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Otto Addo to Remain Black Stars Head Coach

By
Ivy Hollys
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Otto Addo:Black stars coach

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has confirmed that Otto Addo will remain head coach of the Black Stars despite overseeing what is described by many as one of Ghana’s worst qualification campaigns in history.

Otto Addo is expected to present a comprehensive technical report to the GFA Executive Council on November 27, outlining the challenges and future plans for the team. The GFA Executive Council, chaired by President Kurt Okraku, made this decision following a crucial meeting. The meeting was to address Ghana’s fallout from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.

The Black Stars finished last in Group F without a single victory in six matches, marking the first time in 20 years the team failed to qualify for the tournament.

Angola and Sudan secured the two qualification spots, with Sudan’s campaign led by former Black Stars coach James Kwasi Appiah.

After this failure, Otto Addo, who previously worked as a scout for Borussia Dortmund, has faced intense criticism from fans and analysts alike. Many have  questioned his tactical approach and team selection.

The discontent from many Ghanaians is fueled by the Black Stars’ inability to secure even a single win. Following this, the Black Stars Management Committee has been dissolved. In a press statement issued after the meeting, the GFA Executive Council expressed gratitude to the Black Stars Management Committee and members.

The statement read, “immediate dissolution of the Management Committee of the senior national football team, the Black Stars. In doing so, we sincerely thank the members of the Committee for their service to Ghana Football over the years.”

The committee has faced intense criticism over its perceived inefficiency and high remuneration. Reports revealed that each member received $100,000 following Ghana’s participation in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, further fueling public outrage.

Otto Addo’s Resignation: Background

It can be recalled that Otta Addo firmly stated that he will not step down from his position, despite the team’s challenges which included a 2-1 defeat to Niger in their final Group F match. 

Responding to calls for his resignation, Addo emphasized that he has come too far in his coaching journey to let the pressure influence his decision.

He made it clear that the criticism and demands for his departure would not sway him, asserting his commitment to leading the national team forward.

Seychelles President in Ghana for Official Visit

By
Ivy Hollys
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seychelles president: Ramkalawan

The President of the Seychelles, Wavel Ramkalawan, accompanied by First Lady Linda Ramkalawan, arrived at Accra’s Kotoka International Airport for his inaugural official visit to Ghana.

The visit coincides with the 100th anniversary celebrations of Asantehene Nana Agyeman Prempeh I’s return from exile in the Seychelles. This underscores the historical ties between Ghana and the Seychelles.

Over the weekend, the president will be in Kumasi as the guest of the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II. On Saturday and Sunday, he will be in Kumasi for the 100th anniversary celebrations of Asantehene Nana Agyeman Prempeh I’s return from exile in the Seychelles.

There will be a durbar of chiefs in Kumasi on Saturday, a dinner in his honor, and a Thanksgiving service at the Cyprian’s Anglican Church.

Ramkalawan and his delegation were welcomed at the airport by Ghana’s Minister of State for Public Enterprises, Joseph Cudjoe.

Seychelles Ambassador to Ethiopia and Ambassador-Designate to Ghana, Conrad Mederic, joined the reception. Ghana’s newly appointed High Commissioner to the Seychelles, Francisca Ashietey-Odunton, and other senior officials were also included.

While in Ghana, President Ramkalawan is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. These talks are aimed at deepening diplomatic and economic ties between the two nations. 

Source: graphic online

Samira begins phase II of Ashanti Region campaign tour

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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The Second Lady, Samira Bawumia, has kicked off the second phase of her campaign tour in the Ashanti Region to rally grassroots support for her husband’s presidential candidacy.

Samira’s visit to the Ashanti Region follows a highly successful fifteen-day campaign tour by her husband, the Vice President.

On the first day of her tour, Samira Bawumia visited the Offinso North and Atwima Nwabiagya North constituencies, engaging with residents of Afrancho, Asuoso, Nkenkunsu, Barekese, and Asamang through her signature meet-and-greet sessions in markets and on the streets.

During her stay in the region, the Second Lady will connect with Christian and Muslim clergy, Imams’ wives, Queen mothers, first-time voters, leaders of various settler communities, and magajiyas, among others, as part of her community engagement efforts.

In Afrancho, Mrs. Bawumia urged the people to support the NPP by voting overwhelmingly for her husband, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, in the upcoming December 7 elections.

Dumsor Fears: Three Power Plants Facing Imminent Shutdown Over $259 Million Debt 

By
Ivy Hollys
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power plants

The Chief Executive Officer of the Independent Power Producers (IPP), Dr. Elikplim Kwabla Apetorgbor, has hinted that three critical power plants face an imminent shutdown. He said this is due to the accumulated unpaid debts owed to the IPP. 

Dr. Elikplim Apetorgbor said the government defaulted on a $259 million payment owed by the Electricity Company of Ghana. According to him, the government has failed to honor its promises to pay the $259 million debt. This debt, he says, is owed by the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).

Speaking on JoyFM on Tuesday, Dr. Apetorgbor warned that if the issue remains unresolved, the three key power plants will cease operations by next week.

“If nothing is done by the end of this week, next week, three key power plants will shut down,” he warned.

While he declined to name the affected plants, he stressed. “For now, it’s confidential, but I can tell you if nothing is done, three key IPPs will be shutting down as well.”

Responding to inquiries on reconciliation efforts, Dr. Apetorgbor dismissed their significance. He emphasized that such efforts would not alter the current situation.

“For us, we are up to date with our numbers, so we know what we are talking about. The government does not even know how to account for the power sector figures. You don’t even have to trust figures coming from them,” he stated.

Ghana’s Power Supply: Background

The Finance Minister, Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam, had announced that Ghana’s power supply would stabilize due to a renegotiated agreement between the government and Sunon Asogli.

This new deal aims to resolve power interruptions stemming from financial disagreements between Sunon Asogli and the ECG. These disagreements saw the former shut operations temporarily.

Dr. Adam confirmed that an agreement had been reached, assuring the public of improved power stability. He added that this renegotiated deal with Sunon Asogli forms part of a broader restructuring initiative involving other IPPs.

However, Dr. Apetorgbor cast doubt on the minister’s assertions, questioning their credibility. “I have made it clear that those statements he made were actually political. He cannot produce any agreement that he has signed with any IPP. If he has, let him share it with the public.”

He argued that if the Minister’s claims were valid, the public would witness results in the coming week as three more IPPs prepare to cease operations.

Asantehene to Receive 28 19th-century Gold Regalia from South Africa

By
Ivy Hollys
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The Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II is set to receive 28 more gold ornaments and regalia. These ornaments date back to the nineteenth-century creations of royal artisans of the Asante Court and others. 

The objects include linguist staff, swords, palace security locks, rings and necklaces, and proverbial gold-weights of crocodiles. They also include gold scandals reflecting court governance structure and chiefship.

The official presentation will be at a mini durbar at the Manhyia Palace this weekend. The presentation coincides with the centenary anniversary of the return from exile in the Seychelles of Otumfuo’s grand uncle, the 13th Asantehene Agyeman Prempeh I. 

The durbar would also be in honor of the visiting President of the Seychelles, Wavel Ramkalawan.

Historian and Associate Director of the Manhyia Palace Museum, Ivor Agyeman-Duah, said in a statement today, November 20, that the items are part of the collection of African gold of the AngloGold Ashanti in South Africa.

The Asantehene made a direct invention earlier this year to the multinational company (formerly Ashanti Goldfields), which led to a deaccession agreement. 

They had previously been part of the Gold of Africa Museum of AngloGold Ashanti in Cape Town before they were transferred to the Javett Art Centre at the University of Pretoria. “The deaccession to Kumasi, however, follows the approval of an export permit given three weeks ago by the Reserve Bank of South Africa,” the statement said.

Authentication of Gold Regalia

Mr Agyeman-Duah performed the authentication of the acquisition, supported by a member of the Ghana Board of AngloGold Ashanti and former Member of Parliament of Obuasi, Edward Michael Ennin. 

The objects, which were produced over a century ago, were purchased by the wealthy Swiss collector of West African art, Joseph Mueller, in 1922. They were part of his collection, which was later turned into the Barbier-Mueller Museum in Geneva. 

In 2000, AngloGold Ashanti bought the Barbier-Muller Collection of 350 objects show-casing the best goldsmithery in West Africa and housed them in a century-old Dutch East Indian Company building in Cape Town. The collection’s return to African origins was hailed as a major cultural event.

It was later on that the AngloGold Ashanti’s Gold of Africa Museum merged with the Geneva-based one and became the AngloGold Ashanti Gold of Africa Museum-Barbier Muller Museum in Pretoria.

These objects, Mr. Agyeman-Duah explained, would go into a new contemporary art gallery the Asantehene has recently added to the Manhyia Palace Museum.

The AngloGold delegation 

An AngloGold Ashanti delegation to be led by the Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer, Stewart Bailey, will include the Senior Vice President of Group Sustainability, Baso Sangou. Also, the Senior Vice President of Africa Non-Operated Venture, Eric Asuoboteng and Legal Resource for Corporate Affairs, Aviona Mabaso, are expected in Kumasi for the presentation.

International accomplishment 

A fellow of Yale University’s Director’s Forum, Lekgetho Mokola, who was formerly Director of the Javett Art Centre in Pretoria, says it’s a major internal accomplishment. “Africa,” he said, “is now taking the lead in restitution within its own territories to deal with its own colonial legacies. 

“Possibly, the rest of the restitution work beyond our borders will increase in pace to return what belongs to the people of this continent.”

Background 

This return brings the number of the restituted and other loaned cultural objects of the nineteenth century received by the Palace this year to 67.

It is the highest such deaccession in Africa in a single year for a very long time. Earlier in February, the Fowler Museum of the University of California at Los Angeles brought in seven objects looted in the 1874 Anglo-Asante War. Later in March, 32 were brought from The British Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Source: graphiconline

ECG Challenges: Customers Unable to Recharge NURI Meters 

By
Ivy Hollys
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ecg

Several customers of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) using NURI Prepayment Meters have been unable to recharge their meters for the past 48 hours, causing widespread frustration. 

The issue is said to be linked to an ongoing emergency upgrade of the NURI Prepayment Meter system, announced by ECG on November 18, 2024. 

Customer challenges

Some ECG customers took to social media to express their frustrations, with many reporting that attempts to recharge through the ECG app after entering the token were unsuccessful. Users receive an error message stating, “The token CRC value is not equal to the CRC calculated with the data in the token.” 

According to customers, re-entering the token results in a message stating “successful.” However, customers without power remain without electricity.

Inquiries to ECG’s customer helpline revealed that the issue stems from the ongoing Standard Transfer Specifications (STS) protocol upgrade. 

An ECG customer service representative, who gave his name as Michael, suggested a potential solution to reset affected meters. He advised users to press and hold the “Display” knob on their NURI meter until the word “Relay” appears on the screen, which might allow the token to be accepted. 

ECG’s Announcement and Assurance 

In its November 18 announcement, ECG explained that the upgrade is part of the STS protocol compliance to ensure uninterrupted vending services. The upgrade is being carried out by ECG officials visiting customers’ premises to electronically update the meters. The exercise is expected to be completed by November 24, 2024. 

The utility company has assured customers that the upgrade is free of charge and is crucial to maintaining the functionality of the metering system. Customers facing challenges are encouraged to contact ECG’s call center at 0302 611611 or reach out via their social media platforms (@ECGghOfficial) for assistance. 

Source: graphiconline

Former Members Of Movement For Change-You Are Selfish And Ungrateful

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
-

Former members of Allan Kyerematen’s Movement for Change have expressed their displeasure with their former leader’s recent attacks on former President John Agyekum Kuffuor.

This response was prompted by Kyerematen’s negative remarks following Kuffuor’s endorsement of NPP’s flagbearer, Dr. Bawumia, for the upcoming elections.

During the a press conference, the former members highlighted Kyerematen’s ingratitude towards Kuffuor, who they credited for his rise in Ghanaian politics.

“Members of the media, it is instructive to note that, the sudden rise of Mr Kyerematen in the Ghanaian political circles, hinged on President Kuffuor’s magnanimity and that it is an act of ingratitude for Alan to go that tangent,” portions of the statement stated.

“In our upbringing, we have grown to understand that gratitude is part of our culture. Again, Mr Kyerematen should know that ‘we dont bite the hands that feed us,” the statement further noted.

They accused Kyerematen of displaying ungratefulness, selfishness, and greed in his response to Kuffuor’s endorsement of Dr. Bawumia.

The former members noted the importance of gratitude in Ghanaian culture and warned Kyerematen to be cautious in his actions to avoid angering the people of Asanteman.

They also questioned the timing of Kyerematen’s attacks on Kuffuor, suggesting a possible alliance with the NDC based on recent events.

The former members urged Kyerematen to focus on rebuilding his reputation and refrain from engaging in unnecessary attacks and character assassination.

They stated their commitment to protecting their beliefs and standing up against any attempts to intimidate or silence them.

Ahafo Ano South West: NDC abandoned us for 16 years- MP

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
-

The Member of Parliament for Ahafo Ano South West Constituency, Johnson Kwaku Adu, has criticized the opposition NDC for neglecting the people of Mankranso and its surroundings throughout their 16 years in office.

The constituency has been plagued by poor development, including deplorable roads, schools, and health facilities, making it difficult for residents to travel to neighboring communities with their farm produce and conduct business.

A glimmer of hope emerged for the constituency when President Kuffour came into power, resulting in the first tarred roads in the area.

However, development stalled after Kuffour’s tenure in 2008, until President Akufo-Addo assumed office in 2016 under the NPP.

Since then, the constituency has witnessed significant progress, with the Mankranso-Kumasi road undergoing improvements and the Mankranso to Tepa road under contract.

During a rally at Kunsu, Mr. Adu urged constituents to support Dr. Bawumia and the NPP’s Parliamentary candidate, Elvish Mensah Dapaah, for further development.

NPP’s Flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, also encouraged voters to choose the NPP over the NDC, because former President John Mahama has nothing to offer the nation.

Vice President Bawumia is currently concluding his tour of the Ashanti Region by visiting Ahafo Ano South West, East, and Ahafo Ano North constituencies.

Supreme Court to Deliver Judgment on Anti-LGBTQI Case On December 18

By
Ivy Hollys
-
lawyer for adu boahen on his client's case

The Supreme Court has scheduled December 18, 2024, to deliver its judgment on the two suits challenging the constitutionality of the anti-gay bill. The Human and Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, popularly known as the anti-gay bill, was challenged by Richard Dela Sky.

The case, which has been pending since May 2024, faced criticism from proponents of the bill, who accused the Chief Justice of delaying its resolution. However, the Judicial Service clarified that the delay was due to the failure of the parties to submit the necessary documents to advance the case.

A seven-member panel of the apex court, which had Justice Avril Lovelace Johnson as President, fixed the date after granting leave to lawyers for Richard Sky to amend their statement of case within two days. They also asked their defendants to file their response by November 27, 2024. 

The other members of the panel are Henrietta Mensa-Bonsu, Barbara Ackah-Yensu, Samuel Asiedu, Ernest Gaewu, Yaw Asare Darko, and Richard Adjei-Frimpong. The Speaker of Parliament and the Attorney General were previously granted leave by the court to file their defenses.

At a hearing last Tuesday, the court allowed the applicant to amend parts of his statement of case, granting the defendants the opportunity to respond.

Following this, the court adjourned the matter, setting December 18 for its ruling.

About the Anti-LGBTQI Bill

On February 28, 2024, Parliament passed the Human and Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, which was a bi-partisan private member’s bill. If assented to by the President, the bill, which enjoyed the support of members of the House, will impose a year’s minimum jail term and five years maximum incarceration on those who engage in and promote homosexual activities in Ghana.

It has thus criminalized and prohibited pro-gay advocacy, as well as those who fund the activities of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and and intersex. The plaintiff went to the Supreme Court shortly after the bill was passed, with a case that violated Article 108 of the 1992 Constitution.

Article 108 of the 1992 Constitution stipulates that any bill before Parliament that would have an impact on the consolidated fund should be introduced by or on behalf of the President.

It further stipulates that in the event a bill is introduced by any entity other than the President or on behalf of the President. The person presiding in Parliament must give an opinion on whether the bill would have an impact on the consolidated fund before it is laid before Parliament.

It is therefore the contention of the plaintiff that the anti-gay bill failed to follow the dictates of Article 108 of the 1992 Constitution.

We Must Recognise that True Power Belongs to the People— Kufuor

By
Ivy Hollys
-

Former President John Agyekum Kufuor has urged Ghanaians to be moderate in their criticism of key state institutions.

In an interaction with selected journalists, the former President stressed the importance of showing respect for Ghana’s democratic institutions. Mr. Kuffuor stressed that while it was natural to have differing views on judicial decisions, it was essential to maintain a respectful tone.

“We talk of checks and balances. Some also say separation of powers, and I agree with that. Even though we are in different institutions, if yours is not going well, I should be able to tell you how to prevent excesses. However, I urge caution and thoughtfulness regarding some of the raised criticisms,” he stated.

“In the Fourth Republic, the Constitution is supreme, and the same constitution empowers the Supreme Court with interpretative authority. Once the court delivers a ruling, it must be respected.”

“But it is important to note that the court does not actively seek cases; rather, individuals bring matters before it,” he stated.

Mr. Kuffuor On Election 2024

Speaking on the upcoming elections, Mr. Kufuor appealed to Ghanaians to rally behind whoever wins the presidential election on December 7. He said elections were about ideas and policies and encouraged citizens to exercise their right to vote peacefully.

“We must allow the 1992 Republican Constitution to work peacefully.” He added, “We must recognize that the true power belongs to the people. Let us all go and exercise our franchise peacefully and wait for another opportunity for the next four years to do so again.” 

Mr. Kuffuor On Developmental Projects

Former President Kufuor stressed the need for continuity in developmental projects initiated by previous administrations.

He emphasized the importance of acknowledging the continuity in governance and the contributions of past governments to the nation’s progress. Mr. Kufuor criticized the tendency of successive governments to claim exclusive credit for national achievements. This, he said, is while often ignoring the foundations laid by their predecessors.

He insisted that recognizing the efforts of past administrations was crucial for fostering unity and advancing Ghana’s development. He urged political leaders to adopt a more collaborative mindset, acknowledging that governance was a continuous process.

Mr. Kufuor warned that failing to recognize the contributions of previous governments could hinder the country’s overall progress, as it encouraged a divisive political culture.

He called for a spirit of cooperation and a focus on building on the achievements of past administrations to ensure sustained growth and stability for Ghana.

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