Author: Chris Kodo

  • Ghana to compete in Davies Cup after years of absence

    The national tennis team of Ghana, the Golden Rackets, have left Accra today to participate in the Davis Cup Group IV in Congo Brazzaville, after years of absence.

    A team of five players made the trip for the competition scheduled for 24-30 June in the Central African country.

    Read: World Para Swimming Championships: Malaysia stripped of hosting 2019 event

    The team was led by captain Fred Egyir, with Isaac Teitei Nortey, Benjamin Nii Okai Palm, Herman Abban and Johnson Acquah.

    The GNA Sports gathers that, the trip was made possible through the efforts Professor Peter Twumasi, Director General of National Sports Authority (NSA), Mr. Charles Addo-Quaye, Managing Director of Lonestar Oil Limited, Ambassador Ramses Cleland, Roger Crawford of Tennis Foundation Ghana and Kennedy and William Gbormittah based in United States of America (USA).

    Read: Isaac Twum determined to help Ghana qualify for Tokyo 2020 Olympics

    Mr. Isaac A. Duah President of Ghana Tennis Federation (GTF), expressed appreciation to the technical team who prepared the players, the NSA and the sponsors who made the trip possible.

    “This is indeed the Year of Return. Go Golden Rackets!!!! Go Team Ghana” he cheered.

    Ghana has over the years been missing from the Davis Cup due to lack of funds.

     

    Source: ghananewsagency.org

  • UNFPA country office imports contraceptives worth $1.9m in 2018

    Dr Robert Kwesi Mensah, Reproductive Health Specialist, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), has said his outfit has spent about $1.98million on the importation of various contraceptives in 2018 alone.

    Read: Trends in contraceptive use among currently married women by education

    The brands include, implants in various forms such as Jadelle, Implanon, Depo pro Vera and accessories; oral contraceptive pills in Norgynon and Microgynon as well as intrauterine devices (IUDs) and condoms.

    Dr Mensah disclosed these to the Ghana News Agency in an interview on the sidelines of the 2019 Second Quarter Government of Ghana /UNFPA Seventh Country Programme (CP7) stakeholders meeting for the Volta/Oti Regions in Ho, recently.

    Read: Ghanaian students excel at Harvard Model UN, win $10,000 Grant for social development

    He said between 25-40 million pieces of condoms mostly male ones averagely were supplied to the country per annum.

    He observed that Ghanaian population shied away from female condoms accounting for its low patronage.

    The Reproductive Health Specialist said the usage of all modern family planning commodities in the country was pegged around 35-37 percent.

    “We should have done better,” he indicated, and said that contraceptive prevalence rates was 35 per cent, when ideally the country should have been doing 45 per cent.

    “Progress is low,” Dr Mensah added.

    He said people’s contraceptive unmet needs emanates from preference and contraceptive methods mix and UNFPA was poised to partner major actors to increase procurement, distribution and access.

    Dr Mensah said its mandate included maternal health, sexual and reproductive health, fistula advocacy as well as research and surveys.

    Source: Ghananewsagency.org

  • Echoing Hills Village commence investigation

    The management of Echoing Hills Village (EHV) a non-governmental organisation which has proven a safe haven to disability and children with special needs, has set up a committee to investigate rumour of child abuse and diversion of donated items.

    Read: Child abuse images being traded via secure apps

    The management of the orphanage that provides shelter, care and protection for the less privileged, said punitive actions would be taken against individuals who would be found culpable.

    A statement issued by Mrs Felicia Opoku- Mensah, the Vice Board Chairman of EHV, said the orphanage would not shield anyone who would be found guilty of stealing; beating any child, diverting or smuggling items donated to the orphanage to be sold secretly, but would deal decisively with such people.

    The statement called on the general public to disregard a video going round that depicted abuse of children at the centre since it was a doctored one.

    It described the video clip as a fake video developed by some individuals with evil agenda to destroy the image of the centre for their personal gain.

    It urged the general public to have confidence in the management of the Echoing Hills Village and continue to support them to save, protect and provide hope to the neglected children in our society.

    Source: Ghananewsagency.org

  • Banks to start operating MoMo points directly from July BoG

    The Bank of Ghana (BoG) is predicting stiffer competition as banks prepare to directly operate mobile money(MoMo) vending points through the Electronic Payment and Financial Services law from July 2019.

    Read: MTN MoMo to go down Saturday night for upgrade

    By this, banks in the country will be allowed to brand specific points to render mobile money services.

    Speaking to Citi Business News on the sidelines of the Ghana Most Respected CEO Breakfast Forum organized by the Business and Financial Times (B&FT), the Head of Payment Systems at the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Setor Amediku disclosed that two banks are aggressively preparing to roll out mobile money merchant shops across the country to compete with telcos.

    Read: Government to tax MoMo transactions from this month?

    “There are some banks that are very aggressively. The banks have put in place measures, they were just waiting for this act to be assented by the president. Now a bank will set up a subsidiary to do mobile money business and they will also be authorized with a minimum capital requirement. They would have to pay and they will also behave like MTN Mobile Money,” explained.

    Dr. Amediku was upbeat the new law will change the phase of the payment systems of the country, creating a healthy competition that will drive the cost of sending electronic money down.

    Mobile Money performance in 2018

    According to the Bank of Ghana, the value of transactions on mobile money platforms hit 233 billion cedis in 2018.

    The figure shows that the value of transactions went up to 233 billion cedis from 155 billion cedis recorded 2017.

    By this, Mobile Money platform has been the fastest growing electronic payment platform. This has urged banks to take advantage of the growing trend.

    Others share views

    Meanwhile, the CEO the Ghana Interbank Payment and Settlement Systems Limited (GhIPSS), Archie Hesse who was at the event was of the view that both the telcos and the banks have separate roles to play in the value chain.

    On security of the Mobile Money Platform, the Director of Vodafone Cash, Martison Obeng-Agyei charged customers to be vigilant on electronic transfer of money to avert instances of fraudulent activities.

    On his part, Head of Consumer Banking, Ecobank Transnational Incorporated, Tara Squire maintained that consumers are to act responsibly in keeping their mobile money pins safe from fraudsters.

    For the CEO of popOut, Maximus Ametorgoh, more education needs to done to equip consumers on Mobile Money fraud to avert such occurrences.

    Source: citibusinessnews.com

  • Three executives of concerned citizens of Tarkwa-Nsuaem, 9 others arrested

    Three executives of the concern citizens of Tarkwa-Nsuaem who were preparing to demonstrate on Monday over the dilapidated state of some portions of the Tarkwa-Takoradi Highway have been apprehended by the Tarkwa Divisional Police Command.

    They are Mr David Kumi, president, Mr Samuel Kwasi Asare, secretary and Mr Nicolas Worwornyo, organizer.

    Read: Ghanaian arrested in the United States for mobile phone fraud

    Nine bandsmen who were hired by the group to provide music for the demonstrators were also arrested.

    They are; Nana Kwame Agama, Andrews Archer, Stephen Ackah, Nana Akye, Nanaba Boadi, Kojo Baodi, Samuel Owiredu, Alex Aseidu and Clement Donkor.

    The suspects who have been conveyed to the Sekondi Takoradi High court for prosecution has been charged for contempt of court.

    Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Dennis Abade, Divisional Commander of Tarkwa, confirmed this to the Ghana News Agency (GNA).

    He said the leadership of the group notified the police of its pending demonstration scheduled on June 24, 2019, but the police asked them to hold on as they did not have enough men on the ground.

    Mr Abade said the leadership of the group insisted to carry out the demonstration and this compelled the Command to proceed to the Tarkwa circuit court for an order to restrain them from embarking on the exercise.

    The Divisional Commander said even though an injunction was placed on the exercise, in the early hours of June 24, 2019, the group gathered at the Akyem junction to begin the demonstration and they arrested them to face the law.

    He recalled that in the group’s previous demonstrations, they did not adhere to the agreement made with the Police and rather blocked the road for several hours and damaged properties.

    “We have pick intelligence from the grounds that they were going to divide the roads into several portions to prevent vehicles from moving and if we don’t stop them, business people and school children are going to suffer” he added.

    As of 0630 hours that the GNA got to Akyem junction, there was heavy security presence.

    Some demonstrators clad in red attire and bands carried placard with the inscription “Tarkwa is sick”.

    Source: ghananewsagency.org

  • Be realistic with utility tariffs, stop playing politics – Workers Union to PURC

    Public Utility Workers Union has asked the Public Utility Regulatory Commission, PURC to be bold and approve higher utility tariffs that will help sustain companies providing utility to the Ghanaian public.

    Read: PURC approves 8.01% increase in water tariff

    In response to the new utility tariffs announced by the PURC in an interview with Citi FM, General Secretary of the Union Michael Adumatta Nyantakyi said the increment is not enough to save several struggling utility providers.

    He said the regulator needs to be realistic to help the utility companies make the needed impact, but rather the commission is playing politics with the utility tariffs not to offend the political authorities.

    Read: Provide us with PURC office BACBA

    “PURC is just dancing around the problem and not really tackling the issue, as workers we are also consumers and we are affected by the increment but the reality is that are we looking at how these companies will be able to operate in a manner that will help us make the needed impact, we are doing a lot not to create any hullabaloo just to make sure that from a political angle we don’t create so many issues for citizens to react, definitely the presentations that were made by both Ghana Water and PDS is not the kind of tariff that has been approved.”

    New utility tariffs

    The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has approved an 8.01 percent and 11.7 percent increment for water and electricity tariffs respectively, effective July 2019.

    At a press conference, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Maame Dufie Ofori, highlighted the factors that have necessitated an increment in these tariffs including the dollar to cedi rate, projected inflation rate and increasing electricity and water demands.

    “In arriving at this decision the PURC took into consideration several issues key among them are the following; the ECG PSP process, projected inflation rate, Ghana-US dollar exchange rate, cost of operation of utility companies and projected electricity and water demand for the 2019/2020 tariff period, as mandated by law and in compliance with the commission’s tariff decision making process, extensive stakeholder consultations were held to solicit views and gather inputs for the final determination of the tariffs.”

    The PURC approved the increase after considering proposals from the Volta River Authority (VRA), the Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo), the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Power Distribution Services (PDS) Ghana Limited, the Northern Distribution Company (NEDCo) and Enclave Power Company Limited (EPC).

    Source: primenewsghana.com

  • Prostitute beats man over refusal to settle his debts

    A prostitute has reportedly beaten a Nigeria man, identified as Ezla Ike for refusing to pay her GH¢150.00 after having 12 rounds of sex with her.

    Read: Most Ghanaian celebrities are professional prostitutes Ola Michael

    According to her, the man picked her up from Osu in front of the Koala Super Market around 9:pm on Sunday night after they had agreed on the price for the service.

    “I have been with you since 9:pm on Sunday and now weak, needs to go for medical examination only for him to give me GH¢ 60.00 for transportation instead of the agreed GH¢150.00,” she narrated.

    Meanwhile, the Nigerian man is heard saying he did not enjoy the sex to the fullest and cannot pay that huge amount the lady is charging.

    Listen to full conversation between the commercial sex worker and her client:

    Source: adomonline.com

  • Two boys to be arraigned for faking kidnapping

    The Upper East Regional Police Command will soon arraign two boys for faking their kidnapping.

    One of the two suspects was declared missing after he left the house without the consent of his parents while the other, demanded GHC200 cedis from his parents as a ransom for his purported kidnappers.

    Read: Police schools students on kidnapping

    Speaking to Citi News, Upper East Regional Police Commander, DCOP Ampofo Duku described the conduct of the suspects as unlawful.

    He further said the boys will be arraigned to serve as a deterrent to others.

    Read: Police in 3 hour standoff with blood-thirsty mob over fresh suspected kidnapping

    “The boy, 15 years feigned kidnap and used an old SIM card to call his own mother that he had been kidnapped and a ransom of 200 cedis was being demanded by the kidnappers. They reported and the Police were able to entice the boy and a ransom of GHC200 was sent to the mobile money. Later on, the boy was arrested. And he said he went to a betting centre where he incurred debt and in order to get money from the parents he feigned kidnapping.”

    This comes in the wake of recent kidnappings in the country which has sparked alarm over crime rates.

    Some three girls were kidnapped in the Western Region, Takoradi in 2018.

    The girls; Ruth Quayson, Priscilla Blessing Bentum and Priscilla Koranchie, are believed to have been kidnapped between August 2018 and January 2019.

    The main suspect, one Samuel Wills, is currently serving a 36-month sentence for breaking jail.

    Trial for his alleged role in the kidnappings is yet to start.

    A second suspect, John Oji, has been remanded.

    Two weeks ago, two Canadian women were rescued from kidnappers in the Ashanti Region, Kumasi.

    Already, the Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has tabled a request in Parliament for the Interior Minister to be summoned over the recent kidnappings.

    The Speaker of Parliament, Prof. Mike Aaron Ocquaye subsequently directed the leadership of the house to consider inviting Ambrose Dery to brief members on the state of security in the country.

    Source: citinewsroom.com

  • Police violence worsens in Brazil’s poor neighbourhoods

    The Brazilian president swept to power on a promise he would be tough on crime.

    Read:Brazil school shooting: Deadly attack in São Paulo

    President Jair Bolsonaro demonstrated that most strongly in his home state of Rio de Janeiro.

    However, It has a long history of police abuse as officers have battled drug gangs with innocent people getting caught in the crossfire.

    Read:Brazil dam collapse: Several killed and many missing in Brumadinho

    As Al Jazeera’s Daniel Schweimler reports from Rio, that situation is getting worse.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Ethiopia ‘coup leader’ shot dead

    The BBC’s Emmanuel Igunza reports that the man who is said to have planned Saturday’s alleged coup attempt in northern Ethiopia – General Asamnew Tsige – has been shot dead by police.

    Read:Hopeful of lasting peace, Ethiopia, Eritrea now focus on restoring trade ties

    Brig-Gen Asaminew was among a group of high-ranking military officers released from prison early last year when the government moved to free political detainees in response to public pressure.

    The general had been in custody for nine years for allegedly plotting a coup.

    ReEthiopia to delay population census because of instabilityad:

    He is reported to have been killed near where the attack took place in Amhara State in northern Ethiopia.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Number of dead from Ebola outbreak ‘passes 1,500’

    As of Sunday, 1,506 people had died in the outbreak of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo, AFP news agency quotes the health ministry as saying.

    There have been 2,239 recorded cases, it said.

    Read:Ebola cases in DR Congo exceed 1,000

    This is the second biggest ever outbreak, after the epidemic that started in 2014 in West Africa and killed 11,300 people.

    But the World Health Organization (WHO) said this month that the outbreak currently did not yet represent a global threat.

    Read:Ebola treatment centre in Congo reopens after attack Health Ministry

    Ebola infects humans through close contact with infected animals, including chimpanzees, fruit bats and forest antelope.

    It can then spread rapidly, through contact with even small amounts of bodily fluid of those infected – or indirectly through contact with contaminated environments.

    Source: bbc.com

  • NADMO receives GH¢1 million to pay June 3 flood victims

    The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) has disclosed that it has received GH¢ 1 million to, from Monday, start paying the uncompensated surviving victims of the June 3 disaster after four years of the incident.

    Read: NADMO supports victims of June 3 disaster with GHC814,000

    According to the Director of Communications at NADMO, George Kojo Ayisi, a total of GH¢1, 030,000 will be distributed to surviving victims and families of the deceased.

    “For the 15 who lost their lives, their relatives are taking their compensation for them. The 40 who had injuries but were not given anything the first time, they will be given GH¢ 10,000.00 each and those who lost their lives, their families will be given GH ¢10, 000.00 each. There are 26 others with minor injuries who will be taking GH¢ 5, 000.00,” he disclosed on Accra-based Citi FM, monitored by Adomonline.

    Read: Stop burning tyres around Kumasi airport NADMO

    The Accra Metropolitan Assembly in August 2018 said it had paid GH¢10, 000.00 each to 80 percent of the victims of the June 3 disaster.

    The beneficiaries were among hundreds of people who sustained various degrees of injuries in an explosion at the Kwame Nkrumah Circle branch of GOIL fuel station in Accra which killed more than 150 people.

    Source: adomonline.com

  • Chief arrested for supervising the lynching of a driver’s mate

    The chief of Pakuso, Nana Boakye II has been arrested for allegedly supervising the lynching and burning of a 20-year-old mate in the Ashanti Region.

    Read: Madina: Driver crushes trainee pastor to death, escapes lynching

    According to reports, the deceased was suffering from high fever and was undergoing medical treatment. In the course of treatment, he left home and entered into the chief’s palace.

    The chief upon seeing the young man in his house pulled a gun and fired two (2) warning shots. The young man did not move and declined to move out of the palace. The chief shouted,” thief” and some community members came to the palace, lynched the young man and burnt him in the presence of the chief.

    Read: Ayawaso Probe: 5 NDC members were ordered to lie on the floor Victim

    Speaking to Starr FM, an uncle to the deceased, Mr Appiah narrating the incidence said they are not ready to bury the deceased until justice prevails.

    ”Our son was murdered and the police were joking with it. Our people got angry and went to where the incident occurred and vandalized properties. The chief came out with a gun and gave warning shots for my people to stop and leave there. We are not ready for the body of our member until we see justice ”.

    Meanwhile, two members of the community have also been arrested in connection to the murder of the 20-year-old mate.

    Source: primenewsghana.com

  • NADMO supports victims of June 3 disaster with GHC814,000

    The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) has disbursed a total of GH¢814,000 to some victims and bereaved families of the June 3 disaster.

    The beneficiaries include 15 families of the deceased who are yet to receive any support from government, 40 severely injured persons, 28 persons with minor injuries and Mr Kasim Suraj, a victim who is set to undergo surgery.

    Read: NADMO to begin massive public education on possible earthquakes in Accra

    The disbursement followed a $200,000 donation from the government of Benin to support the victims of the June 3 disaster which had been idle since 2017.

    According to Mr. Seji Saji, Deputy Director-General of NADMO and Chairperson for the Disbursement Committee of the June 3rd 2015 Twin Disaster, the 15 families were left out when the government initially donated GHC 10,000 to support a befitting burial for the deceased victims in the disaster.

    Read: Stop burning tyres around Kumasi airport NADMO

    He said some of the families did not receive any support from government because of uncertainties surrounding the next of kin of deceased persons.

    Mr Saji said the Committee will retain a balance of over GH¢ 216,000 to cater for some potential victims or families who have not completed the screening process.

    Source: Graphic.com.gh

  • Media made slay queens popular – Ama K. Abebrese

    Ghanaian actress, Ama K. Abebrese, is blaming the media for contributing to creating the slay queen phenomena.

    According to her, most of these slay queens become popular because the media gives them attention.

    “Most of the names I hear on social media are as a result of the media giving these slay queens attention on their platforms. There is no way I would have heard of such names if it were not for the media,” she told Showbiz recently.

    Read:Filmmakers calling on government is not because of money Ama K. Abebrese

    According to Ama K. Abebrese, the media giving attention to these slay queens has influenced many other young girls who all want to be there because they know they will be famous when the media gives them the mileage.

    Her advice to social media users is to be careful about what they put out there, “what you put on social media is for the world to see and you should, therefore, be careful what goes out there.

    She added, “you can be having fun today but in some years to come when you want to take up a job, that is when your videos or whatever you did will be played back to you. Do whatever you are comfortable with but be careful what goes out there,” she said.

    Ama K, as she is popularly known, also revealed that a lot of people were living fake lifestyles on social media.

    “I know some ladies who borrow shoes and clothes to take pictures on social media and return them when they are done with what they wanted to use them for,” she said.

    Read:Sanction bleaching cream companies Ama K Abebrese tells FDA

    Away from the social media stuff, Ama K. Abebrese spoke about the movie industry and indicated that although things were not how they used to be, they could be better.

    She has started her new TV show, Champions of Society, on Kwesé TV. The show tackles social and health issues and involves Ama K. talking directly to the people whose lives they affect.

    Ama K. Abebrese started hosting TV shows in her teens on YCTV in London. She went on to present on BBC2, OBE TV, Viasat 1, TV3, Ebonylife TV and many others.

    Source: Myjoyonline.com

  • 4 govt officials in road crash; 3 in critical condition

    Four government appointees have been involved in a road accident en route to the Upper West region to support the President launch a programme.

    Read: Accident claims three lives at Ayermesu

    The accident happened Monday dawn in the Zanzugu Yipala village on Tamale- Kintampo  motor roada in the Northern region, the Northern regional police has confirmed.

    It involved District and Municipal Chief Executives from the Northern region - Zabzugu DCE Ahmed Abubakari Iddrisu, Gushiegu DCE, Musah Issah, Mion DCE, Mohammed Hashim Abdullah, and the Bimbilla Municipal Chief Executive, Abdulai Yakubu.

    Read: Road accidents will go up Expert predicts

    According to the Northern regional minister Salifu Saeed , they had decided to carpool, using the 4-wheel Nissan car of the Zabzugu DCE, to attend the launch of the Rearing for Food and Jobs programme in the Upper West regional capital, Wa.

    DCE CAR ACCIDENT

    Suddenly a Mercedes Benz Saloon car from Accra veered off his lane and slammed into their vehicle causing it to somersault, the Northern regional minister told reporters. Both cars have been severely damaged.

    The police have confirmed the driver is Karim Zakaria, 32-year old and is being treated as a suspect. He was driving the benz with registration No. GC 6196-11,carrying two other passengers.

    The driver of the bus broke his legs in the crash while three of the officials are in critical condition and are receiving treatment at the Tamale Teaching Hospital. The Bimbilla MCE is also receiving treatment.

    DCE CAR ACCIDENT

    The three critically injured DCEs are expected to be transported to Accra to receive comprehensive medical care.

    Source: www.myjoyonline.com

  • I am not a member of an occult group Nhyiraba Kojo

    Musician and businessman Nhyiraba Kojo has brushed aside rumours making rounds that he is a member of an occult group.

    He labelled the speculations as unfounded, frivolous and desperate attempt by his detractors to demonize his hard won reputation.

    Critics of Nhyiraba Kojo have persistently linked his success in business to his alleged involvement in an occult activities and other forms of money rituals.

    In an exclusive interview with Asempanews.com, he said, ”I worked so hard to ensure that my business succeeds. In Ghana, when you are struggling to make it in life, everyone sees you.

    ”And as soon as you get rich the same people who saw you struggling begin speculating and spreading false rumours about you. When I started operating NK City I rolled out several promotions and organised lots of shows, so that increased the patronage and sales tremendously.

    ”My competitors upon realizing they were lagging behind started to tarnish my image by spreading these false rumours”.

    However, he says he would not allow himself to be affected in anyway by what he described as ”malicious” and ”wicked” agenda by a section of the public.

    Nhyiraba Kojo has, over the years, released several hit songs, including ”Ehye Wo Bo”, Ebola, ”Yaayi” and a host of others.

    He can today boast of his own restaurant one in Accra and the other in Takoradi; a clothing line, and fleets of commercial cars that ply from Accra to Takoradi and back, every blessed day.

    Source: asemapanews.com

  • Fella Makafui responds to Strongman’s ‘East Legon old men’ diss

    Fast rising actress, Fella Makafui has revealed that she comes from a place where having a lot of money or getting rich is the norm and that depicts why she follows sugar daddies.

    Fella made this revelation in a video call with her boyfriend rapper, Medikal.

    Her answer was a response to the AMG signee question “why do you follow people’s father?”.

    “You know where I am coming from, we like to drip very well, we like money and we like to drip.” You know it is our nature. She concluded.

    Fella Makafui in the last 3 days was trolled by social media users after Strongman alleged in his diss to Medikal, that East Legon old men ‘sleep’ with her.

    Watch their video below

    Source: Ghanaweb.com

  • Striker Samuel Tetteh scores for LASK Linz in 10-0 pre-season friendly

    Samuel Tetteh was on target for LASK Linz in their 10-0 win over lower division ZIPF in pre-season friendly.

    The Ghana international made it three-nil for the Austrian top-flight side in the 27th minute.

    Read: Harrison Afful sees red on return to league action as Columbus Crew lose

    Tetteh is preparing with LASK Linz for the 2019/20 UEFA Champions League qualifying round campaign.

    The 22-year-old, owned by Red Bull Salzburg, extended his loan stay with LASK for one more year after the expiration of a one-and-a-half loan deal.

     

     

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • 7000 Ghanaian migrants face deportation

    The US immigration has reiterated that 7,000 Ghanaians are in the process of being deported from the United States of America (USA) for various immigration offences.

    Read: Nigeria deports four Ghanaians

    The 7,000 Ghanaians living illegally in the US are being processed for deportation.

    The US has imposed visa restriction on some categories of government officials for refusing to accept some 7000 individuals marked for deportation.

    However, the Foreign Affairs Minister said Ghana has been very compliant.

    Read: Nigeria reacts to deportation of citizens from Ghana

    In an interview with Accra-based Joy FM, Shirley Ayorkor Botchway said “It is not a situation where, in the last few years, we have not issued any documents at all. We have. For a good number of them, I am told that…17 have already been processed. We are waiting for them to pick up what we have processed while we process the rest.”

    She gave assurances that work is ongoing to prevent the current US visa restrictions on Ghana from escalating after the initial 120-day deadline.

    Statistics from the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) revealed that a total of 1,968 Ghanaians who traveled to various countries around the world were either deported or refused entry to the country they were traveling to in 2016.

    The breakdown of the figure shows that 1,245 Ghanaians were refused entry into various destinations abroad for failing to meet their respective entry conditions in 2016.

    Reasons for refusal of entry include the traveler failing to provide clear information on where the individual is going, misbehaviour towards immigration officer, not having sufficient funds, information provided at entry point contradicts information provided on application form submitted to the embassy to get the visa, and possessing a fake visa.

    Source: Pulse.com.gh

  • Harrison Afful sees red on return to league action as Columbus Crew lose

    Defender Harrison Afful received a straight red in Columbus Crew’s 1-0 home defeat on Sunday to Sporting Kansas City.

    In the 74th minute, Afful got sent off for pulling down Gerso Fernandes from behind on a breakaway.

    Read: Andy Yiadom backs Reading FC to pick three against Derby County

    Afful was making his first appearance in the MLS after a jaw injury back in March sidelined him for months.

    Felipe Gutierrez, who was left unmarked, scored early in the second half with an easy header on a short cross from Gerso Fernandes.

     

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • Christian Atsu’s ‘father’ Rafael Benitez leaves Newcastle

    Christian Atsu will from next season work under a new manager at Newcastle United after the club confirmed the departure of Rafael Benitez.

    Benitez, who brought Atsu to the club from Chelsea, will leave the club when his contract expires on 30 June.

    Read: Christian Atsu pleased with Cyrille Regis Players Award

    The Magpies finished 13th in the Premier League last season as Spaniard Benitez, 59, secured the club’s top-flight status.

    “We have worked hard to extend Rafa’s contract over a significant period of time,” said a Newcastle statement.

    Read: Christian Atsu and Newcastle determined to keep Premier League status

    “However, it has not been – and will not be – possible to reach an agreement with Rafa and his representatives.”

    Atsu made 55 appearances and scored three goals for Newcastle under Benitez.

     

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • Vodafone Ghana to host the Selewa Cashless market this June

    Vodafone Ghana is partnering Melon Concept, organizers of the Selewa cashless market for a massive discount sale at its headquarters, come Friday, June 28, 2019.

    This edition of the selewa event dubbed the Vodafone cash Bazaar, unlike previous events, is scheduled to start in the afternoon, with a fifty percent (50%) discount on meals for all patrons.

    For the past four years, the Selewa event has been one that patrons look forward to at least every two months due to the convenience and cash savings it brings to arts, beauty and fashion enthusiasts. However, the popular discount-driven market is popping up for the first time this year.

    The Selewa market brings together producers and suppliers of quality fashion, arts, beauty and natural health products, and gets electronic payment platforms to sponsor massive discounts for its patrons.

    The cashless market known for dolling out shopping gift vouchers in addition to the up to 80% discount to patrons at the Golden Tulip Hotel in Accra, over the years, is making a move to the Vodafone Headquarters at Airport City for the first time as Vodafone Ghana headlines the event.

    The partnership with Vodafone is expected to reward attendants with even more discounts especially those who will make payment with their Vodafone Cash at the market.

    According to the programs coordinator at Melon Concept, Enoch Tetteh “This partnership will be a rewarding one for all, especially Vodafone cash subscribers. We have always encouraged and rewarded cashless payments at our markets. Thus, while our vendors will not decline cash payments, attendants are entreated to shop via Vodafone Cash or with their debit or credit card in order to benefit from these massive discounts”. He further stressed that adequate provision has been made to enable Non-Vodafone cash subscribers to sign up within minutes at the market.

    The market is expected to open at the forecourt of the Vodafone Headquarters at Airport City Friday, the 28th of June at 12:00 midday through to the night. A live musical performance by the all-female group, lipstick band is set to crown the Friday night. Entry is free for all.

    Source: Vodafone Ghana

  • Ghana is not a third world country – Yofi Grant

    The CEO of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre Yofi Grant has touted Ghana as ” a new world” that is open to business opportunities.

    In his keynote address at the GIPC organized Ghana-China Investment Forum, during the 3rd edition of the China Trade Week (CTW) Ghana 2019, Grant said the country can neither be labeled a first world nor a third world country.

    “I have always said Ghana is not a first world country and it is not a third world country,” he said.

    “Ghana is a new world that is opened to business opportunities.

    “It represents a new business hub for investors, who want to take advantage of areas such as agriculture, infrastructure, human resource development, entrepreneurship and industrialisation.”

    He said boasts of a business-friendly environment that makes it one of the best places to invest.

    The forum themed “Strengthening the Sino-Ghana Partnership for Industrialisation” serves as a platform for Ghanaian businesses to establish and build commercial relationships with high caliber Chinese counterparts.

    He explained the reason behind Government’s One District One factory initiative, urging China to take advantage and partner local businesses to make Ghana a manufacturing hub in West Africa.

    China Trade Week is jointly organised by Dubai and China-based MIE Events, and its local Ghanaian exhibition company Geovision Services.

    The three-day CTW showcased more variety and high-end Chinese manufacturers looking to develop long term relations with local buyers.

    Source: ghanaguardian.com

  • Excessive abuse of agro-chemical, threat to consumers and environment

    The abuse of agro-chemicals as well as using untrained hands to administer these chemicals on farmlands has been identified as a great bane to agricultural productivity, toxicity of the farmland, resulting in inadequate yields and climate-related effects.

    Meanwhile, Agriculture is said to be the mainstay of the Ghanaian economy and employs over 70% of the population and a significant contributor to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

    Mr. William Darko, the Coordinator of Africa Needs International, in a research report, advocated the strict compliance of the Pesticides and Fertilizer Act. (Act 803), to streamline the activities of Agro-chemical dealers and users to safeguard the health of consumers, sustain the labour force of the country, food security and mitigate climate change effects.

    The research and advocacy work was financed by the BUSAC fund.

    Pesticides and fertilizers are major inputs that account for increasing crop yields and farm profits and the Food and Agricultural Organisation reports (2015) estimated that between 20% and 40% of global crop yields are reduced each year due to the damage by the pest, hence the increasing demand of the commodities.

    The projection made by FAO (2015) also shows that global fertilizer use is likely to rise above 200.million metric tons due to growing demands for food production due to the population explosion.

    Mr. Darko said the importance of pesticides and fertilizers could not be overemphasized in farming, but the proliferation of agro-inputs outlets within all farming communities without the requisite skills on mode of application had become a danger to human lives and water resources, a situation that needed to be averted.

    He said the imminent danger was the use of unskilled shop attendants with no basic knowledge of calibration and usage of agrochemicals with most of them unlicensed.

    There are about 700 rural retailers of fertilizers spread throughout Ghana.

    He said a research document from the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) and the International Fertilizer Development Centre (IFDC) states that 80% of agricultural inputs dealers sell fertilizers, 91% sell crop protection chemicals and 51% sell seeds.

    Mr. Darko pointed out that the data consolidated the fact that pesticides and fertilizers were sold by all retail outlets, hence frantic efforts must be made to regulate the activities of dealers, retailers and users at large.

    Citing examples of abuse, he mentioned an incidence in the early part of 2018, where four people died from residual contamination of agrochemicals at “Dua da so”, a farming community at Akyemansa district, with several people treated and discharged from the hospital.

    In Accra, in the same year, three children died when their parents sprayed their room with agro pesticide, adding that, “This gives a clear picture of the magnitude of the problem and the extent to which it affects productivity and threatens lives if its sales are not properly regulated.”

    Mr. Darko said the continuous pollution of the environment through pesticides and fertilizers use and improper disposal, could adversely affect the climate, create environmental hazards, cause pollution of water bodies and pose food insecurity problems for the country.

    He called on the Pesticide and Fertilizer Regulatory Division (PFRD), the legally mandated entity, to act promptly on the matter to avoid the growing lapses in the agricultural sector.

    Act 2010 (Act 803) enjoins the PERD to supervise and train regulatory inspectors, register and train pesticide and fertilizer dealers, take records and statistics of pesticides and fertilizers, manage pesticide and fertilizer stocks in the country.

    They are also to supervise bio-efficacy trials on pesticides and fertilizers by research institutions and to remove obsolete and unwanted Agro-chemicals from the market.

    The Coordinator said, “it appears they are not working to the expectation of farmers and consumers as many fertilizer and pesticide dealers continue to do their own thing without any punitive measures”.

    Meanwhile, the Act suggests a four-year jail term for people who fall flout the law.

    The lack of control and monitoring had resulted in either overutilization or underutilization of the chemical, resulting in crop failure, contamination of food crops and food poisoning of consumers.

    Source: ghananewsagency.org

  • BoG cleansing, CUA safe

    Mr. Gilbert Bene-Pewudie, Volta Regional Manager of the Ghana Cooperative Credit Union Association (CUA) Limited has said the Association remained solid and would not fall victim to the Bank of Ghana’s financial sector cleansing.

    He, therefore, asked members of the Association to stop the panic withdrawals and help the Association to grow stronger.

    Mr Bene-Pewudie said this at the 14th Annual General Meeting of the Hohoe Paradise Co-operative Credit Union Limited held in Hohoe on the theme; “Financial Independence, the Hallmark of Credit Unions.”

    He said the growth of Credit Unions was dependent on the ability of members to fulfil their financial obligations such as regular savings and repayment of loans received from the Credit Union and called for more commitment from members.

    Mr Bene-Pewudie encouraged members to inculcate the habit of savings in their children and groom them to join the Association.

    Mr. Akpalu Besa Michael, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Paradise Co-operative Credit Union Limited said the Union had embarked on public sensitisation programmes to attract more members.

    He said Credit Unions were potent weapons to improving the economic situations of members urging them to make themselves financially independent through savings.

    “‘We are therefore encouraging members to come and save, borrow more and pay quickly to enable them to improve themselves financially.’

    Mr. Akpalu said though work was ongoing on an office complex for the Union it was at a very slow pace, the Union was undertaking a face-lift on two of its offices in Hohoe and Kwamekrom and appealed to members to make voluntary donations to enable work to progress.

    He said saving withdrawal and loan defaults were challenges the Union was facing, adding that the management of the Union would continue to educate members on the benefits of paying loans on time and also urged them to take loans.

    The Paradise Co-operative Credit Union Limited has a total membership of 956 with 556 females, 394 males and six groups.

    Source: ghananewsagency.org

  • Paa Boateng to release a new single

    The Belgium-based Ghanaian gospel singer, Joseph Jones Mensah known in the music industry as “Paa Boateng”, is set to release a new single, after a long absence.

    In an interview with the GNA, Paa Boateng said, after a long absence from the Ghanaian music scene, he was back with a new release “Praise Revolution” to revive his career.

    Paa Boateng said the song which would be released on July 1, would feature Ties Wayne from Cote d’ Voire.

    The hit-maker said he planned to establish a charitable foundation to feed the poor and needy.

    Paa Boateng said, his new song to be released soon can be enjoyed at home, the workplace and play at church.

    Source: ghananewsagency.org

  • Listen! Strongman features M.anifest on ‘Ups And Downs’

    Rapper Strongman, who has been involved in a lyrical war with Medikal over the last 72 hours has released a fresh tune featuring the godMC, M.anifest.

    Many followers of the beef were expecting Ups & Downs to be the latest reply to Medikal but it turned out not to be a joint substantially directed at Medikal, even though some lines could be deciphered as being directed at him.

    The Tubhani Music produced single features the god MC of Ghanaian rap music M.anifest.

    Source: Ghanafuo.com

  • Water tariff up by 8.01 percent

    The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has approved an 8.01 percent increment in water tariff, effective July 2019.

    At a press conference, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Maame Dufie Ofori, highlighted the factors that have necessitated an increment in these tariffs including the dollar to cedi rate, projected inflation rate and increasing electricity and water demands.

    Read: PURC storms GRIDCo & Pokuase construction site over power outages

    This increment follows the increase in electricity tariffs by 11.7 percent, effective July 1, 2019.

    The PURC approved the increase after considering proposals from the Volta River Authority (VRA), the Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo), the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Power Distribution Services (PDS) Ghana Limited, the Northern Distribution Company (NEDCo) and Enclave Power Company Limited (EPC).

     

    Source: citinewsroom.com

  • Court fines stray cattle owners, squatters

    A sanitation court in Accra has fined two cattle owners GH960 each, equivalent to 80 penalty units, for allowing their herd to stray and causing traffic and posing danger to motorists in the metropolis.

    The two, Issah Oblikwei, 58; and Rafik Tagoe, 40; were also ordered by the court presided over by Her Worship Juliana Osei to relocate their cattle from the Jamestown slaughter slum opposite the Fire Academy and Training School (FATS) on the Cleland road in Accra within three months.

    According to the Prosecuting Officer, Nii Okai Aryee of the Public Health Department of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), the herdsmen were arrested by the Assembly’s Environmental Health Officers during their routine inspection within the metropolis on Tuesday, 19 June 2019 when they spotted 21 stray cattle along the Korle Bu main road.

    Read: Court joins A-G to uniBank counter-claim

    The court also fined Kamal Alhassan, a squatter, GHS240 for building at an unauthorised location after he pleaded guilty. He was given a three-month ultimatum to demolish the structures located at Adedenkpo in Accra.

    Three other squatters, Mary Odurowaa, 36; Richard Yaaba, 40; and Jacob Norgbegi, 50; who all pleaded not guilty, were granted bail of GHS1,500 each.

    All four squatters were arrested following the issuance of a bench warrant by the court.

    Florence Kuukyi, the Head of the AMA Public Health Department, in an interview, said stray cattle are a serious nuisance to motorists and pedestrians.

    She said under the Assembly’s 2017 by-laws, “it is an offence for cattle owners to bring their cattle to the residential areas and the streets”, adding that the law mandates the owners to confine their kraals outside residential and other unauthorised areas.

    She explained that it is prohibited for a person to keep swine, cattle, sheep, goats and other wildlife in any town or community in the area of authority of the Assembly, without a permit issued by the Assembly for that purpose.

    Read: Cattle take over Dansoman Exhibition Roundabout

    “Notwithstanding the above provisions, a person may keep animals within the area of authority of the Assembly for the purpose of domestic, religious, commercial or customary purpose if that person ensures that the animal is kept in a well-maintained pen/kraal and always kept clean”, she added.

    She mentioned that in the case of large numbers of cattle, the owners must abide by the stipulated sanitary conditions put in place by the Environmental Health Department (EPA) and other relevant agencies such as restricting the herd to a well-defined grazing area, reducing stench and noise and ensuring regular checkups by certified veterinary officers.

    She disclosed that in the case of goats and sheep, the number to be kept in any “dwelling house” shall not exceed 10 and admonished all citizens to be law-abiding.

     

    Source: classfmonline.com

  • Moesha Boduong dazzles in unique kente at 2019 BET

    Celebrity model and actress, Moesha Boduong, has caused yet another stir on social media after she was spotted at the 2019 BET awards.

    Photos of Moesha in a transparent black gown worn over a skimpy kaba and slit kente, captioned “BET 2019 AWARDS ” were posted by the renowned actress on her instagram page, to suggest that she had been in attendance.

    Moesha was also seen in subsequent photos with Nigerian musician, Teni the Entertainer.

    Moesha definitely had the time of her life this weekend as she was also seen with a plaque at the Hollywood Walk of Fame, posing with her customized Walk of Fame star on the boulevard.

    It is quite interesting to note that Moesha Boduong might have been the only Ghanaian celebrity to attend the 2019 BET since no Ghanaian artiste was nominated this year.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Accident claims three lives at Ayermesu

    Barely five days after a horrid accident claimed seven lives at Asitey, a surburb of Odumase-Krobo in the Lower Manya Krobo Municipality in the Eastern Region, another accident in the area has killed three persons.

    The deceased died on the spot when a Kia Truck, on which they were travelling, crashed into a tree at Ayermesu, near Odumase-Krobo last Wednesday.

    Read: The surviving mate of the VVIP bus in Kintampo road accident speaks

    The truck, which was loaded with salt, was travelling from Ada towards Akateng in the Upper Manya Krobo District, when it veered off the road and hit a tree resulting in the fatalities and injury to a fourth person.

    The injured, Charles Okutu, 32, who hails from Ada in the Greater Accra Region, has been admitted to the Atua Government Hospital in the Lower Manya Krobo Municipality.

    The deceased have been identified as Michael Gazo, 38, John Lakotey Lartey, 37, and David Omai, 20, all from Ningo in the Ningo Prampram District of the Greater Accra Region, but resided at Agortor, near Osudoku.

    Police brief

    The Municipal Commander of the Ghana Police Service, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Mr Harry Selormey, said the accident occurred about 12:05 a.m last Wednesday.

    He said the police had begun investigations into the accident as they awaited the recovery of the survivor for further assistance.

    Read: Accidents on roads up-north have spiritual undertones Traditionalist

    He cautioned drivers, who plied the Odumase-KroboAsesewa road, to be careful on the road since the area was mountainous.

    The Lower Manya Krobo Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Mr Simon Kweku Tetteh, visited the accident scene and expressed his condolences to the bereaved families.

    Background

    A similar accident occurred at Asitey last Saturday, June 15, when a Daewoo bus with 60 passengers on board, which was returning to Akosombo from a funeral at Akim Oda, ran into a valley at Asitey killing seven persons instantly, leaving 53 seriously injured.

     

    Source: Graphic.com.gh