All posts by Afia Coke

News, Showbiz

24 hour economy is not well communicated; Ghanaians do not understand – Cwesi Oteng

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Gospel musician Cwesi Oteng has cautioned the NDC, pointing out that their 24-hour economy policy is poorly communicated, resulting in a lack of understanding among Ghanaians.

“The 24-hour economy is a great idea, and to tell you the truth, Ghanaians are willing to understand what the 24-hour economy policy is,” he expressed during an interview on Xzone on TV XYZ with Afia Coke.

According to the gospel musician, the NDC needs to emphasize a flagship idea within the 24-hour economy concept and concentrate their message on that, advising them to refrain from excessive talking.

While acknowledging the positive aspect of the 24-hour economy policy, he admitted to hearing about it but not knowing the specifics. “Of course, they are talking, but I think that when it comes to politics, don’t say too many things. Pick a flagship idea from your many concepts and champion that idea rather than talking excessively. I only hear 24-hour economy; I don’t hear the specifics,” he added.

Cwesi Oteng advises that anyone who supports the NDC should grasp the essence of his statements and refrain from excessive talking.

Drawing a parallel between the 24-hour economy policy and Free SHS, the celebrated gospel musician disclosed that the NPP, in contrast to the NDC, didn’t engage in extensive discourse but instead focused on pushing the Free SHS agenda, which gained widespread attention.

“Any person who supports the NDC should grasp the essence of what I’m saying instead of talking excessively. The NPP wasn’t talking excessively; they picked Free SHS, and it was everywhere,” he concluded.

 

 

Watch the video below; 

 

News, Showbiz

I will vote for the NDC only if their policies are better than the NPP – Cwesi Oteng

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Celebrated gospel musician, Cwesi Oteng, firmly expressed that he would cast his vote for the NDC only if their policies surpass those presented by the NPP.

“If the NDC presents a policy that I find better than the policy that the NPP is presenting or a policy that the CPP or whoever is presenting, I will definitely vote for the NDC,” he asserted.

As the country enters an election year, Cwesi Oteng explained that he is actively listening and observing political parties to discern which one aligns best with his ideals and desires. He emphasized that his vote is open to any political party that presents the most favorable policies.

During a discussion about his political inclinations with Afia Owusu, widely known as Afia Coke, on Xzone on TV XYZ, Mr. Oteng disclosed that he remains nonpartisan, prioritizing Ghana above all. However, he stressed that no artist would vote for a political party that fails to address the issues affecting the nation.

“As I sit here, I don’t belong to any party, and I’m listening to everybody and watching what everybody is saying. I’m not partisan; Ghana first. We are not going to vote for people who are not coming to solve our problems,” he added.

Watch the video below; 

News, Showbiz

I elevated the financial standard in the gospel industry -Cwesi Oteng

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Renowned gospel musician, Hermon Cyrus Kwesi Nhyira Oteng, popularly known as Cwesi Oteng, revealed that he played a pivotal role in elevating the financial standards within the gospel industry.

During an interview with Afia Owusu, professionally known as Afia Coke, on Xzone on TV XYZ, the “God Wey Dey Bless Me” hitmaker shared that he was the first Ghanaian gospel artist to charge 15 Ghana cedis and implement a 50 cedis ticket fee for his events.

According to Cwesi Oteng, he pioneered the shift towards higher compensation for gospel artists within the industry.

Cwesi Oteng emphasized his early adoption of charging 15 cedis for gospel music performances and introducing a 50 cedis ticket fee. Additionally, he claimed to be the first artist to provide financial compensation ranging from 200 to 300 cedis to fellow gospel artists, a practice that was uncommon during that period.

 

 

Watch the video below; 

 

 

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Coup plot: Court finds 6 guilty; ACP Agordzo and 2 others acquitted

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In a recent development at the High Court, six individuals implicated in an alleged coup plot have been convicted for conspiracy to commit high treason and committing high treason.

However, Assistant Commissioner of Police Benjamin Agordzo, Colonel Gameli, and another junior military officer, Corporal Seidu Abubakar, have been acquitted.

The judgment, delivered on Wednesday, was scheduled for November 22, 2023, after the submission of written arguments by the involved parties.

The charges, dating back to April 24, 2021, involved Dr. Frederick Yao Mac-Palm, the late Chief Executive Officer of Citadel Hospital, ACP Dr. Agordzo, and eight others.

The accused faced various charges, including conspiracy to high treason, abetment to high treason, and high treason.

Among the accused were Dr. Mac Palm (now deceased), Donya Kafui alias Ezor, Bright Allan Debrah Ofosu, Yohannes Zikpi, Warrant Officer Class Two Esther Saan Dekuwine, Corporal Seidu Abubakar, Lance Corporal Ali Solomon, and Corporal Sylvester Akanpewon.

Colonel Samuel Kodzo Gameli and ACP Dr. Benjamin Agordzo were charged with abetment. All ten accused individuals pleaded not guilty and were granted bail during the trial.

The passing of Dr. Mac-Palm led to the removal of his testimony from the records, officially confirmed by the Court.

The prosecution, led by AG Godfred Yeboah Dame, included figures from the Attorney General’s Department, such as Yvonne Atakora Obuobisa, Director of Public Prosecution, Hilda Craig, Winifred Sarpong, Lawrencia Adika, and Akosua Agyapomaa Agyemang.

The defense team, comprised of lawyers from Legal Aid and private practitioners, represented each accused individual. Notable defense attorneys included Rita Akukunti Ali, Victor Kodjogah Adawudu, Anthony Lartey, Eric Kpongo, Lamptiig Apanga, Matthias Yir-Eru, Kormivi Dzotsi, Ephraim A. Vordoagu, and Maud Opoku.

The three-member panel of judges, sitting as additional High Court judges, consisted of Justice Afia Serwah Asare-Botwe, Justice Hafisata Amaleboba, and Justice Stephen Oppong, with Justice Asare-Botwe serving as the President of the panel.

Throughout the trial, State Prosecutors presented 13 witnesses, including seven soldiers. The Prosecution concluded its case on July 12, 2022, after a trial that commenced on June 8, 2021.

 

 

source: Joynewsonline

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GFL calls for debate on retirement age extension

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Mr. Abraham Koomson, the Executive Secretary of the Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL), has called for a debate on the need to extend the retirement age from 60 years to 65 years.

Mr. Koomson told the Ghana News Agency that reviewing the age for retirement from active service would allow the maintenance of the status quo and the transfer of skills to younger staff.

He said when proper negotiations with stakeholders were done on it, it would take into consideration all the needed factors to ensure that while the age is extended, it would not also affect the employment of the younger ones.

He noted that retiring at an early age could be an option for those who are weak by age 60 and therefore need to retire, while those still strong and fit to work could have an extension up to 65 years.

According to him, a few countries across the world, such as Belgium, Canada, Chile, and the rest, all have retirement ages above 60, which has benefited their economies.

He noted that raising the retirement age would help the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) have enough funds to give pensioners better benefits than currently.

He said institutional memories could be preserved, with such staff responsible for offering practical training to new employees.

The GFL Secretary-General bemoaned the lack of practical training, professionalism, and ethics among most young employees.

He said a lot of employers have been complaining about the current crop of graduates they employ as employees, saying they lack the ability to fit into the job market and therefore need to retrain them and provide them with the needed skills.

Source: GNA

News, Politics

Kumasi goes agog as Mahama joins 24-hr sensitization walk to kick start tour

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The Central business district of Kumasi, was brought to a standstill as thousands joined what was termed ’24-hour sensitization walk’ today to kick start former President, John Dramani Mahama’s tour of the the Ashanti region.

Jubilant Ghanaians from all walks of life cheered him, shouting ‘change, change’, as they struggled to catch a glimpse of the 2024 flagbearer of the NDC, who joined the march in the capital of the governing New Patriotic Party, NPP’s stronghold.

“John Mahama has won in advance. All we need is for Ghanaians to do their homework well to ensure a convincicng victory. He has a track record. We traders in Kumasi appreciate that and the testimony cuts across the region,” an aged woman voiced out to journalists

The walk joined by party executives, the MP for Asawase, Alhaji Mohammed Muntaka, former appointees started from the Aboabo Post Office , through Pelele to On-the-ran to Manhyia Hospital, the Alabar Street, Kejetia Roundabout, Asafo Overpass, Labour Roundabout to the Jubilee Park.

The central business district was brought to a standstill as the former President was compelled to stop and address traders.

“Kejetia Market is our baby,”  John Mahama said as he proudly pointed at the modern facility and referred the charged audience to the stalled phase two project, virtually abandoned by the Nana Akufo-Addo led government since NPP assumed office in 2017.

Mr Mahama continued “We will come and complete the phase two and all other abandoned projects in the region.”

He added “A good government will be elected into office again and things will be better…The days of voting for the NPP irrespective of the candidates must end.”

“The residents of Kwabre East should be rest assured the NDC will come and build their roads,”he assured.

The former President, who begun a two-day tour of Ashanti today also slammed government for the VAT charges on electricity consumption.

“Ghanaians won’t accept VAT on electricity. If you know what is good for you, rescind your decision”. he explained in support of the 7-day ultimatum by organized labour for its suspension

News, Politics

Mahama supports TUC’s call on gov’t to stop VAT on electricity

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Former President John Mahama has thrown his support behind organised labour’s call on the government to stop the Value Added Tax (VAT) imposed on electricity.

Mahama, who is the leader of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), expressed concern that the implementation of VAT on electricity consumption would further burden Ghanaians, who are already suffering from economic hardship.

In a statement posted on Facebook, Mahama emphasised that the move would increase tariffs by nearly 21% and have a ripple effect on the prices of goods, services, and transport fares. He urged the government to reverse its decision and provide relief to Ghanaians.

Mahama also criticised the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia government, stating that Ghanaians will continue to suffer as long as they remain in office. He highlighted the need for responsible utilisation of the recently released $600 million by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and urged the outgoing government to exercise caution.

The NDC flag bearer promised that the NDC is eager and ready to address Ghana’s economic challenges and provide substantial relief to Ghanaians upon assuming office in January 2025. He also mentioned his vision to create well-paying jobs through his 24-hour economy policy and other initiatives.

John Mahama is scheduled to begin a three-day #BuildingGhanaTour of the Ashanti Region on Wednesday to interact and listen to the concerns of people in the region.

News, Showbiz

The actor suggested that citizens need to be mindful of their actions and consider the collective impact on the economy

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Comic actor Kalybos has voiced his opinion that Ghanaians are contributing to the current hardships in the country.

While acknowledging global difficulties, the Ghanaian actor who campaigned for Nana Addo and NPP, emphasized that in Ghana, business practices are making life challenging for citizens.

He said, “Talking about the economy now, it’s crazy how things are going. This is not the Ghana we know.” He pointed out the difficulties citizens face due to inflation and the overall economic challenges.

Kalybos highlighted the impact of inflation on basic goods, citing an example of a drink he used to buy for GHc15, which has now surged to $35 in a short period.

He conveyed his dissatisfaction with the situation, stating, “We all know there is hardship and inflation is crazy, but how can normal citizens be complaining about this and be aiding to make the economy hard?“

In his view, individuals are not helping the economy due to their pursuit of personal, selfish gains when he added that “we are also not helping the economy much with our individual personal selfish gains.“

The actor suggested that citizens need to be mindful of their actions and consider the collective impact on the economy

 

 

 

By: Afia Owusu/myxyzonline.com/Ghana

News, Showbiz

Ghanaian music is not heard in the diaspora — Ceo, Ghana Music Awards USA

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CEO of Ghana Music Awards USA, Dennis Boafo, popularly known as Don D, has revealed that Ghanaian music is not being played in the diaspora.

Speaking to Afia Owusu, known in the showbiz space as Afia Coke, on Xzone, Don D asserted that Ghanaian music is only played in Ghanaian homes and not in the mainstream. Citing an example, he said “Terminator” by King Promise is a good song but it has never been played outside Ghana, on TV, or radio.

“Ghanaian music is only played in Ghanaian homes. I play only Ghanaian music; I don’t play any other music apart from Ghanaian music. ‘Terminator’ is doing well in Ghanaian homes, but we need to push him out there; it needs to be in stores. When I say stores, I want you to go to a departmental store, a clothing line, Walmart, radio, and TV, then his music is playing. No Ghanaian artist has their songs in the mainstream in America,” he said.

He further stated that Ghanaians prefer talking over showing actions. However, Ghanaian artists must be intentional with their promotion.

“Ghanaian artists should be intentional about their promotion; Ghanaians talk too much instead of taking actions,” he added.

 

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News, Topstory

You have 7 days to revoke VAT on electricity – TUC to government

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The Trades Union Congress (TUC) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the government, demanding the withdrawal of the imposition of Value Added Tax (VAT) on electricity consumption beyond the lifeline threshold.

The General Secretary of TUC, Dr. Yaw Baah stressed on the detrimental impact of this move on the livelihoods of ordinary Ghanaians, particularly pensioners and those with low incomes.

During a press conference on Tuesday, January 23, Dr. Baah emphasised that the impoverished population in the country cannot afford to bear the additional tax burden.

He called on the government and its agencies to promptly retract the implementation of the proposed tax.

“It’s always the poor people in this country, including pensioners, who bear the brunt. And we should not allow that to continue. Organised Labour, we have come together and our message to the government is very simple, we cannot pay VAT on electricity.

“We will not pay it today or tomorrow. Organised Labour is demanding the immediate withdrawal of the letter, and another directive from the Finance Minister to Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo), ECG to stop the implementation of the VAT on electricity. We are giving the government, up to January 31, 2024, to withdraw the letter,” Dr Yaw Baah said.

He emphasised that they would take the necessary action if the Finance Minister does not instruct GRIDCo and ECG to retract the letter.

“If by that time the Minister of Finance fails to give directive to GRIDCO and ECG, we will advise ourselves,” he said.

In a letter dated January 1, Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta instructed the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCO) to implement the VAT, with the goal of generating revenue for the COVID-19 recovery programme.

The government has outlined the rationale for the imposition of a 15 percent VAT on electricity consumption.

This measure is part of the government’s COVID-19 recovery programme, aiming to generate additional revenue.

Deputy Energy Minister Agyapa Mercer speaking in an interview with Citi FM on Monday, January 15, emphasised that while it was a challenging decision, it is necessary to settle debts owed to independent power producers.

“Obviously, if you look at the scope of the tax and what it is intended to do—raise revenue to meet some obligations of the government in the energy sector—it will interest you to know that, as we speak, as of July 2023, the amount of money that we owe to the IPPs alone is in the region of GH¢1.7 billion.

Source: Joynews.com

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Ghanaians should chant a psalm a day for Mahama

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Friends, I love reggae music, and I believe most of you do too. I want you to put on your dancing shoes and let’s dance to the tune of “Chant a psalm a day” by Steel Pulse. To refresh your memory, Steel Pulse is a roots reggae musical band from the Handsworth area of Birmingham in England which has a large number of Afro-Caribbean, Indian and other Asian migrants. They were the first non-Jamaican a musical group to win the Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album.

Yea mehn, let me join Steve Nisbett, Steel Pulse’s drummer on the drums, as I treat you to a spot of hot roots reggae music. Feel free and blow away your bluesy feeling: Cha, cha, Cha, cha, cha, kirenkeken,

Rejoice, rejoice
Good tidings I bring you
Hear ye a message to you my friend
Voices cry invoke your angels
When pressure drop it cannot conquer dread no
So blow away your bluesy feeling
Spirits say take the world off you shoulder
One foot in the grave is a foolish step to take (dancer)

Who sow in tears shall reap in joy
Wise man doctrines assure your safety
No more stumbling block back stabbers get down
To the righteous revealed
The secret of the scriptures
The wicked dem portion is vanity
Disciples of Lucifer

In your hands lie your destination
The book of true life you hold the key
Mystical powers to you unfold
Seek ye the half that has never been told
Get behind me satan (in this ya Armageddon)
I’ve got chant

Chant a psalm a day.
I want to chant chant a psalm a day
I got to chant chant a psalm a day.

Moses he did chant chant
Samson he did chant chant
Elijah he did chant
I want the whole a we fe chant chant
Solomon he did chant chant
His father King David chant chant
John the Baptist chant chant
I want the whole a we fe chant chant

Chai, reggae musicians and innuendos, smh (shake my head). Did you hear them? They mentioned “Disciples of Lucifer”and said back stabbers must get down. Kikikikiki, who are the Disciples of Lucifer and back stabbers they are referring to? Keep your answers oo, I didn’t mention Yaanom oo. Please I don’t want trouble.

Nevertheless, what fascinates me about the lyrics is the line, “who sow in tears shall reap in joy”. Ghanaians are sowing in tears amidst untold hardship and painfully waiting for Mahama in December 7.

To emphasis my point, and show evidence of hope, I wish to continue with the listing of some of the good things President Mahama did for this country, and this time around, I want to touch on some achievements in an area that not too many people know much about.

Ghana like most of her sister countries is experiencing severe sea erosion problems at some parts of her 580-kilometre coastline. These have produced very damaging effects on tourism, fishing and other economic enterprises.

President Mahama’s government undertook a number of Sea Defence and Coastal Protection Projects to safeguard coastal communities against the vagaries of the sea.

These projects include: Sakumono Sea Defence Project in Accra where a total stretch of 3.5 kilometres was protected, Atorkor – Dzita – Anyanui in the Volta region with a total stretch of 1.5km, Ada Sea Defence Project of 10km stretch and the Ngyiresia Coastal Protection Project designed to protect the main Sekondi-Essipong road in the Western Region from erosion.

Others are the 23-million US dollar, 2.5km Nkontompo Coastal Works aimed at protecting life and development in the fishing communities of Nkontompo, Poasi and New Takoradi against wave impact as well as facilitating fishing activities; the 28.5-million dollar Aboadze Coastal Works designed to protect the Aboadze Thermal Plants as well as life and development in the Aboadze community against wave impact.

The rest are the 31.2 – million dollar Dansoman Coastal Protection Project in Accra, the objective of which is to protect life and development at Dansoman and its environs. Works under the 2km project entail the construction of an armour rock revetment; and the Mensah Guinea Sea Defence Project which stretches from La to Chorkor in the Greater Accra Region.

So, you see, the Changing Lives and Transformational vision of H.E. John Dramani Mahama was not only on course, but holistic. This is the reason why I keep saying that our love for him must be unrequited. Let’s help him to win the 2024 presidential election with majority seat in Parliament by chanting a psalm a day for him.

Please enjoy Chant A Psalm by Steel Pulse.

Anthony Obeng Afrane

News

Parliament resumes on February 6, 2024

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Parliament is set to resume sittings on Tuesday, February 6, 2023 after the long Xmas break.
This will commence the Fourth Session of Eighth Parliament of the Fourth Republic.

In a notification letter, dated Januay 17th, 2024, and with reference to Clause (1 ) of Article 112 of the 1992 Constitution, the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin ordered all Members of Parliament, “ to be present at Ten O’clock in the forenoon at Parliament House. Accra”.

Parliament adjourned sine die for the Christmas and New Year break, in the early hours of Saturday, December 23, 2023, after passing the Appropriation Bill for the fiscal year ending, December 31, 2024.