TIG Post

Author: Persis

  • BNI, CID foil coup plot on Jubilee House; three arrested

    A planned attack on the Jubilee House has been detected and foiled by a combined team of CID and BNI operatives, Government  reports

    The supposed attack was intended to destabilise the country, government said in a statement.

    The said operation, took place on Thursday, September 19, 2019.

    Blow by Blow account of how Alajo bombs and guns factory was raided

    The statement said three people including a gun manufacturer have been arrested in connection with the operation.

    Details of the statement from the Information Ministry, below

    On Friday, 20th September 2019, a joint security operation of personnel drawn from Defence Intelligence, CID and Bureau of National Investigations (BNI), conducted a successful operation which led to the arrest of three persons and the retrieval of several arms, explosive devices and ammunition from locations in Accra and Bawaleshie near Dodowa.

    2. The joint operation was to neutralize an elaborate plot targeted at the Presidency, and with the ultimate aim of destabilizing the country.

    The arrest and seizure come after fifteen (15) months of surveillance and gathering of evidence on the activities of the prime suspects and others.

    3. The persons arrested are Dr. Frederick Yao Mac-Palm and his two accomplices Mr. Ezor Kafui (a local weapon manufacturer) and Mr. Bright Allan Debrah Ofosu (aka BB or ADC).

    4. The following items were retrieved as part of the operation: a. Citadel Hospital (Alajo, Accra);

    Busted! Cache of arms retrieved from hospital

    5 x locally manufactured pistols with magazines fitted on.
    1 x foreign pistol (Reg. No. PX154006) with 2 X magazines.
    3 x locally manufactured pistol barrels.
    3 x smoke grenades.· 22 x Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).
    9 x 7.62mm NATO AK47 rounds.
    2 x AK47 magazines.· 1 x long Knife.

    The outlined plan for the operation presented by some soldiers at one of their meetings at Next-Door Resort. 7 x mobile phones.
    2 x IPADs
    2 x decoders
    1 x modem
    3 x tablets
    1 x Ghanaian passport
    2 x pen-drives
    1 x voice recorder
    1 x USB connector

    Machines and materials for manufacturing weapons and IEDs.

    b. Bawaleshie near Dodowa 63 x 9mm NATO rounds.

    5. Surveillance on the activities of the persons involved commenced in June 2018, when Dr. Mac-Palm and Bright Allan Debrah Ofosu (“BB” or “ADC”), started organizing a series of meetings at the Next-Door Beach Resort, in Teshie, and other locations in Accra, in furtherance of their objectives.

    6. Between June and August 2018, BB, acting for and on behalf of Dr. MacPalm, contacted a number of serving military personnel, and talked them into hatching and executing a plot to obtain weapons, take over key installations, and secure funding for the purpose of taking over the reins of government.
    These meetings were closely monitored.

    7. In August 2018, Dr. Mac-Palm and two others, Kennedy Amoah and Dr. Albert Sam (Based in the USA) formed a group called “Take Action Ghana” (TAG), under the guise of mobilising the youth for nation-building, education, health, and providing shelter to the needy. Evidence available shows the intent was to build a support base of youth, and radicalize them against the political authority in Ghana.

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    8. In furtherance of this scheme, Dr Mac-Palm contracted one Mr. Ezor from Alavanyo to produce locally made weapons and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) for the operation. In July 2019, Mr. Ezor set up a workshop in a container, originally used as an X-Ray laboratory, at the premises of Citadel Hospital, and started producing the weapons and IEDs in-house.

    9. On 10th September 2019, Dr. Mac-Palm and Mr. Ezor procured from the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, some essential chemicals to be mixed with gun powder, stone chippings, surgical needles and powdered pepper for their operations. He also contracted a worker at the Base Workshop in Burma Camp to supply 10 AK 47 riffles. He made an advance payment of GH¢7,000.00.

    10. On Thursday, 19th September 2019, at about 2300 hours, still under surveillance, Dr. Mac-Palm, Mr. Ezor, and one soldier went to an area close to the Laboma Beach to test fire some of the locally manufactured weapons.

    11. On the following day, 20th September 2019, between 0915 and 1755 hours, a team of security personnel undertook the operation which led to the arrest of Dr. Mac-Palm and his accomplices, and the subsequent retrieval of the items listed above.

    12. The IEDs and all the exhibits are currently in the custody of the BNI, whilst investigations are being carried out for further action. Meanwhile, the suspects are undergoing interrogation.

    13. State security agencies assure the general public that they remain vigilant, and will work to safeguard national security and public safety. The public is encouraged to remain calm and advised to provide information on any suspicious persons or activities to the police for necessary action.

    14. The Government of Ghana will also continue with efforts to provide the necessary logistics and motivation to the security agencies for intelligence gathering, capacity building and other operations, to protect the country from terrorism, subversive activities, and other violent crimes.

    Source: starrfm.com.gh

  • Burundi accuses Catholic bishops of spreading ‘hatred’

    Catholic bishops in Burundi came under fire from authorities for “spitting venomous hatred” over a message read out in churches denouncing intolerance and political violence in the run-up to elections next year.

    The message issued by the Conference of Catholic Bishops of Burundi and read out in churches on Sunday expressed their “concern” eight months before the May 20 presidential election, which comes five years after President Pierre Nkurunziza’s bid for a third term plunged the country into crisis.

    In the letter, seen by AFP news agency, the bishops raised the alarm over efforts to “suffocate and assault certain political parties and to persecute their members”.

    “Criminal acts go as far as murders with political motives … perpetuated against those with different opinions of the government,” it said.

    They also said the ruling party’s youth league – the feared Imbonerakure that the United Nations has accused of committing atrocities – had “taken the place of security forces”.

    Presidential spokesman Willy Nyamitwe lashed out at the bishops on Twitter after the message was leaked on social media before church services.

    “Some bishops should be defrocked because it is becoming a habit: on the eve of elections they spit their venomous hatred through incendiary messages”, he wrote on Sunday.

    The secretary-general of the ruling CNDD-FDD Evariste Ndayishimiye, meanwhile, accused the bishops of “sowing division”.

    “It is shameful to spread hatred among the faithful,” he told a political gathering.

    Murders, rape, disappearances

    A team of UN investigators earlier this month warned of a climate of fear in Burundi before the elections, with crimes against humanity and other serious violations continuing with impunity.

    “The commission found that the eight common risk factors for criminal atrocities are present in Burundi,” it said, insisting “the evolving situation must be monitored with the greatest vigilance”.

    The Imbonerakure especially have carried out killings, disappearances, arbitrary arrests and detentions, acts of torture and rape against actual or alleged political opposition members, investigators said.

    At least 1,200 people were killed in violence in the wake of the 2015 election and more than 400,000 displaced.

    In a surprise development, Nkurunziza announced in June last year he would not stand for election in 2020, confounding critics who accused him of working to extend his grip on power.

    Relations soured between the government of Nkurunziza, a devout evangelical, and the Catholic Church after it opposed his third-term bid in 2015.

    Source: aljazeera.com

  • Seven pupils die in Kenya classroom collapse

    Seven pupils have died after a classroom collapsed in Kenya’s capital, Nairobi.

    Police commander George Seda and the area’s MP, John Kiarie, confirmed the death toll after the structure at Precious Talent School – made of wood and corrugated iron sheet – collapsed on Monday morning.

    The school’s manager, Moses Wainaina Ndirangu, told Kenya’s Citizen TV that the structure had been weakened by the construction of a nearby sewer.

    He said around 800 pupils attended the school, but only 20 could be accounted for in an emergency roll call after the incident.

    Most pupils had ran into the neighbourhood of Dagoretti, in the west of the city, after the collapse, he said.

    A senior official in the education ministry, Belio Kipsang, has arrived at the scene.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Floods kill 7 children in Kumasi

    A total of seven children have lost their lives through flood-related incident within the past two weeks in Kumasi in the Ashanti Region.

    Three of them lost their lives exactly two weeks ago, and the remaining four perished when they were washed away in a stream at Breman on Saturday evening.

    Kwabena Nsenkyire, the Ashanti Regional Director of the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO), made the disclosure to DAILY GUIDE yesterday.

    Malawi floods kills 56, over 80,000 displaced as cyclone approaches

    Highlighting the latest four deaths, he said six children went to swim in a stream, which had overflowed its banks after a heavy downpour, at Breman on Saturday.

    Four of the children were suddenly swept away by the strong currents, while the remaining two managed to run to safety to tell what had happened. He mentioned the names of the dead children as Clinton Gyamasi, 9; Israel Asante, 9; Seth Owusu, 10; and Abedallah Osman, who is also 10 years old. According to him, the sad incident happened around 4:30 pm on Saturday but the bodies were eventually found around 11 pm after a wild search.

    He said the boys were rushed to the Tafo Government Hospital where they were pronounced dead on arrival. The bodies are currently in the morgue for autopsy.

    Mr. Nsenkyire also said three other children, who are also below 10 years old, had early on died through flooding in other parts of the city. He said Mercy Attah, 9, was washed away by floods at Anloga Junction; Augustine Antwi, 6, also died in a similar fashion at Kokoso and another boy died at Abuakwa.

    Red alert as flash floods kill six in south-west France«

    Kwabena Nsenkyire expressed disgust over the deaths and blamed the city authorities for the deaths, saying “all the playing grounds in the city have been sold to developers!”

    According to him, since there are no playing grounds for the children, they (children) are forced to visit streams to swim at their leisure time and some have resulted in deaths.

    Source: Dailyguidenetwork.com

  • NCCE renews effort to rein in corruption

    The chiefs and people of the Tafo Municipality in the Ashanti Region, have undergone a day’s training to build their capacity for active participation in the effort to stem corruption.

    The programme, sponsored by the European Union (EU), was held under the auspices of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE).

    “Corruption is a canker that needs not to be tolerated since it is a destroyer of any progressive society,” Mr Fred Obeng, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), said in his opening address at Tafo Mile Three.

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    He said the citizenry should strive to demonstrate patriotism in the on -going anti-corruption campaign.

    As responsible citizens, we are required not to condone practices that tend to dissipate our resources. We must be determined to protect the public purse at all times,” Mr Obeng said.

    He urged the people to support government to overcome the canker for sustainable development.

    Nana Agyin Frimpong, the Chief of Old Tafo, said there is the need for the people to expose corrupt practices in the society.

    They should not be afraid to name and shame those involved in the act to help deter other people from engaging in such practices.

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    Mr James Mensah, a Legal Officer of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), speaking on the ‘Anti-Corruption Rule of Law and Accountability Programme (ARAP) and Environmental Governance’, advised the people to be conversant with the relevant laws dealing with corruption in all its forms.

    Mr Saani Suraka, the Municipal NCCE Director, said the Commission was determined to whip up the enthusiasm of all to join the anti-corruption fight.

    It was for this reason that they were embarking on the nationwide education exercise to sensitize the masses on the dangers of the canker.
    Source: ghananewsagency.org

  • PHOTOS: People of Kyebi demonstrate against the NDC

    The Abuakwa Traditional Council has led a protest today, against the leadership of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for defaming their overlord Okyenhene.

    “Protest against the national leadership of the National Democratic Congress for the abusive and provocative statements made by Kwame Zu, Ashanti Regional Secretary of the National Democratic Congress,” a press statement released by the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council on 20th September 2019 said.

    The Ashanti Regional Secretary of the NDC, Kwame Zu, mentioned that the Okyehene competed with animals for water in unsafe sources until former President Mahama provided water for the people of Kyebi, the hometown of President Nana Akufo Addo.

    Kwame Zu’s comments sparked outrage in the traditional area of Kyebi, for this reason, the Okyehene and his people have gathered today, September 23, 2019, at the forecourt of the Ofori Panin Fie in Kyebi to demonstrate.

    Ghanaweb brings you photos from the demonstration:

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Asamoah Gyan lands in India to start career with NorthEast United FC

    Asamoah Gyan has arrived in India to begin his spell with Indian Super League side NorthEast United FC, GHANASoccernet.com can confirm.

    Gyan was spotted at the airport with Ghana’s High Commissioner to India Mike Ocquaye Jnr.

    The 33-year-old will be playing for his 11th club in his professional career.

    Asamoah Gyan set to join Indian Super League side NorthEast United

    Gyan, Ghana’s all-time top scorer, is a marquee signing for NorthEast United FC.

    He has played in three FIFA World Cup finals 2006, 2010 and 2014 and scored six goals which makes Gyan Africa’s top scorer in the history of the tournament.

    Gyan once featured for English Premier League side Sunderland and scored 11 goals in 36 appearances.

    Abedi Pele is the greatest Ghanaian player, says Asamoah Gyan

    He was loaned out to UAE outfit Al-Ain FC where he banged in 60 goals in 66 matches and won titles and personal accolades like the league’s top scorer.

    Gyan was also with Chinese Super League club Shanghai SIPG for a brief spell.

    He spent the two seasons at Turkish top-flight side Kayserispor where things did not go as planned due to injuries.

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • Amewu, others to speak at 3rd Oil & Gas Conference on Oct 10

    The 3rd annual African Oil & Gas Conference on Local Content Sustainability comes off on October 10, 2019, at Mövenpick Ambassador will be addressed by the Minister of Energy John Peter Amewu.

    This national, regional and international oil and gas industry local content experts will gather at the conference, for its third edition.

    The two-day event, which is under the theme, “Shaping the Future through Sustainable Local Content Policies

    Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) is the host National Oil Company (NOC) of ALC2019, which has been endorsed and supported by the Petroleum Commission, Ghana, the Africa Petroleum Producers Organisation (APPO), and the Ministry of Energy, Ghana.

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    ALC2019 is the third annual continent-wide policy response initiative and platform that brings together regional decision-makers and relevant stakeholders.

    The key objective is the promotion of increased local value addition and participation in the oil & gas industry supply chain, to achieve the transfer of skills, capacity building and economic development.

    The choice of Ghana was informed by the various policies and actions of the Ghana Government & Industry, to encourage local content development and participation of citizens in the oil and gas value chain, since the country joined the ranks of African oil producers. Professionals within and outside of Africa have been assembled to discuss various aspects of the theme.

    Some top personalities expected at the conference include Dr K.K. Sarpong, CEO, GNPC, Mahaman Laouan Gaya, Secretary-General, APPO, Egbert Faibille Jnr. CEO, Petroleum Commission, Ghana , Dr. Kwame Amoah Baah- Nuakoh, General Manager, Sustainability, GNPC , Dr. Lahra Liberti, Natural Resources for Development, OECD Ms. Yanchun Zhang, Chief, Commodity Policy Implementation UNCTAD, Kwaku Boateng, Director of Local Content, Petroleum Commission Ghana, Aphrodite ODDET, Head of Communications, SNPC, Congo, Karl NGAKAKALA, Head of Downstream, SNPC, Dr Benjamin Asante, Director, Petroleum Upstream, Ministry of Energy, Ghana.

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    ALC2019 will feature a technical exhibition alongside the main conference and will gather national, regional and international stakeholders from both public and private sectors, including government representatives, development partners, international & national oil companies, service providers and decision-makers from the industry among others.

    The event is a high-level policy dialogue and professional networking forum for key stakeholders in the African and international oil and gas industry, focusing on the sustainability of local content regulatory and institutional frameworks and policies that have so far been implemented by African Oil & Gas Producing Countries to enable and advance local economic development and national industry participation.

    ALC2019 will promote knowledge exchange and showcase the best practical solutions for sustainable national industry participation and domestic value addition through local enterprise, contractor and supplier value chain development.

    It will also explore opportunities for collaboration in regional local content for the development of regional supply chain within the oil and gas value chain in Africa.

    Peter Amewu brings artificial turf to Hohoe Sports Stadium

    The success of the first two editions in Luanda, Angola, has made ALC2019 a must-attend for industry stakeholders, who want to keep abreast of local content policies and opportunities in Africa

    The conference will feature a technical exhibition alongside the main conference and will gather national, regional and international stakeholders from both public and private sectors, including government representatives, development partners, international & national oil companies, service providers and decision-makers from the industry among others.

    The event is a high-level policy dialogue and professional networking forum for key stakeholders in the African and international oil and gas industry, focusing on the sustainability of local content regulatory and institutional frameworks and policies that have so far been implemented by African Oil & Gas Producing Countries to enable and advance local economic development and national industry participation.

    ALC2019 which is sponsored by the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation will promote knowledge exchange and showcase the best practical solutions for sustainable national industry participation and domestic value addition through local enterprise, contractor and supplier value chain development.

    Source: Myjoyonline.com

  • Ghanaians urged to venture into coconut production

    The Eastern Regional Minister has called on Ghanaians to venture into coconut farming to tap into the numerous opportunities presented by the tree crop.

    Eric Kwakye Darfour asked chiefs to support the growing of coconuts by making land available to individuals who would take up the challenge towards increasing the acreage of crop in the country.

    He made the call over the weekend when he declared September 21 as the International Coconut Day after a health walk from Ayimensah to Kitase ahead of the International Coconut Festival to be held in Accra from September 24 to 26.

    $2.8bn revenue estimated for economy from coconut industry

    The Coconut Festival, to be held under the theme: “Promoting Export Diversification through a Robust Ghanaian Coconut Industry”, is being organised by the Africa Coconut Group the Ghana Chapter with support from the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), the Ghana Free Zones Authority, and the Hortifresh Fruits and Vegetable West Africa.

    The Regional Minister said: “We want everybody to go into coconut production and that is why we have GEPA and other stakeholders supporting us”.

    He said cocoa is a product that has carried Ghana so far but the benefits that could be derived from coconut was much more as it had multiples of opportunities, noting that it was a tree that grows well everywhere particularly in the tropics.

    Mr Darfour said coconut was a very important tree crop that could give the country a lot of revenue but over the years, citizens have only used it as an ornamental tree, adding that, he personally had about 30 coconut trees, which fetched him more than GHC500 on monthly basis.

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    Apart from the monetary value, he said, research has proven that coconut had a lot minerals packed in them to boost the health of consumers, noting that coconut had become a very important tree crop globally and so venturing into it would be extremely profitable.

    Mr Davis Korboe, the Chairman of the Ghana Chapter of the Africa Coconut Group, said the proliferation of the coconut business was an opportunity for graduates who have been unemployed to take advantage of to change their stories.

    He said it has been made known that coconut could grow effectively everywhere and that there was the need for many more Ghanaians to venture into the production of coconut on a large scale to help rake in a lot foreign exchange through its exports.

    Madam Ruth Maafo, the Acting Director of Public Relations at GEPA, said the Authority has noted the number of opportunities in the coconut value chain.

    She said the Authority was proud to be a partner to the Africa Coconut Group because apart from the health and wealth benefits, people have been using coconut for furniture and all forms of handicrafts, lotions, skin care products among many others.

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    She urged the youth to venture into the new opportunity, adding that, GEPA was excited to diversify the products and services that Ghanaians make and export.

    She said the Authority is willing to provide support for individuals willing to venture into the coconut value chain saying: “We are ready to support anyone who wants to go into the business of coconut”.

    Mr Godwin Delali Ahiafor, the Chairman of the Eastern Regional branch of the Coconut Association of Ghana, said coconut could do well everywhere oil palm, cassava and other crops could grow, hence the need for everybody to take advantage of the opportunity.

    He said after growing the coconut, you would only have to nurture for three years, after which you would begin to harvest and make your money, adding that, he already had 1,700 coconut trees and was hoping to have 3,000 trees planted by next year.

    Source: ghananewsagency.org

  • Bank of Ghana cracks whip on pricing in dollars

    The Bank of Ghana (BoG) is taking steps to stem the dollarisation of the Ghanaian economy by enforcing laws that bar the pricing of goods and services in American dollars and other foreign currencies.

    The dollarisation of the economy has contributed to the perrenial unfavourable fluctuation of the cedi and its attendant effect on inflation and cost of living.

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    But a team from the Other Financial Institutions Supervision Department of the BoG is moving to prevent individuals and institutions from pricing in dollars.

    The planned nationwide campaign is to ensure that goods sold in the country are priced only in cedi.

    The team has been descending on institutions such as hotels, motor dealers, real estate firms, among others, warning them to desist from pricing in dollars or face the full rigours of the law. The law state that anyone found culpable will face prison terms of not more than 18 months or 700 of penalty points or both.

    The move by the Central Bank is seen by many as a strategic one that will prevent a number of institutions and individuals from desisting in pricing in dollars.

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    Adjoa Takyiwaah, Head of Forex Bureau, said the Bank will first seek to caution the firms but will sanction them later if they continue to flout the Foreign Exchange Act.

    “We are going to caution them, we are going to educate them that as part of our enforcement exercise we need to get everyone involved to understand that there is a directive that is asking them not to price in any other currency apart from the cedi. In the event that they do, the penalty will take place; for now, it’s just a caution and education for the general public know that there is something in that directive.”

    According to the BoG, the Foreign Exchange Act 2006, Act 723, prohibits pricing, advertising or receipt for payment of goods and services in foreign currency in Ghana. The sole legal tender in Ghana is the cedi and the pesewa.

    Source: thefinderonline.com

  • Lovely photos of Majid’s last two daughters surfaces online

    Actor and recently ordained pastor, Majid Michel is known in the showbiz industry for his sweet faces and fine looks.

    It is an open secret that the actor is married to his childhood sweetheart Virna, with whom he has pretty little girls.

    The actor and his wife aside making their first daughter Keira Michel known in the popular Gino family-themed advert, have managed to keep the rest of their daughters away from social media.

    YEN.com.gh has however sighted a rare photograph of Majid Michels, third and fourth daughters, who are really as lovely, sweet and good looking as their parents.

    It is known that the two oldest daughters are called Zara and Kiera Michel. The names of the last two girls has not been revealed yet.

    Source: yen.com.gh

  • Establish a free healthcare policy for children with complex health needs Special needs mom

    Deborah Mangortey, mother of a child with Down syndrome, has called on the government to establish a free health care policy for children with complex health needs for the first five years of their lives.

    She said a free health care policy will ensure that such children get all the necessary assessments and therapy recommendations and help the children get early intervention services

    “Parents of children with complex health needs and disabilities are already burdened by the huge financial commitments that comes along with nurturing them, the system also puts stumbling blocks in the way of parents,” she said

    Ms Mangortey made the call at the Special Needs Parenting Summit, a forum that brought together parents of children with Special Needs to dialogue on how they can make inputs into national policies.

    She also advised parents to avail themselves for research purposes and share their stories publicly since that would help make systemic changes.

    “Be interested in research and data collection, share your stories and make yourselves visible,” Ms Mangortey said, adding that disability was part of life and there is the need for parents of children with disabilities to make themselves visible.

    The Special Needs Parenting Summit is aimed at amplifying the voice of parents of children with Special Needs in the formulation of national policies.

    Mrs Serwaa Quaynor, mother of a man with autism; Mrs Mary Kuffuor, mother of a teenager with autism; Mrs Justina Yiadom Boakye, mother of a child with Osteogenesis Imperfecta; Mrs Lydia Bedwei, mother of a woman with cerebral palsy; and Madam Agnes Teiko Nyemi-Tei, mother of a girl with Down Syndrome; shared their success stories and called for unity and collaboration among parents to enable them make the needed impact in policy decisions

    Madam Alice Appiah, Chairperson of the Gender Committee of the Ghana Federation of Disability Organizations (GFD) guest Speaker for the occasion, urged the mothers saying “some problems create opportunities for us”

    She used the opportunity to educate parents of children with disabilities on the role of the GFD

    Mrs Hannah Awadzi, Founder and Executive Director of the Special Mothers Project, said following the summit, a communique will be sent to the relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies to inform their policy formulation on children with Special Needs.

    The Special Mothers Project provides an online platform for parents of children with Special Needs to share ideas and experiences, network and engage in peer counselling.

    Source: ghananewsagency.org

  • University of Ghana Medical Centre to offer life support training

    The University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) has opened a centre to train healthcare and non-healthcare professionals on how to provide basic life support services.

    The centre will focus on building the capacity of health professionals and non-health professionals on first aid for cardiac arrest.

    Known as the Simulation and Training Centre, located on the University of Ghana Medical Centre premises, the centre has the aim of equipping every Ghanaian with the skills to resuscitate a person who suffers cardiac arrest.

    The maiden training exercise started from Tuesday, September 17, and will end today, September 20, 2019, with over 300 participants attending free of charge.

    The Director of the UGMC Medical Training and Simulation Centre, Prof. Aaron Lawson, stated at the start of the training that it was important to provide trainees with skills to help revive or resuscitate a person who experiences cardiac arrest.

    The skills

    He added that the trainees “could help anytime, especially in times of emergency.”

    Prof. Lawson stated that the trainees would be taken through Emergency Cardiovascular Care (ECC) and Cardio-Pulmonary resuscitation (CPR), which combines chest compressions with artificial ventilation in an effort to pump or restore blood circulation and breathing in a person who is in a cardiac arrest mode.

    “If someone collapses from cardiac arrest and the heart stops beating and the lungs also stop expanding and retracting, something needs to be done to revive the heart because when the heart stops, the lack of oxygenated blood can cause brain damage in only a few minutes,” he explained.

    Prof. Lawson further indicated that the intention was to give the basic training so that people would help sustain any state of emergency while they sought for advanced life support.

    Who qualifies?

    Prof. Lawson noted that everyone was qualified to take the training at a fee.

    “It will be useful for everyone to know the basic life support skills involved in resuscitating someone who has collapsed from cardiac arrest,” he stated.

    He added that the free training was organised by the centre in collaboration with Emergency and Critical Care Network, Health Solutions International Inc. and Africa Resuscitation Initiative and the training was based on the curriculum of the American Heart Association (AHA).

    The participants who took part in the training included staff of the UGMC, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH), University of Ghana Dental School Clinic and others across other health facilities in the Greater Accra Region.

    They will be certified by the AHA instructors.

    “Cardiac arrest is dangerous”

    At the opening of the fourday training in Accra last Wednesday, the Head of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the KBTH, Dr Christian Owoo, said cardiac arrest was killing more people than infectious diseases.

    He stated that death from cardiac arrest could be prevented if the person received first aid, which is the resuscitation process to stabilise the condition before heading to the hospital for an advanced team to take over.

    “It is for this reason that this training is very important so that individuals can have an idea of how to revive people who get heart attack. We expect that once the training has gone down well, the death toll associated with cardiac arrest will reduce,” he said.

    Source: Graphic.com.gh

  • Reports on sacked hijabbed national service personnel false SSNIT

    Management of the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) has described reports that its outfit has sacked a national service personnel over her refusal to take off a hijab at work as false, ABC News can report.

    A statement authored by the Corporate Affairs office of SSNIT sighted by ABC News says there is no truth in the said reportage. Adding that SSNIT offers all people equal opportunities.

    “SSNIT therefore wishes to inform its cherished members and the general public.

    Muslim group threatens court action against SSNIT over anti-hijab posture

    that there is no truth whatsoever in the said publications. It is worthy of note that SSNIT is a law abiding corporate institution and a place of equal opportunity for all,” the statement noted.

    The statement adds, “The Trust would like to state further that in all instances, allegations of illegality against its staff shall be duly investigated and appropriate actions taken.”

    An Islamic Non-Governmental Organisation, MUYAD Social Service, earlier this week petitioned the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) over complaints it received about an alleged incident in which a national service personnel was turned away because of her hijab.

    The victim, Rabiatu Mohammed, explained that she reported on September 1, 2019 to the Tarkwa branch of SSNIT where she had been posted to do her national service but was asked by the HR Manager to remove her hijab upon arrival or pursue her national service elsewhere.

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    The petition, dated September 16, 2019 and signed by the Executive Director, Adnan Adams Mohammed, said the act is an affront to the constitution that gives room for people to belong to religious groups of their choice.

    “We see this act as an affront to Article 21(1) (c) of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, which allows every citizen to observe and manifest their religion in the country. We do not want to believe that SSNIT bans all forms of religious expressions, including prayer at management and board meetings at its offices,” the statement said.

    Source: abcnewsgh.com

  • Government to clear quack doctors in the health sector Deputy Health Minister

    Deputy Health Minister, Alex Kodwo Kom Abban, has noted that, his outfit is ready to take action against unlicensed persons who have invaded the health delivery system, particularly the laboratory and imaging.

    Calling on the entire health council to join in fighting the menace, he said, “the council should collaborate with health facilities regulatory agency, HIFA and the security agencies to monitor all facilities and clear all quacks from the system”.

    Addressing newly inducted Applied Health professionals in Accra on Thursday, Mr. Abban stated that “these quack doctors are causing great harm to the unsuspecting population and the ministry cannot allow this to continue any longer”.

    He further said, most ultrasound reports from these quack doctors are extremely dangerous to the health delivery system and the society at large.

    “The provision of quality health care which is patient-centred is one of the outmost priorities of this government. Achieving UHC target must however be seen as the responsibility of every stakeholder in the country to ensure the delivery of quality healthcare for the citizens of Ghana”.

    In this regard, he urged all agencies of the Ministry of Health, as well as the Private Health facilities to ensure that, only qualified and licensed allied health practitioners are employed.

    The Deputy Health Minister said, “these quacks are causing great harm to the unsuspecting population and the ministry cannot allow this to continue any longer. In this regard, I urge all agencies of the ministry of health and private health facilities to ensure that only qualified and licensed allied health practitioners are employed.

    According to him, “It is important that appropriate sanctions as provided for in the Health professions regulatory bodies act 857 of 2013 are applied to institutions which continue to employ such unqualified people and thereby infringe on the law”.

    Mr. Abban, however, urged the 1130 inductees to accept their postings, even if they were posted to rural and deprived communities to serve.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • AGI rubbishes claims of 51% shares in PDS

    The Association of Ghana Industries has rubbished media reports indicating that they have 51% shares in the Power Distribution Service (PDS) concession agreement which has been diverted to Enterprise Group.

    According to a statement copied to GhanaWeb and signed by Mr Seth Twum-Akwaboah, AGI stated that they were part of the initial stakeholder engagements over the concession agreement but their discussions focused on Private Sector Participation (PSP) and the need to ensure local content in the concession agreement.

    PDS has no money; not qualified to hold concession Bentil

    “We are therefore not aware of any diversion of shares due AGI to the Enterprise Group as reported,” the statement reads.

    Read full statement below

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Antidepressant works ‘by reducing anxiety symptoms first’

    A commonly-prescribed antidepressant reduces anxiety first and has a smaller effect on depressive symptoms weeks later, a study suggests.

    Researchers at University College London said it made people feel better but worked in unexpected ways.

    Their trial involved 653 UK patients, half of whom were given sertraline and the other half a placebo (dummy pill).

    Psychiatrists say the findings are reassuring for doctors and patients, confirming the benefits of treatment.

    Antidepressants are one of the most commonly-prescribed medications in the UK and concerns have often been raised that too many are being given to patients.
    Sertraline, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), is one of the most common drugs used to treat symptoms of depression and anxiety.

    But scientists still have little idea of how these kind of drugs work.

    Quick improvements

    In this study, published in The Lancet Psychiatry journal, patients with mild to severe depressive symptoms, or anxiety, or a mix of both, were selected from 179 GP surgeries in the UK and enrolled on the trial.

    In all cases, GPs were not sure whether to prescribe an antidepressant.

    After six weeks, the patients taking sertraline reported a 21% greater improvement in anxiety symptoms – such as feeling worried, nervous and irritable – compared to the control group taking a dummy pill. After 12 weeks, the gap was 23%.

    But there was little evidence of the drug reducing depressive symptoms, such as poor concentration, low mood and lack of enjoyment after six weeks – and only marginal improvements (13%) after 12 weeks.

    Nonetheless, the group taking antidepressants were twice as likely as the other trial participants to say their mental health felt better overall.

    “It appears that people taking the drug are feeling less anxious, so they feel better overall, even if their depressive symptoms were less affected,” said lead study author Dr Gemma Lewis, from UCL.

    She said the findings suggest sertraline and similar antidepressants are being used correctly by GPs – and more patients with mild to moderate symptoms could benefit from them.

    Unexpected finding

    Prof Glyn Lewis, also part of the study, said he was surprised by the results of the trial.

    “They [antidepressants] work, just in a different way than we had expected,” he said.

    “We definitely need better treatments for depression, and more research, but they are effective drugs.”

    The study found there was also little evidence of side-effects in the group taking sertraline.

    Antidepressants such as sertraline work by increasing levels of serotonin in the brain.

    Dr Sameer Jauhar, honorary consultant psychiatrist from King’s College London, said the trial’s positive findings probably reflected why GPs prescribe antidepressants.

    But he said they were not relevant to people with major depression.

    “It is not surprising that depressive symptoms did not improve to a great extent, given that only half the people had a diagnosis of depression.”

    ‘Not for everyone’

    Prof Wendy Burn, president of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, said the findings would be “reassuring for both doctors and patients”.

    But she added: “It also shows that antidepressants are not the solution for everyone and reinforces the importance of combining them with other options, such as talking therapies and social prescribing.”

    Prof Helen Stokes-Lampard, chair of the Royal College of GPs, said antidepressants worked best “when taken for significant periods of time, which is one reason why doctors will often review patients after several weeks of use and then prescribe a fairly long course of the drugs, if they appear to be beneficial”.

    “This study gives an interesting insight into how a medication primarily used to treat depression may be improving a patients’ health in other ways in the shorter term, by reducing symptoms of anxiety, which is often associated with depression.”

    Previous research found that all antidepressants were more effective at reducing symptoms of acute depression than dummy pills, but it was not based on patients’ individual views of how they felt.

    The trial is the largest placebo-controlled trial of an antidepressant which has not been funded by the pharmaceutical industry, the UCL researchers said.

    Source: bbc.com

  • StarTimes pledges to support agriculture transformation in Africa

    Chinese electronics and media firm StarTimes has pledged to make its strong presence in Africa to support the transformation of agriculture on the continent.

    Zhang Junqi, the chief executive officer (CEO) of StarTimes Nigeria, said that the pay-tv company would do this through the use of its digital platform to support information dissemination together with the help of satellite TV devices from “Ten thousand Village Project”.

    ICC on StarTimes: Premier League rivals clash in China

    Ten thousand Village Project, as one of the “Ten Major China-Africa Cooperation Plans”, is announced by Xi Jinxing, the president of China, At the Johannesburg Summit of FOCAC in 2015. As the contractor, StarTimes will complete this pan Africa project at the end of 2019 and 10,112 villages will have access to solar-powered satellite TV service.

    In doing this, he said StarTimes would replicate the situation in China where agriculture had been developing very fast, with dedicated television channels of agriculture, teaching farmers how to grow food and other crops to improve their productivity.

    “StarTimes will be ready to introduce this kind of content and channels to educate farmers and small households in Africa, especially in rural areas. By this, we can build the bridge between China and African agriculture,” Zhang said.

    Zhang was in Ghana to attend the four-day African Green Revolution Forum (AGRF) in Accra where he was a panelist on one of the sessions on agriculture digitization.

    StarTimes has established offices in 35 countries with full operations in 16 of them, where they serve more than 10 million subscribers, most of whom in rural areas.

    StarTimes launches first ever obstacle course competition

    “One of the visions of StarTimes is that we want to ensure that we help reach every African family to have access to the network to enjoy the digital revolution,” he said.

    The CEO expressed confidence that the efforts of StarTimes would create access to digital terrestrial content in rural areas across Africa.

    “This is why StarTimes platforms and channels produce and provide content that is suitable for most of the rural communities, including farmers and African families,” Zhang said.

    “At StarTimes group, we are not targeting only the upper-class, but also the medium and lower class, so the contents on the platforms are also localized to suit the taste of local people.”

    Source: StarTimes

  • Groupe Nduom ordered to correct suit against Receiver

    The vacation judge sitting at the Commercial Divison of the Accra High Court has ordered lawyer of Groupe Ndoum to properly serve the new owner of GN Savings and Loans.

    The court also directed the applicants to correct their suit which was directed at Eric Nana Nipa, the receiver to read GN Savings and Loans in Receivership.

    Groupe Nduom consolidates; Nduom still in charge

    Justice George Koomson said it was improper for the applicants to sue the director of the receivership but rather it should be in the name of the company.

    Justice Koomson also asked the applicants to properly served the receiver when it emerged that, one Maxwell Nketia, a secretary who works with Groupe Ndoum was instead served rather than the receiver.

    Lawyer Philip Addison, representing the receiver told the court that the said Maxwell Nketia a secretary who works with Groupe Ndoum has nothing to do with the receiver.

    Finance Ministry confirms over ¢30m indebtedness to Groupe Nduom

    The court however granted to the applicant to correct the description of the receiver (GN Savings and Loans in receivership) instead of Eric nana Nipa.

    The case has been adjourned to Sept 24.

    Source: kasapafmonline.com

  • Police found sperms in J.B. Danquah Adus boxers after his death – Kennedy Agyapong reveals

    After the death of the former Member of Parliament for Abuakwa North, Joseph Boakye Danquah Adu, there have been various accounts of how he was killed and many have linked individuals within his party, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) to his murder.

    One individual whose name has been mentioned by many is the MP for Assin Central, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong. The Legislator has also come out to deny these allegations levelled against but has given a different twist to the whole case based on video footages captured by CCTV cameras close to the MPs residence.

    Kennedy Agyapong exposes Kevin Taylor before Ghanaians in Germany

    According to Mr Agyapong, the police found traces of semen in the boxer shorts late MPs wore to bed the night he was murdered.

    He said, the CCTV video footage indicated that the late MP was stabbed 15 times and might have released sperms into his shorts.

    “There are two theories to this, either the robbers pounced on the MP and he was startled or the MP was having sex with a lady, hence the sperms in his boxer shorts,” he explained.

    Mr Agyapong later accused the ruling New Patriotic Party of doing a disservice to the memory of the late MP because he was called to the office of the National Security which is close to the Conference Center to shut him up.

    NDC parliamentary aspirant vows to unseat Kennedy Agyapong

    “I was told by the National Security officials to shut up for the information I am bringing out is very dangerous but they are doing their own investigations and bringing the case to a logical conclusion…..This is one and a half years and you guys have not done anything,” he fumed.

    The late Abuakwa North MP, J.B. Danquah Adu, was stabbed to death at his residence in Accra on February 9, 2016.

    Police investigations have led to the arrest Daniel Asiedu and Vincent Bossu who are currently standing trial in court.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • 4 burnt beyond recognition in ghastly car crash

    Four people have been burnt to death following an accident at Yapei in the Savanna Region.

    The deceased, three males and one female, were occupants of a Toyota Matrix vehicle, which was travelling from Kumasi to the Northern Region.

    The saloon car with registration number GE 4126 11 is said to have run into the tipper truck which was travelling to Yapei from Tamale at about 1 pm on Wednesday, September 18, 2019, on the Yapei Bridge, reports Class FM.

    Ahafo NPP chairman killed in car crash

    An eyewitness, Latif Aiddi Atingpo, told the Accra based radio station that the Toyota Matrix was speeding.

    He said the driver of the truck and his assistant fled from their vehicle and left it in the middle of the road upon realising how fast the Matrix was approaching them.

    He said the driver of the Toyota Matrix, who appeared to have lost control of the wheel, and was unable to apply the brakes, smashed into the tipper truck.

    Fire is said to have instantaneously engulfed the two vehicles and burnt all four occupants in the Toyota Matrix along with the car itself even before personnel of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) arrived to douse the blaze.

    3 DCEs in critical condition after car crash

    “Four people were in the Toyota Matrix and they all lost their lives. They were burnt to ashes,” the witness narrated.

    He said the traumatised driver of the truck and his assistant collapsed out of shock.

    They were later revived after some eyewitnesses poured water on them.

    Source: classfmonline.com

  • Ghanas provisional GDP grows 5.7 per cent in Q2

    The provisional Gross Domestic Product grew 5.7 per cent year-on-year compared to the 5.4 per cent recorded in 2018 with oil and gas a major contributor.

    Non-Oil Gross Domestic Product for the second quarter of 2019 was down at 4.3 per cent compared to 5 per cent in the same period of last year.

    According to the Ghana Statistical Service, the main growth drivers for the performance from April to June 2019 were Information and Communication, Mining and Quarrying, Health and Social Work and Real Estate.

    Government eyes domestic tourism to boost revenue

    The Services sector recorded the highest growth of 6.5 per cent, industry followed with 6.1 per cent, while Agric posted a 3.1 per cent growth rate.

    Under the services sector, Information and Communication sub-sector increased from 14.6 per cent in quarter two of 2018 to 52 .8 per cent in the second quarter of 2019.

    It was followed by Real Estate, which recorded a 14.9 per cent jump in growth, recovering from its 0.8 per cent contraction in the second quarter in 2018.

    Education had 8.9 per cent and Hotel and Restaurant had 6.6 per cent.
    Finance and Insurance recorded 1.4 per cent growth while Public, Administration and Defense, social sector fell by 2.8 per cent.

    On the industry sector, Mining and Quarrying sub-sector slowed to 14.0 per cent in the second quarter of 2019 compared to 24.7 per cent in 2018.

    The Health and Social Work sub-sector also slowed to 10.3 per cent in the first quarter of 2019 from 26.8 per cent in 2018.

    Government urged increase funds for Science and Technology

    Construction declined by 8.3 per cent, Water Supply, Sewerage, Waste management and remediation was down by 7.9 per cent. Electricity also went down by 7.5 per cent.

    Livestock 5.7 growth pushed the overall growth of the Agric Sector, while crops increase by 4 per cent. However, Forestry was down by 6.5 per cent, while fishing also declined by 2.1 per cent.

    The Services sector had a share of 49.1 per cent.

    Source: ghananewsagency.org

  • Less than 1% of FDI stakeholders concerned about SSNIT benefits Report

    A research report by the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), the World Economic Forum and CUTS Ghana, has indicated that most stakeholders in FDI inflows into Ghana do not see the payment of their Social Security and National Investment Trust (SSNIT) contributions by foreign companies as an important benefit of such investment inflows, despite their seeing job creation as the most important benefit of FDI.

    SSNIT pays GHC1.7 billion to pensioners as at July 2019

    The document seeks to identify the biggest benefits that foreign direct investments (FDIs) create and its possible contributions to sustainable development.

    The most important development benefits that stakeholders identified from FDIs include job creation, identified by 86 percent of respondents, followed by skills enhancement (68 percent).

    However, less than one percent of stakeholders surveyed do not consider the social security contributions paid by foreign direct investors on behalf of their employees as being a significant benefit.

    Though the report did not state why most stakeholders are not interested in the payment of their social security by investors, the phenomenon could partly be attributed to the high unemployment level, and how securing a job could actually be much more highly valued than the payment of SSNIT benefits.

    SSNIT to cease lump sum pension payments from 2020 Employment Minister

    Apart from the lack of interest in social security, the report also recorded minimal developmental benefits of the human resource potentials of employees and resettlement compensation for families affected by the setting up of companies that drive in FDIs.

    Meanwhile, other benefits including export of finished goods, legal compliance fair wages among others, rank high on the chart.

    Source: goldstreetbusiness.com

  • Takoradi girls are alive; bring them back Concerned Mothers claim

    The Concerned Mothers Association of Ghana believes the four missing Takoradi girls are alive and that the police should do their best to bring them back.

    In an interview with Nana Kwabena Addo monitored by MyNewsGh.com, the convener Mrs. Josephine Amo said there is no evidence that shows that the girls are truly dead and therefore insist they are still alive.

    All set for Takoradi edition of Area Codes Jam

    Mrs. Josephine added that, maybe the police are tired of searching for the girls and this is the only way to put the case to sleep, if that is not so then they should continue their search because the girls are still alive.

    The acting Inspector-General of Police, James Oppong Boanuh, on Monday confirmed that results of DNA tests conducted on some human parts exhumed in a house in Takoradi are that of the four missing girls.

    Police have nothing to hide in Takoradi girls case Dr. Afoakwa

    A special police operation led to the discovery and exhumation of the bodies of the four missing Takoradi girls at Kasawrodo in the Western region, in August this year.

    Source: ghananewsagency.org

  • Police find dead body in River Oti

    A decomposing body of an unidentified man has been found floating on River Oti at Monkratey in the Krachi East Municipality of the Oti Region.

    It is not clear whether the deceased got drowned accidentally or was killed and thrown into the River.

    Bridge brings relief to residents of Kasena-Nankana; curbs drownings

    A joint team of the Police and the Municipal Environmental Health Officials, however, retrieved the body at shore of Monkratey and buried it.

    Police Superintendent Samuel Aboagye of Dambai District police command, told Ghana News Agency (GNA), that the body decomposed beyond identification and therefore could not be sent to mortuary for autopsy.

    US immigration: Drowning exposes risks of illegal crossing

    Mr Aboagye said the Police had commenced investigations to unravel the cause of his death.

    He urged the public to assist the Police and promptly report any missing person to them.

    Source: Ghananewsagency.org

  • Citizens of 167 countries live in Ghana – NIA

    Data compiled by the Foreigner Identification Management Systems (FIMS), a private partner of the National Identification Authority (NIA) registering foreigners legally resident in Ghana, has issued ID cards to foreigners of 167 different nationalities.

    22,393 Foreigners issued ID cards

    Between January and August 2019, the Foreigner Identification Management Systems has issued cards to 22,393 foreigners resident in Ghana.

    NIA cautions banks against rejecting the Ghana Card

    It comprises 15,679 foreign residents who have renewed their ID cards and 6,714 fresh applicants who were also issued ID cards.

    Foreigners are required to renew their ID cards each.

    Consequently, the Foreigner Identification Management Systems has embarked on a mass registration exercise from September 9, and will end October 31, 2019.

    The exercise is taking place at the Accra International Conference Centre.

    Foreigners need the ID card to apply for a resident’s permit. Registration of foreigners for ID cards started in the year 2012.

    Providing further details, Head of Corporate Affairs of the NIA, Assistant Comptroller of Immigration (ACI) Francis Palmdeti told The Finder that 15,679 foreigners legally resident in Ghana have renewed their foreigners’ ID cards between January and August 2019.

    NIA cautions banks against rejecting the Ghana Card

    He explained that the number of ID card renewals during the same period for previous years are 2016 – 14,303; 2017 15,621; 2018 16,320; and 2019 15,679.

    During the same period, he said 6,714 first-time applications by foreigners legally resident in Ghana were also processed and cards issued to applicants.

    According to him, the number of cards issued to foreigners between January and August in previous years are 2016 8,886; 2017 9,082; 2018 8,277; and 2019 6714.

    6,022 Chinese issued ID cards

    ACI Palmdeti, revealed that 6,022 Chinese citizens have been issued foreigners’ identification cards, which is the highest on the list.

    3,434 Indians issued ID cards

    He added that Indians emerged second highest with 3,434 citizens resident in Ghana who have been issued foreigners’ identification cards.

    1,617 Nigerians issued ID cards

    He noted that the number of Nigerians who have been issued foreigners ID cards amounted to 1,617.

    1,153 Americans issued ID cards

    The Head of Corporate Affairs of the NIA stated that a total of 1,153 citizens of the United States of America have been issued foreigners’ identification cards.

    Other nationalities in top 10 countries

    ACI Palmdeti gave the breakdown of the other countries that constitute the top as Lebanon 579, United Kingdom 532, South Africa 458, Germany 383, Philippines 399, and France 300.

    375,000 Registered legal permanent residents

    There are about 375,000 registered legal permanent residents in Ghana, as well as foreign workers and students.

    Source: thefinderonline.com

  • Takoradi girls: A more experienced forensic opinion needed Professor Akosa

    A former Director-General of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Professor Agyeman Badu Akosa, is the latest to have added his voice to calls for another forensic opinion in the case of the missing Takoradi girls, ABC News can report.

    Professor Akosa says a more experienced forensic opinion is required to authenticate the outcome of the DNA test conducted by the police.

    The Police confirmed the death of Ruth Abakah, Priscilla Kuranchie, Ruth Love Quayson and Priscilla Blessing Bentum after a DNA examination conducted on some skulls found in a septic tank at the residence of one of the suspects turned out to be positive.

    Where from these bones? Families of Takoradi missing girls question DNA results

    According to the results delivered by the Acting IGP, the skulls and other human remains retrieved over a month ago by the forensic team of the Ghana Police Service at the hideout of the prime suspect, Samuel Udoetuk Wills are that of the missing girls.

    But speaking on the issue on Accra based Citi FM Tuesday, Prof. Badu Akosa, who is also a pathologist, said he was not convinced by the latest developments.

    “I believe sincerely that this forensic evidence should be subjected to a more experienced opinion. I do not know the forensic scientist who performed this test but I believe that there are so many disjointed things in this discussion that I want a second opinion on this report. That is the only thing that will tie the ends of the case”, he opined.


    He also expressed his disappointment over the way the police service handled the matter describing it as alarming.

    “Clearly, these girls were abducted on different dates and as far as I am concerned even if it was the same team doing the work, it tells us there is virtually no proper police investigation in this country,” he said.

    “I find it a little disconcerting especially that people could be abducted from different sites and at one point all the evidence point to the fact that they were in Nigeria and at another, they were all brought to one place,” he added.

    Takoradi girls: Tiwaa told us kidnappers were demanding a ransom Family claims

    He further intimated that because the body remains are the most important evidence at hand, there is a need for a more experienced forensic examination.

    “As far as I am concerned, I will not rest. To begin to think that at the end of the day, we have all this evidence, including the most important evidence at the fore now, which is the DNA evidence from the body parts of these girls, I think more needs to be done,” he said.

    Source: abcnewsgh.com

  • SSNIT sacks national service personnel with hijab

    MUYAD Social Service, an Islamic Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) has petitioned the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) over complaints it received about an alleged incident in which a national service personnel was turned away because of her hijab.

    The victim, Rabiatu Mohammed, explained that she reported on 1 September 2019 to the Tarkwa branch of SSNIT where she had been posted to do her national service but was asked by the HR Manager to remove her hijab upon arrival or pursue her national service elsewhere.

    Muslim group threatens court action against SSNIT over anti-hijab posture

    The petition, dated 16 September 2019 and signed by the Executive Director, Adnan Adams Mohammed, said: “According to one of the affected national service persons, Miss Rabiatu Mohammed, she was denied the opportunity to undertake her mandatory national service because she was requested by your officials to choose between undertaking her national service at SSNIT without her hijab or undertaking her national service elsewhere if she insists on wearing her hijab.

    “We see this act as an affront to Article 21(1) (c) of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, which allows every citizen to observe and manifest their religion in the country. We do not want to believe that SSNIT bans all forms of religious expressions, including prayer at management and board meetings at its offices”.

    The NGO is, therefore, calling on the hierarchy at SSNIT to put in measures to prevent any discriminatory acts, especially against Muslims.

    Below is the petition:

  • Xenophobic attack: All perpetrators will be brought to book – SA Envoy to Ghanaians

    The Minister of state at the office of the South African President, Jeffery Thanmsanqa Radebe has assured Ghanaians of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s commitment to deal ruthlessly with all those involved for the recent xenophobic attacks against some three Ghanaians in South Africa.

    South Africa apologises to Nigeria over xenophobic attacks

    The Minister said this when he addressed the media at the information ministry shortly after leading a South African delegation to pay a courtesy call on President Akufo-Addo at the jubilee house.

    According to him, President Cyril Ramaphosa has reiterated that his country is willing to let peace prevail and will ensure that the recent xenophobic bout where three Ghanaians are part of those injured will never occur again.

    Xenophobic attacks: Ghanaian footballer reportedly shot in South Africa

    “The rule of law must prevail and justice must be done so that all perpetrators must be brought to book,” he promised.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • The Africa Professionals Awards, the Girl Child edition slated for October 11, 2019

    The Africa Professionals Awards (APA) was founded by three women namely Miriam Osei – Agyemang, an Award winning media personality and Co-founder of Readbook lib.Gh, Elizabeth Amoaa the founder of Special lady Awareness, a foundation she established following a challenging health journey and Maame Adjoa Cann an Award Winning TV Producer Director, Radio Content Producer who doubles as the Executive director for both Mcphet Star Academy and Icann Brands Events and innovations.

    Deposit Protection Scheme to come into effect from October

    As we approach the international day of the girl child we officially introduce and launch this campaign The Africa Professionals Awards the girl child edition. It is slated for 11th of October 2019 at the Accra girls Senior high school.

    Elizabeth, Miriam and Maame are all advocates pursuing different agendas that affect young people positively. Thus, they sought to combat the challenges students from 1st cycle, second and third cycle institutions face when it came to future career directions.

    They all agreed that the most important day on the calendar to empower Young girls would be the 11th of Oct 2019. The rationale is to create a platform that bring girls and their role models face to face for a mentorship and an Awards ceremony to mark the international day of the girl child.

    This they believe will prepare the minds of young people for their selected professions and also empower them for a brighter, better and a more prepared future. These role models will be mentors and honorees on this special day.

    Ghana FA presidential and executive council elections fixed for 25 October

    The mentors are influential women who are impacting lives of many young women and girls across the globe directly or indirectly and are in active service.

    For Partnership contact us via mail at africanprofessionalsawards@gmail.com

    Source: Miriam Osei – Agyemang

  • I want a man who is honest, intelligent, funny and hardworking to date Yvonne Nelson

    Multi-award winning actress and movie producer Yvonne Nelson has disclosed that she is ready to enter into a relationship if her man meets her requirements.

    The Heels and Sneakers actress was answering questions on the type of man she would want to settle down with since her relationship with her baby daddy has hit the rocks.

    Yvonne Nelson poses with Bishop Obinim in new photo

    In a Q and A session with her fans, one of them asked her “What is ur type of guy or man. My type?”

    But responding to the fan Yvonne stated “Hhhmm. Honest, intelligent, funny, cute and hard working Is All I Need in My Next Man”

    Trust some inquisitive people on social media as another fan asked her when she broke her virginity.

    “At what age did u break ya virginity?”

    Then Yvonne replied, “Not too long ago, 2017, vals day”

    Source: ghpage.com

  • #TiwaaMustGo: Ghanaians call for the removal of CID boss

    Some Ghanaians have taken to social media to demand the immediate removal of the Director-General of the Criminal Investigations Department DCOP Maame Yaa Tiwaa Addo-Danquah.

    This call follows the announcement by the IGP James Oppong Boanuh, that the human parts found at the suspect’s home were revealed through DNA testing to be that of the Takoradi kidnapped girls.

    Takoradi kidnappings: Police conclude DNA test on retrieved parts

    In an attempt to vent their anger, the hashtag #TiwaaMustGo is widely spreading on twitter. Many are of the view that the DCOP lied when she assured the families of their children’s return earlier this year.

    Ghanaians have also expressed their condolences to the bereaved family.

    354 Arrested in operations in Buduburam, Sekondi/Takoradi

    Here are some tweets:

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Nearly 3 million registered for Ghana Card

    The National Identification Authority (NIA) says it has registered 2,902,526 eligible Ghanaians for the Ghana Card in the Greater Accra, Volta and Oti regions since the registration started on June 4, last year.

    It said out of the figure, 2,590,526 cards had been printed and 1,718,021 cards had been issued to applicants in the three regions as at September 14, 2019.

    54-year-old woman dies after collapsing in Ghana card queue

    Mr Francis Palmdeti, Head of Corporate Affairs of the NIA, told the Ghana News Agency in Accra on Sunday that, 556,559 people had been registered in the Volta Region, with 523,984 cards printed and 395,175 issued as at September 14, 2019.

    In the Oti Region, he said, 387,057 people had been registered with 236,348 cards printed and 187,643 cards issued since registration started in that particular region on August 22, 2019.

    Mr Palmdeti said mass registration exercise ended on Saturday, September 14 in the Oti Region.

    Over 500,000 Ghana cards ready for distribution in Accra NIA

    However, all registration centres with backlogs of cards will continue to be printed and issued to applicants from Monday, September 16 to Friday, September 20.

    He said registration centres in the Volta Region where mop-up was conducted will also continue to issue printed cards to applicants at the centres they registered from Monday, September 16 to Friday, September 20, but no new registrations will be done.

    Source: Ghananewsagency.org

  • Comply with new fares Transport Ministry urges Ghanaians

    The Ministry of Transport has appealed to Ghanaians to comply with the new increase in transport fares.

    Transport fares have been increased by 10% effective today, Monday, and expected to cover intra-city travel commonly called trotro, intercity or long-distance travels and shared taxis.

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    The Public Relations Officer for the Transport Ministry, Gloria Holm-Graves in an interview with Citi News urged both the transport operators and the commuting public to adhere to the new fixtures.

    “After meaningful discussions with the transporters, it was agreed that we have a 10% increment in transport fares. The Ministry is appealing to all transporters and the general public to comply with the new directive. The transporters have provided a chart and it shows how much the 10% would be with different fares. So for instance in situations where the commuter pays GH¢1, you may have to add 10 pesewas to make it GH¢1.10,” she said.

    The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council issued a statement earlier on, announcing the increase in the transport fares.

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    According to the statement, the rise was “to accommodate predominantly an increase in fuel prices.”

    This was after government announced an increment in the Energy Sector Levy to help raise income to pay off the energy sector debt during the mid-year budget review.

    Transport fares were last increased by the GPRTU in April 2017 by 15 percent.

    Source: citinewsroom.com

  • Find out how much more you will be paying as transport fare

    The 10 per cent increase in transport fares will take effect on Monday, September 16, 2019.

    The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) announced the increase last Tuesday explaining that the development had become necessary due to the increase in fuel prices.

    10% increase in transport fares takes effect today

    The fares which affect all commercial transport services cover road transport operations including; Intra-city (Trotro), Intercity (Long distance) and shared taxis.

    Below is the new transport fares

    Source: Graphic.com.gh

  • 10% increase in transport fares takes effect today

    The 10% increment in public transport fares is expected to take effect today.

    The Road Transport Operators announced the increment last Tuesday to cover intra-city transportation and inter-city or long-distance travels.

    Transport fares to go up by 10%

    A statement from the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council which announced the increment said the increase is “to accommodate predominantly an increase in fuel prices.”

    The increases were brought on by the mid-year budget review and subsequent Parliamentary approval which saw an upward adjustment in the Road Fund Levy (RFL), the Energy Debt Recovery Levy (EDRL) and the Price Stabilization and Recovery Levy (PSRL).

    The increment in transport fares has often generated a lot of controversy and sometimes causes confusion between bus conductors and passengers hesitant in paying the new fares.

    Transport fares to go up soon GPRTU

    But the Public Relations Officer for the Transport Ministry, Gloria Holm-Graves has urged both the Transport Operators and the commuting public to cooperate on the new fixtures.

    “After meaningful discussions with the transporters, it was agreed that we have a 10% increment in transport fares. The Ministry is appealing to all transporters and the general public to comply with the new directive. The transporters have provided a chart and it shows how much the 10% would be with different fares. So for instance in situations where the commuter pays GH¢1, you may have to add 10 pesewas to make it GH¢1.10,” she said.

    New Transport Fares September by The Independent Ghana on Scribd


    Source: citinewsroom.com

  • Boakye Agyarko endorses NPP ladies, Staunch Queens

    Former Energy Minister and leading member of the incumbent New Patriotic Party (NPP), Boakye Kyeremanteng Agyarko has endorsed female group, Staunch Queens.

    The group, which launched the eastern regional chapter at Koforidua on Friday was chaired by Mr. Boakye Agyarko.

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    In a statement, the NPP stalwart admonished the group to support and collaborate with the parties existing groups in order to retain power in 2020.

    The event was attended by regional executives and government appointees as well as other leading members in the region.

    Read the statement below

    On 14th September 2019 I joined the Eastern regional chapter of the Staunch Queens, a female group in the Ruling New Patriotic Party to launch the organizations eastern regional branch at the Koforidua Cultural center.

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    I was humbled to be named Chairman for the event with the support of the party leadership in the region.

    As a guest speaker, I entreated the Staunch Queens to work as an auxiliary group in the party to support and collaborate with the already existing groups to work hard for victory 2020 for the NPP.

    The event was graced by regional executives, some government appointees from the region as well as constituency and polling station executives.

    Boakye Agyarko (In Blue)

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • MCE and community disagree over 1V1D implementation

    The Soe Community in the Bolgatanga Municipality and the Chief Executive for the area have disagreed over the construction of a dam under the One Village One Dam policy in the community.

    While Mr Joseph Amiyuure, the MCE, is saying that the dam was constructed at the site of a pond, the community members have disagreed with him, insisting that the dam at its present size and depth was already in existence before the introduction of the 1V1D initiative.

    The community members said the only work done on the dam by the MCE was the construction of an embankment at one side of the dam and a spillway, which was poorly constructed and directed towards houses.

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    The disagreement took place when Madam Tangoba Abayage, the Upper East Regional Minister paid a working visit to the dam in the company of the MCE, as part of her two-week tour of the region.

    The MCE was to show the Regional Minister some of the dams and other projects being constructed in the Bolgatanga Municipality under the 1V1D programme.

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, upon assuming office, rolled out several flagship programmes in a bid to improve the welfare of Ghanaians and 1V1D is one of such policies.

    It is expected that one dam would be constructed in each community in the five regions of the north to provide water for all year farming especially during the dry season and for watering of livestock.

    However, during a tour of the dam in contention, the MCE explained that it was a small pond connected to a stream that was in existence before the Assembly took steps to dredge it into a big dam with an embankment and spillway.

    Feuding MCE, MP forced to reconcile in public

    The community members on the other hand, refuted the assertion and indicated that the dam with its current size and depth was in existence since 1959.

    Mr Johnson Apasinaba, former Assembly member for the area said the dam was considered as an ancestral place and had served as a tourist site for decades, adding that it was surprising for the MCE to claim to have constructed the dam from a pond.

    The Regional Minister expressed dissatisfaction with the work of the MCE on the execution of the project in the community and charged him to employ community entry strategy in implementing projects in communities.

    She asked the MCE to go back to the community and meet the people to ensure that the right thing was done and promised to monitor to ensure that the needs of the community members were met.

    Source: Ghananewsagency.org

  • Ayawaso West Wuogon Commission of Inquiry Report ready for publication – Oppong Nkrumah

    Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, the Information Minister, says Government has submitted the report and white paper on the Ayawaso West Wuogon Commission of Inquiry for gazetting and publication.

    The move is in accordance with Article 280 Clause three of the 1992 Constitution.

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    The Commission of Inquiry was established on February 8, this year, by President Akufo-Addo to make a full, faithful and impartial enquiry into the circumstances of, and establish the facts leading to the events and associated violence during the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election on January 31.

    “After a careful study, Government has issued a white paper together with the report itself and has elected to publish it in accordance with the Constitution,” Mr Oppong Nkrumah stated.

    The Commission of Inquiry submitted its report to President Akufo-Addo on March 14, 2019.

    Source: Ghananewsagency.org

  • Roads Minister inaugurates Community Three Junction Road

    The Minister of Roads and Highways has inaugurated the Tema Community Three Junction Road, built to ease vehicular traffic flow in the harbour enclave.

    Mr. Kwasi Amoako Attah unveiled a plaque together with the Deputy Minister of Transport and other dignitaries to symbolise the formal completion of the road at a short ceremony in Tema.

    In a keynote address, Mr. Amoako-Attah observed that the completion of the Tema Port Expansion project, which would be the biggest sea port in West Africa, would mean that huge vessels would dock at the Port, which would create congestion on the road.”

    “That is why we had to fix this road to take care of the huge traffic congestion that would result as a result of the activities at the port,” he said.

    50 Aayalolo buses deployed on Accra roads

    Mr. Amoako Attah hinted that the project would not be the end of the road expansion around the Port; “We would continue into a six lane dual-carriage road to link the new harbour through the Tema Hospital Road to the three tier Motorway expansion project.”

    The Roads Minister informed that there would also be the extension of the Community Three Junction Road to the Nungua Barrier and onwards, through the Beach Road, to the Black Star Square in Accra.

    The Deputy Minister of Transport, Mr. Daniel Titus-Glover, said the vision of the President was to improve upon the roads in the nation to facility movements of goods and services as a means of promoting economic advancement.

    Mr. Titus-Glover, who was also the Member of Parliament for the Tema East Constituency, congratulated the Minister of Roads and Highways for the numerous road interventions in his constituency which was helping to fight huge traffic situations during peak hours of the day

    The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MPS, Mr. Mohamed Samara, in giving the project highlights, said Owing to the important nature of the road situated at the crossroads that lead into Accra as well as being the entrance to the New Port, it was necessary that the works were completed as soon as practicable.”

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    Mr. Samara informed that the objective of the project was to create a new roundabout and four new slip roads within each quadrant of the roundabout to reduce the number of vehicles approaching the roundabout, and the upgraded access and egress lanes to the north, east and westerly approaches. “The project has also created a new access at-grade railway cross to the New Port,” he said.

    Mr. Samara said over the past eight months, the Tema-Accra inter-city commuters witnessed the unfolding of the outstanding corporate social initiative as the MPS Project Team, Project Management Consultants and Contractors worked around the clock on the upgrading and improvement of the Tema Community Three Beach Road Junction.

    Mr. Samara hinted that the aim of the project was to generally improve the road conditions as existed, “significantly reduce travel time which affected productivity and ultimately cut down on the accidents that happen due to commuters hastes to get out of the persistent gridlock within the Tema Region.”

    “The upgrade of this road, like our previous CSI projects, demonstrates our shareholders’ dedication to human life, and commitment to providing solutions that make the greatest difference in our communities,” Mr. Samara hinted.

    The redevelopment of the Tema Community Three Junction Road was started in January 2029 after a sod-cutting by MPS with support from the Ministry of Roads and Highways and the Ministry of Transport.

    The road was opened to the public on 28th of June, 2019 as part of the commencement of operations at MPS Tema Port.

    Source: ghananewsagency.org

  • Electoral integrity in Africa can be improved Prof Jega

    A former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of Nigeria has asked African countries to pay attention to the use of appropriate deployment of technology to improve and increase election integrity.

    Professor Attahiru Jega said “Electoral process that is conducted with integrity helps to elect people who will act as true representatives and will owe the people the honour and are more likely to be responsible and responsive to the needs and aspirations of their constituents.

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    Prof Jega gave the advice at the end of a three-day visit to the Electoral Commission of Ghana to share knowledge and best practices on the electoral process as the country prepares to hold elections in 2020.

    He explained that elections that were conducted with integrity confirmed the legitimacy of the elected government, helped to bring stability, positioned the country on the path of consolidating democracy and expanded development.

    The Former INEC Chairman said countries like Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya and other African countries striving to improve electoral integrity must ensure that their Electoral Commissions conducted themselves impartially and professionally

    As the continent prepares to conduct about 10 elections in the next two years, he advised electoral management bodies to be non-partisan, effective and create a level playing field for all political parties.

    Prof Jega counseled politicians to develop broad national interest as guiding principles in engaging politics rather than their objective of selfishness.

    “Unfortunately, many politicians in the continent have this narrow political objective of wanting to be in the office by any means necessary and this makes the political process very tense and conflict-ridden,” he stressed.

    Electoral structures robust to implement ROPAA EC Deputy Chair

    “Political contest is supposed to be a healthy competition, a game and peaceful, but in many countries, it becomes do or die because of the way and manner politicians behave. Innocent citizens die and property are also lost through that.”

    He explained that politics was a selfless public service, but not an avenue to invest to make profit as was happening in many African countries.

    “The attitudes and mindset of politicians must change. This is the only way that countries can ensure good democratic governance and deepen democracy, which we all aspire. It is only through good governance that the resources of our countries could be properly harnessed to serve the needs of the people”.

    He said the conversation tied in with a key principle agreed on by the African States under the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (ACDEG), which is, the holding of regular, transparent, free and fair elections.

    ACDEG is a set of principles that spells out the norms, values and standards – universal values of democracy and respect for human rights; rule of law premised on the supremacy of the constitution and the democratic and credible elections.

    Source: Myjoyonline.com

  • GASIP supports 60,000 farmers with improved inputs

    The Ghana Agricultural Sector Investment Programme (GASIP) has supported more than 60,000 smallholder farmers with production inputs to increase productivity, yield and incomes.

    The inputs are improved seeds and fertilizers, which can cover about 93,000 acres of rice, maize, soya and vegetable value chains.

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    The initiative is to boost their competitiveness and improve their ability to access markets and credit facilities.

    Mr Klutse Kudomor, the National Programme Coordinator for GASIP announced this in Accra at the opening of a meeting with the farmer-based organisations and value chain drivers of the middle and southern operational zones.

    He said GASIP was committed to investing in the smallholder farmers, particularly women, young adults and the youth, to develop agriculture in the country.

    Mr Kudomor said GASIP’s support to the smallholder farmers was accelerated through the partnership value chain drivers and farmer-based organisations. He explained that the value chain drivers were trained and assisted by GASIP to provide output markets for the smallholder farmer’s produce, as well as expand their operations.

    Mr Kudomor stated that as part of the programme, farmers were trained in good agricultural practices, food safety, and quality, to enable them to meet the emerging market demands.

    Improved seeds for farmers to generate 25 million metric tonnes of food

    “GASIP is strategically positioning the smallholder farmer through training and awareness on food contaminants and food hygiene to meet the quality-consciousness of the consumer”, he added.

    He was optimistic that these commitments would contribute effectively and efficiently to improving the livelihoods of the rural people in the country. The GASIP is a government programme funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development and being implemented by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture.

    The participants were positive that the outcome of the deliberations would chart the path in improving the gaps in the agricultural value chain for sustained growth.

    It was launched in 2015 as the main vehicle for public sector agricultural investment in the country.

    Source: ghananewsagency.org

  • Receiver issues ultimatum for customers of collapsed MFIs to submit claims

    Customers of the collapsed 347 microfinance companies who could not submit their claims for their locked-up funds have been granted more time to do so by the receiver, Eric Nana Nipah.

    According to a notice issued by the receiver, the customers now have up to Friday 27th September 2019 to submit their claims for validation.

    Customers of collapsed MFIs may not get full deposits Eric Nipah

    The receiver further added that, after this date, it will be concluded that there are no more outstanding claim forms to be submitted.

    Pursuant to the Banks and Specialised Deposit-Taking Institutions Act, 2016 (Act 930), the Bank of Ghana (“BoG”) on 31 May 2019 revoked the operating license of 347 microfinance companies.

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    The revocation of the licenses was done to get rid of insolvent and dormant institutions that have no reasonable prospects of rehabilitation and have denied depositors access to their deposits, thereby constituting a threat to the stability of the financial system.

    Source: citibusinessnews.com

  • Number of cement companies in Ghana up Government

    There has been an upsurge of cement companies in Ghana, Kwaku Asomah- Cheremeh, Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, has revealed.

    This, he said, has resulted in high demand for limestone in the country to produce clinker to make production and supply of cement affordable to Ghanaians.

    Speaking at a press conference in Accra, Mr Asomah-Cheremeh said the Government through the Ghana Geological Survey Authority (GGSA) is intensifying limestone exploration in order to feed the cement industry.

    He said: “The upsurge of cement factories in recent times, has led to the high demand for limestone in the Country to produce clinker to make production and supply of cement affordable to Ghanaians.

    “In view of this, the Government through GGSA continues to intensify limestone exploration activities in the Mamprusi West District in order to feed the cement industry.

    “Geological pitting by Ghana Geological Survey Authority in the Mamprusi West district has identified large limestone deposits in an area of about 15,000 acres suitable for clinker production.”

    He added: “The exploration companies continue to depend on the Government for up to date regional geoscience information for effective exploration activities and efficiency as well as in decision making in acquisition of mineral concession.

    “In order to promote efficiency in mineral exploration in the country and attract more investors into the mining sub-sector, the Government through Ghana Geological Survey Authority has completed regional soil geochemical sampling covering an area of about 180,000 acres in Tumu to aid and enhance mineral exploration activities in the Upper West Region.”

    Source: laudbusiness.com

  • RTI Implementation: Government to recruit 600 Right to Information officers Oppong Nkrumah

    Minister for Information, Kojo Opong Nkrumah has indicated that the government is set to employ and train six hundred (600) people to oversee the information units in Public Institutions as part of the implementation of the Right To Information Act, ABC News can report.

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    The Minister made this known during the first level training for Chief Directors from all the ministries on the Right to Information Act. The Chief Directors were being trained in data mapping services in relation to the Right to Information Act. This training will improve the skills and knowledge of these directors as they will lead the data mapping services. In addition, they will also be exposed to the Data Protection Act.
    Oppong Nkrumah in his interactions with the Chief Directors noted that the implementation of the Act requires the creation of information desks in all Public Institutions. These information desks require well-trained people to steer this information desks or information units. In view of this, the government has resolved to employ 600 people who will be trained and then deployed to manage these information units nationwide.

    He added that the government is committed to providing these officers with the needed logistics that will ensure the effective delivery of their work.

    Mr. Oppong Nkrumah also announced that all budgetary allocation for the roadmap has been given to the Ministry of Finance for approval. He said once the Ministry approves the budget, it will be made known to the public.

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    The Chairman of the Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee in Parliament, Ben Abdallah Banda who was at the training session added that the RTI law required Government pro-actively provide strategic information to the public without necessarily waiting for someone to apply for it.

    President Akufo-Addo earlier this year gave assent to the Right to Information Act which was passed by Parliament. The government is hopeful to ensure that the Act sees a smooth take-off next year.

    Source: abcnewsgh.com

  • Popular Kumasi radio presenter dies mysteriously few hours to his maiden show

    Popular radio presenter with Adehyie FM in Kumasi has died in what family, friends and colleagues say is difficult or impossible to understand.

    Badala Hassan reportedly fell down and fainted Thursday morning September 12, 2019, and was rushed to the hospital where doctors declared him dead on arrival.

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    Just last week, Hassan was appointed the new Programs Manager of Adehyie FM and was scheduled to host a maiden show 7 pm Friday at the Oseikrom based media outfit, just hours before his unexpected death occurred.

    Some industry players have since thronged social media to disclose how they feel overwhelmed with grief over their colleague’s death. Some do not still believe Hassan is actually dead as according to them, they interacted with him in the last few days.

    Nhyiraba Agyei wrote: “This is how the media fraternity is; appointed as Programs Manager last week and died this morning…”.

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    King said: “Is it true? I spoke to him, a few days ago and he’s supposed to Join me @Zion the deal was seal last two week & was expecting him to come & put something on paper la”.

    Bernard Amponsah also wrote: “We were with him last Friday with bishop Columbus”.

    Hassan, as he is affectionately called, formerly worked with Ashh FM, Bohye FM and Fire TV, before joining Adehyie FM, a subsidiary of Class Media.

    He is married and left behind a 4-month-old baby.

    Source: ghanaguardian.com

  • 50 Aayalolo buses deployed on Accra roads

    The Quality Bus System (QBS), commonly referred to as Aayalolo, has deployed 50 buses on the streets of Accra as the bus service returns to the road since October 2018.

    The QBS is also increasing its routes and operation as part of a restructured system which intends to deploy up to 180 buses after financial difficulties forced its temporary shut-down.

    The Greater Accra Passenger Transport Executive (GAPTE), which manages the bus operating service, says it will deploy buses to various routes by the end of the year to fully assume its role of providing effective, timely and more convenient means of public transport to the public.

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    As part of a rebranding campaign, the Chief Executive of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) and Board Chairman of GAPTE, Mr Mohammed Nii Adjei Sowah, joined passengers on the Adentan-Accra route yesterday to advertise the service to win back customers and to know at first hand the challenges both passengers and the operators faced, particularly on the new route.

    “Presently, we have 15 buses running from Kasoa to Accra, 25 buses from Amasaman to Accra and 10 buses on Adentan to Accra,” Mr Sowah said, indicating that they would start operating Dawhenya-Accra and Tema-Accra routes within the next two weeks.

    Mr Sowah said the QBS had presented a proposal to the Transport and Local Government ministries to get some lanes on the routes dedicated to the Aayalolo buses.

    One of the proposals is that one lane on every three-lane road must be dedicated to the Aayalolo buses.

    “Another proposal is that our buses will run against the traffic, so we can move freely and get to our destinations faster,” he added.

    Adentan-Accra

    Operations on the Adentan-Accra route started on September 2.

    Aayalolo service: 150 buses grounded, 60 others idle

    Along with the chief executives of the Adentan Municipal Assembly, Mr Alexander Nii Noi Adumuah, and the La Nkwantanang-Madina Municipal Assembly, Mrs Jennifer Dede Adjabeng, the travelling contingent went through the normal process for regular passengers on their arrival at the Aayalolo bus terminal on the Ritz Junction-Ashaley Botwe road.

    There were about 40 other passengers on board.

    The Aayalolo bus stopped at designated stops: Madina Zongo Junction, Legon 1, Okponglo, 37 Military Hospital, Novotel, and terminated at Tudu, opposite the new office complex of the AMA.

    Mr Sowah said the focus would be to improve the services of the QBS by having fewer stops so passengers could get to their destinations faster and to charge lower fares than the privately-owned commercial buses.

    Passengers

    Passengers onboard told the Daily Graphic that with the Aayalolo bus service now on that route, it would be their preferred means of transport as it was comfortable, faster and cheaper.

    Source: Graphic.com.gh

  • Mentally challenged person who slayed middle-aged man killed

    The mentally unstable man who is alleged to have killed one Ahmed Yakubu has also been found dead.

    His body was found at Dansoman market in Accra on Monday.

    It is not clear as to what or who killed him. However, he was found in the midst of stones, sticks, rubble and other items suggesting he might have been pummeled and stoned to death.

    The police were called in to convey the body to the morgue.

    The mentally challenged man was alleged to have butchered a 59-year-old Ahmed Yakubu in an uncompleted building at Dansoman Tunga in the Ablekuman West Municipality on Sunday.

    His family found him at the scene with parts of his body chopped off with an attempt to set the remains on fire.

    This made the youth in the area angry and went in search of the said well-known mentally unstable man they suspect killed the man.

    Source: 3news.com

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

    The Food and Drugs Authority has announced it has detained some 802 cartons of canned Lucozade over attempts by the importer to change the label of expiry dates from September 2019 to September 2020.

    The items belonging to Andiana Royal ventures were seized at Hong kong near Lapaze in Accra, the FDA said in a statement. Two people have also been arrested in connection with the case.

  • I feel excited when Im accused of stealing songs Kuami Eugene

    Kuami Eugene is least bothered by accusations of song theft people throw at him.

    The very talented highlife singer and songwriter revealed to B Ice on Agyenkwa FM in Kumasi that such accusations excite him greatly. He added in this democratic world, people are always entitled to their opinions. In his words, one cannot always have things go his or her way.

    Kidi, Kuami Eugene lead International Youth Day concert at Mamfe

    He however called on people to herald positivity over negativity. “When you are expressing yourself keep the positive side and minimise or eliminate the negative side”.

    According to the lynx entertainment signee people should find constructive ways of criticising people and desist from the usual “trashing” and “blasting” that is mostly experienced.

    Source: zionfelix.net