Category Archives: News

News, Topstory

God has chosen Mahama to redeem Ghana from crisis – Opambour

Leave a comment

The founder and leader of the Miracle Worship Centre, Prophet Ebenezer Adarkwa Yiadom, has disclosed that God has chosen the flag bearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Mahama, to lead the country again.

Speaking when Mr Mahama had visited his church in Kumasi, the prophet who is popularly known as Opambour, explained that that was the second time God had revealed to him about Mahama’s victory this year.

“God has ordained him [Mahama] to return to leadership to save Ghana from its crisis and hardship. God has chosen him to come again to rescue us. I said this for the first time at Prophet One TV at Bantama. I am fearless so I am saying it. No spirit can stop Mr Mahama’s victory,” he asserted.

Opambour further urged the members of the NDC to work hard and explain the policies of the NDC to Ghanaians to ensure the party emerges  victorious.

“Don’t go and take any money and food from anyone. Focus on your work so that God will bless this prophecy,” he admonished.

John Mahama addressing a crowd in Kumasi Central Market

Mahama is on a tour in the Ashanti Region, the stronghold of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), where he is interacting with Ghanaians.

Elections 2024

Ghana goes to polls on December 7, 2024 in a keen contest between former president John Mahama and Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia who is leading the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP).

The polls comes at a time Ghana’s economy is being managed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) following the inability of the country to pay its external debts.

The economic crisis and the heightening corruption will be the biggest decider of the elections in which Bawumia, the head of Ghana’s economic management team is seeking to succeed his boss, President Akufo-Addo who is accused of superintending over rot and mismanagemnt for the past 7 years.

Akufo-Addo’s flagship programme, the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) which was implemented in 2017 was the policy that gave him a goodwill until parents started paying more for their wards upkeep in school.

Ghana’s debt swelled over the roof when Akufo-Addo had promised in opposition to rely on local resources to make the country an export-driven economy.

The country’s inflation quickened to 54.1% in the world’s second-largest cocoa producer in December 2022 and soared throughout 2023 before calming in November 2023.

Living expenses have heightened since post COVID era due to debt restructuring, and incessant fuel prices. Experts say the anger of Ghanaians will be sent to the polls following the disappointment witnessed under Akufo-Addo’s governance.

Mr Mahama has been campaigning on giving Ghanaians respite when he is elected.  Addressing a rally in Kumasi, Mahama said the NDC’s policies are well thought-through and will create more jobs as he implements a 24-hour economy.

 

By Henryson Okrah |Myxyzonline.com

 

News, Topstory

Court Orders OSP to return Cecilia Dapaah’s assets in 72 hours

Leave a comment

An Accra High Court has ordered the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) to return Cecilia Dapaah’s seized funds to her within 72 hours.

This follows an application by the OSP to confirm the freezing and seizure orders regarding the bank accounts and assets at the former Minister’s home.

At a press conference, the Special Prosecutor indicated that the case will be continued by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO).

“A little over an hour ago, the Office discontinued its application that was pending before the High Court for confirmation of the seizure and freezing orders in pursuance of the referral of the case to EOCO. The court order that the office should return the cash sums and defreeze the accounts of an investment of Mrs. Dapaah within 72 hours,” Kissi Agyebeng said.

Mr Agyebeng explained that his probe so far points to a suspected case of money laundering.

On that score, EOCO is better placed to handle affairs with respect to “suspected cases of money laundering and its attendant activity of structuring.”

“On the totality of the gathered evidence and intelligence sent to us, the case is largely in the province of suspected money laundering and structured by operation of law, the Economic and Organised Crime Office.”

In October 2023, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) had joined the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) in a synchronized effort aimed at delving deep into the matters of former Sanitation Minister, Cecilia Dapaah and her husband, Daniel Osei Kuffour.

This cooperative crusade sought to unravel the legality surrounding the wealth amassed by Ms. Dapaah and her cohorts, traversing the corridors of both Ghana and the United States.

Speaking on Thursday, January 25, 2024, the Special Prosecutor insisted that his office will be in close collaboration with EOCO and continued collaboration with the FBI on the matter.

Background

Two house helps who worked for Cecilia Abena Dapaah and her husband, Daniel Osei Kuffour are facing charges for allegedly stealing monies and items worth millions of cedis from the couple’s residence at Abelemkpe in Accra.

The main accused individuals, 18-year-old Patience Botwe and 30-year-old Sarah Agyei have been charged with conspiracy to commit crime and five counts of stealing.

The alleged thefts occurred between July and October 2022.

During this period, the house helps allegedly stole personal effects belonging to Madam Cecilia Abena Dapaah, including assorted clothes valued at GH¢95,000, handbags, perfumes, and jewellery worth US$95,000.

Additionally, Ms Botwe is accused of stealing six pieces of Kente cloth worth GH¢90,000 and six sets of men’s suits valued at US$3,000, which belong to the minister’s husband.

Furthermore, three other individuals, identified as Ms Botwe’s current and former boyfriends and her father, are also facing charges for allegedly being involved in the crime. They have been respectively charged with dishonestly receiving GH¢1 million, GH¢180,000, and GH¢50,000.

According to court proceedings, the stolen monies and items belonged to Madam Cecilia Abena Dapaah and her husband, taken from their bedroom in their residence.

The accused individuals were arraigned before an Accra Circuit Court, presided over by Susana Ekuful, on Thursday, July 20, 2023. However, their pleas have not been taken yet.

The court granted bail to Sarah Agyei in the sum of GH¢1 million with two sureties. The sureties are required to deposit their Ghana cards with the court’s registrar. The bail conditions are subject to review by the substantive judge, as Susana Ekuful was serving as a relief judge.

On the other hand, Ms Botwe, along with her alleged boyfriends and father, have been remanded into lawful custody.

The complainants reported the theft case to the police in June 2023 after discovering the missing cash and personal effects.

Ms Botwe was caught red-handed entering the couple’s room with a duplicate key, leading to her arrest.

Further investigations revealed that Patience, with the help of her alleged accomplice Sarah, had hidden the stolen money and used it to purchase properties and expensive items.

This information got Ghanaians talking with many asking CHRAJ, the OSP and the Ghana Police Service to investigate the source of the money.

Subsequently, the Special Prosecutor announced that his office was investigating the matter, starting with the arrest of Madam Cecilia Dapaah.

 

Source: Myjoyonline.com

News

15% VAT on electricity not being charged – ECG MD

Leave a comment

The Managing Director of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Mr. Samuel Dubik Mahama, has clarified that the new Value Added Tax (VAT) on electricity consumers beyond the lifeline threshold is not being charged yet.

The Finance Ministry had already directed the ECG and the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCO) to implement the 15 percent tax from January 1, 2024.

But Mr Mahama says his outfit has not commenced charging electricity consumers, stating that there are legal and operational challenges associated with the implementation of the new tax.

In an interview with Citi FM, the ECG MD revealed that ECG is still in discussion with the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) over the implementation of the 15% VAT.

“It is on record, we have not implemented it, and we are not charging it…There are some difficulties that have to be checked with the law so I don’t think that it is time for people to panic, it is not panic mode yet,” he explained.

Mr Mahama indicated that the issue “is a conversation being had, [and] might even reach a point where the whole law will be looked at and recrafted.”

TUC’s Concerns

Barely two weeks after the announcement of the new tax, the Trades Union Congress (TUC) had to vehemently oppose it, citing serious implications on Ghanaians.

On Tuesday, January 23, about 35 workers unions under the TUC held a press conference in Accra and gave the government a seven-day ultimatum to withdraw the imposition of the VAT on electricity consumption above lifeline.

The Secretary General of TUC, Dr. Yaw Baah at the press conference said the new tax was unacceptable especially as its impact was detrimental on the livelihoods of  pensioners and low-income earners.

Throwing more light on the impact of the VAT on electricity, TUC’s Deputy General Secretary, Joshua Ansah, emphasized that imposing such a tax is an inequitable method for the government to generate revenue.

“VAT is not the only thing the government can do to bring back the lights. I don’t think that is the only way the government can take to make the electricity supply stable when a lot of the population is suffering. This is not fair, and that is why workers are resisting it with all their might,” he said in an interview with Citi News.

“If you are bringing additional taxes or VAT, then it is an easy way for the government. There are other ways the government can use to raise revenue, and it must work harder. To be burdening workers every day is not fair,” Mr. Ansah added.

 

Source: Myxyzonline.com

News

Major General Thomas Oppong-Peprah is new CDS of Ghana Armed Forces

Leave a comment

The  Chief of Army Staff, Major General Thomas Oppong-Peprah, has been appointed as the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF).

His appointment takes effect from Thursday, February 1, 2024.

This is part of changes in the military hierarchy made by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

Oppong-Peprah’s  appointment was announced in a press statement issued on Wednesday, January 24, 2024 by Director of Communications at the Presidency, Eugene Arhin.

This appointment has been made subject to consultation with the Council of State, pursuant to the provisions of Article 212 of the Constitution of the Republic, the statement added.

It said it follows the imminent completion of the tour of duty and subsequent retirement from the Ghana Armed Forces, on Thursday, 1st February 2024, of the current Chief of Defence Staff, Vice Admiral Seth Amoama.

President Akufo-Addo has expressed his deep gratitude to him for his devoted and meritorious service to the Ghana Armed Forces and to the nation, the statement added.

The President has also appointed Major General Bismarck Kwasi Onwona as Chief of Army Staff, in succession to Major General Thomas Oppong-Peprah, with effect from Thursday, 1st February 2024.

This appointment has also been made subject to consultation with the Council of State, pursuant to the provisions of Article 212 of the Constitution of the Republic.

Major General Onwona, until his new appointment, was the Commandant of the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College.

Rear Admiral Issah Adams Yakubu and Air Vice Marshal Frederick Asare Kwasi Bekoe remain in their positions as Chief of Naval Staff and Chief of Air Staff respectively.

Who is Major General Thomas Oppong-Peprah

Per his profile as published by the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), Major General Thomas Oppong-Peprah was commissioned into the Ghana Armed Forces in 1986 as part of Regular Career Course 26 and was posted to the Armoured Reconnaissance Regiment as a Second Lieutenant.

His civil educational qualifications include a Master of Arts in International Security and Strategy from Kings College, London (2013 to 2014) and an Executive Master of Business Administration (Human Resource Management) from University of Ghana, Legon (2006 to 2007).

He also has a Bachelor of Science degree in Administration (Human Resource Management) from the University of Ghana (1999 to 2004) and a Post-Graduate Certificate in Public Administration from Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (1998).

Major General Oppong-Peprah has undertaken several career progression courses.

These include the Combined/Joint Forces Land Component Commanders Course at USA Army War College, Carlisle, Pennsylvania (April 2021); the Defence Studies at the Royal College of Defence, London, United Kingdom (2013 – 2014); Senior Intelligence Course at the Joint Intelligence Centre, Strasbourg, France (2010); Law of Combating Terrorism at the Defence Institute of International Legal Studies, Newport, Rhode Island, USA (2009); and Senior Command and Staff Course at the US Army Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, USA (2000-2001).

Other career progression courses undertaken are Senior Command and Staff Course at Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Accra (1998 to 1999); Junior Command and Staff Course at the Command and Staff College, Kaduna, Nigeria (1997); and Armour Officer Basic Course at the US Army Armour School, Fort Knox, Kentucky, USA (1996).

Appointments held in the course of his career include Aide-de-Camp to the Chief of the Army Staff and Chief of the Defence Staff, Ghana Armed Forces (1995 to 1997), and Operations/Training Officer, 64 Infantry Regiment, (1999 to 2000).

He became the Commanding Officer, 64 Infantry Regiment from 2002 to 2009, with additional appointment as Commanding Officer, Armoured Reconnaissance Regiment, (2004 to 2005).

He was also the Coordinator of State Transport Security (2001 to 2008) and Instructor, Disaster Management Course, Army Combat Training School, Teshie (2001 to 2005). Other appointments held are Director, Strategic Intelligence Assessment of the Defence Intelligence Department, General Headquarters (2009 to 2011) and Director Operations and Plans, Defence Industries Department, General Headquarters (2011 to 2013).

He also held the appointments of Director Army Training and Director Army Peacekeeping Operations at the Army Headquarters in Sep 14 to Feb 16 and Feb to Jul 16, respectively. He assumed the office of Chief Staff Officer at the same headquarters from Jul 16 to Feb 17.

Prior to his appointment as the Chief of Staff at the General Headquarters, he was the General Officer Commanding, Southern Command of the Ghana Army (Feb 17 to Jan 19). After being Chief of Staff at the General Headquarters for about a year, he was appointed the Chief of the Army Staff in March 2020, a position he currently holds.

In international peacekeeping operations, Maj Gen Oppong-Peprah served as Humanitarian Officer, United Nations Assistance Mission in Rwanda (June to December 1994); Military Observer, United Nations Aouzou Strip Observer Group in Libya/Chad (March to May 1994); G4 Transport and Plans, United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (1993) and Detachment Second-In- Command/Troop Leader, United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon/Israel (1987, 1989, 1992).

He is a board member of the Governing Council of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO).

Major General Thomas Oppong-Peprah is married with five children. He enjoys horse riding, soccer, travelling, watching movies and jogging.

Source: Graphic
Foreign, News

UK to loan back Ghana’s looted ‘crown jewels’

Leave a comment

The UK is sending some of Ghana’s “crown jewels” back home, 150 years after looting them from the court of the Asante king.

A gold peace pipe is among 32 items returning under long-term loan deals, the BBC can reveal.

The Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A) is lending 17 pieces and 15 are from the British Museum.

Ghana’s chief negotiator said he hoped for “a new sense of cultural co-operation” after generations of anger.

Some national museums in the UK – including the V&A and the British Museum – are banned by law from permanently giving back contested items in their collections, and loan deals such as this are seen as a way to allow objects to return to their countries of origin.

But some countries laying claim to disputed artefacts fear that loans may be used to imply they accept the UK’s ownership.

Tristram Hunt, director of the V&A, told the BBC that the gold items of court regalia are the equivalent of “our Crown Jewels”.

The items to be loaned, most of which were taken during 19th-Century wars between the British and the Asante, include a sword of state and gold badges worn by officials charged with cleansing the soul of the king.

Mr Hunt said when museums hold “objects with origins in war and looting in military campaigns, we have a responsibility to the countries of origin to think about how we can share those more fairly today.

“It doesn’t seem to me that all of our museums will fall down if we build up these kind of partnerships and exchanges.”

However, Mr Hunt insisted the new cultural partnership “is not restitution by the back door” – meaning it is not a way to return permanent ownership back to Ghana.

The three-year loan agreements, with an option to extend for a further three years, are not with the Ghanaian government but with Otumfo Osei Tutu II – the current Asante king known as the Asantehene – who attended the Coronation of King Charles last year.

The Asantehene still holds an influential ceremonial role, although his kingdom is now part of Ghana’s modern democracy.

The items will go on display at the Manhyia Palace Museum in Kumasi, the capital of the Asante region, to celebrate the Asantehene’s silver jubilee.

The Asante gold artefacts are the ultimate symbol of the Asante royal government and are believed to be invested with the spirits of former Asante kings.

They have an importance to Ghana comparable to the Benin Bronzes – thousands of sculptures and plaques looted by Britain from the palace of the Kingdom of Benin, in modern-day southern Nigeria. Nigeria has been calling for their return for decades.

Nana Oforiatta Ayim, special adviser to Ghana’s culture minister, told the BBC: “They’re not just objects, they have spiritual importance as well. They are part of the soul of the nation. It’s pieces of ourselves returning.”

She said the loan was “a good starting point” on the anniversary of the looting and “a sign of some kind of healing and commemoration for the violence that happened”.

UK museums hold many more items taken from Ghana, including a gold trophy head that is among the most famous pieces of Asante regalia.

The Asante built what was once one of the most powerful and formidable states in west Africa, trading in, among others, gold, textiles and enslaved people.

The kingdom was famed for its military might and wealth. Even now, when the Asantehene shakes hands on official occasions, he can be so weighed down with heavy gold bracelets that he sometimes has an aide whose job is to support his arm.

Europeans were attracted to what they later named the Gold Coast by the stories of African wealth and Britain fought repeated battles with the Asante in the 19th Century.

In 1874 after an Asante attack, British troops launched a “punitive expedition”, in the colonial language of the time, ransacking Kumasi and taking many of the palace treasures.

Most of the items the V&A is returning were bought at an auction on 18 April 1874 at Garrards, the London jewellers who maintain the UK’s Crown Jewels.

They include three heavy cast-gold items known as soul washers’ badges (Akrafokonmu), which were worn around the necks of high ranking officials at court who were responsible for cleansing the soul of the king.

Angus Patterson, a senior curator at the V&A, said taking these items in the 19th Century “was not simply about acquiring wealth, although that is a part of it. It’s also about removing the symbols of government or the symbols of authority. It’s a very political act”.

The British Museum is also returning on loan a total of 15 items, some of them looted during a later conflict in 1895-96, including a sword of state known as the Mpomponsuo.

There is also a ceremonial cap, known as a Denkyemke, richly decorated with gold ornaments. It was worn by senior courtiers at coronations and other major festivals.

The British Museum is also lending a cast-gold model lute-harp (Sankuo), which was not looted, to highlight its almost 200-year-old connection with the Asantehenes.

The sankuo was presented to the British writer and diplomat Thomas Bowdich in 1817, who said it was intended as a gift from the Asantehene to the museum to demonstrate the wealth and status of the Asante nation.

Can you loan objects back to a country that says you stole them?

It’s a solution to UK legal restrictions that may not be acceptable to countries which say they want to right a historic wrong.

The issue of the Parthenon Sculptures, or Elgin Marbles as they were named in the UK, is the best-known example.

Greece has long demanded the return of these classical sculptures that are displayed in the British Museum. Its chair of trustees, George Osborne, recently said that he was looking for a “practical, pragmatic and rational way forward” and was exploring a partnership that, in essence, puts the question of who actually owns the classical sculptures to one side.

This agreement with the Asantehene is another version of that; a compromise that works for the Asante king and is possible within the parameters of British law.

Just as Nigeria would be unlikely to accept a loan of the Benin Bronzes, it would have been difficult for Ghana’s government to accept this kind of agreement.

But Mr Hunt said the deals between the V&A, the British Museum and the Manhyia Palace Museum “cut through the politics. It doesn’t solve the problem, but it begins the conversation”.

Ms Oforiatta Ayim, the Ghana culture minister’s adviser, said “of course” people will be angry at the idea of a loan and they hoped to see items eventually returned permanently to Ghana.

“We know the objects were stolen in violent circumstances, we know the items belong to the Asante people,” she said.

The British government has a “retain and explain” stance for state-owned institutions, which means contested objects are kept and their context is explained.

Neither the Conservative nor Labour parties have signalled any interest in changing current legislation. The British Museum Act of 1963 and the National Heritage Act of 1983 prevent museum trustees at some high-profile institutions from “deaccessioning” items in their collections.

Mr Hunt is advocating a change in the law. He would like to see “more freedom for museums, but then a kind of backstop, a committee where we would have to appeal if we wanted to restitute items”.

Some have raised concerns this would mean British museums losing some of their most prized items in future. Or as a previous culture secretary, Michelle Donelan, put it to me in relation to a return of the Parthenon Sculptures, that it would “open the gateway to the question of the entire contents of our museums”.

But Mr Hunt said the ownership of very few of the V&A’s collection of 2.8 million items has been disputed.

Another fear is that contested items that go on loan will never be returned.

Ghana’s chief negotiator Ivor Agyeman-Duah scotched that. “You stick to agreements that you have, you don’t go against them,” he said.

There are other beautiful Asante gold items in the UK. The Wallace Collection includes the trophy head which is among the most famous Asante treasures. It too was taken by British forces and bought at the 1874 auction.

The Royal Collection also holds objects including another gold trophy head in the form of a mask. This type of item represented defeated enemies; the trophies were attached by a hoop to ceremonial swords in the state regalia.

Will they ever be on show in Ghana in future? Mr Agyeman-Duah is taking it one step at a time.

But as Britain is increasingly confronting the cultural legacy of its colonial past, these types of agreements may be a diplomatic and practical way to address the past and create better relationships in the future – if both sides can accept the terms.

Source:BBC
News, Showbiz

There’s no money in award schemes -CEO Ghana Music Awards USA

Leave a comment

CEO of Ghana Music Awards USA, Don D, lamented the lack of profitability in award schemes. While discussing the Ghana Music Awards USA, Don D disclosed that he hasn’t generated any income from the awards since its inception.

The scheme began during the COVID-19 pandemic, and in the second and third years, they faced similar financial challenges. It was only in their fourth year, which was last year, that they managed to break even.

“We started the award scheme during the COVID period, and in the second year, there was still COVID, but the third year, we broke even. However, last year, we ran at a loss, and we ended up in debt. Award schemes don’t make money,” he explained.

Speaking to Afia Owusu, professionally known as Afia Coke, on TV XYZ, the CEO revealed that he has personally invested over $200,000 to fund GMA USA.

“I have not made money from organizing the Ghana Music Awards USA. I can tell you with authority that I’ve invested over $200,000 out of my pocket over the four years and am still spending, but I haven’t made a dollar back,” he emphasized.

 

Watch the video below; 

 

News, Showbiz

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

Leave a comment

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

Leave a comment

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

Leave a comment

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; 

 

 

News

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

Leave a comment

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

News

GFL calls for debate on retirement age extension

Leave a comment

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

Leave a comment

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