2nd Phase of disinfection in tertiary institutions begins as directed by President

Daniel Opare
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Following the President’s directive for tertiary institutions to be reopened next week for continuing students, the Ministry of Education (MoE), in collaboration with Zoomlion Ghana Limited (ZGL), has bagun the second phase of disinfecting all tertiary institutions across the country.

The nationwide exercise kick-started on Friday simultaneously in about  five regions. These were the Greater Accra, Central, Volta, Northern, Western and Ashanti Regions. 

The exercise will cover pyrotechnic universities, health facilities in addition to all public and private tertiary institutions, and it forms part of the the central government’s continuous measures at containing the spread of the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

Final year students of tertiary institutions completed the academic year by writing their final exams on Friday, and that facilitated the exercise.

 In the Greater Accra Region, tertiary institutions that were disinfected on day one of the exercise included Accra Polytechnic University, West End University, Dominion University, Islamic University, Kings University College among others.

Open spaces of these institutions were disinfected in addition to their lecture halls, various faculties, offices and other facilities.     

Addressing the media on the sidelines of the exercise, the Greater Accra Regional Manager of ZGL, Mr Ernest Morgan Acquah, disclosed that his outfit was expected to disinfect about eighty-six (86) tertiary institutions in the country.

According to him, his outfit complete the national exercise before next week Monday.

In addition to the disinfection, Mr Morgan Acquah reiterated the need for the students and the authorities in the tertiary institutions to continue observing the COVID-19 preventive measures.

And though he said it was encouraging that the country’s active cases had reduced drastically, he advised that it should not be a reason for “us to lose our guard.”

At the Catholic Institute of Business Technology (CIBT) near the Information Ministry, the Registrar, Mr Perry Ofosu, applauded the government’s collaborative effort with Zoomlion to fight the virus.

The registrar of CIBT who was excited about the second disinfection exercise in his school averred that they had put in place adequate safety measures to receive the continuing students on Monday.

These measures, he said, included placing Veronica buckets at vantage points and  ensuring that the students observe social/physical distancing.

“We will also provide each student with two reusable nose masks,” Mr Ofosu added.

The exercise will continue tomorrow and end on Sunday.

Ghana| Atinkaonline.com

MTN to transition into digital services operator

Daniel Opare
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The Chief Executive Officer of MTN Ghana, Selorm Adadevoh has announced that MTN Ghana is transitioning from a traditional telecommunications company to an emerging digital operator. 

He made this announcement after Board Chairman for Scancom PLC Mr. Ishmael Yamson shared details of the financial performance of the company for 2019 with shareholders at the 2nd Annual General Meeting streamed live from MTN House to a virtual audience of over 7,000.

He said, “2019 marked the ‘Year of the customer’ for MTN Ghana and in 2020 we are building on that foundation as we transition from a traditional mobile telecommunications operator to an emerging digital operator.

In line with our transition journey, MTN Ghana has declared 2020 as the ‘Year of the Customer: The Digital Experience’ with a focus on digitalization as a tool to enhance customer experience as well as create value for our shareholders”.

MTN is set to deliver on this digital agenda based on solid investments it has made in technology and network infrastructure expansion projects undertaken over the years.   

For 2020, an amount of $114.1 million is being invested into the network to facilitate the rollout of 300 LTE (4G) sites; an upgrade of 737 3G sites and 450 2G sites across the country.  

These investments will make significant contributions to enable individuals and business in both the rural and urban parts of Ghana to enjoy the best experience and also enjoy the benefits of a modern connected lifestyle.

“Beyond the enhancement of network for the best digital experience, MTN continues to brighten the lives of customers and the communities in which we operate with social projects as our contribution to National Development.

Our recent donation of GHC5million Cedis worth of medical supplies to support the fight against COVID-19   adds to the 149 projects undertaken in Health, Education and Economic Empowerment projects over the years”, Mr. Adadevoh added.

He expressed optimism about the continuous growth going into the future considering the opportunities identified in Data and Mobile Financial Services.

He concluded that with a strong brand presence and positive reputation, MTN will continue to attract the best talent and partners to drive the business and its profitability.

The Board Chairman, Dr. Ishmael Yamson, indicated that MTN delivered a strong profit after tax, the performance by the business was driven by a sterling growth in Voice, Data and MoMo services.

At the end of the proceedings at the AGM a final dividend of GHC. 4 pesewas for 2019 financial year was declared and will be paid on 28th August 2020 to shareholders registered in the books of Scancom Plc at the close of business on the qualifying date on Thursday, 30 April 2020.All shareholders can look forward to the payment of dividend.

The Annual General Meeting was attended by Board of Directors of the company, Vice President of MTN Southern Eastern Africa and Ghana region (SEAGHA), Mr Ebenezer Asante, MTN Executives, President of the Shareholder Association of Ghana and some Institutional Shareholders.

MTN Ghana listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE) on 5 September 2018 with the largest number of Ghanaian shareholdings of any listed company on the GSE at 127,826. By raising GHS 1,146,589,464.75 from 128,152 applicants the Offer makes history as the largest primary share offer in the history of the Ghana Stock Exchange and enables many Ghanaians from all walks of life to own a share in one of Ghana’s largest, most visible and well-respected companies.

Scancom Ltd (MTN Ghana) was incorporated in 1994 as a private limited liability company. Pursuant to its Initial Public Offer (IPO), the regulations of Scancom Ltd were amended in 2016 to become a public company. 

Since it launched operations, MTN has invested billions of dollars into network expansion and technology advancements to deliver world class telecommunications and digital services to its customers. 

Ghana| Atinkaonline.com

WASCCE Leakage: WAEC's explanation bogus!

Daniel Opare
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The Executive Director for Africa Education Watch, kofi Asare, has opined that WAEC’s explanation about the leakage of the maths 2 paper is false and needs to be investigated.

Although WAEC admitted that the paper leaked, it explained that the leaked one was not what the students wrote.

WAEC also stated that the paper did not leak in WAEC’s strong room but rather at the centres.

Reacting to the above, Kofi Asare said WAEC was lying, adding that an external body should be made to investigate the matter and not WAEC itself.


Speaking on Atinka 104.7 FM’s AM Drive, with Ekourba Gyasi, he said “We are not saying they should cancel it but it is minority that is calling for that.
We are saying that the parliamentary select committee should investigate the matter and establish the source of leakages in the whole questions value chain so that we will know where the gabs are because it is a recurring issue which comes every year.”

He added that,”Their focus is how to chase after students malpractices but for them, they cannot vindicate themselves. WAEC has never find themselves guilty of anything, every year they do defend themselves but every year papers leak.”

kofi Asare also said ,”It is not true the explanation they gave. From the setting of questions to the classroom, we should know all the actors in the value chain and know who’s inefficiency or who’s conduct or misconduct lead to the leakage because it happens every year.”

He reiterated that WAEC does not have a regulatory body, calling for an external body to regulate it.

“They manage their own affairs and that system does not promote accountability, therefore they need to be regulated by an external body,” he said.

Ghana| Atinkaonline.com| Porcia Oforiwaa Ofori

Di Asa: Anita and Amina qualify at Walewale audition

Daniel Opare
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Highly spirited Anita and Amina qualified at the Walewale audition of Atinka TV’s flagship reality show, Savana Paint Di Asa Season Four.

The two were selected based on their weight, dance skill and audience appeal.

At the end of the audition, Anita was adjudged winner whiles Amina came second.

They all received gifts from the sponsors of the show.

They will both represent Walewale in the North East Region in the Di Asa season four house when all auditions are done across the country.

The Walewale audition was graced by Chiefs and Elders in the Region.

The next audition will be at Tamale on Saturday, August 22, 2020 , therefore, all plus women who are interested are encouraged to follow the train.

Ghana| Atinkaonline.com| Porcia Oforiwaa Ofori

Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang ends tour of Northern Region

Daniel Opare
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The Vice-Presidential Candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, has ended her two-day tour of the Northern Region today, August 20, 2020.

The visit, her first to the region since she was outdoored as running mate to President John Dramani Mahama, was to enable Prof. Opoku-Agyemang to introduce herself to the chiefs and people, and to solicit their support for the NDC in the upcoming general elections.

While in the region, she paid courtesy calls on the Overlord of Dagbon, Yaa-Naa Abubakari Mahama II, the Chief of Mion, Mion-Lana Abdulai Mahamadu, and the Chief of Chereponi, Naa Feme Malba Nanyame Kofi.


Other traditional leaders she called on included the Chief of Savelugu, Yoo-Naa Abdulai Yakubu Andani, the Chief of Zoggu, Naa Iddi Alhassan, the Chief of Tampion, Naa Alhassan Andani, and the Regent of Karaga, Mahama Sumani.

The rest are the Chief of Gusheigu, Abdulai Shitobu, the Chief of Sang, Alhassan Abukari and the Regent of Wulensi, Salifu Osman Wumbei.

Prof. Opoku-Agyemang, who arrived in the region to a rousing welcome, thanked the chiefs and people for their warm reception. She gave assurance that all infrastructure projects which were started by the previous NDC administration, but have been abandoned by the present government, would be completed when the NDC is voted into power. 

On education, she pledged that the next NDC government will ensure increased access to quality learning, introduce more incentive packages for teachers, and restore discipline in schools.  

The vice presidential candidate, who had earlier toured the Upper East and North East regions, assured the chiefs and people of the Northern region that a Mahama-led government will build a just and equal society for all Ghanaians, regardless of their ethnicity, religion and political ideology.

Professor Opoku-Agyemang has since travelled to the newly created Bono region, where she will continue to urge support for President Mahama and the NDC in the general elections in December.

She was accompanied by Minority Leader of Parliament and MP for Tamale South,  Hon. Haruna  Iddrisu, Northern Regional Chairman  of  the NDC Alhaji Ibrahim Mobila and other senior party executives, MP for North Tongu, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Mr. Alex Segbefia, a former Minister for Health and Deputy Campaign Manager of the party for the 2020 elections, Ms. Emelia Arthur, a former Deputy Western Regional Minister, and Mrs. Mawuena Trebarh, Spokesperson and Head of Communications for the running mate.

Ghana| Atinkaonline.com

Mahama: I'm ready to debate Akufo-Addo "anytime, anywhere" on infrastructure records

Daniel Opare
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The Presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr John Dramani Mahama, is proposing a debate of track record of delivery of infrastructural projects with President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

Addressing the Chiefs and Elders of Dzolokpuita in the Ho West constituency as part of his four-day tour of the Volta Region on Wednesday, Mr Mahama said the NPP in 2016 did not appreciate the value of his government’s investments in critical infrastructure.

“In 2016, when I was talking about the value of infrastructure, my friends on the other side said, we don’t eat infrastructure, we don’t eat roads, that was what they said and today I can see a scramble to grab even KVIP’s and any infrastructure and tout it as an achievement”, he said.

Mr Mahama said it is, however, easy to settle the issue of infrastructure records especially as the NDC has a superior record of investing in infrastructure throughout the country, adding that he is ready to debate President Akufo-Addo on it at any forum.

“The President said this election is going to be an election of track records, comparing his track record to my track record and we can settle it easily. Let’s have a debate between the two presidents about our records”, Mahama said.

He added that, he is willing to present himself for a debate on any day, anytime and anywhere to settle the matter once and for all.

Ghana| Atinkaonline.com

Nigerian 'locked up by family for 30 years' rescued

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Police in the northern Nigerian state of Kano have rescued a 55-year-old man who was locked up by his family for 30 years because he was apparently mentally ill, human rights activist Sani Shuaibu has told the BBC.

The man had suffered for decades, one of his feet bound by a metal bar to a heavy log in a room without a door and window, Mr Shuaibu of Human Rights Network (HRN) said.

He alerted police about the man’s plight following a tip-off, and joined the operation to rescue him from a property in Rogo town.

“He has some mental issues and was becoming aggressive and instead of seeking help in 1990 the father decided the best thing to do was to lock him up,” Mr Shuaibu told the BBC.

“When the father died some years ago his two brothers, both younger than him, continued with the detention but today he is a free man. Some neighbours aware of his situation were key in this rescue,” he added.

The 55-year-old is currently at Rogo General Hospital where he is receiving treatment, while his brothers have been taken in for questioning by police.

Kano Police Command spokesman Abdullahi Haruna confirmed the rescue to the BBC and said they were investigating the case.

This is the third high-profile rescue operation in less than two weeks of people with special needs detained by their families.

HRN, a non-governmental organisation, was involved in all three rescue operations. Its head, Comrade Haruna Ayagi, told the BBC that more cases should be expected because it was “a deep-lying issue that has been ignored for long”.

“In most of these cases, the parents were blessed with children with special needs and since they have no resources to take care of them and no help from government or institutions, they resort to locking them up,” he added.

Source; BBC

Ghana | Atinkaonline.com

Cancellation of leaked paper will affect students, not WAEC-MOE

Daniel Opare
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The Deputy PRO for the Ministry of Education (MOE), Kwesi Obeng Fosu has opined that cancelling the core maths 2 paper of the 2020 WASSCE examination is not necessary.

This follows calls from some Ghanaians and groups including Civil Society for the cancellation of the leaked paper.

Speaking to the issue on Atinka 104.7 FM’s AM drive, hosted by Ekourba Gyasi, Kwesi Obeng Fosu stated that the cancellation of the paper will not affect WAEC but the students.

He urged politicians not to politicse the matter, instead, think of the future of the students, adding that it is the students that will suffer the consequences if the paper is cancelled.

He warned persons who share examinations questions on social media to be careful, stating that the ministry has mechanisms in place to check the source of such images, warning perpetrators to put a stop to it.

“Whatever agenda people have to destroy the examination which has been beautifully carried out since its inception is unfortunate, and we must stop it,” he added.

Ghana| Atinkaonline.com| Porcia Oforiwaa Ofori

Exams leakage: We'll support WAEC to bring perpetrators to book-MOE

Daniel Opare
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The Deputy PRO for the Ministry of Education (MOE), Kwesi Obeng Fosu, has expressed worry over the leakage of the Core maths 2 paper of the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) which leaked few minutes before it was written.

WAEC has admitted that the paper leaked, explaining that the questions were posted on social media platforms after the release of the papers from the WAEC strong rooms.

Speaking on the AM drive on Atinka 104.7 FM, hosted by Ekourba Gyasi, Kwesi Obeng Fosu reiterated that the Ministry of Education is responsible for preparing the students and the centres for WAEC, whilst WAEC is solely responsible for the examiniation.

He noted that over the years, WAEC always printed about three different papers so that in a situation where one leaks, they can change it for the students, adding that some of the papers that leaked were changed by WAEC.

However, he stated that the Ministry and its stakeholders will collaborate with WAEC to refer the issue to the appropriate security agencies, including national security and BNI, to investigate the matter to ensure that whoever is responsible for the leakage of the papers is brought to book.

Kwesi Obeng Fosu admitted that some people have made leaking of examination papers a business, adding that they wake up and print fake questions for students, take money from them and lie to them to expect those questions, and when it fails, they blame government .

He also urged parents who buy those materials for their children to put a stop to it, stating that it does not encourage the students to learn.

“That is somebody’s business to dupe the students and it doesn’t help, it does not make the students learn. Sometimes, their parents even buy it for them.
We are also urging parents to desist from such acts,” he said.

Meanwhile, he stated that the paper did not leak from WAEC’s office but at the centres, adding that it was the reason the paper circulated on social media before time.

Ghana| Atinkaonline.com| Porcia Oforiwaa Ofori

Russian opposition leader 'poisoned'

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Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny is unconscious in hospital suffering from suspected poisoning, his spokeswoman has said.

The anti-corruption campaigner fell ill during a flight and the plane made an emergency landing in Omsk, Kira Yarmysh said, adding that they suspected something had been mixed into his tea.

The Kremlin said that it wished Mr Navalny a “speedy recovery”.

Mr Navalny, 44, has been a staunch critic of President Vladimir Putin.

In June he described a vote on constitutional reforms as a “coup” and a “violation of the constitution”. The reforms allow Mr Putin to serve another two terms in office.

Russia’s vociferous Putin critic
British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said he was “deeply concerned” by the reports Mr Navalny had been poisoned, and sent his thoughts to him and his family.

What has the spokeswoman said?
Kira Yarmysh, the press secretary for the Anti-Corruption Foundation, which Mr Navalny founded in 2011, tweeted: “This morning Navalny was returning to Moscow from Tomsk.

“During the flight, he felt ill. The plane made an urgent landing in Omsk. Alexei has toxic poisoning.”

She added: “We suspect that Alexei was poisoned by something mixed into [his] tea. It was the only thing he drank since morning.

“Doctors are saying that the toxic agent absorbed faster through the hot liquid. Right now Alexei is unconscious.”

Ms Yarmysh later tweeted that Mr Navalny was on a ventilator and in a coma, and that the hospital was now full of police officers. She said they had later asked to search his belongings.

She also said that doctors were initially ready to share any information but then they later claimed the toxicology tests had been delayed and were “clearly playing for time, and not saying what they know”.

She said in a tweet at 14:58 local time (08:58 GMT) that Mr Navalny’s condition had not changed and he was still unconscious.

She was told the diagnosis would be “towards evening”.

Both Mr Navalny’s wife, Yulia Navalnaya and doctor, Anastasia Vasiliyeva, had arrived at the hospital but were being denied access to him, Ms Yarmysh said.

What are the other reports from the scene?
The Tass news agency quoted one source at the Omsk Emergency Hospital as saying: “Alexei Anatolyevich Navalny, born in 1976. Poisoning intensive care.”

However, the deputy head physician of the hospital later told media that it was not certain Mr Navalny had been poisoned, although poisoning was “naturally” one of the diagnoses being considered.

Anatoly Kalinichenko said that doctors were “genuinely trying to save [Mr Navalny’s] life”.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov later said it wished the critic a speedy recovery – as it would all citizens in such circumstances – and that the authorities would consider approving treatment abroad if it were requested.

BBC

Ghana | Atinkaonline.com

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