A potential flagbearer for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has announced his intention to raise the betting tax to 30% if elected president.
He explained that this is to dissuade young people from straying off course.
In an interview with the media, he expressed concerns about the adverse effects of excessive betting on the youth.
He contended that the prevalence of betting among young individuals could hamper their future prospects and lead them astray.
“I was being interviewed one time by a journalist and he brought in the topic of betting. He argued that the NPP has imposed a tax on betting. I told him that I will even increase it from 10% to 30%.
“I have refrained myself from talking about it because there isn’t much of employment. But if we had created employment, it would reduce the number of people who engage in betting. If a youth gets addicted to betting, he doesn’t have a future. So, when I come, we will create enough employment for the youth,” he said.
Kennedy Agyapong clarified that he has refrained from discussing this matter extensively due to the existing lack of employment opportunities.
However, he stressed that generating more job openings could significantly reduce the number of youths resorting to betting as a source of income.
He provided an example from the United States, where a considerable tax is levied on substantial betting winnings. This, he argued, was an effort to deter individuals from depending on unearned money.
“Let me give you this example in the US if you with a bet of about $ 1 billion, you will go home with only $ 600 million, about 40% tax. Because it is free money.
“So, with all the advice I gave to the youth, they took only that part to tell people that I said I will increase tax on bet. Yes! I said it and I stand by it. I will do this it discourages the youth from going astray,” he added.
He continued that “I don’t care, if you will vote for me go ahead if you won’t vote for me too that is fine. But whatever that is the truth is what I will say it.”
On Monday, all staff of Ghana Railway Company in Sekondi/Takoradi convened at Ketan’s Famous Bottom Tree grounds, seeking explanations for withheld salaries.
In an atmosphere filled with frustration, the workers had extended an invitation to their Union Secretary, Goodwill Ntarmah.
The aim was to have him address the perplexing issue of not receiving their wages for a span exceeding three months.
Regrettably, the aggrieved workers found themselves disappointed as the day unfolded, with their union leader failing to make an appearance despite the lengthy wait.
The unionized employees expressed their dissatisfaction at this turn of events.
Their calls and attempts to contact Goodwill Ntarmah had gone unanswered. Their labor had continued, yet their remunerations had not been credited to their accounts. The weight of this situation was compounded by the fact that they supported families who relied on their earnings. The absence of communication about the situation added to their distress.
“We had already invited him to come and explain to us why our salaries are not being paid. He assured us of coming but we waited for him almost the whole day and he did not show up. We have been calling him but no response. We have worked and no salaries have been hitting our accounts. We have families who depend on us but nobody has told us what is going on. We are inviting him for questions and he has refused to attend,” some of the angry workers told the media.
Despite the absence of any official explanation for Mr. Ntarmah’s no-show, it’s speculated that past tensions associated with the meeting location might have played a role in his decision to abstain.
Mr. Ntarmah is scheduled to hold a press conference on Tuesday, August 22, at the company’s headquarters in Takoradi. This upcoming event is believed to be a contributing factor to his lack of response to the workers’ invitation.
Numbering more than 500, these workers have made a resolute commitment to reconvene at the same venue until they hear directly from their leader. They assert that Mr. Ntarmah was elected to champion their cause, necessitating his response to their call.
It’s worth noting that a group of retrenched workers from 2006, who have yet to receive their severance awards, recently secured a court order that prevents the railway company from accessing its bank account. This legal measure has inadvertently hindered the payment of the current workers.
The Chairman of the retrenched workers, John Kojo Appiah, revealed in May that the Sekondi High Court had imposed this injunction after numerous unsuccessful attempts to recover their funds.
“The Cape Coast Appeals Court ordered the payment of our money in 2015,” he had said.
“Since then, the company has refused to pay the money to us and all efforts have proven unsuccessful. Our lawyer led us and an injunction has been placed on the accounts where salaries of workers are paid from.”
Presently, the Ghana Railway Company is reliant on a portion of its revenue derived from transporting bauxite between Nsuta and Takoradi in order to meet its workforce’s compensation requirements.
ECOWAS has been in the news ever since a military junta seized power in Niger on the 26th of July, 2023.
As if reading from a newly dusted template, an emergency meeting of the ECOWAS Authority of heads of states and government, the decisive statement was made: reinstate ousted President Bazoum within a week or expect the use force to do so.
Since then, military chiefs from eligible countries have met twice, in Abuja and Accra to fashion out the modalities of going to war. ECOWAS insists that war is its last option, preferring the diplomatic route to reaching a settlement.
Indeed, its spokesman claims they are planning for a ‘surgical strike’ to dismantle the military junta. Be that as it may, military historians will tell you every plan has its counter and the unexpected lurks around the corner at all times.
In response, the military junta in Niger has thrown in its own diplomatic response.
It has offered a transition period of three years for a return to democratic rule. No mention of reinstating ousted president, Mohammad Bazoum as demanded by ECOWAS.
In all this unfolding drama, the laughing stock in the eyes of the mass of the people in the ECOWAS region appears to be ECOWAS itself. How and why is this so?
The mantra within ECOWAS, the Authority and Commission, is to restore DEMOCRACY in Niger. As laudable as that objective is, how many people across West Africa believe that that is the case? On the basis of history and precedence, what credibility does ECOWAS have to sell this pretense to the public?
ECOWAS is made up of 15 member states. Who are the protagonists in the decision to restore democracy in Niger? Four are junta barred from decision making: Burkina Faso, Guinea, Mali and Niger the newcomer. Next in line are the likes of Cote d’Ivoire, Senegal and Togo who have at some point bastardized their constitutions (or are firmly in the process) by the forceful passage of third term amendments for the incumbent to stay in power.
The masses understand that ECOWAS in principle supports civilian-perpetrated coups, given that it is seen as an exclusive club for colleague heads of states who see no evil from each other. Nigeria, the big brother has its own questionable credentials when it comes to democracy and, no wonder, the courts are still considering the results of the last elections that returned President Tinubu. Of the rest, Cape Verde has refused to have anything to do with military intervention in Niger. Who then are propagating this mantra of “return to democratic rule”?
Secondly, why would ECOWAS even contemplate war against one of its own, when three of its members have clearly signaled their resolve to fight on the side of Niger? Who among these economically challenged countries is going to foot the bill for the war? Further still, why Niger? Burkina Faso, Guinea and Mali staged their respective coups without the threat of war. ECOWAS engaged the military junta in the various countries and came to negotiated outcomes of a roadmap in each case. With the transitional arrangements agreed, the peaceful gradual return to democratic governance is assured over time. So why is Niger different? Is it a case of ‘least resistance’? Would ECOWAS be rushing to apply sanctions and preparing for war if the events of 26th July occurred in Nigeria?
Add the geopolitical mix and draw your conclusion about whose side ECOWAS is revving the war machine on.
Niger is one of the poorest nations in the world. All statistics point to that. The question is, why subject Niger to such a senseless and avoidable war that can only further impoverish the country? And who benefits from the military intervention?
It is not for nothing that ECOWAS has lost credibility among the people of the region. For many analysts, ECOWAS must refocus on policies and actions that will bring the love and trust of the people. What happened to “ECOWAS of the People”, as was bandied about some time ago?
Unity is strength and it will serve ECOWAS and the people better if it can mobilize governments and the people to come together to confront and renegotiate a way out of the continued subjugation and exploitation of its members. If Niger is a major producer and exporter of uranium, why can’t ECOWAS lead a collective diplomatic assault to ensure that Niger benefits substantially from its resources? Dismantling the legacies of colonial master servant relations will be more herculean, but that would be a more profitable enterprise for ECOWAS and the people it is created to serve, not war. French West Africa needs the leadership of ECOWAS to unite and confront the elephant in the room for a second independence from colonialism on the economic and military front.
The Presidential Elections Committee (EC) of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has officially verified that the Chief of Staff, Akosua Frema Osei-Opare, is indeed eligible to cast her vote during the party’s upcoming special delegates congress scheduled for August 26.
Concerns regarding the qualification of the chief of staff under the National Executive Committee category on the delegates list were brought up by Alan Kyerematen’s campaign.
However, in a press conference, the Vice Chairman of the Presidential Elections Committee, Kwabena Abankwah Yeboah, clarified that the Chief of Staff’s eligibility to vote was affirmed.
This affirmation was based on her role as a patron of the party’s National Executive Committee.
“Our dedicated efforts have been focused on addressing a variety of inquiries that emerged throughout the process. We particularly prioritized resolving issues connected to the voters’ register. In our commitment to maintain the utmost transparency, we distributed the provisional voters’ register to all candidates and urged them to meticulously review it. We encouraged them to identify and report any inconsistencies or irregularities. Consequently, we received valuable input from the candidates regarding cases of omission, duplication, and related matters,” he explained.
“We are pleased to confirm that all such concerns have been meticulously addressed. An inquiry was raised concerning the status of Honorable Akosua Frema Osei Opare. According to the party’s official records, she holds membership in the National Executive Committee. Moreover, due to her position as the representative of the patrons at the NEC, she possesses the right to exercise her vote,” he declared.
The Ministry of Finance has initiated the procedure for fulfilling the initial coupon payment for bonds impacted by the Domestic Debt Exchange Program (DDEP).
As stated by the Ministry, the matured coupons total GHC 2.4 billion, and the necessary directives have been dispatched to facilitate the settlement.
Introduced in 2022, the DDEP was designed to revamp Ghana’s unsustainable debt load.
Within this initiative, eligible holders of bonds were provided the choice to swap their existing bonds for novel ones featuring reduced interest rates and extended maturity periods.
The coupon payment for the bonds in question had been agreed upon at 5%, which marked a decrease from the interest rates of the previous bonds.
Initial uncertainties prevailed in the market regarding the government’s capacity to meet the 5% coupon payment.
However, these concerns have been allayed by the Ministry of Finance, which has confirmed that the settlement of the primary coupon payment aligns with the government’s commitment to upholding the ongoing prosperity and reliability of the nation’s domestic debt activities.
Furthermore, the Ministry highlighted that the newly issued bonds within the framework of the DDEP have now become the prevailing instruments within the domestic bond market.
The Deputy Communications Director of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Malik Basintale, has urged the government to eliminate all forms of betting and gaming in the country if it does not endorse the involvement of young individuals in such activities.
He recommended that the government clarify its stance on betting, as the rationale behind implementing the 10% tax is not well-received by the youth.
The introduction of a 10% betting tax, part of the government’s strategy to generate revenue, has been met with criticism and apprehension.
Malik Basintale expressed reservations about the implementation of the 10% betting tax and criticized the government for its engagement in gambling.
In an interview with the media, Malik Basintale argued that, “the Gaming Commission Act said gambling is a game of chance, and a game to have fun. The government that brought this Act can repeal it at any point in time. Government is the biggest gambler in the country. The government through the lotteries authority manages gambling in this country. The president appoints a CEO to gamble with the people of this country. The government doesn’t see the need to repeal that Act. The government doesn’t see the need to close down the entire lottery system. But they think that by imposing punitive taxes on this service, they will move a lot of people out of it.”
“How does this tax frighten any youth out of this betting? The 21 new taxes you introduced, was that your intention to frighten businesses? If you think you don’t support the position of young people in this country betting, then abolish it. So that we will know that you don’t like it, it should be clear, the moral definition or the moral explanation to this doesn’t fly for me because there’s a law backing it”.
He criticized the government’s “irresponsible” assumption that their tax would drive young individuals away from the betting industry without offering alternatives.
“Your 10% tax means that go and bet, and when you win, give me 10%. And that is your idea of chicken people out of the betting industry. How irresponsible that thought can be, taxing betting is not a responsible measure of pushing people out of it. There are other alternatives you could choose from,” Malik Basintale pointed out.
The NDC Deputy Communications Officer also criticized the government for subjecting bettors to double taxation, arguing that they are already taxed through the e-levy.
He called upon the government to permit young people to make their own choices regarding participation in betting, emphasizing that there is a legal foundation supporting it.
“That factor of immorality should be left up to the individual’s reasoning.”
The National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCo) is collaborating with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to establish additional warehouses nationwide.
This initiative aims to stockpile more grains, preventing potential food shortages, particularly in secondary schools.
NAFCo’s CEO, Hanan Abdul-Wahab, stated in Accra that new warehouses, including silos for extended storage, are essential for the expected surplus grain harvest from the government’s Planting for Food and Jobs program’s second phase.
“As part of Food and Jobs phase two, we’re enhancing our storage capacity with both warehouses and silos. Our teams are assessing disused silos across the nation in preparation for the substantial grain yield.”
Over the last two months, NAFCo and the National Food Suppliers Association have engaged in a dispute concerning GH¢200 million in outstanding payments to members for supplies to secondary schools.
Around 85% of this sum has been settled, with the remaining 15% pending.
During their protest at NAFCo’s premises, two association members fell ill in July before receiving their payments.
In a recent conversation, the spokesperson for the aggrieved members, Kwaku Amedume, disclosed that the government still owes the association more than GH¢300 million for food provision in 2023.
The Coastal Development Authority (CODA) has refuted allegations regarding the abandonment of certain mini cars intended for the phased replacement of ‘okada’ operations in Ghana through the CODA Drive initiative.
In an official statement, CODA firmly denied the accuracy of the mentioned report, deeming it “blatantly untrue, malicious, unfounded, and entirely without merit, aiming solely to create negative sentiments toward the Authority and the Government.”
In the lead-up to the 2020 elections, the New Patriotic Party administration pledged to eliminate okada operations by introducing Bajaj Qute vehicles, accessible through hire-purchase arrangements, thereby enhancing safety in transportation and generating job opportunities for the youth.
The ‘CODA drive’ program was inaugurated in October 2021 to fulfill this commitment.
Approximately two years post-launch, a number of social media commentators alleged that the vehicles had been neglected, exposed to the elements. This report was subsequently propagated by Pulse Ghana.
Yet, on August 21, CODA issued a clarifying statement, confirming that only 100 vehicles were procured.
Furthermore, CODA emphasized that the vehicles garnered substantial interest and high demand, debunking the claim that they had been abandoned due to weather conditions.
The statement also vehemently contradicted a reported cost of GH¢85 million, asserting that the actual expenditure for the procurement of 100 CODA Drive Vehicles was GH¢25,000.00 per unit, amounting to a total of Two Million, Five Hundred Thousand Ghana Cedis.
Jordan Ayew has expressed his reluctance towards comparisons with his brothers, Andre and Rahim, as well as his iconic father, Abedi Ayew ‘Pele’.
The Ayew family has given rise to multiple generations of football players who have subsequently represented the Black Stars on the field.
In the 1980s and 1990s, Abedi emerged as a cherished national figure, contributing to securing Ghana’s last AFCON victory.
He clinched the African Footballer of the Year title thrice and triumphed in the UEFA Champions League with Olympique Marseille. Abedi’s brother, Kwame Ayew, also graced Ghana’s team during the 2000s AFCON.
Among Abedi’s offspring, Rahim, Jordan, and Andre, have represented the national team.
The latter, Andre, presently leads as the Black Stars’ captain. Jordan draws inspiration from his father and siblings’ achievements, aspiring not to surpass them.
The Ayew brothers share a family bond, evident even in their matching arm tattoos.
Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), Dr Ernest Addison, has assured the public that the central bank is committed to keeping the cost of its new headquarters at Ridge in Accra within “reasonable levels”.
In a statement issued on Monday, 21st August 2023, Dr Addison responded to allegations of overspending and procurement breaches made by the Member of Parliament (MP) for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.
Dr Addison said that the BoG had taken steps to manage the costs of the project by deferring some features that were originally included in the plan, such as a data centre, a currency processing centre, ICT equipment and specialised security features.
He said that these features would only be provided as grey boxes for future use and that the bank was aware of its responsibilities to avoid cost escalation.
The statement from the BoG came after Ablakwa raised concerns about the increasing cost of the new headquarters on his social media platforms last week.
Ablakwa claimed that the project had escalated “from an initial US$81.8 million to US$121 million and is currently threatening to exceed US$250 million”.
He also alleged that the construction firm chosen for the project through a single-source Public Procurement Authority (PPA) process was not even a registered entity in the country.
Dr Addison debunked these claims and provided details of how the BoG acquired the land, when the project started and what measures were in place to ensure transparency and accountability.
He said that the BoG followed all the necessary public procurement processes and did not break any laws in undertaking the project.
The Governor’s statement also comes amidst mounting pressure from the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) and other civil service organizations, who have called for his resignation due to alleged mismanagement of the BoG.
To express this sentiment, they have planned a protest to take place in September in Accra.
The Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), Dr. Ernest Addison, has released a statement concerning the financial outcomes of 2022.
Notably, the central bank registered losses amounting to GH¢60.8 billion during that period.
In response to the economic challenges of 2022, Dr. Addison elucidated the array of economic decisions that the bank had to undertake. He expounded on how the Bank of Ghana implemented various measures to address the challenges presented by the economic landscape.
Dr. Addison highlighted that the Bank of Ghana initiated a series of corrective actions to effectively manage the crisis. One of the pivotal strategies was a significant policy endeavor aimed at placing Ghana’s debt on a sustainable trajectory.
A prominent example of these actions was the introduction of the Domestic Debt Exchange (DDE) program.
The core objective of this initiative was to reduce the stock of Government of Ghana/public sector debt from 105 percent of GDP to 55 percent of GDP by the year 2028.
Find the full text below:
Good Morning Ladies and Gentlemen of the Media.
Welcome to this special press briefing, which has been necessitated by recent developments following the publication of the 2022 Annual Report and Financial Statements of the Bank of Ghana on 28th July 2023. Given the unique circumstances under which the 2022 report was published, it has become necessary for me to make this statement to help put the report into context and to clarify key issues that have arisen since the publication. The Bank of Ghana’s 2022 Financial Statement results reflect the crisis that hit the economy in that year. This Press event is to give a clear statement of the problem and chronology of events leading to the economic crisis in 2022 and related developments in Ghana at that time.
At the end of 2019, through prudent economic management, macroeconomic fundamentals had been well anchored. The Bank of Ghana reported profits of GHC 1.6 billion in 2019, GHC 1.5 billion in 2020 and GHC 1.4 billion in 2021. The policy objective then, was to consolidate the gains made between 2017-2019 and steer the economy towards achieving broad-based inclusive growth and establishing all the needed structures for transitioning from a Frontier Economy to a Full-Fledged Emerging Market economy. Then came the covid-19 pandemic at the turn of 2020. We all witnessed the devastating effects of the pandemic and the uncertainty this disequilibrium created globally. Ghana was not spared the effects of the pandemic. There were clear public policy initiatives by the government, with outstanding leadership by the President, to protect lives livelihood at all costs. Protecting lives and livelihood at all costs required exceptional financing.
Fortunately, through the swift intervention of the international financial institutions, the IMF (through the Rapid Credit Facility) and the World Bank, a significant portion of this financing was met. In addition, the Bank of Ghana, following prudent management, had built enough buffers and policy
space, which enabled it to trigger the emergency financing exception under Section 30(6)) of the Bank of Ghana Act, Act 612 as amended, to provide the needed additional financing support through the purchase of GHC10 billion of the Government’s Covid-19 bonds, which helped to close the exceptional financing gap. These interventions from the Bank of Ghana, the IMF, and the World Bank, helped the government to navigate and effectively contain the devastating effects of the pandemic.
Ladies and Gentlemen, as expected, Ghana’s public health policy response to the pandemic came at a high fiscal cost to the economy, leading into 2021, which was amplified by the spillover effects of the Russia-Ukraine war that started in early 2022. As a result, sovereign spreads on Ghana’s Eurobonds widened, and Credit Rating Agencies further downgraded Ghana’s sovereign debt rating. This effectively blocked Ghana’s access to the international capital markets in 2022, a resource which the budget had relied on to borrow about US$3 billion annually to help close the financing gap. It is important to state that a significant part of the annual borrowing was just to meet debt service and energy payment obligations, given that Ghana’s annual external debt service payments and energy payments alone had risen to the range of 3 to 4 billion dollars annually as at 2020.
Losing access to the international capital market for new financing immediately triggered a liquidity crisis for Government, spilling over into a balance of payments crisis as the country had to continue to honour its debt service obligations, energy payments, and import bill. In keeping up with these critical external payments, the Bank of Ghana lost US$500 million in external reserves in just two months, with no new inflows of foreign currency from the usual annual Eurobond issuance by Government to replenish its reserves.
Furthermore, to help address Government’s liquidity crisis, the Bank extended additional overdraft to the government to address auction failures and prevent domestic default, and enabled government to meet domestic debt obligations and other critical payments needed to avoid a disorderly halt to economic activity. Throughout the first half of 2022, there was no new foreign financing until July when the Afrexim Bank stepped in to support with US$750 million. This is a typical replay of what is referred to in the literature as a “first generation macroeconomic and balance of payments crisis”. You would recall that many people doubted if the economy was in crisis because they did not hear that interest payments on bonds were not being paid in early 2022; they did not see queues at the pump for petrol and diesel; there were no shortages of essential items on the market; and they did not hear that public sector workers, including civil servants, the Police and the Military, were not being paid their salaries. The reason was that the Bank of Ghana had provided the needed support to keep the economy going.
These circumstances led the Government to approach the IMF for support in July 2022. The IMF immediately sent in a Mission to assess the economic situation. The mission concluded that the economy was at tipping point, and it was agreed with the understanding of the IMF, that the Bank of Ghana should continue to provide the necessary support to keep the economy running until a reform programme had been put into place, which will trigger IMF financing.
The portrait painted above of the Ghanaian economy in 2022, was similar to what pertained in many other frontier and emerging market economies. Key among countries with similar experiences were Egypt, Argentina, Turkey, Kenya, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, just to mention a few. What separated these countries and their ability to hold their economies until a package of reforms were introduced, was the availability of policy buffers and resilience of key policy institutions. We all know what happened in Sri Lanka. The Bank of Ghana was able to step in with the support to the economy until the IMF programme was concluded, because of the policy buffers built, following years of prudent management. This is a reflection of the resilience of the Bank of Ghana for being able to rise up to the occasion to play its statutory role as the lender of last resort to support the economy during the crisis. Economic history also teaches us that crises are a part of the business cycle, and the accumulation of policy buffers is the only way to guarantee space to deal with such crises, and this is clearly the role the Bank of Ghana played with distinction.
Now let me shift my remarks to the corrective measures that were put into place in 2022 to manage the crisis, in particular the major policy effort designed to put Ghana’s debt on a sustainable path. These corrective actions included the Domestic Debt Exchange (DDE) program, where the stock of Government of Ghana/public sector debt was to be halved from 105 percent of GDP to 55 percent of GDP by 2028. The holders of Government debt had their debt instruments exchanged for new ones with lower coupon payments and longer tenors. Despite the resulting losses incurred by households, banks and other financial institutions, the threshold of 55 percent of GDP was not met. As part of the solution, the Minister for Finance wrote to the Bank of Ghana with a proposed treatment of 50 percent haircut on Bank of Ghana’s holdings of Government’s non-marketable debt. Naturally, the Bank of Ghana was concerned and fully aware of the implications of such a treatment on the books of the Bank. We held several discussions with the Ministry of Finance, the Governments Advisors on the Debt Exchange (Lazard & others) and the IMF on this treatment.
At the request of the Bank of Ghana, the IMF sent a technical mission of central bank balance sheet experts to assist the Bank of Ghana to assess how the debt treatment would impact the Bank’s financial position and its ability to carry out its statutory mandate. The conclusion of that technical assessment mission was that Bank of Ghana should be able to function effectively (i.e., remain policy
solvent) even after the imposition of such a haircut. The IMF placed a high premium on this particular debt scenario involving the Bank of Ghana as that was the only scenario that was going to allow the Government to meet the debt threshold that would allow Ghana’s IMF programme to proceed for Board approval. The Bank of Ghana accepted this proposal on that basis, given how crucial it was to secure the Fund-supported program and the benefits that would inure to the economy as it would help to reset the economy and prevent a total collapse with much broader socio-economic implications. A Bank of Ghana board meeting was therefore arranged to get the board pass a resolution to this effect. The Bank of Ghana acted in good faith for the broader interest of Ghana’s economy.
The debt included all the legacy debts of the Government of Ghana dating back to 1992 and included the accrued overdraft of 2022, overdraft to Cocobod, the Covid-19 Bond, and even BoG holdings of Telecom Malaysia (Ghana Telecom Bonds) Bonds and Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) bonds issued by Government. As of 2015, the accumulated claims on Government and Cocobod were about GHC13 billion. The debt, therefore, is not about recent debt alone. Almost all lending from the IMF, including the Extended Credit Facility and the Rapid Credit Facility during the Covid 19 pandemic, and all financial sector resolution bonds have all been added as Bank of Ghana lending to Government. This is not factual.
It is important to state that the losses reported were technical losses arising from the haircut and the application of accounting standards (in particular, IFRS 9) to estimate expected credit losses over the tenor of the Government debt held by Bank of Ghana. It is not money lost by the Bank of Ghana through its operations in 2022. Rather, one should look at this as a reflection of the total cost of the economic and social crisis the country faced over the years and an attempt to resolve a major structural problem of the Ghanaian economy.
I must also add that, if one takes time to go through historical financial statements of the Bank of Ghana, you will realize that this is not the first time that the Bank has gone into negative equity. During the early years of structural adjustment, very large exchange rate depreciations led to revaluation losses that drove the Bank into negative Equity. Indeed, anytime the economy faces major challenges, the Bank of Ghana balance sheet suffers, and the equity position moves into negative territories. You will recall that in 2017 and 2018, the Bank of Ghana incurred similar negative equity from the impairment of legacy liquidity support loans granted in 2015 and 2016 to insolvent banks, which our external auditors impaired due to the doubtful prospects of recovering from those insolvent banks. The Bank of Ghana however, recovered and generated profits throughout the period 2019 to 2021.
It is worth noting that Central Banks are not commercial banks. Bank of Ghana’s current financial condition will not impact negatively on the operations of the Bank. The IMF Technical Assistance mission
validated this conclusion, before the necessary decisions were taken. In their opinion, the Bank of Ghana was policy solvent and would remain so, as it had enough income to cover monetary policy operational costs. The Bank of Ghana had sufficient capital amounting to about 15 per cent of its total liabilities. Its recommendation was for the Bank to retain all profits and a reassessment should be made in the year 2027. The Bank will also manage to reduce its operational costs during this period.
Ladies and Gentlemen, in all these, the Bank of Ghana has acted within the applicable laws. It is not true that Bank of Ghana has been providing financing for the Government every year. There has been zero financing in 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2021. The Bank of Ghana has only had to support in the pandemic year of 2020 and the crisis year of 2022. The Bank of Ghana Act (612), as amended, limits financing of Government to 5 percent of previous year’s tax revenue. This provision in the law has been adhered to since I took office in April 2017. Between 2017 and 2019, in addition to the requirements of the Bank of Ghana Act (612), as amended, the Bank signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Ministry of Finance to even impose a tighter restriction of zero central bank financing, and this was observed strictly, even though MOUs are not legally binding. Between 2012 and 2015, the Bank of Ghana provided overdraft to finance government and Cocobod every year. And there was neither a pandemic nor a global economic crisis.
When Ghana was hit with the Covid-19 in 2020, Section 30(6) of the Bank of Ghana Act (612), as amended, was triggered, and as indicated earlier, the Bank purchased GHC10 billion worth of Covid- 19 bonds to support the economy through the pandemic. This was done within the applicable laws governing the Bank of Ghana. When section 30 (6) of the Bank of Ghana Act (612), as amended, is triggered, it, allows the Governor, the Minister for Finance and the Controller and Accountant General to agree on a new limit of central bank financing. The law further says that the Minister of Finance will then have to inform parliament and the Minister has since informed parliament as part of his briefing to update Parliament on the IMF program and status of the Domestic Debt Exchange.
Let me also seize this opportunity to talk about an issue that has come up lately in the media and one which borders on our new Head Office building. While discussions on a national security issue like the Central Bank building is a sensitive one, I will provide you with a brief history of how this has evolved over the years. The Bank of Ghana as far back as the 1990s began the search for suitable and secured land for a new Head office. In 2012, the Bank was allocated an unnumbered 5.19-acre land at Accra Central by the Lands Commission which also had issues. The Bank did not have access to the land since the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration refused to give the Bank vacant possession on the grounds that they had never agreed to give up ownership of the land. The Bank continued to search for suitable land for its Head Office throughout the period from 2013 to 2016. More recently in 2018,
the Bank approached the SIC to acquire its vacant land at Ridge near the Ridge Hospital. The Government issued an Executive Instrument to allow the Bank of Ghana acquire that Land and SIC was duly compensated.
The Bank then began to plan the building of its new Head Office, taking into consideration the need to ensure the building meets all the requirements of a modern central bank of international standards (similar to central bank head office buildings in Abuja and Dakar), and incudes provision for data centers, currency processes, vaults, and other sensitive installation. It is not just a simple ordinary building. Let me re-emphasize that the Bank followed all the necessary public procurement processes in this endeavor. No procurement laws were broken. I have requested that a more detailed response to the issues raised in the public discourse on the Bank’s new Head Office building be published on our website immediately after this press engagement today.
The decision to commence construction was taken in 2019 when the Bank generated profits. Appropriations for the Head Office were made each year from profits in 2019, 2020, and 2021. The project has therefore, been going on for over 3 years. The DDEP only took place in January 2023. If we were to be taking the decision today, building a legacy Head Office would not have been a priority. However, this is a project that has been running for 3 years and about 50 percent complete. The Bank is fully aware of its responsibilities to ensure that the costs do not escalate beyond reasonable levels and that many of the original design features to including data centre, currency processing centre, ICT equipment, specialized security features have been deferred and only grey boxes provided for future use to manage costs.
Let me end by reassuring the public on the policy solvency of the Bank of Ghana to achieve its statutory mandate going forward. Every central bank’s credibility depends on its ability to achieve its mandate. These technical losses do not jeopardize that ability and are sometimes the price to pay for achieving those aims. It is important that we place the central bank’s policy mandate ahead of profits. We must recognize the special character of Central Banks and the role they play in an economy. Central Banks are institutions of public policy and do not exist for profits but for national welfare and as such could have a negative equity position and continue to be policy effective. Very clear policies have been put in place to return to positive equity in the medium term. And as we do this, we will continue to rebuild our policy buffers to continue to provide the necessary assurance of policy support as we rebuild a stronger and a more resilient and inclusive economic post pandemic.
Birthdays offer an ideal opportunity to indulge in a touch of extra glamour and display your unique style.
If you admire the Ghanaian actress, Fella Makafui, get ready to be delighted! On the occasion of her 28th birthday, Fella shared a generous collection of her pictures, proudly showcasing her flawless fashion sense.
In this context, we’ve meticulously crafted a fashion manual inspired by Fella, designed to assist you in crafting a stunning birthday appearance that reflects your individuality.
The Loungewear Look: Fella effortlessly owns comfortable attire, infusing her unique style. If you’re aiming for this vibe, simplicity is essential. A basic bracelet and sneakers suffice for a perfect touch.
Sultry Silhouettes: Fella effortlessly embraces form-fitting outfits that accentuate her curves. Embrace this style to reveal your confidence while honoring Fella’s sophisticated curve-flaunting prowess.
Elegant Accessories: While Fella opts for subtlety in accessories, a bracelet and wristwatch add glamour to her ensemble. If you’re creating a Fella-inspired look, simplicity is your ally.
Chic Athleisure Vibes: Fella seamlessly shifts between red carpet elegance and relaxed athleisure. Take cues for a laid-back birthday outfit—jeans, a crop top, and sneakers create a stylish ensemble.
Monochrome Magic: Fella demonstrates the impact of monochromatic outfits. Choose one hue for your entire look, be it a bold all-black outfit or a striking all-white ensemble. Monochrome radiates sophistication.
Playful Prints and Patterns: Fella embraces prints and patterns fearlessly, and you should too. Incorporate stripes or geometric designs to infuse playfulness into your birthday attire.
Glamorous Hair and Makeup: Fella’s beauty prowess is consistent. Opt for flawless makeup with defined brows, a smoky eye, and a nude lip. Ensure your hairstyle complements your outfit’s overall aura, whether it’s her haircut or voluminous curls.
Confidence is Key: Above all, exude the unapologetic confidence of Fella. Wear your chosen outfit with poise and self-assuredness. Radiate your inner glow, mirroring Fella’s presence in every photo and appearance.
The government allocated over GH¢2.7 billion between 2017 and 2022 to cover the expenses associated with supplying food to beneficiaries of the Free Senior High School (FSHS) policy.
This substantial amount encompasses the provision of 18 food items across more than 700 senior high schools (SHS), technical institutions, vocational schools, and community development schools.
The CEO of the National Food Buffer Stock Company Limited (NAFCO), Hanan Abdul-Wahab, revealed these figures on Monday, August 21.
He explained that the disbursements for each year were as follows: GH¢81.1 million in 2017, GH¢296.2 million in 2018, and GH¢441.5 million in 2019.
For the years 2020 and 2021, NAFCO disbursed GH¢467.9 million and GH¢692.2 million, respectively. Additionally, a sum of GH¢726.6 million was paid out in 2022.
Mr. Abdul-Wahab acknowledged that although there were outstanding payments owed to food suppliers for 2022, the government had made strides in settling these obligations.
He stated that a payment of GH¢100 million was made on July 17 of the current year, and an additional GH¢80 million was in the process of being disbursed to the suppliers.
In terms of the overall financial standing, he affirmed that roughly 85% of the arrears for 2022 had been resolved, leaving 15% yet to be settled. He expressed confidence that efforts were underway to address this remaining balance by the end of the month.
These remarks were made during the Ministry of Information’s Meet the Press event held in Accra on August 21.
The presentation centered largely on the accomplishments of NAFCO in meeting its mandate, which involves ensuring food security, supporting farmers through guaranteed prices, maintaining stable local food prices, and promoting the consumption of domestically produced grains.
The aspiring Parliamentary Candidate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Abuakwa North, Palgrave Frimpong Boakye-Danquah, is mourning the loss of his mother.
The unfortunate event occurred on Friday, August 18, the Government Spokesperson on Governance and Security conveyed this sad news through his Facebook page.
The deceased, Gladys Awura Adwoa Warewaa Twum-Barima, was 78 years old at the time of her passing.
Tragically, her death transpired as the family was preparing to lay to rest her son, Joseph Twum-Barima, during the same weekend.
Joseph, affectionately known as “Big Joe,” was the sibling of Palgrave’s mother, thus compounding the family’s grief during this period.
The former Director-General of the Ghana Maritime Authority, Kwame Owusu, has accused the finance minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, of obstructing his approval as the board chair of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).
According to him, despite being President Akufo-Addo’s primary choice for the role, the appointment was thwarted due to opposition from certain members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), including the finance minister.
In an interview with the media on August 21, 2023, Owusu claimed that his failure to secure the GRA board chair position was due to internal party sabotage.
He mentioned that President Akufo-Addo selected him for the role due to his extensive 12-year experience in taxation, as the government was incurring losses.
Consequently, Owusu was requested to resign from his position at the Ghana Maritime Authority and join the GRA.
Owusu further explained that his appointment was delayed by some NPP members, including Ofori-Atta, who were concerned that he would impede their interests if appointed as the board chair of GRA.
Despite his approval by the necessary channels, the finance minister’s reluctance to affirm the appointment led to a prolonged delay, leaving the GRA without a board chair for several months.
Owusu’s assertion was that his perceived capacity to perform impartially and to prioritize the nation’s interests rather than party agendas led certain individuals to oppose his appointment.
He likened his situation to a broader trend within the party, where individuals who were expected to challenge the status quo were met with resistance from those who feared their intentions.
In sum, Kwame Owusu, a former high-ranking official, alleged that his prospective appointment as the board chair of the GRA was hindered by internal party politics and the perceived threat he posed to certain interests within the party.
Having earned recognition as a prominent TikTok figure, Erkuah Official has successfully concluded her academic journey in the field of political science at the esteemed University of Ghana.
Also known as Janet Offei, has enamored countless hearts with her imaginative and cheerful content on the TikTok platform.
Displaying an array of comical skits, rhythmic dance performances, and relatable daily scenarios, her videos have garnered widespread admiration from a diverse audience.
Amidst her ascent to stardom on TikTok, Erkuah has remained steadfast in her pursuit of education at the prestigious University of Ghana.
Erkuah’s journey as a content architect began its flight when a TikTok video of hers went viral, propelling her into the limelight not only within Ghana but across international borders.
During the lockdown period imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Erkuah took to crafting more TikTok videos, signifying a pivotal juncture in her vocation. What had initially revolved around dance-oriented content transformed as she unearthed her aptitude for crafting videos spotlighting unique facial expressions.
This metamorphosis in content style, coupled with her theatrical finesse, precipitated a substantial augmentation in her following.
Subsequently, she embarked on creating lip-sync videos, particularly syncing with Nigerian sounds encompassing languages such as Yoruba and Igbo, even in the absence of fluency in these dialects. This diversification in her content portfolio further propelled her popularity on the platform.
The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has issued a directive to the Lands Commission to eliminate intermediaries commonly known as “goro boys” from their operations.
This move is in response to a 2021 study by the United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime (UNODC) that identified the Lands Commission as one of the most corrupt institutions in Ghana.
Addressing this concern during an Editor’s Forum that focused on the commission’s recent ranking, Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Benito Owusu Bio, outlined measures being taken to rectify the situation.
“We are instructing the Lands Commission to expel those ‘goro boys’ and individuals associated with them from the system. These intermediaries cannot operate independently; they rely on collusion and assistance from personnel within the Lands Commission,” stated Owusu Bio.
He also highlighted the proactive steps taken by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to root out corruption within their institution, emphasizing that the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources intends to follow suit in order to cleanse its system.
Surveyor James Dadson, Executive Secretary of the Lands Commission, revealed that efforts to counteract corruption include digitizing the commission’s processes. This technological transformation is aimed at minimizing human interactions and reducing opportunities for corruption.
Dadson commented on the challenge posed by “goro boys”: “It is rare for a document facilitated by a ‘goro boy’ to surpass one processed through the official system. Some intermediaries even abscond after receiving payments.
The documents linger, and we struggle to locate these individuals for inspection appointments. With our technological drive, we aim to minimize human involvement, shifting much of the process to the back office.”
The Lands Commission is taking substantial measures to enhance its operations, aligning with the broader goal of eliminating corruption from land-related processes.
The Domestic Tax Revenue Division (DTRD) of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) operating in Wa, Upper West Region, has acknowledged and honored nine exceptional taxpayers for their commitment and adherence to tax obligations.
During a ceremony held at the Wa Kejetia Market, the Wa Small Taxpayer Office (STO) presented citations to the awardees, which included a diverse range of entities.
Among the recipients were three hospitability establishments, three service-oriented businesses, and three retail enterprises.
The recognized entities are as follows:
Jam Guest House 2. Bundaana Lodge 3. Sem B Lodge 4. Namoo and Sons Co. Limited 5. Zakaria Iddrisu 6. Sunny Best Co. Ltd 7. Licos Enterprise 8. E-Kash Business and Communication Limited 9. Diligence Consult
Mr. Samuel Kofi Adangbe, Chief Revenue Officer of the Wa STO, explained that this award marks the first of its kind in the region.
While the initial recognition of top taxpayers was carried out at the national level, where each region nominated one or two names, this local initiative is more comprehensive.
It evaluates aspects such as the amount of tax paid, the variety of taxes paid, the timeliness of payments, adherence to compliance, meticulous record keeping of tax receipts and related documents, prompt issuance of VAT invoices, and timely submission of tax returns to GRA.
Mr. Adangbe clarified that the Wa STO oversees the Savannah Region and parts of the Upper West Region, including Wa Municipal, Daffiama-Bussie-Issah, Wa East, and Wa West Districts. The Lawra office handles the remaining districts in the region.
Assistant Commissioner Aaron Kanor, Wa Sector Commander of the Customs Division, reiterated that the GRA is responsible for assessing, collecting, and accounting for taxes, along with ensuring a high level of compliance.
This commitment supports a sustainable revenue stream for the Ghanaian government.
The National Treasurer of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Charles Dwamena, has called on all members of the party to actively contribute to its operations and success.
Mr Dwamena who is popularly known as Dr China, added that individuals who contribute their dues play a pivotal role in aiding the party’s management and overall performance.
“We need resources, political wheels can never move unless there’s money to fuel it,due to that the party cannot function if members are not paying their dues.
“The moment party stop paying their dues, the party will be compelled to identify individuals or entities who can support. All those who conttibute are those that enjoy from the party,” he added.
During a media interaction, he explained that those who actively engage in dues payment will reap the rewards of their efforts when the party thrives.
He further emphasised that anyone can participate in supporting the party financially through dues payment, as the contribution begins at a modest sum of GHS 2.
“Moving forward, by collectively contributing dues of 2, 5, 8, or 10 Ghana cedis, leveraging our substantial numbers, we have the potential to significantly enhance our party’s financial resources.
“This united effort will empower us to generate substantial support for the party when opportunities arise in the future,” he added.
He also urged all special delegates of the party to ensure they fulfill their due payments before participating in the upcoming Special Delegates Conference scheduled for Saturday, August 26.
He emphasized that failing to settle dues will result in the denial of voting rights for delegates.
Delegates with outstanding dues are required to clear their arrears prior to attending the Special Delegates Conference.
The objective of the NPP Special Delegates Conference is to streamline the number of candidates contesting for the flagbearer position, narrowing it down from ten to five candidates.
With more than 900 delegates anticipated to participate, this special election holds significant importance for the party’s future direction.
A middle-aged woman who was a crucial witness in the criminal trial against three staff members of the Upper East Regional Hospital has passed away.
The woman, identified as Mercy Alagpulinsa, died suddenly and mysteriously around 10:00 pm on August 15, 2023, while receiving care at the Upper East Regional Hospital.
Alagpulinsa had arrived at the hospital around 9:00 pm, complaining of an unusual stomachache. Unfortunately, she succumbed to her condition approximately an hour later, despite being under observation.
Reports reveal that prior to her sudden demise, Alagpulinsa had confided in someone close that the husband of one of the accused hospital staff members had approached her with a proposition.
He allegedly intended to meet her to convince her to provide false testimony in support of his wife’s case.
This revelation adds complexity to the situation, as Alagpulinsa possessed significant information regarding one of the suspects involved in the drug theft case.
An anonymous source close to Alagpulinsa expressed concern over potential foul play, suggesting that her untimely death might be linked to her commitment to upholding the truth rather than complying with false testimony.
Background:
The incident stems from a larger scandal involving thefts of government drugs at the Upper East Regional Hospital, which was brought to light by investigative journalist Edward Adeti from Media Without Borders.
The thefts, which have plagued the region and led to drug shortages, were uncovered after complaints from local residents and Adeti’s subsequent investigation.
The stolen drugs were reportedly pilfered by a cartel operating within the hospital. This cartel stored the stolen drugs in a concealed building near the hospital, then transported them to Tamale for resale, resulting in the disruption of medical services and deteriorating health conditions for patients.
The investigation led to the arrest of three hospital staff members: Bridget Banoeyelle, Fasilat Raheem, and Raymond Asoke.
These individuals face charges of stealing, conspiracy, and abetment of stealing. However, the accused have refused to disclose the identities of the individuals purchasing the stolen government drugs from them.
In a twist of events, the potential witness, Mercy Alagpulinsa, has died under circumstances that raise suspicion, as her passing coincided with her refusal to compromise her commitment to the truth in the ongoing legal proceedings.
The Member of Parliament (MP) representing Ketu North, Dr. James Klutse Avedzi, has donated a collection of diverse medical equipment and supplies valued at GH¢ 6 million to the Ketu North Municipal Health Directorate.
This donation is intended to be distributed across various healthcare facilities within the municipality.
During a brief ceremony held in Dzodze, Dr. Avedzi explained that the donation resulted from a collaborative initiative between himself and SOS International, an American Non-governmental Organization (NGO).
The overarching goal was to enhance and ensure the efficient delivery of high-quality healthcare services in the locality.
Dr. Avedzi emphasized the importance of responsible maintenance and upkeep for the provided equipment, urging the health directorate to take measures that would safeguard their longevity and functionality, enabling them to fulfill their intended purpose effectively.
In his address, the MP encouraged healthcare professionals to exhibit passion in their roles, underlining that this dedication is pivotal to advancing the standard of healthcare services within the municipality.
Mr. Abubakari Sumaila Gariba, the Ketu North Municipal Director of Health Services, expressed profound gratitude as he accepted the equipment on behalf of the directorate.
He lauded Dr. Avedzi and his collaborative partners for their timely and significant contribution. Mr. Gariba emphasized the vital role of quality and accessible healthcare services, portraying them as a collective responsibility of all stakeholders.
He highlighted the need for teamwork, innovation, and compassion among healthcare professionals and service providers to effectively achieve universal health coverage.
Members of the Church of Pentecost Tarkwa branch, have involved in an accident at Gomoa Otsew on the Kasoa-Cape Coast Highway in the Central Region.
The incident has resulted in the death of one individual, while another person has sustained injuries.
Speaking to the media, the Apam District Fire Commander, ACFO Adolf Ankomah Nuamah, indicated that the injured individual is currently undergoing treatment at the Winneba Trauma and Specialist Hospital.
Reportedly, the accident involved a collision between a Man Diesel truck and vehicles carrying Church of Pentecost Tarkwa branch members.
The driver of the Man Diesel truck, who had returned from Ivory Coast, shared that upon reaching Gomoa Otsew, another vehicle engaged in an unlawful overtaking maneuver and abruptly merged in front of his truck.
In order to avoid a collision with the recklessly overtaking vehicle, the truck driver veered off the road and entered a nearby bush.
Tragically, the Toyota Coastal bus carrying over 22 Church members was unable to avoid the collision, impacting the rear of the truck.
“Around 5:30 pm, we received a distress call about an accident involving a Man Diesel truck from Ivory Coast, a Toyota Coastal bus carrying members of the Church of Pentecost, and a Nissan Navara bus from Accra.”
“According to the driver of the Man Diesel truck, another vehicle made an illegal overtake, forcing him to collide head-on with the Nissan Navara and the Toyota Coastal bus. One person from the bus was run over. There were twenty-two people on the Coastal bus, but one died and one was seriously injured. They were taken to the Winneba Trauma and Specialist Hospital for treatment.”
The Member of Parliament representing Nsawam-Adoagyiri, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, has refuted allegations suggesting that he destroyed billboards and artworks belonging to a prospective leader within the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kennedy Agyapong.
These allegations arose from supporters of Kennedy Agyapong, who asserted that Annoh-Dompreh played a role in damaging campaign materials within his own electoral region, as the party’s special delegates congress loomed on the horizon.
However, Annoh-Dompreh vehemently repudiated any involvement in such actions. He emphasized that even though he may not share Kennedy Agyapong’s presidential aspirations, he would never resort to underhanded methods to undermine his campaign.
During a session with the Parliamentary Press Corp, Annoh-Dompreh conveyed his deep admiration for Kennedy Agyapong and underscored his unwavering commitment to refrain from tarnishing his reputation or campaign efforts.
He restated his dedication to fostering a culture of political integrity and equitable competition within the party.
“I don’t know anything about this so-called matter and I feel a lot of pain because this is somebody that I respect, he is not an enemy and I don’t even do this to my opponents in the National Democratic Congress (NDC) who have their artworks all over Nsawam and how much more will I go about pulling down the artwork of my colleague Member of Parliament.
“This is not the first time they are throwing this allegation at me and I want to tell my colleague that I don’t have anything personal against him.”
He tipped the Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia to be massively endorsed in the upcoming Special Delegates Congress of the NPP.
“If you zero in on what happened in Sunyani in 1998 and all the things that the other contestants have said, there are not going to be any surprises, it will be an emphatic endorsement for the most popular candidate and you know it is the Vice President and he is going to win hands down.”
The Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources has initiated the deployment of sanitation guards across the country to address the issue of indiscriminate plastic waste and refuse disposal.
Initially, these sanitation guards have been stationed in major cities and urban centers, including Kumasi, Sekondi-Takoradi, and Tamale.
Individuals caught littering or improperly disposing of plastic waste and polythene bags will be required to pick up their trash, pay an on-the-spot fine, or face prosecution.
The Minister of the sector, Dr. Freda Prempeh, announced these measures during her media interaction after inspecting the evacuation of 10 refuse dumps in communities within the Tano North Municipality of the Ahafo Region.
The Ministry is collaborating with Zoomlion Ghana Limited, a private waste management and sanitation company, to clear longstanding refuse dumps from these communities.
The initiative includes constructing toilet facilities in underserved areas to improve sanitation.
Dr. Prempeh, also the Member of Parliament for Tano North, highlighted the importance of promoting environmental cleanliness to control the spread of communicable diseases.
She expressed concern about the negative attitude of some Ghanaians toward environmental protection and hoped that this exercise would not only maintain a clean environment but also alter these behaviors.
The Ministry is actively working on waste segregation and recycling efforts. The public is encouraged to separate plastic and other waste materials. Cooperation from the public is sought to support these initiatives and redirect government expenditure on waste management to other development projects.
Mr. Sampson Akwettey, Acting Director of Environmental Health and Sanitation at the Ministry, emphasized the necessity of addressing poor sanitation practices to combat the outbreak of communicable diseases like cholera and typhoid. He cautioned against haphazard waste disposal.
The Ahafo Regional Coordinator of Zoomlion, Mr. Edward Ziddah, revealed that the company is working on clearing 33 refuse dumps across the entire region.
Residents, like Mrs. Clara Adu Sarpong in Nsesreso, expressed their gratitude for the evacuation of refuse dumps.
The removal of these dumps, which used to attract rodents and mosquitoes, is seen as a positive step in improving the community’s sanitary conditions.
This marks their second court appearance since the charge sheet was modified by police prosecutors based on the advice of the Attorney General.
Eight individuals have been charged so far, accused of theft and conspiracy to steal in connection with the alleged theft of over $1 million and 300,000 Euros from the home of the former Sanitation Minister.
On August 8, seven of the eight suspects were brought to court, while one is reportedly evading authorities.
Among the seven arraigned individuals, two who are lactating mothers were granted bail, while the remaining five were remanded in custody.
The case involves two house helps of the former minister and her husband, Daniel Osei Kuffour, who are accused of stealing significant sums of money and valuable items from their residence and allegedly sharing the stolen assets with others.
Cecilia Dapaah resigned from her position as the Minister of Sanitation on July 22, following public outcry.
On July 24, 2023, officials from the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) arrested the former minister and conducted a search of her home.
During the search, the OSP reported finding a substantial amount of US$590,000 and GHC2.730,000 in cash. Her seven bank accounts were subsequently frozen by the OSP.
Background:
The case came to light on July 21 when it was revealed that two house helps of the Minister were facing charges before an Accra Circuit Court for allegedly stealing $1 million, €300,000, and millions of Ghanaian cedis from the former minister’s residence in October 2022.
The two suspects, Patience Botwe (18 years old) and Sarah Agyei (30 years old), are accused of stealing money and personal items from the couple between July and October 2022.
They have been charged with conspiracy to commit a crime and multiple counts of theft involving large sums of money and currency.
Cecilia Dapaah’s legal team has contested the figures presented in the court document, and there has been significant public outrage in response to the revelations.
Senior Presidential Advisor, Yaw Osafo Maafo has expressed deep concern about the worsening state of corruption in the country.
He stressed the need for both the church and government to engage in introspection to find practical solutions to combat this issue.
Yaw Osafo-Maafo questioned the impact of the Church’s moral teachings on the 70% of Ghanaians who identify as Christians.
He urged the Christian community to examine the message it conveys to this significant portion of the population and consider whether its teachings are effectively addressing corruption.
He emphasized that if the Christian community cannot influence positive changes and curb corruption, then Christianity itself may have a problem in terms of its effectiveness.
Osafo-Maafo highlighted the seriousness of the corruption problem and called for collective action to address it. He suggested that the church and government should collaborate to devise effective strategies to tackle corruption beyond mere admonishments.
He stressed that practical actions are required to complement discussions about corruption.
He urged against complacency and emphasized the importance of taking concrete steps to combat corruption.
Osafo-Maafo made these remarks during his address at the 23rd General Meeting of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana in Kwahu Abetifi, Eastern Region, on August 19, 2023.
He further addressed the issue of illegal mining, which he viewed as another manifestation of corruption. He emphasized that tackling this problem goes beyond the deployment of the military and requires a moral shift within the country.
Osafo-Maafo highlighted the role of chiefs in permitting illegal mining activities and called for moral considerations to prevent further degradation of the environment and water sources.
He pointed out that corruption is not solely a military issue but also a moral problem that requires the intervention of religious and societal institutions, particularly Christianity, to influence positive change.
Over 80 taxi drivers in the Atiwa West Constituency of the Eastern Region are making waves with their resolute support for Samuel Awuah Dankwa.
These drivers have boldly displayed posters of him on their vehicles, endorsing him as the preferred successor to the outgoing Member of Parliament, Honorable Kwasi Amoako Attah.
After a decade of service, Honorable Kwasi Amoako Attah, who also serves as the Minister for Roads and Highways, has announced his decision not to seek re-election.
The taxi drivers are convinced that Samuel Awuah Dankwa, though not directly involved in government, has left an indelible mark on the community.
His contributions include significant investments in supporting talented but underprivileged students in the region.
Hailing from Akyem Bomaa and residing within the constituency, Samuel Awuah Dankwa is seen as an accessible candidate. The taxi drivers laud his local roots and his attentive approach to hearing and addressing people’s concerns.
In the eyes of these drivers, Samuel Awuah Dankwa’s potential as the next Member of Parliament for Atiwa West Constituency is promising. They emphasize his ability to provide substantial support to the area’s residents.
While they anticipate fierce competition in the New Patriotic Party (NPP) MP primary, the taxi drivers urge delegates to choose a candidate who is consistently present, approachable, respectful, and compassionate. They argue that this accessibility is crucial for comprehending community challenges and effectively resolving them.
One driver stated, “He stands out as the only candidate we are familiar with. He’s not only a resident of the constituency but also the most accessible candidate.”
Highlighting his contributions to education through the Awuah Dankwa Education Foundation (ADEF) and his support for the NPP Party, the drivers underline his dedication to the constituency’s growth.
Their hope is that Samuel Awuah Dankwa will secure 80% of the votes from delegates, endorsing him for the role. While acknowledging potential monetary influences in politics, the drivers urge delegates to prioritize the constituents’ welfare and vote judiciously.
Their message to delegates is clear: “If the NPP wants to break the eight, then the delegates must elect him as the NPP Parliamentary Candidate. He is the only one who can drive up the votes of the NPP in the 2024 general elections.”
The Executive Director of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), COP Maame Yaa Tiwaa Addo-Danquah, has been as been sworn in as the ‘Ekuo Na’ of Holy Family Akan Society for the Accra Catholic Archdiocese.
The ceremony, held at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Osu, coincided with her 54th birthday and recognized her contributions to the church and its societies.
The National President of the Holy Family Akan Society, Mr Albert Joseph Kodua, provided historical context for the association, formed in 1978 to address language barriers faced by the Akan community in understanding sermons.
COP Maame Yaa Tiwaa Addo-Danquah replaces the late Mrs. Esther Hamilton of St. Anthony Catholic Church at Taifa.
In her acceptance speech, she thanked the National Executives of the Holy Family Akan Society for her nomination and urged the Akan community to support one another and contribute to the church’s growth.
COP Maame Yaa Tiwaa Addo-Danquah was born on August 19, 1969, in Konongo, Ashanti Region.
She is the first female Commandant of the Ghana Police Command and Staff College and has achieved remarkable success in her career, rising through the ranks due to her dedication and academic achievements.
During her time in the police service, she participated in peacekeeping missions and gained international experience. She is a chartered accountant and has held significant positions within the police force, contributing to its development and progress.
The Minister of Roads and Highways, Kwasi Amoako Atta, has ordered the arrest of two illegal miners who were causing obstruction and damage on the tarred Akrofufu to Twapease road in the Atiwa West District of the Eastern region.
The illegal miners were operating a low bird truck vehicle carrying an excavator from their mining site close to the roadside.
Their activities led to the spread of mud on the tarred road, resulting in a traffic jam.
The Minister, who also serves as the Member of Parliament (MP) for the region, was accompanied by local governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) constituency executives. They encountered the chaotic scene while returning from a funeral in Twapease over the weekend.
Appalled by the mess and road damage caused by the illegal miners, Minister Amoako Atta ordered his police guard to apprehend the culprits. Two of them were arrested, while others managed to escape.
The detainees were then compelled to clean the mud off a section of the road, covering about one kilometer.
Expressing his frustration, Minister Amoako Atta remarked, “Their galamsey activities are destroying the road constructed with a huge amount of the taxpayers’ money. Look at the destruction.”
He emphasized his commitment to tackling illegal mining in the region, declaring a “negative tolerance” approach.
He vowed that illegal miners would be clamped down upon, aligning with the government’s stance to combat illegal mining for environmental protection.
“We have to protect our water bodies, we have to protect our land,” he emphasized, echoing the President’s efforts to preserve natural resources for future generations.
The National Service Secretariat (NSS) has revealed its intention to distribute overdue allowances for the first half of 2023 to Scheme personnel.
This initiative follows the approval of a substantial increase in monthly stipends for National Service participants, raising it from GH¢559 to GH¢715.57.
Speaking to the media, acting head of corporate affairs for the NSS, Ambrose Entsiwah Junior, stated that the revised allowance’s payment would be retroactively applied to January and disbursed to personnel.
Clearing the outstanding payments, he said, “We were owing them [NSS personnel] for the month of June and July together with the arrears and last Friday, we paid them the June allowances, and we are working toward paying them the arrears which had been approved by the Ministry of Finance, and we have asked them to submit their data.”
Anticipating swift action, he added, “Maximum two weeks, we will pay the arrears from January to June, and after we have paid the arrears, we will pay the July allowance with the new rate.”
The Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service’s report for July 2023 has disclosed that a 4.31 percent increase in road crashes.
The report documented 1,233 crashes involving 2,099 vehicles, resulting in 186 deaths and 1,328 injuries in 2023.
The figures for reported crashes, vehicles involved, persons killed, and persons injured rose by 4.31%, 5.42%, 30.07%, and 8.76% respectively.
Comparatively, July 2022 saw 1,182 crashes with 1,991 vehicles, causing 143 deaths and 1,221 injuries.
Pedestrian knockdowns declined from 224 to 213 in July 2023 compared to July 2022.
From January to July 2023, a total of 8,137 road traffic crashes were reported. These incidents encompassed 13,862 vehicles and resulted in 10,407 casualties, including 1,272 fatalities and 9,135 injuries.
In July 2023, 54% (670) of the crashes were minor, 33% (405) were severe, and 13% (158) were fatal out of the 1,233 total reported crashes. Likewise, from January to July 2023, 54% (4,364) were minor, 33% (2,713) were serious, and 13% (1,060) were fatal out of the 8,137 crashes.
Among the regions, nine out of sixteen experienced increased crashes. Notably, Upper East, Ahafo, Upper West, Volta, Central, Eastern, Bono, Western North, and Ashanti recorded crashes surging by 300%, 180%, 150%, 122.2%, 88.4%, 33.3%, 29.9%, 15.4%, 5.6%, and 3.5% respectively in July 2023 compared to the same period in 2022. North East remained unchanged, while the remaining regions reported declines. Savannah Region saw the most significant decrease by 90%.
Overall, July 2023 displayed growth in all major indicators except for Pedestrian Knockdowns. Conversely, January to July 2023 marked reductions in all key indicators compared to the same period in 2022.
The Deputy Youth Organizer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Osman Ayariga, has criticized the government’s imposition of a 10% tax on winnings from betting and lotteries.
He labeled this taxation approach as a lazy means of generating revenue, often associated with incompetent administrations.
Speaking to the media, Mr Ayariga expressed his disapproval of the tax, deeming it unjust and harsh on Ghanaian youth who heavily rely on betting for their livelihoods.
He asserted that the tax is biased, favoring foreign businesses over Ghanaian citizens due to the existing tax regime. Ayariga contended that if foreign companies can deduct losses and pay taxes only on profits, it’s unfair that ordinary citizens aren’t allowed the same privilege. He criticized the government’s approach of deducting a percentage from a single win, deeming it simplistic.
Ayariga highlighted that a more comprehensive taxation system, where the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) profiles and calculates individual profits and losses, would be a fairer solution.
Furthermore, he criticized the government’s concerns about addiction, sarcastically suggesting that addiction to issues like corruption, lies, deception, and theft within the New Patriotic Party (NPP) should be the focal point of discussions.
Avenor Rural Bank Plc in the Akatsi South Municipality, Volta Region has achieved remarkable financial growth in 2022.
Its profit before tax surged from GHC 266,927 in the prior year to GHC 854,147, marking a substantial 219.99% increase.
Board Chairman, Mr. Thomas Clarkson Adade, conveyed this achievement during the bank’s 40th Annual General Meeting held in Akatsi. The robust growth was driven by escalated loans and advances to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) within their operational region, enhancing local business activities.
Mr. Adade attributed the positive outcomes to concurrent rises in total income, gross advances, and total deposits, all contributing to the bank’s overall assets improvement. Total deposits reached GHC 19,307,247 in December 2022, up from GHC 16,442,280 in 2021, marking a 17.42% increment, fueled by strategic mobilization efforts.
Notwithstanding the Bank of Ghana’s regulatory directive to withhold dividends due to economic challenges and the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme, the Board proposed a dividend of Ghc 0.0060 per share, amounting to GHC 95,961, considering the bank’s commendable performance.
The 2022 audited financial report presented during the meeting highlighted a notable 49.03% rise in total income, reaching GH¢4,773,011 from GH¢3,202,770 in 2021. However, there was a 6.52% decline in investment growth, attributed to government securities’ volatility.
Mr. Adade emphasized the bank’s promising outlook and encouraged shareholders to invest further in the bank’s shares for favorable returns. The AGM also addressed achievements, plans including a new head office, corporate social responsibility, director elections, and more.
Gross advances surged by 75.64%, ascending from GH¢5,582,197 in 2021 to GH¢9,804,526 at the year’s close, underscoring Avenor Rural Bank’s commitment to fostering growth in the region’s economy.
A UK fintech firm, Tranzfar, has introduced the groundbreaking Freedom Bank Account in Ghana.
This innovative digital banking product offers users versatile functionality, including instant money transfers, setting up standing orders and direct debits, and various banking operations.
This pioneering account, the first of its kind in Africa, empowers Ghanaian users to seamlessly send and receive funds internationally, spanning continents like Africa, Asia, and the Americas.
A distinctive feature of this digital banking service is its multi-currency support in pounds, dollars, and euros. Ghanaians, even those not residing in the UK, can now own UK-based bank accounts.
Deputy Minister for Trade and Industry, Dr. Stephen Amoah, commended Tranzfar for conceptualizing the Freedom Bank Account.
He anticipates this product to foster entrepreneurship, boost trade and industry, and contribute to the Ghanaian economy’s growth.
Mr. Ryan Romeo, Co-Founder and CEO of Tranzfar, highlights the account’s inclusivity.
It serves various segments, from students studying abroad to small businesses aiming to expand their global customer base.
Consultancy businesses, online enterprises, and individuals seeking foreign currency savings also benefit.
Accessible via mobile app or website, the Freedom Bank Account aligns with the quest for global connectivity and financial inclusivity.
Dr. Olusiji Sanya, Co-Founder and CFO of Tranzfar, emphasizes their belief in granting universal access to global banking services, regardless of location or origin.
Bono Regional House of Chiefs President, Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyemang Badu II, has lauded the government’s successful initiation and completion of key developmental projects within the region.
Notably, he commended the Sunyani Airport project, attributing it to enhanced economic activities.
Osagyefo Agyemang Badu II, the ‘Dormaahene,’ spoke at the House’s 2023 first general meeting in Sunyani.
He also applauded the government’s approval for upgrading the Sunyani Regional Hospital to a Teaching Hospital, allowing collaboration with the University of Energy and Natural Resources for a medical school.
However, he highlighted the region’s road infrastructure challenge, particularly the deplorable state of the Sunyani-Chiraa-Techiman road.
Despite being earmarked for rehabilitation across various governments, it remains neglected.
He stressed the road’s significance for both Ghanaians and neighboring countries and urged the government to secure funding for these projects. If full rehabilitation isn’t feasible, gradual improvements could provide relief.
Osagyefo Agyemang Badu II emphasized equitable development distribution across regions for citizens’ benefit.
Bono Regional Minister, Madam Justina Owusu-Banahene, addressed chiefs’ involvement in town planning schemes, urging collaboration with local assemblies for town enhancement and orderliness.
Parasitology and Global Health Professor at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Prof. Alexander Yaw Debrah, has been chosen as a key speaker at UN Science Summit.
KNUST’s statement disclosed ISC Intelligence in Science’s summit uniting global thought leaders, scientists, policymakers, and experts on September 12, 2023, to address critical scientific challenges within the theme “Science’s Role in Achieving UN Sustainable Development Goals.”
Prof. Debrah’s directorial role in the TAKeOFF project, funded by German Federal Ministry of Education and Research, earned him recognition.
This adds insights to the “Research Networks for Health Innovations in Sub-Saharan Africa (RHISSA) with DLR-PT” session, promoting interactive discussions and collaboration for sustainable development.
With a PhD in Medical Parasitology, Prof. Debrah’s primary focus on Neglected Tropical Diseases, notably filariasis, has led to significant international partnerships and grants surpassing 15 million euros.
His work boasts over 100 peer-reviewed publications and recognition through awards including American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene Travel Award, nominations by VW Foundation and German Paul-Ehrlich-Society’s bi-annual main prize.
His contributions to KNUST range from Examinations Officer to Acting Provost of the College of Health Sciences.
He also holds National and International positions, such as Chair of the Planning Committee of the Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy.
KNUST’s University Management praises Prof. Alexander Yaw Debrah for his commendable achievements.
Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources in charge of Mining, Mireku Duker, undertook a productive visit to Akroma Gold Mining Company located in Kwahu West Municipality, Eastern Region on Friday, August 18, 2023,
Duker’s purpose was to grasp the company’s operations and identify areas needing enhancement. During the tour, he identified issues requiring immediate attention, urging prompt corrective action.
He stressed community development efforts, emphasizing local representation and Ghanaian staffing compliance in mining firms per regulations.
A 90-day ultimatum was given for infractions’ rectification; non-compliance could result in sanctions. Duker urged improved relations with the Municipal Assembly, a key Mineral rights stakeholder, while offering Ministry support against illegal mining.
Akroma Gold’s Mines Manager, Samuel Teye Agyemang, pledged swift resolution of concerns, committing to community development within operational scope.
On Friday, the 18th of August 2023, a recognition event was held by President Akufo-Addo to honor a group of enterprising young men and women.
This event celebrated their accomplishments through the Presidential Pitch initiative.
President Akufo-Addo commended these youthful entrepreneurs for defying challenges and embarking on entrepreneurial endeavors, resulting in the creation of job opportunities for themselves and fellow Ghanaians.
Since its inception in 2017, the Presidential Pitch initiative has successfully conducted three editions.
Through these editions, a total of thirty young entrepreneurs have been bestowed with monetary rewards aimed at facilitating the establishment and expansion of their businesses.
Addressing the importance of entrepreneurship in fostering economic growth and development, President Akufo-Addo emphasized its global recognition as a significant catalyst for economic transformation.
He firmly believed that the convergence of technology, entrepreneurship, and business represents the most effective approach to addressing economic hurdles and the concerning levels of unemployment.
Furthermore, President Akufo-Addo underlined that governments worldwide acknowledge youth entrepreneurship as a potent solution to contemporary unemployment issues.
He went on to highlight the positive impact of the Presidential Pitch initiative.
Under its first three seasons, a notable achievement of 702 direct jobs and numerous indirect job opportunities have been generated by the initiative’s winners.
Most notably, these employment opportunities have been established primarily within rural communities, contributing to their development.
President Akufo-Addo expressed special commendation for Christian Boakye Yiadom, the Chief Executive Officer of Pizzaman Chickenman, who secured the tenth place in Season Two of the competition.
Christian’s pizza enterprise, launched on the premises of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Kumasi, was awarded twenty-five thousand cedis (25,000) through the initiative.
This capital infusion facilitated the expansion of his business, culminating in the opening of the first Pizzaman Chickenman branch on the KNUST campus on January 17th, 2020, six months following the competition.
Today, Pizzaman Chickenman stands as a prominent and beloved culinary brand, widely recognized and enjoyed by many.
Government Spokesperson on Governance and Security, Palgrave Boakye-Danquah, has expressed admiration for the achievements of the Akufo-Addo-led administration, highlighting its success in extending the economy’s reach to all corners of the country.
He emphasized that the current government has excelled in the decentralization of the economy, a feat unprecedented by any prior administration.
Speaking to the media on Tuesday, August 15, Dr. Boakye-Danquah pointed to the flagship ‘One District-One Factory’ Policy as tangible evidence of this decentralization.
Dr. Boakye-Danquah noted that in the past, the Greater Accra Region used to account for more than 90 percent of the country’s tax contributions to the economy.
However, he asserted that due to the effective policies implemented by President Akufo-Addo, all other regions are now making significant contributions.
He affirmed, “President Nana Akufo-Addo is dedicated to Ghana’s development,” adding, “The newly introduced taxes aim to ensure that every responsible Ghanaian contributes to the country’s progress. Failing to achieve this would impede our nation’s advancement.”
Dr. Boakye-Danquah also highlighted the statement made by Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta that the government has successfully navigated a turning point in the economy. During his presentation of the mid-year budget review in Parliament on Monday, July 31, Mr. Ofori-Atta assured that the economy is on a path of recovery and resurgence.
Dr. Boakye-Danquah commended the government for translating the sacrifices made during the challenging period of the Covid-19 pandemic into positive outcomes.
Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has urged the Ghana Armed Forces and the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) Staff College to actively contribute to the nation’s digital progress, aligning with the government’s digitization agenda.
Speaking at a graduation event in Accra on August 18, 2023, Dr. Bawumia recognized the historical ties between the military and technological advancements, noting that their collaboration has led to innovations like microwave ovens, computers, GPS technology, and the internet.
“The military and technology are inseparable,” Dr. Bawumia emphasized. “Hence, I look forward to the Ghana Armed Forces, particularly GAFCSC, to contribute strategies that will support the government’s digitization goals.”
He urged the GAFCSC to develop programs that foster digital awareness and cybersecurity expertise among the youth.
Commending the impact of the institution, he highlighted its influence not only on Ghanaians but also on military personnel from other African nations.
“As a citadel of knowledge, GAFCSC has become a national asset with a distinguished role in Africa,” Dr. Bawumia stated, urging the college to leverage its enhanced reputation to explore additional areas for national development.
Furthermore, he reassured the Armed Forces of the government’s unwavering support, including infrastructure expansion.
The ceremony marked the joint graduation of the Senior Command and Staff Course 44 and the Master of Science in Defense and International Politics Class of 2023.
Nigerian musician, Davido has extended his condolences to fellow musician, Wizkid, following the passing of his mother, Mrs. Jane Dolapo Balogun.
Using his Instagram story as a platform to express his sympathies, Davido conveyed his sadness and offered his prayers for Wizkid during this difficult time.
On his Snapchat, Davido shared a heartfelt message: “Praying for you my brother @Wizkidayo. Sadness flies away on the wings of time.”
Despite their previous disagreements, Davido and Wizkid have been on better terms recently, mending their relationship and showing support for each other.
This unity became evident when Davido faced the loss of his own son, Ifeanyi. Last year, in October, Wizkid expressed his condolences to Davido and even celebrated him during one of his concerts.
In a reciprocal gesture, Davido has now utilized social media to offer his condolences to Wizkid over the loss of his mother.
This empathetic display underscores the bond that can exist between artists, transcending past conflicts and emphasizing the shared human experience of loss and grief.
Kwame A Plus has gifted radio presenter, Ola Michael a pair of sneakers.
This gesture followed a week of relentless teasing that Ola had endured after his choice of footwear on the same show a week earlier became the subject of mockery, including by dancehall artiste Shatta Wale.
Amidst the laughter and camaraderie on the show, Kwame A Plus handed Ola a pair of sneakers, valued at $3,000, on behalf of fans of Shatta Wale.
The sneakers were intended as a playful response to the previous jibes Ola had received for his shoe choice.
Ola Michael, who had appeared on the show wearing a suit and the now-infamous shoes, graciously acknowledged the donation and expressed his gratitude to the donor as well as others who had approached him to contribute footwear.
In a separate episode of his show “The Real News,” aired on August 18, 2023, Kwame Boadi, also known as Akrobeto, joined in on the lighthearted banter.
In a jesting manner, he playfully mocked Ola’s footwear choice, suggesting that it had brought discredit to UTV viewers. Akrobeto humorously questioned the rationale behind Ola’s choice of shoes and jokingly composed a song about the shoe’s distinctiveness.
Akrobeto humorously quipped, “Ola, wherever you are, I greet you, but next time, no matter the hurry… Even if you could have come here barefooted, we might have thought it was for exercise purposes. But having this shoe in your room or house, Ola, no, you can’t wear this shoe. You are disgracing the entire UTV viewers.”
The light-hearted exchanges and playful teasing between these media personalities highlight the jovial spirit and sense of camaraderie within the entertainment industry.
Renowned Nigerian vocalist, David Adeleke, widely recognized as Davido, has emphatically stated that he intends to step away from his music career before it loses its downturn.
Davido candidly expressed this sentiment in a video shared on Instagram by entertainment blogger Tunde Ednut.
In the video, he articulated that his greatest apprehension in life revolves around the prospect of his music journey hitting a downward trajectory.
The artist behind hits like ‘Unavailable’ elucidated that he harbors genuine concern about the inevitable phase in his career when the fervor of his performances begins to wane, and the audience’s excitement diminishes.
Davido acknowledged that every artist encounters a stage in their professional journey when the exuberant response from the audience gradually fades away.
However, he is resolute in his determination to not reach that juncture in his career. He even playfully jests with his friends about retiring from music before his popularity wanes.
In his own words: “The only thing I truly fear is that moment, perhaps… when I step onto the stage and people no longer scream, they no longer go crazy. It’s bound to happen at some point in my career, as it happens to everyone. That’s what truly concerns me, reaching that point.”
“I want to avoid ever getting there. I often jest with my friends that I’ll retire before my appeal diminishes.”
Nollywood luminary, Obinna Nwafor, better known by his stage name Saint Obi, has been laid to rest in his hometown.
The prominent actor and film producer passed away in May 2023, with his demise occurring on Sunday, May 7th in Jos after a prolonged battle with illness.
After an interval of nearly three months, the veteran actor was finally interred in his hometown of Alaenyi Ogwa, situated in Imo State.
Photographs and videos circulating online captured the emotional moments of the burial, with mourners shedding tears in remembrance of the late actor.
A noteworthy aspect of Saint Obi’s life came to light through filmmaker Zik Zulu Okafor, who revealed that the actor’s marriage had steered him away from both his social circle and acting career. Zik Zulu detailed how the demands of his marital life, orchestrated largely by his wife, had led to a disconnection from his colleagues and the entertainment industry.
He also alleged that Saint Obi had endured difficulties within the marriage, including harassment from his wife’s family members, ultimately resulting in the deterioration of his health and the marriage’s dissolution.
In response, Saint Obi’s family vehemently refuted Zik Zulu’s claims, branding his article as deceitful, malicious, and insensitive.
The family asserted that Zik Zulu had not sought their input or permission before publishing the piece and, therefore, they disassociated themselves from its contents.
Furthermore, the family defended Saint Obi’s estranged wife, portraying her in a more favorable light than the article had suggested.
To counter Zik Zulu’s allegations, the family presented photographic evidence showcasing the presence of veteran actors and actresses, including Segun Arinze, Kate Henshaw, and Stephanie Okereke, at their child’s dedication ceremony.
This event aimed to dispel Zik Zulu’s claim that Saint Obi had excluded his colleagues from personal milestones.
Saint Obi’s matrimonial journey had begun in 2006 when he tied the knot with Lynda, a businessman. The couple shared three children before their marriage ended in a contentious divorce.
Clinton Opoku, commonly recognized as LilMoGh, has defied the prevailing notion that betting exclusively appeals to individuals with a lazy demeanor.
He disagrees with the perspective put forth by figures such as Majority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, who argue that betting doesn’t promote hard work.
During an interview with the media, LilMoGh openly opposes the recently implemented 10% tax on earnings from bets and lottery games.
He reveals that he constructed his residence using winnings derived from betting, underscoring the considerable effort and resolve invested in this achievement.
LilMoGh elaborates, “Within my house, I’ve set up an office, all financed by my betting endeavors. Here, I meticulously analyze odds and put thoughts to paper. The people who rely on me for accurate winning odds are numerous, and it’s a continuous process. Operating in this capacity demands a 24/7 commitment; therefore, dismissing it as a lazy pursuit would be inaccurate.”
He additionally mentions that he frequently receives calls from aspirational young individuals seeking favorable odds. He expresses his intention to establish a company aimed at offering employment opportunities to the unemployed youth, with plans to have it up and running by the close of 2023.
“People frequently reach out for odds, and I instruct them to wait momentarily as I finalize the odds. I’m even in the process of laying the groundwork for my own enterprise by year-end. In light of these endeavors, how can anyone classify betting as a pursuit for the indolent?”
Effective from August 15, 2023, the 10% tax applies to total earnings from betting, gaming, lottery activities, and various games of chance.
Ghanaian dancehall artist, Shatta Wale, has called for the arrest of former Minister of Sanitation, Cecilia Dapaah, amid allegations of a one million dollar theft scandal.
Alongside his concerns about the state of the music industry, Shatta Wale has also expressed his deep frustration with the current political landscape in the country.
In a recent Instagram live video, Shatta Wale passionately criticized what he perceives as a lack of accountability and transparency within Ghana’s political system.
He highlighted his dissatisfaction with the priorities of politicians, suggesting that they appear to be more focused on trivial matters rather than addressing the urgent and critical issues facing the nation.
Shatta Wale specifically pointed to the recent scandal involving Cecilia Dapaah.
He questioned the focus of public attention, noting that the discussion seemed to be centered around the house helpers accused of stealing the money, rather than directing scrutiny toward the minister herself for harboring such a substantial sum of money at her residence.
Using strong words, Shatta Wale criticized the politicians, accusing them of prioritizing their personal gains over the well-being of the nation.
He expressed skepticism about the genuine commitment of many individuals who enter politics, suggesting that their motivations are driven by financial interests rather than a true dedication to the country’s progress.
Shatta Wale’s concerns mirror the sentiments of numerous citizens who feel unheard and believe that the concerns of the public are being ignored by those in positions of power.
The recent theft scandal involving the former Minister of Sanitation, Cecilia Dapaah, and the subsequent public outrage have amplified these sentiments, prompting further scrutiny into the minister’s financial matters and accounts.
Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, professionally known as Wizkid, has reportedly lost his mother.
The sad news has left his admirers in a state of mourning, profoundly affected by the unexpected announcement.
Although the Nigerian singer-songwriter has not officially confirmed the heartbreaking incident or issued a formal statement, a report from @gistloversblog1 indicates that the esteemed Grammy award-winning artist endured the loss of his mother during the early hours of Friday, August 18, 2023.
Wizkid’s profound connection with his mother has been palpable throughout his journey in the music industry, as he consistently conveyed his profound affection for her.
The emotional turmoil he must be grappling with at this very moment, upon learning of his mother’s passing, is difficult to fathom.
Mrs. Dalopo Jane Balogun, who initially had reservations about Wizkid’s chosen path and was understandably disheartened when he left school, underwent a remarkable transformation as she watched her son’s success blossom into reality.
She evolved into a steadfast pillar of support, frequently observed expressing her pride from the sidelines at concerts and events. Her role transcended that of a mother; she was also an avid fan.
The demise of Ghanaian artist and actor Andy Nii Akrashie, widely known as ‘OJ Blaq,’ stunned social media on Thursday, August 17, 2023.
His mentor, Pastor Gideon Danso, has shared a post on social media, affirming that OJ is now at peace with the Lord.
Danso emphasized OJ Blaq’s significant contributions to God’s ministry after his spiritual transformation.
The pastor hailed OJ’s role in winning souls for God and commended his dedication. Pastor Gideon Danso extended sympathies to OJ Blaq’s family and everyone touched by his presence.
“Today signifies a heavenly celebration, a triumph in God’s realm, yet a moment of sorrow for me! My son, Andy Nii Akrashie (@ojblaqgh), has transitioned from time to eternity! We know his journey and destination. Hence, our grief bears hope. He was a valiant soldier in God’s kingdom, sacrificing for many to find Christ and become anchored in GOD.
“He was a beacon of service, drawing others to Christ through his past experiences. His wisdom testified of GOD’s healing and salvation, anchoring them in our @empowermentworshipcentre family. He poured his all into our prayer, Fixed Teens, Music, and Discovery Teams. Son, you’ve earned your accolades! You served joyfully, dedicated to the Lord until the end.
My heartfelt condolences to his family, the entire @empowermentworshipcentre community, and all who benefitted from his presence. Till we meet again, son! I cherish you! Your legacy thrives within us!
The Breast Society of Ghana has reported that 50% of the women, totaling over 4,000, who are diagnosed with breast cancer annually, do not survive the disease.
This concerning information came to light during the society’s 4th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Accra on Friday.
The event was centered around the theme “Improving Breast Diseases Outcomes, the Role of the Breast Society.”
The Acting Programme Manager of the Non-Communicable Disease Control Programme at the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Dr. Efua Commeh, has emphasized the urgent need for robust public awareness campaigns aimed at dispelling the misconceptions surrounding breast cancer, with the ultimate goal of preserving more lives.
Dr. Commeh stressed the crucial importance of early breast cancer detection, noting that its timely identification can substantially mitigate the disease‘s complications and avert fatalities.
“Unfortunately, we lose a lot of women because they come in stage three and four. This is not acceptable anywhere. If cases were coming in stage one, for instance, treatment is better and the patients themselves will be better. They don’t need to go through expensive chemotherapy and other treatments, which can be very worrying for the patient. All these treatments come with side effects as well.”
“So we keep preaching that early detection saves lives. That is what it means. When we pick you up early enough, we will be able to treat you so that you can continue living your normal life, and we don’t continue having the high deaths from cancers that we have,” Dr Commeh added.
Prominent broadcaster and the Board Chair of the Ghana Airport Company Limited, Paul Adom-Otchere, has refuted any connection to an alleged scheme to oust the Managing Director of the company, Pamela Djamson-Tettey.
In response to the accusations, he stated that as of now, there is no substantiated foundation for the allegations made against him.
On Wednesday, August 16, 2023, the Airport Workers Union claimed that Adom-Otchere was engaged in a plot to dismiss Djamson-Tettey due to a divergence in viewpoints.
“From where we sit the staff will not let us rest, they have been calling us 24 hours wanting to know what is happening. It is based on that we are communicating with our staff to stay calm while their leaders see how the story unfolds and get back to them,” he said.
According to reports, Abdul-Issaka Bamba, the Divisional Chairman of the Public Service Workers Union at the company, conveyed that this matter has been causing considerable unrest within the industry.
Adom-Otchere has addressed the reports, asserting that the union’s letter did not provide any concrete instances of the alleged plot.
He also indicated his intention to convene a meeting with the union to gain a clearer understanding of the situation.
