The 19-year-old National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) star from Keta Senior High School, James Lutterodt, has been remembered during a one-week observation ceremony organised by his family.
He was part of the team that made history in the 2021 NSMQ, becoming the first Volta regional school to advance that far in the competition.
Although his team didn’t emerge as champions, their remarkable performance earned them praise.
Unfortunately, James passed away on July 3 after battling a brief illness at a hospital in Tema.
Currently, friends, colleagues, and loved ones have gathered to offer condolences and support to the family during the one-week observation.
The Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) has declined to reinstate the allowances of Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) staff, despite an order from the National Labour Commission.
The Director General of GBC, Professor Amin Alhassan, revealed this during a Public Accounts Committee session where the state broadcaster was addressing infractions highlighted in the 2021 Auditor General’s report.
In June 2023, GBC staff protested when the FWSC issued a directive to withdraw certain allowances.
After engaging with the parties involved, the National Labour Commission (NLC) ordered FWSC to restore the allowances.
However, as of the end of the week, FWSC had failed to comply with the Labour Commission’s directive.
Data from the Bank of Ghana (BoG) reveals that Ghana’s public debt stock surged by ¢134.7 billion in the first four months of 2023, reaching ¢569.3 billion in April 2023, equivalent to approximately 71.1% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) or $52 billion.
The increase in debt was mainly attributed to the depreciation of the cedi during the period and, to some extent, an increase in domestic debt by ¢15.9 billion in the first four months of the year.
In December 2022, the debt stock stood at ¢434.6 billion, approximately 71.2% of GDP.
According to the July 2023 Summary of Economic and Financial Data, Ghana’s debt in cedi terms rose to ¢547.8 billion ($50.7 billion) by the end of January 2023 and further increased to ¢564.1 billion ($51.2 billion) and ¢569.5 billion ($51.7 billion) in February and March 2023, respectively.
The Central Bank’s data also shows that the external component of the total public debt stood at $29.3 billion (¢321.4 billion) in April 2023, higher than the $29.0 billion (¢240.9 billion) recorded in December 2022. The domestic debt stood at ¢247.9 billion at the end of April 2023, approximately 30.9% of GDP, compared to ¢232.3 billion, approximately 38.1% of GDP, in December 2022.
Ghana’s nominal GDP experienced a surge of ¢190.7 billion from December 2022 to ¢800.9 billion in April 2023, primarily attributed to elevated prices of goods and services, driven by high inflation rates.
In terms of fiscal deficits, the government’s fiscal deficit to GDP ratio stood at 1.8% in April 2023, a significant decrease from 8.3% of GDP recorded in December 2022. The primary balance stood at 0.7% of GDP in April 2023.
Ghana took various measures to address its economic challenges, including suspending payment of loans to external creditors in December 2022 and restructuring some domestic debt in February 2023.
These efforts paved the way for the approval of a $3 billion Extended Credit Facility (ECF) programme by the International Monetary Fund. Additionally, the country reached an agreement with banks in June 2023 to restructure ¢15 billion ($1.36 billion) of locally issued U.S. dollar bonds and cocoa bills.
However, agreements with external creditors are still pending before restructuring the external debt.
A Mamprobi-Agege-based Over-the-Counter Medicines (OTCM) facility illicitly dispensing tramadol to a drug addict has been shut down by the Pharmacy Council.
The closure took place on Monday following a tip-off from vigilant police officers who witnessed the addict adding tramadol to his drink.
Upon investigation, the individual confessed to obtaining the drug from the mentioned OTCM shop.
The facility’s owner showed defiance and lack of cooperation during the interrogation.
The Pharmacy Council is taking swift enforcement measures, and both the facility owner and her staff will face the disciplinary committee for stocking and dispensing a prescription-only medicine without appropriate authorization.
The West African Capital Markets Integration Project, supported by the African Development Bank’s Capital Markets Development Trust Fund, aims to integrate the capital markets in the region.
The Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE) is strategically planning to enhance trading and attract more companies to list on its platform.
According to the managing director of GSE, Abena Amoah, the goal is to position the Accra bourse as the preferred medium in the country and the sub-region for companies to raise capital for their business operations.
With a total market capitalization of over GH₵65 billion, constituting about 11 percent of Ghana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), the Ghanaian market holds significant importance in Africa.
The GSE is actively encouraging both private and state-owned enterprises (SOEs) to list on its exchange.
They are collaborating with the government to attract more SOEs and private companies to list.
The Managing Director of GSE is optimistic about doubling the size of its equities and increasing the number of listed companies in the medium term.
The GSE has created a market and demonstrated potential for investment opportunities.
Notably, private pension funds have more than GH₵50 billion available for investments, presenting an opportunity for SOEs and private companies to raise capital for their business operations.
The Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, is scheduled to present the Mid-Year Review of the Budget Statement and Economic Policy of Government and supplementary estimates for the 2023 Financial Year on Thursday, July 27 instead of the earlier announced date of Tuesday, July 25.
The disclosure was made by Mr. Habib Iddrisu, the Second Deputy Majority Whip, on the floor of Parliament while presenting the Business Statement of the House for the week ending Friday, July 28.
He emphasized the limited time left for the House to adjourn sine die and urged all Committees with referral Bills to expedite their consideration for the attention of the House.
The Bills include the Grains Development Authority Bill, 2022, Ghana Industrial Property Office Bill, 2023, Rent Bill, 2023, Budget Bill, 2023, and the National Petroleum Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2023.
The Business Committee recommended commencing sittings each day at 10:00 hours and extending sittings to ensure that business scheduled for the eighth week, mainly the Bills, are considered and passed promptly.
These measures aim to facilitate the consideration of other parliamentary matters requiring the House’s attention.
In the upcoming week, four Ministers will attend the House to address 26 questions – one urgent and 25 orals.
The Ministries include Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Lands and Natural Resources, Sanitation and Water Resources, and Roads and Highways.
The Trades and Industry Minister, KT Hammond, has expressed worry over the Minority’s decision to boycott parliamentary sittings.
He believes that this ongoing trend will impede the progress of important government business.
To him, the Minority’s action appears mischievous and a deliberate attempt to sabotage government affairs.
Speaking to the parliamentary press corps on July 20, 2023, he highlighted that the boycott has hindered committee meetings and significantly affected parliamentary proceedings.
However, in response to these claims, the Chief Whip of the minority, Kwame Governs Agbodza, refuted them.
He asserted that the minority caucus is doing its best to ensure that parliamentary business continues as smoothly as possible.
According to him, his side of the house should not be held responsible for any delays in parliamentary proceedings, emphasizing that if all members of the minority were present, the house’s agenda would proceed as planned.
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament has instructed the Accra Digital Centre (ADC) to evict occupants who have sublet their spaces to other businesses for a fee, a clear violation of the tenancy agreement between the centre and the tenants engaged in this practice.
This issue came to light during a recent session when the management of the Accra Digital Centre appeared before the committee to address findings from the 2021 Auditor General’s report.
According to the report, one of the tenants, Ghana Innovation Hub, was found to have rented out part of its allocated space to other businesses at a commercial rate higher than the fee they paid to the ADC. This subletting breached the terms of their tenancy agreement.
Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, a member of the committee, emphasized that such illegal practices deny the country much-needed revenue and urged the centre and other state institutions to be vigilant against such actions to protect the state’s interests and enhance revenue.
“We noted that Ghana Innovation Hub is one of the tenants of ADC who benefits from the highly subsidized rent rate of $8 per square meter per month and occupies 650 square meters.
In response to the findings and recommendations, the Chief Executive Officer of the Accra Digital Centre, Kwadwo Baah Agyemang, stated that the contract between the centre and Ghana Innovation Hub had been reviewed, and measures have been put in place to prevent such occurrences in the future.
“This committee also exists to educate the public on what our laws say. This is one of those practices that the law mandates the centre, as the landlord to evict whoever that’s in breach of the agreement. We encourage the management of the centre to apply such decisions to deter others from doing so,” he added.
Additionally, the Ghana Post Company Limited is developing a Scheme of Service to guide recruitment and staff management, aiming to provide a coherent framework for staff recruitment, development, and career progression in public institutions. The absence of such a scheme, as cited in the 2021 Auditor General’s report, had led to some staff members holding the same rank for about 10 years.
Nigerian businessman and philanthropist, Tony Elumelu, has experienced a remarkable boost in the value of his United Bank for Africa (UBA) stake on July 21, witnessing an impressive increase of $4.3 million in just one day.
Despite facing a setback of $1.1 million due to the devaluation of the naira, Elumelu, known for his influence in African business circles, remains among the wealthiest investors on the Nigerian Exchange and ranks high among Nigeria’s richest businessmen.
As of the latest report, Elumelu holds a substantial 7.17-percent stake in UBA, which translates to 2,450,603,739 ordinary shares with a market value of $47 million.
According to data from Billionaires.Africa, the market value of his UBA stake soared from N33.21 billion ($42.80 million) on July 20 to N36.51 billion ($47.06 million) on July 21, representing a staggering increase of N3.31 billion ($4.26 million) within a single day.
This significant surge occurred as UBA shares on the Nigerian Exchange jumped by an impressive 9.96 percent, rising from N13.55 ($0.0285) on July 20 to N14.90 ($0.0365) at the time of reporting. The surge brought substantial gains for investors in the local bourse.
UBA now holds a position as one of the most valuable companies on the Nigerian Exchange, boasting a current share price of N14.90 ($0.04) and a market capitalization of N510 billion ($657 million).
With a presence in 24 countries across four continents, including the United Kingdom, the United States, France, and the United Arab Emirates, UBA continues to establish itself as a significant player in the financial sector.
Elumelu’s impressive gains in UBA, driven by the surge in the bank’s share price, further solidify his status as a leading figure in Africa’s business landscape and underscore UBA’s resilience and strong performance in the financial market.
The Ghana AIDS Commission has announced the distribution of over 200,000 HIV/AIDS Self-test kits nationwide.
This initiative follows the recent launch of the HIV/AIDS Self-test on July 19 by the government, facilitated through the Ministry of Health.
The purpose is to empower the public to conveniently check their status within the comfort of their homes or any location of their choice.
Dr. Kyeremeh Atuahene, the Director-General of the Ghana AIDS Commission, shared that plans are already in motion to provide training to local pharmacists on the distribution and proper use of the test kit.
He mentioned that even before the pilot launch, some pharmacy shops were already selling self-test kits, as they have been available for several years.
As the expansion program progresses, the goal is to involve pharmacists in the distribution process, recruiting and training them to offer the program’s test kits to the public.
“As far as pharmacists are concerned, in fact before we started the pilot, some pharmacy shops were already selling self-test kits. Because self-test kits have been available since before this decade, so people have been selling them.”
“We hope that in the expansion programme, pharmacists will also be recruited and trained to distribute some of the programme’s test kits,” he noted.
Acting Director General of the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA), David Osafo Adonteng, has revealed that his outfit has revised road safety interventions, emphasizing the adoption of technology to combat road crashes.
The NRSA plans to install cameras and vehicle tracking devices to monitor motorists, ensuring compliance with speed limits and discouraging wrongful overtaking.
Over speeding is a critical contributing factor to accidents, and the stringent measures aim to counter it.
“We are adopting technology and that is the order of the day across the world, so, cameras are going to be fixed on major highways and selected locations to monitor those who jump red lights.
We are going to put speed limiters and tracking systems in all the vehicles so you cannot go beyond that limit and wherever you are we can see, when you are doing wrongful overtaking, we can see you,” Mr Adonteng explained.
The nationwide implementation of road safety technology is expected to make Ghana a success story in road safety management.
The new NRSA Legislative Instrument empowers the authority to regulate passenger transport services, aiming to reduce accidents by licensing operators and enforcing standards.
“We are going to license all the transport services operators, know where they are and give them some standards to operate within,” he indicated.
Vehicles violating road traffic regulations will face sanctions, and unfit vehicles and unqualified drivers will be barred from operating.
The NRSA collaborates with stakeholders to enforce these measures.
The authority’s strengthened road safety management interventions have contributed to a reduction in road accidents and vehicle involvement in accidents in the first half of 2023 compared to 2022.
Challenges like riding without helmets and underage riding, particularly in northern regions, are gradually being addressed.
The Upper West Regional office of NRSA is commended for its efforts in improving road safety despite financial and logistical challenges.
Mr. Adonteng appeals to stakeholders and the media to strengthen their activities for more effective road safety management.
Ghanaian artiste Razak Amissah, known as Zack Gh, has finally released his highly awaited Extended Play (EP) titled “Shine.”
The well-crafted masterpiece features an impressive lineup of artists, including Ras Kuuku, Kweku Flick, Strongman, Rashid Metal, and music producer Apya.
With “Shine,” Zack Gh takes listeners on a musical journey, sharing personal encounters as an actor and musician. The EP showcases his artistic versatility cultivated over more than a decade, revealing his emotive and powerful delivery of lyrics that delve into his inner vulnerabilities.
“My newly released EP delves into various experiences and stories from my life, aiming to entertain music lovers with captivating hooks and lyrical vibes.
“I’ve always strived to connect with people through my music and performances because I believe in my talent as a musician and actor,” Zack Gh shared.
The “Shine” EP is now available on multiple streaming platforms, including Boomplay, Audiomack, Spotify, Apple Music, and more.
Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel A. Jinapor, has statedthat the government has implemented drastic and preemptive measures to safeguard the Black Volta from the destructive activities of illegal miners.
Following recent media reports on illegal mining in the area, a joint operation involving the Minerals Commission, Savannah Regional Coordinating Council, and Ghana Armed Forces was initiated to gather intelligence and assess the situation.
Numerous operations have already been carried out by the Military to halt illegal mining activities and protect the river.
The Minister revealed that 20 changfans operating on the Black Volta have been confiscated and destroyed.
The government is committed to restoring the Black Volta to its natural state with a focus on responsible and environmentally friendly mining practices.
Describing illegal mining activities as “scandalous and unfortunate,” Minister Jinapor pledged to activate legal measures to safeguard the Black Volta and other water bodies from such activities.
“The need for us to protect the Black Volta is absolutely important, and I’m happy to report that following the reports the Ministry received, we are working closely with the Minerals Commission, the Savannah Regional Coordinating Council and the 6th Battalion of Infantry, 6Bn) in collaboration with the Military command of the Savannah Region were able to carry out an intelligence-gathering operation to ascertain the true facts on the ground”, he indicated.
“As I speak to you now, series of operations have been undertaken and the reports I’ve received is that 20 changfans have been destroyed and there is a well-thought-through plan to eradicate illegal mining on the river and other parts of the country”, he stressed.
The government’s approach to combating illegal mining is centered on enforcement and reformation, aiming to create a sustainable mining sector that adheres to national and international standards.
The Minister for Employment and Labour Relations, Ignatius Baffour-Awuah, has stated that Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) will change its policy and refrain from investing in non-profit social ventures. The aim is to protect the funds of contributors and ensure their financial security.
Concerns were raised by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) after the 2021 Auditor General’s report showed that 10 companies, including Metro Mass Transit and Kumasi Abattoir, had not paid dividends to SSNIT for the past decade.
PAC emphasized the need for SSNIT to manage funds effectively to ensure timely payment of members’ benefits.
The Minister acknowledged the importance of good investments to maintain the value of contributions and assured that SSNIT’s policy direction would prioritize profit-driven ventures, especially for companies like Metro Mass Transit and Kumasi Abattoir, which provide social services.
The Minister asserted that SSNIT’s financing of social projects would undergo a policy decision review to ensure contributors’ funds are utilized optimally and profitability is prioritized going forward.
Ghanaian singer, Camidoh, has released a visually stunning music video for his hit track “Brown Skin Girl,” featuring Dancehall artiste Stonebwoy, from his latest playlist, LITA.
The video, shot in his homeland Ghana, immerses viewers in a world of vibrant colors and captivating imagery.
Every scene, from start to finish, showcases breathtaking cinematography and creative direction, enhancing the song’s emotional impact.
Through a seamless blend of artistic visuals and powerful storytelling, the video celebrates the beauty and resilience of melanin-rich women.
LITA, which stands for “Love is the Answer,” offers listeners an immersive journey into the complexities of love, growth, and personal discovery. Camidoh skillfully expresses his emotions through his music on this playlist. The release of this colorful music video further solidifies his position as one of the most influential voices in the Ghanaian music industry. His ability to create soul-stirring music that resonates with a diverse audience has earned him a devoted fan base.
In response to a dawn attack on one of their buses at Walewale in the North East Region, drivers at the Kumasi-Bawku bus terminal have suspended their services in protest.
The drivers express concern that this incident is part of a series of threats to their livelihood and has left them fearful of transporting passengers to Bawku and other parts of the North.
The Ghana Police Service has launched a manhunt for the culprits responsible for shooting into the bus and setting it on fire, resulting in one fatality and multiple injuries.
The attack has caused panic among drivers at the Suame bus terminal, who feel targeted and hindered from traveling to Bawku and other Northern regions.
Anasara George Akolgo, one of the Chairmen at the bus terminal, lamented that the incident has deeply affected the drivers. He called for government intervention and urged the Inspector-General of Police to resolve the situation amicably.
The drivers believe the current situation is intimidating, with many drivers feeling anxious about continuing their services to Bawku.
“All of us were very shocked by what happened in Walewale because we had loaded the bus yesterday evening bound for Bawku, and it was attacked in Walewale and the people even followed the bus to the police station and burnt it, and we don’t understand why anytime there is a problem in Bawku, then the Walewale people begin to misbehave with us.”
“We have suspended services to Bawku, and we want the government and the IGP to step in and solve it amicably because what is happening is intimidation to us because most of the drivers are panicking.”
Anasara also alleged that some individuals are now tracking travelers bound for Bawku and subjecting them to attacks during their journeys.
During their recent picketing, some discontented food suppliers alleged that the Buffer Stock Company diverted money from the Education Ministry to settle their loans.
These suppliers were demanding over GH₵270 million in payment for food supplied to various senior high schools under the Free SHS policy.
In response, the CEO of the Buffer Stock Company, Hanan Abdul-Wahab, dismissed the allegations, asserting the company’s commitment to settling all debts owed to its creditors.
He clarified that the Free SHS feeding budget for 2021, 2022, and 2023 exceeded GH₵480 million, making the claimed figure inaccurate.
He emphasized that no money meant for suppliers’ payments has been received from the Ministry and left unpaid.
Hanan Abdul-Wahab assured that the report was false, and the company remains dedicated to ensuring suppliers are well taken care of.
“Between 2021, 2022, and 2023, the entire Free SHS feeding budget is far more than even GH₵480 million, so it is clear that the figure is not correct. We have not received money from the Ministry that is meant to be paid to suppliers that we have not paid.
“The report is not true, and we are very focused on making sure that we will make life very comfortable for our suppliers.”
A young man from the Central Region has been apprehended for stealing salted fish, popularly known as ‘koobi,’ at Obuasi Central Market in the Ashanti Region.
The incident was captured on video and shared on Facebook by Wendy Akuffo, quickly going viral.
The suspect, identified as Paa Yaw from Mankessim, had traveled to Obuasi in search of opportunities but ended up engaging in theft. ‘Koobi’ is a cherished ingredient used in Ghanaian soups and stews.
According to reports, a vigilant night watchman spotted the thief during a patrol session as he attempted to escape by jumping from a storey building. The watchman subdued him with a locally-made security weapon and retrieved the stolen ‘koobi’ from him.
The thief had come prepared with a modern bag with multiple zippers to stash his loot, but he only managed to get away with the ‘koobi,’ which he placed in a polythene bag.
The video showed the alleged thief tied to a pole near a stall with heavy chains and a padlock, awaiting action by market authorities. It is suspected that he may have been part of a notorious gang known for robbing markets in Obuasi.
On Thursday morning of July 2023, the suspect was handed over to the police, who are currently conducting an investigation into the matter.
Three fishermen, namely Atitso Atsitsogbui, Seth Kwesi Abelia, and Agbesi Atisu, have been apprehended by Denu Police in the Volta Region for fishing during the closed season.
Upon sighting the closed season monitoring team, some of their accomplices managed to escape and are now being pursued.
The authorities successfully retrieved the fish caught during their fishing expedition, and the canoe they were using (with registration number VR-KS-086-AVM and bearing the inscription Holy FM) has been impounded.
The arrest took place during a joint operation conducted by officials from the Eastern Naval Command, the Fisheries Enforcement Unit (FEU), the Monitoring Control Surveillance Division (MCSD), and the Marine Police.
The Head of the Public Relations Unit of the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Karimatu Anas, provided information about the arrest. The fishermen were apprehended at Abeliakope in the Ketu South District on July 12, 2023, while the monitoring team was checking compliance with the closed season.
The Fisheries Enforcement Unit has been conducting visits to various fishing communities to ensure compliance with the fishing closed season. During their recent patrols in the Greater Accra Region and Volta Region, most communities were observed to be complying with the closed season regulations.
The team took the opportunity to interact with the fishermen during the exercise, sensitizing them about the importance of stopping illegal fishing practices and adhering to regulations when the season resumes.
Commodore Francis Nyarko commended the fishermen for their compliance and urged them to continue respecting the law and avoiding illegal fishing activities once the season reopens.
Accra Technical University has achieved the 4th position among Ghanaian universities and 28th out of 88 universities in the sub-region, according to the Times Higher Education Sub-Saharan Africa University Rankings 2023, released on June 26, 2023.
ATU stands out as the only technical university in the country to make it onto the list, with Ashesi University, University of Ghana, and Academic City taking the top three spots, respectively.
The rankings were based on five pillars: resources and finances, access and fairness, teaching skills, student engagement, and African impact. Each pillar includes various metrics, with a focus on a university’s contributions to the 17 United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Recently, ATU was honored with the title of “Best in SDG Research” at the inaugural SDGs Awards held at the La Palm Beach Hotel in Accra. The award recognizes the university’s dedication to innovative, sustainable, and impactful research, showcasing its commitment to excellence in higher education.
Prof. Amevi Acakpovi, the Acting Vice-Chancellor, expressed gratitude for the recognition, attributing it to the hard work and dedication of the university’s management, staff, faculty, and students.
He sees it as a motivation to continue striving for excellence and producing competent graduates for the global job market.
The Times Higher Education World University Rankings, known as the “THE Rankings,” are highly regarded in the academic community and are published annually by the Times Higher Education magazine.
The Coalition of Ghanaians Without Ghana Card (GWiGC) has expressed its concern over the Electoral Commission‘s (EC) insistence on using only the Ghana card as the exclusive document for voter registration in the 2024 general elections, considering it a threat to Ghana’s democratic principles.
The group is urging the EC to reconsider its decision, which it believes will disenfranchise numerous citizens without the Ghana card.
In a statement issued in Ho and shared with the media, the lead convener of GWiGC, Richard Kasu, asserted that the EC’s stance to amend the Constitutional Instrument (CI) to make the Ghana Card the sole document for voter registration contradicts Ghana’s 1992 Republican Constitution.
This move could result in a significant number of Ghanaians being unable to register and vote.
The group suspects ulterior motives behind the Electoral Commission’s and the National Identification Authority’s (NIA) resolute position, fearing that some citizens’ votes may be suppressed.
GWiGC also raised concerns about the ongoing “premium express” silent registration for the Ghana Card at regional NIA offices. Ordinary Ghanaians are required to pay GHC280 and travel to regional capitals, causing financial and logistical burdens. The group called for an end to the commercialization of this process.
Furthermore, GWiGC pointed out that the mass registration of the Ghana Card during the COVID-19 pandemic, as required by the NIA law, posed challenges as many Ghanaians were unable to participate due to government restrictions.
The group urged an inclusive stakeholder discussion to devise a more progressive, accessible, and affordable Ghana Card registration process that caters to all citizens at all times.
Unknown individuals have broken into Aflao Senior High School (SHS), dismantling the electricity transformer and stealing its components.
They also dug out and took away the underground cables connected to the transformer, plunging the school into darkness.
The school’s headmaster, Shadrack Abiuw, recounted the incident during a visit, stating that it occurred about two weeks ago.
Since then, the lack of electricity has severely affected teaching and learning activities.
Abiuw appealed to the Ketu South Municipal Assembly and the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) to assist in replacing the stolen transformer to ensure smooth academic operations.
He pointed out that the school has operated for two years without any security personnel, attributing the incident to this lack of security presence. He urged the relevant institutions to send security personnel to protect the school from such occurrences in the future.
Nigerian music superstar, Davido, known for his chart-topping Afrobeats hits, continues to exhibit his generosity, reaching out to those in need.
Through his humanitarian organization, the David Adeleke Foundation (DAF), Davido has made a significant donation of N237,000,000.00 (approximately $300,000) to orphans across Nigeria.
In a statement released on July 20, 2023, Davido emphasized the foundation’s mission to continually support the less fortunate in the country and expressed his satisfaction with the organization’s ongoing work.
This generous contribution has benefited a total of 13,818 underprivileged children, distributed among 424 orphanages, creating a meaningful impact in their lives.
Founded in 2022, the David Adeleke Foundation has been dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of Nigerians in need.
Over time, the foundation has successfully raised millions of Naira and directed substantial funds towards various orphanages, making a tangible and positive change in the lives of countless children.
Ghanaian actress Salma Mumin has faced strong criticism following her appearance at the Barbie Movie premiere in Lagos, Nigeria.
Salma Mumin traveled from Ghana to attend the premiere, which took place last night in Lagos, Nigeria.
She made an effort to resemble Barbie for the occasion, choosing a black and pink mermaid dress adorned with butterfly wings on her chest.
To complete her look, she wore a hat resembling religious leader attire, carried a pink bag, and wore heels.
While Salma sought to make a bold fashion statement and capture attention at the event, some Nigerians felt she missed the mark. They argued that her outfit resembled more of a “Babalawo” look rather than the desired Barbie appearance.
Others even compared her look to a Wakanda vibe, claiming it lacked the princess or Barbie essence.
It is worth noting that this criticism comes after Salma previously trended in Ghana for undergoing butt surgery. Now, her supposed Babalawo look is making waves in Nigeria, further adding to the buzz surrounding her recent appearances.
The Swedru-based singer, Patapaa, has expressed his belief that a curse has been placed on the organizers of the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA) due to their decision to deny him an award in 2018.
Patapaa’s popular song, ‘One Corner,’ was nominated for ‘The Most Popular Song of the Year’ category alongside other artists, including Fancy Gadam’s ‘Total Cheat’ featuring Sarkodie.
Despite expectations that ‘One Corner’ would win, the award went to Fancy Gadam, leading to disappointment and allegations of unfairness.
In a recent interview, Patapaa stated that he believes God has cursed the VGMA organizers for giving the award to an undeserving artist.
“They (VGMA board) have to stop those things they’ve been doing. If someone deserves an award, you have to give it to him based on his output. They don’t have to take any stupid money to give an award to an undeserving artiste”.
He expressed frustration with the award scheme’s decision-making process, citing instances of controversy, such as Amakye Dede’s confession that he was pressured by the VGMA board to crown Kuami Eugene as the king of Highlife.
Patapaa alluded to the curse as a form of punishment for causing pain to someone. While he did not elaborate further, he highlighted the need for fair and just recognition of deserving artists without influence or unfair practices.
“I can see that God has placed a curse on the organizers of VGMA because of what they did to me. I don’t want to go far. If I want to go far, then I will say this, when we say curse, it means you are being punished for causing pain to someone. I don’t want to say it
“I would want to use Amakye Dede’s issue as an example but I don’t want to say it. They forced Amakye Dede to crown someone when he was not ready to do that”, he explained.
The Paramount Chief of Wungu traditional area, Wunaaba Alhaji Saaka Sulemaana, has welcomed a visiting Police entourage, led by Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, to his palace.
He expressed delight as it was the first time an IGP had visited the area and his palace.
During the meeting, the chief informed the IGP that robbery incidents had significantly decreased in the past two years, improving the social lives of his people.
In response, the IGP highlighted the police’s commitment to providing community-specific policing, tailoring security solutions based on each community’s needs.
He stressed that the Police will continue to collaborate with chiefs and communities to achieve enhanced security outcomes.
The IGP and the police management board are touring the north-east region to assess the security situation, engaging with police officers and the public to gather first-hand information on welfare, operational, and administrative challenges.
The tour has covered over 80 percent of the country, with similar engagements conducted by Regional, Divisional, and District Police Commands nationwide.
Ghana and Italy have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation and friendship between the two nations, exploring mutual interests for the benefit of their respective populations.
This took place on July 21, 2023 after President Akufo-Addo‘s official 4-day visit to Italy, where he held bilateral discussions with President Sergio Mattarella at the Quirinal Palace in Rome.
President Mattarella praised Ghana’s adherence to democracy, good governance, and the rule of law, making Ghana a beacon of stability in West Africa and Africa as a whole.
President Akufo-Addo highlighted the longstanding strong relations between Ghana and Italy, citing successful Italian companies operating in Ghana, such as Impregilo, which constructed the Akosombo Dam.
The leaders discussed collaboration in Ghana’s pharmaceutical and agro-based industries, and President Akufo-Addo expressed gratitude for Italy’s support in the restructuring of Ghana’s finances through the G20 Common Framework for Debt Treatments, securing a $3 billion Extended Credit Facility from the IMF.
Both leaders stressed the importance of stability for economic development, and President Mattarella pledged Italy’s support to confront the jihadist threat in the Sahel and piracy in the Gulf of Guinea.
“We are anxious that the matter of UN Reform be given priority on the global agenda. It is time to correct the longstanding injustice that the current structure and composition of the UN Security Council represent for the nations of Africa. We are encouraged, though, by the attitudes and sentiments of two (2) leaders of the five (5) Permanent Members of the Security Council, that is President Joe Biden of the United States of America and President Emmanuel Macron of the French Republic. Both of them are the first leaders of their respective countries to call publicly for reform. We look forward to the leaders of the three (3) other Permanent Members also throwing their support behind the reform process,” the Ghanaian President said.
They also emphasized the need for global financial and economic architecture reform to address inequities, with both calling for United Nations Security Council reform, particularly for Africa.
President Akufo-Addo is expected to deliver the keynote address at the 4th ECAM Summit in Rome, discussing healthcare and food safety challenges and opportunities in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
A former Member of Parliament (MP) for Nkawkaw, Eastern Region, Seth Adjei Baah, has called on the Minority in Parliament to respect the legal process in the case involving MP for Assin North, James Gyakye Quayson.
He emphasizes that the continuous absence of the caucus could significantly impact their constituents, prompting the need to negotiate with the majority side.
Seth Adjei Baah advises the Majority to find a way to get the Minority back to Parliament while allowing the judiciary to carry out its work impartially.
He believes that continuing in the current manner could result in the suffering of Ghanaians, and therefore, he urges the Minority to give the judiciary the space to fulfill its responsibilities correctly.
Seth Adjei Baah pleads with his fellow MPs to return and work together in moving Ghana forward.
“The NDC has the right to boycott if they are not happy about certain issues. However, we should also make sure that we do not stand in the way of the judiciary. This is a case where, if we are not careful, we will be influencing the stance of the judiciary. So, I think the majority should just come out and find a way to negotiate to get them back to Parliament while the judiciary is going ahead to do their work.”
“Because if you continue in this way, it means that Ghanaians are suffering, and you are there to help us get things done. Yes, I don’t want to say that they should do this or that, but they should give the judiciary the chance to do what is right. They are trying the case; the lawyers are going, and I know that in Ghana, they will do the right thing. So, it is not about following up there that will influence the decision of the court. So, I will plead with my brothers to come back and let’s see how best we can move Ghana forward,” he stated.
To a subject that has garnered national interest, minister for Sanitation and Water Resources, Cecilia Abena Dapaah, and her husband, Daniel Osei Kuffour, are reported to have been robbed by two of their house helps in their home in Abelemkpe, Accra.
The two, 18-year-old, Patience Botwe and 30-year-old Sarah Agyei are said to have undertaken their operation between July and October 2022.
At an Accra Circuit Court, Patience and Sarah are charged with one count of conspiracy to commit a crime and five counts of stealing, which include amounts of US$1 million, €300,000, and millions of Ghana Cedis.
The following items and amounts of cash were stolen from Cecilia Dapaah’s residence:
US $1 million dollars
€ 300,000
Millions of Ghana Cedis
Assorted clothes valued at GHC 95,000
Handbags
Perfumes
Pieces of jewelry worth US $95,000
Six pieces of Kente cloth worth US $90,000
Six sets of men’s suits valued at US $3,000
Five accused persons, including Patience, her current and former boyfriends, as well as her father, are facing the court presided over by Susana Ekuful. The case has been adjourned to August 2, 2023.
The 2021 Auditor General‘s Report highlighted the Forestry Commission’s substantial loss of GH¢51 million in expenses related to goods and services, including the costs of uniforms and equipment for the Youth in Afforestation Programme.
During a hearing before the Public Accounts Committee of Parliament on July 19, 2023, the Commission’s CEO, John Allotey, confirmed the accuracy of the report.
The report also revealed that the youth engaged in afforestation activities were owed allowances for over a year, with the last payment made in May 2022. Allotey assured the committee of diligent efforts to settle the outstanding balance owed to the youth, contingent on timely finances released by the Ministry of Finance.
Furthermore, the Auditor General’s Report pointed out that several companies engaged with the Forestry Commission owe a total debt of GH¢6.1 million. Allotey disclosed that GH¢3.2 million had been recovered from these companies, with the Land Commission being specifically mentioned.
Additionally, the Lands Commission was cited in the report for its failure to obtain title deeds from the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) for a residential property worth GHS¢2 million, which it acquired from SSNIT. In response, the Deputy Executive Secretary of the Lands Commission, Jones Ofori-Boadu, assured the committee that the documentation process was well underway and would be completed within the next three months.
These revelations have raised concerns about financial management and accountability within the Forestry Commission, prompting the Public Accounts Committee of Parliament to continue its scrutiny to ensure transparency and address the identified financial challenges.
Ghanaian actor, Clement Bonney also known as , Mr. Beautiful, disclosed the challenges he encountered after endorsing the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and former President Mahama.
As a dedicated NDC member, he faced discrimination when a restaurant refused to serve him food due to his political affiliation.
“I have gone to somewhere to buy food but the food vendor refused to sell the food to me just because of my die-hard affiliation to NDC and John Mahama. I remember I went to a certain restaurant to buy food but they insisted on not selling the food to me because they claim that I’m an NDC sympathizer,” he stated.
Recounting another instance, he shared how a certain TV station declined to work with him for a TV advert simply because of his association with the NDC.
Despite these difficulties, Mr. Beautiful remains resilient, considering writing a book to share his experiences and struggles.
“I went to a certain TV station to pay for a TV advert but the owner of the TV station said he can’t work with me because I am a known follower of NDC,” he said in an interview on Property FM seen by MyNewsGh.com
“I have gone through a lot that’s why if I decide to write a book Ghanaians will know my story but I thank God that I paved the way for others to benefit today,” he added.
He is thankful that his actions have paved the way for others to benefit in the present day.
Certain members of the Minority Members of Parliament have expressed their view that Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, Cecilia Dapaah, acted unlawfully by keeping significant amounts of money in her house, which has allegedly been stolen by her house helps.
The Minister and her husband, Daniel Osei Kuffour, were reportedly robbed by two of their house helps, Patience Botwe and Sarah Agyei, between July and October 2022.
The house helps have been charged with conspiracy to commit a crime and five counts of stealing, involving large sums of money in different currencies and valuable items.
Three other individuals, including a plumber, a trader, and an unemployed person, have also been charged for dishonestly receiving stolen funds.
The accused allegedly used the stolen money to finance various purchases and properties.
In court, one of the house helps, Sarah Agyei, was granted bail, and the case has been scheduled for further investigation.
Speaking in parliament the Member of Parliament for Bole Bamboi, , Yussif Sulemana, called on President Akufo-Addo to immediately dismiss the Minister while investigations into the source and legitimacy of the money take place.
He emphasized that such actions would demonstrate a commitment to fighting corruption within the government.
The NDC MP for the Kumbungu constituency, Hamza Adam, also expressed shock at the situation, stating that if proven true, the Minister’s possession of such large sums of money at her residence would be unlawful.
Both MPs have demanded a thorough investigation to ascertain the origin of the funds and appropriate legal actions to be taken.
The Right to Information (RTI) Commission has introduced its ambitious “Pathway to Open and Transparent Governance” plan, aimed at enhancing transparency, accountability, and public access to information from government institutions.
Minister for Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, commended the Commission’s forward-thinking approach and emphasized the significance of their comprehensive five-year strategic plan during the unveiling event in Accra on July 20, 2023.
Executive Secretary, Yaw Sarpong Boateng, highlighted the plan’s commitment to fostering a culture of openness and responsiveness in public institutions and called for continued support from all stakeholders to achieve improved information dissemination, empowered citizens, and a more inclusive approach to governance over the next five years.
He said, ” I want to, in particular, commend the RTI Commission for putting up this five-year strategic plan. They’re not only thinking about year by year what they are doing, but they have decided to think through the medium term and outline this five-year strategic plan that we want to outdoor. That is why we need to commend them strongly.”
The Member of Parliament (MP) representing Bole Bamboi, Yussif Sulemana, has accused the government of causing financial losses to the state through its decision to import semi-processed sugar for refining at the Komenda Sugar Factory in the Central Region.
In 2016, Parliament had approved a substantial amount of $24 million for the cultivation of sugarcane, with the intention of providing sufficient raw materials for the factory. However, the government failed to utilize these funds effectively, leading to the factory becoming non-functional.
After the Minister for Trade and Industry, KT Hammond, addressed questions concerning the factory in Parliament, Sulemana spoke to journalists, expressing his concerns about the missed opportunities for the nation’s youth due to the government’s inaction.
He pointed out that the government’s choice to import semi-processed sugar instead of supporting local production is detrimental to the country’s economy. The approved facility’s funds were intended to be drawn down for the benefit of sugarcane farmers, but the government allegedly refused to do so, resulting in a lack of necessary resources for cultivation.
By relying on imports rather than promoting domestic production, the government has denied citizens potential livelihoods and the employment opportunities that the functional factory could have created for them. Sulemana emphasized that this decision adversely affects the people and their aspirations for better job prospects and economic growth.
“Today, you are importing semi-processed sugar. Isn’t that a loss for us? Parliament approved the facility and asked that you should draw down the funds. You arrogantly refused to draw down the money. Today, we are unable to give the needed resources for the farmers to be able to cultivate the sugarcane,” he said.
“So, what you are now doing is to import semi-processed sugar. What you are doing is denying the people a source of livelihood. What you are doing is that you are denying people the needed jobs that we had wanted to create for them,” he underscored.
Ghana’s education financing is facing severe challenges, stated by the Executive Secretary of the Institute for Education Studies (IFEST-Ghana), Peter Partey Anti.
The difficult financial situation has compelled headmasters and headmistresses to adopt innovative methods to sustain children’s education.
Unfortunately, the efforts of these school administrators are not being fully appreciated by the education management.
During an interview with the media on Thursday, July 20, Mr. Partey Anti discussed the issue in response to the interdiction of Dr. Mrs. Shine Agatha Ofori, the headmistress of West Africa Senior High School.
“Unfortunately, a lot of us who have raised these issues have not gotten the needed support from the authorities and that is why some of the headmistresses and headmasters also are finding ways and means to ensure that they are able to still sustain the kids and provide them with the needed kind of education.
“Unfortunately, the managers of our education do not appreciate these gestures, these innovative ideas, and ways of solving problems and therefore they always see these as illegal.”
NAGRAT President, Angel Carbonu, advised the heads of various senior high schools to maintain a distance and let the existing challenges in the schools persist.
According to him, this approach is necessary to draw the government’s attention to the actual problems within the educational system and prompt them to take appropriate actions for resolution.
He believes that if school administrators always take the lead in resolving issues, the government may mistakenly assume that everything is in order, and thus neglect the underlying problems that need attention and action.
“Sometimes I also blame the heads, they are too enthusiastic to ensure that there is education for the students. I will advise in the current situation, the heads of the schools should also stay aloof.
“Maybe they are not staying aloof enough for the government to see that there is a problem, they are being moved by the need to provide good education and take action that will get them into trouble. We are calling for the reinstatement of the headmistress of West Africa SHS because the problem is bigger than the incident that occurred in WASS,” he said at a press conference in Accra on Thursday, July 20 while reacting to the interdiction of the Headmistress of West Africa Senior High School.
Football pundit, Charles Taylor, has heavily criticized Black Stars head coach Chris Houghton, citing his lack of tactical abilities and calling for his removal.
Taylor believes Houghton cannot create opportunities for talented Ghanaian players and has been using older players, leading to poor results.
“Chris Hughton doesn’t deserve to be the Black Stars coach; his tactical abilities are very low. He can’t create competition among the players, he always uses old players, getting abysmal results. He needs to be sacked”, he told Angel TV.
Houghton was appointed as Ghana’s head coach in February and has won one and drawn two games during the 2023 AFCON qualifiers.
However, there is growing criticism about his performance, and his next challenges are the AFCON and 2026 World Cup qualifiers later this year.
Ghanaian Banabas Tagoe, aged 19, has joined Malmö FF with a three-and-a-half-year contract after impressive trials with the U19 youth team.
The left-back caught the club’s management’s attention through his outstanding performances in U21 friendly matches and intensive training sessions with the U19 set-up.
“Malmö FF strengthens the academy with Banabas Tagoe.
The 19-year-old Ghanaian has spent the past few months on trial with the association’s U19 team.
During his first time in MFF, Tagoe has been tested as a left-back but also has experience of playing in more offensive positions.”
“Initially, Banabas Tagoe will train with the P19 team. He has signed a contract that runs until the end of 2026. We warmly welcome Tagoe to Malmö FF!”
Hearts of Oak is looking at former Ghana international Laryea Kingston for the coaching position ahead of the upcoming football season.
Currently the team is without a permanent head coach after parting ways with David Ocloo.
Reports suggest that talks are underway with the assistant coach of the Ghana U-17 team to take over as head coach for the 2023-24 season.
Laryea Kingston previously played for the Accra-based team for two seasons, in 2001-2003 and 2012-2013.
Earlier this year, he was selected to replace Paa Kwesi Fabin’s backroom staff as the Black Starlets’ assistant coach and led the team to victory in the UEFA four-nation tournament in 2023.
With the new season expected to begin in September, Hearts of Oak is looking to finalize the coaching position to prepare for the upcoming challenges.
Laryea Kingston’s experience as a former player and his coaching success make him a potential candidate to lead the team in the upcoming Ghana Premier League season.
Ghanaian rapper, Sarkodie, has revealed how he coped with Ghanaian actress, Yvonne Nelson’s abortion claims and the passing of his lawyer, Cynthia Quarcoo.
In an interview with American radio personality Angela Yee, he shared that he had to navigate through the actress’ allegations while dealing with the unfortunate loss of his lawyer, who typically provided guidance during such challenging times.
“In the heat of the moment the first to hit me up was my lawyer, so early in the morning I was trying to tease her and I sent her Mama Cee don’t you care about what is happening because you would hit me and say what are we doing. The sad news is that she was dead at the same time. I saw two ticks go, because she would have responded within 5 minutes. It took hours and then I heard she is no more. So just within that short period was tough,” he added.
The loss of Madam Cynthia, the visionary behind Africa 1 Media, was a significant blow to the entertainment industry, as she played a vital role in managing Ghanaian musicians.
Touching on the motive behind composing a song in response to Yvonne’s assertions Sarkodie explained that the topic of abortion was sensitive, and he would have preferred not to discuss it in the media under normal circumstances.
However, he felt hurt by the public’s response and how his name was dragged through the mud due to Yvonne’s claims.
As a way to cope with his emotions, he decided to express himself through a song, initially with no intention of making it public.
The rapper clarified that he wasn’t influenced by anyone to compose the song and kept his management unaware of his plans.
He stressed that it was a personal decision to channel his feelings into music and address the situation in his own way.
“I sneaked to the studio to record it. I didn’t want to hear any advice, I wasn’t like the whole team sat down and said this is good to go. I did it personally for myself,” he added.
Yvonne Nelson’s memoir, launched on June 18, 2023, brought the issue to light. In her book, she disclosed her past relationship with Sarkodie, stating that she had an abortion because both of them at the time were not ready to be parents.
Sarkodie’s song, ‘Try Me,’ sparked mixed reactions, with some criticizing his use of vulgar words while others defended his right to respond to the allegations.
As Sarkodie shares his journey through challenging times, fans are left in awe of his candidness and resilience in the face of controversy. The interview offers an engaging insight into the emotions and experiences that fuel the artistry of the talented rapper.
Ghanaian dancehall star Stonebwoy will be visiting the Accra Technical Training Center (ATTC) to provide an unforgettable musical experience to the students, free of charge.
The students impressed Stonebwoy and netizens with their viral dance video to his hit song “Apotheke.”
In response to their energetic performance, Stonebwoy promised the students a free music show once he returns to Accra from his tour.
Stonebwoy encouraged the students to reach out to his team directly to coordinate the event, and they eagerly accepted his generous offer, looking forward to the much-anticipated music show.
Stonebwoy, known for his powerful and energetic performances, is a multiple award-winning musician with a dedicated fan base both in Ghana and internationally.
His gesture exemplifies the power of social media in connecting artists with their fans and serves as an inspiration for other musicians to give back to their communities through their art.
The date for the free show is yet to be announced, and the students at ATTC are eagerly anticipating the exciting event.
Michael Owusu Addo, known as Sarkodie, has revealed that his tell-it-all track, ‘Try Me,’ was leaked by unknown individuals, prompting him to release it on his YouTube page.
According to him, he had recorded the song in response to Yvonne Nelson’s memoir, but he had only shared it with close individuals and kept it private from his team.
One night, around 2 am, Sarkodie noticed the song had gone viral on Twitter, and people had already shared it.
“Yes,” he responded when the host said: “It felt like somebody leaked it first, maybe you didn’t even intend to put it out.”
He was taken aback as he hadn’t intended to release it at that time. However, given the situation, he decided to officially publish the track.
Sarkodie clarified that his team had no knowledge of the song’s release, and he didn’t seek their approval before its publication.
“It was in the middle of the night, around 2am and I see on Twitter it’s gone crazy and people have put out the record. I have no idea because I didn’t give it to…
“I did it just to hold on to it, then when it came out, I was just like let me put it out,” he added.
Unfortunately, during this time, his lawyer, who would usually provide guidance in such situations, passed away, leaving him without her support and advice.
This was Sarkodie’s response to Yvonne Nelson’s memoir, ‘I am not Yvonne Nelson,’ which delves into the details of their past relationship and an abortion that the actress and movie producer had.
American radio personality, Angela Yee has expressed disappointment after listening to Sarkodie’s song ‘Try Me,’ which was a response to Yvonne Nelson’s claims that he impregnated her and later drove her to have an abortion.
Angela, who interviewed Sarkodie on Way Up, was taken aback because she believed the rapper preferred to avoid addressing personal issues publicly.
She questioned Sarkodie’s decision to make the song, considering his usual stance of separating personal life from music.
Angela referred to the song as a “diss song” and found it harsh, sharing that it saddened her when she heard it.
She conveyed her reluctance to engage in a back-and-forth exchange on such sensitive matters.
“I cannot believe you did that because I felt you tried your hardest to not engage; you’ve even said you want to keep your personal life separate from music,” she said, adding, “But in this particular situation, you’ve had to address things that have been said about you.”
“What’s your decision in making this song? People are calling it a diss song. It is harsh, I’ll say because it hurt my heart when I heard it; I’d not want to go back and forth with Sark on an issue like this.”
Sarkodie acknowledged that some may have mistaken his leniency for weakness. He explained that the issue of the abortion was sensitive, and he refrained from discussing it in the media to maintain control over how he wanted to present his perspective.
Sarkodie admitted that responding with an entire track was not his typical approach to addressing issues, but he felt compelled to do so in this particular situation.
“It is a sensitive conversation,” he said of the abortion episode, adding “The reason why I didn’t do any media or press thing around it is because I might lose how I will like to present what I will like to present, what I feel about it.”
He clarified that he might not be proud of everything in the song, but it was an authentic expression of his emotions at the time.
Sarkodie emphasized that the matter was personal, and he preferred not to discuss it publicly.
However, he believed that some people took advantage of his silence and made unfounded claims, leading him to respond with the song ‘Try Me.’
“With this situation, I am not going to sit here and say I am super proud of everything. It is just in the moment how I felt, whether being my truth, there should have been a way you could have said it, that is why I don’t like to speak about it,” he added.
“This is a conversation between two people; we could have a conversation if you want to talk about it because it involves me as well. But because people know that Sark doesn’t speak, people think they can say something and get away with it.”
Yvonne Nelson’s memoir, launched on June 18, 2023, brought the issue to light. In her book, she disclosed her past relationship with Sarkodie, stating that she had an abortion to avoid her child growing up without a father, similar to her own experience.
Sarkodie’s subsequent song ‘Try Me’ was met with mixed reactions, with some criticizing his use of vulgar words and others defending his right to respond to the allegations.
Ghanaian artiste Razak Amissah, popularly known as Zack Gh, has confidently stated that he holds the title of the most successful actor cum musician in the entertainment industry.
With over a decade of experience, he has been part of numerous top-notch film and musical projects and is also a music label owner.
Zack Gh believes that successfully navigating both music and acting requires dedication and hard work.
“Doing both music and acting is not an easy venture. You must dedicate your time and be hardworking to become successful. I once managed a record label called BossNation, which brought up many artistes.
“I have acted and produced numerous award-winning movies, and I believe I am the most successful actor to venture into both acting and music,” he said.
As a former manager of the record label BossNation, he has nurtured many talented artists.
Besides his achievements in acting, he has also produced numerous award-winning movies, solidifying his position as a highly accomplished entertainer.
Recently, Zack Gh released the “Shine” Extended Play (EP), featuring a star-studded lineup of Ghana’s finest musicians such as Ras Kuuku, Fameye, Kweku Flick, Strongman, Rashid Metal, and Apya, among others.
He sees this project as an opportunity to showcase his versatility as an artist and is eager for his fans to stream and enjoy the good music.
“This music project is one of the biggest so far, and I’m glad to feature some of Ghana’s finest musicians.
With this EP, Zack Gh aims to further solidify his position as an unparalleled talent in the Ghanaian entertainment scene.
Nigerian musician, Simisola Kosoko, popularly known as Simi, has emphasized that she never dated rapper Falz The Bahd Guy.
She clarified that they had a working relationship, and any rumors suggesting otherwise were spread by fans who noticed their chemistry.
In an interview on MTV Base Africa’s program, Official Naija Top 10, Simi recalled how Falz featured in her song “JAMB Question Remix,” and they later collaborated on “Soldier,” which further fueled speculations about their relationship.
However, Simi explained that they never intended to give the impression of dating, and the rumors arose from fans’ interpretations of their artistic collaboration.
They saw the opportunity and decided to embrace the chemistry by releasing a joint project titled “Chemistry.”
She said, “He [Falz] did a verse on my song, ‘JAMB Question Remix’. And I was like, ‘Ah! Me and this guy, there is a vibe there.’ So, we did ‘Soldier’, and everybody was like, the chemistry is so amazing.
“We never saw that. People bought what we were not selling. And we were like, okay, this is a strategy. So, we did ‘Chemistry’ on the album. People gave us the name and the idea. We never actually came and say, oh, we are dating.”
Simi eventually got married to singer Adekunle Gold on January 9, 2019, in Lagos, and the couple welcomed their first child, Adejare, in 2020.
The Executive President of the Center for Employment of Persons with Disabilities (CEPD), Alexander Kojo Tetteh, has expressed concern over the misuse of Disability Funds, which are intended to support Persons With Disabilities (PWDs).
The District Assemblies are mandated to allocate three percent of the District Assemblies Common Fund to the Disability Funds for the welfare of PWDs within the districts.
The funds are meant to help PWDs establish businesses, cover medical expenses, and pay for education. However, Mr. Tetteh highlighted that the money is not regularly paid and is often insufficient.
Moreover, some district assemblies divert the funds for unrelated purposes, including waste collection, rather than using them to benefit PWDs.
In the past, the funds were lumped together with the Common Fund for the Assembly. Advocating for change, the CEPD championed the creation of separate accounts for the Disability Fund in all districts.
Yet, the power to withdraw from these accounts remains with the Chief Executive, Administrator, Coordinating Director, and the Accountant.
Mr. Tetteh revealed that investigations by Parliamentary Committees have confirmed the misappropriation of the funds.
Many disabled individuals have reported that their funds have not been received, but investigations have shown that the money was transferred.
In reality, it had been borrowed for other purposes, leaving the PWDs to suffer the consequences.
“Some of the district assemblies borrow the money for their activities; some borrow for waste collection. There have been Parliamentary Committees that have investigated and found out this” he added.
“Some of the disabled people sometimes go on demonstration that their monies haven’t come and the assembly tells them the money hasn’t been paid but if you follow up to the District Assembly Common Fund administrator you will realize that the funds have been transferred. So when you go deep then you will find out the money has been borrowed for other things and disabled people will be suffering” Mr. Tetteh lamented.
Recent incidents related to witchcraft accusations, including the conviction and sentencing of two women involved in the tragic lynching of Akua Denteh, underscore the pressing need for legislation and a coordinated response to combat this social menace, which primarily targets older and vulnerable women.
The coalition, consisting of the Sanneh Institute, Songtaba, Women International League for Peace and Freedom Ghana, ActionAid Ghana, Legal Resource Centre, and Amnesty International Ghana, emphasizes that enacting this law will protect countless innocent individuals, promote social harmony, and demonstrate a commitment to justice and equality for all.
In a statement issued in Accra, CAWA called on all individuals and groups to support its appeal for the swift passage of the bill into law, seeking to put an end to this deeply ingrained social problem.
Ahead of the Mid-Year Review of the 2023 Financial Year’s Budget Statement and Supplementary Estimates to Parliament, the Executive Director of Africa Education Watch (EduWatch), Mr. Kofi Asare, is advocating for a 100% increment in the Capitation Grant for basic schools nationwide.
This measure, he believes, will address the challenges associated with achieving universal education in the country.
During an Economic Forum in Accra, Mr. Asare emphasized the need for the capitation grant to be raised from ¢10 to ¢20.
“We expect to hear a 100% increment in the capitation grant from ¢10 to ¢20,” he said. “We also want an assurance from the Finance Minister that the disbursement regime where the grant is disbursed as a token ends and that there is a clear disbursement roadmap to assure stakeholders that the grant will not be in arrears.”
Additionally, he called for an assurance from the Finance Minister that the current disbursement regime, where the grant is provided as a token, will be replaced with a clear disbursement roadmap to prevent delays.
“We also want to hear from the Ministry of Finance about plans to pay the arrears that have accumulated over the years. There are headteachers who have taken loans to run schools, and they are owing in their communities. We don’t want to encourage that,” he added.
Addressing the issue of accumulated arrears, Mr. Asare urged the Ministry of Finance to outline plans for settling these outstanding payments.
Many headteachers have been burdened with loans to run schools, leading to debts in their communities, a situation that EduWatch seeks to discourage.
Furthermore, Mr. Asare highlighted the urgent need for the government to announce a supplementary budget to support the provision of desks in schools.
The lack of desks has been a significant challenge in the education sector, affecting over two million children.
He emphasized the importance of real commitment in the supplementary budget to address this pressing issue and support the procurement of desks through the GETFund Formula.
“One of the biggest challenges in the education sector is the issue of desks. Over two million children have been struggling with the issue of desks. We’ve seen some efforts by some stakeholders, district assemblies, and others to support, but the most recent data we have from the Ministry of Education suggests that we need one million desks. So we want to see some real commitment made in the supplementary budget to support the limited amount of funding that was made available for the procurement of desks in the GETFund Formula,” he added.
Spokesperson for Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia‘s Campaign, Miracles Dennis Aboagye, has clarified that the Vice President is not opposing the petition from the remaining nine flagbearer hopefuls of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to centralize the special delegates’ congress scheduled for August 26th.
During an interview with the media, Mr. Aboagye stated that Dr. Bawumia remains indifferent to the matter and will honor whatever decision the party’s National Council arrives at.
“The Vice President’s position is to accede to whatever guidelines and decision that the National Council will come up with. The Vice President is indifferent,” he stated.
As a member of the National Council, the Vice President cannot simultaneously act as a “referee” and a “player” in the decision-making process, ensuring the right course of action is followed.
Mr. Aboagye emphasized that Dr. Bawumia’s primary focus is on communicating his message to the delegates and polling station executives, rejecting any involvement in propaganda aimed at discrediting his candidacy or message.
“Once you begin to say that the party must take a decision according to how you feel, you begin to create problems for the party, which has the potential of disorganizing the party,” he added.
He added that the Vice President avoids engaging in discussions that may lead to insinuations and name-calling, dismissing any attempts to label his supporters as cowards.
“These are issues that Dr. Bawumia does not want to discuss because he is busy with the delegates and the polling station executives. He is not ready to engage in casting insinuations and name-calling, and this issue of trying to say that anyone following the Vice President is a coward is laughable,” he added.
Following the recent revelations of construction lapses in the dams built under the ‘One Village, One Dam’ policy by the governing New Patriotic Party, (NPP) Minority MPs have strongly criticized the initiative, labelling it a mere political gimmick.
They argue that the policy was hastily implemented without proper consideration.
The criticism from the Minority MPs comes in the wake of JoyNews’ documentary, titled ‘Thirsty Dams,’ which exposed the poor condition of the dams constructed during the Akufo-Addo government’s tenure.
Among those expressing their concerns was Samson Ahi, the NDC MP for Bodi Constituency in the Western North Region.
According to Mr. Ahi, the ‘One Village, One Dam’ policy lacked careful planning and was primarily used as a propaganda tool to deceive the Ghanaian public.
He pointed out that despite the government’s claims of having built dams, many of them were unable to retain water even during the rainy season, indicating poor execution.
Furthermore, the MPs accused the NPP government of prioritizing fulfilling a manifesto promise over the well-being of the communities affected by the dams. They emphasized that the policy’s rushed implementation led to subpar construction, causing ongoing challenges with water supply in those areas.
Henry Yiadom Boakye, the NDC MP for Akwatia Constituency in the Eastern Region, echoed these concerns, highlighting the failure of the dams to deliver on their promised benefits.
He lamented that despite significant financial investments exceeding 200 million, the project failed to provide any meaningful returns or benefits to the communities.
The MPs argued that such resources could have been better utilized in other sectors like education, instead of being wasted on a project that did not meet its intended objectives.
They concluded that the evidence presented in the documentary reinforces their initial opposition to the ‘One Village, One Dam’ policy and calls for a more responsible approach to infrastructure development in the future.
