TIG Post

Author: Phoebe Martekie Doku

  • Straight talk wins over investigative terrorism – Ken Agyapong to Anas Aremeyaw Anas

    Straight talk wins over investigative terrorism – Ken Agyapong to Anas Aremeyaw Anas

    The Assin Central MP Kennedy Agyapong has released an official statement regarding the court decision from March 15 in which he prevailed in a defamation case brought by investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas.

    The Assin Central MP in a Twitter post said the ruling was a win for “straight talk” over “investigative terrorism” – the latter being a term the trial judge used in hus judgment.

    “Today straight talk has won over ‘investigative terrorism’ as evidenced in the judgement of a suit brought against Hon. Kennedy Agyapong (Defendant) by Anas Aremeyaw Anas (Plaintiff), where the plaintiff sought charges against the defendant for defamation.

    “In the case that has been followed keenly by Ghanaians both home and abroad, the judge opined in his ruling that Anas Aremeyaw Anas, the plaintiff is a “blackmailer, extortionist and corrupt.” He also went on to say that the ‘plaintiffs style isnt investigative journalism but investigative terrorism”.

    Anas vs. Ken Agyapong defamation case

    An Accra High Court on Wednesday, March 15, 2023, struck out a defamation suit brought by investigative journalist, Anas Aremeyaw Anas against Assin Central Member of Parliament, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong.

    The plaintiff, filed the case in 2018, seeking among other reliefs monetary damages to the tune of GH¢25 million.

    However, the court presided by Justice Eric Baah despite finding various claims made by the defendant against the plaintiff as potentially defamatory, ruled that the comments were factual and fair.

    The court subsequently dismissed the suit and awarded the defendant a sum of 50,000 Ghana cedis to cover his legal costs.

    The MP has subsequently referred to the ruling as a victory for straight talk over investigative terrorism.

    Whiles, the journalist also expressed grave misgivings about the ruling describing it in part as a travesty of justice. His statement, however, stopped short of confirming whether he will appeal the ruling.

    PRESS STATEMENT FROM HON. KENNEDY OHENE AGYAPONG (MP)

    STRAIGHT TALK WINS OVER INVESTIGATIVE TERRORISM

    ACCRA, MARCH 15, 2023

    Today straight talk has won over ‘investigative terrorism’ as evidenced in the judgement of a suit brought against Hon. Kennedy Agyapong (Defendant) by Anas Aremeyaw Anas (Plaintiff), where the plaintiff sought charges against the defendant for defamation.

    In the case that has been followed keenly by Ghanaians both home and abroad, the judge opined in his ruling that Anas Aremeyaw Anas, the plaintiff is a “blackmailer, extortionist and corrupt.” He also went on to say that the ‘plaintiffs style isnt investigative journalism but investigative terrorism.”

    This judgement has vindicated many, like Hon. Kennedy Agyapong who for a very long time through his straight talking and direct style have questioned the motive of Anas and his rather unethical style of ‘entrapment’ — something frowned upon by real journalists.

    Hon. Kennedy Agyapong reacting to the verdict stated, “our nation needs to move on from this style of journalism and pull him down syndrome and rather focus on building strong institutions that will help instil accountability, discipline and purpose of duty in the attainment of personal and national goals.

    Today’s ruling has shown that we must not be shy in challenging those who seek to destroy others for self-serving purposes while upholding the moral fabric of our nation.

    For additional information contact: Charles Amoh Darteh via +233 202967944 or press@ken2024.com

    -END-

  • Celebrities who have supported McBrown amid Despite Media exit controversy

    Celebrities who have supported McBrown amid Despite Media exit controversy

    Nana Ama McBrown, an actress and entrepreneur’s decision of resigning from UTV to Onua TV, has elicited a variety of responses from the public, including both criticism and good wishes.

    The Despite Media group’s former coworkers have been the majority of the criticism.

    Yet, she has also received a good dose to support from colleagues and major actors in the entertainment ecosystem.

    A Plus

    Commenting on the issue on Instagram, A Plus who is a regular guest on UTV’s United Showbiz, the show McBrown used to host on the Despite Media platform, said: “If UTV made her a great presenter, then we should be excited to be part of her success story. Do yours and wish others well.”

    Reggie Rockstone

    In an Instagram comment amid the brouhaha, Reggie acknowledged the criticism he received when he joined the music group VIP after Promzy’s exit but emphasized that everyone enjoyed the music they created together.

    He also expressed his belief that change is good and that people should move on.

    “Till this day, some folx still cuss me about joining VIP into VVIP, but all enjoyed the music we made lol smh! Humans can be sum way huh! Change is good, and we all move on! Bless us all, AMEN,” he shared.

    Akrobeto comes to McBrown’s defense

    Reacting to McBrown’s move, Akrobeto in a radio interview announced that there is nothing wrong with the actress’ move adding that the station does not own her.

    “It is a business, we all moved from somewhere to our current job. We’ve seen couples divorce and remarry. People relocate to different countries, UTV hasn’t bought Nana Ama, they don’t own her.

    “She came to work and has decided to move. Maybe she loved the offer she got and felt it was okay and so if she is leaving, there is nothing wrong,” he explained in Twi.

    Akrobeto also debunked claims of Despite Media sacking McBrown as the host of United Showbiz. According to the actor, their employers had no option but to let her go when she confirmed her decision.

    “Footballers in various clubs play for the money. The team doesn’t belong to anyone reason why we witness transfers. Nana hasn’t wronged anyone, and neither is UTV.

    “She feels that the right decision has been made. It is simple as ABC, nobody sacked her, ignore such rumours…you can call Fada Dickson to confirm that she wasn’t sacked. The decision was taken by Nana,” Akrobeto disclosed.

    Captain Smart

    Whiles responding to a critique by Afia Schwarzenegger for his role in welcoming McBrown on her first day at Media General (March 13), Captain Smart explained that he had a long history with McBrown dating back to his days at Fox FM in Kumasi.

    “What I don’t like is for people who don’t know the struggles a person has been through, feeling pained because of their progress.

    “Look, out of spite, I will even go and get a tattoo of McBrown on my back,” he stated on the Onua Maakye programme of March 14. I will draw a photo of McBrown on my back,” he stressed.

    McBrown joins Media General after Despite Media exit

    On Monday, March 13, the popular actress and show host was unveiled as the latest member of Media General, confirming her move from Despite Media where she hosted United Showbiz for over 3 years.

    The move has witnessed some staff of Despite Media describing McBrown as ungrateful with others claiming that her former employers groomed her in being a better television presenter.

    Recalling her life struggles on 3FM with Johnnie Hughes, the award-winning media personality took credit for her growth in acting and every aspect of her life.

    “It didn’t start today, I started this long ago. I knew and saw this picture long ago. I am not impressing anybody, I am working for myself…it is part of the job when people come after me. How about the blessings? It is the same way when the ambassadorial deals are coming.

    “Whoever is saying what about me, I leave that person to God because I know myself and I know I have worked my way through here. I didn’t come here just for the sake of my beauty or maybe my smile. I have worked to make my smile impactful. I am here because I have worked, oh Jonnie I have worked!” she hammered with pride.


  • I spent more than N50 million on my girlfriend in two years – Joeboy

    I spent more than N50 million on my girlfriend in two years – Joeboy

    Nigerian musician, Joeboy has admitted to spending 50 million naira and more on his lover over the course of two years in an interview with Pulse.

    He describes himself as a lover guy who enjoys lavishing his girlfriend.

    “You’re right. I love to spoil my woman. As for the money I have spent on her, let us say above 50 million Naira,” he said.

    His latest statement has attracted several reactions from fans and social media users.

  • Tsikata gives reasons for rejecting National Awards

    Tsikata gives reasons for rejecting National Awards

    Fui Tsikata, a well-known attorney and member of Ghana’s legal team in the maritime dispute with La Cote d’Ivoire, has given reasons why he declined the national award for his participation in the 2017 resolution at the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS).

    The honors, which were presented to the nation’s legal personnel as part of the National Honours and Awards on Tuesday, March 14, were denied by Mr. Tsikata and the previous attorney general Marietta Brew Appiah-Oppong.

    Many believe the position of these two lawyers may have been partisan.

    But in a statement on Wednesday, Mr Tsikata said he had explained to the Solicitor-General in his response when he received information about the award that he doesn’t accept recognition for such efforts.

    “Those who know me will confirm these convictions as well as my inclination to avoid grand public gestures and the fuss around them,” he stated.

    Nonetheless, he pointed out that if anything had tarnished the image of the National Honours and Awards, it is the “unfortunate selectivity” on the part of government in choosing those who served on the maritime boundary litigation and not his decision.

    Ghana won the dispute brought against it by Ivory Coast

    “It is impossible to understand the criteria which excluded the names of Nana Asafu-Adjaye, Thomas Manu, Ayaa Armah, Kojo Agbenor-Efunam, Nana Appia Kyei and Nii Adzei Akpor.

    “Even Professor Martin Tsamenyi is left out. It was his work that led to the creation of the Maritime Boundary Secretariat, which coordinated the litigation. He was an influential member of the team until he fell ill.”

    He questioned why some like Coordinator of the Secretariat Kwame Mfodwo and cartographer Nana Poku were belatedly given ‘certificates’ in an “attempt to offer them some acknowledgement”.

    “I prefer to celebrate the collective effort of the team and the leadership that promoted collaboration and stifled disruptive elements.”

  • Ohio man sentenced to 20 years in jail for claiming to be a prince from Ghana

    Ohio man sentenced to 20 years in jail for claiming to be a prince from Ghana

    A man from Ohio has been granted a 20-year prison term on Wednesday, for posing as a Ghanaian prince and defrauding over a dozen victims.

    According to testimony presented during his trial, Daryl Robert Harrison, also known as Prince Daryl R. Attipoe and Prophet Daryl R. Attipoe, defrauded at least 14 people out of more than US$800,000.

    Harrison was convicted in September of mail and wire fraud, conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, and witness tampering.

    For several years, Harrison stole money from people who believed they were investing in African mining and trucking companies, prosecutors said. Harrison falsely claimed that he was a prince from Ghana and had connections to those companies, according to the Justice Department.

    Several of Harrison’s victims were congregants of the Power House of Prayer Ministries, where Harrison and his stepfather claimed they were ministers. According to prosecutors, Harrison and his stepfather used the investment money for personal expenses, including renting a house in Colorado and purchasing luxury cars.

    District Judge Michael J. Newman gave Harrison the maximum sentence allowed under the law – 20 years behind bars – more than the 14-year sentence prosecutors had asked for.

    “Each of the Defendant’s fraud crimes were committed in a cold, calculated and premeditated fashion,” prosecutors wrote in court filings, describing Harrison as an “extremely selfcentered, self-possessed sociopath who has no respect for societal rules or norms, and further lacks any empathy or sympathy for his victims” that “intimidated and threatened his victims to establish and maintain control over them.”

    Harrison had asked the judge for a much lower sentence, highlighting supportive letters written by parishioners and family members. Harrison’s defense attorney also noted that his wife, who is taking care of their six children, is battling stage IV cancer.

    Harrison’s stepfather, Robert Shelly Harrison, Jr., pleaded guilty to one felony charge in December. He will be sentenced later this month.

  • Expanding the agricultural industry could reduce Ghana’s reliance on IMF – Afriyie Akoto

    Expanding the agricultural industry could reduce Ghana’s reliance on IMF – Afriyie Akoto

    Former food and agriculture minister Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto is certain that Ghana can reduce its reliance on the International Monetary Fund (IMF) if it gives the agriculture sector greater attention.

    Speaking to the media, on March 15, Dr Akoto said the country’s economic fortunes can be improved by the agriculture industry.

    “To be permanently out of the hands of these international institutions and bilateral donors we must focus on the agric sector; the literature is clear from which sector developed nations focused their energy,” he said.

    “We’ve been mining gold for over 100 years, what has that gotten us. Oil same, we’re still in the hands of the IMF,” Akoto told the host Kwaku Nhyira-Addo.

    “We’ve been borrowing heavily on the Eurobond market for the past few years. So, we shouldn’t go on that illusion that mining will take us out. We discovered oil during former president Kufuor’s time, what has that gotten us? Has it gotten us out of the clutches of the IMF?” Akoto asked.



  • I’ll prevail in NPP flagbearer contest – Dr. Owusu Akoto Afriyie

    I’ll prevail in NPP flagbearer contest – Dr. Owusu Akoto Afriyie

    Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, a former minister of food and agriculture, is convinced he would prevail in the flagbearership race of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

    He expressed confidence that he would receive a resounding majority of the party’s delegate votes to lead the party in the general elections of 2024.

    According to him, the delegates will choose a competent person to lead the party.

    “Well you go into a contest to win, so I’m in the contest hoping to win, and I know that God will bless me to win this contest,” Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto said.

    Speaking on the Point of View on Citi TV, with Bernard Avle, Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto said he’s not worried that Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia is in the race adding that he does not have any advantage over him and the other hopefuls.

    “The incumbency of the Vice President does not worry me at all, it doesn’t give any advantage over others. The party people know who is who. You just have to make sure that they know you are in the race. Most of our delegates are rural people, they benefitted from Planting for Food and Jobs. They are part of the 1.7 million farmers that have benefitted from the PFJ. So they relate to what I’m doing,” a flagbearer hopeful of NPP said.

    He added, “NPP is not an ethnic party, it’s a national party so if the delegates decide who is competent enough to lead them, they will vote for the person. So what is it about tribalism and all that, I can’t understand it”.

    Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto who has been silent after resigning explained that he does not want to break the party’s rules by campaigning vigorously.

    “The party has regulations, and I’m the last person to break regulations which state that until the party sets a date and invites potential contestants to come and pick forms and so on and so forth, there should be no campaigning. This has been grossly overlooked by a lot of people, I wasn’t going to stampede into that. But it doesn’t mean that I’m not working,” he explained.

  • Kejetia market shut down for further investigation into devastating fire

    Kejetia market shut down for further investigation into devastating fire

    Following a fire that destroyed portions of the market on Wednesday afternoon, Wednesday March 16, the New Kejetia Market has been temporarily shut down by its managers.

    This is to allow appropriate authorities assess the facility for more investigation after the fire that tore through parts of the enclave on Wednesday.

    The Ghana National Fire Service has begun an investigation into the fire.

    According to eyewitnesses, the fire started on the first floor in a section where combustible materials are sold.

    It took firefighters several hours to fully control the situation.

    The Ashanti Regional Director for the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO), Frank Duodu says traders should allow the closure for proper assessment of the incident.

    “Activities at the market cannot be carried out today until 12pm. That is what we are recommending for proper works will be carried out so I am not sure business can go on in the early hours”, he said.

    In an interview with Citi News, Ashanti Regional Fire Commander ACFO 1 Henry Giwaa advised traders and members of the public to be cautious when dealing with combustibles.

    He also emphasized the importance of calling the Fire Department early, in the event of a fire.

    “Averagely, we have counted about 33 shops that have been affected. Investigation is underway. It started right after we arrived here. So, when we are done, we will let the public know. Just as we have been educating every now and then, the public should immediately call as soon as there is an outbreak because even with this incident, the call came in from our National Headquarters in Accra before we were able to dispatch when we are just here.”

    The fire comes barely a week after some parts of the market got flooded after a downpour.



  • West Hills Mall: MPs demand independent probe into death of man

    West Hills Mall: MPs demand independent probe into death of man

    An oversight investigation into the events leading up to the death of a young man at the West Hills mall in Accra has been demanded by members of parliament (MPs).

    Video footage showed some people abusing 32-year-old Shadrack Arloo while he was tied on the floor of the mall and was later confirmed dead at a hospital.

    A police investigation into the matter revealed that the suspect died of asphyxiation and obstruction of his airway by a foreign body suspected to be marijuana.

    In a statement on the floor of Parliament, the Member of Parliament for Jomoro, Dorcas Affo-Toffey together with some Members of Parliament urged the house to constitute an independent commission to investigate the matter.

    “I call on this August House to invoke its legislative authority to set up an independent police commission and grant it the powers to investigate, for example, instances where the police stand accused of unlawful killing. Such a response will help curb actual or potential cover-ups in the future”.

    “Mr. Speaker kindly permit me to state that I have petitioned the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) to investigate the horrifying human rights violation meted out to against Shadrack. Let me also use this opportunity to urge the Commission to quicken its investigation into the matter to give the grieving family closure. I humbly pray that the statement be referred to the Committee on Defence and Interior to conduct an independent parliamentary probe into the true circumstances leading to the death of Shadrack,” she said.

    The police pathologist found eight zipped packets of dry leaves that were likely drug-related in the deceased’s throat, tied with a piece of black polythene.

  • COCOBOD workers calls on Parliament to intervene over unpaid benefits

    COCOBOD workers calls on Parliament to intervene over unpaid benefits

    On Wednesday, March 15, a group calling itself the 1993/1994 retrenched Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) Officers Association has petitioned parliament alleging COCOBOD had underpaid its employees’ benefits.

    The group bemoans that members were laid off in the years 1993 and 1994 without due diligence by COCOBOD.

    However, following legal action against the dismissal, the court directed COCOBOD to pay the required benefits to the former workers.

    Speaking to journalists, the spokesperson of the group,William Boafo said the funds paid by COCOBOD do not correspond to their entitlements hence the need for the Speaker of Parliament and the Office of the Special Prosecutor to probe the matter.

    “We were at various departments, and various divisions working in various areas throughout the country and we were laid off in 1993 and some in 1994.  It became a court issue and in 2019 the court gave a ruling that COCOBOD should pay us our benefits but in 2020 COCOBOD started issuing cheques to us, and it was nothing to write home about.”

    Mr Boafo added that some of the former workers received as low as GH¢400 which was woefully inadequate. He added that several pleas and meeting with officials of COCOBOD to rectify the anomaly has proved futile.

    He revealed that over 14, 000 workers were affected by the retrenchment by COCOBOD.

  • Anas loses GHC25 million defamation suit against Ken Agyapong

    Anas loses GHC25 million defamation suit against Ken Agyapong

    The GHC25 million defamation lawsuit brought by renowned investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas against Kennedy Agyapong, the MP for Assin Central in the Central Region, has been dismissed by the Accra High Court.

    Anas, in 2018, dragged the lawmaker to court for allegedly defaming him. In his application, Anas prayed to the court to award aggravated damages of GHC25 million to compensate for the defamatory material published against him by the MP.

    In court

    In a lengthy ruling delivered today Wednesday 15 March 2023, Justice Eric Baah held that the plaintiff [Anas Aremeyaw Anas] failed to prove that Ken Agyapong defamed him by airing the documentary – “Who watches the watchman” – but rather, the documentary exposed shady deals that Anas and his associates were involved in.

    The court further held that Agyapong provided sufficient evidence to prove that the plaintiff used the findings of his work to solicit money from persons implicated in the evidence gathered by him.

    The evidence, according to the court, also proved that those who were able to pay the sums of money demanded by Anas and his associates, got exempted from videos that were shown to the public.

    The court concluded that what Anas is engaged in is not investigative journalism but rather investigative terrorism and that Agyapong was justified to call Anas “a blackmailer, corrupt, an extortionist, and evil”.

    “I find the claims by the plaintiff [Anas Aremeyaw Anas) meritless and they are hereby dismissed” Justice Baah ruled.

    Publications

    According to Anas, Agyapong on 29 May 2018, during a live programme in Twi on Adom TV, categorically stated that he [Anas] was a blackmailer, corrupt, an extortionist, and evil.

    According to the statement of claim filed by the lawyers of Anas, the defendant, similarly, Mr. Agyapong published defamatory words on 31 May 2018, on Oman FM, a private radio station owned by the defendant [KennedyAgyapong].

    The statement of claim also stated that the defendant published more defamatory materials against the plaintiff via other platforms to the extent of releasing pictures purported to be those of the investigative journalist in his bid to blow the latter’s cover.

    Reputation injured

    Anas indicated in his statement of claim that his reputation, especially as a lawyer and as a globally acclaimed investigative journalist, has been egregiously damaged.

    “Furthermore, Anas indicate that following the publication, he was inundated with numerous calls from business associates, journalists around the world, social relations, friends, outright strangers, and he has had to answer very mortifying questions,” the statement of claim said.

    According to Anas Aremeyaw Anas, Mr. Agyapong published the words complained of knowing them to be false and reckless.

    Cost awarded

    Lawyers of Kennedy Agyapong after the ruling asked the court to award cost of 1 million Ghana cedis against the plaintiff [Anas Aremeyaw Anas].

    Lawyer for the Anas Aremeyaw Anas when he stood on his feet offered to pay Ghc 20,000.00 as cost.

    Justice Eric Baah indicated that since the award of cost in such civil cases is at the discretion of the court, he will award cost of GHc 50,000.00 against the plaintiff [Anas Aremeyaw Anas].

  • Data on roads before Akufo-Addo assumed office available – Amoako-Attah

    Data on roads before Akufo-Addo assumed office available – Amoako-Attah

    According to sector minister Kwasi Amoako-Attah, the Ministry of Roads and Highways has records for every road built in Ghana, both before and after Akufo-Addo became president.

    He has therefore asked all persons doubting Mr Akufo-Addo’s comment that his administration has built more roads than any other government in the Fourth Republic to visit the Ministry for the data to do the analysis.

    He told Parliament on Wednesday, March 15 that Mr Akufo-Addo’s comment is factual, inconvertible and backed by data and further urged Parliament to set up a bipartisan committee, if need be, to interrogate the claim of the President.

    President Akufo-Addo in the address in Parliament on Wednesday, March 8, said that “Mr Speaker, I would like to state categorically that this Government has built more roads than any government in the history of the 4th Republic, and Mr. Speaker, the details of all these roads are attached in the annex to this message.”

    He added, “I have done so because, last year, when I made a similar pronouncement, I was met with howls and gasps of incredulity from the Minority benches, and so I thought it’s appropriate, this time, to present it as an annex to the statement, which will be part of Hansard.”

    But his comments were challenged by the Minority in Parliament.

    The Minority Chief Whip Kwame Agbodza said the President’s statement contained factual inaccuracies.

    He described President Nana Akufo-Addo’s comment as a ”barefaced lie.”

    In a statement, Mr Agbodza who is also the Ranking Member of the Roads and Highways Committee of Parliament said “the claim that the Akufo-Addo government has constructed more Interchanges between (2017 – 2022), than the NDC (2009 – 2016), is an unfortunate fabrication that should not be peddled by no less a person than President Akufo-Addo.

    “The attempt to expropriate for his government, the following projects, is most scandalizing and such dishonesty must be called out and condemned by all; Pokuase Interchange; Tema Motorway Interchange Phase 1; Obetsebi Lamptey Interchange Phase 1; Flowerpot
    5. Suhum Interchange

    “Funding for these projects was secured by the erstwhile Mahama/NDC administration, contracts signed and works ongoing before President Akufo-Addo and the NPP came into office in 2017. The Suhum Interchange project for instance was about 85% completed when the Mahama/NDC administration exited office in 2016. It is therefore disingenuous for the President to peddle such a confident lie and insist that this be recorded into the Hansard of Parliament as truth.”

    But Mr Amoako-Attah who is also lawmaker for Atiwa West said “The President stated categorically that this government has built more roads than any government in the history of the Fourth Republic. The details of all these roads are attached in the annex to his message.

    “These statements made by the president was factual, the statement was credible, the statement was dependable, the statement was incontestable, the statement was undisputed, the statement was incontrovertible and above all statement is verifiable by anybody who cares.

    “It is backed by empirical data which is available at the Ministry of Road and Highways. I challenge any member of this House or any member of this country. This House can set up an independent bipartisan committee to investigate the data.”

  • Catch-up campaigns must be organized to find children not vaccinated – WHO

    Catch-up campaigns must be organized to find children not vaccinated – WHO

    The World Health Organization has raised alarm about the measles epidemic in some areas of the country and has called for prompt vaccination of unvaccinated infants to stop the spread.

    Speaking in an interview on the yet-to-be-aired JoyNews’ Foreign Affairs, the Deputy Director General, Dr. Anshu Banerjee said there was a “need to organise catch-up campaigns to find children who hadn’t received the measles vaccine earlier.”

    This he indicated, is due to the fact that measles is a very infectious disease, adding that “we have seen measles outbreak increase…”

    Parts of the country were hit by the outbreak following weeks of shortage of critical vaccines.

    Notable areas with high recorded cases were the northern parts of the country, with over 100 cases.

    Also, the Ketu South Municipality recorded 10 cases of measles during the period of vaccine shortage.

    Meanwhile, the Health Ministry and the Ghana Health Service (GHS) have received the first consignment of vaccines with which the vaccination exercise has resumed across the country.

    According to the Director General of the GHS, Dr. Patrick Kumah Aboagye, as the Service has received the first consignment, he hopes others come in soon.

    He assured that the quantity received per the first consignment will be enough for a minimum of six weeks immunisation across the country.

    He therefore urged parents to make their children available for vaccination when they are due.

    “The first batch of the vaccines just arrived and we have doses in BCG, oral polio vaccine and then the measles vaccine. They just arrived with the accessories, syringes, safety boxes. Immediately, they are being discharged to the regions and then vaccinations will start across the country,” he said.

  • Political will required to fight corruption in Ghana – Dr Amakye Boateng

    Political will required to fight corruption in Ghana – Dr Amakye Boateng

    Ghana needs political will to fight corruption, according to Dr. Amakye Boateng, a political science lecturer at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).

    He disclosed this on Akoma FM evening political show, GhanAkoma.

    Speaking with host Aduanaba Kofi Asante Ennin, Dr Amakye Boateng averred that without political will, Ghana cannot fight corruption in the country.

    “If you really want to fight corruption, you need the will and commitment which unfortunately till now, I have not seen any of such from any part of the country.

    “[Ghanaians] are at the forefront, we are supposed to show examples to other West African countries but we don’t have the will to do that unfortunately.

    “The most important issue about fighting corruption is that we are so segmented in our societies by tribes, by religion, by region, by so many other things that divide us,“ he said.

    He called on all to support the fight against corruption.

  • Asawase MP files lawsuits against 11 NDC executives

    Asawase MP files lawsuits against 11 NDC executives

    The member of parliament for Asawase in the Ashanti Region, Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak, has filed a defamation lawsuit against 11 local NDC branch executives.

    The 11 individuals have been accused of publishing and disseminating remarks deemed libelous against the MP.

    The Asawase MP is demanding GH¢10 million in damages against the defendants.

    A Kumasi High Court has also directed the defendants and other media houses that published the said defamatory material to retract and render an unqualified apology in a national newspaper.

    Some members of the NDC in the Asawase Constituency led by the 11 branch executives issued a Press Statement on March 10 2023 which contained the said defamatory remarks.

    Counsel for the defendants declined comments on the development when Citi News contacted him, but said he is working to defend his clients in court.

  • Road toll transparency required – GPRTU to govt

    Road toll transparency required – GPRTU to govt

    In the wake of the reintroduction of road tolls, the government, according to Samuel Amoah, Deputy PRO of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), must ensure robust accountability.

    Mr. Amoah was certain that the government must make it clear how the funds it has collected will be used, and that the reintroduction should be able to ease traffic congestion.

    “Now that they’re bringing it (road tolls), our expectation is that, as a major stakeholder, there has to be some engagement and also to explain to us and to convince us that now, with this new measure that they’re bringing in is going to help in terms of traffic congestion issues, in terms of the leakage that they were talking about.

    “But if today, they just wake and say they’re bringing it without these explanations, or without letting we that we’re going to pay, the assurance of paying the money and what the money is also coming to do for us. That is our problem,” he said.

    Mr. Amoah also indicated that the association does not have a problem with the increment percentage, however, the rollout of the prices must effect some positive change.

    But he explained that during a meeting with the government, the association proposed a 50 per cent increment, saying that a percentage higher than that would be outrageous, in that the government could not sufficiently account for the previous rate when collected.

    He added that with the rollout of new prices, the quality of roads must improve and help decongest traffic situations on the roads.

    After announcing the discontinuation of road tolls in exchange for E-Levy as a measure to resuscitate the embattled economy, the government has now made a u-turn on its decision.

    On Tuesday, March 14, it was announced that roll tolls are set to return but with a revised rate of 88 per cent increment.

    This decision may come to add to government’s quest to find solutions to the country’s fiscal challenges, especially as a request for an IMF bailout and a recent request by the government for external creditors to cancel its debt seem to be in limbo.

    Meanwhile, since the E-Levy which sought to lay taxes on electronic transactions came to replace road tolls, there are now discussions as to whether or not the E-Levy should be scrapped in wake of the reintroduction.

  • Reduce Parliamentary seats from 275 to 200 – Afenyo-Markin

    Reduce Parliamentary seats from 275 to 200 – Afenyo-Markin

    Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the Deputy Majority Leader, has suggested that the 275-seat in Parliament be decreased to 200 seats.

    According to the member of parliament from the Effutu seat, this will reduce the strain on the public coffers.

    “I must say that one critical thing to look at is to put an upper limit on the number of MPs that we must elect each year. It is unpalatable that a small country like Ghana with its many financial problems has 275 MPs. In contrast with all its financial muscle, Australia has 151 and 76 senators. We need a change in the law to stop the unnecessary expansion in the number of seats in our Parliament.”

    The Effutu legislator made the comments at this year’s GIMPA Law Conference on Wednesday, March 15.

    He added that Ghana needs an Upper chamber which will be known as the House of Elders. To this end, he has proposed that the Council of State be converted to serve this purpose.

    “I hold the view that Ghana needs an upper chamber, it should be known as the House of Elders whose election shall remain non-partisan and whose primary role shall be to moderate the current parliamentary excesses and extreme partisanship.

    “Thus the Council of State should be converted into the Upper Chamber of Parliament…I am not suggesting that the current Council of State is not helpful.”

    Mr. Afenyo-Markin also lamented challenges regarding the role of MPs stating that they have become development agents contrary to their lawmaking and representation of electorate functions.

    This he said has made some MPs retire as paupers and live miserable lives. He added that claims that some MPs are corrupt are completely untrue if one looks at the life of some MPs after they leave the House.

    “Although lawmakers are not strictly speaking development agents, many MPs have had to dig so deep into their private pockets to provide public infrastructure to benefit underserved communities in their constituencies. In the process, many MPs have retired as paupers and have to deal with the pain of paying for private loans they contracted in their time in office to provide for the needs of their constituents.”

  • We will utilize law in resolving Nsawam Adoagyiri chieftaincy conflict – Akyem Abuakwa traditional council

    We will utilize law in resolving Nsawam Adoagyiri chieftaincy conflict – Akyem Abuakwa traditional council

    In the most recent chieftaincy conflict between the two sides, the Akyem Abuakwa traditional council has given notice to the residents of Nsawam Adoagyiri that it will not transfer any of its land to them.

    Addressing at a news conference in Kyebi, in the Eastern Region, Akyem Abuakwa’s state secretary, D. M. Ofori-Atta, informed the Akyem Kotoku people that they are unwilling to make a concession in the dispute.

    Ofori-Atta said the Abuakwa state has maintained a healthy and cordial relations with the Akyem Kotoku people and will strive to keep that relationship going forward.

    He said at the appropriate time a new chief will be installed at Nsawam Adoagyiri.

    “The actions of a few persons with parochial monetary interest to present George Twum as chief of Adoagyiri threaten the public peace and communal solidarity in these areas,” Ofori-Atta said.

    “The appropriate law enforcement measures shall be taken if the situation persists,” he added.

    The Adoagyiri stool has been vacant since the death of its chief Barima Adu Korkor in 2007.



  • Governance should not be left in the hands of politicians – Prof Gyampo

    Governance should not be left in the hands of politicians – Prof Gyampo

    A political science professor at the University of Ghana, Ransford Gyampo has criticized the administration for its hasty decision to end the collection of road tolls and attempts to reinstate same.

    In response to the proposed reintroduction of road tolls, he criticized the administration for its obstinacy in refusing to reconsider its decision to eliminate the tolls, which provided some revenue for the country, especially in light of the recent economic crisis.

    He said “Now we want to reintroduce the road tolls? Good idea. But what went into the decision to cancel it? Governance is too serious a business to be left in the hands of mere political point scorers. The ideals of the Philosopher King are to guide those ruling!”

    He called on the government to be responsive and listen to voices of dissent as he who is cutting a path would never know if his back is crooked.

    The government has revised the schedules of the Fees and Charges (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2022, (Act 1080).

    The amendments are in line with the government’s intention to restart collecting tolls on some roads pending the completion of the steps to identify the roads and highways to be affected by the reintroduction of the tolls.

    To this end, the Ministry of Finance has commenced the procedures, necessary to determine the toll foundation rates while the Ministry of Roads and Highways considers them.

    The proposed rates have witnessed an average increase of 88 percent from the previous charges.

    The Finance Ministry in a statement said, “we are by this letter sending the recommended rates for input by the Ministry of Roads and Highways to enable this Ministry to finalize the schedule of fees under the upcoming Legislative Instrument”.

    Meanwhile, the Chairman of Parliament’s Roads and Highways Committee in Parliament, Kennedy Osei Nyarko wants road tolls pegged at GH¢5.

    Kennedy Osei Nyarko believes that setting the toll at GH¢5 will help the government generate more revenue for the country.

  • Drivers threaten to halt operations if road tolls are not scrapped

    Drivers threaten to halt operations if road tolls are not scrapped

    The government’s decision to reinstate road tolls has drawn criticism from the Alliance of Drivers.

    This comes after the announcement of the rates for the proposed road tolls that would be implemented once again this year.

    Referring to a press conference they had in the past at Kasoa, in a statement issued on Tuesday, 14 March 2023, requesting that government scraps road tolls, the Alliance of Drivers, highlighted some of the key issues touched on, for suggesting scrapping of the road tolls, including the “dust and dirt on the roads, unnecessary congestion and traffic, high cost of fuel as a result of delay in traffic among others.”

    According to the group, the belief has been that the issues raised during their press conference also “influenced” government’s decision to scrap road tolls and “it has been better since.”

    The group is therefore questioning the “sudden reintroduction of road tolls and a marginal increase in the fares [tolls] as well.”

    The group wants government to explain to its members “the reason for this sudden diversion as the recent economic hardship is not even favourable for paying road toll.”

    It noted that if government fails to heed its call to scrap road tolls, it will urge its members to halt operations.

    “If the above suggestions are not adhered to by the government, we will urge all drivers and transport operators to put on hold all transport business.

    “We believe it can be done and be done well if proper consultation is done on these key, decisions as the negative impact it’s having on the ordinary Ghanaian is unbearable,” it projected.

    It urged: “Let’s all have the country at heart and work together to raise the name of this country high.”

    Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta in a letter to the Minister for Roads and Highways proposed charges for the road tolls for confirmation by the latter.

    Road tolls were cancelled in 2022 following the introduction of the Electronic Transaction Levy (E-Levy).

    The road tolls were, however, re-introduced during the 2023 budget presentation on Thursday, 24 November 2022.

    The Finance Minister had said: “The fiscal policy measures to underpin the 2023 Budget for consideration and approval by Parliament include the reintroduction of tolls on selected public roads and highways with a renewed focus on leveraging technology in the collection to address the inefficiencies characterised by the previous toll collection regime.”

  • NPP has all it takes to break the 8 – Mac Manu

    NPP has all it takes to break the 8 – Mac Manu

    The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has all it takes to win the 2024 elections, according to Peter Mac Manu, a former national chairman.

    He contended that, the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has demonstrated that it is unable to secure significant victories in national elections.

    He said with a united front, the NPP can win the next elections.

    Speaking with Nana Yaa Mensah on Sunday Night on Asaase 99.5, Accra, Mac Manu said, “If you look at the past election results it tells you that if you put the late President Rawlings from the NDC stock aside, the NDC has not won any elections beyond any appreciable levels…NPP has the base. Our base is stronger than theirs (NDC) because when we win, we win with huge margins.”

    “So where we stand now, I think that we have all it takes to ‘break the 8’. We [NPP] are superb in terms of internal democracy.”

    He added that “People are getting worried about our next primaries … and we are maturing [in terms of] giving support to whoever emerges as our candidate. I do not expect anybody to single himself out because he has lost the primaries.”

    “We have built a party on a sense of unity and we have all the various machinery to bring unity post-primaries available.”

    On whether the chaotic selection of a flagbearer in the lead-up to the 2008 election contributed to the party’s loss, Mac Manu said, “I think that complacency was part of the lost and that because of the massive work; the infrastructure that President Kufour had built, we thought that alone could win us the elections but even if we built the infrastructure you will have to propagate the story and that wasn’t good enough.”

    “But times have changed; our party structures, machinery and our system of communicating have changed … and the dynamics are quite different.”

    “Long campaign”

    The former NPP national chairman said there is no need for anyone to compare the NPP to the NDC and question why the governing party has not set a date for its internal elections.

    “For me, I do not understand why we want a long campaign, if we elect people now it means they will have to campaign for two years. It is never done anywhere …” he said.

  • Tell us how much was spent on gold in the oil deal – Edward Bawa to govt

    Tell us how much was spent on gold in the oil deal – Edward Bawa to govt

    A member of the Mines and Energy Committee of Parliament, Edward Bawa, is requesting information from the government regarding the conditions of the funds used to acquire the first shipment of oil in accordance with the government’s gold for oil policy.

    The Member of Parliament for Bongo claims that the central bank pre-financed the purchase of the initial 40,000 tonnes of diesel that came in January under the program, according to information provided by the National Petroleum Authority (NPA).

    Speaking to journalists, the lawmaker stated that the government must hold the transaction accountable to the public.

    “You recall that the Deputy Minister of Energy, Andrew Egyapa Mercer said that the first consignment was not paid with gold but ore-financed by the Bank of Ghana. Question is, was it a loan to BOST? If it was, what were the terms of the engagement? That has not been made public. If you look at the quantity of petroleum that they bring, it is not enough to take care of the window.”

    There have been several calls for government to provide contract details of the recent fuel consignment brought under the gold for oil policy.

    What did Mercer say?

    Deputy Energy Minister, Andrew Egyapa Mercer, has confirmed that the initial consignment of 40,000 tons of oil brought into the country under the Gold-for-oil policy was purchased with cash instead of gold.

    He said the companies they dealt with initially did not have the capacity to exchange gold for oil.

    “The policy actually started with an intent to do strict barter for gold and petroleum products, but it became apparent that any of the international oil trading companies that do not have a commodity wing to deal with gold on their behalf will be excluded from the policy.

    “We developed the policy such that we were operating two streams, one was direct barter and the second was monetising the gold, so we can pay for IOTs that were not other commodity focused but solely petroleum products…so the test run that we did was actually paid through the second route.”

  • Unnecessary to close down underperforming schools – GNAT

    Unnecessary to close down underperforming schools – GNAT

    The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) has criticized the Education Minister for threatening to shut down underperforming schools.

    At a meeting with the Conference of Heads of Aided Secondary Schools (CHASS) in Kumasi, the Minister, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, warned that failing schools risk shutting down.

    However, GNAT’s General Secretary, Thomas Musah, believes the Minister’s remark is misplaced.

    “This is totally misplaced. That is not where that comment should go. For these schools that he is talking about, those who go there have poor grades, you put all these in one place and expect the heads to do magic. The Minister should sometimes consult.”

    The Education Minister, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, challenged the Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS) and Principals of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Institutions to produce better results.

    He explained that a school with a consistent zero to ten percent pass rate should put together intervention programmes to ensure that majority of their students will find opportunities for further studies rather than becoming a liability to their parents and society due to their inability to pass their exam.

    The Minister explained that closing down the schools would help save the nation from the huge financial losses being incurred by the government as a result of the existence of the schools so that the affected students would be redistributed to other nearby schools, so they could continue their education.

  • Government will pay back unpaid bond payments in two days – Finance Ministry

    Government will pay back unpaid bond payments in two days – Finance Ministry

    The government has announced that it will settle the outstanding principal and coupon on the bonds that were due on February 6 and 13, 2023, in two days.

    The proceedings to settle payments for the outstanding bonds began on Monday, March 13, 2023, according to a statement from the government that was released by the finance ministry on Tuesday.

    “Holders of the afore-listed bonds should therefore expect to receive their payments within the next 48 hours,” it said.

    The statement added that payment dates for subsequent maturities would be communicated in due course, as processing continued.

    The Finance Ministry on behalf of the Government, thanked all stakeholders for their forbearance during the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP) and subsequent administrative processes.

    The Government secured a Staff-Level Agreement (SLA) with the IMF last year, and launched the DDEP to assure the Fund of creditors’ confidence to meet its debt obligation.

    The DDEP is part of Ghana’s debt restructuring process, which is a prerequisite for the country’s $3 billion Extended Credit Facility (ECF) programme with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

    The DDEP officially closed on February 13, with the Government  swapping a total of GHS83 billion worth of old bonds and subsequently announced a similar process with its external creditors.

    While much information has not been provided on the progress of the external debt restructuring, the Managing Director of the IMF, Kristalina Georgieva, said recently that the Fund was happy with the progress Ghana had made to present its SLA for the Fund’s review and approval.

  • COVID-19 fight: 58,000 healthcare professionals were hired – Akufo-Addo

    COVID-19 fight: 58,000 healthcare professionals were hired – Akufo-Addo

    In order to strengthen its effort to combat COVID-19 at the height of the pandemic, President Akufo-Addo has revealed that his administration hired an additional 58,000 healthcare providers.

    Speaking at the Accra International Conference Center’s National Honours and Awards ceremony, the president noted that as part of the government’s commitment to guaranteeing residents’ safety, it had to make certain challenging but essential decisions, such as hiring medical personnel.

    “Our priority then was the health and safety of Ghanaians and that is why we put in place a comprehensive strategy in place to deal with the virus which incidences were unknown, and we were restrained from shaking hands and hugging each other, and we had to endure stress caused by the poking of our noses and throats anytime we underwent a PCR swap.”

    Delivering the keynote address before presenting the awards, the president added that “the government also found the money to recruit, on a permanent basis, 58,041 more health professionals. COVID-19 inspired our domestic manufacturing capabilities and deepened our self-reliance. The pharmaceutical industry under my instigation responded positively to the need for the domestic production of sanitisers, disinfectants, and liquid soaps.”

    The president also disclosed that his government procured GH¢81 million worth of personal protective equipment from local manufacturers to ensure the safety of Ghanaians.

    “Furthermore, Ghana was able to procure some GH¢81 million worth of personal protective equipment such as face masks, garments, medical scrubs, and hospital gowns from domestic garment and textile manufacturing companies for health workers and students who wrote their final exams during the period.”

    “Our relative success in winning the fight against COVID-19 is a testament to the tireless work of our researchers, scientists, advisors, public health managers, frontline healthcare workers, hospital staff, contact tracers, security services, public and private sector agencies, faith-based organizations, and so many others,” the president added.

    Among the persons honoured by the state, the Minister of Health, Kwaku Agyemang-Manu, was conferred with the Order of the Volta-Companion.

  • If I win the 2024 elections, I’ll finish initiatives that have been put on hold – Mahama

    If I win the 2024 elections, I’ll finish initiatives that have been put on hold – Mahama

    According to former president John Dramani Mahama, the incoming National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration will finish off abandoned projects rather than start new ones.

    John Mahama asserts that the administration cannot wait to launch fresh initiatives due to the nation’s economic state.

    Speaking to delegates in the Tano North constituency as part of a campaign tour in the Ahafo Region, Mahama, a flagbearer aspirant of the NDC, said that when the party takes office, it will ensure that all abandoned infrastructural works are completed.

    “With the economic crisis that we currently have, by the time the NDC comes into power in 2025, we are still going to have a restricted fiscal space because of the economic difficulties. A new NDC will not be in a hurry to start new projects. What we will do is that the projects that have been ongoing and have been abandoned and uncompleted, we will take an inventory of all of them and with the little resources, we will dedicate it to finishing them.”

    Former President John Mahama has accused the Akufo-Addo administration of abandoning many of the projects started during his government’s tenure.

    The former President says he finds it disappointing that a number of the projects remain uncompleted since his administration left office in January 2017.

    According to him, schools and road projects among others initiated during his time as President have been left unattended to.

    John Dramani Mahama has been describing this situation with development projects as very unfortunate.

    The former president is campaigning to lead his party the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2024 general elections.

    But the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) has dismissed former President John Dramani Mahama’s claims that government has abandoned several projects initiated by the previous NDC administration in the country.

  • Road tolls less than GH 5 are not acceptable – Chair of Parliament’s Roads Committee

    Road tolls less than GH 5 are not acceptable – Chair of Parliament’s Roads Committee

    The head of the committee overseeing roads and highways in parliament, Kennedy Osei Nyarko, wants the price of road tolls to be set at GH5.

    He added that paying GH5 as toll will assist the government increase money for the country.

    He was speaking to journalists about the government’s proposed reintroduction of road tolls and said only that amount of money will be considered as the toll rate.

    “After suspending the road tolls for more than a year, why do we just add 50 pesewas to it? As the Roads Committee Chair, I will not support anything less than GH¢5. I am doing that based on the average road toll in the subregion and globally which is $1.”

  • WA killing: MP calls on IGP to probe into incident

    WA killing: MP calls on IGP to probe into incident

    The member of parliament for Wa Central, Rashid Pelpuo, has urged the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr. George Akuffo Dampare to launch a comprehensive investigation into the assassination of a middle-aged man by an anti-robbery team in Wa.

    The family of the dead has given up on their demand that the police apologize unconditionally for incorrectly classifying the deceased as an armed robber after meeting with IGP.

    According to the family, the victim, Abubakari Shahid, was a law-abiding citizen who never engaged in any robbery, contrary to what the police claim.

    In an interview with Citi News, the Wa Central legislator stated that the police must refrain from attacking his constituents.

    “We are very sad about what has happened. I want to urge the police through the IGP to call on his people to avoid shooting at our people, apologize to the family for labelling their relative as an armed robber and do the necessary thing.”

    Many are not convinced by explanations given by the anti-robbery unit of the Upper West Regional Police Command for the killing of the resident of Dondoli, a suburb of Wa.

    The deceased, Abubakar Shahban is reported to have been killed by the police anti-robbery taskforce over his alleged connection to a robbery gang that has been operating within Wa and its environs.

    Family of the deceased said he left home on March 8 at about 8:00 pm to visit a friend but did not return until they were informed of his murder on March 9.

    Some residents of Wa on Friday besieged the Regional Coordinating Council and demanded the release of the remains of the deceased and demanded he is cleared of the robbery allegations.

    The family, at a press conference on Monday [March 13], threatened to take legal action should the police fail to apologize to them for killing and tagging Abubakar Shahid as a robber.

    But a spokesperson for the family, Mohammed Tamim, in a Citi News interview said they have decided to remain calm, trusting that investigations will exonerate their late brother.


  • Ashaiman MP bemoans hefty medical bills of brutalised residents

    Ashaiman MP bemoans hefty medical bills of brutalised residents

    The payment of medical bills for persons who were subjected to military brutality, according to Ernest Norgbe, the member of parliament for Ashaiman, has now become his responsibility.

    On Tuesday, 7th March, 2023, it was reported that about 20 military officers had invaded Ashaiman, restricting free movement of residents.

    The deceased Trooper Imoro Sherrif, was killed on Saturday, 4th March, 2023, by unknown individuals in the community.

    184 residents were later arrested and conveyed to Burma camp where they were further brutalized.

    These residents were released after the real suspects who were hiding in Ashaiman were arrested by an intelligence led investigative operation by the police service.

    However, the Circuit Court in Ashaiman has remanded all the six accused persons who have been arrested in connection with the killing of a 21-year-old soldier, Imoro Sherif at Ashaiman on 4th March 2023.

    Speaking on Starr Today with Emmanuel Agyabeng, the MP stated he has been paying hospital bills, buying drugs, involving the services of psychologists among others for the victims of the military brutalities.

    “It has become a debt on me as the MP. I had a call from one at the hospital where I have to send money to be able to buy medicines. Some of them are still undergoing some kind of trauma, so I’m trying to organize a psychologist which I have spoken to, to talk to them. We are collating data to see whether we can arrange for some sort of compensation for all of them,” Mr. Norgbe stated.

    He further called on the government to work to prevent such military invasions which are causing pain and havoc on humanity.

    “My intention is to make sure that we stop this kind of invasion, a dangerous crime on humanity. Especially when the military will invade a community, brutalize people etc. I am of the view that it should be a thing of the past,” the lawmaker stated.

  • Man jailed 39 years for shooting sleeping pregnant wife

    Man jailed 39 years for shooting sleeping pregnant wife

    For attempted murder, Effort Dankwa has been sentenced to 39-year prison term by the Accra High Court.

    In August 2015, in the couple’s apartment in Tema Community 11, Effort Dankwa shot his pregnant wife Benita Dankwa.

    Benita, who was seven months pregnant, was delivered of a baby boy through caesarean section later in the hospital on the day of the shooting.

    She has remained paralysed from her chest downwards.

    Her husband, who was the only suspect in the shooting denied any wrongdoing and pleaded not guilty when charged with attempted murder.

    The case, which has travelled over seven years, came to an end last Friday, March 10, 2023, when a seven-member jury found Effort Dankwa guilty of attempted murder.

    Justice Mary M. E. Yanzuh, who sentenced him agreed with the submission by the prosecution that the crime was grave, and the punishment should be severe enough to deter men who nurse such evil against their spouses.

    The lawyer for the accused, Winston Hayford, had earlier pleaded for mitigation, saying the accused was a first-time offender and deserved a second chance.

    Citing Biblical characters such as Moses, David and Paul, Mr. Hayford said Effort Dankwa was a teacher whose service was beneficial to society. He, therefore, prayed the court to be lenient with him.

    The prosecution, on the other hand, prayed the court to hand him a sentence that was severe enough to deter others. A state attorney told the court that the harm Effort Dankwa had caused his wife was irreversible and that her parents were now taking care of her instead of the other way round.

    Justice Mary Yanzuh said the offence was a first-degree felony and that punishment could range from a life imprisonment to a lesser sentence. She said though the court had the discretion to sentence, that discretion must be “fair and judicial”.

    She said, in arriving at the sentence, she took into account a number of factors such as the accused being a first time offender.

    She said she also considered the fact that the accused said he did not own a pistol, therefore the crime was premeditated.

    She added shooting his seven-month-pregnant wife meant that Effort Dankwa had no regard for the “innocent unborn child”. She also said she took into account the degree of the harm caused the victim, who had lost her ability to pass urine and empty her bowels.

    The parents of Benita Dankwa, who were in court to hear the sentence, said it was deterrent enough.

    On Friday when a seven-member jury found Effort Dankwa guilty of attempted murder, Benita’s parents said they were happy their daughter had finally got justice.

    “It is not the number of years he is going to spend in prison that matters to me, but the fact that he has been proven guilty is my main interest. I am satisfied and okay with the court,” her father, Seth O.S. Yirenkyi, told The Fourth Estate.

    Her mother, Mrs. Agnes Yirenkyi, said she felt relieved. “My heart is at peace and comforted by God’s word that patience begot victory. Jehovah is a lover of justice. If, after all these years, they have investigated and found that he is guilty, then that is God’s verdict. It isn’t that I am happy nor sad. My daughter is forever incapacitated, but the truth has been unveiled,” she said.

    The jury’s verdict came more than seven years after Effort, then 36 years, was arrested after police investigations identified him as the prime suspect in an attack on his wife, Benita Dankwa, then 29.

  • Ghana’s economy in danger due to DDEP issues – Joe Jackson

    Ghana’s economy in danger due to DDEP issues – Joe Jackson

    The Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP), which has undergone recent improvements, may present certain problems to Ghana’s economy, according to Mr. Joe Jackson, Director of Business Operations at Dalex Finance.

    The scaling down to the DDEP and the manner of negotiations with external creditors, in his opinion, have had an impact on the attainment of debt sustainability, which was the most crucial problem for an agreement to be reached.

    He fears foreign exchange crisis is in the offing for the country.

    Speaking to Starr News, Mr. Jackson mentioned the reduction of the government’s expected 130 billion that has come down to 83 billion is a worry to the government meeting its targets.   

    “Each time there was an exemption, each time the rate was adjusted it increased the complexity of our debt sustainability challenges. So, scaling down the DDEP from what it was initially set at a 130 billion cedis to a final figure of 83 billion cedis meant that it will complicate our issues. That led us to now realize that there is a new haircut that we are expecting from the foreign bondholders that obviously complicates matters.

    “And obviously, the rapid accumulation of the T. Bills debt which has now slowed dramatically was going to put us at risk. What really constitutes the issue is the deadline we have. I believe that the deadline was not imposed in a vacuum. The government realizes that it was only for so long that he can continue defaulting and have the market forgive them as long as they have.

    He continued: “We haven’t paid a dime of our external debt since December. If we don’t get an IMF program soon, we are going to see shortages of foreign exchange. It will have an impact all across because we are a nation who imports everything.”

  • Prosecution opens case in Kasoa ritual killing

    Prosecution opens case in Kasoa ritual killing

    The court has resumed hearing of the Kasoa ritual killing case before it.

    The two teenagers, Felix Nyarko and Nicholas Kini have been standing trial since 2021 after the duo were arrested in connection with the killing of Ishmael Mensah.

    The trial was postponed due to the absence of a juror in court.

    According to the jury foreman, the aforementioned juror had written to disqualify himself from the proceedings.
    Nevertheless, the judge ignored the application since she had not read the letter, instead threatening to issue a bench warrant for the juror if he failed to show up on the postponed date [March 13, 2023].

    But when the case was called on Monday, the Registrar of the court explained that even though the letter was received, he could not confirm the particular court the juror was assigned to, the reason the letter was not brought to the attention of the judge.

    Despite this new information, the juror continued to be empanelled as he explained that he has rescinded his decision not to be part of the panel. With that out of the way, the prosecution was allowed to call its first witness, the father of the deceased, Frank Mensah Abdallah.

    Mr Abdallah who lives in Krachi Nkwanta in the Oti Region in his testimony indicated that days before the incident, his son reached out to him asking him to return home.

    A father’s quest to spend time with his son was cut short as a result of his untimely death. This was the testimony of the father of Ishmael Mensah who was killed allegedly by the two teenagers in Kasoa for money rituals.

    According to him, his son informed him through a phone call that “Daddy it’s been a while since you visited us, we miss you”.

    He recollected that this made him embark on a two-day journey from Krachi Nkwanta to Kasoa to spend time with his family.

    Upon getting home and exchanging pleasantries with family members including his son, the witness claimed that he decided to take a little rest. But little did he know the pleasantries will be the last time he will see his son alive.

    He claimed that a few hours after lying in bed, his wife run into the room shouting “Daddy, Daddy, Ishmael has been killed”.

    The witness testified that he left the house to see his son’s lifeless body in an uncompleted building. According to him, that was when the father of the first accused dragged the two accused persons to the place and asked them to confess to what they had done.

    Mr. Abdallah testified that the two accused persons then accused each other of being behind the killing.

  • Community hesitancy hindering HIV/AIDS self-test kit launch – National STIs and AIDS Control

    Community hesitancy hindering HIV/AIDS self-test kit launch – National STIs and AIDS Control

    Due to a lag in community engagement, the National STIs and AIDS Control Programme has stated that the initial intention to introduce the HIV/AIDS self-test kit this month is unlikely to occur.

    It claims to be continuing testing test kit samples and sensitization in a few towns across the nation as part of a pilot program in the hopes of compiling all findings prior to the launch.

    When released, the self-test kit will be available for purchase in all pharmacies across the country, allowing people to learn their HIV status.

    Dr. Stephen Ayisi Addo, Programme Manager for National STIs and AIDS Control Programme, told Citi News that the government does not intend to rush the process.

    “We need to make sure that the grounds are well-watered, and Monitoring and Evaluation issues addressed. So we are expecting reports from the community sensitization. Once we get preliminary reports that it is good for us to go, we will go. We do not want to rush so that when we launch people will ask too many questions that we will not be able to answer.”

    It was expected that from March 2023, HIV self-test kits will be made available at pharmacies and health facilities across the country for purchase to enable people to self-test to know their HIV status.

    The introduction of the self-test kit meant that HIV testing could now be done on the doorstep of people and at any space, they considered to be private and confidential.

    Upon the rollout, the self-test kit would be free for now at health facilities but at the pharmacies, they would attract service charges.

    The face of HIV has now changed because of the progress that has been made in research and its management.

    “Because Ghana has had over 260,000 PLHIV on treatment, it was uncommon to come across people who were seriously ill with the disease.”

  • One more arrested over chaos at NDC national youth, women’s congress

    One more arrested over chaos at NDC national youth, women’s congress

    The Police have arrested one more person in relation to the chaos National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) National Youth and Women’s Congress held on December 10, 2022, at Cape Coast in the Central Region.

    Fuseini Lukman Yidana, the suspect, was taken into police custody after being detained at the Tamale Cultural Centre on March 9, 2023, he will be brought before court.

    This brings to seven (7) the number of people arrested so far in connection with the disturbances.

    The six earlier arrested are Abdul Halid Shaibu alias Oluu, Ibrahim Razak, Iddrisu Abass alias Jango, Dawda Mohammed Nazir, Dawda Hassan and Hajj Abdul-Fataw Adams.

    Police in a statement indicated that “the face of the suspect has been shown because he had been declared wanted together with his image already displayed in our quest to seek public assistance in getting him and the rest arrested.”

    “The intelligence operations are still ongoing to get the remaining 9 suspects arrested, “it added.

  • Do not hesitate to prosecute presidential staff when probing galamsey – Clement Apaak to OSP

    Do not hesitate to prosecute presidential staff when probing galamsey – Clement Apaak to OSP

    A member of parliament representing Builsa South, Dr. Clement Apaak, has urged Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyabeng to look into any claims of suspected galamsey involving presidential staff.

    Even if the investigation may involve President Akufo-Addo, the MP maintains that the OSP should not be hesitant to proceed.

    Dr Clement Apaak was responding to allegations made by former Environment Minister Prof. Frimpong Boateng that some officials at the seat of government are involved in illegal mining.

    He stated that the OSP should launch an investigation into the matter right away because Prof. Frimpong Boateng has not left Ghana. He is currently in the country. He has not gone underground. He is alive and well, and I believe that completing the investigation will aid us in uncovering the truth”.

    Dr. Apaak says we cannot live in a country where the same government pretending to be fighting galamsey including, the President, Vice President and public officials who are paid with taxpayers’ money to protect Ghanaians, our river bodies, our water bodies, our forest against illegal mining, are the ones who are engaged in the criminal act.

    He emphasised that Ghanaians cannot accept this criminal act, especially when people in positions of power are involved.

    He asserted that it is clear that the Akugo-Addo, Bawumia and NPP government has a deliberate policy to sabotage requisite constitutional and state agencies mandated to investigate acts of corruption and allegations of corruption.

    He said the same thing happened to Martin Amidu, who was denied the needed resources and information to produce acts of corruption.

    To that end, he has asked Ghanaians, civil society groups, labour unions, and well-meaning Ghanaians to demand that the government make the resources available for this investigation to be conducted; otherwise, the government will have no choice. But if we don’t, I’m afraid nothing will happen.

    He alleged that this government has either compromised our anti-corruption state bodies or denied them information and resources to work.

    ”That is why our democracy is endangered. Do you remember how the president cleared Akonta Mining when the OSP was investigating the matter? The President is known as the clearing agent. That is what he does.

    “If OSP is not up to the task, then we could look up to CHRAJ. I expect some citizens to file complaints at these institutions and demand a probe into the matter.”

  • Maintain the guarantor system – Afari-Gyan to EC

    Maintain the guarantor system – Afari-Gyan to EC

    A former chairman of the Electoral Commission (EC), Dr. Kwadwo Afari-Gyan, has questioned the commission’s decision to abandon the guarantor system for the ongoing voter registration process.

    He stated that the EC’s assertion that the guarantor system was ineffective and the Ghana Card should be the exclusive method of registration was unpersuasive.

    According to Dr Afari-Gyan, as far as the National Identification Authority (NIA) allowed the guarantor regime in the registration for the Ghana Card, nothing prevented the EC from doing the same for the voter registration exercise and making that system more robust as it wanted it.

    “What prevents the commission from instituting, in the upcoming constitutional instrument (CI), a guarantor regime as robust as or even more robust than the one being used by the NIA for doing the Ghana Card?” he queried.

    Guarantor system

    In line with Article 11 (7) of the 1992 Constitution, the EC is seeking to lay a CI before Parliament to regulate the continuous voter registration exercise.

    Per the article, the CI, which seeks, among other things, to make the Ghana Card the sole identification document for the exercise and the only means for registration, when laid in Parliament, will come into force after 21 sitting days, except the house annuls it by a vote of not less than two-thirds of all Members of Parliament (MPs).

    Last month, the Chairperson of the EC, Jean Adukwei Mensa, told Parliament, as part of the pre-laying of the CI, that the Ghana Card as the sole registration document would ensure that only eligible Ghanaians registered as voters.

    Such a move, she said, would give the country a credible voter roll and enhance its electoral process.

    The EC boss said her outfit jettisoned the guarantor system because it was susceptible to abuse, which affected the credibility of the electoral roll.

    “The challenges with the guarantor system are that it opens the door for registered voters or guarantor contractors to guarantee/vouch for persons who are less than 18 years and it allows the guarantors to vouch for foreigners. Such unqualified persons used the door of the guarantor system to try to get onto the register.

    “Truth be told, the guarantor system was not the best under any circumstances, but we did not have other options, since a significant number of people did not possess the Ghana Card at the time. Even, then, we had 10 million Ghanaians using the Ghana Card to back their citizenship at the time of registration,” she said.

    Criticisms

    Dr Afari-Gyan is not the only person to criticise the EC over the proposed CI.

    The CI has faced a backlash from the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD), a civil society organisation, especially concerning the decision by the EC to throw away the guarantor system, which hitherto allowed a registered voter to vouch for the citizenship of another person seeking to register.

    The NDC has described the CI as “obnoxious and a threat to the country’s democracy” and directed its MPs not to absent themselves from Parliament to enhance the fight against the proposed law.

    For the CDD, the elimination of the guarantor system would make it very difficult for many Ghanaians to register and that would, ultimately, infringe on their constitutional right to vote.

    “The current CI 126 allows for a guarantor to guarantee for up to five people; this can be reduced to three,” it said.

    Citizenship

    Dr Afari-Gyan, who is the longest-serving Chairperson in the history of the EC, further reiterated his criticism of the use of the Ghana Card as the sole source document for the registration exercise.

    In a previous statement to the Daily Graphic in August last year, he had said making the Ghana Card the sole identification document would disenfranchise millions of qualified Ghanaians and as such the move by the EC was against electoral inclusivity, fairness and justice.

    In his new critique, he said he was not against the use of the Ghana Card and did not also disagree with the EC that the Ghana Card was of great importance and would go a long way to sanitise the electoral roll

    “I think that it is grossly unfair and misleading to try to create the impression that the debate over whether or not, as of now, the Ghana Card should be the only basis for a Ghanaian citizen to be registered as a voter revolves wholly around how useful the card is. I have not heard anybody saying that the Ghana Card is not a good thing to have or use,” he said.

    According to him, his disagreement was because the EC was gradually making the Ghana Card the only means of citizenship, which is the criterion for one to register as a voter.

    It was his contention that the Ghana Card did not bestow citizenship on anyone but rather validated that citizenship; therefore, making the Ghana Card the sole means of registration meant the EC was trying to define those without the card as not citizens of Ghana eligible to vote.

    “In my view, as of now, it cannot be reasonably assumed that every Ghanaian of voting age has the Ghana Card, or can get one well ahead of the next elections,” he said.

    “In fact, given that even under continuous registration there is a cut-off period, during which time one can register as a voter but cannot vote in the following election, I think it is far too early yet to make a fetish of Ghana Card as the only basis for registering a Ghanaian citizen as a voter,” Dr Afari-Gyan averred.

  • U. S. Vice President Kamala Harris to visit Ghana, Tanzania and Zambia

    U. S. Vice President Kamala Harris to visit Ghana, Tanzania and Zambia

    From March 25 to April 2, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris will visit Accra, Ghana; Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; and Lusaka, Zambia.

    The trip would build on the recent U.S.-Africa Leaders Meeting that President Biden conducted in Washington in December 2022.

    The trip will strengthen the United States’ partnerships throughout Africa and advance our shared efforts on security and economic prosperity.

    U. S. Vice President Kamala Harris to visit Ghana, Tanzania and Zambia 

    Throughout the trip, in partnership with African governments and the private sector, Mrs Harris will advance efforts to expand access to the digital economy, support climate adaptation and resilience, and strengthen business ties and investment, including through innovation, entrepreneurship, and the economic empowerment of women.

    The Vice President will meet with President Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana, President Samia Hassan of Tanzania, and President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia.

    They will discuss regional and global priorities, including our shared commitment to democracy, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, food security, and the effects of Russia’s unprovoked war in Ukraine, among other issues.

    The Vice President will strengthen people-to-people ties and engage with civil society, including young leaders, business representatives, entrepreneurs, and members of the African Diaspora.

    Her spouse, Douglas Emhoff, will accompany her.

  • You cannot collapse NPP – Maurice Ampaw to Kennedy Agyapong

    You cannot collapse NPP – Maurice Ampaw to Kennedy Agyapong

    A private practitioner, Lawyer Maurice Ampaw, has criticized Kennedy Agyapong, a candidate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer position, for threatening to collapse the party.

    He asserts that Kennedy Agyapong lacks the authority or constitutional right to initiate such action against the party.

    In an interview with Sompa FM (March 10), Kennedy Agyapong claimed that there was a plot by the government to collapse his companies, before sounding a word of caution that if the plot is pursued, he will reveal secrets that will collapse the NPP.

    “You are going there because Kwame Agyapong is a loudmouth. You want to collapse my companies because I want to contest. I’m being nice and charitable to the NPP but they shouldn’t dare me. Anybody who tries to kill my companies because I’m contesting for elections, I will kill the party.

    “The things I know and will say will kill the party. I’ve gone through a lot from January till date but I’ve been very nice. If you want to collapse my company because of one person then I will also kill the company. I’m not afraid of anyone,” he fumed.

    While appearing as a guest on Mmra Abrabo Mu nsem on Wontumi TV on March 13, 2023, Maurice Ampaw urged Kennedy Agyapong to become acquainted with the law in order to avoid exposing his ignorance to Ghanaians.

    “NPP is nobody’s property, Kennedy Agyapong listen to me, NPP is not for you. How dare you? That you will collapse the party…don’t let me come directly at you, you dare not.

    “You cannot… it is the party members who are afraid of you. NPP party is a public entity, I’m teaching you law today. NPP party is a political party and in law, a political party is a public institution, it is not owned…NPP is not owned by one person.

    “All Ghanaians have an interest in what goes on in NPP, and the same with NDC that’s why I can speak about the NDC, because both political parties, through your activities win power to govern us.

    “So, Ghanaians have an interest, and that’s why I can talk about NDC because whatever happens in NDC, one day they will win power. So, if we don’t have a say in what goes on in NDC, we will get bad leadership to control our resources.

    “That’s why I said Kennedy Agyapong, know the law, go and learn about the law because you can’t collapse the NPP party.”

    He also dared Kennedy Agyapong to reveal whatever secrets he claims to have against the party.

    “Whatever secret you have, come and say it. You’re loud Kennedy Agyapong, use that to scare the foot soldiers.

    “And those that are following Kennedy Agyapong, thinking that he is their saviour he can’t come and save anybody. He’s a populist.”

    Ampaw asked Agyapong to look and learn from fellow aspirants: “Look at the other presidential candidates, look at Alan Kyerematen, look at Bawumia, on a quiet note. They’re working, and Kennedy, he’s just making noise. For you, every day you’re accusing Nana Addo, what at all has Nana Addo done to you?” he asked.

  • Ashaiman military raid must be investigated and aired – Security analyst

    Ashaiman military raid must be investigated and aired – Security analyst

    A commission of inquiry should be immediately established by Parliament to look into the military’s attack on certain Ashaiman citizens, according to security analyst Emmanuel Kotin.

    The military’s operation on Ashaiman on March 7 in an effort to find the murderers of Trooper Imoro Sherrif, a military official, was criticized by the security analyst.

    Mr. Kotin admonished that the actions of the military in the community be taken seriously and probed considering the worrying rise of terrorism in the Western African Sub Region.

    Speaking on Eyewitness News on Citi FM, Mr. Kotin said the recorded incidents of assaults by the military on civilians are becoming one too many and need to be amicably resolved to discourage the festering of terror activities on the borders of Ghana.

    “What has happened is one too many and if we don’t begin to set examples, it will continue to keep repeating and that is why the call on Parliament to represent the people and probe this issue.

    “A commission of inquiry should be set up, its work must be telecast live so that we will know who ordered what and who did what, and then sanctions be applied so that people who would conceive things of this nature will not even think about it again.”

    Mr. Kotin also called on Parliament to review its policy on the grant for the establishment of garrisons across the country given the unlawful use of force by the military.

    “I am calling on Parliament to as a matter of urgency, review its policy in granting Legislative Instruments for the establishment of more garrisons across the country because it is not going to help our democratic dispensation given the past the soldiers have demonstrated and continue to do. They must realize that they are bounded by the laws of the country and are not laws unto themselves.”

  • GRA refutes claims of harassing Kennedy Agyapong

    GRA refutes claims of harassing Kennedy Agyapong

    The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has rejected claims made by the Member of Parliament for Assin Central, Kennedy Agyapong that the authority has sabotaged his businesses.

    Allegations of an unauthorized audit of the MP’s companies’ financial records, according to the GRA, are untrue.

    “The purpose of such audits is to measure and improve compliance while fine-tuning controls. The factory in question together with other companies were thus audited to check the value of goods imported and their intended use. We wish to disclose that in January and February 2023, about thirty (30) of such risk-based activities were carried out on a number of businesses”, it said in a release.

    The MP who is also a New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer aspirant, recently alleged that his businesses are under attack as a result of his decision to run for president.

    He claims that state institutions are frustrating and intimidating him in his quest to lead the NPP in the 2024 NPP elections.

    But the Authority further explained in the statement that its officials have been carrying out their mandate in accordance with World Customs Organization guidelines, ensuring adherence to best practices.

    “GRA wishes to categorically refute the specific allegation of harassment at a factory under construction owned by the MP. We wish to clarify that as part of GRA’s mandate and in line with World Customs Organization’s (WCO’s) guidelines in ensuring adherence to best practices; such exercises are regularly conducted.”

    Here is the full statement

    ALLEGED HARASSMENT OF HON. KENNEDY AGYAPONGBY GRA

    Management of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has sighted a recording of a media interview by the Member of Parliament (MP) for Assin Central constituency, Honourable Kennedy Agyapong circulating on social media in which he accused GRA Officials of constant harassment through unwarranted audits of his companies.

    GRA wishes to categorically refute the specific allegation of harassment at a factory under construction owned by the MP. We wish to clarify that as part of GRA’s mandate and in line with World Customs Organization’s (WCO’s) guidelines in ensuring adherence to best practices; such exercises are regularly conducted. The purpose of such audits, are to measure and improve compliance whiles fine tuning controls. The factory in question together with other companies were thus audited to check the value of goods imported and their intended use.

    We wish to disclose that in January and February 2023, about thirty (30) of such risk-based activities were carried out on a number of businesses. Furthermore, in the area of enforcement and compliance, GRA carries out invoice invigilation exercises to ascertain Value Added Tax (VAT) paid by VAT registered businesses. These exercises entail stationing staff on the premises of VAT registered businesses such as shops, restaurants and manufacturing sites to check the issuance of VAT invoices.

    In September 2022, invigilation exercises were intensified nationwide in order to enforce the issuance of VAT invoices and to encourage persons who buy goods and patronize services to demand for VAT invoices. This exercise was very successful and GRA intends to scale up the invoice invigilation exercise from April 2023 as part of its revenue mobilization efforts.

    In carrying out all these enforcement and compliance activities, staff of GRA have been advised to remain professional and act at all times with integrity as required by the Authority’s Code of Ethics and Conduct.
    We therefore encourage any member of the public who has evidence of any alleged corrupt practice by an official of the Authority to report such criminal acts to the Management of GRA on 0800-900-110 for redress.

    Management wishes to use this opportunity to assure Honourable Kennedy Agyapong and all taxpayers of our readiness to receive complaints and feedback on our work as we partner to mobilise revenue for national development. We also wish to state that GRA remains committed to carrying out its mandate of revenue mobilization with integrity, fairness and utmost professionalism.
    –End–

    SIGNED
    FLORENCE ASANTE (MRS)
    COMMUNICATION AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT

  • Ghana to partner with IPU, others to fight intolerance and promote diversity – Bagbin

    Ghana to partner with IPU, others to fight intolerance and promote diversity – Bagbin

    The Speaker of parliament, Rt Hon Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has assured of the nation’s commitment to collaborate with the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) to fight intolerance and promote peaceful co-existence in societies.

    According to him, this is the only sure way for the world to know true peace and prosperity.

    In a speech at the ongoing 146th IPU Assembly in Manama, Bahrain, on Monday, March 13, 2022, the Speaker touted the values of good democratic governance, which the Ghanaian parliament is translating for the utmost benefit of its people.

    Explaining further, Speaker Alban Bagbin said this is evident in the large gender parity delegation the Ghanaian parliament sent to the conference to further the course of the theme and humanity as a whole.

    “The IPU can rely on the Parliament of Ghana to achieve the theme of this Assembly. The Parliament,of Ghana will partner with the IPU and all members to fight intolerance and promote peaceful co-existence and inclusive societies. The Parliament of Ghana is translating the values and principles of good democratic governance into concrete benefits for the people,” he said.

    “This explains why a large gender parity delegation of four ladies, four men, three of whom are from government and three from the opposition, led by the Speaker from Ghana, is here to work with the IPU and its members to craft out resolutions that will further the course of the theme and humanity as a whole,” he added.

    Rt Hon Bagbin also added charged legislators worldwide to encourage tolerance and inclusive development through the laws they promulgate.

    “As legislators, it behoves on us to encourage tolerance and inclusive development through the laws we make and, particularly, through the tools of our oversight of the Executive to ensure that our respective countries are set on the paths of peace, security and sustainability. We have to commit ourselves to holding governments of our countries to contain corruption, eliminate waste, ignorance and greed. This is the smooth road to building fair, just and prosperous societies.”

    He also noted to participants and the world at large to be mindful of the need to co-exist.

    “We must, therefore, not only learn to co-exist in peace, but we must also work to promote inclusive growth and development by consciously working to prop up the development of the least developed nations. Underdevelopment and poverty are some of the main drivers of intolerance, such as xenophobia, terrorism, conflicts, etc.”

    Some 2,700 delegates drawn from more than 179 countries across the globe have gathered in the Kingdom of Bahrain for the conference under the theme, “Promoting peaceful co-existence and inclusive societies: Fighting intolerance.”

  • GHS resumes childhood vaccination

    GHS resumes childhood vaccination

    After weeks of vaccine shortage, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) on Monday morning, March 13 begun the widespread immunization of children across the country.

    This comes after BCG, polio, and measles vaccines were delivered to the Ghana Health Service on Sunday.

    JoyNews’ Hannah Odame who visited some health centres in Accra, reports that at the Adabraka Polyclinic, about 16 mothers had visited the centre to have their children vaccinated as at 9:00am on Monday.

    At the Maamobi polyclinic, there was a massive campaign for parents to bring their children for vaccination.

    In the Volta Region, the Acting Regional Director of the Health Services, Dr. Senanu Djokoto says the vaccination exercise will begin on Tuesday.

    Speaking on the vaccination exercise, the Director General of the Ghana Health Service Dr. Patrick Kumah Aboagye says parents can now make their children available for vaccination.

    He urged them to send their children when they are due.

    “The first batch of the vaccines just arrived and we have doses in BCG, oral polio vaccine and then the measles vaccine. They just arrived with the accessories, syringes, safety boxes. Immediately, they are being discharged to the regions and then vaccinations will start across the country,” he said.

    According to him, as the Service has received the first consignment, he hopes the others come in soon.

    He assured that the quantity received per the first consignment will be enough for a minimum of six weeks immunisation across the country.

    Meanwhile, as the Northern Region has recorded over 100 measles cases during the period of shortage, a Consultant Pediatrician at Tamale Teaching Hospital, Prof. Alhassan Abdul-Munin, wants the GHS to prioritise areas currently experiencing measles outbreaks.

    This, he explained, is because vaccine coverage in hard-to-reach areas is traditionally lower than in urban areas.

    “I would also think that they should target where we are already having the outbreak situations, because in Northern Region for instance, we did a study during the peak of the Covid-19 and then we realised that during those times that the vaccines are available the uptake was very low…so these are children that they may not have been due just within the last five or six months but actually they were due for vaccination during the Covid-19 period and they never had it,” he explained.

    He also called on the government to address the root cause of the vaccine shortage to prevent a recurrence.

  • Ashaiman murder: MP commends Police for swift arrest of suspects

    Ashaiman murder: MP commends Police for swift arrest of suspects

    The Ashaiman MP, Mr. Ernest Norgbey, has lauded the Ghana Police Service for the prompt investigations and arrest of the alleged murderers of Trooper Imoro Sherrif.

    He stated that the Police operated with professionalism and diligence.

    In a press release issued on Monday, March 13, Mr Nogbey said the Police by this conduct have proven that they have requisite competence to investigate all crimes in the country. 

    “I commend the Ghana Police Service for their calm, but swift and professional conduct thus far in meticulously investigating the circumstances surrounding Trooper Imoro’s death. 

    “Through their efforts thus far, the Ghana Police have assured the good people of Ashaiman and the entire population of Ghana that the Ghana Police Service, led by the IGP COP George Akuffo Dampare, have the capacity and competence to investigate all horrifying crimes, including the kind that took Trooper Imoro to an early grave. 

    “The good people of Ghana and Ashaiman will forever remember the noble services of the men and women of the Ghana Police Service to Ashaiman when it mattered most,” excerpts of his statement said. 

    Meanwhile, the lawmaker has charged the Attorney-General to ensure the swift prosecution of the accused persons. 

    “I pray that the Attorney-General’s Department will subsequently ensure swift, fair, fearless and successful prosecution of all the suspects involved in the alleged killing of Trooper Imoro and for our courts to return a verdict that serves as a bold line of deterrence to all persons who may want to break the law.”

    Mr. Norgbey’s press release comes on the back of an announcement by the Police that they have arrested six suspects in connection with the murder of the soldier. 

    In a detailed statement issued on Monday, the Police said after almost a week of painstaking intelligence-led operations, on March 9, it arrested suspects Safianu Musah alias Dayorgu and Ibrahim Abdul Rakib at their hideouts in Ashaiman.

    “Two other suspects, Samuel Tetteh alias Wiper and Abubakar Sadick alias Birdman were also arrested at their hideouts on March 10.

    “Two additional suspects, Yussif Mohammed and Abdul Gafaru Abdul Karim were arrested on 11th and March 12, respectively.

    The police say a further investigation has established that suspects Samuel Tetteh and Abubakar Sadick at about 1:45 am on March 4, attacked the deceased at Taifa Ashaiman in an attempt to rob him of his phone and a backpack.

    “The deceased, however, resisted and struggled with the suspects. During the struggle, suspect Samuel Tetteh pulled out a knife and stabbed the deceased in the arm, snatched his phone and bolted leaving the deceased with the knife stuck in his arm.”

    Meanwhile, the Ashaiman Circuit Court has denied bail to six suspects picked up in connection with the murder of Trooper Imoro Sherrif at Taifa, a suburb of Ashaiman on March 4.

    Prosecutor, Supt. Sylvester Asare told the court presided over by Simon Gaga that granting the accused persons bail will impede investigations.

  • Housing Minister urges SuCasa to expand affordable luxury housing projects to other regions

    Housing Minister urges SuCasa to expand affordable luxury housing projects to other regions

    The Minister of Works and Housing, Francis Asenso-Boakye, has urged SuCasa Properties, a real estate developer, to expand its affordable luxury home projects outside of Accra to other parts of the country.

    During a courtesy call by SuCasa Properties to secure government support and partnership in providing affordable luxury housing infrastructure, Mr. Asenso-Boakye stated, “I urge you to extend your project to the outskirt of Accra – to the other regions.”

    Furthermore, the Minister noted that his Ministry is considering a partnership where the developer produces two-bedroom houses at the Nsawam enclave at a cap of US$30,000, with the State absorbing 40 percent of the development cost through the provision of the government’s unencumbered lands.

    SuCasa Properties Limited, as a demonstration of its commitment to the national affordable housing agenda, recently inaugurated Phase-one or the  No.1 O’Grantson  Communities at East Legon Hills – a 2,000-housing unit development.  The event also served as the sod-cutting ceremony for phases two and three of the project.

    Housing Minster urges SuCasa to extend affordable luxury housing projects to regions
    Michael O’Grantson-Agyapong, Chief Executive Officer of SuCasa Properties, left, with Honourable Francis Asenso-Boakye, Minister of Works and Housing

    SuCasa’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Michael O’Grantson-Agyapong – who led the team from SuCasa Properties – confirmed that the company has plans to expand into other regions of the country and welcomed the Minister’s request. “SuCasa is already positioned for other regions in our own business forecast and projections,” he noted.

    Attracting FDIs via SuCasa Real Estate Experience

    In addition, Mr. O’Grantson-Agyapong presented a new campaign by his outfit called the SuCasa Real Estate Experience to the Minister. The campaign, he explained, involves a global tour to organise real estate conferences, exposing investment opportunities in Ghana for Foreign Direct Investment and Diaspora engagements.

    He elaborated, that the investment opportunity awareness creation will be organized by SuCasa Properties Ghana in partnership with relevant stakeholders including the Ministry of Trade and its affiliated agencies.

    He added that the expo is part of the government’s Public Private Partnership Initiative engagements for economic growth and development, and aims to build confidence and trust in the diaspora community to invest prudently in Africa with reputable developers in a seamless manner.

    “The global tour and expo, would offer the diaspora community, the opportunity to engage with and have first-hand information from property developers and the various offers they avail, without engaging with charlatans and all kinds of unscrupulous entities back home in Africa in their quest for home ownership,” he said, adding that the launch of the maiden edition of the SuCasa Real Estate Experience will come off in Accra by the end of March.

    This comes as data from the World Bank shows that remittances to Sub-Saharan Africa grew by 5.2 percent to US$53 billion in 2022, highlighting the potential impact of diaspora investments in Africa’s economic development.

    The courtesy call also served as an opportunity to formally express appreciation to the Minister for honoring their invitation to be the Keynote Speaker at the Sod Cutting Ceremony of the No.1 O’Grantson Communities.

    According to data from the World Bank, remittances to Sub-Saharan Africa grew by an estimated 5.2percent to US$53 billion in 2022. Given that this is approximately 10percent of their annual income, their total annual income could be estimated to be US$530 billion, a figure higher than the highest single GDP of any country in Africa. This indicates that cash flow from the diaspora community invested in Africa could potentially help turn African economic fortunes around for the better.

  • The most judged species are women – Charlotte Osei

    The most judged species are women – Charlotte Osei

    Women are the most criticized species in the world, according to Charlotte Osei, the former chairperson of the Election Commission (EC).

    Speaking to the media she added that women have been socialized to criticize one another and that she is pushing women to push through all the boundaries.

    “Women need courage because they are the most judged species. We have been socialized to judge each other even more. You are so judgmental that you are unable to compliment another woman.”

    “Women are most labelled and defined. Women need the courage to move past all these labels and limits and definitions and to do anything significant in their lives”

    Women of Valour which was created by Nana Aba Anamoah is a project aimed at bringing together strong, courageous women to share their stories of triumph, loss and everything in between.

    The event which came off on March 7, 2023, saw actress Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, former Electoral Commission boss Charlotte Osei, Ghanaian entrepreneur Eugenia Baffour Bankoh, Business executive and communication professional, Obuobia Darko-Opoku and others tell their stories under the theme “Untold stories of courage”

  • Ministers of gender from Ghana, Liberia, and Burundi hold bilateral meetings

    Ministers of gender from Ghana, Liberia, and Burundi hold bilateral meetings

    In order to improve their close cooperation in promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment in each of their individual countries, Ghana, Liberia, and Burundi have held bilateral meetings.

    The meeting also discussed gender and violence issues across the African Continent.

    It was held between the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Madam Hajia Lariba Abudu and her colleague Gender Ministers from Liberia and Burundi at the sidelines of the ongoing 67th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women(CSW) in New York.

    Also, High-Level Panel discussions were held on issues and challenges of financing socio-economic development programmes for women and girls through the Geo-Extractive Sector in West Africa as part of the event.

    Every year, representatives of Member States gather at United Nations Headquarters in New York to evaluate progress made concerning gender equality, identify challenges, set global standards and formulate concrete policies to promote gender equality and the advancement of women worldwide.

  • Bawumia is the best candidate to succeed Akufo-Addo – Deputy Minister for Roads and Highways

    Bawumia is the best candidate to succeed Akufo-Addo – Deputy Minister for Roads and Highways

    According to deputy minister for roads and highways, Stephen Pambiin Jalulah, the vice president, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, is the finest candidate to succeed President Akufo-Addo.

    Speaking to the mediaon Sunday, March 12, the Pru West MP said he was confident that the Vice President would succeed the president ahead of the party’s presidential primaries. 

    Even though, the conversation on the programme centred on President Akufo-Addo’s claim that his administration has built more roads than any other government in Ghana’s 4th Republican history, the Deputy Minister could not hide his desire for Dr Bawumia to become NPP’s next flagbearer and Ghana’s next president. 

    He was arguing against claims by members of the opposition National Democratic Congress the Akufo-Addo administration dare not take credit for the Pokuase Interchange because an NDC-led government secured funding for the project. But the Deputy Minister insisted that actual works, including sod-cutting, started in the Akufo-led administration.

    “The construction of the Pokuase Interchange was just a dream to them (NDC) because constantly, we don’t have enough and as a result we are constantly looking outside either to get the commercial facility or the grant to come and cause the development of the nation. 

    His argument was that whoever executes a project takes credit for it, not those who dreamt it.

    “Now if you go to talk to the government and people of Japan that we need an interchange at this point please help us; and we are even doing one currently but I will not name the place- which will not materialise under the leadership of President Akufo-Addo but the next government which will be Insha Allah Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, but Nana Akufo-Addo cannot claim credit for what he is doing now for an interchange to be built in another city of the country. 

    “It is a dream which must happen because governance is a continuous process,” he said. 

    Already, several bigwigs in the party including the former Trades and Industry Minister, Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen, and the former Agriculture Minister, Dr Owusu Afriyie Akoto have declared their intentions to seek the party’s mandate to lead it as flagbearer for the 2024 election. 

    Even though, the Vice President has not officially declared his candidacy, party folks and political analysts say it is only a matter of time when he declares his interest.  

    It is his anticipated candidacy the Deputy Minister has thrown his weight behind. 

    Deadlock with date for primaries

    The National Executive Committee and the National Council of the governing NPP, has a couple times failed to agree on a date for its presidential and parliamentary primaries. 

    A meeting on Thursday, February 2, which had in attendance the President, the Vice President, the Chief of Staff, some Members of Parliament and presidential hopefuls which was expected to officially set a date for the remaining two elections on the party’s calendar ended in a deadlock. 

    Already, blocs within the party are pushing for an early congress whilst others want the party to stick to its constitution of electing a flagbearer 12 months to a major election.

  • Lowest paid teacher receives GH¢434 every month

    Lowest paid teacher receives GH¢434 every month

    After a 30 percent raise in the Single Spine Salary Structure for public sector employees, teachers and staff at the Ghana Education Service (GES) have seen a boost in their basic salary.

    This increment took effect from January 1, 2023, and also includes a 15 percent market premium which the government has also agreed to for all teachers and other public sector workers.

    The 30 percent is the biggest increment organised labour has secured out of negotiations with the government since 2010 when the government increased the base pay by 20 percent and again by the same margin in 2011.

    Since the current administration came to power in 2017, the highest increment has been 12 percent, which was secured in 2017.

    The latest increment means the lowest-paid teacher takes home a net salary of GH¢434.01 while the highest-paid teacher takes home a net salary of GH¢8,271.95.

  • Suame floods: Body of 21-year-old retrieved a week after incident

    Suame floods: Body of 21-year-old retrieved a week after incident

    Body of a 21-year-old woman’s that was washed away by floodwaters at Bremang in the Suame Municipality of the Ashanti Region last week has been retrieved and deposited at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital morgue.

    Following Wednesday [March 8] evening’s rains, the deceased’s sandals reportedly got stuck and in her attempt to retrieve them, she was washed away by flood waters.

    Community members, the police, and officers from the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) searched for the body for days but were unsuccessful.

    However, the landlord of the deceased, Nana Bonsu told Citi News a resident in Abuakwa Tabre in the Atwima Nwabiagya municipality on Sunday alerted the police of a lifeless body in a stream in his area, and it was subsequently taken to the morgue.

    According to Nana Bonsu, the family of the deceased was called to identify the body, and they realized it was the 21-year-old who was washed away by flood waters.

    The family is currently liaising with the police to conduct an autopsy, after which they will have access to the body and perform the necessary burial rites.

  • Paediatric Society of Ghana urges govt to purchase more childhood vaccines

    Paediatric Society of Ghana urges govt to purchase more childhood vaccines

    The Paediatric Society of Ghana has urged government to purchase more childhood vaccines as the first consignment is inadequate.

    According to the Ghana Health Service (GHS), the first consignment of childhood vaccines, which included Oral polio, measles-rubella, and BCG vaccines, arrived over the weekend and will last for six weeks.

    Dr. Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, Director-General of GHS, says by the time the consignment runs out, more would have arrived.

    But President of the Paediatric Society of Ghana, Dr. John Adabie Appiah, tells Citi News that it will take about six months to vaccinate all children who missed their vaccination.

    “We need to vaccinate a larger population and make sure that the population has herd immunity before we can relax and that will take not less than six months to get to that point so six weeks is woefully inadequate due to the vaccine shortage. There are over 800 cases of measles and this is terrible. The situation is going to get worse so more needs to be done. So, we hope that more vaccines will come in to cover the rest of the year.”

    The Ghana Health Service has announced that vaccinations for children will begin today, Monday, March 13. 2023.

    Following months of shortage, some childhood vaccines have arrived in the country.

    Dr. Patrick Kuma-Aboagye urged all parents to vaccinate their children during a media interview.

    “By Monday morning, there will be vaccine available for those who need it.  The doses that are available are enough for at least six weeks across the country. So, by Monday, we will start vaccinating all.”

    The Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service (GHS) on Saturday, March 11, 2023, took delivery of the first consignment of Measles vaccines, BCG vaccines and Oral Polio Vaccines.

    The Ministry of Information in a Facebook post said distribution to various regions and facilities is underway.

    The Information Ministry assured that more vaccines are expected in the country in the coming weeks from multiple sources.

    The Ghana Health Service has confirmed taking delivery of a consignment of childhood vaccines entreating caregivers to desist from rushing to hospitals for the vaccines.

    The GHS said the Ministry of Health has made adequate provisions for the supply of vaccines that will last for the rest of the year and beyond.

    The vaccines, according to GHS include BCG, OPV with accompanying devices such as needles, syringes and safety boxes.