ECG demands copy of “so-called MoU” from Somanya residents

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The Public Relations Offcier(PRO) for the Tema Region of the ECG, Ms Sakyiwaa Mensah says the ECG will consider the people of Somanya if they are able to provide a copy of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which states that the people were not supposed to pay electricity bills to the ECG for a number of years.

According to her, if they have the documents, they will turn to government to either demand the arrears or speak about how to get their money with government in order to continue running their business.

ECG recently shut down its office in Somanya in the Yilo Krobo District of the Eastern Region due to safety concerns.

About the same time, there was total blackout in the town.

This was after residents of Somanya in the Eastern Region embarked on a demonstration to agitate high electricity bills from the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).

The Residents threatened to deal with the ECG workers if they do not do the right thing or vacate the Somanya lands.

They said they were tired of paying accumulated bills, hence took to the streets to register their agitations.

They accused the Electricity Company of Ghana of providing faulty prepaid meters to residents which is taking a toll on their finances.

The protesters claimed their ancestors were promised free electricity during the construction of the Akosombo Hydro-electric Dam in the 1960s.

Read Also: Airlines to pay U$3,500 for each unvaccinated passenger at KIA

But speaking on Atinka TV’s morning show Ghana Nie, with Ekourba Gyasi Simpremu, Ms Sakyiwaa Mensah said they asked for a copy of the particular MoU but they had not received it from the people of Somanya.

She said if it was true that government signed an MoU with the people, they will continue to abide by it or make amendment moving forward.

Ghana| Atinkaonline.com| Porcia Oforiwaa Ofori
Writer’s email: [email protected]

Ave Maria School Holds 21st Graduation

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The Ave Maria School in Dansoman, Accra, has held its 21st graduation ceremony on the theme, “Digitalizing Education in the 21st Century: The Role of Stakeholders.”

The 2021 class consisted of 84 Junior High School graduates – who are currently awaiting their Basic Certificate Examination (BECE) results and 73 Kindergarten “2” pupils who graduated to stage 1 of the main school.

The event drew hundreds of people, including parents, guardians, well-wishers, and observers. The graduation ceremony saw an exciting display of choreography by the kindergarten 2 pupils, cadet performance by the KG “2” pupils while the JHS students treated the audience to a spectacular afro-beat dance.

The Managing Proprietor of the school, Mr. Michael Sarfo Antwi said even with the existence of covid – 19, the Ave Maria school strived “daily to provide a safe, warm and conducive environment for pupils to achieve academic, sporting, cultural and life-long learning”.

Mr Antwi said despite the tough economic times the country finds itself in, it is important that parents go the extra mile to give their children the best education they deserve.

Read Also: Airlines to pay U$3,500 for each unvaccinated passenger at KIA

He said: “We are all aware of the economic crisis these days but we need to go the extra mile to educate our children. We know that to fulfill their potential at school, pupils and students must be happy and secure with their friends whose company they enjoy and the teachers whom they trust and respect”.

Mr Antwi said it was the obligation of Ave Maria school to challenge students to strive for the highest standards, both in their learning and in their lives.

He said: “We know that in order to fulfill their potential at school, pupils and students must be happy and secure with their friends whose company they enjoy and the teachers whom they trust and respect.

The Guest Speaker of the occasion, Stallone Nyarko, who spoke on behalf of the Minister for Communication and Digitalization, Ursula Owusu- Ekuful advised the students to be curious, time conscious, and have a sense of purpose. He said the internet was a huge source of information and challenged students to explore it at all times.

He explained that due to the huge source of information on the internet now, it is the responsibility of students to find out things for themselves and not wait for anybody to give them information.

He also advised parents to introduce their children to ICT at an early stage.

Ave Maria school was founded in 1982 as a private Catholic school and has persisted in posting excellent BECE results.

Ghana | Atinkaonline.com

ECG: We’ll only return to Somanya if police protection is assured

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The Public Relations Officer(PRO) for the Tema Region of the ECG, Ms Sakyiwaa Mensah says her colleagues will only return to their Somanya office if they get police protection.

ECG recently shut down its office in Somanya in the Yilo Krobo District of the Eastern Region due to safety concerns.

About the same time, there was total blackout in the town.

This was after residents of Somanya in the Eastern Region embarked on a demonstration to agitate high electricity bills from the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).

The Residents threatened to deal with the ECG workers if they do not do the right thing or vacate the Somanya lands.

They said they were tired of paying accumulated bills, hence took to the streets to register their agitations.

Read Also: Fuel price down by 15 Pesewas after drivers’ strike

Scores of aggrieved customers were seen holding placards with inscriptions, “We don’t want you,” “We want VRA,” “Freedom from ECG,” “We will not pay bills” “ECG move from Krobo lands” among others.

Some of the demonstrators who spoke to Atinka News’ Maame Akosua expressed their displeasure with the high electricity bills the Electricity Company of Ghana assigns to residents in Somanya.

They accused the Electricity Company of Ghana of providing faulty prepaid meters to residents which is taking a toll on their finances.

But after the intervention of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr.George Akuffo Dampare, power was restored at Somanya.

Speaking on Atinka TV’s morning show, Ghana Nie, with Ekourba Gyasi Simpremu, Ms Sakyiwaa Mensah said they vacated their offices in Somanya because they were scared of the threats by the people.

On the opening of their office, she said management was yet to take a decision on that but until then, it remained closed.

Meanwhile she said they will only go there when they have police protection.

Ms Sakyiwaa Mensah also said they supplied power because they have the assurance that their system can work well without causing any harm to anyone.

However, she said they were ready to dialogue with the people on the matter to see best ways to address pending issues.

“We are open to dialogue because we need this issue to be resolved once and for all. We need our customers to pay their debt for the survival of the business,” she said.

Ghana| Atinkaonline.com| Porcia Oforiwaa Ofori
Writer’s email: [email protected]

I owe my fame to Kuami Eugene- Kwame Yogot

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Having traded in the underground circuit for about a decade, it took grit and perseverance for Kenneth Kyeremanteng, popularly known as Kwame Yogot to make a strong impression on the music industry. This persistence paid off in February 2021 when his single ‘Biibi Besi’ became one of Ghana’s biggest records, featuring Kuami Eugene. In view of this, the rapper says he owes his fame to Kuami Eugene.

Kwame Yogot disclosed that though his song with Kwami Eugene was a hit, he still sees himself as a struggling artiste trying to survive in the music space.

“When I hear people saying that I have blown in the music industry, I get amazed, because the level I want to reach, I haven’t seen myself there yet. I see myself not to have blown but rather an upcoming artiste who is struggling to breakthrough in the music space, ”he said.

Speaking to Nana Adwoa Annan, host of Juke Box on Atinka TV on Saturday, the rapper admitted that   due to Kwami Eugene’s influence on “Biibi Besi” song, his name has been “kept alive” within local music conversations, and hence he owes his fame to Eugene aside his management team.

Read Also: GTBank Di Asa: Tina, Aba, Kate, Angy and Efe evicted

“Kwami Eugene really helped in promoting the song and my name, even after our track, he still calls me anytime he has a show to perform and he is trying very hard to let people know the kind of  talent I have”, Yogot said.

Yogot disclosed that before his hit song with Kuami Eugene, he  worked with some great Ghanaian Artistes like Medikal, Fameye, Yaa Pono, Reggie Rockstone, Samini and also featured Castro on his 3k)yie song.

The rapper also revealed that, he would love to do a collaboration with Nigerian singer Simi, because she is his favourite female artiste. Meanwhile the “Biibi Besi” hit maker has released a new freestyle track, titled “Ama piano” featuring Kojo Manuel.

The new release by the budding rapper was produced by his record label, Sky Entertainment which he was signed on last year 2020.

Ghana | Atinkaonline.com  | Priscilla Fuah Harrison

NPP to check vaccination cards at Delegates’ Conference

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The Deputy General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Obiri Boahen says the upcoming National Annual Delegates Conference will not allow persons who have not taken their covid-19 vaccines or have their vaccination card to enter the event centre.

The ruling New Patriotic Party(NPP) has scheduled December, 18 to December 20, 2021, to hold its National Annual Delegates Conference in Kumasi, in the Ashanti region.

The Conference, according to the party leadership will be held in strict compliance with standard guidelines and Covid-19 health protocols.

Read Also: Airlines to pay U$3,500 for each unvaccinated passenger at KIA

Speaking on Atinka TV’s morning show, Ghana Nie, Nana Obiri Boahen said irrespective of one’s position, they will not allow the person to enter if he or she has not been vaccinated or has the card.

He said delegates who do not have the vaccination cards will also not be allowed to give their party cards to anyone to enter the conference in their stead.

“They say me as a Deputy General Secretary, if I have not vaccinated and have a vaccination card I will not enter. Whether you are the President, or Chairman Blay, if you do not have a covid card you will not enter. If you are the Vice President or the Party’s General Secretary coordinating the whole programme, if you do not have the card you will not enter, it is not a fight,” he said.

Ghana| Atinkaonline.com| Porcia Oforiwaa Ofori
Writer’s email: [email protected]

Airlines to pay U$3,500 for each unvaccinated passenger at KIA

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The Ghana Health Service (GHS), in collaboration with the Aviation Authority has warned that any Airline that brings in unvaccinated passengers to the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) will pay an amount of U$3,500 for each passenger.

They also stated that Airlines that allow passengers without PCR test results board their plane or bring in those who test positive to covid-19 will be surcharged US$3,500 per passenger.

According to the Ghana Health Service, it has to impose these directives in order to cut down on the increasing numbers of the covid-19 positive cases.

It noted that in November 2020, 168 cases were detected compared to 241 cases in November 2021, an increase of over 40%.

GHS again confirmed that the new variant, Omicron which is said to be more transmissible has been detected at the KIA.

Of the 34 cases detected, GHS said 75% of them were unvaccinated.

Over the last two weeks, it stated that cases from airport account for about 60% of the total cases recorded in the country.

Read Also: GTBank Di Asa season 5: Five More evicted

Meanwhile, GHS said the current increase in cases together with the detection of the Omicron variant among international arrivals and the expected increase during the festive season calls for urgent actions to prevent a major surge in COVID-19 cases in Ghana.

It has therefore directed that all persons, 18 years and above arriving in Ghana will be required to provide evidence of full vaccination for a COVID-19 vaccine.

“All unvaccinated Ghanaians and residents of Ghana who are currently outside the country and intend to return within 14 days from the midnight of 12″ December 2021 are exempted. However, they would be vaccinated on arrival at the airport,” GHS noted.

It added that all Ghanaians travelling out of the country are to be fully vaccinated effective midnight 12″ December 2021.

“Definition of Fully Vaccinated A person is said to be fully vaccinated when he/she has taken the full dose of vaccines approved and registered by the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), Ghana,” it stated.

Ghana| Atinkaonline.com| Porcia Oforiwaa Ofori
Writer’s email: [email protected]

GTBank Di Asa: Tina, Aba, Kate, Angy and Efe evicted

Tina, Aba, Kate, Anggy and Efe have been evicted from Atinka TV’s flagship reality show, GTBank Di Asa Season Five.

Despite having good dancing skills and audience appeal, the five were evicted because they had no votes.

Their eviction brings the number of contestants down to 23.
Tina, Aba, Kate, Anggy and Efe were all given goodies by the sponsors of the show.

In addition to that, they were all given GHC1,000 to transport them home.

20 out of the 60 contestants who entered the competition will be presented at the grand finale which will be held on 27th December 2021 at the Fantasy Dome.

The GTBank Di Asa Season Five will award the ultimate winner with a brand new salon car.

The first runner up will be given a mini truck (Abossey Okai Macho), while the second runner up takes home a tricycle (Aboboyaa).

Aside these, the queens will also enjoy goodies from the sponsors of the show.
Already, the vehicles for the winners have been purchased and received at the Head office of Atinka Media Village.

Meanwhile, the public is encouraged to vote for their favourite contestants on shortcode *737*215# on all networks to keep them in the competition.

Read Also: GTBank Di Asa season 5: Five More evicted

In other news: GTBank Di Asa Season 5: Obolo and friends go home

Obolo

Obolo and friends, Nazy, Angy baby, Abena Kiki and Ama Linda have been evicted from Atinka TV’s flagship reality show, GTBank Di Asa season five.

Despite being good dancers, the five could not go through because they had very little votes.

One of them who was evicted, Angy Baby for instance is one good dancer but unfortunately was evicted because she also placed bottom on the voting chart.

Obolo, Nazy, Angy baby, Abena Kiki
and Ama Linda were given souvenirs from all the sponsors of the show.

In addition to their goodies, they were given GHC1,000 each to transport them to their various homes.

Ghana| Atinkaonline.com| Porcia Oforiwaa Ofori
Writer’s email: [email protected]

Zoomlion donates GHC50,000 towards Ghana National Mosque project

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The Management and Staff of Zoomlion Ghana limited, led by the Executive Chairman, Dr. Joseph Siaw Agyepong has donated GHC50,000.00 to the National Chief Imam of Ghana as support for the Ghana National Mosque Complex Project.

The donation was the climax of the Annual Thanksgiving Service of the Jospong Group of Companies of which Zoomlion Ghana Limited leads the Environment and Sanitation Cluster of subsidiaries today at the instance of the National Chief Imam, Dr. Osmanu Sharabutu.
The motive was to give thanks to the Almighty Allah for his grace and mercies throughout a successful year of 2021.

The Chief Executive Chairman of Jospong Group of Companies, Dr. Joseph Siaw Agyepong said it was imperative to thank God for sustaining the peaceful atmosphere in the country where his outfit undertook most of its businesses.

Ghana National Mosque Complex Project

He alluded to the fact that, the Lord had been so good and wonderful to the people of Ghana and therefore deserved to be praised and worshipped.

Receiving the donation on behalf of the Muslim Community in Ghana, the Chief Imam Dr. Osmanau Nuhu Sharabutu expressed his profound gratitude to the management and Staff of Zoomlion.

Read Also: Kejefair 2021: Let your business become the next big disruptor

He used the opportunity to pray for the Executive Chairman, Management and Staff of Zoomlion Ghana and the entire Jospong Group of Companies and asked for God’s blessings in their work.

The donation took place at the premises of the mosque, on Friday 10th December 2021 after the Jumma’ah prayer.

Ghana | Atinkaonline.com

Kejefair 2021: Let your business become the next big disruptor

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When Small and Medium Enterprises understand the essence of Branding, Finance, Taxation and Public Relations, the result is certainly an optimal business that rakes in not only profits but a maximized public relationship.

Information, the need for the Kejefair Business Seminar

In the lead up to the Kejefair Showcase slated for the 18th of December, the Kejefair Business Seminar was set-up to enhance and empower businesses to reach their full potential.

The Kejefair Business Seminar took place on the 11th of December, 2021 at Ma’dell’s Kitchen – Abelemkpe. The seminar congregated over 60 vendors who are poised to exhibit their goods and services at Kejefair. The participants of the seminar were coached and mentored by industry personages in the fields of Public Relations, Taxation, Business and Digital Branding, Banking and Finance. Kejefair recognized that a gap existed in the technical aspect of business with regards to the vendors they had engaged. In lieu of this, Kejefair set up the seminar as a platform to not only educate their vendors but also promote community, networking and mentorship.

The seminar speakers

For Public Relations, the participants were instructed by Media and Public Relations Consultant Mr. Kofi Asamoah.

“I have worked with most of the telcos in Ghana,” he said. “Sometimes a Telco will make a campaign not because they need to increase their margins but because they want to tae attention off their competitors. That is visibility being created right there- Brand Repertoire.”

He took participant through interactive exercises where they identified rifts in their business image and how best to improve public perception of their business.

Branding and Business Coach Miss, Afia Twumwaa Baffour covered the importance of Strategic Branding and Customer Engagement.

“You need to know that you are your brand and your brand reflects you and anything you do,” she stated.

An entrepreneur herself, Miss Afia Twumwaa Baffour took the participants through some tips and easy-to-do hacks which would propel their brands and cultivate a market niche.

Read Also: Heavy duty truck drivers pass out for “operation clean your frontage”

She added that the most vital aspect of branding is consistency and community- constantly engage your market and grow a relationship that builds your brands right into their lives.

Banking and Finance Expert Madam Gertrude Afriyie has first-hand experience dealing with kickstarting and growing SMEs. She lectured the participants on the importance of having a relationship with a bank, common financial mistakes many businesses make and the ‘Dos’ that assure they stay equitable.

“Banks bridge the gap between distance customers and access to funds. Banks also serve as buffers against exchange rates, which have been soaring even more so since the Covid pandemic,” she advised. “This is the time, if you never thought of it before, to engage a bank so you don’t suffer losses from exchange rates beyond your control.”

She also highlighted digital banking services geared towards SMEs and how to keep stock of expenses and financial deliverables. 

Mr. Ranford Wuaku was the seminar’s Taxation Speaker. With close to a decade of service with the Ghana Revenue Authority addressed many misconceptions a lot of businesses in Ghana have about taxation and what the Ghana Revenue Authority does. He oriented the entrepreneurs on the importance of paying taxes as well as the exemptions available to small and medium enterprises. He ended the seminar by registering participants with the Ghana Revenue Authority. 

Strategically empowered entrepreneurs are the future of the Ghanaian economy

Despite economic challenges faced by the Ghanaian government, local companies and entrepreneurs, the future is not bleak for the country’s economy. Commitment and strategy is the best affirming means to ensure economic growth and digital platforms are one sure way of doing this. Kejefair is committed to enabling, promoting and empowering multi-generational entrepreneurs to get their businesses represented and recognized not only in Ghanaian markets but beyond.

Kejefair 2021

The participants are expected to practice what they have been oriented on come this Saturday 18th December, 2021 at Kejefair. The maiden edition of Kejefair is set to showcase over 60 entrepreneurs and social media influencers from the industries of beauty, food, entertainment and fast-moving consumer goods On the 18th of December, 2021 at the Odade3 Alumni & Mentorship Centre (Presec – Legon). KejeYank, the organizing body, is pleased to bring Snapchat pop-up market space Kejefair to the Odade3 Alumni & Mentorship Centre (Presec – Legon) on the 18th of December, 2021. The trade show will include appearances from A-List celebrities, social media influencers and music performances from popular artistes. Kejefair is a trade show that leverages on social media to spur brand enhancement through the participation of online businesses, consumers, investors, brand ambassadors, social media influencers and other stakeholders.

Ghana | Atinkaonline.com

South Africa’s president tests positive for Covid

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South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa has tested positive for Covid-19 and is being treated for mild symptoms.

Mr Ramaphosa started feeling unwell on Sunday after leaving the state memorial service of South Africa’s last apartheid president, FW de Klerk, in Cape Town, according to a statement from the presidency

People who had contact with the president on the day have been advised to watch for symptoms or to get tested.

The president is fully vaccinated and has delegated all his responsibilities to Deputy President David Mabuza.

President Ramaphosa returned last Wednesday from a trip to Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Ghana and Senegal.

The presidency said he and his delegation were tested for Covid in all the countries they visited. It added that the president had tested negative on his return.

The highly contagious Omicron variant, which has prompted global concern, was first identified in South Africa last month.

Read Also: “Far-reaching law on conduct of public officers in the offing” – Akufo-Addo

Mali to face more sanctions over elections delay

Colonel Assimi Goita led the two coups in MaliImage caption: Colonel Assimi Goita led the two coups in Mali

The West African regional bloc, Ecowas, has expressed ‘’strong concerns’’ over delays in Mali’s transition to civilian rule.

It warned of additional economic sanctions if “no concrete progress” was made to hold fresh elections scheduled for late February.

Mali witnessed military coups in August 2020 and May 2021, with the most recent leading to the overthrow of President Bah Ndaw and Prime Minister Moctar Ouane.

Ecowas also warned that there were no clear indications of a return to constitutional order in neighbouring Guinea – three months after the military toppled President Alpha Condé.

Guinea’s military junta had pledged to hold elections within six months of taking over power.

But the bloc said Guinea’s leaders have assured them that a National Transition Council will be in place by the end of December and that council will propose a timetable.

The regional leaders, who met in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, also discussed the deteriorating security situation in the region where armed groups have stepped up violence in several countries including Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso and Nigeria.

Source: BBC