The Damongo Constituency and the Savannah Regional branch of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) have been plunged into mourning following the passing of Alhaji Emmanuel Darison Baba, a former Constituency Chairman and esteemed elder of the party.
Announcing his death, Samuel Abu Jinapor said Alhaji Emmanuel Darison passed away on January 15, 2025, in Damongo at the age of 83. A retired Agricultural Extension Officer, he dedicated many years to the development of the region and nation. His tenure as NPP Constituency Chairman from 2005 to 2009 was marked by significant efforts to boost the party’s presence and influence in the Damongo Constituency and the Savannah Region.
Addition to his role as Chairman, Alhaji Emmanuel Darison served as a member of the Constituency Council of Elders and later the Regional Council of Elders, earning respect for his dedication and patriotism. Until his death, he remained a commited member of the party and a source of guidance and inspiration to all.
Samuel A. Jinapor described Alhaji Emmanuel Darison as a staunch patriot and a revered elder who left an indelible mark on the party and the nation. His passing is a great loss not only to his family but also to the NPP and the Damongo community at a whole.
Alhaji Emmanuel Darison was a father, grandfather and a great-grandfather whose legacy as a family man and community leader will continue to inspire those who knew him.
Samuel A. Jinapor in a post expressed his condolences to the bereaved family during this difficult time, praying for the Almighty Allah to grant his soul eternal rest in the bosom of the Almighty until the day of resurrection.
Funeral arrangements will be announced in due time.
Ho West MP Challenges Minority’s Stance On ORAL Committee Summons
Ho West MP Challenges Minority’s Stance On ORAL Committee Summons
The Member of Parliament for Ho West Constituency in the Volta Region, Emmanuel Kwesi Bedzra, has questioned the Minority in Parliament’s call for former government appointees to boycott summons by the Operation Retrieve All Loots(ORAL) Committee.
The Member of Parliament for Builsa South, Dr Clement Apaak, has reiterated the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) commitment to implementing its free tuition policy for first-year students in public tertiary institutions.
His comments come amidst criticism from stakeholders, including retired Brigadier General Joseph Nunoo-Mensah, who questioned the feasibility of the initiative.
During a stakeholder engagement, the retired Chief of Defence Staff suggested that parents should take responsibility for funding tertiary education. In response, Dr Apaak emphasised that the NDC remains resolute in fulfilling its campaign promise, attributing the party’s electoral victory to the popularity of such policies.
“The NDC campaigned on this promise, and the support we received validates its importance. We intend to deliver on this commitment to assist students with their fees,” he said in an interview with Citi FM.
Dr Apaak further clarified that participation in the policy would not be compulsory, allowing individuals to opt out if they choose.
“If there are people who feel they don’t need this support, they are free to decline. However, this remains a manifesto promise, and we are determined to see it through,” he affirmed.
The NDC’s free tuition policy aims to alleviate financial burdens on students and their families, reinforcing the party’s focus on education as a cornerstone of national development.
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George Oti Bonsu, a financier of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), lamented the party’s neglect after spending his funds to support its activities.
According to him, he has been treated unfairly by certain party leaders despite financing most of its campaign programmes.
“Former General Secretary of the NPP Agyenim Boakye came to me that I should come and support the NPP with my finance. Those days when Kufuor was in power, I took 1 billion each from people to support some MPs and also financed a party for Kufuor.
“I rented an office space at Tesano for the foot soldiers…I was the one sponsoring them and doing everything for them. Anywhere the party goes, all the brass band following them belongs to me, I bought them all,” he said.
He has accused Abu Jinapor, a former Deputy Chief of Staff, of denying him a contract that was supposed to be given to him during the NPP administration.
Speaking in an interview on Okay FM on January 15, 2025, he called for a change in the party leaders’ behaviour, or else nobody would support the party anymore.
“NPP was in power, and Eugene called me to come to Jubilee House because they wanted to give me all the carpentry work there, so I should go and see Jinapor.
“He was Deputy Chief of Staff with Asenso Boakye. So I went to Abu Jinapor, and he told me that the work was available, but he wouldn’t give me the contract.
“So just imagine that I have even done something to him. Is that how to treat people? He told me point blank that he wouldn’t give me the contract.
“I am speaking with bitterness, so if I don’t take care, I might say certain things… the party has been unfair to me after helping them on several occasions,” he lamented.
AM/KA
Watch as Ghanaians share their views on National Cathedral project, cutting down of ministries
The national outlook of the 2024 General Elections saw the National Democratic Congress (NDC) sweeping the political landscape and making history by claiming dominance even in traditional New Patriotic Party (NPP) strongholds.
This resounding call for change echoed across the country as the NDC amassed an impressive 6,591,790 votes, decisively defeating the NPP’s 4,877,611 votes from 11,931,420 ballots cast.
John Darko (M) leading the Minority to express their discontent with the ORAL team
The Minority in Parliament has criticized the establishment of the Operation Recover All Loots (ORAL) committee, calling it an unconstitutional body and advising former government officials to boycott its activities.
John Darko, the Member of Parliament for Suame and a leading figure in the Minority caucus, asserted that the creation of ORAL undermines the authority of constitutionally established bodies already empowered to investigate alleged misconduct by government officials.
“No serious country will entertain anything like this. So, if you are a former government official and receive an invitation from this so-called ORAL, the Minority’s advice is to boycott it,” 3news.com quoted him to have said during a press conference on January 15, 2025.
He added, “We will not participate because we believe constitutionally mandated bodies are equipped to investigate any alleged mistakes of the government.
He reiterated that the Minority’s stance is rooted in a belief in the competence of existing constitutional entities to handle such matters.
The Minority has raised concerns over its legality and potential duplication of the roles of existing bodies.
Established on December 18, 2024, and chaired by the Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the ORAL committee’s mandate is to recover state assets allegedly misappropriated by officials of previous administrations.
AM/KA
Watch as Ghanaians share their views on National Cathedral project, cutting down of ministries
Tension is brewing within the Greater Accra Regional Executives of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) as the Regional Organiser, Anthony Nukpenu, clashes with the Regional Chairman, Ashie Moore, over a confiscated Toyota Land Cruiser V8.
According to Nukpenu, the Regional Chairman has written a letter to disgrace him after he (Nukpenu) seized the vehicle, which he believes was auctioned at an unreasonably low price to a former Deputy Clerk of Parliament, who bought the car for GH₵13,000.
In an interview with Mugabe Maase on TV XYZ, Anthony Nukpenu warned Ashie Moore never to cross his path, accusing the regional chairman of being involved in a devious plot.
“This is a crime that some people are committing against the state. If I am able to collect this car, Ashie Moore has written a letter to disgrace me. Whatever he received to carry out this plot, he will see how I will deal with him. The men he exposed to the police administration are the ones who went and seized the car.”
He continued, “Yesterday, this guy [regional chairman] was at Parliament House telling members of parliament that I have seized a car belonging to a retired deputy clerk of parliament and that I am bargaining over what to take from him. He [Ashie Moore] should try it again. He should respect himself. If you don’t have facts… If Parliament feels they no longer have use for these cars, they should allocate them to district assemblies for work purposes.”
KA
Meanwhile, Watch as religious leaders pray for Mahama and his family’s well being
IMF Boss, Kristalina Georgieva [L] and Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam
The Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Ms. Kristalina Georgieva, has showered praise on Ghana’s immediate past Finance Minister, Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam.
She commended him for his exceptional leadership and significant contributions to Ghana’s economic stability during his tenure.
The IMF boss made these remarks in a letter bidding farewell to the former minister.
She particularly lauded Dr. Adam for his commitment to the successful implementation of Ghana’s $3 billion IMF-supported program.
The program, she explained, helped restore Ghana’s macroeconomic stability and ensured debt sustainability.
“You have had a profound impact on Ghana and its citizens. Your efforts have not only strengthened Ghana’s economy but also inspired confidence in the country’s future,” the IMF boss stated.
According to her, Dr. Adams contributed immensely to ensuring long-term growth for the country and positively impacted Ghana’s financial outlook during the IMF-backed reforms.
“I have every confidence that you will continue to make a meaningful difference, particularly as you assume your role as a re-elected Member of Parliament. Your passion for public service and commitment to positive change will serve as a beacon of inspiration for many,” Ms. Georgieva added.
Celebrated Ghanaian actress Vivian Jill was eager and overjoyed to meet and interact with First Lady Lordina Mahama at the National Prayers and Thanksgiving celebration.
She reached out her hand to shake Mrs Mahama, who then held onto it and hugged it and was later on seen giving Vivian a peck on the cheek.
The adorable moment melted the hearts of many social media users who spoke about how sweet the First Lady was.
Ghanaian actress Vivian Jill Lawrence exchanged pleasantries with the First Lady of Ghana, H.E. Lordina Mahama, at the National Prayers and Thanksgiving celebration.
First Lady Lordina Mahama exchanges pleasantries with Vivian Jill. Image Credit: @vivian_jill_lawrence and @mrsldmahama Source: InstagramThe Thanksgiving Service was held on Sunday, January 12, 2025, at the University of Professional Studies, Accra UPSA.
The purpose of the gathering was to mark a National Prayer and Thanksgiving Service to sing, dance, and praise God for a successful election, victory, and presidential inauguration.
In videos circulating on social media, the Thanksgiving Service was over, and President John Dramani Mahama and his wife, Lordina Mahama, were leaving the UPSA auditorium when an excited Vivian Jill stopped them.
Vivian Jill was standing next to fellow actress Roselyn Ngissah as she watched the First Lady and Vivian share a beautiful bond.
Vivian Jill shook the First Lady, who then held her hand and hugged it as they conversed briefly. Towards the end of the video, Mrs Mahama kissed Vivian Jill on the cheek.
Many people talked about their admiration for how the 41-year-old actress was eager to meet the First Lady and interact with her.
Others also noted that Mrs Mahama was a sweet and lovely person and they highlighted her beautiful qualities in the comment section of the video.
Others also talked about how the video melted their hearts and how they had wished they were in the Ghanaian actress’ shoes.
I Beg You Never Give Position To These People: Prophet Kofi Oduro Admonishes Mahama
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As Ghana transitions to a new administration under President-elect John Dramani Mahama, Prophet Kofi Oduro of the Alabaster International Ministry has issued a stern caution to the incoming leader regarding appointments to key positions.
Prophet Oduro revealed that numerous individuals have been reaching out to Mahama, offering gifts and favors in a bid to secure roles in the new government. He strongly urged the president-elect to avoid appointing such individuals, describing them as insincere and self-serving.
“President Mahama, I plead with you—do not appoint those who are calling you and sending you gifts. They are selfish and hypocritical,” Prophet Oduro cautioned.
This warning comes at a critical time, as Mahama prepares to assemble his government amid concerns about last-minute contracts and mass recruitments by the outgoing administration. These actions have sparked debates over their potential financial implications for the new government, adding to the pressure on Mahama to make strategic, transparent appointments.
Prophet Oduro’s message highlights the importance of prioritizing integrity in leadership and ensuring that appointees align with Mahama’s vision for Ghana’s development. As the nation looks ahead to his tenure, attention will focus on how he addresses these challenges and whether he heeds the advice to prioritize competence and trustworthiness over opportunism.
The choices Mahama makes in forming his government will set the tone for his administration, shaping public perception and confidence in his leadership.
A 25-year-old mechanic has been jailed for 10 years by the Asante Akropong circuit court in the Atwima Nwabiagya North District for attacking and robbing a university student at Abrafo Kokobeng, near Akropong.
Eric Boampong pleaded guilty to the charge of robbery and was convicted on his own plea by the court presided by Mrs Gloria Mensah Bonsu.
Police Detective Inspector Alexander Agbekpornu prosecuting told the court that the complainant, Roudy Aboagye Agyemang was a level 400 student of the Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED), and a resident of Abrafo Kokobeng.
The convict is a resident of Atwima Koforidua.
He said, that on January 10, this year, at about 2:00 am, the convict broke into the room of the complainant while she was asleep.
The prosecution said the complainant woke up and saw the convict trying to take away her iPhone 7, valued at GH¢1,200.
She tried to struggle but the convict who was armed with two pairs of scissors, a plier, a spanner and a magnetic substance, threatened to kill her if she resisted.
Inspector Agbekpornu said, that the complainant sensing danger, handed over the iPhone to the convict, rushed out and shouted for help.
Some neighbours came in and managed to arrest the convict and handed him over to the Akropong Police.
In his caution statement, he admitted the offence and after further investigations, he was charged and brought before the court.
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Ministry Of Foreign Affairs List Persons To Return Their Diplomatic And Service Passports
Ministry Of Foreign Affairs List Persons To Return Their Diplomatic And Service Passports
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has issued a directive for specific individuals and entities to return Diplomatic and Service Passports issued during the tenure of the Akufo-Addo administration.
The Ghana Chamber of Bulk Oil Distributors (CBOD) has dismissed reports suggesting that the country is on the brink of a fuel shortage.
Speaking to Citi News, the Chief Executive Officer of CBOD, Dr. Patrick Ofori, assured the public that there are sufficient fuel reserves at the port, with additional supplies expected to arrive soon to prevent any disruptions.
“Currently, most of the Bulk Distribution Companies (BDCs) have products at anchorage, with vessels actively discharging petrol,” Dr. Ofori explained. “Additionally, over the next week or two, approximately 100,000 metric tonnes of petrol are expected to arrive in the country. There is no cause for alarm, as our members are not facing any capacity or financial constraints,” Citi News quoted him as saying.
Dr. Ofori highlighted that the Gold-for-Oil policy implemented by the previous administration had skewed imports to favour the Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation Company (BOST), impacting other stakeholders.
Despite this, he called on the current Akufo-Addo administration to maintain the Bank of Ghana’s foreign exchange initiative to help stabilize the currency and ensure smooth operations in the petroleum sector.
Contrary to the reassurances from CBOD, the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) has raised concerns about a possible fuel shortage in the coming days.
According to the OMCs, the suspension of the Gold-for-Oil programme and the operational halt of Sentuo Oil’s refining activities have disrupted the petroleum supply chain.
AM/KA
Watch as Ghanaians share their views on National Cathedral project, cutting down of ministries
The Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) team has stressed that the committee has not invited anyone to assist in its investigation into corrupt activities.
According to a member of the team, Daniel Yao Domelevo, interested individuals rather approach the committee with information regarding corruption, and not the committee inviting people to provide such information to facilitate their work.
This statement follows the Minority in Parliament’s position, which calls for individuals invited by the ORAL Committee to assist in the investigation to boycott such the invitations.
The Minority argues that the committee lacks the legal mandate to investigate corruption-related offenses, as other legally mandated institutions are responsible for such investigations.
In response to the Minority’s statement, Mr. Domelevo clarified that no one has been invited by the ORAL team.
“To the best of my knowledge, we have invited nobody. It is only people who are ready to come and give us information that we collect information from.
“I am yet to see one person who we called or wrote him to say appear before the committee. We have not done that. We cannot investigate. We don’t know when it will end because people keep coming with new information.”
Read Also…
Boycott invitations from ORAL team – Minority tells former gov’t appointees
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Meet The Husband To Vice President of Ghana Jane Naana Opuko And What He Does For a Living
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Edmund Opoku-Agyemang, the husband of Ghana’s Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, is a distinguished lawyer and academic.
He serves as a lecturer at the Faculty of Law at the University of Ghana, where he imparts legal knowledge to aspiring lawyers.
In addition to his academic role, Edmund owns a legal firm, demonstrating his active engagement in both the educational and practical aspects of the legal profession as reported by Wikipedia.
The couple has been married for over three decades and has three accomplished children: Dr. Kweku Opoku-Agyemang: Holds a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Dr. Kwabena Opoku-Agyemang: Earned a Ph.D. in English Literature from West Virginia University.
Dr. Maame Adwoa Opoku-Agyemang: Obtained a Ph.D. in Comparative Literature from the University of Toronto.
Edmund’s support has been instrumental in Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang’s trailblazing career, including her tenure as the first female Vice-Chancellor of a state university in Ghana and her current position as Vice President.
While Edmund maintains a relatively low public profile, his contributions to academia and the legal field, along with his role as a supportive partner, underscore his significance in Ghana’s educational and political spheres.
Two persons have appeared before the Accra Circuit Court for allegedly dishonestly appropriating GH¢344, 960.
Gyasi Robert Sekyere, unemployed, and Esther Akuamoah, charged of conspiracy to commit crime and stealing, have pleaded not guilty.
The court, presided by Mr Samuel Bright Acquah, granted each of the accused GH¢400,000 bail with three sureties, one of whom must be justified, and adjourned the case to January 28, 2025.
Inspector Sheila Tetteh, representing the prosecution, stated that the complainant, Matilda Agyapong, is a businesswoman, residing at East Airport in Accra.
The prosecution said Agyapong sells female dresses and handbags at Makola and Dzorwulu in Accra.
According to Insp Tetteh, Sekyere was the manager of the Dzorwulu shop, and Akuamoah was sales personnel.
The court heard that Sekyere was employed in October 2022, while Akuamoah was employed in August 2023.
The prosecution also indicated that Akuamoah kept daily sales records in a book, while Sekyere entered the sales data into a computer provided by the complainant.
In June 2024, the complainant noticed that ladies handbags were missing from the shop, Insp Tetteh said.
The prosecution further stated that as a result, complainant hired an internal auditor to conduct an audit and compare the stock with the amount reported from sales.
Insp Tetteh said the audit revealed a discrepancy of GH¢194,000, which the accused could not account for, and on October 2, last year, the complainant reported the matter to the police.
Insp Tetteh said the police asked AA Adams Chartered Accountants, a licensed audit firm, to re-audit the sales and stock records.
The prosecution said a report submitted by the audit firm covering November 25, 2023, to October 2024, indicated the accused had stolen GH¢344,960,
play videoGeorge Oti Bonsu, New Patriotic Party (NPP) financier
George Oti Bonsu, a New Patriotic Party (NPP) financier, has detailed how he lost his newly acquired Benz S550 to a former Deputy Chief of Staff in the NPP administration.
“I bought my Benz from a certain man called Fynn. The car was very expensive, so I was preparing myself to go and pay its duties before clearing it.
“Francis Ebo came to my house and saw the car. He asked me about it, and I told him that I had just bought it and was now preparing to pay its duty.
“He said, ‘You, patron, have helped the party so much, and we haven’t done anything for you, so let us help you with this.’
“He said he could take it to airport customs, and because I am a patron, they would reduce the duty a bit for me. So, I said if he could help me, he should, because they said they would take 1.3 something, so I had to prepare before I could pay,” he said in an interview on Okay FM on January 15, 2025.
According to the bitter financier, despite his significant contributions to the party, he is always repaid with evil.
He explained that the vehicle, which according to online reports cost more than GH¢800,000, was dubiously auctioned to the said former Deputy Chief of Staff, who also served as a national security officer at the Jubilee House, for only GH¢82,000.
He added that at the time, NPP General Secretary John Boadu confronted the said Deputy Chief of Staff about the vehicle, but he declined to return it.
“He came back to me and said they would take 1.350. I told him that the price was the same, so he should let the car be there until I was ready to pay because I was traveling. He said he would go and plead for me. But after my return, we went to the place, and they told us that they had auctioned the car. I was like, why would they auction my car?
“I called John Boadu, who was Secretary then, and explained everything to him. I mentioned the person’s name to him. At the time, the person who bought the vehicle was at the Jubilee House, a national security officer at the office of Ken Dapaah at Blue Gate at the stadium.”
He added, “I went there to explain to him that the car belonged to me, so we should pay him and take the car. John Boadu said, how can someone who was asked to pay duties of 1.350 for the car get his car auctioned at 82,000? John Boadu said they should let me pay his money and take my car. He said he was thinking about it. One week later, we went there, and he said no, he wouldn’t give me the car.
“The person was transferred from national security to Deputy Chief of Staff, so after suffering to bring them to power this what they did to me.”
AM/KA
Watch as Ghanaians share their views on National Cathedral project, cutting down of ministries
Controversial social media commentator Ogyam has been arrested following allegations he made against popular Kumawood actor Dr Likee, also known as Ackabenezzer or Ras Nene, and the late C Confion.
Ogyam publicly insinuated that Dr Likee was involved in the untimely demise of C Confion, a claim that incited outrage among the actor’s fans and associates.
Dr. Osei Kwame Despite and Dr. Ofori Sarpong have donated items to the victims of the recent Kantamanto market fires.
Following the fire outbreak, several prominent individuals visited the site to help the traders rebuild the various structures at the Kantamanto market as quickly as possible.
2024 New Force presidential candidate Nana Kwame Bediako (Cheddar) and Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang visited the market to sympathize with the affected traders.
By Iddi Yire Accra, Jan 15, GNA – Malian Prime Minister Abdoulaye Maiga arrived in Accra on Wednesday night to deliver a special message to President John Dramani Mahama from Malian President Assimi Goita.
He was met on arrival by Mrs Marrietta Brew Appiah-Oppong, Presidential Legal Advisor and Mr Prosper Bani, National Security Advisor and other government officials.
Mr Maiga is scheduled to meet President Mahama on Thursday, January 16.
The Chairman of the Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) Committee, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has announced that the committee will soon present its report to President John Dramani Mahama.
Ablakwa noted that the committee is currently reviewing 700 petitions received from the public.
Speaking to Citi News, the North Tongu MP noted that the committee’s work is aimed at ensuring accountability and keeping government officials in check.
“We are still compiling all the cases and we will be presenting our report to the president soon. What I can tell you, avoiding specifics, is to say that so far, in terms of the petitions that have come in, they are over 700 and it has been really such a daunting task, but there is the political will.
“We are all passionate about this. And what I like about what is going on is that we have the opportunity to show the same passion that we exhibited in opposition, now that we are in government, we are committed to this. And what this does is that it serves as a deterrent to those of us coming into government.”
He added that the committee would soon begin the validation process of its work to ensure thoroughness and accuracy in the information gathered.
“We are hoping to be wrapping up soon in the next couple of weeks. We believe that we have gathered enough. We are now virtually done with a field validation in the capital where a lot of the looting happened, but we also have reports from across the country so, in the next few days from this weekend, we are going out of the capital to carry out the validation sessions. We will make sure that all the regions are visited where we have received reports from.”
Edward Bawa: Privatising ECG key to retooling and harnessing private sector expertise
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Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo, the Chief Justice of Ghana, receives a monthly salary of approximately GHC 36,000, according to StatsGH. This salary adheres to the provisions outlined in Article 71 of the Ghanaian Constitution, which specifies the compensation for key public officials, including the Chief Justice. This remuneration reflects the important role she plays in Ghana’s judiciary.
In addition to her salary, Justice Torkornoo is entitled to a variety of allowances and benefits, forming a comprehensive compensation package. Some of these benefits include:
1. Security Detail: As Chief Justice, she is provided with state-funded security, including personal bodyguards, ensuring her protection during both professional and private engagements.
2. Official Vehicle: She is assigned a government-owned vehicle, which comes with full maintenance and fuel coverage. This vehicle, along with a designated chauffeur, supports her frequent travels across the country to fulfill her judicial duties.
3. Accommodation: Justice Torkornoo resides in a government-supplied, fully furnished home in Accra. This residence is conveniently located close to important judicial institutions, facilitating her easy access to her work.
4. Healthcare Benefits: She is granted comprehensive healthcare benefits, which extend to her immediate family, ensuring their health and well-being are well taken care of.
5. Travel Expenses: The government covers her travel expenses when attending international judicial events, such as legal conferences or forums, enhancing her participation in global legal discussions.
6. Administrative Support: In her role, she manages a substantial budget for the judiciary’s operations, which plays a crucial role in maintaining and improving the functioning of the court system.
In addition to these material benefits, the Chief Justice position carries significant non-monetary advantages. These include the prestige of the role, the authority to influence legal reforms, and the responsibility to represent the judiciary at the highest levels of government. Together, these perks emphasize the significance of Justice Torkornoo’s position in promoting the rule of law and ensuring justice in Ghana.
A member of the Appointments Committee of Parliament, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor has jumped to the defence of the Chairman of the Committee, Bernard Ahiafor, following accusations of bias and partisanship.
Minority members on the Committee have accused the Chairman of protecting the three nominees who appeared before the Committee on Monday, January 13.
The Minority also accused the Chairman of preventing the President’s nominees from answering some critical questions.
But the Member of Parliament for North Dayi, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor says the Chairman has steered the affairs of the Committee well.
“They have had the opportunity to do what they ought to do. But they flapped it and allowed their Minority Leader to have a field day to ask frivolous questions for nearly three hours and everybody saw it.
“So to come back and complain that you were not given the opportunity to ask relevant questions is neither here nor there. If you were given the opportunity and you decided to major in the minors, that is your problem.”
Read Also…
Ahiafor was an obstacle to diligent vetting of ministerial nominees – Minority
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The Institute for Energy Security (IES) has expressed its support for the privatisation of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).
This endorsement comes amidst calls for the privatisation of the company and the governing National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) stated intention to pursue such a course of action.
Speaking during an interview on The Point of View on Channel One TV, Nana Amoasi VII, Executive Director of the IES, underscored the necessity of involving private partners in the distribution segment, particularly in revenue collection, to tackle the sector’s inefficiencies.
“The IES is not against the privatisation of ECG,” Nana Amoasi VII stated. “Bringing in private partners to support the distribution leg of ECG’s work, particularly the revenue collection side, is crucial. We firmly support what the government wants to do.”
Nana Amoasi VII highlighted that the IES has consistently advocated for private sector involvement, including during the era of the PDS ECG concession model. He stressed that the core challenges in the energy sector lie within the distribution segment of the value chain.
“If you take away the inefficiencies and invest more in the business of distribution, we are sure that our technical and commercial losses will be drastically reduced,” he explained.
He also pointed out that the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) had at one time reported that ECG was unable to collect close to 50% of expected revenue in certain months, a situation he described as a major threat to the company’s sustainability.
“No business will survive if this is the situation,” Nana Amoasi VII noted. “So we support the idea; we need private sector funding, expertise, and technology that will be good enough to change the narratives of ECG.”
Edward Bawa: Privatising ECG key to retooling and harnessing private sector expertise
A police operation to clamp down on activities of illegal miners who have pitched camp in the Offin Shelter Belt Forest Reserve at Anwiafutu near Nyinahin, in the Ashanti region, turned violent as four people sustained varied degrees of injury.
Joynews’ Assisting Editor, Ohemeng Tawiah, embedded in the team, was among those injured by a mob of illegal miners.
He was following up on an earlier story he did on the illegal mining operations of Clean Jobs Resources Limited.
He sustained head and chest injuries, twisted fingers, and multiple cuts on his body after surviving a machete attack, in what appears to be an attempt to cut off his right leg.
The mob seized the team’s camera, mobile phones, power bank, Bluetooth device, money and lenses, among other personal effects, and also damaged two minibuses used by the team.
The police team from the Ashanti Regional Police headquarters in-Kumasi, which included the media and excavator mechanics and operators, stormed the mining site of Clean Jobs Resources Limited at about 9 a.m. on Friday, December 20, 2024.
The team first dispossessed and arrested security personnel dressed in military camouflage to pave the way for what was expected to be a successful operation.
As the police team entered the mining site, the suspected illegal miners, made up of Chinese and local collaborators, had escaped, leaving their gold washers and generators on the site. They had been tipped off to escape.
Several hectares of the once-virgin Offin Shelter Belt Forest Reserve have been destroyed through illegal mining operations.
Deep trenches have been freshly dug, and heaps of sand believed to contain precious minerals were being washed.
At least eight washing machines busily engaged in washing activities were spotted at the site of a company contracted to reclaim mined forest reserve.
While the police team continued with the search for illegal miners, news came in that the illegal miners, with the support of the youth of Anwiafutu, had erected a barricade at the only entrance to the site.
The agitated miners and reinforced security, headed by one Alhassan and later Commander Adu, demanded the police free arrested illegal miners and release seized pump-action guns and mobile phones as part of negotiations for the safe passage of the police team.
They also demanded the camera and footage of the Joynews team and demanded the police succumb to negotiating the safety of the team.
The agitated miners then started throwing stones at the minibuses, smashing their glass windows.
In no time, another reinforced security team dressed in military camouflage led by a man identified as W.O. arrived at the scene to support the illegal miners. The WO ordered that no vehicles were to leave the site.
A unit committee member of Anwiafutu intervened to rescue the news team to a waiting police pickup.
The miners, however, chased and attacked Ohemeng Tawiah with pump-action guns, machetes, and stones whilst frisking him for money and mobile phones as he tripped and fell on the ground.
The police pickup managed to send the team and some injured excavator operators to Adobewora Junction, where they continued to Kumasi to begin treatment.
Ohemeng arrived at a health facility in Kumasi very weak, having bled profusely from head injuries he sustained.
The medical team rushed him to the theatre in his blood-soaked clothes to first stabilize and operate on him.
Joynews investigations have revealed that Clean Jobs Resources Limited received an entry permit from the Forestry Commission to embark on reclamation and afforestation in the virgin Offin Shelter Belt, an area that has not recorded any illegal mining operations.
The company has been actively engaged in illegal mining contrary to the dictates of the entry permit.
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A policeman, accompanied by three Community Police Assistants (CPAs), were on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, subjected to severe beatings in an attempt to arrest a suspect at Akrofuom near Obuasi in the Ashanti Region.
The security officers sustained varying degrees of injuries and are currently receiving treatment at the Obuasi Government Hospital, with one officer reportedly in critical condition.
According to information gathered by MyNewsGh.com, a 62-year-old man had earlier reported a case of threat of harm by the suspect, identified as Sibuba, to the police. The complainant was leading the officers to the suspect’s residence near the District Chief Executive’s (DCE’s) bungalow.
Upon arriving at the suspect’s house, the complainant identified Sibuba to the police for arrest. However, the suspect pleaded with the officers to allow him to inform his family about his arrest and was permitted to make a phone call.
Moments later, a mob of approximately 50 individuals armed with various life-threatening objects attacked the officers and beat them mercilessly. The attackers also seized an AK-47 rifle from the policeman and abandoned the officers in a nearby bush, leaving them for dead.
The injured officers managed to call for reinforcements and were subsequently rushed to the Obuasi Government Hospital, where they are currently being treated. Meanwhile, the AK-47 rifle has been recovered, and the police are actively pursuing the suspect and his accomplices.
Meanwhile, Watch as religious leaders pray for Mahama and his family’s well being
Fuel prices are expected to drop slightly starting on January 16th, the second pricing window, according to the Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC).
It is anticipated that the price of diesel will drop by about 1% and that the price of gasoline would drop by about 3%.
The Ghanaian Cedi’s performance in relation to other major currencies will determine this prediction. Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) such as GOIL and Total raised fuel prices somewhat during the first pricing window in January 2025.
The Cedi’s performance will be a major factor in deciding the ultimate fuel pricing, according to Duncan Amoah, Executive Secretary of COPEC.
“Indications are that prices of petroleum products could go down between 1% and 3% for petrol and diesel. LPG could go up some 3%. However this will be subject to availability of the product and then again the cedi’s performance over the period. Some markets are quoting an upward inclination for the cedi while for others, there is still a depreciation and so the cedi will play a role. But the international market benchmarks are pointing to a reduction,” he told Citi Business News.
This optimistic prognosis comes after the Bank of Ghana’s (BoG) January 14 successful first forward auction of the year.
The goal of the auction, which gave $20 million to Bulk Oil Distribution Companies (BDCs), was to stabilize the currency rate and manage foreign exchange reserves.
However, Duncan Amoah underlined that a more comprehensive strategy is required to meet the foreign exchange requirements of BDCs for the import of petroleum products. He emphasized that the $20 million allotted for each auction is not enough to have a major effect on the exchange rate.
“What you require currently is between $400-500 if the market is going for imports for petroleum products. You cannot have a situation where the Bank of Ghana throws in just abit – some $50-100 and expect that that will be enough to drive the cedi’s rate of appreciation or depreciation so the must be a more sustainable programme,” he stated in a report by 3news.com.
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Meanwhile, Watch as religious leaders pray for Mahama and his family’s well being
President John Dramani Mahama has assured the chiefs and people of Bawku in the Upper East Region of his determination to ensure permanent peace in Bawku to drive socio-economic development.
“During the campaign, I stated that if God granted our desires and I was elected President, bringing peace to Bawku was going to be one of my number one priorities”, President Mahama stated during a visit to the Bawku Naba, ZugraanNabaAsigriAbugragoAzoka II, Overlord of Kusaug Traditional Area on Tuesday.
“So, today is exactly one week since I was sworn in at the Black Stars Square and it is my first major assignment outside Accra I decided to come and assure you that we are going to work very hard to make sure that we bring peace back to Bawku”.
The visit formed part of the President’s commitment to engaging the feuding factions and relevant stakeholders, aimed at resolving the protracted Bawku Chieftaincy conflict that had lasted for decades.
At least 40 people have lost their lives since the conflict re-emerged in October 2024 and at least 240 lives have been lost since November 2021.
Speaking to the residents in Bawku after a closed-door meeting with the Bawku Naba, the President said Bawku was known for its peaceful atmosphere that supported economic activities and contributed to the country’s development.
He said during his time as President, Bawku and its surrounding areas were very peaceful and everyone went about their duties and pledged to work to restore that lost glory.
“Sadly, the situation has occurred again and I know that for the last three years, you have not been able to sleep, you have been living under stress and so the priority of our government is to bring peace back to Bawku so that everybody can go about their duties without fear of harassment”, he stressed.
The President indicated that appointments to the various security ministries and agencies would be made this week to facilitate peace in the area and other conflict areas in the country.
“So within this week we will do the appointments of the Minister of Defence, Minister of the Interior, the National Security Advisor, the National Security Coordinator, the National Intelligence Bureau Director and all the others and when these appointments are made, I am going to charge them to make Bawku one of the number one priorities to attend to and deal with,” he indicated.
President Mahama said he was abreast with the issues in Bawku and the adverse effects on livelihoods and appealed to the chiefs and people of the area to be patient as the government worked to bring permanent peace back to the area.
“From here, we will be going to the Nayiri to deliver a message to him. We cannot live in a country where our people do not feel safe, our people must feel safe to travel to whenever they want and at whatever time and not have people shooting at them so you can be sure that we will deal with these situations so that we all can have the peace we need so that our traditional areas can progress “, he added.
The Bawku Naba expressed gratitude to the President for the visit and added that the move signified the importance the President attached to the area and the security situation in the area.
He assured the President of his support and that of his subjects on the roadmap to attaining sustainable and lasting peace and driving the development of the area.
The President was accompanied by Felix Ofosu Kwakye, Acting Spokesperson to the President and Mr Mahama Ayariga, Member of Parliament for the Bawku Central Constituency.
The President would later pay a similar visit to the Nayiri, Naa Bohagu Abdulai Mahami Sheriga, Overlord of Mamprugu in Nalerigu in the North East Region.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
The former Managing Director of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) Samuel Dubik Mahama, has dismissed the government’s proposal to privatise the power distribution company.
He argued that private sector participation is already integrated at the metering level and questioned the necessity of further privatisation.
During his vetting on January 13, Energy Minister-Designate John Jinapor reiterated President John Dramani Mahama’s commitment to privatising power distribution in Ghana, citing the need for enhanced efficiency in the energy sector.
In an interview with Bernard Avle on Channel One TV’s The Point of View, Mr Dubik expressed confidence that the sector could thrive if the government builds on the foundation laid during his tenure.
He acknowledged the inefficiencies within ECG while also highlighting areas of operational efficiency.
“I do admit that there are a few inefficiencies in the company, and in the same way, there are a few efficiencies. Now before you do any private sector privatisation what are the benchmarks? Let’s not forget there is already private sector participation in ECG.
“At the metering point under the loss reduction programme. Under this programme, the ECG has moved from its previous position where it used to look for a large sum of money to purchase meters to come and install. That is one thing that I decided to change when I became the Managing Director and I had a discussion with the board, was that looking for cash or capital to purchase meters, for usage, doesn’t make sense.
“Why don’t we get all these metering companies and tell everybody to have a factory in the country? Based on that, we now have about 7 metering companies that have factories in Ghana. What we then did was to give them a locality to install their meters…And that is private sector participation, if you do the math very well, you realise that it saved us a lot. More than almost 50% in how much you now have to borrow and all those administrative costs.”
When asked about the main problem that needs to be solved for ECG, he said, “The first one is forex… you buy the electricity in dollars and you come to sell it in cedis. And you go and look for requisite dollars to go and pay…If you are going to look for USD to pay the Independent Power Producers (IPPs), will the money be enough to pay the whole value chain?
We’re only against intended mode of privatising ECG – PUWU
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The Minority in Parliament has expressed worry over the potential exclusion of private Senior High Schools (SHS) from the Free SHS programme.
They have therefore called on President John Dramani Mahama and Finance Minister-designate, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson to honour their campaign promise to include private schools in the programme.
At a press conference on Wednesday, January 15, Dr Gideon Boako, Member of Parliament for Tano North, criticised the Minister-designate’s dismissive attitude during his vetting on January 13.
Dr. Boako pointed out that Dr. Ato Forson was evasive when questioned about extending the Free SHS programme to private institutions – a policy commitment outlined in the National Democratic Congress (NDC) manifesto.
The Minority has urged the Finance Minister-designate to clarify his position and fulfil the campaign promise, ensuring equitable access to education for all Ghanaian students, including those in private institutions.
“When asked about the Free SHS programme and whether it would be extended to private schools as indicated in the NDC manifesto, the Minister Designate, in a very dismissive manner, asked whether those private schools write WASSCE exams.
“First, it was shocking to observe the minister designate feign ignorance of the fact that there are many private SHS that write the WASSCE. We can all recall that during the election campaign, President Mahama met the leadership of the private senior high schools and promised to include private schools in the free SHS programme.
“If President Mahama and the NDC knew that no private SHS writes WASSCE exams, why did they promise to include them in the Free SHS program? For the information of the Minister and President Mahama, there are private SHS in Ghana that write WASSCE, and they are anxiously waiting to be included in the Free SHS programme. What is the finance minister designate waiting for? Was this not their campaign promise? What informed the promises? Didn’t they do the numbers first?”
Vetting: Ato Forson was evasive, inconsistent and lacked clarity of thought – Minority
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The Match Review Committee of the Ghana Football Association will meet on Friday, January 17, 2025, at the Secretariat to review complaints received from various clubs in the respective league competitions.
Aside the complaints that have been received, the Committee will also review some matches that have come to its radar.
The Match Review Panel (MRP) is a body appointed by the Executive Council to review incidents referred to the Panel by clubs regarding the conduct of referees in GFA sanctioned competitions based on the Laws of the game and Regulations of the Ghana Football Association and FIFA.
The Panel has the power to impose penalties as they deem appropriate and to reward or commend good performance of referees.
Official request to review a specific incident or incidents of concern is made on the prescribed Match Complaint Form and submitted to the Association for action.
Referees, Assistant Referees, and Officials concerned are always given the opportunity to explain their decisions on incidents that come up for review.
The Wenchi Traditional Council in the Bono Region has arrested five suspected illegal miners, including a Chinese national, in the Wenchi Municipality.
A taskforce set up by Osagyefo Ampem Anye Amoampong Tabrako III, the President of the Council, made the arrests around 5:00 PM on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at an illegal mining site in Atuna, a farming community in the area.
The taskforce also seized four excavators, two washing machines, and private Ford vehicles, and has since handed the suspects and the equipment to the Wenchi Divisional Police Command.
Mr. Reindorf Oware, the special aide to Osagyefo Tabrako III, who is also the Paramount Chief of the Wenchi Traditional Area, confirmed the arrest in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Wenchi.
He called on the police to expedite their investigations and prosecute the suspects, adding, “We also expect the police to ensure that the suspects reclaim the degraded land at the illegal mining site.”
A former Vice Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Sammy Crabbe, has announced his intention to contest the position of national chairman in the party’s next internal elections.
His announcement comes amid concerns raised by the party’s Council of Elders, led by Chairman Hackman Owusu-Agyeman, over ongoing campaigns by party executives, members and sympathisers following the NPP’s defeat in the 2024 general elections.
The council described these campaigns as counterproductive to the rebuilding efforts of the party.
Speaking on Point Blank on Eyewitness News, Sammy Crabbe explained that while he has not begun active campaigning, he believes there is nothing wrong with expressing his interest in the role when the time is right.
“I have expressed an interest. Come 2026, I will want to run as national chairman, and there is nothing wrong with that. I am not campaigning; I have not gone out there talking to executives. Some people have already expressed their desire to contest the next primaries. So, it is advisory, but I don’t think I should be gagged from expressing my interest in contesting,” he stated.
NPP now a weak party
He also attributed the party’s defeat in the 2024 general polls to its weakened internal structure and lack of cohesion, highlighting disillusionment among party members as a critical factor in the NPP’s struggles.
He emphasised that the party’s failure to align its gains in government with the aspirations of grassroots members has eroded loyalty and motivation.
“If somebody does not believe that whatever the party gains in government will benefit him or her, there is no way they will wake up in the morning and go and sacrifice. They must believe that there is something in it for them.
“You cannot just keep kicking the can down the road, thinking it’s going to be okay. That is not going to work,” he stated.
Mr. Crabbe further criticised the perceived disconnect between party leaders and the grassroots.
“When [the members] see you going about in air-conditioned vehicles and then you ask them to wait, they are not going to continue anymore. So, it is because the party is weak,” he added.
The NPP was defeated by the National Democratic Congress in the December 7, 2024, general elections, losing both the presidential race and a significant number of parliamentary seats.
TikTok will be banned in the US on 19 January – unless the Supreme Court accepts a last ditch legal bid from its Chinese owner, ByteDance, that to do so would be unconstitutional.
But even if the country’s highest judicial authority agrees with the lower courts – and Congress – that the platform is a threat to national security will that actually stop Americans using it?
Will there be ways to bypass the ban – or could president-elect Donald Trump find a way to stop a law he says he opposed to, even if the courts uphold it?
And whatever happens to TikTok, who stands to benefit from the uncertainty clouding its future?
Can people still use TikTok even if it’s banned?
The most likely way the US would ban TikTok is to order app stores, such as the Google Play Store and Apple’s App Store, to make it unavailable for download in that region.
US lawmakers have already told tech firms to be ready to remove the app from their stores if a ban comes into force.
That would mean people could no longer use a legitimate means to access TikTok – though it would also mean people who’ve already got it would still have it on their phones.
Because the app would not be publicly available anymore, new updates could no longer be delivered to users in the US – which would make the app buggier and, eventually, unusable.
Not to mention that many updates are provided to fix security holes in apps, so if TikTok stopped getting updates that could present hackers with millions of devices to target.
Protestors continue to gather outside the Supreme Court in a last-ditch bid to convince lawmakers to listen to their plight
Of course, there are ways around such a ban.
There are already many videos circulating on TikTok informing users how to use a VPN (virtual private network) – a way of making it appear as if you are in another region.
The region of app stores can also be changed on most devices, so anyone can theoretically access apps from other countries – though this may cause other problems, not to mention likely breaking terms of service agreements.
It is also possible to install apps downloaded from the internet by modifying a device – which may break copyright law – and comes with its own risks. However the government has also anticipated this so is also proposing to ban “internet hosting services” from giving people access to the app.
So if the ban took this kind of form it seems likely that those who are determined to use TikTok after it comes into effect will be able to do so – but it won’t be the experience they are used to.
How else could TikTok be banned?
There are still other routes available to the government down the road – for example, after India banned TikTok in 2020, it ordered internet providers to block access to the app altogether.
And even if people did use a VPN, there are still ways TikTok could theoretically judge whether a person is based in the US – and then simply present them with a screen saying the app is not available in their country.
It remains to be seen whether TikTok would decide to assist the government in its own ban – but it is being reported by Reuters that it plans to do so.
TikTok’s own lawyer told the Supreme Court that he believes the app will “go dark” in the US unless it rules in its favour.
The complexity of the issue means even the experts are unclear about what happens next.
Professor Milton L. Mueller of the Georgia Institute of Technology – who filed a legal brief in support of TikTok – said a lack of clarity around how far the US could extend its authority to enforce the law makes knowing what technically happens if a ban goes ahead difficult to determine.
But he said what was clear was the impact it would have on users and the internet itself.
“It would totally legitimise the fragmentation of the internet along national or jurisdictional boundaries,” he said.
Will Trump still be able to intervene?
Trump has been clear he does not want the law to come into force, asking the Supreme Court to delay its implementation while he seeks a “political solution.”
But, should the justices uphold it, Trump does not have the power to overturn the law, which would come into effect the day before he returns to office.
But he could simply tell the Department of Justice not to enforce it.
The government would be effectively telling Apple and Google that they won’t be punished for continuing to allow access to TikTok, meaning the law would remain in place but would essentially be redundant.
Obviously, the firms might be uncomfortable about breaking the law even if they’ve been told it’s fine – as it would be effectively requiring them to take the president’s word for it that they won’t face punishment.
What platforms could people turn to instead?
TikTok says it has 170 million users in the US who, on average, spent 51 minutes per day on the app in 2024.
Ban TikTok or make it less usable and that creates a huge opportunity for its big tech rivals says Jasmine Enberg, analyst at Insider Intelligence.
“Meta-owned Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts, owned by Google, are the most natural fits for displaced users, creators, and advertisers,” she says.
Facebook could benefit too, though Ms Enberg says, in common with all Meta platforms, the controversial policy changes announced by boss Mark Zuckerberg could potentially lessen its appeal.
Users bring advertisers – so a ban could be a big financial boost to those platforms.
“Chief Marketing Officers who we’ve spoken with confirmed that they will divert their media dollars to Meta and Google if they can no longer advertise on TikTok – this is the same behaviour we saw in India when they banned TikTok in 2020”, said Forrester principal analyst Kelsey Chickering.
Lemon8, which is also owned by ByteDance, would have been an obvious place for people to go following a ban – but the law stipulates it also applies to other apps owned or operated by the firm. This means Lemon8 is probably also going to face being made inaccessible in the US.
Other potential winners include Twitch, which made its name on hosting livestreams – a popular feature on TikTok. Twitch is well known particularly to gamers, though it continues to grow with other content.
Other Chinese-owned platforms, such as Xiaohongshu – known as RedNote among its US users – have seen rapid growth in the US and the UK.
Still, some suggest no existing app can truly replace TikTok, in particular its feature TikTok Shop, which lets users purchase products directly from videos, and makes a lot of money for US creators.
Craig Atkinson, CEO of digital marketing agency Code3, said there was no direct competitor that people could easily switch to – and notes his agency was signing new contracts with clients to build TikTok Shop campaigns as late as December.
Could a new buyer still emerge?
TikTok’s boss Shou Zi Chew has always refuted the idea of selling off part of the platform
Up until now, ByteDance has been resolute that no sale of its prize asset in the US is on the table.
But could that change if it is actually banned – and when a president who prides himself on “the art of the deal” returns to the White House?
Potential buyers continue to line up – with Bloomberg News reporting on Tuesday that the firm was looking at a sale to billionaire Elon Musk, though TikTok has since described this as “pure fiction”.
Trump’s former treasury secretary Steven Mnuchin and billionaire businessman Frank McCourt are among those who have previously expressed an interest in buying it.
Mr McCourt, a former owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers baseball team, said he had secured $20 billion in verbal commitments from a consortium of investors to bid for TikTok.
There is an even more leftfield – and considerably less serious – proposed owner.
The biggest YouTuber in the world MrBeast has claimed he’s now in the running to make a deal after he had billionaires reaching out to him about it.
Though it may seem like a joke, he has a significant financial incentive to try and save the app – MrBeast has more than 100m followers on TikTok.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
The body of the deceased was found hanging on a ceiling
A 33-year-old man, known only as Kwasi, who allegedly hanged himself in Ahenboboano, a quarter of Berekum in the Bono Region, has left the neighborhood in a state of shock and disbelief.
The body of the deceased was found hanging from the ceiling, tied with an electric iron wire, on the night of Tuesday, January 14, 2024. The police have since retrieved the body and deposited it in a mortuary for preservation.
Mr. Augustine Oppong, the deceased’s friend, told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) during a visit to the scene that the deceased resided in Adabokrom in the Bia East District of the Western Region.
According to Oppong, the deceased had been staying with him for a few months while searching for an apartment to move into. He explained that he had left the deceased at home to go to work, and upon his return, he discovered the body hanging in the room. The deceased leaves behind a wife and two children.
Dr. Emmanuel Adu-Sarkodee, Group Chairman of CDH Financial Holdings, has called on the government to continue investing in technical and vocational education, ensuring that the education system aligns with future industry needs.
Speaking at the opening of the 76th Annual New Year School and Conference at the University of Ghana, he emphasized the importance of STEM education in driving sustainable development.
Dr. Adu-Sarkodee also noted that university programs should prioritize practical skills, innovation, and critical thinking to prepare the workforce for the future.
The conference is themed “Attaining the Five Ps of Sustainable Development for Resilient Ghana: (People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace, Partnership).”
“Much emphasis should be placed on encouraging students to pursue groundbreaking projects, as much as on obtaining a first-class degree. Teaching basic skills such as building circuits or simple devices can build confidence and prepare students for the Industrial Revolution…” he stated. “Computers and robotics clubs should not be extra-curricular activities at the basic and secondary levels; they should be part of the curriculum itself.”
Dr. Adu-Sarkodee, who is also President of the Ghana Employers Association (GEA), emphasized that for Ghana to achieve economic growth, it must move away from its reliance on extractive industries.
He advocated for the adoption of “aggressive implementation strategies and coordinated policies” focused on transforming people and promoting inclusivity to drive rapid development.
Dr. Adu-Sarkodee highlighted the deteriorating conditions of the Odaw River and Korle Lagoon in Accra, stressing the need for strict enforcement of environmental laws and a shift in attitudes towards the environment.
He called for a united effort to safeguard the environment for future generations and underscored the importance of good character and patriotism, stating that without these values, national goals would remain unachieved.
Dr. Adu-Sarkodee raised concerns about the low representation of women in governance and management roles in Ghana but praised the election of Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang as the first female Vice President, calling it an inspiration for women to pursue higher leadership positions.
He expressed confidence in Ghana’s future, despite current challenges, and stressed the importance of collaboration and idea-sharing to drive sustainable development.
The ANYSC serves as a platform to address urgent national issues, mobilize citizens for development, and acts as the University of Ghana’s Corporate Social Responsibility initiative.
Key sub-themes for discussion by panelists include “Empowering the Next Generation: Harnessing Technology for Sustainable Development,” “Protecting the Natural and Built Environment for Sustainable Development,” and “Leveraging Financial Technologies for Prosperity and Addressing Regulatory Challenges.”
A member of the Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) Committee, Daniel Yao Domelevo, has clarified the team’s mission as a validation exercise rather than an investigative one.
The former Auditor General speaking on Joy News’ Upfront on Wednesday, January 15, explained that the committee’s primary focus is to confirm claims related to state land and property issues, ensuring accurate reporting to President John Mahama.
“What we are doing is essentially a validation mission,” he stated.
“We cannot just sit in our offices, hear claims like those from the Lomotey/Adotey family about their demolished property, and include them in our report without verifying. The presidency might question our findings if there’s no evidence on the ground.”
This clarification comes after the ORAL team visited the North Labone site where a property belonging to the Lomotey/Adotey family was illegally demolished in 2024. During the visit, a family representative recounted their ordeal, detailing the trauma of losing their home, the destruction of valuables, and their ongoing struggle for justice.
Despite a Lands Commission letter admitting to mistakenly allocating the land to a politically connected group responsible for the demolition, the family has neither been compensated nor received adequate security assurances. Instead, they continue to spend significant amounts on private security to protect the site.
Mr Domelevo stressed the importance of distinguishing validation from investigation.
“Validation is simply confirming what exists on the ground. If this were an investigation, we would call all parties, ask questions, and seek answers. For now, we are gathering data to ensure accuracy in our reports,” he said.
When asked whether the committee’s work involves accusations of wrongdoing, Domelevo was unequivocal.
“We are not accusing anyone. Before establishing any guilt, there must be an investigation. My background as an auditor reminds me that preliminary findings often change when rebutted with evidence. Our job is not to accuse but to verify.”
He also addressed confusion between the ORAL Committee’s validation efforts and the investigative actions of other bodies like national security.
“People often confuse our role with that of national security,” Domelevo noted.
“When they move in, they might take actions that go beyond validation, but we have no control over their operations.”
The ORAL team assured the Lomotey/Adotey family that their plight would be captured in a comprehensive report to President Mahama, aiming to bring attention to their loss and advocate for resolution.
Daniel Domelevo’s comments underscore the committee’s commitment to thorough validation and factual reporting, laying the groundwork for potential future investigations or corrective measures in cases involving state properties and land disputes.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
The Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Ghana (FOMWAG) has called on President John Dramani Mahama and Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang to fulfill their promises to the Muslim community.
It stated, “We look forward to both of you accomplishing most, if not all, of your promises to the Muslim community and Ghanaians as a whole.”
In a release issued to the Ghana News Agency on Wednesday in Accra, the Association congratulated the President and Vice President on their ascension to the highest office of the land.
As a women-based organization, the Association particularly congratulated the first female Vice President for the Republic, saying her appointment was historic and well-deserved.
It said, “This milestone is a testament to her unwavering dedication, exceptional leadership, and deep commitment to the progress and well-being of our nation.”
The release noted that her ascension to the highest office of the land was not only a personal achievement but also a monumental victory for women across Ghana.
“Your success serves as an inspiration, not only for women in politics but also for young women and girls everywhere, showing that no dream is too big to achieve. It demonstrates that the future of Ghana is one in which women play an integral and decisive role in shaping the nation’s development.”
The Association also congratulated the president and commended him for choosing a woman as his running mate and subsequently Vice President.
“This remarkable achievement as President is a testament to your dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the progress and development of our beloved nation.”
As a key organization advocating for the rights and empowerment of Muslim women in Ghana, FOMWAG expressed excitement about collaborating to build a more inclusive and equitable Ghana for all citizens, where every woman, regardless of background, can realize her full potential.
“We are confident that your tenure will see the advancement of gender-related issues, particularly the promotion of education for girls, women’s economic empowerment, and the strengthening of women’s voices in all sectors of society.”
Former Member of Parliament for the Subin constituency in the Ashanti Region, Eugene Boakye Antwi, has expressed his disapproval of the committee established by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to investigate its historic defeat to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the 2024 elections.
Speaking during an interview on Asempa FM, monitored by MyNewsGh, Antwi did not hold back in criticizing the party’s approach to addressing the loss.
When asked about the committee headed by Mike Ocquaye, tasked with delivering its findings in three weeks, Antwi confirmed his awareness of its mandate but questioned its efficacy. “We all know why the NPP lost,” he said.
“These reasons have been discussed on numerous party platforms already. I don’t understand why we need a committee to tell us what we already know.”
Antwi’s main concern centered around the appointment of Mike Ocquaye as the committee’s leader. “How do you ask the very person who played a significant role in the defeat to investigate what went wrong?” he asked.
He highlighted Ocquaye’s position as chairman of the election committee for both the presidential and parliamentary elections leading up to the vote, arguing that his leadership was part of the problem.
The former MP noted that the election results reflected the party’s worst performance in Ghana’s electoral history, with the loss of significant parliamentary seats.
He pointed to internal party divisions, where discontent led some members to run as independents, further diminishing the NPP’s chances. “These independent candidates didn’t just cost us seats—they revealed a party in disarray. We can’t overlook that,” Antwi stated.
Meanwhile, Watch as religious leaders pray for Mahama and his family’s well being
No more illegal miners are believed to be trapped underground at a gold mine in South Africa, volunteers working with rescue teams have said.
At least 78 bodies and more than 200 survivors have been pulled out since Monday after a court ordered the government to facilitate rescue operations at the mine, the site of one of the most extraordinary tragedies to hit the industry.
Police said they would check that no one was left on Thursday when a rescue cage would be sent down the mine.
The stand-off began in November when the government ordered police to arrest any miner who surfaced, saying it was determined to end illegal mining.
During a visit on Tuesday, the police and mines ministers were insulted and told to leave by an angry crowd that blamed the government for the deaths.
Police said that more than 1,500 miners had come to the surface before the rescue operation began, Reuters news agency reports.
However, others remained underground, either because they feared arrest or were forced to stay there by gangs that controlled the mine.
A South African Police Service spokesman said of the volunteers’ statement that no one was now still underground: “We will rely on the Mine Rescue Service to confirm this with their state-of-the-art equipment that will hopefully be able to give us a picture of what is happening underground.
“The Mine Rescue Service have confirmed that they will send the cage underground in the morning to see if any illegal miners surface with the cage. We cannot say for sure that the operation has been called off at this stage.”
Many mines in South Africa have been abandoned over the last three decades by companies that did not find them economically viable.
The mines have been taken over by gangs, often former employees, that sell minerals they find on the black market.
This includes the mine in Stilfontein, some 145km (90 miles) south-west of the country’s biggest city, Johannesburg, which has been the focus of government efforts to clamp down on the illegal industry.
A rescue cage has been making trips down a shaft to reach scores of miners thought to be at least 2km (1.2 miles) underground.
Many of the survivors had been without food and water since November, leaving them emaciated. They are now receiving medical care.
The authorities say they will be charged with illegal mining, trespassing and contravention of immigration laws, as the majority of the miners are undocumented migrants from neighbouring countries.
“It’s a crime against the economy, it’s an attack on the economy,” Mines Minister Gwede Mantashe said on Wednesday as he defended the hard line taken against the miners.
South Africa relied heavily on miners from countries such as Lesotho and Mozambique before the industry went into decline.
Unemployment in South Africa is currently more than 30% and many former miners say they have little alternative source of income.
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Kofi Adomah is currently in a stable condition in Dubai, according to his wife
In a post shared on social media, Miracle Adomah, the wife of journalist Kofi Adomah, gave a crucial update regarding his condition after he was tragically shot in the eye by unknown assailants.
Expressing gratitude for the overwhelming support from well-wishers, she wrote: “Sorry I can’t respond to the numerous WhatsApp calls on my phone and that of my husband now. Currently, he is stable, and we hope for the best. Thanks for the care.”
This message followed an earlier report by MyNewsGH, which initially broke the devastating news.
The story was originally shared by fellow journalist and content creator, Afia Pokua, also known as Vim Lady.
Afia Pokua’s message on social media shared the alarming news of Kofi Adomah’s injury, revealing that he had been shot in the eye.
She requested prayers for his recovery but offered limited details on the circumstances surrounding the attack.
The incident left many in shock, and questions about the attack continue to linger, as authorities have yet to confirm any further details.
What remains certain is the strong support Kofi has received from both the media community and the general public, with many reaching out to his family and expressing concern for his well-being.
Despite the uncertainty of the situation, Mrs. Adomah’s latest post brings a sense of relief to those who had been anxiously awaiting any news.
She confirmed that while the injury was grave, Kofi is currently stable, and they remain hopeful for his recovery.
See the post below:
Meanwhile, watch the 3-way vetting clash between Afenyo-Markin, Ahiafor, Armah-Kofi Buah below:
Two individuals narrowly escaped a mob lynching after being caught with the remains of a 10-year-old boy, allegedly intended for ritual purposes.
According to information gathered by Ghone News reporter Yaw Boagyan, the deceased, identified as James Ajoyemeh, had been buried just three days prior.
The suspects, Fofo Agboyemeh and Kwame Agboyemeh, reportedly exhumed the body from a cemetery in Adewukwa, a community near Awutu Bawjiase in the Awutu Senya West District.
The two were intercepted by some motorcycle taxi operators (okada riders) at Ashalaja around 1 a.m. on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, following a tip-off. This led to the suspects being assaulted by an enraged mob.
However, the timely intervention of the Dankyira Police saved them from being killed.
The suspects, who are now in the custody of the Awutu Bawjiase Police Command, were sent to the Bawjiase Polyclinic for treatment due to the severity of their injuries.
KA
Meanwhile, Watch as religious leaders pray for Mahama and his family’s well being
As part of ongoing negotiations with the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC), President John Dramani Mahama and his administration have been urged by the Teachers and Educational Workers Union (TEWU) of TUC (Ghana) to complete the implementation of the revised terms of service.
In an appeal, General Secretary King James Azortibah urged the President to expedite the implementation of the conditions of service.
He claimed that a nationwide strike in November 2024 was caused by stalled negotiations, which was later called off after the FWSC promised swift action for the affected institutions.
TEWU further appealed to President Mahama to ensure that public universities discourage the formation of tribal unions.
“TEWU of TUC (Ghana) has some urgent pending issues with the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC), including the delayed conclusion and implementation of the reviewed conditions of service for members in the Ghana Education Service (GES), Ghana Museums and Monuments Board, the Ghana Library Authority (GLA), as well as public and technical universities. The gift we want from the new government for our members, in respect of the above-mentioned institutions, is to ensure a timely and speedy conclusion of negotiations on the long-overdue reviewed conditions of service for them.”
“TEWU of TUC (Ghana) would like to urge the new government not to see labor as an afterthought when taking major socio-economic policy decisions, such as any review of the Free Senior High School Programme, the 1992 Constitution, or Ghana-IMF agreements, among others. Labor’s input must be sought and seriously factored into any such future reviews because the cumulative negative effects are borne by Ghanaian workers in both the formal and informal sectors.”
“It is the expectation of TEWU of TUC (Ghana) that the new government will denounce the actions of certain management members in public universities who are bent on promoting the formation of rival trade unions for parochial interests. The relevant state agencies must bring such officers, who are pursuing these illegalities, to order.”
Meanwhile, Watch as religious leaders pray for Mahama and his family’s well being
A survey by Joy News through its social media handles has passed a damning verdict on former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, for being largely responsible for the NPP’s stunning defeat in the December 2024 election.
The survey, which asked Ghanaians to share their views on factors which contributed to the NPP’s shocking defeat, had majority of respondents pointing fingers at immediate past President Nana Akufo-Addo, and also blaming his government’s harsh economic policies, nepotism, corruption and arrogance of some of his appointees, as key reasons for the defeat of NPP in both the Presidential and Parliamentary election.
Akufo-Addo to Blame The most common theme among respondents was former President Akufo-Addo, who was widely accused of not doing enough, thereby, getting the NPP, it’s flagbearer and parliamentary candidates to pay dearly for his sins.
Specifically, many of those who commented, slammed President Akufo-Addo for endorsing harsh and insensitive economic policies such as e-levy, betting tax, covid-19 tax and poor debt management.
For these policies, the former President was accused of shielding his cousin, former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, who was also accused by some respondents of running down the economy, before he was eventually removed, albeit belatedly.
Nana Akufo-Addo was also accused of exhibiting arrogant posture to Ghanaians, and many referred to his orders to chiefs to stand up to greet him, as acts which angered many Ghanaians, who chose to refuse to vote for the NPP because of that.
Many other respondents also blamed the President for causing apathy in the party, with his refusal to listen to internal advice and effect changes in his government on time, across all levels of his administration, to spread opportunities to other party members who many grassroots members look up to.
Refusing to remove Ken Ofori-Atta as Finance Minister, notwithstanding calls by overwhelming number of NPP MPs and ordinary Ghanaians, was cited to buttress the claim.
Exorbitant Taxes
Apart from President Akufo-Addo being blamed directly, many of the respondents also slammed some of his government’s policies, which they said contributed to bringing hardship on Ghanaians.
Central to this were taxes such as e-levy, covid-19 taxes, betting tax as well as the government’s debt management policy.
Both the President and former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, were up for harsh criticism over these policies, which the respondents said made the NPP unpopular among Ghanaians, including the NPP’s own supporters.
Arrogant Appointees, Corruption & Clearing Agent Some of the respondents also had issues with government appointees, accusing some of them of being arrogant and inaccessible.
This, they observed, contributed to alienating them from the people and causing disaffection for the NPP.
Corruption also played a part, with many highlighting a number of scandals of the Akufo-Addo government. On corruption, many revisited the issue of labelling former President Akufo-Addo as a “clearing agent”, a nickname the President earned for clearing a number of his appointees accused of corrupt acts.
Others Respondents also blamed the Akufo-Addo government’s neglect of key projects in its strongholds, especially in the Ashanti Region, as well as parts of the Western and the Bono/Ahafo regions.
In the Ashanti Region for instance, many of the respondents faulted former President Akufo-Addo for not prioritising major projects in the Ashanti Region, especially the Suame interchange.
To sum it up, most of the respondents who commented blamed former President Akufo-Addo’s government for the defeat of Dr. Bawumia, as well as the unprecedented overwhelming majority of NPP Parliamentary candidates across the country.
Below are some of the comments:
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President Mahama [L] and Archbishop Charles Agyinasare
At the recent Christian National Thanksgiving Service held at the Ohene Konadu Auditorium of the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), for the new Mahama administration, Archbishop Charles Agyinasare of Perez Chapel International prayed for “unity of purpose” as President John Mahama sets his “reset” agenda in motion.
The founder of Perez Chapel International prayed against “infighting among the rank and file of the party over positions,” citing Scripture that says, “where there is envy and strife, there is every manner of evil work.”
The Archbishop prayed to God to grant the new government “grace to restore our economic fortunes by giving them creative and productive ideas.”
He also beseeched the Almighty to “give them the power or ability to overturn unfavorable external outlooks on our economy,” interceding: “We ask that this new government will have resilience against external factors.”
Furthermore, Archbishop Agyinasare prayed that the new administration would provide Ghanaians with leadership that inspires the next generation and youth “to have a love for the nation and the determination to make Ghana great and proud again.”
“We pray for inspiring leadership that will have a listening ear for feedback because feedback will always help us to be better,” he supplicated.
On the issue of illegal mining, Archbishop Agyinasare asked God to give the new administration “innovative and smart ideas” to tackle the menace, noting that “Ghana is blessed with abundant resources. However, these resources must be explored in a safe manner so that our environment is not destroyed.”
“We pray that they will be able to transform these resources locally so that we can create value and sustainable employment for our youth,” he added.
Additionally, Dr. Agyinasare prayed that God would give the new government the knowledge “to find long-term solutions to our energy and educational sectors.”
“We pray for ideas to develop long-term off-grid solutions like solar energy. Concerning education, we pray for the political will and competent professionals who will ensure that our public education system is competitive and prepares the next generation of world-class leaders and professionals.”
“Grant them the wisdom to understand that corruption will destroy the future of Ghana. Hence, as leaders, may they always have hearts that grieve when Ghana is being harmed through illicit practices. Lastly, we ask for uncommon favor for the new government with bilateral and multilateral partners to attract investment for this nation,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, Watch as religious leaders pray for Mahama and his family’s well being
IMF Boss, Kristalina Georgieva [L] and Dr Amin Adam
The Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Ms. Kristalina Georgieva, has showered praises on Ghana’s immediate past Finance Minister, Dr. Amin Adam.
She commended him for his exceptional leadership and significant contributions to Ghana’s economic stability during his tenure.
The IMF boss made these remarks in a letter bidding farewell to the former minister.
She particularly lauded Dr. Adam for his commitment to the successful implementation of Ghana’s $3 billion IMF-supported program.
The program, she explained, helped restore Ghana’s macroeconomic stability and ensured debt sustainability.
“You have had a profound impact on Ghana and its citizens,” the IMF boss stated. “Your efforts have not only strengthened Ghana’s economy but also inspired confidence in the country’s future.”
According to her, Dr. Adam contributed immensely to ensuring long-term growth for the country and positively impacted Ghana’s financial outlook during the IMF-backed reforms.
“I have every confidence that you will continue to make a meaningful difference, particularly as you assume your role as a re-elected Member of Parliament. Your passion for public service and commitment to positive change will serve as a beacon of inspiration for many,” Ms. Georgieva added.
Meanwhile, Watch as religious leaders pray for Mahama and his family’s well being
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been instructed by the Office of the President to recall all service and diplomatic passports that were issued during the previous government.
This action is a part of the government’s efforts to maintain the integrity of Ghana’s diplomatic engagements and ensure that official travel papers are used appropriately.
The recall is intended to avoid passport misuse and ensure conformity with both national and international norms, according to a statement issued by Secretary to the President Callistus Mahama, Ph.D.
The statement said, “This exercise is in line with the Government’s commitment to ensuring the appropriate use and administration of official travel documents.”
KA
Meanwhile, Watch as religious leaders pray for Mahama and his family’s well being
A collision between a bus and a truck killed 19 people in Senegal on Monday, as the authorities faced resistance from transporters against new measures adopted after another deadly accident just a week earlier.
“Yet another fatal accident on our roads at the entrance to Ngeun Sarr. 19 human lives lost,” tweeted President Macky Sall.
The crash near Louga (north) also left 25 people injured, Colonel Papa Ange Michel Diatta, a national fire department official, told AFP.
On January 8, more than 40 people were killed when two buses collided in the center of the country, bringing to light the well-known problems of the road in Senegal as in many African countries: dilapidated and dangerous vehicles, reckless driving, and widespread corruption among officials in charge of enforcing the law or passing driving licenses.
A witness interviewed by the private radio station RFM reported that on Monday morning the bus swerved to avoid a donkey, an explanation that was not confirmed. Many cattle roam on or near roads in Senegal.
The January 8 tragedy, blamed on a burst tire, has sparked a wave of criticism against the authorities for their inability to enforce the rules of the road, as well as regulations on the condition of vehicles.
In the wake of this accident, one of the deadliest in Senegal in recent years, the government announced some 20 measures. Many of these measures have been criticized as being unenforceable by transport professionals, the main people concerned.
The head of state reaffirmed the need for them on Twitter. The accident in the north “highlights the need to strengthen road safety measures,” he said.
Many professionals have deemed the measures out of step with economic realities or lifestyles, for example, the ban on buses and minibuses travelling at night, or the ban on importing used tires.
– “Big jam” –
Buses carrying passengers as well as goods are an essential means of transport between localities, for want of alternatives. Buses are commonly converted to increase capacity and fitted with roof racks that are often overloaded to the point of threatening to handle.
Not only do passengers like to carry bulky items, but the racks are a source of additional revenue for transport operators.
Some of the transport unions have announced an indefinite strike starting Tuesday in protest.
“Regulation of the sector: the State in a big jam”, was the headline on Monday in the newspaper Le Quotidien.
The authorities quickly backed down on the ban on equipping buses with luggage racks and granted a one-year exemption.
Another reason for confrontation between the government and transporters, in an inflationary context, prices. Minibus operators have just announced an increase in their fares in the Dakar region, arguing that the government has recently cut fuel subsidies and increased the price of diesel and super fuel by 100 CFA francs (15 euro cents).
The government refused to accept this increase, which it said was illegal because it had not been approved by the authorities.
Road accidents officially kill 700 people each year in Senegal, a country of more than 17 million people.
In 2019, Senegal had a road death rate of 24 per 100,000 inhabitants, and sub-Saharan Africa 27 per 100,000, compared with a rate of 6 per 100,000 in the European Union and 2 in Switzerland, according to the World Bank.
UNITED NATIONS, Jan. 15, (Xinhua/GNA) — The United Nations and aid partners are responding to deadly Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi, battering southeast Africa with high winds and heavy rain, UN humanitarians said on Monday.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said the UN partners began working with local authorities after the cyclone made landfall on Saturday in northern Madagascar, the same area hit by deadly Cyclone Chido nearly a month ago. OCHA’s latest ReliefWeb status alert reported that Dikeledi’s center was over the Mozambique Channel, approximately 75 km east of the coast of Nampula province in northeastern Mozambique. It passed just south of Mayotte, the island where Cyclone Chido inflicted heavy death and destruction.
The government of Madagascar reported that three people were killed and more than 350 displaced to several temporary sites. More than 5,200 people were directly affected, nearly 1,300 homes flooded, and five health centers were damaged. Humanitarian partners distributed water treatment supplies and water, sanitation and hygiene kits.
OCHA said the world body and humanitarian partners in Mozambique continue to assist those affected by Chido, which killed more than 170 people in Madagascar, Mayotte and Malawi.
The World Food Programme reported reaching more than 190,000 Cyclone Chido victims in five districts with one-week food rations as of Saturday. The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and its partners distributed more than 800 kits of core relief items to more than 4,000 people. UNHCR also said it stepped up efforts to assess protection concerns in parts of Cabo Delgado province where displaced people are sheltering.
Following Cyclone Chido, they lacked shelter or sufficient access to clean water and sanitation facilities. The loss of livelihoods, particularly in agriculture, has compounded their challenges in rebuilding their lives.
The United Nations and its partners aim to provide humanitarian assistance to more than 400,000 people affected by Cyclone Chido, but to do that, they urgently need additional funding, OCHA said. GNA
Lamine Yamal (left) has scored in each of his past three matches in all competitions
Barcelona backed up their Spanish Super Cup triumph by thrashing Real Betis to cruise into the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey.
Teenager Lamine Yamal scored one and assisted another as Barca netted five goals for the second consecutive game, having beaten rivals Real Madrid 5-2 in Saudi Arabia on Sunday.
Gavi gave the hosts a third-minute lead before Yamal, 17, set up Jules Kounde for Barcelona’s second.
After the restart Raphinha, Ferran Torres and Yamal all found the target.
Real Betis scored a late consolation goal through Vitor Roque’s 84th-minute penalty but were soundly beaten.
La Liga leaders Atletico Madrid also advanced into the last eight with a comfortable 4-0 win at second-tier Elche, with struggling Leganes and Getafe also beating lower-league opposition to go through.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
![Anthony Nukpenu [L] and Ashie Moore](https://cdn.ghanaweb.com/imagelib/pics/974/97494482.295.jpg "Anthony Nukpenu [L] and Ashie Moore")
![IMF Boss, Kristalina Georgieva [L] and Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam](https://cdn.ghanaweb.com/imagelib/pics/708/70810867.295.jpg "IMF Boss, Kristalina Georgieva [L] and Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam")
Edmund Opoku-Agyemang, the husband of Ghana’s Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, is a distinguished lawyer and academic.
In addition to his academic role, Edmund owns a legal firm, demonstrating his active engagement in both the educational and practical aspects of the legal profession as reported by Wikipedia.
![President Mahama [L] and Archbishop Charles Agyinasare](https://cdn.ghanaweb.com/imagelib/pics/521/52159875.295.jpg "President Mahama [L] and Archbishop Charles Agyinasare")
