The Promotion of Proper Sexual Human Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill 2021 will be the subject of a debate next week on either Tuesday or Thursday, according to the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Bagbin.
The bill was presented to Parliament on March 31, 2023, by the Constitutional, Legal, and Parliamentary Affairs Committee.Its objective is to criminalize LGBTQ+ activities and provide protection for children and victims involved in such acts.
During deliberations on the Business Statement presented by the Majority Chief Whip, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, the First Deputy Speaker of Parliament Joseph Osei-Owusu, announced this information to the house.
“The Promotion of Proper Sexual Human Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill 2021 be programmed to come on Tuesday, June 27 or Thursday, June 29, whatever it is, it must be on the order paper next week either Tuesday or Thursday. These are the directives from the Speaker. A number of civil society organizations, political watchers and constitutional watchers have interest in this, and they will be watching this House,” he stated.
The contractor whose name has not been revealed was working on the renovation and upgrade of the Stadium in Tarkwa, a project funded by Gold Fields Ghana.
A statement signed by the CEO of Gold Fields, Martin Preece said “We regret to report a fatal incident after an employee of a Gold Fields Ghana Foundation succumbed to his injuries following a fall from heights incident.
“The contractor was working on the renovation and upgrade of the T&A Stadium in Tarkwa, a project funded by the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation for the benefit of our Tarkwa host communities”
“We extend our heartfelt sympathies and condolences to the family, loved ones, and colleagues of the deceased. Members of our Gold Fields team in Ghana are on site to assist people on site in dealing with the impact of the incident. All work at the T&A Stadium has been put on hold pending the completion of investigations.
“Counseling is being offered to the family and colleagues of the deceased. I ask you to keep the family and friends of our colleague who passed away in your thoughts and prayers”, the statement said.
In a collaborative effort, drone manufacturer Ziplineand technology pioneer Cowtribe have joined forces to support Ghana’s Veterinary Service Department (VSD) in combating the recent anthrax outbreak.
Their collective effort is aimed at mitigating further losses and safeguard the health of livestock and the communities that depend on them.
Cowtribe is employing its groundbreaking vaccination and outbreak management system to support the VSD.
Their advanced technology enables the real-time collection of vital data, significantly enhancing the VSD’s surveillance capacity and informing strategies to manage and curtail the outbreak effectively. “In response to the devastating anthrax outbreak, we are extending the reach of our drone technology to deliver life-saving vaccines to the most remote locations,” said Mawuli Atiemo, General Manager for Zipline Ghana.
“This effort mirrors our previous collaboration with the government during the peak of the COVID-19 crisis, where we successfully delivered over two million vaccines to multiple dosing centers.”
Co-Founder and CEO of Cowtribe, Peter Awin, said “Cowtribe remains deeply committed to our farming communities, especially during such crises.”
“By funding the initial production of 100,000 anthrax vaccine doses, we aspire to alleviate the severity of the outbreak and fortify the livelihoods of our farmers.”
The Director of the Veterinary Services Directorate, Dr. Patrick Abakeh, lauded the public-private partnership.
He expressed optimism that the union of Zipline’s aerial logistics capabilities and Cowtribe’s data-driven expertise will expedite the containment of the anthrax outbreak.
With Zipline, Cowtribe, and VSD working collaboratively, the possibility of curtailing the anthrax outbreak becomes increasingly attainable.
AkromaGold Limited, a mining company operating in the Eastern Regionof Ghana, has commenced a project to restore and reclaim previously mined sites in the Birim North District.
The exercise is part of the company’s proactive efforts to prevent a recurrence of the Obuasi incident, in which some illegal miners were trapped under a mining shaft of the Anglogold Ashanti Obuasi mines after they invaded the company’s concessions.
The company, which had earlier engaged chiefs and community members of Noyem and other surrounding areas in the district where it holds concessions, carried out a major reclamation exercise at its newly acquired concession at Noyem on June 23, 2023, with the assistance of a task force.
Over 1,500 residents of the area who had invaded the company’s Noyem site and were busily engaging in illegal mining were caught off guard when the team appeared at the site with machines for the exercise.
The illegal miners, both men and women, young and old, who had entered the mine shaft, connected electricity deep down the shaft, and were using explosives to blast the underground rocks, pleaded with the company to allow them some time to bring out their loads (gold sand), a plea which was accepted by the company for an hour before the exercise began.
Emmanuel Mintah, Deputy Director of Operations at AkromaGold Limited, who led the exercise, said in an interview with Citi News that the company was being proactive to avoid a recurrence of the Obuasi incident, in which some miners were trapped in a mine shaft.
He revealed that the company had an incident at Wusiwusi, in which a 14-year-old girl lost her life in a mining pit after some illegal miners invaded the company’s concession and left the pit bare after mining.
“There is a concession at Wusiwusi which also belongs to our sister company Akroma. A 14-year-old girl, while it was raining, tried to use a shortcut to get to school, but unfortunately, illegal miners who had come to engage in illegal activities did not cover the mining pit and the girl fell in and died.”
“As a company, we were held responsible for that even though we were not the ones mining on that concession. So we don’t want any of such issues to happen again. That is why we are being proactive in doing things now,” he stated.
Mr. Mintah said the activities of illegal miners were a cause for concern because they not only destroyed the land, but they also made it extremely difficult to reclaim the land.
He urged the community members to cooperate with the company in its efforts to reclaim the mined sites.
The police are pursuing a group of four robbers who assassinated a police officer in a bullion van at a suburb ofAblekuma Fanmilk, Accra.
The Police in a statement said “Our prayers and thoughts are with the family of our deceased colleague in particular and all personnel of the Police Service in general.”
The Police Service further assured the public that they will surely get the robbers arrested to face justice.
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.
Meanwhile, the police have launched a manhunt to apprehend the suspected robbers involved in the tragic event. Sources say the robbers have been captured but that is yet to be confirmed by thePolice.
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.
But the June 2021 deadline was extended and all financial institutions are now expected to ensure they provide bullion vans latest by July 1, 2023.
Member of Parliament (MP) for Atwima Nwabiagya South constituency, Emmanuel Adjei Anhwere swerved a mob attack at Abuakwa Sepase on Friday, June 23.
The attack is said to be fueled by the death of a lotto seller who was swept away by flood water.
The MP upon hearing of the demise of the man, came to the scene to inspect the collapsed bridge which caused the death of the death.
However, angry constituents upon seeing their MP started throwing stones at him in a protest.
It took timely intervention of the Police from Abuakwa district command to control the angry crowd who wanted to attack the lawmaker and, in the process, whisk him away to safety.
The angry constituent while protesting described the soft-spoken MP with unprintable words while also threatening to vote against him and the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) for taking their loyalty to the party for granted.
The MP, Emmanuel Adjei Anhwere blamed the unfortunate flooding development in his Abuakwa and its environs on the absence of the contractor responsible for constructing bridge in the area. He said, his constituents have every right to protest against him because of the problems flood waters are exposing them to.
This is the second time the MP has been chased out of his constituency in Ashanti region over deplorable road network in the farming Constituency.
The first incident occurred on was Wednesday (August 24, 2022) where he was chased out with machete by constituents who were unhappy with the poor road infrastructure in the area.
The Ashanti Regional Dean of Ashanti legislators was touring parts of the constituency when the angry youth descended on him. Constituents at Kobeng, Seidi and Amanchia, wielding machete threatened the MP and forced him to flee the scene.
The angry constituent said killing the MP will lead to a by-election which will address majority of their developmental needs in the constituency as done in Sekyere Kumawu and Assin North Constituencies.
Two young boys, Ernest Mensah (11) and Kingsley Agormetor (14), have lost their lives after drowning in Nsakye river at Mfrebiem, a farming community in Akuapem South municipality in the Eastern region.
They drowned when they attempted to fetch from the river which was overflowing its banks as a result of a dam constructed byBlue Skies Company Limited.
The first victim slipped into the river and the second victim attempted to save him but both drowned.
Father of one of the victims, Kwaku Agormetor blamed the flood caused by the Dam for the death of the children.
The dam constructed in the river has caused serious flooding which has submerged a total of about 70 acres of oil palm plantation, cassava, pineapple, maize, pepper and garden eggs farms and flooded homes in Mfrebiem, Deikrom and Agyarkokrom, all farming communities.
The only borehole serving the communities have been heavily polluted as result of the flooding denying residents access to safe drinking water.
The Odikro of Deikrom who is also a farmer Abusuapanin Oko Amoaniexplained the devastation caused by the construction of the dam by Blue Skies Company Limited on their farms as a result of the recent downpour making it difficult for them to depend on their farms for their daily meal.
Michael Agyarko, unit committee member of Mfrebiem community said the dam has blocked smooth flow of the river hence the flooding in that area.
He said the Akuapem South Municipal Assembly has been dully notified to take action before more devastating disaster befall the communities.
Sources say Engineers from Akuapem South Municipal Assembly raised concerns over possible environmental consequences of the Dam but the company went ahead to construct same.
The District Chief Executive Frank Aidoo was however unavailable for interview on subsequent consequential interventions by the Assembly for both short and long and terms solutions to avert future disaster.
The Minority in Parliament has urged the government to promptly allocate funds for the desilting of major drains in Accra as an urgent measure to mitigate the effects of flooding in the capital.
This follows the heavy rainfall on Wednesday, June 21, which the Caucus says led to injuries and property damage in parts of Accra.
In a statement on the floor of Parliament,Minority Chief Whip Governs Agbodza called for immediate action from the government to address the perennial flooding.
“It is not beyond the capability of Parliament to help the relevant agencies to finance the needed interventions to save lives and desilting major drains and gutters in Accra cannot be something beyond the funding of the government and with the approval of Parliament and that is why I call upon the House to take this opportunity to invite our colleague Minister of Works and Housing to brief the House as soon as he can.”
Majority Chief Whip, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, however, says the Works and Housing Committee of Parliament should be more proactive in its work to help contain the situation.
“More often than not, the matter occurs, and then we tend to call on the Speaker to make a referral or rather expect the sector minister to be called upon to appraise the House and so what? It is high time our Committee leaders also get a bit proactive. These disasters have been occurring, and we would have expected the Committee on Works and Housing to at least, by now, start visiting some of these places and also coming to brief the House.”
NADMO’s warning comes two days after four bodies were recovered from floodwaters in various towns in the Ashanti Region following Wednesday’s downpour.
The Ashanti Regional Director of NADMO, Frank Duodu, urged the public not to risk their lives during a downpour.
He admonished the public to take warnings from the Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMA) seriously during the rainy season and act accordingly.
“Make sure that when the rains are coming, we follow the warnings of the Meteo Agency and if there is no need to go to places you know are flood-prone areas, don’t go.”
Mr. Duodu also advised the public to take shelter on higher ground whenever it is raining.
“You find high places to lodge when the rains are coming but if it turns out to be what we witnessed on Wednesday, not that the place got flooded, but you decide to go through the flood waters, then I will say there is more that we have to do.”
Four people drowned at Atafoa, Sepaase, and Tafo, all in the Ashanti Region, on Wednesday, June 21st night.
The brother of one of the victims in the Atafoa incident died when he dived into the river to find the deceased on Thursday, June 22nd.
Africans in the public and private sectors have been urged by former president, John Dramani Mahama to tackle corruption.
Mr. Mahama described corruption as an economic malady that hinders development.
He raised concerns about graft, which he said thrives due to the layered irresponsibility of institutions and state actors who are required to fight it.
The former president made these comments when he was the Special Guest at the 53rd Annual Conference of the Nigeria Institution of Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) under the theme, “Asset Valuation as a Global Anti-Corruption Tool: The Nigeria Experience.”
“Because corruption is a global challenge, its scope and seriousness have led to calls for a worldwide response and cooperation in the fight against it. Corruption is an economic malady. Mr Chairman, corruption hinders economic development, diverts investments from infrastructure, institutions, and social services, and undermines efforts to achieve other country-specific development goals and targets. And we all know why. Graft thrives due to the layered irresponsibility of institutions and state actors that must fight it. Whichever way you visualise it, corruption must be fought whether it occurs in the public or private sector”.
He highlighted discretionary power, economic rent, strong legal system as elements required to fight corruption.
“There are at least three elements required for corruption to occur. First, someone must have discretionary power, which includes the ability to influence the formulation of regulations and administer them. Second, economic rent must be associated with discretionary power, primarily when higher rents are related to the misuse of discretionary power. Third, when the governance or legal system offers a sufficiently low probability of detection or sanction for wrongdoing,” the flagbearer of NDC posited.
According to him, corruption scares investors away from investing in a country.
“Corruption also retards growth because bribes paid by investors to secure investment licenses, including building permits, increase the cost of doing business and, consequently, reduces the incentive to invest in a country. Corruption also has adverse effects on productivity. If the permits and licenses needed by innovators or new producers are obtained by paying bribes, that could impede the entry of new goods or technology onto the markets of many economies,” he asserted.
Mr. Mahama advised the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers to champion efforts to enhance data availability.
“Finally, the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers must champion efforts to enhance real-time data availability, improve technology adoption for land and real estate services online, and formulate relevant legislation for property management,” he urged.
The Executive Director of the African Centre for Security and Counter Terrorism, Emmanuel Kotin, has criticised government for its failure to prioritize the protection of lives by acquiring essential bullion vans for banking institutions.
This criticism comes in the wake of a tragic incident at the Ablekuma Fan Milk Star oil fuel station, where an armed robbery resulted in the loss of a police officer’s life.
According to the African Centre for Security and Counter Terrorism, the absence of approved bullion vans in the banking sector may have contributed to the vulnerability that led to the officer’s untimely death.
In an interview with the media, Mr Kotin, expressed concern over this gap in security measures and urged the Ghana Police Service to take immediate action.
Kotin emphasized the importance of holding banking institutions accountable for their choice of transportation when it comes to the movement of money.
He called on the Ghana Police Service to consider withdrawing their services from banks that continue to use unapproved bullion vans, highlighting the need to prioritize the safety and well-being of law enforcement officers involved in these operations.
“I don’t think anybody in his rightful thinking will have the idea of attacking them that is why I am calling on police personnel to desist sitting in such bullion vans. I know that the operators of such bullion vans are able to get around the rules and the Bank of Ghana because of political connections and political expediency.
“How long are we going to use political connections to bypass good policies and laws we create? what society are we creating? It is about time we do the right thing,” he stated.
Basic schools in the country have not been neglected by government, according to Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, Minister of Education.
He revealed that this was because the government was set to begin the construction of new schools across the country as part of its efforts to eliminate schools under trees and other infrastructural deficits in the country.
The Minister of Education made this statement at the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Promotion Roadshow in Accra on Thursday.
“In the next few weeks through the World Bank intervention and other development banks’ intervention, a number of new schools are going to be built across the country. Some constructions have begun. So if you are watching us from anywhere in this country understand that we have not neglected our basic schools even as we reform our Senior High Schools,” he stated.
Dr Adutwum further said that the government was making the effort and investment to build newSTEMschools that would be fully-fledged stand-alone schools.
He also said that the government wanted to ensure that art courses were integrated into schools to ensure that the country had well-rounded citizens.
“It is a novel opportunity to bring about transformation of our nation. The Ghanaian child must always be prepared to compete with the rest of the world and win, and it begins and ends with Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) education,” he added.
Four churches have been penalized with a fine of GH¢3,000 each for violating the ban on drumming and making excessive noise imposed by theGa Traditional Council.
Additionally, they will be required to present one sheep each and a box of schnapps (castle bridge) to the Ga Traditional Council registry.
The culprits are St. Margaret Catholic Church (Dansoman SSNIT Flat), Faith Independent Baptist Church (Kotobabi), Presbyterian Church of Ghana (Abeka-Lapaz), and Winners Chapel International (Head Office).
Appearing before the court of the Ga Traditional Council on Thursday, the Faith Independent Baptist Church indicated that they used microphones at reduced volumes, but the court presided over by the Jamestown Sempe Mantse and Mankralo of the Ga State, Nii Adotey Otintor II, insisted that this is in contrast to the directive on the ban on drumming and noisemaking.
For the St. Margaret Catholic Church, they argued they followed a subsequent directive from the Chieftaincy Ministry and the agreement between the Regional Minister, Henry Quartey and Faith-Based Organizations, which allowed them to use public address systems at reduced volumes.
They indicated that they had in the past observed the ban, appealing to the Ga Traditional Council to pardon them.
The traditional council in reacting to this, said they issued counter statements against the subsequent directives which sought to vary the terms in observing the ban on drumming and noisemaking
The court after hearing from the religious groups initially fined each GH¢5,000, 1 cow and a box of schnapps (castle bridge) but due to the plea, they reduced it to GH¢3,000gh, a sheep and a box of schnapps (castle bridge).
Meanwhile, two churches, Church ofPentecost(Kaneshie Branch) and Pure Fire Miracle Ministries International (Kisseman) and an individual Chris Agyemang failed to appear before the council.
Thirteen individuals inGomoa Dominase, Central Region, are currently undergoing treatment for suspected rabies following bites from a stray dog.
Residents say the stray dog began biting its victims on Monday, June 19, 2023.
As of Tuesday, June 20, thirteen people have been bitten by the dog.
Some victims who spoke to the media said the dog is not familiar to the community and expressed shock at the way it has been biting residents of Dominase.
“I was heading to my uncle’s shop when the dog bit me from behind. I sustained minor injuries and it’s painful. I hear the dog has bitten over thirteen people in the Gomoa Dominase community. When it bit me, I was rushed to the clinic and given some injection by the doctors,” Paulina Annor a victim told the media.
According to the Assemblyman for the area, the dog is being hunted by local residents.
All thirteen victims who were attacked have been treated and discharged from the Potsin Polyclinic.
The Gomoa East Health Directorate said that if the dog is found, samples will be taken to the lab to prevent an outbreak.
“Within the community, we have identified more cases, over thirteen dog bites within this community. Cases that have been reported within Gomoa Potsin, Gomoa Buduatta and Gomoa Dominase have been given the needed anti-rabies vaccines and discharged. But residents and traditional authorities have begun a search for the particular dog that has been doing this and ensure that samples will be taken for sampling. The DCE and Police have been informed accordingly,” Felix Agyamang Adipare the District Health Director said.
A motion submitted by attorney Tsatsu Tsikata in the James Gyakye Quayson perjury case has been criticized by Attorney-General (AG), Godfred Yeboah Dame as incompetent, unjustified, and ignorant of the law on criminal procedure.
The Attorney-General was opposing a motion filed by Tsatsu Tsikata seeking to set aside an order of the court to conduct a day-to-day trial of the case of perjury against Gyakye Quayson, the deposed Member of Parliament (MP) for Assin North.
Tsatsu Tsikata sought the authority of the court to suspend its day-to-day trial in order for Gyakye Quayson to pursue his desire to campaign and contest the by-election in his constituency occasioned by his sacking from parliament on grounds of ineligibility.
However, the Attorney-General, founding himself on severallegal authorities, argued that the application before the court was alien to the law.
“Every step that ought to be taken in criminal procedure is clearly regulated by the Constitution and the statutes of Ghana. The laws on criminal procedure from the Constitution to Act 30 and the Practice Directions on the conduct of criminal cases do not permit this application. ” Godfred Dame said.
He described the approach by Tsatsu Tsikata as a grand attempt to waste the court’s time which militates against a speedy trial.
Godfred Dame stated that, first, the Constitution enjoins a speedy trial of criminal cases. The Constitution is clear in Article 19(1) that “a person charged with a criminal offence shall be given a fair hearing within a reasonable time by a court”. This provision in the Constitution is to ensure that criminal cases are disposed off in a speedy manner.
Further, the Practice Directions for trial courts issued by the Supreme Court in 2017 require criminal cases to be heard from day to day.
The Attorney-General also argued that per the provision of Article 17 of the 1992 Constitution, all persons are equal before the law. If a teacher or farmer cannot refuse to attend or resist a daily hearing of his. criminal case because has to go to work, why should a politician be able to avoid trial because he wants to go and campaign?
The A-G argued that a grant of the application would result in discrimination contrary to the Constitution.
The A-G pointed out that he cannot understand the claim of lawyer for the accused person, that, if his client appears before the court on 22 and 23 of June, the right to vote of the people of Assin North who are not parties to any case before the court, will be affected when none of the constitutional rights of the Assin North constituents have in any way been tempered with.
The AG supported his argument by citing Sections 168 and 169 of the Criminal Procedure Act 1960 (Act 30). He signalled the importance of Section 168, which is titled “Appearance of both Act parties”. The provision states: “Where at the time appointed for the hearing of the case both the prosecutor and the accused are present before the Court, or if the prosecutor appears personally or by counsel and the personal attendance of the accused person has been dispensed with under section 70, the Court shall proceed to hear the case”.
Section 169, which is on “Adjournment”, states that; “Before or during the hearing of a case, the Court, a) may adjourn the hearing to a certain time and place to be then appointed and stated in the presence and hearing of the parties or their respective counsel then present, and;
b) In the meantime, may suffer the accused to go at large, or may commit the accused to prison, or may release the accused on the entry into a bond with or without sureties, conditioned for the accused person’s appearance at the time and place to which the hearing or further hearing is adjourned.
On the basis of these provisions, the AG urged that the Criminal Procedure Act gives the Court the power to decide the venue, time and date for court sittings and no other person or authority has the power to determine same or to change it.
According to the Attorney-General, the case of Republic versus Eugene Baffoe-Bonnie, established that criminal trials must be prosecuted within a reasonable period of time and that the courts of first instance must do everything possible to sit as regularly as possible to ensure that this is achieved.
Tsatsu Tsikata, in opposition to the AG’s arguments, averred that a speedy trial did not necessarily mean a day-to-day trial despite it being stated black and white in the Practice Directions of the Court.
He further argued that his client had a constitutional mandate to participate in politics and that the right to vote of the people of Assin-North will be adversely affected if the case proceeds from day to day.
The trial judge Marie Yanzuh adjourned the case to Friday, June 23, 2023, to rule on the day-to-day trial. Her Ladyship, however, excused Gyakye Quayson from coming to court on Friday for the ruling.
A six -year-old boy has lost his life after the heavy rains on Wednesday, June 21, at Tafo Ahenbronum in the Tafo-Pankrono Municipality of the Ashanti Region.
The KG2 pupil, according to residents, was taken away by the running water after he slipped and fell in an open gutter while playing in rain showers.
The deceased who has been identified as, Papa Atta was pronounced dead at the Tafo Government Hospital on Wednesday June 21,2023 after residents saw his body over 200 meters away from the accident scene and rushed him to the facility.
Speaking to the media, an aunt to the deceased, Mama Linda confirmed the incident.
“We were all home when it begun to rain, Papa Atta, his twin sister, together with other children had returned from school and were playing inside when it begun to rain, we had no idea, the deceased had gone out to play in the rains with his colleagues who were already outside
“We later heard some people shouting about a child who had been dragged away by the water, only for us to learn that it was Papa Atta Residents in the area searched frantically for him only for us to discover his body over 200 metres away from our house full of injuries. He was rushed to the hospital where he was pronounced dead by doctors”, she narrated.
Mama Linda noted that the body of the deceased has since been kept at the morgue of Tafo Government hospital.
The Deputy Director of Forecasting at the Meteorological Department, Dr. Joseph Porturphy, has advised residents residing in flood-prone areas to relocate to btter places as therainy seasonhas commenced.
This, he says, is due to the fact that the rains are expected until the second week of July, since it is the rainy season.
“So we will plead again if it is a flood-prone area, then you just move out. If the rains subside then you come back,” he appealed.
This follows reports of flooding in some parts of Accra after Wednesday’s downpour.
One of the suburbs of Ngleshie Amanfro in the Ga South Municipality, Peace Town, has been completely cut off by the torrential rain.
Dr. Portuphy also advised against commuting to frequently flooded areas, adding that alternate routes must be taken.
Again, he advised drivers to be cautious on the road and to park their vehicles when in flooded areas until the water recedes.
As part of its 60th anniversary celebration, the Volta River Authority (VRA) has initiated an educational program in selected schools in the Eastern Region.
The programme, which is in collaboration with the Ghana International Trade and Finance Conference (GITFIC) is to educate students on the African Continental Free Trade Area(AfCFTA).
To actualise their intentions, they have also distributed 1,000 books on AfCFTA to those educational institutions.
A statement signed by Selasi Koffi Ackom, Chief Executive Officer of GITFiC and copied to the Ghana News Agency in Accra said the collaboration was to enhance the performance of students before they got to the tertiary level.
The statement mentioned beneficiary schools as Adgyena Senior High Technical Schools, Anum Presby Senior High School, Akwamuman Senior High School, Boso Senior High School, Apeguso Senior High School, Krobo Girls Senior High School, Akro Senior High Technical School, Akuse Methodist Senior High Technical School and Manya Krobo Senior High School.
The rest are Yilo Krobo Senior High School, Klo-Agogo Senior High School, Asesewa Senior High School and Akosombo International School.
It said the sensitization and distribution were facilitated by a joint delegation including; Mr. Paul Seniagya (Director of Finance – VRA), Madam Tandy Chothia (Manager, Corporate Communications and Branding – VRA), Mr. Samuel Tettey (Director, Ghana Education Service – Lower Manya Krobo Municipality), Mr. Gerald Ekow Woode (Director, Research, Policy and Advocacy – GITFiC) among other dignitaries.
The statement said the books would be kept in the libraries of each school for rotational reading by all students.
“GITFiC remains steadfast in the pursuit of this endeavor as a supporting mechanism to the AfCFTA.”
A member of parliament for Ningo-Prampram, Sam George, has stated that the court lacks the authority to stop Parliament from enacting the anti-LGBTQ bill.
The vocal proponent of the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill says the judiciary should not overstep its boundaries by attempting to dictate the legislative process.
Speaking to the media, Mr George questioned the court’s willingness to entertain two recent cases brought before it against the bill’s passage.
“I’m wondering why the courts are going ahead to even entertain any case at this point in time because the courts must bear in mind that no court can issue a judgment or give directive to the President that you can’t discuss this matter in Cabinet.”
He highlighted that while the courts play a crucial role in ensuring due process and keeping the legislation in check, they cannot assume to have the power to impede on Parliament’s right to pass laws.
“It is the prerogative ofParliamentto pass legislation, and so no court should think that they have the power to tell Parliament that you can pass this bill or you cannot pass this,” Mr George stressed.
Citing a previous case involving the Marijuana legislation, Sam George underscored that the courts have the ability to review the legislative process after Parliament has passed a law.
He said in such cases, they can assess whether all necessary procedures were followed and potentially nullify the law if due process was not observed. However, he firmly stated that this should not interfere with Parliament’s right to sit and pass laws.
“You can pass a judgment, saying that Parliament did not go through all the processes and nullify the law. But you can’t tell Parliament that you cannot sit and pass a law,” added Mr. George.
The proposed LGBT Bill has been a subject of intense debate in Ghana, sparking discussions both domestically and internationally.
The bill seeks to criminalise activities related to homosexuality and increase penalties for those involved.
While it has generated support from certain segments of society who believe it aligns with Ghana’s cultural and religious values, it has also drawn criticism from human rights organizations and advocates who argue that it infringes upon the rights and dignity of the LGBTQ+ community.
In order to oversee the approval or denial of grant requests from Micro, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSMEs) applying for various Grant Programs under the Ghana Economic Transformation Project(GETP), which is funded by the World Bank, Kobina Tahir Hammond, the Minister for Trade and Industry, has sworn in a seven-member Grant Committee.
The GETP, which is being implemented by the Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA), is a government initiative to promote private investments and firm growth in non-resource-based sectors.
That is the deployment of Technical Assistance and Grants for the most qualified businesses outside the extractive oil and gas sectors.
The Ghana Enterprises Agency (an agency under the Ministry of Trade and Industry) is one of the Technical Implementing Agencies (TIAs) of the GETP and is responsible for the implementation of the Project’s flagship programme (the SME High Growth Programme), and other Technical Assistance and Grant Programmes of the Ghana Economic Transformation Project.
The grant committee will have oversight over four Technical Assistance (TA) and grant programmes.
The first of the four TA and Grant Programmes is called the SME High Growth Programme, which is the flagship Programme under the GETP targeting High Growth Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to support productivity and competitiveness-enhancing initiatives by such firms to accelerate their growth.
The second programme dubbed Youth in MSME Programme – targets micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) owned by young people between the ages of 18 – 35 years.
The third is the women MSME programme. This programme is exclusively for female-owned enterprises ranging from Micro to Medium sized firms. The final TA and grant programme is called PWD Enterprise Support Programme and is set up for only micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) as well as startups owned by Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) or firms having most of their employees being PWDs.
The mandate of the committee is to grant final approval for grant recommendations submitted for their review and to proffer reasons for rejecting any grant requests.
The inauguration and swearing-in of the committee was necessitated by the dictates of the Project Implementation Manual which requires the set-up of the committee.
The Minister tasked the grant committee to undertake their duties dispassionately, fairly and with an open mind.
The chairperson of the committee expressed the appreciation of the members for the opportunity given to them by the minister and promised to work diligently to achieve the desired Project Development Objective of the Ghana Economic Transformation Project.
The General Secretary of the Ghana National Association of Teachers(GNAT), Thomas Musah, has emphasized the importance of identifying the loopholes that contributed to the mass failure in this year’s Teacher Licensure Examination.
He believes that addressing these issues is crucial to prevent similar problems from arising in the future.
He said this could be achieved by bringing all stakeholders together to have a national dialogue on the matter.
“This is a national crisis, and for us at GNAT, it is about time we have a national dialogue about this matter because we cannot leave this matter in the hands of the National Teaching Council alone,” he said.
“We believe that by bringing all stakeholders together and identifying the gaps, we will be able to find a lasting solution to this problem, and we will not be here again. By next year, we would have been able to solve the problem, even if not all of it, I believe that 60 to 70 percent would have been corrected.”
Mr. Musah noted that the results were very disturbing and signalled the need for urgent action to be taken.
In an interview with the media, Mr. Musah also expressed concern that if the situation was not addressed, it could affect the country’s human capital in the next 18 years.
He said the failure would make it impossible for the Ghana Education Service to employ the teachers, which could lead to teacher shortages.
“It also means that the over 6,000 who failed cannot be employed by the Ghana Education Service specifically, and it also raises concerns about investment because some of these teachers were sponsored by giving them trainee allowance, and they have failed,” he added.
TheGhana Chamber of Construction Industries (GhCCI) has stated that the difficulties experienced by contractors have been made worse by the Minister of Roads and Highways, Kwasi Amoako-Atta.
Cocoa road contractors’ have petitioned Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin over Ghana COCOBOD’s refusal to pay their four billion Cedis debt.
The aggrieved contractors say the delay has resulted in some members losing valuable properties, while others have developed complicated health conditions.
They have therefore givenCOCOBOD 21 day’s ultimatum to meet their demands.
Speaking on Starr Today with Emmanul Agyabeng Wednesday the Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Chamber of Construction Industries, Emmanuel Cherry stated that its better the Road Minister keeps mute if there is nothing better for contractors.
“The Minister for Roads and Highways Honorable Kwasi Amoako-Atta made a specific declaration that before 31st December 2022 contractors we will be paid, that was the statement he released. But let’s ask ourselves this question: has he been able to honor that? That is a question hanging on his integrity.
“So it’s better he doesn’t come out to say anything at all. Because anytime he comes out to make declarations and nothing happens you have endangered the little thing that contractors enjoy with their service providers and financial institution and opens them up to different attacks and ridicule,” Mr. Cherry stated.
He continued: “Because immediately that happens they also come on contractors thinking they have been paid so they need their money. So these are some of the challenges. So honorable Amoako Atta has worsened the plight of contractors as we see in this country.”
In his bid to become the flagbearer of theNew Patriotic Party (NPP) and potentially the President of Ghana, Kennedy Agyapong has pledged to adopt a zero-tolerance approach towards corruption and any activities related to corruption.
That, he said, would ensure accountability from public office holders and deliver the desired development for Ghanaians.
“I believe in accountability. If God gives me the nod, he (pointing at his Campaign Manager) will be the Chief of Staff. Listen to me very carefully, one strike and he is out. Ghana first, he comes second,” he said.
“If he does anything against this country, I will fire him. That is the only way we can move this country forward. So, can you imagine if I have fired my Chief of Staff. The rest would sit up because even if the Chief of Staff has been fired, what about me the director, what about me the manager? It trickles down and we become discipline.”
Mr Agyapong made the remarks after filing his nomination forms to contest the flagbearership of the NPP, inAccra.
The MP also mentioned creation of job opportunities for the teeming youth if elected as flagbearer of the Party and ultimately, the president as his priority.
He said Ghana had abundant natural resource such as arable land which supported agriculture.
“I have visited about 180 constituencies and have come to realise that we as politicians have done a disservice to the nation. With the arable lands, seas, rivers that God has given to us, we are endowed with so many minerals, a lot of opportunities in this country. But, everywhere you go, especially Volta Region, the resources are untapped. And I want Ghanaians to give the opportunity and challenge me that, I will make sure I turn the fortune of this country around, he said.
“I don’t believe in theory. I am a pragmatic person, I believe in practical things. What I saw in Volta Region, what I saw in Afram Plains area and Northern Region, believe me that we can change this country.”
Mr Agyapong stressed that Ghana’s inflation and interest rate woes where attributable to the country’s inability to produce and export more to earn .
He said, going forward, Ghana must pursue rigorous agro-processing policies to add more value to its raw materials to boost its foreign exchange earning.
“I don’t believe in theory. Your inflation will be stable only when you have been able to stabilize prices, interest rate will be stable only when we stabilize our prices here and especially when our export exceeds import and we have excess of the foreign currency, that is when we can stabilize this country.
“It is not only book. Let’s get down to work,” he added.
He called for a change in the mindset of Ghanaians which made them feel inferior to citizens of other countries, stressing that, the time had come for them to be patriotic and put the country first.
He also urged delegates and Ghanaians at large, to “have faith in me that there is a new dawn that is going to change this country.”
The NPP opened nomination for its presidential primary May 26, 2023.
The one-month long exercise is expected to close on Saturday, June 24, 2023.
The Party has scheduled August 26 for its Special Elections as well as November 4, for the National Conference to elect a flagbearer for the 2024 general election.
At least two individuals have lost their lives in the Ashanti Regionas a result of Wednesday’s downpour.
All the victims are male who attempted to cross the flood water flowing with strong current in the evening to their destinations.
At Afoah on the Barekese road, a victim who was sitting on a bicycle wanted to save his bicycle when the violent flooding water overpowered both in the Bantama constituency. The lifeless body is yet to be located as of Thursday morning.
In the Atwima Nwabiagya North district, a father of two was also washed away at Abuakwa Besiase while crossing a river on motorcycle.
Traditional authority in the communities where the people were washed away by the flood waters have been informed while preparations for traditional rite are underway.
Several communities in Ashanti region including Kejetia, Adum, Breman, Aboabo, Oforikrom were all flooded during and after the evening rains.
While sexual intercourse is commonly associated with pleasure and intimacy, it is important to recognize that for certain individuals, it can result in pain and a burning sensation in their intimate area.
Pain during sex should not be ignored, and it is crucial to understand the underlying causes and seek suitable treatment.
Here are some possible reasons for the burning sensation during sex and how to prevent it:
1. Vaginal dryness
One common physical cause of burning during sex is vaginal dryness. Inadequate vaginal lubrication can result from various factors such as hormonal imbalances, different phases of the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, perimenopause, and menopause.
It is advisable to use lubricants during sex, as they help reduce friction and enhance comfort.
2. Infections
Various infections can lead to a burning sensation during intercourse. Bacterial vaginal infections, yeast infections, and urinary tract infections are common culprits. Bacterial vaginosis can cause vaginal burning in women, while men may experience prostatitis.
Yeast infections are characterized by itching, white discharge, and burning. Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) like trichomoniasis, gonorrhoea, genital herpes, and chlamydia can also cause vaginal pain.
Seeking medical attention and appropriate medication is crucial for treating these infections effectively.
3. Allergies and irritation
Allergies and some substances such as lubricants, latex, or even semen can cause a burning sensation. Some lubricants containing parabens and sulfates can also alter the pH of the vagina, leading to irritation.
Using water-based lubricants without fragrances, flavours, or other additives can help in such situations. Latex condoms may also irritate, and switching to alternative materials can be beneficial.
4. Vaginal injuries
Fissures or cracks in the vulva, vagina or anus can cause a burning sensation during and after sex. Inadequate lubrication before sexual activity is a common cause of these fissures.
Afia Schwarzenegger has expressed curiosity about whether Yvonne Nelson’s frustrations, as detailed in her memoir ‘I am not Yvonne Nelson,’ could be attributed, in part, to the realization that a distinguished man like Mr. Peter Ala Adjetey was not her biological father.
Owing to the manner in which Yvonne is said to have set her mother up for ridicule in the book, Afia has wondered if the actress was disappointed that the former Speaker of Parliament wasn’t her father.
Afia Schwarzenegger said she is forced to ask if Yvonne Nelson would have made this whole matter public if her supposed father was the notorious criminal Ataa Ayi, and not a former Speaker.
She made these comments while stating that it is totally unfair for Yvonne to have publicized a book that discloses her confusion about the real identity of her father, a situation which has since subjected the actress’ mother to trolls and insults.
“After publicly scolding a man who ended up NOT being your real dad, calling a family member out shouldn’t be your option. Would you have done the same if your Dad was Atta Ayi in Prison and NOT the former speaker??? Just asking,” she wrote on Instagram
Afia, then quoted the part of the Bible that instructs children to respect their parents irrespective of any circumstance.
“Children Obey thy parents is a commandment from God…So respect your mother no matter the situation cos you yourself have had your fair share of bad relationships.
“Writing a book to wash your dirty linen in public is NOT boldness but childishness at the highest degree(done that and outgrown it) Who in his or her right thinking mind will write a book to disrespect her mother….”If I don’t know the real father of my children, if any of my children have to do a DNA to ascertain their paternity, then I the promiscuous mother should be ashamed of myself literally an Ashawo is even better. Couldn’t you have done that in private, with your family, or probably a pastor/ counsellor?? And we have grown IDIOTS who will gather at the comment section to defend this shameful act…those applauding you today will remind your daughter who her grandmother is. Beware of the things you do when you have a daughter.. I pray for you for strength the day your daughter will question you about your book,” she added
On the occasion of the 2023 edition of World Music Day, the Musician Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) has made a plea to the government, urging them to reinstate the operating license of the Ghana Music Rights Organization (GHAMRO) for the purpose of collecting music royalties.
The Ashanti Regional Chairperson for MUSIGA, Augustina Addison who made the call said GHAMRO has not been able to distribute royalties to its members due to a withheld operating license.
The seasoned musician in an interview with Jacob Agyenim Boateng on OTEC News said that the operating license has been withheld by the regulator through the copyright office for years, preventing musicians in the country to enjoy the fruit of their labour.
“We are passionately pleading with the government to as a matter of urgency restore the operating license of GHAMRO, because they are unable to collect royalties and distribute them to its members without the license”, she said.
About World Music Day
Speaking on the World Music Day, Augustina Addison said it was marked annually on June 21, 2023.
She noted that the day is designated to pay tribute to music, something which plays a significant role in everybody’s life.
“Globally, there are several events that occur on this day. In Ashanti Region, we usually use the occasion to encourage people to play music outdoors to participate in the celebration of World Music”,
“And as part of activities to mark the day, MUSIGA engaged experienced musicians, music producers and managers, distributors of music, music promoters, media and other industry players, to discuss core industry issues within the industry and share their knowledge on how the industry can be transformed through educating young musicians on steps that can be taken to make them successful in their career”, she stated.
Augustina Addison used the occasion to thank the public for their unflinching support to musicians over the years.
American actor, playwright, director and entrepreneur, Tyler Perry, like many successful black people, started his journey from a humble beginning. He grew up in a poor home and had an abusive father. At a point, Perry had to make a home in his car; however, he is a celebrity billionaire today.
In 2020, the veteran Hollywood filmmaker and business mogul became a new member of the “billionaires club” with a net worth of $1 billion. One of the contributory factors to Perry’s success and rise on the financial ladder is credited to his exclusive 100% ownership of his works.
This includes over 1,200 television episodes, 22 movies, at least 24 stage plays, as well as his 330-acre multifaceted Atlanta studio that he officially opened in 2019. All of Perry’s films, which he also fully owns the have also grossed almost $1 billion in revenue.
“I love when people say you come from ‘humble beginnings,’” Perry told Forbes. “[It] means you were poor as hell.” It also makes success sweeter, he added. “Ownership, changes everything.”
Per a breakdown of his fortune done by Forbes, Perry earned $300 million in cash and investments, $320 million from his catalog of movies, shows, plays, etc, $280 million for his 330-acre Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta, $60 million for his BET+ equity stake and $40 million in homes and toys.
The bulk of his earnings come from his acting and other related businesses. Below are some businesses owned by the actor and entrepreneur.
Tyler Perry Studios
In 2019, Tyler Perry opened one of the largest privately owned motion-picture studios in Atlanta, Georgia. The facility sits on 330 acres of land and has 12 fully furnished sound stages for movie productions. He reportedly committed $250 million into the studio construction. The made him a major real estate investor in Atlanta.
Stake in Black Entertainment Television (BET)
Tyler Perry has a minority stake in BET’s streaming platform, BET+. His shows like “Sistas,” “The Oval,” and “House of Payne,” among others, all air on the black-owned channel.
BET was founded by Robert Johnson in 1980 with backing from cable mogul, John Malone. It became the first TV in the US to target black viewers, however, in 2000, BET was acquired by Paramount Global 2000 for $2.3 billion in stock and the assumption of $570 million in debt.
Tyler Perry Collection clothing line
Tyler Perry owns a clothing line he named after himself. The fashion brand designs a wide range of products, including men and women’s apparel, shoes, and accessories. According to the South China Morning Post, he sells them through his website and various retail outlets such as department stores, specialty shops, and online platforms. The platform adds that the movie director has earned about $20 million from his clothing collection.
Tyler Perry Wines
According to the South China Morning Post, Tyler also owns a wine brand. He owns Tyler Perry Wines and reportedly made $6 million. “Tyler Perry Wines is a wine brand he created as a small leisure business out of his love for wine,” the platform noted.
Cynthia Quarcoo, the esteemed lawyer who was representing Ghanaian musician Sarkodie, has passed away. In addition to her successful legal career, Cynthia Quarcoo was widely recognized and respected within the entertainment industry for her contributions and influence. Her untimely demise is a great loss to both the legal profession and the entertainment community.
She founded Africa 1 Media, a renowned talent management and public relations firm that collaborated with various Ghanaian musicians.
Additionally, she selflessly dedicated two years as a pro bono legal advisor to the Musicians Union of Ghana, offering her guidance to artists such as Sarkodie, Rocky Dawuni, Stonebwoy, Edem, Stephanie Benson, Reggie Rockstone, Bisa Kdei, and Samini, among others.
Cynthia Quarcoo’s impact extended beyond her client representation. She made history in Ghana by establishing the first dedicated Entertainment, Sports, and Media Practice within her law firm.
This groundbreaking initiative showcased her commitment to serving the creative and sporting talent in the country, leaving a lasting imprint on the legal landscape.
With her untimely demise, Cynthia Quarcoo leaves behind a void in both the legal and entertainment communities. Her legacy will be remembered as a trailblazer, a dedicated advocate, and a significant contributor to the industries she served with passion and dedication.
Known for her legal expertise and appearances on Ghanaian TV and radio stations, Cynthia’s cause of death has not been disclosed, although reports indicate that she had been battling an illness for some time before her passing.
Amidst Ghana’s economic crisis, the government is seeking assistance from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and other international organizations to navigate the challenging circumstances, which are attributed to factors such as the impact of COVID-19 and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine War; however, many Ghanaians hold the belief that the current hardships stem from inadequate economic management by the government.
Speaking with 3news.com, some Ghanaians on the streets of Accra share how they have been compelled by the prevailing hardship in the country to resort to multiple sources of income to survive.
A section of the educated ones, who have permanent jobs have also resorted to doing menial jobs when they are off duty to supplement their incomes.
In an interview with our reporter, Clara Boadi Konadu, Madam Liliff Akpaok a ‘pragya’ driver, disclosed that she decided to drive the tricycle because her salary is not sufficient.
“Although I work as a security at the University of Ghana, I realized my salary was not enough. Not because the amount was too small or maybe I was living above my means, but prices of utilities, goods and services especially food stuffs have increased, ” she said.
She continued that, “I realized I had a qualified licence to drive a motorbike and all that I needed was a licence ‘A’ which could enable me drive a ‘pragya’ in Accra. So, I upgraded myself to acquire a licence which could permit me drive a ‘pragya’.”
Although Liliff says it is tiring and out of the ordinary for a woman to drive a ‘pragya’ in Accra, she sees it as a blessing hence drives during her off- days and when she is on leave. She also touts the profitability of the venture as she gets enough to supplement her salary, thus meet her financial obligations.
Liliff believes that the ‘pragya’ business has really helped to take a significant number of the teeming unemployed youth off the streets. This, according to her, has reduced social vices in the urban areas.
She there urged the government to consider the benefits of the ‘pragya’ business and refrain from banning it.
The Government of Ghana has recently secured a bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which comes with numerous conditionalities. Amongst such policies is an increase in utilities by 18.36% amidst the regular increase of prices in fuel and petroleum products which has worsened the plight of the ordinary Ghanaian.
Tragically, two Ghanaian female students pursuing their studies at Clemson University in the United States of America (USA) were involved in a devastating car accident on June 18, 2023, resulting in the loss of their lives, as reported by various media outlets. The individuals who lost their lives in this unfortunate incident have been identified as Abena Gyamfua Ofori, a 31-year-old graduate student specializing in English, and Alberta Oduraa Quartey, a 23-year-old graduate student.
Per a report filed by fskhub.com, the news of their untimely demise has left the entire university community in a state of mourning.
The report explained that the unfortunate accident occurred on Highway 11 near Elizabeth Drive, South Carolina USA. The incident took place when two vehicles traveling in opposite directions collided head-on, claiming the lives of Alberta Quartey and Abena Ofori.
In a press release, the Graduate Students Association of Ghana USA branch (GRASAG-USA) expressed its deepest condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of the deceased.
“Deepest Condolences on the Tragic Loss of Alberta Oduraa Quartey and Abena Gyamfua Ofori.
“Dear everyone, it is with immense sorrow and a profound sense of grief that we, the entire GRASAG-USA organization, express our deepest condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of two of our graduate students who tragically lost their lives in a devastating crash in South Carolina. We mourn the untimely passing of Alberta Oduraa Quartey and Abena Gyamfua Ofori, both Ghanaian graduate students who were an integral part of the Clemson University community,” part of the statement said.
The statement added “As an organization, we stand in solidarity with you, offering our unwavering support and condolences to their families, friends, and loved ones.
“May the memories of Alberta Oduraa Quartey and Abena Gyamfua Ofori serve as a beacon of light and inspiration for all who knew them. May their souls find eternal peace and rest.”
During a parliamentary session, Mr. Akwasi Konadu, the Member of Parliament for Manhyia North, delivered a statement addressing the significance of the “International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists,” wherein he appealed to fellow lawmakers to support and assist in creating an environment where media professionals can carry out their responsibilities without intimidation or bias.
This, he said, could be achieved by ensuring the safety and security of media practitioners and giving them all the necessary support to do their jobs.
He urged the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) not to relent in its pursuit of justice for all journalists who had suffered any form of injustice in their line of duties.
He also appealed to the Police to ensure that the killers of Mr Ahmed Hussein-Suale, an investigative journalist and Mr Samuel Kwanena Ennin, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the GJA, were brought to book.
“Parliament, we also want to assure all media practitioners that we stand shoulder to shoulder with them,” Mr Konadu said.
The United Nations General Assembly in 2013 set aside November 2, as the “International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists” to condemn attacks and violence against journalists.
Contributing to the presentation, Mr Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, Majority Leader, said the National Media Commission that was charged to regulate the conduct of media practitioners captured under Article 167 of the 1992 Constitution was to promote and ensure the freedom and independence of the media for mass communication or information.
To take all appropriate measures to ensure the establishment and maintenance of the highest journalistic standards in the mass media, including the investigation, mediation and settlement of complaints made against or by the press or other mass media and to insulate the state-owned media from governmental control.
The Member of Parliament (MP) for Tamale-North, Alhassan Suhuyini is organising free extra classes for the 2023 BECE candidates in the constituency.
According to him, this is to enable the candidates prepare adequately for their examinations. The classes which started on Saturday, June 10, will continue until the students are done with their exams.
The subjects to be taught include Mathematics, English Language, Integrated Science and Social Studies.
The centres for the classes are Bishop R/C, Choggu, Kanviller R/C, St Augustine, Nyanshegu and Fou Matariya JHS. Mr Suhuyini in a media interview said education is key on his transformation agenda of the constituency.
Meanwhile, the lawmaker recently madedonations to some artisans in the constituency. The items donated included vulganizing machine, industrial sewing machines, welding machines, carpenter tools and machines.
Other items were glass cutting machines, masonry tools, steel bending tools, car washing machines, grass mowing tools.
He also commissioned an ultra-modern ten-seater public toilet facility for the people of Kalpohini, a community in the Tamale-North Constituency.He also donated two brand new motorbikes to selected persons in the constituency.
Ghana Education Service(GES) has disclosed that plans are underway to roll out Professional Learning Community (PLC) sessions across all Senior High Schools (SHS) and Senior High Technical Schools (SHTS) in Ghana.
This is targeted at strengthening teachers’ understanding and adherence to the National Teachers’ Standards (NTS) and getting them ready for the introduction of the new secondary education curriculum which will be rolled-out in the 2024/25 academic year.
A 100-member National Training Team made up of representatives of GES, T-TEL, Senior High Schools, and Colleges of Education have gone through a five-day training to ensure an effective institutionalization and roll-out of the PLC sessions in 726 schools.
According to GES “These weekly PLC sessions have been piloted by GES since 2022 in 12 SHS and SHTS using structured handbooks developed in partnership with the National Teaching Council (NTC)”.
The training was led by GES with support from Professor Jonathan Fletcher, Key Advisor for Teaching and Learning Partnerships at T-TEL.
“Through these sessions, we hope to support teachers to make learning enjoyable, recognising the individual differences of learners and helping them to develop themselves, regardless of their challenges in learning,” Professor Fletcher said.
These weekly PLC sessions, facilitated by trained teachers within each school is to ensure that all teachers are familiar with the National Teachers’ Standards (NTS) and are able to incorporate concepts related to Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI), Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Social & Emotional Learning (SEL) in their classrooms.
Mr. Robin Todd, the Executive Director of T-TEL, has emphasised that the success or otherwise of the new secondary education curriculum hinges to a large extent on the effective implementation of weekly PLC sessions in schools with the support of the training teams.
— Flood Fighters Movement #stopthefloods (@floodfightersgh) June 21, 2023
Flooding also took over the Accra-Winneba Road forcing commuters to use one side of the double-lane road.
This is towards the West Hills mall on the Accra Winneba road. The other side heading to Accra is totally flooded so all commuters are using the side towards the mall. This is not new, it has been like this since🤦🏾♂️🤦🏾♂️🤦🏾♂️. #Floodspic.twitter.com/W0HaGGTKxI
On Wednesday, June 21, 2023, Charles Bissue, the former secretary of the disbanded Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining(IMCIM), surrendered himself to the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).
A statement from the OSP said Bissue was arrested at 11:45 GMT and interviewed by officials of the Office. He was subsequently released on bail.
The Office of the Special Prosecutor declared Charles Bissue wanted last week following the failure of the latter to respond to an invitation from the Special Prosecutor to appear and answer questions regarding the ongoing investigation into suspected corruption within the now defunct IMCIM.
Charles Bissuewho already is on trial for alleged corruption-related offences linked to him in the Anas Aremeyaw Anas’s galamsey fraud documentary is also being investigated for alleged corruption issues related to some expenses of the then Inter-Ministerial Committee on illegal mining.
Charles Bissue however, secured a ruling of the court purporting to quash the arrest warrant.
But the OSP in what looked like a response to the court order revealed that it does not need a warrant to effect arrest.
As a result, the arrest status of Charles Bissue on the website of the office of the special prosecutor remained as wanted.
But that has since changed to reported after he turned himself in.
In an accompanying statement, the Special Prosecutor revealed that Charles Bissue has been put under arrest, interviewed and released on bail.
A Nutritionist at the Tamale Central Hospital,Issahaku Yakubu, has advised Ghanaians to incorporate ‘dawadawa’ into their regular diet to mitigate the prevalence of chronic diseases in the country.
He said dawadawa was “A good source of plant-based protein, which is essential for the growth and repair of body tissues, production of enzymes, hormones and overall health.”
Mr Yakubu made the call in an interview with the Ghana News Agency in Tamale.
He said it was unfortunate that most families, restaurants, and other food vendors were patronising more imported ingredients and other food seasoning products to the neglect of Dawadawa,which has superior nutrients and plays an integral part on health and wellness.
He said regular intake of dawadawa was also beneficial for weight management because it was rich in natural dietary fiber, which aids digestion and helps maintain a healthy digestive system.
Mr Yakubu said “When we make consumption of dawadawa part of our meals, we will avoid most of the chronic diseases, which are medically expensive and claim more lives.”
He called on members of the public to disregard the erroneous impression that dawadawa was meant for the poor, lower class people and the uneducated.
The Deputy Ranking Member of the Financial Committee in Parliament, Isaac Adongo, has criticized President Akufo-Addo for blaming rating agencies for contributing to the country’s economic woes.
The Member of Parliament for Bolgatanga Central is of the view that the ratings of these international rating agencies have a great deal in borrowing from developed countries.
Isaac Adongo further described President Akufo-Addo as a dishonest man for enjoying the benefits of high financial ratings but having a problem with low ratings from the same bodies when their findings are nothing but the truth.
“You see the dishonesty, when the rating agencies were rating us high and we were going to the capital markets and showing them the rating of Ghana and collecting the $3 billion, were we in bed with them to deceive the investors? What have the rating agencies said that is not true?
“They should tell that man [Akufo-Addo] that rating is not a diplomatic manoeuvre, he should stop going around his peers and telling them stories. The rating agencies and the capital market predates his own life, and it is part of the global financial system that has come to be accepted. He has been a beneficiary of it,” Adongo said.
President Akufo-Addo during the 30th Africa Export and Import Bank annual meetings, took a swipe at rating agencies for their “reckless” downgrades of African economies during the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
He noted that these downgrades have led to countries, especially Ghana being shut out of the international capital market.
“I can comfortably and convincingly say this as the AU champion for African financial institutions and leader of a country, which recently had to deal with one of the most difficult periods in his post-independence history, difficulties which were exacerbated by the reckless behaviour of rating agencies that engaged in pro-cyclical downgrades shutting Ghana out of capital markets and turning it liquidity crisis into a solvency crisis.
“The country which had become the favourite child of bondholders, and had successfully gone to market at the height of the pre-Covid downturn was suddenly shut out of international capital markets,” Akufo-Addo said during his speech at the 30th annual meetings of Afreximbank.
Supporters of Ken Agyapong have thronged the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) headquarters in Asylum Down as he files his nomination forms today, Wednesday June 21, 2023.
The crowd joined the outspoken MP to proudly display placards bearing the inscription “Ken Ohene Agyapong for President 2024,” while jubilantly singing and dancing.
Radiating confidence, Kennedy Agyapong donned a striking white ensemble and graciously acknowledged the enthusiastic crowd by waving in their direction.
So far the flagbearers of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) who have filed their nomination forms include; Former General Secretary of NPP,Kwabena Agyapong, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, former Trades Minister Alan Kyerematen, former Energy Minister Boakye Agyarko, Dr. Konadu Apraku, and former Agric Minister Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto.
The NPP will elect a flagbearer ahead of the 2024 elections on November 4, 2023.
However, because more than five candidates have filed to run in the primaries, the party will call a Special Congress on August 26.
The Ghana Library Authority’s (GLA) CEO, Hayford Siaw, has urged the Ministry of Education and theGhana Education Service (GES) to give the authority control over school libraries in the country.
Mr Siaw believes that the authority is well-positioned to support and operate many of these school libraries, ensuring their improved management and overall state.
Mr Siaw expressed confidence in the authority’s expertise to effectively handle and enhance the functionality of these facilities.
During an interview with the media on Wednesday, June 21, 2023, he made this appeal.
Currently, the authority boasts of a collection of approximately 1.4 million books and has expanded its library network from 61 to 118 branches across the country.
In addition, the authority has established a partnership with a Mobile Network Organization to provide internet services in all library facilities nationwide.
As one of the oldest public institutions in Ghana, the GLA utilizes innovation and technology to meet the evolving demands of education.
“Our commitment to innovation has resulted in 1.5 million library visits last year, and we have the aim to reach 2 million visits by the end of this year,” he revealed.
Mr Siaw further highlighted that the authority has renovated its mobile library vans to reach out to underserved areas, particularly cluster schools lacking proper library facilities.
In conclusion, the CEO of the Ghana Library Authority has called for the incorporation of school libraries into the authority’s management, citing their vision, expertise, and commitment to improving library services across the country.
John Dumelo, a well-known Ghanaian actor and politician, has responded to a photo that was shared by socialite Efia Odo.
On June 20, 2023, the actress shared an old picture of her and John Dumelo on Twitter.
The shared photo comes in the wake of the recent Yvonne Nelson and Sarkodie controversy, where Nelson talked about her amorous relationship with the singer in her newly released book.
On June 19, 2023, Ghanaians were hit with a shocking revelation. “I am not Yvonne Nelson”, a book written by Yvonne Nelson, details some things she has gone through in life, which include her love life, the absence of her father in her life, and abortion.
With regard to the abortion, the actress disclosed that she had an affair with Michael Owusu Addo, popularly known as Sarkodie, one of Ghana’s best rappers. She explained that the artiste opted for an abortion because he wasn’t ready to be a father.
The revelation left Ghanaians in shock and also sparked several reactions from netizens and some celebrities like Shatta Wale, Sista Afia, and Victoria Lebene.
While the brouhaha about the incident continued to stir up social media platforms like Twitter, Efia Odo also shared a picture of her and John Dumelo on the internet.
Dumelo, after seeing the photo, reacted, seemingly pleading with the actress not to also start a controversy.
“Efia I beg,” was the politician’s response to the actress’ post.
Odo also replied to his comment by stating that: “Oh it is a harmless picture”.
In her newly published memoir titled ‘I am not Yvonne Nelson,’ actress Yvonne Nelson bravely exposes her innermost thoughts and shares a heart-wrenching confession about her mother considering her a mistake and contemplating terminating the pregnancy.
Looking back on her childhood, Yvonne shares that music and the arts became her refuge, shielding her from the potential loneliness and depression that accompanied her feeling of not fully belonging in her own family.
Recalling the hurtful words her mother would use to inflict pain, Yvonne candidly expresses, “When my mother was angry with me and really wanted to hurt me, she would tell me she had given birth to me by mistake. Whenever she said it, she knew how I felt. She knew she was driving a sharp nail into my heart. I could feel she really wanted to hurt me. Maybe, she was just being truthful.”
She mentioned that the impact of her mother’s words left an indelible mark on her spirit, reminding her constantly that she was not wanted or appreciated while she reflected on the profound emotional toll.
“She made me feel terrible about my existence. I cannot imagine ever getting angry with my daughter and telling her that. And I do not think any child, for whatever reason, deserves such psychological torture,” he disclosed.
In a brave revelation, Yvonne unveils the shocking revelation her mother shared about the attempted termination of her pregnancy.
Yvonne discloses, “My mother told me that when she got pregnant, she did not want to have me, so she went to see a medical doctor to terminate the pregnancy. (My mother has told me that the doctor who saved my life is still alive, but she has not told me who he is or which hospital he worked in.) She took that decision in her sixth month.
“The doctor agreed, and on the said day, she paid the fees, and all was set for the abortion. She lay on the surgical bed and raised her legs, but just when the doctor was about to begin the procedure, he shook his head. ‘I can’t do this,’ the doctor told her. ‘If you really want to do it, go somewhere else. I’m sorry I can’t do it.’”
Yvonne Nelson’s memoir delves deep into the profound struggles she faced and the emotional wounds she carried throughout her life.
In a recent announcement, actress Yvonne Nelson has made it clear that her memoir is not aimed at seeking sympathy or validation from others, but rather to share her personal story with the world.
In her book titled “I am Not Yvonne Nelson,” she clarifies that her purpose is not to correct misconceptions about herself or challenge anyone else’s narrative.
Instead, she aims to provide an honest account that will guide future generations in making meaningful decisions.
Yvonne emphasizes her intention to be authentic and transparent, particularly for young women who may benefit from the truth in shaping their own lives.
Her memoir seeks to answer the pressing questions surrounding her life experiences.
While acknowledging her past achievements, Yvonne emphasizes that her ambitions extend beyond what she has already accomplished. She acknowledges that the pursuit of her dreams started long before her birth and continues to drive her forward.
Yvonne reveals that she has maintained a mostly silent stance, dropping occasional hints about her life in her book and major media interviews.
She acknowledges the attempts made by certain bloggers and entertainment reporters to piece together fragments of her life and present their version as the definitive truth.
She highlights that some of these stories, while containing elements of reality, often sound like fictional narratives. Yvonne has previously attempted to counter misinformation but acknowledges the challenges in extinguishing these flames of falsehoods and half-truths.
Overall, Yvonne Nelson’s memoir aims to share her story genuinely and provide insights for those seeking inspiration and guidance, rather than engaging in a battle to control her public narrative.
Ghanaian gospel artist Joe Mettle has stated that it is important for fans to realize that the seemingly glamorous lifestyle portrayed by celebrities on social media may not necessarily be funded from their personal finances, but rather through sponsorship opportunities.
The musician stated that there are pressures from people who follow their celebrities and that sometimes what they believe they see is not there, and that a celebrity should have done something that they did not do.
He stated that fans have expectations of their celebrities that are not limited to money. They hold these celebrities in high regard and expect them to set examples.
“It is not simple. Your way of life. When you are doing work, some people may perceive that you have more resources when you do certain things. However, it is your responsibility to explain to them that some of the things they see you do are due to the generosity of sponsors and individuals.”
“It may appear beautiful and glamorous, but we do not finance these things. Individuals and businesses sponsor us.”
Speaking to Sokoohemaa Kukua on the mid-morning show on Rainbow Radio 87.5fm, he revealed that several people had sent him messages on social media requesting financial assistance, and he investigates those who can help and supports those who are genuine.
But when it is beyond him, he confronts the people with the reality that he may be unable to assist them.
Fantana, recognized as one of the most promising and captivating music talents in Ghana, has witnessed an immensely successful trajectory throughout her relatively brief yet impressive journey in the music industry.
She is gradually growing to become one of the top stars to come out of Ghana.
Her new single ‘Control’ produced by Streetbeatz, is a single that talks about love and how as a female, she has control over her life.
Fantana generates buzz with everything she does, and this song is definitely going to attract the eyeballs on social media and across the music space.
The record comes at a time when Fantana has taken control of the narrative surrounding her life. Usually viewed with many eyeballs due to her background, Fantana has turned those eyeballs into fans who anticipate her next releases.
The song seeks to enforce her confidence, esteem, and boss mentality.
On Tuesday, some angry residents in Boti and Nkurakan in the Yilo Krobo Municipality of the Eastern Region attacked thepolicefor detaining a lady who allegedly sold marijuana in big quantities in the area.
The plain cloth police officers came under spontaneous attack by residents of Boti where the suspect was arrested forcing them to fire warning shots.
One person was hit by the bullet.
The irate residents of Boti who were pursuing the police officers aboard a taxi called other residents along the Boti to Huhunya and Nkurakanroad to mount a barricade claiming the police officers were armed robbers.
The youth of Nkurakan blocked the road at the Nkurakan Police station area, burnt the taxi used by the police officers, and attempted to lynch them but were saved by the local police.
Reinforcement from the Eastern Regional Police headquarters arrived at the scene amid firing of warning shots.
The windscreen of the police vehicle was smashed. The standoff between the police and the irate youth lasted for several hours before the atmosphere deescalated.
The police whisked their men under attack to the Koforidua Divisional Headquarters.
Director of research at the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA), Dr. John Kwakye, has cautioned investigative journalist, Anas Aremeyaw Anasagainst setting up people to commit crimes in a way to expose them.
Dr Kwakye says setting people up to commit a crime is unacceptable and should be condemned.
His comments come after Anas said that he would be releasing a documentary on corruption in Ghana before the 2024 general elections.
Anas said this exposé will shake the foundation of the country.
He said these while answering questions in an interview on whether Anas was a ‘terrorist’ as was recently said by a High Court judge.
Anas defended his methods and talked about corruption in Africa.
He said “The work that I am doing now might be the last before we get into the [2024] elections. But already the signs are very clear and I can tell you that the foundation would be shaken once again.”
“There are a couple of international ones that are about to be released. But this one, talking to you as a Ghanaian, I mean the foundation of Ghana would be shaken,” he is reported to have said.
Commenting on this in a tweet, Dr Kwakye said “If Anas isn’t interested in cashing in on the elections, he should wait to publish his documentary after not before.
“Anas shouldn’t think that he can hold the whole country to ransom. No one is without blemish in this world. He himself isn’t an angel. Anas should work to catch people who commit actual crimes. He shouldn’t set people up to commit crimes. That’s unacceptable and should be condemned.
Over 150 Liberian refugees are being evacuated from the Gomoa Buduburam camp, according to the Ghana Refugee Board(GRB), while efforts to refurbish a substitute camp in the Western Region are being hampered by financial restrictions.
Following an intended evacuation of refugees at the Buduburam camp in the Central Region, which has been put on hold for about two years, many believe the camp has become notorious for criminal activities.
However, in an interview with the media to mark World Refugee Day, which was observed on Tuesday, the Executive Secretary for the Ghana Refugee Board, Tetteh Padi, expressed hope that the government would provide funds to continue the renovation.
“Describing the situation at hand, Mr. Padi said: “There is no limit to how long a person can be a refugee but what happens is that after a while, when the international community deems it safe for them to return to their country of origin, we facilitate their return and as you know, some of them were exempted and that is why we have the situation on our hands.”
He also disclosed that plans are underway to assist the Liberian refugees who desire to return to their home country.
“We are soliciting for some funding and thankfully, recently, the government asked us to resubmit a budget for them to look at for the funding for their relocation because we haven’t been able to make provision for it in our regional budgeting, and I am sure we will soon receive some funds to relocate them.”
A flag bearer hopeful of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Kofi Konadu Apraku, asserts that his training, experience, and expertise in finance, economics, management, and policy decision-making make him the ideal candidate to lead the NPP to success in the 2024 general election.
He said the tremendous experience he gained when he served with the United Nations (UN) mission to Croatia after it broke out of the then Yugoslavia, as staff in charge of Macroeconomics in rebuilding that country and also in South Africa when that country emerged from the apartheid system and was preparing to hold its first election, made him the best to lead thepartyin 2024.
He further stated that his practical experience in Parliament when the NPP was in opposition and government, on issues of finance and economics, as well as being the ranking member on the Finance Committee of Parliament and later as the Minister of Trade and Industry, also made him the best person to lead the party.
“I believe I am the best person to lead the NPP in 2024 to victory, based on the training and experience I have acquired over the years,” the NPP flag bearer hopeful stated.
Filing of nomination
Dr Apraku, who was also a member of the second, third and fourth Parliament of the Fourth Republic for the Offinso North Constituency in the Ashanti Region, said this in an interview with the Daily Graphic after successfully filing his nomination forms last Monday (June 19) to contest the NPP flagbearership.
The flag bearer hopeful, who was at the party’s headquarters at Asylum Down in Accra last Monday to submit his nomination, was asked by the party’s elections committee to complete his documents, and did so and re-submitted it later in the afternoon to the committee.
However, members of the team revealed that certain documents such as his CV and personal contributions to the party were not included in the nomination document submitted.
Dr Apraku, who holds a Doctoral Degree in Economics and Finance, said he was in the race to lead the party to victory in the 2024 general election and believed the delegates of the party would give him the nod to lead the party based on his experience and service to the party, both in opposition and in government.
Dr Apraku becomes the fifth presidential aspirant to file his forms as of Monday, June 19, 2023, since the party opened nominations for the presidential primary on May 26, which is expected to end on June 24, 2023.
The Executive Director of the Ghana Library Authority (GLA), Hayford Siaw, has stated that the recently published book by Yvonne Nelson must undergo review and approval procedures before being stocked in Ghana’s public libraries.
The Ghanaian popular actress, film producer, entrepreneur and advocate, Yvonne Nelson in her recently released book ‘I Am Not Yvonne Nelson’ has chronicled the events of her life. However, the controversial revelations of her love affairs with award-winning artiste Sarkodie in the book has sparked a lot of public discussion since its launch.
When asked whether the GLA will stock Yvonne Nelson’s book ‘I am not Yvonne Nelson’, Mr. Siaw said “It has to go through an approvalprocesswhich has not been done and so once the acquisition team looks at it and make a recommendation why not?”
He explained that the Ghana Library Authority has an acquisition team that scrutinizes materials to ascertain their appropriateness and also establish which of the target group will benefit from the material.
“Of course it is an interesting read from what I have learned so far” the Executive Director added.
