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Utmost Savagery! …‘Human Beasts’ Remove Driver’s Testicles, Destroy His Penis And Drag Him On Asphalt Road

By
JOHN BEDIAKO
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Fred Odum battling for survival

Four persons, including a Pastor, are in the grips of the police in Ho over their respective roles in an attempted murder of a driver.

The driver, Fred Odum, 31, who works with the Adaklu District Assembly in the Volta Region, is currently incapacitated and is fighting for survival.

The tube through which the
victim currently urinates

He was chained to the rear of a vehicle, dragged on the ground for a considerable distance, taken for dead and dumped in the bush.

His two testicles were removed by his assailants, whilst his male organ was severely damaged, apart from other serious injuries he sustained.

The suspects are Patrick Kwame Agbesi, 39, Auto mechanic, Abraham Kwame Atidama, 30, Auto electrician, Atsu Adzasu, 24, Auto mechanic and Prophet Johnson Tagoe, 49.

Speaking to The Chronicle from his base at Adaklu Waya, the capital of Adaklu District, the driver stated that sometime last year, while on his annual leave, he used his motorbike to operate ‘okada’ business.

On Friday, August 11, 2023 as he was returning from Ho to Waya, after the day’s work, his motorbike developed a puncture of the rear tyre, at about 21:30 hours.

The buttocks after being dragged on the asphalt road

He pushed the motorbike to the nearest mechanic shop to get a metal to enable him to remove the punctured tyre. He succeeded in finding one and in the process, he was struck on the forehead with a cutlass by an unknown person, who stated that he (the driver) had come to steal from the shop, a claim that he instantly and vehemently denied.

Suddenly, other persons appeared with offensive weapons to beat him, as though he was a snake.

Even though he introduced himself as a responsible person and to the extent that he once benefitted from the services of that particular workshop, none of the assailants heeded to his plea.

One of the assailants called out to the master of the shop, with a report that they had finally nabbed the person who steals from the place.

The injured foot

The said boss in no time arrived in the company of a man, referred to as Pastor. At this juncture, he felt relieved, thinking that the presence of the master and Man of God (Pastor) would make the assailants to relax the beatings, but that did not happen. He, therefore, pleaded for him to be taken to the police station.

This rather incensed the master, who personally joined the others in the lawless act. He knelt at the feet of the Pastor to have mercy on him, and when the man of God attempted to prevail on the ‘shop boys’ to stop, the boss furiously brushed the said Pastor aside.

According to Fred, who is currently depending on the services of his junior sister, a teacher trainee from one of the Colleges of Education, he was tied to the rear of a vehicle and compelled to drink dirty engine oil.

As if that was not enough, his assailants dragged him on the tarred road from that part of Ho, Getfund to SSNIT Flats Junction, a distance of about 500 meters. After he was taken for dead, he was dumped in the nearby bush.

The victim’s chest after being
dragged on the asphalt road

He further stated that, he used the last strength in him to crawl to the roadside near the mechanic shop, spotted the same mechanic who first struck him with the cutlass and pleaded for water. This man then set a condition that the only way he would offer him water to drink was for him to surrender the motorbike to him.

He continued that, even though he complied with the request, the mechanic took away the bike without giving him water and taunted him to bid farewell to his ancestors.

He said some Good Samaritans later lifted him to the Ho Teaching Hospital, Trafalgar.

At the tertiary medical centre, doctors discovered that his two testicles were hanging from the scrotum, while his male organ suffered severe damage.

The medical authorities tried their best to save at least one testicle but to no avail, hence they had to surgically remove them.

He also has to battle with severe bodily injuries to the face, head, chest, hands, thighs, legs, feet and buttocks, as a result of being dragged on the tarred road.

Having gone through various forms of surgeries, he was discharged after one month, to report for further treatment from home.

Since it was not possible to always shuttle the long distance from home to the hospital, he engaged the services of a nurse who attends to him at home for seven months now, at a cost of GHc1,700 every month.

There is also the Okada fare which transported the nurse every three days at a cost of GHc25 for each trip.

Lamenting his predicament, he told The Chronicle that due to the condition he finds himself in, his fiancée abandoned him, obviously because his reproductive organs are defective.

 

The only hope for him now is the replacement for artificial testicles and considerable surgeries to prop up his manhood which he cannot use to pass urine.

Fred, engulfed in debts, stated that he contracted a loan of GHc2,000 from a microfinance outlet and for the past two consecutive months have defaulted payment.

 

According to the worried man, who cannot fetch water or cook for himself, his company once sent a police officer to arrest him. The policeman, he stated to the glory of God, rather doled out money from his pocket for him.

 

He used the presence of The Chronicle to appeal to His Excellency President Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo-Addo to personally come to his aid, as his medical bills continue to pile.

Meanwhile the Police in Ho, who are investigating the case, have retrieved the stolen motorbike which is now dismantled.

A Vote For Bawumia Is A Vote For Brighter Future –Adwoa Safo

By
admin
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Hon Sarah Adwoa Safo

The Member of Parliament (MP) for Dome-Kwebenya, Sarah Adwoa Safo, has urged Ghanaians to vote massively for Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) presidential candidate, on Election Day.

Speaking during a recent Bawumia Youth/Community Connect programs with the presidential candidate of the NPP in Evalue-Gwira-Ajomoro, Trobo, Korle-Klottey and other constituencies, Adwoa Safo praised Dr. Bawumia’s notable achievements in supporting President Akufo-Addo’s policies.

These policies include the Free SHS flagship program, Agenda 111, Mobile Money Interoperability, the Gold for Oil initiative and the restoration of the teacher and nursing training allowances.

In contrast, Adwoa Safo criticised the presidential candidate of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama’s economic management, stating that his mismanagement of the economy would make it “suicidal” to give him the second chance.

“This election is centred on two giants all hailing from the northern part of the country. However, there is a huge difference between them.

“One is coming to ensure the growth of our future. With the other one, we entrusted our future into his hands, but he disappointed us by mismanaging the economy.

“So, when you go out to vote on December 7, please just look out and vote for Dr. Bawumia, who is number 1 on the presidential ballot paper and also vote for NPP parliamentary candidates who are number 1 on the parliamentary ballot paper”, she noted, while receiving cheers from the teeming crowd.

She added “If you look at where we have developed the country to and where we are heading towards, there is no need to go back. We are moving forward. So, I want to urge all of you to rally behind Dr. Bawumia because with him our future is in safe hands”.

According to  Adwoa Safo, the huge investment made by the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government to enhance Technical, Vocational Education and Training clearly attests to the fact that under the stewardship of Dr. Bawumia, no one would be left behind.

She urged the over 18 million voting population to see a brighter future in their lives by rallying behind Dr. Bawumia, stressing that “the NPP is a party of possibilities while the NDC is a party of impossibilities.”

By Stephen Odoi-Larbi

NEIP Provides Training and Financial Support to Micro-Businesses

By
admin
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Some of the traders who have benefitted from the SME GO programme.

The National Entrepreneurship and Innovations Programme (NEIP) has provided training and financial support to traders across the country, under the government’s SME GO programme.
The SME GO programme is a joint initiative between the Ministries of Finance and Trade and Industry.

 

It aims to leverage the existing institutional framework of partnered agencies to build the capacity of MSMEs in the country and to provide the required financing to support their operations.

The programme consists broadly of two major components: SME Financing Component, Micro Business Support Component and SME Financing Component.

 

The initiative seeks to support the development and scaling up of small businesses in the country, hence Government has developed a sustainable financing framework that seeks to draw resources from both the private and public sectors, to support the growth and development of businesses in the country, referred to as the SMEs.

 

Thousands of businesses have been taken through capacity-building training by NEIP over a month and are receiving funding to support their business.
Beneficiaries include petty traders, street hawkers and others who qualify under the micro business support scheme.

The beneficiaries applauded the government for the initiative. According to them, they felt neglected because such support is rare.

 

“I thank the president and the government for thinking about us because no government has ever done something like this for us. Even for remembering us, we are very happy and feel proud as Ghanaians” Esther Nyarko, a beneficiary in the Bono region said.

 

The president, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, months ago launched the SME Growth and Opportunity (GO) programme, mobilising a total of GH₵8.2billion to provide financial and technical support to the sector, in a major boost to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

 

The initiative is aimed at strengthening the country’s private sector and propelling the nation towards its annual growth potential of approximately 5 percent.

YEA Donates Industrial Sewing Machines To The Youth In W/R

By
admin
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Kofi Agyepong presenting a machine to one of the beneficiaries

In a landmark gesture aimed at fostering youth empowerment, industrial sewing machines were handed over to the Western and Central Regional Youth Employment Agency (YEA) to be distributed to beneficiaries in the two regions.

These machines symbolize the government’s commitment to equipping young people with the tools needed to succeed in the dressmaking industry, particularly those who have completed their training under YEA programs.

Addressing the media, Kofi Baah Agyapong – Chief Executive Officer of YEA, celebrated the remarkable achievements of YEA in the region, which have profoundly impacted diverse sectors.

He underscored the agency’s commitment to transforming lives, providing employment, and driving economic growth.

Key Achievements in the Western Region: Community Protection Assistants: 949 individuals now work with the Ghana Police Service.

Community Health Workers: 379 deployed to health facilities. Prison Office Assistants: 94 engaged with the Ghana Prisons Service.

School Support Program:

151 Kitchen Assistants deployed to senior high schools.150 Security Assistants engaged across institutions.83 Community Teaching Assistants impacting education.

Skills Training and Empowerment:

652 artisanal trainees have graduated, with ongoing training for an additional 652. 63 dressmaking trainees empowered and provided start-up tools.

Through the Business & Employment Assistance Programme (BEAP): 183 Micro-Businesses Thriving: Beneficiaries receive monthly support. 89 Businesses Supported: Including Zaima Enterprise, Dehome City and Regimez Ventures. 21 Garment Companies Assisted: Each receiving GHS 18,750 for business growth.

Kofi Baah Agyapong emphasised the government’s role as a steward of public resources, ensuring the Western Region benefits from national interventions.

“We might not have been able to recruit every young person, but over 2,800 youth in this region alone are directly employed under YEA programs,” he stated.  He elaborated on the breadth of initiatives, including skill-building in tailoring, plumbing, tiling, and ICT.

Agyapong assured attendees that beneficiaries in the region receive monthly allowances without delays, demonstrating the program’s efficiency and commitment.

He added, “This is why we are here—to manage resources responsibly and ensure our youth thrive.”

The handover ceremony concluded with optimism for the future. The industrial sewing machines and other interventions underscore the government’s resolve to equip the next generation with skills, opportunities, and hope.

As he noted, “This is just the beginning—together, we’re building skills, creating jobs, and changing lives.”

The items were received in the Western Region by the Regional Director whilst the Central Regional Director and the Regional Minister, received the items for their beneficiaries. They all expressed appreciation to the YEA for the support and espoused government’s efforts in bridging the unemployment gap.

‘Lithovit Fertilizer Boosted Cocoa Yields’

By
BERNICE BESSEY
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Lithovit Fertilizer

Francis Cyril Asiedu, a former District Extension Coordinator with Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has testified in defense of the controversial Lithovit fertilizer, stating it significantly improved cocoa yields.

Appearing before the Accra High Court, Francis Asiedu spoke under cross-examination by Samuel Codjoe, Counsel for the first accused, Dr Stephen Kwabena Opuni, former COCOBOD Chief Executive.

The case, presided over by Justice Aboagye Tandoh, Court of Appeal Judge, with additional responsibility for the High Court, also implicates Seidu Agongo and Agricult Ghana Ltd. as second and third accused.

The trial stems from accusations surrounding the procurement and efficacy of Lithovit fertilizer.

However, Asiedu, the eighth defense witness, argued that contrary to claims in an official COCOBOD report, farmers in his Kade district observed noticeable improvements in yield, following Lithovit application.

He noted these findings were consistently shared in his reports to COCOBOD’s regional offices, which was then forwarded to the headquarters.

Under cross-examination, the witness acknowledged that before Lithovit, COCOBOD had used other liquid fertilizers, including Sidalco.

However, he asserted that farmers did not report similar efficacy with other fertilizers that were later supplied after Lithovit’s suspension.

Mr. Asiedu recounted that upon Lithovit’s suspension, he and fellow extension officers were puzzled, given the positive feedback from farmers and his own observations.

He insisted that he had no doubts about Lithovit’s efficacy in improving cocoa yield, disputing the findings of Dr. Yaw Adu Ampomah, former Deputy Chief Executive, in charge of Agronomy and Quality Control at COCOBOD.

Dr. Ampomah’s report, referenced in court, indicated that tests by the Ghana Standards Authority and the University of Ghana’s Chemistry Department found Lithovit to be “highly diluted” and lacking proven efficacy.

Mr. Asiedu disagreed, saying “The perception of farmers, reports of extension officers and my own observation attest to the efficacy of Lithovit.”

He stated that Lithovit was applied solely at the yield stage, rather than at the nursery or early growth stages, as suggested in Ampomah’s report.

When questioned further, DW8 confirmed that regional rallies with farmers and fellow extension coordinators from various districts also revealed similar testimonies on Lithovit’s effectiveness.

These observations, along with documentation from the regional offices, were routinely submitted to COCOBOD’s headquarters in Accra, he reiterated.

Mosquito directs NDC MPs to boycott Parliament

By
KWESI ALFRED ADAMS
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NDC National Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketiah

The National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, has directed the party’s representatives in Parliament not to attend any emergency recall of the House. His directive has cemented what individual NDC MPs have separately been preaching.

Sam George, Ningo Prampram MP, was on an Accra based television station encouraging his party MPs not to respond to any recall.

Speaking at the party rally in Ellembelle, Asiedu Nketia justified why the NDC representatives in the Legislative House should not show up in the event they are recalled.

He said given the crucial role Parliament plays in the democracy of the country, recent events had shown that the House had been compromised.

“We have fought for Parliament and we must continue to hold these principles today and tomorrow,” he said.

It is for this reason that he has directed his side of the House to boycott any emergency recall.

He argued that claims by some of the judges that there is a constitutional crisis and potential collapse of government business if Parliament does not reconvene, was neither here nor there.

“I’m advising any NDC MP to boycott any emergency recall,” he insisted.

Asiedu Nketia, popularly known as General Mosquito, is on a four day campaign tour of the Western region.

He is being accompanied by party executives in the region.

Editorial: Bushfire Response Unit For Fire Service Must Be Up And Doing

By
THE CHRONICLE
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Editorial

The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has significantly enhanced its operational capabilities with the acquisition of 23 new utility vehicles, courtesy the government of Ghana. 

This fleet includes 19 pickups and four command cars, aimed at improving the Service’s response efficiency nationwide.

In an international collaboration, Fire Aid UK and the International Development Team donated a state-of-the-art Bushfire Response Rapid Intervention Vehicle (BFRRIV).

This specialised vehicle is designed to navigate rugged terrains and is expected to transform bushfire management efforts, particularly in protecting farmlands and natural vegetation from destructive fires.

The vehicles were officially handed over on November 15, 2024 during the launch of the GNFS National Annual Bushfire Prevention Campaign.

The event, held under the theme “Protecting Our Farms and Forests for Posterity,” featured the Minister for the Interior, Henry Quartey as the Special Guest of Honour.

In his address, Mr. Quartey lauded the government’s ongoing commitment to equipping the GNFS and stressed the importance of regular vehicle maintenance.

The BFRRIV, a key highlight of the additions, is expected to play a crucial role in minimising the impact of bushfires, especially in rural and agricultural areas prone to such incidents.

This move is part of the Government’s broader initiative to provide the GNFS with the tools and resources necessary to safeguard lives, property and the environment effectively.

Bushfires are a perennial threat in the country, particularly during the dry season, causing significant damage to agriculture and the natural ecosystems.

In 2023 alone, the GNFS recorded over 6,000 fire incidents nationwide, with bushfires accounting for about 25% of these cases. The resulting economic losses were estimated at over GH¢50 million, with rural farmers and their livelihoods bearing the brunt of the damage. Furthermore, the environmental cost is severe as Ghana loses approximately 2% of its forest cover annually due to uncontrolled fires, exacerbating climate change and threatening biodiversity.

In a country where our agriculture contributes approximately 20% to the GDP and employs over 44% of the labor force, protecting farmlands from bushfires is very essential. These fires, often caused by human activities such as slash-and-burn farming or carelessly discarded cigarette butts destroy thousands of hectares of farmland annually, threatening food security and livelihoods.

The Chronicle believes that while this development is worth celebrating, it also calls for the need for sustained efforts to strengthen the country’s fire management systems.

The government must prioritise the regular maintenance of these newly acquired vehicles to ensure their longevity and effectiveness.

Also, increased funding for the GNFS is imperative to close existing gaps, such as the inadequate number of fire stations and personnel.

The government must also intensify public education campaigns, particularly in rural areas, to raise awareness about bushfire prevention.

Additionally, the government should consider revising policies to incorporate stricter regulations and enforcement mechanisms that deter activities leading to bushfires.

The broader implications of effective fire management extend beyond immediate disaster response. Protecting farms, forests and communities contributes to sustainable development and aligns with the country’s environmental and climate resilience goals.

The acquisition of these vehicles is a step in the right direction, but it must be part of a long-term strategy that prioritizes prevention, preparedness, and collaboration across multiple stakeholders.

As we move forward, The Chronicle suggests that the GNFS and its partners must build on this momentum to create a comprehensive fire management system that not only addresses current challenges but also anticipates future risks.

From Waste To Electric Power: How AI Can Be A Tool For Energy Liberalisation In Africa

By
admin
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Figure 1 - A flowchart showing how Artificial Neural Network works in waste generation to bioenergy

Waste creation has alarmingly increased globally in recent years, posing serious problems for resource management and environmental sustainability. Traditional waste management techniques are frequently ineffective and unable to handle the constantly expanding waste streams. To address these urgent problems, there is new promise for transforming waste management procedures with the advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies.

According to World Bank report on September 20, 2018, global waste generation, propelled by continuous urbanization, economic development, and an increase in population was estimated at 2.01 billion tons per annum in 2016, and expected to jump to 3.4 billion tonnes over the next 30 years, up from 2.01 billion tonnes in 2016. This represents an increase of 54.62% from the generation rate of 1.3 billion tons per annum in 2012, and by 70 percent on current levels by 2050.

AI provides creative ways to improve waste collecting, sorting, recycling, and general waste disposal procedures because of its capacity to analyze enormous volumes of data and identify patterns.

This study explores the creative uses of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in waste collection, sorting, recycling, and overall waste optimization, with the goal of transforming waste to energy, and using waste management systems for improved sustainability, resource efficiency, and environmental preservation.

Predictive analytics are also being employed to optimize collection routes, leading to more efficient resource allocation and collection processes. Framework for Predictive Waste Management Using AI is below;

Sensing and Smart Bin System: This is the stage where Smart bins leverage IoT technology by incorporating sensors that monitor waste level in real time. This data is transmitted to waste collection schedules and route based on actual needs rather than fixed schedules.

Route Optimization: It is the process of designing the most cost and time effective delivery route by considering multiple parameters, including the vehicle type, driver schedule, delivery time window, delivery location and more.

Waste Sorting: Waste sorting is the process by which waste is separated into different elements. This can be done by automatically separated in materials recovery facilities or mechanical biological treatment systems or robotic system.

Machine Learning Algorithms: Machine learning algorithms are good at modeling complex nonlinear processes and have been gradually adopted to promote municipal solid waste management (MSWM) and help the sustainable development of the environment in the past few years, for example, Artificial neural networks (ANNs).

By Joseph Ogudi, MSc.Ecology and Nature

Management (candidate) RUND University, Russia

Editor’s note: Views expressed in this article do not represent that of The Chronicle

GDI Solutions hosts 2nd annual Ghana Youth Tech Summit

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admin
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GDI Solutionz

GDI Solutionz has successfully hosted the second edition of its annual Ghana Youth Tech Summit at the Accra Digital Centre, under the theme: “Leveraging Technology for Social Impact.”

The event, aimed to equip young people, particularly those outside formal education systems with essential digital skills and tools to drive meaningful societal change by providing valuable opportunities for collaboration, networking and community learning, to leverage on digital innovations to address pressing challenges.

Addressing the gathering during the summit on Friday, November 7, 2024 Lebanon’s Ambassador to Ghana, Maher Kheir, delivered a keynote address emphasising the transformative power of technology.

“Technology has transformed the way we live, learn, work and connect with each other,” he remarked.

“When applied thoughtfully, it can tackle some of our most urgent global challenges – from improving access to quality healthcare and education to addressing climate change and strengthening social equity,” he said.

Ambassador Maher Kheir underscored the role of artificial intelligence (AI) and big data in revolutionizing medicine, enabling early disease detection and personalized treatments.

He also noted the growing significance of renewable energy technologies in combating climate change and achieving a sustainable future.

“Even mobile apps developed by young innovators like yourselves are providing real-time information in remote areas, offering access to education and financial tools and building resilience in local communities,” he added.

Recognising the scale of global challenges, the Ambassador emphasised the need for international partnerships that transcend borders, cultures and sectors.

“We need international collaborations that bring together diverse minds and resources. When we work together, sharing knowledge and tools, we can accelerate progress toward solutions that benefit all.”

Ambassador Maher Kheir urged them to pursue careers in technology that prioritise ethics and inclusivity.

He cautioned against using technology as a tool for destruction, such as in the development of arms or fueling conflicts.

 

 

Yaase royal cemetery destroyed by illegal miners

By
RICHARD OWUSU-AKYAW
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The Royal Cemetery of Yaase, which has been destroyed

Illegal gold diggers have reportedly destroyed a royal cemetery at Yaase, in the Ashanti Region.

They miners used excavators to collect and destroy the top soil of the cemetery. As a result, human skulls were reportedly littered around the cemetery, a development that has shocked the residents.

River Adunsu heavily polluted by the activities of illegal miners

When The Chronicle visited the place, we observed that some of the top soil collected by the illegal miners had been washed onto the nearby cocoa farms.

River Adunsu, which serves as the source of drinking water for the Yaase community and beyond, had been polluted by the illegal mining activities.

Reached on phone for his comment, Nana Fobi Gyan Kwarteng II, the chief of Yaase, asked this reporter to come and meet him personally for a detailed discussion on the issue.

“I am glad that you heard something about me and you have called, but I would plead with you to come over so that I can explain things to you. Today, I am attending a meeting”, he said.

According to Nana Gyan Kwarteng II, he has been summoned to a meeting by the Adonten Divisional Council at Roman Hill over the same issue.

The Assembly member for Yaase electoral area, Mr. Patrick Ahimah, confirmed the destruction of the royal cemetery to The Chronicle.

Cocoa and plantain farms destroyed in the search for gold by the galamseyers at Yaase

“I know about this, but per my understanding, galamsey is the use of excavators and other implements in water bodies, destroying lands and properties, but with this one, they were only removing the black soil and I queried them about where they would get water from.

When asked if he informed the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) over the clearing of the cemetery since it could affect the health of residents, Patrick Ahima responded in the negative, saying “To be honest with you, I did not do that. It escaped me.”

He also confirmed the exhumation of skulls in the cemetery, saying the issue is before the Adonte Traditional Council of the Manhyia Palace.

Asked if he was aware of the Mineral Law, which says if a mineral is found at a particular place, it belongs to the state, he responded that “I do not want to commit myself, the issue is before the Adonten Division of the Manhyia Palace, so I do not want to delve into it.”

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