19.2 C
London
Friday, May 23, 2025
Home Blog Page 387

Downpour causes havoc at Kotaa, local basic school appeals for support

0

By Benjamin Ansomah

Kotaa, (Bono), March 24, GNA – Mr Frank Asamoah, the Headmaster of the Kotaa Methodist Municipal Assembly School in the Berekum Municipality has appealed for support towards the re-roofing of some of the classroom blocks.

A downpour hit the Kotaa community and ripped up some classroom blocks, forcing the school children to study under trees.

The rains, which accompanied a heavy storm, caused extensive destruction to property and structures in the farming community. In an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) at Kotaa, Mr Asamoah said the classroom blocks that accommodate the form one, form two and form three students were the worst affected.

He said the damage had significantly slowed down academic work, worrying that several textbooks, and other teaching and learning materials had been destroyed and appealed for assistance.

Mr Kwasi Nketia, the Assembly Member for the Kotaa/Domeabra Electoral Area, also highlighted damages caused by the rains, saying the public toilet in the area had also been badly affected.

He said some compound houses in the community were also affected, displacing many of the residents who were currently perching with their relations and friends, adding that he had since reported the incident to the Berekum Municipal office of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) awaiting their response.

Mr Nketiah appealed to NGOs, wealthy people and religious organisations and corporate bodies to come to the aid of the affected people.

GNA

DP/KOA

Benjamin Asare to start: Otto Addo to name STRONG lineup against Madagascar

0

Black Stars head coach, Otto Addo is expected to maintain his lineup for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Madagascar. 

Hearts of Oak goalkeeper, Benjamin Asare could retain his position in goal behind Mohammed Salisu, Alexander Djiku, Kingsley Schindler, and Gideon Mensah. 

Thomas Partey, Ernest Nuamah, and Mohammed Kudus could start in midfield in Otto Addo’s new 4-3-3. 

Antoine Semenyo, Jordan Ayew, and Inaki Williams who all scored in the game against Chad are also expected to start. 

The game is slated for 19:00 GMT.

Full line up below

Benjamin Asare 

Mohammed Salisu 

Thomas Partey 

Antoine Semenyo 

Gideon Mensah

Ernest Nuamah 

Inaki Williams 

Mohammed Kudus

Jordan Ayew 

Alexander Djiku

Kingsley Schindler

PwC Ghana reviews 2025 budget, endorses economic reset agenda

0

PwC Ghana, a firm responsible for generating audits, assurance, and tax services across various sectors, has conducted a rigorous review of the 2025 Budget presented by the Minister for Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato  Forson, on March 11, 2025.

According to PwC, the government, through its budget presentation, has given clear expression to the economic reset agenda, a commitment it made to Ghanaians during the campaign trail.

Referencing PwC’s 2023 Mid-Year Budget Digest, published in August 2023, the firm stated that its long-standing stance on the urgent need for an economic reset. It stated, “Ghana’s economy urgently needs a reset, perhaps more urgently than many might have thought.”

The report further emphasized that “…the economy remains vulnerable and urgently needs the structural adjustment (i.e., reset) that we [PwC] have long spoken about.”

Additionally, PwC cautioned in its 2023 report that “…businesses and households should continue to tighten their belts before things get better.”

PwC Ghana specializes in audits, assurance, and tax services, offering local expertise and support while delivering a distinctive experience that exceeds clients’ expectations.

The 2025 Budget, as presented by the Finance Minister, outlined several initiatives aimed at fulfilling the government’s promise of resetting the economy.

One major highlight of the budget is the planned scrapping of the electronic levy, a move expected to take effect by March 31, as revealed by Deputy Finance Minister Thomas Ampem Nyarko, during the Oxfam Tax Dialogue on Channel One TV.

This policy shift, among others, is expected to shape Ghana’s economic landscape as the government seeks to implement reforms to stabilize and strengthen the economy.

Find the 2025 digest report below

2025 PwC Budget Statement At a Glance here

We will reset Ghana Armed Forces – Vice President

0

Speaking after the swearing-in ceremony on Monday, held at the Defence Ministry, Vice President Opoku-Agyemang, who was appointed by President John Mahama as Chairperson of the Council, said, “As a Council, we accept the responsibility to serve diligently, with loyalty and patriotic zeal, to reset Ghana and the Ghana Armed Forces, ensuring that we have peace and stability.”

AG to Afenyo-Markin: Stop maligning security officers

0

Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, has strongly rebuked Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin over allegations regarding a search conducted by National Security operatives at the residence of former Bank of Ghana Governor, Dr. Ernest Addison.

Afenyo-Markin had claimed that during the operation, personal belongings, including jewellery and money belonging to Addison’s wife, were stolen by the security personnel.

Addressing these allegations at a press conference on Monday, March 24, 2025, Dr. Ayine dismissed them as baseless and an “insult to the security service.”

“If Afenyo-Markin is daring me, I will make that recording available, so he should resist maligning law enforcement officers who are conducting investigations, and myself for the work we are doing,” Dr. Ayine warned.

He further assured the public that all investigative procedures were conducted ethically and in the best interest of the nation.

…..

Explore the world of impactful news with CitiNewsroom on WhatsApp!

Click on the link to join the Citi Newsroom channel for curated, meaningful stories tailored just for YOU:
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaCYzPRAYlUPudDDe53x

No spam, just the stories that truly matter! #StayInformed #CitiNewsroom #CNRDigital

Ghana’s youngest MP calls for speed bumps in accident-prone areas

0

Yakubu Mohammed is MP for  Ahafo Ano South East Yakubu Mohammed is MP for Ahafo Ano South East

The Member of Parliament for Ahafo Ano South East, Yakubu Mohammed, has called for increased public education on the use of footbridges and the implementation of speed control measures on highways to prevent road accidents.

Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Wednesday, March 19, the Ahafo Ano South East lawmaker stressed the need to educate the public, particularly those from rural communities, on the importance and proper use of footbridges.

“Some of us who come from rural areas may not fully understand the importance of footbridges.

“It should not be limited to road signs alone, because people without formal education may not be able to read and understand their purpose. There should be awareness campaigns on radio and TV to inform the public about the location of footbridges and the need to use them for their safety,” he stated.

His call comes at a critical time when Ghana is grappling with rising road fatalities.

In 2024 alone, 2,494 people lost their lives to road crashes, marking a 9.58 percent increase compared to 2023.

Between January and June 2024, 1,237 lives were lost due to road accidents, reflecting a 12.97 percent increase from the same period the previous year.

Additionally, pedestrian-related accidents continue to be a major concern, with 1,219 pedestrians struck by vehicles in the first half of 2024.

Beyond footbridges, the MP also highlighted the urgent need for speed control measures in his constituency, particularly in Edugyama, the capital of Ahafo Ano South East, which is situated along the Kumasi-Sunyani highway.

He lamented the absence of speed bumps on the newly-constructed road, which has led to frequent accidents.

“Every day, we wake up to news of people being knocked down while crossing the road. Just this past weekend, a District Chief Executive (DCE) was involved in an accident due to over speeding. In my hometown, Abesewa, residents keep complaining about the dangers posed by speeding vehicles,” he said.

Research shows that implementing speed control measures such as speed bumps can significantly reduce accidents. Studies indicate that speed bumps can lead to a 40% reduction in vehicle speeds, decreasing speed-related crashes.

Furthermore, the presence of speed humps have been associated with a 53 percent to 60 percent reduction in the odds of injury or death among children.

Yakubu Mohammed also urged Parliament and the Ministry of Roads and Highways to prioritise the installation of speed bumps in accident-prone areas, emphasising that the safety of citizens should take precedence over maintaining high-speed limits on highways.

“The lives of individuals are more important than the speed at which drivers are allowed to move,” he concluded.

His statement has reignited discussions in Parliament about pedestrian safety measures and the role of government agencies in preventing avoidable road accidents.

Meanwhile, catch up on the mysterious and historic details of Fort Amsterdam in this final part of our Ghana Month Series on People and Places on GhanaWeb TV below:

AE

Former NSB chief Kwabena Adu-Boahene allegedly diverted GH¢39 million

0

Kwabena Adu-Boahene is a former Director-General of the National Signals Bureau Kwabena Adu-Boahene is a former Director-General of the National Signals Bureau

The Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, has disclosed that the immediate past Director of the National Signals Bureau (NSB), Kwabena Adu-Boahene, allegedly diverted and embezzled up to GH¢39 million from the agency.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday, March 24, 2025, the Attorney General outlined the findings of an ongoing investigation into financial irregularities at the NSB.

“GH¢39,462,480 million went into Adu-Boahene and his wife’s pockets from one transaction,” the Attorney General said.

“We are still tracking suspect Adu-Boahene, his wife, and their assets. In the coming days, we will file the necessary charges against them,” he stated.

MA

Maintain 27% policy rate for economic stability

0

Dr. Daniel Armateye Anim, Business strategist and financial analyst Dr. Daniel Armateye Anim, Business strategist and financial analyst

Business strategist and financial analyst, Dr. Daniel Armateye Anim, has advised the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Johnson Asiama, to maintain the policy rate at 27 percent to further monitor Ghana’s macroeconomic environment.

According to him, this would allow the central bank to make timely decisions and projections for the next quarter.

“Considering the recent dynamics of macroeconomic indicators, particularly inflation rates, my view is that the Bank of Ghana should maintain the policy rate at 27 percent to allow for further monitoring of the macroeconomic environment. This would enable the bank to make appropriate projections for the next quarter. In my opinion, that would be the most prudent approach,” he told GhanaWeb Business on March 24, 2025.

The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Bank of Ghana is holding its 123rd regular meetings from Monday, March 24, 2025, to Wednesday, March 26, 2025, to review economic developments over the past two months.

The meetings will conclude with a press conference on Friday, March 28, 2025, where the Committee will announce its decision on the new policy rate.

Speaking to GhanaWeb Business, Dr. Anim emphasised the need for the central bank to maintain the current policy rate despite calls by some market watchers for an adjustment.

He stated that maintaining the policy rate would enable the Bank of Ghana to make well-informed decisions to address Ghana’s inflationary pressures by tightening its monetary policy appropriately.

“While I acknowledge that some are calling for a revision, I believe the rate should be maintained to provide the BoG with clarity on the direction of the economy. This will allow the bank to make meaningful and effective projections that support the overall objective of curbing inflationary pressures,” he added.

SP/MA

Watch the latest edition of BizTech below:

Click here to follow the GhanaWeb Business WhatsApp channel

Kwasi Appiah’s Sudan’s magnificent World Cup qualifiers stats

0

Ghanaian coach James Kwasi Appiah Ghanaian coach James Kwasi Appiah

Sudan, under the guidance of Ghanaian coach James Kwasi Appiah, are having a remarkable 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.

The Falcons of Jediane have been the surprise package of the qualifiers, leading Group B after five matches.

Kwasi Appiah’s side are currently one of only six unbeaten teams in the qualifiers, with three wins and two draws.

They have recorded some impressive victories along the way, including a 1-0 win over DR Congo and a 2-0 away victory against Mauritania.

Sudan sit top of their group with 11 points after holding group favourites and 2023 AFCON champions Senegal to a goalless draw on Saturday, March 22, 2025.

They will be hoping to maintain their fine form and extend their unbeaten run when they face South Sudan on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, in matchday six of the World Cup qualifiers.

Defensively, Sudan has been one of the best teams in the competition, conceding just one goal in five games. They are tied with Namibia as the second-best defensive side, behind Ivory Coast and Tunisia, who are yet to concede a goal.

Full statistics

Five matches played

3 wins

2 draws

7 goals scored

1 goal conceded

Group Stadings

EE/EK

Meanwhile, watch Lawrence Agyekum’s mum expresses her excitement after her son’s Black Stars debut

Fifa Africa 2026 World Cup qualifiers preview

0

Ghana and Madagascar go jam for dia 2026 World Cup qualifier for Morocco on Monday.

Dis dey happun afta di Black Stars hammer Chad 5-0 for di Accra sports stadium on Friday.

Dat na di first time Ghana don score five goals for one game since dem thrash Qatar 5-0 for di year 2020.

Goals from Antoine Semenyo (Bournemouth), captain Jordan Ayew (Leicester city), Mohammed Salisu (Monaco), Inaki Williams (Athletic Bilbao) and Ernest Nuamah (Lyon) give Ghana di emphatic victory for dat game.

Wit dat win, Ghana don climb to di top of Group I wit 12 points from five matches.

Madagascar dey second wit 10 points, Comoros get nine points, Mali and Central African Republic both get eight points wey Chad dey bottom of di table wit only one point.

Ghana President John Mahama bin ginger di team wen im visit dem ahead of di Chad game wey im tok say make dem win dis two qualifiers and make di fans happy again.

“Una go get di support of di kontri if you win dis games, make una show dedication like how una dey do for your clubs. As goment, we go support you to deliver.”

Afta di 5-0 win v Chad, President Mahama tok say “I bin get appetite for food wit dat result, make dis victory no enter your head. Dis gat to be di beginning of di love for di Black Stars once again.”

Team news

Ghana no get any injury mata for dis game as di team do dia recovery training for Morocco.

Coach Otto Addo bin tok say im dey want make di team focus for dis game.

“Everybody happy about our last win but we still gat long way to go, na so everybody gat to be on dia toes. We dey need 100% from di whole team.”

Im add say “dis na tough game, wetin I call small final.”

Im add say di technical team bin observe di Madagascar team well well, wia we go try to beat dem.

Hearts of oak goalkeeper Benjamin Asare wey keep clean sheet for im blackstars debut at 32 years, go fit dey inside post again today.

Sabi pipo tok say di coach dey likely to maintain di defense – Alexander Djiku, Mohammed Salisu, Gideon Mensah and Kingsley Schindler.

Black Stars legends – Asamoah Gyan and Stephen Appiah bin dey camp to ginger di boys and give dem vim for dis match.

Na long time wey di kontris legends don dey around di team to inspire dem and motivate dem.

Di football association believe say dis go help di squad.

Madagascar coach Corentin Martins ahead of di game tok say dem go play to dia own strength to try and beat Ghana.

“We don dey face ogbonge team like Ghana, but we go do our best.”

Dem appoint Corentin for February dis year as coach ahead of di qualifiers wit central Africa republic and Ghana.

As dem appoint am, im tok say “na short term contract, we go try to qualify for di World Cup; na tough dream but we go try to make am.”

Di Barea go rely on dia goalkeeper Geordan Dupire wey bin make three ogbonge saves for di game against central Africa republic.

Head-to-head

Dis go be di fifth time Ghana and Madagascar go jam for competitive games – Black Stars bin win two, Madagascar also win two, wit 1 draw.

Na so di last time dem face each oda, Inaki Williams score one late goal for di Baba Yara Sports stadium for November 2023.

Dat game na di first win for di 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

For June 2022, blackstars don hammer Madagascar 3-0 for di 2023 Africa cup of nations qualifiers – for di reverse game, di two teams play 0-0.

Madagascar no fit score goal for dia last three games wit Ghana.

Possible lineupsGhana

Asare (GK); Schindler, Djiku, Salisu, Mensah, Partey, Kudus, Nuamah, Ayew, Semenyo, Williams

Madagascar

Dupire (GK); Morgan, Fontaine, Marcelin, Rabemanantsoa, Lapoussin, Couturier, IIaimaharitra, Raveloson, Randriananten, Caddy

Video Goes Viral as Ramsey Nouah ‘Grinds’ Joselyn Dumas During RNAQ40 Party

0

A stunning moment during businessman Richard Nii Armah Quaye’s 40th birthday has gotten social media talking, as Nigerian actor Ramsey Nouah was spotted having a good time with Ghanaian actress Joselyn Dumas.

Ramsey Nouah was spotted dancing on the dancefloor with Joselyn Dumas by him. As they both danced, Dumas started tw*rking, taking her into Nouah’s space.

Nouah at a point hooked Dumas by the waist as they both wiggled their bodies to Sarkodie’s ‘Baby’.

Despite the good time they were having, another lady had her hands all over the Nigerian actor, indicating how he was a ‘hot cake’ on the night.

Social media users spotted the lady and dragged her for ‘spoiling’ things for Ramsey Nouah in regards to Joselyn.

“Why is the other lady messing things up for Ramsey 😂😂😂” one user commented.

The #RNAQ40 party, the largest of its kind in Ghanaian history, was the 40th birthday bash for business mogul Richard Quaye. Aside from Ghanaian celebrities and businessmen, he invited numerous top Nigerian celebs, including Nouah, Rita Dominic, Ini Edo, Swanky, Enioluwa, Toke Makinwa, and others.

Parliament summons Interior Minister over search of Addison’s house

0

Parliament has summoned the Minister for the Interior, Alhaji Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka, to appear before the House tomorrow, March 25, 2025, to brief members on circumstances leading to the search of the residence of the former Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), Dr Ernest Addison, last Wednesday, March 19, 2025. 

The Deputy Majority Leader in Parliament, George Kweku Ricketts-Hagan, announced this when he presented the Business Statement for the ensuing week on the floor of Parliament last Friday.

“Mr Speaker, the Business Committee has scheduled the Minister for the Interior to brief the House on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, on the circumstances leading to the raid of the residence of the former Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr Ernest Addison, on Wednesday, March 19, 2025,” he said.

“Honourable Members are to take note and avail themselves for the briefing on the said date,” the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament (MP) for Cape Coast South said.

Some armed men said to be security operatives last Wednesday dawn allegedly stormed Dr Addison’s residence at Roman Ridge searching for cash in a supposed vault. 

Minority presser

Following the incident, the Minority in Parliament held a press conference at the Parliament House last Thursday to condemn what they described as a pattern of unlawful raids targeting appointees of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

The Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, who addressed the press conference recalled a similar incident where another high-profile former official had also been subjected to a similar raid.

“First was a raid on the home of the former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, led by Richard Jakpa, a known NDC activist, who describes himself as Director of Operations at the National Security,” he said.

Mr Afenyo-Markin said these raids were being conducted in a manner that violated the rights of the individuals involved, adding: “This Rambo-style approach must cease.”
 

Government response

Since the incident happened, some government officials, including the Deputy Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Dr Justice Srem-Sai, have said it was a search that was conducted at the private residence of the former Governor of the BoG as part of ongoing investigations into the alleged misappropriation of state assets.

He stated that the operation, which took place last Wednesday, was carried out legally with a valid warrant.

“We take full responsibility for these searches, and I can confirm they were conducted in accordance with legal procedures,” he said.

Current BoG Governor briefs Parliament

Presenting the Business Statement, Mr Ricketts-Hagan also announced that the current Governor of the BoG, Dr Johnson Pandit Asiama, has been scheduled to brief the House on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, on the circumstances leading to the collapse of some banks and other financial institutions for consideration of the House.

Based on this, the First Deputy Minority Chief Whip and New Patriotic Party (NPP) MP for Tolon, Habib Iddrisu, cautioned the House to be specific on which of the banks and the financial institutions the Governor of BoG was coming to speak on, since some of these banks’ cases were in Court.

Responding to his concerns, the Deputy Majority Leader said the briefing by the BoG Governor was not about the issues in court but to provide information for MPs who were the representatives of the people and not to prejudice the cases.