TIG Post

Author: Persis

  • If Ghana had lost there would’ve been socio-economic problems for the President – SAFA President

    President of the South African Football Association (SAFA) Danny Jordaan has bizarrely claimed that had Ghana lost the World Cup qualifier against his side on Sunday at the Cape Coast Stadium there would have been a major socio-economic problem for the President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

    South Africa is seething with rage after what they termed match-fixing and a rehearsed cheating which was perpetrated by Senegalese referee Ndiaye Maguette and even ball boys which benefitted Ghana in reaching the playoffs of the 2022 World Cup…

    SAFA has lodged a complaint with FIFA requesting that the results of the match be annulled and a rematch ordered between both sides.

    The South African Football Association(SAFA) on Wednesday 17th November, 2021 held a press conference to press home reasons why the match must be replayed and the systemic cheating they perceived occurred in Ghana last Sunday leading to their 1-0 loss.

    Astute football administrator Danny Jordaan insinuated that the match was so important to Ghana and had to win by all means as a defeat would have caused socio-economic issues for the current President Nana Akufo-Addo.

    “This match was a very decisive match, where Ghana only had one option but to win,” he said.

    “If Ghana loses this, there will be major socio-economic problems even for the president of the country.”

    FIFA has confirmed that they have received an official complaint from SAFA in relation to the matter and will review it.

    Ghana will know their opponents in the playoffs stage on December 18the 2021 when the draw is held.

    Source: ghanaguardian.com

  • FIFA directs Ghana to respond to South Africa’s protest by November 20

    World governing football body, FIFA has confirmed receiving a protest from South Africa FA regarding its World Cup Qualifying game with Ghana which ended in 1-0.

    It has directed Ghana to respond with its own documents by November 20, 2021.

    FIFA, in a statement, said the Disciplinary Committee will open proceedings on the case on November 23, 2021.

    Read the full letter below:

    Source: rainbowradioonline.com

  • New price for Cashew to be announced in December

    Chief Executive Officer for Tree Crop Development Authority (TCDA), Williams Quaitoo, has said the minimum fixed price for cashew in the 2021-2022 season will be announced by the agriculture ministry in December this year.

    According to him, all key and important factors needed to be considered in arriving at a very good price for the cashew farmers have been defined by experts, hence, the announcement of the cashew price next month will add value to cashew.

    “Every parameter that is important in arriving at the price for a Kilo of cashew has been determined,” he said at the annual conference and inauguration ceremony of the Cashew Traders and Exporters Association Ghana in Sunyani, capital of the Bono Region.

    Mr. Quaitoo advised the cashew farmers to dry their cashew nut to achieve the moisture content of 10% or below, before selling it to buyers, stating that buyers do not show interest in cashew nuts that are not properly dried.

    Meanwhile, the Member of Parliament for Jaman North constituency, Frederick Yaw Ahenkwah has pleaded with the government to pay critical attention to cashew production as well as cashew growing areas to facilitate cashew production.

    Highlighting some key challenges that affect the pricing of cashew, Mr. Ahenkwah attributed it to the deplorable state of roads in Cashew growing areas stating that “sometimes, these businessmen will come and buy the cashew, hauling it to Accra but you will see the vehicle toppled over just in the middle of the road. This makes the buyer incur losses.”

    The Omanhene of Dwenem Traditional Council, Nana Bofobene IV expressed his gratitude for the authority and praised them for the initiatives being put in place for the betterment of cashew production. He also pleaded with the authority not to politicize the pricing of cashew this time of the season because farmers are hungry for a fixed price of cashew production.

    Source: thebftonline.com

  • Help us mine our gold responsibly Bono chiefs to government

    The president of the Bono East Regional House of Chiefs and president of Yegi traditional council, Pimampim Yaw Kagbrese V, has appealed to the government through the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel A. Jinapor, to, as a matter of urgency, assist them in exploiting gold discovered in the region responsibly.

    He said he would be very glad if the minister would mobilise the needed resources, especially logistical support, to ensure the exploitation is properly carried out and help bring development to the area.

    The chief said illegal mining in the region is not rampant compared to other regions but bemoaned the practice of illegal lumbering, which he described as something that calls for the government’s urgent attention.

    He, however, reposed his confidence in the minister, saying, “we know you and we know what you are capable of, and we know you can do this and do it well”.

    The Lands and Natural Resources Minister, Samuel A. Jinapor, who spoke at length on the issue of lumbering in the region, appealed to the chiefs to work hand-in-glove with the REGSEC to place a ban on the harvesting of wood for charcoal on commercial purposes to help preserve the only forest cover available to Ghana for future generations.

    In view of the fight against logging, the minister asked that REGSEC add on a member from the Regional House of Chiefs to be part of the task force and audit committee, which is to be established to ensure that they have an all-inclusive force.

    Mr Jinapor assured the chiefs that all the concerns tabled before him would be taken up with speed and provide all needed logistics, especially with regards to gold exploitation in the region, for the benefit of all.

    The Bono East Regional Minister, Akwasi Adu Gyan, who accompanied the minister on his working visit on Tuesday, 16th November 2021, called on the traditional authorities within the region to support the Lands Minister and the government to succeed, stressing that “if the Minister succeeds, the government succeeds and it will all be for our own benefit”.

    Source: classfmonline.com

  • Ashongman Purewater residents bare teeth at ECG over 4-day-old outage

    Residents of Old Ashongman Purewater, a suburb of Accra, are up in arms against the Electricity Company of Ghana, ECG, over a power outage.

    One resident who spoke to GhanaWeb pointed that following some work on a transformer in their area, they have been without power since Monday, November 15, 2021.

    Subsequently, a number of houses in the area opposite the Westbridge School in the area, have been in the dark.

    She stated that they had severally called the local ECG office to come and rectify the issues but all efforts to that effect have proven futile.

    “It’s been four solid days we are without lights. Yesterday I called the ECG office and someone told me we are complaining too much,” she lamented.

    Residents of Old Ashongman Purewater, a suburb of Accra, are up in arms against the Electricity Company of Ghana, ECG, over a power outage.

    One resident who spoke to GhanaWeb pointed that following some work on a transformer in their area, they have been without power since Monday, November 15, 2021.

    Subsequently, a number of houses in the area opposite the Westbridge School in the area, have been in the dark.

    She stated that they had severally called the local ECG office to come and rectify the issues but all efforts to that effect have proven futile.

    “It’s been four solid days we are without lights. Yesterday I called the ECG office and someone told me we are complaining too much,” she lamented.

    She further bemoaned how food items she had bought were going to waste because of the outage stressing the impact on especially small and medium businesses in the area.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Bentil welcomes scrapping of road tolls, says it was more expensive

    Vice President of Imani Africa, Kofi Bentil has welcomed the decision by the government to abolish road tolls in the country.

    According to him, the policy think tank had always advocated the scrapping of the road tolls initiative because it was more expensive.

    “For years we argued for their scrapping because it was actually more expensive. Finally, someone heard! How I wish we had saved more by acting earlier,” he said in a Facebook post after the Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta announced in the 2022 budget the removal.

    Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta announced in the budget statement an end to the collection of the tolls.

    During the presentation of the 2022 budget statement to Parliament on Wednesday, November 17, he said this takes effect immediately the Budget is approved (after appropriation or now?). The toll collection personnel will be reassigned.

    “Government will complete its work with this House to pass the fees and charges bill for implementation in 2022.

    “These fees and charges will be subject to automatic adjustment consistent with the annual average inflation as announced by the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS).

    “A comprehensive review will be conducted after every fifth-year taking into consideration, other factors besides inflation including, improvement in quality of service delivery and privatisation of some of the services, where feasible. 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 and this budget will cater for this.

    “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. However, over the years, the tolling points have become unhealthy market centres led to heavy traffic on our roads, lengthened travel time from one place to another, and impacted negatively on 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, Government has abolished all tolls on public roads and bridges. This takes effect immediately the Budget is approved (after appropriation or now?). 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.”

    Source: 3news.com

  • 50% benchmark value reversal will be terrible for Ghanaians – Spare parts dealers

    The Spare Parts Dealers Association of Ghana has noted that the decision by the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) to reverse the 50% and 30% benchmark value policy the trading community enjoys on some 32 selected items will top up the burden of Ghanaians.

    The Secretary of the Spare Parts Dealers Association, Eric Anti, said the situation will be terrible for Ghanaians if the GRA does not rescind its decision.

    In an interview with Joy News, Mr Anti described the reversal of the 50% and 30% benchmark value policy as worrisome.

    He cited the increase in freight charges, the depreciation of the cedi and the impact of COVID-19 on the local economy as reasons for the traders to continue enjoying the benchmark value policy.

    He entreated Ghanaians to be concerned about this growing development and speak up for them to also heave a sigh of relief.

    “I am worried and all Ghanaians should be worried in the sense that the effects of this scrap will be terrible to all Ghanaians. Freight is very high, the dollar is going up. COVID has hit us drastically. The AGI is lobbying for it to be scrapped and it marvels us that a sister private business entity wants for the other party to suffer. They also import materials which they also enjoy this benchmark value,” Eric Anti told Joy News in an interview monitored by GhanaWeb.

    Meanwhile, the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) has charged its members to disregard GRA’s statement informing the public on the reversal of 50% benchmark value policy.

    According to the GUTA President, Dr Joseph Obeng, the business community will not accept this directive from GRA because they were left in the dark after being told a stakeholder meeting will be held on the policy for a consensus on the policy.

    He charged members to ignore the statement of GRA published in the media on November 15.

    Speaking at a press conference on Monday, November 15, 2021, Dr Jospeh Obeng said, “We wish to state herein that it has come to our notice that the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has issued a statement informing the public that the 50% benchmark value reduction policy has been reversed, effective Monday, November 15, 2021… We in the trading community do not accept and will not accept this directive and therefore ask members of the trading community to ignore this statement of GRA outright.”

    He added that GUTA is however open for any stakeholder engagement on the issue.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Government announces innovative ways to collect property taxes

    The Minister for Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta says the government as part of efforts to improve its revenue mobilization has introduced innovative measures to collect property taxes in the country.

    Presenting the 2022 budget statement and economic policy on the floor of Parliament on Wednesday, November 17, 2021, the Minister said the government is looking to assist the Metropolitan Municipal and Districts Assemblies (MDAs) to implement a common platform for property rate administration to enable them effectively collect property rates in the country.

    He said: “Mr Speaker, property rates have the potential to increase revenue mobilization for MDAs and release resources for the provision of basic infrastructure as well as the needs of our localities. Property rate assessment and collection pose a challenge to most MMDAs and are fraught with inefficiencies.

    “Government, through the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) will from January 2022, assist the MMDAs to implement a common platform for property rate administration to enhance property rate collections and its accountability. To ensure cost recovery by government in providing the infrastructure for the collection of the Rate, a sharing ratio will be agreed with the Assemblies,” he added.

    With dwindling revenue streams attributable to the slowdown in business activities occasioned by the Coronavirus pandemic, Ghana is lagging behind most of its peers within the West African sub-region as far as the tax to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ratio is concerned.

    While Ghana is doing below 15 percent, countries in the sub-region like Cote d’Ivoire and Nigeria are hovering around an average of 18 percent, prompting the government to employ innovative ways of broadening its tax net.

    This the Minister explained that while the hardship Ghanaians have been experiencing due to coronavirus pandemic is not lost on the government, it is also necessary that government improves its revenue mobilization in an economy put under extreme distress by the pandemic.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Government to create 1 million jobs with YouStart initiative

    The government has announced the creation of one million jobs for the youth of this country.

    This was announced by Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta in the budget statement for the 2022 fiscal year on Wednesday, November 17.

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

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

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

    “Mr. Speaker, YouStart is a vehicle for supporting young entrepreneurs to gain access to capital, training, technical skills and mentoring to enable them launch and operate their own businesses.

    “Mr. Speaker, the Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA), the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP), and partner financial institutions, will serve as the implementing arms of YouStart.

    “Entrepreneurs will be able to apply for support through a dedicated YouStart online portal.

    “NEIP will also engage our Faith-Based Organisations as partners for the delivery of essential artisanal skills, business competitions, and feasibility studies and introduction to financing institutions with a commitment of up to 10% of GOG contribution to the YouStart Programme.”

    Source: 3news.com

    Source: 3news.com

  • Yellow fever kills 25 in Savannah and Upper West Regions

    The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has announced that nine more individuals have succumbed to yellow fever in two regions in northern Ghana.

    This brings the death toll to 25 “from both Savannah and Upper West Regions and 18 are on admission,” the director-general of the GHS, Dr Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, said in a statement.

    He said GHS has begun vigorous vaccination in the regions to control the spread of the virus.

    “Following the report of cases in Savannah Region, other cases have been reported in Wa East District of the Upper West Region and reactive vaccination has also been initiated,” the statement added.

    The yellow fever virus is found in tropical and subtropical areas of Africa and South America. The virus is spread to people by the bite of an infected mosquito.

    Below is the full statement:

    Source: dailymailgh.com

  • Government to roll out robust COVID-19 vaccination programme – Ofori-Atta

    The Minister for Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta says the Government has rolled out an aggressive vaccination programme to protect Ghanaian lives from covid-19.

    According to him, sustained efforts have seen about 2 million Ghanaians receiving a single dose of the vaccine, with 825,706 fully vaccinated as at September 2021.

    He said this while reading the 2022 Budget Statement on Wednesday in Parliament.

    “We will not relent until our goal of vaccinating 2O million is obtained as supply of some 9 million vaccines are now assured and we will mobilise to meet this goal to protect our people,” he said.

    He also said government will accelerate the implementation of Agenda 111, comprising 111 district hospitals, 7 regional hospitals and 3 psychiatric hospitals.

    The Minister for Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta says the Government has rolled out an aggressive vaccination programme to protect Ghanaian lives from covid-19.

    According to him, sustained efforts have seen about 2 million Ghanaians receiving a single dose of the vaccine, with 825,706 fully vaccinated as at September 2021.

    He said this while reading the 2022 Budget Statement on Wednesday in Parliament.

    “We will not relent until our goal of vaccinating 2O million is obtained as supply of some 9 million vaccines are now assured and we will mobilise to meet this goal to protect our people,” he said.

    He also said government will accelerate the implementation of Agenda 111, comprising 111 district hospitals, 7 regional hospitals and 3 psychiatric hospitals.

    He said already, 50 percent of the contractors have been given their industrial plans, hospital sites for them to start work.

    Source: atinkaonline.com

  • Police kill two armed robbers; one arrested

    The Ghana Police Service in the Ashanti Region has killed two armed robbers and arrested one.

    According to the Police, the armed robbers were robbing traders on the Manso-Nkwanta Road.

    Upon the arrest, the Police retrieved an AK 47 assault rifle.

    Read Police Statement Here:

    One Robber Arrested, Two killed, One AK 47 retrieved from Armed Gang

    Today, the Ashanti Regional Police Patrol team gunned down two armed robbers, arrested one and retrieved an AK 47 assault rifle when the team encountered an armed gang robbing traders on the Manso-Nkwanta Road.

    The Ghana Police Service in the Ashanti Region has killed two armed robbers and arrested one.

    According to the Police, the armed robbers were robbing traders on the Manso-Nkwanta Road.

    Upon the arrest, the Police retrieved an AK 47 assault rifle.

    Read Police Statement Here:

    One Robber Arrested, Two killed, One AK 47 retrieved from Armed Gang

    Today, the Ashanti Regional Police Patrol team gunned down two armed robbers, arrested one and retrieved an AK 47 assault rifle when the team encountered an armed gang robbing traders on the Manso-Nkwanta Road.

    We will get these criminally minded people one after the other to make our communities safe.

    Source: mynewsgh.com

  • 2022 Budget: How to ease the suffering of Ghanaians keeps Akufo-Addo awake at night – Ken Ofori-Atta

    Minister of Finance Ken Ofori Atta has indicated that President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo cannot sleep due to the current economic challenges citizens are enduring.

    According to him, the president is concerned about the current economic hardship citizens are going through.

    Delivering the 2022 budget statement on the floor of Parliament, Ken Ofori-Atta mentioned that the president was fully aware of the challenges of Ghanaians.

    According to him, thoughts of the economic plight of Ghanaians keep the president awake at night.

    “Mr Speaker, we are under no illusions as to the economic challenges facing our country today. How to ease the sufferings of Ghanaians, transform the economy to create jobs and share the expected wealth across all households, such as providing security and education, keeps the president awake at night.

    “How to broaden the revenue base, keep a grip on expenditure, protect the public purse and at the same time build with urgency the needed infrastructure, collecting revenue, managing our debt and expenditure commitments, and paying the bills to stimulate economic activity are the orders he has given to us, his Ministers and other appointees, to carry out over the next three years,” he said.

    The country has recently experienced an astronomical increase in the price of petroleum products.

    This has had a rippling effect on food prices on the market, which has skyrocketed, leading to a high cost of living.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Tamale SHS kicks out Achimota School in 2021 National Science and Maths Quiz

    Tamale Senior High School have progressed from the One-eight stage of the 2021 National Science and Maths Quiz by seeing off competition favourites, Achimota School.

    Held at the Sarah Mensah Auditorium in the early hours of Wednesday, November 17, 2021, Tamale SHS beat Achimota School and Kalpohin Senior High School to progress to the next round of the competition.

    At the end of the final round, Tamale SHS had accumulated 56 points, beating Achimota School who had 48 points with a difference of 8 points.

    Kalpohin SHS came in third place with 14 points.

    Tamale Senior High School have progressed from the One-eight stage of the 2021 National Science and Maths Quiz by seeing off competition favourites, Achimota School.

    Held at the Sarah Mensah Auditorium in the early hours of Wednesday, November 17, 2021, Tamale SHS beat Achimota School and Kalpohin Senior High School to progress to the next round of the competition.

    At the end of the final round, Tamale SHS had accumulated 56 points, beating Achimota School who had 48 points with a difference of 8 points.

    Kalpohin SHS came in third place with 14 points.

    Legon Presby Boys SHS won the immediate past edition of the NSMQ, making it their sixth time clinching the trophy.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • No more road tolls – Finance Minister declares

    Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, has announced government’s decision to abolish road tolls.

    He said inasmuch as money is needed for the fixing of deplorable roads in the country, the establishment of toll booths has led to congestions at various toll points.

    Ofori-Atta further said that the congestion has affected productivity negatively.

    It would be recalled that some Ghanaians including politicians have over the years called on government to rethink its decision on tolls.

    They explained that the toll booths cause traffic congestion and also pose health risks to commuters.

    Addressing this challenge in parliament during the 2022 budget reading, Ken Ofori-Atta said, “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 and this budget will cater for this.

    “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. However, over the years, the tolling points have become unhealthy market centres, led to heavy traffic on our roads, lengthened travel time from one place to another, and impacted negatively on productivity,” he said.

    “The congestion generated at the tolling points, besides creating these inconveniences, also leads to pollution in and around those vicinities. To address these challenges, Government has abolished all tolls on public roads and bridges. This takes effect immediately the budget is approved (after appropriation or now?). The toll collection personnel will be reassigned. The expected impact on productivity and reduced environmental pollution will more than off-set the revenue forgone by removing the tolls,” he declared.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Video replays show South Africa defender dragging Ghana’s Amartey with both hands

    Close video replays have shown that South African defender Rushine de Reuck dragged Ghana’s Daniel Amartey with BOTH HANDS which resulted in the referee awarding a penalty kick to the Black Stars in their decisive 2022 World Cup qualifier on Sunday.

    The evidence which has now been closely watched suggests that the Bafana Bafana player clearly fouled the Leicester City defender leading to the Senegalese match official pointing to the spot kick which sealed the victory for the Black Stars.

    The video from several replay angles show that referee Maguette Ndiaye had, just before the penalty decision, warned Reuck of his earlier infringement before the corner kick. The Senegalese referee was closely watching the two players from just two metres just before the corner kick and clearly saw the South African pulling Amartey down.

    Initial video of the incident was inconclusive which led to the South African Football Association (SAFA) claiming that hey had been robbed during the game at the Cape Coast Stadium which ended 1-0 after Andre Ayew expertly converted the kick.

    SAFA raised concerns over the legitimacy of both the decision and the display of the officiating team from Senegal, headed up by referee Maguette Ndiaye.

    But it is now clear that the penalty was awarded after Ghana’s Leicester City midfielder Daniel Amartey went down following the heavy pulling down from defender Rushine de Reuck, who was booked for his challenge.

    Bafana Bafana needed a draw to reach the third and final round of African qualifying for the 2022 World Cup, but Ghana won with a controversial penalty.

    The Black Stars’ narrow win enabled them to reach the African World Cup play-offs by the narrowest of margins, ousting South Africa at the top of the group on goals scored.

    South Africa is well aware that the capacity for matches to be replayed does exist before have been shouting ‘foul play’ but with video evidence now showing that the player pulled Amartey down he could not coil back into their shells.

    Source: ghanasoccernet.com

  • LIVESTREAMING: Finance Minister presents 2022 budget statement before Parliament

    Minister for Finance and Economic Planning, Ken Ofori-Atta will today November 17, deliver the 2022 Budget Statement and Economic Policy of government before Parliament.

    The presentation, is in accordance with Article 179 of the 1992 Constitution and section 21 of the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921).

    Ahead of the presentation, some financial and economic analysts, as well as professional and trade organisations, have expressed varied expectations on the Budget.

    Some have called for the adoption of rather pragmatic measures toward sealing revenue leakages in the country’s tax system while others have been called for the scrapping of a number of taxes, measures to reduce the high cost of living, among others.

    The Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta is expected to deliver the statement before the House at 10:00 am.

    Minister for Finance and Economic Planning, Ken Ofori-Atta will today November 17, deliver the 2022 Budget Statement and Economic Policy of government before Parliament.

    The presentation, is in accordance with Article 179 of the 1992 Constitution and section 21 of the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921).

    Ahead of the presentation, some financial and economic analysts, as well as professional and trade organisations, have expressed varied expectations on the Budget.

    Some have called for the adoption of rather pragmatic measures toward sealing revenue leakages in the country’s tax system while others have been called for the scrapping of a number of taxes, measures to reduce the high cost of living, among others.

    The Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta is expected to deliver the statement before the House at 10:00 am.

    Watch a live coverage of the event below:

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • 2022 WCQ: Ghana to know playoff opponents December 18

    The Black Stars of Ghana will know their opponent in the final round of the African qualifiers for the 2022 Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) World Cup on Saturday, December 18, 2021.

    The Black Stars secured a place in the final round after edging the Bafana Bafana of South Africa in Group G on superior goals scored, despite being tied on 13 points each.

    The 10 national teams that have qualified for the playoffs would be paired against each other with the final five to represent Africa in the 2022 FIFA World Cup to be hosted by Qatar.

    So far, Senegal, Egypt, Mali, Ghana, Morocco, and DR Congo have qualified for the play-off scheduled for March next year.

    The Black Stars of Ghana will know their opponent in the final round of the African qualifiers for the 2022 Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) World Cup on Saturday, December 18, 2021.

    The Black Stars secured a place in the final round after edging the Bafana Bafana of South Africa in Group G on superior goals scored, despite being tied on 13 points each.

    The 10 national teams that have qualified for the playoffs would be paired against each other with the final five to represent Africa in the 2022 FIFA World Cup to be hosted by Qatar.

    So far, Senegal, Egypt, Mali, Ghana, Morocco, and DR Congo have qualified for the play-off scheduled for March next year.

    The other four teams that made the final round include Cameroon, Nigeria, Algeria and Tunisia.

    Source: GNA

  • Charcoal is being smuggled out of Ghana Apaak claims

    Member of Parliament for Builsa South Dr Clement Apaak, has alleged that charcoal has become an important commodity, not only as the source of energy in the country but as a raw material for the pharmaceutical industry locally and internationally, making it a smuggled commodity.

    According to Dr Apaak, charcoal is highly demanded both locally and externally because its traditional use as the source of fuel for many homes in the country has evolved to the level where they use it as the base material for pharmaceutical products such as toothpaste and medicated charcoal.

    Dr Apaak posited that the usual sight of long trucks carting charcoal from the northern part of the country to the southern parts does end up in homes to be used as fuel but is also smuggled out of the country to meet international demands.

    He said this is worrying to the country considering the revelations at the recent Conference Of Parties (COP26) in Glasgow, Scotland where there was a resolution to keep the rise in global temperatures below 2c as adopted in 2015 by the United Nations (UN).

    Dr Apaak hinted that this international demand that has engendered the smuggling of charcoal is making people cut down more trees to burn them for charcoal, which will end up emitting more carbon into the atmosphere.

    “When you see those trucks between Tamale and Kintampo, Kumasi, they are not bringing that charcoal for you and me to go and prepare tea, the charcoal is being smuggled out of the country. Once the charcoal has gained another use and it is a product of timber, you know what is going to happen,” Dr Apaak portended on the New Day.

    He disclosed this in an interview with Johnnie Hughes on the New Day on TV3, Wednesday, November 17.

    On the budget reading by the Minister of Finance Ken Ofori-Atta on the floor of parliament on Wednesday, November 17, Dr Apaak said his expectations will be that of the people, especially the people in his constituency whom he represents.

    Dr Apaak pointed out that the citizenry is not enthused about the budget anymore based on what they have witnessed in past budgets, saying the indices in the build-up towards the budget do not give hope that it is going to ameliorate the hardships of Ghanaians.

    “Some of the issues people are talking about, my constituents, Ghanaians have to do with the increase in fuel prices and how that affects other aspects of human, social endeavors. You and I know that once it affects fuel prices, it affects transport prices, it is bound to affect food prices and almost every other service around that,” he said.

    He wondered if the 2022 budget is going to bring some relief to the people by taking away the many taxes that are embedded to push the cost of fuel to a reduced rate?

    Dr Apaak inquired if the government is going to present the nation with a budget policy that is going to address the increasing cost of building materials in the country.

    He was speaking on the horn of the budget reading by the Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta in parliament on Wednesday, November 17.

    \Source: 3news.com

  • 2022 Budget: Ken Ofori-Atta arrives in Parliament

    Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, has arrived in parliament ahead of the presentation of the 2022 budget statement.

    He arrived in his usual all white attire and holding a brief case, being typical of such occasions.

    The 2022 budget presentation is an eagerly awaited one as the country has recently experienced a spike in prices of petroleum products and food prices.

    The presentation, is in accordance with Article 179 of the 1992 Constitution and section 21 of the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921).

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • It is bad tactics by our competitors MD of La Bianca rejects tax evasion allegations

    The Managing Director of La Bianca Company Limited, Etse Gadegbeku, has rejected allegations of tax evasion levelled against his company by a private citizen, Fred Asare.

    Mr Asare has petitioned the Office of the Special Prosecutor to investigate La Bianca Company Limited, a frozen food importation company, for tax evasion.

    In the petition intercepted by GhanaWeb, Mr Frank Asare, who is the petitioner, said the company whose beneficial owner is one Eunice Hinneh Asomah a member of the governing Board of Ghana Ports and Habour Authority, and a Council of State representative has over a period had its imported products not subjected to approved taxes and levies as prescribed by law.

    According to the petitioner, he has uncovered through painstaking investigations that the evasion of tax by La Bianca is with the support of some officials of the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority.

    “Complainant says it is against this background that he wishes to petition your office to investigate these shady dealings between the Ghana Revenue Authority and La Bianca Company Limited and its subsidiaries pursuant to section 27 (1) of the Office of the Special Prosecutor, 2017 (ACT 959),” the petition added.

    Among other things, the petitioner said the approval of some 10% markdown on legally prescribed benchmark values to La Bianca Company Limited by the Customs Division “was done in an arbitrary and discriminatory manner with the intent to unduly favour La Bianca Company Limited over its business competition.”

    But speaking in an interview with Asaase Radio, the MD of the company denied the allegations saying the underlying motive is a tactic by their competitors to smear the image of La Bianca to gain an advantage for the Christmas shopping season.

    “We operate in a highly competitive environment, and I strongly believe these are bad tactics by our competitors to smear the image of the company and the CEO Hon. Eunice Buah Asomah Hinneh, to gain [an] advantage for the upcoming busy Christmas season. This is the latest move after all attempts by them had failed,” Gadegbeku said.

    “We strongly deny the allegation of corruption and import duties evasion. Labianca company went through all the legal and proper application processes before the discount was given. The substance of their petition does not deny the practice of applying for discount and failed to address the valuable contributions that the company is making to the society as an indigenous Ghanaian business led by a woman”.

    “Hon. Eunice Buah, the CEO of the company, did not at any point in the process influence the decision because of her status as a Council of State representative,” he added.

    Mr Frank Asare, in his petition to the Special Prosecutor, dated November 16, 2021, said, “The beneficial owner of the company enjoys this arbitrary markdown because of her position of influence as a member of the governing board of the Ghana Port and Harbour Authority and a member of the Council of State.”

    The Managing Director of La Bianca Company Limited, Etse Gadegbeku, has rejected allegations of tax evasion levelled against his company by a private citizen, Fred Asare.

    Mr Asare has petitioned the Office of the Special Prosecutor to investigate La Bianca Company Limited, a frozen food importation company, for tax evasion.

    In the petition intercepted by GhanaWeb, Mr Frank Asare, who is the petitioner, said the company whose beneficial owner is one Eunice Hinneh Asomah a member of the governing Board of Ghana Ports and Habour Authority, and a Council of State representative has over a period had its imported products not subjected to approved taxes and levies as prescribed by law.

    According to the petitioner, he has uncovered through painstaking investigations that the evasion of tax by La Bianca is with the support of some officials of the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority.

    “Complainant says it is against this background that he wishes to petition your office to investigate these shady dealings between the Ghana Revenue Authority and La Bianca Company Limited and its subsidiaries pursuant to section 27 (1) of the Office of the Special Prosecutor, 2017 (ACT 959),” the petition added.

    Among other things, the petitioner said the approval of some 10% markdown on legally prescribed benchmark values to La Bianca Company Limited by the Customs Division “was done in an arbitrary and discriminatory manner with the intent to unduly favour La Bianca Company Limited over its business competition.”

    But speaking in an interview with Asaase Radio, the MD of the company denied the allegations saying the underlying motive is a tactic by their competitors to smear the image of La Bianca to gain an advantage for the Christmas shopping season.

    “We operate in a highly competitive environment, and I strongly believe these are bad tactics by our competitors to smear the image of the company and the CEO Hon. Eunice Buah Asomah Hinneh, to gain [an] advantage for the upcoming busy Christmas season. This is the latest move after all attempts by them had failed,” Gadegbeku said.

    “We strongly deny the allegation of corruption and import duties evasion. Labianca company went through all the legal and proper application processes before the discount was given. The substance of their petition does not deny the practice of applying for discount and failed to address the valuable contributions that the company is making to the society as an indigenous Ghanaian business led by a woman”.

    “Hon. Eunice Buah, the CEO of the company, did not at any point in the process influence the decision because of her status as a Council of State representative,” he added.

    Mr Frank Asare, in his petition to the Special Prosecutor, dated November 16, 2021, said, “The beneficial owner of the company enjoys this arbitrary markdown because of her position of influence as a member of the governing board of the Ghana Port and Harbour Authority and a member of the Council of State.”

    But according to the MD, Madam Eunice Buah Asomah Hinneh, even though she previously served on the Board of the Ghana Ports of Harbour Authority, she is no longer a member of the GPHA board as alleged and that she wields no control over the activities of the Customs division of the Ghana Revenue Authority.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Yellow fever outbreak: Death toll goes up to 25

    The Ghana Health Service has disclosed that the recent Yellow Fever outbreak which was first detected in some districts of the Savannah Region has led to 25 deaths.

    According to the latest update by the GHS, the virus has also been detected in the Upper West Region.

    The Ghana Health Service however indicated it has initiated steps to manage the outbreak, since the outbreak of the disease.

    As of November 15, 2021, 43,615 persons have been vaccinated in the Savannah Region as part of this intervention.

    “Following the report of cases in the Savannah Region, other cases have been reported in Wa East District of the Upper West Region and reactive vaccination has also been initiated,” the statement said.

    Read the full statement below:

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Police vs. Parliament stand-off ‘is not good for our democracy’ – Inusah Fuseini

    Former Member of Parliament for Tamale Central, Inusah Fuseini has waded into the raging standoff between the Ghana Police Service and the Parliament of Ghana.

    The matter is connected with a dogged stance by Police to prosecute MP for Madina, Francis-Xavier Sosu for his involvement in a violent public protest in his constituency.

    Speaking on Accra-based Asaase Radio, the former lawmaker said it was in the best interest of both parties to work together and do all it takes to deescalate.

    “I deplore the standoff between Parliament and the police because these are two critical institutions of the state.

    “Admittedly, Parliament is an arm of government but then the police are clearly established for the purposes of maintaining law and order and protecting lives and properties.

    “And so, at all times we should accord some respect to the police service and Members of Parliament and Parliament as an institution. So, the stand-off is not good for our democracy. I mean, the police should help complement the activities of the Members of Parliament,” he added.

    On Tuesday, November 16, 2021, a Kaneshie District Court presided over by Oheneba Kuffuor adjourned the hearing to November 29 – the second adjournment due to the MP’s unavailability.

    Victor Adawudu, Sosu’s lawyer had said in court “my information is that he might be back by next week.”

    The MP is facing two charges of unlawful blockade of a highway and destruction of public property in the aftermath of a protest he led against bad roads in parts of his Constituency on October 25.

    Police tried to arrest him on the day of the protest but failed, an official request to Speaker Alban Bagbin to have the MP released for questioning was also turned down.

    A second arrest attempt was foiled last two weeks at church premises where the MP was worshipping.

    This is the second time the court has had to adjourn the case because of Sosu’s absence.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Special Prosecutor petitioned to investigate Council of State Members company for tax evasion

    A private citizen has petitioned the Office of the Special Prosecutor to investigate La Bianca Company Limited, a frozen food importation company for tax evasion.

    In the petition intercepted by GhanaWeb, Mr Frank Asare, who is the petitioner said the company whose beneficial owner is one Eunice Hinneh Asomah a member of the governing Board of Ghana Ports and Habour Authority, and a Council of State, has over a period had its imported products not subjected to approved taxes and levies as prescribed by law.

    According to the petitioner, he has uncovered through painstaking investigations that the evasion of tax by La Bianca is with the support of some officials of the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority.

    “Complainant says it is against this background that he wishes to petition your office to investigate these shady dealings between the Ghana Revenue Authority and La Bianca Company limited and its subsidiaries pursuant to section 27 (1) of the Office of the Special Prosecutor, 2017 (ACT 959),” the petition added.

    Among other things, the petitioner said the approval of some 10% markdown on legally prescribed benchmark values to La Bianca Company limited by the Customs Division “was done in an arbitrary and discriminatory manner with the intent to unduly favour La Bianca Company Limited over its business competition.”

    “The beneficial owner of the company enjoys this arbitrary mark down because of her position of influence as a member of the governing board of the Ghana Port and Harbour Authority and a member of the Council of State,” the petitioner further said.

    Read the full petition below:

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Ghana Anglican Church doesn’t fully support anti-LGBTQ+ Bill – Archbishop of Canterbury suggests

    “While not condoning same-sex marriage, the Anglican Church in Ghana does not condone the criminalisation of the LGBTQ+ community,” the words of Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury.

    This is the third statement he has issued around Ghana’s anti-LGBTQ+ Bill that is currently before Parliament.

    While not explicitly referring to the Bill – The Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, 2021 – the leader of the global Anglican Communion speaks to a recent meeting with leaders of the Anglican congregation in Ghana.

    “As I said in my first statement on the matter – which still stands – homophobia, including the criminalisation of LGBTQ+ people is always wrong in any context.

    “Additionally, and importantly in this matter, while not condoning same-sex marriage, the Anglican Church in Ghana does not condone the criminalisation of the LGBTQ+ community,” he said at a General Synod meeting held on Tuesday, November 16, 2021.

    He reiterated the Church’s known pro-LGBTQ+ stance and stressed his own position on the matter before asking the faithful to join him pray for Bishops in Ghana.

    “Please join me in praying for the bishops of the Anglican Church in Ghana as they seek to bring the light and life of Christ to decision-making processes in their own country, and to influence their government in defending the most vulnerable in their society,” the statement concluded.

    Synod: Archbishop Justin’s remarks on the Church of Ghana

    Speaking at General Synod today, the Archbishop of Canterbury said homophobia, including the criminalisation of LGBTQ+ people, is always wrong in any context – and that the Anglican Church in Ghana does not condone the criminalisation of the LGBTQ+ community.

    Archbishop Justin said:

    “In response to the point made by the chair of the Business Committee, I wanted to make a couple of comments about the situation in our relations with the Anglican Church in Ghana. As I said in my first statement on the matter – which still stands – homophobia, including the criminalisation of LGBTQ+ people is always wrong in any context. Lambeth 1.10 1998 makes this very clear, as do various communiques by the Primates since then. Additionally, and importantly in this matter, while not condoning same-sex marriage, the Anglican Church in Ghana does not condone the criminalisation of the LGBTQ+ community.

    “I continue to pray for and seek to support all those who struggle and suffer in the LGBTQ+ community and all those who suffer also from the ongoing effects of colonialism and imbalances of global power. As with many of the differences and divisions within the Anglican Communion, as Archbishop and as one of the Instruments of Communion and what is called a ‘focus of unity, I carry on numerous discussions in private which if made public would be rendered useless or even harmful.

    “Please join me in praying for the bishops of the Anglican Church in Ghana as they seek to bring the light and life of Christ to decision-making processes in their own country, and to influence their government in defending the most vulnerable in their society.”

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Amartey’s penalty incident: Randy Abbey believes the referee was spot on

    Randy Abbey backs Ndiaye Maguette for awarding Ghana a penalty against South Africa

    Ghana pip South Africa to qualify for playoffs

    SAFA file protest to CAF and FIFA over controversial penalty in Ghana defeat

    GFA’s executive council member Randy Abbey has said referee Ndiaye Maguette’s penalty decision in Ghana’s win over South Africa in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers was a good call.

    Maguette awarded the Black Stars a penalty after Daniel Amartey was pulled in an attempt to deny the Leicester City defender from connecting a corner.

    The Senegalese official has been heavily criticised for his decision as many believe Amartey dived after a little contact. Hence it was a soft penalty call.

    The South African FA are said to file a protest to CAF and FIFA regarding the incident and probably demand a replay.

    For Randy Abbey, SAFA has the right to protest the decision, but the referee was spot on.

    “For the South Africans, they have every right to say that they think the decision went against them and all that. I don’t think that we need to focus on that; as far as I am concerned, I believe that the decision was right and that the referee was spot on.

    “The referee demonstrated throughout the game that he was very impartial, so it is within the right of South Africa to protest and complain,” he said in an audio aired on Kumasi based Angel FM.

    Randy Abbey backs Ndiaye Maguette for awarding Ghana a penalty against South Africa

    Ghana pip South Africa to qualify for playoffs

    SAFA file protest to CAF and FIFA over controversial penalty in Ghana defeat

    GFA’s executive council member Randy Abbey has said referee Ndiaye Maguette’s penalty decision in Ghana’s win over South Africa in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers was a good call.

    Maguette awarded the Black Stars a penalty after Daniel Amartey was pulled in an attempt to deny the Leicester City defender from connecting a corner.

    The Senegalese official has been heavily criticised for his decision as many believe Amartey dived after a little contact. Hence it was a soft penalty call.

    The South African FA are said to file a protest to CAF and FIFA regarding the incident and probably demand a replay.

    For Randy Abbey, SAFA has the right to protest the decision, but the referee was spot on.

    “For the South Africans, they have every right to say that they think the decision went against them and all that. I don’t think that we need to focus on that; as far as I am concerned, I believe that the decision was right and that the referee was spot on.

    “The referee demonstrated throughout the game that he was very impartial, so it is within the right of South Africa to protest and complain,” he said in an audio aired on Kumasi based Angel FM.

    Ghana, following the win, advanced to the final round of the qualifiers.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Yesterday was a perfect night’ – Dede Ayew reacts to Ghana win over South Africa

    Black Stars captain, Andre Dede Ayew, has commended his teammates for their performance against the Bafana Bafana of South Africa in the FIFA World Cup qualifier.

    Andre Dede Ayew scored from the spot-kick to give Ghana a 1-0 win over the South Africans at the Cape Coast Sports Stadium on Sunday, November 14, 2021.

    The Black Stars qualified ahead of South Africa on goal difference as both countries finished the qualifiers with 13 points each.

    “Yesterday was a perfect night ! We are one step closer to our aim. As always the team was on fire and boys fought till the end. Support was unbelievable, thank you Ghana,” Andre Dede Ayew tweeted.

    Ghana has qualified to the playoff stage in the World Cup qualification alongside Egypt, Morocco, DR Congo, Mali, and Senegal.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Court rescind bail of accused female coup plotter

    The Accra High Court trying the ten persons accused of plotting to overthrow the government has rescinded the bail of Warrant Officer Class Two (WOII) Esther Saan, the only female member.

    WOII Saan on Wednesday, November 10, 2021, failed to attend Court hence a bench warrant was issued for her arrest.

    The three-member panel of judges presided over by Justice Afia Serwaa Asare-Botwe ruled that if she was granted bail, she would not attend Court to stand trial, hence, ordered that she should be transported to the Nsawam Prisons.

    Her counsel had earlier informed the Court that she was indisposed and was admitted at an undisclosed hospital.

    The Court later received two excuse duty letters from two separate health facilities with different dates.

    One was from the Judicial Service Clinic dated Wednesday, November 10 whilst the other was from the Kpeshie Military Clinic dated Monday, November 15.

    The Court found out that both excuse duty letters did not state that WOII Saan was admitted at the 37 Military Hospital as defense counsel had informed the Court.

    The judge stated that the panel discovered that the accused person went to the Judicial Service Clinic to ask for a two-day excuse duty but failed to state she was standing trial.

    WOII Saan is standing trial with Dr Frederick Yao Mac Palm, Chief Executive Officer of the Citadel Hospital, Donyo Kafui, blacksmith, alias Ezor, Bright Alan Debrah, alias BB, Freight manager, Johannes Zikpi, signaler with the Ghana Armed Forces, Corporal Seidu Abubakar, Corporal Sylvester Akanpewu, Lance Airforce Corporal (LAC) Ali Solomon, Colonel Kojo Gameli and Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Benjamin Agordzo.

    They are facing varied charges, including conspiracy to commit a crime, high treason, possession of ammunition and abetment.

    The Accra High Court trying the ten persons accused of plotting to overthrow the government has rescinded the bail of Warrant Officer Class Two (WOII) Esther Saan, the only female member.

    WOII Saan on Wednesday, November 10, 2021, failed to attend Court hence a bench warrant was issued for her arrest.

    The three-member panel of judges presided over by Justice Afia Serwaa Asare-Botwe ruled that if she was granted bail, she would not attend Court to stand trial, hence, ordered that she should be transported to the Nsawam Prisons.

    Her counsel had earlier informed the Court that she was indisposed and was admitted at an undisclosed hospital.

    The Court later received two excuse duty letters from two separate health facilities with different dates.

    One was from the Judicial Service Clinic dated Wednesday, November 10 whilst the other was from the Kpeshie Military Clinic dated Monday, November 15.

    The Court found out that both excuse duty letters did not state that WOII Saan was admitted at the 37 Military Hospital as defense counsel had informed the Court.

    The judge stated that the panel discovered that the accused person went to the Judicial Service Clinic to ask for a two-day excuse duty but failed to state she was standing trial.

    WOII Saan is standing trial with Dr Frederick Yao Mac Palm, Chief Executive Officer of the Citadel Hospital, Donyo Kafui, blacksmith, alias Ezor, Bright Alan Debrah, alias BB, Freight manager, Johannes Zikpi, signaler with the Ghana Armed Forces, Corporal Seidu Abubakar, Corporal Sylvester Akanpewu, Lance Airforce Corporal (LAC) Ali Solomon, Colonel Kojo Gameli and Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Benjamin Agordzo.

    They are facing varied charges, including conspiracy to commit a crime, high treason, possession of ammunition and abetment.

    They have denied the charges and have been granted bail.

    Source: GNA

  • Guan DCE dies after 11 days in office

    The recently confirmed District Chief Executive of the Guan District Assembly, Mr Marlon Anipa has reportedly died.

    According to DGN Online, the death of the first DCE of the newly created district comes just 11 days after he assumed office.

    Mr Anipa was unanimously endorsed by Assembly members of the Guan District after he was nominated by President Nana Addo Dankwa-Akufo-Addo as part of his second term administration.

    He gained the votes of all 19 assembly members during his confirmation election some two weeks ago.

    The late DCE was a Specialist Consultant and an active member of the ruling New Patriotic Party in the United Kingdom before relocating to Ghana.

    The recently confirmed District Chief Executive of the Guan District Assembly, Mr Marlon Anipa has reportedly died.

    According to DGN Online, the death of the first DCE of the newly created district comes just 11 days after he assumed office.

    Mr Anipa was unanimously endorsed by Assembly members of the Guan District after he was nominated by President Nana Addo Dankwa-Akufo-Addo as part of his second term administration.

    He gained the votes of all 19 assembly members during his confirmation election some two weeks ago.

    The late DCE was a Specialist Consultant and an active member of the ruling New Patriotic Party in the United Kingdom before relocating to Ghana.

    He contested and lost on the ticket of the party in the 2016 parliamentary elections.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • It’s an insult to ask party hierarchy to approach Konadu for a comeback – Ben Ephson to Zanetor

    Ghanaian Pollster, Ben Ephson, has expressed disappointment in the Klottey Korle MP, Zanetor Agyeman Rawlings after she called on the NDC to do all they can to bring back Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings to the party.

    Ben, in his opinion, believes there are better ways she could have pleaded with the party than openly beseeching the party.

    He reasoned that it was very disrespectful for Zanetor to ask the party hierarchy to approach the former first lady when she [Konadu] took the step of leaving the party.

    Ben Ephson shared his opinion on the matter during an interview with Happy FM’s Don Prah on the ‘Epa Hoa Daben’ show.

    “As an analyst, I believe there would have been better ways of achieving the same end results. The woman left in 2012 obviously pained by her abysmal performance of challenging Mills. Even the husband could not convince her to return to the party”.

    “My disagreement was with the way Zanetor openly asked the party to approach her to come back. If, for example, you had gone through the council of elders and I am sure one or two Council of Elders members would have said, ‘look since the demise of Rawlings, it is time for Konadu to come back to the party, this will be from among them but to ask the party hierarchy to come and ask her back to the party, I felt that it will be a bit of an insult.”

    The pollster was of the view that because there are procedures that guide actions in the party, it would be appropriate for Konadu Agyeman Rawlings to reapply for the party to accept her again.

    Dr Zanetor Rawlings called on the National Democratic Congress (NDC) elders to make amends and bring back her mother, Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings, to the party.

    The late Rawling’s wife broke away from the NDC after missing out in a flagbearer bid to form her party, the National Democratic Party (NDP).

    Following the death of her husband last year, she withdrew from the 2020 general elections and has since not been active in politics.

    Ghanaian Pollster, Ben Ephson, has expressed disappointment in the Klottey Korle MP, Zanetor Agyeman Rawlings after she called on the NDC to do all they can to bring back Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings to the party.

    Ben, in his opinion, believes there are better ways she could have pleaded with the party than openly beseeching the party.

    He reasoned that it was very disrespectful for Zanetor to ask the party hierarchy to approach the former first lady when she [Konadu] took the step of leaving the party.

    Ben Ephson shared his opinion on the matter during an interview with Happy FM’s Don Prah on the ‘Epa Hoa Daben’ show.

    “As an analyst, I believe there would have been better ways of achieving the same end results. The woman left in 2012 obviously pained by her abysmal performance of challenging Mills. Even the husband could not convince her to return to the party”.

    “My disagreement was with the way Zanetor openly asked the party to approach her to come back. If, for example, you had gone through the council of elders and I am sure one or two Council of Elders members would have said, ‘look since the demise of Rawlings, it is time for Konadu to come back to the party, this will be from among them but to ask the party hierarchy to come and ask her back to the party, I felt that it will be a bit of an insult.”

    The pollster was of the view that because there are procedures that guide actions in the party, it would be appropriate for Konadu Agyeman Rawlings to reapply for the party to accept her again.

    Dr Zanetor Rawlings called on the National Democratic Congress (NDC) elders to make amends and bring back her mother, Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings, to the party.

    The late Rawling’s wife broke away from the NDC after missing out in a flagbearer bid to form her party, the National Democratic Party (NDP).

    Following the death of her husband last year, she withdrew from the 2020 general elections and has since not been active in politics.

    At the 1st anniversary of the late J.J Rawlings on Friday, November 12, 2021, Dr Zanetor Rawlings extended appreciation to the NDC for the continuous support while appealing for the elders in the party to work to bring back her mother.

    Source: happyghana.com

  • We must control energy systems used in Ghana Fox Company MD

    The effect of climate change will eventually affect everything on earth if not addressed, the MD of Fox Cooling Company Ltd, has said.

    Mario Yazbeck, speaking on the matter, stated that human activities such as deforestation, burnings from fuel, coal, oil, and gas have been the main cause of climate change in the world.

    According to him, reports on Global warming evidently show that the earth is now about 1.1°C warmer than it was in the past.

    He further cautioned that as concerned citizens, we must collectively work together to combat the consequences of climate change which now includes intense droughts, water shortage, fires, rising sea levels, floods and disastrous storms which are harmful to human existence.

    In recent times, global warming and climate change have become an important issue that has received global attention.

    We must control energy systems used in Ghana - Fox Company MD

    This is because the earth is an interconnected setup, where, changes in one area can influence changes in all others.

    Amongst the few who have shown concern on the subject matter is the Fox Cooling Company MD.

    Mr. Yazbeck mentioned that one way through which climate change can be checked is by controlling the energy systems used in the country.

    He said Fox Cooling as part of its effort to protect the environment ensures that it does not focus on simply acquiring and using good quality equipment, but also ensures to use good quality equipment that “heals” rather than harms the environment.

    Mr Mario said, “By associating with Fox Cooling, you automatically improve your own green print and together we heal our environment sustainably, so we can own it for our future businesses”.

    Fox Cooling Company Ltd is one of the leading HVAC industry and the official distributors of leading brands like Daikin air conditions, Sodeca ventilation and Tecnair close control in Ghana and across West Africa.

    Source: myjoyonline.com

  • Vice President of Dangote Group, Sani Dangote dies

    Sani Dangote, the vice president of the Dangote Group and brother to Aliko Dangote, has died.

    The Group confirmed his demise on Monday in a brief statement via social media.

    “It is with a heavy heart but with total submission to Almighty Allah that we announce the passing of our Group Vice President, Alhaji Sani Dangote today, 14th November 2021.

    “May Allah SWT grant him mercy and Admit him in Aljannat-al-Firdaus!” the statement read.

    Alhaji Sani Dangote was an established businessman with investments in key sectors of the economy including manufacturing, agriculture, banking, and oil services.

    He also sat on the Board of several other companies including Nigerian Textile Mills Plc, Nutra Sweet Limited, Gum Arabic Limited, Dangote Textile Mills Limited, Alsan Insurance Brokers, Dan-Hydro Company Limited, Dansa Food Processing Company Limited, and Dangote Farms Limited.

    He is also the Deputy Chairman of the African Gum Arabic Producers Association and a two-time President of Lagos Polo Club in addition to being a professional polo player.

    Sani Dangote is a member of several Chambers of Commerce, a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Shipping of Nigeria, and President of the Fertiliser Producers and Suppliers Association (“FERSAN”).

    In reaction to his death, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, expressed sadness, describing the demise as a painful loss.

    According to a statement in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Lanre Lasisi, the Speaker said Sani Dangote would be sorely missed by many Nigerians, noting that his contributions to the development of the Dangote Group and by extension, the private sector in Nigeria would remain indelible.

    He described the late Sani Dangote as a perfect gentleman who gave his best to the growth and development of the Dangote Group.

    Gbajabiamila sent his heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Kano State, the Dangote family, especially the president of the Dangote Group, Alh. Aliko Dangote and the entire management and staff of Dangote Group.

    He prayed that the Almighty Allah grants the soul of late Alhaji Sani Dangote a peaceful resting place in Jannatul Firdaus.

    Source: channelstv.com

  • When God blesses you with position, use it well – Bawumia tells political leaders

    The Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has admonished leaders, especially political leaders, to use their positions very well so that they can make a meaningful impact on the people.

    Addressing thousands of Muslims at the 2021 National Chief Imam’s Maulid (celebration of the birth of Prophet Muhammad S.A.W.) in Accra on Saturday, Dr. Bawumia said, leadership position is a special grace from God, and as such, it is important for those who benefit from this grace to work in the interest of the people.

    “The National Chief Imam always says that when Allah bestows His grace on you, be thankful to Him and let the people also benefit from the grace,” Dr. Bawumia said.

    “For us, political leaders, the position we hold is by the grace of God, which should not be for our interest. So when we have this position, it has to be for the good of the people; everybody, especially the vulnerable, women, men and the poor.

    “As a leader, the people will always ask you; what did you do for us with the position? We have to work and do the right thing so that the people will benefit.”

    The Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has admonished leaders, especially political leaders, to use their positions very well so that they can make a meaningful impact on the people.

    Addressing thousands of Muslims at the 2021 National Chief Imam’s Maulid (celebration of the birth of Prophet Muhammad S.A.W.) in Accra on Saturday, Dr. Bawumia said, leadership position is a special grace from God, and as such, it is important for those who benefit from this grace to work in the interest of the people.

    “The National Chief Imam always says that when Allah bestows His grace on you, be thankful to Him and let the people also benefit from the grace,” Dr. Bawumia said.

    “For us, political leaders, the position we hold is by the grace of God, which should not be for our interest. So when we have this position, it has to be for the good of the people; everybody, especially the vulnerable, women, men and the poor.

    “As a leader, the people will always ask you; what did you do for us with the position? We have to work and do the right thing so that the people will benefit.”

    The Vice President was the Special Guest for the ceremony.

    Source: peacefmonline.com

  • 6 more die of suspected yellow fever

    Six new deaths have been recorded from the suspected yellow fever outbreak in the Savannah Region.

    This puts the number of persons who have died from the disease so far at 14.

    The individuals include a male adult and 13 children.

    According to Graphic Online, “twenty-two persons who contracted the disease are currently on admission at the West Gonja Municipal Hospital in Damongo, while 17 others have been treated and discharged from the same facility.

    This was revealed by the Savannah Regional Director of Health Services, Dr. Chrysantus Kubio. According to her, all the cases were recorded in the West Gonja Municipality and the North Gonja District.

    He indicated that the new cases were recorded after the regional health directorate intensified its surveillance in the various communities.

    He added that most of the initial deaths were due to the delay in reporting to the health facilities.

    Dr Kubio indicated that the directorate had dispatched medical personnel to the affected communities to vaccinate and screen the residents.

    “There is no cause for alarm because we are doing everything possible to contain the situation,” he assured.

    He advised the residents to report early to the health facilities for medical checkups when they detect any signs and symptoms of the disease.

    Background

    In October 2021 The Ghana Health Service issued a statement announcing that there is a suspected case of Yellow Fever recorded in the Savannah Region.

    Eight persons are said to have died from the suspected Yellow Fever.

    According to the GHS, samples taken to test for other viral infections such as Ebola, Lassa, Marbug and Zika all tested negative.

    It said the affected persons were nomads from slated communities in the West and North Gonja.

    The GHS has therefore admonished the public to avoid mosquito bites or take the vaccination against Yellow Fever if they had never taken it.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Case of unlawful damage against Owusu Bempah adjourned to Nov. 29

    Circuit Court 2 presided over by Her Honour Mrs Rosemond Baah Torsu has adjourned the case in which Rev. Isaac Owusu Bempah is standing trial for allegedly causing harm to police officers to November 29, 2021.

    The General Overseer of Glorious Word Power Ministry International together with Michael Boateng, Frederick Ohene, and Nathaniel Agyekum all pleaded not guilty to two charges each of Abetment to cause harm and unlawful damage.

    They were granted GHc100,000 bail each with a surety to justify.

    In court on Monday, when the case was called for Case Management Conference, the matter was adjourned to November 29, 2021.

    This is the second time in a week that Owusu Bempah was appearing in court.

    He was together with six other persons charged for threat of death on Patricia Asiedua Koranteng aka Nana Agradaa.

    They all pleaded not guilty and have been granted bail.

    Brief facts

    The brief facts of the case as presented to the court by Detective Chief Inspector Dennis Terkpetey were that the complainants are police personnel stationed at the intelligence unit of the Ghana Police Service at Police Headquarters.

    According to the prosecutor, the first accused person (Rev Owusu Bempah) is the General Overseer of the Glorious Word Power Ministry International while second, third and fourth accused persons are members of the Church.

    He told the court that, on September 9, 2021, the first accused including some members of his church including one Mensah Ofori an associate pastor of the first accused person beseeched the premises of Evangelist Patricia Oduro Koranteng alias Nana Agradaa and threatened to kill her which video went viral on social media.

    He said, on September 12, the police identified some of the young men including the said Mensah Ofori and Bright Berchie as among the two people in the viral video threatening the complainant and brandishing a pistol.

    He said the Complainants (Police personnel) onboard Toyota Corolla with registration number NR9602-20 visited the church of first accused at Sakaman after the Church had closed service to arrest Mensah Ofori and Bright Adu Berchie.

    Hr said, another team of plainclothes policemen had arrested Mensah Ofori to the Dansoman Police station and detained him.

    Chief Inspector Terkpetey said the first accused upon seeing the police personnel ordered his church members to beat and kill them.

    “He further ordered his church members to march to Dansoman police station to free Mensah Ofori.

    “Some of the church members among whom were the second, third and fourth accused set upon the police and beat them up amidst firing of gunshot, disarmed the police of two service rifles and vandalised the Toyota corolla saloon car.”

    According to him, four police officers were injured and were admitted at the police hospital for treatment.

    “On September 14, the policemen were discharged for them to report himself periodically for review.

    “Investigations also led to the retrieval of one of the service weapons from a church member,” he explained.

    He said, “a second weapon was also retrieved through the help of the station officer of the Dansoman police.

    After Investigations, the accused persons were charged and arraigned before the court.

    Source: kasapafmonline.com

  • LGBTQ+ Bill: Archbishop of Canterbury, senior clergy of Anglican Church of Ghana agree to respect cultures

    Senior bishops of the Anglican Church in the United Kingdom and Ghana have agreed that although human dignity is always paramount, cultural and social contexts must also be considered.

    This agreement was established during a virtual meeting held between the Archbishop of Canterbury and senior clergy of the Anglican Church of Ghana on Wednesday, November 3.

    The fraternity discussed their different positions on the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, presently before Parliament.

    The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, was one of the several UK-based church leaders who expressed worry over the Bill.

    Taking to Twitter on October 26, he decried the stands of the Anglican Church of Ghana, stating that “the majority of Anglicans within the global Anglican Communion are committed to upholding both the traditional teaching on marriage as laid out in the 1998 Lambeth Conference Resolution I:10 and the rights of every person, regardless of sexual orientation, before the law.”

    But in a statement issued after the meeting, Archbishop Welby admitted that he has no authority over the Anglican Church of Ghana, therefore, ensured that the conversation was one between equals.

    “We are a global family of churches who are autonomous but interdependent: a holy, catholic, apostolic Church bound together by history, sacraments, liturgy, and the love of Jesus Christ for each and every person,” he added.

    The Archbishop, however, assured that there would be a continued “good conversation with the Anglican Church of Ghana” ahead of any future public statements.

    In August, eight parliamentarians jointly submitted a private bill to push for the criminalisation of LGBTQ+ activities in the country.

    The proponents also want the promotion, advocacy, funding, and acts of homosexuality to be forbidden in the country.

    Since the controversial bill was made public, opposers have argued that should the bill be passed into law, it will be in violation of the fundamental human rights of individuals who identify with the group.

    The bill is currently with the Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee of Parliament who is hearing the arguments of both proponents and opposers to make an informed decision on it.

    Source: MyJoyOnline.com

  • The Untold: The woman drawing strength from her biggest challenge

    When a new parent discovers something is wrong with their child, they would usually do anything possible to ensure that the defect is corrected.

    Whether medical, physical or spiritual, a parent will do just about anything and go just about anywhere to get the results. That is what being a parent entails a lot of the time: the unconditional love.

    This is one of those things that have now formed the love that Agnes Teiko Nyemi-Tei, a mother of a child living with down syndrome, has for her daughter who has down syndrome.

    Her story, also captures the weird circumstances under which she got married twice, but lost those marriages.

    The story of Agnes and her daughter, Todah, can be viewed here:

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Heres how much law students in Ghana are allegedly paying for 2021/22 academic year

    With all the brouhaha surrounding legal education in Ghana, several calls have over the period been made for an expansion for access to legal education.

    The limited availability of space for prospective law students to study and acquire their practising license seems to have brought with it a relatively high cost of acquiring legal education.

    Data sighted by GhanaWeb indicates that law students from the various law faculties, as well as the Ghana School of Law for the 2021/2022 academic year, are paying between GHC1,608 and $9,000.

    With all the brouhaha surrounding legal education in Ghana, several calls have over the period been made for an expansion for access to legal education.

    The limited availability of space for prospective law students to study and acquire their practising license seems to have brought with it a relatively high cost of acquiring legal education.

    Data sighted by GhanaWeb indicates that law students from the various law faculties, as well as the Ghana School of Law for the 2021/2022 academic year, are paying between GHC1,608 and $9,000.

    See details of fees being paid by law students for the 2021/2022 academic year below:

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Ghana joins African giants for 2022 FIFA World Cup playoffs

    Ghana has become the sixth country to qualify to the playoff stage of the African 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

    The Black Stars met expectations on Sunday, 14 November 2021, when they beat South Africa 1-0 at the Cape Coast Stadium to top Group G.

    Captain Andre Dede Ayew converted a 33rd-minute penalty to bag the points which ensured they were tied on 13 points with Bafana Bafana.

    But Milovan Rajavac’s men went through to the last qualifying round with more goals (7 compared to South Africa’s 6) scored.

    Ghana have joined Senegal, Morocco, Egypt, Mali and DR Congo with the remaining four spots to be decided on Monday.

    The playoffs will come off in March next year.

    Ghana made their debut appearance in 2006 and were part of the 32 finalists at the 2010 edition in South Africa and four years later in Brazil.

    Ghana has become the sixth country to qualify to the playoff stage of the African 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

    The Black Stars met expectations on Sunday, 14 November 2021, when they beat South Africa 1-0 at the Cape Coast Stadium to top Group G.

    Captain Andre Dede Ayew converted a 33rd-minute penalty to bag the points which ensured they were tied on 13 points with Bafana Bafana.

    But Milovan Rajavac’s men went through to the last qualifying round with more goals (7 compared to South Africa’s 6) scored.

    Ghana have joined Senegal, Morocco, Egypt, Mali and DR Congo with the remaining four spots to be decided on Monday.

    The playoffs will come off in March next year.

    Ghana made their debut appearance in 2006 and were part of the 32 finalists at the 2010 edition in South Africa and four years later in Brazil.

    But the Black Stars failed to qualify for last edition of the tournament in Russia.

    Source: ghanasoccernet.com

  • Mohammed Kudus suffers injury in South Africa clash

    Ghana midfielder Mohammed Kudus suffered another injury setback on Sunday, November 14, during the Black Stars final 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier in Cape Coast.

    The Ajax Amsterdam player retired in the 12th minute in an off-the-ball incident and signaled the bench to replace him.

    Before that, he had been lively on the pitch and contributing to the incessant pressure pile on the Bafana Bafana.

    His injury which looked like a recurring one will send him back to the treatment after the international break.

    ”Kudus had a rib problem and so he will need further tests to ascertain the severity of the injury,” a source close to the player told GHANASoccernet.com.

    Kudus was replaced by Germany-based Daniel-Kofi Kyereh.

    Ghana midfielder Mohammed Kudus suffered another injury setback on Sunday, November 14, during the Black Stars final 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier in Cape Coast.

    The Ajax Amsterdam player retired in the 12th minute in an off-the-ball incident and signaled the bench to replace him.

    Before that, he had been lively on the pitch and contributing to the incessant pressure pile on the Bafana Bafana.

    His injury which looked like a recurring one will send him back to the treatment after the international break.

    ”Kudus had a rib problem and so he will need further tests to ascertain the severity of the injury,” a source close to the player told GHANASoccernet.com.

    Kudus was replaced by Germany-based Daniel-Kofi Kyereh.

    Despite his absence, Ghana went on to secure the vital win which sent the four-time African champions to the playoff stage of the African qualifiers.

    Source: ghanasoccernet.com

    Despite his absence, Ghana went on to secure the vital win which sent the four-time African champions to the playoff stage of the African qualifiers.

  • 2022 World Cup qualifiers: How every Ghanaian player performed against South Africa

    Ghana captain Andre Ayew scored on his 100th cap for the Black Stars to send Ghana through to the final phase of the 2022 World Cup qualifiers.

    The South Africans arrived in Cape Coast leading the Black Stars three points and needing a draw to seal progressing but a resolute performance from the Stars saw the team grind out a 1-0 victory to steal the only slot available in group G.

    With several players stepping up and playing above themselves, below is how GHANAsoccernet.com rated every Ghanaian player.

    Wollacott Joseph – 7

    The Swindon keeper was very composed in post today. He commanded the defence well and did well to handle few aerial balls into his box.

    Andy Yiadom – 6

    The Reading Right back had his best game in Ghana shirts. He contributed little offensively, he was great in defence especially in the dying minute when his timely block stopped a South African player from having a shot at goal.

    Baba Rahman – 7

    The experienced left-back did put in a good shift at the back. Even when he looked exhausted he played above him to win crucial tackles.

    Daniel Amartey – 8

    The central defender won the all-important penalty which was converted by Andre Ayew. He was a monster at the back.

    Alexander Djiku – 7

    The giant defender answered all questions thrown at him. He was brave, effective and timely.

    Baba Iddrisu – 6

    He was the quietest of the two defensive midfielders but did his job well on the night

    Wakaso Mubarak – 7

    As expected, Wakaso is made for this kind of game and he did what was expected of him. He played his heart out like his life depended on the 3 points.

    Kudus Mohammed n/a He was subbed off injured after 12 minutes.

    Andre Ayew – 7

    The Captain led by example and scored the all-important penalty in a tension-packed game.

    Jordan Ayew – 7

    Jordan did everything right tonight except scoring. His runs and hold-on play helped the team when the South Africans poured more men forward,

    Kamaldeen Sulemana – 7

    He had a quiet first half but was in full force in the 2nd half taking on opposition players for fun. He needs to be more efficient though.

    Kofi Kyereh – 6

    His well-taken corner kick led to the penalty which fetched the Blackstars the all-important win. He missed a sitter when the game was 0-0.

    Source: ghanasoccernet.com

  • Watch highlights of Ghana’s 1-0 win over South Africa

    Ghana booked a place in the final round of World Cup qualification after beating South Africa 1-0 at the Cape Coast stadium on Sunday night.

    The Black Stars were three points behind prior to the game and needed the win.

    Andre Ayew got the job done for Milovan Rajevac’s side, converting from the spot.

    The team now await their next opponents who they are expected to battle in March 2022.

    https://youtu.be/p7M246xmXBY

    Source: footballghana.com

  • Video highlights of Hearts of Oak 1-1 draw with Aduana Stars

    Defending champions Hearts of Oak extended their search for a first league this term after throwing away a lead to draw 1-1 with Aduana Stars at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday, 14 November 2021.

    The Phobians had finished the last ten minutes of the match with ten men after defender Mohammed Alhassan was sent off for a tackle which resulted in a penalty for the visitors.

    Striker Bright Adjei-adjudged Man of the Match- stepped up and sent goalkeeper Richard Baidoo the wrong way for the equalizer in the 80th minute.

    Hearts of Oak took the lead in the 10th minute when burly striker Kofi Kodzi drilled home from close range after collecting a through pass from Salifu Ibrahim inside the box.

    Minutes later, Kodzi was fouled cynically close to the box after tearing away from his marker Thomas Boateng who picked up a yellow for the tackle.

    The resultant free-kick was skied over the frame by winger Ibrahim.

    Hearts of Oak have played three games without a win.

    Defending champions Hearts of Oak extended their search for a first league this term after throwing away a lead to draw 1-1 with Aduana Stars at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday, 14 November 2021.

    The Phobians had finished the last ten minutes of the match with ten men after defender Mohammed Alhassan was sent off for a tackle which resulted in a penalty for the visitors.

    Striker Bright Adjei-adjudged Man of the Match- stepped up and sent goalkeeper Richard Baidoo the wrong way for the equalizer in the 80th minute.

    Hearts of Oak took the lead in the 10th minute when burly striker Kofi Kodzi drilled home from close range after collecting a through pass from Salifu Ibrahim inside the box.

    Minutes later, Kodzi was fouled cynically close to the box after tearing away from his marker Thomas Boateng who picked up a yellow for the tackle.

    The resultant free-kick was skied over the frame by winger Ibrahim.

    Hearts of Oak have played three games without a win.

    https://youtu.be/JNv_xF2yYp8

    Source: ghanasoccernet.com

  • Western Region illicit baby trade: Two more grabbed, one discharged

    The National Investigative Bureau (NIB) has nabbed two more persons allegedly involved in the stealing and sale of babies at Atuabo and Half Assini in the Western Region.

    Komene Nda Kwakye aka John Quashie who was at large and Ayisha Barry were nabbed by NIB and arraigned.

    Earlier on four persons, including a retired midwife, allegedly involved in the stealing and sale of babies at Atuabo and Half Assin in the Western Region were nabbed by the National Investigative Bureau (NIB).

    However, when accused persons were put before an Accra Circuit Court, Cynthia Quashie, private security personnel, was discharged after the charges were amended and substituted.

    Cynthia Beyeden, a 63-year-old Retired Midwife/ Nurse, Sylvester Quashie, a mason, Ediemu Bozoma, a 55-year-old trader, Komene Nda Kwakye aka John Quarshie and Ayisha Barry appeared before the court today.

    Beyeden is facing two counts of child stealing.

    The rest of the accused persons have been variously held over abetment of crime and conspiracy and hindrance to the inquest.

    Ayisha Barry is additionally being held over the abandonment of Infant. She is said to have abandoned her newborn baby at the house of Cynthia Beyeden.

    They have all pleaded not guilty.

    The court presided over by Mrs Evelyn Asamoah admitted the five accused persons to bail in the sum of GHC150,000 each with two sureties each.

    The court ordered the prosecution to file their disclosures by December 7 and adjourned the matter to December 14.

    Mr George Asamaning, Counsel for Cynthia, prayed the court to admit his client to bail because she was not a flight risk.

    According to Mr Asamaning, the charges preferred on his client were bailable.

    He told the court that his client had been in custody for some time now and she should be admitted to bail.

    Mr Yaw Dankwah, who represented three of the accused, Sylvester, Bozoma and Kwakye, said there was nowhere in the laws of Ghana indicating that accused persons should assist police in investigations.

    Mr Dankwah said the accused should be granted bail as the charges preferred against his clients were flimsy.

    He said the facts of the Police did not support the charges.

    Defense Counsel, therefore, prayed the court to admit his clients to bail since they have people to stand as sureties.

    Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Fuseini Yakubu opposed the grant of bail, saying officials of the NIB did not know the place of abode of the accused persons.

    ASP Yakubu noted that the NIB would like to conduct a DNA test on Ayisha Barry to ascertain whether she was one of the mothers of the dead babies.

    He said the accused when granted bail would tamper with investigations.

    Narrating the facts, Chief Inspector Apiorsornu, said NIB, acting on intelligence, arrested suspects Cynthia Beyejen, Ediemu Bozoma, Sylvester Quarshie in the Western Region.

    The prosecution said Sylvester Quarshie, was arrested after he tried to offer a seven-month baby boy for sale at GH¢80,000.00 at Atuabo to undercover NIB personnel.

    He said the Bureau’s Agent feigned interest in buying the said victim and arrested him.

    The prosecution said Sylvester did all the negotiation on phone with the Agent and even sent recorded video of the late victim, Nhyira, a 10-day-old baby girl to show that he was into the business of baby selling.

    Sylvester mentioned Beyejen, a retired midwife as his source, it said.

    The prosecution said investigations revealed that Bozoma and Cynthia Quarshie had been assisting Sylvester Quarshie Nyamekeh.

    It said Bozoma and Cynthia Quashie had been keeping and taking care of the victims in their houses and later given to Sylvester Quarshie for ‘disposal’.

    According to the prosecutor, it was also established that the late victim Nhyira, was with Ediemu Bozoma, Cynthia Quarshie and Quarshie and that they claimed the victim, Nhyira, died while with them at home.

    It said Bozoma, had informed Cynthia Beyejen of the death of Nhyira and Beyejen ordered “Bozoma”, and Quashie to bury Nhyira without reporting to any authority.

    According to the prosecution, Komene stated that it was normal in the area for rush burial to take place without reporting and denied knowing it was a crime to bury anybody without reporting.

    On October 28, this year, Beyejen led a team of NIB officials to arrest Ayisha Barry as the mother of Jerome, one of the babies.

    The prosecution said Beyejen further told the team that Ayisha Barry came to her with the intention of aborting her pregnancy that had reached an advanced stage.

    Beyejen said she gave Ayisha Barry induction labour and she delivered.

    However, after delivery, Beyejen informed Ayisha that the baby was dead, and she (Beyejen) sent the baby to Bozoma.

    Ayisha however denied that Jerome was her son. Jerome is however on admission at the NIB Clinic and was responding to treatment.

    Source: GNA

  • Managing bird flu has been challenging – Minister

    The Minister for Food and Agriculture, Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto has outlined some measures put in place to control the spread of bird flu in Ghana.

    He indicated that there has been a total ban on the import of poultry products from our neighboring countries where the outbreak has already been confirmed.

    He added that to ensure public safety, the public has been advised to report any unusual deaths in domestic poultry and wild birds.

    “Citizens should desist from handling dead birds with bare hands and consume only well-cooked poultry food and products,” he said.

    Mr. Akoto however said the containment of the bird flu has been challenging, due to limited budget and inadequate monitoring from the ministry.

    He revealed that between 2021 and 2022 an approval for the recruitment of 500 veterinary officers would be given.

    He said the ministry has secured cabinet approval for emergency funds of $43, 984,17.70p million dollars for compensation of affected farmers and procurement of equipment.

    Source: rainbowradioonline.com

  • Adultery, teenage pregnancy constitutes a threat to our values than LGBTQI+ – Akoto Ampaw

    One of the 18 academicians, lawyers, and CSOs leaders who have opposed the passage of the anti-LGBTQI+ bill, lawyer Akoto Ampaw, has suggested that there are serious threats to the values and culture of Ghanaians than LGBTQI+.

    Appearing on behalf of the group before the Constitutional, Legal, and Parliamentary Affairs Committee of parliament at their public hearing, he said the bill was unconstitutional.

    He said adultery and teenage pregnancy were far superior threats to Ghanaians than LGBTQI+.

    Mr. Akoto Ampaw stated that the bill is not processed constitutionally, and the Speaker of Parliament has violated article 103 of the constitution for accepting the bill in the first place.

    He further explained the bill violates the fundamental human rights provision of the constitution.

    He elaborated that after the bill is passed into law individuals suspected to be LGBTQI+ could be stigmatised and attacked, a situation that is against their right as Ghanaians.

    Mr. Akoto Ampaw noted that per article 108 of the 1992 Constitution, “Parliament shall not proceed on a bill which will impose costs or charges on the Consolidated Fund unless it is presented by, or on behalf of the President.”

    He noted that “the speaker is not above the Constitution, he is subject to the mandatory provisions of the Constitution and it is our view that the Speaker violated article 108 of the Constitution when he allowed such a bill that clearly imposes a charge on the consolidated funds and public funds to be laid before Parliament.”

    According to him, “Article 108 states that if in the opinion of the person presiding, the bill does not impose a charge on the consolidated fund or other public funds. However, as we all know, any discretionary power that is granted any person exercising a public function like the Speaker of Parliament under Article 296 of the Constitution, must be exercised in a reasonable, not arbitrary manner and without prejudice.”

    And where it is clear that the Speaker of Parliament, as in this case, has exercised his discretion unreasonably by concluding that the bill does not impose a charge on the public fund when it is obvious and palpable that the bill imposes a charge on the public fund, that decision of the Speaker is by Article 296 of the Constitution unconstitutional,” he added.

    Source: rainbowradioonline.com

  • ‘November 2020 was a hard month for me’ Koku Anyidoho reflects on the passing of Rawlings, Daughter

    Former Deputy General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Samuel Koku Anyidoho, has labelled the month of November 2020 as a very “hard month” for him.

    This he said was a result of a double tragedy that befell him in the month.

    He mentioned that he lost both his daughter and Former President Jerry John Rawlings to the icy hands of death in November last year.

    “Hmm!!! November 2020, was really a hard month for me. Lost my daughter on the 8th; Papa J passed on 12th. Today is exactly a year since Papa J left. He did his bit for God and Country. One day, one day; we shall ALL go too! May his soul rest well in the Lord. Shalom,” he said in a tweet reflecting on the 1-year anniversary of the passing of the late founder of the NDC.

    Former President Jerry John Rawlings passed away on November 12, 2020, at the KorleBu Teaching Hospital at the age of 73.

    The family of the late head of state will hold a remembrance mass today, November 12, 2021, to mark the first anniversary of his passing at the Holy Spirit Cathedral at Adabraka in Accra.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • PHOTOS: Dignitaries, family members present at one-year anniversary mass service for JJ Rawlings

    The family of the late former president, Jerry John Rawlings is today Friday November 12, 2021 holding a commemorative mass to mark the first year anniversary of his demise.

    The former Ghanaian leader passed away on November 12, 2020 after a short illness at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.

    People from all works of life including government officials, traditional leaders, political leaders, members of parliament, diplomats, cadres and many sympathisers are expected to attend the mass service.

    Already, some notable personalities including the family and children of the former president have been captured at the mass service.

    Others are; Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, Chief of Staff, Frema Osei Opare, former President John Dramani Mahama, Chairman of the National Democratic Congress, Ofosu Ampofo.

    See images of the dignitaries below;

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • COVID-19: Ghanas active cases drop to 1,274

    As of 5 November 2021, 19 new active cases of COVID-19 had been confirmed, according to the latest figures from the Ghana Health Service.

    A total of 1,203 people have, however, succumbed to the virus since mid-March 2020.

    This figure brings the active cases within that period to 1,274.

    Of that number, 12 are in critical condition while 37 are severe.

    Since mid-March 2020, Ghana has recorded a total of 130, 608 cases of the virus.

    Out of that number, 128,131 have recovered.

    See regional breakdown of cases below:

    Greater Accra Region 70,550

    Ashanti Region 20,716

    Western Region 7,531

    Eastern Region 6,592

    Volta Region 5,350

    Central Region 4,854

    Bono East Region 2,552

    Bono Region 2,119

    Northern Region 1,758

    Upper East Region 1,483

    Ahafo Region 1,058

    Western North Region 1,006

    Oti Region 848

    Upper West Region 739

    North East Region 283

    Savannah Region 262

    Source: atinkaonline.com

  • I am against the anti-gay bill Gabby Otchere-Darko

    Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko has said he does not agree with the “Proper Human Sexuality and Ghanaian Family Values Bill 2021” popularly known as the anti-gay bill which is currently before Parliament.

    Otchere-Darko in a tweet indicated that, even though he is a proud Ghanaian, he will defend the right of minorities everywhere because he has a sense of justice to disagree with the majority.

    “I am against the anti-gay bill & not shy to say so. I am a proud Ghanaian who cherishes all that is good about our value systems, including tolerance. And, I will defend the right of minorities everywhere. I have the courage and a sense of justice to disagree with the majority,” his tweet read.

    About the anti-gay Bill

    The anti-gay Bill, since its introduction last July by eight Members of Parliament (MPs) from both sides, has generated numerous comments and reactions from both proponents and opponents, including legal luminaries and academics.

    However, both sides of the House have indicated their readiness to outlaw the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Intersex (LGBTQI) practices in the country based on its culture, morality and values.

    The Speaker of the House, Alban Bagbin, while sticking to the position of outlawing the practice, has, however, indicated that the House would not engage in filibustering the proposed piece of legislation.

    He further indicated that the House would conduct an open hearing into the Bill and a vote on the Bill would be done publicly.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com