TIG Post

Author: Persis

  • Bawumia, Ambrose Dery, IGP, arrive at Apiate accident scene

    A team of government officials and the leadership of the emergency response have arrived at the Apiate where some 17 lives have been claimed after an explosion on January 20.

    The team are there to examine the situation and the effective measures that have been put in place to ensure control of the situation after the explosion.

    The team which is led by the Vice president, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia include the Minister for the interior, Ambrose Dery, Inspector General of Police, George Dampare, Minister for Lands and Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, Information Minister, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, Director General of NADMO, Eric Nana Agyeman-Prempeh among others.

    The team is expected to address the media to give updates on the incident at 11am today.

    Background

    Over five hundred people have been rendered homeless at Apiate, a community near Bogoso in the Prestea Huni Valley Municipality in an explosion, killing about seventeen people and leaving several others severely injured.

    All houses in the community, church buildings, stores and all structures have collapsed, leaving residents in the community homeless.

    The explosion was caused by a truck belonging to a mining service contractor MAXAM that was involved in a collision causing an explosion in the community.

    The truck carrying the explosives was from Bogoso heading towards Kinross, a mining company in Chirano in the Western North Region, 140 kilometers away from the explosion site.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Mad man burns 25-year-old girl at Kotwi, victim cries for help

    A 25-year-old girl is currently battling for her life, losing one breast, one eye after a 40-year-old mentally deranged Richard Asiedu, set the girl’s room ablaze at Kotwi in the Atwima Kwanwoma District of the Ashanti Region.

    Richard Asiedu, according to the residents, in the past, had been mercilessly terrorizing residents by beating and threatening innocent women and children as well as killing animals indiscriminately in the community, but no action has been taken by the police though the issue was reported to them.

    Residents are piling pressure on the accused’s family to immediately find a cure for his mental condition before the worse happens as the police look helpless.

    Father of the victim, Nana Kwaku Poku who could not hold his tears said he could not send her daughter to the hospital after the incident.

    “My daughter needs urgent medical attention but I have nothing on me now. All am praying for is that she survives these life-threatening injuries.” He cried.

    He appealed to benevolent individuals to come to his aid to send the girl to the hospital.

    The victim, Eunice Opoku, also had her hand and other parts of her body sustaining severe injuries after one Richard Asiedu, 40, set the girl ablaze in a room. 

    Narrating her ordeal to OTEC News reporter, Kwame Agyenim Boateng the victim, Eunice Opoku said she was attacked by the suspect with a pinch-bar while escaping from a blazing fire in her room. 

    “I was in my room when I saw smoke in the house, I attempted to escape but Mr. Asiedu hit me with a pinch-bar and locked me in the room to deal with the fire.

    “Now one of my breasts is almost destroyed with the other one severely injured, one of my hands has also burned beyond recognition and the pain am going through is unbearable,” She cried. 

    The suspect who’s is currently in the grips of Brofoyedu police station was said to have set the girl ablaze on Sunday, January 16, 2022, burning two rooms in the process.

    The incident has left neighbours in a state of shock as fire swept through the house destroying properties worth hundreds of cedis.

    Source: otecfmghana.com

  • Ukraine tension: Biden says he thinks Putin will ‘move in’

    He told a news conference Mr Putin would pay a “serious and dear price” for invading, but indicated a minor incursion might be treated differently.

    The White House later stressed any Russian military move would be met with a swift, severe response from the West.

    Russia has some 100,000 troops near the border but denies planning an invasion.

    President Putin has made a series of demands to the West, insisting Ukraine is never allowed to join Nato and that the defensive alliance abandons military activity in Eastern Europe. 

    ‘New security order for Europe’

    Talks between the West and Russia have so far failed to reach a breakthrough, with some of Moscow’s demands rejected as non-starters. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is due to meet the Russian foreign minister in Geneva on Friday, having warned that Russia could attack Ukraine “on very short notice”.

    However, at his news conference on Wednesday, Mr Biden said: “There are differences in Nato as to what countries are willing to do, depending on what happens.

    “If there’s Russian forces crossing the border… I think that changes everything.

    “What you’re going to see is that Russia will be held accountable if it invades and it depends on what it does,” he said. “It’s one thing if it’s a minor incursion, and then we end up having to fight about what to do and not do etc.”

    White House officials rushed to clarify the US position after Mr Biden’s comments. “If any Russian military forces move across the Ukrainian border, that’s a renewed invasion, and it will be met with a swift, severe, and united response from the United States and our Allies,” press secretary Jen Psaki said.

    Hours earlier, French President Emmanuel Macron told the European Parliament that Europeans had to conduct their own dialogue with Moscow

    Biden blows the cover on Nato unity

    Administration officials and Nato allies can’t be happy about Biden spelling out Nato differences so publicly and clearly. The relentless public messaging has been about unity. 

    But the president has revealed the cracks beneath that, prompting a question about whether he’s giving Putin permission for an incursion. 

    Now the president has clearly stated what everyone privately knew – that Nato is united on what the response should be to an invasion, but not to an incursion: “There are differences in what countries are willing to do depending on what happens.

    “If Russian forces cross the border killing Ukrainians, that changes everything. It depends what he does in terms of getting unity in Nato.”

    Russia seized and annexed the Crimean peninsula in southern Ukraine in 2014 after Ukrainians overthrew their pro-Russian president. Ever since, Ukraine’s military has been locked in a war with Russian-backed rebels in areas of the east near Russia’s borders.

    Belarus defence ministry

    Russian troops and tanks have headed to Belarus for exercises close to Ukraine’s borders

    There are fears that the conflict, which has claimed 14,000 lives and caused at least two million people to flee their homes, may reignite and that Russia’s military will cross the border.

    Putin will ‘test the West’

    Asked for his views on Mr Putin’s intentions, President Biden said: “Do I think he’ll test the West? Test the United States and Nato as significantly as he can? Yes, I think he will but I think he’ll pay a serious and dear price for it.”

    “He’s never seen sanctions like the ones I promised will be imposed if he moves,” Mr Biden said, adding that the exact level of punishment would depend on the scale of any invasion. 

    Asked how concerned he was about the possibility of a conflict in Ukraine sucking in neighbouring Nato states, he said: “The only war that is worse than one that’s intended is when it’s unintended and what I’m concerned about is that this could get out of hand. 

    “I am hoping that Vladimir Putin understands that he is, short of a full-blown nuclear war, he is not in a very good position to dominate the world. And so I don’t think he thinks that, but it is a concern.” 

    He also said it was “very important” Nato allies stay on the same page in the face of a potential Russian attack.

    Mr Biden said that the US remained open for discussions with Russia and that a summit with Mr Putin was still a “possibility”.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Stampede at Christian crusade in Liberia kills 29

    At least 29 people, including 11 children and a pregnant woman, have died in a stampede at a Christian crusade in a densely populated area in the capital, Monrovia.

    Police spokesman Moses Carter told the BBC the stampede occurred on Wednesday night when a group of gangsters, some carrying knives, moved on the open-air ground and attacked worshippers.

    He added that one person, who was carrying a knife, has been arrested. 

    The crusade – a term commonly used in Liberia to describe Christian prayer gatherings – had been organised by an influential pastor.

    The bodies have been taken to the morgue at Redemption Hospital, close to the crusade ground in a beachside place called New Kru Town.

    The number of street gangs operating on the streets of Liberian cities has increased in recent years.

    President George Weah was expected to visit the scene Thursday, according to OK FM, a private Monrovia broadcaster.

    Source: bbc.com

  • National Chief Imam condemns Nima shooting incident

    The National Chief Imam, Dr Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu, has condemned the act of violence between youth groups in Nima on Tuesday, January 18, 2022.

    According to him, the Islamic religion is against violence, therefore, the youth must uphold and respect human lives.

    Speaking at a meeting with 16 regional Imams and Zongo chiefs at his residence, he expressed disappointment in the actions of the youth.

    “We express our disappointment and express our condemnation that what happened is not in accordance with the teaching of Islam. We call on the Muslim youth in Accra, Mamobi, here and across, that we must all uphold the principles of respect for human blood and sanctity of human lives. We want to say on behalf of the eminent chief Imam, we call on all imams to make it a subject on sermon on every Friday, guiding and educating our youth to find something better to do with their lives.”

    He added that “Similarly we call on all chiefs in our communities to also use this occasion to strengthen the result to continue to use our culture and tradition of peace. We encourage our young people to eschew violence, idealness and not be used by anybody to foment trouble. What happened yester was an eyesore and we hope we will never see it happen again.”

    Background

    On Tuesday, January 18, 2022, violence erupted on the streets of Nima.

    The incident that had machete-wielding young men take over the streets in a battle and others the firing of several gunshots, took the timely intervention of the police to avert an escalation of the already bloody situation.

    The Ghana Police Service were able to contain the situation of which 7 people were arrested.

    At a press conference, the Director of Public Affairs for the Police Service, ACP Kwesi Ofori, connected the genesis of the bloody conflict to a longstanding contention between two known gangsters in the neighbourhood.

    “It is led by one Kumordzi alias Ibrahim Hussein and Baboon alias Awudu; they are rivalry groups that never agreed on issues and today they went all-out on the open streets of Nima,” ACP Kwesi Ofori describing the incident as gangsterism and mass violence stated.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Nima violence: We are in control Police assures residents

    The Ghana Police Service has assured residents of Nima in Accra that it is in control of situations and will not give room for criminals to disturb the peace of the area.

    The assurance comes on the heels of violence that erupted in the area on Tuesday, 18 January 2022.

    Nima witnessed gangsterism and mass violence around 3.30 pm when two rivalry groups led by Kumordzi, alias Ibrahim Hussein and Bombom, alias Ali Awudu who have always disagreed on issues went all out on the streets of Nima.

    Speaking at a press conference following the clash between the two rival groups, Director-General Police Public Affairs ACP Kwesi Ofori explained that: “The Police quickly and immediately intervened by disengaging that violence. 

    The violence spread across some sections of Nima and the intervention force has to manage the situation carefully, they managed to stabilize the situation.”

    ACP Ofori disclosed that 7 persons had been arrested in connection with the violence.

    “Seven people have been arrested, five are presented here with us and the other two are on admission under police guard.

    “We are pursuing the criminals in and around Nima and its environs to make sure that we get them arrested to enable them to face justice.”

    He added: “We are in control, and we will like the good people of Nima know that the police will be there at all times to protect lives and property and that we will not give room for criminals to disturb the peace and security of Nima.”

    The police also indicated that it will commence investigations into the matter and ensure the culprits are punished accordingly.

    Source: classfmonline.com

  • Seven arrested for Nima shooting

    Police have arrested seven persons in connection with a shooting incident that occurred Tuesday, January 18 at Nima, a suburb of Accra.

    According to the Acting Director-General of the Public Affairs Department of the Ghana Police Service, ACP Kwesi Ofori, two of the seven are on admission under security guard.

    The incident happened in the evening when two rivalry groups clashed.

    “Nima, a suburb of Accra witnessed gangsterism and mass violence around 3:30 pm and the police quickly and immediately intervened”, ACP Kwesi Ofori told pressmen.

    One person who was shot is said to be responding well to treatment at the 37 Military Hospital.

    When 3news.com visited the seen Tuesday night, there was a high-security presence in the area.

    Some residents in the area recounted what they saw.

    A video of the clash which went viral shows two factions, some members of each wielding guns and machetes and facing off in a clash.

    Source: 3news.com

  • Akufo-Addo, Chief Justice have received our petition for removal of EC and her deputies FixTheCountry Movement

    Public advocacy group, FixTheCountry Movement say their petition for the removal of the Electoral Commissioner and her two deputies, have been acknowledged by the President and the Chief Justice accordingly.

    In a statement circulated on Tuesday, the group disclosed that since their petition has been welcomed by the appropriate quarters, they are waiting for the next line of action, in accordance with law.

    “Earlier today, 18 January 2022, we the 46 Ghanaians who petitioned the Chief Justice, through the President, initiating processes for the impeachment of the Chair and Deputies of the Electoral Commission in the connection of the disenfranchisement of the people of Santrokofi, Lolobi, Akpafu and Likpe, received responding letters from the Offices of the President and of the Chief Justice.

    Through his letter, the President has acknowledged receipt of the petition and confirmed that it has forwarded the petition to the Chief Justice to commence the process for impeaching the impugned officers of the Electoral Commission.

    For his part, the Chief Justice in his letter, informed the petitioners that he has initiated the impeachment process and has accordingly informed the impugned officers of the Electoral Commission of this step”, the statement said.

    It will be recalled that on January 10, the FixTheCountry Movement, announced that they had filed a petition for the removal of the EC Chairperson, Jean Mensa and her two deputies; Dr Bossman Eric Asare and Samuel Tettey.

    In a statement signed by the lead petitioner, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, the group said their petition is due to the disenfranchisement of residents of Santrokofi, Akpafu, Lolobi and Likpe (SALL) in the 2020 Parliamentary elections.

    To this effect, the group presented a 24-paged petition with 19 appendixes to the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. The petition was undersigned by a total of 46 individuals comprising lawyers, academics, students, public and private sector employees, unemployed and homeless Ghanaians, cutting across all political persuasions and ethnicity.

    The petitioners also explained that their petition was in connection with the intentional denial of the right to vote of the people of Santrokofi, Akpafu, Lolobi and Likpe in the 2020 general parliamentary elections. Adding that, “the actions of the impugned officials, if considered in context and in light of their preceding and subsequent conduct, meets the threshold of stated misbehavior and, or incompetence as required under Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution for the removal of these officials”.

    A week after submitting their petition, the group has disclosed that their petition has been noted pending further processes. Regarding the next line of action, the group said they are looking forward to “the full impeachment phase of the process before the 5-member Committee that will soon and subsequently be established by the Chief Justice”.

    Meanwhile, the petitioners have indicated that they cannot disclose the full contents of their petition due to previous rulings by the Supreme Court, which bars them from revealing same. According to them, even though they are compelled to comply with the directive of the apex court, they find it “bizarre”.

    “The Supreme Court has in a string of decisions held that the contents of a petition brought under Article 146 of the Constitution cannot be made public in order to protect the privacy interests of the Article 146 office holders. While the Petitioners find it bizarre that the Supreme Court will aid public office holders to assert non-existent personal privacy interests in grave matters of public interest and in connection with the performance of their official duties, they have reticently agreed to embargo the release of the full content of the petition, and the correspondences received for the meantime”, the statement concluded.

    Source: myjoyonline.com

  • Nobody can intimidate any chief under my watch Asantehene

    Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, says no chief within the jurisdiction of the Asante Kingdom would be subjected to intimidation under his watch as the overlord.

    He says reports of intimidation and attacks on some chiefs who owe allegiance to the Golden Stool in places outside the Ashanti region would not be allowed to pass without Asanteman taking action.

    “In the Bono region where Nananom who owe allegiance have become subjects of attacks, we will face them squarely,” Otumfuo told members of the Asanteman Council at a meeting in Kumasi.

    The Asantehene appears to have been angered by attempts by Drobohene to oppose the elevation of Japekrom into a Paramountcy.

    A clash between the two communities, located in the Jaman South District, over a land dispute in 2018 led to the death of two people and the destruction of property, including the torching of homes and cars.

    Analysts blamed chieftaincy as the underlying tone for the dispute between the two towns separated by a river.

    The Asantehene cannot understand why the Drobohene will oppose the elevation of Japekrom, insisting chiefs are dignified but not treated as enslaved people in Asanteman.

    “Awuah-Domase was founded by the son of Bantamahene. Nobody can be enstooled as chief without the approval of Banatahene. None dare do this without the express approval of Bantamahene. If you like, hide behind the Bono region and do your worst. I will nullify any enstoolment.

    “In the same manner, I want to tell those in Bono East; All those who have sworn the oath of allegiance before me are my paramount chiefs.

    Being gazetted does not make one a chief; being a chief is when you swear before Asantehene. Therefore, all those in Bono East must be careful with their dealings. If you are a man enough, then be prepared to face me,” he said.

    Asanteman Council is the highest decision-making body of the Asante Kingdom, with chiefs from Ashanti, Bono East, Bono, Ahafo, Eastern, Western and Western North, and Oti regions being part.

    Source: myjoyonline.com

  • Police intervene to bring deadly clash between Nima and Mamobi youth under control

    A timely intervention by the Police on Tuesday afternoon averted what could have been bloodshed following a violent clash between the youth of Nima and Mamobi.

    According to reports, four persons died from the clash, but the Police are yet to confirm this.

    In a Twitter post, hours after the clash hit social media, the Police said they have “strongly intervened” and brought the situation under control.

    The post added that the suspects are being pursued to face justice.

    https://twitter.com/gehrich247/status/1483504912155746304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1483504912155746304%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.myjoyonline.com%2Fpolice-intervene-to-bring-deadly-clash-between-nima-and-mamobi-youth-under-control%2F

    Earlier, videos emerging on Twitter showed the youth in the adjoining Muslim communities with clubs and cutlasses.

    In one of the videos, gunshots are heard while the youth are seen in other videos slashing each other with machetes.

    https://twitter.com/ghanayesu_/status/1483502699828109312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1483502699828109312%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.myjoyonline.com%2Fpolice-intervene-to-bring-deadly-clash-between-nima-and-mamobi-youth-under-control%2F

    It is unclear what may have started the confusion between the youth, but according to some Twitter posts, the fight was over a shisha.

    Source: Myjoyonline.com

  • Work on N-8 highway halts after angry workers attack Japanese contractors

    The ongoing work on the National Trunk Road (N8) that stretches from Assin Fosu to Assin Praso has been suspended by contractors of Japanese construction firm Shimizu Dai Nippon Joint Ventures, following an attack on its staff by irate labourers hired by the firm.

    The decision of the angry workers according to reports was in solidarity with a colleague whose contract had expired and thus was asked to exit the company.

    It is reported that the workers embarked on a two-day sit-down strike after which they mobbed up on the third day in their numbers to the residence of the Japanese contractors for their action.

    The accused workers were alleged to have jumped the wall and forcibly broke into the room of one of the contractors whose name was given as “Gozwe” to drag him out of his room before subjecting him to harassment.

    Chairman of the Municipal Works Department of Assin Fosu, Eric Mensah, narrating the incident to Angel News reporter, Kwame Owusu Asante Shadrack, said the workers suspected the victim, Gozwe, was the one who masterminded the dismissal of their colleague after the expiration of his contract.

    He added that the victim had his leg broken in the process as a result of the assault on him.

    The Chairman noted that the assault infuriated the Shimizu Dai Nippon Joint Ventures to suspend its activities on road construction indefinitely.

    In this light, the managers of the construction firm have reiterated that they will pay the employees three months’ salary and proceed to sack them from their labour post since they cannot continue working with them, says the Municipal Works Department of Assin Fosu, Mr. Mensah.

    He used the medium to condemn the behavior of the irate workers stressing that the Municipal Assembly is expected on Monday, January 17, 2022, to sit on the matter and bring the perpetrators to order since their approach is unlawful.

    Confirming the matter, District Commander of Assin Fosu, Chief Superintendent Cephas Arthur said the police swiftly intervened to avert the clash and has since augmented the strength of the security in the area with police personnel from the Region to ensure full protection of the residence of the contractors.

    Chief Supt. Cephas Arthur, therefore, admonished the workers to be law-abiding and use the appropriate channels to register their displeasure because they would not go scot-free if found guilty by the law.

    Source: angelonline.com

  • Education Minister sponsored 61 students to study engineering and medicine

    Minister of Education and MP for Bosomtwe constituency, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, has again shown his commitment by sponsoring 61 students from his area to undertake medicine and engineering courses in the state tertiary institutions across the state the country.

    This adds to the already 30 engineering students he sponsored last year.

    These freshers will be studying at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, University for Development Studies, University of Mines and Technology, University of Energy and Natural Resources, and Kumasi Technical University.

    The Minister also donated laptops to each of the students, paid their school, feeding, hostel fees, and transportation.

    Dr Yaw Adutwum explained his willingness to ensure that the quality and progress of education in the country are achieved.

    According to him, “My vision of ensuring that Bosomtwe gets 100 engineers within the next ten years is on course”.

    Source: ghanaguardian.com

  • Mandatory vaccination is against fundamental human rights of citizens CFELAG

    The Center For Excellent Leadership Accountable Governance (CFELAG) has rejected the compulsory vaccination exercise in Ghana introduced by the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service (GHS).

    The Executive Director of the Centre, a private legal practitioner, Dr Z.O. Hunter, said at a press conference that compulsory vaccination violates the fundamental human rights of each citizen.

    “Recently, there have been concerns about the government actions to make vaccination mandatory from January 2020, of which we see it as [an] infringement on the basic fundamental human right as enshrines within the great constitution that gave birth to our democracy.

    “First of all, we do not stand against the vaccination but have great concerns about the mandatory vaccination, which we believe is tantamount to the basic fundamental right of each citizen of this country since people are proving immunity to the virus, having side effects to the regarding taking the vaccines, etc. when we take a look at the Public Health Act 851 (2012) it states that;
    Public vaccination Section 21.

    “(1) A public vaccinator shall vaccinate, free of charge, persons who present themselves or are presented for the purpose, or persons who are or become liable to be vaccinated. (2) Subsection (1) does not apply where vaccination would be injurious to health, or where there is satisfactory evidence that a person is already successfully vaccinated or otherwise has natural immunity to the disease.”

    As part of measures to reduce the coronavirus pandemic to its lowest ebb, the Government of Ghana, through the Ministry of Health (MoH), has declared the month of December 2021 as the mandatory vaccination month.

    The exercise is also to ensure that the yule does not become a springboard for an increment in infection rate since there will be [a] high rate of movement of persons.

    Addressing a press conference in Accra on Sunday, November 28, the Director-General of the GHS, Dr Patrick Kumah-Aboagye, said vaccination was the surest way to deal with the spread of the virus, hospitalization, and also deaths.

    In accordance with the mandatory vaccination directive, organizations, corporate bodies, and institutions are adopting mandatory vaccination to compel staff to take the Jab.

    TV3 can confirm the exercise is gradually gaining ground in the country.

    Laud Adu-Asare reports that while the government has mandated only public sector workers to take the vaccination jabs, some private firms have already begun demanding the same from employees.

    Source: 3news.com

  • I will fulfil my promises Suhum MP reassures constituents

    The Member of Parliament for the Suhum constituency, Oboafo Kwadjo Asante, has reiterated his commitment to fulfill promises made to constituents to pursue the developmental agenda of the constituency.

    He said this during his sod cutting ceremony on Friday, January 14, 2022, in fulfilment of one of his promises made to nananom, the local council of churches, the Muslim community, and the butchers association to build an ultra-modern abattoir to befit the status of the constituency. 

    The construction of the new abattoir which is solely funded by the Suhum MP’s personal coffers is an urgent response to the distress call on him to come to the aid of the constituency.

    “During my campaign, my attention was drawn to the bad state of the Suhum abattoir. The local council of churches was first to draw my attention, followed by Nananom, then the Butchers Association and later the Muslim community. The call was then coming from diverse groups which means indeed it is the need of the people and in that regards we need to respond to the distress call of the people,” Oboafo Kwadjo Asante said.

    Oboafo Kwadjo Asante in his one year as MP has embarked on numerous projects across almost every sector; education, employment, sports, roads, security, electrification, communication, social interventions, health and sanitation, for which he has received C=commendation from many.

    The fulfilment of his promise to construct an ultra-modern abattoir for the constituency, has received lots of praises from constituents and a trust reposed in him.

    Source: ghanaweb.com

  • COVID-19: Active cases drop after omicron surge

    Ghana’s active cases are currently on a decline according to the Ghana Health Service (GHS).

    Dr. Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, Director General of the GHS speaking in an interview on Peace FM’s morning show ‘Kokrokoo’ said the number of cases is dropping because of people’s adherence to the COVID protocols.

    “Let’s pray that this goes on…I know very well that because of the Omicron surge, people started raising their self-protection and so if this continues we know it will come down further” he stated.

    Data on the GHS COVID-19 update page indicates that as of 10th January 2022 the active cases stood at 9,020 from a previous of 10,889.

    The new cases are 508 and 1,343 have so far died.

    Source: peacefmonline.com

  • Police hunt for gunmen after rescuing trapped baby from snatched car in Kumasi

    Police have mounted a search for two gunmen who, at gunpoint, snatched a red Toyota Corolla from its owner with a baby trapped inside.

    The incident happened at Santasi, a suburb of Kumasi in the Ashanti Region.

    The vehicle was retrieved after the alleged snatchers abandoned it at Dakodwom, following a chase by the police patrol team on Sunday, January 16, 2022.

    Ashanti regional police spokesperson, ASP Godwin Ahianyo says the vehicle was snatched by the two unidentified gunmen at the Good Hope Chapel.

    “The Police upon receipt of the information swiftly set out all patrol vehicles and motorbikes within the metropolis in search of the said vehicle and its occupants (suspects). Sensing danger on the approach of a police vehicle and a taxi cab,” the Police said.

    Police hunt for gunmen after rescuing trapped baby from snatched car in Kumasi

    “The suspects abandoned the vehicle around Dakwadwom and fled into a nearby bush,” Ashanti Regional Police PRO, ASP Godwin Ahianyo explained in a statement.

    Police found the baby safe and has since reunited the child with the mother.

    The statement added that “the vehicle has since been driven to the Regional Police Headquarters and the child
    reunited with the mother.”

    Though police patrol vehicles are pursuing the suspects and operational units have been activated to assist in the search of the suspects, it is calling on the general public to provide credible information to help apprehend suspects.

    They further assured the public of their resolve to ensure the Ashanti Region is safe.

    https://soundcloud.com/joynews_adomnews/police-hunt-for-gunmen-after-rescuing-trapped-baby-from-snatched-car?utm_source=clipboard&utm_campaign=wtshare&utm_medium=widget&utm_content=https%253A%252F%252Fsoundcloud.com%252Fjoynews_adomnews%252Fpolice-hunt-for-gunmen-after-rescuing-trapped-baby-from-snatched-car

    Source: .myjoyonline.com

  • GWCL to ration water due to dry season

    The Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) is set to ration water to its customers following the dry season.

    GWCL in a statement directed its district offices to issue a water plan in order for customers store enough water.

    This directive, according to GWCL is as a result of a water-demand management system put in place by the Company.

    The GWCL has assured its consumers that it is working with the Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources to improve on water delivery in the country.

    “During dry seasons, consumers resort to the use of treated water for keeping lawns green, for commercial washing of vehicles etc,” it noted in a press release on Wednesday, January 12. Currently the dry season is on and consumers with greater dependence on rainwater have also compounded the problem by taking to treated water use. These practices ease the pressures in the pipelines thereby causing low pressures and no flow in some areas, especially the hilly areas,” the statement added.

    GWCL has since advised consumers to shut all taps when not in use as well as cease indiscriminate watering of lawns with treated water.

    Consumers have also been encouraged to repair all leakages in homes and report all burst pipes to ease the pressure on water systems.

    The GWCL has currently resorted to water demand management to ensure equitable distribution of the little water currently being produced at the various treatment plants,” it announced in the press release.

    GWCL says has also made its numbers available for prompt response to complaints and that the management of GWCL is doing everything possible is being done to ameliorate the situation.

    Source: atinkaonline.com

  • Double Track not completely abolished Education Ministry PRO

    Following the announcement of a new academic calendar for Senior High Schools, the Deputy Minister for Education, Rev. Ntim Fordjour, is reported to have declared the double-track system as abolished.

    Asked during an interview with Okay FM if introducing a new academic calendar will mean the abolishment of the Double Track System, the Deputy Minister for Education answered in the affirmative.

    He further clarified that there would no longer be red, yellow and green tracks adding that “schools without enough facilities to absorb the current system will have only one batch to be on vacation. That is; If first years are on vacation, you still have second and final year students still in school.”

    But in a social media post clarifying the details of the new calendar, the Public Relations officer of the Education Ministry, Kwasi Kwarteng, has stated that the introduction of the new calendar has not brought the end of the double-track system.

    “Double Track is not completely abolished. We have eliminated the double-entry of Form One and Form Two students. What it means is that all Form One and Form Two students will go to school each as one cohort, not divided into two,” he wrote.

    Kwasi Kwarteng added that the double-track system would be completely abolished once government fulfils its commitment to building more schools to accommodate the entire student population across the country.

    “As more school buildings are completed, entire school populations will report to school at the same time as one cohort as it pertains in Single Track schools,” he added.

    The double-track system was introduced by the government to manage an increase in the Senior High School student population in relation to limited infrastructure.

    The introduction of the Free Senior High School policy by the government in 2017 led to an increase in student enrolment, causing a strain on infrastructure.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Chinese arrested for shooting 8-year-old at Kwahu Aperadang

    Police had to be called in to bring order to Kwahu Aperadang in the Eastern Region after a Chinese national allegedly shot an 8-year-old boy.

    According to a report by UTV, the Chinese, popularly known as Afey, was cleaning up his gun when the weapon went off, hitting the 8-year-old in the process.

    The boy whose parents are neighbours to the Chinese national has been named Kwaku Mireku.

    According to his mother, she heard the gunshot from a distance and was called to the scene to find her son lying in a pool of blood.

    “I rushed to see my son lying in a pool of blood; he informed me that he was struck by the bullet while on his way to get water from the room. The white man told me he was rather going to our room. I picked him up and rushed him to the hospital,” the mother said.

    The victim is receiving medical treatment at the Holy Family Hospital at Nkawkaw.

    Incensed by the incident, some residents reportedly massed up at the residence of the Chinese man intending to burn down the apartment.

    The Divisional Police Commander for Nkawkaw, ACP Kofi Adu, called for calm, explaining to the youth that the laws will be duly applied in the matter.

    The Chinese national has since been taken into police custody pending investigation while the victim is responding to treatment at the hospital.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Farmer jailed 15 years, indicted for raping complainant

    The Koforidua Circuit Court “A” presided by Her Honour Marrian Affoh has jailed a 30-year-old farmer, Brukum Rashid Abdul Tagbor Bindakbuya for 15 years imprisonment for the threat of death and robbery.

    The complainant Ayi Ibrahim, 25, is a trader and resident of Kwaku-Botwe a farming Community near Begoro while the convict Abdul Tagbor Bindakbuya and his accomplice Mohammed Naakpija, 22, are both farmers.

    The prosecutor Chief Inspector Owusu Ababio told the court that, on December 22, 2021, at about 1:00 pm while the complainant was wandering in search of the whereabouts of her son who left the house, the convict -Abdul Tagbor Bindakbuya confronted and accused the complainant of allowing their cattle to destroy their crops by grazing it.

    But the complainant told the convict that her husband was not around, therefore, will inform him upon his return.

    The convict was not satisfied with the answer hence attempted to attack the complainant who upon sensing danger took to her heels.

    At about 4:00 pm, Abdul Tagbor Bindakbuya stormed the house of the complainant with a locally manufactured pistol and threatened to shoot the family but they fled.

    The convict then took away a generator set which cost ghc3,000 belonging to the family.

    He later attacked and allegedly raped the complainant.

    The complainant formally reported the incident to the Police and on January 7, 2022, the convict was spotted at about 7:00 pm at Akoradako village and was arrested.

    He admitted the offense and mentioned Mohammed Naakpija as the one who aided him to carry the stolen generator away to hide on a farm.

    Police arrested the accomplice and subsequently retrieved the generator, the locally manufactured pistol and two live BB cartridges.

    Abdul Tagbor Bindakbuya pleaded guilty on charges of threat of death and robbery when arraigned before the Koforidua Circuit Court “A” hence sentenced on his own plea to 15 years imprisonment.

    He will however be arraigned before the court again for trial on the rape charges.

    The second accused person Mohammed Naakpija however pleaded not guilty for abetment of robbery. He will reappear in Court on February 17, 2022.

    Source: starrfm.com.gh

  • Ghanaian youth must respect elderly, authority Nana Dankawoso

    The president-general of the West Africa Nobles Forum, Nana Dr Appiagyei Dankawoso I, has entreated Ghanaian youth to respect the elderly and authority.

    According to the Omanhene Kyeame of Asante Juaben Traditional Area in the Ashanti Region, he had taken notice of the disrespectful attitude by some youth at various institutions of the country, hence the call.

    “It is sad to see the lack of respect for the elderly and authorities in our schools, churches, towns and the nation. The youth do not seem to have respect for authority”.  

    “Let us start this year by showing respect to God and those in the helm of affairs”, he said in a statement signed and issued by him on Wednesday.

    WANF is a non-governmental group of more than 3,000 eminent personalities from various fields of work across the sub-region. Established in 2003, it aimed at promoting integrity and accountability as well as driving socio-economic integration.

    Touching on career progression, Nana Dankawoso noted that it would be difficult for workers to achieve their goals without being ambitious, but entreated them to control it to not hurt others.  

    “There is nothing wrong with ambition. Those who never set goals and strive to reach them never achieve anything. You must, however, control your ambition as you should never hurt others to achieve your own ends,” the statement said.

    Nana Dankawoso implored Ghanaian workers to exhibit certain character qualities such as ambition, loyalty, integrity, diligence and hard work.

    According to him, despite the conditions in the country influenced by the kind of government in power, rebellion should not be an excuse to seek better living conditions.

    “Our duties as citizens are conditioned by the kinds of government we live under or by the character of the rulers that we serve, but we must remember that strong disagreement with the way things are run is no excuse for rebellion”, he said.

    Nana Dankawoso l, who is the immediate past president of the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, charged employers to develop a healthy relationship between their employees by exhibiting a high level of integrity in order to win their trust.

    “You must have the highest ethical and moral standards integrity. In other words, your employer should be able to trust you loyally, with money and his time. Once your boss learns that he can trust you, he will give you more and more responsibilities,” he said.

    Source: ghanaiantimes.com.gh

  • Fear of Tidal waves grips residents of Moree

    Residents of Moree Apese Mpoano in the Abura Asebu Kwamankese (A.A.K) District of the Central Region are appealing to government through their Member of Parliament, Mr. Elvis Morris Donkoh, to construct a sea defense along their beaches to prevent the sea from claiming their homes.

    Chairman for Moree Urban Council, who doubles as the Assembly Member for Old Court Electoral Area, Hon. Boison speaking to journalists claimed that the ongoing sea defense projects at Anomabo, Elmina, and Cape Coast have caused sea waves to push into Moree resulting in the destruction of a premix fuel station and other properties already.

    According to him, pragmatic steps must urgently be taken to salvage the situation.

    Some residents also threatened to fight any group that would try to intervene should the unfortunate happen if government fails to construct the sea defense.

    Member of Parliament for AAK, Elvis Morris Donkoh pledged his commitment to ensuring that the sea defense is constructed to help them live comfortably in the area.

    He said the Moree Apese Mpoano may not have been considered at the time of assessing the need to construct the sea defense in parts of the region. He noted an impact assessment will be done to ascertain the actual problem at Moree and the necessary resolution adopted. Currently, the construction of sea defense walls is ongoing in Anomabo, Elmina, and Cape Coast.

    Source: atlfmnews.com

  • We were attacked for discussing the Songor lagoon issues Management of Radio Ada

    The Management of Radio Ada 93.3 FM says they were attacked because of their extensive coverage of issues surrounding the Songor Lagoon.

    In a press statement to present the facts of their attack, they stated that one of the hoodlums who had attacked them had revealed to them that they were targeted for throwing light on recent development on the Songor Lagoon.

    “The attackers openly declared that they had come to vandalise the station because of its Manor Munyu and other programmes discussing the recent developments in Songor. They threatened to inflict further havoc should the station continue with programmes on Songor,” the Management of the radio station stated.

    We were attacked for discussing the Songor lagoon issues - Management of Radio Ada
    Equipment belonging to the radio station were destroyed during the attack.

    On Thursday, January 13, Radio Ada 93.3 FM was raided by 8 hoodlums at about 11:30 am.

    “The attackers, one of whom was armed with a pistol, invaded the on-air studio by forcibly destroying its door. They beat up the presenter and vandalised the on-air studio equipment, leading to the temporary shut-down of Radio Ada,” the station recounted.

    During the havoc that ensued, two staff of the station were held hostage.

    According to Management, the attack has been reported to the Big Ada police for further investigation to be carried out.

    We were attacked for discussing the Songor lagoon issues - Management of Radio Ada

    The incident has also been reported to the National Media Commission.

    Meanwhile, the presenter who was assaulted has since been sent to the Ada East District Hospital for treatment.

    The Management further mentioned that in the wake of the attack, the radio station will be shut down for a few days, starting Friday January 14, to enable it review and repair the damage caused.

    “This announcement is being made to ensure that the facts of the attack are reported accurately and timeously. This announcement, interspersed with music, will be the only broadcast that Radio Ada will be making today,” the station stated.

    We were attacked for discussing the Songor lagoon issues - Management of Radio Ada
    Equipment belonging to the radio station were destroyed during the attack.

    Management of Radio Ada stated that it remains unfazed by the attack and will continue “to inform and to give voice to the Dangme community, particularly those least heard.”

    Source: myjoyonline.com

  • Academic calendar will be out this week MoE

    A comprehensive academic calendar for schools would be released within this week to lay to rest the agitation surrounding the reopening of public schools, the Ministry of Education (MoE) has assured.

    A spokesperson of the Ministry, Mr Kwasi Kwarteng told the Ghanaian Times yesterday that a ministerial committee set up to develop the calendar for the year 2024 had completed its work.

    “The draft report is ready, but within the week we will have the final report and communicate to the public”, he said, describing dates, circulating on social media as unconfirmed.

    The uncertainty in the reopening dates for public schools has created apprehensive amongst parents who feel their children had been left behind as their mates in private schools had already re-opened.

    Before schools vacated for the Christmas break last month, some parents claim they were told that the basic schools would resume this week, but they were later asked to wait for confirmation of the dates.

    Reacting to the delay in the announcement of new dates, Mr Kwarteng explained that the ministry was working to release a calendar that would correct the discrepancies and inconsistencies by the COVID-19 restrictions and other factors.

    He said these had changed the times for external examinations like the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) admissions into schools.

    He said it was against this backdrop that the Minister of Education, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum set up the committee, headed by one of his deputies; Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, to find a lasting solution.

    He said the committee which has representatives from the Ghana Education Service, The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment and the conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS) would come out with a calendar for this year to 2024.

    Source: ghanaiantimes.com.gh

  • Ayawaso West Assembly ejects squatters to make way for new police station

    As early as 3:00 am on Thursday, January 13, 2022, some squatters at Bayere Junction in Dzorwulu were awakened to what has turned out to be a sad day for them.

    Officials from the Ayawaso West Municipal Assembly stormed the area on Thursday morning to conduct a demolition exercise.

    When GhanaWeb reported to the scene, dozens of structures serving as residences and shops had been pulled down with the help of a backhoe.

    Assembly officials who were still in the demolition process declined to speak about the exercise. However, GhanaWeb sources at the Assembly say the ejection of the illegal occupants of the piece of land is to pave the way for the construction of a new police station.

    According to the source, the current structure that serves as a station for the Dzorwulu Police Command is a leased private property that the owner wants back.

    However, some squatters who were affected by the exercise complained they were not given ample opportunity to relocate.

    According to the settlers, they were served notice of eviction somewhere in November 2021; however, they found the period between the notice and the exercise short.

    For some of the squatters who had their residence demolished, they have been rendered homeless as a result of the destruction caused to their place of abode.

    Others who lost their place of commercial activities also bemoaned the loss of their businesses and the associated effects they are going to face.

    The exercise saw brief moments of confrontation between some Taskforce officers of the Ayawaso Municipal Assembly and some of the affected squatters.

    According to officials, the affected settlers had no right to take pictures and videos of the exercise and thus sought to confiscate mobile phones used to capture the demolition.

    As at the time GhanaWeb reporters were leaving the scene, some of the affected persons were seen salvaging the remains of their structures which had been reduced to rubbles and scraps.

    Watch video below:

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Lecturer jailed over sex for grades

    A Moroccan university professor accused of giving students good grades in return for sexual favours has been sentenced to two years in prison.

    This is the first verdict in a string of high-profile sexual harassment cases at universities in Morocco. 

    The economics lecturer at Hassan I University in Settat city was convicted of indecent behaviour, sexual harassment and violence.

    Four more academics are due to appear in court later as part of the scandal.

    The story came to light in September through the leaking on social media of messages that are said to have been between the lecturers and students. 

    The allegations caused anger in Morocco but not surprise – a string of such scandals have tarnished the reputation of Moroccan universities in recent years.

    The current case was different in that it was brought to court – most reported incidents do not lead to prosecutions.

    Rights groups say this is symptomatic of a society in which sexual violence remains widespread and many women do not feel confident reporting their experiences because of concerns over possible reprisals or the perceived damage to their reputation and that of their family.

    Source: BBC

  • Covid-19: Travelers from Accra to UAE to show proof of 24-hour negative test results

    Travelers to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from Accra will now have to show proof a 24-hour negative Covid-19 test result before the scheduled departure time.

    The result must be obtained within 24 hours before the departure and only hard copies of such negative results with barcodes for verification would be accepted.

    In a press statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, sighted by MyJoyOnline.com, the stringent measure recommended to be implemented by government is to “convince the UAE government to reconsider its decision and lift the travel restrictions of travelers from Ghana to UAE.”

    According to the statement dated January 12, five laboratories have been approved to take such tests. They are Leding, Frontiers, Airport Clinic, Akai House and MDS Lancet laboratory.

    Covid-19: Travelers from Accra to UAE to show proof of 24-hour negative test results

    Earlier, it was notified that people travelling from Uganda and Ghana to UAE on transit flights should have a negative Covid-19 test conducted with 48 hours and a Rapid-PCR test which will be done at the airport within six hours of departure.

    But the Ministry says relevant UAE authorities have proposed new measures.

    As part of its proposition, “Passengers will additionally be required to present a negative Covid-19 rapid or rare time PCR test certificate with QR code for a test conducted at the airport within 6-hours of departure.”

    Covid-19: Travelers from Accra to UAE to show proof of 24-hour negative test results

    The approved labs to provide such services are Leding and Frontiers.

    Meanwhile, airlines that ply the Accra-Dubai routes have been urged to comply with the recent measure.

    Source: MyJoyOnline.com

  • How Adom-Otchere revised KIA Xmas decor spending up by GH¢10,000

    Paul Adom-Otchere, the Board Chairman of the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL), has in the last few days had cause to defend spending that the board authorized on Christmas inspirations at the Kotoka International Airport, KIA.

    His first reaction came barely 24-hours after an invoice addressed to him began circulating on social media. In his reaction via a Facebook post, Afom-Otchere stated six facts in defence of the spending.

    Two of the facts spoke to the figures involved in the inspirations and read as follows: “FACT: The beautiful Christmas tree standing at Terminal 3 and 3 others altogether cost GH¢ 34,000, which was graciously provided by Jandel Limited at a heavy discount. (We thank Jandel Limited) 

    “FACT: The other inspirations were provided by Favors and Arts for a total cost of GH¢84,000 out of which GHC 50,000 was obtained via sponsorship.”

    It brought the total spending on the Christmas inspirations to GH¢118,000 but GHC50,000 less because of a sponsorship package by one of the vendors. So per his post, the total spending was 68,000.

    On Tuesday, January 12, 2022, edition of his biweekly programme, Good Evening Ghana, Adom-Otchere mounted yet another defence to better explain the amount that went into the project.

    Per his new calculation, the total amount of money spent on inspirations for two terminals, 2 & 3, at KIA came up to GH¢128,366.

    The company he restated called the advertisers and requested sponsorship that was paid in cash to the tune of GH¢50,000 from DPP agency because of the representation the board had made.

    “So what then is the total, the total then is 128,366 minus 50,000 and that brings us to 78,366 Ghana cedis. That is the amount that was spent in 2021 compared to 2016 five years ago, and this is for two terminals, that was one terminal.

    “This is the figure of what was spent, not what has been bandied around. I have seen a Graphic Online story that says 118 was spent and this is correct when you do the math of the total cost minus the sponsorship that we gained for the company,” he stressed.

    He also explained in the interview that the invoice bearing his name was not used by the company.

    Earlier in his Facebook post, he had stated thus: “It is ridiculous for anyone to say that the invoices from these two reputable companies were issued in the name of the Board Chairman, that just means the author of such spurious allegations has insufficient acquaintance with corporate workings.”

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Dismissed KATH ‘whistleblower’ sues hospital

    An Accounts Officer of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital dismissed after alleging misuse of COVID-19 donations by the hospital management has sued the hospital over what he says is wrongful termination of his appointment.

    Mr Awuni Akyireba has asked the court to set aside the decision by the Governing Board of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital to dismiss him.

    According to a Citi News report sighted by GhanaWeb, the suit is scheduled to be heard on January 28, 2022.

    The former Accounts Officer petitioned the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), alleging misapplication of funds by the Chief Executive Officer and Medical Director of KATH.

    The management of the hospital denied the claims while the results of the Commission’s investigation has been made public.

    However, in announcing its decision to dismiss Mr Akireba, the hospital said he breached its code of conduct.

    According to the Board of the Hospital, his action is “reprehensible and unacceptable”.

    Meanwhile, the hospital’s Public Relations Officer, Kwame Frimpong, says the hospital is yet to be served with the suit.

    “We will look at it tomorrow [Wednesday] if it is available and forward it to our lawyers, and he should expect a robust response from the hospital,” he stated in an interview with Citi News.

    Mr Frimpong, however, affirmed the hospital’s position on the allegation of misappropriation.

    “Management has on several occasions accounted for how these donations were utilised. Again, there have been two independent audits of these funds.”

    He further denied allegations of witch-hunting by the hospital targeted at the former Accounts Officer.

    “There is no staff in this hospital who has had that opportunity to amend his or her conduct. So it is not true that there is a witch-hunt against him.”

    According to the management of KATH in an earlier statement, Mr Akyireba had been cited in other acts of misconduct and was said to have used “abusive language” towards a superior.

    He is also accused of avoiding physical service of an invitation to appear before a Disciplinary Committee.

    “For avoiding physical service of invitation to appear before the Disciplinary Committee and eventually failing/refusing to appear despite glaring evidence that you saw the invitation, you commit a major offence under the Code,” the letter said.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Family narrates how Robert Mensah’s son committed suicide

    Kofi Antoh, the son of legendary Ghana goalkeeper, Robert Mensah has died after committing suicide, according to his family.  

    Antoh (meaning did not meet either the mother or father) was born on the day his father died. Mensah was stabbed to death in 1971.  

    After 51-years his son will get to meet the dad in the ancestral world after committing suicide, according to reports.  

    Part of a report on Antoh’s death filed by Blakk Rasta reads: “The family said three days ago, Kofi Anto seemed uneasy and asked his son who was playing around him to go out and play and not make so much noise around him. It was this opportunity he took to hang himself.”  

    It has been said that the family of Robert Mensah will announce plans for his funeral in the coming days. Kofi Antoh left behind a baby boy.  

    Robert Mensah is easily remembered for his unique dressing during games. He wore a cap vertically every match he played. Oppositions found it difficult to get past him when he is in full his amour. 

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • GH¢50m MCR: Job losses to hit financial sector again as NIC to collapse insurance firms

    The National Insurance Commission (NIC) is on the verge of withdrawing the licences of some insurance companies after they were unable to recapitalise to GH¢50 million by the end of its recapitalisation deadline.

    By not meeting the new capital requirement, the insurance sector regulator said the companies had also failed to move their capital adequacy ratio (MCR) to 150%, as required by an earlier directive.

    It has, therefore, given the affected companies up to February 6 2022, to cough up the funds or close shop and hand over their operations.

    The warning that was communicated to the affected companies on January 6 2022, now risks triggering the collapse of companies, mass layoffs, loss of investments and disruptions in a financial sector that is recovering from the recent clean-up exercise.

    An avenue for patient capital, the insurance sector employs thousands of people as permanent employees or contract staff or agents to sell insurance products.

    Experts say the order to cease operation, which was signed by the Commissioner of Insurance, Dr Justice Ofori, and the uncompromising position of the NIC in the midst of the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on businesses, could cause panic among the insuring public, send hundreds back home and worsen the hardship situation in the country.

    In the notice sent to the affected companies, a copy of which has been intercepted, the industry regulator said the companies that were unable to raise the capital had breached Section 59 of the Insurance Act 2021 (Act 1061).

    “Pursuant to Section 178 of the Insurance Act, the Commission, by this letter, issues a one-month notice of enforcement to [name withheld] effective January 12, 2022. For the purposes of protecting your policymakers, the entire insurance industry and the general public, you will be placed under enforcement with effect from February 10, 2022,” the notice that was issued to the companies said.

    Our sources say more than five companies are involved, raising the stakes on the impact of joblessness and disruptions to the insurance sector and the financial sector in general.

    The notice further warned affected companies not to enter into new contracts for any class of business, renew any existing contracts, vary contracts or engage in any marketing activities.

    It also ordered the firms to stop their staff and agents from selling their products.

    “You are, however, required to service existing policies until expiry,” the notice said, adding that payments must only be for claims, salaries, statutory requirements and other essential management expenses but with prior approval from the NIC.

    It also warned the boards and management of the companies that they would be held liable for liabilities resulting from new contracts entered into.

    The directive to insurance companies to recapitalise from GH¢15 million to GH¢50 million was issued in 2019 and meant to elapse in June 2021. It was, however, shifted to the end of January 2022 as a result of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on businesses.

    Source: Kojo Smith, Contributor

  • Allowance for teacher trainees is better than students’ loan – SDA COE Principal

    Principal of SDA College of Education (COE) at Asokore in Koforidua, Prof. William Kofi Koomson has proposed that maintaining teachers’ allowance policy would go a long way to assist students instead of replacing it with a loan.

    In his analysis, activities of Colleges of Education differ from that of other tertiary institutions and that, replacing the allowances with loans will not be in the good interest of students considering their academic structure.

    Speaking to the media at the re-opening of school and welcoming of first-year students, Prof. William Kofi Koomson emphasized that COEs are well disciplined in their activities and that is why students wear uniforms to school and also stay at the boarding house.

    “Until I was transferred here, I didn’t know there is a vast difference in academic work and standard between COEs and universities. With the COEs, they are specifically mandated to train teachers as nursing colleges do. So I think giving students allowance will rather help them instead of the loan”.

    “But if the government feels continuing paying of the allowances is a challenge to the country’s finances, then we welcome the loan replacement. But as an educationist, I prefer the allowance to the loans” Prof. Koomson stated.

    Prof. William Kofi Koomson was sharing his view on comments by Deputy Education Minister, Gifty Twum-Ampofo, on the government’s plans of replacing teachers’ and nurses’ allowances with students’ loans, which is expected to cater to every student willing to take financial support.

    The Mahama-led NDC government canceled the allowance and replaced it with the Students’ loan but the Akufo-Addo led NPP restored it in 2017 as it was a major tool in the party’s 2016 manifesto.

    He, however, urged the first-year students to take their lessons seriously and abide by all rules and regulations governing the College.

    Source: ghanaweb.com

  • Vaccinated persons dying more, stop administration – Doctors to Akufo-Addo

    Concerned Doctors of Ghana have called on President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to, with immediate effect, put a hold on the rollout of the COVID-19vaccine.

    According to them, the impression by government that the vaccine prevents infection and spread is false.

    Classfmonline reports that the concerned doctors indicate that recent studies show the vaccinated population is becoming more relevant in the spread of COVID-19, adding that, the vaccinated individuals have rather become a source of outbreaks.

    The doctors in a letter addressed to President Akufo-Addo said, “during the early days of the pandemic, the general sentiment was to hold on for a vaccine to come and save the day. We were told that these vaccines were our only way out of this pandemic, providing immunity against infection, preventing severe/critical disease hospitalisations and death. Overtime, however, all these have been shown to be false assertions.”

    They also urged government to immediately stop the mandatory requirement of proof of vaccination. Backing their argument with data, the concerned doctors indicated that the assertion that these COVID-19 vaccines reduce the risk of hospitalization and death, has been shown to be inaccurate as well.

    They said “in the state of Vermont, USA, it has been shown that 79% of deaths in September 2021 were among fully vaccinated individuals.

    “Over the month of September last year in the UK, approximately 79% of deaths were among fully vaccinated individuals as well. There are even schools of thought that theorise that the vaccinated are the main drivers of the pandemic,” classfmonline.com quoted them as having said.

    They added that relevant metrics indicate that, Ghana and Africa have done better than most of the world, they however recommend that many Ghanaians can strengthen their immune system by eating local dishes and fruits as recommended by the president in the early days of the pandemic.

    “Per your dietary advice during the early days of the pandemic, Mr. president said many Ghanaians may have strengthened their immune system after eating more of our local dishes and fruits which tend to be high in vitamins, minerals and other micronutrients,” they added.

    They urged government to conduct further research into locally made remedies and treatment for COVID-19.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Akufo-Addo launches GH¢6.1M Police medical fund, Commissions projects at Police Hospital

    President Akufo-Addo launched a GH¢6.1 million Police Emergency Medical Intervention Fund at the Police Hospital on Tuesday.

    The fund is aimed at providing immediate financial assistance for the medical treatment of Police officers, who get injured in the line of duty.

    Akufo-Addo launches GH¢6.1M Police medical fund, Commissions projects at Police Hospital
    President Akufo-Addo and IGP George Akuffo Dampare

    According to President Akufo-Addo, “I have been assured that beneficiaries do not have to go through the usual bureaucracies and the associated delays which have, in the past, resulted, in some cases, in personnel losing their lives whilst awaiting treatment, and the deterioration of medical conditions of some others.”

    Akufo-Addo launches GH¢6.1M Police medical fund, Commissions projects at Police Hospital

    Presenting the first three beneficiaries of the Fund, Chief Inspector Victor Anako, Inspector Theresa Ohene and Corporal Isaac Asuman Opoku, with amounts covering the cost of medical treatment in Ghana and abroad, the President was hopeful that “all Police officers who require medical treatment will receive the best of care, no matter the cost of treatment.”

    Akufo-Addo launches GH¢6.1M Police medical fund, Commissions projects at Police Hospital
    President Akufo-Addo and IGP George Akuffo Dampare

    On his part, the President made a modest contribution of GH¢100,000 to the Fund, a gesture which was met with spontaneous applause from the officers, men and women of the Police Service gathered at the venue.

    Akufo-Addo launches GH¢6.1M Police medical fund, Commissions projects at Police Hospital

    In his remarks, prior to the commissioning of the New Out-Patient-Department (OPD) facility at the Police Hospital, the President commended the Police administration and the Management of the Police Hospital for constructing the new OPD, which will help decongest the existing facility, which, hitherto, was responsible for seeing to patients with emergency cases as well as to regular OPD patients.

    Akufo-Addo launches GH¢6.1M Police medical fund, Commissions projects at Police Hospital

    “This new OPD, which cost a modest sum of GH¢180,000 will be dedicated to emergency cases only, in line with best practices. It will ensure a clear line of separation between emergency cases and routine OPD visits, thereby improving the quality-of-service delivery at the hospital,” he added.

    Akufo-Addo launches GH¢6.1M Police medical fund, Commissions projects at Police Hospital
    IGP George Akuffo Dampare

    He was particularly excited about the establishment of the Virtual Medical Centre, constructed at an equally modest amount of GH¢50,000. The Virtual Medical Centre, which is an end-to-end video hospital management system, will allow patients, no matter where they are located in the country, to undertake virtual consultation with healthcare professionals at the hospital.

    Akufo-Addo launches GH¢6.1M Police medical fund, Commissions projects at Police Hospital

    Police personnel, irrespective of their location, can now access healthcare services from the Police Hospital anywhere in the country, at any time, with officers guaranteed a protected platform for seamless consultations with the doctor.

    Akufo-Addo launches GH¢6.1M Police medical fund, Commissions projects at Police Hospital

    “Beginning with virtual OPD attendance, through diagnoses, laboratory referrals, prescription of drugs, and subsequent reviews, all of these medical processes can be done without one having to travel from his or her station.

    “Indeed, if the medical situation of a patient demands a higher level of attention, the medical doctor would immediately make the necessary arrangements for the patient to be evacuated to the nearest medical facility for treatment,” the President added.

    Akufo-Addo launches GH¢6.1M Police medical fund, Commissions projects at Police Hospital

    The President noted that, “this Virtual Medical Centre, the first of its kind in the public sector, is, indeed, worthy of emulation, and could not have come at a better time, as we continue to battle the scourge of COVID-19, which has, to a significant extent, limited person-to-person contact.”

    Source: Jubilee House

  • Nestle recalls 24 batches of milk from the market

    Nestle Ghana has recalled 24 batches of evaporated milk from the market following social media uproar after consumers discovered coagulated milk in their Ideal and Carnation milk tins.

    According to Nestle, the cause of the milk coagulation was due to the skimmed milk powder used to manufacture the milk. This, the company explained has poor heat stability.

    Further investigation conducted by the Food and Drugs Authority in collaboration with Nestle had revealed that the milk did not pose a health hazard.

    However, Nestle Ghana which prioritises “that our consumers have the best experiences with our products” is recalling 11 batches of Ideal milk and 13 batches of Carnation milk from the market, as these might be susceptible to coagulation.

    The batch numbers are:

    IDEAL Milk: 12651489, 12951489, 12961489, 13001489, 13031489, 13031489, 13131489, 13161489, 13171489, 13341489, 13351489

    CARNATION Tea Creamer: 12901480, 12911489, 12931489, 12941489, 12951489, 12601489, 12611489, 12651489, 13061489, 13071489, 13081489, 13091489, 13101489.

    The batch numbers are listed below and can be found printed on top of the lid of each tin.

    “Anyone who has an IDEAL Milk product or CARNATION Tea Creamer from one of these batches can drop them off at any one of the Nestlé offices across the country and obtain a replacement.

    “Alternatively, they can contact us for information on other ways to exchange a product from these batches. Consumers who will return their products to any FDA office nationwide will be contacted by Nestlé for replacement,” Nestle said in a press statement.

    The company expressed its regret at the inconvenience caused consumers and trade partners as a result of the issue and the recall.

    “Anyone who has a concern can contact us on our toll-free number 0800120001. Alternatively, they can call on 030 2 21 1880 (Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm) or call, WhatsApp or SMS us on 059 384 5697, 059 384 5649 and 059 384 5708 between 8:00 am to 8:00 pm.

    “They can email consumerservices@gh.nestle.com or send direct messages (DM) to @NestléCWAR on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram or @IdealMilkGhana on Facebook and Instagram,” the company directed.

    “We appreciate the feedback we have received from consumers who have shared their concerns. We want to reassure them we are doing our utmost to ensure that the products affected are recovered and replaced as smoothly as possible. We would like to thank all concerned for their understanding,” it concluded.

    Source: myjoyonline.com

  • Bolgatanga is HIV hotspot in Upper East Region GHS

    The Bolgatanga Municipality in the Upper East Region remains a hotshot for HIV infection, health experts have said.

    Sulemana Majeed, Regional HIV Coordinator, who disclosed this at a media briefing, said, “Bolgatanga has always been above the national figure, which calls for an increase sensitisation and education.”

    The media engagement was part of a series of activities by the GHS and the Ghana AIDS Commission to solicit the support of journalists to increase public awareness on HIV and help prevent, control and manage the spread of the virus among the public.

    Mr Majeed said the Regional figure for HIV infection was 1.9 per cent and noted that the disease was gradually becoming more urbanised with lots of population influx with activities, including commercial sex activities at certain areas within the Bolgatanga township.

    He emphasized that the HIV hotspot was not static and peculiar to certain areas in the Region but had over the years swung among the Districts, adding that Navrongo in the Kassena-Nankana Municipality used to be a hotspot.

    “It moved to Sandema in the Builsa North Municipality for about five years and to the Bolgatanga Municipality. So if you go by the HIV Sentinel Survey (HSS) data, Bolgatanga will be considered as our hotspot,” the HIV Coordinator said.

    He said per the HSS sites of HIV prevalence, the Bolgatanga Municipality recorded increases from 2.8 per cent in 2018 to 3.6 per cent in 2019, and indicated that though there was a decrease to 2.6 per cent in 2020, the prevalence rate was still high in the Bolgatanga Municipality.

    He said Navrongo recorded a constant figure of 1.6 per cent in 2017 and 2018 respectively, with increases to 2.0 per cent in 2019, and 2.2 per cent in 2020, while the Builsa North Municipality saw a consistent increase from 1.0 per cent in 2017 to 1.1 per cent in 2018 and from 1.2 per cent in 2019 to 1.3 per cent in 2020.

    The situation, he noted, was not different in the Bawku Municipality as it equally recorded increases from 0.4 per cent in 2017, to 0.6 per cent in 2018, 1.2 per cent in 2019, and 1.3 per cent in 2020.

    On the number of positive HIV cases per population, Mr Majeed said the first five hotspot Districts were Nabdam, Bolgatanga East, Builsa North, Bongo, and Bolgatanga Municipality.

    Nabdam District, he said recorded 214 HIV cases per population, “So per every 100,000 population in Nabdam, 214 of them would be HIV positive, Bolgatanga East is 175, Builsa North is 152, Bongo 149 and Bolgatanga Municipality is 112 per 100,000 population.”

    Dr Josephat Nyuzaghl, Deputy Regional Director of the GHS in charge of Public Health, called on journalists, especially broadcast journalists at various radio stations across the Region, to support the Health Directorate to educate and increase awareness of HIV among members of the public to curtail the spread.

    Source: GNA

  • SSNIT reviews pensioners benefit upwards by 10%

    The Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) has adjusted monthly pensions upwards by 10 per cent for 2022.

    This is to help maintain the purchasing power of pensioners.

    The decision was taken in consultation with the National Pensions Regulatory Authority (NPRA) pursuant to Section 80 of the National Pensions Act 2008 (Act 766).

    Section 80 of the Act states that “the Trust shall annually review the pension payment which shall be indexed to wage inflation rates of active contributors or another rate determined by the Trust in consultation with the Board of the Authority.”

    According to SSNIT in a press statement dated January 11, all pensioners on its pension payroll as at December 31, 2021, “will have their monthly pension increased by a fixed rate of 9.68% plus a redistributed flat amount of GH¢3.44.”

    The effective increase in pensions would therefore range from 9.683% for the highest earning pension to 10.83% for the lowest pension earner.

    “Accordingly, the highest earning Pensioner as at 31st December 2021 will receive GH¢ 142,564.97 and Pensioners receiving the minimum pension of GH¢300.00 as at 31st December, 2021 will have their monthly pensions increased to GH¢332.48.

    The minimum pension for all new Pensioners effective January 2022, will be GH¢300.00,” the statement further added.

    Meanwhile, SSNIT has stated that pensioners will be paid on the third Thursday of every month.

    Source: MyJoyOnline.com

  • Workers who receive salary of ¢365 and below wont be taxed GRA

    The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has stated that employees who earn GH¢365 and below as monthly salary or GH¢4,380 as annual salary will not be taxed.

    The Authority in a tweet explained that the decision is pursuant to Income Tax (Amendment) (No. 2) Act 2021. (Act 1071).

    The GRA said the Act is “to amend the Income Tax Act, 2015 (Act 896) to review the rates of income tax for individuals; to reduce the withholding tax rate for sale of unprocessed gold by small scale miners; to increase the threshold for an individual to whom the presumptive tax under the Modified Taxation Scheme applies; to extend the Covid-19 concessions granted in 2021 for further six months in 2022 and to provide for related matters.”

    The Act was assented to by the President on December 30, 2021, after it was passed by Parliament.

    In June last year, the National Tripartite Committee announced that the National Minimum Daily Wage will be revised to GH¢13.53 effective January 1, 2022. 

    Below is the Income Tax (Amendment) (No. 2) Act 2021. (Act 1071).

    Source: MyJoyOnline.com

  • Pillion riding involving men banned in Bawku

    The Upper East Regional Security Council (REGSEC) has banned the use of a motorbike by two or more men in the Bawku Municipality and its environs.

    The decision prohibiting males from riding with their fellow males was taken after an emergency meeting held on Thursday, January 6, over the security situation in the region.

    In a press statement signed by the Upper East Regional Minister, Stephen Yakubu, the Council noted that the ban includes “a woman riding on a motorbike and picking a man on the same motorbike.”

    However, a female is permitted to ride with a colleague female.

    Pillion riding involving men banned in Bawku

    The Municipal Security Council has been urged to enforce the directive with urgency.

    Meanwhile, the Regional Security Council has agreed to provide adequate security at all Total and Goil fuel filling stations in Bawku.

    Source: MyJoyOnline.com

  • GPRTU to deliberate on adjustment in transport fares today

    The leadership of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) is expected to meet today to deliberate on transport fares in the wake of the increasing cost of fuel.

    The meeting, the first to be held this year, will assess the hikes in fuel prices and spare parts among other variables over the period to determine increment in transport fares, Mr Abass Imoro, Head of Communications, GPRTU, told the Ghana News Agency.

    The Concerned Drivers Association of Ghana (C-DAG) on Monday, January 10, 2022, announced that it would increase transport fares by 40 per cent from Monday, January 17, 2022.

    In a press statement, the Association said the upward adjustment had been necessitated by the rising cost of fuel, spare parts, and lubricants, increment in cost of vehicles, and high cost of living.

    The GPRTU, however, dissociated itself from the statement by C-DAG, saying the C-DAG could not take such decisions for all commercial transport operators in the country.

    “The issues they raise are legitimate, and it is their fundamental right to say whatever they deem necessary.

    “But we dissociate ourselves from what they said. The GPRTU has not taken any decision on that. We will resume from our break tomorrow. We will meet and see the way forward,” Mr Imoro said.

    Outlining reasons for the proposed increment in transport fares, the C-DAG, said the “consistent increase” in fuel prices and spare parts had badly affected their business and livelihood.

    “It must be noted that, we also experience the economic conditions of the country. It has become extremely difficult for us to manage our homes as prices of basic commodities, including sachet water have also seen an upward increment,” it said.

    “In view of this, we urge Ghanaians to side with us when the increments of transport fares take effect from Monday, January 17, 2022,” it added.

    Following a surge in the price of crude on the world market, prices for petrol and diesel have seen an upward adjustment of about 10p per litre since the beginning of the year.

    Both petrol and diesel are now trading at an average GHC6.70 per litre at the pumps.

    The Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC) has projected that prices of petrol and diesel are expected to go up by 3.7 per cent and 2.5 per cent respectively, in the 1st Pricing Window of January (1st to 16th January, 2022).

    In nominal terms, ex-pump prices of petrol and diesel are expected to increase by 24 and 17 pesewas, respectively, it said in a statement last week.

    Source: GNA

  • Unexplained wealth among young people increasing due to lack of investigations Bonaa

    A Security analyst, Adam Bonaa, has noted that unexplained wealth among young people in Ghana is increasing because there is no questioning of the source of the properties acquired.

    “Nobody is investigating anyone so you have young people who have unexplained wealth,” he told Alfred Ocansey on the Sunrise show on 3FM Monday, January 10.

    It would be recalled that the Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng explained when wealth acquired by persons in Ghana could be described as unexplained wealth.

    He told the appointments committee of Parliament during his vetting on Thursday, July 22, 2021, that if persons are unable to explain the source of the wealth as against the lawful income they earn, then it qualifies to be described as unexplained wealth.

    Asked by Minority Leader Haruna Iddrisu to explain what unexplained wealth is, Mr. Agyebeng said “It is a bit too overbroad to explain unexplained wealth in criminal jurisprudence, criminal construct should be more pointed, more focused and delineated because of the specter of someone ending up in jail, losing his liberty or being fined hefty fine an amount.

    “And so if we are to place it in proper context, unexplained wealth, I would say if the person cannot reasonably explain as marched against his lawful income, the amount of money in questions then that aspect, in my opinion, should be criminalized.

    “But if you can reasonably explain how you came by that amount of money then that should be acceptable.”

    Source: 3news.com

  • Ghanas economy will recover much stronger in 2022 Akufo-Addo

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has assured that the local economy is recovering from the impact of the coronavirus.

    He said it would even recover much stronger this year.

    Mr Akufo-Addo expressed optimism of a swift economy recovery due to what he said was the solid economic foundation his administration has built.

    “2021 has proven to be tough year not only for us but also everyone on the planet,” he said.

    He added: “Our economy is recovering and will recover much stronger in 2022-2023, my government has built solid economic foundation.”

    Source: 3news.com

  • COP Tiwaa Addo-Danquah takes office as EOCO boss today

    Commissioner of Police (COP) Maame Yaa Tiwaa Addo-Danquah, a former Director-General of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service, will take office as the new Executive Director of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) today.

    This follows her appointment by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to replace Steve Raymond Dapaa-Addo, who was appointed as Director-General of EOCO on July 9, 2021.

    COP Addo-Danquah recently served as the Director-General of the Police Professional and Standards Bureau.

    COP Addo-Danquah is a Chartered Accountant and a Chartered Forensic Accountant.

    She holds a Master of Business Administration (Finance Option) Degree from the University of Cape Coast, Ghana and was the Director of Commercial Crime Unit of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for more than three years as well as the Director of CID Trainings for three years.

    For more than 15 years, Maame Tiwaa played a leading role in fraud detection and investigations both within the CID, and in the Public and Private sectors.

    She attended over a dozen conferences and training events in financial crime investigations and also facilitated in more than 25 training programmes in fraud investigations both within Ghana for the Financial Institutions, and abroad.

    COP Addo-Danquah was the coordinator of a project at the CID, which aims at building capacity of CID Investigators in financial fraud and cybercrime investigations.

    She has also been consulted in numerous engagements, including the development of Post Chartered Diploma in Forensic Audit for the Institute of Chartered Accountants, Ghana (IGAG) and has been a resource person for the Institute of Chartered Accountants, Ghana.

    COP Addo-Danquah was the first Commandant of the Ghana Police Command and Staff College, Winneba, the highest training institution of the Ghana Police Service.

    She held various appointments in the Ghana Police Service, including Ghana Police Hospital Administrator, Divisional Commander, Accra Central Division, Ministries, Accra, Deputy Director-General, Police Intelligence and Professional Standards Bureau, Deputy DirectorGeneral/CID and Director-General of the Criminal Investigation Department, the first Woman to be appointed to that position since the inception of the CID in 1948.

    She is currently the President of the Ghana Police Ladies Association and immediate past President of the Association of Women Accountants, Ghana.

    COP Addo-Danquah was recruited into the Ghana Police Service in 1990.

    Source: GNA

  • Transport fares to go up by 40% on January 17 Concerned Drivers Association of Ghana

    The Concerned Drivers Association of Ghana (C-DAG) has announced a 40% increment in transport fares across the country from Monday, January 17, 2022.

    In a press release dated January 10, the Association noted that the upward adjustment has been necessitated by the unbearable hardships facing drivers currently.

    “It must be noted that we commiserate with Ghanaians on the current economic hardship but in order to keep us in business, we are left with no other option but to adjust transport fares a little upward which is a 40% increment,” part of the statement reads.

    C-DAG stated that the increment is influenced by a number of factors including the price of fuel at the pumps, the increase in the prices of vehicles and the increment of spare parts and lubricants.

    “It must be noted that we also experience the economic conditions of the country. It has become extremely difficult for us to manage our homes as prices of basic commodities, including sachet water have also seen an upward increment,” they added.

    The Association urged Ghanaians to embrace the new “transport fares when it takes effect from Monday, January 17, 2022.”

    The Association also encouraged Ghanaians to avoid fighting drivers and their conductors when the new fares are implemented. 

    Source: Myjoyonline.com

  • Constitution Day should not be holiday for students Prof Agyeman-Duah

    Former United Nations Senior Advisor Professor Baffour Agyeman-Duah is not happy the Constitution Day is marked as a statutory public holiday.

    He said the Day should rather be committed to sensitising students and Ghanaians, in general, on the essence of constitutional regimes the country has experienced.

    Prof Agyeman-Duah made these suggestions on TV3s Midday Live on Friday, January 7 as Ghana marks 29 years since the advent of the 1992 Constitution.

    He insisted that the current constitution, drafted under the Jerry John Rawlings-led Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC), needs reforms of some sort as it was written in fear owing to the military dictatorship of Flight Lieutenant Rawlings.

    “I think we need to begin to look at how we review it,” he stressed, adding that he is not so much concerned with how that review is done but “certain aspects of it must change”.

    Prof Agyeman-Duah is of the strong opinion that the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) does not have the capabaility to be the sole institution to sensitise Ghanaians on the 1992 Constitution.

    He furthered that teachers should have been roped in in the sensitisation drive especially on days like the Constitution Day.

    He, therefore, chastised the move to break students and shut schools and close shops on Constitution Day.

    “Constitution Day should be an occasion where there should be a national reflection on the Constitution,” Prof Agyeman-Duah suggested.

    The Constitution Day was first celebrated in 2018 and it came to replace Republic Day, which until then was celebrated every July 1 as a statutory public holiday.

    Source: 3news.com

  • Senegal rejects attempt to toughen anti-gay laws

    A bill introduced in the Senegalese parliament meant to toughen existing laws against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people has been rejected.

    Gay sex is already punishable by up to five years in jail.

    The bill would have lengthened the term to a maximum of 10 years and led to a threefold increase in the maximum fines.

    It would also have specifically targeted LGBT and similar activities as crimes.

    The Office of the National Assembly, which stopped the proposed bill from proceeding to the floor, said the current law is clear and severely punishes homosexuality.

    The bill had been initiated by 11 MPs, who said they had the backing of key religious groups.

    Senegal has a 95% Muslim population and homosexuality is widely considered unacceptable.

    Source: today.ng

  • The more COVID-19 cases, the more stress, risk to doctors, other health workers -GMA

    General Secretary of the Ghana Medical Association Dr. Justice Yankson, has noted that the risk associated with the COVID-19 in the case of doctors and other frontline health workers was still high.

    The medical doctor stated that the risk levels are prevalent in the face of the cases increasing in line with the national figures.

    Speaking on Rainbow Radio 87.5Fm, he said: “when you look at the speed at which the cases are increasing, it is becoming more difficult for doctors and other frontline health workers.”

    He advised the Ghanaian public to adhere strictly to the COVID-19 protocols.

    He bitterly complained that there had been several breaches in the adherence to the safety protocols, especially during the festive season.

    This, he said, has increased our cases, and if care was not taken, we would witness challenging times.

    When asked if we could witness a situation where some health facilities could shut down due to the increase in our case, he said: “it is very difficult to predict, but theoretically, it is possible. For example, we recently heard Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital planned to shut down the emergency unit because the majority of the doctors and nurses had tested positive.

    “And so, if you go the facility and there ten doctors and 8, 7 or 9 have tested positive, and cannot perform their duties, you would have to go understand that we would experience a shortage and the remaining number of doctors would be able to work. If they do, it will put more stress and risk on them. Apart from Covid-19, existing health conditions are still around, and as Covid-19 increases, the hospital begins to suffer because the human resource available is reduced.”

    He stressed the need for the public to act responsibly so the number of cases would be reduced to minimize the risk associated with the work of our frontline health workers.

    Source: rainbowradioonline.com

  • SIM card registration chaos: MTN opens more registration centres

    With the March 31, 2021 deadline for the SIM card registration just some weeks away, many Ghanaians have started trooping in at the services centres of telecommunication companies across the country.

    This has led to long queues, chaos and the violation of the COVID-19 protocols at these centres.

    In response to this, MTN Ghana has announced more registrations centres in addition to its services centres.

    A statement issued by MTN said the registration is now taking place at all of its office branches, connect stores, distribution branches, light retail stores as well as retail centres and agent tough points across the country.

    Earlier, some Ghanaians reacted to the long queues at the registration centres on Twitter.

    The micro-blogging site, Twitter, has once again been set ablaze as photos and videos of people joining long queues at the National Identification Authority (NIA) and telecommunication operators offices across the country have popped up.

    The re-registration of Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) cards commenced on Friday, October 1, 2021, and is expected to end on March 31, 2022.

    People who fail to re-register their SIM will have it blocked.

    As the deadline draws nigh, several people have thronged the premises of the NIA and the telcos to join long queues to get their Ghana card and biometric registration of their SIM cards done, respectively.

    Reacting to this growing development, tweeps have wondered why the re-registration exercise could not be done digitally.

    Others suggested that these telcos have applicants on scheduled dates to avoid the crowd and curb the spread of COVID-19.

    The SIM card re-registration exercise is to monitor and track persons who use their phones for criminal activities.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • SSNIT extends merger of NIA and SSNIT numbers to June 30

    The Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) has announced an extension of the deadline for the merger of SSNIT and National Identification (NIA) numbers for members of the scheme.

    Announcing the extension in a release dated January 5, 2021, the management of SSNIT said the deadline initially fixed for December 31, 2021, is now slated for June 30, 2022.

    Management of the scheme has thus entreated members who are yet to merge their numbers or acquire their Ghana Cards to do so or risk being denied access to their pensions and other social security-related services from SSNIT.

    “From 1st July 2022, the Ghana Card will be the only identification recognised by the Trust. This is in compliance with Regulation 7 (1) of the National Identity Register Regulations, 2012, L.I. 2111 which requires the use of the Ghana Card as identification for “transactions pertaining to individuals in respect of pensions” and “transactions that have social security implications.”

    “Employers are to note that they will be required to use only the NIA numbers of their workers to process Contribution Reports and make payments. Voluntary contributors will also have to pay their contributions using their NIA numbers,” the statement said.

    The management of SSNIT added, “that Members who fail to merge their SSNIT and NIA numbers will be denying themselves access to pensions and other social security related services from SSNIT.”

    According to SSNIT, there will be no further extension of the June 30 deadline with the Ghana Card becoming the only card accepted for all transactions for the trust.

    Read the full release below:

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Medicinal marijuana effective painkiller for chronic pain – Biochemist

    Dr George Cobla, Biochemist at the Food and Drugs Authorities (FDA), says medicinal marijuana is an effective substitute painkiller for chronic pain.

    He said the Cannabidiol (CBD) and Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) found in medicinal marijuana interacted with pain receptors in the brain to produce a pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effect, which aids in the relief of chronic pains.

    Dr Cobla, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency, explained that the maximum dosage for medicinal marijuana is 0.3 per cent of THC, which would not get you high but provide relief for chronic pains.

    He said people with epilepsy, who took CBD solutions, had fewer seizures than usual, as well as cancer patients who experienced chemotherapy side effects like vomiting and nausea.

    Dr Cobla said although marijuana had a lot of health benefits, the abuse of it was health risks such as mental health issues, cannabis use disorder, testicular and lung cancer.

    He said, “If you happen to live in a country where cannabis use is legal, you and your medical officer should carefully consider the various reported benefits and risks and how they relate to your illness and health history before using the substance.”

    Dr Cobla urged the public to always consult with their doctor before, beginning any new medication.

    Mr Darlington Ighodalo, a businessman, expressed concern about the abuse of marijuana.

    “I am not against the use of marijuana but the addiction to it causes harm to the health and changes psychological behaviours of people who abuse it.”

    He said, “while many people enjoy smoking cannabis recreationally, it is clear that more and better research is needed to understand its health effects fully.”

    Source: GNA