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  • Nii Okwei Kinka Dowuona VI Is Dead

    Nii Okwei Kinka Dowuona VI Is Dead

    The Osu Mantse and President of the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs, Nii Okwei Kinka Dowuona VI, has passed on.

    He reportedly died Saturday morning, sources have confirmed to Graphic Online.

    He was 57 years-old.

    As the Paramount Chief of Osu and President of the Osu Traditional Council, he was first elected President of the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs in 2016 and later re-elected for another term in 2020.

    He was enstooled as the Osu Mantse in 2007.

    He was born named as Michael Dowuona-Owoo on November 7, 1963 at Adabraka, Accra to Nii Dowuona from Dowuona We of Osu Kinkawe and Madam Grace from the Wellington family of Osu Alata.

    Ghanaguardian

  • DrDominic Obeng- Andoh has been Arrested, hospital Closed.

    DrDominic Obeng- Andoh has been Arrested, hospital Closed.

    DrDominic Obeng- Andoh, the CEO of Advanced Bodysculpt Centre has been arrested according to reports.

    His hospital is also said to be closed down again by the Health Facilities Regulatory Authority (HFRA) for allegedly practising without a license. Dr. Obengfo has become a household name in Ghana for his ability ‘to reshape’ the human body to a desirable shape.

    Mynewsgh

  • Alban Bagbin has disclosed that some Members of Parliament have tested positive for COVID-19.

    Alban Bagbin has disclosed that some Members of Parliament have tested positive for COVID-19.

    The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has disclosed that some Members of Parliament have tested positive for COVID-19.
    Though the identities of those infected are not known, the Speaker advised all MPs to strictly adhere to the safety protocols to avoid the spread of the novel virus.

    “Even in the House, some members are afflicted by the Covid-19. You may not know who the person is and because of the protocol issues of confidentiality, we are not disclosing those who are now Covid-19 victims. But we have some of us in that category,” he said.

    Mr. Bagbin made the revelation following a three-day health screening exercise organized for the law makers.

    Despite the presence of the medical team for the exercise, Mr. Bagbin says over 60 parliamentarians have refused to avail themselves for the test.

    “We arranged with the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research to use three days and the three days are over but I am reliably informed that a number of our members have not yet taken the opportunity to either do the screening or to even undergo the Covid-19 test.

    “Honorable members, I humbly urge that you all take this opportunity seriously and go test by the end of today,” he appealed on Tuesday, January 26, 2021.

    But addressing the House today (Friday), Alban Bagbin said he is displeased with the continuous refusal of some MPs to undergo the testing which he says is mandatory.

    “My directive that all members subject themselves to the test has not yet been complied with by over 60 Members of Parliament.

    “It is true as the Majority Leader has just stated that we are not all safe. And so members should take the protocols seriously. In fact when I was entering I myself had to signal some members to respect the physical distancing.”

    In March 2020, some MPs tested positive for the virus after a medical screening was conducted in the legislature.

    Their identities were, however, not disclosed.

    At the time, two law makers were reported to have tested positive for the virus and asked to isolate.
    13 parliamentary service staff were reported to have also tested positive for the virus.

    Meanwhile, the latest update from the Ghana Health Service has revealed that the country recorded 625 new COVID-19 cases.

    The latest update brings the country’s active case count to 3, 940 from a total of 63, 883 case count.

    13 new deaths were recorded, bringing the death toll to 390.

    There have been growing concerns over the rising COVID-19 cases.

  • Would a second lockdown be neccessary?

    Would a second lockdown be neccessary?

    Ghana is one of the countries that has low infection rate since the outbreak. The government has given the green light for schools to fully resume across the country. Currently, Ghana has seen a sudden increase of covid-19 cases with ghana recording more than 200 covid-19 cases daily.

    The information minister kojo oppong- nkrumah has hinted a possible lockdown in restrictions to be enforced if the cases continues to rise. He also urged the public follow all covid-19 protocols put in place which is wearing your nose mask in public, washing your hands for at least 20 seconds and then practicing social distancing to be able to defeat the virus.

    President Akufo-Addo addressing Ghanaians on the measures to Curb the Covid-19 pandemic said, “the virus has not changed…and the reduction in compliance with preventive protocols account is increasing.”
    He announced that there could be a possible second lockdown should the coronavirus situation in the country continue to worsen.

    The address, the 23rd by the president, also spelled out measures that government was putting in place to curb the spread of the virus. “Consensus from stakeholder consultation recommend a phased approach to easing anti Covid-19 restrictions,” he said.

    Ghanaians are extremely apprehensive about whether or not a second lockdown will be introduced as a way of curbing the rapid spread of coronavirus in their country.

    Some Ghanaians however feel that the increase in the coronavirus cases can be the sake of political rallies and other things which was going ahead of the December elections.

    “Is this going to affect our business ?” These are some cries from the public…

    Would a second lockdown be neccessary?

  • Increasing crime in Achimota Forest: Adib Saani urges police to beef up security

    Increasing crime in Achimota Forest: Adib Saani urges police to beef up security

    Foreign Policy and Security Analyst, Mr Adib Saani has called on the police to beef up security around the Achimota Forest Reserve area in the wake of increasing cases of crime around the forest enclave.


    According to him, the forest has become a den for criminals because the bushy nature of the area “is conducive for criminal activities.”


    Speaking on TV3’s Midday News, he urged the Police to periodically patrol the area and conduct swoops to help rid the forest of criminals. “The environment looks conducive for criminals because they are able to perpetrate their crime and quickly vanish into the bush. So it is a major cause for concern. Unfortunately, we seem not to be paying attention to it and I’m wondering how many more people we are waiting to become victims,” Mr Saani said.


    His comments follow increasing cases of crime within and around the Achimota Forest Reserve in recent years.


    According to the Police, about five criminal cases are recorded in a week around the Achimota Forest area of the N1 Highway.


    In November last year, a woman was stabbed in the shoulder and her handbag and mobile phone was taken from her. According to the police, the criminals quickly dashed into the Achimota Forest Reserve for cover after the attack.


    Mr Saani, who is also the Executive Director of the Jatikay Center for Human Security and Peace Building, joined calls for the fencing of the forest to help safeguard the area against criminal invasion and enhance security management.
    He said although the fencing may be expensive, investments in security must always be a priority for the country.


    He further called on the police to plant intelligence officers in the area to gather relevant information to foil the activities of criminals.
    “There are a lot of wee smoking joints in the forest and I think another action that can be taken is to perhaps gather some intelligence. This will not be laborious. The police can get some intelligence officers to mingle with the groups as a way of cracking these criminal networks,” he said.
    Mr Saani also urged the public to take their personal security serious and avoid dangerous routes especially in the night as doing so may expose them to criminal attacks.


    “If you have bush around your facility, you should always ensure that it is cleared so it doesn’t become a safe hiding place for criminals,” he advised.

  • The Late Ft. Lt. J. J Rawlings Being Fill Pass

    The Late Ft. Lt. J. J Rawlings Being Fill Pass

    Activities marking the final funeral rites of former Head Of State, His Excellency Jerry John Rawlings which is expected to last for four days commenced Yesterday, January 24, 2021, with a Catholic Requiem Mass at the Holy Spirit Cathedral at 2 pm and later with a vigil at the Air Force Officers Mess in Accra.

    The former President was laid-in-state at the Accra International Conference Centre. He will be there for two days which is from Monday, January 25, 2021, to Tuesday, January 26, 2021.

    His family received the body (Private) at 5 am on Monday before groups including Heads of Security Agencies, politicians, traditional/religious leaders as well as the general public will file past between 8 am to 6 pm.

    Mr. Rawlings passed on at Ghana’s premier public health facility, the Korle-Bu teaching hospital in the capital on November 12, 2020.

    Story by DFM

  • NDC’s election petition before the Supreme Court is a straight forward one. This is why.

    NDC’s election petition before the Supreme Court is a straight forward one. This is why.

    John Dramani Mahama, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer has finally submitted his petition to the supreme court on the just ended 2020 general elections and his prayer to the court has been judged to be a straight forward one by way of the relief sort in the petition. 

    The former president is praying the apex court order for a fresh election between himself the President elect, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. This is contrary to the earlier assertion that, the election had been rigged in favour of the incumbent President. 

    While many thought the NDC through John Mahama was going to seek to overturn the result for John Mahama to be declared as the winner of the 2020 Presidential election, they have rather asked for the election to be rerun.

    It is usually said that, the noises and commentaries you hear on radio and TV stations are not always evidence and not all allegation get leg to stand on in the court of law. Going to court is a serious business and evidence is the name of the game. 

    If the reliefs are anything to go by, then it does seem that the real claim of John Mahama is not that he was cheated or robbed of victory but that Nan Addo didn’t obtain the requisite number of votes (50%+1) to be declared President-elect. 

    That is NOT to say that these claims are, on their own, not significant. If Mahama can prove them, the better for our Constitutional democracy. It seems a straight forward matter.

    Nana Addo either obtained 50% + 1 votes or he did not. The Supreme Court must decide, having regard to all the evidence to be adduced, and then make the necessary orders, if any.

  • Sammy Gyamfi, others arrive at Supreme Court to file NDC petition

    Sammy Gyamfi, others arrive at Supreme Court to file NDC petition

    National Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Sammy Gyamfi, and other members of the party’s legal team, have arrived at the premises of the Supreme Court to file the party’s petition against the results of the 2020 polls.

    It is believed that respected lawyers including Tsatsu Tsikata and Tony Lithur will be part of the legal team of the NDC.

    The NDC has described the election, which saw President Nana Akufo-Addo, emerging winner as ‘flawed and rigged’.

    Meanwhile, a statement from the party said the petition was filed pursuant to the party‘s audit of the 2020 Presidential results and extensive consultations with the National Executive Committee and Council of Elders of the party.

    The statement also noted that John Mahama shall be addressing the nation at 8:PM today on the petition filed and other related matters.

    Read full statement below:

    The National Democratic Congress, wishes to inform the general public that at about 12PM this afternoon, the leader and Presidential Candidate of the party, H.E John Dramani Mahama, caused his lawyers to file a Petition in the Supreme Court of Ghana to challenge the 2020 Presidential Election Results Declaration by the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission of Ghana.

    The Petition was filed pursuant to the party‘s audit of the 2020 Presidential results and extensive consultations with the National Executive Committee and Council of Elders of the party.

    The Petition details serious violations of the 1992 Constitution by the Electoral Commission and its Chairperson and Returning Officer for the Presidential Election, Mrs. Jean Adukwei Mensa in the conduct of their constitutional and legal responsibilities. It seeks among others, a declaration from the Supreme Court to the effect that, the purported declaration of the results of the 2020 Presidential Election on the 9th day of December 2020 is unconstitutional, null and void and of no effect whatsoever.

    H.E John Dramani Mahama shall be addressing the nation at 8PM today on the petition filed and other related matters.

    The under-listed personalities have been assigned as Spokespersons on the matter and may be contacted by the media after the Petitioner’s address to the nation and throughout the hearing of the matter:

    1. Hon. Marietta Brew Appiah-Oppong Esq. – Former Attorney General and Minister for Justice.

    2. Hon. Dr. Dominic Akuritinga Ayine Esq.- MP for Bolgatanga East and former Attorney General and Minister of Justice.

    3. Dr. Abdul Baasit Aziz Bamba Esq. – Member of NDC Legal Team

    4. Hon. Alex Segbefia Esq.- Director of International Relations, NDC

    5. Abraham Amaliba Esq. – Director Legal, NDC

    6. Sammy Gyamfi Esq.- National Communications Officer, NDC

    7. Kakra Essamuah Esq.- NDC Communications Director

    8. Joyce Bawa Mogtari Esq. – Special Aide and Spokesperson of HE John Dramani Mahama

    9. Godwin Edudzi Tamakloe Esq. – Member of NDC legal team

    Signed,

    Hon. Johnson Asiedu Nketia

    (General Secretary)

    Pictures;

  • You’re a hypocrite – Koku Anyidoho drags Kwesi Pratt to the cleaners

    You’re a hypocrite – Koku Anyidoho drags Kwesi Pratt to the cleaners

    Former Deputy General Secretary of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) Koku Anyidoho is daring Editor of Insight Newspaper Kwesi Pratt Junior to face him and deny whether he did not inform late President Atta-Mills to sack him as his Director of Communications.


    Mr. Anyidoho who has decided to focus on his Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) the Atta-Mills Institute’ since developing issues with his party hierarchy particularly former President Mahama says Mr. Pratt who is a known sympathizer of former President Mahama is a hypocrite and does not speak the truth.

    In a tweet sighted by MyNewsGh.com, Mr. Anyidoho who seems to have found love in President Akufo-Addo’s regime said “What is Kwesi Prat ranting about? I have dared him to come and face me about he wanting President Atta-Mills to sack me- and President Atta-Mills refused. I can’t stand the hypocrisy of Kwesi Pratt.”

    He added that “this is one the best statements of President Atta-Mills: “Anybody who thinks I am a fool, is a bigger fool”. I shall always love President Atta-Mills.”

    There were mixed response from followers of Mr. Anyidoho with some applauding him whilst others accused him of being bitter.

    Mr. Anyidoho is believed to have fallen apart with the NDC after he was defeated by the current General Secretary and one time boss Johnson Asiedu Nketia.

    But he claims he is still a member of the NDC but currently minding his own business when questioned about his loyalty to the party in view of his recent utterances.

    Ghanaweb

  • Another journalist receives fresh life threats

    Another journalist receives fresh life threats

    GTV journalist Abdul Hayi Moomen A broadcast journalist with State Broadcaster, GTV, Abdul Hayi Moomen, says his life is at risk after threats from some unknown men.

    According to a post he shared on Facebook, he said the people indicated that they know his residence and will deal with him.

    The journalist has since reported the case to the Police.

    His post on Facebook read: “I have lodged an official complaint to the Nima police. But should anything happen to me or any member of my family, please help them to track the guy in black (it’s the best shot I could get of him under the circumstances). He and his friends have threatened to deal with me.”

    “They say they know where I live and that, that job will be easy,” he said.

    Meanwhile, Mr Moomen has deleted the post, which according to him, was because of advice that the police have dealt with it.

    “I have been advised to delete the post because the police have handled it,” he said.

    Adomonline

  • Official: NDC heads to Supreme Court over 2020 elections

    Official: NDC heads to Supreme Court over 2020 elections

    The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has taken a firm decision to head to the Supreme Court to contest results of the December 7 elections.

    The decision was taken on Tuesday, December 29.

    “The NEC decided that the NDC will contest the results of the rigged elections in the Supreme Court and other appropriate fora,” a statement issued by General Secretary Johnson Asiedu Nketia after a NEC meeting announced.

    “In addition, the party will continue all legitimate actions, including protestations, to press home its demands for the government of President Akufo-Addo to enforce the rule of law and protect life and property in Ghana and, in particular, to take all necessary measures to bring to swift justice those responsible for the murders and injuries and destruction of properties before, during and in the aftermath of the general elections.”

    In previous media interactions, some leading members of the party hinted of the party’s plans to seek legal redress.

    Key amongst such persons were Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, MP for South Dayi and Abraham Amaliba, legal team member of the party.

    Background

    Out of the 13,119,460 total valid votes cast in the recently-held 7 December 2020 polls, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) polled 6,730,587 votes, representing 51.302 per cent.

    While former President John Dramani Mahama, candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), polled 6,213,182 votes, representing 47.359 per cent.

    3 news

  • Ablakwa exposes govt’s plot to impose a new Speaker of Parliament

    Ablakwa exposes govt’s plot to impose a new Speaker of Parliament

    Member of Parliament for North Tongu constituency, Mr. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has alleged that the NPP government is planning to restrict MPs from freely voting for their own choice of candidate for the Speaker of Parliament position.

    According to him, the government in a bid to impose its own Speaker of Parliament is plotting to violate Article 104 (4) and Order 9 (1) by seeking to inspect ballots of MPs in their respective caucuses on behalf of the ruling party.

    In effect, the North Tongu MP has charged all Members of Parliament to passionately oppose any form of intimidation and insist that the secret ballot rule which is employed when appointing a Speaker of Parliament is religiously adhered to.

    “Article 104 (4) of the 1992 Constitution and Standing Order 9 (1) demands that the election of Speaker shall be done by secret ballot. It is absolutely imperative that this constitutional requirement is strictly complied with to enable MPs of the 8th Parliament vote freely and according to their conscience. We must all begin a spirited campaign to insist that the secret ballot rule is religiously adhered to.

    MPs-elect in good standing must start sending a clear message to those plotting to violate Article 104 (4) and Order 9 (1) by seeking to inspect ballots of MPs in their respective caucuses ostensibly on behalf of party officianados as has happened in recent times that their manoeuvres will be fiercely resisted. It is my hope that the current Clerk to Parliament, Mr. Cyril Nsiah, a man I have enormous respect for, would ensure that the sanctity of Ghana’s Constitution and Parliament’s Standing Orders are resolutely preserved.” He stated in a Facebook post on December 28, 2020.

    Notwithstanding, Mr Ablakwa stated that history is about to repeat itself as the last time two persons were nominated for the position of a Speaker by both the NDC and the NPP concurrently was in 2005 when Mr John Dramani Mahama and President Nana Akufo-Addo were members of the House.

    “As we approach midnight of January 6, 2021; I am reminded of Karl Marx’s famous edict: “history repeats itself, first as tragedy, second as farce. Quite fascinating to observe that the only time since the inception of the Fourth Republic that two persons were nominated for the position of Right Honourable Speaker by both the NDC and the NPP concurrently was in 2005 when John Dramani Mahama and Nana Akufo-Addo were members of the august House.

    15 years down the lane, these two who were later to both ascend the presidency are most likely to lead their respective sides to repeat the historic development of January 7, 2005, albeit this time from outside the chamber and with more competitive numbers,” he wrote.

    Read Post below;

    Ghanaweb

  • Government must provide coronavirus safety kits ahead of school reopening – Africa Education Watch

    Government must provide coronavirus safety kits ahead of school reopening – Africa Education Watch

    Africa Education Watch, an education think tank, has said the government must provide COVID-19 safety kits ahead of the reopening of schools.

    Executive Director of Africa Education Watch, Kofi Asare, told Citi News that the COVID 19 protocols must be adhered to when school reopens to prevent a spike.

    “As a nation, our commitment to comply with the protocols is what will make the difference whether we can open schools definitely or not.

    “But I think we can because we actually operated schools when we were recording an increase in community spread, but we managed the situation until examinations were completed. So we are counting on the government’s readiness to supply necessary kits on time, so we can have a safe reopening,” he said.

    Schools were shut down in March this year as part of measures to stop the spread of the virus in Ghana.

    Senior High Schools were later reopened partially for final year students to complete their academic work and also sit for their exit exams and for continuing students to complete their academic terms.

    But there is a firm plan by the government to re-open schools at all levels early next month.

    Information Minister, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, has said President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo is receiving briefings from the COVID-19 Technical Taskforce on limited school re-openings and will make a firm decision on whether schools should reopen in January by December 30, 2020.

    Ghanaweb

  • NDC Heads To The Supreme Court To Contest Results Of 2020 Election – Asiedu Nketia

    NDC Heads To The Supreme Court To Contest Results Of 2020 Election – Asiedu Nketia

    The General Secretary for the largest opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketia has officially on Tuesday, 29th December 2020 issued a statement that his party will go to the Supreme Court to contest the results of the recently-conducted general elections.

    The National Executive Committee of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in a meeting at the Ghana National Association Teachers (GNAT) Hall has decided to challenge the results of December 7, 2020 polls they consider to be “rigged” in the Supreme Court.

    In a statement signed by the NDC Chief Scribe, the party will in addition contest the “rigged” election results in other appropriate fora.

    The statement again read that the NDC will continue all legitimate actions, including protestations, to press home its demands for the government of President Akufo-Addo to enforce the rule of law and protect life and property in Ghana.

    “In addition, the party will continue all legitimate actions, including protestations, to press home its demands for the government of President Akufo-Addo to enforce the rule of law and protect life and property in Ghana and, in particular, to take all necessary measures to bring to swift justice those responsible for the murders and injuries and destruction of properties before, during and in the aftermath of the general election,” the statement read.

    “The NDC’s commitment to the upholding of the constitution and respect for human rights shall remain unshaken,” the statement adds.

    When will the petition be filed?

    It is not clear when the NDC will file its petition challenging the declaration by the EC, although some members of the party had indicated that it will be filed by Wednesday, December 30, 2020.

    As at 3:30 pm Tuesday, sources at the Supreme Court told Graphic Online that the NDC was yet to file its petition, reports Graphic Online’s Emmanuel Ebo Hawkson.

    Per Article 64(1) of the 1992 Constitution, a petition challenging the validity of the election of the President should be filed at the Supreme Court within 21 days after the declaration of the results by the EC.

    The EC declared the results on December 9 so technically the 21 one days elapses Wednesday, December 30, 2020.

    Format

    According to a new Supreme Court (Amendment) (No.2) Rules, 2016 (C.I. 99), only the declared winner of the election, in this case (President Akufo-Addo), and the EC can be respondents in the petition.

    Again, per the new rules, only Former President John Dramani Mahama, the Presidential Candidate of the NDC, can be the petitioner.

    This is a major departure from the 2013 presidential election petition filed by then-candidate Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, which also had the New Patriotic Party (NPP) as a petitioner and the NDC being allowed to join as a respondent aside the Electoral Commission and the NDC’s presidential candidate, John Dramani Mahama.

    This means per the new rules no joinder application will be allowed.

    Another major shift in the new rules is that the Supreme Court will use 42 days to determine the petition.

    This was unlike the 2013 case in which the petition traveled more than eight months.

    Per Rule 69 C (4) of C.I. 99, the pre-trial of the petition shall be on the 10th day after the filing of the petition, with hearing commencing on the 15th day and ending on the 21st day respectively after the filing, while judgment will be on the 42nd day.

    Peacefmonline

  • There will be more fire on people who steal from Ghana in 2021 – Anas

    There will be more fire on people who steal from Ghana in 2021 – Anas

    Award-winning Ghanaian investigative journalist, Anas Aremeyaw Anas has dropped a warning for corrupt officials ahead of 2021.


    Posting a photo of himself in casual wear, he remarked that there’ll be more fire on people who steal from the national coffers with impunity and abuse of human rights.

    This is the first time we’re seeing a full photo of Anas in a casual wear revealing his body shape.

    He’s well known for wearing Jalabia so people will not be able to see his physique. He however did well to hide his face as usual.

    See What he wrote;