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High-flying Lecce host newly-promoted Genoa tonight

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Genoa players

Early high-flyers Lecce welcome newly-promoted Genoa to the Stadio Via del Mare in Serie A on Friday night.

Roberto D’Aversa has led his Lecce side to fourth after four games, occupying one of the Champions League places currently.

Lecce enter the weekend as just one of three sides still unbeaten in Serie A this season, along with Inter Milan and Juventus.

It is just the third time in their top-flight history that Lecce have gone unbeaten in their first four matches.

However, an ominous statistic is that they have never remained unbeaten after five matches, so there is a new record on the line here.

With Juventus and Napoli to come after this encounter, the tests will get extremely tougher too, so D’Aversa has a real task on his hands to keep the side up in the top four.

Genoa meanwhile, failed to hang on when they hosted Napoli last weekend, squandering a 2-0 lead late on to only pick up one point.

Genoa have also shown some very promising signs, especially in games against Lazio and Napoli, and should make this a close, competitive encounter.

Despite never going five games unbeaten at the start of a Serie A season before, Lecce will fancy their chances of setting that new club record here.

Credit: sportsmole.co.uk

 Inaki Williams Athletic Bilbao, Alaves in all-Basque clash today

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Inaki Williams

Athletic Bilbao will be bidding to continue their impressive run of form when they make the trip to Basque rivals Alaves on Friday night.

The visitors are currently fourth in the La Liga table, boasting 10 points from their first five matches, while Alaves sit 14th, collecting six points from their opening five games of the season.

Alaves were promoted back to La Liga via the 2022-23 Segunda Division playoffs, so their main goal for this season is to survive in the top flight.

With that in mind, it has been a relatively solid start to the campaign, picking up six points from five matches, which has left them in 14th position in the table.

Athletic Bilbao finished eighth in La Liga last season but will have their eyes on a potential return to European football for the 2024-25 campaign.

In brothers Inaki Williams and Nico Williams, Athletic have two of the most dynamic forwards in the league, but Gorka Guruzeta has been the main source of goals early this season, netting three times in five outings.

Nico Williams, who is currently being linked with the likes of Barcelona, Manchester United and Liverpool, remains a major doubt due to a muscle injury that he suffered on international duty.

Alaves have been strong at home this season, and they are capable of making this a tricky match for Athletic. It would certainly not be a surprise to see an away win, but we just have a feeling that the points will be shared in this all-Basque clash.

Credit: sportsmole.co.uk

Insult Is Toxic, I Won’t Indulge In It–Veep tells NPP delegates

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JENNIFER AMBOLLEY
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Dr Mahamudu Bawumia

The Vice President and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential aspirant, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has promised delegates never to insult any of his opponents vying for the single slot, because insult is toxic and can ruin the fortunes of the party.

According to him, his main focus is to share his ideas and project the good works of the NPP government to party delegates and Ghanaians at large and that, raining insults on his opponents is not part of his agenda.

Speaking to delegates in Asutifi, as part of his campaign tour in the Ahafo Region, Dr. Bawumia said his upbringing would not allow him to attack his opponents in an internal contest, when the ultimate objective of every member of the NPP is to see the party defeat the NDC in 2024.

“I don’t believe in attacking my opponents and I won’t do that, because it will be toxic and it won’t be good for our party,” Dr. Bawumia said.

“This is an internal contest to elect our flagbearer, so why should I attack my opponents or say something against our party? I am running a very decent campaign. I am selling my ideas to delegates and I do that with decorum, with humility, with respect and without mentioning anybody’s name.”

The Vice President also said he has cautioned his campaign team members and spokespersons not to attack anybody, even if he is attacked by any aspirant, in the interest of the party.

“This should be a contest of ideas not insults. So I have told all my staff not to insult or attack anyone. They should stick to sharing my vision and message to delegates. I have told them that even if I am attacked or insulted, they should not respond because I am a unifier.”

If I fail, I’ll support whoever wins -Akoto

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Dr Afriyie Akoto

Dr Owusu Afriyie Akoto, a New Patriotic Party (NPP) flag bearer candidate has said he is in high hopes to clinch victory on November 4, 2023 presidential primary, given the tested and pragmatic vision he has so far espoused to provide Ghana’s economic freedom.
However, he is ready to support and campaign for whoever the delegates choose to bear the flag of the NPP for the 2024 general elections.

“Let me state here categorically, that I am prepared to work equally hard for whosoever the delegates choose to lead this Party on 4th November 2023. We must break the eight to retain the NPP in power,” he said.
At a press conference in Accra, Dr Akoto said the Party’s November 4 presidential primaries “is not a make-or-break issue for the Party.

“It is to elect one of us to bear the flag of our noble Party going forward to the Presidential elections on 7th December 2024.It offers an opportunity for all of us to unite behind one person to lead us to “break the 8” and not to break the Party,” he said.
Dr Akoto, a former Minister of Agriculture and former Member of Parliament for Kwadaso secured 36 votes in the NPP’s Super Delegates Conference on August 26, 2023.

He thanked the delegates for the opportunity offered him to participate in the main presidential primaries and rallied his supporters to work tirelessly to secure victory for him on November 4.

Dr. Akoto, who holds two post-graduate degrees (M.Sc and PhD) from one of the most prestigious universities in the world, Cambridge University, said his commitment to the welfare and ideals of the UP tradition had been demonstrated in many aspects through his service to the Party – an attribute he said endeared him to the Party’s delegates.
He said the presidential race should not “break” the NPP but should unify the Party towards “breaking the 8” in 2024. The astute politician, who has also worked for the UN for more than 18 years, will lock horns with three other candidates on November 4, 2023 for the NPP presidential primary.

He placed 4th in the Special Delegates Conference held on Saturday, August 26, 2023, surprising many political pundits and pollsters.
He is expected to intensify his campaign in the coming weeks as he re-strategises ahead of the party’s presidential primary.

Dr Owusu Afriyie Akoto is No. 3 on the ballot paper.
Over 210,000 party delegates are expected to exercise their franchise in the much-publicised elections.

By Stephen Odoi-Larbi

IGP tape probe: No power can coerce us to forge evidence -Atta-Akyea

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MAXWELL OFORI
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Samuel Atta Akyea

The Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee probing the leaked audio, Samuel Atta Akyea, has emphatically stated that nobody is powerful enough to coerce them to forge evidence.

According to him, the committee has no ill motives to soil the integrity of any of the witnesses appearing before them to testify.

“So, please relax about what is going on and trust this committee that we are not here to shortchange anybody. There is nobody who is powerful enough to cause us to slant evidence or do something untoward to hurt anybody,” he said.

The Abuakwa South Member of Parliament (MP) said this when the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, appeared before the committee to respond to a question about the leaked audio.

His comment of assurance followed the expression of discomfort by the IGP and his Counsel, over what they described as a “prejudicial” statement from the chairman of the committee.

A member of the committee, Ophelia Mensah, MP for Mfantseman, asked the IGP how he felt about the allegations from the police officers that he masterminded the recording.

In his response, Dr. Dampare noted that he felt bad as he is human, but his Christian values compelled him to forgive easily, and he would not hesitate to help his accusers “because that is the teaching of the Bible.”

DISCOMFORT

The Chairman of the Committee, Atta Akyea, opined that the forgiveness of the IGP could wait until the outcome of the probe.

He explained that the police boss did not know the evidence of his officers against him and thus would be better off holding his horses to appraise all the missiles to be unearthed in camera and then decide.

He said, “Inspector General of Police, I thought your forgiveness would abide by the outcome of the investigations because you don’t know the full extent of what they have against you. So, why are you forgiving so early?

He continued that, “Because I was thinking that IG will hold his horses and then what is going to happen is that when we recline and we retire, and the evidence is being unearthed in-camera, and then he will determine, in the face of what some people will say, or will not say, that large heart of forgiveness will continue to work or not.”

REACTION

Counsel for the IGP, Lawyer Kwame Gyan, drew the attention of the chairman, Atta Akyea, to the comment, after which his client, Dr. Dampare, also spoke to it.

They told the committee that the comment portrayed that a “quantum of missiles” was awaiting them in conclave and for that, “I should suspend my forgiveness to them.”

“Hon chair, as far as I am concerned, with the clearest of conscience and with my belief in God, I know that there is nothing anywhere against me. And if there is anything like that, those who have put it together should think twice, but whatever it is, I stand by my forgiveness to them and I will not change because that is what the Lord God that I serve has made me to understand. I thank you,” Dampare told the committee.

Meanwhile, the transcript of a section of proceedings is contained in today’s publication of the paper.

Judge vows to handle Cecilia Dapaah’s case professionally

By
BERNICE BESSEY
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Cecilia Dapaah

Mrs. Afia Owusuaa Appiah, presiding judge of an Accra Circuit Court hearing the complaint of stealing filed by the police on behalf of the former Minister of State, Cecilia Abena Dapaah, against her former domestic workers, says she (judge) would not bow to public pressure to treat the instant case differently from the others before her.

She made the statement yesterday in response to an oral application by a counsel in the case, Raymond Feli, holding brief for Yaw Danquah, that the prosecution of the case should be expedited, but the prosecution kept asking for adjournments.

According to counsel Feli, public interest in the case was very high, but the judge immediately interjected and told him that she would not succumb to public pressure, and that the case shall be handled professionally.

“Let us leave public sentiment out of this matter,” she told the counsel and argued that the allegations that had been levelled against the accused person were serious.

Her Honour Afia Owusuaa also took cognisance of the fact that Patience Botwe, one of the accused persons, had been in custody since July 6, and for the past few months, but the prosecution had been telling the court that the investigation was still ongoing.

The court ordered the Registrar of the Family and Juvenile Court to furnish it with records of proceedings in respect of the first accused (A1), Patience Botwe, who has applied for bail.

A1 had stated in her application that she had been granted bail by the Family and Juvenile Court and the prosecution did not deny this assertion.

The court also granted Malik Dauda, another accused person, bail in the sum of GH¢100,000.00 with two sureties to be justified.

Mrs. Appiah has, so far, granted Sarah Agyei, Christiana Achab, Job Pomary and Malik Dauda bail in various sums.

Sarah (A2) and Christiana were given GH¢1 million each, and Job (A6), GH¢300,000, with sureties to be justified. However, none of the accused persons had so far been able to execute the bail. As a result, their counsel filed application for bail variation.

Augustine Gyamfi, counsel for A2, told the court that the accused persons have not been able to execute the bail, not because they had not made any effort, but the difficulty placed on the interpretation of the bail by the Registrar.

The court, however, told counsel that if he had any challenge with the bail, he should put it before it.

The court also expressed concerns over individuals listed to stand surety for some of the accused persons in their application.

The court somehow doubted whether petty traders and peasant farmers listed in the bail application would be able to pay the money involved in the unlikely event the accused persons abscond after the granting of the bail.

In that regard, the judge ordered the defence counsel to provide detailed particulars of the sureties, so that when the least expected happened, she would not have to deal with the case by herself.

Other accused persons not on bail are Patience, her boyfriend Benjamin Sowah (A2), Yahaya Suleiman (A7). The eighth accused, Franklin Sarakpo, is at large.

Offences and Pleas

The accused persons have pleaded not guilty to the charges, namely, conspiracy to commit a crime, stealing and dishonestly receiving, preferred against them.

Patience (hairdresser) and Sarah (unemployed) are facing one count of conspiracy to commit a crime, six counts of stealing US$800,000.00 and US$200,000.00 and €300,000.00 – all properties of the former minister.

Benjamin Sowa (Plumber) is charged with dishonestly receiving GH¢180,000.00 from his girlfriend Patience, although the money is a property of Cecilia Abena Dapaah.

Malik Dauda (unemployed) also dishonestly received GH¢100,000.00 from Sarah through Patience, his ex-girlfriend and another GH¢5,000.00 from the same.

Wife and husband, Christina (trader) and Job (mechanic) dishonestly received GH¢30,000.00 while Christiana, again with Yahaya, dishonestly received GH¢850,000.00.

Monies and other properties allegedly stolen from the former minister were used to purchase houses and cars running into millions of Ghana cedis.

The police has retrieved some of these properties, particularly from Madam Cecilia Dapaah’s house helps, Patient and Sarah.

These include cash of US$40,000.00 and GH¢72,619.70 and landed properties such as GH¢800,000.00 compound house made up of 11 single-room apartments at Budumburam, GH¢300,000.00 3-bedroom house at Aplaku, GH¢280,000.00 3-bedroom house at Kokrobite and GH¢850,000.00 3-bedroom house at Amrahia.

Richard Appiah Kubi eyes Afigya Kwabre South parliamentary seat

By
SEBASTIAN R. FREIKU
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Richard Appiah Kubi - Head of Operations at Free SHS Secretariat

The Head of Operations at the Free SHS Secretariat, Mr. Richard Appiah Kubi has resigned from his position as the New Patriotic Party (NPP) 2nd Vice chairman for the Afigya Kwabre South Constituency, to enable him contest for the parliamentary seat in the constituency.

Mr. Appiah Kubi has held various political positions in the Constituency/District and served as 2nd Vice Chairman of the Afigya Kwabre South Constituency and 2020 Regional campaign team member (Polling agents’ recruitments and training committee).

He was also the Afigya Kwabre South Constituency Elections and Research Officer, former Afigya Kwabre South Constituency Youth Organiser and a former Polling Station Secretary.

He was also a former TESCON Organiser at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).

He is currently the Assembly Member for Nkukua Buoho electoral area, having served in that capacity for three consecutive terms, spanning over 12 years.

Mr. Appiah Kubi, a product of Aduman Senior High School has, however, opted out of the impending District Level elections in December, to focus on his new ambition to contest the NPP primary for the Afigya Kwabre South parliamentary seat in January 2024.

Editorial: Government must help NIA in Ghana Card issuance

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THE CHRONICLE
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Editorial

Some Ghanaians have expressed frustrations over the delay in getting their Ghana cards issued after months of application. The government of Ghana is contributing $531 million of the total $1.2 billion cost, while Identity Management System (IMS), which is partnering the NIA under a public/private partnership (PPP) agreement, will provide $678 million for the exercise.

The issuance of a National Identification ID card is among the few key projects the government promised to execute to formalise the country’s economy. However, many Ghanaians have already expressed regret over the seeming delays in the issuance of the cards, after more than three previous deadlines set by the government to execute it, was not met.

The National Identification Authority (NIA) has now disclosed that government has outstanding arrears of approximately $80 million owed to the Authority for the production of Ghana Cards.

According to the Executive Secretary of the Authority, Professor Kenneth Agyemang Attafuah, government has not fully settled these outstanding payments.

According to reports, some partners of NIA, including Identity Management Systems, have withheld over 3.5 million cards due to government’s failure to clear its debts.

Although a payment of GH¢100 million by the Finance Minister led to the release of these cards, the accumulation of debt, including interest over the past six months is threatening the registration process.

According to Prof Attafuah, the debt had initially been around $90 million and had increased due to additional arrears, which were part of a government support agreement.

The introduction of the Ghana Card, issued by NIA, as a mandatory form of identification to be used in all transactions, and also a significant step towards improving governance and security in the country, but the recent revelation that government owes approximately $80 million to the NIA for the production of these cards has raised concerns about the sustainability of this crucial initiative.

The consequences of this unpaid debt are far-reaching and extend beyond the balance sheet of the NIA. It is imperative to recognise the ripple effects of the government’s failure to clear its arrears for the production of Ghana Cards.

It is disturbing to know that over 3.5 million Ghana Cards have been withheld due to the outstanding debts. This means that significant portions of the population are being denied access to essential services that require the Ghana Card for verification. These services include voter registration, passport application and access to social benefits.

Delaying the issuance of these cards not only undermines the government’s commitment to national security but also opens the door to potential identity theft and fraudulent activities. This situation could erode public trust in the government’s ability to protect citizens and their data.

The unpaid debt has serious economic repercussions. The NIA is a government agency that relies on its budget to operate efficiently. The outstanding debt creates financial instability for the NIA, potentially leading to a reduction in the quality and scope of its services. This can have a negative impact on the country’s overall economic development.

The Chronicle calls on the government to urgently address this issue by clearing its debt to the NIA. We believe that by so doing it will enable the NIA to resume the issuance of Ghana Cards promptly.

A fully functional Ghana Card system is essential for national security. Clearing the debt will help the NIA enhance its capabilities in this regard and ensure the safety of citizens. This way, the NIA will be better equipped to support the country’s development initiatives. It is crucial for the government to prioritise and expedite the payment of this debt.

Clearing the arrears is not only a fiscal responsibility but also a commitment to the well-being and progress of the nation and its citizens. Ghana cannot afford to let this situation linger any longer; it’s time for action and accountability.

Dormaa West District Education Directorates gets dual desks

By
FRANCIS OWUSU-ANSAH
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The desks

The Chief Executive (DCE) for Dormaa West District, Mr. Francis Kwadwo Oppong, has donated 550 dual desks to schools in the area.

The donation was made on behalf of President Akufo-Addo, who recognises the importance of quality education and aims to support schools in need.

The dual desks will significantly improve the learning environment for students in the district, as many of them previously had to share desks during classes.

With the new desks, the students will have a comfortable and conducive space to study, which will ultimately enhance focus and learning outcomes.

During the handover ceremony, the DCE expressed his delight at being able to contribute to the improvement of education in the district.

He emphasised that the government’s commitment to providing quality education for all Ghanaian children, and encouraged the students to take full advantage of the resources provided to them.

He also acknowledged the immense efforts of teachers and school administrators in ensuring the success of the district’s educational system.

He commended their dedication and hard work, highlighting the importance of collaboration between teachers, parents, and the community to create a supportive learning environment.

The desks were received by the District Education Director, Mr. Kwadwo Bofah.

He expressed the Directorate’s gratitude for the support, recognising its positive impact on the education of the district.

“The desks will not only improve comfort but also instill a sense of pride and ownership among the students, fostering a more positive attitude towards their studies,” he said.

The DCE assured the education directorate that the government would continue to prioritize education and work towards providing more resources to enhance learning in the district.

He encouraged the school authorities to make good use of the desks and ensure their proper maintenance for the benefit of future generations.

The donation of 550 dual desks by the DCE reflects the government’s commitment to equitable access to education and the improvement of infrastructure in schools across Ghana.

This gesture will undoubtedly contribute to the overall development of the district and the empowerment of its students through quality education.

Sunyani Technical University to host ARCTUG 2024

By
FRANCIS OWUSU-ANSAH
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The Sunyani Technical University

The Sunyani Technical University (STU) is to host the third biennial Applied Research Conference of Technical Universities in Ghana (ARCTUG).

The programme is scheduled for May 28, to June 1, 2024, under the theme: “University, Industry, and Government Partnership for Accelerating Innovation and Entrepreneurship for National Development.”

The sub-thematic areas are, Innovation in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics for National Development, Innovation in Information Communication Technology, University-Industry Alliance for National Development, Industry-Government Partnership for National and Sustainable Development, Government-University Collaboration for Human Capital Development, and Entrepreneurship Training for Sustainable and National Development

Others are, Innovation in Applied Arts, Built, and Natural Environment for Employability, Innovation in Applied Linguistics for National Development, Innovation in Business, Management, Social Sciences, and Entrepreneurship, Tourism, Hospitality, and Creative Arts for National Development.

The rest are Innovation in TVET for National Development, Innovation in Energy Management and Climate Change for Sustainable Development, Uptake of Research Findings by Government and Industry, Commercialisation of Innovation from Universities for Wealth and Job Creation.

The highlights of the conference include Guest Speaker presentations, Keynote Speaker presentations, full-length paper presentations, poster presentations, virtual presentations, an exhibition of innovations and inventions, award presentations, a visit to selected tourist attraction sites in the two Bono regions, business and networking meeting, live-band performance, and dinner.

The keynote speakers who would grace the occasion are Prof. Dr. Mustafa Zulkuf Altan, (Professor, Entrepreneurial Teacher Educator), Erciyes University, Faculty of Education

Kayseri-Turkey, Prof Frederick Kwaku Sarfo (Vice-Chancellor, AAMUSTED/CTVET), Prof De-Graft Owusu-Manu (Asso. Prof KNUST), Consultant, Entrepreneur), Mr. Emmanuel Sackey (International Consultant and IP Expert), and Mrs. Sarah Norkor Anku (Senior Partner, and IP Consultant, Anku Anku At-Law).

The modes of presentation for the conference are in-person, (oral), poster, virtual, and exhibition.

The deadlines and schedules for the conference are: call for abstracts and synopses of innovations, 1st June 2023, deadline for submission of abstracts and innovations,31st October, 2023, deadline for notification of acceptance of abstracts,10th November, 2023, request for full-length papers/posters, 17th November, 2023, deadline for poster/full-length paper submission,20th December, 2023, notification of acceptance of full-length papers, 20th January, 2024, submission of revised poster/full-length papers,20th February, 2024, submission of powerpoint slides for oral presentation:20th March, 2024, registration, 20th January, 2024 to 1st May, 2024.

Revised papers from the conference will be published as special issues in the African Journal of Applied Research (APC 100 USD), and the Journal of Engineering, Applied Science, and Humanities (APC 50 USD).

The local organiSing committee of the conference is chaired by Prof Edward Owusu. Other members include, Prof Jones Lewis Arthur, Prof Evans Zoya Kpamma, Dr Moses Kwaku Golly, Dr Kwame Oduro Amoako, Ms Evelyn Adomah Benneh, Mr Adamu Mohammed, Mr Kofi Antwi and Mr Dickson Kyereh-Duah, Secretary.

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