TIG Post

Author: Persis

  • All set for the take-off of Keta Sea Port project – Transport Minister

    Minister of Transport, Kwaku Ofori Asiamah has revealed that the feasibility study for the development of a new seaport in the Volta Region is complete and findings indicate, that the project is a feasible and viable investment.

    The KETA Port Development Project, which will be carried out in Phases, needs the support of the private sector to thrive.

    To this end, the government is calling for private sector investment and expertise, to execute the project, which will come with a multi-purpose terminal, as part of the first phase. This was made known at a stakeholder engagement to meet potential investors for the project in Accra.

    In June this year, the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) commissioned a German consulting firm to undertake a full feasibility study and master plan, including a development and investment strategy for the Port of Keta in the Volta Region.

    The new commercial port seeks to accelerate development, making it a game-changer for the Volta and Oti regions as well as Ghana in its entirety. Upon the completion of the studies, GPHA will now draw a clear course for the construction of the Keta Port.

    Minister of Transport Kwaku Ofori Asiamah appealed to the traditional leaders to prevail upon the people in the area to support the project and eschew negative acts that will hinder its smooth execution.

    He said the feasibility study proposes that the port facilities shall be developed in phases corresponding to the forecasted traffic growth and potential business development.

    “The phase one which is the Port Nucleus is estimated around $650 million consisting of the main facilities of the key drivers of commercial port development. Building a port is not an event it is a process. We need the support of the private sector. As a government legal framework for this project to see the day of light “.

    Board Chairman of GPHA, Isaac Osei said the Authority is willing to welcome new ideas on how to fully execute the project. He explained that the plan is to ensure that no interested party or stakeholder is left out as the authority gets into the subsequent phases of the project to ensure that the inputs of stakeholders are captured and incorporated into the project.

    “In our collective determination to answer the call of our government to ensure the coming into being the port of Keta. I would like to assure all our esteemed stakeholders that beyond this engagement the Authority will always be ready and willing to welcome new ideas and suggestions on the way forward as we progress”

    Dumega of Keta, Divine Kodzo Dzokoto expressed gratitude for the honour bestowed on the Volta Region. He said the interaction with the stakeholders had been good.

    “My only hope is that after wasting time and money the project should come on. We are living in a democracy now. If the table changes, you know our politicians, they will just put a hold on it. I am praying hard that this will be a game-changer for us”, he noted.

    Source: gbcghanaonline.com

  • Akufo-Addo to take 7-day ‘much-deserved’ leave from Nov. 13 Eugene Arhin

    The president, Nana Akufo-Addo will from Saturday, November 13th November 2021, take a 7-day leave.

    The Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, will act in his stead until he resumes official duties on November 20, 2021, in accordance with Article 60(8) of the Constitution.

    The Director of Communications at the Presidency, Eugene Arhin, who announced this during an engagement with the press at the Jubilee House on Thursday, said the President will within the leave period travel to France to preside over the panel for a debate in the French parliament.

    “President Akufo-Addo will from Saturday, 13th November to Saturday 20th November take a much-deserved, long-overdue 7-day leave of absence, during which he has also accepted an invitation to preside over the panel that will adjudicate a debate in the French parliament on the trial of progress on the 19th of November.
    He is expected to come back to Ghana on Saturday, November 20, 2021. In his absence, the Vice President Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu will act in his stead,” Eugene Arhin said.

    The last time President Akufo-Addo took an official leave was in June 2019.

    In May 2018, he took his first annual leave since assuming office in January 2017 and spent a week-long vacation in the United Kingdom.

    Source: citinewsroom.com

  • Obiri Boahen rescinds decision to contest NPP National Secretary

    Deputy General Secretary of the ruling New Patriotic Party, Nana Obiri Boahen has backed down on his decision to contest for his party’s General Secretary position.

    Ahead of the party’s official declaration for campaigning, Nana Obiri Boahen served to notice he was going to challenge the current General Secretary, John Boadu for his post.

    According to him, he has gathered enough experience having served two consecutive terms in his deputy role and thus saw it right to elevate to the main secretary of the party.

    “I have expressed an intention and in the fullness of time when the ban has been lifted, I will contest for the position of the general secretary of the New Patriotic Party.

    “I have been the general secretary for two terms, the first time in the history of our tradition that an individual has occupied that position for two terms and certainly, I am matured enough now to be the general secretary for the New patriotic party and certainly, I will contest for that position when the ban is lifted,” he emphatically in a Joynews interview earlier this year.

    In the latest development, however, Nana Obiri Boahen has served notice he will no longer be vying for the General Secretary position when the party conducts its next internal election.

    Speaking on Thursday, November 11, 2021, Obiri Boahen further stated that he will be moving on from contesting a party executive position when the NPP goes to the polls.

    He went on to reveal that his next line of dedication will be geared towards the campaign of a flagbearer candidate, whose identity he failed to disclose.

    “I will no longer contest but I am bringing someone to the presidency. I am beating my chest; I am going to make history in this country. I Obiri Boahen, I am going to make history in this country.

    “The history is that I have been deputy general secretary for two terms and that has never happened in Ghana before. The next history for me is that I am not going back to the party headquarters because of a change in agenda. I am bringing someone as the flagbearer.

    “We are definitely going for the primaries and from all indications, the person I am bringing is going to win and when he wins, it will be a history for our tradition,” he stated.

    He went on to drop hints that the said candidate hails from the northern part of the country and is of Mamprusi ethnicity.

    Meanwhile, Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia has been tipped as a likely replacement for Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo when he exits office.

    The Vice President who hails from the northern region is equally of Mamprusi origin however it is not known if he is the same person Nana Obiri Boahen has committed to campaign for.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • COVID-19: Active cases drop to 1,274; death toll up 1,203

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

    It 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.

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

    Regional breakdown

    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: classfmonline.com

  • Ghana to receive 20% equity share for refining gold locally

    Ghana will receive 20 percent free equity share for gold refined locally when Royal Gold Ghana Limited begins operation this year.

    Currently, all the gold produced by mining companies in the country are refined outside, therefore, the government gains nothing from gold refined abroad.

    In that vein, the government entered into a public-private partnership with an Indian company, Rosy Royal Limited, to refine gold in Ghana.

    The agreement states that the government of Ghana will receive a 20 percent equity share in the gold refined by the Indian Company locally, while the Indian investor, which built the refinery gets 80 percent.

    “It is the cost of refining gold locally which we will gain 20 per cent free equity share but the gold belonged to the mining companies.

    “In fact, we do not gain anything when the gold is refined outside and so as part of efforts to providing refinery solution, the government of Ghana entered into agreement with the Indian Investor to build a refinery here. It also formed part of government’s policy to at least refine 30 percent of all gold produced in Ghana,” he added.

    Mr Wisdom Gomashie, a Personal Assistant to Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources in charge of Mines, Mr George Mireku Duker, told the Ghana News Agency in an interview on Wednesday.

    Mr Gomashie stated that the Indian Investor invested an estimated amount of $25 million in constructing the gold refinery, which is located at the Diamond House on the premises of the Precious Minerals Marketing Company in Accra.

    Mr Gomashie explained that the Indian Investor would also pay corporate taxes to the government and employ Ghanaians and later the percentage of equity share between the parties would be 50%-50% after the Investor has operated the refinery for some time.

    The government through the Precious Minerals Marketing Company entered a joint partnership with Rosy Royal Limited, an Indian company, to establish a gold refinery that has vested state equity.

    The refinery will be known as the Royal Gold Ghana Limited, which can refine 400 kilogrammes of gold daily.

    Source: GNA

  • Find out why Ghana must beat Ethiopia at all cost

    The Black Stars face Ethiopia in the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers at Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg.

    Before the start of the qualifiers, the Confederation of African Football(CAF) adopted the 2013 qualifying model where the winners of the ten groups qualified for a playoff round.

    In the playoffs, the ten teams are paired to play on a home-and-away basis to determine the final five representing the continent at the World’s most prestigious tournament.

    In that regard, the Black Stars find themselves in hot waters with two games left to complete the group stage round.

    They hold a record of three wins and a defeat after four games and thus second in Group G with 9 points.

    South Africa leads the way with 10 points following their three wins and a draw after two games.

    Therefore, per CAF rules, the Black Stars have to win the remaining two games, including beating Bafana Bafana to make the playoffs.

    Ethiopia and Zimbabwe, who complete the group, are no more in contention for a spot in the playoffs after recording one and zero wins, respectively.

    Ghana are on edge in an all-or-nothing match that lies ahead against an opponent who has nothing to lose.

    kick-off set at 1 PM.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Black Stars coach Milovan Rejevac names strong line up for Ethiopia game

    Milovan Rjevac has named his starting eleven for the must-win game against Ethiopia at the Orlando Stadium.

    Beitar Jerusalem striker, Richmond Boakye-Yiadom has been named in the Black Stars lineup to face Ethiopia.

    In the defence, goalkeeper Jojo Wollacot will be in the post with Andy Yiadoma and Baba Rahaman occupying the full-back positions. Daniel Amartey pairs Joseph Aidoo in the heart of the defence.

    Whereas in midfield, Iddrisu Baba, Andre Ayew, and Kudus Mohammed form a three-man midfield in a 4-3-3 system.

    Kamaldeen Sulemana is on the left wing, Jordan Ayew on the right wing with Boakye-Yiadom as the main man upfront.

    Ghana needs to win the match that is set at 1:00 PM kickoff to hold on to their chances of qualifying for the play-offs.

    Line-up below

    Jojo Wallocott; Andy Yiadom, Daniel Amartey, Joseph Aidoo, Baba Abdul Rahman; Idrissu Baba, Andre Dede Ayew(C), Kudus Mohammed, Kamaldeen Sulemana, Jordan Ayew; Richmond Boakye-Yiadom.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Ashongman Estates, Kwabenya, other parts of Accra to experience dumsor today

    The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has said it will undertake planned maintenance works to improve service delivery today, Thursday, 11 November 2021.

    This was disclosed in a statement issued by the service provider on Thursday, 11 November 2020.

    The planned maintenance works will cause an interruption in the power supply to certain areas in Accra from 9 am to 4 pm.

    Affected areas include: “Ashongman Estates, Obaahemaa, Kwabenya, Comet, Agape, NIC, Ofankor, Capital hill, Asofan, Kwashieman, Fadama, Kwashiebu, Tabora, Abeka-Lapaz, Darkuman, Chantan, Israel, Santamaria, Mensah Addo, and its environs.”

    The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has said it will undertake planned maintenance works to improve service delivery today, Thursday, 11 November 2021.

    This was disclosed in a statement issued by the service provider on Thursday, 11 November 2020.

    The planned maintenance works will cause an interruption in the power supply to certain areas in Accra from 9 am to 4 pm.

    Affected areas include: “Ashongman Estates, Obaahemaa, Kwabenya, Comet, Agape, NIC, Ofankor, Capital hill, Asofan, Kwashieman, Fadama, Kwashiebu, Tabora, Abeka-Lapaz, Darkuman, Chantan, Israel, Santamaria, Mensah Addo, and its environs.”

    The service provider however noted that it “regrets the inconvenience that will arise out of the exercise.

    Source: classfmonline.com

  • GIPC engages stakeholders on SDGs

    The Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has engaged stakeholders on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Investor Map utilisation.

    The goal was to channel investments into major investment opportunity areas identified in the SDG Investor Map for Ghana.

    The SDG Investor Map which was initiated by the UNDP was introduced earlier this year to help drive capital into inclusive and sustainable investments in key economic sectors.

    It provides market intelligence to potential investors by providing data on SDG gaps and priorities in the country.

    Meeting

    The meeting, which was held in Accra yesterday, focused on the health and Information and Communications Technology sectors.

    Institutions present at the event included the Ghana Medical Association, Ministry of Health, Ghana National Chamber of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association of Ghana and the Ghana Pharmaceutical Chamber.

    Others were Pharmacy Private Sector Hospitals, ICT firms, Members of the Chamber of Telecommunications, Financial institutions, as well as government agencies such as the Ghana Free Zones Authority and the Ghana Export Promotion Authority.

    Speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer of the GIPC, Mr Yofi Grant, said that there were great opportunities in the ICT and health sectors that prospective investors could leverage to make profitable gains while making positive contributions to society, the environment and the economy at large

    He said for the country to achieve its SDGs and spur growth, there was the need for public-private partnerships to overcome the pre-existing yearly SDG financial gap of $200 billion in Africa.

    “Most of us believe that the SDGs are the preserve of government but they are also opportunities for the private sector”.

    “As such, we as government and the GIPC will actively support and guide investors who seek to invest in any of the priority sectors outlined in the SDG Investor Map to propel national development,” he said.

    Development needs

    The UNDP Economics Advisor for Ghana and the Gambia, Mr Udo Etukudo, stated the SDG Investor Map provided information on 12 investment opportunity areas across five priority sectors: Agriculture, Infrastructure, Technology & Communications, Healthcare and Consumer Goods.

    He explained that in as much as these sectors were being appreciated to address the development needs of the country, they were investment opportunities for investors to scale their profits.

    Taking the health sector, for instance, Mr Etukudo said the country had about 4,000 healthcare facilities and it was estimated that investors would earn between 23.1 and 27.1 per cent return on investment.

    Base value

    For her part, the UNDP Resident Representative in Ghana, Dr Angela Lusigi, identified a base value of $39 million worth of SME investments in Ghana.

    “This is within six months to September 2021 under its pilot scheme, and there is a potential for an additional $15.5 million,” she said.

    She believed the event came at an opportune time as the government sought to increase investment and financing towards the achievement of national development goals that are aligned with the SDGs.

    Source: graphic.com.gh

  • President Rawlings 1st anniversary mass on Friday

    The memorial mass will be held at the Holy Spirit Cathedral, Adabraka and is open to the public. It is expected to draw people from all walks of life from government officials, traditional leaders, political leaders, members of parliament, diplomats, cadres and many more admirers and sympathisers.

    The service, being held by the family, will commence promptly at 9.00 am and will last for approximately one and a half hours.

    A statement issued by the family asked all who wish to attend to arrive at the Cathedral early and should note that due to Covid-19 requirements, social distancing seating will be in effect. The event will also be streamed on the Facebook page of the late President J.J Rawlings.

    Attire for the occasion is white traditional or formal.

    Parking for the event will be at the Ghana Museums and Monuments Board car park opposite the Holy Spirit Cathedral.

    “The event will be live-streamed on https://web.facebook.com/President.J.J.Rawlings”

    Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings passed away at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital on Thursday, November 12, 2020, after a short illness. He was 73 years.

    Source: graphic.com.gh

  • Police arrest 26 alleged fraudsters at Kasoa, retrieve over 31 laptops and phones

    26 persons suspected to be engaged in internet fraud activities have been arrested by the Central East Regional Police Command.

    The suspects largely made up of foreigners were arrested at Kasoa Iron City in the Awutu Senya East Municipality of the Central Region.

    According to a report by Adomonline sighted by GhanaWeb, the suspects including two females were arrested at their hideouts in an operation based on intelligence.

    Among other things, the police retrieved 31 laptops, 26 assorted mobile phones, three machetes and parcels of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp and toffees.

    The Regional Commander, DCOP Okyere Boaapeah, has stated that the suspects will be screened for onward prosecution.

    In an advice to property owners, DCOP Boapiah has asked Ghanaian landlords to conduct proper background checks on their prospective tenants.

    26 persons suspected to be engaged in internet fraud activities have been arrested by the Central East Regional Police Command.

    The suspects largely made up of foreigners were arrested at Kasoa Iron City in the Awutu Senya East Municipality of the Central Region.

    According to a report by Adomonline sighted by GhanaWeb, the suspects including two females were arrested at their hideouts in an operation based on intelligence.

    Among other things, the police retrieved 31 laptops, 26 assorted mobile phones, three machetes and parcels of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp and toffees.

    The Regional Commander, DCOP Okyere Boaapeah, has stated that the suspects will be screened for onward prosecution.

    In an advice to property owners, DCOP Boapiah has asked Ghanaian landlords to conduct proper background checks on their prospective tenants.

    He urged that landlords, among other things, should find out the eligibility status of foreigners who come to rent their properties.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Remembering Rawlings: Where and when Rawlings died

    The death of former President Jerry John Rawlings on Thursday, November 12, 2020, plunged the nation into a state of mourning.

    Rawlings died at age 73 after reportedly battling an undisclosed ailment for the last couple of days.

    While the news of his passing was confirmed by highly placed sources, where he died seems to be a matter of contention.

    However, GhanaWeb can confirm that the former President died at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, specifically, the Cardiothoracic Unit.

    Hordes of people thronged Korle Bu to have first-hand information about his death.

    Reports also suggest that there was heavy security presence at the hospital facility when the news of his demise broke.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Budget 2022 presentation now on November 17

    The 2022 Budget Statement and Economic Policy of the government will now be presented before Parliament on November 17, 2021.

    It had previously been scheduled for November 15, 2021, however, the Second Deputy Speaker, Mr Andrew Asiamah Amoako, (Ind., Fomena) announced the date reversal on Wednesday and said the House will have other important events to attend on November 15.

    Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta is expected to present the budget. Last year the Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu presented the budget while the Finance Minister was abroad to seek medical care.

    Source: graphic.com.gh

  • Why did Radio Gold have to pay GH¢53,000 for a new license? Mahama asks

    Former President John Dramani Mahama has expressed disappointment at hefty sums slapped on some radio stations whose licenses were recently reinstated by the National Communications Authority, NCA.

    Among those stations were pro-National Democratic Congress stations Radio Gold and Radio XYZ whose operations were terminated under the current government for failure to settle some statutory payments.

    Mahama is also worried that the NCA, which should ordinarily promote the growth of media outlets had rather turned into the hunter, crippling these outlets for offences that could have been sorted amicably without the extreme measure of closure.

    “Radio Gold for example had been asked to pay 53,000 cedis for their license. Where will they get that money for a station that has been closed for God knows how long?

    “It took my fundraising effort to get the funds for them to settle the cost to be able to get back into operation. It is not Radio Gold alone, several of those that were closed were slapped with these huge fines,” he submitted in an interview on Power FM / TV XYZ.

    “They could have even been asked to pay in instalments. The order was that they needed to settle the amount within 60 days,” he appealed further.

    Last month, the newly inaugurated governing board of the NCA under the chairmanship of Isaac Emmil Osei-Bonsu, has approved the licence applications placed in by Radio Gold, Radio XYZ and 131 others.

    In a press statement, the NCA noted that two stations that applied for renewal and others, including Radio Gold, Radio XYZ which were shut down in 2019 have their licenses renewed.

    “The Governing Board of the National Communications Authority (NCA), at a Board meeting held on 11th October 2021, approved the grant of a total of One Hundred and Thirty-Three (133) FM radio broadcasting authorizations which include new applications from entities whose FM radio stations were closed down after the 2017 FM Audit as well as existing stations which applied for renewal of their expired FM Radio broadcasting authorizations,” part of the release said.

    The statement added that the applicants who have their licenses renewed will be obliged to attend a sensitization workshop on the terms and conditions of FM radio broadcasting authorizations in Ghana.

    The workshop will give the applicants insight into the legal, regulatory and technical requirements for the establishment of radio stations in the country.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Former Techiman South MCE Donyina narrowly escapes death in a deadly crash

    The immediate past Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for the Techiman South Municipality, Hon. John Kofi Donyina miraculously escaped death after he was involved in a car accident, MyNewsGh.com has confirmed.

    According to family members, the former appointee was travelling to Atebubu for the thanksgiving service of recently confirmed MCE Edward Owusu when the crash occurred between Ejura- Atebubu-Amateng road.

    His 4×4 Volvo vehicle with registration number BT 601-21 is reported to have burst a tire and in the process skid off the road and somersaulted several times.

    Other road users went to his rescue and rushed him to the Holy Family Hospital in Techiman where he was treated and later discharged of some injuries.

    He is currently at home recuperating while police have towed the accident vehicle from the scene.

    Meanwhile, Edward Owusu the Atebubu MCE whose Thanksgiving he was attending at the Atebubu Ebenezer Methodist church, has recounted some difficulties he went through in the run-up to his re-nomination, confirmation and swearing-in and thanked God for seeing him and his family through.

    He expressed his gratitude to all especially the church, traditional authorities and members of the New Patriotic Party for their unflinching support and promised to work harder in his second term for the development of the municipality.

    The MCE promised to donate 180 chairs to the church of which he is a member by December and also made an undisclosed commitment to the church mission house project.

    Present were heads of department, traditional authorities, family members and New Patriotic Party faithful.

    Source: mynewsgh.com

  • Kasoa gaining notoriety because of Nigerian criminals Police Commander

    DCOP Okyere Boapeah, Commander of the newly formed Central East Police Command has stated that Kasoa is becoming notorious for crime partly because of the activities of Nigerian criminals.

    The Commander made the comments during a press briefing on Wednesday, November 10, 2021, to announce the arrest of some 26 suspected Nigerian internet fraudsters at Iron City a suburb of Kasoa,

    He said there were two females in the arrested party adding that they will be screened and those implicated for any offences charged to court.

    DCOP Boapeah stated that the operation that led to the arrests formed part of their move to clamp down on criminal activities in Kasoa and its environs.

    The operation took place at Iron City a suburb of Kasoa in the Awutu Senya East Municipality. Some items retrieved from the raid included laptops, mobile phones and substances suspected to be Indian hemp.

    DCOP Okyere Boapeah, Commander of the Regional Police told journalists, the operation took place “in three houses rented by foreigners mostly Nigerians were raided … exhibits made up of 31 laptops, 26 assorted mobile phones, five machetes and substances believed to be cannabis were found in their rooms.”

    “Kasoa has gained notoriety because of these Nigerians, we have to keep surveillance on them, their activities, so that if there is anything suspicious in their movement or work, you can inform the security agencies, more especially the Police.

    He admonished landlords to investigate foreign tenants properly and report to Ghana Immigration Service to ensure they have the right resident permits to be in the country.

    Barely a week ago, Police under the same Command confirmed that they acted on intel and conducted an operation that led to the arrest of some 100 persons in the Kasoa enclave.

    According to a Citi News report, the swoop – led by Divisional Commander DCOP Okyere Boapeah – took place at SMG arena pub which is located on the Gomoa Nyanyano stretch.

    Some of the crimes police found the suspects engaged in included smoking of illegal substances while some commercial sex workers were also picked up in the process.

    The suspects who are being screened comprised foreign nationals and some Ghanaians.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Communication mast collapses on GRIDCo towers near Bogoso; affects national power system

    The Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo) Limited has explained that some areas in the country may experience power outages as a result of an emergency load management following the collapse of a communication mast on two of its towers.

    The affected GRIDCo towers are on the 330kv Aboadze Kumasi transmission line.

    In a press statement issued Wednesday, GRIDCo explained that the incident which happened Tuesday afternoon around 3:40 pm started has affected the national power system.

    The incident happened near Bogoso in the Western Region.

    A communication mast fell on the 330 KV Aboadze Kumasi Transmission line and resulted in the collapse of two adjacent towers.

    “GRIDCO is working around the clock to replace the fallen towers within the shortest possible time. We apologise for any inconvenience caused”, it stated.

    “GRIDCO is committed to maintaining a stable network for reliable and efficient power delivery”, it added.

    Source: graphic.com.gh

  • Sierra Leone tanker explosion: Survivors try to rebuild lives

    In the wake of the fuel tanker explosion that killed 115 people in Sierra Leone’s capital, Freetown, survivors and their families are left wondering how to rebuild their lives, as BBC West Africa correspondent Mayeni Jones reports.

    In the mid-afternoon heat, health workers in protective clothing nail Sierra Leonean flags to wooden coffins. In the middle of the flags are the words “Rest in Peace”.

    A crowd gathers to watch them work – a mix of bystanders and medical staff from the Connaught Hospital in downtown Freetown, where the bodies are being loaded.

    Some of the onlookers cover their noses. The smell of the bodies hangs in the hot, humid air.

    At the sight of the coffins being loaded onto the truck, a woman whose nephew is being treated for severe burns in the hospital bursts into tears.

    “Oh God, eh God!” she repeats, holding a handkerchief to her face and wiping away her tears, her shoulders shaking as she sobs.

    Between a civil war, a range of natural disasters and the Ebola crisis of 2014, Sierra Leoneans have been through more collective grief than most.

    The country ranks 182nd out of 189 in the UN’s Human Development Index, which measures countries’ levels of social and economic development based on four criteria: life expectancy at birth, average years spent in school, expected years of education and gross national income per capita.

    Despite its abundant mineral wealth, Sierra Leone is one of the poorest countries on earth, and its population has had to learn resilience.

    Still, this latest tragedy has left many shaken.

    “A medical emergency of this magnitude I’ve never experienced before in all my career as a medical doctor,” says Dr Mustapha Kabbah, a surgeon at Connaught Hospital with 20 years’ experience.

    He moved back to Sierra Leone with his family from Germany in 2018.

    “This is big, it’s really massive. On that day when I saw the incident, I was really taken aback. We’re still yet to understand what happened, because it’s just too soon.”

    ‘We thank God for my brother’s life’

    In the corridors of the hospital, I speak to 25-year-old Victoria Fornah, a student at the historic Fourah Bay College, founded almost 200 years ago. Her older brother Ibrahim got caught in the blaze while coming home on Friday night.

    She found out he had been in the accident on social media.

    “I was sleeping, so my sister called me and said ‘just check your phone’. When I opened it I saw pictures of my brother lying on the ground, everywhere was burned.”

    Ibrahim has severe burns on his arms, face and feet. Victoria says he’s been responding well to treatment. “Although his injuries were many, we thank God for his life.”

    At the scene of the accident, in Freetown’s eastern suburb of Wellington, the smell of burnt rubber still hangs in the air more than 48 hours after the blaze.

    In a local bar, smoke rises from a pile of ashes. Blackened cars and engines are a reminder of the horror that took place here on Friday.

    Members of the community and local business owners stand around surveying the damage. Many used their life savings to open these businesses. Now they have nothing left.

    ‘Everything is gone – all our money is burned’

    Twenty-eight-year-old orphan Aisatu Sesay is a nurse at a local hospital. She opened a small pharmacy with her sister to supplement her income.

    Back in July they lost their house in an electric fire. They had moved their savings, as well as the donations they were given to help with the loss of their home, to their pharmacy. Now that’s gone too.

    “Everything is gone, my documents, the pharmacy documents, it’s all burned. I have no idea what I’ll do,” Ms Sesay says.

    First responders dressed in uniform at the scene
    Image caption, A total of 115 people are now known to have died in the tanker explosion in Sierra Leone’s capital

    She was getting back from work when she saw people running with the spilt fuel from the truck. When the fire started she tried to run away but got pushed to the ground by people fleeing the scene. She shows me her bandaged calf and a bruise on her thigh.

    “Lots of people died because they fell and simply couldn’t get back up.”

    She’s worried about her future. Her whole family has had to move back to the orphanage where she grew up because they have nowhere else to go.

    “It was so difficult for us to open our business because we didn’t have much money and no family to help us, but we raised it over time.

    “But now all of our money is burned.”

    During a mass burial for victims on Monday night, President Julius Maada Bio reiterated his promise that a thorough investigation would be conducted to make sure something like this never happened again.

    But for the victims and their families, surviving is more important than promises.

    Map showing location of the explosion
    Source: bbc.com

  • Ethiopia conflict: Tigray aid lorry drivers arrested, UN says

    The United Nations says that 72 drivers contracted to deliver humanitarian aid have been arrested in the war-torn north of Ethiopia.

    It said that the drivers, who were working for the World Food Programme (WFP), were detained in Semera, capital of the Afar region.

    The UN is speaking to the government to establish why they were stopped.

    The war in Ethiopia has caused a massive humanitarian crisis, with more than five million in need of aid.

    The city of Semera is a staging post for aid lorries trying to reach the neighbouring region of Tigray, where the conflict flared up last year and where the UN says 400,000 people are living in “famine-like conditions”.

    Hundreds of lorries are believed to be stuck in the city, prevented from taking the only viable overland route into Tigray.

    Map showing Tigray and other regions with key places

    There was no immediate comment on the arrests from the Ethiopian authorities.

    On Tuesday, the UN said 16 members of its local staff and their dependents In the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, had been arrested in raids. Six others were released.

    The UN has urged the government to release the detainees immediately.

    Lawyers and rights groups say the authorities targeted ethnic Tigrayan employees. The government denies arbitrarily arresting Tigrayans.

    Spearheaded by the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), rebel forces have been advancing towards Addis Ababa. They have been joined by another rebel group, the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA).

    In response the government has declared a state of emergency, calling on citizens to register their weapons and get ready to protect their neighbourhoods.

    The US embassy has told all US citizens to leave Ethiopia as soon as possible amid a “very fluid” security situation.

    The ferocity of the conflict in the north has been brought out in reports by international non-governmental human rights organisations about sexual violence.

    Sixteen survivors from the attack at Nifas Mewcha were interviewed by Amnesty.

    Amnesty previously documented widespread rape and sexual violence by government-allied troops and militias in Tigray.

    Ethiopia, with its population of more than 100 million, has been portrayed as a beacon of stability for the Horn of Africa, and is the African base for many international organisations.

    In a statement last week, the UN Security Council called for an end to fighting, and reiterated support for African Union mediation efforts.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Nigeria separatist leader’s case postponed to next year

    The trial of the Nigerian separatist leader, Nnamdi Kanu, which was supposed to be getting underway in the capital Abuja has been adjourned until January.

    He has been accused of treason and terror-related offences.

    Mr Kanu heads the Indigenous People of Biafra group. It has been agitating for secession of south-eastern Nigeria.

    His detention and trial has heightened political tensions in the south-eastern region of the country.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Rev Owusu Bempah re-arrested as police prepare to press fresh charges

    The General Overseer of Glorious Word Power Ministry International, Reverend Owusu Bempah and two others who were earlier charged for the threat of death on Nana Agradaa have been re-arrested.

    This was after they were discharged by the Accra Circuit Court on Wednesday.

    State Prosecutors led by Chief Inspector Dennis Terkpetey asked the court to discharge the accused persons with an indication that plans were afoot to press new charges.

    Once the court granted this request, they were arrested. The prosecutors intend to file the new charges before the close of the day.

    The popular pastor and the two others, Bright Berchie and Mensah Ofori were on trial after they were arrested for issuing threats, brandishing weapons and attacking Police officers.

    The trio was subsequently granted bail in the sum of ¢200,000 two weeks ago with two sureties each.

    However, the prosecution in the case has substituted the charges and slapped the defendants with counts of offensive conduct conducive to the breach of peace and threat of death.

    The public prosecutor needs to separate the cases to ensure an efficient and swift trial.

    Again, the three pleaded not guilty to the new charges.

    The Accra High Court consequently granted the cleric a self-recognisance bail to the tune of ¢100,000, while the two others have been granted bail of ¢100,000 with two sureties each.

    Rev Owusu Bempah was also been granted ¢400,000 bail in the other case he and Michael Boateng, Frederick Ohene, and Nathaniel Agyekum were charged for causing harm and unlawful damage to a police vehicle.

    Source: myjoyonline.com

  • Borrowing for only consumption bad Mahama to Akufo-Addo

    Former President John Dramani Mahama has criticized the Akufo-Addo administration for having nothing to show for the borrowings that the administration has engaged in over the past four and a half years in office.

    He observed that the government borrows only for consumption, hence, the inability to point to projects being funded from borrowed monies.

    “They are borrowing for only consumption. Between 2016, GHS120 billion debt, you have taken us to 375 billion in four and a half years for only consumption,” he said.

    He further told the government to up its game to deal with the hardship Ghanaians are saddled with at the moment.

    Mr Mahama said time is hard for Ghanaians.

    The economy, in his view, is not doing well hence the hardships.

    Former President John Dramani Mahama has criticized the Akufo-Addo administration for having nothing to show for the borrowings that the administration has engaged in over the past four and a half years in office.

    He observed that the government borrows only for consumption, hence, the inability to point to projects being funded from borrowed monies.

    “They are borrowing for only consumption. Between 2016, GHS120 billion debt, you have taken us to 375 billion in four and a half years for only consumption,” he said.

    He further told the government to up its game to deal with the hardship Ghanaians are saddled with at the moment.

    Mr Mahama said time is hard for Ghanaians.

    The economy, in his view, is not doing well hence the hardships.

    Speaking on TV XYZ, as part of his tour of the Greater Accra Region, Mr Mahama said, “I think that this government has to sit up.”

    Source: 3news.com

  • Parliament begins public hearing on LGBTQ+ bill

    The constitutional, legal, and parliamentary affairs committee of Parliament will today begin the first of a series of public hearings on the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill 2021 also known as the LGBTQ+ bill.

    The committee is expected to consider 10 memoranda each week.

    This means over the next 15, parliament will deliberate over the 150 memoranda presented before the House.

    Background LGBTQ+ bill

    A team of 8 MPs led by Samuel Nartey George have jointly submitted a private bill to push for the criminalization of LGBTQI+ activities in the country. The Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill 2021 was laid in the House on Monday, August 2 and read for the first time.

    Second Deputy Speaker, Andrew Asiamah Amoako, subsequently referred the Bill to the Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Committee for consideration. He urged the public to submit memoranda on the bill

    It is based on this a group of 18 renowned lawyers, academics and other professionals sent a memorandum to parliament for the bill to be thrashed, stating that it violates the fundamental human right guaranteed in the constitution.

    Ghanaians have, however, bashed them for their position against the bill but they have clarified that their call for the bill to be thrashed is based on the fact that it violates all the fundamental human rights in the constitution and not that they are in support of gay and lesbianism.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Policy analyst wants act to regulate travels of state officials

    The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Institute for Liberty and Policy Innovation, Ghana (ILAPI Ghana), Mr. Peter Bismark has called for the enactment of a Government Travel Regulations Act (GTRA) to regulate the travelling of state officials.

    The Act, he said, should establish units in all Government institutions and agencies such that public officials travelling on taxes would be placed on a common platform for travel claims under administrative procedures prescribed by the Act.

    Mr Bismark who made the call in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) said such a common platform should be an E-Government Travel Service.

    He stressed the need for all state institutions and agencies to have Travel Management Services to provide for travel arrangements.

    With the Act in place, Mr Bismark believed that the public purse would be adequately protected because Government officials would be liable for any expenditure that was caused by negligence.

    He explained that Government officials without an approved exception under the Act would be responsible for any additional costs resulting from the failure to use the E-Government Travel Service such as service fees, cancellation penalties, or other additional costs like higher airfares, hotel rates, shuttle, feeding among others.

    According to the Policy Analyst, the Travel Management Divisions which would be created under the Act would provide data on total travels made by Government officials in a year and expose those who fed on taxpayers’ contributions.

    He contended that so much money was being wasted through Government delegation travels and called on Parliament to rescue the situation with the Act to regulate official state travels.

    Source: GNA

  • I am yet to decide whether or not to seek re-election Ade Coker

    The Greater Accra Regional Chairman of the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Ade Coker, has denied reports that he confided in close associates of his intention not to seek reelection.

    He denied discussing his ambitions with anybody talk less of having it published in the media.

    In a statement, Mr. Coker explained that the Greater Accra NDC delegates gave him a four-year mandate at the last Regional Conference to provide sterling leadership that would win majority votes and seats in the region in the 2020 Election.

    This four-year mandate, he noted, has not expired even though “I lead a team of Regional, Constituency and Branch Executives to win 20 out of the 34 seats in the region and over 1.3 million presidential votes.

    “My dream was to provide leadership that would return the NDC and H.E. John Mahama to power in 2020. This did not materialize as what happened in the last election was witnessed by all. The Party leadership, after the election, have been preoccupied with our reorganization agenda towards recapturing power in 2024.”

    He added “As a Regional Chairman interested in building a formidable Party, I would be the last person to declare my intention for either reelection or otherwise when branch and Constituency Elections have not been conducted. I have always respected the structures of the Party and have equally stood against persons campaigning for positions instead of helping to strengthen the Party at the base first.

    “I urge all Party members and supporters to disregard the publication and treat it as a fabrication sponsored by desperados to drag me into their anti-Party conduct. I can assure those eager to know my next move in politics that I will surely make it known after I have assisted in reorganizing the Party. My decision to contest or otherwise should not be the ground on which others would bank their hopes for success or failure.

    The Greater Accra Regional Chairman of the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Ade Coker, has denied reports that he confided in close associates of his intention not to seek reelection.

    He denied discussing his ambitions with anybody talk less of having it published in the media.

    In a statement, Mr. Coker explained that the Greater Accra NDC delegates gave him a four-year mandate at the last Regional Conference to provide sterling leadership that would win majority votes and seats in the region in the 2020 Election.

    This four-year mandate, he noted, has not expired even though “I lead a team of Regional, Constituency and Branch Executives to win 20 out of the 34 seats in the region and over 1.3 million presidential votes.

    “My dream was to provide leadership that would return the NDC and H.E. John Mahama to power in 2020. This did not materialize as what happened in the last election was witnessed by all. The Party leadership, after the election, have been preoccupied with our reorganization agenda towards recapturing power in 2024.”

    He added “As a Regional Chairman interested in building a formidable Party, I would be the last person to declare my intention for either reelection or otherwise when branch and Constituency Elections have not been conducted. I have always respected the structures of the Party and have equally stood against persons campaigning for positions instead of helping to strengthen the Party at the base first.

    “I urge all Party members and supporters to disregard the publication and treat it as a fabrication sponsored by desperados to drag me into their anti-Party conduct. I can assure those eager to know my next move in politics that I will surely make it known after I have assisted in reorganizing the Party. My decision to contest or otherwise should not be the ground on which others would bank their hopes for success or failure.

    “I am a friend of the media and have remained as such. I will always advocate for press freedom. What I will however not countenance is unethical journalism aimed at fulfilling a hatchet job. At this crucial moment in the life of our Party, every true Party member must be preoccupied with the reorganization agenda and not planting tales in the media.”

    Source: 3news.com

  • Galamsey: Pra river clearing up

    The Pra river is on the verge of returning to normalcy after the government waged a war on illegal small-scale mining, which has polluted a lot of water bodies across the country.

    The Pra river is among the many rivers in the country returning to its original state.

    In September this year, when the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Mr. Samuel A. Jinapor, made a stop at the Tano river on the sidelines of his one-day tour of the Western North Region, he said it was the clearest river he had seen since his assumption of office.

    He thanked the Regional Coordinating Council for the feat and called for sustained effort to ensure that the river fully returns to its original state.

    To reduce the devastating effect of galamsey on the environment and water bodies, the government has initiated an alternative livelihood program in mining areas.

    The Pra river is on the verge of returning to normalcy after the government waged a war on illegal small-scale mining, which has polluted a lot of water bodies across the country.

    The Pra river is among the many rivers in the country returning to its original state.

    In September this year, when the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Mr. Samuel A. Jinapor, made a stop at the Tano river on the sidelines of his one-day tour of the Western North Region, he said it was the clearest river he had seen since his assumption of office.

    He thanked the Regional Coordinating Council for the feat and called for sustained effort to ensure that the river fully returns to its original state.

    To reduce the devastating effect of galamsey on the environment and water bodies, the government has initiated an alternative livelihood program in mining areas.

    The program meant to provide alternative livelihood sources to communities affected by the clampdown on illegal mining will see government support the affected communities in areas of responsible mining, agriculture, re-afforestation, agro-processing, among others.

    Source: classfmonline.com

  • NDC denounces Do or Die paraphernalia

    The National Communications Officer of the opposition National Democratic Congress, Sammy Gyamfi, has stated that the party has not sanctioned any paraphernalia bearing the inscription; “Do or Die”.

    In a statement dated November 9, 2021, Sammy Gyamfi said the NDC had taken notice of some branded paraphernalia with the inscription “Do or Die”.

    According to him, the said paraphernalia including T-Shirts making rounds on social media platforms has been created to portray violence under a misguided and malicious misrepresentation of the “Do or Die” statement.

    This was in reference to an earlier statement made by Mr Mahama in a radio interview. Mr Mahama, whilst speaking about the NDCs plan going into the 2024 elections said it will be a “Do or Die” affair where the party will go all out to ensure vigilance in protecting ballots.

    However, according to Sammy Gyamfi, the public at this point must treat with contempt, any paraphernalia bearing the catchphrase which has resonated with many NDC sympathizers as the party has not sanctioned such.

    “We wish to state without any equivocation that neither the NDC nor any of its assigns has sanctioned this paraphernalia which are the obvious creation of some faceless individuals who are up to mischief. The General Public is hereby urged to disregard such images and treat them with the contempt they deserve,” the statement said.

    Read the full statement below:

    For Immediate Release
    9th November 2021

    DISCLAIMER
    The attention of the National Democratic Congress has been drawn to some images of branded paraphernalia including T-shirts with the inscription; “Do or Die”, making the rounds on various social media platforms.

    These despicable images, some of which bear what looks like the logo and official colours of the NDC, appear to portray violence under a misguided and malicious misrepresentation of “Do or Die”.

    We wish to state without any equivocation that neither the NDC nor any of its assigns has sanctioned this paraphernalia which are the obvious creation of some faceless individuals who are up to mischief. The General Public is hereby urged to disregard such images and treat them with the contempt they deserve.

    The National Communications Officer of the opposition National Democratic Congress, Sammy Gyamfi, has stated that the party has not sanctioned any paraphernalia bearing the inscription; “Do or Die”.

    In a statement dated November 9, 2021, Sammy Gyamfi said the NDC had taken notice of some branded paraphernalia with the inscription “Do or Die”.

    According to him, the said paraphernalia including T-Shirts making rounds on social media platforms have been created to portray violence under a misguided and malicious misrepresentation of the “Do or Die” statement.

    This was in reference to an earlier statement made by Mr Mahama in a radio interview. Mr Mahama, whilst speaking about the NDCs plan going into the 2024 elections said it will be a “Do or Die” affair where the party will go all out to ensure vigilance in protecting ballots.

    However, according to Sammy Gyamfi, the public at this point must treat with contempt, any paraphernalia bearing the catchphrase which has resonated with many NDC sympathizers as the party has not sanctioned such.

    “We wish to state without any equivocation that neither the NDC nor any of its assigns has sanctioned this paraphernalia which are the obvious creation of some faceless individuals who are up to mischief. The General Public is hereby urged to disregard such images and treat them with the contempt they deserve,” the statement said.

    Read the full statement below:

    For Immediate Release
    9th November 2021

    DISCLAIMER
    The attention of the National Democratic Congress has been drawn to some images of branded paraphernalia including T-shirts with the inscription; “Do or Die”, making the rounds on various social media platforms.

    These despicable images, some of which bear what looks like the logo and official colours of the NDC, appear to portray violence under a misguided and malicious misrepresentation of “Do or Die”.

    We wish to state without any equivocation that neither the NDC nor any of its assigns has sanctioned this paraphernalia which are the obvious creation of some faceless individuals who are up to mischief. The General Public is hereby urged to disregard such images and treat them with the contempt they deserve.

    Signed,
    SAMMY GYAMFI
    National Communication Officer

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • ‘Significant’ system disturbance caused Monday blackout GRIDCo

    The Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo) has attributed the disruption in power supply experienced by consumers on the night of Monday, November 8, 2021, to significant disturbances experienced in the power system.

    The blackout was for several hours.

    A statement issued by GRIDCo on Tuesday, November 9, 2021, said, “all” generating units within the Aboadze enclave and Bui Power Authority tripped, resulting in outages in parts of Accra, the western, middle, and northern parts of the country.”

    It continued: “At 04:38GMT on Tuesday, November 9, 2021, generating units at Aboadze and Bui were restored, supplying electricity to all major Bulk Supply Points (BSPs)”.

    “At 04:50GMT on Tuesday, November 9, 2021, in the process of restoring the remaining BSPs, a second disturbance occurred, resulting in the loss of generating units at Aboadze Enclave and Bui”.

    “This led to another interruption of electricity supply to several areas of Accra, the Western, Middle, and Northern parts of the country.”

    GRIDCo, however, noted that the power supply chain has restored power to all the BSPs.

    The Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo) has attributed the disruption in power supply experienced by consumers on the night of Monday, November 8, 2021, to significant disturbances experienced in the power system.

    The blackout was for several hours.

    A statement issued by GRIDCo on Tuesday, November 9, 2021, said, “all” generating units within the Aboadze enclave and Bui Power Authority tripped, resulting in outages in parts of Accra, the western, middle, and northern parts of the country.”

    It continued: “At 04:38GMT on Tuesday, November 9, 2021, generating units at Aboadze and Bui were restored, supplying electricity to all major Bulk Supply Points (BSPs)”.

    “At 04:50GMT on Tuesday, November 9, 2021, in the process of restoring the remaining BSPs, a second disturbance occurred, resulting in the loss of generating units at Aboadze Enclave and Bui”.

    “This led to another interruption of electricity supply to several areas of Accra, the Western, Middle, and Northern parts of the country.”

    GRIDCo, however, noted that the power supply chain has restored power to all the BSPs.

    It also apologised for any inconvenience caused to Ghanaians.

    Source: classfmonline.com

  • Scrap taxes to reduce fuel in 48 hours or we will withdraw our service on Thursday 16 driver unions

    Sixteen driver unions are demanding that the government scraps some taxes on petroleum products.

    According to the unions, they have identified at least five taxes that they believe serve no useful purpose.

    The Coalition of Private Transport Associations includes Tipper Truck Association, Articulated Drivers Association, Ghana Private Road and Transport Union (GPRTU), Tipper Truck Association, Ghana National Cargo Transport Association, Ghana Committed Drivers Association, True Drivers Union and Digital Drivers Union

    They say should their caution go unheeded, they will be forced to withdraw their services on Thursday at 3 pm.

    A litre of petrol and diesel currently sells at ¢6.90 at major oil marketing companies across the country.

    The driver unions say they cannot continue to put up with such high prices.

    The government has since the recent hikes in prices announced the suspension of two levies for the next two months, but the unions say this is inadequate.

    Sixteen driver unions are demanding that the government scraps some taxes on petroleum products.

    According to the unions, they have identified at least five taxes that they believe serve no useful purpose.

    The Coalition of Private Transport Associations includes Tipper Truck Association, Articulated Drivers Association, Ghana Private Road and Transport Union (GPRTU), Tipper Truck Association, Ghana National Cargo Transport Association, Ghana Committed Drivers Association, True Drivers Union and Digital Drivers Union

    They say should their caution go unheeded, they will be forced to withdraw their services on Thursday at 3 pm.

    A litre of petrol and diesel currently sells at ¢6.90 at major oil marketing companies across the country.

    The driver unions say they cannot continue to put up with such high prices.

    The government has since the recent hikes in prices announced the suspension of two levies for the next two months, but the unions say this is inadequate.

    They want the energy debt recovery levy, the Road fund levy, Energy sector levy, Sanitation levy and Special petroleum levy, scrapped.

    Source: myjoyonline.com

  • Tidal flooding: NADMO continues to pump water from homes in Keta

    The Keta Municipal office of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) is continuing with efforts to get water out of homes of residents of Kedzikope and other affected communities.

    About 2,000 residents were displaced following tidal flooding resulting from waves attacks on about 300 households at Kedzikope, Abutiakope, and Keta Central on Sunday dawn.

    A visit by the Ghana News Agency (GNA) to the community on Monday showed the exercise, which began on Sunday shortly after parts of the communities were submerged by the seawater, was in earnest in an attempt to pump the waters back into the sea.

    The Municipal NADMO Coordinator, Mr Godknows Bleboo, in an interview with the GNA said he expected the exercise to pump the flood waters into the sea with the 75mm water pumping machine, to last for two weeks.

    On relief items for the people, he said, “I’m looking up to the regional office for items because the situation at hand is beyond the Municipal office.”

    Meanwhile, the affected persons looked forward to the day their homes, rooms, and pathways would be dry again.

    An elderly woman, Madam Berlinda Ablator Godonu who slept in her bed in the room taken over by the floods said, “it was a wet night and bed for me, but I preferred that to going to sleep at the community center, where a lot of other displaced persons were because there, I have to cope with noises of their children as well.”

    The Keta Municipal office of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) is continuing with efforts to get water out of homes of residents of Kedzikope and other affected communities.

    About 2,000 residents were displaced following tidal flooding resulting from waves attacks on about 300 households at Kedzikope, Abutiakope, and Keta Central on Sunday dawn.

    A visit by the Ghana News Agency (GNA) to the community on Monday showed the exercise, which began on Sunday shortly after parts of the communities were submerged by the seawater, was in earnest in an attempt to pump the waters back into the sea.

    The Municipal NADMO Coordinator, Mr Godknows Bleboo, in an interview with the GNA said he expected the exercise to pump the flood waters into the sea with the 75mm water pumping machine, to last for two weeks.

    On relief items for the people, he said, “I’m looking up to the regional office for items because the situation at hand is beyond the Municipal office.”

    Meanwhile, the affected persons looked forward to the day their homes, rooms, and pathways would be dry again.

    An elderly woman, Madam Berlinda Ablator Godonu who slept in her bed in the room taken over by the floods said, “it was a wet night and bed for me, but I preferred that to going to sleep at the community center, where a lot of other displaced persons were because there, I have to cope with noises of their children as well.”

    Another, Madam Dadzengor Zaglago-Gbede said she was not even aware the homeless took refuge at the community and because she had nowhere to go, “I slept on top of this table here with my children.”

    Source: GNA

  • Takoradi Bible College graduates 20 new preachers

    The Takoradi Bible College under the Takoradi Central Church of Christ has graduated 20 new Ministers with requisite skills to preach the word of God to the world.

    The new preachers were taken through the Old and New Testament survey, Ministry conversation, hermeneutics, Soteriology, Christology, Pneumatology, prophets, Psalms, Apologetics and church history among others under the three-year diploma studies.

    Brother Dr. Daniel Owusu Asiamah, the Director of the College, admonished the graduands to dedicate their lives to the unadulterated preaching and teaching of the Word.

    He said the lack of reading, knowledge and understanding of the Bible on the part of many Christians had resulted in charlatan gospel preachers duping people in the name of Jesus Christ.

    “These false prophets promise heaven on Earth…sell almost everything at the various churches, which can best be described as business centre, duping many unsuspecting seekers of God.

    “As if that was not enough, they cause fear and panic every now and there with doom prophecies.”

    Dr. Asiama said such nefarious activities must not be condoned in the country…”these nefarious activities must be checked and stopped through genuine preaching and proper interpretation of the scriptures”.

    He said, true preachers of God were not afraid to speak the truth, no matter the consequences, adding, Christian Preachers must be willing to fight against atheism and any form of false doctrine.

    The Director of the College entreated the new preachers to devote attention to the existence of God, the Bible, the Gospel and the Church adding, “Your mandate is to enlighten the world about all the aforementioned”.

    Professor Pikay Richieson, a Professor at Manchester University, called on Christians not only to warm the pews as usual in churches, but live by the word of God and affect the world at large.

    Brother Writena Amponsah, Prefect of the Graduating Class, said the vision, optimism and dynamism used to equip the class with the requisite knowledge, will be used in the various ministries.

    The Takoradi Bible College under the Takoradi Central Church of Christ has graduated 20 new Ministers with requisite skills to preach the word of God to the world.

    The new preachers were taken through the Old and New Testament survey, Ministry conversation, hermeneutics, Soteriology, Christology, Pneumatology, prophets, Psalms, Apologetics and church history among others under the three-year diploma studies.

    Brother Dr. Daniel Owusu Asiamah, the Director of the College, admonished the graduands to dedicate their lives to the unadulterated preaching and teaching of the Word.

    He said the lack of reading, knowledge and understanding of the Bible on the part of many Christians had resulted in charlatan gospel preachers duping people in the name of Jesus Christ.

    “These false prophets promise heaven on Earth…sell almost everything at the various churches, which can best be described as business centre, duping many unsuspecting seekers of God.

    “As if that was not enough, they cause fear and panic every now and there with doom prophecies.”

    Dr. Asiama said such nefarious activities must not be condoned in the country…”these nefarious activities must be checked and stopped through genuine preaching and proper interpretation of the scriptures”.

    He said, true preachers of God were not afraid to speak the truth, no matter the consequences, adding, Christian Preachers must be willing to fight against atheism and any form of false doctrine.

    The Director of the College entreated the new preachers to devote attention to the existence of God, the Bible, the Gospel and the Church adding, “Your mandate is to enlighten the world about all the aforementioned”.

    Professor Pikay Richieson, a Professor at Manchester University, called on Christians not only to warm the pews as usual in churches, but live by the word of God and affect the world at large.

    Brother Writena Amponsah, Prefect of the Graduating Class, said the vision, optimism and dynamism used to equip the class with the requisite knowledge, will be used in the various ministries.

    “You taught us to be just like the Bereans in the Bible, to strive to be scholars and always remember there is only one interpretation of the text…if it is, it is…and if it is not, it is not”.

    Source: GNA

  • Veep’s family thank President for attending Hajia Mariama’s funeral

    The family of Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia Monday called on President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo at the Jubilee House, Accra, to express their appreciation for his presence at the final funeral rites of Madam Hajia Mariama, mother of the Vice President.

    The delegation was led by Mba Tarana John Gumah, senior elder of the overlord of Mamprugu Traditional area.

    The family relayed to the President the gratitude of the overlord of the Mamprugu Traditional area, Nayiri Naa Bohagu Mahami Sheriga, for making time to join the Veeps family to give Hajia Mariama Bawumia a befitting funeral.

    “Your presence made the funeral unique. It showed that you have great concern and committed to Mamprugu and to the Vice President.

    “When Mamprugu was mourning, you found it necessary to come and mourn with us,” Mba Gumah said.

    On his part, President Akufo-Addo said the late Hajia Mariama was more like a mother to him as well, and he saw it a duty to see that she was seen off in a befitting manner.

    “The lady was a mother to all of us. She treated me impeccably. The few times I got to know her in the later stage of our lives and her treatment of me, I cannot complain at all…so it was important for me also to express my appreciation on the way she was to me and her son with whom I have been working in close quarters these past five years.

    “We are happy that things were done well,” he said.

    The late Hajia Bawumia died on September 13, 2021, in Accra, at the age of 81.

    The family of Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia Monday called on President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo at the Jubilee House, Accra, to express their appreciation for his presence at the final funeral rites of Madam Hajia Mariama, mother of the Vice President.

    The delegation was led by Mba Tarana John Gumah, senior elder of the overlord of Mamprugu Traditional area.

    The family relayed to the President the gratitude of the overlord of the Mamprugu Traditional area, Nayiri Naa Bohagu Mahami Sheriga, for making time to join the Veeps family to give Hajia Mariama Bawumia a befitting funeral.

    “Your presence made the funeral unique. It showed that you have great concern and committed to Mamprugu and to the Vice President.

    “When Mamprugu was mourning, you found it necessary to come and mourn with us,” Mba Gumah said.

    On his part, President Akufo-Addo said the late Hajia Mariama was more like a mother to him as well, and he saw it a duty to see that she was seen off in a befitting manner.

    “The lady was a mother to all of us. She treated me impeccably. The few times I got to know her in the later stage of our lives and her treatment of me, I cannot complain at all…so it was important for me also to express my appreciation on the way she was to me and her son with whom I have been working in close quarters these past five years.

    “We are happy that things were done well,” he said.

    The late Hajia Bawumia died on September 13, 2021, in Accra, at the age of 81.

    She was buried on September 14, 2021, at Walewale, in accordance with Islamic customs.

    Source: GNA

  • Mireku Duker swears in the 10-member board of Ghana Geological Survey Authority

    The Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources in charge of Mines, George Mireku Duker has sworn in the Members of the Ghana Geological Survey Authority ( GGSA) Board at a brief ceremony on Monday, 8th November 2021 at the Ministry’s conference room.

    The Deputy Minister who inaugurated the board on behalf of the Minister, Samuel A. Jinapor encouraged the members to up their game in database generation adding that the Ministry and a number of other agencies will be depending on this data to execute their work.

    In his inaugural statement, Duker clearly spelt out the key areas where the Board would have to generate enough database for the Ministry to depend on.

    He said ” the demarcating areas for Small-Scale Mining is very key going forward, especially in the Community Mining Concept that we have now. We believe the onus will be on you to tell us the areas that are viable for our youth who are unemployed to get a viable work to do.”

    The Deputy Minister reposed his confidence in the Board adding that” we believe we have the expertise to run the affairs of the Ghana Geological Survey Authority and we believe with this team, it will grow from strength to strength.”

    He further disclosed that the board has already been doing an amazing job in making Ghana proud and so he has no doubt that the GGSA Board will soon become a repository of all the facts and figures that will be needed for the exploration of the country’s Natural Resources.

    On his part, the Chairman of the Board, Mr Philip Yaw Oduro Amoako expressed his appreciation to the President of the Republic, H.E Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the Ministry and the Minister for the appointment, saying “the only best thing to do as a group is to reciprocate the kindness by discharging our duties.”

    He stated that as Members of the Board, they recognise the functions of the GGSA and will do according to the dictates of these functions.

    He gave the assurance that they are going to be diligent and factual, and with effective collaboration, work with the relevant public and private sector agencies for the execution of the mandate given.

    The Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources in charge of Mines, George Mireku Duker has sworn in the Members of the Ghana Geological Survey Authority ( GGSA) Board at a brief ceremony on Monday, 8th November 2021 at the Ministry’s conference room.

    The Deputy Minister who inaugurated the board on behalf of the Minister, Samuel A. Jinapor encouraged the members to up their game in database generation adding that the Ministry and a number of other agencies will be depending on this data to execute their work.

    In his inaugural statement, Duker clearly spelt out the key areas where the Board would have to generate enough database for the Ministry to depend on.

    He said ” the demarcating areas for Small-Scale Mining is very key going forward, especially in the Community Mining Concept that we have now. We believe the onus will be on you to tell us the areas that are viable for our youth who are unemployed to get a viable work to do.”

    The Deputy Minister reposed his confidence in the Board adding that” we believe we have the expertise to run the affairs of the Ghana Geological Survey Authority and we believe with this team, it will grow from strength to strength.”

    He further disclosed that the board has already been doing an amazing job in making Ghana proud and so he has no doubt that the GGSA Board will soon become a repository of all the facts and figures that will be needed for the exploration of the country’s Natural Resources.

    On his part, the Chairman of the Board, Mr Philip Yaw Oduro Amoako expressed his appreciation to the President of the Republic, H.E Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the Ministry and the Minister for the appointment, saying “the only best thing to do as a group is to reciprocate the kindness by discharging our duties.”

    He stated that as Members of the Board, they recognise the functions of the GGSA and will do according to the dictates of these functions.

    He gave the assurance that they are going to be diligent and factual, and with effective collaboration, work with the relevant public and private sector agencies for the execution of the mandate given.

    Other Members of the Board include Dr Daniel Boamah, Director-General GGSA, Prof. Patrick Kwamla Agbesinyale, Chief Director, Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, Mr Lawrence Apaalse from the Ministry of Energy, Mr Richard Kofi Adjei, Chief Inspector of Mines, Minerals Commission, Mrs Dorothy Afriyie-Ansah, Attorney General’s Department, Mr Bob A. Alfa, Water Resources Commission, Dr Jacob Mawuko Kutu, Ghana Institute of Geoscientist, Mad. Marian Asantewaa Nkansah, a Presidential nominee. and a representative from the National Council for Tertiary Education.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • UK-based Ghanaian reveals how he fled from Nigeria after impregnating his girlfriend

    Victor Badu, a UK-based Ghanaian has revealed that he fled from Nigeria to Ghana to avoid the wrath of his girlfriend’s parents.

    Speaking on SVTV Africa with DJ Nyaami, Yaw Berma declared that he was a womaniser in his youthful age and loved Nigeria for its women. He revealed that he stayed there for about 15 years and got a lady pregnant but did not wait for her parent to contact him.

    “I left the country immediately I heard she was pregnant. I knew her parents would be furious so I fled to Ghana and travelled to the UK after a while,” he disclosed.

    He however did not mention if he ever went back to see the lady or his child.

    Yaw Berma visited Nigeria for the first time in 1981 to buy a radio set to decorate his room. According to him, it was to attract ladies. However, upon arrival, he decided to stay in Lagos and worked as a bus conductor for years.

    “I left during the long vacation in high school back then but I never came back. I stayed there till they sacked Ghanaians from Nigeria but I went back again because I loved Lagos. It is one of the best cities to live in. There was money, women, alcohol and the infrastructure too,” he added.

    Victor Badu, a UK-based Ghanaian has revealed that he fled from Nigeria to Ghana to avoid the wrath of his girlfriend’s parents.

    Speaking on SVTV Africa with DJ Nyaami, Yaw Berma declared that he was a womaniser in his youthful age and loved Nigeria for its women. He revealed that he stayed there for about 15 years and got a lady pregnant but did not wait for her parent to contact him.

    “I left the country immediately I heard she was pregnant. I knew her parents would be furious so I fled to Ghana and travelled to the UK after a while,” he disclosed.

    He however did not mention if he ever went back to see the lady or his child.

    Yaw Berma visited Nigeria for the first time in 1981 to buy a radio set to decorate his room. According to him, it was to attract ladies. However, upon arrival, he decided to stay in Lagos and worked as a bus conductor for years.

    “I left during the long vacation in high school back then but I never came back. I stayed there till they sacked Ghanaians from Nigeria but I went back again because I loved Lagos. It is one of the best cities to live in. There was money, women, alcohol and the infrastructure too,” he added.

    Kindly watch the full interview below;

    Source: svtvafrica.com

  • Thousands benefit from Annoh-Dompreh’s free eye screening exercise

    Over 3000 residents in the Nsawam-Adoagyiri constituency last week benefitted from a free eye screening exercise organized by the Member of Parliament for the area, Frank Annoh-Dompreh.

    The six-day exercise which commenced on Monday ended on Saturday with beneficiaries drawn from the constituency and nearby towns enjoying free eye care which was wholly funded by Frank Annoh-Dompreh.

    Frank Annoh-Dompreh explained that the purpose of the initiative was to help deal with eye-related sicknesses in the constituency.

    He stated that as a representative who does not take for granted the honor done him by the constituency, he finds it worthwhile to assist his constituents in areas including healthcare.

    The beneficiaries were full of praise for Annoh-Dompreh who they assert has kept faith with them.

    They commended him for the gesture and also appealed for more help from other benevolent members in the constituency.

    Over 3000 residents in the Nsawam-Adoagyiri constituency last week benefitted from a free eye screening exercise organized by the Member of Parliament for the area, Frank Annoh-Dompreh.

    The six-day exercise which commenced on Monday ended on Saturday with beneficiaries drawn from the constituency and nearby towns enjoying free eye care which was wholly funded by Frank Annoh-Dompreh.

    Frank Annoh-Dompreh explained that the purpose of the initiative was to help deal with eye-related sicknesses in the constituency.

    He stated that as a representative who does not take for granted the honor done him by the constituency, he finds it worthwhile to assist his constituents in areas including healthcare.

    The beneficiaries were full of praise for Annoh-Dompreh who they assert has kept faith with them.

    They commended him for the gesture and also appealed for more help from other benevolent members in the constituency.

    The exercise had support from the Nsawam Government Hospital and Non-Governmental Organization, Vision Spring.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Your conduct reckless, irresponsible – TESCON to Sosu

    The University of Professional Studies (UPSA) branch of the student wing of the New Patriotic Party, TESCON, has hit out at the member of Parliament for Madina Constituency, Francis-Xavier Sosu over his alleged role in the blockage of roads in some communities in the constituency during a protest on October 25, 2021.

    At a press conference held on Monday, November 8 , 2021 executives of TESCON-UPSA implicated Sosu in what they contend to be violence that marred the demonstration.

    They also criticized him for not availing himself to the police for the law to take what in their view will be due course.

    The group further debunked claims of the NPP government not undertaking road projects in the constituency, listing some of projects which have been embarked on by the government in the constituency.

    “he Member of Parliament for Madina. Hon. Francis Xavier Sosu, following his role in a protest by residents of the Ayi Mensah, Kweiman, Danfa, Adoteiman and Otinibi stretch of the la Nkwatanang-Madina municipality that sadly saw scene of violence and destruction of state property.

    “We want to emphasis that our reservations have nothing to do with the demonstrations, which of course is a constitutional right of every citizen, but rather the violence and destruction of state property that was evidently instigated by the Member of Parliament, for which the honourable member in the name of parliamentary immunity has been trying to avoid taking responsibility for his actions.

    “In fact in an interview with the director of public affairs of the Ghana police service, on the 1st of November, 2021 the police administration made it clear that the Hon member is not being chased or harassed by the police for merely leading a demonstration as some elements within the NDC keep speculating, but rather, for his role in fomenting the violence that broke out during the protest.

    “We also find the way, the Member of Parliament has conducted himself after the turn of events very disappointing especially considering the fact that the honourable member is a lawyer and thus ought to be the first person to uphold the law and not break them and then try to run away from the consequences in the name of parliamentary immunity.”.

    The University of Professional Studies (UPSA) branch of the student wing of the New Patriotic Party, TESCON, has hit out at the member of Parliament for Madina Constituency, Francis-Xavier Sosu over his alleged role in the blockage of roads in some communities in the constituency during a protest on October 25, 2021.

    At a press conference held on Monday, November 8 , 2021 executives of TESCON-UPSA implicated Sosu in what they contend to be violence that marred the demonstration.

    They also criticized him for not availing himself to the police for the law to take what in their view will be due course.

    The group further debunked claims of the NPP government not undertaking road projects in the constituency, listing some of projects which have been embarked on by the government in the constituency.

    “he Member of Parliament for Madina. Hon. Francis Xavier Sosu, following his role in a protest by residents of the Ayi Mensah, Kweiman, Danfa, Adoteiman and Otinibi stretch of the la Nkwatanang-Madina municipality that sadly saw scene of violence and destruction of state property.

    “We want to emphasis that our reservations have nothing to do with the demonstrations, which of course is a constitutional right of every citizen, but rather the violence and destruction of state property that was evidently instigated by the Member of Parliament, for which the honorable member in the name of parliamentary immunity has been trying to avoid taking responsibility for his actions.

    “In fact in an interview with the director of public affairs of the Ghana police service, on the 1st of November, 2021 the police administration made it clear that the Hon member is not being chased or harassed by the police for merely leading a demonstration as some elements within the NDC keep speculating, but rather, for his role in fomenting the violence that broke out during the protest.

    “We also find the way, the Member of Parliament has conducted himself after the turn of events very disappointing especially considering the fact that the honorable member is a lawyer and thus ought to be the first person to uphold the law and not break them and then try to run away from the consequences in the name of parliamentary immunity.”.

    Read the full statement below

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Oscar Pistorius parole process to start in South Africa

    South African Paralympic athlete Oscar Pistorius, in prison for murdering his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, may soon meet her parents as part of the process leading to parole being considered, officials say.

    He is eligible for possible release after having served half his sentence.

    But he first has to take part in what is called “restorative justice”.

    Pistorius shot Steenkamp dead in 2013 saying he mistook her for a burglar at his home in the capital, Pretoria.

    The 34-year-old fired four times through a locked toilet door.

    In 2014, at the conclusion of a trial that was followed around the world, he was given a five-year term for manslaughter. But Pistorius was found guilty of murder on appeal in 2015 and the sentence was later increased to 13 years and five months.

    In a statement, South Africa’s department of correctional services said it was talking to the Steenkamp family about a possible meeting.

    Outlining what needs to happen before parole is considered, the statement says that offenders must “acknowledge and take responsibility for their actions”.

    As part of the restorative justice process, there has to be “an opportunity for parties to reconcile or an apology”.

    The Steenkamps’ lawyer, Tania Koen, told national broadcaster SABC that they “would like to participate in the victim-offender dialogue”.

    “June [Steenkamp, Reeva’s mother] has always said that she has forgiven Oscar, however that doesn’t mean that he mustn’t pay for what he has done… Barry [Steenkamp, Reeva’s father] battles with that a bit, but that is something he will have to voice at the appropriate time,” Ms Koen added.

    “The wound, even though so much time has passed, is still very raw.”

    Being eligible for parole is not the same as being entitled to it and so it is not a forgone conclusion that he will be released, the lawyer said. The authorities will also have to consider a number of reports written by prison officials as well as other professionals.

    There had also been some confusion over when the parole process could begin.

    It was widely believed that it would not be until March 2023, but the Steenkamps were “very shocked and quite taken aback” that he was already eligible, Ms Koen said.

    The BBC’s Pumza Fihlani in Johannesburg says that if granted parole, Pistorius would serve the remainder of his sentence at home and need to report to prison officials regularly.

    Prior to the murder, Pistorius had become well known as a Paralympic gold medallist. In 2012, he made history by becoming the first amputee sprinter to compete at the Olympics running on prosthetic “blades”.

    His legs were amputated below the knee when he was 11 months old because he was born without fibula bones.

    line

    Rise and fall of Oscar Pistorius

    • August 2012: Competes in London Olympics and Paralympics, where he won a gold medal
    • February 2013: Shoots dead his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp
    • March 2014: Trial begins
    • September 2014: Judge finds Pistorius guilty of culpable homicide
    • October 2014: Begins five-year sentence
    • October 2015: Transferred to house arrest
    • December 2015: Appeal court changes verdict to murder
    • July 2016: Sentenced to six years in jail for murder
    • November 2017: Sentence more than doubled to 13 years, five months

    Source: bbc.com

  • Akufo-Addo reverts to presidential jet for trip to Cape Verde

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo left Accra on Monday, November 8, 2021, and arrived in Praia, capital of Cape Verde, where he will attend the inauguration of the island nation’s President-elect, Jose Maria Neves.

    The president in a video shared by the state broadcaster, GBC, is seen being escorted on the tarmac by Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia and other top government officials as he boarded the presidential jet, the Dassault Falcon 900 EXE.

    The issue of presidential travels has in recent months become topical especially with respect to Akufo-Addo’s use of chartered luxury jets for long-haul trips.

    His last overseas trip was to Glasgow for the Climate Change Conference. According to a Daily Mail report and independent checks by North Tongu MP, the president chartered a luxury jet for his trip to and from Scotland.

    The government through the Minister of Defense has explained that trips within Ghana and the sub-region will be done with the Falcon but long-haul trips overseas will be done through alternative arrangements.

    The presidential trips and their cost to the public purse is the subject of an urgent question filed by some Minority Members of Parliament led by North Tongu MP, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.

    Akufo-Addo is in Praia not only as President of Ghana but also in his capacity as the Chairperson of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

    Cape Verdean President-Elect, 61-year-old Neves had previously served as a Prime Minister of the country between 2000 and 2016. He won the presidential election held last month.

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo left Accra on Monday, November 8, 2021, and arrived in Praia, capital of Cape Verde, where he will attend the inauguration of the island nation’s President-elect, Jose Maria Neves.

    The president in a video shared by the state broadcaster, GBC, is seen being escorted on the tarmac by Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia and other top government officials as he boarded the presidential jet, the Dassault Falcon 900 EXE.

    The issue of presidential travels has in recent months become topical especially with respect to Akufo-Addo’s use of chartered luxury jets for long-haul trips.

    His last overseas trip was to Glasgow for the Climate Change Conference. According to a Daily Mail report and independent checks by North Tongu MP, the president chartered a luxury jet for his trip to and from Scotland.

    The government through the Minister of Defense has explained that trips within Ghana and the sub-region will be done with the Falcon but long-haul trips overseas will be done through alternative arrangements.

    The presidential trips and their cost to the public purse is the subject of an urgent question filed by some Minority Members of Parliament led by North Tongu MP, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.

    Akufo-Addo is in Praia not only as President of Ghana but also in his capacity as the Chairperson of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

    Cape Verdean President-Elect, 61-year-old Neves had previously served as a Prime Minister of the country between 2000 and 2016. He won the presidential election held last month.

    VP Bawumia will act as President till Akufo-Addo returns home later today, Tuesday, November 9, 2021.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • ECOWAS slaps sanctions on Mali leaders over stalled elections

    Heads of State from the West African regional bloc Ecowas met over the weekend to discuss political developments in suspended Mali and Guinea.

    At the end of the extraordinary summit, they imposed travel bans and financial assets freeze on specific leaders of Mali’s transitional government and members of their families.

    The reason for the sanction is the failure of the government to abide by a timetable to return the country to constitutional rule by February 2022.

    The government led by Colonel Assimi Goita had informed ECOWAS that the early 2022 date was not feasible for elections to be held.

    Goita led two coup in the space of a year, first overthrowing Ibrahim Boubacar Keita’s government amid widespread protests. He subsequently took the role of vice-president of a transitional government led by former defense minister Bah Ndaw.

    Heads of State from the West African regional bloc Ecowas met over the weekend to discuss political developments in suspended Mali and Guinea.

    At the end of the extraordinary summit, they imposed travel bans and financial assets freeze on specific leaders of Mali’s transitional government and members of their families.

    The reason for the sanction is the failure of the government to abide by a timetable to return the country to constitutional rule by February 2022.

    The government led by Colonel Assimi Goita had informed ECOWAS that the early 2022 date was not feasible for elections to be held.

    Goita led two coup in the space of a year, first overthrowing Ibrahim Boubacar Keita’s government amid widespread protests. He subsequently took the role of vice-president of a transitional government led by former defense minister Bah Ndaw.

    He staged a second coup by removing Ndaw after disagreements.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • How Sierra Leone endured weekend of fire, mass deaths and destruction

    2-3 minutes

    A fuel tanker collided with a truck in a central part of Freetown late last week.

    The capital of Sierra Leone was subsequently hit by a fire that has so far claimed over 100 lives and left mass destruction in its wake.

    President Julius Maada Bio cancelled engagements abroad to lead the response. His first reaction to the crisis was via a tweet.

    “Deeply disturbed by the tragic fires and the horrendous loss of life around the Wellington PMB area. My profound sympathies with families who have lost loved ones and those who have been maimed as a result. My Government will do everything to support affected families,” he tweeted on November 6.

    According to reports, fuel spilled from the tanker before igniting and the resulting inferno engulfed bystanders and vehicles at a busy junction.

    Some reports say people who had gone to siphon fuel from the tanker were killed whiles buildings meters away were also engulfed by the ensuing blaze.

    Three days of national mourning has been declared starting today and injured persons numbering over 100 will receive free medical treatment, President Maada Bio has said.

    Police and emergency service workers arrived at the scene and took hours to bring the blaze under control. The place was subsequently cordoned off by police for investigations.

    “I cut short all Foreign engagements and the ECOWAS summit to return home and lead our nation in mourning, visit the wounded and burned in hospitals, and do all we can do as a nation to support victims and their families,” President Maada Bio tweeted on the 7th.

    “Today, I was deeply disturbed to see first hand the loss we have suffered as a country. This is a difficult time for us all. As we mourn our loss together, let us stay resolute and we will come out of this stronger than ever and ensure that this never happens again,” another tweet on Sunday, November 7 read.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Stop giving police officers bribes if you want us to fight corruption – Ghanaians told

    The New Edubiase District Police Commander in the Ashanti region, DSP Francis Ackah has admonished the public to support the service in dealing with perceived corruption.

    He indicated that it was not entirely true the service was corrupt.

    Although he admitted there were some bad nuts in the service, he posited that their attitude did not represent that of the entire Police Administration.

    In dealing with the canker of corruption, he stated that Ghanaians especially drivers must stop giving out bribes to officers when they break the law.

    To him, the public must be responsible for their errors and face the law for them.

    He advised the public not to be intimidated by officers who demand money from them through threats.

    He encouraged Ghanaians to report such officers to the Service for them to be disciplined.

    “That is why we have the commanders and superiors. If a police officer is intimidating, threatening you, and demanding money, report them. Stop giving them money. If you give them the money, we will not be able to fight corruption.

    “We have bad nuts in the service and they are few. Help us to eradicate them. There are genuine ones and only a few are tarnishing our image. Stop giving money to the Police and allow the laws to work,” he added.

    The New Edubiase District Police Commander in the Ashanti region, DSP Francis Ackah has admonished the public to support the service in dealing with perceived corruption.

    He indicated that it was not entirely true the service was corrupt.

    Although he admitted there were some bad nuts in the service, he posited that their attitude did not represent that of the entire Police Administration.

    In dealing with the canker of corruption, he stated that Ghanaians especially drivers must stop giving out bribes to officers when they break the law.

    To him, the public must be responsible for their errors and face the law for them.

    He advised the public not to be intimidated by officers who demand money from them through threats.

    He encouraged Ghanaians to report such officers to the Service for them to be disciplined.

    “That is why we have the commanders and superiors. If a police officer is intimidating, threatening you, and demanding money, report them. Stop giving them money. If you give them the money, we will not be able to fight corruption.

    “We have bad nuts in the service and they are few. Help us to eradicate them. There are genuine ones and only a few are tarnishing our image. Stop giving money to the Police and allow the laws to work,” he added.

    He was speaking on ‘Nyankonton Mu Nsem’ on Rainbow Radio 87.5Fm.

    Source: rainbowradioonline.com

  • Covid vaccine to be mandatory for children in Costa Rica

    Costa Rica has become the first country in the world to make Covid-19 vaccinations mandatory for children.

    The jab will join the extensive list of basic childhood vaccinations already required by law, health officials said.

    The country signed a deal with Pfizer to acquire doses to start vaccinating all under-12s from March 2022.

    Earlier this week, the US health regulatory bodies approved the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine for children aged five to 11.

    Most children are unlikely to get seriously ill if they catch Covid-19 but may still be infectious, even with no symptoms. The vaccine could help stop them from spreading the virus to others.

    Costa Rica’s deal with Pfizer will see it receive 3.5 million doses, of which 1.5 million will be reserved for those aged five to 11. The others will be for third doses to be given to first responders, the elderly population and immunosuppressed people.

    To date, about 55% of the population have been fully vaccinated in the country, according to Our World in Data figures.

    More than 70% of those aged between 12 and 19 have now received at least one dose of the vaccine, officials say.

    Costa Rica has become the first country in the world to make Covid-19 vaccinations mandatory for children.

    The jab will join the extensive list of basic childhood vaccinations already required by law, health officials said.

    The country signed a deal with Pfizer to acquire doses to start vaccinating all under-12s from March 2022.

    Earlier this week, the US health regulatory bodies approved the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine for children aged five to 11.

    Most children are unlikely to get seriously ill if they catch Covid-19 but may still be infectious, even with no symptoms. The vaccine could help stop them from spreading the virus to others.

    Costa Rica’s deal with Pfizer will see it receive 3.5 million doses, of which 1.5 million will be reserved for those aged five to 11. The others will be for third doses to be given to first responders, the elderly population and immunosuppressed people.

    To date, about 55% of the population have been fully vaccinated in the country, according to Our World in Data figures.

    More than 70% of those aged between 12 and 19 have now received at least one dose of the vaccine, officials say.

    The US decision to approve the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine for children aged five to 11 has cleared the way for 28 million young Americans to get vaccinated. They are given a jab with a third of the dosage administered in adults.

    Officials at the Food and Drug Administration determined that the vaccine was around 91% effective in preventing Covid-19 in young children, and that their immune response was comparable to that seen in people aged 16 to 25. No serious side effects were found by researchers.

    Officials at the Food and Drug Administration determined that the vaccine was around 91% effective in preventing Covid-19 in young children, and that their immune response was comparable to that seen in people aged 16 to 25. No serious side effects were found by researchers.

    More countries are expected to follow suit.

    Source: bbc.com

  • TikTok: Missing girl found after using viral call for help sign

    A teenager who went missing in the US has been found after she used hand signals that went viral on TikTok to show she was in danger.

    The girl had been reported missing by her parents in North Carolina on Tuesday morning, and was spotted inside a car in Kentucky two days later.

    The 16-year-old used the gesture designed to help domestic abuse victims ask for help to alert a passing driver.

    Authorities say they arrested a 61-year-old man.

    A driver called police after noticing “a female passenger in the vehicle making hand gestures that are known on the social media platform TikTok to represent violence at home – I need help – domestic violence,” the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement.

    The caller noted that the girl “appeared to be in distress” and was being driven by an older male.

    The girl, who has not been named, told officers she had travelled through North Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Ohio.

    Police later arrested James Herbert Brick, 61, of Cherokee, North Carolina, while he was driving near a Kentucky interstate on Thursday afternoon.

    Signal for Help

    The 'Signal for help'

    The hand gesture is a one-handed sign someone can use when in distress, according to the Canadian Women’s Foundation.

    The victim holds up their hand with their palm facing out, then tucks their thumb into their hand before closing their fingers on top of the thumb.

    The campaign, called the “signal for help”, spread across social media in 2020 during the initial pandemic lockdowns, in an attempt to address a rise in domestic violence.

    Warning: Third party content may contain adverts

    The idea was a way for domestic abuse victims to seek help using a non-verbal cue.

    Videos demonstrating the signs also gained momentum in the UK in the aftermath of the murder of Sarah Everard, which sparked a debate over women’s safety.

    Source: bbc.com

  • US reopens borders to vaccinated travellers after 20 months

    The US has reopened its borders to double-jabbed foreign visitors, ending a 20-month entry ban.

    The ban was imposed by former President Donald Trump due to Covid-19.

    It has affected non-US citizens from over 30 countries, including the UK and EU states, separating families and stalling tourism.

    Airlines are expecting a flood of visitors as the restrictions are lifted for those who are fully vaccinated, and undergo testing and contact tracing.

    “It feels good, it feels good!” Jerome Thomann, head of Paris-based travel agency Jetset Voyages told Reuters news agency, saying his team had seen an “incredible upturn” in bookings.

    In an effort to stop the spread of coronavirus, US borders were initially closed to travellers from China in early 2020. The restrictions were then extended to other countries.

    The rules barred entry to most non-US citizens who had been in the UK and a number of other European countries, as well as China, India, South Africa, Iran and Brazil.

    Under the new rules, foreign travellers will need to show proof of vaccination before flying, get a negative Covid-19 test result within three days of travelling, and hand over their contact information. They will not have to quarantine.

    Alison Henry, a 63-year-old British mother, told AFP news agency: “It’s been so hard – I just want to see my son.”

    Ms Henry, from Cheshire, plans to fly to New York on Monday to see her son for the first time in 20 months.

    The US land borders with neighbours Canada and Mexico will also reopen for the fully vaccinated.

    Thousands of migrants have arrived in areas along Mexico’s border with the US, hoping to take advantage of the newly-relaxed rules.

    In southern Mexico, a new caravan of thousands of mainly Central American migrants – many of them children – has crossed from Chiapas to Oaxaca state, with the ultimate aim of reaching the border and being accepted into the US.

    The Migrant Alliance Group, a Mexico-based advocacy group, has warned that false information is being spread about the new rules in some communities – with many asylum seekers assuming that they will now receive more favourable treatment from border officials.

    Businesses in cities along the border with Mexico are hoping for a boost after struggling under America’s Covid-induced restrictions.

    United Airlines says it expects a 50% rise in international inbound passengers, while Delta’s chief executive Ed Bastian warned travellers to expect queues.

    Mr Bastian said: “It’s going to be a bit sloppy at first. I can assure you, there will be lines unfortunately.”

    The EU recommended allowing American travellers into the bloc in June, while visitors from the US have been able to travel to the UK since 28 July.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Five KOSS SHS students to spend one week at a juvenile cell over murder

    Five students of the Konongo Odumase Senior High School in the Ashanti Region have been remanded to a week at a juvenile cell in Juaso over the death of their colleague.

    This comes after they appeared before the Konongo-Odumase District Court presided over by Her Worship Joyce Bamfo on Monday, November 8, 2021.

    According to Asaaseradio.com, the prime suspect has been charged with murder while four others are facing court for abetment of crime.

    They are to re-appear before the court on November 15, 2021.

    Background

    Five students of the Konongo Odumase Senior High School in the Ashanti Region have been arrested for the murder of 15-year-old Larhan Sam-una, a Form One student of the school.

    The five students are reported to have stabbed Larhan Sam-una in the left rib with a kitchen knife on Friday, November 5, by a form two student for refusing to be bullied by second-year students.

    He was rushed to the Konongo Government Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival after he had lost so much blood.

    The five suspects, who are all form 2 students, were put before the Konongo District Court today, Monday, to face murder related charges.

    Speaking to Citi News, the District Police Commander for Konongo, DSP Osei Adu Agyemang, said, “these five suspects who are all in form two ganged up and decided to go and bully the form-one students and assault some of them. The first-year students who felt that the action was uncalled-for resisted and was able to rescue one particular student from the grips of these five suspects. This action infuriated the five suspects, and one of the suspects, Emmanuel Frimpong, rushed on one of the first-year students in an attempt to slap him.”

    “Now Larhan Sam’un, who was close by, stopped Osei Frimpong. This action infuriated the main suspect, and then he pulled a small kitchen knife which he had concealed on him and stabbed Larhan Sam’un at the lower left rib. The deceased started bleeding profusely and was then rushed to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Police have been able to arrest all the five suspects and also retrieved the blood-stained small kitchen knife”, citinewsroom.com quoted him.

    The family of the deceased is demanding justice, stating that the laws of Ghana must deal with offenders.

    “There are laws in Ghana that deal with people who have committed a crime like this. So all the family is seeking is for justice to be served. What needs to be done for the suspect to realize that he has committed a crime must be done. Our deceased relative is calm, so we are really saddened by his passing,” Alhaji Abubakar Siddick, an uncle of the deceased and the spokesperson for the family, told Citi News.

    Meanwhile, the deceased has been buried in accordance with Islamic tradition.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Do not stay under transmission lines – GRIDCo warns Ghanaians

    The Director of System Operations for Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo), Mark Awuah Baah, has cautioned Ghanaians to desist from staying under transmission lines in the country.

    He said persons who live under transmission lines risk losing their lives should a line fall at their ‘abode’.

    He furthered that their bodies will be burnt beyond recognition due to the thousands of volts carried in these transmission lines.

    Addressing journalists at a press briefing in Accra, Mr Baah noted that these transmission lines carry about 161,000 to 330,000 volts.

    He said, “Ordinary 220 volts in our homes can easily kill people, so you can imagine thousands of volts…Thank God that so far all the incidents of falling lines happen in the bush.”

    “If a line is to fall where people are, no one will be made out; all bodies will be charred. Do not stay under the transmission lines,” he warned.

    Director of System Operations for GRIDCo said to end this menace, his outfit together with the national security will eject persons who trade or sleep under transmission lines.

    The move is to safeguard the lives of Ghanaians as well as to prevent any disaster.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Police arrest notorious gun supplier, over 20 weapons retrieved

    A 26-year-old man has been arrested by the Bono Regional Police Command for manufacturing and supplying guns to robbery gangs.

    The suspect, who had earlier escaped a police arrest, was apprehended at Zambrama, a community along the KintampoPrang road.

    According to the Bono Regional Police Commander, DCOP Moses Asagabagna Atibila, the suspect was put on police radar after he was named as the supplier of a handgun used in a robbery.

    A planned swoop at the residence of the suspect was greeted with his absence as he was reported to have received a hint and bolted before the police team arrived.

    The police team however retrieved 20 long barrel guns, 2 pistols and other ammunition as well as pipes used in his manufacturing business.

    According to a report by Adomonline sighted by GhanaWeb, the suspect was eventually arrested from his hideout at Zambrama based on informant intelligence.

    The suspect who is said to be the supplier of guns for armed robbers operating along the Kintampo stretch was reported to be busily manufacturing more weapons at the time of his arrest.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Fetteh Kakraba queen mother escapes assassination attempt

    The Queen mother of Fetteh Kakraba in the Gomoa East District of the Central Region Nana Adjoa Adobi is reported to have escaped death after some criminals stormed her house.

    According to reports, the group stormed her house on Saturday, November 6, 2021, evening in an attempt to assassinate her but met her absence.

    However, gunshots were fired while her car was vandalized.

    Meanwhile, the Fetteh Kakraba Queen mother has named her suspect.

    Starrnews reports that she “accused the Omankrado of the area Nana Ekow Kudu-Manu of being behind the attack”.

    “Nana Adjoa Adobi said the Omankrado has pledged to kill her due to some land litigation between them. Adding that the Omankrado came to her house a day before the incident and arrested her personal secretary claiming that they are land guards.

    Meanwhile, the accused person Omankrado of Fetteh Kakraba Nana Ekow Kudu-Manu popularly known as Yaw Kojo-Oku has denied these allegations levelled against him.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Sosu is out of the country – Speaker Bagbin tells Police

    Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, is said to have written to the Police administration informing them that Madina MP, Francis-Xavier Sosu is out of the country on Parliamentary business.

    The embattled MP was to show up in court on Monday morning but failed to turn up.

    Police Prosecutor ASP Sylvester Asare informed the Kaneshie District Court that a letter had been received from the Speaker indicating that the MP was out of the jurisdiction.

    The case was consequently adjourned to November 16.

    The human rights lawyer on October 25, led his constituents on a demonstration to get their bad roads fixed.

    Mr Sosu is accused of unlawfully blocking a public highway and causing destruction to public property.

    Since the protest, there have been a lot of back and forth between the MP, Parliament and the Police.

    Although the Police have attempted to arrest the MP, he has resisted arrest, citing articles 117 and 118 of the Constitution.

    Speaker Alban Bagbin had earlier written to the Police Service indicating his inability to release the MP to assist with investigations.

    The Police secured the criminal summons against the MP after unsuccessful attempts to arrest him for his alleged breach of the law.

    Source: Joseph Ackah-Blay / myjoyonline.com

  • Ofori-Atta, Energy Ministry to blame for hike in fuel prices COPEC

    The Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC) has blamed the rising petroleum prices in the county on the lackadaisical attitude of the Ministry of Energy and the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta.

    According to the Chamber, the Finance Minister who should have taken steps in curtailing the rising fuel prices has been adamant even when prices on the International Market was dropping.

    “We started talking about the rising price of fuel sometime in March this year. We had indicated the need to relax some of the taxes in the sector in order that we do not push the cost of living beyond the reach of the average Ghanaian. Sadly, nothing has been done.

    “I also blame a section of the media, again the Energy Ministry also tries to rationalize and make the justification on why prices are going up,” the Executive Secretary for COPEC Ghana, Duncan Amoah told Starr FM.

    However, a Research Fellow with the Institute of Energy Studies, Fritz Moses has also predicted that Ghanaians should expect an increase in petrol and diesel prices due to the rising price on the International Market.

    According to him, if the government does not put in place temporary measures Ghanaians should have no option other than to brace themselves to pay more for fuel.

    “We also see the rise in demand as we are getting closer to the winter season in Europe and America for keeping purposes because of that we are expecting prices to go up.

    “For us, we are not saying the government should step in now, we think that the government should have stepped in a long time ago. When we see price increase from last year, last year as of 23rd November was GH¢49.50 per liter at local pumps entering the year, we reached 5ghc per liter,” he revealed during an interview on Starr FM.

    Meanwhile, some Transport Operators have threatened to increase transport fares from Monday, 8th November 2021.

    Source: starrfm.com.gh