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Mahama’s Office Dismisses Fake Appointment Lists Circulating 

By
Ivy Hollys
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joyce bawa mogtari special aide to John Mahama

The Office of President-Elect John Dramani Mahama has denied the authenticity of alleged appointment lists circulating on social media.

Joyce Bawah Mogtari, special Aide to the President-Elect, in a signed statement on December 16th, described the lists as “false and unauthorised.”

The statement emphasized that no official appointments or nominations have been made and urged the public to disregard the circulating reports.

The statement advised Ghanaians to rely solely on verified communications from the Office of the President-Elect for accurate updates.

According to the office, the list is entirely fabricated and has no basis. The circulation of such false information has created confusion among the public, prompting the need for an official clarification.

 Bawah Mogtari stressed that any authentic announcements regarding appointments or other related matters will be issued through official channels. 

“We urge everyone to disregard the fake news and refrain from spreading unverified information,” the statement read.

The office of the president-elect assured the public of its commitment to transparency and professionalism during this transition period. 

It also encouraged citizens to report any suspicious or unverified information regarding Mr Mahama to the appropriate authorities to maintain accuracy in public discourse.

Read full statement below: 

GNAT Calls for Justice after Teacher Stabbed by Student

By
Ivy Hollys
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The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) has demanded justice for a teacher stabbed in the left eye by a loitering student at Asuoso Senior High School in Offinso, Ashanti Region.

The teacher, Ishmael Famous, reportedly confronted the student, instructing him to return to class. In retaliation, the student stabbed him, resulting in the loss of his left eye. GNAT has urged law enforcement to prosecute the student, emphasizing that the teacher deserves compensation under the provisions of Workmen’s Compensation.

General Secretary Thomas Musah stressed the need for justice and support for the teacher’s medical expenses, stating, “The law demands that if somebody is working in his line of duty, and something happens to him, the law provides that he should be compensated.”

Expressing frustration, Mr. Musah criticized alleged attempts to suppress the case and warned of potential teacher protests if swift action isn’t taken. He highlighted the severity of the injury, noting the teacher’s career is now at risk, given his dependence on eyesight for his work.

He asked, “Who is going to take care of his medical bills and all those things? Who will do that?” GNAT has called on the Ghana Education Service and law enforcement to ensure accountability, insisting failure to act decisively will force the association to consider drastic measures when schools resume.

Mr. Musah explained that on November 18, 2024, he received a report that the teacher had been stabbed in the left eye after the teacher had asked the student to enter the classroom.

Following the damage caused to the eye, the GNAT General Secretary said the career of the teacher was in danger because, “looking at the profession, you need your eyes to work with.” So, depending on the part of your body that is affected, if your leg is cut off, there is an amount to be paid. If your hand is cut off, there is an amount.”

He further added, “If it is your eye, if that particular part of your body that is affected is what you are depending upon as a professional, there is an amount of money to be paid to you”.

Mr. Musah charged all to endeavor to support teachers to discharge their duties effectively. 

Three Catholic priests assaulted at Nkwanta

By
Ivy Hollys
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catholic priests

Three Indian Catholic priests based at Kpassa in the Nkwanta-North District of the Oti Region were brutally beaten by a mob at a fuel station in Nkwanta last Wednesday.

The three Catholic priests are Father Robinson Melkis, Father Frank Henry Jacob, and Father Martin George, all belonging to the Capuchin Friars. The 3 are said to have been engaged in missionary activities in Ghana since 2005.

They were beaten to such an extent that Father Frank Henry Jacob lost hearing in one of his ears. He has been referred to Yendi Hospital. Parts of the attack were captured in a video which has been widely circulated on social media.

Two other officials of the Nkwanta-South Municipal Assembly who were accompanying them were also assaulted by the mob. They are the Municipal Engineer and the Municipal Town and Country Planning Officer, Samuel Worlanyo Asugbey.

According to the Vicar-General of the Catholic Diocese of Jasikan, Monsignor Joseph Kofi Nsiah, they had gone to hire a bulldozer from the Nkwanta-South Municipal Assembly to work on a piece of land they were preparing to construct a Formation House project for seminarians at Chaiso in the Nkwanta-South Municipality.

They paid an amount of GH¢9,700 and were accompanied by the two officials to move the equipment to the site at Chaiso. Monsignor Nsiah said they were at a filling station to fuel the equipment when they were attacked by the mob, who accused them of trying to steal the equipment.

He said for 30 minutes, they were beaten mercilessly until they were rescued by officers of the Ghana Immigration Service. The mob then reported to the police that the priests were stealing one of the Assembly’s road equipment.

The Vicar-General stated that upon this report, they were remanded into police custody, and the equipment was impounded. Upon the intervention of the Vicar-General, they have been granted bail pending further investigation.

Meanwhile, the leadership of the National Democratic Congress branch of the Nkwanta-South Constituency has rendered an unqualified apology to the three Indian Catholic Priests and the Jasikan Diocese of the Catholic Church today.

A release issued at Nkwanta and signed by the NDC Constituency Secretary, Prince Succeed Fiagadzi, said they were deeply appalled and saddened by the attack on the Catholic Priests by some youth around 9 am last Wednesday.

They described the act as unacceptable and apologized for the harm, trauma, and distress inflicted on them. “Your selfless dedication to serving humanity and preaching the message of love and compassion deserves utmost respect and gratitude”, they added.

Source: Graphiconline

Kayode, Nigerian Man on FBI Most Wanted List Extradited from Ghana

By
Ivy Hollys
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kayode, nigeria fraudster case

A Nigerian, Abiola Kayode, 37, who had been on the most wanted list of the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has been extradited from Ghana to Nebraska, U.S., following a Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud Indictment, filed in August 2019.

According to a statement by the United States Attorney’s Office, District of Nebraska, Kayode was arrested by authorities in Ghana and handed to FBI special agents who brought him to Nebraska pursuant to a U.S. request for his extradition.

He had an initial appearance on the Indictment on December 11, 2024, and was ordered by Magistrate Judge Michael D. Nelson to remain detained pending trial.

Kayode’s Alleged Operations

Kayode is alleged to have participated in a business email compromise (BEC) scheme from January 2015 to September 2016. The BEC scheme defrauded businesses in the District of Nebraska and elsewhere of more than $6 million.

The indictment shows that Kayode’s co-conspirators posed as the chief executive officer, president, owner, or other executive of the targeted company. Using e-mail accounts spoofed to make it appear as though they were from the company’s true business executive, Kayode’s co-conspirators directed business employees or recipients of the e-mail to complete wire transfers.

The business employees, believing the requests were legitimate, complied with the wire transfer requests and wired the money as instructed by Kayode’s co-conspirators. It is alleged Kayode provided bank account information to the co-conspirators who sent the fraudulent e-mails, and which directed business employees to wire money to accounts controlled by Kayode and others.

These bank accounts largely belonged to victims of internet romance scams, who were instructed by co-conspirators to transfer the funds to other bank accounts.

US Statements

According to the US Attorney’s Office, some of Kayode’s co-conspirators have already been convicted and sentenced. One of the fraudsters, Adewale Aniyeloye, who sent spoofed e-mails to the target business, was sentenced in February 2019 to 96 months’ imprisonment and ordered to pay $1,570,938.05 in restitution.

Pelumi Fawehinimi, a bank account facilitator, was sentenced in March 2019 to 72 months’ imprisonment and ordered to pay $1,014,159.60 in restitution.

Onome Ijomone, a romance scammer, was sentenced in January 2020 to 60 months’ imprisonment and ordered to pay $508,934.40 in restitution after his successful extradition from Poland. Other co-conspirators remain at large.

Alex Ogunshakin, a co-conspirator who provided bank accounts for the scheme, was sentenced to 45 months’ imprisonment in October 2024 after his successful extradition from Nigeria.

“Four years ago, we identified six Nigerian nationals suspected of defrauding individual victims and businesses in Nebraska and other states of millions of dollars,” said FBI Omaha Special Agent in Charge Eugene Kowel.

“Today, Abiola Kayode is the second of those co-conspirators to be extradited to stand trial in Nebraska. Our message to the remaining four co-conspirators; we are coming for you. Dismantling cyber-criminal groups that victimize U.S. citizens is a priority for the FBI, DOJ, and our international law enforcement partners.”

“The FBI, working together with our partners in Ghana, particularly the Office of the Attorney General and Ministry of Justice, the Ghana Police Service – INTERPOL, and the Ghana Immigration Service, will continue to pursue and bring to justice criminals who engage in Business Email Compromise and other fraud schemes.”

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs provided significant assistance in securing Kayode’s extradition.

Source: Guardian.ng

NDC Files For Court Injunction to Halt Nsawam-Adoagyiri Re-collation

By
Ivy Hollys
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ndc flag
NDC

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has allegedly filed a court injunction to halt the re-collation of parliamentary results for the Nsawam Adoagyiri constituency.

This legal intervention follows ongoing disputes between the NDC and the Electoral Commission (EC) over alleged discrepancies in the original results. The injunction was filed to stop the EC’s ongoing process aimed at resolving the contentious collation. The re-collation has sparked debates between the NDC and the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

The EC initiated a re-collation process to address concerns surrounding results from four constituencies: Nsawam, Suhum, Fanteakwa North, and Akwatia. The re-collation exercise, relocated to the National Police Training School in Tesano, Accra, aimed to resolve disagreements stemming from the initial collation.

However, disagreements between NDC and New Patriotic Party (NPP) representatives disrupted the process.The re-collation, which began at the National Police Training School in Tesano, Accra, was initially intended to settle the disputes.

However, confusion arose following disagreements between the NDC and NPP have escalated. The NDC further raised concerns about discrepancies in the Electoral Commission’s original pink sheets, adding to the confusion.

GWL management declines to occupy replacement bungalows for buildings earmarked for demolition

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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The management of the Ghana Water Company is under scrutiny for allegedly neglecting to occupy three newly constructed bungalows intended to replace properties slated for demolition.

According to sources from Orange News, the land where the old bungalows are located falls within a 400-acre area granted to the Asantehene, which includes plans for relocation.

Investigations at the Lands Commission have revealed that the Ghana Water Company lacks documentation proving ownership of the property in question.

In response to the situation, disgruntled employees of the Ghana Water Limited in the Ashanti region expressed their frustration by donning red headgear and armbands, condemning what they term the “unlawful” demolition of residences occupied by top management.

Recent actions have seen the dismantling of walls and other structures at the homes of regional managers, with walls of two bungalows reduced to rubble.

Additionally, surrounding lands have been cleared for redevelopment, with five more residences marked for demolition by a private developer.

Emmanuel Okpoti Kodiah, Vice Chair of the Senior Staff Association of Ghana Water Limited in Ashanti, addressed the media during a visit to the demolished sites.

“We have recently witnessed the unnecessary demolition of the fence walls of two Directors’ bungalows and their associated quarters, raising serious concerns about the procedures and respect that should govern our operations. These properties symbolize the dedication and hard work of our leadership,” he stated.

Despite the turmoil, Orange News has confirmed that occupants of 200 bungalows on the retained 400 acres were to be relocated to newly built residences.

This land was retained by the traditional authority due to the colonial government’s failure to compensate for an additional 800 acres.

The Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council has communicated a Public-Private Partnership agreement to replace the affected bungalows, addressing the situation with affected public agencies.

However, the disgruntled staff of the water company claim they were not informed about the allocation of the three completed bungalows intended as replacements, despite receiving letters to that effect.

Kodiah emphasized, “Let it be known that the region has never received any communication from Head Office regarding the ceding of lands to the developers in question.

The Regional Coordinating Council’s communication was supposed to be relayed to Head Office, which they did. This clearly indicates that they are aware of the necessary procedures.”

While some heads of other government agencies have received keys to their new bungalows from the Regional Coordinating Council, the Ghana Water Company has refused to accept the keys, issuing a 48-hour ultimatum for the restoration of the vandalized properties.

“GWL, as a company, is therefore giving the private developers a 48-hour deadline to reconstruct the walls and restore all other damaged properties. If this is not done, GWL will cease to operate in the Ashanti Region, with a shutdown scheduled for 9 am on Friday,” Kodiah warned.

Restore law and order – GJA to Akufo-Addo

By
Ivy Hollys
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gja logo

The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has appealed to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to swiftly restore law and order following the conclusion of the 2024 general elections.

The GJA expressed concern over reports of attacks on state institutions allegedly carried out by individuals believed to be supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). These incidents include acts of vandalism and disturbances at critical government facilities.

Speaking to the media on December 10, GJA President Albert Kwabena Dwumfour urged the President to take immediate action to uphold national stability and ensure peace. He emphasized the constitutional responsibility of the President, as Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces, to maintain order until his term ends on January 7.

The GJA also called on political leaders, civil society organizations, and all stakeholders to join efforts in de-escalating tensions and promoting peace. The association reminded all citizens that maintaining order and respecting democratic processes are vital to preserving Ghana’s reputation as a beacon of democracy in Africa.

“We are calling on the President of the Land, who is still President until January 7 and is the Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces, His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, to ensure that there is law and order and to ensure that Ghana remains as peaceful as it was before and during the elections.

“I know it is his constitutional mandate to do that, and once he is still at post, we call on him to ensure that the security rises to the task to calm the tension of Ghanaians down.”

Read also: Jean Mensa Should Resign– Joyce Bawah Mogtari

Akuffo Addo pledges smooth transition of power to the NDC.

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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akufo-addo
Nana Akuffo Addo

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo Addo has pledged to fully support for a smooth transition of power from his government to the National Democratic Congress(NDC) and President elect John Dramani Mahama.

He gave this assurance during the inauguration of the 2024 National Transition Team at the Jubilee House in Accra on Wednesday, December 11, 2024.

Present at the inauguration were members of both the outgoing and incoming administrations to begin the transition of power process.

He expressed his belief that a successful transition is not just a matter of protocol but a duty owed to the people of Ghana.

“I assure him [John Dramani Mahama] of my full support and that of my government over the transitional process to make sure that his administration takes off in the best of conditions”, Akuffo Addo stated.

Akuffo Addo also urged both teams to work together and ensure a smooth handover of responsibilities.

IMF Warns of Risks to Ghana’s Recovery and Stability

By
Ivy Hollys
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ghana imf programme

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has completed the third review of Ghana’s $3 billion Extended Credit Facility (ECF) program, highlighting significant risks that could derail the country’s economic recovery despite recent progress.

While Ghana’s performance under the program was deemed “generally satisfactory,” the IMF cautioned in a press release that multiple vulnerabilities persist.

Key risks identified include: 

1. Election-driven policy slippages: With the December 2024 general elections approaching, the IMF warned of potential fiscal slippages, citing Ghana’s history of election-related overspending. “Steadfast program implementation remains essential to fully and durably restore macroeconomic stability and debt sustainability,” the IMF stressed.  

2. Energy sector challenges: The IMF flagged the deepening fiscal risks posed by inefficiencies in the energy sector, including accumulated arrears, reliance on expensive fuel imports, and weak governance at the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG). These issues could undermine efforts to reduce the energy sector shortfall, which is projected to reach 2.2% of GDP this year.

3. Debt sustainability concerns: While progress has been made on restructuring public debt, the IMF noted that Ghana remains at high risk of debt distress in the short term. The completion of external debt restructuring is critical to achieving sustainability targets by 2028.  

4. Inflationary pressures: Although inflation has declined, risks remain elevated due to currency depreciation and recent dry spells impacting agricultural output. The IMF revised its year-end inflation projection to 18%, up from earlier estimates.  

5. External vulnerabilities: Ghana’s economy faces risks from global shocks, including commodity price volatility, conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, and regional instability. These factors could disrupt trade and increase imported inflation.  

6. Structural weaknesses: Delays addressing longstanding challenges in the cocoa sector, implementing energy sector reforms, and recapitalizing financial institutions could further complicate fiscal and economic management.  

Call for Vigilance and Policy Continuity  

The IMF urged Ghana’s authorities to stay the course of macroeconomic reforms and maintain fiscal discipline before and after the elections. 

“Risks to program implementation remain high ahead of the general elections,” the report noted, underscoring the need for strong commitments from all stakeholders.  

To mitigate these risks, the IMF recommended:  

– Enhanced Revenue Mobilization: Strengthening tax compliance and reducing exemptions to ensure steady fiscal consolidation.
– Prudent Monetary Policies: Maintaining a tight monetary policy stance to stabilize inflation and rebuild international reserves.

– Debt Transparency: Accelerating the restructuring of external debt and ensuring timely implementation of bilateral agreements.  

The IMF also emphasized that addressing vulnerabilities in the energy and cocoa sectors is critical to achieving fiscal sustainability and fostering inclusive growth.

 Credit: graphiconline

Read also: Ghana’s Government Debt Reaches GH¢761.1 Billion as of July 2024

Jean Mensa Should Resign– Joyce Bawah Mogtari

By
Ivy Hollys
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joyce bawa mogtari special aide to John Mahama

Joyce Bawah Mogtari, says she expects Jean Mensa, the chairperson of the Electoral Commission, to resign. Joyce is the special aide to President-Elect John Dramani Mahama. 

She cited incompetence and partisanship in the Commission’s handling of the recent elections. She said the current commission is heavily partisan and needs a complete reset to restore integrity and credibility.

Speaking on Channel One Television, Joyce Bawah Mogtari said the violence recorded in the just-ended 2024 election which was won decisively by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) is to be blamed squarely on the Commission’s delay in releasing official results.

“I was thinking that the EC chairperson was going to resign yesterday. Look, my brother, they’ve been incompetent, to say the least. There’s been too many partisans there, the arm twisting. When the will of the people is up against you, there is nothing you can do. One of the reasons we have these pockets of violence is because it took too long for the EC to declare the results, they counted the presidential, and by the time we all went to bed, we knew, the main vanquish had actually thrown in the towel, what were they [EC] waiting for?”

“…Look at the cost of the ballot sheets that have been destroyed, burnt because of mistakes, elementary mistakes. Thank God for our technical team, they did a yeoman’s job to put the EC in check.”

Asked if the EC chair (Jean Mensa), should resign, Joyce said: “I think that she should. [If I were] in her place, I would have [resigned]. Like she said, it is finished. It should be finished for her [Jean] as well.”

“I was thinking that the EC Chairperson was going to resign yesterday. Yes, absolutely… They have been incompetent, to say the least. There are too many partisans there. The arm twisting. When the will of the people is up against you, there is nothing you can do,” Joyce Bawah Mogtari stated. “If there were elementary breaches, then she has no business being there, if you ask me and I personally think, from a very professional perspective, that everything to do with the EC, needs a complete reform and hopefully it will form part of the constitutional amendment process” John Mahama will undertake, she added.

Mogtari emphasised the need for a complete overhaul of the EC to restore public trust and ensure the integrity of future elections. She said the John Mahama administration will prioritize comprehensive reforms at the Electoral Commission.

“Everything to do with the EC needs a complete reform,” she noted.

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