TIG Post

Author: Persis

  • GRA exceeded 2020 revised target Commissioner General

    The Acting Commissioner General of the Ghana Revenue Authority Rev. Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah has revealed the Ghana Revenue Authority exceeded its revised revenue target of GHc42,769.50 billion for the year 2020.

    According to him, the authority was initially budgeted to collect tax revenue of GH¢47,253.95 billion for the 2020 fiscal year.

    This represented a 7.6% growth over the actual tax revenue collections of GH¢43,907.12 billion for the 2019 fiscal year.

    However, as a result of the impact of the Covid-19 global pandemic, the budget was revised to GH¢42,769.50 billion.

    This represents 2.6% negative growth over the actual revenue collection of GH¢43,907.12 billion for 2019.

    However, speaking to the media at a press soiree, the acting commissioner with excitement announced that despite the COVID-19 pandemic and its negative impact on businesses, the GRA was able to meet its 2020 revised revenue target.

    The Authority was tasked to collect a revised tax revenue target of
    GH¢42,769.50; as of December 2020, we had collected GH¢45,338.69 million exceeding the budget by GH¢2,569.19 million thus, with a positive deviation of 6.0%.

    He added, though the GRA is yet to know from the finance ministry its revenue target for the year 2021, “it has set for itself an aggressive target to collect a provisional tax revenue of GH¢60 billion. This constitutes a 32.3% increase over the 2020 actual collection.”

    He further stated, the Introduction of New Excise Tax Stamps, TIN/Ghana Card Replacement, E-Commerce, Restructuring of Domestic Tax Revenue Division, Deployment of Information Technology Tools, Tax Education among others are all part of the strategies to ensure the commission realizes its 2021 target.

    He advised members of the public to be tax compliant “…so that together we can mobilize the needed revenue for national development and to get to the position whereas a country, we can be totally self-reliant and help to achieve the objectives of “Ghana Beyond Aid.”

    Source: rainbowradioonline.com

  • LIVESTREAMING: Final Funeral Rites of Former President JJ Rawlings

    Today marks the second day in celebrating the final funeral rites of the late former President Jerry John Rawlings.

    He has been laid-in-state at the Accra International Conference Centre.

    Between 8: 00 am and 5: 00 pm on Monday, the heads of security agencies, leaders of political parties, the staff of the Office of former President Rawlings, traditional/religious leaders, and the general public will file past the mortal remains of the late former President.

    On Tuesday, January 26, 2021President Nana Akufo-Addo, the Vice-President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, former heads of state and heads of constitutional bodies, the Speaker of Parliament and former Speakers will also have the opportunity to pay their respects.

    On that same day, traditional and customary rites will be held at the foyer of the conference centre with the body of the former President still in state.

    The former president died on November 12, 2020.

    He left behind a wife, former First Lady Konadu Agyemang Rawlings and four children.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Coronavirus: Death toll now 367 as active cases jump to 3,286

    Six more people have died from COVID-19 in Ghana with the death toll now 367, according to the Ghana Health Service.

    Active cases have also jumped to 3,286 with 679 cases recorded.

    Ghana has so far recorded a total of 60,794 cases with 57,141 recoveries and discharges.

    Meanwhile, more than 25 million cases of coronavirus have now been confirmed across the United States.

    Experts say the true number is likely to be higher. More than 417,500 in the US have died from the virus.

    The daily number of deaths has exceeded 4,000 in recent weeks including on Wednesday when Joe Biden was sworn into office.

    Cumulative Cases per Region

    (Case Count from Highest to Lowest)

    Greater Accra Region  34,740

    Ashanti Region  11,687

    Western Region  3,270

    Eastern Region  2,704

    Central Region  2,215

    Volta Region  848

    Bono East Region  796

    Western North Region  689

    Bono Region  645

    Northern Region  620

    Ahafo Region  537

    Upper East Region  502

    Oti Region  244

    Upper West Region  152

    Savannah Region  62

    North East Region  25

    Source: Starr FM

  • Doctor arrested for baby harvesting admits to selling more than 12 babies

    One of the medical doctors arrested by the Economic and Organised Crime Office in connection with a recent crackdown on a baby-harvesting and human trafficking syndicate has admitted to selling more than 12 babies over the period.

    This was revealed by the Executive Director for EOCO, Commissioner of Police Frank Adu-Poku (Rtd) in an interview with Accra-based Adom FM monitored by GhanaWeb, stated that his outfit’s collaborative investigation with the Ghana Medical and Dental Council has led to the unravelling of many secrets including the confession by the doctor.

    “During our investigations and during the process, one of the doctors told us that he has sold about 12 babies. This tells us what is happening in our hospitals,” he stated.

    Whiles failing to give further details on the revelation, COP Adu-Poku urged mothers to be vigilant especially during and after labour.

    “Women should be vigilant when they are about to deliver because the moment you refuse to pay attention or a family member stops paying attention, it may become problematic,” he added.

    Last week, the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) and the Ghana Medical and Dental Council through collaborative efforts arrested 11 people suspected to be involved in the harvesting of babies and human trafficking in some health facilities in the Greater Accra Region.

    The suspects include two medical doctors, four nurses, two mothers, two social welfare officers and a traditional birth attendant.

    The suspects during the operation sold two baby boys for a combined price of GHS 58,000 with one being sold for GH¢ 30,000.00 and the other GH¢ 28,000.00.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Applicant has not shown exceptional circumstance for review application of interrogatories – EC

    The Electoral Commission (EC) has opposed to a motion on notice for review in respect of a dismissed application for interrogatories.

    The Supreme Court unanimously dismissed the application for interrogatories saying interrogatories should be based on relevance.

    The Petitioner, Mr John Dramani Mahama in the December 7 Presidential Election Petition case has however filed a review of the dismissed application for interrogatories.

    Mr Mahama held that the interrogatories would narrow down to the issues set out for trial.

    The EC in its affidavit in opposition sworn by Mrs Jean Mensa, Chairperson of the Commission noted that the motion on notice for review did not show any exceptional circumstance necessitating the application for review.

    “Besides, the application has not raised any specific miscarriage of Justice suffered by virtue of the decision of the court to refuse the application for interrogatories.

    The EC says the decision by the Court to deny the application for interrogatories was made by the court in accordance with the dictates imposed by CI 99 of 2016 and the court ought not to change its compliance with the statute.

    “I believe the application for review will not serve the interest of Justice but rather instruct the timely completion of the applicant’s (Mr Mahama) own case in court in accordance with CI 99.

    The EC said the applicant (Mr Mahama) would not suffer any injury to his rights if the court dismissed the review application as he has the opportunity to solicit the answers he seeks now during cross-examination if he so wished, adding that “unless he is actually fishing and/or trying to delay the trial”.

    “I believe there are no exceptional circumstance or legal basis for that to warrant the intervention of this honourable court in this application for review,” the EC argued.

    Meanwhile, the EC has filed another motion for abridgement of time for the application for review.

    The EC want the Supreme Court to hear the application for review on January 26 instead of January 28, this year.

    The Commission says the abridgement of time was necessary for a speedy determination for the motion.

    “I pray that in the interest of Justice and speedy determination of this matter and in line with timelines in CI 99 be abridged to January 26 subject to the convenience of the court”.

    Source: GNA

  • Accra International Conference Centre ready for Rawlings’s funeral

    All is set at the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC) for the state funeral of former President Jerry John Rawlings, who passed away on Thursday, November 12, 2020.

    Information from the Ministry of Information available to the Ghana News Agency said the four-day state funeral began on Sunday, January 24, with a Requiem Mass at the Holy Spirit Cathedral in Accra.

    It said the AICC building had been decorated in the national colours and a stage has been mounted at the foyer where the mortal remains of the late former President will lay-in-state for two-days; that is from Monday, January 25 to Tuesday, January 26.

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

    Source: GNA

  • ‘Enough is Enough’ demonstration in Ho not sanctioned – Police

    Sergeant Prince Dogbatse, Public Affairs Officer of the Volta Regional Police Command, says the Command has not sanctioned an intended demonstration against the President’s nominee, Dr Archibald Yao Letsa as the new Regional Minister.

    The demonstration termed, “Enough is Enough”, was aimed to express the disappointment by some “unknown group” calling itself “Volta NPP Grassroot for Justice” in the region on the renomination of Dr Letsa as Volta Regional Minister by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

    Sergeant Dogbatse in a press release copied to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) disclosed that the Command had information on the intended demonstration to be held on Monday, January 25.

    He said although the Police was bound to provide security for “law-abiding citizens” properly organised to engage in legitimate activities including demonstrations, the upsurge of COVID-19 cases in the region could not allow the Group to embark on their intended action.

    The Public Affairs Officer, who said the event could endanger public health and safety, cautioned all citizens to take note of the directive and be warned of the consequences of non-compliance.

    “The Command per any properly organised special event by members of the public is duty-bound to provide security for law-abiding citizens to engage in such legitimate activities like demonstrations and processions.

    He said the Command “in this critical time” was determined to support other key stakeholders in containing the pandemic to guarantee public health and safety.

    Sergeant Dogbatse advised the public to continue to adhere to COVID-19 safety protocols such as the proper wearing of the face or nose masks, social distancing, washing of hands regularly and sanitising hands often in order to contain the spread of the deadly pandemic.

    The Volta region currently has 106 active cases and two deaths within two weeks with cases mainly within Ho, Hohoe, North Tongu and Ketu North.

    Source: GNA

  • NDC to hold symposium in honour of Rawlings

    The National Democratic Congress (NDC), has decided to honour its Founder, the late Flight Lieutenant Jerry John Rawlings with a special virtual symposium to celebrate his life and to commemorate his legacy.

    The symposium will take place at the Kama Conference Center at Labone Junction in Accra in the evening of Monday, the 25th of January.

    A statement signed by Mr Kakra Essamuah, the Director of Communication of the NDC, copied to the Ghana News Agency, said the main speakers at the symposium were Alhaji Huudu Yahaya, a member of the NDC Council of Elders and Mrs Aanaa Enin, a former ambassador and a former Minister of the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC).

    Other speakers include Mr Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo, National Chairman of the NDC, Mr Haruna Iddrisu, Leader of NDC Caucus in Parliament; Mr Johnson Asiedu-Nketia, NDC General Secretary and Mr Alban S. K. Bagbin, the Speaker of Parliament.

    It said the closing remarks would be delivered by former President John Dramani Mahama.

    The statement urged all participants to comply strictly with Covid-19 protocols.

    It noted that the programme would be streamed live on all national networks.

    It said the Leadership of the NDC wishes to announce for the attention of all members, sympathisers and fellow countrymen and women that filing past the mortal remains of our fallen Founder would commence at 0900 hours on Monday, 25th January, and continue until 14 hours on the same day.

    The statement said it would be done strictly in accordance with Covid-19 protocols as the body lies in repose at the Accra International Conference Centre.

    Source: GNA

  • Adormeh-Odumase outdoors new chief

    The Chiefs and elders of Adormeh-Odumasi in the Manya Krobo District have out-doored Nene Kpabitey Kwao Kpakpataku III as the chief for Adormeh-Odumasi.

    This follows a ruling after 10 years of chieftaincy dispute, which affirmed that Nene Kpakpataku was the right candidate to succeed Nene Atiamoah Nartey II, as the chief of the area and Djase of the Manya Krobo traditional area.

    Speaking in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), the newly out-doored chief applauded the traditional council for the peaceful manner in which the dispute had been resolved and pledged to lead the community to initiate developmental projects.

    He said plans were far advanced to establish a Creche and Basic schools in the community, to improve access to education as well as award scholarships to needy but brilliant students to enable the youth to progress in education.

    Source: GNA

  • Have you provided us nose masks that were not wearing? MP questioned after refusing handshakes

    Attempts to get constituents of Bolgatanga East to put on their nose masks as a form of preventing them from contracting the deadly coronavirus generated a sort of misunderstanding between the people and their Member of Parliament (MP), Dr. Dominic Ayine.

    “I was in my constituency for a funeral where I met people without face masks and attempting to shake hands with me. I refused and insisted on them wearing their face masks, but they questioned me, have you provided us with some?” the lawmaker recounted.

    According to the former Deputy Attorney General, sanctions on the mandatory wearing of face masks by the government is not being helpful to fighting the pandemic, hence the surge in the number of active cases in Ghana.

    So far, 159 persons in Tema, 200 in Tesano and 85 persons in Koforidua and other parts of the country have been arrested for not complying with the COVID-19 protocols.

    Dr. Dominic Ayine, therefore, wants the government to sustain the provision of free face masks to citizens to support people who are unable to afford one on a daily basis.

    Meanwhile, lawyer and lecturer at the University of Ghana-Legon, Dr. Clara Beeri Kasser-Tee, stated that even though the wearing of the face masks has become particularly crucial in recent times, the seeming lack of comprehensive resounding education on its relevance has contributed to citizens deliberately flouting the law.

    “The law is not realistic to enforce because a lot of Ghanaians would not be able to pay a designated fine after an arrest. We should be able to educate people intensively to understand the need to wear a face mask”, she pointed out.

    Source: My News GH

  • Ghana shall never have another Rawlings NDC MP

    Ghana will never have a leader like former President Jerry John Rawlings according to National Democratic Congress lawmaker Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor.

    The South Dayi MP posted a tweet today celebrating the former leader.

    “Leadership & Discipline personified. Founder is Gone. A Nation in Mourning. We shall never have his kind again. Paradise Lost,” he said.

    The post was accompanied by a video of Rawlings famously directing traffic in 2019 around Prampram.


    Rawlings died in November 2020 at the age of 73. He passed on at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra.

    His funeral kicks off today. The national activities will start with a Catholic Requiem Mass at the Holy Spirit Cathedral and a vigil at the Air Force Officers Mess in Accra.

    The former President will be laid in state on Monday, January 25 and Tuesday, January 26 at the Accra International Conference Centre for various interest groups and members of the public to have an opportunity to pay their last respects.

    Prior to the laying in state, the Anlo Traditional Council will host two days of traditional mourning for the departed former President who hailed from Anlo.

    The former President will receive a full military burial service on Wednesday, January 27 after which he will be interred at the Military Cemetery.

    See the post below:

    https://twitter.com/etsedafeamekpor/status/1353162312341970946

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Remove law that imposes charge on inbound international calls Telco Chamber

    The Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications has increased its calls for the removal of the law that establishes a charge of 19 cents per minute on inbound international calls on telecommunication companies.

    According to the Head of Research and Communications at the Chamber, Derek Laryea, the law imposed is hampering the revenue generation efforts of telecommunication companies in the country.

    “Year on year there is always a dip and I know in 2016 we had some policy statement just before the elections about looking at that tax policy. For us as the industry we believe it is a leakage and it also fuels SIM boxing. If I am charging 19 cent and my local call is about 4.8pesewas which is less than one cent, SIM Box fraudsters would take advantage,” he told the B&FT newspaper.

    “More importantly the consumer behavior and pattern have changed and today you will see a lot of people making phone calls directed to over-the-top applications like WhatsApp, Zoom which is really the norm today at the back of the pandemic. I always make the argument that if I have a GH¢1 data and can do excess international call with it, why do I have to spend 19 cents which is obviously high for any consumer,” Derek Laryea stressed.

    Meanwhile key findings of a Mobile Industry Transparency Initiative study conducted by the chamber showed that revenue accumulated to the state and telecommunications companies in Ghana has declined by over 200 percent in the past nine years since the law was established.

    The findings also indicated that in 2010, revenue generated remained at about GH¢360 million while the figure has since declined to some GH¢107 million in 2019.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Goods from non-African countries not to enjoy AfCFTA preferential treatment

    Goods exports by third-party non-African countries to African countries will not enjoy preferential treatments stipulated under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) trade pact.

    This is according to the Secretary-General of the AfCFTA Secretariat, Wamkele Mene.

    Addressing the issue of transshipment during the operation of AfCFTA, Mr Mene noted that although goods from non-African countries are welcomed into the continent, such goods or imports will not enjoy the incentives that bind the trade agreement between AfCFTA members.

    “We are not saying there should be no goods from other countries, what we are saying is that goods that should enjoy the AfCFTA preferential treatment should be goods that are legitimately entitled to the AfCFTA preferential treatment,” he said.

    “There will still be goods coming in from other parts of the world, but they will not be enjoying the preferential treatment that we have agreed to extend to ourselves as members of AfCFTA,” he added.

    Speaking further, Mr Mene disclosed that no provision or protocol has yet been made to minimize the importation of goods from non-African countries during the implementation of AfCFTA.

    He however believes that, despite the absence of such provision, a strong collaboration between Customs Officials of member countries will check goods transshipment on the continent during the operation of AfCFTA.

    “This will depend on our robust application and implementation of our rules of origin regime and other necessary protocols. We will work with our Customs Officials to improve their capacity to check transshipment,” he stated.

    Trading of goods between member countries per the rules of AfCFTA should attract zero duties with no limit on the quantity of goods that can be exported or imported between member countries.

    Source: Fuaad Dodoo, Contributor

  • Set up independent body to investigate Techiman South shooting incident NDC

    The Bono East Regional office of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has called on President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to set up an independent body to investigate the shooting incident that occurred during the 2020 general election in the Techiman South Constituency.

    In a petition signed by Mr Ali Mohammed Shamsudeen, the NDC Bono East Regional Secretary and made available to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Techiman on Thursday, said the party asked that the investigations into the post-election violence be conducted swiftly, and perpetrators made to face the full rigours of the law.

    The post-election violence which happened at the Techiman Bonokyempem Hall on December 7, was characterised by sporadic gunshots, leaving two dead while five others sustained gunshot wounds.

    The shooting started during the collation of the election results, when supporters of the NDC attempted to forcibly break into the hall, which forced the police to fire gunshots to disperse the crowd.

    The Party said it had already sent a copy of the petition to the Bono East Regional Coordinating Council in Techiman to be forwarded to President Akufo-Addo.

    “We cannot trust the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) because they have clearly shown that they cannot be neutral and transparent in this matter. Since perpetrators of this monstrous crime are their colleagues, they cannot do proper investigations,” it stated.

    The petition indicated that until proper investigations are conducted into the matter and perpetrators brought to book, nothing can comfort the bereaved families as they seek justice.

    “We expect that the police will not transfer any person who was either involved in the shooting incident or on duty at the Bonokyempem Hall on that fateful day until investigations are over,” it added.

    “The Member of Parliament for Bekwai Constituency,” Mr Joseph Osei Owusu must also retract and render an unqualified apology to the deceased family and the injured people for assertions he made in the media that the police rather shot on criminals,” the petition stated.

    Meanwhile, the Bono Regional Coordinating Council, has on behalf of government presented GH¢15,000 to the victims, and the bereaved families.

    So far, the GNA gathered that four of the victims have been treated and discharged from hospitals, while one was still receiving treatment at the Wenchi Government Hospital.

    Source: GNA

  • Ghana Armed Forces probes alleged soldiers protecting galamsey operations

    he Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has commenced investigations into allegations of the involvement of some personnel of the service in providing security for illegal mining operations.

    The probe follows reports in a section of the media accusing some personnel of the Armed Forces of providing protection for illegal mining operations in parts of the country.

    GAF in a statement issued and signed by Colonel Eric Aggrey-Quarshie, Director of Public Relations, and copied to the Ghana News Agency in Accra, said the service took such allegations seriously as it did not condone such wrongdoing.

    It said appropriate sanctions would be handed out to any person(s) found culpable.

    The statement assured the public of the Ghana Armed Forces unflinching commitment to the national cause.

    Source: GNA

  • Phase II of Kejetia project: Congestion blocking progress Contractors

    The second phase of the Kejetia Redevelopment Project is suffering a major setback as contractors say congestion at the project site is contributing to the slow pace of work.

    The company, Contracta Construction Ltd, UK, explains the influx of hawkers plying their trade around the project site is adversely affecting accessibility.

    Although work is ongoing, officials of the company say traders have taken over pavements in the Central Business District, making transporting of construction materials to the project site almost impossible.

    On May 2, 2019, President Nana Addo Akufo-Addo together with the overlord of the Ashanti Kingdom, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, cut sod for the commencement of Phase 2 of the redevelopment project of the market, but work is at its preliminary stage when 3news.com visited the project site.

    Speaking on Akoma FMs morning show GhanAkoma on Tuesday, January 19, Community Relations Officer for Contracta Construction Ltd, UK Emmanuel Danso told host Aduanaba Kofi Asante that constant disruption by traders remains a major challenge, adding that it is impeding the completion of the project.

    He explained that “repeated complaints to city authorities to decongest the area have yielded no results”.

    Reacting to the claims, however, Kumasi mayor Osei Assibey Antwi explained that “the [Kumasi Metropolitan] Assembly is engaging stakeholders including market leaders and security agencies to evict the traders.”

    He also added that “a roadmap will be outlined to relocate the traders soon”.

    The 248 million Euro facility, which was supposed to serve as a trading hub to decongest the Central Business District, is being impeded by congestion.

    The project, which was expected to be completed in 48 months, has delayed for two years due to human congestion around the project site.

    Source: 3 News

  • No school will be left out in the distribution of PPE GES

    The Ghana Education Service has asked school heads and parents to exercise patience as they ensure that every school benefits from the distribution of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) across the county.

    The GES has said that no school in the country will be left out in the distribution of the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) following the resumption of schools amid the Coronavirus pandemic.

    The Ghana Education Service press statement follows the agitations and concerns raised by some parents and school heads that some schools are not benefiting from the distribution of personal protective kits after reopening.

    However, responding to these concerns raised by various stakeholders, the Public Relations Officer of GES, Cassandra Twum Ampofo in an interview with Citi TV called for calm as they continue the distribution of the PPEs.

    “The distribution of the PPE is ongoing, and as of now some schools have not had some, but I will urge them to calm down. No school will be left out.”

    “Once we have started distribution, and they are aware that public schools are getting the PPE, they will also get theirs. They should wait patiently while the delivery gets to their end,” she concluded.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • ‘Akufo-Addo has kept his word’- Koku Anyidoho reacts to ministerial nominations

    Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Attah Mills Institute, Koku Anyidoho has welcomed President Akufo-Addo’s ministerial nominations.

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s ministerial nominations were confirmed by Mr. Eugene Arhin, the Acting Communications Director at the Presidency in a release on Thursday, January 20, 2021.

    The nominations are subject to the approval of the 8th Parliament headed by Speaker Alban Bagbin.

    The release of Akufo-Addo’s appointments has been met with different reactions on social media but the former Deputy General Secretary of the opposition National Democratic Congress believes that the President has kept his word that he will reduce the size of his government in his second time.

    He made this statement in a tweet that was sighted by GhanaWeb.

    “President Akufo-Addo has kept his word – thinned his govt & shall have no Deputy Regional Ministers: Let’s pray this early positive move filters through the whole of his 2nd term so he can leave some solid legacies as we all strive to build the Better Ghana that we so deserve.”

    See his post on Twitter below:

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Well not accept Dr Letsa Volta NPP group hits the streets in protest

    A pro-New Patriotic Party (NPP) calling itself the “Volta NPP Grassroots for Justice” will begin demonstrating against the reappointment of Dr. Yao Archibald Letsa as the regional minister of the Volta region.

    The route for the demonstration will start from the Metro Mass yard (Sokode Lokoe) through the Police Regional Headquarters to the Civic Center and to the regional party office to present its petition to the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo through the regional executives.

    In a statement, it said it reject the reappointment of the Dr. Letsa though it did not give reasons behind its rejection

    “We wish to state equivocally that we the party base (supporters) in the region will not accept the appointment.”

    “We, therefore, wish to notify the police of our resolve to embark on a series of procession and demonstration to register our demonstration and disappointment as the intended appointment of Dr Yao Archibald Letsa from Monday 25th January, 2021”, it added.

    The Volta region gradually continues to increase in supporter base for the ruling NPP party as it got a little over 10% in the last elections.

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on Thursday, January 21, 2021, presented a total of 43 persons including 16 Regional Minister Designates through the Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin for approval.

    Source: My News GH

  • Ghana needs only 50 parliamentarians and 20 ministers Kofi Bentil

    The Vice President of policy think tank, IMANI Africa, Kofi Bentil, has stated that Ghana does not need more than seventy (70) members of parliament and ministers.

    His comment comes after President Akufo-Addo presented to parliament a list of nominees to be vetted for ministerial appointments.

    The president, having been given a second term mandate, has decided to reduce his ministries from 36 to 30. This has essentially caused a reduction in the number of ministers who will serve in his new government as he has also served an indication that he will, unlike his first term, not be nominating deputy regional ministers.

    Taking to his Facebook page, Mr Bentil said the government of Ghana with a total of 70 parliamentarians and ministers can achieve more than what others put together did.

    He subsequently listed the Finance, Trade and Industry, Defence, Interior, Foreign Affairs, Food and Agriculture, Housing and Infrastructure, Energy, Education, Health, and Attorney General as the “only Ministries Ghana needs” adding that “all others will fit under them as functional desks or departments”.

    He reiterated that “if these ministries work effectively, we won’t need the bloated expensive government we create” and that “we must use our resources better”.

    For regional ministers, the Vice-President of IMANI said if, given the opportunity, he will “place all Regional Ministers under the Ministry of Interior and call them Regional Chief Executives”.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • I’ll find you another job – Akufo-Addo consoles ex-ministers

    It appears all hope is not lost yet for the former appointees who could not make the list of Akufo-Addo’s new ministers as the President has assured he will find them “possible roles” to play.

    The President released a new list of Ministers on Thursday, January 21, 2021, who if approved by Parliament, will aid him in his second term.

    Unlike the first term, the President has indicated that the number of ministers he will work with, in his new government will not exceed eighty-five (85), a decision that has resulted in many of the former appointees being pulled up.

    But a statement issued by the Communications Directorate of the Jubilee House stated the President has promised the affected ministers he will find them another job in the larger government structure.

    According to the statement signed by Acting Director of Communications at the Office of the Presidency, Eugene Arhin, Mr Akufo-Addo made the assurance when he had one-on-one meetings with both the outgoing and the incoming Ministers.

    “On Wednesday, 20th January, and Thursday, 21st January, President Akufo-Addo held one-on-one meetings with the Ministers-Designate, as well as his first-term Ministers who will not transition into the new government, to break the news to them.” Portions of the statement read.

    It added, “To the Ministers-Designate, President Akufo-Addo congratulated them on their nominations, and expressed his expectation that they will be promptly approved by Parliament, to allow them to start work forthwith. To the former Ministers, the President assured them possible roles to be played in the larger government structure, and wished them the best of luck in their future endeavours.”

    Source: Ghana Guardian

  • Place a ban on weddings, funerals, parties with immediate effect – GMA

    The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) has advised the government to with immediate effect reintroduce the restrictions on all forms of gatherings.

    General Secretary of the GMA, Dr. Justice Yankson said restrictions on funerals, parties, weddings, and all other events should be reintroduced.

    He said the restrictions are long overdue and to prevent further spreads, we have to announce the restrictions.

    The latest and new COVID-19 cases he indicated are being recorded from such gatherings and it is an indication for the country to reintroduce the restrictions.

    He further called for the reintroduction of localized restrictions in hotspots or areas where the cases are spreading more.

    “We need to immediately reintroduce restrictions on all weddings, parties, funerals, and other events. We cannot allow this to continue. We should also not hesitate to introduce localized restrictions,” he said.

    He warned that the situation currently is not the best and the earlier we take steps to prevent the spread, the better.

    Adding that health facilities are overstretched with pressure on medical officers.

    The medical officer said if we do not take care, we will record more deaths. He again asked Ghanaians to pray for doctors and frontline health workers.

    Source: rainbowradioonline.com

  • Man, 24, arrested for killing friend over ¢10.00 dispute at Assin Awisem

    A 24-year-old unemployed, Bright Ofori, has been arrested after he clubbed to death 35 years old Muniru Mohammed Haddi at Assin Awisem in the Assin Fosu Municipality of the Central Region over a ¢10.00 dispute.

    The Chief Prosecutor at Twifo Ati-Morkwa District Magistrate Court, Detective Inspector Joshua Kusah explained to Kasapa FM News Yaw Boagyan that on Saturday 16th January 2021, Assin Awisem Police received a report that the accused person has hit his friend with a stick at about 6:30 pm.

    The Police team quickly rushed to the scene and conveyed the deceased to Assin Awisem Health centre for treatment and was later transferred to St. Francis Xavier Hospital (Assin Fosu) and finally referred to Cape Coast Teaching Hospital, but unfortunately, he passed away on the following day.

    The body is currently at the Twifu Praso Mortuary for post mortem, whilst the accused person is currently at Twifo Praso police custody and will be arraigned to court on the 10th February 2021.

    Source: Kasapa FM

  • Dr Amoako Tuffuor is dead

    Dr Amoako Tuffuor, a leading member of the New Patriotic Party has passed on, according to reports by Classfmonline.

    He reportedly died at the 37 Military Hospital, today, January 21, 2021.

    Dr Amoako Tuffuor is a founding member of the NPP and served various portfolios under the Kuffuor administration.

    He is the former National Coordinator of the School Feeding Programme.

    He also was an advisor to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • How a mother sold her baby for GH¢8,000 EOCO Director gives details

    The Executive Director of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), Frank Adu-Poku has provided harrowing details into the activities of a syndicate involved in a baby harvesting and child trafficking.

    The syndicate was busted on December 31, 2020 after EOCO in collaboration with the Medical and Dental Council conducted investigations into the alleged activities from the period of June and November 2020.

    The joint effort led to the arrest of Dr. Hope Mensah Quashie of the 37 Military Hospital who also operated a private health facility, Susan Clinic in Laterbiokoshie-Accra and one Dr. Noah Kofi Lartey, a medical practitioner with the Obstetrician and Gynaecology Department of the Greater Accra Regional Hospital, Ridge, who also operates a private hospital known as the Dangbe Community Hospital in Prampram.

    The EOCO director, speaking to Accra-based Citi FM on Thursday January 21, revealed that “one of the mothers who was arrested told her family the baby was dead and received GH¢8,000.”

    He further revealed that a second person involved in a similar trade was a 17-year-old who delivered a pre-term baby. Frank Adu-Poku added that officials of the facility who were also social welfare workers decided to trade off the baby.

    So far, 11 persons including two doctors have been arrested in connection with their involvement with the baby harvesting and human trafficking syndicate.

    The umbrella body of doctors in Ghana, the Medical and Dental Council has since withdrawn the licenses of the two doctors pending their arrest and further investigations into the matter.

    The other accused and arrested persons who have all been named as accomplices in the crime are Sylvia Awuseh, John Adorey Effie, Dede Gifty Anikpi and Angela Ametepe.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Wisconsin University Ghana debunks reports of coronavirus outbreak on its campuses

    Wisconsin International University College, Ghana, has debunked news report of a “looming outbreak” of COVID-19 on its campuses, which it describes as mischievous and misleading.

    According to the management of the University, there has been no reported case of COVID-19 at any of its campuses since the outbreak of the virus in 2020.

    “Contrary to news making rounds of a “looming outbreak” of COVID-19 at Wisconsin International University College, Management of the University wishes to bring to the attention of all that there has been no reported case of COVID-19 at any of the Wisconsin International University College campuses in either Accra or Kumasi since the outbreak of the disease early last year,” the Univesity said in a statement signed by its Registrar.

    According to the University, it has achieved this as a result of the strict adherence to all the laid down safety precautions and protocols outlined by the Ghana Health Service (GHS) and World Health Organization (WHO).

    The management, however, assured members of the public that adequate measures including handwashing and sanitiser use, compulsory wearing of face mask, and a COVID-19 monitoring team, have been put in place to curtail any possible outbreak of the disease on its campuses.

    The University further indicated that it is “investigating the source of a false DAILY POST newspaper report” and will update the public in due course.

    Source: Kuulpeeps

  • Election Petition: Mahama expected to file witness statements today

    The Petitioner in the 2020 Election Petition, John Dramani Mahama, is expected to file witness statements and the accompanying affidavits on his petition at the Supreme Court registry today, Thursday, January 21, 2021.

    The Supreme court on Wednesday ordered the petitioner to do so by 12 noon on January 21, 2021.

    The respondents will also file their processes on January 22, 2021. Meanwhile, should the parties after receiving the processes have any more processes, they should file by January 25.

    A seven-member panel of the Supreme Court presided by Justice Kwasi Anin Yeboah has adopted five major issues that the Supreme Court would be considering for the 2020 Presidential elections.

    The apex court after a pre-trial on Wednesday said the Court would be considering the following issues of whether or not the petition reveals any reasonable course of action.

    The court will also be determining whether or not any of the candidates obtained majority votes, to be declared winner.

    Another issue the apex court would be dealing with is whether or not the EC met the provision of Article 63 (3) of the constitution.

    The panel said it will also determine whether or not the EC violated Article 63 (3) of the constitution and whether or not the allegation of the vote padding if considered will affect the vote obtained by the winner.

    The hearing at the Supreme Court will commence on January 26, 2021.

    Source: Kasapa FM

  • Amewu heads for Railway Ministry as Akufo-Addo drops Atta Akyea, Adda – Report

    Former Energy Minister John Peter Amewu is heading for the Railway Ministry as sector Minister in the yet to be announced ministerial list by President Akufo-Addo, Starr News has learnt.

    Former Deputy Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame is also being elevated as substantive Minister of the Ministry by the President.

    According to Starr News sources, former Regional Integration Minister Dan Botwe is also headed for the Local Government ministry while former Works and Housing Minster Samuel Atta Akyea has been dropped out of the list by the President. Former Aviation Minister Kofi Adda has also been dropped from the list.

    Former Education Minister Mathew Opoku Prempeh will also be Minister for Energy while former deputy Dr Yaw Odei Adutwum is elevated to head the Education Ministry.

    Former Deputy Chief of Staff Abu Jinapor is heading for the Lands and Natural Resources Ministry as Minister in the yet to be announced Ministerial nominations by President Akufo-Addo, Starr News has learnt.

    Barring any last-minute changes, another former deputy Chief of Staff Asenso Boakye will be named Minister-designate for Works and Housing by the President.

    Also, former Executive Director of the National Service Scheme (NSS) Mustapha Yusif will be named Minister of Sports in the list scheduled for release this week.

    Meanwhile, the President has retained Akosua Frema Osei-Opare as his Chief of Staff at the Office of the President as he makes his first list of appointments for his second term office.

    The President also retained Nana Asante Bediatuo as his Secretary in the batch of appointment released by the Presidency Tuesday.

    Eugene Arhin also retained his position as Director of Communications at the Presidency.

    Source: Starr FM

  • 18-month-old baby dumped in public toilet alive and kicking

    A year and a half old baby, Blessing, who was rescued from a public toilet in Tumu is alive and kicking.

    During a visit paid to the child, this reporter monitored that she was happily living with her caretakers.

    Blessing was rescued from a public toilet on one Thursday morning at around 5:30 am on July 11, 2019 after she was dumped and abandoned at a public toilet at Kusinjan in the Sissala East Municipal capital, Tumu.

    According to an elder from Kusinjan, Mr Tommie Kanton, he said the child was discovered after a native of Kusinjan, Mr. Abdulai Kanton (Ngeni) had gone to use the toilet that faithful morning, but was later washed down by her caretakers.

    Since the incident, a Community radio station, Radford FM and other stakeholders have been playing various roles in the child’s upkeep and development.

    Consequently, a bag of maize, 10 pieces of soap and a number of nose masks were donated to Blessing and her caretaker at the Tumu Chief’s Palace on January 12, 2021.

    Speaking on behalf of the General Manager of Radford, Head of Programs, Mr Samuel Batuame while expressing his gratitude to the caretaker, Madam Alima Kanton he has said the presentation was a little gesture from Radford FM to support efforts she has been putting in to provide the needed parenting to the child in the past 1 and a half years.




    “We are excited coming to meet you and Blessing this afternoon. A child is literally everybody’s responsibility. And so giving the fact that you have been taking care of Blessing who happens to be a child today through our efforts, we have decided, through our flagship ‘mong mua'(putting smiles on the faces of the poor and marginalized) program this year, to present these few items to you and Blessing, knowing that we cannot thank you enough. We cannot certainly pay you for your efforts but we have brought this to support you in taking care of this our child too” he told Alima Kanton.

    Reacting to the gesture, Madam Alima Kanton has hailed the radio station and other stakeholders for their continuous support right from the day the girl was rescued and given the needed care.

    She has also expressed in prayer and hope that Blessing would become an icon to Sissalas and the country at large.

    Source: Dimah Araphat, Contributor

  • We should not be worried about current configuration of parliament Okudzeto Ablakwa

    The Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has called for a positive approach in the face of the nearly hung parliament that resulted from the 2020 general elections.

    The equal membership of MPs from both the NPP and NDC sides of parliament which has had a direct effect on the membership of the Appointments Committee of the House has caused some people to express worry over what they say could bring about a lack of consensus and unnecessary delays in dealing with matters.

    But speaking in an interview with Joynews monitored by GhanaWeb, the NDC MP expressed optimism about the situation saying, “I would like to stress that we need to be positive about the outcome of the 2020 election. What the Ghanaian people have done in virtually giving us a hung parliament is to invite us to work together and to request of us to build for ourselves a legislative organ which is not subservient, which is not a lame duck, which is not a rubber stamp. Which will be efficient in the pursuit of the principles of checks and balances, and the need for independence so far as the three arms of government is concerned.”

    Speaking on the concerns raised, the MP said the opposition side of the House, holds a mindset of not being saboteurs but to be constructive pursuant to the supreme interest of the nation.

    “People are scared, people are worried that Armageddon is upon us. I disagree and we must also emphasize that we in the NDC we are conscious of the fact that Ghanaians are watching, we do not have to be obstructionists, we do not have to be saboteurs or spoilers if you like. Our mindset is to be constructive; is to pursue the supreme national interest and I must emphasize this point,” he added.

    According to Mr Okudzeto, NDC MPs are not oblivious of the consequences of being overly obstructive and will thus employ rationality in their dealings and engagements in the house.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Students in Akote learning in corridor as new classroom block is locked

    The acting Municipal Chief Executive for Suhum in the Eastern Region Margeret Darko on Wednesday January 20, 2021 lividly ordered for immediate opening of a three unit classroom block at Akote a community in the Municipality.

    This was after Students of Akote M/A Junior High School were seen learning in the corridor of the newly constructed classroom block which was locked awaiting commissioning and handing over.

    The classroom block constructed by Kakem Construction limited was completed in December 2020 which the contractor handed over the keys to the Municipal engineer who was keeping the keys while the students and teachers were struggling to have classroom for academic work.

    This compelled the first batch of the Junior High School students supposed to occupy the facility to learn in the corridor.

    The students carry their own benches and plastic chairs from home to school daily.

    When Starr News Eastern Regional Correspondent Kojo Ansah contacted the headteacher she said the facility was yet to be handed over and opened for use.

    The Municipal Chief Executive for Suhum Margaret Darko upon hearing the situation ordered that the facility be opened for the students to use.

    She told Starr news that she was unaware of the situation and blamed the Municipal engineer for the mishaps.

    Source: Starr FM

  • Gonja Traditional Council loses powerful Paramount Chief Kusawguwura S.S. Kunkarga I

    The death has been reported of the Paramount Chief for the Kusawgu traditional area in the Central Gonja district of the Savannah region his Royal Majesty Kusawguwura Samuel Sulemana Kunkarga (I).

    A statement issued by the Gonja Traditional Council confirming the demise of the chief and burial arrangements reads in part “the sudden demise of the hoe Paramount chief occurred on the 19th of January, 2021 at Kusawgu in the Central Gonja District of the Savannah Region.”

    The burial ceremony of the late Kusawguwura will be performed today 20th January 2020 according to the custom and tradition of Gonja

    The 3rd and 7th-day funeral rites will be communicated to all Paramount Chiefs in due course.

    His Eminence the Yagbonwura therefore expresses his condolences to the Gonja Traditional Council, the Savannah Region House of Chiefs and the Chieftaincy Institution and pray the Soul of the late Paramount Chief rests in perfect peace.

    Source: My News GH

  • Supreme Court adjourns Election Petition hearing to Tuesday January 26

    The Supreme Court has adjourned the hearing of the Election Petition to Tuesday, January 26 after hearing on Wednesday, January 20.

    The petitioner in the 2020 Presidential Election Petition, John Dramani Mahama, has sought a review of a ruling on some 12 questions he wanted the 1st Respondent Electoral Commission to answer.

    The court had earlier dismissed an application filed by the Petitioner Mr. Mahama seeking some answers from the Chair of the Electoral Commission (EC).

    Lawyer for the petitioner on Wednesday told the court at the beginning of hearing that he has come to seek a review of the ruling on their application for interrogatories the previous day.

    The court ruled that “the crucial issue of relevancy has not been established in this Application” emphasizing the various amendments that have been made to the Court Procedures and Rules, the latest being C.I 99.

    “We are strictly bound by C.I 99 and therefore will not apply Order 22 of C.I 47 OF 2004 in this circumstance.

    “We accordingly refuse to grant the application and same is accordingly dismissed”, the court ruled.

    Source: 3 News

  • Justice must not be sacrificed for expedition Tsatsu Tsikata to Supreme Court judges

    Tsatsu Tsikata, the Lead Counsel for John Dramani Mahama in the 2020 Election Petition has urged the seven-member judging panel not to prioritize expediting the hearing of the case at the expense of justice.

    According to him, despite the court working with a strict timeline, the delivery of justice should take precedence over decisions they make.

    Tsatsu was expressing his discontent about an order by the Supreme Court for all parties involved in the case to file their witness statement by 12pm, Thursday, January 21, 2021.

    Tsatsu protested before the justices that the period is too short and that the order is not in conformity with the law.

    But the panel referred Tsatsu to C.I 99 which requires them to work within strict timelines.

    A member of the panel also said he was shocked by the stance of Tsatsu Tsikata and that as petitioners, they should have been adequately prepared their witness statement.

    But Tsatsu Tsikata retorted that the judges must ensure that justice is not perverted in their bid to expedite the hearing.

    “Justice cannot be sacrificed for expedition”, he told the court. Meanwhile, the case has been adjourned to Tuesday, January 26.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Introduction of coronavirus vaccines will be based on effectiveness, availability

    Dr Anthony Nsiah-Asare, Presidential Adviser on Health at the Presidency, says the introduction of COVID-19 vaccine into the country would be based on its effectiveness, access, affordability, availability and deployment.

    He recalled that Ghana recorded its first case of COVID-19 on 12 March 2020 and since then the disease had continued to spread with the country currently having an established community transmission.

    Dr Nsiah-Asare said cases of COVID-19 were confirmed in all regions of the country with the Greater Accra Region as the epicentre of the outbreak in Ghana, recording the highest numbers and severity of the disease.

    “As at 16th January 2021, the country had recorded a total of 58,431 positive cases, with 55,899 of these having recovered and discharged, with 2,174 active cases with 134 in severe and critical conditions,” Dr Nsiah-Asare stated in his presentation at the ongoing 72nd Annual New Year School and Conference on the theme: “Building Ghana in the Face of Global Health Crises.”

    “Sadly over the period, we have lost 358 Ghanaians,” he said.

    Dr Nsiah-Asare said over the last three weeks, there had been a surge in the number of active cases, with an average daily rate of about 200 new cases.

    He noted that aside from those with a history of recent travels, most had contracted the virus whilst attending funerals, parties, without wearing the mandatory facemask.

    Dr Nsiah-Asare said Ghana was presently embarking on a strategic, controlled, progressive, safe easing of restrictions on Public gatherings to get the lives of the people and the economy back to normal.

    He expressed concerned that in recent times, relatively younger patients were succumbing to the disease with a sudden surge in new cases.

    Dr Nsiah-Asare said Government was managing the situation and had just directed schools to reopen was also considering the re-opening of land and sea borders to human traffic.

    He said Government was initiating agenda 111 programme for the construction of 101 District Hospitals, seven regional hospitals in the six new regions and Western regions, two psychiatric hospitals in Kumasi and Tamale and renovating and equipping of Effia Nkwanta Hospital.

    The School is being organised by the School of Continuing and Distance Education, College of Education, University of Ghana.

    The Annual New Year School and Conference since its inception in 1948, has been the flagship programme of the University, which always opens at the beginning of the New Year.

    Source: GNA

  • Missing MTTD Inspector found but unable to speak; taken to Adutwumwaa for treatment

    Information reaching MyNewsGh indicates that the Policeman Inspector Robert Obeng of Oforikrom MTTD who was reported missing has been found.

    Policeman Inspector Robert Obeng was reported to have left his rented apartment at Dichemso on January 18, 2021, and had since not been seen.

    But reports from the Ghana Police Service, the victim suddenly arrived home today January 20, 2021.

    However, he is said not to be able to talk and has since been sent to the Adutwumwaa hospital at Dichemso where he is receiving medical attention.

    Source: My News GH

  • Government rejects plans by British Airways to move Ghana services from Heathrow to Gatwick Airport

    The Government of Ghana says it has rejected plans by airline operator, British Airways, to change its London-Accra-London flight origination and termination point.

    The Ministry of Aviation in a statement said it had received notification from the management of British Airways that the airline had decided to operate its British Airways Ghana Services from Gatwick Airport instead of Heathrow Airport.

    This, according to a statement by the Ministry, means that all London-Accra-London bound British Airways flights would originate and terminate at Gatwick Airport instead of Heathrow Airport.

    The new plan according to the notification received by the Ministry of Aviation was to start in the forthcoming summer.

    The Ministry says it convened a meeting at the instance of the then Minister, Joseph Kofi Ada upon receipt of the notification to discuss the matter and register its displeasure about the way and manner the decision was being taken without due consultations with Ghanaian authorities.

    The British Airways team are said to have promised to provide further information and data to support its reasons for the changes at the said meeting but has, however, failed to fulfill the promise.

    “Consequently, the Ministry, in a letter to the BA Authorities, rejected the changes and categorically informed British Airways that For the avoidance of doubt, we are unable to accept the change in the London-Accra-London flights originating from Gatwick Airport,” the Ministry said in its release.

    The Aviation Ministry in assuring the public added that the government of Ghana does not support the stance of BA and that it is engaging authorities of the airline to rescind their decision and respect the position of the Government to uphold the mutual interest of Britain and Ghana.

    Read full statement below:

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Harmattan to intensify from today Meteorological Agency warns

    The Harmattan is expected to intensify over the country from Wednesday, 20 January, 2020, the Ghana Meteorological Agency has said.

    According to the Meteorological Agency, the harmattan will continue into the weekend.

    A statement issued by the agency on Tuesday, 19 January 2020 said: “Dust has been raised from the source region (around Chad) and is expected to be advected into the country to deteriorate surface visibility.”

    Also, “due to the influx of the dry and dusty continental winds, the Northern half is expected to be drier with relative humidity of less than 20percent and below 50percent over parts of the Southern sector.”

    The statement revealed that: “This intrusion of dryness increases the probability of fire outbreaks.”

    The Meteorological Agency has, therefore, advised the general public “to be cautious of handling naked fires” and “be careful on the roads due to poor visibility.”

    Source: Class FM

  • Students, pupils express fear over contracting coronavirus

    A number of students and pupils at the Dormaa Municipal Assembly Junior High School have expressed varied opinions over fears of catching the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19).

    While others said they had doubts if their parents could take care of them if they were infected with the virus, others strongly dismissed those fears with the assurance and confidence that by strictly adhering to required protocols taught them by their parents they would be safe, protected and contain the virus.

    They told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in separate interviews at Dormaa-Ahenkro in the Dormaa Central Municipality of the Bono Region.

    Master Henry Ankamah, a 12-year old primary five pupil at the school stated his mother had taught him how to observe social distancing that “I must not play with friends in a group close together, as there can be someone who can infect me with the disease.

    “My mother told me not to shake hands with or embrace anybody, but must always apply hand sanitiser, alongside washing my hands with soap under running water”, Kofi Asante, aged 12 and also primary five pupils added.

    The GNA observed most of the students and pupils did not wear face masks because of either keeping them in their pockets or did not have some.

    Source: GNA

  • Ghana Health Service supports coronavirus test falsification investigation

    Dr Franklin Asiedu Bokoe, Director of Public Health at the Ghana Health Service (GHS) has said the service will support the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) to look into the alleged falsification of COVID-19 test results.

    He said although he has already contacted the institute to inquire about the issue, the GHS would allow it to carry out its investigations to confirm the validity of the certificate of the COVID-19 test results displayed on social media.

    He said the GHS would, however, assist the institute by looking into records at the airport to find out if the name displayed on the certification of the alleged results from NMIMR went through the system and check its initial results.

    “From what I know, it will be very difficult to buy such a certificate from Ghana unless you fake it,” he said.

    He said the allegation was, however, an eye-opener for the institute to take a look at its system.

    The Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (MIMR) on Sunday said it has begun investigations into alleged falsification of COVID-19 test results at the Institute, following reports on social media alleging breaches of the COVID-19 testing protocols.

    The Institute in a statement issued by Professor Abraham Kwabena Anang, Director of NMIMR, assured that the allegation was being treated with “grave seriousness.“

    The statement said aside from the Institute’s internal investigations, external investigations would be conducted by National Security, which was in discussion with the Coordinator of the National Network of COVID-19 testing Laboratories.Dr Franklin Asiedu Bokoe, Director of Public Health at the Ghana Health Service (GHS) has said the service will support the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) to look into the alleged falsification of COVID-19 test results.

    He said although he has already contacted the institute to inquire about the issue, the GHS would allow it to carry out its investigations to confirm the validity of the certificate of the COVID-19 test results displayed on social media.

    He said the GHS would, however, assist the institute by looking into records at the airport to find out if the name displayed on the certification of the alleged results from NMIMR went through the system and check its initial results.

    “From what I know, it will be very difficult to buy such a certificate from Ghana unless you fake it,” he said.

    He said the allegation was, however, an eye-opener for the institute to take a look at its system.

    The Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (MIMR) on Sunday said it has begun investigations into alleged falsification of COVID-19 test results at the Institute, following reports on social media alleging breaches of the COVID-19 testing protocols.

    The Institute in a statement issued by Professor Abraham Kwabena Anang, Director of NMIMR, assured that the allegation was being treated with “grave seriousness.“

    The statement said aside from the Institute’s internal investigations, external investigations would be conducted by National Security, which was in discussion with the Coordinator of the National Network of COVID-19 testing Laboratories.

    Source: GNA

  • Supplement classroom learning digitally GES Supervisor

    Joseph Nii Ayi Ayitey, Circuit Supervisor (CS) of the Ojoo Circuit 07 of the Ablekuma South Education Office, on Tuesday advised pupils to supplement classroom studies with digital means to enhance learning.

    These digital means included participation in the distance learning programmes on television and radio and research with the use of the internet.

    Mr Ayitey advised during interaction some schools in the Ablekuma South Constituency to celebrate “My First Day at School,” to welcome pupils and students to the classroom.

    He urged the pupils to take advantage of the various learning platforms on the radio and study after classes to augment the efforts of their teachers in the classroom.

    “We are not in normal times therefore I urge pupils to be thoughtful and make an effort to study online or with the distance learning platforms to make them enlightened,” he said.

    He also appealed to the pupils to comply with the COVID-19 safety protocols to prevent the spread of the virus.

    “The disease is real and they must practice all the safety protocols such as hand washing, wearing of nose masks, and social distancing.

    “Pupils should be in their nose masks from homes to the school and from the school back to homes when school closes”.

    He called on the teachers to teach the pupils and monitor them extensively especially during this period of the pandemic since they were COVID-19 Ambassadors.

    Mr Ayitey applauded parents for obeying and practising in the safety measures against COVID-19 and for providing their wards with nose masks and sanitizers to school to mitigate the spread of the pandemic.

    He, however, urged parents to encourage their wards to always use the nose masks and ensured the children always have hand sanitizers in their packages before sending them off to school.

    He said even though all teachers and pupils were COVID-19 Ambassadors, the Circuit had designated COVID-19 prefects in each class, and COVID-19 teachers on duty, in each school to monitor and prompt pupils on the use and observance of the safety protocols.

    As part of the monitoring, Mr Ayitey presented learning materials including pencils, biscuits and drinks to the new pupils in the kindergarten and class one to welcome and motivate.

    The schools toured were: A. M. E. Zion C Basic School, A. M. E. Zion B Basic School; Mamprobi Market 2 Primary School; Martyrs of Uganda; Nii Kodjo Ababioo Basic School; St. Georges Anglican Basic School; Mamprobi Sempe 1 Basic School; and Mamprobi South 3 Basic School.

    The entourage included were Madam Lydia Kwartey Ankrah, Second Cycle Coordinator and Mr William Lamptey Quaye, P. E. Coordinator.

    Source: GNA

  • Coronavirus: Ghana records 366 new cases with 6 more deaths

    Ghana is still experiencing an exponential rise in COVID-19 cases as the latest data shared by the Ghana Health Service shows.

    In the latest update on its website, the GHS puts the number of active cases at 2,174 indicating a report of 366 new cases.

    This pushes the cumulative case count to 55,899 whilst the number of deaths has seen an addition of six new deaths, bringing the total to 358. The number of recorded recoveries now stands at 55,899.

    The current number of active cases has 98 being severe and 36 being critical.

    According to the GHS, this data is as of January 16, 2020.

    Ghana over the last few weeks has seen the number of active cases increase from a few hundred to its current state of over two thousand.

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in his last address to the nation on Sunday expressed worry over the situation and warned that his government will not hesitate on imposing more stringent restrictions and measures if need be.

    The Greater Accra and the Ashanti regions continue to be the epicenter of the virus in the country with cumulative cases of 33,017 and 11,401 respectively.

    The rest are:

    Western Region- 3,237

    Eastern Region 2,681

    Central Region- 2,194

    Bono East Region 795

    Volta Region 790

    Western North Region 683

    Bono Region- 644

    Northern Region 598

    Ahafo Region- 537

    Upper East Region 399

    Oti Region- 244

    Upper West Region 126

    Savannah Region 62

    North East Region -22

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Police Lance Corporal reportedly killed in highway robbery, GH¢500,000 stolen

    Some unidentified men numbering about 10, have shot and killed one police officer, L/CPL Babah, on the Adansi Fomena road.

    According to police sources, they made away with an amount of GHC500,000 in the bullion Van, plus one AK 47 rifle.

    A police situational report on the incident described it as “robbery and murder” and mentioned the date as of January 19, 21.

    It happened at about 10:30 am at Adansi Nyankomesu in the Ashanti Region.

    L/CPL Babah, was shot in the car, and his remains have since been deposited at Peace Land Morgue to be conveyed to Police hospital, Accra for preservation and autopsy.

    The report said, “about ten young men unmasked wielding assorted guns, including AK 47 rifles attacked and robbed a white bullion Van with registration No. GT 543-19 from Ghana Commercial Bank, Dunkwa to New Edubiase, fired indiscriminately from the rear and facing the van.

    The robbers attacked the Van on the section of the road between Obuasi and Asokwa Junction at the outskirts of Adansi Nyankumaso Community and made away with five hundred thousand Ghana cedis (500,000.00). No. 51799 G/L/CPL Babah Martin of Dunkwa Police on board the said vehicle on escort was shot by the robbers on the left leading to his death at the spot.

    The Van was driven by Eric Amoah 36-years and Emmanuel Boateng 33years also an escort both men are personnel of the Delta Security Services. None of the above security officers sustains inquiry. Both are currently receiving treatment at the Anglo Ashanti Hospital, Obuasi. The driver handed over keys to the robbers to have access to the money in the Van upon demand.

    The robbers after killing the said police escort took away his AK 47 S/rifle No.6411/11 with 20 rounds. The body of the deceased now lying at peace land morgue awaiting to be conveyed to Police hospital, Accra for preservation and autopsy.

    One empty pistol ammunition, one live AK 47 ammunition and three AK 47 empty ammunition, were retrieved at the crime scene.

    Obuasi Divisional Commander, C/Supol Nyaaba in charge of officers and men, Fomena District Commander in charge men and Anti Robbery Squad from Regional headquarters Ashanti are on manhunt at various directions.

    Crime scene management team on the grounds assisting investigations are; C/Supol Mr John Ferguson Dzineku Divisional Commander Dunkwa in charge officers and men arrived and identified L/CPL Babah as an officer serving under them”.

    Source: The Herald

  • COVID-19: New variant travels 50-70 times faster – GHS

    The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has disclosed the new strain of the COVID-19 pandemic has a higher and faster infection rate as compared to the first strain.

    The Director of Health Promotion at the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Dr. Dacosta Aboagye, has shared that the new strain of the virus is transmitted between fifty to seventy (50-70) times faster.

    According to him, Ghana has recorded cases of two different strains of the virus. One from the United Kingdom and another from South Africa.

    “Both variants spread very fast and I am thinking they have the same symptoms as the first version of the virus. But, the only difference is that the transmission is very fast. The new variants travel between 50-70 times faster than the normal ones we know of”.

    He noted that the different strains were imported into the country via the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) but these individuals were put under isolation.

    “We all know that with the reopening of our borders, we required anyone coming into the country to come along with a PCR test from their country of origin, and upon their arrival to Ghana, they undergo the antigen test and asked to self isolate.

    “However, we recently changed our policy a bit and insisted that anyone who tested positive for COVID-19 will be housed in our facilities for a second test”.

    Dr. Dacosta noted that for the second test, the positive cases were put through genetic sequencing and that was when “we noticed they were infected with the new variants from the UK and South Africa”.

    The Director of Health Promotion at the GHS assured the populace the positive cases of the new variants are receiving treatment in isolation and treatment centers under the Ghana Health Service.

    Background

    Information from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) suggests multiple COVID-19 variants are circulating globally.

    In the United Kingdom (UK), a new variant called B.1.1.7 has emerged with an unusually large number of mutations. This variant spreads more easily and quickly than other variants.

    This variant was first detected in September 2020 and is now highly prevalent in London and southeast England. It has since been detected in numerous countries around the world, including the United States and Canada.

    In South Africa, another variant called 1.351 has emerged independently of the variant detected in the UK. This variant, originally detected in early October, shares some mutations with the variant detected in the UK. There have been cases caused by this variant outside of South Africa, but it has not been detected in the US.

    In Brazil, a variant called P.1 emerged and was identified in four travelers from Brazil, who were tested during routine screening at Haneda airport outside Tokyo, Japan. This variant contains a set of additional mutations that may affect its ability to be recognized by antibodies.

    These variants seem to spread more easily and quickly than other variants, which may lead to more cases of COVID-19. Currently, there is no evidence that these variants cause more severe illness or increased risk of death.

    However, an increase in the number of cases will put more strain on health care resources, lead to more hospitalizations, and potentially more deaths.

    Source: Happy 98.9FM

  • LIVESTREAMING: Day 2 of 2020 Election Petition hearing

    Former President John Dramani Mahama is currently at the Supreme court challenging the verdict of the 2020 elections which declared Nana Akufo-Addo as President.

    The Electoral Commission (EC) declared President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) the winner of the 2020 polls, however, Mr Mahama disagrees with the figures put out by the Chair of the Commission.

    John Mahama, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Presidential Candidate is therefore seeking a rerun of the election because he believes no candidate won the polls.

    The Supreme Court is expected to conduct a pre-trial conference for parties in the 2020 election petition case.

    This is to assist the court and parties organize the proceedings in a manner that will be convenient and also set down the issues for the trial.

    The court today Tuesday, January 19, 2021, is expected to hear the substantive case and give a ruling within a period of 42 days.

    Watch the live stream below.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Coronavirus: Social distancing is a priority Headmaster

    Mr. Simon Assum-Ahensah, the Headmaster of Rombless Academy Primary School in the Sunyani Municipality on Monday said the school has prioritised social distancing as an effective remedy to contain the spread of the COVID-19.

    He told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in an interview at Kuotokrom, a community in the Municipality that the school was religiously complying with all health and safety protocols, including wearing of nose masks, as well as handwashing with soap under running by pupils and teachers.

    “We also check the body temperatures of teachers and pupils before they are allowed to enter the classrooms”, he added.

    Mr. Assum-Ahensah expressed appreciation to parents for the high school enrolment, and assured of the safety of their children while in the school environment.

    He also praised parents for providing their children with nose masks and hand sanitizers to protect them from a possible contraction of the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Mr. Assum-Ahensah said the number of kindergarten pupils registered for “my first day at school was high”, and advised parents to visit the school regularly to know the academic performance of their children.

    Mrs. Beatrice Fosuah, the Proprietress of the school, commended parents for preparing their children to resume school and assured them that all necessary measures had been put in place to prevent any outbreak of the COVID-19 virus in the school.

    Source: GNA

  • Psyche yourselves to wear masks- Kadjebi DCE admonishes students

    Mr. Maxwell Kofi Asiedu, Kadjebi District Chief Executive (DCE), has called on students to observe the COVID-19 safety protocols especially, the wearing of face masks since the COVID-19 virus would be with the population for a long time.

    He said the masks serve as a shield against person-to-person infection of a virus believed to be airborne and contaminates through cough, sneeze or speaking.

    Mr. Asiedu made these remarks when he visited and addressed students of Kadjebi E.P Central Junior High School (JHS) at Kadjebi in the Oti Region as schools re-opened for academic work on Monday.

    He urged the students to psyche themselves up to wear masks always, practice social distancing and avoid stigmatisation to help curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Mr. Asiedu advised the students to regularly and thoroughly wash their hands with soap under running water as a preventive measure in the containment of the disease.

    He also admonished the students to learn hard, to justify the investment government and their parents were making on them.

    Mr. Asiedu said education empowered an individual to attain higher height and thus advised them to marry their books.

    The Headmistress of E.P Central JHS, Madam Gifty Obeng, called on parents to teach their wards on adherence to COVID-19 safety protocols since the battle against the pandemic could only be won through concerted efforts.

    She also admonished the populace to adhere to the World Health Organisation and Ghana Health Service preventive and safety protocols in order not to contract the disease.

    Other schools visited include Dzindziso D/A Primary and JHS, Dzindziso E.P Primary and JHS, Menuso E.P Primary and JHS, Kadjebi R.C Primary and JHS, among others.

    Source: GNA

  • Majority of students in Adaklu Circuit resumes school without masks

    Majority of pupils and students in the Adaklu Kodzobi Circuit of the Adaklu district have resumed school on Monday but without the essential tool of nose masks.

    The expected nose masks from the government is yet to arrive leaving the students to their fate on re-opening day.

    A visit by the Ghana News Agency showed many students and their teachers not wearing masks to protect themselves against the vagaries of the pandemic.

    Mr. Edward Dzidza, Headteacher of Adaklu Kodzobi D/A Basic Schools told the GNA that they could not turn the pupils away though they failed to wear masks.

    He said apart from the fumigation of the school, the promise by the Adaklu District Directorate of Education to provide them with nose masks for use by both teachers and pupils did not materialise.

    The Headteacher, therefore, appealed to parents and guardians to provide their wards with nose masks while they await the allocation from the government.

    Mr. Selorm Prince Kpenu, Headteachers of Adaklu Have D/A Junior High School said but for a few of the form two students, all the others came to the school without nose masks.

    He said they only had four rolls of tissue and a gallon of liquid soap but was hopeful that the government would fulfil its promise of providing all Schools with nose masks and other safety items.

    The story was the same at Adaklu Dzakpo and Adaklu Vodze D/A Basic Schools.

    A teacher who spoke to the GNA on strict condition of anonymity said the likelihood of both teachers and students contracting the COVID-19 was very high since “we all travel from different locations before converging at the school.”

    Students and pupils were seen cleaning, scrubbing the floors of the classrooms and desks for academic work to start.

    Source: GNA

  • Government should reexamine coronavirus punishment – Ghana Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists

    The Ghana Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists has appealed to the government to reconsider the punishment meted out to people who flout COVID-19 rules.

    Public Relations Officer of the Association, Dr. Dennis Adu-Gyasi says the punishment is excessive and may also end up congesting the country’s prison and eventually aid in the spread of the deadly disease.

    Though it is very important for the government to ensure that Ghanaians comply with the COVID-19 protocols, it is also very important to ensure that it does not increase astronomically.

    Speaking on Okay FM’s Ade Akye Abia program, Dr. Adu-Gyasi explained that “there is the possibility that those who will flout COVID-19 protocols may not be able to pay for the fine and may end in prison.”

    “When this should continue for a period of time, you will have the prisons congested, so we are pleading with the government to reconsider the punishment for COVID-19 protocols flouters,” he entreated.

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo says he has ordered the Inspector General of Police, Mr. James Oppong-Boanuh, to strictly enforce the mandatory wearing of nose masks as the nation continues to grapple with the Coronavirus pandemic.

    During his COVID-19 update on Sunday, January 17, 2021, he added that the police are also to also crack the whip on business owners who continue to illegally operate pubs, beaches, and cinemas, despite the restriction to have them closed over the outbreak.

    “I have instructed the Inspector General of Police to direct officers, men, and women of the Police Service to ensure the rigorous enforcement of the law on mask-wearing at all public places and in public transport.

    “They are also to ensure the closure of all nightclubs, pubs, cinemas, and beaches that may be operating in defiance of the law. They will be assisted by the other security agencies if need be,” Nana Akufo-Addo stated.

    The directive is hinged on his presidential oath to “dedicate myself to the service and well-being of the people of the Republic of Ghana, and to do right to all manner of persons”, hence his commitment to protect lives and livelihoods.

    He further reminded all Ghanaians that severe punishments exist on our statute books for persons breaking the law on the mandatory wearing of masks.

    “Should anyone be arrested by the security agencies disregarding this directive, that person will be dealt with strictly in accordance with the law” of the land, he warned.


    Watch Video Below:

    Source: Peace FM

  • Every school must set up ‘Coronavirus Compliance Committee’ – Prof. Joseph Osafo

    Professor Joseph Osafo, Head of Psychology at University of Ghana, has called on schools to set up a COVID-19 Compliance Committee to assist students and pupils in observing the COVID-19 protocols.

    Schools across the country officially began today after 10 months closure due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

    The President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo announced, during his 21st update on the pandemic, the resumption of kindergarten, Junior and Senior High Schools and tertiary institutions.

    Kindergarten and JHS were to resume on Friday, January 15 but, according to the Ghana Education Service (GES), the schools are to officially open on Monday, January 18 with clean-up exercises.

    Although schools have reopened, there are worries over the little children in adhering to the COVID-19 safety protocols as some fear the children might be exposed to the disease.

    To put the matter to rest, Prof. Joseph Osafo has suggested a solution.

    According to him, the various schools should have Compliance Committee whose duty will be to go round the school classrooms and campuses, particularly during break hours, to ensure the students and pupils are indeed wearing their nose masks and also taking all the precautionary measures to curb the spread of the disease.

    ”You will have to continuously monitor them…I don’t know what the teachers will do but my thinking and my suggestion is that schools should have certain Committees that are COVID-19 Compliance Committee. This means in some schools, they have security or people who whilst teaching is ongoing or school is on break, they can authorize the children to wear their masks. It can help because once they’re playing, teachers may not be around”, he told host Nana Yaw Kesseh on Peace FM’s ”Kokrokoo”.

    He also charged the schools to help the government by taking up the challenge to be innovative.

    ”Teachers and schools will have to be very innovative…Every school should see this as a challenge and opportunity.”


    Source: Peace FM