A Paediatrician at the International Maritime Hospital (IMaH) in Tema, Dr. Amma Benin, has emphasized the need for mothers and society to abandon the harmful cultural practice of dribbling hot water into babies’ genitals.
The practice, commonly performed by mothers and grandmothers, involves applying hot water to the private parts of females and the anal area of males to facilitate bowel movement.
“These actions can cause burns or even major problems to the baby,” she said.
Dr. Benin gave the advice when treating the topic “Cultural practises that affect child health” at the weekly “Your Health! Our Collective Responsibility! A Ghana News Agency initiative aimed at promoting health-related communication and providing a platform for health information dissemination to influence personal health choices through improved health literacy
Dr. Benin also warned against giving alcoholic beverages and other traditional medicine to babies when they are unable to pass stool, stressing “If your baby cannot pass stool for some time, bring the baby to the hospital because there are medications that will be given to the baby”.
Exclusively breastfed babies for six months rarely experience constipation, as revealed by Dr. Amma Benin.
“Normally, babies who are typically given formula tend to have more constipation than babies with exclusive breast feeding.”
Dr. Benin highlighted the potential harm of certain traditional practices on babies, urging mothers to prioritize their well-being.
She advised mothers to obtain National Health Insurance Cards to ensure free access to medical care for themselves and their infants.
Additionally, she encouraged pregnant women to prioritize anomaly scan sessions around the 20th week of pregnancy, which help identify any potential defects or abnormalities.
Dr. Benin emphasized that comprehensive counseling is provided to expectant parents to prepare them for their baby’s arrival and guide them on proper care.
She also cautioned against taking unprescribed medications during pregnancy, emphasizing the importance of consulting with gynecologists and following prescribed medications by healthcare professionals.
The Mpraeso Member of Parliament (MP) has expressed support for Alan John Kwadwo Kyerematen, the former Trade Minister, as the most suitable candidate to lead the New Patriotic Party (NPP) as its flagbearer in the 2024 election.
The MP, Davis Ansah Opoku, emphasized that Kyerematen has made significant sacrifices for the party and deserves recognition and reward.
Opoku further argued that the NPP needs a fresh and charismatic leader to effectively challenge the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) John Dramani Mahama.
He believes that a new face would enhance the party’s chances of defeating their political opponents.
“I am campaigning for Alan Kyeremanten. I strongly believe that he’s the best person to lead. There’s one thing that we all must know in politics; people’s sacrifices must be rewarded.
“In 2007, when this party was at the crossroads in Legon, Alan singlehandedly took a decision and said that he was not going to contest a second round of the election and that he would allow his elder brother, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to contest. That was the highest or the height of a political sacrifice that I’ve seen.
“So for me, I feel that people have served. John Mahama has done eight years at the presidency, Dr. Bawumia has done eight years at the presidency and there’s a need for a new face for Ghanaians.
“For me, I believe that if the NPP were to go into the next election with a new face against John Mahama who has served eight years at the presidency, we’ll be able to defeat John Mahama easily,” he said on JoyNews’ AM show on Tuesday.
Defeated candidate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Assin North by-election, Charles Opoku, has recently come under scrutiny for his alleged attempts to buy votes during the election.
Per reports, Mr Opoku allegedly distributed money and various items including; different types of fabrics, cement, roofing sheets, and farm tools to constituents in a bid to secure their support.
Despite his efforts, James Gyakye Quayson of the National Democratic Candidate (NDC) emerged victorious, securing 57.56% of the total votes cast, with a significant total of 17,245 votes.
The by-election in the Assin North constituency of the Central Region took place on June 27, 2023, following a high court ruling that nullified the 2020 parliamentary election in the area.
The court ruled that Mr. Quayson’s possession of both Canadian and Ghanaian citizenship rendered him ineligible to contest the seat.
Despite the nullification, Mr. Quayson continued to hold himself as the MP for Assin North, leading the petitioner, Michael Ankomah Nimfah, to take the case to the Supreme Court for an interpretation of Article 94 (2) (a).
On May 17, 2023, the Supreme Court emphasized that allowing Mr. Quayson to remain in office would undermine the administration of justice. As a result, the court directed Parliament to expunge his name from its records as the Assin North MP.
Two women, Hajia Serina Mohammed and Latifa Bumaye have been convicted by the High Court in Tamale for killing a man.
The court found them guilty of attacking and causing the death of 90-year-old Akua Denteh in Kafaba, Savannah Region, based on suspicion of witchcraft.
On Tuesday, July 4, 2023, the court sentenced Hajia Serina Mohammed to 12 years of imprisonment on each of the two counts.
Likewise, Latifa Bumaye was also sentenced to 12 years of imprisonment on each of the two counts, to be served concurrently.
The Minority in Parliament has informed the Speaker that they will abstain from participating in the House proceedings on court days concerning their colleague, James Gyakye Quayson.
The leader of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) MPs, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, stated that they will instead accompany their colleague during his court hearings.
This announcement was made by the Ajumako Enyan Essiam lawmaker on Tuesday, July 4, following the swearing-in of the Assin North MP.
“We wish to serve notice that the entire Minority will accompany our colleague today and any other day that he is to appear in court and we are solidarising with our colleague and we will not participate in the business of the House anytime our colleague is in court and we will be withdrawing from the Chamber after this ceremony if the court processes happen today.”
The former Deputy Finance Minister highlighted that Mr. Quayson’s electoral success is a clear indication that Ghanaians are dissatisfied with the Akufo-Addo government.
He emphasized that this victory demonstrates that Ghanaians cannot be influenced solely by financial incentives or virtual projects in exchange for votes.
“The people of Assin North have sent a clear message to all politicians and the government of the day especially, that they cannot be lured with money not be intimidated by threats and it is the same message that Ghanaians are sending to us that in the year 2024, they will exercise their franchise based on their conscience and no amount of threats will dissuade them from voting out the administration that we are witnessing.”
“Ghanaians are really appalled by the abysmal economic mismanagement, poor governance, and increasing level of corruption leading to the unprecedented economic hardship being experienced by the people of Ghana and the time has come for the political class to have a rethink about the worsening monetization of our elections and its negative impact for our democracy,” Dr Forson added.
James Gyakye Quayson has been officially sworn in as the Member of Parliament for Assin North on Tuesday, July 4. This follows his victory in the by-election held on Tuesday, June 27, after the Supreme Court ruled his previous election illegal.
Quayson’s main opponent, Charles Opoku of the New Patriotic Party, secured the second position with 42.15% of valid votes. The Liberal Party of Ghana’s Bernice Enam Sefanu received a minimal number of votes.
The voter turnout was reported to be high at 74.23%, according to officials of the Electoral Commission.
Quayson is currently facing charges of forgery, perjury, deceiving a public officer, and making a false declaration regarding his Canadian citizenship during the 2020 election. He has filed a motion at the High Court for a stay of proceedings pending an appeal, seeking to halt the ongoing trial until the appeal is determined.
A Communications member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Edudzi Tamakloe, has stated that Dormaahene, Oseadeeyo Agyeman Badu II, merely made an appeal in his comments regarding the trial of the Assin North Member of Parliament (MP), James Gyakye Quayson.
Tamakloe finds it perplexing that such comments have drawn severe criticism.
“Were we not in this country when we saw the Okyenhene, Amoatia leading a group of chiefs in the Eastern because they said their roads were bad? It’s an appeal, beyond the appeal what else did he (Dormaahene) do?
“Did he say I am directing, I am instructing? No, he said, I am appealing to the President and the Attorney General that if he pleases them, they should file a nolle prosequi and discontinue this matter. What else has the chief said?” he quizzed.
According to Edudzi Tamakloe, the chief, who also serves as a High Court judge, made a harmless appeal that did not involve any attacks on the judicial system.
“He did not attack Godfred Dame, he didn’t attack the president. Compare that to the reckless and irresponsible commentary by Mr Akufo-Addo in Assin-North. Look he went to a church of Pentecost in Assin North, in a very highly prejudicial manner inciting the people and the court against Gyakye Quayson. It didn’t end there, he went to Assin Bereku Park and repeated those irresponsible highly prejudicial comments again.
“The president is a lawyer he knows that he is the appointing authority of the judge. He knows that the judge has taken a judicial oath to do justice to all manner of persons without being woe. But he was deliberate, very intentional and seeking to incite the court against the person of Gyakye Quayson,” he said.
Responding to the chief’s appeal, Attorney General Godfred Dame expressed concerns that such remarks could impact the fair adjudication of the case. He emphasized that any comment undermining the administration of justice is detrimental and should not be accepted.
Various prominent individuals have also shared their opinions on the ongoing trial, including President Nana Akufo-Addo, who advised Assin North constituents against voting for Mr Quayson due to the potential risk of imprisonment.
The criminal trial involving the Member of Parliament (MP) for Assin North, James Gyakye Quayson, has been adjourned to Thursday, July 6.
The adjournment was necessary due to Quayson’s recent swearing-in ceremony in Parliament following his victory in the by-election.
On Tuesday, Quayson’s lawyers were set to present a motion for a stay of execution as part of their appeal filed at the court of appeal. However, prior to the hearing, Parliament sent a letter to the court informing them about the swearing-in ceremony.
Both the Prosecution and defence agreed to request an adjournment, which the court granted, rescheduling the proceedings for July 6.
After the hearing, Abraham Amaliba, the Head of Legal Affairs for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), expressed satisfaction with the decision to adjourn the case. He also supported the calls for the Attorney General to enter a Nolle prosequi in the matter.
Deputy Attorney-General, Alfred Tuah Yeboah, who did not oppose the adjournment request, expressed hope that the practice of parliament issuing excuse letters for the accused would not become a regular occurrence during the trial.
The association argues that the government has failed to settle over 2 years’ worth of arrears owed to its members.
Earlier, the association issued a 14-day ultimatum to the buffer stock company, demanding full payment of the outstanding arrears or face a series of picketing.
However, the planned action was postponed on June 13, 2023.
During an interview with Joshua Kodjo Mensah on Monday, Kweku Amedume, the spokesperson for the National Food Suppliers Association, revealed that creditors are now threatening to take over their homes due to the unpaid arrears.
“What we are asking for is our money and our contract is with Buffer Stock. The Education Ministry has told us it has released the money to Buffer Stock. We want to know where the money has gone to, we want to have our money so we can settle our creditors.
“We will be picketing at the Buffer Stock and we will be there till our monies are paid. We will be there till our money is settled in full. Because we have nowhere going apart from that place,” Mr. Amedume stated.
He continued: “Our houses are being taken over by creditors. So we want to go and be there for them to know the kind of pressure that is being mounted on us as suppliers.”
During a session of the Public Accounts Committee on Tuesday, July 4, the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department (CAGD) revealed its possession of a total of 49 vehicles nationwide, of which 38 are currently in use.
The Controller and Accountant-General, Kwasi Kwaning-Bosompem, provided this information while addressing the Committee.
He clarified that out of the 49 vehicles owned by the department, only 30 of them are currently insured.
Kwaning-Bosompem further explained that due to the limited availability of vehicles within the CAGD, with a fleet size of 49 vehicles, and only 38 of them operational, the department faces challenges in effectively fulfilling its responsibilities.
“Currently, we have 49 vehicles out of which 30 have been insured and 8 are in the process of being insured and 11 are overaged and therefore we have decided to dispose of them.
“We have only 49 vehicles in the entire country and we are making processes to acquire more.”
To tackle this pressing concern, James Klutse Avedzi, the chairman of the Committee, announced that the Committee will propose a recommendation to the Finance Ministry.
The recommendation will entail allocating funds specifically for the purchase of additional vehicles for the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department. This initiative aims to address the current shortage of vehicles and support the department in carrying out its responsibilities more efficiently.
An American film critic, journalist, university lecturer, and writer, Caryn James has recommended a selection of noteworthy releases, ranging from Taylor Sheridan’s thrilling espionage film “Special Ops: Lioness,” starring Zoe Saldana and Nicole Kidman, to the highly anticipated returns of beloved series “Futurama” and “Justified.”
1. The Horror of Dolores Roach
In this dramedy, “The Horror of Dolores Roach,” Dolores finds herself caught between being horrified and embodying horror itself. Jumping on the trend of podcasts turned into television series, the show follows Dolores, portrayed by Justina Machado (known for her role in “One Day at a Time”). After serving a 16-year prison sentence, Dolores returns to her once-familiar, now-gentrifying New York City neighborhood.
Her dubious old acquaintance offers her shelter and a massage table, but as fans of murder podcasts know, a smooth transition into her new life is unlikely. With the nickname “Magic Hands,” Dolores can only rely on her skills for so long. As the title suggests, the series is produced by the renowned horror masters at Blumhouse and has been described as “Sweeney Todd-inspired.” Brace yourself for a tantalizingly macabre treat.
“The Horror of Dolores Roach” is set to premiere on July 7th, exclusively on Prime Video.
2. The Afterparty
Season 2 of “The Afterparty,” the slyly comic whodunnit series, reunites Tiffany Haddish and Sam Richardson as detectives who have an uncanny knack for never seeing eye to eye. This time, they’re faced with a fresh lineup of murder suspects and an entirely new crime to solve. The series’ delightful format, a treat for movie enthusiasts, remains unchanged: each episode unveils the story from a distinct character’s perspective, presented in various cinematic styles that range from noir to 19th-Century costume drama. And to add to the excitement, there’s even a unique take on Wes Anderson’s beloved film “The Royal Tenenbaums.”
The story kicks off when a bridegroom is tragically murdered at what might go down in history as the worst wedding ever. With everyone present at the ceremony emerging as potential suspects, including the bride, her family, and friends, portrayed by an exceptional cast featuring John Cho, Paul Walter Hauser, Ken Jeong, Elizabeth Perkins, and Zach Woods, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Mark your calendars for the highly-anticipated premiere of “The Afterparty” Season 2, set to debut on July 12th, exclusively on AppleTV+.
Prepare for an enthralling blend of mystery, humor, and an array of cinematic delights.
3. Full Circle
Steven Soderbergh never takes a breath. He has tended to direct at least one film or streaming series a year recently, from 2019’s underrated High Flying Bird to this year’s best forgotten Magic Mike’s Last Dance. Some of his strongest work has been in television drama, notably The Knick, and his latest is a crime series full of promise, suspense and first-rate actors, including Claire Danes, Timothy Olyphant, Zazie Beetz and Jharrel Jerome. Danes and Olyphant play a couple who receive a call that their son has been kidnapped, and Beetz investigates, turning up family secrets involving crime, cash and the country of Guyana.
Full Circle premieres on 13 July on Max
4.Survival of The Thickest
Renowned filmmaker Steven Soderbergh is ceaseless in his creative endeavors. With a track record of directing at least one film or streaming series per year, he continues to captivate audiences. From the underrated gem “High Flying Bird” in 2019 to this year’s somewhat overlooked “Magic Mike’s Last Dance,” Soderbergh consistently delivers compelling stories. Notably, some of his most remarkable work can be found in television drama, exemplified by the acclaimed series “The Knick.” Now, he presents his latest project—an enticing crime series brimming with promise, suspense, and a stellar cast.
Featuring esteemed actors Claire Danes, Timothy Olyphant, Zazie Beetz, and Jharrel Jerome, “Full Circle” holds the potential to be an exceptional addition to Soderbergh’s repertoire. Danes and Olyphant portray a couple who receive a distressing call informing them that their son has been abducted. As Beetz takes on the role of investigator, she delves into the case, uncovering family secrets entwined with crime, money, and the enigmatic country of Guyana.
Prepare yourself for the premiere of “Full Circle” on July 13th, exclusively on Max. With Soderbergh at the helm, a talented ensemble cast, and a gripping storyline, this crime series promises to deliver an enthralling and suspenseful viewing experience.
5. Justified: City Primeval
Challenging the notion that nothing on television remains dormant forever, the beloved crime series “Justified,” which originally aired from 2010 to 2015, has been revived with a fresh twist. Drawing inspiration from Elmore Leonard’s stories featuring US Deputy Marshal Raylan Givens, the show has been rebooted with a new setting. Stepping back into the iconic role is Timothy Olyphant (pictured), who effortlessly embodies Givens’ trademark swagger and dons his familiar Western hat.
In this iteration, Givens has relocated from Kentucky to Florida, embarking on a journey with his spirited 15-year-old daughter, played by Olyphant’s real-life daughter, Vivian Olyphant. However, their plans take an unexpected turn when they encounter a group of thugs. The father-daughter duo finds themselves in Detroit, where Givens must hunt down a notorious killer known as the Oklahoma Wildman. Drawing inspiration from Leonard’s 1980 novel “City Primeval: High Noon in Detroit,” this new location infuses an urban grit into the dynamic between Givens and the Western milieu, providing a fresh and invigorating take on a familiar show.
Prepare for the highly-anticipated premiere of “Justified: City Primeval” on July 18th on FX, followed by its availability on Hulu starting July 19th. With Timothy Olyphant leading the way and the show’s intelligent approach to reimagining the series, this revival promises to captivate both loyal fans and newcomers alike.
6. Praise Petey
In a departure from the serious exposés of cults, the timing feels ripe for an animated comedy that brings a lighthearted touch to the subject matter. Created by Anna Drezen, a former head writer on Saturday Night Live, this new series offers an absurdist take on the classic fish-out-of-water and woman-rebuilding-her-life narratives. Meet “Praise Petey,” where the protagonist, Petey, voiced by the talented Annie Murphy from “Schitt’s Creek,” is a cosmopolitan New Yorker whose city life crumbles, leading her to assume control of her father’s small-town cult.
Adding to the show’s comedic dynamic, John Cho lends his voice to Bandit, a cult member who may also serve as a potential love interest, having grown up within the organization. Stephen Root, known for his chilling and ruthless performance as Monroe Fuches in the later seasons of “Barry,” portrays Petey’s father, while Christine Baranski embodies her sophisticated mother, who doesn’t follow the cult’s teachings.
Prepare to dive into the hilarity and absurdity of “Praise Petey,” as it makes its highly-anticipated premiere on July 21st, exclusively on Freeform. With Anna Drezen’s comedic expertise, the voice talents of Annie Murphy, John Cho, Stephen Root, and Christine Baranski, this animated series promises to deliver a fresh and amusing take on the cult genre, offering a comedic escape from the norm.
7. Special Ops: Lioness
Far from the ranches of Yellowstone and 1923, prolific showrunner Taylor Sheridan takes on the CIA in his latest series, set in the world of counterterrorism. The title refers to his fictionalised version of a CIA programme. Zoe Saldana stars as Joe, the head of a team (like Carrie in Homeland). She sends an agent, Cruz Manuelos (Laysla De Oliveira) undercover to get close to the daughter of a suspected terrorist, so the CIA can, as Joe says in the trailer, “kill the target”. Nicole Kidman has a supporting role as a CIA supervisor, and Morgan Freeman is the US Secretary of State. Intrigue and suspense should drive the plots, but Sheridan-watchers will be looking for the subtext too. Sheridan has always said his shows have no political slant, while many commentators see a conservative streak. It will be fascinating to see what the series might say about US policy and terrorism.
Special Ops: Lioness premieres 23 July on Paramount+
8. Futurama
After 10 years away, the long-running animated sci-fi satire returns with new stories and the same off-the-wall characters. In the original, Fry (Billy West) was cryogenically frozen in 1999, only to thaw out in the year 3000, where he met the love of his life, Cyclops Leela (Katy Sagal), and the robot Bender (John DiMaggio), among other eccentrics. The new episodes pick up 23 years later, with an updated spin on social trends. A newsreader reports on a recently discovered virus, Explovid-23, which can be tested for with a gigantic cotton swab up your nose. A banner at an outdoor event says “Back-to-Normal Fest 2021”, with 2021 crossed out and 3023 hand-written in. The series was created by Matt Groening of Simpsons fame – and a family resemblance can be seen in the character’s wide-jawed faces, and humour that is both skewering and silly.
Futurama premieres 24 July on Hulu
9. Dark Winds
One of television’s best under-the-radar series returns for a second season, with Zahn McClarnon (Reservation Dogs and Fargo) as Lt. Joe Leaphorn of the Navajo Police. Based on Tony Hillerman’s crime novels set in the US South West during the 1970s, the first season revealed that Joe’s son had been killed in a suspicious oil drilling explosion. The new series has him tracking the man he suspects of causing the tragedy. Joining him is Sgt Bernadette Manuelito (Jessica Matten) and his former partner Jim Chee (Kiowa Gordon), now a private detective. McClarnon makes Leaphorn an iconic figure, a Native American update on the Western hero, tough, wise and not necessarily beyond taking revenge. Dark Winds’ executive producers include Robert Redford and George RR Martin, but it stands on its own as taut, atmospheric and deeply humane, with the texture of life on the reservation and the vast desert landscape vital parts of the show.
Dark Winds premieres 27 July on AMC+ and 30 July on AMC
10. Twisted Metal
Following recent HBO hit The Last of Us, here comes another video-game adaptation set in a post-apocalyptic world. Anthony Mackie, best known as Falcon (and soon to be Captain America) in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, is at the centre of this action comedy inspired by the PlayStation title, a demolition derby with lethal weapons. Mackie plays John Doe, who has amnesia, and agrees to deliver a mysterious package. He loads his gun, gets in his beat-up car and races off across the US. Stephanie Beatriz plays a car thief named Quiet, Thomas Haden Church is the villainous highway patrolman Agent Stone, while Sweet Tooth, a demented killer clown, is played physically by the wrestler Joe Seanoa (Samoa Joe) with Will Arnett’s voice. The game has been around since 1995, with various further instalments appearing over the years, so the series has a built-in fan base.
Twisted Metal premieres 27 July on Peacock
11. Good Omens
This odd-couple comic fantasy, based on the novel by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman, continues for another season, with Michael Sheen as the fussy angel Aziraphale and David Tennant as the brash, anything-goes demon Crowley. Last time they saved the world from the Antichrist. This time their comfy London life is interrupted when they team up to get the angel Gabriel out of trouble after he vanishes from heaven and pops up at Aziraphale’s bookshop. Jon Hamm returns as the often befuddled Gabriel, who Gaiman has called “everyone’s worst boss”. For all its religious and spiritual allusions, Good Omens is the most light-hearted of all the Gaiman adaptations (Netflix’s The Sandman and Amazon Prime’s American Gods among them), which makes it the most fun.
As his Wimbledon championship defense got underway with a victory, Novak Djokovic urged the crowd to “blow” during a ridiculous rain delay and used his towel to dry the court.
On Centre Court, Djokovic defeated Pedro Cachin of Argentina 6-3 6-3 7-6 (7-4).
Despite the closed roof, there was no play for 80 minutes following the opening set. Djokovic raked the grass before the grounds crew utilized leaf blowers.
“Every time I come out I normally have racquets, not towels – it was fun to do something different,” Djokovic said.
“It was a little bit [of] a strange feeling but hopefully you guys liked it.
“It was definitely frustrating for all the crowd waiting for us to come out on court. We both wanted to play but the conditions were not great and still slippery.
“Once the roof was open it was a different story and after five or 10 minutes we were able to play.”
Djokovic, aiming to secure his eighth Wimbledon title and match Roger Federer’s record for a male player, will now play Australia’s Jordan Thompson, ranked 70th in the world, following his five-set win over American Brandon Nakashima, 55th in the world.
Djokovic, who has not lost on Centre Court since Andy Murray defeated him in the 2013 final, was up a break in the opening set but claimed the court was becoming slick from the rain.
At 14:20 BST, he finished the performance just in time for a downpour. The roof was completely closed 15 minutes later.However, before the covers were put on, enough water had gotten onto the court by that point to cause a significant delay.
New Chelsea manager, Mauricio Pochettino has declared Chelsea as the greatest team in England over the past decade or more.
Despite their recent managerial changes and a disappointing 12th-place finish last season, Chelsea’s trophy haul of 21 titles, including five Premier Leagues and two Champions Leagues since 2004, supports Pochettino’s claim.
The Argentine coach, who previously managed Southampton and Tottenham, acknowledges the club’s rich culture and is eager to lead the team to further success.
“In the last 10, 12, 15 years, Chelsea is the greatest team in England,” said former Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur boss Pochettino.
“I know very well the Premier League and what the culture of Chelsea means. I think our fans are excited to again be on the road of trying to win.”
Pochettino, who won three trophies with Paris Saint-Germain, acknowledges the challenge of working with a young team but is excited about the opportunity to contribute to the storied history of Chelsea Football Club.
“We are excited to work with a very young team, with a different approach than in the past,” he said.
“But I think we all need to understand that we have to work really hard and create a very good atmosphere at the training ground to build success for the team in the next few years.
“For me, it is a pleasure and honour to now be involved with Chelsea Football Club. We are so excited, and I know Chelsea very well, it is one of the greatest clubs in the world. So of course, it was easy for us to make the decision to move here.”
The club’s new owner, Todd Boehly, made significant changes in his first season, including substantial financial investment, while the squad also underwent significant changes with several players leaving and joining other clubs.
Pochettino said a “very clear project” is now in place which may take time but Chelsea still need to “be at the top”.
He added: “From the beginning, the owners and sporting directors were very clear about the project and we were very excited to join them in this project.
“We are here to try to help the club and the fans. In the end, the most important thing in football is for them to be happy and to feel proud of us and in the way we approach games. The players need to know that.
“Of course, there are always up and downs in the history of football, but Chelsea is a club that it is impossible to have these up and downs.
“We need to be sure that we bring what the club needs to be at the top because the history of the club is to be at the top.”
The former England and Liverpool midfielder, Steven Gerrard,has accepted the position of manager at Saudi Arabian side, Al-Ettifaq, despite declining the offer in June.
“Without a doubt, Gerrard’s presence will be an addition and a quantum leap to our league,” said Khalid Al-Dabal, the club’s chairman.
Steven Gerrard has officially signed a two-year contract with Al-Ettifaq, the Saudi club. After being dismissed as Aston Villa manager last year, Gerrard had been without a job until now.
Al-Ettifaq finished seventh in the Saudi Pro League last season, trailing the champions by 35 points.
Gerrard’s move to Saudi Arabia aligns with a trend of Pro League clubs making significant investments and attracting top European players, including Cristiano Ronaldo of Manchester United.
The Minister of Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, on Friday 30 June 2023, delivered the 2022 report on the performance of the Right to Information (RTI) Act to parliament.
In his address, Mr Nkrumah highlighted the crucial contributions of the Access to Information (ATI) Division of the Information Services Department (ISD) and the RTI Commission in driving the successful implementation of the RTI Act.
“We have made significant strides in enhancing the implementation of the RTI Act,” the Minister stated. “The ATI Division of the ISD has embarked on five major tasks in the year gone by. Significant among these tasks are the recruitment and deployment of Information Officers, and the support to information units,” he added.
He emphasized that the government’s commitment to accountability and transparency is evident in the inclusion of RTI compliance as Key Performance Indicators in the Chief Director’s Performance Agreement. This step highlights the importance of upholding the principles of the RTI Act and promoting transparency within public institutions.
Regarding the accomplishments of the RTI Commission, the minister disclosed that the regulatory body had obtained prosecutorial authority from the Attorney General to take action against individuals and institutions that violate the RTI Act.
He lauded the Commission for conducting compliance surveys, handling review applications, and acquiring additional resources to improve its effectiveness and efficiency.
“Mr. Speaker, in terms of the work that the regulator has done, the RTI Commission has done in the year gone by, the regulator has secured the prosecutorial mandate from the Attorney General of the Republic, has also conducted compliance surveys, determined review applications that have come before it, secured additional logistics for its operations, promoted the Right to Information Act and its infrastructure and issued guidelines for the compilation and publication of information units,” he emphasised.
The Minister shared significant data on the number of information requests received by public institutions during the reviewed year. Out of the expected 683 institutions, 382 submitted annual reports to the RTI Commission, showing a 55% compliance rate. These institutions received a total of 783 applications, with 669 being approved, rejected, transferred, or deferred in accordance with the provisions of the RTI Act.
Looking ahead, Mr. Oppong Nkrumah outlined the upcoming plans. The ATI Division aims to implement the Online Records Management System to streamline the online application and request process. Additionally, he promised to present the legislative instrument for the RTI Act to Parliament before the end of the year.
Regarding the future initiatives of the RTI Commission, he mentioned their intention to establish field offices in Kumasi and Sunyani to provide services closer to the Ghanaian people. The Commission will continue public awareness campaigns and strive to appoint Information Officers in the remaining 333 public institutions, subject to available funding.
The renovated Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park has been opened to the public today, July 4, 2023, following its commissioning by President Akufo-Addo.
Situated on Accra’s former polo grounds, where Ghana’s independence was proclaimed, the park has been a popular attraction since 1992, attracting approximately 98,000 visitors annually and ranking among Ghana’s top 10 visited sites.
Over time, the park suffered from a lack of significant renovations, resulting in issues such as malfunctioning fountains, leaky roofs in the museum, and inadequate restroom and VIP lounge facilities.
Recognizing tourism’s importance for national development, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo designated it a key factor for social advancement. In 2018, he secured a $40 million loan from the World Bank to improve the tourism environment and develop sites and destinations.
With the recent renovations, the park is set to provide an enhanced and more memorable experience for tourists and history enthusiasts worldwide.
In July 2022, the Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture initiated a $3.5 million rehabilitation and redevelopment project for the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park. The aim was to preserve its historical value, increase visitor capacity, and improve service delivery.
President Akufo-Addo has inaugurated phase three of the Five Districts Water Supply Project in Adaklu, Volta Region.
The project, costing €11.5 million and funded by Raiffeisen Bank International AG of Austria, will provide clean and safe water to 89,150 people in 95 communities.
The project includes the construction of concrete tanks, a water booster station, and water pipelines.
The government’s commitment is to ensure adequate and reliable water services across all regions of the country.
“We are also committed to ensuring that we practice safe sanitation and hygiene by the year 2030, in line with the attainment of the 2030 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Our strategic goal is to use a multi-faceted approach, with emphasis on governance and sector institutional strengthening, to accelerate access to equitable WASH services throughout Ghana,” he said.
President Akufo-Addo highlighted the progress made by his government in providing clean water and sanitation for all.
He mentioned the commissioning of completed projects under the Water Supply Improvement Project and the Sustainable Rural Water and Sanitation Project, which have benefited various regions in the country.
These projects include the construction of piped water supply systems, support for latrine construction, and hygiene education.
The Rural Communities and Small Towns Water Supply Project is also underway, aiming to improve water delivery in multiple regions. The project is currently 17% complete and will benefit a population of approximately 282,000.
Urban Communities – “Water for All”
Touching on the “Water for All” Agenda in urban communities, President stated that the Keta Water Supply Project, being implemented by the Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources through the Ghana Water Company Limited, would also improve the reliability and sustainability of water supply to a beneficiary population of some 422,160 in Keta and surrounding communities, at an estimated cost of €85,112,854.
Works under this Project, he indicated, are expected to be completed by December 2024.
Additionally, the Wenchi Water Project, being constructed at a cost of €39 million involves the construction of a new water treatment facility, and the rehabilitation of the existing ground water system to meet current and future water requirements of the community until 2045.
“The Project is expected to serve some 101,870 people living within Wenchi and its environs,” he said
On the Sekondi-Takoradi Water Supply Project, which would cost some €70 million, and which would serve a beneficiary population of some 1.4 million within Sekondi-Takoradi communities, President Akufo-Addo stated that the project is expected to be completed by September 2025.
“The feasibility studies for the proposed Sogakope-Lome Transboundary Water Supply Project are ninety-eight percent (98%) complete, and funding would be sought to achieve sustainable improvement to access to drinking water for four million consumers in the Project area. In Ghana, the Project beneficiaries will include the Southern Volta area, more specifically the Municipal/Districts of Keta, Ketu South, Ketu North, South Tongu and Akatsi South,” he added.
Stonebwoy is gearing up for his highly anticipated North American tour, promoting his groundbreaking “5th Dimension” album that made a remarkable debut on the Billboard Reggae Album Chart at No. 8.
With a series of successful releases to his credit, the versatile artist known for his reggae, dancehall, and afropop sound is ready to take the stage across North America.
He will bring his vibrant and energetic performances to audiences throughout the continent, delivering his infectious energy and musical prowess to fans.
Aptly named the 5th Dimension Tour, the journey will kick off on July 15 at the Bayfront Reggae Festival in Duluth, Minnesota, and traverse through eight major cities in the United States and Canada, concluding at the Afro Nation Festival in Detroit, Michigan, on August 20.
Expect an unforgettable experience as Stonebwoy treats concertgoers to a thoughtfully crafted setlist that encompasses his impressive repertoire of chart-topping singles and beloved fan favorites.
Expressing his excitement about the upcoming tour, Stonebwoy stated:
“I’m thrilled to bring my music and the energy of the ‘5th Dimension’ album to my fans in North America. This tour is a chance to connect with them on a deeper level and share the incredible experience we’ve created with this new album.”
Stonebwoy’s musical journey continues as he prepares for an exciting UK tour later this year, following his North American expedition.
Revealed last month, the three-date show will take the acclaimed reggae, dancehall, and afrobeats artist to Manchester’s Canvas on October 26, Birmingham’s O2 Academy 2 on October 27, and London’s Electric Brixton on October 29.
His latest album, “5th Dimension,” released on April 28, showcases Stonebwoy’s evolution and musical growth.
With 17 captivating tracks, including collaborations with artists like Angelique Lidjo and Stormzy, the album seamlessly blends Afrobeats, reggae, dancehall, amapiano, folk, and more, pushing boundaries and exploring diverse musical territories.
Recognized as a dominant force in Ghana’s pop scene since 2012, Stonebwoy has earned numerous accolades and international recognition. With his distinct style and electrifying performances, he has collaborated with renowned artists such as Keri Wilson, Sean Paul, Trey Songz, and Burna Boy.
From the UK to the USA, Australia to Italy, Puerto Rico to Amsterdam, his energetic tours have captivated audiences worldwide.
Stonebwoy’s influence extends beyond the stage, as he recently achieved a significant milestone of 100 million streams on Audiomack, becoming the first Ghanaian artist to reach this feat.
His unique sound, characterized by captivating rhythms, profound lyrics, and powerful vocals, has propelled him to global stardom.
Stonebwoy “5Th Dimension” North America tour dates:
15th July, Duluth, MN (USA) 1st August, Georgetown, Guyana 3rd August, New York, NY (USA) 6th August, Boston, MA (USA) 9th August, Hartford, CT (USA) 11th August, New York, NY (USA) 12th August, Philidelphia, PA (USA) 13th August, Washington, DC (USA) 16th August, Atlanta, GA (USA) 20th August, Detroit, MI (USA)
Paris Saint-Germain football star, Neymar has been slapped with a hefty fine of 16 million reais (£2.6m/$3.3m) for constructing a lake at his mansion in Brazil.
WHAT HAPPENED?
On June 22, it came to light that the 31-year-old was being investigated by the local council in Mangaratiba, a coastal town near Rio de Janeiro, for various “irregularities” in a grand construction project.
Construction work was halted at that time, and Neymar is now facing the consequences for not adhering to planning regulations and carrying out building activities without the necessary permits.
WHAT THEY SAID
The council issued a statement regarding the matter, stating that four fines have been imposed for “environmental violations in the construction of an artificial lake at the player’s mansion.” It further highlighted that numerous infractions had been identified, including Neymar undertaking “environmentally regulated work without authorization,” as well as unauthorized land excavation, vegetation removal, and alteration of water sources without proper documentation.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Neymar has faced criticism through social media posts, with his mansion site being cordoned off and construction work coming to a halt. Despite this, reports suggest that he has still visited the site and even hosted a party, but repercussions are now being enforced.
WHAT NEXT?
Neymar, who has been out of action for PSG since February due to ankle surgery, acquired the property in question in 2016.
The mansion, boasting amenities like a spa and helipad, reportedly sits on a vast 10,000 square metre plot.
The Dutch international, Georginio Wijnaldum, paid a visit to the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharabutu, at his residence in Fadama, Accra, on July 3.
Wijnaldum and his fellow Dutch footballer Memphis Depay are currently in Ghana for their summer break following a demanding season.
A photo captured Wijnaldum shaking hands with the Chief Imam, who blessed him with Islamic prayers. Prior to the visit, Wijnaldum spent time at a gym interacting with aspiring boxers and also explored the Black Star Square.
In the coming days, he will travel to Italy to join AS Roma for pre-season preparations. It is noteworthy that Wijnaldum used to be known as Georginio Boateng earlier in his career but changed his surname.
He inherited the name from his stepfather but decided to change it after his parents divorced. Wijnaldum, a winner of the Premier League, Ligue 1, and Champions League, has earned 86 caps for the Netherlands national team.
Globally acclaimed afrobeats and dancehall artist, Stonebwoy, has joined Boomplay’s esteemed Golden Club by surpassing an impressive milestone of over 100 million streams on Africa’s largest music streaming platform.
His album “5Th Dimension” has garnered over 20 million streams on Boomplay.
This achievement further solidifies Stonebwoy’s position as one of Africa’s most celebrated and influential musicians, propelling the afrodancehall genre to mainstream success.
His popular tracks like “Nominate” featuring Keri Hilson, “Activate” with Davido, and “Putuu” have not only dominated African charts but have also gained international recognition.
As Africa’s leading music streaming service, Boomplay acknowledges Stonebwoy’s exceptional talent and immense popularity among fans.
With his unique blend of reggae, dancehall, and afrobeats, Stonebwoy has carved a prominent place in the global music scene, captivating listeners with his lyrical prowess, infectious melodies, and socially conscious themes.
In support of his groundbreaking album “5th Dimension,” Stonebwoy is embarking on a North American and Canada tour, delivering his vibrant and energetic performances to audiences in the region.
Additionally, he has plans for a UK tour later this year, where he will showcase his musical prowess to fans in Manchester, Birmingham, and London.
On the road, Stonebwoy will be promoting his “5Th Dimension” record, which includes “Manodzi” (which features multi-GRAMMY award-winner Angelique Lidjo), “Life & Money” (which features English rap heavyweight Stormzy), and “Into The Future”.
Stonebwoy “5Th Dimension” North America tour dates:
15th July, Duluth, MN (USA) 1st August, Georgetown, Guyana 3 August, New York, NY (USA) 6th August, Boston, MA (USA) 9th August, Hartford, CT (USA) 11th August, New York, NY (USA) 12th August, Philadelphia, PA (USA) 13 August, Washington, DC (USA) 16th August, Atlanta, GA (USA) 20th August, Detroit, MI (USA)
Amidst her father’s ongoing social media controversies, Danielle Edochie, the daughter of renowned Nollywood actor Yul Edochie, has made headlines with a cryptic statement shared on her social media platform.
It is no secret that the Edochie family has faced turmoil and controversy ever since the actor had a child with his fellow actress Judy Austin and subsequently married her as his second wife.
The family has endured tragic events and faced criticism as a result.
Yul Edochie faced backlash from internet users, including his aunt and veteran actress Rita Edochie, after sharing pictures and videos of his newborn child with his second wife just two months after the passing of his first son, Kambilinachukwuh, from his previous marriage to May Edochie.
May Edochie, Yul’s first wife, has remained silent throughout the turbulent family situation that has unfolded both publicly and privately.
Danielle Edochie took to her Instagram story to share a perplexing message, alluding to a man attempting to accomplish two conflicting objectives in the midst of a series of contentious events.
Per reports circulating on social media indicates that Yvonne Nelson‘s mother has allegedly being admitted in the hospital as a result of her memoir.
An undisclosed member of Yvonne’s mother’s family revealed that the content of the memoir has had a negative impact on her mother.
The renowned actress, movie producer, and author, Yvonne Nelson, may face potential isolation from her family due to the revelations made in her book, ‘I am not Yvonne Nelson.’
In the memoir, Yvonne mentions her mother’s role in her life as a single mother but also criticizes her for not disclosing the true identity of Yvonne’s father.
The unnamed relative expressed their concern, stating, “Auntie Maggie, I am very close to her, but since the release of her book, the family has faced disgrace, leading to several family meetings.”
“I am very close to Yvonne Nelson’s mother, because of the issues, she has been admitted to hospital for high blood pressure and we fear for what is likely to happen. There are some instances where Yvonne had to be patient,” he lamented.
She added that whiles the actress “thinks that she would be disgracing her mother, in the long run, it is the family that is affected. People are running down the family on social media. It has gone as far as becoming something of a curse,” he stressed.
“I Am Not Yvonne Nelson” is a gripping and captivating autobiography that follows the journey of a young woman as she embarks on a quest to uncover her true identity, only to realize that she has been living a lie.
Filled with drama, unexpected twists, and emotional upheavals, this compelling story possesses all the elements of an enthralling movie script. However, the protagonist, who happens to be an actor, must confront the harsh realities of her existence, often shedding tears in the process.
In a departure from conventional autobiographies, the author bares her soul to the readers, offering an unfiltered glimpse into her life. The book delves into both the positive and negative aspects, revealing the complexities of not only her personal journey but also the illusory realm of fame and celebrities.
The book launch was a star-studded event, attended by esteemed personalities from the entertainment industry, business sector, and politics. Prominent figures such as John Dumelo, Adjetey Anang, Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, Becca, as well as notable media personalities including Manasseh Azure Awuni, Sammy Forson, and GhanaWeb Entertainment Editor Benefo Buabeng, known as Abrantepa, were among the distinguished guests.
Farmers at Weija, Greater Accra, have revealed that choked canals at the Weija Irrigation Scheme are having a toll on vegetable production for domestic and export purposes.
The blockage of water channels by silt and debris has hindered the smooth flow of water.
Spokesperson of the group, Alhassan Issah Tei Agbo attributed the cause of the situation to indiscriminate refuse dumping in surrounding communities and the runoff of silt from upland areas during heavy rainfall.
As a result, sections of the canal embankments are buried under accumulated silt.
To address this issue, the 302 beneficiary farmers, consisting of 136 men and 67 women, have collectively raised funds to hire excavators for canal clearance whenever blockages occur.
The clearing process, lasting around 10 days, incurs a daily cost of GH¢6,000, with additional miscellaneous expenses totaling GH¢4,000 for the entire duration.
These challenges were brought to the attention of officials from the Ghana Irrigation Development Authority (GIDA) during their recent visit to the scheme.
The Weija irrigation scheme, established in 1984, plays a crucial role in year-round vegetable production, primarily tomatoes, for local consumption and export.
Covering an irrigable area of 224 hectares, the scheme is recognized as a thriving vegetable production hub in Ghana.
The diverse range of crops includes okra, pepper, tinda, cucumber, tomatoes, onions, sweet potato, and maize. With full utilization of the irrigable land, the scheme yields an impressive annual vegetable output of 10.14 tonnes per hectare, totaling 2,271.36 tonnes.
Beneficiary communities such as Tuba, Kokrobitey, Kasoa, Bortianor, and neighboring areas benefit from the scheme’s agricultural activities.
Today, Tuesday, July 4, 2023, the High Court in Accra will resume the daily hearing of the member of parliament (MP) elect for Assin North, James Gyakye Quayson‘s case.
The trial was adjourned on June 29 due to incomplete application documents received by the court.
Quayson has appealed the daily trial order in the Court of Appeal, claiming violations of his right to a fair trial.
His election as MP was nullified by the Supreme Court for holding dual citizenship.
Quayson now faces charges of perjury and deceiving a public officer.
Despite the ongoing trial, he is expected to be present in parliament for his swearing-in.
Two suspects, Benjamin Ojogbe and Rashid Abdul, involved in the murder of lance corporal Calystus Amoah, have been remanded into police custody.
They face charges of conspiracy to commit murder and murder.
On July 3, Ojogbe and Abdul appeared in court at the Kansehie District Court, where their pleas were not taken.
Police sources have revealed that Ojogbe and Abdul were part of an armed robbery group that attacked a bullion van at Ablekuma Fanmilk Star Oil Filling Station, resulting in the tragic death of the police officer on Thursday, June 22.
According to court information, the robbers escaped with an amount of over GH¢145,000.
The police have been conducting a manhunt for the remaining suspects involved in the incident.
Background
On Thursday, June 22, an officer of the Ghana Police Service was shot dead by unknown assailants at Ablekuma Star Oil filling station in Accra.
A viral CCTV footage shows a group of four men trailing what appears to be a white bullion van.
One of the armed men after arriving at the filling station just as the van had parked opened the door where the officer was seated and opened fire.
The officer attempted to attack but his efforts were unsuccessful. Witnesses at the scene including the driver of the van eloped to save their lives.
This tragic incident adds to the list of police officers who have lost their lives due to bullion van attacks.
In June 2021, a bullion van robbery attack at Jamestown in Accra led to the death of Constable Emmanuel Osei.
Following this, the Bank of Ghana issued a directive for all financial institutions to procure protective sophisticated vans, failure to which the central bank would not admit any substandard vehicles by the close of June 2021.
On the matter, the Ghana Police Service announced its decision to withdraw their regular escorts if the financial institutions fail to comply with the directive.
Former Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Nii Ayikoi Otoo, has stated that a broader conversation is necessary to address the criminal case involving ,the Member of Parliament-elect for Assin North, James Gyakye Quayson.
Otoo, who also served as an ambassador to Canada, emphasized the political wisdom of entering a nolle prosequi in this case.
He highlighted the importance of considering the broader public sentiment and the potential reaction of the people of Assin North, particularly for the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
However, speaking to the media on Monday July 4, Otoo clarified that the decision to enter a nolle prosequi cannot be made solely by the Attorney-General, unless it is endorsed by the cabinet.
“It will be a good thing to enter a nolle prosequi and stop all this to show more maturity but you cannot as an Attorney-General do it on your own, you are not independent, you are part of a whole.
“The Attorney-General is bound by cabinet decision and cabinet secrecy even if he disagrees, once it has been taken, you are bound,” he said.
“So, if you ask me, what I will tell you is that there is the need for some negotiation, a broader conversation on the matter,” he stressed.
The former Attorney-General responded to recent statements made by the Dormaahene regarding the discontinuation of the Gyakye Quayson trial in an Accra High Court. The A-G, Godfred Yeboah Dame, swiftly refuted the Dormaahene’s comments.
James Quayson pleaded not guilty to multiple charges, including deceit of a public officer, forgery of travel documents, making a false statutory declaration, perjury, and false declaration for office. These charges stem from his alleged dual citizenship during his participation in the 2020 elections.
The Accra High Court mandated a daily trial, a ruling that has been challenged by Quayson’s legal team in the Court of Appeal.
Following an outbreak of anthrax in the Upper East Region, over 150,000 livestock have been successfully vaccinated as a preventive measure.
To contain the spread of the disease, a temporary ban on the movement of ruminants, including goats, sheep, pigs, cattle, and dogs, was implemented in the affected region’s eastern corridor.
The Risk Communications Manager at the Ghana Veterinary Service, Dr. Benjamin Kissi Sasu, confirmed that the situation has been effectively brought under control.
The vaccination campaign has played a crucial role in mitigating the outbreak and safeguarding the livestock population in the region.
“A total of 1,243,000 animals have been vaccinated in the Upper East Region. So far, so good. Looking at the data and the participation of the community, the various districts have now cooperated, and we have had a good number of animal vaccinations ongoing. Currently, we are not seeing any signs [of anthrax], and we hope it will keep up. So yes, we have been able to contain it in that way,” Dr. Benjamin Kissi Sasu assured.
The Regional Health Directorate issued a press release on June 1, 2023, confirming the notification of two suspected cases of anthrax, one of which resulted in a fatality, in the Binduri District. The cases were reported after individuals consumed the meat of dead cattle.
The incident involved the death of four cattle within the affected community. Furthermore, eleven additional suspected cases were identified, prompting the initiation of contact tracing measures in the community. The Regional Health Directorate is actively responding to the situation to contain any potential spread of the disease and provide necessary support to those affected.
Fan Milk PLC, the manufacturer of FanYogo, has initiated a recall of specific product batches in response to customer concerns.
Following consumer complaints on social media about the unusual texture of recently purchased FanYogo products, Fan Milk PLC has acknowledged the issue. In a statement, the company attributed the quality problem to a recent change in their starch source and variations in handling.
The affected batches were identified through investigations conducted by the Food Research Institute of the company. While the batches are deemed safe for consumption, Fan Milk PLC is urging customers who come across any of the specified batch numbers in the market to report to the designated Fan Milk depot for a replacement.
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“We fully acknowledge that these batches do not meet the great product experience we are known for. Our dedicated team of experts in our laboratories have conducted comprehensive tests on the batches to investigate the cause of the problem to prevent it from happening again”, the company added in its statement.
Meanwhile, Fan Milk PLC is engaging the regulator, the Food and Drugs Authority, to resolve the matter.
The report indicates that the office has concluded investigations into three significant cases, with four others currently undergoing prosecution.
Dated June 30, 2023, the report further states that the OSP has initiated investigations into 150 fresh cases related to corruption.
This signifies the office’s continued efforts in tackling corruption and promoting accountability within the country.
“The Office is also investigating one hundred and fifty (150) other cases at various levels of consideration.
These would be publicised if the Special Prosecutor determines that they are within the mandate of the Office and that they should be moved past the preliminary investigation stage.
This is a policy intended to protect the privacy of individuals and the business operations of institutions and companies, and to avoid unnecessary stigmatization,” the OSP added in its report.
Among the cases concluded by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) are those involving the Secretary to the former Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining (IMCIM), Charles Bissue, the attempted bribery of some NPP Members of Parliament by a wealthy businessman, and suspected corruption related to the procurement and contract award to Turfsport Ghana Limited by the Gaming Commission of Ghana.
Charles Bissue’s case emerged from an investigative documentary titled “Galamsey Fraud” produced by Tiger Eye PI, which brought attention to his alleged involvement in illegal mining activities.
These cases highlight the OSP’s commitment to investigating and addressing corruption and related offenses in Ghana, aiming to ensure transparency, accountability, and the fair application of justice.
On his case the OSP in its report said, “Charles Bissue: The Office has concluded investigation into allegations of the use of public office for profit against Charles Bissue, during his tenure as Secretary to the erstwhile Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining (IMCIM), arising from an investigative documentary titled Galamsey Fraud”.
On the allegations of an attempt to bribe members of Parliament by a wealthy businessman the OSP said, “The Office has concluded investigation into allegations of an attempt by an unnamed and wealthy businessman to bribe some members of the majority caucus of Parliament. The Office expresses its gratitude to the Rt. Hon. Speaker of Parliament and his staff for their cooperation and assistance during the investigation”.
The final case involves allegations of procurement breaches by officials of the Gaming Commission of Ghana. The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has been investigating these claims, which pertain to potential misconduct in the procurement processes carried out by the Gaming Commission.
The OSP’s involvement in this case underscores its mandate to tackle corruption and malpractices within various government institutions. By thoroughly investigating these allegations, the OSP aims to promote transparency, accountability, and integrity in the operations of the Gaming Commission of Ghana.
“The Office has concluded investigation into suspected corruption and corruption-related offences in respect of the procurement and the award of a contract to Turfsport Ghana Limited by the Gaming Commission of Ghana,” OSP said in the report.
The Special Prosecutor emphasized that directives and further actions regarding the aforementioned cases will be issued in due course. This indicates that the Office is actively working on processing and addressing the matters at hand.
Additionally, the Office of the Special Prosecutor highlighted four ongoing cases in its report. These cases are currently being investigated and will be subject to appropriate action based on the findings and evidence gathered during the investigations. The Office remains committed to pursuing these cases and ensuring that justice is served.
“There has not been any convictions or acquittals in respect of the cases pending before the criminal courts during the period under review. Four (4) criminal cases are being tried before the courts”.
The OSP said it welcomes collaboration and referrals on suspected corruption and corruption related offences from all stakeholders particularly law enforcement agencies.
President Akufo-Addo has stated that government is determined to achieve the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6, which focuses on providing access to water and sanitation for all.
He made this commitment during the inauguration of phase three of the five districts water project in Adaklu, Volta Region.
The project has successfully provided clean drinking water to a population of over 89,000 individuals residing in the Adaklu, Agotime-Ziope, and Central Tongu districts.
President Akufo-Addo emphasized the government’s dedication to ensuring that the lack of safe water in rural areas of Ghana becomes a thing of the past.
“Regarding SDG 6 with demands that we provide clean water and sanitation for all, the Akufo-Addo government has made significant improvement towards this objective.”
“You may recall at a ceremony in the Ho West District on the same day I cut the sod for the commencement of five districts’ water project, I commissioned completed projects under the water supply improvements project of the Ghana Spain Debt Swap Development Programme implemented by the Community of Water Sanitation Agency (CWSA) at a total cost of $3.7 million,” he stated.
Suspects in a chieftaincy dispute which threw the Lugni community in the Northern region into a state of fear and panic have been arrested. This is according to reports from the Ghana Police Service.
According to the police, two people have been arrested in connection with the incident.
Speaking on how they were arrested, the police said a patrol team in town saw the suspects who have been identified as Kofi Binyam and one Mensah, a plumber in the area, wielding guns. This prompted the police to arrest and detain them.
On Thursday, inhabitants of Lugni in the Nanumba South District of the Northern Region had to evacuate to ensure their well-being due to a conflict over chieftaincy, which led to numerous gunfire sounds.
The discord, according to reports, originated when the acting regent of Lugni offered kola nuts to a Konkomba leader, enabling him to be officially appointed as the chief of the Konkombas in Lugni. Nonetheless, another Konkomba clan expressed their objection to this selection.
The Binyam and Naamuhi clans are at odds with one another. While getting ready to install a new chief, the other clan got offended and is said to have started shooting. The Binyam clan is said to have assaulted the Naamuhi clan.
The Binyam clan objected to the Nanung chief of Lugni enskinning the Naamuhi clan as the Konkomba chief for Lugni, and this sparked the shooting incident on Thursday night. Calm, however, has been restored now.
This adds to the number of chieftaincy disputes recorded in the Northern Region. A recent similar incident occurred in May this year at Yong Dakpeme Yile in the Northern Region between two rival groups in the area. The clash was between supporters of Fuseini Chemsi and Mohammed Chemsi over the handing over of a staff of authority ceremony. Although measures including mediation have been employed to curb these conflicts, they still persist, especially in the Northern parts of the country.
Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin has accused finance minister Ken Ofori-Atta of refusing to listen to his alternative suggestions for raising revenue without imposing the controversial e-levy.
The e-levy bill, which was passed by parliament on Tuesday, March 29, 2022, will introduce a 1.5 percent tax on electronic money transfers and transactions. The government has said the move will help address problems from unemployment to Ghana’s high public debt.
However, the bill faced significant opposition, with seven out of ten people expressing their disapproval of the levy, according to the Afrobarometer Survey.
The minority group in parliament also staged a walkout before the bill was passed, claiming it would hurt the poor and undermine the digital economy.
Mr Bagbin said he had suggested several ways for the finance minister to generate revenue by including more people in the informal sector in the tax net. He said a large proportion of individuals in the informal sector of the economy are not captured in the tax system due to a lack of documentation, so the government is unable to tax them.
During a meeting with the management of Media General in Accra on Thursday, June 29, Mr Bagbin said “I made it known to the finance minister long ago that there are so many areas where we can raise revenue, not e-levy. But if you wanted to use e-levy, let us start from zero point something percent and then go up. You have an informal economy where a large percentage of the people are outside the tax net. Because of no documentation, you will never know their income. There are things that you have to do to bring them into the formal sector. I suggested to him the lottery tax.”
Lottery tax, compulsory health insurance for people flying into the country, and taxing the use of narcotics, particularly “weed”, were among the sources of revenue suggested by Mr Bagbin.
He explained “The lottery tax is very simple; you use tax receipt numbers to play the lotto, and every week, one tax receipt number will win, and you can give a pickup to the person. So everybody now comes in because the person wants to win a pickup, and so they start issuing receipts.”
He added “Look at insurance; there are countries that have moved on now and said any person flying into their country has to take medical insurance, and that is factored into your ticket. So in case you land and there is a problem, they just rush you to the hospital and treat you because you are insured. Nigeria and the rest have taken that; that is another way of raising revenue.”
He also pointed out “Look at the gaming commission; there is a lot of money in the gaming sector, but you are not taxing them; many countries are taxing it, and they are getting a lot of revenue.”
Another source of revenue Mr Bagbin suggested was taxing the use of narcotics; “weed”, which has become a major component in pharmaceutical products recently. He said “One of the areas is narcotics, weed because they use it in pharmaceuticals. Now you go for a surgical operation, and most of the things they inject you with are from weed; the place becomes numb so when they cut you don’t feel anything at all.”
He maintained that these suggestions have been implemented in countries such as Malaysia among others where they have recorded over 500 percent increase in revenue. He claimed that he discussed these ideas with Mr Ofori-Atta but Mr Ofori-Atta did not listen.
He said “We tried to get the finance minister to understand this thing but he would not understand it. We are looking more outside than inside [for revenue].”
Source: The Independent Ghana | Abigail Twumwaa Ampofo
A key representative body of doctors in Ghana, the Ghana Medical Association (GMA) continues to lament the devastating impact of the increased migration of Ghanaian nurses to pursue employment opportunities in the healthcare sectors of other nations.
GMA is unhappy about the trend and has therefore asked the government to swiftly take action, which includes urgently absorbing the teeming unemployed nurses in the country, to avert the trend.
Expressing displeasure over the situation, the Bono, Bono East and Ahafo Regional Chairman of the GMA, Dr Alex Egotey, bemoaned the high numbers of trained nurses who still remain at home “having no job to do.”
He, however, said that these health workers play an essential role in health delivery in the country, stressing that “the doctor cannot go to work without the nurse,” thereby, calling for urgent measures to be taken to address the matter.
He further said it was unfortunate and disheartening that many nurses had been in the house since 2019 without jobs, and appealed to the government to employ them.
“I do not blame the nurses who are traveling abroad because they also need to make a living. They must also do something to earn a decent living, so if there is an opportunity, they must go”, he said.
Data from the Ghana Registered Nurses’ and Midwives’ Association (GRNMA) says nearly 4,000 nurses left the country and emigrated to the West in 2022. It pegs the current emigration rate at about 500 every month.
The UK, Ireland, Australia, and Canada have become hotspots for the wave of Ghanaian health workers emigrating daily.
These countries are calling and Ghanaian nurses are answering loudly and leaving the shores of their motherland to seek better working conditions, flexible work schedules and better pay, leaving behind Ghana’s ailing health sector.
There still remains a huge number of communities that urgently need the services of these skilled workers, therefore, the situation is a huge threat to the country’s health sector. Suggesting a solution to this, Dr Alex Egotey said: “In fact, these thousands of nurses cannot continue to stay in the home and overburden their parents.
They also need to develop themselves and have a decent living. So, if we want the nurses to stay, then the government must give them jobs and improve the conditions of service as well.”
Traditional leaders of Nogokpo in the Volta Region have given Archbishop Charles Agyinasare, the founder and leader of Perez Chapel International, another one-week ultimatum to apologise for his controversial remark about the town.
The new deadline was announced after a meeting with the National Peace Council and the Somey Traditional Council, which aimed to seek a peaceful resolution for the issue.
Paramount Chief of the Somey Traditional Area, which includes Nogokpo, Torgbi Adamah III, told the media that the one-week ultimatum was meant to obtain an apology and a retraction from Archbishop Agyinasare, who had described Nogokpo as the “demonic headquarters” in the Volta Region
“We have communicated our position to the Peace Council and have tasked the council to communicate that position to the Archbishop.
The Somey Traditional Council is giving the Archbishop a week’s ultimatum to withdraw the controversial comment and render an unqualified apology to the people of Nogokpo, the Somey Traditional Area, and the entire Volta region,” he is quoted to have said.
Torgbi Adamah emphasised that the Traditional Council had instructed its legal team to formally correspond with the Archbishop regarding the council’s decision and stance. He further stated that the commencement of the new ultimatum would be triggered upon the Archbishop’s receipt of the previous communication.
If the Archbishop disregarded the traditional council’s request for an apology, the traditional council “would advise itself accordingly,” the speaker said.
Previous ultimatum expired
The traditional leaders had earlier issued a 14-day ultimatum to Archbishop Agyinasare on June 2, 2023, to appear before them for peace talks or face the wrath of their gods.
They expressed their disappointment and anger over his statement, which they said tarnished the image and reputation of the town and its people.
They also highlighted the historical significance of Nogokpo, noting that it was visited by Ghana’s first president, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, who sought divine assistance from the thunder deity, Torgbui Zakadza, during the independence struggle with the British.
However, the 14-day ultimatum expired on June 16, 2023, without any positive response from Archbishop Agyinasare.
Instead of apologising, he clarified his statement and said that he was not referring to Nogokpo or the Volta Region as a whole, but to a specific incident that occurred after a crusade in Aflao.
He also said that he was a child of God and that they should be careful about trying to harm him.
New deadline set
Torgbi Adamah III said that the traditional council had instructed its legal team to formally communicate with Archbishop Agyinasare about their position and demand.
He said that the new ultimatum would start from the date of receipt of their letter by Archbishop Agyinasare.
He warned that if he failed to comply with their request for an apology within the given period, they would “advise themselves accordingly”.
He also said that there had always been a negative perception of the people of the Volta Region, which affected their marriages and job opportunities and urged religious leaders to be mindful of their language and avoid making divisive comments.
He said that Nogokpo was a peaceful and tolerant town that did not deserve to be labelled as demonic.
The Paramount Chief noted that there had always been a negative perception of the people of the Volta region.
“This should not have been an issue, but the fact that the people of the region have over the years been perceived as bad people, affecting our marriages to other tribes and job opportunities, the Archbishop should not have uttered those comments in the first place.
“He is a respected and experienced man of God who should be uniting people and not passing divisive comments. He must render an apology to put this matter to rest; we are not happy with this at all,” Torgbi Adamah said.
Background
Archbishop Agyinasare made his controversial remark during a sermon on divine protection and evil forces at a summit held at Perez Chapel headquarters in Accra on May 25, 2023.
He narrated how his team faced spiritual attacks after holding a crusade in Aflao and how they encountered a problem with their car when they passed through Nogokpo.
He said: “During this crusade in Aflao, we slept at Agbozume, that was where our hotel was, and you must go through Nogokpo. And Nogokpo is the demonic headquarters in the Volta Region”.
“We only have not said it but the second night I made Bishop Yaw Adu talk about witchcraft and we disgraced the witches and wizards.
“When we were driving from Aflao to Agbozume, immediately we got to Nogokpo, Bishop Yaw Adu’s four-wheel drive, the tyre came out from under the car,“ he recounted.
His statement went viral on social media and sparked backlash from many users who accused him of being ignorant and disrespectful.
Managing Director of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Samuel Dubik Mahama, has strongly criticized the Minority in Parliament for their recent remarks regarding the selective payment of debts owed to Independent Power Producers (IPPs).
This response comes after John Abdulai Jinapor, the Ranking Member on the Mines and Energy Committee, accused the Ministry of Finance of engaging in discriminatory payment practices towards the IPPs.
Mr Mahama has dismissed the claims and labelled them as unfair.
Allegations of selective payment
The Minority in Parliament recently accused the Ministry of Finance of engaging in “selective and discriminatory payment” to some preferred IPPs, while leaving others to their own fate.
“The Finance Minister, instead of dealing with the Chamber of IPPs, is engaged in selective and discriminatory payment, selecting some preferred IPPs, paying them, and leaving them to their own fate,” Mr Jinapor stated.
The Chamber of IPPs had earlier issued a threat to shut down all plants after July 1, 2023, due to the government’s delay in settling a $1.7 billion debt owed them by ECG.
However, it rescinded its decision after a partial payment was made to the power producers.
ECG boss defends payments
But speaking on TV3’s The Key Points regarding the Minority’s statement on selective payment, Mr Dubik Mahama fumed that it was unnecessary for the Ranking Member on the Mines and Energy Committee to have made that statement, especially when negotiations were still underway.
“These are some of the statements that I think are so unfair because if you make this statement, it is based on what?” he asked.
“It’s like having five children and thinking that all your children are the same. All your children are not the same.
“Look at all of them across the board and look at what happens when something happens,” he noted.
Though Mr Dubik refused to divulge the details of the payments made to the various individual IPPs, he expressed worry over the probable jeopardy of the current ongoing negotiations with the IPPs, saying that “I honestly think it is not a fair statement to make because, in my candid opinion, there’s an issue.
“If we are trying to solve the issue, imagine from that statement that we walk to a meeting with the IPPs and nobody wants to talk to us at the roundtable. That’s an unfair statement. You don’t make statements like that in public.”
Background
Samuel Dubik Mahama was appointed as the new Managing Director of ECG by President Nana Akufo-Addo in May 2022. He took over from Kwame Agyeman–Budu, who retired after serving for almost three years. Prior to this appointment, Samuel Mahama was a non-executive Director at ECG. He is a legal practitioner and a graduate of the University of Ghana.
Source: The Independent Ghana | Abigail Twumwaa Ampofo
Two of Ghana’s prestigious universities, the University of Ghana (UG) and the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), are among ten African public universities that have been awarded a $15 million research grant for food security research.
The grant has been provided by South Africa’s National Research Foundation (NRF) and Department of Science and Innovation as part of the O.R. Tambo Africa Research Chairs Initiative (ORTARChI).
Supporting organizations include the Oliver & Adelaide Tambo Foundation (OATF), the International Development Research Centre of Canada (IDRC), and seven sub-Saharan African science granting councils.
KNUST will focus its research on the humanities and sciences, with an emphasis on entrepreneurship and youth employment. On the other hand, UG will prioritize food security, with a specific focus on food safety and quality.
The other universities receiving the grant are the Botswana International University of Science and Technology, Eduardo Mondlane University of Mozambique, University of Joseph KI-ZERBO in Burkina Faso, Sokoine University of Agriculture in Tanzania, Makerere University in Uganda, Copperbelt University in Zambia, University of Zambia, and the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology in Tanzania.
In addition to funding research, the selected universities will serve as research hubs and facilitate high-end skill development. They will also provide training for Ph.D. and MPhil student researchers to develop their problem-solving abilities in various thematic areas.
The identified sectors for research include food security, climate change, public health, quality water delivery, entrepreneurship and youth employment, antimalarial drug delivery, sustainable agriculture, environmental management, and livestock health.
For the next five years, the research will be concentrated on specific thematic areas, with the possibility of extension based on performance. Research chairs are awarded to universities that demonstrate leadership, talent, and commitment to supporting high-quality research after a rigorous review process.
Research grants for universities are crucial funding opportunities provided by various organizations, government agencies, foundations, or private institutions to support academic research activities carried out by faculty members, researchers, and students. These grants play a significant role in advancing scientific knowledge, promoting innovation, and addressing societal challenges through research initiatives.
Securing research grants is vital for universities to conduct meaningful research, attract talented researchers, and foster innovation. These grants not only support the academic mission of the institutions but also contribute to the advancement of society as a whole. Universities often have dedicated offices or departments that assist faculty and researchers in identifying suitable grant opportunities, preparing proposals, and managing awarded grants.
In a groundbreaking moment for South Korea, the android robot EveR 6 assumed the role of conductor during a performance by the country’s national orchestra in Seoul.
Created by the Korea Institute of Industrial Technology, this two-armed robot, featuring a humanoid face, made its debut at the National Theater of Korea.
The robot captivated the audience as it began the show by bowing and then skillfully directing the musicians with its arm movements, controlling the tempo of the live performance.
“Movements by a conductor are very detailed,” Choi Soo-yeoul, who led Friday’s performance alongside the robot, said.
“The robot was able to present such detailed moves much better than I had imagined.”
According to Choi, a “critical weakness” of EveR 6 is its inability to listen. While the robot’s movements were flawless in maintaining the rhythm, Lee Young-ju, an audience member knowledgeable in traditional Korean music, noted that it lacked the essence of “breath” – the capacity to keep the orchestra synchronized and responsive, which is vital in a performance.
Lee emphasized that collective and immediate engagement is essential for a successful orchestral presentation.
“It seemed there was some work to be done for the robot to do the job,” Lee said.
A Ghanaian gospel singer, Joe Mettle, has stated that he regrets not taking his music lessons seriously during his school days.
In a recent interview, he revealed that he didn’t prioritize his music course due to a lack of intention to pursue it at the time.
“I think I should have taken my music lessons seriously when I was in school. At that time, I didn’t know I would be taking it up one day so I didn’t take it seriously. That is one regret I have in life,” he said.
With a remarkable musical journey, Joe Mettle has released seven albums and garnered numerous awards. He made history as the first Gospel artiste to win the prestigious Artiste of the Year at the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA) in 2017.
Joe Mettle also expressed contentment with his identity and the path that God has chosen for him.
He affirmed his love for who he is and embraced the purpose and assignment that God has entrusted to him.
He also had a word of gratitude to his fans: “I want to say thank you for supporting the gift and ministry God has given me. I believe that ministry is about people. So if they don’t support you, you have no ministry. Thank you for the prayers, the thoughts and everything you do to support what God has called me to do”.
More than 800 senior high and technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institutions are expected to participate in this year’s national science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) project competition dubbed ‘STEMMNNOVATION’.
The competition would see all the participating schools locking horns with their creative potential in finding solutions to challenges confronting their immediate community or the country.
Criteria
All participants in the competition must be current beneficiaries of the free senior high programme.
They will be tasked with developing STEM projects focusing on topics such as urban gardening, clean water, and flexible electricity usage.
The Deputy Coordinator of the free senior high school (SHS) secretariat, Afra Sika Mensah, expressed enthusiasm about the increased level of competition in the second edition of the event. In her statement to the media, she highlighted the upcoming changes.
The competition will commence with an official launch in Accra, followed by regional-level competitions.
Each region will engage in a selection process to determine their representatives for the grand finale scheduled to take place in September.
This format ensures that participants from different regions have an equal opportunity to showcase their talents and projects on a national scale. The competitive nature of the event encourages participants to strive for excellence and pushes the boundaries of their innovative thinking.
The process not only fosters healthy competition but also promotes regional representation, allowing for a diverse range of projects and ideas to be presented at the grand finale. This multi-stage approach adds excitement and anticipation to the competition, as participants compete for the chance to represent their region at the national level.
Lugni located in the Northern Region, has regained its tranquility after a chieftaincy dispute that erupted on Thursday night, June 29, 2023.
The arrest of two suspects in connection with the conflict has instilled confidence among the residents, prompting them to return to the area.
As life gradually returns to normal, economic activities are picking up pace once again.
The two individuals apprehended, who were found in possession of firearms, are currently awaiting formal charges. Following their arrest by the local police, they have been granted police enquiry bail.
The victims may be brought before the court for legal proceedings either on Wednesday or Thursday.
Ghanaian actor, Clement Bonney, popularly known as Mr. Beautiful, has revealed that he has resorted to selling sugarcane and coconut as a means to cope with the current hardships in the country.
According to him, the decline of the movie industry has significantly impacted his livelihood.
He stated “The collapse of the movie industry has brought extreme hardships on some of us who are actively engaged in such a venture.
“In other to survive the hardships in Ghana due to the collapse of the movie industry, I now sell sugarcane and coconut,” he stated.
“Exactly as you are saying the coconut that I sell is the one that is grown in my hometown in Central Region which is Abura Dunkwa”.
Mr. Beautiful, hails from Abura Dunkwa, a town located in the Abura Asebu Kwamankese (AAK) District of the Central Region.
Images depicting the early years of Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia have emerged online.
Dr, Bawumia, over the years has garnered admiration in Ghana for his remarkable ascent in the political arena.
Initially a surprise choice as the running mate for New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential candidate Akufo-Addo in 2008, Dr Bawumia, an economist and former Bank of Ghana governor, became a prominent figure within the party.
His expertise in economics helped shape the narrative that the government under John Dramani Mahama mismanaged the economy, contributing to the NPP’s victory in the 2016 election.
Now, Dr Bawumia is vying to become the NPP’s candidate for the 2024 presidential election and is considered the favored choice among 11 contenders. As he filed his nomination, the vice president shared his humble background and the challenges he faced on his journey.
Images depicting his early years, alongside his parents, siblings, and classmates, have gained widespread attention.
The Court of Appeal has overturned the ruling of the Accra High Court to conduct a fresh trial for Dr. Stephen Kwabena Opuni and Seidu Agongo.
The three-member panel unanimously concluded that the trial court made an error in disregarding the previous proceedings when a new judge took over the case.
Adopt the records
The Court of Appeal, led by Justice Philip Bright Mensah, alongside Justices Jennifer Dadzie and Dr. Ernest Owusu-Dapaa, ruled in favor of the Attorney-General’s appeal.
They ordered the High Court to continue the trial from where it left off, adopting the records of the previous trial.
Trial
Dr. Opuni and Agongo, the CEO of Agricult Ghana Limited, were taken to court in March 2018 on allegations of causing a financial loss to the state through transactions involving Lithovit Foliar fertilizer.
The state prosecutors claim that the fertilizers were of substandard quality, leading to a loss of over GH¢271 million. Agongo is further accused of using fraudulent methods to sell the fertilizer to COCOBOD for distribution to cocoa farmers.
New judge
Following five years of trial, Justice Clemence Honyenuga, a Justice of the Supreme Court with additional responsibilities as a High Court judge, retired in March 2023. As a result, a new judge, Justice Kwasi Anokye Gyimah, was appointed by the Chief Justice to preside over the case.
The prosecution subsequently filed an application requesting the High Court to adopt the previous proceedings of the case under Justice Honyenuga. However, in a ruling on April 4, 2024, Justice Gyimah determined that starting the trial afresh would be fairer due to the numerous allegations surrounding the proceedings under Justice Honyenuga.
Appeal
The A-G then filed an appeal at the Court of Appeal challenging the decision of the High Court to start the trial afresh, with a case that the decision was against the tenets of fair trial.
It is the case of the A-G that Justice Gyimah misdirected himself by the manner in which he refused to adopt the evidence already adduced at the trial.
A 24-year-old okada rider has been killed in a robbery attack near Nsawam in the Eastern Region.
The victim, Kwame Mensah, had been supporting his family by working in the Nsawam area after completing senior high school.
The gang hired him for a trip to Kwarfokurom and halfway through the journey, they shot him and stole his motorbike.
The grieving mother of the deceased called for justice, and the former Member of Parliament for Ayensuano appealed to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to increase police patrols in the area to protect Okada riders and residents from such attacks.
A General Practitioner at St. Michael’s Specialist Hospital, Dr. Catherine Amofa, has emphasized the importance of regular checkups and encouraged Ghanaians to visit the hospital for this purpose.
She highlighted that conditions like hypertension and diabetes are silent killers with various complications, including organ failure.
Dr. Amofa provided this advice during a health screening event organized by the hospital to raise awareness about hypertension, hepatitis B, and diabetes.
She further explained that hypertension can affect the brain, leading to strokes, the heart, resulting in heart failure, and the kidneys, potentially causing kidney failure.
“It can even give you neuropathic diseases that involve the nerves and blood vessels. It can also go as far as destroying your eyesight,” she added.
According to Dr. Amofa, hypertension is particularly common among black individuals, especially Africans.
She noted that sedentary lifestyles, poor diets, and insufficient rest are major contributing factors to this condition. Dr. Amofa urged the public to be mindful of their diet, engage in regular exercise, ensure sufficient rest, and maintain proper hydration by drinking water adequately.
These lifestyle adjustments can help reduce the risk of hypertension and promote overall well-being.
“The Ghanaian diet lately is made in such a way that if you do not take care, you will hardly get a balanced meal. The fats, oils, and salt contents in most of our staple foods are quite high. “You do not have to join a gym to exercise. Just a little bit of cardio a few minutes a day, makes quite a difference,” the General Practitioner stated.
The winner of the Assin North by-election in Ghana, James Gyakye Quayson, will be sworn in as the Member of Parliament (MP) on Tuesday, July 4, 2023, by the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin.
Quayson secured victory in the by-election held on June 27, 2023, with a total of 17,245 votes, constituting 57.56% of the total votes cast. His closest competitor, Charles Opoku of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), received 12,630 votes, representing 42.15% of the votes.
The Assin North by-election was conducted following a legal dispute over Quayson’s eligibility to hold office due to concerns about his dual citizenship. Quayson’s successful election fills the parliamentary seat that had remained vacant during the legal proceedings.
Bernice Enyonam Sefenu of the Liberal Party Ghana (LPG) received 87 votes, accounting for 0.29% of the overall vote count.
Prison populations globally face a nine-fold higher risk of tuberculosis (TB) compared to the general population.
TB is an infectious disease primarily affecting the lungs, transmitted through the air when infected individuals cough, sneeze, or spit.
A recent study, analyzing data from nearly all countries worldwide between 2000 and 2019, reveals that approximately 125,105 of the 11 million incarcerated individuals developed TB in 2019.
This represents a rate of 1,148 cases per 100,000 people per year, significantly higher than the global incidence rate of 127 cases per 100,000 people.
The study also highlights a strong correlation between tuberculosis rates and prison overcrowding.
Leonardo Martinez, study lead from the School of Public Health, Boston University, USA, said: “This connection between TB and overcrowding suggests that efforts to limit the number of people who are detained may be one potential public health tool to combat the TB epidemic in prisons.”
Martinez said, “The high incidence rate globally and across regions, low case detection rates, and consistency over time indicate that this population represents an important, under-prioritised group. Continued failure to detect, treat, and prevent tuberculosis in prisons will result in the unnecessary disease and deaths of many incarcerated persons.”
“And, of course, when incarcerated persons are released from prison, they can take this infectious disease back into the communities in which they live, further contributing to the spread of tuberculosis globally. Greater focus and resources for addressing the tuberculosis epidemic in prisons are needed to protect the health of incarcerated people and their communities.”
The risk of tuberculosis (TB) among incarcerated populations surpasses that of other health conditions such as diabetes, alcohol use disorders, smoking, and undernourishment.
Researchers from various countries conducted a study and discovered significant regional variations in prison TB rates in 2019, with the highest incidence observed in the African region at 2,242 cases per 100,000 people annually—almost double the global estimate for this population.
The Americas region, particularly Central and South America, had the largest absolute number of TB cases among incarcerated individuals, reaching 30,509.
Factors contributing to the increased TB burden in the Americas may include the significant rise in mass incarceration, leading to overcrowding.
The study also highlighted the strong association between crowding and TB incidence, suggesting it plays a crucial role in the rising TB rates in prisons, particularly in Central and South America.
Anthony D Harries, senior adviser at the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, said: “These findings give us a much clearer picture of tuberculosis in prisons than we’ve ever had before. The high rate of tuberculosis and low rate of detection indicates that current control measures are insufficient for preventing the spread of the disease in prisons globally. Therefore, further research is vital to identify and implement the most effective interventions.”
Karabo Rafube, who developed TB in a South African prison, said: “There was no screening when you entered, and we were crowded into small spaces, so it was no surprise that I caught TB. I was very sick, but it took a long time to find out that I had TB. I took treatment for six months and luckily fully recovered. Some people would sell their medicines to other inmates. “After recovering I was appointed as a TB teacher in the prison. Ever since I left, I’ve been supporting others with TB in prison.
“It is important to break the silence of TB. Prisoners have the right to be screened and have access to medicines, but they are often neglected. We can’t end TB without treating everyone – that includes prisoners.”
The International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (The Union) officially sponsored the four-year project, providing TB research expertise, logistical and operational support and accountability for success.
Residents of Nyankrom, Abuesi, and Shama in the Shama District of the Western region took to the streets, today July 3, to demand better road infrastructure.
The protest caused traffic congestion as the demonstrators blocked main entrance roads. They expressed frustration over unkept promises to fix the roads, emphasizing the negative impact on important industries in the area.
The Queen mother of Nyankrom highlighted the dire consequences of the poor road conditions, including cases of miscarriages among pregnant women.
According to her, “Pregnant women get miscarriages, why are you reducing our numbers, and when it is time for elections, you want numbers but you are reducing our numbers”.
Three members of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) have been suspended following altercations with Australian players during the second Test at Lord’s.
The incident occurred in the Long Room during the lunch break, as television footage showed clashes involving Usman Khawaja, David Warner, and spectators.
The incidents followed a controversial stumping of England’s Jonny Bairstow by Australian wicketkeeper Alex Carey.
Australia batter Khawaja called the comments “disrespectful”.
The MCC said it had apologised “unreservedly” before confirming it had suspended three members identified from the incident.
“They will not be permitted back to Lord’s whilst the investigation takes place,” the MCC added in a statement.
“We maintain that the behaviour of a small number of members was completely unacceptable and whilst there was no suggestion by [Australia captain] Pat Cummins in the post-match press conference that there was any physical altercation, it remains wholly unacceptable to behave in such a way, which goes against the values of the club.
“MCC condemns the behaviour witnessed and once again we re-iterate our apology to Cricket Australia.”
Khawaja said the behaviour of the members was “really disappointing”, while Cummins added he thought some could lose their memberships as a result.
“Lord’s is one of my favourite places to come,” said Khawaja. “There’s always respect shown at Lord’s, particularly in the members’ pavilion in the Long Room, but there wasn’t today.
“Some of the stuff that was coming out of the members’ mouths is really disappointing and I wasn’t just going to stand by and cop it. So I just talked to a few of them.
“A few of them were throwing out some pretty big allegations and I just called them up on it and they kept going, and I was like, well, this is your membership here.
“It’s pretty disrespectful, to be honest. I just expect a lot better from the members.”
During the media conference following Manchester United‘s loss in the FA Cup final on June 3rd, manager Erik ten Hag was posed with a question regarding his plans for the summer.
Specifically, he was asked if he had prepared two different strategies: one assuming the long-awaited takeover had occurred and another in the event that it had not.
Ten Hag’s response was decisive.
“I have only one plan and that is to improve this club and improve this team, and that I will fight for,” he said. “I have my ideas but also I have to work with my staff and my players to do better.”
It feels like the only clear vision to come out of United in what has turned into a tortuous summer.
The modifications made to a squad that was widely perceived as ill-prepared for the challenges it faced have been minimal.
Mason Mount is finally set to sign after Chelsea rejected three previous bids, while Zidane Iqbal has been sold to Dutch side Utrecht, despite limited first-team experience.
Phil Jones and Axel Tuanzebe have departed due to expired contracts.
However, the ownership situation and David de Gea’s contract situation remain unresolved, and there has been no new signing for the number nine position.
As pre-season training approaches, Ten Hag will encounter a familiar squad but faces challenges due to the active transfer activities of rival clubs.
