Member of Parliament for Assin Central, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong has arrived in Ghana from the United States of America where has been for the past weeks.
His arrival coincides with the contentious 2022 budget approval voting exercise expected to be held in Parliament today.
Debate on the 2022 budget presented in parliament by the finance minister on November 17, 2021, is set to be concluded today November 26, 2021, after which approval voting is expected to be held.
Source: www.ghanaweb.com
News coming in indicates that about 7 vehicles on the Achimota dual carriage road have been involved in an accident.
The Friday, November 26, 2021, morning crash, myjoyonline.com reports, occurred at 5:30 am with one pregnant woman in one of the vehicles.
She has since been rushed to a nearby hospital to ensure that she is without any major injuries.
The crash involved a KIA Rino truck, two red minibuses, a white Benz sprinter, a Hyundai saloon car and two KIA taxis, the report added.
An eyewitness explained that the white KIA Rino truck driver sped carelessly after jumping the traffic light close to the Republic Bank, ramming into the other vehicles.
“I hope the Police MTTD will investigate properly and get the driver of the white KIA Rhino truck prosecuted. If it were a much bigger haulage truck, he would have killed like six people this morning,†the eyewitness said.
News coming in indicates that about 7 vehicles on the Achimota dual carriage road have been involved in an accident.
The Friday, November 26, 2021, morning crash, myjoyonline.com reports, occurred at 5:30 am with one pregnant woman in one of the vehicles.
She has since been rushed to a nearby hospital to ensure that she is without any major injuries.
The crash involved a KIA Rino truck, two red minibuses, a white Benz sprinter, a Hyundai saloon car and two KIA taxis, the report added.
An eyewitness explained that the white KIA Rino truck driver sped carelessly after jumping the traffic light close to the Republic Bank, ramming into the other vehicles.
“I hope the Police MTTD will investigate properly and get the driver of the white KIA Rhino truck prosecuted. If it were a much bigger haulage truck, he would have killed like six people this morning,†the eyewitness said.
It is unclear, as of the time this story was done, the update on injuries or the extent of damages that were caused to the vehicle.
Source: www.ghanaweb.com
The Acting Controller and Accountant-General, Kwasi Kwaning-Bosompem, has allayed fears of teachers over a publication about reported deductions in their November salaries.
Mr Kwaning-Bosompem indicated that the deductions are a result of an agreement reached between the Ghana Education Service (GES) and various teacher unions.
“The Ghana Education Service officially wrote to request for the deduction of 30% of the cost of laptops supplied to teachers under the One-Teacher-One-Laptop programme amounting to 509.55ghc,†the Controller and Accountant-General stated in a press release on Thursday, November 25.
“The 70% of the cost of the laptop is being borne by the government of Ghana.â€
He further indicated that GES also wrote for a deduction of GH¢100 as a Teacher Licensing Fee.
“These deductions, per the letters we received were as a result of agreements between the Ghana Education Service and the various teacher unions”.
“The Controller and Accountant-General will not unilaterally effect deductions from salaries without the necessary authorization.â€
The Acting Controller and Accountant-General, Kwasi Kwaning-Bosompem, has allayed fears of teachers over a publication about reported deductions in their November salaries.
Mr Kwaning-Bosompem indicated that the deductions are a result of an agreement reached between the Ghana Education Service (GES) and various teacher unions.
“The Ghana Education Service officially wrote to request for the deduction of 30% of the cost of laptops supplied to teachers under the One-Teacher-One-Laptop programme amounting to 509.55ghc,†the Controller and Accountant-General stated in a press release on Thursday, November 25.
“The 70% of the cost of the laptop is being borne by the government of Ghana.â€
He further indicated that GES also wrote for a deduction of GH¢100 as a Teacher Licensing Fee.
“These deductions, per the letters we received were as a result of agreements between the Ghana Education Service and the various teacher unions”.
“The Controller and Accountant-General will not unilaterally effect deductions from salaries without the necessary authorization.â€
Mr Kwaning-Bosompem assured all government employees that they will be paid what is legitimately due to them.
Source: 3news.com
A Medical Practitioner, Biomedical Researcher and Global Health Scientist, Dr. Richard Eghan has underscored the need for people to engage in protected sex.
This will help people to avoid contracting Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) and infections.
Speaking on the Breakfast Show on GTV, November 25, 2021, Dr. Richard Eghan revealed that more than one million STIs are transmitted daily, worldwide and that calls for extra caution.
Dr. Eghan noted that most STIs have no signs or symptoms and could easily be passed on to other sex partners.
He said the worrying trend is that, when it comes to sexual pleasures, most people are only interested in avoiding pregnancies and HIV infections, forgetting about the possible infections.
“The sad reality is that people like to buy boosters for sexual activities but do not talk about how to cure common STIs that come with their usage â€, Dr. Eghan added.
On the dangers of having untreated STIs, Dr Eghan said sexual transmitted infections can affect the reproductive organs, cause infertility and sometimes may lead to death if not treated.
The Biomedical Researcher cautioned men against using alcohol-based aphrodisiac saying they can suppress the immune system to make it susceptible to infections.
He cautioned against spiritualizing issues of sexual transmitted diseases and called for sexual orientation to enlighten and disabuse the minds of people on the issue.
A Medical Practitioner, Biomedical Researcher and Global Health Scientist, Dr. Richard Eghan has underscored the need for people to engage in protected sex.
This will help people to avoid contracting Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) and infections.
Speaking on the Breakfast Show on GTV, November 25, 2021, Dr. Richard Eghan revealed that more than one million STIs are transmitted daily, worldwide and that calls for extra caution.
Dr. Eghan noted that most STIs have no signs or symptoms and could easily be passed on to other sex partners.
He said the worrying trend is that, when it comes to sexual pleasures, most people are only interested in avoiding pregnancies and HIV infections, forgetting about the possible infections.
“The sad reality is that people like to buy boosters for sexual activities but do not talk about how to cure common STIs that come with their usage â€, Dr. Eghan added.
On the dangers of having untreated STIs, Dr Eghan said sexual transmitted infections can affect the reproductive organs, cause infertility and sometimes may lead to death if not treated.
The Biomedical Researcher cautioned men against using alcohol-based aphrodisiac saying they can suppress the immune system to make it susceptible to infections.
He cautioned against spiritualizing issues of sexual transmitted diseases and called for sexual orientation to enlighten and disabuse the minds of people on the issue.
He said early testing, screening and use of condoms are the first steps to promote healthy sexual life.
Source: gbcghanaonline.com
Founder and Leader of the United Progressive Party (UPP) Akwasi Addai Odike has described the proposed 1.75% levy on electronic financial transactions as repressive and a “carbon copy of IMF conditionalities.â€
The so-called E-levy proposed by the Minister of Finance in the 2022 Budget Statement aims to rake in some 6.9 billion Ghana Cedis annually and replaces the funds that would have been accrued from the collection toll levies on highways, which the ministry estimates to have been raking in only GHC 78 million.
But speaking on Kumasi-based Angel FM monitored by MyNewsGh.com today, Akwasi Addai Odike said the approach to tax people even before they make any income only goes to impoverish rather than empower them.
He challenged the government to ditch the idea of taxing mobile money transactions that would affect the poor and rather look at raking income from informal sources like funerals and land sales by chiefs.
He said those who provide services at funerals like the undertakers, caterers and others walk home with huge monies without being taxed.
Founder and Leader of the United Progressive Party (UPP) Akwasi Addai Odike has described the proposed 1.75% levy on electronic financial transactions as repressive and a “carbon copy of IMF conditionalities.â€
The so-called E-levy proposed by the Minister of Finance in the 2022 Budget Statement aims to rake in some 6.9 billion Ghana Cedis annually and replaces the funds that would have been accrued from the collection toll levies on highways, which the ministry estimates to have been raking in only GHC 78 million.
But speaking on Kumasi-based Angel FM monitored by MyNewsGh.com today, Akwasi Addai Odike said the approach to tax people even before they make any income only goes to impoverish rather than empower them.
He challenged the government to ditch the idea of taxing mobile money transactions that would affect the poor and rather look at raking income from informal sources like funerals and land sales by chiefs.
He said those who provide services at funerals like the undertakers, caterers and others walk home with huge monies without being taxed.
“An undertake can charge over GHC 10,000 for working on only one corpse on a Saturday and walk away with all the cash without paying any taxes on their incomes; chiefs also sell large tracts of land without paying any taxes but expect their towns to be developed, it is high time the government looked at taxing all those activities,†Odike said.
Source: mynewsgh.com
Residents of Domeabra in the Ga South Municipality on Thursday, November 25, 2021, staged a protest against the alleged sale of cemetery land.
Taking to the streets on Thursday, the protesters including some traditional leaders and youth of the area, accused the Atufutse of the community, Nii Kwabina Akomea of being behind the sale of the land.
Asafotse Nii Kojo Kwao III, who led the protest said the sale of the land which has over the years served as a resting place for their ancestors is an abominable act that must not be tolerated.
“The place is a cemetery specifically designated for burial. It has been here for over ninety (90) years and has been inherited by our generation. It is for no other purpose than a cemetery.
“All the traditional leaders met and we demanded answers. We were told that the land has been given out by our Atufutse but everyone in the community including we the traditional leaders and even the children are against it. We want the cemetery maintained here. And if anyone is interested in having a land here, we have a lot to allocate to the person but not the cemetery where we will all be buried when we die someday,†the sub-chief stated.
Residents of Domeabra in the Ga South Municipality on Thursday, November 25, 2021, staged a protest against the alleged sale of cemetery land.
Taking to the streets on Thursday, the protesters including some traditional leaders and youth of the area, accused the Atufutse of the community, Nii Kwabina Akomea of being behind the sale of the land.
Asafotse Nii Kojo Kwao III, who led the protest said the sale of the land which has over the years served as a resting place for their ancestors is an abominable act that must not be tolerated.
“The place is a cemetery specifically designated for burial. It has been here for over ninety (90) years and has been inherited by our generation. It is for no other purpose than a cemetery.
“All the traditional leaders met and we demanded answers. We were told that the land has been given out by our Atufutse but everyone in the community including we the traditional leaders and even the children are against it. We want the cemetery maintained here. And if anyone is interested in having a land here, we have a lot to allocate to the person but not the cemetery where we will all be buried when we die someday,†the sub-chief stated.
The demonstrators thus demanded the immediate reversal of the alleged sale of the land saying the consequences may be catastrophic if it is not averted.
Source: www.ghanaweb.com
Member of Parliament for Nhyiaeso Constituency, Stephen Amoah, has called on professionals and other experts in the economic and financial fields to stop chastising the government and instead bring practical solutions on how to solve the economic situation the country is facing.
According to him, several financial experts are making comments on the new taxes to be introduced emphasising that their statements are only spiting the public against the government.
Speaking in an interview wth GhanaWeb in parliament, he said, “I want to use this opportunity to call on the doctors, professionals in the finance and economy to come again. Their inputs are respected because that is what democracy demands. Some are saying that we should take away the tax, some are also saying that we should reduce it. As experts in those fields, I respect them.”
The MP for Nhyiaeso indicated that aside from the criticisms, they should come up with a detailed plan on how government should tax Ghanaians as well as lead the way on how government can raise revenue.
He added, “Some are also far better than me, but the question is to bring paper on it and tell us that if we reduce by up to one percent and we extract it, this is how much as a country we can save and this is the obligation we have in terms of our deficit and in terms of statutory requirement in our budget in terms of water and electricity we can solve. You cannot make an arbitrary statement and force the public to force the government to make wrong statements.”
The Former Executive Director of the Micro Finance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC) reiterated that although the cost of living in Ghana is high, the current government inherited huge debt hence the need for the introduction of new taxes to keep the country running.
“We are not saying there is no hardship, but what we are saying is that if we are considering all the performance perimeters, then the economy that we inherited was dead. If that is the case this budget has all the resurrection power,” he told GhanaWeb.
Members of Parliament have commenced debate on the 2022 budget statement after the Minister of Finance of Ghana, Ken Ofori-Atta presented it to parliament, on November 17, 2021.
Among the policies expected to be implemented is the Electronic levy (E-levy), which involves the introduction of taxes on electronic transactions such as mobile money (momo) transactions in the country.
Fees and charges of government services have also been increased by 15%.
Meanwhile, the minority in parliament has vowed not to approve the 2022 budget as they claim it will worsen the plight of Ghanaians.
Source: www.ghanaweb.com
The September 2021 Annual Percentage Rates (APR) by the Bank of Ghana has revealed that Republic Bank, UBA and GCB Bank offered the cheapest loans for household consumers for a period of one year.
The report was compiled by the Bank of Ghana based on information provided by the various banks.
GCB offered an indicative rate of 22.50% to household consumers for a tenure of one year, whiles Republic Bank and UBA charged rates of 22.64% and 22.66% respectively.
Bank of Africa, Stanbic and CalBank PLC offered the highest cost of credit of 29.84%, 29.97% and 30.27% respectively.
For durations up to five years, Republic Bank, UBA and Zenith Bank provided the lowest lending rates for household consumers.
They charged rates of 22.64%, 22.66% and 22.76% respectively. Meanwhile, CalBank, Bank of Africa and First Atlantic Bank offered the expensive rates of 29.06%, 29.84% and 33.0% respectively.
On loans offered Small and Medium Scale Enterprises, First National Bank, UBA and UMB offered the least lending rates of 19.52%, 19.96% and 21.80% respectively for one-year tenor.
First Atlantic Bank, Societe Generale and CalBank were seen to be charging expensive rates of 28.95%, 29.50% and 30.38% respectively. For facilities that travel for five years, UBA, NIB and Zenith Bank offered the lowest rates of 19.96%, 22.44% and 22.60% respectively.
Bank of Africa (28.47%) and Societe Generale (29.50%) charged the most expensive rates for the five-year tenure.
Regarding loans to corporate institutions with a tenure of one year, Societe Generale, Stanbic and First National Bank offered the cheapest loans. They charged 15.60%, 16.48% and 18.71% respectively.
Consolidated Bank Ghana on the other hand, charged (26.22%) and CalBank PLC charged (26.33%) the highest rates in that category.
For the five years tenure, Ecobank Ghana (17.67%), Societe Generale (20.10%) and Agricultural Development Bank (20.25%) offered the lowest rates of credit to corporate organisations.
According to the Bank of Ghana, the APR reflects the true cost of a loan that economic agents are confronted with when they go through an approval process to secure credit. It comprises the Ghana Reference Rate, bank-specific risk-premia and other bank-specific charges.
Source: www.ghanaweb.com
The Upper East Regional Co-ordinating Council has banned the wearing of smocks in Bawku township with immediate effect.
In a press statement signed by Regional Minister Stephen Yakubu, the Council indicated that the decision was taken after consultation with the Upper East Regional Security Council (REGSEC).
The imposition according to the release seeks to address the use of smocks by “criminals or unscrupulous elements to hide arms and ammunitions and attack opponents or innocent civilians.â€
Residents in Bawku are therefore urged to take note of the directive to be enforced by Municipal Security Committee (MUSEC) and comply until further notice.
Individuals who fail to heed the directive the Council noted “will be dealt with accordingly.â€
Source: myjoyonline.com
The Central East Police Command has arrested 22 suspects including the Chief of Yamoah Nkwanta, over a misunderstanding that ensued during the installation of a chief.
Although no casualties were recorded, the two parties involved fired shots indiscriminately putting the lives of citizens at risk.
Speaking to Citi News, the Central East Police Commander, DCOP Okyere Boapeah, said the arrest was effected after the two parties defied an earlier directive by the police not to install a new chief citing security reasons.
He added that further investigations are underway and the suspects will be arraigned soon.
“There has been some disagreement as to the right candidate to be installed as the new chief of the Yamoah Nkwanta. The misunderstanding made the regional command invite the parties involved for discussions and possible settlement and the decision to install the chief was put on hold.â€
“The kingmakers of Yamoah Nkwanta installed one chief and this led to violent confrontation and indiscriminate shooting between the two factions. The regional operation was quick to respond and 22 suspects have been arrested including the chief.â€
Earlier this month, a police officer who mistakenly shot into a crowd during the installation of a sub-chief in Suhum was arrested.
Detective Sergeant Welbeck Agyina, a direct cousin of the newly installed sub-chief allegedly fired a pump-action gun into the crowd during the installation.
Two persons sustained gunshot wounds in the head while five others were rushed to the Suhum Hospital.
Source: citinewsroom.com
The Northern Regional Police Command has apologized for the incident which led to the shooting of one person at Bimbilla on Tuesday evening.
The Command explains that it embarked on a joint exercise with the military after receiving numerous reports of robbery incidents along the Bimbilla highway.
The operation was aimed at arresting suspected criminals in their hideout in Bimbilla but resulted in the unfortunate shooting of one Fuseini Osman.
In an interview with Citi News, the Regional Crime Officer of the Northern Region, Supt. Baba Ananga, said the Regional Commander after visiting the family, has offered to settle the medical bills of Osman.
“It was an exercise of a swoop on a particular locality and that resulted in that incident. The Regional Police Commander led a delegation to visit the victim and interacted with him. The Police Commander apologised to him and promised to take care of his medical bills.â€
Supt. Baba Ananga added that the police will continue to deal with all criminal activities in the region.
“It is an ongoing exercise and on the first day we arrested quite a number of criminals that we have put before court. The exercise is going to go on continuously and we are not going to renege on it to ensure that the community is safe.â€
The injured victim, Fuseini Osman, is said to have been allegedly shot by a soldier in Bimbilla and was transferred to Tamale Teaching Hospital.
The incident caused uproar in the area, with some youth going on a rampage, but calm has now returned.
Though the victim is in a stable condition, the family is demanding that the culprit be brought to book.
Source: citinewsroom.com
Accra Hearts of Oak paid a courtesy call on President Akufo-Addo to mark their 110th anniversary
Ghana Premier League giants, Accra Hearts of Oak will be two million Ghanaian cedis richer at the end of November 2021.
The Ghana Premier League champions will be cashing out big time after the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo pledged to help their Africa campaign with one million Ghana cedis.
Akufo-Addo made the pledge when a delegation from Hearts of Oak paid a courtesy call on him on Monday to present the trophies they won in the 2020/2021 GPL season to him.
“Hearts of Oak pays courtesy call to President Akufo-Addo…President pledges GHS 1m support to Hearts,†Accra Hearts confirmed in a tweet.
But Kumasi-based Pure FM has also reported that the Phobians will be receiving a one million Ghana cedis sponsorship package from the National Lottery Authority in the coming days.
NLA has already signed a one million Ghana cedis sponsorship package with Asante Kotoko and the reports state that they will be doing the same thing for Accra Hearts of Oak.
Loading…
Friday Debate: Will FIFA order a replay of Ghana VS South Africa game?
Accra Hearts of Oak paid a courtesy call on President Akufo-Addo to mark their 110th anniversary
Ghana Premier League giants, Accra Hearts of Oak will be two million Ghanaian cedis richer at the end of November 2021.
The Ghana Premier League champions will be cashing out big time after the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo pledged to help their Africa campaign with one million Ghana cedis.
Akufo-Addo made the pledge when a delegation from Hearts of Oak paid a courtesy call on him on Monday to present the trophies they won in the 2020/2021 GPL season to him.
“Hearts of Oak pays courtesy call to President Akufo-Addo…President pledges GHS 1m support to Hearts,†Accra Hearts confirmed in a tweet.
But Kumasi-based Pure FM has also reported that the Phobians will be receiving a one million Ghana cedis sponsorship package from the National Lottery Authority in the coming days.
NLA has already signed a one million Ghana cedis sponsorship package with Asante Kotoko and the reports state that they will be doing the same thing for Accra Hearts of Oak.
Loading…
Friday Debate: Will FIFA order a replay of Ghana VS South Africa game?
The South African Football Association has alleged that their game between the Black Stars at the Cape Coast Sports Stadium in the FIFA World Cup qualifier was fixed.
Source: www.ghanaweb.com
The South African Football Association has alleged that their game between the Black Stars at the Cape Coast Sports Stadium in the FIFA World Cup qualifier was fixed.
The Member of Parliament for Salaga North Constituency in the Savannah region, Alhassan Abdallah Iddi, is leading a team of health personnel to vaccinate residents against Yellow Fever.
Seven people have been confirmed dead as suspected Yellow Fever infections soar in the North East Gonja District.
Mr. Iddi said he had to lead the vaccination in the constituency to encourage residents to take the jabs.
“Some people usually hesitate in taking vaccines so as their elected representative, I have come to them to assure them of the safety of the vaccines and let them know that we are in it together and will get out of it together.â€
The disease has so far been recorded in the Savannah, Upper West, and Upper East Regions
The Ghana Health Service has been battling the disease which has killed several people in the regions with several others bedridden.
Following the outbreak of the disease in the North East Gonja district, 7 people have died.
To bring the disease under control, the Member of Parliament for the Salaga North Constituency, Alhassan Abdallah Iddi, on Tuesday led a team of health personnel to begin vaccination in the area.
The team visited nomadic Fulani communities where the disease has been recorded to begin the vaccination.
Mr. Iddi told Citi News one thousand vaccines have been deployed in the district to vaccinate the nomadic herdsmen who are hit by the disease with a target to vaccinate 80% of the 5,000 Fulanis in the district by next week.
“Myself together with the health authorities are here to begin vaccination against the disease, it has killed 7 people within a week, so we have brought 1,000 vaccines to start with the nomadic herdsmen because the disease so far is within them.â€
“We have about 5,000 Fulanis in this district, and we hope to vaccinate 50% of that population by next week, we believe if we do that we will bring the spread under control.â€
The Member of Parliament for Salaga North Constituency in the Savannah region, Alhassan Abdallah Iddi, is leading a team of health personnel to vaccinate residents against Yellow Fever.
Seven people have been confirmed dead as suspected Yellow Fever infections soar in the North East Gonja District.
Mr. Iddi said he had to lead the vaccination in the constituency to encourage residents to take the jabs.
“Some people usually hesitate in taking vaccines so as their elected representative, I have come to them to assure them of the safety of the vaccines and let them know that we are in it together and will get out of it together.â€
The disease has so far been recorded in the Savannah, Upper West, and Upper East Regions
The Ghana Health Service has been battling the disease which has killed several people in the regions with several others bedridden.
Following the outbreak of the disease in the North East Gonja district, 7 people have died.
To bring the disease under control, the Member of Parliament for the Salaga North Constituency, Alhassan Abdallah Iddi, on Tuesday led a team of health personnel to begin vaccination in the area.
The team visited nomadic Fulani communities where the disease has been recorded to begin the vaccination.
Mr. Iddi told Citi News one thousand vaccines have been deployed in the district to vaccinate the nomadic herdsmen who are hit by the disease with a target to vaccinate 80% of the 5,000 Fulanis in the district by next week.
“Myself together with the health authorities are here to begin vaccination against the disease, it has killed 7 people within a week, so we have brought 1,000 vaccines to start with the nomadic herdsmen because the disease so far is within them.â€
“We have about 5,000 Fulanis in this district, and we hope to vaccinate 50% of that population by next week, we believe if we do that we will bring the spread under control.â€
The North-East District Health Director, Dubik Daniel Dundiok, said the lack of a district hospital in the area is making it difficult for them to ably account for the cases because patients bypass the Health Centre in the district to hospitals when they fall sick.
Source: citinewsroom.com
At a press conference today, the AMJG said the accusations were falsehoods, an attempt to discredit the judiciary and also court discontent for Justice Honyenuga, a Justice of the Supreme Court sitting as a High Court judge over the trial of Dr Opuni, who has been accused of causing financial loss to state.
The President of the AMJG , Justice Henry Anthony Kwofie, a Justice of the Court of Appeal, explained that the said vehicles – a V8 and a Saloon Car were given to Justice Honyenuga as duty post vehicles as part of his entitlements as a Justice of the Supreme Court .
Justice Henry Anthony Kwofie, President of the AMJG, addressing the press
He explained that all Justices of the Supreme Court were entitled to two vehicles – a V8 and Saloon car, Land Cruiser vehicles for Justices of the Court of Appeal and Toyota Fortuners for High Court judges.
“The allocation of official/ duty post vehicles to Justice Honyenuga or any judge fro that matter has nothing to do with any case or cases pending before him or her ,†he said.
Source: graphic.com.gh
“The allocation of official/ duty post vehicles to Justice Honyenuga or any judge fro that matter has nothing to do with any case or cases pending before him or her ,†he said.
The Member of Parliament for Awutu Senya East Constituency in the Central Region, Mavis Hawa Koomson, has sponsored the training of more than 1,200 youth in vocational skills
The youth were trained in catering services, bead, bracelet and earring-making.
These handicrafts are in high demand in the country and abroad.
The beneficiaries further went through entrepreneurship training so that they could commercialize their skills.
The Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development maintained that she is poised to empower the youth economically by helping them to acquire technical and vocational skills.
The MP explained that she believes that the youth in her constituency, irrespective of their social or economic status, deserve to have a fair share of whatever she is doing for the constituents, hence the move to create opportunities for those who are willing to acquire technical and vocation skills.
Source: classfmonline.com
The search for a man who allegedly killed his girlfriend and hid her body in a fridge at Ho-Fiave in the Volta Region continues.
Personnel of the Police Criminal Investigations Department (CID) on Tuesday picked evidence of what they believe to be the burnt hair of the deceased and a rod used to control the burning at the backyard of the suspect.
Some documents were also taken from his room to assist police with investigations.
The CID is trying to remove the barn, which has been used to cordon off the building. In there is a blood-soaked carpet cabinet. Some of the clothes the suspect heaped on the body to conceal it are also soaked with blood. The suspect is still on the run, the residents seem not to know much about the suspect and the deceased.
JoyNews Maxwell Agbagba in an interaction with some of the residents, one of whom said “they always move quietly. Since yesterday I was not myself.â€
Another also had this to say about the alleged suspect and deceased: “We perceive as if they are twins because even when they come back from work, you realise that the guy in front and the girl trying to jump to back him so that they come to the house.â€
The investigators managed to pick up some documents from the crime scene. We hope this will help them reach the family of the deceased.
Son of the landlady, Mathias Ajobley says the suspect demanded a spare key to his room which was then in I possession of his mother.
“Because my mom was also late, she was like okay, then she just wait and then pick the key and then give it to him,†Mathias added.
The search for a man who allegedly killed his girlfriend and hid her body in a fridge at Ho-Fiave in the Volta Region continues.
Personnel of the Police Criminal Investigations Department (CID) on Tuesday picked evidence of what they believe to be the burnt hair of the deceased and a rod used to control the burning at the backyard of the suspect.
Some documents were also taken from his room to assist police with investigations.
The CID is trying to remove the barn, which has been used to cordon off the building. In there is a blood-soaked carpet cabinet. Some of the clothes the suspect heaped on the body to conceal it are also soaked with blood. The suspect is still on the run, the residents seem not to know much about the suspect and the deceased.
JoyNews Maxwell Agbagba in an interaction with some of the residents, one of whom said “they always move quietly. Since yesterday I was not myself.â€
Another also had this to say about the alleged suspect and deceased: “We perceive as if they are twins because even when they come back from work, you realise that the guy in front and the girl trying to jump to back him so that they come to the house.â€
The investigators managed to pick up some documents from the crime scene. We hope this will help them reach the family of the deceased.
Son of the landlady, Mathias Ajobley says the suspect demanded a spare key to his room which was then in I possession of his mother.
“Because my mom was also late, she was like okay, then she just wait and then pick the key and then give it to him,†Mathias added.
He believes the suspect did not want any of his co-tenant to get access to his room.
Source: MyJoyOnline.com
Ghana’s all-time top scorer and African football great, Asamoah Gyan, celebrate his 36th birthday today, November 22.
Just as his day of birth is difficult to forget, he scored four goals that will also live with Ghanaians until the end of time.
In total, Gyan scored 51 goals for the Blacks Stars in 109 appearances, an enviable achievement that puts him 6th on the list of most goals scored for an African country and 39th in the world.
Scored Ghana’s first-ever goal at the World Cup
Black Stars made their first-ever World Cup appearance in Germany in 2006 and would not want to end it with an embarrassing exit of two straight defeats.
In a must-win game against the Czech Republic after losing 2-0 to Italy in the opening group match, it was 20-year-old Gyan who gave Ghana a bright start.
He controlled Stephen Appiah’s sublime pass beautifully with his chest before drilling a left-footed shot to hand Ghana the lead in 2 minutes. The goal would go on to become the tournament’s fastest goal.
The equaliser against England
Prior to the 2010 World Cup in which Ghana had qualified for the second successive time, Milovan Rajevac’s men engaged England in a friendly at Wembley.
A night the Ghanaian diaspora who were present will never forget. At 1-0 down and about 3 minutes to end proceedings, Gyan produced one of the best goals in his career. Danced his way through the defence before placing it into the left bottom corner with his weaker foot.
The winner against the USA at the 2010 World Cup
Ghana secured a maiden qualification to the quarter-finals with a memorable 2-1 win over the USA.
The match ended one-all in regulation time and thus travelled into extra time. The then Sunderland striker scored the winner in the 92nd minute with a lovely volley and followed up with a trademark dance that later became popular in the country.
The winner against Algeria at the AFCON 2015
At the AFCON 2015, Ghana had lost 2-1 to Senegal in the opening group game and thus needed a win in the second match against an Algeria side that had beaten South Africa 3-1.
Ghana were on the urge of an early exit, 0-0 after 90 minutes and the referee had added 3 minutes. A long ball from Wakaso put Gyan on the chase with an Algerian defender. Gyan managed to get the first touch with the defender on him, sending him into the box but at a difficult angle and the defender still closing in. Sixty seconds left on the clock, that was the only moment to change the game, and he did it spectacularly by firing into the far post.
Source: www.ghanaweb.com
The Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) has celebrated Black Stars and African legend Asamoah Gyan as he turns 36 today, November 22, 2021.
Black Stars striker, Asamoah Gyan, nicknamed Baby Jet, was born on November 22, 1985, in Ghana’s capital city, Accra, to madam Cecelia Amoako and Mr. Baffour Gyan.
The Ghanaian striker currently holds the record as Africa’s top scorer with six goals after playing at the Mundial three times (Germany 2006, South Africa 2010, Brazil 2014).
FIFA shared Asamoah Gyan‘s first World Cup goal against the Czech Republic in the 2006 tournament in Germany to celebrate the Ghanaian football icon as he celebrates his 36th birthday.
“Scorer at three #WorldCups and still @Team_GhanaMen’s greatest goal scorer. It’s time to wish @ASAMOAH_GYAN3 a very happy birthday,” FIFA shared on their Twitter page.
The Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) has celebrated Black Stars and African legend Asamoah Gyan as he turns 36 today, November 22, 2021.
Black Stars striker, Asamoah Gyan, nicknamed Baby Jet, was born on November 22, 1985, in Ghana’s capital city, Accra, to madam Cecelia Amoako and Mr. Baffour Gyan.
The Ghanaian striker currently holds the record as Africa’s top scorer with six goals after playing at the Mundial three times (Germany 2006, South Africa 2010, Brazil 2014).
FIFA shared Asamoah Gyan‘s first World Cup goal against the Czech Republic in the 2006 tournament in Germany to celebrate the Ghanaian football icon as he celebrates his 36th birthday.
“Scorer at three #WorldCups and still @Team_GhanaMen’s greatest goal scorer. It’s time to wish @ASAMOAH_GYAN3 a very happy birthday,” FIFA shared on their Twitter page.
Asamoah Gyan is also the all-time top scorer for the Black Stars with fifty-one goals.
Source: www.ghanaweb.com
New kid on the block Felix Afena-Gyan claims he had an inkling he was going to score against Genoa on Sunday if handed game time.
So when he was introduced in the 74th minute to replace Eldor Shomurodov and his side drawing 0-0, the 18-year-old had diabolical intentions.
Lo and behold, he scored two goals including a stupendous strike from a distance which ensured Jose Mourinho’s men wrapped up a 2-0 win at the o Stadio Luigi Ferraris.
“It’s very difficult to describe my feelings. Tonight, I have great feelings,” Afena-Gyan said in his post-match interview.
“And I will say big thanks to God Almighty for what he has done for me tonight.
“I was having the feelings if I get one minute, I will score for my club and God being so good I made it tonight so I’ll say thanks to everyone for the support.
“I dedicate these goals to my club, the supporters, my family, my mom. Mum, you have been there for me since. Mum thank you very much for how far you have brought me. I thank you very much I really appreciate you [mum].
Afena-Gyan also heaped praise on his coach Jose Mourinho for bringing the best out of him.
“He’s a great person. He is teaching me a lot and I’m learning a lot from him. He’s someone who has achieved a lot in his career,” he added.
He’s a good person, and I’m glad to work with him. He encourages me day-in-day-out to do what will help me to improve in the future.
New kid on the block Felix Afena-Gyan claims he had an inkling he was going to score against Genoa on Sunday if handed game time.
So when he was introduced in the 74th minute to replace Eldor Shomurodov and his side drawing 0-0, the 18-year-old had diabolical intentions.
Lo and behold, he scored two goals including a stupendous strike from a distance which ensured Jose Mourinho’s men wrapped up a 2-0 win at the o Stadio Luigi Ferraris.
“It’s very difficult to describe my feelings. Tonight, I have great feelings,” Afena-Gyan said in his post-match interview.
“And I will say big thanks to God Almighty for what he has done for me tonight.
“I was having the feelings if I get one minute, I will score for my club and God being so good I made it tonight so I’ll say thanks to everyone for the support.
“I dedicate these goals to my club, the supporters, my family, my mom. Mum, you have been there for me since. Mum thank you very much for how far you have brought me. I thank you very much I really appreciate you [mum].
Afena-Gyan also heaped praise on his coach Jose Mourinho for bringing the best out of him.
“He’s a great person. He is teaching me a lot and I’m learning a lot from him. He’s someone who has achieved a lot in his career,” he added.
He’s a good person, and I’m glad to work with him. He encourages me day-in-day-out to do what will help me to improve in the future.
“So I’m happy working with Jose Mourinho, he’s a great person. I thank him very, very, much. I thank him a lot.”
Source: www.ghanaweb.com
Police in the Ashanti Region have arrested five highway robbery suspects including a juvenile.
The suspects, according to a police statement, were arrested on November 16, 2021, and were said to be carrying out their robbery activities on highways linking Nkoranza and Techiman in the Bono East Region and the Ejura Sekyedumase Municipal area of the Ashanti Region.
The suspects, identified as Sagu, Rashid Ibrahim, Ibrahim Iddrisu, Musah Arijuma and a female, Ajara Sagu, together with a 14-year-old, whose name is being withheld, were arrested at Ejura after extensive police surveillance on their activities.
“On the spot search on the suspects and juvenile led to the recovery of ten assorted mobile phones, one Infinix charger and a lady’s handbag. Other items suspected to have been robbed from commuters and retrieved from them included one unregistered Apsonic Aloba motorbike and an amount of Two Thousand, Two Hundred and Seventy-Nine Ghana Cedis (GH¢2,279.00),†the police statement said.
A driver who was allegedly robbed by the suspects on November 15, is said to have identified the gang during police investigations while other victims have also come forward to identify the suspects and their stolen items.
Police in the Ashanti Region have arrested five highway robbery suspects including a juvenile.
The suspects, according to a police statement, were arrested on November 16, 2021, and were said to be carrying out their robbery activities on highways linking Nkoranza and Techiman in the Bono East Region and the Ejura Sekyedumase Municipal area of the Ashanti Region.
The suspects, identified as Sagu, Rashid Ibrahim, Ibrahim Iddrisu, Musah Arijuma and a female, Ajara Sagu, together with a 14-year-old, whose name is being withheld, were arrested at Ejura after extensive police surveillance on their activities.
“On the spot search on the suspects and juvenile led to the recovery of ten assorted mobile phones, one Infinix charger and a lady’s handbag. Other items suspected to have been robbed from commuters and retrieved from them included one unregistered Apsonic Aloba motorbike and an amount of Two Thousand, Two Hundred and Seventy-Nine Ghana Cedis (GH¢2,279.00),†the police statement said.
A driver who was allegedly robbed by the suspects on November 15, is said to have identified the gang during police investigations while other victims have also come forward to identify the suspects and their stolen items.
The police in the statement signed by its Director of Public Affairs, ACP Kwesi Ofori, served notice of assurance to the public that it “shall not relent in making our communities safe and peaceful.â€
Source: www.ghanaweb.com
Some market women at Makola have sent a petition to the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Henry Quartey, against the construction of what they describe as a hazardous structure at Okaikai in Accra.
According to the concerned traders and residents, the siting of the building has transformed the area into a high-risk flood zone which puts the lives of the people in danger.
“Following a rather protracted legal dispute relating to the said strip of land, the Supreme Court in a review decision declared the Amidu Butcher Samily, owners of the said land. On or around the 30th of September 2021, a group of persons pursuant to the court’s decision entered onto the land in question and demolished all the temporary structures on it. Led by one “Chocho”. These persons claim to be working with the consent and concurrence of the Amidu Butcher family. They have, under the supervision of armed men, who have fired warning shots and worked day and night to erect a permanent structure (“the Building”), which presents numerous hazards to residents of the Family House and the neighbouring properties occupied by traders,” part of the petition reads.
The building is being erected right in the middle of two buildings, in place of what was to be a compound for the other buildings.
Last week, Ghanaweb filed a report on the environmental and health implications of the building which is being erected.
According to some persons who spoke to GhanaWeb TV, their checks at the Accra Metropolitan Assembly and other authorities indicate that the three-storey building, which has gone from foundation to third floor within a period of three weeks, lacks the necessary approvals.
Below is the petition
Dr. Hassan Ayariga, founder of the All People’s Congress (APC), has encouraged the citizenry to pay taxes for the rapid socio-economic development of the country.
“Taxation is what is going to help us develop our country and not borrowing, no country has ever developed on borrowing, and I believe Ghanaians want to pay taxes, but they do not want to pay taxes that don’t contribute to development,” he said.
Addressing a Press Conference in Accra on Monday, dubbed, “Post Budget Analysis,†Dr. Ayariga, the 2020 Presidential Candidate for the APC, applauded the Government for suspending the collection of road tolls from next year as captured in the 2022 Budget Statement.
He also commended the Government for its YouStart Initiative, aimed at empowering young people to start, and grow small businesses.
The target is to create one million jobs with a seed capital of one billion Ghana Cedis beginning from March 2022.
He called for a policy to provide sustainable livelihood for street hawkers and urged the Government to the telecos on a one-way payment of the proposed 1.75 percent E-levy.
The Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta announced 1.75 percent charges on all electronic transactions on Wednesday during the presentation of the 2022 Budget Statement to Parliament.
“The suffering is killing too much, the hardship is beginning to have a toll on people,” he said, asking the populace to rise above “pettiness and save the country…â€
Dr. Hassan Ayariga, founder of the All People’s Congress (APC), has encouraged the citizenry to pay taxes for the rapid socio-economic development of the country.
“Taxation is what is going to help us develop our country and not borrowing, no country has ever developed on borrowing, and I believe Ghanaians want to pay taxes, but they do not want to pay taxes that don’t contribute to development,” he said.
Addressing a Press Conference in Accra on Monday, dubbed, “Post Budget Analysis,†Dr. Ayariga, the 2020 Presidential Candidate for the APC, applauded the Government for suspending the collection of road tolls from next year as captured in the 2022 Budget Statement.
He also commended the Government for its YouStart Initiative, aimed at empowering young people to start, and grow small businesses.
The target is to create one million jobs with a seed capital of one billion Ghana Cedis beginning from March 2022.
He called for a policy to provide sustainable livelihood for street hawkers and urged the Government to the telecos on a one-way payment of the proposed 1.75 percent E-levy.
The Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta announced 1.75 percent charges on all electronic transactions on Wednesday during the presentation of the 2022 Budget Statement to Parliament.
“The suffering is killing too much, the hardship is beginning to have a toll on people,” he said, asking the populace to rise above “pettiness and save the country…â€
Dr. Ayariga also called on all political parties to work together and stand firm against LGBTQ, saying the practice was “demonicâ€.
Source: GNA
An Expert for Inputs and Crop Protection at the Market-Oriented Agricultural Programme-North West (MOAP-NW), Mr Emile Aman has encouraged farmers in the Upper West Region to adopt the use of neem oil as an organic pest control agent for their crops.
He said neem seed powder could also be used as a fertiliser supplement to improve absorption, while neem seed oil could be used as a pesticide for every kind of crop for preventive measures.
“The neem oil insecticide is often a great solution if insects or mites bother your plants. Neem oil is extracted from neem seeds and it is very healthy for crops, so I encourage farmers to use it effectively to help save the cropsâ€, he said.
Mr. Aman was speaking from a Neem Processing Facility established by his outfit at Wa on Friday when the Regional Programme Coordinating Unit (PCU) of the European Union Ghana Agriculture Programme (EU-GAP) visited some EU-GAP projects sites in the region.
The visit was to afford the project implementers the opportunity to inspect and discuss the progress of work as well as results achieved so far and strengthen the existing relationships between the project and beneficiary Municipal and District Assemblies (MDAs) in the region.
He said the project was borne out of a quest to reduce the use of synthetic pesticides and their harmful effects on the environment and human lives.
Mr Aman stated that the project which was still at its pilot stage in 14 selected districts and municipalities in MOAP-NW operational areas in the Upper West, Savannah and North East Regions would help provide jobs for women who would be collecting the neem seeds to feed the processing factories.
The Technical Advisor of the PCU of EU-GAP, Mr Joseph Apeeliga added that the monitoring which would be done quarterly was necessary to enable the PCU to ascertain for itself the nature of the projects being implemented and their potential benefit to the respective MDAs.
He hinted that the projects visited were under MOAP-NW and the Resilient Against Climate Change (REACH) under the EU-GAP.
Mr Apeeliga explained that the PCU was an advisory body that had oversight responsibilities over the implementation of the EU-GAP programme and its members drawn from relevant agencies and departments in beneficiary regions.
An Expert for Inputs and Crop Protection at the Market-Oriented Agricultural Programme-North West (MOAP-NW), Mr Emile Aman has encouraged farmers in the Upper West Region to adopt the use of neem oil as an organic pest control agent for their crops.
He said neem seed powder could also be used as a fertiliser supplement to improve absorption, while neem seed oil could be used as a pesticide for every kind of crop for preventive measures.
“The neem oil insecticide is often a great solution if insects or mites bother your plants. Neem oil is extracted from neem seeds and it is very healthy for crops, so I encourage farmers to use it effectively to help save the cropsâ€, he said.
Mr. Aman was speaking from a Neem Processing Facility established by his outfit at Wa on Friday when the Regional Programme Coordinating Unit (PCU) of the European Union Ghana Agriculture Programme (EU-GAP) visited some EU-GAP projects sites in the region.
The visit was to afford the project implementers the opportunity to inspect and discuss the progress of work as well as results achieved so far and strengthen the existing relationships between the project and beneficiary Municipal and District Assemblies (MDAs) in the region.
He said the project was borne out of a quest to reduce the use of synthetic pesticides and their harmful effects on the environment and human lives.
Mr Aman stated that the project which was still at its pilot stage in 14 selected districts and municipalities in MOAP-NW operational areas in the Upper West, Savannah and North East Regions would help provide jobs for women who would be collecting the neem seeds to feed the processing factories.
The Technical Advisor of the PCU of EU-GAP, Mr Joseph Apeeliga added that the monitoring which would be done quarterly was necessary to enable the PCU to ascertain for itself the nature of the projects being implemented and their potential benefit to the respective MDAs.
He hinted that the projects visited were under MOAP-NW and the Resilient Against Climate Change (REACH) under the EU-GAP.
Mr Apeeliga explained that the PCU was an advisory body that had oversight responsibilities over the implementation of the EU-GAP programme and its members drawn from relevant agencies and departments in beneficiary regions.
The team visited an e-Learning project at the Jirapa Municipal Assembly under the REACH project, a rice mill at Antika Company Ltd, and a Neem Crop Protector facility (neem seeds processing facility) at the Regional Department of Agriculture under the MOAP-NW project.
Source: ghanaiantimes.com.gh
The Volta Regional Police are on a manhunt for a man who reportedly murdered his girlfriend and deposited her corpse in a refrigerator.
Police got wind of the case when some neighbours in Ho-Fiave reported a strong stench coming from the room of one Frank, the suspect.
When police arrived at the scene and entered the room, they found the corpse of Lizzy in a double-decker refrigerator.
She was later transferred to the Ho Municipal Hospital morgue pending autopsy.
POLICE IN VOLTA REGION ON A MANHUNT FOR BOYFRIEND SUSPECTED TO HAVE MURDERED GIRLFRIEND AND DUMPED HER IN REFRIGERATOR.
The Volta Regional Police Command is on a manhunt for one Frank who is strongly suspected to have murdered his girlfriend and deposited her in his refrigerator.
On 22/11/2021 about 9:00am the police received information from Ho-Fiave that neighbours to the scene of crime observed a strong stench emanating from Frank’s room with house flies hovering around the windows and door.
They broke into the room and found the girlfriend of the said tenant only known Lizzy, dead in a double-decker refrigerator. The tenant, Frank was nowhere to be found.
An investigative team proceeded to the scene and after careful inspection of the crime scene, the body which was at an advanced state of decomposition in a white double-decker refrigerator was conveyed to the Ho Municipal Hospital morgue awaiting autopsy.
Search is underway to trace and arrest the said boyfriend who is believed to have killed the deceased.
Source: www.ghanaweb.com
The Speaker of Parliament has challenged Members of Parliament to take their oversight responsibility role very seriously and scrutinize 2022 thoroughly.
According to him, financial oversight and control over the public purse granted by law are very important roles of Parliament.
“The Constitutional imperatives of Parliamentary oversight and power of the purse are part of a long-established principle of separation of powers and its related principle of checks and balancesâ€.
Speaking at a Post Budget Workshop on the 2022 Economic Policy of the Government at Ho, in the Volta Region, Speaker Alban Bagbin stressed that, “these are important mechanisms that enhance good governance, transparency and accountability of the government between general electionsâ€.
“There has been growing importance of the oversight function of Parliament in contemporary governance across the world and this cannot be down-played.â€
The Constitution 1992 and the Public Financial Management Act, 2016, (PFM Act), requires that Parliament provide oversight for budget and finance, government expenditure, performance reporting, post-legislative scrutiny and the impact of financial policy measures on the economy.
The Speaker charged the MPs to consider the session as an opportunity to ask all the needed questions about the medium-term program and more particularly the 2022 Budget.
“It further provides us with an opportunity to engage with stakeholders from the various sectors of the economy and seek expert guidance on the salient issues in the budget. This will give us a clear direction as to how to go about fulfilling our mandate and oversight responsibility as legislatorsâ€.
The two-day Training Workshop under the theme: Building a Sustainable Entrepreneurial Nation: Fiscal Consolidation and job creations expected to equip the MPs with requisite knowledge to do quality debates on the floor of Parliament when the debate begins on Tuesday.
Some of the topics being discussed are; Policy underpinnings of the 2022 Budget-General analysis of the Budget. Overview of the 2022 Budget-Macro Economic and Fiscal Management and What to consider in analysing the 2022 Budget Sectoral Budget.
The Speaker of Parliament has challenged Members of Parliament to take their oversight responsibility role very seriously and scrutinize 2022 thoroughly.
According to him, financial oversight and control over the public purse granted by law are very important roles of Parliament.
“The Constitutional imperatives of Parliamentary oversight and power of the purse are part of a long-established principle of separation of powers and its related principle of checks and balancesâ€.
Speaking at a Post Budget Workshop on the 2022 Economic Policy of the Government at Ho, in the Volta Region, Speaker Alban Bagbin stressed that, “these are important mechanisms that enhance good governance, transparency and accountability of the government between general electionsâ€.
“There has been growing importance of the oversight function of Parliament in contemporary governance across the world and this cannot be down-played.â€
The Constitution 1992 and the Public Financial Management Act, 2016, (PFM Act), requires that Parliament provide oversight for budget and finance, government expenditure, performance reporting, post-legislative scrutiny and the impact of financial policy measures on the economy.
The Speaker charged the MPs to consider the session as an opportunity to ask all the needed questions about the medium-term program and more particularly the 2022 Budget.
“It further provides us with an opportunity to engage with stakeholders from the various sectors of the economy and seek expert guidance on the salient issues in the budget. This will give us a clear direction as to how to go about fulfilling our mandate and oversight responsibility as legislatorsâ€.
The two-day Training Workshop under the theme: Building a Sustainable Entrepreneurial Nation: Fiscal Consolidation and job creations expected to equip the MPs with requisite knowledge to do quality debates on the floor of Parliament when the debate begins on Tuesday.
Some of the topics being discussed are; Policy underpinnings of the 2022 Budget-General analysis of the Budget. Overview of the 2022 Budget-Macro Economic and Fiscal Management and What to consider in analysing the 2022 Budget Sectoral Budget.
The rest are: Employment generation and public sector wages-the 2022 budget, decentralization of 2022 budget and composite budgeting, Scaling up infrastructure- the 2022 budget (roads, energy, ICT) and the health sector, COVID and post COVID economic management- the 2022 budget.
Source: www.ghanaweb.com
Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin has disclosed that a Justice of the Supreme Court has explained why he is the second most powerful person in Ghana only behind the President of the Republic.
According to him, the unnamed Justice explained to a gathering that included Members of Parliament that to the extent that the governance structure comprised the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary in that order, their respective leaders must be ranked the same.
“When you start from His Excellency the President, you have to go to the Vice before you come to the Speaker and then you go to the Chief Justice,†he said of the known hierarchy.
Then continued: “But we have three arms of government… my colleagues in the Supreme Court told me that actually, you are not number three, you are number two. All those who were present at that meeting were convinced when the Supreme Court judge made the submission and justified it.
“It is not me saying it. I have said I am number three but they said I am number two. The three arms of government the Executive, the Legislature and the Judiciary are equal arms of government, and must be treated as such.
He reiterated a point about how underresourced Parliament and the Judiciary have been under the Fourth Republic, calling for greater engagement to ensure that their allocations are upped.
“I will insist and I expect to get the support of members, it is not this government right from 1993, Parliament, the Judiciary have never gotten 1% of the total revenue of the country, not even 1%.
Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin has disclosed that a Justice of the Supreme Court has explained why he is the second most powerful person in Ghana only behind the President of the Republic.
According to him, the unnamed Justice explained to a gathering that included Members of Parliament that to the extent that the governance structure comprised the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary in that order, their respective leaders must be ranked the same.
“When you start from His Excellency the President, you have to go to the Vice before you come to the Speaker and then you go to the Chief Justice,†he said of the known hierarchy.
Then continued: “But we have three arms of government… my colleagues in the Supreme Court told me that actually, you are not number three, you are number two. All those who were present at that meeting were convinced when the Supreme Court judge made the submission and justified it.
“It is not me saying it. I have said I am number three but they said I am number two. The three arms of government the Executive, the Legislature and the Judiciary are equal arms of government, and must be treated as such.
He reiterated a point about how underresourced Parliament and the Judiciary have been under the Fourth Republic, calling for greater engagement to ensure that their allocations are upped.
“I will insist and I expect to get the support of members, it is not this government right from 1993, Parliament, the Judiciary have never gotten 1% of the total revenue of the country, not even 1%.
“So I started the discussion from the highest, His Excellency the President and he was shocked when he saw the data, and my colleagues the Majority and Minority leaders are aware of this and we discussed how to transit from below 1% to about 5% within four years,†he added.
Source: www.ghanaweb.com
A Pressure Group, FixtheCountry Movement, has asked Parliament to reject the 2022 Budget and Economic Policy of the Government presented by the Minister for Finance, Ken Ofori Atta because it was not people-centred.
According to the Movement, the budget contains outrageous content, and it does not conform to what Ghanaians were looking forward to.
They further reiterated that the 2022 budget does not also look at improving the Ghanaian standard of living with respect to purchasing items, rent among others.
“The E-levy is just one of the things that we want to talk about; we want Parliament to sit down and look at the budget and disapprove it because they (Government) need to go and come again.
“We have been approving budgets for some time now, and we realized that all these budgets have not had any positive effect on the ordinary Ghanaian. So we are looking for a budget that would give a positive reference on the ordinary Ghanaian,†the National Spokesperson and Convener for Fix the Country Movement, John Ekow Koomson, told Starrfm.
The Finance Minister, Ken Ofori Atta, on Wednesday, 17th November, announced that the government had abolished all road tolls on public roads and bridges.
According to him, the toll collection personnel will be reassigned, adding that the move is expected to positively impact productivity and reduce environmental pollution.
Reading the 2022 Budget in Parliament on Wednesday, Mr Ofori Atta stated, “Mr Speaker, our roads need fixing. Our roads are being fixed. It is true that more roads have been fixed and are being fixed over the last five years than any relative period in the entire history of our nation. We even want to do a lot more.
“That is why for decades, Government after Government imposed and maintained tolls on some public roads to raise funds for road construction and maintenance. This is the situation in many countries. Over the years, the tolling points have led to heavy traffic on our roads and lengthened travel time from one place to another, impacting negatively on time and productivity. The congestion generated at the tolling points, besides creating these inconveniences, also leads to pollution in and around those vicinities.
To address these challenges, the government has abolished all tolls on public roads and bridges. This takes effect immediately after the budget is approved. The toll collection personnel will be reassigned.
The expected impact on productivity and reduced environmental pollution will more than offset the revenue forgone by removing the tolls,†the Minister told Parliament.
Meanwhile, Fix the Country Movement are expected to meet the Ghana Police Administration on Monday 22nd November 2021 for their impending demonstration on Friday 26th November 2021.
Source: starrfm.com
Ken Ofori-Atta, Finance Minister, has defended the 1.75% electronic levy (e-levy) which was in the 2022 budget statement presented before Parliament.
Speaking to Joy News during the ongoing Volta Fair at the Ho Sports Stadium, the minister stated that, the e-levy will be the best way Ghana can build an entrepreneurial nation.
He explained, we know that it takes the invisible hand of the state to pick people up. And so this historic 10 billion intervention that we have had and finding ways for burden-sharing.”
So we recognise the problems of youth unemployment, the problem of roads, the problem of debt and we as a nation have decided to burden share,†Ofori-Atta said.
1.75% levy on electronic transactions
Ken Ofori-Atta introduced a new 1.75% levy on all electronic transactions such as Mobile money transactions, remittances and other electronic transactions.
Fees and charges of government services have also been increased by 15%.
The Finance Minister explained, “It is becoming clear there exists an enormous potential to increase tax revenues by bringing into the tax bracket, transactions that could be best defined as being undertaken in the informal economy.
“As such government is charging an applicable rate of 1.75% on all electronic transactions covering mobile money payments, bank transfers, merchant payments, and inward remittances, which shall be borne by the sender except inward remittances, which will be borne by the recipient.
Ken Ofori-Atta, Finance Minister, has defended the 1.75% electronic levy (e-levy) which was in the 2022 budget statement presented before Parliament.
Speaking to Joy News during the ongoing Volta Fair at the Ho Sports Stadium, the minister stated that, the e-levy will be the best way Ghana can build an entrepreneurial nation.
He explained, we know that it takes the invisible hand of the state to pick people up. And so this historic 10 billion intervention that we have had and finding ways for burden-sharing.”
So we recognise the problems of youth unemployment, the problem of roads, the problem of debt and we as a nation have decided to burden share,†Ofori-Atta said.
1.75% levy on electronic transactions
Ken Ofori-Atta introduced a new 1.75% levy on all electronic transactions such as Mobile money transactions, remittances and other electronic transactions.
Fees and charges of government services have also been increased by 15%.
The Finance Minister explained, “It is becoming clear there exists an enormous potential to increase tax revenues by bringing into the tax bracket, transactions that could be best defined as being undertaken in the informal economy.
“As such government is charging an applicable rate of 1.75% on all electronic transactions covering mobile money payments, bank transfers, merchant payments, and inward remittances, which shall be borne by the sender except inward remittances, which will be borne by the recipient.
“To safeguard efforts being made to enhance financial inclusion and protect the vulnerable, all transactions that add up to GH¢100 or less per day, which is approximately ¢3000 per month, will be exempt from this levy,†Ofori-Atta revealed.
Source: www.ghanaweb.com
Very soon, employers and individuals will no longer have to worry about leaving their comfort zones to the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) office to pay pension funds.
This is because SSNIT is gearing its head up to introduce a system where people can pay their contributions via Mobile Money (MoMo).
Also, a platform would be launched to allow contributors pay their monthly contributions directly from their banks to SSNIT’s account.
This was made known by the Director-General of the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), John Ofori-Tenkorang, at an operation conference held in the Eastern region.
In a press release sighted by GhanaWeb, Mr Ofori-Tenkorang was optimistic his outfit will launch this platform before the year ends.
The Director-General of SSNIT said, “If you want to pay your SSNIT, you either have to walk to our partner banks to pay there or come to our office but some people find that as a challenge especially when there is no bank near you or when you cannot walk to our offices. So what we are doing is that we are going to introduce the ability to pay by MoMo.
“It is going to be tied to a new platform that we are going to launch and people can pay through mobile money and they can also pay directly from their bank account to our bank account without leaving their offices. I am hoping that we will launch this before the end of the year,†he added.
A total of GH¢1.8billion has been made in benefit payments to pensioners during the first half of 2021.
This represents an 8.17% increase in benefits paid compared to the 2020 figure of GH¢1.66 billion.
Very soon, employers and individuals will no longer have to worry about leaving their comfort zones to the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) office to pay pension funds.
This is because SSNIT is gearing its head up to introduce a system where people can pay their contributions via Mobile Money (MoMo).
Also, a platform would be launched to allow contributors pay their monthly contributions directly from their banks to SSNIT’s account.
This was made known by the Director-General of the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), John Ofori-Tenkorang, at an operation conference held in the Eastern region.
In a press release sighted by GhanaWeb, Mr Ofori-Tenkorang was optimistic his outfit will launch this platform before the year ends.
The Director-General of SSNIT said, “If you want to pay your SSNIT, you either have to walk to our partner banks to pay there or come to our office but some people find that as a challenge especially when there is no bank near you or when you cannot walk to our offices. So what we are doing is that we are going to introduce the ability to pay by MoMo.
“It is going to be tied to a new platform that we are going to launch and people can pay through mobile money and they can also pay directly from their bank account to our bank account without leaving their offices. I am hoping that we will launch this before the end of the year,†he added.
A total of GH¢1.8billion has been made in benefit payments to pensioners during the first half of 2021.
This represents an 8.17% increase in benefits paid compared to the 2020 figure of GH¢1.66 billion.
For the month of November, SSNIT has paid GH¢248.33 million to ¢223,539 pensioners.
Source: www.ghanaweb.com
After a twelve-year delay, Ghana through the Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation Company Limited (BOST) has taken delivery of 12-inch pipelines from the United States of America which is expected to be used to expand the petroleum transportation line from Tema to Akosombo.
The Initial cost of pipes to Ghana was USD $63.2 million dollars, however, an additional USD $8 million dollars was used to refurbish the abandoned pipes and for the settlement agreement. USD $2.1 million dollars was spent to ship the pipes, bringing the total cost of securing the pipes to USD $73.78 million dollars.
Expected Boost to BOST
The pipelines which were received by BOST in Ghana on Friday, 19th of November 2021, will increase the Tema-Akosombo pipeline capacity from the current 6 inches to 12 inches, thereby improving the delivery of petroleum products within the country.
Processes for the procurement of the pipelines from American Tank & Vessel Inc. (AT&V) began in 2009 after the Exim Bank in the United States guaranteed a loan of $79.4 million to cover the export sale, as well as related local project costs in Ghana.
Specifically, it was expected to support the expansion of oil storage capability at the Mami Water Depot from 120,000 metric tons to 230,000 metric tons, and the construction of two 70-kilometre pipelines to transport petroleum into the interior areas of Ghana.
Decision to Repair
Managing Director of BOST, Edwin Provencal in September 2021, explained that the additional cost of $8 million dollars which was used to repair the damaged pipelines was worth it because of the enormous expansion the pipes will bring to petroleum transportation in the country.
“We started the procurement of these pipelines in 2009 with an EXIM facility. Fast-forward to today, the pipelines are still stuck in the United States of America, Houston to be precise. My two predecessors started sandblasting and repairing the pipelines. The good news is that by the end of August 2021, the shipment of the pipeline will commence†the BOST Managing Director said at the time.
“We have procured a logistics provider to visit the site for the pipes and assess the facilities, and the firm tells us that the pipes are good and ready to be shipped to Ghana. Unfortunately, a hundred and nine of them have been damaged and an additional $8 million had to be used to repair them, but the remaining are all in good shape†he added.
BOST
The Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation Company Limited(BOST) was incorporated in December 1993 as a private limited liability company under the Companies Act,1963 (Act 179) with the Government of Ghana as the sole shareholder. BOST has the mandate to “develop a network of storage tanks, pipelines and other bulk transportation infrastructure throughout the country.
BOST is also mandated to rent or lease out part of the storage facilities to enable it to generate income, keep Strategic Reserve Stocks for Ghana, own, manage and develop a national network of oil pipelines and storage depots, manage the “Zonalization†policy of the National Petroleum Authority(NPA) and develop the Natural Gas Infrastructure throughout the country.
In this regard, BOST is responsible for building strategic reserve stocks to meet a minimum of six (6) weeks of national consumption in the short and medium-term and to increase the stock level to twelve (12) weeks in the long term.
To adequately fulfil its mandate, BOST has developed a network of storage and pipeline infrastructure throughout the country. The Company currently has six (6) Depots nationwide.
These are located in the Accra Plains, Mami Water, Akosombo, Kumasi, Buipe and Bolgatanga. Pipelines link the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) to the Accra Plains Depot which in turn is linked to the Mami Water Depot and ends at the Akosombo Depot.
Source: peacefmonline.com
A member of Staff and Assistant Director of Works and Project at the Development at Parliament, Emmanuel Worlanyo Kudah, over the weekend led some staff of the Parliamentary Service to donate some relief items to the people of Dzita and its environs who were affected by the recent tidal waves which rendered them homeless.
The relief items donated by the staff of Parliament, include brand new and used clothes, rice, cooking oil, soap, tissues, detergent etc.
The Member of Parliament for the Anlo Constituency Richard Kwame Sefe who received the items on behalf of the people thanked Mr Kudah for the initiative and benevolence.
The MP acknowledged that some individuals and corporate organizations have come to their aid, but that has not been enough to alleviate the plight of his people.
A member of Staff and Assistant Director of Works and Project at the Development at Parliament, Emmanuel Worlanyo Kudah, over the weekend led some staff of the Parliamentary Service to donate some relief items to the people of Dzita and its environs who were affected by the recent tidal waves which rendered them homeless.
The relief items donated by the staff of Parliament, include brand new and used clothes, rice, cooking oil, soap, tissues, detergent etc.
The Member of Parliament for the Anlo Constituency Richard Kwame Sefe who received the items on behalf of the people thanked Mr Kudah for the initiative and benevolence.
The MP acknowledged that some individuals and corporate organizations have come to their aid, but that has not been enough to alleviate the plight of his people.
The Anlo legislator has, therefore, appealed to the government to commence the Keta Sea Defense project that had stalled to provide a lasting solution to the ravaging tidal waves.
Source: classfmonline.com
Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia has advised fresh graduates to venture into entrepreneurship to secure a sound future for themselves and contribute their quota towards the development of the country.
Dr Bawumia said this in a speech read on his behalf by the Deputy Minister of Education, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, at the 13th congregation of the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) in Tarkwa last Saturday.
According to the Vice President, opportunities still abound in the public sector for graduates, however, they could benefit a lot from setting up their own businesses.
“Not only are you expected to be working in the public sector, you are also equally expected to be drivers of the private sector. Some of you should start planning to begin your own businesses with knowledge gained from the training you have received, and possibly employ others,†he said.
Dr. Bawumia reiterated that the role of the new graduates in the private sector would be very instrumental to the growth of the country and encouraged them to be dedicated to their works wherever they find themselves.
“You should develop such positive traits as hard work, honesty, dedication, trustworthiness and humility,†he told them.
Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia has advised fresh graduates to venture into entrepreneurship to secure a sound future for themselves and contribute their quota towards the development of the country.
Dr Bawumia said this in a speech read on his behalf by the Deputy Minister of Education, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, at the 13th congregation of the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) in Tarkwa last Saturday.
According to the Vice President, opportunities still abound in the public sector for graduates, however, they could benefit a lot from setting up their own businesses.
“Not only are you expected to be working in the public sector, you are also equally expected to be drivers of the private sector. Some of you should start planning to begin your own businesses with knowledge gained from the training you have received, and possibly employ others,†he said.
Dr. Bawumia reiterated that the role of the new graduates in the private sector would be very instrumental to the growth of the country and encouraged them to be dedicated to their works wherever they find themselves.
“You should develop such positive traits as hard work, honesty, dedication, trustworthiness and humility,†he told them.
He further encouraged the graduates to be dutiful and take advantage of opportunities that would be presented to them and position themselves well in their workplaces and society.
Source: www.ghanaweb.com
Media consultant John Osei Tutu known by all as JOT has stated that a lot of Ghanaians staying in foreign countries are always looking for ways to make quick money.
Per his observation, most of these people are lazy and do not want to stress themselves; hence find ways of making money quickly instead of working hard.
In an interview with Rev Nyansa on Happy 98.9 FM’s Obra Yi’s edition of NsemPii, he said, “A lot of them want the easy way out and do not want to suffer, so they will do anything for the quick and easy money, especially the Ghanaians”.
He explained that they then come down with the money they make to intimidate others and create the impression that they worked hard for it whereas, they did not.
John Osei Tutu also disclosed that many of them also engage themselves in illegal activities because it is the fastest way to make it.
Citing an example of some illegal activities they engage themselves in, he said, “I used to visit Amsterdam frequently because I had a brother who lives there, and to my uttermost surprise, I saw a lot of Ghanaian women engaging in prostitution. There was this place in Amsterdam called the red light district, and that was where they used to queue and wait for clients”.
JOT revealed that what baffled him the most was the fact that most of these women were married and staying with their husbands.
He went on to say, “I also heard there were a lot of Ghanaians in London who were engaging in car fraud. So most of them changed cars a lot”.
He stated that one thing he noticed about such people was that “they did not struggle to make money, they tend to misuse money whenever they came to Ghana but create the impression that, they worked hard to make it”.
JOT also mentioned that what most people are unaware of is that “people who work hard for their money are careful with their expenses because they know what they went through to get it”.
Media consultant John Osei Tutu known by all as JOT has stated that a lot of Ghanaians staying in foreign countries are always looking for ways to make quick money.
Per his observation, most of these people are lazy and do not want to stress themselves; hence find ways of making money quickly instead of working hard.
In an interview with Rev Nyansa on Happy 98.9 FM’s Obra Yi’s edition of NsemPii, he said, “A lot of them want the easy way out and do not want to suffer, so they will do anything for the quick and easy money, especially the Ghanaians”.
He explained that they then come down with the money they make to intimidate others and create the impression that they worked hard for it whereas, they did not.
John Osei Tutu also disclosed that many of them also engage themselves in illegal activities because it is the fastest way to make it.
Citing an example of some illegal activities they engage themselves in, he said, “I used to visit Amsterdam frequently because I had a brother who lives there, and to my uttermost surprise, I saw a lot of Ghanaian women engaging in prostitution. There was this place in Amsterdam called the red light district, and that was where they used to queue and wait for clients”.
JOT revealed that what baffled him the most was the fact that most of these women were married and staying with their husbands.
He went on to say, “I also heard there were a lot of Ghanaians in London who were engaging in car fraud. So most of them changed cars a lot”.
He stated that one thing he noticed about such people was that “they did not struggle to make money, they tend to misuse money whenever they came to Ghana but create the impression that, they worked hard to make it”.
JOT also mentioned that what most people are unaware of is that “people who work hard for their money are careful with their expenses because they know what they went through to get it”.
He finally advised people in Ghana not to be deceived by those who come down to spend money anyhow, as most of them got it through illegal means.
Source: etvghana.com
The family of the late Captain Kojo Tsikata has said the late founding member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) wished for a private family funeral when he was alive.
The octogenarian died in the early hours of Saturday, November 20.
A statement issued by the family and co-signed by Col Joshua Agbotui (RTD) and Fui S Tsikata said there is going to be a private burial ceremony in accordance with his wishes.
“The family of Captain Kojo Tsikata regrets to announce his passing in the early hours of Saturday 20th November 2021. He was 85.
â€In accordance with his wishes, the family will be making arrangements for a private funeral,†the statement said.
The National Communications Officer of the NDC, Sammy Gyamfi had earlier announced his demise on the Key Points on TV3 Saturday, November 20.
“This is really sad news not just for the NDC. It is sad news for Ghana,†Sammy said.
Kojo Tsikata was the former Head of National Security of the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC).
He is listed as a retired army captain in the Ghana Army.
Tsikata was sent to the Congo with Major General Ankrah as part of a Ghanaian military contingent with orders from Kwame Nkrumah to protect the Pan-Africanist and anti-neocolonialist Patrice Lumumba, who was the Prime Minister. He later visited Conakry, Guinea, to visit Nkrumah.
He was arrested, detained, and put on death row as a suspect of an assassination plot against Nkrumah on his arrival.
Samora Machel, a freedom fighter, intervened to pardon him. Samora travelled with him to Mozambique. He later arrived in Angola in 1964 to join MPLA fighters and internationalist fighters from Cuba.
He was appointed in 1982 under the Jerry Rawlings administration. He had been in charge of national security since 1982 and later joined the Rawlings administration on 21 January 1995. He was a member of the council of state and a captain of the Ghana Army.
He also served as a member of the council of the state of Ghana.
In 1995, he was asked to join a negotiating team with Ibn Chambas who was the then Deputy Foreign Minister, and Brigadier General Agyemfra, accompanied by Harry Mouzillas from the Ghana News Agency as a journalist to cover the events.
They travelled to join Mr. James Victor Gbeho, the then Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and a Resident of Flt Lt Jerry John Rawlings and Mr. Ate Allotey, a diplomat.
He rejected a national award to be conferred on him in the category of the order of Volta companion under President Kuffour. He was listed as one of the six government officials under the NDC regime to receive the award.
He was appointed by Gaddafi to a senior advisory position in charge of the Al Mathaba central committee, a support centre for the liberation movement and anti-imperialist and anti-Zionist organisations.
A retired supreme court judge, Mr. Justice G. E. K. Aikins, intimated that Captain Tsikata was implicated in the kidnapping and murder of three high court judges and a retired army officer on 30 June 1983 during the PNDC regime and was never tried. Among the suspects were Captain Kojo Tsikata and Sergeant Aloga Akata-Pore, both key members of the then PNDC.
In 2011, she got her biggest break in life when she participated and eventually won the coveted tag as the champion of that year’s Spelling Bee.
Jessica Penu was only 12-years-old at the time and a student of the Angels Specialist School.
According to a post by The Spelling Bee – GH page on Facebook, her winning word was “Velocipede.”
This win gave her the opportunity to represent Ghana in the Scripps Spelling Bee, US, being the only African.
“I got to spell in front of Dr. Jacques Bailly, someone I’ve admired for very long,” she said of her experience, the Spelling Bee page said.
Jessica went on to attend the Wesley Girls’ Senior High School and came out with flying colours – she scored 8As in her WASSCE.
From there, she proceeded to the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), where she studied medicine and was inducted into the Ghana Medical and Dental Council in October 2021.
In 2011, she got her biggest break in life when she participated and eventually won the coveted tag as the champion of that year’s Spelling Bee.
Jessica Penu was only 12-years-old at the time and a student of the Angels Specialist School.
According to a post by The Spelling Bee – GH page on Facebook, her winning word was “Velocipede.”
This win gave her the opportunity to represent Ghana in the Scripps Spelling Bee, US, being the only African.
“I got to spell in front of Dr. Jacques Bailly, someone I’ve admired for very long,” she said of her experience, the Spelling Bee page said.
Jessica went on to attend the Wesley Girls’ Senior High School and came out with flying colours – she scored 8As in her WASSCE.
From there, she proceeded to the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), where she studied medicine and was inducted into the Ghana Medical and Dental Council in October 2021.
Today, now known as Dr. Jessica Penu, she works at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital.
Source: www.ghanaweb.com
Today, now known as Dr. Jessica Penu, she works at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital.
An estimated 2,128 new HIV infections have been recorded in the Eastern region, according to the Ghana AIDS Commission.
The situation has been attributed to reckless and risky sexual behaviours including unprotected sexual intercourse involving young men and women in the region.
Already, People living with HIV in Eastern Region are 47,8166, but only 30,538 are accessing the antiretroviral drug.
The Acting Eastern Regional Technical Coordinator of the Technical Unit of the Ghana AIDS Commission, Ebenezer Appiah Agyekum Abrokwah said,
“We are seeing an increase in prevalence in even Eastern region. We are getting more people tested and we are getting more HIV cases. Our estimated new infections are about 2000. We know that about 80% of HIV transmission is through unprotected sex with an infected person so basically, the idea or arrows point to unprotected sex.
“Young people are engaging in risky sexual behaviour and also we are seeing that there is a lot more exposure of young people to a lot of sexually suggestive stuff like the contents we see on TV, contents we are watching on the internet, lifestyle that is being advocated out there by the older population so we see a lot of young women and young men engaging in risky sexual behaviourâ€
Ebenezer Appiah Agyekum -Abrokwa also bemoaned that, many of these people who tested positive have refused to access antiretroviral drugs for management of the virus.
“Another thing is that people are not going for treatment after they test positive. so in places where there is high rural Communities where access to health centres is a bit difficult you realize that people are not able to easily go to the hospital to access treatment, now we are told that health has been decentralized so even health centres and CHPS are always giving antiretroviral so when people are not accessing it then they are still in denial about their status or maybe their religious beliefs do not allow them to access the drug.â€
This was revealed during the inauguration of the Upper Manya Krobo District HIV/AIDS Advocacy Committee at Asesewa.
The nine-member committee is chaired by the District Chief Executive, Joe Sam with Shirley Tiah, the District HIV Focal Person as the secretary. Other members of the committee are Emmanuel Nuetey Siakwa, Abraham Martey, Abass Jubilila, and Lansah Asumah. The rest are Theophilus Agbodjadh, Rev. Devine Nartey and Mrs. Grace Adza Awude
The committee is aimed at providing advocacy for HIV and AIDS prevention and control and fostering effective coordination among stakeholders towards the reduction of the menace in the district.
As of last year, people living with HIV in the Upper Manya Krobo district were two thousand and eighty- one (2081) with new infections being eighty-seven (87).
The acting Eastern Regional Technical Coordinator of the Technical Unit of the Ghana AIDS Commission, Ebenezer Appiah Agyekum Abrokwah charged the committee to engage local information centres to help disseminate information on HIV and AIDS regularly to educate the populace on the disease. He said the committee should also ensure that Alert Clubs in schools are revamped and advocacy meetings with local council of churches and traditional authorities are held.
He also tasked the committee to follow up on persons who test positive for HIV to encourage them to take the anti-retroviral drugs.
The Chairman of the Committee, Joe Sam who is also the DCE for the area said the formation of the committee is timely.
He was optimistic that the committee will do everything possible to change the trend in the district.
Source: starrfm.com.gh
The Omankrado of Gomoa Appiah Krom Debiso in the Central Region, Odikro Nana Kumi has raised concerns over the deplorable nature of the D/A basic school building in the community.
The traditional ruler says the building is now a death trap and a threat to the lives of pupils and teachers.
According to him, since the school was built in the year 1980 through their own efforts, it has not seen any renovation.
“The school block has now turned to a death trap for our children and the entire community. We are appealing to the government, Member of Parliament, District Chief Executive and other NGOs to come to our aid give us a new school buildingâ€.
He indicated that politicians every election year, come to the area to campaign for votes but neglect them after the election is over.
He said they have for years received several promises to have a new school built but nothing has changed.
“All that we are saying to the politicians is that, if the necessary measures are not put in place to solve our problems, we would also advise ourselves. We will stop voting if it becomes necessary.”
On his part, the former Assembly Member for Gomoa Appiah Krom Debiso electoral Area, Richard Anaful stated that another challenge that they are facing in the community is the deplorable nature of their roads.
The Omankrado of Gomoa Appiah Krom Debiso in the Central Region, Odikro Nana Kumi has raised concerns over the deplorable nature of the D/A basic school building in the community.
The traditional ruler says the building is now a death trap and a threat to the lives of pupils and teachers.
According to him, since the school was built in the year 1980 through their own efforts, it has not seen any renovation.
“The school block has now turned to a death trap for our children and the entire community. We are appealing to the government, Member of Parliament, District Chief Executive and other NGOs to come to our aid give us a new school buildingâ€.
He indicated that politicians every election year, come to the area to campaign for votes but neglect them after the election is over.
He said they have for years received several promises to have a new school built but nothing has changed.
“All that we are saying to the politicians is that, if the necessary measures are not put in place to solve our problems, we would also advise ourselves. We will stop voting if it becomes necessary.”
On his part, the former Assembly Member for Gomoa Appiah Krom Debiso electoral Area, Richard Anaful stated that another challenge that they are facing in the community is the deplorable nature of their roads.
The poor road network, he added, is depriving them of their livelihoods.
Source: rainbowradioonline.com
Samuel Abdulai Jinapor, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources has appealed to stakeholders in the Bono East to unite and prevent the illegal felling of trees for the protection of the regions natural resources.
He said it was time for the chiefs and people to rally behind the government to prevent the menace of chainsaw operation and illegal logging in the region.
He said the Ministry through the Forestry Commission (FC) was unrelenting in its efforts to prevent the unlawful harvesting of trees in the region and entire country in the interest of posterity.
Mr Jinapor made the appeal when he was speaking to the media on Tuesday at Techiman as part of his one-day working visit to the region.
He said deforestation through illegal felling of trees such as chainsaw operation as was about other forest areas in the country had become a challenge in the region.
The Minister, therefore, assured his Ministry through the FC were in collaboration with stakeholders to enforce laws for the prevention of the illegalities in the forest sector.
He attributed the surge in the unlawful cutting of trees in the region to the activities of “land guards” and other unauthorized persons of influence to perpetuate their nefarious activities.
Mr Jinapor expressed regret there were some instances where persons engaged in the forest illegalities attacked forest personnel who attempted to prevent them from illegally depleting the forests.
He warned such persons when caught would be prosecuted and sentenced accordingly.
Mr Kwasi Adu-Gyan, the Bono East Regional Minister, pledged that the Regional Security Council, would, as a matter of urgency, create a dedicated and vibrant task force to enforce laws on the protection of the natural resources in the region.
Samuel Abdulai Jinapor, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources has appealed to stakeholders in the Bono East to unite and prevent the illegal felling of trees for the protection of the regions natural resources.
He said it was time for the chiefs and people to rally behind the government to prevent the menace of chainsaw operation and illegal logging in the region.
He said the Ministry through the Forestry Commission (FC) was unrelenting in its efforts to prevent the unlawful harvesting of trees in the region and entire country in the interest of posterity.
Mr Jinapor made the appeal when he was speaking to the media on Tuesday at Techiman as part of his one-day working visit to the region.
He said deforestation through illegal felling of trees such as chainsaw operation as was about other forest areas in the country had become a challenge in the region.
The Minister, therefore, assured his Ministry through the FC were in collaboration with stakeholders to enforce laws for the prevention of the illegalities in the forest sector.
He attributed the surge in the unlawful cutting of trees in the region to the activities of “land guards” and other unauthorized persons of influence to perpetuate their nefarious activities.
Mr Jinapor expressed regret there were some instances where persons engaged in the forest illegalities attacked forest personnel who attempted to prevent them from illegally depleting the forests.
He warned such persons when caught would be prosecuted and sentenced accordingly.
Mr Kwasi Adu-Gyan, the Bono East Regional Minister, pledged that the Regional Security Council, would, as a matter of urgency, create a dedicated and vibrant task force to enforce laws on the protection of the natural resources in the region.
He urged residents to support the move to eradicate the menace by supporting the task force to achieve its mandate in protecting and regenerating natural resources in the region.
Source: GNA
Traders along the Aboaso toll booth have expressed disappointment in the government for its decision to scrap toll booths on roads.
These roadside sellers who take advantage of the traffic jams at toll sites to sell to passengers and other vehicle users said the abrupt decision by the roads minister to stop the collection of tolls on roads came as a shock to them.
They said even though the finance minister mentioned it in the 2022 budget, the time was not due for the cessation.
The traders described Amoako-Atta’s decision as unfortunate.
“The finance minister even said they’re going to implement the scrapping of the toll booths after parliament approves the budget. We wonder why the roads minister rushed with such a decision,” One of the interviewees said.
“Do they want us to go and do prostitution or do they want to see more armed robbers in the system. They should do something better for us, else they will experience the real bitterness of what they sow. Drivers who used to slow down for passengers to buy our items now move at top speed whenever they reach here,” Another cried out.
“How do they even want us to make ends meet? This is the only area where we can sell to make a living and now that they have abolished toll booths, how can we survive?” Another worried young lady lamented.
According to the disappointed toll booth traders, this NPP government has failed them and dashed their hopes.
“We’re not going to vote again. We all voted for this NPP government with the hope that things were going to turn around in our favour, not knowing we were putting ourselves into hell,”. An angry interviewee told GhanaWeb.
They have therefore appealed to the government to immediately provide alternative for them as they believe the decision to scrap toll booths was indirectly going to make them jobless.
Meanwhile, drivers who usually pay toll fee speaking to GhanaWeb said they were very happy with the government’s decision.
According to them, scrapping of the toll booths from our major roads was something they had always wished and they see it as a dream come true.
“We were not getting any benefit from the toll fee we used to pay. Our roads were always in bad states despite the huge amounts we used to pay as toll fee,” a driver told GhanaWeb.
“My biggest worry was the traffic jam we had to endure on toll lines before we could move our cars to expected destinations. For me, I think scrapping the toll booth is a best decision. But my brother, my biggest worry is on the fuel price that was still not reduced,” another stated.
Most of these drivers however expressed worry over the government’s decision to maintain the increased fuel prices.
According to them, the finance minister was expected to reduce the high fuel prices that has become a burden to many Ghanaians but stayed mute on that.
Source: www.ghanaweb.com
The 499 law students have expressed their sincere gratitude to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo -Addo, and the Attorney-General (AG), Godfred Yeboah Dame for listening to their plights and facilitating their admission process into the GSL.
The students further extended appreciation to Parliament, the media, lawyers, non-government organisations and the members of the public who stood by them and fought for their cause.
The students who are battling to gain admission into the Ghana School of Law (GSL) made this known to the media after they met the leadership of the General Legal Council (GLC) with their lawyer, Martin Kpebu.
In a graphic online report sighted by GhanaWeb, lawyer Kpebu informed the media that the GLC had formally informed the students that it had decided to admit all the 499 students into the GSL.
“What is heartwarming is that the GLC has decided to admit the 499 students, but the commencement date is what is currently being worked upon,†he said.
He noted, the GLC gave the students an opportunity to share their views about the commencement date, and informed them that they would take their inputs into consideration when it comes out with the final decision on the commencement date.
Lawyer Kpebu observed, the development was a positive step and expressed appreciation on behalf of his clients.
“We express our profoundest gratitude to all the stakeholders who fought for us.
The President, the A-G, Parliament, CSOs and the GLC, “we are very grateful that for the first time having admitted a certain number of students has subsequently agreed to admit a second group from one set of exams.â€
Source: www.ghanaweb.com
A young Ghanaian lady living in the United Kingdom is to spend the next 14 years behind bars for pouring acid on her boyfriend as he slept in their home in Wembley.
Esther Afrifa, 28, is reported by dailymail.co.uk to have bought a litre of sulphuric acid online and left it by her bedside ready to attack her 29-year-old boyfriend, Kelvin Pogo.
The jealous woman is also said to have gone to extraordinary lengths to stop Pogo from getting medical treatment after the first attack, leaving him with life-changing injuries that have left him plagued by suicidal thoughts.
“Every time there is a knock at the door I’m scared someone is going to hurt me. She used to be my world and she did this to me. I just can’t understand it. Every day I wake up is like the day she attacked me. It’s like time has stopped,†Kelvin is reported to have said.
All this is said to have come about after Esther Afrifa wrongly believed her boyfriend was sleeping with a university classmate.
She is also reported to have “tried to get him to drink acid from a Nike sports bottle but he was only saved due to his distrust of tap water since his childhood in Africa.â€
Afrifa is reported to have poured the acid onto Pogo’s chest at 3.30am on December 22, 2019, quickly burning through his t-shirt.
“At first, he did not realise his girlfriend was responsible and asked her to get help before pouring holy water on his wounds. She pretended to call 999, blocked his friends from calling, and cancelled a taxi that was due to take him to hospital,†the report added.
At her second time, Esther Afrifa struck while Kelvin lay resting on the sofa with already painful wounds, pouring more acid over his face and body.
“He ran from the flat screaming and was helped by a passing stranger who got him medical help,†the report added.
Judge Charles Bourne QC who handed down the sentence to Afrifa, called it “a truly wicked thing to do.â€
She is likely to be deported to Ghana after her release, the report added.
Source: www.ghanaweb.com
The family of the late Captain Kojo Tsikata has said the late founding member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) wished for a private family funeral when he was alive.
The octogenarian died in the early hours of Saturday, November 20.
A statement issued by the family and co-signed by Col Joshua Agbotui (RTD) and Fui S Tsikata said there is going to be a private burial ceremony in accordance with his wishes.
“The family of Captain Kojo Tsikata regrets to announce his passing in the early hours of Saturday 20th November 2021. He was 85.
†In accordance with his wishes, the family will be making arrangements for a private funeral,†the statement said.
The National Communications Officer of the NDC, Sammy Gyamfi had earlier announced his demise on the Key Points on TV3 Saturday, November 20.
“This is really sad news not just for the NDC. It is sad news for Ghana,†Sammy said.
Kojo Tsikata was the former Head of National Security and Foreign Affairs of the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC).
He is listed as a retired army captain in the Ghana Army.
Tsikata was sent to the Congo with Major General Ankrah as part of a Ghanaian military contingent with orders from Kwame Nkrumah to protect the Pan-Africanist and anti-neocolonialist Patrice Lumumba, who was the Prime Minister. He later visited Conakry, Guinea, to visit Nkrumah.
He was arrested, detained, and put on death row as a suspect of an assassination plot against Nkrumah on his arrival.
Samora Machel, a freedom fighter, intervened to pardon him. Samora travelled with him to Mozambique. He later arrived in Angola in 1964 to join MPLA fighters and internationalist fighters from Cuba.
He was appointed in 1982 under the Jerry Rawlings administration. He had been in charge of national security since 1982 and later joined the Rawlings administration on 21 January 1995. He was a member of the council of state and a captain of the Ghana Army.
He also served as a member of the council of state of Ghana.
In 1995, he was asked to join a negotiating team with Ibn Chambas who was the then Deputy Foreign Minister, and Brigadier General Agyemfra, accompanied by Harry Mouzillas from the Ghana News Agency as a journalist to cover the events.
They travelled to join Mr. James Victor Gbeho, the then Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and a Resident of Flt Lt Jerry John Rawlings and Mr. Ate Allotey, a diplomat.
He rejected a national award to be conferred on him in the category of the order of Volta companion under President Kuffour. He was listed as one of the six government officials under the NDC regime to receive the award.
He was appointed by Gaddafi to a senior advisory position in charge of the Al Mathaba central committee, a support centre for the liberation movement and anti-imperialist and anti-Zionist organisations.
A retired supreme court judge, Mr. Justice G. E. K. Aikins, intimated that Captain Tsikata was implicated in the kidnapping and murder of three high court judges and a retired army officer on 30 June 1983 during the PNDC regime and was never tried. Among the suspects were Captain Kojo Tsikata and Sergeant Aloga Akata-Pore, both key members of the then PNDC.
Source: 3news.com
Kojo Tsikata, who died on Saturday, November 20, 2021, was the former Head of National Security and Foreign Affairs of the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC).
He is listed as a retired army captain in the Ghana Army.
Tsikata was sent to the Congo with Major General Ankrah as part of a Ghanaian military contingent with orders from Kwame Nkrumah to protect the Pan-Africanist and anti-neocolonialist Patrice Lumumba, who was the Prime Minister. He later visited Conakry, Guinea, to visit Nkrumah.
He was arrested, detained, and put on death row as a suspect of an assassination plot against Nkrumah on his arrival.
Samora Machel, a freedom fighter, intervened to pardon him. Samora travelled with him to Mozambique. He later arrived in Angola in 1964 to join MPLA fighters and internationalist fighters from Cuba.
He was appointed in 1982 under the Jerry Rawlings administration. He had been in charge of national security since 1982 and later joined the Rawlings administration on 21 January 1995. He was a member of the council of state and a captain of the Ghana Army. He also served as a member of the council of state of Ghana.
In 1995, he was asked to join a negotiating team with Ibn Chambas who was the then Deputy Foreign Minister, and Brigadier General Agyemfra, accompanied by Harry Mouzillas from the Ghana News Agency as a journalist to cover the events. They travelled to join Mr. James Victor Gbeho, the then Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and a Resident of Flt Lt Jerry John Rawlings and Mr. Ate Allotey, a diplomat.
He rejected a national award to be conferred on him in the category of the order of Volta companion under President Kufuor. He was listed as one of the six government officials under the NDC regime to receive the award.
He was appointed by Gaddafi to a senior advisory position in charge of the Al Mathaba central committee, a support centre for the liberation movement and anti-imperialist and anti-Zionist organisations.
Awards
Captain Kojo Tsikata received one of Angola’s highest honours, known as Carlos Silva among Angolan fighters, for his role in the struggle for national independence.
Tsikata is a holder of the Solidarity Award and of the Order of “Carlos Manuel de Céspedes”, conferred by the Council of State of the Republic of Cuba.
Source: www.ghanaweb.com
Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has questioned if there are better ways the issue of LGBTQ+ acts could be discussed rather than seeking to criminalize the act.
According to him, the whole intensification of the matter is interesting to him as he does not believe this is how Ghanaians should deal with issues of this nature.
“…this whole escalation for me is interesting as to, is this the nature Ghanaians deal with problems of this nature? I don’t think so. And I pause when I remember that everyone has God’s image.”
Speaking on Good Evening Ghana show on Metro TV, he explains that he believes that God created everyone in his own image; therefore, it is difficult to make judgments on a person hence the reason he finds it difficult to support the criminalization of the LGBTQ+ acts.
“It’s kind of biblical in the sense which says that God created us in his own image, now whether its man or woman issue. So in each person is God-image. I can’t begin, therefore, to make judgments on a person. I may not like what I determine to be a sin, but as long as God-image is in that person and I know that thief was even forgiven on the cross. So for me, I guess I find it difficult on the issues of criminalization when I know that all of us are the image of God. My challenge is to evangelize what I believe is the way God wants me to be; that’s the challenge to me and not to criminalize.
“… I also don’t know what people do in their bedrooms, so to pretend that I’m holding a man’s hand in the street I can be what imprisoned? And when I go to the prison where do they put me? In the women’s or a man’s cell.
So in your view, Parliament should do what? Paul Adom Otchere asked.
The Finance Minister said “I haven’t even read the bill. But it just strikes me that the discussions are going along the wrong way and that how I feel deeply about the question of love,” he responded.
A team of 8 MPs led by Samuel Nartey George have jointly submitted a private bill to push for the criminalization of LGBTQI+ activities in the country.
The Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill 2021 was laid in the House on Monday, August 2 and read for the first time.
A public hearing to consider memoranda on the Anti-Gay Bill began, Thursday, 11 November 2021 but was suspended due to the number of memoranda received.
During the first hearing, the Human Rights Coalition, Amnesty International, Advocates for Christ, and the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council appeared before the committee.
The Committee has so far received over 140 memoranda from civil society groups and religious organizations on the Bill.
Source: www.ghanaweb.com
Information Minister, Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah, has justified why the Roads Minister suspended the collection of the tolls when Parliament had not approved the 2022 Budget Statement and Economic Policy of the government.
2022 Budget
Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta presenting the 2022 budget of the government in Parliament announced that motorists who ply public roads nationwide will no longer be required to pay road tolls after the budget has been approved.
“Government has abolished all tolls on public roads and bridges. This takes effect immediately after the Budget is approved,†Ken Ofori-Atta said.
Roads Minister’s directive
However, prior to the approval of the budget, the Roads Minister in a statement on Monday directed that toll collection at the various toll booths across the country should be halted effective Thursday, November 18, 2021.
“Following the presentation of the 2022 Budget by the Hon. Minister of Finance on behalf of His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Ghana on Wednesday, November 17, 2021, the Ministry of Roads and Highways hereby directs the cessation of the collection of road and bridge tolls at all locations nationwide. This directive takes effect from 12am on Thursday, November 18, 2021,†part of the statement read.
The road Minister has been criticised for this decision and for what some have described as a breach of Parliament‘s regulations.
Administrative Right
Information Minister, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, speaking to this in a one-on-one discussion on Peace FM’s morning show ‘Kokrokoo’ programme said the Minister had “administrative” right to do such.
According to him, even though the constitution says you should go to parliament when introducing a new charge, “If Parliament has given you powers to introduce a charge and you want to suspend that charge, administratively you can do so without going to Parliament.”
Speaker’s Directive
Meanwhile, the speaker of Parliament has asked the road minister to reverse the decision to suspend the collection of the road toll.
According to him, until Parliament approves the financial proposals and policies contained in the 2022 budget, no minister can implement any policy contained in the budget.
“So, I think that it is proper for us to direct the minister, a senior member of this House, to honourably withdraw that directive; failure to do so will be a serious breach of the directive of the Speaker and that will amount to contempt of Parliament,†he indicated.
The Minister on the other hand says he only suspended the operationalisation of the toll and not the law.
Source: peacefmonline.com
The Minister on the other hand says he only suspended the operationalisation of the toll and not the law.
From the day they were born until now, it has seemed like these two, and like many identical twins, would continue to stick together, doing nearly the same things for the entirety of their lives.
Dr. Emefa and Dr. Emenyo Apaloo, from Achimota School, have today graduated from the University of Ghana Medical School.
Many people, from across many respects, have joined in celebrating this feat achieved by the young women, marking the milestone.
In a tweet by the Achimota School, it shared in their achievement while wishing them well.
“#AchimotaExcellence We are proud to share the accomplishments of Dr (s) Emefa and Emenyo Apaloo, SOA House, Science 1, OAA 2012. Congratulations on your completion of medical school Ayekoo #SheIsSTEM #girlpower @nyonyo_apaloo @fafaapaloo,†the tweet said.
Here they are in photos:
Source: www.ghanaweb.com
The High Commissioner of Namibia to Ghana, Selma Ashipala-Musavyi has commended city authorities and residents of the Volta regional capital, Ho for keeping the city neat and clean.
The High Commissioner who is currently taking part in the 5th Volta Trade and Investment Fair being held at the Ho Sports stadium noted that not many cities on the African continent are as clean and serene as Ho.
She said, “What I will take away from the Volta region is the fact that the region has high potentials for tourism but I think I should take this opportunity to commend the leadership and the people of Ho; I have never seen such a clean town -keep it up. It is very impressive and I think it is in the DNA of the people of Ho and I hope and pray that the rest of Africa can tap this from Ho to make our continent clean.â€
As part of the ongoing fair, a high-powered delegation of African diplomats led by the Volta/Eastern/Oti Chairman of the Association of Ghana Industries, undertook a tree planting exercise at the Ho Jubilee Park to reiterate their commitment to the promotion of the agenda of climate change.
The High Commissioner of Namibia to Ghana, Selma Ashipala-Musavyi has commended city authorities and residents of the Volta regional capital, Ho for keeping the city neat and clean.
The High Commissioner who is currently taking part in the 5th Volta Trade and Investment Fair being held at the Ho Sports stadium noted that not many cities on the African continent are as clean and serene as Ho.
She said, “What I will take away from the Volta region is the fact that the region has high potentials for tourism but I think I should take this opportunity to commend the leadership and the people of Ho; I have never seen such a clean town -keep it up. It is very impressive and I think it is in the DNA of the people of Ho and I hope and pray that the rest of Africa can tap this from Ho to make our continent clean.â€
As part of the ongoing fair, a high-powered delegation of African diplomats led by the Volta/Eastern/Oti Chairman of the Association of Ghana Industries, undertook a tree planting exercise at the Ho Jubilee Park to reiterate their commitment to the promotion of the agenda of climate change.
The South African High Commissioner to Ghana, Grace Jeanet Mason who was part of the delegation told the media that, the significance of the tree planting exercise is also to show solidarity and their support for environmental friendly human activities that will promote sustainable trade and investment on the continent in line with the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Source: kasapafmonline.com
Bernard Allotey Jacobs, a former Central Regional Chairman of the National Democratic Congress, NDC, is worried that his former party is beating the ruling New Patriotic Party in propaganda.
Allotey who is now a sympathizer of the government stressed that in his opinion it was either that NPP communicators were asleep or that they are chasing positions, hence the worrying development.
“NPP communicators have left the communication space for my next-door neighbours, the NDC, they are winning the propaganda, they should take note that the NDC is winning the propaganda.
“NPP’s best communicators have gone to sleep or they are chasing positions. If you want to break the eight, you need to face your opponents squarely by explaining issues properly,” he submitted on Peace FM’s Kokrokoo programme.
He said it was wrong for the NPP to allow the opposition to keep dictating the narrative on important national issues.
Bernard Allotey Jacobs, a former Central Regional Chairman of the National Democratic Congress, NDC, is worried that his former party is beating the ruling New Patriotic Party in propaganda.
Allotey who is now a sympathizer of the government stressed that in his opinion it was either that NPP communicators were asleep or that they are chasing positions, hence the worrying development.
“NPP communicators have left the communication space for my next-door neighbours, the NDC, they are winning the propaganda, they should take note that the NDC is winning the propaganda.
“NPP’s best communicators have gone to sleep or they are chasing positions. If you want to break the eight, you need to face your opponents squarely by explaining issues properly,” he submitted on Peace FM’s Kokrokoo programme.
He said it was wrong for the NPP to allow the opposition to keep dictating the narrative on important national issues.
“We are all suffering as a nation but this (COVID-19) is a global issue that is afflicting everyone but we must unite and preach hope under any circumstance. Don’t allow an opponent to degrade your budget that is yet to be read,” he lamented.
Source: www.ghanaweb.com
Two Ghanaian citizens have headed to the Supreme Court to seek clarification on the issue of immunity and privileges for Members of Parliament.
The two Ghanaians, Hilda Mansuwa Kpentey Dongotey and Albert Gyamfi, according to a citinewroom.com report, “argue that the framers of the constitution could not have intended the expression proceedings of Parliament to refer to the entire duration of a session or a meeting of the House.â€
Article 117 of the 1992 constitution stops any criminal or civil processes coming from any court from being served on or executed to the Speaker, or a member of the Clerk to Parliament while the person is on his or her way to, attending, or returning from, parliamentary duty.
According to the lawyer of the plaintiff, Samson Lardi Ayenini, they want the apex court to declare that an MP, a Speaker, Deputy Speaker, or a Clerk to Parliament can be arrested for any offence committed while on his or her way to, attending, or returning from any proceedings of Parliament.
This comes after the police served him criminal summons for his involvement in a protest in his constituency.
The protest, the police said, led to an “unlawful road blockade and destruction of public property.â€
The police had written to parliament for him to avail himself for questioning but, parliament refused to grant the request of the police citing articles 117 and 118 of the Constitution.
The Speaker of parliament, however, referred the matter to the privileges committee of parliament for findings and recommendations.
But the police has now taken a step to challenge the matter before the court after two failed attempts to arrest him.
However, Sosu is yet to make an appearance in court as the Speaker of Parliament informed the police he was out of the country for parliamentary duties.
Source: www.ghanaweb.com