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Salvaging ailing economy requires collective national efforts –GBC Prez

By
ERNEST BEST ANANE
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Rev. Dr. Nii Narh Thompson, the Executive President of the Ghana Baptist Convention (GBC) has called for concerted efforts from all stakeholders to help bring the ailing national economy back on track.

According to him, salvaging the economy demands collective efforts of every well-meaning Ghanaians, especially the religious leaders and their followers, to make the society a better place and conducive for doing businesses and to go about normal daily activities.

Speaking at the closing session of the 60th annual convention of the GBC last Saturday, at the Baptist Women’s Retreat and Resource Centre at Ejura in the Ashanti region, Rev. Dr. Thompson urged all and sundry to embark on a rescue mission just as Jesus commanded Christians to go and rescue the lost in the society.

The 121 newly ordained pastors in a pose with senior pastors

According to him, the church must not only focus and centre on preaching about making money and prosperity, but preach about perseverance and how to survive in difficult times, principles of savings and management of resources in such a way that, members or congregants do not waste resources and judiciously use precious time.

The GBC President entreated the church to enhance the teaching of child upbringing, marriage and family life and financial management to ensure that people think right devoid of immoral life and respect for cultural values and norms.

The Executive President challenged church leaders to use their positions as service and leadership to have consciousness in preaching the betterment in society towards rescuing the lost.

Rev. Dr. Thompson noted that, the church had the mandate to liberate and enlighten society through education. It must also prepare members to enjoy life on earth.

The Ghana Baptist Convention also used the occasion to ordain 121 candidates who have been called to the ministry to enhance their skills to preach the gospel with authorization of their denominations to perform spiritual rights and duties.

Accusations, counter accusations rock Acts 2000 SDA Church …elders call for sanctions against pastor

By
SEBASTIAN R. FREIKU
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Elder De graft Anokye flanked by elders and concerned leaders of the Prayer ministry at the meeting

The membership of the Prayer Ministry of Acts 2000 local SDA Church at Manhyia, in Kumasi, have called for sanctions against their pastor, Dr. Kwame Annor-Boahen.

Elders of the church, constituting themselves into concerned leaders of the Wednesday Morning Prayer group of the church want Pastor Dr. Annor-Boahen, who is also the President of the  Seventh Day Adventist North Ghana Union, sanctioned by the church executives of the West Africa Division (WAD) of SDA, headquartered in La Cote d’Ivoire.

The Secretary of the group and spokesperson, Elder Emmanuel De graft Anokye, said at a news conference in Kumasi on Monday, this week, that they wanted their pastor expelled or excommunicated.

They want him relieved of his position as the Union President of North Ghana Union and Acts 2000 Church pastor before his style of leadership collapsed the church.

The group also recommended the revocation of his (Dr. Annor-Boahen’s) licence as an SDA pastor for flouting the church’s manual and policy.

The group also see their pastor as a man who abhors peace since he has declined good counsel by the police to ensure peace and order by adopting the structures of the church.

The position and recommendations of the leaders of the Prayer Ministry is in reaction to a catalogue of accusations levelled against them by the pastor, for which he arbitrarily ordered the closure of the local church on Monday August 14, 2023.

By the closure, the pastor seeks to ban routine prayer sessions on Wednesday mornings. The local head pastor accused the Prayer Ministry and elders of the church of abusing prayers at the church and adopting the Charismatic and Pentecostal mode of praying.

Dr. Annor Boahen – Embattled Acts 2000 SDA Church pastor

The senior Adventist pastor claimed leaders of the prayer group had turned the Ministry into money making venture and thus extorting monies from unsuspecting members for personal gains and selfish ambition and, therefore, showing spiritual and supernatural powers in ministering prayers as well as indulging the practice of bathing women besides sprinkling of water.

The elders and leaders have, however, debunked what they described as wild and outrageous accusations and dared the pastor to make public the basis of his accusation with evidence, documentary or oral, or face their wrath.

The stance of the elders is also premised on their conviction that Pastor Annor-Boahen had tarnished the image of the accused persons by making unsubstantiated accusations and defamation of character, which has also brought the name of the SDA Church and all Advetist fraternity around the globe into disrepute.

They have given the embattled pastor the option to retract the false allegations against them and apologise to the elders and leaders of the prayer group within 14 days or they would accordingly advise themselves.

In attendance at the press conference were Elders C.K. Agyapong, Daniel Kofi Berchie, S.W. Donkor, Joseph Kennedy and Clifford Sarfo.

Groups challenge appointment of Principal for Berekum College of Education

By
FRANCIS OWUSU-ANSAH
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Mr. Atta Akoto Sr (m) addressing the press conference in Sunyani

Three groups in Sunyani – the Sunyani Youth Development Association, Sunyani for Development Association and Bonoman Institute – have petitioned the Bono Regional Office of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) over the alleged discriminatory and unfair treatment of Dr Mrs Vida Korang, over the appointment of a new principal for the Berekum College of Education.

Addressing a news conference in Sunyani, the spokesperson for the groups, Mr. Atta Akoto Snr., wondered why Dr. Mrs Vida Korang, a Senior Lecturer at the Catholic University of Ghana, who scored the highest marks in the interview to select a new principal for the college, had been denied the opportunity to head the only public college of education in the region.

“We have petitioned the Commission for Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) to investigate the matter, as the decision by the governing council not to appoint Dr Mrs Vida Korang is an affront to fairness and a heavy dent on Ghana’s quest to achieve Gender Equality (Goal 5) and Inequality (Goal 10) of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” he said.

Dr Mrs. Vida Korang, a Senior Lecturer at the Catholic University of Ghana

Details of the petition, signed by Atta Akoto Snr (President, SYDA), Nana Sakyi Akomea (Secretary) and Ansu Gyeabour (PRO of Bonoman Institute) explained that Dr Korang applied for the vacant principal of the college position when it was advertised in December 2022.

At the end of the interview process, the search committee approved and presented two applicants, Dr Mrs. Vida Korang and Mr. Sylvester Donkor, for consideration.

According to the petitioners, the action by the governing council was also in breach of Article 17 (1) (2) (3) and 296 of the 1992 constitution of Ghana.

The petitioners, therefore, want CHRAJ to declare the action of the council discriminatory and unfair, and erred in its decision not to give the position to Dr. Mrs. Vida Korang.

The petitioners also want an order to the council to review its decision for the appointment of the current principal and appoint a new one based on merit, non-discriminatory, fairness and non-subjective in accordance with the laws and the development agenda of Ghana.

Mr. Atta Akoto said that elevating Dr. Mrs. Korang to that high office will go a long way to motivate more females to aspire to greater heights and, therefore, called on the Bono Regional Minister, Madam Justina Owusu Banahene, to intervene and ensure that the right things are done.

RESPONSE

Responding to the petitioners, the college council chairman, Mr. Kwadjo Adjei Darko confirmed that Dr Korang had the highest score of 71 marks, as compared to 70 marks obtained by Mr Donkor, who was the Vice Principal of the Fosu College of Education.

He said Mr Donkor was chosen as the Principal of the Berekum College of Education because Dr Korang is from a private university, saying that picking her will require financial clearance before moving her onto the public sector payroll.

Mr Darko noted that “Every interview is subjective, and Dr Korang’s research output is low compared to Mr Donkor,” and the council considered all these factors.

“Why do we give ourselves that problem when there is only one mark difference between the two (candidates) and Mr Donkor has a high research output,” the college council chairman said.

But the petitioners contend that the chairman’s view is an afterthought and the reasons assigned after a structured interview “cannot stand any test.”

The groups have also petitioned and copied the Chief Justice, Minister for Gender and Social Protection, Minister for Education and President of the Bono Regional House of Chiefs.

Ghanaians in disapora don’t attend our shows but book in advance for Nigerian Artistes –Fameye

By
NANA KWESI COOMSON
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Fameye

Highlife Artiste, Fameye has pointed out that Ghanaians residing outside of the country often do not attend their fellow countrymen’s shows with the same fervour and anticipation that Nigerian Artistes performances generate.

As a guest on TV3 Day Show, Fameye noted that; “Since I blew up in 2019, I played shows in UK and America, I have gone with other people I have gone with and it didn’t pick for us. Even it would work for us , the Ghanaians have to be the majority there and even that, they are shy to tag along.”

He also acknowledged that the presence of a majority Ghanaian audience is essential for a successful show, but even when the conditions were favourable, Ghanaians abroad appeared hesitant to embrace their own artists with the same enthusiasm as foreign ones.

“Why do you think Ghanaians keep cancelling their shows, they don’t come. When Wizkid has a show, people seek permission from work four months prior to the show, they won’t do that for any Ghanaian artist. King Promise has been performing internationally for a long time now but Ghanaians have a problem,” he further opined.

“Because our people, all of a sudden, it looks like it’s an intentional thing cos it was not lie that before, that was why the Nigerians used to feature us again but right now it is us chasing them to feature them because they don’t feel like they will get the mileage they want,” he hammered.

The ‘Nothing I Get’ crooner also highlighted the change in dynamics between Ghanaian and Nigerian artistes.

He recalled that in the past, Nigerian Artistes used to seek collaborations with Ghanaian Artistes to tap into their influence.

However, the tables have turned, and Ghanaian artistes now have to make the effort to feature Nigerian Artistes, as they feel that collaborations with Ghanaian Artistes might not yield the desired exposure for them.

His comments follow the unexpected cancellations of concerts by two Ghanaian music powerhouses, Sarkodie and Gyakie, in the UK and parts of Europe, which sparked curiosity and raised questions among fans in July 2023.

“Right now if you call me to come to perform at Afronation Portugal I won’t go, I don’t have the people there. I want to work well so when I go, I can match up to the audience. I have to be prepared and I feel like I am not prepared because some so-called international artistes are unable to make the numbers when they travel out to perform,” he added.

Selly Galley finally breaks silence on giving birth to twins after 8 years of marriage

By
NANA KWESI COOMSON
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Selly Galley

Actress Selly Galley has finally broken her silence with baby bump photos following rumours of giving birth in USA.

The wife of Artiste, PrayeTetia took to social media to share her baby bump photos whilst happily informing her fans that she has put to bed.

In a caption, Selly wrote; “oh where do I start?! countless captions I’ve written and deleted, with tears flowing down my face I have a BIG TESTIMONY, a very BIG TESTIMONY to share.”

“This is the doing of the LORD, and it’s so marvellous in our sight…” Let’s start the journey from here. I had an incredible time during my pregnancy,” a caption to her post stated.

It continued, “as much as I was keeping it quiet, I still wanted to make memories and capture as much and I’d love to share some of those with you before I introduce you to the FIAWOO TWINS! our great bundle of joy. Our ‘little’ miracles. And yes you heard it right. God has doubled our expectations and it didn’t just end there…”

Responding to the well wishes they have been receiving so far, she said “THANK YOU GHANA! Thank you to our well-wishers across you contributed greatly to this great joy we have and share today.

“You really did indeed. Your prayers reached the heavens. From my very very lovely phenomenal husband, man of my dreams @prayetietia and myself, and on behalf of the GALLEY and FIAWOO families, we all say MAWU N3 YIRA MI. NYAME NHYIRA OBIAA may3 from the bottom of our hearts..

God bless you all immensely for us. We appreciate every single person so much. THANK YOU!”

Feeding my family is more important to me than filling O2 Arena –Amerado

By
NANA KWESI COOMSON
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Amerado

Reigning Best Rapper of the year at the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards, Amerado, has added his voice to the recent discussions about Ghanaian Artistes filling international arenas.

According to him, his priority as a musician is to make money to feed and cater for his family and not to fill the O2 Arena in London.

This discussion started when Nigerian Artiste, Asakefilled the popular United Kingdom auditorium.

Speaking on UTV’s United Showbiz Program on Saturday, August 26, 2023 Amerado said; “It’s fine, I’ve watched Asake’s O2 performance and the way he carried himself on stage. It’s nice. What I can do is to just applaud him and continue work harder, strive for the best but I can’t say Asake has filled O2, so Stonebwoy who is hosting shows and going on tours, Stonebwoy is not good. King Promise has the number 1 song on Boomplay, the whole Africa. Are we talking about it enough?”

He continued; ‘I’m struggling to even secure shows to perform, let alone think about filling the O2 Arena. As an artiste, my top most priority is to feed my family and not to fill O2 Arena. Boys are hungry! We can’t even get shows to perform. The shows that were organized in December, how many of them was I billed to perform for me to worry about O2?” he queried.

“In Ghana, even if we organize free shows, check the numbers and compare it with paid shows. They don’t attend. When you host a show abroad, they would rather use the money to attend funeral or wedding because there will be free food, but the same Ghanaians will say a Nigerian has filled O2, so Amerado is not working hard because he is doing a video with his mom to promo his song. If I don’t promo my song, how will I fend for myself? Let’s support ourselves. We should stay United and push ourselves to the top,” he concluded.

UK air traffic control chaos to last for ‘days’

By
admin
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Passengers were warned about the problem of the air traffic control system

Travelers have been warned that the chaos brought about by a UK air traffic control failure earlier this week will continue for days.

During an interview on Tuesday, Mark Harper, the Transport Secretary for the UK acknowledged that the “technical issue,” which lasted for several hours, had impacted thousands of passengers and would last for “some days.”

“Lots of flights were canceled and it is going to take some days to get people back to where they should be,” Harper told the BBC.

The news comes as passengers headed to or from the UK faced “significant delays,” or flight cancellations after Britain’s National Air Traffic Services (NATS) flight planning system experienced a “network-wide failure.”

The fault came on the last day of a summer public holiday weekend in the UK, meaning many vacationers would be affected.

Credit: cnn.com

Two women jailed for torturing and killing pet parrot

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admin
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Nicola Bradley and Tracy Dixon were each sentenced to 25 months

Two women who tortured and killed a friend’s pet parrot during a lengthy drinking session have been jailed by a judge who described their cruelty as “beyond comprehension”.

A court heard that Tracy Dixon, 47, and Nicola Bradley, 35, sprayed Sparky the female African grey parrot with Mr Muscle oven cleaner, daubed it with gloss paint and tried to feed it to a dog. They later threw it in a tumble dryer that was turned on. Both women blamed the other.

Judge Archer, sitting at Carlisle crown court on Tuesday, jailed them for 25 months each and said Dixon and Bradley had “together, sadistically tortured and essentially killed Sparky. It is frankly beyond comprehension how anyone could treat an animal in this way.”

The court heard the two women had messed around with shaving foam that had gone over the parrot’s cage and covered it with metal polish and furniture polish and also daubed it in gloss paint and hit it with a tea towel. The parrot became unresponsive and unrecognisable, its head hanging limply out of its cage.

A court heard that attempts were made to feed Sparky to Crooks’s dog before the parrot was put into a tumble dryer that was switched on. When the door was opened the parrot was “gasping” its last breath and one of the women wrung its neck.

Credit: theguardian.com

Greece wildfire declared largest ever recorded in EU

By
admin
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Firefighters look at a wildfire burning on Mount Parnitha, in Athens

A forest blaze in Greece is the largest wildfire ever recorded in the EU and the bloc is mobilising nearly half its firefighting air wing to tackle it, a European Commission spokesperson has said.

Eleven planes and a helicopter from the EU fleet have been sent to help extinguish the fire north of the city of Alexandroupoli, along with 407 firefighters, Balazs Ujvari said on Tuesday.

The EU’s civil protection service said the fire had burned more than 310 sq miles (810 sq km) – an area bigger than New York City.

“This wildfire is the largest in the EU since 2000, when the European Forest Fire Information System (Effis) began recording data,” the service said.

Greece’s fire service said the blaze was “still out of control” in the north-east region’s Dadia national park, a vital sanctuary for birds of prey.

Since it began on 19 August, the blaze has killed 20 people, 18 of them migrants whose bodies were found in a region that is often used as an entry point from neighbouring Turkey.

The EU calls on a fleet of 28 aircraft – 24 water-dumping planes and four helicopters – supplied by member countries to help battle blazes in the bloc and in neighbouring territories.

Credit: theguardian.com

German populist in trouble for old Nazi pamphlet

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admin
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Hubert Aiwanger has a fiery, populist style but is not known for anti-Semitic views

The deputy premier of the German state of Bavaria, Hubert Aiwanger, has been asked to explain his role in a schoolboy anti-Semitic pamphlet. The populist conservative leader denies writing the Auschwitz pamphlet which mocked the Holocaust but he has admitted having it 35 years ago.

Conservative Premier Markus Söder has asked Mr Aiwanger to reply to 25 questions on the controversy. Bavaria holds key elections on 8 October.

Mr Söder met the leader of his coalition partner, Freie Wähler (Free Voters), on Tuesday and called for full transparency. He said there was “no place for anti-Semitism in the Bavarian government”.

The state parliament has demanded an emergency statement. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has called for clarification too, after the newspaper revelations of Mr Aiwanger’s schoolboy activities emerged at the weekend in the left-leaning Süddeutsche Zeitung.

Credit: bbc.com

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