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Wazumbians Return To +233 –

Ghana News
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Wazumbians Return To +233 –

Wazumbians

 

The month of March has generally been recognised as a time to showcase different aspects of Ghanaian culture, and the Wazumbians band is set to present another edition of its Jankalanga Festival at the +233 Jazz Bar & Grill in Accra on March 22.

Started in 2018 as an online showcase of traditional and contemporary Ghanaian rhythms, stories, and dances, the Jankalanga Festival later evolved into a live event and has gradually established itself as a captivating stage presentation.

Returning home last December from its third consecutive tour of the United States, the band, led by Francis Chapman Abban-Hagan, widely known as Wazumbi, remains committed to making its music accessible and enjoyable for audiences.

“We are messengers of good musical vibes, and if the message isn’t delivered in a way that people can happily consume, they will just tune us out and turn away. We don’t want that to happen. That’s why we embrace so much of what is ours and share it with people,” the band’s leader said.

This year’s Jankalanga Festival will feature guest performances by King Ayisoba, Bessa Simons, Fanta Cissokho from Senegal, and a surprise artiste from Canada.

“Whenever you hear the Wazumbians, you know right away that it’s them,” says the renowned Bessa Simons. “You cannot mistake them for any other band. There is wonderful cohesion among the members as they stay true to their unique style, and I always love to hear them.”

During their four-month tour of the United States in 2024, the Wazumbians also made a brief trip to Colombia, where they performed at the Festival Voces Del Jazz. Their numerous performances across the US were equally well received.

The band is eager to showcase the unique elements that make it such a thrilling live act to music and culture lovers attending the Jankalanga Festival 2025.

 

10% public sector wage hike excessive

Ghana News
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10% public sector wage hike excessive

Labour Consultant Austin Gamey has described the government’s recent approval of a 10% wage increase for public sector workers as excessive, warning that it could exacerbate inflationary pressures.

His comments come after the government announced the pay rise following successful negotiations between the Labour Union and President John Dramani Mahama, who personally engaged with union leaders to secure their support for the adjustment.

This latest wage hike marks the second increase in less than a year, following a 23% adjustment in 2024 aimed at addressing the rising cost of living.

While the move has been welcomed by public sector employees, Mr Gamey expressed concerns about its potential economic impact.

In an interview with Citi News, Gamey argued that wage increments should ideally be tied to productivity, a practice he says Ghana has yet to fully adopt.

“The issue is base-pay, normally it should be based on productivity but we are yet to get there as a nation. We are so far not practicing the performance management system here in Ghana fully.

“The private sector responds well but the public sector doesn’t respond well. So, for fairness, the 10% is about the best for now. I would have preferred something else,” he stated.

He further emphasised that even a 1% adjustment in public sector wages could push the economy into a higher inflationary bracket, ultimately affecting everyone, including the beneficiaries of the wage increase.

“I would have preferred it lower. Because even a 1% adjustment on the public sector wage takes us to another inflationary bracket and that comes back to bite all of us including them,” he stated.

Gov’t approves 10% wage hike for public sector employees

Gumah FM to petition NMC over station shutdown

Ghana News
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Gumah FM to petition NMC over station shutdown

The management of Gumah FM has announced plans to petition the National Media Commission (NMC) over the recent shutdown of the station.

The Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations on Tuesday, February 19, ordered the closure of several media organizations operating without valid frequency authorization, including Gumah FM.

A directive signed by the Minister for Communications, Samuel Nartey George, instructed the station to cease operations, citing allegations that its broadcasts incited violence in Bawku, a town plagued by long-standing conflict.

Speaking to Citi News on Thursday, February 20, the General Manager of Gumah FM, Nurudeen Gumah stated that the station will first write to the National Communications Authority (NCA) to ascertain the exact reason for its closure. If unsatisfied with the response, management intends to escalate the matter to the courts.

“We are going to write to the National Communication Authority about the reason behind them shutting us down, we will also petition the National Media Commission to look into the matter, on whether they have other options for us now.

“If we are not satisfied with the outcome then we have no other option than to go to the court.”

Meanwhile, the station’s management has described the shutdown as “politically motivated” and has demanded that the ministry provide evidence of any wrongdoing.

“We just saw a letter that they are closing us down, that is why we believe that they need to provide us with evidence because we do our programmes and record them with disclaimers, so if they have sighted a specific thing that we have done, that they believe is inciting violence or hate speech, then it becomes necessary for them to make the evidence available to us, that you have done this so we have to shut you down, but they have not done that and I sincerely believe that it is either a political witch hunt or somebody somewhere wants Gumah FM shut down.”

‘Frank Amoakohene is wise; he can handle the job’ – Miracle Films CEO praises Ashanti Regional Minister

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‘Frank Amoakohene is wise; he can handle the job’ – Miracle Films CEO praises Ashanti Regional Minister

Chief Executive Officer of Miracle Films, Evangelist Samuel Nyamekye Chief Executive Officer of Miracle Films, Evangelist Samuel Nyamekye

The Chief Executive Officer of Miracle Films, Evangelist Samuel Nyamekye, has expressed confidence in the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene.

In an interview on Akoma FM on February 20, 2025, Samuel Nyamekye noted that the young minister is capable of restoring the lost glory of Kumawood.

“He is a wise man. When we had a meeting with him, he really showed us he cared about Kumawood. Ever since I brought Kumawood to Kumasi in the early 90s up to now, no regional minister has called for a stakeholder engagement as he did.

“Amoakohene has really surprised me. When I saw him, I noticed he is young, as they say, but the way he thinks is beyond his age,” he said.

He also disclosed measures the regional minister intends to implement to improve Kumawood.

“Do you know that he has planned to erect billboards with pictures of the stars, like how it is done in Nigeria? All the actors we have here have left for Accra because the actors here are not being utilised.

“Even if he doesn’t do what he promised, I would have no problem with it because I loved the way he spoke and received us,” he added.

Watch the video below:

Meanwhile, watch as Joseph Yammin warns NDC MPs over apologizing for Ken Ofori-Atta’s house raid:

JHM/EB

Mahama best for Ghana but must act fast – Uncle Ato

Ghana News
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Mahama best for Ghana but must act fast – Uncle Ato

Gospel minister, Uncle Ato Gospel minister, Uncle Ato

Popular gospel musician, Uncle Ato, has expressed strong support for former President John Dramani Mahama.

He has described him as the best leader for Ghana at this critical time.

Speaking in an interview on Angel FM with host Ohemaa Woyeje on February 19, 2025, Uncle Ato emphasised that Mahama’s prior experience in governance makes him qualified to lead the country.

“President Mahama has been in power before, stepped away, examined the issues, and returned. He is the best person for the job now,” Uncle Ato stated.

He added, “If he fails, it will be tough for all of us. He cannot afford to disappoint Ghanaians. He knows all the routes and corners of governance.”

However, Uncle Ato also raised concerns about the pace of the current administration’s efforts to address the country’s challenges.

He questioned why the government is setting up committees and conducting assessments when they are already aware of the problems facing the country.

“The only issue I have with the government now is the lack of urgency. They are saying they are setting up committees and going around to identify problems. Didn’t they know the issues before coming to power? They need to move with speed because people are suffering,” he said.

Uncle Ato urged the government to focus on delivering its promises and resetting the country’s trajectory.

See the video below:

ID/EB

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‘I petitioned President Kufuor for Victor Selormey’s pardon’ – Prof. Frimpong-Boateng

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‘I petitioned President Kufuor for Victor Selormey’s pardon’ – Prof. Frimpong-Boateng

Prof. Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng is a leading member of the NPP Prof. Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng is a leading member of the NPP

Professor Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, founder of the National Cardiothoracic Centre at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, has refuted allegations that he obstructed medical treatment for the late former Deputy Minister of Finance, Victor Selormey, calling the claims a “palpable falsehood.”

In a statement copied to MyNewsGh.com, Prof. Frimpong-Boateng dismissed the accusations made by veteran human rights lawyer Kwabla Senanu and revealed that he had personally petitioned former President John Agyekum Kufuor to grant Selormey a presidential pardon.

“I never held any grudge against my V-mate, and this is demonstrated by the fact that I personally petitioned President Kufuor to grant him a presidential pardon. This is one of the many things I did for my friend. At no time did I obstruct his treatment or oppose his wish to travel to the USA. I hold you, Lawyer Senanu, to strict proof of your fabrications,” the statement read.

Prof. Frimpong-Boateng described the late Selormey as a close friend and fellow ‘V-mate,’ urging the public to disregard the lawyer’s claims.

His response follows allegations by Lawyer Senanu, who accused the renowned cardiologist of rejecting a High Court referral that sought medical treatment in the United States for Selormey due to a malfunctioning pacemaker.

According to Senanu, despite a court-approved application allowing Selormey to travel abroad for treatment, Prof. Frimpong-Boateng—who was then head of the Cardiothoracic Centre and later its Chief Executive Officer declined the request.

He allegedly questioned why the pacemaker surgery had been performed abroad, arguing that Ghana had capable specialists and facilities to manage Selormey’s condition.

Senanu explained that Selormey’s pacemaker surgery was carried out in the United States after he suffered a cardiac arrest while on state duty there.

Despite these explanations, the lawyer insisted that Prof. Frimpong-Boateng stood by his decision, which he believes contributed to Selormey’s death, as he was unable to receive the necessary treatment.

Furthermore, Senanu suggested that Selormey’s death resulted from a political vendetta by the succeeding government, viewing the refusal as retaliation against the previous administration.

You can also watch as Minister of Climate Change pledges dedication to Mahama’s climate change agenda.

Government increases daily national minimum wage by 10% to GH¢19.97

Ghana News
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Government increases daily national minimum wage by 10% to GH¢19.97

Dr. Abdul-Rashed Hassan Pelpuo, Minister of Labour, Jobs and Employment Dr. Abdul-Rashed Hassan Pelpuo, Minister of Labour, Jobs and Employment

The Government has increased the National Daily Minimum Wage (NDMW) by 10 percent, which translates into a new NDMW of GH¢19.97, effective 1st March 2025.

This was reached in a communique issued by the National Tripartite Committee (NTC) on the 2025 NDMW, copied by the Ghana News Agency.

The document was signed by Dr. Abdul-Rashed Hassan Pelpuo, Minister of Labour, Jobs and Employment for Government; Dr Emmanuel Adu-Sarkodee, President Ghana Employers’ Association (GEA) for Employers and Mr Joshua Ansah, Secretary-General, Ghana Trades Union Congress (TUC) for Organised Labour.

It said in line with Section 113 (1) (a) of the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 651), the NTC concluded negotiations on the determination of the 2025 NDMW at Its meeting held on Thursday, 20 February 2025 in Accra.

The communique noted that in determining the 2025 NDMW, the NTC considered the current economic challenges, cost of living, sustainability of businesses and desirability of attaining a higher level of employment.

It said the NTC concluded an increase in the NDMW by 10 percent over the 2024 NDMW, which translates into a new NDMW of GH¢19.97.

It noted that the effective date for the 2025 NDMW implementation shall be 1st March 2025.

The communique said all establishments, institutions or organisations whose daily minimum wages are below the new rate should adjust accordingly effective 1st March 2025.

It said any establishment, institution or organisation that flouts the 2025 NDMW shall be sanctioned in accordance with the law.

It said the NTC recommends that the 2025 NDMW should be tax-exempt.

Watch the latest edition of BizTech below:

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What MPs said about state of Ghana football following murder at Nsoatre

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What MPs said about state of Ghana football following murder at Nsoatre

Sammi Awuku, Isaac Adongo and Mahama Ayariga Sammi Awuku, Isaac Adongo and Mahama Ayariga

The state of Ghana sports, particularly football took centre stage on the floor of Parliament on Wednesday, February 19, 2025.

Most MPs worried about the increasing rate of hooliganism in Ghana football, which led to the death of Francis Yaw Frimpong, a staunch Asante Kotoko fan known as Pooley.

Others claimed the siting of drinking spots with close proximity to stadiums and match centres is a contributory factor to the frequent chaos witnessed in local football.

Here are the comments MPs made during the discussion:

Mahama Ayariga

Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga disclosed that Minister of Sports and Recreation Kofi Adams is negotiating with SuperSport to broadcast the Ghana Premier League.

Ayariga stated that efforts are underway to reform the league, including a potential broadcast deal with a major African sports network.

“The Minister of Sports has a major agenda to revive football at the district, regional, and national levels. He is engaging with the media to explore ways to promote sports.

“He informed me that he is negotiating with SuperSport and other broadcasters to cover our local leagues,” Ayariga said.

Sammi Awuku

Akuapem North MP Samuel Awuku urged sports minister Kofi Adams to review the presence of drinking spots near stadiums, citing their potential link to hooliganism.

Awuku highlighted how alcohol consumption before matches often leads to uncouth behavior.

“One of the issues that concerns me is the location of drinking spots near our stadiums. Fans are not allowed to bring alcohol into the stadium, but many consume it heavily before entering.

“When tensions rise during a game, their judgment is impaired, leading to potential misconduct. We must be intentional about what businesses operate around our venues,” Awuku suggested.

Professor Kingsley Nyarko

Kwadaso Constituency MP Professor Kingsley Nyarko bemoaned the rate of hooliganism in Ghana football, which led to Pooley’s demise.

Nyarko called on football authorities to ensure match venues are safe and secure.

“I am a Kotoko fan, and I can see that the man was a strong supporter of Kotoko. He went to support his team and did not come back, leaving behind a widow and his children. This shouldn’t happen again,” he commented.

Dickson Duah

Berekum West MP Dickson Duah called on the Ghana Football Association and the National Sports Authority to implement measures to prevent future incidents of hooliganism.

He urged the GFA to establish strategies to deter individuals prone to violent behavior.

“I urge the Ghana Football Association and the National Sports Authority to put in place stringent safety measures to prevent such occurrences in the future.

“This includes enhanced security at stadiums, strict enforcement of disciplinary actions against violent conduct, and intensified public education on sportsmanship,” Duah indicated.

Isaac Adongo

Bolga Central MP Isaac Adongo implored Kofi Adams to ensure that safety protocols are enforced at match venues.

Adongo noted that the Ghana Premier League should not resume until safety protocols are in place.

“The information we have is that this young man [Pooley] was threatened prior to the match. The security agency should have known that what happened to the young man was bound to happen.

“I would like to call on you [Speaker of Parliament] to direct the sports minister to take this matter very seriously, and that if the GFA cannot follow rigorous protocols for licensing our football stadia, we should not be playing football as a country,” Adongo stated.

Watch the latest edition of Sports Debate below:

SB/EK

Ashantis Will Never Treat Him Like That – Netizens React as Kofi Adoma Allegedly Abandoned by Dormaahene After Being Shot

Ghana News
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Ashantis Will Never Treat Him Like That – Netizens React as Kofi Adoma Allegedly Abandoned by Dormaahene After Being Shot

Social media users have called out the Dormaaheene for allegedly failing to come to the aid of media personality, Kofi Adoma, after he got shot whilst covering a festival in his jurisdiction.

According to social media users, mainly Asantes, Otumfuo or the Ashanti Kingdom would have taken care of Adoma if he had gotten himself injured during one of their festivals and not left him to his fate as the Dormaahene has allegedly done.

The comments come after a video of a social media creator calling out the Dormaahene went viral.

The creator alleged that after Kofi Adoma got shot in the eye during a gun salute at the festival he was covering, he contacted the Dormaahene for help but got no response till date.

The video elicited comments such as: “Ashanti’s would never treat him like that,”

Another wrote: “N you think otumfuor would have neglected him like this?? He would have taken care of it from start to finish and no one would have known that he was shot,”

Kofi Adoma, who suffered severe injuries following the shooting and went partially blind, is currently undergoing treatment in the United Arab Emirates.

Akwatia MP will obey court ruling – Afenyo-Markin

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Akwatia MP will obey court ruling – Afenyo-Markin

Ernest Yaw Kumi
Minority leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin (MP), has promised Member of Parliament (MP) for Akwatia, Ernest Yaw Kumi will comply with the bench warrant issued by the Koforidua High Court.
Speaking to the media on Wednesday, February 19, Afenyo-Markin described the court’s directive as unfair and unsatisfactory to the Minority Caucus.
“I am aware of the Koforidua High Court decision. We are yet to procure the court ruling and the orders of the court. The lawyers are going to brief the caucus,

Despite’s Son Saahene Osei Rocks Cornrow Hairstyle, Moulds PS4 Controller with Clay

Ghana News
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Despite’s Son Saahene Osei Rocks Cornrow Hairstyle, Moulds PS4 Controller with Clay