One, Site One, said she could not fill her veronica bucket for hand washing, revealing that she had to buy three bags of water sachets daily for the family to bathe and cook with.

    Ms Afari said it was inappropriate for GWCL to embark on such an exercise without notice or provision of water for residents.

    Mr Sampson Ampah, Tema Regional Communication Manager of GWCL, apologized to residents for not giving them ample notice before the shutdown, explaining that it was due to the emergency nature of the works.

    Mr Ampah however indicated that the maintenance work had been completed but engineers of the company were undertaking an integrity test after which water supply would be fully restored.

    Source: GNA

  • 6 daring teenage thieves arrested in Upper West Region

    The Upper West Regional Police SWAT team last Sunday arrested five teenagers who stole some household items in Wapaani, Dobile and several other suburbs of Wa, capital of the Upper West Region.

    The teen suspects Richard Ababa- 17, a mason, Amemunu Musazu, 16, aluminum glass fabricator, Fuseini Haruna, 17, a student and Sita Rahinatu, 16 a student and Ibrahim Karim, a student stole expertly at night from their victims.

    Items retrieved from them included six (6) used home theaters, one (1) Strong decoder, found in a room at Wapaani, whilst one (1) 26 inches brand new flat screen television set.

    Preliminary investigations showed that the suspects began their illegal operation at about 11:50pm on May 10, 2020. They stole the items and succeeded in selling the television set to one Ibrahim Karim. But this was later retrieved when a tip off led to their arrest.

    The Upper West Regional Police Commander, DCOP Mr. Francis Aboagye Nyarko thanked the community for their cooperation leading to the arrest.

    Meanwhile the suspects are set to be processed for court.

    Source: My News GH

  • Internal analysis on benchmark discount policy was not approved by government – GRA

    The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has clarified an internal analysis on the benchmark value policy (discount policy) on import values was not approved by government thus the policy is inapplicable.

    According to a statement issued by the authority and copied to GhanaWeb said: “the Benchmark Value Policy (discount policy) continues to be implemented as originally announced by the Vice President, Dr Bawumia.”

    “That the said document with the list of items at both the heading and subheading levels of the HS code is an internal document analyzing the impact of the policy on our revenue collection with regards to those items as well as the impact on local industries, public health safety the environment,” the authority stated.

    The GRA however says it will continue to appreciate cooperation and support from the trading public and other stakeholders while urging them to assist the authority in its revenue mobilization efforts.

    Read the full statement below;

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

     

  • No new taxes on power consumption GRA clarifies

    The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has debunked allegations that it has tasked the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) to charge Value Added Tax (VAT) on domestic consumers despite government directive of absorbing the electricity tariff of Ghanaians for the next three months.

    According to the GRA, there is no decision of introducing 18 per cent tax on electricity power consumption amidst the fight against coronavirus.

    The Minority in Parliament at a press conference demanded the immediate withdrawal of over 18 per cent tax on electricity as it warns of dire consequences on domestic consumers.

    Their demand comes after the GRA tasked the ECG to charge VAT on domestic consumers. Until now, electricity for consumers has been zero-rated for VAT since 2001.

    Adam Mutawakilu, who addressed the media indicated that, this will make Ghanaians pay more for electricity.

    “It will deny you from the food that you buy because you have to do your scale of preference and consumers will be burdened the more…so this 50 per cent was just to deceive Ghanaians, so you gave it to Ghanaians with one hand and then you take it with another hand,” he said.

    But Florence Asante, assistant communications and public affairs commissioner, in a statement said, “the GRA does not seek to introduce any new or additional charges to be levied on energy and capacity charges.”

    She, however, blame the ECG of already charging VAT, NHIL and GETFund levy on the supply of electricity in excess of lifeline units.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Create platforms or dialogue in case coronavirus disrupts elections – Dr. Chambas

    The Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel, Dr Mohammed Ibn Chambas, has encouraged African nations to create platforms for dialogue and consensus-building in the event that coronavirus (COVID-19) disrupts already laid down schedules and calenders for elections in some countries on the continent.

    A number of African countries including Ghana are scheduled to go the polls.

    But with the coronavirus pandemic raging on across the continent, fears are that some nations may have to postpone their elections.

    While in some countries like Cote d’Ivoire it is clear that in the event that election cannot be held for power to be handed over to an elected president, the incumbent could remain in power until such time when there is an elected official, in other nations it is a matter of judicial interpretations, with Dr. Chambas saying the Supreme Court would be in a better position to make a case for Ghana when election cannot be held this year.

    Dr. Chambas made this known while addressing the Rotary Club of Accra, Airport on the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Africa and the world at large.

    Responding to a question on what should be the ideal mode of filling a likely ‘power vacuum’ to be created if elections cannot be held as planned and the tenure of incumbents expire, Dr Chambas in the virtual address strongly advocated for dialogues.

    He said the issue of possible elections disruptions have come up for discussion both at the UN and ECOWAS levels.

    He revealed that efforts were being made to encourage dialogue and consensus-building among political actors.

    On constitutional provisions for power transfer in Africa and how that may play out if elections are not held due to COVID-19, he stated that succession plans are in place in the case of Ghana and the Constitution makes provision for that.

    “In the case of Ghana, I think we have to go and look at the various provisions of succession in our constitution which I believe are there. So I will not put myself in the position of Supreme Court and pronounce how that will go.”

    “But I think in our jurisdiction also, a succession plan is there in event that election is not held,” he said.

    He expressed confidence that Ghana will continue to show leadership in the democratic space in the sub-region even in the face of the coronavirus pandemic.

    He said considerations should be made in terms of how all stakeholders can work together to ensure that Ghana continues to show leadership in Africa as far as democracy and elections are concerned.

    Source: Rotary Club of Accra

  • 21 Illegal migrants busted

    Vigilante Immigration officers at the Babile Inland post in the Upper West Region have intercepted 21 persons onboard a Benz sprinter bus with registration number AS 8400 13 from Lawra to Techiman.

    They are made up of 14 Ghanaians and 7 Burkina Faso nationals.

    The Ghanaians comprises of five male adults and seven female adults as well as two children. On the other hand, the Burkinabes comprises of two males and 2 females as well as three children. The ages range of all the 21 persons are between 3 and 46.

    Initial investigations indicated that their migration was for farming activities around Techiman and its environs.

    The Ghanaians were handed over to the health personnel for screening and further action while the other ECOWAS nationals were examined/screened by the health personnel and detained under monitoring pending repatriation back to Burkina Faso.

    Source: Kasapa FM

  • Coronavirus: Universities authorized to implement mode of assessment for students

    All academic boards of universities in Ghana have been given the authority to implement a suitable mode of assessment for their students following the outbreak of COVID-19 in the country.

    Ghana has so far recorded 5,530 cases of COVID-19, 674 recoveries and 24 deaths.

    The government has closed down all educational institutions across the country as part of efforts to prevent further spread of the disease.

    Universities and some educational institutions have, however, adopted e-learning to ensure that students still have access to uninterrupted studies.

    In a statement released by the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) on Thursday, 14 May 2020, following a second meeting with stakeholders, the union noted that on the assessment of students, “it was indicated that all university academic boards in the country have the authority to implement a suitable mode of assessment for their students.”

    However, “such mode of assessment must be negotiated with the student body of the university and must be fair to the entire student populace of that institution. A mode of assessment adopted for use must fall within the framework of the university and other laid down standards for which further clarifications can be obtained from the National Accreditation Board. It is, therefore, the prerogative of the various Student Representative bodies in the institutions to engage their university authorities on the mode of assessment.”

    Source: Class FM

  • Frontline health workers allowance not yet paid – Health Minister

    The Ministry of Health has confirmed that government is yet to pay the 50 percent allowance promised to healthline workers in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Health Minister Kwaku Agyeman Manu revealed this in a question posed to him following complaints by some workers at Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research.

    “This is an unfortunate situation. It looks like some wrong information has gotten to Noguchi and am sending my Chief Director there today to explain things further,” he told a journalist at Thursday’s media briefing.

    “So far this extra allowance the President announced to be paid to frontline health workers has not been paid to anybody. All the heads of the service providers namely the Ghana Health Service, Quasi Government Institutions, and Teaching hospitals CEO’s have all signed an arrangement that we should hesitate a little bit for them to dialogue with their workers until they come out with their own arrangement,” he added.

    According to the minister, Noguchi cannot be left out adding that they are adding clinical academic consultants, University Lecturers who are practicing, and veterinary officials who are helping with testing.

    “Noguchi staffs cannot be left behind, this is a battle that we are fighting together where lives are even more serious and exposure levels are high, so we will explain why certain things have not been done and the anomaly will be rectified,” the minister said.

    President Akuffo Addo last month announced some incentives to cushion frontline health workers including 50 percent allowance.

    COVID-19 cases

    Currently, Ghana’s case count has risen from 5, 408 to 5530 with recoveries also rising from 514 to 674 with the death toll still at 24 cases.

    Government in March imposed a two-week lockdown in Accra, Tema, Kumasi, and Obuasi for two weeks which was subsequently extended for another week.

    Although the lockdown has been lifted, the ban on public and social gathering has however been extended to 31st May.

    Source: Fred Dzakpata, Ghanaweb Contributor

  • Public office shall not be an avenue for enriching oneself – Akufo-Addo

    The President of the Republic His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo upon his investiture on the seat of government forewarned his appointees that public office under his watch shall not be a means of enriching pockets at the expense of the taxpayers. This meant a solemn commitment to guarding the nation against pilfering and thievery which the nation has suffered from for long years.

    The solemn commitment made gave the entire nation surety that previous officeholders who had misappropriated funds and caused the public purse to bleed would face the rigours of the law. Even though opposition and some public opinion leaders had doubted the President and his political will to convict, he has shown commitment through state prosecutors in a way that reimburses our stolen funds and toward deters persons with ill-intent from stealing from national coffers.

    This week saw three ex-officials prosecuted to the tune of 16years in jail for engaging in acts that cause financial loss to the state and amounts to thievery.

    This action leads many possible prosecutions that may unfold as time goes on. The President and the attorney general have stated that it takes time to call for justice in the rule of law but justice even if delayed will do its due course in cases where persons have been seen to have misconducted themselves with taxpayers funds.

    The approach and will of government to protect the public purse by chasing persons such as Opuni of COCOBOD and some other 30 or more persons is a tantamount to exhibition of the ordinary Ghanaian to demand accountability, probity and justice of public official.

    One Ghana, One movement to fight against this canker called corruption.

    God Bless His Excellency Nana Addo,
    God Bless the NPP,
    God Bless Ghana.

    …Signed…

    Nana Boateng
    NPP Germany Branch Communications Director.

     Source: NPP Germany

  • Work resumes on Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital’s abandoned 46-year-old maternity block

    Work on the Maternity and Children’s Block at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), which has been abandoned for 46-years has started.

    This comes after President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo cut the sod for work to commence on the project.

    The government procured €138 million in funding to complete the project.

    The almost 1000 bed maternity and child health block which started in 1974 was to help deal with the serious congestion on the existing facility.

    The project was initiated and started by the General Kutu Acheampong National Redemption Council’s (NRC) government and abandoned by successive governments.

    Source: pulse.com.gh

  • Former Chief Editor at GNA, Geoffrey Dabietey-Paresen passes on

    Geoffrey Dabietey-Paresen, a former Chief Editor of the Ghana News Agency (GNA), who was also the Akyeamehene of Mamfe-Akuapem in the Akuapem Traditional Area, has passed on.

    Widow, Caroline Janet Dadietey-Paresen who confirmed the death said he died at the Lekma Hospital Teshie, on Saturday, May 9.

    He was 84 years old.

    The Late Dabietey-Paresen, with the stool name Nana Opare Dabietey, joined the Ghana News Agency on January 2, 1958 and rose through the ranks to the Chief Editor position before his retirement on December 31, 1997.

    Due to his hard work, Management of the GNA offered him a two-year contract from January 1, 1998 to December 31, 1999.

    He was installed Akyeamehene of Mamfe-Akuapem in the Benkum Division of the Akuapem Traditional Area in January 1993, where he served until his demise.

    Burial and funeral details are yet to be announced.

    Meanwhile, news of his sudden death has been received with shock and sadness amidst tributes from journalists across the country and beyond.

    Some described the late Dabeitey-Paresen as a phenomenal person who devotedly mentored many young journalists with a great deal of passion and affability.

    He was praised for his patriotism, high regard for professionalism and ethics, as well as his rich sense of humour, which always served as a laudable asset for conflict resolution and peace building.

    Source: myjoyonline.com

  • Compensate us now or stop market construction Dodowa landowners fume

    The Dodowa Landowners Association has called on the Dodowa District Assembly to compensate them or stop construction works on the new Dodowa Market.

    According to the association, the Assembly has refused to compensate them.

    In a statement issued by the group on Thursday, 14 May 2020, the landowners said: “In 1993, the Dodowa District Assembly, led by Hon. Seth Kpabitey, approached the chief of Apperkon and proposed a stretch of land for the Dodowa market without any agreement. The said land is not a stool land but individual lands, so, the chief had to inform the landowners since they also wanted development, they agreed and released the land for the market.”

    “The land was not a virgin land, it had been developed with block factory, palm plantation, mango trees, vegetable farms” among others and when the term of office of “the DCE ended and Hon. E.T Mensah took over, the chief and the landowners did their best seeking compensation and agreement but nothing good came out.”

    The property owners said when a new DCE, Daniel Akuffo, resumed office in 2017, “the landowners approached him and he told us that he is chasing our money and would invite us when he finishes but up to now, we haven’t heard from him”, adding that nothing has been done about the situation.

    The association added: “We need our money or he [the DCE] should stop the construction of the new market.”

    Source: Class FM

  • NDC plans to murder Abronye DC, Kyei-Mensah and me – Kennedy Agyapong claims

    Assin Central Member of Parliament (MP), Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, has cautioned his fellow party members, Majority Leader and Member of Parliament (MP) for Suame, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu and NPP Bono Regional Chairman, Kwame Baffoe aka Abronye DC  to be very vigilante, as  some members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) are allegedly plotting their demise.

    Mr. Agyapong in a series of claims against the NDC said that, a group of body builders in Kumasi in the Ashanti Region have planned to kill Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu.

    “Kyei Mensah should listen very carefully, I have heard they have already started advertising that body builders are about to hold a conference advocating for peace in the Ashanti Region. It is a lie. the leaders are King George and one Ibrahim ,and they are want to invite Kyei-Mensah to be their chairman and so during one of their meetings they will start a fight and gun him down……”

    “….we are dealing with evil people. It came up during their first meeting, Kyei-Mensah, myself and Abronye DC, and it has come up again…. and so if you honor their invite, you are dead..,” he  said.

    He pointed out former Deputy Ashanti Regional Minister, Joseph YaminYamin as  leader of the said group  and dared him to deny that fact, threatening to provide minutes of the alleged meeting were all the scheming took place.

    Mr. Agyapong also said, the NDC plans on staging a road accident in killing Abronye DC and himself.

    …”they feel Aabronye and Kennedy will make them lose the elections and so they will use a Sprinter Bus to crash and kill him but they will have persons inside and they want to use the same method on me and blame it on Obinim’s curse…”

    Source: backend.theindependentghana.com

  • NDC plans to kidnap and kill diplomats to make government unpopular – Kennedy Agyapong alleges

    Member of Parliament (MP) for Assin Central, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong has alleged that some key members of the opposition, National Democratic Congress (NDC), have intended to assassinate several diplomats and expatriates as the 2020 general elections approaches.

    According to Mr. Agyapong, some members of the NDC are “willing to kill” to gain back the power they lost in 2016 .

    “NDC is so desperate to the extent they are willing to kill to gain power and this time not even Ghanaians, they want to kill expatriates… they will start killing diplomats, expatriates,” he said.

    Mr. Agyapong who has been ‘closely monitoring” the activities of the NDC addressed the President directly on the matter, advising close attention be given it, since the scheme is intended to present the current administration in a bad light to the rest of the world.

    “Let’s take some things very seriously. With all due respect, President Akufo-Addo should take this seriously, National Security should also take this seriously. Whatever I say about the NDC, they do it. I have been monitoring them, every two to three weeks, especially at Kumasi.

    “..Mahama has already made insinuations to that effect saying Ghana is not stable, and so they want to do this to confirm that indeed Ghana is not stable. And so they will start killing diplomats, expatriates. I am pleading with the President to make the National Security very vigilante on the matter and provide maximum security for these expatriates because they intend to use that to disgrace us.They will follow expatriates to their houses and kill them, to present it internationally that Ghana is not stable,” he added.

    Mr. Agyapong detailing the plot, said in some parts of Kumasi the plan is seemingly being executed through the incessant killing of foreigners under the pretext of robbery.

    “…that is what they are going to do and that is to kill people in a bid to incite fears of insecurity to disgrace the NPP. And so if you a foreigner living in Kumasi beef your security…. Their target is, if they should get about 28%-30% of Ashanti votes, they are likely to win the elections.”

    Mr. Agyapong has also alleged that the NDC has plans of using some Kumasi market security personnel to start fires in major markets in that enclave and are willing to pay any amount to get that done.

    He specifically pointed out former Deputy Ashanti Regional Minister, Joseph Yamin and some others as involved in the said plan and is appealing for their arrest.

    Source: backend.theindependentghana.com

  • Tension as developer invades community, destroys large acres of farms at Upper West Akyem

    There is escalating tension in some communities in the Upper West Akyem District of the Eastern Region over the destruction of farmlands in the area.

    The land developer has reportedly deployed armed land guards to the area unleashing terror on farmers who attempt to resist the grading of the lands.

    The Peasant farmers from about twenty(20) Communities on Wednesday, May 13, 2020 defied restriction on the public gathering by embarking on a protest.

    They were from farming communities such as Asuosu, Alafia, Kalape, Adiembra No. 1, and 2, Danso among others.

    According to the farmers, large tracts of farmlands have so far been destroyed by the developer.

    “We did not get any information all that we saw was a caterpillar and grader machines on our lands grading and destroying our lands. One person has taken just one day to destroy all that our grandfathers and ourselves laboured for. We have stayed on this land for over 200 years but this man is claiming the lands have been given to him by Okyenhene and even the President”

    “We are appealing to the President to intervene. They have unleashed land guards on us destroying our lands. They have destroyed all my crops”

    The aggrieved farmers say the incident will afflict hardship on them since farming is their only source of livelihood.

    The Chief of Asuasu, Osiahene Obiri Mantey who participated in the protest warned that residents may take the laws into their hands should the security fail to intervene to stop the developer from destroying their farmlands.

    Assembly Member for the Asuotwene Electoral Area, Raphael Beyuo lamented that the developer has taken land earmarked for construction of a school building.

    “We are told he is going to farm mango but look at how he is destroying our farms. Even school lands he has been graded. Government land cannot be taken like that, where will our children go to school in future. They came with land guards else we would have resisted them”

    The District Chief Executive, Eugene Sackey told the media that, he has summoned the developer to a meeting with opinion leaders in the affected communities to ensure due processes are followed.

    Source: Kasapa FM

  • Ban sprinter buses from embarking on long journeys MTTD chief

    Kibi Divisional Commander of Motor Traffic and Transport Department(MTTD) DSP Henry Agyemang has called for Mercedes Benz Sprinter commercial buses to be banned from embarking on long journeys.

    He made the comment while commenting on an accident that claimed the lives of Eight (8) persons on the Akyem Anyinasin stretch of the Accra to Kumasi Highway on Tuesday night.

    DSP Henry Agyemang explained that two Mercedes Sprinter vehicles were speeding from Accra direction towards Kumasi in the evening but upon reaching the section of the road bumped into a fully loaded Cargo truck which had developed a mechanical fault in the middle of the lane.

    The first driver of Sprinter Bus managed to drive past it but the second vehicle closely following the first Vehicle crushed into the Cargo truck with registration number, AS 5280 N which had the driver of the truck and a mechanic under it fixing the fault.

    He said, the Sprinter driver and three other passengers out of eleven (11) onboard died on the spot while the driver of the Truck who was helping a mechanic fix fault on his truck was killed.

    DSP Agyemang said, three (3) out of the other injured passengers rushed to Engresi Government Hospital died upon arrival. The deceased included the only female passenger who was in the Sprinter Bus.

    Two of the injured passengers are in critical condition but the passenger who was seated at the front of the Sprinter Bus has been treated and discharged helping police with the investigation into the cause of the accident.

    DSP Agyemang told Kasapa News Akwasi Nsiah that banning Sprinter buses will go a long way in reducing accidents on our highways as this brand of vehicle is one that is known to be mostly involved in accidents due to overspeeding by drivers.

    “Sprinter buses must be stopped from going on long journeys, they are the cause of most of the accidents on our highways. The drivers love to overspeed very carelessly most of the time and end up causing needless deaths. The way to go to reduce accidents is to ban this type of commercial vehicle from embarking on intercity travels.”

    Source: Kasapa FM

  • Akufo-Addo’s elephant-size government list continue to spiral Okudzeto Ablakwa

    The North Tongu Member of Parliament has joined calls for President Akufo-Addo to downsize his size of government owing to the state of the Ghanaian economy.

    “It is deeply worrying to observe that President Akufo-Addo cannot seem to help himself. Despite widespread public outrage over his penchant for an elephantine-sized government; the number of Presidential Staffers has increased from 28 in 2018 to 36 in 2019. Also, the list of junior political appointees has shot up from 254 in 2018 to 270 in 2019,” Ablakwa wrote in a Facebook post hours ago.

    His concern comes after the President submitted to Parliament, albeit belatedly the Annual Report on Presidential Office Staff for January to December 2019 as required by the Presidential Office Act, 1993 (Act 463).

    Commenting on the list, the North Tongu lawmaker contended that the advocacy to amend Act 463 to place a cap on the number of political appointees that should be appointed (311 out of a total staffing of 934) has become even more relevant now than ever.

    “Perhaps we should be asking President Akufo-Addo to help us better understand exactly what he meant by protecting the public purse,” he questioned

    Source: Kasapa FM

  • Galamsey: 1 dead, 14 arrested, 2 Toyota Land Cruiser vandalized in Ashanti region

    Fourteen(14) persons are in the grips of the Ashanti Regional Police Command for chasing some illegal miners from a mining site at Ntobroso in the Atwima Mponua District of the Ashanti region, resulting in the death of one.

    The group, who had stormed the mining town in two Toyota Prado Land Cruiser vehicles posing as a task force from the Minerals Commission are alleged to have been terrorizing and extorting money and gold from artisanal miners in that area for a long time, but luck eluded them on Wednesday.

    One illegal miner died when he fell and drowned in the Offin River while fleeing from the group who had stormed the mining site in their two vehicles clad in security accouterments and wielding guns.

    The deceased, popularly known as Nana Addo was a cobbler at Asuoyeboah, a suburb of the Kwadaso Municipality who had gone to the mining area in the company of other young men for greener pastures after he was unable to operate his shop during the 3 week lockdown on the Greater Kumasi Metropolitan Area.

    Speaking on Kumasi-based Angel FM on Thursday, Oboy Emma, a mobile phone seller at Adum Kumasi who was with the deceased hunting for gold when the group stormed the site said the disease fell in the river in his attempt to flee from the fierce group; they were two that jumped into the river but the other survived.

    Youth of the Ntobroso town barricaded the road and accosted the group when they tried fleeing after noticing the death of the young man; their two land cruisers were seized and vandalized.

    The District Chief Executive for Atwima Mponua, Hon Williams Darko said it took the intervention of the chief of Ntobroso to whisk the group of 14 into his palace for cover before the youth could lynch them.

    He indicated that they have been arrested, fourteen in all and handed over to the Ashanti Regional Police Command.

    Ashanti Regional Minister, Hon. Simon Osei Mensah says the matter is being investigated and whoever falls foul before the law would not be spared after it was suggested to him that the group had links to the government and the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

    Source: My News GH

  • Retailers asked to practice ‘First Expired First Out’ principle

    Mr Sabastian Mawuli Hotor, the Upper East Regional Director of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has advised retailers in the Region to practice good storage and stocking practices.

    He said such as practice known as “First Expired First Out (FEFO)” would be to rid the market of unwholesome products.

    He explained that products near expiration dates should be arranged in front of shelves while those with later dates of expiration be arranged behind to easily notice expired products for appropriate action.

    Mr Hotor gave the advice when he addressed the media at Pumpuugu, a community at Sherigu in the Bolgatanga Municipality after his outfit destroyed some unwholesome regulated products valued at an estimated cost of Gh¢ 203, 181.64.

    He urged members of the public to check for expiry dates and registration status of products before buying and insisted that regulated products be purchased from accredited and recognized sources to ensure the safety of members of the public.

    “Public health and safety is our prime objective, and our activities are always geared towards providing assurance of safe food, drugs, cosmetics, household chemicals, medical devices, and all other regulated products in Ghana,” he emphasized.

    Mr Hotor said the FDA during its routine Post Market Surveillance activities in the Region confiscated several unwholesome products such as food products and supplements, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, herbal medicines, and household chemicals from the market over the past one year.

    The Regional Director indicated that the purpose of the exercise was to rid the market of expired, counterfeit, contaminated, unregistered, and all other kinds of unwholesome regulated products on the market.

    He added that the exercise was to prevent the potential re-entry of those unwholesome regulated products into the supply chain, and said the disposal consignments were seized from provisions shops, Over the Counter Chemical shops, pharmacies, warehouses, herbal clinics, cosmetic shops and open markets across all 15 districts of the Region.

    Mr Hotor further called on members of the public to: “Report anybody selling expired, unregistered and unwholesome products to the FDA via the following media platforms; WhatsApp 0206973065, Facebook @ Food and Drugs Authority Ghana, Twitter @gh_fda, Instagram@ Food and Drugs Authority Ghana.”

    He said the FDA could also be contacted through the hotlines; 0299802932/0299802933 or SMS to 4015.

    The Director acknowledged the collaboration of the Environmental Protection Agency, the Environmental and Sanitation Agency, the Ghana Standards Authority, Ghana Police Service, the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority, Pharmacy Council, the Economic and Organised Crime Office, Ghana Health Service, the Ghana National Fire Service and other stakeholders who complement efforts of the FDA to execute its mandate.

    Mr Hotor urged the general public to continue to observe all protocols from the Ghana Health Service towards the prevention of the spread of COVID-19.

    Source: GNA

  • Coronavirus survivor calls for intensive public education

    Lack of accurate knowledge and information among rural communities on the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), has been the underlying cause of stigmatization against COVID-19 patients, especially those who have recovered.

    Madam Matilda Agamu, the 34-year old pregnant woman who had recovered from the disease in Bolgatanga in the Upper East Region said the unfortunate situation had created fear and panic among residents in the region and called for intensive education from all stakeholders to demystify the misconception. The young woman who has been battling stigmatization since her recovery a few weeks ago, made the appeal through the Ghana News Agency in Bolgatanga and pledged to be a COVID-19 ambassador against stigmatization.

    Madam Agamu was the first person to test positive for the virus in the region, however, even though she has fully recovered, her neighbours and friends avoid her and her family.

    Narrating what she went through, Madam Agamu said she visited the Upper East Regional hospital with her husband with complaints of sore throat, dry cough, difficulty in swallowing and vomiting, which the health workers suspected to be the virus. Her samples were taken for test, which turned out to be positive. She explained that although she did not feel so ill throughout her stay at the hospital, she was surprised the news got to the public domain and people begun to shun her even after she had recovered from the disease.

    “The day I was told I tested positive for the virus, I was not worried but I was surprised that people got to know about such a private health condition because I thought it would have been a secret”.

    Madam Agamu explained that even though she had recovered, people still did not believe that she was free of the virus and members of the community and market women stigmatized her and family, making her movement and economic activities difficult.

    She said she did not blame the actions of some members of the community because most people did not have much knowledge about the disease and so they were afraid.

    “I am not bothered because it is lack of understanding. They are not well enlightened about the disease. Whiles some are saying the sickness is not there, others too are saying it is real. Even some do not believe that I am negative, but because some of the community members see some dignitaries visiting me in my house, they are beginning to understand that it is safe to talk to me”.

    She expressed gratitude to all the institutions and individuals who had visited and counseled her and her family.

    Commenting on the issue of stigmatization, Mr Pontius Pilate Baba Apaabey, the Upper East Regional Director, NCCE, said it was equivalent to murder and gross violation of basic human rights and urged the public to desist from it.

    The Regional Director indicated that continuous stigmatization of persons tested positive for the virus and those who had recovered from it would not only hinder the fight against the spread of the virus but would make victims feel rejected.

    He called the citizenry to desist from the act and join the efforts to combat the spread of the disease.

    Source: GNA

  • Father who brutalized 3-year-old son granted GH¢30k bail

    The Kumasi Circuit Court 2 has granted a GH¢30,000 bail with three sureties to a man who inflicted deep wounds on his three-year-old son with a cane and wire.

    According to the judge on the case, a decision to remand the accused person would rather prove more harmful to the suspect due to the effects of the novel coronavirus pandemic.

    The father, Ebenezer Nana Bonsu, who was arrested by the police in the Ashanti regional capital, Kumasi, earlier in the week was reported to have vented his anger on his three-year-old son for being disobedient, wetting his bed and also being a financial burden to him.

    However, the 26-year-old man who appeared before court, Thursday, May 14, 2020, pleaded not guilty to charges of assault and causing harm. He told the court that his actions were but a way of instilling discipline in his son.

    The court presided over by Patricia Amponsah ruled that Ebenezer should stay away from the child until further notice.

    According to reports, however, family of the suspect indicated that their relative has been battling with mental health issues which they believe could have accounted for his unwarranted abuse on his son.

    Meanwhile, the social welfare department is set to foot the medical bills of the three-year-old boy who is currently nursing his wounds at the Manhyia Hospital in Kumasi and the case has been adjourned to May 21 2020.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Teenage convict who was rejected by prison authorities tests positive for coronavirus

    An 18-year-old boy who was convicted to 24 months in prison by a Tema TDC Magistrate Court for stealing has tested positive for the novel coronavirus.

    According to police in Tema who confirmed the incident to MyNewsGh.com, Nuhu Jaman was jailed by the court presided over by Her Lordship Akosua Anokyewaa for the offence of stealing contrary to section 124(1) of the criminal offences act 1960(Act 29).

    He was therefore sent to the Senior Correctional Centre in Mamobi in Accra but was rejected by the authorities on grounds that he must undergo a Coronavirus test before he could be admitted into the facility.

    On May 1, 2020, a sample of the convict was taken by a COVID-19 team but the results turned out to be positive.

    The District Police Command has since applied to the court for an order to release the convict prisoner to the District Health Directorate to be taken to an isolation centre.

    Source: My News GH

  • Fear grips Upper East Police as they await coronavirus results

    Aside from the seven police officers who were reported to have tested positive for Covid-19 in the Bolgatanga Municipality, many others in the region are sitting on tenterhooks as they await their Covid-19 test results.

    Over 100 police officers, who were identified to have come into contact with the seven police officers, have had their samples taken for testing during a contact tracing exercise, and the results are yet to be released.

    Another group of police officers drawn from the Bolgatanga Municipality, Nabdam, Talensi and Bolgatanga East districts, and members of the SWAT and Visibility Units have also had their samples taken.

    Some of the police officers are anxious and waiting eagerly to know their Covid-19 status.

    A few that spoke with DAILY GUIDE said their partners were equally apprehensive and would only be at ease after their results had been released.

    The Upper East Regional Police Commander, DCOP Ampofo Duku, had earlier confirmed the seven positive cases and admitted that the sense of fear among personnel could affect their morale.

    DCOP Duku said many of the results of the samples taken had not been released and they were psyching themselves up for the outcome.

    Meanwhile, the Regional Police Command has put in place strict precautionary measures across all police stations in the Upper East Region, including handwashing and mandatory wearing of face masks by all police officers, including members of the public that visit the police stations on a daily basis.

    Source: Daily Guide Network

  • Withdraw 18% tax on electricity now Minority to government

    The Minority in Parliament is demanding the immediate withdrawal of over 18 per cent tax on electricity as it warns of dire consequences on domestic consumers.

    Their demand comes after the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) tasked the ECG to charge Value Added Tax, (VAT) on domestic consumers.

    Until now, electricity for consumers has been zero-rated for VAT since 2001.

    Addressing the media in Parliament, the minority spokesperson on Mines and Energy, Adam Mutawakilu, accused the president of giving 50 perfect rebates to consumers with one hand and taking it back with another.

    The Damango MP warned that both consumers and ECG will be worse off with the move.

    “That means that you will pay more for electricity, it will deny you from the food that you buy because you have to do your scale of preference and consumers will be burdened the more…so this 50 per cent was just to deceive Ghanaians, so you gave it to Ghanaians with one hand and then you take it with another hand.”

    The decision to impose VAT on electricity for consumers comes a month after the President reduced electricity consumption by 50 per cent to commercial and domestic consumers and free lifeline consumers

    Source: Starr FM

  • Pregnant police woman battling for life after car crashes into police station

    A 38-year-old policewoman with an eight-month-old pregnancy narrowly escaped death after a Corolla salon car with the registration number GE 4883-18 ran into the Asiakwa police station in the East Akyem Municipality on Thursday morning.

    According to an eye-witness account, the pregnant policewoman, who is the In-Charge at the Asiakwa police station, got hurt after falling down as a result of the accident which occured at about 10am.

    She is currently receiving treatment at the Asiakwa Government Hospital.

    Information gathered from the Health officers indicates that the policewoman’s blood pressure shot high as a result of the impact of the crush on the police station building.

    The health officers assured that she was responding to treatment as an intensive monitoring on her health condition is being undertaken.

    The eye-witness said the driver also sustained degrees of injury on his chest and head and currently receiving treatment at the same hospital.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Corruption is now an ‘appetizer’ in Akufo-Addo’s government – NDC’s Eric Adjei

    Deputy Bono Regional Communications Officer for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Eric Adjei has said that corruption is now an appetizer for members of the ruling government.

    “It is sad that members of the ruling government have embraced corruption as an appetizer, all because their leader will vindicate them when the need arises,” he said.

    According to him they (NDC) made sure guilty individuals in their administration were prosecuted especially public appointees according to the rule of the law, but “members of the current government have given the go ahead by the President to be involved in scandalous actions, since he always comes in to clear his own of not being guilty whiles investigations surrounding corrupt practices are ongoing”.

    As a panelist on UTV’s ‘Adekye Nsroma’ newspaper discussion segment, the NDC Communicator blamed government for the increase in COVID-19 confirmed cases especially in Obuasi because “President Akufo-Addo lifted the partial lockdown ban based on political science findings and not medical science basis as claimed”.

    Eric Adjei urged Ghanaians to be vigilant on procedures taken by the EC towards he upcoming elections to prevent the nation from any destruction.

    Source: Peace FM

  • It’s undignified for Chiefs to owe allegiance to politicians & presidential candidates – Kweku Baako

    Abdul Malik Kweku Baako jnr has condemned the culture of Chiefs pledging their allegiance to political parties and Presidential candidates, stating emphatically that the practice is in contravention of Ghana’s constitution.

    According to Kweku Baako, he finds it difficult to comprehend why a traditional leader or Overlord of a community would throw his weight behind a political figure and solicit votes for the person.

    Making his submissions on Peace FM’s ‘Kokrokoo’ programme, Kweku Baako reminded Chiefs of their primary role in society.

    “A Chief can acknowledge provision of development projects by an administration or a President where his community are beneficiaries. That’s okay. It’s allowed but when you proceed beyond that premise, that framework and advocate political gain for that person, you’re wrong. Completely against the constitution!” he said.

    Alluding to the embarrassing comments made by Gbese Mantse, Nii Ayi Bonte II in 2016 that he will abdicate his throne should President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, then NPP Presidential candidate, win the general elections; Kweku Baako asked Chiefs to take a cue and refrain from dabbling in partisan politics.

    “It takes away some of the dignity of that institution and the individual sitting on that stool or skin. And in fact, it’s divisive; commonsensically, it’s divisive. When it comes to election matters, the Chief, you cannot purport to speak on behalf of your community relative to their choice,” he advised.

    Source: Peace FM

  • Cocoa Processing Company acquires additional plant to boost production

    Managing Director of the Cocoa Processing Company (CPC) Nana Agyenim-Boateng has announced that the government of Ghana has given the company $3million stimulus to expand its operation.

    He said the package is intended to help the company expand its operations to produce more products for the growing market.

    Mr Agyenim-Boateng told Alfred Ocansey on the Sunrise Show on TV3 Tuesday May 12 that the government extended this support to the company before the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic.

    “This is a time where the president is talking about value addition that is why he is pushing us with the support of the Minister of Food and Agriculture Dr Afryie Akoto. Now they have given us a stimulus package of 3million dollars, it came even before this COVID-19.”

    He added “Because we were getting on with the school feeding programme, by extension they have given us this stimulus package to open up to do more.

    “The package is opening additional plant for the powder section. What we have now, started being used from the Kwame Nkrumah time. Now with the increasing demand you need to do products which you can deliver to millions of people.”

    He added that the plan of CPC is to produce most of the cocoa products that are imported into the country

    “We got to the minister as to how we can use cashew and tiger nuts to make spread and almonds.

    “These are all products that, hitherto used to come from outside, but now, we do spread on your bread, on your almond locally,” he said.

    Source: laudbusiness.com

  • Anyone possessed by the ‘gods’ become deaf to good counsel – Allotey Jacobs

    NDC Former Central Regional Chairman, Allotey Jacobs on Wednesday, May 13, 2020, left listeners of Peace FM’s Morning Show ‘Kokrokoo’ stunned when he announced his exit from the programme as a result of his party’s threat to boycott the station.

    The production team, panel and listeners of the show could not believe their ears when Allotey Jacobs, who is formally introduced as a Social Commentator, reached a decision to pull out of the station’s political platforms and all radio political discussions in toto.

    Allotey was however downhearted that he had to make such considerations and citing reasons for his decision said in an interview with Kwami Sefa Kayi that some people have been so possessed by ”gods”, that they have become deaf to good counsel.

    Although he didn’t disclose names of the ”gods and their possessed objects”, he, however, gave a hint these characters are within his own party, the National Democratic Congress.

    ” . . you should know that whom the gods have possessed, they have no ears to listen neither an eye to see. I won’t confront those whom the gods have possessed,” he said.

    Allotey Jacobs said he won’t fight back the party’s decision resulting in the revocation of his membership.

    “If it is because of one man, a whole big political party in opposition will say they won’t come to Peace FM; then let me go back to the biblical saying that it is better to sacrifice one man than for a whole nation to perish,” he stated.

    Source: Peace FM

  • Do not kick against isolation centers in your communities Dr. Dacosta Aboagye

    The chairman of national risk communication and social mobilization committee for COVID-19 has pleaded with Ghanaians to accept isolation centers in their communities to protect themselves, families and entire community from COVID-19.

    Speaking to the media on Tuesday, 12th April 2012 after a press briefing , Dr. Da Costa Aboagye said the National Risk Communication and Social Mobilization team is working closely with the Ministry of Information and all regional and districts health directorates in collaboration with the ministry of local government and rural development, national commission for civic education(NCCE) , information services department and many non- governmental organizations to intensify public education and community engagement across the country.

    Dr Aboagye noted that aspects of the public education such as education on stigma, benefits of having isolation centers and preventive measures against the spread of COVID-19 are being carried out with emphasis on wearing of mask and social distancing.

    According to Dr. Dacosta, “it is very important for the isolation centers to be in the various communities so that we can isolate positive cases and offer the necessary treatment to avoid the spread of the infection.”

    Meanwhile security personnel are working with the leadership of the Obuasi community to calm residents down after residents protested against plans to establish an isolation center for COVID-19 patients in that part of the country.

    Dr Aboagye said, his outfit is working with the District Chief Executive (DCE) of Obuasi East, Ms Faustina Amissah, the Ghana Police Service, Regional and District Health directorates to support Obuasi residents to allow the ministry of health carry out its plan of establishing an isolation center in the community to help manage cases and halt further spread of the virus in that area.

    He further cautioned that rejecting the isolation centers only put residents, families, and community at risk of covid-19.

    Dr Aboagye pleaded with traditional leaders, heads of faith- based organizations and celebrities in the country to add their voices to the public campaign against stigmatization of person infected with COVID-19, rejection of isolation centers and to also promote preventive measures to mitigate the spread of the virus.

    Source: pulse.com.gh

  • Use Heritage Fund to support economy TUC

    The Trades Union Congress (TUC) has asked the government to inject about GHS18billion into the Ghanaian economy to save jobs following the coronavirus pandemic.

    The Head of Research at the TUC, Dr Kwabena Nyarko Otoo, said the TUC recognizes that the government finds itself in a difficult situation due to the impact of the COVID-19 on the economy.

    However, he said, the government can either print more money or borrow form the Ghana Heritage Fund (GHF) to support the economy at this moment.

    “Government can borrow from the Heritage Fund to support the economy,” he told Alfred Ocansey on the Sunrise show on 3FM Wednesday May 13.

    He added : “We went to borrow from the IMF with all the conditionality. If we were able to borrow from the IMF, it should be safer to ask government to borrow from the future. So that we replenish that fund when the COVID- storm is over.”

    It is recalled that moves by the Finance the government to touch the GHF to deal with the COVID-19 effect on the economy met opposition from some think tanks and civil society groups inducing the Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP), Civil Society Platform on Oil and Gas and others.

    The Finance Minister told Parliament on Monday March, 30, 2020.that the government planned to amend the Petroleum Revenue Management Act (PRMA) to enable it withdraw funds form the GHF to undertake emergency expenditures in periods of national emergency.

    He revealed that there is an estimated US$591.1 million in the Ghana Heritage Fund.

    He told Parliament that : “I will now update the House on measures Government is proposing to close the fiscal gap. Since we are faced with extraordinary circumstances which require extraordinary measures, we would like to propose the following measures for the consideration and support of the House:

    “Lower the cap on the Ghana Stabilisation Fund (GSF) from the current US$300 million to US$100 million in accordance with Section 23 (3) of the Petroleum Revenue Management Act (PRMA). This measure will enable the excess amount in the GSF account over the US$100 million cap to be transferred into the Contingency Fund, consistent with Section 23 (4) of the PRMA.

    “The amount transferred into the Contingency Fund will be used to fund the Coronavirus Alleviation Programme (CAP). Through this process, an estimated GH?1,250 million will be transferred into the Contingency Fund to Fund the CAP. Mr. Speaker, we therefore wish to seek approval from this August House for the Finance Minister to use the Funds which will be available in the Contingency Fund to fund the Coronavirus Alleviation Programme.

    “Arrange with BOG to defer interest payments on non-marketable instruments estimated at GH?1,222.8 million to 2022 and beyond;

    “Adjust expenditures on Goods & Services and Capex downwards by GH?1,248 million; Secure the World Bank DPO of GH?1,716 million; Secure the IMF Rapid Credit Facility of GH?3,145 million; Reduce the proportion of Net Carried and Participating Interest due GNPC from 30% to 15%;

    “Amend the PRMA to allow a withdrawal from the Ghana Heritage Fund to undertake emergency expenditures in periods of national emergency. There is an estimated US$591.1 million in the Ghana Heritage Fund.”

    Source: laudbusiness.com

  • Tema Motorway Interchange to be opened on Saturday, May 16

    The Ministry of Roads and Highways through the Ghana Highway Authority has announced that the newly constructed Tema Motorway Interchange will be opened on Saturday, May 16, 2020.

    “The Ministry of Roads and Highways, acting through the Ghana Highway Authority wishes to inform motorists and the general public that, the newly constructed Tema Motorway Grade Separated Interchange will be opened to traffic from Saturday, 16th May 2020,” the GHA said in a statement.

    The statement further noted that “directional animations which have been developed will subsequently be broadcast on all TV channels across the nation.”

    The ministry also urged that public and road users should adhere to road safety regulations, as well as respect all directional signage.

    The motorway was closed to traffic for construction works to be carried on the three-tier Tema Motorway Roundabout Interchange.

    The project had a June 6, 2020, deadline but it has been completed before the scheduled date.

    The Interchange is a $57 million project financed under a grant from the Japanese government through its agency, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

    Source: pulse.com.gh

  • Ghanas import records lowest inflation since August 2019 GGS

    The Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) has announced on Wednesday May 13 that the year-on-year inflation of imported goods was 4.9%, while the inflation of local goods was 13.1% on average.

    The GSS said this is the highest rate of local inflation and the lowest rate of imported goods inflation since the rebasing in August 2019.

    Month-on-month inflation for imported goods was 0%, while month-on-month inflation for local goods was 4.5%.

    The main contributor to local inflation was the inflation of locally produced foods, the GSS added.

    Regarding the national rate, the GSSS said inflation jumped from 7.8% in March 2020 to 10.6% in April 2020, an increase of 2.8%.

    The GSS blamed the upward trend on the partial lockdown of the Greater Accra, Greater Kumasi, Kasoa and Tema areas due to the coronavirus pandemic.

    This resulted in an increase in the price of some goods, mainly food items.

    The increase in inflation might compel the Monetary Policy Committee of the Bank of Ghana to keep the interest policy rate at 14.5%.

    According to the April 2020 data released today, Wednesday, 13 May 2020, month-on-month inflation between March 2020 and April 2020 was 3.2%.

    In the month of April 2020 alone, the general price level was 10.6% higher than April 2019.

    Food inflation was 14.4% while non-food inflation was 7.7%.

    Vegetables (37%) and fruits and nuts (20.5%) recorded the highest rate of inflation above the food inflation rate of 14.4%.

    According to the figures, inflation for locally produced items was 13.1%, while inflation for imported items was 4.9%.

    For the regions, Greater Accra, which was the hardest hit in terms of the partial lockdown, recorded the highest inflation rate of 15.1%.

    The Upper East Region registered a low inflation rate of 2.3%.

    Source: laudbusiness.com

  • Four arrested for dumping refuse along Madina-Aburi highway

    The La-Nkwantanang Madina Municipal Assembly (LaNMMA) Sanitation Task Force on Tuesday dawn arrested four people for dumping refuse along the Madina- Aburi Highway.

    They are; Joyce Stephen, 38, Elizabeth Tetteh, 55, Isaac Azawornu, 22, and Emmanuel Kpesese 34.

    The culprits were arrested between the Ritz Junction and Madina Redco areas during the exercise.

    Speaking to GNA, Mr Joseph Quacoe, the Municipal Environmental Health Officer of LaNMMA, said these persons were arrested for dumping refuse at unauthorized areas and would be processed for the sanitation courts.

    Mr Quacoe said the Assembly has a contract with Zoomlion under the sanitation improvement package where the shoulders and corridors of the roads are swept and the refuse collected every morning under the supervision of the Sanitation Unit of the Assembly.

    He said each time the area is cleared of refuse, you will find people collecting refuse from traders to dump at the areas where the refuse has just been cleared.

    Mr Quacoe said over the years, this has compounded their efforts and often contributes to various public health hazards.

    Several warnings and public announcements have been made in that regard, he said, but the practice has continued unabatedly, hence the current measures for the culprits to face the sanitation court.

    Source: GNA

  • Akufo-Addo sacks Tarkwa-Nsuam MCE

    President Akufo-Addo has terminated the appointment of the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of Tarkwa-Nsuam Municipal Assembly, Gilbert Ken Asmah with immediate effect.

    A source close to the Western Regional Coordinating Council (WRCC) told Takoradi-based Empire FM that the sacked MCE is alleged to have dabbled in chieftaincy matters, illegal mining (galamsey) and other intra-party conflicts in his constituency.

    Former Presiding Member for Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipality and a close ally of George Mireku Duker, Member of Parliament for the area, Benjamin Kessie is said to have been nominated by the President as the person to take over from Mr Asmah.

    Source: Starrfm.com.gh

  • Allotey Jacobs to retire from politics?

    Social Commentator and former Central Regional Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has hinted that he will sooner or later retire from politics.

    Allotey Jacobs annouced his ‘political retirement’ in an interview with host Kwami Sefa Kayi on Peace FM’s ‘Kokrokoo’ programme on Wednesday, May 13th, 2020.

    The NDC stalwart, obviously unhappy about the turn of events in his party, says he is undergoing a long period of introspection to know his next journey in life.

    The National Democratic Congress on Wednesday, 6th May, 2020 issued a statement suspending Allotey Jacobs from the party for showing signs of what it termed as ”persistent anti-party conduct”.

    The party noted that their decision was invoked during a national executive meeting.

    Although unperturbed by the party’s decision he said “whom the gods have possessed, they have no ears to listen neither an eye to see” to mean no matter what he does, there are characters in the party who won’t appreciate him or listen to good counse.

    Allotey Jacobs noted that he will make his suspension count well.

    “I will stay back, relax, after all so many years in politics and then to deliberate with myself as to whether I will retire from politics or whether I’ll continue,” he stressed.

    Source: Peace FM

  • Coronavirus pushes March inflation to 10.6%

    The Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) has announced on Wednesday May 13 that the year-on-year inflation jumped from 7.8% in March 2020 to 10.6% in April 2020, an increase of 2.8%.

    The GSS blamed the upward trend on the partial lockdown of the Greater Accra, Greater Kumasi, Kasoa and Tema areas due to the coronavirus pandemic.

    This resulted in an increase in the price of some goods, mainly food items.

    The increase in inflation might compel the Monetary Policy Committee of the Bank of Ghana to keep the interest policy rate at 14.5%.

    According to the April 2020 data released today, Wednesday, 13 May 2020, month-on-month inflation between March 2020 and April 2020 was 3.2%.

    In the month of April 2020 alone, the general price level was 10.6% higher than April 2019.

    Food inflation was 14.4% while non-food inflation was 7.7%.

    Vegetables (37%) and fruits and nuts (20.5%) recorded the highest rate of inflation above the food inflation rate of 14.4%.

    According to the figures, inflation for locally produced items was 13.1%, while inflation for imported items was 4.9%.

    For the regions, Greater Accra, which was the hardest hit in terms of the partial lockdown, recorded the highest inflation rate of 15.1%.

    The Upper East Region registered a low inflation rate of 2.3%.

    Source: laudbusiness.com

  • Coronavirus to slowdown Ghanas pharmaceutical growth Report

    The coronavirus pandemic poses risks to Ghana’s pharmaceutical market growth, according to Fitch Research.

    It said a prolonged disruption caused by the coronavirus pandemic in the pharmaceutical supply chains of Indian and Chinese drug makers could negatively impact medicine availability and affordability in Ghana.

    “Nevertheless, we still expect the country’s pharmaceutical market to post robust growth in the coming years mainly boosted by the ongoing roll-out of universal healthcare.

    “We expect pharmaceutical expenditure to post a 10-year compound annual growth rate of 11.4% and grow from GHS3.14 billion (US$585 million) in 2019 to GHS9.26 billion (US$1.55 billion) in 2029”, it said in its latest June 2020 West Africa Monitor Report.

    Cases of COVID-19, however, have remained low.

    The report said the government has taken proactive measures to limit the potential outbreak and impact on the healthcare system and the economy.

    Ghana had earlier set aside US$100 million to enhance its preparedness and response plans against the spread of the coronavirus.

    Furthermore, in March 2020, the country closed its borders to travellers from countries with more than 200 reported cases of COVID-19.

    Source: Class FM

  • Coronavirus: Operate but observe protocols GTA to restaurants, bars, hotels

    The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, has given the hospitality industry the green light to operate but under strict laid-down protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

    The directive from the GTA said all hotels can operate as normal and host their guests, subject to the specified elevated hygiene protocols and social distancing.

    Food chains and restaurants have also been permitted to operate sit-down as well as pick-up and delivery services while observing appropriate social distancing and hygiene protocols.

    All night clubs, however, are to remain closed.

    Drinking bars can operate while observing appropriate social distancing and hygiene protocols a statement from the GTA said.

    It added: “In all situations hospitality facilities should observe the staff place management and workplace protocols and precautionary measures on public gatherings with the view of achieving social distancing and hygiene protocols as spelt out in the Imposition of Restrictions (Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Pandemic) Instrument, 2020 (EI64).

    Source: Class FM

  • Coronavirus: Ghana Statistical Service reschedules 2020 census

    The 2020 housing and population census has been postponed by the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS).

    The decision was announced by Government Statistician Professor Samuel Annim at a press conference on Wednesday.

    “June 28, 2020, as the Census Night has been rescheduled”, Prof Annim told journalists, adding: “We need to put together over 75,000 enumerators and supervisors and train them”.

    In January this year, the GSS said the census, originally scheduled for March 2020, would delay by two months.

    The change in date, the GSS explained at the time, was anticipated following observations from the completed field census mapping exercise, which, it said, engendered the need to redesign the technological interventions required for complete coverage, enhanced accuracy and timely release of the census results.

    To this end, GSS urged its stakeholders, the media and the general public to maintain a positive engagement and participation in the preparation and implementation of the 2020 census activities, including sharing of the right information.

    Source: Class FM

  • Coronavirus provides opportunity to adopt relevant technology – Bawumia

    Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia says the COVID-19 pandemic should provide an opportunity for businesses and institutions to adopt relevant technology to improve service delivery.

    He said business would not be as usual after the pandemic and institutions have no option than to subscribe to digital technology for efficiency.

    Vice President Bawumia said this when he launched an Integrated ICT System for Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC) at the Jubilee House, in Accra.

    The ICT platform is an innovative solution to enhance transparency and accountability in the disbursement and recovery of loans. It would also address payment and settlement challenges as well as reach out to the wider unbanked population in the underserved communities.

    Also, challenges associated with loan applications and low loan recovery rate would be a thing of the past and improve access to the target beneficiaries such as small-and-medium scale businesses and associations.

    All beneficiaries are required to have MASLOC cards, Tax Identification Numbers(TIN) and digital addresses for easy tracking.

    He said technology formed an integral part of President Akufo-Addo’s government vision of digitising government machinery and enhancing public service delivery.

    He said it would propel the country’s agenda of building a digital economy and becoming the preferred business destination in Africa.

    Dr Bawumia said the global COVID-19 pandemic has reaffirmed the President’s belief that building a digital economy is the way to go and would be the catalyst for development after the pandemic.

    He said even before the emergence of COVID-19 pandemic, government has started implementing digital architecture to transform the economy and thus, mentioned the rolling out of the Mobile Money Payment Interoperability System, National Digital and Property Addressing System, QR Code, Instant Pay and Ghana Link as some of the platforms to digitise the economy.

    “I believe the ICT System will breathe fresh air of efficiency into the operations of MASLOC in terms of processing loans, increase access to products and services and reduce human interface.

    “This is a major transformation of MASLOC and it would bring a huge element of transparency and accountability,” the Vice President said.

    Consequently, the Centre would not give out loans based on one’s political affiliation, but to all qualified Ghanaians.

    Dr Bawumia was of the conviction that the IT solution would improve the confidence and give impetus to the Finance Minister to grant more liquidity for MASLOC’s operations.

    Mr Stephen Amoah, the Chief Executive Officer of MASLOC, said the Centre was established in 2006 to close the equity gap between SMEs and large businesses.

    He said the ICT platform would enhance efficiency in the operations and administration of loan disbursement and recovery, as well as protect the public purse.

    It would also be useful to the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies, NBSSI and other national financial institutions in disbursement of funds.

    The Centre, he said, has disbursed more than 115 million Ghana cedis to 97,195 beneficiaries over the past three years, compared to about 75 million Ghana cedis disbursed between 2009 and 2016.

    Mr Amoah said it has created 570 new jobs and opened 200 offices in rural areas. Also, it has established Internal Audit and Entity Tender Committee and Internal Audit Unit to enhance efficiency and transparency in its operations.

    The Centre, he said, would share its data with other universal banks and financial institutions to enhance loan disbursement to rural folks across the country.

    Currently, MASLOC has formed partnership with ARB Apex Bank to improve service delivery.

    Source: GNA

  • Todays newspapers front pages

  • No beds at Wa Hospital as mothers lie on floor with newborn babies

    Some Pregnant women and newborn mothers receiving care at the maternity ward of the Wa Municipal Hospital have expressed their disappointment over the lack of beds for some of them who visit the facility daily for healthcare.

    Some of the affected victims who were spotted by Starr News expressed with deep sorrow that they were admitted over three days ago and have since been sleeping on the floor with their newborn babies.

    They appealed to authorities of the facility to improve the situation of the maternity ward as it poses a health threat to mothers and their newborn babies.

    Responding to the situation of lack of beds at the maternity ward of the Wa Municipal hospital, the Administrator of the facility Sampson Abu admitted that the current situation of lack of beds at the maternity unit has been existing occasionally due to the increasing and decreasing numbers of pregnant women at the facility.

    The administrator of the Wa Municipal hospital, however, stated that since the establishment of the facility in 1919 it has not seen major facelift which has compounded the situation at the maternity ward due to human development in the municipality.

    He recommended to the government to build an ultra-modern maternity ward for the Wa Municipal hospital with recovery and lying-in unit to help reverse the difficulties pregnant women and newborn mothers go through at the facility, especially during the rainy season.

    Source: Starr FM