LEARNING TO RESPECT MINOR THINGS WILL WIN US A TROPHY – GRACE ASHY

Grace Ashy

Madam Grace Appiah-Kubi Ashy popularly known in the Music circle as Grace Ashy, who is easily recognized with her compassionate composing of Patriotic songs for our various national teams has emphatically disclosed that, until our football leaders desist from their selfish attitudes and learn to appreciate and give whatever anyone deserves after rendering services to the nation, we shall not win any silverware anytime soon.

 “I haven’t regretted composing songs for the national teams despite everything that happened thereafter, because it gave me the opportunity to get interactive with distinguished Sportsmen and women of which I am very proud of”. The staunch Aduana Stars supporter exclusively revealed in an interview with Akim Swedru based Bosome 89.1FM. She then confirmed that the country is owing her a sum that she would find it difficult to name for the services she has rendered, but those in authority have deliberately given her efforts blindsight.

The Local Organizing Committee for the 2018 AWCON which was hosted here in Ghana has only made part payment of a project they contracted her to collaborate with Wiyaala to compose a song for the tournament and up until now, they are yet to hear from them and so with all these things, it invites the question that “is Ghana a country worth dying for?”, she quizzed.

The veteran Gospel musician cum nationalist lamented that the unpatriotic and wicked attitudes of our football leaders will make our hopes of acquiring a trophy and improving upon our Sports sector a far fetch achievement and an unmaterialized dream because, the pains people are harboring due to the bad treatment meted out to them after rendering services are negatively affecting our chances of winning a silverware, as they have something against the country in their hearts.

Madam Grace conclusively took a dig at Nyantakyi’s administration as she labeled them as a ‘Selfish and an ungrateful entity’. She then issued a piece of advice to Kurt Okraku to be vigilant in the appointment of his team of workers and most importantly he must respect minor things and try as much as possible not to hurt anyone, and with that he will succeed above any boundary.

Man Opens Fire On Mother And Son

 A man has been arrested for shooting at a mother and son in a Miami Beach hotel lobby after becoming upset over their lack of social distancing. 

Douglas Marks, 47,  confronted the woman and her son in the lobby of the Crystal Beach Suites in Miami Beach on Monday evening, according to reports

Veronica Pena and her son, both visiting Miami Beach from New Mexico, said they were in the lobby of the hotel when they first saw Marks.

According to the affidavit, seen by Local10.com, Marks, from Miami, told the pair: 'You aren't social distancing.'

He then reportedly told them that they needed to leave the hotel, before he retrieved a black firearm which he shot 'several' times in the lobby.

One witness was able to record the scenes after the incident, in which Marks was arrested by Miami Beach police.

No one was injured in the shooting.

One witness, who spoke to Local10 but chose to remain anonymous,  said that he tried to shield the tourists with his body.

'He tried to shoot the girl and the kid,' the unnamed witness told the news station. 

Marks has allegedly confessed to the shooting, but told detectives that he fired his weapon because he was being followed, and asked the front desk to call 911.

Bawumia lists 50 reasons Akufo-Addo is better than Mahama

Vice-President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia

Ghana’s Vice-President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has shared 50 reasons on his Facebook page for which he says Nana Akufo-Addo has been a better President than Mr John Mahama.

NANA AKUFO-ADDO HAS PERFORMED BETTER

The choice Ghanaians face on December 7th is between John Mahama and Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

Thankfully, both of them have records. John Mahama was Vice-President and President for 8 years and Nana Akufo-Addo has been the president for three-and-a-half years. It is not about what you say in opposition. It is about what you did in government.

What matters ultimately to Ghanaians is how these two leaders were able to manage the economy and alleviate the suffering of the people when they were given the opportunity to serve.

1. John Mahama presided over a decline in economic growth for his four years in office while Nana Akufo-Addo has presided over higher economic growth in his first three years in office before the COVID-19 pandemic.

2. John Mahama presided over a decline in agriculture. Nana Akufo-Addo increased agricultural output and Ghana is currently exporting many food items as a result of the planting for food and jobs initiative.

3. John Mahama presided over low industrial growth during his four years in office. Nana Akufo-Addo has increased industrial growth and building and reviving many factories under IDIF, etc.

4. John Mahama presided over higher inflation. Nana Akufo-Addo has reduced inflation.

5. John Mahama presided over higher bank lending rates. Bank lending rates have reduced under Nana Akufo-Addo.

6. John Mahama presided over high exchange rate depreciation. Under Nana Akufo-Addo the depreciation of the cedi has been reduced by 50%.

7. Under John Mahama, many taxes were increased. Nana Akufo-Addo has abolished 15 taxes including excise duty on petroleum, VAT on financial services, real estate, domestic airline tickets, etc.

8. John Mahama increased import duties. Nana Akufo-Addo has reduced import duties by between 30% and 50%.

9. John Mahama presided over a moribund railway system. Nana Akufo-Addo has revived the railway sector.

10. As a result of economic mismanagement, John Mahama took us to the IMF for a bailout and Nana Akufo-Addo successfully exited Ghana from the IMF program.

11. John Mahama increased electricity tariffs by 45% annually. Nana Akufo-Addo has reduced electricity tariffs.

12. John Mahama presided over four years of dumsor. Nana Akufo-Addo has kept the lights on.

13. John Mahama did not provide any relief and even increased electricity prices during dumsor. Nana Akufo-Addo has provided free electricity for lifeline consumers and free water to all for 6 months during COVID-19

14. John Mahama presided over a collapsing national ambulance system. Nana Akufo-Addo has implemented one constituency one ambulance and revived the national ambulance system.

15. John Mahama presided over massive graduate unemployment. Nana Akufo-Addo has created jobs for graduates in the private and public sectors including the Nation Builders Corps (NABCO).

16. Under John Mahama , public sector recruitment was frozen in many departments. Nana Akufo-Addo has unfrozen public sector recruitment and hired over 550,000 people.

17. Under John Mahama , fees were charged for post graduate medical training in Ghana. Nana Akufo-Addo abolished the fees for post graduate medical training

18. John Mahama did not fulfill his promise to increase the share of the DACF to persons with disabilities by 50%. Nana Akufo-Addo increased the share of the DACF to PWDs by 50%

19. Under John Mahama, Kayayei were charged daily market tolls. Nana Akufo-Addo abolished market tolls for kayayei.

20. John Mahama abolished teacher training allowances. Nana Akufo-Addo restored Teacher Training Allowances

21. John Mahama abolished Nursing Training Allowances. Nana Akufo-Addo restored Nursing Training Allowances.

22. John Mahama abolished Arabic teachers allowances. Nana Akufo-Addo restored Arabic teachers allowances.

23. Under John Mahama, tertiary students paid utility bills. Nana Akufo-Addo abolished the payment of utility bills by students.

24. Under John Mahama, the capitation grant was not increased. Nana Akufo-Addo doubled the capitation grant.

25. John Mahama implemented a 3-month arrears policy for teachers who had worked for 2-3 years. Nana Akufo-Addo abolished the 3-month arrears policy.

26. John Mahama’s government was not paying teachers promotion arrears. Nana Akufo-Addo’s government has paid teachers promotion arrears

27. Under John Mahama parents paid for the cost of BECE and WASSCE exam registrations. Under Nana Akufo-Addo, government absorbed the cost of BECE and WASSCE exam registrations

28. John Mahama could not implement the National ID Card. Nana Akufo-Addo has implemented the National ID Card

29. John Mahama could not implement a comprehensive address system for Ghana. Nana Akufo-Addo has implemented the National Digital Property Address System for Ghana

30. John Mahama presided over a manual passport application process. Nana Akufo-Addo has digitized the passport application process.

31. John Mahama presided over a manual births and deaths registry application process. Nana Akufo-Addo is digitizing all the records at the Births and Deaths registry and digitizing the operations.

32. John Mahama presided over a manual drivers and vehicles license application process. Nana Akufo-Addo has digitized the DVLA application process.

33. John Mahama presided over a manual hospital administration system. Nana Akufo-Addo is digitizing the hospital administration with Korle Bu and Cape Coast hospitals going paperless.

34. John Mahama presided over a manual court administration system. Under Nana Akufo-Addo the court administration system has been digitized through an e-justice system with online filing processes, electronic case tracking, and electronic case distribution.

35. John Mahama presided over a bureaucratic process and delays in pensioners obtaining pensions from SSNIT. Under Nana Akufo-Addo the process has been streamlined and expedited with no hassle for pensioners.

36. John Mahama presided over a manual process of buying credit from ECG. Under Nana Akufo-Addo, it is easier to buy electricity through the ECG mobile App being used by 2.8 million customers.

37. JM presided over a manual scholarships application process. Under Nana Akufo-Addo the scholarship application process has been digitized and have awarded 70% more scholarships!.

38. John Mahama presided over a system with no mobile money interoperability. Nana Akufo-Addo introduced mobile money interoperability to facilitate mobile payments across networks and practically give almost every Ghanaian a bank account either through mobile money or traditional bank account.

39. John Mahama presided over a collapsing NHIS with over 12 months arrears to NHIS service providers. Nana Akufo-Addo has rescued the NHIS and reduced the arrears to the normal 3 months.

40. John Mahama presided over a system where people had to queue and wait for days to renew their NHIS membership. Nana Akufo-Addo has made it easier for the renewal of NHIS membership through mobile phones

41. John Mahama presided over a manual process of clearing goods at the ports. Nana Akufo-Addo has introduced a paperless process at the ports and reduced clearing time.

42. John Mahama did not get the Right to Information bill passed into law. Nana Akufo-Addo has with the support of Parliament, passed the Right to Information Act.

43. John Mahama starved the anti-corruption institutions of resources. Nana Akufo-Addo has significantly increased the resources to the anti-corruption institutions like CHRAJ, EOCO, Auditor General, etc.

44. John Mahama had no policy to address the needs of Zongo and Inner city communities. Nana Akufo-Addo has established the Zongo Development Fund and the Ministry for Inner City and Zongo Development which are addressing the needs of zongo and inner city communities.

45. John Mahama largely ignored the infrastructure needs of rural and deprived communities across the country. Nana Akufo-Addo’s government has invested massively in infrastructure for rural and deprived communities as well as urban communities.

46. John Mahama could not resolve the long standing chieftaincy dispute in Dagbon. Nana Akufo-Addo’s government promised to and has resolved the dispute and brough peace to Dagbon.

47. John Mahama promised but failed to create new regions. Nana Akufo-Addo promised to and created six new regions to deepen decentralization.

48. John Mahama could not implement Free TVET. Nana Akufo-Addo has implemented Free TVET.

49. John Mahama could not implement Free SHS. Nana Akufo-Addo promised to and has implemented Free SHS. 1.2 million children have benefited, many girls and boys have been taken off the street, parents have been relieved of the burden of school fees.

50. John Mahama presided over a mismanaged and collapsing financial system. 82 licensed financial institutions (listed below) collapsed under JM’s watch (were they deliberately collapsed by his government?) and the depositors were not paid. Nana Akufo-Addo on the other hand has rescued the financial system and spent GHC 21 billion to save the deposits of 4.6 million depositors who would otherwise have lost their savings. DKM depositors will also be paid.

LIST OF FAILED MFIs BETWEEN 2009 AND 2016

AGAPET MICROFINANCE LIMITED ANTCAVE MICROFINANCE LIMITED APEX MICROFINANCE LIMITED ATWIMAN MICROFINANCE COMPANY LIMITED BEES MICROFINANCE LIMITED CEDAR HOUSE MICROFINANCE SERVICES LIMITED CENTRAL CAPITAL MICROFINANCE LIMITED CHARLES NOBLE MICROFINANCE LIMITED CITIVILLE MICROFINANCE LIMITED CITY TRUST MICROFINANCE LIMITED COASTAL LINK MICROFINANCE LIMITED DIAMOND WINNERS MICROFINANCE LIMITED DKM DIAMOND MICROFINANCE LIMITED DUAPA TRUST MICROFINANCE LIMITED EGO VISION MICROFINANCE LIMITED EZI ACCESS MICROFINANCE LIMITED F.H. & C MICROFINANCE LIMITED FAST MONEY MICROFINANCE LIMITED FIRST UNITY MICROFINANCE LIMITED GANYO MICROFINANCE LIMITED GENESIS SEED MICROFINANCE LIMITED GLOBAL STANDARD MICROFINANCE LIMITED GLOW MICROFINANCE LIMITED GOLDEN LIFE MICROFINANCE LIMITED GROWTH CHAMPIONS MICROFINANCE LIMITED GROWTH POLE MONEY LENDING LIMITED IDEAL WAY MICROFINANCE SERVICES LIMITED IMAGES MICROFINANCE LIMITED JASTAR MONEY LENDING SERVICES LIMITED J’COBS MICROFINANCE LIMITED JUBILEE MICROFINANCE LIMITED KAB MICROFINANCE LIMITED KB STAR MICROFINANCE COMPANY LIMITED KWABEF MICROFINANCE LIMITED LOOK-AHEAD MICROFINANCE LIMITED MAGNET MICROFINANCE LIMITED MCKEOWN MICROFINANCE LIMITED MEDAL CREDIT MICROFINANCE LIMITED MEDLORM MICROFINANCE LIMITED MONEY HOME MICROFINANCE LIMITED MONEY LINK MICROFINANCE LIMITED MOTHERS’ MICROFINANCE LIMITED MY HOPE MICROFINANCE LIMITED NEW DAWN MICROFINANCE LIMITED OPPORTUNITY GLOBAL LINKS MICROFINANCE LIMITED ORION MONEY LENDING LIMITED PAXMAN MICROFINANCE LIMITED PENDY-GLO MICROFINANCE LIMITED PROMISE MICROFINANCE LIMITED PROTEGE MICROFINANCE LIMITED PRYME HEDGE MICROFINANCE LIMITED QUICK LOANS MICROFINANCE LIMITED REACH MICROFINANCE LIMITED REEMALEX MICROFINACE SERVICES LIMITED REJOICE MICROFINANCE LIMITED RIMDA MICROFINANCE LIMITED ROYAL KINGDOM MICROFINANCE LTD SAB TRUST MICROFINANCE LIMITED SAFE CREDIT MICROFINANCE LIMITED SEAB MICROFINANCE LIMITED SHARP VISION MICROFINANCE LIMITED SHINE CREDIT MICROFINANCE LIMITED SIKA DWA MICROFINANCE LIMITED SILISON MICROFINANCE LIMITED SILVER MICROFINANCE LIMITED SKII CREDIT MICROFINANCE LIMITED SOFTBIZ MICROFINANCE LIMITED SP MICROFINANCE LIMITED SPARK TRUST MICROFINANCE LIMITED SUFFICIENCY MICROFINANCE LIMITED SWIFT TRUST MICROFINANCE LIMITED SYNTHESIS MICROFINANCE LIMITED THE LORD IS PEACE MICROFINANCE LIMITED TIME-FIRST MICROFINANCE LIMITED TOPNET MICROFINANCE LIMITED TRUST JESUS MICROFINANCE LIMITED TTS MICROFINANCE SERVICES LIMITED ULTIMATE FOCUS MICROFINANCE LIMITED UNI CASH MICROFINANCE LIMITED VANLIZ MICROFINANCE SERVICES LIMITED WESTERN MICROFINANCE LIMITED XPRESS LINK MICROFINANCE COMPANY LIMITED

On the basis of the performance record, the leadership of this country by Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has resulted in much better outcomes than the disastrous outcomes under the leadership of John Mahama. Going forward, we can continue to trust and rely on Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s strong and compassionate leadership in the next four years

Stop promising because we know you won’t fulfill them – A Plus

A-Plus and Former President Mahama

Social Commentator, Kwame A Plus has asked former President John Dramani Mahama to desist from promising Ghanaians because the citizens are fed-up with promises from politicians.

The NDC flagbearer while outdooring his running mate at an event held at the University for Professional Studies in Accra on Monday, July 27 promised to pay all depositors whose monies are locked up as a result of the collapse of financial institutions by the government.

But reacting to such a promise, Kwame A Plus who is known to put the government in check has asked Mahama to desist from promising Ghanaians anything because when he’s given the power, he will not fulfill any of them.

He indicated that it’s better to just tell the people just to vote for him rather than promising.

A Plus noted that a certain government promised to fight Corruption but is currently fighting people who are against corruption.

Kwame A-Plus said “Lol. Boss stop!!! Stop!!! Just tell Ghanaians to vote for you. Don’t make any promises. Just say, Ghana must have a president so vote for me to become president. Those who like you will vote for you.

Were you not in this country when someone promised to fight corruption but is now fighting everyone who is fighting corruption? Were you not in this country when someone promised to use Anas’ strategy to fight corruption and used investigations by Manasseh as evidence that you were corrupt but is now fighting the same Manasseh? Me, I will never support you or NPP. I will never believe any of you. I will never vote for any of you. You are the same. If you become president you’ll do worse!!! It is a fact!!! Ghanaians don’t believe in NDC and NPP promises anymore oooo. You are making too many promises. Forget it!!!”

Ex-Prez Mahama Calls For Justice For “Murdered”

Former President John Dramani Mahama 

Former President John Dramani Mahama is seeking justice for the 90-year-old woman who was lynched at Kabafa, Savanah Region, over allegations that she is a witch.

Mr. Mahama condemned the act asking “where were our Assembly Members, Unit Committees, the Police and BNI when it mattered most?”

It was sad to see a crowd standing by and watching the gruesome spectacle...Our society and institutions failed the poor 90-year-old woman.

Very sad reflection on us as a people in the 21st century. Just by luck, someone captured the sorry sight on a smart phone. How many more Dente Akua’s have died pitiful unrecorded deaths?” he wrote on his Facebook.

Read full statement below:

I’ve been unable to watch the whole video. Our society and institutions failed the poor 90 year old woman. 

Where were our Assembly Members, Unit Committees, the Police and BNI when it mattered most? It was sad to see a crowd standing by and watching the gruesome spectacle. Very sad reflection on us as a people in the 21st century. 

Just by luck, someone captured the sorry sight on a smart phone. How many more Dente Akua’s have died pitiful unrecorded deaths? 

At least an example can be set with the perpetrators to prevent any such future macabre incidents. I join Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang in condemning the killing and calling for justice for the family.

FULL TEXT: Akufo-Addo’s 14th address to the nation on measures to fight coronavirus

Fellow Ghanaians, good evening.

I am happy that I have the opportunity this evening to engage with you, again, in your homes. I want, at the outset, to thank all of you for your prayers and expressions of good wishes when doctors advised me to go into quarantine for two (2) weeks. God being so good, I am back again at work. Thank you very much for your concern.

It has been a month since I came to provide you an update on the measures being taken by my Government to combat the Coronavirus pandemic.

And it has been almost five (5) months since our lives were turned upside down, and, indeed, the whole world was forced into a crisis of unimaginable proportions. This crisis, which dramatically affects lives and livelihoods, has plunged the world into unchartered waters, as even the experts admit that they are having to learn as we go along. This new, unknown virus has led the world and its economies to a violent halt, and has brought death and fear into our lives.

We, in Ghana, rose to the occasion and introduced measures to protect lives and livelihoods. Fellow Ghanaians, back in March, most of us hoped passionately that the effects of the virus would wane quickly, once we took the steps that had been recommended to contain the spread. Even the most hard-headed expert opinion suggested that, by the middle of the year, the spread of the virus would be on the wane.

We are now at the end of July. The virus is still raging. There is not an effective treatment yet. As time goes on, we – and, indeed, the world - have come to understand that COVID-19 is not a problem, which will go away on its own.

Ultimately, salvation will come with an effective and accessible treatment. We hope and pray that this will happen tomorrow, but it may very well happen in a couple of months, in a couple of years or it may take even longer. Until then, we have to learn to adapt to the conditions. It is not normal that we have to wear masks, but now we have to; it is not normal that we cannot shake hands with each other, and it is certainly not normal that we cannot hug our family members and loved ones, but that is our current reality. Until treatment is found, COVID-19 will remain a part of our lives.

But life cannot be put on hold indefinitely, and Ghana cannot remain in a never-ending crisis management situation, and that is why we have been putting measures in place to restore gradually some normalcy in our social and economic lives, as we learn to cope with the reality of the virus.

Probably the most significant of these measures has been the gradual reopening of the schools to enable final year students at various levels of education to finish the school year and take their exams.

Since the last time I addressed the nation, we have seen over seven hundred and fifty thousand persons, comprising students, teachers, and non-teaching staff, in our Junior High Schools returning to school to prepare for and sit the Basic Education Certificate Examination. Last Monday, the three hundred and seventy thousand final year SHS students, who have been in school for five (5) weeks, started writing the West African Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination. One hundred and twenty-seven thousand, one hundred and forty-three (127,143) students in our Universities and other tertiary institutions have now all virtually completed their final examinations.

The safety and good health of students and staff have been the paramount considerations in the reopening of schools, and we have, therefore, insisted on full adherence to the enhanced COVID-19 protocols. That is why, as has already been widely publicized, we undertook a massive mobilization and deployment of logistics to our educational facilities to help ensure that learning is conducted in an atmosphere of safety, as we continue to limit and contain the spread of the virus in our country. All of these reiterate the commitment of the Government to protect the lives of all those involved in the phased re-opening of our schools, and I will not renege on my obligation towards either our children or their parents.

Mercifully, we have witnessed only a few cases of infections in our Universities and other tertiary institutions; the few students who tested positive in a few of our Senior High Schools have all either recovered or are on the path to full recovery and will write the WASSCE; and the few final year Junior High School students, who have tested positive and who are largely asymptomatic, are being managed in isolation centers.

Government continues to engage with the stakeholders in the education sector to determine the conditions for the future re-opening of schools, after the current examinations are concluded by mid-September. I will keep you fully informed about the outcomes.

Three days ago, the Minister for Finance, the hardworking, highly patriotic Ghanaian, Ken Ofori-Atta, went to Parliament and gave the country a candid view of the state of affairs of our economy. Not only did he present a compelling review of the efforts put in place over the last three and half years to stabilize and grow our economy, he was also able to paint a credible picture of hope for the future, despite the ravages caused by COVID-19.

It is reassuring to see working in real life the bold decision to implement a Relief, Resilience and Recovery plan, with the overarching aim of providing relief to the ordinary Ghanaian, and being able to find more resources to strengthen the productive sectors of the economy to ensure sustained economic activity.

The government was able to feed thousands of our people during the period of the lockdown. From April to June, Government gave additional allowances to our healthcare workers, ensured free access to water for all households across the country, fully absorbed electricity bills for one million active lifeline customers, and granted a fifty percent (50%) subsidy on electricity bills of all other customers, using the March 2020 bill as the benchmark. Through the Coronavirus Alleviation Programme Business Support Scheme, six hundred million cedis (GH¢600 million) is being disbursed to support micro, small and medium scale enterprises, which have been affected by the economic downturn caused by the pandemic.

It bears repeating that some of these incentive packages have been extended for the next three months. In my thirteenth (13th) update to the nation, I announced the extension of incentive packages for health workers by another three (3) months, i.e. July, August and September. In the Finance Minister’s mid-year budget review, he, again, announced that all Ghanaians are to enjoy free water supply for another three months. I intend to have it reviewed at the end of the period. The government is also extending free electricity supply to lifeline tariff customers until the end of the year. The Communication Service Tax has also been reduced from 9 percent to 5 percent, effective September 2020.

God will kill Kennedy Agyapong soon – Bishop Obinim

Kennedy Agyapong, MP for Assi Central and bishop Obinim 

Bishop Obinim has said that Member of Parliament Kennedy Agyapong would be killed soon by God if he doesn’t stop harassing innocent men of God.

Speaking on OB TV, the founder and leader of the International God’s Way Church said Ken Agyapong’s life would be cut short if he doesn’t stop his agenda of embarrassing innocent men of God in the exposing them.

Angel Obinim remarked that he saw this in a revelation.

He said, ‘I had a revelation last night, and in the revelation, God told me to warn and additionally advise Kennedy Agyapong to turn from his wicked ways as well as end his exposè on innocent pastors.'

Enough Of The Thuggery, Police Inaction, We Shall Defend Ourselves – NDC

Leaders of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Evalue Ajomoro Gwira in the Western Region have warned that they would no longer take the unprovoked attacks on their members and parliamentary candidate.

They will respond appropriately since the police have on countless occasions failed to act professionally.

The assault visited on the members and parliamentary candidate have been reported to the district police, but the police have failed their job as peace officers, a situation that has emboldened the perpetrators, the NDC said.

NDC/NPP

Addressing a press conference in Axim, the Regional Secretary of the NDC, Mr. Joseph Nelson reminded the constituency wing of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) not to derail the enviable peaceful records of the region.

He said it was sad that after decades of democracy during which the NDC and NPP have co-existed peacefully, the desperate approach to hang on to power by the incumbent MP, Mrs Catherine Afeku and her associates has resulted in a serious threat to the peace in the region.

“We want to say that the source of this threat is the misconduct of the Member of Parliament for the Evalue Ajomoro Gwira Constituency, Mrs Catherine Afeku who should be called to order,” he said.

Ugly incidents

Mr. Nelson said the electorate in Evalue Ajomoro are witnesses to the ugly incidents in the constituency perpetrated by the MP and her thugs, and the NDC had been at the receiving end. It has however reached its limit, he said.

The NDC, he said, recalled that on July 12, the bodyguard of the MP who is a serving police officer, physically assaulted the NDC’s constituency elections director at the Axim Community Centre on the instructions of the MP.

He said the NDC officer was only going about his legitimate duties as prescribed by the electoral laws and did not flout any law to warrant such an assault from the police officer.

Physical attacks

“Again on July 16, 2020 another member of the NDC and the parliamentary candidate for the constituency, Mr. Kofi Arko Nokoe was physically attacked and his phone taken from him after he was slapped by an aide of Mrs. Afeku.

The aide of Mrs Afeku, he said, only justified his action by saying Mr. Kofi Arko Nokoe was using his phone to record him and that is why he slapped him and seized his phone.

He said the behaviour of Mrs Afeku and her associates, in all of these instances, constitutes a blatant display of impunity and provocation of the NDC, “but we remained calm and law-abiding because of our peaceful nature.”

Police conduct

“We have taken steps to report the cases to the police, with the hope that the police would effectively deal with them and ensure that justice is served. However, the conduct of the police is not the best,” he said.

The regional secretary said it is important for the police to note that they are peace officers and that they need to defend and protect the public confidence reposed in them and their uniforms as police officers.

“As we have it, the police are yet to measure up to that standard and expectation of the public on their part as officers of the law. These developments have left us very disappointed”, he said.

He said the police should remember that if they continue this way during the general elections on December 7, which has begun with the ongoing registration exercise, all may not be well. “We want to let you know that this is not our first election, however this level of acrimony and intimidation being perpetrated by the MP and her associates is denting the image of the police and poses a risk to our democracy.”

Self-defense

“Our message to the police is that, there is a limit to what everybody can tolerate, we can no longer sit idle and watch our people abused for no reason without appropriate action from the police representing peace, law and order”, he said.

“The laws of this country allow for self-defense, if the police fail to protect and act on reports of intimidation and assault reported to them, we shall take steps to defend ourselves from now on, we want the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to know his men are here for all and should call them to order.

“Let it be on record that we have had enough and we from now on shall respond appropriately to any future attacks on our people and the only way out is for the police to bring a firm and unbiased conclusion to the cases pending before them.”

 

Source: Daily Graphic

COVID-19: Ghanaian Deportees From USA Still Stuck Due To Travel Restrictions – Foreign Affairs Minister

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey

Government's inability to complete the processing of emergency travel certificates for the deportation of illegal Ghanaian migrants in the United States of America to the country is as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, according to Foreign Affairs Minister, Hon Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey

Responding to a question on the floor of Parliament on Wednesday, the sector Minister for Foreign Affairs indicated that 125 deportees were safely evacuated from the USA as part of arrangements that led to the lifting of the visa ban imposed on Ghana in 2019 before coronavirus.

However, 22 people are currently going through interviews, awaiting deportation when Covid-19 travel restrictions are lifted in pursuit of the agreement.

“A total of five meeting sections were held between May and December 2019. Till the lifting of the sanctions on January 15, 2020.

“During the period of sanction, 125 Ghanaians who had been ordered to be removed from the US were deported. Currently, interviews for persons cited for deportation are ongoing an agreed upon by the two sides. However, in the wake of Covid-19 the issuance of emergency travel certificates to facilitate their removal has been deferred until boarders are reopened,” she stated.

Madam Botchway further pledged her outfit together with the US embassy are following all the international protocols to evacuate the remaining deportees.

“It is important to state that whenever there was a need for specific intervention on humanitarian ground, be it, health or family, it was done by engaging the relevant US authority.”

Guard Stabs Man To Death During Misunderstanding

The police at Agona Swedru, Central Region, have mounted a manhunt for a private security guard, Abraham Adatsi, for stabbing a 69-year-old man to death.

The incident happened during a misunderstanding between the now deceased and the guard in front of the Swedru branch of the ADB Bank where the latter was stationed.

The police are calling on the public to assist in arresting the suspect who is currently on the run after fleeing the scene when an angry mob attempted to lynch him.

The suspect, together with his brother George Adatsi, were both on night duty on the fateful day when the incident happened.

Misunderstanding

It is unclear what may have triggered the misunderstanding between Abraham and the deceased, John Kwame Akponu, but information gathered indicates that a misunderstanding arose between the suspect and the deceased around 11pm last Thursday night.

The ensuing confrontation attracted passers-by and other individuals to the scene who managed to calm them down and separated the two. Abraham who was still not satisfied, pulled a knife and stabbed the deceased in the stomach.

George who had allegedly left the scene earlier to pick up his phone which was on charge not too far away from the scene, only heard eye witnesses shouting “the man has been stabbed” following which he quickly rushed to the scene only to find the deceased in a pool of his own blood.

What worsened the plight of the deceased was that many taxi drivers failed to convey him to the hospital. The eye witnesses however managed to convey him to the Swedru Government Hospital only for him to pass away the following morning.

Confirmation

Confirming the incident to Graphic Online, the Swedru District Police Commander, Superintendent Seth Yirenkyi on Tuesday noted that George Adatsi made an official complaint to the Police that he was on duty together with the suspect when a misunderstanding arose between them but both were separated by some passers-by.

He told the Police that his brother (Abraham) pulled a knife and stabbed Akponu who was rushed to the Swedru hospital for emergency medical attention, saying that the Police followed up to the hospital for first had information but could not get access to Akponu since he was being attended to at the theatre.

“The police again paid a visit to check on the victim only to be informed that Akponu had passed on”, he said.

Source: Daily Graphic