TIG Post

Author: Persis

  • Protect children from all forms of abuse and harm

    Mrs Emily Adevor, Project Facilitator of Child Development Centres (CDCs) in the Adaklu/Agotime Cluster has called on the leadership of the Centres to work to protect children under their care from all forms of abuse and harm.

    She said children were vulnerable and therefore needed to be protected from abuse, assisted and encouraged.

    Mrs Adevor made the call at the Cluster’s end of year review meeting of the leadership of the 15 Frontline Church Partners in Ho.

    The CDCs were established by Churches as part of their Children Ministry with support from Compassion International, Ghana (CIG).

    CIG is a Child Development Non-Governmental Organisation set up to help release children from poverty in Jesus name.

    Mrs Adevor entreated them to assist and encourage the children to develop their latent talents to become responsible citizens in future.

    She advised them to use the financial support given to them by CIG judiciously for the upkeep and development of the children.

    “These little children under your care today are the future presidents, ministers, parliamentarians, lawyers, doctors, engineers, business moguls and pastors so let us take good care of them,” she advised.

    Mrs Adevor reminded them of the core values of CIG which she said were integrity and accountability adding that they were not only accountable to CIG but also to God.

    She advised them to formulate programmes and policies that would inure to the spiritual, physical and economic development of the children.

    The Project Facilitator said by so doing most children would be released from poverty in Jesus name.

    Ten Pastors and Church Partnership Committee Chairpersons who excelled in their work were presented with parcels.

    Source: GNA

  • Don’t celebrate Christmas on the road- NRSA urges citizens

    Mr Kwasi Yirenkyi, Volta Regional Director of the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) has called on the citizens to avoid extending merry-making on the road during the yuletide.

    He said the “road is a serious business” and should not be used for activities that could jeopardize one’s life during the festive period.

    Mr Yirenkyi, speaking in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) said his outfit had started engaging transport unions and drivers ahead of the Christmas festivities to educate them on road signs.

    The engagement was also to equip the drivers with requisite skills on how to conduct themselves on the road to ensure sanity and prevent unavoidable accidents.

    Mr Yirenkyi said the Directorate would continue with the road safety campaign in the Region to promote good road user behaviour, and to ensure no life was lost before, during, and after the festive season and the new year.

    The Director asked all road users including drivers and pedestrians to be cautious when using the road and comply with all road safety regulations to forestall accidents.

    He said compliance with road traffic regulations was key in reducing road carnages, hence the Authority would do all it could to ensure that the indiscipline on the road was reduced to the barest minimum to safeguard the lives of the populace.

    Mr Yirenkyi entreated drivers to avoid drunk-driving, overspeeding and overtaking, overloading, and ply the road with maximum care and respect for other road users.

    The Director charged drivers to institute mechanisms to admit only mask-wearing passengers on their shuttle in compliance with the safety protocols to stem the spread of the virus.

    He called on the public to continue observing the COVID-19 protocols to contain the spread of the pandemic.

    Source: GNA

  • 42-year-old driver jailed 18 years for defilement

    Cape Coast Circuit Court has sentenced to 18 years a 42-year-old driver for defiling a nine-year-old girl.

    The convict, Joseph Annan pleaded guilty to the charge of defilement and begged for leniency from the court presided over by Mrs Dorinda Smith Arthur, who convicted him on his own plea.

    Prosecuting, Chief Inspector Samuel Reynolds Amoako, told the court that, Mr Joseph Andrews, father of the victim, lives in the same vicinity with the convict at Brofoyedur, a suburb of Cape Coast.

    He said on Thursday, August 5, 2020, while the victim was playing around in the house, the convict lured her into his room under the guise of sending her and had sexual intercourse with her putting her in severe pains for the fourth time, investigations later revealed.

    The prosecution said the convict threatened to kill the victim if she let out a word about the incident.

    He said, however, a neighbour who saw the victim sneaking out of Annan’s room questioned her of which she narrated her ordeal to the neighbour.

    Mr Amoako said the neighbour informed Andrews who is the complainant who in turn reported the matter to the Police in Cape Coast where Annan was arrested.

    Source: GNA

  • 99 offending drivers arrested in Sekondi-Takoradi metropolis

    The Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly (STMA) in collaboration with the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) task force has arrested 99 drivers for parking and loading at unauthorised locations within the metropolis.

    A spot fine between GHC100 and GHC300 was imposed on the drivers, and the STMA and GPRTU taskforce are pursuing two drivers who ignored the team and drove their vehicles away.

    Head of Public Relations of the STMA, John Laste, in a statement copied to the Ghanaian Times confirmed the arrest, saying the drivers were grabbed at various parts of the metropolis.

    He mentioned areas such as the Liberation road, Asempa Hotel area, MTN market circle, Edzii Goil filling station, Collins Avenue, Sagoe, RCC Layby, Sekondi, Kojokrom, A.D Motors and Hannah Newman.

    Mr Laste recalled that the STMA and GPRTU on Wednesday, December 8, 2021, inaugurated a joint task-force to arrest commercial vehicle drivers who engaged in traffic offences, particularly those who load or alight passengers at unauthorised locations in the metropolis.

    On sanitation, he said the Takoradi Sub- Metropolitan Councilarrested five people for dumping waste at unauthorised places and for open defecation, the court imposed a fine on the offenders, in default would go to prison.

    Mr Laste said “some offenders paid their fines while others who could not pay, had COVID-19 test conducted on them and are expected to commence prison sentence.”

    He urged the public, especially store owners and members of households within the metropolis to desist from indiscriminate dumping of waste and open defecation.

    Mr Laste cautioned that the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly would strictly enforce laws of traffic and sanitation to bring sanity to the metropolis.

    Source: ghanaiantimes.com.gh

  • Former Mayor of Accra Nat Nunoo-Amarteifio is dead

    Nat Nunoo-Amarteifio, a former AMA Chief Executive Officer between 1994 and 1998 in the JJ Rawlings administration is dead.

    The sad event took place on Monday, December 20, 2021.

    In Asaase radio report sighted by Ghana, close family sources who confirmed the news could not state the cause of death.

    The late Nunoo-Amarteifio went into lecturing on urban management and contemporary Ghanaian art and culture when he left office. He was an architectural historian and a writer. He used to work in the US, Canada before returning to Ghana as an architect and consultant. He was an occasional guest critic for the Ghanaian Times and Sunday Mirror in Accra.

    He has written a book on the history of architecture in Accra. In June 2009, the former mayor undertook a photographic exhibition with Kofi Setordji, a Ghanaian sculptor and painter, under the title “architectural history of Accra” showcasing in black and white photographs some buildings that were put up between 1920 and 1930.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Ghana to release AFCON 2021 squad today

    Four times African champions, Ghana will release their squad for AFCON 2021 on Monday, December 20, 2021.

    Coach Milovan Rajevac has presented his team to the Ghana Football Association and an announcement is expected to be made before pre-AFCON camping begins.

    The West African powerhouse begin preparation on December 22, in the United Arab Emirates.

    The Serbian trainer named a 26-man squad, which is his final list before the tournament which begins in January 2022.

    CAF has agreed to the expansion of the number of players for the tournament from 23 to 28 due to the effect of COVID-19.

    “On the occasion of the upcoming final tournament of the TOTALENERGIES Africa Cup of Nations – Cameroon 2021, we would like to provide you with the following decision: several additional players the Organizing Committee of the Africa Cup of Nations has decided to increase the number of players to 5 additional players.

    Consequently, the list of players could be increased to a maximum of 28 players. This decision was taken to allow the participating teams to have a larger squad list for the competition in case some players test positive for COVID-19,” a statement on CAF’s website read.

    Ghana has been drawn in Group C alongside Gabon, Comoros Island, and Gabon at AFCON 2021.

    Source: ghanasoccernet.com

  • Mobile Money agents to embark on industrial strike December 23

    The Mobile Money Agents Association of Ghana have served notice of an imminent industrial strike action beginning December 23, 201.

    The Association in a statement signed by its General Secretary, Evans Otumfuo explained the action is due to the introduction of the Electronic Transactions Levy also known as the E-levy.

    They believe the proposed 1.75 percent rate for the E-Levy, if approved, will be detrimental to their businesses and livelihood.

    “As an association that implements all Mobile Money policies through our operators, we see this levy as very regressive and critical to the survival of our businesses,” the statement read.

    “Consequently, as part of our demonstration on Thursday 23 December 2021, our services as mobile money agents will not be accessible across the country,” it added.

    It continued, “All agents will go on strike hence all outlets will remain closed. If all efforts remained futile, an indefinite action would be taken thereafter.”

    Meanwhile, lawmakers in Parliament are expected to vote on the proposed E-levy on Monday, December 20, 2021.

    The House last week passed the Appropriations Bills without the much talked about E-Levy.

    The proposed levy contained in the 2022 budget has now become a Bill which has been tabled before the Finance Committee of Parliament for considerations.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Ghana to get Africas first solar-powered Artificial Intelligence TV

    Ghana will, in some two months, have access to solar powered Artificial Intelligence TV, the first of its kind in the whole of the African continent.

    In an era where countries are constantly looking for alternatives to provide power and energy for household appliances, the television set has come to meet such requirements.

    The move forms part of a new age of energy transition and digital transformation into the artificial intelligence (AI) movement.

    Introduced and produced by a South African tech giant, Agilitee Africa, the digital video broadcasting second generation (DCB-T2) full AI television set will not only help conserve energy, but can easily be used with its voice command feature.

    It can be powered with solar energy increasing its viability in several geographical locations and has an ISO approval.

    The AI television is a generation television that uses telematics for voice recognition and instruction remote system bordering on the regulating a TV with voice recognition.

    Ghana is one of many African countries including Rwanda, Nigeria, and South Africa to benefit from this innovative product.

    CEO of the firm, Dr. Mandla Lamba intimated that the products will start selling in February 2022 in other West African markets.

    “We will do Ghana, Zambia, Kenya, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Tanzania and Namibia in January and start selling on the 1 st of February in all,” he noted.

    Source: Agilitee Africa

  • CJ grants Ken Agyapongs request for old judge on Anas defamation case

    There has been a new twist in the case of defamation brought against the Member of Parliament for Assin Central, Kennedy Agyapong, by ace undercover investigative journalist, Anas Aremeyaw Anas, after the Chief Justice admitted the request of one party for a choice of a judge to continue the hearing of the case.

    Kennedy Agyapong had written to the CJ, Kwasi Anin-Yeboah, requesting that judge Eric Baah be retained in the defamation case after a substantive judge had been put on the case, stating timing and knowledge of the case for their choice.

    According to a 3news.com report, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) lawmaker had apparently written to the Chief Justice, through his lawyers, to have Justice Eric Baah, who had earlier been put on the case in a substantive capacity, to rather be retained on the case currently running at the High Court.

    The lawyers for Kennedy Agyapong had argued that Justice Gifty Addo, the substantive judge on the case after Justice Daniel Mensah (the Dormaahene), who initially started handling the case in 2018 but was in 2020 transferred to Tema, was not qualified enough to handle it.

    After his transfer, Justice Baah, a Court of Appeal judge, who had sat on the case as an additional High Court Judge, took over but temporarily until Justice Gifty Addo was brought in.

    The report added that unhappy with this decision, and on the blind of the other party in the case, lawyers for the defendant, wrote to the Chief Justice to request that Justice Baah is rather maintained on the case.

    “I am aware that a new Judge has been posted to the High Court, General Jurisdiction Division 2. It will take some time for the record of proceedings to be put together for the new Judge. She will need further time to study the record to familiarize herself with it to enable her effectively continue it. She also does not have the benefit of the demanour of the witnesses so far,” the request to the CJ stated in part.

    This request was eventually granted, with the lawyers for the complainant, Anas Aremeyaw Anas, only finding out after they went to court for a sitting.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Minority to Ursula: Produce previous audit reports before we consider your budget estimates

    The Minority members on the committee in charge of communication are demanding from the Minister for communication Ursula Owusu-Ekuful the outstanding audit report of her ministry from 2017 before the 2022 budget estimate of her ministry would be approved.

    At a press conference today, Tuesday, December 14, 2021, the members indicated that the committee met with the Ministry of Communication and Digitalization and suspected some material violation had gone on at the Ministry.

    They, therefore, suspended the meeting and will resume if the minister provides the committee with the four annual reports from her Ministry.

    The annual report for the state entity has not been presented to Parliament since Ursula was appointed a Minister, the Minority alleged.

    The Deputy Ranking Member of the Committee, Sam George said “it is telling that from 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020, the ministry has not brought any such report.”

    On his part, the Member of Parliament for Banda, Ahmed Ibrahim, who is also a member of the committee speaking at the press conference emphatically stated that, until the Minister, provides the report, the committee will not be prepared to hear her on the estimate on the ministry.

    He said the Minister assured them that three of the reports were ready, and she was willing to present them.

    “She has assured us that three of those reports; 2015, 2016, 2017, will be provided, and we have indications that by Friday, an additional two, which will be 2018, and 2019 reports, will be provided. She should provide them for us to look at them.”

    Source: rainbowradioonline.com

  • Nobody would ask you for vaccine card if you stay at home Sam George to critics

    Member of Parliament Ningo Prampram, Sam Nartey George, has mounted a spirited defence on the decision by the Ghana Health Service (GHS) to compulsorily vaccinate persons eligible to do so upon arrival in the country.

    The GHS, in a recent vaccine mandate, directed that all unvaccinated Ghanaians and people with residential status who will be returning to the country after 14 days from midnight Monday, December 13, 2021 will be vaccinated on arrival.

    Similarly, all persons who are 18 years and above arriving in the country are required to provide evidence of full vaccination for COVID-19.

    The move by the GHS is part of efforts to limit the importation of COVID19, especially the new Omicron variant at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA).

    But this has received public backlash from some prominent personalities including the Communications Officer of the NDC, Sammy Gyamfi, who argues that the directive infringes on human rights.

    However, reacting to the directive, Sam George tasked critics of the policy to stay at home if they do not want to be asked about their vaccine cards.

    “On the vaccines, it is compulsory for all unvaccinated persons seeking to enter Ghana or attend mass public events. Why are people not complaining about the yellow card mandate? If you stay in your house, nobody would ask you for a vaccine card. Public health and safety trumps all,” he said in a Twitter post.

    Sam George referencing Section 22 of the Public Health Act 2012, Act 851, further asserted that the government is clothed with the power to compulsory vaccinate people in the interest of public health.

    “The Minister may by executive instrument, generally or with reference to a particular district, area, or place or with respect to a particular class or classes of persons, order the persons to whom the instrument applies who do not produce satisfactory evidence of successful vaccination, to be vaccinated by a public vaccinator, unless in the opinion of the public vaccinator the vaccination would be injurious to health,” he said.

    The directive by the Ghana Health Service was fully implemented on Tuesday, December 14, 2021, at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA).

    Source: myxyzonline.com

  • We are doing house-to-house vaccination Ayawaso West Health Director

    The Ayawaso West Municipal Health Directorate says it is strategically rolling out a house-to-house COVID-19 vaccination exercise to get people in the communities fully vaccinated.

    The exercise has helped reach out to members within the municipality, leading to about 60 percent of the population taking one of the vaccines.

    Madam Louisa Ademki Matey, Ayawaso West Municipal Health Director, said this during a sensitization and vaccination programme organized by Stratcomm Africa and Mastercard Foundation in collaboration with the Health Directorate.

    Madam Matey said they had intensified the campaign on adherence to safety protocols and needed to visit homes now that people have relaxed in going by the protocols.

    “Since the vaccination began in March this year till now, only 20 percent of the population in the municipality had fully been vaccinated,” she added.

    She said the aim, therefore, was to get to the smaller communities and to also get the artisans to go for the vaccination and capture everyone on board.

    “We will not sit at the Legon Hospital and expect them to come,” she said 

    Madam Matey explained that the strategy afforded them the opportunity to further engage households about coronavirus and the need for strict adherence to the protocols. 

    The Health Director said they had had community volunteers, who had offered their services for free in the last three months.

    She lauded the contribution of agencies and advocacy groups, who had supported in diverse ways, saying they would continue to collaborate and never relent in their approach. 

    Ms Myra Ankrah, Representative from Stratcomm Africa, underscored the need to engage more and broaden the knowledge base of the masses to reduce the myth and conspiracy theories, particularly as the virus kept mutating and having different names. 

    “It is important to get close to the community, as they talk about myth and find out what those myths are, and debunk them and also continue to push the message down to them,” she said. 

    Ms Ankrah said they were targeting two million people across communities and that similar projects had started in the northern part of Ghana. 

    The sensitization and vaccination exercise at the Okponglo Park was the third held in succession by the two organisations after Agbogbloshie and Tema Newton.

    The event saw young people performed on stage to educate participants about the safety measures, symptoms and vaccines of COVID-19 in the Ga language.

    Source: GNA

  • Otumfuo is right about taxes but we must resist bad taxes Manasseh

    Investigative journalist, Manasseh Azure Awuni agrees with a recent statement on taxation by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.

    The King of Ashanti kingdom made comments about the pain of paying taxes but the imperative of doing so in order to allow government fiscal space to operate.

    His views were made on December 12, 2021, at the Manhyia Palace during the launch of commemorative gold coins as part of the last Akwasidae of this year.

    Manasseh believed that the monarch is right but he also believes that government must avoid wastage of taxes collected and also avoid introducing what he called bad taxes.

    “Otumfuo is right about paying taxes. We taxpayers will also be right to tell Akufo-Addo to stop wasting the taxes paid. We should also resist bad taxes,” Manasseh stated in a Facebook post on December 14.

    What Asantehene said about taxation

    “Today, at least, the two main political parties have all been in government. If we are honest, we will agree that there is no perfect government and there will never be, as long as we have different points of view.

    “And, if we are honest, we will also agree that there are no people in this world that love paying taxes, and yet there is no other way conceived by the human mind by which government can raise the resources to meet our needs other than by raising taxes.

    “I do not know of any form of taxes that is less painful than others. So, alas, the government, by all means, would have to raise taxes to meet our needs and if we are good citizens, we will pay our taxes.”

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Adamu Ramadan demands answers on delay in constructing constituency offices for MPs

    The Member of Parliament (MP) for Adentan, Mohammed Adamu Ramadan, is unhappy with the delay in constructing constituency offices for legislators almost a year after GH¢45 million was allocated for that purpose.

    Construction of offices for MPs over a four-year period was budgeted for in the 2021 fiscal policy document, with an initial plan to construct 70 offices by the end of 2021.

    The offices are expected to facilitate the work of Members of Parliament by creating a non-partisan and neutral office for all constituents to interact with their representatives.

    However, the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta during the 2022 Budget Statement and Economic Policy presentation, said the project would commence next year.

    The move, according to the Minister, is one of the many activities being undertaken under the Parliamentary Service Office Support Project (PSOSP) to strengthen Parliament and boost the work of the legislators.

    “The PSOSP will be fully completed in 2022. Phase I of the construction of constituency offices for Members of Parliament will commence in 2022,” the Finance Minister said.

    However, the MP for Adentan who filed a question on the matter in a Citi News interview, said he will probe further on whether the allocated amount has been utilised.

    “Even in the 2021 budget, there was an allocation of GH¢45.5 million which he (the Finance Minister) said was going to start the project. So I am going to follow through to see whether that allocation was done for 2021 and if it was utilised or not so that money will be available for us to use again in 2022.”

    About the offices

    The government had earlier programmed to provide some money towards the construction of the constituency offices, with an initial support amount of GH¢45.5 million.

    The amount was to cater for the first phase of the project, which was intended to provide constituency offices for all the 275 MPs by 2024.

    A report by the Special Budget Committee of Parliament looking at the 2021 budget said the Parliamentary Service intended “to construct 70 of such offices annually so that by the end of 2024, all 275 Constituencies will be provided.”

    “Successful execution of the project will further deepen the representational role of Members of Parliament by bringing them closer to their constituents,” the report said.

    Meanwhile, there have been widespread concerns that the project is an additional burden on the public purse and must therefore be aborted, but some legislators have defended it, saying it will help deepen democracy.

    Source: citinewsroom.com

  • Imposition of compulsory vaccination on travellers reprehensible – Sammy Gyamfi

    Sammy Gyamfi has lashed out at the Ghana Health Service over its new directives for travellers coming into the country and those travelling outside the country to present vaccination cards compulsorily.

    Speaking in his personal capacity, the lawyer described the decision as reprehensible, stressing that any such decision should not be mandatory.

    “Vaccination must be by choice and not by force. The imposition of compulsory COVID vaccination requirement on all Ghanaians travelling into and out of Ghana by the Ghana Health Service is reprehensible and an affront to the 1992 Constitution.

    He further explained that, should this continue, he and others like him will do all it takes to resist this “madness.”

    “And some of us are determined to fight this madness through every available legal means no matter the cost or stigma,” he said in a Facebook post.

    The Ghana Health Service, on Friday, December 10, 2021, issued a statement announcing a review of its safety protocols for international travellers coming into the country.

    This, according to a statement from the Service, is coming ahead of the Christmas and New Year festivities, seeing that a lot of travellers are expected to be in the country.

    The statement said the Kotoka International Airport has already seen a surge in the number of cases of the novel Coronavirus it is reporting.

    “There has been a decline in the number of Covid-19 cases in Ghana over the past two months until the global picture of COVID-19 changed since early November 2021. Globally several countries are experiencing their fourth wave.

    “A number of travellers from these countries come to Ghana and this is expected to increase during the festive season. This current surge in COVID-19 cases is being reflected at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA). In November 2020, 168 cases were detected compared to 241 cases in November 2021, an increase of over 40%. We have since been recording an average of 20 positive cases a day at KIA,” the statement said.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Two brothers jailed 50 years for robbing Uber driver

    Two persons who robbed an Uber driver of his techno mobile phone and cash of GHC600 after pulling out a pistol and cutlass on him, have been sentenced to 25 years imprisonment each by an Adentan Circuit Court.

    The two robbers wept uncontrollably after sentence.

    The robbers are said to have also compelled the complainant, Emmanuel Kwame Krakani, at gun point to transfer GHS 700.00 from his MTN Momo wallet to an AirtelTigo Cash wallet.

    The robbers are Gordon Dogbatse, a 22 year old casual worker and Isaac Dogbetse, a 23 year old unemployed.

    Charged with conspiracy to commit crime to wit Robbery and robbery, Gordon and Isaac pleaded guilty.

    Gordon prayed the Court to forgive him and that he will not repeat the act.

    Gordon: “If I do that again the Court should kill or cain me.”

    Isaac, a father of one, prayed for mercy, saying he did not know Gordon compelled the complainant to transfer money from his (Gordon’s) wallet.

    The Court presided over by Mrs Sedinam Awo Balokah convicted them on their own plea.

    According to the Court, it took into consideration their quick admission of guilt, and the fact that the convicts had no previous convictions.

    However, the Court said, it further considered the alarming rate of robbery cases within the area and sentenced them to serve as deterrent to others.

    Prosecution led by (Police) Superintendent Patience Mario narrated that the complainant is a trader residing at Madina.

    In the month of February this year, the complainant was in charge of his Chevrolet Cruze Saloon car with registration number GE1046- 21 when accused boarded the car as passengers to Agbogba.

    Supt. Mario said on reaching a section of the road at Agbogba Yellow house, accused told the complainant to stop so they could alight and he did.

    Prosecution said in the process, accused pulled out a pistol and a Cutlass concealed on them and they robbed the complainant of cash of GHS600, his Tecno mobile phone valued at GHC 1,200.

    They further compelled the complainant to transfer money from his MTN Momo wallet to their Airtel Tigo Cash wallet and they fled.

    Prosecution said the complainant had been tracking the accused until December 8, this year, at about 2:00pm, the complainant through the assistance of others arrested Gordon who was escorted to the Agbogba Police Station.

    Prosecution said on December 9, this year, Gordon led the Police to trace Isaac from his hideout.

    Source: GNA

  • Government working to increase VALCO’s production capacity to 300,000 tonnes per year by 2025

    The CEO of the Ghana Integrated Aluminium Development Corporation (GIADC) Michael Ansah has said government was putting measures in place to increase VALCO’s production capacity to 300,000 tonnes per year by 2025.

    He said the GIADEC hoped to achieve the set target (300,000 tonnes per year by 2025) through a strategic partnership which would be tabled before Cabinet in the first quarter of 2022 for approval.

    “We have announced that we are looking for a strategic partner to partner us develop VALCO, and this a $600 million to $700 million type retrofitting that we have to do”.

    According to him, even though the production capacity of VALCO (Volta Aluminium Company Limited) was 200,000 tonnes per year it was currently producing 60,000.

    The CEO who disclosed this at end of year launch for GIADEC explained at the current production rate (60,000 tonnes per year) was because two of the five potlines of VALCO were working.

    He said when approved the plan would increase VALCO production to 180,000 tonnes per day and subsequently increase the production to 300,000 tonnes per year.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Ghana is prepared for any oil spill emergency – EPA

    Ghana has no issue presently with spillage, but equipment, personnel and inter-operability mechanisms among sector players place Ghana on a high pedestal for future crisis management.

    The Environmental Protection Agency says the many simulation exercises and observation of best practices around the globe give Ghana a proper stand to manage any oil spill issues.

    The EPA was also developing an environmental Management Policy to guide some new development in the oil and gas sector.

    Mr Kwadwo Opoku-Mensah, Deputy Director of the Western Regional EPA at a roundtable on Environmental Governance in the Oil Sector organised by the Friends of the Nation, said the policy was currently at a draft stage.

    The EPA, he added, was working on identifying more Marine protected areas and other conservation plans underway to save the Marine space.

    The Deputy Director of the Western EPA said social and cultural protection of the environment must also begin to be a major concern to all stakeholders.

    In the meantime, stakeholders during the meeting called for more education on existing laws, a more harmonised legislation system and some attention on the gas sector.

    Issues discussed included the legal regime, institutional arrangement for improved management, liability regime, challenges and opportunities for civil societies to engage to promote compliance.

    Source: GNA

  • Here are the steps to take to re-register your SIM

    Government through the National Communications Authority (NCA) in October 2021 began the SIM-re-registration exercise across the country aimed at curbing mobile fraud.

    According to government, the exercise when completed will also track and monitor persons using their phones for criminal and illegal activities.

    The National Communications Authority (NCA) has thus far registered and linked over 5 million sim cards to their respective National Identification Cards also known as the (GhanaCard) as at December 10, 2021.

    But how does one get to re-register their sim? GhanaWeb in this article will show you how as provided by the NCA.

    Steps to take for SIM re-registration exercise:

    Dial the shortcode *404#

    Enter Ghana Card Pin (Note: Enter letters and figures without hyphens)

    Confirm Ghana Card Pin

    Enter Surname

    Enter First Name (s)

    Enter Date of Birth (Format: DD-MM-YYYY)

    Select Sex

    Confirm Details

    Submit Details Provided After Confirmation

    It is important to note:

    1: If successful, you will get a confirmation message with a unique code

    2: If unsuccessful due to wrong details, you have 3 attempts to answer security questions

    Meanwhile, a second stage of the registration process will require users to visit the office of their respective telecom service providers.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Krobo residents jubilate as ECG restores power

    The Electricity Company of Ghana, ECG, has restored power to Yilo and Lower Manya Krobo Municipalities in the Eastern region.

    The power was restored at about 4:25 pm Sunday, December 12, 2021, exactly seven(7) days after the entire area was plunged into darkness.

    The restoration of power was greeted with spontaneous wild jubilation by residents.

    Yilo and Lower Manya Krobo Municipalities were plunged into the darkness since Monday, December 6, 2021, following the decision by ECG to shut down the feeders to the Bulk Supply Point (BSP) which supplies power to the two Municipalities.

    ECG explains the decision became necessary due to illegal connections by unscrupulous people on their transformers increasing the load.

    A statement issued by ECG stated that “in view of the ongoing interference in our network as a result of the scaling down of our operations in the Krobo area which was necessitated by the threat to our staff, ECG has decided to shut down the feeders at the Bulk Supply Point (BSP) directly feeding the Communities in order to protect our network, lives, and properties of innocent customers and the general public within the lower Manya and Yilo Krobo communities.”

    The feeders were switched off a few hours after the power distributor closed down its district office in Somanya over safety concerns.

    The week-long power outage crippled the local economy as businesses including cold stores, welding shops were struggling to operate.

    The Member of Parliament for Yilo Krobo Albert Nyarkotey facilitated stakeholders meeting between ECG, traditional authorities in Yilo and Manya Krobo area as well as the youth Groups -Kloma Gbi and Kloma Hengme which some far-reaching resolutions were arrived at in the interests of both the Krobo Customers and the ECG.

    The condition precedents and subsequent include the fact that there shall be a resolution from all Assembly members, in the two Municipalities together with the two Presiding Members to the effect that, ECG workers shall have access to ECG installations and meters in the communities as well as the homes of customers without obstruction from anyone. (This is currently being done by the two assemblies)

    That, no individual or group shall attack any ECG installations be it transformers or meters within the affected areas.

    That, a Technical team from ECG together with a team of both MP for Yilo and Manya would visit the affected sites of damaged ECG installations to assess the extent of the damage.

    ECG shall immediately begin repair works on all broken/damaged installations in a bid to restore power to the affected Krobo Municipalities of Yilo and Manya.

    Group Appeal

    Meanwhile, a group calling itself Coalition of Krobo youth has promised to deploy 1000 youth from both Yilo and Lower Manya Krobo Municipalities to provide 24-hour security to ECG workers so the company could return operations to the area.

    Addressing the media on Thursday in Somanya, the group said the intervention has become necessary because the security agencies the Police and the National Intelligence Burea (NIB) have failed to arrest the miscreants of United Krobo Foundation threatening ECG officials and stoking conflict between the residents and the power distributor.

    Speaking during a media briefing by the Coalition, the convener Frederick Narh Okley appealed to ECG to restore power to the two Municipalities whiles engagement continue.

    The group condemned the ultimatum issued by United Krobo Foundation for ECG to vacate the Krobo area. They also described as untrue statement that Krobos do not want to pay bills and do not want Prepaid meters

    IGP visit

    The Inspector-General of Police(IGP) Dr George Akuffo Dampare on Friday, December 10, 2021, visited the Krobo area following Intelligence that some residents were planning to go on a rampage in protest against the deliberate power cut to the Municipalities.

    The IGP warned trouble makers in the area to abort such plots and use due processes to address their grievances to avert falling foul of the law.

    The IGP said the Police administration will not entertain lawlessness hence admonished residents to the responsible and law-abiding.

    The IGP assured power will be restored soon.

    Source: starrfm.com.gh

  • Public cautioned against growing HIV/AIDS ahead of Christmas

    Jesus Alodina Abolunga, Focal person on HIV and AIDS at the Birim Central Municipal Assembly, has called on the public to remain conscious of the prevalence during this Yuletide.

    He said as of 2020, the total number of people who had tested positive of the virus in the Municipality were 1,152 comprising 293 males, 776 females, and 83 children.

    Mr Abolunga who made the call in an interview with the Ghana News Agency said both the young and old were at risk but the Municipality has targeted the youth from 15-45 years, educating them on preventive measures.

    He said 87 per cent of the 1,152 persons were on medication and advised them not to go to herbalists for treatment but focus on antiretroviral therapy (ART) treatment.

    “Getting infected by the disease does not mean you are going to die, you will live long provided you are on medication,” he added.

    Mr Abolunga, who is also the Monitoring and Evaluation officer, explained that sensitisation and education were being done on radio and in churches and other organizations.

    He advised the public to desist from reckless sexual behaviour and unprotected sex.

    He also called for a stop to stigmatising AIDS patients, saying, “A stigmatised person can feel fear or shame which can lead to anxiety or depression.”

    The call is seen as timely, as Ghanaians are looking forward to having time off work to celebrate Christmas but the impact of it can be profound and not always positive.

    Christmas is an annual festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, observed primarily on December 25.

    The negative effects range from family conflicts, alcohol misuse to heightened loneliness, reckless sexual behaviour, and domestic violence.

    However, the positive impact of Christmas is that it motivates many people to donate or pack presents for underprivileged children and families, issues are settled during this period, and there is a family reunion.

    Source: GNA

  • KIA: Unvaccinated passengers to be returned at cost to the airline

    Strict measures have been introduced by the management of the Ghana Airport Company Limited to ensure that people arriving into the country are all vaccinated against the coronavirus.

    This move forms part of efforts to ensure that the rate of infection does not rise during the Christmas season.

    Among the measures, “Airlines who board passengers without proof of payment for the COVID-19 test and would/ could not pay for the test in Ghana will be fined US$3500 per passenger.”

    Also, “non-Ghanaian passengers may be refused entry and be returned to the point of embarkation at a cost to the Airline.”

    The month of December has been declared by the GHS had as the vaccination month.

    Addressing a press conference in Accra on Sunday November 28, the Director-General of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Dr Patrick Kuma-Aboagye said vaccination was the surest way to deal with the virus.

    He further assured that the authorities are going to scale up surveillance measures at the Kotoka International Airport during the Christmas season to ensure that Covid infections do not increase.

    He further said that the mistakes that were made in December last year which occasioned the escalation of infections in January this year, will not be repeated.

    There is going to be a “strict enforcement of the protocols at the KIA. We are going to increase surveillance. We are expecting an increased number of people to arrive in the country.

    “we are going to ensure that our logistics are prepared, we will continue our surveillance to be able to look at that, we are going to look at isolation centres,” he said.

    He added “Our contact tracing will be strengthened.

    “We are going to engage with religious organizations to ensure that activities in done in Christmas are in accordance with Covid protocols.”

    Presidential Advisor on Health, Dr Anthony Nsia Asare, allayed fears of persons who are worried about the potential reaction from taking the covid vaccine.

    He stated that it is normal to experience headaches, body pains and other reactions. These are indications that the vaccine is functioning properly in the body, he said.

    “If you are vaccinated and you feel slight headache it means the vaccine is working very well,” he said on the Key Points on TV3 Saturday, December 4 with Dzifa Bampoh.

    Dr Nsia Asare further urged all persons who are yet to receive their vaccines to do so in order to save their lives and the lives of others.

    In his view, Ghana cannot afford to go through fourth wave of the coronavirus pandemic hence the government, through the Ghana Health Service (GHS), has taken the vaccination exercise a step higher in order to get as many as possible inoculated.

    Vaccination centres, he stated, are being created closed to the people in the communities including market areas to make it easier for them to go through the exercise.

    “We cannot afford a fourth wave,” he said, adding that “we can all do this together if you are vaccinated,” he said.

    The GHS) this week issued new guidelines to deal with the coronavirus pandemic in Ghana ahead of the Christmas season.

    The guidelines include measures to vaccinate as many as possible before Christmas on December 25.

    In a press releases issued on Thursday, December 9, the GHS said “All persons, 18 years and above arriving in Ghana will be required to provide evidence of full vaccination for Covid-19 vaccines.

    “All unvaccinated Ghanaians and residents of Ghana who are currently outside the country and intend to return within 14 days from the midnight of 12 December 2021 are exempted. However, they would be vaccinated on arrival at the airport.”

    It added “all Ghanaians traveling out of the country are to be fully vaccinated effectively 12th midnight 2021.”

    Source: 3news.com

  • COVID-19: 7 more Omicron cases confirmed in Ghana; tally now 41

    Ghana has identified seven more cases of the Omicron variant of COVID-19, according to a top health official bringing the total number of recorded cases of the new variant to 41.

    Director-General of the Ghana Health Service (GHS) Dr. Patrick Kuma-Aboagye who disclosed this development said the new cases were detected during community testing after the first 34 cases were recorded at the Kotoka International Airport.

    “We saw the first of about 34 cases that were recorded at the airport. At the time, we had sequenced about 66 community samples and they were all negative” but after the second batch of about 44 tests was conducted, seven more cases were detected,” Dr. Kuma-Aboagye was quoted by JoyNews as saying.

    He was quick to add that the Delta variant remains dominant in the country.

    On December 2, 2021, the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) announced the detection of 34 cases of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 in the country.

    In a tweet to announce the new cases, the NMIMR said the imported cases were detected in 120 samples collected between November 21 and 25.

    “The Omicron variant was detected in 28% (34 out of 120) of returning traveler samples (collected from 21-25 November) sequenced.

    “These are the first imported cases of the variant into Ghana, and we are closely monitoring its potential spread in the local population. We encourage the general public to continue adhering to the COVID-19 prevention protocols,” the NMIMR stated in a tweet.

    Following the detection of the new variant, the country has made some modifications to its protocols regarding foreign travel through the Kotoka International Airport.

    GHS directed that all persons 18 years and above arriving in Ghana from December 12 must provide proof of full vaccination.

    Meanwhile, “all unvaccinated Ghanaians and residents who are currently outside the country and intend to return within 14 days from the midnight of December 12, 2021 [which has now been extended to December 14] are exempted.”

    This group, however, will be vaccinated on arrival at the airport.

    According to the press release signed by GHS boss, Dr. Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, out of the 34 cases detected at the airport, 75% of them were unvaccinated.

    Source: dailymailgh.com

  • South Africa President reportedly tests positive for COVID-19 days after Ghana visit

    South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa was in Ghana from 3rd to 5th December 2021, for a State Visit.

    His two-day stay in the West African nation was at the invitation of His Excellency, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

    The State Visit to Ghana was directed towards enhancing bilateral relations premised on mutual respect, commitment to democracy, good governance, rules-based multilateralism underpinned by the rule of law, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.

    However, barely one week after leaving Ghana, it has emerged that Mr. Ramaphosa has tested positive for COVID-19.

    He is currently receiving treatment for mild symptoms after testing positive on Sunday, December 12, 2021, the office of the Presidency said in a statement.

    He is self-isolation in Cape Town, the statement disclosed.

    Mr. Ramaphosa has immediately delegated all responsibilities to Deputy President, David Mabuza for the next week.

    The presidency statement said he “started feeling unwell after leaving the State Memorial Service in honour of former Deputy President FW de Klerk in Cape Town earlier today,”

    He is, however “in good spirits” and is being monitored by the South African Military Health Service of the South African National Defence Force.

    The statement added, “President Ramaphosa says his own infection serves as a caution to all people in the country to be vaccinated and remain vigilant against exposure. Vaccination remains the best protection against severe illness and hospitalization.”

    Source: ghanaguardian.com

  • Two of my protégés are occupying sensitive positions Akufo-Addo pat himself at the back

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has celebrated two of his mentees at his law firm, Akufo Addo, Prempeh & Co, for rising through the ranks to occupy important and sensitive positions in Ghana.

    Speaking at an international conference on anti-corruption in Accra on Friday, December 10, 2021, the President noted that he is proud of the exploits of Justice of the Supreme Court, Yonny Kulendi and Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame.

    Akufo-Addo wished his protégés well and said he expected them to deliver creditably.

    “Permit me at the outset to pat myself a little bit on the back here.

    “I must have been doing something right in my other life. When I see today, the two of my protégés, Yonny Kulendi and Godfred Dame both members of Akufo Addo, Prempeh & Co are occupying two important and sensitive positions in our state, Justice of the Supreme Court and Attorney General.

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has celebrated two of his mentees at his law firm, Akufo Addo, Prempeh & Co, for rising through the ranks to occupy important and sensitive positions in Ghana.

    Speaking at an international conference on anti-corruption in Accra on Friday, December 10, 2021, the President noted that he is proud of the exploits of Justice of the Supreme Court, Yonny Kulendi and Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame.

    Akufo-Addo wished his protégés well and said he expected them to deliver creditably.

    “Permit me at the outset to pat myself a little bit on the back here.

    “I must have been doing something right in my other life. When I see today, the two of my protégés, Yonny Kulendi and Godfred Dame both members of Akufo Addo, Prempeh & Co are occupying two important and sensitive positions in our state, Justice of the Supreme Court and Attorney General.

    “I wish them well and I have every confidence that they will discharge their offices with credit,” President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo said.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Ghanaian student in Virginia State University arrested for the murder of his colleague

    A Ghanaian at the Virginia State University(VSU) in the United States of America (USA) has been caged for his involvement in the murder of a colleague.

    The Police were called upon December 5, shortly before 8 p.m to University Apartments at Ettrick.

    The body of Virginia State University student, Daniel N. Wharton, 19, of Alexandria, with gunshot wounds, was found.

    Daniel N. Wharton, 19 was rushed to the hospital but was declared dead upon arrival.

    Isaac K. Amissah Jr. turned himself into the Police.

    21-year-old Isaac K. Amissah Jr. has been charged with murder and the use of a firearm in the commission of a felony and is currently being held in prison without a bond.

    Source: mynewsgh.com

  • Today in History: Kotoko beat Ahly in Kumasi to win CAF Champions League – Watch Highlights

    It is exactly 38 years today, December 11, 1993, Asante Kotoko saw off Al Ahly of Egypt to clinch their second CAF Champions League title.

    Club legend, Samuel Opoku Nti scored the only goal for the Porcupines at the Kumasi Sports Stadium.

    The competition was known as the African Cup of Champions Clubs back then.

    Kotoko had eliminated Senegalese side ASC Diaraf 3-2 on aggregate to set up the final against Ahly, edged out Nkana FC from Zambia.

    In the first leg of the final, Kotoko held Ahly to a scoreless draw at the Cairo International Stadium.

    The Porcupines only needed a win to write history in front of their home fans in the second leg. On the day, 50, 000 supporters turned in their colourful red and white colours.

    The deciding goal came on the 22nd minute, Opoku Nti connected a sublime cross by John Bannermann. The stadium was deafening after the referee, Mohammed Hansel from Algeria whistled to end proceedings.

    Kotoko is the only Ghanaian club to win the competition twice and also to have appeared in the finals 7 times. Their last final was in 1993.

    Kotoko line up for the final

    Kotoko Line-up: Joe Carr, Ernest Apau, Kwasi Appiah, Seth Ampadu, Addai Kyenkyenhene, Yahya Kasimu, John Bannerman, Papa Arko(Cap), Ebo Mends, Opoku Nti, Isaac Afranie

    Subs: Albert Asaase, Francis Agyemang, Akye Erzuah, Ahmed Rockson, Karim Abdul Zito, Akwetey Quaye (JoeTex).

    Head coach: Ibrahim Sunday

    It is exactly 38 years today, December 11, 1993, Asante Kotoko saw off Al Ahly of Egypt to clinch their second CAF Champions League title.

    Club legend, Samuel Opoku Nti scored the only goal for the Porcupines at the Kumasi Sports Stadium.

    The competition was known as the African Cup of Champions Clubs back then.

    Kotoko had eliminated Senegalese side ASC Diaraf 3-2 on aggregate to set up the final against Ahly, edged out Nkana FC from Zambia.

    In the first leg of the final, Kotoko held Ahly to a scoreless draw at the Cairo International Stadium.

    The Porcupines only needed a win to write history in front of their home fans in the second leg. On the day, 50, 000 supporters turned in their colourful red and white colours.

    The deciding goal came on the 22nd minute, Opoku Nti connected a sublime cross by John Bannermann. The stadium was deafening after the referee, Mohammed Hansel from Algeria whistled to end proceedings.

    Kotoko is the only Ghanaian club to win the competition twice and also to have appeared in the finals 7 times. Their last final was in 1993.

    Kotoko line up for the final

    Kotoko Line-up: Joe Carr, Ernest Apau, Kwasi Appiah, Seth Ampadu, Addai Kyenkyenhene, Yahya Kasimu, John Bannerman, Papa Arko(Cap), Ebo Mends, Opoku Nti, Isaac Afranie

    Subs: Albert Asaase, Francis Agyemang, Akye Erzuah, Ahmed Rockson, Karim Abdul Zito, Akwetey Quaye (JoeTex).

    Head coach: Ibrahim Sunday

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

    Watch highlight below

  • Asante Kotoko defeat Asekem FC 3-1 in friendly

    Kumasi Asante Kotoko took on Asekem FC in a club-friendly this afternoon to prepare for their postponed Super Clash against defending champions Hearts of Oak in the Ghana Premier League.

    Lamptey and Ganiu scored the Porcupine Warriors’ first two goals in the 17th and 23rd minutes.

    Steven Amankona was sent off in the 40th minute, Asekem got a penalty which was saved by Ghana U20 goalkeeper Ibrahim Danlad.

    The second half began with Kotoko leading 2-0 before Anthony Opoku equalized for the hosts.

    Asekem was also reduced to ten men after their goalkeeper was issued a red card for making an intentional save with his hand outside the penalty box.

    Taylor restored the Reds’ advantage in the 77th minute with a left-footed goal from close range.

    The friendly today was played at the Nsuta Beposo Park in Kumasi.

    Source: footballghana.com

  • ECG recovers ¢1.4m from power theft in Ashanti Region

    The Ashanti Strategic Business Unit (SBU) of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has raked in over GH¢1.4 million from illegal connection and power theft in the region.

    This followed the launch of “Operation Collect or Correct,” in October, this year, to check illegal connections and non-payment of electricity bills by customers.

    In all, the SBU recovered an amount of GH¢1,470,116.59 from power theft alone in the region.

    Theft

    The Communications Manager for Ashanti SBU, Mr. Erasmus Kyere Baidoo, told the Daily Graphic that power theft was rampant in the region as some residents tampered with their meters to illegally consume power.

    In all, he said the Revenue Protection Unit visited 1,487 accounts and screened 1,040 of which 261 were found to have been involved in illegal connection.

    He said the total amount of power to have been stolen by the 261 residents was around 1,946,795 kilowatts which amounted to about GH¢2, 045,682.46.

    According to Mr. Baidoo, an amount of GH¢575, 000.00 was yet to be recovered from the affected residents.

    Illegality

    Some of the illegal acts recorded, according to him, were meter by-pass, meter tampering, unauthorised service connection, and damaging of meter.

    Campaign

    The Ashanti Strategic Business Unit (SBU) of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has raked in over GH¢1.4 million from illegal connection and power theft in the region.

    This followed the launch of “Operation Collect or Correct,” in October, this year, to check illegal connections and non-payment of electricity bills by customers.

    In all, the SBU recovered an amount of GH¢1,470,116.59 from power theft alone in the region.

    Theft

    The Communications Manager for Ashanti SBU, Mr. Erasmus Kyere Baidoo, told the Daily Graphic that power theft was rampant in the region as some residents tampered with their meters to illegally consume power.

    In all, he said the Revenue Protection Unit visited 1,487 accounts and screened 1,040 of which 261 were found to have been involved in illegal connection.

    He said the total amount of power to have been stolen by the 261 residents was around 1,946,795 kilowatts which amounted to about GH¢2, 045,682.46.

    According to Mr. Baidoo, an amount of GH¢575, 000.00 was yet to be recovered from the affected residents.

    Illegality

    Some of the illegal acts recorded, according to him, were meter by-pass, meter tampering, unauthorised service connection, and damaging of meter.

    Campaign

    In the meantime, he said the SBU had intensified the campaign to arrest recalcitrant customers who have the penchant to steal electricity and deny the company its needed revenue.

    Source: Graphic.com

    In the meantime, he said the SBU had intensified the campaign to arrest recalcitrant customers who have the penchant to steal electricity and deny the company its needed revenue.

  • STMA researches into COVID-19 vaccine acceptance

    The Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan office of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has commenced research into the Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) of residents on the acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccines.

    The research, which included public opinion sampling and focuses group discussion, would eventually help policymakers to make informed decisions in finding a lasting mitigation measure to the pandemic.

    Mr Lan Kwame Tugbenu, the Metropolitan NCCE Officer, told the Ghana News Agency that since the first case was recorded in March 2020, many education and sensitisation programmes had been undertaken to save lives.

    The introduction of the vaccines to curtail the spread should be seen as a big success on the part of stakeholders to protect lives, he said.

    Despite the myth and misconceptions surrounding the vaccines, the NCCE Director said the public education was chalking successes and more people were getting vaccinated.

    However, the study on KAP would consolidate the gains made and serve as an eye-opener to more avenues for success.

    The Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan office of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has commenced research into the Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) of residents on the acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccines.

    The research, which included public opinion sampling and focuses group discussion, would eventually help policymakers to make informed decisions in finding a lasting mitigation measure to the pandemic.

    Mr Lan Kwame Tugbenu, the Metropolitan NCCE Officer, told the Ghana News Agency that since the first case was recorded in March 2020, many education and sensitisation programmes had been undertaken to save lives.

    The introduction of the vaccines to curtail the spread should be seen as a big success on the part of stakeholders to protect lives, he said.

    Despite the myth and misconceptions surrounding the vaccines, the NCCE Director said the public education was chalking successes and more people were getting vaccinated.

    However, the study on KAP would consolidate the gains made and serve as an eye-opener to more avenues for success.

    So far 130,920 COVID-19 cases had been recorded with more than 1,200 deaths, according to the Ghana Health Service.

    Source: GNA

    So far 130,920 COVID-19 cases had been recorded with more than 1,200 deaths, according to the Ghana Health Service.

  • All corruption allegations levelled against my appointees have been probed Akufo-Addo

    President Akufo-Addo has intimated that his administration has undertaken “arguably” the boldest steps in dealing with corruption since Ghana attained independence nearly 65 years ago.

    According to him, all allegations of corruption leveled against his appointees so far, have been probed.

    “My job is to act on allegations of corruption by referring the issue to the proper investigative agencies for the relevant inquiry and necessary actions including if required, the suspension of the affected official pending the conclusion of the investigation. That is exactly what has been done since I assumed the mantle of national leadership,” he said.

    Speaking at the National Anti-Corruption Conference in commemoration of the International Anti-Corruption Day and the International Human Rights Day, on Friday, December 10, 2021, the President cited various instances where his government has dealt with cases of corruption involving appointees under his government, including the case of the PPA boss, Adjenim Boateng Adjei.

    He, however, noted that he, as President was not in the best position to convict any person accused of wrongdoing or engaging in acts of corruption. “That is the job of the courts,” he said.

    He declared zero tolerance for corruption under his government, adding that due process will not be set aside in fighting the canker.

    “Charity, they say begins at home and that is why so far, every single alleged act of corruption leveled against any of my appointees has been investigated by independent bodies such as CHRAJ, CID in some cases, and Parliament itself.

    “There are some [people] who refuse to accept my method of proceeding and have characterised me as a clearing agent because for them, the mere allegation without more, is enough to merit condemnation of the public official even though they did not apply this principle when they were in office.

    President Akufo-Addo has intimated that his administration has undertaken “arguably” the boldest steps in dealing with corruption since Ghana attained independence nearly 65 years ago.

    According to him, all allegations of corruption leveled against his appointees so far, have been probed.

    “My job is to act on allegations of corruption by referring the issue to the proper investigative agencies for the relevant inquiry and necessary actions including if required, the suspension of the affected official pending the conclusion of the investigation. That is exactly what has been done since I assumed the mantle of national leadership,” he said.

    Speaking at the National Anti-Corruption Conference in commemoration of the International Anti-Corruption Day and the International Human Rights Day, on Friday, December 10, 2021, the President cited various instances where his government has dealt with cases of corruption involving appointees under his government, including the case of the PPA boss, Adjenim Boateng Adjei.

    He, however, noted that he, as President was not in the best position to convict any person accused of wrongdoing or engaging in acts of corruption. “That is the job of the courts,” he said.

    He declared zero tolerance for corruption under his government, adding that due process will not be set aside in fighting the canker.

    “Charity, they say begins at home and that is why so far, every single alleged act of corruption leveled against any of my appointees has been investigated by independent bodies such as CHRAJ, CID in some cases, and Parliament itself.

    “There are some [people] who refuse to accept my method of proceeding and have characterised me as a clearing agent because for them, the mere allegation without more, is enough to merit condemnation of the public official even though they did not apply this principle when they were in office.

    “For my part, I will not set aside due process in fighting against corruption no matter the opprobrium this incurs for me. If any appointee is cleared of any wrongdoing, the evidence adduced and recommendation made by these agencies after the investigations are concluded, I would clear the accused persons not by myself but by the institutions mandated to do so,” he added.

    Source: myjoyonline.com

  • South Korea expands entry ban to Ghana, one other African country

    South Korea expanded its entry ban to two additional African countries on Wednesday amid growing concerns over the fast-spreading Omicron coronavirus variant.Source: Indian.com Source: Indian.com 

    From Friday to next Thursday, short-term foreign arrivals from Ghana and Zambia will be banned.

    South Korean nationals and long-term foreign arrivals from these countries will face a mandatory 10-day quarantine, regardless of their Covid-19 vaccination status, Yonhap news agency reported. 

    Effective November 28, South Korea had earlier banned foreign entries from South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, Mozambique, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Eswatini, and Nigeria. So far, South Korea has confirmed 38 Omicron cases. 

    Source: Indian.com

  • Milovan Rajevac submits 40-man squad for AFCON 2021 to GFA – Report

    Black Stars head coach, Milovan Rajevac, is reported to have submitted a provisional 40-man squad for the 2021 African Cup of Nations to the Ghana Football Association.

    With less than a month to the start of the tournament, Milovan Rajevac has submitted a 40-man provisional squad to the Executive Council of the FA for approval.

    The Serbian was recently in Europe to scout and interact with some of the players he intends to invite for the tournament.

    The Executive Council of the GFA are expected to scrutinize, reduce and approve the squad.

    The Black Stars are part of 24 countries who will participate in the tournament set for January 7, 2022 in Cameroon.

    The Black Stars are expected to pitch camp in Qatar for the tournament with three pre-AFCON friendlies already lined up.

    The Black Stars are in Group C and will come up against Morocco, Comoros and Gabon.

    Ghana and Sudan qualified out of Group C in the AFCON 2021 qualifies ahead of South Africa and Sao Tome and Principe.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • ‘Tyrant Museveni’ not welcome in Ghana Economic Fighters League

    The Economic Fighters League says Ugandan leader, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is not welcome in Ghana.

    There is an event on African Transformation which is being attended by some African Heads of State including the Ugandan President, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.

    The said event is reportedly scheduled to be held at the Accra International Conference Centre beginning today, Friday 10th and Saturday 11th December 2021.

    However, the EFL said it welcomes gatherings of Africans to discuss issues affecting the continent, but a meeting of “dictators and pseudo-Pan-Africanists” such as Museveni and others should be discouraged on the Ghanaian soil.

    “It would be rather unfortunate of any organisation, political or media that offers him the platform to spew his propaganda and they become accomplices in his human rights abuses. It must be the biggest irony for someone like Museveni who has blood of thousands of Ugandans on his hands to be invited to speak about transforming Africa,” the Economic Fighters League said in a statement on Thursday.

    Below is the full statement:

    PRESS RELEASE

    9/12/2021

    THE TYRANT MUSEVENI IS NOT WELCOME IN GHANA

    The attention of the Economic Fighters League has been drawn to an event on African Transformation which is being attended by some African Heads of State including the Ugandan dictator Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.

    This statement comes to serve notice that this tyrant whose junta continues on a daily basis to kill activists and citizens of Uganda who criticise his 38-year-old harmful regime is not welcome to Ghana. The said event is reportedly scheduled to be held at the Accra International Conference Centre on Friday 10th and Saturday 11th December 2021.

    As Nkrumahists, we welcome gatherings of Africans to discuss issues affecting the continent. Indeed, one of the most consequential gatherings of the 20th Century happened in Accra in April 1958, a conference of independent African states, hosted by the Founder of Ghana, Kwame Nkrumah.

    In the true spirit of Pan Africanism, these 8 independent African Nations, Ghana, Liberia, Ethiopia, Libya, Tunisia, Morocco, Sudan and Egypt, agreed to co-ordinate their economic planning to take measures to develop and encourage trade among their countries; to exchange educational, cultural and scientific information; to improve communications between the African States; to assist people still under colonial rule in their struggle to be free, and to provide training and educational facilities for them.

    However, when gatherings are being organised in the name of Pan-Africanism, only to be used by dictators and pseudo-Pan-Africanists such as Museveni and Akufo-Addo, true Pan-Africanists must be bold to call them out.

    For 38 years, Museveni has ruled Uganda with an iron fist with a regime characterised by the most bizarre forms of corruption and maladministration. And those who dare to criticise him are subjected to unspeakable abuses including abductions, torture, and murder.

    It would be rather unfortunate of any organisation, political or media that offers him the platform to spew his propaganda and they become accomplices in his human rights abuses. It must be the biggest irony for someone like Museveni who has blood of thousands of Ugandans on his hands to be invited to speak about transforming Africa.

    The theme of the event is How Africa Transforms after the Virus. Do the organisers know that in Uganda, Museveni has closed public schools for two years running? That funds collected in the name of COVID relief have been stolen by the junta?

    That Museveni like many of his old, clueless colleagues has used the pandemic to deepen oppression, abuse and intimidation? The organisers of said event must bow their heads in shame. Museveni has spent the last 30 years doing anything but transforming Uganda. How can he be called to talk about transforming Africa?

    Many Africans rightly objected to Akufo-Addo recent false representation and heinous award in a South African pro-capitalist periodical, and we too owe it to our East African sisters and brothers not to give platforms to their persecutor.

    We can no longer pay lip service to the principles of Democracy while our actions are contrary to our claims.

    Revolutionary Regards,

    Fighter John Koomson Fighter Nii Ayi Opare
    National Spokesperson National Spokesperson
    Economic Fighters League Economic Fighters League
    +233 55 404 4663 +233 24 305 760

    Source: kasapafmonline.com

  • Police assures to deal with criminals as Christmas approaches

    The Ghana Police Service has assured the general public that they would pursue criminals with all available resources to make communities crime-free.

    “We continue to give the assurance that criminals will be pursued with all available resources to make our communities crime-free,” a statement said.

    The statement was announcing that one robber had been shot dead in Tema Golf City.

    This happened on Monday December 6, a Police statement said on Thursday, December 9.

    Following a distress call about a robbery attack in the area, the statement said, a Police patrol team immediately responded and pursued two suspects who were on a motorbike with the registration number covered in a black polythene bag.

    The suspects engaged the Police in a shootout leading to the death of one.

    The second suspect managed to escape.

    Source: 3news.com

  • Captain Smart granted GH₵100k bail

    Blessed Godsbrain Smart, popularly known as “Captain Smart” has been granted bail in the sum of GH₵100,000 with one surety to be justified.

    According to a Police statement, the Radio and TV Presenter is expected to report to the police every Tuesday and Friday.

    Captain Smart pleaded not guilty to the charge of offensive conduct conducive to the breach of peace under Section 207 of the Criminal Offences Act 1960 (Act29) when he appeared before Circuit Court 7 on Thursday, December 9, 2021.

    Captain Smart granted GH₵100k bail

    Captain Smart was arrested on December 2 for allegedly making unsavoury pronouncements that affect the peace and security of the country.

    Blessed Godsbrain Smart, popularly known as “Captain Smart” has been granted bail in the sum of GH₵100,000 with one surety to be justified.

    According to a Police statement, the Radio and TV Presenter is expected to report to the police every Tuesday and Friday.

    Captain Smart pleaded not guilty to the charge of offensive conduct conducive to the breach of peace under Section 207 of the Criminal Offences Act 1960 (Act29) when he appeared before Circuit Court 7 on Thursday, December 9, 2021.

    Captain Smart granted GH₵100k bail

    Captain Smart was arrested on December 2 for allegedly making unsavoury pronouncements that affect the peace and security of the country.

    Source: Myjoyonline.com

    The Police in a statement said, “he has been cautioned on the offence of offensive conduct conducive to breaches of the peace as provided under section 207 of the Criminal Act,1960 (Act 29).”

  • ECOWAS proposes January 1, 2022 for reopening of land borders

    Member countries of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have proposed January 1, 2022, for the reopening of all land borders.

    For over a year, land borders of ECOWAS countries have been closed as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic. A move which was affected trade facilitation and the movement of people.

    But the ECOWAS Sectoral Ministers with advice from the West African Health Organization have decided to reopen land borders during a virtual meeting held on December 7 in Abuja, Nigeria.

    A communique issued by ECOWAS explained the Ministers took into consideration several factors which include a US$50 billion loss in value of economies which amounts to 6.7 percent of their cumulative Gross Domestic Product (GDP) between 2020 and 2021.

    It added that report and recommendations of the meeting will be forwarded to the ECOWAS Council of Ministers at a meeting scheduled for December 9-10 2021.

    Member countries of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have proposed January 1, 2022, for the reopening of all land borders.

    For over a year, land borders of ECOWAS countries have been closed as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic. A move which was affected trade facilitation and the movement of people.

    But the ECOWAS Sectoral Ministers with advice from the West African Health Organization have decided to reopen land borders during a virtual meeting held on December 7 in Abuja, Nigeria.

    A communique issued by ECOWAS explained the Ministers took into consideration several factors which include a US$50 billion loss in value of economies which amounts to 6.7 percent of their cumulative Gross Domestic Product (GDP) between 2020 and 2021.

    It added that report and recommendations of the meeting will be forwarded to the ECOWAS Council of Ministers at a meeting scheduled for December 9-10 2021.

    Also, the recommendations and report will subsequently be submitted to the Heads of State and Government for adoption.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Women urged to position themselves strategically for green energy jobs

    Women and female students in the energy sector have been advised to position themselves strategically to secure green jobs.

    This has become necessary as the world is transitioning to renewable energy sources to reduce global carbon emissions to mitigate the effects of climate change.

    Professor Ellen Bortei-Doku Aryeetey, Head of the Centre for Social Policy, University of Ghana, made the call in a keynote address delivered at the Third Women in Energy Conference in Accra.

    The conference, held on the theme, “Women in Energy: Collaborating to transform our sector”, attracted players in the energy sector to discuss opportunities for women in the energy sector and rally women employee associations in energy institutions to have a collective voice on issues.

    The event was organised by the Millennium Development Authority (MiDA) with financial support from the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) as part of the Ghana-Compact II to empower women to be self-reliant and contribute their quota towards national development.

    So far, MiDA and its partners have trained more than 650 women and female students in energy programmes to make them adaptive to energy-related fields of work.

    Prof. Aryeetey observed that the world was gradually shifting from fossil fuel to renewable energy sources and underlined the need for women to acquire relevant skills in eco-transition to secure gainful employment in the energy sector.

    “Green jobs for women is becoming very crucial in eco-transitioning, and so, women in Ghana should not be left behind but must be active players with a collective voice to transforming the economy,” she emphasised.

    Mr Martin Eson-Benjamin, the Chief Executive Officer for MiDA, in his welcome remarks, said the event intended to provide the opportunity for women to network, exchange ideas and harness the experiences and best practices of Female Employee Associations to strategise towards the advancement of gender equality and social inclusion in the energy sector.

    He said with the Millennium Challenge Compact ending in June next year; it was imperative that MiDA rally women in consolidating the gains made so far and work together towards scalable and lasting change in the energy sector.

    There were goodwill messages from the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo), and the Ministry of Energy thus, assuring that they would provide a congenial environment for mentoring female leaders in the energy sector.

    Source: GNA

  • E-levy must be passed into law before it can be implemented – MP

    The Member of Parliament for the Asunafo South Constituency, Eric Opoku, has said the e-levy must be legalised before it can be implemented.

    According to Mr Opoku, Article 174 of the 1992 Constitution states that for any tax to be collected in the country, parliament must pass an act which the president must assent into law.

    He added that even if all stakeholders accept the e-levy, the government must still bring a bill for parliament’s consideration and approval, requiring a two-thirds majority to pass.

    Also, he said the e-levy would overburden low-income earners, particularly national service personnel, as well as nursing training and teacher training students who are all paid through the e-zwich payment system.

    “When a nursing trainee receives her small allowance of GH¢ 400, she would be taxed 1.75 per cent of it when the person goes to withdraw the money, not only that the when the person attempts to send the money to her mobile money account, she would again be charge 1.75,” he said.

    He added even income sent to the poor and vulnerable would also tax.

    He also said that though cocoa farmers were exempted from paying income tax by law, cocoa income would now be taxed because their incomes are paid through mobile money.

    The Member of Parliament for the Asunafo South Constituency, Eric Opoku, has said the e-levy must be legalised before it can be implemented.

    According to Mr Opoku, Article 174 of the 1992 Constitution states that for any tax to be collected in the country, parliament must pass an act which the president must assent into law.

    He added that even if all stakeholders accept the e-levy, the government must still bring a bill for parliament’s consideration and approval, requiring a two-thirds majority to pass.

    Also, he said the e-levy would overburden low-income earners, particularly national service personnel, as well as nursing training and teacher training students who are all paid through the e-zwich payment system.

    “When a nursing trainee receives her small allowance of GH¢ 400, she would be taxed 1.75 per cent of it when the person goes to withdraw the money, not only that the when the person attempts to send the money to her mobile money account, she would again be charge 1.75,” he said.

    He added even income sent to the poor and vulnerable would also tax.

    He also said that though cocoa farmers were exempted from paying income tax by law, cocoa income would now be taxed because their incomes are paid through mobile money.

    He said Malawi had to reduce its e-levy to 0.5 per cent because of the hardships the e-levy brought on its citizenry.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Justice for Ghana demonstrators resort to napping at parliament main entrance

    Justice for Ghana demonstrators on Wednesday, December 08, 2021, took to napping after they were denied entry into the premises of parliament.

    The protesters mainly demonstrating against the 2022 Budget and the general hardship under the Akufo-Addo government started off their march from the Efua Sutherland park with the hope of presenting a petition to parliament, but protesters hit a snag with that plan.

    The protesters were blocked by heavily armed police officers who were detailed at the main entrance of Parliament house.

    The group had threatened to picket at the precincts of parliament until their demands are met.

    Earlier Police revealed appeals to have the organizers rescind their decision not to picket at Parliament proved futile and had since secured a court order to stop them from picketing.

    Justice for Ghana demonstrators on Wednesday, December 08, 2021, took to napping after they were denied entry into the premises of parliament.

    The protesters mainly demonstrating against the 2022 Budget and the general hardship under the Akufo-Addo government started off their march from the Efua Sutherland park with the hope of presenting a petition to parliament, but protesters hit a snag with that plan.

    The protesters were blocked by heavily armed police officers who were detailed at the main entrance of Parliament house.

    The group had threatened to picket at the precincts of parliament until their demands are met.

    Earlier Police revealed appeals to have the organizers rescind their decision not to picket at Parliament proved futile and had since secured a court order to stop them from picketing.

    The Ceremonial Gate to Parliament of Ghana since 6:00 am on Wednesday has been sealed off following the “Justice for Ghana” demonstration.

    Source: kasapafmonline.com

  • Mentally challenged persons invade Anaji M/A school

    A large presence of mentally challenged persons is threatening academic work at the Anaji Municipal Assembly Kindergarten and Primary School in the Western Region.

    “The school, with a population of more than 700 pupils, is forced to make room for these mentally challenged people due to how easily accessible the facility is,” Ms Margaret Buabeng, the Headmistress, has said.

    “Our school has become a sleeping place for madmen, and our compound is gradually becoming their home, a big threat to the lives of pupils and teachers here.”

    The Headmistress said the school compound was also exposed to “weed smokers”, aside it being used as a place of convenience.

    Passers-by also distract academic work by their movement.

    Ms Buabeng made the challenges known to the Ghana News Agency during the Fourth Graduation and Speech and Prize Giving Day of the school.

    She, therefore, pleaded for urgent assistance to build a gate to prevent such harmful intrusion.

    She appealed for additional classrooms for the Kindergarten two pupils to reduce overcrowding.

    “We are appealing to the government to expedite action to solve the challenges of large enrolment and prevent all intrusions.”

    The theme for the day: “Education, A tool to Eradicate Poverty, Our collective Responsibility” was adopted to ginger all stakeholders in education to continue to give their best towards the disciplining, nurturing and moral upbringing of the child.

    Mrs Believe Baidoo, the Guest of Honour, charged societies to raise godly children with sound academic, moral and ethical background whose education could pass the test of time.

    She said though formal education was important, holistic education should be the order of the day to develop quality human resources for the country.

    Mrs Baidoo prayed that all stakeholders would dedicate themselves to training, coaching, guidance, and counselling through the art of teaching to nurture great minds beyond the four walls of the school.

    Dr Nkrumah Akomani, the Director, Nhyirakesi Wellness Centre, who presided, entreated the pupils to be serious with their studies in order to climb higher the academic ladder.

    “In life, you need your class mates to connect and help you in the journey,” he said.

    Source: GNA

  • Akufo-Addo commits to ECOWAS protocols on democracy

    President Akufo-Addo has given the assurance that he will continue to abide by ECOWAS Protocols on Democracy and Good governance.

    As current Chairman of ECOWAS, the President has promised to respect the Two Term limit and not make any modifications in Electoral Laws, six months to elections.

    Speaking at the Second Edition of the Kofi Annan Peace Forum, the President said, he will not be an impediment to the conduct of free and credible elections in Ghana. He, therefore, charged his colleague West African leaders to do same to promote democracy and peace in the Sub-Region.

    “I will not be an impediment to the conduct of free, fair and transparent elections; and I will hand over power to the next elected President on 7th January 2025.”

    President Akufo-Addo assured participants at he will rally his fellow ECOWAS Heads of States to take the pledge, “and support them as they continue to work towards democracy and good governance in their respective countries”.

    Delivering his speech, the President stated that Ghana is often touted as a beacon of democracy in Africa, and has won plaudits for her democratic credentials.

    Though still fraught with challenges, he indicated that Ghanaian democracy has been consolidated with the conduct of eight (8) elections, five (5) presidential transitions, three (3) of which resulted in the peaceful transfer from one political party to another.

    President Akufo-Addo has given the assurance that he will continue to abide by ECOWAS Protocols on Democracy and Good governance.

    As current Chairman of ECOWAS, the President has promised to respect the Two Term limit and not make any modifications in Electoral Laws, six months to elections.

    Speaking at the Second Edition of the Kofi Annan Peace Forum, the President said, he will not be an impediment to the conduct of free and credible elections in Ghana. He, therefore, charged his colleague West African leaders to do same to promote democracy and peace in the Sub-Region.

    “I will not be an impediment to the conduct of free, fair and transparent elections; and I will hand over power to the next elected President on 7th January 2025.”

    President Akufo-Addo assured participants at he will rally his fellow ECOWAS Heads of States to take the pledge, “and support them as they continue to work towards democracy and good governance in their respective countries”.

    Delivering his speech, the President stated that Ghana is often touted as a beacon of democracy in Africa, and has won plaudits for her democratic credentials.

    Though still fraught with challenges, he indicated that Ghanaian democracy has been consolidated with the conduct of eight (8) elections, five (5) presidential transitions, three (3) of which resulted in the peaceful transfer from one political party to another.

    “We want to be seen as a positive influence in other African countries who continue to face challenges with democratic consolidation,” he added.

    Source: gbcghanaonline.com

  • Three school children have died after a vehicle conveying them home collided head-on with an overtaking car

    The three deceased children have been identified as Jerry Quartey, Osten Kwaku, and Albert Odame Sarfo, all 7 years.

    Kasapa News has gathered that the incident occurred Tuesday, December 7, 2021, at about 4:30 pm when an Almera Taxi Cab with registration number GS 5736-09 carrying the twelve(12) school children and driven by Atiemo Erasmus collided head-on with an unregistered Toyota Camry driven by suspect Penry Boahen, 24, who engaged in wrong overtaking upon reaching Mampong Akuapem from Akropong direction.

    Occupants on both vehicles including the school children and both drivers sustained serious injuries and were rushed to Tetteh Quarshie Memorial Hospital.

    Three of the children were confirmed dead while two were quickly rushed to Korle Bu Teaching Hospital and Ridge Hospital in Accra.

    Parents of the victims have since been trooping to the Tetteh Quarshie Hospital in anxiety after hearing the accident.

    This resulted in near chaos and stampede as parents and family members were forcing their way to the wards to see their children.

    The Public Relations Officer of the Eastern Regional Police Command, DSP Ebenezer Tetteh confirmed the accident to Kasapa News when contacted.

    He however said the two suspect drivers will be arrested to assist investigation when discharged.

    The two vehicles have been impounded and towed to the Police station for testing.

    Source: kasapafmonline.com

  • 3 school children die in a head-on collision, many injured

    Three school children have died after a vehicle conveying them home collided head-on with an overtaking car.

    The three deceased children have been identified as Jerry Quartey, Osten Kwaku, and Albert Odame Sarfo, all 7 years.

    Kasapa News has gathered that the incident occurred Tuesday, December 7, 2021, at about 4:30 pm when an Almera Taxi Cab with registration number GS 5736-09 carrying the twelve(12) school children and driven by Atiemo Erasmus collided head-on with an unregistered Toyota Camry driven by suspect Penry Boahen, 24, who engaged in wrong overtaking upon reaching Mampong Akuapem from Akropong direction.

    Occupants on both vehicles including the school children and both drivers sustained serious injuries and were rushed to Tetteh Quarshie Memorial Hospital.

    Three of the children were confirmed dead while two were quickly rushed to Korle Bu Teaching Hospital and Ridge Hospital in Accra.

    Parents of the victims have since been trooping to the Tetteh Quarshie Hospital in anxiety after hearing the accident.

    This resulted in near chaos and stampede as parents and family members were forcing their way to the wards to see their children.

    The Public Relations Officer of the Eastern Regional Police Command, DSP Ebenezer Tetteh confirmed the accident to Kasapa News when contacted.

    He however said the two suspect drivers will be arrested to assist investigation when discharged.

    The two vehicles have been impounded and towed to the Police station for testing.

    Source: kasapafmonline.com

  • 265 mining equipment destroyed over galamsey Duker

    Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, George Mireku Duker, has revealed that 265 mining equipment have been destroyed.

    He added that 26 illegal miners have also been arrested since the operation halt illegal mining was launched.

    He made this known at a media briefing on Wednesday, December 8.

    He said the 26 persons are currently facing the law.

    It is recalled that Attorney General Godfred Dame assured that persons arrested for galamsey are facing the law in court.

    “As many as about 45 people are on trial as a result of operations taken in the past two weeks. Most importantly, it involves about 10 Chinese nationals,” he said on Joy FM on May 29.

    “The principles that the President set out in his speech on Wednesday were actually the foundations for the decision of the High Court in Kumasi. The High Court endorsed the principle that no right can accrue from the illegality,” the Attorney General argued.

    Source: 3news.com

  • 9 perish in accident on Sawla-Wa road

    Nine persons have been confirmed dead after they were involved in an accident that occurred on the Sawla-Wa road on Wednesday December 7.

    Nine others were seriously injured.

    The deceased have been transported to the Wa Government hospital morgue whereas the injured are also receiving treatment at the same hospital.

    There were 45 onboard the bus from Accra but others alighted along the journey.

    As at the time of the accident, only 18 were onboard.

    The driver veered off the road trying to dodge potholes, leading to the accident, an eyewitness said.

    Source: 3news.com

  • Nhyiaeso MP reportedly arrested among V8 drivers abusing traffic regulations

    Ghana Police Service has arrested the Member of Parliament for Nhyiaeso and seven other drivers for not complying with road traffic regulations on Tuesday.

    According to a police statement, Dr Stephen Amoah who was driving his car with registration number GT 7059 20, and the other drivers mostly using Toyota Land Cruiser V8 vehicles were arrested for offences such as careless driving, dangerous driving and causing road obstruction.

    The drivers were rounded up at the Airport By-pass in Accra at about 4 pm and 6:30 pm on Tuesday, December 7, 2021.

    According to the police, the arrested drivers will be charged and put before court today, Wednesday, December 8, 2021.

    Read the full police statement below:

    POLICE DESCEND ON V8 ROAD TRAFFIC INDISCIPLINE

    ON 07/ 12 / 2021 BETWEEN 1600 AND 1830 HRS THE POLICE MOUNTED AN OPERATION AROUND AIRPORT BY PASS TO ARREST DRIVERS WHO WERE NOT COMPLYING WITH THE ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATIONS.

    DURING THE EXERCISE, THE DRIVERS INCHARGE THE FOLLOWING VEHICLES WERE ARRESTED FOR THE OFFENCES OF CARELESS DRIVING, DANGEROUS DRIVING AND CAUSING ROAD OBSTRUCTION AMONG OTHERS:

    1. DRIVER INCHARGE TOYOTA LAND CRUISER V8 WITH REGISTRATION NUMBER GN 5532 17, MR. JOSPEH BROWN

    2. DRIVER INCHARGE TOYOTA LAND CRUISER WITH REGISTRATION NUMBER GT 7059 20, HON DR. STEPHEN AMOAH

    3. DRIVER INCHARGE TOYOTA 4 RUNNER WITH REGISTRATION NUMBER GE 303 2O, MR SAMUEL A. ANIM

    4. DRIVER INCHARGE TOYOTA LAND CRUISER WITH REGISTRATION NUMBER GE 1611 17, EMMANUEL KOFI OFORI

    5. DRIVER INCHARGE TOYOTA HIGHLANDER 4×4 SUV WITH REGISTRATION NUMBER GE 14 21, MR. DIMINI ATUAHENE

    6. DRIVER INCHARGE TOYOTA LAND CRUISER WITH REGISTRATION NUMBER GN 3516 18, MR. DANIEL BOATENG

    7. DRIVER INCHARGE TOYOTA LAND CRUISER WITH REGISTRATION NUMBER GT 856 20, THOMAS ATINGA. THEY ARE BEING PROCESSED FOR COURT TODAY 8/12/2021.

    THE POLICE ARE VERY DETERMINED TO ENFORCE THE LAWS OF THE COUNTRY. WE CALL ON ALL TO SUPPORT US IN THIS ENDEAVOUR.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • WAEC releases provisional results for WASSCE 2021

    Provisional results from the West African Examination Council (WAEC) for candidates who sat for the 2021 West African Secondary School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) have been released.

    WAEC, according to a statement, said that it will make login details available to heads of schools so that their students are able to access the platform.

    “The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) wishes to announce for the information of the general public that it has released provisional results of candidates, who sat for the WASSCE for School Candidates, 2021 in Ghana. The Council will make available login details to Heads of school to enable them print the statement of results of their candidates. candidates are therefore advised to contact their Heads of school for their results,” the statement said.

    Also, for people looking to individually check their results, WAEC says it has made arrangements for them through a short code system.

    “Meanwhile, the Council has hosted the results online and candidates who so desire, may access their results at the Council’s website or dial the short code *944#,” it said.

    The statement also appealed to all candidates to be on the lookout so they do not fall prey to scammers during this stage.

    “The Council is cautioning all stakeholders especially candidates to be on the alert and not fall prey to the activities of scammers who promise to upgrade results for a fee. Candidates are to note that all WAEC results are secured and can be authenticated. Institutions are therefore urged to always verify results presented to them to expose incidents of forgery,” the statement said.

    In all, a total of 446,352 candidates, made up of 221,439 (49.6 %) males and 224,913 (50.4 %) females from 965 schools entered for the examination.

    This figure is 18.8% higher than the 2020 figure of 375,763. A total of 3,545 (0.79 %) of the candidates who registered were absent from the examination, the statement said.

    Provisional results from the West African Examination Council (WAEC) for candidates who sat for the 2021 West African Secondary School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) have been released.

    WAEC, according to a statement, said that it will make login details available to heads of schools so that their students are able to access the platform.

    “The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) wishes to announce for the information of the general public that it has released provisional results of candidates, who sat for the WASSCE for School Candidates, 2021 in Ghana. The Council will make available login details to Heads of school to enable them print the statement of results of their candidates. candidates are therefore advised to contact their Heads of school for their results,” the statement said.

    Also, for people looking to individually check their results, WAEC says it has made arrangements for them through a short code system.

    “Meanwhile, the Council has hosted the results online and candidates who so desire, may access their results at the Council’s website or dial the short code *944#,” it said.

    The statement also appealed to all candidates to be on the lookout so they do not fall prey to scammers during this stage.

    “The Council is cautioning all stakeholders especially candidates to be on the alert and not fall prey to the activities of scammers who promise to upgrade results for a fee. Candidates are to note that all WAEC results are secured and can be authenticated. Institutions are therefore urged to always verify results presented to them to expose incidents of forgery,” the statement said.

    In all, a total of 446,352 candidates, made up of 221,439 (49.6 %) males and 224,913 (50.4 %) females from 965 schools entered for the examination.

    This figure is 18.8% higher than the 2020 figure of 375,763. A total of 3,545 (0.79 %) of the candidates who registered were absent from the examination, the statement said.

    See the full statement here:

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Ofori-Atta justifies unprecedented GH¢10 billion ‘YouStart’ initiative

    Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, has justified the government’s GH¢10 billion ‘YouStart’ initiative aimed at providing financial support for the youth of Ghana.

    The Minister, presenting the 2022 budget at Parliament, introduced the ‘YouStart’ to address youth employment challenges.

    “Mr. Speaker, this understanding of the youth employment challenge, as well as extensive consultations with stakeholders including youth associations and educational institutions across the country, have led to the development of the YouStart initiative which proposes to use GH¢1 billion each year to catalyze an ecosystem to create 1 million jobs and in partnership with the Finance Institutions and Development Partners, raise another GH¢2 billion.

    “In addition, our local Banks have agreed to a package that will result in increasing their SME portfolio up to GH¢5 billion over the next 3 years.

    “This, Mr. Speaker results in an unprecedented historic GH¢10 billion commitment to the private sector and YouStart over the next 3 years,” he told the House.

    He underscored the relevance of the ‘YouStart’, asserting it is “a vehicle for supporting young entrepreneurs to gain access to capital, training, technical skills and mentoring to enable them launch and operate their own businesses”.

    On how this initiative will be implemented, the Minister revealed; “YouStart will support youth-led enterprises with the following products:

    i. District Level Loans under 10 000 GHC after 2-3 months of training.

    ii. Soft loans of up to GH¢50,000 to help start-ups (in particular by young graduates and school leavers) and small businesses to expand;

    iii. Starter packs (Soft loans tied to equipment acquisition) of up to GH¢50,000 for individuals and GH¢100,000 for associations/groups;

    iv. A standardised loan package of between GH¢100,000 to GH¢400,000 at concessional rates for SMEs through financial institutions.”

    Ken Ofori-Atta, having a one-on-one interview with Kwami Sefa Kayi on Peace FM’s morning show ‘Kokrokoo’ on Tuesday, was asked how the government intends to fund the initiative and if the ‘YouStart’ will be feasible.

    In his response, he noted that the government is fully committed to implementing the initiative, therefore is currently in negotiation with a private financial institution and various banks for financial assistance.

    He assured Ghanaians and the doubting Thomases that, just as the government has made free SHS a reality, the ‘YouStart’ programme will surely come into fruition and become an avenue to empower youth entrepreneurship.

    “This is the same thing that was said, the negative language, that we can’t do the (free) SHS. Where will we find the money? But these are choices of a passionate President who believes that every citizen should have his due and be able to use his God-given talent, so we should find the money to do this,” he said.

    He commended the Akufo-Addo government touting the ‘YouStart’ initiative is unprecedented and will provide relief to the youth.

    “The GH¢10 billion intervention has never been seen in this country and it is bold. It is visionary and liberates us of this albatross.”

    Source: ghanaguardian.com

  • Minister thanks corporate Ghana for supporting Teachers Prize award

    Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, Minister of Education, has lauded corporate organisations for their annual contributions to motivate teachers through the Ghana Teacher Prize (GTP) Award.

    Motivated teachers, Dr Adutwum said, would help them to give of their best to improve learning outcomes.

    The Minister said this in a speech read on his behalf in Accra at the GTP Sponsors’ Appreciation Day to award them for their dedication to the programme.

    The award is organised under the auspices of the National Teaching Council.

    He said the Ministry had since 1995 celebrated teachers through the GTP and had been possible and successful with the help of sponsors.

    “Your support in sustaining this initiative has been very handy and we highly appreciate it.

    “This year has been a difficult year for all businesses due to the effect of COVID-19, but our sponsors never abandoned their commitment to the event,” he said.

    Dr Adutwum said the sponsors’ efforts was fully appreciated because a well-motivated quality teacher always guaranteed better school outcome.

    The vision of government, he said was to transform education in the country and improve upon learning outcomes, stressing that teachers played a key role in the realization of the agenda.

    The Minister pledged the Ministry’s support for the award winners to compete for both the Global and Africa Union Teacher Prizes.

    Mr Christian Addai-Poku, the Registrar of NTC, said this year’s award ceremony was the number four trending news on social media, adding that this was achieved through proper planning, promotion and partnership with sponsors.

    He urged the organisations to sustain their support and appealed to other institutions to come on board and support the award to improve education in the country.

    Mr Ebenezer Kojo Otoo, a 44-year-old teacher of the Winneba Senior High School (SHS) in the Efutu Municipality of the Central Region, was crowned the 2021 National Best Teacher.

    For his prize, Mr Otoo received a GHS250,000.00 cheque for a three-bedroom house sponsored by GLICO Pension.

    Mr Otoo said the award came as a surprise to him and thanked God for the recognition, pledging to do more and build a viable society through quality teaching.

    Reverend Sister Jacinta Kwakyewaa, a tutor at the St. Francis SHS/Technical School in the Birim Central Municipality, Eastern Region, was adjudged the first runner-up and received a brand new 4×4 pick-up vehicle from the Prudential Bank.

    Mr Nelson Saviour Kwashie of the Awutu Swinton SHS in the Awutu Senya District of the Central Region was the second runner-up and was presented with a brand new saloon car from Databank.

    Cash prizes ranging between GHS5,000.00 and GHS7,000.00 as well as other valuable items were presented to other 17 deserving teaching and non-teaching staff, who distinguished themselves in other categories of the award, including Junior High, Primary and Kindergarten levels.

    The institutions which donated are Ghana Education Service Occupational Pension Scheme, GETFUND, Glico Pensions Trust, Prudential Bank Limited, SIC LIFE, Databank Limited, ABE Ventures, and Innolink Limited.

    The rest are UNICEF, UNESCO, Petra Trust, Investcorp, IC Giving, EPP Book Services, DHI College of Health and Education, Ghana National Association of Teachers, National Association of Graduate Teachers CCT, Teachers and Education Workes’ Union and Multimedia Group Limited as a media partner.

    Source: GNA