16.5 C
London
Sunday, July 27, 2025
Home Blog Page 812

PWDs in Tema Metropolis receive support

0

The Tema Metropolitan Assembly in the Greater Accra Region has presented business start-up equipment valued at GH¢147,830.77 to 23 Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in the metropolis to venture into businesses of their choice.

The items included five deep freezers, two refrigerators, a baking oven and cake mixer, a towel warmer, beard shaving clipper, bales of calico cloth, a box of wax, three goats, cosmetics, bales of men’s clothing, bedsheets, a spray gun, local clamp, provisions, cosmetics and other items to generate income.

Three final year students, one from the University of Ghana and two from the University of Education, Winneba, also received financial support of GH¢14, 690.

The Tema Metropolitan Assembly Budget Officer, Anthony Adjei, in a speech read on behalf of the Coordinating Director of the Assembly, John Owu, at a presentation ceremony last Tuesday, advised the beneficiaries to take proper care of the items and businesses and use the profits accrued from them to improve their livelihoods.

Judicious use

“I wish to remind those who are benefitting from the programme today that the purpose of the Disability Fund Support Programme is to improve the socio-economic life of all beneficiaries. I, therefore, wish to encourage you to put the items to good use in order to derive the intended benefits,” he said.

The Head of Department of Social Welfare and Community Development for Tema Metro, Robert Mensah Gbley, explained that over 100 applications were received for support.

However, he said after the applications were vetted, 23 were approved by the Disability Fund Management Committee based on the funds available at the time of approval.

A member of the National Council for Persons with Disabilities, Joshua Abbey, called for the timely release of the three per cent of the District Assembly Common Fund (DACF) allocated to them by the government and District Assembly for the purchase of items, stressing that the late release of funds could affect the businesses of beneficiaries. 

Gratitude

A beneficiary, Fati Abukari, on behalf of the PWDs, thanked the government, the assembly and the TMA for the gesture and promised to ensure that the equipment and tools would be used for the intended purpose.

Writer’s email: [email protected]

Cecilia Dapaah’s Maid Weeps In Court

0

Cecilia Dapaah

 

Sarah Agyei, one of the former housemaids of Cecilia Dapaah, broke down in tears yesterday just when the former Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources was being cross-examined by her lawyer.

Augustine Gyamfi, counsel for the accused, after a series of questions turned his attention to a photograph depicting the accused person carrying a jewelry box which Madam Dapaah had identified as hers.

The lawyer sought to suggest that the jewelry box was too cheap to contain the gold and diamond jewelries that the former minister reported as stolen.

“The jewelry cover as found in the picture which depicts A2 (Sarah Agyei) as attached to the investigator’s witness statement, were not the cover that you keep your jewelry in,” the lawyer queried.

“That is not correct,” Madam Dapaah answered, insisting the jewelry box in the photograph is hers.

It was at this point that Sarah Agyei broke down in tears and began mumbling words from the dock, drawing the judge’s attention to calm her down.

The judge told her she can’t address the court directly until given the chance to do so. Justice Marie Louise-Simon however told her to talk to her lawyer if she had anything to say.

The lawyer approached her, and while still crying, and in an audible tone, she told the lawyer she did not steal the jewelry box.

GH¢50k Personal Money

Meanwhile, Madam Dapaah has told the court that the accused persons stole GH¢50,000 of her personal money out of the entire $410,000, €300,000 and GH¢350,000 that was stolen from her home after Patience Botwe, who she had fired, entered one of their rooms.

Asked how much Sarah Agyei stole from the total sum, the witness said she could not tell, adding that they noticed that the monies were stolen over a period of time.

She also debunked the defence counsel’s suggestion that the money could have been stolen by other persons who had access to the former minister’s house, including her personal body guards and drivers.

She said the drivers never entered the room, and debunked claims by the lawyer that those individuals come inside the house to eat.

Augustine Gyamfi also suggested that Madam Dapaah and her husband Daniel Osei Kuffuor, were making inferences that Sarah Agyei was part of those who stole the monies and jewelleries because she was once in their employment.

“Me and my husband, we are not inferring anything. Investigations revealed that she was part,” Madam Dapaah responded.

Plea Bargain

Meanwhile, Justice Louise-Simon has directed defence lawyers in the matter to prepare themselves to cross-examine Madam Dapaah irrespective of their intentions to enter a plea bargain with the prosecution.

According to her, there is no document before the court indicating that five of the accused persons are in a plea bargain negotiations, and once the witness was still in the box, they must cross-examine to soil the situation where she may have to come back to court in case the negotiations fail.

Patience Botwe and Sarah Agyei, the two housemaids, have been charged for conspiracy and stealing, while Benjamin Sowah, Malik Dauda, Christiana Achab, Job Pomary and Yahaya Sumaila, are facing charges of dishonestly receiving from the stolen money.

While the trial is ongoing, Patience Botwe, Sarah Agyei, Benjamin Sowah, Malik Dauda, and Yahaya Sumaila have chosen to plea bargain with the Office of the Attorney General, for a lighter punishment.

BY Gibril Abdul Razak

Cecilia Dapaah’s housekeeper makes unexpected revelation in court

0

Former Minister for Water and Sanitation, Cecilia Dapaah, has admitted in court that she does not know exactly how much each of her former housekeepers allegedly stole from her. This revelation came during her testimony before the Accra High Court on Wednesday, March 12, as part of the ongoing trial regarding the massive sums of money reportedly taken from her home. 

Dapaah, who was under cross-examination by the lawyer of the second accused person, Sarah, stated that while she firmly believes money and valuables were stolen from her storage room, she cannot determine how much each individual suspect took. The lawyer repeatedly questioned her on whether she could specify the exact amounts missing, but her response remained the same. 

The case has been in the public spotlight ever since it was revealed that the former minister’s housemaids allegedly stole enormous sums of cash and expensive jewelry from her private residence. According to earlier reports, Dapaah claimed that $410,000, €300,000, GH¢350,000, and jewelry worth $53,000 were missing. These staggering figures have sparked nationwide debate, with many questioning why such large sums of money were stored in her home instead of a bank. 

The court session took an emotional turn when the accused, Sarah, broke down in tears. She interrupted proceedings to challenge Dapaah’s claim that some jewelry boxes presented as evidence belonged to her. Sarah insisted that the boxes were hers, creating further controversy in an already dramatic case. 

Many Ghanaians remain divided on the matter. While some sympathize with the former minister as a victim of theft, others believe the case raises concerns about unexplained wealth and financial transparency among public officials. The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has also been investigating Dapaah’s finances following the revelation of the missing money. 

As the legal battle continues, Ghanaians are keenly following every development. The outcome of this case could have significant implications, not just for the accused but also for broader discussions about corruption, financial accountability, and the security of large cash holdings in private residences.

Sources link

Cecilia Dapaah tells court she does not know how much each of her former housekeepers stole from her

Businessman, farmer in trouble over alleged land fraud

0

A Businessman and a farmer appeared before the Amasaman Circuit Court in the Greater Accra Region, over alleged GH¢120,000 land fraud.

Nii Korley Sai Boni IV, 53, and Kingsley Oblitey Quan­sah Commey, 44, were granted GH¢150,000.00 bail with two sureties each.

They were accused of granting 20 plots of land without titles to Mr Raymond Kwaku Marfo, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of RKM Estate Development Company.

The court, presided by Ms Enid Marful-Sau, ordered that the sureties deposit their valid nation­al identity cards with the Registry of the court.

Nii Boni and Commey denied conspiring to defraud Mr Marfo.

The court instructed the pros­ecution to serve the accused with the necessary materials by April 2, 2025.

Chief Inspector Frederick Awuah-Ansah, prosecuting, said Mr Marfo was the CEO of RKM Ghana Limited, an estate develop­ment company.

The court also heard that Nii Boni was a businessman and self-styled chief of Korleyman near Medie, while Commey was a farmer from Papase near Adjen Kotoku in the Ga West Munici­pality.

Chief Insp Awuah-An­sah revealed that in June 2022, Mr Marfo went to work on land he purchased from Abu­suapayin Ayitey Ankwah of Ankwa Dobro.

The prosecution said Nii Boni, Commey and Obodai, now de­ceased, confronted Marfo, claiming ownership of the land.

Chief Insp Awuah-Ansah told the court that Nii Boni and Commey convinced Marfo to buy 20 plots of land along the road leading to Samsam.

Marfo paid GH¢120,000.00 for the plots, and an official receipt was issued to the CEO.

However, when Marfo attempt­ed to begin work on the land, he was informed by the Nii Boni and Commey that there was an injunction on it, according to the prosecution.

Chief Insp Awuah-Ansah said after conducting a search at the Lands Commission, Marfo discov­ered the land was registered in the name of Babbel Limited.

The prosecution said Marfo re­ported the case to the Amasaman Divisional Police leading to the arrest of Nii Boni and Commey.

Chief Insp Awuah-Ansah indi­cated that Nii Boni and Commey in their caution statements, ad­mitted the offence, and promised to repay the amount involved, but failed to do so. —GNA

Gyamfi Emmanuel set to join Lebanese side Club Ghazieh FC

0

Former Asante Kotoko player Emmanuel Gyamfi is set to join Lebanese first-division football club Ghazieh FC.

In a letter signed on February 2, 2025, intercepted by GhanaSportsPage, the club officially invited a Ghanaian footballer to undergo a medical examination and train with their squad.

The invitation, addressed to the Lebanese Embassy in Ghana, signifies the club’s interest in acquiring the former Aduana Stats winger’s services.

The club’s invitation covers accommodation, ground transportation, and medical insurance for the duration of his stay, which is set to run from February 20, 2025, to May 20, 2025.

This move is seen as part of Ghazieh FC’s efforts to strengthen their squad for the ongoing football season.

GhanaSportsPage understands that Gyamfi, who featured for Legon Cities in a 2-0 defeat against Kotoko last Sunday, has landed in Lebanon.

My friend advised me to sleep with another man to get pregnant, now she has snatched my man

0

File photo of a worried woman File photo of a worried woman

Dear GhanaWeb,

I’ve been childless in my marriage for eight years now, and recently, my friend suggested that I pay one of those young men without jobs to sleep with me as a way of getting pregnant.

My husband didn’t approve of adoption, and he is the one contributing to our childlessness.

At first, I didn’t want to go through with it because I didn’t want to cheat on my husband.

However, after a long period of contemplation, I finally agreed. She told me it would be a way to kill two birds with one stone.

She linked me up with a guy who would sleep with me with a lot of energy and passion. Since I would be ovulating (and as you know, ovulation sex can be quite effective), she assured me that he would get me pregnant.

All I needed to do was pay him GH₵10,000 to help me get pregnant. I booked a hotel for him, just five streets away from my matrimonial home, and arranged for him to stay there for three days.

I usually meet him whenever my husband left for work. I will spend time with him before going to my workplace too.

Everything went as planned. The sex was good, the guy was a professional and he is better than my husband when it comes to knowing exactly what to do to make me reach orgasm.

He would raise the lower part of my body for like 10 minutes so as to allow the sperm swim into my body properly. Those are actually new experiences to me.

Two days after the guy checked out of the hotel, my husband returned from work furious.

I didn’t know how he managed to find out about the guy I met and everything that happened to the extent that I couldn’t deny anything again.

I pleaded with him but he refused to listen to me and kicked me out of his house. I was ashamed of myself that I couldn’t face my family, so I ran straight to my best friend’s house, the one who linked me up with the guy.

My friend agreed to let me stay with her while I continue begging my husband for forgiveness.

She is a single woman, but for the past three days, I’ve noticed someone has been calling her.

Since she hasn’t mentioned anything to me and I have my own issues to deal with, I didn’t think much of it at first.

However, yesterday morning, while she was outside and I was in the bedroom, a call came through from a number saved under a different name.

I was rushing to give her the phone when something told me to check the number. I did, and to my shock, I saw that it was my husband’s number, although it wasn’t saved under his name.

I didn’t say anything and just gave her the phone when she returned.

When she came back, I was waiting for her to tell me what my husband had said, but she hasn’t said anything up until now.

I’m beginning to think the worst, though I don’t want to believe it. I regret following her advice to cheat on my husband.

Should I confront her about what I’ve discovered? How should I handle this situation?

FG/EB

You can as well watch the latest compilation of Twi news on GhanaWeb TV below:

He now sleeps in a ship, so he no longer cares about galamsey, UTAG – Koku Anyidoho ‘mocks’ Prof Gyampo

0

Koku Anyidoho and Professor Gyampo Koku Anyidoho and Professor Gyampo

Former General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Samuel Koku Anyidoho, has taken a swipe at the CEO of the Ghana Shippers’ Authority, Prof. Ransford Gyampo, over his alleged silence on national issues following his recent appointment.

In a mocking social media post shared on March 12, 2025, Anyidoho sarcastically questioned the University of Ghana professor’s past advocacy and criticisms of the government, particularly regarding illegal mining (galamsey) and matters concerning university lecturers.

“He no longer cares about galamsey and UTAG, huh? He now sleeps in a ship, abi?” Anyidoho wrote, referring to Prof. Gyampo, who also serves as the President of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), University of Ghana branch.

Prof. Gyampo is widely known as a vocal critic of the government, especially on issues affecting university lecturers.

In the past, he has been at the forefront of demanding better conditions for teachers and speaking out against government policies.

However, Anyidoho’s remarks suggest that Gyampo’s recent appointment has led to a shift in his stance.

AM/KA

Meanwhile, watch this Ghana Month special edition of People and Places as we hear the story of how the head of Kwame Nkrumah’s bronze statue was returned after 43 years, below:

You can also watch the latest episode of #Trending GH as Ghanaians call for economic solutions instead of KIA renaming

Budget cuts are just talk – Oppong Nkrumah challenges government

0

MP for Ofoase-Ayirebi, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah MP for Ofoase-Ayirebi, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah

Member of Parliament for Ofoase-Ayirebi and former Minister for Works and Housing, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, has criticized the Mahama administration for what he describes as a lack of genuine expenditure cuts in the 2025 budget.

Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show, he dismissed claims that the government had reduced spending, insisting that the numbers tell a different story.

“There has been no cut in the budget. When you look at the numbers, you’ll see that the government is spending more, not less,” he argued.

“This money can even be used to build Agenda 111 hospitals and banks. But instead, it’s being used for something else.”

According to Oppong Nkrumah, while the government claims to have implemented cost-cutting measures, there is little evidence to support this assertion.

“They claim they have cut costs, but they need to show us where the cuts are. Just saying it won’t work. They need to be transparent,” he stated.

He further pointed out a reduction in the number of government agencies, arguing that it does not necessarily equate to a reduction in overall spending.

“When they were in power, we had 8 agencies. Now, they are left with only 4, and they want to explain this as a cut?” he questioned.

Controversial VAR decision favouring Real Madrid over Atletico in UCL sparks backlash

0

Real Madrid defeated Atletico Madrid to progress to the quarter-finals of the UCL Real Madrid defeated Atletico Madrid to progress to the quarter-finals of the UCL

Real Madrid’s penalty shootout victory over Atletico Madrid in the round of sixteen of the 2024/2025 UEFA Champions League on March 12, 2025, has sparked massive backlash on social media.

After a 2-2 aggregate scoreline over two legs, the match went to penalties, where Real Madrid triumphed 4-2 to advance to the quarter-finals.

However, controversy erupted during Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez’s penalty.

He slipped and struck the ball into the goalpost, but after a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review, officials ruled that Alvarez had made an illegal second touch with his left foot before shooting with his right, breaching the penalty rules.

As a result, the goal was disallowed, giving Real Madrid an advantage.

This decision triggered outrage from some football fans, who argued that Alvarez did not touch the ball a second time, as the video replay seemed to show.

Many accused Polish referee Szymon Marciniak and his officiating team of rigging the match in Real Madrid’s favour, depriving Atletico of a fair chance at progression.

Others also criticised the officials for corruption, claiming that Alvarez should have been allowed to retake the penalty rather than have it disallowed entirely.

Read the reactions below:

Meanwhile, watch as football fans slam NPP over misleading betting tax comments

SB/EB

Leila Djansi Reveals How Actor John Dumelo Was Nearly Stabbed on Set During Filming

0

In a shocking revelation, Ghanaian filmmaker Leila Djansi has shared a chilling story about how actor John Dumelo was nearly stabbed while filming a scene for a movie. The incident, which could have taken a tragic turn, unfolded on set during the production of a highly intense action sequence, leaving the cast and crew in complete shock.

Djansi, who has worked on numerous successful films in the Ghanaian movie industry, recounted the terrifying ordeal in a recent interview, detailing the events that led to the close call. According to the director, the scene was meant to be a dramatic confrontation between Dumelo’s character and a villain, with both actors involved in a physical altercation. However, what started as a routine shot quickly escalated when things took a dangerous turn.

“The scene was quite intense,” Djansi explained. “There was a moment when John’s character was supposed to be attacked by another character wielding a prop knife. It was all part of the script, but unfortunately, something went horribly wrong during the shoot.”

Djansi went on to explain that, in the heat of the moment, the actor playing the antagonist got carried away with his performance. In a sudden and unexpected move, the actor’s prop knife slipped from his hand, and before anyone could react, it flew directly toward Dumelo, who was positioned just a few feet away.

“It happened so quickly,” Djansi continued. “The knife went flying, and it was heading straight toward John. There was no time to warn him. I remember screaming in my head, but everything just froze for a second.”

Thankfully, the actor narrowly escaped injury as the knife missed him by mere inches. Dumelo, who is known for his composure, managed to avoid the potentially deadly accident just in time, but the entire crew was left shaken by the close call.

“There was a moment of sheer panic on set,” Djansi recalled. “We all thought the worst had happened, but somehow, by the grace of God, John was unharmed. It could have been a completely different story.”

The incident served as a stark reminder of the inherent risks involved in film production, especially when shooting action-packed scenes that require physical stunts and props. Djansi admitted that the close call was a wake-up call for everyone on set about the importance of safety precautions.

“We are always focused on bringing the best performances to the screen, but that day, we were reminded of how important it is to prioritize safety,” Djansi stated. “Everyone was so relieved that nothing worse happened, but we also made sure that after that incident, there was a much more strict approach to the handling of props and stunts.”

Despite the shocking nature of the event, Dumelo remained professional throughout the entire ordeal. According to Djansi, the actor was calm and composed, brushing off the incident as an unfortunate mistake but emphasizing the need to stay vigilant on set.

“John was incredibly calm,” she said. “It was one of those situations where anyone else might have panicked, but he remained professional and understood that it was just a freak accident. Afterward, he even joked about it, making everyone feel more at ease.”

The near-miss has since become a topic of conversation among the local film industry, with many expressing concern over the safety of actors and crew members during film production. Several filmmakers and actors have taken to social media to call for stronger safety protocols on set, particularly when it comes to handling dangerous props and executing high-risk scenes.

This incident also highlights the unsung dangers that film professionals face in their pursuit of creating compelling on-screen experiences. While the final product often showcases thrilling moments of action and suspense, the behind-the-scenes reality can sometimes be filled with unforeseen risks.

In the aftermath of the near-accident, Djansi and her team have taken extra precautions to ensure the safety of everyone involved in their productions. The director has committed to implementing more comprehensive safety training and supervision during action sequences to avoid similar incidents in the future.

“We owe it to our cast and crew to ensure that they are safe while doing what they love,” Djansi said. “This was a reminder that, no matter how experienced we are, there are always risks. It’s our job to minimize them as much as possible.”

The frightening incident has, however, not deterred Dumelo from continuing his passion for acting. The popular actor, who has become a household name in Ghana’s movie industry, remains as committed as ever to his craft. In fact, he has expressed his gratitude to the crew for their quick thinking and professionalism in handling the situation.

For now, Dumelo and the team are back on set, continuing to film the project with a renewed focus on safety and precaution. The incident serves as a reminder of how quickly things can go wrong in an environment that demands precision and care, but also of the strength and resilience of those who work behind the scenes to bring these stories to life.

Source

Franklin Cudjoe urges Mahama not to sack IGP Dampare over partisan pressure

0

IMANI Africa’s Franklin Cudjoe has warned President Mahama against partisan removal of IGP George Dampare, praising his professionalism and calling for stability in police leadership.

Founding President of policy think tank, IMANI Africa, Franklin Cudjoe, has warned against any partisan moves to remove the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, under a potential John Mahama-led administration.

Reactions in France to Dutch clothing company that “dressed” the Eiffel Tower in hijab

0

Strident reactions have been sparked in France by a promotional video by Dutch clothing company Merrachi, which depicts the Eiffel Tower covered in a hijab (Islamic headscarf).

The video, posted on TikTok, was accompanied by the message: “The French government hates to see Merrachi coming,” alluding to the company’s imminent entry into the French market.

$3bn IMF-supported programme not on track – Ato Forson

0

Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has revealed that Ghana’s $3 billion IMF-supported programme is off track, as the country has missed the key Quantitative Performance Criteria (QPCs) and structural benchmarks.

He attributed the setbacks to the previous administration, highlighting missed targets such as inflation, which was expected to reach 15% but was not achieved.

Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson speaking to Bernard Avle on the Point of View on Channel One TV indicated that the lapses are expected to be a key focus in the upcoming IMF review

“Let me start with the primary balance which is a key QPC. We were supposed to do 0.5% of GDP [surplus]. The data that we have seen so far, they have done a deficit of 3.9% of GDP and that is the primary anchor…that is the main anchor for the IMF programme. We have missed it. Inflation, there is a monetary policy consultation clause in the IMF programme and we are supposed to do inflation of 15%. What is the outturn? 23.8. It has triggered a discussion with the IMF for us to have a conversation on the monetary policy.

“In fact a third major QPC that we missed has to do with social spending. We failed even on social spending. So all the three main QPCs were all missed and the structural benchmarks including bills that were supposed to be sent to Parliament. They missed all of them. So how can you say the IMF programme is on track?

“When we took office and based on all that we have seen and the data before us…at the time, we all knew the IMF programme was on track but today it is not on track,” he said.