The police on Monday, June 12, arrested a man, Kofi Godsway, for possessing firearms without a license during a football match at Kpando in the Volta region.
The suspect and one other who is currently on the run allegedly pulled out a weapon and threatened to cause harm during the game.
A search conducted on aNissanpick-up vehicle used by the suspects, led to the retrieval of one (1) pump action gun, one locally manufactured pistol, one desert eagle foreign pistol and 13mm cartridges.
Other items retrieved include one long knife, one vehicle registration number plate, one motorbike registration number plate and an ammunition waist belt.
“While Investigation continues, efforts are underway to arrest suspect Selorm alias Dangote who is currently on the run to face Justice,” a statement issued by the Police said.
The data protection commission has advised Ghanaians to desist from applying for illegal loan schemes on the internet.
They include Loan Pro, Akwaaba Cash, Kudicredit, Ultra loans, Cedi story, Boseafie, Loan Galaxy, ProKCash, Mom Cash and Sika Dua, Easy Loan among others.
According to the commission, such schemes are operating contrary to provisions of the Data Protection Commission’s Act 2012 Act 843, to protect users from unnecessary disclosures of their private information.
In a statement, the commission called on the Bank of Ghanato act swiftly to halt the activities of such loan schemes.
“Digital loan services have become an increasingly easy-to-go-to avenue for people to access credit, as many are unable or ineligible to secure loans through traditional providers such as the banks. But in recent times, the Data Protection Commission has received tons of complaints regarding the harassment and debt shaming approaches these online digital loan services are using to deal with defaulters,” the statement said.
“Our background checks have established that these online loan applications are unlicensed and therefore have no authorization to operate.”
“The Data Protection Commission has continued to receive several complaints that clearly describes the commotion these apps have caused the country. We have also assessed a few privacy notices of these apps which complicate their mode of operation as they do not show any accountability to their clients in terms of how their data is going to be used in actual fact,” the statement added.
The Oti regional police command has began an inquiry into the untimely death of Richmond Mbelbicy, a 4-year-old boy, who passed on Monday, June 5 in Asante Akura, a community in the Oti Region, Krachi East district.
Mbelbicy ran into a speeding vehicle with registration number WR 3112-19, at Asante Akura near Kpelema.
The body of the deceased was taken to Worawora Government Hospital for autopsy.
Meanwhile, the Oti regional motor traffic and transport division of the Ghana Police Service has taken the case up and arrested the driver of the vehicle, Isaac Asante Wiafe.
Thebody of the deceased has been released for burial.
The headman of the community, Unikple Majoin, has appealed to the government to construct speed rumps, especially after Nantwi-Akura to Asante-Akura to protect pedestrians.
Community members who spoke to the media bemoaned over-speeding by drivers, saying the construction of speed rumps will address the problem.
Today, Monday, June 12, 2023, some areas in Tema, Accra may experience blackout from :00 am to 2:00 pm.
The action according to the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) will aid the company perform a maintenance exercise as well as improve service delivery to the residents of the impacted areas.
The areas to be affected include; Bused, GBC Training School, Kokobribri, Royal Ravico, Nungua Barrier, Alton Hotel, Regimanuel Estates, Queensland Int. School and its environs.”
The Electricity Company of Ghana also apologised to its customers for every inconvenience caused as power will be restored at 2 pm.
“ECG regrets the inconvenience that will arise out of this exercise,” the company added.
The ECG frequently conducts this maintenanceexercise to improve the quality of delivery of service to its large pool of customers.
In order to purify water, Ghana Water Company Limited(GWCL) has been forced to use polymer in place of alum due to ‘galamsey’ activities to the company’s director of communications, Stanley Martey.
He explained that the turbidity levels in the water bodies have exceeded 10,000 NTU as a result of galamsey, rendering alum ineffective in the treatment process.
Speaking to the media on Sunday, “Initially we were using alum but now the alum is now almost ineffective and we are now using polymers.”
According to him, the use of more dangerous chemicals to treat water is affecting the staff health-wise as they inhale the chemicals.
This comes after illegal mining activities are destroying the river bodies in the country.
Meanwhile, the Ghana Water Companyin October last year noted that the cost of producing water has increased tenfold as a result of illegal mining activities, hence Management has resolved to pass the cost to the consumer.
The Company says it is burdened with spending huge sums of money on chemicals to treat high turbidity levels of raw water at various extraction stations.
Managing Director of the Company with the media he noted that after a recent tour with the Sanitation Minister, Cecilia Abena Dapaah to some mining communities in the Ashanti Region to assess the state of water bodies, it is evident that all stakeholders must join forces to chase out “galamseyers”.
However, given the surge in the cost of processing water for public consumption Mr Braimah says Ghana Water Company has no choice but to pass on the cost to the consumer.
“They (PURC) might not give us full cost but a lot of activities have changed. All those parameters would have to be considered in reviewing the tariff as long as we continue to carry out some of these activities.
“Let the quality of water get to the level the Ghana Water Company will take, then the cost will be taken out, your tariff will come down, then the other ones we cannot control, we maintain them. But if the ones that you can control, the self-inflicted ones, for me as the Managing Director the cost must be passed on”, he explained.
Some Civil Society Organizations(CSOs) have called on the government to release the names of third-party dealers taking part in the “Gold for Oil” initiative.
The call comes after some Oil Marketing Companies pulled out of the programme due to unresolved concerns.
The Ghana Chamber of Bulk Oil Distributors has announced that some of its members are also unhappy with concerns raised on the implementation of the programme.
Speaking to the media, the energy Analyst, and Co-Chair of the Ghana Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, Dr. Steve Manteaw said the government must publish the names of all intermediary dealers in the programme to promote transparency.
He added that the current mode of the programme creates room for some operators to take advantage of the system.
“There is no disclosure in terms of who is financing the domestic gold purchasing in this transaction. We are going to resort to the services of third party. For instances who is selling Ghana’s gold. if it’s a broker then the broker services has to be disclosed”.
Dr. Manteaw stated lack of transparency will encourage corrupt acts that may defeat the purpose of the programme.
“I think it’s fair to ask questions. How much is the broker being paid and how does it affect what we receive as a country in terms of reserves”, he quizzed.
The Municipal Immigration Commander forAshaiman, Nii Ofoli Wilson, has urged the public to refrain from offering tips in order to access public services including getting passports, birth certificates, and driver’s licenses.
Mr. Wilson was speaking at a community education forum in Ashaiman, organised by Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII) to sensitize and inform residents of channels to report corrupt activities.
He indicated that the practice, which was coined to mean “protocol” on many occasions, did not render the service for which the tipping or bribery was paid.
Mr. Wilson revealed that aside from tips and bribery, people also used their family or social contacts to skip lines or gain quicker and better access to schools and hospitals.
The ImmigrationCommanderassociated the bad act with the attitudes of some Ghanaians who willingly gave out money without request when seeking public service, with intentions to strengthen social bonds.
“People should not encourage the practice so that it becomes normalized because everyone has an equal opportunity to be served. But in the minds of some, tipping is something that implies better service, which is very wrong.
“There’s no reason to pay your way through if indeed you’re qualified for any position or service,” he added.
Mr. Wilson said that as part of the solution to do away with the canker, the public must exercise patience and follow the due process even when the service providers deliberately delay them, which he indicated was better than trying to cut corners and having problems later.
He advised the public to avoid falling into traps where attitudes and beliefs about tipping lead to better service.
Mr. Wilson said it was important on the part of public institutions to have clear rules about the modalities of seeking services.
Information gathered indicate that a 32-year-old woman has stabbed her fiancé to death at Ayigya Zongo in the Ashanti Region.
Joseph Bawa was stabbed with a knife multiple times. He was rushed to the Tech Hospital for treatment but passed on.
The suspect, Jennifer Appiah, went berserk during a misunderstanding that ensued between the two on Sunday, June 11.
According to the mother of the deceased,Hawa Alhassan, the family tried to resolve the feud between the partners but the reconciliation process proved futile.
Jennifer and Joseph resumed fighting on the street, which resulted in her stabbing him to death.
Madam Hawa said the suspect is known for threatening the deceased with a knife or scissors any time they fight.
“I told my son to stop having an affair with Jennifer severally but he refused to do so until his sudden demise. This is not the first time this is happening. As I speak, we don’t know the whereabouts of the lady after the incident,” she said.
The body of the deceased has since been deposited at the Tech Hospital’s morgue for investigations to commence.
Meanwhile the family of the deceased wants the police to bring the suspect to book.
The National Identification Authority(NIA) has extended its premium registration services for the Ghana Card to five regional offices as of Monday, June 12, 2023.
The offices are in the Volta, Bono, Bono East, Northern, and Western North regions.
The NIA in a statement dated June 11, 2023, signed by the acting Head of Corporate Affairs, Col. Peter Kwame Ghansah (Rtd), said these centres will operate in addition to the Premium Centres at the NIA and CalBank Head Offices in Accra, including Ashanti, Eastern, and Western Regional offices.
“The National Identification Authority (NIA) announces for the information of the general public that effective Monday, 12th June 2023, it will offer premium registration services at its Volta, Bono, Bono East, Northern, and Western North Regional offices. These centres will operate in addition to the Premium Centres at the NIA and CalBank Head Offices in Accra, Ashanti, Eastern, and Western Regional offices,” NIA noted in its statement.
The statement further said the premium registration centres will offer fee-based registration services namely first-time registration and issuance of a Ghana Card (GH¢280), replacement of lost, missing, or damaged cards(GH¢110), update of personal records that requires the printing of a new card, (GH¢110).
In addition, the NIA said the update services that will attract fee include Change or correction of applicant’s name, Change or correction of the order of an applicant’s name, Correction or addition of applicant’s previous name or maiden name, Correction of applicant’s date of birth, Change or correction of applicant’s nationality, Correction of applicant’s gender and Change or correction of applicant’s height.
The NIA explained that its premium services will be based on online booking system “and a walk-in system adding that payment of fees for premium services can be done via CalBank Mobile Banking Platform with short code *771#; CalBank Online Mobile App and CalBank branches”.
David Eduaful has been appointed by Ghana’s premier five-star hotel,Labadi Beach Hotel as its Managing Director (MD).
David Eduaful is an accomplished hospitality professional with over 30 years of experience in the industry. He is the first ever Ghanaian Managing Director of a five-star hotel in the country having previously served in various capacities in the hotel.
With his extensive knowledge and expertise, David has successfully played both a strategic and operational role in the hotel. His diverse local and international experience has provided him with a comprehensive understanding of different aspects of the sector.
David’s educational background includes an Executive Masters in Business Administration from the University of Ghana Business School and a Degree in Marketing from the Central University in Ghana.
Commenting on the landmark appointment, Professor Douglas Boateng, Acting Chairman of the Board said “David’s commitment to service delivery quality, client relationship management and unquestionable passion for the hospitality industry continues to receive admiration from the supervisory Board of the hotel and his peers”.
Since its inception in 1991, the Hotel has led Ghana’s hospitality industry, providing exceptional services to its cherished guests, and thus contributing immensely to the Tourism sector and by extension the economy of Ghana.
Set amidst tropical landscaped gardens, adjacent to one of Ghana’s most popular beaches in the Country’s central business district, the hotel caters for business and leisure travelers.
Labadi Beach Hotel which started with 104 rooms in 1991 can now boast of 164 rooms including 2 Presidential Suites, 4 Executive Suites, 4 Superior Suites, 5 Bars, 2 restaurants, a 900- seater multipurpose conference and banqueting facilities, a Spa with plunge pool, well-equipped Gym, Lagoon for fishing, 2 plush Leisure and lap pools on a sprawling tropical landscaped garden overlooking the natural Maale Lagoon.
Clientele of the hotel have included the British Monarchy, Heads of state, Prime Ministers, and very important personalities who continue to make it their preferred resort for business and leisure activities.
Speaking to the press, Mr. David Eduaful said, “The success story of this indigenous brand can be attributed to its innovative approach, an adaptation of the highest standards of operation and service delivery through its dedicated and most passionate staff who go the extra mile to exceed the expectations of customers’’.
Labadi Beach Hotel has consolidated its lead in the Hospitality industry by winning many awards including recently the coveted CIMG Hospitality Facility of the Year 2018, 2019 and 2021 respectively, Best Maintained Facility 2019, Best Events Hotel Venue 2019 & 2020 respectively, Best 5-star Hotel of the Year award 2020 & 2021 respectively, Most Secure Hotel of the Year 2021, Most Digitalized Hotel of the Year 2021 organized by the Ghana Hotels Association and Hospitality Company of the Year 2022 awarded by Ghana Business Awards.
In March 2023 the hotel paid a GHc10 million dividend to SSNIT, its sole shareholder.
“With the unwavering support of the Board of Directors coupled with his strong leadership skills, and support from his management team, we are confident that David Eduaful will continue to make the hotel the most admired both locally and regionally”. Professor Boateng further stated on behalf of the entire board.
Some 20 communities in theKetu South municipalityhave been flooded following the three weeks of persistent rains in the area.
The distressing condition has brought every economic activity in the area to standstill, holding the people hostage in their homes with no hope of relief in sight.
So far, five basic schools whose classrooms are filled with water have been close down until further notice.
No relief items
The Municipal Director of the National Disaster Management Organisation, Torgbi Alossodetold the media on Monday morning (June 12) that there were no immediate relief items for the flood victims.
“We are studying the situation and assessing the damage prior to providing relief items for the displaced people,” he added.
The worst affected areas are Agbawema, Ahiatakukope, Awakorme, Hastukope, and Akame.
Others are Lokove, Ahorfe, Dzisakope, and Yegbefume, near Agbozume; and some communities in Klikor.
MP’s tour
Meanwhile, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Ketu South, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, has called for the immediate closure of all schools in the municipality for the safety of the children.
“The roads leading to the schools which are not tarred are now covered with large volumes of water, and that is dangerous,” she explained.
The MP called on NADMO to live up to its responsibility and respond to the situation at hand promptly.
The Municipal Chief Executive, Maxwell Lugudor said the floods in the Agbozume and Klikor were caused by lagoons bursting their banks.
He said the assembly was set to dredge the lagoons as an immediate response to the problem.
In the long term, he said, the assembly would build mini dams in some of the border communities to serve as receptacles to the floods.
Former manager ofShatta Wale, Bullgod has stated that he nearly parted ways with the musician 6 months after working with him.
He explained that Shatta Wale made it difficult to work together, thus they never came to a conclusion.
Interacting with the media, he said, “I will say yes and no. Yes and no because when it comes to the job itself, you wouldn’t have to worry that much. And what’s the job? The job is to go to the studio and record, go out there and promote your works, get up and go shoot your videos.
“Those things you wouldn’t have a problem but it’s the extra things. I mean I have worked with other acts where you had to coerce them to go to the studio for recordings and other stuffs. That’s for me is hectic because we’re here for the job.”
The artiste manager was responding to whether Shatta Wale was the most difficult artiste he has worked with.
According to Bullgod, Shatta Wale was only too difficult to handle with what he referred to as the extras, which nearly cost him to leave after barely 6 months of managing him.
“I didn’t understand him then. He says something here, one radio station will call and I’ll try cleaning up what he said, and then the next you hear is another media house calling you because he’s said another thing elsewhere. So by the time you’re done, you didn’t do any job, so it was difficult.”
He further explained that perhaps the reason why he stayed on was because they were yet to start hitting their targets.
“At Bullhaus Entertainment , we have a yardstick we measure our performances with, and one of them is, depending on who or the level in which you came to us.
“Within the first year, your name should appear in certain award schemes though we can’t guarantee you a win because of voting and other politics involved. We realized we have not achieved our target so we continued working with him and eventually he got his first award. So that’s how come we stayed on but me and my team really wanted to leave within six months.”
Currently, Bulldog manages the craft of fast-rising Ghanaian artiste Vanilla.
The operation halt II has burnt mining equipment as well as seized five excavators in the Bosomtwe forest reserve in theBekwai Forest Districtof the Ashanti Region.
A total of six pumping machines and other mining equipment being used by illegal miners in the reserve were seized and burnt by the operation halt II team.
The equipment were impounded and burnt in a four-day operation carried out by the military task force.
The Operation Halt II team was deployed to the area four days ago to fight galamsey in forest reserves and also to permanently patrol the the area to halt illegal mining activities in those reserves.
Some of the floating platforms and equipment mounted in various sections of the reserve had been decommissioned and destroyed.
The Bosomtwe Range Forest has been attractive to illegal miners in recent times.
It has in the last three years survived five illegal mining attacks as Forestry Commission staff on several occasions thwarted efforts of galamseyoperators who are bent on mining in the reserve.
The galamsey operators caused destruction to portions of the forest reserve.
Economic trees and water bodies and others have been destroyed by the illegal miners in the reserve.
Despite the swift intervention of the Operation Halt II, which acted on tip-off, the illegal miners, with the help of the five excavators, destroyed part of the forest reserve in less than three weeks after gaining access to the reserve.
The Deputy Command Operations Officer of the Central Command of the Ghana Armed Forces, Flt. Col Louis Boakye, expressed worry at how the reserve has become target for galamsey operators.
He said that the team would be ruthless in weeding out recalcitrant illegal miners in the area.
“We want to remind everyone about the government’s uncompromising and unshakable stance against galamsey operators. Those who are stubborn and will not pay heed to any warnings should be prepared because we will keep coming at them,” he stated.
He said the current operation would remain in force until all waterways, forest reserves are without illegal miners.
Schools in the Ketu South Constituency that have been impacted by flooding should be closed, according to Abla Dzifa Gomashie, the MP for the area.
The affected areas include Klikor, Agbozume, and Aflao.
Parts of the Ketu South Constituency have been experiencing devastating rainstorms and flooding for the past few days, which has led to over 1,000 people being displaced.
Speaking in an interview on the Citi Breakfast Show on Monday, June 12, 2023, “I think what we should do is to close down the schools in the three traditional areas affected by the flooding. That is Klikor, Agbozume and Aflao. My fear is that anything can happen when these children are wading through the floodwaters. It is scary, I was born by the seaside, and my house is also at the beach, but I am terrified of water. What I saw this weekend has even scared me more”.
Stating that the situation is so dire, the Ketu South MP indicated that the amount of water seen on the roads was the same in the rooms of people “so they cannot even sleep in their rooms”.
“And the classrooms have water there too, so I am at wit ends and the churches. There is nowhere you can even send them to perch until the water recedes, perhaps maybe the Municipal Assembly hall that is not flooded. We could move the people to lay their heads until we find some form of shelter for them.”
With the amount of water on the roads, she emphasised that her fear was that one could slip and break a bone when walking because most of the roads were not tarred.
“So we have a serious situation where the lagoons and the wetlands are all overflowing into the community and there is no way the water can go into the sea,” she added.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama, has refuted claims that the opposition NDC and the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) are similar.
In Mr Mahama’s view, the NDC cannot be reckless, contemptuous and wasteful as the NPP.
“We have been in power, and our record is there for all to see. We do not claim perfection, but we in the NDC can never be like the NPP. We simply cannot be and are not as reckless and contemptuous of the people of Ghana as the NPP has been. We have never been and will not be as wasteful, ostentatious, and as imprudent as the NPP has been.”
Speaking in an address at the NDC’s European Chapters Conference in Amsterdam, Holland over the weekend, Mr Mahama said the NDC has no intention of taking the mandate of Ghanaians for granted if the party wins the 2024 election.
“We have no intention of taking the mandate of the people of Ghana for granted. We know we are going against an incumbent government that has proven that it is prepared to shed the blood of its citizens to hang on to power, as they amply showed at the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election and the 2020 elections. And then there is an Electoral Commission whose neutrality in this electoral contest is questionable.
“Our work is therefore cut out for us. We must get off our marks immediately and convince Ghanaians that we are prepared to govern in addition to our superior record to that of the NPP.”
Below are details of the speech by Mr Mahama
General Secretary Fifi Kwetey,
Director of International Relations Alex Segbefia,
Chairpersons of our various NDC EU Chapters, Comrades,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Good afternoon.
Let me first thank you all, both theChapterand Branch executives and members from our various EU countries, for making the sacrifice and time to gather here in Amsterdam for three days to discuss the future of our party, the NDC, and how we can contribute towards an emphatic victory in December 2024.
You have rescheduled this conference twice because of other competing events, including the just-ended May 13 Presidential Primaries. I appreciate your patience with me, especially because of your determination that I must be personally present with you.
We were close to rescheduling this session once more because of the impending Assin North by-election. But it is good we decided to come and push ahead with this event, as this is also a significant gathering for strategising towards victory in the polls of 2024.
Comrades, I bring you greetings from your compatriots in Ghana, whom I had the privilege, yet again, to visit and interact with across all 276 constituencies during the primaries.
That exercise has contributed to re-invigorating our executives and members at the grassroots. It allowed us to take our message to them and the people in their constituencies, reminding them that the National Democratic Congress remains the political party to trust when it comes to the total development and welfare of the citizens of Ghana.
It is, therefore, our duty to rededicate ourselves to work with absolute commitment in our branches to secure the maximum votes to guarantee an emphatic victory in 2024. I want to repeat that we must go to the polls on December 07, 2024, with our referee. That referee will be our DILIGENCE, PREPAREDNESS and WINNING the election EMPHATICALLY.
Our 2020 election comeback, raising the number of our seats from 106 to 137 and increasing our votes by almost 1.4 million, resulted from the dedication and hard work of all of us and the support of the people of Ghana.
Ghanaians have seen the difference and believe in our message, which in 2020 was conveyed in our People’s Manifesto.
Comrades, we did not become the majority party in Parliament. We were also not declared winners of the 2020 presidential elections because we left some loose ends untied in a bizarre election amidst the COVID restrictions and the economic meltdown. That is why in 2024, our win must be emphatic.
As leader and flagbearer, I offer my firm PLEDGE and assurance. I will work with the party’s leadership, represented here by the General Secretary, to build a formidable team and deploy strategies and mechanisms to ensure that we protect the votes of the teeming mass of Ghanaians. These Ghanaians are yearning to be freed from the shackles of poverty and hardship inflicted by the reckless Akufo Addo and Bawumia administrations. Most Ghanaians are ready to work with us to build the Ghana we all want together.
When I spoke at the commemoration of the 44th anniversary of the June 4th uprising in Hohoe on Sunday, I likened the 2024 elections to a peaceful and democratic revolution which will free our country and our people from the clutches of misrule from a mediocre, reckless, and incompetent government.
What we are gathered here to do is a declaration of intent by those of you in the diaspora to join the broad mass of Ghanaians in the collective push to dislodge this clueless administration through a peaceful, free, and fair election in 2024. This is an absolute national imperative, and we cannot and must not fail the people of Ghana.
It has been seven years of corruption, waste, arrogance, nepotism, abuse of office, human rights violations, and economic mismanagement. Seven years of reckless mismanagement of the economy has rendered our people broken and struggling to survive from one day to the next.
The Ghanaian economy is now classified among the worst managed in the world. We are currently in the same basket as the likes of Sri Lanka.
Ghana, our beloved country? Nkrumah’s Ghana?
Inflation is at record highs – impacting the prices of essential goods and services and escalating an already severe cost of living crisis. Our currency, the Ghana Cedi, has suffered one of its steepest declines in decades. This has earned the Cedi the depressing accolade, at one point, as the worst-performing currency in the world.
Businesses are stressed and being pushed to the brink, with quite a number left with no choice but to fold up or relocate to neighbouring countries. The Bank of Ghana has exacerbated the problem. It has blatantly breached its financial threshold, printing over 40 billion Ghana cedis to finance the government’s budget deficit.
In the last two years, we have suffered downgrade after downgrade to junk status by all the international credit rating agencies, and we have finally defaulted on our domestic and external debt repayment. The unilateral, insensitive debt restructuring programme has seen over GHS 80 billion lent by millions of Ghanaians to the government by purchasing bonds expropriated.
This has caused severe dislocation in the livelihoods of many pensioners and middle-class Ghanaian families. It has led to a depressing sight of aged pensioners picketing at the Ministry of Finance to demand their money. Local businesses, especially contractors and other government service providers are owed tens of billions of Ghana cedis, whose value continues to dwindle following the government’s inability or unwillingness to pay.
Government can also not meet all statutory payments, and many of the earmarked funds are in arrears. Even the most fundamental obligations, such as providing textbooks to primary schools or ensuring proper and consistent feeding of basic and senior high school students, have become daunting. The net effect of all these harrowing developments has been that Ghanaians are enduring economic suffering on an unprecedented scale.
I am certain that you are all too familiar with the precise narrative I have just rendered for those of you in the diaspora on whom millions of your relatives and compatriots back home depend for sustenance through remittances. All this would have been entirely avoidable if this government had heeded sound counsel from us in the opposition and other notable voices in civil society and academia and acted timeously.
The deliberate concealment of the actual situation through creative accounting and under-declaration of figures has combined with excessive and wasteful expenditure to hasten the inevitable catastrophe we are witnessing today.
Ultimately, too little was done too late, as our economy had so deteriorated that an IMF programme could only be secured by accepting the harshest conditionalities. To obtain an IMF programme, Ghanaians have paid a disproportionate price. Domestic bondholders have been given severe and painful haircuts and will be deprived of substantial interest due to them in 2023.
The consequences of these haircuts are grave for the financial sector. The financial health of Ghanaian banks has eroded and will undermine the financial sector’s performance with attendant job losses.
Insurance companies and pension funds invested in government bonds will also suffer, just as individuals who depend on pension payments for survival will suffer.
In addition to this already hostile economic environment, multiple taxes have been slapped on Ghanaians in the last two years alone. Over 23 other tax measures will make life even more unbearable for our people. Steep increases in the cost of utilities are increasing the burden on businesses and individuals.
Import duties and excise duties have shot through the roof. No wonder the Tema and Takoradi Ports have lost volumes while the Togo and Benin ports continue to be busy and receiving goods that should have come through our ports.
Ladies and gentlemen, one of the burning topics for discussion in Ghana today is the rate at which we are losing our (health) professionals, trained at great expense, to other countries.
I sympathise with the Ghanaian youth! Their feeling of despair and hopelessness is unprecedented in our history. They are now looking for the slightest opportunity to leave our shores in search of greener pastures.
The question we should ask ourselves is, how will we bring back HOPE in the Ghanaians in the face of their daily challenges? As the most viable alternative, we in the NDC have demonstrated the capacity to rise to the occasion by our record in government. In the past, we have reset our country’s trajectory and returned it to an appreciable state of health. We have a duty to our country to lead the charge for change again and bring relief to the long-suffering people of Ghana.
Comrades, it would be presumptuous to think that this will come quickly or that the abysmal depths to which the NPP has sunk governance guarantees us automatic victory at the polls. We must first earn the trust of the Ghanaian people.
A significant section of voters has grown sceptical and are weary of our democracy and its benefits because of unmet expectations and the spectacular failure of this government.
I urge you all to remember, through our actions and the policy platforms to canvass, demonstrate the difference between our service in government and the nightmarish example the NPP has set.
We have been in power, and our record is there for all to see. We do not claim perfection, but we in the NDC can never be like the NPP. We simply cannot be and are not as reckless and contemptuous of the people of Ghana as the NPP has been. We have never been and will not be as wasteful, ostentatious, and as imprudent as the NPP has been.
We have committed to operating a lean government that avoids the NPP’s extravagance and gets the job done more efficiently. Nothing in our historical record compares to the level of economic mismanagement that the NPP has superintended.
The NDC believes in substantive offerings, carefully considered, and curated to stand the test of time while comprehensively resolving some of our most complex problems.
We have no intention of taking the mandate of the people of Ghana for granted. We know we are going against an incumbent government that has proven that it is prepared to shed the blood of its citizens to hang on to power, as they amply showed at the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election and the 2020 elections. And then there is an Electoral Commission whose neutrality in this electoral contest is questionable.
Our work is therefore cut out for us. We must get off our marks immediately and convince Ghanaians that we are prepared to govern in addition to our superior record to that of the NPP.
The first step towards doing that is proving that we can manage our internal affairs, which is why this European Conference is significant. It offers a platform for sharing unique insights into better organisational strategies and innovative approaches to mobilising the people of Ghana for a resounding victory in 2024.
The NDC profoundly values your contributions towards the running of the party and the brilliant perspectives you bring to the table on essential governance matters. The party also acknowledges your concerns about participation in elections and governance.
Of particular concern to you have been the constitutional impediments to persons holding dual citizenship and their occupation of some government positions in Ghana. Only a few weeks ago, we suffered what we consider grave injustice when our Member of Parliament for Assin North was thrown out of Parliament by the Supreme Court on grounds we find entirely unsatisfactory.
I have previously indicated that one of the things I will do when elected President in 2024 would be to fast-track the clarification of the constitutional provision on allegiance that bars our dual citizens from holding some offices in Ghana. I call on Parliament to do the needful so that Ghana can benefit fully from the expertise that our citizens have garnered during their sojourn abroad.
Another matter which I know concerns you and on which I would like to offer some clarity concerning the NDC’s position is ROPAA. We in the NDC have not been opposed to ROPAA in principle. We have kicked against the potential for selective and inequitable implementation that lends itself to exploitation by the incumbent party and to the unfair detriment of opposition parties.
We have said that if ROPAA is ever to be implemented, it should be implemented for every Ghanaian living everywhere. As far as we are concerned, a Ghanaian living in Europe should not have a greater right to vote than one living in Asia or Africa.
We in the NDC will not countenance an attempt or conspiracy between the NPP and the Electoral Commission to implement a lopsided ROPAA favouring the NPP. When we see that a level playing field will be created for all Ghanaians anywhere on earth to have the right to vote, we will be more than willing to support such a move.
We continue to value your contributions to the development of Ghana even as life’s vicissitudes have ensured that you reside in far and distant lands to either ply your trade and earn a living or pursue some form of personal development.
I am confident that the deliberations, which started yesterday, will ultimately inure to the benefit of the NDC and provide further impetus to our preparations to salvage the fortunes of our country, which are presently in great peril. We back at home are doing our bit as well and strengthening the cooperation between the national and external branches of the party.
Comrades, our meeting today, June 10, coincides with the 33rd anniversary of the formation of our great party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC). Congratulations to the founding fathers and mothers of our party and to us all who continue to build and hold the party aloft across the almost 40,000 branches.
We acknowledge all our lost comrades in the struggle, and especially our Founder, Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings (Rtd.), former President Professor John Evans Atta Mills and former Vice President Kwesi Bekoe Amissah-Arthur.
Later this month, the 29th, is the memorial of the late Amissah-Arthur, and we will be joining the family at an event to remember his work and contributions to building a Better Ghana.
On July 24th, we will celebrate the memory of the late Asomdwehene, as we always do, and I intend on that day as part of the commemoration to remind Ghanaians of his contribution to Ghana in various forms and how we can learn from him to step-up the development of the country, in the wake of the depths the NPP has sunk us.
Together with his family, the people of Keta and Anlo and the larger NDC family, we must, and I will host a gathering in November to celebrate the memory of our late Founder, Jerry Rawlings, in his native Keta.
I thank you for your kind attention.
I wish everyone a successful congress.
God bless the NDC, and God bless our homeland Ghana.
Great players leave records like tidal waves, setting high-water marks for others to aim for or surpass.
First it was Roger Federer, then it was Rafael Nadal, now it is Novak Djokovic who, with a 7-6 (7-1) 6-3 7-5 victory in the French Open final against Casper Ruud, set a new men’s record for the most grand slam titles with his 23rd win.
And, finally, after years of the record moving between the “Big Three,” it could now settle with Djokovic.
His dominance in grand slams shows no sign of waning while Federer retired last year and Nadal will retire at the end of next year with injuries preventing him from competing at this year’s French Open.
Despite Ruud breaking him in his first service game of the match, Djokovic always seemed in control, particularly after winning a finely poised, grueling opening set that lasted nearly 90 minutes.
And two sets later, surrounded by other great athletes – Tom Brady, Kylian Mbappé and Zlatan Ibrahimović were all in the crowd – Djokovicconfirmed his status as the most successful men’s tennis player of all time.
Novak Djokovic first addressed the crowd in French, wearing a custom hoodie with “23” embroidered on his chest, before speaking in English to tell Ruud he was “one of the best personalities on the tour.”
He added: “My team, my family, my kids, my parents, everyone is here, my two brothers aren’t here but I love them very much. You know what we’ve been through, the trials and tribulations every day.
“I know I can be a nightmare. I want to thank you first of all for patience and tolerance and that stands out. I was really torturing you so I appreciate you being my rock, and my support and really believing in me.”
Djokovic has crept slowly into the all-time great debate, his first grand slam wins punctuating half a decade of Nadal and Federer’s dominance when he was seemingly destined to be the odd one out, the one unfortunate to belong to the same era as them.
But, slowly and surely, as their powers waned and injuries took root, Djokovic emerged as the dominant player on tour – his fitness, his return of serve and his ability to make his opponent play just one more shot rendering him virtually unbeatable.
“Many congrats on this amazing achievement,” Nadal tweeted after the match. “23 is a number that just a few years back was impossible to think about, and you made it! Enjoy it with your family and team!”
Where Federer and Nadal are defined by each other, their rivalry and friendship intertwined, Djokovic occupies a space on his own, respected but perhaps not loved in quite the same way as the other two members of the “Big Three.”
His career has not been without controversy. Arguably, he could have won 23 grand slams already had it not been for his decision to remain unvaccinated against Covid-19. As a result, he was deported from Australia before the Australian Open in 2022, and missed the US Open that same year, due to the countries’ requirements for travelers to be vaccinated against the virus.
It is not just the grand slam records that he now holds. He has spent 387 weeks as the world No.1, surpassing Steffi Graff in February to set another record. Victory at this year’s French Open moves him back to his familiar spot of world No.1. Federer, meanwhile, holds the men’s record for the most consecutive weeks, 237, spent atop the rankings.
Each of the “Big Three” has become associated with a different surface during their careers – Federer with grass and Wimbledon, Nadal with clay and Roland Garros, Djokovic with the hard courts of the US Open and Australian Open.
But, by winning on Sunday, Djokovic confirmed his dominance on every surface, becoming the first male player to win each grand slam at least three times. Victory also takes Djokovic halfway to the “Calendar Slam,” winning all four major tournaments in a year, the one achievement that has so far eluded him, Federer and Nadal. He also became the oldest ever French Open champion.
For all the pre-match talk about Djokovic, it was Ruud who started impressively, rattling off a service hold to love, breaking Djokovic at the third opportunity in the Serb’s first service game, and racing to a 3-0 lead.
But Djokovic displayed the qualities that have carried him to the very top of the sport, breaking back after a 28-shot rally and then holding, despite conceding a break point, to level the scores at 4-4.
Though momentum appeared to shift, Ruud clung on – bringing the raucous crowd to their feet with a between-the- legs shot that eventually won the point – and the first set remained finely poised, all the way to a tiebreak.
As the pressure ratcheted up in the tiebreak, so too did Djokovic’s game. Ruud did nothing wrong, he barely made any errors but Djokovic’s groundstrokes seemed slightly more powerful, his movement slightly sharper, and he did not make a single unforced error as he romped to a 7-1 win to take the set, after an hour and 21 minutes.
After coming so close to landing a blow during the long opening set, Ruud seemed deflated when he walked back onto court and lost the opening three games.
All the energy dissipated from the crowd too, as if they were also accepting the inevitable, that Djokovic was simply too good for anyone to challenge him.
And shortly afterwards, Djokovic took a two-set lead, winning the set with a backhand winner down the line with Ruud marooned on the other side of the court.
Ruud still refused to yield, however, saving a break point early in the third set and engineering a promising 0-30 position with Djokovic serving and trailing 3-4, but there was little he could do in the face of his opponent’s 22 winners in the final set.
Djokovic eventually broke Ruud late in the third set to take a 6-5 lead and held on to complete a famous victory as he fell to the floor, celebrating a record-breaking day.
Manchester City’s final Champions League victory on Saturday earned Pep Guardiola his 12th major trophy with the team.
It marks another remarkable achievement for the ex-Barcelona coach, who has staked his claim as one of the greatest managers of the modern era.
We take a look at some of his best achievements in Manchester.
Cup kings
After a trophyless first season,Guardiolagot his hands on his first silverware at City with a 3-0 win over Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final in 2018.
They went on to win the league title in style with a record 100 points the same year before edging out Liverpool by 98 points to 97 in a thrilling title race 12 months later.
They again won the Carabao Cup by beating Chelsea on penalties and thrashed Watford 6-0 in the FA Cup final to become the first side to win the domestic Treble.
Guardiola’s side failed to mount a successful title defence as Liverpool took the honours in the pandemic-interrupted season in 2020 but they did not go empty-handed, beating Aston Villa 2-1 in the Carabao Cup final.
City paced themselves superbly in another coronavirus-affected season the year after to win the Premier League with three games to spare ahead of rivals Manchester United.
They also beat Tottenham to claim a fourth successive Carabao Cup but narrowly missed out on the Champions League as they lost toChelseain the final.
Pep’s time
Pep Guardiola is a Manchester City legend
City began April 2022 in the hunt for three trophies.
Their Champions League and FA Cup hopes both ended at the semi-final stage but they pipped the Merseysiders to the title by a point on a dramatic final day by coming from behind to beat Aston Villa.
Fuelled by the record-breaking goalscoring exploits of the remarkable Erling Haaland, City hit form once again in 2023 to reel in long-time leaders Arsenal and claim a fifth title in six years.
Ilkay Gundogan’s brace downed Manchester United 2-1 in the FA Cup final before City emulated their rivals’ 1998-99 treble by beating Inter Milan to win the Champions League thanks to Rodri’s second-half strike.
UEFA has named Rodri as the Champions League Player of the Season while seven Manchester City players honored Team of the Season.
The Erling Haaland have also received Goal of the Season honors.
Rodri’s 68th-minute strike made the difference as City beat Inter Milan 1-0 in Istanbul to lift the European Cup and complete a remarkable treble.And on Sunday the 26-year-old was named player of the season by UEFA’s technical observer panel.
Rodri played in all but one of City’s Champions League matches this season, with Saturday’s match-winner his second goal in the tournament this campaign.
The Spain midfielder was joined by six club mates in the team of the season as Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne, John Stones, Ruben Dias, Bernardo Silva and Kyle Walker were all included.Inter’s Federico Dimarco and Alessandro Bastoni were also selected along with Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and forward Vinicius Junior.
City also scooped the goal of the season award through Haaland for his acrobatic strike against former club Borussia Dortmund during the group stages, when he twisted to turn Joao Cancelo’s curling pass into the net during City’s 2-1 win.
Sunday, June 11, 2023 marked the official conclusion of the 2022–23 Ghana Premier League season, with Medeamataking first place.
At the end of the season, Kotoku Royals, King Faisal and Tamale City suffered demotion to the Division ranks.
However, three clubs from the Division One League have been promoted to the elite league and are expected to compete against some of the top guns in the 2023/24 season.
The newly promoted teams include Nations FC, Tano Bofoakwa and Heart of Lions are expected to feature in the GPL next season after gaining promotion from the Division One League.
Here are the 18 teams to compete in 2023/24 Ghana Premier League:
The Black Stars’ head coach, Chris Hughton, has expressed his admiration for the caliber of players competing in the regional leagues.
After watching a number of Ghana Premier League games in the last few months, the gaffer says he is determined to continue monitoring players to select the ones that can play for the Black Stars.
“It is my role to access and find out those who can have the opportunity. That opportunity might come because it’s a starting opportunity or maybe that opportunity will come because somebody who is starting is not available,” the former Brighton & Hove Albion manager said in an interview with Asempa FM.
He continued, “I will continue to pay attention to the league here and yes there are quality players here. This is for sure.”
Coach Chris Hughton will on Monday, June 12, start training with the Black Stars as part of preparations for the clash against Madagascar in the qualifiers for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament.
Police in the Canadian city of Mississauga have seized eight stolen vehicles that were about to be shipped to Ghana.
According to a report by Insauga.com, detectives from the Regional Municipality of Peel executed a search warrant on Friday, June 9, 2023, leading to the recovery of the eight vehicles at a business location near Drew Road and Torbram Road in Mississauga.
The vehicles, estimated to be worth approximately $650,000 in total, were in the process of being shipped to Ghana.
The eight cars consist of a 2020 Mercedes GLEC, a 2021 Mercedes GBG TY, a 2021 Honda CRV, a 2020 Honda CRV, a 2021 Honda CRV, a 2020 Honda CRV, a 2020 Honda CRV, and a 2021 Honda CRV.
The report added that several of the cars have since been returned to their owners, while the police have issued a call for more information.
Ghana Is fast becoming a destination for stolen cars especially from Europe and America.
An investigation by Mariana van Zeller for the National Geographic Channel, published in April this year, exposed a sophisticated car smuggling syndicate traced to Ghana.
The investigation started in the United States of America, where the investigative journalist followed the activities of a gang involved in stealing of luxury cars.
Some of the gang members who spoke to Van Zeller explained how they carry out their activities and the structure of the international crime syndicate that sees stolen cars from the streets of America end up in third world countries like Ghana.
Van Zeller traveled to Ghana to meet some of the local players.
She met a hacker/black market trader and another person who handles the business aspect of the enterprise.
The two provided the journalist with insights into the local trade of stolen cars and how they are able to get the cars into the Ghanaian system without raising any red flags.
With import duties costing as much as 20% of the value of a car in Ghana, the hacker told Van Zeller that he can hack into the system of the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority to help the syndicate evade paying the required import duties.
“It is my duty to attack the Tema Harbour… We make it seem as if you’ve paid everything,” the hacker stated.
As the final destination, the Ghanaian syndicate is considered to be at the top of the international car smuggling syndicate.
Identifying himself as Ivan, a man who leads the importation and sale of stolen cars in Ghana, opened up about the gang’s operations to the journalist.
“It is possible that most of these cars are stolen. Most of the boys come here to hang out. There are top guys that are in the business now; the stolen cars business. This is how some family generations have made money,” Ivan told the journalist as they drove through areas in Accra where the nightlife is buzzing.
Overall, the investigation revealed that the Ghanaian players are at the pinnacle of the international car theft ring. They make the most money from a criminal enterprise that sees cars belonging to people in America stolen and shipped over six thousand miles away from their owners.
EOCO retrieves stolen cars from garages in Accra
In December 2022, the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) retrieved thirty-seven vehicles suspected to have been stolen from the United States of America (USA) and Canada.
The operation, carried out in collaboration with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), was based on an intelligence-led approach.
In a press statement, EOCO stated that the vehicles were recovered from garages in Ghana on December 9, 2022, and the suspects have since been questioned and granted bail.
“The Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO), in collaboration with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), has carried out an intelligence-led operation to retrieve various specifications of luxury vehicles suspected to have been stolen from the United States of America (USA) and Canada.
“On Friday, December 9, 2022, thirty-seven (37) such vehicles were retrieved from garages in Accra, during which ten (10) persons were arrested. The suspects have since been questioned and granted bail,” the statement further added.
The collapse of a fence wall at Mankessimin the Mfantseman Municipality of the Central Region has claimed the life of a 15-year-old girl.
Three others, however, escaped this unfortunate incident.
According to reports, the victim known as Winnifred Abena Binney was playing with her three other siblings while raining when the incident happened.
The report added that due to the heavy rains, the fence wall which was under construction suddenly collapsed on her.
Janet Binney, mother of the deceased whiles speaking to Kasapa News said, immediately after she saw what happened, she quickly called for help from neighbours.
The neighbours then rushed and removed the collapsed wall from the girl, but was found dead.
The management of Achimota Mall has received an unreserved apologies from Ghanaian actor and YouTube skit creator Ras Nene, known as Dr Likee, following an intense argument with the mall’s security.
In a release signed by his General Manager, Okodie, he stated that “Team Ras Nene wishes to apologise to the management of the mall and its teaming supporters for the unfortunate incident.”
“Our intentions remain to entertain Ghanaians always. Ghana is for all of us and we need peace and love to enjoy our motherland Love to all Ghanaians,” it added.
The apology comes after Ras Nene was caught up in an altercation with the security team at Achimota Mall in Accra on June 8.
Sources revealed that Ras Nene had previously obtained permission to shoot his skit at the mall. However, he was unexpectedly denied access by the security team, leading to a confrontation.
In collaboration with socialite Efia Odo, Ras Nene had planned an engaging skit that would entertain their fans.
The skit involved playful interactions and shopping scenes.
Unfortunately, upon their arrival at the Achimota Mall, the mall’s security team confronted and prevented them from shooting.
The security personnel responsible for maintaining order and protecting the mall’s premises, informed Ras Nene and Efia Odo that shooting skits without proper authorization was strictly prohibited.
Ras Nene refused to back down easily. He passionately argued his case, making reference to the incident involving Meek Mill at the Jubilee House, where the American rapper had access to capture photos and videos without restrictions.
Frustrated by what he perceived as double standard, Ras Nene engaged in a spirited debate with the security personnel, asserting his rights as a public figure and an entertainer.
Meanwhile, social media users have been sharing their thoughts on the incident, sparking further conversations about how public spaces are managed.
The Music Haven 2023 Festival, which is slated for 8 to14 July in Schenectady, New York, will feature a performance by Grammy-nominated Ghanaian reggae artist, Rocky Dawuni.
Dawuni, who is known for his blend of reggae, Afrobeat, highlife, and soul music, will perform on July 9.
He is a United Nations Goodwill Ambassador for the Environment for Africa and has worked with a number of organizations to promote social justice and environmental sustainability.
TheMusic Haven festival is a celebration of music and performing arts from around the world. In addition to Dawuni, the festival will feature performances by artists from Ghana, Andalusia, Ireland, Texas, Gambia, Louisiana, South Asia, Georgia, and Stratford-upon-Avon, England.
“This summer, our musical journeys will cross seven distinct bodies of water,” said Producing Artistic Director Mona Golub.
“We’ll gather to hear spectacular global artists who have not played these parts before, welcome back some old friends who have dazzled the world since they last graced our stage, and showcase, as special guests, some of the finest talents our region has to offer.”
Ghanaian Dancehall artiste, Samini, has asked his fans to get ready for more soothing tunes from him.
The artist has been away for sometime to focus on his academics, however, he has disclosed that he is done pursuing his degree program at GIMPA.
According to him he needed to put his music career on hold as a result of a he once made to his parents.
Samini made this known in a post shared via social media.
He said “4 years ago I decided to challenge myself to a promise I made to my own damn self after high school. That I would one day go back and do university education just to complete the journey if not for anything to make mama proud since she was my biggest fan and played a major role in how I got to convince family to allow me to chose music over books.
“Today I’m proud to tell all my loved ones and well wishers that I’m Officially done with my exams for my PROJECT MANAGEMENT DEGREE PROGRAM at GIMPA BUSINESS SCHOOL and am awaiting Graduation….. Morale . YOU CAN DO IT NO MATTER HOW LATE. BETTER LATE THAN NEVER. Back to the music. Lol. Dem no ready for what’s cooking smh.”
In the four years of studying Project Management, Samini became the Student Representative Council’s President (SRC) President of GIMPA where he led the student body of the esteemed University.
Ive finished the school and I can’t believe it. #TGBTG …. Grand #graduation loading. #akyesaaaaaaaaaa. Thanks to all my mates especially @KokoveliGh who reminded me of my promise to myself …BETTER LATE THAN NEVER. YOU CAN DO IT. ????????❤️✊???????? BACK TO THE MUSIC. Ready ? pic.twitter.com/RSL5ABrmML— SAMINI (@samini_dagaati) June 10, 2023
Young Ghanaian amapiano producer Beaticide has released his debut single, “I’m In Love”.
The single features Nigerian pop/RnB singer Jim Clifford, it was recorded early January 2023.
It features a dreamy vocal that glides through the harmonic landscape created by lounge-inspired Rhodes, accompanied by rich African drum sounds, log drums and pulsing synth bass and touches on Hopelessly Romantic Love.
The song is a sweet blend of amapiano tunes and Jim Clifford’s voice that communicates every hopeless romantic plea possible. A soft, cool-pitched rendition that evokes warm feelings and awakens the softest feelings of love. ‘I’m In Love’ speaks for young hopeless romantics as it is sung with the voice of a hopeless romantic, the statement said with crippling conviction, the joy and disbelief of being in love.
The lyrics are soft, inspiring, and provoke warm feelings which are perfectly paired with Jim Clifford’s voice. ‘I’m In Love’ production cuts are a testament to Beaticide’s willingness to implement his exposure to music, from drawing influence from highlife with the sporadic saxophone phrases on “Sirious Riddim” by Siribeatz to borrowing cool lounge chords for “For You” by Nina Ricchie, amongst others. It’s the type of amapiano you would cry to in a club as if you were saying a silent prayer.
Beaticide and Jim Clifford describe ‘I’m In Love’ as that song that puts emotions to words, on the beat it easily carries you away into a world where you wish to love and be loved just so that the melting voice and the mellow beat flow right into your soul.
The young talents state that “We believe in the transformative power ofmusic, and we are privileged to share this creation with the world’. ‘I’m In Love’ Is out now on all music stores. Find and follow us on all social media platforms at @beaticide and @jimclifford_
Age, height, and family history are a few variables that may improve the likelihood of having twins if you want them.
Yourfood, nevertheless, might also play a significant part in making it possible.
According to studies, certain foods have been known to increase the chances of conceiving twins if eaten regularly.
Here are five of them:
1. Foods rich in folic acid
Folic acid also known as folate is a soluble vitamin that has many functions in the body. It is a supplement recommended for pregnant women as it promotes fetal growth and reduces the risk of birth defects in newborns.
Foods that contain folic acid include avocado, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, spinach, legumes, asparagus, liver, pasta and breakfast cereals.
Some studies have found some connection between folic acid and increased chances of conceiving twins.
It is believed that 40% of women who take extra folic acid while trying to get pregnant may have a slightly higher chance of giving birth to twins. It is however advised to consult your doctor for the recommended dosage.
2. Maca Root
Over the years, Maca root also known as Peruvian Ginseng has proven to be beneficial in boosting fertility. This fertility treatment which also helps balance and regulate women’s hormones is said to increase chances of getting pregnant with twins. It can be consumed by adding the dried or powdered form to your smoothie, tea or yoghurt.
3. Yam
Yams are a rich source of progesterone and phytoestrogens which may lead to hyper ovulation thus increasing your chances of multiple births. Hyper ovulation occurs when women release more than one egg during ovulation.
It is no surprise that Igbo-Ora, a town located in Oyo State, Nigeria has an unusually large number of twin births earning it the nickname “Twin Capital of the World”.
Studies show that the high amount of yam in their diet was a reasonable cause of twin or multiple births contributing to a twin birth rate four times higher than the entire global average.
4. Dairy products
A study in 2006 showed that women who regularly consume dairy products e.g milk, yoghurt, butter are five times more likely to have twins.
This may be as a result of Insulin Growth Factor (IGF), a growth protein that is present in cow milk and can also be gotten from other animal products.
When a woman consumes a larger quantity of dairy products, she is prone to release more than one egg during ovulation and this increases her chances of conceiving non-identical twins.
5. Cassava
Cassava like yam is also known for increasing fertility. It also helps increase the chances of getting pregnant twins due to its hyperovulation properties.
According to experts, natural hormones in cassava may trick the brain into thinking there is insufficient estrogen, causing the brain to naturally release more of a hormone called gonadotropin, which increases the ovulation rate.
Cassava can be consumed in the form of garri, tapioca, lafun etc.
A 33KV feeder from Aflao to Keta has been built by theElectricity Company of Ghana (ECG) to improve power delivery in the Volta Region’s southwest.
The power distribution company stringed new lines, erected poles, upgraded sections of the old lines, and installed transformers.
The acting Volta Regional General Manager, Ing. Michael Babin, said his outfit aims at promoting the growth of the local economy by ensuring stable power supply to Keta, Kedzi, Adafienu, Adina, Agavedzi, Blekusu, Vodja and surrounding communities.
“The aim to provide quality, reliable and safe electricity services to support the socio- economic growth and development of Ghana informed management’s decision to complete this project to provide convenience for our customers”, he said in an interview with myjoyoline.com.
Ghanaian actor and producer Kwadwo Nkansah, also known asLil Win, has opened out about the difficulties that the entertainment industry face regarding finding suitable sites for their productions.
Speaking in an interview with Zion Felix, Lil Win detailed how an airline denied his production team the use of an airplane for a movie shoot, even after agreeing to pay a fee of $5,000.
“Let’s say you need the airport for a project. You will send letters and everything, but you will never be granted access. And when you are denied access and you compromise to shoot the movie, you will bitterly be criticized for not using the airport scene as it needed to be.”
“The reason why we were unable to feature the airport is that we even wanted to use an actual plane in the movie, and we were willing to pay. A fee of $3,000 was quoted for Kumasi and $5,000 for Accra. We were willing to pay, but the airline refused,” he shared.
According to the award-winning actor, movie producers are unfairly criticized for producing mediocre content, while they are compelled to improvise.
“I don’t understand it when the movie comes out and they criticize us that it is not nice. If we were given access to the plane, we would have landed it nicely in the movie. But we don’t get it; you want a police station for a shoot, you won’t be given; military uniform, you will not get it; you request access to a hospital for a shoot, and you are equally denied. Meanwhile, the story requires that you feature the hospital, airport, or police station to complete the story,” he bemoaned.
He added that the situation in Nigeria is not the same, as the country boasts a more supportive and enabling industry. More sadly, he emphasized that producers in Ghana are denied access even when they are willing to pay.
Players in the entertainment industry, mostlyYouTubers, have been voicing their struggles in the industry following an altercation between popular skit maker Dr. Likee and security officers at the Achimota Mall.
The popular comedy skit maker was prevented from shooting a video at the mall on the grounds of not obtaining appropriate permission.
Several players in the industry, including Ghana’s biggest YouTuber, Wode Maya, have condemned the incident captured in a viral video.
“Is there any other continent apart from Africa that you need to ask for permission to shoot a video around a shopping mall, train station, airport, and so-called public areas? When I was based in China, I literally filmed everywhere, and sometimes you even get paid to film in such areas… This village mentality needs to stop in 2023!” he stated in a tweet.
“It’s about time content creators in Africa unite and speak against harassment while filming in public areas… The new digital media is here, and you all should get used to it,” he said in a subsequent post.
Award-winning Nigerian singer David Adeleke, also known asDavidohas revealed that he would have ventured into the comedy industry if he had no passion for music.
The 30 Billion Gang head honcho disclosed this in a recent chat with Youtuber, Tayo Aina.
He said he would have excelled at stand-up comedy because he is a “funny guy.”
Davido said, “If I wasn’t a musician, I’d be a stand-up comedian. I’m a funny guy.
“Even in school, I was always the guy to make people laugh. So, I think that kind of transcended into my entertainment, music and just being a people-person.
“I love making people laugh, I don’t know why. It’s like my joy. I love making people laugh, I love making people happy. I love making people feel comfortable, I love making people just feel nice because I know how it feels not to feel good. That bad feeling, I don’t like it and I don’t want anybody to have it.”
On Saturday Nigerian afrobeat singer, Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, known as Burna Boyperformed at the UEFA Champions League final.
The 2023 UEFA Champions League final football match between Manchester City and Inter Milan took place at the Ataturk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul, Turkey.
Burna Boy performed alongside Brazilian singer, Anitta.
It can be recalled that Burna Boy on Friday received four nominations in the 2023 edition of the Black Entertainment Television,BET, Awards.
This is coming a week after the singer became the first African artiste to sell out the 80,000-capacity London Stadium in the UK.
A mining and mineral economics consultant, Henry Antwi, has pleaded with the Ghana Chamber of Mines to support the establishment of an artificial intelligence (AI) lab at the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT).
That, he said was to among others help explore home grown solutions for energy and mineral exploitation; decarbonisation initiatives to drive critical minerals development and the efficient use of energy and water.
Mr Antwi was speaking on the theme, “Artificial Intelligence and its impact on Sustainable Mining and Energy” in Accra on Friday at the Ghana Mining and Energy Summit 2023.
He also proposed that mining companies used AI tools to participate in exploitation of natural resources.
“Expedite AI initiatives to mitigate multiple threats of slowing commodities demand and inflationary pressures, volatile commodity prices, diminishing ore reserves and grades and declining return on capital employed,” he added.
Further, Mr Antwi indicated that investment tax credits for expenses related to exploration expenses would drive mineral resource exploitation in the country.
The vice President,Dr Mahamudu Bawumiahas stated that new born babies will be registered under the Ghana Card scheme starting from July at various hospitals.
The move, he explained follows the completion of the integration of the National Identification Authority (NIA), Ghana Health Service (GHS) and Births and Deaths Registry databases.
Speaking in the United Kingdom on Saturday, June 10, during the International Women’s Conference, the Vice President announced, “We have taken off the problem of fake birth certificates, bureaucracy, and corruption at the Birth and Deaths Registry. What we have done is to digitalise the processes at the Birth and Death Registry and linked their system with the Ghana Health Service and the NIA”.
“I have not yet announced in Ghana, I’m happy to announce that the integration of the database of the NIA, GHS, and the Birth and Deaths Registry is complete. So from next month, when a child is born in Ghana, we will issue the Ghana Card number right from birth”.
The National Identification Authority has registered over 17 million Ghanaians onto its system.
The Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has announced that babies will be issued Ghana Card numbers at birth, following the completion of the integration of the NIA, GHS and Births & Deaths Registry databases.
He was speaking in the United Kingdom. #CitiNewsroom pic.twitter.com/hkMME5V5YN
— CitiNewsroom (@Citi973) June 10, 2023
The report highlights that approximately 35% of Ghana’s land is under imminent threat of desertification, necessitating immediate action to combat this growing crisis.
The environment has long been a crucial component of Ghana’s socio-economic development, providing natural resources, sustenance, and employment opportunities. However, improper management of these resources has resulted in detrimental consequences that undermine the country’s social and economic progress.
Using the Environmental Systems Framework, the ISSER report shed light on the continuous degradation of various environmental elements, including the atmosphere, freshwater, biodiversity, and land, between 2016 and 2022.
These findings exposed the pressing need for comprehensive policies and regulations to address the escalating environmental challenges in Ghana.
One of the concerning trends highlighted in the report was the rising temperatures experienced in the country over the years, with 2020 registering the highest increase, and closely followed by 2016.
Ghana’s greenhouse gas emissions have also seen a significant uptick, standing at 58.56 MtCO2e in 2019, representing a 16% surge compared to the baseline levels in 2016.
The issue of freshwater pollution has been exacerbated in recent years, primarily due to the prevalence of illegal small-scale mining, known as “galamsey.” This activity has resulted in severe contamination of water bodies, posing a significant threat to aquatic ecosystems and human health.
The report further highlights the critical state of Ghana’s wildlife, with several species, including the blue whale, common chimpanzee, Egyptian vulture, African grey parrot, and Baker’s wood mouse, being classified as endangered. This alarming trend underscores the urgent need for concrete efforts to protect Ghana’s unique biodiversity.
To address these environmental challenges, ISSER recommends a series of strategic measures and actions. These include expediting the implementation of the long-term National Development Plan of Ghana (2018-2057), empowering environmental sustainability enforcement bodies and institutions, promoting climate-smart agricultural practices, accelerating the implementation of the community mining module, and increasing public awareness about the importance of environmental resilience.
In light of the upcoming Green Ghana Day, ISSER also emphasises the need for meticulous monitoring of the growth of trees under the ‘Green Ghana Agenda.’ It is crucial for the government to track progress accurately to ensure the success of this initiative and combat deforestation effectively.
The Green Ghana programme, according to Member of Parliament(MP) for Tamale North Constituency, Alhassan Suhuyini, needs precise methods to permit accurate tracking of its growth.
Speaking to the media on Friday, Mr Suhuyini said this was also to ensure that the scheme did not become one used to siphon money.
“The Green Ghana programme is well-intentioned. Year in, year out, money is allocated to it. We are told the number of trees that are planted, but there are no clear-cut mechanisms to determine if the numbers that are churned out are actually being planted on the ground. We are told of percentages of performance, but we do not know the criteria used to determine percentages of success when it comes to how well-planted trees are doing.”
“The issue of contracting is not clear. We do not know if people are contracted based on competitive bidding or handpicking. That is why I said that as much as this is important and has to be done, it has to be done in such a way that it does not become a scheme that is just meant to siphon money. If it is Green Ghana, it must be Green Ghana and not Green Corruption.”
The Tamale North MPsaid that the country had spent close to GH¢500 million on national afforestation programmes in the last five years, but the level of devastation to the forests was high.
“So there is the need for us to ask ourselves what we are getting for how much we are putting into projects aimed at protecting our forests and improving the forest cover in the country, when the records show that there is a high rate of depletion of our forest.”
Mr Suhuyini said that the Lands Minister had said that 4.89 million trees were planted in 2021, but the President, a few weeks after the Minister’s announcement, said that 7 million trees had been planted. This did not sit well with him.
“I recall that in 2022, I filed a question for the Minister to tell us how many trees had been planted, how many contractors were used, and all of that. He provided that information, and it was that information I used in my debate. The Minister at the time told us that 4.89 million trees had been planted for the 2021 season. However, a few weeks later, the President said that they had planted 7 million trees. That, for me, was a significant difference.”
He said that a verifiable formula would help to tell if, for instance, “we are planting 10 million trees this year, and next year, 70% of those trees are doing well. The clear-cut formula that is verifiable by anybody who wishes to verify would tell that indeed those trees are doing well.”
Ghanaian music sensation Wendy Shay and Haitian musician, K-Dilak have collaborated for a thrilling cross-cultural musical collaboration.
The two talented musicians have just created a masterpiece and this collaboration marks a significant milestone in the ever-expanding global music scene, illustrating how music transcends borders and connects people from diverse backgrounds.
Wendy Shay’s powerful vocals, combined with K-Dilak’s rhythmic melodies, have resulted in a remarkable track that will certainly captivate listeners worldwide.
K-Dilak recruited Wendy Shay on his latest single titled ‘Balance It’ because he sees her as the right person to help him break into the African music space since the ‘Survivor’ hitmaker has the perfect following and the right numbers to make it possible.
He is from Miragoane community in western Haiti. K-Dilak comes with his slogan “Mesajé a” which means “the messenger”.
He currently remains one of the top artistes in Haiti.
Back in 2020, the MAGHAITI Media Group awarded him the prize of ‘Best Male Artist of 2020’ because of the remarkable work he did in the music space and his undeniable talent.
K-Dilak has over 1.3 million followers on Facebook, 1.1 million followers on Instagram, and 672,000 subscribers on Youtube, and remains the most valuable male artist in Haiti’s music space currently.
His ‘Pwomèt Mweh’ currently has over 24 million views on Youtube, while his ‘Pouki’n Yep Marye’ and ‘Engra’ have garnered over 22 million and 11 million views respectively as well.
K-Dilak also has as a part of his catalogue, one of the greatest duets in the world. The song which is titled ‘Pouki’n Te Marye’ featured Bedjine. The song presents a sensitive taboo subject and, so far, it has also garnered more than 4 million YouTube views in just 4 weeks.
Wendy Shay, on the other hand, is also doing great with her recently released EP titled, Enigma.
Her single titled ‘Survivor’ has topped many music charts and recorded over 70 million total streams on various music streaming platforms, including the popular video viewing and sharing platform, YouTube.
‘Survivor’ further topped the chart in countries like South Africa, Kenya, the UK, and many others which led her to be the most streamed female artiste on Boomplay last year.
From all indications, the collaboration between these two top-rated musicians is just a match made in heaven.
Mother of Davido’s eldest child,Sophia Momodu, has disclosed that raising a child alone wasn’t her initial plan.
The mother of one made this known during a recent chat with followers on Instagram. According to her, raising a child alone was her greatest fear, but sadly, that is her current situation.
“My worst fear has happened to me, so I don’t think anything scares me in life anymore. I never wanted to raise a child alone, and i am doing it now., so what the f*ck is going to happen to me again? What could possibly happen to me other than my worst fear happening to me?”
This is coming days Sophia revealed her intention to change her daughter’s surname, stating that she has been playing the role of mom and dad to their daughter, Imade.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) will commemorate its 31st anniversary with a flag raising ceremony in Ningo Gangan, Assin North Constituency.
The party was founded on June 10, 1992 ahead of that year’s elections, a return to democratic rule in Ghana.
The party marked exactly three decades of its formation last year.
This year’s coincides with the electioneering campaign for the by-election inAssin North, the reason why the leadership of the party is taking the celebration to that constituency.
Already, party big wigs are in the Assin North Constituency, campaigning for James Gyakye Quayson to be re-elected as Member of Parliament (MP).
Mr Gyakye Quayson lost his seat after the courts ruled that he held a Canadian citizenship prior to filing his nomination for the December 2020 elections.
Members of the NDC have disagreed with the courts and found the ruling targeted at the opposition party.
Minority Leader Dr Cassiel Ato Baah Forson, who led the caucus to the Central Region constituency, said victory in the June 27 by-election will not only be for Mr Gyakye Quayson but will also be for justice.
All NDC national executives bar the General Secretary, Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, who is out of jurisdiction, are expected to be at the venue for the ceremony.
Additional details have surfaced, following the initial report by international media news outlet Fox 28 about a Ghanaian man’s tragic incident of attempted murder and suicide in Ohio.
According to previous reports, Kwabena Michael Amoakois said to have shot his wife several times and shot himself to death after.
Per earlier details, the incident started as a domestic violence dispute and has left neighbours in shock.
Speaking to blogger ‘Hello Frank’ in an interview, Nana Obiri Yeboah, Chief of Asanteman, Columbus, Ohio, explained that, contrary to previous reports, the deceased was not the Sumankwahene of the Asanteman Association in Columbus until his demise.
Although he acknowledged that he had served a role in that capacity in previous times, he indicated that the late Michael Amoako was a former Sumankwahene and not in service at the time of the incident.
“My brother Amoako was the first Sumankwahene, now we have another who succeeded him. You see, with the Chieftaincy system here in the U.S., we operate with the constitution so when your term is over, you hand over to the next eligible candidate to become Chief. So now a new one has been enstooled and his name is Nana Korankye,” Nana Obiri Yeboah noted.
He also noted that despite the fact that there were previous issues among the couple, no one knew the extent to which it had gone.
“I won’t use violent for him but he was not a calm person. He was a people person in the community.
We knew the couple had some marital issues like it happens in a lot of maritalhomes. But to get details about how bad the situation was, we never heard or knew about it. He had lived with his wife for a while, they got separated and even came back and had children,” he noted.
Nana Obiri Yeboah also confirmed that his wife is in critical condition as it stands but is not dead as some reports have suggested.
“The wife is not dead as some reports suggest, she is still alive. I urge all of us to pray for her. She is still in the hospital, has undergone successful surgery but she is still in a critical condition at the hospital so we should pray,” he said.
The Asanteman Chief also revealed that the children are currently with one of their aunties and are going through the necessary processes to be able to overcome the trauma.
He also urged all Ghanaians living in the United States to avoid keeping guns in their homes.
“We should do away with guns, to those of us here in the U.S, we are not murderers, and when there is no gun, even if things happen, it won’t get to that extent. It will trigger us to do things that we will regret,” he cautioned.
Meanwhile, police and U.S. authorities have decided to release the body to the family, Nana Obiri Yeboah has confirmed. According to him, this happened after leadership went to see some of them about funeral arrangements.
Nogokpo town has gained attention in recent news due to the reactions of certain traditional leaders in response to remarks made by Archbishop Charles Argyinasare, the founder and leader of Perez Chapel International.
Located along the Trans-West African Coastal Highway, Nogokpo has been undoubtedly one of the revered towns in Ghana because of its perceived supernatural prowess. In a sermon in the latter part of May 2023, the leader of Perez Chapel, Archbishop Argyinasare described the Nogokpo town as the headquarters of demons.
The ‘controversial’ comment by the archbishop sparked public conversations either in support or slamming the man of God. At a press conference organised by the traditional leaders of the town, the spokesperson, Nufialagah Mawufemor Kobla Nornyigbey, explained what seems to be the real meaning of the name; Nogokpo.
According to him, the name of the town, Nogokpo, has two meanings. There is the ‘esote nya’ [esoteric knowledge] and the ordinary meaning. “First of all, the name of the has two meanings. We have the esoteric knowledge side, and we have the ordinary name which is ‘eno ge kpoo a’ to wit [ are you willing to stay here peacefully].
“The name of the town is a question on its own. Because of the supreme energy that is on this land, they don’t encourage evil or wicked people to stay or live with us in this town. So, in the past when you are a stranger coming into the town, our fathers will ask you “edzua, ek) fe dzu e, eno ge kpoa? Which means, there are rules and regulations governing this place, are you willing to live here in peace? That is how the name developed into Nogokpo,” he said.
The spokesperson further explained that the esoteric meaning of the name Nogokpo points to the town as the home of the universe. “Now when you come to our esoteric knowledge, Nogokpo means the home of the universe.
This is the deep side of the knowledge that people don’t know. So, they try to put negativity to the name,” he continued. The Nufialagah added that the Volta Region possesses a wealth of tourism opportunities that can be marketed to attract visitors into the region rather than the negativity that is being attached to the region.
“My brother, look at the Volta Region we have numerous tourism potentials. We have lots of potential that we can market for people like Agyinasare can market but they choose because of their business to look down upon this town and this look negative,” he urged. To him, it is not a deniable fact that people who seek justice always come for consultation from the deity in Nogokpo.
“But we all know in this country that when people seek justice somewhere and they don’t get it, the only place they come is Nogokpo, because they know the god of thunder, lightning, fire and justice is here, so Nogokpo has already marketed itself all we need to is to promote it. But the backlash he had on social media should tell you that people appreciate the great work we do here” he added.
Renowned Ghanaian music composer and founder of the Winneba Youth Choir, Dr. George Mensah Essilfie, is set to make a comeback to the Ghanaian music scene.
He will be hosting a concert titled “Kalabashi Concert – Songs of Akotam” at the National Theatre on Sunday, June 11.
The concert which is expected to be a celebration ofGhanaian music and creativity also marks Dr Essilfie’s grand return to his home country after an extended period of international performances and collaborations.
According to Dr Essilfie, Kalabashi Concert- Songs of Akotam will be performed by the award-winning choral group, Harmonious Chorale Ghana.
“Harmonious Chorale Ghana, acclaimed for their vocal harmonies and heartfelt performances, will contribute their extraordinary talents to bring Kalabashi Concert- Songs of Akotam to life on stage.
“The concert is expected to highlight the outstanding talent and rich cultural heritage of Ghana’s music with particular reference to folk music.
Kalabashi Concert- Songs of Akotam will be staged in an African traditional setting and it will transport the audience on an exciting trip by fusing beautiful melodies, potent storytelling, and dynamic choreography”, he told Graphic Showbiz.
It is anticipated that Dr Essilfie’s distinctive musical style, which is firmly anchored in Ghanaian traditions and infused with modern elements, will provide a harmonious blend that will speak to audiences of all ages.
Dr Essilfie is well known for his choral arrangement of folk songs including AgorƆ YƐdƐ, Tutu Gbovi, Kpanlogo YƐdƐ, Everybody Bring Your Calash, Senyiwa(Pete Pete) among others.
He is hopeful the concert modelled after worldwide musicals such Moana, Frozen, and Sound of Music, would highlight the relevance of Ghana’s traditional folk music and make it more accessible.
Ghanaian Afrobeats artist,Camidoh, has expressed his delight after being nominated for the prestigious BET Viewer’s Choice: Best New International Act award for 2023.
Among a carefully selected group of exceptional global musicians, including Asake from Nigeria, Flo from the UK, Libianca from Cameroon, Maureen from France, Mc Ryan SP from Brazil, Pabi Cooper from South Africa, Raye from the UK, and Werenoi from France, Camidoh finds himself in illustrious company.
During an interview on TV3 New Day, Camidoh shared his disbelief and the overwhelming emotions that followed the nomination. He stated, “I am still really in shock because I don’t even know what to say. Yesterday, I had to take time to really process it because it’s really like one big blessing. This was not something I was looking out for, do you understand? I mean, I am just grateful.”
The singer admitted that the nomination came as a complete surprise, as it was not a goal he actively pursued. Nonetheless, he recognized its significance and viewed it as a valuable lesson in his artistic journey.
Camidoh expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to be acknowledged on such a prestigious platform.
When questioned about the factors contributing to his success, Camidoh attributed it to his team’s strategic marketing plan and their unwavering dedication to reaching a globalaudience.
He emphasized their commitment to delivering captivating performances during international shows, aiming to leave a lasting impression on audiences in every country they visit. These tireless efforts, he believes, played a pivotal role in propelling his career to this remarkable point.
Reflecting on his journey, Camidoh shared, “To answer your question, I think it depends on your goal and based on your marketing plan. It’s just us doing shows across the globe, and when we go into a country, we do the most to ensure that everyone hears of the brand and it cements on the end before you leave. I think these were the very small things that we were doing that brought us here.”
As anticipation continues to build, fans and well-wishers are urged to rally behind Camidoh and cast their votes, contributing to his path toward potentially securing the coveted honor at the BET Awards. The prestigious event is scheduled to take place at the Microsoft Theater on Sunday, June 25.
A popular spot owner at Manso Keniago in theAmansie South Districtof the Ashanti Region has lost his life after a tipper truck run over him.
The incident happened late afternoon on Friday while the young man was returning from an adjoining town.
A local reporter Nana Ampong Tilesman told the media, the man missed his step while crossing the road immediately after alighting from a tricycle.
“It was about three o’clock when he left for the next town. The okada he was coming with, dropped him a bit far away from his destination so he had to alight and cross the road.
“As he was crossing we realized the tipper truck had gotten too close to him. All we saw was the truck had knocked him down and run him over, killing him instantly,” Amponsah Tilesman said.
Sensing danger from the incensed residents, the driver fled with the truck, parked in a distance and took to his heels.
According to reports the driver has since turned himself in at the Manso Adubea Police Station.
The badly mutilated remains of the deceased whose intestines and other organs gushed out onto the streets, have been deposited at the St. Martin Hospital at Manso Agroyesum.
As fashionchanges, these celebs always keep us in the loop by posing in the newest looks on their social media platforms.
It depends on many factors and most importantly the person rocking the dress.
Celebrities have a whole team of helpers to get them ready for their big nights but for us normal people, we have to get our inspiration from the celebrities themselves. In the absence of our personal stylists, we look to our favourite stars to give us much-needed outfit inspo.
This is another exciting week onInstagramand of course, we were delighted and thrilled to gaze at some exceptional pictures.
Anita Akuffo
Anita has the kente inspiration for a modern-day bride.
Fella Makafui
How do rock a jumpsuit? Fella Makafui shows us how to in this amazingly well-fitted jumpsuit.
Naa Ashorkor
Naa Ashorkor is dishing out glow and glam. This black and mauve combo fit is stunning.
depends on many factors and most importantly the person rocking the dress.
Celebrities have a whole team of helpers to get them ready for their big nights but for us normal people, we have to get our inspiration from the celebrities themselves. In the absence of our personal stylists, we look to our favourite stars to give us much-needed outfit inspo.
Black Sherif
This is stylish Black Sherif. And this photo could never miss this list. Black Sherif
Empress Gifty
This blue gown is sexy and we were gobbling it all up.
Berla Mundi
If we are feeling kente, Berla Mundi in this nude outfit certainly would cheer us up.
Victoria Lebene
Come through Lebene. Mr Nkansah is an obvious delight in this white fit.
Camido
Camido deserves a trend for this fit and his BET Awards nominations.
Cookietee
Corporate fashion is an everyday thing and Cookitee has all the inspiration.
Serwaa Amihere
Every time she posts a picture, we are in awe of her beauty and she makes our list.
The Zongo Chief of Gomoa, Nyanayano Saliki Issaka Giwa, has bemoaned the bad state of roads and lack of access to potable water in the area.
The situation, the chief lamented, was affecting people’s livelihoods, and the government needed to address the issue immediately.
He claims that over 150,000 people use the road and that due to the poor condition of the road, investors are forced to relocate their businesses to other communities, prompting the government to intervene through the Ministry of Roadsand Highways.
“The poor nature of the road is our major challenge. No investor is willing to invest in the area. When they come and assess the area and see the deplorable nature of the road, they move away. One of the key activities we engage in here is salt production. Our salt is of high quality because we do not add additives. But those expected to come and trade with us are not coming because of the bad road.”
He also raised the issue of potable drinking water, saying residents are struggling to have good drinking water and the government must take steps to address them.
The chief further revealed the residents in the area are part of the country and deserves a fair share of thenational cake.
He said the government must take steps to the challenge so they would be able to get investors to come to the area to invest in the salt business.
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has lauded Vodafone Ghana for its steadfast dedication and significant contributions to the development of the Ashanti Region.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II highlighted Vodafone Ghana’s steadfast support for the Asantehene Open Golf Championship, even amidst challenging economic times. He also recognised the company’s crucial initiatives that have significantly impacted the region, particularly in the realms of education and healthcare.
This commendation was made during a visit by Vodafone Ghana’s senior management team, led by CEO Patricia Obo-Nai, to the Manhyia Palace.
The visit was aimed at communicating Vodafone Ghana’s continued sponsorship of the Asantehene Open Golf Tournament, a commitment they have upheld for seven successive years since 2017.
She also announced the celebration of the 2023 Vodafone Ashanti Month, which is an annual celebration.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II expressed his gratitude to Vodafone for spearheading sustainable development initiatives in the Ashanti region through job creation, building a digital economy as well as enhancing the health and education sectors.
He encouraged Vodafone to continue its commendable efforts.
In response, Patricia Obo-Nai thanked Otumfuo and reaffirmed Vodafone Ghana’s dedication to Asanteman.
She emphasised that their support for the golf tournament and other initiatives is geared towards fortifying Vodafone’s relationship with Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and the people of Asanteman, while also fostering sustainable development in the region.
“As part of our Ashanti Month celebrations, we aim to give back to our customers and the community. So, we urge individuals and businesses to leverage all the opportunities we offer during Ashanti Month and beyond,” she said.
The month-long celebration will include the launch of an ICT hub in the Ashanti Regional Library, a collaborative effort with the Ghana Library Authority.
Moreover, Vodafone Ghana will revive several initiatives aimed at enhancing long-term health and sustainability outcomes.
These include Healthfest, a free health screening initiative; Homecoming, an initiative to settle bills for insolvent hospital patients; and free ultrasound for pregnant women in Pipie in the Bosomtwe district.
The anti-land guard unit of the Ghana Police Service has allegedly shot and killed nine individuals suspected to be landguards near Tubain the Ga South Municipality of the Greater Accra Region.
One suspect who was also shot during the operation is receiving treatment at a hospital, while two others are in police custody.
According to Citi News sources, the suspects had been harassing workers of an estate development company at Akwasa Hillsfor some time.
The suspects would often terrorize the workers and, in some cases, injure them.
On Thursday, June 8, 2023, the suspects allegedly attacked the workers again, firing shots in the area. The police anti-landguard unit, which had allegedly laid an ambush, initially attempted to arrest the suspects, but the suspects opened fire, resulting in an exchange of gunfire.
A community source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described the development as welcome news, as the landguards had been terrorizing the community for years.
“The incident happened at a land at Bortianor Hills belonging to a developer. The developer had been working on the land for over a month, and the landguards had been coming to harass the workers on a regular basis. The developer reported the harassment to the police, and the police came to the scene to investigate. While the police were laying an ambush, the landguards attacked the workers, and the police opened fire, killing nine of the landguards. Three of the landguards were injured and taken to the hospital.
“The activities of landguards are quite disturbing. They often demand money from developers, and some developers have paid as much as GH¢50,000 or even GH¢100,000 to the landguards,” the source said.
Meanwhile, Serwaa Agyapong, a resident whose brother was shot, has denied allegations that all of the people involved were landguards.
She said her brother, who lived close to her home, was a steel bender by trade and had never worked as a landguard.
She was upset with the way the police team quickly removed the bodies of the dead men and covered up the blood stains with sand and leaves.
Madam Serwaa also accused the police of washing away the blood stains with water, and she is calling for a full investigation into the incident.
“My brother is not an armed robber, as is being perceived. He is a steel bender. After killing him, the police took his personal belongings, including a television set,” Serwaa Agyapong, the sister of one of the deceased, said.
Ras Nene, popularly known as Dr Likee, a Ghanaian actor and YouTube sketch creator, got into a violent argument with the security personnel at theAchimota Mallin Accra today, 9th June, 2023.
Sources revealed that Ras Nene had previously obtained permission to shoot his skit at the mall. However, he was unexpectedly denied access by the security team, leading to a confrontational situation.
In collaboration with socialite Efia Odo, Ras Nene had planned an engaging skit that would entertain their fans.
The skit involved playful interactions and shopping scenes.
Unfortunately, upon their arrival at Achimota Mall, the mall’s security team promptly confronted them. The security personnel, responsible for maintaining order and protecting the mall’s premises, informed Ras Nene and Efia Odo that shooting skits without proper authorization was strictly prohibited.
Ras Nene refused to back down easily. He passionately argued his case, drawing attention to the incident involving Meek Mill at theJubilee House in Ghana, where the American rapper appeared to have been allowed to capture photos and videos without restrictions.
Frustrated by what he perceived as a double standard, Ras Nene engaged in a spirited debate with the security personnel, asserting his rights as a public figure and entertainer.
Meanwhile, social media users have been sharing their thoughts on the incident, sparking further conversations about how public spaces are managed.
The Media Coalition Against Galamsey(MCAG) has expressed frustration over what they perceive to be a lack of progress in the prosecution of the Akonta Mining Limited directors.
MCAG sent two petitions to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare in January 2023, to carry out swift investigations into the alleged illegal mining activities by Akonta Mining owned by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako.
MCAG in a statement said its team met with senior officials of the Criminal Investigative Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service (GPS) on Thursday, June 8, 2023, to discuss the progress of the investigation into Akonta Mining Limited’s mining activities in the Tano Nmira Forest Reserves.
The MCAG in the statement said it was informed that investigations were ongoing, but the group expressed disappointment that the directors of Akonta Mining Limited had not yet been prosecuted, despite the clear evidence of their alleged wrongdoing.
MCAG thus called on the CID to expedite the prosecution of the directors of the company to ensure that they are brought to justice.
“It was made known during the meeting that investigations were ongoing into the activities of Akonta Mining Limited. The delegation from the MCAG was appreciative of the work being carried out by the CID. We, however, expressed our frustration at the seeming lack of action in the prosecution of the director(s) of Akonta Mining Ltd, in the face of clear evidence (including what we added to our petition and statement to the Police) of they having breached the Minerals & Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703) and prayed that the needed urgency be applied for the speedy prosecution of the director(s) of Akonta Mining Ltd since there was ample evidence available for their prosecution,” the group added in a statement.
The MCAG has also called on all well-meaning Ghanaiansto join in the fight against illegal mining.
“There is and can be no conceivable justification for illegal mining to continue in Ghana,” said the MCAG in a statement.
“We urge all Ghanaians to join us in the fight to save our water bodies and preserve our environment for current and future generations.”
Illegal mining is a major environmental and economic problem in Ghana. It has led to the destruction of water bodies, the displacement of people, and the loss of biodiversity.
The MCAG is a coalition of media organizations that are committed to fighting illegal mining in Ghana.
MCAG has been at the forefront of the campaign to raise awareness of the problem and to hold those responsible to account.
Seedling contractors in Ashanti Region are demanding GH¢28 million Ghana cedis from government for supplying seedlings for Green Ghana Daycelebrations in 2021 and 2022.
This was contained in a report by citinewsroom.com.
The association reportedly tried various interactions with the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and the Forestry Commission, but despite numerous guarantees that the government would pay them, each one turned out to be ineffective.
The Secretary of the Ashanti Region Seedlings Contractors Association, Gloria Amponsah, who spoke to the media house, called onPresident Akufo-Addo to ensure the members are paid.
“I want to plead with the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources and the President that we have done our part, so they should pay us. Because if you don’t pay us, how can we go into another project?” she said.
Earlier today, June 9, 2023, the 2023 edition of the Green Ghana Day was held to plant trees.
The government, this year aimed to plant 10 million trees nationwide.
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