The General Secretary of the largest opposition party the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Johnson Asiedu Nketia popularly called General Mosquito has likened Ghana’s laws to apartheid where the citizenry are prejudiced on daily basis due to their political colours.
According to him, the era in which Ghana was touted for operating in a democratic environment is no more in existence.
He said people’s freedom especially NDC members’ freedom are trampled upon without proper justification describing it as very worrisome.
General Mosquito pointed out that state institutions like the Electoral Commission (EC), Police administration have been compromised to serve the interests of the Akufo-Addo’s administration thereby being prejudiced in their line of work.
According to him, the state institutions have overlooked laws governing their offices and are rather serving the parochial interests of the government at the detriment of opposition members.
He indicated that the NDC will not stop being at the war front of fighting for democracy calling on Ghanaians to pray for sane minds to prevail to save Ghana from destruction.
“Ghana is now operating Apartheid laws, our enviable democracy is no more working, state institutions are not delivering blind justice, EC, Police administration, CID have all being compromised to serve the interest of the government and do not follow proper laws. They are all doing what best suits them, laws are not working fairly. Ghanaians have to pray for sane minds to prevail,” he complained in an interview with Asempa FM.
He claimed Madam Jane Mensa refused to procure items meant for the new limited registration exercise after she was given money to do so in 2018 by the Finance Ministry.
“The EC is not being truthful to Ghanaians in its electoral dealings, Jane Mensa should come out clean and be open for advice, why did she rescind her decision of using the money for limited registration at district levels and later told us that she will rather use the money to refurbish electoral offices and repair electoral materials,” he asked.
Source: Mynewsgh.com
Ghana now an apartheid country under Akufo-Addo – Asiedu Nketia
Coach Kwasi Appiah names Ayew as new Black Stars captain
Black Stars coach, Kwasi Appiah has named André Ayew as the permanent captain of the team.
This follows a meeting with the top brass of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) Normalization Committee (NC) after which approval and full backing was granted to the plans of the coach.
Ayew replaces Asamoah Gyan, as captain of the Black Stars.
Gyan, who has captained the Black Stars for a record seven years has been elevated to the position of “General Captain”.
Subsequently, Kwadwo Asamoah has been named the deputy captain.
President of the GFA-NC Dr Kofi Amoah has called on all stakeholders and citizens to support the transition whilst the Black Stars prepare their assault and conquest of Africa at AFCON 2019.
Source: Ghanafa
‘We won’t do bidding of any political party’
The Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Mrs Jean Mensa, has stated that the commission will not allow any political party to push the institution to get the country’s electoral body to do its bidding.
She said the commission would continue to stick to its constitutional mandate and ensure that every action of the commission conformed to what the laws of the country permitted.
Speaking to the management of Western Publications, owners of Daily Guide newspaper, in Accra on Tuesday, Mrs Mensa said the commission’s major priority was to ensure that all political parties adhered to the regulations that governed their operations.
She said it was unfortunate that some political parties had resorted to attacking the commission’s integrity anytime they were unable to get their issues addressed.
The EC Chairperson is on a media tour to seek the partnership of stakeholders in its quest to ensure transparency in the delivery of its mandate.
Mrs Mensa was accompanied by her two deputies-Dr Bossman Eric Asare and Mr Samuel Tettey.
Perception
Mrs Mensa said the commission had started to roll out a number of reforms to ensure that political parties abided by the agreed principles.
She said the perception of some political parties that the EC was not being neutral should not be swallowed by the public because every action of the commission had been opened to the public.
Mrs Mensa said the EC had never done anything in secret to warrant any political party referring to the commission as ” a secret society”.
She said the commission would continue to engage with the political parties on various platforms, including the Inter Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) meetings, to ensure that their concerns were addressed.
” The commission is also coming up with an agenda to work on to remove the doubt of some stakeholders regarding the transparency of the institution,” Mrs Mensa said.
Media partnership
The EC Chairperson stressed the need for the media to assist the commission in rolling out its various electoral reforms.
She gave an assurance that the commission would open its doors to answer any questions regarding its operations.
” The commission has always considered the media its number one stakeholder since without them it will be extremely difficult to get to the public,” Mrs Mensa said.
Source: Daily Graphic
Top 10 finalists for MTN heroes of change season 5
MTN Ghana Foundation has announced the names and projects of the top 10 finalists for MTN Heroes of Change Season 5.
The final 10 nominees are Diana Adjei, Rev Fr Akologo, Dominic Alale Azumah, Justin Yelevielbayire, Mawusi Awity, Charles Ofori Antipem, Daniel Owusu Asiamah, Frank Abeku Adams, Benjamin Akinkang, David Hagan, and Louisa Enyonam Ansah.
Their projects which ranges from health, education and economic empowerment have benefited members of their communities over the years.
Prior to the selection of the 10 finalist by the independent jury, a team was dispatched into the communities to authenticate and verify their projects. Following the verification process, a report was presented to the Jury for further reviews after which the top 10 projects were selected.
The work of the finalists are being filmed and will be featured in a 13 week television series which will begin in a few weeks.
The TV series will be followed by an award ceremony in August 2019 to announce the ultimate hero and category winners. The ultimate winner will receive a cash prize of GH¢100, 000 whilst the three category winners will be awarded GH¢30,000 each to be invested in their projects for wider impact.
MTN Ghana Foundation will also present Special Awards to selected media personnel and young heroes who are also driving change in their respective areas.
Commenting on Heroes of Change Season 5, the Corporate Services Executive of MTN Ghana Mr. Samuel Koranteng said, “we are excited with the quality of projects received for season 5. We hope to support their initiatives by providing the platform to showcase their contributions and attract more support from other organizations. We look forward to crowning the ultimate winner in August 2019”
MTN Heroes of Change Season 5 was launched in November 2018 and submission of entries ended on 25th January 2019. Since the inception of MTN Heroes of Change in July 2013, a total of forty people have been identified and recognized on MTN Heroes of Change platform for committing their personal resources to improve their communities and brightening lives.
Four out of the total number emerged ultimate winners. They are Dr. Abrokwa-Yenkyera, a plastic surgeon and founder of Grafts Foundation, Madam Paulina Opei, founder of Save our Lives Orphanage, Genevieve Basigha founder of Research Utilization School for the Deaf and Naomi Esi Amoah of Blessed Home Orphanage.
Ghana | Atinkaonline.com
Friday, May 24 newspaper front pages
Daily Graphic:
.* Pedestrians in danger; naked live wires portend electrocutions
* Man heads for court over EC’s online registration
* I’ve not seen any MoU – Konor of Manya Krobo
* Court orders arbitration on uniBank
Ghanaian Times:
* Shatta Wale, Stonebwoy banned, stripped of VGMA awards
* Let’s smoke peace pipe to end protracted legislation – Global Evangelical Church to EP Church
* Danger looms at Kwame Nkrumah Interchange as illegal bus terminals spring up close to rail track
Chronicle:
* ‘Ganja’ boys butcher soldier in T’di
* Church takes over Labour Office
* Court orders former NCA bosses to open defence
Finder:
* Open your defence, judge orders accused persons in $4m NCA case
* Job fair opens employment opportunities for over 1,500
* Introduce regulatory regime to control arms in Ghana – CDS to Govt
* 6 Ghana missions abroad issuing passports
Weekend Today:
* Who is holding “locked up funds” of customers?
New Crusading Guide:
* We lied, GH¢500,000 bribe was false – Okay FM, Nkrumah Tikesie, Kwame Amoh apologise to Anas
* Group to sue CharterHouse for stripping Shatta Wale, Stonebwoy of awards
Herald:
* Agric Minister’s boy fumbling at Opuni and Agongo trial
* Juju scare hits Bureau of Ghana Languages
* Ayorkor Botchwey opens Koforidua & Tema Passport Centres
B&FT:
* Economic gains to sustain aviation growth
* Govt poised to shore up forex earnings with NTEs – Afriyie Akoto
* Release land for community mining – W/R Minister urges chiefs
Goldstreet Business:
* Six oil exploration blocks up for grabs in Voltaian basin
* Producer inflation remains flat in April at 7.1%
* Govt restructures loans of GRIDCo and Ghana Gas
Ghana | Atinkaonline.com
Zakir Musa: India's 'most wanted' militant killed in Kashmir
Zakir Musa, described as “India’s most wanted” militant, has been killed in Indian-administered Kashmir, the army has confirmed.
The army said that he was shot dead after they trapped him inside a house in south Kashmir’s Tral district.
Musa split from the Hizbul Mujahideen, one of the largest groups fighting Indian rule in Kashmir, and declared his allegiance to al-Qaeda in 2017.
His killing has already brought protests in the Muslim-majority state.
Zakir Musa, whose real name is Zakir Rashid Bhat, was a close aide of Burhan Wani, a charismatic Kashmiri militant leader, whose killing by security forces in 2016 sparked widespread protests. More than 100 civilians lost their lives during four months of clashes with security forces in the Kashmir valley that year.
Local media have said that Zakir Musa’s death is the “biggest victory” for the Indian armed forces since the killing of Wani.
It is unclear how many fighters were in his Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind group.
The one-line army statement confirming his death read: “Op Dadasur (Pulwama). One terrorist killed. Terrorist identified as Zakir Musa. Weapons and warlike stores recovered. Operation over.”
Kashmir-based journalist Sameer Yasir told the BBC that officials are braced for violence following the confirmation of Zakir Musa’s death.
However, with news of the killing trickling out, unrest has already started, he says.
“Protesters have clashed with police at many places since morning. Many people shouting ‘Musa Musa Zakir Musa’ also gathered at the only highway that connects Srinagar with the rest of India and threw stones at forces. The police have been retaliating with tear gas shells and pellet guns,” Mr Yasir added.
Mobile internet services have been suspended and a curfew imposed in the region. Schools and colleges have been asked to remain closed on Friday.
India blames Pakistan for fomenting violence in the region by supporting militancy – a charge Pakistan denies.
Since 1989, Kashmir has been convulsed by regular episodes of violence that have killed more than 70,000 people, including many Kashmiri Hindus targeted by militants in the early 1990s.
Source: BBC
How social media reacted to Stonebwoy-Shatta VGMA ban
The Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA’s) Scheme board has placed an indefinite ban on self acclaimed dancehall artistes, Stonebwoy and Shatta Wale.
The two, henceforth, will not participate in the nominations, selection nor perform at the VGMA’s.
This decision of the board comes after Dancehall Artiste, Stonebwoy, born Livingston Satekla allegedly pulled a gun at the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards after being allegedly attacked by Shatta Wale.
Stonebwoy was reportedly called to receive an award for the best Reggae/Dancehall artiste of the year for the fifth time running.
Reports gathered at the Accra International Conference Center (AICC) indicated that Shatta Wale who was furious over the award angrily decided to climb the stage despite restrains from security at the venue.
The show later resumed with electrifying performance by Samini.
At a press briefing Thursday Morning at Alisa Hotel in Accra, the VGMA stripped off all awards won on the night and asked the two to return all plaques presented to them to Charter House.
Music enthusiasts took to social media to express their displeasure.
See screenshots of comments below:
Ghana | Atinkaonline.com | Vivian Adu Boatemaa
PDS blamable for bloody clash_ Lower Manya constituency MP
The Member of Parliament for Lower Manya constituency of the Eastern Region, Ebenezer Terlabi, has blamed the Power Distribution Company (PDS) for the latest clash between Krobo-Odumase youth and officials of the power company.
According to him, PDS ignored his plea not to disconnect power supply to the people until after resolution of the claim of overbilling, which had been the underlying issue of the misunderstanding.
The MP also said officials of the PDS refused his suggestion of not involving the police in executing the disconnection exercise.
He explained that the people had already had a bad experience with the police, who brutalised them when they clashed during a demonstration a couple of weeks back over the same issues.
As sighted on Myjoyonline.com, Wednesday’s clash resulted in the death of a young man believed to be in his 20’s, with two other people being left in critical conditions.
However, reports indicated that at least about 35 persons were arrested by the police during the clash.
The violent clash ensued when the residents allegedly blocked the main road in the town to prevent PDS officers who were being escorted by police personnel, to switch off the main transformer that supplies power to the town.
The disconnection exercise had been occasioned by unpaid electricity bills that had accrued from 2014.
The residents had claimed that they were overbilled by the PDS and wanted the company to do a reconciliation of the figures.
But speaking on JoyNews TV, the people’s representative in the legislature, Mr. Terlabi was of the belief that the latest development could have been avoided.
“We had arranged a meeting between us and PDS tomorrow. So yesterday and today PDS was not supposed to go to Lower Manya to do any disconnection or collection of bills,” he told News Anchor Bernice Abu Baidoo-Lansa, Thursday.
He said following the first clash with the police which left some of the protesting youth with injuries, one would have expected the PDS would carry out their exercise in the Odumase area in accordance with agreed terms, to maintain a peaceful atmosphere there.
“And these people are still nursing those wounds so if PDS decides to come in to disconnect and then you come with the police again [then] it raises a lot of concern,” the concerned lawmaker added.
Ghana| Atinkaonline.com
I am now the spiritual President of the world- Obinim Brags
The founder of the International Godways Church, Bishop Daniel Obinim has revealed that no one comes closer to him when it about work in the spiritual realm making him the spiritual President of the world.
In a televised video, he brags of how he is able to do several things in the spirit which God has blessed him with making him the Spiritual President ahead of other Men of God.
“When it comes to money others are richer than me, when it comes to houses and cars others have better and luxurious cars than me, when it comes to English others speak better and are more learned than I am but when it comes to the work of the Spirit, I am the president of the whole world”, he revealed.
According to him, he is the only person the world over who can go into the spirit and change into a woman, child and other creatures to execute the directive of God.
“I can change into an animal in the spirit or change into a different person. I do this to give money, heal the sick, bless people with marriage, give those seeking the fruit of the womb and those seeking to travel abroad”, he stressed.
He has therefore asked Ghanaians to stop insulting him and comparing him to others because his vision is different from others and that if he is unable to make it to heaven he will be hurt.
Source: Mynewsgh.com
Pay fans their voting money before you take the awards – Criss Waddle
Rapper Criss Waddle has stated in a tweet that organizers of the 2019 Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA), Charterhouse Ghana Limited, should pay back the money fans of Shatta Wale and Stonebwoy have invested in voting for their artistes for the VGMA awards they won.
Earlier today, organizers of the 2019 Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA) Charterhouse Ghana Limited, have banned dancehall artistes Shatta Wale and Stonebwoy indefinitely from the annual Ghana Music Awards.
The ban was announced at a press conference the organizers of the awards held on Thursday May 23 morning in Accra to brief the press about the decisions the organizers have taken.
Amandzeba Nat Brew, chairman of the board giving the outcome after a meeting they had on Tuesday added that all awards the two musicians won on May 18 during the event are stripped of .
They further asked Shatta Wale and Stonebwoy to return all awards they won on the night.
In a tweet, Criss Waddle humbly asked organizers to pay back the fans since the awards are been taken back.
“Taking back your awards is okay ONLY after you give back their fans voting money and Transport Money they wasted.
Taking back your awards is okay ONLY after you give back their fans voting money and Transport Money they wasted
— Criss Waddle (@CrissWaddle) May 23, 2019
