TIG Post

Author: Persis

  • Two men arrested for allegedly sodomising 15-year-old boy at Kumasi

    Two men, Daniel Odame and Francis Arhin have been arrested by Police at Atasemanso – a suburb of Kumasi in the Ashanti Region for allegedly sodomising a 15-year-old boy.

    According to a report by Citinewsroom, the suspects were arrested on December 26, 2021, at the residence of Daniel Odame following a complaint by the father of the victim.

    Upon reaching the residence, the police are said to have chanced upon Daniel Odame allegedly helping Francis Arhin have an unnatural carnal knowledge with the 15-year-old.

    Following their arrest, Odame was charged with defilement and aiding and abetting unnatural carnal knowledge.

    Francis Arhin was however charged with having unnatural carnal knowledge.

    Appearing in court on Wednesday, January 5, 2022, the Kumasi Circuit Court presided over by Her Honour, Gloria Mensah Bonsu, remanded Daniel Odame into police custody while Francis Arhin was granted a fifty thousand Ghana cedis bail with two sureties, one to be justified.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Mahama imposter who defrauded businessman of GH¢50,000 granted bail

    A known communicator of the opposition National Democratic Congress alleged to have used the name of former President John Dramani Mahama to defraud a businessman has been granted bail by a Kumasi Circuit court.

    Gabriel Agah is facing charges of defrauding by false pretense after he was alleged to have used the name of the former president to extort an amount of GH¢150,000 from one Nana Opoku Agyemang.

    The suspect on his first appearance in court somewhere in December 2021 was remanded into custody.

    On his second appearance on Wednesday, December 5, 2021, the suspect was admitted to a bail sum of GH¢100,000 with three sureties, one to be justified with a landed property.

    The bail application came after he had spent nearly two weeks in police custody. The case has been adjourned to Wednesday, February 2, 2022, to allow the Police to conduct further investigation into the matter.

    Background

    Gabriel Agah was arrested by the Ashanti Regional Police Command in December 2021, at the Manhyia Palace during the observation of the Akwasidae festival.

    The suspect is said to have attempted to defraud the Chief Executive Officer of O. A. Transport, Opoku Agyemang having already succeeded in taking some GH¢50,000 from the businessman.

    The suspect had informed the businessman on phone that he was former President John Mahama and needed some cash for medical care abroad.

    The businessman is said to have released the money to the suspect because he said former President Mahama sent him for the cash on his behalf.

    After several months of no communication from the suspect, Mr Agyemang received another call from the suspect pretending he is the former President and requested an additional one hundred thousand Ghana cedis.

    According to the O. A. boss, the suspect promised to make him a big businessman if the NDC wins the 2024 elections. The businessman requested they meet at the Akwasidae Festival celebration for the money.

    Upon meeting the suspect, the businessman insisted on meeting the former President himself but this was unsuccessful leading to the arrest.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Dont lose touch with grassroots Kufuor advises NPP

    The former President, John Agyekum Kufuor, has advised the leadership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) not to detach itself from the grassroots since doing so will destroy the democratic tradition of the party.

    He challenged them to uphold the tradition and not abandon it.

    The former president gave the advice in a goodwill message to the NPP at its National Delegates Conference held in Kumasi on December 19, 2021, and also urged the leadership to ensure reconciliation among the rank and file of the party.

    “With peace, unity, dedication, determination, and committed fellowship, the party and the government’s attractiveness will be urgently restored and deepened to sustain the government towards the year 2024,” he stated.

    Former President Kufuor urged the party headquarters to urgently equip itself with a professional strategic team to ensure its opponents did not outsmart the party in the current battle of wits to break the eight-year political party rule.

    He encouraged all party faithful, well-wishers and sympathisers to resolve “unshakably” to uphold and live by the tenets of the Danquah-Dombo-Busia tradition of constitutionalism, democracy, the rule of law, good governance, respect for human rights, freedom of thought and expression in development and private initiative.

    “The golden rule of ‘each is our brother’s keeper’ must undergird these tenets, supporters, and members of the party must pray for God’s guidance and protection for the government in discharging its responsibility to the nation,” former President Kufuor implored.

    2024 will be about 16 years the former President Kufuor and former Vice President Alhaji Aliu Mahama ceased to be the face of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), and President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and his running mate, Dr Muhammadu Bawumia, became the face of the party.

    After 16 years, many members of the great Osono Party think it is time to hit the refresh button and present a new and fresh countenance of the party to the people of Ghana.

    Others think that changing for a new face may accentuate the propaganda that the elephant party adores and places only Akans as presidential candidates. 

    But, for many, it is about winning elections and breaking the eight than merely satisfying a narrative of making a Northerner or Upper Region member a presidential candidate at all cost.

    In the face of this reality, the party needs a candidate capable of uniting members and leading it to deliver electoral victory bearing in mind how Ghanaians no longer trust politicians and political parties.

    This is why a combination of factors needs consideration to anoint a new face that brings not just refreshing hope to the people but, more importantly, can deliver reliable leadership to the party and nation.

    Reliable leadership is the most important factor because the 2024 elections are about who the people can trust more; who is more credible and trustworthy to win the people’s hearts.

    “What the party has always been concerned about is who is capable of winning the next election than where one comes from. The prevailing dynamics of Ghana’s politics, the credibility of individual presidential aspirants and what the people generally are looking for in the next presidential candidates, are thus the deciding factors,” Former General Secretary of the party, Nana Ohene Ntow, observed after the Kumasi conference.

    Source: ghanaiantimes.com.gh

  • Bagbin, three NDC health ministers ‘probed’ over ambulance purchase – AG

    Speaker Alban Bagbin and three other former Health Ministers have given statements to prosecutors in the issue relating to the purchase of some ambulances during the John Dramani Mahama administration.

    A January 5, 2022, statement from Deputy Attorney General, Diana Asonaba Dapaah, disclosed that investigations into the ambulance gate had started in 2017, the first year of the first term of the Akufo-Addo government.

    She was reacting to a 2021 Christmas Eve press conference by Member of Parliament for the Ejumako Enyan-Essiam, Cassiel Ato Forson, who accused the state of political witchhunt after he was slapped with financial crime charges late last year. 

    “Same (investigations) had been ongoing since 2017 with a number of statements taken from various persons at different points in time, including the Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin, former Minister for Health (now Speaker of the Parliament of Ghana), Mr. Kwaku Agyeman-Mensah, Madam Sherry Ayittey and Dr. Alex Segbefia, all former Ministers for Health as well as the first accused,” part of the statement read.

    The Deputy AG stressed that the charges against Ato Forson were because all persons in Ghana are equal before the law. and that the status of a lawmaker is no bar to prosecution for a crime committed.

    “Investigations into the ambulance purchase contract are being finalised by the Criminal Investigations Department of the Ghana Police Service for the commencement of criminal proceedings against persons deemed fit for prosecution.”

    The statement also dismissed assertions by Ato Forson that the charges he described as “e-charges” were because of his central role in the NDC’s opposition to the controversial E-levy contained in the 2022 budget.

    “Further statements were taken from various persons. At that stage, no issue relating to the 2022 Budget and Economic Policy of the Government had come up,” the statement added.

    “All persons in Ghana are equal before the law. The status of a Member of Parliament is no bar to prosecution for a crime committed,” it added.

    Speaker Alban Bagbin was the Minister for Health in John Evans Atta Mills government from January 2012 until February 2013. 

    Hanny Sherry Ayittey took over the portfolio from February 2013 to June 2014.

    Kwaku Agyemang-Mensah was appointed by President John Mahama to serve as the Minister of Health in June 2014 to replace Sherry Ayittey.

    Alex Segbefia took over from May 2015 till January 2017 when the NDC left power with the coming into office of the Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo government.

    Charges brought against Ato Forson and two others – Additional file from 3news.com

    Cassiel Ato Forson, who is also the Ranking Member of the Finance Committee of Parliament together with two others, were dragged to the High Court on five counts of willfully causing financial loss to the state.

    According to the facts of the case, Dr Ato Forson, when he was a Deputy Finance Minister under the Mahama administration, executed a contract by the government of Ghana to purchase some 200 ambulances for the National Ambulance Service.

    Despite the granting of a medium-term loan facility of €15.8 million for the 200 ambulances, only 10 were shipped to Ghana in 2014.

    “A post-delivery inspection of the first batch of 10 ambulances revealed that same were without any medical equipment in them.

    “Other fundamental defects included defects on the body of the vehicles and the patient compartment of the ambulances,” the writ noted.

    The two other accused are Sylvester Anemana, who was a Chief Director at the Ministry of Health, and Richard Jakpa, the Ghana representative of Dubai-based Big Sea General Trading Limited.

    While Sylvester Anemana has been charged for abetment of crime namely wilfully causing financial loss to the state contrary to Sections 20(1) and 179A(3)(a) of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 and breaching the Public Procurement Act, Richard Jakpa is on a charge of wilfully causing financial loss to the state “by intentionally causing vehicles purporting to be ambulances to be supplied to the Republic of Ghana by Big Sea General Trading Ltd of Dubai without due cause”.

    Mr Ato Forson, who is the first accused, has additionally been charged for intentionally misapplying public property contrary to section 1(2) of the Public Property Protection Act, 1977.

    He is said to have misapplied €2.37 million by causing irrevocable Letters of Credit to be established against the budget of the Ministry of Health in favour of the Dubai-based firm.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Strikes dont mean the govt isnt performing Labour Commission boss

    The Executive Secretary of the National Labour Commission (NLC), Ofosu Asamoah, has noted that the number of industrial actions by labour unions in the country does not mean the government has failed.

    This, he said, is because the premise of the strikes may be minor or wrong.

    Reacting to the notice by the Teachers and Education Workers Union (TEWU) to embark on a strike, he said on the Sunrise show on 3FM Wednesday, January 5 that “The numerous strike actions don’t mean the government is not performing because the premise may be wrong or minor.”

    Over 35 000 members of TEWU will withdraw their services from today despite the plea by Otumfuo Osei Tutu II for unions to use dialogue to resolve their concerns and not strikes.

    The members are withdrawing their services to demand the payment of 600 cedis for each as professional development allowance.

    At a news conference in Accra on Tuesday, January 4, General Secretary of TEWU, Mark Denkyira Korankye said, though the schools are re-opening tomorrow, there will not be caterers to cook for the students.

    “We went to the Ministry of Education, we have written and given all the justifications that is required.

    “The Minister said we should liaise with the Ghana Education Service management; we are have engaged them. In fact, in the wisdom of the management of GES, they said, let us put together a technical committee to look at the issues and give appropriate recommendations.

    “This was supposed to have been complete in September last year. We are in January 2022; the committee has not even met, let alone make recommendations for its consideration. So we feel that this feet-dragging is on purpose maybe to deny our members of this right and that this why we think that we must push and move to the next step where that one will compel management to sit and conclude any discussion with us on this matter.”

    The Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has tasked teachers to adopt an improved way of negotiation rather than resorting to strike whenever their concerns are not addressed.

    He argued that school children are the ones who face the consequences of such actions and not politicians.

    He was addressing members of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) at their 6th Quadrennial National Delegates Conference.

    On several occasions, teachers resort to industrial action when government fails to address their grievances.

    This, they claim, is the only and effective language government understands.

    But the Asantehene said, “Obviously, those who really suffer are the innocent children. I urge you all to focus your minds on the need for an improved way for negotiations and consultations which will minimize, if not eliminate, any recourse to industrial action and the harmful consequences on our children.”

    He also urged policymakers to work to ensure that the conditions of teachers are improved.

    “While we will always urge moderation in the face of the national economic realities, we will nonetheless urge policymakers to ensure that the status of our teachers truly reflect the level of importance we attach to their place in society,” he said.

    Regarding this, the TEWU General Secretary said, “Otumfuo rightly appealed that dialogue and consensus-building are what we need. We have given all these opportunities; we wrote to GES, they responded and invited us to a meeting, they said let’s form a technical committee, and it has taken already four months without the first meeting. We think that if we don’t take the necessary steps, our members’ rights will be trampled upon, and it is not right to do so, so that is why we have come to this end.”

    Source: 3news.com

  • We are not fools – Gyampo descends on govt over UTAG conditions of service

    Prof Ransford Gyampo has descended on the government over its preference to pay Article 71 holders, benefits of over 70% but keep conditions of service for teachers at only 7%. 

    He explained that it is unacceptable that, for the people who put public service workers in office to be caretakers, they would rather want to overly make better their own conditions of service at the expense of those who actually own the monies. 

    The professor therefore called for equity to be exacted in these matters so as to promote industrial harmony, while stating that they will not sit down and allow this to go unchecked. 

    “Until we strive to achieve some level of equity in the conditions of service of Public Servants and Article 71 Office Holders, there would be no industrial harmony. U cannot give the owner of the money 7% and give the caretaker over 70%. We are not FOOLS,” he wrote on Facebook.

    In 2021, the government increased the salaries of public sector workers by 4% and 7% for 2021 and 2022 respectively, however, this has not gone down well with persons who draw their salaries from government coffers.

    The President of the Coalition of Concerned Teachers (CCT), King Ali Awudu, argued that the current economic situation has rendered the increment inadequate.

    “Though the Unions for the Public Sector Workers through the Public Services Joint Standing Negotiations Committee (PSJSNC) agreed on 4% and 7% base pay increment for 2021 and 2022 respectively, the economic situation in the country as of now has necessitated the call to take a second look at the Base Pay. Since March this year, the conditions of our members (workers) and their purchasing power keep declining as a result of the difficult economic conditions in the country. 

    “Prices of goods and services are soaring, thus making the 7% base pay increment for next year already moot. In line with this, we call on the government to, as a matter of urgency, invite the leadership of Organised Labour, to sit and negotiate for a Cost Of Living Allowance (COLA) for all public sector workers to ease the pain and suffering from the economic hardship teachers (workers) go through. We request that these negotiations should commence before the end of this year, so it can be completed before the 2023 negotiations begin in the first quarter of 2022,” he stated.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • SIM re-registration: Ghanaians cry over long queues at Telcos, NIA offices

    Ghanaians who have gone through the stress in acquiring their Ghana Card issued by the National Identification Authority (NIA), specifically for their SIM Card re-registration, have bemoaned the long queues at the various Telecommunication offices.

    As it stands now, persons who have re-registered their SIM cards as directed by the Ministry of Communication and Digitalization are required to visit the offices of their network providers (MTN, Vodafone, Airtel-Tigo, Glo) to undergo a biometric registration.

    Several aggrieved Ghanaians have taken to social media platforms to detail the challenges they have experienced in the process, right from the long queues, to the amount of time wasted at those offices. 

    To many, the biometric registration with their Telcos is a waste of time, especially when they have already gone through a biometric process for the Ghana Card.

    Mubby Jnr on Twitter wrote: “Why should we go to the various networks offices for biometric verification whilst it’s already on our Ghana card? What sort of stress is that.”

    Samp Doug also wrote: “I went to my hometown and I felt very sorry for the people there. They have to travel abt 40km b4 getting to a telco office. I asked myself how can a sick person in bed travel to an office in person to complete this process. Selfish leaders in GH.”

    Yet another wrote, “Biometric data was collected during Ghana card registration, now linking your SIM card to same Ghana card requires taking of another biometric data. Doesn’t make sense. (Just creating long queues) My country.” 

    A section of the public also raised concerns about the large crowds gathered at the various offices, which they believe can lead to the spread of the deadly COVID-19, especially when the country is recording high cases due to the new OMICRON variant.

    Other online users have also shared other perspectives and advice on how this process could have been executed. 

    Annan Perry had this to say: “I’m not bothered about this Ghana card sim registration. You claim Covid-19 figures keep rising but you can’t reason to tell MTN, VODAFONE, AIRTEL-TIGO to rather move to the people instead of the people piling up at the respective offices. One MTN office serving 5 constituencies.”

    Also, Benyta on Twitter has tasked the appropriate authorities to find an immediate solution to the concerns raised by the public especially with regards to the breach of COVID-19 safety protocols.

    “Everyone seems to be talking about the Ghana Card and the long queues with all these stress which I totally agree….but why is no one talking about how they promoting the spread of COVID This same government that is supposedly following COVID protocols,” she wrote. 

    There are several others who are yet to get their Ghana Card which is the only acceptable card for the SIM re-registration. They have also stated long queues at NIA offices as a major hindrance.

    Naa Dei on Twitter had this to say: “This ghana card-sim registration thing, be like they’ll block my SIM o because I don’t have time for this queue. Why do you have to capture our biometrics again if NIA has that information and we are using our GHANA CARD??? Why can’t we just link it and go?”

    Melissa Bawa also detailing her experience wrote: “It’s like the people who are doing the Ghana card don’t want to do the Ghana card, I’ve been there 3 times, and they keep telling me to go and come back, like I haven’t even filled the form yet o. I stress forking.”

    The deadline for the SIM re-registration exercise is March 31, persons who fail to re-register their old numbers risk having their SIM cards deactivated, this is according to the Minister of Communication and Digitalization, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful.

    “We must reduce the incidence of mobile device-related cybercrimes. All unregistered SIMs will be deactivated at the end of the registration exercise. We will enforce the law to the letter,” she said. 

    Below are some reactions from Ghanaians:

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Here are the 9 highways, 7 bridges, 5 interchanges govt is working on this year

    A new document from the Ministry of Roads and Highways has shown that this year, nine major road projects across the country will be undertaken by the government. 

    This, according to a graphic.com.gh report, would also affect construction works that are already at very advanced stages across the country, like the Accra-Kumasi dualisation project.

    Already, the government, through the sector minister, Kwasi Amoako-Attah, has said the government is determined to develop the road sector.

    He said many construction projects, including flyovers, bridges and roads, have also reached substantial levels of completion.

    “Many of the projects throughout the country have reached the stage of substantial completion; that is, above 80 per cent. It is going to be a completion galore from now until 2024,” he said during the inspection of some road projects.

    Roads

    Among the captured roads in this document will be the Kumasi South and Western Bypass, the Kumasi Outer Ring Road, the Mamfe-Koforidua Road, the Oyibi-Dodowa-Somanya-Akuse Junction Road, the Accra Outer Ring Road, and the Asutuare Junction-Volivo Bridge Road.

    The Eastern Corridor Road (Gbintiri-Kulungugu) and the Sawla-Wa road, are the rest that have been listed to be worked on in the year, the report adds.

    Bridges

    This year, there will be the construction of seven bridges. 

    The document explained that three of these bridges will be major projects, while there will be five new interchanges, all within the Greater Kumasi Metropolitan Area.

    They will be the Adawso-Ekyi Amanfrom Bridge, which will stretch over the three-kilometre-wide portion of the Volta River and become the longest bridge in the country. These will include the Suame, Santasi and Airport interchanges.

    The Buipe and the Yapei bridges, as well as the Daboya, Obuasi, Juanayilli and Nawunui bridges, will form the rest of the bridges to be constructed.

    The report added that 42 road projects, between 12 and 96 per cent completion rate, would be continued in the year. 

    “The final feasibility study report will provide key inputs into the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor Project,” the document revealed.

    Some of the specific roads to be completed in the year are stated as follows:

    “In the Ahafo Region, the upgrading of the 17-kilometre Atronie-Mim road is 58 per cent complete, while in the Ashanti Region, the upgrading of the seven-kilometre Nsuta-Beposo Lot Three road is 94 per cent complete.

    “The upgrading of the 30-kilometre Menji-Bui Road in the Bono Region is 41 per cent done, while the upgrading of the 35-kilometre Atebubu-Kwame Danso-Kwadwokrom road in the Bono East Region is 12 per cent done,” the report stated.

    A number of other major road projects around Tema and other parts of the country will also be worked on, the roads minister has said.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • SIM card registration: Why join long queues when it could be done digitally? – Some Ghanaians

    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 also curb the spread of COVID-19.

    In some tweets sighted by GhanaWeb, a user by the name Abraham Bansi said, “A simple phone app or website to let applicants book preferred time to visit the office will reduce this mess, but no, there is this inexplicable joy public servants have when they see their fellow Ghanaians queueing for hours to access a service… Ghana card”

    “Why do we have to join queues to register everything in Ghana? This Ghana card /sim registration thing we fit do am online but naa dem say we for join in the queue,” another tweep said.

    “Biometric data was collected during Ghana card registration, now linking your SIM card to same Ghana card requires taking of another biometric data. Doesn’t make sense. (Just creating long queues),” another tweep said.

    Goldenflyboy said, “Why should we go to the various networks offices for biometric verification whilst it’s already on our Ghana card? what sort of stress is that”

    “A simple phone app or website to let applicants book preferred time to visit the office will reduce this mess, but no, there is this inexplicable joy public servants have when they see their fellow Ghanaians queueing for hours to access a service… Ghana card”

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

    Read some tweets on the long queue at various NIA and telcos offices below.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Mahama reveals role government played in brother’s burial

    Former President John Dramani Mahama has thanked Chief of Staff Akosua Frema Osei-Opare and the Ghana Airforce for the support given to his family as part of burial arrangements for his late brother.

    Mahama in a post on his Facebook handle also extended appreciation to the National Democratic Congress and all officials who extended support and condolences after the incident.

    Mr Emmanuel Adam Mahama’s death was announced by a spokesperson of the former president on Friday, December 31, 2021.

    He was laid to rest on Monday, January 3, 2022, at Bole in the Savannah Region in accordance with Islamic customs.

    Mahama’s appreciation message as posted on Facebook

    I want to extend my appreciation to all our comrades in the National Democratic Congress for the condolences extended to my family on the death of our brother, Emmanuel Adam Mahama. Thank you to all who accompanied us to Bole for his burial on Sunday. 

    We are particularly indebted to our senior comrade and Chairman of the NDC Council of Elders Alhaji Mahama Iddrisu for his presence and support. 

    We also want to thank Madam Chief of Staff Frema Osei-Opare, the Chief of Air Staff and the Airforce for the support to airlift the remains of our brother on Sunday. 

    Similarly, I thank all Ghanaians for the support and comforting words.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Akufo-Addo must listen to Ghanaians and ditch e-levy Ablakwa

    North Tongu MP, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has urged President Nana Addo Danquah Akufo-Addo to ditch the e-levy his government is seeking to implement.

    He said the Akufo-Addo should be a listening president and hear the voice of the majority of Ghanaians who are against the levy.

    “President Akufo-Addo must listen to the overwhelming majority of Ghanaians including experts, civil society organizations, religious bodies and political parties who are all legitimately demanding that he jettisons the obnoxious and highly inflammable E-Levy,” he said.

    The MP (Member of Parliament) said this in a statement he shared on his Facebook page, on his expectation for 2022 on January 4; adding that the president should rather focus on cutting the governments expenditure. 

    “Government should in place of the insensitive E-Levy pursue vigorous expenditure cuts. For instance: slash the GHS3.1billion allocation to the Office of Government Machinery (OGM), drastically reduce the near GHS1billion set aside as Contingency Vote (a scary 431.5% increase in just one year).

    “Suspend projects such as the new Accra International Conference Centre estimated at €116million, put on ice the proposed 5 STEM universities, drop the Abuakwa Standard Stadium, Regional Art Theatres, New Embassies, Boankra Green Technology City and Tourism Village, and so on and so forth,” he said.

    Okudzeto Ablakwa further stated that the president should also cut his expensive travels on private jets since it will save the country a lot of money.

    “President Akufo-Addo must desist from the obstinate charter of ultra-luxury US14,000 an hour executive jets and make good use of our Presidential Jet which remains in pristine condition. He should return the LX-DIO to its operators – Global Jet Luxembourg,” he said.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Prosper Narteh gifts Asante Kotoko players GHs4,000 for beating Aduana Stars

    Asante Kotoko SC has reported that their head coach Dr. Prosper Narteh on Saturday gifted his players four thousand Ghana cedis for beating Aduana Stars at the Nana Agyemang Badu Park.

    According to asantekotoko.com, Dr. Prosper Narteh promised to gift the players the aforementioned present if they are able to beat Aduana Stars in Dormaa, and the gesture was in fulfillment of that pledge.

    George Mfegue and Richmond Lamptey scored to seal the three points for the Porcupine Warriors in their match week 11 encounter at the Nana Agyemang Badu Park.

    Prior to the game, the Reds had recorded five draws and six defeats in 11 league visits to the NAB Park.

    “I believe in rewarding hard work”, Prosper Narteh said as he handed the money to captain, Abdul Ganiyu in the team bus. “You worked so hard and stayed disciplined throughout the game.

    “As I promised you before the game, I am giving you the GH₵4000 as a show of my appreciation for what you have done. Continue making me proud and I would also keep showering you with money,” Dr. Prosper Narteh told Kotoko news.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Former Mayor of Accra under Kufuor passes on

    A former Mayor of Accra under the John Agyekum Kufuor era, Solomon Ofei Darko, has died. 

    This was announced by his son, Nii Doodu Darko, who confirmed the news to GhanaWeb over a phone call. 

    “Hon Solomon Ofei Darko, the former mayor of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly has passed on after a short illness at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital on 31st December, 2021,” the statement said.

    The late former Mayor served under the Kufour-administration from 2000 through 2003.

    The family is yet to announce details of his final funeral rites. 

    Profile

    Solomon Ofei Darko was born on 26th January 1936 and died at the age of 86 years. Prior to his appointment as the Mayor, he had been the Environmental Programme Coordinator at the Borough of Hackney, London, UK. 

    Upon his return to Ghana in 1994, he joined Comptran Engineering and Planning Associates as a Programme Coordinator. 

    Hon Ofei Darko was also a past President of the Ghana Amateur Boxing Association (GABA).

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Plumber jailed 5 years for stealing 55-inch TV

    An Adentan Circuit Court has sentenced a 24-year-old plumber to five years imprisonment for unlawful entry and stealing.

    Felix Agbenyega is said to have broken into the room of Justice Ababio and made away with his 55-inch Panasonic flat screen television set, valued at ¢3,000.00.

    Charged with unlawful entry and stealing, Agbenyega pleaded guilty. 

    The court presided over by Mrs Sedinam Awo Balokah, convicted the accused on his own plea and sentenced him accordingly.

    The prosecution, led by Chief Inspector Maxwell Lanyo, said the complainant, Justice Ababio, was an auto mechanic residing at Madina. 

    The accused also resided within the same vicinity.

    Chief Inspector Lanyo said in the early hours of Sunday, December 19, 2021, the complainant left home for church service at Madina Township.

    At about 10:30 am, the prosecution said the complainant received a call from a neighbour that his room had been burgled and that the accused was spotted climbing his fenced wall with a TV set into the next house.

    The accused was, however, arrested by a security guard who shared the fenced wall with the complainant, the prosecution said.

    Agbenyaga was escorted to the police station at Madina with the TV set and admitted the offence in his caution statement.

    Source: GNA

  • Ghanaians should stop complaining, we have good reasons to rejoice Joyce Aryee

    Former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Reverend Dr. Joyce Rosalind Aryee is urging Ghanaians to rejoice in the goodness of the country and work hard to sustain the good things.

    In her new year message on Accra-based Joy Fm monitored by MyNewsGh.com, the founder of the Salt and Light and Light Ministries maintained that Ghana has a lot of things to rejoice over in the face of galamsey and other challenges.

    “Let us rejoice in the goodness of this country and work hard to sustain the good things that we have. We have enough forest, we have fertile lands, we have great rivers even if through galamsey we are destroying them, we are nice people …sustaining what we have is better than tearing it apart.”

    “Asked if there is any special reason why she is asking Ghanaians to do this she responded “Yes! I read the bible a lot and I have examples in the Bible that teaches us that when the people sing and are happy about what they have there is a lot of prosperity but when the people complain a lot they lose even what they have while backing it from 1 Corinthians 10: 10.

    According to her, some have become pessimistic but underscored the need for people to do things together on the basis that they have something to offer to the country.

    “There is no use in complaining. Is not about somebody doing something for you but what are you also doing to make the life of somebody? If you get to the communities and our gutters are choked, we do not have to sit and complain that the assemblies are not doing well and our gutters are choked. Things will be better if we start working on them”, she insisted.

    Source: mynewsgh.com

  • Teachers hold the key to national development – Otumfuo

    The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei-Tutu II, has touted teachers as holders of the key to national development and indispensable in the country’s quest for quality education.

    “If education is the key then you, our teachers, hold the key to our development and prosperity,” he told members of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) at its Sixth Quadrennial National Delegates Conference in Kumasi.

    Delegates from all the 16 regions are attending the week-long conference, which is being held on the theme, “GNAT@90: Surviving as a Reliable and Vibrant Teacher Union in the 21st century.”

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo is expected to address the Conference at the Great Hall of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology on Tuesday, January 4.

    It would be climaxed with the election of national officers to lead the Association for the next four years.

    “By your tutelage we are able to shape our communities and nations. There can be no science, technology and inventions without a teacher,” the Asantehene said.

    He said teachers were the primary source of human progress and deserved to be held in high esteem for the essential services they continued to provide.

    The implementation of the Free Senior High School Policy, he noted, was a landmark in Ghana’s education system.

    Much as the initiators deserved commendation for the bold step, the sacrifices and commitment of teachers towards its implementation could not be overemphasized, he said.

    Otumfuo Osei-Tutu challenged the teachers to use the opportunity to confront challenges facing their work and chart a new course with focus on creativity and innovation.

    “As we seek the best from our teachers, so must our teachers be made to feel truly valued,” he said.

    “It does get truly disconcerted when industrial relations break down and teachers abandon their classrooms and lecture halls, which obviously affects students.”

    He said he was pleased that officials from the Education as well as the Employment and Labour Relations ministries would participate in the Conference and called on all parties to focus on improved formula of negotiations and consultations to minimise industrial actions.

    The Reverend Prof. Emmanuel Adow Obeng, the President of the Presbyterian University College, who delivered the keynote address, eulogised GNAT for becoming a formidable teacher union after years of struggle.

    He said the Association had made significant impact in protecting the interest and welfare of the Ghanaian teacher and also contributed to the socio-economic development of Ghana.

    Source: GNA

  • Active COVID-19 cases hit 12,422; with caseload at 146,119

    The Ghana Health Service reports that Ghana’s COVID-19 caseload currently stands at 146,119 with an impressive clinical recovery figure of 132,391.

    The tally of active cases has hit 12,422 according to the latest statistics provided by the GHS. The number of new infections that took the tally past 12,000 mark was 1,067.

    Meanwhile, COVID-19 related deaths have reached 1,306 following the death of five patients.

    GHS also called on the citizenry to undertake a number of preventive measures among others: observe the safety protocols, wear a mask always, wash your hands regularly with soap under running water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, practice social distancing and get vaccinated.

    Authorities have in the past bemoaned the lack of adherence to safety protocols, with a spike in infections expected after the festive season.

    Regional Cases

    ● Greater Accra Region has recorded 81,075 cases

    ● Ashanti Region has 21,681 cases 

    ● Western Region has 7,853 cases

    ● Eastern Region has 6,707 cases

    ● Volta Region has 5,621 cases 

    ● Central Region has 5,243 cases

    ● Bono East Region, 2,714 cases

    ● Bono Region has 2,157 cases

    ● Northern Region, 1,787 cases

    ● Upper East Region has 1,577 

    ● Ahafo Region, 1,097 cases

    ● Western North Region, 1,049 cases

    ● Oti Region, 858 cases 

    ● Upper West Region, 747 cases

    ● North East Region has 283 cases 

    ● Savannah Region has 263 cases

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Well get economy back on track Bawumia

    Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia says government will work to fix the economy from the ravages of COVID-19.

    “In the coming year, we will continue to strive to get the economy back on track from the shackles of COVID-19,” the Vice President made the comment when he met some Muslims in Accra on Monday.

    He added, “We are also committed to our inclusive governance of the past five years, which has seen us invest in education and other sectors of the country”.

    The comments come on the back of the Facebook exchanges between former deputy Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson and the current deputy Finance Minister John Kumah over the outlook of the economy for the year 2022.

    “Please Expect Prices of Goods such as Rice, Sugar, pharmaceuticals, cement, roofing sheets to go up by at least 30% effective today. The multiplicity of taxes and Levies to take effect by End of January 2022. Interest rates likely to go up again.

    “Government will be borrowing heavily from the domestic market since the Euro bond market is closed to Ghana for, at least, the first half of 2022,” the MP reiterated.

    Reacting to the comment, the current deputy Finance Minister said: “Often, you expect those who are well-informed about development in this economy to speak the truth backed by facts. It is unfathomable to think that a former Deputy Minister of Finance could be this pessimistic, speculative and propagandist on important issues concerning the economy of Ghana. It is therefore important, I state categorically, that all the speculations by Hon. Ato Forson are his own creation and are not supported by data.”

    “Indeed, the economy is expected to grow at 4.9% even with ravaging COVID-19. The government is turning around the economy back to the era of high growth before COVID-19 pandemic came to our shores,” he stated.

    Source: starrfm.com.gh

  • Asantehene urges government to improve condition of service of teachers

    Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has urged the government to put measures in place to improve the conditions of service of teachers in the country.

    He said teachers were so important to the development of Ghana but their current remunerations did not reflect their value.

    “While we will always urge moderation in the face of the national economic realities, we will nonetheless, urge policy makers to ensure that the status of our teachers truly reflect the level of importance we attach to their place in society,” he said.

    Otumfuo Osei Tutu II who made these remarks at the 6th Quadrennial National Delegate conference for the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) in Kumasi also urged teachers to avoid using strike actions as means to get the government to improve their condition of service. 

    According to him these strike actions rather affect the education of children who were not to be blamed for their condition of service.

    He, therefore, urged the teachers to employ negotiations strategies with the government that do not involve strike actions.

    “Obviously, those who really suffer are the innocent children. I urge you all to focus your minds on the need for an improved way for negotiations and consultations which will minimize, if not eliminate, any recourse to industrial action and the harmful consequences on our children,” he said.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Cameroonians fight their government over 0.2% Mobile Money tax

    Cameroonians started the New Year with a new tax and it was the mobile network operators that sent them a reminder of the particular tax.

    That tax is the 0.2% Mobile Money tax, which is expected to be levied on the transfer and withdrawal of money via the platform.

    One network provider circulated the following message to subscribers: “Dear valued client, in the application of the Finance Law, starting 01 January 2022, a 0.2% tax is applied to transfer and withdrawals. Thanks for your understanding.”

    Here in Ghana, it took the stiff opposition of Minority lawmakers to torpedo the Electronic Transactions Levy (E-levy) Bill. Ghanaians would have started the year with a similar tax component pegged at 1.75%.

    When Parliament reconvenes later this month, it is expected that processes will be undertaken by the government side to pass the Bill into law.

    The NDC has stressed its continued opposition to the levy that was contained in the 2022 budget presented in Parliament by Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta in mid-November.

    Cameroon’s Mobile money law

    A leading business news portal, Busines in Cameroon, summarized the tax as follows: “According to the 2022 finance law, the tax applies to transactions carried out through all the traceable technical platforms (like internet, mobile phone, wire order, telex, fax) except for bank transfers and electronic transactions carried out to pay tax and customs duties.

    “The tax will also be applied to cash withdrawals from financial institutions or mobile telephony operators,” it added.

    On social media, Cameroonians are livid at the tax with the reason that the mobile money component in particular was unfair in many ways.

    What Ofori-Atta said about 1.75% levy on electronic transactions

    Ken Ofori-Atta introduced a new 1.75% levy on all electronic transactions such as Mobile money transactions, remittances and other electronic transactions.

    Fees and charges of government services have also been increased by 15%.

    The Finance Minister explained, “It is becoming clear there exists an enormous potential to increase tax revenues by bringing into the tax bracket, transactions that could be best defined as being undertaken in the informal economy.

    “As such government is charging an applicable rate of 1.75% on all electronic transactions covering mobile money payments, bank transfers, merchant payments, and inward remittances, which shall be borne by the sender except inward remittances, which will be borne by the recipient.

    “To safeguard efforts being made to enhance financial inclusion and protect the vulnerable, all transactions that add up to GH¢100 or less per day, which is approximately ¢3000 per month, will be exempt from this levy,” Ofori-Atta revealed.

    #EndMobileMoneyTax: Twitter campaign against tax

    One of the key voices against the tax is Rebecca Enonchong, a leader in African tech ecosystem, who tweeted as follows: “Can you imagine being charged a tax to withdraw your own cash out of your account? For millions of Cameroonians who hold their money in mobile money wallets, this became a reality on Jan.1.

    “This tax is regressive and will slow financial inclusion. #EndMobileMoneyTax. #WeSayNo.”

    Arrey Ntui, a security analyst with the Crisis Group also highlighted the draconian nature of the tax via a tweet: “Cameroon should pursue financial inclusion as cost of living skyrockets. The mobile money tax unfairly punishes Cameroon’s poorest people.

    “Cheque and bank transfers have no similar tax. Over four million humanitarian aid needers rely mostly on mobile money,” he added.

    Below are some reactions on Twitter

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • 81 people killed in road crashes during Christmas MTTD

    Eighty-one people were killed in road crashes between December 19 and December 25, 2021. The crashes involved 610 vehicles nationwide.

    During the same period in 2020, the country recorded 67 deaths through crashes. Provisional data from the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service, made these figures available to the GNA.

    It indicated that 378 persons were injured and 53 pedestrians were knocked down during the period.

    Among the 610 vehicles involved, were 206 commercial vehicles, 271 private vehicles and 133 motorcycles.

    The Ashanti Region recorded 20 deaths, the highest number of deaths recorded within the period nationwide. A total of 15 persons were killed in the Eastern Region, 14 in the Greater Accra, 10 in Tema, Six in Western North, and four in Volta, three each in Upper East, and in Bono East, two in Central, one in Western, one in Bono, one each in Northern and North East.

    Director-General of the MTTD, Dr. Samuel Sasu-Mensah, in an interview with the GNA said the Department will continue to intensify education and enforcement across the country to reduce road crashes and its associated fatalities and injuries.

    Source: gbcghanaonline.com

  • 81 persons killed in road crashes between December 19 and 25

    December 25, 2021.

    The crashes involved 610 vehicles nationwide.

    During the same period in 2020, the country recorded 67 deaths through crashes.

    Provisional data from the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service, made available to the Ghana News Agency, indicated that 378 persons were injured and 53 pedestrians were knocked down during the period.

    Among the 610 vehicles involved, were 206 commercial vehicles, 271 private vehicles and 133 motorcycles.

    The Ashanti Region recorded 20 deaths, the highest number of deaths recorded within the period nationwide – two males below 18, 14 males above 18 and four females above 18 with 107 injuries.

    A total of 15 persons were killed in the Eastern Region, 14 in the Greater Accra, 10 in Tema, Six in Western North, four in Volta, three in Upper East, three in Bono East, two in Central, one in Western, one in Bono, one in Northern and one in North East.

    The Ahafo, Savanna, Upper West and Ahafo Regions recorded no deaths within the period.

    Analysis of the 2020 and 2021 data for the same period showed that as Christmas and the holidays approached, cases of road crashes with injuries, and fatalities increased.

    Holidays are traditionally, a time of travel for families across the country by road, which has the highest fatality rate of any major form of transportation.

    Dr Samuel Sasu-Mensah, Director-General of the MTTD, speaking in an interview with the Ghana News Agency, said his outfit would continue to intensify education and enforcement across the country to reduce road crashes and its associated fatalities and injuries.

    Source: GNA

  • Man with hidden gun arrested in an attempt to enter church

    A 35-year-old man, Emmanuel Asare has been arrested at Kasoa Opeikuma by the Police for allegedly attempting to enter a church auditorium with a hidden gun and ammunitions during the 31st December Watchnight service.

    According to the Central East Police Commander, ACP Oduro Amaning, his men received intelligence that the suspect was armed with a pistol following which they moved in to arrest him.

    He said the suspect upon seeing the police jumped a wall onto the compound of a nearby house. 

    He was pursued and arrested.

    Upon a search on him, a locally manufactured pistol with 18 live AA rounds of ammunition and 4 spent 9mm shells were retrieved from him. 

    Other items retrieved from him include substances suspected to marijuana.

    The suspect is being kept in the custody of the Kasoa Police Command and will be arraigned before court.

    Source: kasapafmonline.com

  • Two killed as New Year party turns bloody in Mamprugu

    Two persons died in a brawl that ensued at a New Year party in the Mamprugu Moaduri district of the North East Region. 

    According to a report by Joy News, an argument fueled by alcohol intake turned violent during the said party between persons from the Yagaba and Kubori area.

    Police confirmed that a young man from Yagaba was stabbed to death in the melee.

    His death was retaliated by the killing of a resident of a different community called Sakpala.

    Security in the area has since been intensified to prevent further reprisal attacks with police investigations underway in the three communities.

    According to the report, one of the bodies has already been buried and is expected to be exhumed by the police on Monday, January 3, 2022, for autopsy.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • No beds for mothers, newborns at Tamale Teaching Hospital

    Mothers and newly born babies at the Tamale Teaching Hospital have been compelled to sleep on the bare floor due to inadequate beds at the facility.

    A visit to the facility by journalists saw mothers breastfeeding their babies on the bare floor while receiving treatment.

    The maternity ward of the hospital which takes about 50 patients currently has only 22 beds at the ward. 

    The situation has forced mothers who go there to seek medical care to resort to lying on the floor.

    The frustrated mothers in an interview with GBC News expressed worry about the situation and called on the government and appropriate authorities to support the maternity unit of the hospital.

    The Sustainable Development Goal three (SDG-3), of which Ghana is a signatory, is about ensuring healthy lives and the promotion of the well-being of all.

    The SDG-3, estimates that by 2030, global maternal mortality ratio should reduce, end preventable deaths of newborns and children under five years of age, with all countries aiming to reduce neonatal mortality to at least as low as 12 per 1,000 live births and under-five mortality to as low as 25 per 1,000 live births. 

    This is to achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection, access to quality essential healthcare services and access to safe, effective, quality and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all.

    The Tamale Teaching hospital is a referral facility for the five regions of the North and some parts of Oti region. However, the inadequate beds at the Maternity Unit is a source of worry, since mothers and babies stand the risk of getting infections.

    The mothers are worried about the cold floor and dust as a result of too much movement at the ward stressing they pose risk to them.

    A Senior Midwifery Officer at the Tamale Teaching Hospital, Madam Adam Zenab, said they have no choice but to allow the mothers to lie on the bare floor due to the lack of beds in the ward.

    She said the facility is overwhelmed by clients and called on the government to expand and provide more beds to deal with the numbers at the Maternity Ward.

    Source: gbcghanaonline.com

  • NDC marks 40th anniversary of 31st December Revolution

    The main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) will today Friday, 31st December, mark the 40th Anniversary of the 31st December Revolution.

    A statement issued by the events Planning Committee, copied to the Ghana News Agency, said the event would be held on the theme “40 Years of Democratic Stability; the Legacy of the Legend”.

    It said in line with that, on Friday 31st December, there would be a Wreath Laying and Flagraising Ceremony Parade at 0800 hours at Town Council line Ablekuma Central.

    The statement said speakers at the event would include Dr Zanetor Rawlings, Member of Parliament (MP) for Klottey-Korle; Mr Johnson Asiedu Nketia, the General Secretary of the NDC and Mr Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo, the National Chairman of the NDC and former President John Dramani Mahama. 

    The statement said there would be a walk at 0700 hours from the first light traffic light to the Town Council Line Park before the commencement of the event.

    “All covid19 protocols will be strictly enforced,” it said and invited the public to participate in the event.

    Source: GNA

  • From Jan.4, no vaccination, no entry begins – MOH Offices

    Effective Tuesday, January 4, 2022, people who are not fully vaccinated will be denied entry into the offices of the Ministry of Health.

    The move forms part of measures being taken by the Ministry to curb the spread of Covid-19 following a spike in infections across the country.
    The directive is contained in a memo signed by the Chief Director of the Ministry, Kwabena Boadu Oku-Afari, to all directors and Unit heads.

    Reacting to this, General Secretary of the Ghana Medical Association, Dr. Titus Beyuo, encouraged all Ghanaians to get vaccinated to protect themselves and others from the virus. He said although the GMA has not taken an official position on vaccines with mandates of such nature, the best option is to be vaccinated.

    ”The GMA has not taken any position on vaccine mandates but as an organization, we think that vaccines are beneficial which we encourage everyone to try and get vaccinated. It is logical that doctors would want everyone vaccinated but on the legalities of gaining access to offices and places being mandatory if you have not been vaccinated, we leave that to the legal brains to handle”, according to Dr. Beyuo.

    Source: gbcghanaonline.com

  • Mahama extends New Year greetings to Ghanaians

    Former President John Dramani Mahama on Friday extended warm wishes to Ghanaians on the occasion of New Year.

    Taking to his Facebook, former President Mahama wrote, “I wish all Ghanaians a Happy New Year”.

    Mr. Mahama said over the last two weeks, many people were nursing colds and flu-like symptoms, but with most people not going for a COVID test, it was being attributed to the seasonal harmattan weather. 

    “Dr. Frank Serebuor, President of the Ghana Medical Association (GMA), has put out a distress notice that medical personnel are overwhelmed by the numbers that are having to go into isolation because of the more transmissible Covid-19 omicron variant,” the former President said.

    He noted that the yuletide season was characterized by super-spreader events such as mega concerts, street carnivals, and beach parties.

    “The New Year season is here! Let’s be more conscious of our health as we pray for health workers because of the more transmissible omicron variant,” he said.

    “Let’s also observe the COVID protocols. Observe social distancing, wash your hands as frequently as possible, avoid handshakes, use hand sanitizers and wear a mask.”

    Mr. Mahama urged Ghanaians to get vaccinated if they haven’t done so yet; saying “if you have, go for your second dose. Stay safe this New Year season!”

    Source: GNA

  • Lady goes blind after jealous boyfriend pours acid on her

    A 30-year-old woman with two children, Comfort Tawiah, has been bathed with acid by her jealous boyfriend at Bawjiase in the Awutu Senya west district of the Central Region.

    The lady is said to have lost her sight as a result of the incident.

    Information available to Atinkaonline.com indicates that an argument ensued between the two when the suspect, Ishmael Atsitso, visited the victim a day before.

    The victim, who narrated the incident to pressmen revealed that the suspect poured the acid on her in her sleep after the argument.

    She said they had been arguing over who should take the responsibility of taking care of their son after their failed relationship.

    Mother of the victim, Helina Mensah, who could not control her tears pleaded with the police to ensure that justice is served.

    Meanwhile, the suspect has absconded since the incident.

    Source: atinkaonline.com

  • Bawku curfew renewed after shootings

    Government, through an Executive Instrument, has renewed the curfew at Bawku in the Upper East Region.

    In the latest directive, the curfew hours will run between 2000 hours to 0500 hours effective, Wednesday, December 29, 2021.

    This is to help restore calm in the town.

    There were gunshots in the early hours of Monday, December 27, 2021, which resulted in the loss of lives and the destruction of properties in the town.

    A statement signed by Mr Ambrose Dery, Minister for the Interior and copied to the Ghana News Agency said the Government was calling on Chiefs, Elders, Opinion Leaders, Youth and people of the area to exercise restraint in the face of the challenges confronting them as well as to use non-violent means to channel their energies into ensuring peace.

    It said meanwhile, there was a total ban on all persons in the afore-mentioned communities and their environs from carrying arms, ammunition or any offensive weapon and any persons found with any arms or ammunition would be arrested and prosecuted.

    Source: GNA

  • COVID-19: No walk-in testing until Jan 4 Noguchi

    The Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research has announced that staff working at the COVID-19 Walk-in testing centre would be on break from 1st to 3rd January, 2022.

    In view of that the research centre said there would be no COVID-19 walk-in testing at the Institute during the period.

    “COVID-19 testing for the new year will commence on 4th January, 2022,” a statement from the institute said.

    As of Christmas Day some 1,074 new cases of COVID-19 were discovered in Ghana bringing the total number of active cases to 9,534.

    The death toll is 1,287.

    Since mid-March 2020, Ghana has recorded a total of 141,295 cases.

    Out of that number, 130,474 have recovered.

    Meanwhile, the Health Service has intensified its vaccination drive.

    So far, a total of 8,458,155 vaccine doses have been administered.

    Source: classfmonline.com

  • Government declares 3rd and 7th January 2022 as public holidays

    The government through the Ministry of Interior has declared Monday, January 3, 2022, and Friday, January 7, 2022, as public holidays.

    In two separate press releases signed by the Minister for Interior, Ambrose Dery, the ministry said the holiday on Monday is in view of the fact that January 1, which is a statutory public holiday marking the New Year, 2022, falls on a Saturday, the holiday will thus be observed on Monday across the country.

    On the other hand, the ministry also said the holiday on Friday, the 7th, is in commemoration of a statutory Constitution Day public holiday. 

    “The general public is hereby informed that Friday, 7th January 2022, which marks Constitution Day, is a Statutory Public Holiday and should be observed as such throughout the country,” the second release dated Thursday, December 30, 2021, stated.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • No coronavirus test until January 4 Noguchi

    The Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research has announced that staff working at the COVID-19 walk-in testing centre would be on break from 1st to 3rd January 2022.

    In view of that, the research centre said there would be no COVID-19 walk-in testing at the Institute during the period.

    “COVID-19 testing for the new year will commence on January 4, 2022,” a statement from the institute said.

    As of Christmas Day, some 1,074 new cases of COVID-19 were discovered in Ghana bringing the total number of active cases to 9,534.

    The death toll is 1,287.

    Since mid-March 2020, Ghana has recorded a total of 141,295 cases.

    Out of that number, 130,474 have recovered.

    Meanwhile, the Health Service has intensified its vaccination drive.

    So far, a total of 8,458,155 vaccine doses have been administered.

    Source: classfmonline.com

  • Disruption as KIA Terminal 3 was to guarantee passenger safety – GACL

    The Management of Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) says the arrival processes at the Terminal 3 of the Kotoka International Airport, on Tuesday, December 28, was interrupted at 2100 hours to take care of an unattended bag.

    The Base Ammunition Depot Unit of the Ghana Armed Forces was immediately called in to conduct preliminary assessment of the bag and its contents, which was sighted at the arrival hall, a statement issued to the Ghana News Agency, on Wednesday, said.  

    “The bag was subsequently taken away for further investigations, the outcome of which will be made public,” it said.  

    The Management of GACL, consequently, apologised for the disruption in the arrival facilitation process during the period and assured the travelling public of its commitment to ensure their safety and security at our airports.  

    The statement was in response to enquiries made by the GNA to the GACL upon hearing about the incident.

    Source: GNA

  • Porter jailed three years for stabbing colleague over GHC5

    Gabriel Asiedu, a head porter who stabbed his colleague three times in the arm at Kwame Nkrumah Circle following a misunderstanding over GHC 5.00 has been sentenced to three years imprisonment by an Accra Circuit Court.

    The said GHC5.00 was to be shared among three people including Asiedu and Kwasi Appiah the victim and complainant in the case.

    Charged with causing harm Asiedu pleaded guilty, saying the court should forgive him because he did that because of anger and that he was not going to repeat the act.

    Asiedu, 21, told the court presided over by Mrs Patricia Amponsah that Appiah also inflicted knife wounds at his back.

    To prove his case, Asiedu removed his black T-Shirt and showed his back to the court.

    The court observed that there were no fresh wounds on his back.

    Chief Inspector John Gohoho informed that the complainant was bleeding and there was no way he could have stabbed the accused in return.

    Chief Inspector Gohoho said he has been informed that when the incident occurred, Asiedu attempted running away so the crowd subjected him to severe beatings.

    The Prosecution narrated that Appiah aged 29 and Asiedu are all porters at Gye Nyame Trotro Lorry Station at Kwame Nkrumah Circle, Accra.

    On December 20, this year, a taxi emerged at the station with a load.

    The prosecution said the accused, complainant, one other went and helped discharge the load from the car and the owner of the goods gave them GHC5.00 to share.

    While sharing the money a misunderstanding ensued between the accused and the complainant and they engaged in a fight.

    The prosecution said during the fight, the accused pulled a kitchen knife from his pocket and stabbed the complainant in the left arm and the complainant began to bleed.

    The Prosecutor said a report was made to the Police at Neoplan Station and the accused was picked up.

    Source: GNA

  • GACL investigating suspicious bag after explosion scare at Kotoka International Airport

    Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) has confirmed a bizarre incident that took place on Tuesday, December 28 at the Kotoka International Airport.

    In a viral video on Twitter, travellers checking in and out were seen taking cover at Terminal 3 of KIA, while a sound purported to be an explosion was heard.

    https://twitter.com/quame_age/status/1476208061807218690?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1476208061807218690%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.myjoyonline.com%2Fgacl-investigating-suspicious-bag-after-explosion-scare-at-kotoka-international-airport%2F

    Many have speculated that it could be a weapon raising questions about the security situation at the facility.

    GACL investigating suspicious bag after explosion scare at Kotoka International Airport
    Officers of the Base Ammunition Depot Unit of the Ghana Armed Forces

    But the GACL says around 9 pm that day, an unattended bag was sighted at the arrival hall of Terminal 3 of Kotoka International Airport (KIA).

    GACL investigating suspicious bag after explosion scare at Kotoka International Airport
    In a statement, the GACL said it later contacted the Base Ammunition Depot Unit of the Ghana Armed Forces to conduct a preliminary assessment of the content of the bag upon which it was taken away for further investigations.
    GACL investigating suspicious bag after explosion scare at Kotoka International Airport
    Management of GACL has however assured passengers and the general public of safety and security
    at the airports and has apologized for the disruption caused by the incident.
    GACL investigating suspicious bag after explosion scare at Kotoka International Airport
    Officers of the Base Ammunition Depot Unit of the Ghana Armed Forces
    GACL investigating suspicious bag after explosion scare at Kotoka International Airport

    Source: Myjoyonline.com

  • Covid-19: Restriction at Accras beaches lifted; revellers to present proof of vaccination

    The Greater Accra Regional Security Council (REGSEG) has eased restrictions on beaches in Accra.

    The Council had barred recreational visits to the beaches in the region from December 24 as part of the festivities.

    Government said it was in line with measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19 as the country experiences a fourth wave.

    Stakeholders expressed concern over the direct saying it cost them their livelihoods, especially when the previous year suffered a similar fate due to the pandemic.

    Subsequently, revellers who turned up at La Beach were turned away by security agencies stationed at the gate.

    But in a review meeting, the REGSEC announced that people who intend to access the beaches in Accra must show proof of vaccination or be willing to be vaccinated.

    Addressing stakeholders, Regional Minister, Henry Quartey revealed that officials from the Ghana Health Service (GHS) are being deployed to implement the directive.

    He added that security personnel will also be deployed to help enforce the policy.

    Source: myjoyonline.com

  • Nigeria’s Sanusi Lamido calls on Vice President Bawumia

    Former Emir of Kano, His Royal Highness Mohammed Sanusi Lamido Sanusi has called on the Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia in Accra.

    The renowned Islamic cleric, economist and former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria is in the country on the invitation of the Muslim community to participate in a national Quran recitation and prayers for peace in the country and the sub-region.

    Sanusi Lamido, on behalf of his delegation, expressed gratitude to Dr Bawumia for a warm reception as well as his excitement at visiting the country to participate in an exercise to promote peace and harmony.

    He added that Ghana and Nigeria have historically shared beautiful ties, and participating in such an exercise to pray for the country and the sub-region further strengthens the relationship between the two countries.

    Welcoming the cleric and traditional ruler, Dr Bawumia said he was delighted and honoured to welcome him and his delegation, and also commended him for his works in his various fields of endeavour.

    Dr Bawumia and Sanusi Lamidor share a lot in common, as they are both renowned economists, bankers and social advocates.

    The Vice President was formerly a Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Ghana, while the former Emir of Kano was also Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria.

    The special Quran recitation and prayers will take place in Kumasi on Friday, December 31. Dignitaries expected to grace the occasion include the National Chief Imam and representative of the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.

    Mohammed Sanusi, also known by the religious title Khalifa, is the spiritual leader of the Tijaaniya Order in Nigeria.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Work of GRA to be at heart of all security considerations – Kan-Dapaah

    Mr Albert Kan Dapaah, the Minister for National Security, says the coming into force of the National Security Strategy will promote multi-agency cooperation and safeguard the economic security of the State.

    The Strategy, the Minister said, would open new channels of communication among actors tasked with the duty of enhancing domestic revenue mobilization and remove barriers that militate against efficient revenue collection.

    “The Strategy will place the work of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) at the very heart of all security considerations of the State, implying an enhanced cooperation between State Security and Intelligence Agencies and the Authority in preventing leakages,” he said.

    Mr Dapaah said this on Wednesday at a sensitization workshop on the National Security Strategy for staff of the GRA in Accra.

    Government in June, 2021 launched a National Security Strategy blueprint to enable stakeholders in the security sphere to deal effectively with existing, new and emerging threats to the country.

    The Strategy is in line with nationally devised paths towards a proactive and inclusive coordinated response to internal and external security and stability challenges.

    It is the product of four years of consultations with stakeholders including Parliament, the Ministries, Departments and Agencies, Civil Society Organizations and security experts, spearheaded by the National Security Ministry.

    The Minister said the workshop was timely because it came at a time when economic security issues, resulting from the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, were threatening to disturb the peace and stability of the country.

    He said developments which were recorded in the country such as increased agitations for the improvement in the living conditions of citizens leading to the emergence of pressure groups like fix the Country movement, and the recent gridlock in Parliament over the introduction of the E-levy, shed light on the magnitude of the economic security threats that confronted the country.

    Mr Dapaah said these economic security threats were tightly connected to the ability of the State to generate revenues and tackle the socio-economic problems facing the country.

    “In pre-pandemic times, it was prudent for developing countries including Ghana to rely on external borrowings to augment shortfalls in domestic revenues generated for development.

    “Today, that alternative is no longer attractive due to rising debt levels and the ballooning of deficits occasioned by the pandemic,” he said.

    He said many countries in sub-Saharan Africa were exploring ways to widen the tax net and increase domestic revenue mobilization as the only potent means to restore their economies to normalcy and Ghana was no exception, even though these measures sometimes impose a certain degree of discomfort on the citizenry.

    He said the government had implemented other measures such as the Immediate Tax Force and the Revenue, Assurance and Compliance Initiative to complement the efforts of the GRA in blocking revenue leakages, but the challenges still persisted due to limited cooperation from stakeholders.

    Colonel Kwadwo Damoah (Rtd), the Commissioner of the Customs Division, GRA said the workshop would deliberate on the roles and responsibilities of the Authority in mobilizing revenue and the need to address any threats that would impede their work.

    Source: GNA

  • 100K for Ghana constructing Kente Village for Kpetoe

    100K for Ghana, a development initiative, is constructing a weaving centre for popular traditional cloth, Kente at Kpetoe in the Agortime-Ziope District of the Volta Region.

    Mr Enoch Antwi, CEO and President for 100K for Ghana, which had been advocating for the kente weaving at Kpetoe, said the centre when completed would increase wages and help enhance production. 

    He said the initiative, as well as others across the country particularly within the health sector, would require support from the public. 

    “Our primary objective is health development to help our people, and I urge and employ everyone who is a Ghanaian and has affinity to Ghana to support us in the way that we’re developing Ghana,” the CEO stated.  

    Nene Nuer Keteku IV, the Konor of Agortime Traditional Area said it was “a very beautiful initiative” that would bring development to the people of Agortime. 

    He said the Traditional Area would partner with the project to bring it to fruition. 

    “We know there are a lot of bottlenecks. We are going to help them to make it a very big platform” Nene Keteku stated. 

    Emefa Tenge, a kente weaver in the area, expressed joy over the project, saying that it would help further develop the craft.  

    “I am happy. We have long sought such a project and am glad this is here. I trust that it would attract more support for the development of kente,” she stated. 

    100K for Ghana, as part of its Activities in the Volta Region, is undertaking a medical screening at the Adidome Government Hospital in the Central Tongu District.

    Source: GNA

  • Eugene Arhin declares intention to contest Awutu Senya West seat in 2024

    The Director of Communications at the Presidency, Eugene Arhin has confirmed his intent to contest in the 2024 parliamentary elections.

    According to a report by Rainbowradioonline.com published on December 23, 2021, and sighted by GhanaWeb, Eugene Arhin has declared that he will be contesting for the Awutu Senya West constituency come 2024.

    His declaration according to the report was made during an event where he distributed over 500 pieces of cloth to New Patriotic Party officers ahead of the Christmas celebration.

    The director of communications at the presidency thus called on members of the governing NPP to foster peace and unity and not allow the ambitions of persons within the party to create division.

    The Awutu Senya West parliamentary seat is one of the many that were annexed by the opposition National Democratic Congress in the 2020 General Elections. It is currently held by Gizella Akushika Tetteh-Agbotui of the NDC.

    Until the 2020 polls, the seat was occupied by former Deputy Communications Minister, George Nenyi Andah of the NPP who failed to retain the seat.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Government renews curfew on Bawku and its environs

    The Ministry of Interior has announced a renewal of the recent curfew imposed on the Bawku Municipality and its environs.

    In a statement signed by the Minister for Interior, Ambrose Dery, the renewed curfew is from 8:00pm to 5:00am each day and is effective Wednesday, December 29, 2021.

    “The government calls on the chiefs, elders, opinion leaders, youth and people of the area to exercise restraint in the face of the challenges confronting them, as well as to use non-violent means to channel their energies into ensuring peace.

    “Meanwhile, there is a total ban on all persons in the aforementioned communities and … environs from carrying arms, ammunition or any offensive weapon, and any persons found with any arms or ammunition will be arrested and prosecuted,” the statement added.

    There have recently been reports of gunshots resulting in some deaths and destruction of properties amidst reports of a renewed clash between two feuding factions in the Bawku area.

    Read the statement by the Ministry of Interior below:

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • KIA ‘bomb scare’ incident: Five things we know, what we don’t know

    The Ghana Airports Company Limited, GACL, on December 29, 2021, officially confirmed an incident at Terminal 3 of the Kotoka International Airport, KIA, in Accra. 

    GACL gave some details of an incident that had earlier started gaining currency on social media as the case of a bomb blast at the arrival hall of the airport.

    GhanaWeb looks briefly at five major outcomes that we know about the incident this far.

    When the incident happened

    The incident according to the GACL statement happened on Tuesday, December 28, 2021 at around 9pm.

    The bare facts of the case 

    The incident according to the statement involved an unattended bag that was sighted at the arrival hall of the KIA terminal.

    “Management of Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) can confirm that on Tuesday, December 28, 2021, at around 9pm, an unattended bag was sighted at the arrival hall of Terminal 3, Kotoka International Airport,” relevant portions of the GACL statement read.

    Role of the Military 

    Officials of the Ghana Armed Forces’ Base Ammunition Depot Unit were invited to deal with the bag in question. The bomb squad are said to have conducted preliminary assessment of the bag.

    Photos from the scene

    Photos shared by pro-government Asaase Radio showed the abandoned backpack on one of the seats in the hall.

    A fully suited officer of the bomb squad and another military officer are also seen in one of the photos whiles another photo shows the opened bag displaying some contents.

    There is also a photo shared by Joy FM in which a police officer is seen with a sniffer dog at the arrival hall.

    FDA takes over 

    The GACL statement notes that after preliminary assessment, “the bag was subsequently taken away for further investigations.”

    Asaase Radio reported that after the Base Ammunition Depot Unit of GAF opened the bag and assessed its content, “it has been sent to the FDA for lab evaluation.” 

    What we don’t know about the incident

    The GACL statement notes that more information will be made available on the issue as and when available.

    Among other questions begging for answers:

    Has the owner of the said bag been identified? 

    When was the last time safety drills were run at the facility?

    Earlier, several users on Twitter had shared a video showing what was claimed to have been a suspected bomb detonation at the airport.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • I bless you to go and specialize but never forget Ghana Otumfuo to doctor who swept 15/21 awards

    Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has urged Dr Edward Akosah Danso who recently graduated from the University of Cape Coast School of Medical Science not to turn his back on Ghana by seeking greener pastures elsewhere.

    He appealed to him to ensure that he serves the country with all his might to help improve healthcare delivery while appealing to him to specialize.

    The Alumnus of Prempeh College and son of the former Director-General of Police CID, Welfare and Intelligence and Professional Standards Bureau, COP Maame Yaa Tiwaa Addo-Danquah became the poster boy of the 54th graduation ceremony of the university sweeping 15 out of 21 awards to set a new record at the School of Medicine.

    During a courtesy call on the King at Manhyia Palace, he advised him not to be swollen-headed by the awards but urged him to remain and be of service to Ghana and the world at large.

    “You should consider specializing as soon as it is practicable. Wherever you get to in the medical profession, you should come home and practice and serve this country…. Never forget his country and you should also not let the award make you swollen-headed but be of service to Ghana and the world at large,” he advised

    25-year-old Edward Akosah Danso thanked Otumfuo for the words of wisdom and assured him he will make the country proud.

    “I will not forget all the pieces of advice you have given me Nana and I promise to live by them,” he assured.

    Otumfuo Osei Tutu II also praised COP Maame Yaa Tiwaa Addo-Danquah for bringing him up and supporting him through his education.

    The award-winning Doctor in an earlier interview with MyNewsGh.com on his future is quoted to have said, “I want to eventually end up in academia as a Professor of Surgery. I am considering specializing in transplant surgery, a subspecialty of general surgery and establishing a transplant centre to serve the country”

    Source: mynewsgh.com

  • Five rescued banks from 2019 posting huge profit GAT

    The Ghana Amalgamated Trust (GAT) has disclosed that some five banks bailed out by government in 2019 to enable them meet the minimum capital requirement set by the central bank, are now posting huge profit and performing well.

    The banks are; National Investment Bank (NIB), Prudential Bank, Universal Merchant Bank (UMB), Agriculture Development Bank and OmniBank.

    Managing Director of the Trust, Eric Otoo in an interaction on the Asaase Breakfast Show said results of the profit are based on investments made to improve the financials of the banks.

    “In the case of Prudential, we invested in Prudential in 2019, and in that year, Prudential made a profit after tax of GH¢26 million. In 2021, Prudential is looking to make profit, that would be I think that is quarter three, that is September a profit of over GH¢60 million. They are on track to make total profit of this year of about GH¢80 million that is nearly four times the profit of Prudential when we went in two years ago,” Eric Otoo told the host.

    “In the case of ADB, profit in 2019 after tax was GH¢15 million. In 2020 that went up GH¢65 million, so nearly over four times and in 2021 ADB is likely to make profit after tax of over GH¢100 million. The other banks are also seeing improvement, so again it is a win-win for all stakeholders,” Eric Otoo added.

    The GAT managing director further said government is considering turning the Trust into a permanent structure in order to provide more financial assistance to other companies.

    In the wake of the banking sector clean-up exercise, the Ghana Amalgamated Trust was established in 2019 by Act of Parliament to offer capital injection into the five banks to enable them meet the minimum capital requirement of the Bank of Ghana.

    Source:Ghanaweb

  • Two children burnt alive at Buokrom Estate

    Two children have been burnt to death in a domestic fire outbreak at Buokrom Estate in the Ashanti regional capital Kumasi.

    The deceased are a 12-year-old girl, whose name is given as Ama Blessing, and a two-month-old baby boy.

    Three others also sustained serious injuries at responding to treatment at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi.

    The fire, according to the Ghana National Fire Service started around 2:00 am Friday, December 24, 2021, from one of the rooms and spread to other rooms.

    Reports say the timely intervention of the firefighters to the scene managed to put the fire under control from spreading to their valuable properties.

    A self-contained apartment that houses the two deceased and three other houses were burnt in the inferno.

    The Public Relations Officer of the Ashanti Regional Fire Service, DOIII Peter Osei Addai, said investigations have commenced into the fire.

    Source: starrfm.com.gh

  • Police to flash out 13 rampant crimes in Central Region

    The Central Regional Police Command has pledged to work assiduously to battle the 13 most rampant crimes on the rise in the Region.

    These are murder, robbery, defilement, rape, kidnapping, illegal mining, human trafficking, assault, lawlessness, Chieftaincy disputes, stealing, road accidents, and petty theft.

    It said for effective policing, the Command had divided its territories into seven main divisions to help flash out the most prevalent crimes.

    Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Kwadwo Antwi Tabi, the Regional Police Commander, reassured the people that the Ghana Police Service would not relent on its mandate to prevent crimes, enforce law and order and protect lives and property.

    He said this at the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) meeting to discuss successes chalked, shortfalls, and what could be done to raise standards for the Region in 2022.

    In Cape Coast and its environs, DCOP Antwi Tabi said stealing, kidnapping, assault, and chieftaincy disputes were most predominant in the area while road accidents, stealing, robbery, and lawlessness were general crimes recorded in almost every corner of the Region.

    Murder, human trafficking, rape and defilement were seasonal crimes, which were also on the rise at the Gomoa, Agona, Ekumfi, Assin and Twifo-Hemang-Lower Denkyira districts.

    On illegal mining, he said land owners willingly released their lands for returns and that the Command was putting effective operational strategic plans in place to combat the act.

    He urged drivers to be cautious to prevent road accidents to be able to realise a crime-free region.

    The Command would also intensify public education and sensitisation through the media to reach or engage the society on the need to help combat crime.

    “We will also not hesitate to arrest, detain and prosecute perpetrators of crimes for the public good.”

    The police would also engage in rigorous swoops and motorbike patrols at very odd hours to bring criminals to book.

    DCOP Antwi Tabi urged the public to prioritize their safety and parents should monitor their children to prevent them from becoming victims of crime during the Yuletide.

    He urged all to put their ears on the ground and pay rapt attention to details and inform the police when necessary to nip crime in the bud.

    “Help us protect your interests, we cherish our informants and we are ready to protect you, your lives matter to the Police. The crime must never win” the Regional Commander said.

    Source: GNA

  • Building materials worth Ghc150k stolen from Sekesua Community Day SHS site

    Building materials worth about Ghc150,000 have been stolen from the site of uncompleted Community Day Senior High School in Sekesua in the Upper Manya Krobo District in the Eastern Region.

    The stolen items include 3,700 pieces of 5 inches blocks ,2,900 pieces of 6 inches blocks, 3,000 pieces of 2 by 4 cyber wood, 1,200 pieces of Wawa boards, and 402 pieces of marine boards.

    The rest of the items are 350 pieces of 20mm iron rods,300 pieces of 12mm iron rods ,290 pieces of 20mm iron rods,90 pieces of 6 inches PVC pipes ,60 boxes of 4 inches nails ,230 pieces of 6 inches of PVC pipes ,4 bundles of conduit pipes and 16 wheel barrows all kept in the store room which was under lock and key.

    The stealing was detected by Maxwell Amoah Oppong ,General Manager of Wilglob Ghana Limited ,the construction company building the E-Block Community Day SHS in Sekesua.

    The suspects took advantage of the long break by the construction company which last went to site in February this year due to failure by government to pay for workdone.

    Former Complaint was lodged same day on December 22,2021 at the Asesewa District Police command.

    The General Manager led Police to the house of one of the Suspects Sulley Yakubu ,42,where 100 pieces of 6 inches concrete blocks were found parked at the back of his house .

    He was arrested but told police during interrogation that the items were brought from the construction site by one Eliasu Morro ,48,who was also arrested .

    The Suspects were however granted bail same day by the Asesewa Police .

    The Chief Executive Officer of Wilglob Ghana Limited William Atamudzi said is not happy about how the local Police are handling the case hence wants the Regional CID take over the case to arrest other accomplices.

    Meanwhile ,the Asesewa District Commander DSP John Yeboah explains that, he granted the two Suspects police enquiry bail to enable them help fish out other suspects .

    Sekesua Community Day SHS is one of the over 100 E-Block projects government is struggling to complete due to financial challenges. The facility is 65% completed however the contractor is hopeful it will resume work to complete it following new arrangement made with government.

    The construction of 200 Community Day SHSs across the country was initiated by former President John Dramani in 2014 to increase access to Secondary school education but completed 46 before leaving office in 2016.

    Source: starrfm.com.gh

  • Police gun down one of three suspects who murdered two cops in Zuarungu

    A special Anti-Robbery squad and the police have gunned down one of the three suspected armed robbers who murdered two Police officers at Zuarungu in the Upper East Region.

    The suspect Laayaame Simon alias Yendu, 34, was gunned down through an intelligence-led operation at Kpatia in the Talensi District.

    According to classfmoline report, “the Police said a special targeted intelligence-led operation is being carried to get the rest of the suspects arrested.”

    On December 19, two policemen were shot dead by suspected armed robbers at the Zuarungu Market in the Upper East Region.

    The cops were killed during a robbery attack on a popular shop Baba Store while on night patrols within the Zuazungu Township.

    According to an eyewitness, “the two officers had stopped at the market at about 7 pm to buy food when the armed men who were fleeing the robbery scene attacked and shot them.”

    “The officers who died on the spot were also partly burnt by fire which they suspect emanated from a leakage in the fuel tank of their motorbike,” the report furthered.

    The robbers however fled the scene on a motorcycle before a police team arrived at the scene.

    The policemen were identified as Constable Emmanuel Akowuah and Constable Mohammed Sule.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Squatters, weeds take over One Million dollar per Constituency project

    An ultra-modern water closet public toilet started in 2018 under the “one constituency, one million dollars “project in the Krachi Nchumuru District of the Oti Region has been abandoned.

    The facility which was to serve the people and curtail open defaecation in the area has been completely taken over by weeds, reptiles, and squatters.

    During a visit to the community by the Ghana News Agency (GNA), the project site has been reduced to a field of defaecation and an unkempt environment.

    Some residents around the vicinity shared their displeasure and called on the government to take necessary steps in speeding up the project.

    Mr Nkrumah Ogyile, the District Chief Executive of Krachi Nchumuru told Ghana News Agency in an interview said that award contract documents are currently being reviewed to ascertain the reason the project was halted.

    He said after completion of the review, he will ensure the contractor gets back to the site and finish the project.

    Source: GNA