The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has made significant progress in the ongoing investigation involving Cecilia Abena Dapaah, a former Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources, by lifting the freeze on five of her bank accounts.
This decision comes as a result of the advancement of the investigation, which has now cleared these accounts from suspicion.
In a statement released on Twitter, the OSP outlined the timeline and reasoning behind this development.
The investigation was initiated in July 2023, focusing on potential corruption and corruption-related offenses, particularly related to substantial sums of money and other valuable assets allegedly linked to Ms. Cecilia Abena Dapaah.
To aid the investigation, the Special Prosecutor initially imposed a freeze on Ms. Dapaah’s bank accounts and other financial assets.
This action was part of a series of measures aimed at ensuring that the investigation could progress smoothly.
As the investigation unfolded, five of the bank accounts associated with Cecilia Dapaah were found to be clear of suspicion.
On October 16, 2023, the Special Prosecutor took a decisive step by lifting the freeze on these five bank accounts.
“The Special Prosecutor took measures, including issuing a freezing order in respect of the bank accounts and other financial assets of Ms. Dapaah to facilitate the investigation. Subsequently, the investigation has eliminated five (5) of the bank accounts of Ms. Dapaah from suspicion of being tainted property.
“On 16 October 2023 the Special Prosecutor revoked the freezing order in respect of the eliminated five (5) bank accounts of Ms. Dapaah. The freezing order is still in force and effect in respect of the other bank accounts and financial assets of Ms. Dapaah.”
Election polls are a matter of utmost significance and should not be trivialized by equating them to mere lottery predictions.
These polls, specifically election polls, play a pivotal role in the democratic process, particularly during electoral events.
Their purpose extends beyond mere prophesying election outcomes; they serve as a crucial tool for political leaders to gauge public sentiment and preferences.
Similar to all forms of research, political polls are expected to adhere to rigorous scientific standards. They should be characterized by professionalism, accuracy, and, most importantly, credibility.
While election poll results may not be as precise as predicting the sunrise, they must maintain a high level of accuracy, ideally within a margin of error of approximately ±5%.
However, when a supposedly professional poll’s predictions deviate drastically by over 20%, either positively or negatively, it raises serious concerns, especially when the researchers claim independence.
An example of such a failed poll was conducted by Global Info Analytics, led by Mussa Dankwa, prior to the NPP’s recent Super Delegates Conference in August.
They projected the top five candidates to be Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia (36%), Alan Kyeremateng (33.3%), Kennedy Agyepong (24.8%), Kwabena Agyapong (1.5%), and Dr. Afriyie Akoto (1.3%).
However, this prediction turned out to be entirely off the mark, with significant discrepancies in both the rankings and the predicted percentages.
For instance, Dr. Bawumia’s predicted percentage of 36% was remarkably different from the nearly 69% he actually received, a difference of about 33%.
Such a wide margin of error is unacceptable in a credible poll. The prediction for Alan Kyerematen was off by approximately -23%, as he received only about 10% of the votes.
Even the placement of candidates did not match the actual results, indicating a significant lack of accuracy.
The poll also inaccurately projected the inclusion of Kwabena Agyapong in the top five and the last-place finish for Addai Nimo.
In reality, neither of these predictions came to fruition. Addai Nimo tied for fifth place and advanced to the final round.
These discrepancies raise serious questions about the credibility of Global Info Analytics in the realm of political polls.
A research organization conducting a poll that deviates by over 30% and -20% margins from the actual results should be concerned about its credibility, as should the consumers of such polls.
Rather than making new predictions for the upcoming main congress in November, Musah Dankwa and his team should issue an apology and provide an explanation for the failure of their NPP Super Delegates prediction.
These inaccurate predictions damage their credibility and, by extension, the credibility of their polls.
It is concerning that they continue to make bold predictions for the future, such as the prediction that Kennedy Agyapong would receive 39% of the votes in “swing regions.” The classification of regions as “swing” in the context of internal NPP politics seems unfounded, given Dr. Bawumia’s previous success in all 16 regions among Super Delegates. This inconsistency in their predictions only adds to the skepticism surrounding their work.
In conclusion, election polls are a serious business and should not be reduced to the level of guesswork. The people of Ghana and the NPP delegates who rely on these polls deserve respect and an apology for the deception disguised as political polling.
The stark disparities between the predictions and actual results from the NPP Super Delegates poll conducted by Global Info Analytics indicate that this particular poll was not a scientifically rigorous endeavor.
Media organizations should hold such pollsters accountable and demand transparency in their methodologies to maintain the integrity of Ghana’s democracy.
In essence, credible election polls should aim to reflect the public’s sentiments rather than imposing their own perspectives on the electorate.
Fake election polls that deceive the public only undermine the democratic process and provide no value to the nation’s political landscape.
Scores of Ghanaians have questioned why other prominent decision makers in the bank have not been prosecuted alongside the founder of the defunct Capital Bank, William Ato Essien,
The individuals in question include shareholders and directors of the defunct company, such as Oheneba Osei Akoto, Stephen Enchill, Kingsley Atta Ghansah, Otabil and Associates, International Central Gospel Church (ICGC), Kwadwo Ayisi Ahwireng, Isaac Osah Thompson-Mensah, John Kofi Mensah, Fitzgerald Odonkor, Amadu Montia, Kofi Kwakwa, and Francis Adu-Mante.
Why Civil action?
The Receiver appointed to manage the assets of the defunct bank is pursuing civil action against these individuals in an attempt to recover over 800 million cedis from them.
This includes recovering 468 million cedis as shareholders’ loans, 108 million cedis as outstanding facilities granted to Ato Essien and his related companies, and 51 million cedis from ICGC.
Allegations of fraud
The Receiver alleges in court documents that the directors of the defunct bank approved loans and funds to themselves and related parties without adequate collaterals and in violation of the company’s internal policies, banking regulations, and Ghanaian company law.
Furthermore, the directors are accused of overseeing the disbursement of liquidity support (620 million cedis) granted by the Bank of Ghana in violation of banking regulations and Central Bank guidelines.
Legal proceedings related to this case are ongoing, and the High Court is set to hear arguments concerning the Receivers’ capacity to sustain the legal action, especially since the bank’s assets now belong to GCB Bank. The hearing is scheduled for November 21.
Former President John Dramani Mahama has alleged that an amount of $270 million earmarked for the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF) during his tenure has been inappropriately reallocated under President Akufo-Addo’s administration.
Addressing the media, Mahama argued that this financial resource is of great concern, as President Akufo-Addo has redirected these funds to support the construction of a Pullman hotel, a project by his brother-law.
“He has distributed some to his brother-law which he is using to build Pullman Hotel, it’s the money I left in GII. Stabilization fund, I left 300 million dollars with the aim of covering up for the economy should an unforseen circumstance occur,” he stated.
The former president emphasized that he had set aside this money prior to the conclusion of his term with the primary purpose of settling a debt incurred by former President John Agyekum Kuffour, which was scheduled for payment in October 2017.
” I left money sinking fund because I knew ex-president Kufuor’s euro bond will be due in October 2017, I thought it was to leave some money because not paying will have a toll on the economy. So I left money there, so when Akufo-Addo assumed office he took that money to pay the debt. I left 270 million dollars in Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF) that was to be used as a vehicle to attract investments into infrastructure, but that money has been distributed,” he indicated.
Furthermore, he cited another critical rationale for safeguarding these funds was to provide a financial buffer for Ghana in case unforeseen circumstances should threaten the country.
Additionally, Mahama expressed astonishment at how the Akufo-Addo government managed to create a troubled situation, considering that it inherited a stable economy from the NDC administration.
The presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has expressed confidence that his party possesses the capability to rectify the challenges and corruption that have emerged during the Akufo-Addo government’s tenure.
A flagbearer candidate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, has revealed his intention to conduct a ministerial reshuffle every two months if he becomes Ghana’s president.
He indicated that this will help combat potential corruption and ensure ministers remain diligent in their roles, as extended tenures might lead to complacency and misuse of power.
Mr Agyapong emphasized a zero-tolerance approach toward misconduct, asserting that any minister involved in corrupt practices would be immediately dismissed upon confirmation of their wrongdoing.
During an interview with the media, Mr Agyapong expressed dissatisfaction with infrequent ministerial reshuffles in the current Akufo-Addo-led government, believing it allows some ministers to act with impunity.
“I have a problem with that [irregular ministerial reshuffle], that’s why some ministers behave with impunity and I have a very big problem with that. For me my reshuffle will not be two or four years, I will do it every two months. If you don’t work well and you embezzle state funds I will fire you. If we don’t do that we won’t develop.
“If you want to sack someone then pastors, kings, and politicians would be pleading on their behalf. Sometimes even when you have set up your own company then politicians will be threatening you. You can’t do that in any country,” he said.
He underscored the need for regular reshuffling to hold ministers accountable and foster national development.
Mr Agyapong further emphasized that he wouldn’t succumb to pressure from influential figures when it comes to firing an appointee for misconduct, highlighting the importance of maintaining strict disciplinary standards.
The NPP’s primaries are set for November 4, 2023, with four contenders vying for the presidential candidacy: Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Assin Central MP Kennedy Agyapong, former Mampong MP Francis Addai-Nimoh, and former Minister of Agriculture Dr. Owusu Akoto Afriyie.
A video showcasing a former Bishop Herman College student who achieved excellent results in his Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) with straight “1s” in most subjects but has since struggled with drug addiction has garnered significant public attention.
In the video, the remorseful individual, identified as Prince, openly acknowledged his struggles with drug abuse and delved into the factors that led him down this destructive path.
He recounted his journey, stating, “I went to Bishop Herman College on a scholarship from the District Assembly. I had straight ‘1s’ throughout, except for French, where I got a grade of 4 in Junior High. So, the District Chief Executive (DCE) invited me for a one-on-one conversation and encouraged me to continue my education. But I met a colleague, and this is who I am today.”
Despondently, he revealed how his aspirations of becoming a legal practitioner had been shattered by the devastating effects of drug addiction.
In his candid narrative, he outlined the dangerous progression from marijuana use to more potent drugs like cocaine.
He recounted: “I went to Bishop Herman College on a scholarship from the District Assembly. I had 1 throughout, but only French gave me a grade of 4 at Junior High. So, the DCE invited me one-on-one and told me to just go to school. I went to school and I met a colleague and this is me today,” he said.
“From the weed, you aggravate. You cannot just stand up and go to cocaine, you start from the weed and little by little, you get to cocaine. As I speak to you now, I have to spend GH¢ 500 every day on these drugs, and you must get it else you will not be able to experience even erection,” he said.
He continued: “You see what I do, I hate doing it. This is not what I wanted to do, going around picking scraps, no. I had dreams of becoming a legal practitioner but look at how shattered my dreams have become. Sometimes I see my teachers and I ask them why they didn’t tell us the effects of drugs. They taught me everything but not drugs. At least sensitise us on it. Perhaps if you guys converge for an assembly or meeting, you tell the students every day.”
Prince expressed his earnest desire to break free from the grip of addiction and voiced his need for rehabilitation.
Meanwhile, Pastor Elvis Agyemang, the convener of Alpha Hour, has made a significant contribution of GH¢12,000 to support Prince’s rehabilitation program, following the video’s circulation on social media.
Prince, in the video, had reached out for help from civil society organizations within the rehabilitation sector.
A 21-year-old drug addict in Ghana blames the education system for not promoting early exposure to various professions. Lacking guidance, he turned to drugs, spending 500 Ghana cedis daily. Despite academic success, a negative influence derailed his life,
As of March 2023, the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) Scheme in Ghana reported a total membership of approximately 1.8 million, according to the Minister of Employment, Labour Relations, and Pensions, Mr. Ignatius Baffour Awuah.
This figure highlights that around 8.1 million, out of an estimated working population of 9.9 million in Ghana, may lack any form of social security coverage.
Mr. Baffour Awuah emphasized the need to harness digitalization to expand social security coverage, addressing participants at the SSNIT – International Social Security Association (ISSA) Technical Seminar in Accra.
The two-day event, themed “Digitalization to Leverage Extension of Social Security Coverage in West Africa,” welcomed attendees from the West African sub-region.
The Minister noted that in Ghana, social security coverage has predominantly concentrated on the formal sector, which constitutes approximately 27.3 percent of the estimated working population.
“The overwhelming importance of digitalisation today is there for everybody to see. I call on social security institutions within West Africa to take advantage of the emergence of digital technologies to bridge the wide coverage gap,”
He highlighted that about 600,000 self-employed individuals now have some form of social security coverage.
The government’s digitalization agenda has played a vital role in delivering services to the public, with initiatives like the Ghana Labour Market Information System (GLMIS), a web-based repository of labor market data, facilitating job seekers and employers to interact efficiently.
Mr. Baffour Awuah mentioned that this system offers real-time labor market information to support evidence-based national development planning and robust social protection programs.
The government is also leveraging digital technology to introduce new software for the National Pensions Regulatory Authority (NPRA) to automate regulatory processes and ensure real-time monitoring to safeguard pension funds and investments.
This move aims to make NPRA services accessible remotely, saving both time and money. The enrollment process for the SSNIT Scheme has been simplified through the use of the Ghana Card, eliminating the need for multiple documents.
Despite the innovative steps taken in Africa to enhance social protection programs, the ISSA’s 2023 Report on Social Security Developments and Trends in Africa indicates that coverage remains relatively low, with only 27.1 percent of older individuals receiving old-age benefits and 17.4 percent of the population being covered by at least one social protection benefit.
Ghana currently hosts the West Africa Liaison Office for the ISSA, succeeding Ivory Coast, which previously hosted the office for several years.
The topic of kidney disease and its related aspects, including kidney transplant and dialysis, has gained significant attention in the country.
This has captured the interest of influential figures in the country, notably the Parliamentary Select Committee on Health, which is already taking action in this direction.
Additionally, a committee has been established within the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) to discuss ways to incorporate kidney disease treatment into their coverage.
Amidst the ongoing campaign, the commendable efforts of a Ghanaian businessman named Eric Seddy Kutortse have been brought to light.
Executive Chairman of First Sky Group, Eric Seddy Kutortse, has been engaging in philanthropic endeavors by covering the dialysis costs for kidney patients at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital.
Bright Simons, in a commended Eric Seddy Kutortse as a discreet philanthropist who silently covers the dialysis expenses for underprivileged kidney patients at Ghana’s premier hospital.
He emphasized the impactful yet unobtrusive force of philanthropy in Ghana.
Dialysis, a critical treatment for individuals with kidney failure, plays a crucial role in removing waste products and excess fluids from the blood when the kidneys are unable to perform this function.
Information available from First Sky Group reveals a significant health financing program initiated in December 2016, enhancing access to high-quality essential healthcare services and medications through their free dialysis project at the Korle Bu Renal Unit.
The project began with an initial injection of GHC620,000.00 and an additional endowment fund donation of GHC2,000,000.00, and has disbursed a total of GHC20,000,000.00 as of December 2021 to support patients at the dialysis unit.
A private legal practitioner and social commentator, Maurice Ampaw, has expressed his determination to leave Ghana if the Member of Parliament (MP) for Assin Central, Kennedy Agyapong, emerges as the presidential candidate of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).
In an interview with the media, Mr Ampaw stated that Agyapong’s candidacy would not only be detrimental to the party but also to the nation as a whole.
He asserted his conviction that Agyapong stands no chance of winning the NPP presidential primaries scheduled for November 4, 2023.
“For me personally, if Kennedy Agyapong wins the NPP primaries, I will move to Ivory Coast and if John Mahama wins, I will go to Togo. I have already stated that there is no way Kennedy Agyapong can win.
“I cannot stay under Kennedy Agyapong’s presidency. I cannot fit into it. In the first place, he doesn’t have what it takes to be president. It will be a political disaster for the nation to even consider Ken as a presidential material to the extent that people would vote for him,” he said.
Maurice Ampaw further stated that Ken Agyapong does not have the markings of a president.
“That is not his area. He was created to fight for the poor not to become president. So, he has already done what he can. His is to fight for the poor and represent his constituency, he has finished doing this.”
He also mentioned that in the scenario where John Mahama emerges victorious, he would move to Togo.
He emphasized Agyapong’s lack of presidential qualifications and expressed concerns over the potential political disaster that his presidency could bring to the nation.
Mr Ampaw highlighted Agyapong’s strengths lying in advocating for the less privileged rather than aspiring for the presidency.
He concluded by suggesting that Agyapong’s nomination as the NPP’s presidential candidate would essentially pave the way for the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) to triumph in the 2024 elections.
Presidential staffer Dennis Miracles Aboagye has stated that members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), who invaded the studios of UTV, are not to be labeled as thugs.
He emphasized that these NPP supporters did not engage in violent acts, attack UTV staff, or cause damage to the station’s property.
Mr Aboagye compared them to the #OccupyJulorbiHouse demonstrators, stating that the key distinction was the lack of prior notification to the Ghana Police Service regarding their actions.
“They are not hoodlums. They are identified individuals in the party leading their various constituencies… The only difference between them and the 37 occupiers (#OccupyJulorbiHouse demonstrators) is that they didn’t notify the police. That is the only difference.
“Those who did the #OccupyJulorbiHouse were they thugs. I think sometimes we shouldn’t cloud the substance with some of these descriptions. They were wrong; they were not supposed to have done it… But come on, we can’t superimpose descriptions and identities based on how we feel,” he said.
Mr Aboagye, who serves as the Executive Secretary of the Inter-Ministerial Coordination Committee on Decentralisation, emphasized that the NPP supporters involved were identified individuals within the party responsible for various constituencies.
He further clarified that they didn’t engage in destructive behavior or damage any property during the incident.
Mr Aboagye conveyed that he had spoken to the individuals involved, and they expressed regret for their actions, committing not to repeat such behavior in the future.
The incident at UTV occurred when some aggrieved NPP sympathizers disrupted the United Showbiz program, leading to condemnation from various quarters, including political parties, media, and civil society organizations.
CCTV footage was released by UTV, depicting the rough treatment of their technical staff by the group that stormed the station.
The NPP supporters’ actions were driven by demands for fair representation of the government and a halt to what they perceived as unfair attacks on the president and government officials.
Subsequently, sixteen individuals were arrested in connection with the invasion and have been released on bail.
The Ghanaian artist, behind the hit song “Terminator,” King Promise, is facing significant criticism for his choice of attire at the wake-keeping ceremony for the mother of Nigerian superstar Wizkid.
In a widely circulated video on Twitter, the Ghanaian singer was seen donning a matching white denim jacket and white jeans with the phrase “Free the Youth” boldly inscribed on the back of his jacket.
His outfit received negative feedback from numerous music enthusiasts, particularly among his Ghanaian fan base, who believed that his attire was inappropriate for the occasion.
A portion of social media users remained indifferent, using the opportunity to reiterate their long-standing opinion that King Promise has consistently had fashion missteps, while others encouraged him to seek the assistance of a stylist to enhance his appearance.
Several other Ghanaian celebrities, including R2bees and Small God, were also in attendance at the event to show their support and condolences to Wizkid.
A prospective presidential candidate from the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kennedy Agyapong, has extended a helping hand to a woman in need who has been begging on the streets.
In a video on Twitter, Ken Agyapong was captured assisting the disabled woman onto a wheelchair.
Furthermore, the video shows Ken unloading the wheelchair from his vehicle while some individuals brought the woman to him, as she had previously been crawling on the street.
After ensuring the woman was comfortably seated in the wheelchair, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Assin Central returned to his car to retrieve some money for her.
Spectators in the video showered praises upon Ken Agyapong.
The woman, deeply moved by the kindness she received, could be seen smiling with gratitude even as she was taken for a test ride in the wheelchair by some onlookers.
Gospel artist, Joyce Blessing has shared a touching story related to her new song ‘victory.’
The song, which has garnered attention for being composed and written by Ghanaian artist Kuami Eugene, has received praise from the public.
During her guest appearance on the October 14, 2023 episode of the United Showbiz program, Joyce Blessing recounted the events leading to her collaboration with Kuami Eugene.
Joyce Blessing went on to express her overwhelming emotions upon hearing the song for the first time.
She mentioned that she was so moved by the song that she ended up hugging Kuami Eugene for 30 minutes.
She also highlighted the fact that Kuami Eugene didn’t ask for financial compensation, a gesture she found particularly touching.
According to her, “I met with Kuami and he told me Unbreakable I have a song for you. Then I said okay and he asked him when to come because I know he’s a very busy person. We all became busy at some point until one of my team members asked me how far with my discussion with Kuami and I told him I’ve seen that he (Kuami Eugene) was in London but he told me to call him because he had seen him around.
“So, I called him and he said he’s been wanting to call me so it’s good I called him and he asked me to call him again in a week’s time because he’ll be done with the song. So, about a week or two’s time, he called and said he was ready and when can I come and I said I was ready even that day so I quickly rushed to his studio,” she narrated.
Furthermore, she revealed that Kuami Eugene also took on the task of directing the music video for the ‘Victory’ song.
In her words, “When I got there and listened to the song, in fact, I began to cry because the song touched my heart, and I hugged him for 30 minutes. I was so impressed with what he did because I know it’s not easy for an artist to write a song for a fellow artist, and I felt really grateful for how he gave me the song without seeking monetary gain and other benefits. He directed the video for the song; he handled everything for me regarding that particular song. I am truly grateful to Kuami Eugene.”
Joyce Blessing shares her emotional response upon hearing the #Victory song gifted by Kuami Eugene for the first time; says she cried and hugged him for thirty minutes#UnitedShowbizpic.twitter.com/2ZDEdsiCCK
The Exclusive Men of The Year (EMY Africa) Awards for this year took place on Saturday, October 14, 2023, at the Grand Arena, International Conference Centre.
The night exuded glamour, with awardees and participants hailing from both Ghana and Nigeria gracing the red carpet in their finest attire, followed by inspirational speeches upon receiving their well-deserved awards.
This event, known for its prestige, drew a multitude of Ghanaian celebrities, spanning musicians, footballers, actresses, entrepreneurs, and businesswomen, who united to honor and celebrate the outstanding individuals chosen for recognition.
Notable winners from Ghana at the 8th annual EMY Africa Awards in 2023 included footballer Mohammed Kudus, media personality Berla Mundi, and actor Bill Asamoah.
Below is the list of winners at the 2023 EMY Africa Awards
• Man of the Year – Music – Black Sherif
• Actor of the Year – Bill Asamoah
• Creative and Support Arts Award – Ibrahim Mahama
• Young Achiever (Female) Award – Berla Mundi
• Man of the Year – Sports – Mohammed Kudus
• Continental Icon Award – Asamoah Gyan
PAV Ansah Communicator Award
Erastus Asare Donkor
• Man of the Year – Mr Alex Apau Dadey
• Man of the Year – Business Magnate Award – Dr James Orleans-Lindsay
• Special Recognition Award For Being The Foremost Cultural Ambassador Between Ghana And Nigeria – Chief Dele Momodu
• Special Recognition Award As An Authority In Branding And A Leading Advocate For A Brand-Led African Renaissance – Thebeetsile Kgosi Ikalafeng
• Young Achiever (Male) – Mr Eazi
• Settler Award – Rayan Sharara (Orca Deco)
• Brand of the Year – Zeepay Ghana Limited
• Youth Change Maker Award – Hamza Haki El Kharroubi
• Man of Style Award – Nana Sarfo (Savile Row)
• Green Corporate Star Award – The Good Roll Africa
• Group of the Year – Lions Club International
• Woman of the Year Award – Beatrice Agyemang
• Media Excellence Award – Tajuddeen Adepetu
• Designer of the Year – Jay Ray Ghartey
• Man of Courage Award – Cobhams Asuquo
• Lifetime Achievement Award – Ablade Glover
• Guardian Award – Fred Swaniker
• Humanitarian Award – Kavuma Dauda (Founder, Ghetto Kids)
• Man of the Year – Technology Award – Olugbenga Agboola
• Asclepian Award (Health) – Dr. Abdulai Fadilu Rahman
• Discovery of the Year Award – Mohammed Kudus
The EMY Africa Awards is an annual event that serves as a platform to celebrate and recognize individuals who have exhibited exemplary values, excelled in various domains, and have shown a strong dedication to advancing society.
Social media sensation, Aba Dope, has shared the challenging experience she underwent during her butt surgery, aimed at enhancing her appearance.
In her detailed account, she described enduring excruciating pain during the surgical procedure and experiencing a one-week period of post-surgery constipation.
Although the butt surgery was deemed successful, her attempt to modify her facial features encountered complications, leading her to seek a reversal.
During an interview with the media, Aba Dope recounted the difficulties she faced in her pursuit of a more appealing physical appearance.
“I did surgery on my ass and breast, they removed the fats from my breast to reduce the size because it was too big to the extent that I couldn’t even wear a brazier. With my ass surgery, they took fat from my back, waist, and arms and placed it in my ass. I went through pain and couldn’t defecate for one week after my surgery.”
“There is a pill that we inject, if you buy it from London it costs like 50,000 pounds. When I inject it gives my mouth volume and makes it look bold. It lasts for three months then I’d have to take another one. I tried modifying my face; forehead and cheeks, but it didn’t go well, so I went back for them to take it off.”
“I think my surgery was worth it because from a flat ass to a voluminous one is okay. My ass used to be flat to the extent that I used to wear foam to give it a shape. I haven’t had any side effects, I would say I made the right choice with the right surgeon,” she said.
Aba Dope further emphasized that, despite the challenges, she considers her surgical transformations worthwhile because they have significantly improved her body compared to her previous appearance.
“I believe my surgeries were a worthwhile endeavor, as the transition from having a flat posterior to a more voluminous one has been quite satisfying. My posterior was previously so flat that I had to use padding to give it shape. Thankfully, I haven’t experienced any adverse effects, and I firmly believe that I made the right choice in selecting a skilled surgeon,” she concluded.
Prominent Ghanaian journalist, Manasseh Awuni Azure, has defended the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for writing a letter to UTV management expressing its grievances regarding the content of the United Showbiz program.
He stated that the station aims to satisfy its audience, and since the NPP is part of that audience, they have the right to voice their concerns for redress.
Manasseh Azure criticized the NPP-affiliated thugs who disrupted the program, emphasizing that their actions were unjustifiable.
He condemned the invasion of UTV by these individuals and suggested that UTV should address the concerns raised in the letter.
“Every media organization operates to satisfy the audience and the NPP members are audience or part of the audience of UTV and so you have to take it whether you accept it or not, it is feedback, you can always argue or even decide to ignore it but they have the right to approach you and tell you their grievances,” he said.
“There is nothing that justifies they [NPP members] going in there to try to force them to do what they want. Media organizations should have also distanced itself from whoever tore the letter on live television.”
He also called for media organizations to distance themselves from any acts of violence or disruptions during their broadcasts.
The incident in question occurred when alleged NPP-affiliated individuals stormed the UTV studios, leading to the abrupt halt of the live broadcast of “United Showbiz.”
The disruption of the show was related to a letter from the NPP expressing grievances regarding the program’s content and its handling by Kwame A Plus, a regular panel member on the show. The situation led to a chaotic scene within the studio.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has clarified that Ghana does not require further adjustments to reach an agreement with its External Creditors for restructuring its $20 billion debt.
Instead, the onus is on creditors to reach an agreement with the country. The IMF is currently awaiting Executive Board approval for a second tranche of $600 million for Ghana’s $3 billion loan-support program.
Mr. Abebe Aemro Selassie, Director of the African Department at the IMF, stated this during a press briefing in Marrakech on October 13, 2023.
Ghana temporarily suspended some of its external debt, including Eurobonds, commercial, and bilateral loans in December 2022, and is now awaiting resolution with its external creditors to resume payments.
Mr. Selassie emphasized the need for action from creditors, stating that Ghana has fulfilled its obligations, and additional adjustments are not required from the government. The IMF remains committed to providing necessary information to expedite the process.
“Action is needed from the creditors’ side; Ghana has done its fair share, and it’s for creditors to take the next steps, and we’re not going to ask the government to do more adjustment because creditors haven’t asked either,” Mr Selassie said.
Mr. Selassie highlighted the relatively faster progress in Ghana compared to other countries, such as Zambia, in creating the Official Creditors Committee. He expressed optimism about concluding the upcoming review for the second tranche.
He praised Ghana’s progress in addressing macroeconomic imbalances, which were the root cause of the current crisis, under the $3 billion loan-support Post-COVID-19 Programme of Economic Growth (PC-PEG).
Ghana is currently participating in the IMF/World Bank annual meetings in Marrakech, where negotiations with external creditors are ongoing. The government expects to finalize agreements for debt treatment soon.
Economic indicators show signs of recovery and stability, with GDP growth averaging 3.2% for the last two quarters of 2023, a 0.2% increase compared to the same period in 2022. Inflation has decreased to 40.1%, and the Cedi has depreciated by 23.5% year-to-date compared to 2022.
A group known as the ‘Coalition of Immediate Past MMDCEs’ has submitted a petition to President Akufo-Addo, citing a delay in the payment of salary differentials.
In a statement issued by the group, it was expressed that the former Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) from the previous administration have encountered obstacles in receiving payment for their accumulated salary differentials from the four-year period during which they served under the government.
The statement, signed by Mr. Leo-Nelson Adzidogah, the group’s leader and former MCE for Akatsi South, conveyed their concern about the matter despite adhering to all stipulated requirements.
“Your Excellency, with the greatest respect, we the immediate past MMDCEs deem it expedient to draw your high attention to the delay in the payment of our salary differentials which accumulated over the four years 2017 to 2021 that we conscientiously served your government.”
“Mr. President, since we wrote a letter of request for payment of the salary differentials, we have been told to prove whether we deserve the claim we are making.”
“We find it extremely unpleasant to draw the attention of your officials to the payment your government made to the NDC MMDCEs who left office in 2017,” the statement read.
The group contended that the NPP government promptly compensated former MMDCEs from the NDC regime, demonstrating the characteristics of a responsible government.
However, when it comes to their own appointees, the immediate past MMDCEs, the government officials in charge of MMDCEs have exhibited an unwarranted reluctance to fulfill their commitments.
The statement also emphasized that the procrastination in disbursing the MMDCEs’ payments is adversely affecting their strong commitment to contribute to the victory of the 2024 elections.
“Your Excellency, our families are currently enduring significant hardships. It is a challenging situation as we have limited means of sustenance.
The lack of recognition and respect for former MMDCEs within your administration is highly disheartening, concerning, and frustrating.”
As a result, they are respectfully appealing to the President for his timely intervention, expressing their desire to avoid further complications stemming from the delay.
The Director of the African Department at the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Abebe Aemro Selassie, has indicated that Ghana has implemented the necessary measures to secure the much-discussed financing assurance from its external creditors.
He mentioned that the IMF is currently awaiting responses from the bilateral creditors.
Mr. Selassie made these remarks in response to questions from journalists after releasing Africa’s Regional Outlook Report during the Annual IMF/World Bank meetings held in Marrakesh, Morocco.
He emphasized the importance of action on the part of the creditors.
He explained,“I have to tell you that whereas it took something like nine months or more for Zambia to get the official creditor committee to be created, in Ghana’s case, it was fairly rapid.”
He further noted that “Ghana has done its fair share, and it’s for the creditors to take steps.”
Mr. Abebe Selassie revealed that the IMF will provide all necessary information for creditors to take appropriate action, allowing them to move forward and present the matter to the Board as soon as possible.
He expressed hope that ongoing discussions among official creditors would facilitate a swift conclusion to Ghana’s upcoming review, emphasizing that the recent mission had reached an agreement with the government on policies to address current issues.
“We will provide all the information necessary, so creditors can move, allowing us to go to the Board as soon as possible,” Mr. Abebe Selassie added.
Regarding Ghana’s First Programme Review and the IMF Board Meeting, it was announced on October 6 that the IMF staff had reached a staff-level agreement with Ghana on the first review of the Extended Credit Facility.
This was a result of discussions led by Mission Chief For Ghana, Stephane Roudet, to evaluate reforms and policy priorities within the context of Ghana’s three-year program under the Extended Credit Facility.
Ghana is expected to secure a Memorandum of Understanding from Bilateral External Creditors, enabling the IMF board to approve Ghana’s First Programme Review and disburse approximately $600 million in November 2023.
The IMF Mission Chief for Ghana indicated that as part of the creditor committee meetings, the IMF itself would move to approve the second tranche of $600 million once a deal is reached.
The IMF Board is scheduled to meet on Ghana’s program on November 22, according to sources knowledgeable about the country’s program in Washington, DC, USA.
Mr. Abebe Selassie described Ghana’s performance under the IMF program as satisfactory, expressing contentment with the progress made in implementing the program.
He noted that significant steps had been taken to address macroeconomic imbalances that were at the root of recent crises.
Regarding the Ghanaian government’s request for IMF support in combating corruption, Mr. Abebe Selassie acknowledged the request and indicated that once resources are available, they will provide the necessary technical assistance for governance diagnostic reports to address corruption-related matters.
A flagbearer hopeful of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kennedy Agyapong, has urged party delegates in the Western Region to disregard the counsel of certain corrupt party leaders when choosing their preferred candidate in the upcoming primaries.
Speaking at a rally in Takoradi, which marked the culmination of his high-profile Health Walk campaign, Mr Agyapong criticized these leaders, suggesting that their own corrupt practices prevent them from effectively criticizing the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Agyapong also accused some NPP leaders in the Western Region of undermining his campaign during the Super Delegates’ conference, where he had a lackluster performance.
The “showdown Health Walk” event garnered significant attention in support of Agyapong’s presidential aspirations, drawing a substantial crowd in the Sekondi Takoradi Metropolis.
Supporters of Ken Agyapong expressed their enthusiasm through dance and song, affirming their belief that he is the best candidate to lead the NPP.
Addressing the rally attendees, Agyapong cautioned them not to make the mistake of voting for aspirants who might lead the party into opposition.
The renowned actress and host of Onua TV’s Show Time, Nana Ama McBrown, has got social media buzzing over her Egyptian-themed attire at the 8th Emy Africa Awards.
On the Red Carpet of the event, Nana Ama McBrown made a striking appearance, resembling an Egyptian queen in her elegant blue dress adorned with gold accents, complemented by an enchanting hairstyle.
Her sophisticated attire for the awards stands in stark contrast to the revealing outfit she wore to the Emy Africa Party. At the party, the 46-year-old celebrity left little to the imagination as she showcased her cleavage in a two-tone jumpsuit, which drew harsh and negative comments from fans who had higher expectations.
Netizens didn’t hold back in expressing their admiration and affection for Nana Ama McBrown’s attire at the awards ceremony.
Among the other celebrities spotted at the 8th Emy Africa Awards held at the Grand Arena were Lydia Forson, Nadia Buhari, Fella Makafui, Benedicta Gafah, Salma Mumin, Efya, Berla Mundi, Nana Akua Addo, Kofi Adjorlolo, and a host of other stars.
Students of Simms Senior High School in Fawoade in the Kwabre East municipality of the Ashanti Region, have been forced to vacate their premises following a fire that engulfed the boys’ dormitory block.
The unfortunate incident transpired at approximately 11 am on Friday, October 13, while the students were attending classes.
No casualties were reported, but three out of the four rooms on the top floor of the single-storey dormitory block were engulfed by the blaze, consuming all belongings within.
Each of these rooms typically accommodates 42 students. Fire Service personnel swiftly responded, arriving at the scene within five minutes.
However, despite their prompt arrival, the fire had already rapidly spread due to the presence of highly flammable materials like mattresses and books in the rooms.
Ashanti Regional Fire PRO DO3 Peter Addai stated,“we had a distress call around 11.40am and by the time we arrived, three rooms had already been consumed by the fire. The fire spread quickly because of the flammable materials such as mattresses and books in the rooms. We did everything possible to ensure it didn’t spread to other areas”.
Fortunately, the fire brigade successfully prevented the fire from extending to one room on the top floor and the remaining four rooms on the ground floor.
As an interim solution, the displaced students have been directed to stay with their friends in the unaffected dormitory, while school authorities contemplate the subsequent course of action.
In the meantime, the Mampongteng Fire Station has initiated an investigation to determine the cause of the fire.
Private Legal Practitioner, Martin Kpebu, has proposed the search of the residences of all government ministers and appointees as part of the anti-corruption efforts.
Speaking in reference to the case of former Sanitation, Minister Cecilia Dapaah, Mr Kpebu stated that conducting searches of government officials’ homes would serve as a strong statement of the government’s commitment to combating corruption.
He emphasized, “let’s search the officers at the Jubilee House, let’s search the Ministers, let’s search them…the monies are in their homes. If we don’t do this we are not fighting corruption. If we don’t search all the ministers forget it we are just playing.”
This call by Martin Kpebu follows the discovery of $590,000 and GH¢2.7 million in cash during a search of the residence of the former Minister, which is suspected to be illicitly obtained wealth.
The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has initiated investigations into the matter, and Cecilia Dapaah has been charged with money laundering and other corruption-related offenses.
Mr Kpebu defended his suggestion by stating that it is crucial to send a powerful message about the government’s seriousness in combating corruption.
“Let’s search them all of them,” Mr Kpebu said, “But we are men and we need to fight like men otherwise let’s forget about the corruption fight,” he stated.
The Deputy Ranking Member of Parliament’s Education Committee, Dr. Clement Apaak, has accused President Akufo-Addo of being dishonest in claiming that the quality of secondary education has improved following the introduction of the free senior high school policy.
Dr. Apaak contends that this assertion is not only misleading but also deceptive, especially given evidence that students, despite their purported excellent results, are struggling to meet basic standards in higher education institutions.
President Akufo-Addo has asserted that the quality of senior high school education has not declined, despite the increased enrollment resulting from the implementation of the free senior high school (free SHS) policy.
He cited statistics to support his claim, highlighting improved performance in subjects like English, mathematics, and social studies.
Dr. Apaak, however, has voiced his disagreement with the President’s claims, pointing out that many of the students who achieved these results are failing to meet the 1.50 GPA threshold in higher education institutions. He referenced reports from Africa Education Watch to support his point.
Dr. Apaak further alleged that during the COVID-19 pandemic, Ghana was the only country in the sub-region to conduct localized final year exams for students, allowing the government to manipulate the system to achieve positive results. He claimed that students received assistance in answering test questions, and in some cases, answers were even written on blackboards for students to copy.
He accused the government of influencing the performance assessments of secondary schools and even intimidating headmasters at meetings if their schools did not perform well.
As a result, he argued that the system had been compromised, and students were being aided in answering questions during their final exams.
“Given what I have presented, we cannot use that system to measure quality when the system is highly compromised. There were instances where answers were written on blackboards for students to copy,” he added.
Dr. Apaak challenged the President to refute these claims, noting that there is evidence of students with high grades from secondary schools struggling in university education.
“So you cannot boast about stellar grades when clearly quality is not demonstrated by the competence and capacity of the students.”
Some tertiary institutions are reportedly considering introducing entrance examinations for applicants due to the challenges they face when admitting students with excellent grades who then struggle with basic English construction at the university level.
He also disclosed that the National Teaching Council had sought approval for a GH¢7 million entrance examination for teacher training college applicants to ensure that they meet the minimum competencies to be trained as teachers.
This proposal had been known to the cabinet, undermining the President’s claims that the quality of education has improved under his administration.
The music sensation known for her hit song “Nipa ye Cobra,” Obaapa Gladys, has expressed her willingness to collaborate on an authentic remix of the track with Ghana’s highly acclaimed rapper, Michael Owusu Addo, popularly known as Sarkodie.
During an interview with the media, she clarified that there is already a trending version of the song featuring Sarkodie, but it is not genuine.
She disclosed that she has never met Sarkodie in person, but if the opportunity arises, she is prepared to create an original remix with him.
She stated,
“The trending cobra remix with Sarkodie is not genuine, I’m yet to even meet Sarkodie in person, but if I get the chance I will do an original remix with him.
The “Nipa ye Cobra” song was released in early 2023, however, it lingered in the background until late September when it unexpectedly surfaced on TikTok and became a trend.
“Nipa ye Cobra” was released in early 2023 but gained widespread attention in late September when it unexpectedly gained popularity on TikTok, resulting in a viral trend. The song quickly garnered attention, with numerous celebrities participating in a dance challenge associated with it.
A prospective flagbearer for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kennedy Agyapong, has urged party delegates in the Western Region to disregard advice from certain corrupt leaders within the party when making their decisions in the upcoming primaries.
Speaking at a rally in Takoradi, which marked the conclusion of his high-profile Health Walk event, Mr. Agyapong emphasized that these leaders are compromised in their ability to critique the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) due to their own involvement in corrupt practices.
Mr Agyapong also accused some NPP leaders in the Western Region of undermining his campaign efforts during the Super Delegates‘ conference, where he did not perform well.
Supporters of Ken Agyapong danced and sang to show their support for his victory in the November 4th Primaries, expressing their belief that he is the more qualified candidate to lead the NPP.
Addressing his supporters at the rally, Mr. Agyapong cautioned them against making the mistake of voting for aspirants who might lead the party into the opposition.
“In the upcoming election, as we head towards it, if you’re a polling station executive, (or) chairman, you have only one vote. The electoral area coordinator has one vote, the constituency executive has one vote, and the chairman for regional executives, all of them have one vote.
“During the super delegates’ election, some received GH¢100,000, while others were given cars and some received 60,000 cedis. As we approach another election, it’s expected that similar practices will occur.
“I want to convey a message to the delegates who are listening to me: if any candidate approaches you and can provide you with 100,000 cedis, vote for those candidates, not Kennedy Agyapong.
“If you have the means to compensate the chairmen…for the delegates and the polling station people, are they are not humans, they are taking them for a fool by using and dumping them,” he said.
He added “Every delegate listening to me should take GH¢100,000 from them, if not they shouldn’t vote for them, I give them the chance if they are able to give all the delegates, everyone GH¢100,000, they should vote for them.”
Ghanaian international Reggae and Highlife artist, Rocky Dawuni, has encouraged Ghanaians to transcend political affiliations as they cannot provide solutions to the challenges afflicting the country’s citizens.
He stressed that addressing the economic hurdles necessitates a unified effort, with citizens coming together and collaborating with the government.
Rocky Dawuni, an international Reggae artist, made it clear that he does not align with any particular political party in Ghana. Instead, he expressed deep concern for the multitude of issues causing hardship among the people.
During an interview with the media, Rocky Dawuni described the nation’s current state as dire, with its leaders struggling to offer effective solutions to alleviate the suffering of the people.
“I’m for Ghana and not for any political party or ideology. I think that right now the country is at a crossroads. The country feels almost rather less, like a ship that is really sailing in the biggest storm.
“But we don’t have competent captains at the helm to give us a direction as to where we’re going. So what we need is for our leader to come and speak to the people about the concerns that they have. Many people are going through problems,” he said.
He further urged for competent leadership to guide the nation amidst its challenges. Rocky Dawuni emphasized that the nation’s leaders need to address the concerns of the people and communicate effectively, especially considering the hardships faced by many.
“People can’t feed their families. People can’t make ends meet because most people lost their jobs during the lockdown and all of that. And the informal sector, which is 70% of our economy, was all eroded without us having a master plan as to how to regain ourselves and restart our economy.
“So we need leadership and answers for that. And it’s not going to come by saying that, NDC or NPP is going to solve that. Ghanaians need to rise above political colors because they are not going to solve their problems,” he said.
On Saturday, October 7, 2023, aggrieved New Patriotic Party (NPP) sympathizers forcefully entered the premises of UTV and disrupted the United Showbiz programme, assaulting two technical staff members in the process.
The intrusion resulted in an hour-long disruption of the live show.
Subsequently, on October 14, UTV released CCTV footage revealing the assault on Isaac, a producer of the show, and the head of the camera team.
In the footage, Isaac is seen engaging the group in a corridor. Within 30 seconds, he is violently shoved by the group of 16 men as they make their way to the studios.
The head of the camera team also faced a similar assault when encountering the group in the same corridor.
The NPP has faced criticism following the events of October 7, where a group of supporters stormed UTV, demanding fair representation of the government and an end to what they perceived as unfair attacks on the president and other top government officials.
This action received condemnation from various quarters, including the NPP, the NDC, media outlets, human rights groups, and Civil Society Organizations.
As a result of the invasion, the police arrested 16 individuals, who have since been released on bail pending further investigation.
Four daughters of Kennedy Agyapong, a flagbearer aspirant for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), have rallied behind their father and joined his campaign.
Kennedy Agyapong, who currently serves as a lawmaker for the Assin North constituency, is vying for the NPP’s top leadership position.
In a brief video shared on social media, these daughters passionately advocate for their father’s candidacy, presenting compelling reasons for why he would be an excellent public servant for the people of Ghana.
They highlight how he has successfully nurtured and raised them, emphasizing their belief that he can transfer these invaluable leadership qualities to his governance.
In the video, one of the daughters expresses her gratitude, saying “hello everyone, first of all, thank you all for taking time off to support our dad, we all just want you to know things about him,” one of them is captured saying.
“Aside from the fact that he is a great father, he has done a great job raising us, so, if he could raise a family, a village of his own, imagine what he can do for the country of Ghana.
Another daughter chimes in, “Furthermore, he is not just a politician, but a representative of the core values of Ghana. He envisions being a president who represents the interests of the 99% and not just the privileged 1%.”
They collectively declare, “No Ken, no vote! No Ken, no vote!” amidst a chorus of cheers, underscoring their unwavering support for their father’s campaign.
Kennedy Agyapong recently conducted the third edition of his campaign walk in the Western Region. During this event, he continued to critique the government and his primary opponent in the NPP primaries scheduled for November 4.
Agyapong is set to compete for the NPP’s flagbearer position against three other contenders, including Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, and Francis Addai-Nimoh.
The NPP has scheduled November 4, 2023, as the date to elect the successor to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as the party’s leader.
14 commodity exchanges across the African continent have united their efforts under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), marking a significant milestone for the AfCFTA initiative.
The newly-formed AfCFTA Association of Commodities Exchanges (ACX) aims to collaborate on ensuring food security and enhancing market efficiency through knowledge sharing and best practices.
They intend to promote modern trading methods, electronic trading platforms, standardized contracts, and improved market information to reduce transaction costs and attract greater participation from domestic and international traders.
Additionally, the ACX seeks to engage with relevant stakeholders, including government agencies and industry experts, to raise awareness about the role of commodity exchanges in price discovery, risk mitigation, and market access.
This advocacy is vital for driving policy reforms that facilitate the growth of efficient and transparent commodity trading platforms across the region.
Notably, the formalized commodity trading space in most AfCFTA markets is still in its early stages, with South Africa being an exception.
The initiative is led by the Ghana Commodity Exchange (GCX) and focuses on facilitating cross-border trade. ACX plans to collaborate with AfCFTA to harmonize trade regulations, simplify customs procedures, and expedite cross-border transactions.
During the “Maiden Forum: AfCFTA Association of Commodities Exchanges” event in Accra, the CEO of GCX, Tucci Ivowi, emphasized the importance of African commodity exchanges working together to contribute to the realization of a unified African market.
The goal is to ensure food security across the region and provide essential commodities to meet the continent’s needs.
The ACX operates under the AfCFTA’s Guided Trade Initiative, which aims to match countries and products. By pooling resources and expertise, the African Commodity Exchanges intend to open up opportunities for cross-border commodity trading within the free trade area.
While each country has its unique characteristics and commodities, the possibility of a common African commodity exchange is considered, especially because these exchanges operate electronic platforms that can be interlinked, allowing for easy trade among themselves.
One of the common challenges faced by commodity exchanges across Africa is liquidity constraints. Building liquidity is a crucial aspect of commodity exchange development, and overcoming this challenge will require time, large buyers and sellers, policy initiatives, and collaboration with financial institutions.
South Africa is the exception with a well-established commodity exchange, while the rest of the exchanges on the continent are in nascent stages. However, the ACX’s collaborative efforts aim to accelerate progress and contribute to regional economic growth.
The Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), Dr. Ernest Addison, has stressed the necessity of boosting multilateral coordination and regulatory efficiency to effectively manage sovereign debt issues in low-income countries (LICs).
He proposed the establishment of a robust Global Sovereign Debt Roundtable (GSDR) to address this need.
During the IMF-African Caucus Meeting at the World Bank/IMF Meetings in Marrakech, Morocco, Dr. Addison underscored the significance of this initiative.
“We call for a carefully designed debt resolution mechanism, especially for vulnerable members with large domestic creditors – such as Ghana, to help avert domestic financial market instability,” Dr. Addison stated in his address to attendees at the conference.
He emphasized the need for a well-designed debt resolution mechanism, especially for vulnerable members with substantial domestic creditors, such as Ghana, to mitigate the risk of domestic financial market instability.
Additionally, he highlighted the need to enhance the G20 Common Framework (CF) to ensure a more timely, orderly, equitable, inclusive, and transparent debt restructuring process for distressed members in the region, including countries like Ghana, Ethiopia, and Malawi.
Given the acute debt challenges faced by African economies, worsened by factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ukraine conflict, tightening global financing conditions, and climate-related disasters, Dr. Addison urged the IMF to provide crucial support to vulnerable African economies.
He suggested that the IMF should adapt its lending toolkits to changing global conditions and align PRGT access thresholds with those of the GRA to facilitate uniform treatment and easier access to adequate Fund support for vulnerable members.
Dr. Addison also stressed the importance of securing additional pledges from willing donors to close resource gaps in PRGT, reinforcing the IMF’s finances while protecting the quota share of vulnerable members.
He emphasized the need for tailored capacity development and surveillance support from the Fund, in collaboration with international partners, to address member-specific challenges and restore public debt sustainability.
These recommendations are presented at a critical juncture when over half of sub-Saharan African (SSA) members face high debt distress risk, and the region’s economic growth is projected to further decelerate in 2023.
Dr. Addison’s proposals aim to offer immediate relief to struggling economies and foster inclusive and sustainable growth in the region.
The call for a stronger GSDR and enhanced cooperation between the IMF, MDBs, and RDBs underscores the urgency of addressing global economic challenges affecting low-income countries.
The Food and Drug Authority (FDA) has issued a stern warning to the public concerning the usage of DIABOOST.
The product, according to the Authority, is not registered with the FDA, is being advertised as a remedy for diabetes and a way to normalize blood sugar levels, primarily on social media platforms.
In an official statement released on Friday, the FDA debunked these claims, highlighting that DIABOOST is, in fact, categorized as a dietary supplement and not a medicinal remedy.
“These claims are false. The product is in fact labelled as a food supplement, not a medication and thus cannot be used in the treatment of diabetes,” the FDA stated, adding that “DIABOOST is not registered by the FDA. For this reason, its efficacy, quality, and most importantly, safety for diabetics cannot be guaranteed by the Authority,” it added.
The FDA has also revealed that DIABOOST is manufactured in Bulgaria for SPB Realty LTD and distributed in Ghana by 36TY Courier Service, with ongoing police investigations involving Mary Alimena.
In response to concerns over the product DIABOOST, the FDA has advised individuals with diabetes to adhere to treatments prescribed by healthcare professionals and explore discussions about alternative treatments to prevent potential complications.
The FDA has urged those with the product to discontinue its use and return it to the nearest FDA office or supplier.
Additionally, the public is encouraged to check the registration status of regulated products on the FDA website before purchase to ensure safety.
” DIABOOST is manufactured in Bulgaria for SPB, Realty LTD, 1 HAN ASPARUH STR, BURGAS, BULGARIA and distributed in Ghana by 36TY Courier Service, headed by MS. Mary Alimena, who is currently assisting the Police with the investigation.
“The FDA is by this notice asking all persons who have the product to stop using them immediately and return them to the nearest FDA office or to the supplier. The Authority wishes to encourage the public to check the registration status of all regulated products from the FDA website, www.fdaghana.gov.gh and the Proper platform (https.//bit.ly?ProPerFDA-Verify) before purchase in order to avoid harm,” it added.
Diabetes is a chronic medical condition marked by high blood glucose levels, resulting from insufficient insulin production or ineffective insulin utilization in the body.
Three primary types of diabetes include Type 1, an autoimmune disease requiring insulin therapy; Type 2, often linked to lifestyle factors like diet and physical activity; and Gestational Diabetes, occurring during pregnancy.
Diabetes often manifests with symptoms such as increased thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, persistent fatigue, and slow wound healing. When left unmanaged, diabetes can give rise to serious complications. Therefore, it is advised that patients adopt comprehensive treatment plan that incorporates lifestyle modifications, medication, and, in some cases, insulin therapy.
These treatment strategies should be undertaken under the guidance and supervision of healthcare professionals to ensure the maintenance of good health and the prevention of diabetes-related complications.
Incorporating an array of vibrant red-colored fruits and vegetables into your daily diet isn’t just about adding color to your plate—it’s a powerful investment in your health.
These nature-made red wonders are brimming with antioxidants and essential phytonutrients that offer a host of compelling reasons to make them a crucial part of your daily nutrition.
Packed with nutrients
Tomatoes, red bell peppers, strawberries, cherries, watermelon, and a variety of other visually stunning red fruits and vegetables are packed with valuable compounds such as antioxidants and phytonutrients. These natural treasures offer a wealth of health advantages, contributing to the holistic well-being of the body. Let’s explore a few of these benefits.
2. Antioxidant Properties
Red fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants, which play a crucial role in fighting free radicals and lowering the risk of chronic diseases.
3. Heart health
Phytonutrients found in red fruits and vegetables can contribute to cardiovascular well-being by reducing blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
4. Cancer prevention
Certain red fruits and vegetables, such as tomatoes, are associated with a decreased risk of specific cancers thanks to their abundant lycopene content.
5. Improved vision
Red vegetables, including red bell peppers, boast high levels of vitamin C and carotenoids. These components support eye health and potentially lower the risk of age-related degeneration.
A private legal practitioner, Martin Kpebu, has denied allegations of a confrontation with former Sanitation Minister, Cecilia Dapaah, in relation to the seizure of her assets by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).
Cecilia Dapaah on Wednesday, October 11, sought the assistance of the private legal practitioner, after the High Court considered arguments to expedite the confirmation of freezing and seizure orders related to her case.
Cecilia Dapaah was captured in a series of photos shared by the Legal Platform portal engaging with Lawyer Martin Kpebu.
In one particular photograph, the former Minister is seen pointing her left hand toward the prominent anti-corruption advocate.
Martin Kpebu was present in Financial Court 2 to represent his client in a separate case while the proceedings for Cecilia Dapaah’s case were underway.
Consistently, the outspoken lawyer has supported the OSP’s decision to investigate Dapaah, seize money discovered at her residence, and freeze her bank accounts due to suspicions of illicit activities.
In response to these assertions, Cecilia Dapaah, seemingly affected by the remarks, reportedly accused Martin Kpebu of making unfair and biased statements.
However, speaking to the media Mr. Kpebu refuted these claims, stating that Madam Dapaah was polite during their interaction.
He clarified that Madam Dapaah merely inquired about the “commentaries I have been running.”
“It’s normal, I owe no grudges against Cecilia Dapaah, to be very honest with you, considering what she is going through, I can understand so I am not bothered about the picture that has gone viral. Considering what she is going through, as against the conversation we had, she was very cordial. She was a bit very polite.She didn’t threaten me, polite is a better word. No, she wasn’t fighting me,” he added.
Mr. Kpebu asserted that he has the right to engage in public discourse and has, thus far, made statements grounded in available facts. He stated, “We comment based on the facts and we use the law, you know, public interest. We have to do it. It is part of our job as citizens. We have to contribute to the public debate and all that. That was what she was asking about. I said yes, Madam, it is part of our job, and I will continue.”
The Volta River Authority (VRA) has taken a stern measure against the Tain Government Hospital by disconnecting its power supply due to an accumulated debt.
The disconnection occurred on Friday after an inconclusive meeting between the hospital’s management and stakeholders, including the District Chief Executive (DCE).
Speaking to the media, a medical officer at the hospital, Dr. Emmanuel Taah, expressed concern that this disconnection would disrupt their operations, as there is no alternative power source.
He mentioned that although the hospital’s management has made partial payments on the debt, the VRA insisted it was insufficient, leading to the disconnection.
Dr. Taah pointed out that the Bono Regional Minister, Justina Owusu-Banahene, and other stakeholders are aware of the situation. He appealed to the Ministry of Health to intervene and request the VRA to restore power to the hospital.
The Tain District Hospital, valued at $36.6 million, was inaugurated by President Akufo-Addo in November 2020.
This 60-bed facility serves over 10,000 people in Tain and nearby areas, featuring four operating theaters with various specialties, a well-equipped radiology department, and a laboratory.
It is also intended to function as a referral center for cases from less sophisticated healthcare facilities in the region. Dr. Taah cautioned that the hospital could face closure if power is not reinstated promptly.
Tax expert and consultant, Abdallah Ali-Nakyea, has cautioned the government against discontinuing the collection of the COVID-19 levy, emphasizing that ending such taxes without an alternative revenue source may result in the introduction of additional taxes, thereby increasing the financial burden on citizens.
Speaking at the recent Vodafone Business Runway in Accra, Ali-Nakyea expressed his belief that scrapping the COVID-19 levy might not be the best approach, citing the previous elimination of 16 tax types that was followed by the introduction of new taxes.
“I have always held that it is not a tax I wish should be scrapped, reason is that remember when the government came into power, we all celebrated the scrapping of 16 tax types, today imagine the number of taxes coming back, so it shows it wasn’t the right approach in the first place,” he added.
He recommended a gradual phasing out of the levy, addressing challenges in the health sector, and changing its name to reflect broader healthcare needs.
Ali-Nakyea stated that if the COVID-19 Levy were scrapped, it might necessitate the introduction of specific levies for healthcare services, like a dialysis levy to address the challenges faced by hospitals like Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.
“We could have scrapped two, the following year two, gradually and so we would have been able to find other means. The reason I am saying this is that supposing we scrap COVID-19 Levy, today the challenges Korle Bu Teaching Hospital is having with dialysis, are we going to introduce dialysis levy?” he said.
He added, “So, I think the name given to it might have been the cause of the problem, we really have a lot of problems in the health sector, any revenue should be channeled to solve them.”
The COVID-19 levy, set at 1%, was implemented by the government during the height of the pandemic to offer financial support for combating the virus and its repercussions.
Former President and NDC’s 2024 flagbearer, John Mahama, has urged the Volta River Authority (VRA) to expedite support for residents in communities along the Volta River affected by the Akosombo Dam spillage.
Communities in the North, South, and Central Tongu districts of the Volta Region have been forced to evacuate due to the flooding caused by the dam spillage. This situation has left them with no choice but to salvage their remaining belongings.
Mr. Mahama visited parts of Sogakope and Sokpoe on Friday to assess the impact of the spillage and meet with the affected communities and facilities.
The situation is dire, with Comboni Hospital staff evacuating their quarters and seeking shelter under a pavilion. Patients have also been discharged, with only ten in critical condition remaining. If the water levels do not recede soon, they, too, may have to be discharged.
“It’s heartbreaking that we may have to let go of these patients,” a nurse said. “But if things don’t get better, we won’t have any other choice.”
The former President urged the VRA to swiftly deliver the promised relief efforts to the affected communities following his visit and interactions with residents, management, and staff of the Comboni hospital.
He emphasized, “This is about people’s lives. I will thank the VRA and appeal to them to expedite their efforts because the people are in need. We must help them cope with the situation.”
Mr. Mahama expressed his disappointment that the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) has been unable to assist the affected communities due to a lack of relief items.
He also noted that the spillage was caused by large inflows from above the dam due to heavy rains in the northern parts of the country. He advised the VRA to consider desilting the river to allow for faster water flow.
“If you don’t spill, it is possible that the dam can give way, and that will be more catastrophic, especially in southern Volta. But we must dredge so that the extra volumes of water can flow faster. For example, under the Volta Bridge is silted. If it is desilted, the water will flow away faster.”
To emphasize the urgency of relief efforts and the impact of the situation on people, Mr. Mahama mentioned the possibility of the hospital asking families to collect the 300 dead bodies from the mortuary and find other places to accommodate them.
“If you don’t spill, it is possible that the dam can give way, and that will be more catastrophic, especially down the southern Volta. But we must dredge so that the extra volumes of water can flow faster. For example, under the Volta Bridge is silted. If it is de-silted, the water will flow away faster.”
Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Interbank Payment and Settlement System (GhIPSS), Mr. Archie Hesse, has been named the “Most Inspirational Payments Business Leader in West Africa.”
This recognition acknowledges his outstanding contributions to the payments industry, his advocacy for digital payment solutions, and his dedication to enhancing financial accessibility across West Africa.
The prestigious award was presented during the recent Africa Bank 4.0 Summit held in Lagos, Nigeria.
The Africa Bank 4.0 Awards were established to honor and celebrate the commitment of various organizations, associations, and service providers in the financial services sector.
These awards aim to commend trailblazers and forward-thinkers who go the extra mile to revolutionize the Fintech industry, making financial access in Africa more convenient, innovative, and affordable.
Mr. Hesse’s journey with GhIPSS began when he assumed the role of General Manager in charge of Projects and Business Development shortly after its inception as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Bank of Ghana.
Over the years, he rose to the position of Chief Executive Officer, succeeding the company’s first CEO, Mr. Fred France.
As CEO, Mr. Hesse has overseen the remarkable transformation of GhIPSS, working closely with banks and non-bank financial institutions to introduce various electronic payment channels to the public.
Some notable innovations include Mobile Money Interoperability, GhQR, and GhanaPay.
His primary focus has always been on advancing financial inclusion and expanding the range of instant electronic payment options available to the public. Under his leadership, GhIPSS has achieved several industry firsts and has received global recognition for its achievements.
Upon receiving the award, Mr. Hesse expressed his humility at the recognition and stressed the importance of continually pushing the boundaries of the industry.
He extended his gratitude to the dedicated staff, management, and board of GhIPSS for their unwavering support, noting, “Without a great team, this wouldn’t have been possible. So, I want to celebrate the staff, the management, and the board for their respective roles and particularly encourage the staff and management to aim to even exceed their current performance.”
Despite the Northern Electricity Distribution Company’s (NEDCO) pledge for a complete power supply restoration on Tuesday, October 10, 2023, residents in Tamale have once again found themselves in darkness.
The situation follows the management’s earlier assurance to address the issue, which had arisen due to growing concerns about a potential return to load shedding.
Throughout September and early October, residents had complained about frequent power outages.
On the evening of Thursday, October 12, 2023, power supply to the Tamale township was disrupted around 10 p.m., leaving residents without electricity until 9:20 a.m. on Friday, October 13, 2023.
Before power was eventually restored, those who endured a night without electricity had to cope with additional interruptions on Friday morning.
Several residents expressed their frustration, urging NEDCo to identify a lasting solution to the problem.
William Paa Kwasi, who spoke to the media, lamented the damage caused to his refrigerator due to the inconsistent power supply in Tamale.
“You go to sleep and wake up to a power outage. Sometimes they don’t restore it after the maintenance works, and we experience repeated on-and-off electricity, which has a damaging impact on our gadgets.
“They should refrain from paying themselves hefty salaries and, instead, invest in improving service delivery,” he bemoaned.
A flagbearer aspirant for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kennedy Agyapong, has expressed his confidence in winning the party’s November 4 primaries.
Speaking to the media in Takoradi before his Showdown Walk event, Kennedy Agyapong called on his supporters to actively participate in the primaries, regardless of the outcome.
He emphasized the importance of patriotism, honesty, and discipline for Ghana’s rapid development.
He highlighted the need for Ghanaians to prioritize the welfare and interests of the country over personal gain.
Kennedy Agyapong further pointed out that dishonesty is a major problem in the country, causing economic challenges and hindering effective resource and business management.
He believes that addressing these issues is crucial for the development of Ghana.
“We need to be patriotic, honest, and disciplined to develop our country. People are not patriotic, we are greedy and selfish and don’t think about the welfare and the interest of the country at heart. Ghanaians think about themselves before the country and the moment you put yourself first, you defeat the purpose of development.”
“The level of dishonesty in this country is causing the economy to fail at all levels because foreigners have proven to us that we are not poor but because of dishonesty, we are not able to manage our resources and businesses and that is collapsing the country.”
Beginning November 1, 2023, Ghana and South Africa will commence the implementation of a 90-day visa waiver program, which has been mutually agreed upon by both countries.
This visa waiver applies to individuals holding ordinary passports.
In a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration on Friday, they conveyed this significant development:
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration wishes to inform the general public that the Republic of Ghana and the Republic of South Africa have entered into an agreement on a visa waiver regime for holders of ordinary passports.”
“The agreement will become effective on November 1, 2023,” as specified by the Ministry.
Under this arrangement, travelers can transit through, depart from, and stay in both countries for a combined period of up to ninety (90) days without the need for work permits.
A senior lecturer at Central University, Dr. Benjamin Otchere Ankrah, has expressed deep concern over the persistent incompetence displayed by some government appointees over the years.
Dr. Ankrah was taken aback by the fact that President Akufo-Addo has still not taken action to address the subpar performances of these officials.
During an interview with the media, the lecturer specializing in Corporate Governance specifically highlighted the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta and the Road Minister, Kwesi Amoako Atta as appointees whose reshuffles have been unduly delayed.
“He [Ken Ofori-Atta] should have been replaced long ago by the President. The Roads Minister (Kwesi Amoako Atta) shouldn’t be at post by now,” Dr. Benjamin Otchere Ankrah lamented .
He voiced his apprehension regarding the trajectory of Ghana’s development under the leadership of President Akufo-Addo.
Scores of Ghanaians have urged the President to dismiss the Minister from his role, citing the challenging state of the Ghanaian economy.
Meanwhile, President Akufo-Addo has emphasized that calls for the dismissal of the Finance Minister are unwarranted.
“I came to office in 2017 under a stringent IMF programme. This same man was able to manage the affairs of our economy in such a way that in my first term, we were one of the fastest-growing economies in the world.
“An average growth rate of 7% which allowed us to initiate programmes such as Planting for Food and Jobs. So somebody who has been able to do that. The current difficulties are not his fault. So how do I do it (sack him)? What will be the basis? What will be the rationale,” he added.
Addressing the media, President Akufo-Addo, expressed unwavering confidence in the Minister, who also happens to be his cousin.
He firmly asserted that Ofori-Atta should not be held accountable for the current economic challenges confronting the nation.
“If we were to say he didn’t do well in the first term, then why did I renominate him for my second term? So for me, their performance in my first time was excellent. Let me use that word. Excellent,” he added.
Member of Parliament (MP) for the Odododiodio constituency, Edwin Nii Lantey Vanderpuye, has urged the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to take decisive action against those responsible for the chaos that erupted at the party’s Greater Accra regional office.
The NDC’s Greater Accra office was subjected to an attack by party members who claimed bias in the national leadership’s vetting process for parliamentary aspirants in the Odododiodio constituency.
During an interview with the media, Mr Vanderpuye revealed that he had called for an assessment of the damages caused by the agitators. He also emphasized the need for the party to hold the culprits accountable.
Mr Vanderpuye expressed that the enraged supporters had no valid justification for their unwarranted and unjustifiable actions, which should not go unpunished.
“I have had a meeting with the Regional Secretary, the Regional Treasurer, the Deputy Treasurer, and the Office Administrator and told them to evaluate the cost of the repairs that needed to be done, and we are also recommending to the party take drastic action against those that were caught on video engaging in that dastardly act.”
“They don’t have any legitimate reason for doing what they did because the party has legitimate channels by which you can seek redress if you are not happy with any process in the party and I don’t see why you should vent your anger on poor chairs and individuals who virtually have nothing to do with what is happening in Odododiodio and their reasons are totally unfair and unjustifiable,” he added.
The Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources, Freda Prempeh, has denied reports suggesting that her ministry received $125 million from the World Bank.
These reports claimed that the funds were allocated for a five-year project aimed at training environmental inspectors to prosecute sanitation offenders.
In response, Minister Prempeh clarified that these reports misrepresented her ministry’s activities.
During the commissioning of 38 institutional toilet facilities in the Ashanti Region, she explained that the $125 million mentioned in the reports was actually the total budget for the ongoing four-year Greater Accra Metropolitan Area (GAMA) Sanitation and Water project, which began in 2021.
She emphasized that the training of environmental prosecutors is just one component of this broader project, which spans four years.
“Recently, we saw a viral video, a publication going around indicating that the World Bank had given the Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources $125 million.
“Let me put on record here that the World Bank has not dumped any money in my office as is being speculated around that 125 million has been given to the Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources,” she said.
Minister Prempeh further clarified that the $125 million referred to a larger project with multiple components, but the entire amount had not been allocated to her ministry in one lump sum.
“Indeed, they have a project that together has about four components which sum up to $125 million which was started years ago, some being taken in Kumasi and some in Accra.
“And yet somebody somewhere decided to do his own story that $125 million had been given to the Minister of Sanitation. No such monies have been dumped in my office,” she stated.
The imprisonment of the Chief Executive Officer of the defunct Capital Bank, William Ato Essien, sends a strong message to corporate Ghana and the financial sector that wrongdoing will not go unpunished, according to the Director of Business Operations at Dalex Finance, Mr. Joe Jackson.
He also commended the effectiveness of the legal system in Ghana.
Mr. Jackson expressed his satisfaction, saying, “it is a really good thing not just for the financial sector but all of corporate Ghana. So in that sense showing out that our legal system works, showing that you can’t get away with the wrong thing., that is wonderful”.
However, he voiced concerns about the state’s inability to recover all the funds from Ato Essien before his imprisonment.
Despite reaching an agreement to refund GHC90 million to the state, Essien only managed to return GHC37 million, leading to the imposition of the custodial sentence.
Mr. Jackson highlighted the need to retrieve the misused funds, stating, “I am filled with sadness, the sadness is on two levels. Number one is that, more than a conviction we really need to get our money back. The public purse was raided to resolve this issue and if there is an establishment that funds have been misused, we have to get the money back and so the conviction just shows that we haven’t still been able to the money back. For me that is sad.
“The second level of sadness is this; Capital Bank represented local indigenous ownership of our financial sector, nobody is going to grow this country or our financial sector for us, eventually Ghanains have to own it so that we can do the best for the country and not to ship the money out or ship the money in depending on where you stand.”
He also expressed a second level of sadness regarding the loss of Capital Bank, which represented local indigenous ownership in the country’s financial sector.
He emphasized the importance of Ghanaians owning and developing the financial sector for the benefit of the country.
Deputy Attorney-General Alfred Tuah-Yeboah explained that although Ato Essien has been incarcerated, the state managed to retrieve GHC37 million from him before the sentencing. He stated that if Essien had been imprisoned earlier, when the agreement to repay the money had not been reached, the state would not have recovered this sum.
Tuah-Yebuah added that the state would be looking into whether Essien could pay the remaining amount, but if he doesn’t, he will have to serve the 15-year prison term.
He said, “we were expecting that he would go by the agreement that we had but unfortunately on his part, he could not fulfill his part of the bargain. As we speak he has been able to pay close to about 37 million Cedis and because of his inability to pay the rest, per the agreement that we had, the court had the right to sentence him to a prison term and the court just did that.
“I am yet to get the full complement of the orders of the court, now that he has been imprisoned if he gets the money to pay that is another ballgame to look at because after a court has given its ruling or judgment the court becomes functus officio, so my expectation is that when he pays then he goes into mitigation when he wants to appeal the sentence.
“Let’s hope that he gets the money to pay. Let us also add that even if he is going to serve the 15 years Ghanaians have also benefited somehow because at least 37 million Cedis has been paid to the state. if he had been sentenced last year we wouldn’t have even recovered this.”
The General Overseer of God’s Crown Chapel, Reindolph Oduro Gyebi, also known as ‘Eagle Prophet,’ has once again predicted that Ghana will not inaugurate its elected president on January 7, 2025.
In 2022, he initially revealed that January 7, 2025, would not be the date for swearing in a new president.
“In 2024 we [Ghanaians] will vote and in 2025 we will swear in the president. Normally we swear them in on January 7 but in 2025 the president won’t be sworn in on January 7. He will be sworn in on a different date, that’s all I can say.” he said.
The religious leader has reiterated his prophecy this year, emphasizing that he does not foresee Ghana conducting the swearing-in ceremony on the specified date. Speaking to the media, he suggested that there might be misunderstandings.
Ghana is scheduled to hold presidential and parliamentary elections in 2024.
Lawyer Kweku Paintsil has disclosed that the convicted founder of the defunct Capital Bank, William Ato Essien, has only one potential avenue to avoid a jail term, which is through executive intervention by the President, Akufo-Addo.
Speaking to the media Mr Paintsil stated that the law offers the option to apply to set aside the judgment on specific grounds, such as fraud, deceit, incapacity, unsound mind, or any factor that could invalidate the agreement.
He explained that the agreement might hinge on the person not being of sound mind or being induced beyond what is evident on the surface.
Nevertheless, Mr Paintsil noted that these are narrow avenues that someone can use to challenge a court judgment.
“Of course, the only other option available to him is executive intervention by the President’s prerogative of mercy. The President has power without answering to anybody to decide to pardon anybody of any criminal offense.
“In Ghana, that is a very common path for highly exposed public individuals. The President has been using it, even though not frequently. But as a matter of law, these are the only two options open to Essien, nothing beyond that,” he added.
Paintsil clarified that a person who enters into a plea bargain admits liability, and once that admission is made, the court no longer has a duty to continue with the trial. Consequently, the person is convicted based on their plea.
Additionally, Paintsil highlighted that the law stipulates that once a person accepts a plea bargain, they forfeit the right to appeal the judgment because a plea bargain, like a consent judgment, cannot be set aside.
He also commented on the impact of Ato Essien’s conviction on the broader banking sector cleanup process, emphasizing its importance for the sector.
Paintsil pointed out that Ghana’s current economic crisis resulted from the government bailing out bank owners who were living extravagantly.
He questioned how these ill-gotten funds could be retrieved and emphasized the need to strengthen prosecution efforts to either recover the funds or hold the culprits accountable for their actions.
A 13-member inter-ministerial panel has been established to coordinate the government’s efforts in addressing the repercussions of the Akosombo dam spillage on affected victims.
Due to the release of water from the Akosombo dam, numerous inhabitants in the Volta Region have been displaced from their homes, facing homelessness.
Led by the Chief of Staff, Akosua Frema Osei-Opare, the committee comprises key members, including the Minister of National Security, Albert Kan-Dapaah; Minister for the Interior, Ambrose Dery; Defence Minister, Dominic Nitiwul; Energy Minister, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh; Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta; and the Minister of Local Government, Daniel Kwaku Botwe.
Additionally, the committee includes the Minister of Works and Housing, Francis Asenso-Boakye; Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwasi Amoako-Attah; Minister for Environment, Dr. Kwaku Afriyie; Minister for Sanitation, Freda Prempeh; Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel A. Jinapor; and the Minister for Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah.
This announcement was made through a press statement issued by the Ministry of Information on Friday, October 13, 2023.
Former Member of Parliament for Obuasi East under the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Edward Ennin, has voiced his disapproval of attempts to lure Alan Kyerematen back into the party.
The former trade minister had resigned from the NPP, announcing his candidacy as an independent candidate for the 2024 elections.
During an interview on Neat FM on October 10, 2023, the former MP accused specific party members of thwarting Alan and compelling him to leave the party.
Ennin alleged that there might have been a deliberate effort to undermine Alan within the NPP, assuming his departure would be inconsequential.
“And the things that they have done to Alan, Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu and all of them, they knew what they were doing and I think it was a planned effort to frustrate the man just to leave the party, thinking that he was nobody and his absence wouldn’t affect anything.
“But now they have realized that his absence won’t help them but rather affects them… it is now a case of taking a certain decision without thinking about it, and now you want to use a different approach to reverse it.
“If they don’t take care, the next election will be one party versus an independent candidate who will go to a second round,”he said.
Alan Kyerematen officially severed ties with the party following his involvement in the super delegates’ elections. Kyerematen, a prominent figure within the NPP, found himself placed behind Kennedy Agyapong and vice president, Dr. Mahamudu in the election results.
He cited unfairness and alleged intimidation against his agents as reasons for his departure.
However, party leaders, including National Chairman Stephen Ntim and Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, the Majority Leader, are eager to engage in discussions with Kyerematen to persuade him to reconsider his decision and return to the NPP.
On Friday, October 13, 2023, a soldier reportedly took his own life at the 48 Engineer Regiment in Accra.
The lifeless body of Lance Corporal (L/Cpl) Sapak Dickson was discovered hanging from an electrical cable in the Unit’s guard room.
This information was provided by the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) in a statement released on Friday, October 13, 2023.
The GAF stated, “preliminary investigative report indicates that the soldier who was under investigations for several cases of fraud was placed in close custody on Wednesday 11 October 2023 at about 1930 hours on a report to the Regiment for defrauding a Defence Civilian Staff.”
“A team from the Ghana Military Police and a CID personnel from Teshie Divisional Police Headquarters were dispatched to the scene for investigations.”
The GAF mentioned that the deceased soldier’s body had been transported to the 37 Military Hospital mortuary.
“GAF takes this opportunity to extend its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, colleagues, friends, and loved ones of the deceased soldier,” they added.
