A military aircraft was involved in an accident on Wednesday morning at the Air Force Base of the Ghana Armed Forces in Accra.
The accident reportedly happened when an operation was being conducted on the engine of the aircraft whilst on the ground to ensure its functionality.
The operation is usually termed as “Ground Running”.
No casualty was recorded but the aircraft was completely damaged.
More soon…
Ghana | Atinkaonline.com
GHS initiates measures to prevent coronavirus outbreak in Ghana
Ghana has initiated measures to protect the general public from the novel coronavirus detected in China.
By doing so, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) is adhering to a directive by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to countries to strengthen prevention and control measures for 2019-nCoV.
The measures include 1: Alert message sent to all regions in Ghana on the outbreak in addition to guidance information on the disease.
2: Enhanced surveillance at points of entry especially the Kotoka International Airport.
In addition, the GHS stated that there is in-country capacity to diagnose 2019-nCoV through laboratory testing of the appropriate samples by the Nuguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research.
“As part of measures to prevent an outbreak in Ghana, passengers from China will undergo enhanced screening procedures including the administration of health questionnaire. Health facilities have also been alerted to prepare and manage cases in case of an outbreak,” the GHS stated.
It also called on the general public to regularly wash their hands with soap and running water, rub hands with alcohol or sanitisers where available as a preventive measure.
The GHS advised the public to keep a distance of at least one step (one meter) from a person showing signs of fever, cough and difficulty in breathing.
Also, the GHS has advised people to seek treatment immediately if infection is suspected, if symptoms occur or when advised by a health worker.
Below is the statement by GHS:
Ghana| Atinkaonline.com| Porcia Oforiwaa Ofori
New Register: EC's GH¢173m savings can augment educational sector – JOY 2020
Independent Presidential candidate for the 2020 general elections, Joseph Osei Yeboah (JOY), has added his voice to conversations surrounding the Electoral Commissions (EC) decision to compile a new Voter’s register for the 2020 general elections.
According to JOY, the money which will be saved after compiling a new register can be used to augment the E-blocks started by the erstwhile Mahama administration.
“I think the compilation of a new voter register will go a long way to ensure a free and fair election which we always preach. I believe there are ghost names in the register hence the need for a new one. I don’t know why people are contesting this excellent move by the EC,” He added.
The Electoral Commission (EC) requested over GHS400m for the compilation of a new voters’ register for the 2020 general election.
The call for a new voters’ has generated a heated debate among the major political parties in Ghana, the ruling NPP supports the call while the leading opposition party, the NDC is totally against it.
In the midst of the controversy, the Eminent Advisory Committee of the EC in a statement signed by the Chairman of the committee, Emile Short called for calm.
EC’s Eminent Advisory Committee, in the midst of the controversy, released a statement which suggested that the EC together with the Eminent Advisory committee will meet members of Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) to have further discussions on the EC’s call for a new voters register ahead of the 2020 general elections.
Speaking to Ekourba Gyasi on Atinka AM Drive, Independent Presidential candidate for 2020 general elections, Joseph Osei Yeboah, called on all persons against the compilation of the new register to reconsider their decision.
Joseph Osei Yeboah will be contesting the elections for the third time after losing in the 2012 and 2016 general elections respectively.
Commenting on the compilation of a new voters register by the Electoral Commission, Kofi Akpalo who is the spokesperson for persons who support the EC’s agenda has also supported the move by the commission.
“I will win the 2020 elections and I want to win the elections genuinely. I don’t trust the current register and I believe a new one will give us free and fair elections,” he said.
Ghana | Atinkaonline.com | Vivian Adu Boatemaa
Appoint chiefs as presiding members-Group tells gov't
The Leadership of Sankofa Ghana Movement has called on Government through the Chieftaincy Ministry, Local Government and Ghanaians as a whole to help appoint chiefs to hold the position of presiding member in the country.
That, they said will help sanitize Ghana’s local government system to strengthen its cultural heritage.
Speaking to the Media when Sankofa announced it readiness to construct the ‘Yaa Asantewaa Museum and ultra modern Library’ at Ejisu, the Chairman of Sankofa Ghana Movement, Nana Gyan Oduro Dapaah II said the decision when adopted will help National Development since chiefs rule large number of the people and rule forever, while Politicians are changeable.
He buttressed his argument with explanations that chiefs will not sit unconcern for government to waste money on projects whilst their people suffer hence the call.
Meanwhile Apostle Oware of Sankofa Ghana Movement also appealed to Ghanaians to help bring back our culture to reduce teenage pregnancy and others deviant behaviours which is affecting the youth in various communities.
Ghana| Atinkaonline.com
Church of Pentecost hands over two-storey building to Ghana Police
The Church of Pentecost (COP) has handed over two-storey building to the Ghana Police Service in Akropong, in the Akuapem North Municipality of the Eastern region.
The two storey building has a charge office, station officer’s office, cell and washrooms at the ground floor while the top floor of the building provides office for the Divisional Commander, Crime Officer, Investigator’s offices and washrooms.
According to the General Secretary of the COP, Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi , the cost of the project is GHC 516, 000.00 and was fully funded by the COP, Ghana.
Apostle Kumi-Larbi urged the police to exhibit high level of integrity in the delivery of their lawful duties.
However, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr.James Oppong-Boanuh was grateful to the Church for the kind gesture and assured that the Police shall utilise the facility to maintain peace and security that will benefit the people of Akropong, the Eastern Region and the Nation as a whole.
He noted that both the District and Divisional Police Headquarters in Akropong have been operating from private houses since its establishment in March 1975.
Mr. Oppong-Boanuh observed that crime in recent times has become sophisticated, calling on everybody to help prevent crime.
He said the Police depends on the public for information in order to prevent crime or arrest perpetrators of crime, encouraging the general public to assist in that direction.
He urged the police officers to be fair and firm in the delivery of their professional duties before, during and after the 2020 general elections, adding that each police officer hold allegiance to the state not political parties.
However, the Eastern Regional Minister, Mr. Eric Kwakye Darfour on behalf of government also expressed his profound gratitude to the Church of Pentecost for their support.
He recognised the support the Church has given to the Ghana Police Service and other sectors of the Ghanaian economy such as Education, Health and provision of Social amenities.
As Chairman of the Regional Security Council, Hon. Darfour thanked the Ghana Police Service for their contributions that have ensured that the region remains peaceful even though the region has had its own specific security issues.
Ghana| Atinkaonline.com
‘Beyond the Return’: Afro-Nation Festival to stay in Ghana for five years
The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), on behalf of the Government of Ghana, and Event Horizon, Organisers of the Afro-Nation Festival, on Monday, 20th January, 2020, signed a Memorandum of Understanding for Ghana to play host to “the biggest urban music beach festival in the world” for the next five years.
The MoU, which was signed by Mr. Akwasi Agyeman, CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), and Obi Asika, CEO of Event Horizon, was witnessed by the President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, in London, on the sidelines of the Uk-Africa Investment Summit.
The signing of the MoU is part of a number of plans Ghana is putting in place, as it kick-starts the “Beyond the Return” project.
‘Beyond the Return’ aims to engage Africans in the Diaspora and all persons of African descent more positively in areas such as trade and investment co-operation, and skills and knowledge development.
The MoU will also allow the Ghana Tourism Authority and any governmental ministry, agency or authority it deems necessary, to, on behalf of the Government of Ghana, oversee all designs, content and production of Merchandise for the Afro-Nation Ghana Project.
The parties have also agreed, in preparation for the event every year, to establish a Local Organising Committee, comprising of representatives of each of the parties or their affiliates for the Afro-Nation Ghana Project with the LOC, amongst other duties, to be stated in the binding document responsible for securing additional sponsorship for the project.
In his remarks, after the signing of the MoU, Obi Asika stated that, “Ghana is a welcoming destination, and we were happy with the warm reception we received, since we took Afro-Nation to the country. The President’s commitment to the project is unparalleled, and we look forward to another successful event in December 2020”.
On his part, the CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), Akwasi Agyeman said “Afro-Nation is amongst one of key events on which we are anchoring the ‘Beyond the Return’ initiative. We want to make Ghana the number one entertainment destination in Africa. December in Ghana will never be the same again”.
Ghana| Atinkaonline.com
The MoU, which was signed by Mr. Akwasi Agyeman, CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), and Obi Asika, CEO of Event Horizon, was witnessed by the President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, in London, on the sidelines of the Uk-Africa Investment Summit.
The signing of the MoU is part of a number of plans Ghana is putting in place, as it kick-starts the “Beyond the Return” project.
‘Beyond the Return’ aims to engage Africans in the Diaspora and all persons of African descent more positively in areas such as trade and investment co-operation, and skills and knowledge development.
The MoU will also allow the Ghana Tourism Authority and any governmental ministry, agency or authority it deems necessary, to, on behalf of the Government of Ghana, oversee all designs, content and production of Merchandise for the Afro-Nation Ghana Project.
The parties have also agreed, in preparation for the event every year, to establish a Local Organising Committee, comprising of representatives of each of the parties or their affiliates for the Afro-Nation Ghana Project with the LOC, amongst other duties, to be stated in the binding document responsible for securing additional sponsorship for the project.
In his remarks, after the signing of the MoU, Obi Asika stated that, “Ghana is a welcoming destination, and we were happy with the warm reception we received, since we took Afro-Nation to the country. The President’s commitment to the project is unparalleled, and we look forward to another successful event in December 2020”.
On his part, the CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), Akwasi Agyeman said “Afro-Nation is amongst one of key events on which we are anchoring the ‘Beyond the Return’ initiative. We want to make Ghana the number one entertainment destination in Africa. December in Ghana will never be the same again”.
Ghana| Atinkaonline.com
Broader consultation on new voter's register late – Aseidu Nketiah
General Secretary for the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Aseidu Nketiah, says although his party still maintains its stance with respect to the compilation of a new voters’ register, the decision for a meeting for broader consultation should have been the first step in the process.
The Electoral Commission (EC) requested over GHS400m for the compilation of a new voters’ register for the 2020 general election.
The call for a new voter’s register has generated a heated debate among the major political parties in Ghana, the ruling NPP supports the call while the leading opposition party, the NDC is totally against it.
In the midst of the controversy, the Eminent Advisory Committee of the EC in a statement signed by the Chairman of the committee, Emile Short called for calm.
EC’s Eminent Advisory Committee, in the midst of the controversy, released a statement which indicated that the EC together with the Eminent Advisory committee will meet members of Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) to have further discussions on the EC’s call for a new voters register ahead of the 2020 general elections.
“Meanwhile the Eminent Advisory Committee calls for calm from all Political Parties and other stakeholders as they work in the national interest,” the statement added.
Speaking to sit-in-host for Atinka FM’s AM Drive, Kaakyire Ofori Ayim, General Secretary for the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Aseidu Nketiah, says the decision by the EC’s eminent advisory committee to engage in a broader consultation affirms the stance of the opposition NDC.
According to Asiedu Nketiah, the EC has totally failed to give tangible reasons to other parties on the need for the compilation of a new voter’s register, which could have been possible through consultations.
“The NDC was against the development over the EC’s failure to consult stakeholders before proposing a change of register, moreover the reasons given by the EC does not hold water. They are just throwing dust into the eyes of Ghanaians,” he added.
Ghana | Atinkaonline.com | Vivian Adu Boatemaa
A/R: 'We need a new president, not new register'; 'Yen Pene' Demonstrators chant
The Inter Party Coalition against the New Voters Register today embarked on a demonstration against the Electoral Commission’s (EC) decision to compile a new voters’ register for the upcoming elections while in an election year.
The demonstration, dubbed ‘Yen pene’ was held on agreed streets in the Ashanti Region by the group to communicate their frustrations under the NPP government, and also to oppose the proposed new voters’ register by the EC.
Already, a similar Demonstration has been held in the Northern Region, drawing huge crowds to indicate how those in the Region, especially NDC supporters did not agree to the decision by the EC.
Despite various attempts by the some political parties, especially the NDC, some CSOs and some individuals to resist the compilation of the new voter’s ID Card, the EC has been firm on its decision, and rather engaged a lot of stakeholders to explain to them the need for a new voters’ register.
Clad in red attire, the demonstrators marched through the Region, chanting ‘war songs’ against the EC, showing placards with inscriptions reading,”We need a new president, not new register”, “Nana Drop the register and pay contractors to pay GH”, “We reject new voters’ register”, “Save the cedi, not the voters’ register”, “Jean Mensah your days are numbered”.
According to reports, the demonstration took off from Aboabo School Park-through to Asawase Police Station to Asare Original Pay All Office, through to the Central Mosque then continue to Asanteman Senior High School.
It will also pass through the Kumasi Zoo Traffic Light area, through Pampaso to Wesley Methodist Roundabout to Pioneer Office, Melcom Traffic Light to Aseda House.
The demonstration is intended to move to A Life Supermarket, through the Asafo Interchange and Labour Roundabout and then finally end at the Jubelee Park.
Below is a video of the demonstration:
Ghana| Atinkaonline.com| Porcia Oforiwaa Ofori
Payment vouchers didn’t tally with Auditor’s Report – PAC member
Member of the Public Accounts Committee of Parliament and Member of Parliament for Mpohor Constituency in the Western Region, Alex Kofi Agyekum, says the payment vouchers presented by the officials of Akontombra District did not tally with the auditor’s report.
The Public Accounts Committee of Parliament caused the arrest of two District finance Officers in the Sefwi Akontombra District in the Western Region, Isaac Akokwaa and James Esilfie, for presenting wrong payment vouchers to the committee.
Chairman of the Public Account Committee, James Klutse Avedzie, who called for the arrest of the two during the sitting of the Public Accounts Committee of Parliament explained that Isaac Akokwaa and James Esilfie failed to justify the reasons for the issuance of over 62 purchase vouchers for the District.
“So you want to tell this committee or you want to hold the committee to ransom that the two of you will connive to come and deceive this committee to take anything to get away with it. We are going to lock you. The police will take a statement from you and that statement will be used against you in the law court. We will not prosecute you, but government will takeover”, Chairman of the Public Account Committee, James Klutse Avedzie, said before the two were arrested.
Atinka News’ Parliamentary correspondent, Afia Kwarteng, reported that the two were detained at the Parliament’s Police Station.
He stated that the two did not have documents to support claims of expenditure as stated in their report.
“This is the auditor general’s report and the District had been cited, these people were given ample time to bring receipts of their GHS126, 000 expenditure. These officials presented receipts which did not tally with what they said earlier,” he said.
Meanwhile, the two officials cited have been granted bail.
District Chief Executive (DCE) for Sefwi Akontombra, Mr. Yawson Amoah who confirmed the bail, in an interview with Ekourba Gyasi noted that the lapses in the finances of the District date back to the erstwhile John Mahama administration.
“There is a vast difference between the old officials and the new officials. This incident happened in the last administration,” he added.
Ghana | Atinkaonline.com | Vivian Adu Boatemaa
