Members of Parliament have acknowledged their mistake in passing the Companies Act of 2019.
The Act originally stipulated that individuals facing charges could not qualify as directors of a company.
However, the Supreme Court declared this provision inconsistent with the 1992 Constitution in response to a constitutional case filed by lawyer Derick Adu-Gyamfi.
Adu-Gyamfi sought the removal of specific subsections of the Act, arguing that they were unconstitutional and violated principles such as the right to fair hearing. MP Haruna Iddrisu, representing Tamale South, openly admitted the legislative error and urged the Attorney General to promptly propose amendments for parliamentary consideration.
In his words, “In the company’s code we passed, we said that if a person is charged with an offense, that person does not qualify to be a director. We erred and we should eat our humble pie, and by this, invite the learned Attorney General to come urgently to this House with proposed amendments to the company’s code so that we right those wrong.”
This call for corrective action was supported by Dome-Kwabenya MP, Sarah Adwoa Safo, who emphasized the importance of amending the relevant section of the company’s code in response to the Supreme Court’s ruling.
“I don’t want to over-buttress the point that indeed the Supreme Court has done a great job, and the Attorney General, I am sure, has heard the ruling of the Supreme Court and will do the needful and bring a proposed bill only to amend that portion of the company’s code.”
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Bagbin, is advocating for the implementation of a comprehensive framework to safeguard religious rights and freedoms, especially for students in public educational institutions.
Despite the provision for Freedom of Religion in Article 21 of the 1992 Constitution, the Speaker is concerned about the numerous instances of discrimination against students based on their religious beliefs.
During the launch of the ‘Ghana Parliamentary Caucus on Freedom of Religion or Belief’ in Accra on Monday, Mr. Bagbin stressed the importance of promoting religious coexistence in the country.
“We must have a clear regulatory framework that protects individual religious rights and freedoms and defines the responsibilities of publicly financed institutions, particularly in the context of elementary and secondary education. The not-too-long-ago tension between religious groups and school regulations is a testament to the urgency of this matter.”
“Reports of schools interfering with the religious freedoms of students have highlighted the need for a comprehensive framework that guarantees the needs and rights of all students, irrespective of their religious beliefs,” he said.
A young Ghanaian healthcare professional pursuing a Master’s in Business Creation at the University of Utah in the United States of America has been selected as one of the 10 finalists for the 2023 CNN Hero of the Year Award.
Osei Boateng, the Chief Executive Officer of OKB Hope Foundation, a non-profit organization based in Ghana, is the only African among the contenders for this prestigious award.
OKB Hope Foundation operates a mobile van that provides primary and preventive healthcare services to rural communities in Ghana, particularly those who face barriers to accessing health facilities due to distance or financial constraints. Osei Boateng has transformed the van into a mobile healthcare clinic equipped with solar panels to ensure access to electricity.
While the van primarily serves the Ashanti Region, it has also offered free services in parts of the Greater, Eastern, and Central Regions of Ghana.
Osei Boateng expressed his excitement about being the sole African contestant in the competition, emphasizing the opportunity to spotlight the innovative healthcare work happening on the African continent and rally support for their mission to bring healthcare to underserved communities in Ghana.
“What makes this opportunity even more special is that I am the sole African contestant in this competition. This not only offers a unique chance to spotlight the innovative work taking place on the African continent but also to rally support for our mission to bring healthcare to rural and underserved communities in Ghana,” he said
His inspiration for this initiative comes from witnessing his grandmother and auntie, who reside in his hometown of Bomfa-Achiase in the Ashanti Region, travel long distances for medical care.
He highlighted that, on average, people walk 17 to 24 kilometers to access healthcare facilities.
To secure victory, Osei Boateng is calling for support from fellow Ghanaians.
Renowned Nigerian actor, Chinedu Ikedieze, popularly known as Aki from the Aki and Pawpaw duo, has expressed his desire to visit Ghana soon.
During the 2023 Africa Movie Academy Awards, Chinedu spoke to Doreen Avio and revealed his deep affection for Ghana. He mentioned that he is always prepared to visit Ghana if Ghanaians are willing to welcome him.
Ghana has increasingly become a favored destination for various international celebrities, including artists like Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Davido, who consider the country a peaceful and welcoming place.
Notably, American rapper Meek Mill spent the Christmas holiday in Ghana and praised President Akufo-Addo as his favorite politician, hinting at a return visit. Furthermore, Rick Ross, another American rapper, has expressed his intentions to visit the motherland.
A Ghanaian singer and songwriter, Jackline Acheampong, also known as Gyakie made a cheerful return to her alma mater, T.I. Ahmadiyya Senior High School in Kumasi on a Saturday.
Her presence brought joy and excitement to the students, and she was warmly welcomed by the school administrators.
The talented and lively songstress left T.I. Ahmadiyya Senior High School approximately six years ago and returned as a popular singer, having grown both as an artist and an individual.
Her presence was a source of pride for the current students, teachers, and her housemistress, who celebrated the fact that the school had nurtured such a talented artist like Gyakie.
Gyakie, accompanied by her management team at ‘Flip The Music,’ delivered an energetic performance at the school’s entertainment hall, captivating the audience with her music.
In her address, Gyakie expressed her excitement at being with the large gathering of students and shared her journey since leaving the school. She also encouraged the current students to study diligently and pursue their dreams.
She stated, “I came back because I miss the memories when I was in school, and the students love Gyakie’s music, so it was only right to come and give them a good time.”
Ghanaian songstress Efya has discussed her collaborations that have brought her the most visibility in the music industry.
During her appearance on Showbiz A-Z on Joy FM, Efya, who has worked with numerous artists, revealed that her most challenging collaborations have been the ones she did with Sarkodie.
“I have worked with almost 120 artistes. So the hardest collaboration will be anything that I did with Sarkodie,” she told the host Kwame Dadzie.
She stated, “I have worked with almost 120 artists. So the most challenging collaboration would be anything that I did with Sarkodie,” during her conversation with the host Kwame Dadzie.
Efya has consistently showcased her artistry, whether on her own tracks or in joint music projects over the years.
Some of her highly acclaimed collaborations include songs like ‘I’m in Love with You’ and ‘Saara’ with Sarkodie, ‘Hold Me Down’ with Akwaboah, and ‘One of Your Own’ featuring Bisa K Dei, among others.
She also reiterated a statement she made on Twitter about two years ago, urging artists who had not released works in which she had been featured over the past three years to either re-record or not release the work at all. According to her, time brings change and growth in artists’ skills, so songs recorded approximately three years ago must be revamped and refined to suit the current taste of music enthusiasts.
Efya explained that advancements in technology and music production necessitate a continuous upgrade in sound quality, and songs should reflect the present rather than the past.
“So if you want to really release the song now and appeal to the ears of the people now you need to make it a something that will be a hit now, not the previous one,” she noted.
Efya is currently promoting her new EP titled ‘No More Tears.’
Renowned Nigerian social media commentator, Reno Omokri, has offered advice to his fellow men, urging them not to rely on their wives’ finances.
Taking to his Twitter account, the social media pundit stated that a man’s money is intended for himself, his children, and his wife to utilize. He made it clear that a man’s wife’s money should solely be reserved for her and their children.
Reno encouraged married men to behave as though their wives have no money, even if it’s apparent that they do. He further emphasized that it is both unnatural and unwise for men to depend solely on their spouses’ finances for personal advancement.
Reno added that being the head of the family means that a man is responsible for providing for his household, bearing the ‘burden,’ even though he and his wife are considered as one.
In his words: “As a husband, your money is meant for you, your wife, and your children to spend. But your wife’s money is not meant for you to spend. Don’t even think of it. Don’t make plans for it. Pretend it doesn’t even exist. Never eye her money. Leave it for her and the children. Make your own! Men who put their eyes on their wives’ money hardly progress. It is against nature and good judgment. Yes, two shall become one. But you are the head of the family. A head is designed to carry weight and not just to Lord it about. Carry the weight!”
As a husband, your money is meant for you, your wife and your children to spend. But your wife’s money is not meant for you to spend. Don’t even think of it. Don’t make plans for it. Pretend it doesn’t even exist. Never eye her money. Leave it for her and the children. Make your…— Reno Omokri (@renoomokri) November 12, 2023
Actress Georgina Ibeh has emphasized that a woman should not compromise her career for the sake of a man.
During an interview with Saturday Beats, she stated,“Everyone faces relationship issues but any man who comes into your life and wants to stop your career doesn’t like you. If you stop what you love doing because of a man, you will not be happy for the rest of your life. Many people think actresses can’t stay in marriages because of the things happening in the movie industry. They forget that divorce happens everywhere in the world.”
Additionally, the actress outlined some of the challenges she encounters while producing her movies, including managing fellow actors and contending with adverse weather conditions, particularly during the rainy season.
She also mentioned the occasional need to deal with local troublemakers who demand settlements before certain locations can be used.
Georgina Ibeh revealed that her movies draw inspiration from everyday life experiences.
When asked about her favorite moments on set, Ibeh commented, “All my movie sets and productions are interesting, challenging, and fun. Filming my movies makes them unforgettable for me because I own them forever.”
She also expressed the view that skin color has no bearing on how often an actor secures roles in Nollywood, stating,“It is not true that light-skinned girls appear better on camera. I don’t believe that you must be light-skinned to succeed as an actress. There are many dark-skinned actresses breaking boundaries in the country. Not all storylines demand a light-skinned lady.”
During a gathering of Kumawood actors who pledged their commitment to the renovation project of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi, one particular moment that gained widespread attention was Akrobeto’s comical speech.
After speeches from notable actors like Bill Asamoah, Nana Ama Mcbrown, and Agya Koo, Akrobeto had his turn to address the Asantehene and discuss his contributions to the forthcoming project.
Upon taking the microphone, the audience insisted that he deliver his speech in English, especially in his usual humorous manner. Akrobeto gladly obliged, and as soon as he began speaking, the entire audience, including his fellow actors, couldn’t contain their laughter.
The comedic actor continued and said, “Nana your majesty. Nana, we are proud of you. Without you, we are nothing. So, Nana, we’ll use our faces to go everywhere and advertise for this project. We will campaign for this project to succeed. Thank you very much.”
It appears that out of all the speeches made by the various Kumawood stars, it was Akrobeto’s statement that captured the public’s attention.
In the meantime, well-known Kumawood actors, including Nana Ama McBrown and Agya Koo, pledged to collaborate with the brands they work with to support the project.
Background:
The “Heal Komfo Anokye Project” initiated by Otumfuo Osei Tutu II aims to raise US$10 million in a public fundraising campaign to renovate the 70-year-old in-patient wards at the Hospital. The facility, according to reports, has not undergone significant refurbishment for many years, with sections of the building experiencing structural issues such as ceiling, tiling, and overall ward conditions.
The Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital serves as the primary referral healthcare institution in the Ashanti region, catering to the health needs of patients from 12 out of the country’s 16 regions.
Sally Mann has expressed immense excitement over the Accra High Court’s final judgment in the Wildaland vs. Shatta Wale case.
According to reports, the court has directed the Dancehall artist to refund the $120,000 owed to the plaintiff and pay interest on the sum at a 5.5% rate from December 14, 2021, to the date of final payment, totaling $10,892.47, along with damages amounting to GHC20,000.
In response to the situation during a discussion on Power FM, Sally Mann, unable to contain her joy, remarked that this development would test whether Shatta Wale truly possesses the wealth he often boasts about.
Sally Mann also congratulated the plaintiff, particularly one of its founding members, Baba Sadiq, for their victory, emphasizing, “He [Shatta Wale] wasn’t in court, so people have been instructed to publish posters indicating his indebtedness.”
She continued with a claim: “They even said if Shatta does not pay the money in seven days, the court will sell his property to pay it back. I am extremely happy this is happening. This will prove whether he really has the money he brags about or not. $120,000 plus over $10,000 and GHC20,000. Ah, Shatta pay o. Otherwise, this town will not contain us. Because you said you are rich and if you are indeed rich, you don’t waste time with these issues. You just pay, without negotiation.”
“Shatta should pay the money. I am happy and it serves you right. You took someone’s money without performing and you are bragging about it. In fact, Hon. Sadiq of Wildaland, you are the real Odogwu,” she stated in an interview with Power FM.
“Shatta should settle the debt. I’m delighted, and it serves you right. You accepted someone’s money without delivering, and you’re boasting about it. In fact, Hon. Sadiq of Wildaland, you are the true Odogwu,” she declared in her interview with Power FM.
Shatta Wale had previously admitted to receiving $120,000 but refused to perform at the Wildaland Festival.
In October 2022, during an interview with Giovani Caleb on TV3, Shatta Wale confirmed that he had received $120,000 as payment for a planned performance but did not appear at the event.
He revealed this while discussing the substantial earnings he had made from various events where he did not fulfill his commitments.
The popular Ghanaian Afrobeats artist, Camidoh, has revealed that he isn’t perturbed by the fact that his other songs haven’t achieved the same level of success as his hit track, “Sugarcane.”
“Sugarcane,” released by Camidoh in 2021, featuring Nigerian record producer Phantom, rapidly gained popularity on TikTok, especially after the release of a remix, and topped various charts globally, including in Nigeria and Ghana.
While “Sugarcane” stands as one of Camidoh’s most successful songs to date, some critics have noted that his other tracks, such as “Brown Skin Girl” featuring Stonebwoy, haven’t attained the same level of success, leading to questions about whether “Sugarcane” was just a one-time hit.
During his appearance on the Daybreak Hitz Show with Andy Dosty on Hitz FM, Camidoh explained that the circumstances surrounding “Sugarcane” are different from his subsequent releases, and thus, he isn’t concerned about them not achieving the same level of success.
He attributed this variance to different “seasons” in his career and elucidated that he no longer feels the same level of pressure as before.
“It won’t always be the same; there are different strategies, different plans, and different situations. Not every record would do what Sugarcane did; I’m not even bothered.
“Before, I used to think like that. I used to put a lot of pressure on myself, but sometimes you just have to understand that it’s seasons. and all records will not do like that,” he said.
Nollywood actor and comedian Charles Inojie has candidly discussed the challenges he encountered while growing up, particularly the profound impact of his parents’ divorce during his early years.
In a conversation with Chude Jideonwo, the actor revealed that his mother left him when he was just eight months old, entrusting his upbringing to his grandmother.
Later on, after his father remarried, the new woman in his life took precedence, and Charles’s father decided to prioritize their marriage over his son’s well-being.
Charles Inojie explained that he only lived with his father for eight months before they separated due to the difficulties presented by his stepmother.
He went on to reveal that his stepmother influenced his father not to support his university education until her own child was ready for college, even though Charles had gained admission at the age of 20.
When he eventually reunited with his mother years later, their relationship remained emotionally distant due to the lingering emotional strain.
He recounted, “When I wanted to go to the University, I went back to the house to inform my father that I had gained admission. The woman began to laugh, turned to my Dad, and told him, ‘If this one has to go to the University, he will have to wait for my own child to grow so they can go together.’ That was a child I am older than by 18 to 20 years.”
Regarding a reunion with his father, he mentioned, “I met him, and we sat in silence for nearly thirty minutes. No one spoke. I was crying, and he was crying. I told him I had to leave but that I had completed school. My first job, they said Papa must pray for his child. I bought a drink and placed ₦5,000 in an envelope and asked him to pray for me. He refused to touch it, saying his conscience wouldn’t allow him to, having not contributed a dime.”
Entertainment pundit Arnold Asamoah-Baidoo engaged in a heated exchange with media personality Ola Michael concerning matters related to religious beliefs.
Ola Michael expressed his preference for the country’s traditions over Christianity, emphasizing that he holds indigenous traditions in high regard.
He raised doubts about the Bible’s credibility, as it was written by the Israelites, and no one was present during the events described in it.
He argued that indigenous traditions should be esteemed above all else.
Arnold Asamoah-Baidoo strongly disagreed with Ola Michael’s stance and defended the Christian religion and the word of God.
He criticized Ola Michael for belittling the Bible, stating that he cannot dismiss the word of God as “nonsense” because he was not present during the events in the local traditions either.
During a conversation on the United Showbiz Programme, the exchange between Arnold Asamoah-Baidoo and Ola Michael unfolded as follows:
Arnold: Another person [Ola Michael] in white said that most of the things in the Bible, we weren’t there when they were writing so we should not take them seriously. At a point, he even said it was nonsense. If I may ask when Okomfo Anokye was doing his reckless chanting, was he there?
Ola Michael: You refer to it as reckless? That is the Akan tradition so you can’t say that.
Arnold: The Bible is also my tradition so if you say the Bible is nonsense, then your traditions are useless to me. When Okomfo Anokye was chanting, were you there? When King Agokoli was walking backward, were you there?
Ola Michael: Yes, I was there
Arnold: All these are history that you are making noise with; I also believe in mine.
Ola Michael: So Israel God’s Bible is your tradition, are you an Israeli?
Arnold: Oh stop what you are saying. You can’t sit here and make nonsense of someone’s conviction, we won’t allow you to do that. Just focus on what you believe and allow us to follow our God. Don’t make it seem ours is nonsense to you.
Discussions concerning religion persist as a subject of ongoing debate, with individuals firmly holding to their beliefs as the ultimate truth.
The Volta Regional Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mawutor Agbavitor, has criticized the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) for what he perceives as seven years of detrimental economic policies and performance.
Speaking at an event in Ho on November 12, 2023, where various working committees for the party’s 2024 general election campaign were inaugurated, Agbavitor asserted that the nation had endured severe economic hardship during this period.
Mr Agbavitor stated, “The once enviable and promising nation has for the past 7 years been plunged into an economic abyss with its citizens subjected to very severe hardship never witnessed since independence. The people thus are calling for change. They are calling for probity, accountability, and justice”.
He stressed that the cherished ideals of the NDC’s founder, Jerry John Rawlings, are the key principles to guide the nation toward progress and sustained development.
He emphasized, “On this solemn occasion, we cannot help but reflect on the principles and ideals that birthed our political tradition- the principles of probity, accountability, transparency, and the unwavering commitment to social justice. It is these very values that have guided us in our service to the people of the Volta Region and the country at large,”
Mr Agbavitor highlighted the relevance of probity and accountability, the principles that the late Jerry John Rawlings upheld throughout his life, and argued that these principles are more important than ever.
He expressed concern over the erosion of democratic institutions, rising corruption, and a disregard for the concerns of ordinary Ghanaians.
He continued, “As we speak, this country is witnessing a concerning and extensive erosion of our crucial democratic institutions, ever-increasing acts of corruption, and the blatant disregard for the voices, concerns, and plights of ordinary Ghanaians”
“The needs and aspirations of our fellow compatriots are what underpin the foundation of our Party, the Great NDC. Clearly, with hard work, discipline, dedication, and extreme vigilance, victory awaits us in 2024,”
Mr Agbavitor also expressed disappointment with the government’s response to the VRA-induced flood disaster affecting ten constituencies in the Volta Region, accusing the government of indifference. He commended the efforts of the NDC’s MPs in assisting the flood victims.
Regarding the upcoming elections, Mr Agbavitor stated, “This is such a golden opportunity for us to stop the NPP in their gap come next year in December. I heard the President say on the night of the coronation of his failed Vice President that, he will do anything in his power to make sure he hands over power to the Bawumia as the next President of Ghana to continue with the economic recklessness. But I’m here today as your regional chairman to assure you that, we will not only deliver to every constituency in the Volta Region and increase President Mahama’s performance significantly”.
He urged unity and a shared purpose among party members to achieve success, saying, “With unity and a shared purpose, we will overcome the challenges that come our way and work tirelessly for the betterment of the NDC and the Volta Region.”
Agbavitor concluded by expressing confidence in forging a brighter future and leaving a mark on history, thanks to the commitment and dedication of the party’s faithful supporters.
The Director of Research at Jubilee House, Dr. Isaac Owusu Mensah, has debunked the notion that voters in a region primarily support a presidential ticket due to the running mate hailing from there.
He addressed the calls for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to choose a running mate from the Ashanti Region, clarifying that his research contradicts the belief.
Speaking to Citi News, Dr. Owusu Mensah highlighted that his studies revealed that only a minority, less than 20% of voters, are significantly swayed by the vice presidential candidate’s regional background.
He referenced past elections, noting that even though Paa Kwesi Amissah-Arthur secured the Central Region for the NDC in 2012, he couldn’t replicate the feat in 2016.
Dr. Owusu Mensah stressed the significance of a candidate’s capacity to mobilize voters over the regional roots of the running mate.
“Before I came to the Jubilee House, I did some work on the role of the Vice Presidential candidate and less than 20 percent of the people we spoke to went to the polls because the Vice President was coming from their region. We did because in 2012 Paa Kwesi Amissah-Arthur delivered the Central but in 2016 he couldn’t.
“The running mate is important but less than 20 percent who go to the polls to cast their vote go to the polls because the running mate is coming from there.
He emphasized that while the running mate holds importance, their regional ties play a minor role in influencing the majority of voters who cast their ballots.
The inhabitants of Songor Lagoon in Ada, Greater Accra Region, are advocating for the government to confine Electrochem Ghana Limited’s operations solely to the Songor area.
This, they suggest, could foster peace within the region.
Relying on salt mining for livelihoods across approximately 45 neighboring communities, the residents believe restricting Electrochem’s activities to Songor alone could avert conflicts.
Citing an incident at Toflokpo, where a life was lost, these residents are emphasizing the critical need to prevent further clashes.
They underscore the potential for lives to be spared if the government implements their proposed limitations on mining activities.
For many inhabitants, salt mining is not only a means of living but a tradition passed down through generations.
Speaking on behalf of the Ada Songor Residents Association during an interview on Accra 100.5 FM, Mr. Abraham Tetteh highlighted historical clashes stemming from previous attempts to allocate the area to a private company.
Tensions have intensified over the years, such as a recent confrontation between Sege residents and Electrochem Ghana Limited, resulting in a fatality and multiple injuries. The clash was allegedly instigated by guards protecting Electrochem’s area.
While Electrochem admitted to using a task force to manage local evictions, they have denied any association with the violence, emphasizing their lawful right to mine salt in the region. They have assured ongoing dialogues with the community to address grievances.
Ghanaian lawyer and politician, Francis-Xavier Sosu, has revealed that the hardships he faced during his childhood have left a lasting impact on his dietary habits.
In an exclusive interview with the Independent Ghana, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Madina constituency, candidly discussed the significant challenges he encountered during his formative years, which he attributed to his parents’ lack of steady employment.
Mr Sosu’s family faced financial difficulties, and to make ends meet, he, along with his sisters, actively participated in their mother’s trading endeavors.
Their efforts aimed to contribute to the family’s well-being and help support their mother’s business ventures after their father became a victim of individuals expatriated from Nigeria.
This expulsion, Ghana-Must-Go exodus, enforced in 1983 under President Shehu Shagari’s administration in Nigeria, aimed at removing illegal immigrants, especially Ghanaians, accused of competing for employment opportunities and resources.
The policy targeted a mass departure of West African migrants, disrupting the lives of hundreds of thousands who were compelled to return to their home countries.
These experiences taught him the value of hard work, resilience, and determination, shaping his character and outlook on life. According to him, one aspect that deeply impacted his life was the scarcity of essential nutrients in their daily meals.
The family often struggled to enjoy a balanced diet due to limited resources, a predicament that remains etched in his memory.
Despite their best efforts, securing three square meals was often challenging, emphasizing the difficulties they faced.
He further explained that even today, if someone were to serve him a meal, they might be disappointed because, more often than not, he struggles to consume meat or fish as others might.
His aversion to certain foods, he mentioned, stems from his upbringing, where such items were scarce and not part of his regular diet. “I wasn’t confident like today speaking about how my mother is ill or chosi my dad was an alcoholic at the time but it was a very desperate time. That time my mother was even very ill and was hospitalized at Tabora; we even thought she was going to die, yes, and everything was messed up. Those I remember very well. When I come and I don’t have money and I don’t want to come to the kiosk , sometimes I go to Tiafa where they live, and when you go there, all you have is raw “banku” with “tilapia.” Sometimes you don’t even have onion with it. It was a very difficult time.
“ I mean that fish was a luxury you would get anywhere, and that is the reason why even till date, if you give me food, I mean, you’ll be disappointed because like most often than not, I’m not able to really eat, you know, like meat or fish as much as you want to take because really, it didn’t come with training. Yeah, he didn’t have it, you know, and so these were real situations that I lived through before the coming of the Village of Hope orphanage,” he added.
Ghanaian lawyer and politician, Francis-Xavier Sosu, has recently opened up about a chapter in his life when he found shelter in a modest wooden kiosk at Kotobabi.
This, he said was despite his significant roles as the President of the Student Representative Council (SRC) and a Senior Boys Prefect.
In an exclusive interview with The Independent Ghana, the Member of Parliament (MP) described the challenging circumstances that led to his unusual living arrangement.
The wooden kiosk, which he and his colleagues utilized for shelter, was the property of a local seamstress, he noted they would wait until the owner had departed for the day before seeking refuge, using the space to spend their nights.
“I became more serviceable to the school then became the SRC secretary even when I was a second year. So, by the time I was in the third year, it was easier for me to become like the Senior Boys Prefect. I then became the SRC President for Greater Accra in Form 5. However, even at that time, I was sleeping in a wooden kiosk at Kotobabi, opposite the Kotobabi Police Station. This kiosk belonged to a seamstress, so we would go and sleep there at night when they closed. Early in the morning, we would wake up very early and take a walk from Kab to school so that we could catch a car from there to go to school,” he said.
Mr Sosu elaborated on their daily routine, detailing how they would rise early in the morning, trek from Kotobabi to the Alajo junction, and catch a bus that would take them to St. Johns Grammar Senior High School in Achimota, mile 7.
He indicated that it was a daily grind filled with challenges, but it was the only option available to him and his friends.
During this period, an observant teacher at his school, who was also affiliated with the Village of Hope Orphanage, noticed Sosu’s struggles and decided to extend a helping hand.
The caring teacher suggested that the ,MP enroll in the orphanage, which would provide him with the much-needed support and attention.
“In the midst of all these endeavors, there was one teacher whom I greatly admired. He used to teach Religious and Moral Education (RME) and CRS. His name is Mr. Roland Bule. At that time, he served as a house parent at the Village of Hope Orphanage. The Village of Hope is a project supported by Churches of Christ, and it is currently situated in Gomoa Fete.”So, he reached out and said, ‘Look, every day when we go to staff meetings, your name comes up as the man who is notorious and doesn’t pay fees. Yet, when we see you, you are doing quite well in the school. Can you tell me exactly what the issue is?’Sosu explained that this intervention opened up new experiences for him. He had never slept on a mattress before, and having three square meals a day was like a miracle,” he indicated. Mr Sosu further shared the profound impact of this intervention on his life,” he explained.
He recalled the new experiences that he encountered while at the orphanage, until then, he had never experienced the luxury of sleeping on a mattress or enjoyed three square meals a day.
These simple yet significant changes in his life felt nothing short of miraculous.
In a heartfelt expression of gratitude, Mr Sosu acknowledged the Village of Hope Orphanage for being a beacon of hope when he felt that all hope was lost.
This support system not only transformed his life but also introduced him to the true meaning of Christian love and unwavering support from others. The compassion he received during these trying times profoundly affected him and has become a driving force in his life.
As a result, of the love shown by the school, his commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of others grew even stronger.
He concluded by emphasizing his determination to be there for others whenever there’s a chance to make someone’s life a bit better, showcasing the profound influence of his past experiences on his current mission to give back to his community and country.
“The Village of Hope orphanage, coming into my life, was a significant shift. For the first time, I knew what is called a mattress; it was the first time sleeping on a mattress. It was the first time having three square meals a day. It was the first time I began to understand the true meaning of what they used to call Christian love, how you are effortlessly loved and supported.
“With the struggle and the coming in of the Village of Hope, I had that boost to move forward. My understanding of the support and intervention the Village of Hope provided in my life inspired me to do the same. I was rescued, and I have a mission to rescue others. So, anytime there’s a chance to intervene for somebody, I want to be there. Anytime there’s a chance to make somebody’s life a bit better, I want to be there,” he added.
Ghanaian socialite and media personality, Afia Schwarzenegger, has penned an emotional tribute to the late former President Jerry John Rawlings, commemorating his impactful influence on her life three years after his passing.
In her heartfelt message, Afia Schwarzenegger acknowledged Rawlings’ pivotal role in shaping her character and fostering essential values that have greatly contributed to her career.
She lamented the absence of the late president, highlighting his indelible discipline in the political realm, which ensured adherence to regulations by state officials.
Expressing her sentiments on Instagram, she reflected on Rawlings’ teachings that instilled boldness, fearlessness, and honesty in her, emphasizing that his absence is keenly felt in Ghana.
She reminisced about his firm political discipline and acknowledged missing his distinct approach and leadership.
She concluded her tribute with a declaration of missing the late leader and vowed to uphold his anti-corruption legacy, signifying the impact he had on the nation.
Afia Schwarzenegger’s words were shared on her Instagram page.
“I’m bold because you nurtured me…I’m fearless because you taught me. I’m honest because that’s the reflection of you. I don’t give a f**k because they don’t deserve a f**k. Ghana is really missing you…your absence is soo loud!!! Oh Papa J..we miss your political discipline and your signature slaps… hmmmm.
“3 years of your absence feels like 30 years..indeed the owner of Ghana is no more, thank goodness I’m alive to protect your anti-corruption legacy. I miss you, Sir. Continue Resting in the Lord H.E. Jeremiah John Rawlings. (The true prophet of the land)” Afia Schwarzenegger wrote on her Instagram page.
Background details underscored the solemn three-year anniversary of Rawlings’ passing, as observed by the JJ Rawlings Foundation and his family.
The commemoration highlighted Rawlings’ unique leadership style, emphasizing his deep connection with the struggles of the common citizen and his unwavering dedication to helping the underprivileged.
It recalled various instances where Rawlings displayed his unwavering commitment to the nation’s well-being, mentioning his active involvement in addressing disasters and standing for the underprivileged during crises.
The foundation and family encouraged Ghanaians to embrace a renewed sense of patriotism and love for the country, urging a departure from personal pursuits and political bias in honor of Rawlings’ memory.
A heartfelt and emotional moment unfolded as a well-known Nigerian chef, Diary of a Kitchen Lover, shared a video announcing her pregnancy and the joyous arrival of her baby.
The chef, known as Chef Tolani, had faced the daunting challenge of infertility, all while enduring hurtful comments from online trolls over the course of several years.
In an 11-minute video that she posted on her Instagram page, Chef Tolani expressed profound gratitude for the birth of her daughter, whom she lovingly named Tifeoluwa Faiza Osikoya.
This long-awaited moment was met with immense joy and appreciation.
Chef Tolani attributed the blessing to the divine, stating that heaven had finally bestowed its benevolence upon her.
She emphasized that this was her moment to embrace motherhood after enduring years of hopeful waiting and unwavering trust in the divine plan.
“Chef T is a mum. Little Chef T is here, and she’s perfect! God has given me the best gift yet; The gift of motherhood, the gift to be called a mother and her daddy a father, The gift to experience what it’s like to be called a mother in my lifetime. He has done all of this in his own time!
“Heaven smiled on me this time and said it’s your turn, my child; I will give you nothing but the best. Please rejoice with me and my family.
“Dear God, I am here to say one prayer, the waiting years are the darkest for every woman, please make it easy and not make them wait for too long. Please smile down on every woman who wishes for the blessing of a child.
“My story is one that will always be a testimony but in all, I say Alhamdulillah,” her post read.
The Minister of Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, has clarified that the fundamental issues plaguing Ghana’s economy are not expected to be resolved solely through the current arrangement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Earlier this year, the IMF board approved Ghana’s request for a $3 billion bailout, with an initial disbursement of $600 million to the Bank of Ghana.
Subsequent disbursements were contingent on Ghana meeting specific conditions set by the IMF, which included improvements in domestic revenue mobilization.
However, Ghana missed the November 1 deadline set by the IMF for the second tranche of the $3 billion bailout due to ongoing debt rework negotiations with external creditors.
During an interview on JoyNews’ “The Probe,” Minister Kojo Oppong Nkrumah insisted that no official deadline had been missed.
“The first review has been concluded and Ghana was successful in that review. I think at the end of that review, there was a joint conference between Ghana’s Finance Minister and the Head of the IMF team, and a staff level agreement was signed and announced to undergird our parts of the first review. And then it was mentioned that the staff level agreement would have to go to the IMF Executive board which board meets in the 3rd week of November to give its approval, and when that approval is given, then the second tranche would be disbursed.”
He explained that the first review was successfully concluded, leading to a staff-level agreement between Ghana’s Finance Minister and the IMF team.
This agreement needs approval from the IMF Executive Board, which typically meets in the third week of November. Only after this approval is granted can the second tranche be disbursed.
The Minister emphasized that the IMF transaction was not a comprehensive solution to Ghana’s economic challenges but rather a means to support the Post Crisis Programme for Economic Growth (PC-PEG) aimed at recovering from economic difficulties.
He also highlighted that various countries worldwide were implementing measures to address economic challenges caused by global economic issues.
Ghana is currently engaged in negotiations with its external creditors for debt relief amounting to $10.5 billion. The country has submitted proposals for debt restructuring, including potential haircuts, to its commercial and bilateral creditors.
The IMF’s program requires Ghana to secure financial assurance from external creditors before accessing the second $600 million tranche, and it is anticipated to release a total of $1.2 billion under the Fund’s program.
Ghana’s debt arrangement with foreign creditors is expected to free up around $2.5 billion in 2023, helping address the country’s Balance of Payment deficit.
Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia asserted that Ghana doesn’t require a rescue from the opposition NDC’s John Dramani Mahama, as the country has already been salvaged by the NPP government.
Speaking on Asaase Radio, Bawumia questioned the NDC’s “Rescue Ghana Mission” campaign slogan, pointing out that the country was already rescued in 2017 under the NPP’s administration.
He reminded the public of the NDC’s need for an IMF bailout in 2015 due to economic mismanagement. Bawumia emphasized, “This economy had to be rescued by the IMF… that was the real rescue mission, as a price of mismanagement of this economy”
Bawumia highlighted the NDC government’s deviation from the IMF program, attributing its lack of success to this deviation. He emphasized the NPP’s role in rescuing the country from the mismanagement of the previous administration and building upon that foundation.
Listing the NPP’s accomplishments, he mentioned initiatives like the Free SHS program, Planting for Food and Jobs, restoration of nurses’ trainee allowances, and the Nation Builders’ Corps (NABCO).
Bawumia asserted that the NPP government has significantly alleviated suffering in Ghana since assuming power in 2017, citing substantial savings for parents due to the Free Senior High School program.
The Chief Justice, Her Ladyship Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo, has officially announced the declaration of “Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Week” for the current Legal Year Term, which will run from Monday, November 13, to Friday, November 17, 2023.
The main objective of ADR Week is to create an opportunity for the ADR Directorate of the Judicial Service to engage with the public, raising awareness about the presence of ADR within the court system, its significance in seeking justice, and how individuals can leverage this essential process for better access to justice, especially for those who are less privileged.
The theme for this year’s ADR Week is “Building the Pillars of Justice through Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).”
In a statement dated November 10, 2023, the Director of ADR, Alex Nartey, highlighted that the week-long celebration will also provide court users with pending cases the opportunity to utilize ADR through a “Mass Mediation Exercise.”
He noted, “A total of One Hundred and Thirty-Five (135) Courts, comprising Thirty-Five (35) Circuit Courts and One Hundred (100) District Courts, will participate by dedicating the entire week to settling court cases through ADR across the country.”
The Judicial Service of Ghana has embraced ADR as an integral part of its adjudication process, referred to as “Court-Connected ADR.”
This initiative aims to make access to justice in Ghana more accessible, cost-effective, non-adversarial, prompt, and flexible, especially for the economically disadvantaged and vulnerable.
The statement encouraged active participation and collaboration from the legal community, disputants, the media, and the general public to ensure the success of this year’s ADR Week for the Legal Year Term.
The Head of the Anti-illegal Mining Unit at Ghana COCOBOD, Prof. Michael Kwateng, has issued a warning that continued illegal mining activities may lead to the cancellation of Cocoa road projects due to the destruction of cocoa farms.
Prof. Kwateng has highlighted the adverse effects of galamsey activities on cocoa production, resulting in a significant reduction in the projected cocoa yield. COCOBOD had initially aimed to purchase 850,000 tonnes of cocoa this year but has fallen significantly short, unable to reach even 700,000 tonnes due to the influence of illegal mining and smuggling.
The financial challenges faced by COCOBOD as a consequence of this decline have forced a change in priorities. The primary focus now is on completing ongoing Cocoa Roads construction projects.
Prof. Kwateng has indicated that once these projects are completed, COCOBOD may refrain from awarding new contracts, potentially signaling a halt to future cocoa road initiatives.
“Illegal mining is having negative implications on cocoa production. This year we projected to purchase 850,000 tonnes, but as we speak now, we have not hit even 700,000 tonnes, which means galamsey and smuggling are affecting cocoa production.”
He added “I have recommended that cocoa road projects should be cancelled because illegal miners have destroyed the cocoa farms. So very soon COCOBOD will stop cocoa road projects,” Prof. Kwateng said.
During an engagement between the Anti-Illegal Mining Unit of COCOBOD, local chiefs, and cocoa farmers in Akyem Asafo, Eastern Region, Prof. Kwateng addressed the issue.
The engagement was prompted by a petition from cocoa farmers in Akyem Asafo, expressing concern over the seizure of 860 acres of cocoa farms by the Chief of Akyem Asafo, Nana Barima Boampong Darkwanin.
This land was supposedly acquired for the establishment of military bases but was instead used for illegal mining. Prof. Michael Kwateng emphasized the legal repercussions under the Economic Plant and Protection Act, Article 47, which prohibits the sale of cocoa farms and any destruction of cocoa plants without the consent of Ghana COCOBOD.
Individuals found in violation of this law may face legal consequences. The Concerned Farmers Association of Akyem Asafo has decried the ongoing destruction of their cocoa farms for illegal mining, emphasizing the erosion of their livelihood source, and has called for COCOBOD’s intervention to address this issue.
On Wednesday, November 15, 2023, the Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, will present the government’s 2024 Annual Budget Statement and Economic Policy to Parliament.
In the lead-up to this presentation, there have been calls for the government to make significant cuts to its expenditures in order to address the challenges facing the ailing economy.
Kenneth Thompson, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Dalex Finance and Leasing Company Limited, recently issued a warning about a potential economic downturn in 2024 if the government continues its current trend of increasing and substantial expenditures.
In an interview with Umaru Sanda Amadu on Face to Face on Citi TV, Mr. Thompson emphasized the importance of protecting the poor and urged a focus on essential sectors such as health, education, infrastructure, food, and other critical areas to address the country’s economic challenges.
In the meantime, the Finance Minister has announced that long-term relief measures for the victims of the Akosombo Dam spillage will be considered in the formulation of the 2024 budget.
Speaking to journalists after visiting the affected communities, Mr. Ofori-Atta mentioned that while the government had already provided some relief items to the victims, they were committed to doing more.
This commitment to providing assistance to those affected by the spillage will be reflected in the upcoming budget, with a focus on social interventions to address the real needs of the affected communities.
The National Coordinator of the School Feed Programme, Mrs. Gertrude Quashigah has been confirmed dead.
Mrs. Gertrude Quashigah passed away on Sunday, November 12, 2023.
Born on February 1, 1960, in Dzelukope, Keta, within the Volta Region, she served as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Ambar Quality Foods Limited and was a prominent figure in the hospitality industry.
Mrs. Quashigah made significant contributions to the Ghanaian food industry and was the spouse of the late Major Courage E. K Quashigah (Rtd), a former Minister in the erstwhile Kufuor administration.
She completed her education at Keta Secondary Senior High School and pursued further studies in her chosen field.
Under her leadership, the Ghana School Feeding Programme achieved remarkable success in ensuring that children across the nation had access to nutritious meals.
The program’s objectives included boosting school enrollment, attendance, and retention while also enhancing the overall health and well-being of students.
In May 2021, Mrs. Quashigah was relieved of her position as the National Coordinator of the Ghana School Feeding Programme.
The Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection issued a letter at that time, requesting her to hand over any official documents or property in her possession to the Chief Director of the ministry.
The letter did not provide any reasons for her removal and was dated May 18, 2021. However, President Nana Addo Dankwa-Akufo-Addo later reversed this decision.
In a significant turn of events, police have detained two individuals suspected to be linked to the felling of the revered 300-year-old cola tree, initially planted by chief priest Komfo Anokye.
The revelation came from Feyiase’s District Chief Executive (DCE), Joseph Assuming, as reported by The Chronicle on November 10, 2023.
The arrests transpired on Wednesday, November 8, 2023, following an earlier report by GhanaWeb on November 7.
Although The Chronicle’s account lacked specific information concerning the identities or motives of the detained individuals, it affirmed their involvement in the incident, which led to their capture by law enforcement.
In addition to the arrests, reports suggest that the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has summoned the chief of Feyiase in response to the historic tree’s felling.
The 300-year-old cola tree, revered for its historical and cultural significance, owing to its association with Komfo Anokye, stands as a symbolic representation of heritage for the community.
An extensive investigation is underway concerning the examination scripts of over 22,000 candidates due to suspicions of widespread cheating.
Results in specific subjects for 312 candidates and three private candidates have been invalidated.
This action was taken because they either carried foreign materials, including prepared notes, textbooks, and printed materials into the exam hall, or were found collaborating with other candidates.
Additionally, results for 41 school candidates and one private candidate have been nullified for possessing mobile phones in the examination hall. The results of several other candidates are also being withheld.
In response to these cases of exam malpractice, the Director of Public Affairs at WAEC, John Kapi, has mentioned that severe violations could lead to candidates being banned for several years.
“The subject officers are looking at the report of the examiners, they are also comparing the reports with the scripts so when they do that some results that may not necessarily be withheld will be released.
“But where we find that indeed there is some truth in whatever the examiners have reported, we give a hearing to the candidate. So the candidate will be invited to come to the office and then they would answer questions on whatever we discovered in their scripts,” he said.
However, for minor offenses, candidates may have the opportunity to retake the examination the following year.
He also suggested that the high rate of malpractice may be linked to the limited contact time that teachers have with students, causing teachers to feel they haven’t adequately prepared students, leading them to engage in cheating during the exam.
The Executive Director of the Institute of Education Studies, Dr. Peter Anti, expressed his dissatisfaction with the recurring incidents of cheating but welcomed WAEC’s actions to address the issue.
The Executive Director of the Africa Education Watch, Kofi Asare, shared a similar sentiment, noting a decline in the number of students with canceled results and suggesting that the final outcome will become clear as the extensive examination of results progresses.
“I see a decline in the number of students whose entire August results were cancelled from 73 to 41 and I also see another decline in the number of students who had some of their subject’s results cancelled. When we hear the conclusion from the huge number of students whose results are been scrutinized, it will give us a definite outcome,” he said.
Australian television personality and singer Johnny Ruffo has passed away at the age of 35, following a courageous battle with brain cancer.
Ruffo initially gained fame on the reality show X Factor Australia before venturing into acting on the popular soap Home and Away.
In 2017, after receiving his cancer diagnosis, he actively contributed to raising funds and awareness for brain cancer in Australia.
On Friday, he peacefully departed, surrounded by his loved ones, as conveyed in a statement posted on his Instagram page by his family.
“He battled all the way to the end and fought as hard as he could,” it read.
“Such a beautiful soul with so much more to give.”
The statement noted his unwavering determination and valiant fight against the disease, describing him as a beautiful soul with so much potential yet to be realized.
He will be remembered as a talented, charming, and occasionally mischievous individual.
Numerous well-wishers, including former X Factor host and Spice Girl Mel B, extended their condolences to his family. Dannii Minogue, in an Instagram post, reminisced about Johnny’s charismatic personality and his contributions as a singer and dancer.
Johnny Ruffo, originally from Perth, Western Australia, had previously worked as a concreter before achieving his breakthrough on the third season of X Factor in 2011. Subsequently, he released multiple singles, triumphed in a season of Dancing with the Stars, and portrayed the character Chris Harrington on Home and Away for three years.
After receiving his cancer diagnosis in 2017, Ruffo put his career on hold. He briefly entered remission after two years of treatment, but unfortunately, his cancer recurred in 2020.
In a 2022 interview, he candidly revealed that his prognosis had become terminal, stating his goal was to help as many people as possible.
“Looking up my diagnosis and my tumour and… the average life expectancy was three years. For me its now been five years, so I’m already winning,” he told Channel 10.”At some point it is going to get me… My goal now is to try and help as many people as I can.”
Johnny Ruffo is survived by his partner, Tahnee Sims.
Police in Montreal are investigating possible hate crimes after two Jewish schools in the city were hit with gunshots overnight.
Bullet holes were found on the doors of both schools on Thursday morning, police said, along with bullet casings.
No one was in the buildings at the time of the shooting and no one was injured.
The incidents have shaken Montreal’s Jewish community, who say they are concerned about a rise in hate crimes amid the Israel-Gaza war.
“The Jewish community, with close to 300 years of history in Quebec, is under attack,” Yair Szlak, head of Montreal-based Jewish organisation Federation CJA, said at a news conference on Thursday.
The Service de police de la Ville de Montréal (SPVM) said they have not found graffiti or messages left behind by the perpetrators, but they are “not closing the doors at this point on a hate crime situation.”
One mother told the Globe and Mail that she pulled her daughter out of class early at one of the schools because she was worried her child would be scared.
“This is a kids’ school, it’s too much,” Megan Saleh said.
The shootings come after a synagogue and a Jewish centre run by Federation CJA in Montreal’s West Island were hit with firebombs. No one was injured in those incidents, which also happened at night.
Eta Yudin, the vice-president of the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs in Quebec, said the firebombings are a result of “an importation” of the conflict unfolding in the Middle East between Israel and Hamas.
“We see actions and words in the streets of Montreal targeting the Jewish community. These are not our Quebec values,” Mr Yudin said.
The incidents prompted Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to issue a statement on Tuesday that “antisemitism is completely unacceptable and must always be condemned.”
Montreal Mayor Valerie Plante, responding to the shootings, warned perpetrators that they will be prosecuted and that “every violent and hateful event will be investigated” by police.
“You will answer for your actions,” Ms Plante said.
Montreal police reported 74 hate crimes and incidents targeting the Jewish community between 7 October, when the war between Israel and Hamas began, and 7 November.
Police said they are also investigating 25 hate crimes and incidents against the Muslim community reported in that same period.
Some arrests have been made in those cases, they said.
The police, who are increasing their presence at places of worship, are “appealing for calm”, said Vincent Richer, Deputy Director of the Montreal police force.
Police in other cities across Canada, including Toronto and Vancouver, have also reported a rise in hate crimes.
US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping are scheduled to convene next week in the San Francisco Bay area, as disclosed by two senior administration officials.
This upcoming meeting on November 15th will mark only the second in-person encounter between the two leaders during President Biden’s tenure.
The discussions are expected to cover a wide range of topics, with a particular focus on issues such as the Israel-Hamas conflict, the situation in Taiwan, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, and concerns related to election interference.
The relationship between the United States and China had experienced a deterioration earlier this year, characterized by events such as the US accusation of China deploying a spy balloon in American airspace, subsequently shot down off the coast of South Carolina.
“This is not the relationship of five or 10 years ago, we’re not talking about a long list of outcomes or deliverables,” one of the officials said.
“The goals here really are about managing the competition, preventing the downside of risk – of conflict, and ensuring channels of communication are open.”
Furthermore, China’s reaction to a visit to Taiwan by then-Speaker Nancy Pelosi last year led to a breakdown in communication between the two nations’ militaries. The Biden administration is committed to restoring these crucial communication channels, although China appears to display reluctance in this regard.
An official emphasized that the current state of US-China relations is significantly different from that of five or ten years ago, and the primary objectives of the meeting revolve around managing competition, mitigating the risk of conflict, and ensuring open lines of communication.
This bilateral meeting is scheduled to coincide with the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, hosted by the US in San Francisco from November 11 to 17.
US officials have consistently stressed the importance of re-establishing military dialogue in numerous discussions with their Chinese counterparts over the past year, albeit without notable progress.
The Chinese spy balloon incident remains a significant point of contention when discussing the resumption of military-to-military communication.
The Chinese spy balloon incident remains a significant point of contention when discussing the resumption of military-to-military communication.
The official noted, “I think the balloon episode underscored the difficulty we had at the time to be able to establish high-level, consequential communications with Beijing. And we’ve made that case persistently and consistently,” the official added.
In response to the February incident, Secretary of State Antony Blinken initially canceled a planned trip to Beijing, describing China’s actions as “unacceptable and irresponsible.”
However, the visit ultimately took place in June, during which Mr. Blinken engaged in a substantive conversation with President Xi.
Frank Borman, a former NASA astronaut renowned for his leadership during the groundbreaking Apollo 8 mission, which marked humanity’s first voyage around the moon, has passed away at the age of 95 in Billings, Montana, as confirmed by the space agency.
In 1968, Mr. Borman, alongside two fellow astronauts, achieved the historic feat of becoming the first humans to witness the far side of the Moon during the Apollo 8 expedition.
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson paid tribute to Mr. Borman, describing him as “one of NASA’s finest” and a “true American hero” deeply devoted to his work.
Nelson also highlighted Borman’s unwavering passion for aviation and exploration, noting that his love for his wife, Susan, was equally profound.
Mr. Borman once articulated the significance of exploration in uniting humanity, stating, “Exploration is really the essence of the human spirit.”
Apollo 8 marked a pivotal moment in space history as it signified the first occasion when humans ventured beyond Earth’s orbit, temporarily losing sight of their home planet.
During this mission, Frank Borman’s colleague, William Anders, captured the iconic Earthrise photograph, depicting the Earth suspended above the lunar surface of the Moon.
This image, renowned as the first color photo of Earth from space, is often credited with catalyzing the environmental movement.
Frank Borman’s career commenced in the Air Force in 1950, where he served as a fighter pilot, operational pilot, and instructor. His exceptional abilities led to his selection by NASA to instruct at the Aerospace Research Pilot School at Edwards AFB, California.
Before the Apollo mission, Mr. Borman participated in the Gemini 7 spacecraft mission in 1965, spending 14 days in low-Earth orbit and accomplishing the first orbital rendezvous in space with Gemini 6.
Following his retirement as an astronaut, Frank Borman assumed leadership at Eastern Airlines in 1975. His remarkable contributions to space exploration were recognized with his induction into the U.S.
Astronaut Hall of Fame in 1993, and a section of expressway between Indiana and Illinois was named in his honor.
A Senior Lands Administrative Officer and a mother of two, Rhodaline Amoah Darko, has been missing for over two years.
Her husband, Dr. Wilberforce Aggrey, who works in the Petroleum Department of KNUST, is currently on trial at the Kumasi High Court, facing charges of kidnapping his wife.
The family of 32-year-old Rhodaline has now announced a GH₵100,000 reward for information that could help locate her.
Rhodaline was described as a breadwinner of the family, and her mother, Cecelia Obenewa Appiah, is seeking answers to find her missing daughter.
“It has been 2-years of sorrow. Two years of expectations; expecting that I will get up one day and I will hear that Rhoda has come. I have waited and waited and waited and it’s 2 years plus now and to no avail,” Rhodaline’s mother.
Cecelia, a former headmistress of Krobo Girls Senior High School, is currently retired and deeply affected by her daughter’s disappearance. She is looking for divine intervention to ease her anguish and hopes that Rhodaline will be found soon.
“It has not been easy at all as a mother. The angels of God, I am praying that they bring her from wherever Rhoda has been kept to me so that it would be a Christmas bonus for me,” says Madam Obenewa.
The police had initially linked Dr. Wilberforce Aggrey to an authored kidnapping note and accused him of using his wife’s phone to send text messages from a location near his KNUST campus home.
He was discharged by the court in February 2022 but subsequently re-arrested to face new charges at the Kumasi High Court, where he was granted bail.
Two other suspects, Justice Appiah and Yaw Amoateng, who were said to have sold and bought a phone belonging to Rhodaline Darko, are also on trial.
The family of Rhodaline is now seeking public support to help find her and is offering a reward of GH₵100,000 to anyone who provides information that leads to her location.
The Kumasi High Court is scheduled to hear the case on November 13, 2023, following several adjournments.
The Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCO) is taking proactive measures to address the challenges it faces in the Bawku region.
The company has recognized the prolonged conflict in the area as a significant impediment to its operations, particularly in terms of revenue collection and customer monitoring.
In response to these challenges, NEDCO is collaborating with security agencies to categorize its operations in Bawku as a matter of national security.
Maxwell Kotoka, the Communications Manager for NEDCO, emphasized the importance of this security arrangement.
He highlighted that the conflict not only hampers revenue collection but also disrupts the consistent supply of power to the region. The inability to deploy officers effectively in the conflict-affected areas has further exacerbated the situation.
By designating their operations in Bawku as a specialized component of national security, NEDCO aims to ensure that the necessary security measures are in place to protect both its personnel and infrastructure.
The company believes that maintaining a stable and secure environment is essential for the consistent provision of electricity services in the region.
“Management has engaged institutions regarding the possibility of designating our operations in Bawku as a specialized component of national security. Because, while we struggle to collect payments, we are also obligated to ensure a consistent power supply.”
“This creates an environment conducive to insecurity, so it is imperative that power is consistently available to mitigate security concerns… Therefore, it is entirely appropriate for it to be treated as a national security issue,” he emphasized.
The National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) has issued a stern warning to canoe operators nationwide, emphasizing the critical importance of effectively utilizing life jackets for their safety.
This caution comes in the wake of a tragic incident on Thursday, November 9, 2023, within the Agyata Electoral Area, where a canoe carrying twelve individuals from Azietsi-Korpe to Agyata capsized, resulting in the drowning of six passengers.
Prompt response by NADMO, the Police, Fire Service, and Ambulance Service led to the rescue of six people, comprising four adult females and two adult males, while five bodies, including three elderly women and two young girls, were sadly recovered and confirmed deceased.
The final victim’s body was retrieved on Friday, November 10, 2023. The Eastern Regional Operations Director of NADMO, Alfred Owiredu-Agyeman, took the opportunity to caution canoe operators about the imperative need to prioritize their safety by consistently wearing life jackets during their operations.
He stressed, “We wish to caution our canoe operators on the Volta and Afram rivers in the Eastern Region to strictly adhere to the use of life jackets.”
Former Chief Justice, Her Ladyship Justice Sophia Akuffo, reiterated her disapproval of the government’s Domestic Debt Exchange Program (DDEP), likening its implementation to the authoritarian methods reminiscent of military regimes.
Speaking on Starr FM, Madam Akuffo expressed her discomfort with the government’s push for endorsement of agreements that lacked full understanding.
She criticized the government’s attempts to alter expectations without proper due process, drawing parallels to historical instances when abrupt changes were imposed by decrees.
Her reference to waking up to new currency or altered denominations enforced by decree questioned the rationale behind such sudden transformations.
“You contracted me, that in return for buying your bonds, these are what I am expecting. Now you want to change my expectations for whatever reasons you don’t do by decree. It was more like the days when you wake up in the morning and by decree, something has happened in Ghana.
“All of a sudden no more 50 cedi notes or all of a sudden from Saturday there is a new currency but the new currency is not in circulation yet. But Saturday, Monday what you have is no longer money, decree. What kind of life is that?” Madam Akuffo asked.
She highlighted the government’s attempt to change expectations post-contract, indicating that decree-like actions resembled past instances when unexpected changes were mandated without sufficient preparation.
Expressing her disappointment, she particularly addressed the plight of pensioners who had resorted to protest, lamenting that retired individuals had reached a desperate point due to someone’s insistence on flouting the law.
Madam Akuffo stood firm in her commitment to principles and legal compliance, asserting her resistance to perceived unjust actions by the government.
Rescue teams have successfully recovered the body of the latest victim, who tragically drowned alongside eleven others in the Afram River.
This incident unfolded in the Agyata Electoral Area on November 9, 2023, as a group of twelve individuals were crossing from Azietsi-Korpe to Agyata when their canoe capsized, leading to their untimely demise.
Swift responses from the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO), Police, Fire Service, and Ambulance Service resulted in the rescue of six people, comprising four adult females and two adult males.
Regrettably, five bodies were retrieved, including three elderly women and two young girls, all of whom were confirmed to have lost their lives in this tragedy.
Alfred Owiredu-Agyeman, the Eastern Regional Operations Director of NADMO, provided an update on the situation, stating, “We just received an update from our district director that the sixth body has been retrieved from the river.”
He also issued a stern reminder to canoe operators along the Volta and Afram rivers in the Eastern Region to strictly adhere to the use of life jackets.
NADMO had previously supplied life jackets to these operators, and it was observed that their usage had not been consistent.
Emphasizing the importance of life jackets, Owiredu-Agyeman stressed that their proper utilization could significantly contribute to saving lives in such perilous situations.
The Right to Information Commission has imposed a fine of GHC30,000 on the Audit Service for their failure to release requested data to private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu.
Mr Kpebu’s inquiries centered on whether the Audit Service Board had followed due process in the recruitment of 150 new employees, as mandated by constitutional Article 189(2).
Specifically, Kpebu sought information regarding whether the Board had consulted with the Public Services Commission, as well as whether they had declared vacancies and advertised them in national newspapers, as prescribed by Article 3(1) of the Audit Service Scheme of Service 2020 and Article 7(a) of the Collective Agreement between the Audit Service and the Public Service Workers Union.
Mr Kpebu’s information requests extended to various aspects of the recruitment process, including the number of applicants, shortlisted candidates, interview details, composition of the interview panel, interviewee score sheets, the final report presented to the Audit Service Board, appointment letters of successful candidates, academic and professional qualifications, application letters of the successful applicants, and any associated recruitment expenses.
Regrettably, the Audit Service did not respond to Kpebu’s requests, prompting him to elevate the matter to the RTI Commission.
The RTI Commission, in its judgment, imposed a fine of GHC30,000 on the Audit Service due to their failure to provide the requested information and their non-responsiveness to the Commission’s correspondence.
The penalty must be paid to the Commission within 14 days from the date of receiving this decision and may incur additional default penalties.
Three Justices of the Court of Appeal have been nominated by President Akufo-Addo to fill vacancies on the Supreme Court bench.
The individuals nominated for this esteemed position are Justice Henry Anthony Cofie, Justice Yaw Asare Darko, and Justice Richard Agyei Frimpong.
These nominations come in the wake of the retirement of three Justices from the apex court earlier this year.
The First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Joseph Osei-Owusu, who presided over the parliamentary proceedings, has referred the appointment of these three Justices to the Appointments Committee for thorough consideration and subsequent reporting.
In his statement, the President explained,“Over the course of the last few months, in February, May, and June, respectively, three vacancies have been created on the Supreme Court bench. By convention, and having regard to its excessive jurisdiction, the Supreme Court bench comprises the Chief Justice and 15 other justices. These vacancies have occurred as a result of the mandatory retirement of Justice Nene Abayeteye Ofoe Amegatcher on February 3, 2023, former Chief Justice Kwasi Anin-Yeboah on May 24, 2023, and Justice Jones Dotse on June 8, 2023. There are now 13 justices of the Supreme Court, including the Chief Justice, Gertrude Torkornoo.”
By convention, and considering its extensive jurisdiction, the Supreme Court bench comprises the Chief Justice and 15 other Justices.
These vacancies emerged due to the mandatory retirement of Justice Nene Abayeteye Ofoe Amegatcher on February 3, 2023, former Chief Justice Kwasi Anin-Yeboah on May 24, 2023, and Justice Jones Dotse on June 8, 2023. Currently, there are 13 Justices on the Supreme Court, including Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.”
The last occasion on which new appointments were made to the Supreme Court bench took place in July 2022. Those appointments consisted of three justices from the Court of Appeal and one from the High Court.
The nominees from the Court of Appeal were Justice Barbara Frances Ackah-Yensu, Justice George Kingsley Koomson, and Justice Samuel Kwame Adibu Asiedu, with Justice Ernest Yao Gaewu as the sole nominee from the High Court.
Each of these nominees was duly vetted and approved by Parliament.
Former General Secretary of the People’s National Convention (PNC), Mohammed Atik, has voiced his belief that Energy Minister, Matthew Opoku Prempeh, is the most suitable candidate to join Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia as his running mate for the 2024 elections.
Speaking on Okay FM he argued that it would be a politically unwise decision for Dr. Bawumia to overlook a candidate from the Ashanti Region.
According to him, considering the prevailing dynamics within the NPP and the current political landscape, it is strategically prudent for Dr. Bawumia’s running mate to hail from the Ashanti Region.
“It will be politically unwise for him to look beyond the Ashanti Region…For now, when you look at the dynamics in the NPP and how things are going, it is only strategic that his choice comes from the Ashanti Region,” he cautioned.
Therefore, to him, should the Vice President, who is the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party, appoint Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh; they together will give the opposition National Democratic Congress and their presidential candidate, former President John Dramani Mahama, a ‘showdown’ 2024.
“I think NAPO stands tall for strategic reasons…If NAPO is to partner Dr. Bawumia, they will give the NDC a good run for their money,” he stated.
He emphasized that such a choice would align with the party’s interests.
Mr Atik stressed the significance of NAPO as a strategic partner, underscoring that their combined efforts would greatly enhance the NPP’s prospects.
Despite the existence of other potential candidates, such as Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, Education Minister, Akosua Frema Osei-Opare, Chief of Staff, Joseph Osei-Owusu, First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, and others, Atik firmly believed that none of these contenders could match the potential synergy that Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh would bring to Dr. Bawumia’s bid to maintain the NPP’s grip on power.
Former General Secretary of the People’s National Convention (PNC), Mohammed Atik, has emphasized the exclusive responsibility of a flagbearer in the selection of a running mate.
In his view, this responsibility lies squarely with the flagbearer, as it is the flagbearer who is entrusted with the crucial task of selecting a candidate who can effectively collaborate in the realization of their mission and vision for the party.
“There are individuals exploiting the situation, and reports suggest that certain party executives are soliciting funds from aspiring running mates. Regrettably, it has come to my attention that one to three individuals have been adversely affected by these unscrupulous practices. I want to emphasize, with the utmost clarity, that the exclusive authority to select a running mate rests with the flagbearer.
Speaking on Okay FM, Mr Atik elaborated on this process, noting that once the flagbearer identifies a suitable individual to join their campaign as a running mate.
He stated that it is incumbent upon the party’s executives to subsequently endorse this chosen candidate.
“It is crucial that this point is fully comprehended: the flagbearer, and the flagbearer alone, holds the mandate to designate a running mate. The individual they choose to partner with is subject to the approval and endorsement of the party council,”he added.
This endorsement, he said, serves as an official seal of approval for the running mate selection.
Mr Atik emphasized the need for individuals with aspirations of becoming a running mate to recognize and respect this established protocol.
He cautioned against futile efforts to secure the running mate position, urging prospective candidates to refrain from squandering their resources in pursuit of this goal.
“I urge everyone to pay heed to this fact, as the process of selecting a running mate is firmly rooted in the flagbearer’s prerogative, and any decision made in this regard will be reviewed and officially endorsed by the council. It is imperative that we strictly adhere to these guidelines, ensuring transparency and fairness within our party’s internal procedures,” he stated.
Furthermore, the Former General Secretary for PNC admonished party executives against exploiting individuals with such aspirations, emphasizing that such actions are contrary to the party’s rules and regulations.
The Electoral Commission (EC), brought the five-day voter exhibition exercise in preparation for the district level and unit committee elections to a close on Tuesday, November 7, 2023.
The exercise commenced on Friday, November 3, encompassing all 38,622 polling stations nationwide.
It took place from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm over the past four days.
The primary aim of this voter exhibition exercise is to provide prospective voters with an opportunity to review their registration details, especially for those who were enrolled during the limited registration period from Tuesday, September 12 to Monday, October 2.
Notably, there have been instances of low turnout at various exhibition centers.
However, the Chair of the Commission, Jean Mensa, mentioned that many prospective voters can use digital means to verify their details.
Below is how to verify your voter ID status using the short code 71381#.
1. Dial *713*81#
2. Enter your voter ID number (10 digits)
3. Confirm payment of GH¢0.60p (60 Ghana peseswas)
4. Enter PIN (of MoMo/Vodacash etc) to confirm payment
5. Confirmation of Voter details in Voter’s Register will be sent to you via SMS.
The exhibition of coalpots created by first-year engineering students at Kumasi Technical University (KsTU) was not intended to highlight the university’s achievements.
Instead, it was a showcase of the students’ skills in designing and manufacturing functional coalpots as part of their academic projects.
Speaking on GHOne TV the Head of the Automotive and Agricultural Mechanisation Engineering Department clarified that while the students’ work is commendable, it should not be considered a major achievement.
“I am putting it on record, that I am the Head of Department of the Automotive and Agricultural Mechanisation Engineering Department, I am saying that, that particular thing on social media, is not meant or was not meant to tout our achievement.”
“This is not an achievement, welding of coalpots, it is something that they [students] have done, that we have to be proud of them but it is not an achievement.”
“An achievement is one of these things, electric vehicle with a different design or arrangement. That is what we want them to know, because we have not finished this one [electric vehicle], that is why it is not even coming out.
“As a country, we have to start from somewhere and end at somewhere, we are worried but we know God will really see us through in these difficult times,” he added.
He explained that real achievements in the department involve projects like electric vehicles with innovative designs, which are currently in progress but not yet complete.
The Head of Department emphasized the importance of starting somewhere and making progress as a country.
The news of the students’ project has sparked discussions, with some pointing out that artisans with limited engineering knowledge have been making coalpots for years.
The first-year engineering students at KsTU, specifically in the Automotive Engineering program, demonstrated their ingenuity and teamwork by designing and crafting functional coalpots as part of their academic projects.
The project went beyond their curriculum, showcasing their dedication and innovation in exploring practical solutions.
The students successfully presented their creation to the university’s management, reflecting their commitment to academic excellence and hands-on learning.
Dr. Ishmael Yamson, a well-known Business Management Consultant and the CEO of Ishmael Yamson & Associates, has highlighted the pervasive corruption in Ghana, asserting that its impact is clearly reflected in the country’s financial state.
He emphasized that the nation consistently faces fiscal challenges at the end of each leader’s term, a trend that has persisted since the time of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s inaugural President.
Dr. Yamson, a prominent figure in the private sector known for his significant contributions to business growth, expressed these views in an interview with Joy News’ Evans Mensah.
During an upcoming episode of PM Express on Joy News, Dr. Yamson criticized the alleged vote-buying that occurred during the recent presidential primaries of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).
According to the octogenarian, corruption in Ghana has escalated and continues to grow. He expressed his dismay at how individuals could openly admit to buying votes, suggesting that leadership positions are up for sale to the highest bidder.
Dr. Yamson also voiced his concern about the way vote-buying perpetuates corruption when politicians assume public office. He attributed the problem to the role of political party financing in fostering widespread corruption.
The business icon emphasized that corruption in Ghana is a pressing issue that needs acknowledgment and attention. He criticized the idea that political leaders acquire their positions not based on merit but through financial contributions or bribery.
“Now, when that man or woman has paid all that money to acquire the position, to go to parliament, where is he going to get the money to pay back? I have a clip that I have been showing to people. Someone who has contested parliament and sat in parliament offered to say that yes we paid. My competitors paid, I didn’t pay that much but they paid and I also paid,” he added.
Dr. Yamson noted that allowing others to buy votes will not lead to meaningful change in Ghana, emphasizing the importance of addressing corruption to effect real transformation in the country.
Furthermore, Dr. Ishmael Yamson rated President Akufo-Addo’s anti-corruption efforts at 4 out of 10, expressing disappointment in his ability to combat corruption.
“This country, for as long as we have leaders who have come into office indebted to people and they have to pay them back, Evans I am sorry. I am painting too bleak a picture, but it’s the reality” he told the host.
He commended Dr. Kwame Nkrumah as the only leader who stood against corruption and criticized successive leaders and the current President for their failures in addressing the issue, which has left the country in financial disarray.
Dr. Yamson specifically pointed out President Akufo-Addo’s response to the case involving former Sanitation Minister Cecilia Dapaah, stating that the President’s involvement in the matter was unwarranted.
“…Because even if you yourself as an individual have not dipped your hands into the state coffers, what about all your followers and what have you done about them?”
He questioned the President’s trust in individuals implicated in corruption cases and emphasized the need for strong action against corruption.
The interview with Dr. Ishmael Yamson covers various aspects of corruption in Ghana, revealing his concerns and criticisms regarding the issue and its impact on the country’s governance and financial stability.
“My greatest disappointment was when recently we had a case about a Minister who had so much money in her home, and the President said he hoped her integrity would be proven in the end. Why would the President even get involved in this when there are state agencies handling the matter?.”
If you are our leader and you say you trust the person, how do you expect the people following you to go and say the person cannot be trusted; it’s not possible. I don’t think he [President Akufo-Addo] has been able to stamp down corruption in this country; he hasn’t. Because if he has, then all the scandals that come up day after day, why hasn’t he taken firm action to deal with all those things and stop them? Why isn’t any of his people who have been found culpable not in jail?” he asked.
The Electoral Commission (EC), has conducted a five-day voter exhibition exercise in preparation for the district level and unit committee elections, concluding today, Tuesday, November 7.
The exercise commenced on Friday, November 3, encompassing all 38,622 polling stations nationwide. It took place from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm over the past four days.
The primary aim of this voter exhibition exercise is to provide prospective voters with an opportunity to review their registration details, especially for those who were enrolled during the limited registration period from Tuesday, September 12 to Monday, October 2.
Notably, there have been instances of low turnout at various exhibition centers.
However, Jean Mensa, the Chair of the Commission, mentioned that many prospective voters are using digital means to verify their details.
The EC introduced a short code, 71381#, for online verification at a cost of GHp50.
The district level and unit committee elections are slated for Tuesday, December 19, 2023.
The leaders of the Southern Africa Development Corporation (SADC) are set to convene in Luanda, the capital of Angola, with the primary agenda focusing on the security situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
SADC had previously agreed to deploy approximately 500 complementary troops to the DRC to support the existing East African Community Regional Force (EACRF).
However, the regional bloc had been cautious in assessing the situation.
If the meeting in Angola decides to establish specific deployment dates, it could provide some relief for the eastern DRC.
Nonetheless, the ongoing violence in the region, driven by armed groups, continues to displace thousands of people from their homes, posing a significant challenge.
Moreover, with less than two months left until the elections, the International Crisis Group expresses concerns that if the elections are not managed with consensus, there could be an increased risk of violence.
They argue that planning for the vote without consensus could lead to disputes over the election results and related violence, which would threaten the country’s stability.
“This could increase the risks of contestation of the ballot and related violence. This could be detrimental to the country’s stability,” reads the report Elections in the DRC, limiting the risk of violence,” published on October 30.
President Felix Tshisekedi faces a substantial number of candidates, with the final count to be determined after the Constitutional Court validates the contestants on November 18.
The risk of violence and disputes in the electoral process is high, particularly given the competitive nature of the race and a charged electorate. In 2018, Tshisekedi’s surprise victory led to a national crisis, eventually resulting in a coalition government.
The International Crisis Group highlights that the outcome of the DRC’s election and its stability will depend on the actions of DRC’s foreign allies, who should urge the country to adhere to the law and denounce abuses. The Congolese opposition is currently facing increased repression, and there is a climate of mistrust surrounding the fairness of the elections.
The electoral process faces logistical challenges, especially in delivering electoral materials in a country with a poor road network and expensive and unreliable air transport.
Additionally, the violence between the Wazalendo and the M23 rebels in the eastern DRC has further complicated preparations and security concerns, with clashes between the Congolese army and the M23 intensifying in recent months.
The Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation has issued a directive mandating all e-commerce operators and their courier/drivers to register with the Postal and Courier Services Regulatory Commission (PCSRC) by December 19, 2023.
After this deadline, no new goods delivery or courier service provider can register with any digital platform or delivery service without a valid PSCRC e-certificate. Existing operators have until January 24, 2024, to comply with this directive.
This registration requirement is essential for obtaining an e-certificate and an African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Number, aimed at combating e-commerce fraud and crimes committed by unlicensed and unregistered drivers, courier operators, and delivery personnel.
The Ministry, in a press statement, expressed concern over logistical companies and digital platform operators flouting the law by facilitating courier services without adhering to the country’s licensing regulations. This practice was found to contravene the Electronic Transactions Act of 2008, Act 772, and the Postal and Courier Services Regulatory Commission Act of 2003, Act 649.
The statement emphasized that the regulation of goods delivery and courier activities in Ghana is stipulated by Section 10 of The Postal and Courier Services Regulatory Commission Act, Act 649, and Sections 47 to 49 of the Electronic Transactions Act, Act 772, specify minimum compliance standards for e-commerce operators.
Companies falling within the scope of this directive include Uber, Bolt, Yango, Glovo, Jiji, Tonaton, Maxmartghana.com, as well as all e-commerce and e-delivery platforms and companies. These businesses are no longer permitted to use unregistered personnel for delivering goods, as it contributes to fraud and customer abuse.
The Ministry underlined the growing importance of streamlining the sector, particularly in light of the cross-border e-commerce objectives of the AfCFTA and the increased use of digital platforms to facilitate internal trade.
In response, the government of Ghana has launched the AfCFTA Hub to simplify licensing and enhance legal compliance, endorsed by the AfCFTA Secretariat, African Union 4D, and AfroChampions.
The AfCFTA Hub aims to promote digital trade across the African continent while preventing fraud and illegal trade.
In the wake of Mzbel’s 10-year-old son publicly expressing his disbelief in God, the matter has generated significant criticism regarding the upbringing of the child and his knowledge of religious matters.
Mzbel faced substantial backlash for what many perceived as inadequate guidance of her child, considering the provocative remarks he made during the interview, which sparked controversy in the country.
On the contrary, popular filmmaker and entertainment pundit, Ola Michael, has praised Mzbel for nurturing her child’s ability to articulate himself intelligently at such a tender age.
Ola Michael commended Mzbel for cultivating her child’s intelligence and confidence, especially in public settings, traits that are relatively rare among children his age. He acknowledged Mzbel’s role as a single parent, emphasizing the positive aspects of her parenting efforts.
“I think Mzbel has done well. I watched the footage several times and I was amazed. He [Mzbel’s son] made it clear that he is a single-parent kind of child. I did not hear him talking about his father in the interview… He mentions his mother’s name. So first of all, the woman [Mzbel] has done very well to train a 10-year-old boy to speak like that,” he said.
“When I was watching the interview at first I was paying attention to the way he speaks and I realized he is intelligent. So I was wondering where does he come from? And where did he learn all that from?” Ola Michael told MzGee.
He further commented on the child’s intelligence, highlighting his curiosity and ability to articulate his thoughts effectively.
Ola Michael expressed surprise at the child’s intellectual maturity, pondering the source of his knowledge.
Mzbel’s 10-year-old son had stirred controversy with an interview in which he expressed disbelief in God and Jesus Christ, attributing his worldview to his mother’s influence.
These statements garnered substantial criticism, but Mzbel staunchly defended her son’s views, asserting her own beliefs and the idea that everything with life possesses a divine essence.
Mzbel emphasized a perspective that recognizes various energies and entities as divine, and she emphasized the importance of honoring ancestors whose influence persists in the present.
“Yes! We don’t believe in the existence of an Almighty God, because we know that everything or anything that has a life no matter how big or small is a God, that is why when we pour libation (pray) we acknowledge and honor all those energies (God),” Mzbel wrote on her Instagram page.
She encouraged self-reflection and seeking answers from within, underscoring the interconnectedness of humanity with the past.
“Our ancestors are dead but their blood and spirit run through us, we are their DNA so we honor them too. You are all God’s…spend time with yourself in quietness, ask questions, and patiently wait for the answers from within you! You will be amazed.”
Renowned Ghanaian comedic actor, Benson Nana Yaw Oduro Boateng, also known as Funny Face, has shared his personal struggles with mental health and shed light on the need for increased attention to the mental health sector in Ghana.
He stressed that “everyone has a breaking point.”
During an interview with Giovanni Caleb on Showbiz 360 on TV3, Funny Face, drawing from his own experiences, called for a more profound focus on the state of mental health in the country.
He stated, “Did you ever think I would be concerned? But I’m concerned now. You should be concerned too. You can be very strong, but every human has a breaking point. And I had my breaking point.”
Funny Face emphasized the importance of mental health, urging that it deserves serious consideration.
He affirmed his commitment to championing this cause, saying, “This is somebody who has been through it, is out of it, learned from it. I’ve been back like two and a half years now.”
“So mental health is very important. We need to pay serious attention to mental health, and I’m championing the course. This is somebody who has been through it, is out of it, learned from it. I’ve been back like two and a half years now”.
Additionally, Funny Face disclosed his intentions to embark on an awareness tour to educate the general public about mental health. He revealed that the tour is currently in the planning stage, where logistics and dates are being discussed.
Between 2020 and 2021, Funny Face faced a series of challenges, including a highly publicized divorce that led to his separation from his wife and children.
During this period, he engaged in a series of actions that drew ridicule on social media and even led to his arrest. However, he later revealed that he was in a depressive phase and had contemplated suicide.
Fortunately, he sought help and has since expressed that he is on a positive path to recovery.
Esteemed actress Rita Edochie has appealed for additional prayers to support actor John Okafor, widely known as Mr. Ibu, following the amputation of one of his legs.
She made this request after visiting Mr. Ibu in the hospital, where he is currently recuperating from his surgery.
Mrs. Edochie shared that the actor’s recovery was progressing well, but stressed the importance of continued prayers. On Instagram, she wrote, “I went to see Ibu John Okafor at Evercare Hospital Lekki Phase 1. He is doing well, but all we owe him now is to keep praying for him.”
The actor’s family had previously disclosed on Monday, November 6, that one of his legs had been amputated in a life-saving measure. News had emerged in October about the veteran actor’s illness, prompting a call for financial assistance to support his medical treatment.
In the statement posted on the actor’s Instagram page, it was revealed that he had undergone seven successful surgeries, including the amputation of one leg, in a bid to ensure his recovery.
The statement conveyed, “Good afternoon, Nigerians. We want to appreciate everyone who has come through for our dad; saying we are grateful is an understatement, and only the good Lord can thank you all enough for every help you’ve rendered. As of 1 pm, noon today, Daddy has gone through 7 successful surgeries, but to keep him alive and increase his chances of recovery, one of his legs had to be amputated.”
