TIG Post

Author: Persis

  • Coronavirus: Ghana to take delivery of 17,600,000 vaccine doses by June – Akufo-Addo

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo says Ghana will take delivery of 17,600,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccines by June 2021, with more to come in the year.

    Delivering the State of the Nation Address (SONA) in Accra on Tuesday, he said a total of 262,335 Ghanaians had received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccines as at 1030 hours on March 9, 2021.

    He said the Government was working hard towards realising its goal to vaccinate 20 million Ghanaians and called for the support of all.

    The president urged Members of Parliament (MPs) to get involved in the ongoing public education campaign on the coronavirus vaccination programme, saying “…Together, with strict compliance with the safety protocols, is what will allow us to open up our country again and embark on the quest to restore normalcy to our lives and livelihoods.”

    He said the Government was collaborating with the private sector to establish 14 medical waste treatment facilities across the country to ensure the safe and proper disposal of medical waste such as vials, needles and syringes being used in the coronavirus vaccination exercise.

    President Akufo-Addo said locally, 14,600,000 pieces of Personal Protective Equipment had so far been produced for health workers, students, teaching and non-teaching staff of tertiary and secondary educational institutions.

    He said the Government would continue to invest in the health sector, and recruit more professionals to improve healthcare delivery in the country.

    He expressed gratitude to all frontline healthcare workers for their devotion to duty and sense of patriotism, saying the pandemic had emphasised the need to expand access to healthcare for every Ghanaian, irrespective of location.

    The President said, last year, 33 major health projects were approved for implementation at a cost of €890 million.

    “Key amongst them are the Koforidua Regional Hospital, Tema General Hospital, the Nephrology and Urology Centre at Korle-Bu, Redevelopment of the Effia Nkwanta Hospital into a Teaching Hospital, and the Construction of a new Regional Hospital at Agona Nkwanta in the Western Region,” he said.

    He stated that electronic medical records system (E-Health) deployment was currently underway, following its implementation in key health facilities like Korle-Bu, Komfo-Anokye, Ho, Tamale and Cape Coast teaching hospitals, and several district hospitals in the Central Region.

    President Akufo-Addo said the Upper East, Upper West, and Bono regional hospitals would go live on the e-health platform in the next five days.

    Source: GNA

  • Coronavirus vaccination app to be used in booking appointment for vaccination

    The Director General of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Dr Patrick Kuma-Aboagye has indicated that people going for the COVID-19 vaccination in Ghana, would have to use the vaccination APP to book an appointment or pre-register before going to the vaccination centre.

    Dr Kuma-Aboagye, who made this known said the GHS was going to adopt a locally developed APP for that purpose.

    “We are currently going to adopt a locally developed APP, which will allow us to be able to do scheduling, he said.

    “we can do a pre-registration before you go and vaccinate, we can do appointment system for you to go and vaccinate to know where to go and vaccinate, it will generate your COVID passport for you, so we know all those who have vaccinated, and the database will be in Ghana and whatever the world decides, we will have enough database locally to be able to respond appropriately and learn from how, including checking those who have had positive, whether they have had vaccination or not.”

    Dr Kuma-Aboagye who made this known at a press briefing at Peduase Lodge in the Eastern Region on Monday [March 7, 2021] said the database will be in Ghana and it will enable the GHS to be able to respond and learn accordingly.

    He said they are currently doing a test run of the APP.

    Next steps

    Giving an update on the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic in Ghana, Dr Kuma-Aboagye said the next steps in the fight is that Ghana will continue to pursue additional vaccines for health workers in other districts and regions for them to be vaccinated.

    As of Sunday night, over 200,000 people had received the first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine in the exercise which started on Tuesday, March 2, 2021.

    At the moment a total 650,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine have been received in Ghana, 600,000 from COVAX facility and 50,000 as a donation from the Indian government.

    Dr Kuma-Aboagye said the figure could even go up to about 300,000 for the six days exercise as some of the data were collected on paper due to data entry delays and enthusiasm from the public to take the vaccine.

    Therefore, he projects that by the time all the data is entered and synched, an approximate 300,000 would have been vaccinated in the last six days.

    He added that there were plans to acquire additional Cold Chain equipment including ultra negative freezers as well as sustain public education on adherence to safety protocols and vaccine uptake.

    Benefits of APP

    Once the app is downloaded onto an iOS (Apple) or Android smartphone, the user enters information such as bio-data including age and or existing medical conditions.

    The user then receives reminders when vaccinations are due, following the national vaccination schedule.

    A record of the vaccination is kept on the smartphone.

    The app also provides direct links to the national immunization schedule and other useful online information resources [COVID Passport.

    Source: Ghana Guardian

  • Government to receive extra two million coronavirus vaccines by May

    Ghana will receive an additional two million AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines from the COVAX Facility by the end of May, this year.

    That would boost the country’s COVID-19 vaccination programme and aid the government’s quest to vaccinate about 20 million Ghanaians.

    So far, Ghana had received more than 700,000 COVID-19 vaccines for her vaccination programme.

    Dr Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, the Director-General, Ghana Health Service, announced this during a COVID-19 Update at the Peduase Lodge in the Eastern Region on Monday.

    He said the government was making frantic efforts to secure Cold Chain equipment that was capable of storing vaccines under negative temperatures.

    He said the Service had, so far, vaccinated 300,000 people since the COVID-19 mass vaccination programme started on March 2, 2021.

    Out of the number, 129 persons reported various adverse effects including dizziness, pains at the spot of the injection and mild fever after taking the vaccines.

    Those who received doses of the AstraZeneca vaccines included, health care workers, persons with underlying health conditions, essential service providers and those who were 60 years and above, as well as members of the security agencies, Executive, Legislature and Judiciary branches of government.

    Dr Kuma-Aboagye said the GHS targeted 570,000 people in the first phase of the vaccination, but the number of people vaccinated and registered onto the electronic database system within a week, had exceeded 70 per cent threshold.

    He applauded the media for intensifying sensitisation on the vaccine, which encouraged Ghanaians to voluntarily avail themselves of the vaccination.

    Dr Kuma-Aboagye stated that some of the vaccines were delivered to the various health centres via Zipline Drone Delivery Service.

    The GHS Boss announced that a locally- developed App would soon be launched to aid in the appointment and registration of people onto the electronic database system to speed up the vaccination programme.

    The mass vaccination exercise will continue till the end of October, this year.

    About 20 million Ghanaians are expected to be vaccinated although the government’s ambition is to vaccinate the entire population.

    Government of Ghana received its first batch of Oxford AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine manufactured by the Serum Institute of India, under the Global Access(COVAX Facility) on Wednesday, February 24, 2021.

    Source: GNA

  • Coronavirus vaccination: GHS vaccinates 300,000 people within a week

    The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has, so far, vaccinated 300,000 people since the COVID-19 mass vaccination programme started on March 2, 2021.

    Those who received doses of the AstraZeneca vaccines included, health care workers, persons with underlying health conditions, essential service providers and those who were 60 years and above, as well as members of the security agencies, Executive, Legislature and Judiciary branches of government and the Media.

    Dr Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, Director-General of the GHS, announced this at Peduase Lodge in the Eastern Region, during a media update on Monday, after a three-day Cabinet Retreat.

    He said the GHS targeted 570,000 people in the first phase of the vaccination, but the number of people vaccinated and registered onto the electronic database system within a week, had exceeded the 70 per cent threshold.

    He applauded the media for intensifying sensitisation programme on the vaccine, which encouraged Ghanaians to voluntarily avail themselves of the vaccination.

    So far, he said, Ghana had received 750,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccines from the COVAX Facility and expected to receive extra two million vaccines by the end of May, this year.

    Dr Kuma-Aboagye stated that some of the vaccines were delivered to the various health centres via Zipline Drone Delivery Service.

    Also, a decision had been made by the government to undertake a special vaccination programme for all health workers across the country although the initial arrangement was to vaccinate only people in 43 districts, which fall within the epicentres of the Coronavirus disease.

    Government is also making frantic efforts to secure Cold Chain equipment that is capable to storing vaccines under negative temperatures.

    The GHS Boss announced that a locally- developed App would soon be launched to aid in the appointment and registration of people onto the electronic database system to speed up the vaccination programme.

    The mass vaccination exercise will continue till the end of October, this year.

    About 20 million Ghanaians are expected to be vaccinated although the government’s ambition is to vaccinate the entire population.

    Government of Ghana received its first batch of Oxford AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine manufactured by the Serum Institute of India, under the Global Access(COVAX Facility) on Wednesday, February 24,2021.

    Source: GNA

  • Cabinet Retreat: Government firms up priority programmes for second term

    A three-day Cabinet Retreat has ended at the Peduase Presidential Lodge in the Eastern Region as the Akufo-Addo government firms up its priorities for the years ahead.

    Information Minister Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah, updating the media on key decisions reached at the Cabinet Retreat at Peduase Lodge on Monday, said the government intended to implement a robust COVID-19 Recovery Programme, to resuscitate the economy, which was adversely affected by the Coronavirus pandemic.

    He said the 2021 Budget and Policy Statement slated for Friday, March 12, would clearly provide detailed and specific interventions to restore the national economy to normalcy.

    Mr Oppong Nkrumah noted that President Akufo-Addo had charged his ministers and appointees to work collaboratively with a high sense of urgency to deliver on the mandate of bettering a lot of Ghanaians and creating jobs.

    Government would pursue aggressive measures towards transforming the economy, ravaged by the COVID-19 pandemic, he added.

    The Information Minister said Mr Osei-Kyei Mensah-Bonsu, the Head of Government Business in Parliament and Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, would read the budget in Parliament and would detail out various interventions, which would be hinged on COVID-19 Recovery Programme to strengthening the micro-economic indicators and fiscal regime.

    He said during the Cabinet Retreat which began on Saturday morning, March 6, immediately after the 64th Independence Day Anniversary, afforded the opportunity for the President’s representatives at the various ministries, departments and agencies(MMDAs), to brief him on various activities and happenings at their respective sectors between January 2021 and now.

    Mr Oppong-Nkrumah indicated that the government would roll out plans to mobilize revenue resources to invest in economic sectors affected by the pandemic, in order to get back on track.

    “We need to mobilize revenue resources to invest in the various sectors of the economy and there would be specifics in the Budget.

    “We cannot borrow always since our GDP ratio has gone beyond desirable numbers due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” he stated.

    “There are a mix of measures on the table and so the best way out is to mobilize revenue and the President is very mindful of that and would not burden the population with new taxes,” he opined.

    President Akufo-Addo on Friday, March 5, sworn-in 28 ministers and gave them the instrument of appointment after being vetted and approved by Parliament.

    Source: GNA

  • 156 suspected criminals arrested in police swoop in Accra

    The Accra Regional Police, under the command of DCOP Mr. Afful Boakye Yiadom, has conducted a special operation dubbed, “No Space for Criminals in Accra”, and has arrested at least 156 suspected criminals from their hide-outs.

    The operation, which began on Wednesday, March 3, 2021, targeted locations noted to be harboring criminals, including cemeteries, ghettos, markets, and other similar areas across the 14 divisions in Accra.

    Those arrested were mostly drug peddlers found with quantities of wrapped narcotic substances, tramadol tablets, sharp implements, laptops, phones among others.

    The police also arrested persons with concoctions mixed with narcotic substances being offered for sale to their customers.

    The operation is to disrupt activities of criminals who continue to target and attack decent people in society either on the streets, homes, workplaces, vehicles, or as pedestrians.

    Also, 10 uregistered motorbikes usually used in advancing street robberies in the metropolis were impounded.

    All the suspects are being taken through various levels of screening and interrogation with Police criminal data and records and those found culpable would be put before the law court.

    The exercise would be sustained.

    Source: Ghana Guardian

  • Asante Kotoko rejects USM Algers’ bid for striker Kwame Opoku

    Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko has rejected a bid from Algerian club USM Alger for the services of striker Kwame Opoku, according to reports.

    USM Algers are reported to have presented a bid of 300,000 Euros to the Porcupine Warriors, but the Kumasi-based club rejected the offer.

    Kwame Opoku has been in superb form for the Reds in the ongoing campaign scoring eight times in all competitions for the club.

    He is the club’s top scorer this season and has been a member of the Black Stars team preparing for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against South Africa and Sao Tome.

    The former Nkoranza Warriors player has been linked with several teams including USM Algers’ rivals ES Setif and Egyptian heavyweights Zamalek.

    Opoku before joining the Reds had spent time in Europe on trials at Serbian club Cucaricki.

    The 21-year-old joined the Porcupine Warriors in October 2020.

    Source: Ghana Soccernet

  • Coronavirus vaccine not for sale – NCCE tells Ghanaians

    The Municipal Director of the National Commission for Civic Education in the Ga Central Municipality, Cynthia Anima Boadu, has asked the public not to pay for the COVID-19 vaccination because it is free.

    She told Kwabena Agyapong on Rainbow Radio 87.5Fm that the vaccination is not for sale, and the public should watch for persons who would be demanding money from them to facilitate the process for them to be vaccinated.

    She explained that the process is free for persons who have been categorised to take the jabs.

    She further indicated that the vaccination is not a cure for the covid-19 but an enhanced safety protocol that is meant to reduce the spikes in the covid-19 virus.

    The public she added must follow the safety protocols of mask-wearing, the washing of hands with soap and water as well as observing social distancing.

    According to her, the immune system would be fully built against any severe effects of the covid-19 virus after the second jab has been administered.

    She stressed that the vaccine is a cure for covid-19 but an enhanced measure to help reduce the rate of infections and fatalities.

    President Akufo-Addo in his 24th address to the nation on measures taken to manage the impact of the Covid-19 outbreak said the Covid-19 vaccines are safe and would not pose any threat to the health of any citizen.

    “I know there are still some who continue to express doubts about the vaccine, others have expressed reservations about its efficacy, with some taking sides with conspiracy theorists who believe the vaccine has been created to wipe out the African race.

    “This is far from the truth. As your President, I want to assure you that the vaccine is safe,” he said.

    Source: rainbowradioonline.com

  • Using unapproved textbooks illegal NaCCA

    The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA) has cautioned pre-tertiary schools (both private and public) against the use of unapproved books.

    A statement issued by the NaCCA and signed by its Acting Director-General, John Mensah Anang on 6 March 2021 indicated that it has noticed that “some schools (both private and public kindergarten, primary, Junior and Senior high) are using unapproved books”.

    “Additionally, some individuals and publishing companies are advertising unapproved booka across the country”.

    The NaCCA, by the statement, therefore informed “all heads of pre-tertiary schools (both private and public), parents/guardians, publishers as well as the general public that it is illegal to use unapproved books (textbooks and supplementary readers) in pre-tertiary schools”.

    The statement further noted that “the agency will soon embark on random visits to pre-tertiary schools”, adding that “any school found to be using unapproved books shall be brought to book”.

    “Similarly, drastic measures shall be taken against the publishers of such books,” the statement further stated.

    Read full statement below:

    Source: Class FM

  • Assets declaration: CHRAJ clears Justice Pwamang, dismisses ASEPA claim

    The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) has dismissed as “unsubstantiated”, a complaint filed by civil society group Alliance for Social Equity and Public Accountability (ASEPA) against Mr Gabriel Pwamang, a Justice of the Supreme Court of Ghana, in which the group alleged that the judge “failed to make a declaration of his assets and liabilities as required of him” by the 1992 Constitution.

    ASEPA filed the complaint in June 2020 and requested the Commission to investigate a number of judges of the Superior Courts of Ghana, including Justice Pwamang, for breaches of Article 287 of the Constitution and the Public Office Holders (Declaration of Assets and Disqualification) Act, 1998 (Act 550).

    The pressure group claimed the judges failed to file the declaration with the Auditor-General.

    In the case of Justice Pwamang, CHRAJ said it carried out investigations into the complaint in line with its processes and procedures, and it established that “upon his appointment to the Supreme Court on 30 June 2015, the judge “made his first declaration of assets and liabilities on 18 November 2015 and then a second declaration was made after four years, as required by the Constitution and Act 550”.

    According to the CHRAJ report, “the investigations, however, revealed that the Office of the Auditor-General, in March 2020, suspended the collection of Assets Declaration Forms from public servants on account of the COVID-19 pandemic and this affected the time of the filing of the second declaration, which was otherwise made within the time frame of the law”.

    Consequently, by its decision dated 15 February 2021, and signed by Mr Richard Quayson, Deputy Commissioner of CHRAJ, the Commission “dismissed the complaint against Justice Gabriel Pwamang as unsubstantiated”.

    Source: Class FM

  • Pastor reportedly cuts off boys thumb over GH¢10 theft

    The Head of the Bethel Prayer Centre at Morle in the Jaman North District in the Bono Region, Prophet Osei Blankson, has allegedly slashed the thumb of an 11-year-old boy with a blade.

    The man of God carried out the act after he accused the boy of stealing his GH¢10.

    Speaking exclusively to Rainbow Radio 87.5Fm, the father of the victim, Kwaku Dabie, alias Anointing, said the incident took place last Friday, February 26, 2020.

    The father said the victim was living with his aunt whose daughter was married to Prophet Blankson.

    He further narrated that the man of God carried out his unlawful act when the boy was asleep.

    The father also revealed Prophet Blankson sent the boy to buy meat for a meal that was being prepared, only for him to return and he accused him of stealing the money.

    Source: rainbowradioonline.com

  • Coronavirus vaccine is safe, ignore the fake news – Dr. Apaak

    The Member of Parliament for Builsa South Dr. Clement Apaak has admonished Ghanaians to ignore the fake news surrounding the covid-19 vaccine.

    The legislator says the vaccine is safe and has encouraged Ghanaians to avail themselves for the vaccination when it gets to their turn to take it.

    He said we must defeat the virus and as part of the process in defeating the virus, we have to take the vaccine.

    He made the remarks after he took his vaccine in parliament.

    He wrote: “Please take your COVID vaccine when it gets to your turn. I took mine today. We must defeat this virus so that we can get our lives back.

    Ignore all the fake news and the outlandish conspiracy theories about COVID vaccines! Get inoculated folks.

    I remain a DOG eating citizen!”

    Source: rainbowradioonline.com

  • I will not interfere in chieftaincy issues Jaman South MP

    Williams Okofo Dateh, Member of Parliament (MP) for Jaman South in the Bono Region, has vowed not to interfere or seek to align himself to any local chief for political gain.

    I will rather engage all the people and their leaders to forge a united front for the development of the area.

    The Jaman South MP who paid a courtesy call on the president of the Mpuasu/Japekrom Traditional Council, at his palace, said:

    “I`m counting on your cooperation and support as traditional overlords and your counter-parts in the entire Jaman South traditional enclave to rally behind me in my quest to bring socio-economic development to the entire constituency.”

    Okofo Dateh pleaded with the chiefs in the Jaman South to look beyond traditional politics and factionalism and seek the progress and welfare of the people.

    “If you, our traditional overlords in the Jaman South are not united in diversity but divided along chieftaincy and partisan politics, there is no hope of a possible way we can get our share of the national cake from the government,” he stressed.

    He pledges his support to the on-going Japekrom Hospital project as well as all development projects to uplift the living standards of the people.

    The Aduanahene of the Mpuasu/Japekrom Traditional Council, Nana Asare Kotimako, who represented the Omanhene Okatakyie Amoa Aturu Nkonkonkyia II, and granted audience to the MP and his entourage at the chief`s palace at Japekrom, said the vow by the MP not to allow himself to be manipulated by any traditional overlord in the constituency was a wake-up call to action.

    Nana Aduanahene advised him to strictly adhere to decorum, civility and fairness in his dealings with people.

    Source: GNA

  • Reopening for SHS 1 students postponed to 18 March

    First-year Senior High School (SHS) students across the country are expected to report to school from Thursday, 18 March to Sunday, 21 March 2021 the Ghana Education Service (GES) has announced.

    First-year SHS students across the country were initially scheduled to report to school on Wednesday, 10 March 2021.

    However, the GES has postponed the reopening date to enable “the students and parents have ample time to prepare for school and School Management also prepare to receive them.”

    A statement issued by the GES and signed by its Head, Public Relations Unit, Cassandra Twum Ampofo said: “Management has also noted that some students have not yet enrolled and the extension will give these students the opportunity to do so as well.

    “Academic work will commence fully on Monday 22nd March 2021.”

    The statement further disclosed that Second and third-year SHS students will go on Mid Semester break from Monday, 8 March to Thursday, 11 March 2021.

    It added that: “The Mid Semester break is not compulsory and so students who wish to stay on campus must be fed and adhere to school rules.”

    Source: Class FM

  • Amnesty International questions death penalty for kidnappers of Takoradi girls

    Amnesty International, the world-renowned human rights advocacy group, has questioned the basis of the death sentence a Sekondi High Court has pronounced on the two convicted persons in the murder case of the four kidnapped Takoradi girls.

    Samuel Abotsey, Campaign Coordinator of Amnesty International Ghana, could not comprehend why Ghana should still have death penalty in its law books.

    “In Ghana, the law still permits the judges to make that pronouncement and so we cannot force the judges or the country, but we believe that the continuous use of the death penalty is not the way to go because evidence has shown that…..there could be mistakes in evidence gathering, there could be mistakes in the investigation; the wrong people could be charged,” Agbotsey told Citi news in a report monitored by GhanaWeb on Saturday.

    He went on: “There have been people that have been sentenced to death, some actually killed, but fresh evidence showed that they were not guilty of that crime. So, our belief is that it is better for us to keep the people on life sentence or a fixed-term sentence so that if there is fresh evidence emerging tomorrow, these people can be exonerated.”

    Samuel Udeotuk Wills and John Orji, were found guilty by a Sekondi High Court on charges of conspiracy to murder and murder.

    The two convicts have the right of appeal within a 30-day window.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Dauda Mohammed scores first ever goal for Anderlecht

    Ghana striker Dauda Mohammed finally broke his goal scoring duck for Belgian giants Anderlecht in their Jupiler Pro league game against Standard Liege.

    Since joining the club two and half years ago, and embarking on several loan spells the former Asante Kotoko striker has now found the back of the net for his parent club in Sunday’s league game.

    The striker scored his side’s third goal after compatriot Francis Amuzu had opened the scores with rapturous delight from the technical bench as if he told them I would score today.

    After Francis Amuzu opener in the 23rd minute, K.M Lawrence added the second in the 73rd minute to make sure of the results.

    Liege reduced the deficit through Selim Amallah before Dauda Mohammed sealed the victory with the last goal which happened to be the last shot on target.

    The former Kotoko and Ghana U-20 star joined Anderlect from Asante Kotoko in the 2016/2017 season and has gone on loan spells at Esbjerg and Vitesse Arnhem.

    Source: ghanaguard.com

  • Myron Boadu is unstoppable in second half of ongoing season

    Myron Boadu didn’t start the season very well, he scored only four goals. Nobody needs to tell Boadu that it is scanty for him. Boadu indicates often enough that more goals should be scored.

    When AZ wins 1-3 again in Eindhoven, the name of the Dutchman with Ghanaian roots will not yet be on the scoreboard. Once in De Kuip that will happen. After assists from Fredrik Midtsjo and Calvin Stengs, goals from Boadu AZ bring the victory as ever.

    After two goals against VVV-Venlo, Feyenoord is again a victim of Boadu’s goal scored on Sunday afternoon. After a hat-trick against the team from Rotterdam, his counter for this season is eleven goals. In five encounters with the Rotterdammers, the AZ striker scores six times.

    Boadu has two more dates that he can circle in red in his diary. On March 21, AZ will receive PSV in Alkmaar, on April 24, Ajax must again fear the striker in the Johan Cruijff Arena.

    Source: Football Ghana

  • Sammy Gyamfis attack on Bagbin unwarranted Ayariga

    The NDC Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga, has described as unwarranted the attack on the Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin by the Communications officer of the NDC, Sammy Gyamfi.

    Gyamfi accused the Speaker of Parliament and the leadership of the NDC caucus in the House of betraying the party after the House voted to approve all the vetted nominees for ministerial positions Wednesday night.

    The party had directed its members to vote against some of the nominees especially those with security portfolios.

    “Comrades, the betrayal we have suffered in the hands of the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin, the leadership of our Parliamentary group, particularly Hon. Haruna Iddrissu and Hon. Muntaka Mubarak, and dozens of our own MPs, is what strengthens me to work hard for the great NDC to regain power.

    “They brazenly defied the leadership of the party and betrayed the collective good for their selfish interest. And we, must not let them succeed in their parochial quest to destroy the NDC, the party that has done so much for them and all of us. The shame they have brought on the party will forever hang like an albatross around their necks,” Mr. Gyamfi wrote in a statement Thursday.

    But speaking on GHone TV Friday morning, the former Minister of Information and Media Relations said even though Sammy Gyamfi could have had legitimate grounds for criticising the leadership of the party, he had no basis to attack the Speaker.

    “To move from criticisms to questioning the integrity of the Speaker is overstepping the boundaries. You need to show exactly what Bagbin did to become the subject of an attack,” Ayariga said.

    Source: Starr FM

  • GRIDCo to embark on a demolition exercise around High Tension Lines

    The Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo) is to embark on a demolition exercise around its Right-of-Way (RoW) locations along the Tema-Achimota-Mallam High Voltage Transmission Lines.

    The exercise, scheduled for this month, would rid the affected areas of illegal occupants and encroachers, whose activities prevent access to the transmission towers.

    In a statement issued in Accra, the company said the specific areas included Dzorwulu, Ashaiman Middle East, and areas in East Legon American House, Adjei Kodzo, and Menpeasem.

    It said the demolition exercise, when completed, would enable GRIDCo engineers and contractors to have unimpeded access to the transmission towers for construction works to be carried out to ensure adequate and quality power transmission to the Greater Accra Region and adjoining areas.

    The statement said it was an offense under the Transmission Line Protection Regulations, 1967 (LI 542) as amended by Regulation No. LI 1737 of 2004 for persons or institutions to conduct any form of activity concerning lands around the location of power transmission lines and towers in Ghana.

    It said such operations included drilling, excavation works, lorry parks, shops, garages, bars, and real estate.

    It said such enterprises should not be undertaken in the areas extending for a distance of 15 meters on each side from the center of the transmission towers for 161kV lines and 20 meters for 330kV lines.

    The statement said such activities posed a danger to human life and property as transmission line faults could result in casualties and damage to properties.

    It said over the past years, GRIDCo had issues with encroachers along with its transmission towers and lands across the country, especially in the Greater Accra, adding, “These persons carry out all forms of activities at the risk of their lives.”

    The statement stated that GRIDCo would continue to work with the relevant state institutions to remove properties and structures and to curb all forms of human activities within the Right-of-Ways to safeguard public safety and ensure the reliability of power transmission.

    Source: Goldstreet Business

  • Coronavirus: Prominent personalities who have taken vaccine shots

    Vaccine skepticism has been a major issue amid the increasing spread of conspiracy theories being spread across social media platforms.

    As a result, governments especially in Africa have been tasked with the need to instill confidence in the safety and reliability of doses imported into the country.

    Ghana made history when it became the first country in the world to receive vaccines under the WHO-led COVAX facility in mid-week of last week. President Akufo-Addo last Monday became the first person to receive a COVAX dose in the world.

    He said the decision to publicly take his shot was to show that the vaccine was safe. He received his shot at the 37 Military Hospital along with First Lady Rebecca Akufo-Addo.

    On the same day, Vice-president Bawumia and his wife Samira also received their shots at the Police Hospital. Government planned for a number of prominent personalities to receive their jabs to boost public confidence.

    GhanaWeb chronicles a number of public personalities to have received their jabs.

    1. President and First Lady Rebecca Akufo-Addo
    2. Vice President Mahamadu Bawumia and Second Lady Samira Bawumia
    3. Former President John Dramani Mahama and wife Lordina Mahama
    4. Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu
    5. National Chief Imam, Sheikh Dr Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu
    6. Akosua Frema Osei-Opare, Chief of Staff
    7. Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, Director-General of Ghana Health Service
    8. Electoral Commission chairperson Jean Mensa
    9. Health Minister Kwaku Agyeman-Manu
    10. Former President John Agyekum Kufuor
    11. Enoch Teye Mensah – Former MP, current Council of State member
    12. Aaron Mike Oquaye – Immediate past Speaker of Parliament
    13. University of Ghana Vice Chancellor, Ebenezer Oduro Owusu
    https://twitter.com/MBawumia/status/1366441639779172358?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1366441639779172358%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ghanaweb.com%2FGhanaHomePage%2FNewsArchive%2FCoronavirus-Prominent-personalities-who-have-taken-vaccine-shots-1196536
    https://twitter.com/moigovgh/status/1366365033056329729?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1366365033056329729%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ghanaweb.com%2FGhanaHomePage%2FNewsArchive%2FCoronavirus-Prominent-personalities-who-have-taken-vaccine-shots-1196536

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Legal colossus Tsatsu Tsikata and his team worked for me for free John Mahama reveals

    The former President of Ghana John Dramani Mahama has indicated that he did not pay for any legal services to Lawyers who represented him in the 2020 election petition.

    Grapevine information suggested that Lawyers for the petitioner were paid $5 million to represent the former President of Ghana who led the NDC in the 2020 election.

    But speaking to party members and Ghanaians Thursday, John Dramani Mahama indicated that the services rendered was free.

    John Dramani Mahama was grateful to the legal luminary Tsatsu Tsikata who he said has won the hearts of many during the court proceedings.

    “I take this opportunity to express my deep-seated gratitude to our lawyers led by a colossus of a legal mind Tsatsu Tsikata for a valiant fight which has won the admiration of many. Against considerable odd they persisted and drove home our point in a manner that convinced all fair minded observers on the just course we had embarked on.

    “I also want to place on record that the legal services rendered to me in this petition was gratis meaning free of charge,” he said.

    Source: My News GH

  • Organise dont agonise Dr Omane Boamah consoles heartbroken NDC supporters

    Stalwart of the opposition National Democratic Congress(NDC) and former Minister of Communications Dr Edward Omane Boamah has enjoined supporters of the NDC to take advantage of recent happenings to organise and not agonise over their losses.

    His advice follows the dismissal of the election petition of former President John Mahama by the Supreme Court on the basis that the petitioner failed to prove his case in Court.

    Earlier, the National Communications Officer of the NDC, Sammy Gyamfi had accused the leadership of the NDC caucus in Parliament of betrayal following the approval of some Ministers-Designate after voting in Parliament.

    In the ongoing turmoil, Dr. Omane Boamah has advised that rather than lament over these occurrences, the supporters of the Party ought to organise for the future.

    Meanwhile, John Mahama, whose petition seeking a rerun of the 2020 Presidential Election has been dismissed has indicated that he disagrees with the ruling by the Apex Court of the land.

    I disagree with the suggestion of our Justices that an election petition is akin to any other civil litigation and therefore an EC Chairperson, whose functions go to the heart of our democracy, can by a legal sleight of hand avoid accounting for her stewardship in an appropriate forum such as the highest court of the land.

    Source: My News GH

  • How Mahama and Akufo-Addo reacted to Election Petition judgements of 2013 and 2021

    Whilst waiting for the verdict from the Justices of the Supreme Court, President John Dramani Mahama and his Vice President Kwesi Bekoe Amissah-Arthur (now deceased), donned white linen jumper attire and sat quietly monitoring the court proceedings on TV.

    After Justice William Atuguba, the President of the panel declared that John Dramani Mahama had been validly elected in the 2012 election, John Dramani Mahama and Kwesi Bekoe Amissah-Arthur were seen smiling and clapping their hands.

    The two then hugged each other while some party members at the Jubilee House cheered them on.

    President Mahama had an important phone call. Vice President Amissah-Arthur confirmed to journalists at the presidency that it was the NPP candidate, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, who had called to congratulate President Mahama on his victory.

    How Akufo-Addo reacted in 2021

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia were earlier seen in a viral photo on social media seated in the comfort of the president’s office at the Jubilee House while watching the proceedings on TV.

    The Chief Justice, Kwasi Anin-Yeboah, who delivered the two-hour-long plus verdict of the seven-member panel, is heard declaring: “your petition is dismissed without merit”.

    In a video that has emerged after the judgement, the president and the vice president are seen celebrating in what can be described as a mild way, with the only more exciting aspect of what the video shows being the moment Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia momentarily claps his hands on the news of the verdict.

    He then gets up from his seat, turns to President Akufo-Addo, who is still seated, greets him with an elbow in the coronavirus-style and takes a bow.

    It is unclear if former President John Dramani Mahama has called to congratulate President Akufo-Addo like it was reported Akufo-Addo did in 2013.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Notorious armed robbers jail term increases to 90 years

    Prince Adu, also known as Dracula, a notorious armed robber, who was jailed to a cumulative 63 years by a Ho Circuit Court for three robbery offences, has his jail term increased to 90 years, when the court sentenced him to an additional 27 years in hard labour for similar offence.

    Adu who pleaded guilty to the charge would have his new sentence run concurrently with the earlier convictions.

    Narrating the fact to the court presided over by Mr Felix Datsomor, Chief Inspector Stephen Atidzon said the complainant (name withheld) is a trader and resident of New Housing, a suburb of Ho.

    He said the complainant who was returning to her house from Ho Barracks New town stopped a motorcycle, which had the convict and his accomplice, a juvenile, now committed in a borstal home on board on May 29, last year, at about 2200 hours.

    Prosecution said the convict after hearing where the destination of the victim was, asked her to get on board, telling her that he and his accomplice would be alighting soon.

    Chief Inspector Atidzon said on reaching Donorkordzi cemetery, the complainant opted to alight, seeing that the vehicle was heading into the bush.

    Prosecution said the convict also alighted immediately with the complainant and snatched her purse containing an amount of Gh¢100.00 and her itel mobile phone valued at Gh¢500.00.

    He said the juvenile then removed a two edged sharp machete from his bag and gave it to the convict and they started assaulting the complainant.

    Prosecution said the rider then tried to intervene and pleaded on behalf of the victim but the convict ordered him to move away from the scene immediately, which he did, leaving the victim behind.

    Chief Inspector Atidzon said the victim in an attempt to protect herself against the assault held the edge of the machete, and the convict pulled it, resulting in a deep cut in her palm.

    Prosecution said the convict then ordered the victim to remove her dress and he forcibly had sex with her after which he asked the victim to give him an additional money.

    He said the convict after having sexual intercourse with the complainant, ordered her to sit on one of the tombs whilst they leave, threatening to kill her if she disobeyed the order.

    Prosecution said after the convict and his accomplice left, the victim quickly ran to Godokpui Police checkpoint and reported the incident to the Police on duty and they also informed the patrol team.

    The juvenile was arrested on a motorcycle but the convict managed to escape, the Prosecution said.

    Prosecution said on February 18, this year, the convict was arrested in a different case and was re-arrested on February 27, and pleaded guilty to the offence in his investigation statement, hence the stiffer punishment.

    Source: GNA

  • Omar Richards joins Bayern Munich

    According to Sky Sports, Bayern Munich has agreed to sign of Omar Richards on a free transfer after his contract with Championship side Reading expires this summer.

    The 23-year-old has passed his medical and will sign a four-year contract with Bayern Munich.

    Since his promotion to the first team in 2017, the 23-year-old left-back has so far made 92 appearances for Reading in all competitions, scoring three goals.

    Richards is expected to shadow Alphonso Davies at left-back. An attacking full-back, Richards is also capable of playing further up the pitch, giving head coach Hansi Flick multiple options to deploy the player.

    Bayern scouted Omar Richards for some time before making a decision to sign him. Omar Richards will join the Bavarians in July.

    Source: Football Ghana

  • Akufo-Addo, Bawumia join Election Petition on Judgement day

    2nd Correspondent in the Election Petition Hearing Case, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo is monitoring proceedings at the Supreme Court from his office at the presidency.

    He is joined by his Vice, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.

    Mr. Akufo-Addo is being challenged by Petitioner, John Dramani Mahama in the case.

    According to Mahama, neither himself, and President Akufo-Addo, who were the leading candidates in the 2020 elections, obtained more than 50 per cent of the valid votes cast per the results declared by Jean Mensa, the EC Chairperson on 9 December.

    Mr. Akufo-Addo is being represented in court by Campaign Manager for the New Patriotic Party, Peter Mac Manu, and a legal team comprising of Lawyer Akoto Ampaw who is the head of the team, assisted by Frank Davis, Kwaku Asirifi and Yaw Oppong.

    After weeks of legal arguments and cross-examination, the Supreme Court of Ghana is delivering judgement in the Election 2020 Petition trial.

    The court has set the following for determination:

    1. Whether or not the petition discloses any reasonable cause of action

    2. Whether or not based on the data contained in the declaration of the 1st Respondent (EC), no candidate obtained more than 50% of the valid votes cast as required by article 63 (3) of the 1992 constitution

    3. Whether or not the 2nd Respondent still met the article 63 (3) of the 1992 constitution threshold by the exclusion or inclusion of the Techiman South constituency Presidential Election Results of 2020

    4. Whether or not the declaration by the 1st Respondent dated the 9th of December was in violation of article 63 (3) of the 1992 constitution

    5. Whether or not the alleged vote padding and other errors complained of by the petitioner affected the outcome of the Presidential Election results of 2020.

    Watch a livestream of the judgement on GhanaWeb TV below:

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Hearts of Oak Board Chairman Togbe Afede endorses Coronavirus vaccination exercise

    Board Chairman of Accra Hearts of Oak, Togbe Afede XIV, has urged Ghanaians to disregard information about the COVID-19 vaccine.

    Togbe Afede who is also the Agbogbomefia of Asogli State, has urged Chiefs in the traditional area to help mobilize the people to take the COVID-19 vaccine.

    He said the involvement of the chiefs would help fight misinformation and encourage the people to get vaccinated against the virus.

    Togbe Adzie Lakle Howusu XII, Awafiaga of Asogli State, said this on behalf of Togbe Afede, when he donated 7,500 nose masks to the Chiefs in the Traditional Area.

    The masks are to be distributed to the people within the various traditional areas to protect them against the virus.

    He said while the COVID-19 vaccination started to roll, there was still considerable vaccine scepticism among segments of the population and urged Chiefs to persuade the people by taking the shots.

    Togbe Howusu said people should not lower their guard to lead reckless lifestyles after the vaccination but should continue to follow the COVID-19 protocols of wearing nose masks, frequent washing of hands under running water with soap and the use of hand sanitizers and social distancing.

    Source: footballmadeinghana.com

  • Aduana Stars defender Farouk Adams slapped with two charges

    Farouk Adams, the Aduana Stars defender who accidentally knocked down and killed a police officer has been slapped with two charges.

    The footballer is facing trial on counts of careless and inconsiderate driving and negligently causing harm.

    The charges were made known to the player when he appeared before the Sunyani High Court on Wednesday, March 3, 2021.

    He was remanded into police custody with the court set to resume sitting today, March 4, 2021.

    Farouk Adams was arrested by the police after allegedly knocking down a police officer at Wamfie in the Bono Region on Monday, March 1, 2021.

    Reports indicate that the police officer, Constable Amos Maatey, who was on night duty, was riding a motorbike to go purchase mosquito repellent when the incident occurred. The officer died instantly, but Farouk failed to turn in himself to the police.

    The police, through their investigations, discovered that the car belonged to the player and arrested him.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Former Kotoko coach Maxwell Konadu wishes new Hearts trainer Samuel Boadu well

    Former Asante Kotoko coach Maxwell Konadu has sent his warm wishes to newly appointed coach of Accra Hearts of Oak Samuel Boadu.

    The former Medeama gaffer was appointed coach of the Rainbow club on Monday barely a week after leaving his job in Tarkwa, becoming the 23rd coach appointed to serve under the reign of Togbe Afede XIV.

    He has been tasked to transform the fortuned of the Rainbow club and get them to win laurels like they did in their glory days.

    Boadu has penned a juicy three year contract with huge expectations from a very volatile club that has a very impatient fan base.

    Maxwell Konadu who had two stints with Kotoko before he was sacked in December 2020 knows everything about handling one of the biggest clubs in the country and has wished his brother Samuel Boadu well in his new role.

    Source: Ghana Guardian

  • Things must change at Hearts for Samuel Boadu to succeed

    Former Accra Hearts of Oak coach and legend Mohammed Polo has predicted doom for newly appointed coach Samuel Boadu.

    According to the veteran coach the former Medeama trainer will struggle to survive the the hostile environment of interference at his old club.

    He also says that the coach lacks the needed experience as he has not won anything worthy of note in his career.

    Polo says the Hearts of Oak job is not all about having the requisite certificate and requires something extra.

    The Hearts legend in an interview with Kumasi Fm believes the condition at Hearts will make it difficult for the newly appointed coach to succeed.

    ” It will be very difficult for Samuel Boadu to succeed, looking at the target set for him. It is not always about certificate even though it matters, what has he achieved, what experience has he gained. We don’t just make such appointment. Aside his being inexperienced, there are too much interference which needs to be dealt with, either than that ,coaches will go and come but the club will remain the same,” he concluded.

    Source: Ghana Guardian

  • Black Stars break camp as players return to clubs to prepare for next GPL matchday

    The Ghana FA has announced that the Black Stars are breaking camp on Thursday for home-based players to report to their various clubs ahead of matchday 17 of the Premier League.

    In the last few days, coach CK Akonnor and his technical team have been working hard in training as preparations continue for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying matches set to be played later this month.

    Due to upcoming matches in the Ghana Premier League, there has been a break in camp today.

    All home-based players in camp are hence returning to their clubs to prepare for their games on the next matchday of the Premier League.

    “The Black Stars will break camp on Thursday after a one-week training programme in Accra.

    “The players held their final training session on Wednesday morning and are expected to depart for their respective clubs Thursday for this weekend’s matchday 17 Premier League games,” a communique on the website of the GFA has said.

    The players are expected to report on Monday, March 8, 2021.

    Below is the list of players

    Goalkeepers:

    Joseph Addo (Aduana Stars), Razak Abalorah (Asante Kotoko), Eric Ofori Antwi (Medeama SC)

    Defenders:

    Ganiyu Ismail (Asante Kotoko), Yusif Mubarik (Asante Kotoko), Kwadwo Amoako (AshantiGold SC), Konadu Yiadom (WAFA), Ibrahim Moro (Asante Kotoko), Haruna Jamal Deen (Great Olympics), Christopher Nettey (Asante Kotoko), Dennis Korsah (Ebusua Dwarfs), Joseph Agyei (Legon Cities)

    Midfielders:

    Gladson Awako (Great Olympics), Justice Blay (Medeama SC), Michel Otou (Great Olympics), Yaw Annor (AshantiGold SC), Rashid Nortey (Medeama SC), Maxwell Abbey (Great Olympics), Augustine Boakye (WAFA), Salifu Moro (Bechem United), Mubarak Wakaso (Jiangsu Suning), Joseph Esso (Dreams FC)

    Forwards: Emmanuel Boateng (Dalian Pro), Kwame Peprah (King Faisal), Kwame Opoku (Asante Kotoko), Diawusie Taylor (Karela United).

    Source: footballghan.com

  • Harriet Thompson appointed British High Commissioner to Ghana

    Madam Harriet Thompson has been appointed the new British High Commissioner to Ghana and the non-resident British High Commissioner to Benin.

    A statement issued by the United Kingdom (UK) Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, made available to the Ghana News Agency, said Madam Thompson would succeed Mr Iain Walker, who was going for another Diplomatic Service appointment.

    It said Madam Thompson would take up her new appointment during summer, 2021.

    Source: GNA

  • GHACEM will uphold environmental safety – MD

    Stefano Gallini, Managing Director of GHACEM Heidelbergcement Group, a leading cement manufacturing company in Ghana, on Wednesday said the company would continue to adhere to environmental health and safety measures.

    He said over the years, the company had strictly adhered to safety standards at its plants in Tema and Takoradi with the certification of its environmental management system as compliant.

    Mr Gallini said this when Dr Henry Kwabena Kokofu, the Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and other officials, paid a working visit to selected industrial plants and sites in Tema.

    The familiarisation tour allowed the EPA to assess the level of environmental compliance and to create a continuous awareness of EPA’s monitoring and enforcement mandate.

    Mr Gallini assured the EPA that GHACEM would continue to comply with environmental safety measures.

    He said although last year was a tough one because of COVID-19, the company did not renege on its operational value of ensuring environmental safety across the value chain.

    Mr Joseph Mensah, Environmental Health Safety Manager, GHACEM, speaking on the company’s current environmental management practices, said waste was segregated and disposed of according to the procedure.

    It is transported to domestic dump sites and hazardous waste through the Zeal environment.

    On waste management, he indicated that all plant effluent streams were directed to a treatment plant and recycled for dust suppression.

    “Waste oil generated from maintenance activities is collected in oil drums and stored appropriately for subsequent disposal,” he said, adding that oil and water separators were installed in drains to collect accidental spills.

    Dr. Kokofu said as part of its mandate, the EPA would continue to ensure the full implementation of the environmental policy.

    “We are enjoined to protect and safeguard the environment and that is what EPA, acting for and on behalf of the state, is required as part of our mandate to do,” he said.

    He explained that the EPA was mandated to create awareness of the need to mainstream the environment into the development process at all levels.

    He noted that industries were needed in the development process of the country, but also required a deliberate effort to ensure environmental safety to mitigate the risk on health and safety of the people directly engaged in production, the end-user, and the biophysical environment.

    He called for closer collaboration between both institutions to ensure a mutually beneficial relationship to promote sustainable environmental safety.

    Source: GNA

  • Akufo-Addo sacks Domelevo with compulsory retirement

    President Nana Akufo-Addo has compulsorily retired embattled Auditor-General, Daniel Yao Domelevo, despite the latter claiming he is not yet 60 years.

    A letter signed by Nana Bediatuo Asante, Executive Secretary to the President on Wednesday, March 3, and addressed to Daniel Yao Domelevo said:

    “The attention of the President of the Republic has been drawn to records and documents made available to the Office by the Audit Service, that indicate that your date of birth is 1 June 1960 and that in accordance with article 199(1) of the Constitution, your date of retirement as Auditor General was 1 June 2020.

    “Based on this information, the President is of the view that you have formally left office. Mr Johnson Akuamoa-Asiedu will continue to act as Auditor-General until the President appoints a substantive Auditor General.

    “The president thanks you for your service to the nation and wishes you the very best in your future endeavours.”

    Daniel Domelevo recently became a subject of many news discussions after a series of correspondence between himself and the Audit Service Board came to the fore.

    The Board alleged that records at the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) provided by the Auditor-General indicated that his date of birth was 1960 when he joined the scheme on October 1, 1978.

    Again, the Board insisted that the hometown of Mr. Domelevo is Agbetofe in Togo, thereby making him non-Ghanaian, even though on October 25, 1993, Domelevo had changed those records.

    While the date of birth changed to June 1, 1961, the hometown of the Auditor-General was now Ada in the Greater Accra Region, the Board claimed in a three-page letter addressed to Mr. Domelevo on Tuesday, March 2, just a day before he was to resume work from a forced 167-day leave.

    Daniel Yao Domelevo duly informed the board that the two allegations were false and offered explanations.

    The Board replied indicating, “observation of your responses and explanations contained in your above reference letter make your date of birth and Ghanaian nationality even more doubtful and clearly establishes that you have made false statements contrary to law”.

    The Board consequently insisted that Mr. Domelevo was due for compulsory retirement on June 1, 2020, and was in fact not Ghanaian but Togolese.

    “Records made available to the Board indicate that your date of retirement was 1 June 2020 and as far as the Audit Service is concerned you are deemed to have retired,” it noted.

    Meanwhile, Domelevo returned to work on Wednesday, March 3.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Avoid using headsets all the time to prevent hearing impairment Audiologist urges Ghanaians

    As part of measures to celebrate World Hearing Day in Ghana, Audiologists calling on the general public to avoid the use of headsets and hands-free all the time since it has the potential to cause hearing loss.

    The day is set aside by the World Health Organization to create awareness of hearing impairment and its possible causes.

    In an interview with the Senior Audiologist at the Korle Bu Teahing hospital, Mr Joseph Omane Boateng, he disclosed that the use of match-sticks and pen tops to remove wax from the ear could cause hearing impairment and has advised that people desist from that.

    “The ear is very sensitive and too much noise could cause hearing loss, using headsets and hands-free at all times can cause hearing loss even the use of match-stick and pen tops to remove wax from the ear can cause hearing loss, the wax is there for a purpose and removing it you are exposing the ear-drum to germs, it is the wax in the ear canal that protects it, too much of germs on the eardrum could also cause hearing loss,” he advised.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Audit Service Board has gone rogue; dissolve immediately Kwaku Azar

    “The Audit Service Board has gone rogue and must be dissolved immediately,” that is the contention of US-based law Professor, Stephen Kwaku Asare in the impasse that has hit the Audit Service lately.

    There is a chorus of condemnation against the Board for its action challenging the nationality of the embattled Auditor General who is due to resume work today.

    The Auditor-General, Daniel Yao Domelevo resumed work today, Wednesday, March 3 following the expiration of the 167-day leave directive from the Presidency in July 2020.

    But the Audit Service Board has written to President Akufo-Addo challenging the nationality of embattled Auditor-General Daniel Yao Domelevo.

    The board has also written to Mr Domelevo raising concerns over his date of birth claiming he has reached retirement age.

    In a recent correspondence, the board said “Records at the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) completed and signed by you indicate your date of birth as 1st June 1960 when you joined the scheme on 1st October 1978. The records show that you stated your tribe as Togolese and a non-Ghanaian. That your home town is Agbatofe.

    “On 25th October 1992, you completed and signed a SSNIT Change of Beneficiary Nomination form, stating your nationality as a Ghanaian and your home town as Ada in the Greater Accra Region. The date of birth on your Ghanaian passport number A45800, issued on 28th February 1996 is 1st June 1961. That place of birth is stated as Kumasi, Ashanti Region”.

    Mr Domelevo in response said: “Either my father wrongly mentioned Agbatofe in Togo as his hometown to me, or I misconstrued it at the time… My mother is also a Ghanaian.

    “The register has Yaw as part of my name and also provides my date of birth as 1st June 1961 this corresponds with Thursday or Yaw- the day of the week on which I was born.”

    Commenting on the fallout from the development in a Facebook post, the US-based Law Professor said Ghanaians must come together to “reject this shameful and invidious attempt by the Board to paint the Auditor-General as a non-citizen.”

    “Professor Agyeman Dua and his Board have no mandate or expertise to determine who is and who is not a citizen.

    “We are killing the Constitution softly with our actions and inactions. Those charged with its enforcement must wake up.”

    Source: Kasapa FM

  • Augustine Sefah joins Bekwai Youth Football Academy

    Division One side, Bekwai Youth Football Academy, has announced the signing of former Asante Kotoko defender Augustine Sefah on a short-term contract.

    The experienced right-back has been unattached since leaving the Porcupine Warriors in October 2020.

    Sefah joined Asante Kotoko in May 2017 after leaving AshantiGold SC following the expiration of his contract.

    The 29-year-old is joining the Bekwai-based club until the end of the season with an option to extend.

    He is expected to make his debut on Wednesday when Bekwai Youth take on Achiken FC in the Ghanaian second-tier.

    Sefah also played for Medeama SC before joining AshantiGold.

    Source: Ghana Soccernet

  • Coronavirus vaccine doesnt cause infertility

    Dr Louisa Matey, Ayawaso West Municipal Director of Health Services, has debunked claims that COVID-19 vaccines cause infertility in men and women.

    She said the vaccines were scientifically verified by the World Health Organisation and fit for purpose, urging residents of the Ayawaso West Municipality to come out in their numbers to get vaccinated.

    Dr Louisa Matey said this at the launch of the COVID-19 vaccination campaign for the Municipality.

    The event, organised by the Municipal Assembly in collaboration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (N&MC), saw the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Municipal Health Director, Registrar and staff of the N&MC, among others, took turns to get vaccinated.

    Dr Matey said the Municipality was the first to start the vaccination programme due to the high rate of infection in the area and said the programme would be undertaken in 12 days at 24 health centres, three of them being static centres, with the remaining being mobile sites.

    She said after the 12 days, they would break for eight weeks and resume for the second dose.

    The Municipal Health Director said they were hoping to administer at least 4,000 doses of vaccines in the Municipality with a focus on frontline health workers, chronically ill patients, frontline security personnel, persons over 60 years of age.

    Mrs Sandra Owusu Ahinkorah, MCE of the Municipality, said the Municipal Assembly would ignite the vaccination sensitisation and education campaign in the various communities to get residents vaccinated.

    She entreated the public to get vaccinated so they could protect themselves and others to help stop the spread of the virus.

    “The vaccine is real and effective. It has no side effects of infertility, death, whatsoever. So I am urging all residents of the Ayawaso West Municipality to come out in their numbers and get vaccinated,” she added.

    Mr Felix Nyante, Registrar of the N&MC, urged all nurses and midwives to get vaccinated to inspire the public and prove that the vaccines were safe.

    Source: GNA

  • GMA CEO takes the first dose of Coronavirus vaccine

    The leadership by example trend continues today as executives of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), the Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association (GIBA) and the National Media Commission (NMC) take the COVID-19 vaccine.

    This exercise comes a day after President Akufo-Addo, Veep, the first and second ladies of the land took their first shots of the vaccine.

    Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Global Media Alliance (GMA), Ernest Boateng who doubles as the Vice President of GIBA was present at the Accra International Press Centre earlier today to also receive the vaccine.

    Sharing his experience with the press after the vaccination, he motioned that the exercise was seamless and only felt a tingling sensation after the syringe was pushed through his skin. “The exercise is a sound one and I will strongly advise every Ghanaian to take the vaccine. I took the vaccine to protect myself and my family and everyone should do the same”.

    Addressing rumours on the vaccine inhibiting potency in men and fertility in women, he indicated that none of these fears have been scientifically proven and advised Ghanaians to rather listen to advise from medical health experts on the vaccine.

    He advised all journalists receiving their first dose to carefully keep their vaccination cards and present them for their second dose.

    The mass COVID-19 vaccination for Ghanaians started with President Akufo-Addo, his wife Rebecca, Vice President Bawumia and his wife Samira taking the first jabs on Monday morning. This symbolic action was to build confidence in the vaccine among citizens.

    It marked the beginning of the deployment of the 600,000 doses of AstraZeneca vaccines from Tuesday, March 2 to Monday, March 15, 2021, by the Ghana Health Service (GHS).

    Source: Happy 98.9FM

  • Konongo Police rescue Chief of Dedesua Traditional Area from Kidnappers

    The Ashanti Regional Police Command has arrested seven suspects for allegedly kidnapping the Chief of Dedesua Traditional Area Nana Owusu Sefa Brempong II.

    The Police in its statement said on Monday, it received information that the Chief of the Dedesua Traditional Area had been kidnapped to an unknown destination.

    The Konongo Police were deployed to act on the information and their swift intervention saved Nana Owusu Sefa Brempong II who had been held in an unregistered Honda Civic with a Toyota Matrix accompanying.

    The suspects include Kwame Boafo, Kwabena Ofori, Theophilus Larbi, Yakubu Adams, Musa Adanda, Edward Kwadwo and Benjamin Gbli.

    When rescued, there were injuries on some parts of his body and was therefore issued with a hospital form to seek medical attention whiles suspects are in custody to assist the police with the investigation.

    Source: My News GH

  • Bawumia engages AfCFTA towards leveraging digital technology for Pan-African Payment System

    Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has held talks with Mr Wamkele Keabetswe Mene, Secretary-General, African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), at the Jubilee House, Accra.

    The meeting, among other things, deliberated on the unique opportunities the AfCFTA offers the African Continent to enhance its cohesion and development.

    Vice President Bawumia said, “With AfCFTA, we are better positioned to leverage digital technology for Pan-African Payment and Settlement Systems.

    “The advantages of such transcontinental payment platforms and interoperability cannot be overemphasised and I look forward to that within the shortest time”.

    The AfCFTA took off smoothly on January 1, 2021 after years of uncertainties and political consultations.

    The Continental free trade bloc intends to unite Africa’s 1.3 billion population, with an estimated $3.4 trillion economic strength.

    It is the largest trade bloc since the establishment of the World Trade Organization (WTO).

    Source: GNA

  • ‘Lets do things differently’ – Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

    Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the new Director-General (DG) of the World Trade Organization (WTO), has taken office with a call on members to “do things differently” to achieve reforms necessary to keep the world trade body relevant.

    She promised to start with swift actions to curb harmful fisheries subsidies and to help scale up COVID-19 vaccine production and distribution.

    Dr Okonjo-Iweala in her inaugural address in Geneva, which was made available to the Ghana News Agency by the WTO, noted that high expectations for her tenure could only be met if members were willing to compromise and reach agreements.

    She suggested that prospects for a successful Twelfth Ministerial Conference would be enhanced if members targeted a manageable number of deliverables for this year, and set up longer work programmes to address issues that could not realistically be resolved within that timeframe.

    “I am delighted to be with you in Geneva even if circumstances do not yet permit all of us to meet in the same room,” she said.

    “Let me at the outset express my gratitude to our Chair, Ambassador Walker, incoming Chair Dacio Castillo, and Ambassador Aspelund for their hard work and persistence in getting me here.

    “As I take office as DG, I want to thank you Members once more for the kind wishes and support many of you expressed two weeks ago when you made history by electing me.”

    She said: “I remain honoured and humbled by the confidence Members have placed in me. I will bring all my knowledge, passion, experience, and persistence to the task at hand, reforming the organization and achieving results.”

    The DG said she was conscious that expectations were high and assured to do her utmost to move the WTO forward; stating that “however, this is a membership-driven organization so I cannot do it without you, I cannot do it without the cooperation of staff and management”.

    “What we are involved in is a tripartite partnership. Each partner has to play their part if we are to get results.

    “High expectations of my leadership also means that I have high expectations of you to help me deliver,” she added.

    “I have said it. It cannot be business as usual. We have to change our approach from debate and rounds of questions to delivering results.”

    With regards to COVID-19, Dr Okonjo-Iweala said there was a demand for a Trade-Related Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) waiver for COVID-19 vaccines by a growing number of developing countries and that the dialogue was intensifying.

    “Whilst this is happening, I propose that we “walk and chew gum” by also focusing on the immediate needs of dozens of poor countries that were yet to vaccinate a single person,” she said.

    “People are dying in poor countries. We just had our first COVAX shipment to Ghana last week and others will follow but it will not be enough.”
    She said there was serious supply scarcity and some countries were outbidding COVAX and diverting supplies.

    The DG said the world had a normal capacity of production of 3.5 billion doses of vaccines and they now sought to manufacture 10 billion doses.

    “This is just very difficult, so we must focus on working with companies to open up and license more viable manufacturing sites now in emerging markets and developing countries,” she said.
    “We must get them to work with us on know-how and technology transfer now.”

    Dr Okonjo-Iweala said there would soon be a world manufacturing convention where they would seek to build this partnership.

    “I also hope we can initiate a dialogue and information exchange between us and representatives of manufacturers associations from developing and developed countries. This should happen soon so we can save lives.”

    She said that would be an interim solution whilst they continued the dialogue on the TRIPS waiver.

    Source: GNA

  • GRIDCo to demolish structures around Tema-Achimota-Mallam transmission lines

    The Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo), is to embark on a demolition exercise around its Right-of-Way (RoW) locations along the Tema-Achimota-Mallam High Voltage Transmission Lines.

    The exercise, scheduled for this month, will rid the affected areas of illegal occupants and encroachers, whose activities prevent access to the transmission towers.

    In a statement issued in Accra and copied to the Ghana News Agency, the Company said the specific areas included Dzorwulu, Ashiaman Middle East, and areas in East Legon – American House; Adzei Kodzo and Menpeasem.

    It said the demolition exercise, when completed, would enable GRIDCo engineers and contractors unimpeded access to the transmission towers for construction works to be carried out to ensure adequate and quality power transmission to the Greater Accra region and adjoining areas.

    The statement said it was an offence under the Transmission Line Protection Regulations, 1967 (LI 542) as amended by Regulation No. LI 1737 of 2004, for persons or institutions, to conduct any form of activity concerning the lands around the location of power transmission lines and towers in Ghana.

    It said such operations included drilling, excavation works, lorry parks, shops, garages, bars, real estate.

    It said such enterprises should not be undertaken in the areas extending for a distance of 15 meters on each side from the centre of the transmission towers for 161kV lines and 20 meters for 330kV lines, were prohibited.

    The statement said such activities posed a danger to human life and property as transmission line faults can result in casualties and damage to properties.

    It said over the past years, GRIDCo had issues with encroachers along its transmission towers and lands across the country, especially in Greater Accra, adding, “these persons carry out all forms of activities at the risk of their lives.”

    The statement stated that GRIDCo would continue to work with the relevant state institutions to remove properties and structures and to curb all forms of human activities, within the Right-of-Ways, to safeguard public safety and ensure reliability of power transmission.

    Source: GNA

  • Bank of Ghana issues directive on unacclaimed and dormant bank accounts

    The Bank of Ghana has issued a directive for unacclaimed and dormant accounts of banks and special deposit-taking institutions.

    In a statement issued, the central bank explained said the directive is pursuant to Section 92 of the Banks and Specialised Deposit-Taking Institutions Act, 2016 (Act 930).

    The central bank explained the move will ensure all balances of inactive accounts are moved into one single account the dormant account register.

    The Bank of Ghana added the objective of the directive is to establish processes and procedures for reclaim of funds by dormant account holders or their legal representatives, amongst others.

    “The directive shall however not be applied to accounts that are subjects of litigation, fraud, investigations by a regulatory authority or law enforcement agencies, and others,” the statement said.

    Read the full directive

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Ignore reports of rejected nominees – Appointments Committee

    The Leadership of the Appointments Committee of Parliament has debunked media reports which suggested the rejection of three of President Akufo-Addo’s Ministerial nominees.

    It follows widespread speculations that the three includes Minister for Information Designate, Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah, Minister Designate for Agriculture, Dr Owusu Afriyie Akoto and Minister-Designate for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Mavis Hawa Koomson have been rejected by the minority side of the Committee.

    However, responding to the matter in Parliament on Tuesday Chairman of the Committee, Joseph Osei-Owusu, rejected the claim noting that the Committee’s duty is only to vet nominees and make recommendations to plenary. He said it is not the duty of the Committee or any of its members to make a pronouncement on the acceptance or rejection of a notice.

    “We should not take out of here matters which have not been decided by the Committee and discussed as if they are the Committee’s decision. This Committee has no power to reject anybody. Our duty is to make recommendations to the house. The house may refuse or reject our recommendations. There is nothing going on here which is final. If we understand that, that will influence our discussion,” he said.

    Mr Osei-Owusu however admonished members of the Committee to desist from making public pronouncements on the nomination of persons who appear before it.

    “So I encourage you to stay away from public pronouncements on things that undermine the integrity of the Committee,” he added.

    Ranking Member of the Committee Haruna Iddrisu further clarified that about eight nominees have been asked to provide further particulars on some matters later in the week before reports on them are finalized.


    Source: Peace FM

  • Coronavirus: Asantehene, wife vaccinated

    The Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and his wife Lady Julia have on Tuesday, March 2, 2021, taken the COVID-19 vaccination jab.

    Some sub-chiefs of the Asante Monarch including the Paramount Chief of Asante Mampong, Daasebre Osei Bonsu II; Akyempemhene, Oheneba Adusei Poku among others were also vaccinated.

    The vaccination exercise took place at the Manhyia palace in Kumasi, the Ashanti regional capital.

    Addressing the media, Dr. Emmanuel Tenkorang, the Ashanti Regional Health Director, said they have taken delivery of 150,000 vaccines and are expected to vaccinate 146,000 people.

    The vaccination exercise, he said is expected to take place in 14 districts within the Kumasi and the two Districts in Obuasi, being Obuasi East District and Obuasi Municipal Assemblies.

    The vaccination exercise commenced today nationwide.

    The first to be vaccinated are frontline health workers, security agencies, people with chronic disease, and people aged 60 and above.

    Leading political figures like the President his vice and their wives have already been vaccinated.

    Source: Class FM

  • I took vaccine publicly to assure Ghanaians of its safety Mahama

    Former President John Dramani Mahama has assured Ghanaians that it is safe to take the COVID-19 vaccine.

    The former President has, therefore, urged Ghanaians to disregard any rumour about the vaccine and avail themselves to be vaccinated in order to safeguard them against the virus.

    Mr Mahama and his wife, Lordina Mahama were vaccinated on Tuesday, 2 March 2021 at the Police Hospital in Accra.

    In a post on Facebook, the former President said: “Lordina and I this morning took our COVID-19 vaccine at the Police Hospital in Accra. I agreed to take the vaccine publicly, to encourage and assure all Ghanaians that the vaccines are safe.”

    He also stated that: “As a former Ambassador for the GAVI Alliance, I can confidently say that vaccines are useful in preserving our health. Ghanaians must, therefore, disregard all the rumours about the vaccine.”

    The former President also encouraged Ghanaians to continue to mask up and wash their hands regularly to curb the spread of COVID-19.

    Ghana’s mass vaccination exercise against the deadly virus began on Tuesday, 2 March 2021.

    Some 600,000 doses of AstraZeneca vaccines arrived in the country last week for the vaccination exercise.

    The exercise is taking place in 43 districts with high infection rates.

    They include 25 in the Greater Accra Region, 16 in the Ashanti Region, and two in the Central Region.

    The first batch of people to be vaccinated include healthcare workers, frontline security personnel, persons with underlying medical conditions, persons 60 years and above, and frontline members of the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary.

    Source: Class FM

  • 7 arrested for kidnapping chief

    Police in the Ashanti Region has arrested seven individuals over the alleged kidnapping of Nana Owusu Sefa Brempong II, Chief of Dedesua Traditional Area in the Asante Akyem South District.

    In a news release, the Regional Public Affairs Unit of the Police Service said it received information of the alleged kidnap on March 1, 2021, at about 3:40 pm.

    It said officers from the Konongo Police Patrol Team were dispatched to follow up on the information and in the process, they intercepted an unregistered Honda Civic private car and a Toyota Matrix Taxi Cab at Kubease near Ejisu.

    The occupants of the vehicles are said to be the suspected kidnappers and their victim, Nana Owusu Sefa Brempong II.

    The suspects according to the police are Kwame Boafo 52 years, Kwabena Ofori 40 years, Theophilus Larbi 27 years, Yakubu Adamu 28 years, Musah Adanda 37 years, Edward Kwadwo 36 years, and Benjamin Gbli 26 years.

    The victim who was seen with injuries was thus issued a police medical form to attend hospital and report back to the police to assist in investigations.

    The suspects are reportedly in the custody of the police assisting in investigations. The police in the statement stated that it will among other things uncover the motive of the kidnapping through investigations.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • GIS uncovers fraudulent recruitment scam

    The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has arrested one Awuah Forson, 46, and another, for allegedly defrauding about 30 young people on the pretext of securing for them placements in the service.

    It is reported that Forson, together with one Ekow Harkman, 71, managed to defraud about 30 people to the tune of GH¢250,000.00 with the promise of recruitment into the Ghana Immigration Service.

    Assistant Commissioner of Immigration (ACI) James Hayford Boadi, who is Officer-in-Charge of Operations at the Tema Regional Command, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency at Tema, cautioned job seekers of activities of recruitment scams.

    He said “this is not the first time such an arrest has been made and certainly it will not be the last,” and warned young people seeking employment to be vigilant.

    ACI Boadi said GIS does not sublet its recruitment process to either individuals or groups of individuals; “every recruitment exercise is done by the GIS alone under the supervision of the Ministry of the Interior”.

    He advised those who want to join the service to go through the proper process and not to pay money to anybody, because, in the end, they would not be recruited and they would also lose their money.

    Deputy Superintendent of Immigration (DSI) Mercy Budu, who is the GIS Tema Regional Public Relations Officer, said a victim, name withheld, paid about GH¢10,000.00 to the suspect.

    She said the victim afterward went to the Immigration Training Academy at Assin Fosu to find out whether the said Forson was actually an employee of the service.

    Ms. Budu said the victim discovered that there was no one by that name and reliased that she had been defrauded, her reaction to the fact caught the attention of Assistant Superintendent of Immigration (ASI) Roland Abdul Aziz Issah, who then gave the information to the Tema Regional Command.

    She said in a collaborative move by the immigration officers from Assin Fosu and the Tema Regional Command, Forson and Harkman were picked up at Community Eight, Tema.

    DSI Budu said some GIS officers posed as persons who are interested in recruitment into the service, and the suspects were arrested in that setup.

    The Tema GIS Regional PRO advised persons to seek information directly from the GIS as there are officers in every district in Ghana.

    She commended the Tema Regional Commander, ACI Kojo Oppong Yeboah, and the Commandant of the GIS Training Academy at Assin Fosu, ACI Alex Adu for their oversight during the exercise.

    Source: GNA

  • Coronavirus vaccines: I came in the normal way to see the reality on the ground – Former Speaker

    Prof. Aaron Mike Oquaye, the immediate past Speaker of Parliament, has applauded the professionalism that is characterizing the ongoing vaccination process for the novel Coronavirus pandemic in the country.

    He said that he decided to appear at the vaccination center at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital (Ridge Hospital) the “normal way,” just to see for himself, how the process was going on.

    And in his confession, he was truly impressed with the things he saw and how they were going.

    “It is well organized – very very well organized. In fact, I wanted to come in the normal way to see the reality on the ground for myself. We just came in, and you could see that people are orderly in the line, the nurses and other officials know exactly what to do, and they lead you on, they sanitize you again for the process and then you go through the exercise without any qualms or difficulty. I appreciate the whole thing,” he said.

    After taking his jab, the former Speaker shared his experience with a cross-section of the media, calling on all persons given the chance to go in and be vaccinated, damning any superstitions.

    “No, it’s not painful. It’s like any other easy jab. It’s nothing wonderful and it’s a matter of scientific development. And I will plead will all others who are skeptical, kindly let us do the right thing and let us stop worrying over all manner of things.

    “You know in this country, superstition, if you follow superstition to a certain degree, you won’t go to even the hospital when you are sick. Everything, you’ll give it all manner of interpretations… so let us leave some of these things behind, including the fact that some are bringing all kinds of politics into it. The president himself has done it and he really has shown a good way,” he admonished.

    Ghana became the first country in the world to receive the first 600,000 doses of the vaccines from the COVAX facility on Wednesday, February 24, 2021.

    As part of leadership and as a way of demystifying the myths surrounding the vaccines, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, his wife, the Vice President, Mahamudu Bawumia, and his wife, all took the vaccines on live TV, being the first in the country to do so.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com