“Menzgold debacle tragic, learn the necessary lessons” – Nana Addo to Ghanaians

President Akufo Addo has asked Ghanaians to learn the necessary lessons from the Menzgold crises even as the authorities try to unravel the circumstances surrounding the issue.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in 2018 asked embattled Gold trading firm, Menzgold, to stop gold trading operations with the public.

According to the SEC, Menzgold had been dealing in the purchase and deposit of gold collectables from the public and issuing contracts with guaranteed returns with clients, without a valid license from the Commission.

President Akufo Addo delivering the State of the Nation Address in Parliament Thursday stated that the MenzGold debacle is a tragic phenomenon that appears to have occurred in plain sight, and affected a lot of people, in spite of warnings from official institutions.

“As the authorities try to unravel the intricacies of the MenzGold saga I admonish Ghanaians to learn the necessary lessons, even as State institutions work to bring a resolution and those who indulged in criminal activities, are brought to justice,”he said.

Akufo Addo noted that the existence of a body such as the newly-inaugurated Presidential Financial Stability Advisory Council will have forestalled the emergence of the Menzgold saga. He added that the Presidential Financial Stability Advisory Council will make it difficult, in future, for any such scheme to get off the ground.

Ghana | Atinkaonline.com  

LIVE VIDEO: President delivers State of the Nation Address

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The only way in our system to begin to deal with politically-related violence is through the work of a Commission of Inquiry

#SONA2019

I could have sat out the violence at Ayawaso, as some did, for Akwatia, Atiwa, Chereponi, Talensi and Amenfi West, but that would not be in the interest of democracy. The time has come to put an end to the phenomenon of politically-related violence

#SONA2019

Ghanaians are also expectant of a return to normalcy of all football-related activities as soon as possible, and the Normalization Committee is working to ensure that they meet the March deadline

#SONA2019

Funds have also been released for the completion of the University of Ghana Sports Stadium, started by the Kufuor-led NPP Government, but abandoned soon after 2009

#SONA2019

We have begun renovating and upgrading our sporting infrastructure such as the Accra and Cape Coast Sports Stadia, and the Azumah Nelson Sports Complex in Kaneshie, and a complete refurbishment of sports facilities across the country

#SONA2019

Ghana last year won the bid to host the 13th All Africa Games. It presents our nation with the opportunity to upgrade sporting infrastructure, and position our nation as a preferred destination for the development of sporting disciplines on the continent

#SONA2019

I am happy to state that Parliament has virtually completed its deliberations on the RTIBill, and any moment from now, the nation will hear the news of its passage. I will happily give my assent to it as soon as it is brought to my table

#SONA2019

Railway development is coming in a big way to Ghana and it will open up our country to development

#SONA2019

Gov't is committing an extra $1 billion into the development of the railway network 

#SONA2019

We have been busy this past year supplying the police with equipment, cars, motorbikes, drones and other vital policing equipment. Financial clearance has been given, and they are in the process of recruiting up to 4,000 men and women into the service

#SONA2019

The amendment of LI 1332, seeking to change the length of service of the men and women of the other ranks of the Armed Forces from 25 to 30 years and the associated career progression plan, has been reviewed, laid and passed by Parliament

#SONA2019

This year, we will complete and commission the 500-bed Military Hospital in the Ashanti Region, and begin the third phase of this project

#SONA2019

We will provide improved training facilities by transforming the Military Academy into a World Class Institution, and expand the housing project from six 16 flats to 44, and begin constructing 160 2-bedroom apartments across the country

#SONA2019

I will present 50 ANKAI Buses to the Armed Forces, the first tranche of the 138 Staff and Operational Vehicles of various categories, and 26 dispatch motorbikes. This year, we will provide the Army with 30 Otokar APCs, and 6 Fast Patrol Boats for the Navy

#SONA2019

We're pleased to have fulfilled its promise to the military by increasing the United Nations Peacekeeping Troops contribution allowances from $30 to $35 per soldier per day. And as promised, we will pay the troops regularly at the operational areas

#SONA2019

There are plans to replicate these ranches in other parts of the country

#SONA2019

The Armed Forces assisted the National Security to embark on Operation Roadstar, and a 40-acre cattle ranch has been constructed to accommodate over 6,000 cattle at Wawase, in Afram Plains, and reducing the tensions in the area with nomadic herdsmen

#SONA2019

[On reopened Obuasi Mine]

The development of Obuasi will reflect the wealth its soil produces like its counterparts around the world

#SONA2019

$185m dollars of loan money has been allocated for the creation of some landing sites in selected fishing communities

#SONA2019

The existence of a body such as the newly-inaugurated Presidential Financial Stability Advisory Council would have forestalled the emergence of the Menzgold saga, and will make it difficult, in future, for any such scheme to get off the ground

#SONA2019

As the authorities try to unravel the intricacies of the MenzGold saga I admonish Ghanaians to learn the necessary lessons, even as State institutions work to bring a resolution and those who indulged in criminal activities, are brought to justice.

#SONA2019

The MenzGold debacle is a tragic phenomenon that appears to have occurred in plain sight, and affected a lot of people, in spite of warnings from official institutions

#SONA2019

I urge that we all be patient for investigations into the collapse of the banks to proceed

#SONA2019

The woes of the banking sector have been the result of long-standing bad banking practice. We could ill-afford the money for the sector cleanup but it was necessary and the banking sector has emerged stronger

#SONA2019

MASLOC has been revamped and is doing what it was set up for. There's been strict adherence to credit procedures

#SONA2019

Our local textile industry has been struggling for years. We've decided to give them a stimulus to put them back on the right footing

#SONA2019

Today oil companies such as ExxonMobile and Aker have signed petroleum exploration agreements with Ghana

#SONA2019

After many years of almost giving up, it took an NPP to discover oil in Ghana.

13 oil blocks were signed under the NDC but not a single one was developed.

The first one signed under my government has led to the second biggest oil discovery in Ghana

#SONA2019

The Jubilee House from August this year, will be powered by solar energy as an example to others

#SONA2019

I'm pleased to announce that gas production tripled from 100m to 300m cubic feet in the last year

#SONA2019

It's unfortunate that in 2019 we have to come back to this but open defecation cannot be a characteristic of a country hoping to be counted among the developed ones

#SONA2019

Extensive discussions are being concluded on ways to relieve Ghana of the plastic menace

#SONA2019

Last year I reiterated my pledge to making Accra the cleanest City in Africa by the end of my term. There's been a significant improvement, although I acknowledge that more can be done

#SONA2019

Several tourist sites including the Elmina Heritage Bay, the Tetteh Quarshie farms and the Kintampo waterfalls are undergoing upgrades

#SONA2019

Several tourist sites including the Elimina Heritage Bay, the Tetteh Quarshie farms and the Kintampo waterfalls are undergoing upgrades

#SONA2019

We are not getting as many people coming into Ghana as we should. We're making a special effort to attract tourists under the See Ghana, Eat Ghana, Wear Ghana campaign

#SONA2019

We're continuing with initiatives to improving the Creative Arts Sector and are finalising the Creative Arts Bill

#SONA2019

We're putting in place plans to prevent the perennial flooding caused by the spillage of the Bage Dam which has resulted in lives and properties being lost. Desilting of the White Volta will take place this year

#SONA2019

The Saglemi Housing project started by the NDC is high on our list of priorities this year. The 5, 000 units it offers will boost our housing situation

#SONA2019

Drone technology has been introduced into the health system for the delivery of medical products and blood while we're expecting the delivery of 275 ambulances in June

#SONA2019

In May 2018, Ghana won accolades at the World Health Organisation for our work in eradicating some diseases

#SONA2019

Poverty should not be an excuse for any Ghanaian child not to reach their potential. Young people ought to have options on their career paths so construction of 10 new TVET centres will take place this year

#SONA2019

We are sparing any effort to make education in Ghana of the best quality and fit for the 21st century

#SONA2019

Our ports remain national assets we must manage them to improve trade for the benefit of Ghanaians
#SONA2019
The fight against child labour has chalked some moderate success. Ghana has moved up from on the trafficking watchlist
#SONA2019
We intend to introduce measures that will ensure that we have the firmest foundations for the economic takeoff that has eluded us for so long
#SONA2019
Our efforts are bearing fruits and the world is taken notice of the improvement in our economic fundamentals 
#SONA2019

We have imposed fiscal discipline and business confidence is growing. We will maintain the discipline and develop our country 

#SONA2019

For the first time, we recorded a trade surplus (more exports than imports) in 2017

#SONA2019

The debt to GDP ratio has declined from 56.6% in 2016 to 54.8% at the end of 2018

#SONA2019

Ghana's recent GDP growth has placed it among the highest in the world  

#SONA2019

This is the 16th time Ghana has had to go to the IMF. We can't make the progress we desire until we are consistent in the management of our own economy

#SONA2019

In addition to the creation of 38 MDAs, the way is being paved for the elections of MMDCEs. It's expected that a referendum will be held. I call for the same bipartisan support we saw for the referendum on the new regions

#SONA2019

The political capital does not necessarily have to be the site of all the institutions and that will guide us in setting up the new regions

#SONA2019

This past week, the grounds of the Jubilee House were marked with celebration as we handed over the CIs legitimising the creation of the new regions

#SONA2019

I pray that we all continue the process until peace becomes the fabric of Dagbion 

#SONA2019

I'm certainly not looking for praise for the peace that has come to Dagbon. I want time, money and effort to be spent on making Dagbon and Ghana great

#SONA2019

Thousands of our compatriots were in Dagbon to share in the joy of the New Yaa Naa's coronation a month ago. It marked the climax of a tortuous journey and a hard grind #SONA2019

Ghana | Atinkaoanline.com | Ishmael Atiemo

SONA: Measures to stop Bagre Dam perennial flooding underway-Akufo-Addo

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"We are putting in place plans to prevent the perennial flooding caused by the spillage of the Bagre Dam which has resulted in lives and properties being lost", President Akufo Addo has said.

The Bagre flood waters have been hounding out Ghanaian residents and settlers in the Upper East, Upper West and Northern regions.

During a rainy season up North, the dam could no longer contain anymore beyond its 235m depth.

The President while delivering the State of the Nation Address Thursday assured Ghanaians of government’s plans to make the perennial spillage of the Bagre Dam a thing of the past.

He also added that the Odawna storm drains which has caused many issues is undergoing works by a team of engineers to ensure its permanently resolved.

Ghana | Atinkaonline.com

“I am mindful of the next generation and not the next election” – Akufo Addo

The president of the Republic of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo, says he is mindful of next generation and not the next election hence his determination in running a responsible administration at all cost.

Addressing the general public at the  Sate of the Nation Address in Parliament Wednesday, President Akufo Addo noted that that his administration is committed to ensuring equitable distribution of infrastructure and resources in all regions..

According to the President, his administration intends to introduce measures that will ensure that we have the firmest foundations for the economic takeoff that has eluded us for so long.

He maintained that the NPP will ensure discipline and bring progress to Ghana.

“Ghana’s GDP growth is among the highest in the world. Our GDP growth in 2019 is forecasted at 7.9% … in 2018 we hosted the MD of IMF and this was the very first-time such personality has stepped foot in the country”, he added.

Ghana | Atinkaonline.com

SONA: 62nd Independence celebration to be marked in Tamale

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The President of the Republic of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo -Addo, says the 62nd Independence celebration of Ghana will be held in Tamale as part of measures to enhance peace in Dagbon.

The President made the remark at the state of the Nation Address in Parliament Thursday.

“As part of the peace in Dagon, I have decided that the 62nd Independence Day Celebration on 6th March be held in Tamale.”

“We spent enough time, energy and money to resolve the Dagbon dispute and I pray that we all continue the process until peace becomes the fabric of Dagbon," he said..

Ghana | atinkaonline.com 

SONA: Ghanaians disappointed in NPP over failed promises -NDC

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Few hours before the State Of the Nation’s Address (SONA) 2019, some members of the NDC have expressed disappointment in the NPP government for failing to deliver its promises.

The SONA 2019 will be the third to be delivered by the President Nana Addo Dankwah Akufo-Ado since he assumed office.

Speaking on Atinka TV  Thursday,  a Communications Team Member of the NDC, Ebenezer Ofosu-Yalley said the government’s failure to deliver on its promises has left Ghanaians in a state of disappointment.

He listed a number of the promises made by the government including the 1D1F, one million one constituency, security and sanitation which has not been successful till date.

Mr Yalley also argued that amongst the numerous promises made by the government, all the government has done is to use Free SHS to cover up other initiatives when questioned about.

“Ghana is suffering from serious sanitation crisis. Businesses are going down, banks are collapsing, stock exchange businesses are suffering and you are doing SONA 2019 to tell us what?,” he said.

Meanwhile, a Communications Team Member of the NPP, Ernest Kumi countered the argument, saying that the NPP government has delivered enough for Ghanaians to feel comfortable.

“In terms of infrastructure the railway sector is doing well. During their time, none of the trains were working, but in our time we have railway sector back on its feet,” he said.

 

Ghana | Atinkaonline.com  Porcia Oforiwaa Ofori

John Mahama is right, NDC is more violent

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Former President John Mahama got it right this time. His claim that NDC cannot be equaled in violence was proven in Kumasi during a party meeting three days ago. 

For all the negative press the NPP’s Delta and Invincible forces have courted, they do not include murder.

At the time of going to press, the family of Abdul Wasiu Idrissu, the National Democratic Congress member who was shot and killed allegedly by the NDC Hawks had buried him.

I underestimated the former president on violence when he invoked the bloody past of the NDC to launch his now infamous ‘boot- for-boot’ campaign in his 2nd coming for the presidency.

I was wrong. I see blood all over the 2020 elections. John Mahama’s hawks are ‘armed to the bone’. Needless to say the National Security infested NPP thugs are armed with more than facemasks.

Assuming the Electoral Commission and the police will be fair, we can count on them to protect Ghana against bloody elections. But they will not. And neither can anyone count on the courts to dispense justice in the event of an electoral dispute.

2020 may just be a Jerry Rawlings 1979 and 81 bloodbaths on replay, only that it will be led by John Mahama and met squarely by the mask-wearing NPP goons.   It is ballot papers that will be splash with blood. 

Myjoyonline.com

Zoomlion automates street cleaning to achieve cleaner cities

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Waste management giant, Zoomlion Ghana limited has deployed mechanical road sweepers to be used across the various cities in the country to help achieve the President’s vision of making Ghana a clean nation.

The mechanical street sweepers, the first of its kind to be used in the country, comes with special features to scrub dirt by spraying water unto the road surface and sweep debris onto a conveyer belt to significantly reduce airborne dust.

Speaking at a ceremony in Accra to unveil an initial fleet of ten mechanical road sweepers, the Executive Chairman of the Jospong Group, Dr. Joseph Siaw Agyepong indicated that the mechanical road sweepers will greatly enhance the work of the manual road sweeping done by its project staff.

Describing the initiative as a major step towards achieving cleaner cities, Dr. Agyepong pointed out that the innovation among an integrated waste management solutions being provided by the company will consolidate synergies to achieve the President’s vision of making Accra a clean city.

He said the deployment of over 500 additional waste trucks, construction of waste transfer stations in Achimota and Teshie, installation of mobile composting plants across the regions, provision of medical waste treatment plant, haulage and treatment of liquid waste, provision of waste bins to every household among others are key projects towards making the nation clean.

He was optimistic that the introduction of the mechanized road sweepers as an addition to the numerous interventions by the company will make the country clean and a favorite hub for tourism.

The Deputy Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Mr. Collins Ntim in an address commended Zoomlion for its solution-based initiatives that is immensely contributing in keeping the country clean.

“I want to be honest here again that Jospong and Zoomlion is doing quite well in terms of such innovations as evident in the inauguration of these sweepers. Indeed, your outfit keeps springing up surprises to augment the ministry’s efforts and that is commendable. We need more of your kind to completely nib in the bud the waste management menace facing this country”, he revealed.

He advised the handlers of the road sweepers to use it for its purpose and adhere to proper maintenance culture.

The Greater Accra Minister, Hon. Ishmael Ashitey and the Mayor of Accra took turns to commend the good works of Jospong and urged the public to play their part in ensuring that the country is kept clean.

Ghana | Atinkaonline.com

Jussie Smollett charged with filing false Police Report about alleged attack

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Police say the “Empire” actor made a false report of a racist and homophobic assault in Chicago that sparked a nationwide uproar.

Jussie Smollett faces a possible prison sentence after police said Wednesday that the actor filed a false report about a racist and homophobic assault he claimed to have suffered in Chicago, local outlets confirmed. 

The Cook County state attorney’s office revealed it was charging Smollett with disorderly conduct in connection with filing a false report, a felony. A bond hearing is set for Thursday afternoon, ABC 7 Chicago reported. 

Smollett, 36, came under scrutiny after anonymous law enforcement sources came forward claiming that the actor may have paid two men to stage the attack. Smollett said initially that two masked men assaulted him in the early hours of Jan. 29, wrapped a rope around his neck, poured bleach on him, yelled racial and homophobic slurs, and said, “this is MAGA country,” a reference to President Donald Trump’s Make America Great Again slogan, as they fled the scene. Immediately after the attack, police said they were investigating it as a possible hate crime.

Wednesday’s announcement comes hours after police called the actor “a suspect in a criminal investigation … for filing a false police report.”

Once rumors began swirling and law enforcement sources came forward with new information, the Chicago Police Department confirmed on Feb. 16 that the trajectory of its investigation had “shifted” toward Smollett. 

At the time, his attorneys denied that the attack was a hoax.

“He has now been further victimized by claims attributed to these alleged perpetrators that Jussie played a role in his own attack,” a statement read. “Nothing is further from the truth and anyone claiming otherwise is lying.”

Smollett had previously said he was “pissed off” that people were questioning his story.

“At first it was a thing of like, ’Listen, if at first I tell the truth, then that’s it, ’cause it’s the truth.’ Then it became a thing of like, ‘Oh, how can you doubt that? How do you not believe that? It’s the truth,’” he said in an interview with “Good Morning America.” “And then it became a thing of like, ‘Oh, it’s not necessarily that you don’t believe that this is the truth, you don’t even want to see the truth.’”

huffpost

SONA2019: Akufo-Addo to deliver third State of the Nation Address today

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The President’s third State of the Nation Address (SONA) to Parliament on Thursday will outline key economic successes chalked since he assumed power in 2017, government sources have said.

He is also expected to give a progress report on some of government flagship programmes like the ‘One District One Factory’ and measures instituted to beat down the cost of doing business.

Atinkaonline.com , Atinka FM and Atinka TV will bring to you full coverage of the President's address from parliament.

Ghana | Atinkaoanline.com | Ishmael Atiemo