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More loans for GCB customers

Daniel Opare
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Customers of GCB Bank Limited are to benefit from the disbursement of more loans to finance their projects and personal needs under the Bank’s 24 Hour Personal Loan Scheme.

Apart from new personal loans to customers, GCB customers who are salaried workers and have repaid 50 per cent or more of their current loans under the GCB 24 Hour Personal Loan are eligible for a top-up facility to meet their financial needs.

The Bank has also waived charges on early settlement of existing personal loans.

Disbursement of loans under the new arrangement will be within 24 hours of the submission of completed application forms.

GCB Bank has been recording increases in its loan portfolio from GHC450 million in 2011, to GHC2 billion.

The growth, which represents approximately 300 per cent was as a result of the bank’s capacity to broaden its lending market and the need of customers for express loans GCB’s 24 Hour Personal Loan targeted at salaried workers satisfies this need of such customers.

The Bank anticipates higher growth in the future due to its enhanced technology, introduction of new products and services, expansion of its branch network and improvement in customer service.

Ghana | Atinkaonline.com

Kenya: Odinga supporters gather for 'swearing-in'

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Supporters of the National Super Alliance (Nasa) coalition leader Raila Odinga gathered in Nairobi Tuesday ahead of a ceremony to swear him in as an alternative president, three months after he claims an election was stolen from him.

The planned "inauguration" has raised fears of violence as police had vowed not to allow the event to go ahead. However officers kept their distance as hundreds gathered at the Uhuru Park venue.

2017 POLLS

Odinga, 72, a veteran opposition leader who claims he has had three elections stolen from him, has refused to accept President Uhuru Kenyatta's re-election, which came after a deeply divisive 2017 polls season in which rights activists say at least 92 people were killed.

First was an election on August 8, won by Kenyatta, which was annulled in a historic decision by the Supreme Court, which ordered a re-run on October 26.

Claiming the poll would not be fair, Odinga boycotted the second vote and Kenyatta won with 98 percent.

Odinga postponed a previous effort to swear himself in last month, but his party insists Tuesday's event will take place.

'PEOPLE'S ASSEMBLIES'

"We intend to hold a peaceful event, in total compliance with the constitution and the law," read a statement from the Nasa.

"We nonetheless wish to put the Jubilee (party) administration on notice that we will accomplish our mission come hell or high water."

While officers patrolled on horseback from a distance, police sources said a decision had been taken to avoid confrontation, after the city police chief earlier said "the grounds will be a no-go zone".

Attorney General Githu Muigai warned last month that any "swearing-in" would be treasonous, raising the possibility of Odinga's arrest, a move that would heighten tensions.

"Let them have the park and carry on with their political activities as long as it is within the law," a senior officer said.

Since boycotting the re-run poll, citing a lack of reform at the election commission, Nasa's strategy has been to challenge Kenyatta's legitimacy by seeking to establish parallel government structures.

Opposition politicians have convened so-called "people's assemblies" in some counties and the inauguration of Odinga as "people's president" is seen as the culmination of this process.


Daily Nation 

Two dead as VVIP bus rams into mini bus at Nsawam 

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Two passengers died on the spot Tuesday morning when a Kumasi bound VVIP bus  with registration GT 6417-10, rammed into a Toyota Hiace  at Okanta number 1 in the Nsawam Adoagyir Municipality of the Eastern Region.

The  two  were among some  four  persons who were  aboard the Accra bound Toyota Hiace with registration number GN 5664-17.

According to our Eastern Regional Correspondent, Maame Akosua, the VVIP bus rammed into the Toyota Hiace in an attempt to avoid a head-on collision with  an oncoming vehicle after engaging  in  “dangerous overtaking.”

This  is the second  fatal  accident on the same stretch  in the last 10 days.  10 persons lost their lives last week when a truck hit a VIP bus at Teacher Mantey close to Nsawam. 

Ghana | Atinkaonline.com
 

10 tips on how to deal with loneliness

Daniel Opare
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Most people feel lonely and abandoned, at some point in their lives, so here are ten tips on how to fight loneliness:

1. Understand what loneliness is

Don’t confuse a feeling for a fact. Loneliness is more of a feeling, than it is a fact. Loneliness is often brought on by something that has triggered a bad memory, rather than the fact that you are really alone, it’s the brain working overtime, trying to make sense of things, but the fact is that you are probably not really alone.

2. Learn to control your thoughts

Another tip on how to deal with loneliness is to learn to control your own thoughts and start to challenge them. Look into your own heart, because feeling lonely can often be confused with feelings of inadequacy. Focus your mind on the things that you do best and begin to believe in yourself again, and that way, you can build the confidence to reach out to other people again.

3. Read more

Reading might seem to be a lonely pass-time, but it can help you to discover new things and give you more confidence. You can learn so much from reading and it will give you the motivation to take action and make your life more fulfilling.

4. Don’t be afraid to get back in touch with old friends

Another good tip on how to deal with loneliness is simple – get back in touch with old friends; you’ve got nothing to lose. You have friends that are only an email or a phone call away, and the only thing holding you back is you. Just because you haven’t spoken in a while, doesn’t mean that they have forgotten you, so pick up the phone, switch on your laptop and make contact with them again.

5. Don’t fear to expand your friendship circle

You can find new friends in the most unexpected of places, so don’t shy away from strangers. You don’t want to be approaching people randomly in the street, but when someone does hold out their hand in friendship, don’t run away, because, this time, it may be for real.

6. Try writing

Our next tip on how to deal with loneliness is to try writing. Writing is a great way to express your emotions. Try writing down on paper, or on your laptop, the emotions that you are feeling, and it will help you to understand better what is going on in your own mind. It doesn’t have to be prose worthy of a literary masterpiece; it’s just a great way to let your feelings flow and to understand them better.

7. Keep yourself busy

Another good suggestion on how to deal with loneliness is to keep yourself busy. If there is one thing that will make you feel lonely, then it is boredom. Sitting at home, dwelling on your problems, will only make things seem worse, so do something, anything, to occupy your mind and, you will feel a whole lot less lonely.

8. Understand that you don’t need to have people to be happy

There is nowhere on the ‘Manual of Life’ that says you have to be around other people all the time to be happy. Many people would love to have some time alone. You don’t have to be in a crowd to have a good time, because the best friend that you can ever have, is yourself.

9. Take up some hobbies

Next tip on how to deal with loneliness is to take up classes in a new hobby and you will soon find people with whom you have common interests. You can start a new hobby, simply because you enjoy it and, if you do make new friends, then that is fine and it’s a bonus, but if you don’t, then that’s just fine too.

10. Friends aren’t always the answer

You can have all the friends in the world, but still feel lonely. Try and figure out what it is that is really missing from your life and that way you might be better able to figure out the solution to the real problem. You may not be lonely; you may just be seeking something new in your life.

beautyandtips

YouTube caught out by coin-mining adverts

Daniel Opare
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YouTube has been briefly caught out by adverts that sought to mine valuable crypto-coins using visitors' computers.

The malicious adverts were spotted by security firm Trend Micro, which watches crypto-cash malware.

The adverts included computer code that helped them mine the Monero crypto-currency.

The rapid rise in the value of crypto-coins has prompted many cyber-crime gangs to try and cash in by using innocent machines to generate the cash.

The gangs are keen to get malicious code on lots of computers because most crypto-currencies rely on large networks of machines to verify transactions and generate new coins. The more machines working for them, the more coins they can extract.

Chaoying Liu and Joseph Chen from Trend Micro said the first sign of the campaign was a sudden tripling of the number of malicious coin-mining scripts the company caught.

Investigating the increase, the pair found a lot of advertisements that contained code for a well-known miner called Coinhive.

"Attackers abused Google's DoubleClick, which develops and provides internet ad serving services, for traffic distribution," said the researchers.

On victims' machines, when the mining script was triggered it would use 80% of the computer's processing power to generate coins.

Trend Micro said it passed on its findings to Google who said it been "actively monitoring" this type of malware campaign.

"In this case, the ads were blocked in less than two hours and the malicious actors were quickly removed from our platforms," it said in a statement.

Security researcher Chris Boyd, from anti-virus maker Malwarebytes, said the rapidly rising value of crypto-currencies such as Bitcoin had proved irresistible to many cyber-criminals.

"Coin-mining has proven to be quite the craze," he said.

It had become so popular because it involved less work than was required by many other scams, he added.

"If you are into scams and malware and hijacks, you are always looking for the path of least resistance," he said.

bbc

“Data Protection ensures safe digital space and ecosystem”

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President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo in recent times has declared his commitment to building Ghana’s economy beyond aid where all sectors run on “digital wheels” for reaching such fate.

It is on this backdrop that initiatives such as the Digital Addressing System, Paperless Port, Ghana Post, E-registration of businesses amongst others are implemented to boost the fortunes of the economy.

Similarly, the Deputy Minister of Communication, Vincent Sowah Odotei, submitted that digitization will accelerate the economy and as part of ensuring Cyber Security Environment and creating ecosystem, it is important we realize the necessity of data protection.

And that with the revolution of ICT globally, data protection will make our digital space safe since it becomes part of transactions “we do as we give out information”

According to him, the information we disseminate, hold and manage, is crucial and asked Ghanaians to abide by Act 843 and that sooner than later, one could not win a contract or do business if they are not data protection compliant.

He made the statements when he gave out certificates to some 25 persons drawn from some government institutions and trained on data protection compliance within those organizations – Bank of Ghana, SIC, GNPC, Ghana Post, NCA, Security and Exchange Commission amongst others.    

And in achieving all these, there is the need to protect data, particularly personal data hence the enactment of the Data Protection Act, Act 843, 2012, which establishes a Data Protection Commission.

Implement and monitor compliance with the provisions of this Act; make the administrative arrangements it considers appropriate for the discharge of its duties; investigate any complaint under this Act and determine it in the manner the Commission considers fair; and keep and maintain the Data Protection Register.

However, Commissioner and Executive Director of Data Promotion Commission, Miss Patricia Poku, mentioned that the agenda is not to sabotage businesses rather cautioned all CEOs to seek legal advice and make it documented.

And that all CEOs must appoint certified practitioners and register with Data Protection Commission (DPC), demonstrate accountability and as well submit data protection compliance report.

Ghana Atinkaonline.com |Patrick Ofoe Nudzi  

First Lady attends 20th Ordinary General Assembly of OAFLA

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The First Lady, Mrs Rebecca Akufo-Addo, on Sunday joined her counterparts in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to endorse a communiqué that enjoins countries to do more to reduce HIV and AIDS in Africa.

This was held in a Closed Session as part of the 20th Ordinary General Assembly of the Organisation of African First Ladies (OAFLA) ongoing in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The meeting follows an Open Session held on the previous day and attended by representatives of the five regional blocks; Western, Eastern, Southern, Northern and Central Africa, which enabled the first ladies to adopt the minutes of the 19th Ordinary Session held in July last year.

The Biannual Assembly is held in January and July of every year under the Chairmanship of the OAFLA President.

Mrs Roman Tasfaye, the First Lady of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, is chairing the Assembly as the President of OAFLA on the theme: “Transforming Africa through Prioritising Children, Adolescents and Mothers in the Fight against HIV.”

During the sessions, the Ghana News Agency observed that Mrs Akufo-Addo, who joined OAFLA a year ago due to her status as Ghana’s First Lady, has warmed herself faster into the activities of the Organisation, which is to advocate for the eliminating of HIV infections by 2030, and promote the overall development of Africa’s citizens.

She was seen to be actively participating in technical discussions and asking the relevant questions.

Mrs Akufo-Addo was also seen warmly fraternising with her other counterparts on the side-lines of the meetings, amidst a number of photo sessions.

During her maiden attendance last year, Mrs Akufo-Addo was given the role of chairing the Steering Committee Meeting and also elected in the closed door session as a member of the Steering Committee to serve a two-year term. 

The current session of OAFLA started on January 27 and would end the 30th, alongside the General Assembly of the African Union (AU).

Other first ladies attending the General Assembly include Mrs Margaret Gakuo Kenyatta, the Kenyan First Lady, and Mrs Hinda Deby Itno, the Chadian First Lady, among many others who form the 31 active membership out of the 42 registered countries of OAFLA.

The OAFLA General Assembly, held twice every year, allows the first ladies to brief each other about their activities to improve the fight against HIV and AIDS in their respective countries.

It is also for the OAFLA Secretariat to brief members on what it had done and how they had supported country offices to improve upon their HIV response.

Mrs Akufo-Addo later joined President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in the AU General Assembly Meeting, being attended by the Heads of State and their spouses, ministers of state and government officials earlier Sunday afternoon.

The main OAFLA General Assembly Open Session would be held on Monday, January 29, where Mrs Akufo-Addo would be sharing with her counterparts how she had personally contributed to the fight against HIV and AIDS, especially towards the elimination of Mother-to-Child Transmission.     

GNA

Arsenal's club record £55.4m bid for Aubameyang accepted by Dortmund

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Arsenal have had a club record £55.4 million (63 million euros) offer agreed by Borussia Dortmund for striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who also stands to become the highest paid player in the club’s history.

After a week of negotiations, Arsenal have increased from an initial £44 million (55 million euros) bid to meet Dortmund’s asking price but the Bundesliga club still want to source a replacement before signing off and announcing the deal.

Olivier Giroud is among the options for Dortmund and separate talks are now ongoing with Arsenal today about a deal for the France striker. Arsenal are open to both a loan or a permanent transfer and there is also interest in Giroud from Chelsea.

A contract worth £180,000-a-week until 2021 has been offered to Aubameyang, who wants to join Arsenal where he will link up with former Dortmund colleague Henrikh Mkhitaryan following his arrival earlier this month in exchange for Alexis Sanchez.

With Arsenal also selling Theo Walcott and Giroud now likely to leave, Arsene Wenger wanted only a player who would immediately improve his starting team and Aubameyang has established himself as one of the most prolific strikers in any European league.

He has scored 141 goals in four-and-a-half seasons for Dortmund. Arsenal sent a delegation headed by chief executive Ivan Gazidis that also included new head of recruitment Sven Mislintat and contract negotiator Huss Fahmy to Dortmund for negotiations last week.

Mislintat was also instrumental in bringing both Aubameyang and Mkhitaryan to Dortmund and the signings will be interpreted as an immediate sign of his impact and influence.

Arsenal have also been interested in defender Jonny Evans, but a deal is now more likely in the summer when his contract will have only one year remaining and West Brom will have to lower the current £20 million asking price. The Aubameyang and Evans deals are not both considered financially sensible this month. Arsenal are also still trying to persuade both Mesut Ozil and Jack Wilshere to extend contracts that expire this summer.

The Telegraph

Communication on Bawumia’s health "sloppy, offensive" – Kwesi Pratt

Daniel Opare
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The Managing Editor of the Insight Newspaper, Kwesi Pratt Jnr, has described the communication on Bawumia’s health status sloppy and offensive.

Dr. Bawumia left Ghana to the United Kingdom (UK) Friday January 19 for advanced medical attention after reporting of ill health.

A statement signed by the Chief Of Staff, Frema Opare Saturday January 20, said he was flown to the UK on the advice of his doctors.

However, speaking to Ekourba Gyasi on Atinka AM Drive Monday, Kwesi Pratt Jnr expressed his displeasure with  the release of pictures of the Vice President to suggest that he is fit.

“Even if the pictures and videos were true, it is not the best. Why would a Vice President be left to walk all alone without security in the streets of London. We all Know  Oxford street in London”, he said.

According to Kwesi Pratt, the handlers of the Vice President should find a better explanation if there is, adding that the mere fact the Vice President needs rest is not enough.

Ghana | atinkaonline.com | Vivian Adu Boatemaa

Lack of water hits Kenya slum firefight

Daniel Opare
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Thousands of people have reportedly been left homeless after fire swept through a Kenyan slum on Sunday evening, killing at least four.

Residents used sewage water in a desperate attempt to douse the flames which had engulfed their homes in the Lang'ata area of the capital, Nairobi.

The MP for the area, Nixon Korir, said fire engines which turned up to help did not have enough water.

The fire was finally out by 06:00 local time (03:00 GMT) on Monday.

Police have begun an investigation into the blaze, which began at 20:00 local time on Sunday and continued for 10 hours.

It is feared, as they comb through the wreckage of the homes, more bodies may be found.

Meanwhile, anger over the perceived failings of the fire service has spilled over from the settlement itself to social media, where people are questioning where the government's priorities lie.

Just three months ago, the picture of a beaming President Uhuru Kenyatta , testing the hosepipe of a new fire engine, flanked by Nairobi Governor Mike "Sonko" Mbuvi, was shared widely as Kenyans hoped the days of the country's inadequate disaster preparedness were finally over.

The governor shared the picture on Twitter last October, when he said the newly-elected Nairobi County government had acquired 24 new fire engines. Mr Mbuvi tweeted: "This equipment will go a long way in curbing fire situations that have been witnessed in the recent past."

But in Nairobi's first major fire since then, the fire department failed terribly. But why?

Not for the first time, the fire engines ran out of water. And when they needed to refill, they had to make a 20km (12 mile) round trip from the Kijiji settlement back to the city centre.

Pius Masai, chairman of the National Disaster Management Committee, said the area has no fire hydrants. Residents desperately scooped up any liquids they could lay their hands on, including a sewer, but they could only do so much.

Only four or fire engines were deployed. That was too small a number for the inferno, which reportedly left nearly 6,000 people homeless.

Questions will be raised about why the authorities did not send more engines to the scene. Mr Masai was caught on camera appealing for more engines.

The military did not help, even though the Langata Barracks is located barely a kilometre from the area. The Kenyan military usually helps civilians out in times of disaster. It is unclear why they could not deploy this time, when they could literally see the fire from their gate.

bbc

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