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:

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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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 recall is intended to avoid passport misuse

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

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.

Dr. Samuel Amoh Tobin, is the second individual to own the Warrior King Watches

Renowned Ghanaian pharmacist, esteemed businessman, philanthropist, and chairman of the Tobinco Group of Companies, Dr. Samuel Amoh Tobin, is the second individual to own the Warrior King Watches 18k gold pièce unique timepiece, following the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.

Warrior King timepieces, crafted by Ghanaian horologist Patrick Amofah, celebrate Ghana’s rich history through a series of limited-edition watch models, making them highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts alike.

According to the CEO, the 18k gold Warrior King pièce unique is exclusively owned by only two individuals in the world: His Royal Majesty, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, and Dr. Amoh Tobin.

The custom-made gold timepiece was presented to Dr. Tobin as a gift by his younger brother, Dr. Peter Ebo Tobin, at his 60th birthday celebration. Speaking about the watch, Mr. Patrick Amofah revealed that it was crafted with the utmost precision, passion, and reverence.

“This timepiece stands as a symbol of Dr. Tobin’s extraordinary journey and his commitment to touching lives. In recognition, Warrior King Watches is proud to provide a lifetime service warranty on this timepiece.”

This Warrior King pièce unique was crafted from premium materials and adorned with intricate designs symbolizing Tobinco’s journey of resilience, strength, and dedication to both business and philanthropy.

Valued for its exceptional precision and luxurious details, the watch reflects the qualities that have defined Tobinco’s legacy.

Dr. Tobin, an influential figure in Ghana’s business landscape and the pharmaceutical industry, has built a reputation as a visionary leader and philanthropist. His work has expanded access to essential medicines across Ghana and other African nations, positively impacting countless lives.

Warrior King Watches has earned accolades for its innovation and commitment to excellence, positioning itself as a significant player in the luxury watch industry.

The brand has garnered respect for integrating African aesthetics with world-class craftsmanship. Warrior King Watches uses premium materials and intricate designs, aiming to provide a distinct blend of luxury and African heritage to watch enthusiasts globally.

The brand continues to expand its reach in the luxury market while maintaining its commitment to quality and cultural representation. Recent recognition from international fashion outlets, including features in GQ magazine, has further solidified its status as a must-have luxury brand.

Warrior King Watches has positioned itself as a leading luxury brand in Ghana, with plans for further expansion into global markets.

The company’s commitment to excellence has attracted high-profile endorsements, including a bespoke piece crafted for the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.

GA

Watch as Ghanaians share their views on National Cathedral project, cutting down of ministries

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has released a list of specific individuals and entities required to return Diplomatic and Service Passports issued during the tenure of the Akufo-Addo administration.

This move, directed by the Office of the President, is aimed at ensuring compliance with current eligibility criteria and safeguarding the integrity of these official travel documents.

This comes after President John Mahama, through his Executive Secretary, directed the recall of the passports which he said was necessary to ensure their proper use, prevent misuse, and protect Ghana’s integrity.

The President, therefore, directed the Chief Director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to notify the diplomatic passport holders, set a deadline for their return, and conduct a thorough review of the documents.

According to a statement issued by the Ministry on Wednesday, January 15, the recall affects several groups, including former ministers and their spouses, former MPs regardless of political affiliation, and members of the Council of State and their spouses.

It also applies to retired justices of the superior and lower courts, former regional ministers, metropolitan, municipal, and district chief executives, and chief executive officers of state institutions, along with chairs and members of boards.

Other affected categories include officials of the National Cathedral Project, former political ambassadors and their dependents, as well as businesspeople, entrepreneurs, religious leaders, traditional leaders, and other former government functionaries.

The directive extends to any individual holding official passports but not currently serving in an official capacity as defined under Sections 6 and 7 of the Passports and Travel Certificates Act, 1967 (NLCD 155).

The statement said that all affected individuals are required to return their Diplomatic and Service Passports to the Legal and Treaties Bureau of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs by Friday, January 24, 2025.

The Ministry noted that this measure is necessary to prevent misuse of these official travel documents and to uphold the standards associated with their issuance.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs counts on the cooperation of all holders of Diplomatic and Service Passports to undertake this important exercise as directed,” the statement added.

Read the full statement below

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By Lydia Kukua Asamoah  

Accra,  Jan 15 – To set the tone for 2025 business year, Promasidor Ghana (PGH), has held a two-day Extended Leadership and Commercial Conference in Accra. 

The conference enabled the company to discussed the take-off of its second  strategic objective out of its five steps business plan outlined, dubbed: “Triad 5:85.” 

 The sessions, on the theme: “Doing the Right Thing: Focusing on Controllable Factors as a Lever for Sustained Continued High Growth”, brought together the leadership team, managers and team leads  of the company nationwide to ideate.  

Mr Festus Tettey, Promasidor Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ECOWAS, excluding Nigeria,  said 2025 is a year of new beginnings, bringing fresh opportunities for growth and innovation to the business. 

“For 2025 to be a different and positive one, we need to be different, taking learnings from 2024 to better our business,” he told his team. 

Mr. Tettey also called on the team to be focused, disciplined, determined and to apply consistent efforts to achieve the company’s 2025 objectives. 

 “Let us focus on these controllable factors to grow our business to greater heights and to continue to enrich the lives of our consumers through the quality products we produce as well as the exceptional experiences we create for them.” 

Mr Samir Sadaoui, PGH’s CEO, expressed his eagerness to begin  the year’s adventure with all PGH staff to build on the incredible accomplishments of 2024.  

“I have no doubt that we can achieve much more if we stick together and remain committed to our vision and strategy to drive growth.”  

Reiterating how each employee’s role was important in making PGH an enviable company. Mr. Sadaoui used the platform to thank all employees for the support and unrivaled dedication that had enabled Promasidor Ghana’s story thus far.  

He said: “I want to thank all employees for the support. I believe in the power of teamwork, and I am certain that with your support and commitment, we will turn challenges into opportunities and ambitions into achievements.” 

On the Commercial Conference front, Mr Abiodun Ayodeji, the Commercial Director of PGH, expressed sincere gratitude to members of staff, distributors and consumers for their unwavering support, dedication and hard work throughout the past year.  

“Your efforts have been instrumental in driving our success in Ghana, and we truly appreciate your commitment and partnership,” he stated.  

He  called on all partners of the company to come together to make 2025 a year of growth, innovation, and success, saying, “I am excited to see what we will accomplish as a united team.”  

PGH is a leading food manufacturing company providing quality food products for the past 25 years following the launch of its flagship brand, Cowbell in 1999.  

GNA  

Some potential notable figures for the role

In the quest to appoint a new Governor for the Bank of Ghana (BoG), the nation stands at a critical juncture. This decision will profoundly influence Ghana’s economic trajectory and financial stability.

Initially, the list of contenders included notable figures such as Alhassan Andani. However, opposition from some members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) National Executives led to his exclusion. The focus has now shifted to four distinguished individuals: Dr. George Sipa-Yankey, Dr. Nashiru Issahaku, Dr. Johnson P. Asiama, and Togbe Afede XIV. Among these eminent candidates, Dr. George Sipa-Yankey has emerged as a frontrunner, enjoying strong support from President John Dramani Mahama and his inner circle.

Dr. Sipa-Yankey’s credentials highlight his readiness to lead the Bank of Ghana in these economically challenging times. A distinguished investment lawyer, former Minister of Health, and former Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Gas, Dr. Sipa-Yankey’s career exemplifies excellence and resilience. His international experience includes roles with the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development in Togo, serving as a Consultant to the World Bank under the auspices of the UNDP and UNIDO, and holding academic positions as an Adjunct Professor at Georgetown University in the United States. Currently, he is a respected lecturer at the Ghana School of Law, further underscoring his commitment to nurturing future leaders.

Moreover, Dr. Sipa-Yankey’s regional roots in the Western North Region add a layer of inclusivity to his potential appointment, ensuring broader representation in national leadership. His proven track record and vast experience position him as a capable leader to restore stability and inspire confidence in Ghana’s financial sector. As the Akan proverb states, “Wo kum apem a, apem beba” – “If you kill a thousand warriors, a thousand more will rise.” Dr. Sipa-Yankey exemplifies this resilience and readiness to take on the responsibility of steering Ghana’s economy toward a brighter future.

Dr. Johnson P. Asiama, a former Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana, also brings a wealth of expertise to the table. His tenure as a Director at the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) and the Bank of Ghana reflects his deep understanding of the sector. While his supporters highlight his invaluable contributions, there is a growing call for a fresh perspective to address the evolving challenges facing the nation’s financial institutions.

Similarly, Togbe Afede XIV, a celebrated investment banker and Chairman of the World Trade Centre Accra, commands immense respect. His tenure as Chairman of the Council of State further solidifies his reputation for sound leadership and strategic thinking. However, his role as a traditional leader may present unique challenges, as the dual responsibilities of chieftaincy and governance could raise concerns among his people. Many believe Togbe Afede’s expertise could be harnessed in an advisory capacity, where his insights would remain invaluable to national progress.

Dr. Nashiru Issahaku, a former Governor of the Bank of Ghana, also commands attention in this discussion. His tenure saw noteworthy contributions to Ghana’s financial landscape. However, there is a prevailing sentiment that the BoG could benefit from fresh leadership. As the Dagbani adage goes, “Zuguli mali kpang kpang” – “The spear needs a new shaft.” This reflects the belief that a new leader is needed to address current challenges and navigate uncharted economic waters.

Ultimately, the responsibility of appointing the next Governor of the Bank of Ghana lies with President Mahama, a leader renowned for his dedication to national progress. This decision will shape not only his administration’s economic legacy but also the trajectory of Ghana’s financial future.

Among the distinguished contenders, Dr. George Sipa-Yankey’s unparalleled expertise and international recognition make him a compelling choice. His leadership embodies the qualities of competence, vision, and resilience that the position demands. As the legendary African statesman Kofi Annan once said, “To live is to choose, but to choose well, you must know who you are and what you stand for.” President Mahama’s choice will resonate far beyond this administration, setting the tone for years of economic growth and stability.

As Ghanaians eagerly await the final decision, the hope is that the selection will prioritize experience, inclusivity, and a forward-thinking vision. With a position that demands a leader poised to bring a wealth of expertise and proven leadership, the Bank of Ghana stands ready for a transformative era of excellence and progress.

SINGAPORE, Jan. 15 (Xinhua/GNA) — Singapore will introduce measures to improve the management of sexual offense cases, including appointing a specialist group of judges for such cases, Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon has said.

All sexual offense cases in the High Court and selected trials in the State Courts will now be assigned to a specialist group of experienced and specially trained judges and district judges, he said on Monday during the Opening of the Legal Year 2025. “These cases require careful handling because of the impact that the trial process can have on both complainants and accused persons,” he added. Singapore will also pilot enhanced pre-trial checklists, designed to protect complainants while ensuring the accused retain the right to a fair trial.

According to local media, the checklists will help identify contentious issues likely to arise during cross-examination, which will enable judges to exclude lines of questioning deemed irrelevant or insulting to complainants.
GNA

Vienna, Jan 15, (dpa/GNA) – The main suspect in the plot to attack a concert by US pop star Taylor Swift in Austria, has been deemed criminally liable following a psychiatric exam, a spokeswoman for the prosecution said on Tuesday.

The 19-year-old suspect was of sound mind at the time of the offence, according to a psychiatric report obtained by the public prosecutor, she said.

She said it is standard to obtain an expert’s opinion in more serious cases before filing a charge, adding that the investigation is still ongoing.

The young man was detained two days before the first of Swift’s concerts in the Austrian capital Vienna in August 2024, and has been in pre-trial detention since. A 17-year-old suspected accomplice is also under investigation.

The main suspect is said to have planned a suicide attack in the name of the extremist militia organization Islamic State, at the second of a total of three concerts by Swift scheduled to take place in Vienna.

Investigators believe he intended to kill as many of the fans gathered in front of the stadium as possible, either with a homemade explosive device or with cutting and stabbing weapons.

The organizer cancelled all concerts in Vienna due to the terrorist threat.

Another 19-year-old man was also detained during the investigations into the case, and is to stand trial on suspicion of membership of a terrorist organization at the Vienna Regional Court on February 10.

He is not thought to have been directly involved in the plans to attack Swift’s concerts, but allegedly generally promoted Islamic State on social media.

GNA

Former Member of Parliament for Bongo, Edward Bawa, has underscored the importance of privatising the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) as a critical step toward improving efficiency and modernising Ghana’s energy sector.

Energy Minister-designate John Jinapor, during his vetting on January 13, reaffirmed President John Dramani Mahama’s commitment to privatising power distribution. Jinapor emphasised that this move aims to address longstanding challenges in the energy sector and elevate service delivery standards.

President Mahama, in a meeting with a World Bank delegation at his Cantonments office in Accra, also reiterated his administration’s focus on energy sector reforms. To achieve this, a specialized team has been assembled to oversee the strategic changes.

In an interview on The Point of View with Bernard Avle on Channel One TV, Edward Bawa elaborated on the rationale for privatizing ECG, emphasizing the need to replace outdated infrastructure and harness private sector investment and expertise.

“We felt that we needed to reduce inefficiency within ECG. How could we do that? We need to be able to replace most of the obsolete equipment. Now, the government doesn’t readily have that because there are other competing needs, like hospitals and what have you,” he stated.

Bawa further explained the decision to involve the private sector, saying: “And so the government felt that it was possible to leverage the private sector capital to see how we could replace obsolete equipment and other things within ECG to make it efficient.

“We could leverage private sector expertise in trying to ensure that we run the company very well. So, this was what informed the whole idea. What H.E. John Dramani Mahama is doing now is just a continuation of what he believes in.

“That look, we needed to make ECG very efficient. Based on the competing needs, we need to take advantage of the private sector and see how we can leverage both capital and expertise.”

The call for privatization reflects a broader effort by the government to address inefficiencies and position the energy sector for sustainable growth and reliable service delivery.

National Cathedral officials, others listed in Mahama’s diplomatic passport recall

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Novak Djokovic surpassed Roger Federer’s record for the most major singles matches played as he reached the Australian Open third round.

The 37-year-old was made to work in his 430th Grand Slam singles match but he emerged triumphant, beating qualifier Jaime Faria 6-1 6-7 (4-7) 6-3 6-2.

The win gives Djokovic sole ownership of the all-time record for most Grand Slam singles matches played among men and women, and takes him past former rival Federer, who played his last major match at Wimbledon in 2021.

“I love this sport. I love competition,” Djokovic said when asked about the milestone.

“I try to give my best every single time. It’s been over 20 years that I’ve been competing in Grand Slams at the highest level.

“Whether I win or lose, I will always leave my heart out on the court. I’m just blessed to be making another record.”

The victory also meant the Serb became the first man over the age of 30 to reach 150 Grand Slam singles wins.

Djokovic can make further history still in Melbourne – win the title and he would claim a 25th major, moving him clear of Australia’s Margaret Court as the sole leader of all-time Grand Slam singles titles.

The seventh seed, who has three-time Grand Slam champion Andy Murray in his coaching box, will face Czech 26th seed Tomas Machac in the third round.

Norwegian sixth seed Casper Ruud became the biggest casualty in the men’s draw, losing 6-2 3-6 6-1 6-4 to 19-year-old Czech Jakub Mensik.

World number 48 Mensik and Joao Fonseca, the 18-year-old Brazilian qualifier who stunned ninth seed Andrey Rublev on Tuesday, are the first teenagers to beat top-10 opponents at the same Grand Slam since Djokovic and Murray at Wimbledon in 2006.

Meanwhile, German second seed Alexander Zverev claimed an assured 6-1 6-4 6-1 victory over Spain’s Pedro Martinez to set up a third-round meeting with Britain’s Jacob Fearnley.

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Assin Talks Blog of Wednesday, 15 January 2025

Source: Yahaya Abdul Fattah

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GH Blinks Blog of Wednesday, 15 January 2025

Source: Gh Blinks Atule Joseph Atanga

E-Levy to be scrapped by President John Mahama

A microfinance expert and Executive Secretary of Rural Focus Africa (RUFA), Ishmael Otchere, has indicated that taxes on electronic transactions remain a major drawback to the government’s efforts aimed at roping in marginalised persons and informal businesses into the formal banking bracket to advance financial inclusion.

He said that the controversial E-Levy must be scrapped to enable financial institutions to leverage the power of electronic and other digital payment platforms to mobilize adequate funds to lend to businesses in critical sectors of the economy — that is when the real impact of the digitalization of the financial sector could be realized.

Otchere, whose financial organization works with persons at the very base of the financial ladder through a specialised savings and deposit mobilization scheme known as the ‘Village Savings and Loans Associations (VLSA’s)’, said that the introduction of the E-Levy has been very harmful to both the formal and informal banking sectors.

“The E-Levy and other digital payments charges are major disincentives for informal persons and businesses such as VSLAs to deposit money into their bank accounts through any digital platform. No one would like to pay charges for depositing money into bank accounts,” he said on the sidelines of a donation to members of the Nyame Nti VSLA, which is comprised of cured lepers and inmates of the Weija Leprosarium, in Accra.

According to him, the astronomical growth in Mobile Money transactions and other digital payment platforms have had a slight impact on the economy, while commercial banks need deposits to finance economic activities.

“There is so much money sitting in peoples’ mobile wallets but because of the taxes on digital transactions, they are not able to move these funds to the banks. Abolishing the E-Levy could trigger banks’ deposit mobilisation through digitisation,” he said.

He also called for deliberations among regulators and institutions in the banking, fin-tech and telecoms sectors to proffer solutions that will facilitate the linkage of informal groups into the digitalised financial inclusion ecosystem.

The Nyame Nti VSLA, now in its third year and with a membership of up to 32 cured lepers and their families group has mobilized GH¢26,250 from members’ weekly savings/shares, GH¢1,344 for social fund, with cash in box amounting to GH¢21,412. The group has also granted about GH¢5,635 in loans to its members.

Although the operations of the VSLA has been digitalised, Otchere argued that the absence of specialized payment systems for such groups, coupled with pain of the E-Levy, has barred several of these informal savings groups from the formal digital payments ecosystem.

He commended the group for their continued interest in the VSLA program. He was happy that the VSLA Program, which was introduced 3 years ago by RUFA and financed by SURRENDER 365 Inc-USA, has provide an opportunity to cured lepers to be included in the financial eco-system.

He also commended the Ghana Lepers Aid Committee for their support to the success of the program.

Watch as Joe Wise outlines two key strategies Minority can employ to be effective

Ghana’s newly elected President, John Mahama, has pledged to investigate his predecessor’s controversial $400 million National Cathedral project, a stalled initiative that critics view as emblematic of fiscal mismanagement.

Initially touted as privately funded, the project faced backlash after allegations surfaced that $58 million in public funds were spent during procurement breaches.

Designed as a tribute to God for former President Nana Akufo-Addo‘s 2016 electoral victory, the cathedral remains an unfinished site in central Accra.

Mahama, who defeated Akufo-Addo’s New Patriotic Party in December’s election, announced the planned investigation at a Thanksgiving service, emphasising accountability and the national interest. He did not rule out completing the project but suggested a more modest approach.

The investigation aligns with Ghana’s economic challenges, including high inflation, mounting debt, and reliance on a $3 billion IMF bailout.

Public funding for the cathedral has been halted as part of efforts to curb wasteful expenditure.

Mahama’s decision has garnered both praise and scepticism, with analysts warning that the probe must be transparent to avoid becoming a political tool.

The project’s fate remains uncertain, reflecting broader concerns about governance and public trust in Ghana.