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Lawyer slams former Attorney General over Gregory Afoko’s ordeal

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Private Legal Practitioner Nana Yaw Osei has applauded Minister of Attorney and Justice designate Dominic Akuritinga Ayine for condemning the treatment of his client, Gregory Afoko, by the former Attorney General, Godfred Yeboah Dame, as a blatant abuse of fundamental human rights.

Afoko’s decade-long ordeal is a harrowing tale of injustice, with the accused man being held in custody without bail since 2015.

Go to court if you think ORAL is illegal – Domelevo tells critics

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Former Auditor General and a member of the Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) Committee, Daniel Domelevo has firmly challenged critics of the committee who believe their operations are unlawful to seek legal redress in court.

Speaking on Joy News on Wednesday, January 15, Domelevo made it clear that the work being carried out by ORAL is entirely legal and that if the court rules against their operation, the office will comply after they have presented the case before the court.

“Let me be very clear, We are working and being told we are operating illegally. The courts are not closed. They are still there. So, if anyone thinks we are unlawful, they should go to court. If the courts rule against their operations, the office would comply. Let the court tell us, Oh, guys, you cannot even collect information when people bring it to you. If that happens, we will shut down and go,” he added.

Addressing concerns about the perception of the office’s role, Domelevo explained that they were not inviting anyone but only collecting data voluntarily.

“We are not even inviting anybody. The publication went out from the office of the then-president-elect, saying that if you have information, bring it to us via the provided hotlines, website, or email. That’s all we are using. The issue of inviting anyone does not even arise.” he clarified.

Domelevo further explained that the office’s efforts to collect data and share it with relevant authorities such as the EOCO, the police, or the Office of the Special Prosecutor, are within legal bounds.

He also pointed out the inconsistencies in how similar initiatives were perceived, citing a 2017 initiative where foreign firms were contracted to collect data and assist with investigations without controversy. “In September 2017, the senior minister Yaw Osafo Marfo announced that foreign firms had been engaged to collect data, investigate, and even help with prosecution. Back then, it was fine. But now, a simple team collecting data is a problem. That is the hypocrisy we have in this country.”

He continued to assert that until the law specifically prohibits their actions, they will continue with their work. “Until something is prohibited by law, it’s lawful. Otherwise, one day you will say, ‘Daniel, you are being unlawful by wearing a smock into the studio.’”

He concluded by reiterating his position “We collect data and hand it over to the president. The president may then decide to refer it to the appropriate body be it EOCO, the police, or the Office of the Special Prosecutor. That’s all we do. If we are working unlawfully, go to court. Until then, we will continue doing what we are doing lawfully and transparently.”

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NDC Organizer confiscates V8 sold to a retired Deputy Clerk of Parliament for GH¢13,000

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Anthony Nukpenu, the Greater Accra Regional Organiser of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has revealed he confiscated a Toyota Land Cruiser V8 that was auctioned to a retired Deputy Clerk of Parliament.

According to Anthony Nukpenu, the car was auctioned to the retired Deputy Clerk of Parliament after he used it for nine years while working in parliament.

ECG operated 84 bank accounts across 20 banks despite IMF conditionality

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The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG)

The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has come under scrutiny for operating approximately 84 bank accounts with 20 different banks, despite directives to manage a single account for all revenue collections and disbursements.

An audit conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) has revealed that the ECG’s financial management practices are in violation of a key guideline set as part on conditionalities by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Under Ghana’s current IMF-supported program, the ECG was instructed to streamline its financial operations by maintaining only one bank account to consolidate revenue collections and disbursements.

However, the audit found that the state-owned company continues to operate multiple accounts across several banks, complicating its financial processes and potentially affecting transparency.

“We observed through our validation procedures that ECG operates multiple bank accounts (84 accounts) with 20 different banks. This scattered approach to banking is inconsistent with the directive to centralize all financial activities under a single collection account,” the PwC audit noted.

Additionally, PwC have suggested that ECG may want to consider consolidating its operations by selecting a bank with more extensive branches nationwide.

This is expected to not only minimize the need for several accounts across multiple banks but would also streamline operations and improve financial transparency.

The PwC audit findings also highlighted significant concerns regarding ECG’s payment practices as it uncovered that ECG allegedly failed to make timely payments to Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and regulatory bodies, despite being obligated by the CWM (Cash Water Management) guidelines to make payments by the 22nd of each month.

This failure to meet payment deadlines is a breach of ECG’s contractual obligations which could lead to further financial constraints for the state-owned entity.

“Untimely payments to IPPs and regulatory bodies have led to delays and disruptions in the energy sector, undermining the smooth operation of Ghana’s power distribution system,” the audit report noted.

MA

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Ghana’s economic recovery to drive banking sector turnaround

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The banking sector in Ghana is projected to experience significant improvements in the coming years as the country recovers from its debt challenges amidst an improving business environment.

According to Fitch Ratings, Ghanaian banks reported strong profits in 2023 and 2024, driven primarily by high yields on treasury bills.

These robust earnings have been instrumental in rebuilding the capital base of banks, which was severely eroded by losses from the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP) in late 2022.

While certain accounting practices have masked the full impact of these losses, Fitch anticipates that sustained profitability will enable banks to restore their capital buffers by 2025.

This recovery is expected to position most banks to meet regulatory capital requirements once temporary relief measures expire.

The DDEP concluded in 2023, and Fitch forecasts the completion of Ghana’s external debt restructuring by early 2025.

A pivotal Eurobond exchange in October 2024 enhanced Ghana’s access to international financing and alleviated pressure on the cedi, prompting Fitch to upgrade the country’s credit rating.

Looking ahead to 2025, Fitch projects a more stable economic environment, characterised by stronger GDP growth, declining inflation, and a stabilised exchange rate.

These factors are expected to lower risks in the banking sector, paving the way for sustained growth and resilience in Ghana’s financial institutions.

This outlook signals a promising trajectory for the banking sector as it navigates the post-DDEP landscape and capitalises on Ghana’s broader economic recovery.

At least 40 farmers killed in Nigerian militant attack

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At least 40 farmers were killed in an attack, by the Islamist extremist group Boko Haram in Nigeria, an official said on Monday.

Fighters from Boko Haram and its breakaway group loyal to the Islamic State were suspected of attacking on Sunday, January 12, in Nigeria’s north-eastern Borno State, Information Commissioner Usman Tar said on Monday, January 13, 2025.

“Initial report indicates about 40 farmers have been killed, while the whereabouts of many who escaped the attack are being traced for reunion with their families,” Tar said.

Boko Haram began a violent campaign in north-east Nigeria in 2009, to introduce a strict Islamic theocracy in the West African nation.

More than 35,000 people have been killed in this conflict, while more than 2 million people have been displaced.

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Burglars stab Bollywood star, Saif Ali Khan, in home invasion

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Indian Bollywood star Saif Ali Khan underwent surgery Thursday after he was repeatedly stabbed in an apparent burglary at his home in Mumbai, his public relations team said.

Khan, 54, who has appeared in more than 70 movies and television series, is married to top star Kareena Kapoor.

“There was an attempted burglary at Mr Saif Ali Khan’s residence,” his team said, urging “fans to be patient”.

Kapoor told local media that “Saif had an injury on his arm for which he is in hospital”.

“The rest of the family is doing fine,” she added.

Khan is the son of former Indian cricket captain Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi, and Bollywood actress Sharmila Tagore.

His acting credits include the 2001 hit Dil Chahta Hai, and the popular Netflix crime series Sacred Games.

Niraj Uttamani, a top official at Mumbai’s Lilavati Hospital, told The Hindustan Times newspaper the actor had six injuries, including two that are deeper.

The Press Trust of India news agency broadcast images of police carrying out forensic examinations of Khan’s residence in Mumbai.

AFP

Joynews’ Ohemeng Tawiah sustains life-threatening injuries in police-illegal miners clash [Photos]

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A police operation aimed at clamping down on the illegal mining activities in the Offin Shelter Belt Forest Reserve at Anwiafutu near Nyinahin, Ashanti region, turned violent, leaving four people with varying degrees of injury.

Joynews’ Assisting Editor, Ohemeng Tawiah, embedded with the police team, was among those injured by a mob of illegal miners.

Tawiah was following up on a previous story he did regarding the illegal mining operations of Clean Jobs Resources Limited.

He sustained head and chest injuries, twisted fingers, and multiple cuts on his body after surviving a machete attack, in what appeared to be an attempt to sever his right leg.

The mob also seized the team’s camera, mobile phones, power bank, Bluetooth device, money, lenses, and other personal belongings, and damaged two minibuses used by the team.

The police team, which included media personnel and excavator mechanics and operators from the Ashanti Regional Police Headquarters in Kumasi, raided the mining site of Clean Jobs Resources Limited around 9 a.m. on Friday, December 20, 2024.

The team initially arrested security personnel dressed in military camouflage to pave the way for the operation.

However, by the time the police team entered the mining site, the suspected illegal miners—comprising Chinese and local collaborators—had already fled, having been tipped off. They left behind their gold washers and generators.

Several hectares of the once-pristine Offin Shelter Belt Forest Reserve had been destroyed due to illegal mining activities. Deep trenches were freshly dug, and heaps of sand believed to contain precious minerals were being washed.

At least eight washing machines, actively engaged in washing, were spotted on-site, a clear sign of ongoing mining operations. The site had been contracted to reclaim the mined forest reserve.

As the police team continued their search for illegal miners, reports surfaced that the miners, with the support of the youth from Anwiafutu, had erected a barricade at the only entrance to the site.

The agitated miners, now reinforced by additional security, led by individuals identified as Alhassan and Commander Adu, demanded that the police release the arrested illegal miners, along with seized items such as pump-action guns and mobile phones.


Additionally, the miners requested that the Joynews team’s camera and footage be returned. Tensions escalated when the miners began throwing stones at the minibuses, smashing their windows.

Soon, another group of armed individuals, dressed in military camouflage, arrived at the scene to support the illegal miners. Led by someone identified as W.O., this group ordered that no vehicles be allowed to leave the site.

A unit committee member of Anwiafutu intervened, helping to rescue the news team and place them in a waiting police pickup. However, the miners pursued and attacked Ohemeng Tawiah, using pump-action guns, machetes, and stones while frisking him for money and mobile phones as he fell to the ground.


The police pickup successfully transported the team and some injured excavator operators to Adobewora Junction, where they continued their journey to Kumasi for medical treatment.


Ohemeng Tawiah arrived at a health facility in Kumasi weak and bleeding profusely from head injuries. He was rushed to the operating theater while still in his blood-soaked clothes for stabilization and surgery.

Joynews investigations have revealed that Clean Jobs Resources Limited had obtained an entry permit from the Forestry Commission to undertake reclamation and afforestation work in the Offin Shelter Belt, an area previously free from illegal mining activities.

However, the company has been involved in illegal mining, violating the terms of its entry permit.



 Ame Zion Church Global Board of Bishops praises Ghana’s democratic progress

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 The President of the Global Board of Bishops of the African Methodist Episco­pal (AME) Zion Church, Rt. Rev. Dr. Hilliard K. Dela Dogbe, says the foundation of Ghana’s demo­cratic journey has once again been solidified, through the December 7, 2024 peaceful election and hitch-free political transition.

“This, obviously present yet another great opportunity to accelerate the transformational agenda,” he said during the recent visit to Ghana by the members of the Board of Bishops of the AME Zion Church.

The Bishops, majority of whom reside in the United States of America, visited Ghana and Africa, for the first time as a group in the 200-year history of the AME.Zion Church.

The board attributed their maiden visit as a group to Ghana, to the peaceful democratic devel­opment taking place in the country. Among those who accompanied the bishops,were the missionary supervisors and the church’s global administrative officials.

Rt Rev. Dr Dogbe, who is the first indigenous Ghanaian African Resident Bishop of the AME, Zion Church, is in charge of the Western-West Africa Episcopal District, which covers Ghana, Togo, Cote d’Ivoire and Liberia.

He noted that Ghana’s peaceful democratic political journey, is a reminder that the leadership of our country is a growing concern. “For us to have a peaceful election and to welcome people from all across the world who feel safe and secure within this country, I think, is something worth giving credit for.”

He gave the assurance that the AME Zion will continue to support national development efforts in the areas of education, healthcare and other activities that will promote holistic growth of all citizens.

Members of the Board of Bishops of the African Methodist Episcopal AME Zion Church, praised Ghana’s positive demo­cratic journey so far and urged all stakeholders to work in unity to sustain the country’s peace and stability. The Board of Bishops saluted and celebrated Ghanaians for the peace, tranquility, and safety and the continuous strides toward greater prosperity for all the people; and for the valuing of democratic principles. They appealed to Ghanaians to support the country’s leaders at all times in their quest to make life meaningful for all citizens.

Members of the Board of Bishops during their visit to Ghana toured historical sites in Accra, Cape Coast and Ketaand also pre­sided over the Chapel Dedication Service of St John Society, which is the oldest A.M.E. Zion Church established in Ghana in Keta in the year 1899.

Senior Bishop of the AME Zion Church, Right Reverend Dr.Darryl B. Starnes, described the Ghana trip as a life-changing experience for the team, saying seeing churches and schools has been inspiring. He added“visiting Cape Coast, where atrocities were inflicted upon our ancestors, is something I will never forget.It reminds us of the resilience and strength of our people.”

Another Bishop, Right Rever­end Dr.W. Darin Moore, said the trip to Ghana, was truly a home­coming.

Retired Senior Bishop Right Rev. Dr Kenneth Monroe, thanked the leadership of the Western-West Africa Episcopal District for honouring him with a facility at the Episcopal Corporate Head Office at Laterbiokorshie in Accra.

 BY TIMES REPORTER

I was homeless when I came to Lagos, but I never stopped hustling – Okey Bakassi

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Nigerian comedian and actor Okey Bakassi Nigerian comedian and actor Okey Bakassi

Nigerian comedian and actor Okey Bakassi has indicated that his journey from homelessness to stardom is a narrative of determination and resourcefulness.

During a heartfelt discussion on the Honest Brunch podcast hosted by skit-maker Nedu Wazobia, Okey Bakassi opened up about his rise to fame and the struggles that shaped him into the icon he is today.

“I came to Lagos with nothing but my dreams and determination,” Okey began painting a vivid picture of his early days in the city.

“I was homeless, sleeping wherever I could, and hustling every day to survive,” he revealed.

Despite the odds, he refused to let his circumstances define his future.

Sharing one of his early strategies for making ends meet, Okey revealed how he creatively navigated his way into the movie industry.

“I would go to costume vendors and plead with them to lend me clothes for film productions. I promised to return them in perfect condition, and I made sure to always deliver on my word. That trust opened doors for me,” he explained.

His breakthrough came when he managed to produce his first film, a milestone he described as life-changing.

“That movie didn’t just give me a paycheck—it gave me confidence. I knew I could make something of myself in this industry,” Okey said with pride.

However, as he started to gain recognition, challenges emerged in unexpected ways. Okey candidly recounted how some colleagues began to distance themselves, causing a dip in his acting opportunities.

“It was tough. People who once believed in me started to hold back. I couldn’t understand why, but instead of dwelling on it, I decided to reinvent myself,” he noted.

Drawing on his university experience performing live skits, Okey pivoted to stand-up comedy.

“Comedy was my saving grace,” he stated. “I started doing solo performances, and it clicked. The audience loved it, and I felt like I’d found my true calling.”

Okey also shared how mingling with like-minded creatives in spaces like Jazzville helped him expand his horizons.

“That environment was electrifying. We were all pushing each other to be better,” he said while crediting the vibrant community for fueling his growth.

Looking back, Okey Bakassi attributes his success to resilience and adaptability.

“You can’t let setbacks define you. Find another path. Reinvent yourself. That’s what life and this industry are all about,” he emphasised.

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Diplomatic passports given to National Cathedral officials sparks massive outrage on social media

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L-R: Joyce Aryee, Rev. Kusi Boateng and Dr. Paul Opoku-Mensah L-R: Joyce Aryee, Rev. Kusi Boateng and Dr. Paul Opoku-Mensah

Some Ghanaians have expressed anger over the diplomatic and service passports issued to officials of the controversial National Cathedral project during the previous Akufo-Addo administration.

The outrage comes after the Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a list outlining the categories of individuals required to return their diplomatic passports, following a directive from President John Dramani Mahama for all diplomatic passports to be returned by January 24, 2025.

According to the ministry, the affected individuals include:

1. Former Ministers and their spouses

2. Former Members of Parliament, irrespective of political affiliation

3. Former Members of the Council of State and their spouses

4. Former/Retired Justices of the Superior and Lower Courts

5. Former Regional Ministers, Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives, Chief Executive Officers of State Institutions, Chairs and Members of Boards

6. Officials of the National Cathedral Project

7. Former Political Ambassadors and their dependents

8. Businessmen and Entrepreneurs

9. Religious and Traditional Leaders

10. Former Government Functionaries

11. All other persons holding official passports not currently serving in any official capacity for the State or otherwise holding any position that falls under the requirements of sections 6 and 7 of the Passports and Travel Certificates Act, 1967 NLCD 155.

In response to the list, critics have expressed their frustrations, contending that the project officials should not have received the passports.

Others have expressed their shock over the disclosure, noting how the integrity of diplomatic passports may have been compromised, as the previous government issued them to individuals they believed were undeserving.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been directed to conduct a verification process involving a thorough review of all returned passports to ensure they align with the current eligibility criteria for issuance.

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MAG/EK

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Resilient leadership key to business growth – AAC CEO

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Dr. Adelaide Siaw Agyepong, CEO of African Agribusiness Consortium Dr. Adelaide Siaw Agyepong, CEO of African Agribusiness Consortium

The Chief Executive Officer of African Agribusiness Consortium (AAC), Dr. Mrs. Adelaide Siaw Agyepong, has underscored the need for leaders in companies to be resilient in order to drive growth.

She stated that a resilient leader drives success, not just survival, during tough times.

Dr. Mrs. Siaw Agyepong made this observation during her address at the Jospong Leadership Conference (JLC) 2025, where she spoke to management and staff of the Jospong Group of Companies (JGC) on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at the Pentecost Convention Centre, Gomoa, in the Central Region.

The 12th edition of the conference is under the theme, “Transformation through Leadership” and is scheduled to conclude on January 17, 2025.

The event aims to promote business sustainability, positive work ethics, and an in-depth focus on how leadership at all levels can catalyze impactful and sustainable change within the group.

In her presentation, titled, “The Path to Resilience,” Dr. Siaw Agyepong emphasised the importance of resilience as a skill that leaders must cultivate through embracing discomfort and overcoming challenges.

She noted that resilience sparks innovation and drives solution-finding, enabling organizations to navigate challenges effectively.

“Resilience is not something you’re born with—it’s something you build,” she remarked.

According to her, a resilient leader remains focused and committed to their vision, even when faced with overwhelming obstacles, adding that “a resilient leader takes and implements bold reforms to bring about change.”

She further explained that resilient leaders demonstrate purpose-driven resilience, stressing that “it is a continuous process.”

Dr. Mrs. Siaw Agyepong highlighted Jesus Christ, Nelson Mandela, Elon Musk, and Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as exemplary purpose-driven leaders who have exhibited remarkable resilience in the face of adversity.

While challenging participants to cultivate resilience in their respective fields, she encouraged them to seek strength and guidance from God.

Someone told Nyantakyi he would die if he made me Vice President of GFA

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George Afriyie, a former Vice President of the Ghana Football Association George Afriyie, a former Vice President of the Ghana Football Association

George Afriyie, a former Vice President of the Ghana Football Association, believes that external voices contributed to the collapse of his previously strong relationship with the former President of the Ghana Football Association, Kwesi Nyantakyi.

Speaking in an interview with Metro TV, George Afriyie reasoned that a rift between him and Nyantakyi over his (George Afriyie’s) presidential ambition became the catalyst for a complete breakdown of their relationship.

He claims that some people who sought favor and support from Nyantakyi leveraged the impasse to say negative things about him to Kwesi Nyantakyi.

According to him, the efforts by these people to destroy his relationship with Nyantakyi predated his era as vice president.

George Afriyie alleged that someone who was seeking the position told Nyantakyi that he would lose his life if he made him (George Afriyie) his vice president.

“My intention to contest the elections before Number 12 created a rift between me and Kwesi Nyantakyi. Some people pounced on the rift to deepen the woes. People would go to Kwesi and say that I was part of those who planned the Number 12 documentary.

“Prior to Kwesi appointing me as Vice President, someone went to Kwesi and said that I had gone to a juju man to ensure that I was appointed Vice President of GFA and that a year after my appointment he was going to die,” he said.

George Afriyie has been discussing his relationship with Kwesi Nyantakyi, including the infamous text message. He has finally disclosed the real reason behind sending the text message.

Afriyie revealed that a meeting held by Nyantakyi after Ghana’s game against Mexico in June 2017 prompted the former GFA President to relieve him of his duties.

Speaking during an interview with Asempa FM, Afriyie explained how being tagged as an NDC member and accused of sabotage triggered him to send the text message.

“They held a meeting in Asiamah’s (former Minister for Youth and Sports) office without me, even though I was the chairman of the Black Stars management team. During the meeting, they said I was an NDC member and that’s why I was sabotaging the GFA. Everything they said in the meeting was relayed to me by someone who was present. That person even told me that the person I had always defended was the one tagging me as NDC and accusing me of sabotage,” he said.

Afriyie also revealed that he sent the text message to two other people who were close to Nyantakyi in order to make them aware of the situation.

“I’m revealing it today. I sent the message to two other people—two of his best friends who are loyal to Kwesi Nyantakyi: Sannie Daara and Nana Kwame Nketiah of Berekum Chelsea. I wanted them to know how the man we were helping had turned against us,” he added.

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EK