TIG Post

Author: Persis

  • Volta records 37 new cases of coronavirus with one death

    Dr Senanu Kwesi Djokoto, Deputy Volta Regional Director, in-Charge of Public Health, says the Region has recorded a total of 37 cases of COVID-19 pandemic in the past two weeks with one death.

    He said Ho has 19 cases, South Tongu eight cases, Hohoe five cases, North Tongu two cases while Ketu South and Ketu North have one case each.

    Dr Djokoto in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) said out of the 37 new cases recorded, 33 were mild while four were moderately ill, and were being taken care of at the treatment centres.

    He said they had begun contact tracing of all the cases to ensure that people who came into contact with them were identified, tested, and “if necessary quarantined until they are negative.”

    Dr Djokoto said the Region, since the inception of the outbreak of the pandemic in the country, had recorded a total of 807 cases, with 758 recoveries and 13 deaths.

    The Deputy Director said the recent spike in the cases was as a result of citizens’ relaxation in adherence to the safety protocols, disclosing that the Region had no active case about a month ago.

    He lamented the total disregard for the safety and preventive protocols in some parts of the Region as people went about without their masks on and not observing social distancing.

    Dr Djokoto admonished citizens to continue to observe the laid down safety and preventive measures to stem the spread of the disease as “we are beginning to see a trend where young people without any underlying health conditions dying from COVID-19.”

    He said health facilities were equipped to enable nurses and doctors to respond timely and effectively to the cases with routine surveillance also ongoing in all Municipal and District Assemblies as well as the borders.

    Dr Djokoto said the Region currently had treatment centres in Ho, Battor, Hohoe, Aflao, and Adidome and Intensive Care Unit to deal with the situation.

    He called on all to adhere to the protocols of hand hygiene, wearing of masks, and social distancing as a collective effort required to ensure that the recent trend was reversed to avoid any imposition of social restrictions.

    Source: Ghana Guardian

  • TEWU suspends strike

    The Teachers and Educational Workers Union (TEWU) of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) has called off its strike.

    This was contained in a statement issued on Monday, January 18, 2020.

    TEWU embarked on a strike in various public universities over poor conditions of service, delays in the payment of arrears among others.

    The government and the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission intervened to resolve the issues.

    In a statement, TEWU said an agreement had been reached with the government on issues “we presented and therefore there is the need to suspend the strike action for now”.

    “We, therefore, call on members on the various University campuses to resume work tomorrow, 19th January 2021, whiles leadership continues to engage with Government for the implementation of the agreement”, the statement concluded.

    Source: Daily Mail

  • Atmosphere amidst School Reopening In Takoradi

    Schools in Takoradi have reopened followed a directive by President Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to ensure that all students from nursery through to tertiary resumed academic work in January 2021, after schools were closed down in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

    Visit by the GNA to Dunwell Methodist Academy, Reverend Dunwell Grant Methodist and Reverend Dunwell Kindergarten, Good Shepherd Anglican Primary and Golden Gate Adventist Preparatory and JHS in the Western Region showed full compliance with the directive.

    In an interview with Mr. Alex K.Dadzie, the Acting Headteacher for Dunwell Methodist Academy told the GNA that, the only challenge they had was that the children often pulled their masks down their chin but their teachers had been told to keep their eyes on them.

    He said about 100 parents had come to seek for admission but they were yet to admit new students. With team’s observation, all the COVID-19 safety protocols were being observed.

    At Rev Dunwell Methodist and Dunwell Grant Methodist, Madam Grace Acquaye told the GNA that, many of the students had only one nose mask which she stressed was not helpful because it could get torn so she pleaded with parents to get an extra nose mask for their wards. All the COVID- 19 protocols were being observed.

    She noted that due to the large numbers that reported to school on the first day, some of the pupils could not get seats to sit since they were observing physical distancing and gave the assurance that the situation would improve as the days go by.

    The GNA realized admission was in progress at many of the schools the team visited and many parents had come for the admission letters to enrol their children in school.

    The GNA team realised some children were happy to see their friends after a long stay at home and others too said they were happy to be in school because of the boredom at home.

    Source: GNA

  • We will support NMIMR coronavirus test falsification investigations – GHS

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

    He said the Service was monitoring the development and would allow the Institute to carry out its investigations to confirm the validity of the certificate of the COVID-19 test results displayed on social media.

    The Director of Public Health said the GHS would, however, assist the Institute by looking into records at the Kotoka International Airport to find out if the name displayed on the alleged results certification 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.

    Mr Asiedu-Bokoe described the allegation as an eye-opener for all and said it was important for the Institute to take a look at its systems.

    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 claiming 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 discussions with the Coordinator of the National Network of COVID-19 testing Laboratories.

    Source: GNA

  • Mfantsiman MP robbery case: Police awaits three reports

    A Circuit Court in Accra, hearing the robbery case of the murdered Mfantsiman MP, has adjourned the matter to February 8, awaiting three reports from the Ghana Police Service.

    The reports include Ballistic examination, fingerprints of the accused persons and analysis of phone calls of the accused persons.

    When sitting resumed today, Monday, January 18, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Fuseini Yakubu, told the Court that the police was waiting for the three reports.

    According to ASP Yakubu, the three reports would determine the Police next line of action.

    The prosecution announced that the Police had been served with a notice of Alibi filed on behalf of Alhassan Abubakar, but the said Alibi did not indicate the contacts, house numbers and names of the witnesses.

    “We need further and better particulars of the witnesses in our investigations,” it said.

    On the itemised bill of the phone contacts of the accused persons, the Prosecution said the Police was analysing them, adding that “we need two weeks to get the various reports.”

    ASP Yakubu indicated that the Police was going to investigate the Alibi and when granted bail, the accused would interfere with investigations.

    He said the Police was following some leads and they (the Police) would not like to disclose anything in court.

    Currently, ASP Yakubu said the Police was pursuing one Mohammed, an accomplice who is at large.

    Mr Diah Marcellinius, who held brief for Mr Martin Kpebu, for Alhassan Abubakar, admitted that he had filed the notice of Alibi and ready to furnish the Police with details they needed so they could investigate.

    Mr Paul Kumi, counsel for Fuseini Alhassan, noted that if the adjournment sought by the Police was “housekeeping”, then it was fair and hoped not a way to keep the accused persons in custody to constitute a breach of their freedom.

    He renewed his application for bail, noting that the accused persons had been in custody since October 16, last year.

    The defence counsel said there was “no news” on the Ballistic examination.

    Mr Kumi noted that the phone calls and the rest had been taken by the Police and there was no way the accused persons would interfere with investigations.

    The Counsel said the accused persons were ready to provide sureties to execute their bail.

    The accused are: Alhassan Abubakar aka Abu Fulani, Naziru Fudailu Nash, aka SP, Alhassan Mahama Yahaya, aka Mystical Cloud, Amadu Yakubu, Haruna Osmanu, Adam Alhassan, Fuseini Alhassan, aka, Black Smith, and Fred Tetteh, aka, Walace and one Mohammed and others who are said to be at large.

    The accused persons are facing various charges of conspiracy to commit crime and robbery.

    According to the Prosecution, Alhassan Abubakar, aka, Abu Fulani, was a mobile phone repairer residing at Akwatia Line, Kumasi and Naziru Fudailu Nash, alias, SP, a businessman, living at Aboabo No. 2, Kumasi.

    The Prosecution said Alhassan Mahama Yahaya, aka, Mystical Cloud, was unemployed and lived at Dansoman in Accra, Amadu Yakubu, a Mobile Money agent at Mankessim Zongo whiles Haruna Osumanu, was a trader, living at Mankessim.

    It said on October 9, this year, at about 0100 hours, Police had information that armed robbers had barricaded a section of the road between Abeaze-Dominase and Duadze on the Mankessim Assufosu highway, robbing commuters of their mobile phones, monies and other valuables.

    The prosecution said Police quickly mobilised men and proceeded to the scene but narrowly missed the robbers.

    It said at the scene, Police saw a number of vehicles parked on the road with some of the victims who had sustained various degrees of gunshot wounds with one dead.

    The prosecution said a body was later identified as the Member of Parliament for Mfantsiman, Ekow Quansah Hayford.

    It said two of the victims, one Patrick Asante, a Kia truck driver and Uncle Issah, the MP’s driver, got seriously injured.

    The prosecution said the Police cleared the road to restore traffic flow and conveyed the victims to Winneba and Cape Coast Hospitals for medical attention.

    It said the body of the deceased Member of Parliament was later deposited at the Saltpond Mortuary pending autopsy.

    According to the prosecution, investigations revealed that, the late MP for Mfantsiman filed his nominations form on October 8, this year for re-election and decided to visit four communities in the Taabosom Electoral area namely; Effutakwa, Opim, Takoradi and Duadze.

    It said the MP arrived with his campaign team on board a Mitsubishi pickup branded in New Patriotic Party colours and the robbers immediately fired gunshots into the vehicle, bursting the tyres of the vehicle, which eventually stopped after running into a ditch.

    The prosecution said the robbers surrounded them and demanded for all their valuables.

    The robbers pointed a gun at Stephen Allan and asked whether he was the MP, which he replied in the negative.

    Prosecution said Mr. Hayford, the MP owned up so they pounced on him and collected his Samsung galaxy 850 mobile phone and also demanded money.

    It said the late MP told the robbers that he had used up all his money as he was returning from a campaign tour.

    “He, therefore, pleaded with them to take him to his house to give them money but they refused and shot him, killing him instantly,” the prosecution said.

    It said the Police tracked the mobile phone of the deceased to Kumasi and arrested Nash at Aboabo in possession of the deceased Samsung galaxy 850 where Nash mentioned Abubakar as the person who sold the phone to him at GH¢780.00.

    The prosecution said Nash led the Police to Akwatia line where Abubakar was also arrested.

    Abubakar mentioned Mohammed as the one who sold the phone to him for GH¢680.00, leading to the arrest of Yahaya, Yakubu, Osumanu and Alhassan, in connection with the robbery and murder of the MP.

    The prosecution said efforts were ongoing to apprehend Mohammed and other accomplices.

    Source: GNA

  • Another big man succumbs to coronavirus as Ghana mourns

    The Head of Corporate Finance at Fidelity Bank, Leornard Gikunu who is credited with key contribution to the economy of Ghana via the Energy Sector Levies Act (ESLA) has passed on in what insiders say is COVID-19 related.

    The top banker reportedly died over the weekend from Covid-19 complication only hours before National Security Coordinator Joshua Kyeremeh also passed on from same.

    Friends who eulogize say he is a “very brilliant chap who designed the ESLA Bond financing program from scratch to finance the BDC indebtedness to the banks”.

    Again, friends say the former Director of Corporate Banking built the same petroleum finance loan book for the bank. He is a chartered accountant, a Chevening scholar and a first-class BSc Admin student from the University of Ghana.

    MyNewsGh.com wishes to advise the general public to observe all Covid-19 protocols and prioritize their safety in these times.

    Source: My News GH

  • Man busted for stealing 2 goats at Nuaso

    A 36-year-old man, Michael Tetteh, has been grabbed by a community watchdog team at Okwenya in the Lower Manya Krobo Municipality of the Eastern region for stealing two goats.

    Mr Tetteh confessed that he stole the goats at Nuaso, a town in the Lower Manya Krobo municipality.

    He is however, calling on anyone whose goat has been stolen to go to the Akuse police station for identification.

    The suspect is currently in the grips of the Akuse police and assisting with investigations.

    The stolen goats were also sent to the Akuse police station.

    Reacting to this development, the unit committee chairperson, Paul Senyemeh revealed that robbery cases have become rampant in the area.

    Source: Class FM

  • COVID-19 monitoring team in place to ensure safety of students – GES PRO

    Madam Eureka Abbey, Public Relations Officer (PRO), Hohoe Municipal Education Directorate, has said her outfit had formed a monitoring team to ensure the safety of school children in the Municipality.

    She said the COVID-19 monitoring team would visit schools in the Municipality to ensure teachers and students adhered to all safety protocols during school hours.

    Madam Abbey in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) disclosed that all schools in the Municipality were safe for students to return for academic activities.

    The PRO said the Directorate had received safety materials to ensure the well-being of teachers and students.

    “We have received materials and all schools are expected to receive their share by the end of the week,” she added.

    Madam Abbey also said teachers had received training on ensuring strict adherence to safety protocols while those teaching Kindergarten levels would also be trained.

    A GNA visit to some private and public schools saw most teachers and students reporting for academic works with classes being in session for the day.

    There was an appreciable level of adherence to COVID-19 protocols especially wearing of masks and handwashing.

    The schools visited also had Veronica buckets filled with water, thermometer guns and tissue papers.

    At the Momo Montessori School, there was a member of staff whose duty was to ensure that students and visitors adhered to the safety protocols.

    Source: GNA

  • Late National Security Coordinator was an exceptional gentleman – Staff of NSC

    Members of the professional security community, Monday received news of the passing of the National Security Coordinator, Joshua Kyeremeh, with great shock and disbelieve.

    The late Security Coordinator, an intelligence professional, reportedly died Monday morning at the Ga East Municipal Hospital, in Accra, after a short illness.

    Some staff of the National Security described the late Kyeremeh, as an exceptional gentleman, a seasoned officer, who rose through the ranks at the Bureau of National Investigations before his appointment in 2017 by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, as the National Security Coordinator.

    The late Kyeremeh was said to be passionate about capacity building for staff and a champion of gender equality.

    It is reported that Joshua Kyeremeh, National Security Coordinator, has died in Accra, following a short illness.

    Disclosing the news of the death to Asaaseradio.com, a leading member of the National Security Secretariat said that he died at the Ga East Municipal Hospital.

    According to the report, checks by the station at the hospital indicated that Kyeremeh died from kidney complications on the morning of Monday, January 18, 2021, where he was receiving treatment for COVID-19.

    Source: GNA

  • 15 staff of War Memorial Hospital test positive for coronavirus, 1 dead

    Fifteen staff of the War Memorial Hospital of the Upper East Region at Navrongo have tested positive of the coronavirus with one male nurse dead.

    According to the Kassena Nankana Municipal Chairman of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwifery Association (GRNMA), Mr. Habib Mahama, the male nurse died on Friday whiles working at the Paediatric Unit of the hospital.

    It is against this development, that Mr. Mahama is admonishing for mass testing of the staff of the hospital to halt the spread of the virus amongst other colleagues.

    The Ghanaian Times newspaper reports that the GRNMA Chairman has asked that the hospital be closed to undergo the fumigation exercise.

    He added that the GRNMA of the Kassena Nankena municipality was yet to know how the staff members were responding to treatment.

    Mr. Mahama additionally admonished all to conform to all safety protocols to help curb the spread of the virus in the Navrongo municipality and called on the general public to keep themselves safe.

    He asked that all municipal authorities provide the appropriate facilities to these staff to prevent them from being victims of the virus.

    Dr. Emmanuel Dzortsi of the Upper East Regional Health Directorate confirmed 39 cases of COVID-19 in the Kassena- Nankana Municipality.

    The report by the Regional Director and his team said 22 out of the number were females, with 17 being males, and specified that two of the females were less than 15 years of age, whiles three were between the ages of 15 to 24 years.

    Seven were between 25 to 34 years, four between 35 to 44 years, two between 45 and 59 years with the other four above 59 years.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Coronavirus: Political rallies did not increase our cases – Former Health Minister

    A former Health Minister Dr. Kwaku Afriyie has maintained that there is no science or facts to show that Ghana recorded cases of coronavirus during the campaign period.

    Although he described the decision by political parties to hold rallies before the elections as irresponsible and a terrible risk, there is no data to show that Ghana had cases recorded during the rallies, he has stressed.

    Speaking to Kwabena Agyapong on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, he explained that the incubation period of the virus which is two weeks does not give room for this argument to be true.

    He said the politically related activities were outdoor and the transmission spreads through enclosed spaces.

    Dr. Afriyie said any activity done outdoor does not necessarily spread the virus.

    He told host Kwabena Agyapong that his position is not political but based on facts and science.

    He noted that the increase in our recent cases was from weddings, parties, and other activities.

    The Ghana Health Service is currently recording, on average, two hundred (200) new cases of COVID infections daily.

    The number of patients requiring hospitalisation and intensive care is also rising.

    In his 22nd national address on the outbreak, the President said two weeks ago, there was no critical case, we now have thirty-three (33) in our treatment facilities.

    National Security Coordinator dead

    “Again, according to statistics from the Ghana Health Service, the considerable number of persons who are severely ill are, surprisingly, relatively youthful persons, with no previous underlying health conditions. The number of confirmed deaths has increased, sadly, from three hundred and thirty-eight (338) persons to three hundred and fifty-two (352) within the period”.

    According to him, “detailed investigations of the cases indicate that, apart from arriving passengers at our airport who tested positive, infected persons have recent histories of attending parties, weddings, end of year office programmes, family get-togethers, and funerals. At these gatherings, most of them abandoned the use of the masks, and were engaged in actions that led to them contracting the virus.”

    This assertion has generated mixed reactions from Ghanaians with some describing it as misleading.

    A section of the public expressed shock that the president failed to mention political rallies.

    However, Dr. Afriyie says there is no cause for alarm because there is no science to support the argument.

    “I am not being political but I am speaking as a medical professional. It can never be that the election period led to cases of the virus.”

    He insisted that when you work the date, you cannot blame the political activities for our spike in cases.

    He said those disagreeing with his position should provide the evidence to support their claims.

    Source: rainbowradioonline.com

  • Where is the COVID-19 Tracker App? John Dumelo asks

    Ghanaians have been asking questions about the COVID-19 tracker app that was launched by the country in 2019 to mitigate the consequences of the Coronavirus.

    Not much has been heard about the the app which was supposed to be available on android and iOS devices after it was launched.

    Popular actor and politician John Dumelo has added his voice to the campaign demanding accountability on the COVID-19 tracker app as the country braces for a rise in infections.

    The NDC Parliamentary Candidate for Ayawaso West Wuogon in the 2020 elections took to his Twitter page to ask what happened to the app launched to track potential infected people who might come into contact with the virus.

    Meanwhile, the President has asked the police to enforce the wearing of nose in public places in order to avoid plunging the country into a new lockdown.

    Source: Zionfelix

  • Soldier reportedly killed in hit and run at Achimota

    On Saturday, 16th January 2021 about 7.10 am a soldier who has been identified as Sgt Owusu Collins of Military Southern Command Quarters was knocked off his motorbike by an alleged KIA Truck on the Tesano-Achimota road.

    The victim who was riding an unregistered boxer motorbike from Tesano direction towards Achimota through Accra -Nsawam main road on reaching a section of the road in-front of Apenkwa Total Filling Station was knocked by the Kia Truck.

    The driver in-charge of the said truck failed to stop and bolted with the accident vehicle.

    The victim sustained serious injuries and was rushed to 37 Military Hospital for treatment but was pronounced dead soon on arrival by the medical officer on duty Dr. Amoah.

    The body has since been deposited at the same hospital mortuary pending autopsy.

    Source: Class FM

  • Coronavirus: Laboratories will be sanctioned if data on positive cases is withheld from GHS Akufo-Addo

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has warned laboratories to immediately update the Ghana Health Service (GHS) on all positive Coronavirus cases.

    According to the President, any laboratory that fails to do so and decides to hold back records on positive cases will be sanctioned.

    “All laboratories, public and private, must supply, in real-time, data on all persons tested on the common platform established by the Ghana Health Service. There will be sanctions against laboratories who fail to comply,” Akufo-Addo said during his televised address to the nation on Sunday, January 17.

    He added that the government has intensified contact tracing, testing and treating of persons who test positive of the virus.

    “A considerable number of contact tracers are being mobilised to follow up on contacts of all who test positive,” he stated.

    Akufo-Addo continued: “The provision of adequate medicines, equipment, and personal protective equipment to enable health workers to attend to home-based patients is being effected.

    “Government is reactivating available treatment and isolation facilities across the country in anticipation of any further increase in infections.”

    Ghana has so far recorded 57,714 Coronavirus cases with 55,592 recoveries and 346 deaths leaving 1,776 active cases.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Kumasi: Fuel station fire consumes five vehicles at Kaase

    At least five vehicles were destroyed in a fire that broke out at a fuel station at Kaase, a suburb of Kumasi, Saturday dawn.

    The Ghana National Fire and Rescue Services said the incident which occurred at the IBM fuel station was one of the major fires recorded in the Metropolis.

    A fire in the engine compartment of a KIA Pregio with registration number AW 7233-14, parked at the premises of the fuel station appeared to have been the cause of the fire, the police said.

    Firefighters who rushed to the scene following a distress call battled the inferno in about half-an-hour, witnesses told dailymailgh.com.

    The heat from the fire also damaged the glasses of the office building of Adansi Rural Bank, witnesses said.

    This brings the total number of fire incidents recorded in the region to 17 within the spate of 14 days.

    A joint investigation has started to ascertain the cause of this latest incident, the police said.

    Source: Daily Mail

  • Mistakes in NDC’s election petition is God speaking to them – NPP communicator

    Dennis Miracles Aboagye a member of the Communication team of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) says the fact that there were mistakes in Mahama’s election petition, is God speaking to them.

    “…it is the same mistakes that the Electoral Commission made and they corrected themselves that they (NDC) are using against them in court. The God of Akufo-Addo has simply taught them (NDC) a lesson that they can also make mistakes,” he said on Peace FM’s The Platform programme.

    Meanwhile, Miracle believes the “NDC is preparing the minds of their members; so that when they lose the case in court, they will blame it on the fact that most of the judges were appointed by Akufo-Addo”

    Listen to him in the video below:

    Source: Peace FM

  • Metro Mass bus driver dies in fatal crash

    A Metro Mass Transit bus driver has died in a fatal head-on collision with a Lowbed truck vehicle at Akyem Anyinam stretch on the Accra-Kumasi road.

    The body of the deceased, George Mensah, 46, has been extricated and deposited at Chad morgue in Akyem Osino.

    George Mensah now deceased was in charge of the Metro Mass Transit bus with registration number GW 5859 18 with passengers on board driving from Accra to Kumasi.

    According to the acting Public Relations Officer of the Eastern Regional Police Command, Sargeant Francis Gomado, on reaching a section of the road at Akyem Anyinam town near Hospital junction, a Shacman Lowbed truck with registration number GW 5698 -16 which was also heading towards Accra from Kumasi direction veered off into the lane of the Metro Mass Transit bus and collided head-on killing the driver of the Metro Mass bus on the spot.

    Few passengers in the bus and driver of the Lowbed vehicle who sustained minor injuries were treated and discharged at the hospital.

    Source: Starr FM

  • GSS/Steering committee to decide specific dates for 2020 census

    The Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) says it will present proposals to the National Census Steering Committee for consideration on the determination of the specific dates for the conduct of the 2020 National Population and Housing Census.

    The proposals, according to the Government Statistician, Professor Samuel Kobina Annim have been informed by the reopening of schools and weather conditions in the months scheduled for the census to take place.

    At the sidelines of a news conference in Accra on Wednesday, Prof. Annim said, the service had studied the school calendar given them by the Ghana Education Service (GES) and realised that a particular stream of students could be in school at any point in time.

    “Therefore, the meeting scheduled for Friday is going to serve as a platform for the service to negotiate with the GES to determine the best way possible to facilitate the training of officers for the census,” he said.

    He further explained that the second consideration resides in the fact that, the month of April and May marks the highest peak of rainfall in the country, indicating that, “Considering the fact that about 62,000 officers would be moved around to conduct the exercise, renders the time frame unfavourable.”

    Prof. Annim, however, stated that the service was sensitive to the disruptions in the schooling system, hence, it would consider an option that would not affect schools and also find ways to accommodate the challenges or deal with potential bad weather conditions.

    The Government Statistician said he was optimistic that by next week, there would be a firm sense of the particular date for the conduct of the census, adding that the statistical agency would maintain April and May for the conduct of the exercise.

    “The service is still under the guidance of the presidential declaration of data collection occurring in April and May 2021,” Prof Annim emphasised.

    Regarding the rise in the cases of the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) recently, he stated that GSS was monitoring the situation to be able to adopt all measures necessary to ensure that the pandemic did not become a factor to hinder the progress of the census.

    According to the Director of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Dr Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, the country has been recording an average of about 130 to 180 new cases daily in the last few days in January this year.

    Per the last update on the Website of GSS the total number of COVID-19 cases stood at 56,981 as of January 11, 2021. Of this number, 175 were new cases; 1,404 active cases; 55,236 recoveries; while, 341 people have so far died of the disease.

    Source: Ghanaian Times

  • GES assures public of safety ahead of re-opening of school Accra

    The Ghana Education Service (GES) says all necessary measures have been put in place ahead of the official re-opening of basic schools on Monday, January 18, 2021, for effective teaching and learning.

    The Service, in a statement issued in Accra, and signed by Ms. Cassandra Twum Ampofo, Head of Public Relations Unit, therefore, urged pupils, parents, teachers, and the public not to panic.

    It said academic work would commence on Tuesday, January 19, 2021.

    The statement, directed that all schools should use Monday to tidy up classrooms and school environments for academic work.

    “In the light of that, Management wishes to inform all stakeholders that the annual event dubbed “My First Day at School” observed to welcome children entering school for the first time, will be held across all Districts and Regional Education Directorate on Tuesday 19th January 2021.

    “Let us get back to school for safe learning,” the statement added.

    Source: GNA

  • Seth Oduro Boadu hot as Asamankese youth demand his removal as MCE

    If the demands of a youth group in Asamankese are what President Akufo-Addo will go by, then it appears Seth Oduro Boadu will lose his office as the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for the West Akim Municipality.

    The group calling itself Asamankese Youth for Development, claim that their MCE is “arrogant” and that the President should not reappoint him in his second term.

    The leadership of the group led by Evans Eduah, Samuel Ashmond and George Yaw Amoah have posited that they are “sick and tired” of Mr Seth Oduro Boadu who has since his appointment done little to help the West Akim Municipality.

    In a statement, they claimed, “He does not accord the traditional leaders with the needed respect and the youth because of his impudence, arrogance.”

    They added, “Any attempt by the President to reappoint Seth Oduro Boadu will be suicidal since he has no respect towards the NPP stalwarts.”

    “Our Municipality is lacking behind government projects compared to all the Municipalities in the Eastern Region because of his incompetence,” they observed.

    In a related development, the constituency executives, have also launched fresh attacks on Seth Oduro Boadu saying he has been the worse MCE ever produced by the West Akim Municipal Assembly.

    According to them, the MCE has done nothing to uplift the image of the Assembly but rather plugged them into hatred and division.

    The constituency executives in their petition presented to the leadership of the NPP, the disclosed that Seth Oduro Boadu was not their choice from day one and instead of working harder to prove them wrong after his appointment, he has rather done his worse.

    They said before his appointment, views and expressions shared by party members and the constituents include; “he is not a true party member of good standing, he’s alien to the constituency, he hasn’t served nor contributed significantly to merit that position, he virtually doesn’t know party executives and has never been seen actively involved in any of the constituency campaigns amongst others.”

    In their views, the members of the party believed that he used money to influence the process at the expense of a qualified grassroots person tipped for the position.

    “The town remained quiet and disappointed when his name was mentioned but for a reason, he was accorded support thinking he could shame critics but that never materialised,” they added.

    The executives further revealed that the Assembly members have expressed dissatisfaction over his candidature and have vowed to reject him should the President reaffirm him as their MCE

    They, however, concluded that “the outcome of the recent elections is a wake-up call for us as NPP so we will not succumb to any move or appointment that will undermine the electoral fortunes of the party.”

    Meanwhile, the MCE, Hon Seth Oduro Boadu, when contacted denied all allegations levelled against saying it is false. According to him, the group is only in seeking his downfall by punching wholes into his hard-earned reputation.

    Source: Ghana Guardian

  • Parents queue for school fabrics as school reopen

    Some parents have queued to purchase school fabrics for their wards days to school reopening at shops in Makola.

    President Akufo-Addo in his 21st update on measures taken to combat COVID-19 directed both public and private schools to start a new academic year amid the COVID-19.

    The Ghana News Agency team, therefore, visited some fabric shops in the Central Business District in Accra on Saturday, to ascertain if parents were still purchasing school fabrics for their wards in the Basic and Junior high Schools.

    It spotted long queues formed by parents and guardians in shops including the Abena Wahab fabric shop, Yesu Nti Enterprise and others to purchase fabrics to sew school uniforms for their wards.

    Madam Joyce Quayson, a public servant and a mother of basic six students in the queue, told the GNA that she had been in the queue for some time and was waiting for her turn to get served.

    She said the fabrics at Abena Wahab shop was quality and affordable by all standards hence the reason for her choosing that particular shop.

    Mrs Ophelia Osei, a parent of two basic school children said she mostly purchased fabrics to sow for her wards each academic year, explaining that the shops were often busy with long queues due the quality of the fabrics sold there.

    “I came on Monday to purchase the fabric but the price was increased and the money on me was not enough so I went back home”, she said.

    Madam Olivia Ampah, a trader and parent who had purchased hers said even though the prices had increased, the quality which remained the same which encouraged her to still purchase from the shop.

    She said her wards had old uniforms which they can wore for the week before the new ones would be sown.

    At Yesu Nti enterprise, Madam Alberta Serwaa, a fabric seller said the demand for school fabrics has been on the increase since the government gave directives for schools to reopen.

    “The prices are no longer the same as it used to be but parents are still patronising and I think because the children have been in the house for long, parents are eager to get them back to school,” she said.

    She added that the import duties and closure of borders had caused the increase in the cost of the school fabric prices.

    Mr Abdulai Fuseni, a 43-year-old who also trades in fabrics said many parents complained about the high cost of the fabrics, however, they still bought them as they did not have much options.

    He said, he had different types of school fabrics including printex, dabadin, dacron and suiting materials, checked materials in stock to serve his customers in the queue.

    He added that fabrics which cost GH ¢8 before now cost GH ¢ 15 and there some materials which cost GH ¢14 and GH ¢ 20 per yard depending on the type. The team observed that the COVID-19 protocols were not being followed, most of the parents in the queues were not in their nose masks and there were no veronica buckets placed at the shops.

    Source: GNA

  • Our MP is not an Ivorian Jomoro NDC responds to dual citizen claims

    The National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Jomoro Constituency has rubbished the malicious publications that its Member of Parliament (MP) Dorcas Affo-Toffey holds an Ivorian citizen.

    In a statement, signed by its Constituency Chairman, Anthony Armah Benle and sighted by MyNewsGh.com, the NDC said the MP whose backside (tundra) has caught so much attention renounced her Ivorian citizenship before filing to contest as an MP.

    “For the records, the Honourable Member of Parliament (MP) duly renounced her Ivorian citizenship before she filed her nomination to contest in the just ended parliamentary elections and subsequently got an overwhelming endorsement from the constituents”

    “For the avoidance of doubts, Affo Toffey does not hold citizenship of any other country and does not owe allegiance to any other country other than that of the Republic of Ghana”, the statement added.

    The party reassured the people of Jomoro that the tundra MP is firmly focused on bringing the best of representation and development and will therefore not be detracted by these needless media speculations.

    “The NDC, therefore, urge the people of Jomoro to treat such speculations and insinuations with the greatest of contempt it deserves”, the statement concluded.

    Source: My News GH

  • Conduct of MPs despicable and will not happen again under my watch – Bagbin

    Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has described as a “despicable conduct unbecoming of MPs” the events of the morning of January 7, 2021, when the 8th Parliament of the 4th Republic held its first sitting.

    Without mincing words, he took a strong exception to the conduct of the members and called on the leadership to take the necessary steps at restoring the dented image of the House, assuring that no such behavior will happen again, at least not on his watch.

    “I would be remiss if I did not declare my deepest regret as a former member of this Parliament and as a citizen of this nation at the rather unruly behavior and commotion that took place on the floor of this House last Thursday including armed soldiers on the floor and the breaches of the sanctity of the vote that would otherwise attract severe punishment.

    “It was, to put it mildly, despicable conduct, unbecoming of people of honor. What makes it worse is the total absence of justification or reasonable excuse. As Speaker, I would want to believe that the spectacle of that day, will not be repeated, at least not under my watch,” he said.

    The Speaker was addressing the second sitting of the House where he outlined the duties of both MPs and his role as leader of the House.

    “The people of Ghana would like us to prioritize the needs and the concerns of the country and of all Ghanaians against our parochial interests or the narrow interests of one or the other parties. The people of Ghana are growing tired of politics as usual of seeing their elected representatives treat their political interests as though those were bigger than our common citizenship,” he said.

    Speaker Bagbin also finally brought settlement to the subject of which side or not will be majority and minority respectively.

    The NPP caucus, in his declaration, becomes the Majority Caucus in Parliament while the NDC side remains as Minority in Parliament following that he had accepted the letter from Andrew Asiamah Amoako, independent MP for Fomena, indicating his decision to do business with the NPP, being the determinant of his decision.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Speaker welcomes fresh MPs, tells them to respect rules of the House

    The Speaker of Parliament, Mr. Alban Bagbin has welcomed the One Hundred and Twenty Three (123) first-timers lawmakers into the 8th parliament.

    The speaker urged them and all the other Members of Parliament (MP) to serve with diligence and respect. The Speaker of Parliament Rt Honorable Alban Bagbin has welcomed the One Hundred and Twenty Three (123) first-timers lawmakers into the 8th parliament.

    The speaker urged them and all the other Members of Parliament (MP) to serve with diligence and respect.

    Addressing the House on Friday, January 15, the Speaker said “I will like to welcome the 123 fresh hands in the parliament.”

    He added, “You have earned the privilege to be addressed in this chamber as honorable, and please Honorable you must be.”

    He further noted that parliament is a House of rules and procedures therefore all members should apply themselves to the rules.

    “Whatever may have been your inspiration to embark on this, I will like you to know that this is a position of leadership, honor, privilege, of trust, and above all of the services.

    “The people had an enormous amount of confidence and trust in electing you to represent them. You have to reciprocate that obligation and responsibility to serve them with honor and dignity.

    “Serve them with respect, with humility and diligence.

    “This house is a house of rules and procedures.”

    Source: 3 News

  • Speaker condemns unruly behavior of MPs, asks leadership to restore dignity of the House

    The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has condemned the pandemonium that took place in the chamber during the election of a speaker for the 8th Parliament on January 7 2020.

    Mr Bagbin said the action of the lawmakers was despicable and unbecoming of people with honour.

    Heated confrontation leading to exchange of blows occurred between the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) members in the House during the election of the speaker.

    The development led to wide condemnation from a cross-section of the Ghanaian public who thought that the actions of the lawmakers were needless and avoidable.

    Addressing the House on Friday, January 15, Mr Bagbin said “I condemn the unruly behaviour and commotion that took place including the invasion of the military.

    “It was a despicable conduct, unbecoming of people of honour and what makes it worse is the total absence of justification or reasonable excuse.”


    “The spectacle of that historic day will not be repeated, certainly not on my watch. I take a strong a exception to such conduct and behavior.”

    He further called on the leadership of the House to “Restore the lost dignity of this august house.”

    Mr Bagbin further welcomed the One Hundred and Twenty Three (123) new lawmakers into the 8th parliament.

    The speaker urged them and all the other Members of Parliament (MP) to serve with diligence and respect.

    Addressing the House on Friday, January 15, the Speaker said: “I will like to welcome the 123 fresh hands in the parliament.”

    He added, “You have earned the privilege to be addressed in this chamber as honorable and please Honorable you must be.”

    He further noted that parliament is a House of rules and procedures therefore all members should apply themselves to the rules.

    “Whatever may have been your inspiration to embark on this, I will like you to know that this is a position of leadership, honour, privilege, of trust and above all of service.”

    “The people had enormous amount of confidence and trust in electing you to represent them. You have reciprocate obligation and responsibility to serve them with honour and dignity.”

    “Serve them with respect, with humility and diligence. This house is a house of rules and procedures.”

    Source: 3 News

  • 16 fires recorded in 2021

    A total of 16 fire outbreaks have been recorded in Kumasi in the Ashanti region within this year so far.

    Fire outbreaks have swept through a mini market around Republic Hall of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), parts of Suame Magazine, Aboabo Station and Dagombaline among others in recent times.

    The Chief Fire Officer, Edwin Ekow Blankson who was touring fire scenes in the region including Aboabo station and Dagombaline slum area said six of them were major fires.

    Expressing worries about the spate of fire cases, he said they will reexamine their operations while highlighting some identified causes of the fires.

    “So far we’ve responded to 16 fires and that has caused us to be a bit worried…So we are trying to reexamine the whole process,” he said.

    He continued: “As you can see the first problem that is at hand which is foreseeable is congestion.”

    He bemoaned the reconstruction of slums at Dagombaline shortly after fire gutted the place.

    “And while there are fires we are shocked to see reconstruction taking place. Instead of waiting for the district metropolitan assembly to plan [the slums] well, reconstruction has started and that is not good enough,” Mr Blankson said.

    Source: Class FM

  • Muslim Clerics call on 83-years-old Sheikh I.C Quaye to step aside as Hajj Chair

    Some Muslim Clerics from the various sects and organizations in the country have called the Hajj Board Chairman, Sheikh I.C Quaye, to step aside to pave way for a younger person.

    The clerics commended President Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo Addo and Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia for their effort that has resulted in the success of the Ghana Operations.

    According to the leader of the clerics’ Alhaji Amadu Osumanu, the Hajj Board has witnessed a massive transformation in the last four years due to measures put in place by the President, and his Vice President.

    He revealed that Sheikh I.C Quaye,s achievements are phenomenal but age has overpowered him and therefore needed to be replaced with a very experienced, hardworking and vibrant younger person.

    He further revealed that the leadership style of Sheikh I.C Quaye has had negative effects on Hajj Operations as other members find it difficult to express their views and opinions on how to make the Hajj Board very attractive.

    He stated that the new rules by the Hajj authorities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to help prevent the further spread of the Corona Virus will not favour Sheikh I.C and the Board.

    According to Alhaji Osumanu, the Ministry of Hajj and Umra in Saudi Arabia will only allow pilgrims between the ages of 18 to 65 years to perform Hajj this year. However, I.C Quaye is 85 years old.

    ‘We are therefore calling on the President to replace Sheikh I.C Quaye with a younger person with experience to help continue with the government’s aim of ensuring smooth Hajj Operation for Ghanaian Muslims’ he noted.

    He revealed that Sheikh I.C Quaye is currently having some health challenges and cited how he collapsed immediately after the swearing-in of the President last Thursday at the forecourt of the Accra International Conference Centre.

    This he said the group believe that these and other reasons calls for the former Greater Accra Regional Minister to be replaced to avoid any eventuality in the near future.

    “We congratulated the President for his one-touch victory and wished him the best in the years ahead,” they noted.

    Source: Thomas Acheampong, Contributor

  • Western North Region records nine new COVID-19 cases

    The Western North Region has recorded nine new cases of COVID-19 cases bringing to a total of 674 active cases with 663 recoveries and two deaths in the region.

    The new cases were recorded in the Sefwi-Waiwso and Aowin municipalities, with Sefwi-Waiwso recording five active cases, while the Aowin Municipal recorded four.

    This was contained in a release issued by the Regional Public Health and Emergency Management Committee (PHEMC), signed by Dr. Marion Okoh-Owusu, Western North Regional Health Director, and copied to the Ghana News Agency (GNA).

    The Regional Health Director disclosed that 68 contacts were being traced and would be isolated when contacted.

    Dr. Okoh-Owusu noted that the failure of residents to wear nose masks was a serious concern to the health directorate and hinted that the health directorate would intensify the COVID-19 police activities as an immediate measure.

    She in this regard asked opinion leaders to lead the campaign to ensure that people in the various communities adhered to all the COVID-19 safety protocols.

    Dr. Okoh-Owusu further tasked shop owners and attendants to ensure customers and clients washed their hands before entering the shop as this would go a long way to help in the fight against the pandemic.

    She entreated residents and the general public to observe physical and social distancing at public gatherings, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer, wear nose masks, and regularly wash their hands to defeat COVID-19 in the Region.

    Source: GNA

  • Here’s how the late J.J Rawlings’s burial service will be held

    As part of plans to make sure the late Jerry John Rawlings gets a befitting burial, government has rolled out some activities before the burial day.

    On January 24, 2021, there will be a Catholic Requiem Mass at the Holy Spirit Cathedral in Accra. Also, a vigil will be held at the Air Force Officers Mess to eulogise the former president.

    The late Jerry John Rawlings will then be laid in state on January 25 and 26 at the Accra International Conference Centre. This will be opened to all under the strict adherence of the COVID-19 safety protocols.

    On Wednesday, January 27 the former statesman will get a full military burial service at the Black Star Square. His body will be interred at the Military Cemetary in Accra.

    This was announced by the Caretaker Minister of Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah after having a meeting with the family, funeral planning committee, the Anlo Traditional Council and other state agencies assisting with the funeral arrangements.

    The late Jerry John Rawlings passed away at the Korle-Bu Teaching hospital after battling a short illness on November 12, 2020.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • No need to argue, NPP now majority in parliament – Former MP

    Former Member of Parliament for Offinso-South, Ben Abdallah Banda, says there is no ambiguity in declaring the side of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) as the Majority in the 8th Parliament.

    The MP who chaired the Constitutional and Legal Affairs of the 7th Parliament said the decision by the Fomena MP, Andrew Asiamah Amoako to join the NPP side settles the matter.

    Speaking to Kwabena Agyapong on Frontline on Rainbow Radio 87.5Fm, he said those disputing this are only doing so for their interest.

    The former legislator told the host that there is no need for anyone to argue about this.

    He said the caucus of the NPP holds the Majority after the independent MP agreed to do business with the NPP.

    “This is simple arithmetic. The independent candidate has not crossed the carpet. He has only expressed interest to do business with the NPP,” he said.

    Source: rainbowradioonline.com

  • List: The seven justices hearing Mahama’s election petition

    Chief Justice Kwasi Anin-Yeboah will lead a panel of seven justices hearing the 2020 presidential election petition filed by former president John Dramani Mahama.

    The petition is challenging the successful reelection of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. The president and Electoral Commission are the respondents in the case.

    The Chief Justice announced the other members of the panel at the beginning of the hearing today. The six other justices are as follows:

    Her Ladyship Justice Mariama Owusu
    Her Ladyship Justice Gertrude Torkornoo
    His Lordship Justice Yaw Appau
    His Lordship Justice Samuel K. Marful-Sau
    His Lordship Justice Nene Abayaateye Ofoe Amegatcher
    His Lordship Justice Prof. Nii Ashie Kotey

    Today, during the case management or pre-trial stage, preliminary issues were heard by the court. Key decisions on day one included the clearance for live broadcast and for the petitioner to make some amendments.

    The court has maximum 42 working days to give a ruling on the petition. The petitioner was in court today for hearing. Only one of the respondents was present in the person of the Electoral Commission chair. President Akufo-Addo was absent.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • How police took charge at Supreme Court premises ahead of Mahama-Akufo-Addo election petition hearing

    The Ghana Police Service deployed some of its personnel to carry out their duties at the Supreme Court as the hearing of the Mahama-Akufo-Addo election petition case commenced today.

    As at the time GhanaWeb got to the Supreme Court, some of the policemen were seen at the entrance of the court monitoring the movement of both persons and cars that went to and fro the premises.

    With the serene environment at the court premises, only a few lawyers could be seen moving about in their apparels.

    The presidential election hearing was filed by John Dramani Mahama who is calling on the Supreme Court to order a rerun of the December 7, 2020 elections.

    The NDC flagbearer in his petition to the court claims neither him nor his main contender, Akufo-Addo got more than the 50 per cent of the valid votes cast on the election day.

    Meanwhile, the election petition will be broadcast live on television after the NDC requested for it.

    Per the rules governing the case, judgement on the petition is expected to be delivered by February 10, 2021.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Terminate $570m Tema Motorway expansion contract NDC

    The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Caucus in Parliament has called on the government to abrogate its new contract with South African firm, Mota Engil.

    The deal, when agreed, will see to the expansion of the Accra-Tema Motorway into both three-lane and two-lane stretches.

    However, the spokesperson for the NDC Caucus on roads, Kwame Agbodza is demanding an abrogation of the contract because it was solely sourced without basis.

    “So we are telling the government, stop this process Article 181 have been ignored,” he said.

    Mr Agbodza believes the reconstruction of the motorway is better awarded to a Ghanaian rather than a foreigner for country benefit.

    “The top five Ghanaian road contractors can do this at ease, and the benefit will be better for Ghanaians. Mota Engil, since they are not bringing a dime, have no business being part of this at all. If they push this and we shall call on a parliamentary probe into this contract,” he said.

    Meanwhile, a statement from the roads minister indicated that the contract was signed on December 16.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Speaker agrees NPP is majority in Parliament Mensah-Bonsu

    The NPP Member of Parliament for Suame, Osei Kyei Mensah-Bonsu, has revealed that the Speaker of Parliament, Rt Hon. Alban Sumana Bagbin agrees that the NPP caucus constitute the majority in Parliament.

    Speaking on GHToday on GHONE TV on Thursday, the majority leader in the 7th Parliament explained that the decision by the Fomena MP to do business with the NPP caucus clearly indicates they will have the majority numbers in Parliament.

    He also rejected claims that the meeting with the Speaker on Tuesday and Wednesday ended inconclusively saying even though some decisions must still be ironed out.

    The NDC and the NPP have engaged in endless debates over who has the majority and is entitled to sit on the right side of the Speaker.

    Both the NPP and the NDC have 137 seats each in the house with no clear majority.

    Although the Fomena MP had told the media he was going to work with the NPP, there was no official communication to that effect to Parliament.

    However, on Wednesday, 13 January 2021, the lawmaker wrote to officially confirm his position.

    The letter read: “I Andrew Asiamah Amoako an independent MP for Fomena constituency and now the second deputy speaker for the same parliament do hereby declare that I shall for purposes of transacting business in the house, associate with the NPP caucus in the 8th parliament.”

    “For the avoidance of doubt, I do hereby affirm that I shall cooperate and collaborate with the NPP caucus in parliament,” it added.

    Source: Starr FM

  • Death of 2 over Techiman South elections regrettable, sad Adjei-Mensah Korsah speaks

    Member of Parliament (MP) for Techiman South, Martin Adjei-Mensah Korsah has said the death of two persons in relation to the just-ended elections in the area is regrettable and sad.

    “During the campaign, not even the toe of any individual was hurt. I never anticipated that my victory would come this way. Techiman South is in the news for this very unfortunate incident…it is very said and painful to lose two lives. Various measures are being put in place and justice will prevail. No matter the provocation, there was no need for the shooting”, he revealed during a meeting with the Traditional Council.

    According to him, what escalated the tension leading to the violence and associated shooting was as a result of a radio announcement claiming one of the candidates was being cheated and called on residents to storm the collation centre.

    He however promised to work towards bringing about peace in the area hinting that he is in touch with the bereaved family and working towards finding a lasting solution to the matter.

    “I promise you that I would work towards bringing about peace in Techiman. We are in touch with families of the two who died as a result of the shooting and I can assure you that we are working to ensure that the right things are done. I am interested in the progress and development of Techiman”, he stressed.

    The outgoing Deputy Minister for Regional Reorganization and Development assured the chiefs and people of the area he would not let them down as their MP and would front for their interest continuing from where his predecessor left off.

    Source: My News GH

  • Godfred Yeboah Dame is new AG; Mustapha, Dr. Anyars, Awal appointed fresh ministers – Report

    Your most trusted news website MyNewsGh.com has authoritatively confirmed that the next Minister for Youth and Sports in the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia administration goes to Member of Parliament for Yagaba Kubore, Mustapha Yussif while former Deputy Attorney General, Godfred Yeboah Dame has been elevated to full minister.

    Until his ministerial appointment, Mustapha Yussif was the Executive Secretary of the National Service Scheme.

    In a confidential memo sighted from the seat of government, President Akufo-Addo also confirmed former Business Development Minister, Mohammed Ibrahim Awal as the Tourism Minister Designate. MyNewsGh.com was told his former Ministry has been scrapped by the government.

    Also, Dr. Barhama Imoro Anyars, who until recently was in charge of the Nation Builders Corps has been named Northern Regional Minister-designate while Stephen Yakaubu is Upper East Regional Minister-designate.

    Two days ago, we also broke the news that President Akufo-Addo has pencilled down the names of Bantama Member of Parliament Francis Asenso Boakye, Damongo Member of Parliament Samuel Abu Jinapor among others as substantive ministers whose names will be submitted to parliament on Friday (tomorrow) or latest by Monday when the house convenes for business.

    The duo served President Akufo-Addo since his opposition days and were appointed Deputy Chiefs of Staff in 2017.

    Following their election as MPs, the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has pencilled down Asenso-Boakye as Minister-designate for Works and Housing to replace Samuel Atta Akyea who is being reassigned.

    Mr. Jinapor on the other hand is heading to the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources as substantive Minister. Insiders say the President intends to reward them for their years of loyalty to him.

    The first batch list of ministers sighted by MyNewsGh.com also includes the designation of Manhyia MP Matthew Opoku Prempeh who will be heading the Energy Ministry with his former post taken over by his Deputy Dr. Yaw Adutwum as Minister for Education.

    Source: My News GH

  • Court grants Bulldog GH¢70,000.00 bail

    Outspoken artiste manager Lawrence Nana Asiamah Hanson known in the showbiz industry as Bulldog has been issued a bail bond of GH¢70,000.00 after he appeared before an Accra Circuit Court for allegedly threatening President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

    According to a Ghana News Agency report sighted by GhanaWeb, the court presided over by Mrs. Evelyn Asamoah admitted Hanson to bail in the sum of GH¢70,000.00 with three sureties, two of whom are to be public servants.

    He has also been ordered to report to the police every Monday with the police directed to comply with the directives on disclosure.

    According to the GNA, Bulldog at about 1530 hours GMT on Wednesday, January 13, 2021, was escorted to the court by armed policemen and plain-clothed officers.

    Charged with “offensive conduct, conducive to breaches of the peace,” Hanson pleaded not guilty.

    His lawyer, Jerry Avernorgbor prayed the court to admit his client to bail as he had people who were ready to stand surety for his client.

    According to the counsel for the accused, he would be grateful if his client would be admitted to self-recognizance bail adding that his client was well known and has a fixed place of abode.

    The defence counsel added that his client would not interfere with investigations and that he had no intention of committing any further crime now or in the future.

    He drew the attention of the court to the fact that the accused has been in custody for 48 hours and that justice would be served if he was admitted to bail by the court.

    The prosecution led by Chief Inspector Simon Apiorsornu told the court that his superiors would like the accused person to be remanded into lawful custody by the court as investigations were ongoing.

    Presenting the facts of the case in court, the lead prosecutor said on January 11, this year, the police intercepted a video recording on United Television.


    He said that in the said video, the accused person was seen and heard saying, “The President of the Republic of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo will not finish his term in office and that he will run away if he failed to pay the deposits of Menzgold customers.”

    The prosecution further said that on January 12, this year, the accused was handed over to the police by the National Intelligence Bureau for further investigations.

    According to the prosecution, during interrogation, Hanson admitted to having made such comments in the said video when the same was played to him.

    The prosecution said that Bulldog, after admitting to the statement in the video, said that it was made in jest and that he had no ill motive behind his statement.

    The prosecution stated that investigations are still ongoing.

    The case has been adjourned to January 28.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Judiciary bribery investigation should be done by an independent panel Kwaku Azar

    Professor Stephen Kwaku Asare (aka Kwaku Azar), a KPMG Professor of Accounting at the University of Florida, has urged the Chief Justice to allow an independent investigation into his proposed inquiry into the bribery allegation against an unnamed Supreme Court Justice made by Mubarak-Mohammed Muntaka, the NDC Chief Whip.

    Kwaku Azar cautioned on his Facebook timeline: “To add credibility to the investigation, I urge that the investigation should be done by an independent panel, similar to the Special Investigation Board set up to enquire into the murder of the [three] judges and the retired army officer.”

    Muntaka has stated publicly that a Supreme Court judge attempted to bribe a female MP-elect in the NDC caucus to vote for Professor Aaron Mike Oquaye during the election of a Speaker for the 8th Parliament on January 7, 2021.

    According to Professor Asare, no serious country will allow such an allegation against a justice of her Supreme Court to just hang out there. Therefore, it is commendable that the judiciary has initiated steps to investigate the allegation.

    Alhaji Mohammed-Mubarak Muntaka, on Sunday, January 10, alleged in an interview with Joy News stated: “So shamefully, a Supreme Court Judge calls a colleague lady, telling her what they will give her. She has children, they will help her take care of her children. She can take fuel from a filling station for the four years.”

    In a press release on Wednesday signed by Justice Cynthia Pamela Addo, the Judiciary “noted with grave concern the remarks of Mohammed-Mubarak Muntaka which have been widely published in the media, alleging that a Justice of the Supreme Court attempted to bribe an NDC female Member of Parliament…”.

    This allegation is seen by the Judiciary as “a matter of grave import to the integrity of the judiciary”.

    “The Hon Chief Justice is therefore taking steps to solicit the assistance of Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak, MP to establish the facts in order that the matter can be dealt with appropriately.”

    Commenting on his Facebook timeline, Kwaku Azar, who is also a lawyer noted: “An investigation is a neutral exercise aimed at finding the truth, protecting the innocent, exposing the guilty and falsehoods and building trust in our institutions. It should be welcome by all.”

    Kwaku Azar further reiterated his call for the people of Santrokofi, Akpafu, Likpe, Lolobi (SALL) to have a representative in the 8th Parliament, something that he says is a “cardinal sin of the 8th Parliament.

    He also called for a full investigation as to how such a sin could be committed in a fourth Republican Ghana.

    “SALL is the cardinal sin of the 8th Parliament. Not only is a quick remedy needed but also a full investigation is needed to find out how such a sin could be committed before our very eyes,” Kwaku Azar wrote.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Miner remanded for robbery

    The Enchi District Magistrate court presided over by Mr Eric Baah Boateng, has remanded an illegal miner into police custody for allegedly robbing a precious metal dealer.

    Isaac Kwasi, 38, has been charged with conspiracy to commit crime to wit robbery, but his plea was not taken by the court.

    He is expected to make his next appearance on Friday January 15, 2021.

    Police Detective Inspector Joseph Kwadwo Agyare told the court that, Enoch Gyan is the complainant and a resident of Omanpe, while Isaac lives at Nkwanta No 2 all in the Aowin Municipality of the Western North Region.

    He said on November 9, 2020, at about 1330 hours, the complainant visited a colleague at Mile 4 and collected an amount of GH?16,950.00.

    Detective Inspector Agyare said while the complainant was on his motorbike to Omanpe, he saw the accused and his accomplice now at large few meters from Kramokrom community on Mile 4-Elubo road holding pump action guns and upon seeing him they started firing towards his direction.

    Prosecution said Isaac and his accomplice approached the complainant, instructed him to stop where he obliged.

    He said the accused then snatched the bag containing the cash amount of GH?16, 950.00 and sped off into a nearby bush, he narrated to the court.

    According to Detective Inspector Agyare, the complainant returned to Mile 4, to narrated his ordeal to his friends who proceeded to the crime scene and scouted around but there were no traces of the robbers.

    He said the complainant reported the case at the Enchi Police station and later had a tip-off that Isaac and his accomplice were hiding at Alatakrom.

    The Prosecution said based on the information the police went to Alatakrom to apprehend them but they managed to escape.

    He said on November 14 last year, the complainant had another tip-off that the accused and his accomplice had moved to a community called Nyame Boame.

    Detective Inspector Agyare said the complainant with the assistance of his colleagues pursued Isaac, arrested and handed him over to the police.

    He said the complainant identified the accused at the police station as the attacker who had robbed him.

    Source: GNA

  • Mahama prays Supreme Court for a live telecast of his election petition hearing

    John Dramani Mahama, the presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress has petitioned the Supreme Court of Ghana for a live telecast of his election petition hearings.

    Counsels for the petitioner will pray the court today starting from about 9:30am to allow a live broadcast contrary to the convention that court matters are not broadcast live or recorded.

    According to Mahama, the live telecast will be in the interest of fairness as a similar broadcast was done during the 2012 election petition by Nana Akufo-Addo, now president.

    In a Motion on Notice sighted by GhanaWeb, Mahama prayed: “that counsel for and on behalf of the petitioner shall move this Honourable Court for an order directing live transmission of the whole of the proceedings in this petition upon the grounds contained in the accompanying affidavit…or other orders as the Honourable Court may deem fit”.

    The whole nation is expected to get excited when the Supreme Court grants this request on Thursday, January 14, when the court holds the first hearing of the case.

    It is widely expected that the counsels for the first and second respondents, namely the Electoral Commission and Nana Akufo-Addo respectively, will not oppose this motion since it is a matter of huge national interest.

    Per Rule 69C (4) of C.I. 99, “provision is made for the proceedings of the court to be transmitted live if the court so determines”, and 4(a)(b) and (c) provides for the dismissal of a petition where the petitioner fails to file the processes regarding the petition, “within the time specified by law or to hear and determine the petition where the respondents fail to file their answers or fail to file their processes regarding their answer within the specified time”.

    Meanwhile, the Supreme Court will hear a motion by counsel for former President John Dramani Mahama, praying leave of the court to amend the election petition on grounds of typographical errors which mixed up first and second respondents in several paragraphs.

    The mistake, as stated in the motion was in relief (f) of the election petition.

    Relief (f) is seeking “an order of mandatory injunction directing the first respondent to proceed to conduct a second election with petitioner and first respondent as the candidates as required under Articles 63(4) and (5) of the 1992 Constitution”.

    The rerun should instead be between the first petitioner and the second respondent, who is Nana Akufo-Addo.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Election Petition: Hearing begins today

    The Supreme Court of Ghana will today begin hearings on the presidential election petition filed by John Dramani Mahama who is praying the court to order a rerun of the December 7, 2020, election between himself and Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

    He avers that neither him nor Nana Akufo-Addo, named as 2nd Respondent, being the two leading candidates obtained more than 50 per cent of the valid votes cast per the results declared by Jean Mensa, the EC Chairperson on 9 December.

    Mahama argues further that if that 9 December Declaration which was based on wrong results and a wrong calculation of the then outstanding Techiman South Results were considered, then there was no winner, thereby necessitating a rerun.

    In summary, Mahama, through his lawyers, is praying to the Supreme Court to annul the Declaration of 9 December as unconstitutional and further that all subsequent amendments by the EC, to the extent that those amendments were announced without a prior re-collation in the presence of the agents of the candidates as required by Constitutional Instrument (C.I.) 127, but were thrust on the people of Ghana via unsigned press statements are null and void and of no effect whatsoever.

    Akufo-Addo had indicated that the evidence of vote padding produced by the Petition amounts to just 6622 votes, which are insignificant since he was validly elected based on Article 64(1) by a margin of some 500 thousand votes.

    He stated that more than 38 thousand polling station results witnessed by the general public and international observers attest to his win.

    He, however, entered into quicksand in paragraph 35 of his Answer when he stated that the results were “corroborated by all media houses of note in the country as well as many local and international observers”.

    Documents relating to the case reveal a hearing date fixed for Thursday, January 14, 2021.

    Judgement should be delivered by 10 February according to the rules governing the case.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Coronavirus is real, dont take it for granted – Recovered patient

    The Executive Secretary of Ghana First Platform, Nana Adjoa Ackom-Mensah, has opined that Ghanaians are not taking the protocols and safety measures on the COVID-19 seriously.

    As someone who tested positive for the deadly virus and went into self-isolation, she is advocating for Ghanaians to adhere strictly to the safety protocols because the virus is real.

    Speaking to Kwabena Agyapong on Rainbow Radio 87.5Fm, she said she mistook the virus for malaria and was self-medicating until she did the test and realized it was COVID-19.

    She indicated that it is not an experience she would wish for anyone because it is terrible.

    According to her, despite adhering to the safety protocols, she contacted the virus hence it would be dangerous for people to ignore the safety protocols.

    Nana Adjoa Ackom-Mensah said “We have to take the safety protocols seriously. The experience for me was very bad. I thought I had malaria and was self-medicating until my test came out positive. We have to take the virus seriously. A lot of Ghanaians are not wearing their face masks. We have to follow the protocols. Everyone is at risk. We have to take our life into our own hands and be safe.”

    Source: rainbowradioonline.com

  • I never said Ghana will go into total lockdown – Medical Association president

    President of the GMA, Dr. Frank Ankobea, has denied claims made by The Chronicle newspaper that he projected that the country could go into a total lockdown due to the rising numbers of COVID-19 cases.

    He said although it is evident that the cases in the country have started rising again, he has however never made any such statement anywhere.

    According to a story on the front page of The Chronicle newspaper’s Wednesday, January 13, 2021, titled, “Total lockdown imminent – GMA Prez,” the paper’s Sebastian R. Freiku reported that the GMA boss “has hinted of a possible total lockdown in the country.”

    The story went on to indicate that “personnel of the health sector were becoming increasingly worried over the cases, insisting a lockdown would be the ultimate solution if all measures fail.”

    Current figures from the Ghana Health Service put the country’s latest COVID-19 figures at 56,230 total cases, with 54,631 recovered cases, 338 deaths, and 1,261 active cases on admission at the various health centers across the country.

    But, speaking to Nana Yaw Kesse on Peace Fm’s Kokrokoo show on Wednesday, January 13, 2021, Dr. Ankobea categorically denied the claims, stating that it could have been a misrepresentation of his words.

    “I never said any such thing and I believe it is a misunderstanding of the education I was offering. We are not denying the rising case figures in the country, we have not suggested a lockdown and besides, not even the GMA has the authority to declare a total lockdown in this country,” he explained.

    He reiterated the calls for people to continue to adhere to the safety protocols for the coronavirus, calling on particularly parents and teachers to be extra vigilant on children as schools resume.

    “Every school should have a sickbay and they should collaborate with health facilities in their localities so that they are able to refer suspected cases to them for timely responses,” he added.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • I will be MP for all – Xavier Sosu to Madina constituents

    Member of Parliament for the Madina Constituency, Francis-Xavier Sosu, has assured his constituents that he will be an MP for all without discrimination.

    The human rights activist is calling for the support of all constituents irrespective of the political affiliation to come onboard and work together to develop the constituency.

    Mr Sosu made the call during his thanksgiving tour to churches and mosques in the Madina Constituency.

    He extended appreciation not only those who voted for him but to every constituent of Madina including the security services, the churches, the mosques, mallams, pastors and several other individuals.

    “I wish to use this opportunity and medium to express in all humility, my sincerest appreciation to all of you for your immense support that has brought us this victory for Madina. Thank you all. For those I’m yet to visit again, be assured of my visit of appreciation to you soon” he stated.

    The legal practitioner snatched the Madina seat from the incumbent Abubakar Saddique Boniface of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the 7 December 2020 polls.

    Mr Sosu ran on the ticket of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and polled 62,127 votes to beat the former Minister of Inner-city and Zongo Development, who polled 46,985 votes.

    Another candidate, Prince Oppong-Boadu of the Ghana Union Movement (GUM), polled 692 votes.

    Source: Class FM

  • Full list of candidates vying for the UG Vice-Chancellor office

    Some seven persons have been announced as those vying for the office of the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana.

    Prof. Ebenezer Oduro Owusu is the current Vice-Chancellor of the University but his tenure ends on 31st July 2021.

    The seven vying for the office include the two Pro-Vice-Chancellors of the University, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo (Academic and Students Affairs), and Prof. Felix Ankomah Asante (Research, Innovation, and Development).

    Others are Prof. Peter Quartey (Director, Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research), Prof. Samuel Nii Ardey Codjoe (Regional Institute for Population Studies), Prof. Daniel Frimpong Ofori (Provost, College of Humanities), Prof. Godfred Alufar Bokpin (Dean of Student Affairs), and Prof. Daniel Wesley Lund ( Dean, Faculty of Business Administration).

    The Search Committee, which has been set up by the University Council to propose a successor for the office is requesting for submission and any relevant information that may facilitate its work, in line with the statutory requirements of the Vice-Chancellor and advert for the position of the Vice-Chancellor.

    Source: universnewsroom.com

  • Coronavirus: Takoradi Veterinary Laboratory recording 30% daily positivity rate

    The Takoradi Veterinary Laboratory says it is currently recording a high COVID-19 positivity rate ranging around 30% of samples tested daily.

    The Supervisor of the laboratory, Dr. Simon Gbene in a Citi News report said the high positivity rate could be attributed to increased infections in air-conditioned environments.

    “Currently, although the figures of daily samples are not as huge as they used to be, positivity is going up. For instance, an institution, which I cannot disclose its name due to patient confidentiality, brought us 75 samples and 22 were positive.”

    “That is a huge positivity rate which is almost 30 per cent, and we have had cases like that where institutions want to test and the numbers are huge. One of the main reasons is because, in an air-conditioned environment, it really increases the infectivity rate,” he said.

    Dr Gbene underscored that the high positivity rate currently being recorded in the region is in spite of the low number of samples the laboratory processes in a day as compared to some time in the past.

    “If you look at the number of tests that we have carried out as Takoradi Veterinary Laboratory, we have so far tested around 10,000 samples. But currently, the figures are down simply because of the change of policy since we are only testing symptomatic cases that are reported to the hospitals and referred to us. If there are positives, then we look at their contacts.”

    “However, we have a few walk-ins, and they are a few because normally people who walk-in are those who are travelling. Meanwhile, travellers prefer to go to Accra to have the test,” he stated.

    Speaking on the issue of the new COVID-19 variant, Dr Gbene said the Takoradi Veterinary Laboratory currently lacks the capability to test for the new variant but relies on the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research for that test whenever they record a positive case.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Akufo-Addo tells MMDCEs to remain in office until further notice

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has directed all Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief executives (MMDCEs) to remain in office until further notice.

    The directive was contained in a statement signed by the Chief of Staff Akosua Frema Osei-Opare on Tuesday Janury 12.

    “The President thanks all persons who served as members of statutory boards and corporations and wishes them the best in their future endeavours,” the statement added.

    The statement added that statutory boards and corporations are going to be reconstituted by the President.

    Source: 3 News

  • Reopening of schools: Students express readiness for academic activities

    Some students in Accra, have expressed excitement about the reopening of schools amid COVID-19 expressing their readiness to resume academic work.

    President Nana Addo Danquah Akufo-Addo announced during his 21st State of the Nation’s Address on Sunday, January 3, 2021, that students at all levels will resume school, following consultations with various stakeholders.

    In an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), some students expressed their readiness for school, indicating that they had missed lessons during the closure of schools to contain the spread of the virus.

    Elorm Deborah Djayuri, a Junior High School (JHS) student, said, “I’m happy that I will soon return to school because I’ve stayed home for a long time. Last year, throughout the lockdown period, I stayed home till October when the President announced that we were going to return to school to complete our second term”.

    Ernestina Mensah, a continuing Senior High School (SHS) student said though she was happy of going back to school, she prayed that students would observe COVID-19 protocols strictly in view of the country recording increasing number of cases.

    Eric Sekyi, a tertiary student, applauded the decision of government to reopen schools, saying, “I am a final year student and I want to complete the academic year quickly”.

    Speaking about the COVID-19 pandemic and overcrowding in classes, Sekyi, said “It depends on the individual. If we’re all able to abide by the laid down protocols, I think we will be cool. My only fear is that some people wouldn’t adhere to them”.

    He, therefore, appealed to management of schools to enforce strict observation of the safety protocols by all.

    All schools from kindergarten, primary to Junior High School are to go back to school on January 15, 2021.

    Senior High School form one students and form two Gold track students are to start lessons from March 10, with all form one students on singletrack.

    Senior High School forms two green track and three students will return to school on January 18, 2021.

    Tertiary students resumed school on January 09, 2021, after nine months of COVID-19 shutdown.

    Source: GNA

  • Deliver Ghanaians from poverty TUC to Akufo-Addo, MPs

    The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has asked President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and all the Members of Parliament to work hand-in-hand to deliver Ghanaians from poverty.

    TUC noted in a statement that most Ghanaians are saddled with extreme poverty, a situation the union said requires immediate attention by authorities.

    In a statement on the inauguration of the President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and all the lawmakers, the TUC said “We count on the new leaders to deliver us from mass poverty that has afflicted a significant section of the people of Ghana.

    “As we have pointed out time and again, it is unpardonable that, almost 64 years after independence from colonial rule, millions of Ghanaians have no access to basic necessities such as clean water and sanitation facilities; 4.5 million Ghanaians have no access to electricity despite the fact that Ghana has excess capacity of electricity; a significant number of Ghanaian children and women of childbearing age are suffering from chronic malnutrition and anemia; many children are dying needlessly from malaria and other preventable diseases because of the unhygienic conditions and poor healthcare; our roads are comparable to war zones in terms of the number of people who lose their lives through preventable road accidents every day; many Ghanaians are living in streets because they have no access to housing; our national daily minimum wage is a paltry GHS319 per month, and young graduates cannot find jobs many years after graduation.

    “The task ahead is huge. In his Inaugural Address, the President acknowledged “the considerable amount of work that is to be done over the next four years in our drive to take our nation firmly onto the path of progress, prosperity and development following the havoc wreaked by COVID-19”.

    “That is why we urge NPP and NDC to find a way of working together, not only in the parochial interest of their parties but, more importantly, in the supreme interest of the good people of Ghana.”

    The statement added “The President gave some indications of his commitment to lead us away from poverty to prosperity in his last State of the Nation Address (SONA) and his Inaugural Address.

    “He promised that his government will provide water and electricity to the communities without these basic social amenities, construct more hospitals to improve healthcare and provide more houses for the people.

    “He reiterated his commitment to Ghana Beyond Aid with its emphasis on economic transformation, self-reliance, attitudinal change, and respect for core values including honesty, hard work, compassion, social partnership and patriotism.

    “We believe that we can propel our country to higher levels of prosperity and progress if we pursue this vision more vigorously.”

    “On Job Creation, in the State of the Nation Address, the President mentioned the recruitment of 95,000 health workers into the public health sector, which helped the nation to fight COVID-19. We note the recruitment of additional teachers, security personnel and the implementation of Nations Builders Corps (NABCO) as well as the state-sponsored entrepreneurship development programmes.

    “We expect more of such initiatives to help address the employment crisis facing our youth. In the next four years, all efforts towards economic recovery and transformation must focus on job creation. We have to work together as social partners to create more and better jobs for young Ghanaians in both public and private sectors of the economy.

    “We can make a huge difference if we work together to remove the numerous constraints in the way of domestic production including corruption, high-interest rates, ultra-liberal trade policy, and the deficit in our social and economic infrastructure.

    “The One-District-One-Factory and the Planting for Food and Jobs, if pursued more vigorously, can strengthen the domestic private sector.

    “These initiatives need rapid expansion and support from all social partners. They can make a significant difference in strengthening the industrial base of our economy for job creation, especially in rural communities.”

    Source: 3 News

  • Government considers International Capital Market funding programme

    Government has indicated it intends to raise an amount up to $5.0 billion to support growth-oriented expenditures in the 2021 Budget for this year.

    The Ministry of Finance, which made this known in a request for expressions of interest (EoI) for some appointments for the 2021 Medium Term ICM Programme, said it also wants to conduct liability management including refinancing domestic debt and a buyback of some selected outstanding Eurobonds.

    It is for this reason that it said it was considering to launch a 2021 International Capital Market (ICM) funding programme for the medium term.

    According to the Ministry of Finance, it was requesting EOI from qualified and reputable co-managers to partner the international transaction advisors for the various instruments under the programme.

    MoFEP continued that in accordance with the requirements and responsibilities of primary dealers and bond market specialists, the co-managers would be sourced from those who qualify as bond market specialists and/or investment advisors.

    The ministry said the instruments for the programme consisted of some broad group of instruments. These included Eurobonds, Diaspora Bonds; Sustainable Bonds (Green Bonds and Social Bonds); and Syndicated Term Loans.

    Source: Goldstreet Business