TIG Post

Author: Persis

  • One killed in accident at Nsawam

    One person died on the spot when Bus crashed with a vehicle carrying tomatoes on the Nsawam overpass in the Eastern Region on Monday.

    The dead has been identified as 34-year-old Kwasi Mensah, affectionately called Asaa Stone from Maame Dede Junction in Upper West Akim District of Eastern region.

    According to Supt. Mrs Marian Osei Adu, Municipal Police Commander at Nsawam, the Police received a distress call around 3:00 am yesterday about the accident.

    However, upon reaching the scene, he had been trapped and had died.

    The remains has since been deposited at the Nsawam Mortuary whilst Police continues to investigate circumstances leading to the crash.

    Source: angelonline.com.gh

  • Coronavirus: Dr. Okoe-Boye gives insight into vaccine production

    Former Deputy Minister of Health, Dr. Bernard Okoe-Boye has dispelled all rumours and conspiracy theories regarding the COVID-19 vaccine development.

    The vaccines, according to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, will arrive in Ghana by March, 2021.

    Delivering his 23rd update on COVID-19 on Sunday, January 31, the President assured Ghanaians that only accredited, valid and certified vaccines will be imported into the country.

    ”Fellow Ghanaians, in Update No. 21, I indicated that Ghana is set to procure her first consignment of the COVID vaccines within the first half of this year. Since then, a lot of work has been done towards the realisation of this. Our aim is to vaccinate the entire population, with an initial target of twenty million people. Through bilateral and multilateral means, we are hopeful that, by the end of June, a total of seventeen million, six hundred thousand (17.6 million) vaccine doses would have been procured for the Ghanaian people. The earliest vaccine will be in the country by March,” he said.

    However, there are some Ghanaians who are sceptical about the efficacy of the vaccines as some believe the vaccines will pose further health risks to the recipients.

    Rumormongers also have it that the vaccines are a means to extinguish the African population, hence claiming an ulterior motive by the manufacturers to cause damage to the African race.

    Reacting to the issues, Dr. Bernard Okoe-Boye says the vaccines will not cause any harm.

    He noted during a panel discussion on Peace FM’s ”Kokrokoo” that the vaccines are purposely made to provide immunity against the deadly Coronavirus and so-called on Ghanaians not to become anti-Coronavirus-vaccine crusaders but rather concentrate on the benefits of the vaccine.

    ”Vaccine reduces your chance of sickness and death significantly,” he said.

    He also debunked claims that the vaccine will cause erectile dysfunction and infertility in men and women.

    Dr. Bernard Okoe-Boye alluded to other vaccines like that for Polio vaccination and asked whether the vaccines for Polio or any other disease have caused infertility in people.

    “If vaccine manufacturers want to reduce our population, by now it would have affected the fertility of our sisters and brothers. It doesn’t also mean I’m saying those who manufacture the vaccines are Angels but the point is that we have ethical standards one has to meet before the person can send the vaccines to somebody’s country. So far, I haven’t seen any bad faith in vaccine production,” he stated.

    Source: Peace FM

  • University of Energy and Natural Resources records 5 cases of coronavirus


    The University of Energy and Natural Resources, UENR, in the Bono Region has recorded five positive cases of Coronavirus on its main campus in Sunyani.

    At its 3rd emergency meeting held on Monday, February 8, 2021, the Executive Committee of the Academic Board received information from the COVID-19 Response Team for deliberation and consideration.

    Mr G. K. Anane, Senior Assistant Registrar and Secretary to the Executive Committee disclosed this in an update to Ghanaweb’s Regional Correspondent.

    Dr. Solomon Fofie, the University Medical Health Officer disclosed that the University Clinic has recorded five positive cases; one being a staff and four being students.

    ‘The affected staff member and students are self-isolating while contact tracing is ongoing in line with national and UENR COVID-19 response protocols’, Dr Solomon Fofie indicated.

    The Secretary to the Executive Committee has directed that teaching and learning activities will be migrated online to reduce the number of physical contact hours as a measure to reduce possible infections on campus.

    Mr G. K. Anane further announced that the school will support lecturers to use other online learning and teaching platforms to augment the moodle platform that has been created by the Department of Information and Technology.

    Mr Alfred Ohene Nana Appiah, the Senior Human Resources Manager of the University subsequently informed staff of management’s decision to implement a shift working system for all administrative staff as the immediate measure to stop a possible spread at work.

    The Executive Committee of the school appealed to the staff, the student body and the entire university community to observe the preventive measures by always wearing their nose masks while staying at a distance of 1.5 metres from each other.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Parliament facilitated coronavirus testing for press corps PPC Dean

    Dean of the Parliamentary Press Corps, PPC, Simon Agianab, has confirmed that media persons covering the house were part of coronavirus testing recently carried out by the legislature.

    According to him, the PPC were added to the support staff of parliament along with the police, fire service, and cleaners.

    “We had our test last Friday (February 5) so the report came today,” he told GhanaWeb in an interview yesterday, February 8.

    “Initially they did not involve us… but it came to the attention of the majority leader that the journalists were not part, they are there with us.

    “I went to inquire how they were going to do it and they extended the time for us. We got all the parliamentary journalists and they run their tests on Friday,” Agianab, who is editor of the Accra Times added.

    He further confirmed that only persons who had tested positive were contacted as had been done in the case of MPs.

    Throughout last week, reports of MPs failing to test for coronavirus and others attending to the house whiles being positive dominated the news.

    Speaker Alban Bagbin at a point threatened to expose the recalcitrant lawmakers. He later disclosed further that 15 MPs and 56 parliamentary staff had contracted the virus.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • 5 years, zero justice – Wife of former Abuakwa North MP speaks

    Wife of the slain Abuakwa North MP, JB Danquah Adu, Ivy Heward-Mils, has lamented over the delay in justice for her late husband, 5 years after his gruesome murder.

    Today marks exactly 5 years since a then incumbent MP, JB Danquah Adu was murdered in his residence at Shiashie, a suburb of Accra, on February 9, 2016.

    The 50-year-old MP for Abuakwa North MP was reportedly stabbed multiple times during the attack at about 1:45 am.

    It is believed the killers used a ladder to help them scale the wall and get into the house. The walls of the house have electrical razor wires.

    There were bloodstains on the walls and footprints, which are believed to be those of the attackers, in the backyard.

    A few days later after his murder, a suspect, by name Daniel Asiedu was arrested with one Vincent Bosso.

    Both suspects were charged with conspiracy to commit robbery, while Asiedu was charged separately with murder and robbery.

    The two pleaded not guilty to the offences.

    They have since been appearing before the Accra high court.

    Reacting to these developments and to mark 5 years of his death, the late MPs wife shared a picture of her late husband with the caption “five years, zero justice.”

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Police officer arrested for robbery of $209,000 gold money

    A police service driver has been arrested over his assigned vehicle being used in the commitment of robbery of a Burkinabe gold dealer.

    The police vehicle with registration number GP 3513 according to a report by the Chronicle Newspaper sighted by GhanaWeb was on Sunday, February 7, 2021, used to rob the said businessman off his $209,172 being proceeds of a gold sale he had undertaken.

    The Burkinabe, Suleman Sodre was said to have lodged at the Classic Guest House at Lapaz and on Sunday, at about 1300 hours went out to sell his 3 kilograms of gold to one Alhaji Abdul for $209, 172.

    On his way back to the guest house, the victim is said to have been accosted by two occupants of the police service vehicle and robbed him of the amount, and sped off to an unknown destination.

    A complaint by the victim was lodged at the Tesano Police Station for investigation. The Regional and National Police Command subsequently located the service vehicle used in the robbery and the unit assigned, leading to the arrest of the official driver.

    The Inspector-General of Police, James Oppong Boanu is reported by the Chronicle to have confirmed the arrest of the officer and has said that investigations are ongoing to apprehend other officers who were allegedly involved in the robbery of the gold dealer.

    The IGP confirms that the suspects will also help investigators establish if other accomplices were involved in the act.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Ghana/Hungary reflect on growing bilateral relations

    Hungarian Ambassador to Ghana, Mr Andras Szabo on Monday, held a meeting with Madam Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, the Minister-Designate for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, to discuss the growing bilateral relations between the two nations.

    The meeting enables the two parties to discuss the necessary steps to enhance bilateral relations and socio-economic development interventions.

    The visit was also to enable the Ambassador to personally hand over a congratulatory birthday letter and a gift sent by Mr Péter Szijjártó, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary to Madam Botchwey.

    Mr Szijjártó said since the re-opening of the Hungarian Embassy in Accra in 2016, successful projects in the water, sanitation, health, agriculture and food industry showed the potential and commitment from both countries on the highest levels.

    Madam Botchwey said after four successful years, Hungary doubled the quotas towards Ghana for its Governmental Scholarship Programme receiving 100 new students each year on various degrees.

    Source: GNA

  • Election Petition: Itll be a dent on ECs image if they evade cross-examination Franklin Cudjoe

    Franklin Cudjoe, the founding President and CEO of IMANI Africa has said if the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission succeeds in not subjecting herself to cross-examination in the ongoing Election Petition at the Supreme Court, it will be a major dent on the credibility of the Electoral Commission.

    According to him, the ordinary Ghanaian will think that there will be some moral victory for John Dramani Mahama who is the Petitioner in the Election Petition.

    “It will be a major dent to the EC’s image if its lawyers succeed to have their own witness evade cross-examination. Many laypeople will think that moral victory will be the Petitioner if that happens. This is getting [more] interesting than I imagined,” Franklin Cudjoe wrote on his Facebook timeline. “Somehow, I think Charlotte [Osei, the former EC Chairperson] would have jumped at the opportunity to defend her work.”

    Counsels for the first Respondent and second Respondent told the Supreme Court on Monday, February 8, that they do not intend to open their defence nor call witnesses.

    Citing Order 36 Rule 43 and C.I 87 rule 3 (e) 5, lead counsel for the EC, Justin Amenuvor told the 7-member panel of judges that the EC was satisfied with proceedings so far and asked the court to make a determination on the petition before it.

    But Tsatsu Tsikata disagreed, explaining that the request by the counsel for the 1st Respondent was not in line with Order 36 Rule 43 and CI 87 rule 3 (e) 5 as stated.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Future of Ghanas banking sector depends on national coronavirus response Awuah

    Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Association of Bankers (GAB), John Awuah, has said although there have been predictions about how the banking sector will look like post-coronavirus, the true picture is the one that takes into account the national response to the pandemic.

    Speaking to GhanaCrusader in an exclusive interview, Mr. Awuah said the health of the banking system is the accumulation of the health of Ghanaians, “the people who contribute to the sustainability of the sector.”

    “The future of the sector depends on our response to this pandemic. And that is why we have taken it almost personally, as an industry, in our education drive to get people to understand that observing the basic protocols to this health hazard is the only thing to do so that as an industry and as a country, we can get out of the ramifications of this pandemic as quickly as possible,” he said.

    According to a report by the PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) on the impact of the pandemic on the Ghanaian banking industry, business challenges such as economic contraction, reduction in the fee and trading income, higher credit losses, among others, present key challenges to banks.

    The report added that banks in Ghana as a result face some of the biggest accounting challenges amidst the pandemic.

    Speaking to GhanaCrusader last week ahead of the launch of a GAB campaign to get Ghanaians to adhere to the COVID-19 protocol, John Awuah said in the wake of the pandemic, banks have become concerned about what the banking population is doing and what they can do to support their clients.

    “You can only support a client who is healthy and if the health situation of your client is not in the right place, then, of course, his business can be doing well but because of the health concerns, the business can begin struggling.

    “So we advise all our clients, the banking population, and the general public that they should take the protocol that has been advertised by the Ghana Health Service and the government very seriously and ensure that we are all observing these basic protocols,” he said.

    He disclosed further that, as an industry, the GAB has already issued standards to its members and is coming out with stricter standards about how member-banks should behave.

    Mr Awuah disclosed further that member associations last year voted over GH¢10 million, to be donated to the vulnerable in society — that is businesses and individuals that have been heavily impacted by the pandemic.

    Source: Ghana Crusader

  • Thief jailed four years breaks through roof of prison washroom and bolts

    Information gathered by MyNewsGh suggests that a convict Enoch Mamfe has broken out of jail at Adomi Senchi.

    According to our sources, Enoch Mamfe broke out of jail through the ceiling and then destroyed parts of the asbestos roofing sheets of the washroom of the cell he was occupying and bolted.

    Enoch Mamfe is said to have been convicted by the circuit court Krobo Odumasi for forty- eight months for stealing.

    The runaway convict is said to have been awaiting COVID 19 test results but has since bolted.

    The Police is a manhunt for him and is hopeful of apprehending him.

    This is the second time in a week convicts have broken jail in the country.

    MyNewsGh.com during the week reported a similar story of three convicts who were waiting for their COVID-19 results in Walewale but broke out of jail. The police officers who were in charge of the station have since been given ten days to find them.

    Source: My News GH

  • Ghana records eight more coronavirus deaths, 722 new infections

    Ghana’s COVID-19 death toll has risen to 457 following the confirmation of eight more deaths by the Ghana Health Service (GHS), the country’s health management body on Sunday.

    Additionally, the country has recorded 722 new infections, raising its active cases to 6,352 from a previous 6,095 since the last update on Saturday, February 6, 2021.

    The new infections are from tests conducted as of February 03, 2021.

    The latest update further disclosed that 457 more people have recovered, bringing the total of clinical recoveries and discharge to 63,959.

    Currently, 101 of the active cases, it said, were severe, with 32 in critical condition. These cases are being managed in treatment sites, isolation centres across the country, while some were under home management, the GHS said.

    Ghana has so far recorded a total of 70,768 cases of the virus since it confirmed its first two cases in March 2020.

    Out of the total confirmed cases, 26,386 were from the General Surveillance; 43,239 cases from the Enhanced Contact Tracing, while 1,143 have been recorded from international travellers disembarking at the Kotoka International Airport since it was reopened on September 1, 2020, the update stated.

    A total of 802,153 tests have also been conducted. Out of this, 247,927 are from routine surveillance, 398,573 from contact tracing, and 155,653 from international travellers arriving through the Kotoka International Airport. The positivity rate is 8.8 per cent.

    Currently, all sixteen regions have an active case.

    The Greater Accra Region remains the hotspot for the virus in the country, accounting for more than 50 per cent (3,443) of active cases and with a cumulative case count of 41,602.

    Ashanti Region has 958 active cases while its case count now stands at 12,770, followed by the Western Region with 620 active cases and cumulative cases of 3,844.

    Others are: Eastern Region has 206 active cases, cumulative cases is 3,026; Central Region with 217 active case count, total cases now 2,417; Volta Region, 170 active cases, total cases stands at 1,049; Bono East Region with 41 active cases and 845 case count and Northern Region has active case count of 151 active cases and cumulative cases of 802.

    The rest are:

    Upper East Region 155 active cases, 755 case tally

    Western North Region – 25 active cases, 712 cumulative cases

    Bono Region – 33 active cases, 680 cumulative cases

    Ahafo Region – Eight active cases and 553 cumulative cases

    Oti Region – Six active cases and 250 cumulative cases

    Upper West Region 63 active cases and 220 cumulative cases

    Savannah Region Two active case, 68 cumulative cases

    North East Region – Seven active cases, 32 cumulative cases

    Also, there are 247 active cases from international travellers (KIA)

    Source: GNA

  • 5 KOTECH students test positive for coronavirus

    Five boarding students at the Koforidua Technical Institute (KOTECH) have tested positive for the deadly coronavirus.

    Ghanaweb’s enquires from a source in the school indicates that the infected students are currently being quarantined in an isolation centre on the campus.

    According to the source, who pleaded anonymity, contact tracing is vigorously being embarked upon to test all who came into contact with the five cases on campus and outside the campus.

    The source said that after a week of school reopening, 25 of the students complained of being ill and the school nurse checked their vitals.

    The source said the results indicated the five students involving four girls and one boy had high temperatures.

    “Periodic checking showed a continuous rise in the students’ temperature. The only male among the five suddenly became very sick and took exeat to go home.

    “The four female students have been quarantined and receiving treatment on campus,” the source added.

    Ghanaweb has also gathered that a number of the Senior High Schools in the Eastern Region have recorded positive Covid-19 cases but are strongly ensuring that no information about it gets to the public.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Leaked National Security memo reveals alleged extortion at Ghana’s borders

    The National Security Minister-designate Albert Kan-Dapaah has noted that state security who have been deployed to unapproved routes at Elubo are aiding the illegal immigrants to and from the country.

    According to a letter to the Interior Ministry sighted by MyNewsGh.com Military, Immigration and Customs officers stationed at the various unapproved routes are extorting CFA 1,000 and 10,000 from illegal immigrants.

    Also, the National Security Minister noted that security officials at the borders do not do thorough profiling of the goods entering the country and that has a dire implication for the country.

    Apart from the Illegal entry, the National Security Ministry has taken note of the fact that OA Buses that stopped operations when the President announced that the borders were closed have now started plying the Elubo road at night.

    The Ministry of National Security called on the Interior Ministry to intervene because the trend may have adverse economic implication.


    Source: My News GH

  • Suspected highway robber gunned down, two arrested

    The Accra Regional Police Command has gunned down a suspected highway robber and arrested two others in an operation on the Spintex Road, in Accra.

    Blessing Stephen, about 38 years, died from gunshot wounds he sustained in the capture operation at a guest house at Spintex, a suburb of Accra, on 27 January, 2021, at about 1130 hours.

    Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Effia Tenge, Head of the Public Affairs Unit of the Command, told the Ghana News Agency that the deceased had been active in alleged criminal activities and evasive, and has been on police surveillance for some time now.

    “Blessing Stephen, a Nigerian, an ex-convict and a notorious armed robber, who usually operates among a gang of six, has been involved in series of highway robberies, including, bank robberies and attacks on bullion vans including the recent bullion van robbery were a Policeman at Adansi Nyankomasu near Adansi Tewobabi, in the Ashanti region, also a robbery at Manso-meam, Mankesim filling station, Tarkwa- Prestea Highway robbery, and Gomoa -Potsin.”

    She said suspect Jessy Osas, believed to be his accomplice and one Godwin Hetor, a receptionist at a guest house, where the deceased and his accomplice were lodgings were also arrested.

    DSP Tenge said the two were in police custody assisting in the investigation.

    She said a pistol and four rounds of ammunition were retrieved from the deceased.

    DSP Tenge said the body of the deceased had been deposited at the Police Hospital’s mortuary for preservation and autopsy.

    Source: GNA

  • Okada riders arrested for not wearing nose masks

    Four motor riders were on Thursday arrested by the Police at Ashaiman, in Accra, for failing to wear nose masks.

    After hours of interrogation, the four were forced by the police to wear the masks and cautioned to adhere to the COVID-19 safety protocols.

    A police source told GNA that personnel were deployed to communities and public places to enforce the protocols, especially, wearing of nose masks.

    The source encouraged all to wear nose masks to avoid “embarrassment” and arrests by the police.

    GNA observed that some people wear nose masks properly only when approaching the Police Station or upon sighting Police personnel.

    Some nose mask dealers have also pitched camp at the Ashaiman Police Station to quickly sell to people arrested for not wearing or having them.

    Source: GNA

  • Coronavirus: Akatsi South records two new cases

    Dr George Nyarko, the Akatsi South Municipal Director of Health Services has disclosed that the Municipality has recorded two new confirmed cases of COVID-19.

    Dr Nyarko told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that the two confirmed cases were received out of 14 samples sent by the Akatsi South Municipal Health Directorate for testing.

    He disclosed that the two active cases are all males, who are inmates of the Akatsi Police cells going through investigations for some offenses they committed.

    Dr Nyarko added that a team of health officials took samples from the remaining inmates as well as Police officers for testing.

    He, however, appealed to every individual in the Municipality to remain calm as they worked to stem the spread of the virus.

    Dr Nyarko also called for urgent attention and strict adherence with the safety protocols announced by President Akufo-Addo and the Ministry of Health.

    The two confirmed cases the GNA learnt, were placed in isolation at the Akatsi Municipal hospital for medical attention.

    As of January 28, Ghana recorded 62,751 confirmed cases with 58,561 recoveries/discharge and 377 deaths.

    There are now 3,813 active cases in the country and 109 cases in the Volta region.

    Source: GNA

  • Korle-bu Teaching Hospital to reduce childhood cancer by 2030

    The Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) is working towards the reduction of childhood cancer in the country by 2030.

    This came to light when the Hospital, in partnership with World Childhood Cancer (WCC) organized a maiden annual childhood cancer performance review to improve and create awareness on the treatment of early childhood cancer.

    The vision is for every child with cancer to have equal access to treatment and to eradicate the increasing numbers of early childhood cancer between 16 years and above as part of the initiative of the WCC.

    The theme for the performance review was, “no child should suffer.”

    Professor Lorna Awo Renner, Head of Oncology Unit, Child Heath, who was the Chairperson, said the KBTH had remained the premium for childhood cancer treatment and 100 to 250 cancer patients were given the necessary treatments for the year to strengthen and adapt innovative ways to care for every child.

    She said the KBTH had used multidisciplinary team, which included; both doctors and nurses to discuss cases and active training to task and give ideas and reform mobilisations to identify the cure of early childhood cancer.

    Prof. Renner said childhood cancer management in Ghana was important to improve the outcomes of childhood cancer and that interventions included; creation of public and health workers awareness through posters, jingles, animated film, trainings and also improvement in access to healthcare support.

    She said early childhood cancer, which started in 1968, could be tackled through, “advocacy to support activities of units, radio, TV talks and research for data management…“.

    The performance review agreed to improve other medical disorders in pathology, hamatology, pediatric radiology, surgery, pharmacy, health information and general services at the KBTH to enhance healthcare delivery to the public.

    Source: GNA

  • Ayarigas motion for the absorption of 2021 tertiary fees rejected by parliament

    The Parliament of Ghana has by a voice vote rejected a motion filed by Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, Hon. Mahama Ayariga, asking the government to absorb fees of students in public tertiary institutions and to extend support to private universities for the 2021 academic year.

    Mr Ayariga before moving the motion indicated that his request was due to the dire impact of COVID-19 on the incomes of individuals and businesses.

    He thus wanted the government to absorb the fees as part of its COVID-19 alleviation programme.

    Following deliberations on the matter, the decision to accept the motion or not was put to a voice vote on Thursday, January 28, 2021.

    The majority New Patriotic Party members and the independent Member of Parliament for Fomena voted against the motion on the basis that government had already made provisions to support students, as well as interventions in the education sector due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Bribery allegations against judiciary a matter of great concern Atuguba

    Justice William Atuguba, a retired justice of the Supreme Court has described the Muntaka allegations against the judiciary as a matter of great concern.

    Mohammed-Mubarak Muntaka (NDC- Asawase MP), the NDC’s chief whip in Parliament has alleged that a supreme court judge telephoned a female NDC MP-elect and urged her to vote for Prof Mike Oquaye to become Speaker in exchange for payment of her children’s school fees and fuel for her car.

    Both NPP and NDC have 137 MPs, hence the election of Speaker was a grave matter to the NPP.

    “It is obviously a matter of great concern because the Judiciary is a sacred institution,” Justice Atuguba said. “I used to make this remark when I was on the bench that if on this earth you cannot get justice from the court of law, what is the alternative?”

    “God applies his justice through human instruments; from the day of Moses to Samuel and others. Therefore, in every undertaking, we [the Judiciary] should remain focused on trying to serve the country, genuinely to the best of our ability,” Justice Atuguba added when he spoke to Joy News in a report monitored by GhanaWeb.

    The election of the Speaker for the 8th Parliament took place on January 7, 2021.

    “Shamefully, a Supreme Court judge called a lady colleague telling her what they will give her if she votes for Prof Mike Oquaye. He told her that they will help her take care of her children, she can take fuel from a filling station for free for the next four years,” Muntaka alleged.

    “So, we [NDC] are going to look into it. We will look at the time he made those calls,” he stated.

    The Chief Justice has since asked for the assistance of the Asawase MP in investigating the issue.

    The former MP for Nadowli Kaleo, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) was elected Speaker of the 8th Parliament of the Fourth Republic after a long chaotic process that lasted over nine hours.

    Keenly contested by Prof Mike Oquaye, the immediate past Speaker, Bagbin, the oldest serving MP, that is, 1993-2021, polled 138 votes against Oquaye’s 136. One person failed to vote.

    Alban Bagbin made history by being the first Speaker of Parliament who was not nominated by the incumbent party. But Carlos Ahenkora (NPP- Tema West) messed up the party by snatching some ballot papers and chewed two such that even the votes obtained are contested by the incumbent party.

    That ballot snatching incident and the Muntaka allegations have both, to date, not been investigated.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Customer Service Index increases by 3.3% for 2020

    Madam Yvonne Ohui Maccarthy, President, Institute of Customer Service Professionals (ICSP) has said Customer Service Index (CSI) for the year 2020 increased by 3.3 per cent as against that of 2019.

    She said a survey conducted by the Institute with a sample size of 3,182 for the year in review saw the index at 65.55 per cent whereas that of 2019 was 62.62 per cent.

    Madam McCarthy said this at a media engagement on Thursday in Accra to provide reports on how various sectors in the country were performing in relation to customer services.

    The event also provided the opportunity to measure customer satisfaction of institutions in Ghana through interactions by industry players.

    Madam McCarthy said the survey, third in series, focused on hospitality, retail malls, insurance, online businesses, banking, health care, transportation, telecommunications, utilities and public sectors of the economy.

    Speaking on the performances of the sectors in relation to customer service, she said the results of the survey indicated that hospitality came first with 76.63 per cent, retail malls, second with a customer service percentage of 74 per cent, insurance with 71.79 per cent, online businesses with 69.99 per cent, banking with 65.84 percent, health care with 63.84 per cent, telecommunications with 63.24 per cent, in that order.

    Transportation, utilities and public institutions were ranked at the bottom three with 59.91 per cent, 56.86 per cent and 53.83 per cent respectively.

    Explaining the impacts of COVID-19 on customer service, Madam McCarthy, said despite the fact that the pandemic had adverse impacts on various sectors, there had been positive impacts as well.

    She explained that the pandemic helped organizations to be extra innovative, re-evaluate and reset their ways of executing duties as created seamless services to provide customer satisfaction.

    “Before the pandemic set-in, consumers of telecommunication services were not usually tracking their consumption of internet data, but because most of us were not that busy due to the lockdown, we usually checked how much data we have consumed after using our phones for some time. The pandemic made people more conscious of their data usage,” she said.

    Madam McCarthy advised business owners to provide workers with necessary resources and technological tools to enhance effective work.

    Mr. Clement H. Holloway, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Wewrite Technologies, a consultant on the project, said ICSP had provided a customer service survey platform, a customer service online courses platform and a serve check accreditation application platform, which helped in the assessment.

    He said the customer service survey platform gave customers the opportunity to lodge their complaints when unsatisfied with the services of institutions they visited.

    Mr Holloway said customers could share their experiences via www.ghanacsi.org/survey, for future surveys.

    Mr. Albert Cofie, Managing Director, Hegemony Consultancy, assured citizens of the effective and smooth usage of the platforms provided by the institution.

    He encouraged citizens to speak out in cases, where they got dissatisfied services to improve customer service in the country.

    Source: GNA

  • Coronavirus: Ghana records 18 additional deaths, active cases now 3,940

    Ghana has recorded 18 more deaths from COVID- 19 infections since the last update, bringing total fatalities to 390, as of January 25, 2021.

    The active cases stood at 3,940 after 625 new cases were recorded in six out of 16 regions.

    Dr Patrick Kumah-Aboagye, Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, who announced this at a media briefing in Accra on Thursday, said the daily average cases stood at 600.

    The country’s cumulative cases stood at 63,883 after more than 757,000 tests.

    The GHS Boss said it had stepped up Contact Tracing across the 16 regions, with 330 contact tracers in the Greater Accra Region, which managed to contact 8,679 people.

    Dr Kumah-Aboagye expressed worry over the increasing workplace infections, and urged managers of both public and private companies and organizations, to enhance observation of COVID-19 etiquettes at the various workplaces.

    Dr Kumah-Aboagye noted that” referral of patients to a public health laboratory for COVID-19 testing is free”.

    He entreated the public to observe the COVID-19 safety protocols in public places, including covering one’s mouth when coughing and sneezing, washing of hands with soap under running water, wearing of facemasks or shield and use of hand sanitizers frequently.

    He gave the assurance of the Service’s determination to collaborating with the media in educating and sensitising the public on the safety and preventive protocols.

    Ashanti Region – 11,895

    Western Region – 3,392

    Eastern Region – 2,779

    Central Region – 2,245

    Volta Region – 896

    Bono East Region – 806

    Western North Region – 695

    Northern Region – 672

    Bono Region – 654

    Upper East Region – 577

    Ahafo Region – 539

    Oti Region – 246

    Upper West Region – 186

    Savannah Region – 63

    North East Region - 25

    Source: GNA

  • Value of digital transactions in 2020 hit GH¢254 billion

    The latest report from the Ghana Interbank Payment & Settlement Systems (GhIPSS) showed that the country recorded GH¢254 billion digital transactions in 2020.

    This represents a 16 percent increase compared to the value of GH¢219 billion in 2019.

    As of the end of 2020, a total of 77 million transactions were processed across all platforms, compared to the 38 million transactions in 2019.

    According to GhIPSS, the number of transactions in 2020 went up by 103 percent.

    Speaking during a media briefing, Chief Executive Officer of GhIPSS, Archie Hesse attributed the increase to COVID-19.

    “The upsurge in the use of these real-time services was largely influenced by COVID-19 related factors such as: the 3 weeks lockdown which restricted the physical movements of people, public awareness through extensive education discouraging the handling of physical cash and encouraging the use of electronic alternatives and the incentivization from the financial services industry with fee waivers on their services,” he said.

    The transactions captured in the GhIPSS product performance report which included electronic clearing of cheques, Automated Clearing House (ACH), e-zwich, and gh-link witnessed varying levels of increase in transaction volumes.

    Mobile Money Interoperability was highlighted as a major contributor to the digital drive.

    A total of 43.9 million transactions were recorded, representing a 367% increase from 9 million transactions processed in 2019.

    It also stated that the GhIPSS Instant Pay (GIP) platform also recorded significant growth in both transfers from bank accounts to mobile wallets and transfers between bank accounts across banks.

    “At the end of 2020, GIP transactions increased by 257% from 1.9 million in 2019 to 6.8 million. GhIPSS also recorded introductory transactions from new services such as Proxy Pay and GhQR code,” it noted.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Former GIFF president calls for freight forwarders to be educated on AfCFTA

    A member of the ICUMS Implementation Team, Joseph Agbaga, has stated that it is unfortunate that the freight-forwarders who play an intermediary role between the businesses and government have not been well educated.

    “As at now, they (freight forwarders) are not seeing any move towards giving them any message or education about what they are to do, because of the sensitive position the freight forwarders play,” he said.

    Speaking on Eye on Port, he stated that considering the crucial role that freight forwarders play in the clearance chain, it will be proper for them to be well educated on the AfCFTA.

    Touching on other issues, he asked that export documents required to facilitate trading under the AFCTA be made public.

    Speaking on the same programme, the Secretary-General of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), Ghana Emmanuel Doni-Kwame said a digital trading platform called Mansa has been launched to enable businesses to check the backgrounds of those they want to do business with.

    He said the ICC Ghana has also created a digital platform to bring together buyers and sellers to start engagements and encourage SMEs to take advantage and register.

    The Executive Director of the AfCTFA Policy Network, Louis Yaw Afful commended Ghana for making a good strive by setting up the Local AfCFTA Coordination Office which was part of the recommendations given by the African Ministers of Trade.

    He revealed that Egypt has devoted an amount of 20billion dollars to the AfCFTA project.

    Emmanuel Doni-Kwame also revealed that by July 2021 all the aspects of the continental trading should be running effectively.

    He said there are some digital platforms that have been rolled out to ensure that payments are made electronically without challenges.

    The ICC Ghana Secretary-General recommended that all regulatory agencies should be allowed to perform their functions effectively before the Certificate of Origin is issued for any product.

    The former GIFF President Joseph Agbaga also called for the simplification of the rule of origin for businesses.

    Source: Eye on Port

  • Coronavirus: Government makes walk-in request testing free

    The Ministry of Health has announced that Public health laboratories conducting COVID-19 testing are to conduct walk-in requests such as ill-health, contact tracing and exposure for free.

    In a statement signed by its Chief Director and dated Wednesday, January 27, 2021, the Ghana Health Service has mandated that only travellers are to pay for COVID-19 testing at Public health laboratories.

    The statement sighted by GhanaWeb comes on the back of a rapid increase in recorded cases in the country over the last few days.

    Ghana currently has 3,813 active cases most of which were recorded in very recent days.

    See the GHS directive below:

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Suspected robber involved in Manso-Meam bullion van attack gunned down by police

    Officers of the Ghana Police Service Greater Accra Regional Command on Wednesday gunned down a suspected highway robber and arrested two others suspected to be his accomplices.

    The deceased, a 38-year-old identified as Blessing Stephen died from gunshot wounds he sustained during police capture operation at Tonynam Guest House at Spintex, Accra, around 11:30 am.

    The deceased according to the police is said to be involved in a series of highway robberies, bank robberies and attacks on bullion vans including the recent bullion van robbery and killing of a policeman at Adansi Nyankomasu near Adansi Tewobabi in the Ashanti Region.

    He is also said to have been on the police wanted list for the past two years.

    “The deceased was a Nigerian and an ex-convict and a notorious armed robber who usually operates among a gang of six. He has been involved in a series of highway robberies, bank robberies and attacks on bullion vans including the recent bullion van robbery and killing of a policeman at Adansi Nyankomasu near Adansi Tewobabi in the Ashanti Region, Manso-meam, Mankesim filling station, Tarkwa- Prestea Highway robbery, and Gomoa -Potsin,” a statement from the police announced.

    The police added that “suspect Jessy Osas, aged 26 years, believed to be his accomplice and one Godwin Hetor, aged 26 years, a receptionist at the Guest House, where the deceased and his accomplices were lodging were also arrested.”

    As part of the operation, a pistol and 4 rounds of ammunition were reportedly retrieved from the deceased whiles the accomplices who were picked up have been taken into police custody to assist in the investigation.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Hydrogen peroxide in short supply due to panic buying FDA

    A joint monitoring by officers of the Pharmacy Council (PC) and the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has revealed a shortage of hydrogen peroxide in pharmaceutical facilities due to panic buying.

    The FDA and PC in a joint statement said this has given rise to the sale of fake and substandard hydrogen peroxide on the market.

    Pharmacies and Over the Counter Medicine Shops have been cautioned to always buy their stocks from licensed wholesalers and manufacturers.

    The public has also been reminded to purchase only Food and Drug Authority approved hydrogen peroxide and other medicinal products and be on the lookout for the mandatory FDA registration numbers on such products if they are manufactured in Ghana.

    Hydrogen peroxide is a mild antiseptic used on the skin to prevent infection of minor cuts, scrapes, and burns. It may also be used as a mouth rinse to help remove mucus or to relieve minor mouth irritation (e.g., due to canker/cold sores, gingivitis).

    Source: Class FM

  • Maintaining law and order is a shared responsibility – Police

    Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP), Mr Alexander Amenyo, the Upper East Deputy Regional Police Commander has called on Ghanaians to assist in maintaining law and order in the country.

    He said policing and combating crime was a shared responsibility between the police and the public as personnel relied on the intelligence and information of the public on the ground for appropriate action to achieve desired results.

    Mr Amenyo made the call during the flag hoisting of the Regional Police Operational Unit which comprised the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT), the Counter-Terrorism Unit (CTU) and the Rapid Deployment Force (RDF).

    The Deputy Regional Commander explained that although the police command had developed effective strategies to combating crime in the region including 24-hour foot, vehicular and intelligence patrol, motorbike patrol at the borders and general law enforcement of the law, the stronger partnership between the police and residents was needed.

    “Critical issues facing us as law enforcement agency include an influx of illegal immigrants, the influx of jihadists, the tendency to import contrabands, drugs and weapons into the country and other challenges unique to our borders, protecting the communities, elections and other forms of public management and safety,” he said.

    The Deputy Regional Commander commended the Operational Unit for contributing significantly to reducing crime and violence in the region and implored them to continue to work in unison and coordinate their efforts to promote public safety.

    He said, “I am confident that all the officers of these operational conglomerate will continue to serve with courage, integrity and fairness.”

    Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Mr Eric Van-Kofi, the Regional Police Operational Commander noted that the three departments including; the SWAT, CTU and RDF were trained and had the responsibility to detonate improvised explosives, perform presidential and diplomatic escorts and anti-armed robbery highway operations among others.

    He said the Unit had contributed significantly to reducing the crime rate in region, especially on the Naaga-Sherigu road, Bolgatanga-Navrongo road and the Tilli Forest, which were noted for armed activities in the region.

    “On the recent upsurge of robbery in the Bolgatanga Municipality, the gallant men of the Unit responded by gunning down two notorious armed robbers and the arrest of others who were facing the law,” he added.

    Mr Van-Kofi explained that despite the important role the unit played as the life wire of the regional police command, it was confronted with numerous challenges and called for retooling of the unit.

    He mentioned deteriorating conditions of vehicles, motorbikes and other operational logistics as well as the constant transfer of personnel of the Unit without replacement and added that when not addressed could hamper the effective operation of the Unit.

    Source: GNA

  • Rawlings was a just, selfless and a charismatic leader – Oguaa residents

    Residents in the Cape Coast Metropolis have shared their fond memories of ex-President Jerry John Rawlings with some saying his visits to the Ancient Town during his tenure were quite eventful.

    Flt. Lt. Rawlings, who was the longest-serving leader in Ghana’s history- serving 19 years from 1987 to 2001, 11 of those as a military ruler, and eight years as a civilian president.

    He was the first President of the Fourth Republic from January 1993 to January 2001, passed away on Thursday, November 12, 2020 at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, after a short illness. He was 73 years.

    The Ghana News Agency (GNA) spoke with some residents in Cape Coast to find out about their memories of the late President portrayed a sad as well as the gleeful picture of the former President.

    Mr. Papa Ansah, a retired teacher, told the GNA that it was a great pleasure to have witnessed the era of the former President and would miss him for his charismatic leadership style which led to a house cleaning exercise in Ghana at that time.

    He recalled how he descended into the big gutter at Anaafo, near the Cape Coast Castle during one of his visits to the Town and cleaned it to the “shame but the admiration of all”.

    “The man had many different sides,” he added.

    Mr Kweku Agyei, a mechanic, said Mr. Rawlings was passionate about the poor, protecting the environment, accountability and transparency while in government.

    https://www.youtube.com/embed/byU9f7bngwY

    Ms. Hasanna Adams, a food vendor, expressed grief over the death of the former President and said she will miss him for his governing and leadership style that gave citizens a better life.

    “Mr Rawlings was one of the great men Ghana had and provided good roads, hospitals, electricity, water and among others through his good vision,” Ms Mercy Kumah, a public servant recollected.

    According to the residents, his death was unfortunate and he will be remembered for his unprecedented lifestyle, integrity and the values he inculcated in some citizens.

    Source: GNA

  • Lands Commission Introduces online service after successful pilot

    The Lands Commission says it will move more of its services online.

    According to the commission, the success of its piloted online platform for some selected services has necessitated this move.

    The Commission from November 9, 2020, moved away from its manual system unto an online platform for some selected services, to render a more efficient service to the general public.

    After more than two months since its rollout, the commission believes the good feedback from the general public makes it conducive to move other services fully online.

    Director of the Land Valuation Division of the commission, Surveyor Benjamin Arthur in an interview said some challenges they faced in the beginning of the rollout have been solved.

    “We intended to roll out the online services for a number of our functions but we had a lot of the in-house cleaning of our data to do so we had to start with our services searches and when we did the initial rollout, we encountered some backend challenges. It took a while to resolve the issues but they have been resolved now”.

    He added that his outfit has begun working with its internal records to begin moving some other services including registration of lands and stamping onto the platform by February this year.

    “While we were trying to digitize our records, we were picking, service by service, what was possible to move online depending on the kind of service. So, we started with our searches as a service. So, as of now, that is what is online, but we have worked with our internal records and internal processes to the extent that we are now ready to roll out more on our services online”, he added.

    Source: Goldstreet Business

  • I was green when I met you Nana Konadus tribute to Rawlings

    The wife of Jerry John Rawlings, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings has said she had to learn a lot when she met the former President.

    In a tribute read on her behalf by her daughter, Princess Amina Rawlings, she admitted that she and her husband “started on a journey that was free and easy in spirit.”

    She disclosed that when she met Mr Rawlings, she was green and there was a lot she had to learn about real life, considering the fact that she had overprotective parents.

    “I was innocent and you were streetwise. There was so much I did not know and understand about the real-life outside the wings and home of Mr and Mrs J.O.T. Agyeman since I had lived a very protected life under their roof.”

    “I had to learn to understand how to be streetwise,” she added.

    She had to adjust herself to his kind of lifestyle which conflicted with how she was raised.

    “…move along with the flow of your friends and acquaintances, but it still did not sit well with me. It went against all the upbringing I had intensely received under the roof of my parents.”

    Unable to fully adapt to the “streetwise” lifestyle, Mrs Agyeman-Rawlings decided to remain true to the values her parents inculcated in her.

    “After several trials, I decided a leopard never changes its spots. I was who I was based on family values. I decided I could not change for the sake of love. You finally understood me. To take me as I am. I was who I was and there was nothing I could do about it.”

    “You sometimes called me snooty. I refused to accept that. I said it was based on my values,” she added.

    The biography of the late Flt Lt Jerry John Rawlings which was read by one Eric Gbeho during the final funeral ceremony at the Black Stars Square in Accra, revealed that the late former President worked to bring governance close to the people.

    The biography further said Mr Rawlings encouraged citizens to participate in the local governance.

    “Jerry Rawlings brought governance to the people,” Gbeho said, among other things.

    He added, “He encouraged citizens to participate in local governance.”

    Source: Daily Mail

  • Imitate Rawlings by correcting the NDC when it veers off Dzifa Gomashie to Ghanaians

    The Member of Parliament (MP) for the Ketu-South Constituency and a member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Dzifa Gomashie, has appealed to Ghanaians to emulate the late former President Rawlings by correcting the party when it goes wrong.

    According to the MP, Ghanaians will only be showing their love for the party and passion for the development of the country if they do so.

    Speaking to Samuel Eshun on the Happy Morning Show, she stated: “All we ask is for Ghanaians to believe in us, trust us and support us to do right by this country and like what our father and founder used to do, when we are veering off, correct us. My 95-year-old father stills tells me what I do right and what I do wrong. It just shows me that he loves me. If you love us when we are doing wrong tell us. When we do right applaud us. It is the only way I know that this country will develop”.

    Commenting on how the death of their founder will impact the NDC, Dzifa Gomashie noted that while they have lost a father figure, they are committed to uphold the values that Rawlings left the party.

    “The Bible says teach the child the way they should go and when they grow they will not depart from it. He has given us the principles and the values. The NDC will be strong. The NDC is the biggest party in this country. As a member of the NDC, my pledge to the NDC is that everything I do will be to strengthen the party. And I speak for the rest of us; that we are committed to ensuring that value for which our party was created will not be thrown away”, she added.

    Rawlings died on 12 November 2020 at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, a week after having been admitted for a “short term illness”.

    Today, 27th January 2021, marked the last day of the funeral rites of the late former President. A state funeral, characterized by the attendance of political leaders and dignitaries, was held at the Black Star Square for the late former President.

    Source: e.TV Ghana

  • Rawlings introduced GIPC, Free Zones to grow economy – Eric Gbeho

    In 1994 Former President Jerry John Rawlings introduced the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GPIC) to encourage investment in Ghana, a biography read by Eric Gbeho during the final funeral ceremony at the Black Stars Square, said.

    Mr Gbeho further read that the free zones scheme was also implemented in 1997 by Mr Rawlings as party of his effort to attract foreign investors into the country.

    The biography further revealed that the late former President worked to bring governance close to the people.

    Mr Rawlings encouraged citizens to participate in the local governance, it added.

    “Jerry Rawlings brought governance to the people,” Gbeho said, among other things.

    He added “He encouraged citizens to participate in local governance.”

    The final funeral ceremony was attended by several dignitaries.

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo paid his last respect to the late former Ghanaian leader.

    Today, Wednesday, January 27 marks the final for the ceremony of the late former Ghanaian leader.

    The 4-day funeral ceremony started Sunday, January 24 which a requiem mass service held for him.

    Scores of dignitaries including President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, Former Presidents John Dramani Mahama and John Agyekum Kufuor all filed past the body which was laid in state at the Accra International Conference on Monday and Tuesday.

    The final ceremony is being held at the Black Stars Square.

    Watch videos below


    Source: 3 News

  • 616 new cases of coronavirus recorded – GHS

    Ghana has recorded 616 new cases of coronavirus bringing total caseload as of January 27 to 62,751. Active cases have now hit 3,813.

    The current stats represents a consistent rise in cases over the last week.

    Greater Accra Region with 36,205 accounts for over 50% of all cases. Ashanti, Western, Eastern and Central regions are the other regions with over 2,000 total cases.

    Ashanti Region has 11,827 cases, Western Region with 3,380 while Eastern and Central Regions have 2,735 and 2,228 respectively.

    A breakdown of coronavirus statistics according to the Disease Surveillance Department of the Ghana Health Service, GHS, are as follows:

    Caseload = 62,751

    Active cases = 3,813

    New cases =616

    Recoveries = 58,561

    Deaths = 377

    Ghana recently recorded infection in all regions of the country. The GHS further confirmed that three children had been infected since the reopening of schools.

    Minister of Information Designate, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, hinted that with a steady increase of new cases, the government was going to consider tighter restrictions including a possible lockdown to curb the spread.

    Cumulative Cases per Region Descending order

    Greater Accra Region – 36,205

    Ashanti Region – 11,827

    Western Region – 3,380

    Eastern Region – 2,735

    Central Region – 2,228

    Volta Region – 886

    Bono East Region – 802

    Western North Region – 695

    Bono Region – 654

    Northern Region – 635

    Upper East Region – 577

    Ahafo Region – 539

    Oti Region – 246

    Upper West Region – 171

    Savannah Region – 63

    North East Region – 25

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Daddy accommodated so many people and still had room for more Zanetor Rawlings

    The first daughter of the late former president, Jerry John Rawlings, Dr, Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, has eulogized her father, revealing how she wondered often that as a single man, he was able to welcome so many people into his life.

    She added that notwithstanding that fact, he always still had so much more room for others, never tiring from relating to people from all walks of life.

    “I never could fathom how you managed to have such a personal relationship with so many people from so many walks of life and still have room for more! Each person had a personal story to tell of how you impacted their lives,” she read.

    Dr. Zanetor Rawlings explained further that such attributes of her late father exemplified what a rare gift of life he was.

    “And somehow, each person whose life you touched felt like you left them with more than when they first met you. What a rare gift! What a blessing!” she said.

    She said these in a tribute she read on behalf of her and her siblings in memory of their late father, Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings, during the funeral service of the former statesman at the Black Star Square in Accra.

    Jerry Rawlings died after a short illness while on admission at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra, on Thursday, November 12, 2020.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Jerry, I know God created us for each other Konadus tribute to Rawlings

    Former first lady, Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings has paid a glowing tribute to her late husband, Jerry John Rawlings, as he is laid to rest Wednesday.

    In a tribute read on her behalf by her daughter Amina Rawlings, she said she is convinced it was not by sheer coincidence that she met Rawlings but that they were meant to be.

    Opening the tribute with a beautiful poem, Konadu eulogized her husband describing how supportive he has been to her as a wife, mother and throughout her endeavors to empower women in Ghana and also help underprivileged communities.

    She said they have worked together as a team to better the lot of Ghana and that for her was something destined to happen.

    She recounted how far they have come in life and how they influenced and supported each other through thick and thin.

    “Jerry, I know God created us for each other and today we make a formidable team, notwithstanding the ups and downs of life. We believe in each other and in our dream of making Ghana a country we could all be proud of”, she said.

    “To me, you were and will always be Jerry, my love, my life partner, my friend, you worked for Ghana… I say farewell”, she reiterated.

    While reading the tribute, Amina could not hold back her tears, he broke down momentarily, put herself together and continued.

    Source: 3 News

  • LIVESTREAMING: Ghanaians bid final farewell to Rawlings

    The four-day burial rites of Ghana’s longest-serving Head of State is being climaxed today.

    Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings who passed in November 12, 2020 will be laid to rest at the Military Cemetary in Accra.

    Prior to this, a Catholic Requiem Mass and a vigil were held in his honor on Sunday, January 24th, followed by a 2-day Laying-In-State ceremony at the Accra International Conference Center for dignitaries and the general public to file past.

    The final burial service will be held at the Black Star Square in Accra.

    Though the public particularly has been advised to monitor proceedings from home to avoid the spread of COVID-19, many dignitaries, including President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, his Vice and some diplomats are expected to be there to pay their final respects to the former President of the country.

    Watch a livestream of the funeral service and burial here on GhanaWeb TV:

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Otumfuo mourns Rawlings

    Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II paid his last respects to the departed ex-president, Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings on Tuesday, January 26, 2021.

    He did this through a delegation from the palace to represent him.

    Led by the Omanhene of Kumawu Traditional Area and clad in black, together with the entourage in his royal palanquin, he was escorted into the auditorium with dancing and drumming.

    Amidst a unique display of culture, the King, represented by his spokespersons presented items including kente cloths, monies and customary drinks to the family in honour of the departed statesman.

    The Omanhene of the Kumawu Traditional Area, Barima Safo Tweneboah Kodua who represented the Asante King, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, whilst comforting the family in his speech recounted fond memories of the former President Rawlings, his unique relationship with the King and the support and love they showed for each other on several occasions.

    He expressed his condolence with the family and pledged his unflinching support for them during the period. He also advocated for peace during this period, considering it is one of the values the former President stood for.

    Speaking on behalf of the family, Dr. Zanetor Rawlings who received the items thanked the King and the entire Royal family for their show of support and love during their difficult times.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • 10 dead, 30 in very critical condition as Bawku bus crashes into Nasia bridge

    Reports available to MyNewsGh indicates that a Bawku bound passenger bus has crashed into the Nasia bridge near Walewale in the North East Region in the early hours of Tuesday, January 26, 2021.

    According to local media reports available to this portal, ten persons including some Senior High School (SHS) students returning to school have lost their lives as a result of the ghastly accident with over 30 individuals said to have sustained several degrees of injuries.

    The vehicle which was travelling from Kumasi to Bawku with 45 passengers aboard rammed into the metal bridge and somersaulted many times before wrecking in the middle of the road, causing a massive traffic jam on the Tamale Bolga highway.

    Eyewitnesses say the accident was as a result of brake failure while others suspect the driver may have been sleeping as a result of stress in view of the long-distance covered.

    “Very sad news. Had to drive through very harmful temperatures this dawn to the Nasia bridge where this fatal road accident occurred. Reports indicate 10 people are feared dead and nearly over 30 in critical conditions. The vehicle travelling from Kumasi to Bawku with 45 passengers aboard rammed into the bridge and somersaulted many times before wrecking in the middle of the road, causing a massive traffic jam on the Tamale Bolga highway”. A journalist based in Walewale wrote on his Facebook page.

    Source: My News GH

  • Two arrested for child trafficking in Tatale

    Two suspects identified as Gariba Neutori, 35 and Gmabani Gariba, 21 have been arrested by the Tatale-Sanguli District Police for allegedly trafficking children from Yeji in the Bono East Region to Togo.

    The suspects were nabbed by the Police through the intervention of the Pan African Organisation for Research and Protection of Violence on Women and Children (PAORP-VWC), an NGO.

    The traffickers attempted trafficking 10-year old from Prayen Aboah in the Yeji District to Togo.

    Meanwhile, another suspect whose name remains unknown and alleged to be the major perpetrator in child trafficking in the Tatale District has absconded.

    The suspects have been transported to the Northern Regional Police Headquarters for further investigations.

    Commissioner of Police (CP) Timothy Yoosa Bonga, Northern Regional Police Commander, applauded the NGO for intervening, adding that human trafficking culprits have been difficult to track.

    He said the Police would team with the NGO and relevant security services to investigate and apprehend the suspect now at large.

    ASP Peter Paul Amoah, the Tatale District Police Commander, said Tatale has become the transit point for traffickers after recruiting victims in Yeji, and indicated that it is difficult stopping them because they do not use the borders.

    He said perpetrators must be severely sanctioned when caught, to deter potential human traffickers.

    Dr Peter Ndonwie, the Executive Director of the PAORP-VWC, appealed for resources for the Department of Social Welfare to enable it to provide adequate assistance in such circumstances.

    Source: GNA

  • Speaker, MPs pay respect to late President Rawlings

    The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin, on Tuesday led a delegation of Members of Parliament (MPs) to pay their last respects to the late former President Flt Lt Jerry John Rawlings, whose mortal remains lay in state at the Accra International Conference Centre.

    The Leadership of the House and MPs, dressed in red and black, walked from Parliament to the Conference Centre to file past the body of former President Rawlings and to commiserate with the bereaved family.

    The MPs include Mr Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, the Majority Leader, Mr Haruna Iddrisu, the Minority Leader, Minority Chief Whip, Alhaji Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka, Mr Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, MP for Ellembelle, Mr Alfred Okoe Vanderpuje, MP for Ablekuma South, and Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, MP for North Tongu.

    Earlier, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, former President John Drama Mahama, and former John Agyekum Kufuor also paid their respects to the late President.

    Former President Rawlings passed away on Thursday, November 12, 2020, at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital after a short illness.

    A special Requiem Mass was held on Sunday, January 24, at the Holy Spirit Cathedral for him, attended by very important dignitaries.

    The funeral service will take place at the Black Star Square in Accra on Wednesday, January 27, 2021.

    Source: GNA

  • Akufo-Addo, Bawumia, ex-Presidents pay last respect to late Rawlings

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, together with his Vice-President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, former Heads of State, as well as heads of constitutional bodies are expected to pay their last respect to ex-President Jerry John Rawlings on the second day of the file past in a state funeral which will be climaxed tomorrow January 27.

    Later today, Members of Parliament, led by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin; former Speakers of Parliament, the Chief Justice, justices of the Supreme Court, former Chief Justices, former chairmen and members of the Council of State, former ministers of state, among others, will file past the body.

    Members of the Diplomatic Corps and organised groups will also pay their respects on Tuesday.

    The main funeral event would take place at the Black Star Square in Accra on Wednesday, January 27.

    Earlier Sunday, January 24, a Catholic Requiem mass was held for the statesman as part of four-day funeral rites.

    Later that night, a vigil was held at the Air Force Officers Mess in Accra in honour of late Jerry John Rawlings.

    The vigil was attended by the family of Mr. Rawlings, government officials, dignitaries, and other senior officers of the various security agencies.

    Source: 3 News

  • Boy, 10, drowns in mining pit near school at Anyinam

    A ten-year-old boy has been found dead in a mining pit near a school at Anyinam in the Atiwa East Distirct of the Eastern region.

    The deceased allegedly drowned in a pit after school hours.

    His body has been retrieved by the Police and deposited at the Kibi Government Hospital Morgue.

    Investigation is, however, ongoing.

    Uncovered mining pits dotted around the community continue to claim lives of residents in Anyinam and its environs.

    The vulnerable situation of the area is being worsened by activities of illegal miners digging holes haphazardly around homes and pathways.

    Source: Starr FM

  • Ayawaso, Korle Klottey are coronavirus hotspots GHS

    The Ayawaso and Korle Klottey municipalities are recording the highest number of COVID-19 cases in the country, according to the Ghana Health Service (GHS).

    Even though the GHS was not specific with the figures, Director-General GHS Dr Patrick Kumah Aboagye said: “in January alone we have confirmed…646 new cases from seventeen districts and eight regions.”

    He noted, “Korley Klottey, Ayawaso are the key areas where we are reporting the cases.”

    “Ashanti has thirty-two new cases in eleven districts. The Eastern region has nineteen cases in two districts, Western has sixteen cases all in the Sekondi-Takoradi. Upper East has fourteen cases in Bolgatanga municipality. And the Northern region has four cases from Tamale metro.”

    Dr Kumah Aboagye also revealed that the policy on antigen test has been reviewed to allow for it to be used during outbreaks in hotspots.

    He said, “we are reviewing our policy to allow the use of two antigen tests that have been certified by the FDA. Where there is an outbreak, we can quickly do the tests. In hospitals where there is a case of exposure by health workers, we can sue them in schools.”

    “And those who test positive we may confirm with PCR. We have high confidence because even at the airport when we compared with PCR they are almost at par..”

    Source: Starr FM

  • Emergency Operation coronavirus centres in three regions to be strengthened

    Emergency Operation Centres (EOCs) in Ashanti, Western and Northern Regions are set to receive a massive boost as part of a project to strengthen them to effectively respond to public health emergencies.

    The project dubbed, “Enhanced Strategies to Protect and Improve Health Security in Ghana (ESPIHS-GH) will among other things, build the capacities of the workforce in EOCs in beneficiary regions.

    It also seeks to improve six thematic areas including; national laboratory systems, surveillance, workforce development, emergency management and response, international health regulations and service delivery.

    This came to light at a meeting between the Technical Working Group and members of the Public Health Emergency Management Committee in Ashanti ahead of a site visit to assess the centre in Ashanti region and its readiness for emergencies and how best to improve the facility.

    With funding from the United States Centre for Disease Control (US- CDC), the objective of the project is to improve public health capacity in addressing core global health security priorities.

    Dr. Ernest Kanu of the School of Public Health, University of Ghana, who is leading the project, said the outbreak of the Novel SARS-COV-02 exposed the gaps in health systems across the globe, which required investment in areas such as surveillance, laboratory, emergency operations and workforce.

    He said field epidemiologists would support the regional public health management systems through mentorship under the project to make them vibrant and responsive to potential public health threats.

    Procurement of basic equipment and supplies for the operationalization of the EOCs, he said, would be given priority, adding that, the project would also develop an EOC implementation guideline in line with national legislation.

    Epidemiologists would also be deployed to help with analysis and interpretation of surveillance data and augment epidemiology workforce capacity at the regional levels.

    “We want to make sure when the COVID data is collected, we can see and take decisions on it in real-time. Already the country is doing that but we want to make it better and stronger with the help of US-CDC”, he stated.

    He praised the Ashanti Regional Health Directorate for the update provided on the regional EOC, saying that, the team was in the region to assess the centre and fill in the gaps that would be identified after the assessment.

    Dr. Emmanuel Tinkorang, the Regional Director of Health Services welcomed the initiative to strengthen the centre and pledged the cooperation of the directorate to improve public health emergencies in the region.

    He said such partnership between the Ghana Health Service and its partners was critical in addressing the health needs of the people.

    “We need to have real-time data to take informed decisions on some of the cases we are seeing and I think building the capacity of the staff in terms of surveillance, laboratory support and case management and risk communication is a step in the right direction”, he observed.

    Source: My News GH

  • Restrict numbers at Rawlingss funeral – GMA

    The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) has asked the government to restrict the number of people attending the state funeral for the late President Jerry John Rawlings.

    It said people should be encouraged to follow the funeral events on television and other social media platforms to contain the spread of covid-19 in the country.

    A press statement issued by GMA in Accra on Monday, and made available to the Ghana News Agency (GNA), said the Covid-19 pandemic was still a major health threat to all persons living in the country due to the recent trends.

    The statement, jointly signed by Dr Frank Ankobea, President and Dr Justice Yankson, General Secretary of GMA said, the pandemic had a potential to further weaken the already fragile health systems in the country, hence the need to watch such gatherings.

    It said the non-adherence to the COVID-19 preventive measures had the potential to further escalate the spread of the disease and called on the government to, as a matter of urgency restricts social activities such as parties, church services and funerals.

    The statement also recommended that markets be regulated and as much as possible, restricted considering the new trends of an average of 600 new COVID-19 infections in the country daily.

    It asked the government to also ensure prompt, continues supply and adequate distribution of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to all health workers in various health institutions to fight the pandemic.

    Source: GNA

  • Coronavirus: Over 32 deaths recorded in January alone – GHS

    More than 32 deaths have been recorded in Ghana from COVID-19 related diseases between January 1 and 24, this year, Dr Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, the Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, announced on Monday.

    He said the third phase of COVID-19 surge in the country was very severe and deadly than the surges in July and September last year.

    Currently, 372 persons have succumbed to the Coronavirus disease since Ghana recorded its first case on March 12, last year.

    The active cases have increased from 800 to 3,613 as of January 22, 2021, with 62,135 cumulative cases.

    Giving an update on the spread of COVID-19 during a media briefing in Accra on Monday, Dr Kumah-Aboagye said due to the severity of the new wave of infections, the GHS will soon begin Antigen testing in suspected outbreaks in schools and workplaces.

    Additionally, Antigen test would be used in hospitals when health workers there had been exposed to the virus, and also use it in selected health facilities.

    At the moment, Antigen Test is used at the country’s airport and produce Covid-19 test results within 30 minutes.

    Dr Kumah-Aboagye said public health facilities would now offer 24-hour service and intensify Contact Tracing using public transport system like Bolt.

    He advised the management of companies and organizations in the country to decongest staff at their workplaces and use virtual services instead.

    Dr Kumah-Aboagye urged the public to comply with the preventive and safety protocols as well as the wearing of nose masks.

    He said the entire West African Subregion was experiencing an upsurge in COVID-19 infections, noting that the new COVID-19 variants detected in Ghana were similar to those found in South Africa and the United Kingdom.

    However, he said, the nation is yet to confirm a community spread of the new COVID-19 variants as genome sequencing is still ongoing.

    He entreated the GHS and the media to continue collaborating in educating the public on the threat posed by the virus to improve compliance with the safety rules.

    Source: GNA

  • Joe Ghartey lauds Rawlings-Akufo-Addo relationship

    Member of Parliament for Essikado-Ketan Constituency, Hon. Joe Ghartey, has lauded the healthy relationship that existed between late former President Jerry John Rawlings and President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

    In his tribute to the late Rawlings in Parliament, Hon Ghartey said
    “We see pictures of Rawlings & Akufo Addo together, talking. People who were committed to different forms of governance”.

    President Akufo-Addo led demonstrations during the Rawlings era demanding a return to multi-party democracy.

    Hon Ghartey stated that “It teaches us that we must be humble, as we experience changes in life”.

    Hon. Ghartey further remarked that after MPs finish debating on the floor, they share a cup of tea together.

    He said the relationship that exists between politicians on opposite sides should be an example to their supporters.

    “Yes we may not agree with each other, but we must not be enemies”.

    Hon Ghartey, a former Attorney General and Minister of Justice noted that the beauty of life and the maturity of democracy is that people can disagree with each other vehemently for many years and end up being friends.

    The example set by these two Presidents is worth emulating, according to the immediate past Railways Development Minister.

    Source: Melvin Tarlue, Contributor

  • Were recording 600 cases on daily basis now – GHS

    The Director-General of the Ghana Health Service (GHS) Dr. Patrick Kuma Aboagye has announced that several people are contracting the covid-19 unlike the previous one.

    Addressing a press briefing today in the latest update, he said all the 16 regions are reporting active cases putting a burden on the few treatment centers we have in the country.

    He said Ghana is currently recording 600 average cases per day.

    He cautioned that workplaces should reduce their congestion and if possible continue virtually.

    Dr. Kuma Aboagye said that “covid is thriving on our very way life thus it is high time we modify and discipline our ourselves to stop the spread of this deadly virus”.

    He indicated the critical and severe cases are increasing especially in Greater Accra.

    He disclosed 1085 cases have been recorded from the Kotoka International Airport with an increasing positivity rate.

    Out of the figure, 62% are males with the remaining percentage being females.

    Ghanaians account for 41% of the cases recorded at the airport and a total test of 144,383.

    Source: rainbowradioonline.com

  • United, unfazed NDC caucus will resist all aggressors – Sam George

    MP for Ningo Prampram, Samuel Nartey George, has restated that minority Members of Parliament will act in unity to protect the integrity of the party and the country at large.

    His views were contained in a Facebook post last Sunday. His second in reaction to claims by some party insiders that their MPs were sell-outs and lacked spine in parliament.

    George underlined his trust in the NDC caucus leadership and the 13 party members on the Appointments Committee as they get ready to vet ministerial nominees of president Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

    “I am proud to be one of the 137 NDC members of the 8th Parliament. It is a responsibility and duty we individually and collectively hold dear. We would continue to act in unity in defence of our Party and Country against all aggressors,” he said.

    He joins other members like Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa of North Tongu and Xavier-Francis Sosu of Madina, who have stressed the principled stance of their caucus in seeking the best interest of the nation.

    His full post was accompanied by a January 7 video when NDC MPs sung the national anthem after armed soldiers entered parliament in the course of a chaotic speakership vote.

    Members of Appointments Committee

    The Appointments Committee has 13 members from each caucus. It is chaired by the First Deputy Speaker, Joseph Osei-Owusu, with Alexander Afenyo-Markin as the Vice-Chair.

    The committee includes, from the majority caucus, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, Patrick Yaw Boamah, Dr. Mathew O. Prempeh, Henry Quartey, Bryan Acheampong, Mrs. Ursula G. Owusu-Ekuful, Ms. Patricia Appiagyei, Osei Bonsu Amoah, Alhassan Tampuli and John Kumah.

    The NDC caucus is led by Haruna Iddrisu as the Ranking Member and Mubarak Muntaka as the Deputy Ranking Member.

    The rest are Mahama Ayariga, Sampson Ahi, Eric Opoku, Ms. Elizabeth Ofosu-Agyare, James Agalga, Edwin Nii Lante Vanderpuye, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Alhassan Suhuyini, Francis Xavier Sosu, Ms. Zuwera Mohammed Ibrahim and Ms. Gizella Tetteh-Agbotui.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • AfCFTA is the most important initiative introduced by AU Akufo-Addo

    The most important initiative introduced by the African Union (AU) is the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has said.

    In January 2021, the trading phase under the AfCFTA which was signed by 54 African countries commenced.

    The general objectives of the agreement include, among other things, creating a single market, deepening the economic integration of the continent; establishing a liberalised market through multiple rounds of negotiations; aiding the movement of capital and people, facilitating investment move towards the establishment of a future continental customs union.

    Speaking during the Virtual Summit 58th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, on Saturday, 23rd January 2021, Mr. Akufo-Addo said “We can best attain this objective by strengthening our regional integration. Thus, the entry into force of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which began trading on 1st January, presents us with additional opportunities to reach our objective.

    “The AfCFTA, as we all know, is, arguably, the most important initiative launched by the African Union. We all have a duty to ensure its success.

    “I remain confident that, as is customary, the quality of our discussions and the decisions we take together will be commensurate with the ambitions we have for our region.”

    He further called on ECOWAS member countries to engage on the growing menace to the maritime security of our region.

    Mr. Akufo-Addo said acts of piracy and maritime destabilization are on rapid increase in the Gulf of Guinea, illustrated by the data, which indicate a forty percent (40%) rise in pirate activities in the Gulf in 2020 over 2019.

    “This calls for a strong regional response,” he said during the Virtual Summit 58th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, On Saturday, 23rd January 2021.

    He further stated that “Ghana, on its part, has decided to pledge fifty million dollars ($50 million) over the five (5) year period, of which ten million dollars ($10 million) is destined for the Fund, and forty million dollars ($40 million) for the domestic empowerment of our border security against potential terrorist incursions. Half of the ten million dollars ($10 million), i.e., five million dollars ($5 million), has been paid by Ghana into the ESRF account, of which confirmation transfer instructions for this payment has been received.

    “The remaining one hundred million dollars ($100 million), which is to be voluntarily paid by the other five (5) countries and other sources, will complete the establishment of the entire Fund. We need to do this as quickly as possible.

    “We also need to engage on the growing menace to the maritime security of our region. Acts of piracy and maritime destabilization are on rapid increase in the Gulf of Guinea, illustrated by the data, which indicate a forty percent (40%) rise in pirate activities in the Gulf in 2020 over 2019. This calls for a strong regional response.

    “On the critical issue of the single currency for the community, we have agreed on a revised convergence policy, about which a report will be presented to us at this meeting. I am of the view that the difficulties involved in meeting the convergence criteria should not stand in the way of the rapid establishment of a payments and settlement system in ECOWAS, which will enable a rapid expansion of trade and investment in the Community. We will receive, at this Summit, a report on progress on this matter.

    “Excellencies, achieving strong economic growth, built on resilient economies, is a challenge that we must accept and realise. We must remain focused on the implementation of our programmes and projects in all areas to ensure the well-being of our peoples.

    Source: 3 News