Monthly Archives: October 2024

News

NPP appointees are behind galamsey, pollution of rivers – Small Scale Miners

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The Small Scale Miners Association of Ghana has accused the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) government of encouraging illegal mining activities in forest reserves and river bodies in the country.

According to Mr Michael Peprah, the President of the Association, the menace of illegal mining which has heavily polluted majority of Ghana’s rivers is escalating because some powerful persons in the Akufo-Addo government are sponsoring individuals to mine in riverbodies and forest reserves.

Peprah’s concerns follow public outcry over the devastation of illegal mining, also known as galamsey, on the environment.

The government recently deployed military personnel to clamp down on the activities of galamsey to save the river bodies and forests which are being plowed indiscriminately.

In an interview with TV XYZ, Michael Peprah called for a ban on chanfan machines which are used by illegal miners on various rivers to mine gold.

“These machines are imported into the country by these illegal miners and they end up on our river bodies in search of gold. The operators of these machines end up polluting the rivers and we the licensed small scale miners are blamed for their crimes,” he stated.

Peprah believes some licensed small scale miners are responsible for the pollution of the rivers, he hastened that such people are linked to powerful people in government who will not be arrested by the government’s taskforce sanctioned to curb illegal mining.

“Truth is, these people who are destroying our forest reserves and polluting the rivers are these NPP people,” Peprah hinted.

“They have powerful people in the NPP government supporting them and that has emboldened them to enter forest reserves to mine,” he alleged while explaining that in some cases, such people are given military protection to carry on with galamsey activities.

“We have had the military fighting this illegality before and it did not work. It is because those miners on the rivers are doing so for politicians, and should they be arrested powerful people place calls to big people in the security services to release them,” Peprah recounted in Akan.

In his estimation, until politicians stop engaging illegal mining, the rivers and forests cannot be saved.

Peprah further mentioned their readiness to collaborate with the government to flush out unlicensed miners from unauthorized locations to ensure the rivers become clean again.

 

Source: Myxyzonline.com

Busines, News

Cedi among 4 worst performing currencies in Sub Saharan Africa in 2024 – World Bank

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The World Bank’s October 2024 Africa Pulse Report has revealed that the Ghana cedi and three other currencies are the worst-performing currencies in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) in 2024.

The report indicates that the cedi has lost about 24% value to the US dollar, placing it as the 4th weakest in SSA.

South Sudan’s pound (over 60%), Ethiopia’s birr (51%) and Nigeria’s naira (over 40%) are the worst-performing currencies in Sub-Saharan Africa in 2024.

Interestingly, the Kenya shilling is the best-performing currency in Africa this year with a year-to-date gain of about 21% as of August 2024.

“Ethiopia, Ghana, and Nigeria are among the worst performing in Africa this year, and their currencies continue weakening while demand for foreign exchange remains pressing”, the report said.

It added “By end-August 2024, the Ethiopian birr, Nigerian naira, and South Sudanese pound were among the worst performers in the region. The Nigerian naira continued losing value, with a year-to-date depreciation of about 43% as of the end of August. Surges in demand for US dollars in the parallel market, driven by financial institutions, money managers, and non-financial end-users, combined with limited dollar inflows and slow foreign exchange disbursements to currency exchange bureaus by the central bank explain the weakening of the naira”.

In contrast, the report said some currencies that weakened in 2023 have stabilised or strengthened this year.

“The Kenyan shilling is the best-performing currency in Sub-Saharan Africa this year: it appreciated by 21 per cent year-to-date by end-August 2024. The South African rand and currencies pegged to it have strengthened by 3.1% so far this year, after losing value in the past year”.

Although most currencies are stabilising, the October 2024 Africa Pulse Report pointed out that the exchange rate pressures and shortages of foreign exchange remain a concern for African policymakers.

“From a sample of 30 countries and two currency unions (the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa and WAEMU), more than one-third of the countries in the region are set to have less than three months of imports in international reserves by end-2024”.

Source: Joy Business

Crime, News

13 perish in fatal VIP bus accident on Kumasi-Obuasi highway

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A fatal accident that occurred in the early hours of Monday, October 14, 2024, when a VIP bus en route from Kumasi to Enchi in the Western North Region skidded off the road has claimed 13 lives.

The bus plummeted into a ditch at Kwapia near Obuasi in the Ashanti Region, resulting in multiple casualties.

Police sources told Joy News that the thirteen people who lost their lives in the incident include seven males, five females, and a child, all of whom were passengers on board the bus.

Reports indicate that all but one of the deceased passengers died instantly at the scene.

The driver, identified as Osei Adu, was transported to the hospital for treatment but succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival.

According to eyewitness accounts, the bus, with the registration number ER 2445-11, was overloaded after it had picked up several stranded passengers from another bus that had broken down on the route.

It is believed there was a confrontation among some aggrieved passengers over the congestion on the bus which may have distracted the driver, resulting in the tragic accident.

Currently, the injured in the crash are receiving medical treatment, while police have begun an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident.

The deceased have been transported to a morgue in the area.

 

 

Source: Myxyzonline.com

News, Showbiz

I Gave My Life to Christ After an Industry Colleague Took My Girlfriend – Perez Musik Shares Repentance Journey

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Award-winning Ghanaian gospel musician Perez Musik has shared a transformative moment in his life that led him to commit himself to Christ. 

 

 

“The truth is it started with a heartbreak. At that point, it was very painful. I’ve never told the story before but I will say it without mentioning names. Somebody in the industry was hitting on my girlfriend back then.

”I brought my girlfriend to visit me in the office, when I turned, he took the lady’s number. The next time they were talking. And this was somebody that was my ‘buddy buddy.’ That’s why I don’t really make friends,” he explained.

Recalling a specific moment, he described how he discovered his girlfriend’s photo on his friend’s phone, which confirmed his worst fears. “I just gave the phone back to him and went home. I didn’t say anything to him. I just left,” he noted.

This experience according to the crooner, has significantly impacted him, making him wary of friendships. “That’s why I don’t really make friends,” he added.  

News, Politics, Topstory

Wasted 8-years under Akufo Addo Bawumia has become a useful lesson for Ghanaians — Mahama

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The Presidential Candidate of the National Democratic Congress is urging the suffering masses particularly electorates to reflect on the high hopes that misled them to vote for the NPP as the December 7 elections approaches.

 

He says after messing up the economy, corrupting state institutions whose integrity is at stake, the ballooning unemployment rate which threatens national security and the impunity being demonstrated, the Akufo Addo-Bawumia led government must be punished and ‘sent back into the bush’.

 

Mr Mahama who has been addressing mini durbars as part of his tour of the Upper West region described the 8-years of the Akufo Addo -Bawumia Administration as wasted time and opportunity.

 

John Mahama believes the New Patriotic Party (NPP) must now be sent packing to send a strong signal that politicians can no longer take the people for granted.

 

He was speaking in the Wa Constituency of the Upper West Region as part of his campaign.

 

“These 8-years have not been wasted . They’ve been a very useful experience for the people of Ghana” he said

 

Adding that the Ghanaian has come to appreciate that good leadership is not hinged on the ability to make sweet promises

“That it is not the person who makes the sweetest promises who will make the best leader. The one who will make a good leader is the one who tells you the truth, one who is honest and the one will won’t tell you what he cannot do” he indicated

 

Mr. Mahama has since reassured that his next administration will be truthful and transparent in running the affairs of the country.

News, Politics

Wechiau Paramouncy reaffirms support for Mahama

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The Paramount Chief of the Wechiau Traditional Area in the Wa West Constituency of the Upper West Region has endorsed former President John Dramani Mahama ahead of the December 7 polls.

 

The Paramount Chief Naa Imoro Nandom Gomah II who spoke through an interpreter said , he and his subjects have resolved to openly affirm their confidence in the NDC flagbearer who stands out as a trustworthy leader committed to improving the lives of Ghanaians.

 

The Chief, who commended the former President and the NDC by extension for the numerous development projects such as roads, electricity, access to potable water, health and education infrastructure, lamented bitterly about Abo dined projects in his traditional area and most parts of the Upper Weet region since the NPP assumed office in 2017.

 

He cited road projects, E-blocks, health centers among others started under the previous administration

 

In response to the issues they listed, John Mahama assured them that the NDC knows very well the key challenges facing Ghanaians today largely as a result of the impact of the collapsed economy and unemployment.

 

He assured that within the first 120 days in office if he wins, the next NDC government will implement a number of transition measures to reset the economy to stop the daily increase in prices of food and other essential goods.

 

This he said will involved hard work around the clock to improve the living conditions of the people.

These he said will largely be driven by the 24hour economy policy, the one million coders programme, Adwumawura, the Big Push for infrastructure development, FEED Ghana under the Agric expansion programme and National Apprenticeship Programmes.

News, Politics

I dare Bawumia to take pictures of pupils sitting on blocks again as he did in 2016 – Mahama

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Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress, (NDC), John Mahama has dared Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia to go back to the rural communities and take pictures with students for votes as he did in 2016.

 

According to the former President, there are over 1.3million pupils with no basic furniture or learning under trees today who need the same propagandist support he exploited in 2016.

 

Mr Mahama who is on a campaign tour of the Upper West region reminded the people of the populist action by then, then NPP Running Mate Dr Bawumia who mischievously took pictures in some of the less privileged communities for sympathy votes when he clearly knew the effort by his government to remove schools under trees.

Mr Mahama who responding to complaints about neglect described as very surprising the total neglect of the very people Dr Bawumia exploited, in 2016, since he became Vice President over seven years ago.

 

“Dr Bawumia is now in charge of the budget. He controls it and is even in a better position to support schools in those deprived communities” he noted

 

“Mahamudu Bawumia as running mate used to go round villages in the Upper West Region where there was no furniture, taking pictures of kids sitting on stones” he recalled

 

A 2023 report by some Civil Society Organisations and teacher groups revealed that only 17 out of 5,400 schools under trees had been completed by the Akufo-Addo-led government since 2021.

 

The report put together by 10 CSOs including STAR-Ghana, CAMFED and ActionAid added that at the current pace, it will take Ghana more than 300 years to eradicate the over 5,400 schools under trees, sheds and dilapidated structures.

 

Addressing a mini durbar at Dafiama in the Dafiama Bussie Issa constituency of the Upper West Region as part of his three day campaign tour of the region, Mr Mahama indicated that the data is worrying and called on the Vice President to redeem his sunken image

 

“Today, 1.2 million children in schools are without furniture, and yet he is in charge of the budget. I dare him to come to the Upper West Region and take pictures of the pupils again” he concluded

News, Politics

Bono, Ahafo and Bono East Regions Awaits “Maame oo Den-deh-ee” as Prof. Opoku Agyemang begins Week-long Tour

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The Vice Presidential Candidate for the National Democratic Congress (NDC),Professor Opoku-Agyemang has kicked off a week-long campaign tour of Ahafo, Bono and Bono East Regions.

As has become usual of her visits, she is expected to be welcomed by enthusiastic supporters particularly women who do not only see her as a role model but a testimony of what women achievers can aspire to be.

 

Typical of such mini durbars, she is recieved with the accolade “Maame oo den-deh-ee,” meaning “Mother, you are welcome” amidst cheers and dancing.

 

The phrase “Maame oo den-deh-ee” has become a symbol of solidarity and support, reflecting the trust and confidence women have in Prof. Opoku-Agyemang’s leadership and former President John Mahama, who is the NDC flagbearer

 

In the context of Ghanaian culture, the phrase is more than just a greeting, it is a heartfelt expression of respect, admiration, and well-wishes.

 

During her tour, Prof. Opoku Agyemang will interact with members and supporters of NDC as well as opinion leaders and the general public in various constituencies in the three regions.

 

Prof. Opoku Agyemang is expected to end her week-long Mahama for President 2024 campaign on Friday 18th October 2024.

News, Politics

W/R: NDC Nat. Vice Chairman supports party with logistics

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A National Vice Chairman of the opposition NDC, Yakubu Alhassan Abanga, has urged his party members to work hard ahead of the 2024 elections to bring John Mahama back to power to rescue the country from the bad governance of President Nana Akufo-Addo.

He said the NDC’s return to power to reset the misgoverned country would be possible if party members are united and work hard to propagate the policies of the Congress to Ghanaians.

Chairman Abanga made this call to the party leadership and members of the NDC in the Western Region when he donated motorcycles to the party to aid its campaign activities.

He made a donation of thousands of John Mahama branded T-shirts and 26 motorcycles to the Western Region which were received by the Regional Chairman, Nana Toku, to be distributed to all constituencies in the region.

Out of the 26 motorcycles, 9 will be distributed to all the constituencies of the Western North Region to support the party’s campaign activities.

Earlier, Chairman Abanga donated 30,000 party T-shirts to the 2 regions as various NDC parliamentary candidates intensify campaign activities ahead of the crucial December polls.

He further urged the party leadership to intensify the door-to-door campaign activities to ensure that Ghanaians understand the key policies of the NDC ahead of the elections.

 

Source: Myxyzonline.com

Busines, News, Topstory

National Women’s Development Bank is a game changer for women-led businesses — NDC

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A national Executive Member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Cecilia Asaga, has indicated that NDC’s National Women’s Development Bank initiative will become a game-changer for Ghanaian women entrepreneurs.

At a training workshop in Accra, Ms Asaga assured the participants that the initiative aimed to address the financial challenges many women faced when trying to access funds to grow their businesses.

“The Women’s Development Bank will provide start-up capital for women-led businesses and advance low-interest loans to market women to help them expand their ventures,” she stated.

Access to capital

Ms Asaga mentioned that the initiative would also ease access to capital for already established women entrepreneurs, especially those in rural communities and the informal sector.

She also asserted that providing women with access to capital would enable them to expand their businesses, hire more employees, and ultimately contribute to reducing the country’s unemployment rate.

“The establishment of the Women’s Development Bank will not only support start-up businesses but will also provide existing women-led enterprises with the financial resources they need to scale up,” she added.

24-hour economy

Ms Asaga also revealed that the Women’s Development Bank was a key factor in the NDC’s 24-hour economy vision aiming to encourage productivity across all sectors.

“The Women’s Development Bank initiative has been carefully thought through and we cannot operate a 24-hour economy without a dedicated source of funding for the women businesses that will be driving this economy,” she added.

The proposed bank will also emphasise training women in financial literacy, financial management and basic bookkeeping to ensure that they can efficiently manage the loans and facilities extended to them.

According to Ms Asaga, this approach will empower women to make informed financial decisions, thus improving their chances of business success.

“We want to ensure that women are equipped with the knowledge to handle the loans and facilities provided, making them more financially savvy and capable of growing their businesses sustainably,” she said.

She also suggested that ensuring transparency, accountability and efficient management through corporate governance would be crucial in preventing the bank from becoming another political promise that fails to materialise.

 

Source: Graphic Online

News, Showbiz

We Face Spiritual Attacks Before Some Gospel Song Releases- Empress Gifty

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Ghanaian gospel musician Empress Gifty has opened up about the challenges she and other gospel artists face before releasing certain songs.

In a recent interview, the award-winning singer revealed that spiritual attacks are a common obstacle they encounter, especially when working on songs meant to inspire and deliver powerful messages to listeners.

“Sometimes, you go through attacks before a song comes out. The kind of challenges you face… and it’s because the song will touch lives or it will bring hope or miracle to someone. So you need to be spiritually strong and fit,” she said.
 The ‘Awiey3 Pa’ hitmaker emphasized the importance of gospel musicians remaining spiritually grounded, noting that these attacks are not only emotional or physical but often targeted at disrupting the message of the song
The gospel music diva also highlighted how severe these attacks can be, affecting artists to the point where they may even forget their own lyrics or lose the motivation to promote their music.

“That’s why some people stop doing interviews when they release new songs. They lose focus, sometimes even becoming too focused on the money instead of promoting the message,” she explained.

 

Empress Gifty’s assertion shed light on the behind-the-scenes struggles faced by gospel musicians, showing that the spiritual weight behind their work goes beyond the music itself, affecting every step of the creative and promotional process.

News, Showbiz

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ sex trafficking trial set for May 2025

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Sean “Diddy” Combs will stand trial on federal sex trafficking and racketeering charges starting on May 5, a U.S. judge decided during a hearing on Thursday, and the jailed hip-hop mogul blew kisses to his family in the courtroom afterward.

During the hearing before U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian in Manhattan federal court, Combs’ lawyer Marc Agnifilo also raised concerns about what he termed improper leaks by federal agents about the case. Prosecutor Emily Johnson called the claim baseless.

Combs, 54, pleaded not guilty on Sept. 17 to a three-count indictment charging him with using his business empire – including record label Bad Boy Entertainment – to transport women and male sex workers across state lines to take part in recorded sexual performances called “Freak Offs.”

Thursday’s hearing marked a third court appearance for Combs since his September arrest.

Wearing tan prison garb, Combs stood and blew kisses toward his family members seated in the courtroom’s audience after the hearing ended.

His mother and children attended the hearing, defense lawyer Anthony Ricco said in court. Combs was then led out a side door by members of the U.S. Marshals Service.

Johnson told the court the prosecution’s case at the trial will last at least three weeks. Combs’ defense case will last around one week, Agnifilo said.

Combs has been jailed at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn since his arrest. The Manhattan-based 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Thursday denied his request to be immediately released while he appeals another judge’s decision to deny him bail.

A three-judge 2nd Circuit panel will hear that appeal at a later date.

The rapper and producer faces a sentence of up to life in prison and a minimum of 15 years if convicted of the three counts he faces: racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution.

Prosecutors said Combs enticed women by giving them drugs such as ketamine and ecstasy, financial support or promises of career support or a romantic relationship.

Combs then used the surreptitious recordings of the sex acts as “collateral” to ensure that the women would remain silent, and sometimes displayed weapons to intimidate abuse victims and witnesses, prosecutors said.

The indictment contained no allegation that Combs himself directly engaged in unwanted sexual contact with women, though he was accused of physically assaulting them. Agnifilo has called the sexual activity described by prosecutors consensual.

In a court filing on Wednesday night, Agnifilo asked Subramanian to impose a “gag order” prohibiting prosecutors and federal agents from disclosing evidence to the media. Agnifilo cited what he called unlawful leaks that included a videotape showing Combs striking and dragging a woman in 2016.

At the hearing, Johnson called the defense request an attempt to “exclude a damning piece of evidence.” She said prosecutors would have no problem affirming their obligations not to disclose confidential evidence to the press, but said the defense should be bound by that as well.

Johnson also raised concerns about Agnifilo’s statement in a September interview with entertainment news outlet TMZ calling the case a “takedown of a successful Black man.”

She said the comment amounted to an accusation that the government was “engaging in a racist prosecution.”

“Statements of this sort seriously risk a fair trial in this case,” Johnson said.

Subramanian asked Agnifilo to propose an order that would govern public statements by both sides.