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AG digs into military background of Jakpa

By
BERNICE BESSEY
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Godfred Yeboah Dame

Godfred Yeboah Dame, the Attorney-General and Minister Justice, through Yvonne Attakorah Oboubisa, Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), has taken his turn to cross-examine Richard Jakpa, by first digging deep into the latter’s military career.

The first question dropped by the prosecution had Mr. Jakpa, 3rd Accused (A3) in the ambulance trial, providing pages of answers to the discomfort of the lawyers of the state.

According to the DPP, Mr. Jakpa was dismissed from the military in 2008 because of insubordination and also that he failed his promotional exams on countless times. Furthermore, A3 was kicked out of the Army as a result of his unsatisfactory conduct.

She also told Justice Afia Serwah Asare-Botwe, a Court of Appeal judge, sitting with an additional responsibility of the Accra High Court yesterday, that at the time the Attorney-General filed the charges in December 2021, he did not know A3.

According to her, Mr. Dame did not know he was a family relation of the Supreme Court Justice, Emmanuel Yonny Kolendi, or had ever had any interaction with A3.

The DPP said A3 was the one who first introduced himself to the A-G on Whatsapp, yet he failed to present same, as part of his evidence before the court.

A3, according to the prosecution, sent to the A-G, a total of 68 WhatsApp messages, but Mr. Dame answered only two.

However, A3 said the assertion that he was dismissed from active service was false, but he was rather released off his service. He said dismissal and release off service means different things, as the former connote misconduct, which was not the case.

Furthermore, he said he did not fail his promotional exams and that he was victimised for the sins of his late father, who, during the revolution, released former president Jerry John Rawlings from prison for the June 4th uprising.

A3 indicated that his father was the ACDR secretary of the entire Ghana Armed Forces, which is almost like the political wing of the army that ensured that the revolution survived.

He stated that he passed all his papers, except two, which he was later told by the then General Officer Commanding (GOC)  the Southern Command, Brigadier-General Emmanuel Okyere (rtd) that his ordeals were orchestrated by the former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Joseph Boateng Danquah.

Mr. Jakpa said he won the admiration of Brigadier-General Emmanuel Okyere (rtd), now National Security Adviser to President Akufo-Addo, after having excelled in IQ test, which was meant to declare him insane.

He said, GAF, through a psychological board, headed by one Dr Bruce, brought IQ questions from Cambridge and he scored 95/100.

According to him, not only did he excel in his interviews after graduating from the Military Academy, but was awarded the marksmanship and skills at arm award for his intake.

He further stated that the board reported to the Military High Command that he was super intelligent and whatever challenge he had with passing his exams was human making.

To buttress this point, he said he scored 97.8 in 25 exams he took for his self-sponsored distance private investigation education in Pennsylvania.

It is as a result of these academic excellence that he won the admiration of Mr. Okyere, to disclose why he was not passing his promotional exams.

 

A3 also said he became a target because of the senior officers of the army, because after graduating from the military academy, former president Jerry John Rawlings personally directed that he should be posted from the base workshop to the Gonda Barracks, RCCE Regiment.

Most of the Senior officers, therefore, saw him as a spy and became hostile towards him.

His situation worsened when there was a change of power in the year 2000 and Dr Addo Kufuor became the Minister for Defence.

Since the new government in power did not want him anywhere near the powerful guns at the RCCE Regiment, he was posted to Sunyani, as the Acting Commander of Independent Reconnaissance Squadron, providing support and intelligence for the entire northern part of the country.

During this period, Addo Kufuor visited Sunyani and per the tradition, he was to be briefed by the Commanding officers of the two military units – 3 Infantry Battalion and 2 Independent Reconnaissance Squadron.

He said after the Commanding officer of the 3 Infantry Battalion had finished his briefing and he was to take his turn, the Defence Minister refused to hear him, and ordered that the briefing was given to the other Officer to do, but he refused.

According to him, it is either the minister took the briefing from him or there was no briefing for him at all, because he was handling a separate unit from the 3 Infantry Battalion.

Since it was unlawful command and he refused to obey, the Minister requested that he briefed him for just five minutes, but A3 ended spending 45 minutes.

Jakpa admitted having taken the A-G’s number from his cousin, following Mr. Dame’s intervention in executing the bail bond.

He told the court that he was frustrated by the police after having executed his bail bond of GH¢5 million with three sureties, one to be justified with landed property worth the amount.

A3 said he sent a text message to Justice Kulendi, who at the time was sitting and had to excuse himself to rush to the A-G’s office for the latter’s intervention.

Justice Kulendi called him with his phone and he also had the opportunity to speak to the A-G at that point for the first time.

It was later that A3 was urged by Justice Kulendi to call the A-G and thank him for his assistance.

Following this, A3 also requested that he and the A-G met for private meeting and Mr. Dame responded that he will arrange it through his cousin, Justice Yonny Kolendi.

He also indicated that many of the chats from him that were not responded to by the A-G was because they had a verbal conversation on the matter earlier.

Other matters

Meanwhile, the court has ordered the National Security to fish out the person who recorded part of the court’s proceedings and leaked it out.

The case has been adjourned to Thursday to enable the defence appraised themselves with a document filed by the Prosecution.

 

Peace in Africa benefits Europe as well –Austria diplomat

By
BERNICE BESSEY
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Counselllor Guenther Barber, Rep of Austrian Ministry of Defence

Chancellor Guenther Barber, an officer from the Austrian Ministry of Defence says securing peace in Africa has overreaching benefits for Europe as well.

He said just as European decisions have both negative and positive effects on Africa, what happens in Africa also have a mirror effect on Europe, with the reason being that the two continents are divided only by the Mediterranean Sea.

In the same vein, securing and working towards peace of the African continent is crucial for its political stability and development.

He was speaking at the opening of a 10-day workshop, dubbed ‘Political Advisors Course for Peace Support Operations in Africa,” on Monday in Accra.

The programme was sponsored by the Austrian government, as part of its bilateral and multilateral commitment to Africa.

According to him, although Austria is a small and landlocked country in Europe, it is determined to contribute its quota to the peace of Africa and the world at large.

He commented on the happenings in the Sahel region and how much it has brought misunderstanding between the people, ECOWAS and the European Union.

Mr. Barber explained that political advise is a craft and art of understanding what to do in response to conflict situations.

A good political advisor is formed on good assessment and judgement of conflict issues and offering advice that is a cutting edge solution.

Colonel Emmanuel Larbi Sarpong Gyadu, representative of the Commandant, Kofi Annan International Peace Training Centre (KAIPTC) said “the role of the political advisor in a mission was very critical for providing the mission leadership with proper analysis of political developments, trends and emerging issues in the country or region.

“He also makes recommendations on possible policies, strategies and other measures to address those issues.”

He said the role of a political advisor involves negotiation and mediation principles, reporting, briefing, public diplomacy as well as dealing with the media.

“I have no doubt that this training will expose you to internationally-required competencies and standards for Political Advisors and I am certain that it will enable you to better understand the dynamics of conflict and crises management in order to function effectively in Multi-Dimensional Peace Support Operations,” he said.

Col Gyadu urged the participants to take the training seriously, since peace was a critical prerequisite for national, regional and global development.

He emphasised this point by indicating that the absence of peace is anarchy, resulting in stagnation and devastation of societies.

“It is for this reason that this course has been organised to formalise training of Political Advisors for Commanders of Operations and/or Heads of Missions of UN/AU/ECOWAS,” he added.

The participants were made of 16 security and civilians drawn from Ghana, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Mali and Burkina Faso.

The G7 Summit And The Need For A Fairer World

By
admin
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OPINION

The current international system that was put in place in the aftermath of the Second World War is struggling to address the many challenges and issues the world is facing today. Driven by the interests and desires of a specific set of states, it is fuelling conflict and hindering peace, stability and prosperity across the globe.

After the end of the Cold War in the 1990s, the world has entered a new tumultuous era in which the international community came face to face with a new set of challenges to peace and stability.

Modern era necessitates collaboration at both regional and global levels, with a greater involvement of global actors in problem-solving. However, the Ukraine-Russia war, Israel’s attacks on Palestine, and numerous other conflicts highlight the ineffectiveness of international actors in addressing regional issues and their lack of resolve to find solutions.

The global influence of international organisations is in decline. This is because these organisations have failed to recognise the nature of the multipolar modern world that began to emerge at the turn of the century.

It is important to acknowledge that the international system cannot be shaped solely by a few superpowers and their political and ideological concerns. It is impossible to imagine a world system in which the interests and benefits of certain powers are prioritised at the expense of exploiting other countries and peoples.

International organisations and the countries that dominate them must recognise this reality and adapt their strategies accordingly. The global system that was put in place after the Second World War is on the verge of collapse, yet it seems impossible to create a system that aligns with the modern era.

It is crucial for leading international organisations, initiatives to promptly assume responsibility for constructing a system that aligns with the requirements of the current era.

Being an international organisation, the G7 is a group of countries that share common values and principles and strive to promote freedom, democracy, and human rights on a global scale. Given the recent international crises and conflicts, it is necessary to reconsider and discuss the G7’s performance in meeting its responsibilities and how its decisions have been received on international platforms.

The G7 does not have the authority to make binding decisions, however, in the current landscape, when even the functions and operations of international organisations – which are supposedly capable of making binding decisions – are being scrutinised, the G7 cannot avoid these questions.

The theme of this year’s summit, which will be attended by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of the Republic of Türkiye, as a special guest, has been set as “rules-based international system.” The discussions at the three-day summit, will focus on the defence of the rules-based international system among other pressing issues of our time, from the Russia-Ukraine war and the conflict in the Middle East, to food security and migration.

The theme of the summit is highly appropriate because these days certain states are blatantly violating the rules, norms and standards the current international order has supposedly been built upon and is guarding.

Despite this theme, it is crucial to underscore the unfortunate reality that
certain states in today’s world blatantly violate the norms that the international system has adopted and built upon. Israel has slaughtered tens of thousands of innocent people in Gaza in a matter of months, eventually bombing even Rafah , the location it had previously designated as the only “safe zone”.

Israel’s actions in Gaza and other cities amount to a blatant war crime. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has consistently highlighted the need to put an end to Israel’s reckless attacks for months now. As There is a growing global acceptance of the notion that Israel is shielded by the international system rather than being prevented.

There is no denying that international actors, especially the G7, have failed to oppose Israel’s actions, which disregard all laws, principles, and values The international system failed to produce a binding call for a ceasefire for many months as Israel slaughtered thousands of women and children.

It took repeated mass protests and a powerful uprising of young people at university campuses for the leaders of the G7 to make such a call. The global outcry and revolts against Israel’s strikes serve as a stark reminder that those who support Israel will be remembered with deep shame.

These leaders have announced their full support for the ceasefire plan put forward by US President Joe Biden on May 31. However, it is unclear whether this appeal, and the support it has received from the G7, will be able to deter Israel from continuing its war on Palestine. The G7 and other international actors are expected, and required, to do more.

It is essential to restructure this system and devise methods to establish a new framework that prioritises the rights of the oppressed over the interests of the powerful.

The dysfunction and silence of the international actors in the crises and conflicts that have been taking place in recent years highlight the significance and relevance of our President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s statements, “The World is Bigger than Five” and “A Fairer World is Possible.”

He strongly values and supports Türkiye’s endeavours for global peace. The leading role Türkiye played in the efforts to secure a ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine war and to resolve the grain crisis that stemmed from that conflict speaks to this determination.

Türkiye remains committed to promoting regional and global peace, stability, and crisis resolution in the face of growing challenges of our times, from irregular migration and climate change to international terrorism, and disrupted supply chains.

Source:  aljazeera.com

By Fahrettin Altun

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

Editorial: Winneba Hospital Saga; Have We Lost Our Humanity?

By
THE CHRONICLE
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Editorial

Ghanaians are appalled about the alleged abandonment of a patient in a bush at Gomoa Ojobi in the Central Region by hospital staff at the Trauma and Specialist Hospital in Winneba. The Ghana Health Service has initiated an investigation into the incident.

The Chronicle would like to use this tragic moment to raise concern on the decline in the humanity of some Ghanaians. The alarming situation is that when people chance on a victim who is on the verge of dying, the first thing they do is bring out their phones and record to post on social media. Assuming the hospital staff reportedly dumped the patient, who was still recovering by the road side and left her to her fate, what about the residents in the area who saw her lying there for some days. Couldn’t they have offered help?

The Chronicle is of the view that if even the Winneba hospital staff were at fault, the woman could have been still alive if those who saw her lying by the road side had come to her aid. This incident raises profound questions about the state of our collective humanity and societal values.

This distressing event not only highlights potential failings within our healthcare system but also reveals a troubling apathy among those who witnessed her suffering.

First and foremost, if the allegations against the hospital staff are proven true, it represents a gross dereliction of duty and a breach of the Hippocratic Oath.

Healthcare professionals are entrusted with the lives of their patients and any action that jeopardises this trust must be met with severe consequences.

The Ghana Health Service has initiated an investigation and it is imperative that this probe is thorough, transparent and leads to accountability.

However, focusing solely on the healthcare providers, though necessary, is not sufficient. We must also confront the broader societal issues that this incident exposes. The abandonment of the patient did not occur in isolation. For five days, she lay by the roadside, exposed to the elements and vulnerable to the harsh realities of nature. During this time, individuals saw her plight yet no one came to her aid. This collective inaction is deeply troubling.

Former President Mahama drew a parallel to the biblical parable of the Good Samaritan, a story that teaches us the importance of compassion and helping those in need, regardless of who they are. The failure of passersby to assist the suffering woman starkly contrasts with the moral lesson of the Good Samaritan. It forces us to ask uncomfortable questions about our values and the society we are building.

As Ghanaians, we pride ourselves on being warm, hospitable and caring people. Incidents like this challenge that self-perception and demand that we take a hard look at ourselves. We must rekindle our humanity and reignite the flames of empathy and compassion that define our culture.

Education and awareness are crucial. From a young age, we must teach our children the importance of helping others and the value of every human life. Community leaders, religious institutions, and educational systems all have a role to play in reinforcing these values.

Beyond individual actions, systemic changes are necessary.

Our healthcare system must be robust, efficient and compassionate. Training programs for healthcare providers should emphasize not just technical skills but also the ethical and moral responsibilities that come with their profession.

The death of the patient at Gomoa Ojobi is a tragedy that should never have happened. It is a wake-up call for all Ghanaians to re-evaluate our values and our commitment to each other. As we mourn her loss, let us also take concrete steps to ensure that our society is one where no one is left behind, where compassion is the norm, and where every individual is treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.

Amma Prempeh’s GACAA awards head to Manhyia Palace, Bonwire Kente Museums

By
SEBASTIAN R. FREIKU
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Amma Prempeh - Film maker, Journalist and lawyer

The Manhyia Palace Museum has congratulated Amma Konadu Yiadom Prempeh (Amma Prempeh) for winning four prestigious awards at the fourth edition of the Golden Age Business and Creative Arts Awards (GACAA).

The Awards event was held at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel in Accra on May 1, 2024.

Ghana’s first Kente documentary, “Kente Culture Story Documentary Film: The Importance of Kente to Ghanaians & Black Africans” produced, directed and funded by award-winning BBC journalist, Amma Prempeh, won three awards at the event.

Woman of Excellence Tourism and Arts Personality of the Year award

The awards are “Woman of Excellence: Creative Art Personality of the Year”; “Woman of Excellence: Tourism and Arts Personality of the Year” and “Yaa Asantewaa Woman of Valour and Honour Award” and a citation from the Asante Kotoko Association in New York, May 25, 2024.

In congratulating the Awardee, the Curator of the Manhyia Palace Museum, Mr. Justice Brobbey, acknowledged the honour done to Asanteman and Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene, by winning the awards.

“Receiving four prestigious awards within a year is no mean achievement’, Curator Brobbey stated.

He requested that copies of the awards be donated for keeping at the Manhyia Palace Museum.

Miss Amma Prempeh told The Chronicle in an electronic chat that she is humbled and honoured by the request to bring her victories home to her royal ancestors. Both parents are from the Ashanti Royal family.

She thanked God for bringing her this far.

Meanwhile, Kente weavers at Bonwire have on behalf of the Kuragu and Ameyaw Kente Stool, bestowed the title ‘Kente Ambassador  for Bonwire and Ghana’ on Amma Prempeh, on the global scene.

The group has also requested that copies of her awards be made available for keeping at the Bonwire Kente Museum.

Mr. Dickson Okai Ababio, on behalf of the Bonwire Kente stool, congratulated Amma Prempeh for the honour done, Asanteman, Bonwireman and Nana Kuragu Ameyaw Santamire II, Otumfuo’s Kentehene.

He hoped Amma Prempeh would not only promote Kente cloth but will push to bring more jobs to Bonwire Kente weavers and Kente weavers across the country.

Pramso chief sues Assemblyman for mobilising funds for community development 

By
SEBASTIAN R. FREIKU
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Nana Gyampon-Tuah II - chief of Pramso

Frank Owusu Sekyere, Assembly member of the Pramso Electoral area in the Bosomtwe district has been dragged to the Kuntanase District Court.

His crime is his attempts to mobilize funds in a bid to help complete a seemingly abandoned Community centre project.

The chief of Pramso, Nana Gyampon-Tuah II, the plaintiff believing that the rules of the court permit his application, is seeking an injunction to restrain the defendant Assemblyman and his assigns from having anything to do with the Pramso Community centre project.

He claims that the Pramso Community Centre project was handed over to him on his enstoolment six years ago following financial constraints the original financiers, who were resident in Canada, faced then.

The chief avers that in March this year the defendant caused an announcement to be made that an appeal for funds in aid of the Community Centre project is to be organized on July 27, 2024.

The plaintiff is objecting to the initiative of the Assemblyman because he (Assemblyman) had not sought any permission from him (chief) or consulted him as the custodian of the community neither was he involved in the development programmes drawn by the assemblyman.

In an affidavit in support of his  claims, Nana Gyanpong-Tuah  contends  that the Community Centre project was  entrusted in his care since 2018 as the custodian of properties  belonging to the community claiming he is the chief  and undertakes  and  supervises   such projects  and that  the Assemblyman has no right  unless permission is sought.

As a result, the chief  considers the conduct of the Assemblyman not to see reason with him as gross disregard of his authority as the traditional head of the community hence the injunction to restrain the defendant from developing the community centre project.

Speaker of Parliament meets Otumfuo Osei Tutu II 

By
ERNEST BEST ANANE
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0
The Speaker in a group picture with Pastor Ransford Obeng and his junior at CCC in Kumasi

Rt. Hon. Alban Kingsford Bagbin, the Speaker of Parliament, has paid a courtesy call on His Royal Majesty, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi.

Speaker Bagbin exchanging pleasantries with His Royal Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II at the Manhyia Palace

The two Statemen had cordial discussions and engaged in a fruitful discussion on matters of national interest and development, youth empowerment and other issues of great importance.

The visit coincided with Rt. Hon. Speaker’s visit to the Calvary Charismatic Center, where he joined in prayers for the prosperity and well-being of Ghana.

The Speaker expressed his sincere appreciation to His Royal Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and the people of Kumasi for the warm hospitality and gracious reception.

He also reaffirmed his commitment as the leader of Ghana’s Parliament to ensure that democracy is deepened in Ghana’s governance system to enhance total and sustainable development for the interest of the citizenry.

Govt rescues two more girls trafficked to Ghana for prostitution

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admin
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NIDCom Chairman, Abike Dabiri-Erewa

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, NIDCom, has rescued two Nigerian girls who were trafficked to Ghana for prostitution.

NIDCom Chairman, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, confirmed this in a statement issued by the commission’s Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit, Abdur-Rahman Balogun,

Recall that the commission had rescued 11 Nigerian girls who were trafficked to Ghana for prostitution last week.

Dabiri-Erewa said the two girls whose rescue operation was facilitated by the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) Ghana, under the leadership of the Chairman, BOT, Chief Calistus, are currently in safe custody.

She further reiterated her call for concerted efforts in combating human trafficking in all ramifications as it is another form of modern-day slavery.

According to Dabiri-Erewa, one of the two girls is from Edo State while the other is from Lagos but both of them reside in Lagos State.

She added that arrangements will be made to get them back to Nigeria and handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).

Credit: dailypost.ng

Gov Otu heads APC reconciliation committee

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admin
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Bassey Otu, governor of Cross River State

The leadership of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, has appointed Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State as chairman of its reconciliation committee.

His appointment was announced early Monday morning in a communiqué from the South South zonal conference held in Calabar on Sunday.

It stated, “We have resolved to set up a reconciliation committee in the South-South region. This will be headed by HE Sen. Bassey Otu, governor of Cross River State.”

They also made a resolution to bridge any existing gap, foster collaboration, and work towards a common goal of strengthening the party’s presence and influence in the region.

In the communiqué, they reaffirmed their unwavering support for the policies and programs of President Bola Tinubu’s administration in fostering good governance, economic reforms, national security, and infrastructural development.

They resolved to mobilize available party assets towards winning Edo State during the governorship election to illustrate their determination to win more states.

Credit: dailypost.ng

Govt summons private jets owners over improper importation, others

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admin
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Nigeria Private Jets Owners

The Federal Government has asked owners of private jets in the country to present their documents for verification. It gave the order in a notice through the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS). The NCS said the exercise aims to identify improperly imported private aircraft without documentation, ensure proper imports, and for maximum revenue collection.

“The Nigeria Customs Service announces a verification exercise for privately owned aircraft operating in Nigeria,” the statement read.

“This exercise aims to identify improperly imported private aircraft without documentation, ensuring proper imports and maximum revenue collection.”

The exercise will start on Wednesday (tomorrow) and is expected to last for 30 days. The venue is the Tariff and Trade Department Room, Nigeria Customs Service Headquarters at No 4 Abidjan Street, Wuse Zone 3 in Abuja.

It said the verification exercise will be held from 10:00 am – to 5:00 pm daily.

According to the notice, owners and operators of private jets in the country are to come with some relevant documents.

These include aircraft Certificate of Registration, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority’s Flight Operation Compliance Certificate, NCAA’s Maintenance Compliance Certificate, NCAA’s Permit for Non-Commercial Flights, and Temporary Import Permit (if applicable).

The development comes one year after the FG put on hold the exercise. The government had planned to recover import duty running into billions of naira from some private jet operators who had taken advantage of technical loopholes, to evade the payment of import duty.

Sometime in 2021, about 17 owners of foreign-registered private jets, comprising top business moguls, leading commercial banks, and other rich Nigerians, dragged the Federal Government to court, seeking to stop the grounding of their planes over alleged import duty default.

This came after the Federal Government approved the decision of the NCS, to ground about 91 private jets over their alleged refusal to pay import duties running to over N30bn.

The NCS had in 2021 embarked on a review of import duties paid on private jets brought into the country since 2006.

Credit: channelstv.com

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