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First batch of childhood vaccines woefully inadequate

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The Paediatric Society of Ghana is urging the government to purchase more childhood vaccines because the initial shipment is woefully inadequate.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Watch how day six of Afua Asantewaa’s sing-a-thon was celebrated with olé, olé, olé chant –

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At the stroke of midnight on December 29, 2023, hundreds of Ghanaians gathered at the Akwaaba Village in Accra burst into a spontaneous chant of olé, olé, olé olé.

The singing of the popular Spanish chant amidst blasting fireworks, was in celebration of the ongoing sing-a-thon by Afua Asantewaa, entering its sixth day.

Afua Asantewaa, a journalist and entrepreneur at 12:00 am on December 24, 2023, commenced a daring attempt to break the current Guinness World Record for the longest singing marathon.

With over 120 hours under her belt, Afua Asantewaa is well on course to dislodge the current holder of the record, Sunil Waghmare from India who did 105 hours of singing in 2012.

Watch video of the jubilation that greeted day six of Afua Asantewaa’s sing-a-thon below:

ghanaweb.com

No Ransom’ll Be Paid To Rescue Abducted Children – TinubuNo Ransom’ll Be Paid To Rescue Abducted Children – Tinubu –

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Bola Ahmed Tinubu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Wednesday, declared that no ransom will be paid for the rescue of the school children abducted from a primary school Kuriga in Kaduna State.

The President made the disclosure at the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting which held at the Presidential Villa Abuja.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, briefing State House Correspondents after the FEC meeting, said Tinubu also reiterated his directive to the defence to ensure that the children are rescued and brought back safely to their homes.

He also said the President made his stance against payment of ransom to kidnappers and that the current administration is determined to tackle kidnapping and other criminal activities in the country.

READ ALSO: FG Postpones ‘Student Loan’ Launch Indefinitely

“Mr President has also directed that no ransom will be paid by government to any of these criminal elements. I think it’s important that this be put out there,” the Minister said.

According to him, under the current government, kidnapping, especially mass abduction will not be tolerated.

This is coming a day after Kaduna-based Muslim cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, revealed his intention to dialogue with bandits who abducted about 287 schoolchildren from Kuriga Government Secondary and LEA Primary Schools in the Chikun Local Government Area of the State.

Gumi had said in a bid to facilitate the release of the abducted children, Tinubu give him the opportunity to negotiate.

According to the prominent Islamic scholar, Tinubu must not repeat the mistake made by former President Muhammadu Buhari, who refused to dialogue with bandits.

Mohammed Kudus replies and shames pastor who prophesied doom for him in Egypt match – Video –

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Black Stars midfielder and star boy, Mohammed Kudus replied and made ‘nonsense’ of a prophecy that was made against him by a Ghana Prophet.

Having lost the opener against Cape Verde in a 2:1 showdown which was accurately predicted by the Man of God, the Black Stars needed to avoid defeat to keep their hopes of progressing to the knockout stages alive.

They played the Pharaohs of Egypt at the Stade Felix Houphouet Boigny in Abidjan in their second group game of AFCON 2023.

Prior to the match, Reverend Jedidiah Kore have predicted the scoreline of the game and wished doom for Kudus.

As if to prove the Prophet wrong, Kudus scored Ghana’s two goals in the 2-2 draw with Egypt. He opened the scores with a powerful strike during first half injury time and striked again two minutes later before Mostafa Mohammed equalized in the 74th minute.

ghpage.com

You failed; resolve row over reshuffling quickly

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The Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampam, Sam Nartey George has added his voice to the growing division among NDC legislators over the shake-up in the party’s leadership in Parliament.

He lays blame on the doors of national officers of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for the mixed reactions that have greeted the replacements saying they failed to engage the party’s legislators.

“The crux of the matter we are dealing with is the fact that, there were no consultations. We hear Adabraka say that, consultations were done, but we are the individuals who are being affected by this decision. Were we engaged? Absolutely not. The issue is whether Parliament as the institution to be affected was engaged. That is where we have to begin thinking hard and seriously about it”, he said on Eyewitness News.

Current and past NDC MPs are divided over the development over lack of consultation. Party supporters are equally livid demanding an immediate reversal of the decision.

But the party insists the announcement is in line with its strategy for election 2024 and will not be reversed.

For Sam George, it is only appropriate for the party hierarchy to think about the disagreements and consider broad discussions as soon as possible to avert further confusion.

“Our national executives must accept and admit that they may think they have done consultation, but they needed to engage the parliamentary caucus. That is why I think we need to resolve this matter within the next 24 to 48 hours. There must be a sit down between the MPs and Adabraka to listen to what the parliamentarians have to say. What we want is legitimacy and legitimacy comes from consensus.”

The NDC has replaced Minority Leader Haruna Iddrisu with Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson.

Other changes include Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, MP for Ellembelle who has been brought in to replace Ketu North MP, James Klutse Avedzi as the Deputy Minority Leader while Kwame Governs Agbodza has also replaced Asawase MP, Muntaka Mubarak as the Minority Chief Whip.

Ahmed Ibrahim and Comfort Doyoe-Ghansah were, however, maintained as First and Second deputy Whips respectively.

But the reshuffling in the lawmaking house is brewing tensions.

Some 44 MPs signed a petition to reject the decision of the party. The 44 members believe the decision by the party is unfair and unpopular.

However, some 77 MPs have also reportedly signed a different petition to endorse the decision of the party.

According to reports, the 77 MPs believe that Dr. Ato Forson and Armah-Kofi Buah are politically astute and have the quality to lead the party in Parliament.

“This reaction we are seeing would have been properly managed. The NDC MPs caucus was to have been called int a meeting for the national officers to say, this is the decision we have taken based on consultation with the various stakeholders. There will be questions and disagreements but in the end, we would reach a consensus.”

“It is the shock factor of hearing it in the media and asking if I am part of the system. So this issue has to be resolved. We have the Council of Elders and the structures of the party, and they need to find a way of bringing Adabraka and the parliamentary caucus together”, Sam George stressed.

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Address concerns of senior staff of universities

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The National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) is urging the government to swiftly address the demands of the Senior Staff Associations of the universities in the country.

Senior Staff Association of the Public Universities in Ghana (SSA-UoG) and the Federation of Universities Senior Staff (FUSSAG) on Wednesday 17 January 2024, declared an indefinite nationwide strike over the blatant disregard for their welfare by the government.

According to the Association, their calls for the payment of their two-tier pension and overtime allowances requests have gone unheeded, resulting in the strike.

The strike has led to the withdrawal of various services, including healthcare, administration, and security, affecting final-year students who require strict supervision from senior technicians during their practical sessions.

The president of NUGS, Daniel Oppong Kyeremeh, in an interview with Citi News, described the situation as a hindrance to the progress of academic work.

He said, “We’ve had complaints, especially from students who are now in their final year, third year, and particularly science students who will mostly be engaging in practical sessions, needing these senior officers, especially technicians in the labs. The students are all complaining because they have not started their final-year projects and will need the strict supervision of these technicians, who are senior members. All these individuals are needed in the labs and offices. Each role played by these individuals helps in the smooth running of academic activities.”

He thus called on the government to address this issue as soon as possible with the unions.
“We are just asking the government to sit down with these unions and come to an agreement with them. According to their conversations, they have been fighting for these conditions of service for years, and the government keeps rescheduling meetings and not giving them proper attention.”

Mr. Oppong further called on the government to outline reasons for their inability to meet the demands for better conditions of service. He stressed that the absence of the vital services of the senior staff was hampering the progress of academic work.

An Ex-Diasporan Report: ‘My Bank ‘Bot’ Starved Me For Four Months!’

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In case you’re not up to speed with ‘post-Ai lingo’, ‘bot’ is short for “robot”, and “robot” is the main tool used by the “artificial intelligence” system that is invading our lives with frightening speed and driving many people crazy (especially those who are in the second half of their life-spans).

Driving people crazy? Yes! Just listen to what a friend who has just relocated to Ghana, after many years of cold absorption in “Cornback” (Aburokyire, or UK for those who are only in the first part of their life-span).

He writes: ‘Opanin’, (this title immediately identifies me with his age-group and explains why he chose me to tell his story too!)

“I’ve been back for some years, but kept an account with a financial institution there in case an emergency arose in my life that required access to foreign funds.

“Without asking me, a very nice lady at the institution decided that she would enroll me into a scheme whereby I would not need to go in person to the institution if it became necessary for me to engage in a transaction. Even a telephone call would not be necessary. An ‘app’ on my mobile phone would handle everything for me.

“Now, I don’t do too many transactions, so I readily agreed.

Life went on as before. But then I came to Ghana. And just after I had arrived, COVID-19 hit both Britain and Ghana. Going back to the UK in the middle of the pandemic became an unattractive prospect, given my age and the gloomy reports about how the disease was affecting the British. Better enjoy the sunshine at Ogyakurom, I thought.

“And then one day, I discovered that I’d lost the phone with the ‘app’ on it! When I tried to access my account with a different phone, I got short shrift. The ‘app’ understandably wanted to ‘verify’ my ID before allowing me into the account (thank God it was so protective!) but it wouldn’t accept anything not produced in answer to its demands!

“Now, this was the frightening part: after the ‘app’ has refused me access to my account, it would tell me that it was passing me on to a member of the ‘help team’. It would warn me that a lot of people were using its systems, and so I might experience some minutes of silence on the line. Then it would put on some atrocious ‘music’.

“I would then hold on the line and wait and wait and wait and wait and wait. One hour. Two hours. Then I would hang up.

Sometimes, it’ll get me to keep holding on, the ‘bot’ would actually LIE and tell me that I would be connected to the ‘Help Desk’ in ‘two minutes’. Big joke! Two hours again!

“I began to develop feelings of paranoia towards the ‘app’. Obviously, it had been programmed to keep me hanging on the line so that the institution could charge me while not connecting me to the service I wanted! (There was a warning that ‘charges’ could be incurred on certain calls!) Yes, the institution was set up to make profit for its owners, but should such a blatant fleecing of customers be allowed?

Who could affirm the claim that the customer was NOT being connected to the service he wanted because too many people were genuinely using the service at the time? Wasn’t it the institution that projected the number of call centres it thought it would need?

“I tried my luck every now and then,” the Diasporan continued, “I would do everything I was asked to do, but still no luck. What I resented most was that the ‘bot’ was almost always rejecting my responses to its requests without telling me why. And yet, it was also not allowing me to ‘appeal’ to real humans! Why? Because an ALGORITHM is created to act as if it was INFALLIBLE! If that is not tyranny, what is? Big businesses are trying it out. Will authoritarian governments be next?”

Already, Britain is in the throes of a major scandal, unprecedented in nature that was created for the British Post Office, after it used a software system called “Horizon” which the Post Office commissioned from a private company. As many as 1000, I repeat, 1000 subpostmasters who had been employed after normal routine enquiries on financial probity had been made on them, were suddenly “exposed” by the Horizon software to be indulging in false accounting and embezzlement of all sorts.

Many were jailed. Others lost their homes. All because the gullible bosses of the British Post Office believed that Artificial Intelligence could not go wrong! (See Google “The British Post Office Scandal”)
www.cameronduodu.com

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African Games: Sports Minister eulogizes media for outstanding coverage

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The Minister of Youth and Sports, Mustapha Ussif, has expressed gratitude to the media for their instrumental role in the successful hosting of the 2023 African Games in Ghana.

This marked the first time the Games were held in Ghana, setting high expectations for the continent.

The captivating three-week event concluded on Saturday, March 23, with a memorable closing ceremony at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium.

In a press briefing held on Monday, March 25, the Sports Minister acknowledged the pivotal contribution of both local and international media in delivering an exceptional experience to a global audience.

“We are here to extend our appreciation to the media, both local and international, for their outstanding coverage throughout this journey.

“Your support was not limited to the duration of the games; from the outset, during challenging times, your critiques and suggestions were invaluable. You have played a significant role in shaping our journey and achieving the success we celebrate today. We cannot depart without acknowledging your commendable efforts” he said.

Ghana’s performance at the African Games saw the nation achieving its highest medal count with 69 medals. Egypt, Nigeria, and South Africa secured the top three spots with 192, 121, and 106 medals respectively, while Team Ghana finished in sixth place overall.

READ ALSO

Watch Video As Two University Students Fight Over A Guy In The Hostel (Video)

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Teachers in Arabic schools will be paid if I’m elected -Alan

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Alan Kyerematen, founder and leader of the Movement for Change, has pledged to introduce comprehensive interventions to improve the lives of all Zongo community residents if elected.

Key among these initiatives is the integration of Arabic school teachers into the Ghana Education Service, ensuring they receive a regular salary for their vital work.

Kyerematen also promised to enrol teachers at Arabic schools (Makaranta) in a government salary scheme if he becomes president.

“It’s unfortunate, Makranta teachers are not considered as part of the Ghana Education Service,  because teachers are teachers all over the world. I have also committed that when I become President, we will, make sure to integrate Makranta teachers into the GES.”

Speaking at the launch of Zumunta, the Zongo wing of his party, Kyerematen criticized both the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) for neglecting Zongo communities despite receiving significant support from them during elections.

In Darkuman, Ablekuma North Constituency, Kyerematen was greeted by a large crowd of supporters, with whom he met local leaders, including Chiefs and Imams, to garner support for his presidential bid.

The electorate expressed strong backing for Kyerematen’s candidacy, citing fatigue with the dominance of the NPP and NDC.

Leaders of allied parties and movements also urged voters to support Kyerematen, emphasizing the need for change and his vision for a better Ghana.

 

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Bawumia To Unveil Stress Free Visa Policy

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Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the 2024 presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), in the next government will unveiled a groundbreaking visa-free policy aimed at strengthening Pan-African and Caribbean unity, boosting tourism, and enhancing trade and investment in Ghana.

A Visionary Leadership

As the Vice President to President Nana Akufo-Addo, Dr. Bawumia has consistently demonstrated his commitment to Ghana’s growth and development.

Now, as the NPP’s presidential candidate, he’s taking his vision to the next level with a bold initiative that’s expected to transform Ghana’s tourism and trade landscape.

Building on Past Successes

The proposed visa-free policy builds on the success of the ‘Year of Return’ and ‘Beyond the Return’ initiatives, which brought waves of visitors and investors to Ghana, highlighting the country’s cultural vibrancy and historical significance.

This move is also expected to pave the way for more initiatives like ‘December in GH’, further solidifying Ghana’s position as a hub for cultural exchange and economic growth.

A Boost to Tourism and Trade

By implementing a visa-free policy for nationals of African and Caribbean countries, Dr. Bawumia’s government aims to attract more tourists, investors, and traders to Ghana.

This move is expected to enhance trade and investment, create jobs, and stimulate economic growth.

49 Days to Election Day

With just 49 days left until the presidential elections, Dr. Bawumia’s visa-free policy announcement is a clear indication of his commitment to Ghana’s progress.

-BY Daniel Bampoe

Husband returns from abroad to catch his wife sleeping with his gateman; Gets pregnant in the process

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A Nigerian man has been left heartbroken after spending eight months in Dubai and returning to find out that his wedded wife has been sleeping with their gateman.

In a hair-raising story secretly sent to @Postsubman on Twitter, the man devastated man said he is seeking advice on how to handle the situation.

READ ALSO: “I don’t want my husband to prosper and be free” – Empress Lupita confesses (Video)

As revealed by the betrayed husband, his wife is currently five months pregnant, and the baby is not his own because he has been away in Dubai, UAE.

He explained that people are pleading with him to forgive his wife and accept her, but he is finding it difficult.

The man narrated that each time he sees his wife and the pregnancy, he only thinks of the gateman and the betrayal.

He wrote…

READ ALSO: Video of Empress Lupita using frogs to prepare food of her husband causes stir

“He spent 8 months in Dubai only to find out that his wife is already sleeping with the gateman. To the extent that she is already 5 months pregnant. I have never cheated on her even with the temptations I faced daily.”

READ ALSO: Husband catches wife cheating on him just 9 months after their wedding

Cecilia Dapaah confronts Martin Kpebu over alleged unfair comments on her case

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Former Sanitation Minister, Cecilia Dapaah has confronted private legal practitioner, Martin Kpebu over his commentary on the ongoing investigations against her by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).

The outspoken lawyer has consistently backed the OSP on its decision to investigate Dapaah, seize monies found in her home, and freeze her bank accounts on suspicion that they were tainted properties.

However, the former minister, who seems to be affected by the remarks, accused Martin Kpebu of unfair commentary.

This happened on Wednesday, October 11, 2023, after the High Court heard arguments for the abridgement of time for the hearing of the confirmation of the freezing and seizure orders.

Martin Kpebu was in court to represent his client in a separate case in Financial Court 2, where proceedings for the Cecilia Dapaah case were held.

The lawyer however explained that his commentary has been strictly based on the facts of the case that are available to the public.

I Am Well- Yaw Sarpong

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Veteran Gospel musician, Yaw Sarpong has broken silence after news of him getting stroke went viral.

Recall that about 5 years ago ace Gospel musician, Yaw Sarpong divulged that he was bedridden for 2 years due to an unknown sickness.

He revealed that during the sickness he could not do anything, adding that even doctors told him he would not be able to talk or walk.

In a video that flew across social media platforms yesterday, February 27, Maame Tiwaa who happens to be Yaw Sarpong’s backing vocalist and a Gospel heroine said that Yaw Sarpong was allegedly down with a stroke.

In the viral video, Maame Tiwaa was seen singing one of Yaw Sarpong’s sad songs whilst crying.

One could hear the Gospel heroine saying “God please heal Yaw Sarpong”.

Well, it is reported that the gospel musician as well as Maame Tiwaa is doing very fine.

According to Ghanaian journalist, Kofi Adoma, when he heard of the news, he tried to reach out to the duo who told him they were doing very fine.

Kofi Adoma noted that the video that circulated on social media is an old video.

Ejisu NPP primary: Aspirants increase to nine as two more people pick forms

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Ejisu NPP Primary

Two more persons have today picked forms to contest in the Ejisu New Patriotic Party (NPP) bring the number of aspirants to nine.

The by-election has become necessary following the demise of Member of Parliament for the area, John Ampontuah Kumah.

Former Assembly member for Essienimpong Electoral Area, Aaron Prince Duah and Maame Yaa Aboagyewaa are the latest to join the race.

Aaron Prince Duah who described himself as a grassroots person believes that quality will win him the elections.

The NPP has scheduled the election of a parliamentary candidate for the constituency on Saturday, April 13, 2024.

The party’s General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, announced in a statement that prospective parliamentary candidates could purchase and submit their nomination forms from Tuesday, April 2 to Thursday, April 4, 2024, at the constituency party office.

The NPP stated that an aspiring parliamentary candidate must obtain nomination forms after paying a non-refundable application fee of GHȼ3,000 in a banker’s draft payable to the NPP National Headquarters, Accra.

Additionally, an aspiring PC must pay a non-refundable filing fee of GHȼ35, 000 in a banker’s draft payable to the New Patriotic Party National Headquarters, Accra.

However, the statement noted that Women, Youth (individuals aged between 18 and 40 years), and Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) will receive a 50% discount on the filing fees, reducing their non-refundable filing fee to GHȼ17,500.

The nine aspirants picked their forms between Tuesday, April 2 and Wednesday, April 3.

Seven of them picked on Tuesday while the remaining two picked up their nomination forms on Wednesday.

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February Records a Drop in Inflation as Food Prices Ease

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The inflation rate for February 2024 reportedly dropped to 6.3 percent, compared to 6.9 percent in January, following consecutive declines in November and December at 6.8 and 6.6 percent, respectively.

On Thursday, the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) reported in a press release that the price changes in food, energy, and transport, constituting approximately 57 percent of household budgets, were the primary contributors to the inflation levels.

According to KNBS, prices in commodities such as housing, water, and electricity decreased by 0.8 percent.

This decrease was attributed to a 9.3 percent drop in the prices of 200 kilowatt-hours (kWh) and an 11 percent reduction in the prices of 50 kWh of electricity. Additionally, the price of a liter of kerosene dropped by 0.5 percent during the same period.

While gas prices rose by 4.3 percent, petrol and diesel prices decreased by 0.5 percent between January 2024 and February 2024.

The Transport Index increased by 0.2 percent during the same period.

Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages Index

The Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages Index increased by 0.3 percent between January 2024 and February 2024.

“The rise in food inflation is mainly attributed to the increase in prices of some food items, which outweighed the decrease in prices of other foodstuffs,” KNBS said

Between January 2024 and February 2024, prices of food experienced the following drops: a kilogram of beans (0.6%), 2 kilograms of maize flour (1.0%), fortified maize flour (1.5%), 1 kilogram of maize flour-loose (1.6%), 1 kilogram of loose maize grain (3.4%), sugar (4.6%), and tomatoes (5.7%).

However, during the same period, prices of spinach, sukuma wiki, and wheat flour-white increased by 3.9, 3.4, and 2.6 percent, respectively.

Year-on-year, between February 2023 and February 2024, prices of commodities under transport increased by 10.8%, while those under housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels increased by 8.4%, and food and non-alcoholic beverages increased by 6.9%.

Relief for consumers is also anticipated due to the appreciating shilling, which, for the past three weeks, has continued to gain against the US dollar, attributed to eased debt pressure.

I’ve seen sacrifices and struggles Ghanaians are going through – Bawumia talks economy –

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Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia has finally spoken about the economic challenges Ghanaians are going through.

Bawumia, who was elected flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) after the November 4 primaries spoke about the economy during his acceptance speech at the Accra Sports Stadium.

According to him, Ghana’s economy was not immune to global economic challenges brought on by international exogenous factors but that efforts were underway to fix the challenges.

The veep who is chair of the Economic Management Team (EMT) of the current government said he was aware of the sacrifices and struggles that Ghanaians are going through and that he was assuring that signs of recovery are currently underway.

Bawumia has been serially accused of abandoning his economic forte that brought him fame prior to 2016 speaking more to issues around digitalization in recent years.

ghanaweb.com

VeryDarkMan Calls Out Tonto Dikeh For Allegedly Assaulting Car Dealer Over Unpaid Debt

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Vincent Martins Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan, has released a video of Nollywood actress Tonto Dikeh on social media following her incident with a car salesman in Abuja.

In the video posted to his Instagram page on Saturday, the actress was seen fighting with an alleged vehicle dealer about unpaid bills.

According to reports, the movie star purchased a car for N86 million in installments and refused to pay the remaining N2 million after one year.

Calling her out and expressing dismay at the way she attacked the auto dealer, VeryDarkMan asked if this is what she wanted to accomplish with her political position.

He said that he was impressed by the vehicle dealer’s ability to remain composed in the face of the actress’ actions.

READ MORE: “I Rejected Bribe To Say No To Protest, Other Celebrities Accepted” – VeryDarkMan

Sharing the video, he captioned, “Warning, This video contains graphic images that some viewers may find distressing.

Tonto d! keh, is this what you want to do with the political office you are pursuing? Imagine assault!n a man that sold car to you because he asked for unpaid debt that has gone over seven months; this is not fair Tonto, is it an off€nse to ask for ones money, this is the same woman who fights ag^! not billion and opprzzion according to her….. I really love how composed the guy remained and how he didn’t touch her, tonto d! keh God is watching”.

Watch him speak below…

Earn the trust of Ghanaians and outline your policies clearly

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Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has advised Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia to ensure transparency and detailed policy communication to earn the electorate’s confidence in his potential presidency.

Recognising the ongoing nature of development, the Asantehene highlighted the Vice President’s responsibility to articulate his strategies that would build upon the current NPP government’s accomplishments.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II underscored the significance of the NPP Flagbearer’s articulation of future plans, asserting its critical role in securing the trust of Ghanaian voters.

He also called upon the Vice President’s advisors to offer robust support and counsel, aiding him in the fulfilment of his objectives.

“…What matters is for you to let Ghanaians know that if they follow him if he is elected president, he can make changes for Ghana to grow. He should accord Ghanaians due respect and carefully outline his policies for Ghanaians to know what he wants to bring on board.

“If you continue making known and explaining the policies you want to bring on board if elected and if they are true and God permits and Ghanaians listen and give you the nod, I am sure you will do them for Ghana to grow for us. Other parties want to govern so let us understand your policies well.”

“…Let Ghanaians know that there is a shortfall here but when I am elected, I will work on it. When you do things like that, they will believe you. But if you are only poised to come and rule then it will not work,” he advised during the Vice President’s visit as part of his Ashanti Region tour.

 


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Spend your savings before you die – Yul Edochie advises fans – Citinewsroom – Comprehensive News in Ghana

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Actor and self-styled Pastor Yul Edochie has taken social into a state of frenzy after advising fans to spend their savings rather than saving for the future.

In a post on Instagram, Edochie encouraged followers to “chop their money” and share some with those in need, emphasising that death is inevitable and someone else will spend it if they don’t.

Edochie’s comments have received mixed reactions, with some criticising his approach as reckless and irresponsible, while others see it as a call to live in the present and share with others.

Yul expanded on his views, stating that life is not as serious as people make it out to be and that everyone will eventually die.

He emphasised the importance of enjoying one’s life and sharing with others, rather than hoarding wealth.

“We’re all going to die. It’s only a matter of time. e go reach everybody. Life is not that serious. Na we just dey take am too serious. That money wey you dey hide, bring am out, chop am well well. Share some with other people. If not, you go still leave am die,” he said.

Check the post below

 

LG Chairmen Misusing FAAC Funds Risk Jail Term – FGLG Chairmen Misusing FAAC Funds Risk Jail Term – FG –

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The Federal Government, on Thursday, threatened to imprison Local Government Area (LGA) chairmen who tamper with Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) funds.

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, made the announcement on Thursday at the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria’s 17th annual lecture event in Abuja.

He stated that none of the chairmen have immunity and will be imprisoned if they tamper with funds designated for the development of their areas.

Fagbemi stated, “We have a situation on our hands; I know that it is still there; the conduct of elections must be done by the states.”

“But the distinction is this: don’t forget, the governors have immunity, the local government council chairmen or councillors, they have no immunity, so they have to choose between dealing with the funds of the local government as they like and risking going to jail. The choice is theirs (LG chairmen).

READ ALSO: “Nigeria Is Okay, Go And Hustle” – Portable Curses Those Asking Him To Sing At #EndBadGovt Protest

“If they want to tamper with these funds and end up in jail, it is their choice. If they want to write their names in letters of gold, activities like construction or road upgrades must be returned to the local government. They don’t all have to come to Abuja.

“If they stay at the local government, we will be able to reduce the level of insecurity that we have in Nigeria today. What obtains offshore is that the security agents are able to perform optimally because of information that comes to them from members of the public and usually it is from the grassroots.”

According to the Minister, the Federal Government opted to use the Supreme Court to achieve LG autonomy due to the challenges it will face at State Assemblies, stressing that any Speaker who would have supported the cause will not survive the tenure or lose his reelection.

The Minister stated that for over two decades, local government administration in the country has been in comatose with state governments not remitting funds meant for the local governments.

Ghana’s 8% growth in 2017 can’t be attributed to NPP

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Former president John Dramani Mahama has described as bizarre efforts by the Akufo-Addo government to take credit for Ghana’s economic growth in 2017.

Mr. Mahama said the New Patriotic Party has driven the country into an economic ditch and has been making attempts at claiming credit for the hard work of the National Democratic Congress in 2016 which led to the significant economic growth the country recorded in 2017.

Speaking on the topic “Africa’s Strategic Priorities and Global Role” at Chatham House in London on January 27, former president Mahama said the records are clear to point to the work that his government did before leaving office in 2016.

Answering a question from Tamale North MP, Alhassan Suhiyini on the evidence of the work the NDC party put in to record the 8% economic growth in 2017, Mr. Mahama said: “When we were leaving office in 2016, all the multilateral agencies predicted Ghana was going to grow at 8% because of the work that we have done and in 2017, it grew at 8%. There was no way the current government could have influenced that growth in 2017.”

“The indices show that when we left office, the debt to GDP was 56%… Meanwhile, you inherited it in 2017 at 56% of debt to GDP so what other evidence do you need to attribute Ghana’s fiscal and economic growth to the NDC?”

He also chastised the New Patriotic Party’s government and condemned its domestic debt exchange programme which has got many investors and bondholders agitated.

He said the NDC went through an IMF programme and didn’t have to take Ghanaians through the current debacle.

“There is one significant fact that I kept saying that nobody pays attention to. Under an IMF programme, for the first time in history, we agreed with the IMF that we were going to do zero Central Bank financing so in the 2016 fiscal year, the government implemented its whole budget without taking a single Cedi from the Bank of Ghana.”

 

 

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Sexyy Red drops another ‘dirty’ bombshell after her viral leaked bedroom video –

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The leaked video of American Singer and Rapper Sexyy Red has indeed caused quite a stir on social media, attracting significant attention and reactions from users.

In response to the video’s circulation, Sexyy Red posted a message on X expressing her feelings of being “brokenhearted.”

She further clarified that she wouldn’t engage in such explicit content and share it publicly.

Essentially, she seemed to suggest that she had no intention of the video becoming public and claimed not to know how it was leaked.

However, it’s worth noting that the video was initially uploaded by Sexyy Red herself on her Instagram story.

The reasons behind her decision to share such content remain a mystery and have left many people perplexed.

THIS IS WHAT SHE WROTE ON HER OFFICIAL X PAGE;

TAKE A LOOK AT THE VIDEO HERE: https://t.me/ghpageofficial/20006

This incident underscores the unpredictable nature of social media, where even private moments can quickly become public, leading to unexpected consequences and reactions.

ghpage.com

Fruits That Can Cause High Blood Sugar And Diabetes If Consumed On A Regular Basis

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Fruits are generally considered a healthy and nutritious food group. They are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber and can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. However, according to WebMD, some fruits can cause high blood sugar and increase the risk of diabetes if consumed on a regular basis.

Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects the way the body processes blood sugar (glucose). High blood sugar levels can cause damage to organs and tissues over time, leading to complications such as nerve damage, kidney disease, and blindness. While eating fruits is generally recommended for people with diabetes, it’s important to choose the right types and consume them in moderation.

Here are some fruits that can cause high blood sugar and increase the risk of diabetes if consumed on a regular basis:

Mangoes

Mangoes are a sweet and juicy fruit that are high in sugar and carbohydrates. One medium-sized mango contains around 45 grams of carbohydrates, which is equivalent to three slices of bread. Eating too many mangoes can cause a rapid rise in blood sugar levels, especially for people with diabetes.

Grapes: Grapes are another sweet fruit that can cause a spike in blood sugar levels. They are high in sugar and carbohydrates, with one cup of grapes containing around 27 grams of carbohydrates. Eating grapes in moderation is okay, but consuming large amounts can increase the risk of diabetes and other health problems

Dates

Dates are a sweet fruit that are high in natural sugars and carbohydrates. They are a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, but can also cause a rapid rise in blood sugar levels when consumed in excess.

One medjool date contains around 18 grams of carbohydrates, which is equivalent to eating about one slice of bread. Consuming too many dates, especially for people with diabetes, can cause a spike in blood sugar levels and increase the risk of developing diabetes or complications associated with high blood sugar levels.

Pineapple: Pineapple is a tropical fruit that is high in sugar and carbohydrates. One cup of pineapple chunks contains around 22 grams of carbohydrates, which can cause a rapid rise in blood sugar levels. People with diabetes should consume pineapple in moderation and choose fresh, unsweetened varieties over canned or processed versions.

Watermelon: Watermelon is a refreshing and hydrating fruit that is low in calories and high in nutrients. However, it’s also high in sugar and can cause a rapid rise in blood sugar levels. One cup of watermelon contains around 11 grams of carbohydrates, which can be significant for people with diabetes.

In conclusion, while fruits are generally considered a healthy food group, some fruits can cause high blood sugar and increase the risk of diabetes if consumed on a regular basis.

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Special Prosecutor Interrogates MP Over Bribery In Parliament |

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Andy Appiah Kubi, the Member of Parliament (MP) representing Asante-Akim-North, has revealed that he has provided the Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng, with all the relevant details concerning claims of bribery attempts made on members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) who had demanded the dismissal of the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta.

The Special Prosecutor had summoned Appiah Kubi, the spokesperson of the ‘rebel’ MPs demanding the sacking of Ken Ofori-Atta for an inquiry into accusations that a wealthy businessperson believed to have links with all political parties had attempted to persuade the MPs to withdraw their demands.

After appearing before the Special Prosecutor on May 10, Andy Appiah-Kubi expressed his readiness to make himself available for further questioning if necessary.

“He needed information from me and I have given the information, I have given a statement and that is the cooperation [I’m talking about]. I already appeared before the committee [and] I have testified, if they find it necessary to invite me again I will avail myself,” the Member of Parliament for Asante-Akim North told journalists in Parliament where the interrogation took place.

However, the information he furnished the Special Prosecutor is yet to be known.

Somewhere in 2022, Andy Appiah Kubi and over 70 NPP MPs called for the removal of the Finance Minister but later softened their stance after meeting President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, who is the Majority Leader and Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, and Andy Appiah-Kubi alleged that a businessman tried to influence the group with money brought to Parliament in a bid to get the MPs to abort their decision.

The Majority Leader has promised that Parliament will investigate the allegation of bribery levelled against the unnamed businessman, saying, “The alleged bribery has come to my notice, and we will investigate to see if it is true and the motive behind.”

Source: dailyguidenetwork.com

 

 



: Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of . accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Vote for me to ensure a Ghana filled with endless possibilities – Bawumia urges

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Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has urged Ghanaians to vote for him in this year’s general elections.

Dr Bawumia says a vote for him will ensure a Ghana that is filled with endless possibilities.

He said this in a Facebook post on Tuesday after his campaign tour of Offinso North, Offinso South and Afigya Kwabre North constituencies in the Ashanti region.

He observed that the people in these areas celebrated the “impact” that the NPP administration has made in the lives of the residents.

“Testimonies on – and sometimes from – the persons whose lives we have touched as a government and as individuals in positions to have a positive impact were very heartwarming,” he said.

He added “Under my Presidency, the various policies, programmes and solutions will do even more of the talking. Let us all go out and cast our votes for a Ghana filled with endless possibilities.”

 

Court Convicts Bobrisky For Naira Abuse, Reserves Sentencing Till April 9

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The Federal High Court in Lagos on Friday, convicted controversial cross-dresser, Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky for abusing the Naira.

It was gathered that Justice Abimbola Awogboro convicted him after review of the case.

READ MORE: EFCC To Arraign Bobrisky For Alleged Money Laundering, Other Offences On Friday

However, Bobrisky in his defense, told the court that he was not aware of the law on abusing the naira.

He said that he is a social media influencer with over five million followers.

The judge then told him that ignorance of the law was not an excuse.

He said: “I know, My Lord. My Lord, I wish that you could give me a second chance to use my platform to inform and educate my followers about spraying money.

“I would do a video on my page and I will educate people about spraying money.

“I will not repeat it again. I regret my actions.”

INFORMATION NIGERIA reports that the judge, reserved judgement on Bobrisky’s sentencing till April 9, ordering his remand in EFCC’s custody.

With the conviction, the crossdresser could either serve six months in prison, pay a fine of N50,000 or do both.

Section 21 (1) of the CBN Act 2007 states that: “a person who tampers with a coin or note issued by the Bank is guilty of an offence and shall on conviction be liable for imprisonment for a term not less that six months or to a fine not less that N50,000 or to both such fine and imprisonment.”

Corruption fight: Let’s search homes of all ministers – Martin Kpebu

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Corruption fight: Let’s search homes of all ministers – Martin Kpebu

Corruption fight: Let’s search homes of all ministers – Martin Kpebu


Private Legal Practitioner, Martin Kpebu has called for the homes of all ministers and government appointees to be searched as part of the fight against corruption.

Speaking on the case of former Sanitation Minister Cecilia Dapaah on the Big Issue on Citi FM on Saturday, the outspoken lawyer said searching the homes of government officials would send a strong message that the government is serious about fighting corruption.

“Let’s search the officers at the Jubilee House, let’s search the Ministers, let’s search them…the monies are in their homes. If we don’t do this we are not fighting corruption. If we don’t search all the ministers forget it we are just playing.”

Martin Kpebu’s call comes after the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) found $590,000 and GH¢2.7 million in cash during a search of the home of the former Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, Cecilia Dapaah. The money is suspected to be tainted property.

The OSP has commenced investigations into the matter, and Cecilia Dapaah has been charged with money laundering and other corruption-related offences.

Mr Kpebu defended his call, saying it is necessary to send a strong message that the government is serious about fighting corruption.

“Let’s search them all of them,” Mr Kpebu said, “But we are men and we need to fight like men otherwise let’s forget about the corruption fight to send a strong message that no one is above the law.”

The post Corruption fight: Let’s search homes of all ministers – Martin Kpebu appeared first on Citinewsroom – Comprehensive News in Ghana.

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“No One Can Accuse Me Of Sleeping With Any Married Man”

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Tacha Akide, a past housemate on Big Brother Naija Pepper Dem, has stated that no one can accuse her of sleeping with a married man.

In a snippet of yet to be released episode of Chude Jideonwo’s podcast, the reality star made the audacious claim.

She mentioned how people have linked her to various married men, but no one has boldly declared who she is sleeping with or presented evidence.

Tacha added that she can freely announce that no man is funding her and that she works hard to maintain the lifestyle she enjoys.

She remarked how few people can make this declaration with their entire chest.

The influencer stated that it has not been easy for her, particularly in her industry, where forces do not want her to succeed.

READ MORE: South African Singer, Tyla Suffers Life-Threatening Injury, Takes Vacation From Music

In her words,

“There is no time they have not linked me to married men, but they can’t bring any man forward because there is none. I say it proudly any day and anytime, anywhere, in my sleep or dream. Everything I enjoy I worked for it so hard, not a lot of people can make this mouth. And I say it again, because it is not easy, especially in the industry where there are forces that don’t want you to prosper”.

SEE VIDEO:

NDC mourns the passing of former Pentecost chairman Apostle Dr. Michael Kwabena Ntumy –

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The National Democratic Congress ( NDC) has expressed its sadness following news of the passing of the former Chairman of the Church of Pentecost Dr Michael Kwabena Ntumy.

In a press statement released on Wednesday, December 27, the NDC said Apostle Ntumy’s contributions were a blessing to the church and the nation.
The NDC thus extended its condolences to his family, church and the entire Christian community.

“The National Democratic Congress (NDC) is deeply saddened by the passing of Apostle Dr. Michael Kwabena Ntumy, esteemed former chairman of the Pentecost Church. His profound contributions were a blessing to both the church and the nation.

Apostle Dr. Ntumy’s unwavering commitment to spiritual leadership and community development has left an enduring legacy,” parts of the NDC statement read.

The news of the demise of Apostle Dr Ntumy was announced by Apostle Samuel Gyau Obuobi, General Secretary of The Church of Pentecost on Wednesday, December 27, 2023, through a press statement.

He was 65 years.

Apostle Dr. Michael Ntumy was a teacher in Yendi in the 1980s before becoming a Deacon and Elder of the Church.

He got married to his wife, Martha, at age 24. He began full-time Ministry at age 26 with The Church of Pentecost.

He was called to the office of an Apostle at age 33 and six years later, elected the fourth Chairperson of the Church. After serving for two terms (10 years), he handed it over to Apostle Professor Opoku Onyinah.

Apostle Ntumy is known to have survived many trials in life, including being held hostage in rebel territory during the Liberian Civil War in the 1990s.

He also faced other attacks on his life ranging from physical assaults to poisoning and paralysis, which led to his confinement to a wheelchair.

The revered man of God served The Church of Pentecost in Liberia and Côte d’Ivoire.

Read the NDC’s press statement below

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) is deeply saddened by the passing of Apostle Dr. Michael Kwabena Ntumy, esteemed former chairman of the Pentecost Church. His profound contributions were a blessing to both the church and the nation.

Apostle Dr. Ntumy’s unwavering commitment to spiritual leadership and community development has left an enduring legacy.

The NDC extends its heartfelt condolences to his family, the Church of Pentecost and the entire Christian community during this challenging time.

In remembrance of Apostle Dr. Ntumy’s impactful legacy, the NDC acknowledges his positive influence on the body of Christ in Ghana and beyond.

May the memory of his works, life and legacy continue to inspire and bring solace to all who are saddened by his demise.

ghanaweb.com

We’re Committed To Quality Service – GRA

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Rev. Dr. Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah (4th from right) with some stakeholders

 

The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has assured customers of its readiness to continuously provide quality service to improve revenue mobilisation for sustainable economic growth.

Speaking at its maiden edition of the Customer Experience Conference yesterday in Accra, he said the country’s economic prosperity hinges on the efficiency of GRA, hence the need for it to adopt ways of collecting taxes in a manner that suits the Authority and tax payers.

“As a revenue Authority that is supposed to collect tax of GH¢126 billion for 2024, we are committed to ensuring that we can collect it in the best way with a customer service delivery approach,” he said.

He added that the maiden edition of the conference is aimed at examining successful approaches and best practices in promoting voluntary tax compliance from other tax jurisdictions.

He said the conference is also expected to facilitate knowledge sharing, consultation and networking among tax professionals, policy makers, researchers and international organisations in the area of service delivery.

The MD also advised the staff to remain professional and adopt a customer-centred approach in dealing with tax payers.

He believes the leveraging on technology to simplify the processes and procedures using its social media handles, websites, among others, will go a long way to improve the relationship between the GRA and tax payers.

Director of Revenue, Policy Division of GRA, George Winful, representing the Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori Atta, said given the economic challenges that the country faced recently, it was imperative it explores more effective and innovative ways for domestic resource mobilisation.

He said the conference will, therefore, position GRA favourably among its peers in the quest to become a world class tax Authority while applauding GRA for meeting its targets in the last four years.

Mr. Winful, however, urged the staff not to be complacent but to continue with the trajectory as the country aims to grow the tax revenue in the medium term from 14% percent of GDP to 20% by 2027.

He, also, expressed the Ministry’s commitment to support GRA to achieve its mandate as the Authority aligns it strategic plan to the country’s medium term revenue strategy rolled out in 2023

He said the Ministry of Finance recognises its role in pursuit of this vision and will therefore continue to support the creation of systems that promote efficiency, transparency in tax administration in Ghana.

Head of Customer Experience Unit, GRA, Dr. Birago Antwi Adjei, in a presentation, said the unit which was established with its objective to be customer-centric, demystify taxation and service delivery is poised to deliver on its mandate in fulfilling the needs of its customers.

She said as a result of the initiatives to improve customer service delivery, her outfit supported by other departments’ resolved about 95% cases reported by customers.

The conference held under theme, “Building a Growth-Friendly Tax Environment” brought together Board members of GRA, tax experts among others.

Also present was the British High Commissioner to Ghana, Harriet Thompson a tax consultant, Patrick Mukilbi, representatives from AGI, Ghana Medical Association, Foreign Common Wealth Development office Ghana Hotels Association among several others.

By Ebenezer K. Amponsah

Arteta hails consistent home form as Arsenal qualify in style –

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Mikel Arteta hailed Arsenal’s consistency after thrashing Lens 6-0 in the Champions League.

The Gunners qualified for the last 16 as Group B winners and the Basque head coach was full of praise for his players.

He said: “We had the chance to qualify top and we did it in a convincing way against a good side.

“From the beginning, we showed the determination to go for it. Everything happened in the right way and I am really happy.

“It is great we are able to win this way and we have been so consistent at home. 

“The players need to have these experiences and believe we can do it against big players and teams.

“Now we wait and see who we have in February.”

Kai Havertz netted the opener for Arsenal

Arsenal were prolific at the Emirates with six different players managing to get on the scoresheet, including last Saturday’s match winner Kai Havertz.

And with the hectic schedule starting to have an impact on teams, Arteta admits he is going to have to rely on his leaders to guide them through a tough period.

He added: “We share six different scorers. The team has the capacity which is really good for the confidence of the players.

“We only have five subs and are very short, we have to prioritise. Martin [Odegaard] said he was fine and managed himself in the second half.

“There are different options but today we were really attacking and we want to approach to win and be dominant.

“Declan Rice was superb. His consistency and understanding of the game, his decision-making and timing to win the ball back and the speed that he plays is so good.

“Havertz is scoring and playing well too, it is positive. The crowd are singing his name and being with him, he is a tremendous player.”

Arteta’s attention will now turn to Saturday as Arsenal return to Premier League action at home to Wolves.

Davido Praises Angelique Kidjo –

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Davido

 

Nigerian music sensation, Davido, has hailed Grammy-winning Beninese singer Angelique Kidjo for her pivotal role in paving the way for a new generation of African artistes to shine on the global stage.

In a recent interview with CNN’s Inside Africa, Davido expressed his admiration for Kidjo, emphasising her profound impact on showcasing African talent worldwide. He fondly referred to her as “Mama Africa” and highlighted her versatility and ability to captivate diverse audiences.

“I’ve always been wanting to work with Mama Africa [Angelique Kidjo], that’s what we call her, for a long long time,” Davido remarked during the interview. “She can perform anywhere and for different crowds. And she has represented us so well, you know, on the global scene. She opened doors for new artistes like myself.”

Davido’s comments echo a sentiment shared by many within the African music industry, acknowledging Kidjo’s trailblazing efforts in breaking barriers and elevating African music to international acclaim.

A recent collaboration between Davido and Kidjo on ‘Na Money,’ featured alongside The Cavemen on Davido’s Grammy-nominated album ‘Timeless,’ further solidifies the bond between seasoned icons and emerging talents in the African music scene.

Reflecting on Kidjo’s illustrious career and her ongoing influence, Davido’s praise serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of artistes who transcend borders and unite cultures through the power of music. As African artistes continue to make waves on the global stage, Kidjo’s pioneering spirit continues to inspire and guide the next generation of musical innovators across the continent and beyond.

 

 

Samira Hits Road For Bawumia

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Samira Bawumia campaigning for her husband in Kumasi

 

VICE PRESIDENT Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia’s hopes of being elected as the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for the 2024 polls has been given a lifeline.

This follows the decision of his wife, the Second Lady, Samira Bawumia, to canvass for votes for him in the Ashanti Region, the party’s stronghold.

Samira Bawumia, who is rhetorically very good, has appealed passionately to the party’s delegates to vote massively for Dr. Bawumia to help retain the NPP in power.

She said aside being intelligent, visionary, competent, patriotic and development-oriented leader, Dr. Bawumia also has what it takes to lead the NPP to retain power.

In this regard, Samira Bawumia entreated the party’s delegates, whose votes would determine who would lead the party into the 2024 elections, to cast their ballot for her husband.

According to her, total endorsement of Dr. Bawumia by the party’s delegates would send a strong message that the Vice President is competent and the party is united behind him.

“I’m appealing to you to show Dr. Bawumia great support by voting massively for him on November 4, this year, which is few days away when our party goes to the polls”, the Second Lady said.

She was addressing NPP delegates from Manhyia North and South, Asawase and Nhyiaeso Constituencies at the True Vine Hotel as part of her campaign tour of the Ashanti region.

The NPP, she said “needed a competent, peaceful and inspiring leader at this crucial time to help break the two term governance jinx to sustain their good works.

On her personal note, Samira Bawumia said she would work assiduously to ensure that the welfare of the party members and Ghanaians in general were addressed as First Lady.

“I am sure you all know how passionate I am about issues of employment because I believe a working person has the potential to contribute meaningfully to the development of the country.

“I want to assure you that your concerns would be mine too when by God’s grace we record a decisive victory in the upcoming 2024 elections”, Samira assured, attracting applause.

Nana Ama Ampomah, Ashanti Regional Women’s Organiser, on her part, appealed to the NPP delegates to vote massively for Dr. Bawumia in the party election.

“Let’s work with a good heart for Dr. Bawumia and ensure that we campaign these last days for him so he can win massively and lead our party to victory in 2024”, she said.

According to her, Dr. Bawumia has clearly displayed that he is focused and capable of leading NPP to win a third consecutive victory in 2024 so the party should support him.

FROM I.F. Joe Awuah Jnr., Kumasi

UN Warns Against Tunisia Media Crackdown |

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The UN has urged Tunisian authorities to end a crackdown on the media and free speech.

It comes a few days after a prominent Tunisian journalist was arrested on charges of insulting President Kais Saied.

A judge ordered the detention of Zied el-Heni ahead of a trial in which he could be sentenced to five years in prison.

In a statement, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk described the situation as “troubling”.

“The crackdown earlier this year against judges, politicians, labour leaders, businesspeople and civil society actors has now spread to target independent journalists, who are increasingly being harassed and stopped from doing their work,” Mr Türk said.

“I urge Tunisia to change course,” he added.

President Saied has previously defended his administration by saying he wants to save the north African nation from chaos.

However, critics have accused him of staging a coup after he suspended the National Assembly in 2021, passed a new constitution and moved to rule by decree.

Source: BBC

 

 



: Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of . accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Renowned Artiste Samini Boosts Black Stars’ Morale in Abidjan

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In a remarkable display of solidarity, the celebrated Ghanaian reggae and dancehall artiste, Samini, has embarked on a journey to Abidjan to fervently back the Black Stars ahead of their upcoming match.

In an interview with Isaac Kofi Dzokpo, he expressed his confidence in the team’s prowess, Samini boldly predicts a victory against Mozambique, envisioning a 2-goal triumph.

Upon his arrival at the Midez H&R Hotel in Abidjan, the artiste was greeted with an outpouring of joy and jubilation from ardent fans and supporters.

Known for his passionate commitment to music and national pride, Samini seized the moment to issue a heartfelt appeal to fellow Ghanaians, urging unity and rallying behind the Black Stars. He emphasized the crucial role of collective support in propelling the team to success.

As anticipation builds for the impending match, Samini’s presence in Abidjan serves as a beacon of encouragement for the Black Stars and the entire nation, fostering a sense of unity and optimism among fans.

MTN’s Resounding Applause: Facilitating Ghanaian Fans’ Journey to AFCON 2023

In a noteworthy development, telecommunications giant MTN has earned resounding applause for orchestrating a remarkable initiative. The company facilitated the travel of 163 Ghanaian fans, stakeholders, and football enthusiasts to Ivory Coast for the 2023 AFCON.

MTN’s initiative stands as a testament to its unwavering commitment to supporting the Black Stars. The all-expenses-paid trip is strategically designed to galvanize support for the senior national team, creating an environment conducive to their success at this prestigious continental showpiece.

Beyond a mere football match, this initiative symbolizes a convergence of collective hopes, unwavering support, and national pride. MTN’s contribution extends far beyond the realm of telecommunications, positioning them as a key player in fostering a sense of unity and national identity through their support for the Black Stars.

We’ll fortify security infrastructure to counter terrorism attacks

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President Akufo-Addo has reaffirmed the government’s dedication to bolstering Ghana’s security apparatus in order to safeguard the nation against potential terrorist threats.

In light of recent attacks in neighbouring countries such as Burkina Faso, President Akufo-Addo emphasized the imperative of enhancing Ghana’s security measures.

His remarks were delivered during the inauguration of the International Maritime and Exhibition Conference held at Burma Camp.

Highlighting the concern sparked by the proximity of terrorist activities in neighbouring nations, President Akufo-Addo underscored Ghana’s vulnerability and stressed the need for preemptive actions.

He articulated the government’s commitment to fortify the country’s security infrastructure to effectively counter any potential security breaches.

Additionally, President Akufo-Addo asserted that the government’s commitment extends to ensuring the safety of Ghana’s territorial waters.

“The government recognises the need for a well-resourced and technologically advanced Navy. We have commenced equipping the NAVY with Drones, coastal radars, real-time surveillance and tracking protocols in other to improve maritime domain awareness,” Akufo-Addo said.

Watch as LilWin sprayed money at the launch of Prophet Adom Kyei-Duah’s daughter’s EP

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Actor LilWin throwing ten bundles of money on daughter of Philadelphia Movement play videoActor LilWin throwing ten bundles of money on daughter of Philadelphia Movement

Last week, Naa Jacque, the daughter of the Believers Worship Center “Philadelphia Movement,” launched her EP titled “Tears of Joy.”

Ghanaian actor Kwadwo Nkansah, popularly known as LilWin, was invited to the event.

In a video sighted by GhanaWeb, the actor is seen walking up to the singer and spraying bundles of cash on him.

After showering money at the event, LilWin joined others in dancing joyfully.

As Naa Jacque sang excerpts from her EP, LilWin approached her and threw a bundle of cash in her direction.

Earlier in October this year, LilWin was captured throwing ten bundles of money at Prophet Adom Kyei-Duah, the leader of the Philadelphia Movement, as a gesture of appreciation for his support during challenging times.

JHM/MA

watch the video below:

Complement Government Effort In Provision Of Clean Water, Sanitation | Social

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The Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, Cecilia Abena Dapaah, has called on the Ghana Coalition of NGOs in the Water and Sanitation sector(CONIWAS) and the private sector to complement government’s efforts to provide universal access to clean water and sanitation by 2030.

Mrs Dapaah said this at a meeting with members of CONIWAS in Accra last Thursday.

The meeting was to engage the minister on the implementation plan and the expected roles of civil society organisations towards ensuring universal access to water and sanitation by 2030.

The meeting also followed the announcement of presidential compacts by the leaders of five African countries on the sidelines of the United Nations Water Conference in New York held in March this year.

Innovation
The countries are Ghana, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, Liberia and Uganda.

The compacts were aimed at accelerating access to water and sanitation services, including increasing budget allocations, reducing open defecation and delivering climate-resilient services.

Mrs Dapaah was of the view that “the gaps of ensuring universal access to potable water and sanitation must be bridged” because figures show that currently Ghana had recorded 87.7 per cent in clean water coverage with improved access to toilet, constituting 80.8 per cent.

She, however, said African countries and, for that matter, Ghana must find its own innovative ways in bridging the gap in water and sanitation to achieve the SDGs.

A member of the Council of Elders of CONIWAS, Oduro Donkor, commended government for taking steps to make water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) issues a top priority.

He, however, called for urgent steps to establish a National Sanitation Authority and approve, without any further delay, the establishment of a National Sanitation Fund.

Mr Donkor further stressed the need for comprehensive sector reforms that addressed institutional, regulatory, human resource, governance, funding and technological aspects of WASH.

He said a Water Services Act should be the basis for a harmonised sector.

This should address the regulation of service providers and sanitise the rural water sector interface with the urban water sector.

Source: graphiconline.com

 

 



: Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of . accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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‘She’s had enough’: Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon to resign

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LONDON – Nicola Sturgeon is set to resign as first minister of Scotland on Wednesday after eight years in the job, the BBC reported, leaving office with no clear successor and with the question of independence unresolved.

Sturgeon became the leader of the ruling Scottish National Party (SNP) in the wake of its 2014 independence referendum when the country voted 55% to 45% to remain as part of the United Kingdom.

The BBC cited a source close to Sturgeon as saying”she’s had enough”.

She suffered a blow in November when the UK’s top court ruled that the Scottish government could not hold a second referendum without appro from the British parliament.

Sturgeon said in response that she would turn the next British general election into a de facto referendum to ramp up pressure on Westminster to grant another vote.

First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon answers questions on Scottish Government issues, during a news conference at St Andrews House, in Edinburgh, Britain February 6, 2023. Picture: Jane Barlow/ REUTERS

Support for independence rose above 50% in the wake of the Supreme Court ruling but it has slipped back in recent months.

Sturgeon, 52, had also recently become embroiled in a row over transgender policies after Scotland passed a bill to make it easier for people to change their legal gender.

The Conservative government of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak responded by saying it would block the bill, the first time it had invoked the power to veto a Scottish law because it would have a broader impact on the UK.

Scotland was then forced to review the management of its trans prison policy and stop transgender people with a history of violence against women from being placed in female prisons.

The Scottish government declined to comment.

REUTERS

Source

Importers, exporters call for consultation

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The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana has expressed concerns over the timing for the implementation of reversal of the benchmark ue policy.

It has thus asked government to engage key stakeholders immediately.

The association projects that the immediate implementation of the reversal will lead to unbearable economic hardship for business operators in the country.

During the later days of 2022, the Ghana Revenue Authority announced the complete reversal of the benchmark policy effective 1st January 2023.

Speaking to Citi News, the General Secretary of the Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana, Samson Asaki Awingobit urged government to stick to its promises of making business activities more conducive for stakeholders.

“I believe that government will do something better. It’s challenging. This is not the best because we just entered a new year. I think that if something has to be done, government must engage in consultation on the reversal. Let’s engage and understand what government is doing to assuage the plight of Ghanaians and business communities because we suffered in 2022.”

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We Were Unaware Of Planned Military Operation In Garu, Tempane – DCE | Social

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The District Chief Executive for Garu in the Upper East, Osuma Musah has stated that his outfit was not aware that the military had planned any operation in the area.

This comes on the back of the recent military and civilian brutalities recorded in the Upper East region.

Speaking on Morning Starr with Francis Abban, the DCE stated that even uniformed security personnel with the District Security (DISEC) Council were not aware of the military operation.

“Not at all, not in the least of suspicion, we didn’t even suspect it. So when we started having these calls I had to call DISEC members one by one, ‘What’s it what is happening’ but they didn’t know.

“If you know how the military operates, when they have a target operation they don’t trust anybody to let you know what is happening. They just come in the middle of the night like they did. They will usually finish before you know what has happened,” Mr. Musah stated.

He continued: “Even DISEC members who are uniform people or security personnel, they didn’t know.”

However, the Members of Parliament for Garu and Tempane are calling on the government to conduct a thorough investigation into the attack on civilians in their two constituencies.

According to the MP for Garu, Albert Alalzuuga Akuka, and MP for Tempane Lydia Akanvariba Adakudugu, military officers entered their constituencies and engaged in actions that resulted in harm to the residents.

“It has come to our attention that a concerning incident occurred in our constituencies today, Sunday, 29th October 2023 around dawn at 2:00 am. Military officers entered our constituencies and engaged in actions that resulted in harm to the residents.

“This unprovoked action by the Military on innocent civilians is uncalled for and must be condemned by all peace-loving people. Any form of violence and brutalities meted on citizens, especially when it is perpetrated by those who are supposed to serve and protect them must be condemned unequivocally,” the two MPs stated.

They continued: “We are deeply disturbed by these reports, especially considering the volatile nature of the area vis-a-vi the Bawku Conflict (Note that Garu and Tempane are part of the Bawku Traditional Area), and we are therefore actively seeking more information about the situation.”

Source: starrfm

 

 



: Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of . accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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We won’t be involved in any ‘showdown’ tomorrow – NPP Caucus

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Alexander Afenyo-Markin

The leader of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) caucus in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has assured the public that his side will not engage in any form of physical altercations during the upcoming parliamentary session on Tuesday, October 22.

He made these remarks during an interview with Accra-based Peace FM on Monday, October 21, in response to threats from the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) MPs to occupy the majority side of Parliament.

Mr Afenyo-Markin emphasised that the NPP MPs are not inclined towards violence and would rather stage a walkout if the NDC MPs attempt to engage them in fisticuffs or forcibly take over their seats.

He reiterated the NPP caucus’s commitment to maintaining peace and decorum in the House.

This development follows threats by NDC MPs to assert themselves as the new majority caucus in Parliament following Speaker Alban Bagbin’s declaration of four parliamentary seats as vacant.

However, the Supreme Court has stayed the Speaker’s ruling, allowing the four affected MPs to continue representing their constituencies.

Despite the NDC MPs, led by Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, claiming they are the new majority caucus based on the Speaker’s ruling, Mr Afenyo-Markin stated that the NPP will continue to respect the legal processes and will not be drawn into any confrontation.

“,” he said.

Fancy Gadam attributes success to fans as he signs ambassadorial deal

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Fancy Gadam says he is grateful to his fans Fancy Gadam says he is grateful to his fans

Ghanaian musician and performer, Fancy Gadam, has shared insights into what fuels his dynamic stage performances and his plans for the rest of the year.

When asked about what drives his energy on stage, Fancy Gadam credited his fan base as his main source of motivation.

“What gives me the energy to perform harder on stage mostly comes from the fan base. When I hear people hail me when I’m on stage, sing songs without missing a word, that gives me more energy to perform,” he said on October 25, 2024, in Accra.

The artiste emphasized the exhilarating atmosphere created by his fans’ support, noting that this connection enables him to perform tirelessly for hours.

Fancy Gadam, who started his career as a dancer before venturing into music, added that his background in dance gives him a unique edge on stage. He advised his fellow artistes to integrate dance into their performances if they have the skill, highlighting its ability to enhance audience engagement.

Reflecting on his achievements this year, Fancy Gadam expressed gratitude for the milestones he has reached in 2024, most notably the new contract he recently signed.

“2024 has been beautiful. I just signed a new contract, and that shows I’m doing well for myself,” he shared, thanking his fans for their unwavering support.

The musician also hinted at his excitement for upcoming events, particularly those planned for the holiday season. He assured event organizers that booking him for December shows would be a choice they’d never regret.

“When you put me on, I’ll give you the numbers, and I’m going to entertain your patrons,” he promised.

The interview took place on the sidelines of his unveiling as the new brand ambassador for The Game Energy Drink, a prestigious partnership that, according to him, is both a milestone and a testament to his hard work and growing influence.

BB

Carlos Ohene named in Bulgarian league team of the week –

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Ghanaian midfielder Carlos Ohene has been recognized for his exceptional performance in the Bulgarian First Professional League, securing a spot in Sofascore’s team of the week.

Ohene’s standout contribution included a goal in Levski Sofia’s resounding 6-1 victory over PFC Lokomotiv Sofia 1929.

The hosts started strong, with Ante Aralitsa giving them the lead in the 5th minute. However, Levski quickly responded, with Maicon setting up Alex Kolev for the equalizer in the 12th minute.

Aldair then put Levski ahead with a fine individual goal in the 21st minute, and Ohene played a crucial role in the team’s third goal just before halftime. He initiated a quick counter-attack and passed to Jawad El Jemili, who scored with a left-footed shot.

El Jemili added his second goal just two minutes later, giving Levski a commanding 4-1 lead at halftime.

The second half saw Levski continue to dominate, with Ohene scoring the team’s fifth goal in added time. Sangare then added a sixth goal in the 97th minute to complete the rout.

The match was briefly interrupted in the 76th minute due to a lighting issue at the Lokomotiv Stadium, but the teams quickly resumed play and Levski emerged victorious.

Levski Sofia will play Botev Vratsa in their next league game.

Source: footballghana.com

Watch how Shatta Wale knelt to beg John Mahama for forgiveness

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Shatta Wale (kneeled) apologises to Mahama Shatta Wale (kneeled) apologises to Mahama

Dancehall artiste, Shatta Wale, has been spotted in a viral video kneeling before the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, apologizing to him.

In the video shared by EDHUB on X on October 5, 2024, Shatta knelt before Mahama, who was sitting on a chair, asking for his forgiveness over anything he might have done that offended him.

The artiste mentioned that he does not want to begrudge the former president because it was through him that he secured his first house.

In response, Mahama urged Shatta not to fret because he holds no grudge against the artiste and will continue to be his son as it has always been the case.

In the course of the conversation, Mahama said, “Oh Shatta, there is nothing. You are my son; there is no issue. I will tell him that I met you. If you call and he doesn’t pick up, it means he was peeved. Don’t worry, I will talk to him.”

Afterwards, Shatta Wale responded, “I know, sir, thank you. Through you, I got my first house, so I don’t want to offend you. I have been calling him, but he doesn’t pick up the calls. I just wanted to engage you.”

It will be recalled that Rev. Lawrence Tetteh revealed that Shatta knelt and apologized to Mahama in an airplane during a trip they were embarking on.

Watch the video below:

SB/EK

Medic who tweeted about Kuami Eugene’s health condition confirms 3-month suspension –

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A medical practitioner at the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC), Doctor Amina Haarun has apologized for disclosing the health status of popular Ghanaian musician, Kuami Eugene.

The musician was involved in a near-fatal accident last Sunday, March 17, 2024.

According to eyewitnesses, the musician’s vehicle rammed into a tipper truck from behind.

The accident happened around 11:30 pm.

The doctor attending to Kuami on Monday in what is described as unauthorized disclosure, made public the health condition of the musician in a post on social media.

“Kuami Eugene is here at the hospital with us, and it ain’t looking good. Kindly send him a prayer,” the doctor disclosed.

However, in a regrettable tone, the she has admitted her mistake adding that “Mistakes are made for lessons to be learnt.”

“I am highly regretful of the inconveniences caused to the Patient due to my violation of our “Code Of Ethics”. Mistakes are made for lessons to be learnt, henceforth, will not repeat such mistake in the future and am trying my best to solve this as soon as possible,” she added.

Her statement also confirmed reports that she had been suspended for three months. She clarified that her license had been suspended for the said duration and that she was to stay away from the facility during the period.

Read her letter below:

starrfm.com

The 91-year-old African president who keeps defying obituary-writers

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Speculation over the wellbeing and whereabouts of Cameroon’s 91-year-old President Paul Biya has become a hot topic across Africa this week.

After attending the China-Africa summit in Beijing in early September, it was perhaps no surprise that he gave the UN General Assembly in New York a miss.

But when he stayed away from this week’s summit of French-speaking countries (La Francophonie) at Viller Cotterêts, north of Paris, the rumour mill went into overdrive, as he had not been seen in public for about a month.

Cameroon’s ambassador in France insisted that Biya was “in good health” and in Geneva – his habitual base when away from home.

Other sources suggested this was because he needed to rest under medical supervision after a heavy diplomatic schedule in July and August.

After all, he is Africa’s oldest head of state and the second longest-serving, narrowly beaten to that record by President Teodoro Obiang Nguema of neighbouring Equatorial Guinea.

Such mundane indications were not enough to still speculative guesswork about Biya in Africa-interested media and political circles.

So finally the government spokesman, René Sadi, issued a formal denial of the rumours, adding that the president would return home “in the next few days”.

And the head of the president’s private office, with him in Geneva, also said he was “in excellent health”.

Cameroon occupies a key strategic location, as the gateway to landlocked Chad and the Central African Republic (CAR).

Apart from struggling to fully suppress jihadist violence around Lake Chad, it also wrestles with a complex and often violent crisis in its English-speaking regions.

In leading the response to these challenges, Biya has brought an unusual personal style that often eschews the front of the stage, without any apparent personal need to engage in diplomatic presenteeism or performative summitry.

He is a habitual non-attendee at many gatherings of African leaders.

Even back home, with his measured speech and cautious tone, Biya has for many years spaced his personal interventions, largely delegating the day-to-day running of the government, and handling of technical dossiers, to a succession of prime ministers.

Unexplained absences from public view have been nothing out of the ordinary for this most enigmatic of presidents.

Rumours that he has died do surface from time to time, largely because of these unannounced disappearances from the scene.

But this low-key style belies the determination with which he contrived his arrival in power in 1982, elbowing aside his patron and predecessor Ahmadou Ahidjo, promising liberalising change before entrenching a hold on the presidency that no subsequent challenger or campaign of protest has managed to shift.

As a wave of multi-party democratising change swept across much of Africa at the beginning of the 1990s, Biya was one of several incumbent leaders to shrewdly adapt, allowing sufficient reform to take the heat out of mass protest while nevertheless firmly keeping control.

Since one narrow election victory back in 1992, he has shrugged off subsequent political challenges, helped perhaps by manipulation of the polls and certainly by the divisions among often tactically inept opponents.

Now, with Biya’s current seven-year term drawing to an end in November 2025, supporters have even been pressing the 91-year-old to stand again.

Critics feel that it is long past time for Cameroon’s national leadership to pass to a younger generation who could tackle national problems and explore opportunities for development and progress with more speed and dynamism.

In 2016 teachers and lawyers in the two mainly English-speaking regions, South-West and North-West, protested over the failure to properly resource English language rights and public services.

If Biya had responded more rapidly and with a more assertively generous and loudly touted reform package, perhaps he could have assuaged discontent early on – and thus averted the eventual slide into violent confrontation between the security forces and armed militants demanding outright secession.

Biya did later bring forward reforms – to meet the grievances of the English-speaking regions and, nationwide, to decentralise power to regional councils.

But sometimes citizens have faced long waits before the regime addresses their concerns – decentralised structures were not set up until many years after the original framework legislation had been passed.

Some Cameroonians are, however, comfortable with Biya’s restrained approach to leadership and his readiness to leave successive prime ministers to handle routine decisions.

They see his role as more symbolic and distant, akin almost to a constitutional monarch.

Certainly, this representational role is a dimension of the presidency with which he has seemed at ease.

On 15 August, for example, he was at Boulouris, on the Côte d’Azur in France, where he gave a detailed 12-minute address at the commemoration of the 1944 Allied landings to liberate southern France from the Nazis – an operation in which many troops from the French African territories took part.

And in fact, despite frequent absences from the Cameroonian capital Yaoundé – usually retreating either to his home village in the forested south or to his preferred international base, Geneva’s Intercontinental Hotel – Biya has continued to take the key sensitive political and strategic decisions.

The main gatekeeper to the heart of power at the Étoudi presidential palace is the Secretary General of the Presidency, Ferdinand Ngoh Ngoh.

A power system where Biya, as the head of state, keeps his cards so close to his chest inevitably generates gossip about his own intentions for the 2025 election and about potential successors.

But some of the senior regime figures most frequently tipped, such as Laurent Esso and René Sadi, are by now themselves far from youthful.

Support groups have also appeared to promote a passing of the torch to the president’s elder son Franck Biya, a businessman – although Franck himself has never shown any interest in politics or given any hint of such ambitions.

But in today’s Africa, where disenchantment with the political establishment runs deep, particularly among young urban populations, establishment attempts to secure the continuation of power can carry risks.

In neighbouring Gabon, President Ali Bongo was deposed by the army last year after the regime manipulated the 2023 election to deliver him a further seven-year term despite his fragile state of health.

And when Senegal’s President Macky Sall lined up his Prime Minister Amadou Ba as his successor, he was decisively rebuffed by the voters who opted instead for the young reformist opponent Bassirou Diomaye Faye.

Biya and his inner circle may feel confident of avoiding such scenarios. But that will require a shrewd reading of popular sentiment, especially among youth and the middle-class in big cities such as Yaoundé and Douala.

Obrafour sues Drake over copyright infringement

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Prolific Ghanaian rapper, Obrafuor has sued American rapper, Drake for copyright infringement.

According to details of the suit that has been shared online via the District Court of Southern District of New York, Obrafour is suing Drake for sampling  his “Oye Ohene (Remix)” in his song “Calling My Name.”

Details of the suit suggest that Drake had sought permission to sample the song via email but the email was never responded to. He, however, went ahead to release the track which was featured in an album days later.

“Obrafour had not yet responded to the June 8, 2022 Clearance Email or the follow-up June 13, 2022 Clearance Email at the point when Drake’s “Honestly, Nevermind” album was released on June 17, 2022. Nonetheless, the Infringing Work is one of the songs appearing on the “Honestly, Nevermind” album, as released to the world by ‘surprise’ on June 17, 2022,” the suit reads.

Based on the success of the song which was on Drake’s highly published, “Honestly, Nevermind” album, Obrafour is asking for $10,000,000 as compensation.

“Obrafour sues for copyright infringement under the Copyright Act and seeks all remedies afforded to him thereunder, including preliminary and permanent injunctive relief, monetary damages, including but not limited to, actual damages, profits directly and indirectly attributable to from Defendants’ infringing conduct, statutory damages under the Copyright Act in the sum of up to $150,000.00 per infringement where such infringement commenced after the Copyrighted Work was registered with the United States Copyright Office, and other economic relief,” part of the suit reads.

See full suit here

Election 2024: Next NDC govt will establish a Children’s Hospital

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National Democratic Congress (NDC) Vice Presidential Candidate, Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, has announced the party’s commitment to establishing a specialised children’s hospital if elected in the December 2024 polls.

Speaking to students at the Goaso Nursing and Midwifery Training College, she emphasized that the proposed hospital would tackle challenges faced by infants at birth, while also serving as a hub for training pediatric doctors and nurses.

Prof. Opoku-Agyemang also addressed concerns about the ongoing exodus of nurses, pledging that the NDC would implement policies to curb this issue.

She encouraged the students to support the NDC’s vision for the health sector by endorsing the party in the upcoming election.

“How did we arrive here as a country? I am creating awareness for you so you know why you must vote. We stand for development and you don’t develop anything if you don’t develop the people. Development should reflect in the abandoned project and equipment while retooling the health sector.

“As NDC, one of the things we plan to do going forward is to establish an ultra-modern children’s hospital that will take care of the health needs of infants.”

“We don’t have one, so we lack pediatric nurses and doctors in the system. We planned to establish this when we were in power but unfortunately for us, we were kicked out. The establishment of the University of Ghana Medical Centre was part of the bigger plan of establishing a children’s hospital.”

“We will also develop a policy to take care of the training and exportation of nurses abroad. This will help us bring in returns. Many countries do it and so it is not a new thing. We need to know where you are to extend support and so when we say the NDC cares it has a lot of meaning,” she stated.

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TMZ defends publishing picture of Liam Payne’s dead body

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Showbiz news website TMZ has defended its decision to publish pictures of Liam Payne’s dead body following outcry from fans. 

The American publication caused fury this week after it shared pictures showing the singer’s arm, waist and tattoos just hours after he fell 45ft from a balcony at a hotel in Argentina.

An image of the police tent that was set up over the One Direction star’s body at the Casa Sur Hotel in Buenos Aires was also published.

Fans and celebrities, including former X factor contestant Rylan Clark, branded it a ‘disgrace’, with TMZ removing the images shortly after. 

The website’s Executive Producer, Michael Babock, has since defended the decision to use the images, claiming they were trying to confirm reports Liam had died before police had established his identity. 

TMZ Executive Producer, Michael Babock (pictured) has defended its decision to publish pictures of Liam Payne’s dead body following outcry from fans

Liam Payne 's body was found in a hotel courtyard next to a lighter, a whiskey bottle and a mobile phone
Liam Payne ‘s body was found in a hotel courtyard next to a lighter, a whiskey bottle and a mobile phone

Payne's girlfriend Kate Cassidy posted a picture of the pair on her Instagram from last August
Payne’s girlfriend Kate Cassidy posted a picture of the pair on her Instagram from last August

Babock told Fox 5 New York: ‘There’s a balance, and that’s obviously a conversation that newsrooms across the have – you want to be sensitive to the family and to the friends and also while working a news story.

‘When the information was coming in, police had not yet confirmed that it was Liam, so what was done on the TMZ website, there was an image – did not show the full image, didn’t show his face – but that showed his arm and his abdomen, where he has some very recognisable tattoos, so that’s sort of used as a way to confirm, or to match up the tattoos at a point where police had not yet confirmed his identity. And then, once they did, obviously, that photo was removed.

‘I mean, it’s just a terribly horrific and sad story. It’s something obviously that shouldn’t have happened, and this guy had so much life left to live and you feel horrible for everybody.’

TMZ published the photos in an article shortly after news of the singer’s death emerged. 

The article read: ‘TMZ obtained a photo showing Liam’s body on a wooden deck at the hotel with tables and chairs nearby. 

‘We’re not showing the whole body, but you can clearly see his tattoo – a clock on his left forearm, and a scorpion on his abdomen.’

A firefighter ambulance departs the Casa Sur Hotel in Buenos Aires with Payne's body
A firefighter ambulance departs the Casa Sur Hotel in Buenos Aires with Payne’s body

Droves of fans arrived at the scene in Buenos Aires in the wake of Liam Payne's death
Droves of fans arrived at the scene in Buenos Aires in the wake of Liam Payne’s death

The celebrity news website also subsequently amended the copy to say: ‘TMZ has seen a photo showing Liam’s body on the deck at the hotel with tables and chairs nearby. 

‘You can clearly see his tattoos – a clock on his left forearm, and a scorpion on his abdomen – which helped us confirm early reports from witnesses.’

Former X factor contestant Rylan Clark criticised the decision to publish the photos. 

He wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter: ‘And TMZ f****** shame on you. Disgrace.’

Pop star Alesia Cara added: ‘You’re gross @TMZ’

The latest development comes as:

The first pictures of Liam Payne¿s trashed Buenos Aries hotel room have been published by Argentinian press showing a smashed TV screen
The first pictures of Liam Payne’s trashed Buenos Aries hotel room have been published by Argentinian press showing a smashed TV screen

The photos of the deluxe suite show pieces of aluminium foil scattered on the desktop and traces of white powder
The photos of the deluxe suite show pieces of aluminium foil scattered on the desktop and traces of white powder 

A burnt candle and more aluminium foil were found in a bath tub in the suite
A burnt candle and more aluminium foil were found in a bath tub in the suite 

Yesterday, dramatic images of Payne’s hotel room surfaced following his death. 

Payne was found dead by police who say they found the popstar’s medicines including clonazepam – a drug which is used to control epilepsy, involuntary muscle spasms and panic disorders. 

The photos were published across the Argentinian media, including major broadsheets today and purport to show Payne’s suite at the Casa Sur hotel in Palermo. 

There was a frantic call to 911 from hotel staff about ‘an aggressive man who could be under the influence of drugs or alcohol’ who was ‘smashing up his room’ minutes before he died.

These photos inside the luxury suite, published by Argentinian magazine Clarin, appeared to confirm the troubling report about Payne’s mental state.

On a table, the surface was covered with tin foil, white powder, a lighter and scorch marks on the wooden surface.

A blackened aluminium drinks can lid appeared to have been heated and a smashed TV screen on a shelf bore the signs of a heavy impact whilst a half-empty Champagne flute was nearby.

Police later confirmed that after a search of the popstar’s room medicines like clonazepam were found – a drug which is used to control epilepsy, involuntary muscle spasms and panic disorders. 

More candle and aluminum foil remains were found in the bathtub of Payne’s suite, the bottom of which was stained and had some burns.

Liam Payne's body has been transferred to the judicial morgue to be examined
Liam Payne’s body has been transferred to the judicial morgue to be examined

In a tape of the 911 call from the hotel manager to police, he could be heard saying: ‘I’m calling from the Casa Sur hotel in Palermo, we have a guest who is over the top with drugs and is breaking up the entire room.

‘We need someone to come.’

The call then cuts off and on a second call, the manager adds ‘when he is conscious he is breaking up the room.

‘We need you to send someone, please’.

Payne suffered a huge blow just days before his tragic death – he was dropped by his record label Universal Music, the Mail can reveal. 

Originally signed to Sony as part of One Direction, Liam penned a deal with Capitol Records, a label owned by Universal, in July 2016 when he launched his solo career at just 22 years old.

Liam was said to have been ‘thrilled’ when he signed to Capitol in what was understood to have been a very lucrative deal.

The label is a subsidiary of Universal, but in the company’s recent reshuffle he came under the main label.

The Universal Music Group tribute read: ‘We are devastated by the tragic passing of Liam Payne.

‘His legacy will live on through his music and the countless fans he inspired and who adored him. 

‘We send our deepest condolences to Liam’s family and loved ones.’

Capitol Records reposted the statement as well.

Over the course of his music career, the popstar collaborated with the likes of J Balvin, French Montana, Dixie D'Amelio and A Boogie Wit da Hoodie
Over the course of his music career, the popstar collaborated with the likes of J Balvin, French Montana, Dixie D’Amelio and A Boogie Wit da Hoodie

(From left) Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan (seated) Liam Payne and Harry Styles in 2010
(From left) Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan (seated) Liam Payne and Harry Styles in 2010

After Malik announced his departure from One Direction in 2015, the band went their separate ways
After Malik announced his departure from One Direction in 2015, the band went their separate ways

Multiple sources have confirmed to MailOnline that the singer was axed by the record label.

A source said: ‘Liam’s advance was massive and he didn’t recoup [it].

‘Out of all of the One Direction boys, Liam was on the wrong path musically.’

It is understood that the release of his second album was put on hold prior to Universal dropping him. 

Meanwhile, it can also be revealed that Liam’s PR resigned earlier this month, which left him without any publicity representation.

The resignation came as Liam’s ex-fiancé Maya Henry began legal proceedings against the singer after accusing him of repeatedly contacting her.

One source said: ‘It is like all of Liam’s music career that he had built up since he went solo eight years ago was crumbling, there was very little left for him.

‘It must have absolutely devastated him.’

Last night Payne’s One Direction bandmates broke their silence following his tragic death as they released an emotional statement. 

Liam Payne with his father Geoff and mother Karen after the X Factor final in London in 2010
Liam Payne with his father Geoff and mother Karen after the X Factor final in London in 2010

As well as father Geoff and mother Karen, Payne had two sisters, Nicola (left) and Ruth (right)
As well as father Geoff and mother Karen, Payne had two sisters, Nicola (left) and Ruth (right)

In a joint statement last night signed from ‘Louis, Zayn, Niall and Harry’, they said they were ‘completely devastated’.

‘In time, and when everyone is able to, there will be more to say,’ they said.

‘But for now, we will take some time to grieve and process the loss of our brother, who we loved dearly.

‘The memories we shared with him will be treasured forever. For now, our thoughts are with his family, his friends, and the fans who loved him alongside us.

‘We will miss him terribly. We love you Liam.’

Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, and Zayn Malik all later released separate tributes. 

Styles wrote on Instagram that he was ‘truly devastated’ and will ‘miss him always’.

‘His greatest joy was making other people happy and it was an honour to be alongside him as he did it.

‘Liam lived wide open, with his heart on his sleeve, he had an energy for life that was infectious.

‘He was warm, supportive and incredibly loving. The years we spent together will forever remain among the most cherished years of my life. I will miss him always, my lovely friend.

‘My heart breaks for Karen, Geoff, Nicola and Ruth, his son Bear, and all those around the world who knew him and loved him, as I did.’

Tomlinson said in a separate emotional tribute that he was ‘really struggling with the idea of saying goodbye’. 

He posted a picture on his Instagram page of the two of them on stage with Payne lovingly putting his arm over Tomlinson’s shoulder. 


Louis Tomlinson said he was 'really struggling with the idea of saying goodbye' in a separate tribute to Payne
Louis Tomlinson said he was ‘really struggling with the idea of saying goodbye’ in a separate tribute to Payne 

Zayn Malik said he had been talking out loud to Payne 'hoping you can hear me'
Zayn Malik said he had been talking out loud to Payne ‘hoping you can hear me’

Styles said Payne's 'greatest joy was making other people happy and it was an honour to be alongside him as he did it'
Styles said Payne’s ‘greatest joy was making other people happy and it was an honour to be alongside him as he did it’

Harry Styles wrote on Instagram that he was 'truly devastated' and will 'miss him always'
Harry Styles wrote on Instagram that he was ‘truly devastated’ and will ‘miss him always’

Tomlinson said he would be an uncle to Payne’s son Bear if he ‘ever needs me’ and ‘tell him stories of how amazing his dad was’. 

‘I’m so grateful that we got even closer since the band, speaking on the phone for hours, reminiscing about all the thousands of amazing memories we had together is a luxury I thought I’d have with you for life,’ he wrote. 

‘I would have loved to share the stage with you again but it wasn’t to be. 

‘I wish I got chance to say goodbye and tell you one more time how much I loved you.

‘Payno, my boy, one of my best friends, my brother, I love you mate. Sleep well X.’

Malik said he had been talking out loud to Payne ‘hoping you can hear me’. 

In his own heart wrenching tribute, he said he had ‘lost a brother when you left us’.

‘And I can’t explain you you what I’d give to just give you a hug one last time and say goodbye to you properly and tell you that I loved and respected you dearly,’ he wrote. 

‘I will cherish all the memories I have with you in my heart forever. There is no words that justify or explain how I feel right now other than beyond devastated. I hope that wherevere you are right now you are good and are at peace and you know how loved you are. 

‘Love you bro.’