TIG Post

Tag: Akufo-Addo

  • We must protect our health workers from contracting coronavirus – Akufo-Addo

    As part of measures to protect all healthcare providers with Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs), the government has taken delivery of additional PPEs and more are being procured.

    Also, the distribution of seventeen thousand (17,000) coveralls, three hundred and fifty thousand (350,000) masks, seventeen thousand (17,000) goggles, two thousand four hundred (2,400) non-contact thermometers, three hundred and fifty thousand (350,000) gloves, twenty-five thousand (25,000) sanitizers, and thirty-thousand (30,000) tests kits are ongoing for healthcare personnel and those undertaking contact tracing and testing.

    This announcement was made by President Akufo-Addo in his fourth update and address on the coronavirus to Ghanaians.

    According to him, it is very important that we protect all healthcare providers with Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) to make sure they do not contract the virus in the process of protecting our lives.

    Aside from that, the government is recruiting one thousand (1,000) community health workers and an additional thousand (1,000) volunteers to help in this endeavour. One hundred pick-up vehicles and two thousand, five hundred (2,500) tablets have been mobilized for the exercise.

    Update

    As at the evening of 27 March 2020, fifty-nine (59) COVID-19 cases including four (4) deaths have been confirmed from the regular surveillance systems. All four (4) deaths had underlying chronic medical conditions. Two have recovered and have been discharged. The remaining fifty-three (53) cases are doing well: fourteen (14) are being managed at home. The rest are on admission and responding well to treatment. Greater proportion of those on treatment with mild symptoms and are awaiting repeat of their laboratory tests to inform decision to discharge them.

    Majority of the confirmed cases are Ghanaians, who returned home from other affected countries. Seven (7) are of other nationals namely: Norway, Lebanon, China, Netherlands, and United Kingdom. Seventy-eight (78) among the travelers (1,030 in number), who were mandatory quarantined and tested, have tested positive for COVID-19.

    In respect of contact tracing, a total of 1,006 contacts have been identified and are being tracked.

    Out of these, two hundred and four (204) have completed the 14 days mandatory follow up.

     

    Source: rainbowradioonline.com

  • How President Akufo-Addo summarised Ghana’s Coronavirus cases

    President Akufo-Addo on Friday night gave a brief summary of Ghana’s current status relative to the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, when he addressed the nation to announce reviewed measures to contain the spread of the virus.

    Here is how the President put Ghana’s case.

    “At the time of my last broadcast, some six (6) days ago, Ghana had recorded twenty-one (21) confirmed cases of infections, with virtually all the cases being imported. I took the step to close all our borders, and I ordered a mandatory quarantine and testing of all the one thousand and thirty (1,030) persons who arrived at the airport at the time of the announcement till the day the borders were closed. Indeed, seventy-eight (78) of the persons put under quarantine have since tested positive for the virus. It is these additional confirmations that have increased dramatically our total number of cases to one hundred and thirty-seven (137). Indeed, 97% of all confirmed cases are travelers who brought the disease from outside our shores. Of the remaining fifty-nine (59) confirmed cases, fifty-three (53) are receiving treatment and are doing well, and they will be discharged should their second test results prove negative. Fourteen (14) of them are being managed at home in self-isolation. Four (4) persons, who had tested positive for the virus, but were aged and had other serious, underlying medical conditions, have lost their lives. May their souls rest in perfect peace. Thankfully, two (2) persons have made full recoveries.”

    See list of affected areas.

    Greater Accra Greater Kumasi Metropolitan Area and contiguous districts
    1 Accra Metropolis  Kumasi Metropolis
    2 Tema Metropolis Asokwa Municipality
    3 Tema West Municipality Suame Municipality
    4 Ledzokuku Municipality Old Tafo Municipality
    5 Krowor Municipality Oforikrom Municipality
    6 Adentan Municipality Asokore Mampong Municipality
    7 Ashiaman Municipality Kwadaso Municipality
    8 La-Nkwantanang-Madina Municipality Atwima Nwabiagya Municipality
    9 La-Dade-Kotopon Municipality Kwabre East Municipality
    10 Okaikwei North Municipality Ejisu Municipality
    11 Ablekuma North Municipality Afigya-Kwabre South District
    12 Ablekuma West Municipality Bosomtwi District
    13 Ablekuma Central Municipality Atwima Kwanwoma District
    14 Ayawaso East Municipality Atwima Nwabiagya North District
    15 Ayawaso North Municipality
    16 Ayawaso West Municipality
    17 Ayawaso Central Municipality
    18 Ga West Municipality
    19 Ga North Municipality
    20 Ga Central Municipality
    21 Ga South Municipality
    22 Ga East Municipality
    23 Korle-Klottey Municipality
    24 Weija/Gbawe Municipality
    25 Kpone Katamanso Municipality
    26 Awutu Senya East Municipality

     

    Source: Graphic.com.gh 

  • Anyone caught flouting ban on public gatherings will be dealt with Akufo-Addo warns

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has reiterated the need for the general public to comply with the ban on all public gatherings in the wake of the outbreak of COVID-19 in the country.

    The President, in a national address on Sunday [March 15, 2020], banned all public gatherings including conferences, workshops, funerals, festivals, political rallies, church activities and other related events as part of measures to stop the spread of coronavirus in the country.

    This directive was to be observed for four weeks.

    Following his order, most of the stated institutions have complied. Churches, schools, and some business have suspended all their activities.

    A few people, however, have disobeyed, leading to the arrest of a pastor for instance who on two occasions organised church services.

     

    But President Nana Akufo-Addo, in a national address delivered on Friday, March 27, 2020 gave a stern repetition of the ban in place, assuring that public that anyone who goes contrary to the law will be “dealt with fully”.

    “Let me also reiterate that the ban on public gatherings, religious or social, is still in force. Anyone, irrespective of status, religion or ethnicity, who is found to be flouting them will be dealt with fully in accordance with law. The security services have been clothed with the necessary power to enforce these measures, and I assure you that they will do so responsibly, but without fear or favour, ill-will or malice.”

    Partial lockdown of COVID-19 hotspots

    President Nana Akufo-Addo has imposed a two-week partial lockdown on Accra, Tema, Kasoa and Kumasi from Monday, March 30, 2020, 1 am.

    These cities, which have been identified as the epicentres of the novel coronavirus in Ghana have been shut down as part of efforts to curb the spread of the disease.

    President Nana Akufo-Addo, in the national address, stated that “effective 1 am on Monday, 30th March, some forty-eight hours from now, I have imposed, pursuant to the powers granted the President of the Republic, under the Imposition of Restrictions Act, 2020 (Act 1012), restrictions on movement of persons in the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area (GAMA, which includes Awutu Senya East), and the Greater Kumasi Metropolitan Area and contiguous districts, for a period of two (2) weeks, subject to review.”

    He said the decision “will give us the opportunity to try to halt the spread of the virus, and scale-up effectively contact tracing of persons who have come into contact with infected persons, test them for the virus, and, if necessary, quarantine and isolate them for treatment, should they prove to have the virus.”

    He, however, made exemptions to this directive.

    Some essential service providers such as food vendors, fuel station attendants, railway and construction workers, and the Executive will not be forced to lock down.

     

    Source: citinewsroom 

  • Pardon 4,000 prisoners – Minority to Akufo-Addo

    Ranking Member on the Security Committee in Parliament, James Agalga has called on President Akufo-Addo to pardon 4,000 prisoners as part of measures to decongest our prisons in the face of the deadly coronavirus.

    The legislator addressing the press Thursday stated that Ghana prisons are choked hence the need for the president to consider pardoning more to decongest the facilities.

    In an interview with the Parliamentary Press Corps, he revealed that the current number of inmates or prisoners across the country are about fourteen thousand (14,000) which in actual sense, it is was made for a capacity of eight thousand (8,000) prisoners.

    He said it would be appropriate for the President to pardon about four thousand (4,000) prisoners to ease the pressure in our prisons else, it will be a disaster for this country if there should be any incident of coronavirus at any of our prisons.

    The president has granted amnesty to some 80 prisoners.

    The amnesty granted was upon the recommendation of the Prisons Service Council and in consultation with the Council of State.

    The categories of convicts affected include first time offenders, seriously ill persons, inmates on death row to be commuted to life imprisonment, inmates serving a life sentence to have a sentence commuted to 20 years definite term and very old prisoners who are 70 years and above.

    Director-General of the Prisons Service Patrick Darko Missah in a statement said the first time offenders totalling 783 who have served half of their sentences, eleven, seriously ill prisoners, and three aged (very old) prisoners are to be released outright. However, seven prisoners on death row would have their sentences commuted to life imprisonment; while four prisoners serving [a] life sentence will be commuted to 20 years definite term.”

    Source: rainbowradioonline.com

  • Akufo-Addo directs mass testing for individuals who arrived in Ghana after 3rd March

    President Nana Akufo-Addo has asked that individuals who arrived in the country from March 3 onwards should be traced and tested for coronavirus.

    Information Minister Kojo Oppong Nkrumah who made the statement on behalf of the President said he(Akufo-Addo) insisted that the test be traced as far back as March 3 instead of March 15, as officials initially suggested.

    He also explained that the Immigration Service has in its database information about persons who entered the country within the period in question.

    “The Ghana Immigration Service, working with the Ministry of Communication, and their agencies have a whole database of all those who came in,” he said, adding initially, officials were looking to start the tracing from those who came into the country from March 15 but the president directed they start from March 3.

    Meanwhile, Ghana has now recorded 132 cases of deadly Covid-19 with 3 deaths and one recovery.

    The government, on the other hand, is weighing all possible options and measures to curb the overwhelming cases of COVID19 in the country including a possible lockdown.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Mandatory quarantine: Im vindicated – Akufo-Addo

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo says he feels vindicated by the decision to mandatorily quarantine travellers who flew into the country when he issued a directive to shutdown Ghana’s borders.

    According to him, the overwhelming number of coronavirus cases that Ghana has recorded are all imported into the country by people who are returning from abroad.

    “An extreme number, have been found to carry the virus. So, focusing on the importation of the virus and infection have proof to be absolutely spot on.

    “We are now seeing the benefits of these measures,” the President told members of the TUC at the Jubilee House.

    He added that the country will continue to look at an additional strong measure that will help deal with combating the dreaded novel Coronavirus pandemic.

    Issues of lockdown

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo noted that when the country is locked down, the majority of the ordinary citizens of the country will be greatly affected.

    He said, a responsible government is required to look at the implications of the decision to lockdown a country in such a time, before it takes a firm decision.

    “it is important for us to take into account the circumstances and conditions. When we lockdown Accra, what are the consequences?” he quizzed.

    President Akufo-Addo indicated that currently, his administration is looking at all the possible options available before he communicates it to Ghanaians.

    “I am hoping that much sooner than later, we will come to an agreement on what those measures are and the Ghanaian people will be informed,” he stressed.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Akufo-Addo grants amnesty to 808 prisoners

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has granted amnesty to eight hundred and eight prisoners in the country.

    The decision was arrived upon the recommendation of the Prisons Service Council and in consultation with the Council of State

    The amnesty is in accordance with Article 72 (1) of the Constitution, a statement from the Prisons Service stated.

    This was contained in a statement signed by Patrick Dark Missah, Director-General of Prisons copied to GhanaWeb, today March 26, 2020.

    According to the statement, amnesty has been granted to prisoners in 5 categories.

    The first group of prisoners are 783 first offenders; followed by 11 seriously ill prisoners.

    It added that 7 inmates on death row will be commuted to life imprisonment, whiles 4 inmates serving a life sentence will have the sentence commuted to 20 years definite term.

    Last on the category are 3 very old prisoners who are 70 years.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • All travellers from abroad on or after March 3 to be identified, tested Akufo-Addo directs

    Government has directed that all individuals who came into the country from abroad on or after March 3, should be identified and tested for the Covid-19.

    Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, the Information Minister said President Akufo-Addo wants all those individuals to be tested as has been done with those who arrived on Saturday night.

    “The Ghana Immigration Service, working with the Ministry of Communication, and their agencies has a whole data base of all those who came in,” he said, adding initially, officials were looking to start the tracing from those who came into the country from March 15 but the president directed they start from March 12.

    Government as part of measures to contain the coronavirus outbreak in the country, last Saturday night began quarantining all passengers disembarking at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA).

    Passengers were surprised to see the Arrival Hall swarmed with senior government officials as well as health officers.

    After airport and health authorities finished their checks, all the passengers were made to board buses to begin a 14-day quarantine in different hotels.

    Their samples were taken and upon testing some of them were positive.

     

    Source: myjoyonline

  • Coronavirus: Government actively discussing possible lockdown Akufo-Addo assures TUC

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has said his administration is currently discussing and giving consideration to the issue of a nationwide lockdown as proposed by the Trade Unions Congress (TUC) in a recent letter to him.

    President Akufo-Addo gave the hint when he addressed a five-member top hierarchy delegation of the Trade Unions Congress (TUC) at the Jubilee House.

    The TUC members present were the Secretary-General of the TUC, Dr Yaw Baah; Deputy Secretary-General of the TUC, Joshua Ansah; Chairman of the TUC, Richard Yeboah; Vice-Chairman of the TUC, Alex Nyarko-Opoku; and the Head of Research and Chief Economist of the TUC, Dr Kwabena Nyarko-Otoo.

    “People are talking now in Ghana about a lockdown. Majority of the people who will be affected by decisions of that nature are the working people of our country, the ordinary people of Ghana, they are the ones that will be most affected and it is important for us when we are taking these decisions to take into account their circumstances and conditions to lockdown Accra”, President Akufo-Addo said.

    “What are the consequences when we lockdown the country? A responsible government is required to look at all the implications before decisions are made and that is the exercise on which we are currently engaged and I am hoping that much sooner than later, we will come to an agreement within government as to what these measures are and then the Ghanaian people will be informed”, President Akufo-Addo added.

    Secretary-General of the TUC

    Secretary-General of the TUC, Dr.Yaw Baah, in a brief remark, noted that their letter to the President asking for a total lockdown of the country was to express support for all that government has done so far and not to undermine same.

    He added that calls from their members about what the government intends to do about the working population necessitated the communication sent to the Presidency. He pledged the TUC’s support for the government throughout the difficult season of fighting to contain and stop the coronavirus, Covid-19, in Ghana.

    Attendees of the Meeting

    As part of the meeting with the TUC Executive, the Chief of Staff at the Office of the President Akosua Frema Osei Opare, Minister of Trade and Industry Alan Kyerematen, Minister of Health Kwaku Agyeman-Manu, and National Security Minister Albert Kan-Dapaah and the Minister of Employment and Labour Relations Ignatius Baffour-Awuah were in attendance.

     

    Source: classfmonline.com

  • Coronavirus: Lockdown the country now GMA to Government

    The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) has called on the government to lock down the country with immediate effect to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

    The GMA says only essential services such as food, water and medicine businesses should be allowed to operate.

    “The lockdown though not a comfortable decision for leadership and citizens alike is a proven option backed by science and along with the other measures will ultimately be in our best interest.

    “We call on all Ghanaians to support such a move in the national interest to save our nation from the devastating effects of this pandemic,” the GMA said in a press statement released Wednesday.

    Ghana has recorded 68 cases of COVID-19 with 2 deaths as at 25 March 2020.

    At a press conference on Tuesday, Information Minister Mr Kojo Opong Nkrumah said the government has not considered a lockdown but all options are on the table

     

    Source: classfmonline.com

  • Ghana gets share of Jack Ma Foundations medical supplies for coronavirus

    Ghana has received its share of a consignment of medical equipment donated by the Jack Ma and Alibaba Foundations to help combat the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19).

    This was announced by the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Dr Abiy Ahmed.

    The Prime Minister is one of the persons behind the initiative which is providing over 1.5 million laboratory diagnostic test kits and over 100 tons of infection prevention and control commodities.

    In a tweet on Wednesday, the Prime Minister said: “This morning #Gabon, #Ghana, #Congo and the #DRC have received their #COVID19 prevention materials.The 2nd shipment of supplies from @JackMa & @AlibabaGroup containing 540k medical grade masks and 20k protective clothes is on its way to #Ethiopia. Dispatch to Africa will continue”.


    This relief initiative was launched by the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Dr Abiy Ahmed, the Jack Ma Foundation, and Alibaba Foundation as part of actions towards implementation of the Africa joint continental strategy for COVID-19 led by the African Union through Africa CDC.

    Per the arrangements, Ethiopian airlines is to help distribute the equipment, consisting 20,000 laboratory diagnostic test kits, 100,000 medical masks, and 1000 protective suits and face shields, to each of the African member states as part of their contribution to the fight against COVID-19 in Africa.

     

    Source: rainbowradioonline.com

  • COVID-19: Lets modify public transport policy to prevent spread Akufo-Addo

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has appealed to transport operators and owners in Ghana to dialogue with the Government to find ways by which they can modify the existing public transport policy in order to support his administration’s efforts aimed at curbing the spread of Covid-19 which is currently sweeping across the globe.

    In an interaction with transport owners at the Jubilee House in Accra on Tuesday, 24 March 2020, Nana Akufo-Addo indicated that it has become necessary for his government to engage transport owners to find ways through which their sector can make some compromises in the interest of public safety and health.

    “You are responsible for moving our people around the country, private and public transport. So comes the question, how are we going to organise it in such a way that our people can still move around but do so taking into account this disease that is ravaging the world. I want us to have a conversation top see the arrangements we can put in place to achieve same,” Nana Akufo-Addo said.

     

    Since Ghana recorded infection cases in the coronavirus pandemic, there have been calls for sweeping reforms in various sectors of the country’s economy. Prominent amongst the calls is the reduction of how many passengers public transport operators (Trotro) should seat per roll in order to observe the social distancing policy in public vehicles.

    President Akufo-Addo and the transport owners after the introductory remarks moved into a closed-door session to reach a compromise over the proposals of the government.

    Ghana has confirmed 53 cases of COVID-19 with two death.

     

    Source: classfmonline.com

  • Provide more testing kits if Akufo-Addos 50k isnt enough Vim Lady Challenges NDC

    Broadcast Journalist, Afia Pokua popularly called Vim Lady is challenging the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) to procure more test kits for the country if they are dissatisfied with what was announced by the President.

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo last week in a televised address to the nation, announced that 50,000 more test kits had been procured and would be imported into the country soon.

    “More personal protection equipment are being procured to beef up supplies for our frontline health workers. Fifty thousand[50,000] additional test kits have been ordered, and are expected in the country very shortly”, he announced on March 21, 2020.

    But Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) COVID-19 Technical Team, Prosper Bani has stated the 50,000 testing kits for the novel coronavirus by government is not enough.

    He made this statement during the press conference adding that testing is critical and citizens should be tested fast.

    “Without testing we shall not know who has the virus or not. The more you test the more you have control of the virus”, he said.

    Prosper Bani stated leaders must demonstrate where the isolation centers are, how they are being manned, the equipment provided to front-line health workers and how they expect treatment to take place afterwards.

    We need an aggressive contact tracing and reporting of suspected cases and we would continue to follow all the contacts that have been traced, how they have been quarantined and being monitored aggressively”, he added.

    But the journalist wondered why the NDC cannot also in their accord and love for Ghanaians procure some for the country.

    “50,000 corona kits not enough-NDC Me: Can NDC give Ghana more please”, she quizzed.

    Source:MyNewsGh.com/Stephen Zoure/2020

  • Coronavirus: Akufo-Addo commends market women for their cooperation towards fumigation exercise

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has thanked market women in the various markets in the Greater Accra Region for a successful fumigation exercise on Monday, 23 March 2020.

    One thousand three hundred sprayers were deployed to disinfect 137 markets in the region.

    This forms part of measures to prevent the further spread of COVID-19 in the country.

    Ghana has so far recorded 52 cases with 2 deaths.

    Speaking at a meeting with market women at the Jubilee House on Tuesday, 24 March 2020, President Akufo-Addo said: “I welcome you to the Jubilee House and to say thank you for responding to my invitation to talk about mutual matters. What happened yesterday, the Minister is saying that all of you cooperated fully. That is the first thing I have to thank you for.”

     

    Source: classfmonline.com

  • ‘Anibr3 3ns) gya’ – Nana Addo’s fashion choice for coronavirus address

    Ghana’s president, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo addressed the nation on measures taken against the spread of coronavirus disease COVID-19 in the country.

    Nana Addo, in his address, outlined the plans of Ghana to close its borders for the next two weeks in a measure to curb the number of Coronavirus imported cases that keep rising.

    He also declared Wednesday, March 25, 2020, as a National Day of Fasting and Prayers, admonishing all Ghanaians to pray and seek favour in the eyes of God for Ghana.

    Despite the president’s address sparking mixed reactions from Ghanaians based on some of the things he said and Nana Addo’s message was widely welcome.

    One significant detail people missed during the nation’s address was the choice of fashion for His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

    Known for his love for African print since becoming the leader of the West African country, Nana Addo has over and over again shown his love for culture.

    This culture was however taken to a different level to show Ghana how the health of the people was his topmost priority.

    The cloth for Nana Addo’s shirt on Saturday is called ‘Anibr3 3ns) gya na y3de nsuo 3dum no’ which loosely translates ‘Seriousness does not set the eye on fire to quench with water’ or ‘no matter how red the eye gets, it will never spark fire’.

    What the president sought to put across going by the choice of fabric was, irrespective of how serious he saw the matter at hand, it would be difficult to get a detailed view just by looking at him.

    Ghana’s culture speaks volume. And what the president did on Saturday was to emphasize without speaking a word that he was serious on halting the spread of coronavirus in Ghana.

    Source: Pulse.com.gh

  • Lock down Ghana to stop COVID-19 spread if necessary TUC to government

    The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has called on government to adopt what it described as “more aggressive measures” to prevent further spread of the novel coronavirus in the country.

    According to the TUC, government should consider a total lockdown if necessary.

    “Mr. President, the risk of spread of the virus in Ghana remains high. We need more aggressive measures to protect the people from this deadly virus, including a lockdown if that is what is needed to protect the people,” TUC noted in a letter to President Nana Akufo-Addo signed by its General Secretary, Dr. Yaw Baah.

    Although the TUC commended the government for the measures so far put in place to combat the virus, it in the letter appealed to government to equip frontline health officials with the necessary equipment.

    Free sanitizers 

    TUC also urged government to provide Ghanaians with free sanitizers or subsidize the prices of the produces to make them affordable for everyone.

    “Only workers performing essentials services should be allowed to work but they should be adequately protected from the infection. The Pharmaceuticals industry and others that produce basic household supplies must be given financials and fiscals incentives to increase production. We strongly suggest that the government should provide sanitizers to all residents in Ghana free of charge or they should be subsidized to make them affordance to everyone, regardless of their income levels,” TUC pleaded in the letter.

    Coronavirus cases in Ghana

    The novel coronavirus cases recorded in Ghana have risen to 24.

    “Twenty-three of the confirmed cases are receiving treatment in isolation and one of the cases who had an underlying chronic pulmonary condition prior to having COVID-19 died [on Saturday, March 21],” the Ghana Health Service said in an update.

    The remaining 23 infected persons “are being managed in isolation, and are doing well on treatment,” the service added.

    Lockdown Greater Accra, Ashanti Regions

    The Bureau of Public Safety had earlier called for an “immediate discriminated lockdown” of the Greater Accra and the Ashanti Regions to check the spread of COVID-19.

    “With the list of traceable contacts increasing by the day in their hundreds, the task of tracing and effectively monitoring contacts may become overwhelming as confirmed cases increase by the day.”

    To cushion Ghanaians in the regions that could be affected by a lockdown, it further recommended that “Government immediately works out a social support package for population groups that may be hard hit by these measures.”

    “While these actions will definitely have a negative impact on the economy in the immediate to short term, our country and its citizens stand to benefit in the medium to long term as we collectively work to break the chain of COVID-19 infections,” it added.

     

    Source: citinewsroom 

  • 7 key things from Akufo-Addo’s coronavirus address

    President Nana Akufo-Addo on Saturday addressed the nation on the latest measures his administration had taken to protect Ghanaians against the spread of the Coronavirus.

    Confirmed coronavirus cases surged past 300,000 globally over the weekend, infections and fatalities are soaring across Europe. In Africa, lockdowns have began as cases rise above 1,000.

    In Ghana, 21 cases of the contagion has been recorded and one person, a Lebanese, dying.

    Below are 7 key things the president said in his address to the nation

    Ghana has recorded 18 cases (now 21 cases) and one death

    18 patients doing well. Eight of the patients in isolation at their homes.

    50,000 COVID-19 test kits procured

    Closure of Ghana’s land, sea and air borders to human traffic being Sunday midnight

    Contracting tracing of all persons who came into contact with infected people as well as testing them for the virus.

    Mobilizing retired health workers to help in the fight against COVID-19

    Seeking the face of God by declaring Wednesday March 25 as national fasting and prayer day.

    Source: pulse.com.gh

  • ‘Our survival is in our own hands’- President Akufo-Addo urges social distancing and hygiene

    President Nana Akufo-Addo has urged Ghanaians to practice social distancing and enhanced hygiene protocols following the recorded cases of localized infections.

    He said: “the cases of localized infections require that we maintain strict self-discipline, and continue to practice prescribed social distancing and enhanced hygiene protocols in all aspects of our daily lives.

    “We must wash our hands regularly, use alcohol-based sanitizers, stop shaking hands, and avoid unnecessary close body contact.

    “I am pleading with every one of you, comply with these measures. Our survival is in our own hands.”

    Meanwhile, Ghana’s confirmed cases of COVID-19 has increased to 21 and one fatality recorded.

    Also, the president announced that retired health professionals are going to be engaged in the fight against coronavirus.

    Source: Pulse.com.gh

  • Coronavirus: Akufo-Addo must call NIA, EC to order – CHRAJ

    The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) wants President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to call the National Identification Authority (NIA) to order following its continuance of the mass Ghana Card registration exercise in the Eastern Region in the face of the outbreak of the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Ghana.

    CHRAJ similarly wants the President or the Inter-Ministerial Committee on COVID-19 to advise the EC on the potential public health risk and safety associated with the planned Voters’ Registration.

    A press statement signed by the Commissioner of CHRAJ, Mr Joseph Whittal, said the body was worried that in spite of the President’s directives on social gatherings and the existing WHO precautionary measures aimed at containment and combating COVID-19, the NIA is relentlessly embarking on a registration exercise in the Eastern Region.

    “…the Commission is of the considered view that the President or the Inter-Ministerial Committee calls the NIA to order by suspending forthwith its ongoing registration exercise in the Eastern Region until the COVID-9 pandemic normalises,” the statement said.

    “In the same vein, the Commission calls on the President or the Inter-Ministerial Committee on COVID-19 to advise the EC on the potential public health risk and safety associated with the planned Voters’ Registration due to the danger or threat that any mass gathering arising from such an exercise can pose to the health and life of the people”.

    The statement further stressed that the EC’s “posture and intransigence” would undermine WHO protocols/benchmarks on COVID-19 and violate the Constitution of Ghana.

    NIA

    Acknowledging the recent mitigating measures taken by the Government aimed at containment and combating COVID-19, the Commission said it was worried that the National Identification Authority (NIA) is carrying out a registration exercise in the Eastern Region.

    “The Commission is however worried that in spite of the President’s directives and the existing WHO precautionary measures aimed at containment and combating COVID-19, the National Identification Authority (NIA) is relentlessly embarking on a registration exercise in the Eastern Region,” the statement said.

    “This has been exacerbated by reports in the media that the registration officials are poorly equipped with hand sanitisers, gloves and nose masks”.

    The statement added that the NIA’s action is a clear violation of the right to health and ultimately the right to life as stipulated under Articles 34(2), 13(1) and 33(5) of the 1992 Constitution (Constitution) respectively, which are premised on Article 6 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), Articles 12 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), Article 16 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR).

    EC

    The EC statement further explained that the EC’s posture and intransigence would undermine the World Health Organization’s (WHO) protocols/benchmarks on COVID-19, urging the President or the Inter-Ministerial Committee on COVID-19 to advise the EC on the potential public health risk associated with the planned Voters’ Registration.

    “Concerning the Electoral Commission (EC), the Commission’s attention has been drawn to a Press Statement dated 17th march, 2020 issued by Sylvia Annoh (Mrs), EC’s posture and intransigence would undermine WHO protocols/benchmarks on COVID-19 and capable of violating the above mentioned provisions of the Constitution, international and regional human rights instruments and the SDGs for which Ghana is a State Party and a signatory,” the statement said.

    “In the same vein, the Commission calls on the President or the Inter-Ministerial Committee on COVID-19 to advise the EC on the potential public health risk and safety associated with the planned Voters’ Registration due to the danger or threat that any mass gathering arising from such an exercise can pose to the health and life of the people.

    “The Commission further recommends that Government as a matter of urgency provide protective gear and equipment to all hospitals and health facilities both private and public and to all health professionals directly handling Covid-19 suspected cases to mitigate the looming contagion in the protection of the rights to health and life of these professionals who are exposed to serious risks of contracting the deadly virus in the line of duty on a daily basis”.

    Read the entire statement below;

     
    Source: Graphic.com.gh 

  • Akufo-Addo holds breakfast prayer meeting at Jubilee House

    Amidst the growing cases of the deadly coronavirus in the country, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has called for a meeting with the various heads of religious bodies to hold a prayer session at the Jubilee House in Accra.

    Present at the meeting includes members of the Christian Council, Bishop Conference, Rev. Eastwood Anaba among others.

    During a nationwide address Wednesday afternoon, a joint meeting by the Health Ministry, Information Ministry and the Ghana Immigration Service disclosed that the number of individuals cited in the Contact Tracing procedure had risen to 381 across the country.

    The meeting was on the back of Ghana recording a 7th case of the coronavirus.

    Meanwhile, Information Minister Kojo Oppong Nkrumah has disclosed that there have been two more confirmed cases of the fast-spreading pandemic.

    This brings to total, nine(9) cases of the coronavirus in Ghana.

    Watch a livestream of the breakfast prayer meeting:

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Some residents in Western Region appeal to Akufo-Addo to distribute hand sanitizers

    Some residents in the Western Region have pleaded with President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to, as a matter of urgency to provide Ghanaians with free alcoholic based hand sanitizers to protect themselves from contracting and spreading the coronavirus.

    In an exclusive interview with Ghanaweb.com, a resident complained about the fact that alcoholic based hand sanitizers are not available in some drug stores and other places to buy.

    “As we speak we can’t get hand sanitizers, nose masks and hand gloves to buy”, he emphasized.

    According to him, citizens residing in rural areas are at high risk of contracting the virus since adequate measures have not been put in place.

    He also urged the government to quarantine individuals before granting them access to the country.

    “We should quarantine those who will enter Ghana for 14 days before we leave them because if we leave them in the country they will definitely shake hands and they have been infected they will spread it”.

    He seized the opportunity to commend President Akufo-Addo for releasing an amount of 100 million dollars to fight coronavirus adding that part of the money should be used to provide Ghanaians with hand sanitizers and other protective equipment.

    “President Akufo-Addo must use part of the 100 million dollars to buy hand sanitizers, nose masks and hand gloves and give to all Ghanaians because we don’t get some to buy”.

    Another resident (name withheld) also emphasized the need for the government to organize public sensitizations across the country adding that some people have little information about the virus and how to protect themselves.

    He bemoaned how alcoholic based hand sanitizers have run out of stock in the Western region, a situation which has compelled most residents to wash their hands with raw alcohol.

    “As for us in the rural communities we are not safe because we don’t know what is going on in the country and nobody has come to us to educate us about the virus, it is only at this market I am hearing the virus so government must think about us”, Another trader stated.

    Government’s measures

    The government has put measures in place to curb the spread of the virus.

    This includes a travel ban, closure of schools and ban on public gatherings including church services and mosques.

     

    Source: Daniel Kaku

  • Akufo-Addo goes lovey-dovey on Rebecca’s 69th birthday

    It is not anything new how expressive the President is towards his sweetheart, the first lady of the Republic, Rebecca Akufo-Addo.

    From public hugs to quick kisses and pecks at some public functions, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has made it a point to let the world know his love for his own.

    On the occasion of her birthday, he has again displayed his romantic side.

    In a short and simple message to Rebecca, he wrote;

    “Happy Birthday to my beautiful Rebecca”

    Rebecca Akufo Addo was born on 12th March 1951 and today marks her 69th birthday.

    Below is the tweet

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    Happy Birthday to my beautiful Rebecca (@rakufoaddo)

    A post shared by Nana Akufo-Addo (@nakufoaddo) on

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • 962 Senior High School infrastructural projects underway nationwide Akufo-Addo

    Government has, in its bid to address infrastructural challenges in senior high schools, began processes into the construction of a total of 962 school structures nationwide, according to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

    The president explains that, there is an elaborate program designed to ensure that problems faced by second cycle schools as a result of the introduction of the Free SHS are addressed.

    Addressing the audience at the 68th Speech and Prize Giving Day ceremony of the Opoku Ware Senior High School in Kumasi, Nana Akufo-Addo said government is committed to make heavy investments in education.

    “We are investing heavily in infrastructure, particularly in our double track schools. Here at Opoku Ware School, for example, Government has already completed the construction of a twelve-unit classroom block, which I understand is currently in use, together with the provision of 1,500 sets of tables and chairs. Government is constructing a new four-storey dormitory block, work on which is progressing steadily. In total 962 structures are being constructed in schools across the country,” President Akufo-Addo said.

    President Akufo-Addo stated that addressing the infrastructure deficit “was an excellent and exciting one because more children wanting to go to school beyond Junior High School was good news.”

    “Our position is that every child who qualifies to be in Senior High School must be given the opportunity to do so,” he noted.

    He further said the provision of access to 1.2 million children entailed innovation in the usage of the resources available, and “it is out of this that the idea of the double-track system was born, a system that has worked well in many other jurisdictions.”

    Commenting on the double-track system, President Akufo-Addo said government has been able to ensure the best possible use of the space and assets available in schools, throughout the year.

    “Schools, that operate the double-track system, have increased their SHS 1 intake by up to fifty percent (50%) of their usual capacity. This has given many young students a better opportunity to enter our elite schools, such as Opoku Ware, than was previously the case”, he added.

    President Akufo-Addo assured that every district, municipal and metropolitan directorate of education will receive a pick-up vehicle to help deliver quality education.

    “I assure all of you that Government will deal with the issues as they arise, and ensure that we continue to invest in the education and skills training of our young people, as the investment represents the best hope for the social and economic future of our country,” the President added.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • 962 SHS infrastructural projects ongoing nationwide Akufo-Addo

    President Nana Akufo-Addo has said a total of 962 structures are being constructed in all Senior High Schools across the country to address infrastructural challenges.

    According to the President, the government has put in place an elaborate program to ensure that the many problems faced by second cycle schools as a result of the introduction of the Free SHS are addressed.

    Speaking at the 68th Speech and Prize Giving Day ceremony of the Opoku Ware Senior High School in Kumasi, Nana Akufo-Addo said the government will continue to invest heavily in education.

    “We are investing heavily in infrastructure, particularly in our double track schools. Here at Opoku Ware School, for example, Government has already completed the construction of a twelve-unit classroom block, which I understand is currently in use, together with the provision of 1,500 sets of tables and chairs. Government is constructing a new four-storey dormitory block, work on which is progressing steadily. In total 962 structures are being constructed in schools across the country,” President Akufo-Addo said.

    With 1.2 million children currently enrolled in senior high schools across the country, the President explained that the expansion in access, automatically, brought with it a problem of infrastructure which necessitates the implementation of various infrastructural projects to meet the demands.

    President Akufo-Addo told the gathering that the problem of addressing the infrastructure deficit “was an excellent and exciting one because more children wanting to go to school beyond Junior High School was good news.”

    He continued saying: “Our position is that every child who qualifies to be in Senior High School must be given the opportunity to do so.”

    The provision of access to 1.2 million children, he said, has entailed innovation in the usage of the resources available, and “it is out of this that the idea of the double-track system was born, a system that has worked well in many other jurisdictions.”

    By implementing the double-track system, President Akufo-Addo said Government has been able to ensure the best possible use of the space and assets available in schools, throughout the year.

    “Schools, that operate the double-track system, have increased their SHS 1 intake by up to fifty percent (50%) of their usual capacity. This has given many young students a better opportunity to enter our elite schools, such as Opoku Ware, than was previously the case”, he added.

    President Akufo-Addo further added that every district, municipal and metropolitan directorate of education will receive a pick-up vehicle to help them in their work and enable them to deliver quality education.

    “I assure all of you that Government will deal with the issues as they arise, and ensure that we continue to invest in the education and skills training of our young people, as the investment represents the best hope for the social and economic future of our country,” the President added.

     

    Source: citinewsroom 

  • Customers of collapsed fund management companies to bark at Akufo-Addo with demo

    Aggrieved customers of the defunct Fund Management Companies (FMCs) have promised to hold a demonstration against the Akufo-Addo-led government over their seeming nonchalance about their locked-up cash.

    The coalition has served a notice that they will hit the streets of Kinbu in Accra on Tuesday, March 24, 2020.

    The customers feel side-lined by government who they say is only paying depositors of locked up banks, microfinance and saving and loans companies after both parties were caught up in the financial sector clean-up last year.

    Declaring their intentions to embark on a demonstration in Kumasi, Spokesperson for the 53 fund management companies, Charles Nyame bemoaned that “if the Nana Addo led administration really cares about the suffering customers then it should put measures to fix this situation before March 24, 2020”.

    “The question those of us in the fund management sector are asking is that was it our fault to invest in a legitimate business being regulated by Securities and Exchange Commission?” he quizzed.

    They are however looking forward to government to disburse funds to various FMCs for ‘suffering’ customers to have their monies back.

    The Securities and Exchange Commission in November 2019 revoked the operating licenses of 53 fund management companies over breach of requirements and failure to perform their functions efficiently.

    Meanwhile, government, through the Consolidated Bank of Ghana (CBG) has so far settled a total of 13,675 customers of collapsed banks, microfinance and savings and loans companies as at the end of last month.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.co

  • Akufo-Addo made honorary old student of OWASS

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has been made an honorary old student of Opoku Ware Secondary School (OWASS).

    Nana Akufo-Addo has thus become “Katakyie Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo”, with school number i2.

    The honour was done the president on Saturday, 7th March 2020, when he attended the 68th Speech and Prize-Giving Day of the school.

    Opening its doors to its first batch of 60 students in 1952, Opoku Ware School was established with the objective to create educational opportunities, with Catholic underpinnings, for young boys, to help them better their lives, and improve their prospects for the future.

    The founders believed in the power of education to transform lives and lift people out of deprivation and underdevelopment.

     

    Source: ClassFMOnline.com

  • Trinidad to help Ghana in energy, oil and gas – Prime Minster

    Trinidad and Tobago has pledged its readiness to partner Ghana in the oil and gas sector.

    The Prime Minister of the Trinidad and Tobago, Dr Keith Christopher Rowley who made this known during the 63rd independence anniversary of Ghana in Kumasi on Friday also said his country was prepared to support Ghana in its energy and agricultural sectors.

    The 63rd independence anniversary was held on the theme: “The independence anniversary is being celebrated on the theme: “Consolidating our gains.”

    More to follow..

     

    Source: Graphic.com.gh 

  • Akufo-Addo goes back to V8 after using personal Lexus, BMW, Mercedes

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has been spotted using a Toyota V8 Vehicle at an Independence Day celebration for the first time since he assumed office.

    The president is known for using his personal cars including a Lexus, BMW and Mercedes cars since he assumed office in January 2017.

    The reason given in 2017 for the use of personal cars by the president, according to the Director of Communications at the Presidency, Eugene Arhin, was that over 200 fleets of cars went missing at the Flagstaff House after the Mahama administration left office.

    Without any updates on the missing cars allegation, Akufo-Addo continued to use personal cars at official functions for a long time which included a BMW 2007 model, Lexus and Mercedes Benz.

    Mr Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko, a relative of the president, in a Facebook post on November 13, 2017, explained that officials of the Akufo-Addo government including Ministers and their Deputies will use saloon vehicles (Camrys and Corollas) instead of Toyota Land Cruiser V8s as part of a cost-cutting measure.

    However, Akufo-Addo was spotted using BMW in 2017

     

     

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

     

  • Akufo-Addo is in good health, no need for quarantine – Eugene Arhin

    Director of Communications at the Presidency, Eugene Arhin has stated that President Akufo-Addo is in good health indicating that there is no need for him to be quarantined.

    His comments follow President Akufo-Addo’s return from his official visit to Norway last month (February).

    Before the return of President Akufo-Addo from Norway, MP for Kumbungu Constituency in the Northern Region, Ras Mubarak called for President Akufo-Addo to be isolated and quarantined after his return from his official visit.

    He said it was important to quarantine the President on his return from to Norway where there is a reported case of coronavirus.

    The Communications Director at the Presidency,Eugene Arhin in an interview on Starr FM today said the President needs not to be quarantined after his return from Norway

    ”The President arrived in the country yesterday at 8 pm and is fine, there are no signs of him contracting anything. The President travelled with a medical team and was assessed 24/7 and if there was something wrong with him i am sure the medical team would have stated it. There is no need to panic everything is fine”.

    Again, in an interview with the Director-General of the Ghana Health Service Dr Patrick Kuma Aboagye on Starr FM days ago, he said calls for President Akufo-Addo to be quarantine is not necessary.

    Meanwhile, Minister of Defense, Dominic Nitiwul has reacted to news reports to the effect that he has been quarantined after an official visit to South Korea.

    He denied being quarantined but stated that as per procedure, he was only subjected to the tests and results proved negative despite visiting one of the countries that have been hard hit by the disease.

    Meanwhile, the coalition of NGOs in Health say the ¢2.5 million Ghana government has committed to the fight against the deadly Coronavirus is not enough to even embark on proper clinical research on a disease or a virus.

    Source: primenewsghana.com

  • Coronavirus: EU Parliament postpones Akufo-Addo’s visit to ECR-Africa summit

    Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo’s expected visit to the European Parliament has been postponed, Ghana Embassy in Brussels has communicated.

    In an official statement from the Embassy copied to the ECOWAS and UEMOA representation, it indicated the postponement has become necessary to allow the European Parliament put down precautionary measures in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus).

    President Akufo-Addo was to participate in the ECR-Africa summit scheduled for Wednesday March 4, 2020 at the EU Parliament.

    However, the Ghana Embassy in Brussels has indicated it will avail itself of this opportunity to renew to all African Missions, the ECOWAS and the EUMOA Representations the assurances of its highest considerations.

    Source: nsemgh.com

  • Coup plotters planned to kidnap Akufo-Addo, Bawumia, Speaker of Parliament

    The prosecution of the Ghanaian suspected coup plotters charged for treason has taken an interesting twist as they have been accused by the State prosecutors of planning to abduct President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.

    The coup plotters have also been accused of plans to abduct the Speaker of Parliament, and the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS).

    The Senior State Attorney, Ms. Hilda Craig, told the Kaneshie District Court court on Tuesday, 3 March 2020, that the men also planned to jam communications signals of the National Communications Authority (NCA).

    She said the state will call 19 witnesses and also present 113 exhibits as evidence to prove its case.

    The accused persons are Dr. Mac-Palm, a medical practitioner; Donyo Kafui, alias Ezor, a blacksmith; Bright Alan Debrah, a fleet manager.

    Other accused persons are Colonel Samuel Kodzo Gameli, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Dr. Benjamin Agordzor, Warrant Officer II Esther Saan Dekuwine, Corporal Seidu Abubakar, Lance Corporal Sylvester Akanpewon and Johannes Zikpi, a civilian employee of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF).

    The 10 individuals were accused of being members of Take Action Ghana (TAG), a group alleged to have hatched a plan to “destabilise the country and possibly take over the government”.

    Source: pulse.com.gh

  • Teacher Unions call on Akufo-Addo to intervene in passage of Pre-Tertiary Education Bill

    Teacher Unions in the Western Region are calling on President Akufo-Addo to intervene in the Pre-Tertiary Education Bill 2019 that is currently before the Education Committee of Parliament.

    The Unions which comprises of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), Ghana National Association of National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), Teachers and Educational Workers Union (TEWU) and Coalition of Concerned Teachers Ghana (CCT-GH) contend that the passage of the bill will be unfavourable to teachers and administrators at the Pre-tertiary level.

    They want the government to consider a proper consultation with them before its passage or entirely withdraw the bill until due diligence of its potential impact is conducted.

    Per the bill, the proposed structure of the management of education would be such that senior high schools would be run by the Regional Coordinating Councils while basic schools would be run by the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies whereas technical and vocational schools would be under a Director-General, independent of the Ghana Education Service (GES).

    Addressing the media today, Regional Chairman of GNAT Rev Charles A Carly called on the President to intervene and prevent the passage of the bill into law

    ”The National Leadership of the Teacher Unions under the Ghana Education Service held a joint press conference on Friday, February 14, 2020, at the GNAT headquarters to call on Parliament to humbly suspend the discussions of the bills on pre-tertiary education Act 2019 and sending them copies to study, analyse and make the necessary input into them”.

    ”We the teacher unions in the Western and Western North Region are of the considered opinion that education is the key to our national development and any attempt to introduce new policies and legislations in education must be done with the active and express involvement of teachers who are the key stakeholders. We call on the President of the Republic to intervene so we have a smooth labour front in the education sector because the bills in their current form will distort the modest gains made in education”

    He further stated that: ”If this bill is allowed to go through its current state, it has the tendency to break the unified educational arrangement we have in now.”

     

    Source: primenewsghana.com

  • Opuni trial judge who openly campaigned for Akufo-Addo 2020 elevated to Supreme Court

    Justice Clemence Jackson Honyenuga, who is sitting on the case involving the former Ghana Cocoa Board boss, Dr. Stephen Opuni and businessman, Seidu Agongo and who declared his support for President Akufo-Addo, during his tour of the Oti and Volta regions has been elevated to the Supreme court, MyNewsGH.com has filed.

    He along with one other Appeals Court judge Justice Issifu Omoro Tanko Amadu and renowned lawyer Yoni Kulendi will replace three justices who are on retirement or are due for retirement this year from the Apex court.

    Justice Honyenuga who serves as a Court of Appeal judge presiding over the case as additional High Court Judge, had declared support for President Akufo-Addo and the New Patriotic Party (NPP), in his capacity as the Paramount Chief of the Nyagbo Traditional Area, Torgbui Ashui Nyagasi V.

    Many argued that his professional duties as a judge, which requires him to be neutral and apolitical barred him from making the declaration he made.

    The Graphic newspaper had quoted him as calling on Ghanaians to give President Akufo-Addo, another term to implement his vision for the country.

    “We wish to congratulate you for the excellent manner you are governing this dear country of ours, it is our hope that with your vision and the gains made in your first term, Ghanaians may consider giving you another four years,” he had said.

    The Opuni case has also been cited as a “political” case.

    It is among the cases the Akufo-Addo government is prosecuting against appointees of John Dramani Mahama, as a testimony of the corruption which existed under the erstwhile National Democratic Congress (NDC) government.

     

    Source: mynewsgh.com

  • Coup plotters planned abducting Akufo-Addo State Prosecutors

    The men facing trial for allegedly attempting to overthrow the Akufo-Addo-led government have been accused by the State prosecutors of planning to abduct the President, Vice President, Speaker of Parliament, and the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) in the process.

    The prosecution at the Kaneshie District Court court on Tuesday, 3 March 2020 also accused the alleged coup plotters of discussing whether or not to kill President Nana Akufo-Addo.

    The Senior State Attorney, Ms Hilda Craig further accused the embattled men of planning to jam communications signals of the National Communications Authority (NCA).

    Ms Craig told the court that the state will call 19 witnesses and also present 113 exhibits as evidence to prove its case.

    The 10 persons standing trial are Frederick Yao Mac-Palm, Dornyah “Ezor” Kafui (a local weapon manufacturer), Bright Allan Debrah Ofosu (aka BB or ADC)(freight manager).

    Colonel Samuel Kojo Gameli and WO2 Esther Saan, Lance Corporal Ali Solomon, Corporal Seidu Abubakar, Sylvester Akanbiri, a civilian employee of the Armed forces, Johannes Zikpi and Senior Police Officer ACP Agordzo.

    Source: classfmonline.com

  • Immediately cut short your trip – John Jinapor tells Akufo-Addo

    The Member of Parliament for Yapei Kusawgu Constituency, John Abu Jinapor has urged President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to return to Ghana to help educate Ghanaians on the deadly coronavirus disease.

    President Akufo-Addo is currently on a 12-day working visit to Scotland, Norway, the United Kingdom, Switzerland and Belgium. He is set to return to Ghana on March 4, 2020.

    However, the NDC MP, during a panel interaction on Peace FM’s morning show ‘Kokrokoo’ urged the President to cut short his trip immediately.

    “We need to prepare well; I thought by now there should be a major awareness creation ongoing so that everyone will know what to do…I think the president must come back to Ghana and lead the campaign,” he said.

    He further asked religious leaders who are playing “religion with this to please leave it alone; this is not lotto numbers, this is a serious health matter; leave it to the health professionals.”

    COVID 19

    Meanwhile, according to the BBC, the number of deaths worldwide is now more than 3,000 with more than 90% in Hubei and China. However, there have been deaths in 10 other countries.

    The European Union has raised its coronavirus risk level from “moderate” to “high”, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has said.

     

    Source: peacefmonline.com

  • Opuni trial judge did no wrong in praising Nana Addo – Lawyer

    A private legal practitioner has jumped to the defence of Torgbui Ashui Nyagasi V, the judge who has come under attack for declaring his support for President Akufo-Addo.

    The state-owned Daily Graphic newspaper, had quoted him as calling on Ghanaians to give President Akufo-Addo, another term to implement his vision for the country.

    “We wish to congratulate you for the excellent manner you are governing this dear country of ours, it is our hope that with your vision and the gains made in your first term, Ghanaians may consider giving you another four years,” he stated.

    Torgbui Nyagasi, who made the call at a durbar of chiefs and people of Nyagbo to welcome the President, as part of his three-day tour of the Volta and Oti regions, also implored the President to ensure that the forthcoming elections on December 7, 2020, were peaceful.

    Known in judicial circles as Justice Clemence Honyenuga), the judge sitting on the case between the state, on the one hand; and the former CEO of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), Dr Stephen Opuni and businessman Seidu Agongo, has been slammed for his action.

    But reacting to the attacks, lawyer Ampaw said the judge did no wrong hence Ghanaians should give him a break.

    According to him, it is naturally right for a traditional leader to appeal to a president for developmental projects, hence the judge should not be slammed.

    He quizzed what Ghanaians would have said if he had slammed the president.

    Speaking on Frontline on Rainbow Radio 87.5fm he said: ”You see the hypocrisy. The way we politicise everything is too bad. We should look at the context when people do something and stop personalising issues all the time,” he added.

    Source: rainbowradioonline.com

  • Galamsey Fight: Give Akufo-Addo more time MP begs Ghanaians

    The Member of Parliament (MP) for Manso-Adubia Constituency, Mr. Yaw Frimpong Addo believes President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo needs more time in his fight against illegal mining.

    In an interview monitored by MyNewsGh.com , he observed that the fight against the galamsey menace is not a week affair because it will take a lot of time for the government to deal with the matter holistically.

    “The president has done a lot of work in preventing all forms of illegal mining across the country, he needs some time to complete totally”, he said, adding that previous NDC administration tried their best to stop galamsey but failed.

    The NPP in his view, has however done its best in putting in place structures to license small-scale miners to engage in responsible mining.

    President Akufo-Addo he added has shown enough commitment in ending galamsey, hence the need for Ghanaians to have patience since the fight will not be an easy one.

    The MP who is also the Chairman for the Mines and Energy Committee said taking the minerals out should not lead to the pollution of our water bodies and the destruction of our forests.

    In January 2017, the Government of Ghana placed a ban on small-scale mining for six months following the widespread pollution of water bodies. The ban was, however, extended in October 2017 for another three months.

     

    Source: mynewsgh.com

  • Pictures of Akufo-Addo’s visit to one of the coldest places on earth

    For President Akufo-Addo who is used to wearing a suit or many of his African fabrics, a photo of him in a winter jacket has gotten social media talking.

    The President on his recent visit to Oslo also took time to visit Ströberg another city in Norway reputed to be the coldest place on earth with temperatures as low as -40 degrees.

    In a picture, the Ghanaian president is all suited for the weather in the company of Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, Emir of Kano.

    Akufo-Addo in Norway

    Akufo-Addo in Norway

     

     

    Source: myjoyonline 

  • Sanction Appeals Court Judge for endorsing Nana Addo V/R NDC

    The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Volta Regional Secretariat has condemned the Paramount Chief of the Nyagbo Traditional Area, who doubles as an Appeals Court Judge, Justice Clement Jackson Honyenuga for endorsing the candidature of President Nana Akufo-Addo.

    Justice Honyenuga in his welcome address to President Akufo-Addo at a durbar of chiefs and people of the Afajato South District had commended the President for various developmental policies introduced under his leadership.

    He said “with the vision of the President and the gains made in his first term, Ghanaians may consider giving him another four years” to the loud cheers of people at the durbar grounds.

    The Secretariat in a statement signed by the Volta Regional Chairman, Henry Kwadzo Ametefe said the endorsement violates the Judicial code of conduct.

    “While taking due cognizance of the fact that Justice Honyenuga may have made those comments in his capacity as a traditional ruler, it is reprehensible and regrettable, especially for a man who is supposed to know our laws better than any ordinary man and to uphold and respect same”.

    “Not only is this conduct by the Appeals Court Judge a blatant violation of the Judicial Code of Conduct but it very well sins against the very sanctity of the institution of Judiciary as we know it.”

    The Secretariat also called on the Judicial Council and the General Legal Council, the Chairman of which is the Chief Justice himself to take judicial notice of his actions and “take appropriate action.”

    Below is the full statement:

     

     

    Source: citinewsroom 

  • Chief Imam, Zongo Chiefs laud Akufo-Addo and Bawumia on 40 Cuban Medical Scholarships

    The National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu and the National Council of Zongo Chiefs have commended President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia for their progressive vision for education in the country.

    Speaking at a ceremony in Accra where 40 selected students from deprived and Zongo communities who have been granted full government scholarship to study medicine in Cuba called on the Chief Imam to bid him farewell ahead of their departure, both the National Chief Imam and the Council of Zongo Chiefs lauded the Akuffo-Addo government’s vision for education in glowing terms, especially the decision to award full scholarships to 40 students from deprived communities to study medicine in Cuba.

    The National Chief Imam said education and knowledge is the future of society and to focus on improving education or seeking knowledge is to focus on the future.

    “Knowledge is the future. Knowledge is everything that guarantees your elevation in society,” Sheikh Sharubutu said.

    “Let us embrace the policy on education this government has introduced because it is good for us and our children.”

    The Chief Imam quoted from the Holy Qur’an that it is Allah who grants leadership to whom He desires, adding that Allah gave Ghana Nana Akufo-Addo and Dr. Bawumia and called for support and prayers for them to execute their policies.

    “As Allah has said in the Qur’an, He decides whom to give leadership position to. So whoever Allah has given to us as our leaders, we have to support and pray for them to succeed.”

    “God gave us Nana Akufo-Addo and Dr. Bawumia. Therefore, I pray for Nana Akufo-Addo and Dr. Bawumia for Allah to guide them to execute all their good policies for this country, especially on education.”

    On the scholarship granted 40 students from deprived and Zongo communities to go and study medicine in Cuba, Sheikh Osman said it is a great vision by the government which will be of immense benefit to society and the students. He therefore, urged the beneficiaries to work hard and make good use of the opportunity.

    Council of Zongo Chiefs hail government

    The National Council of Zongo Chiefs also commended President Akuffo-Addo and Vice President Bawumia for their efforts at promoting education.

    Spokesperson of the Council, Alhaji Imoro Baba Issah, said education has been a challenge to many children from deprived communities and thanked the President and his Vice for the welcome opportunity they have given 40 students to be trained as doctors in Cuba.

    “We want to commend the efforts of President Nana Akuffo-Addo and Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia for their efforts,” said Alhaji Baba Issah.

    “When you talk about the Zongo Youth, education has been a challenge and we are grateful to all those who have facilitated this (40 medical scholarship to Cuba) especially the President and the Vice President for initiating this to get youth from deprived and Zongo communities to train as doctors to serve our communities and the nation.”

    Be ambassadors of Ghana

    The Council of Zongo Chiefs adviced the students to embrace the opportunity granted them and focus on why the country is sending them to Cuba.

    “This is a wonderful opportunity for you so cease it and make yourselves proud so that you can come back and help your community and your country.”

    “As you go there, you will meet people from other countries. Uphold your values and be worthy ambassadors of Ghana by holding high the flag of Ghana.”

    “We will keep praying for you and the National Chief Imam will keep praying for you. But you should be focused at all times.”

    Representatives of the various Islamic sects; Ahlusunnah Wal Jamaa Jamaah, Shiat and the Ahmadiyya Mission, all lauded President Akufo-Addo and Vice President Dr. Bawumia for initiating this opportunity for these underprivileged students from the deprived communities they were selected from.

    The representative of all the religious sects also advised the students to repose the confidence the government has showed in them.

    Importance of diversity

    In his closing sermon and advise, the National Chief Imam urged all to continue to respect religious diversity and leave peacefully with people of different religious beliefs.

    When all the 40 students on the fully funded government scholarship to Cuba introduced themselves, it demonstrated the diversity the Chief Imam spoke about because the names of the students suggested they were carefully selected from varied religious, ethnic backgrounds across the country.

    Background of Scholarship

    At the 2019 Maulid Commemoration in Accra, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia announced he had successfully brokered a deal for students from deprived and Zongo communities to be sent to Cuba by the government of Ghana to study medicine during his State visit to Cuba.

    He added that the move to make a special arrangements for students in these deprived areas was in line with the Akufo-Addo government’s quest to develop human capital through education and training.

    The 40 students are expected to leave Ghana this month.

     

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Akufo-Addo and his ministers know nothing Badu Kobi charges again

    The founder and leader of the Glorious Wave Chapel, Prophet Emmanuel Badu Kobi has criticized the leadership of President Akufo Addo again.

    In a video available to zionfelix.net, he told his congregation during a church service on Sunday, February 23, 2020, that the President, Nana Akufo-Addo and his ministers are not well-versed in managing the Ghanaian economy.

    According to him, people are hailing them but they do not know anything.

    Prophet Badu said they cannot explain the word economy if they are asked.

    He said the good living of families in a country determines how good an economy is and not figures from the World Bank.

    Prophet Badu Kobi revealed he is praying for the Ghanaian authorities to invite and question him based on his comments and he will drill them.

    He added that those who support President Akufo-Addo and his team are also not knowledgeable.

    This follows his earlier statement describing Nana Akufo-Addo as the worse Ghanaian President.

    Watch the video below.

  • Give Akufo-Addo four more years to complete projects – Deputy minister

    Ghanaians have been urged to give President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government another four year-term, to complete many programs initiated.

    Deputy Minister for Local Government and Rural Development, Nana Adjei Boateng who disclosed this, indicated that, it would be suicidal for the country if President Akufo-Addo is not given another term to spearhead the development agenda already on track.

    Filing his nomination forms to contest again for the New Juaben North parliamentary seat on the ticket of the NPP, the incumbent MP also emphasised on the need for constituents to extend his mandate to fulfil projects he is embarking, to ensure the people get their fair share of the national cake.

    “I am urging you all gathered here to give President Akufo-Addo and the NPP another term so we can complete all the projects and policies we have implemented. Let’s not make a mistake and bring in another government, because Akufo-Addo has really performed up to expectation”.

    “So I am telling you all to vote massively for Akufo-Addo and also renew my mandate so we can deliver well to benefit all Ghanaians,” Nana Adjei Boateng told the crowd at the party’s office at Effiduase.

    He mentioned the restoration of teachers and nurses allowance, free SHS, distribution of ambulances, planting for food and jobs, one district one factory, and many other achievements as a legacy of the NPP government within three years.

    In attendance to support the MP were the New Juaben North Municipal Chief Executive, Madam Comfort Asante, some party executives and delegates as well as party supporters dress up in party colours.

  • Judge who declared support for Akufo-Addo breached judicial code Prof. Azar

    Professor Stephen Kwaku Asare (Kwaku Azar) has expressed shock over the decision by a superior court judge who doubles as a chief to endorse the candidature of President Akufo-Addo for the 2020 elections.

    Justice Clemence Jackson Honyenuga, who is hearing the ongoing trial of the former Ghana Cocoa Board boss, Dr Stephen Opuni and businessman Seidu Agongo declared support for President Akufo-Addo during his recent tour of the Oti region.

    The state-owned Daily Graphic newspaper quoted Justice Honyenuga as saying, “We wish to congratulate you for the excellent manner you are governing this dear country of ours; it is our hope that with your vision and the gains made in your first term, Ghanaians may consider giving you another four years”.

    Commenting on the development, the US-based lawyer and academician said: “I was utterly surprised to read that a Judge of the Superior court has publicly endorsed a candidate for political office in clear violation of the judicial code of conduct. Of course, we do not take our laws and codes seriously but judges should do a little better”.

    Source: kasapafmonline.com

  • ECs new voter roll decision ‘makes a lot of sense’ Akufo-Addo

    The decision by the Electoral Commission (EC) to compile a new register of voters ahead of the 2020 presidential and parliamentary elections makes a lot of sense, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has said.

    The elections management body is set to commence the compilation of the new register in April.

    The decision has been met with opposition from some political parties including the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and its flag bearer John Dramani Mahama who think the timing is wrong.

    Mr Mahama has personally said the EC must take responsibility for any chaos that befalls Ghana as a result of the decision to compile a new register.

    But speaking at a meeting with the Ghanaian community in Oslo, Norway, President Akufo-Addo said the electoral management body should be allowed to do its work.

    “We are getting ourselves ready for December 7. The Electoral Commission is going to compile a new register. It appears there is now an eight-year cycle for the EC to compile a register.

    “They did so in 2012 and 2004. So with these last three, including this one, are all in the eight-year cycle. I think it makes a lot of sense. The national census itself is done on a ten-year basis.”

    “So, it makes sense that we keep up the EC to admit new people, take out all those who have died, etc. Their intention is to begin in April. We want everybody in Ghana who can vote to register.

    Source: classfmonline.com

  • Election 2020: Akufo-Addo will ‘beat’ Mahama like Tyson Fury did to Wilder- Wontumi

    Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has opened up on how the December 7 general elections will look like by likening it to remarkable victory Tyson Fury recorded against Deontay Wilder in the heavyweight division last Saturday.

    Mr. Antwi-Boasiako noted that whilst President Akufo-Addo is ensuring that production in the economy is picking up and inflation is dropping, Mr. Mahama and his team look confused and have no message to sell to the voter.

    According to Mr. Bernard Antwi-Boasiako the success of President Akufo-Addo in managing Ghana’s economy makes him battle ready against the former President Mahama who is only remembered by electorates as someone who flourished acts of corruption under his tenure.

    “It is going to be like the heavyweight match between Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder. Mahama would be beaten mercilessly by President Akufo-Addo. Just like Wilder believed in his right hand as his main weapon, Mahama believes in lies but Akufo-Addo will deal ruthlessly with him just like it was done to Wilder”, Chairman Wontumi said.

    He continued that “Mahama will concede defeat even before the entire votes are counted. President Akufo-Addo doesn’t have any weapon to lean on, his only weapon is better performance and allowing God to lead him in serving Ghana”.

    Britain’s Tyson Fury delivered a dominant performance in his heavyweight championship bout with Deontay Wilder on Saturday, overwhelming his opponent to earn a seventh-round TKO victory in Las Vegas.

     

    Source: peacefmonline.com

  • Judge who declared support for Akufo-Addo breached judicial code Prof. Azar

    Professor Stephen Kwaku Asare (Kwaku Azar) has expressed shock over the decision by a superior court judge who doubles as a chief to endorse the candidature of President Akufo-Addo for the 2020 elections.

    Justice Clemence Jackson Honyenuga, who is hearing the ongoing trial of the former Ghana Cocoa Board boss, Dr Stephen Opuni and businessman Seidu Agongo declared support for President Akufo-Addo during his recent tour of the Oti region.

    The state-owned Daily Graphic newspaper quoted Justice Honyenuga as saying, “We wish to congratulate you for the excellent manner you are governing this dear country of ours; it is our hope that with your vision and the gains made in your first term, Ghanaians may consider giving you another four years”.

    Commenting on the development, the US-based lawyer and academician said: “I was utterly surprised to read that a Judge of the Superior court has publicly endorsed a candidate for political office in clear violation of the judicial code of conduct. Of course, we do not take our laws and codes seriously but judges should do a little better”.

     

    Source: starrfm.com.gh

  • Coronavirus: We were not convinced by Akufo-Addo’s promises – NUGS-China

    The National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) in Wuhan, China say they were not convinced with President Akufo-Addo’s comment on their evacuation from China during the State of the Nation Address. According to them, they did not get any positive assurance from President Akufo-Addo.

    They have called on the government to evacuate them ever since the deadly coronavirus broke out in China.

    Vice President of NUGS- Wuhan, Michael Adney told Citi News that no concrete assurances were given to restore their hopes.

    “On Thursday, we keenly watched the State of the Nation Address as delivered by His Excellency. Despite the assurance that they are still monitoring the situation and putting in place mechanisms to see if it becomes possible to evacuate us, we feel like the evacuation is not going to happen especially after the financial support and food they are providing.”

    “Because as of now, the situation is at its peak and we believe that the longer we stay here, the more vulnerable we are to possibly get infected with the virus. And the more we stay here, the more difficult it becomes for us to be evacuated. We are basically coming into terms with it. But if the government assesses the situation and they feel they will come for us, we will accept it but we want it to be done in a fast manner,” he pleaded.

    During the SONA, President Akufo-Addo said that government will evacuate Ghanaians students from China if the need arises.

    According to him, the government will evacuate students from China if other options aimed at confining the disease to the area of origin fails.

    “The government is in constant touch with experts on the subject who have advised that the basic principle of public health is to confine the disease to the area of origin but we have not ruled out the option of evacuating the students from Wuhan if that becomes necessary.”

    “We have put in place measures to ensure that if the evacuation happens, it will not lead to the dissemination of fear and panic amongst the general population,” the President said.

    Source: primenewsghana.com

  • Akufo-Addo sidelined us during 2020 SONA – Menzgold, Gold Coast Fund Mgt customers

    Customers of Gold Coast Fund Management and Menzgold have accused President Akufo-Addo of sidelining them in the payment of locked up investment.

    President Akufo-Addo during his final State of the Nation Address yesterday announced that all locked up investments of customers of the financial sector cleanup will be paid.

    The President further revealed that payments up to GH¢5 billion are to begin on Monday, February 24, 2020.

    But speaking to Starr FM today, the spokesperson for the Gold Coast Fund Management, Charles Nyame said they are demanding an explanation from the government on what the silence means for payment.

    ”Nana Akufo-Addo, Vice President and the Finance Minister have sidelined we the customers under Gold Coast Fund Management. What they are trying to say is that they will pay customers who falls under Bank of Ghana, not those who fall under Securities and Exchanges Commission, We want the President to come out clear to tell us the reason why he thinks that as a result of his own initiative which is the financial sector cleanup exercise, we have all resulted into this mess and he thinks that those who are under Bank of Ghana can be satisfied to the detriment to those of us who are under SEC. The government should come out and tell us the reason why the think its right to do so and moving forward we are not going to rest, we are going to fight for our rights.”

    On the other hand, the leader of the Coalition of Customers of Menzgold, Fred Forson said they will continue to persist until their locked up funds are retrieved. Adding they are already preparing a demonstration in Kumasi.

    ”I am so disappointed because we have sent a petition to the President and if there was going to be an intervention the customers of Menzgold will be included but not even the mention of Menzgold customers in the State of the Nation Address. We are been discriminated and as for our money, we will take it. We will be going to Kumasi on March 6 to continue our protest”.

    Source: primenewsghana.com

  • Election 2020: Bawumia is my running mate President Akufo-Addo declares

    President Akufo-Addo has announced that he will be running for President in the 2020 elections with the sitting Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, as his running mate.

    The President made the disclosure at the Headquarters of New Patriotic Party (NPP) when he addressed party faithful after submitting his nomination forms to the Party leadership in fulfilment of the laid down rules in the NPP constitution.

    “Our party regulations says that once a flagbearer is chosen, the flagbearer must choose his running mate. This is not a matter that needs any consideration, once my hands are lifted, I will also lift up the hands of the Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. He is certainly the one I will be running with” President Akufo-Addo said.

    Voter Registration Exercise

    President Akufo-Addo was quick to suggest to the Party folk to make sure that as soon as the Electoral Commission begins its upcoming “Voter Registration Exercise”, they and their households will go and write their names in order to secure their right to vote in the 2020 elections and beyond.

    General Secretary of the NPP

    General Secretary of the NPP, John Boadu, before he invited the President to address the Party members noted that President Akufo-Addo is the only member of the NPP who has filed his nomination forms to run for the flagbearership position of the NPP ahead of election 2020. He urged the rank and file of the party to get into campaign mode forthwith to ensure that the party wins back to power after the 2020 elections.

    Source: kasapafmonline.com

  • Ghana extends rail line to Burkina Faso Akufo-Addo

    What started as the Tema to Paga railway line project has become Ghana to Burkina Railway Interconnectivity Project, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has said.

    Speaking on the rail sector of the economy while delivering his fourth State of the Nation Address on Thursday, 20 February 2020, Mr Akufo-Addo said: “The contractors have assured the government that the Tema to Mpakadan line, which includes a three hundred (300)-meter rail bridge over the Volta River, will be completed in August.

    “Those who travel along the Accra to Akosombo route would testify that this is a reality, as we can all see the work being done. I hope to travel on that line in August. We can safely say that the rail line journey to Paga has begun.”

    He added: “The Tema to Accra line has been operational for two years and the Accra to Nsawam line would soon be operational. The Takoradi to Tarkwa line was inaugurated a few weeks ago and is proving to be very popular and being enthusiastically patronised”, the President said.

    “What started as the Tema to Paga railway line has become the Ghana to Burkina Railway Interconnectivity Project”, he noted, adding: “Approximately eight hundred (800) Kilometers of this rail line will be in Ghana and two hundred (200) kilometers in Burkina Faso.”

    Source: classfmonline.com